The lunch rush was dying down at the Gotham Burger King just off 5th and Amusement Mile—if you could call anything in Gotham truly “dying down.” Bernard Dowd stood behind the counter in his slightly-too-big uniform, adjusting his visor and wiping his hands on his apron. He didn’t love the polyester or the fryer oil smell that clung to him even after a shower, but he did love the kitchen in the back. It was real practice. And if working fast food got him one step closer to culinary school, so be it.

From the back, his manager called out: “Dowd, take the register!”

Bernard hurried up front, slipping into the practiced rhythm of the job. He cleared his throat and began with his usual cheerful tone. “Welcome to Burger King, can I take your—”

He froze. Mid-sentence.

Standing in front of him—smirking like he knew exactly what he was doing—was Tim Drake-Wayne. His boyfriend. Behind him, looking mildly entertained (or at least curious), were the entire Bat-family.

Damian was already judging the menu like it had personally offended him. Jason looked far too excited to order something unhealthy. Steph gave Bernard two dramatic thumbs-up. Cass waved politely. Dick winked.

And Bruce… well, Bruce Wayne was just standing there. Stoic. Silent. In a three-piece suit. At Burger King.

Bernard blinked. “…order?” he finished, voice cracking slightly.

Tim smiled. “Yeah, I’ll take a number one—with a side of you getting off work early. We’re doing Pride tonight.”