Dana Tan was a keeper.

Long dark hair and alluring eyes, with a slim, curvaceous figure and a smile that could light up the whole world. Good family that came from good money — not Wayne money but certainly enough that college was not a worry. Smart. Sensible. Kind. A girl with her whole future ahead of her.

Dana Tan was the kind of girl that grows up into a woman a guy marries.

So inevitably, being in high school, she got her heart broken.

A lot.


"ARGH!" Dana stomped away from the party, grabbing her coat and bag from the rack along the way.

"Dana, wait!" Nelson Nash, top bully and self-proclaimed kingpin of Hamilton Hill High ran after her, leaving behind his on-and-off girlfriend, local Queen Bee Bobbi "Blade" Sommer. Blade, for her part, looked fairly apathetic and uncaring about how Nelson had abandoned her.

Dana didn't bother to look back. She's done with Nelson. She can't believe she ever gave him a chance. When she felt her former date grab her arm, she pulled it away with uncharacteristic harshness, leveling Nelson a nasty glare before leaving the house of her classmate and into the cold, starry Gotham night.

Since she came to the party in Nelson's car, she'll have to walk to the nearest bus stop to get home. Even with heels, Dana can't bring herself to care. Instead, she steeled herself and walked to her destination, head held high. She made it to the stop, just in time to catch the next bus, and sat herself in the nearest empty spot she can find.

The bus continued on its route, and Dana just holds herself, waiting for her stop to come so she can finally go home. Thus, she was completely unprepared for the lurch the bus goes into, nor the bulky body the nearly tripped over her legs in its attempt to place itself in the empty seat next to her.

"Oh my God, I am so sorry," a deep voice apologized profusely.

Dana dusted herself off, straightening out her dress. "It's alright—" Her voice suddenly stopped as she looked up and spotted the owner of the voice. Her mouth goes dry.

He's hot. Like, really hot. Short dark hair, pale skin, and the iciest blue eyes she's ever seen. Strong chin, broad shoulders combined with a lean, tapered waist, with his clothes doing little to hide his muscular form. It's almost illegal, how good-looking he is.

"Mind if I sit here?" Mr. Handsome asked, and Dana can't help but nod her assent slowly.

"Thanks," He smiled, and Dana could swear she felt her heart skip a beat. He sat down, settling his bag down on the ground before leaning back. He held out his hand. "Hi. I'm Terry McGinnis."

"Dana Tan." Keep it smooth, Dana. Keep it smooth.

"I'm sorry, but I take this bus every night, and this is the first time I've seen you here," Terry said sheepishly.

Dana smiled, tucking a lock of her hair behind her ear. "Yeah, well, my friend lives down the street and he was having a party. Next thing you know, here I am."

"Did you enjoy yourself?"

Dana's smile fell. "I did at first, but then I saw my date flirting with his ex."

"Oh," and now Terry looked sympathetic, "That big of a jerk, huh?"

"Yeah," her shoulders slumped, "But I only have myself to blame. There were other girls and rumors, but he was so charming and he had a nice smile so I thought 'Why not?' and found out the answer the hard way. Lucky me."

"Hey, better now than later. That way you won't waste any more time on him."

"That's true, but honestly, I wish I hadn't wasted any time on him at all. I still have to see him at school everyday after all."

"Well, you can't have everything," Terry shrugged helplessly, "And school won't last forever. You'll only have to see him for about a year or so before you graduate and move on with your life."

"True," Dana conceded. "Speaking of schools, where do you go? I go to Hamilton Hill High."

Terry smiled awkwardly. "Gotham Academy."

"Really?" Dana blurted out in surprise. Gotham Academy was, well, Gotham Academy. It was almost as old as the city itself, and incredibly exclusive. Only Gotham's elite, whether in brains, brawn, or just plain old blood and money, went there. Even Dana's family, as well-off and connected as they were, could only dream of sending one of their own to that school.

"Yeah, but it's nothing special. Just nicer sports equipment and stuff," he looked a bit uncomfortable now, "I'm only going there because my family has been going there for generations. It's not really different from any other school."

"Still, that's pretty—" Dana spotted something familiar from the corner of her eye, "Wait, that's my stop!"

She stood up, quickly stepping over Terry's legs, her bag hanging by the crook of her arm. "Sorry Terry, but I got to go! It was nice meeting you!"

So intent on heading home, Dana didn't hear Terry call out her name as she exited the bus.


The following Monday saw Dana finishing the school day with her best friend, Chelsea Cunningham. Despite how she left the party, she's in a surprisingly good mood — something that Chelsea does not miss.

"What happened?" she asked, once her curiosity won out.

"What makes you think something happened?" Dana asked instead of answering, hands fingering her bag.

Chelsea gave her a flat look. "The last time I saw you, you were storming out of Howard's after the thing with Nelson. Now you're here all peppy and stuff even though your date ended horribly. Something happened."

Dana shrugged, a small smile on her lips. They stepped outside of the building to the front of the school, and her good mood immediately evaporated. Standing by his car, clearly waiting for her, was Nelson Nash. The moment he saw her, Nelson perked up and quickly made his way to her before she could find a way to escape.

"Dana! Why'd you ditch me at the party?" He demanded the moment he got close.

"Really Nelson? Going to try and make me look like the bad guy?" Dana scowled at him, "You just brought me there to make Blade jealous. And seeing how she isn't hanging off your arm right now, I'm guessing it didn't work."

"Come on, babe," Nelson tried to grab her by the shoulders, but she quickly shook him off, "It wasn't like that!"

"It was, and everyone here knows it. So forget it, Nelson — we are not, and never will be, a thing."

Nelson was about to argue otherwise, but before he could, another, unfamiliar voice cut in. "Dana?"

Everyone turned around to see Terry standing a little way's away. He's wearing a Gotham Academy uniform with his bag slung around his shoulder and a jacket hanging off his forearm. Around him, the students of Hamilton Hill High were whispering, wondering why a GA student was here. The girls were particularly intrigued, and once Dana noticed that, she felt a pit growing in her gut.

"Terry!" Dana called out, Nelson quickly forgotten. "What are you doing here?" She walked away from Nelson, towards the new arrival, and the whispers grew more furious.

"You forgot your jacket on the bus the other night," Terry said sheepishly, holding out the garment so Dana could take it. "I had some free time after school before I had to go home, so I figured I'd drop this off to you first before I left. I didn't have any way to contact you, but I remembered you went to school here, so…"

Dana took the jacket gratefully, beaming up at him. "Thanks. That was sweet of you."

