Alisha was having the best sleep of her life. She for once felt warm, bright, and fully relaxed. She even felt wide awake. However she didn't want to move, wanting to relish at this feeling.

She then heard her door open. However she didn't think anything of it, just enjoying the feeling of being. Of just being alive. However it seemed as if life had other plans.

Alisha suddenly felt wet. She screamed at the sudden chill and shot up, opening her eyes to glare at the culprit.

"WHAT THE HELL!?" She exclaimed at her parents.

They then popped a confetti cannon and began to sing loudly and off key "Happy Birthday"

Alisha sat there, her hair and clothes soaking wet, while her entire face and bed was covered with confetti.

Oh JOY.

"You look like a monkey! And you smell like one too! And many more! On Channel 4! And big fat lady on channel 80!" Her parents finished up before each of them kissed her cheeks lovingly.

"I hate you both so much right now." She groaned and tried to wipe off the confetti from her chin.

She then heard her grandfather wheel in and whistle. "Wow. You guys really wanted to make her suffer this year, didn't you?"

Her mother giggled. "Of course! It is what we are supposed to do!"

"Isn't it supposed to be the other way around?" Her father asked, sending Alisha a wink.

She rolled her eyes and got up. She then smirked and threw herself at her father, causing him to make a VERY manly shriek as he felt his pajama shirt get wet.

She heard her mother laughing with an occasional snort. She then turned to her mother and shook her hair like a dog.

"ALISHA, YOU'RE GETTING WATER EVERYWHERE!" She screeched.

Donor wheeled out of there and quickly went into his room to get his camera. He thought it was just too perfect to pass up.

"YOU WERE THE ONE WHO DUMPED WATER ON ME AND MY BED!"

Her mother huffed. "Touche."

Her father chuckled and handed Alisha a towel to dry herself off. "You are 13 now. I can't believe it."

Alisha wiped her face and rubbed her hair to get the water and confetti out of her hair. She then got a look at her room. She gawked. It was in total disarray. She wouldn't be able to get rid of the confetti for weeks. She groaned and put a hand through her hair. She had just cleaned too.

She shot her parents another glare. "You both have to help me clean this up." She muttered.

Her father blinked innocently. "Why? This isn't my room."

She swatted his arm, making him chuckle. "Alright, slugger. We will clean this up tonight."

"What about the bed?" She asked.

Her mother waved a hand. "I can just take off the sheets and put them in the dryer. The mattress can air dry."

Alisha nodded. "Well… I guess I'll get ready then."

Her mother kissed her forehead. "Yes. Eve will be here in an hour. We are then going out to lunch later. How does that sound?"

Alisha smiled. "Sounds great."

"Now." Her father said. "I know this is stretching it, but can you wear a nice dress? The place we are going is a 4 star."

Alisha scowled. "Why-"

"Sweetie," Her mother said, cutting her off. "We want to spend the money. We love you."

She sighed. "I know you guys do. But being 13 isn't even that big-"

"You are now a teenager. Of course it is a big deal." Her father said, crossing his arms.

Alisha sighed, "But you guys could use the money for more important things-"

"What is more important than you?" Her grandpa asked, wheeling in with the camera on his lap.

Alisha groaned. "Are all of you going to be going against me on this?"

"Yes." They all said in unison, making everyone laugh.

After that everything got lighter. They had taken a few pictures and then everyone started getting ready. Alisha looked inside her closet and grabbed a long sleeved cream dress that went to her knees that had a scoop neckline. The dress had delicate lace rose designs and came with a light brown belt.

Alisha put on brown flats and brushed her hair. She then decided to put her hair into a loose braid. It took a bit of work, since she never did it often, but it came out good enough to satisfy her.

She then hesitated to leave. She was 13 now. It was more acceptable for her to wear make up now. At least to her standards. Should she put on make up? She thought she looked fine all natural. But she knew it would make Eve happy, and maybe even her family would like it too.

