Chapter 6: Something Old, Something New

News of Bruce Wayne's sudden reappearance in society took Gotham by storm. To the rest of the world, it seemed as though he disappeared into thin air. The year he turned eighteen, he hosted the annual Wayne Enterprises Faculty Christmas Celebration at his stately manor as his parents had done every year. He spoiled his guests with the finest champagne and the most decadent foods and desserts. He hired a live orchestra to play Christmas classics and there was even a rumor that he employed a few people to climb into the rafters of the ballroom and shower artificial snow over the heads of his guests. Everyone was mesmerized by his elaborate setup and he was earning the reputation as a real Great Gatsby.

But then...he was gone.

He stopped answering calls. He wasn't seen in the city. He didn't attend any parties. He basically vanished without a single word to anyone...and he was gone for a long time. His butler refused to answer any inquiries by the press, and whenever any members of the elite posed questions at fundraisers or other gatherings, he only replied, "He's abroad."

But then, he reappeared in town so casually that it was almost as though he never left. To top it off, he was rumored to be engaged to his mysterious childhood friend Selina Kyle. This caused an even bigger surge in the media. Who was Selina Kyle, the mystery little girl who appeared after his parents died and remained hidden in the background of his life for over a decade? How did the two meet? The last name Kyle certainly didn't ring any bells to any members of the upper class. In fact, there was virtually no information about her childhood anywhere. She was only known to the public as a meddling animal rights activist with a penchant for exposing corporate corruption, which was ironic since she was marrying one of the wealthiest businessmen in the country. The lack of information about her opened the door to all kinds of ridiculous theories and accusations. She was either viewed very negatively and called a gold digger or a former escort who slept her way into the Wayne estate, or very positively, with one theory suggesting she was the orphaned child of foreign nobility who was taken in by the Wayne family before they died.

Either way, Bruce's reappearance opened Pandora's Box. Reporters and photographers stalked the walls of the Wayne Estate like a pack of starving wolves. The photos of him and Selina at the Iceberg Lounge were splashed on the cover of every newspaper and celebrity gossip magazine, and the media storm showed no sign of stopping. The pair were constantly bombarded with questions regarding their wedding plans and every colorful detail of their private lives.

After nearly two weeks of continuous harassment, Bruce and Selina decided to hurry the date of the wedding. The pair would recite their vows in the gazebo shortly before sunrise. Alfred would officiate the ceremony and the Wayne family's close friend, Leslie Thompkins, would be their witness. They didn't need any formalities, just a simple ceremony in a comforting place where nothing in the outside world mattered.

...

The final hours of the night faded away and a pale haze settled over the manor grounds and surrounding forest. The blackness of the night sky brightened into navy blue as the rising sun gave it color.

Bruce stood in front of the mirror in the master bedroom closet as Alfred tied a powder blue tie around the collar of Bruce's shirt.

"I used to hate wearing these as a kid," Bruce quipped.

Alfred chuckled fondly. "Oh yes, I remember. You were six years old when your parents hosted the hospice fundraiser at the manor. Master Thomas had quite the time getting you to wear your bow tie. "

"Mom told me that I looked like a true gentleman. My father wore one, so I kept it on to be like him. I didn't realize at the time it was just a clever trick to get me to behave."

"Miss Martha knew all the right ways to persuade you, but she adored you in your little suit."

The two laughed as Bruce pulled his gray tux jacket on over his silver vest. Alfred placed himself just behind Bruce, his proud smile reflecting on the edge of the glass.

"You look just like Master Thomas, you know," he said, his voice full of emotion. "Except for your eyes. You have—"

"—my mother's eyes," Bruce concluded, his tone both tender and mournful.

The room was silent as the two recalled their memories of a happier time.

"Alfred...do you think they would be proud of me?" Bruce asked with a hint of insecurity. He was so young when his parents were killed. He never had the chance to witness their pride in such a monumental moment.

Alfred placed a hand on his shoulder. "Absolutely, Sir."

He wanted to elaborate to reassure Bruce, but he thought it best not to open old wounds on such a joyous day.

"Well then," Alfred started, lightening the mood once more. "I think I will check in on your lovely bride. You best make your way to the pavilion."

"Selina asked if you'd give her away," Bruce called over his shoulder.

