The Hive: Sequined ball gowns, stretch limos, manicured hands, tailored suits, and fake smiles all preparing for one of the hottest events of the year. Bruce Wayne's Charity Gala. Where the upper-class citizens of Gotham come together and throw a bone to those less fortunate. Where the press tries to weasel their way in for the best access to all of Gotham's elite. A ball to celebrate the shallowest of polls, what's new? Money, Money, Money! Cash being thrown all around, however, the greatest prize is hidden under lock and key. Wanna know what it is? I'll give you a hint, it has something to do with our dear prince, Dick Grayson.

Flash.

He pushed through the crowd of photographers, his sunglasses shielding his face and backpack held tight to his chest.

Flash.

His heart drummed each second as someone got too close, face heating from the boiling anger inside of him, and eyes temporarily blind from the flash of the cameras.

Flash.

In the crowd, he could face what he once knew long ago. Faces that remind him of a night he refuses to go to, and hauntings that he'll never get rid of.

Flash.

Weeks Later…

Dick shook himself awake when Bruce slams down the latest news article, he took a peek at the title: Babs and Dick, Trained to Lie. Alfred approached Bruce with a steaming cup of coffee, he silently thanked him and took a seat on the opposite side of the table.

There was something different about Bruce this morning, he wasn't as angry as he was from the first time, he saw an article circulating his heir and the daughter of the commissioner. His face still seemed cold as stone, though it had a hint of ease.

Relaxation? Exhaust? It was hard to tell due to him always keeping the same exterior around everyone and not once breaking it unless he was angry about something. Dick took another look at the article and at the photo under it.

It was a photo taken a while back when Dick and Babs were first "going out", they were told to go to this small, exquisite restaurant that Bruce had picked out. He'll never forget the words Bruce told him before he went out.


"Remember Kory, my catering company is needed at the ball for 6:00 so we can prep the food early. I'm a little short-staffed, so I'll be looking around for waiters a bit. Can I count on you to be one of them?" Galfore asked as he sorted through the menu he made, "My classmates will be attending, my rich classmates—""—Kory, we are not defined by our economic status, but the status of our character, who cares? I'm sure they'll be happy to see you at the event at all," She could only nod as her thoughts drifted to a certain raven-haired boy.

"Do you happen to know anyone who's willing to help?" Kory thought to herself as a couple of people came to mind.


"No way," Gar pouted. Kory, Rachel, Kole, and the twins were sitting in the back of the library waiting for the first-period bell to ring. "Why not Garfield? My uncle is willing to pay you all 10.00 an hour—"

"Um, I can think of like three reasons as to why not. One, the snobby rich kids are bound to be there and will definitely mess with me all night, two, I hate wearing a stuffy tie, white shirt, slacks, and church shoes, three, I'll most likely be thrown in the dumpster by the end of the night—" "—That happened one time Gar," Kole interjected, "It happened a bazillion of times! You guys just weren't there to see it!" He threw his arms around frantically, while everyone else rolled their eyes.

"Well, you can count us in Kory," Kole added, with the twins nodding in agreement. "Wonderful! What about you Rachel?" Rachel raised her eyebrows a bit, "I-uh, have somewhere to be after school—" "—You always have to be somewhere after school," "Yeah, well some of us have things to do," Rachel replied. as she turned the page of her new book. "Oh, well that's okay. I'm sure I can find someone else to help," Kory blinked her long eyelashes at Gar way's and gave a puppy dog pout.

Gar didn't budge at first, but he could feel Kory's eyes boring into his soul and he eventually cracked. "Ugh! Fine, I'll help…but if I get thrown in the trash, you owe me an extra 10 bucks for, uh, garbage troubles," "Litigation?" "Gesundheit," Kory clapped her hands excitedly, "Great! I'll text my uncle and let him know, we'll be meeting at 6:00 at the Garden Club—"

"That swanky-fancy place where all the rich people go and be rich?" Gar asked with his eyes wide as ostrich eggs. Kory put a finger to her chin, "Mmm, I'm not sure. I haven't been, but my uncle has told me that it has a beautiful garden with a large fountain to take pictures with, a koi fishpond, a huge dance floor, and a crystal chandelier!"

"Yep, that's the place Gar gets kicked out of a lot," Rachel explained, "Is not! I'm just thrown on my keister from time to time," "Why is that Garfield?" "Um…well you see—" "he was caught mooning the surveillance video, and peeing on one of the trees,"

"They expected me to pay to use the restroom since I wasn't a member and I had a lot of pop that day," "What is 'mooning'?" "He pulled down his pants and showed his bare butt to the camera," Mas chuckled, "Garfield!" Gar blushed slightly, "in my defense, they should have let me use the restroom without paying," He put his hands up defensively. The group laughed a bit with the exception of Rachel before the warning bell rang.

"Well, I guess that's time for us to get to class, see you at lunch today Kor?" "Oh, it's an alternate day. I'm sitting with the others today—" "—Ah right, well you'll be missed." Gar pulled his backpack over his shoulder, like the rest of the gang headed to their classroom destinations.

Kory and both groups of friends worked out a schedule with who gets 'Kory time' it's stupid, but neither is exactly eager to talk to each other and makeup. She sits with Bee, Vic, Wally, Dick, and Jinx on Mondays, and Wednesdays.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays, she'll sit with Gar, Rachel, Rosabelle, Isaiah, Kole, and the twins, while Fridays are alternated between the two. "I have to get them to make up somehow," She sighed as she slowly walked to her first class of the day, anxiously waiting for what's next to come.


