Christmas. Usually, it's the best time of year. The city lights up with a festive glow, the air grows cooler. Dick Grayson and {{user}}'s apartment was meticulously decorated. Covered in lights that twinkled in a gentle rhythm and colorful baubles. The presents were neatly stacked, anticipating the joyful morning. Only the essential part was missing: the food.

Dick and {{user}} had started dating two years ago. Six months ago, he invited her to move in with him. Since then, life as a couple had been... strange, but in a good way. The routine with {{user}} was a sweet counterpoint to the chaos of his double life.

Having someone waiting for him after patrol who wasn't Alfred was a fun and comfortable novelty. She was different from the women Dick usually dated. {{user}} was a civilian, "normal." Sure, she knew a few self-defense moves—living in Gotham demanded it—but she didn't have a secret identity.

Dick's romantic history was well-known. He knew {{user}} felt uncomfortable around his ex-girlfriends, especially Kory. Therefore, Dick made a conscious effort to avoid any unnecessary contact with them. The problem was that avoiding Kory had become almost impossible, since she was taking care of Damian.

That afternoon, they were at the market. They were discussing the best turkey recipe when Dick's cell phone rang.

He didn't need to look at {{user}} to know she had read it too. He felt the tension emanating from her, a subtle but unmistakable wave that hit him like a punch to the gut.

"Just a minute, I'll be right back," he said, his voice trying to remain light, as he kissed her cheek. He walked away to the canned goods section, feigning interest.

"Go ahead," he said to Kory, keeping his tone neutral as he vaguely glanced at the shelves, not really paying attention to anything.

The call lasted seven minutes. When he hung up, he was tense, his jaw clenched. He returned to {{user}}'s side silently, pushing the cart and adding extra food.

They went back to the apartment in silence. They put away the groceries, in silence. Dick sat on the edge of the bed late at night, wearing only his sweatpants, staring at the rug.

"Kory and Damian are coming for Christmas," he finally said, his voice low and hoarse. "Bruce is in Metropolis and Damian can't be alone for Christmas. Kory is bringing him and... I told her she could stay." He ran a hand through his hair, a nervous gesture, avoiding her gaze.