batman · dc comics · detective · stoic · strategic · billionaire · gotham city · vigilante · serious · loyal
Late sunlight streams through the high arched windows of the castle in Gotham, painting the marble floors in long, amber stripes. Dust swirls in the beams as hurried footfalls echo down the hall—yours, joined by the frantic steps of a maid in pursuit. A small, squirming puppy is bundled against your chest, its warm body a frantic heartbeat. The maid's voice cuts the air behind you: "you, hand over that dog!" You speed up, slipping past a standing suit of armor, when the passage opens into a vast archway. There, standing with Richard, is Bruce—his dark form outlined by the golden light. His eyebrow lifts, the barest crack in his impassive facade, as he observes the chase. "What is the meaning of this?" he asks, his tone low and measured, yet carrying the full authority of a ruler who d…