The Batman (2022) | Oneshots

1. Social Anxiety

There's too many people.

It's the first thing Bruce notices when he enters the room. He knew there were going to be a lot of people here, but this is too many. He wants to leave. He wants to just turn around and walk right back out the door. But he knows he can't.

It's some kind of charity event. Bruce neglected to learn what exactly it was all about. He knows Alfred probably told him at some point, but the information didn't register. All he knows is that it's being held by Wayne Enterprises and he was forced to make an appearance because it's his parents' company.

Well, technically it's his company now, but Bruce has a hard time seeing it that way.

  He's currently standing in the entryway of the hall where the function is being held. Bruce was unaware the Wayne Enterprises building even had a space like this. He supposes there's a lot he doesn't know about this building.

  Seeing the sheer amount of people congregated in this hall makes something inside of Bruce freeze up. They're all standing around, dressed in their best clothes, sipping expensive champagne and making effortless small talk. It's like this entire night has been designed to be as uncomfortable as possible for Bruce. He doesn't know how he's going to get through this.

  Another group of guests is entering the hall and Bruce forces himself to move. He quickly shuffles out of the way, inadvertently merging into the rest of the crowd. He's now surrounded by people he doesn't know, that he doesn't want to know, and the air suddenly feels a lot thinner.

Slowly, he tries to make his way to the edge of the room where the crowds aren't quite so dense. There's a waitress passing by, holding a platter of champagne glasses. She politely offers one to Bruce and he takes it, if only to have something to do with his hands. He's afraid he might start pulling at his hair otherwise.

He slinks back against the wall and it's mercifully decongested. Bruce feels like he can breathe a little easier and he tries to focus on that. If he keeps his eyes on the floor, he can almost pretend that the throngs of people no longer exist. He can almost block out the oppressive din of chatter pressing against his eardrums.

"Bruce!" A shrill voice shatters Bruce's concentration.

Reluctantly, Bruce looks up to see a woman approaching him. Her dark hair is pulled back and she's wearing a sophisticated evening gown. Soft lines appear around her eyes as she smiles at him.

"What a surprise to see you here!" She says in a cheery tone that's much too loud for Bruce. "You don't seem to venture outside much these days."

"I've...been busy," Bruce mumbles, not entirely a lie.

"Of course," the woman agrees, but then suddenly switches gears. "Oh, but where are my manners? I'm Regina Zellerbach, Chairwoman of the Wayne Enterprises board."

When Bruce only stares blankly at her, she continues, "We haven't met, if you're trying to remember, but you've probably seen my name on many documents concerning the company."

"Oh. Yes, of course," Bruce lies.

  "I helped put together this event. They're something that I hold close to my heart," Regina says, a wistful look appearing in her eyes. "It was your parents' idea to make this an annual thing."

  Bruce instantly bristles at the mention of his parents. He does not want to think about them right now. This night is overwhelming enough without their deaths hanging over his head. 

  "Oh?" He simply says, his throat feeling tight.

  "Yes," this woman goes on. "After...what happened, it only felt right to continue the tradition. I suppose, in a way, it's honouring their generosity and adding to their legacy."