In the Notion of Fear

Part 1

Debating whether or not to go was off the table, he may or may not have been threatened that his "toys" would be taken and hidden away if he didn't attend the event for at least an hour or two. He should 'drink champagne, make some friends. Embrace his youthfulness'. He scoffs at his reflection, clipping his cufflinks on. He feels like he's in his forties, he's pretty sure someone his age shouldn't be having chronic back pain.

He was surrounded by paparazzi the first few outings he was forced to make. He slowly lost his appeal as most of the time, reporters, gossip magazines, and the press couldn't get a reaction out of him. He admits it's not as bad as he thought it was, especially now, most of the time he would only get his picture snapped once or twice. He was just like everyone else now. Good.

Tonight was filled with snobs and the most spoiled of the city. But who was he kidding, he probably was considered one of them too. He still gets criticism from the media that he doesn't really do anything philanthropic. If only they would've known that he knew more about the problems of those less fortunate than they did.

Most of the programs for charity were corrupt anyway, a percentage goes to those in need. Even some programs that are in his namesake follow the setup. What a great help.

He watches from the bar as everyone starts to crowd the entrance, he sits up a little straighter as the volume increases.

Lincoln March COO of March Ventures. Leading tech and pharmaceutical company based in Gotham.

Those with press passes surround him. Apparently his company is doing well and coming up with new medications. Good for him.

He pretends not to notice as he approaches him and instead turns to the bar and the drink he cradles in his hands. He barely flinches as he claps his hand on his shoulder. He has to mentally prepare himself to act like his presence doesn't cause him discomfort.

He was met with piercing blue eyes and a wide smile. He didn't know why he was so unnerved by his presence. Maybe it's because of the way they could be mistaken as relatives, brothers even, or maybe it's the way he smiles, too wide, and lots of teeth. It reminds him of someone else he knows.

"Mr. Wayne, how refreshing to see you here" He has to bite back his instinctual frown and at least give him a polite smile. "You too?" It sounded much more like a question than a greeting. March furrows his brows in confusion and in slight amusement while still keeping that damn smile on his face. Bruce is internally cursing at himself, this is why he doesn't come out.

He makes to leave after a while of awkward silence. He looks towards the entrance and stands. March's hand stops him before he could step away. His eye twitches in irritation but he's sure it wasn't noticeable. He had to slightly look down to see his face and almost scowled at the other man's hands on his shoulder.

A blind man he was. He continues smiling at him as if Bruce wasn't itching to pull away. "Let me introduce you to my date" The second he takes to turn and wave someone over gives him ample time to roll his eyes. Of course he wants to show off.

He almost chokes on his own spit. He pulls her against his side and she has to adjust her glasses and her hair from being jostled around. He knows he's staring, he can't help it.

He clears his throat maneuvering the attention of the woman on his arm and of Bruce towards him again. "This is Dr.Y/l/n, one of my lab directors" She finally looks up at him, and he feels a surge of nervousness build in his stomach. Her upper lip twitches and her eyes widen slightly before she's back to her passive state. She recognizes him.

He doesn't make a move to greet her as he stares dumbfoundedly, and she extends her hand. "Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Wayne" He mechanically shakes her hand still not saying anything, partially because she acted as if they haven't met before and because he hasn't seen her in a long time.