Mr007pennyworth - Tumblr Posts

Leslie’s temper flared at the incompetent idiots who would give a morphine addict the drug without checking his notes. It wouldn’t help Alfred for her to lose her composure right now, but she was already cataloguing a list of who to contact to try and make sure it didn’t happen again. 

She regarded the man for a long moment. She could see the cycle that he was stuck in, but seeing it solved very little. The pain in his leg would persist, Bruce would continue to be Alfred’s responsibility and with the death of Thomas and Martha Wayne, Alfred’s support network had shrunk considerably.  

It wasn’t her job to mother the man, he needed to work his own way out of the hole he was in. Of all the questions that she could ask him, she settles on the most practical one. “What do you need? If I could give you some help, what would that look like?”

"This can't happen again Alfred. Think of Bruce, he needs you. So pull your shit together."

He turns to find Leslie sitting in the armchair fussing through a medical bag. Sighing he sets the towel down on the bed. "I know that, it's worrying about him that gets me into this mess"

"I start worrying, the pain starts up and once I struggle to physically walk, I'm wanting it" He'd kicked this addiction once. Sadly, it seemed to have reared its ugly head again after the death of Bruce's parents. Thomas had been strict with his medications, but now, with no one to watch him he found his will power lower than ever. "The last lot of pills didn't work...so the hospital put me back on the hard stuff, seems I can't seem to avoid it"

"WINK"

Leslie fixed Alfred with a look, aiming for stoic, but not quite being able to pull it off; the grin edging onto her face giving her away.

"What are you up to, troublemaker?"

“You say that as though the rest of the parents of the world magically somehow never screw up or need help.” She says wryly, quirking an eyebrow. “You’re only human Alfred. Yes you’ve messed up, but who says you can’t be enough for him? I’m not buying that defeatist crap. Not from you.”

Leslie sighs, pursing her lips together in thought. “Bruce is just a boy who is still grieving the loss of both his parents in very traumatic circumstances. He’s bound to lash out sometimes. Part of the parenting gig is to continue to show up regardless.”

She looks over to Alfred on the bed, the sight making her heart ache. “You care about him. That’s more than some kids ever get.

@docthompkins //// FROM HERE

Alfred drops down to the bed feeling his head throb again. “I-I don’t know”

He’d tried therapy for Bruce, he’d taken the kid out of town and kept him out of school for two months, he’d done as much as he could before introducing the pre-teen back into his life as the orphaned Wayne but nothing seemed to take off the edge of darkness that had marred him. Alfred couldn’t watch him twenty four hours a day and finding Bruce on the roof la few days ago had been a whole new nail in the coffin.

Hiring a nanny hadn’t been hard she managed to cover a few hours a day before and after school, Bruce took to her like a duckling to water and Alfred feared the boy resented him a little for his parents deaths, he had been their head of house and security for goodness sake. So the spare time he got he’d dug out his stash and knocked himself out for two days claiming a flu. It was only when he’d been woken by Leslie that he knew things weren’t working. The nanny had phoned her saying Bruce couldn’t wake him and he felt even worse for the fact it had been the boy who had found him drugged out of his head when he should have been looking after him like he promised. 

“I feel like I don’t know where I stand with the boy anymore, I want to be enough for him but at the same time I know I just can’t be, what use as a parent can I be when I need someone else propping me up?” 

Continued from here @mr007pennyworth

“Oh you know me, I’m a permeant fixture at this place darling” he smiles pausing as he comes up infront of her at the mains doors to the hospital hot clinic.

“I came for my prescription, not as exciting as before, somebody forcefully removed the hard drugs so I told Bruce that his mates can’t come over today” he snorts at himself. “Sorry, bad taste in jokes, but if I don't laugh at myself, I’ll just end up crying about it”

He taps his cane thoughtfully on the concrete. “I was also wondering...if you got some time free tonight or maybe this weekend?

His smile is infectious and Leslie finds herself following suit, tucking herself in out of the main walkway so others can pass. “I much prefer you when you’re boring Alfred. Bruce giving you a hard time?”

