It was a beautiful day out at sea with many boats sailing in the water. A man out on his little boat was relaxing in the sun's heat but was rudely interrupted by a yacht sailing quickly passed. The waves from the yacht splashed the man and overfilled his boat, much to his displeasure. On the yacht were many fancy dressed people enjoying a party. But came to a pause when five figures dressed as playing cards flew above them on playing cards.

The card people swooped down, causing fear in many passengers. A figure dressed as an Ace slammed into a guard before they could fire. Similar to the Ace, a Queen and Jack figure used their cane to blast the rest of the guards overboard. A passenger grabbed a harpoon and aimed it at the King dressed figure. "Mine's bigger than yours," he gestured to the sword the King was holding. The King shrugged, "All the money in the world and not an ounce of refinement."

The king pulled out a playing card and threw it at the man's feet; the card blew up and knocked the man out. Continuing with business, the King addressed the crowd, "Your jewels, your watches, please be so kind as to turn them over to us. And no cheap heroics."

Observing from a distance, Batman and Nightwing watch the yacht uneasily. "Definitely something weird going on over there," Batman commented, using his mask lenses to focus on the yacht's deck. "There's a group of robbers dressed like playing cards," Nightwing added, seeing the figures more clearly.

The vigilantes didn't know the group, but a certain old man did.

"Did you say playing cards?" Bruce asked, clearly knowing who they were. "Uh huh, they travel in your circles?" Batman asked. "Afraid so," Bruce commented quickly.

As much as Nightwing wanted to question more details, they had more pressing matters to deal with. "Well, guess we better go and introduce ourselves," Nightwing said before the duo flew off.

Back on the yacht, a woman held onto her necklace and backed away as a figure dressed card number 10 approached her. "Come on, you'll have another one soon enough. You won't have to settle for it," Ten said as she ripped the necklace off the quivering woman. "Yes, she earns her the more fashion way," a Jack figure said happily.

He was cut off by a batarang slicing his staff in half. Nightwing flew down and right into the Jack figure.

Meanwhile, he passed by and flew up but was stopped by an Ace figure grabbing his throat. The Ace threw Batman into a wall and tried to slam its fists down on the hero, but was kicked by Batman. Ace crashed down to the deck floor, making the rest of the card figures know it was time to leave.

"Time to go, I'd say," the Queen told the King. The King, however, did not agree as he watched the duo land in front of him. "Sorry darling, this is why I came back to Gotham," King said and threw 2 cards at the heroes.

Batman and Nightwing couldn't move fast enough and were encased in a red wrap. The King charged at them sword drawn, making attempts to strike them down. Fortunately, it gave them enough time to rip out of their wraps and punch the king back.

During the confrontation, the Queen made her way to the electrical control panel and used her staff to blast it. "Who's it going to be? My husband or all these passengers?" Queen asked as the ship began to jostle from explosions.

The choice was obvious to the heroes as they rushed to help some passengers that were about to fall overboard. Batman and Nightwing watched as the card gang flew away with their victory. The duo clenched their teeth as they noticed the king giving them a triumphant smile.

"Everything okay down there?" Bruce questioned. Nightwing scoffed angrily, "Fine perfect, other than the fact they got away," she said pissed off. "We need to reconvene. It's time you both know who you're dealing with," Bruce stated. Both Nightwing and Batman sighed at the request, "Be there when we can, we have an appointment to get to," Batman said. The duo turned off their coms before Bruce could protest.

~8~

They weren't lying about having an appointment. The duo had promised Dana that they'd go to the club with her. They'd been busy with their nightly activities and often showed up late for events. Eliana would always feel terrible every time she'd bail on Dana, but that's the price of being a vigilante. They made their way into the club, moving through the crowd.

Finally, they spotted Dana dancing away; Eliana was internally wincing at the confrontation they were about to have. "Dana! Sorry we're late, we got stuck in -" Dana cut him off smoothly, "What are you apologizing for? I wasn't expecting you guys."