Terry flushed a little. "It was nothing. Just the polite thing to do."

There was a loud crash. Both of them startled, looking around to see that Nelson had deliberately knocked over a trash can and was now stomping off back to his car. Everyone watched him as he quickly hopped into the driver's seat and drove away. Blinking, Terry and Dana turned their attentions back to each other.

"What was that about?"

"Nothing," Dana brushed it off, "Nothing important at least."

"Right," And now the awkwardness returned to his posture, and Dana couldn't help but find it endearing. "Well, I better go now."

"Wait!" He couldn't leave yet! "I don't have your number!"

Terry blinked. "You want my number?"

"Well, yeah. How else are we going to see each other again?"

"You mean, like hanging out?"

"Sure. Or maybe…" Dana trailed off, blushing as she brushed a lock of hair behind her ear.

"Oh," Realization dawned on Terry's face, "Like a date." He smiled. "I'd like that."

Dana's smile widened. "So would I."

They quickly traded numbers, and before she knew it Dana was waving Terry goodbye as he drove away on his motorcycle. He returned the wave as he merged back into Gotham's streets, speeding into the distance. Dana watched him go with a heartfelt sigh.

"So that's what happened," an amused Chelsea said from behind her, smirking.

"Shut up, Chels."


And just like that, it began. Texts before and after school. Pictures of how their days were going. And, inevitably, a not-date was arranged. Dana wanted to remove the 'not' part, but she feared it might be too soon for that, and anything that might have convinced her otherwise bowed away when Terry almost canceled because of a need to babysit his younger brother. Instead, Dana invited him along as well, and they headed over to Neo-Amusement Mile for a day out.

The old Amusement Mile had long been torn down after the previous Joker had been captured and imprisoned in Arkham permanently. The latest Joker hadn't taken that well when his predecessor died, and tried to destroy the renovated one in retaliation during his initial rampage. Despite his best efforts, however, he had been bested by Batman and Robin, and after his plot to launch the city into space had been foiled, dumped into Arkham, never to leave. Good riddance, Dana couldn't help but think.

Matty McGinnis was a precocious, polite child of eleven years old. He's a dead ringer for Terry, though his eyes were a dark brown, almost black, in place of Terry's striking icy blue. Dana fell in love with him immediately, in part because of how unnaturally mature he was. He was kind to Dana, and intuitive as well, seeing as he made sure to give his older brother some time alone with her whenever he can.

But as much as Dana liked him and his brother, her tentative affection paled in comparison to the love the two had for each other. Terry, Dana observed, adored his younger brother. The two weren't hesitant to poke fun at each other, but she can see the small smiles they exchange, the laughter. Terry was indulgent with him when he can, and when he can't he was quick to soothe any self-perceived slight. It almost made her jealous, seeing that sibling bond between them. Her brother and her had never shared such closeness, and never would.

When they had another moment alone, however, she can't help but comment on it.


"You're a good brother," Dana told her not-boyfriend, while they're watching Matty riding around on a carousel.

Terry glanced at her, and smiled softly, with just the smallest hint of bittersweetness. "You think so?"

"I know so," Dana replied, a slight laugh chasing her voice. "I have an older brother, and while we get along, we're not close. He's never treated me the way you treat Matty. I got to admit, I'm a little jealous."

Terry nodded absentmindedly, sighing. "Thanks, Dana. I'm glad you think that. One of the only things I've ever really wanted to do was to be a good brother to him. To take care of him."

Dana blinked. That sounds a little ominous. "Why?" she cannot help but ask.

Her not-date smiled sadly. "When I was ten and Matty was four, our biological parents were murdered."

She gasped. "Oh, Terry. I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to pry into something so personal."

"It's fine, Dana," Terry soothed her. "It was a long time ago, and we've made peace with it."

Dana calmed down, but she still felt guilty. Terry seemed to sense that, judging by the way he gently took her hand. "It's fine, Dana. I promise," Terry said, sighing lightly.

The girl swallowed and nodded. "If that's the case, then how did you end up at GA?"

Terry scratched his cheek. "After our parents' death, we were taken in by social services. But…I was scared they would separate us, so we ran away and lived in Park Row by ourselves for a couple of weeks. That's how we met Dad — he found us trying to jack the fuel rods off his car, and instead of calling the cops on us, he took us home and fed us. A week later, he adopted us and has been raising us ever since."

"Wow," Dana said, touched. "Your dad sounds like a great guy."

"He is," Terry agreed. "He gave us a family again. I now have two older sisters, an aunt, and a slew of honorary relationships. And while I miss my parents everyday, and would do almost anything to have them back…" he trailed off, then let out another bittersweet sigh again. "Well, I can't really resent how things turned out in the end, you know?"

Dana squeezed his hand comfortingly. "I understand, Terry."

Terry smiled at her. "Thanks for listening, Dana. I'm sorry if that was too much."

"It's fine, Terry," she assured him, and she can't help but lean a little closer, and she saw him doing the same—

"Terry?"

They both jump a little, and turn around to see that Matty had gotten off the carousel and was now looking at them both expectantly. Terry reluctantly let go of Dana's hand, and smiled at his younger brother. "Yeah, squirt?"

"Funnel cakes," Matty simply stated. He's referring to a promise Terry made him to get funnel cakes after the ride on the carousel.

"Right." Terry nodded, and looked at Dana. She nodded back, and the two follow a whooping Matty over to the stand.

And, well, if they're walking a little closer than they were before, who's to say?


The 'not-date' went off without a hitch, so it isn't long before an actual date follows. And another, and another, and Dana was on cloud nine for the following weeks. Everyone at Hamilton High noticed, and while many were curious, just as many were jealous. Whether for the lost chance at the hot GA student or at Dana herself was largely dependent on sexual preference, but it was noticeable all the same. Dana was largely ignorant of it all.

Chelsea was not.


"So, how's Terry?"

Dana almost jumped, and then turned around to scowl at her best friend. "Chelsea!" she hissed

Chelsea chuckled as she slid into the seat next to Dana, placing her tray of food in front of her. "C'mon, Dana. Can you blame me for being a little curious?"

The dark-haired girl sighed, leaning her elbow against the table. "No, I guess not."

The other girl smiled. "So, tell me — how is he?"

Dana sighed again, except this time it's a wistful sigh. "Amazing. He's perfect, Chels. Kind, considerate, always careful not to push too far — and you should see him with his little brother. He's…" she sighed once more, lovestruck.

Chelsea smirked. "He really does sound perfect. So, have you kissed yet?"

