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Chapter Text

Recorded Interview 

Wednesday, 11:30 A.M. 

I, Jamie Bronson- Bonet, can say that I have met Bruce Wayne in person, and in the comfort of his beautiful home. 

The first thing I was captivated by was the smell. The air was thick with the sweet and nostalgic aroma of freshly baked goods. 

The further into the house I got, the easier I could detect the scent of fresh linen. 

The comforting smell led me all the way to the patio. Immediately, I felt as if I had been transported to a luxury estate on an Italian riviera.

The entire house made me feel that way, actually. This place felt like home. 

As I looked across the rich green that was the backyard, I saw Mr. Wayne waving at me from afar. 

I felt inadequate as I waved nervously back. It was true what people said about him; his smile was as bright as a thousand shining stars. 

The closer he got, the easier I could see what he was wearing. As if channeling Audrey Hepburn herself, Mr. Wayne wore a black turtleneck with black cigarette pants that, excuse my boldness, accentuated his figure quite nicely that reminded me just how physically mature he’d become. 

One could have confused him for his late mother had they failed to look twice. 

Mr. Wayne moved with such elegance and grace, like a young swan over a lake. He had a slight hunch in his shoulders, but that didn’t distract from how confidently he held himself. 

In mere seconds, he was standing in front of me with a gracious smile on his face. 

“Hello, Mr. Wayne. It’s nice to meet you.” 

I will abbreviate from this point. 

B: Please. Just call me Bruce. 

J: Of course, Bruce. You look nice. 

B: Thank you. Are you hungry? 

J: I had a meal before I came. But whatever you’re baking has made me hungry again. 

B: Ha. Alfred’s making all sorts of things in there. Do you want me to get you something? 

Mr. Wayne was attentive. He took care of me like his own while I was in his home. And he did so with a soft smile on his face the entire time. 

J: I would love that. 

Together, we walked through his house. He told me little stories of the art that decorated the lightly colored walls. 

J: I’m really in love with your house. It’s so beautiful. 

B: I appreciate that. This was my mother’s house. She inherited it from my grandfather when she was a child. 

J: Wow. Do you live here all the time?

B: For the past few years, I have. It’s remote enough that we get privacy, but close enough that we can be with people if we want. 

J: Hmm. Would you consider yourself a true Gothamite? 

B: Oh, of course. I may live a few miles away, but my heart is always in the city. My mother’s influence, I think. 

J: How would you say your mother impacted your life? 

B: Oh my goodness. Where can I start? Such a hard question, Jamie. My mother…was…just filled with so much love. She was very hands on, very humble and…ha, honestly she was very rebellious. 

J: She was young when she married your father. She was young when she had you, yes?

B: Yeah. Being a young parent is like a rite of passage in my family.  

J: Interesting. 

Bruce’s voice lulled me into a state of peace. It was silvery and gentle, but had a noticeable, Gotham native rasp that comforted my ears just right. A voice like his could put me right to sleep with the promise of wonderful dreams. 

B: Jamie? What do you want?

With a nod of my head, Bruce piled my plate with two strawberry danishes, a banana nut loaf slice and this fancy custard cup topped with cherry preserves. 

B: Do you want coffee? Tea?  

J: Tea is good. Black with sugar. 

B: That’s how I have mine. Lemon slice? 

J: Yes, please. 

A lot of people wouldn’t expect this, but it was the little things that made Bruce smile or blush. Something so small as agreeing over tea made him light up. I haven’t met many people like that. 

B: Why don’t we sit? I like the light in here.

J: Sure. 

The pastries were phenomenal. If fresh and sweet were a picture, it would be the delicious spread I had in front of me. 

B: You’re getting crumbs on the floor. 

J: Oh man! I’m so sorry!

B: Haha, it’s alright. I’m just teasing. 

I will admit that I could have fallen in love with him in that moment. 

The sun hit a few stray pieces of Bruce’s hair just enough that they seemed to sparkle.

J: So Bruce. You’ve been off the radar for the past few weeks. Are you okay? 

B: I’m alright. My family and I are taking a break. It’s long overdue. 

J: Do you think breaks of important. 

B: Of course. You can’t be physically well without being mentally well, I think. 

J: Do you find it hard to take mental breaks being a celebrity? 

B: I find it hard to do a lot of things. But, it’s the price I pay and it’s just something that should be accepted. 

