Two Weeks Later
Ashley was headed back to Gotham to visit Bruce and her father. She fidgeted with her new bag while standing in the airport terminal. Lex held out her boarding pass.
"Call me if you need anything." He said with a patient smile. She nodded absently before grabbing him in an impulsive hug.
"Thank you." She whispered. "You have given me hope." Lex returned the hug carefully, patting her on the back in a friendly manner.
"Just be safe." He said kindly. She stepped back nodding again as the announcement to board came over the loudspeaker. Taking a deep breath, she squared her shoulders.
"See you in a week." She said. Lex gave her his crooked grin and inclined his head toward the jet way.
"Go, see your family." Ashley walked bravely through the door.
The flight passed in a blur. Ash was lost in deep thought about her past. She was surprised when the plane looped low over the city.
She cast her gaze on Gotham, finding she had missed it. From above, the city glittered like a gem in the sunlight. Strange that she had not remembered how pretty it was.
Bruce greeted her warmly and smiled as he took her hand. They walked to the waiting limo. Once Alfred had collected her luggage, they drove into the city.
They chatted pleasantly about her flight and the plans for her demo. She watched her hometown pass by her window, memories flooding back with each block.
When they pulled up in front of Wayne Manor, Ash bit her bottom lip in trepidation. Silently Bruce reached out and clasped her hand in his. As they walked into the vast foyer, Ashley shivered.
It had been years since she had stood in this spot. The familiar echo and scent made her pause. Bruce placed a hand on her back, guiding her toward the front drawing room.
The formal title had always been a misnomer for this room. Martha Wayne had demanded that there be a space in the massive mansion that provided a homey atmosphere. A place in which the family could gather in comfort. She had chosen the large room and decorated it in a cozy manner.
The soft velvet sofa and plush chairs that faced the huge fireplace had been the children's favorite place to spend a rainy afternoon. The thick Persian rug allowed them to sit before the fire and not catch a chill from the cold marble floor. Beyond the sofa was Thomas Wayne's vintage pool table, where he and Joseph had spent many a Thanksgiving evening besting each other.
Ashley felt her heart warm to see the rows upon rows of her uncle's books still lined the walls. French doors that led out to the summer room gave a spectacular view of the rolling grounds. Martha's roses still flourished, thanks to Alfred.
She absorbed it all in an instant before her eyes fell on the figure seated in one wing backed chair. Her father, Joseph Embers. He raised his head to look at his daughter, she was astonished by the dramatic change in him.
His face was sunken and gray, wrinkles gathered under his eyes and around his mouth. He was painfully thin, all his abundant strength was gone. He stood slowly as if it was difficult and held out his hand to her.
"My Ashley." He said in a rasping voice. She shook with unexpected emotion before crossing to him. She took his withered hand and looked up into his wasted face.
"Daddy." She sobbed, unable to hold back the tears that pushed against her eyes. He hugged her close and wept as well.
Bruce stood watching the reunion of his only living family. He still had anger and disgust for his prideful uncle. His mishandling of everything was disgraceful. As was his treatment of his daughter. If he had only told Bruce something, anything, things would have been so different.
"If he had told you back then, would you really have cared?" The dark voice questioned him. Bitterly Bruce had to acquiesce to that blunt assessment. No, most likely the broken, angry young man he was would have ignored it. It would have been a painful reminder of his loss.
He walked over to them, plastering a false but convincing smile on his face.
"Why don't we sit and have a little lunch?" He suggested airily. He hated having to use the façade on his family, he did so only to protect them. They were precious to him, but they were also vulnerable. He never wanted his secret mission to touch either of them.
They followed him with wet eyes. The lies made the guilt gnaw deeper in his gut. No, this was the only way to keep them safe! He refused to give in to his weaker emotions, he simply could not afford it. They sat in the summer room, enjoyed a lovely lunch and began to reacquaint themselves.
For Ash, the week went by too quickly. Every day was filled with happiness and bittersweet remembrances, for the most part.
Joseph did not want her to return to Metropolis. Greatly displeased about her association with a Luthor and her aspirations to a musical career, he would not listen to her.
Bruce stepped in and diffused the disagreement. Ashley was not sure what he had told her father to make him begrudgingly accept her choices. Promising to return for the approaching holidays, she departed Gotham with a new sense of possibility.
