Bird in the Nest

by scesketch

Samantha Meyers, Alfred Pennyworth's grand niece, has been hired to work at Wayne Manor as a maid. Little does she realize that living in the same house as billionaire Bruce Wayne and his four sons will come with its own difficulties.

13. Chapter 12: Enter a New Year

Chapter 12 - Enter a New Year

Jason wasn't sure what had just happened.

Somehow, Sam had wheedled the story of his life out of him in a matter of minutes. Alfred was right, she was worse than nosy. But then he had started to feel… better. Was that okay? Should he feel better about all that?

Well, whether it was right or not, Sam had done it. And Jason felt happier than ever.

That girl was something else.

So, his first impression of her had been rather shallow. A little Disney Princess-esque. Those first couple times he saw her, back before "John" appeared, she had talked and moved with such practiced cordiality. She hid obvious troubled feelings behind a mask as perfect and impenetrable as the Bat cowl. It had felt wrong.

But now Jason knew why. It was because that wasn't the real Samantha Meyers. Sam didn't like pretending to be happy; either she was, or she wasn't. After she found the cave, she had slowly but surely grown more comfortable in her new and strange situation, and more of the real, funny, witty, sincere Samantha had come out.

When had Jason noticed all of this?

He followed Sam to the kitchen as she returned her cleaning supplies. She continued to do chores, washing dishes, doing laundry, tidying up the front hall. Jason didn't leave her side. They talked about meaningless things, bantered from time to time, and occasionally just cleaned in silence, side by side. Jason had never enjoyed anything more.

They were called to dinner by Damian, who squinted at Jason with something like a warning. Jason got the message: be nice to Sam. He didn't have to be told; he didn't plan on doing anything else.

They arrived together and found the dining room already full. Jason pulled out a chair for Sam, playing up the gentleman as much as he could to see if he could make her laugh. It worked.

"Hi, Uncle," Sam said, giving Alfred a peck on the cheek as he came by to serve her. "Need my help?"

"Not just now, love."

As Jason sat down, Alfred shot him a look. The butler scanned Jason's face long and hard, but Jason didn't flinch. For the first time in a long, long time, he felt like he had nothing to hide.

/

The next two weeks passed quickly. Things fell into routine, like my daily chores, and semi-daily physical tests. We didn't pick up anything worrisome, and I finally began to relax; a break from attacks was just what I needed.

Bat matters got pretty boring, too. Oddjob vanished once he finished spelling out my name. Nightly patrolling didn't get much more intense than a couple bank robberies. Life felt normal again, and I couldn't help but feel relieved.

The one big change that happened was Jason. I went from purposely avoiding Jason to intentionally seeking him out whenever I was bored or tired or sad. He didn't crack jokes like Dick or offer rational conversation like Tim or Damian would; he just sat with me, engaged in small talk, and occasionally tugged on my ponytail or threw candy wrappers at me. It took me a few days to realize why I loved his company so much.

Jason was filling one of the oldest holes my heart had suffered. He was filling in for Jeremiah.

Life didn't stay normal forever. That second Thursday was Tim's birthday, and Bruce had planned a huge party for the day after. That week, Wayne Manor went into full party mode. Alfred and I took on the grand ballroom, waxing the floor, dusting every nook and cranny. We planned a menu, hired a DJ, and got the boys' suits dry cleaned. Alfred was completely in his element, running about the house, ordering people around, and keeping everything systematically ordered and recorded.

On Tim's birthday, we had a small, private party. We invited Babs, made Tim's favorite dinner, and opened gifts. It was such a nice little gathering; but it didn't really hit me until Alfred brought out the cake.

And then everyone sang "Happy Birthday."

I grinned and opened my mouth to join them, but nothing came out. As I listened–they were actually decent singers–it felt like a weight was being lowered onto my chest.

The last time I heard that song was on my mom's birthday. And I sang to her alone.

Even after the song was over and the cake had been served, I sat there sinking into the music, trying my hardest not to cry. It was Tim's birthday. Today was supposed to be happy. I couldn't break down in the middle of his party!

Then Tim stood up. He was holding a plastic cup filled with sparkling juice. Everyone was, but me.

"I know everyone hates birthday toasts," Tim began.

Jason booed. Dick punched him in the arm.

Tim cracked a smile. "But this year… I really have something worth toasting. I should really start by saying thanks for all the presents, and Alfred, the cake, as usual, is sublime. But what I'm really thankful for, what's made this year of my life special, and what I hope will continue to do so this next year… is you, Sam."

Oh, no.

I tried to fight down the lump in my throat as Tim continued. "Samantha Meyers, you've made this crazy, distracted family feel closer than ever. You've given every single one of us a reason to smile. And I think, if it's not too much, you're probably one of the best things ever to happen to this family. Not only have you given Alfred a much-needed break, but you've reminded every single one of us that while life is short, and hard, and full of roadblocks, it's also huge and wonderful and worth every minute."

