It started that summer

A Man's Barbies

As I hopped out of the car, excitement bubbled within me. Greyson and Drake tried to stop me, but I barely noticed them. All I could think about was getting to my Hami. Today was incredible, and I couldn't wait to share every detail. Today we got to do an art assignment in class and Jon had gifted me with a dog plushie. I've never been fond of plush animals but I suppose I could make an exception for my best friend. Sir William the dog was very cute. Jon cried like a baby upon seeing me, it made me feel warm inside I can't describe it. He was very worried about me and my family. Father told Superman the truth of the matter. To formally apologize for punching him I made him a friendship bracelet. At least that I'd what Brown told me to do. But it worked! He loved it. "Come on! Let's hurry!" I urged, nearly bouncing on my feet.

"Slow down, Dami," Greyson chuckled, ruffling my hair. "We're all eager to see Jason, too."

We entered Wayne Manor, the familiar walls humming with energy. Father was out on a date, and the girls were off picking up dinner, and Thomas was out with his family. That meant we had the house mostly to ourselves—just the four of us. Bursting into Todd's room, I spotted him propped up on his bed, surrounded by pillows. He looked a bit worn, but his smile lit up the room. His hair sparkled in the light, a glimmer that hadn't been there before. "Hami!" I called, my heart swelling with affection. "You won't believe how my day was!"

"Hey, kiddo," he replied, warmth radiating from his gaze. "I'm ready to hear all about it."

Drake and Greyson followed me in, and their eyebrows shot up at Todd's glittery appearance. "Wow, did you fall into a glitter factory?" Drake snickered, crossing his arms.

"Looks like the girls went all out," Greyson added, grinning widely.

"Did you keep your promise?" I asked.

"I did," Hami said, a hint of pride in his voice. "The girls treated me to a spa day. I had a one of a kind bath experience."

Greyson and Drake erupted into laughter. "You? A bath? And here we thought you were all tough and brooding," Greyson teased.

Todd rolled his eyes, but I could see the smile creeping onto his face. "Yeah, well, it was nice. No need to be jealous."

The laughter faded slightly, and I noticed his expression shift. There was something in his eyes—concern. "You okay?" I stepped closer, my excitement dwindling into worry.

"Yeah, it was great," Hami repeated, his tone softer now. "But I needed help. Alfred was there, but... I accidentally opened a wound."

My heart sank. "What? Are you hurt?" I demanded, stepping nearer.

"I'm fine, I just need to take it easy," he assured, but I could sense the tension behind his words.

Drake moved forward, his concern evident. "What do you need? We can get you something."

"I think I'd like some company more than anything," Hami replied, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Let's bring a game up to your room," Drake suggested, glancing at Greyson, who shook his head.

"Nope, we're not done with the spa day theme yet," Greyson declared, a mischievous glint in his eyes. Before anyone could object, Greyson darted out of the room and returned moments later, arms laden with an assortment of colorful face masks. "Alright, time for some serious pampering!"

"Seriously?" Drake raised an eyebrow, but his smirk betrayed him.

"Oh, come on! It'll be fun!" Greyson insisted, already moving toward Todd. "These masks are the real deal. They'll make your skin glow!"

Hami raised a skeptical brow but said nothing, probably too tired to argue. "You guys are ridiculous," he said, a hint of amusement breaking through his exhaustion.