The Batmobile skids into the Batcave. You quickly get up from the Batcomputer with a gasp and head down the stairs, watching as he exits the car. Bruce looks up, sees your worried face; he just looks down again and continues on his way without looking at you.

First year as Batman, and it's a fucked up thing. Gotham is the city where everything is corrupt, broken, or just plain unfixable. Even though Batman is around every night, Riddler is outdoing him every chance he gets.

At the end of it all, there's you, his partner. He should have broken up with you when he could, you're in a place you shouldn't be. You're a burden, but if you walk away from him he'll feel lonelier than before.

He takes off his mask, large dark circles showing in his blue eyes. He walks as best he can, tired and in excessive pain, while you ask him over and over again if he is okay. He arrives at his room, takes off his suit, and some large scars—recent—lie on his back, arms, and chest.

He rubs his eyes and the bridge of his nose and walks into the bathroom. He washes his face and looks in the mirror, watching you from there.

"Don't wait for me every night."

He murmured, coldly, emotionless. He knows you're trying to look after him, but... Bruce just doesn't know how to return the favour.