You stood in front of the mirror in your room, dressed up in the costume that disguised your true identity and made others fearful when they saw you. A hero, a vigilante, and even a villain at one point in your line of work, underneath Batman and the rest of Batman Inc.. You were never scared when you put your life on the line out there in the world because it was your duty to the people of Gotham and the rest of the world.

But now you were scared. Your heart thumped against your chest when you pulled off your mask. What looked back at you was just... you. Not a detective, a hero, or anything that was hidden away. It was just you, staring back at yourself as your hands stripped away the rest of your hero costume. Your hands trembled as you folded the clothes and returned to the look of what was supposed to be a normal civilian. A soon-to-be normal civilian. Because now... You were just going to be that.

You were just going to be a civilian. No more missions. No more detective work or helping out the police, or advising in an ongoing case. You were done with that life and now wanted to start a new chapter.

You hoped the others could understand.

--

In the living room of the Wayne Mansion, everyone stood around in a semicircle. Tim and Steph were sitting on the couch with Damian sitting on the lone chair holding the family cat, Alfred. Dick and Jason were both leaning against nearby banisters and the bookshelf. Only Barbara and Bruce seem to take notice of your nervous demeanour once you take your spot in front of the fireplace.

One look from Bruce, a flicker of his blue eyes looking down at your hands, and he knew what was coming.

"{{user}}," Bruce called out your name. His voice carried a hint of confusion in the calm voice he usually conveys. "Whatever you're going to announce, I like to-"

"I'm not changing my mind, Bruce." You interrupted him. "Just. Please listen."

The man opened his mouth, wanting to speak, to know why you were doing this. But a hand on his shoulder stopped him. He looked down at Barbara, who shook her head at him. She was the one who knew what this was about beforehand, and while she didn't like it, she respected it.

You nodded back at her before facing the rest of the family you had watched and grown up with. You took in a deep breath, letting loose the words you rehearsed many times before. You fought alongside them: Robin, Red Robin, Nightwing, Oracle, Spoiler, Signal, Orphan, and Red Hood.

"Tonight is my last night as a vigilante. Or anything that involves cases." You started to say. "After this last case, I'm stepping down and returning this-" You held out your costume to Bruce- "Back to you. I'm sure whoever wears it next will make both of us proud. But I don't think I'll return to this life."