Vic gulped down his water as the sweat dripped down his forehead coming from the school's auto shop class. He let out a sigh of satisfaction as he finished before getting a buzz from his phone. Vic looked around the empty hallway, seeing the caller id, and went out to the closest janitor's closet. "Hey what's up?" "Hey man, I got the stuff you wanted. What time you wanna meet up?" Vic took a look at his watch, 10:00 a.m. "I gotta be somewhere around 7:00, so can we meet at like 3ish?" "I've got other clients I gotta meet—"

"—Okay, okay. What about 12:30? I have a lunch period so I'll be able to get off campus by then and pick it up," "Cool, cool. Remember the deal—" "—I know, I know 500 dollars, I'll get it, promise." "Mhmm, see you." He hung up the phone leaving the dial tone ring in Vic's ear. He sighed again and left the janitor's closet checking around to see if anyone was around listening to his conversation.

Another supposedly empty hallway, "Whew, that was a close one," he swung the door open, the wood hitting someone smack dab in the face. "Oh, my bad—" Vic looked to see none other than Garfield Logan's head reeling from the blow, "Gar," He drew out the last part, unsure as to what he should do, Gar shook his head and rubbed the back of it, "Geez man, watch where you're—" Gar stopped when he looked up and saw Victor Stone on the other side of the door. "Vic? Is that you?"

"Well, who else would it be? The Holy Spirit? Jesus?" Vic lifted his eyebrow and smirked slightly "Seven Gorn Seven?" He joked, Gar chuckled loudly, "Dude, I haven't watched that movie in years! Remember that time in 7th grade when we camped out at the movies, just to get early tickets—" "—Aw man, do I? I had back problems for days! What about the time when Wally and you had that eating contest on who could eat the most hotdogs—"

"—Ugh, don't remind me, I still don't look at soy dogs the same," They both laughed as if they were still best friends and nothing had changed, maybe they still were. Vic suddenly stopped laughing and coughed, Gar slowly stopped too. "Um…so it was nice seeing you Gar—" "—Why were you in the janitor's closet?" Gar titled his head slightly in interest, Vic bit the inside of his cheek and thought as to what he could do to get Gar off his trail.

"I was, uh, I was…planning a homecoming proposal for Bee," "but homecoming is still weeks away," "You can never plan too early my fri—man," He caught himself before he let out the word friend, he wasn't sure if they were anymore, hopefully, Gar didn't notice the slip. "Right, well good luck with that," Vic nodded and began to take off, walking a few steps away from the awkward encounter, "Why did you stop being my friend?" Gar finally spoke up as he clenched his eyes shut and clenched his braced teeth.

Vic stopped in his tracks as his heartbeat sped up slightly, the words continuing to echo in his head "why did you stop being my friend?" "We're f-friends Gar—" "—Ha! You haven't talked to me in years, I called, I texted, hell I even went to your house once!" Vic turned around and stalked towards Gar, who was standing in defense.

"I've talked to you," "A nod to me every once and while isn't talking," Vic rolled his eyes "I don't have time for this—" "—You guys never seem to have time! Who was always there for you?" "Gar—" "Why did you watch them throw me in the dumpster huh? Why didn't you stop them," Vic turned his head away in shame, "I-I don't know,"

"Vic, you were my best friend. I was there for you when your dad would work these long hours, you were there for me when I got my braces and when your mom "—Don't you ever bring my mother into this," Vic etched close to Gar's face with his teeth gritted and eyebrows, Gar cowered back slightly.

They both stared each other down for what seemed like an eternity, neither backing down. Vic unclenched his fists, and let out a grunt, "Whatever," he shook his head before walking off again, this time Gar didn't stop him. He waited until Vic became a small spec on the other side of the hallway before letting out a breath, he was holding in. Gar wiped a hand on his face, "What did we do to lose you guys," he asked quietly, only to be answered by silence.


"What do you all think was the symbolism involved with Old Man and the Sea," Mr. Malchior asked in which a couple of students groaned in response. His eyes loomed over the bored students and landed on Rachel Roth who was actually paying attention to the lecture.

"What about you Ms. Roth, care to share your opinion?" He gave her a settling smile her way, the blush began to rush to her cheeks. "Well, there's a lot of symbolism," "Such as?" "The marlin being a representation of the ideal opponent and bringing out the best of our protagonist," "Well done Ms. Roth," He snapped his eyes toward a bored Dick Grayson.

"What about you Mr. Grayson?" "Huh?" Dick lifted his shoulders a bit, "The symbolism in the Old Man and the Sea," "Um-uh, Ummm" Dick stammered a bit, Rachel rolled her eyes slightly and wrote down something on a piece of paper. "Any day now would be great, Mr. Grayson," the whole class stared at him with curious looks.

Rachel pretended to drop something on the floor, "Hey Dick, I think you dropped your paper," Dick looked at her in confusion, she tilted her head over to Mr. Malchior who was watching in annoyance. "Oh thanks, Rachel," he winked behind his sunglasses and took a glance at the paper. " The Shovel-nosed sharks represented the destructive laws of the universe,"

"Hmm, interesting thought" Mr. Malchior turned slightly with his nose up, Dick let out a sigh of relief "Thanks Rachel, I owe you one," he heard him whisper, "You owe me more than just one," he could hear the admirable jock chuckle, which in turn he snarled a bit at.

"Ms. Roth, can I see you for a moment?" Mr. Malchior asked over the bustling stampede of students leaving his classroom. She waved at Dick before he left with a two-finger salute, "Yes Mr. Malchior?" She clutched her books tightly to her chest. He got up and closed the door slightly before taking a seat on his desktop, his eyes slightly wandering over her covered-up appearance.

The black sweatshirt, dark blue jeans, black converse, and an unfamiliar black wristband. Malchior took note of it before directing his eyes back to Rachel, who was waiting on him to respond. "I enjoyed your input in class today," "Oh, thank you…but I always answer," "True, although I especially enjoyed when you helped Mr. Grayson, are you two…together?" She made a disgusted face, "Ew, Dick is not my boyfriend—"

"A friend perhaps," "Not exactly that either, we're just…we've known each other for a while and lend a hand every now and then," "Ah good," Rachel quirked her eyebrow at his relief "Good?" Mr. Malchior shifted his eyes slightly, "I-I mean it's good that you help each other out," He lied. "Meh," She shrugged. They both took a look around different spots in the room, avoiding each other's eyes.

