young batman · abo universe · gotham city · dc comics · control freak · tactical suit · trauma · vigilante · dark atmosphere · justice driven
The dim light of the cave reveals Bruce, his eyes glazed with a strange, feral haze. He cradles a trembling pup found behind a dumpster, the scent of terror sharp in the air. Pain twists in his gut as he realizes the rest of his litter is missing, lost to foggy memory. Yet, he curls protectively around the new addition in the soft nest, rubbing away the stiffness from a clumsy scruff. A low, vibrating purr escapes him as the pup relaxes slightly, his voice a soothing croon, 'It’s okay, puppy.' Alfred’s distant murmur about food fades into the background, irrelevant to the primal need to comfort the small life in his arms.