Chapter 3

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters in this story nor am I making any money from it.

Bruce and Barbara arrived a little bit late to the police gala because of their interlude. The gala was a wonderful event that Bruce and Barbara had attended for years, but this night was even more special. James Gordon had decided to retire. He blamed it on his age, (he had barely turned 60, maybe some weight gain he had, (not much) but whatever the case he decided on ending his nearly 30 year career with the force. The ballroom was decked with the finest money could buy. Bruce decided to spare no expense on Gordon. He was his first rescuer (besides Alfred of course) that showed that he wasn't just a Wayne but an actual child, a person who had just lost the most special people in the world to him. It was that action that drew Bruce to him when he returned from his trek to reclaim Gotham's graces. Gordon was indeed like another father to him. Over these past few years he had grown extremely close to Gordon and he knew Gordon felt the same toward him. Bruce had entrusted Gordon with so much that night on the rooftop three years ago when he admitted that he would no longer respond to the signal. Jim knew who he was all along, but wanted Bruce to acknowledge it to him as well. Then Bruce did. He tore off his cowl and stood (in Bruce's mind) naked baring his soul to Gordon with pleading eyes. Please accept me his eyes were saying. I love your daughter. She is the only reason I want to live anymore. Gordon saw all of this and in one quick motion drew Bruce in to a gentle but firm embrace. Bruce slowly and hesitantly returned the gesture. "Welcome to the family son", Gordon had said.

Son. One word made it all ok.

Since that night, everything had changed. Alfred looked fondly at Bruce sitting at the table holding Barbara's hand tightly. Alfred couldn't believe he had actually done it and was so happy for him that he thought he himself would burst. All he remembered was the night Master Bruce ran into the front door (yes the front door mind you) still wearing the Bat costume and ran over to the elderly man and lifted him in the air swinging him around in circles with pure joy. Alfred never thought he would be about to use the words "pure joy" and Master Bruce in one sentence again, but here it was.

"Please, Master Bruce..." Alfred said tried to catch his breath, "I mean …Master Wayne sir…am I to presume I will never touch the land again?"

Bruce laughed and gently placed the butler down and grinned from ear to ear.

"I gather all went well, sir?" Alfred grinned slightly in return.

Bruce started to laugh.

"YES! "he said so emphatically with his arms in the air. Alfred couldn't' help but tilt his head at the mask less man leaping up and down for happiness.

"He knows, Alfred. He knew the whole time and he accepted me. "He allowed his smile to grow soft for a moment.

"He called me son," Bruce finished.

Alfred felt a pang of envy strike at his heart hearing the joy in Master Bruce's voice at that word son. Alfred always felt Master Bruce was his son and throughout the years implied that, but was never sure Bruce listened or cared due to the lack of response he gave. Maybe Bruce truly only did see him as his butler. Hopefully not, Alfred added as an after thought.

Alfred realized that he must have been standing there staring off because Bruce began to do some sort of dance with his feet as if in a boxing match.

"Well? Any advice?"

Alfred duly noted that Master Bruce rarely took anyone's advice except his own, but gave a wry smile and said what was needed, "Congratulations, sir."

Now, three years later here they all were, a family. Alfred admitted that he was extremely happy to have Madame Barbara's presence around the manor. She truly brought a complete turn around in Bruce. Alfred never thought a woman would have such power, as he eyed them. He saw Bruce's sly grin appearing and the corners and his mouth begin to make their way up Barbra's neck. He turned away as if embarrassed to have witnessed that kind of affection. Alfred allowed his eyes to wander and saw the signs of society's wealthiest women looking lost and heartbroken that Bruce still hadn't given up on that 'gold digging Whore' as one person called Madame Barbara. When Bruce heard that he almost went mad. He began to demand an apology to his wife and ordered everyone to leave his property immediately. Not as memorable as him asking everyone to leave and then the manor burning down but still memorable nonetheless. Alfred remained dutifully sitting next to Madame Barbara and decided to return his attention to the man of the hour, James Gordon.

Gordon held up his glass while standing at the podium discussing the latest station jokes. There was much laughter even if the whole crowd didn't get the meaning of it. Bruce hadn't taken his eyes off of Gordon during his speech.

"and," Gordon concluded, " I want to thank the Batman …he said looking at Bruce, but quickly adding and looking up, "wherever he is, " he said while running his finger around the rim of his champagne glass. "Batman decided that he wanted to leave all this behind", Gordon gestured toward Gotham and its crime. There were some laughs including one from Bruce. "But," Gordon continued, "I don't know if he really knew of his impact on Gotham during the time that he served." He nodded thoughtfully and Bruce felt the last words said to him personally, "Wherever you are Batman, thank you from the bottom of my heart." At that, everyone clapped and stood up. Bruce sat in silence for a moment until Barbra gave him a nudge. Bruce clapped and tried his best to suppress the tears that were welling behind his eyes. He and Gordon had talked before, but this was an acknowledgement said before the whole station that Batman was an asset and not a nuisance. Bruce felt great pride. Alfred looked over at Bruce and nodded in agreement with what Gordon had said about him.

When the clapping died down, it seemed that no one had noticed a white faced Goth edging his way to the podium. The man was dressed in a police uniform and blended in with the rest of the men and women in blue. Bruce's senses had not been as keen since he had given up on being the Batman. He didn't notice until it was too late. Bruce's eyes widened when he saw what was about to happen.

"No!" shouted Bruce trying to push his way through the crowd as fast as possible. Barbara's eyes darted to her husband pushing people out of his way. Her eyes followed his direction and she screamed when she saw the gun on Gordon's head and then nothing, but silence. Silence from Gordon, forever.

Note: The Joker's inspiration is from Batman on film Lachey Hulm, before Heath Ledger was cast as the future Joker.