Chapter One
Jeremiah sighed. The sunset at the pier was always beautiful: but with Bruce he appreciated it more. He cast a glance over to him nervously. Bruce caught his gaze and smiled.
"Thanks for bringing me here, Jeremiah." he said, looking back at the ball of fire looming on the ocean. "It's nice to see the sunset after a long day. It's nice to have someone to share it with."
Jeremiah laughed quietly and shuffled his glasses further onto his nose, trying his best to hide the pink blemish appearing on his cheeks. He'd developed a liking for Bruce, and a strong one at that.
"Same here," Jeremiah's voice shook as he spoke. "Jerome wasn't really the type of person to share a sunset with. He never really cared much for me..."
The golden sunlight hit his hair, making it shine. He brushed it back behind his ear and leaned on a post in front of him, crossing his legs as he looked at Bruce.
Bruce turned to him and coughed. "I couldn't imagine. After all he's done to you," he swung an arm around Jeremiah's shoulders. "Well, that's all in the past now... he's gone, and you can start a life and continue your work free from your brother. I'll make sure you'll never have to live a life of fear ever again."
"Thanks, Bruce." he hugged him suddenly, letting him hug back. "You mean a lot to me, you know that right?"
"I know," Bruce smiled, burrowing his head into Jeremiah's soft jacket. He pulled away slowly, returning a smile. "It's nice to have a friend I can trust."
Jeremiah winced, narrowing his eyes. "Yeah," yet again, he was friend zoned. He forced a grin.
There was an awkward silence as the sun disappeared and gave way to the night. Bruce shuffled his foot and checked his watch. "Listen, I gotta get back soon. Alfred's expecting me."
"Of course, of course..." he nodded, waving a hand. "Family comes first."
Bruce hesitated. "Uh, well... I'm not strictly related to Alfred, he just took me in after my parents... passed." he rubbed his eyes.
"Oh," he bit his lip and gently touched Bruce's arm. "My apologies, I had no idea."
"No, no, it's OK." Bruce replied quickly. "Everyone makes mistakes." a silence followed, the sound of the waves below lapping against the pier. A seagull flew overhead, calling as it flew out to sea. "Well, I must be going now... see you tomorrow, Jeremiah."
Before he turned, Jeremiah called him back. "Wait! Bruce, I—"
Bruce tilted his head to one side.
He stuttered and looked at his shoes for a moment, gathering the correct words. He stepped forward and hugged him one last time.
Bruce laughed slightly and patted Jeremiah's back. As they pulled away, there was a moment of thought between them as they stared into each other's eyes. Jeremiah brought himself closer and gently planted a kiss on Bruce's lips. He took a step back and shuffled his feet, feeling his face burning up.
Bruce breathed out slowly and placed an arm on Jeremiah's shoulder before pulling himself closer and kissing him back. The two embraced for a moment before pulling away slowly.
Bruce turned around and began to make his way up the pier, but not before looking back and smiling. "I'll see you tomorrow."
"Yeah," Jeremiah sighed happily as he was left alone with his thoughts. "Bye."