“I’m afraid I’ve all but forgotten what free time is.” She teases, eyes full of mischief. “But out of interest, what did you have in mind?”

mr007pennyworth​:

“The council can say it, I only got Bruce’s guardianship because Thomas and Martha asked for it in there will, the courts on the other hand actually argued whether I was fit enough to look after him having been an addict and I guess they were right in some sense, even they felt like I wouldn’t cope either”

The nanny had spoken with Bruce about his antics, he’d admitted he hadn’t understood why Alfred was so pissed off with finding him on the roof. He’d promised to start behaving himself but Alfred was skeptical, Bruce was at an akward age, he got very carried away with spur of the moment crap. 

“I’ll do as much as I can for the kid and he knows I will, he just can’t not try and push my buttons, he was like it with Thomas, infact he’s a lot like Thomas, stubborn and reckless…if Thomas had listened to me fourteen years ago, I wouldn’t be missing my leg”  He sighed and looked about at the slightly disheveled room then his watch. 

5:40pm. “I should probably go see if the rascal wants his dinner making” 

Leslie frowned. “You’re the best thing for that boy Alfred. I mean that. He needs you.” She wasn’t even just saying that as his friend. Over the past while, she had come to care for Bruce herself. Seeing them both interact with each other was a joy sometimes. He’d get through this, he’d have to. She wouldn’t stand by and watch it fall apart.

“He takes after Thomas in a lot of ways, but even so, I can see some of you in him. You forget that you are also quite stubborn when you want to be.” The corner of her mouth curled in a teasing smile. 

She gets to her feet, unsure if that is her cue to leave or not. “If I can help you, then I will. Just say the word.”

Leslie takes a moment to enjoy the sound of Alfred’s voice, thick with sleep. She lingers in the doorway, having already taken the liberty of letting herself into the manor. “Got room in there for one more?”

She had had a long day, an even longer week and all she wanted to do was forget about it and enjoy the comfort the man gave her. Her heels already off, dangling from her hand, she wanted to make sure it was okay with him before pressing further. The development in their relationship was still relatively new.

Alfred rolls onto his back as he hears the bedroom door open.

"What's Up?"

mr007pennyworth​:

Opening one eye he smirks and lazily pats the empty spot on the bed. “Sure, I just got it nice and warm for you”

He pulls the covers back and props himself up on one hand to watch her. He can’t help but run his eyes over her. “Hey Beautiful, your a nice wake up call”

Being all nice and warm he forgets he’s naked with being a little eager to get to cuddle her for the night.

A warm smile creeps up on Leslie’s face. Closing the door behind her she saunters closer dropping her heels to the floor and shrugging off her suit jacket. 

Tucking her legs up onto the mattress alongside her, she sits in the empty space beside him, leaning down to kiss him softly. “The thought of coming back here after work has kept me going all night.” She admits with a sigh.

She blinks, realising something. Fighting a grin, the humour makes it’s way into her voice anyway. “Alfred. Are you naked under there?”

mr007pennyworth​:

Alfred is so busy admiring the pendant around her neck when she gets on the bed he fails to react to the question quickly. “Erm..oh shit…yeah, is-er shall I put clothes on? I mean, your saying right?”

He sits up a little and looks about, the sheets falling lower giving her a nice view of his torso. “I don’t usually sleep naked, it’s just a bit warm and I-I was being lazy, couldn’t be bothered to fetch my pants” he smirks.

He hopes she’s going to get in. “You can grab a t-shirt from the drawers if you want something comfy darling”

Leslie in nothing but his t-shirt and her lace? Damn, down boy.

Reaching out to stroke his cheek, she nods. “I’m staying. Relax. You’re fine as you are I’m just teasing. I’ll take you up on that t-shirt though.” 

She gets up and pulls out a soft t-shirt from his drawer. Looking over her shoulder she grins at the man on the bed before turning her back to him a little more, making quick work of unbuttoning her blouse and taking off her bra. Pulling the fabric over her head she takes a minute to enjoy the clean smell of his shirt before shedding the rest of her clothes. 

