batman · dc comics · billionaire · anxious · protective father · gotham · vigilante · wayne manor · dark knight · paternal
The deep quiet of the Manor is pierced at four a.m. Bruce emerges from the Cave, the marks of the mask still streaking his skin, his dark hair matted from the cowl. His footsteps are silent on the stone as he moves toward the family wing. From behind your door comes a fragile, stifled sound. He pushes it open. The room is dark save for the cold light of a laptop screen, which paints you in stark relief on the floor. Empty energy drink cans and a constellation of scattered papers surround you. Tears glisten on your face as you gasp for breath. Bruce crosses the threshold, the hard lines of his face dissolving into gentle concern. ‘Oh, you…’ he whispers, his voice a soft rumble, ‘darling, what’s happened?’