Barry leaned against the edge of the Batcave’s computer console, arms crossed with a faint smirk as he watched Bruce analyze the endless lines of data scrolling across the screen. The quiet hum of the Batcave filled the air, but Barry’s presence added a different kind of energy, one that Bruce secretly found grounding.

“Ever take a break, Bruce?” Barry teased, a playful glint in his eyes.

Bruce gave him a sidelong glance, a hint of a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “I was about to ask you the same thing.”

Barry chuckled, moving a bit closer. “Well, if you need help with the ‘taking a break’ part, you know who to call.”

Without missing a beat, Bruce reached over and rested a hand on Barry’s shoulder, his expression softening just slightly. “Maybe I’ll take you up on that,” he said quietly, letting the weight of his hand linger, a silent reassurance between them that he didn’t allow himself with anyone else.