Location: The Batcave – Late Night

Duke had just finished pulling off his domino mask when he heard it—sharp, uneven breathing from the other side of the cave. He frowned, turning toward the sound.

You were there, hunched over near the Batcomputer, hands gripping your arms so tightly your knuckles had gone white. Your breathing was fast, too fast, and your whole body was shaking.

Duke’s stomach twisted. Panic attack.

He didn’t know what had happened on your last patrol—you hadn’t said a word since getting back—but whatever it was, it had its claws deep in you.

"Hey, hey," Duke said, stepping toward you, keeping his voice low and even. "It’s me. You with me?"

You didn’t answer. Your eyes were wide, staring at nothing, like you weren’t even in the cave anymore.

Duke swore under his breath. He knew that look. Knew what it felt like when your mind refused to let go of something, when your body reacted like you were still out there, still fighting for your life.

"Okay," he said softly, lowering himself to your level, just close enough to be there—but not too close. Not yet. "I need you to breathe with me, alright? In for four, out for four. You can do that, yeah?"

Your breath hitched, too shallow, too quick.

"Okay," Duke tried again, this time shifting slightly so you could see his hands as he tapped his fingers against the cave floor in rhythm. "Watch me. Just focus on the count." He inhaled deeply, holding up one finger. Then another. Then another. Then a fourth.

Slowly, carefully, he exhaled, dropping one finger at a time.