First Date [locked to themyscirans]

[nodyingyoung]

Bruce couldn't remember the last time he would have considered himself anxious, but there were definitely nerves at play that night as his private jet taxied off the runway and over to its hangar. He'd flown into cities just for a dinner date dozens of times, but this evening's companion was exactly as she'd said when they'd met-- not like any other woman he'd ever known. And that had only partly to do with what she was capable of physically. Diana was a match for him on many levels, maybe even his better.

Not that he was admitting that to anyone, of course.

Still, he was nothing if not himself. He needed to know more about her, needed to solve the mystery of Diana Prince, and of why he really hadn't hesitated at all to accept her invitation.

He walked down the lowered steps of the jet onto the tarmac to find her waiting. He smiled Bruce Wayne's smile and checked his watch.

"Two minutes early. Do I get any credit for that?"

Comments

[ex_themyscirans396]

Bruce could easily be one of the top percent of the world's economy. His business interests are flourishing, his pedigree is solid, it's not hard to imagine the man brushing elbows with lobbyists and politicians. And, she suspects, sometimes he does. However, the important thing to remember is his philanthropy. He takes care of his own, above all, whether it's Alfred or a lowly employee at one of his companies. Diana knows - she's done research.

He cares about people more than money to a startling degree for this day and age. If he didn't, they wouldn't be having a conversation. "It is," she admits after a thoughtful pause, turning her head to watch the lights in the distance. "I like collecting old things."

Whether they are items not meant for the world at large, artifacts best held in a museum, or certain vigilantes who might need, at the very least, a friend.

[nodyingyoung]

He chuckles, and it's a warm, genuine laugh the likes of which Bruce doesn't let slip very often. But he can't help it after that comment. "I'll have you know I'm considered very fit for my age. And we both know I'm not really the December between you and me."

When it comes to that, it's one more conundrum of Diana that he's drawn to. Being around her, she feels both youthful and ancient at the same time. And there might just be parts of him that needs both of those things.

"We should meet up at one of the projects my company sponsors. There are archaeologists doing some really important work on the ancient world today. At least, that's what my advisors tell me."

[ex_themyscirans396]

The corner of her mouth lifts, eyes bright above it, at the display of amusement. Laughter suits him, even if doled out in small quantities. There are faint laugh lines at the corner of his eyes, a remnant of happier times. She nudges his side with her elbow.

"That's true." She wonders how he'll react if her true age ever becomes unearthed, brought into the sunlight like a true relic of the ancient world, as he terms it. "You know, I'd like that. What kind of projects are they? If you don't mind me asking."

[nodyingyoung]

"You'd have to talk to my educational outreach coordinator for a complete list," he confesses. "How she keeps all that straight is beyond me. But I know we've got a team in South American crawling around inside Mayan pyramids, and one in Canada researching Viking exploration patterns." Bruce gives her a sidelong glance. "Even one team on Crete who think they've found physical evidence that some of the figures from Greek mythology may actually have existed."

All right, so he's baiting just a little. But what's a first date if not partially a fact-finding mission, right?

"I seem to remember an excellent Thai place on the next block."

[ex_themyscirans396]

Diana shoots him an amused look in return. "Are you going to tell me that someone with your level of intellect can't keep track of every archeological mission that your company underwrites?" The sarcasm is lightly sprinkled, but it is there.

She's not going to believe any protests that he doesn't pay attention. No, he's too shrewd for that. Shrewd enough to take some calculated risks, too. "I wouldn't be surprised. Most legends have some kernel of truth to them. What would you do if myth was proven fact?"

A pause. "Thai sounds delightful. Take me there."

[nodyingyoung]

"I could," he retorts, "but I spend too much time tracking my other pursuits." The defensiveness is only mostly in jest. "Besides, there's only so much room up here," Bruce explains, tapping his temple. "After all, I am getting on in years."

It's an interesting question to be sure, so he gives it serious thought. Not very long ago, he would have immediately believed that the affairs of gods and monsters wasn't any business of his, not when he had a city to protect, but things had changed drastically.

"I suppose it all depends on how they match their stories. A lot of those deities were depicted as capricious and arrogant. As you know, that's not my cup of tea."

Arriving at the restaurant, the host recognizes him immediately and effusively. They're ushered without wait to a private dining room upstairs.