"Excuse me gentlemen." A light but amused voice sounded like the ringing bells of the golden gates, beckoning Albert away from the attentions of demons dressed in suits and ties. A glance over his shoulder wasn't even required, given how a visible shadow fell over him. His savior practically looming over him, their arm intertwining with his. An anchor ready to pull him to safety.
The group of elites that he'd somehow wriggled in with, nodded with a smile that was more like a grimace than anything else. If they honestly believed their glances of envy and small bits of betrayal sent his way was hidden, then they would be heavily mistaken.
"It seems I am needed elsewhere," He smiled politely, a trio of cards held out in one hand. "I found our conversation very enlightening, please if you need something don't hesitate to call!"
The small collective of young men weren't even paying attention at that point, only taking the cards with a blandly polite look before visibly looking anywhere else besides at the red head hanging off his arm. With that done, he was whisked away by his abnormally strong date. Her grip just toeing the line to iron, staying flushed against him. The warmth oozing off into him enough to cause his heart to palpitate against his will.
"You looked like you were having fun." Barbara whispered, somehow leaned closer until her lips were just barely hovering over his ear, just loud enough for only his ears. Causing a slight shiver to run up his spine and seize his lungs. "Just what in the world were you talking about to make them chatty?"
'Ah.'
It was nice to remember exactly what she wanted from him. Like a bucket of frigid water being, her words cooled his steaming brain. To her, he was a subject to be observed. A way for the Bat Family to keep closer tabs on him without it being too suspicious, to build up a psychological profile to be used against him if the worst happened.
"Nothing much," He tried to sidestep answering, allowing his flushed face to speak for him. "I don't think you'll be very interested."
"Try me."
She purred.
Sometimes, a good act has some degree truth to it. Playing up a love-struck teenager was a lot easier when he was actually very much attracted to her to begin with. It was a dance of careful truths and misdirects.
"Well…" Slashing with intent, his eyes fell to the ground. A show of weakness and embarrassment, one not entirely faked due to their affectionate display in room filled with people. "You have to promise not to laugh."
"I wouldn't laugh at you."
A promise it was not.
"Have you ever heard of table top games?"
"You..you mean like dice and paper?" She tried to sound confused, but then again acting wasn't her strongest suit. The likelihood his groups bi-weekly game nights were being eavesdropped on was high, even more so given who he often played with.
"Yeah, that. Well, I was walking past when they mentioned something about getting a new pair of dice and I asked them what kind of game they played. Turns out, we play some of the same systems. And it went on like that."
"Wait," The red head paused. "If that's the case then why did you look so miserable?"
"They're nice guys...but that's all they wanted to talk about. And there's only so much you can talk about before the argument of which system is the best one pops up." He didn't need to fake the wince there, the group had been pretty amicable before that point but then it got really tense after that question had been brought up. One of them liked heavy rules, another rules-lite and the third decided to throw the entire conversation into disarray by saying war-games were better. Honestly, he kinda expected things to come to blows when that was said.
"Which is one is better? In your own opinion of course." The red head giggled at the war-torn expression fluttering across his face, something he noted wasn't entirely false. "I'm just kidding...but I don't see why I would laugh at you for this, honestly it sounds kinda fun!"
'So that's your angle.'
She was maneuvering, setting things in place for herself in the future.
"If you're interest…" Albert had a part to play, and anyone would be all too eager to introduce their hubby to their crush. "I can probably get you started later, just run through a few scenarios and systems to see which one clicks with you. And after that, I think you'll be good go to game shops to find a group."
The slight frown disappeared just as quickly as it formed, barely longed enough that most people would question if it was ever there to begin with but he knew better. It seemed, he hadn't acted in the way she wanted there. Not out of character enough to be suspicious but barely perceivable rebuff.
"It'll be a date then!" She grinned, hiding her discontent in a flash. "Just don't take forever to call me next time or I might just drop in uninvited."
'Like you haven't done that yet.'
He had to resist the urge to roll his eyes, there was no way for him to actually prove it but he knew for sure that they must've dropped in at least once. Rummaging around like thieves before leaving bugs. Well, he hadn't found any yet but knowing how much Batman loved them, there had to be at least a dozen littered across his home.
It might've been said in jest but she sounded completely willing and serious enough to actually do that if he tried to do his avoidance act again.
"I'll try." He 'nonchalantly' shrugged, looking elsewhere but at those green eyes that tried to lock onto his. Her tightening grip was his queue to go into depths at his rather vague answer. "You know I'm kinda running a one man show with my detective agency. I don't know when I'll be too busy to do much of anything besides eat or sleep. And with how many cards I've been handing out, even that might be up for debate."
