Chapter 9

We arrived at the venue, which Bruce had conveniently forgotten to tell us the name of, and I stared warily at the hordes of people walking into the big building. I felt nauseous. I haven't been to a high profiled party since my parents were alive and at least that was in Metropolis. My palms were getting clammy and I tried to wring the material of my dress, but Tim took my hand soothingly. "You don't have to be bait if you don't want to. Bruce will keep you out of danger."

I breathed, "It's not the being bait that I'm worried about. I haven't been in a formal crowd in a while."

He brushed a strand of hair out of my face and then kissed the top of the hand he was holding. With an encouraging smile, he tugged me out of the car and I don't think I can turn back now. People were coming from all directions and they all looking extravagant in their dresses and suits. Tim looked absolutely dashing in his button down red silk shirt and black slacks, but I still can't help to think that we're under-dressed.

When Tim saw me before, his jaw had literally dropped. I think he was exaggerating a little, but he tried to explain that I was indescribable and gorgeous, blah, blah, blah. We made our way towards the entrance and I was almost shaking with nerves. The inside wasn't as glamorous as I expected, but I still clung on to Tim's elbow for dear life.

There were hundreds of people in here and I had no clue who everyone was except a few select reporters whom were at the press conference two months ago. The room itself was simple but elegant, with waiters carrying trays of champagne but there was no place to sit down and relax. My breathing was accelerated with nerves and Tim's arm moved from my grip and onto my waist, shifting me so I was pressed up against his chest. He leant down slightly to whisper to me, "Perhaps we should find Dick, first."

I agreed and soon we were scouting the gala for a familiar mop of black hair accompanied by a sad boy. It didn't take long, he was leaning against the far wall just people-watching and I felt sad when I looked at him… as always. However, when he spotted us, his mood perked up and he stood straighter to greet us. "I'm glad you guys are talking again."

I pulled him in for a friendly hug and he lifted me up in a crushing embrace as one would do to a sister. "I can't ignore him forever, you know that."

Dick set me down and I smiled fondly at him. He leant back to get a good look at me and then grinned. "You look absolutely stunning, Livvy."

I thanked him, but as I did so his attention snapped to something behind me. He seemed like a deer caught in headlights because I've never seen him staring at something this intently. Dick pressed past me and I turned to see who he was moving towards. There was a girl in the crowd and she was so beautiful it's not surprising she stood out.

She seemed about Dick's age and she had long blonde hair and was dressed in a silken forest green dress, looking absolutely breath-taking. Her shrewd eyes were trained on Dick, along with a sly, cheeky grin and that's when it hit me. This is Mercy. I watched as Dick made his way determinedly towards her and it just made so much sense. Her gaze looked to me and she smiled wider and then winked before disappearing amongst the guests.

Tim was standing beside me and sighed exasperatedly. "He loves her so much… It's sad to watch it."

I shook my head gently. "I never realized that she was so gorgeous."

Tim chuckled lightly. "Don't let her beauty fool you. She's a murderer."

A shiver ran up my spine at the thought of that girl killing someone. She looked so elegant and regal. She also had the figure of a gymnast. I bit my lip and looked up at Tim. "Will he be okay?"

He looked into the crowd and then back at me. "He will be fine. Come on, you're supposed to be a female Bruce tonight."

This made me laugh and then Tim gestured to the crowd so I would take the lead. Alright, I could do this. My back was erect and I carried myself with pride, with a serious expression as I began to network around the room with Tim at my side. I spoke to some of the most powerful people in Gotham about matters that I hadn't even heard of, but I think that I am doing pretty well. I sounded intelligent and composed, but really I'm still freaking out.

Tim hasn't left my side all night and for that I'm grateful. His arm has been comfortably around my waist and his fingers have been tickling me in reassurance. Every time someone's looks briefly at his hand I blush and he seems to know it because his grip tightens gently. Tim would be holding my hand but I keep using my hands to talk with gestures just to emphasize whatever point I'm making. Surprisingly, a lot of people asked me about my family and their corporation – not the illegal one – so that made it easier to participate in conversations.

I had just finished talking to someone important, I forgot their name, and wanted to take a break but the reporter, Vicki Vale approached me. Her blonde hair was pulled up and she had an overly-friendly smile and microphone gripped in hand, followed by a skinny camera man. "Olivia! Vicki Vale from Gotham News! Am I able to ask you a few questions?"

Tim's fingers in my side clenched in encouragement. I smiled at her kindly, "Of course, Miss Vale."

"How are you finding living with Bruce? Are you going to be a representative of him just as this party?"

I licked my lips gently and thought before speaking. "Bruce has been very welcoming and I'm happy to call Wayne Manor my home for now. He approached me today to ask if I would represent him and I'm not sure what his intentions are regarding my position in his home."

She smiled, hoping for something juicier from the way her lip twitched. She looked at Tim's hand on my waist. Oh no. "Well, I had no idea that you and Tim Drake were an item! How long has that been going on for?"

I blushed, which betrayed my feelings to her but I remained calm. "Oh, we aren't dating. Just friends."

I felt Tim shift a little which somehow managed to grab Vicki's attention. "Ohhhhh, Tim! You don't seem to agree with what she's saying! Do tell!"

I didn't even look up at him while he spoke. "Livvy is a beautiful girl. A man will be lucky to have her one day, believe me."

Vicki grin as if she hit the jackpot but I guess that was all she needed because she thanked us, took our picture and then wandered off. I sighed once she was gone and leant on Tim. "Good lord, that woman is audacious!"

Tim laughed at me and curled his arm so my body would face him fully and bury my face in his chest. I'm feeling exhausted and we've only been here for about 3 hours. I curled my hands around his neck and pulled him closer. "You're so warm, bird boy."