"Chels!"

"Please, Dana? I'm your best friend! I want details!"

"Fine, fine. Yes, we kissed."

"And…?" Chelsea prompted.

Dana gave her another lovestruck expression. "It was wonderful."

"Like fireworks?"

Dana slowly nodded. Chelsea squealed.

"Oh, I'm so happy for you girl! You deserve a guy like him!" Chelsea gushed, only to her mood to suddenly turn glum. "I wish I could be as lucky."

"Don't worry, Chels," Dana said, reaching over to comfort her friend. "I'm sure there's a guy out there for you. All we need to do is find him."

"Yeah, well it won't be for a while," Chelsea swept her eyes disparagingly across the cafeteria. "Not here, at least."

Dana followed her gaze, wincing when she sees Nelson eying her up again, along with some of his other jock friends. She shuddered.

Chelsea was right on that front, unfortunately.


The next day, after school, Dana went to meet Terry at the mall for a short date. She's all smiles until she spotted her boyfriend talking animatedly with another girl. A very pretty girl.

While she trusted Terry, she can't help but feel a small pit growing in her stomach. The girl her boyfriend was talking to wasn't a conventional, almost classical beauty like Dana, but she's beautiful all the same. With dark skin and slight, seductive eyes, and ample curves and assets, any boy would be attracted to her. Even with the pink, dyed hair.

Terry spotted her back, and his bright smile and eager gestures for her to hurry over smooth away some of her fear, but not all of it. He wouldn't be acting like that if he was trying to flirt with another girl, right?

"Dana," Terry said as soon as she's close, and he pulled her to his side. "I'd like you to meet a friend of mine."

"A friend?" Dana asked, trying to remain polite.

The other girl smirked. "Well, more like a cousin, really."

Dana feels herself relax at that, though she still remains slightly perplexed. A cousin? The girl doesn't look anything like Terry, so maybe she's related to his adoptive family?

"Dana, my best friend Maxine Gibson — or Max, as we call her," Terry introduced his friend, blind to his girlfriend's confusion. "Max, this is my new girlfriend Dana Tan."

"It's a pleasure to meet you," Max told her genuinely, holding out her hand which Dana took for the customary handshake. "I've been waiting to meet the girl that Terry hasn't been able to shut up about for the last month and a half."

"Oh?" Dana glanced at her boyfriend, amused.

Terry sheepishly rubbed the back of his head and shrugged, bashful. "Well…"

"He really likes you," Maxine mock-whispered to her, prompting a "Max!" from Terry and a giggle from Dana. Almost immediately, Dana felt her previous envy drain away. There's nothing to worry about here.


Around half an hour later, they're sitting at the food court, where Terry was picking up some pizza for them all to share. While he's gone, Dana picked up the courage to talk. After all, Max was Terry's best friend, and she wanted to make a good impression on her. "So, how do you two know each other?"

Max gave another smirk, something Dana was starting to realize was her default expression. "Through our parents. Well, adoptive, in Terry's case. And not so much my parents as it is my aunt and uncle. My uncle works with Terry's dad at the same company and his wife, my aunt, has known Terry's dad since he was a kid. They're still really close, so I've known Terry's dad practically all my life. Even longer than Terry has, really."

"Wow," Dana said in reply. That's quite a connection. No wonder the two of them saw each other as family. They pretty much are.

"My mom, who is my uncle's little sister, even dated one of Terry's uncles for a bit."

Dana chuckled. "That must've made reunions awkward."

Max's smirk turned brittle. Dana noticed, and her expression turned worried. "Did I say something wrong?"

"No, Dana," Max shook her head sadly. "It's just…Terry's uncle died years ago. Before any of us were born, actually. In fact, his dad lost all of his siblings except for his sister."

Almost immediately, the Asian girl was stricken with horror. "Oh my God. I'm so sorry."

"It's fine, Dana. You didn't know," Max sighed. "Our parents…they don't like to talk about them much. It's been years — decades, really — but to them the wounds still feel a little raw. Especially for Terry's dad and aunt."

Dana nodded sympathetically. As difficult as her relationship with Doug could be, she couldn't imagine losing him like that, at least not so young. Maybe that's why Terry's dad took Terry and Matty in. Because he knew what it was like to lose family.

"Terry doesn't mind talking about them, but then again he doesn't really have much to say on the subject. It's like I said: they died before any of us were born," Max continued, heedless of Dana's thoughts.

The other girl hummed and was about to respond, until she spotted her boyfriend coming over with the pizza. Max and Dana looked at each other, and silently agreed to let the subject drop.


("You haven't told her who you really are yet, have you?" Max asked her best friend with an accusing gaze, crossing her arms.

"No," Terry admitted. "I want her to like me for me, you know?"

"I understand, Terry, and I can't blame you. But you can't hide it from her forever. You've managed to stay below the radar so far, but your sister hasn't. Nor do I think she wants to. It's only a matter of time before it lands on you."

Terry cringed. Helena did revel in the spotlight more than most members of their family did. Granted, part of that was for their cover, but still… "I know, Max. And I will. I just want to enjoy this while it lasts."

Max placed a comforting hand on his arm. "Dana is a nice girl, Terry. Genuine. I think you should give her a little more credit than that.")


It's some weeks later when Dana's father asked to meet her boyfriend over dinner. Her mother noncommittally agreed, and Dana was glad that Doug is attending college over at another state because the last thing she needed was a snide remark. Reluctantly, Dana conceded to their request (order, really), and passed over the invitation to Terry, who nonchalantly accepts.

She wants to warn Terry about what he's getting into, but she doesn't want to scare him off. So instead, Dana told him that her father had high standards, which was true in a way, and Terry waved it off. "My family has high standards too," he revealed to her with a wink and a smile. Dana smiled back, weakly, and thought that whatever standards his family has, it can't compare to hers.

The Tans were what the Gotham Elite would call a 'minor family'. They had money, yes, but their small fortune didn't compare to the vast wealth that the major families like the Galavans had, to say nothing of the fact that they had only come into it in the last ten years. Their name, meanwhile, hardly bore any weight — their family had only lived in Gotham for two generations. Hardly any history there.

Dana's father, David Tan, had other plans. Ever since he had come into his wealth only to find himself still stonewalled by the upper echelons of Gotham's social establishment, he had worked hard to elevate the Tan name. This included Doug and Dana's schooling — after failing to get them into one of the private schools like Gotham Academy, he had purposely moved them to the same district as the highest-rated public school in the city for them to attend. Meanwhile, he and his wife and Dana and Doug's mother, Rhea Tan, tried to attend as many high-class social functions as they could, hoping to make enough connections to further their social ambitions.

