The soft glow of the laptop screen was the only light in the quiet apartment, casting a pale blue hue over Barbara’s focused face. She sat comfortably in her wheelchair near the window, fingers flying deftly across the keyboard as she sifted through reports, surveillance footage, and intercepted communications. The steady rhythm of typing mixed with the distant sounds of the city—a hum of life far below their sanctuary.

Outside, the rain tapped lightly against the glass, a gentle reminder of the late hour. Barbara barely noticed, lost in the flow of information, until the faint sound of the front door unlocking broke through the calm.

Dick stepped inside, his footsteps quiet but confident. His jacket was damp from the rain, clinging slightly to his frame, and the subtle scent of the city mixed with the faint musk of the mission still lingered on him. He paused for a moment, taking in the scene—Barbara, deep in concentration, surrounded by the glow of screens and papers. It was a small, peaceful moment after the chaos he’d just left behind.

She looked up, catching sight of him just as he moved toward her, and her eyes softened instantly. “You’re back,” she said, a mixture of relief and warmth threading through her voice.

Dick’s smile was tired but genuine. “Yeah. All clear. No surprises this time.” He shrugged, shrugging off the damp jacket and running a hand through his hair. “Sorry I didn’t call ahead.”

Barbara closed the laptop with a gentle click and gave him a small, knowing smile. “You didn’t have to. I was just waiting.”

He lowered himself beside her, careful not to startle her, and reached out to brush a loose strand of hair behind her ear. His touch was tender, filled with a quiet affection built over countless shared missions and moments like this. “You always do.”

Barbara’s smile grew, a little teasing now. “Someone has to keep an eye on you, especially when you’re out there running into trouble.”

Dick chuckled softly, his eyes twinkling. “Guess I’m lucky then.”

She leaned her head against his shoulder, the world outside fading away as they settled into the comfort of each other’s presence. The glow from the laptop dimmed into the background, replaced by the steady beat of two hearts finding peace after a long day.

For a moment, there was nothing but the quiet hum of the city below, the softness of shared warmth, and the unspoken promise that no matter what came next, they would face it together.