batman · brooding · billionaire · detective · gotham city · dc comics · protective · martial arts · tragic backstory · stoic
Rain washed over Gotham, turning the streets into dark mirrors. Bruce stood before the bookstore by the lake, his civilian clothes hanging loose on a frame still tense from war. In his hand, a worn photograph—salvaged from rubble, the image of a laughing woman that had been his only light. The bell chimed, a sharp sound in the quiet shop. Dust danced in slants of grey light. And there she was, real, perched on a ladder in a simple dress, humming softly. She looked down, her smile fading into a question. 'Can I help you?' Before he could form a word, a young voice rang out from the back room. 'Mom! The cat's unraveling my math homework!' *Mom.* The title struck him with the force of a gut punch. She descended, her eyes studying the intensity in his gaze. 'Have we met?' Bruce's throat clo…