Blood Bonds

submission dated 11-25-05
author: FireCracker
(Italic copy bordered by_underscore_)
Archive? You'd better.
No money from this, all in fun!
Warnings: This is an Elseworlds Vampire Fic that occurs after BB6 but before BB7.

Pairings: Bruce wonders if perception is reality.

Blood Bonds Interlude : Strange Dreams

Bruce stepped from the shower, amused. His powerful physique rippled with moisture as he towelled himself dry.

/So many things to do. The mansion seems to be in pretty fair shape for the gathering. Hopefully Jason got the invitations out in time./

He smiled at his image in the mirror, thinking of his second son. /Impudent brat. If it weren't for him I'd be resting by now./

He sighed, staring at tattered fabric on the bedroom floor. /Another silk shirt ripped. I'm starting to think he does that on purpose./

His musings were cut short by the appearance of Alfred. The elder vampire wore his standard guise as head butler.

"Hm."

Bruce turned, lifting an eyebrow. "What are you looking at, father?"

Alfred smirked, eyes raking his son. "Literally for figuratively?"

"Never mind." Bruce wrapped himself in a towel quickly. "You'd think after all this time I'd know better."

"I appreciate all your qualities."

"I'd appreciate you getting to the point. I plan to take a brief nap, no thanks to Jason."

Alfred paced the room, grinning. "The boy is insatiable, I'll give him that."

Bruce leaned against the wall on an elbow. "Out with it, father. What's on your mind?"

A nod. "I've invited Kim. She's very excited about meeting Gotham's elite."

"That shouldn't be a problem."

The elder vampire sat on Bruce's bed, his expression soft.

Bruce watched him intensely, grinning. "You've been seeing a lot of her lately."

"Yes." a pause. "She has quality, Bruce. I've not felt this way in centuries. At least since your mother."

"Father!" Bruce moved closer, delighted. "Are you in love?"

Deep blue eyes were wild, unfocused. "Ssss. I think so, son. We have much in common, and her intelligence keeps me on my toes."

"Her blood is sweet?"

"Like honey."

"What are your plans? Does she know the truth?"

Alfred pulled his chin absently. "About the family? Yes, I've told her. At first she didn't believe it. In her words the explanation sounded 'too fantastic.' "

"Surely she knows vampires exist in Gotham."

"Knowing and experiencing are two different things. Numerous accounts of attacks in the news are easy to dismiss. But to meet one of our kind up close? Needless to say I had to convince her."

Bruce leaned back thoughtfully. "I like her, and now I'm even more impressed. I had no idea she knew the truth."

"Clever girl. One of her endearing qualities is the ability to keep secrets."

"Not a common mortal trait I must admit."

A pause. "Do you plan on turning her?"

Alfred flashed a toothy smile. "I've been sorely tempted when she sleeps...but no. I could never force that on someone I love. Besides, she wants to live her mortal life."

"Understandable. She has family and a lifestyle."

"But not eternity."

Bruce watched his sire closely. "Can you control yourself?"

Alfred snorted. "I have so far."

"What's Kim think?"

"She accepts us, but is fearful of the change."

Bruce grinned savagely. "Kiss her fear away, father."

Alfred chuckled. "Young fool. Humans consider us monsters. No amount of sophistication changes that."

"But surely she expects a life with you."

"We haven't discussed it seriously." a pause. "I hunger, child. Despite my age I'm not overly patient."

Bruce rubbed his shoulder. "Hold on a little, father. What woman can resist your charms?"

Alfred looked up with sudden intensity. "The others will bring human pets and associates to the gathering. I'll be busy about the mansion, as you know. And many of our guests will be strangers."

Bruce stood to his full height, eyes flashing. "She has my protection, father."

The older vampire was instantly at ease. "I've told her to use safeguards as a precaution. I don't trust some of the socialites."

"Ssss. Don't concern yourself with it. I'll inform the boys as well."

"Excellent." Alfred squeezed his son's hand. He glanced at the brass wall clock.

"I'd better get downstairs and see how the staff is doing."

Bruce pecked his sire on the cheek. "I'm glad you're happy, father. Does this mean I'll have a new mother?"

