#gala arc

[a-good-darren]

H-hey @sam-likes-magnets and @lmky-n

Want to do a truth or dare...?

[a-good-darren]

Dude ask him out you guys would be so cute together

I don't know...... FUCK there's also the issue with @/lmky-n liking me and I kinda like her too?!? She even took me to a gala!!!! (,,>ࡇ<,,)

My dum bi heart needs to die pleaseeeeee

[a-good-darren]

Hugs you @lmky-n

[daemoninwhiteround2]

The day of the gala, the Manor is a veritable hive of activity. Bruce has done his part by mustering his children to venture of a tailor's and back - they all have several sets of formal clothes that require minimal altering to make sure they still fit and are fashionable. Luckily, alpha and beta fashion doesn't change as rapidly as omega fashion, and none of Bruce's children are of the fairest sex.

He'd invited Clark personally, and sent clothing for him and his son. Bruce quite enjoys Clark's company, possible outings in closets aside, and after what Clark had done for Dick during Dick's first rut, it seems only fitting to invite Clark to a party at which he hopes Dick may find a spouse (or someone that he wouldn't mind courting, at least). Even if Clark is too old to be a legitimate contender for permanent mate, his opinion on possible mates for Dick is valuable.

That, and he had to invite Lex and he's fairly certain that Lex knows what Clark did for Dick. Bruce really wants to see Lex's face when Dick and Clark interact. Clark is just as much a troll as Bruce is, and he has far greater dislike for Lex, so he'll no doubt jump at the opportunity to rag on Lex in a place where social niceties will prevent Lex from responding.

That, and he's a solid 90% certain that Tim wishes to court Clark's son.

Let it not be said that Bruce couldn't set multiple sons up at one gala. Two birds, one stone, etc.

As the technical host, Bruce has to be there at the beginning to greet everybody. Then there'll be the announcing of all the omegas for whom this is their first season. Then the opening dance. And then Bruce can take a break, but his public persona will not allow him to spend too much time outside of the spotlight.

At least Clark will be there to provide cover is he does require a break. Clark's always been such a great sport about sneaking out for the same amount of time and coming back after him with artfully ruffled hair. Bruce is fairly certain that he goes through coat pockets.

Bruce will never understand journalists, though he respects Clark's upright morality, refusal to bend to bribery, and eternal search for truth and justice.

It is a pity that he's not romantically attracted to the man. They could've had an interesting life together.

(No, Clark spends too much time playing the fool for Bruce's tastes. Bruce is surrounded by too many two faced people that he's come to be attracted to brash, upfront honesty and a spitfire attitude and delicate fox feet and a thick bushy tail and.

Ahem.)

He runs a final hand over the front of his tail coat, makes sure that it lays correctly and the fabric beneath isn't making it bunch weirdly. He's possibly dressed up too formally, but this is the opening gala of the season after all, and he is the host. He checks the time in his pocket watch, takes a deep breath and brings a genial smile to his face.

Time to begin.

[daemoninwhiteround2]

“Jason is wasted as a house maid” what kind of job would you have him do Bruce? 👀

Bruce has very little to do as the household descends into organised chaos to get everything arranged in time. He mainly assists by keeping out of their way and corralling Tim, Damian and Duke to free up Alfred.

But the usual household tasks must still get done, and so he finds himself a week later in his study, a stack of ledgers for Wayne Ent. to review on his desk, and Jason making his way around the bookshelves, dusting.

He has been hopelessly distracted ever since Jason knocked, and so takes the opportunity to observe Jason. For once, Jason's actions don't feel like an elaborate attempt to seduce Bruce: his skirts are short, yes, and far more of his decolletage is on display than Bruce has seen on the other maids. But it doesn't feel like an escalation. His skirt is just as short and his top as low cut as it was last week. Bruce watches his movements, they're not nearly as graceful and sweeping as they were last week.

And, most damming of all, his tail isn't the typical lush, resplendent bushel of fur, but ever so slightly ragged.

Bruce makes up his mind. He puts the ledger aside. "It must be tiring."

Jason turns around and yes, under his eyes there are the beginnings of dark circles. "Sir?"

"I know Alfred typically runs a tight ship, but there is ought to be a good balance of work time and off time."

Jason gives Bruce an almost calculating look. "Yes, compared to other places I've worked, usually the evenings and nights are ours, and Sundays too of course."

"But with this gala."

Jason bobs a nod. "There's more work to be done."

Bruce stands. "Come with me."

Jason doesn't quite back up a step but a look like he would want to passes quickly over his face. "Mr Wayne?"

"I. You need a." Bruce clears his throat and represses the ridiculous urge to blush. "You need a break. I thought. I could dust and. The bath in my rooms, it has hot water on tap. You could bathe and I would fulfill your duties."

