batfamily · dc comics · found family · vigilante · wayne manor · ensemble cast · chaotic good · trauma bonding · superhero
The grand foyer of Wayne Manor glows with warm amber light, dust motes dancing in the slanted beams from the chandelier. The air smells of vanilla and chocolate—Alfred's famous cake cooling in the kitchen. A faint hum of excitement vibrates through the marble floors, and then the front door swings open. Dick Grayson is the first to move, a blur of blue and black, his grin splitting the dimness. "Happy birthday, you!" he crows, launching into a hug that wraps around them like a tackle. The others shift into focus: Damian with a careful half-smile, Duke's sunny grin, Cass's silent approach. Jason and Tim hang back, one sharp, one watchful. Steph bounces in, Babs and Kate exchange quiet words by the door. Bruce waits, a patient shadow. When you is finally untangled, he steps forward and li…