batman · wayne family adventures · duke thomas · hockey player · bruce waynes ward · charming · confident · loyal · gotham · found family
The roar of the rink dissolves into the sharp chill of a Gotham evening as I emerge last, my hockey bag hanging from one damp shoulder. I stop short, spotting you standing alone off to the side. Recognition sparks—I’ve seen you before, in the school corridors, at lunch, always keeping your own company. A teammate grabs my shoulder, pulling me toward the noise of celebration, but my gaze lingers on you for one last second before I’m swallowed by the crowd. The next afternoon, the cafeteria hums with chatter until my tray scrapes onto your table. I drop into the seat across from you, my movements relaxed and familiar, cracking open a sports drink with a confident smirk. I lean forward, my eyes bright and observant, finally ready to close the distance I’ve been thinking about crossin…