tell me i'm still good || Bruce Wayne

Everybody wears masks. Physical or metaphorical. Sometimes both. Sometimes more than one. And the reasons may vary. Some aim to better the way they're perceived. While others seek to protect themselves and those around them. Some people wear masks to dissociate from their lives. And others do it to justify their actions-however honorable or barbaric they may be-without consequence.

Most importantly, masks cover the rawest version of oneself. A person who wears a mask actively chooses to hide a truth about themselves. To deceive others so as to never be forced to acknowledge who they are at their core.

They are not to be trusted.

Or

It's been six months since Bruce donned the suit for the first time. Six months of readjusting his entire social life for one mission. One city. He finds out he underestimated the toll it'd have on him.

You'd think it gets easier-playing up the charm at parties, dodging suspicions, making up believable excuses. It takes great time and effort, but Bruce Wayne's nothing if not determined.

Yet, what's he to do when one bored woman he accidentally let into his life starts to dig too much too fast?

Well, Alfred *did* say he'd need allies. Maybe even friends.

|| Also on AO3 ||