Hey guys, sorry about the short pause I had a busy week. Here's a slightly lengthier chapter to make up for it! Also, I apologize if the characters seem a bit OOC, this is my own interpretation of them in this AU.

Hoping this chapter answers some of your questions! Enjoy!

"Some old wounds never truly heal, and bleed again at the slightest word."

-George R.R Martin

-New York City: A Few Days Later-

"Well then, we know where Diana stands now don't we?" Jack started the meeting trying to get to the point as quickly as possible. He was usually a talkative guy who enjoyed taking his time with things, but joining Wayne Enterprises was a big deal. And he wanted to wrap it up quickly before something ruined their chances.

The 7 of them were seated around the table once more, Diana had already told Jack that she would take the deal to join Wayne Enterprises as long as the firm could come along with her. Jack seemed ecstatic about the decision, however the rest of the partners didn't seem as excited. Sim along with Tony and Zachary were showing expressions of being in discomfort.

"Great, so then we can go ahead and sign the paperwork for the acquisition," Jack felt the tension in the air thicken. He was basically talking to himself at this point. The meeting only started five minutes ago and already things were going awry. He knew the others were against the acquisition, it only sense since they had been with the firm for such a long time. They didn't want to lose their positions as partners just to become men in suits that worked for Wayne Enterprises. However he felt that if anyone had the power and right to make such a defining decision for the firm, it was him. He had started the firm all by himself 20 years ago, his dream was to become one of the largest firms in the eastern coast but it was unforeseeably costly. He had lost his family as he drowned himself in his work, his two daughters had become distant and barely kept in touch with him. Jack had given his all into this firm, and his dream was finally coming true. He'd be working alongside one of the largest corporations in the world, for a cause that he believed in. He wasn't going to let others get in the way of that.

Bruce glanced over at Jack's direction and saw the determination in his eyes, he knew the man was driven. But not by a passion that paralleled his or Diana's; the man was driven by money and power. He had taken the time to read up on the man's bio and knew of his estrangement from his family, that was the cost of such hunger. If the only way to please and convince Diana to come join Wayne Enterprises was to bring along the rest of her firm, then that was something he was willing to work with. He turned his glance over to Diana who started to show signs of being hesitant. He guessed that by now she felt the tension between the other partners, he had just hoped that she wouldn't back down.

"I'm backing out," Sim finally spoke up, breaking the silence that had haunted the room, "Just for the record Jack, you were doing well until this shit happened,"

"Sim, what're you talking about?! THIS-," Jack motioned to Bruce and Harvey, "THIS right here, is the best thing that's happened to us,"

Bruce and Harvey sat still as they carefully watched the exchange, they both had a feeling something like this would happen. Sim was never really in it from the start, he wasn't planning on joining. Diana quietly sighed as she finally felt the tension release, she felt that it was best of she just sat by quietly. She couldn't help but question if she was making the right decision joining Bruce. A few days ago, she was happily going to work with these lovely people who had a nice professional and harmonious relationship with one another. But now things that were hidden on a much deeper level, were starting to be rooted out by the acquisition-the one she had agreed upon.

"Look, you can think whatever the hell you want to, but this is pure bullshit," Sim started to gather his things from the table, "No offense Mr. Wayne, I wouldn't necessarily mind doing business with you, maybe some other time,"

This got Bruce's interest, what did he mean by that?

"What other kind of business did you have in mind?" Bruce questioned, genuinely curious about the hidden meanings behind the older gentleman's words. Sim stopped moving his stuff around as he gave Bruce his full attention. He slowly lifted his arm and pointed a finger at Harvey.

"Ones that don't require me shaking hands with a scumbag," Sim stared down at Harvey, who didn't flinch one bit at the man's words. He just sat there as still as a statue, the only part of him that moved were his eyes as he looked directly into Sim's eyes. Sim grunted as he picked up his folders and belongings.