"Oh." Her eyes slightly glazed over, like she'd been slapped. Mouthing something inarticulate to anyone but her, the red head continued with a gentle nudge. "I understand, just don't push yourself too hard...and make sure to eat and sleep properly….and make doubly sure not pick up any bad habits like smoking or drinking."
Okay, now she was projecting. He knew this advice wasn't really meant for him, his situation probably just reminded her very starkly of someone very close to her. And given everything, probably multiple somebodies. But unlike them, he was more likely to actually take her advice to heart instead of dismissing it as an overly concerned daughter or pupil.
"I will certainly try."
Albert didn't need to fake a smile then, he found a chink in her armor. A seed had been planted and all it would take to bloom was the occasional watering.
***
The pair drifted from group to group, exchanging a few niceties before another conversation dragged them away. It was honestly quite the sight, a tall red headed women practically glued to the side of a rather awkward looking young man. By quite the sight, it was more honest to call it envy inducing for a vast majority of people.
If the glares the teen received when they thought his date wasn't looking was anything to by. That and the extremely affronted looks they gave him whenever they tried to have a private conversation with Barbara, something he couldn't really help with. From the way she hugged his arm like a vice grip, the chance to slip away to leave her to the sharks had long since passed. Like a shield, she used him to 'scare' off all but the more tolerant elites that wished to earn her favor.
During this time of being dragged around, Albert did spot that tacky tiara floating amongst the crowd a few times but each time it was only for a second or two before it would disappear down another hallway followed quickly by a head of blonde hair. Whatever happened, it seemed the two of them were quite busy through this period.
'Luck bastards.'
He kinda felt a bit envious of them in that moment, at least they were achieving their goals. But here was completely unable to leave behind a card or two with the object of everyone in attendance's goal hanging right off of him. Each time he even tried to approach the relatively smaller groups, a sudden surge of people found their chance and essentially mobbed them. Growing from a small collective of two or three people to five or even ten. And if he thought getting them to accept anything from him was hard before, now it was nearly impossible.
Sure, those that actually acknowledged his existence would gladly accept a card from him but it was clear that they were only doing so because the red head was right there and probably thought she would be more receptive in kind. And after he watched the third person just outright toss his card in the trash when she pretended to be inattentive, all his desire at that point had long since faded. Completely sapping his willingness to stay there even a second longer.
All he wanted to do then was just pack away some food and get the hell out of there. But, for whatever reason the red head made it her business to steer them away from the front entrance at every chance. It was clear, at least to him, that she wasn't having a great time. Sure, she still smiled and greeted everyone with polite enthusiasm but he could feel her growing restless. Like a jungle cat kept in captivity.
"….Wayne..."
It was a mere whisper, a parting word from nearby clusters. But like a mere spark in a dry grass field, it spread. Subsuming everything into itself, growing to an uncontrollable blaze. Maybe, that was a bit dramatic but the name itself had such a massive impact on the entire venue. A vast majority of women there straitened out their dresses, pulling down on the front to better expose cleavage, fluffing up their hair to increase the perceived volume and some even took out small handheld mirrors to check the state of their lipstick.
While the men, they puffed themselves out. Patting down their own suits and a few even tossed a mint into their mouths. Pulling their frantic dates closer while looking around for the predator amongst them. Their faces pulled into a neutral smile, forced and concerned but nonetheless polite.
"It's the ward." Someone, new to this part of the mansion walked through a set of open doors. Their posture relaxed and looking equal parts relieved and disappointed. And just like that, a vast majority of the excitement drained out of mostly everyone there. Some turned back to their conversations with not even a hint of interest, a few barely hidden sneers flashing amongst themselves.
'What did they expect?' Honestly, it was bit humorous how sudden all these people flipped. Most of the elites there would've killed to get in good with the infamous Bruce Wayne, but turned their nose up at the ward. Maybe they didn't feel the need to kiss at his feet because they felt he wouldn't be in the running to inherit anything in the worse case scenario. Especially given the billionaire's promiscuous reputation. Or, maybe there was another reason. He felt like the night wouldn't end without hearing a few stories about the ward. 'Bruce Wayne at-least thirty here, why in the world would he show up to an event clearly set up for the younger generation?'
"You know…" Barbara tried to sound casual as she began to steer them out of the room. "I've heard a lot about the adopted child of the Waynes, but I don't think I've seen him before."
A bold face lie, from the way her body slightly stiffened at the name. To the sudden relief that caused her shoulders to slump in a barely perceivable manner. Even how her usual smile had turned more upbeat and relaxed. Like one would react to seeing a friend in an unfamiliar environment. For anyone else in his position, just all that wouldn't be enough to really tell anything damning. Maybe the two of them had met in the past, or were secretly pen pals.
