A/N: I am trying as hard as I can to write these without assuming any reader knowledge but it can be easy to not realise everyone might not understand a particular reference when you do. If there is anything you don't particularly get, I am sure the Internet can answer. I also welcome you to message me any queries and I will try answer them as quickly as possible. Enjoy the second chapter :)

"And that is why I would like to thank you all for being here for such a historic and memorable night. Enjoy the food and the drink, I hear the open bar is being paid for by Mr Wayne himself!" The crowd cheered as Barbara Gordon finished her speech at the podium. As she walked down the steps from the stage she was greeted with numerous smiles, handshakes and congratulations. It had been a hard battle but finally Barbara managed to become the first female Police Commissioner in the Gotham City Police Department's history.

One particular face stood among all the class elites. She smiled and strode towards a tall, handsome man. He was dressed impeccably, with a fifty thousand dollar suit made just for this occasion. He raised his hand without his champagne and waved towards Barbara.

"If you're not careful Bruce, you'll become more popular for providing all the free champagne!" Bruce laughed heartily and flashed the obligatory Wayne Enterprises business smile he had perfected for decades. He truly meant it this time but he had to keep up appearance so as not to suggest he had a relationship that was anything but professional with Barbara. Bruce rubbed his face in thought, noticing his cheek was furry. Deciding he would have to shave after the event, he found his words.

"I think the least I can do as a benefactor of this city is support one of the finest police officers the department has ever seen rise through the ranks and become the Commissioner. Your father would be so proud of you, I am sure of it." Bruce realised what he had said but it was too late. As Barbara's body language drooped, Bruce noticed that there was a melancholy mood overhanging the two of them; the rest of the crowd was enjoying itself in style.

Jim Gordon, the longest serving Police Commissioner of Gotham City, had tragically passed away after an encounter with the Scarecrow. Heroically trying to protect a group of young girls, Gordon inhaled a deadly amount of Scarecrow's drugs. It caused an overdose. He died of internal haemorrhaging minutes later. The reason Gordon was facing Scarecrow and not Batman was because Batman had chosen to go after the Penguin instead, who had broken out of jail. It turned out to be a false lead to give Scarecrow some moments alone with Gordon.

Bruce Wayne was allowed to make mistakes. Batman wasn't. Bruce decided it would be his last mistake. He hung up his cape and retired Batman's name, unbeknownst to the population of Gotham. It only took one week without a sighting of Batman for the press to be alive with theories of his disappearance. The real reason was simple. One of Bruce's closest friends and colleagues had died because of him. He hoped he would be able to move on but he was only human, it seemed impossible.

Bruce wished he could say that the city was coping with Batman's absence, but deep down he knew it was getting torn to bits. Even with Nightwing setting up a semipermanent base in Gotham, the crime rate soared and criminal morality saw a rise that hadn't been seen since Batman's early years. Not only was it putting pressure on Bruce's friendship with Dick, it also put Barbara's relationship with him in a precarious position.

Bruce blinked once or twice regaining his composure.

"I am so sorry Barbara, I didn't mean to be so….insensitive," he apologised. Barbara shifted uncomfortably but then looked Bruce in the eye.

"It's ok. My father's death shouldn't be forgotten and avoided. He was the biggest hero this city ever had." Bruce couldn't help but feel as if Barbara was having a subtle go at Batman but he continued to listen.

"He can become a symbol of this police department. He helped rid it of corruption and inefficiency. He hand selected his officers and rewarded anyone he could trust, while investigating anyone he had a bad feeling about. He had a good life, and I am proud of him. It is the least I can do." Barbara finished her sentence with a slight tear forming in the corner of her eye. She quickly dabbed it away and regained her composure.

"Now, better get on with mingling with the guests. By the way did you hear about the new District Attorney I hired the other day?" Bruce nodded his head and gestured for Barbara to continue.

"I would like you to meet him before I introduce him to the rest of his colleagues; try get a good read on him. You're always good at that sort of stuff."

"Anything for you Barbara," Bruce smiled and finished his glass of champagne. He felt as though some of the tension had been lifted from the two but it would take some time to fully mend their friendship.

Bruce needed some fresh air and so he farewelled Barbara and left the event. He strode through the carpark, jiggling his keys around in his pocket, trying to find his car key. He noticed another person's hot breath in the cold. The figure was leaning up against Bruce's car. At first he was slightly alarmed but then he recognised the face that met him. Bruce peered around to make sure no one was within earshot and laughed, "it has been a while since I caught glimpse of you without a mask Dick."

"No offence Bruce, but someone has to do your job for you." Dick held out a hand for Bruce and shook it firmly, a resigned smile on his face. Dick's demeanour was more serious than Bruce was anticipating.

"Please tell me you are not here to try and convince me to come out of retirement. How many times have I said, Bruce Wayne is no longer Batman. If you want you can use my gear and become Batman yourself if you are so concerned."

"There can only be one Batman," sighed Dick.

Dick Grayson had grown up to be a formidable young man. An imposing and assertive figure, he had been fighting crime ever since the tragic death of his parents – the Flying Graysons. After being Robin for a long time he decided he had grown out of his alter ego. He had literally grown too big for his costume. And so, with the help of Bruce and Alfred he pieced together a new superhero identity, Nightwing.

Dick gestured to the car and raised his eyebrow. "You aren't going to get in?" Bruce smiled and got in the front seat. As he turned the key to the ignition he said, "how long are you going to be here for Dick?"

"As long as it takes to get you up and about."

"I am done Dick. It is as simple as that. You are my close friend and I love you like a brother but please, respect my decision."

"I could have respected the old Bruce Wayne. Not this frail shell of a former self. What happened to you? You used to be fearless. You always put others' lives before your own."

"Jim is dead. Because of me. How can I live with that?"

Bruce slammed on the brakes as Dick delivered a hard slap to his face. Before Bruce could open his mouth Dick began a tirade.

"Do you think you are honouring him by giving up? Do you? Take a page from your own book and move on; learn from your own goddamn mistakes. You are not alone. No matter how much you try I will always be a phone call away, so will Alfred. So DO NOT GIVE UP ON US." All that was audible was the men's breath, slowly forming condensation on the car windows. Bruce knew that Dick was right. The car door slammed next to Bruce. He opened the window.

"Dick where are you going?"

"Do not make the mistake that I need Bruce Wayne, because I don't. If you are all that is left of him then he is dead to me. All I need is Batman so I can help rid this city of its scum. See you around Mr Wayne."

The full moon in the sky illuminated Bruce's perplexed face as his brow furrowed in deep thinking.