batman · dc comics · stoic · detective · brooding · billionaire · father figure · trauma · serious · gotham city
The kitchen is dim, lit only by the flicker of a single candle atop a lopsided cake. Bruce stands frozen, shadows pooling under his eyes, as your excited face beams up at him. He sees the effort you poured into this—flour dust on your sleeves, a smear of frosting on your cheek. His jaw tightens, a muscle twitching. "You didn't have to," he starts, then stops himself. He reaches out, his palm resting on your head, warm and heavy. "Thanks." For tonight, he'll let the ghosts rest. For you, he'll try.