#bruce saying how they r similar i think we should expand on that (problems)

[dimehun]

Reading batgirl 2000 !!

[221bshrlocked]

Wanted Man (1)

Wanted Man Masterlist

Pairing: Bruce Wayne x Reader

Words: 3750

Warnings: the tension is real.

A/N: Please please comment and tell me how I am doing. I am in constant need of validation. I am not sure if I will have a taglist or not.

They promised clear skies last night. But you should have known better, this city never saw the sunlight. It didn’t matter either way, you’d worked under worse conditions for years and from what you’ve heard, it had gotten better over the last few months. You kept on looking at the skyscraper ahead of you, wondering why your advisor requested for you to meet with the COO of Wayne Enterprises. It wasn’t a request per se, more of a command if you were honest with yourself. But you weren’t one to negotiate with her, especially when you could tell how little space she left for a reply from you. 

“Black coffee for Y/N.” You heard the barista yell out from behind you, excusing yourself as you made your way through the crowd impatiently waiting for their drinks. Once you grabbed the drink, you quickly headed out of the coffee shop, looking at your watch to see if you were still on time. So busy juggling your notebook, the phone and the coffee, you didn’t see the gentleman exiting his car right in front of you. There was no time to react, dread washing over you as you realized how much the fall would hurt and that yes, there was now coffee all over your white shirt. 

“Ah crap really? Of all the days...” You dabbed at the stain on your shirt in vain as you stood up, picking up your phone and looking for your notebook when you saw that the gentleman had already picked it up for you.

“I believe this is yours.” The timbre voice snapped you out of your pain and you looked up in time to see who it was you had also just spilled your drink on. 

And it was at that precise moment that your lungs collapsed in fear. You stared at him for a few seconds before you realized the smile aimed at you was not meant to be friendly but- actually, you couldn’t quite understand what kind of smile it was but you didn't want to stick around to find out.

“I am so sorry sir, I usually watch where I’m walking but I didn’t see you at all I swear. Shit that probably costs more than my apartment and I just spilled my coffee all over it. I could pay for the dry-cleaning sir...sorry no not that you can’t afford to pay for it I just meant that I could-”

“Please, don’t worry about it.” He cut you off and you shivered under his direct gaze, one that shamelessly took in your form before returning to your eyes and maintaining eye contact until you couldn’t help but look away. “Normally, I would offer to buy you another one but I believe neither of us have the time.” He could tell how nervous you were, choosing to look away from your heaving chest as he buttoned his suit and shut the door of his car. You were about to say something when you saw his driver walk out and stand behind him.

“Would you like to change before the-” 

“That’s alright Alfred, it's not like anyone will report me.” He turned to his driver and nodded, letting him know he didn’t need his services at the moment. Looking at his watch, he frowned and adjusted his clothes one more time before walking away.

“You should be more careful.” You blinked at him confusingly, unable to look away as he took his phone out and dialed someone as he walked the opposite way. 

Was there even a point to go to the meeting now? 

You tried to find any excuse to tell your advisor but you were a horrible liar, and she knew that more than anyone. 

“What have I done?” You whispered to yourself as you made your way to the highrise building you were sure you’d be kicked out of as soon as you entered. You kept on looking around to see if he was anywhere nearby but when you saw that his car, and the driver, remained in the same spot, you decided it was better to go and end the meeting quickly rather than avoiding it all together.

“Hi, I have a meeting with Dr. Fox in fifteen minutes. I was sent on behalf of Dr. Karen Fairbanks.” You told the security guard at the front desk, sighing in relief when he asked you to follow another guard to the elevator. So he didn’t ask for the meeting to be canceled yet? That must be a good sign. 

You waited in the elevator as the guard swiped his access card and pressed on the 39th floor button. The elevator ride didn’t give you nearly enough time to try and figure out what you would say should the meeting not go your way. A loud ding announced your arrival and as soon as you stepped out of the elevator, another guard greeted you and led you to the only door visible on the floor. You walked behind him and sighed at how loud the silence was, thanking him when he opened the door for you and asked you to go inside.

“Hi, I’m here for-”

“Good morning, you must be Y/N Y/L/N. He is ready for you. You can go ahead.” The woman never stood from her chair, smiling at you as she waited until you moved towards the second door. You reluctantly turned the handle of the door and pushed through, quietly shutting it behind you before turning around and making your way to the desk.

