What do you do when the proverbial prince of gotham throws a couple grand worth of fine liquor on one of the most powerful crime bosses in the city and leaves the party? You follow him out and introduce yourself, of course.
inspired by this post by @bruciemilf including their fancast for harvey because um obviously it's perfect (and also a fair bit of influence from the a wild battinson series by @emo-batboy because i'm obsessed with it and it's canon in my heart).
It's early autumn; which means it's the start of the rainy season in Gotham (or rather more rain) and of Harvey's latest semester at Gotham University (GothU, affectionately). Harvey isn't entirely sure how he ended up at this shindig, if he's being honest, and the person who even invited him as his plus one has vanished. He's in law school but he's still only in pre-law, he hasn't even made a name for himself yet as some sort of future threat.
(It's still early enough that about 50% of students he's going through with are still starry eyed and haven't entirely given up on the idea of making Gotham a better place.)
The weird intersection of various gangs, businessmen, politicians (corrupt or otherwise), and local celebs is there on full display; and Harvey just wants to get the fuck out of there, but he has no idea where his ride is and frankly he's a broke law student he does not have the money for a cab all the way back into central Gotham from where they are.
But then, something catches his eye-- or rather, someone:
Bruce Wayne.
Bruce Wayne had recently crossed the threshold into being the richest man in the world (just surpassing the much older Lex Luthor), with the biggest company in the world (again surpassing Luthor's own corporation), and the closest thing Gotham has to true and actual royalty.
The same Bruce Wayne that was also in two of Harvey's classes this semester at GothU for reasons he did not understand.
Harvey is admittedly, briefly entranced. Sure they share classes and like him, Bruce attends every single one, but Harvey is pretty sure he's never been this close to the man still (or maybe it just feels closer compared to the large university lecture halls). Heads turn whenever and wherever Bruce goes; and it wasn't just because he was so unfathomably rich or because nearly all of Gotham was protective of the young man. From adorable child, to cute (if sullen) pre-teen, and now into an attractive (if sullen) young man-- Bruce was hot. Sure, in a kinda funky have we confirmed he's not a Victorian vampire way but honestly maybe it was just the classical Gotham influence that made him read that way.
Harvey, even in his trance, can tell that Bruce Wayne looks uncomfortable. He can't tell if it's the social interaction or the people he's surrounded by, but either way Bruce didn't look happy to be there really. Harvey can't help but find himself compelled to watch the billionaire, because he knew the public reputation of Bruce Wayne (generous to a fault, prince of gotham but king of social anxiety and awkwardness, person you could trust to leave your small children around); but what was he like at these weird little parties where it was almost all folks who were deeply corrupt and entrenched? Was it all just a persona? Would he start doing that weird haughty laugh a lot of these other rich fucks seemed to do?
Harvey was still one of those starry-eyed pre-law students, he wanted to make a real and lasting change in this godforsaken city. Bruce Wayne held the most power and influence here. Would he be an potential ally, or Harvey's biggest obstacle?
A figure was suavely bee-lining towards Bruce, the crowd parting way for him. Harvey didn't see who the person was until they stopped before the prince, and Harvey nearly dropped the expensive, crystal glass in his hand. Carmine Falcone. Not one of his lieutenants, not some people just associated with the crime boss, no. Falcone himself. Christ, what did I get dragged into? I'll pay another semester worth of tuition if it gets me outta here--
"Bruce, my dear boy! I'm soo glad you decided to join us," Falcone practically croons, and approaches with two glasses in hand. Harvey thinks he see's a slight twitch to Bruce's eye, but the man's expression doesn't change really even with the man's arrival. Falcone pushes the fresh glass of alcohol into Bruce's hand, then swiftly and smoothly wraps a long arm around Bruce's shoulders.
Harvey watches as Bruce looks from the glass, as if trying to determine it's contents then up to Falcone, eyebrow slowly arching. Harvey can't hear everything, the crowd just barely too loud. But Falcone starts steering Bruce further into the party. Right, I need to stop gawking and find my ride--
Harvey gulps down the last of his drink, though the taste makes him want to gag. Maybe he's just not sophisticated yet enough to appreciate the morbidly expensive alcohol. He hastily sets the glass down on the nearest passing waiter's tray, and starts to look for his ride.
