Poker Face | Bruce Wayne

eighteen

Bruce pulled the front of his tie around his neck. A deep sapphire blue— it was his father's favorite for making speeches. The rich color meant confidence and stability, as Thomas had always said. Good qualities to have for a man such as Bruce Wayne, who was often seen only being frivolous and carefree. While a party boy, it was smart to instill Gotham's trust in him on occasion.

He had to impress tonight— not that he was particularly nervous. The discovery of the Rose Stone was a big deal, funded by many of the notorious wealthy business owners: Wayne Enterprises, Stagg Industries, unfortunately, Elias Incorporated, just to name a few. (That wasn't the original plan, but Meredith just had to have her hand in everything, didn't she?)

It was also a good chance to show off the League outside of their impression of only destroying cities— the excavation was done by Victor, who was also in attendance tonight, and socialites were thrilled at the prospect of getting to interact with a human-robot.

Bruce stared at himself in the long mirror on his wall as he adjusted the knot of his tie, reciting his speech in his head once for good measure. His latest suit was dark gray— he had specifically requested it from Giovanni Giuseppe, his personal designer, for tonight. Bruce sort of enjoyed being a part of Giuseppe's small clientele— the exclusivity of it was a little... fun, almost. The bragging rights didn't hurt, either. (Although he always brushed it off as him just playing the part of Brucie Wayne, because Batman didn't actually find trivial things like that pleasurable).

Bruce, in his humble opinion, thought he looked pretty good. Giovanni always did stellar work.

Alfred was suddenly leaning on the doorframe to the closet. Bruce glanced towards him in the mirror, studying the older man's pointed look. Bruce didn't like that look— it usually meant Alfred was going to scold him for something.

"Master Bruce."

Bruce made an unidentifiable noise in the back of his throat.

"I have left you alone for long enough."

Oh, God damnit.

"But I must inquire that you inform me about Miss Meredith and her involvement with the Justice League."

Bruce sighed as he reached over and pulled his suit jacket from its hangar. "You already know the story."

"True." A pause. "However, I have yet to hear your opinion on the matter."

"I..." He slid his jacket on. "Don't have any opinion. Meredith does some of the funding. She's friendly with Clark and Barry. Particularly Lois. She shows up to the meetings and then she leaves. That's it."

"Ah. I see."

They fell into silence.

Alfred clasped his hands in front of him. "I heard rumors from the young masters. Something of you... visiting her office as the Bat?"

Bruce paused as he went to retrieve a pair of cufflinks. Ugh. His kids. He really did regret training them so well. "Additional League business."

Alfred hummed unconvincingly. "And what does this 'additional League business' entail, if you do not mind me asking?"

Bruce narrowed his eyes in the mirror. He didn't like the drop in the butler's tone. "Are you trying to accuse me of something, Alfred?"

"Certainly not, sir. I am simply just curious."

Quiet.

Bruce sighed again. "Oliver blames me."

"Is he wrong to do so?"

"Yes..." A frustrated scoff. "Maybe? He shouldn't have gotten her involved in the first place, but... I... probably should've just cut her a ten percent and been done with it."