Disclaimer: I do not own Batman, or Christian Bale, or anything related to either them or DC comics! I am not making any money off of this! It's merely for my own entertainment, and hopefully to entertain others in the process! Thank you!
...|| May 18, 1990 Gotham International Airport, Gotham City, Gotham ||...
The Captain had just come over the intercom announcing the jet was due to land in Gotham in a little over two hours. Babette was so excited she could barely stand it. They were still over ocean, but it was a better view than white clouds they'd been flying over for the past forever. Babette had been to many places in her life, but she had never been to America and here she was, on her way to Gotham, one of the largest, most well-known cities in the nation. She was more than anxious to see it.
Alright, maybe it wasn't just the prospect of seeing Gotham that made her anxious and maybe it wasn't excitement that prevented her from getting any sleep during the 14 hour long flight. Maybe, just maybe, it was the overwhelming fear of being trapped in such a small cramped space, with no possible exits that made her anxious to be anywhere but on this jet. So small that if anything were to happen there was no where else to go, no open space to run, no real air to breathe. The plane was cramped, the oxygen fake, recycled and processed. It had taken almost the entirety of the trip to calm herself down enough to be able to breathe without fear of hyperventilating. Stupid claustrophobia. It was an idiotic fear which made Babette feel childish and ridiculous.
If Maggie hadn't been here with her, she didn't know what she would do. The maid was her best friend. Always knew how to make her feel better or to make her laugh in the worst of circumstances. Babette would definitely call this a bad circumstance, which is what made Maggie's presence all the more dear to her.
"You're actin' as if you ain' never seen the ocean 'efore, love." Babette startled as Maggie plopped down into the seat next to her. She had thought the maid was still sleeping. Maggie chuckled. "Are you alright, darling? Did I give you a fright, then?"
"You did not frighten me, Maggie. Just gave me a start is all." Babette closed the curtain of the window and took a deep breath before turning to the older woman. "Did you sleep well?"
Maggie nodded, "Aye. Your father's jet has quite comfortable accommodations for overnight traveling." As if to exaggerate her point, Maggie stretched and sighed. "How about you, Miss? Did you rest any?"
Babette smiled but didn't say anything. She merely turned towards the window again and opened the curtain. She could now see land approaching in the distance, skyscrapers the works. Her anxiousness to be on solid ground almost overwhelmed her.
"You didn't sleep at all, did you?" Maggie persisted. Babette shook her head. "And why the bloody hell not?" Maggie did not swear often, so Babette clearly understood the severity of her concern. As if it was unthinkable to not have rested at all.
A soft shrug of her shoulders was Babette's only response. Maggie crossed her arms and almost glared. Babette sighed, "Do not look at me in that tone of voice, Maggie. I cannot breathe in this place. I try to shut my eyes and everything closes in around me. I can feel every bump, every hitch, every mechanical glitch. I am trapped inside this steel cage. No rest will come until I can breathe the real air again."
Maggie smiled sympathetically and placed her hand on Babette's shoulder, meant for comfort. "Sorry, love. I forget sometimes."
Babette inhaled a deep breath again and turned to Maggie where she gave her a soft smile, "It is alright. We should be landing shortly. I will be fine 'til then. Are you excited to see your brother?"
Maggie grinned, "Alfred? I 'aven't seen him in years. You could say I'm very happy to be seeing my older brother. I'm definitely looking forward to tormenting him all summer. That is what little sister's are for after all."
"But, Maggie, you are a grown woman, not some little girl..."
"So? What's that got ta do wif anythin'? You can grow older and wiser, but once you become a little sister you'll always be a little sister."
Babette giggled at the older woman. "I suppose you have a point, ma ami."
"Besides," Maggie continued, sounding proud of herself. "What kind of sister would I be able to call myself if I didn't torment my older brother at every chance I got? I don't get too many of 'em, ya know?"
Babette chuckled again before she leaned over to share a hug with her best friend. "Thank you for coming with me, Maggie. I do not know what I would do for the summer without you."
Maggie pulled back, "Ah, nonsense that. Even without me, there'd still be Alfred. And of course, don't forget young Master Wayne."
Forget? How could she possibly forget? Even as far away as France, Bruce Wayne "the young Prince of Gotham" was a known celebrity. And here she was, about to be spending the entire summer at his mansion in Gotham City.
Babette might have made a couple tabloids when she was first adopted into a known and wealthy French family, and her history and future might have come into sharp retrospect and even controversy, but that wasn't who she was. Babette had the humblest of upbringings. The whole wealth and fame thing was entirely new to her. Even after a year she still felt awkward in it. The only reason she attended most of the galas, balls or events that she was invited to was because it seemed to make her mother so happy.
