Disclaimer: *sigh* Must we really do this every time? If I am the owner of the series- which I'm not- then I wouldn't make any fanfiction stories because it won't be fan fiction anymore~! T_T REVIEWS PLEASE~!
Warning: Long chapter ahead~!
Chapter 11: Friendly Visits (Part 1)
Bruce glared dangerously at the blond man standing in his doorway. Said blond man was grinning brightly, albeit a little bit nervous, holding a red headed child in his arms who was drooling in his sleep.
"I haven't agreed to anything, Allen."
"Ah, ah, ah…" Barry Allen aka The Flash sing-sang softly to his friend as he adjusted the kid in his arms, "…you also haven't said no to anything."
"Well then: NO."
"It's too late for that~"
"I already said 'no', now go away before I break your bones." Bruce growled.
"And I already said it's too late for that~ I'm already here!" Barry whined. "Come on Bruce, it's just for a little whi-"
"No."
"Bruuuuce~"
"Go away."
"But I have no one-"
"No. Go away."
"You're just repeating yourse-"
"And I'll repeatedly bash your head in that concrete over there if you-"
"Daddy~ who are you talking to? Who's at the door?"
Bruce's eyes widen and he pressed the already half- opened door closer to his body. He glared at Barry who had a ridiculously triumphant expression on his face as if to say 'VICTORY!' Barry opened his mouth to speak- and knowing him, he'll speak loud so Dick can hear him- but Bruce darted out a hand and clasped his hand over the speedster's mouth. He glared harder at him, silently warning him not to say or do anything stupid more than he usually does. Bruce turned his face to look down at Dick as the child came near him, pressing his large body to the door to block the child's view.
"Nothing, Dickie. Why won't you go and help Alfred in the kitchen?" He said sweetly. Barry's eyes widen at Bruce's sweet tone and pretended to vomit against Bruce's hand-
"That's what you always say when you don't want me to see something."
-and ended up guffawing. Bruce swiveled around to glare at him but it was already too late- the little tyke had heard him already.
"See? Who's at the door Daddy?" Dick pouts, crossing his arms and frowning up at his father.
Bruce could feel sweat breaking out of his forehead as his eyes flickered back and forth between his son and the intruder at the door. What's he going to do now? Barry really couldn't contain it anymore and he burst out laughing harder than before, he pulled away Bruce's hand from his mouth and shook with his laughter. Who would have thought that the great, dark, cold- hearted and emotionless Batman will freaked out just because of the possibility of his son meeting the great, handsome and lovable Flash?
"Daddy-"
"Dick, no-"
"Hello~! Little Bats−"
Dick quickly backed away from the door, looking apprehensive with wide eyes.
"AHHHHHHHHH!"
Silence reigned when Bruce's son suddenly screamed as soon as he saw Barry and scurried behind his father.
Bruce was instantly alarmed by this reaction and abandoned blocking the door to kneel in front of his child. "Dick, are you alright? What's wrong…?" Dick could only stare fearfully at him. "Dick?"
Outside the door, Barry blinked at Bruce, or at least where Bruce used to be, sometimes he seriously thought that the man had super speed himself. He looked down at his nephew who is still sleeping soundly despite Dick's loud and high pitched scream. He's soo cute, Barry thought as he slowly walks towards the door, determined to see what's wrong. He pushed the door more open and peeked inside; he saw Bruce kneeling before a doll like boy that looks unnervingly like Bruce himself. He blinked, There really will be no doubt that he is Bruce's son.
When Dick saw Barry entering the house, he screamed once again, pointing fearfully at the man. "EEEEK! It's Syndrome! He's the villain from the Incredibles!"
Both Bruce and Barry blinked, taking a moment to catch with what the kid is saying. When it did, the former tried his best to suppress his chuckles and failed miserably while the later one's jaw drops in surprise; both because of what Dick who thought him to be and because Bruce freaking Wayne, aka The freaking Batman, is laughing. It's not the end of the world yet, is it? He thought worriedly. Hey, wait a minute…
"I am not that fat, am I?" Barry asks, flabbergasted.
"With the amount of food you're always consuming, it's truly a miracle that you're not." Bruce quipped.
"I- I just happen to have fast metabolism!"
"Daddy wait," Dick said softly, making the two men look at him. "He's not Syndrome? Is that why you're not fighting him?"
Barry laughs. "No, kiddo. Gods I can't see myself being an egomaniac like him." At this, Bruce snorts which the speedster wisely chose to ignore. "My name's Barry Allen. Also known as the magnificent, always reliable, incredibly strong and extremely handsome−"
"Good afternoon Master Barry and his young guest. I must say this is a pleasant surprise."
Barry and Bruce turned to face the stairs where Alfred was going down holding a feather duster.
