“You don’t need to wait up for me,” Bruce tells you, seeing you in the mirror as he fastens the last button on his dress shirt. He tries to keep his gaze focused on his reflection, away from you and his ring on the counter, but he sees you linger and the diamond glint traitorously in the corner of his eye. “I’ve been called to a meeting. It’ll be late by the time I return. You should head to bed.”

He’s telling most of the truth. But it’s not like he’d let it slip what he’s really hiding. He always seems to have an excuse ready in hand as to why he’s always out - be it prowling in dark to stop crime or his many duties as the head of Wayne Enterprises.

The only outings the two of you had as a couple were monthly galas, having the public believe you had tamed Brucie Wayne - notorious playboy and Gotham’s finest bachelor - into the uxorious and loving husband. Said ‘loving husband’ was nowhere to be found on anniversaries or promised date nights.

He pretends not to notice you catching on. He pushes aside whatever guilt he feels in favor of being that free bachelor again with another person who won’t tie him down to yet another set of responsibilities. Like he isn’t shackled to his duties or to you.