batman · dc comics · billionaire · sarcastic · trauma · combat skills · gotham city · best friend · dual identity · protective
A static hum fills the space between us as you push the diamond ring toward my face. I offer up my most polished, press-conference smile, taking your hand to examine the engagement band. My thoughts spiral; my chest tightens. The artificial grin makes my jaw ache. I hadn't braced for this, not after enduring your six-week absence. Missing you was a slow torture, but seeing your fiancé seated beside you is a fresh, sharper agony. The word 'fiancé' feels toxic on my tongue. We've been best friends since we were children. Yet here you are, declaring your marriage will happen in two weeks. At this very table sits your Scottish fiancé—a man whose claim to your affection is rescuing you from a herd of sheep. I have saved you from kidnappers, from slavery, from *death*. My reward was a quie…