"And any life with Sam's pies in it is a good life," Dick put in.

"Oh, absolutely. So, here's to Sam, savior of the Waynes."

Tim raised his glass, and the others followed. Jason grinned.

"Of all the sappy speeches I've heard in this house, that was one of the okayest. To Sam!"

"To Sam!"

It was no use now. The tears were flowing freely by the time everyone had taken a drink and set their cups down. Alfred put an arm around me and kissed the top of my head. Babs squeezed my hand.

I felt so loved. It wasn't my birthday, right? Because this family was one of the best gifts I had ever been given.

/

The next night, I hoped, would be much less emotional.

My first Wayne party! It was time to pull out all the stops. I searched my new wardrobe for the perfect dress and surfaced with a full-length dress made of a soft, sleek chiffon in a glorious emerald green. Babs came over an hour before the party to do my hair and makeup, and I have to say, I have never felt so beautiful in my life. Who would have thought that a vigilante crime fighter could be so good with cosmetics?

She and I went down to the ballroom together and met Bruce and the boys outside. There were also some other girls I had never seen before. Babs seemed to know them, judging by the way she leapt at them with squealing laughter.

Alfred came up behind me, smiling. "You look stunning, my dear."

"Thanks, Alfred. You look quite sharp!"

Alfred straightened his bow tie. "One of the perks of being a server is you can wear anything and still blend seamlessly into the background."

"But you'd never miss an opportunity to wear a suit."

"Clearly."

"Sam!" Babs tugged at my arm. "Sam, I need you to meet some people."

She dragged me over to the other girls and pointed to the blonde one. "This is Stephanie. She was Batgirl for a bit, before I took over again, and now she's Spoiler."

I blinked. "Oh, wait, so you're…"

"And this," Babs said, nodding to the black-haired girl, "is Cassandra. Would be assassin, joined us and became Orphan, and is probably the best fighter I've ever seen."

"You're both Bat-people?"

"Yep!" Stephanie cried. "Sisters in crime! Well, not crime, obviously, stopping it."

"And guys," Barbara announced, "this is Samantha. Alfred's niece."

Stephanie gasped. "I didn't know Alfred had a niece! That's so sweet!"

"Alright, Waynes and honorary Waynes," Bruce said. "I know it's been a while since we've had a big party all together, so I'm going to remind you of the rules. No alcohol unless you're twenty-one or older. Jason, the three-glass limit still stands. There will be no rough-housing, no obvious bickering, and no smashing of any property, no matter how temptingly breakable. Damian, Jason, and ladies, I will expect civility and manners, which means no judo flipping guests, even if you don't want to dance with them. And finally, as always, any activity will be paged through my phone. Should the need arise, I will contact the rest of you, but otherwise, make sure anything Bat related remains hushed."

Alfred looked at his watch. "Master Bruce, fashionably late is waning fast. No pun intended."

"Then let's make an entrance. Smiles, civility, and for the last time, don't do anything stupid. Follow me."

I blinked and dumbly followed Babs. I wasn't quite sure what to make of Bruce's speech. How much of that had actually happened?

Alfred opened the double doors with a grand swing, and suddenly, I was walking out into a luminous ballroom, raised above the crowd by a few stairs, with the eyes of about three hundred people turned on me. Not just me, obviously, but that's how it felt. This was worse than school plays.

As soon as Bruce stepped out, the applause started. Even from behind, I could tell he was different. His back was straight, but his shoulders slouched more than usual, conveying a sense of nonchalance. The way he stood was completely unfamiliar.

"Hello! Welcome, everyone! Thank you for coming!" Bruce held up his hand for silence, and it came quickly. "In case any of you don't know me, I'm Bruce Wayne, CEO of Wayne Enterprises…"

A mild laugh bubbled from the audience. Bruce laughed right along with them, and the sound was so unexpected, I flinched.

"Yeah, who doesn't know me, right? Anyway, I trust you all know why you're here-and that's to celebrate the nineteenth birthday of my son, Timothy. Come on up, Tim!"

Tim walked forward to more applause. He looked cool as a cucumber, and I couldn't help but envy how comfortable he looked in front of an audience.

Bruce put an arm around Tim's shoulders. But it looked… wrong. Like Bruce wasn't really giving Tim any sort of fatherly recognition. Like it was uncomfortable.

"Nineteen, huh? Very proud of my boy. Anyway, don't let me bore you; let's hear it for the man himself!"

Bruce stepped back, and Tim took the mic.

"Well, first off, I'm actually turning eighteen."

More laughter. I glanced at Bruce. He never got his facts wrong.

And that was when it hit me. Bruce wasn't being himself; he was being Bruce Wayne, billionaire playboy, as I'd heard him called. He was acting. Of course, he knew Tim was turning eighteen. Of course, he wouldn't embarrass him with an awkward half-hug. This was all fake, a persona Bruce put on for the rest of the world.

