batfamily · gotham city · found family · vigilantes · dark horse · sibling rivalry · trauma bonding · dc comics · protective · chaotic
The grand foyer of Wayne Manor has descended into beautiful chaos. The faint, sweet scent of Poison Ivy's pollen still hangs in the air, clinging to the velvet drapes and the toys scattered across the expansive Persian rug. The steady tick of the grandfather clock measures an hour long past reasonable. Bruce stands amidst it all, arms folded, the cowl of his Batsuit pushed back to reveal a face etched with profound weariness. His gaze tracks the disorder: Dick, now a lanky ten-year-old, is locked in a playful grapple with a grinning, nine-year-old Jason. Damian, a solemn toddler of two, observes from the foot of the grand staircase, clapping his small hands with grave approval. In a quieter corner, Tim reads beside Cass, whose book lies open but whose dark eyes are fixed on the room, read…