"Alfred!" Barry beamed. "Long time no see! Oh, it's so wonderful to see you!"
"It's wonderful to see you again too Master Barry. May I ask what brings you here?"
"Oh! You see-"
Bruce started. "It's nothing Alfred, he's just passing by and he's leaving now-"
"No! I'm not!"
Alfred raised an eyebrow between the two of them. Bruce glared at Barry who were looking elsewhere but at him. Alfred spotted Dick hiding behind his father, clutching Bruce's pants and looking down at the floor as if there was something interesting in there. The butler looked at the awkward scene in front of him and decided to take this matter into his own hands. He cleared his throat.
"Well, it is nearly time for lunch, Master Barry, I suggest you and your guest join us-"
"FOOD?! Oh gosh, where?! I'm STARVING!" Everyone, except Bruce and Alfred, jumped when an excited voice startled the peace that Alfred had just created. In his arms, the red headed child that Barry was carrying is now wide awake, looking around excitedly as if food is just hiding around the corner.
"Hehehe…" Barry grinned sheepishly at Alfred. "Wally calm down, mind your manners around here please."
The red headed child, now named Wally, looks up at his uncle. "But Uncle Barrryyyy, I'm starving~!"
Alfred chuckled to himself; another rambunctious child it seems, he and Master Dick will get along well he could feel it. He continued on his way downstairs to the kitchen. "Master Barry please wait at the living room; I shall bring some snacks there while I prepare for lunch."
Bruce gaped at his butler. "W-what? Alfred-"
"You do the same thing Master Bruce."
Barry laughed at his friend's expense and Bruce growled at him. Wally shrank back in his Uncle's arms. "Uncle Barry, what a scary man! Will he be my baby sitter for today?"
"I'm your- what?!" Bruce sputtered, nearly hissing. "Look here, kid…I'm not anybo-"
"Of course he is~!" Barry interrupted cheerfully. "Alfred- that nice, good, old man earlier- will help too!"
"Really? I got to stay in this castle?!" Wally gasped, and his Uncle nodded. "B-but Uncle Barry~! He's too scawyyy~!"
"MY DADDY IS NOT SCARY!"
Everybody jumps and turned to look at Dick who lets out the cutest squeak and hid further behind his Daddy's legs. Wally looked around wildly, twisting here and there in his Uncle's arms that Barry was forced to put him down on the floor.
"Where did that come from?" Wally asks confusedly. Bruce was looking down at his son, and his son is looking back at him with wide eyes. Thus, a silent conversation ensued.
Oopsie, I'm sorry Daddy…
It's fine Dickie, and as much as I hate to admit it that man is…my friend… and that child with him is his nephew...and he's going to stay with us for a few…hours…
I don't want to…
Why?
Barbara said that most kids are bullies.
Bruce clasped his son on his shoulder. I'm sure he's different…why won't you give it a try?
Before Dick could protest, Bruce had already turned around and was looking at Wally critically, Wally gulped and hid behind his Uncle, he feels like the scary man is analyzing him or something, it's like he's already dissecting Wally in his mind and was thinking for a way to deliciously cook him, like…Wally gasped and tug at his Uncle's hand incessantly.
"He's a vampire! Uncle Barry, he's a vampire! He's gonna drink our blood! And then he'll eat us! Uncle Barry let's go, let's go, let's go! He's gonna eaaaat us! RUUUUUN!"
Barry only laughed and didn't even budged a bit. "Hahaha, he may look like one but he's not silly." Wally look back at him disbelievingly. "He's not?"
Bruce look at Barry annoyed and the speedster only laughed harder.
"My Daddy is not a vampire…" Dick muttered from behind Bruce's legs, this time much quieter than before but still loud enough for everybody to hear. Wally swiveled around. "B-but Uncle? Where is that voice coming from?!"
Bruce sighed and gently pushed Dick forward, his son squeaked again and tried to struggle against his strong grip to no avail. Wally frowned at the wriggling mass in Bruce's hands but he gasped when the thing stopped wriggling and finally turned to face them.
"IT'S A DOLL!" Wally exclaimed, pointing at Dick unabashedly. "IT'S A LIVING, TALKING DOLL!"
"I- I'm not a…doll…" Dick mumbled with his head down, his face aflame, and looking at the floor.
Barry laughed again. He got to agree with his nephew, the kid do look like a living doll with his large, doll- like baby blue eyes, porcelain skin, soft, raven black hair and pinkish doll- like lips. "It seems it is, Wally."
"I said I'M NOT A DOLL!" Dick shouts, finally showing his blushing face upwards.
"MASTER DICK! IT IS RUDE TO SCREAM AT OUR GUESTS!" Dick paled and looked embarrassed, while everybody else flinched. "MASTER BRUCE! KINDLY TAKE THEM TO THE LIVING ROOM NOW!" Alfred screams from the kitchen.
