Chapter Twenty - Media Frenzy
Title: Calling a Truce: Media Frenzy (21/27)
Authors: destinyawakened and mjls
Rating: pg-13
words: 5000
Pairings/Characters: Tony Stark/Bruce Wayne, The media, Dick Grayson and Alfred
Summary: Tony and Bruce deal with the media and their marriage.
Warnings: spoilers for Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, and Iron Man
Disclaimer: We don't own or claim to own the characters or settings, the books mentioned or make any money.
Song: Paparazzi - Lady Gaga Parts: One | Two | Three | Four | Five | Six | Seven | Eight | Nine | Ten | Eleven | Twelve | Thirteen | Fourteen| Fifteen| Sixteen| Seventeen | Eighteen| Nineteen | Twenty|
Getting on the plane in Hawaii was easier and calmer than getting off the plane in Gotham. Both Tony and Bruce had gotten a nice tan, matching platinum wedding-bands on their ringfingers and on top of it all, they came from the same plane and almost walked in sync too. It was all enough to trigger the reaction from the media and have them attacked at the airport for being gone for two weeks without any explanation. The worst of it all was that they arrived together and Tony muttered something about how he should've taken one of the older, beaten up, Iron Man suits and flown to Gotham that way to make sure this didn't happen.
Bruce sighed and grabbed onto his suitcase a bit tighter, it was dark in Gotham already and Tony's car was still parked at the airport as it had been two weeks before. For the first time in his life, Bruce didn't feel like going out in the darkness of his city to roam it in his suit but wanted every second of the night wasted in Tony's arms in his bed at the penthouse. He just hoped Alfred wasn't going to be up, nor the boys, since he wanted to avoid any awkward questions until after he had at least several hours of sleep.
Sadly enough, the media had other plans and flocked around them like a pack of birds trying to get a crumble of bread of them. It was hazardous to be around Tony when he was wearing his suit of armor but Bruce was sure Tony could be just as hazardous when he was out of the suit and actually trying to get some sleep. Considering the man was only going on 4 hours of sleep (he blamed the coffee but Bruce knew that Tony had been busy tinkering at stuff in the jet that needed to be 'updated' by Tony's standards), it was almost suicide to start asking him questions about his personal life.
Shouting their names, the media tried to get an answer out of the both of them but their silence, wedding bands, hidden (apparently not as hidden as they thought) touches and tans were enough to speak for themselves and Bruce knew that they were going to be in the headlines tomorrow morning. Bruce groaned and removed his sunglasses from his nose the moment he got in the car and Tony sped away from the airport. He wanted to fall asleep in the car but knew that he should probably keep an extra eye on the road considering what a danger Tony was to them especially in the current state he was in. Tony cursed several times as he tried to contact Pepper to yell at her about the media finding out about them arriving today but when the woman was smart enough not to pick up at this hour of the night, Bruce tried to make Tony see reason by telling him that Pepper couldn't have done anything about it even if she knew.
Even at the entrance of the hotel that housed the penthouse, there was a flock of media awaiting them and Tony and Bruce sighed in unison before they waded themselves through the crowd, trying not to comment or lash out at the media in their exhausted state of mind. The car was parked in front of the hotel, the bags were still in the trunk and were going to stay there until morning (or at least until they found it safe enough to actually lose time getting them out and not being bothered by camera's and unwanted questions while doing so). Now that they were at Bruce's home, going into the hotel together, it was perfectly obvious and only boaded to give the reporters more solid proof that Tony and Bruce had in fact skipped off somewhere to get married.
Once in the safety of the elevator, Bruce leaned his back against the cool metal, letting his head fall back. God, he just wanted to reach the top floor, stumbled into the bedroom, hold Tony and sleep. Tony looked as if he were about to fall asleep right then and there, heading nodding slightly, shaking his head now and then to wake himself back up. Bruce tugged gently on Tony's hand and pulled him to his side, wrapping an arm around his shoulder, nuzzling his head into the other man's. Tony was pretty unresponsive, mumbling something about tired and where the hell was the bed.
