9 Why So Cold Hearted? Part II (Batman x Reader)

Why does he have to be in love with you? Why do you have to be the only one that truly understands him? Why do you have to be too young?

Bruce has taken in many troubled youths and trained them to join his crusade on crime. However, you are different than the rest. It's been nearly a year since Bruce found you in the old factory. You've been working hard to prove you can join the Bat-family in the fight against crime. In that time, Bruce has grown to see you as more than a friend and ally, yet there's one enormous problem; he's thirty-one and you're underage. Pursuing any kind of romantic relationship with you would be illegal and revolting. He would never allow himself to do such a thing.

"I need to get better control over my emotions," Bruce reminds himself as he runs a razor down his scarred chin.

"Master Bruce, dinner is served." Alfred remarks from his place in the bedroom.

"I'll be down in a minute," Bruce replies as he wipes off the remaining shaving cream. He sets the towel down and descends the stairs towards the formal dining room.

...

You just don't understand Bruce! No matter how many times you subtly hint that you're attracted to him, he shuts you down by walking away. Last week, you were practicing your gymnastics skills on the beam. He entered the training room to check your progress, so you threw your best moves to impress him. All he said was, "you're getting better," before leaving the room. He did the same thing when you beat his son Damian at sword fighting! No one has done that yet! No matter what you do to get his attention, he turns his back on you. It ends now. You're going to tell him how you feel, and may the consequences be damned!

Bruce enters the dining room and takes his place at the head of the table while you join him on his left. The boys aren't here tonight, so now is the perfect opportunity.

"How am I doing so far? With training?" you ask.

"You're improving," he replies. "You'll be able to join us soon."

"Great. I...look forward to working with you," you say with a flirtatious smile. He seems to have noticed, yet does not respond to your advancement. You decide to try a different angle.

"I just wanted to say...thank you."

"For what?"

"For giving me a place to stay. You're an incredible man, Bruce," you say, reaching for his hand. When your skin makes contact, he immediately stands from his seat and straightens his shirt. His cheeks look flushed and he appears tense.

"I...have some work I need to do in the cave. Excuse me." He pushes in his chair and heads towards the door. You raise your hand and ice begins to form around his feet, anchoring him to the floor.

"What is your problem?!" you demand, getting angrier by the second. "Why do you keep shutting me out?"

"I don't know what you're talking about," he says.

"Bruce, I can't lie to you anymore. I...I'm in love with you. I have never met anyone else like you before and I know I never will! You understand me better than anyone else ever has!"

"You're a minor, (Y/N)! Any relationship between the two of us other than that of a family would be sickening, not to mention illegal! I will not allow anything like that to happen while you are in my custody. Is that understood?"

You look at him, surprised. "How old do you think I am, Bruce?"

He hesitates. "Sixteen, maybe seventeen at the most."

You cup your hand to your mouth to contain your laughter. He merely stares at you expressionless. You silence your giggles and straighten yourself to look him in the eye. "Bruce...I'm twenty-seven."

"What?" he asks dumbfounded.

"The mutated cells in my body that allow me to freeze things prevent me from aging as quickly as the average person. I look much younger than I am."

You approach him and cup his cheek. "I'm sorry if I scared you. The fact that you would never hurt a child speaks volumes about the man you are, and I genuinely appreciate you wanting to protect me before you knew the truth. But we could be together...if you want. If not...," you unfreeze his legs. "I'll just go..."

As you turn away, he reaches for your hand kisses you on the forehead.

After a moment, he parts from you and brushes your cheek with his thumb. "I'm sorry. I told from the beginning, I tend to drive people away."

You smile and rest your head against his broad chest. "I suppose two snowflakes can be alike. We certainly are."