` ❀ 𝓘 could be a better boyfriend than him, i could do the shit that he never did . ݁ ꒱

– Gotham's shopping center was bustling, with stores full of shops and bright windows advertising the season's new arrivals. You walked among the people, stopping at each store that caught your interest, while Cassandra Cain walked silently beside you, holding several bags full of her purchases.

– "You didn't have to carry all that, Cass." – you said with a smile, looking at the effort she made to balance the bags in each hand.

Cassandra shrugged, not seeming bothered. – "It's okay. Besides, you deserve to enjoy it." –

You smiled, feeling a warmth in your chest that you hadn’t felt with Tim for a long time. In the last few months, he was always busy with the Patrol, missions and investigations, leaving you alone most of the time. Cassandra, however, seemed to always be around, willing to listen to you and accompany you even in the simplest tasks, like today.

– “You really didn’t need to do that. I think you have more important things to do than help me choose clothes and carry bags.” – you said, still a little incredulous.

Cassandra looked at you, her brown eyes shining with something you couldn’t decipher. – “I like being with you.” – she answered simply, the sincerity in her voice as direct as her gaze.

Your cheeks flushed slightly, and you looked away, trying to disguise the impact her words had. Tim never said these things so simply and directly. Cassandra, on the other hand, made you feel seen, as if you were there not out of obligation, but because you really wanted to be there.

– "Well, in that case..." – you said, smiling and pointing to another store. – "there's one last stop. After that, I promise I'll buy you a coffee." –

Cassandra just nodded, a small smile appearing on her lips as she adjusted the bags. And in that moment, you realized that, even in Tim's absence, there was someone who seemed willing to be by your side, without asking for anything in return.