Okay, so I know this isn't how school is (at least not in America) and seniors don't get out untill everyone else. But, becasue this is my own twisted world of fanfics, the seniors graduate two weeks before christmas! Lol, I think it's the holiday spirit that is getting to me!
Summery: when Bruce is injected with a youth turning chemical, Terry finds that what he keeps hidden is slowly coming out and Bruce takes it on differently then Terry thought. And coming up on his graduation, Terry thinks about his future and Batman's. Bruce/Terry: Yaoi
Chapter 2: Too Much
2 months. 2 short months had gone by and Bruce hadn't aged a day back to his old self. It looked like the doctor was right; Bruce was going to be around for a much, much longer time then he had planned.
However, 2 short months had been even more stressful to Terry. With the last two weeks of school hanging near, seniors were chatting happily in the halls, though at home they were rushing about, finishing up all their credits and final projects.
Those that were ahead of the game were running around, worrying about the graduation ceremony. Those in the right place were stressing somewhat of both. And those who liked to procrastinate were losing hours of sleep to schoolwork.
And then, there was Terry. Terry was by far the furthest behind in his class. And he had all but one week to make it up. Terry wasn't worrying about when to pick up his cap and gown. If the cap and gown even FIT him right. He wasn't worrying about making the big speech. Or what would happen if he tripped on the way up to his diploma.
No, the only thing Terry was worrying about was making up the three F's he had received for sleeping throughout the class.
"Shit! Oh, shit!"
Ok, so worrying was an understatement.
"Aw, come on now Terry, I'll help you!" Max said, rubbing Terry's back as the dark haired teen fell forward onto the desk he sat at. It had only been the first hour of school, and Terry had already been informed of his doom.
Helping him was also an understatement. Terry didn't have time to do catch up work, none of it. He had to go straight to the Wayne Manor after school for this whole week. The reason for this was someone new in the city. Someone who was on the wrong side.
Crime seemed to increase during the past month, leaving Terry to run around the city into late hours of the night and early hours in the mornings. The 18 year old hadn't had a full nights rest in days. Infact, he hadn't had any. It was just like this,
Run around the city and put bad people away.
Then go home and get ready for school
Go to school, sleep for ten minutes until a teacher woke him up before he fell back asleep.
After school (and maybe 1 hour of sleep) head to Wayne Manor and start the process all over again.
Terry was finding it hard to keep anything in check anymore. Just the other day he had called Dana Bruce, upon thinking something only Max knew about. If he wasn't careful though, Dana might end up knowing as well, and maybe even Bruce. And that was one person Terry didn't want to find out about his own hidden secret.
"Terry!"
"Huh?! I'm awake." Terry mumbled into his arms and didn't even bother to open his eyes. Max, who sat next to him sighed and patted Terry's back once more before copying down more work that 'Terry' would have to do.
In truth, Max was one of those few kids who were way beyond passed worrying point. She had no work to be done, no cap and gown drama and no worries other then tripping while in front of the school.
So, knowing how hard a time Terry was having, Max was glad to help him pull through and get his F's back up to A's, or at least a low B. so, she let the male drift back into sleep and copied down all his work for him. And when free time to finish any last projects came around, Max began working on Terry's.
Sometime during the end of 2nd period, Dana strolled over from her seat, frowning.
"Max, you shouldn't be doing his work, how is he ever going to learn that you have to work hard to succeed?"
Max just gave Dana a smile, but snorted to herself in her head. If Dana couldn't see how hard Terry was working, then their relationship was really just based on hope.
"Aw, give him a break. Just because he's not working extra hard in school doesn't mean he's not working hard outside of school. Just look at him Dana, he's way wiped."
Dana looked at Terry's sleeping form and smiled sweetly.
"Its pretty sch-way that you're doing this for him."
"Well, he needs someone to have his back ya know?"
And Dana got a sad look on her face.
"Yeah, I just wish he'd let me be that person sometimes." And with that, Dana headed out the classroom door as the bell rang.
Max sighed and glanced down at Terry, who was still sleeping.
"Sorry, Dana, but you're not ever going to be that person. The only one he's got eyes for now is someone you can't compete with. Harsh but true…so very true." Max whispered to the empty space were Dana had stood seconds before.
Turning back to Terry, Max gently shook the still sleeping teen.
"Hey, come on, the bell rang," Max said loudly, frowning when Terry didn't move, "Terry!"
Sighing, Max stood, no use in being late herself, Terry would just have to be woken up rudely.
It wasn't until the lunch bell rang out did Terry awake form his nap. Being startled from sleep, Terry nearly fell off the chair and onto the floor, however, a gentle touch kept him from falling.
"Well, it's good to see that you've joined the living McGinnis," a female voice joked and Terry looked up into his teacher's face.
Glancing at the clock behind her, Terry frowned,
"Aw man, I slept through 2nd period?"
"Don't worry, you've got a pass. You've been looking pretty ragged lately, I thought I'd let you sleep." His teacher said, smiling with a light giggle and she patted his back and sent him off to lunch.
