Resolve
Bruce Wayne clutches a Rolex watch. The cold metal reminds him of all the times, when he was small, that he would sit on Thomas Wayne's knee while his father's low voice told him stories about Sir Gawain and The Goose Girl and the Brave Tailor. Thomas's arm around his middle had always seemed immense, stronger than anything in the world. Bruce concentrated better when he had something in his hands, so his father would always take off his large silver watch and let the little boy fiddle with it while he lulled him into drowsiness.
This day, he focuses on the feeling of that huge arm around him, solid and safe. He wishes he could feel it now, could bury himself in his father's protection. But today is his day, his time to avenge his family's honor. He closes his eyes and clamps his fingers around the watch, imagining his fist connecting with Tommy Elliot's face.
He is not afraid; he is resolute. There's something comforting about that. He has tried to conquer fear, but when it comes to the bully, fear is nowhere to be found. There is only resolve.
He rings the doorbell, and his mind shifts into pure instinct. The feeling of smashing knuckles against cheek is even more satisfying than he expected. He repeats the motion again, and then again. Power surges through him like a drug.
"Master Bruce!" Just as Alfred's voice calmed his anger during their sword fight in Wayne Manor, it shuts down his rage now. He steps back, but the butler's face is not disapproving.
"I let him try." Those four words are the best thing Bruce Wayne has heard for a long time. Approval and authority. Authority and approval. A hand held out to keep him safe. The butler will not let him fall into the black abyss of his rage, the frightening place inside him that he's sometimes terrified will swallow him whole.
"Thank you, Alfred," says the boy as he passes his butler to get into the backseat of the car. The older man puts two large hands on his shoulders, squeezing lightly.
"You're welcome, Master Bruce." It's not like being held by Thomas Wayne, but it's comforting nonetheless. Bruce clamps the watch around his wrist. It's too large, but he'll grow into it.