The Dark Knight's Reporter
Rolling my strained neck I turned my attention back to my computer screen while attempting to ignore my growing headache. "O'Connor!" Glancing up I saw my boss Steven Drake staring at me. "What is it Chief?" A harden glare speaking of tried patients crossed his face. Groaning at the lost of my thought I brushed my medium brown mid back length hair off of my shoulder while waiting for his reason for interrupting me. "Didn't I give you the Wayne Conference to cover?" Not that again. Just because I covered one Wayne function I have to cover them all. Brushing my bangs out of my eyes I stared at him. Noticing the disarray that was his perfectly coiffed hair, wrinkled suite and loosen tie I stood and placed my hands on my desk. "And I told you that I'm not covering another Wayne Conference? The first time I covered anything related to Bruce Wayne, the man burned his home down. And the last conference I covered he forgot what he was talking about and had to be rescued by Lucius Fox." "Kid you're…" "Besides you gave me the go ahead for my piece on the Batman which is what I'm getting back to Chief." I sat down and went back to my article while he stared at me. "You want to keep your job get your ass over to Wayne Towers now." Standing I glared annoyed with the threat. "You wouldn't dare fire me." His eyebrows went higher. "Why the hell not kid?" Smirking I placed my hands on my hips. "Because you know that no one can get you stories like I can." Crossing his arms he just shook his head. "It doesn't mean I won't try." Resting back on my black Calvin Klein stilettos I placed my hands on my hips aggravated. "What about my stories? Who will cover them while I'm forced to cover this conference?" Rolling his eyes he turned away. "Get going already kid."
Grabbing my things I stomped around my desk and hastily threw on my coat. "You have a perfectly good gossip columnist. Can't you send her instead?" The vain over his right eyebrow started to pulse as he looked down at me. "I don't want Vale to cover this, I want you." "But Batman…" "Batman is old news." Pulling my bag onto my shoulder I really glared. "So are billionaire playboys." We stared at each other willing for the other to admit defeat. "Let Vikki deal with Wayne while I focus on the stories dealing with the Scarecrow and Joker. Do you know how many attacks I found regarding these two clowns in the last month?" "This is a human interest piece not the gossip column. So I want my best reporter covering it." Smiling at the compliment I glared still annoyed. "Your best reporter should be covering actual stories. Not Bruce Wayne's flavor of the week." He held up a copy of our morning edition. "Then explain to me why Bruce Wayne and the mob are selling more papers than your precious Batman." I rolled my eyes while I stared at the smiling "Prince of Gotham". "Now get your ass down to Wayne Towers and get me that story." I sighed. "Fine! But if I want another piece on Batman you can't stop me like last time." He shook his head. "Take Michaels with you. I want some photos to go with the piece." "But…" "He needs the experience." With that the door to his office slammed shut.
Rolling my eyes I watched Tommy Michaels rounded the corner while looking over some photos. The nineteen photo-inter from Gotham University with a good eye but was clumsier than Clark Kent. "Michaels!" He stopped where he was and dropped what he was holding. Strutting up to him I waited until he realized that it was me. "Ms O'Connor!" Smiling at the auburn light skin young man who was blushing like a teenager I grabbed the photos and placed them on a desk. "Yes Ms. O'Connor?" "Grab your camera we got a story to cover." Taking on the hard-ass journalist or my version of my cousin Lois Lane I tried to ignore the kid's growing excitement. "Awesome!" Rolling my eyes I waited for him to get his things. "Are you coming Michaels?" Nodding he followed me out of the Gazette and toward the streets of Gotham. The kid was practically jumping for joy. "Knock it off Michaels. Your acting like you're about to meet a king. He's just another snobby billionaire." He nodded taking on a more solemn composure. "Sorry Miss C, it won't happen again." Sighing I raised my hand and shouted, "Taxi!" "It better not." Looking up and down the street for a cab as the sky darkened. "How many billionaires do you know Ms. C?"