Bruce had arranged a private bank account for her, most likely at Joseph's insistence. He did not want her living off The Luthor's like a penniless mooch. The only other thing she took with her back to Metropolis was a thick photo album. It was packed with pictures of her family.
Sitting in her seat on the plane, she flipped thru the memories. Here was her mother and Martha bright, smiling, and so very young. Both beautiful and alive. Here were both couple's wedding photos. So many pictures of she and Bruce, from infancy to that last year. She traced the edges of her favorite.
She and Bruce smiling mischievously from the branches of Martha's prize winning peach tree. It made her think about the day before, when he had taken her horseback riding thru the estate.
They rode fast and wild like when they were kids, that way that used to make the head groom scold them for fear they would do great harm to themselves or the animals.
They had stopped to rest in their secret place, by the pond. Endless hours, as children, they had spent there, skipping stones and playing games.
She had walked, trembling, to the ancient oak tree that had sheltered them thru countless rainstorms. The carvings were still there.
They had cut their names into the old tree, a childhood pact. She reached out and touched the weather worn letters. The rust color stains of their blood, drawn from cut fingertips. They had sworn unending loyalty and eternal friendship, vowing to protect each other no matter what, until death.
She had not known she was crying until Bruce had come up behind her, wrapping her in his arms and holding her tight.
"I never really forgot, Ash. I still mean every word." He said softly. She had grasped his wrist and let her tears fall unchecked.
Blinking rapidly, Ashley returned to the present.
Christ! What a crybaby she was getting to be! She let go of her past as the plane touched down in Metropolis, she had so much yet to do.
xxxxxx
To say that Lex had kept himself busy in her absence was an understatement. He had fed Lionel his bullshit story about wanting to make a foray into the arts, an explanation for his patronage to Ashley. That seemed to go smoothly, more so then he had expected. Then he had been badly sidetracked by Amanda and Jude.
What a nightmare.
He now knew his interest in Amanda had been a classic transference of his growing feelings for Ash. The tragic end, Jude's death, had not been one of Lex's shinning moments.
Lionel had hit the roof, threatening to cut him off and out for good. Ranting that he was a liability and no longer worth the effort.
The stab wound was extremely painful, he would have to careful to hide it from Ashley. The events of that sinister night at Club Zero must remain a secret.
Forever.
xxxxxx
Monday Morning
When Lex collected Ash from the airport, his mood was subdued. After regaling him with the details of her trip, she paused and studied his profile.
"Lex, is everything alright, do you not feel well?" She asked with a concerned voice. He cast a glance at her while navigating traffic, he shrugged.
"I'm fine. It was a long week that's all." He answered nonchalantly and looked back at the road. She pondered his answer in silence, he confused her quite often.
At times, he could be so open and approachable. Then suddenly he would close up, the walls would crash down, shutting her out. It was unconscious she was sure, most likely a result of growing up in Lionel's world.
Once she had settled back into her room she showed him the photos, giving a running commentary on each one. Lex pointed out how much she looked like her mother making her blush in that pretty way he so liked.
That way he liked far too much.
Handing her back the book he suggested she go over her songs and get some rest, the big day at the studio was upon them.
"They will want to begin working first thing tomorrow." His said before bidding her goodnight and disappearing into his room.
Befuddled, she retreated to her own room and pulled out the tattered songbook. She found the last few empty pages and began to write. An hour later, she sat back and reread the new song. Some of her best work, she had to admit. Why was it she had the strangest urge to pull the pages out and tear them up? She read it again and it became clear.
This was a love song.
A love song about Lex.
xxxxxx
Mid-November
Ashley had been spending every day at the studio, perfecting her music. The techs were flabbergasted by her talent and ever-increasing skill. They had brought in the best studio musicians to record her songs, using all their genius to showcase her astounding voice.
Most nights she was so tapped out, she was asleep before her head hit the pillow. Lex took great satisfaction in watching her blossom, with regular meals and proper sleep she was no longer the emaciated little girl he had found on the street.
She grew lovelier with each passing day, his feelings for her were growing as well. He hunted for distractions as these feelings surfaced. The temptation to give in was overwhelming at times.
