Diana was slouched in Bruce's computer chair, head resting on her hand and eyes barely open when the familiar hum of the Batmobile's engine willed her eyes to stay open. Turning from the computer screen, Diana was greeted by a small smirk as Bruce pushed the cowl back. Diana stood, and in one fluid motion, Bruce threw his cape over the back of the chair she had just vacated and wrapped his other arm around Diana's waist, bringing her in for a kiss. Matching his intensity, Diana wrapped her arms around his neck but backed out only to find a rare light in his eyes.

"You're in good spirits," she began with warmth in her voice. "I trust patrol went well."

"I've confirmed some information that I've been needing for a while," he said indifferently. "In all honesty, I'm more interested in post-patrol…"

Diana smiled brilliantly, and Bruce couldn't help but allow her warmth to flood him. Endless nights of criminal bashing became slightly more bearable once she made her almost daily visits to the cave part of her routine. Usually, however, she was a little perkier.

Bruce began his post-patrol routine, taking his seat in front of the computer. His fingers began furiously typing, recording the events of his patrol while Diana leaned against the main console. Bruce preferred it that way: she was always in view, even if she didn't know it. He liked to think he subconsciously designed that spot for her when he built that computer, despite his not knowing her during its construction. It was as close to Diana's idea of fate as he was willing to go.

"Long day at the office?" he commented, noticing the circles underneath her usually bright eyes.

"Bad day at the office, really," she said, lowering her head and letting out an audible sigh. Bruce could tell she was slouched against the console now, despite not looking at her. He didn't say anything, instead waiting for Diana to release whatever tension had been building throughout the day.

"There was an earthquake in the pacific this morning. The predictions for said earthquake underestimated its strength quite horribly," she began, shaking her head. "Kal and I got there when the tremors were at their worst, but we did manage to get everyone to safety." Bruce could tell she wasn't finished, so he again waited for her to speak.

"But the devastation was unimaginable. The despair and agony I saw among these people was horrible," she added, eyes closed in what seemed like pain. "It was awful."

Bruce stopped typing and turned his chair so he was facing her directly. He caught her gaze and held it, studying her eyes. She knew what he was up to, and though it was among her least favorite of his tendencies, she didn't stop him. He found guilt, which he believed to be ridiculous, but he also knew Diana to be the most compassionate person he knew, so he wasn't particularly surprised. She was probably the most empathetic too. That was including the actual empaths he knew.

He leaned forward and took her hand in his, eyes still locked.

"We both know you did all that you could. You will never find peace if you expect everything to come out perfectly." Diana arched an eyebrow.

"You should take your own advice," she said, the ghost of a smile gracing her face. Seeing that she was in a lighter mood, he turned back to his typing.

"Perfectionism is my greatest flaw," he said in mock-seriousness.

"And here I always thought it was arrogance," she said, chuckling. As Bruce was about to defend his character, Alfred made his way down the stairs to the cave, tray in hand.

"Good evening Master Bruce," he said, setting the tray, which carried some tea, down on a table. Bruce didn't respond, as per usual. With a genuine smile, he turned to greet Diana. "Good evening your highness."

Diana smiled at the kind man, "Good evening Alfred. And please, it's Diana. I'm technically not even a princess anymore.

"Of course," he replied, both of them knowing full well that Alfred would not shed his politeness to satisfy Diana, as much as he appreciated and enjoyed the woman's company. Instead he changed subjects. "I trust Master Bruce didn't keep you waiting. He would know better than waste the time of royalty," he said, giving Bruce a quick glance. Bruce felt it, but chose to ignore it.

Diana, watching the exchange with an amused smile, faced Alfred. "Not any longer than I was willing to wait, at least," she replied, still smiling.

"That is good news indeed," he answered. Glancing at his watch, Alfred bid the two a good night. "Good night Master Bruce, You Highness," he said as he ascended the stairs. Diana shook her head, chuckling to herself.

"At least now I know where you get your stubbornness," she said, slipping off of her perch and standing behind Bruce's chair, placing an arm around his neck in a gentle embrace, lowering her head to the level of his.

"As a great philosopher once said," he began, "It takes one to know one, Princess," he said with humor in his voice.

"I wouldn't know anything about that," she firmly denied, speaking in a throaty voice in his ear.

"Of course not," he said, finding the save button on his keyboard as he turned to meet Diana's lips. She gladly reciprocated, and he turned the chair to give himself better access to her. She placed her hands on either side of his head and pulled him up out of his seat. She leaned into his embrace, letting her head rest on his shoulder.

"A soft bed sounds wonderful right now," she said dreamily. She could tell he was smiling, and she smirked a bit. "Get your mind out of the gutter, Bruce."

"A man can dream," he said, as she led him up the stairs toward the master bedroom. And dream I will.


So, hopefully you all enjoyed it. Reviews are welcome! I do have one question for you guys: this story is only a few chapters long and it's all written up, so should I just upload the rest, or release it on a schedule? Majority wins, on this one, so review away!