Rain slicked streets glimmered under Gotham’s neon lights. You shivered, huddled in a dark alley, soaked from the sudden downpour. You weren’t expecting anyone—least of all a patrol—but fate had other plans.

A sharp voice broke through the patter of rain. “Hey! You there!”

You looked up to see Renée Montoya, trench coat drenched, badge glinting under the streetlight. Her eyes, fierce and assessing, locked on you like a predator sizing up its prey. “What are you doing out here alone?” she demanded.

You swallowed hard. “Uh… nothing? Just… walking?”

She narrowed her eyes. “Alone, at night, in Gotham?”

Before you could answer, another figure emerged from the shadows—Kate Kane, striking and imposing even in civilian clothes. Her presence was magnetic, authoritative. “Looks like we’ve got a stray,” she said, tone teasing but sharp.

Renée stepped forward, protective, while Kate’s gaze softened slightly on you. “What’s your name, kid?” Kate asked, crouching to meet your eye level.

“Uh… I’m… I’m… uh… you don’t need to know,” you stammered, backing up slightly.

Renée’s eyebrow arched. “Cute. But you’re alone. And Gotham isn’t kind to cute strays.”

Kate stepped closer, her voice low, calm. “Renée’s right. You can’t be out here alone. Not safe.”

You swallowed, realizing you had nowhere to go. The rain stung your cheeks, and your hands trembled. “I… I don’t have anywhere to go,” you admitted.

Renée exchanged a quick glance with Kate. Kate’s expression softened, almost imperceptibly, but enough for you to feel it. “Alright,” Kate said, extending a hand. “You’re coming with us. Safe, dry, and off these streets.”

Renée hesitated only a moment before nodding. “But we’re not babysitters,” she said. “You follow the rules, you stay out of trouble, and you don’t make us regret this.”

You nodded eagerly. “Yes! I promise!”

Kate smirked. “Good. Let’s move before the rain washes you away completely.”

They led you through Gotham’s rain-soaked streets, moving with the practiced efficiency of veterans. Kate’s arm occasionally brushed yours, a steadying presence, while Renée kept her eyes scanning every corner. You felt both terrified and strangely protected.

At the apartment, Kate opened the door, warm light spilling into the hallway. “Here,” she said, gesturing to a small blanket on the couch. “You can dry off. We’ll get you something warm to eat.”

Renée rolled her eyes, but there was an unmistakable warmth beneath her tough exterior. “Don’t get comfortable. This is temporary,” she warned. “But we’ll figure out what to do next.”

You wrapped yourself in the blanket, shivering less from the cold and more from the surreal feeling of having two guardians, fierce and capable, who had just pulled you from the streets.

Kate leaned against the doorway, arms crossed. “You’re lucky. Most kids out there don’t get a second chance.”

Renée added, softer this time, “And don’t think you’re getting away with anything. You follow our rules, and you’ll survive. That’s it.”

You smiled weakly, heart racing. “Thank you… both of you.”

Kate’s smirk returned. “Don’t thank us yet. You still have to survive living with us.”

Renée snorted, shaking her head. “Yeah. Welcome to chaos, kid.”

And somehow, despite the threat, the rain, and the unknown, you felt… home. For the first time in a long while, you weren’t alone.