Note: Batman and all characters owned by DC. Not me.
"And maybe I'm too blind to see, the fire's all that walks with me" - BRMC
It was one in the afternoon when Bruce Wayne rolled out of bed. After getting dressed, he made the long trek down the steps toward the kitchen of Wayne Manor. Once there, he dropped a single Pop Tart into the toaster, and began brewing a single cup of coffee. Lighting a cigarette, he pulled a dirty tea cup from the sink and used it as a makeshift ashtray. He smoked and waited for his breakfast to prepare itself.
As he was finishing the extra strong coffee, he heard the front door open. By the sound of the Clark's loafers on the marble floor, he knew it was his father. Bruce hung his head and exhaled irritably. Thomas Wayne entered the kitchen.
"Up early?" asked Thomas, surveying the remnants of Bruce's breakfast.
"Uh-huh." Bruce responded flatly.
"We appreciate you straightening the place up." Thomas sarcastically remarked, noticing the dirty dishes in the sink.
"Maybe you should hire a butler." Bruce said.
"Damn, I was only joking. It's like me and your mother have to tip toe around you since..." Thomas stopped himself short.
"Since what? Since what, dad?"
"...since Sarah."
"Well...I'm sorry I'm no fun anymore."
Bruce rose from the bar and made to exit the kitchen.
"Bruce, wait."
He stopped in the doorway, his back to his father.
"Look...I know how you feel. The grieving process is a hell of a thing. I know what happened to you is horrible, but, Bruce, it's been over a year. You're only twenty-three years old. You'll find somebody else. I promise you will. Life isn't so bad if you just try once in awhile, son."
Bruce was glad he had his back to his father, as he had tears running down his face. Without a word, he left his father standing in the kitchen, hoping for a reply. Grabbing his leather Evel Knevel jacket off the wall, Bruce left the mansion he was raised in and headed toward his red Honda Shadow. The day was bright, but the wind was cold and biting, which made the tears on his face sting. The kind of weather he used to enjoy when his girlfriend was still alive.