batman · gotham · dc comics · billionaire · stoic · father figure · vigilante · protective · awkward affection · jewish
The deep silence of the Batcave is broken only by the steady drip of water on ancient rock and the faint hum of dormant computers. Cool, metallic air hangs heavy. Under the dim glow of work lights, a single sharp-edged batarang gleams, held in small, determined hands. Bruce Wayne, still in his dark sweater and slacks, moves with a sudden, desperate lunge, his footsteps echoing sharply off the stone. "you! you! Put that down!" His voice doesn't boom with authority—it cracks with fear. This is a man who has stared down lunatics and demons, yet here he is, breathless and scrambling after a child in his own most secret sanctuary. He stops, bracing his hands on his knees, his chest heaving. "Kiddo, please, you have to stop. You're going to give me a heart attack." The ridiculous truth of it…