Author's Note:

I know that they call him 'Shazam' nowadays, but I still prefer 'Captain Marvel'. This MIGHT be the last chapter/step, but I'm just gonna leave this as an ongoing story just in case I think of something to add.

Update: I'm currently trying to write the next one.


Thanks to the alien technology that the Martian Manhunter imparted to the League's medical team, Bruce was able to walk with a cane in just a month. He should be happy by now, considering that his recovery is faster than any temporary paraplegic, but the Batman wasn't going to let himself indulge. He was never happy. At least, not entirely.

Through a secret elevator, Bruce entered the bat-cave to work. Ignoring Nightwing's talk on taking a break, he had started working on a new Batsuit a week before. Something that can withstand Doomsday's punches and pressure on the legs, or at least something that can help him survive long enough.

Same as the day before, he opened his big-screened computer and continued to add to his design. Bits and pieces of the prototype was laid on the work table and already making their way to completing a humanoid shape. He only needed to add a few more shielding. For now, the only sound that echoed in the vast bat sanctuary was the taps on the computer keyboard.

After a long while, Alfred Pennyworth came from the stairs that led to the manor.

"We have a visitor, Master Bruce" said the well-dressed, British butler

"Tell him I'm busy

"Sir, she has already made her way to the garden "

She?

Bruce stopped typing and stood up with his cane. He winced while he did it.

Of course, he knew who the visitor was.

"Shall I make some snacks, Sir?" Alfred suggested.

The butler seemed happy to do it. Maybe a little bit too happy.

"Sure" Bruce answered.

The short elevator trip made it very convenient for him to reach one of the living rooms where he could access to the greenery. He arrived in just seconds and beyond a large, arched opening is the garden that the Waynes have maintained for generations. Roses bloomed their best and the sun hit all of the right spots. At the foreground was Diana. She wore her Wonder Woman uniform but added a black jacket. Her back was facing his.

"You could've knocked"

The princess turned around. Her grin was automatic.

"I thought I'd give you a real surprise"

"You could've given my butler a heart attack"

Doing the best he can with his cane, he walked towards the grassy ground.

"Nice too see you making progress"

"The pain comes and goes but I manage"

The princess made an almost-forgot expression and grabbed something from her jacket. It was a 'get well soon' card complete with a random picture of a puppy.

Bruce made an awkward expression.

"You came all the way here... to give me a card?"

"It's from Captain Marvel" she said, "He insisted I gave it to you"

That and she was just in the mood to visit him, he figured.

He was about to question the card but then he remembered that Captain Marvel is a ten year old boy inside a superhero's body. Bruce took the card and placed it in his pocket.

"Wow. The Batman accepting a 'get well soon' card. I should've brought a camera"

He maintained a serious face. She didn't

"You do care for his feelings" she teased again.

"You were expecting me to throw it away?"

"Kinda"

She was the only one laughing. At least the sight of Diana laughing made him lose the seriousness.

Eventually, he asked her to see his new bat suit. She came down with him to the cave through the elevator. The dark, cold cavern was hugely contrasted to the garden. Diana, with her boots, tapped loudly as if playing with the bouncing sounds. She walked towards the darkest parts of the cave, probably wondering what's beyond it. A few bats darted into the air from where she looked. The princess watched the flying rodents as they hang to a new rough surface high above.

While Diana was exploring the cave with her eyes, Bruce has started to suiting up. The prototype that lay on the table soon transferred to its maker. Sounds of the snapping parts drew Wonder Woman's attention.

"I thought you're just gonna show me your design on the suit"

"I am"

Yes he was. Since the snacks are taking longer than expected, he decided to add to the presentation.

He clipped every piece to its joint and every hard shell to the appropriate body part, even to his injured leg. The bandages were now covered with carbon fiber fused with the some rare light metals that cost thousands of his money. The total result is a shiny armor that fit every muscle he flexed. Flexible, yet durable as it seemed. The only parts missing are the bat insigia and the famous horn like ears on the cowl.

"You look like a medieval knight" Diana commented, "Minus the bulky parts"

"Alfred said the same thing"

"Paint it black and it'll be perfect for your other nickname"

She approached him with a judging eye on the armor.

"Can you walk normally?"

Bruce demonstrated. He walked about fifteen paces from the table and to the computer. Diana approved by nodding slowly. Testing his legs again, he walked towards her. Bruce's leg didn't hurt at all because of the specialized braces he installed. Satisfied, he proceeded with the next test.

"Punch me"

The princess raised an eyebrow.

"It's the only way I could test the strength"

She was hesitant at first but with a balled fist she made contact with his chest. Bruce went back a couple of steps. The force would've rendered an unprotected person unconscious.

"You're holding back"

"I don't want to kill you" she half joked.

"Trust me" he uttered, "the armor will absorb the force"

Then she became serious.

"No. I'm not going do it"

"It's just a test"

After a quick moment of silence, she decided on the situation.

"No" she pointed defiantly, "You're crazy"

Diana turned her back at him and walked away to make a period to it. When she pushed the button for the elevator, Bruce spoke again.

"I should've asked Clark to do it"

The Amazon princess stopped. Slowly, she turned around and gave a deadly stare. Her blue eyes showed no patience. He knew too well how to tick her off.

In just a second she leaped into flight with her right fist ready. Faster than he anticipated, she hit him with enough strength that could make the man of steel bruise. The loud punch has startled the bats and made Bruce fly into the air until his back hit the wall of the cave. Finally, he dropped to the ground face first.

Then, Everything went silent for a second.

Waking up from the moment, Diana shouted.

"Bruce!"

She flew to his side and turned him over. Eyes closed, he laid motionless under his intact but dented breastplate. Then, she placed her ear at his mouth.

He's not breathing.

Next, Wonder Woman began ripping the fiber glass and the metals from his chest, her actions flustered, her voice pleaded.

"C'mon Bruce! Wake up!"

She placed he ear on his chest. A sound came.

A heartbeat.

"Well..."

He spoke.

"That was satisfactory.

It was clear that he was perfectly fine when he sat up like nothing happened. Bruce knew that pretending to be dead wasn't mature but he just wanted to see how she'd react.

Diana looked angrier. Before the man could ever say something, the princess slapped him. This time, it was meant to hurt him. Bruce massaged his cheek for a few seconds.

"Sorry" he apologized.

Her face showed the seriousness of it all.

Realizing that he went too far, he held her cheek with his palm.

She smiled... that one smile that made him feel soft inside.

In that moment, he silently vowed. He'll never trick her like that ever again. Not while he's alive. And like a medieval knight, he kissed the back of the princess' hand.

"Ahem!"

Both looked to one side. Alfred appeared at the entrance of the elevator, holding a tray of tuna sandwiches and two glasses of lemon juice.

"I'm pleased to see that my master still has chivalry left in him" the butler commented with a visible smirk.

Bruce's gut told him that his trusted butler delayed on the snacks on purpose.