The next day found Feli posting ads for volunteers for the Center. She would have to go through a lot of background checks, but it would be worth it to have the operation expand to all of Gotham's youth. When the kids came back, they brought friends, and they were more than eager to show them around for her. She smiled as they headed deeper into the Center, giddiness rushing through her at the thought that so far, things were beginning to go her way. She heard the door chime go off and she looked up with a smile, expecting more kids. Instead, an older man walked through, dressed rather primly, and approached her desk.
"Good day, ma'am." A heavy British accent flowed forth, and she instinctively sat up straighter. "I was wondering if I may speak with whomever is in charge." At this, she stood up fully, keeping her smile in place.
"That would be me, sir. What can I do for you?" He seemed a bit surprised, but it passed quickly. He nodded.
"My name is Alfred Pennyworth. I represent Mr. Wayne." She arched a brow. It was no secret that Wayne had his hands in every project in Gotham; he practically owned the city. She didn't need three guesses to figure out why his man was here. "He was hoping to be able to speak with you, but he wanted to make sure you wouldn't be too busy."
"That's rather considerate of him, Mr. Pennyworth." She nodded, coming around the desk. "You can tell him I do spend my days here, and it isn't truly busy until after school. He also could have just called."
"Yes, well, I suppose he could have. He is available this afternoon, if you don't mind? He's quite eager to speak with you." Alfred gave a warm smile as two more kids entered and hurried past him. She glanced back at the ad she had been putting out, thinking over the pros and cons of having Wayne as a backer. Feli finally nodded.
"That would be quite allright. If you want, you can go and let him know or call him…" She let it trail off, not knowing how one got ahold of a billionaire.
"That's quite alright, as he's already here." With surprising deftness, the old man texted a short message, tucking his phone back in his pocket. His smile never wavered. "He just wanted to make sure it was convenient before barging in. If you like, I cna man your station here at the door while you two speak."
"As kind of an offer that is, I can't offer you anything besides coffee or tea. This is a non-profit, so even I don't get paid." He arched a brow, looking around and likely taking in how modern and bright the facility was.
"That's quite alright, miss. I wouldn't mind. It would be nice to sit behind a desk for a short while." There was a humor in his voice and she couldn't help but chuckle a bit. As they waited for Wayne to come inside, she showed Alfred where he could find refreshments should he want some and how to operate the fleet of security cameras she had around the facility. The door chimed again, and she gave a final pass over the screens before looking up. Wayne was certainly more handsome in person than on a screen: tall, dark hair, light eyes. He was just about every girl's dream, and she had to remember that he was likely here to buy her Center from her. Standing a bit taller, she offered a hand as he arrived at the desk.
"Mr. Wayne, pleasure to meet you. Felicia Stark." He took her hand with a sure grip, giving one good shake and a smile that could have blinded.
"Just Bruce, Miss Stark. The pleasure is mine." His gaze darted behind her shoulder. "I see Alfred has made himself right at home."
"He was kind enough to help out while we talk." She gestured towards a door where her office was, and he took the hint, headed that way. She gave one last smile to Alfred before following, stepping through when Bruce held the door open for her and waiting until he closed the door to take her seat behind the desk. Taking the seat across from her, he crossed his legs, giving her a pleasant enough smile.
"So, Miss Stark, I was hoping to talk to you about funding your center here." She arched a brow but didn't say a word, letting him continue. "Wayne Enterprises would be more than happy to make sure you stay afloat, regardless of what life throws at you. We believe in what you're doing here and want to make sure you can continue doing it." She smirked, leaning back in her chair a bit. Negotiations were something she had been good at in college, and while this was a whole other can of worms, she was fairly sure she could handle it.
"A lovely business proposal, Mr. Wayne. Did you spend the whole car ride here practicing it?" He seemed taken aback and her smirk faded away to show just how serious she was about this. "The Gotham Youth Center isn't something you can buy a majority share in and slap your name on. We're in the business of a brighter future, not a better public image." He seemed to be thinking over what she said carefully, and she couldn't help but be grateful that he was actually going to listen.
"I told you, it's Bruce, and I'm not doing this for my public image or yours. I have a genuine interest in seeing this venture succeed. All I'm offering is the financial backing that would guarantee the only worries you would have would be the children. No bills, no mortgage, nothing." He seemed earnest now, leaning forward towards her. There was something in his gaze that really convinced her; a sort of love burning there and she realized how much he actually cared for the city. Sure, he'd slapped his name on nearly every square inch, but those sectoins were just a tad brighter and better for it. Still, she had promised herself back when this had only been an idea that there would be no selling out, and she couldn't just give up on her standards just yet.
"I'm sorry, Bruce, but I cannot accept backing from Wayne Enterprises. If you, personally, want to donate to the Center, there is a link on our webpage for doing so." She stood and he followed suit. "I know it may disappoint you, but on this I will not budge. Because if I accept from your company, then who could I possibly turn down? In no time, every organized crime boss would have his fingers in my pie, you know?" He nodded, a small smile on his face as they started for the door.
"Alright, private donations only then." He pulled out a business card, scribbling on the back with a pen from his pocket before handing it to her. "Should you need anything, however, don't hesitate to ask." She looked down to find his office number on the front and his cell on the back. A part of her wanted to celebrate landing the number of Gotham's biggest billionaire, but another part told her this was all business.
"Thank you, Bruce. I'll keep that in mind." They left the office then, heading back towards Alfred who was talking with two kids. They all looked up, the kid's eyes widening as they realized who she was walking with, and hurrying off deeper into the Center.
"Seems I may be just a bit scary." There was amusement in Bruce's tone and she smirked at him.
"Well, you can be pretty intimidating." Alfred vacated her chair and she gave him a grateful smile. As much as she would love to walk around and check on her kids, she was still a bit sore from the night before. Alfred commented about bringing the car, leaving her with Bruce.
"Would you mind if I came back? For a tour, maybe?" She looked up at him surprise, even as she nodded.
"Sure. I don't see why not." He smiled, and a scuffle on the screen caught her eye. With a sigh, she stood. "If you'll excuse me, Bruce, I've gotta go take care of something. It was nice meeting you." She hurried away, not wanting to have to explain what was happening. She could feel his gaze on her as she retreated, and she wondered if he would really be coming back.