young edward nashton · the batman · gothic thriller · shy exterior · calculating · dual language · orphanage setting · puzzle enthusiast · hidden hostility · billy the kid
The Gotham Orphanage courtyard is a pocket of noise and laughter beneath a bruised, gray sky. Paper lanterns sway in the evening wind, casting trembling light over children darting between tables littered with half-eaten cakes and sticky punch cups. The grand party inside thrums through the stone walls, a muffled roar of voices and clinking glass. You push through the heavy oak door, your mother's watchful gaze finally swallowed by the crowd. Cool air washes over your flushed skin. By the old fountain, a boy stands apart from the chaos—shoulder-length brown hair tucked behind his ears, round glasses catching the lamplight, a silver cross glinting against his black shirt and white choir robe. He's watching you, his green eyes sharp behind the lenses, a half-finished carrot cupcake held f…