Finally they reached the Penthouse floor and Bruce almost had to drag Tony out of the car, slipping both their shoes off and leaving them by the door. They trudged their way to the top of the stairs, and eventually made their way to the bedroom, being as quiet as they could. Bruce shrugged out of his jacket and pants and helped Tony do the same, leaving them both in just t-shirts and boxers. Bruce crawled under the covers, scooted over to the left of the bed and then pointedly pulled Tony into the bed, covering him with the comforter, and spooning him from behind. He knew that times like this wouldn't last forever, that neither of them were going to give in and move in with the other -- so these moments Bruce was trying to treasure.
Tony was snoring softly, already out like a light. Bruce placed arm around the other man's waist, holding him closer. He liked the way Tony felt; the way his skin involuntarily twitched when Bruce's caressed him, the way his hip bone stuck out and dipped down, hollowed and soft, when he was curled there right against Bruce. Bruce loved the way that when he was cuddled into Tony, that they just fit so perfectly together, like a puzzle; Tony's butt hugged deeply against Bruce's pelvis, their legs synced together in a perfect pattern (often wound around each other), Tony's back to Bruce's chest, and Bruce's head resting in the crook of Tony's neck. Nothing was uncomfortable, nothing ever felt out of place.
Bruce kissed Tony's ear and then his neck before settling his head into the comfortable spot and dozed off.
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Usually Bruce could avoid the sunlight, hide under a pillow and pretend it wasn't morning. He also could usually drown out the soft click of shoes making their way down the hall, aware that it was just Alfred coming to leave his breakfast at the foot of his bed. Unfortunately, Bruce seemed to have forgotten himself for a moment, rolling into Tony, and hiding his face under the covers, as if to tell Alfred to just leave it and go away. But Alfred did not just 'leave it and go away'; Alfred stood at the foot of the bed, impatiently clearing his throat.
Tony rolled onto his stomach, burying his face into the pillow. Bruce groaned under his breath, bringing the sheets down past his eyes. Alfred had his arms folded over his chest, a very stern and disappointed look across his face that was otherwise blank. Bruce's eyes went to the newspaper in his hand, unfolded and opened to the front page. Bruce frowned, sitting up. Alfred threw the paper down on to the bed. Bruce didn't really need to look at it to know what it said.
Wayne And Stark Wed In Hawaiian Paradise. Perfect. Not only did they just assume, someone in Hawaii snitched.
Bruce looked innocently up at Alfred, using his best apologetic grin. "Did Pepper call and let you know where we were?"
"Yes, Miss Potts called. No, Miss Potts didn't tell me about the wedding. She only mentioned you two needed 'a break'."
"Alfred..."
The elder gentlemen held up a hand, turning his head slightly to let Bruce know he wasn't through. "No, don't. I'm not angry about it, I'm not even upset. I'm just disappointed you two didn't bother to let me or your sons know. Master Stark might not have any immediate family he needs to inform, but you do. Richard especially."
"Tony surprised me. It was spur of the moment and purely his idea," Bruce explained before he heard Tony mumble something that sounded like 'tattle-tale' in his pillow. Bruce smiled affectionately at Tony and then rolled his eyes, not surprised that his husband would try and push it all on him when he was being cornered by Alfred.
Alfred only looked down at Bruce pointedly. He was expecting something, more than apology and Bruce wasn't quite sure what the man wanted from him. Bruce tried to shrug it off, smile as genuinely as he could, but the butler stood his ground. Finally Bruce was sure he was getting the message.
"We can do a small family ceremony somewhere..." he offered, feeling Tony stir next to him, snuggling his face up against Bruce's thigh.
"Hm. Pirates," Tony muttered, "Vegas!" at the last word, Tony shot up from his sleeping position and stared at Alfred with a happy expression before he went all sleepy again and fell backwards on the bed, falling back asleep in seconds.
Bruce looked to Alfred, who rolled his eyes diligently. "Las Vegas, Master Wayne? Really?"
Bruce shrugged. "It could be fun. The boys would have a good time seeing some of the family shows. There's rides there. And you'll get what you wanted," Bruce said, smirking.
"I am going to regret saying yes, I just know I am," Alfred said, turning on his heels and walking out of the door, mumbling.
"Mmm, pirates snugglebear!"
