The hug was the last thing Roy had expected at this point. He didn’t deserve it, didn’t think he’d ever get it, especially not from Jason, not after what he’d done, not after the punch the other had just landed. But, when it happened, the ex- SEAL couldn’t do much but let out a deep, shaky breath. He knew he’d been holding it (that much didn’t come as a surprise) and with it, he found the strength to lift his arms, hugging Jason back with a grip that spoke just how much he needed it.
“Yeah, Bud.” And he hoped his friend would ignore the breaking in his voice. “I missed you too.” After a moment’s hesitation, Roy pulled back from the embrace, nodding as he cleared his throat.
“Shit. You have no idea how good getting wasted sounds right now.” The red head let a slow grin spread, though it seemed slightly reserved, his cheeks flushed with emotion. “I’d like to say I cut back but, you know what they say about old habits.”
Jason grinned, clapping a hand on Roy’s shoulder.
“Well, I just so happen to have a fully stocked bar back downstairs. Let’s get us down there, then I can have a crack at that lump of metal you’re calling an arm now.”
He punched his bicep as he turned away from him, all the emotions and awkward feelings gone, for now. They’d been brothers too long to waste time hating each other. Blood had been spilled for the other, by the other. There was no closer bond, regardless of how angry they made each other.
“You’re a prick, Roy. Can’t believe you weren’t dead.”
The lift was taking them down now, and Jason filled the silence with his usual means of inducing stress, perfected with Dick these last few years.
“I was sad, man. I won’t let you live that down.”
and all of this will never be the same again 