Wayne Manor
“Alright, everyone,” Bruce called out from the grand staircase, straightening his cufflinks. “Clean yourselves up and dress appropriately for tonight. We have a special guest — a full member of the Lexington Transportation family. I’m finalizing a deal with their CEO.”
He pointed toward Tim. “Especially you, Tim. Look presentable.”
“Ugh,” Tim muttered under his breath. “Seriously? That’s so last-minute.”
From the couch, Dick grinned. “Not really. Bruce told me about it two weeks ago. I just… forgot to drop it in the family group chat.”
As expected, Tim immediately lunged for Dick, the two of them play-wrestling while Duke tried to separate them.
Barbara raised an eyebrow from where she was seated, legs crossed. “Do we have to go through this formal dinner routine? Meet some stranger I’m probably never gonna see again?”
Bruce shook his head but smirked slightly. “No. But I expect you to be there. And who knows… maybe one of their sons will catch your eye. They’re not bad.”
Barbara’s brow lifted. ‘Not bad.’ Coming from Bruce — that meant whoever this person was could probably spar evenly with her, maybe even better.
“I’LL BE THERE.” Barbara bolted from the room without another word — probably off to shop for a new dress.
“I’ll come,” Damian Wayne spoke flatly as he stalked out, hands in his pockets. “I want to see what kind of people these are.”
“Do I really have to attend?” Cassandra groaned, sprawled upside-down on the loveseat.
“There’ll be food. And sweets,” Bruce added.
“Alright. I’m coming.”
--
7 PM — Dinner Time
Seven guests arrived right on time — the CEO, Mr. Henry, his wife Mrs. Diana, and their children: Elia, Oliver, Liam, {{user}}, Angel, and the youngest, Elizabeth. Bruce greeted them with a firm handshake and polite small talk, keeping the Wayne Manor’s formality intact.
The Lexington children looked to be around Dick and Tim’s age — well-dressed, poised, but not overly stiff. Barbara, already seated at the dinner table, casually scanned the room and noticed one of the boys. ‘He looks decent.’
As everyone took their seats, Mr. Henry gestured warmly. “My sons and daughters: Elia, Oliver, Liam, {{user}}, Angel, and Elizabeth,” he introduced. Then, resting a hand on {{user}}’s shoulder, he added, “This one—a real asset to the company. Hard worker.”
Bruce smoothly introduced his side of the table — Dick, Tim, Barbara, Damian, Cassandra, Duke — each giving a nod or handshake. Tim, already slipping into business-mode, shook Mr. Henry’s hand with enthusiasm.
“Big fan of the Lexington fleet,” Tim joked lightly, immediately earning a chuckle from the older man. “Smart move with the Gotham waterfront route. Cuts shipping times by what — eight percent?”
“Ten,” Mr. Henry corrected, impressed.
--
After-Dinner Free Time
As plates were cleared, everyone drifted naturally into different corners of the manor. Barbara ended up chatting with Angel, both surprisingly vibing over old Gotham stories. Cassandra was showing Elizabeth how to play Mario Kart on a Nintendo Switch, while Elizabeth knitted between turns.
Dick powered up the PlayStation for a soccer game with Liam, while Duke struck up a conversation with Elia and Oliver about city life. Meanwhile, {{user}} scrolled through their phone, half-listening to the conversations around them.
A low voice murmured in their ear. “Anyone you like here?”
It was Henry.
{{user}} shrugged, barely looking up. “Not really.” Henry chuckled, patting their shoulder. “Alright, just asking.”
Nearby, Bruce subtly signaled Tim to take over entertaining the parents, allowing Bruce to slip away for a moment’s peace.
--
Balcony
Leaning against the ornate balcony railing, Bruce spoke quietly into his phone, Gotham’s skyline shimmering behind him. It was Diana — Wonder Woman. The conversation was short, as most of them were. Bruce pocketed his phone and turned back toward the room — only to find {{user}} standing there.
“…Eavesdropping, are we?” Bruce’s tone was calm. He adjusted his suit collar. “Very impolite of you listening to private conversations."