"Saucy boy. I've work to do!" Alfred couldn't stop smiling as he glided out.

Bruce laughed to himself. "Never too old, I guess!"

****

It was a warm, muggy summer evening. A large, hazy moon set over the Gotham skyline as a backdrop. A lone figure stood in the park, partially obscured by shadow. Feral eyes sparked in the twilight, anticipating a new turn of events.

Human form shifted, turned to bat. A visitation was in order. And renewing old accquaintance.

****

Bruce curled under soft blankets, moonbeams shaping gentle shadows across his face. Broad expanses of window gave atmosphere to his bedroom from deep night.

He collapsed into rest, but not the death sleep. On some level his senses were alert.

Those senses told him he wasn't alone.

Musky sweetness, scent familiar and sexual. Slippery, then silken sensations like whispers over his body. Knowing touches, memories from before...

He groaned, unable to move. His limbs were heavy, his eyes blank to the world. More sweet caresses, trailing fire and drawing heat.

Bruce ached, desire warming his bones. He reached for nothing, feeling something escape his grasp...

With a roar he jerked up, growling. Dark hair stuck everywhere rakishly as Bruce glanced about in the gloom. Piercing blue eyes glanced over at a digital clock.

He rubbed his eyes. /What happened here?/

His body throbbed, blood thumping his groin. He pulled himself quickly.

"Shit."

A hiss. Arching back over the bed he exploded, sticky cum coating his fist. The broad chest heaved in exertion.

"What the hell?"

Finally alert, he glanced about the bedroom. Both paned glass windows flapped open.

****

Dick adjusted his tux. Jason laughed, watching his brother struggle with a french collar.

"Look at you. All pretty."

"Oh, shut up. Where's Tim?"

Jason shrugged. "I have no clue. Maybe he's devising another plan to seduce Bruce."

Dick rolled his eyes. "He's pretty fixated on that."

"Nah, just a case of hot pants."

"Don't I know it." Dick surveyed his brother. "What's that you're wearing. A silk shirt with pinstriped slacks?"

"Give me a break. I don't have my coat jacket on yet."

"I can see we'll all be coordinated. Maybe Tim's wearing an orange polyester golf uniform."

Jason posed in front of a full length mirror. "It's all in the accessories. If you want to look like a penguin that's your buisness."

Dick preened, running a hand through his hair. "I look good in anything."

"Pretty stuck on yourself."

Dick shrugged. "Face facts, bro...hating is useless. If everyone wants me, who am I to deny?" a laugh.

"Moron." Jason sniffed, adjusting his tie. "We'll see where the line starts tonight."

"More hair jel, darling? Your spikes are flopping over."

"You're a real clown."

"It takes two, apparently." a deep voice stated. Both young men turned as their sire burst into the den, bare except for a towel.

Dick stared first. "Whoa. Line starts to the left."

Bruce glared, temper short. "What are you talking about?"

"Nothing. We were about to check on you. Why aren't you dressed?"

Bruce looked about, agitated. "Something strange happened earlier. I was resting and a presence entered my room."

"A presence? But we have security, not to mention spells-"

"Against known assailants. Something here is off, Dick."

A brief sniff. "Why are you so aroused? I'm not being funny-"

Bruce waved him off. "No, I know what you mean. Someone or something touched me in my sleep."

Jason kept staring. "An attack, I think." he touched Bruce on the neck. Red wetness seeped over his fingers from a wound.

Dick touched it also in disbelief. "But why? To what purpose?"

Bruce rubbed his throat, feeling the puncture holes. "Shit. Someone managed to breach both security and mystic shields. Not good."

"But the gathering is tonight. What do you plan to do?"

"There's nothing to be done for now, Dick. Not until we have time to investigate."

Tim exploded into the room, angry. "I'll bet anything the Monsantos are behind this."

Bruce snorted. "Tim, there's no evidence of that. Use your logic and detective skills."

"Besides the fact it makes no sense." Jason added. "They've been invited here openly. And I don't get the impression the Monsantos need to use such tactics."

Tim sniffed angrily. "Yeah, well...maybe not. But don't you think it's a little suspicious?"

Bruce eyed his youngest. "Maybe. Are you listening in on conversations again?"

