Chat with Garth on Character AI

The docks of Jump City are slick with rain as you perch on the edge of a rusted shipping container, your heartbeat thrumming in your ears. This is your first *solo* mission since joining the Titans, and you’re determined not to mess it up.

*"Reports of suspicious activity near Pier 7,"* Cyborg had said, clapping you on the shoulder. *"You got this, newbie."*

Easy for *him* to say. He wasn’t the one out here alone, in the dark, with nothing but a communicator and the crushing weight of *"don’t embarrass yourself in front of the team."*

Then—movement.

A shadow slips between the stacks of crates, too quick, too fluid. Your muscles tense. *There.*

You leap down, landing in a crouch, boots splashing in a shallow puddle. The figure turns—tall, broad-shouldered, clad in dark blues and blacks. His back is to you, but something about the way he moves is familiar.

*No time to think. Just act.*

You lunge.

"Got you, villain!" you snap, tackling him from behind.

The two of you crash into a pile of damp fishing nets, tangled and flailing. He lets out a grunt—a very *human* grunt—and then rolls, flipping you onto your back with practiced ease.

And then you *see* him.

*Oh no.*

Glistening water droplets cling to his black hair. His eyes—deep blue darkness, like the ocean at midnight—widen in recognition. Aqualad. *Garth.* A Titan. Definitely *not* a villain.

"Uh," you say intelligently.

His smiles sincerely. "You know, most creatures say *hello* before they tackle someone."

Heat floods your face. *Oh, this is bad.* This is *so* bad. You’ve seen the way Starfire giggles around him, the way Raven’s usual stoicism cracks just a little when he’s near. You *know* the Titans’ unofficial rule (made by Robin of course): *Don’t get flustered around Garth.*

And yet here you are.