Eliana frowned at the sharpness in her voice. "But-" Once again, Terry was cut off, "How many times is this now?" Dana crossed her arms. Eliana tried to reach out for Dana, but she walked away. "It's not like we meant to be late. I'm sorry, Dana, but we have responsibilities to fulfill. Please try to understand," Eliana pleaded.

But Dana wouldn't budge, "Clearly your "responsibilities" are more important than your friendships," she said, walking away. This time, they didn't attempt to stop her. 

The duo stormed out of the club in silence without noticing 2 pairs of eyes watching them. "Big fight?" A male voice called out, causing them to look over. Sitting at a window sill was a white man with long black hair next to a woman with blonde curly hair. "We were watching," the girl clarified after seeing the confused glances.

It didn't take long for Terry and Eliana to strike a conversation with the pair. They all walked the streets of Gotham, Eliana walking beside the man with Terry and the girl taking the lead.

Eliana liked the guy. He was very easy to talk to and very engaging. "If you don't mind me asking, what were you fighting about with your friend?" The man asked. Eliana looked down, "Tonight I had promised her I would hang out at the club, but I ran late. The problem is that this isn't the first time I've bailed or shown up late to a hangout. And I'm not a tardy person, just very busy." The last part she added, not wanting the man to think it was one of her flaws. He nodded, "So what keeps you so busy that you can not keep up with your plans?"

Eliana hesitated when answering the question. It's not like she could tell him the real reason.

"Well, there's this after-school job I have that takes up a lot of my time. Too much," Eliana said slowly. Surprisingly, the man did not question her job, which relieved her. "Maybe you should ask your boss for some time off. If you work as hard as you say you do, he should have no reason to not grant you that," the man suggested.

Eliana chuckled at the advice, "Not this guy, him you don't ask for time off. Besides, he's kind of my guardian, I'm in a family business sort of thing." Something she said seemed to register to him as his eyes softened.

"I, too, can understand that. I am in a family business as well, though I wish I wasn't," he said sadly. Feeling curious herself, she began to ask him some questions. "What were you doing outside the club? How come you didn't go in?" Eliana asked. The man sighed and leaned on a street post, "I didn't know anyone. As you probably figured out, I'm new here. My parents move a lot due to work."

Eliana smiled slightly, "Well, at least you get to see the world," she added. They both walked over to a ledge, looking at the view of the city. "Yeah, see the world but lose all your friends in the process. You know what it's like being uprooted every few weeks, never quite knowing what's gonna be happening next," the man said, leaning on the ledge.

Eliana was shocked at the similarities her and this man had in common. She had never met someone, other than Terry, who shared the same problems as her. It was actually quite refreshing to hear.

"Yeah, I am beginning to get an idea of what that's like," Eliana confessed as she leaned over. "2 of a kind.....that's what we are. I'm Jack, by the way, Jack Walker," Jack said, gazing at Eliana. "Eliana, Eliana Grayson," she introduced, holding out her hand. 

Rather than shaking it, Jack kissed it softly. He was leaning in to kiss her, but Eliana put a finger to his puckered lips. "Woah, slow your roll. Buy a lady dinner first, would ya," Eliana said jokingly. She could've kissed him but well she didn't even know him properly. "What's wrong?" Jack questioned, seemingly hurt at the rejection.

"Well, don't you think this is moving too quickly. I mean, we just met. You don't know me, and I don't know you," Eliana stumbled. Jack laughed, "Well, with me, it's always been now or never," he flirted. "Ever consider later," she joked back. Jack gave her a teasing smile, "How much later?" He asked, moving closer. "I could meet you tomorrow night," Eliana suggested.

Jack gave her a big smile, "Meet me tomorrow here at midnight, under the big clock," he instructed. Eliana gave him a sly smile, "I'll be there." Jack gave her forehead a kiss before walking away with her sister, who had finished speaking with Terry. Terry and Eliana watched as they disappeared in the fog. The Walker's had left the duo's hearts beating out of their chests and eager for their next meeting.

