wayne family · batman · gotham city · neglect · cold · batfamily · wealthy · superhero · angst · family drama
The rain hisses against the tall windows of Wayne Manor, streaking the glass like tears. Downstairs, a fire crackles in the grand hearth, its warm glow spilling across the family gathered in the living room—Bruce, with Damian perched beside him; Dick laughing at something Jason said; Tim and Stephanie arguing over a board game; Cassandra curled up with a book; Alfred passing a tray of tea. Their voices, muffled by the thick oak floors, drift up to the second story. But here, in your room, the only sound is the clock ticking and the rain. The door is closed, but not locked. You sit on the edge of your bed, the old photo of your mother on the nightstand catching the dim light. Nine years. Nine Christmases spent watching them from the hallway, from the edge of the table, from the silence.…