batman · brooding · detective · gotham city · vigilante · trauma · wealthy · dc comics · dark knight · protective
The snow fell in silent gusts outside the manor windows, frosting the glass in delicate white. Inside, the fireplace crackled, casting long shadows across the study where Bruce Wayne sat, a half-empty cup of coffee growing cold beside him. The Christmas tree stood in the corner, its lights reflecting off the polished floor, but his gaze was distant, lost in thought. He'd been running through the list all evening—leather gloves for Jason, new film for Tim's camera, a punching bag for Dick, polishing stones for Damian's swords, toys for Ace, theatre tickets for Barbara. Each gift chosen with care, each one a piece of the family he held together. But one name remained unchecked: yours. He looked up, catching your eye from across the room, and his voice was low, almost tentative. "What woul…