Terry and Eliana exchanged their meeting with the Walkers to each other. Terry told her about Jack's sister, Melanie, and how they talked about their difficult lives. Eliana pointed out the same with Jack. Although, for some reason, a little part of Eliana was jealous of the girl who had seemingly captured Terry's attention.

Eliana forced that feeling away and focused her feelings on Jack. Jack was a nice, well-mannered man who very much stole her heart. She couldn't wait to see him tomorrow night and get to know better. She wanted to become friends with him and maybe even more.

As the duo walked into the batcave, they braced themselves for a potential lecture from Bruce. Unsurprisingly, Bruce commented on the duo's arrival, "You're late, Dana again?" Eliana's mood crumbled at the mention of her friend. "No, our friendships are pretty much destroyed thanks to this job," Terry said somberly as he pet Ace. "Don't dramatise. You all will be back being friends in no time. Now, in the meantime, we have to figure out how to stop this gang," Bruce stated.

"During the yacht attack, you mentioned this gang was one of your villains back in your time. Care to elaborate on that, "Eliana asked, remembering Bruce's tone from earlier in the day. Bruce sighed, "The Royal Flush gang, they've been around for a long time. As a family, they bring in new members like sons, daughters, and spouses as the older ones retire or go to prison. They think they're better than everyone else, the aristocrats of crime," Bruce explained.

The duo looked at each other uneasy after hearing Bruce's grim tone. It was clear that the Royal Flush Gang were no easy foe to stop.

In the apartment of the Royal Flush Gang, King watched as Ace trained. "After all this time of waiting, I can finally get revenge on Batman for his actions. He outsmarted and humiliated the gang back in my early days and its payback. Nightwing will be a perk and insurance that no other vigilante like Batman can stop us," King said to his Queen.

Queen chuckled menacingly, "They will fall at our hands," she said, giving her husband a kiss. "Where's Ten and Jack?" King asked out loud. "Right here," a pair of voices called from the door. In walked Melanie and Jack Walker with their eyes cast to the floor.

~8~

The next night, I found the Royal Flush Gang family on the roof of a museum. While King and Queen were focused, Jack and Ten had their minds on certain dates that would begin in an hour. "I've swept around the building, no guards in sight," Jack reported to King while checking his watch. 11:07, he had 53 minutes left before his date with Eliana.

King approached Ten, who was busy trying to disable the security alarms, "How are you doing?" He questioned. Ten snipped a wire, "Just a few more wires," she said impatiently. King remained stoic and regal, "Be thorough Ten, we have all the time in the world." The siblings shared a look, "Yeah right," they mumbled.

Terry and Eliana glanced at the time in the batplane, 11:10. "Are you completely sure about this?" Eliana asked Bruce. Bruce had instructed them to observe Gotham's museum in anticipation of a Royal Flush Gang robbery. "Everything they steal is tied to playing cards. In the earliest, European cards had swords not spades'', Bruce stated. "But what about the yacht?" Terry asked, confused. "It was part of the yacht club," Bruce answered.

Eliana just sighed, too busy worrying about her date with Jack. She'd been looking forward to meeting him all day and was sure as hell not gonna let this mission take it away. 

Ten got up off the ground and crossed her arms, "Okay the alarms off," he informed. King, however, wasn't satisfied, "You sure?" He implored. "Yes, she disabled the alarms. Now, can we get this over with," Jack intervened impatiently. Both siblings rushed ahead, leaving the King and Queen frowning at their attitudes. Little did they realise that in her haste to finish, Ten had failed to fully disable the alarm.

After creating an opening in the ceiling, the gang flew down to the sword they came for. Just as King was about to grab the sword, security guards called out and surrounded them. The family backed up and raised their hands. "No guards and a disbaled alarm, hmmm. Fortunately, we have all the time in the world, "King said, glaring at his children.

The siblings cast their eyes down in guilt. To their luck, Ace came in and slammed down on one guard, which gave Queen the chance to blast some others with her staff. The gang mounted their cards and flew through the museum, slamming into any guard that stood in their way.

