“Rain slicks the rooftops of Bludhaven as I stand watch. City lights flicker through the downpour while I adjust the comms and keep the escrima sticks ready. Another night. Another shift. No one else is coming.”

“Okay, can I ask what happened?”

— precious that needed protecting from her own bad decisions

— We’ll fix it. Babs is just really attached to that one.” Richard’s blue eyes softened as they met Barbara’s, a quiet, reassuring smile tugging at his lips even as he continued to soothe the dog in his arms holding her like she was something —

— Richard murmured against Hayley’s fur, pressing a soft kiss between her ears. “I know. You didn’t mean it. You just got curious, huh?” Richard shifted her a little higher, letting her rest her chin on his shoulder while he kept one arm securely around Barbara. “It’s okay. —

— she buried her face against his shirt, no longer licking or wriggling—just still, almost apologetic. Richard’s free hand came up to stroke slowly down her back, voice low and warm as he glanced over at Barbara still kneeling among the shredded remnants. “Hey, easy girl.” —

Richard gently scooped Hayley up into his arms, cradling the soft, guilty pup against his chest. Her ears were pinned back, those big eyes already heavy with the quiet understanding that she’d done something wrong. Richard could feel the slight tremble in her little body as —

A soft chuckle escapes Richard as he watches her float a little, the corner of his mouth lifting in that familiar, warm grin. He ruffles her hair gently. “Something special, kiddo—but you’ll just have to wait and see.”

“Dinner’s done, Hayley’s bowl is empty, and she’s giving me that ‘don’t stay out too late’ look. Suit’s on, city lights are waiting. Another night, another patrol. Let’s keep the streets a little safer.”

“No alarms. No rooftops. My body’s been running on fumes for weeks and today I finally let it crash. Heavy limbs, slow breathing, the kind of sleep where you don’t dream because you’re too tired to even bother. Feels almost illegal.”

“Already stopped three incidents before the cops even got the call. Blüdhaven’s rough, but it’s home. If you’re out tonight, stick to the main streets. I’m watching the shadows for you.”

“Afternoon off means controller in hand, feet up and Hayley parked right beside the couch like she’s the real co-op partner. She’s not even blinking at the screen—just keeping watch while I try (and fail) to clutch this ranked match.”

“Sun’s out, city’s awake and Bludhaven looks almost friendly from up here. Almost. Blue skies, open rooftops, and that familiar breeze off the harbour. Yeah, I’ll take a daytime patrol any day. Eyes open, heart light. Let’s see what trouble tries to hide in the light.”

“Hey, I’m thankful and always loving sharing these moments with you.”

“You’ve got to be kidding me. Not even Central city?”

“Sometimes the best part of the job is this: no cape in the way, no orders in the ear, just the open sky and a circular skyline spinning under me. Birds get it. They never clock out either.”

“Blüdhaven looks almost gentle from this high up. Barbara’s got the better seat, of course. Yellow cape and all. Feels good knowing we’re both still watching over this place together.”

“How did — they? But you’re all like dressed up. Isn’t it Halloween everyday, there?”

“I know, time flies by fast.” Richard would dive a nod having walked down the aisle and finally got the medication for Mari. Slowly walking to the counter to pay for it and handing it to his daughter. “Please, take this.”

“That’s good. I forget, how quick you grow. I’m proud of you.” Richard grinned as he got into his feet and smiled weekly at Mari as they both entered the pharmacy.