Surprised by the honesty and abruptness of his question I stared at him for a moment. "Counting Wayne?" "Yeah." "I know four and that's enough for me." He didn't say anything as a cab pulled up in front of us. Opening the back door we slid inside as Michaels closed the door behind him. "Where to miss," the cabbie asked. "Wayne Tower." The elder gentleman nodded before pulling back into traffic. Twenty minutes later I passed the cabbie our fair and slipped out of the taxi as Tommy scuttled out after me. "Do you know where is the conference being held?" Holding a paper over my head in a bad attempt to keep dry I stared at the young photographer. "Where do you think Michaels?" He glanced at me before looking up at the building. "If I get soaked and miss this story I'm feeding you to Drake." He nodded as we hurried inside. Tossing the soaked paper into a garbage can I looked around and noticed that the elevators were filling up fast. "Are you coming or staying Michaels?" Blinking a few times I rolled my eyes as I grabbed his arm and pulled him after me. We missed the elevators by a second. "Damn it!" "I'm so sorry Ms C." "We just have to wait for the next one." Sighing I attempted to dry my jacket when I heard "Over here Ms. O'Connor!" Turning I smiled as Michaels held an elevator open. Gliding over I stepped inside and relaxed when the doors closed.
Taking a deep breath I calmed a little when the elevator started to move upwards. Glancing in a nearby mirror I sighed at my appearance. Leaning against Michaels I felt him stiffen as I attempted to fix my shoes. "Ms. O'Connor?" "Relax I'm just adjusting my heels." Nodding stiffen I straighten up and tried to smooth out the rest of my appearance. "Besides you would be the last person I get fresh with in an elevator." He blushed red while I hastily pulled up my hair into a loose bun. Briefly glancing at the floor number I groaned realizing that we still had two floors to go. "I don't know why Drake couldn't have sent Vale to cover this instead of me." Reapplying my lipstick I heard "Mr. Drake sent you because you're the best reporter in Gotham Ms. C. You single handily broke the story of Batman and the return of Bruce Wayne all in one day." Thanks for the complement Tommy." He nodded with a smile as the door open and a man stepped in dressed in a designer suite. "But I still don't like being his go to girl when it comes to Bruce Wayne." He ignored me while I smoothed out the wrinkles of my black jacket, pencil skirt and teal blouse. A moment later the elevator stopped and the man in front of us stepped aside. "I believe this is your floor." Without looking at him I nodded as I walked past him ready to enter the lion's den. "Thank you." Glancing to my right I didn't see Tommy standing beside me. Annoyed I reached into the elevator and grabbed his coat sleeve pulling him out before the doors could close. "Just because I have to be here doesn't mean we're going to be late Michaels." He mumbled something while I pulled him after me.
A minute later we walked into the lobby as number of my colleges talked among them about Bruce Wayne. Sitting in a chair near the front of the room I glanced back at Tommy to make sure he was ready for Wayne's arrival. He nodded adjusting his tie and jacket probably trying to appear older then he was. Looking back toward the podium I heard my cell beep. Uncrossing my legs I grabbed my bag and pulled it out. Sliding it open I found a text message from one of the few "pleasant" billionaires I've meet. Don't bust Wayne's balls to early Oracle otherwise you'll never get your answers. I shook my head at Ollie's message before replying. Closing my phone I glanced up to see a familiar suite walk into the room. The same suite from the elevator that left Michaels speechless "Of course I had to be in an elevator with Bruce Wayne." I watched thousands of flashes from cameras and shoots being directed toward Wayne. With a deep breath, squared shoulders I held my head high and waited to be noticed by the "Prince of Gotham."
When everyone had eventually settled down Lucius Fox stepped up to the podium and with a smile he spoke. "We at Wayne Enterprise welcome you all here to share with you the next project for Gotham. We hope this will not only help Gotham in the future but the environment overall." We clapped. "Now before I show you what we have decided on I ask that you defer all your questions to Mr. Wayne when the presentation is over. Thank you. Now here is our answer to going green in Gotham. Please enjoy." With a deep breath the lights dimmed and a slide show started on the new solar power dam.
