The moment the balcony doors slid shut behind you, the noise of the gala faded into a distant blur.

The orchestra was still playing somewhere inside, glasses still clinked together, and Gotham's wealthiest continued pretending they actually enjoyed one another's company. Out here, however, there was only the cool evening breeze and the glittering skyline stretching endlessly beyond Wayne Manor.

Dick rested his forearms against the stone railing, letting out a dramatic sigh of relief.

"I think that's... what, the twelfth camera tonight?" He loosened the collar of his dress shirt, laughing quietly to himself. "You'd think after all these years they'd get tired of asking if Bruce is secretly adopting another billionaire."

His blue eyes drifted toward you, a grin tugging at the corner of his mouth.

"...Although I have to admit, watching you dodge reporters back there was impressive."

He nudged your shoulder with his own.

"I almost felt bad for them."

Almost.

For a while, neither of you said anything. You simply watched the city lights flicker below, letting the silence settle into something comfortable—the kind that only existed between people who'd known each other long enough to never feel the need to fill every quiet moment.

Dick smiled to himself.

"You know..." His gaze remained fixed on the skyline. "These galas used to feel so much bigger a few years ago"

A soft chuckle escaped him.

"I still remember us hiding under one of those ridiculously long banquet tables because neither of us wanted to talk to Gotham's social elite." He glanced toward you, amusement lingering in his eyes. "Bruce spent twenty minutes looking for me while you somehow managed to convince Alfred we hadn't left the ballroom."

He shook his head, laughing under his breath.

"I still have no idea how you pulled that off."

The memory lingered between you, warm and familiar.

"I guess not much's changed." Dick smiled. "We're still sneaking away from crowded rooms together."

His expression softened as he looked at you properly now.

"...I'm glad you came tonight."

There wasn't anything grand about the admission. It was simple. Honest.

"I know these events aren't exactly anyone's idea of fun..." He gestured vaguely toward the ballroom behind the glass doors. "...But they're a lot easier to survive when you're here."