J: Expand on that. 

B: I think, and it’s unfortunate, that celebrities are held to such impossible standards. We’re dehumanized not so much by the people that support us, but more so by the ones that don’t have good intentions. At the end of the day, this is all about elitism. 

J: But you have millions at your finger tips. You would automatically be a part of that elitism, yes? 

B: Absolutely. Who I’m really speaking to when I say these things are the people that use their money to isolate other people and get control because they can. I don’t like that.

J: Or celebrities in general that use their money for nonsense? 

B: Exactly. I mean, I can’t tell anyone how to use their money but I think it’s ridiculous that these old, rich white people don’t see that they have the utmost power to give back to the people. A lot of folks in these circles don’t see the importance of doing their part. 

J: You know, I was speaking to my dad the other day and he said that you remind him so much of your mother. So passionate. 

B: Haha, tell him I said that means a lot. 

J: I know your mother would be proud of what you’ve done, Bruce. You’re an accomplished actor, philanthropist, you’ve built a foundation that helps our city’s children. She would have to be proud. 

B: I hope she is. I do all of this in her honor. She always told me that whether we have millions or nothing, if we get punched in the face we’ll have a black eye like everyone else. She was always, always down to earth and saw herself as one of the people before anything else. 

J: Absolutely. But I have to ask. Is it hard to get away from the Wayne family name? Especially with the history your father’s had? 

B: Yes. No matter what I do, I will always be tethered to the faults of my family. The corruption. However, as the youngest it has been easier to hide in the shadows. I was the spare all my life. It’s my brother that really has to deal with the bulk of the drama, ha.  

J: Does it get lonely? Being in the shadows? 

B: I wouldn’t say it’s lonely. I’m used to it so it’s not really something I’ve put much thought into. I guess it does give me the opportunity to do real life and experience things Tommy doesn’t. 

J: Do you think you’ll ever get the chance to run Wayne Enterprises. 

B: I don’t think I want to. The stress. 

J: Well, you are one the greatest American beauties. You’re everything the people want and everyone thought it would be you to lead Wayne Enterprises and be the face of the company. 

B: You really think so?

J: Oh, I know so. I haven’t met many people like you. And I’m not trying to flatter you. You truly are a beauty inside and out. You’re very strong. 

At that point, Bruce seemed a little choked up. 

B: Wow. That’s so sweet. Thank you. I’d never thought about it like that, you know? I just do what I can. 

J: Of course. Oh! Congrats on your Emmy! 

B: Thank you, thank you. I’m very grateful. 

J: Will there be an Oscar in your future? 

B: Ha, I don’t know. I just really enjoy the work that I do. It’s a privilege to even get to be with so many talented people. 

J: Well with the work you’re doing, I hope you get an Oscar soon. 

Before we could fall into a silence, the little patters of feet echoed across the tile. 

Timothy, the youngest of the three boys, torpedoed into the kitchen. He looked very adorable in his Gotham Elementary uniform. 

One thing about the Waynes is that they make very beautiful children. 

T: Mommy! I home! 

Bruce eyes lit up as he got down from his chair and welcomed Timothy into his arms. He peppered the cherubic face with kisses and hugged him so tightly I thought the boy’s head would fall off. 

B: Hi! 

T: Mommy? Who that? 

I will admit, I was a little surprised that the boy noticed me immediately.

B: This is Jamie. I’m doing an interview. 

T: Hello! 

Timothy’s smile was just as bright and big as Bruce’s. He was a very sweet boy. 

J: Hello, Timothy. How are you? 

T: I good. Look!

Timothy shimmied out of Bruce’s arms and waddled over to me. 

J: Oooh, what are you showing me? 

B: Timmy. Leave him be, sweet pea. 

J: It’s alright. Let me see. 

I got down from my chair and bent down to Timothy’s level. He opened his backpack and pulled out a finger painting. 

J: Wow! Look at this! What is it? 

T: Fishy! 

It didn’t look like a fish at all. 

J: Woah! That’s amazing! 

T: Mmhmm. Fishy on fridge.

B: I’ll put it on the fridge. Where’s Daddy? 

T: Mommy, up. Please up. 

C: Tim! I told you Mommy’s busy, bud. 

All I can say is that Mr. Kent was very intimidating at first glance, like a typical alpha, but he was actually quite kind. It was a good change of pace. 

