"How are you the one going to a party while I'm stuck at home?" Barbara crossed her arms as she watched her dad put on his suit.

"Because I don't recklessly put myself in harm's way." James adjusted his coat.

"That's not true," Barbara retorted. "In fact, you do that for a living."

James blinked, comprehending his daughter's words. She gave him a smug look as she handed him his mask. "You can't forget this. It's the most important part... even if it is a little plain."

"You know me, Barbara. A plain, black mask suits me more than a flamboyant one. Everyone else will be wearing those." James took the mask from her, placing it over his face with his glasses on top. "How does it look?"

"Pretty good. You can't even notice the glasses."

"Alright, I'll be heading out now. It's a school night, so I expect you to be in bed by the time I get home," James instructed before walking out of the room.

"I will, I will. There's nothing to do anyway," Barbara sighed. "I'm surprised you're even going to this ball. You have never gone for the past two years."

"Yes, well it was time I start. I can't be the police commissioner and not attend these events. Maybe next Halloween I'll even let you come with me." James smiled. "But I must really get going now. Remember- "

"Yes, yes. Be in bed." Barbara hurried her dad out of the house. Now able to get out of this bathrobe and into her new gown, she was extra careful as she slipped into it. Her hair, which had been hidden under a sleep cap, was released and combed into an up-do. To hide her stitch, she put on a black choker. Finally, she applied some light makeup before putting on her mask.

It was 8:10.

"Now the problem is just getting over there." She decided to call a cab, using some of her birthday money to pay the fare.

She took one last look at her house as she walked out to meet the cab, wondering if this was, in fact, a smart decision.

~

Whatever glamour Barbara's own party had paled in comparison to this masquerade ball's. The extravagance was tenfold. The crowd was as immense as the grounds it was held on. The museum building was already one of the largest in the world; its exterior modeled after Grecian architecture. The lights, the glitz, the décor, and all the grandeur made Barbara feel very out of place.

She did not even know where to begin looking for Richard. Masks from every direction looked at her, blurring all together. It would be nearly impossible to find him in this horde. In addition to this, she had to avoid being spotted by her dad and Mr. Wayne. She had to see them before they were able to see her.

Barbara crept over to a shrub shaped like a peacock, hiding behind it to try and gather her thoughts. She did not know where to begin to look and the loud music was just disrupting her focus.

"I told you it was massive." A hand came over her shoulder, turning her around suddenly.

"Richard!" Barbara gave a sigh of relief. "It's like the entire city is here!"

"It's even better than I imagined!" Richard took hold of her hand. "C'mon, let's see the rest of it."

His skin was still cold, but this time Barbara didn't mind. She was too caught up in the excitement around her, relishing each and every scene.

"Do I smell better this time?" Richard smirked at her, pulling Barbara through the front doors and into the Great Hall. Being too engrossed with the arches and mosaic floor, it took a while for her to register his question

"Um." Barbara blushed upon realizing what he had just asked. "Sorry about that. I-I don't know why I said that. It was not polite."

"It's quite alright." Richard laughed. "I am not offended."

"But you were..." Barbara remembered, averting her gaze.

"More like caught off guard. I hadn't really noticed so it was quite embarrassing."

"Well, your cologne does smell nice. I noticed your father uses the same scent," Barbara stated as they continued into The Geology Wing.

"Yes, because I borrowed some from him." Richard grinned widely. "He doesn't know though. You're very observant by the way."

"Then, you'll be really impressed that I noticed Jason had the same scent as well." They both paused by a stairway, trying to get away from the crowd.

"I am impressed. Not only by your wit, but also by the way you look tonight." Richard still had his hand linked in hers. "The dress fits perfectly on you."

"Oh, I apologize. I was so caught up in what was going on I forgot to thank you." She drew her hand back. "You really didn't have to."

"I'm glad you like it. And it was no burden on me."

"Will Mr. Wayne be okay with you buying this?" Barbara looked down at her gown.

"I'm sure he'll understand... Eventually." Richard teased. "Shall we go find a table instead of standing around here? People might get suspicious we're up to no good."

"Let's try to get a table far away. I can't be seen by my dad or yours." Barbara led the way to one of the furthest tables.

"I'll let you know if I see them." Richard pulled out her chair.

"If I am caught, I can definitely say I'll die a happy woman." Barbara admired the statues of various minerals and gems in glass cases. "I can't believe I've never been here before..."

"I haven't either!" Richard glanced around, equally amazed. "It's amazing, isn't it?"

"Well, if there's one nice thing to say about Mr. Wayne is that he does have good taste," Barbara spoke louder as the band began to play some jazz.

"Don't let him hear you." Richard pointed to another table across the room. There sat Bruce talking to James, Sarah, and Detective Bullock.

"Oh, crap, we have to leave." Barbara hopped to her feet.

"Let's find another room then. One with not so much light." Richard took her hand again and led her quickly to The Planetarium. "This is much better."

"Oh my gosh. This is beautiful." Barbara gasped, seeing the rotating planets that hung overhead. On the ceiling, were twinkling stars against a black backdrop.

"Do you want to stay here?" Richard led her towards the tables and sofas.

"Yes. Now this feels like a Halloween party." Barbara sank into a sofa with Richard sitting right beside her.

"So tell me why you chose to invite me, Richard?" Barbara questioned, listening to the smooth jazz that played from the other wing. "Like I said before, you wouldn't have had trouble finding someone else. Someone closer to your age." She laughed.

