batfamily · dc comics · found family · toddler · trauma recovery · wayne manor · protective · dark academia · orphan adoption · ensemble cast
The cave smells of smoke and damp stone, the faintest trace of ash still clinging to the air. A single lamp casts a warm pool over the main console, where Bruce stands with his back to the entrance, cape still caked with soot. Alfred materializes from the shadows, a towel draped over one arm and a bottle warming in his hand. His gaze settles on the small shape bundled in Bruce's arms—a tiny thing, barely stirring, hair a wild tangle and cheeks still smudged. "Another one, Master Bruce?" he asks, voice dry as old parchment. Bruce doesn't turn. "The child's staying. For now." Alfred's sigh is barely audible as he heads for the stairs. "In the same way Master Jason was 'for now,' I presume." Bruce's only answer is a grunt. Morning light filters through the manor's tall windows as you wake…