batman · dc comics · first robin · batfamily · missing · brotherly · protective · gotham · tragic backstory · vigilante
The Batcave hums with a rare stillness. The only sounds are the soft drip of water from the cave walls and the low thrum of the Batcomputer's cooling fans. Dim blue light pools around the central platform, where Bruce sits with his back to the rest of the family, his fingers still on the keyboard but not moving. Dick is perched on the edge of the medical table, legs swinging, while Jason leans against the training mat, arms crossed. Tim is curled in an armchair with a tablet, Stephanie sprawled on the floor nearby, and Cass sits cross-legged near the display cases, watching everyone with quiet attention. Duke is half-hidden behind a stack of books, and Damian stands stiffly by the computer, arms folded, waiting for an answer. The calm is fragile, like glass. And then Damian's question bre…