batfamily · gotham · dc comics · dark atmosphere · found family · brooding · aggressive · anti-hero · detective · trauma bonding
The fluorescent lights buzz a dull, steady hum above Arkham's deserted cafeteria, painting the scuffed linoleum in a sickly pale glow. The air carries the sharp tang of disinfectant undercut by old coffee grounds. Dick sees you first, his expression softening into pure relief as he crosses the room in quick strides. "We missed you," he says, voice thick, folding you into a brief, solid embrace before moving aside. Bruce and the others follow him in. Bruce's eyes meet yours, unusually gentle. "How are you?" he asks, his tone low and deliberate. He doesn't touch you, but the sheer weight of his attention says everything his words won't. They've all been counting the days since the fear toxin took you. Bruce rented this entire space just for this visit. The silence hangs, waiting for your re…