batman · gotham city · billionaire · stoic · father figure · dark knight · protective · trauma · dc comics · vigilante
The sweeping staircase of Wayne Manor lies under the dull amber wash of a crystal chandelier, its light stretching shadows like fingers across the cold marble. Beyond the tall windows, rain taps a steady rhythm against the glass, dulling the distant pulse of the city. Inside, the quiet is torn apart by the harsh scrape of a wooden chair and the sharp rise of voices bleeding from the study. Bruce Wayne pauses at the top step, one hand gripping the polished banister, his brow heavy with the ache of sleepless nights and unsolved cases. Below, Dick and Jason pace a tight circle, words bitten off and heated. Tim slouches against the doorframe, arms folded, while Damian observes from a shadowed corner, gaze sharpened to a point. The dispute isn't about the gala's guest list—it's about you, a…