She looked at her make up box that she hardly ever used. She opened it up and tentatively touched the blush brush. She picked up the blush and opened it. She then picked up the brush and poked it a few times. She then flicked it against the lid, remembering what her mother told her so she didn't get too much. She then lightly brushed it against her cheek bone. She looked at the effect and was surprised that she actually… liked it. She did it to the other cheek, and beamed. She had gotten it just right the first time. She had never felt such accomplishment for something so simple before. She then picked up the lip gloss and made a face. This was what she didn't like. It always tasted funny and was sticky against her thick lips. She then picked up her cherry chapstick and put that on instead. She stared at herself. She sighed and got up, deciding that was enough make up for today.

She then went outside and the smell of a hearty breakfast hit her. She felt her mouth water. She saw her mother wiping up some scrambled eggs, hashbrowns, toast, and chopped fruit. The breakfast of champions.

Everyone ate and talked cheerfully. After all, today was a wonderful day.

When everyone had finished and put the dishes away, Eve walked in. Alisha scowled. "Do you ever knock!?"

Eve grinned and hugged her best friend. "In my head I did. Does that count, birthday girl?"

Alisha rolled her eyes, but smiled anyways and hugged her friend back. "You are horrible."

"Ah but you love me anyways." She sang, bopping Alisha's nose.

Alisha slapped her hand away. "Hey!"

Eve then gasped, looking at Alisha's face harder.

"ARE YOU WEARING BLUSH!?" she shrieked.

Alisha flushed when her family looked at her. "Oh so THAT'S why you don't look like a vampire today." Her father said teasingly.

Her mother gasped and slapped his chest. "JULIUS!" She scolded.

Eve and Donor laughed heartily as Alisha lightly chuckled at the scene.

"Yeah, I'm a vampire who has treaded the Earth for a thousand years, looking for that one ginger who has the richest blood." Alisha said, mimicking Dracula's accent.

Her father groaned, "Seriously why was I born a ginger?!"

"Because everyone hates you." Her grandpa said, grinning.

"Shut it, turnip."

Father and son soon began to bicker.

Eve wrapped an arm around Alisha. "So. What's new?"

Alisha shrugged. "Nothing really. Later we are going out to lunch later. At a four star restaurant."

Eve's eyes glistened with excitement, but then she suddenly began to panic. "OH MY GOSH I DIDN'T KNOW I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU GUYS DIDN'T TELL ME OH MY GOSH MY OUTFIT IS SO DRAB AND YOURS IS FAB WHEN DID THIS HAPPEN WHY HAVE WE SWITCHED OH MY GOD I NEED TO STEAL ONE OF YOUR DRESSES!"

Without Alisha having a say she was grabbed by the wrist and quite aggressively dragged to her room.

Eve didn't even notice that Alisha's room was a mess. She ran into Alisha's closet and looked through all of the dresses that Alisha owned. Which were only three, including the dress Alisha had on. The two dresses that were left was the blue one she had worn for pictures and the red one she usually wore for christmas time. She saw Eve grab the red one.

She instantly began to change. "Eve. We aren't leaving for another two hours-"

"I NEED TO GET READY I MEAN LIKE A FOUR STAR RESTAURANT THAT IS HUGE FOR US."

"Aren't five star restaurants an even bigger deal?" Alisha asked, raising an eyebrow.

"I DON'T HAVE TIME FOR YOUR SASS! I AM PANICKING!" Eve exclaimed, putting the dress on.

"Are we even the same size?"

"Shut up and help me zip the zipper." Eve snapped.

Alisha rolled her eyes. Eve was taller than her by two inches. It didn't make much of a difference, but at the same time it did because of her form. Eve was already rocking the curves and her breasts were bigger than hers. She wasn't sure if the dress would be too tight because of her hips.

She got behind Eve and zipped her up, making Eve relax a little. "It fits nicely. SEE."

"Yes, yes. Now let me see how it looks." She muttered.

Eve turned around and struck a pose. Alisha gawked. It fit her perfectly. It actually fit Eve better than it fit herself. Alisha felt her confidence get a little lower, but she smiled for her friend. "You look fantastic."

Eve beamed, eating up the compliment like it was her last feeding. "Thank you, fine servant. Now fetch me my shoes."

Alisha scoffed and kicked her shoes in response. Eve tsked, "That will get you thrown into the dungeon, young lady."

"You know that I'm older than you now, right?"

Eve sent Alisha a scowl. "Did I ask you?"

"Yes, because you are an airhead and need to be constantly reminded about simple things." Alisha said, taunting her.