Bruce snuggled down back into the sheets, putting his forehead against Tony's. "Yes, pirates." He had heard something about pirate weddings being performed in Las Vegas, and with Tony mumbling it in his sleep, or what he assumed was sleep, he figured it was what the other man wanted. Bruce wrapped his arms around Tony and tried to go back to sleep. Tried was definitely the keyword when a few minutes later Bruce heard an obnoxious whirring sound.
Poking up his head over the back of the bed to glance outside, Bruce immediately regretted it. Not just one or two, but three helicopters were circling the penthouse floor, photographers hanging out the sides with their zoom lenses, and one videographer trying to do the same. Bruce pulled the covers over his and Tony's head, groaning.
"What?" Tony woke up, trying to sit up but Bruce stopped him just in time.
Bruce looked Tony in the eye, keeping a hand firmly on Tony's chest to keep him down. "Paparazzi, most likely."
"...How? Nevermind I don't want to know," Tony sighed.
"Doesn't surprise me," Bruce said, touching his thumb to Tony's cheek, offering him a small smile, "I guess we can wait it out here, or attempt a break for the bathroom."
"Hmm," Tony snuggled closer to Bruce and sniffed a bit, trying to get comfortable without the blanket shifting too much.
Bruce nuzzled his nose against Tony's, brushing their lips together softly. "I'm comfortable here," he murmured, as the whirl of the blades outside the windows just kept going and going. Bruce tried to block out the noise, however muffled, and put all his attention on his husband.
"Maybe I should alert the guards with Extremis?" Tony muttered, "would get us more privacy I'm sure. Maybe Fury can pull some strings."
Bruce dipped his mouth to Tony's neck, nipping there softly. "If you can do it without being too distracted," he whispered.
"Hmm. Try me," Tony smirked. Bruce smiled into Tony's neck, gliding his hand down the other man's back, to his hip bone, resting at his thigh as Bruce let his fingers curl around Tony's butt-cheek.
"Maybe I will," Bruce said, licking a wet stripe up up Tony's jaw line.
-----
Half an hour later, the helicopters were gone. Bruce and Tony both showered (together) and headed towards the living room, which Alfred was covering with protective plastic. He looked up at the two men, and gestured his towards the breakfast nook where he had set up a nice spread of homemade french toast and coffee. Bruce tugged on Tony's hand and smiled at Alfred in thanks. They sat, beginning to eat, when Bruce looked over at Alfred again, confused about the plastic.
"You sure you don't want any help with that Alf-man?" Tony frowned, looking at Alfred putting up the plastic.
"No, it's fine, Master Stark," Alfred said, not even glancing up at them again. "Just getting things in order. Last of the furniture should be delivered to Wayne Manor today," he said to Bruce, who looked at him with his mouth open as he started to shovel a bite of food into his mouth.
He'd completely forgotten about that. "Oh, right."
Tony chuckled at Bruce's forgetfulness and kissed the man on his cheek before sitting down next to him and following his example, pushing some toast in his mouth.
Alfred continued; "Once you two are done, I'll be packing the left over food in the kitchen. You two will have to drive the boys to the manor and see that the delivery drivers put everything where it belongs."
Bruce raised an eyebrow. He wasn't good at interior decorating. "Okay..."
"Don't worry snugglebear, I'll help you make your house Stark'tastic!"
Bruce just blinked at Tony, stabbing another bite with his fork. "There shouldn't be a lot left to place. Just the furniture for the front room and the banquet room," Bruce grinned. "Shouldn't need too much of your magical touch."
"Pft, knowing you you'd put chairs in a closet if you could," Tony chewed on his toast and grinned mischievously at Bruce, "I think you'll need some of my magical touches."
Bruce leaned into his elbow he had placed on the table, pointing his fork at Tony briefly. "If you're lucky I'll let you."
"Hm. I'm feeling lucky," Tony mused, "must be because I had a really great 'good morning' kiss earlier."
Bruce smirked, looking down at his place almost bashfully as he cut another piece of toast. "I wouldn't know anything about that."