Suddenly, a grappling hook was shot out and stuck to a pillar, causing the family to hit the rope. The gang tumbled to the ground. They look up to see Batman and Nightwing land in front of them.

"You don't look so royal now," Batman quipped, which made Ace charge towards them. Batman dodged the strike and instead kicked Ace into a pillar with Nightwing encasing him in a bola. They were too busy dealing with Ace to notice the queen right behind them until it was too late. The duo were blasted by Queen and struggled for a moment to rise.

Luckily, they avoided the next blast, and Batman sent an explosive pellet at Queen. "Take them down," King instructed Jack and Ten, who had been watching the whole ordeal. With a glance at their father, they reluctantly raced towards the heroes. Jack and Nightwing criculed around each other while Ten and Batman did the same to each other.

Jack glanced at his watch, 11:32, there was still time. He charged at Nightwing and threw a punch, which she deflected, but managed to kick her side. Nightwing was about to punch Jack but hesitated, which confused both of them. The hesitation gave Jack the chance to land a punch in her face. They exchanged attacks until Nightwing managed to twist and hold Jack's arm behind his back. Batman also got Ten in a headlock. 

"It seems we've been dealt a wild card. If you value his welfare, I suggest you not follow," King interrupted the fight and pointed at a guard restrained by Ace. Batman and Nightwing could only release Ten and Jack before watching the family fly out of the museum. 

Jack had been tasked with holding the man as they flew through Gotham, much to his dismay. Jack didn't see the point in taking the innocent man. They could've escaped and left the guard. "Well, it looks like a clean getaway," Queen commented to her husband.

King, however, doubted it would be so simple and turned around only to see the 2 vigilantes flying behind them.

King clenched his teeth, "Drop him," he commanded Jack. "Wh-what," Jack stuttered as his body tensed up. Seeing her brother's distress, Ten flew near her father, "You can't do that," she argued. "I can, and I will," King answered back authoritatively.

"But he's an innocent man. We can't just kill him," Jack challenged his father. King narrowed his eyes at the disobedience, "DO NOT TALK BACK TO ME! YOU WILL OBEY MY COMMAND, DROP HIM NOW!" He yelled. Jack looked the man in the eyes and quietly said an apology before shoving the man off his card. 

Jack let out a relieved sigh when he saw Batman and Nightwing save the man from his fall. Then, a sword was pointed at him. "Don't ever argue with me again," King warned in a cold tone. Both Ten and Jack looked at their watches, 12:32, and sighed. Great, not only had their robbery failed, but the events they were actually looking forward to were over before they even began.

~8~

She doubted he would be there, but she still tried her luck. The rain poured down heavily as she ran down the streets of Gotham. Puddles splashing, her heart beating fast. She made it to the big clock, almost 2 hours late. Eliana scanned around desperately, looking for Jack. She rounded a corner and saw Jack walking away mopey.

She ran towards him, a big smile growing on her face as he turned around. Jack smiled as she crashed into his arms. He wrapped his arms around her and spun her around. Before Eliana even knew it, her lips met his.

"You came," Jack mumbled as they separated. Eliana furrowed her eyebrows, "Of course I came. I'm so sorry I wasn't here sooner. It's just my job, I-I just couldn't get away," she said softly. "Don't apologize. In all honesty, I just came now. I had a job to do with my family, and I couldn't get away either." Jack told her sincerely.

They both stared at each other for a moment when Jack saw her shiver. Noticing she wasn't wearing a jacket, Jack took his off wordlessly. Despite protesting, Eliana accepted the offer. "So I think it's time I learn more about Jack Walker, don't you think?" Eliana teased.

It was dawn, and the two were still talking. Jack wrapped an arm around while Eliana rested her head on his shoulder as they walked together. Eliana felt her feelings for Jack increase as they talked. But throughout their conversation, she could tell that Jack had something on his mind, something that was clearly troubling him.