What should I do? Should I act, too? I realized that the world didn't know me. I had never been to such a big party, with so many important people. I could be anyone. I could be perfectly healthy. I could be smart. I could be pretty.

What to do?

"...thank you all for coming and have a great evening!"

The crowd clapped once more, and Tim left the mic. Bruce led the Batfam down from the stage, and suddenly, people were vanishing into the crowd. I hesitated at the edge, not sure how to proceed.

Then a hand grabbed mine and pulled me in.

I looked up to see Cassandra leading me, walking swiftly and gracefully through the crowd, people parting for her as if she were a dignitary. I realized I had never heard her speak a word. She didn't need to; she radiated an elegant, silent power that would make anyone back away.

We came out by the food tables. Cassandra turned to me.

"Start small."

I smiled. "Thanks. Cassandra, right?"

"Call me Cass."

"Alright, Cass. Call me Sam."

Cass nodded. "Sam. Come with me!"

She led me up and down the tables, and we piled samples of anything we wanted onto tiny plates. Alfred smiled at me from behind the punch bowl and handed me a cup filled more than the others. Then Cassandra whisked me off to a remote corner table, with only one occupant: a tall, shady looking man with a formidable mustache and graying hair. I sat down a chair away from him, nervous.

And then Cass plopped down right in between us.

"Hello," she said, not at all like a formal greeting. It sounded like she knew this person.

"Evening, ladies," the man said in a wheezy voice, shaking his mustache at us. "What a fabulous party… who is it for again?"

Cass puckered her lips… and flicked the man in the arm. Hard.

I blushed, shocked for her. But the man just laughed. And I realized I had heard that guilty, impish laugh before.

I squinted past the mustache. "Jason?"

"Who's Jason? My name is Jackson Bird. I'm a small businessman. Woodworking. It's a small and scant business, but hey, it's home."

"Jason, it's just us."

"Sh! You never know who's listening!" Jason said, his regular voice slipping back for an instant. "Besides, Jackson's fun!"

"Jason's dead," Cass whispered.

"Wha… oh. Oh, you mean, like, publicly dead. I knew that..."

"Hey, guys!" Dick swooped in and stole a seat. He thumped his overfilled plate on the table and dug in. "Great party!"

Tim joined, too, looking a little gloomy. "Yeah, great."

I peered at him. "What's wrong?"

"Bruce's birthday parties are always fun for everyone except the birthday person. Because there are at least two hundred overdressed adults who, no matter what, always think you're still twelve and can't resist pinching your cheeks."

Oh. I thought he was just blushing.

Bruce appeared over Tim's shoulder. "You clearly haven't found the really important guests yet."

Tim frowned. "What, more dignitaries?"

"No." Bruce cracked a smile. "Your classmates."

Tim sat bolt upright as three high school age guys came out of the crowd. The smile on his face told me these were more than just classmates. The four boys exchanged enthusiastic greetings and thanked Bruce over and over for inviting them. Tim's glee confirmed Bruce had just made his night.

I smiled as they vanished into the crowd, heading for the refreshments. "No doubt now, you're a cool dad, Bruce."

"Was there ever any doubt?" Bruce asked. "Actually, I got the idea from Alfred. Something about seeing you with other people your age… and speaking of people, I have some that I want you to meet."

"Oh! Uh… sure!" I got up and followed Bruce, trying my best to stay in the wake of his presence. People moved for him-not so much for me. Not yet, anyway. I shoved my shoulders back and tried to walk with confident strides, like Bruce did.

Out of the corner of my eye, I caught a young man, about my age, staring at me as I walked past. I didn't look back in time to see who it was. Maybe one of Tim's friends.

"Ah, here we are!"

I turned my eyes back to Bruce, to find he was standing shaking hands with another man. Tall, powerfully built, smiling from behind a pair of glasses.

"Samantha, meet Clark Kent, reporter for the Daily Planet, and a good friend of mine. Clark, this is Alfred's grandniece, Samantha Meyers."

Clark looked down at me and held out his hand. "How d'you do, Miss Meyers?"

"Good, thank you," I said. This guy was even more intimidating than Bruce, except for his smile. When I shook his hand, I was worried my tiny hand would be crushed in his. I could even tell that he was trying to hold me loosely and shake gently, as if he knew his full strength would be too much for me.

"How is it living in Wayne Manor, then?" Clark asked, adjusting his glasses.

"Oh, fine. Bruce and the boys have really made me feel at home."

"Now, if you're Alfred's niece, then does that make you a guest, or…?"

"Actually, I work for Mr. Wayne. I'm the maid."

"Oh, really? Must pay well, right, Mr. Billionaire?"

I shot Bruce a snide grin. "Well enough, though I bet I could wheedle a little more out of him."

There was a gasp, as a woman walked over to Clark and took his arm. "Clark, you're not chatting up Bruce Wayne by yourself, are you?"