Turning back to slip into bed she catches him staring and smiles. “What?”

mr007pennyworth​:

“You look so hot in that, it’s hard to concentrate” he admits snuggling the covers back up and opening his arms to let her cuddle up.

“Rough day? I know Bruce will be pleased to find you here at breakfast” he smirks.

His eyes are locked onto the soft skin of her neck and can’t help but run a hand down her throat to her chin smiling. Looking back up to drown himself in her eyes. He finds himself licking his lower lip wanting to kiss her just like the day before.

She scoffs quietly, deciding to take the compliment. Slipping under the covers, her legs brush against his and she gets comfortable in the warmth, skimming her fingers along his side.

“Same old, same old. It’ll be nice to see him. Later though.” Right now she had other things in mind. A fond look crosses her face as her eyes flick down to his lips. “I missed you this week.” She closes the distance and presses her lips against his.

mr007pennyworth​:

Wrapping an arm around her waist he pulls her closer and kisses her back, unable to stop himself moaning into her mouth. “Text…message…kisses…aren’t as…good as…these…ones” he mutters smirking before rolling them over and pinning her down to the sheets kissing down her cheek, her throat and her chest before coming back up for her lips.

“I’ve been thinking about you all day, I was hoping we’d get to see you at dinner tomorrow”

Leslie hums, tipping her head back as the warmth of his body surrounds her and his kisses ignite a warmth in the pit of her abdomen. She pulls him back up, slotting her mouth against his, tasting him - she could easily spend all day lost in the feeling.

She parts her legs, making it easier for him to pin her down, her body aching for closer and more... “Got the day off, so I’m all yours. Tonight, and tomorrow.”

mr007pennyworth​:

Alfred steps forward and comes to stop with a odd lurch reaching for Leslie in an odd frame of mind, he’d assumed she was about to walk out and went to stop her, realized how that looked and backed up making himself sway on the spot and grasped the door frame for balance. 

“-dont-”    dont leave me

He tries to shake of the clouds again and straightens himself out. “I mean, you don’t have to go, your welcome to stay” and she was, they had nine guest rooms for gods sake. 

“I-I don’t even know where to begin on what help I need, if anything I-I just need to do something about this pain, I think emotional and physical gets on top of me and that’s when…things don’t work”

Leslie’s eyes soften, a small smile curving her lip. She had meant it when she said she would do what she could to help. There was a part of her that wanted to stay for her own reasons too. “Yeah. Yeah, I can stay.”

“If it’s still alright with you, I’m going to do a full review of your medication this week. I’m hoping there’s something we can do for the pain that doesn’t leave you like this.” There was something not quite right about the cocktail of meds the man was on but Alfred had been seen by several well respected physicians in the past before Leslie had got her hands on his file so she would need some time to go through it.

“So, what are we making for dinner?” She smiled, changing the subject, leaving Alfred little room to refuse her help in the kitchen.

What am I?

@docthompkins// What Am I Meme

Benevolent, Adoration, Lover.

"well this isn't how I pictured, I'd be sweeping you off your feet"

Leslie felt her her ears redden. Of all things in Gotham that could result in an injury, an uneven sidewalk wasn't high on her list of suspects. However here she was, sheepishly waiting on the steps of Gotham National Library. She had managed to manoeuvre herself onto them after rolling over her ankle in heels. Not her finest moment.

"Decided you were getting too much attention for your leg and I wanted to steal your thunder." She grinned sheepishly, thankful that he was happy to come to her rescue.

Pulling his coat tight around her shoulders, she takes a second to enjoy the warmth and spice of the man’s cologne. She winces lightly as she eases her ankle into his lap, fighting the urge to roll her eyes at the impending lecture. It was a stereotype that doctors made the worst patients, but in Leslie’s case, there was some truth to it.

“I like the heels, Alfie. It’s not like I make a habit of it. Accidents happen.” 