He found reasons to spend less time at the loft, barely sleeping there two or three nights a week. Ashley was confused by his absence, unsure of her own emotions as well. How had this happened, she wondered. How was it she had fallen for him?
Lex had been cautious when taking her out in public, afraid the media would make the wrong assumptions. He wanted nothing to mar her budding career.
The time they did spend together made them both secretly happy. The nights when he was there, were good, they watched movies while sitting close on the couch sharing a giant bowl of popcorn. Sporadic times when he would return and find her in the midst of cooking some delicious meal. It gave her surreptitious pleasure that he loved her culinary creations.
On a sour note, Lionel had become aware of who she was and how she and his son had met. Numerous times Lex had stormed into the loft after a heated debate with his father. Ash had deduced most of the problem, Lionel did not approve of Lex's -New Hobby', as he referred to her.
The man did not care who she was or to whom she was related. He did not like where she had been, the circumstances of how they had met. Lionel Luthor found her unworthy of his son's time and effort. It enraged him that Lex continued to defy him, refusing to abandon Ashley. The fact that she had her own money now made the man livid, negating his threat to cut off the project.
One night, after a particularly vicious quarrel, Lex came home in the blackest mood she had yet to see. He stalked in, changed his clothes and went directly to the personal gym, located on a lower floor. After three hours, Ashley went to find him.
xxxxxx
The gym room had beige walls, high ceilings and was filled with top of the line equipment. Spread about the room were the best free weights, step machines, stationary bikes and a leather punching bag. Lex was using the bag and had obviously been at it for a while.
She noticed he was not wearing gloves, just some white tape wrapped around his knuckles. His blows were relentless, falling in steady repetition with great force. He cut a lithe figure, clad in only his gray sweat pants, muscles flexing like liquid beneath skin that was shiny with perspiration.
She stood watching for a bit, indulging in the show. She was fascinated by the physical reaction he begot in her. Knowing she was acting as if she was a puppy and he was a bone, she felt foolish. Ash turned to leave. That was when he chose to recognize her presence.
Actually, Lex had known the moment she entered the room, the fans wafted her scent directly to him, that distinct smell that drove him nuts. It was like fresh lilacs and honey.
He had searched through her soaps, shampoos and perfume. None had that scent. The only perfume she wore was sandalwood oil, nothing floral at all. It had to be her, just the natural essence of Ashley. It had caused him to take more then one cold shower.
Lex cased pounding the bag and looked over his shoulder.
"Did you need something?" He asked panting with exertion. Ash was startled by the baleful tone in his voice. She looked back at his shadowed face.
"No." She answered softly. " I was concerned about you." Her eyes were wide, teeth chewing her bottom lip. He knew she did that when she was nervous, he found it adorable. The urge to pull her to him, to just take her, had never been so strong. He struggled to squash it.
"I'm sorry if I worried you." He said looking away from her. "My father was particularly horrid today." He began to pull the sports tape off his knuckles.
"I'll come up now." He said giving her a fake grin. Ashley didn't know what it was that he was not saying, but she didn't want to leave him in this mood.
"I'm sorry, Lex, I didn't mean to disturb you." Her voice was apologetic. He waved a hand for her to come closer.
"You did nothing wrong." He replied as she moved across the mat. She reached out and placed one delicate hand on the leather punching bag.
"Do you want to talk about it?" She asked sweetly. Lex gazed at her, she peeked at him from the opposite side of the bag smiling almost coyly. Was she flirting with him? He smiled bitterly.
Yeah right, let's descend into delusion, Lex. He admonished himself silently.
"What did he do this time?" She asked making a face the caused Lex to smirk in spite of his mood. He twisted his neck making it pop and sobered a little.
"My father does not believe you aren't after my money." He said in a deep voice. "He does not believe you are satisfied with your reinstated inheritance from Bruce. He is, however, certain you are seeking my fortune as well. He refuses to accept that you and I are just friends."
Lex did not look at her as he spoke, the darkness inside making him cautious. Ash watched him in silence. She felt a deep hatred for Lionel Luthor at that moment, it was red and harsh and frightening.
Lex looked up with a raw gaze that made her flinch. At her reaction the look changed, became something more. Ashley's gaze dropped to the floor.