Bruce's eyes widen while Barry nearly chocked in his own laughter. On the other hand, Wally approached Dick, who shrank against his father's legs.
"You're not…" Wall said softly to Dick, actually noticing that the younger kid is afraid of him, "a doll?"
Dick frowned at him, pouting. "No…I'm not."
Wally reached out a hand as if to touch his cheek, Dick only stared impassively at him as the ginger head ever sooo slowly and softly connected his pointer finger at Dick's plump, soft cheeks. Both children's eyes widen in surprise.
"Whoah! Such soft cheeks! You really are not a doll!"
"Of course not silly! Why would I be?! Come on, let's play! Come, come!" With that said Dick grabbed Wally's hand and tags him along in his wild run upstairs.
Bruce let out a sigh and smiled softly as his son drag their guest upstairs. That went well than he expected. He looked at Barry who was grinning at him cheekily. Bruce rolled his eyes at him and started upstairs. Okay fine, he'll be that speedster's brat babysitter for now…as long as he doesn't hurt Dick.
"Come on Allen, let's go upstairs."
"Ouch, Allen -so cold Bruce, call me Barry."
"No."
"Oh, well at least I tried." The Flash mumbled to himself.
30 minutes later
Barry watched from the sofa as the kids littered Bruce's living room with Dick's toys. He remembers earlier how he nearly chocked with Alfred's butterscotches cookies when he saw Wally's eyes nearly bulged out of his sockets when he saw Dick's obviously expensive and expansive collection of toys. He couldn't exactly blame his nephew; Dick's amount of toys is more than the amount of toys he had himself for his lifetime.
The speedster discreetly glanced at the bat, who was doing some paper works in the desk nearby. Barry chuckled to himself, he knew for a fact that Batman couldn't work if there was too much noise around him, and with the ruckus the kids are making he's sure as the Batcave exists that the big, bad bats of Gotham isn't doing anything. Bruce is just using his paper works as an excuse so he wouldn't deal with the kids. Barry glanced at his watch, he still had two hours to go before he had to leave. He glanced around at the living room and was struck with nostalgia.
So much had changed in here… Barry thought as he laid down on the sofa. Is this for real? This room used to feel so cold and lifeless but now… he looked at the playing kids, specifically at Dick and smiled, it must be the little Bat's fault…oh wait does he knows that Bruce is Batman? Oh well… I'll…just ask Bruce…later…It seems like…Bruce has gone…soft…like this…pillow…
Barry was brought back to the first time he met Bruce…or Batman.
It was an accident. Swear.
The Scarlet Speedster was following a lead about the strings of robbery happening around Central City− he got a sneaking suspicion it got a connection to the Rogues; particularly to Captain Boomerang. The lead, however, had led him to Gotham City.
And no, the great and mighty Flash is not afraid to some incarnation of the devil himself and night personified, no, not him. Those are his city's villains, so it's his responsibility to chase them down wherever they are and bring their criminal acts to justice. Even in the dark city of Gotham!
"What are you doing in my city?"
Yikes! Flash jumped when he heard the menacing voice and slowly turned around to face the dark part of the roof of the warehouse where the lead had led him to.
"U-uh…I- um… hi…!"
Two, slitted white eyes appeared out of the dark, glaring darkly at him, and a growl emanating from it. Flash gulped hard and he could acutely feel his legs shaking.
"Umm…there a-are …r-rob-robbers from m-my city w-ho…came here…so I, uh…was just on my way to, uh…fetch them and throw then into jail!" Flash finished in a rush.
"Leave."
Flash gaped disbelievingly at the dark. "What?! No way! I can't leave yet! I told you I have-"
"I'll handle them."
"But those guys are my responsibility!" Barry shrieked, almost sounding like a child whose candy got stolen. "Those guys are from my city!"
The shadow moved, Flash blinked as the eyes suddenly disappeared from his sight and then suddenly reappeared again, closer. Barry gulped again as the Batman made himself shown…the first thing he can see are the colorless eyes glaring right at him, followed by his imposing, muscular chest and body, and then the pointy horns…the demon got nearer and nearer to him until Flash's back hit a wall and Batman bent down to glare right through his eyes…
"Well you're in my city now."
With that said the Bat turned from him sharply, his black cape swishing behind him elegantly. Flash stood there frozen until he gathered his speeding wits.
"W- wait! Batman, wait!" Flash speeded in front of Batman, making the dark vigilant to stop in his tracks. Whoa, did he seriously did just that?! "Umm, uh I was thinking…uh, why don't we… you know, join together? To defeat those guys, whatcha say?"
"No." Batman immediately growled.
"What?! W-why?"
"I don't need your or anybody's help. I can do this alone."
"B-but-"
A shot rang out, followed by an angry scream and multiple pleas for understanding.