“Good morning Dr. Fox, it’s a pleasure to finally meet you.” You were proud of how steady your voice was, reaching out to shake his hand only to be met with two warm ones on top of yours. 

“Please, call me Lucius. There are no formalities among colleagues.” He softly tapped on your hand before walking around the desk to sit down, motioning for you to take a seat opposite him.

“C-colleagues? I am sorry sir I believe you are mistaken.” You responded, not sure what he was speaking of as you flipped your notebook to explain to him what it was you were doing here. “Surely Karen told you what it was we are looking for?” Fox raised an eyebrow when you shook your head, sitting back and taking a few moments to collect his thoughts. 

“Well, in that case, let me fill you in. Wayne Enterprises is looking to...expand. Not just metaphorically but literally. I’ve spent months attempting to convince Mr. Wayne of this project and I had spoken to Karen a while back to let her know I needed her top student for this large-scale development should he agree. And one he agreed, I asked her to send whoever she chose over so I could finalize everything and get started. She must’ve mentioned at least something with relation to this?” 

“I- wow umm sorry, excuse me sir this is all a bit to take in. She hadn’t said anything apart from an hour meeting with yourself. I was meant to ask you a few questions about the underground structure of Wayne Enterprises and ask if you would be willing to assist in a similar one in New York. She mentioned nothing of what you had just told me.” Fox said nothing, smiling at you before asking if you needed anything to drink.

“No thank you sir, I have already spilled coffee on my shirt  earlier and I’d rather not make a fool out of myself again.” You tried to return the smile but didn’t have the energy to do so.

“Would you be surprised if I told you I thought that was a design on the shirt?” He tried to put you at ease but it did little to your nervous spirit. 

“You are too kind sir.”

“Lucius. Or at least I hope that is how you’ll address me soon.” His tone became more serious and you thought he might be a little impatient. Before you could respond, the door to the office was opening, in walking the man you wished you wouldn’t be able to see ever again.

“Mr. Fox, I do apologize for my tardiness, I ran into some-” The words died in his throat as soon as he took one look at you and it took everything in his power to not smirk at your obvious distress. “Something urgent came up and I needed to take care of it. Hi, Bruce Wayne. Pleasure to meet you.” Bruce took three strides before he stood right in front of you, reaching out his hand to shake yours. When you couldn’t move, he took a deep breath and sat opposite you, crossing his legs before turning his attention to Fox.

“I must apologize Mr. Wayne, but I believe my old friend did not fill in our architect.”

“Really? How so?” Bruce rested his cheek on his hand and waited for you to respond. When you didn’t, he asked Fox to tell him what you discussed so far. You suddenly felt light-headed, refusing to acknowledge the situation you were currently in until you heard your name a few times.

“Sorry, yes?”

“Well, I was just asking for a reason behind your apprehension? Is it a salary problem or relocating?”

“R-relocating?” You looked at Bruce then Fox, then back to Bruce again.

“It is my understanding that Mr. Fox informed you of the importance of this project, and I do not make light of such matters, especially ones in need of such a large investment. You’d have to relocate to Gotham. Most of the work following your sketches, should they be approved, will require you to be on site at all times and I cannot have you wasting time going to and from New York.” Bruce spoke with such eloquence and authority you couldn’t not shift in your seat.

And although you were only looking at him for a few seconds, he was studying every one of your movements, his chest slowly filling with pride when he noticed the effect he had on you.

“Sir, I- with all due respect, I do not think I am the person you want on such a project. I only just received my Masters and I assure you there are many more capable architects out there than myself, whether in my graduating class or ones already established. You will have no trouble finding the perfect fit for you.” You silently cursed at yourself for that last sentence but you paid it no mind. “And even if I were to take you up on your offer, I have to say that I do not have nearly enough to relocate on such a short notice.”

“As far as I can tell, your objections all have solutions.” Fox cut you off, digging through one of his drawers before taking out a folder and handing it to Bruce. “I would not have agreed to hire you without an interview had I not seen your portfolio Ms. Y/L/N. It is quite exceptional if I may say so myself. Most architects I’ve worked with are more theoretical than practical, choosing to rely on every penny going into the building without truly caring for its function or what it communicates once it is erected. But your designs are more practical and reliably distributed than anything. As for the second matter, I am sure Mr. Wayne will have no problem convincing you to come on board. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I do need to ask my secretary for something.” And with that, he stood up and walked out of his office, leaving you a flustered mess in front of the one man you dreaded talking with.