"I'm making things more difficult for you." She said feeling selfish. "Maybe I should get my own place. I'm sure Bruce would help me." Ashley stepped back, her head turned away from him. He made a frustrated noise.
"No, that's not what I want." He replied emphatically. The depth of his agitation was really beginning to scare her. She put her hands out stymied.
"I am the cause of this strife with your father." She began, Lex shook his head forcefully.
"Believe me, if you were not here he would find something else to berate me about." He sighed in irritation. "He is a odious and hateful person." His lip curled in a cruel manner. He looked at the ceiling.
"I wish...I mean...I want..." He stalled unable to articulate, hurling the wad of tape against the wall. Ashley was stunned and dismayed to see unshed tears in his eyes. Grasping his arm she stepped close to him.
"Lex! What was it?" She queried gently. His back stiffened and he looked at her.
"I don't want to become him, Ashley." He whispered. "But I don't think I have a choice."
Appalled Ash shook her head violently. She held a hand to the side of his face, caressing tenderly.
"No, Lex you have a choice, you always have a choice. And for the record I don't think you are becoming him." Her tone was strong and sure.
He was over come by her compassion, the soft touch on his cheek reached deep into a part of him he thought long dead.
Impulse took over and he reached for her, pulling her small form closer. He claimed her mouth with his, savoring the sweet taste of her and how she yielded to him.
Ashley lost herself in his sudden embrace, gripping her fingers to his waist. Her head swam and blood pounded in her ears. His fingers tangled into her hair pulling her closer, hungrily exploring her mouth.
The kiss was long and deep. Ashley's mind went fuzzy as passion overloaded her logic. Lex reveled in the thrill of holding her, tasting her, he did not want to let go. Time stood still for both of them, the only thing that existed was this kiss.
When he finally pulled his lips from her, they both gasped for breath. He pressed his forehead to hers, eyes closed breathing her in. Ash trembled in his arms as their surroundings returned to focus. Lex opened his eyes and looked into hers. Realization emerged and he stood up.
"Ash!" He gasped, dismayed at his loss of control. "I'm sorry, I just ...can you forgive me?" He asked earnestly. She blinked at him in confusion.
"What do you mean?" She asked feeling a lump form in her throat. Lex looked away, missing the confusion in her eyes.
"I was wallowing in my self pity and I took advantage of your kindness." His mood was rapidly turning black again. He looked back at her with a cold continence. Like he had put on a mask. she though bleakly.
"It was wrong of me to do that." He stated gravely. Ashley stepped back two steps and tried to control the quiver in her lip, she failed.
"Nothing to forgive." She replied, her voice betraying the blithe comment as she turned and ran out the door.
Fucking brilliant! Had to lose your cool and cross that line didn't you?
Lex turned back to the bag, hating his lack of self-control. He resumed thrashing the leather voraciously. This day had been going so well now he had the added humiliation of forcing himself on his 16 year old charge.
Way to go Lex, you really know how to fuck up a good thing.
It was midnight before he could bring himself to return upstairs. The apartment was quiet, her door was closed no light showing from underneath. Sighing deeply Lex went to his room and stripped off the soiled workout pants. He took a shower and tried his best to not think about the kiss. Not think about how soft she was and how good she tasted.
Standing under the hot spray, hands flat against the tile he stared down at the drain and thought about the hurt look on her face just before she ran.
She was too young to know that he was trying to protect her. The last thing she needed was to be involved with him in That Way. No matter how much he wanted her, he was no good for her, this he knew.
"But," A voice from that place her caress had revived spoke up. "She is so good for me."
xxxxxx
Late November
Walking slowly thru the Wayne manor library, Ashley felt at ease. Thanksgiving with Bruce and her father had gone very well. She felt bad about leaving Lex alone in Metropolis, but he had been rather distant since that night in the gym.
He acted as if it had never happened, she did the same. He had been quiet and moody when he drove her to the airport. She waved goodbye and faked her smile.
She had enjoyed the holiday with her family anyway. She even agreed to stay on a week longer to celebrate Bruce's birthday.