Feeling concerned, she decided to take a chance, "What's wrong? You seem to be troubled," Eliana asked. She felt him tense up, "Nothing, everything's fine," Jack lied. "You can't lie to me, I'm good at reading people. Something's upsetting you," Eliana pushed again, planting herself in front of him. Jack sighed and looked at her sadly, "It's my family, I think we're moving again,"

Eliana froze. She didn't know how to react to the confession. "How soon?" Eliana asked after putting herself together. Jack stared at their entangled hands, "Real soon," he responded. Eliana didn't like the vague answer. She needed to know exactly when. "A month, a week, how soon," Eliana's voice broke. Jack shook his head, "I don't want to think about that. Live in the moment, remember?" He said, cupping one of her cheeks.

Eliana grasped his hand as the two learned their foreheads closer, "Can I see you tomorrow night?" she practically begged. Jack chuckled, "I think you mean tonight," he said, turning his head. Eliana turned her head and laughed also. The sun was already rising.

They took a moment to stare before Eliana spoke up, "Tonight then, same time and place." Jack kissed her hand, "I'll be there." Eliana moved to take off his jacket but was stopped, "No, keep it, you can keep it or give it back tonight if you'd like," Jack rushed out. Eliana gave him a peck on the cheek before making her way back home.

~8~

Eliana dreaded going back home to face Bruce. She knew he would comment on her leisure, but this time, she wouldn't endure it. "You're late, again," Bruce commented, not taking his eyes off the batcomputer. "Or early depending on how you look at it," Eliana bit back. "The way I look at it is that the gang is going to hit again. And we only have a few hours to figure out where," Bruce stated.

'His mind never strays from this work,' Eliana shook her head. "Are you sure it'll be tonight?" Eliana asked. It seemed like the whole world was against her happiness. "Why? Do you have something better to do?" Bruce replied. "No, but I have plans," Eliana said sharply.

Bruce sighed, "This is getting tiresome. If you hadn't been parading around on social meets and focused on the task at hand, we'd have already had their next strike location," Bruce lectured. Something inside Eliana snapped. 

"How is living my life and socializing a bad thing?" Eliana asked incredulously. Bruce turned to face her, "When it distracts you from the mission." Eliana chuckled bitterly, "Mission, it's always about the mission, nothing else. Am I not allowed to have a life!" She shouted the last part. Bruce's expression turned angry, "You knew the sacrifices and demands this line of work had."

Eliana's face twisted up darkly, "How dare you, I have never once complained about being Nightwing. I love being Nightwing, and at least she has a life, a concept that can't be said for her alter ego."

In almost a whispered voice, Eliana continued, "Is what I want so selfish, I want a life of my own Bruce. You've managed to push away everyone who's loved you and for what? To live a lonely life? I can't, I won't, let myself end up like you, Bruce." She didn't wait to hear a response as she ran out of the cave in silent tears.

Jack wasn't in the best position at the moment, either. Straight after he returned home from his date with Eliana, his father proceeded to yell at the sibling for their mistakes. Jack kept his gaze to the ground throughout the lecture. "How many times do I have to tell you two? There's no room for mistakes in this business. You've got to keep focused, " King said with a raised voice. "You haven't," Melanie spoke up. "This thing you've got for Batman, you're making us take stupid risks which will get us nailed," Jack continued.

King gazed at his children angrily, "No one disrespects me or this family. Not for long anyway, and if you can't get behind that you might as well leave," The pair stood up from their seats, "Amen to that," they both answered and walked to the elevator. 

Queen glared at King, who looked shocked at his children's actions. "Ten! Jack!" Queen called out as she ran to them. "Jack, Melanie, you know this family has taken good care of us, and it's always going to be there. Why would you both want to throw it away?" Queen asked, perplexed. "I met a boy, and Jack a girl," Melanie answered softly.

Queen scoffed at the revelation, "Uh love, sweethearts men and women come and go. Most of them cause nothing but trouble, some however are worth it. But not one is worth the sacrifice you both are about to make." Jack looked at his mother softly, "You don't know these two."