Ten minutes later the lights brighten and I recrossed my legs slightly impressed. "Now here is Mr. Wayne to answer your questions." I watched the silver spoon prince walked over smiling at Lucius. "Thank you Mr. Fox for the enlightening presentation." We all waited as Lucius sat down before turning our attention to Bruce Wayne. "My reason for urging the city to build this solar power dam is to reduce our effect of the environment and decreasing the cost of electricity for Gotham." I raised my hand alongside my colleges. "Yes Miss…" I smiled standing. "I'm Danielle O'Connor from the Gotham Gazette Mr. Wayne." He nodded with a smirk similar to Ollie's I-know-something-you-don't-know look. "Of course Ms. O'Connor what can I do for a lovely woman like you?" Ignoring the comment I plowed ahead. "Since your return to Gotham some of your actions have been left to be desired. What promoted you to become an eco-friendly billionaire like Mr. Queen?" He smiled as the room fell silent. "Well Danielle…" "Ms. O'Connor. Mr. Wayne." He nodded. "Ms. O'Connor after the unfortunate incident that cribbed Metropolis last Thursday it has come to my understanding that if the city of Metropolis could be attacked then Gotham could as well. It is my hope that with the new solar power dam we could minimize the effects of it happening here. As for Mr. Queen being an eco-friendly I will have to get back to you when I see him next." The crowd laughed.
Impressed I glanced at my notes as a couple of other reporters asked him questions ranging from new projects to his dating lifestyle. "Mr. Wayne, who are you taking to the Luthor Charity ball in hopes of rebuilding Metropolis?" I inwardly groan at the question. Personally I have been dodging Oliver's feebly attempts to get me to go Luthor's so called humanitarian ball. "At this time I am rethinking of attending." Interesting, I thought Wayne was semi-friendly with Lex unlike Oliver. "Why aren't you going then Mr. Wayne?" He glanced at me interested. "You've alone have sent several of Gotham's leading medical examiners to Metropolis to help. Along with money for shelters and other first aid assistance yet you refuse to attend a Luthor party that is essentially being planned in hopes to rebuild Metropolis?" He smiled a little. "I prefer to think of it as knowing my competition." Annoyed I heard my phone beep. Sliding it open I smiled at what I saw. Lucas from the business section thank you for finding that tidbit of info on Wayne and Luthor, I knew you were good for something other than looking over my taxes. "Could it be because Lex Luthor is trying to merge Wayne Enterprise with LexCorp in hopes to bulldoze his father Lionel Luthor out of the market?" He stared at me for a second. "Lex Luthor and I have differences regarding how a business should improve they're community. I thank you for all being here today."|
He walked away from the podium as the rest of the mob shouted at him to get one last quote. Gathering my things I turned to get Michaels but an older gentleman stopped me. "Ms O'Connor I presume." I slowly looked at him noticing that he was dressed in a dark suite, gray hair and had an English accent. "Yes?" "Mr. Wayne would like to speak with you Miss." I took a deep breath as I glanced at Michaels who like he was about to intervene. I nodded letting him know everything was alright. Turning I glanced at the man in front of me. "Of course Mr.…?" "Pennyworth, Alfred Pennyworth Miss." Taking his hand I gave it a firm shake. "Nice to meet you Mr. Pennyworth." He nodded with a kind smile before stepping aside to let me pass. I walked out of the room and followed him down a hallway before stepping into the elevator. The doors closed as my phone beeped. Removing my phone from my bag I sighed noticing the message. Seems Lex isn't the only billionaire possibly staying in Metropolis middle cuz –Chloe. "Is it something important Miss?" I slipped my phone into my pocket smiling at him. "No not at the moment Mr. Pennyworth." He nodded as the elevator stopped and the doors opened. I followed him out and down the hallway as an older woman behind the desk stared. "Miss?" I glanced at him as he held the door to an office opened for me. "Thank you." He nodded as I stepped inside before he pulled the door closed behind me. "I'm glad Alfred stopped you." Crossing my arms over my chest I stared at Bruce Wayne as he looked out over Gotham. "One of us is."