"Ah, Samantha, this is my wife, Lois," Clark said. "This is Samantha Meyers. Alfred's niece."

"Nice to meet you, Samantha."

"You, too, Mrs. Kent."

"So, is there anything else you can tell us about life in the Manor?" Lois asked. "Clark and I are always looking for a scoop."

"Oh, well, I'd probably not be the best source." I glanced at Bruce. "I don't do much other than cook and clean."

Lois grinned. "Well, if you ever need to get away from all the hustle, bustle, and drama, you're welcome to come spend a weekend in Metropolis. I've got a son, Jon, and between him and his father, it's hard to get in any quality girl time."

I nodded. "Thank you, Mrs. Kent."

Bruce was peering through the crowd. "Clark, I have some more people for Sam to meet. Will you be at the after party?"

Clark nodded. "Oh, of course. The whole Kent clan will be. Couldn't refuse Jon his playtime with Damian."

"Certainly not. Enjoy the party, Kents!"

As we left, I looked up at Bruce suspiciously. "Was that a test?"

"Was what a test?"

"They're the press. You were trying to get me to spill something."

"Why would I do that? No, they're just good friends. I thought you'd want to meet them; I'm sure you'll see them around often enough."

Hm. So not a test. But Bruce definitely felt more Batman than Mr. Wayne right now.

Once again, as we moved through the crowd, I could feel eyes on the back of my head. I turned around, but only caught a fleeting glimpse of the same young man vanishing behind another group.

"Bruce, I think someone's watching me."

Bruce paused, then grinned. "Why not? You look lovely."

"Bruce!"

"Alright, alright. But if you feel uncomfortable…"

"No. No, it's fine. I was just… I wondered if you knew them."

"Who was it?"

"I don't know. He's… gone now. He keeps vanishing when I try to see him."

Bruce's steps slowed, and his business face turned on for a second. "Okay. Well, keep looking. And tell me if you ever feel uncomfortable. You can leave anytime."

"I'm fine."

"Good. Then let me introduce you to… Diana Prince."

Wow.

Before me was one of the most powerful looking women I had ever seen. Dressed in a stunning red dress, her hair pinned up effortlessly, and standing with all the dignity and authority of an empress, she was exactly how I would picture a real-life goddess.

"Diana, this is Samantha Meyers. She's Alfred's grandniece."

Diana held out her hand. I took it, and she squeezed it gently-not a handshake, but a simple and kind acknowledgement of my presence.

"I'm so pleased to meet you," Diana said, the remnants of an accent lingering on her tongue. "I didn't know Alfred had a niece."

"Hi." Don't act stupid in front of her, Sam. Say something. "Uh, I love your dress. It's very pretty."

"Thank you! Yours is lovely."

"I've just introduced her to Clark," Bruce said. "He says he'll be at the after party. Will we be seeing you, too?"

"Oh, I wouldn't miss it for the world. Will Samantha be there?"

"Of course!"

They smiled like it was nothing, but for some reason, I felt as if they'd just had a whole conversation without me.

"You can tell her all about your work," Bruce said.

"Oh… what do you do?"

Diana cocked her head. "Well, I work in a museum, and I look at a lot of old artifacts to see if they're authentic or not."

"So, are you an archeologist, or you just study what they dig up?"

"Good question… if they ever gave my job a name, I've forgotten it."

"Hey, Di… oh!" Another man-tall, blonde, and lanky-came up beside Diana, carrying two glasses of champagne. "Oh, hey, Bruce."

"Perfect timing," Bruce said. "Barry Allen, meet Samantha Meyers. Alfred's grandniece."

"Cool!" Barry handed a glass off to Diana and pumped my hand. "Nice to meet you. I'm Barry."

"Yeah, Bruce just told her," said another man. I knew this one-he was almost as famous as Bruce Wayne.

"Oliver Queen," I gaped.

"I like your dress," he said, shaking my hand. "Green's a good color."

Oliver Queen, the other billionaire. The one every girl in last year's senior class couldn't stop giggling about. He was pretty handsome, but way too old for any of them.

"Thank you," I said. "Alfred got it for me."

"So how are you related to Alfred, again?" Barry asked.

"Alfred's sister was my mother's mother."

"Oh, yeah, I forgot Alfred had… family." Barry quickly sipped his champagne. "How is your, uh, family?"

I blinked rapidly and tried to think of something to say. How did I know it would come around to this eventually?

Bruce put a hand on my shoulder. "Her parents, sadly, passed away-her mother just a few months ago."

The grown-ups maintained a careful silence as this sank in. This is what I always hated about having conversations about my parents: no matter what, kids would act shy and awkward and grown-ups would act all-knowing and gentle.

"I'm sorry," Barry said.

Oliver snorted. "Y'think? Sorry about him, kid. His mouth moves faster than his brain."

"Have you been living with Alfred?" Diana asked.

"Yeah, here at the Manor. I do housework."

Diana smiled. "I'm glad you haven't been alone."

