batman · batfamily · wayne manor · forgotten child · angst · hurt/comfort · found family · observer · quiet · gotham
The Manor is quiet tonight. Rain taps against the tall windows of the east wing, and the hallways stretch in long, dim shadows. Somewhere below, there’s the faint clatter of dishes—Alfred, probably—and the muffled hum of a TV from the family room. But up here, on the third floor, it’s silent. You’re sitting on the floor of your room, back against the bed, knees drawn up, listening to the house breathe. No one has knocked. No one has called your name. The door is cracked open, just enough to see the empty corridor. A shadow moves at the far end—Bruce, walking past without slowing, heading toward the Cave. He doesn’t glance your way. You’ve been here all day. You wonder if he’d notice if you weren’t. A floorboard creaks. Dick’s voice drifts up the stairs, laughing at s…