While they didn't control every aspect of Dana's life, they still had standards to be met. This was why Dana had even agreed to go on a date with Nelson Nash — he was one of the few people at Hamilton Hill High that met the strict criteria her parents had for a possible boyfriend. The Nash Family was a rising minor family, and Nelson was the school's star quarterback. Dana had hoped to spark something between them because she was starting to get lonely, and she wouldn't have to worry about her parents' disapproval with him.

When the date fell through, however, she wasn't all that cut about it in the end, and neither were her parents. She could do better, they had told her, and while they meant it in an entirely different way than she did, they were still right. Dana could do better. And she had, with Terry. Her parents hadn't been all that approving at first, having never heard of the McGinnis Family, but they had warmed up considerably upon hearing that Terry attended Gotham Academy. Even if he didn't have a distinguished name, his enrollment there meant he had quite a number of connections that they could take advantage of.

Hence, the dinner. They wanted to gauge Terry. See if he would make a suitable spouse for their daughter. It didn't seem to matter that Terry and her had only been dating for a couple of months. Apparently her parents wanted to assess him now, probably in hopes of cutting off the relationship early if they decided he didn't meet their expectations.

Dana loved her parents. She did. But they could be so tiring, sometimes.


When Dana opened the door and saw Terry standing there with a covered dish in his hands, she swallowed and smiled. "Terry, you're early!" she said, taking the dish from his hands and setting it to the side so she could hug him.

Terry returned the hug, smiling nervously. "I am. I was hoping to make a good impression on your parents."

"Well, this is a good start," Dana glanced to the side. "What's the dish?"

"A casserole, based off an old family recipe. My dad and I made it together before I came here."

Dana raised an eyebrow. "You cook?"

"Everyone in the family does," Terry replied, shrugging. "Dad doesn't want us relying on takeout if we move out."

"Your dad is very practical," she noted.

Terry just smiled.


David Tan was a tall, stocky man with a short cut of dark hair and the slightest of wrinkles under his eyes. His wife Rhea had similar dark hair in a short bob, but her softer features had been inherited by her daughter. Both greeted Terry politely before seating him at their dining table — David on one end and Terry on the other, with Rhea to the former's right and her daughter across from her. Terry's casserole had been warmed up and placed near the center of the table, next to the main course: a medium-sized rotisserie chicken.

Upon her first bite of the casserole, Dana's eyes immediately lit up. She swallowed it down, savoring the taste, before glancing at her boyfriend. "This is delicious, Terry! You and your dad did an amazing job with this," she complimented her boyfriend.

Terry chuckled. "Thanks. I'll be sure to pass it on to Dad. He loves to cook, so he'll be happy to know that you like it."

And of course, Dana's father used that as a platform to launch his interrogation. He asked what Terry's father did for a living (businessman), where he worked (Wayne Enterprises — that turned some heads), how long they had lived in Gotham (all of their lives). This, of course, led to talking about Terry himself, and his interests, including his love for martial arts and for his motorcycle.

Dana already knew about all of that, of course. Terry had come to more than one date with a bruise or two from training, and had picked her up with his motorcycle more often enough. It was when David started asking about his other siblings that things started getting awkward.

"Well, my oldest sister owns a diner over on Park Row. It's doing really well, so she's opened up a few more around the city and turned it into a franchise. There's already talks about opening one in Metropolis."

David and Rhea exchanged looks. Dana couldn't really read them, but she hoped that was a good thing. She knew how some of the families looked down on certain kinds of professions. The now-extinct Drake family was proof enough of that.

"And your other sister?" David prompted.

Terry smiled nervously. "She graduated from Princeton a couple of years back. Now she works at Wayne Enterprises with my dad."

"Oh really? As a businesswoman, like your father?"

"You could say that."

That was a suspicious answer. Hopefully, not too suspicious that her father might decide there was something untoward about him. Dana didn't really know much about Terry's family (he told her that they were very private people), but he had promised to let her meet them eventually when he had the chance. From what he had told her, however, they were wonderful people — Matty was proof enough of that.

Dinner continued on, and eventually finished. Terry helped with the cleanup, and took the now empty dish (the casserole had been a hit, much to Dana's relief) with him as he left. Dana waved him goodbye, then shut the door closed and turned around to face her parents.

"So?" she asked, trying not to sound too eager.

"He's acceptable," her mother said after a moment. Dana slumped her shoulders in relief.

"But," her father started, causing her to straighten her back again, "we think he's hiding something. Nothing bad, necessarily, but I think you should keep an eye out, Dana."

Dana tried not to roll her eyes. "Sure thing, Dad." Not.

Whatever Terry was hiding — if Terry was hiding something — she doubted it was something to worry herself over.


And the months passed by, as their relationship continued to grow. Now it was customary for Terry to pick her (and later Chelsea) up from Hamilton High after school to hang out at the mall or somewhere else with Max. He only used the motorcycle when they were going out for a date by themselves. Chelsea got to know him better as well, and much like Dana, had hit it off with the snarky Max. Even Howie eventually joined in. Life was…good.

Until, eventually, Christmas hit — as did the culmination of her family's social ambitions. After years of toiling, the Tans had done the impossible and gotten invited to the annual Wayne Foundation Gala. The social event of the year. Her father had been on cloud nine for a week after the news broke.

Of course, they weren't the only minor family invited. It seemed Jason Wayne was being generous and extravagant this year, as almost all the minor families had been invited. Word was that he was outfitting Wayne Hall specifically for this gala. Whatever the case, Dana was happy to hear that — it meant she'd get to see Chelsea at the gala as well. The Cunninghams were a rising family too.

Alas, that also meant Nelson and Blade were going to be there as well. And Howie, but Dana wouldn't mind seeing him. All in all, it was something to be excited for — until her parents asked her if Terry was going as well. With the implicit suggestion that if he wasn't already, then maybe she should break up with him. After all, any boy worth marrying in Gotham was going to be at this gala.

So, reluctantly, Dana dialed up Terry for a call. She had already decided that if Terry wasn't already going, she'd bring him along anyway. Forget her parents — she liked Terry. Really, really liked him. He made her happy.

Her cell rang until… "Dana?"

"Hey, babe. How are you?"

"Nothing much. Just helping Matty with some of his homework."

Dana smiled. "Always got to be the good big brother, huh?"

"Yup. So what's up? Is something wrong?"

