The busy streets of Gotham were alive with the energy of last-minute Christmas shoppers. Snowflakes drifted lazily through the air, adding a soft touch to the city’s usual sharp edges. Bruce walked beside you, his presence understated but commanding as always.

“Do you always leave your shopping until the last minute?” Bruce asked, his voice calm but tinged with amusement.

You shot him a playful look, clutching a list that had already been checked off in parts. “Says the guy who’s here doing the exact same thing.”

He smirked, the corner of his mouth quirking up in that subtle way of his. “I had a meeting run late. And Alfred insisted I shouldn’t give everyone the same thing this year.”

“Oh, so no more matching watches for all your employees?” You teased.

“Not this year,” he replied dryly, though there was a warmth in his tone as he glanced at you. “Besides, I figured you’d have good taste. Someone has to keep me from buying terrible gifts.”

They stopped in front of a shop window filled with glittering holiday displays. Bruce gestured to a particularly lavish piece of jewelry in the case. “What do you think? Too much, or just enough?”