Tell Me About It - Chap 10

25th December - 5:15PM

Bruce hurried down the steps, fixing his watch with one hand. Dick Grayson and Tim Drake, who were waiting for him, promptly got up from the couch.

"Merry Christmas, Bruce!" Tim wished. Bruce wouldn't have paid much attention if it wasn't for the grin on his face which followed the greeting. Dick reciprocated it. Bruce froze for a while.

Alfred!!!!!

He slowed his pace and got down one step at a time, trying to avoid eye-contact. That wouldn't deter his wards. Wipe that stupid grin off your face – he was tempted to shout, but decided against it. The first thing he wanted to do was to get hold of Alfred.

"That's a strange perfume you're wearing," Dick remarked, "Is it a new flavour?"

Bruce clenched his teeth. It was second time in less than an hour that he was caught off guard. The boys grinned again, thoroughly enjoying the situation.

"Well it must be the most talked about Dark Mist, or Morning Spice – what do you call it Bruce?" Tim winked at Dick.

"You know what; I still don't understand what gave him the idea of topping Dark Spice with Morning Mist. Isn't that supposed to be Woman's deo?" Dick returned Tim's wink.

"Well you at least got that far. I don't understand what gave him the idea of moping the floor with his towel -" he burst out into laughter. Dick joined him.

"I am ready too, Master Dick. Has Master Bruce arrived yet?" Alfred walked into the hall, pretending to be unaware of the situation. The boys paused for a while to look back and forth at Alfred and Bruce, and laughed again.

"If you're done pulling my legs, you can go open your presents", Bruce said, folding his arms.

"Beat you to the tree, Timmy boy!" Dick remarked as he ran across the room. Tim followed.


"So - "Bruce raised his eye brows.

"Um – they wanted to know what the commotion was all about, sir. And with no instructions from you regarding the secrecy of the matter, I divulged it." Alfred spoke, squirming under his Master's gaze. The clock struck half hour. It was 5:30 PM. Bruce suddenly became conscious. Lisa would be there any moment.

He consciously ran his hand through his hair, and bringing it down to his face. He felt the cross plaster near his right eye brow.

"Ah, Alfred! Why can't I remove this stuff?" he complained.

"It won't do you any good, sir! The scar is so deep; one can almost see the bone. The lady is aware of your situation, I know she would understand. And I think you shouldn't be so critical."

Bruce closed his eyes and considered that last remark. He was never so conscious on a date before. In fact he wasn't sure if it was a date or just a social call. He realised he was getting his hopes up on a woman who had thought twice before acknowledging his offer. He could not digest the fact that Lisa had consulted Wonder Woman on whether or not to go out with him. In fact he wanted to bring up the topic on phone, but her revelation had taken him by surprise. It was as if she never had a doubt in her mind, as if she really wanted Bruce's company and was afraid of losing it. A feeling of lightness popped up in his mind and he repeated to himself – she really wanted my company. Then his thoughts automatically led to the events that followed; how he was caught off guard by Alfred, and quickly returned to the present. A smile crept through his lips. However he resolved to get the things clarified with Lisa.

"Woah, the new Xbox! I thought I'd never get it since the last time you grounded me! Thanks so much Bruce!" Tim ran hugged his guardian, bringing him back to senses.

"Well, you improved your grades in Civics as you promised. I thought you deserved this present." Bruce smiled. He felt a paternal urge to return the hug. He bent on his knees and hugged him back, gently stroking his hair. Tim tightened his grip, fighting his tears, relishing the moment with the man who was more than his father.

"Whoever this Lisa is, I wish she's here to stay in his life!" Dick whispered to Alfred who was spellbound seeing his Master's emotional side.

"I wish the same too, Master Dick! He deserves all the happiness the life has to offer" Alfred spoke; his voice choked with emotion and unconditional love for his Master.

The door bell rang.

Tim reluctantly released his grip. Bruce patted his back and smiled. Alfred answered the door.

It was Lisa.

"Sorry, I'm late!" she apologised. "Oh, this must be Dick Grayson and Tim Drake! It's so nice to meet you two!" she smiled warmly as she approached them. She shook Dick's hand and picked Tim's cheek. Then she moved to Bruce, cautiously put her hand on his bandage and ran her thumb over it.

"How is the ointment working?" she asked him. He bit his tongue. He had not used the ointment she had given him. He was too busy.

"You didn't use it, did you?" she said, guessing his thoughts. He remained silent.

"Bruce, you really should devote more time to taking care of yourself!" she remarked, taking her hand away, "If not for yourself, at least for your family." The warmth in her expression touched him and he felt a pang of guilt in his heart.  

"Shall we get going, sir?" Alfred asked, breaking the momentary silence.

"Yes, Alfred! I think we should get started." He spoke abruptly. Lisa frowned, and then smiled, putting him at ease. Dick and Tim looked at each other and smiled. Finally, someone was capable of bossing the Batman.

"You people carry on. Tim and I have got a job to finish. We'll take my bike." Dick said.

"You are going to ride the bike wearing a suit!" Lisa raised her eye brows. Dick frowned, as if considering her statement.

I know where this is going – Bruce said to himself. "Ok guys, take my Ferrari. But don't get exceed the speed limit like you did last time."

"They exceeded the speed limit!" Lisa shook in disbelief. All of a sudden, Dick realised the Lisa sentiment was going against him. It was Bruce's turn to grin.

"Yes, they did!" Bruce nodded, "And almost got my car busted. But again, it's not about the car, you know. I keep warning Dick that he would set a bad example for Tim."

Says the man who drives Tim in the bat-mobile – Dick said to himself. He did not know what to say in his defence.

"Well then maybe I should take out the Limo, sir!" Alfred said, "now that Master Dick and Tim are joining us. May be we can wait while they finish their job."

Bruce gulped. So much for being the cautious parent he thought. Dick grinned.

"Well you cannot protect them all the time, Bruce!" Lisa spoke abruptly. "I think you should let them finish their job and come on their own. They are big boys now!"

Bruce widened his eyes as he realised Lisa had the same intentions as he did. She wants to go out with me he said to himself again. He lost the count of how many times he had done that.

"I agree!" Bruce offered, sounding reluctant, though he was actually excited.

"Very well, sir! I'll get the Mercedes then. Master Dick can take the Ferrari." Alfred said and promptly left. Dick waited for Bruce to take Lisa to his study, and then dashed out to catch up with Alfred.

"You are a life saver, Alfred!" Dick remarked.

"That is precisely why I am here, sir!" Alfred winked, "But as Master Bruce said, do not exceed the speed limit this time."