You’d spent a few minutes in silence before daring to look up, only to see that Bruce was already gazing at you.

“Do I have the face of a monster Ms. Y/L/N?” Of all the questions you thought you’d be asked today, that was the last one you expected.

“N-no sir not at all.”

“Then there must be some other reason behind your refusal to look at me as we speak.”

“S-sorry Mr. Wayne I don’t mean to be rude. It’s just that-”

“Nevermind. I do believe I must convince you to take on this project because I will not hear the end of it from Mr. Fox if I don’t.” You could tell he sounded more annoyed and you hated to be on the receiving end of that tone.

“And why is that?”

“Well, for starters, I’ve never seen him speak this passionately about someone else’s work so you must be exceptional at what you do. I am sure we could come to an arrangement on such a short notice. How does one fifty sound?” Bruce asked neutrally and you took a deep breath before deciding to look at him again. 

You’d thought he was a handsome man on the news, but now that you were this close to him, he was somehow much more attractive. The pictures didn’t do him any justice. He was much more broad-shouldered, his hair softer than it looked on screen. And my god, were all billionaires this fit? His suit wasn’t too tight on him but it was constricting enough for you to see how potentially muscular he was. But nothing, absolutely nothing, could compare to his eyes. You weren’t sure if they were brown or just an incredibly dark hazel color. Either way, they managed to look straight through you and you barely managed to maintain eye contact with him this time around.

“One fifty sir?” You asked, not sure what he meant by that number.

“I can make it two hundred if you want me to. I am sure you’ll deliver.” He crossed his arms, and you couldn’t help but shift your gaze to the way the dark material of his suit clung around his biceps.

“You misunderstand me, what do you mean by one fifty?” The question must have surprised him because his eyebrows furrowed for a second before relaxing again.

“One fifty an hour of course.” Bruce remained unfazed by your surprised reaction, gauging your reaction carefully. 

“Y-you are too kind Mr. Wayne but-”

“I am not a cruel man Ms. Y/L/N.”

“That wasn’t what I mean sir. I only wanted to say that for a fresh graduate who hadn’t worked on previous projects, you might regret that number. My work has only been on paper.”

“You would be horrible in business. I’ve never met anyone who asked for less in exchange for his time and efforts.” He chuckled and if it weren’t for the fact that he may have just given you a backhanded compliment, you would have returned the gesture.

“I am only attempting to be honest. One fifty is more than enough Mr. Wayne.”

“So you will take the job?” Bruce hadn’t meant to sound so eager but when he knew you hadn’t noticed his excitement, not with the way you were still staring almost timidly at him.

“I would be dumb not to. Student loans aren’t a joke.” You rang your fingers and Bruce immediately shifted his attention to the nervous tick, incapable of understanding why you were so rigid, perhaps even fearful, around him.

“Ah yes, I am sure Columbia University was not a walk in the park.” Bruce said as he stood up, buttoning his suit and placing your portfolio on the desk before turning around towards you.

“I take it that is a yes?” He waited for your response patiently, smirking at you when you nodded and wavered through an answer. 

“Yes sir, it would be my pleasure to be associated with Wayne Enterprises,” you stood up and stretched out your hand for him to shake, amazed that he never brought up the coffee thing this far. He still hadn’t changed and you wondered why a man of his standing would purposely walk around all day long in that state, knowing fully well paparazzis were everywhere. 

He took your hand and you felt your heart skip a beat at how warm and firm it was. Bruce watched your body language, amazed at how quickly you responded when it was only a small touch. You watched as he placed his hands and his pockets and said nothing more, raising an eyebrow when you didn’t budge. 

Thankfully, Fox entered the office again and approached you, smiling before welcoming you on board and telling you that you’ll receive an email from him shortly. You couldn’t get out of there fast enough, bidding the secretary a good morning before almost breaking the ‘close doors’ button.

“Believe me the pleasure was all mine.” Bruce whispered to himself as he watched you go, turning to Fox and shaking his head at him. “I don’t want to hear it.” He said, sitting down and crossing his legs again before picking up your portfolio. 