"It's been a pleasure," Sim gave Jack's shoulder a solid pat before walking out the door of the meeting room. Jack's eyes shifted back and forth from each edge of the table as he tried to decide what his next course of action should be. Sim, his trusted right hand just walked out the door. He didn't know that Sim had a grudge against Harvey, he had no idea that it was to this extent. The whole plan was that Sim would sulk and be pissed about the acquisition, but he'd eventually turn around and be happy with a thicker paycheck and more stable job. Obviously, that wasn't the case.

"We're also backing out, sorry Jack," Zachary got out of his seat, soon followed by Tony.

"Why?! I didn't know you guys were also against any of this, you never said anything!" The desperation leaked from Jack's voice as he tried to cling onto his partners. It made him feel as though he was making a terrible decision, but it was decision that was already made. He was losing his work family, and just like his real family, he didn't know how to stop them from leaving.

"That's cause you never bothered asking us," Tony sighed as he opened the door for Zachary to make their exit, "Good Luck to all of you,"

The two men walked straight to the elevator following Sim in his footsteps as he left the firm for good.

As the door of the meeting room slowly closed, Diana turned from the fading silhouettes of the former partners to face what was left of the firm. Jack looked absolutely torn, he wasn't expecting this sort of outcome, and Diana knew that he had felt abandoned all over again. She glanced over at Bruce who had a blank expression as usual, his thoughts were elsewhere at the moment. Finally, she turned to look at Harvey, and she was surprised to find him quietly chuckling to himself.

"What's so funny?" Diana felt herself get heated, she felt that the man was making a mockery out of the events that had just happened.

"Funny? I don't find it necessarily funny Ms. Prince, I'm more… relieved," he turned his head to look towards her. The look in his eyes blue eyes a mixture of mischief and passion, "Such weak minded men would only weigh us down in our mission,"

-30 Minutes Later-

All four of the remaining members exited the building, their expressions a mixture between indifference and uneasiness. Without saying goodbye, Harvey pulled his hood over his head as he started walking down the block. Diana watched him walk away with a scrutinizing eye, she felt mistrusting of him and would address the matter with Bruce. She still wasn't sure what he was doing teaming up with him.

"Jack, I just wanted to personally say that it's an honor to be able to finally work with you," Bruce stuck out his hand to the older man who looked exhausted and stressed out. Jack looked back and forth between the extended hand and Bruce's face, unsure if he felt the same way.

"Yes of course, but let's be blunt Bruce-you're here for Diana," Jack took his hand and shook it weakly. Bruce gave him a tight lipped grin, knowing that things weren't looking to bright for the older man. "I'll be seeing the both of you at Wayne Enterprises then, good night,"

Diana and Bruce stood quietly as they watched Jack walk away, his usual happy and energetic demeanor was nowhere to be found, and instead they witnessed a broken man who was dragging himself back to an empty home.

"I hope this is worth it Bruce," She said as they still stood side by side watching Jack disappear into the crowd of New Yorkers,

"It will be," His voice was stoic and confident, "we just need to stay focused,"

She faced him, worry etched across her face, "I trust you, but I'm not sure I trust Harvey…Something feels off about him,"

"I know," Bruce glanced at his watch before turning to her, "I'll look into it,"

He was well aware that there was something up with Harvey. Dick had told him about the other night and how he was meeting up with someone. His mentee couldn't get a closer look because the whole building was loaded with security measures. Hopefully, Harvey will be hanging around somewhere else tonight and he can find out what he's up to.

"Does he know?" She asked,

"No," Bruce answered knowing she was referring to whether or not Harvey knew about their other personas as heroes, "I plan on keeping it that way,"

"Ok, just promise me you'll be careful Bruce," She was genuinely worried, if Bruce's secret ever got into the wrong hands, there was no telling what kind of demons would be unleashed in Gotham. In that sense, she felt that she understood why he had struggled so much with letting her into his life. There was such an intense fear that there was no telling what these psychopaths would do if they were given a target to prey on.

"Don't worry about me Princess," he gave her a reassuring grin, "I have to head out, did you want a ride home?"

"No I'm meeting someone nearby, thank you though," she smiled as she watched him head towards his parked car. She started to turn to walk in the other direction when suddenly she saw Bruce stop in his tracks.

