batfamily · dc comics · superhero · found family · medical checkup · clark kent · bruce wayne · trauma bonding · garrison keillor
The Batcave hummed with the low thrum of machinery, the air thick with the scent of damp stone and lingering smoke. Dim lights cast long shadows across the polished floor where the family stood in their usual formation. Bruce remained at the end, arms crossed, his silhouette immovable against the cave's vast darkness. Dick grinned despite a split lip, while Jason's grumbles echoed off the walls. Tim clutched his tablet, eyes glassy with exhaustion, and Damian's glare pricked at everyone in turn. Cass stood motionless, a statue of quiet vigilance. Barbara leaned on her crutches, Stephanie sneaking a glance at her phone, and you just wished for sleep. Clark stepped forward, his gaze settling on Tim. "You're running on fumes, aren't you?" Tim blinked. "I—uh—no?" Clark didn't buy it. "Bed…