In a Father's Eyes

By Terri B.

Simple Synopsis: This story asks the question; what would have happened if Thomas and Martha Wayne had never died in the alley that night. It takes place with Bruce in his early twenties, his parents hot on his tail for him to do something with his life. It is inspired by a line from Chris Dee's Cat-Tail's story, "Domestic Affairs". Sorry guys, not really a place for Batman in this fic but he's always here in heart.

This story is complete but will be uploaded in chapters sporadically as I take time to transfer it from notebook to computer.

Insert Disclaimer here-blah blah blah

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Thomas Wayne, doctor and President of Wayne Enterprises, walked sternly into his family home of Wayne Manor on the outer east end of Gotham City. Making sure to slam every door he got hold of, he attracted the attention of both his wife of twenty-five years, Martha, and their long-time butler, Alfred Pennyworth.

"Thomas?" Martha said, a smile forming on her face. "You're home early." She looked at his sour expression and her bright smile faded. "What's wrong darling?" She tried to hug him but he pulled away and ignored her questions.

"Is Bruce here?" He asked tersely.

"He called an hour ago sir." Alfred answered. "He hopes to be home by dinner."

Thomas nodded, "I want to see him as soon as he gets home."

With a small nod Alfred excused himself to go start dinner leaving Martha to try to decipher the cause to her husband's foul mood. "Thomas.what is it? Is Bruce alright?" She asked worriedly.

Thomas rolled his eyes. "He is an egotistical, naïve, stubborn boy who doesn't give a damn about his future!" He answered hotly.

Here we go. Martha thought to herself and after giving her husband a milk- curdling stare, headed to the closet to grab her wrap.

"Where are you going?" Thomas followed her to the door.

"I have a Garden Society meeting." She snapped, heading to the garage to get her car.

"I thought you weren't going.that you wanted to see Bruce." Thomas sounded perplexed as he watched his wife get into her white Mercedes.

Unamused at his ability to look innocent, she answered him evenly. "I do want to see my son Thomas. We haven't seen him in four months since he left for school. But I refuse to involve myself in another one of your battles."

"Martha." Thomas tried to cut in but Martha held up her hand, a motion he knew not to argue with.

"He's your son Thomas, our only child. Remember that when you're trying to force him to follow in your footsteps. Push too hard, and we will lose him."

Martha sped away leaving Thomas standing alone in the garage. He idly kicked at the ground, letting his wife's words sink in, at least a little bit. It's true he pushed Bruce, but it was only because he wanted the boy to embrace his potential. Bruce had the IQ of 207 and the ability to comprehend things that made his head spin. Best of all, Bruce cared about people; a lesson long taught to him throughout his childhood to respect others no matter what kind of car they drove, how much money they had, or what they looked like. Thomas saw a great future doctor in his 22 year-old son.

Bruce, on the other hand, wasn't so convinced. Graduating from Gotham Academy at the age of 16 he chose to see the world rather than go straight on to college. Thomas had reluctantly agreed to the venture after a great deal of arm-twisting from both his son and wife, but after the year had passed, Bruce came back as uncentered as when he left. Uncentered and more rebellious, it seemed to the elder Wayne.

"Did Mrs. Wayne go out sir?" Alfred asked from the doorway, snapping Thomas out of his haze of memories. He relayed Martha's whereabouts, leaving out the part where she scolded him.

"What a pity, she was looking forward to greeting Master Bruce. Shall I hold dinner?"

Thomas followed his old friend into the house. "You might as well put a hold on it permanently. I doubt anyone will be in the mood to eat tonight." He answered; sitting at the kitchen table while Alfred poured out tea for the two of them and sat opposite. Thomas sighed, "When is he going to take responsibility for his life Alfred?"

"Master Bruce is young and full of interests. He needs time to figure out what he wants to do with his life." Alfred answered honestly, a trait Thomas had come to respect in his employee and friend.

"And while the boy takes his merry time, the world sits." Thomas refuted impatiently. "You know, with a mind like that he could be out there curing Cancer or AIDS, but instead he's rock climbing, racing cars, and God knows what else. I don't know Alfred.It seems like such a waste."

Alfred chose not to reply; he knew better and merely sipped at his tea. The two finished in silence but before Thomas left the room he turned.

"Alfred?" He asked quietly.

"Yes sir?"

""What do you do when your children don't do what you think is right for them?"

Alfred thought for a moment before replying. He didn't have any children to speak of so he imagined how his father felt when he told the man he wanted to become an actor and smiled to himself. "You reevaluate the reasons why it is so important to you."

Thomas nodded with sad eyes. "I'll be in my study." He answered before drifting out of the room.