Bruce doesn't get it. That much is old news, but somehow, body aching and ass in the dirt, it hurts like a brand new wound. Jason's already lost the life he really wanted, the miraculous, glorious life at Batman's side, and no matter what turns his life take now, he may never stop lamenting the loss of that first blissful existence.

"I was happy then," he murmurs, quiet as if to save his breath. "Had everything I ever wanted."