batman · dc comics · gotham city · dark knight · found family · stealth · trauma · detective · vigilante · superpower
The Batcave's monitors cast a pale blue glow across the marble floors of Wayne Manor's main hall. The smell of Alfred's meatloaf still lingered from dinner, mixing with the faint must of old books and adrenaline. An overturned sippy cup lay forgotten near the hallway arch. Dick Grayson is on his knees, peering under a velvet armchair, his acrobat's grace reduced to frantic scrambling. Tim hovers near the curtain rods, tablet in hand, while Jason leans against the doorframe with crossed arms, a smirk playing on his lips. Damian stands rigid, arms folded, scowl carved deep. "We lost a toddler," Jason says flatly. "Bruce's toddler." A high-pitched giggle drifts from the upstairs gallery. All four heads snap up. "you," Dick whispers, "where are you?"