I think I was supposed to say this at the beginning, but the only character that belongs to me is Maisie. All of the other ones belong to DC
There were very few times when Bruce felt apprehensive. He was never apprehensive about dates, for they were always one-night flings; at the most, maybe two nights if she was a decent girl. It was part of his billionaire persona. He was also never apprehensive about missions, knowing that he would do everything within him to ensure the safety of innocent people, even if it meant at the cost of his life or his fellow heroes.
Being a hero, even though he didn't view himself as one, did not leave room for apprehension. One of the last, and few, times that he had been apprehensive, though, was twenty years ago when he had met a girl that became the world to him. She was a tough, independent woman with a caring heart that reminded him of his own mother.
But now, he could feel sweat drops rolling down by his ear and down his neck. He was warm and clammy yet cold at the same time. His hands felt stiff, which was a weird sensation for him. He pulled at his shirt collar and ignored the side eye Dick gave him at his fidgeting. The disappearance of Ellen had rattled him more than he thought.
The ride in the lift up to the house was silent, and the doors swooshed open to reveal Bruce's father's study and Alfred waiting. Father and son exited the lift and followed Alfred to the main living room where Oliver and a young lady were sitting on a couch and their backs toward the doorway. Bruce heard Dick's sharp breath intake when their guests turned around as he too recognized Oliver's guest as the girl from Star City's city hall.
"Oliver," Bruce swallowed his apprehension and stuck his hand out to shake Oliver's. "What brings you here to Gotham? We saw you just a few hours ago. Did you miss us already?" he joked, still trying to portray the egotistical billionaire in front of the other guest.
"Bruce," Oliver greeted. He chuckled lightly at Bruce before glancing at the girl and then turning back to Bruce. "I'm afraid I have a pretty big favor to ask of you."
Bruce gestured towards the couches. "Of course! I'll do anything I can for you. Please, sit." Oliver and the girl sat back on the couch they had previously been occupying while Bruce and Dick sat on the couch across from them.
Bruce observed the girl and noticed that she had changed out of her previous outfit. She was now wearing a loose olive-green t-shirt under a thin, cream sweater; black skinny jeans; and heeled black boots that reached just below her knees. She leaned back in the couch, and he caught her wince ever so slightly as she crossed her arms defensively across her chest. She threw her long, slender right leg over her left and stared at him with a blank expression. He noticed out of the corner of his eye Dick leaning forward on his knees and scrutinizing the girl across from him.
Bruce was the first to lean forward and offer his hand in greeting to the girl. "I'm Bruce."
The girl stared hesitantly at his hand as if unsure and looked to Oliver. She raised an eyebrow and seemed as if she was looking for something in Oliver's expression.
When he ever so slightly nodded once, she slowly uncrossed her knees and leaned forward. Her small hand was slender and cold but strong as she gave a firm handshake. "Maisie."
Bruce smiled warmly despite the bats in his stomach. "Nice to meet you, Maisie." He was a little confused when she gave him a cold stare and didn't say anything. She let go of his hand, leaned back, and crossed her legs again.
He leaned back as well and looked to Oliver. "What can I help you with, Oliver?"
Oliver adjusted his position so that he could look between Bruce and Maisie without turning all the way around. "Actually, it's about Maisie. I'm hoping—I'm asking," he corrected, "that she can stay with you here in Gotham."
Sorry for the longer chapters. Most will probably be long. Hope you enjoy