The Old, The Young, & In Between (Batman; Bruce/Alfred; R/M; #3: Out Loud)

[katleept.livejournal.com]

Title: The Old, The Young, and In Between
Author: Kat Lee
Fandom: Batman
Character/Pairing: Bruce/Alfred
Rating: R/M
Challenge/Prompt: slashthedrabble #3: Out Loud and 1_million_words Cry Me A River Challenge: Failure
Warning(s): None
Word Count: 500
Summary:
Disclaimer: All characters within belong to DC Comics, not the author, and are used without permission.



They never talk about it out loud. Alfred finds him, not ready to come home, still brooding as the rest of their family always teases that he is far too wont to do. He finds him staring into nothingness and yet seeing more than most men, even those heralded by their countries as heroes of war, will ever have to endure. He finds him, and he brings him home, sometimes -- too often, really -- against Bruce's protests.

He treats him almost like a child again as he fixes a late snack for him with a glass of milk. Then alone in the master bathroom of Wayne Manor, Alfred tends to his injuries with hands both skilled and gentle. His love in every touch even as he draws Bruce's bath and helps him slip underneath the bubbles.

When he's done, Alfred still is waiting for him. He tucks him into bed, but Bruce clings wordlessly to his hand until, at last, Alfred slides underneath the covers with him. In the darkness of his master's bedroom that's beginning to lighten as the sun rises outside on another day that's happening for Gotham only because of the Batman, cracked lips find another set whose swiftness, heat, and passion belie their owner's age. Hands swift in battle are swifter underneath the blankets.

In that bed, while the rest of the city still slumbers, Alfred makes Bruce again feel like he is a master not just of him and of his home but of his city and himself. He again regains not just control but happiness, as well, but when they slip out of bed again much later and Alfred goes to make breakfast for their family, Bruce stands overlooking his estate from his window and feeling lonelier than before.

He passes on breakfast; Alfred makes excuses to every one for him, including Wayne Enterprises and telling them that Master Wayne will not be in for the day. He finds him still standing at his window in only boxers and quickly looks away. Bruce waits until Alfred is gone again before looking back forlornly at his clean, pristine, and utterly white bed. He is the master of his home, the head of his family, and the savior of Gotham. He is one of the richest and most powerful men in the world, so how is it still that gazing at that pristine whiteness always makes him feel like a failure?

Below, Alfred sets to washing the sheets, wishing he could wash his Master out of his soul as easily as he can the effects of their love making from the linens. He loves Master Bruce truly; nothing will ever change that fact. He knows, too, that nothing will ever make his master love him in return, at least not as Alfred loves him, so if he scrubs a little too hard and leaves blisters on his hands, it's only another reminder that he must stop this cycle. He'll love Bruce forever, but he'll never love him.


The End

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Oh boys ;____;