His lips pulled up into a half smile before turning to look at me. "Please sit down Ms. O'Connor." "I would prefer to stand Mr. Wayne." He nodded walking around the large desk toward me as I held my jacket in front of me slightly board. "You're not intimidated by me." I rolled my eyes a tad annoyed. "Please Mr. Wayne I'm an investigating reporter for Gotham City and a daughter of an Air Force general if the mob can't intimidate me I doubt you will." He smiled a real smile unlike the fake ones he uses for photographers. I couldn't fight my own smile. "You seem to know a lot about the Luthor's? Had a run in with them?" "Sadly no I haven't but my cousins have. Is there a reason why I'm here Mr. Wayne?" "Bruce, please." Sighing I looked at him as I placed my hands on my hips. "Mr. Wayne, unlike yourself some of us have deadlines that need to be kept. Can you tell me what you want so I can go back to work?" Nodding with his hands in his pockets he looked me over. "I wonder how you would look as a princess." Surprised by his forwardness I raised an eyebrow somewhat amused. "Excuse me?" "I'm sorry but Alfred mentioned how rude it would be if I failed to arrive in Metropolis after sending "several leading medical examiners, money for shelters and other first aid assistance to Metropolis," like you mentioned." I nodded crossing my arms over my chest as I understood what he was asking. "I can see how that can be taken as rude but where do I fit in?" He stepped in front of me as I tilted my head up to look at him. "I've read your work and I was hoping to get to know the reporter who wrote them." I nodded. "That's faltering but my answer is no." He looked genuinely surprised. "Why?" I glanced at him. "Between you and Oliver Queen I would like to have a nice relaxing evening at home instead of walking into the lion's den. Now have a good day Mr. Wayne." With that I turned and walked out of his office.
I watched her walk away while Alfred walked in closing the door behind him. "She did not look pleased Master Bruce." I smirked. "She didn't, did she?" I smiled a little. It's not often women give me the brush off. "How would you like to proceed in wooing Ms. O'Connor? Perhaps a dozen rose's maybe?" Roses seem too impersonal. "No." I wonder how much Oliver knows about her and how much she knows about him. "Alfred, send a mixture of tulips and lilies to her office with a card asking her to dinner tonight." Smiling to myself I leisurely strolled over to the window and glanced outside. "I believe I can arrange something around 7pm." Nodding I watched her and the photographer climb into a taxi below. "Good, thank you Alfred I have no idea what I would do without you." I could hear him roll his eyes at me. "Heaven forbid you have a little fun while you save the city." I smiled as I turned to watch him only to glance out the window and stare at Gotham.
Groaning I strut into the bullpen with my phone attached to my ear listening to Oliver complain. "Oliver I am sorry but I cannot just hop onto a plane to Metropolis and go to a party with you?" "Why not sweetheart? I would do it for you in a heartbeat.""Well for one I have to work. Two I'm in a middle of something and three I have work to. "Still researching Batman hun?" "Yes. Do you know that I barely had time to get myself coffee?" "Come on Oracle if coffee is all you need I can buy you truck loads if you spare a guy a night of listening to Luthor flaunt his money." I laughed as I grabbed papers from some passing people. "I'm sorry Ollie but not even I can save you from Luthor or society. You are on your own Robin Hood." "You're mean sweetheart. I'll forgive you if you come with me?" "Oliver I have nothing to wear even if I decided to go." "Not true you can be the Maid Marion to my Robin Hood." Rolling my eyes I looked over my papers. "I thought we agreed that green doesn't suite you Queen." "You agreed I ignored like any good playboy would. Please do this for me!" I sighed at his child-like behavior. "How is Metropolis treating you?" "It's not Star City but I like it. I would like it even better if you were here with me." Ignoring the flirtation in his voice I hurried to my desk. "Well as long as you stay away from my cousins I think you'll be fine." He laughed as I stopped at my desk to find a vase of tulips and lilies in various colors. "Danielle? You didn't hang up on me? Did you? Come on sweetheart the first time was funny but not the second time." "No I didn't hang up on you. I'm still here Ollie." "Good because I was thinking blue would look amazing…" "Ollie as much as I would like to play into your delusion of me appearing in Metropolis so you can take me to this party in a week I can't." "Fine just leave a guy hanging. That's not very friendly Oracle." "Relax green giant you know I only do it because I care and you're in a desperate need of a deflated ego. Besides it seems I have another billionaire to deal with you." "Do you need me to talk some sense into him because I can? And afterwards if you feel generous I think I can settle with you going to this party with me." "No. I can do it all on my own but thank you for asking." "Fine but if he hurts you. I hurt him." I sighed shaking my head. "Goodbye Ollie." "Bye doll."