Bruce patted my shoulder. "Sam, why don't you go get something to eat? I'm going to open the dance floor in about fifteen minutes."

I nodded and made my exit. That had been plenty awkward. I didn't need to embarrass myself by dancing, too.

/

Bruce turned to his colleagues. "She'll be fine."

"I'm so sorry, Bruce, I really am." Barry swirled his drink rapidly. "I had no idea…"

"It's not like it hasn't happened before."

"She's so sweet," Diana said. "I absolutely love her."

"Bruce," Oliver said. "What's with this afterparty, exactly? I mean, if it's just for Tim…"

"Not that we don't care about Tim," Barry cut in. "We just… you know, don't usually all end up in the same place. For a birthday."

Bruce smiled and tapped his nose. "It's not just for Tim. It's for her."

He nodded to Samantha, who was hanging out with Dick and Tim at the dessert table. "She doesn't know yet."

"That was pretty obvious," Oliver said.

"Tonight, I'm going to tell her. I'm going to introduce you all, plus anyone who comes later. Then she'll be fully initiated; no more secrets."

Barry and Oliver took a step back in shock. "Did Bruce Wayne just say, 'no more secrets?'"

"Who are you and what have you done to our billionaire playboy?"

Bruce sighed. "Diana, sometimes, I wonder why I hired these buffoons."

"Because you need them," Diana said with a smirk.

Bruce grinned. "Of course not. Excuse me, you three. I have a very important announcement to make."

/

I downed a second glass of punch as I stood at the refreshment table. Tim glanced at me as he walked over.

"That punch isn't spiked, right?"

"Of course not," Alfred said. "This is a party for high schoolers."

"There's still grown-ups," Jason said, sidling over casually. "Say, old man, d'you have anything… more aged?"

"Not for you."

"Worth a shot."

Suddenly, someone tapped the mic up front. I turned to see Bruce standing on the platform again.

"Hello again! Hope you're all enjoying yourselves. For all the adults in here, I have an apology to make. My son… well, he's got a lot of buddies on the younger side, and he managed to convince me to hire a DJ. So… for all of you in the high school age range, the dance floor is now open!"

I was surprised to see how many people started making their way through the double doors Alfred opened. The crowd seemed to be moving into a repurposed conservatory, colored lights mounted outside so they shone through the glass roof. I could hear loud music, even feel the beat through the floor.

Dick came sweeping past, dragging Babs behind him. "Come on, you guys! It's party time!"

"I'm a respectable businessman, Dick," Jason said, straightening his fancy tie.

"Shut up, babyface! Come on!"

Cass appeared at Tim's side, her excitement tangible as she hopped in place. She already had her shoes off.

"Sam, you should come! There's tons of girls here your age." Tim made a face. "Bruce invited the whole class."

"Oh, no, I… don't really dance."

Cass grabbed my arm and tugged. "Dance!"

I turned to Alfred for help. But my uncle just smiled with amusement. "I'd say a night of frivolities is just what you need, my girl."

I sighed. "Fine…"

Cass squealed and dragged me half off my feet with her glee. Tim, Cass, and me all burst into the dance room at once.

I saw Dick at once. Barbara was nearly doubled over laughing at him as he pulled out every sick move he could think of. He was pretty obviously the best on the floor, but he covered it up by doing goofy things like the Sprinkler and disco. He caught my eye and waved me over.

I tried to move cautiously through the crowd, but there were some crazy dancers. It looked like Tim's whole school had showed up for this party. It was definitely more people than I'd had in my junior class. I slid between two people, only to be squashed by two more and nearly knocked down by a third.

Cass held me up while making her own way through the throng with incredible ease. She moved like no one I had ever seen, swift and fluid, as if she could anticipate every movement, every jostle and bump before it happened. She led me gracefully and quickly to Dick's side.

"Thanks, Cass," I said, slightly breathless. "I'm not really a dancer."

"If anyone is, it's Cass," Babs said.

Cass was already preoccupied, her face turned toward the massive speakers, listening to every beat of the music. She began to move, and everything she did, every twist and turn, was a perfect adaptation of the music's sound. It looked almost like the song was coming from her. I watched her for a minute, mesmerized.

"Like I said." Babs poked my shoulder. "Alright, Sam. Your turn."

"I don't dance."

Dick cocked his head and examined me. "Do you know how to swing dance?"

"Uh… no."

"I'll teach you! It's the easiest one out there."

Dick held out his hands, and after a moment, I realized he wanted me to take them. "Oh, no, I really don't…"

"Come on, it's fun!"

"He's taught me," Babs said. "Trust me, it's really fun."

I hesitantly took Dick's hands. He then showed me how to do the regular swing step-back, two, over, two, side, two. Back, two, over, two, side, two. It took a bit, but I got the hang of it. Then he started getting crazy. He taught me the Pretzel, the Scorpion, and the Doggy Door, then asked me if I was ready for an aerial.

"Uh, no way."