"well this isn't how I pictured, I'd be sweeping you off your feet"

Leslie felt her her ears redden. Of all things in Gotham that could result in an injury, an uneven sidewalk wasn't high on her list of suspects. However here she was, sheepishly waiting on the steps of Gotham National Library. She had managed to manoeuvre herself onto them after rolling over her ankle in heels. Not her finest moment.

"Decided you were getting too much attention for your leg and I wanted to steal your thunder." She grinned sheepishly, thankful that he was happy to come to her rescue.

mr007pennyworth​:

@docthompkins// FROM HERE

Alfred prods carefully around the swelling of the joint and frowns. “Werther you liked them or not, your safety should be the priority” he blinks up at her with a quiet tut in an almost fatherly tone. “You’ve badly sprained it, I obviously can’t tell you for certain if it’s broken, I’m not feeling any displacement, it’s certainly bruising up but from the fact your not crying your eyes out in agony I’ll assume were lower than a seven on the pain scale, does it hurt when I touch it or have you got any numbness or pins and needles going on?”

“They are safe... usually.”

She had been trying to ignore the pain and push it out of her mind while she waited but now she tuned into it... She hissed in discomfort as he poked and prodded but by all accounts, a bad sprain sounded about right. “No, I can definitely feel it. I wouldn’t like to walk much on it right now, but I don’t think it’s broken. 

She sighed, feeling sorry for herself. “It’s at a 5. Maybe a six” She winced as he touched a particularly sore spot. Some ice would hopefully help.

mr007pennyworth​:

Sighing he sets her foot back on the step carefully, then reaches over to undo the other heel and test that one.

“Alrighty, let me pop your stuff in the car which I parked just down here and then I’ll get you home, get that strapped up and on ice” he smiles standing. “I won’t be a moment” he says picking up her shoes and handbag before taking them to the car, opening the passenger seat door he sets the stuff in the back of the car and then heads back to her. “Okay, throw an arm around me love, let me give you a lift” he chuckles hoisting her up into his arms still wrapped in his coat. His leg protests but calms once he’s evenly balanced again.

Home. Her chest warmed with how easily his words move to include her in his life. She had been spending more time at the Manor with Alfred yes, but she still very much still had a townhouse that she stayed in most nights. 

Alfred didn’t give her much chance to protest before he’s scooping her up off the steps. Letting out a squeak of surprise, she held on with her arms around his neck and shoulder. She could have walked, sort of. Hopped. Or made use of his cane maybe. Leslie’s initial reaction was to berate him for putting strain on his back and his leg, but she decided against it. The man knew his own limits.

Instead, she kissed his cheek, chuckling. “My hero.”

mr007pennyworth​:

It’s a steady walk to the car, not even thirty steps as he sets her down into the seat and helps her settle. “There we are, just strap yourself in love and we’ll get you right in no time” he smiles shutting the car door. He steps around the front to climb into the driver’s side and takes a moment to chuck his hat onto the back seat to let his leg stop grumbling.

He starts the Mercedes up as he flexes the joint, it was never pleased at carrying weight anymore but it was still good enough for small mercy’s such as this. If he’d had to walk further he’d have feared it giving out on him.

Setting off for the manor he ponders what to do, he can’t carry her upstairs, but-“Im afraid I can’t carry you upstairs, my legs not got enough in it for that, but I’ve still got some crutches at the manor for those ‘leg days’ you can use those to get about tonight if your up to staying over? There’s a couple of small bedrooms downstairs we can sort, old staff quarters, should be okay until we see how if fairs?” He asks as he comes to a red light and leans over slightly to look down at her feet.

“Do you want to stop by your place for anything?”

“Stop your worrying my love. We’ll sort something out.” She didn’t care if she had to sleep on a couch at this point, she was just glad to not be alone. While she normally thrived on being independent and enjoyed her own company, it was a little different when she wasn’t able to do much. She would have to rest it for a few days at least.

