The Mayor's annual 'Pomp and Circumstance Ball'. The Governor and a bunch of city bigwigs and celebrities are invited. Commissioner Barbara's husband is unable to attend with her. She will accompany Bruce who insists the invited but unwilling Terry also attend. He refuses unless Max goes along as his date. Since his break-up with Dana he has repeatedly hinted to Max that their relationship could become more. She corrected him once, with crystal clarity, about how hell would freeze over before something like that would happen. Any further hinting on his part was met by her indifference.

Not willing to give up the idea, Terry thinks this kind of festive atmosphere might be enough to tip the scales of their friendship into something more 'hands-on'. Max, of course, refuses the invitation. When Terry tries harder to persuade her she brushes him off easily and declares there were plenty of other women for him to choose from whom were more qualified and much more willing to accompany him to such a notable event.

Terry hid his disappointment at her continued success at keeping him at a distance by consoling himself with the original fact that he didn't want to go anyway. Boring waste of time. He'd rather be patrolling. He kept his promise to Bruce and proclaimed with a shrug that he was not going to the shindig without Max.

"Choose another date." Bruce ordered bluntly, preoccupied with reading information he had called up on the batcave's computer. "It's important you attend Terry."

"Why?" Terry stuffed the last of his sandwich into his mouth, garbling words around the obstruction. "You're going to be there. Isn't the infamous Bruce Wayne more than enough representation for the company?"

Bruce grinned wryly, gaze still focused on his work, "He's no where near as attractive as the media darling from WayneTech that the public can't get enough of. The proceeds are going to aid the homeless and the Ball can use any extra publicity it can get. "

Terry grimaced and rolled his eyes at the thought of someone getting excited and wanting to donate because they saw his image somewhere. "Some people need to get a life," he muttered. "How did you stomach that part for as long as you did?"

"I considered it a necessary evil to ensure the success of other aspects of my life at the time. And it wasn't all bad."

"Oh yeah?" The subtle inflection in Bruce's voice got Terry's imagination revving. The elder rarely revealed any non-Batman type memories, but when he did they were worth hearing. "Care to enlighten me?"

"No."

Terry smiled despite the letdown, "Go ahead and keep your secrets. I'm still not going without Max."

Bruce paused in irritation and swiveled his chair to face the young man. "Why does it have to be Max?"

"Well…because." Because I hate these stupid social obligation things and hinging it on Max going is a sure out. "Because she's good company. Unlike other women, when she talks I usually understand what she's saying."

"Good conversation is that important to you?"

"Well…yeah, if I've got to spend more than an hour with them."

An arched silver brow and knowing look made Terry squirm and utter defensively, "What?"

Bruce gave his head a resigned shake. It was amusing observing the relationship between his two protégés, but sometimes it could get tedious. "I'll talk to her."

"You will?"

Bruce repressed a laugh at sight of Terry's childish look of surprise. It was nice to know that the rigors of Batman hadn't hardened the young man too deeply yet if such a simple thing could excite him.

"Yes. Now suit up. You've got a long night ahead of you."

"Right," Terry replied with a brisk nod and hurried off to change. Bruce smiled when he caught sight of the little jig Terry performed as he disappeared behind the changing partition.

Max was very reluctant to bow to Bruce's strong suggestions about why she should accompany Terry. He had to resort to bribery to get her to agree. He dangled the knowledge of some intriguing computer tricks that would be divulged to her after the Ball was over--if--she went.

Like a deprived chocoholic seeing that tiny chunk of half melted milk chocolate just out of her reach, Max licked her lips and blurted out, "Okay! I'll do it you--you manipulative octogenarian!"

"Hey." Bruce droned. "Watch the language young lady."