It was there that he found Max working furiously on her computer. Confused, Terry sat down across from her,
"What the hell are you doing?"
"Finishing your English project," Max replied, distracted as she began working faster at a glance to the clock, "you know, you might want to grab some lunch. You slept through most of it."
Terry only nodded in response, not intending to get lunch at all. In fact, the teen was finding himself drift back to sleep again. It seemed that Batman was finally taking a toll on him.
Max glanced up as Terry got still and made a small surprised sound to find him slumped over onto the table, asleep.
"Tsk, Terry, what has Bruce gotten you into?"
"That's what I would like to know." Dana spoke up as she headed over to the table, lunch tray in hand.
"Yeah, well, as if I know. This kid doesn't have time to talk anymore."
"Tell me about it," Dana started as she sat down next to Max, giving Terry an odd look, "I'm not even sure that I know him anymore."
Max smirked to herself and returned to doing Terry's homework. Dana glanced over at the screen and made a short snort.
"Really, you shouldn't be doing that for him."
Max just chuckled and waved Dana off, shrugging as she did so. Dana did have a point, but Terry really needed the help. And since he wouldn't let Max help with the whole "dark knight" thing, she would help anyway she could. And right now, his English project was in major attention mode. He hadn't even begun to work on it and it was due by tomorrow. At least he got his final senior project done by himself. That would be kind of hard for Max to do, considering that Max and Terry were doing completely different senior projects.
"Really, it's ok. He needs the help, like I said before."
"Yeah, I know. But I really don't get it. Other kids have jobs, what's so different about Terry's? Dana wondered, not really expecting an answer, just thinking out loud.
"A lot of things." Max mumbled under her breath.
"What?"
"Huh, I don't know, why don't you ask him yourself." It was more of a statement then a question.
"Why? Cause I never get the chance to talk to him. He's a great kid and all, but ever since this job, he's been so different." And Dana looked like she was holding something back.
Max didn't even have to ask she knew that look. Dana had met someone else, someone who was always there for her and didn't consider a job more important. What she didn't know was how broken up Terry would be. After all, Terry wasn't exactly in love with Dana anymore. No, he had turned his eyes to a whole new person, someone way different. But still, he might feel, at least, some remorse. Even worse, it was the holiday season. With Christmas coming u right after graduation, Terry would be in a sour mood.
"Dana, if you're going to give up on Terry, let him know before you go and do something stupid." Max warned.
Dana obviously offended glared furiously at Max, "I know that, I'm not the type to cheat. No worries, I would never do that."
"Good."
And the bell rang, leaving the conversation to hang in the air as the two girls went different ways, one of them who was a good friend, shook Terry until he woke to inform him that the rest of his nightmare still had to completed.
When school was let out, the air froze water droplets and let them fall gracefully done to the ground. The streets were covered in a white blanket as thick as a folded wool blanket. Buildings glistened in the lit sun peeking through snow-gray clouds.
It had started to snow in 3rd period and half the freshman had started freaking out, all excited to get outside and start snow fights. Infact, even some of the sophomores had gotten jittery. By the time 4th period begun, even the juniors were grinning with happy little smirks. And as school ended, seniors joined in the joy of the first snowfall.
Terry however growled as he stepped outside, Max at his side. The last hour had not been a good one. Dana had talked to him about them and they ended their relationship with a big fight that Terry was just tired of hearing. On top of that, Terry had a pop quiz in science and slept through the entire thing. And now, it was snowing hard enough that he would have some troubles with fighting crime tonight. And knowing Bruce, he would make Terry go out on his rounds, no matter what.
"Well, at least we only have three more days left!" Max tried to cheer up Terry, but the boy just shrugged and shoved his hands in his pockets.
"Yeah, and then we have to sit throughout that whole ceremony thing,"
"Oh come one, it'll be fun, you're just in a bad mood right now."
Terry sighed. Max was right; graduation was going to be fun. Right now though, he just wanted to go home and fall into his nice, comfy bed and sleep until the end of the world happened.
However, that wasn't going to happen. No, he had to head over to Bruce's place right away.
"Well," Terry said, turning to Max, "I better be going, see ya tomorrow."
"Yeah, see ya." And Max waited until Terry swung his leg over his motorbike and took off fast down the street.
As Terry made his way across the city, the snow only got worse. And by the time he had made it up to Wayne Mansion, he was dripping wet with melted snow and only getting covered with more. He was freezing to his bones and tired as hell. He really, really didn't want to be Batman right now.
However, he got a pleasant surprise when at the Wayne Mansion that evening; One that he wouldn't know about for a couple of hours from then.
But for now, he was still very cold and angry, even as Bruce opened the door.
"Terry, having a good day?"
Terry growled, the bastard was just doing that on purpose.
"No," Terry said darkly and moved past Bruce, inside the warm manor.
Ace barked happily and moved around Terry until the teen stopped to pet him, which wasn't until they got into the main living room, a large fire blazing. Terry growled and crossed his arms, not wanting to go back outside.
