The clamor of cars and people chatting echoed up through Wayne Manor, enough so that Dick could hear it all from up in his room. The living room, foyer, reception, and dining rooms were all extra cleaned by Alfred in the morning while Dick had left for school, and Bruce for work, so he was positive everything was perfect when the first of the socialites trickled in.
That trickle soon turned into a flood as the motor court was filled with cars of guests and media alike.
The few extra hands hired for the night were busy taking coats and getting drinks for people, while Alfred was overseeing the kitchen and making sure the appropriate dishes were being brought out when they were supposed to.
A dull ring from his phone alerted him that it was nearly seven and he should be going to the foyer to greet people with Bruce.
The early morning sunlight shone through the dark curtains draped over the window in Barbara’s bedroom. The door slowly and softly swung open as her father, James Gordon, came into the room. As always, she was already awake and dressed from practicing gymnastics and studying, making sure to never fall behind.
Her father gazed at her with care in his eyes, to criminals he was a strict and often aggressive man, but when it came to Barbara he became a soft parent who only wanted the best for his little girl. She knew why he had come in so early, he would always come to wish her a good day if there were any dangerous threats on the loose in Gotham. Threats that he would be chasing down to contain. Barbara is aware that any day could be the last for her father, she tries spending as much time with him as she can, but recently these criminals seem to be multiplying.
Putting all thoughts aside, she headed out into the cool morning air for the prestigious Gotham Academy. As she approached the school, her thoughts became filled with questions and ideas of what she could do to help turn Gotham City into a better place. As she nears the school, her thoughts came to an abrupt end at the sight of a familiar face.
/Dick Grayson/
Dick typed away on his phone, faster than it could keep up with his fingers. He had to remember that tonight he and Bruce were off duty, per a Wayne Enterprises event. He wanted to skip out and take patrol on his own, but he was 99% sure that it wouldn’t go over well if he brought it up. He wasn’t a big fan of all of the stuffed shirt “Gotham Royalty” that he’d inevitably be surrounded by.
Saving his notes, he ran his hand through his slicked back hair, making sure it was in place despite the wind that morning. That, and from the corner of his eye, he saw an extremely familiar shock of red hair heading his way.
“Hey Babs.” He smiled, waving to her as he met her half way.
/Barbara Gordon/
“Hey Dick,” Barbara said with the biggest grin her lips could make. Meeting up with the dark haired boy has became an every day event, one that she has particularly enjoyed. Though he was much smaller than her, she couldn’t help but feel her heart flutter when in his presence. Though she disregarded it, knowing that Dick wasn’t quite ready for that kind of relationship.
“I assume you’re going to that event Bruce is having this evening.” She was trying not to sound too eager, her father spoke of the event early that morning. Going would mean that Barbara would be behind with school work, but if he will be there then maybe it’s worth it.
/Dick Grayson/
“Ugh…” He groaned, a little over-dramatically rolling his head back before looking back at her with a bit of a pathetic smile on his face. “That seems like it. I’ve got some work to finish but there’s some things I guess I can’t get out of at this point.” He chuckled a bit.
“I know your father was invited, so does this mean I’m going to have some company, or are you going to curse me to the horrible fate of boredom?” He adjusted the strap of his bag, glancing over at the large clock on the academy building to make sure they had time to keep talking before their first class.
/Barbara Gordon/
Barbara giggled at the annoyance in his voice. “Sure, I guess I can skip a night of studying. Dad always preferred me working rather than going to an even like this, but maybe it’ll be nice for a change.”
She glanced towards the school entrance, watching the students file into the building. While realizing that the two were the only ones standing around, she crept forward while gesturing for him to follow.
“What time would you like me to show up? Wouldn’t want to keep you bored for too long.’
/Dick Grayson/
“Well…” Dick thought for a moment, walking along with Barbara, unintentionally walking closer to her as he tried to figure out what the times were for that night.
“I’m assuming the media will be there when it starts at seven, but most of them should be gone within an hour. Depending on whether or not you want to face that kind of battle, seven or eight.” He looked up at her, smirking. He knew Babs wasn’t a stranger to a few cameras in her face being the Commissioner’s daughter, but he wasn’t sure if she wanted to deal with them for so long.
/Barbara Gordon/
“The media, huh?” Barbara threw a disgruntled look his way, she saw them a little more often than she cared for. They’ve been showing up for frequent visits these days, though this time their attention will be drawn for a different cause.
Her lips curled into a slight smile, “Seven it is then!” She laughed and quickened her pace as the loud echo of the all too familiar school bell rang.
/Dick Grayson/
“Oof, daring the sea of cameras— I like it. Glad I won’t be alone.” He chuckled, stopping in the hallway where the first stairwell was. “Guess I’ll see you tonight then, Babs?” He shot her a smile before heading up for his first class.
“Later!” Dick called down to her as the school bell rang once more, signaling class was starting.
