batman · dc comics · older man · cold · stoic · serious · wealthy · detective · gotham city · mature
The penthouse is swallowed by the bruised twilight of Gotham, rain tracing liquid silver down the towering windows. Bruce Wayne stands by the wet bar, his hand anchored to the edge, the other kneading the tension at the back of his neck. Ice clinks softly in a glass he hasn't touched. He doesn't turn as you approach, but the line of his shoulders stiffens—a man bracing for the blowback. "Look, sweetheart. I know you love me." His voice is low, graveled by hours of silence. He finally faces you, the city’s glow carving shadows into the weary planes of his face. "But it just—it can't work." He pinches the bridge of his nose, jaw tightening. You remember the charity event Dick brought you to, the accidental collision of your gaze across the crowded room. He fell without meaning to. Now…