"What is−" Batman clasped a hand around Flash's mouth, glaring at him and Barry got the message to stay silent. Once Batman was sure he got his silent message, the Bat crouched down and silently moved towards the window, Flash copied his movements a little unsuccessfully.
Through the windows and the moon serving as the light, Flash could see a group of darkly clothed men gathered around in a circle, with one man holding a still- smoking gun in his right hand. A pack of large bags laid around their feet and Flash got a feeling that those bags contain the stolen money. He analyzes the scene and comes up with the perfect plan. He turns excitedly to Batman.
"Okay, Batman here's the plan, I'll go defeat those guys while you- where did he go?!"
Flash turned back to the windows to see Batman swinging down from the rafters and effectively knocking out five goons with a single…um, boomerang? And brought down three more as he came to land. Flash blinked, how did he get in there so fast? Without wasting another second, the Flash zoomed inside to…see Batman had already knocked out all of the men and was interrogating one of them.
"What?! You didn't leave some for me?!" Flash shrieked.
The goon glanced fearfully at him. "T- the Flash?! Y- you know e-each other?"
"You were too slow." Batman replied impassively.
"Hey! FYI, I'm the fastest man alive on earth! Who are you calling slow?!"
Batman ignored him and lifted the goon by his collar. "Who is your leader?"
Flash speeded next to Batman and glared at the goon, trying to be as intimidating as the man beside him. "Yeah, who's your leader?"
"Answer me." Batman growled.
"Yeah, answer me- I mean, him- uh, I mean us. Answer us."
Batman glared at him and he shut up. The goon didn't answer and glanced at something behind them-
Batman twirled around, pushing Flash out of the bullet's ray and ducked down himself, knocking out the goon he's holding in the process. He rolled on the ground, bringing out a Batarang from his belt at the same time and shot it towards where the bullets are coming from. There were multiple cries of pain and he immediately went to the source. Flash sat up, a little dazed from suddenly being forced to the ground, he shook his head and quickly went after Batman. Did he just save my life…?
Once again, Flash found Batman with all the goons knocked out around him, but there was another addition to the scene. Captain Boomerang stood in front of Batman, holding a boomerang against a goon's throat, and grinning at both of them.
"Ah, welcome Batman, Flash! Didn't expect you'll be here this early!"
Flash frowned. "Captain Boomerang? You're the one who set this all up? What are you doing here in Gotham?" Batman glanced at him briefly but said nothing.
"Ah, you see, I was thinking~" Captain Boomerang said, bouncing on his feet. "What if I take my stolen goods to Gotham? That way Flash won't be able to catch me quickly! He wouldn't know! But alas, it seems my plan has failed. You're here and Batman's here! I'm in a crisis!" He dug his boomerang deeper in the goon's throat. "And this good for nothing goons are practically useless! Might as well make them as my escape route, right?!"
That got Flash thinking, like seriously thinking asides from chemicals, did Captain Boomerang used goons before? (A/N: Did he? I haven't seen some before) The next thing Flash knew is that the goon is flying straight towards him.
"Whoa!" He speeded to catch the goon but immediately buckled on the goon's heavy weight and impact. Multiple clangs! rang throughout the warehouse and Flash glanced up under the goon's body to see Captain Boomerang and Batman having a boomerang competition. Both of them were jumping around, exchanging their own boomerangs so fast and completely engrossed in their own duel. Flash struggled to get out of the goon's body and immediately assessed the situation.
I couldn't just sit in here and let Batman defeat the enemy by himself, Flash thought. I need to help him!
Batman suddenly landed in front of him, holding out a thick, long rope to him. "What are you doing?" He growled. "Get these men out of here now, the warehouse's going to fall."
Fall? Flash blinked. Then he noticed the warehouse is actually groaning and the foundations are starting to sway- because of multiple boomerangs embedded on them or they were destroyed by said boomerangs. Debris and dust started to rain down on them.
"Mo-" Before Batman even finishes his one-word sentence Flash had zoomed around the room, collecting the five goons littered around the floor and dragging them outside, far away from the warehouse before tying them up with the rope Batman gave to him. But carrying five, heavily muscled goons is tiring, so he collected the goons three by three going as fast as he can to ensure that he got all of them in time. By the end of it, he realized that there are around 40 goons…Batman knocked the living daylights out of 40 goons in a blink of the eye! When he was finished with the last one, he quickly dashed back to the warehouse to help Batman with Captain Boomerang… but it was too late. With one, final groan, the warehouse crumbled down.
Panicking, Flash gave his all to his speed and dashed inside the warehouse, dodging falling pieces of metals, pipes, and cements like it was nothing, looking for Batman. Where could he be?