Queen did not falter at her childrens desperte expressions, "You both didn't see fit to introduce them to us, and that;s because you both knew they wouldn't fit in right."

Jack and Melanie averted their gaze, knowing it was the truth. "Someday the right men and women will come along, ones that will fit in. They will be your Kings and Queens. All the money you want, all the freedom, the very finest life can offer. But only if you stick with this family," Queen concluded. The siblings looked at each other in despair. There was only one choice to make, and it would break their hearts.

~8~

That night, Eliana was getting ready for her meeting with Jack when her phone rang. "Jack!" Eliana answered excitedly. But the man on the other line wasn't, "Eliana, I-I can't see you tonight," Jack said monotone. Eliana dismissed what he told her, "Oh, did something come up? Is it schoolwork?" She asked. "No, it's not," Jack said coldly.

Eliana frowned in confusion, "Then what is it." There was a brief pause before Jack continued to speak, "I-I can't see you again, ever." Eliana shook her head, trying to make sense of what was happening, "Why? Jack, I don't understand."It just-it didn't work out. I'm sorry, Eliana. I gotta go now," Jack said, sounding very uncharacteristic.

Eliana felt herself grow concerned, "Jack, there's something wrong, isn't there? Please, I can help you, but you have to tell me," she said sternly. "There's nothing wrong, nothing, goodbye Eliana,'' Jack replied and hung up.

Eliana felt it in her gut that something wasn't right. Acting on her feelings, she ran down to the batcave and went immediately to the computer. But before she could instruct the computer, Terry came running down. 

"What's wrong," Eliana asked, seeing Terry's panicked expression. "I just got off the phone with Melanie. She broke off our relationship. But there's something going on, Ellie. I just know it," Terry rushed out. Eliana could see a bit of pain in his eyes. "I got a call from Jack, same thing. I'm gonna trace the call," Eliana said, putting her phone into the computer. "Computer, cross reference address," Eliana instructed. The duo watched as the computer showed the sibling's residence. 

Hotel Robbins
Suite 20458, 
South 4000 block
Level 3

The two teens narrowed their eyes at the screen before turning to face each other with determination. They ran to suit up, but what they would find would shock them.

~8~

The duo walked into the suite from the balcony; it was completely empty, which was good. Spotting a big black box on the table, they went to inspect it. They opened the box to see jewels and lots of cash, but what caught their attention was a spade card sitting on top. Eliana felt her world shatter and wished that she would wake up from this nightmare. "No.....it can't be," Terry mumbled, also heartbroken.

When Terry picked up the card, it began to flash before it exploded, sending the duo across the room. They recovered quickly only to hide when the Royal Flush Gang returned.

They watched how Ace poured out a bunch of cash cards. "Now I will be able to buy some diamonds. What's wrong, you look almost disappointed," Queen commented to her husband.

The duo noticed how Ten (Melanie) and Jack (Jack) didn't share their enthusiasm, which relieved them. "No, Batman, I had a card just for him," King said, pulling out a black card with a skull on it. It didn't take long for one of them to notice the explosion mark or the opened box. "Darling look, we've had an intruder," Queen announced. "Split up, and you two stay here," King instructed his children. Terry and Eliana looked at each other before splitting up.

Queen entered one of the rooms on high alert and then noticed a small pellet on the floor. She picked up the pellet only floor K.O gas to erupt from it. Nightwing caught her before she hit the ground and placed her on the bed. Nightwing walked out of the room only to be smashed into by Batman. They both recovered and sent many punches at Ace, who didn't even falter.

Ace punched the heroes so forcefully that they crashed through a hotel wall. They weren't even able to pick themselves up before Ace threw them across the floor. Ace continued to punch the duo rapidly until he had them in chokeholds. Then, using their jet feet, they blasted Ace into a laundry shoot and made sure to send a bomb down his way to stop the android.

