Familiar Faces. [Another...Ace Drabble. -w-"]

The deep violet that rests on her ivory skin is such a striking contrast that it compliments each other. He seems to notice that as well. She can't help but to smile at the way he scans her over.

"You look amazing."

"Thank you, Mr. Wayne. I was wondering how long it would take you to notice," she teases, grinning wide, "Two minutes and twenty-five seconds."

"I told you, you can just call me Damian. And you were counting?"

"Your response time has gotten slower, Damian, or maybe I'm just wowing you more and more."

"I guess you just know how to play your cards right."

"I've always been quite good at games," she smirks at her own joke, glancing around the room, "Although this is your father's gala, I'm sure that the guests wouldn't appreciate you giving me all of your attention. Don't you have some billionaire philanthropists that you need to schmooze for the Children's Hospital?"

"My dad can take care of that for a bit. What kind of host would I be if I ignored the only guest that I personally invited?"

"Seems you know how to play your cards as well."

She's gotten used to her new game already, slipped into the role of a friend to the son of billionaire Bruce Wayne. It first started three weeks prior at a fundraising gala for a newly renovated Wayne Science Labs location in East Gotham, where a building was to be added specifically for children to learn and get some hands-on experience in the various fields of science. Ace knew she had to be in attendance. She knew that a certain someone, or someones in this case, wouldn't be able to resist. Although Ace may not know all the details, even now, she knows for a fact that The Chemist and Biohazard wouldn't be able to resist crashing and humilating an beneficial effort for the Waynes, especially in the field of science.

Her instincts hadn't been wrong.

She'd learned about the ex-scientists of Wayne Corp. among the many files she'd gotten a hold of while at work. Hacking wasn't one of her strong suits but, with a little snooping and pickpocketing, it wasn't long until she had access to all the files that she needed. One of the top secret videos on file spilled it all to her, a woman with the same build and appearance as The Chemist was caught on camera. Her words sharp and fierce: "You think this is over? Just by firing me? Just you wait. All of you rotten schemers of Gotham will pay for your crimes, especially you, Wayne."

Honestly, Ace didn't need to see more but where would the fun be in that. If you had access to the most top secret files, especially ones that you were looking for, how could you possibly resist?

"Lillian," Damian calls her name again, both of them realizing now that she had gotten lost in her thoughts, "Is everything all right?"

"Yes, yes. No worries. I guess I've just got to stop pulling those all-nighters," she laughs it off, "What were you asking?"

"I was just asking if you'd like a drink."

"Sure, yes. I'd love that."

With a smile, the young Wayne disappears from her sight for the time being. Not even a full minute later, a suprisingly familiar hold is around her waist. She turns her head, just enough to see who it is from her peripheral, and she's not surprised to see that she's correct. She's surprised that his ears and tail aren't showing but she doesn't bring attention to that at the moment. She can't help but be more than utterly shocked at the fact that her only male roommate is standing at her side, in the midst of a gala.

"You hate people, Nikko. What are you doing here?"

"I...I couldn't take it," the feline whispers, looking down at the floor, "You've been spending all your time with Mr. Wayne..."

"I can't bring you to parties like this. You don't like crowds or has that all changed?"

The blonde tries to keep it casual as she over the hand he has resting on her hip, smiling to herself at the sound of his faint purrs. They may not be easy for others to hear but it's been years since they first met. She knows what calms him. Glancing at him again, she notices how long black hair is surprisingly neat, straight and brushed so now that she finally sees the actual length of his hair, the raven locks reaching his chest in the front and the middle of his back at the back of his head. She suddenly feels the urge to pet him but knows that it's not at all the time or place for it, no matter how soft and fluffy his hair looks.

"I'll be home soon, okay, Puddin'? You don't have to wait too long."

He frowns and it's clear that he's not satisfied, and that he probably won't be satisfied unless she goes with him.

"Fine. Go eat some of the good food, okay? And I'll come grab you when it's time to go."

He's hesitant but nods, greeting a returning Wayne with a bow of his head before disappearing toward the table.

"Friend of yours," he asks with a dashing smile, holding a drink out to the lady.

"You could say that," she sips at the drink and smiles warmly, "You sure did take your time, Mr. Wayne. You wouldn't happen to be swooning other ladies while I'm here, would you?"

The two are quietly chatting, only for a brief moment before, much like the rest of the room, they're frozen in silence.

All thanks to the arrival of The Chemist and a face that breaks Ace's heart to see.

"Another charity function and I didn't receive my invite," the redhead in goggles asks and then chuckles darkly as she crosses to the center of the room, the other party attendees easily parting to make way for her, the loose curls of her afro bouncing with each step, "I'm hurt. After all the time we've put in together. Ivan, dear, won't you show them just how hurt we are? Return the favor for me."

Ivan's light green eyes begin to glow, as does the light green of his skin. He's crying but Ace doubts anyone can see it but her. Her fists clench at her sides, tears welling up in her eyes as well. She quickly finds Nikko and gets him out of the room, a costume change in order, especially before Ivan can release his gases.

She gets them far enough away, Nikko looking at her worriedly as she starts crying a bit, his ears and tail suddenly coming into view. He cups her face and wipes her eyes.

"That's him, right? Your friend from before?"

"That's him," she smiles weakly, relaxing under the other's touch, "But I wonder if Auntie Pam knows he's with The Chemist? And where's Eva...?"

"His twin, right?"

She nods, "I've never seen them apart before... It seems like The Chemist has taught him new tricksm but I've got to save him. But, first, I've got to pay a visit to my favorite botanist."

"I finally get to meet your aunt," the feline's tail sways happily.

"Yes, Puddin'. Now, let's go get prepared for our hunt," she beams.

[Ps. Please, point out typos to me. I got distracted here and there with snuggling my dog and looking up and for the character sheet I have for this universe. Also, here's a link to the dress Ace is wearing, in case you're wondering. It just screams Ace to me. Lol Ace's Gown]