Alfred paused at the door, an appreciative grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Indeed, she asked me yesterday. A pity her father could not be here to receive the honor...and that he was not a better father to her in his lifetime."

"You helped to raise the both of us. Even if he was here, he couldn't hold a candle to you, and I'm sure Selina would agree."

Alfred waved his hand dismissively, though he was clearly flattered. "All in the line of duty, Sir."

...

Selina centered herself in the mirror as Leslie knelt behind her and adjusted the intricate lace on the train of her dress.

"Maybe I should have gone with the other one...," Selina muttered.

"No, no!" Leslie replied reassuringly as she fastened the lace trim. "It's perfect. I just need to fix this one part...there!"

Leslie stood and smoothed out the wrinkles in her lilac skirt, proudly admiring her handiwork. The sudden chime of the nearby grandfather clock indicated the ceremony was swiftly approaching.

"It's almost time, my dear. Alfred should be coming to get you soon," she said, squeezing Selina's shoulders affectionately before departing down the hall.

As soon as the door closed, Selina sighed and hung her shoulders. Her stomach was in knots and she felt horribly uneasy. She reconsidered her decision multiple times, yet she was almost certain that marrying Bruce was what she wanted. If she didn't marry him, she wouldn't marry anyone else. Selina was perfectly content without romance until Bruce came into her life and made everything deliciously complicated. He was the first man she ever loved, so he became the definition of what she found attractive in a partner. The fact that he already knew everything about her was a bonus.

Nevertheless, she couldn't ignore the devil on her shoulder telling her she was making a mistake. Her worst fear was coming true right before her eyes. If something were to happen and cause them to divorce, there would be no going back. She would lose the most important person in her life because she let herself get swept up in the moment. Her commitment issues worsened with each passing minute. Looking outside at the manor grounds, she felt an incredible urge to run far away and leave what might have been behind her.

A soft knock at the door and Alfred's kind face appearing in the entry drew Selina away from her unpleasant thoughts.

"Forgive the intrusion Miss, but I believe it's time—"

He paused as soon as he saw her, a knowing smile appearing on his lips. The dress captured the woman wearing it perfectly.

The gown was a bold contrast to the traditional white dress a bride would typically wear on her wedding day. The portion above the curve of her hips and the hem were embroidered with patterns of black lace. The off-shoulder design highlighted the lovely structure of her collarbone and dipped to expose the skin of her back. Its bold yet feminine look offered an air of elegance to an otherwise somber garment. Her short white mesh veil prevented any distraction from the fabulous dress and refused to hide her classically beautiful face.

"You look lovely, Miss Kyle."

"Thanks, Alfred." She tried to seem flattered, but there was no masking her true feelings from the man who had known her since she was nine years old.

"Is something the matter, Miss?"

Selina slumped down onto the tufted sofa. "Do you think I'm doing the right thing?"

Alfred took a seat in the armchair across from her. "What might you mean by, "the right thing"?"

She stared searchingly out the window as if the steady sunrise would provide her with a clearer explanation.

"I love him, Alfred," she stated. "I love him more than I've ever loved anyone before. When I was a child with nowhere to go, he was my only friend. He was my home. I never thought I would fall in love with him... and that terrifies me. I'm worried that if we go down this road, we can never come back. Every good thing I've ever had has been stripped away and I'm afraid the same thing will happen with my marriage. The last thing Bruce needs is a wife who's paranoid and unstable. He needs someone in his life who motivates him and makes him truly happy. Someone who can heal the pain he's had for so long."

"You don't believe you could be that woman?"

"Honestly...no," she sighed. "I'm even more damaged than him. I'll just make it worse...for both of us."

Alfred reached over and clasped her hands within his. "Miss Kyle, I've known Master Bruce his entire life. I've been there beside him through every moment, good and bad. Though I did not plan for it, I acted as his father in Master Thomas's absence. Bruce might have physically survived that dreadful night, but one could scarcely tell by the way he behaved. He was a ghost of the boy I had known before, but—thanks to you—he has found his way again. You completely turned his life around. You do give him a purpose, you do make him happy, and you do heal the hurt. He is twice the man he was then because of you."

Selina was taken aback. Alfred had never said anything so profound to her the entire time she had known him. In his kind eyes, she saw such warmth and sincerity. She knew he was speaking on her behalf as much as he was for Bruce. He didn't want her to give up.

