Disclaimer: I do not own the characters except for Tonya.
Enjoy!
This scene was inspired from the scene when Bruce comes back to the manor for the hearing. He seemed to give the impression of feeling awkward around Alfred. He almost wanted to fight with him, but Alfred didn't give in. This is another piece from Bruce's past that caused a rift between the two and only now will be healed.
Chapter 4
Bruce's breathing had become even more erratic. It was now the 12th hour to be exact. Alfred had been keeping tabs. What should he do? If any one else found out about his secret…Bruce would never forgive him. Then again, Bruce might not survive if help didn't come soon.
Bruce's handsome features were pale and lined with sweat. His lips had become a slight shade of blue and they moved rapidly saying things that Alfred couldn't or didn't understand. The things Bruce had confessed to already have Alfred seeking to squelch his own desire for sleep for fear of new nightmares. Alfred knew that sleep would not be held off forever and that it would take hold of his physic eventually. But not this hour…
Bruce's mind had been tormenting him to the point where reality had faded into the backdrop leaving only frightening images and desperation left. He tried to move his lips to speak to Alfred but the words that came out were barely above a whisper or not coherent. Bruce couldn't seem to make his mind and mouth work together. Time was running out and he knew it. Bruce closed his eyes. This was not the way he was supposed to die. Maybe he could change that. Mustering all of his strength, Bruce pulled his body upright with the strength that Alfred thought had passed him by. Bruce' s eyes opened and with a heavy heart tried his best to see past the concerned and bewildered look on Alfred's face and do what he needed to do. Once the gleam was spotted, Bruce rolled his body off of the bed and crawled quickly to the utility belt. With one swift motion a sharp edged Batarang was held in his hand and swiftly cut his flesh before Alfred could stop him. Although the wound was not life threatening at this point, Alfred saw that Bruce would make that possible if he let him. Alfred mustered all of his strength to hold Bruce's arms back. Even thought Bruce was weakened by the toxin, he could still hold up his end of a fight. Bruce's white undershirt had blood seeping out as he wielded the blade trying to divert its grasp out of Alfred's hands and into his own.
"I can't take this anymore!" Bruce shouted.
"The toxin…memories…poison in me…"
Alfred continued his hold until the loss of blood mixed in with the toxin weakened him to a gentle sleep. Alfred let go of the strong arms and found himself breathing quite heavily as well. He bent over to look at Bruce's wound. A little antiseptic should clean it up but he had cut deep. Perhaps it would need some stitching as well. As Alfred mended to the superficial wound, Bruce was remembering another wound which ran deeper between the two men.
Bruce recalled the springtime. The scent of lavender followed him all the way home from school. Usually a somber Bruce made the trek alone, but not today. Today he was seen hand in hand with a beautiful young woman. Her name was Tonya. She was 18 like him. Both were brilliant, ambitious, and very wealthy, although she was not nearly as wealthy as him. Her family was quite well off, but when it came to millions or billions in this town, Bruce was top of the chart. Bruce couldn't help but feel enamored by Tonya. Her raven black hair stood as a stark contrast to her porcelain features. Her brown eyes ran deep and mischievous. Her body was slender and curvy and only made Bruce long for her more. Although his reputation preceded him, Bruce had never shared himself with any woman before. That was about to change today.
Bruce had invited Tonya to the manor for the first time in their six month relationship. He truly believed that she was quite different from the rumors he had heard about her. He had never seen her be unfaithful to him and never once initiated sex. Perhaps the remarks of her virginity were soiled through jealous girlfriends seeking to be her. Whatever the case, Bruce had taken a large step allowing her to descend not only into his home but his heart as well.
Tonya shyly eyed Bruce up and down. She had put six months into the boy billionaire and couldn't wait to get a hold of him and his money. He was always so depressed that even their dates were almost disastrous if it wasn't for the make outs sessions. God and now to be able to be intimate in this manor, she couldn't wait. As they approached the end of the walkway, Bruce placed his book bag down and pushed his brown hair out of his eyes. Tonya thought it was very cute how it seemed to keep dodging his eyes along with his boyish grin. Bruce opened the door and gestured,
"After you."
Tonya felt her heart stand still. The manor was even more beautiful than she could ever have imagined it to be. The carpeting along the side rooms was a plush maroon. The hardwood floors near the grand staircase sparkled and looked as if they were made for a royal ball. Tonya noticed the odd stare Bruce was giving her and she realized that she was clutching her school bag tighter than anticipated.
"Are you OK?" Bruce asked concerned.
Tonya attempted to be nonplussed concerning the state of the manor and continued her lie.
"Oh yeah, I just can't believe how lucky you really are to have all of this."
Bruce placed his book bag and moved hers off the side of the door.
"Yeah, but I would give anything to make that different."
Tonya could sense another brooding session and interrupted.
"Not today Bruce, "she said her arms encircling his waist. "Today is our day."
