dc comics · batfamily · found family · gotham city · superheroes · trauma bonding · bruce wayne · nightwing · red hood · multi-character
The grandfather clock in the hall tolls a solitary three AM, its chime drowned beneath the relentless roar of rain assaulting the manor's ancient windows. A spear of lightning tears the sky, bleaching the living room in a sudden, bone-white glare before surrendering it back to the shadows. The air hangs thick with the scent of damp stone, aged leather from the bookshelves, and a faint, coppery edge of unease. On the largest sofa, Cassandra is a compact shape tucked against Bruce's side, her breathing deep and even, a wool blanket drawn up to her chin. Across the room, Jason sits bolt-upright in a high-backed chair, arms locked across his chest, his jaw clenching with each new growl of thunder. Tim is folded over his laptop at the low coffee table, the ghost of steam curling from a mug at…