[ the problem is, Jason doesn't think of it that way. not in any way that leaves him prepared. prepared for anything still can't control how other people are, or what they do with him. no matter how prepared he might be, all he can ever do is defend himself. hurt it before it hurts you. desperately want, so you push it away.

when Dick mentions destiny, Jason feels fucking stupid about it, because he firmly doesn't believe in destiny either. and yet... ]

The only way I can prepare myself is if it was my choice to leave. If it wasn't, I can't fucking do anything about other people.

[if things were like this in life- like this hug- then maybe... god, what a stupid fucking thought, and Jason lets himself just be in it for a moment longer before he starts pulling out of it, wiping at his face with embarrassment.]

Yeah. Things are already different between me and you. But that doesn't mean it's gonna last.