Beside him, Bruce chuckled and patted Terry on the shoulder. The strong grip of the once again young man made Terry jump.
"Come on, I'll make some coffee." And Bruce was already in the hallway, heading to the kitchen.
Terry smiled to himself. Along with Bruce's new age was a new attitude. He was more open and not as harsh. Grated, he was still hard on Terry, still serious, but not all the time, not as much.
"Come on Ace," Terry said and the black dog followed happily, walking close to Terry.
As Terry followed Bruce through the halls, the normal dark house seemed…more at ease, more cheerful. He couldn't put his finger on it, but something was most definitely different.
Terry could smell the coffee as he walked into the kitchen, not too far behind Bruce. The usually dark kitchen was brightly lit that evening and it was warm as well, like the oven had been on recently. Smiling to himself, Terry went to sit down.
"Hold on," Bruce said, glancing back and smiling. Terry froze and stared back at Bruce. Never in his life had he ever felt such a reaction to a smile. Blushing a little, Terry mumbled a "what?"
"Why don't you take a shower and get warm before going on your round. The coffee won't be done until after you get out." Bruce suggested and Terry blushed again.
Sure he had used Bruce's shower before, but now…this was different. Bruce was no longer the old man he had known and the small "attraction" and grown into something even more. At least, now that he had somewhat of a chance. Perhaps not as many people would frown upon it because the age difference was different now…sort of.
"Alright." Terry mumbled and walked out of the warm kitchen, thinking about Bruce's young smile.
However, Terry wasn't the only one thinking about someone. Back in the kitchen Bruce sighed and looked down at Ace, who lay relaxed on the kitchen floor. Bruce had to admit that ever since Terry stepped into his life, he felt…more alive. And he had soon found that he was relapsing back into his old ways. Every time Terry would walk in with those tight jeans of his on, or the bat suit, Bruce had to remain focused, but found it very difficult.
And ever time Bruce heard Terry cry out in pain during a fight his heart would jump. Every time Terry went to go handle a case, his adrenaline would run high. Bruce's attraction to the young male had tuned into affection as well. But, there was a problem, well two actually. One, the age difference was insanely separate. And well, he wasn't sure Terry would ever think that way about a guy.
Slowly though, Bruce started to realize that as the two became closer, Terry began to change. And in the way Bruce wanted it too. And ever since the "accident" Terry had been more open about those feelings he had tried to hide so well. But, Terry should know, it was hard to hide anything from Bruce.
And hiding was what Terry had been trying to do. But Bruce saw the signs way before Terry even spoke to him at the door. There was something bugging the teen, well something more then just graduation. It put a wall of anger and sadness in the teen's eyes and Bruce saw it right away.
Now that Bruce was young again, the age difference wasn't that much of a big deal anymore. At least, not in physical appearance. There would be some, of course, who would still strongly object. Because in reality, the age difference was still the same, just it was harder to tell. A lot harder. However, Bruce had no intention of letting that get in the way. He had made the mistake of letting someone he loved get away too many times. He wouldn't do it again.
"What do you think boy?" Bruce asked Ace. The black dog just whined and wagged his tail, lifting his head to look at Bruce squarely in the face.
At that Bruce looked out the window at the quickly falling snow. The snowfall had suddenly turned into a blizzard in the past couple of hours. Frowning, Bruce considered if it would be safe for Terry to go out or not.
A couple minutes later after no decision, Bruce turned on the TV, deciding that the public would choose Terry's fate.
"Well Jim," the women news reporter began, just after the weather finished, "I wouldn't want to be out and about tonight."
The handsome man next to her nodded and smiled, "yes, I certainly agree, I don't even think Batman could survive out there tonight folks."
Bruce clicked off the TV at that and smirked while doing so. The reports may have been exaggerating, but still, Bruce did agree that it was risky to send Terry out. Risky enough that something could possible happen to him. Beside him, from the floor, Ace barked and wagged his tail, as if agreeing with the news reporters.
"Don't worry boy, I won't send him out." And Bruce knelt down and rubbed Ace behind his ears.
No, Bruce had other plans with Terry tonight. Infact, it had nothing to do with the city at all. Just him and Terry. With the blizzard getting worse by the hour, Bruce won't allow Terry to go home. He would have to spend the night. And Bruce was done being old. He was young and hot-blooded once again. There was no way in hell as he going to pass up a chance so good to grab.
Yay! End of Chapter. Not much going on here either, BUT at least we find out that Bruce wants Terry just the same. Sorry I haven't updated in awhile. Schools been a major drag down. Well anyway, thank you all for reading my story! I really do enjoy the fed-back you all give. Please keep on reading and reviewing!! Much love, and untill next time!
But wait! Want to know what happens in the next chapter? (haha, sounds like a lame cheesy TV show...lol!) Well, I'm not entirely sure right now. However, Will Terry and Bruce finally get out eachothers "secrets"? And just how long will this snow storm last for?
