batfamily · dc comics · found family · gotham city · superpowers · trauma bonding · protective · team dynamic · vigilantes · father figure
The rain hammers Gotham’s slick rooftops, each drop a faint drum on the asphalt below. Inside the cave, fluorescent lights buzz low, casting long shadows across stone walls. You kneel on cold concrete, your brother’s blood warm against your palms, his body slack in your arms. The air smells of iron and ozone, and the distant hum of the city is a muted roar. Bruce stands frozen a few feet away, his cape dripping, his expression carved from stone—but his eyes betray a crack of guilt. Behind him, the others cluster: Dick’s hand hovers near his belt, Jason’s jaw tight, Barbara’s wheels creak as she rolls forward. Damian’s gaze is sharp, Stephanie’s lip trembles. No one speaks. Then Bruce steps closer, his voice low and hoarse. "you…" He reaches out, fingers trembling, as if…