Sorry for the long wait. Life's been busy, but I hope this really long chapter makes up for it. This is the introduction of new arc Cheyenne and I are doing called Gotham Academy. It's an AU about Bruce and Tony's high school lives. Hope you like it!
Note: I describe them as millionaires because they don't become billionaires until they are adults
Gotham Academy
It was a rainy day in Gotham City; which was usual for the dreary town. Bruce Wayne however, knew that his weekend would be anything but usual. The 16 year old made his way down the grand stair case of his even grander mansion. He sighed as he sat at the small table in the state-of-the-art kitchen. He refused to eat at the extravagant dining table since no one else but Alfred occupied that spacious home.
"Is something troubling you, Master Bruce?" Alfred asked as he placed his young charge's breakfast on the table. Eggs sunny side up, bread toasted to perfection, crispy bacon and a glass of orange juice.
"You know what it is Alfred." Bruce mumbled and chewed on a bacon strip.
"Forgive me sir but I find nothing wrong with Anthony visiting this weekend." The butler stated.
"How could you not? He's always causing trouble when he's here." The teen millionaire complained as he munched on his toast.
When Tony had called the week before asking to stay over, Bruce had been prepared to make up an excuse. But then Tony's mother, Maria, had told him how she thought it was so wonderful that he and Tony were going to spend time together. She said that Bruce was good friend for Tony and really, how could Bruce not let him stay over after that? All week he had been dreading the weekend and now it had finally arrived.
"Master Bruce, if I recall correctly, the two of you had a splendid time during Anthony's last visit." Alfred pointed out much to the dismay of his charge.
"Well…he was-I…he's annoying!" Bruce huffed.
"If I didn't know any better, I'd say that you enjoy Mister Stark's company." Alfred smiled, causing Bruce to gag on his orange juice.
"Enjoy? You think I enjoy hanging around with that arrogant jerk?" the 16 year old argued.
"Indeed, sir."
Bruce couldn't think of what to say, so he finished his breakfast and Alfred smirked to himself for his triumph.
~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~
Anthony Stark smirked as Wayne Manor came into view. He had been sitting in the Rolls Royce for nearly two hours and was ready to get out. Traffic was pretty terrible, even for a rainy day in Gotham. Fortunately the young millionaire was used to heavy traffic. He was a New Yorker after all. When the vehicle finally came to a halt, Tony quickly exited and made his way to the door before the driver could even get the trunk open. The opened to reveal Alfred, the butler Tony had come to love.
"Mister Stark." Alfred nodded.
"Alfred, how many times do I have to tell you to call me Tony?" the rich teen asked.
"My apologies Mister Sta-Tony." The butler corrected himself. "Master Bruce is in his bedroom. I'll inform him of your arrival right away."
"No that's okay I'll say hi to him myself." Tony bounded up the stairs before Alfred could say anything. Though it had been a while since his last visit to the manor, the teen had memorized the manor's layout long ago. As he made his way to the master bedroom, Tony re-familiarized himself with the mansion's classic décor. The chandeliers, hardwood floors, framed paintings and plush carpets always reminded Tony of his childhood with Bruce. Once he reached Bruce's bedroom, Tony considered knocking, but decided against it.
"The Starkman has arrived!" The 16 year old barged in. Bruce had taken a shower and was dressed in nothing but a pair of blue boxers.
"Stark! What're doing? Don't you ever knock?!" The Gothamite glared at the intruder as he attempted (and failed) to cover his well-toned upper body.
"Whoa, chill out man. I admit this is more of you than I would like to see but it's not that big a deal." Tony responded.
"You're early." Bruce said flatly.
"I left an hour early because of traffic." Bruce let out a sigh. It was no use to question anything Tony Stark did.
"Okay whatever. What's the plan for today?" he asked.
"Well this is your city and I'm the guest, shouldn't you have had a plan?" Tony answered with a hint of sarcasm.
"Oh c'mon Stark."
"Okay fine. We could watch that new zombie apocalypse movie…at the mall of course." Tony suggested, knowing that Bruce would probably never get within 10 feet of Gotham's old theater.
"That movie looks so lame." Bruce stated as he pulled on a navy V-neck sweater. He and Tony usually watched whatever movies were tanking in the box office, but this one in particular seemed exceptionally terrible.
"Yeah but we could make fun of it after and pick up some chicks." The New Yorker assured. Bruce rolled his eyes. Tony's plans often included "picking up chicks."
"If that's what you wanna do then I'll have Alfred check movie times."
"Perfect. I'll just go unpack." Tony made his way to the door, "Oh and Bruce?"
