A/N: There was a suggestion to start putting the next chapter title at the end of each chapter.
How many people want that or against the idea?
——— Bruce Wayne arrived with a pleasant smile and said “Commissioner Gordon, fancy seeing you here.
I didn’t take you for someone who enjoys classical music.” He extended his hand, and Gordon shook it.
“I don’t, particularly,” Gordon admitted.
“But I received an invitation, and the mayor insisted I attend.
So… here I am.” Bruce’s gaze moved naturally, first to Barbara, then to Sebastian.
“I see you brought your daughter,” he said.
“And if you don’t mind me asking, who is this?” “This is Sebastian,” Gordon said.
“An acquaintance we met recently.” Sebastian stepped forward.
“Hello,” he said.
“It is a pleasure to meet you.
Who might you be?” He extended his hand.
Bruce paused for the briefest moment, then shook it.
“Rarely do I meet someone who doesn’t recognize me,” he said lightly.
“I have not been in Gotham for that long,” Sebastian replied.
“I have not yet memorized all of its prominent figures.” Bruce gave a small smile.
“Bruce Wayne.” Sebastian raised an eyebrow.
“The eccentric playboy philanthropist?” “In the flesh,” Bruce said.
Sebastian’s expression shifted clearly as he looked him over from head to toe, studying him.
Everyone noticed the change.
“Is something wrong?” he asked.
Sebastian kept staring for a moment before saying “I have a question, it may be somewhat personal or inappropriate.” Bruce raised an eyebrow.
“And what might that be?” Sebastian looked at him directly.
“Based on your extensive experience, what kind of woman do you like?” Silence.
Bruce stared at him.
Barbara stared at him.
Even Gordon looked at him stunned.
“What the hell are you asking?” Barbara said, disbelief clear in her voice.
“That is… an unexpected question, you have to excuse me for not answering” Bruce said.
Sebastian smiled faintly.
“Indeed, never mind me,” he said.
Bruce slowly withdrew his hand, his expression shifting slightly.
“You are… quite unusual,” he said.
“I hope you don’t ask everyone you meet that question.” “You are the first,” Sebastian replied.
“I doubt I will encounter another suitable candidate.” Bruce held his gaze for a moment, then stepped back.
“I have other matters to attend to,” he said.
“It was a pleasure seeing you, Commissioner.” He turned and walked away.
Sebastian remained still, watching him leave.
Then spoke quietly to Gordon and Barbara.
“That is the most artificial person I have ever seen,” he said.
“All the rumors about him are wrong.
And I am willing to bet it is intentional” For a brief moment, both Barbara and her father simply stared at him.
“What has gotten into you now?” Gordon asked, his tone carrying a mix of disbelief and mild annoyance.
Sebastian remained composed.
“When I shook his hand,” he said, “I could tell he is trained.
And I do not mean casual training.
I am referring to extreme physical conditioning, the kind associated with advanced mixed martial arts.” He paused before continuing.
“Additionally, his physique, while concealed by the suit, indicates significant muscle mass.” Gordon frowned.
“So?” he said.
“Where are you going with this?” Sebastian continued as if explaining something obvious.
“The rumors describe him as a playboy.
A playboy typically takes pride in his conquests and would readily share such stories.
He did not.” He tilted his head.
“Furthermore, he did not ogle your daughter, not even so much as give her a second glance.
I find it difficult to believe that a man known for being a womanizer would act like that.” Gordon opened his mouth, then paused, clearly caught off guard by the argument.
“You need to stop saying whatever comes to your mind.
Now I am concerned about even letting her near you” he said finally.
“Nah, relax, she is too scary for me.
And you can call me crazy if you wish,” Sebastian said, “but his smile is also artificial.
I suspect he is far more serious than he allows others to believe.” He turned his gaze toward where Bruce had disappeared.
“He is hiding something,” he continued.
“This entire persona is an act.
What I find curious is why he would go so far as to present himself as an eccentric playboy.” Gordon exhaled.
“Sebastian,” he said, “you are being ridiculous and out of line.” “You are a detective,” Sebastian replied.
“Should that not make you curious?
You were quite interested in my occupation earlier, simply because of an invitation.” “That is different,” Gordon said firmly.
“Is it?” Sebastian asked.
“You genuinely see no problem around his act?” “I see none,” Gordon replied.
“And you should stop this before it brings you trouble.
Not everyone will take kindly to the way you behave.” Sebastian’s faint smile returned.
“Understood,” he said.
“Please disregard my thoughts and think as if I said nothing.” Gordon’s gaze lingered at him for a little longer then shifted his attention to his daughter.
“Barbara,” he said, “I need to speak with the mayor.
Would you like to come, or would you prefer to stay?” “I’ll pass,” Barbara replied.
“I’ll leave the boring conversations to you.” Gordon gave a small smile.
“Very well.
I’ll find you when I’m done.” With that, he turned and walked away.
Barbara watched him go before turning back to Sebastian.
“After everything you just said about lunatics,” she said, “it seems you might be one as well.” Sebastian shook his head.
“No,” he replied.
“I am perfectly rational.
In fact, I agree with your father that this might not end well.
That man is trouble.
You would do well to keep your distance.” Barbara crossed her arms.
“From what I can see,” she said, “You’re the one walking around beating people and asking inappropriate questions.” Sebastian gave a small chuckle.
“Given what I have observed,” he said, “I would argue that Mr.
Wayne is the more violent individual between the two of us.
After all, he spends his nights engaging in physical altercations with poor people.” Barbara froze.
“What are you talking about?” she asked probingly.
Sebastian looked at her thoughtfully.
