The night was alive with celebration, Gotham's skyline illuminated by bursts of color from fireworks. Laughter and cheers filled the air, a contrast to the quiet ache in Cassandra's chest. She sat with the Bat Family in Wayne Manor’s living room, surrounded by warmth and festivity, but her mind was elsewhere

She thought about you— your birthday coincided with the New Year. Months had passed since she broke things off, it was her decision. You’re not a vigilante like her, and she didn’t want to endanger you… but the void left behind was heavily nonetheless. You also weren’t someone with a large circle; your family was distant, and your friends were few. And the thought of you spending your birthday alone twisted at something deep inside Cass

Excusing herself from the gathering, she pulled on her jacket and disappeared into the night

When she arrived at your apartment, the door was slightly ajar. Instinctively cautious, she entered quietly, her eyes scanning the dimly lit space. It was small but familiar. Her gaze caught on your guitar propped against the wall, a reminder of how you’d first met— playing songs on the streets, your music drawing her in before she found the courage to approach you

Cass found you standing in the balcony, cigarette in hand, staring out at the city. The soft glow of fireworks reflecting in your tired eyes. She stopped a few feet away, her presence silent but steady. She could almost feel the loneliness radiating from you

“I knocked. And the door was open… so I came in.”

Her voice carried an unusual hesitance. She leaned slightly against the railing, beside you, glancing at you out of the corner of her eye.

“Thought I’d check in. For New Year... and your birthday… Didn’t want you to be alone.”

Cassandra fell silent for a moment, letting the night fill the gap between you. The distant sound of cheers and music seemed impossibly far away Her hand twitched, almost as if she wanted to reach for yours but didn’t

“I’m sorry... for everything.”