"Yeah?"
"Put some pants on." Tony smirked at his friend who realized that he was pant-less.
"Get out of my room Stark." Bruce said as he scrambled to put on his jeans.
~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~
The duo was at the Gotham Mall by 3 and waited in line at the ticket booth outside the theater. Bruce and Tony got a number of stares. Some people even took photos. Though there were plenty of teen socialites in Gotham, Bruce was the most famous due to his family history. Tony's face was also well known due to him being the son of Howard Stark. Whenever the two of them were seen together, people made a big deal. The celebrity duo finally reached the front of the line. A teen who looked slightly older than them was working the booth. She had a blonde bob, wide blue eyes, and a name tag that read Elizabeth. When she noticed the famous teens, her eyes brightened and she smiled, revealing pink braces.
"Wh-what can I g-get you?" She stuttered. Tony smirked and leaned towards the counter.
"My friend and I would like 2 tickets to Zombie Apocalypse." He said using his "Stark Charm."
"W-would you like to see it in 3D?"
"Of course."
"That'll b-be $14.25." Elizabeth blushed slightly when Tony passed the money over, their hands brushing against each other. "E-enjoy your movie."
"Thank you." Tony responded. "By the way, you're pretty now, but once those braces come off you'll be drop dead gorgeous."
Elizabeth blushed beet red and stuttered a thank you at Tony who winked as he and Bruce walked to the snack bar.
"Why'd you do that?" Bruce asked slightly annoyed.
"Do what?" Tony responded in faux innocence.
"Must you flirt with every girl you see?"
"Only the pretty ones, Brucie. Only the pretty ones." Bruce rolled his eyes at his companion's statement.
The teen millionaires purchased popcorn, nachos, Twizzlers, gummy bears, skittles, m&m's, Sno-caps, soft pretzels, and large sodas (Pepsi for Tony and Coca-Cola for Bruce). Normally Bruce doesn't condone Tony over doing things just because he can, but this had been a tradition for as long as he could remember (along with watching terrible movies). Of course everyone in the vicinity had to stare as the blue eyed teens made their way to theater number 7. Unsurprisingly, a large amount of girls were suddenly interested in watching Zombie Apocalypse…3D of course.
~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~
"I can't believe you got us kicked out of another movie." Bruce said as he and Tony exited the theater.
"I can't believe they keep letting us back in." Tony snorted.
"You didn't have to throw nachos at the screen." Bruce argued.
"The popcorn was making it far enough!"
"You got cheese on the people in front of us."
"Hey, at this point people should know not to sit in front us at a movie."
Bruce sighed but didn't argue, knowing that Tony's last statement was true. This was about the 8th time Tony had gotten them kicked out the movies for disrupting the film. And each incident was reported on some stalker blog about their shenanigans (mostly Tony).
"Why don't we just go to Adorno's?" Bruce suggested to his companion.
"Sure, I could go for some ice cream." Tony responded.
~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~
Thankfully for Bruce, the duo had stayed under the radar for the remainder of the weekend. Though Tony constantly complained about staying at the manor all day, he had to admit that it was fun. They played video games that had yet to be released (courtesy of Stark Industries), prank called Gotham's elite, and ate junk food to their hearts' content (much to the chagrin of Alfred). Tony even pranked Bruce by faking the death of his beloved teddy bear, Dr. Grizzly. Bruce retaliated by hacking into Tony's computer and making it seem as if all his documents had been deleted.
The duo went to bed late on Sunday night and Bruce was almost sad knowing that Tony was leaving in the morning. Almost.
On Monday morning, Bruce entered the kitchen at exactly 7:20am. He had a strict morning routine and never like arriving to school past 8:05 since class started at 8:15. Alfred had prepared Belgian waffles topped with strawberries, whipped cream, and the perfect amount of syrup. Tony wandered in a few minutes after Bruce, and the Gothamite did a double take. Tony was wearing Bruce's school uniform. White shirt, red tie, blue blazer donning the Gotham Academy logo, khaki pants, and all.
"Why are you wearing my clothes and why don't you have any of your bags?" Bruce narrowed his eyes at his mischievous friend.
"About that." Tony started. "I'm not going home."
"Why not?" Bruce asked flatly.
"I'm part of student exchange program. I'm going to Gotham Academy for the semester."
"You're what?!" Bruce exclaimed, wonderful breakfast forgotten.
"I needed a change of environment. And I thought; why not go to school with my good ol' pal, Brucie?" Tony explained smugly.
"You can't go to my school!" Bruce argued.
"Sure I can. My parents filled out all the paper work, talked to the principal and dean of admissions, and they even donated money to the school."
