Disclaimer: I do not own the characters from DC Comics featured herein.

Wow, inspiration's struck again as I read through my old comics. This is just a short introspection about Steph. Oddly I'm finding I'm really starting to miss her now.

Another Shadow of the Sun

When I was six I wanted to be Superman.

The first thing my father ever said to that was "Superman's a boy and it's not worth it playing hero." My dad was a dick and ended up in jail a few years later. I don't think he'd ever said anything worthwhile to me in my life. Didn't mean the bullshit he spouted didn't stay with me. I hate the fact that he had to be an influence on my life. Not like I really wanted him there.

… Well … he's my father … only really get one of those.

Still, despite him, sometimes I like to pretend.

I felt like a little kid again the first time I twirled around and caught sight of my cape dancing with the motion. Red and blue were a real hero's colours, but I was still a Gothamite with that hint of darkness. I was always good at compromise.

My first venture out into the wide world of vigilantism was as much about taking down my butthole of a father as it was for the thrill of pretending I could fly, that I really was hero and could make a difference.

Batman didn't see it that way. Neither did Robin. Not at first. And even after we'd talked and started dating I got the feeling he was still only humouring me — that I could never dream of touching the stars and fly around the world in reality. A pretend hero. Not even worth the time to train. Sometimes not even worth the time to talk to.

Well, they were all snobs anyway. I never needed their validation. Even if I wanted it. I didn't have to prove myself to them. Even if I did it anyway. I didn't have to die for them. Even if they were worth dying for.

Dad said I'd never be Superman.

Didn't mean I was never a hero.