Mr. Malchior cleared his throat a bit "Are you planning on going to the teahouse this afternoon?"She blushed a bit, he smirked. "I might be, why will you be there?" "I might be, perhaps we'll run into each other then?" "Perhaps we will," Rachel pulled a stray hair behind her ear as the blush grew. "Let me write you a slip, in case you're late to your next class," She nodded and watched as he opened the drawer to his desk to grab her a slip.


Vic paced back and forth by the lunch table as more people flooded in, he darted his eyes around, looking around for something. "Baby, you okay?" Bee asked worriedly looking at her boyfriend's skittish form. "Yeah I'm fine, I'm just nervous that's all," "About your Star Labs newest invention reveal, babe, your dad will do amazing as always," "I know," Vic wasn't worried about the presentation at all, instead of about something else.

"Can you sit down at least, you're giving me a huge headache," Jinx rubbed her temples, "Want me to kiss it better?" Wally wiggled his eyebrows, Jinx let out a growl, he backed off slowly. Dick and Kory approached the table, fully in the conversation. It seemed as if anytime the gorgeous redhead came around, Dick was in a better mood. He didn't mope, talked more, and would even be a little nicer.

If Vic didn't know any better, he'd say that Dick may have had a crush on her. Something I could blackmail him with later, he thought to himself. He continued to search through the crowd before eyes caught a pair of familiar green as they passed by. Gar tried to wave, though Vic turned away with a cold shoulder. Gar's shoulders slumped slightly, and he walked over to his table, Kory sent him a wave. "Babysit please, here I even brought you some of my mom's famous lemonade for you to sip on," Vic finally gave up and sat down in a huff. "Don't you know that your dad is like the coolest scientist ever?" Wally asked with his mouth full of tuna casserole,

"Wally, say it don't spray it," He gulped down his food before sticking his tongue out at Jinx. "Course I do, he even tricked out my baby—" Bee squinted her eyes a bit, Vic rubbed the back of his head "Aw come on Bee, you know you'll always be number 1—" "—I better be," "Vic, your father is a scientist?"Try the scientist, he comes up with some of the coolest technology, smartphones, laptops, holographic watches,"

"Was your father the one that helped with NASA's space shuttle?" "Yup, that's dad!" Vic gave a proud smile, "So what's the invention for tonight top-secret tell me, it's top secret, but I heard it's huge and life-changing—" "—I get that same compliment after I f—" "Anyway, I'm sure it'll be as cool as the last one," "Why does he show it at this ball," "to get investors in the project," "Hopefully Bruce will invest again," Dick interjected, Vic nodded.

"Me too, Daddy Wayne's loaded," "Ugh, please don't call him that," Dick shuddered. "My dad is thinking about investing, though his law firm is also working on that big case between Kitten and Mr. Mod right now," "Still?" "Yeah, apparently there's a lot more that The Hive didn't tell us about," "What a shock," Jinx rolled her eyes before stabbing a fork into her salad. "At least you're uncle isn't dragging you to this as a way for you to 'gain some class', I have class," Wally took a huge chomp out his sandwich, letting its contents drip out.

They all looked at each other before bursting out in laughter, "What's so funny?" "Nothing, nothing," Jinx wiped away a stray tear as everyone quieted down. Vic's phone buzzed, he looked down at his phone screen before smiling slightly, "Sorry guys, I gotta go—" "—Where are you going, you just sat down," "I-uh, I'll pick something up later," He began to head for the exit before Bee grabbed his wrist, "Wait, what about tonight?" "Later Bee," he gave her a quick kiss, waved the rest of the group off, and headed for the door. Bee stared at his pack with a worried look on her face.

Vic approached the black car cautiously, he put up his hoodie and knocked on the window. The window rolled down, he peered in. The masked man that had a skull with an x marked across it for face, tapped his fingers along the dashboard. "Hey," "Hey, get in," "I've got class in like ten minutes—" "You want the drugs or not?" Vic sighed, then looked around before opening the door and getting in.

They pulled off with great speed, taking Vic aback "Woah, this is still a school zone—" "—Who cares," he pulled off his mask revealing himself, Xavier Red. "You know Vic when I was kicked off the football team, I could have snitched on everybody else who's been using," "I know man, I appreciate you for not ratting me out," "I did it cause I was making a lot more money on the side anyway, and plus I didn't want to ruin that pretty girlfriend of yours dream—" Vic perched his eyebrow as Xavier drew out his cigarette.

"Yeah, people talk. I'm glad she wasn't knocked up, diapers ain't cheap and neither is drugs," "Can you stop calling them drugs," Xavier let out a cold, empty chuckle, continuing to zip through the ongoing traffic "That's what I sell, why you scared?" "No, it's just…I'm not doing the hard drugs, only steroids,"

"Yeah, well you better hope that coach don't drug test y'all cause then you'd be in a lot of trouble there big guy," Vic sat back, "Don't I know it. Xavier pulled into a beach parking lot and went through his backpack then pulling out a pill canister. "Here, that'll be 500 bucks," Vic pulled out the wad of cash, "Dude, this is really putting a damper on my allowance," "Not my problem," He snatched the bills out of Vic's hand and began to count the money.

He nodded and drove out of the parking lot as Vic took a couple of the pills. He could already feel the effects of it, "Yeah, that's some good shit right there. Let me know when you want some coke, I know a guy," He rolled his eyes and laid back in the seat, letting the effects take him over.


