Disclaimer: I don't own Batman or any of its characters. Big surprise there.
Inspired by a couple of posts in Tumblr talking about some Gothamites maybe shipping Batman/Bruce Wayne and even writting fanfics about it, but it isn't exactly that. This is an alternate universe rather than in-universe fanfic.
In short, the Waynes are dead, but Bruce chose to honor their memory in a more ordinary way, meaning he works as the CEO of WE, is involved in politics and has a huge role in the citiy's progress and grown, and suports charities and things like that. But, Batman still exist.
Chapter Summary: "If you plan to keep turning up to save me every time I'm in trouble it would be only fair that I set up a fair wage for your services. Your work is much more efficient than that of my security."
Batman saves Bruce Wayne.
...
Bruce tensed when he heard a metal door being pulled open. There was no other sound in the room, allowing the billionaire to hear with perfect clarity the slightly accelerated beating of his heart.
He was startled when he felt the cold, rough material of a gloved hand reach for his hands, but a moment later the rope binding them behind his back was loose and he winced at the sudden movement after hours with his arms in the same position. A second later his feet were free too.
Hesitantly, he lifted his hands up to work on the knot of the blindfold around his eyes, only to find his fingers were useless to complete the simple task. There were also slight tremors in the muscles of his raised arms. He gave up on that and instead focused on pushing the piece of cloth up to at least uncover his eyes.
The light in the room wasn't strong, but he still had to blink his eyes a couple of times to adjust to the sudden brightness.
He wasn't very surprised to find a dark figure looming by the doorway. Not after the previous times they had crossed paths over the years.
Being a billionaire had its risks, but having the will and power to try to change things around the city increased considerably the danger, especially in a city like Gotham.
"You know," He started hoarsely before clearing his throat. "If you plan to keep turning up to save me every time I'm in trouble it would be only fair that I set up a fair wage for your services. Your work is much more efficient than that of my security."
"I don't want your money, Wayne." The dark figured growled.
"So you keep saying, but it's hard to believe someone can reject a compensation for a service well done."
"I don't work for you, or anyone else."
"I know that," Bruce snapped back, wincing a little at the pain caused by the pounding in his head. "Can you stop assuming I'm trying to buy for two seconds? I'm just trying to help and thank you somehow for all the times you've saved my hide."
"I don't need it."
"I know that, but I want to do it. I have money. Quite a lot of it, as you well know," Bruce added with a twitch of lips. "I don't know if you have money, but what I do know is that all the that fancy gear you carry around must be pretty expensive, and with the kind of stunts you pull, I imagine you have to repair or replace it with some frequency."
There was no reply, but the vigilante hadn't disappeared. That was all the encouragement Bruce needed.
"So, unless you're a billionaire too, or you have a way to get a lot of cash out of thin air, I imagine you could benefit from some financial aid."
Batman looked down at him with narrowed eyes. He hated having the vigilante looking down at him, but he wasn't quite ready to try to stand up just yet, and collapsing in front of the man was a risk he'll very much rather not take.
"I'm serious. I'm willing to give you money -within reason, of course- to help you continue your crusade. I don't expect anything in exchange, not even that you will come to my aid every time I'm in some kind of danger," He added with the flash of a lopsided smile. "And please, give me some credit. Of course I'm not stupid enough to think money can buy me any kind of power or control over you or your actions.
"We both know you could kill me without breaking a sweat if I even tried, and nobody would even find my body," Bruce added lightly.
"I don't kill."
"I know. I was just joking. Mostly," Bruce flickered his eyes away. "I know you care about Gotham. I do too, and while I try to help as much as I can with the foundation and the company, I know that's not enough." The billionaire looked back at the vigilante's cowled face. "That's why I'm willing to do anything in my power to help the city and her people in any way I can, and help you continue helping is the best way to do it."
Silence settled between them.
"The police would be here soon," Batman growled, black cape swirling behind him as he turned around to stride away.
Bruce let out a sigh. "Right. I guess we'll meet again the next time I get kidnapped. Great."
...
a/n: I have no idea what this is, but there may be more. Maybe.¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Let me know what you think!
English is not my native language, so any tips or corrections are welcome.