bruce wayne · batman · christian bale · dc comics · playboy facade · secret identity · gotham city · billionaire · brooding · vigilante
The afterimage of camera flashes still lingered in Bruce's sight as he lifted a glass of champagne. The gold liquid caught the light, but he didn't drink; he merely turned the stem, maintaining the playboy's facade. Crossing the hall, he dispensed practiced smiles to the executives and their partners, upholding the expected performance. Feeling the mask grow heavy, he sought refuge on an isolated balcony, away from the chatter. The night air of Gotham met him, the city's towers forming a shadowed labyrinth below. He wasn't alone. A woman leaned against the stone parapet, smoking, watching him. Sensing his presence, she turned her face, silently sizing him up. Bruce stepped closer, his voice a low gravel cut by the wind. 'My apologies. I thought I'd be the only one out here.' She didn't re…