Flash found them nearby where the last time he left them, with Batman tying down a struggling Captain Boomerang with a bleeding forehead. Barry nearly shouted for joy and headed towards them, ready to escape them out of the collapsing warehouse, when he noticed a particularly large iron pipe heading down directly towards Batman's head-
"Batman!"
-the last thing Flash saw is darkness.
Barry woke up groggily, shaking his head to shake out the cobwebs in his mind, he looked blearily around. Distantly, he can see the blue and red lights of the police and ambulance to one side and can hear the noise around him vaguely.
"…Fla-"
Barry looks up at the disfigured shadow looming over him.
"…alright…hear me…are…"
Huh? Barry thought confusedly. What's it saying to him…? Barry closed his eyes and tried to focus, when he opens his eyes again his vision is still tripling and doubling all over and-
"Flash."
That growling, deep voice got Barry blinking hard and he sat straight up- his vision reverted to doubling again and his head pounded harder than before. He felt large hands placed on his shoulders and gently guiding him back to lie down.
What was going on? What happened...? When Barry felt that he hit whatever it is he's lying down now he closed his eyes again and took several deep breaths. Finally, when he opened them again his vision is now clear- and saw Batman looming impassively over him.
Yikes! Whoa… isn't this Batman- for real?!
"Flash, are you alright?" Batman said in a deep, gravelly voice that totally sounds like a growl.
Flash gulped and looks at him confusedly. Batman took one look at him and was about to call a paramedic when everything came rushing back to him.
"Wait!" Flash suddenly cried out. "I, uh- where's Captain Boomerang? We were inside the crumbling warehouse weren't we? What happened? There was a large pipe! It was heading towards you! I, uh um, what's going on?! Are you alright?"
Batman only stared inexpressively at him. Barry realized he must have had used speed-talk unintentionally and Batman hadn't understood a word he had said. He opened his mouth to apologize when Batman started to speak.
"I'm fine," he said. "you were the one who got hit by the pipe. Captain Boomerang is already in the custody of Gotham City's Police and is ready to be transported to Central City anytime now."
"Oh…" Flash nodded slowly. "How did we get out?"
"I've already prepared an escape route before Captain Boomerang and I started exchanging attacks; I carried the two of you out of it."
"Oh…kay."
Batman stared at him for a moment, and Flash fearfully looked back at him. He looked around helplessly for someone to help him-
"Thank you." Huh?!
"For saving my life." Batman continued.
Flash blinked furiously at him, then a wide, goofy grin broke out of his face. "Naw, it's nothing~ you saved me first and defeated my villain! I should be the one thanking you!"
Batman looks like he was going to argue, but then exhaled deeply and turned around. "Now that I know you're fine, I'm going to take my leave."
"Huh? But where are you going?"
"To search for the goon's boss. It isn't Captain Cold who hired them."
"What- but who?"
Batman glanced back at him. "That's what I'm going to find out." And disappeared into the darkness.
"Huh?! B-Batman ~ w-wait for me!" Flash exclaimed and dashed after the dark clad hero in the dark.
Oof! Flash stumbled back as he collided with something hard and slipped on something leathery. He crashed to the ground loudly. Batman whirled around to face him, a deathly glare and frown on his face.
"What the heck are you doing?!"
Okaaay… bye- bye nice Batman and hello grumpy one. Flash thought shakily. "I want to help too!"
"What?" Batman asked sharply.
"I want to help you find out who's the goon's boss!"
"No. Go back to your city already." Batman turned from him and pulled out a grappling hook from his belt.
"No! Wait! I wanna help!" Flash said and tackled the hero to the ground. They crashed hard; Batman immediately tried to shake the scarlet speedster off of him and stand up but Flash held on tight to his leg like a puppy. Batman tripped in his own cape and fell back to the ground and Flash took this opportunity to persuade the big, bad bat- they grappled on the ground, Batman desperately to unlogged the Flash from him and Flash repeatedly asking to let the hero join him and clutching to his cape tightly- until suddenly−−−
RIIIIP!
Flash gaped comically at the teared piece of cowl in his hands; his eyes bulging out of its sockets and his jaw open wide. "U- um, Batman, I uh…" Ever so slowly, soo slowly that it was unbecoming for the fastest man alive, he looks up at Batman.
Batman tried to hide his face with his cape but it was too late− Flash had seen his face already. And nobody wouldn't be able to recognize that face.
"Bruce Wayne?!"
Batman- Bruce freaking Wayne- swelled with fury as he slowly stood up, glaring even more dangerously at Flash who shrank away from him. "Barry. Allen."
Flash is so busy trembling with fear that he belatedly realized that Batman knows who he is. "You know me?!"
"I know everything."
Flash stood in the center of the Batcave, his own cowl down and his jaw open as he stood gaping amazingly around. "This. Is. So. Cooooool~!"
