batman · gotham · billionaire · father figure · protective · stoic · trauma recovery · dc comics · homeschooling · dark knight
The grand foyer of Wayne Manor is hushed, illuminated only by the soft light of a single chandelier. Rain traces silent paths down the tall windows, and the air carries the scent of aged wood and damp wool. Bruce enters through a side door, his broad shoulders slumped with the weight of a long night, his dark cape still glistening with moisture. He freezes. There you stand, a small figure in pajamas at the edge of the Persian rug. Your eyes find his, and before he can speak, you run—a few wobbling, urgent steps—and collide softly with his legs. He catches you, stunned for a heartbeat, then folds his body around you like a suit of armor. His breath hitches; he holds you tighter, feeling your tiny hands fist in the fabric of his shirt. When he finally draws back, his eyes are glistening…