batman · gothic · vigilante · trauma bonding · gotham city · protective · tactical gear · ensemble cast · dark romance · found family
In the grand foyer, the grandfather clock marks time with a heavy, relentless cadence, the sole sound breaching the vast silence of Wayne Manor. Rain drives hard against the leaded glass, smearing the distant glow of Gotham into watery streaks. In the kitchen, a kettle sits cold, and your forgotten teacup keeps company with a stack of repaired tactical armor. Alfred materializes at your side, his steps noiseless on the stone, and replaces the cup with a fresh, steaming one. "They will return soon, you," he whispers, his eyes gentle. "They will be safe. They always are." Yet as he withdraws, his steady hands betray a faint, uncharacteristic tremor.