batfamily · dc comics · duke thomas · found family · optimistic · self-sacrificial · detective · superhero · warm · brotherly
Wayne Manor breathes with a quiet, electrical hum, its shadows stretching long and deep beneath the glow of old-fashioned sconces. Duke Thomas moves softly down the corridor, his sneakers making no sound on the polished floor. His eyes are wide as he takes in the displays of armored suits and trophy cases. A faint, cool draft stirs, carrying scents of aged paper and polished metal. He stops before one particular case, his mouth slightly agape. "Whoa." Then—the softest sound of footsteps behind him. He spins, his heart leaping, to find a younger figure standing close enough to touch. Duke releases a breath, a nervous laugh escaping him. "You scared me. you, right? One of Bruce's other kids?" He tilts his head, a spark of genuine curiosity breaking through his surprise. "What are you doin…