The Leclairs had lost their biological daughter in a car accident some long years ago. They had called Babette's near-fatal accident a blessing in disguise, for it had led her to them. To a family that would love and accept everything about her. Babette had told Remy her entire life's story, from St. Barbara's Abbey to running away and ending up on a boat bound for Beijing and everything in-between. Even after everything she'd been through, Babette expected him to cast her out, to drop her off at some public orphanage to rid them of her history, her baggage. So when Remy Leclair had shed a few tears then wrapped her up in the warmest, strongest hug she'd ever received, Babette cried like she had never cried before. She wept in sorrow for her lost childhood; in joy for a hopeful future. He accepted her; had looked at her with nothing but caring and love in his eyes.
Babette had knowingly omitted certain details about Ra's and the League of Shadows - she had no intentions of ever revealing that part of her life to anyone - instead she'd told him a group of thugs had taken her to their hideout. This really wasn't far from the truth. She said that she'd managed to get free and jumped out a window to escape, unaware of the sharp and long drop down the mountain on the other side. Again, she technically wasn't lying, she just wasn't telling the whole truth.
Mignonette had obviously missed having a daughter to dress up and parade around to society, for she had taken to Babette like Bees to honey, trying to make her the little Debutante like Minnie herself had been once upon a time. Between studying and physical therapy, Mignonette filled Babette's schedule with everything from Etiquette instruction, to Public Speaking. Then, when the physical therapy had improved her condition enough to allow Babette to walk or stand on her own for extended periods of time, Minnie had insisted on formal dance instruction, as well as posturing and even modeling.
From coming out parties, to Royal balls, to private tutoring, Equivalency tests and applying for scholarships, Babette had, had an intense year. There had never seemed to be any down time for her. Even with Minnie's attempts to make their new daughter the Belle of the Ball in their circle of society, Babette was never able to just be a girl. Remy had seen the toll it was taking on his lovely new daughter. She would never complain, for that was the kind of person Babette was. She always put others before herself. So, before she left for the big world, settling into a path she was adamant to see through no matter how difficult, Remy had taken it upon himself to see she got some proper rest before taking the entire world on her shoulders.
When she had argued that she wanted to use the summer to get ahead in her learning that was when Remy came up with his brilliant idea. If she wanted to spend the summer with her nose stuck in some medical research or another, what better place to do it than a city where one of his former, and favorite students, had set up a very impressive medical and research foundation. She could study, and take a vacation at the same time.
Which is what led her here, traveling thousands of miles in an incredibly cramped, steel death trap, gliding miles above ground. Luckily though it was finally making its descent into Gotham.
Babette was beyond anxious, and even Maggie's presence wasn't enough to calm her nerves. It wasn't just the plane this time. Realization hit Babette hard that she was about to meet a couple complete strangers and spend an entire summer in someone else's home. What if they hated her for it?
"Don't worry, darlin'. We'll be on the ground any moment now."
Babette sighed, "That's not all that worries me, Maggie." Maggie waited patiently for her to continue at her own leisure. Babette went on to explain, "It is just... We are about to invade someone else's home for an entire summer. Papa did not contact your Alfred until last week! That is barely any notice at all!" A pause where Babette sighed in frustration. "If it were me... If I were him... If it was my summer some stranger was intruding on, I know I would be upset."
"Babette, listen to me, sweetheart!" Babette turned to meet Maggie's eyes where Maggie then placed her hand comfortingly on the younger girl's shoulder. "You are positively the warmest, kindest, most lovable person I know. If anyone is upset, trust me, they won't be for long once they've gotten to meet you."
Babette sighed again before she propped her elbow on her arm rest and rested her chin in the palm of her hand. She gazed forlornly out the window as the city of Gotham loomed ever nearer. "I hope you are right, ma ami..." I hope he likes me, she finished in her mind.
He hated her. He hadn't even met her yet and he already despised her. His entire summer was ruined all because some spoiled little rich-girl was overcome with some whim or fancy to spend the summer in Gotham City. No doubts she was used to daddy giving her everything she wanted. Then, just because the man was friends of his father, Bruce was the lucky bastard to have to put the little bimbo up for the season. Yeah, he was bitter and angry, but who would blame him? Spending an entire summer boarded up with some snooty French debutante, helping her choose which outfit made her hips look smallest, was not his idea of a good time, no sir.
It was all Alfred's fault, Bruce had decided. If the butler hadn't agreed without consulting him, they wouldn't be in this mess. Not to mention, if not for her, Bruce would be playing pool and having a burger with Rachel and other friend's down at "The Queue." Instead, he was stuck here in the waiting area outside Gotham International Airport, leaning against his family's limo, while Alfred stood on the curb with a sign that neatly read, "Babette Leclair." God, even her name made her sound like a bimbo.