"But-You can't just…the semester already started!" Bruce fumbled for words.
"Brucie, you can't really think that Gotham Academy and Tomorrow Academy's curriculums are all that different. Besides, I'm Tony Stark. I can catch up on anything like that." Tony snapped for emphasis.
"Why didn't you tell me sooner?" Bruce glared at his fellow teen millionaire.
"I knew you'd react this way. And I thought I'd surprise you."
"Congratulations, I'm surprised."
"Master Bruce, I don't mean to interrupt this conversation," Alfred jumped in. "But I do believe that we are running late and I will not allow either of you to leave without a proper breakfast."
Bruce grudgingly sat and ate his waffles. Tony did the same only he had a smile on his face, unlike Bruce. They left the house by 7:50am, much to Bruce's irritation, and endured the 20 minute drive in silence.
The Rolls Royce pulled up in front of the school and Tony was actually impressed. Alfred opened the doors and Bruce waved goodbye as he drove off. Tony looked at the large building made from old brownstone. It was majestic looking, like Wayne Manor if it were a castle. The campus was huge. It was as if it were more of a college than a 7th-12th grade school. The lawn and hedges were perfectly manicured and there were large trees with oranging leaves scattered around. The vast area was surrounded by fancy, black iron gates. Tony's school back home, Tomorrow Academy, was much more futuristic. It was a modern-esque type building with large lecture halls and angular structure designs. It was amazing in its own New York way. But it was nothing like this.
"Whoa." Tony whispered. Bruce smirked at his companion's reaction.
"Welcome to Gotham Academy." He said coolly as they strode into the building.
~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~
Tony quickly regained his composure as they entered the building. Since there were still a good five minutes until class, most students were at their lockers. So of course, people stared. Bruce was used to the many longing looks of the female student body, but he didn't pay mind to it. Tony on the other hand, made a point of using his Stark charm on every girl who looked his way and Bruce resisted the urge to roll his eyes. Normal conversations became tiny whispers. Bruce could feel everyone's stares and for once felt slightly uncomfortable. He knew everyone was either curious as to who Tony was or why Tony Stark was in Gotham Academy when he lived in New York City. Tony used the stares to his advantage. He walked with flamboyance and confidence, knowing that no one could resist watching the duo make their way down the hall.
Bruce led Tony to the dean of admission's office. Mr. Montgomery nearly jumped out of his seat when the two millionaires entered.
"Anthony, I've been expecting you." He said almost excitedly. "And I see you have company."
"Good morning, Mr. Montgomery." Bruce greeted politely.
"Your parents notified the school that Anthony will be residing in Wayne Manor for the semester, yes?" Mr. Montgomery asked Tony.
"That is correct sir." Tony answered, toning down his flamboyance for the sake of first impressions.
"Wonderful. We just received your school records from the Tomorrow Academy and have adjusted your schedule accordingly." Mr. Montgomery handed Tony a Gotham Academy backpack. "In here you'll find your schedule, locker number and combination, planner, and gym clothes."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Montgomery." Tony said.
"Your quite welcome, Anthony. Now I assume that Bruce will be showing you around campus since the two of you know each other?"
"You'd be correct, wouldn't he Bruce?" Tony asked with a slight smirk.
"Of course." Bruce said through clenched teeth. "Have a nice day Mr. Montgomery."
The duo exited the office and Bruce showed Tony where his locker was located. It was an easy task since 1st period had already begun, and the halls were nearly empty. After stuffing his Gotham Academy backpack into the locker, Tony checked out his schedule. Bruce peeked at it and groaned.
"I take it that we have classes together?" Tony smirked.
"Periods 1-3, 5, and 7." Bruce frowned.
"That's great. Bruce and Tony ruling the school."
"Oh God no." Bruce pinched the bridge of his nose, causing Tony to laugh.
"C'mon Brucie, show me the way to Advanced Calculus." Tony put his arm around his annoyed companion, as they walked to class.
~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~
Bruce had never been one to complain about school. He could always get through the day so easily. But that Monday had been dragging and it was all because of a certain new student who went by the last name of Stark. All day, Tony had showed off to the entire student body. Bruce didn't think it was possible to impress any of the socialites he went to school with, but he had underestimated Tony Stark and his family's advanced technologies. All the guys wanted to hang out with him and all the girls wanted to date him and it had only been a few hours! It was only 5th period and Bruce wanted to go home. The only solace he received was from his closest friend, Ginnie. The two were eating lunch outside under a shady tree like they always did when the weather was nice.