"No." the teen rubbed his father's arm. "You okay? Not weak or anything?"

Bright blue eyes sparkled. "Hungry, but I'll do." A hug. "You look great, by the way. I didn't recall you having a white suit."

Tim tugged his suit jacket with pride. "Thanks. After all, it's black tie, right? Getting upstaged at home would be stupid."

Jason managed a grin. "Some of us need a fashion consultant. Is skin 'in' this year?"

Bruce glanced down at his towel. "I need to get dressed-"

"You're sure to be a hit, but our guests might misunderstand. There could be a riot."

"Smartmouth. What time is it? My sense is off."

Dick watched him. "About seven thirty. Do you want more security at the entrances?"

"No. It would only cause suspicion, or indicate weakness."

"Weakness has nothing to do with this, father. Your assailant clearly knows you. But it may not have been an attack."

"What are you saying?!"

"Think about it. You were tasted passively. Whomever was in your room wanted information."

Bruce paced as his sons watched him again. "You're right. But what are they trying to find, and why is it important now?"

"First things first." Jason stopped the restless turning. "Get dressed and keep your eyes open. It might be someone arriving tonight."

"Friend or enemy is the question."

A pause. "Possibly both."

****

Bruce finished dressing, feeling better after sipping from a junior cook on the staff. Good food always made the blood sweeter. He made a mental note to include a bonus for the man.

He was still adjusting his bowtie when silent footsteps padded in.

"You look really great."

Bruce turned, smiling. "Thank you, Dick. I wasn't sure about this pastel shirt with a white tux, however."

Dick poked at the perfect collar. "The linen look is clean. Mint green works with black tie if you keep it simple."

Bruce laughed, brushing his hair. "My own personal fashion consultant."

Dick moved behind his sire by the mirror. "Looks nice with your eyes, too."

The firm mouth set. "Dick, you aren't here to talk about my eyes. And I know when I'm being watched."

A sigh. "All right, then. Any ideas about your attack?"

Bruce did another pace, eyes flashing as he spoke. "No, other than it was by someone who knows me."

"What makes you say that?"

Bruce sat abruptly, deep in thought. "By the way they touched me. I don't need to draw you a picture."

Dick squeezed a broad shoulder. "No. But now what? If you don't want added security-"

"We'll play it straight for now. I don't want whomever it is to know we have concerns. But stay aware."

Dick thought a moment. "I'll let Jason and Tim know. Are you sure you're okay?" he touched a corded neck. "Those bites are still open."

Bruce closed his eyes momentarily. "I was distracted." the wounds immediately closed as if they never existed.

Dick glanced about, tugging at his tux. "Our guests will be arriving soon. I'd better see if Alfred needs help with the staff."

Bruce turned suddenly. "That reminds me...Kim will be in attendance."

"Oh, grandfather's friend? I like her."

A nod. "She knows what precautions to take, but make certain she isn't isolated."

Dick blinked in disbelief. "Wait. You mean she knows about us? The truth?!"

"Yes. Alfred informed me this morning." A smirk. "I think he's in love."

Dick laughed. "Well at least I get a hot grandmother!"

Bruce grinned. "Don't even think it. They have a few issues to resolve, however. I think Alfred wants to marry her."

Dick lifted an eyebrow. "But?"

"Naturally she's afraid. And there are mortal relatives."

"Humans always react the same way. How long is he willing to wait?"

Bruce shrugged. "Difficult to say. It's impossible to love someone and not eventually force the issue. He craves her touch."

Dick chuckled, heading for the door. "Maybe I'll give him some advice!"

"Oh, he'd love that."

Dick flashed his fangs. "Well, if she's joining the family I'd better keep an eye on her."

Bruce watched his son with suspicion. "Make sure that's all you do!"

Dick made an affected pose, clutching his chest. "Me? Are you suggesting that I'd hit on my future grandmother? You don't trust me!"

"Not as far as I can throw you!"

Both vampires screeched in laughter.

Bruce waved his son off. "Get going. I've a grand entrance to make!"

"Showoff." Dick glided out the door, smug.

TO BE CONTINUED

Next: BLOOD BONDS Meeting of the Minds