They finished breakfast, tried to help Alfred again, who sent them on their way, and then drove the boys to the manor. The delivery men were already there starting to unload the couches for the front room. Bruce was directing them where to put them, telling Tony he was free to look around if he wanted, since he'd never seen the inside of the manor before. Tony looked positively giddy at the free reign he had over exploring Bruce's house and darted up the stairs, claiming that he felt as if he was in a castle.
Bruce shook his head, giving the men one last spot to put everything and left Dick in charge of making sure they put it all where it belonged. Tim and Damian were out in the gardens playing tag.
Soon he couldn't hear Tony's shouts of awe and jealousy about Bruce's indoor pool anymore and Bruce hoped the man hadn't found the secret entrance to the now finished cave yet. He wanted to show Tony that himself, preferably with Tony blindfolded.
"Tony?" Bruce called as he headed up the steps to the east wing of the manor, following the direction Tony had gone. He checked the first library, then the office, peeking his head around the corner of both rooms, but not finding any sign of the man. Eventually, he found the man in the room full of his training material that he still needed to put away and out of the boxes but Tony seemed to have gotten his hands on one the expensive katana's he thought he had hidden away from the kids. Bruce stood at the entrance of the room, shoulder to the door, and his arms crossed. Tony didn't know he was there yet, watching him. Tony was swishing the sword around like it was saber, making little buzzing noises with his mouth.
Finally, Bruce had had enough. "What'd you find there?" he asked, not moving.
"It's a...sword but with a few minor adjustments this could make a fine lightsaber," Tony nodded, more muttering to himself than actually talking to Bruce. He was too interested in the sword in his hand.
"It's a Katana," Bruce said, pushing himself away from the door. "You aren't tinkering with it. It cost too much for you to be taking apart."
"I wouldn't take it apart. Just change the hilt around a bit, make the blade shiny blue, maybe green, perhaps red even," Tony mused, twirling the Katana around in his hand.
"You aren't modifying my favorite Katana," Bruce said, approaching Tony.
"They're probably all your favorites," Tony huffed.
"Mostly. But that one has a lot of sentimental value," Bruce explained, inching closer to Tony and trying to figure out the best way to get the sword for him without him breaking or dropping it.
"...I'm debating whether to drop it on the ground now or hand it back to you with a scrunched up nose. Either way, I'm sure I don't want to know what you did with it..."
Bruce opened his mouth to answer, but his mind fathom what Tony was assuming. "That's... No," Bruce shook his head. "That's the Katana I brought back from Tibet."
"And what also came from Tibet?" Tony wriggled his eyebrows, "true it came a bit late and I blame the posting service for that, they're not what they used to be but still. I don't want to know what you used this one for..."
Bruce shook his head again, confused. Sometimes he didn't want to know where Tony's brain went, or what he was going on about. "It's the sword I trained with when I learned from Ra's..." he trailed off, hoping Tony got the point.
"...Hm, yeah I'm sure you trained hard," Tony smirked, enjoying the glares he got out of his husband while letting him know secretly that he was just joking around.
Bruce smirked, kicking up a second Katana into his hands from a near by box, since Tony didn't want to give up Bruce's favorite one. "I did. I was his best student," Bruce replied smugly, looking over the Katana in his hand, it was the one he bought when he returned to Gotham, shortly after the manor burned down; the handle was black with gold a foiled design in Japanese, a notable reminder of what he was fighting for in Gotham.
"Hm, yeah, I wonder if you still were after you knocked his little princess up and burned down his house."
"I like how you always hear just half of a story," Bruce said slyly, walking slowly towards Tony with his Katana blade pointed at him. "His daughter drugged me. Ra's was the one I was having consensual sex with," Bruce explained as straight faced as he could. He'd only mentioned Ra's maybe twice to Tony; Bruce had trouble bringing him up without feeling regretful and betrayed.
"Hm. Either way, drugged or not. You knocked her up."
"Are you going to hold that against me forever?" Bruce asked. "It's not like you've never made a mistake or regretted something."
"Hm, you're right. The red and gold? Biggest mistake in my life," Tony huffed, strangely amused.
Bruce resisted the urge to roll his eyes. He dropped his hand so that the Katana was pointed at the floor, changing the subject. "C'mon, give me that back. I really don't want it damaged." He held his hand out for it, but had a feeling Tony wasn't going to give it up so easily.
