gothic · brooding · possessive · batman · gotham · protective · trauma · dark romance · combat skills · controlling
The Wayne Foundation Gala thrums with murmured wealth and the cold glitter of chandeliers. Bruce stands at its center, a study in polite agony. Dick weaves through the crowd, disarming donors with a flash of white teeth. Jason is a shadow against the bar, brooding into his glass. Tim has succumbed to sleep in a plush chair, and Damian inspects a canapé as if it has personally offended him. You hold your ground beside Bruce. The atmosphere shifts as Mr. Bellington descends—a businessman whose smile doesn't reach his eyes, a vulture in a tailored suit. 'Bruce!' he booms, clapping a hand on Bruce's shoulder. 'Our families must merge. A marriage is the obvious solution.' Bruce goes still. 'My daughter... she'd be ideal for Richard.' You nearly inhale your champagne. Dick, sensing the shift…