But with what Albert knew? It was crystal clear. Glaringly obvious.
"Oh?" He asked with a mask of forced neutrality, any guy in his position would feel a bit envious or insecure at the idea of his date previously knowing a rich guy and being actively excited to see or talk to them again. How was anyone suppose else to compete? "Oh yes. I haven't really been able to find anything, he's not a really public figure. A few events here and there. A rare photo but no real interviews. I think his name is….Richard Grayson?"
A flinch. A grimace of discomfort that washed away fast enough to barely register. But it had been there. Her mouth opened and closed a few times, obviously trying to come up with some viable excuse to all her to correct him before anything could fly off the rails, but a nearby attendee decided to preform their one good deed for the year.
"I wouldn't call him that if I were you." A women, looking to be around Barbara's age, spoke not exactly to him but more above him as though to avoid making eye contact with her lesser. "I have a cousin who went to school with him...he's rude and rabid. Like a wild animal. He most likely has some unresolved anger issues and a lot of the time, he's on a hair trigger. Just call him Dick."
"Thank you."
He honestly hadn't expected this random show of kindness and kinda expected her heart to swell to three times it's size or for pigs to start taking flight outside.
"I don't want your gratitude." She huffed, turning her back on them. "Having the Wayne's charity case throw a tantrum would ruin the atmosphere greatly. If you really want to pay me back, don't rile him up. Some of us have important business to worry about without some circus freak hitting it big ruining everything."
Not waiting further, the elite sashayed away to a group of her own peers. A good thing to, if the sudden tightening grip on his arm was anything to go by. And from the way the red head was eyeing the arrogant women's back, she'd escaped in the nick of time.
"Let's go." It wasn't a question and nor did she wait for his reply before stalking away with him. That barely contained annoyance bubbling up to the surface. In that moment, he smartly kept his mouth shut. Not wishing to earn her ire, especially since she was his ride home.
It was never easy to just allow someone talk about one's friends in such a demeaning fashion, especially since trying would only push back on an overworked parent.
With a goal in mind, the crowd subtly made way for them...more her than him but it was all the same in the end. Passing a few valuable art pieces that looked a bit familiar, it wasn't long before some works were beginning to look somewhat familiar. Spotting the large set of stairs breaking off into two seperate wings, knew they had arrived back in the foyer. He noticed movement from the corner of his eye and glancing over, knew that the disdain these people felt for Bruce Wayne's adoptive son wasn't felt by all. As from multiple rooms and/or hallways, a handful of people came skulking out of the darkness. Their eyes focused forward and ignoring the judgmental glances being sent by their contemporaries.
And even after forcing his eyes back to the front, he could see a noticeable crowd growing in volume as they all hustled around a lone figure. Each keeping a noticeable and respectful distance from the person. Besides them, a very unwelcoming but familiar man was excitedly shaking their hands with both of his.
Adrianus Hardwick, the once arrogant and proud man that had actively washed his hands after interacting with the lowborn, was now standing hunched in a submissive manner as he smiled widely. Pure happiness was emanating from him in a series of massive waves.
Pushing a bit closer, only then could he even begin picking up some of the dialogue.
"-uo for coming! I did not expect you come! Please if you need anything, don't hesitate to ask!" Like a good host, he even went around and took the attendee's overcoat! Carefully folding it, the guy just...stood there with a goofy grin on his face. "Please, enjoy the party...and if you wish, I can tell these rift-raft to leave you alone. They won't protest, right?"
It was clear, the Hardwick was trying to keep the adopted Wayne all to himself and didn't overly mind stepping on the hands of his peers to do so.
"No." The voice was relatively quiet, but easily heard over the general hubbub of the room. It sounded youthful, but firm. No nonsense and probably even a bit agitated. "That won't be necessary."
Just then, someone moved out of the way enough for him to be forced to look over a shoulder just to barely miss a peek. Call him a bit of a fanboy if it was required, but Robin was an icon back in his old life. And given how extensive the rosters of Robin were, most people only really knew of three. Damian Wayne, the biological son of Bruce Wayne. Jason Todd, the living embodiment of Batman's ultimate failure. And finally, Dick Grayson. The first Robin and also later known as Nightwing, the more well adjusted Dark Knight.
Richard "Dick" Grayson wasn't a tall teenager. In fact, he was maybe even a bit short in comparison to everyone else. Possessing short black hair combed back and held in place with some amounts of hair gel, hard blue eyes that flickered with an azure fire. Pale skin and a sharp jaw.
