~ A/N ~

Hey guys! So if you're wondering how Batman knows Laurel it's all gonna be explained in this chapter. Also, Laurel never dated Tommy and instead dated Bruce, and the only one that knows Batman's secret identity is Laurel.

~ Laurel's POV ~

I was in my final year at law school and I just accepted a job offer at Weathersby Posner. I didn't know if I made the right decision but it doesn't matter because today is a big day Tommy is turning 25 and I wanted to surprise him for his birthday party. I haven't seen Tommy or The Queen's in a while ever since my ex Oliver died on The Gambit along with my sister but today at least for one night I wanna relax, have fun, and be there for Tommy.

I took a quick shower, got dressed, and put on my makeup.

My phone then rang on my nightstand and I picked it up answering it.

"Hello?" I said.

"Yes, Laurel this is Sergeant Hall your dad didn't show up to work today and I was wondering if you knew where he was."

"No, I don't actually but if I do I'll contact you as soon as I find him," I said lying I already knew where my dad was probably at a bar drinking his sorrows away.

"That would be much appreciated." Said the desk Sergeant. I hung up the phone, grabbed my car keys, and locked my Apartment door.

~ Local Bar ~

I opened the door to the place and was greeted by my father who drunkenly slurred.

"Laurel! Hey! What you having...sweetheart next... rounds on me!" He said raising his glass of whiskey.

"Your desk Sergeant called wondering why you weren't on duty," I said and he laughed.

"Frank...this is Laurel you know the daughter... that lived." He said taking another gulp of his whiskey.

"Is there a bartender in this city that doesn't already know that?"

"Well excuse...me." He burped.

"Forsaking the sympathetic ear."

"Takes more than some fancy corporate law firm job for some of us to get over Sara's death." He mumbled sipping his drink.

"I love you so I'm gonna pretend like you didn't just say that and drop you home," I said trying to take away his glass.

"Not now, Sweetie... Frank hit me again." He said swatting me away. The bartender objected putting away the bottle.

"Fine," My father said laughing. He gets out of his seat and puts on his jacket.

I paid for the drinks and helped my dad into my car and drove him home.

~ Merlyn Mansion ~

"Do you like sushi? Have you ever had anyone eat some off of you? I promise not to use chopsticks." Tommy said flirting with a chick.

"Are you seriously still using that line?" I said smirking.

"Oh, looks like I scared her off," I said watching the chick leave.

"No worries she was vegan anyway," Tommy said laughing as he hugged me.

"So, I heard you decided to go corporate in San Francisco instead of saving the world in Starling City."

"Maybe I realized the world can't be saved."

"The world can always be saved you just got to keep fighting for it." A deep voice said from behind me.

"Laurel. This is Bruce Wayne," Tommy said. He offered his hand I shook it.

"Can I borrow a kiss? I promise to give it back." Bruce said with a charming smile.

"Great another Tommy," I said rolling my eyes.

"Don't bother Bruce she's tough to crack."

"Oh really?" He grins.

"Yes, really. So, if you want some of this you're gonna have to try better than that."

"Okay then. Would you like to dance with me?" Bruce said offering his hand as Katy Perry's California gurls played throughout the mansion.

I took his hand blushing and we walked to the dance floor as Tommy had his mouth opened.

"You lucky son of a bitch." Tommy chuckled.

~ Later ~

Apparently, Thea's drug dealer was found dead so the cops came and broke the party up.

I walked with Bruce holding hands as I saw my dad questioning Thea and Tommy.

"What are you doing here?" My dad asked.

"They asked us to stay and give statements."

"I know. I mean what are you doing at this douchebags party? " He said looking at Tommy.

"Especially with this guy?" My dad said pointing at Bruce.

"Bruce I'm sorry-"

"Wow, you really have a thing for these rich bad boys, don't you? I mean I think maybe just maybe one of them getting your sister killed would have gotten you cured of that "

"Dad!"

"What about you huh sweetheart? dressed like that it's funny I can't figure out if you're following your brother's footsteps or my dead daughters." He looks at Thea.

"Dad! That's enough!"

"I'm just observing how one little boat can turn everyone's life into crap!"

"Dad we are not doing this here!"

"Bye, Bruce. I'll call you later," I said as I took my dad inside the mansion.

"Well thank you for that."

"I'm sorry was I embarrassing you in front of your boyfriend."

"No, you're embarrassing yourself."

"At least I know who I am and I'm not becoming someone I'm not. Hanging around billionaire playboys like some kind of gold digger. Picking up a sell-out job in San Francisco."

"Is that what this is about?"

"When Sara died you said you wanted to go to law school cuz you wanted to make the world a better place."

"Weathersby Posner is one of the most prestigious firms in the country-"

"You said you wanted to help people. All you've been doing there is help fat cats get fatter."

"You know maybe this sermon would have a little bit more credibility if you weren't so drunk right now."

"Well, I don't need to be sober to see what you're doing with your life. I just wish you could too."

A few days passed since the whole incident with my father after some thinking, I turned down Weathersby Posner's offer and instead accepted a job at CNRI.

I walked out of CNRI and got a call from Bruce.

"Hey, beautiful."

"Hey, Brucie"

"So, I was wondering if you wanted to go out for dinner tonight."

"Sure. Where are you?"

"Here," Bruce said behind me.

"Holy shit!" I said jumping a little.

Bruce chuckled. "That's not funny," I said smacking his chest.

He then kissed my cheek and held my hand as we walked to the place.