Rachel bobbed her head to the alternative band currently playing on stage as she sat back and sipped on her chamomile tea. Every now and then, she'd look around to see if would possibly show up, though in those same moments he didn't. "He'll be here, he'll be here," she whispered to herself.

A hearty chuckle rang through her ears similar to Mr. Malchior, her head perked up only to see it was a different person. "Excuse me Miss, is the seat taken?" Rachel turned her head with a small smile "No—" it was some teenager or college guy with a squeaky voice, acne, 5'oclock shadow, and pit stains staring back at her with hope. "Yeah it is, beat it," The guy sulked away as Rachel shuddered in disgust.

She turned back around only to see Mr. Malchior standing in front of her, "Mr. Malchior! I mean, hey," She gave him a small smile, he chuckled lightly. "Ah Ms. Roth, it's funny to run into you here. Do you mind if I sit down?" Rachel shook her head frantically, he chuckled again. "I say this band is interesting, not something I'm familiar with I'm afraid," "It's a local band, they let local bands play every Friday from 12-12," "Slaughterhouse, very interesting band name,"

"Eh, I've seen worse. You should see the band called Dickfruit," "Dickfruit?" Rachel giggled at Mr. Malchior's confused facial expression, he smiled slightly as he heard her laugh "You have a nice laugh Rachel," She looked up, her heart touched. "What is it?" "You called me Rachel, you've never called me Rachel," "Well it is your name, and we are in a non-school setting," "Right," She sipped her tea again stealing a glance at Mr. Malchior, his beard was starting to grow a bit scraggly, though he still looked charming as ever.

He caught her staring, Rachel hid behind her cup "It's not polite to stare Rachel," He let the name roll off his tongue as if enjoyed saying her name. "Sorry, I was staring at your beard—" "—Ah yes, it's getting a bit long for my taste. I'm cutting it in when I get home—" "You'll be bare-faced?" He threw his head back in laughter, "No no, let me rephrase that. I'll be trimming it," "Oh, well it still looks—" before she could finish, a man in a black coat, and jeans came in sporting a face tattoo.

Rachel's heart dropped "Oh no, no no no no," She began to grab her things and push them into her backpack, Mr. Malchior looked at her with concern. "Is everything alright? "she popped her head up with a nervous smile "Huh? Oh yeah, I just remembered I have to be home for something and can't be late—" "Well, well, well, if it isn't The Raven," it felt as if her heart stopped completely, that voice she recognized so well, making her skin crawl and stomach turn in disgust.

Mr. Malchior watched her tense and looked to the man with curiosity. He had an interesting appearance, a small face tattoo that lived above his eyebrow, a dark mustache, and blue eyes that bored cold as stone. The man looked as if he was the predator and she was his helpless prey. Rachel didn't turn around, instead, she stood frozen in her spot with tears beginning to brim into her eyes.

"What's the matter, Raven? Don't you recognize me baby doll?" she brought a shaky hand to her head and moved back a stray piece of hair "Y-you've got the wrong g-girl," The man sauntered closer to her, his mouth just an away from her ear "I'd never forget a body like—" the man couldn't finish his sentence, a punch came to his face and socked him in his scarred eye. He let out a loud scream as he fell to the ground clutching his face with his hands. "That's no way to treat a lady," Mr. Malchior stated as he shook his hand from the ache.

The man got back up taking his hand off his face and met Mr. Malchior with an angry face. He pulled back his hand to return the favor when Rachel caught his hand in mid-flight; her eyes widening at the sudden action. He turned to her with a snarl, "Let me go you little bitch," He swatted his hand her way through Mr. Malchior socked him again in the stomach making the man turn over with a loud oof.

Patrons started to get closer to the scene watching in awe and fright, some even brought out their phones Everyone gasped at the sudden altercation, all eyes on the scene before them. "We have to go," Rachel covered her face and grabbed Mr. Malchior by the hand leading them to the nearest exit. She continued to run with him following close behind, neither of them looking back. "My car is the way, come on," He yelled over to her as they made a sharp turn to the car's spot.

He pulled out his car keys and unlocked the car, both of them piling inside. "Drive, drive!" Rachel managed to say, he nodded frantically as he put the keys in the ignition and stepped on the gas. The sound of the engine running, and their shallow breathing filled the silence. He turned around to see if anyone was following them, she clutched at her body the worry intensifying.

After a couple of minutes of continued silence, and frantic breathing, it felt as though the storm had lifted. Mr. Malchior turned into an empty parking lot, stopped the car then took another look back for assurance. "I don't think anyone followed us, how are you holding up Rachel?" He took a look at her and saw the intense look of sadness fill her face, her hands still shaking, and her breaths getting shorter.

"I-I'm so sorry for getting you involved with this Mr. Malchior—" "—Sorry? What are you apologizing for Rachel, that man was harassing you—" "That man works with my dad, and he's gonna tell him what happened," "I'm sure you're father will understand that we—" He stopped himself, biting his lip to keep from continuing. "We what?" She raised her eyebrow, "We were just going over notes for some tutoring you're father shouldn't be angry with you about that—" "You don't know my father, Mr. Malchior—" "Mason," He interrupted, her eyebrow raised again "What?"

"Outside of school you can call me Mason," her lips quivered a bit as she thought about his name. Mason Malchior, Mr. Mason Malchior, Mrs. Mason Malchior, she thought her lips beginning to spread into a smile. "T-that's a nice name," he grinned. "Thank you, my mum named me after her favorite bakery in Wales. My father wanted to name me Rupert, something they call cavalry officers," "I'm glad he didn't name you Rupert," "Me too," they both shared a laugh, then looked up to meet the other's eyes. His eyes had small orange flecks in them, and a dark gray ring surrounding his iris.

His eyes brightened a bit possibly from the chuckling, though Rachel couldn't help but think that somehow it involved her to cause that. Her phone buzzed in her pocket, interrupting their moment. He let out a small cough as she turned away and pulled out her phone to see her father's caller id. Her heart dropped; Mason noticed.

