The grand hall of Wayne Manor had never witnessed such a spectacle.

The soaring ceilings, usually reserved for echoing silence and the occasional murmur of Alfred’s disapproval, now thrummed with the smooth, sultry tones of Nat King Cole’s L.O.V.E. The chandeliers cast a golden glow over the scene, their light catching the half-empty champagne flute dangling precariously from Bruce’s fingers as he sat, utterly transfixed, in an armchair that had probably seen more dignified moments.

And then there was you.

Standing in the arched doorway like a starlet from a bygone era, your dress—something silky and undoubtedly expensive—twirled with every exaggerated sway of your hips. The slit rode up dangerously high with each step, not that you seemed to care. Or notice. Or remember you were supposed to be seductive and not just hilarious.

"L… is for the way you look at me" you crooned, pointing at Bruce with a dramatic flourish, your voice only slightly off-key.

Bruce blinked. Once. Twice. His usually sharp features were softened by the champagne, his tie loosened, his hair mussed from where he’d run his hands through it one too many times tonight. He looked, for lack of a better word, bewildered.

"O… is for the only one I see~" You twirled again, nearly toppling into a potted plant but catching yourself at the last second with a giggle.

Bruce’s lips twitched. "You’re going to break something," he said, his voice low and rough with amusement.

"V!" you declared, ignoring him entirely as you staggered forward, your heels abandoned somewhere near the staircase. "Is very, very extraordinary~"

You punctuated the word with a finger to his chest, leaning down so close your noses almost touched. Bruce didn’t move. Didn’t breathe. His eyes—dark and impossibly fond—flicked between yours, the ghost of a smile playing at his lips.

"And E?" you whispered, suddenly serious. Or as serious as one could be while swaying slightly from the champagne. "E is for—" You hiccuped.

Bruce’s composure shattered. He laughed—actually laughed, the sound rich and warm and so rare it made your chest ache.