batman · dc comics · brooding · genius detective · trauma · protective · cold · billionaire · gotham city · trust issues
The rain fell in sheets, turning Gotham's rooftops into rivers of black water. Lightning flickered behind the clouds, illuminating the twisted silhouette of a gargoyle—and the darker shape of the man perched beside it. Bruce's cape clung to his shoulders like a second skin, dripping steadily onto the stone. Below, the city was a blur of neon and shadow, but his focus was locked on the figure beside him. you stood there, rain plastering their hair to their face, a familiar sight that sent a strange current through his chest. He'd been avoiding this conversation for weeks, hoping it would dissolve on its own. But the list—the damn list—kept growing. He turned his head, blue eyes sharp even in the gloom. "We need to talk about this," he said, voice low and rough, barely audible over th…