She hesitated for a moment, then spoke. "My parents got a family invite to the Wayne Foundation Gala."

There was a momentary silence over the line. "The Wayne Foundation Gala?" there was an odd tone to her boyfriend's voice.

"Yeah. They were wondering if you were invited too. If not, you can come with me if you want."

"I… that's kind of you Dana. I wasn't invited, per se, but I will be there anyway."

Dana frowned. "What do you mean by that?"

"It's complicated. Let's just say…well, you'll understand why when you get there. Just trust me, alright?"

"Alright, Terry."

She could hear him smile over the line. "On the bright side, you'll finally get to meet my family there. They've been badgering me for ages to see you. Apparently Matty has been telling stories."

"Oh really? What kind?"


It had been a hassle, but the Tans managed to get their own appointment at the Menagerie. Dana ultimately chose a sky blue evening gown with open shoulder sleeves. Her long black hair had been dolled up into a high rise bun, and her father had gifted her a matching hand bag for the occasion. The Tans weren't rich enough to have a personal driver on permanent call, but they were rich enough to hire one for the night, along with a short limo to arrive in.

Dana waited nervously in the car as they waited for their turn to ride up in front of Wayne Hall's famous Acropolis entrance. She couldn't help but send texts to Chelsea, Howie and Max (who she confirmed would also be there) and most of all, to Terry. All reassured her that things would be fine, that they would be there too. She hoped they were right. While yes, Dana didn't care about her family's social ambitions all that much, this meant a lot to her parents and to her future, so she hoped to make a good impression with the people there.

Eventually, the time came. They waited for the driver to open the door, and her father was the first to step out, followed by her mother and then her. As she did so, she couldn't help but stare in awe at the visage of Wayne Hall. It seemed to be even grander in person, illuminated by a number of golden lights that had been weaved around the Grecian columns and giving off an almost ethereal glow. If this is what it's like outside, I can only imagine what the inside will be like.

They walked up the rolled out red carpet, letting a couple of pictures be taken from the very few members of the press that had been allowed on the Wayne Estate for this occasion. Jason Wayne was notoriously private despite his life in the public sphere, so this was one of the few times he would allow any member of the Fourth Estate onto his property. Even he knew the value of the media when it came to his philanthropy, after all.

Dana followed her parents, gliding up the steps and inhaling a deep breath as she crossed the threshold into the venue. Once she got a full view of the interior, she stopped and stared again, and this time her parents were with her. Jason Wayne really did go all out this time, she would reflect, later.

Wayne Hall had been decked out with some of the most luxurious adornments she had ever seen. Handcrafted glass 'stars' hung from the ceiling around the sparkling chandelier, the walls had been painted with a theme — based off of Van Gogh's Starry Night painting, by the looks of it — and all the tables had large white-colored goodie bags on every seat. Off towards the stage, an orchestral band was playing a voiceless rendition of Silent Night. Already, she could see countless members of Gotham's elite class milling about, socializing.

An usher, one of many hired for tonight's event, guided them to their table. Dana was surprised to see Chelsea and her father already there when they arrived, along with Howie and his parents. What were the chances that they would all be sitting at the same table?

(Later, Dana would realize it wasn't a coincidence at all.)

"Isn't this amazing?" Chelsea would whisper to her the moment the Tans sat down. Dana couldn't help but nod, making a short wave to Howie across the table as she did so. "I can't believe we're here!"

"Neither can I," Dana told her, setting her hand bag down next to her plate. "Have you seen Terry or Max?"

Chelsea shook her head. "No, but then again I just got here like you. I'm sure they'll turn up."

"Right," Dana agreed. They would. They had promised, after all.

By the grace of their parents, the seats were rearranged so they could sit next to Howie and commiserate over the their current situation. They were at the Wayne Foundation's Christmas Gala, after all. The biggest event of the year, as far as Gotham City went. Dana could only imagine all the people that would swarm them at Hamilton Hill High the following Monday, asking for the details. It would be a nightmare to navigate.

Eventually, Cassandra Wayne, Jason Wayne's sister, walked up the steps of the stage and made a speech. It seemed that Jason was delayed dealing with something and had asked his sister to handle the initial hosting duties. A beautiful woman that looked almost fifteen years younger than she actually was, Cassandra had thanked them all for coming tonight and insisted they start the festivities. The food had been already laid out, the dance floor cleared, and the orchestral band started playing a jaunty tune.

After she left the stage, the three of them immediately got up to follow her instructions. Dana couldn't help but giggle as she saw the 'first course', as one of the waiters had told her, on the side table. She was going to be so full when this was over.

"You should try the ones with the pears. I tasted them myself — they're absolutely divine."

Blinking, the three teenagers turned around. It took all of their self-control not to gape when they saw who addressed them. She was a tall woman with brunette hair, wearing glasses with wire black frames and green-tinted lenses. An odd quirk of hers that held over from her childhood years, continuing even after she had been adopted into the most powerful family in Gotham City.

The woman smiled at them. "Carrie Wayne. And you might be…?"

Dana was the first to find her voice. "Dana. Dana Tan. And these are my friends Chelsea Cunningham and Howard Groote."

"It's nice to meet you," Chelsea managed to stutter out.

"You can call me Howie," Howie told the older woman, clearly not thinking his words through.

Carrie laughed. "Alright then, Howie."

Howie blanched when he realized what he just said and flushed.

"It's fine. I'll admit, I've never seen the three of you at a Wayne Gala before. Is this your first time?"

Hesitantly, the three teens nodded.

"Well, don't worry about making a good impression or anything like that," Carrie told them. "Just enjoy yourselves, and you'll find that everything will come easier to you than you thought it would." That final word said, she gave them a playful wave goodbye and turned to walk towards another guest.

The moment she was out of earshot, all three finally had it in them to breathe. "Did we just talk to a Wayne?" Howie wondered.

"I think we did," Dana replied faintly, still staring out into space.


After that wondrous and frankly terrifying experience, the three teens collected their food and ate. Dana looked around, searching for Terry, and frowned when she realized she couldn't see him yet. She was quickly distracted, however, when Chelsea dragged her to the dance floor for a quick twirl after the first two courses had filled them up sufficiently. Dana conceded with a sigh, especially when the orchestral band had switched up to a more upbeat song that seemed out of place for a formal gala like this.

She was in the midst of spinning around during a particular chord when her eyes met someone else's. She nearly tripped over her feet when she recognized who it was: Cassandra Wayne. The older woman, on her part, helped catch her with an indulgent expression.

"You should be careful," Cassandra gently chided her.