"Do you want to fight? I will fight you on your birthday." Eve said, pouting.

"Be my guest. You'd lose." Alisha said, fighting off a smile.

"Wanna bet?" Eve got into a karate kid fighting stance, one foot balancing her, her arms spread out like a hawk, and one leg bent in front of her.

Alisha's arm shot out like lightning and grabbed Eve's leg, throwing her body toward the still wet mattress.

Eve caught herself just in time by grabbing the edge, however she felt the wetness of the bed and yelped, throwing herself away from it.

"OH MY GOD DID YOU WET YOUR BED!? "

Alisha gawked, slightly offended. "I did not wet the bed! It was my parent's fault!"

"That is what they all say!"

"I have never wet the bed!" Alisha exclaimed, defensive.

Eve giggled, seeing Alisha so distressed. "I'm kidding, Alisha."

Alisha made a face at her and picked up Eve's shoes and playfully threw them at her. Eve easily caught them and sat on the floor, putting them on. Eve blessed her lucky stars that she had brought black flats.

Soon it was time for everyone to go out to lunch. Eve made sure to pretty herself up with winged eyeliner and clear sparkly lip gloss. Eve tried to get Alisha to do the same, however all she got was a glare and a hairbrush thrown at her.

They all got into the car and drove further into Gotham. Soon they arrived and the youngsters looked at the restaurant, expecting it to be tall, elegant, and extravagant. However all they saw was a rundown restaurant that looked like it was a hit two decades ago and then washed out a few months later.

Alisha looked at her parents like they had lost their minds. "What-"

They smiled at each other and got out of the car. They helped get her grandpa out of the car and into his wheelchair, still grinning.

The girls slowly got out of the car. The windows looked dark, empty. How the hell could people be in there?

"Are your parents like pulling a joke or something?" Eve whispered to her.

Alisha shrugged, staring at the building with narrowed eyes. She knew her parents wouldn't take her to an empty restaurant just for kicks.

"Let's go inside, kids!" Her mother sang, clapping her hands excitedly.

Eve clung onto Alisha, whispering frantically, "I swear to god if it is a haunted maze or something-"

"Eve." Alisha said firmly. "It isn't even close to October."

"But STILL-"

"Eve. You're fine." Alisha assured, wincing at Eve's painful grip.

Eve took a deep breath and relaxed her grip.

Alisha knew how Eve couldn't handle small and cramped spaces. It made things worse when it came to horror. Alisha held onto her hand and squeezed it.

They all walked through the glass door and instantly was serenaded with soft, comforting classical music from a radio. A blonde hostess in a simple black uniform and a white apron around her waist was waiting behind a mahogany podium. She smiled at them politely.

"Hello. Welcome to Gotham's Bar & Grill. How may I help you today?"

"We are here for Dashwood party of five." Her father said.

She looked at a book in front of her and nodded. "Yes, we have you on the list. Would you like a booth or a table?"

Her father looked at Alisha. Alisha pinked when everyone looked at her to confirm. "A booth is fine." She said quickly.

The hostess gave her a soft smile. "Of course. Follow me."

She grabbed a few menus from the podium and opened yet another door. Everyone walked through and no one could stop from staring. Eve and Alisha were especially in awe. There were tall and thick white podiums that reached up to the tall ceiling, which was like a dome and was painted with a clear blue sky with many white fluffy clouds. The tables were long and wide. On the sides there were wide plush black booths. Above the booths were chandeliers made of crystals, where if the light hit them correctly, they sparkled. There were also flowers on every table which were either orchids or yellow roses.

"I was SO wrong." Eve whispered to her as they walked to their booth.

They all got to sit down, Donor sat at the end of the booth with the help of Julius and his wife.

The hostess waved over a brunette waitress.

"Alex will be your server this afternoon. Enjoy and let us know if you need anything."

Everyone said thank you and she then left to return to the front.

Alex smiled at them and handed out the menus. "Alright. What would you all like to drink?"

Everyone ordered either water, lemonade, or soda. The waitress wrote it all down and left to fulfill the order.

Alisha's mom grinned, "What do you think, sweetie?"

Alisha looked around. She spotted a wall that was mainly a fountain and flowers. She continued to look around and saw that this place was filled with elegance and grace. "I really like it." She said.