Bruce- err, Batman- emerged out of a room, with his cowl down in a new Batsuit and glared darkly at him. He went to his leather seat in front of his huuuge computer and sat down on it− typing furiously on the keyboard like he's using super speed himself. Flash sidled up to his side, looking back and forth between Batman and the large computer; he cleared his throat to speak−
"Don't. Say. A. Word." Batman growled. Flash squeaked and nodded furiously.
"Master Bruce, don't be rude to our guest." Alfred scolded as he exited the elevator. Sweet, delicious smell reached Flash's nose, causing his stomach to growl so loud it echoed around the cave and he started to drool.
"Are those…?"
Alfred handed him a huuuge plate of cookies, cupcakes, and sandwiches without a word and gave Bruce a large mug of their strongest and most expensive coffee.
"Mmmffnghf~!"
"Thank you, Alfred." Bruce translated and said to Alfred. Alfred nodded but stared sternly at Barry.
"Master Barry, I know you're hungry but I do not tolerate such manners here. I want you to eat that food slowly and carefully lest you choke yourself."
Barry stopped mid- chew and nodded at Alfred fearfully, before resuming his chewing slowly. A sound that suspiciously sounds like a chuckle came from Bruce and Barry glares at the back of his head. Alfred nods at him approvingly before turning around. "I'll be upstairs if you ever need me."
Once Alfred is gone, Barry practically inhaled the food in a few seconds and…choked. He gasped as he pounded on his chest and fell down on his knees, tears sprouting from his blue eyes and blurring his vision. A mug of tea appeared in front of him and he grabbed it like a lifeline, downing it all in one gulp.
"Uwaaaaah~!"
He took several lungful of air as his esophagus feels much freer now. He glanced at Bruce, whose shoulders are visibly shaking as he pretended to drink his coffee.
"Hey! No laughing!" Barry whined. "And don't tell this to Alfred either!"
This time, Bruce did burst out laughing and Barry scrambled back in fear. After a few moments, Bruce collected himself and calmly stated. "Alfred knows everything. I don't know how but I'm sure as hell he knows that you've chocked just now."
"Whaaat?! How?!"
Bruce shrugged. The computer suddenly pinged several times as several windows appeared on the screen. And just like that, Bruce was back to being Batman. Barry watched from the sidelines as Bruce did his thing-
Bruce abruptly stood up and headed for the Batmobile and Barry followed him.
"Hey, where are you going?"
"Pier 11− that's where the goon's boss hides out." Batman jumped in his Batmobile and started it. He cocked an eyebrow at Barry who was fidgeting. "Well, I already told you where I am going so what are you waiting for?"
Barry perks up. "Race ya there?"
Bruce smirks. "If you can actually beat me."
"Ha! You're talking to the fastest man alive!" Barry boasts. "On the count of three- HEY! NO CHEATING!"
And thus, Barry tried to run desperately after the zooming Batmobile out to the Gotham night.
After that incident, Barry and Bruce collaborated in defeating villains a few more times. But it rarely happens like twice a year only. Their acquaintanceship only developed into friendship after one particular incident almost two years ago…
It was already 2:30 in the morning and Bruce is tiredly climbing up the stairs from the Batcave, desperate to reach his bedroom and bury himself in the soft mattress, why he didn't use the elevator instead is also a mystery to him…he's so tired from defeating Poison Ivy, the Penguin and Riddle Master all in one night…oh, he needed a break… it doesn't help that there's a storm outside, lulling him to sleep further… visiting Dick in the Amazon's island sounds tempting…
When he reached the manor, he could barely keep his eyes from closing and he's only dragging his feet to move forwards... forward….
*ding- dong*
Bruce looks up blearily, did the doorbell just rang? At this hour? Who on earth? Bruce ignored it, because it's impossible for someone to bypass his security system anyway and reach the door without tripping any of his alarms−
*knock knock* This time Bruce snapped alert and went downstairs immediately, he slowly approached the door and turned on the monitor beside it…
The moment it flickered to life it showed a shivering, soaking wet Barry Allen outside his doorway. Alarmed, Bruce immediately undid the locks on his door and opened it quickly, Barry who was leaning against it fell unceremoniously on the floor, shivering uncontrollably and wetting the tiles. Bruce knelt down beside him and checked his temperature− he immediately withdrew his hand back− he's so cold! Bruce then noticed that not only Barry is cold, he's crying too!
"ALFRED!" Bruce bellowed. "ALFRED! I NEED YOUR HELP IMMEDIATELY! ALFRED!" Bruce felt bad for waking up his butler but he knew he couldn't handle this alone. Almost instantly, he heard Alfred's hurried footsteps coming downstairs and heading towards him.
"Master Bruce what is- my word." Alfred gasped. "Quickly Master Bruce, we need to put him in a hot bath."