Batman and Nightwing cautiously went back to the main area with batarangs ready for use but stopped at the sight of their partners. Unluckily, they hesitated for too long to stop King from throwing his special card at them. They tried to take cover, but the card's blast was too enormous and sent them crashing out a window.

They fell for a moment before flying back up only to find King behind them. "I knew I wouldn't be disappointed," King shouted with glee. He managed to slash part of their wings, but not before Batman shot a grapple hook through King's card.

They all crashed on a roof; with Kings card breaking into pieces. Jack and Ten remained hovering above them. "Jack, Ten come help me," King commanded. The vigilantes stared at their partners and, though no one could tell, pleaded with their eyes. "Don't do it, please," Batman whispered. "Just leave while you still can," Nightwing continued in a hush voice. 

Sadly, the card siblings chose to rush at the heroes but were shot off their cards by 2 security guards that entered the roof. The duo didn't hesitate to run and jumped off the roof to save their partners. Thee caught them and grappled to another roof with one sibling in their grasp. "I don't suppose I can convince you to let us go," Ten commented to Batman.

Nightwing didn't even glance at the man in her arms, afraid she'd crack her composure. Not that she wasn't destroyed already.

~8~

Terry and Eliana watched sadly as the Walker family was transported into a squad car. They managed to catch the siblings' eyes as they were being shoved into the car. Jack gave Eliana one last guilty expression, which tore her heart out. Her eyes glistened, but she held back her tears. Deciding they couldn't watch anymore, the teens turned around only to find Bruce behind them.

Eliana couldn't look the man straight in the eye; she hadn't spoken to him since their argument. "Mr. Wayne, my actions and attitude over the past few days.. I'm sorry. Has this thing ever happened to you?" Terry asked.

Bruce gave him a smile, "Let me tell you about a woman named Selina Kyle....."

After his story, Eliana asked Terry to leave for a moment so she could talk to Bruce. A million things were running in her head as she tried to figure out how to bring up their last talk. "I'm sorry about those things I said. I was angry, I said things that I didn't mean, and I hope you can forgive me," Eliana started.

She was about to continue, but Bruce interrupted, "No, you don't have to apologize if anyone has to it's me. You deserve to live a life outside of Nightwing, a life of your own choosing. I was wrong to get in the way of that. And you were right about me pushing away loved ones. I don't want you to end up like me. In fact, I want you to be better than I am....to not make the same mistakes I have. You're too much like your father to end up like me.

"Every time I see you, I see him. A stubborn yet compassionate person who is determined to live their life to the fullest. I've seen you grow into the young woman you are today, and I couldn't be prouder."

Eliana pulled the man into a tight hug, "That means the world coming from you," she mumbled.

No matter how many arguments the two shared, they'd always find a way to reconcile in the end.

~8~

Eliana and Terry gazed out at the city; neither saying a word. It had been a day since the Royal Flush Gang were arrested, a day since their hearts had split in two. They hadn't shared many conversations together as they were both trying to deal with their heartbreak.

"I thought she was the one, you know? It was all so perfect, so right. It was like all my problems didn't matter, that everything was okay. But I guess I was wrong," Terry confessed.

Eliana stayed silent for a moment before speaking up, "That's life for you, brings you joy, then rips it away without a second thought. I know everything seems hopeless right now, but it's not. Believe me, I feel the same way you do right now, Terry, but we'll find a way to move on eventually." Terry turned his gaze to meet hers, and Eliana felt her heart break even more by seeing his depressed eyes.

"How?" He questioned softly. "With time and patience. We're in this together, know that. Not only are we Batman and Nightwing, the dynamic duo, but we're Terry and Eliana. It won't be easy, but we'll get through this together." She grabbed his hand and gave it a squeeze.

"I'm thankful for you, Eliana. I should tell you that more often," Terry said, giving her a hug. Eliana rested her head on his shoulder, "I feel the same way, Terry," she mused as she basked in the comfort

It would be a struggle to move on completely, but Terry and Eliana knew that no matter what.....they would always be there for each other.

AlwaysAlways