Author's Note: For those who haven't read '100 Themes, 100 Days: Sonic,' this is actually the 3rd oneshot of the series. All the oneshots are disconnected though, so there is no need to read them in order. This story is loosely based on the episode "Fire and Ice" from "The Batman". This is from Yin's perspective, and takes place directly before she tells Bruce that she 'knows his secret'; that his 'arrogant, airhead, playboy' persona is just a facade - not, of course, that he's Batman.
Fallen Facade
I watch the man standing behind the podium, scrutinizing him closely. Bennett told me a lot about this man - Bruce Wayne. Bennett's best friend, and the only thing besides the Batman that he wouldn't shut up about. I find it hard to believe a lot of the things he told me though; Wayne has quite the reputation, and although the media does tend to exaggerate a lot, there has to have been something for the rumors to be based on. Despite how he's always giving to charity, I doubt Wayne actually cares about anyone other than himself.
I must admit though, as I continue to watch him, there are many things that seem to contradict the public opinion of him. The way he talks about the police force and all the 'good' they've done, despite the fact that he has to know – after all, who doesn't – most of that is thanks to the Bat, indicates a respect that I personally feel is quite misplaced; Bennett's the only Gotham cop who was worth anything, and even he was blinded by his awe of the Batman, and all the pressure to catch him.
The final clues though, come when I watch him interact with the socialites present. The way he never seems focused on the trivial conversations, despite the fact that he's perfectly sober. The way he actually engages the smarter people here in intellectual conversations despite the fact that he's always been portrayed as an airhead. But most of all, the way he treats all the people present equally, no matter what their 'social rank' might be.
How strange. It seems Wayne actually cares after all.