He hung up. Taking a deep breath I dropped my bag into the bottom drawer of my desk and removed my jacket. Reaching forward I removed the card from the arrangement and sat down at my desk. Opening it I sighed when I realized who it was from. I would like to make up for this afternoon. Dinner tonight 7pm? -Bruce. Taking a deep breath I picked up my phone. I dialed operator and waited. "Yes," said a wheezy voice over the line. "Can you connect me to Bruce Wayne's assistant please?" "Of course ma'am." Waiting I glanced at my nails realizing that I was in desperate need of a manicure. "This is Bruce Wayne's office, how can I help you?" Ignoring the peppiness of the voice I plowed on through. "Hi this is Danielle O'Connor from the Gotham Gazette. I would like to inform Mr. Wayne that I would not be joining him for dinner tonight or any night." The woman had the nerve to gasp. You know I'm really getting tired of all the women in this city thinking just because he has a chiseled features means every girl wants him to be her prince charming. I know the man is the last surviving heir to the Wayne fortune but I seriously doubt a girl hasn't turned him down yet. "Are you sure Miss?" "Yes I am sure. I would also appreciate if he no longer sent me flowers to try and woo me over." "I will pass on the message Ms O'Connor. Is there anything else I can do for you today?" I sighed. Should I tell her that I don't want to speak to her boss again…? "No. Thank you but that will be all." I hung up and got started on my story about Wayne's new solar power dam ignoring the looks from my colleges and the flowers on my desk.
Two hours and seven cups of coffee later my story about Wayne Enterprise new solar power dam was completed and sent off to Drake for editing. Cracking my knuckles I opened up the files my contact at the Gotham PD sent me about Scarecrow, Joker and Batman. Standing I walked toward the bathroom waving off questions about Wayne and I supposedly dating or not. When I walked back with another cup of coffee I noticed someone was sitting in my desk chair. "Who the hell do you think you are?" "I didn't know you were so interested in Batman Miss O'Connor?" They turned and I groaned the moment I saw Bruce Wayne smiling up at me. "What are you doing here?" His smile grew as if someone told a joke. "Seeing that you refuse to go to dinner with me why not try lunch instead?" I crossed my arms over my chest. "I see that your assistant didn't give you my message." "She did but I decided to come and try anyway." "Mr. Wayne I do…" "Bruce please." Taking a calming breath I stared at the blue eyed bachelor that was creating a scene at my work. This was the very thing I didn't want in my life right. There was a reason I did not want to befriend another billionaire because I didn't want to deal with the responsibility that goes along with them. "Bruce, your well developed charms will not work on me. So I'll say this slowly. I will no…" "O'Connor I thought you went to lunch by now?"
I quickly turned to see Drake staring at me annoyed but concerned. "I was just about to go but I wanted to get a head start on my piece about Batman Chief." I made sure to stay in front of Bruce but Chief went into full Papa Bear mode. "No. You have to eat." He grabbed my upper arm and turned me back toward my desk. "I was just about to order something from the corner bakery." He wasn't listening to me. "I can't have my best reporter dying because she worked her way through lunch." I opened my mouth to counter when he answered. "Maybe I can be of help Mr. Drake."
We both turned to look at Bruce who was smiling. Chief glanced at me then Bruce and then back at me before a smile blossomed on his face. "Mr. Wayne, what are you doing in our little newsroom?" I watched them shake hands like they where old friends. "Just thought I would stop by and see how things are going." Chief really smiled while I rolled my eyes annoyed. Yes chief I complained but I secretly love the annoying lug and on Thursdays he dresses up as Batman. Bruce smiled at me while I stuck my tongue out at him. "I was hoping your star reporter would have lunch with me. I was trying to temp her with an insight into our next projects." Please do not fall for it Chief, for once just agree with me and… "Wonderful." I stared at them surprised while Chief smiled like a cat that caught the Carney. "You can't be serious sir!" "O'Connor." "Just because he is named Bruce Wayne doesn't mean he can come here and interrupt me at work." Chief and I stood there in a standoff before my things were shoved into my arms. "Danielle would love to go out to lunch with you Mr. Wayne." "Call me Bruce, sir." That damn smile came back. "Of course Bruce. Now I want you two crazy kids go out and get something to eat." I pulled away from them and glared. "Chief I really need to finish my stories for the evening edition." "Edwards can work on that." "Like hell he will! It's mine and we had a deal."