"I'm only seventeen." He rested his arm on a pillow. "So is this your way of saying I'm handsome?"

"You're not bad." She teased, not wanting to feed his ego even more. "But seriously, why me? You're Bruce Wayne's son, the future heir to his company, and I'm just... a police commissioner's daughter. Also, I don't think your father is keen on the idea of you associating with me."

"Well, you're right on that last part. The night I brought you home he was upset. We had a big row over it, in fact," Richard sighed. "But to answer your question, you're the first girl I've talked to. Like really talked to."

"Lying isn't going to win you any favors." Barbara scooted further away from him.

"I'm serious!" Richard protested.

"Sure, like Mr. Wayne hasn't tried to pair you up with some rich girl." Barbara rolled her eyes.

"Nope. He's-He's kept me sheltered, to say the least. It wasn't until he adopted Jason that he started letting me go out." He dipped his head, staring at something unknown on the floor.

"And I thought my father was overprotective," Barbara admitted. "Is it just because you were adopted?"

"I'm not sure. Maybe? It's hard to say with that man." Richard shrugged, leaning back.

"How did he even come to adopt you? Is he like a relative?" She rested her cheek on her hand. "If you don't mind me asking," she quickly added.

"No, it's okay. I suppose we look a lot alike. I'm actually an orphan." His eyes had become pools of sadness. "I used to be an acrobat. The Flying Graysons, they used to call us."

"You were an acrobat?" Barbara shot upright. "You make my life seem so boring in comparison."

"I didn't mean to." He chuckled. "But yes, I was. Then, my parents were killed while we were performing in Gotham. Right before a performance in fact. Bruce happened to be nearby and that's how he came to know me."

"Richard, I'm so sorry." Barbara placed her hand over his. "I shouldn't have asked. I can tell it's opened an old wound."

"No, it's just that it seems like it's been so long. I was so young when it happened. Barely ten years old," Richard confessed. "But enough of that, let's talk about something more cheerful."

"Oh, of cour- I see Mr. Wayne coming in." Barbara ducked down.

"Yes, I see him. And with the other three richest people in this city," Richard said as he watched the entourage. "Silver St. Cloud, Oswald Cobblepot, and-"

"Thomas Elliott." Barbara finished for him. "I know my Gotham history. These were the four founding families of the city."

"There were five, but that family died out a long time ago. Well, want to check out another area?" Richard offered up his hand to her.

They decided to go to the Insect Wing, which featured various bugs in a garden setting.

"This place just keeps getting better and better," Barbara said, examining a rare insect.

"Hello, my name is Kirk Langstrom. I am the museum director. How are you two this evening?" A man with glasses approached the pair.

"We're fine, thank you," Barbara greeted.

"Are you enjoying yourselves this evening? Has everything been to your pleasure?" The man continued warmly.

"Yes, everything has been great. There are no complaints here," Richard answered.

Barbara nodded. "This ball exceeded my expectations, and they were already set high. You did a very good job."

"I'm glad to hear that. If there's anything-"

A large mass of people, comprised of mostly men, entered the wing laughing and whooping. The three of them turned to look at the ruckus, seeing a trio of women leading the throng.

On the right, was a woman with black curls dressed in a matching black gown. Her mask was one of a cat.

On the left, was a blonde woman with ponytails dressed in a jester type gown. Her mask was also one of a jester's.

But the leader- and it was obvious she was the leader- had red flowing curls cascading to one side. Her gown was a deep green with a bodice made of leaves, and the vine-patterned bottom had two slits making it easier for her to walk. To match with the rest of her outfit, her mask was modeled after a leaf.

Barbara noticed that the men seemed to be paying more attention to her than the other two women. They followed her around like puppies, practically drooling at her heel. However, something else Barbara noticed was a strong floral scent growing stronger as the redhead approached.

"Excuse me," the redheaded woman called to Mr. Langstrom. "You work here, correct?"

"Y-Yes," the man stuttered.

"Perfect." The woman's red lips turned upwards. "I have a question about one of the jewels in your collection."

"O-Of course." Mr. Langstrom walked towards her, unable to hide his stare. "Ms.?"

"Ms. Pamela Isley," she replied proudly. "Which is why I wanted to ask about the Isley emerald. Is it still here?"

"Oh, yes it's right this way." The director pointed in the direction of the jewel. "I never knew any Isleys remained in Gotham."

"You're correct." Pamela chuckled. "I just arrive-"

"You." Barbara's voice rang out through the wing.

"Pardon me?" Pamela turned around to face the girl.

"You, it was you." Barbara started to approach the woman. "You were the one who saved me that night."

"I am not sure what you are speaking of. You must have me confused with someone-"

"No. I recognize you even with the mask. Your scent. Your voice. Your eyes." Barbara knew those glowing green eyes all too well.

Pamela glanced back at her posse, giving them an eye roll. "Little girl, I do not have time for this. Now if you would excuse me."

"Wait! Those women beside you! They were there too! I could have bled to death thanks to them!" Barbara glared at them. "A lot of help you two were."

"Alright, boys. I think this girl had too much to drink." The blonde laughed wildly as did the crowd around her.

"If you would show me to my family jewel please," Pamela ordered Mr. Langstrom. As the crowd started to disperse, Pamela glanced back with a smirk, gesturing to the side of her neck.