He wore a suit the same complexion as the darkness night, inky and smooth. Just looking at the small silver cuff-links embroidered with some script was enough for anyone to know that he breathed money. Sure, everyone at that 'soiree' came from money but this teen, it was like he wasn't just rich. Like the world itself would bend due to the amount of zeroes in his bank account.
Combine that with the fact that the guy was handsome as well…
'This isn't fair.' It made Albert want to gnash his teeth, just being there brought up so many awful memories of being curb-stomped by pay-to-win players in games. Just decked out in all manners of awesome skins that 'didn't' provide a bonus to their health or damage. Swooning over a five-hundred dollar costume, it resembled what was going on there aptly.
As though the teen could since his gaze, those blue orbs glanced over their direction before they widened visibly. With a face that was more use to brooding or snarling, shock wasn't something he expected to see. Albert already knew where he was looking and honestly, he couldn't blame him.
Barbara was a showstopper, there was no getting around that. And it was likely this was the first time Dick had seen her in something like this.
Noticing his gaze, their 'gracious' host perked up before waving them over...okay, waved the red head over but they were packaged deal for the night.
"Oh! I will make introductions! Miss Gordon, please join us!"
Pulling him along, they both wadded through a crowd of envious glares being sent their way. With a degree of venom that he kinda expected his skin to start breaking out hives. Something, he could only smile rigidly at. As they grew closer, whatever training the ward had kicked back into gear and a neutral but polite expression fell into place.
"Miss Gordon," Adrianus bowed theatrically. "I must introduce to someone grand. This here, is our esteemed guess Dick Grayson of the Wayne family. Mr. Grayson, she is our newest member and the daughter of the James Gordon!"
He wasn't surprised to notice that his name had been purposefully left out, nor was he too put out. This was their stage and he was all too glad to be a part of the audience.
"Miss Gordon." Dick held out a hand, smooth and well practiced. And while he did sound a tad nervous, he still kept the dignity required for such a venue. "My name is Dick Grayson, it is a pleasure to meet you."
"The pleasure is all mine, Mr. Grayson." Without even blinking or pausing, she took up his hand shook lightly. A small smile shared between them, like a passing joke being spoken faster than thought. A sudden flash of movement caught Albert's attention and when his eyes focused in, one of the teen's cuff-links were missing. Hands retracting faced down, her middle and ring finger were held stiffly for a moment before she tossed the attention away from her and off to the poor date offered up a living sacrifice. "I am being awfully rude, this is my date for the evening."
"Hello." Taking a careful forward, he took note of the same hand going up to fix some imaginary loose strands near her ear before offering up his own careful greetings. "My name is Albert Nelson and it is very nice to meet you."
"Dick Grayson."
The teen smiled, but it felt more like a snarl as he eyed him up before holding out a hand in kind. The levels of hostility oozing off the guy's shoulder's in a wave was like standing before a mountain lion. Foolish to approach and even more so to turn one's back on. Just offering up a hand to shake felt like a fatal mistake.
A flash of things to come. He could take the hand preform some grip and the investigator would find himself sailing through the air, or on the ground howling in pain or black out only to wake a few hours later heavily bruised and hanging upside down.
The brunette was just too unpredictable in his reaction, a normal teen would response to the guy on a date with his crush in a pretty hostile manner. Maybe try to humiliate the guy to show him up, and make it their business to ruin any possibility of the two of them ever possessing an intimate time together. Sure, they would believe they were being circumspect but it would be obvious from even a mile away. And something like that could be side stepped by anyone not drowning in conflicting hormones.
But...this was different. This was the kind of creature that could literally flip rock monsters. Beat the breaks of an army of robotic ninjas and most importantly, a man that would fall a full story just to use their knees to land on some unfortunate opponent.
Silently bracing himself, Albert felt his entire body tense when that grip came into play. It was strong. Far stronger than the host trying to make him scream. At least the man had been trying. A casual squeeze, not even enough to cause a hint of effort to appear across his countenance.
It didn't hurt, his bones didn't protest in the slightest. That's what made it so unnerving. Iron tight, there wasn't even a hint of room for him to wiggle out. In that moment, he was stuck. Like he'd put his hand in the mouth of predator, trusting them not to nip off a few fingers for his impertinence.
After what felt like an eternity, he relaxed as the greeting passed and without hesitating, he stepped back into the relative safety of his date. And just like, the floodgates opened as elite after elite pushed past them at the chance of ingratiating themselves with the adopted Wayne. As more and more people swarmed in, they both were forced to the far back. And just as the ward was hidden beneath near endless amounts of bodies, something caught the investigator's attention.
Dick nodded at the newly chattering attendee stiffly, fiddling openly his suit sleeve in a dignified manner. And in the next blink, a silver cuff-link was back in place.