Authors note: Once the story is finished, I'll turn it into a oneshot.

'It really is an honor to have you here, Bruce. Your donation means a lot to me, and to the whole force, I'm sure.'

I smiled. 'It means as much to me as it does to you, commissioner. I'm glad I could help. And to be honest,' I added, lowering my voice, leaning in closer. 'It wasn't even my idea. All credit goes to my butler.'

He laughed, but before he could reply, the door to his office swung open. A small child with bright red hair walked in.

'Officer Thomas doesn't know any fun games to play, daddy,' she whined. 'I want to sit with you!'

James let out an agonizing sigh. This wasn't the first time, it seemed. 'Bruce,' he said with an apologizing look in his eyes. 'I'd like you to meet my daughter, Barbara.' Then he turned to his daughter. 'Honey, this is mister wayne. He is a very important man.' He looked like he wanted to say more, but the little girl was already hiding behind his leg.

I sunk to one knee to be on the same eye height as the girl. 'Good afternoon, my lady, it's a pleasure to meet you,' I said, as I gave her the sweetest smile I had and carefully extended my hand. She slowly got out from behind her father. When in front of me, she examined my hand, but she didn't touch it. 'I'm Bruce,' I continued. 'How old are you, Barbara?' She just stared at me with her brilliant green eyes, pouting, hands buried deep inside her pockets. I felt a little uncomfortable as she stood there, still and silent, not at all how her father had described her on the rare occasions he had talked about her.

'I'm eight,' she finally spoke. She was rather small for an eight year old. 'I like you,' she continued, stepping closer. 'I think I'm going to marry you.' She looked dead serious, not a trace of amusement in her face.

Cute, I thought. I'd had my fair share of women in the years I'd been walking this earth, but I believe this was the first time a child had shown such affection for me. And to be honest, I had no idea what to do about it. Children usually spent as little time with me as possible. So I got back to my feet, gave her a soft pat on the head and turned my focus back to James. His face betrayed he was just as surprised as I was.

'I believe you are needed elsewhere, commissioner Gordon,' I said, regaining my usually never fading smile. 'So I'll see you at the upcoming annual police ball.'

Barbara looked up at me with widened eyes. 'But we haven't even played a game yet,' she yelped.

'I'll save you a dance at the party, little girl,' I promised.