Bruce had a clear image of Babette in his mind. She was around his height; blonde hair, stiff and plastered with product, and a Beret or some sort of designer hat which she would wear tilted on her head; wearing heels the size of Wayne Tower that she barely managed to walk in without killing herself; adorned in some designer dress or another the style of which that only made sense to other fashion designers. She would stroll through the airport like she owned the place with an attendant or two, or four, trailing behind her with the fifteen designer suitcases she brought with her even though it was only a simple summer trip. Undoubtedly two or more of the bags would be filled with make up and styling products, and another just for shoes.
"Alfred, what the hell have you gotten me into?" Bruce shouted across the ten yards or so that separated them.
Alfred unaware of Bruce's inner musings, turned to look back at the boy over his shoulder, a look of reprimand on his features, "I will ask you to mind your language, Master Bruce. We have already extended the invitation to Miss Leclair for the summer. It would be in terrible distaste of us to revoke it."
Bruce pushed off the limo and began stomping towards his Guardian, "We?" he asked incredulously. "We didn't extend anything! You did that all on your own. Without even consulting me, might I add? Most butlers would be fired for something like that."
"I suppose it's rather well for me, then, that you don't posses the ability to release any of the staff until your eighteenth birthday." Alfred grinned then chuckled to himself, while Bruce only crossed his arms and muttered curses under his breath.
He could understand the teenager's plight, but Alfred was sure Bruce would get over it quickly. If Babette was anything like his sister described her as, then the young man was in for a definite eye-opener.
"Ah, here they come!" Alfred suddenly said, making Bruce's attention focus on the exit from the airport.
Bruce groaned as a petite blonde in a blue dress suit and matching wide brimmed hat walked in their direction. She was carrying a large over-sized purse in one arm, and a small Pekingese in the other. When she was about fifteen feet from them, the girl extended her arm and waved enthusiastically. Bruce groaned again and tried to mentally prepare himself to force pleasantries when they meet. He moved as if to greet her when she veered off unexpectedly. She avoided Bruce and Alfred entirely to make her way around the limo where she approached a sharply dressed man whom she shared a passionate embrace with.
Bruce shook his head and sighed. When he turned back around his focus caught on girl in a wheelchair who was being pushed by an airport attendant. She was talking adamantly to the woman next to her, who was pushing a trolley with two large pieces of luggage resting on it.
Once the trio breached the exit doors and passed the majority of airport pedestrians, the attendant paused and the girl took the cane the older woman offered her as she stood up slowly. The young man who'd been pushing her winked at her as he said something that made her laugh. He was obviously trying to catch her fancy, but she didn't seem interested at all when she simply handed him a few dollars tip. Bruce couldn't blame the man for trying though. The girl was definitely a pretty one. She was dressed very plainly in a simple pair of dress jeans and a green blouse. It was her eyes and hair that made her stand out so much. She had a luscious mane of the purest ebony Bruce had ever seen, which only served to accent the twin pools of cerulean blue that served as her eyes. Most women would pay hundreds to thousands of dollars to get hair like hers, but just looking, Bruce could tell it was natural to her.
Bruce should be using this time to try to spot the approaching bane of his summer, but his focus couldn't seem to stray from the young girl. She walked with a bit a limp, favoring her left leg, and she leaned heavily on a cane that she was obviously familiar to using.
As they walked, the young girl and the woman next to her talked adamantly. When something the older woman said made the girl laugh, Bruce smiled for the first time since Alfred broke the news to him about his summer. The girl's entire face lit up when she smiled and Bruce couldn't help but think to himself how much he wished he could be responsible for making her do it again.
So caught up in his speculation was he, Bruce missed when Alfred moved away from him. When the older woman traveling with the Girl caught sight of Alfred, she grinned widely and picked up her pace some to meet the butler in a fond embrace.
"It is so good to see you, Alfred," Bruce heard the woman say, and finally he shook himself from his reverie and began taking stock of the developing situation.
"It has been far too long, Marjory, my dear." The young girl smiled behind them, which then turned into a full on grin when Alfred turned his attention to her. "Aw. And this must be the young Miss Leclair we've heard so much about." Bruce looked up sharply and glanced from Alfred to the girl and back several times. This couldn't possibly be her. This girl was nothing like he had pictured.
"Marjory speaks so much about you, I feel like I know you already," Alfred finished by taking her hand and bowing over it. Bruce fought another smile when Alfred's actions made the girl blush softly.
"S'il vous plait, Monsieur Alfred... I prefer simply, Babette." She smiled.
Alfred returned her smile, "Of course, Babette, but then you must call me Alfred." Babette nodded and shared a glance with Maggie where both women giggled at a joke no one else was privy to.
"And I feel the same way, Alfred. Maggie speaks often about her older brother. I am so happy to finally meet you!" Her smile and tone were genuine.