"Now, as for your fear of losing the past," he continued, "marriage is not about the past. It is about the future. Just because you are getting married does not mean your friendship will end. Marriages that are founded on friendship tend to succeed over those that are inspired by mere physical attraction. If by some slim chance, your marriage doesn't prosper, Master Bruce would never abandon you. The two of you have had your fair share of problems over the years, but you both make it through the ordeal stronger than before. That speaks more volumes about the strength of your love than your individual differences, yes?"

Selina smiled weakly as she took in his every word. "No, you're right. I'm just being stupid..."

"I wouldn't say that, Miss. It's quite natural to have doubts, but never let them stand in the way of your happiness."

She nodded, rose determinedly, and lifted her bouquet from the coffee table.

"Alright, enough wallowing in self-pity. I've got a wedding to attend."

...

Bruce had been waiting beneath the flowers hanging from the gazebo for forty-five minutes. He focused intently on the gravel path leading to the back of the house and impatiently rubbed his thumbs against his fingers. He glanced toward the horizon, where the soft glow of morning slowly emerged from the shadows beyond the pines. The sun was expected to rise at any moment. The ceremony should have already begun.

No sign of her. No sign of either of them.

"Don't worry, dear," Leslie spoke. "We had some difficulty getting the dress to stay in place. I'm sure that's what's keeping her."

Bruce grunted, not taking his eyes off the path. "Right, that's all it is," he thought sarcastically.

A succession of images flashed before Bruce's mind; Selina, shedding her wedding dress as she packed her bags. Alfred, pleading with her to change her mind and Bruce himself left standing heartbroken at the altar, a day playing out like the ending of a soap opera.

As Bruce's hopes nearly diminished, the soft crunching of gravel came from the end of the garden path. Rounding the corner of the hedge wall was Selina, holding a bouquet of calla lilies, purple roses, and white French lilac as she grasped Alfred's arm. Through the netting of her veil, he could see her emerald eyes sparkling with a happiness he had never seen before.

He couldn't take his eyes off her. Truly, she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. As she approached, he remembered every moment of their childhood like a flashback dream. Every word, smile, kiss, and tear that led them to that moment. He saw the little girl of his past, now the woman of his future.

When the two approached the gazebo, Alfred gently patted Bruce on the shoulder and took his place in front of them. Bruce reached for Selina's hand and caught her gaze from the corner of his eye.

"I know I should say you look beautiful, but it wouldn't be enough," he whispered.

She grinned coyly. "Then I'll settle for leaving you speechless."

Alfred cleared his throat as he prepared his speech.

"Good morning, friends and loved ones. We gather here today to celebrate the wedding of Bruce and Selina. To share in their commitment to one another, to offer our love and support to this union, and to allow them to start their married life together surrounded by the people dearest and most important to them."

Bruce and Selina each looked appreciatively between Alfred and Leslie.

"Marriage is perhaps the greatest and most challenging adventure of our entire lives," he continued. "Every couple builds their marriage through love and patience; through dedication and perseverance; through speaking, listening, supporting, and believing in each other; through learning to forgive, respect your differences, and make the important things matter."

He looked between the couple. "I believe you both have vows prepared. Ladies first."

Selina turned to Bruce and took a deep breath.

"Bruce—when I lost my family and was forced to live on the street, there wasn't time to process my heartbreak, fear, and loss. After realizing how easy it was to leave the grief behind, I promised never to let myself feel pain again. But the day you left Gotham...I couldn't stop myself. I missed the boy who talked to me and leaned on me whenever he needed me. I missed the boy who was always there for me despite all my flaws. I spent my entire life trying to separate myself from the people I loved because I was afraid of getting too close. I was the perfect actress, pretending to be indifferent when I felt abandoned. But when you left, I couldn't be indifferent. I couldn't hold back my tears or shake the horrible realization I was alone again. That's when I knew how much you meant to me. I still worry that we're dreaming and this won't be the happily ever after we deserve. I'm afraid that one day you'll wake up and wonder why you chose to spend your life with me."

She sighed. "I'll be honest. I almost walked away this morning. A piece of me still believes... because of everything I've done and how good you've always been to me in spite of that...I don't deserve you."