Bruce returned her smile with a lopsided grin and began to kiss her. A faint cough interrupted them. Bruce looked over to see Alfred standing there hands behind his back. Bruce nervously straightened himself out and extended his hand to Alfred.
"Alfred I would like you to meet Tonya."
Alfred gave Tonya a glance up and down and immediately sensed her inner character. Bruce had spoken of her often, but something in his words seemed not right to Alfred's ears and now he knew why. She was a gold digger. Her family's wealth was not enough to satisfy her and she was about to take advantage of a young man's heart.
Tonya extended a tentative hand sensing the thoughts that ran through Alfred's mind. She knew the first thing that would change once she was living there was to get rid on him.
"A pleasure, Alfred. Now if you don't mind, could you get us something to drink while we study?"
Alfred nodded curtly.
"As you wish, Miss."
Tonya smiled sweetly and then turned her attention back to an enamored Bruce.
"Now where shall we go?"
Bruce grinned.
"I was thinking my room, "he responded quietly.
Tonya continued her fake smile. He really was a pathetic case, she thought. No excitement, no adventurous nature brooding beneath…it was sad really.
"I have a suggestion."
Bruce's ears perked up.
She leaned over and whispered into his ear making sure she was breathing directly into it.
"I was thinking of making love in front of a fireplace with you in one of the biggest rooms you have. Does that sound good?" She ended the sentence rubbing his crotch until he grew hard.
"Sure, "Bruce said. "Anything sounds good as long as it is with you."
Tonya nodded in agreement while rolling her eyes when her back turned.
The two started to walk toward one of the rooms that Bruce had chosen. It was beautiful. Ancient tapestries hung across the walls all of the colors in unison. A fireplace was present but not lit for there was no need. Bruce went over to it and began to get it started. Tonya took a seat on the couch. It was leather and the purest of its kind. She couldn't keep her small hands off of it. This would be fun, she thought. I will get to sleep with one of the hottest and richest guys from Gotham Academy as well as become an established socialite. Who could ask for more?
Bruce stood back up from his crouched position near the stone fireplace. The flame flickered and brought out his hazel eyes as he closed the heavy drapes. Bruce gazed at her, savoring the moment.
He couldn't wait to be with her. All of those months of waiting, waiting to see if she was the right one. He had been so vulnerable since his parents' death. Not even Bruce himself would admit to it. Now the wall had begun to come down and hopefully with Tonya's help would continue to collapse.
"God, you're beautiful."
Tonya looked into his eyes. They were full of such sorrow. They had seen so much but yet were so innocent. Could she go through with this? Even she began to wonder for a moment if she could. Only for a moment…
Bruce sat down next to her not sure of what should come next. Tonya got off of the couch and began to unbutton her shirt. She sat on Bruce's lap straddling him. She bent down to receive his welcoming kisses. Bruce was an amazing kisser, Tonya thought. His tongue found hers with such passion she thought her heart would come bursting through. His hands slid up her shirt in the back until they found her small breasts in the front. Tonya pushed down a bit on his crotch releasing a groan from Bruce.
"Hmm…" Tonya murmured. "You certainly are ready for me aren't you?"
Bruce continued to kiss her neck while nodding. He paused for a moment and breathed,
"I love you."
Tonya's eyes widened at the revelation, but continued to act the part.
"Let me get ready for you OK?"
Bruce just nodded. Tonya got off of his lap leaving Bruce longing for more. He brushed his hair out of his eyes and watched her leave. He leaned back in the couch smiling with satisfaction. He knew that he was not making a mistake.
Tonya covered up herself in case she ran into that pesky butler. Maybe I should let him have a show too, she thought smiling. She ducked into a room and pulled out her phone.
Alfred didn't forget the request for drinks. He had poured some juice for the two. He wasn't moving as quickly as usual for fear that he would find a special surprise waiting for him in one of the rooms where the two declared to be "studying". Alfred and Bruce had never really spoken about issues like this whether out of fear or embarrassment. Alfred didn't even know or want to know to an extent the nature of his ward's sexual life. In this case however, perhaps intervention was necessary. Closing his eyes in prayer he asked the Waynes for guidance before embarking to find the young lovers.
Tonya's voice could be heard a bit down the hall while Alfred walked toward it thinking that that must be where they were "studying." As he approached he realized that the conversation was one sided.
"I know, Casey, can you believe it? Yeah I am actually about to lay Gotham's most elite bachelor boy. "
She laughed, and Alfred couldn't' make out what was said next. Whatever it was sounded degrading or foul depending whom heard it. Then he heard Tonya mention something about scoring more than Bruce. With Bruce came money and with money came status. Her father didn't have enough and if she wanted to be anywhere in life only Bruce's money could do it. Alfred pulled back careful not to let the tray make a sound. He edged away from the door deeply saddened from that revelation. He had the fear that it was the case but hearing it directly from her broke his heart. How would he tell Bruce?
Alfred went back to the kitchen for a moment to gather his thoughts while Tonya went to find Bruce.
