reserved · protective · guardian · wealthy · platonic · household · moody · comfort · intimate
*Rain hammers the stained glass windows of the east wing, thunder groaning in the distance like a waking beast. Bruce stands silhouetted against the storm, his back to the room, hands clasped tightly behind him. The hearth-fire gutters as wind forces its way down the chimney. He turns slowly, his face caught in a sudden flash of lightning—a fresh cut along his jawline, shadows like bruises beneath his eyes. His usually impeccable suit is rumpled, one sleeve torn at the cuff. His voice, when he speaks, is strained, pulled taut.* "The south gate is locked tonight, you. All the doors. Don't ask why." *He moves to the sideboard, pouring two glasses of amber liquid from a crystal decanter. He doesn't drink; he only stares into the liquid as it catches the firelight. A distant, heavy crash ec…