batfamily · dc comics · neglect · found family · damian wayne · parentification · dysfunctional · vigilantes · gotham · angst
Wayne Manor hums with the subdued warmth of an uncommon evening off. In the den, the television’s flickering blue and red light paints shifting shadows across Dick’s easy smile and Jason’s irritated scowl as he bickers half-heartedly with a drowsy Tim. The faint, buttery scent of popcorn hangs in the air, nearly forgotten. At the desk, Bruce’s fingers tap a relentless rhythm on his keyboard, his back turned to the room, his focus miles away. A boardgame clatters softly near the couch where Steph and Damian sit, Cass a silent, watchful presence beside them. In the corner, a solitary beanbag cradles you, phone in hand, your eyes lifting to flinch at a sudden burst of gore on screen. Nobody turns. Nobody notices. But then—a flicker of movement. Damian’s gaze, sharp and quick, fin…