"I forgot to ask," he still stood facing away from her, "I'm cohosting a charity ball at the Governor's Hall this Friday, would you care to join?"

Diana blinked thoughtfully, considering her answer carefully but realizing that Tom wouldn't appreciate it if she went to the event with Bruce, "I don't think I-"

"-You can bring your plus one," Bruce cut her off, assuring her he knew what she was going to say next. At first Diana was caught off guard, she never mentioned to Bruce that she was engaged or even seeing somebody. But then she realized it was Bruce, and he knew everything about everyone. If anything he was probably the third person to know other than herself and Tom. She softly grinned as she felt nostalgia creep on her, of course Bruce would keep tabs on her, it was a part of who he was.

"I'll get back to you on that," She turned her back to his and continued walking towards the restaurant where she was meeting Tom for dinner. 'Of course he knew,' she thought to herself, but for some reason she felt a tug of guilt in her heart.

Bruce stood in the same spot for a few more seconds before he turned his head ever so slightly to the side to watch Diana's figure fade into the distance. He took a long sigh before sliding into his car. He dropped his palms onto his steering wheel as if they weighed a ton each. His head hung low as he tightly wrapped his fingers around the wheel, clenching them so hard his knuckles started to whiten.

-New York City: Later that Night-

Sim used the remote to turn off the TV. He looked down towards his lap to see his son fast asleep, practically drooling on him. He smirked as he tried to carefully lift his son up, worried he'll wake him up. He successfully lifted him into his arms and started making his way to the boy's bedroom down the dark hall where he gently tucked him into bed and gave him a kiss on the forehead. As he quietly made his way out of the room and back down the hall to the living room, he felt a menacing presence behind him. He quickly took a backhanded swing trying to get the first hit on the intruder, but his fist was met with empty air. Another quick jab at the dark, but he was once again met with emptiness.

"Who are you?" there was no fear in his voice as he glared into the dark of the hallway.

"I have questions," A deep gravelly voice responded back. Sim quickly recognized the voice, it was the infamous Batman. He was surprised, the Bat was mostly MIA lately, and the only ones who've really seen him lately were reportedly small time criminals. So what was he doing in his home?

"Did you run out of bad guys to go after?" Sim scoffed he was unafraid of him, "So now you're coming after us?"

"Us?" Bruce wasn't sure what the lawyer meant by that,

"The relatives…if you're looking for my father, he's long gone," Sim turned his back on the vigilante and continued walking towards the living room.

"I'm here for you," Bruce knew what he was talking about, Sim's father ran with Falcone a while ago, but he also knows that he went missing a few years ago. There was an assumption that it had to do with him deciding to leave Falcone, usually those things didn't end well with the Mafia. You were in it for life, or you lose your life.

"Well?" Sim motioned for him to continue as he sat back down on the couch and drank his beer, "I'm not afraid of you bats, there's no reason for you to touch a hair on my head,"

Bruce found this intriguing, the man was absolutely fearless of him. This only strengthened his resolve to believe this man was telling the truth.

"What's your connection to Harvey Dent?" He went straight to the point, there was no reason to stand around trying to intimidate answers out of a man like Sim.

"None, and I want to keep it that way," Sim took another swig of his beer, "You're worried he's up to no good with Bruce Wayne,"

"Your partnership with the firm dissolved today, and now your partner Jack is teaming up with Wayne and Dent," Bruce kept his distance as he hid at the edge of the shadow in the hallway.

"Look Batman, I'm sure you already know that I used to be a Gothamite, myself. As soon as I made my own money, I left. And I know for a fact you're smart enough to know why," Sim grunted,

"Humor me," Batman said dryly. Sim just glanced over at him, his eyes nothing more than small slips,

"Why the hell would I stay and let my child live in that asylum of a city?" His voice started to get louder and angrier, "Why the fuck would I work with that lunatic?! My father… he did what any father would have done to make sure his family stayed safe in that crap hole. You think he wanted to be a part of the Mafia? You must be an idiot if you think anybody joins that shit for the thrill of it…,"

Batman stood quietly, soaking all of his words in.