"Alfred?" Bruce asked from behind them, confusion and incredulity clear in his tone.
"Ah, forgive me Master Bruce. It is my pleasure to introduce you to my beloved sister, Marjory Pennyworth." Maggie took Bruce's hand firmly where the young boy said a brief greeting and nodded his head with a smile. "And this," Alfred continued, taking Babette's left hand where he placed it in the crook of his elbow, "This is the young Miss Babette Leclair. Our very special, very lovely house guest for the summer." Alfred winked, making Babette chuckle.
Babette extended her hand to Bruce, "It is very nice to meet you, Bruce. I cannot express enough how grateful we are to you for welcoming us into your home. I would like to apologize for the short notice, but I fear once my father gets an idea in his head, he simply acts upon it." She smiled tentatively.
Bruce just gazed at her until Alfred nudged him in the shoulder and whispered harshly, "Master Bruce!"
Bruce shook his head of his thoughts then took her hand. "Welcome to Gotham, Babette," he said, not having to force the smile as hard as he thought he would have had to upon meeting 'Babette Leclair'. "Surely, Gotham's summer will be far brighter than usual with such beautiful radiance lighting up the city."
Babette's cheeks flushed a light crimson, "Merci. I look forward to it."
Alfred smiled to himself and exchanged a knowing glance with his sister who wore an identical grin. "I trust everything's alright then, Marjory? We expected you about fifteen minutes ago," the man inquired.
"Yes, everything's fine." Maggie spared a glance to Babette, as if asking her a question with just a look.
Babette knew what that look meant. Her handicap was a very sensitive subject for her. In fact it was because of her they had been late. Maggie nor Babette meant to worry Alfred with their tardiness, so Maggie was in essence asking if it was alright with Babette if she explained.
"I had a bit of a spill inside," Babette supplied in Maggie's place. "Which is rather remarkable considering I cleared the entire stairwell from the jet without incident." She grinned, attempting to ease her own discomfort.
"A spill?" Alfred's eyebrow raised in question. "What do you mean? What sort of spill? Do you require my handkerchief?"
Babette chuckled but shook her head. " Non, non. Not that sort of spill. I mean I, uh, collapsed."
"My word," Alfred gasped. "Will you be alright?"
"Oui, monsieur. I am perfectly fine. Nothing was injured save for my pride." She smiled. "It was rather unexpected. I thought for certain if anything of the sort would happen it would be coming down the stairs from the jet. However, it was not until we got inside the terminal that my hip, and therefore my leg just suddenly decide they do not wish to work any longer." Babette grinned, softly chuckling at herself. "The airport staff would not let us proceed until they brought me a rolling chair, hence why we were late. I am very sorry."
"Oh, no, Babette. Do not apologize. Just as long as you are sure everything is fine?" At Babette's warm smile and nod, Alfred returned the gesture before continuing, "So let us gather the rest of your luggage, then we can be on our way."
"No need, Alfred. It's all right here." Maggie indicated the luggage cart next to her.
Bruce and Alfred both eyed the two bags skeptically. Though they were both large and over-sized, definitely the kind you would normally have to Check on a commercial flight, Bruce had thought there would be at least a few more, as had Alfred apparently. So, apart from the medium sized carrier each woman possessed, the two bags were it. Yet another aspect of Babette Leclair that surprised him. And yet another thing Bruce had assumed incorrectly.
By all intents and purposes, he should have been pleased that his assumptions were wrong. However, having so strongly cast a negative image of her in his mind before he even met her, an image that was proving to be less and less accurate, this left Bruce feeling more than a little guilty. He wanted so bad to have a million reasons to not like her, but upon actually meeting her, those reasons were coming up a little short. And it all made Bruce a little angry. Even though Babette Leclair was proving him wrong, he argued to himself, she was still intruding on his summer. He had every right to hold a grudge.
"Well that's perfect then!" Alfred pushed the cart to the trunk of the limo where he lifted both bags inside, then closed it afterward. He then walked around to open the rear door for Babette. She smiled at the butler before slowly sliding inside. Alfred grinned sheepishly at Bruce as the young man slid in after her. Alfred then looked to his sister, waiting, "Well, my dear?"
Maggie smiled before leaning her head inside the door to look at the two teens, "Cozy are we?" Babette nodded, "Well, darling. I'm gonna let you two get acquainted back here, while I sit up with Alfred." At Babette's questioning stare, Maggie continued, "We haven't seen one another in some time and I'd like to spend a little time catching up before we get to the manor."
Babette nodded in understanding. Maggie smiled and closed the door before walking to the passenger door and sliding in next to an already buckled Alfred. "You sure that's wise, Marjory?"
