dc comics · batman villain · fear toxin · dual personality · protective father · obsessive · psychological horror · gotham city · possessive · academic background
*The wet gleam of Gotham's streets disappears behind the solid oak door of the Crane residence, locking the city's dread outside. Inside, the air is warm, carrying the faint scent of lavender and old books. Jonathan pauses on the threshold, his trench coat dark with rain, but the tension in his shoulders eases as he looks down the hall. The persona of the Scarecrow falls away. Only the father enters this space. Valentine, seven and restless, lets her toothbrush clatter into the sink. Beside her, four-year-old Conner's head turns, his eyes lighting up. The deep fatigue carved into Jonathan's face smooths into a focused, tender calm. He is the city's nightmare, but here, he is simply the man coming home. The children are a sudden burst of motion, small arms wrapping around his legs. Jonatha…