Disclaimer: DC owns the characters. Not mine, never will be. No money is being made from this piece of fiction.

Downtime

By Arlene

Well, this was new. Bruce found himself in a situation that he'd never experienced before: he had free time. And he didn't know what to do with himself. Well, there were certain things he could do *with* himself, but that didn't count since he could do that almost anytime he wanted. A rare smile of joy spread across his face. Perhaps he could try it out.

He made his way to his bedroom and put on a comfortable pair of old sweats. This wouldn't work in restrictive clothing.

He was starting to have doubts. What if he got caught? The embarrassment! He remembered the notoriety that it had caused Bill Clinton when he had done this. However, unlike the former President, he made sure the door was locked and no one was around, especially not Dick. If Dick found out, 1) he'd laugh so hard that he'd pull a muscle, then 2) he'd insist on joining Bruce. Although Bruce privately thought they'd do well together, he was still nervous about approaching him at this stage in their relationship. The impulsive young man might even have the gall to suggest a threesome with Roy Harper. Bruce shuddered.

He sat down to take out his instrument. He stroked it gently, savoring the feel of its hard length. Tentatively, he used his fingers, trying to find the right buttons to push, thrilled that everything just seemed so *right*. He carefully wet his lips and bent forward in his seat.

***

After pulling up to the Manor, Dick quietly let himself in with his own key, hoping to surprise Bruce. Then he heard a low moan. Listening carefully, he ascertained that it came from Bruce's room. He carefully crept up the stairs. The sound was louder now, coming more often and a bit higher in pitch than before. He knew these sounds, yet he couldn't believe that Bruce would even attempt it. And without him!

Hurt that Bruce never shared this side of his personality with him, he picked the lock and burst into the room. Caught totally off-guard, a wide-eyed Bruce abruptly straightened in his chair. He was slightly out of breath, and his face was red from the exertion.

"Bruce!" Dick looked at him accusingly. "Why didn't you ever tell me you could play the sax?"

End