Maggie grinned, "They'll either exit this car as better friends, or completely at each other's throats. Either way it should make for an entertaining summer." They both chuckled.
As the car pulled out of the airport terminal, there was silence in the back seat. Bruce was sitting on the seat between the doors, and Babette was seated sideways facing the side window. The time passed in silence. Awkward silence.
Babette was far too shy to say anything, especially thinking that Bruce was more than likely upset at her for being here. She found herself wishing, not for the first time since leaving her home in Marseilles that this summer would end already so she could get on with her studies. She wished even more so now that she was actually here. An entire summer imprisoned in the home of the 'Prince of Gotham,' who seemed to already hate her, was not Babette's idea of a good time.
Even without words being exchanged, Bruce was having a harder and harder time staying angry at the situation. She was obviously not what he had expected. Bruce had thought Babette Leclair would be obnoxious, flashy, and a spoiled brat. Not this demure, soft-spoken butterfly sitting across from him right now. She was obviously shy. Bruce still couldn't get that image of her smiling and laughing out of her head. She hadn't smiled since they left the airport. Bruce couldn't help but feel bad about that, though he didn't know why.
She was avoiding eye contact with him, and Bruce feared that she might think his silence as a sign that he didn't want her here. Maybe that's how the day had started, and how Bruce had expected it to end, but as Alfred kept on telling him, the day might surprise you.
Bruce didn't know how to break the silence comfortably, so he went with the first thing that came to his head, "So what's with the cane?"
"Pardonnez moi?" Babette looked up and shook her head, "I mean, excuse me?"
"The cane?" Bruce pointed towards the cane resting against the seat next to her. It was not shiny like similar walking canes. In fact it seemed to absorb the light, not reflect it. It was the flat-black paint that probably caused it. "Is it really for practical use or just a show?"
Babette looked at her cane then picked it up, "I always keep it handy in case I may need it."
"Like today?" Bruce inquired before holding out his hand to the cane. Babette nodded to him before answering his unvoiced request by handing her cane to him.
Looking more closely, Bruce noticed a subtle dark green design etched into the length of the entire cane. The design was an Abalone shell inset in a vine and leaf pattern with small violet flower shapes speckling its surface. Obviously someone had taken personal care to create this for her. "'In case you may need it'? Why exactly would you need it?" He handed it back to her.
She took her cane back with an awkward smile, setting it next to her on the seat before looking back at him with a questioning gaze. "A long story short," she posed it like a question, but she continued without waiting for an answer. "I have eight pins, along with a few other artificial supports keeping my left hip intact. The pain can flare up unexpectedly, which is where the cane comes in." She shrugged as if talking about the most insignificant or normal of subjects.
Bruce frowned. What the hell could have happened to her that would require having eight pins put in her hip? "So let me guess... Clearance sale at Dolce and Gabbana, you nabbed the last handbag and a group of blood thirsty fashionistas mobbed you?"
A frown creased Babette's brow, "Non." Uh oh. One simple word and she sounded offended. "That's not how it happened at all," she finished. Bruce felt even more guilty now because of the look on her face. He had only been joking in an attempt to alleviate some of the awkwardness that had settled between them. He hadn't meant to offend her.
Before he could apologize, however, Babette continued, "There was no Dolce and Gabbana handbag involved whatsoever."
Bruce thought he had really upset her. He had to say something, and fast, "Look, I know there was no D and G bag, I was only-"
Babette held up her hand, cutting him off abruptly. Great, here would come the shouting. "The fact that you think I would possibly be interested in anything those clouts at Dolce and Gabbana would ever create is insulting. However, if you must know Mister Wayne?" She paused, where she crossed her arms angrily over her chest before continuing, "The accident actually came about over a matter of a limited edition yellow-leather Louis Vuitton coat." Babette had the most difficult time keeping a straight face after that last part, but long sleepless nights spent playing cards with her father had taught her a thing or two about pulling off a convincing bluff. Her angry disposition never faltered.
Bruce blinked several times as his brow furrowed deeply together in confusion. "What?" Oh god. She was one of those fashion obsessed debutantes after all? He was right! Oh God, please, someone kill him now!
That was it. Babette could not contain herself any longer. Quite unexpectedly she burst out laughing; the horrified and painful looks spreading over Bruce's face were simply proving too much for even her to handle. After a long, horrifying moment Bruce finally realized that Babette had turned his own joke back around onto him, and he couldn't stop himself from joining in her mirth. For a moment there, however, a part of Bruce was horrified that she was being serious. The girl was good.
When some of their giggling subsided, Babette gripped her stomach and attempted speaking, "Oh you should have seen your face, Bruce. When the words 'Louis' and 'Vuitton' passed my lips, I swear it was as if someone had just pointed a gun at your 'ead."