Chief smiled at Bruce and pulled me aside annoyed. "I want you to go out to lunch with him and get as much information as you can so we can get our story out before the Journal and the Planet." Rolling my eyes I smirked a little. "If I do this then you have to agree that my Batman stories come before anything related to Bruce Wayne." He took a deep breath and glanced at Bruce while he waited patiently. "Fine." Smiling I readjusted my purse. "I'll see you after lunch Chief." Walking over to Bruce I hit the elevator button and waited. "Have a nice lunch and bring me back a story kid." The doors closed as I glanced at Bruce dumbfounded at what just happened. "So what are you hungry for?" I groaned while feeling the start of a major headache.
Outside the Gazette I straighten myself out while he tried to take my arm. "So I was thinking…" "Before I go anywhere with you there is something I have to know." "I would prefer to answer those questions after lunch." Biting my tongue I took a deep breath and counted to ten just like I use to do with Oliver. "What don't you understand about no? Is it the word or the way I said it?" He smiled while threading my arm through his. "Do you like Italian?" Groaning he practically pulled me down the street. "Why are you wasting your time with me go find some leggy supermodel or heiress to show off?" Stopping I stared up at him curious and interested in the reason behind this whole take a reporter out for a day. "It's refreshing to find out not every woman falls at my feet." I smiled a little pleased with myself. "Well then I'm glad I could deflate your ego." "Good, no are you hungry?" I looked up and found myself standing in front of Louise. "Fine." With a deep breath I stepped inside the restaurant while he followed.
Turning I found myself looking at a host that was not too pleased with me being there. Stepping back I glanced at Bruce to see if he noticed the disdained apparently he didn't. I guess not everyone is a fan. "Is everything alright?" I wet my lips while glancing at the now smiling host. "Fine." He nodded. "Mr. Wayne welcome. What can I do for you today?" Not wanting to deal with the snotty man I glanced around noticing how busy it was. The restaurant seemed to cater to the numerous higher ups of Gotham such as politicians, society members and cops even our DA Harvey Dent talking amongst themselves. "I know that you're busy but I was hoping you could find a table for my guest and me." His warm hand settled on my back while I tried to ignore the butterflies in my stomach. Bad things happen between friends when you dive head first into those feelings. "Of course Mr. Wayne if you would like to follow me I will be happy to show you to a table." Peaking at him I noticed the familiar fake smile stretch across his face. "Danielle?" I blinked smiling a little too much. "Sorry must have been lost in my mind for a moment."
He nodded gently guiding me toward the table. As we walked by I heard various tables whispering and staring. "Isn't she the reporter from the Gazette?" "What is she doing with Bruce Wayne?" "I bet she's trying to get an interview from him or to apologize for earlier today." With my head held high I shifted closer to Bruce. "Danielle?" Trying to ignore the stares and whispers I stared straight ahead. "Does this always happen when you go somewhere?" He glanced at me before looking at the restaurants other occupants. "You mean walking into a restaurant with a beautiful woman on my arm. It happens occasionally." I rolled my eyes at the humor in his voice. "I see that your ego has returned full force." He gave me a half smile. "You never give up do you?" I shook my head getting serious. "What I meant is the staring and the whispers the second you walk into a place or room." He moved closer to me. "All the time but I have a feeling this time is because I have Gotham's best reporter on my arm." Sighing I realized that I was one of the people that forced this unneeded publicity on him. "I'm sorry." He looked at me surprised. "For what?" Pulling out a chair he motioned for me to sit down. Removing my jacket I sat down looking up at him sadden and conflicted. "I'm sorry for being one of the people who placed this burden on you." He didn't say anything. The host gave us a menu and smiled at Bruce. "Your waiter will be with you shortly Mr. Wayne." Bruce nodded with that fake smile. "Thank you." The host nodded before walking away. I set my purse down and picked up the menu. Looking over the choices on the menu I groaned at the prices realizing that half the menu cost more if not equaled to my monthly rent.
