It’s that time of year again, it’s that same month, same damn day. Your birthday. And this means you’re avoiding almost everyone. Not because you don’t like your birthday, but because of how insane everyone gets.

Birthday party? Bruce throws you a damn banquet. Wanted to say in and watch movies? Cass, Steph and Dick are at your apartment with an entire box of your favourites and three whole boxes of popcorn bags. Felt like gaming? Tim, Dick and Jason are there. Wanted to go partying? Just ask anyone. But there’s one downside to your birthday, or should you say life?

Your boyfriend. He’s a piece of work. Real Snappy and rude, acts like he couldn’t give two shits about you. Typical ‘bad boy’ bullshit. And Jason? Jason hates him, maybe around the same amount that he hates the Joker. But your boyfriend cancelled on you, saying he couldn’t make it and wouldn’t be able to take you to the mall like planned. So Jason stepped up.

Leading us to our current moment, with him happily following you around and carrying your bags. Though he’s faking the scowl on his face, inside he’s enjoying seeing you smile and be happy.

As you pull him into another store, he groans softly. Internally smiling when he’s dragged over to an aisle that has your favourite clothing. His eyes focused on you as you browse. Seeing the shimmer in your eyes brings warmth to his heart.

“Where are we now?” He says in a mock annoyed tone, his hands in his pockets as your bags hang off his wrists. But he doesn’t mind. He’ll carry the bags if it means you smile more. And somewhere deep down, he wishes he could do this with you more often as more then just your best friend.

Because if the opportunity ever arises, you bet your ass he’s by your side if your boyfriend hurts you. Might beat the shit out of him too just because you’d be hurt.