Bruce grunted as he lifted Barry up and wrapped Barry's frozen stiff arm around his shoulders. He dragged Barry to the first floor bathroom− thank God they actually have a bath room in there− where Alfred had already started to set up a hot bath. Steam quickly rose out of the water and filled the whole room, Alfred coughed delicately as he and Bruce carefully lowered Barry to the scalding water. Barry made no reaction as he hit the tub but continued to shiver too much. Alfred handed Bruce a towel and instructed him to wet it with the water from the tub and dispense the water on Barry's head. Bruce did as he was told and Alfred exited the room to prepare some badly needed soup and tea.
A couple of hours later, the three men found their selves sitting on the living room; Barry was sitting on the middle of the sofa with a thick, warm blanket wrapped around him and a bowl of untouched soup in his hands, Bruce and Alfred were sitting on the armchairs on either side of the sofa; watching Barry.
The master and butler exchanged worried glances, both of them wondering what's wrong and what prompted Barry to run from Central City to Gotham in the middle of the night− or day rather− while it's raining cats and dogs. They're also worried because Barry has yet to touch his food, knowing how his powers works, his body badly needed it and yet Barry made no move to eat− a first from him.
Bruce cleared his throat. "Al- Barry…"
Barry lifted his head up but didn't look at him and continued to stare straight in front of him. Bruce was continuously getting worried for real now. "Barry…what's wrong?"
Tears started to flow silently out of the blond man's blue eyes. Alfred quickly stood up and placed a box of tissue in front of him, but the man still made no move. Bruce pursed his lips together and decided to call it a night, or day, since it's clear that Barry is not going to do anything else tonight, or today. Bruce shook his head, his tired mind couldn't decide whether it's till night or day and if it's still yesterday or today. Besides, it's clear that all of them are tired and badly needs to hit the sack. He sent Alfred the silent message and they both stood up. Alfred clasped Barry on his shoulder as they pass him by and continued to move towards the door.
"I- I ca-can't believe…him…them…" Barry whispered- cried, Alfred and Bruce look at each other confusedly, "I c-can't believe…that th-hey could do that…t-to a child…to their o-own child…"
Then the man broke down completely, telling Bruce and Alfred all about his nephew who is experiencing child abuse under the hands of his own parents, how the child was starved even thou both of his parent's knew his speedster's condition, how they both hit their own child every single time they got, how Iris and him had been fighting for custody over him for a whole half a year already to no avail because that damn father of Wally's got connections with the judges and they won't listen to Wally or any of them, how Iris had accidentally snapped at him due to stress and how he run away because he just doesn't know what to do or where else to go but here…he let it all out until Barry had cried himself to sleep.
Bruce and Alfred had left him there, both of them already knowing what's going to happen tomorrow.
When they woke up early in the afternoon (a first from them too seeing that both of them are usually early risers), Barry is already gone along with 1/3 of Alfred's prepared meals, leaving a thank you and sorry note with a stack of clean, empty dishes. Alfred looked at Bruce smugly, as if to say 'At least, Master Barry knows how to wash his dishes,' before disappearing back into the kitchen. Bruce rolled his eyes at his butler and went to his study; he called Lucius immediately, demanding to send one of their best lawyers to Central City to help the case of the Wests and to send some informants to discreetly expose how corrupt Central City's judiciary is. With that done, Bruce stretched back and prepares himself for a day of relaxation~
Later that night, Bruce and Alfred were both reading by the fireplace when there was a loud, incessant pounding on the door. Immediately, they both went downstairs, already knowing who's it going to be. Bruce mentally noted to upgrade his security systems, especially if there's a jovial scarlet speedster who can bypass them. When Alfred opened the door, Barry stood there breathless, heaving air in and out of his lungs, but despite all that, the usual twinkle in his blue eyes is back and more so than ever, and a bright grin was plastered on his face. When Barry spotted Bruce he immediately run to him and tackled the man into a hug, Bruce stiffened and nodded quickly, before he forcefully pushed the man away from him.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank youuuu~" Barry sang over and over again. "I don't know if I could ever repay you~"
Alfred chuckled at the back ground. "I take it the trial went well?"
"More than well!" Barry exclaimed happily. "The police came just after the trial and arrested the judge alongside Wally's parents! It was amazing~ oh Bruce thank you~!" Barry clasped Bruce's hands and shook it vigorously. "Wally is ours now! We're able to take him home with us tonight! He's finally ours!"
It took some minutes to calm the exuberant speedster down, and when he finally does, Alfred gave him a cake so he could celebrate together with his new family and send him on his way. Chuckling, Alfred just knows that this is the start of a wonderful friendship.
And it is.