Bruce swiped at a tear under his eye, "I will admit you had me going there. For a moment I thought 'Holy crap, she really is some stuck up, spoiled rich girl.' I almost had a heart attack."
Babette sighed, frowning slightly, "Did you really think so?"
Bruce had the smarts to look sheepish, "Honestly? Yeah. I did at first. I had this whole image of you in my head before I even met you. Big hair, fake smile, with a train of luggage you couldn't possibly need. Daughter of a big name, and big money. You know? An heiress. The type of girl who thinks the sun shines out of her butt?"
Babette giggled, "I know the type, unfortunately. I have met many of them this past year. I am forced to run in the same circles as most of them. My mother has been hoping I would follow their lead, become le Grande Debutante just as she had been at my age. I disappoint her when I am not excited about attending Royal Fashion shows, or dating every wealthy enculé that looks my way." Bruce's eyes widened slightly and he chuckled at her choice of swears. Babette sighed, "Forgive my language. I suppose that is not very lady like of me." They both chuckled together. "I am never certain, however, if I should be happy or regretful that I disappoint her so."
"Oh, happy. Definitely," Bruce supplied for her.
Babette looked up, surprised, "Oh? Do you really think so?" At Bruce's nod she continued, "Why? She is my mother! Should I not try to please her by being more like the other girls? More like she had been?"
Bruce shook his head fervently. "Definitely not! Daughters of royalty, wealth or fame are a dime a dozen. They look the same, talk the same, wear the same clothes, eat at the same restaurants, watch the same shows. They all act like they're something special, but when it really comes down to it; they're all exactly the same. You've met one Deb, you've met 'em all."
"That's quite a cynical point of view for one so young as us, do you not think?"
"Yeah well." Bruce shrugged and leaned back in the seat. "Up until about 1:30 this afternoon, that was exactly how I felt."
Babette felt encouraged by his statement and she smiled. "And now? What happened to change your mind?"
Bruce met her gaze and smiled, "It's sorta crazy how one person can turn your entire outlook on certain things completely upside down with a simple smile and a hello." Babette's smile turned into a full on grin that Bruce returned, so glad to see her 1000 watt smile again. Bruce twined his hands behind his head and leaned back on them, closing his eyes, trying to relax. Tensions had settled between them, and the air was much clearer. You could say comfortable. However, that didn't mean he couldn't tease her any more, "Of course, that doesn't mean I'm ready to forgive you for pervading yourself on my summer holiday."
Babette's grin faded and she crossed her arms. She couldn't believe the nerve of him. And she thought they were getting along too. When a grin broke out on Bruce's face, and he peaked open one eye to gage her reaction, however, Babette realized the joke in her expense. She rolled her eyes at him but more at herself for falling so easily. He was teasing her obviously.
Two could play at that game, however. "It was hardly my decision, I assure you."
Bruce opened both eyes to look at her, the smugness still in his features, "Oh, come on. Like you didn't ask daddy if you could spend the summer in Gotham? As if it's just some big coincidence our families happen to know each other?"
"I did not say that. What I meant was that coming here was not my idea. I wanted to spend these months in a summer pre-course for the program I am starting in the Fall. However, in order to have my father's consent to attend Medical School at Oxford, I had to agree to take this summer off and 'relax'." She hyphenated the word 'relax' with finger quotes in the air. "Coming here was simply a chosen middle ground. He would get me on a vacation, and I would have first hand accessibility to Thomas and Martha Wayne's work, right here in Gotham City."
Bruce was practically speechless after such an admission. "You came here to study my parents?" He could feel his ego deflating, then he remembered something else, "And wait! What do you mean you're starting Medical School in the fall? You're only 15!" Obviously, she was pulling his leg.
"Sixteen actually. And I just so happen to be a genius." Babette scrunched up her nose as if in thought, then continued, " 'Prodigy' I believe is the technical term." She coughed into her hand, trying desperately to hide her grin.
"Oh really? Well, I'm sure a large contribution by daddy to your university of choice was a huge help."
"Normally, you would think so. But actually I passed out of all the advanced equivalency tests just this past November. The only reason I am not enrolled in university at this exact time is because I wanted to find my own way. Fortunately for me, I just received the Stradivarius Scholarship."
"You can't be serious?!" But she was. Very serious. Bruce couldn't imagine someone deliberately wanting to start such a difficult life journey so soon.
"Oui, I am."
"But why? Surely your father is able to cover your tuition a dozen times over. Why go through all the extra work for a scholarship? Especially one as hard as the Stradivarius!" Babette was definitely proving to be one of the most intriguing people Bruce had ever met. A child of privilege, yet unwilling to use it.