“So you are unaware?” Barbara frowned.
“Unaware of what?” Sebastian stepped closer, lowering his voice.
“I am nearly certain that he is Batman,” he said.
“And that your father is aware of it.” Barbara’s eyes widened.
“What?” she said.
“That’s ridiculous.
He is a billionaire!
He can’t be Batman.” “An eccentric man who is rarely seen,” Sebastian continued, “likely because he is occupied with matters unknown to the public.
He possesses extensive training but claims to be a carefree playboy.
His demeanor is artificial, his expression is too fake.
Your father dismissed the inconsistencies and advised me not to think about it and he is known to be close to Batman” He paused briefly.
“Oh, and Batman is clearly well-funded.” He smiled victoriously as he continued.
“There are also other smaller details, but overall, yes, I am quite confident in my conclusion.” Barbara shook her head.
“Your reasoning is full of holes.” “It is sufficient for me,” Sebastian replied.
“However, if you remain unconvinced, we could test the theory.” She narrowed her eyes.
“Test it how?” “I have several methods,” he said.
“I could confirm it before the performance ends tonight.
The only issue is that it might become too public, and I would prefer not to expose the city night watchdog.
It is already a hellhole as is.” Barbara stared at him, visibly alarmed.
“You can’t be serious,” she said.
“You are basing your theory on a handshake.
That on its own is absurd.” Sebastian shrugged.
“A handshake among others.” “Okay enough of this,” she said quickly.
“Whatever you’re thinking, don’t do it.
What if you’re wrong?
You’ll put him or yourself in serious trouble.” “Relax,” Sebastian replied.
“I won’t do something that implicates me.
And I have no intention of ruining the guy’s night patrols.” He glanced toward the direction Bruce had gone.
“I got an idea,” he continued.
“If we move now, I am confident we can confirm it discretely, even he wouldn’t realize what we are doing.” “No,” Barbara said immediately.
“I am not agreeing to this.” Sebastian looked at her for a moment.
“For the daughter of a commissioner,” he said, “you are surprisingly tame.
Calling you Eris may have been inaccurate.” Barbara clenched her jaw.
For a brief moment, she seriously considered strangling him.
But she was genuinely worried at this moment, that Sebastian would expose Bruce somehow.
She didn’t dare to take chances with him.
She absolutely can’t let him out of her sight.
The murmur of the crowd shifted as the ushers began guiding guests toward the main hall.
The lights dimmed, signaling that the performance was about to begin.
Sebastian glanced toward the direction Bruce Wayne had gone, then back at Barbara.
“The show is about to start,” he said.
“You should find your seat.
I will follow him.
I will not require more than five minutes to confirm it.” He had already started moving.
Barbara’s reaction was immediate.
She stepped forward and caught his hand before he could take another step.
“You are not going anywhere,” she said firmly.
“Leave the man alone.” Sebastian looked at her hand, then at her.
“Are you not curious?” “I am concerned about what you are planning to do,” Barbara replied.
“Just let it go.
You gain nothing from this.” Sebastian studied her for a moment, then gave a small nod.
“Very well,” he said.
“The proof would have been for your sake, in any case.” Barbara didn’t waste another second.
She pulled him along toward the main hall, clearly relieved that he had relented.
The two moved with the rest of the crowd, blending into the flow of guests as they entered the large concert hall.
The stage stood well illuminated at the far end, musicians already preparing their instruments.
Barbara guided them toward the back, choosing the farthest seats.
Moments later, the performance began.
Several minutes passed.
Then Sebastian leaned closer to Barbara, his voice low enough not to disturb others.
“You do not appear to enjoy this.” Barbara kept her eyes forward.
“I prefer more modern music,” she said quietly.
“Electronic, mostly.” Sebastian said.
“That is… unexpected for a library clerk.” Barbara frowned.
“Those two things are not related,” she said.
Then she turned her head toward him.
“Now that you mention it, why don’t I see you at the library?
You had me pick out books for you, but you never show up.” Sebastian answered.
“I do visit it weekly.
I simply choose times when you are not present.
I obtained your schedule from Jenny.” Barbara froze.
“You are avoiding me?” she said.
“You assume I am joking,” Sebastian replied.
“But I take the Eris matter seriously.
I am currently waiting to see what occurs tonight.
Though I admit, I am somewhat reassured knowing the bat is nearby.” Barbara stared at him, caught between disbelief and irritation.
“I don’t know if I should be angry or not.” Sebastian said.
“One should acknowledge their nature and proceed accordingly.” “You are insane,” Barbara muttered.
“Nothing is going to happen tonight.” As if responding directly to her words, gunfire tore through the hall.
The music stopped mid-note as panic rippled across the audience.
People turned, froze, some instinctively ducking.
From every entrance, armed men moved in.
They spread quickly, blocking exits.
The crowd was surrounded before most could even react.
At the center, a man walked calmly toward the stage.
He stepped into the light, his presence commanding immediate attention.
In his hand, a coin glinted faintly.
“Head means you will die by bullets if you move,” he said, his voice carrying across the hall.
The coin flipped into the air.
Spun.
Then landed back in his palm.
He looked at it.
“It is heads.” A wave of fear passed through the audience.
Several people visibly trembled, others froze completely.
“See?” Sebastian said quietly.
“You are cursed.” A brief pause.
“And it appears to be a self-aware curse.” Barbara pressed her lips together.
[She really is cursed, not to mention the other two magnets here] Sebastian thought.
His eyes moved to the stage [So this is why this bastard was in a hurry, he was preparing for this… the fucker ruined my fun night.] He stared intently at Two-Face.