"Everything alright Rachel—" "I-I have to go, thanks for the tutoring Mason—" "Rachel wait, let me drive you—" "It's okay the coffeehouse isn't far from my house and I need to walk anyway for exercise," she grabbed her things, leaving a solemn-looking Mason looking after her. A stray tear fell down her cheek as she continued to walk without turning back to see that he was still there.


"This is Lois Lane, with G! News and I'm here coming to you live at the Windsor Plaza for the annual Wayne Education Foundation Gala! The Wayne Foundation Gala was built in 2011 as a way to connect underprivileged youths with the best opportunities you could imagine. Some of the top families in Gotham come here tonight to pay tribute to the children picked and celebrate this incredible honor. We have guests from nearly all over the world coming here to support education for those less fortunate, what a charitable act created by our own Gothamnite, Bruce Wayne," Lois continued to speak to the camera while guests were escorted to the security packed doors.

Many of the guests invited were wearing top-of-the-line gowns, walking down the red carpet with perfect hair, perfect nails, and perfect faces, with perfect smiles to match. Vic stepped out of his car, handing the keys to the valet and going on the other side to open the door for his date of the night.

When the door opened, Bee stepped out in a gold midi dress adorned with rhinestones and glitter that hugged her body nicely. It had a sweetheart neckline, a simple gold necklace above it, and teardrop earrings to compliment her brown eyeshadow and plump red lips. Vic matched her, wearing a gold patterned bow tie, and a black tuxedo.

They looked like the perfect couple ready to have all eyes on them. He held out his hand for her, "You look really beautiful Bee" Bee gleamed an appreciative smile "Thanks baby, I just appreciate that you followed with the color-coordinated outfit I picked out," she gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. "Bee, Vic! Smile!" They pulled each other tightly as the cameras flashed, onlookers trying to get closer looks at them.


Dick tapped his fingers against the dashboard as they waited in the line of cars for valet. "Dick, can you please not do that? My nerves are already bad as is, I don't need something like tapping your fingers pushing them over the edge," Babs stated in an annoyed tone.

He rolled his eyes before folding his arms and turning out to see the flashes of the cameras outside. "Now I know what those animals at the zoo feel like," he whispered to himself. Babs let out a frustrated sigh, "Jarvis, is there any way we could pull ahead of the line? Dick is one of the guests of honor," "I'm trying to find a way now as we speak, Ms. Gordon," she nodded then turned to Dick who didn't lay an eye on her since she stepped in the limo an hour ago. "Dick, remember the plan—"

"—I know the plan—" "Well, can you at least act like we're in love," "Ha!" Dick snorted, Babs rolled her eyes at her "boyfriend's" behavior "Dick, you'll only have to go through this for a couple of months then we can call it quits. Or I can call it quits, and act like the heroine who dumped your sorry ass—"Babs, why should we listen to them to keep this stupid charade up huh? Aren't you tired of faking everything," He finally looked over at her, she was wearing a blue sequined gown that had a small slit on it, silver heels, and her auburn hair pinned to the side with a rhinestone pin? "If it weren't for her constantly picking at him, he'd almost consider her beautiful. Almost.

"I'm doing whatever helps my family, if that means dating you for a bit then so be it," "But Babs, we're not in love—" Jarvis steered out of the line and pulled down to an alleyway that leads to a different gala entrance. "Jarvis where are we?" "I'm very sorry Ms. Gordon and Mr. Grayson, the only entrance that doesn't have a lot of traffic is the server's entrance," "How are we supposed to get front-page photos with the press, that's putting a dent in the—" "This is the perfect entrance Jarvis, thanks" Dick opened his door, Babs watched as he sauntered in before opening her own door and following after.


Kory and the others prepped their server trays as more guests continued to pile on the other side of the kitchen door. "Kory! Where's the stuffed shrimp and spinach cream puffs?" "Gar's taking the spinach puffs, Kole's taking the stuffed shrimp," "What about the—" "—The bruschetta and crab cakes are taken out by the twins—" "—The drink—" "the drinks are what Rosabelle and I are doing. Uncle, we have it covered, you have nothing to fear," He wiped his sweaty brow before cracking open a reassuring smile.

"What would I do without you my bumgorf," he pulled her in for a bone-crushing hug in which she happily received in return. "Kory?" She heard a voice ask. Kory pulled away from her uncle only to see Dick, looking dashing as ever in his blue tuxedo, hair swopped out of his face, and sunglasses on his face. "Dick?" they began to walk towards each other with shy smiles. He took in her appearance as well, white button-down, black bowtie, black pencil skirt, and brown stockings, her gorgeous curly hair in a neat bun.

"I-i thought you were gonna be out front taking photos," "Oh we were, but then bad traffic kind of ruled that out so we're coming through this entrance," "Oh," he nodded, then rubbing the back of his neck shyly. Galfore cleared his throat, Kory's face reddened "Oh Uncle Galfore! I'd like to introduce you to my f-friend Dick Grayson," she leads him over to Dick.

Dick's face drooped a bit at the giant standing before him; Kory must come from a family full of tall people apparently, Dick thought to himself. "I've known about Mr. Grayson for quite a while," his face drooped lower. "Y-you have?" Both asked though Dick's voice sounded a bit higher than Kory's. Galfore let out a hearty chuckle, earning another confusing set of looks from the teens. "I've catered this event for a couple of years now, I know all about your whole family," "Oh hehe," Dick rubbed the back of his neck in embarrassment.

"Not to be creepy, your family is one of my most loyal customers" He gave Dick a hard pat on his shoulder, Dick flinched a bit from the sharp pain. "Strong like Kory too," he noted to himself. Galfore gave another small grin before nodding to the two, his eyes traveling to a struggling Gar who was trying to balance a cluttered server tray. "Excuse me, Garfield that's not how you hold a server tray," he pushed past the two.