As time goes on, and whether Bruce likes it or not, Barry either randomly drops by or asks Alfred's permission first to visit. He always excitedly told them about his life, how Wally's doing, and how Iris and he just seems to be falling deeper for each other− Bruce pretended to gag and Barry teases him that he's only like that because he doesn't have his forever yet by his side. Barry pretends not to notice that he's hurting Bruce whenever the subject of love is brought up. Sometimes, to change the topic and appease the broody man, the speedster will make the businessman to talk about his son whom Barry still haven't seen despite how many times he had visited already. Alfred especially loves it when Barry visits, not only his cooking skills is greatly appreciated and challenged on how fast he can cook, Alfred can see that Barry is already one of Bruce's close friends whether the man would admit it or not. Barry especially adds some life to the dreary manor even if only for a little while…
Barry woke up to something wet and sticky being painted on his face. Scrunching his face, he tried to turn away but the substance was persistent…wait a minute….
Barry sat up straight with wide eyes and looked around wildly. Giggles were coming from behind the sofa, so slowly…he peeked over at the laughing kids…who were holding color markers on their hands.
"Arrrgh~!" Barry screamed. "What did you do to me?"
The kids laughed and run away from him− he lets them and doesn't even bother to give chase. He noticed Bruce is already gone from his spot earlier and the living room is kinda clean despite the chaos that the kids cause earlier. Shaking his head, Barry stood up and went to the bathroom to clean his face; a few minutes later, he went downstairs to the dining room with a newly cleaned handsome face.
"Uncle Barry it's time to eat!" Wally cried happily. Dick was sitting beside him and was laughing along at him. Barry grinned and ruffled their hairs eliciting shrieks and more laughter out of them, before he too grabbed a chair and sat down.
"You little rascals," Barry growls playfully as he fake pouts and glares at the kids. "I feel like my face will be erased due to how hard I am scrubbing. That was so hard to wash away!"
Wally laughs out loud, rocking in his chair happily while Dick only smiles brightly at him, showing his dimples on either side of his face.
Barry blinks hard. For a moment there Dick looks like a different person altogether…someone he knows… someone really familiar…
Bruce came in just then, interrupting the speedster's thoughts and saw the billionaire smirking smugly at him, a violet marker visible on his pants pocket. Barry let out a gasp and looks suspiciously at Bruce, Yup, it's official. Bruce had really gone soft. But all of that flew out of his mind when Alfred placed a variety of delicious foods in front of him.
"Dig in." Alfred grinned proudly. All at once, the boys ravaged the defenseless foods.
While eating, Barry couldn't help but stare at Dick and then look at Bruce, as if comparing the two of them. All Barry could see are similarities…the kid seriously looks like mini- Bruce…but his dimples… the way he smiled earlier… Barry seriously couldn't place his fingers on it but he knows that he know someone who smiles the same way Dick does, someone who also happens to look similarly like Dick, someone he really knows… besides, Bruce doesn't have any dimples. He locked eyes with Alfred and he knew they were going to have a conversation later, but first, let us all enjoy Alfred's cooking.
Just then, Barry saw the newspaper on the table beside his plate and remembered something. "Oh, Bruce! I forgot to ask you something!"
"What is it?" Bruce asks as he lifted his glass of juice to his lips.
"How did Superman saved you a few nights ago?"
Bruce promptly choked on his drink at the question. Beside Dick, Alfred quickly covered his grinning mouth with a table napkin.
"I, um, h- he was, um…" Bruce stammers, his face actually aflame with how hard he's blushing that Barry thought it was absolutely weird and made him wonder if he's actually still dreaming right now. "He j- just, um…"
"Superman ate ice cream and watched Disney movies with us~!" Dick exclaimed happily. The doll like boy is excitedly bouncing on his seat, his baby blue eyes bright as he told the speedster what happened that night. "Superman came to our house in Italy with Daddy in his arms! Then he stayed with us for the night until I fell asleep! He said he just saved Daddy from a bunch of bad guys that's why he's there!"
Barry raised an eyebrow at that and looked playfully at Bruce. "Care to elaborate that, hmm Mr. Wayne?"
A soft, chiming sound filling the room saved Bruce from answering. Before anyone could blink, Bruce stood up from his chair and was out of the dining area in a flash.
Barry shook his head at the astounding speed that that supposedly ordinary man possesses; he too stood up from his chair and went to follow Bruce. He wonders who it is.
The doorbell just rang after all.
Replies:
V.L. Crawford: I'm glad you like it. ^_^ That part is actually written in EXTREME rush xD So, here's another update for you!
AndromedaSeaprincess18: I'm not actually sure what you mean, I'm so sorry What do you mean by "I hope we figure out how sick cake to Bruce's son" ? Anyway, I'm glad you like my story! ^_^
OrionAurora: OMG, thanks! Hahaha, you'll see where this (predictable actually, I think) story will go ;) Here's an update for you! I hope you like this chapter! ^_^