Babette smiled and shook her head softly, "Some of us were not born with the silver spoons in our mouths, Bruce. Just because I find myself in the extraordinary position to possess anything I never dreamed existed, does not mean I want it. Learning, studying and school were my only comforts growing up. I had to make my own way in this world long before my parents rescued me, and I will continue to forge my own path for much more time to come." Once she realized what she had let slip, Babette immediately regretted saying it the instant it left her mouth. She just met this boy, and here she was practically giving away her entire sordid history with one sentence.
"Ever since they 'rescued you'? What does that mean?"
Babette sighed, "Does it matter? The road behind is insignificant. I am here, you are here, we are here. The only things that matter are the journey, the destination and the people you affect along the way."
That was not enough for Bruce, though. He was an intelligent young man, despite the persona he reflected at times. He realized this 'rescue' she speaks of might be how she hurt herself. He persisted, "How did you hurt your leg, Babette?"
Babette crossed her arms over her chest, "I don't remember." She crossed her legs and turned away from him, pretending to stare out the window.
"You can pull a convincing bluff, but we're not so good at the lying part, now, are we?"
"Va te faire foutre, je ne m'inquiète pas. Tout simplement parce que vous obtenez normalement tout ce que vous voulez, cela ne signifie pas que je vais vous dire quelque chose." Babette mumbled under her breath.
"Excuse me?" The only thing Bruce really caught in all of that were a few choice words that translated loosely to 'Screw you!' in French. Of course that was toning it down quite a bit. Apparently he'd touched a sore spot.
"Vous avez entendu ce que j'ai dit. Je ne veux pas te parler plus longtemps, donc vous pouvez aller en enfer."
"I can't understand what you're saying?..." Bruce responded, growing more and more frustrated at this turn of events. They'd been getting on so well. Why did he always have to push?
"C'est l'idée, imbécile. Peut-être que si je continuer à parler en français assez longtemps, vous aurez un message et d'arrêter de me harceler?" Babette knew she was probably overreacting a bit, but she'd accidentally opened a very sensitive, very deep wound. She had no desire to lay herself so bare to some boy she just met.
"Why are you acting like this? It was just a simple question," Apparently a very, VERY sore spot. "Look I'm sorry I ever said anything! Jesus!"
Babette sighed heavily and rubbed at her face, her jaw muscles clenching to fight back a few tears. She looked up at him and sighed heavily. She wanted to apologize for her behavior but before she could say anything, the privacy screen began rolling down catching both teens attention.
"Everything alright back here?" Maggie's voice echoed through the car's cabin.
Bruce and Babette exchanged a long look, but it was Bruce who answered, "We're fine."
"We heard raised voices?" That came from Alfred.
"Babette and I were just discussing some of the things we could do this summer."
"Oh, really? You've been talking about what you're gonna do this summer, eh?" Maggie smiled at Babette, even going so far as to wink. "Like what?"
"Well... I was just telling her about Eliche Gardens and it's twelve story tall roller coaster. The idea seemed to be exciting her some, hence the loud voices."
Babette smiled at Maggie and nodded her head. Maggie grinned, "Well that sounds like a right bit of fun, don' it? I'm sure you'd both have a lovely time!"
Babette smiled again, "Oui. I have never been on a... uh... 'roller coaster' before."
"Don't worry." Bruce gained Babette's attention again. He was glad to see some of the previous tension drain from her features. "I'll be sure to hold your hand." He winked, which actually made Babette blush softly. Was it terrible of him to delight in making her do that?
Well that was one crisis averted. Maggie leaned through the privacy screen window and aimed her focus towards Babette. She engaged the young girl in a conversation in Babette's own language.
'Are you alright, dear? You seem a little... upset...' Maggie half frowned. She knew Babette better than most so she could tell when something was wrong.
'Yes, I'm fine, Maggie. I am just really, very tired.' Babette responded with a sorrowful tone.
Maggie tilted her head to the side and pursed her lips together, 'Are you sure that's all that's bothering you, sweetheart?'
Babette sighed heavily, and then glanced sidelong at Bruce before directing her attention back to Maggie. 'Can we talk about it later, Maggie? I am seriously far too exhausted to go into it right now. Perhaps when more of the pain has subsided and I can put some ice on my hip I will be in a more expressive mood?'
"Very well then, love. I understand." Maggie smiled and took Babette's hand in a show of comfort and support. "Well, me old chap here says we're only about twenty more minutes out from Wayne manor so we'll have plenty of opportunity for rest shortly."
"Tres bien. Merci, Maggie." Babette returned her smile, appreciating the maid's complete understanding.
"For now, I'm gonna roll this back up darlin' so us old folks can get back to our gossipin' and you two can get back to the canoodlin'!" Maggie winked at Bruce, who smirked, while Babette looked positively scandalized.
"Maggie?!" Babette whined.
"Ta, darling." The privacy screen rolled back up as Babette shook her head at her older- but at times more immature -friend.
