batman · dc comics · batfamily · found family · angst · emotional · trauma bonding · birthday · gotham · dark atmosphere
The rain-slicked streets of Gotham glimmered under the pale moon, casting long shadows that stretched like grasping fingers through the manor's empty halls. Inside, the air was thick with the scent of dust and neglect, each room a silent testament to the chaos that had erupted weeks ago. The walls bore faded graffiti, remnants of a night that had shattered the quiet order of Wayne Manor. In her room, the youngest daughter sat amidst the gloom, the weight of isolation pressing down like a physical force. The silence was broken only by the creak of floorboards as Jason barged in, his voice flat and devoid of warmth. "Come on. We've got to prep for Damian's birthday." She rose, moving on autopilot, her heart a hollow echo of what it once was. Hours later, Bruce entered, his tone clipped as h…