The search brings him closer to Falcone, which isn't thrilling, but necessary in order to sweep the room. Harvey mentally swears because the place is huge and he's probably going to have to go room by room and--
"-- my boy, just think of the potential!" Falcone's voice floats so easily over the crowd, and the guy makes Harvey's skin crawl but even he has to admit the man has his own weird ass charisma. Harvey's attention is drawn back, involuntarily, to the crime boss and Bruce Wayne. The younger man hasn't touched his drink, if Harvey had to guess; and Falcone is staying practically plastered to his side. The younger man looks so so uncomfortable and frustrated? Annoyed? Mad? It's hard for Harvey to place, because somehow Bruce Wayne also continues to look sullen and exhausted.
The crowd around Falcone is a delicate balance of men and women clearly are comfortable around him; and people who were trying to find a way to get near while not incur the wrath of his many bodyguards. Then there was Harvey, who wants nothing to do with anyone here thankyouverymuch. Harvey scans the area one last time, not finding his so-called friend; his eyes land briefly at Bruce again before he starts to turn.
"-- I mean... you're father--" Falcone can't finish his sentence and Harvey turns back just in time to see Bruce Wayne splash the insanely expensive alcohol directly into Falcone's face.
Besides a few gasps, it goes quiet in the immediate area and quickly radiates out. Everyone is shocked, including Harvey, but he also is amazed byt he sight of Bruce. He looks as unimpressed by Falcone as he is angered. Bruce says nothing, and Harvey watches as he turns on his heel and starts calmly leaving; politely placing his glass on a waitresses tray on his way out.
Harvey has no idea what compels him to do so, but he follows the billionaire out.
"Wayne! Mr. Wayne!" Harvey calls as he jogs to catch up; the man has a surprisingly fast pace and while a crowd will part for the prince, it's not about to make way for some punk pre-law student they don't even know the name of.
Bruce Wayne stops, steps away from the gleaming black car that's running. His famous butler by his side, umbrella open above their heads.
Both men look to Harvey, curious and expecting, as he skids to a stop. Harvey realizes he didn't think far enough ahead, and swallows thickly. Thankfully though, Bruce speaks first.
"Harvey, Right? Harvey Dent?" Bruce says and Harvey blinks.
"You- wait, you know who I am?"
"Sure," Bruce says easily, like his name is worth remembering to a man like him. The rain is still falling, steadily and soaking Harvey. "You're the only one saying stuff worth listening to in those classes," he adds.
Harvey blinks, and he's glad the light is shit in the overcast weather, because his face warms at the acknowledgement. "Oh..."
"I didn't expect you at a place like this," Bruce says, voice curious as he watches Harvey closely in a way that makes him want to squirm a little under the scrutiny. It's not malicious feeling, though--- Harvey thinks it seems more curious, than anything.
"My friend dragged me here, didn't tell me what was going on..." Harvey admits.
Alfred leans in and whispers something to Bruce. Bruce nods, not taking his eyes off Harvey. "Would you like a ride home, Mr. Dent?" Alfred asks.
They don't go directly to Harvey's place, and Alfred doesn't even drop Bruce off first. Instead--
"Bat Burger?" Bruce asks, as he settles fully into the seat next to Harvey. "I'm starving."
"Oh! Uh, sure?" Harvey blinks, and then looks down as Bruce pulls out a towel of all things, from-- somewhere? and offers it to him. Harvey takes it, starting to dry off how best he can.
"Alfred?"
"Of course, sir," Alfred says easily from the driver seat ahead. "So, what glorious exit did you make this time, Master Bruce?"
Bruce makes a strangled noise, scoffing. "Who says I did anything?" He replies, and Harvey stifles a laugh-- not because of the denial so much as the billionaire sounds like a kid trying to hide the mess he just made.
Harvey can see in the rear view mirror Alfred raise an eyebrow.
"He threw his very expensive drink in Falcone's face," he provides and Bruce sends him a scowl but it has no bite and he's even smiling a little.
"Oh, Bruce, really?" Alfred chides like an exhausted parent.
"Don't worry, it was expensive, not good," Bruce says in his defense; and Harvey laughs.
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[Someone is totally passed the hell out on the couch with his granddaughter next to him, equally as out. Netflix is asking if they want to keep watching Disney movies but it’s not getting an answer any time soon.]