"Have you decided on something yet?" His voice pulled my attention away from the over priced menu but possibly delicious food. He was smiling almost knowingly. "Sorry I was just thinking about something else." "It's fine. I was just hoping you didn't get lost for a minute." I laughed a little closing my menu. "I think I'll just have a salad with lime water." A disappointed frowned settled crossed his handsome face. "What?" "You can't come into an Italian restaurant and just order a salad." "Why can't I?" We stubbornly glared at each other until "Mr. Wayne?" His fake smile reappeared as he glanced at our waiter. "Yes?" The young man glanced at the pad in his hand before looking at us again. "Are you and your guest ready to order sir?" "Yes." The young man glanced at me and really smiled. I blush just a little. "Can I have the salad and then the risotto?" He nodded jotting my order down avoiding eye contact. "And for you ma'am?" "Lime water." With another nod he glanced at Bruce. "I'll take the same but ice tea instead of lime water." With a final nod he took our menus. "I'll be right back with your drinks." "Take your time." He glanced at both of us confused before walking away. "I think you confused him." Bruce stared at me with a half hearted smile. "I think he's smitten with you." Shaking my head I picked up my napkin and gently placed it in my lap. "Are you happy, I ordered something other than a salad?" He smiled raising a water glass to his lips. "Immensely." I rolled my eyes trying not to laugh.
Lunch lasted roughly two hours as I slowly started to get to know the infamous Bruce Wayne a little more. Bruce paid for lunch and I found myself standing. He picked up my jacket and helped me into it before pulling his own jacket on. "Thank you." He looked confused as I smiled at him. "For what do I dissever thanks?" Sighing I slipped my arm through his as we walked out of the restaurant. "For reevaluating my perceived conception of what a billionaire playboy really is. Since your return I just placed you with the Lex Luthor and Tony Starke's of the society page never thinking that you were an actual human being." He smiled opening the door for me. "Well I'm glad I could enlighten you and I hope my ideas for Wayne Enterprise will please your boss." I just shook my head as we leisurely walked down the street. "Any information coming from Wayne Enterprise that could improve the city would please Drake. That is if he can get the byline first." He laughed.
Unlike our time in the restaurant where we were constantly being watched and whispered about the walk was a bit more refreshing. I heard a few mummers from passer byres but nothing that compared to the awkward tension from lunch. Noticing the Gazette a few inches away I felt his grip on my arm tighten. "I have something to ask you." Intrigued I stopped and looked up at him. "Could it be Lex Luthor's costume ball that you asked me to earlier?" He reluctantly let go of my arm but took my hand instead. Memorized I watched him stroke the back of my hand. That's when I noticed that his hands weren't your typical society hands rather they were rough, warm and calloused like Oliver's. "Yes but I have a second question as well." Looking at him it barely registered that we were standing under the overhanging of the Gazette because he appeared so sincere. "What is it?"
The look was cautious and protective but held some jealously toward an unknown being. "How well do you know Oliver?" Wetting my lips I looked away a little unsure as to how to answer that question. "Oliver and my relationship with him is a touchy subject." He nodded. "It's just you mentioned him often and if there is something between you two I want to proceed with caution." Smiling I squeezed his hand reassuringly. "At one point we were together and now were not." "Is there a chance that…" "No, there is no chance that we will be like that again." He relaxed a little. "We're just friends." He nodded pensive. "Should I be worried that he may swoop in and take you away?" I shook my head no. "No at least not anytime soon besides he doesn't exactly swoop rather he just appears it's a tad annoying actually." He chuckled as I smiled. "Can I ask how you two meet?" "Briefly while I was in college and after attending an event for my first real journalist job we started to talk more." He reached out and brushed a strain of my hair behind my right ear. "They're a lot of articles about the two of you in the Post. Did he…" "Get me my job?" He nodded. "I used to think so after I left but then I remember that it was my writing that kept me employed not my relationship with Oliver." We stood there for a few minutes. "Are you willing to go to Luthor's party with me?"
