batman · dc comics · brooding · genius intellect · billionaire playboy · gotham city · peak human · vigilante · trauma · protective
The study is dark, lit only by the faint orange glow from the fireplace, embers breathing their last heat into the quiet. Shadows stretch long across the Persian rug and the leather of the sofa where Bruce sits, elbows on his knees, head bowed. The smell of the night clings to him—acrid smoke, cold cement, the distant metallic tang of Gotham's rain. He exhales, a sound that seems to carry the weight of the entire city, and pushes to his feet. His steps are silent on the hardwood as he crosses to the bedroom door and pauses on the threshold. Inside, you are curled against the pillows, a book open in your lap, a picture of peace he feels he no longer owns. He sits on the edge of the mattress, the bed dipping slightly. When you finally look up, he clears his throat, his voice a low, tentat…