Gotham: Contagious Laughter (Book 2)

Self Defense

Serena's POV

"You want to learn self defense as well?" Alfred asked.

I nodded.

"Well it is kind of tough Miss Gordon, so I'm not sure-" He started.

"I'm sure I can handle it Alfred." I said.

"If you say so..." Alfred said and led us to the courtyard. 

Alfred then handed us both boxing gloves. Weird, I didn't think you used boxing gloves in self defense. I thought they are just for boxing. Oh well. 

Bruce went first as he hit Alfred's palms for about 5 minutes and then Alfred was done making it easy. He shoved Bruce backward and began to swing punches at Bruce. Bruce blocked most of them. 

After about 10 minutes they stopped and it was my turn. Oh great, I wasn't sure I would be able to block the punches as good as Bruce had. I step forward and began to swing punches at Alfred hands. 

"You need to focus more." Alfred told me.

I nodded and tried to focus more on the hits. Then out of no where Alfred shoved me backward to where I almost fell and began to swing at me too.

"And you need to expect the unexpected." Bruce added. 

I nodded, but I was more focused on blocking the hits that Alfred was throwing at me. I'd prefer to make it home in one piece if that was possible. 

I was starting to get a little tired so then we took a break. 

"You did alright for your first time Miss Gordon. Just make sure to watch out for anything unexpected." Alfred said.

"Thanks." I replied as I drank some water. 

"Do you think we can duel Alfred?" Bruce asked, after chugging some water.

"I don't see why not. Just go easy on her, will you?" Alfred replied.

Bruce nodded.

"Duel?" I asked, confused.

What did that mean?

"Basically we go head to head. We fight each other." Bruce explained.

"Oh okay." I replied.

"Don't worry, I'll go easy on you." He said with a smile.

I raised a brow.

"Easy? I'll have to go easy on you!" I replied, grinning.

"Sure..." Bruce said, and put on his boxing gloves.

I did the same. 

Alfred went inside the house to fetch some more water and we began to fight. 

Bruce was actually pretty good at fighting. I had to keep blocking his punches. But I had my fair share of talents as well. I would duck his punches and aim for his stomach, knocking the wind out of him. Then I knocked him to the floor with my leg. I grinned and pinned him down, as I sat on his chest.

"What did you say before? Something about taking it easy?" I asked, grinning. 

He laughed and sat up a little. Our faces were inches apart. Bruce smiled at me and began to lean in...

"Ahem." Alfred said in the background. 

Dang it Alfred, I almost got kissed.

Both of our faces turned red as we stood up. 

"What time is it?" I asked.

"5:43." Alfred said.

"I should probably be heading home, Uncle Jim will probably be waiting." I said.

"It was nice to see you Serena. I hope everything goes well." Bruce said.

"Thanks Bruce. It was nice to see you too." I said.

As I walked pass Alfred I said "Bye Alfred."

"Bye Miss. Gordon." He replied.

I began to walk home as I checked my phone. I had one text from Jim. 

"Spending the night with Lee, make yourself dinner." - Jim

"Of course." I muttered as I headed home.