Dick looked back over at Kory, about to open his mouth and say something when the sound of a door being slammed open stopped him. Everyone looked over at the commotion seeing an annoyed Babs standing under the door frame, she stomped over to Dick with steel, cold blue eyes that looked as if they'd cut him open on the spot.

Dick rolled his eyes under his sunglasses, "Dick, I've been waiting out in the limo for a good ten minutes, and here you are fraternizing with the servers?" She snapped her neck in Kory's direction, who stood there like a deer in headlights. "I'm not fraternizing with them, I just ran into a friend before heading to the ball," it stung Kory a bit when he said friend, but she couldn't describe why it did.

"Hmph, well we still need to make our debut out there, so say goodbye to your little friend and let's head out," Babs headed to the door that leads out to the ballroom, while Dick stood still in defiance. Kory bit her lip getting ready to open her mouth, Dick mimicking her "I—" "Dick, c'mon!" Babs interrupted, watching the two with slight anger seething below. "See you out there?" Dick asked with a small smirk, Kory nodded slightly.

He gave her a two-finger salute, then followed his date out the door. Kory watched as Babs grabbed Dick's hand and hooked their fingers together, a slight tinge hitting her heart. She turned back to the trays of champagne and water in silence, Rosabelle soon coming after with an empty tray. "Kory, be careful around those snippy, rich snobs. Almost had to break someone's arm just cause they kept messing me," all Kory did was nod, and think back to the linking hands.


"Ugh, I'm so bored," Wally whined as he sipped on his tea at the round table "Where's the booze at?" "Wally, this is a classy ball. Not a frat party," Bee scolded. He folded his arms and pouted. "Yeah, but we should be able to get some sort of bubbly beverage is I right? We are celebrating after all—" "I doubt your uncle would even let look at wine or beer, let alone drink it," "That's why he doesn't need to know," Wally winked, Bee grunted in disgust.

Vic and Jinx approached the two with a couple of crab puffs in their hands, "Vic baby, didn't you just have five of those things? What's the press gonna say about that—" "That I'm hungry and all they're serving to us is finger foods," He said with a mouth full of crab cakes. "Manners darling, use them" Bee pulled out the handkerchief in Vic's suit pocket and lightly dabbed at the crumbs on his face.

Wally rolled his eyes at the couple, "It's like a mother cleaning after her child," he pushed off the table and got up from his seat, "I'm gonna go see if Kory could sneak me a glass of champagne or something," "Don't get her in trouble," Wally waved off Jinx's protests as he headed for the kitchen. He pushed through the crowds of people, muttering a couple of excuse me's when he bumped into someone. "Whoops, I'm sorry—" his words stopped when Gar nearly collapsed from the impact.

He turned around in annoyance, "Geez, don't you people ever—" he stopped his words when he saw Wally staring back at him. "Great, it seems to be pissed off Gar day," Wally cleared his throat. "H-Hey Gar—" "Gar is what my friends call me," "Right, right. Sorry Garfield, you okay?" "No thanks to you, I almost dropped a plate of spinach puffs that would have come out of my pay," "Eh, nobody'll miss em'. I consider them mediocre at best," he tried to chuckle only to be met with a stone-cold face from Gar.

"I guess jokes are out," "Look, I'm not in the mood to deal with you guys today. I'm here to help Kor out," Wally nodded in uncomfortable silence. Gar rolled his eyes, fixing the plates on his server tray, and headed in the other direction. Wally stammered a bit, unsure as to whether or not if he still wanted some alcohol after all.


Dick searched the ballroom every few seconds looking for a certain redhead, Babs sat with him at the table answering another reporter's questions. Bruce watched his adopted son with a calculated gaze. "Everything alright Dick," he asked, sipping on the champagne.

"I'm fine," he quickly responded, his eyes never continuing to bounce around. "He's probably looking for his balls, cause Babs has them on a tight leash," Jason joked continuing to text on his phone. Dick sent him a death glare, "Shut up Jason," "You shut up—" "Boys, now really?' Bruce interjected.

Babs waved away the reporter before turning back to Dick. "Wanna dance?" "Babs, I don't really dance," "I know but it'd be great exposure to show how tight-knit we are—you're not looking for her are you?" "Who's her-I mean she? Who is she?" Bruce rose an eyebrow, before Dick could answer, the redhead he'd been looking for came over with glasses of champagne. "Another glass Mr. Wayne?" Kory showed off her signature smile, he could feel his heart melt a little. Jason's eyes looked up from his phone and to say he was lovestruck by Kory's beauty was an understatement.

"Holy sh—" "Jason," Bruce warned. Kory giggled at the exchange, Dick sank a bit in his seat and Babs was noticing the whole thing. "Excuse me," Kory looked up, her smile slowly fading away. "Yes?" "I'd like an ice tea, hold the lemon and the same here for my boyfriend," She smirked. Kory glanced at Dick, he cleared his throat and turned away. "Right away," she put down another glass of champagne for Bruce, then quickly walked off. Dick smacked his head slightly, "Idiot," he muttered.

"I hate to see her go, but I love to watch her leave—" "Jason," Bruce and Dick seethed this time. Bruce perked his head at Dick's sudden change in behavior. "What's up with you?" Dick put his hands up in defense, "Nothing, nothing. Babs, you wanna dance?" "Finally—" Dick grabbed her head and headed for the dance floor. Bruce looking after him with curiosity.


"Ladies and gentlemen, it's my greatest pleasure to introduce tonight's entertainment, please give a round of applause for the band who calls themselves Champagne Light," the announcer stated before joining the crowd in applauding the band who was coming on stage with their instruments.

