Sparks | (nolanverse AU)

SIXTEEN - DEMONS OF THE PAST

Bruce looked at me with a mix of concern and curiosity. "I wish we could go out on an actual date."

I set the iron down and met his gaze, my face softening with a sad smile. "What exactly is wrong with my cooking?"

Bruce's frustration was evident in his voice. "Your cooking is wonderful, Andy. I don't like being unable to just go out and share a dinner with you..."

"Without hiding?" I finished for him, my voice tinged with resignation.

I sighed, my heart heavy with the weight of memories I'd tried to bury. "I don't like it either, but it's what has kept both Helena and me alive these past five years. I can't afford to lose her. I already lost her father, and my father. Don't tell me you haven't done any digging into my background."

Bruce pursed his lips, his voice dropping to a softer tone. "I didn't know your father passed away too. I'm sorry, Andy."

I looked down, trying to steady my voice as I relived the pain. "It's not just that. It was supposed to be a happy day—a day of celebration. Lionel Klein, Axel Klein's father, had a vendetta against us. That day, everything turned into a nightmare."

I swallowed hard, my throat tightening. "They shot Mason first. He was gone immediately. I was in shock, and they shot me twice. They didn't stop there. They bashed me up a bit, turned on the gas stoves, and put flammable materials in the microwave. Then they went upstairs."

My voice trembled as I continued, my memories flashing vividly in my mind. "My dad was giving Helena a bath after she'd gotten frosting on her dress. They surprised him, and they shot him. The noise was deafening. They turned the tap on forcefully under Helena. I lost consciousness in the chaos. When I came to, the smell of gas was overwhelming. Lionel and his men were gone, but the danger wasn't over."

Tears welled up in my eyes as I recounted the worst part. "I managed to crawl to the bathroom. Helena was drowning. She was only thirteen months old. I thought I was going to lose her. I felt her pulse, wrapped her in a blanket, and barely escaped with the skin on my back."

As I finished, Bruce closed the distance between us, his expression a mixture of sorrow and resolve. Without a word, he pulled me into a tight, comforting embrace. His arms wrapped around me, providing a refuge from the painful memories I had just relived. The warmth of his hug was a balm for my raw emotions, and I found myself clinging to him, the weight of my past lifting slightly with his support.

He whispered softly into my ear, his voice rough with emotion. "I can't even imagine what you went through, Andy. I'm so sorry. But I'm here for you. I want to help you and Helena in any way I can."

I held onto him tightly, allowing myself to lean into his strength. "I can't lose her. And I can't lose you. It might just break me. And I don't want to risk that."

He stroked my back gently, his touch soothing. "I don't either. We'll figure it out."

I pulled back slightly, looking up at him with teary eyes. "I appreciate that more than you can imagine."

Bruce smiled softly, his eyes filled with warmth, wiping my cheeks. "We'll get through this. One step at a time."

***

The private room at Dolce Vita was a serene escape from our usual chaos. The soft light of the candles and the refined decor created a calm, intimate setting. I glanced at Bruce as he took in the room, his surprise evident.

"You wished we could go out on an actual date, so I did what I could," I said quietly, trying to keep my voice steady.

Bruce looked around, his expression softening as he took in the atmosphere. "This is... unexpected. It's really nice."