"Can I get another sword then?" Tony narrowed his eyes at Bruce, "because I'd totally kick your ass at this." Unamused, Bruce stole the Katana out from Tony's hand faster than he could even see him do it, placing it back into its protective case. He then picked up another, one of the many he bought when he adopted Dick, so they could train together. He handed it hilt first to Tony.
He returned Tony's gaze, hardening his features. "You sure you don't want to take back that statement?"
"Mmm," Tony grinned, "what do I get as consolation prize?"
"No prizes," Bruce said, his face completely emotionless, and his tone serious. If Tony wanted to spar, they were going to do it right. Bruce moved his legs part, sword pointed at eye height of Tony, his weight on his back foot, ready.
"N'aaw, but I wanted a big teddy bear," Tony whined, stamping his foot on the floor and pouting.
"Teddy bears are for children, Tony," Bruce replied simply. "Now are you going to back up your words or bail out now?"
"Do I at least get a consolation kiss?"
"We'll see."
Tony looked slightly disappointed he wasn't going to get a consolation kiss and then got ready in the same position as Bruce. He might not have had the necessary ninja training as Bruce but he had watched a lot of old movies with his father. Lots of them contained sword fighting and if it was anything like that, Tony was sure he could at least keep it up for a little while and impress Bruce. Bruce moved his arms so his elbows were back and the blade of his Katana was facing towards the ceiling, assessing Tony. He had to remember this wasn't Dick and it wasn't Ra's... it was Tony and he might just have to go easy on him.
He was waiting for Tony to make the first move. Tony lunged, Katana sliding towards Bruce's waist, and Bruce quickly dropped his arms, blade blocking Tony's, and connecting. Bruce pushed at Tony's, sending him stumbling just a little backwards as Tony went for another strike. Hands dropping towards the floor, Katana pointing down, Bruce blocked attack as well. Tony looked slightly stunned as Bruce looked up at him from his bent over position. Bruce repositioned himself, swinging the sword in his right hand and getting back into his ready stance.
Tony lunged again, and another block on Bruce's part. He knew it was going to go on like this if he didn't step it up and actually prove that Tony was simply underestimating him. Tony made another attempt, and Bruce locked blades with him, sliding the hilt of his Katana down to Tony's, so they were almost face-to-face. Tony was almost smiling, but Bruce was just as serious as ever. Bruce brought up his leg and knocked Tony's legs out from under him, dropping him directly to to the hardwood floor below them. Tony dropped the sword with a clank.
Bruce pointed the tip of blade at Tony's throat. "Go again?"
"Let's just take a moment here," Toy gulped, "and say you'd make a really good Sith lord."
"Is that a no?" Bruce asked, pulling the Katana blade away from Tony and offering his hand to help him to his feet.
"That's a 'I'd do you in a second if we weren't in a dusty room'," Tony said sly as he moved closer to Bruce and placed one hand on the man's hip.
"Do swords fight turn you on, Mister Stark?" Bruce asked, placing a hand on Tony's neck, caressing his jaw.
"You turn me on Mrs. Stark," Tony smirked, kissing the tip of the man's nose.
Bruce dropped the seriousness in his face, smiling lightly. "Even though I owned you in a sword fight?"
"Even then," Tony grinned.
Bruce leaned and kissed Tony softly. "It's nice to know there is something I'm better at than Tony Stark."
"You're better at being an airhead that's for sure," Tony chuckled, caressing Bruce's cheek with his thumb, "but I saw through that didn't I?"
"Mmhmm," Bruce sighed, placing his own hand on top of Tony's, holding it against his face. Bruce went to kiss Tony again when they heard knocking at the door. Dick was yelling at someone, his voice echoing through the marble halls. Bruce furrowed his brow, pulling away from Tony. He jogged out of the room, vaguely aware of Tony keeping up behind him. He prodded down the steps, through the hall and to the front door where Dick was trying to hoard off at least twenty reporters, photographers, and videographers.
Bruce placed a hand on Dick's shoulder and motioned his head behind him. "I'll handle this," he said sternly.