The singer approached the mic stand, her guitar held delicately in her hands. "Thanks, everyone for giving us the opportunity to perform for you guys, we're Champagne Light and hope you enjoy it!" A couple of people continued to clap as the singer strummed the guitar lightly. She turned to the band and gave a small count. They all followed in the same beat before beginning to play.

Party girls don't get hurt

Can't feel anything, when will I learn?

I push it down, push it down

I'm the one "for a good time call"

Phone's blowin' up, ringin' my doorbell

I feel the love, feel the love

Dick pulled Babs close to him, "Dick, it's nice that you asked me for a dance. I'd thought we'd never leave the table—" "—Uh-huh," he grunted as he looked past Babs and at the redhead ahead of him who was currently talking to Bee. "What are you looking at?" She asked beginning to turn her head, "Nothing, come on we have to dance for the cameras don't we?" He gave a small smile, in which Babs smiled back. A couple of guests spotted the couple and began to gravitate over. "Great," Dick cringed to himself, Babs laid her head on his shoulder, taking in his scent.

I'm gonna swing from the chandelier

From the chandelier

I'm gonna live like tomorrow doesn't exist

Like it doesn't exist

I'm gonna fly like a bird through the night

Feel my tears as they dry

I'm gonna swing from the chandelier

From the chandelier

Cameras started to flash, bringing Dick back to the moments of what all started this.

FLASH

"Don't screw this up Dick, this is a great opportunity to show unity between Gotham's richest and charitable family with Gotham's Law Enforcement Branch,"

He turned to the side as they both waltzed around the small circle, his friends watching with looks of curiosity. The only look he seemed to be concerned about was Kory, who paused her duties and looked to see what was going on. She stared on, her eyes looking as if she was concerned or worse sad. He looked back at Babs, who pushed herself closer to him. Their bodies nearly meshed together from the close proximity of each other, and he could tell she was soaking up every minute of it.

FLASH

"Barbara is a lovely young lady,"

Sun is up, I'm a mess

Gotta get out now, gotta run from this

Here comes the shame, here comes the shame

"If Dick dances any stiffer, you'd think he has a hard-on," he could hear Wally whisper, rather loudly to Vic. Both guys chuckled, Dick let out a low growl in frustration. "Dick, what's wrong?" Babs asked, her blue eyes squinting in a concerned mother-like manner. "Nothing, I'm fine." He snapped back, she rolled her eyes and turned her nose up. He looked up again to where Kory was, only this time she wasn't alone.

Jason had swept in, combing back his hair and putting on what he likes to call his "Jason Swagger" His arms had tightened a bit around Babs's waist, in which for her to respond with an "Ouch," "Sorry," he didn't even turn to make sure she was okay. Her lips curled into a snarl as she looked in the direction where Dick had his eyes locked, and her eyes glared into small slits.

"Of course, he's looking at her, he's gonna ruin this for the both of us if I don't do something quick," she thought to herself, an idea pops in her head. "Dick, do I have something in my teeth?" Dick rolled his eyes as he turned her way, "I'm so not looking at your—" before he could finish, Babs pulled him in for a tight-lipped kiss. "Mmph," Dick muttered, his eyes open with shock and mouth zipped shut. The crowd gasped and awed at the young love, "Ha! Told you they were dating for real, someone owes my 20 bucks," Wally whooped whipping his hand out, only for Vic to grumble and hand him the wadded cash.

"You two really bet on Dick's love life?" Jinx scolded, "Hell yeah, you gotta admit dude has an entertaining love life," Wally folded the dollar bill and shoved it in his pockets. "I swear sometimes I think I'm surrounded by idiots," she muttered. Kory nearly dropped her tray as she watched the scene unfold before her, her ears phasing out Jason's lame pickup lines. "I-I have to grab the next course, excuse me," she pushed past the other guests in a hurried manner.

Bee watched her run off with a concerned gaze "Kory, wait!" She tried to yell over the growing crowd, "Damn that girl can run," she took off her heels and took off after her. Dick lightly pushed Babs off, "What the hell are you doing?" He seethed, she blinked back innocently.

"I'm only giving the people what they want Dick," He rolled his eyes and searched around for Kory, only to see that the beautiful redhead was nowhere in sight. "Great," he slid his hand down his face, shook Babs off of him, and headed to the back of the kitchen; leaving Babs with a haunting look plastered on her face.


"Kory, these things happen," "I know they do Bee. I'm not angry—" "—It didn't seem that way when you ran off," "—I was completely enthralled with what was going on in the circle that I completely forgot to prep the desserts—" "—Kory, it's gonna be okay—" "—Bee. I'm fine," she continued shuffled the creme Brule unto the cold plates, Bee rolled her eyes and grabbed Kory's wrist, she looked up with fright.

"Bee, let go of my wrist—" "—Forget about the damn creme Brule. I know you probably had a small crush on Dick, we warned you what'd happen if you started liking him and now here you are making creme Brule dishes while he's out there with his girlfriend," Kory looked down at her wrist again, slightly wincing "Bee, please let go of my wrist." She quietly pleaded, Bee retracted her hand and sighed.

"Now you know what kind of guy he is Kory, he strings girls along and plays with their feelings, but we all know when Babs comes he drops every single one of them—" "I don't like Dick, sure I enjoyed the attention. Dick Grayson paid attention to the weirdo new girl, Kory. I'm so lucky," She slammed the plate on the table, and let out an exasperated sigh.

"That's all it was though, attention, nothing else. I could care less as to what he does and who he does," Kory's tone changed into a cold manner, it even made Bee shiver a bit. "It's okay Kory—" "—Bee, I'll be okay. Go back to your party, I have to prepare the dessert dishes," Kory turned away her back to Bee, Bee reached out her hand before retracting it and walking away in defeat. When she heard the door close, Kory wiped away the single tear that fell on her face.