"Forgive me, Miss Wayne," Dana said shyly in response, smoothing out the lower half of her gown.

"It's fine. As long as you heed my advice. Dancing is an enjoyable past time, but only when done with awareness and safety."

Dana nodded. Cassandra stepped forward and place a hand on her shoulder, tilting her head. "Tell me your name, young one."

"Dana Tan, ma'am."

"Dana Tan…" Cassandra let the name roll off her tongue. "I shall remember that." She gave Dana's shoulder a squeeze before walking away.

A minute later, Chelsea walked up to her with wide eyes. "Was that Cassandra Wayne?"

"Yeah," Dana croaked out, still stunned.

"Oh my God, Dana! That's the second Wayne tonight!" Chelsea hissed.

"I know," Dana told her, tightening her fists. "I know."


"Still no Terry?" Chelsea asked sympathetically.

Dana sighed and shook her head sadly. "No. He's even stopped texting. Hopefully he's alright."

"Well, wherever he is, I'm sure he'd want you to have fun."

"Yeah, you're right," Dana sighed again.

"Hey guys! Have you checked out the goodie bags?" Howie cut into the conversation, rifling through one of the white pouches.

Chelsea glared at him. "Really, Howie?"

"C'mon! Aren't you curious?"

The girls exchanged a look. He had a point.

Howie took out a piece of parchment whistled. "Wow! A coupon for WayneTech!"

Chelsea blinked. "Isn't that the biggest tech store in the city?"

"And the most expensive too!"

Dana shrugged. "Well, it is a Wayne Foundation Gala," she pointed out.

"Indeed."

Dana, Chelsea, and Howie stared as a statuesque woman with long, dark hair sat herself in the seat next to Dana. Her distinctive green eyes slit themselves as a sly smirk crossed her face. She was, perhaps, the most gorgeous woman any of them had ever seen.

"Helena Wayne," the woman introduced herself. "I apologize for intruding like this but I couldn't help but be a little intrigued by your conversation. Dana Tan, Chelsea Cunningham, and Howard Groote, correct?"

"I-I…yes, how did you know that?" Dana rushed out. This was the third Wayne tonight. At this rate she'd be meeting the whole family.

Helena's smirk widened. "I make it a point to know the names of everyone that attends one of these parties, whether I meet with them personally or not."

"Really?"

"Really. So, how are you enjoying the gala so far? Having fun?"

The teens nodded vigorously, though, Dana's was slower than the others. This didn't escape Helena's notice. "What's wrong, Dana?"

"It's nothing, Miss Wayne. It's just — my boyfriend and his best friend promised to be there, and I haven't seen them yet."

Helena hummed. "Their names?"

"Terrence McGinnis and Maxine Gibson."

The older woman tapped her fingers on the table. "Well, I don't know about the first, but the second is actually here. She's just been unable to get away from her parents' friends. I'll go ahead and find her and send her over your way."

Dana blinked and blushed. "You don't need to do that, Miss Wayne."

Helena waved her off. "Pish posh. It'd be my pleasure."


"I am so sorry, guys," Max apologized the moment she arrived. "I've been meaning to find you but my cousins kept taking up my time."

"It's fine, Max," Dana said, swallowing a bite of food. "What matters is that you're here now. Though, I need to ask — have you seen Terry?"

There was a flash of something in Max's eyes, though it was gone before Dana could pinpoint it. "He's here, Dana, but he got caught up in something too. He'll probably try to find you as soon as he's done."

Dana finally felt the pit in her heart dislodge itself at that. Thank God. Terry was fine. He hadn't forgotten her at all.

"Yo, baby cuz, why you here?"

The four teenagers turned to see a tall, African American man with a vague resemblance to Max approaching them. While Dana and the others wondered who this was, Max palmed her forehead. "Seriously, Felix? The accent again?"

The newly-dubbed 'Felix' grinned. "Ah, c'mon, Max! Let me have my fun!"

"No. In fact, not just no, but hell no."

Felix pouted. Max sighed. "Dana, Chelsea, Howie, I'd like you to meet my cousin: Felix Fox."

Immediately, the three teenagers froze. "You mean the Felix Fox?" Howie gasped. "The son of Luke Fox and Barbara Gordon-Fox?"

"Huh. I didn't realize I was that famous," Felix commented, rubbing his chin.

"Wait a minute, if he's Felix Fox, then…" Chelsea's eyes widened, and she whirled on Max. "You're a Fox, Max?"

Dana felt her jaw drop. Max is a Fox? The Foxes were arguably the most powerful of the minor families — some would even say they were a major family, considering the vastness of their wealth and influence. On top of their own thriving company, Foxteca, headed by the trifecta of Tamara Fox, her husband Orenthal Cornelius Gibson, and her sister-in-law Barbara Gordon-Fox, they were closely associated with the Waynes and Wayne Enterprises, often partnering together for projects. Luke Fox, the older brother of Tam Fox and Barbara's husband, was the explicit second-in-command, if not outright partner, of Jason Wayne himself.

Did Terry know about this? she couldn't help but wonder. Then she mentally slapped herself — of course Terry knew about this. Max was his best friend. They had known each other since they were kids. He would have had to have met Max's parents already.

Max sighed again. "Yeah, I am. My parents are Orenthal Gibson and Tamara Fox."

"Oh my God," Chelsea whispered.

"Look, I'm sorry for not telling you. It's just…awkward when people realize who my parents are," Max explained, shuffling her feet a bit, "They tend to see them more than me."

And just like, any apprehension Dana felt about this recent revelation came crashing down. Of course Max felt like that. She had probably been stressing out about this ever since she had first met Dana, which was probably why Terry never told her about his friend's parents. Max had wanted her to like her for herself, not for her name or money.

"Well, I still see you," Dana told her, smiling. Max smiled back gratefully.

Which was quickly wiped away when Felix threw his arm around her shoulder. "Maxie! You've finally made friends outside of the Family! I'm so happy!" he mock-sobbed.

"How am I related to you?" Max bemoaned.


After Felix left them, Max sat down at their table and they got to talking about their experience so far with the gala. Unlike them, Max had been to several of these growing up, though this one was the largest she had been to since Helena Wayne's Sweet Sixteen Gala a decade ago. She provided a different dimension to the discussion, revealing the amount of work that went into planning a gala like this and comparing aspects of it to past galas, including the location.

"Jason Wayne hates Wayne Hall?" Howie gaped.

