Dangerous Bluff.
Chapter 1 – Pre Game.
Wally finally got his wish. The wish that the group just sat down one night and spent time together having fun. With all the events held recently it was hard not to want a break – except for one of them: Batman. Bruce was always a focused man, putting anything other than his goal(s) to the side. Or should I say, pushed far far away. Bruce argued earlier that this idea was petty and pointless. But an overall majority defeated him. He just clinched his jaw, unwilling to show any sign of defeat. But even the bat had to sit down once in a while and relax. This was easier (and only possible) due to a persuasive Amazonian.
Diana always clicked with Bruce more than the others. Sure she was a mirror match for Clark, but that was more of a family bond. She respected Bruce. But more importantly, she idealised him – not that she'd ever utter those words. His iron will to do justice at any cost, as well as the dedication and time he puts into it inspires the Amazonian. A true warrior at any stretch of the imagination. But that's not to say he had his flaws.
She hated his stubbornness. His pessimistic thoughts of personal life. His pure bluntness to other colleagues. His stubbornness. His stubbornness. Did I mention that she hated his stubbornness?
His stubbornness. He would never listen to others. Sure his IQ most likely out rivalled ALL of them. But that doesn't make him better, or the points they say less valuable. Not only that, his stubbornness causes him to only get a three hour 'sleep'. As well as severe injuries almost every month. But to Bruce, it was Gotham or nothing, Batman or nothing, hell or nothing.
"I'm not playing" Bruce stated, confronting the League again about the plan. "Bruce I think you should, it'll be a great chance to just cool down" Hal responded. If anyone could match Bruce in will, he was the man. "I think you shouldn't tell me what's right for me and what's not" Bruce spat in return. His pure white lenses glaring into Hal's soul as he spoke those words. "Bruce this is not a hostile environment. Don't create something from nothing. We all want you to just play with us. It'll be fun" Clark said, trying to defuse the situation as well as re-emphasise the point. "I didn't throw my life away so I could play Poker with some bored Gods". The room fell silent. Everyone fell back into their seats, except Bruce, who held his sentence with intensity and proudness. "Hay I'm not a God" Wally responded, not realising the situation fully. "No you're not, in fact you're barely a hero. You essentially fight yourself but in different costumes. In reality, none of you are if you chose to play a silly game rather than look over this planet we said we'd protect!" Bruce said firmly. He pressed his knuckles into the table and stood up. "I'm done talking here. You're wasting my time: all of you." Bruce stated. Quickly walking towards the exit.
"What have I mis-" Diana spoke, re-entering the room shortly after Bruce left. An iced Mocha in her hand. "Where's Bruce?" She spoke. "He's erm… not attending tonight Di" Shayera spoke, trying to synchronise with the only other Female in the team. "What happened now?" She responded. "Bruce was being Bruce: all Bat and no Man" Clark responded proudly, happy with the quote he said. "We'll see about that. We're a team and as much as he hates it at times, he's also with us." Diana said in return. Her left arm resting on her hip. "Good luck Wondy" Wally said, trying to cover his hurt feelings. Diana nodded in response and left to go find The Dark Knight.
Bruce was in the training room. He needed to let off built up stress. Since he had no way of getting rid of his problems verbally, he resorted to physical exertion. Diana found him here very quickly, knowing he'd be here.
Bruce had recently finished up his patrol at Gotham – it was not a pleasant session. He was ambushed by Two Face's men, almost breaking a rib but winning the overwhelming fight. But what really bothered him was the fact that he wasn't quick enough to save a young girl from being the victim of abuse from her Father. That's what really ticked him off: her scared and innocent face. Rest assured the Father will be in a hospital bed for the next few months. This was why he didn't want to play Poker. Not because it's a game, but because he has to be face to face with a bunch of meta's for hours. He despised them and the fact that he wasn't quick enough only fuelled that hatred more because they could have been there.
"What was it this time Bruce?" Diana spoke. Bruce didn't reply, he just continued to pummel the punching bag. "You can't ignore me forever Bruce… Bruce this is is just stupid … Don't make me stand here for you to acknowledge me … Hera help me, this man is as stubborn as they come!" With that last comment, Bruce stopped. He didn't turn around to face her, he just stopped, with his head down, panting. "I know you are but what am I Princess?" He responded, purposely teasing her. "You cannot be serious right now" she said in amazement. Bruce didn't respond, but only made a tiny chuckle from the back of his throat. He returned to fighting the punching bag. "It's common etiquette to look at someone when they're talking to you Bruce" Diana spoke. Bruce stopped again. "Fine, what do you want?" He responded. "What happened out there in Got-… Your city tonight?" She spoke, carefully choosing her words. "Gotham is my concern, not yours Princess." He said with a stoned tone. She wasn't fazed by it at all, actually she kinda liked it. The tough man speaking with authority. But it didn't scare her one bit. "What am I supposed to step back in fear because of your vocal change?" She said, testing him. Bruce just stood there. It didn't happen often, but the comment belittled him. He hid his pain and just clinched his jaw so hard he could bite through his spare Kryptonite. He decided the best action was to just walk past her and back into his dorm. She just stood there, realising just how badly Bruce was feeling tonight.
She went and followed him.
