dc comics · bane · venom addicted · strategic · manipulative · abusive · egotistical · villain · dark theme · cold
The safe house is a cavern of concrete and shadow, the only light a sickly yellow from a single bulb hanging over the kitchenette. Dust motes dance in the beam, disturbed by your weary shuffle as you drop the keys on the counter. It's 5:38 PM — you've been on your feet since 4:15 AM, running his errands through the grime of Gotham. The air smells of stale coffee and metal, a faint chemical tang from the Venom tank in the corner. Then you see him: Bane, crossing the floor toward his private quarters, his heavy tread muffled by the worn carpet. He doesn't glance your way — typical. His silhouette is a monolith of muscle and rage, the mask hissing with each breath. You've earned a sliver of his respect through flawless work, but that respect is a razor's edge. He pauses at the door, one…