She sneaked a glance at Alfred. "But someone once told me I shouldn't let my doubts control my happiness. So from this moment on, I won't let my fears get the better of me. I promise to celebrate with you in times of joy and comfort you in times of sorrow. I promise to support your dreams, respect our differences, love you, and stand by your side through all the days and nights of our lives."

Bruce struggled to collect himself enough to deliver his vows. Swallowing the lump in his throat, he squared his shoulders and held her hands.

"Selina," he began shakily. "The night I lost my parents, my entire world collapsed. I lost my trust in people and the city I called home. I distanced myself from the world and everyone in it as the darkness consumed me. I was trapped and didn't believe I could make it out. That was until I met you. You came from the world of danger and mystery that haunted my dreams. You were proof that the streets that made us didn't have to be cloaked in shadows. You captivated me and I knew I couldn't live without you. I know you think I deserve better, but you're wrong. I don't need someone who sees the world through rose-colored glasses. I don't need the soothing voice that says everything will be alright when it won't. I can't be with someone who has lived a perfect life because they could never understand what I've endured. I need someone like you... who knows the pain but can rise above it and stand strong. With you by my side, I know I can face any challenge. You're my comfort, my partner...my everything. From this day forward, I promise to love you unconditionally. I vow to believe in you, trust and respect you. I promise to care for you, stand beside you, and share all of life's adversities and joys every day for the rest of our lives."

Alfred sniffled while Leslie discreetly wiped away a tear. Selina softly gasped as the tears lining her eyes finally spilled down her cheeks. She looked at Alfred and gestured for him to proceed quickly.

"Bruce Wayne, do you take Selina Kyle to be your wife? Do you promise to love, honor, protect, and cherish her, remaining faithful to her for as long as you both shall live?"

"I do," he replied, his voice trembling.

"Selina Kyle, do you take Bruce Wayne to be your husband? Do you promise to love, honor, protect, and cherish him, remaining faithful to him for as long as you both shall live?"

She laughed in between small sobs. "Yes, I do."

"Then by the power vested in me, I pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

As soon as the final words were issued, the two collided in a passionate kiss. The taste of salt from their shared tears of joy lingered on their lips as the sun burst from the trees and bathed the garden in delicate rays of gold. Alfred and Leslie applauded as the crisp morning breeze fluttered through the flowers and the dawn brought the world to life around them.

...

After the ceremony ended and the four of them enjoyed a quaint celebration, Bruce and Selina retreated upstairs. As the afternoon transformed into the evening, Alfred stood by the front door and assisted his old friend in putting on her coat.

"I'm so happy for them," Leslie announced as she straightened her collar, "though I was a little surprised when they first told me. They've known each other forever, but twenty-two is quite young to be getting married."

"In our day, it certainly wasn't," Alfred returned amusedly.

Leslie chuckled as her gaze wandered to the grand staircase. "Those two are so well suited that it was bound to happen sometime. I should have seen it from the start."

"As I recall, you did."

Leslie gave him a questioning look. "What do you mean?"

"It was twelve years ago during the Wayne Foundation Charity Gala at the Gotham Royal Hotel. Master Bruce insisted on hosting the event and asked Miss Kyle if she would accompany him as his date."

Leslie's eyes lit up. "Oh yes, I remember now! Selina absolutely did not want to go. She said she hated those rich types and thought they would mock her for not being one of them. She also said she hated dancing and thought it was ridiculous that she had to wear a dress and heels. But it was adorable, watching her try to hide the excitement in her eyes when I took her to pick out that same dress and get her ears pierced. She never had such nice things before."

"The band played a Frank Sinatra tune as young Master Bruce swept her onto the dance floor—"

"—which I'm sure he learned from you."

Alfred smirked. "Naturally. I wasn't going to let him off that easy. He didn't see the point in learning to dance either until I informed him that Miss Kyle agreed to go after all. He changed his tune rather quickly after that. A few dance lessons a week after school seemed to have done the trick. They danced for most of the night—

"—and Selina had to take off her shoes because she was taller than him in her heels!" she laughed heartily. "How times have changed!"

"You and I were standing on the upper balcony of the lobby observing them, and—if I remember correctly—you placed a wager on their coupling."

"Yes, I did!" she replied gleefully. "I said those two would fall in love one day. Although, I don't remember collecting anything from the bet."

Alfred grinned mischievously as he opened the door for her. "That is because I bet on it too."