Bruce sat nervously rubbing his hands along his knees. He was fighting the urge to touch himself until she came back. He also realized that he would have to be ready. In one hand he clutched a wrapped condom and with the other he braced himself for the most wonderful moment in his young life.
Tonya emerged. She seemed a bit more seductive than she had been in the past six months. Her black lace bra shone a bit more from her unbuttoned shirt and her skirt appeared a little shorter. Bruce couldn't keep the smile off of his face. Tonya returned to her past position on Bruce's lap endearing him with sweet kisses down his neck. He returned the favor and began to bury his head in her chest. Within seconds Bruce heard a knock on the door and heard a tea tray clanging to the floor.
Alfred's eyes knew as he began to immediately clean up the spilled juice.
"So sorry, sir. "I thought you two were studying."
Alfred looked back up at the bewildered Bruce who had pushed Tonya aware in haste.
"Studying chemistry I see, Sir?"
Bruce found his words difficult to come by.
"Uh…I uh…"
Tonya rolled her eyes.
"Alfred thank you for finally brining the drinks. I assure you that your services are no longer needed at this time. Please go dust something will you?"
Alfred glared at her for a moment before returning his attention to Bruce.
"I do not believe you are the one to make demands, Miss."
Bruce barely looked Alfred in the eyes.
He couldn't say anything.
Tonya gave an aggravated look to Bruce.
"Tell him to leave. What's the matter? Don't tell me you changed your mind?"
With a swift move of her hand to his groin she declared, "Not according to this you haven't."
Bruce's humiliation was becoming worse.
"God, I can't believe you."
Bruce looked into Tonya's brown eyes ablaze with fury.
"I can't believe I went through all of this, "she gestured toward Bruce, "and I still won't get this," she gestured toward the manor.
"No wonder you're a virgin," Tonya declared buttoning up her shirt.
She took a last look in Alfred's direction.
"What can I expect anyway? You were raised by the help."
Alfred's voice quiet though stern said, "I think you better leave, Miss."
"I can find my way out thanks," Tonya said
With that she walked out of Bruce's life forever.
Bruce went into shock. What had just transpired? Did she not love him? Or did she love this, he thought of the manor and the wealth he had acquired. When the door slammed shut behind her, Bruce jolted. Alfred reached out a hand to Bruce's shoulder. Bruce jerked it away. The walls were rebuilding.
"Master Bruce, I…"
"Don't Alfred," Bruce warned.
Alfred felt the need to continue.
"Sir, you had to see…"
Bruce spun around to his old friend.
"No, I didn't have to see. I was happy. Do you even understand what that means to me? Happiness? For the first time in ten years…I was happy. She made me happy and you took that away from me," the last words were said in a whisper. Bruce paused allowing the words to sink in. Alfred's heart began to beat. He had expected Bruce to be angry but no this. Not like this…
"Bruce… "Alfred continued.
Bruce held up his hand in protest.
"You know what. Tonya's right." Their eyes met. "Maybe I should let you go. You are only holding me back."
"Sir, no matter what you might think you now know, you still need guidance…"
"No! I am 18 and about to go off to college. I think I can do without guidance at this time."
Alfred smirked.
"You are right, sir. You are definitely in no position to need guidance now."
Bruce's anger rose to its limit and before realizing what was about to happen he shouted,
"I HATE YOU! I HATE YOU!"
The words were screamed over and over again until they burned a permanent hole into Alfred's heart and memory. Alfred walked away from Bruce closing the door behind him still hearing Bruce's screams and pounding fists on the door.
In the present, Alfred's was vividly relieving the past along with a screaming nearly 30 year old Bruce writhing in pain on the floor where he had fallen earlier. The bleeding caused from the Batarang seemed under control with the stitches Alfred had administered. The words of pure hatred coming from Bruce's voice and opened eyes aimed at him , Alfred, a wraith from his past. Alfred felt the familiar urge to leave Bruce alone as he did before, but he stopped. The last time he had left, Bruce hadn't spoken a word to him for the next two months before leaving for Princeton. Upon Bruce's return for Chill's hearing, things seemed strained and Bruce seemed angry. He still felt that Alfred had no reason to care for him since he wasn't his biological son. Alfred continued to stay by his side, even when Bruce tried to pick a fight with him.
This time Alfred closed the opened door before him and went back over to the screaming man. That's when he noticed something he hadn't seen before. He hadn't seen it because the first time Alfred had left Bruce alone . This time, he didn't. Bruce was still mumbling something about hate, but mixed in the pounding fists, the words grew weaker but Bruce's memories stronger and the tears flowed freely.
"Sorry…so sorry Alfred…I didn't mean…"
Bruce sobbed lying on the floor of the manor like he had so many years ago.
Alfred bent down and placed his arms around Bruce's sides helping him up. Bruce saw Alfred…his Alfred…the Alfred of the past and the one in the present.
He hugged the older man fiercely.
"Please don't give up on me…"he whispered.
Alfred returned the whisper.
"Never."
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