Max nodded. "Uncle Jason grew up in Park Row when it was Crime Alley. Until Bruce adopted him, he didn't have a cent to his name. So, he doesn't like to spend so much money unless it's for a good cause — like philanthropy, in this case. According to Aunt Babs, when he first saw Wayne Hall and learned why it was built, he vomited."

The three other teens grimaced. That was not a pretty picture to imagine.

"I'm actually kind of surprised that he's using Wayne Hall this year. I thought after Lena's Sweet Sixteen he'd close this place down for good."

"Lena?" Chelsea asked, eyebrow raised.

"Helena Wayne," Max clarified. "It's one of her nicknames."

Right. Because Max had known Helena Wayne since she was a kid — a baby, really. God, how is this my life? Dana wondered. She had met three Waynes tonight and learned that one of her friends was a Fox. At least she didn't have to worry about her parents disapproving of this friendship.

"Hey there, Dana!"

And now there's this guy. Dana silently moaned as the mood of the conversation plummeted. Nelson Nash, who they all had been deliberately avoiding all night, sauntered in, with a bored-looking Blade hanging off his arm.

"Where's your boyfriend?" he immediately asked, smiling nastily.

"Oh, just go away, Nash," Chelsea told him off, standing up.

Nelson held up his hands in a placating gesture, though the smirk made it clear that placation was the last thing on his mind. "Hey, I'm just asking a question."

"Right," Max drawled.

The bully glanced down at her. "And who might you be?"

"Max Gibson."

While Nelson didn't seem to recognize the name, Blade did, judging by how alert she suddenly became upon hearing it. She gazed at Max with renewed interest. Dana wasn't surprised — Blade's parents were even bigger social climbers than hers were, and unlike Dana, Blade had inherited the trait wholeheartedly. She would've taken the effort to be aware of the who's who of Gotham's elite, at least for this party.

"Uh huh," Nelson said, brushing the girl off. Dana saw Max's eyebrows raise, and resisted the urge to giggle. If only he knew. "So, Dana. Where's your boyfriend… Tommy, wasn't it?"

"Terry, Nelson," Dana corrected him, crossing her arms. "And for the record, he will be here. He's just…busy, with something right now. According to Max." Admittedly, it sounded weak even to her ears.

And to Nelson's, judging by the growing smirk on his face. He was about to make another comment, only to stop when he saw everyone's parents arrive. Dana noticed them too, and frowned. It seemed her parents were done with the socializing for the time being. Or, judging by the looks on their faces, were making sure their children weren't embarrassing them.

"What's going on here?" David asked, crossing his arms.

"Nothing, Dad," Dana replied, standing up. "We were all just talking, right?" There were concurring nods all around.

David didn't look convinced, but accepted it anyway. "Very well then. Dana, has Terry arrived?"

"Well, he—" she stuttered out, well aware of the audience they had and the increasingly dark expression on her father's face.

"Dana!"

And then, ever so briefly, the tension lifted as an eleven year old boy jogged up to Dana with a bright smile on his face. "You're here!" Matty said joyfully, before hugging her.

Dana couldn't help the bright smile that crossed her face as she gently pressed her hands against Matty's back. "Hey, Matty. Where's your brother?"

Matty blinked up at her. "Terry? He should be right—"

"Matty!" And yup, there was Terry. Finally, Dana thought, just a little bit annoyed. "Don't run from me like that!"

His little brother ignored him. "Look Terry! Dana!"

"Yes, I see her," Terry told him, sighing, before glancing at his girlfriend apologetically. "Sorry I'm late, Dana. There was an errand Dad and I needed to run and it took much longer than we thought it would."

"It's fine, Terry," Dana assured him, moving forward to take his hand. Terry let out a breath of relief.

"Where is your father, Terry?" Rhea Tan asked, cutting into the conversation before anyone else could speak. "You promised us a chance to meet him." Since you keep on avoiding telling us who he is, is what she didn't say.

Terry cringed. "Well, he's—"

"Okay, why is there such a large group here?"

The entire group stilled as they spotted the newest entry into the conversation — and the fourth Wayne Dana would be meeting tonight. A tall, muscular man with slick black hair and blue-green eyes, who looked ten years younger than he reportedly was. Jason Wayne, the (in)famous head of the Wayne Family and the richest man in Gotham.

The Prince of Gotham raised an eyebrow. "Well, is anyone going to answer me?"

"We were all just talking, Uncle Jason," Max casually answered, putting the spotlight on her. Nelson goggled at the casual address.

Jason shot her a flat look. "Oh really, Maxine?"

"Yes, really. Just talking. All these guests live in the same area, and it's their first time at a Wayne Gala. They were just…comparing experiences."

"Uh huh," Jason said in a way that made it blatantly clear he wasn't fooled in the least. His eyes flickered over the entire group before settling on Terry and Dana. They narrowed slightly as he adopted a smirk.

"Don't you dare say anything," Terry warned him before he could open his mouth.

Almost everyone else gaped at him, except for Nelson who smirked. Nobody noticed Max, who just smiled. "Terry!" Dana hissed.

David stepped forward, desperate to save the situation before her daughter's boyfriend screwed everything over for them. "Forgive him, Mr. Wayne. I'm sure he didn't mean to be so rude."

Jason looked at him, still smirking, and now chuckling. "Oh no, he certainly did."

Oh my God oh my God oh my God Dana kept chanting in her head. What was Terry thinking, talking back to Jason Wayne of all people! Now her parents would never approve of their relationship!

Completely aware of the panicking the various people present were going through, Jason's smirk turned into a full-blown grin. "You really didn't tell them, did you?" he asked, speaking to Terry directly.

"Nope!" Matty piped up, removing himself from Dana's side to smile mischievously at everyone.

"Indeed he did not," a voice commented. Dana looked up to see it was the three Wayne women she had met over the course of the night: Carrie, Helena, and Cassandra. She paled even harder, even as her mind continued to run a mile a minute. What was going on?

Her thoughts when an audible snicker turned into hysterical laughter. She turned around to see Max clutching her sides as she cackled loudly, nearly falling out of her chair. Everyone stared at the girl, who was struggling to get a hold of herself, in disbelief, except for the Waynes, who still looked amused, and Terry, who groaned.

"You're all enjoying this, aren't you?" he accused the Waynes, crossing his arms.

"Yeah, we are!" Max hollered behind him, still laughing. Terry growled.

Jason lifted an eyebrow, placing his hands into his pockets. "You only have yourself to blame, Terry."

"I hate all of you," Terry told them, distinctly unamused.

"No you don't!" Matty countered cheerfully. Terry growled again, this time at his little brother, who only grinned in retaliation.

