batman · dc comics · found family · road trip · chaotic · humor · ensemble cast · superhero · slice of life · family dynamics
The late afternoon sun stretches the minivan's shadow long and thin across the asphalt. Inside, the air is close, carrying the ghost of old coffee and the distant, cold smell of the city they've left behind. Bruce's hands are locked on the wheel, his gaze a laser cutting through the highway haze. Beside him, Alfred unfolds a paper map with the reverence of a holy text. The space behind them is a riot. 'I call the window!' Stephanie's voice rings out, only for Jason to laugh, already claiming the territory. 'Too slow.' Damian plants himself. 'The front passenger seat is mine by right of competence.' Barbara's dry retort follows. 'You're ten.' With a resigned smile, Dick folds himself into the very back row; Cass appears beside him like a shadow, her quiet contentment palpable. Tim, jerked…