"He only did what he had to, and once I made a way out for us…once I finally had clean, hard-earned money… we planned on leaving that shit hole. And as soon as his foot is out that fucking door, some psychopath flips his goddamn coin and decides that the past defines you. He shot him for doing what any father would do," Sim's voice started weaving in-between stutters and cracks. Batman's face remained still, but on the inside the felt the pain the man was feeling. The thought of a father, sacrificing and willing to do whatever it took to make sure he protected his family-his son…it was something he resonated with.

"If he didn't give a shit as to whether or not my father was reformed, why would I ever let that two-faced bastard become the face of reform?!" Sim snarled, visibly drunk and upset. But he soon realized that he was shouting at no one, the vigilante was gone and he was alone to wallow in his anger and past traumas.

-New York City: Friday Evening-

"Tom, shouldn't you be getting ready soon?" Diana came walking out of the bathroom trying to tie her braided hair. She was in her red wine dress, the halter top dipping down towards her breast. The back was bare to the dip of her waist, and eventually led to a trail of layers that trailed off and ended at the heels of her feet. The dress wrapped tightly around her waist and then fluttered around her legs. Tom watched her finish her braid, his eyes admiring the sight of his fiancée in the beautiful dress. He walked up towards her and placed his hands around her waist, gently kissing her lips making sure he doesn't ruin her lipstick.

"Don't hate me, but I can't make it anymore," he whispered, afraid she was going to be angry with him, "Sorry I'll make it up to you something,"

"Why not?" Diana was more concerned than upset, he actually seemed excited to be going. He was looking forward to connecting to some of the officials and discussing his new research.

"One of the residents called, a critical patient of mine is being sent to the OR and I need to be there to oversee the procedure," He gave her an apologetic look, "I'm really really sorry babe,"

"Don't apologize, that takes priority over this. I'll be sure to put in a good word for you if I ever come across an official looking person," Diana had trouble containing her laughter as she finished her sentence, she wasn't even sure what kind of people she should be talking about or what she would even say about his research.

"You're going to be okay going by yourself?" Tom furrowed his brows in concern, "if you're not feeling up to it, you should just raincheck,"

"I already told Bruce I'm going, so I should still go," Diana gently placed her hand on his face trying to assure him, "I'll be fine,"

"Okay…but if that idiot tries to pull anything funny-"

"Relax cowboy, I can handle myself," She patted his shoulder trying to calm him down and kissed him on the cheek, "I should head out,"

"Fine," He sighed and gave her a tight hug, "I love you,"

"I love you too," Diana laughed as he pouted.

-Gotham: 1 Hour Later-

Bruce walked around the room, trying to avoid repetitive conversations with socialites and politicians alike. He knew that his job as a co-host was to cater to these people, but he just felt suffocated. All he wanted to do was to go out onto the roof and get some fresh air, but this was his primary lifestyle now. The Batman was no longer needed as much as Bruce Wayne was. The world was changing fast, and he had to change with it. Gotham doesn't need a vigilante anymore, what it needs is someone who is politically capable and invested into fixing the core issues of the city from the inside out. Whatever Gotham needed, he would dedicate his time and being into becoming it.

He walked around some more, dodging women left and right telling them he'd come back to talk to them after grabbing a drink for himself. He could barely stand the smell of alcohol seeping through their skins as he weaved around them. Finally, Bruce saw the end of the massive crowd, where attendees who have just arrived started to mingle in with the crowd. The air already felt and smelled so much fresher here than it did a few feet back from where he came from. He took a deep breath and sighed before he walked out the entrance to the outdoor plaza.

The sight before him had captured his breath and held it captive in the back of his throat. Walking towards him was the most beautiful creature he had ever laid his eyes on. Diana, painted in a deep red with silver jewelry accentuating each and every divine feature of hers, was making her way towards him. She didn't notice him standing there until he cleared his throat. She looked up at him from the bottom of the stairwell, he was looking ever-so-handsome in his perfectly fitted designer tux. The black of the jacket a nice contrast against his glowing azure orbs. His hair was slicked back, making his chiseled jaw even more pronounced. Both of them were at lost for words, they looked into each other's eyes, captured by each other's beauty.