"You know, I was worried when you showed up late. Very un-Bruce like of you." She joked while pulling a peanut butter and jelly sandwich out of a paper bag.
"Yeah well, you've seen what I had to put up with." Bruce said as he bit into a red apple.
"Why didn't you warn me that he'd be going to school with us for a semester?" Ginnie asked in a whiny yet annoyed voice.
"I had no idea until this morning. Believe me it was more of a shock to me than it was to you." Bruce answered.
"I was planning on never seeing him again."
"Ginnie, the guy didn't recognize you once and you have 3 classes with him. I think you're safe." Bruce said as he pulled a pastrami and mozzarella sandwich on rye (courtesy of Alfred).
"If he calls me Raggedy Ann ever again, I might kill him." Ginnie said half joking.
"Don't worry; I doubt he'll even remember that." Bruce reassured, thinking about the few times Ginnie met Tony when the three of them were kids. She came from an underprivileged family and Bruce had met her at a community center when he was 7. They became close friends and his father got Ginnie's dad a job at Wayne Enterprises. Unfortunately, an encounter with Tony when they were 9, led to the nickname Raggedy Ann. Ginnie had held a grudge against Tony ever since. Bruce felt sympathy for his friend. He saw her eyes flash in anger and he looked up to see Tony approaching them.
"Brucie, I've been looking all over for you!" Tony exclaimed as he sat down beside Bruce.
"I thought I'd let you enjoy lunch with your new friends." Bruce said dryly.
"Aw, Brucie are you jealous?"
"Not in the least Stark." Tony peered over at Ginnie. Her fiery red hair was lifted by the slight breeze and the sun brought out her freckles. He noticed how her piercing green eyes seemed to stare coldly at him.
"Bruce, how come you didn't tell me you had a girlfriend?" Tony asked.
"Because she's not my girlfriend." Bruce answered simply.
"Then what is she to you?"
"I'm his friend." Ginnie stated.
"Best friend." Bruce added. Tony had to admit that statement hurt a little, but he didn't show it.
"Brucie, I thought we were best friends." He said in mock sadness.
"Why would you think that?" Bruce asked, causing Ginnie to giggle.
"Honestly, I didn't think you had other friends. You're pretty anti-social, you know that?"
"I don't need lots of friends. Besides, I have Ginnie." Ginnie smiled at Bruce's statement.
"And you say she's not your girlfriend?" Tony snorted.
"Excuse me, but if all you're gonna do is be rude, it would be greatly appreciated if you left." Ginnie stated.
"Ooh someone's an aggressive one." Tony responded.
"Ooh someone's a pain in the butt." Ginnie mocked.
"You're feisty. I like that."
"You disgust me."
"Bruce are you sure she's not your girlfriend? Cuz you two are perfect for each other." Tony said to Bruce who was sitting apprehensively, watching his best friend argue with his…roommate?
"Would you shut up about the whole girlfriend thing already?!" Ginnie exclaimed.
"Ginnie," Bruce placed his hand on her arm. "Calm down."
"Seriously, if you're not dating Bruce, I'm totally available." Tony said, irritating Ginnie even more.
"Tony." Bruce said in a warning tone.
"What, her feistiness is attractive and she's not your girlfriend…right?" Tony defended.
"It doesn't matter that I'm not his girlfriend, I would never be yours!" Ginnie yelled. She got up ready to leave.
"Ginnie wait, don't go." Bruce pleaded.
"I'm sorry. I can't do this." Ginnie said quietly. "I'll see you later, okay?"
"Okay." Bruce said sympathetically. He and Tony watched as she walked away.
"It's bad enough that you're gonna invade my life at home and at school, but do not mess with Ginnie." Bruce warned.
"What is it with you and Ginnie anyway?" Tony asked seriously.
"I told you, she's my best friend." Bruce answered simply.
"It's weird though. I never pegged you as the guy who really has a best friend, you know besides me." Bruce rolled his eyes. "But there's something familiar about her. Have I met her before?"
"No." Bruce said a little too quickly. "I-I mean, you haven't met Ginnie before."
Technically it wasn't a lie. Only Bruce called her Ginnie, and Tony had only ever acknowledged her as Raggedy Ann. And Ginnie was far from the person she once was.
"I like her. She's fiery, like her hair." Tony said.
"Alfred says she reminds him of chili peppers." Bruce responded.
"Peppers huh?" Tony pondered. "You know, I think I'm gonna like it here."
And that was the first installment of Gotham Academy. And you guys also met Ginnie. She's very important, especially in the future *hint hint* As usual, reviews are very much appreciated. So until it's my turn to write again…
~Miss Walls