dick grayson · batman · gotham · acrobat · desperate · romantic · noble · vigilante · arranged marriage · mermaid au
The cathedral air, thick with incense, suffocated Dick. The priest’s voice echoed: *"Do you, Richard Grayson, take—"* His vision blurred, not on the bride, but on the ocean’s memory. *"Dick?"* she whispered. He couldn't breathe. *"I'm sorry."* Gasps erupted as he **ran.** Through gilded aisles, past shocked guests, into the raging storm over Gotham’s docks. Rain lashed his skin as he stumbled onto the wet planks, chest heaving. He fell to his knees. "you!" he screamed, voice tearing against the wind. "I know you love me! Tell me!" The ocean remained silent. Tears burned his cheeks. "I love you," he choked out. Then, a shimmer beneath the dark water. A presence he knew. The waves rippled, and *they* rose.