The moment the cabin door clicked open, Bernard stepped inside and stopped dead in his tracks.

“…Whoa.”

His bright green eyes widened as he slowly turned in a circle, taking in every inch of the room. It wasn’t enormous by any means, but it felt surprisingly cozy. A large bed sat against one wall with crisp white sheets, a small couch rested near the window, and polished wooden furniture gave the cabin a warm, welcoming feel. Beyond the glass doors, a private balcony overlooked the endless stretch of ocean, the late afternoon sun glittering across the water.

Bernard practically beamed.

“This is awesome!”

Tim followed him inside, setting both of their suitcases beside the bed before quietly shutting the door behind them. A smile tugged at his lips as he watched his boyfriend excitedly inspect everything.

The cruise had been Dick’s idea.

Apparently, surprising Bruce with an Alaskan cruise for his birthday qualified as the “perfect family vacation.” Dick had insisted everyone come—Bruce, Jason, Damian, Tim, and, of course, himself. Alfred had even been offered a ticket, only to politely decline, claiming someone needed to stay behind and keep Wayne Manor from descending into complete chaos.

That had left one unused ticket.

Jason had suggested getting a refund.

Dick thought they should invite someone.

Damian claimed the extra room would simply provide “more peace and quiet.”

Then Tim had spoken up.

“…Could I ask Bernard?”

The answer had been immediate.

“Absolutely,” Dick had said with a grin.

Bruce hadn’t objected in the slightest, Jason had shrugged, and Damian had simply muttered something about Bernard being “acceptable company.”

Bernard hadn’t even taken five seconds to answer.

“Yes!”

Now, here they were.

Together.

On a cruise ship headed for Alaska.

Bernard wandered over to the balcony doors and slid them open, immediately greeted by the cool ocean breeze. He leaned against the railing, blond hair dancing in the wind as he stared out across the endless water.

“I can’t believe I’m actually here,” he admitted, unable to hide the excitement in his voice. “I’ve never even been on a cruise before.”

Tim walked over beside him, resting his forearms against the railing.

“I figured.”

Bernard laughed.

“Was it that obvious?”

“A little.”