Howie, whose mind had been twisting around like everyone else's, began to twitch, until he finally snapped. "Could someone explain what's going on!" He yelled, causing everyone's attention to turn to him. Upon realizing this, he shrunk unto himself and added a quiet, "Please."

Terry sighed. "Dana," he started, taking his girlfriend's hand and pulling her forward. Dana blinked up at him, confused.

"I'd like you to meet my family."

What.

The group behind them fell completely silent, except for the still laughing Max. Jaws dropped, especially those of the Tans and Nelson. Dana's eyes were the widest they had ever been as her head swished between her boyfriend and the Waynes.

"You've already my younger brother Matty," Terry continued, ignoring her reaction. "These are my two older sisters, Carrie and Helena, my aunt Cassandra, or Cass, as we call her, and my dad — Jason."

Dana stared. Jason tilted his head, and stepped forward to observe her at a closer angle. "So you're the girl that captured my boy's heart…" he mused.

"You didn't need to introduce us, Terry," Helena said slyly. "The three of us already met her while she was waiting for you. And I don't know about Aunt Cass or Carrie, but I approve."

"As do I," Carried added, while Cass nodded.

"Well, that's good to hear—wait, what?"

"Oh, c'mon Terry! Did you really expect us to wait to meet her after all the praises you and Matty sang about her?"

"Yes!"

As the siblings descended into familiar bickering, Jason's grin faded away into a genuine smile. "My children," he exhaled theatrically with both exasperation and fondness. "I love them, I do, but they can be quite a lot to handle, as you've no doubt realized tonight."

Dana blinked again, and nodded slowly.

"Don't be too hard on him, Dana. He was planning on telling you tonight at the beginning of the gala, but the errand we were on popped up unexpectedly and took much longer than we thought it would." Jason placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. "For what it's worth, we've been eager to meet you. Terry and Matty have said nothing but good things, and I wanted to see if you lived up to the hype. And judging by the comments my sister and daughters have made, you have. So I guess I can forgo the threats just this once and ask you to take care of my son. He's strong, my Terry, but he's a lot more fragile than you think."

The girl swallowed at that. Jason glanced back at his bickering children, and cleared his throat, ending the argument. Terry turned to him and his face softened when he saw how confused and out of place Dana looked. "I think you and Dana need to talk, Terry. When you're done, we'll be at our table so we can discuss this properly." He gave Dana a final pat on the shoulder before corralling his family back to the center table, where the Waynes were all seated together. Along the way, he helped pick up the still laughing Max off the floor and helped guide her back to the table with them.

All except for Terry, who smiled awkwardly at Dana. "Surprise?"


"So you're a Wayne, huh?" Dana asked, frowning. After the Waynes had left the vicinity, Terry had guided Dana away to a private corner of the Hall while everyone else tried to recover from the recent revelations about his family.

Terry licked his lips. "Yeah, I am," he admitted with regret. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you, Dana, it's just that, well…"

Dana bit her lip. "You wanted me to like you for you, right?"

Terry nodded bashfully. "How did you know?"

"Max said something similar, when we found out she was a Fox. I guess it's even worse for you."

"You have no idea. Even at GA, everyone treats me differently. Like I'm on a pedestal. Max and her family are some of the only people who don't treat me like the sun shines out of my ass." Terry rubbed his arm. "And then I met you, and you didn't recognize me and, well…I wanted to get to know you. And I wanted you to know me, the real me. So…if this changes things…"

Dana reached over to caress his cheek. "It doesn't, Terry. Whether you're a Wayne or a McGinnis, you're still Terry and that's all that matters to me."

Terry smiled at that. The couple gazed at one another deeply before leaning forward to exchange a deep kiss. They were careful not to let it be too deep, seeing as they were in public and surrounded by Gotham's upper class, but even so the sentiment is clear. After a minute or so, they separated, and leaned their foreheads together.

"I got to know, though — where did you get the name McGinnis?" Dana asked, panting slightly.

Terry looked down. "That was the last name of my biological parents. Officially, my name is Terry McGinnis-Wayne."

Dana didn't say anything to that, though the hug she gave him afterward made it clear where her feelings stood on that. Terry returned the embrace, and they stayed like that for several minutes before finally releasing it.

"Ready to be grilled to the ninth degree?" Terry asked as he slipped his hand into Dana's.

Dana paused. She wanted to say no. It was almost too much tonight. Her boyfriend was a Wayne. A couple of weeks ago she ate a casserole made by the hands of Jason Wayne. Her parents were never going to disapprove of this relationship — no, quite the opposite. She was probably going to get mobbed at school on Monday. But… she looked up into Terry's eyes, and felt all those worries fade away.

"I think I am," Dana replied, grinning. "Funny that."

Terry grinned back.


This is 10,000 words. Or close to it. Almost two chapters long.

I've been having a little writer's block on the main story, so I decided to write this to get my mind off it. This is the early story of Terry and Dana's relationship, and I thought it would make a nice breather to the beautiful tragedy of Jason and Donna's. It's like a meet cute, a boy meet girl story. I originally intended for this to be a one-shot, as a part of a collection, but decided to make it an interlude instead.

Of course, there are differences between this story and Batman Beyond canon. As you can see, Terry has never met Dana before or attended Hamilton Hill High, since he's a Gotham Academy student. Jason is going to want him to have the best education possible, and that's at his old would-be alma mater. Meanwhile, I've adjusted Hamilton Hill High so it will fit into the world I've created — here, it's a high-class public school where startup minor families attend when they can't get into GA or Brentwood.

I did this because from what little we see of Dana's family, it seems she comes from a more upper-class family than Terry's. Obviously, that's reversed here since Terry is a Wayne. Also, because I wanted Chelsea, Howie, Nelson, and Blade to attend the gala too. This was the best way to do that.

As for Max, I wanted to bring her in too, and I got the idea of making her a Fox to do that, so that way she still had her established friendship with Terry. Here the two are childhood friends and attend GA together. Max is the daughter of Tam Fox, and thus the niece of Babs and Luke. She's known Jason since literal babyhood and Terry since he was adopted by Jason, and yes, that means she's aware of the Bat-Family since Tam knew that Tim was Red Robin and because her aunt and uncle are Oracle and Batwing, respectively. That means she's not as reckless in interfering with Batman business since she basically grew up in the superhero world.

I know this isn't what many of you expected, but again, I want a lead on the main story and this is something for you to chew on while waiting for that.

Next chapter (for certain): Jason and Donna talk.