"Come on! I used to do trapeze in the circus. This is nothing. Just a little aerial."

I shrugged. "Fine. Just don't drop me."

"That's a joke, right? Okay, start like this… spin in, spin out… spin in again, and you put your arm over my shoulder."

I followed the steps. "And…?"

"Alright, I'm going to bend down, and you need to jump onto my knee, and then I'll fling you off."

"Heh, uh, I don't know if I'm…"

"Okay, wait, watch me and Babs do it." Dick turned to Barbara. "Babs, com'ere. I'm going to show Sam the little aerial."

I watched as they executed it perfectly. Babs spun in, out, in again, flung her arm over his shoulder, then jumped up. At the same time, Dick bent down, so Babs landed on his knee. Both pushed up, and Babs spun out into the air, hair flying, and landed on her feet as easily as a cat.

"See? Easy." Dick held out his hands. "Now you…"

Out of the blue, the speakers turned up so loud, everyone covered their ears and shrieked with pain. The conservatory seemed to shudder, the glass roof vibrating with the power of the music. I ducked under the sound as it blasted overhead, trying to make out what was happening up at the DJ's table. The DJ was busy trying to plug his ears and turn down the volume at the same time and having obvious difficulty.

Suddenly, someone spun me around. I had only a moment to register a man's build, a head of dirty blonde hair-and a mask. A black, full face mask, plastic, like a stage prop. Then he shoved his mouth up to my ear.

"Come with me," he yelled. "Quick."

I struggled to get away, but the man was holding me very tightly, trying to drag me through the crowd. I dug in my heels, my ears screaming in pain as I uncovered them to fight.

"Let go of me!"

The man shouted over his shoulder. I didn't catch all of it; all I heard was, "There isn't time!"

"Let go!"

The DJ finally got the music back to normal volume. My foe started to pull harder, but it was too late. Dick appeared beside me and punched the mystery man in the face. The man let me go and I fell backward, tumbling into Barbara's arms.

"You okay?" Babs whispered in my ear.

My heart was pounding in my head. My brain felt fried. I didn't know how to process what had happened-what was happening. I watched in a haze as Dick tried to confront the masked man, but the stranger vanished into the crowd of dancers as quickly as he came.

Dick turned back to me. "Are you okay? Sam? Did he hurt you?"

I shook my foggy head, staring after my attacker. Why had he worn a mask? This wasn't a mask party…

My vision went dark and fuzzy for a moment. Next thing I knew, Babs and Dick were half leading, half carrying me off the dance floor. They sat me down and leaned me against the wall.

"Sam?" Dick squeezed my wrist. "It's alright, we've got you."

Babs sat next to me and leaned my head on her shoulder. "Sh, it's okay, it's okay."

"Sorry," I said. "I'm sorry, I didn't expect…"

"Sh. You're fine, don't be sorry. You're just scared, that's all. It's alright, he's gone."

Cass walked up behind Dick and squatted down. "Get Alfred."

"She'll be fine now…"

"Get. Alfred."

Dick stood and trotted away. Cass took his place, felt my pulse, put a hand on my cheek. "No more dancing."

I got out a laugh. "No, I don't think so."

Cass smiled. "She's okay."

After a moment, Alfred and Dick came running. Alfred looked terrified. He knelt by me and started checking things.

"How do you feel?"

"Fine…"

"Her pulse is a bit high. Barbara, lay her down. Sam, tell me how you feel. Do you feel dizzy?"

"No, I'm fine."

Alfred nodded. "You're only a little pale. Just lie down for a minute." Alfred turned to Dick. "What happened?"

"Some jerk in a mask tried to make off with her," Dick said, his brow knit angrily. "I didn't get a look at his face."

"Mask? What do you mean? Was it…" Alfred lowered his voice. "Was it business related?"

"I honestly don't know."

Alfred snarled. "I knew this would happen! I knew it would, I told Master Bruce, if we got her involved she'd be attacked. She'd be in the line of fire. And now…"

"Alfred, it could have been anyone," Babs said. "You know the sorts of people that show up at Bruce's parties."

"They don't usually wear masks." Alfred got up. "I'm telling Master Bruce. If that man shows up again, do not let him get away without getting a good look at his face. I want him identified."

Alfred stormed away, causing not a few people to jump hastily out of his path. As soon as he was gone, I tried to sit up.

"No, no, no, stay down," Babs said. "You'll feel better much quicker."

I nodded and lay down. Cass sat by me and played with my hair; it calmed me down. It made me think of Mom, how she used to play with my hair when we sat on the couch watching tv on weekends.

"I'm sorry this happened," Dick said.

"We'll make sure you're right for the after party," Babs said. "I promise."

I was too distracted to reply. It had just dawned on me that my masked attacker and the sudden speaker malfunction had been all too coincidental. And how had the man not been affected by the volume?

Who was trying to get me?

/

Bruce was getting tired of smiling.

