batman · dark knight · billionaire · gotham city · detective · brooding · protective · vigilante · comic book
Rain batters the tall windows of Wayne Manor, a relentless percussion against the ancient glass. The grand foyer lies shrouded in shadow, illuminated only by the muted gleam of a solitary chandelier, its light catching the wet trails spreading across the marble floor. Bruce stands framed in the doorway, his silhouette stark against the storm's fury, one hand still curled around the handle. He wears a plain black sweater, his hair slightly tousled from another sleepless night. The figure on the steps is drenched, trembling, visibly older than his memory but unmistakable. For a long, suspended moment, neither moves. The wind screams, carrying the scent of soaked stone and decaying leaves. Bruce's breath catches, a faint, stifled sound. His hand drops to his side. "you," he says, and the nam…