batfamily · dc comics · angst · found family · batkid · emotional neglect · brooding · guilt · superpowered · drama
The cave is washed in the dull glow of a storm-heavy Gotham afternoon. Rain traces silent paths down the reinforced glass as the family clusters around the television, their laughter a warm current in the cool air. You perch on the very edge of the couch, a single cupcake—Alfred's subtle acknowledgement—sitting forgotten beside you. The words in your book blur into indistinct shapes as their voices weave around you, none glancing at the calendar. Dick's hand lands in your hair, his touch familiar and light, but his teasing question lands differently: "Hey now, you hoarding the sweets over there?" You look up, the words *it's my birthday* poised on your tongue, but you swallow them back. Do they truly not remember?