Brady's Valentine's Day Challenge
Title: A Drink in L.A.
Characters: Bruce Wayne, Oliver Queen, Selina Kyle, Ted Grant
Rating: PG
Word Count: 1124
Disclaimer: DC owns.
AN: For bradygirl_12's Valentine’s Day Challenge. Takes place in the world of The New Frontier. Also follows Thoughts in Vegas, but you don't need to read that for this. You can though! ;)
The police had thawed out Captain Cold and dragged him away. The federal criminal, as most had come to address the man who had saved them during the course of the night’s events, managed to remain free.
Bruce didn’t see any reason to stay after the real menace had been apprehended and he called Alfred to have his personal plane flown into Vegas to pick him up. He looked around and Lois had disappeared, probably finding a far more interesting story and, he didn’t doubt, a ride back to Metropolis. Ollie was walking back towards him, with a pretty little number on his arm. But that woman, who had managed to make him forget the anger festering because of Lois and Flagg’s words, was nowhere around. Well, Bruce thought, you win some, you lose some.
“Don’t tell me you’re leaving already?”
“I just sent for my plane,” Bruce smirked at the petite blond hanging on Ollie’s arm, “Plus it seems you’ve found better company.”
He tightened his arm around her, “That I have.” Satisfied with her giggles, Ollie continued, “You heading back to Gotham?”
“No, I have to make a pit stop in Los Angeles first. Company business.”
“Great. I might catch up with you there,” Ollie winked and led the blond away.
…
Bruce had remained in Los Angeles one extra day to wait for Ollie to drive up from Vegas. Normally, he would have left despite his friend’s pleas but while at a Wayne Enterprises’ dinner he overheard whispers about The Center. He stuck around to look further into it, but had found nothing throughout his night’s search. Now, he was heading back to his hotel seeking refuge from the hot sun.
He headed straight to the bar. Maybe someone there would say something they weren't supposed to.
The moment he stepped through the entrance, he saw her. She was the only woman present. Plus, he’d recognize that sultry walk anywhere. Selina. She sat at the bar and ordered a drink. He grinned to himself. What were the odds?
He came up behind the stool next to hers, “This seat taken?”
Selina was smiling, but turned serious once she saw him. She cocked her head to the side and pointed a lazy finger at him, “You’re the one who brought along that reporter as your date to the fight.”
“Guilty as charged,” he replied, amused by her obvious irritation.
She narrowed her eyes wanting to ask why he would associate with someone who clearly had the wrong idea about people like her friends-heroes who had been forced to hide to prevent further unjust blame and persecution-but she realized that she knew nothing about the man wanting the seat next to hers and he could be just as bad. Maybe worse. After all, he had remained silent as Lois Lane and Colonel Flagg went on and on.
“I’m not using it,” she shrugged and faced forward.
“Bruce Wayne,” he smiled his most charming smile and extended his right hand.
“I know who you are.”
She couldn’t forget such a handsome face or intense blue eyes even if she hadn’t seen his picture a thousand times in the paper.
Bruce chuckled and sat down next to her, “Why does it sound like I shouldn’t be flattered by that?”
The bartender placed her drink down on a thin coaster then turned to Bruce, “What can I get for you?”
“I’ll have what the lady’s having,” Bruce replied, earning him a lopsided grin from the bartender and an arched eyebrow from the lady.
Selina waited until the bartender reached the other end of the bar before turning towards Bruce. “What do you want, Mr. Wayne?” she asked point blank. Somehow, she didn’t think one of, if not the richest man in the country would want to use her to get to Ted or Dinah, but stranger things had happened. She had caught him glancing at her more than once after the fight all right, but that meant very little seeing as he was there with Lois, a well known and loud supporter of the majority. And if Selina was completely honest with herself, Lois’ bylines weren’t the only reason the reporter’s presence had irked her so much.
“What do I want?” he repeated idly, his eyes drawn to her full lips, “Lots of things.” His gaze lingered on her mouth then quickly travelled back up to meet hers again, “A drink will do for now.”
“They have drinks in Gotham.”
“But you’re here and I’ve never been able to resist a pretty face.”
“So the papers say. But I don’t trust those either.”
The bartender brought Bruce’s drink over and placed it before him. He stepped away sensing something between the two newest arrivals.
Bruce grabbed his glass and took a quick gulp. He stared at her, the surprise visible in his eyes, “Ice water?”
“It’s too early for anything else,” she replied without looking at him, taking a sip herself.
Bruce grinned. It had been a while since anyone or anything had surprised him...or intrigued him so. “Have dinner with me, Selina.”
“How do you know my name?” she asked, remembering he’d been close enough to hear Ted remind her to watch her temper two nights ago, but men were more likely to be forthcoming with valuable information if they thought they were with someone who wouldn’t notice it.
“It’s the only thing I do know,” his blue eyes intensified, “I’d like to know more.”
“Are you asking me out?”
“That was my intent all along.”
“When?”
“Tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow’s Valentine’s.”
“Already have plans?”
“I’ll be in Gotham.”
“Even better,” Bruce smiled at her.
Selina found herself returning the smile. Attractive, persistent, and intense she could deal with. It was those misinformed pests she found offensive, “Sure.”
“Ready to go?”
Selina turned to see the champ, who was standing behind her. She wondered how much he overheard. Smiling at him, she stood, “I’m always ready.” She leaned over and kissed Bruce’s cheek, “Thanks for the company, Bruce.”
“Yes, thank you,” Ted smirked knowingly. He could appreciate the rich boy’s brass trying to talk to Selina, even if he did want to give the younger man a hard right cross because of it. Shit, the boy could try all he wanted, but at the moment Selina was with him. As Ted led her out of the bar, his hand sat dangerously low on the small of her back as a reminder of that fact.
Bruce watched them walk away. His eyes took in the sway of her hips, as he finished his water. He didn’t much like the idea of trying to steal her away from such a good man, but hell if he didn’t want to know the feel of the sway of those hips with his own hand.
Maybe he’d get a chance on Valentine’s...
.