Her parents and grandfather looked relieved. She then heard a gravelly voice talking seriously to another man a few tables away. She looked over and saw a man with wide shoulders and black hair talking to a thin man with a gray beard about business.

Alisha blinked in surprise when she realized who it was.

"Isn't that Bruce Wayne?" She asked curiously.

Her parents looked over and blinked in surprise. "'You know about Mr. Wayne?" Her grandpa asked.

Eve gawked. "EVERYONE knows about Bruce Wayne! Teenage girls love him! I mean for an older guy he is super good looking! I would love to meet him!"

"Now, now." Alisha's father tutted. "It is Alisha's day. You can meet Mr. Wayne any other day."

Eve sighed dramatically. ''Fine." She looked at Alisha. "See what I do for you?"

Alisha rolled her eyes and lightly punched Eve's thigh. "Gee thanks. I feel so loved." She said sarcastically.

Eve giggled. "It's what I do~"

Soon the waitress came back with their drinks and they were all ready to order. "And what would you like, sweetie?" The waitress asked her.

"Chicken tortilla soup please." Alisha said, beaming.

The waitress nodded. "Good choice. That is one of our best here besides the ribeye."

She then left.

Alisha lightly yawned and took a sip of her lemonade. "We brought one of your presents with us." Her mother said.

Alisha blinked in surprise. "Do you want to open it now or when we have dessert?" Her grandpa asked.

"OMG we get dessert!?" Eve exclaimed more than asked.

Alisha chuckled and lightly patted her shoulder. "May I open it now?"

All three of the adults looked at each other and smiled. "Of course." Her mother said. "Here you go."

She handed Alisha a velvet black box, making her smile. Alisha took it gently and slowly opened it. She gasped when she saw it was a sterling silver ruby bracelet.

Eve looked at it and squealed. "Oh my gosh it's so pretty!"

Alisha was frozen from shock. She couldn't believe her parents did this. How much did it cost? When did they get this? She loved it, but she didn't know if she could accept this. She knew they have been having trouble for awhile now. She pretended like she didn't always hear her dad leaving early in the morning to earn more money from work or saw how her mom was cutting back on some of their meat.

"Are… you sure?" She asked hesitantly. Everyone looked at her with surprise.

"Of course, sweetie." Her father said. "Why would you ask that?"

Alisha nervously smiled. "No reason."

He raised a thick eyebrow, not believing her. "Alisha."

She sighed. "Because I know you guys are low in money right now. I don't want you guys spending so much on me."

Her father softened. Her mother reached over and held her hand. "Oh sweetie. We told you. We do this because we love you. You deserve this. You are always so focused on school work and are always helping around the house."

"Put it on, green bean. It'll look perfect on you." Her grandma said, sending her a wink.

Alisha sighed and squeezed her mom's hand before letting go. She then took out the delicate bracelet. She got to see ruby hearts were surrounding the bracelet while the silver was in shaped like a squiggle. She clasped it on and smiled as it was a perfect fit.

"I love it so much." Alisha said earnestly. "Thank you all so much."

Eve gave her a side hug. "I have my present for you too. Want to see it now?"

Alisha freely laughed. "Why not? Let me see."

"Eager now, aren't you?" Eve teased, making Alisha lightly slap her arm.

Eve pulled out a square picture frame, making Alisha look at it curiously. Eve's eyes glistened with excitement and nervousness. She slowly turned the frame around and Alisha gasped. It was the first picture they had taken together in 7th grade, when they had just became good friends. Alisha had her original hair color, tied up into a tight bun while Eve still had her long dark brown hair cascading down past her shoulders. They were both smiling at the camera and Eve had two fingers behind Alisha's head like bunny ears.

Alisha hugged the picture to her chest. "I can't believe you still had this."

Eve waved a hand. "Please. I keep every picture you actually smile in."

"That is kind of creepy." Donor pipped up, making everyone laugh.

"Here is your food." The waitress said with a smile, passing each plate to their owner. Everyone again said their thanks. Alisha set the picture in the middle of the table in front of her.

It was quiet for a few moments, everyone trying a bite of their delicious food. Eve suddenly giggled. "What?" Alisha asked.

"Just how you had your hair. Your original hair color too. From that to green. It's insane." She said.