He had been shaking hands and making small talk with every business investor in Gotham-all of whom, it seemed, had daughters about Bruce's age. The playboy routine was getting old. Already, it was looking as if tomorrow would consist of five cruises in the sports car and another party on the deck of the yacht. Bruce needed a good excuse to abandon the whole thing, and fast.

Bruce kept a brave smile on his face as he scanned the crowd for someone he didn't need to show off for. His eyes landed on Alfred, and a breath of relief nearly escaped his lips.

Then he looked closer.

Something was wrong. Alfred was wringing his hands, and even though his face looked calm enough, his eyes betrayed a silent but powerful anxiety.

Bruce turned to his latest female companions with another dashing grin. "Excuse me, ladies. I need to speak with my butler. Boring business stuff. I shouldn't be long."

"Come right back, Mr. Wayne!"

"I promise," Bruce said.

He quickly extricated himself from their arms and walked away. His grin slid away as soon as he was free. "I promise to take as long as possible."

"Alfred," he said, finally making it across the room. "What's wrong?"

Alfred spoke in a low voice. "Samantha's been attacked."

Bruce's heart plummeted to his stomach. "What?!"

"A man in a mask tried to run off with her on the dance floor."

"What do you mean, a man in a mask? Was it… business related?"

"I don't know, sir. The man got away. Nobody saw his face."

Bruce sighed and rubbed his face. "Is Sam okay?"

"She fainted for a moment, but she's much better now. Honestly, sir, I think she's doing better than I am."

"Do you think she'll be able to handle the after party?"

Alfred shrugged. "I'd hope so, sir. She deserves to know. But after so much excitement, I don't know how much she can handle."

Bruce scowled. "She told me she thought someone was watching her. I should've been more attentive."

"And you didn't tell me this why?"

"Well, when was I supposed to have the time?"

"Master Bruce, if it concerns my niece, you make the time, understand?"

"I'm sorry, Alfred." Bruce sighed. "Alright, well… I think we should plan on having the after party unless Sam gets worse. Get Dick to take your post at the punch bowl. You should stay with her."

"Thank you, sir."

Alfred slipped back into the other room, and Bruce took a moment-a long moment-to get his mind and his face back in order for the rest of the night. He turned back to the crowd, his face smiling once more, not a trace of worry, not a lingering wrinkle to suggest that anything had happened.

It was as simple as putting on a mask.

/

The night felt like it went on forever. It was probably because I was lying on the floor like a slug, and later on, sitting in a chair with a glass of water, with Babs and Cass on either side of me like bodyguards, and Alfred sitting next to me. Tim, Jason, and Damian all swung by at some point to check on me. But most other people just ignored me, too busy pursuing their own entertainment to worry about pitiful little me.

It took a while, but finally, everybody left, including all those random people Bruce had invited to the after party. I worried that I had ruined it. Bruce had cancelled his party-which, as it looked, would have been much more comfortable for him, with just a few close friends-just because of me. Diana Prince and the Kents said goodbye to me, and they were very sweet about it, but it just made me feel even worse. I had just ruined their night by being a big baby and swooning all over everyone.

When the ballroom was finally empty, Babs put an arm around me. "Come with me, Sammy. Let's get you out of this dress."

"We'll meet you in the Batcave," Dick said with a wink and a grin.

"The cave?" I turned to Bruce. "You want to run some tests?"

"Not tonight, no," Bruce said.

"Then why-?"

"Come on," Babs said, steering me out of the ballroom. "We're just going to have a little Bat party for Tim."

"Oh, okay. Gotcha."

Babs and I went to my room. I changed into something more comfortable and brushed the curls out of my hair, making it all soft and wavy. Looking at myself in the mirror, I didn't think I was pale or sickly. I looked fine. I felt fine.

I had ruined the after party for nothing.

I walked out of the bathroom to find that Barbara was gone. I shrugged it off. She must have gotten tired of waiting for me and gone to the Batcave. So that was where I went.

I stepped out of the elevator and found everyone standing around the computer. I took my place between Alfred and Babs, staring up at the glowing screen.

There was nothing on it.

"Whatcha guys doing?"

"Waiting," Stephanie said. I did a double take when I realized what she was wearing. Looking around, I realized everyone was in their costumes. I felt ridiculously out of place in my jeans and sneakers.

"Waiting for what?"

Dick and Bruce shared a look. Bruce nodded, and Dick turned to me.

"The after party."

"What?!" I looked around. "I thought Bruce had cancelled it. I thought I ruined…"

"Tosh and nonsense," Alfred said, putting an arm around me. "You didn't ruin anything, love. Master Bruce just has issues with keeping secrets."

Bruce smiled from under the cowl.

Jason sidled up to me and put an arm around my shoulders. "How you doing, Sam?"

"Great now, actually! I'm just glad there's still going to be an after party. Except… Bruce, didn't everyone leave?"

Bruce, his back to me, said, "Oh, they just had to go get ready. There's one now."

