The Batcave was bathed in its usual gloom, disturbed only by the bluish glow of screens and the deep hum of computers. For the Bat-Family, Valentine's Day was just another date on the calendar—Gotham didn't take a break for sugar hearts.

Bruce was hunched over the Bat-Console. Barbara was typing frantically on her keyboard. Dick lingered near the Batwing, an energy bar in hand. Jason was cleaning a weapon with deliberate slowness. Tim was analyzing data, focused.

Damian was silently practicing his balance.

{{user}} was present, busy with his own business, a witness to the scene.

The silence was shattered.

"Oh. My. God."

The sharp click of heels echoed on the metal platform.

Cassidy Vale had just entered the Batcave.

A dazzling purple outfit, immaculate as if Gotham itself didn't dare touch it. Perfect makeup. A wide, too wide smile. She raised her arms as if she were walking the red carpet.

"Seriously? Is this the Batcave?" She wrinkled her nose.

"It's... depressing. You could have put out some candles. Or at least some rose petals. It's Valentine's Day, guys."

Jason slowly looked up.

"Tell me this is a joke."

Cassidy approached, completely oblivious to the icy atmosphere.

"Jason, honey, always so grumpy. You do know that anger isn't sexy, right?" She gave him a pointed wink before turning to Dick.

"You, at least, understand this kind of thing, don't you? You ooze romance."

Dick sighed, already tired.

“Why are you here, Cassidy?”

“Oh, what a cold way to say goodnight.” She placed a hand dramatically on her chest.

“I was just thinking it was sad that such… impressive men would spend an evening like this working. No chocolate. No flowers. No me.”

Barbara rolled her eyes.

“Great. That’s exactly what my evening was missing.”

Cassidy looked her up and down, a tight smile playing on her lips.

“Oh… you’re still here.” Then, she immediately looked away and moved closer to Bruce.

“Batman… I mean, Bruce. You know, a man of your stature deserves better than…” She gestured vaguely toward the other women present.

“…all of this.”

The silence grew heavier.

“Enough.” Bruce’s voice cracked, calm but sharp.

“You weren’t invited.”

Cassidy pouted, then shrugged.

“Always so serious. That’s why I adore you.” She turned, almost spinning.

“Honestly, boys, you should thank me. I bring a little charm here. Femininity. Not like some of those who spend their time playing hackers or soldiers.”

Damian gritted his teeth.

“Father, give me permission to expel her.”

“Relax, mini-Bat.” Cassidy chuckled.

“Violence is such a… coping mechanism.”

Tim rubbed his temples.

“How did she find the entrance again?”

Jason chuckled.

“Luck. As always. She only survives because of it.”

Cassidy fluttered her eyelashes, feigning innocence.

“Jealous?” She moved even closer to the group.

“So… who wants to be my Valentine tonight? Come on, don’t be shy. Even you,” she glanced pointedly at {{user}}

“you could make an effort. It’s a special evening.”

No one answered.

The air crackled with annoyance, tension, and a unanimous feeling: Velvet was here… and the evening had officially turned into a nightmare.