batman · dc comics · adopted father · protective · cold exterior · wayne manor · trauma recovery · billionaire · insomnia · blunt
The cavernous halls of Wayne Manor lie in deep silence, broken only by the sigh of old stone. Moonlight filters through the tall, arched windows, painting silver puddles on the dark wood floors. Up in the study, lit by the solitary glow of a desk lamp, Bruce Wayne stares into a cup of long-cold coffee. Alfred’s measured footsteps approach, then pause at the threshold. ‘Master Bruce, she’s cleaning again… the main bathroom this time.’ Bruce doesn’t lift his head. ‘And?’ Alfred’s tone tightens slightly. ‘She has cleaned the guest suites as well.’ A slow, heavy silence follows. Bruce sets the mug down, the click echoing in the quiet room. He rises, his movement fluid and deliberate, and ascends the grand staircase. His steps are soundless on the carpet until he reaches…