"Canoodling?" Bruce had one lone eyebrow raised in question and that same adorably annoying smirk on his face. Babette could only roll her eyes as a slight blush crept up her cheeks.
Bruce moved to open the mini fridge across from where Babette was sitting. He grabbed two cans of pop, then sat back down on the seat next to Babette. He extended the second can to her, "Care for a drink?"
Babette smiled and took the offered beverage. Normally she did not drink carbonated beverages, but she was supposed to be on vacation, right? She decided to live a little. "Thank you." She took the can from him after he popped it open for her.
The two settled back into a light conversation for the remainder of the trip to Wayne Manor. By the time they arrived at his home, Bruce's entire concept of Babette Leclair had been dashed. Not only did she surprise him in almost every way, but there were so many things about her that boggled him to no end. She definitely had that closed off, mysterious thing going for her. She had a history though she was very reluctant to talk about it. Which, obviously, only made Bruce want to uncover that mystery even more. Sure, he could read all the tabloids he wanted, but he doubted very much that any of them even touched base on the most recent addition to the Leclair name.
If Bruce was to be honest with himself, he couldn't say he wasn't attracted to her. She wasn't drop-dead-gorgeous, sex-on-legs or anything like that, no. Nor did she try to be. Babette had this demure and graceful air of mystery and beauty about her. Her's was a classic beauty; the kind one expected to find in works of Michaelangelo, and DaVinci. (Or even in one of those pin-up novels from the 20's and 40's?) It was obvious the girl had no real idea just how beautiful she was, and to be honest, that only made her all the more appealing.
Rachel aside, Babette was the first girl in a long time who Bruce had ever wanted to really get to know better. Physical attributes aside, Babette had one of the most attractive minds Bruce had ever encountered. She was obviously smart; going for a medical degree at the young age of sixteen at one of the most highly ranked universities in the world with one of the most difficult scholarships to get in the history of mankind? There was no question in his mind that she was smart; which, since he was still being honest with himself, did intimidate him slightly. Bruce was no dunce, but he wasn't in the top percent of any sort of academics either. Granted, that was partly due to lack of trying, but that's hardly the point.
Babette was a hard cookie to crack. Several parts of her demeanor were slightly contradictory which secretly fascinated Bruce. She was incredibly shy, yet very well spoken and quick to temper. She was the daughter of a very wealthy and influential family, with enough money to give her the most glamourous life she could imagine, yet she seemed to want little to no part of it. She was passionate about her studies, her goals and desires and driven to see them through, but she talked about it as if it were an every day thing. Her sense of humour was sarcastic and a bit dry which Bruce found incredibly adorable. He could even imagine her as a total social klutz, especially since she seemed to have no trouble speaking her mind when she felt strongly about something, which was a trait Bruce admired. Some people, however did not see the value in such a trait. She seemed very curious and intuitive, with a hidden adventurous streak which Bruce was looking forward to tapping into.
Yep. Bruce Wayne would definitely have to watch it this summer or he might just end up actually enjoying himself.
(A/N: Wow that was a bit of a doozy, huh? Some much needed Summer fun at Gotham Manor coming up. Hope you enjoyed! BTW Dark Knight has been playing like every night for the past week on one of the movie channels on TV so I've watched it quite a few times and it's really put me in a "Batman" mood which is why I've been writing so much for this fic! Hope ya'll enjoy it as much as I do!
Reader Poll **** Now if I could but take a second of your time, I have a question I would like to pose to everyone... A sort of poll as you will... So here it is, *ahem* Should I have the Joker kill Rachel just like in the movie, or should I write in a way to somehow keep her alive?****
I know I am not even close to the Dark Knight story line at this point, but I do have plot developed that far in my head. Therefore, I would like to know in advance what you, my reader's, think... For it may or may not influence my writing... kthx
As always any and all feedback is appreciated!
Cheers! =^.^=)
||French Translations||
Va te faire foutre, je ne m'inquiète pas. Tout simplement parce que vous obtenez normalement tout ce que vous voulez, cela ne signifie pas que je vais vous dire quelque chose.
~~Screw you, I don't care. Just because you normally get everything you want, does not mean I'm going to tell you anything.
Vous avez entendu ce que j'ai dit. Je ne veux pas te parler plus longtemps, donc vous pouvez aller en enfer.
~~You heard me. I don't want to talk about it any more, so you can go to hell.
C'est l'idée. Peut-être que si je continuer à parler en français assez longtemps, vous aurez un message et d'arrêter de me harceler?
~~That's the idea. Maybe if I continue speaking in French long enough, you'll get the message and stop pestering me?
encule ~~ cocksucker, fucker, bastard, wanker, etc. etc. etc.
Tres bien ~~ Very good
