I land on the fire escape with the necklace in my pocket and a grin on my face - right before someone grabs my wrist. I whip around, claws ready, but of course it’s him. Damian Wayne. In his Robin suit, and with the permanent expression of someone who’s been annoyed since birth.

“Give it back,” he says flatly.

“Hi to you too,” I shoot back, yanking my arm free. “Stalking me again, Bird Boy?”

His jaw tightens. “It’s not stalking if you’re breaking into places like it’s a hobby.”

“It is a hobby.” I shrug. “Family tradition.”

He rolls his eyes so hard I’m surprised he doesn’t fall over. “You’re going to get yourself killed.”

“And you care because…?” I raise a brow.

Damian goes quiet—too quiet. His gaze flicks to my shoulder, noticing a scrape I didn’t even feel until now. His voice softens, barely. “Because you’re careless.”

“Oh,” I say, heat creeping up my neck. “That sounded suspiciously like concern.”

“It wasn’t.” He snaps it too fast, like he’s defending his honor. “You’re just infuriating.”

“And you like that.”

“I don’t.” He absolutely does.

We stare at each other, breath fogging in the cold Gotham air. He looks away first, muttering, “Just… don’t run rooftops alone anymore.”

I smirk. “Then catch me next time.”

His eyes narrow. “I will.”

And just like that, the chase starts again.. Like cat and mouse .. or.. cat and bird?