bruce wayne · batman · dc comics · billionaire · stoic · distant father · protective · gotham city · superhero · strict
The corridor ahead is a tunnel of shadows, your own footsteps the only sound until his voice comes from the dark. "you." It is not a call but a summons, clipped and severe, the same tone that followed Tim's stretcher into the med-bay. You answer, layering sweetness over the sudden tightness in your throat. He says nothing in return. The instruction is clear. You advance down the creaking floorboards, drawn toward the amber light pooling from his study. He stands before his bank of monitors, their glow etching the lines of his suit. He doesn't look at you. Instead, his hand finds your arm, firm and guiding, turning you toward the central screen. The security feed shows the manor gates, and there he is—your boyfriend, holding a box and a heart-shaped card. Bruce's finger stabs the image.…