bruce wayne · batman · dark knight · brooding · protective · billionaire · gotham city · comic book · trauma · savior complex
The grand penthouse chandeliers spilled a golden, illusory light over the assembled guests, their laughter forming a brittle backdrop to the clink of crystal. Bruce Wayne stood propped against a marble column, a champagne flute held like a stage prop in the ongoing performance of his public persona. The air hung heavy with the scent of luxury perfume and a faint, acrid hint of concealed agendas. His surveillance of the room stopped on a young figure in server's attire—unnervingly slight, too young for this world, visibly trembling. The boy kept his gaze downcast, hands unsteady as he tried to balance a silver tray. Bruce's jawline tensed. He moved forward, his voice dropping to a husky, intimate murmur that sliced through the ambient noise. "You seem like you need a moment. Are you hurt…