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ooc: What do you think of DC Rebirth's portrayal of Captain Cold so far?
Truth be told, I stopped reading after the initial like 15 issue arc with the New 52 release. And I was mainly in it for the art anyways, and once Manapul left I didn’t care enough about the story to keep reading.
When I was reading, the personality on Cold was pretty accurate, but the rest of the Rogues were all over the dang place, especially Lisa.
Hey look! There's a post card at the bar from a certain wayward sorceress. It's just come in the mail. It only has one word on it, "sorry". If it's meant for Len or Charlie or both, who knows! There's also a doodle-sketch of the bar. She's safe, she's alive, she's communicating, sort of.
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[Mark grins sheepishly. He could use a good, hearty breakfast… but… damn it, it’s Len. And it’s not that much to ask of him, is it?]
…a coffee, black, and… I don’t know. Ham and eggs?
[he suggests and tries hard not to sound too embarrassed. Of course Len can see in what state he is. And he’s seen him worse. Still, Mark feels quite shitty.
Get yourself together, Mardon.
Oh, and don’t start thinking again.]
Hmm… I agree about Lana. The kid is in good hands here. I guess… Jinx just wanted to make sure nobody tried to stop her.
[He reaches out, patting Lana’s head gently. Of course Mark would have preferred Jinx to stay and be with her daughter.]
We can try to gather information for the worst case scenario, but…
[Mark huffs, leaning back and slightly shakes his head.]
…I think this is a thing she needs to do. On her own. And we probably should respect that.
But yeah, we can prepare in case we need to get her back home.
[As soon as Mark finally says he’ll order something, Len manages to flag down one of his waitresses. Gets Mark a coffee and a glass of ice water promptly and orders a full ham and egg plate with bacon and hashbrowns. Let it never be said that he doesn’t feed his Rogues.]
Which is fine--I mean I would’ve said something, but in the end, she should’ve left the kid with me. [Not that it was a huge ordeal to summon a Mirror Monarch to take him to Gotham to get her. In fact, it was one of the smoothest mirror trips he’s had in ages.]
Regardless of motive, she shouldn’t be doin’ shit like this when she’s got a kid and is about to go legit. Not even mentioning the legal trouble she could get in, without backup she could get herself in some serious trouble or worse.
[Ah… He smiles as he discovers them both and trots over.]
Thanks… and no, I’m fine.
[He’s still fighting the hangover, so…
Mark sits down on the opposite seats, watching Lana for a moment and waving her hello.
He likes the kid, he’s just afraid to be alone with her. To hurt her. To not watch out for her well enough.]
Soo… you got her. That’s good.
I got a note from Jinx as well… you’re not planning to go after her, I guess?
Y’sure? I don’t mind feedin’ you either, you look like you could use a good breakfast.
[Len knows what a hungover Mark looks like, and it’s definitely this. Poor guy must be going through a rough time if he’s drinking hard again. Maybe he’ll check in with James to see just how much of a boozehound that their Wizard has been lately.
On the other hand, Lana immediately waves incessantly in reply. Len almost has to yoink her back into her seat by her overalls. The little gal is definitely made to be the center of the show.]
Charlie’n I did as soon as I got Jinx’s note last night. My granddaughter is better off in my care, Jinx should’ve known that. [Len rests his hand on Lana’s back for a second as she goes back to coloring. Sure, he’s not related to her by blood, but she’s definitely stolen his heart.]
Haven’t decided what to do about Jinx yet. Trying to find some sort of clues about where she might’ve headed so I can--I dunno, be prepared in case we need to rescue her?
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[After making sure James and Hartley knew where he would stay, Mark packed his few new things and went to the hideout to put them into his new room. It was a strange feeling, not living in his very own place, but… it was good enough. Maybe it was even better than looking for a place for himself alone.
It would keep his mind busy, probably, instead of making it easier to brood.
Afterwards he went to the bar, looking for Len.]
[Len’s wedged into the corner booth where he usually sits when he’s on Lana duty. He’s and Lana are one side, her next to the wall and him on the bench’s outer side. The little gal is scribbling in a coloring book and Len, for the life of him, has his glasses low on his nose and is hunting through internet pages and digital news articles for--something.
But, he does notice Mark come in, and waves him over.]