Alisha put a defensive hand through her hair. "Hey. I really like this color."

Eve snickered. "Sure if you want to be a leprechaun."

"Oh don't tease her, Eve!" Alisha's mother scolded. "She looks beautiful with her natural hair color and this one."

Alisha bit her lip. "Maybe it is time to change it soon?"

"But then you will no longer be green bean anymore!" Her grandpa said.

Alisha shrugged. "There are many more vegetables to name me with, turnip."

Her grandpa smirked. "Dye your hair orange next time. I could then call you carrot top."

Alisha made a face. "That is more dad's thing. He is the natural carrot top."

"Oh not this again!" Julius exasperated, his hands in the air.

Alisha covered her mouth as she giggled. "Love you, carrot top."

He sent her a playful glare. "You should really wax those eyebrows." His father commented.

"I swear if you weren't paralyzed from the waist down I would have kicked you by now." He said.

Donor chuckled. "Do it. I probably won't feel a thing. You have never done well in soccer."

Julius opened his mouth to make a come back when Flora got in between them. "Okay, okay enough you two. We are in a 4 star restaurant, not a wrestling ring."

Julius scrunched up his nose in annoyance and looked away. "You win this round, old man."

"Ditto." Donor said, grinning.

Alisha and Eve were eating their food, watching the scene like they were watching a movie.

Flora looked at them and tsked. "Girls! What you are doing may encourage them!"

They laughed and Eve leaned her head on Alisha's shoulder. "This is great. Thanks for letting me come."

Alisha then thought of Richard. She wondered if he would have enjoyed coming. However she just wasn't 100% comfortable with him meeting everyone yet. He had met Eve, and that was good enough for now. Sure he said they were best friends, but Alisha didn't want to introduce someone to everyone she loves unless they are here to stay. She knew Eve would stay. She was like a flea you could never kill, but in a good way.

She would see him tonight though, so she knew that was good enough for now.

"Of course. You're one of my best friends." She said with a light smile.

Eve smirked. "One of your best friends? Who is the other one?"

Alisha opened and closed her mouth several times. "No." She finally said.

Eve laughed and nudged her. "It's okay to admit you have another best friend. I just know that I'm your forever favorite so I'm not jealous."

Alisha rolled her eyes. "We just became friends he was the one-"

"Omg is it that super hot guy from the park?!" Eve whispered, nearly squealing.

Alisha urgently shushed her. If her mother heard about this, she would never hear the end of it. She has always wanted Alisha to find a nice boy, and Richard was not a nice boy. He was what this generation calls a Troll. The ultimate troll. And he looks like one too. Alisha thought to herself.

"He isnt hot. He is just Richard." Alisha muttered.

"Do you like him?" Eve asked, her hands on her cheeks. Alisha's eyes widened.

"I said he was my best friend not man crush monday."

Eve pointed at her. "You said he is your best friend. You actually said it!"

"Actually said what?" Her father asked curiously. "What are you guys whispering about?

Alisha flushed. "Nothing important." She said quickly. "Girl stuff like periods that you don't want to hear about."

She saw her father flinch. "Yeah. You're right. Sorry I asked."

She saw her mother roll her eyes and shake her head with disappointment.

Eve snickered and whispered, "Nice save."

Eve decided to let it go for now, since it was Alisha's birthday. She had to show some mercy once in awhile.

Soon they all finished and it was time for dessert. Their waitress came over and brought out their dessert. Alisha was then brought out a triple chocolate cake and a scoop of ice cream with a single candle.

"Shall we sing happy birthday?" Alex asked, clasping her hands.

"We shall!" Donor cheered. Alisha blushed bright red as everyone at the table began to sing happy birthday.

BRUCE'S POV

I stopped talking to Brock about the business when I heard people singing happy birthday to someone. I lightly smiled as I turned around, seeing a young girl surrounded by her family and a friend. I then noticed she had neon green hair. Peculiar for her age but it suited her. However, I had seen weirder things with all of the heros and their outfits. Especially Flash. I then heard them sing, "Happy Birthday, Alisha. Happy Birthday to you."

