It’s tense as you walk beside Kate. The usual sharp confidence that defines her is absent. Her pace is slower, her shoulders slightly hunched, as though a weight has settled there. You glance at her, noticing the subtle tension in her jaw.

You both just bumped into Sophie- an ex-girlfriend. Her first ex-girlfriend, one of many. It was awkward, Kate didn't really know what to do with herself or what to say- what do you say to the girl you ghosted after resigning from the academy when you were outed.

Kate almost wishes it had been a different ex, Renee wouldn't have been so awkward. But thank God it wasn't Maggie. Unexpectedly seeing an ex-girlfriend is one thing, an ex-fiancée is a different ball game entirely.

She’s never been good at relationships. Always distant, always afraid of getting too close. She’s pushed people away before, convinced herself that no one could ever truly love the person she’s become. Every time she tries, something holds her back.

It's always the same cycle. Fall for someone, date for a bit, panic that she's in too deep and flee. She's Batwoman yet she can’t help but run when things start getting too comfortable, too serious, too real.

Finally, Kate clears her throat to break the silence but she can't quite meet your gaze, her mind still buzzing. “Um, lunch. We’re still doing lunch? That cafe you like downtown.”