Bruce had been rather odd as well. Between business meetings and late nights on the town, she hardly saw him. She had spent more time with her father and Alfred then with her cousin. Bruce seemed distracted, he was always glad to see her when they crossed paths, yet his head was somewhere else.
She sat in the window seat and watched the late afternoon sun play across the lawn. She puzzled over the enigma that was Bruce, he was still asleep and it was after three. Ashley worried he would lose him self in this unrestrained cycle.
Stretching Ashley stood and walked back toward the drawing room.
The staff was preparing for the party, bustling too and fro. The doorbell chimed and Alfred passed her with a warm smile, she paused to see who it was.
He opened the door and standing on the step was a beautiful dark haired young woman. Ashley was perplexed fore a moment, she was sure she knew this face, and then it dawned on her. Rachel Dawes. Ash gave a shout and dashed across the marble tile.
"Rachel!" She cried grasping the young woman in a great hug. Rachel returned the hug in surprise and shared excitement.
"Ashley! Oh, it's really you!" She hugged Ash tight.
Rachel had been the only other child in Bruce and Ashley's world as they were growing up. Her mother had worked for the Wayne family. Like Ash, Rachel's life had been turned inside out that black night. Ashley had lost touch with her after Joseph's down fall. She had always had a warm place in her heart for the older girl.
The two women laughed and brushed away tears.
"Bruce said that he had found you, but you were living in Metropolis for the time being." The dark eyed girl said looking Ashley up and down.
"You've grown up so much, I confess I still think of you as that pretty little girl I remember." Ash blushed and squeezed Rachel's hand.
"What about you? Assistant District Attorney, hot damn!" Ashley enthused. It was Rachel's turn to blush.
"It's not as glamorous as it sounds." She replied. "I work all the time." Ash took her arm.
"Come in, we'll have some tea or something." She smiled. Rachel looked crestfallen.
"I wish I could but I am in a hurry. I really just stopped to drop off Bruce's birthday present." She reached into her bag and pulled out a lovely blue box.
"I have to run. Will you give it too him?" She asked handing the small package to Ash.
"Rachel." Bruce's voice cut thru their conversation. He was standing in the foyer in his silk pajamas and robe. Ashley looked at him with surprise, Rachel with obvious disappointment.
"Bruce, nice of you to join us." Rachel replied with sarcasm. Bruce smiled vaguely and walked to the door. Ashley, sensing the need for her absence kissed Rachel, handed Bruce the box and slipped back into the house.
She wandered into the drawing room, marveling at the happy reunion with a very old friend. Bruce's appearance worried her. He seemed to be slipping into the decadence of the elite class in the worst ways. Sleeping all day, out all night, no real direction no real convictions, that is, other than family. This was not that bad, but not the Wayne family way.
Bruce walked into the drawing room and gave her a lazy smile.
"Ashley, I have to run out for a bit, it's business. Would you do me a great favor and be hostess till I return?" He asked in his most charming voice. She looked at him with amazement but nodded.
"Of course, Bruce." She answered. He crossed to her and placed a kiss on her temple.
"You're a love, I will be back as soon as possible." He said hurrying from the room.
Ash sat and thought for a while. He was really acting strange and it made her head hurt to think about it. She pondered for a while until Alfred appeared and suggested she get ready, as the guests would be arriving soon.
xxxxx
Despite Bruce's peculiar absence, the party was going well. Ashley smiled and greeted everyone doing the best impression of her mother she could muster.
Many people asked her about where she had been and what she was doing now. She gave a censored account of the passed 11 years and said she was -Studying in Metropolis'. Most wanted to know why Bruce was not there. So did she.
Where was he? She was just beginning to get irritated when Bruce stepped into the ballroom, causing a stir. Applause and congratulations reverberated around her. Handsome as always, he nodded and shook hands, casually making his way to her. When he reached her side at last, he kissed her cheek and plucked a flute of champagne from a passing tray.
"Thank you." He told her while nodding to the mayor. She arched one brow and whispered out the side of her smile.
"You are late." Bruce gave her a sheepish grin and was about to reply when a blond socialite pulled him away to meet an unusual guest. Ashley turned to the expensively dressed couple that approached from her left, keeping an eye on her wayward cousin.