The corners of her mouth turned up in a soft smile as she stroked her fingers over the back of his hand on the clutch. “I actually think I still have an overnight bag in your room from last time I stayed with a few changes of clothes. I’ll need to take the day off tomorrow, so I don’t need work clothes. So no, I should be okay.”

Her ankle throbbed painfully as the car wound through the streets. Leslie blew out a controlled breath to help her manage the pain, she didn’t want to cause more of a fuss than she had already. She turned to look at the man who was concentrating on the road. “Thank you Alfred.” 

mr007pennyworth​:

“No worries sweetheart, I know we’ll get your right as rain in no time” he smiles leaning over to press a kiss to her cheek as they come to stop just before the bridge. 

“I’d have already given you some painkillers but I wasn’t at the house when you phoned, else I’d have brought my bag, what do you want for it? I’d usually give one of the boy’s ibuprofen but I do have a few stronger things, I have some 8mg co-codamol if you want something with a better kick” he chuckles. 

As they head over the bridge he’s careful turning. “Do you think a hot bath later tonight might help after some ice, I’ll order us a takeaway then we can just relax, Bruce is out at a sleepover tonight so we won’t be disturbed” 

That might have been hinting. 

Leslie smiled at the man before looking out at the manor coming into view as they drew nearer. “I actually have some Tylenol in my bag, I took a couple after I called you so they’re starting to kick in now. Might take you up on the ibuprofen though. Save the codeine for if I can’t sleep tonight.” Codeine always made her feel a little drowsy, not having a high tolerance for pain medication, so she always was a little reluctant to take it.

Though it wasn’t ideal with having a bad ankle, the thought of spending the night with Alfred warmed her through. It was nice to have someone willing to take care of her for a change. “Sounds wonderful Alfie.”

mr007pennyworth​:

Smiling he knew all he needed was to settle the blankets in the room as he’d done them up only a the week before so nothing needed making. “I-don’t mind, go ahead, I’m unsure what half of them are for anymore anyway”

As they made downstairs Alfred considered her question. “The boy is rather simplistic still with his meals, he’s not a fan of something that even sounds posh, so, I got a packet of sausages out last night, I think an old school sausage and mash night is called for, he might eat his peas for once” Alfred chuckled as they came to the bottom of the stairs looking left and right around the large hall wondering where the boy might be. 

The fact that he didn’t know what his medication was for was a concern. Alfred was a smart man, he was more than capable of understanding. Taking a closer look at his medication went up in her list of priorities as she walked down the stairs with the man. She didn’t want to worry him though so simply nodded instead.

“With gravy?” She asked hopefully. She had only been around for mealtimes a handful of times before but she was quickly beginning to have a strong appreciation for the man’s cooking skills. 

mr007pennyworth​:

“Oh, yes, definitely with gravy” he smiles. 

They eventually find Bruce sat at the dining room table doing his homework and not looking very pleased about it. 

“Hey buddy” Alfred smiles as they approach and the boy looks up in surprise jumping don for the chair to run over and hug his butler. “You're okay now, right Alfie?!”

Alfred gulps and looks to Leslie but nods anyway. “I will be lad, I promise, you ready for some dinner huh?”

Bruce insisted in sitting and watching him and Leslie make dinner and chatted all the way through it about watching his school football game today.

Alfred didn’t eat too much but did his best to talk with Bruce and act as if he wasn’t just coming out of a relapse. 

Leslie seethed in anger. 

True to her word, she had taken the following afternoon out to pour over Alfred’s medical history. The doctors he had seen, the specialists Thomas had taken Alfred to - their notes were meticulous. But they were all wrong.

Looking over his medication list once more had her closing her eyes, focusing deeply on her breathing for a long moment.

Thomas, you bastard. 

No wonder Alfred had been struggling. The poor man had been abused. Was still being abused now. Systematically. For longer than Leslie dared to think. 

She had to tell him.

Leslie found herself dialling the butler’s number before she had even thought about how exactly she was going to do it. What was she supposed to say?