"I didn't realize I suddenly became Britney Spears, what's up with these guys following us?" Tony raised an eyebrow and looked at the door being jammed open by the paparazzi. Bruce shrugged, shoulder against the door.
"We disappeared for two weeks, came back together, had weddings rings... you know it would look a little suspicious. We're now as exciting as any other celebrity," Bruce grunted, obviously not going to be able to keep the door closed for much longer.
"Hm. Do you think I could also pull off the horrible clothing style then?" Tony mused, frowning and apparently not taking this whole thing too seriously.
Bruce raised his eyebrows at Tony, obviously not impressed. "Tony..."
"Hm. I'd totally rock the 17-inch long scarfs during the winter," Tony grinned.
Bruce glared at him. "Are you going to stand there all day or help us?"
"..Oh, right," Tony blinked before he pulled Bruce and Dick back and the doors fell open, leaving all the paparazzi to pile on each other on one big heap. Bruce and Dick looked at each other and Tony was grinning from ear-to-ear. The mass of people quickly tried to get to their feet, shouting out questions as they did, and Bruce hung his head at the jabbering. They'd have to deal with this at some point, so why not? He hitched a thumb at Dick to the backyard, and the young man left.
"Oye! Fingers. On. Lips," Tony previewed how the men and women from the press should be behaving and then told them to sit down so it was more civilized than stomping on each other for 'the best picture of the hot gay billionaires'. Bruce merely watched, arms folded over his chest and completely dumbfounded at how well Tony was able to get them to do as he liked. That never worked for Bruce. Tony looked at Bruce and then motioned to him to put his finger on his lips too, as if he was giving the right example to a bunch of children. Bruce did, with a slight roll of his eyes and look at Tony that said he was going to pay for this later.
"Now...you all want to ask a question, you each get one to ask us. Only one so choose carefully. Afterwards, you leave the manor and don't come back. Understood?" Tony raised his eyebrows at the paparazzi who started looking around at each other (still with their finger on their lips) and then nodded fearfully at Tony. Tony pointed to one of the female reporters, motioning her to go first.
"We all know you've been seen together for about a year, but how long have you been 'together'?" the woman asked, holding out her digital voice recorder for an answer. Bruce cringed at the question; technically if they were to count it, they'd been together almost since day one. How did you tell a reporter that without sounding overly sappy and childish?
"From before we met. Next question please!" Tony grinned, pointing at one of the men on the front row.
"How'd your families react?" the man asked.
"Fine," Bruce muttered, trying to force a smile, and shrugging.
"They reacted like a bunch of schoolgirls. Lots of screaming in high pitched voices. Seriously people, ask some good questions," Tony sighed and rolled his eyes.
"WHAT ABOUT THE SEX?" asked a woman from the back. Bruce felt he wanted to beat his head into a wall.
"I don't think that's a question we'll be answering..." he started to say, but Tony was already grinning and Bruce had a terrible feeling.
"None of your business but if you must know, I'm a god in bed!" Tony grinned and then winked at Bruce. Bruce knew he needed to play his part a little better, stepping closer to Tony he took his hand and smiled. The sex question probably could have been avoided, but this was Tony.
"What are the plans for the future? One of you lives here and the other across the country. Who will be moving?"
"We haven't talked about that one yet," Bruce answered, holding Tony's hand a little tighter.
"I can fly at Mach3, do you really think I'd spend my time moving my stuff here when I can fly over in almost less than an hour?" Tony raised an eyebrow, "besides, we need our space."
"What will happen to both of your companies?"
"Our companies will stay the same but my shares are going to Bruce if something were happen to me that makes me incompetent to make decisions for it. You know with me being Iron Man and all you can never be too careful," Tony smiled, squeezing Bruce's hand. Bruce smirked, since this actually worked the other way around as well... but appearances had to be kept.
"Bruce! How do you feel about your husband being in constant danger?"
Bruce put on his best smile, to hide any real emotion. "Tony's the smartest man in the world. I'm not that worried about it."
"You shouldn't be. I sort of rock at being awesome and kicking ass." Tony grinned and Bruce leaned over and kissed him on the cheek, playing it up for the media. He'd regret this later, maybe, when that picture was all over the news.
"Anyone else?"