An alert came up on the computer, saying someone was nearing one of the cave entrances. Bruce turned to Alfred. "That'd be Clark."

Alfred nodded and strode off down one of the many tunnels. I turned to Bruce. "Wait… hold on, are you telling me all those people-like the Kents and Miss Prince and Oliver Queen-they all know you're Batman?"

"Yep."

"And they can get into the cave?"

"Only if I let them in."

"But… why didn't I know about them before? I mean, I'd think you'd tell me if someone else knew who Batman is."

"That's what tonight is for, Sam," Bruce said. "To show you the people who know who Batman is."

"And who Batman knows they are."

I turned around to see the bespectacled Clark Kent, his wife, and a young boy in a Superman hoodie standing in the cave. How did they get here so fast?

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"Not until everyone's here," Bruce said snappishly, his business mode turning on like a switch.

The boy waved enthusiastically. "Hey, Damian! Wanna explore the cave?"

Damian sniffed. "I already know these caves inside and out. It wouldn't be that exciting."

I frowned. "Damian, be nice."

There was a moment of silence. I glanced around. "What?"

The boy pointed at me in awe. "You… told Damian to be nice."

"Yes."

"Nobody ever does that."

"Sorry."

"Don't be sorry!" The boy walked up to me and thrust out his hand. "I'm Jon."

I shook. "I'm Sam."

"I think I'm gonna like you, Sam. Hey, d'you wanna explore the cave?"

"Um…" I turned to Bruce. "May I?"

"In a bit. Here comes Diana."

I turned to see Diana Prince walk into the cave. She saw me and smiled.

"I see you're doing much better, Samantha."

"Yes, thank you."

Diana gave me another grin and turned to Bruce. "The others will be here in a minute. They were picking up the cake."

"Ooh, cake!" Jon cried.

Another man walked into the cave-Bart, was it? No, Barry. Barry… Allen. He was followed by a young man, about Dick's age.

"Wally!" Dick cried. He vaulted across the room and landed right in front of the young man. The two clasped hands and hugged.

Behind Barry and Wally came Oliver Queen, and trailing behind him was a gangly, red haired man in a hoodie.

Jason turned to Bruce, his mouth hanging open. "You… invited…"

Bruce gave Jason a level glare. "One night, limited tolerance. Don't break anything or start a fight, and they can stay."

"They?!"

The redhead was followed-very closely-by one of the most dazzling women I had ever seen. Not quite as dazzling as Diana, but close. Her vibrant locks were pulled back into a graceful braid, and her eyes were an intense green that stood out against her tan skin.

Jason gave a gleeful whoop and ran across the cave to his… well, it looked to be his friends. I glanced at Bruce.

"What do you mean about starting a fight?"

"They're…" Bruce pursed his lips, as if trying to find a word that didn't taste sour. "They're a little rowdy sometimes."

There were a few more who came trickling in, none of whom I recognized. But I was starting to see a pattern-a lot of strong looking men, a few incredibly fit women, no particular connection, and all apparently friends of both Bruce and Batman. Who were these people? And how had I never seen or heard of them before?

Something was wrong with my eyes. As people mingled, I kept seeing some of them in particular arrangements. Particularly, I saw Bruce-as Batman-standing with Clark and Diana. Something about it was familiar. It made me think of newspaper clippings and billboards. But I couldn't put my finger on anything specific.

Alfred came back into the cave and gave Bruce the signal that everyone was here. Bruce sent me the happiest smile I had ever seen under the Bat cowl and called everyone to attention.

"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for coming tonight. First and foremost, a happy birthday to Red Robin…"

There was applause, still plenty enthusiastic for such a small crowd, and a couple exclamations of "happy birthday!" Tim couldn't help but grin as both Cass and Stephanie pecked him on the cheek.

"And now, for the main event. Sam, come to the front, please?"

I walked over to Bruce. I felt a wave of awe as I realized just how crazy it was to be standing casually next to not just billionaire Bruce Wayne, but Batman himself, in full costume, in the Batcave.

"Samantha Meyers has been living here for several months," Batman said, putting a gloved hand on my shoulder. "Several of you know, she's Alfred's grand-niece. Her parents both passed away over the past couple years, so Alfred took her in."

"Cheers to Alfred," Dick said loudly.

Several people nodded.

"It's been a while now since she figured out, all on her own, I might add, that I'm Batman. I thought it was high time she met all of you, too. So, without further ado… Sam, would you kindly turn around and close your eyes?"

"Huh?"

"Just go ahead."

"Okay…"

I turned around and put my hands over my eyes.

"Alright, then. I want you to turn back around and open your eyes in ten, nine…"

Beyond Bruce's voice, I heard a lot of rustling and whooshing. I desperately wanted to turn around and look. What was going on?

"...three, two, one."

I let my hands fall and whirled around.

My jaw dropped.

Proudly arrayed before me was the Justice League of America.