That was when I zeroed in on her. My eyes widened. Was this the Alisha Richard was usually with? I would have to ask him. I studied her. She seemed to have a nice family and seemed like a genuine good person. I am happy Richard had found a friend who wasn't fit for crime. However the other side of me thought it was also a bad idea. You just never knew if she were someone to find out his super identity and tell the press. Then his life would be in jeopardy. I cared about people, but I rarely trusted them. I had learned it the hard way over the years.

I hope Alisha is someone who I can trust with Richard. He deserved to be happy and to still be a teen.

I then saw her friend look over. She beamed and waved cheerfully. She then nudged Alisha and whispered something to her. Alisha turned, a curious look on her face before we met eyes. I sent her a polite smile and a small wave. She nodded respectfully and waved back. She then turned away and right when she did her grandfather splattered her nose with cake, making her yelp.

I looked back at my future worker for Wayne Enterprises. "You're hired." I said finally. The man looked relieved. "Thank you so much, Mr. Wayne. You won't regret this."

I had done a backup check on him previously, knowing he had a wife and four kids. He needed to keep the food on the table and I had seen that he was a hard worker in his previous jobs. It was even better that he has a degree in business. He could now use it.

I stood up, stretched out a hand toward him. "It was good to meet you, Mr. Krank. I wish you a good day."

I fixed my tie and paid for the bill, much to Mr. Krank's surprise. I then went outside and saw Alfredo waiting in front of my limo. He wordlessly opened the door for me. I nodded to him and got in. He then got in on the passenger's side and we drove away.

"How was lunch, Master Bruce?" Alfred asked.

I looked out the window. "I hired him. He will be working next Wednesday."

"That is wonderful, Master Bruce. Anything else?"

He always knows. I thought with amusement.

"I think I got to somewhat meet Alisha today." That made Alfred turn around.

"Oh? The girl who is friends with Master Richard?'

I nodded. "Yes. She seems like a nice girl. She even has neon green hair."

Alfred's eyes widened in surprise. "My… Master Richard sure knows how to pick them."

I chuckled. "Yes. I am sure we will formally meet her soon."

Alfred nodded and turned back to the front. "Shall we inform Master Richard?"

"I think we should." I said mischievously.

We soon arrived to the Wayne Mansion. Alfred opened the door for me and I nodded in thanks as I got out.

We went inside and I called for Richard. Richard came down the stairs breezily. "Hey. What's going on?" He asked.

I put my hands behind my back, trying not to smile smugly. "Guess who I ran into today."

Richard blinked. "A victoria secret model ex girlfriend?"

"Noooo." I said. "Your friend."

Richard's eyes widened. "Where!? How?! Wait, how do you even know it's her?" He demanded.

I couldn't hold it back anymore. I smugly grinned and said, "Because I'm Batman. I know everything."

Richard scowled. "Still. What did she look like?"

"She isn't hard to miss with her neon green hair."

Richard breathed heavily through his nose. "Were you spying on her?"

"No. I don't need to. I already know she is a good person and that she has a nice family who cares about her."

"Wait… How do you know that?" He asked, frowning.

"Because I saw her with her family and a friend today at the restaurant while I was having a lunch meeting."

Richard's shoulders dropped. "Oh. She didn't invite me."

I patted his shoulder. "Your friendship is just starting. Don't let it get to you. Plus, aren't you already going to see her tonight anyways?"

"Yeah… I just wanted to be a part of it. Since we have gotten kind of close."

"Have you told her about your past? About who you are?" I asked.

Richard sighed. "No…"

"Do you trust her?"

"Yes." He said automatically.

"Then give her a part of yourself. Not everything and not even a large chunk, but just a little something to show her that you are serious about this friendship. That is maybe what she is looking for."

Richard nodded. "Thanks, Bruce."

I nodded. "You're welcome. Bring her around sometime. I'd love to formally meet her."

I then walked upstairs toward my office, having to make some phone calls.

(A/N: MERRY LATE CHRISTMAS/HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE! I was honestly hoping to update yesterday but family kept popping up! I hope you guys had a wonderful merry christmas or are having a happy holiday! I also hope you guys enjoy this chapter! I strived to make you all laugh and for all of you to see other sides of Alisha and I just had to add Bruce. Freaking love him. He is just... imperfectly perfect. *wipes away drool* Anyways love you guys and I hope to see some reviews! -Blazing Inspirit )