Masks Who: EVERYONE! Where: Wayne Manor When: Evening, before Halloween What: PAR-TAY!
"The lanterns are lit along the drive, sir," Alfred reported, lingering in the doorway, "and the guests, I've no doubt will be arriving soon. and leaving late, as always." He stayed there for a moment as Bruce was adjusting his costume, until he turned to Alfred, an eyebrow raised quizzically. "If I may be so bold to observe, sir, you seem to have taken extra care and interest in the preparation this year."
"Good people give generously to the Wayne Foundation for an invitation," Bruce responded. "My mother would want me to give them a good show."
Alfred's mouth was a tight, wry little purse. "Indeed, I'm sure that's all it is. And, in past years, when you've questioned the motivation of their generosity..." He shrugged innocently, Bruce glaring at him innocently. "Well, as I've said, it's the past. I'll inform you when Ms. Kyle arrives."
"That would be appreciated," Bruce replied quickly, by way of a dismissal.
***
Barbara adjusted her plastic breastplate, tightening the shoulder straps. "And do you know what you are going as yet?" she asked the headset.
"The box just arrived. It says 'props and costumes department' on it, is that a good sign?" Helena informed her over the phone, and Babs could hear the rustle of tissue paper and the Helena's low, impressed whistle.
"That nice, huh?"
"Oh, I can do something with this," Helena confirmed, surprising Babs with what was a rather raunchy chuckle.
"Come with flowers?"
Helena's cheeks reddened as she put the bouquet that the courier had handed her with the box to her nose. "Oh, yeah," she said, already planning on how she could arrange her hair to weave the flowers in. "Dick?"
"Hasn't shown up yet and, truth be told, I'm a little terrified, from what he's told me. 'Big, furry werewolf,' I believe were the words he used. And awesome. And whenever Dick thinks anything's awesome.... See you at the party with your Hollywood arm candy?"