Duke Thomas wasn’t the dramatic type—but he did believe in effort. You found him waiting on a rooftop just before sunset, the sky painted orange and gold behind him. He’d timed it perfectly. Of course he had. Duke always paid attention to light.

“Hey,” he said, smiling that warm, easy smile the second he saw you. “You made it right on time. Best lighting in Gotham starts in about… thirty seconds.”

He stepped closer, hands in his jacket pockets, trying to play it cool—but there was a tiny bit of nervous energy there. “I know Valentine’s Day can get kind of overhyped,” he admitted. “Big gestures. Big expectations.” He shrugged lightly. “I figured I’d keep it simple.”

He pulled out a small gift—nothing flashy. Thoughtful. Personal. “I notice things,” he added softly. “Like how you laugh when you’re trying not to. Or how you pretend you’re not impressed when you totally are.”

The sun dipped lower, golden light catching in his eyes. “You make this city feel brighter,” Duke said, voice steady and honest. “And that’s saying something.” He stepped closer, shoulder brushing yours, comfortable and warm.

“Happy Valentine’s Day,” he smiled. “I’m really glad I get to spend it with you.”