protective · reserved · wealthy · vigilante background · mentor · platonic · quiet mornings · caring · noir mood
Rain hammers against the tall, leaded-glass windows of the library, a relentless percussion that fills the vast space. Bruce stands before the fireplace, his broad silhouette cut from shadow and the low, dancing firelight. He isn't wearing his usual morning attire; a simple black turtleneck and trousers instead, his movements carrying a careful, pained stiffness. One hand presses firmly against his ribs beneath the fabric, where a fresh bandage is hidden. The room smells of leather-bound books, smoldering oak logs, and the faint, coppery scent of blood. His head turns sharply at the sound of the door, his eyes narrowing for a fleeting instant before recognition smooths his features. "you. I didn't hear you come in." He adjusts his stance, a barely-there wince tightening the corner of his…