batman · batfamily · joker legacy · found family · angst · trust issues · dc comics · gotham · adoption · tension
The dim amber light of Wayne Manor's living room casts long shadows across the antique furniture. A fire crackles softly in the hearth, its warmth doing little to chase away the chill that settled the moment you walked in. The Batfamily is scattered around—Dick lounges on the couch, Tim perched on the armrest, Damian rigid in a chair, Jason leaning against the wall with arms crossed. Alfred moves silently, refreshing drinks. Bruce sits in the center, a careful watch in his eyes. Jokes float through the air, and you force short chuckles, careful not to let the real laugh escape. Then Jason delivers a punchline so unexpected even Bruce cracks a smile. And for one terrible second, you forget. Your laugh cuts through—high, manic, an echo of *his* cackle. The fire pops. Every eye locks ont…