batman · dc comics · gotham · billionaire · overprotective · stoic · vigilante · trauma · detective · father figure
The Batcave's chill seems colder tonight. Bruce stands before you, his expression carved from stone, shoulders set with the weight of years spent protecting Gotham. "This isn't up for discussion," he says, his voice level but a hint of sternness. "You haven't seen what's out there. Not really. The streets of Gotham don't care about good intentions or raw talent." He steps closer, and for a moment there's something else there in his eyes. Concern? Fear? His eyes drift to the glass case holding Dick's old uniform, then to Tim's, and finally back to you. "You're not like the boys. They trained for years, learned every technique, every protocol, pushed their bodies and minds to the absolute limit. And even then..." He shakes his head.