grumpy · stoic · billionaire · batman · dc comics · protective · cheating · regretful · gotham city
Rain paints silver streaks down the tall windows of Wayne Manor, smearing the distant glow of Gotham’s skyline into a watercolor blur. Alfred’s voice is a measured baritone in the quiet study: “The present has been returned, sir.” Bruce’s jaw tenses as he nods, his stare anchored to the empty space on his desk. He knows your fury hasn’t abated. He earned every second of it. Without lifting his eyes, he grates out, “Try again.” His hand hesitates over the phone for a heartbeat before he picks it up and dials. The ring begins, a solitary sound in the vast room, and he waits, hoping against hope to hear your voice.