"And you're so beautiful, Livvy." This made me smile and just hug myself closer to his body. Tim pulled back and I looked up at me. "Care to dance, Miss Wayne?"

I scoffed, but let him lead me to the dance floor. "I'm not Bruce's daughter."

I wrapped my arms back around his neck and his arms were around my waist. "The way you're going tonight, you may as well be able to be. You work a crowd as good as him. Not even Dick is that good."

I chuckled and kissed him on the cheek in thanks. "I've had practice with my family. All these people care about is money; if you can talk about that, you're fine. Besides, wouldn't it be weird if I was your adopted sister?"

A horrid shiver ran up his spine and he made an odd face at the thought before pulling me further around the floor. We continued like that for a while, just swaying in each other's arms and I rested my cheek on his chest whilst thinking about earlier. He wanted a chance with me.

Did Tim seriously want to have a go at dating? Because seriously, dancing here with me in his arms, I've never felt safer and I know he wants to protect me from everything. It's sweet, especially since he knows I can take care of myself. Maybe I could give it a go. The only harm that can come from it is a bad break-up but I can deal with that if it happened. I looked up to see him already looking down at me, his beautiful blue eyes leaving me awestruck. I took a deep breath…"Tim, I-…"

"Riddle me this, Gotham. It's an easy one." Before I could figure out who was talking, a hoard of men dressed in green and purple piled into the room, swarming around the room's occupants. Women were screaming and everyone was scrambling whilst I tried to figure out who had spoken. I almost smacked myself when I realized that I should have guessed when the henchmen ran in. It was the Riddler. Tim nudged me and signaled that he was going to suit up. I nodded and he was off.

Then I could finally see the podium Riddler was on and he didn't look like a frightening character, but I know better than to judge by appearance. He stood with a microphone in one hand and his cane in the other and he was searching the crowd for someone. He boomed into the device, "What is purple, red and worth a hell of a lot of money? It's so easy, it could kill you."

Oh no. Oh god, no. His eyes found mine and I knew that I was in deep shit. Tim, please hurry. Riddler spread his arms and I took a step back, even though he hadn't taken a step. "Isn't it obvious, Gotham?! It's the dazzling – and surprisingly short – Olivia Hales!"

The people who had been standing around me backed away as if I had a disease so now I was in a clear view of the Riddler and his men. Oh, boy I'm in trouble. The villain jumped down off the podium and made his way towards me and I started to freak out. He was also so skinny for a villain. He was entering the circle that was formed around me when a window smashed and a blur of black and blue landed in front of me. Nightwing. Trust Dick to be the first one here, even with Batman patrolling. He must be doing something important. "Don't touch her, Nigma."

Riddler chuckled and his henchmen pointed their weapons towards Nightwing. "Tell me, Nightwing. What's going to be black, blue and red all over in about half a minute's time?"

The automatic weapons clicked to signal the safety off and I touched Nightwing's shoulder in warning. "The answer is Edward Nigma."

Riddler hesitated as if confused and then turned just in time to see Batman fist collide with his jaw. Chaos erupted after that and people went everywhere, including Dick. I figured this is my cue to escape and I turned and began to move towards the exit quickly, which is hard in heels. People kept colliding with me and I managed to punch a couple of Riddler's men before getting knocked to my side.

A particularly tough looking goon was running towards me and I went to block his attack, but it never came. Crouching in front of the man's crumpled body was the girl from earlier. Mercy saved me. She was barefoot, but still in her gown and looking just as graceful as before, but more fierce. Another man came charging towards us, but Mercy just spun one leg out and sent him flying into a wall. I was still on the ground, just in awe of this woman that caught the heart of Richard Grayson, my belief of her villain ways dissipating instantly.

She was facing me now and I got a look at her properly. She doesn't look like the Joker, but I can see Harley Quinn. Her cheekbones were high and her complexion was fair, contrasting nicely with her green eyes and plump lips. Mercy held her hand out and I took it gingerly. "Hello, Olivia Hales."

"You're Mercy." Good job, Livvy. Nice way to talk to a murderous villain.

"Yes, I am. And you're the girl that has Red Robin around her finger." This made me chuckle lightly and she smiled at me before someone landed next to me.

I jumped at the sound and looked to see Tim standing there. I smacked him on the arm. "Why did you take so long!"

He was puffing. "Sorry, more guys than I thought throughout the building. Shall we go?"

I nodded, but turned to Mercy first who was watching us curiously. "Thank-you for helping me."

She smiled widely, and that's when I noticed the Joker in her. "You're very welcome. Tim is a good friend."

He grunted, and then swung me up bridal style. "I don't think 'good friend' is the right term. 'Former hostage' sounds more accurate."

He didn't even give her time to respond before he was moving to the exit, weaving his way through the fight with me in his arms. The crowd was still thick and Tim was struggling, along with villains still trying to chase us. Eventually we were surrounded and I suggested to Tim to put me down so he could fight. He shook his head and stated, "You'll be vulnerable if I let you go. Besides, without Batman we can't exactly go anywhere."

"Unless someone offers you a lift." Everyone in the room looked up to see Superman hovering above us and I cringed. Please, anyone but him right now. Can I go with Riddler instead? It would be more pleasant.

I was about to call out a rejection myself before I heard Batman call out in his cranky voice. "Go with him! I'll meet you soon."

Shit. Shit. Shit. Tim looked at me sympathetically and I decided to just hide my face whilst Tim shifted and I felt strong hands go under his arms and lift us into the air. I struggled just on motorcycles, there's no way that I'm ever going to look down whilst mid-flight. But that wasn't the worst part of this situation; the worst part is that Superman is going to want to talk to me and I have no way of hiding.