She watched him greet the stranger and notice that his spine stiffened suddenly. The two men stood very close, speaking softly. Alarms went off in Ash's head, Bruce's body language had gone very hostile. Excusing herself, she began to make her way through the press of people.
Bruce turned suddenly and cut a path to her. He gripped her arm hard, pulling her away from the man behind him. She only got a vague impression of the tall man, older, fair-haired with a unique mustache. Bruce propelled her toward the side door. Ashley told him he was hurting her arm and tried to pull away. Bruce stopped her and glared down with an awful gaze.
"Ashley, I want you to leave right this minute. Get out of the house and wait for me by the stable." He said with hardly suppressed rage. Ashley looked at him bewildered.
"Wh-what's wrong, Bruce?" She asked stuttering under the wave of his anger. Bruce pushed her toward the door and growled.
"Just do as I say! Now! Get out of the house!" He turned from her, headed back into the crowd and raised his glass.
He had dismissed her, convinced she would do as he said. Ashley was hotly angry but scared as well.
She spun on her heel and hurried from the room, fleeing down the hall and out the front door. She did not go to the stables however, instead she stood in the driveway and panicked.
Something was Very Wrong.
Bruce had never spoken to her like that, she absently rubbed her bruised arm. Bruce would never hurt her either. Definitely not a good sign. Ash paced in the drive franticly trying to figure out what was wrong.
A few minutes passed before the guests began to flood out the doors. There were grumbles and griping. Ashley stopped one woman and asked what was going on.
"Sweetheart, your cousin has a mean drunk on. He just insulted everyone and kicked us out." The woman gave her a disgusted look. "If I were you I'd stay away from him." She flounced off leaving Ash dazed.
Drunk? But Bruce had just arrived and had not been drunk when she spoke to him. This was not right.
Disregarding his instructions, Ashley went back into the manor.
Kicking off the annoying high heels and tiptoed down the hall and stood outside the ballroom.
Muffled voices came thru the closed doors. She could hear what sounded like an argument going on inside, followed immediately by the sounds of a physical fight. Doors opened down the hall and Ashley heard footsteps everywhere. Instinct told her to run. She dashed back up the hall and into the drawing room.
Standing in the dark room for a moment gasping, she tried to clear her mind. Bad people in the manor, Bruce could be hurt. She looked around the room wildly and her eyes fell on her bag.
She raced over to the sofa and ripped her cell phone out of the backpack. Fumbling in the dark, she squelched the urge to start crying and punched the number of Lex's cell. It rang twice before he picked up.
"Hey Ash, how's the party going? Bored already?" Lex's easy voice came over the phone. She sucked in a breath that was more a sob.
"Lex! I don't know what to do!" She cried. Catching the fear in her voice he sobered.
"Ashley, what's wrong?" He asked seriously. She bit her lip and tried to explain.
"Bruce made me leave the house and then he kicked the guests out, Carolyn Struthers said he was drunk and then I came back in to see what was happening and there were these men and I think they hurt him and now I'm in the drawing room and I'm scared Lex." She stumbled over a chair leg and fell to the floor, gasping as she detected the smell of smoke.
"Oh GOD Lex, I think they set the house on fire!" She sobbed in horror. Lex listened to her with rising dread. His mind raced, he had to get her out of there.
"Ashley, listen to me. Get out of the house now!" He said clearly. She was crying harder.
"But... Bruce..." She interrupted. Lex let his anger slip.
"Ash, just get out!" He took a deep breath and focused. "I want you to hang up with me and call 911. I'm on my way." He said hoping she would obey. She shuddered and scrambled to her feet.
"Ok." Her voice was ragged. "Please hurry, I'm so scared." She cried.
She hung up on him as she pushed out the summer room doors. Tripping on her long dress, she fell in the wet grass. Looking up, the sight of her family's house a blaze made her scream in horror.
Feeling the phone still in her hand Ashley gripped it tight. Instinct again bringing her to clarity, she needed to call help. With tear blurred eyes she dialed 911. She sobbed out the information to the operator and sat in the grass weeping.
Please, let Bruce be ok. Ashley repeated the thought over and over in her head. Before she heard the sirens, the upper floors had completely burned.
As the timbers fell, Ash screamed in anguish. Why? She lay down in the grass and wept until she blacked out.