B: It’s alright. Clark, this is Jamie. Jamie, this is Clark. 

C: Jamie Bonet. It’s an honor to meet you. I’ve read some of your work. You’ve got talent. 

We shook hands. Mr. Kent’s grip was strong and purposeful. 

J: That means a lot, Mr. Kent.

C: Call me Clark. Please. 

J: Clark. Bruce, do you mind if Clark joins us? 

B: Not at all. 

C: Actually I can’t. I promised the boys we’d see a movie. I’m picking them up from school. 

B: You're taking Tim with you? 

C: It’s a kids movie. He’ll be alright. 

T: I go! Please, Mommy! 

B: Alright, Tim. You guys be safe. 

Clark leaned down to kiss Bruce on the cheek. The love they had for each other was almost tangible. 

C: Of course. Timmy, say bye. 

T: Bye, Jamie! Bye, Mommy! 

Once Clark and Tim left, Bruce joined me at the kitchen isle again. 

J: You seem to know what you’re doing. 

B: That’s funny. I’ve been a mother for sixteen years and I still feel like I have no idea what’s happening. 

J: I say, and many agree, that you’re a model to mothers throughout this city. Any tips? 

B: A model, wow. Ha, that’s a stretch. Well…I’d say compassion, understanding and patience are the most important. As mothers, as parents in general, we need to learn how to let go of our ego and treat our children as individuals. It’s about finding balance. 

J: What’s the best part about being a mother, you think? Or being a parent, rather? 

B: All of it is the best part. I love every single aspect of my children. Many parents hate that their children throw tantrums or get upset, but I personally love it. I want them to feel comfortable enough to express everything so we can reroute and take steps to solving the problem. It’s very difficult because sometimes I just want to lock my bedroom door, but I chose to have them. They deserve the best environment and the best me. They’re good kids, good boys. 

J: Wow. 

B: Mhmm. 

J: That being said, what’s a message you’d tell young omegas? 

B: Umm…I think the most important thing is to trust your gut. If something doesn’t feel right then it probably isn’t. So many young omegas are taken advantage of at work, in relationships, etcetera. And it’s important that they know how to trust themselves. This goes for young people, in general. You can only protect you at the end of the day. 

J: I like that. Do you think protection is something that’s lacking in our city? 

B: Definitely. Omegas are at the bottom caste wise, and I hate that it’s that way. Of course it’s better then it was when I was coming up, but as a unit I think we have a lot of work to do. 

J: You are one of the only people who do what they mean. You’ve put money and time into building shelters for wayward omegas and I think you’ve done a damn good job. 

B: I appreciate that. But there’s so much work to do. Words have no meaning without actions, you know? 

J: But you’re one person, Bruce. 

B: I know that. You know, when I was younger it used to push myself because I had the world on my shoulders. But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that I’m only in control of me and what I do. I can’t convince people of things, I can’t force anyone to listen, nor can I expect to fix everything on my own. I do my part and work on myself. 

J: Hmm. Your son, Dick seems to be following in your footsteps. He’s sixteen and traveling to different countries and helping the less fortunate build homes, What’s that like for you? 

B: At first I was completely against it. He’s a kid, you know, come on. I miss him when he leaves. But I’m so proud of him — you don’t even understand. And he’s doing what he loves so I’ll support him the entire time. 

J: What about college? 

B: I want him to make that decision. I’ll guide him, but I trust that he knows what he wants. And even if he doesn’t, what sixteen year old does? Fuck it, what adult actually has a plan for their life? 

J: You’re absolutely right. And it’s best he’s doing it with through his school, right? 

B: I think so. I don’t think I’d let him go if he was galavanting on his own. It’s not because I don’t trust him. But he’s my baby, and I just don’t trust other people. His schoolmates are every responsible, though. They’ll keep each other on track, I think.   

J: I think trust is really important in a parent - child relationship. 

B: I do, too. I don’t know what I would do if my children didn’t trust me. 

J: What are your hopes for your children? 

B: That’s simple. I hope that they find happiness in their lives. I hope that they embrace every emotion, every experience, and ever opportunity and create something for themselves. 

J: I love that. 

Bruce and I spoke more about schedules, business, love and the future. I see more candid conversations with him in the future. 

… 

Jamie Bronson- Bonet