"I don't like Dick, sure I enjoyed the attention. The Dick Grayson paid attention to the weirdo new girl, Kory. I'm so lucky. That's all it was though, attention, nothing else. I couldn't care less as to what he does and who he does," Dick heard Kory's cold voice explain. His concern shifted into annoyance and anger. He pushed off the door and searched for where the stage was. Bruce stood at the stage with a small smile, holding the mic in one hand and a champagne flute in the other.

"I can certainly say that this gala was a very successful event, can't we all agree?" The crowd politely clapped. "In fact, to celebrate this occasion, can I please have Dick, Barbara, and Jason onstage," Dick's heart dropped into his stomach, the spotlight casting in his face. He put up a hand, a shield from its brightness. He was able to get a glimpse of the stage, though what made his heart stammer more was the numerous pairs of eyes looking his way. Dick swallowed harshly before making his way to the stage.

The crowd continued to roar with applause, girls swooned when he walked past them, his friends gave encouraging smiles, as he made his way through. The sounds of his drumming heart stammered inside his head; the crowd closed in on his bit as if they were trying to get a closer look at him. As he finally made his way to the stage, Bruce gave him a solidarity pat on the back, handing him the mic. "Me?" Dick silently asked, Bruce, nodded again in encouragement and pushed him to the front of the stage.

He cleared his throat and opened the collar of his suit, the same spotlight shined in his eyes again; he winced slightly, pulling his sunglasses closer to his face. "Erm, like my father has said: thank you all for coming, we appreciate the generous amounts that were donated tonight, for this um, foundation," He surveyed the crowd before him, all dressed in fancy gowns and evening suits, hairs swept in neat styles, and the latest cellphones out to record his speech. His friends stood to the side, holding a thumbs up, his family stood with the expecting looks, and yet he couldn't find Kory anywhere.

"I um," he stammered, unsure as to what he was supposed to say next. Bruce quizzically raised his eyebrow, Dick cleared his throat, Gar made his way onstage handing him a bottle of water. He gave a silent thank you, and before taking in a deep breath to continue. "I'm sorry, I can't keep lying to everyone," everyone gasped and began to whisper amongst themselves. The press crept its way to the front as all eyes were on him, "The Hive Blast was true, I-I'm not dating the commissioner's daughter," he heard Bruce suck in a breath. "It was an elaborated plan that the police commissioner made with my adoptive father Bruce. Babs was never my girlfriend; I was never her boyfriend.

We've never liked each other in that way and —" "Excuse my son, on behalf of us all thank you for coming tonight and hope to see you again next year," Bruce finished his sentencing, shoving Dick quickly out of the way. Dick rolled his eyes under his shades, catching a glimpse of Jason making a slicing through the neck gesture to him. The crowd had scattered claps some still shocked and whispering to each other.

He took a glance at his group of friends who had questionable looks on their faces, there still wasn't any sign of the catering staff. No sign of Kory. His eyes then directed over to an embarrassed Babs, her face red as a tomato, and blue eyes were hidden behind her manicured hand.

He wanted to say sorry or something to her that at least made her feel a little better; though before he could do that, he felt a tap on his shoulder making him flinch "Master Dick, Master Bruce has asked me that you be removed from the gala, effective immediately. I have already grabbed your coat," Alfred handed him his coat, and lead him off the stage.

Dick took another sweep of the whispering crowd, his eyes crossing over the happy girls, stuck-up socialites, and angry father only to find a pair of familiar green eyes watching him. A smile grew on his face as Alfred continued to usher him through the crowd, unknown to him that hers was growing as well.


"So, the whole thing with the commissioner's daughter was a publicity stunt?" Donna sat with her hands perched as Kory continued her homework. "Yeah, you should've seen the look on Mr. Wayne's face, I thought he was going to, um, Bee would say 'rip it out of his hands or something to that effect" she giggled. Donna rose an eyebrow in curiosity, "You know…I haven't heard you mention any of the other friends that you've made from school. All I've been hearing about is this Dick Grayson character? Is this a possible crush?" A blush rose to her cheeks, she quickly ducked her head down.

"I have no idea what you are talking about—" "—Puhlease every time you call or text me it's always Dick this and Dick that, I think you'd like to be Mrs. Grayson—" "—Dick is simply a friend of mine, who just got out a relationship," "Fake relationship. You should hop on the Dick train—okay that sounded so wrong," both girls laughed. A ping chimed from Kory's phone. Hive Blast. "One sec Donna, I just got a blast," she tapped the flag and began to read The Hive Blast: "Mirror, Mirror on the wall who just called out lie that fooled us all? Why it's our very own prince and boy wonder Dick Grayson that's who. Turns out the message I sent a while ago was true and yes, Dick Grayson is still on the market. According to close sources, he always has been. Check out this video of the boy himself confessing to everyone his sham of a relationship at tonight's gala,".

A video of Dick talking on stage appeared, Kory looked at the back of the video and saw a distraught Babs looking as if she was about to collapse from humiliation. "So, it looks like this power couple is all out of juice. Oh well. All's fair in love and war ladies, enjoy the hunt! Ttyl!"

A small smile etched away onto Kory's face as she thought back to the small moment, she caught Dick's eye before he left. In that one moment, around a sea of people, and flashing cameras that's the happiest she's seen him.

Another ping from her phone interrupted her thoughts, she clicked on the badge and saw a message from an unknown number stating: "I'm coming for you," the pencil slipped from her fingers, dropping to the floor with a quiet clatter. "Kory? Hello, Kory? You there? " Donna asked, Kory's mouth going dry and unable to answer. The text running her cold.


Hey you guys! I really appreciate all the reads and reviews, thank you so much! I apologize for the absence, I've been working and moving out so I'm not as present to writing! However, I'm trying to get to a point where I can send at least a chapter very 2 weeks or so. Not now, but really soon when things kick up a notch! Keep sending me your reviews of the story! Ciao, for now! - Comicgeek16 XOXO