I started to reply but my phone interrupted me. "I'm so sorry." Embarrassed I reached into my bag and pulled it out ashamed. "It's fine. It just means that I'm not the only one buying for your attention." Opening up my phone I sighed when I noticed the text message from Oliver as Bruce touched my arm. Looking up I noticed that his features were laced with concern. "Is everything alright?" Glancing at my phone once more I smiled while slipping it into my pocket. "Yes, everything's fine it was just my cousins checking in. Probably making sure Gotham hasn't killed me yet." He nodded lightly brushing my hair away from my face before quietly asking "Please come to the party with me?" I bit my lip a little apprehensive. "I don't know Bruce. I just think that we…" He moved closer and gently kissed my cheek. I glanced up as he pleaded with me. "Please save me from a boring Luthor function with adventurous tales of your amazing life." "What if I saw no?" He stared and shrugged his shoulders. "Then I will be forced to burn down his home." I laughed a little. "You can't blackmail me into going to a party with you just because you may get bored." He reached up and cupped my face in his hands. "Please come with me." "What do I get if I go with you?" "You can show me around. Introduce me to your cousin." "I wouldn't do that to my worst enemy." "Danielle, do not make me beg?" "You know I was planning on staying home to watch a fascinating story on penguins. Maybe wash my hair or do my laundry. You know things like that."
"You're going to make me beg, aren't you?" I smiled a little. "Well until you said that now I can't but it would've been nice to see our beloved Prince of Gotham begging a lowly reporter to go out with him." He smiled in triumph. "Thank you." "But we are only going as friends." He nodded. "I'll take what I can get. I'll have Alfred send you the details this afternoon." He leaned forward and lightly brushed his lips against my cheek while I stood there shocked. "Thank you for allowing me to kidnap you this afternoon." I rolled my eyes. "Thank you for lunch." I turned to leave but stopped. "Bruce?" He glanced at me surprised. "Yes?" "Please call me Danielle." A genuine smile appeared. "Goodbye Danielle." "Goodbye Bruce." With that we went our separate ways.
Once inside the building I went straight back to work while surprisingly ignoring my co-workers who wouldn't stop asking me questions about my lunch with Bruce. I finally finished my articles and sent them off to the printers when I realized that it was after nine. Stretching my arms over my head I stood and gathered my things. "Damn I still have to pack." Walking away from my desk I heard "What are you still doing here O'Connor?" Glancing at the speaker I noticed Drake standing over me. "Time must have gotten away from me Chief. My article about Batman and Bruce's new projects were sent to the printers a few minutes ago. It should be ready for tomorrow's paper." He nodded. "Night Chief." I scrambled to leave but heard "Good work O'Connor." Stopped I looked at him with a smile. "Thanks Chief." Repositioning my bag I sighed trying to find the best way to tell him. "I'll see you later." I turned to leave. "O'Connor!" I stopped and looked at him. "What is it?" He held an envelope out to me. Taking it I opened it to find all the flight information to Metropolis. "You have a week. I want you to relax and come back thinking of something other than Batman." I nodded. "And from now on make sure your mail is sent to your desk instead of my office." I nodded closing the folder and slipping it into my bag. "You got it Chief." With a nod he walked away as I left the Gazette to pack.
Once outside I wrapped my arms around myself as I walked the three blocks to my apartment. Ten minutes later I glanced up and smiled seeing my apartment's balcony in distance. Rounding the corner I meet a brick wall of the building a just a couple of feet away from my safe and warm bedroom. Turning ready to attack my attacker I stopped when I noticed the gun in my face. He was probably mid to late thirties. He had dark hair and wore dark clothing. "Give me your bag." Noticing his shaking hand I gulped afraid of what may happen. "You don't have to do this." "Give me your bag or I'll take it." "Just calm down alright." He took a deep breath looking at me. "Give me the bag." "I don't have any money or anything you can hawk. There is a shelter around the corner if you come with me you can get a warm meal." He stared lowering the gun just enough so I could punch him in the face. The gun dropped to the ground giving me the opportunity to run only to be forced up against the brick wall again. Turning my head I saw a glimmer of sliver and then felt a blade against my neck. "That was a really stupid thing you did. All I want is the bag." Taking a deep breath I thought about the last time I was in a situation like this. Where is Oliver Queen aka the Green Arrow when you need him? "Please you don't have to do this. I just want to help you." "Give me the bag." "Let her go."