“A bright young lady, one of the top in her class. Fairbanks couldn’t wait five minutes before telling me about her work. I think you will not be disappointed by her Mr. Wayne.” Fox said as he looked out the window of the high rise.

“You don’t have to convince me Mr. Fox, I can see for myself.” Bruce gestured at the portfolio but Fox couldn’t help but warn him. “I assure you Mr. Wayne, I know you have seen her work yourself. But I will keep reminding you that she is a great asset for the team, one I would hate to let go should she run into any...executive problems.” Fox was no longer smiling, his serious expression enough of a warning sign to Bruce.

Bruce turned his attention to Fox, knowing fully well what he was implying. He knew his friend meant well but for some odd reason, he felt a bit possessive over you already.

“She’s too young for me Mr. Fox, and I can assure you, she will not have to deal with executive problems.” Bruce stood up and took the portfolio with him, knowing fully well Mr. Fox can see the files in his hands. 

“Good day Mr. Wayne.” 

“And to you Mr. Fox.” Bruce waved back as he exited the office and headed to his car. He’d already put your name in his system, his paranoia getting the best of him yet again. It would be a shame if you weren’t who you said you were. By the time he’d finished all his meetings and arrived at the penthouse, Alfred had already prepared every record on you and placed it on his bed.

“Impressive girl Master Wayne. I didn’t realize we’ve started checking individuals who spill their drinks on you.” Alfred bellowed sarcastically as he set down dinner on the nightstand. 

“Very funny Alfred.” Bruce shook his head at the butler before flipping through the pages. 

“There is nothing out of the ordinary in those files, and yet you’ve read every word.”

“She’s my new architect,” Bruce responded as he read up on your undergraduate work.

“Your architect?” Alfred couldn’t help but smile when Bruce looked up and threw imaginary daggers at him. “The new architect, happy now.” And he laughed even more when his master responded with irritation. 

“Oh you misunderstand my curiosity Master Wayne, I only meant to remark on the job and not your choice of adjectives.” Alfred left before he could get a response but he knew Bruce was staring at him as he walked away.

“She’s too young for me!” Bruce yelled out to the empty hallway, knowing fully well he wouldn’t hear the end of it. He quickly finished his meal before accessing the numerous dummy corporations he had scattered around for pursuits he didn’t want to be associated with. By the end of the night, he’d gotten in touch with Ascendium Education Group and sent them a few invoices, telling them to contact him, through the corporations of course, when they received the checks. 

Bruce went to sleep that night more satisfied than he’s ever been in years. But this satisfaction was short-lived when he realized that yes, you were too young for him. More importantly, you didn’t deserve being associated with someone like him, not that you weren’t already when news went out that he was looking to expand. 

Following the meeting, you took the ferry back to New York, and spent the entire commute talking with your advisor. She told you that you’d understand her deception once you spoke to Fox, letting you know that she shouldn’t be seen as favoring anyone. You’d asked her for an honest answer and she told you that while she did not consider this as partiality towards you, other students and professors in the department might misunderstand. And when you finally asked her the dreaded question regarding doctorate applications, she told you that you probably wouldn’t need to worry about that for a very long time. Being associated with Wayne Enterprises would open many doors for you and even if there weren’t job offers after the completion of this project, the salary would be more than enough to cover you until you did find a job or decided to go back to school. You’d thanked her for her time and recommendation, telling her that you did in fact take the job and planned to move in the next few weeks. 

When you got back to your apartment, your excitement got the best of you and you started packing your things, telling your rather inattentive roommates that you would be moving out soon. Before you went to sleep, you checked your emails and saw that Dr. Fox had already sent you an email, your eyes widening in horror when you saw that Mr. Wayne was cc’d. He had an email? Wasn’t there someone that did this stuff for him?

You quickly researched the prices of moving companies, grimacing at how expensive most of them were. But it was going to be alright soon. You could afford to spend whatever you had left now that you knew how much you’d be getting. The man seriously thought you would ask for more? These goddamn billionaires and their shameless lack of understanding. 

You went to sleep with immense relief. You hadn’t felt this happy and safe in such a long time and it was strange that this feeling was caused by a man who probably forgot your name as soon as the meeting ended.