Jason's expression shifts and eventually settles on the slightest of smirks. He leans back against the bookcases, twists slightly to highlight the press of his breasts against his top, flicks his tail to make the side of his skirt ride up. "Am I too dirty, Mr Wayne?" he purrs.

Bruce clears his throat again and doesn't think about Jason, wet and warm from a bath, smelling like Bruce's soaps and shampoos. Doesn't think about Jason wrapping himself in a towel and sitting at the vanity in Bruce's rooms intended for his future wife to use. Doesn't think about getting on his knees and brushing out Jason's tail until it's thick and shining and beautiful again.

"I've created extra work for you. This is all I can do to apologise."

Something in the set of Jason's eyes changes and he smiles, just a little. "I'd like that. But you're explaining to Mr Pennyworth, if he asks!"

"Of course." Bruce can't keep his tone from turning pointed as he says, "you know how to get to my rooms, yes?"

His pillow still smells of Jason.

Jason doesn't even have the grace to blush. "Yes."

They look at each other for a while. Bruce, usually so aware of his surroundings, cannot tell for how long.

Jason's eyes are a stunning hazel. He's never noticed before.

Eventually, Jason steps forward, and puts one gloved hand on Bruce's wrist. "Thank you, Mr Wayne."

Suddenly Bruce thinks he's do just about anything to hear Jason call him by his given name, but his jaw seems to have rusted shut, and Jason is gone before he can force his mouth open.

[daemoninwhiteround2]

🐻/🦊 Dick and Tim have been showing an inordinate amount of interest in Jason... Do these young men have no regard for pack hierarchy!!?

Bruce telephones Dick. If he's to throw an entire gala to assist Dick in finding a bride, he should probably make sure that Dick knows and will attend.

They have a standing call on Sunday evenings, just before when they would typically have Sunday dinner. Bruce had gotten used to having a proper British roast with his sons, and he was surprised at how much he found himself missing Dick during these meals. The telephone call isn't a replacement for Dick's presence, but it does assist in easing the ache.

Bruce honestly just counts himself lucky that Dick decided to move into a building with a telephone. If he had to rely only on letters and visits, he doesn't think he would have been able to let Dick move so far away. Bruce's alpha instincts are stronger than most's, and they insist on keeping his packmates close.

The call connects, eventually, and he finds his shoulders relaxing as the chipper voice of his eldest son comes crackling down the line.

"Bruce! Hello!"

"Dick," letting his voice reflect his true fondness doesn't come naturally to Bruce - he always feels likes he's pantomiming - but for Dick, he makes the effort. "How have you been?"

"Busy! You won't believe what happened at the corner diner the other day."

Bruce closes his eyes, leans back in his seat and allows Dick's voice to wash over him. He makes the appropriate noises; listening ones when Dick falters, amused ones when Dick jokes. His son is a surprisingly excellent telephone conversationalist, his joy comes through clear in his tone and Bruce finds himself smiling in echo of the smile he hears in Dick's voice.

There's a lull and he asks, "Did you hear about Dr Isley?"

"Yeah, we were actually gonna send some guys up to help cover the shortage while those folks recovered, but the Commissioner said that it wasn't needed. I'd feel pretty bad about the whole mess, but..."

Bruce agrees, personally. Whilst Dr Isley's medium left something to be desired, no one could argue with her message. "We're holding the opening gala for the spring season here now."

There's a beat of silence.

"What?"

"Lucius arranged it with the city. Apparently we could do with some good publicity amongst the upper crust."

The line crackles.

Finally, "Bruce. Is this for me?"

"Lucius did mention that you were of an age where you might wish to settle down, and that perhaps my reputation was affecting yours."

Dick huffs. "Bruce, really? I'm barely 25, I don't want a spouse yet!"

"Just something to start thinking about."

Dick sighs. "Is Roy coming?"

"The Queens are invited." Bruce can hardly be blamed if his distaste for that family's patriarch seeps into his voice. The clears his throat and in what he hopes is a neutral tone, continues, "You can invite your friends of course, if you wish. I'll wire you the money should any of them require new suits."

Dick laughs and acquiesces.

Bruce only leaves the conversation when Alfred rings the bell for dinner, but not before reminding Dick to come down if he has time as his brothers miss him. He hopes his voice conveys that he also misses Dick, for his pride won't allow him to speak the words. Dick is the one who left so Dick is the one who must regret it. Bruce can't show that kind of vulnerability.

There's a knock on the study door and, of course, Jason pokes his head in. "Dinner, Mr Wayne."

Bruce nods and gets up. He's careful to time his breaths so that he doesn't have to inhale as he passes Jason - who barely steps back from the doorway, forcing Bruce to choose between drawing attention to it and squeezing past.

He's only human. He chooses to squeeze past and thanks his past decision to take off his suit jacket when his arm brushes against Jason's chest.

Christ he needs to find a tod pro-boy, and quick smart.

[princesssciset]

Gala Arc Coming Soon