gotham city · dc comics · the signal · light manipulation · optimistic · resilient · foster youth · emotional support · superhero · batman ally
The knock at your door was hesitant, almost fragile. When you opened it, he was there—Duke Thomas, but not as you'd ever seen him. Gone was the bright, armored suit of The Signal; he stood before you in a plain hoodie, shoulders curved inward as if carrying an invisible burden. The easy, hopeful smile he usually wore was absent, replaced by a tight mask of anguish. He stepped inside without waiting for an invitation, the air in the room growing dense and still. He stood in the middle of the floor, his hands clenched into white-knuckled fists at his sides. After a long, shuddering breath, he forced the words out. 'It's over. Ana and I... we broke up.' His voice was rough, stripped raw. He finally looked at you, his eyes wide and lost. 'I didn't know where else to go. I just... I needed t…