The Bat and The Bird

Gala

Liliac walked through the front door of the gala while the rest of her team took positions discreetly throughout the building. The team was on a telepathic link, so Liliac was free to talk to others and socialize as she pleased or deemed necessary.

I didn't know you were such a... social butterfly, Super Boy tried out an expression, something he had been doing lately, which was amusing for everyone.

I was an actress once, She replied curtly

You fit in perfectly, Artemis chuckled

Yeah. You look really pretty, Robin complimented her for nearly the millionth time

If you compliment me one more time I'm putting you in a head lock, Liliac sighed

He'd probably like it, Wally snickered

Shut up, Robin and Liliac replied in unison

"Celeste, is that you?" A voice said from behind her. She tensed, but then remembered that her team was linked telepathically, and couldn't hear all the way down here. She turned to face the person who the voice belonged to.

"Stephen Gainer, it's been too long" She faked a grin, "How did you know it was me?"

"Like I wouldn't recognize the most beautiful woman for miles" He approached her very closely, "Dance with me?"

"Do I have to?" She said through gritted teeth

"Never much of a lady were you?" He chuckled before taking her onto the dance floor. He danced with her, but much too closely. She finally said she need to use the restroom and slipped down the hall. She breathed out and ran a hand through her hair.

You okay Lily? That guys seemed a little too close for comfort, Aqualad said, a hint of worry in his voice.

Tell me about it. I'm fine, she huffed before returning to the gala.

An hour later and after talking to too many people who's names she instantly forgot, there had been nothing. Liliac sighed and went to the bar, ordering a drink.

"Aren't you a bit young?" The bartender asked nervously

"I promise, I look older than I seem" Her playful glare could be seen, even in her mask. The boy handed her a drink that she gratefully took.

She started walking when someone put a hand on her shoulder. She spun around quickly to see,

"Jack Hill" She smiled slightly

"Celeste, I knew it was you" He chuckled. The boy was her age, blonde hair and emerald green eyes. Celeste had always wanted green eyes.

"I won't ask how" She muttered

"Are you here for your dad?" He questioned

"Yes, he's always so busy, but he couldn't miss out on this" She chuckled, gesturing to the room around her.

There weren't too many people who knew Celeste's relationship to Bruce, most assumed she worked for him, but Jack had been probably one of her closest (or only) friends throughout her normal life. They were very close.

"Yes I understand. Quite frankly I think this" He mimicked her gesture to the room, "Is quite boring"

"I second that" She took another sip of her drink. He pointed at it with confusion, "Being a girl has its perks" She smirked

"I remember you used to complain and complain about it. Now look at you! Slick Princess" He chuckled. She laughed, genuinely.

"Oh god don't remind me" She rolled her eyes