"You came alone?" Bruce started, blinking a few times to get himself out of his trance.

"Yeah, something came up at work," Diana gently tucked a stranded curl behind her ear, for some reason she felt slightly nervous. But something told her that Bruce was feeling the same way. She started to make her way up to the top of the stairs where he stood. As soon as she reached the top, they both leaned in for a quick hug. As they separated from the hug Diana saw Bruce had a gentle look in his eyes and a light smile on his face.

"What is it?" She asked, wondering if there was something going on,

"You look beautiful," his smile grew as he saw her cheeks start to turn a light pink.

"You don't look so bad yourself Mr. Wayne," Diana retaliated as she playfully tugged at his bowtie,

"Shall we?" Bruce lifted his elbow, gesturing for her to link her arm in his.

"We shall," She smiled as she put her arm through his. This time Bruce was caught off guard, she had smiled so angelically-he felt a slight wince in his expression as his heart started to feel a bit heavier. There was a pain that lingered in him, and he found that he was constantly reminding himself that they were just friends-that's all.

The two of them made their way into the ballroom, the crowds around them quickly turning their attention to the beautiful couple that had graced them that night. Diana heard Bruce's name being murmured across the ballroom, it was expected that the Gothamites would be huge gossips, but she didn't want it to affect her relationship with Tom. She was worried that people would start spreading rumors that she was Bruce's new toy. Bruce turned to look at how Diana was doing, her eyebrows were slightly furrowed in concern. He knew what was going through her mind, she was worried that people would misunderstand and that it would ultimately get back to her fiancé.

"Don't worry," Bruce tried to reassure her by joking around, "I'll make sure I leave with someone else tonight,"

She shot him a glare that made him chuckle, a reaction like that only made him want to tease her some more. It was strange to him, he only felt this way towards her. He felt that he could genuinely joke with her, and bring out a hidden version of him that he had shied away so he could be Batman and Bruce Wayne, Billionaire Playboy. He missed this feeling. More than he would ever like to admit.

They made their way towards the bar and Diana ordered herself some drinks. It's been awhile since she drank at a social gathering, it's usually wine and dine with Tom in their apartment.

"Sir, would you like anything to drink?" The middle aged bartender asked Bruce as he handed Diana her Scotch on the rocks.

"I'm okay, thank you though," Bruce watched as Diana drank the whole glass in one go. His eyebrows raised in surprise, he didn't recall Diana to be much of a drinker.

"Did you want another?" Bruce asked, and instantly received a nod from her. He signaled to the bartender to give Diana another round.

"It's just been a long week," Diana explained herself as she thanked the bartender for her second drink and began to quickly drink that one too, "It's also been awhile since I've been to a gathering like this,"

"Princess… Are you trying to tell me you have social anxiety?" Bruce chuckled as she gently placed her empty cup down on the bar table. He's never seen her like this before, it was quite the entertaining experience.

"Another?" Bruce questioned as she raised her hand and signaled for one more round, "You should take it slow Diana, the nights just begun,"

"I do what I want," She demanded as she took a straw and started to sip the drink this time. Bruce noticed how she started to sway slightly and her voice got a bit higher.

"Diana…Are you drunk?" Bruce questioned incredulously. He knew that she had lost her powers, but her Amazon physique should still be intact. She should be able to handle her liquor just fine.

"Potentially… My metabolism is still fast, so alcohol hits me…fast," She slurred slightly, "It'll pass though, I'll be fine,"

Bruce tried his best to refrain from laughing out loud, he tightened his lips and nodded his head trying to shake off the laughter. Never in his life did he ever imagine he'd see the Amazon Princess like this. When she still had her powers, she could drink a gallon of hard liquor and she'd be just fine.

"I guess you also lost your tolerance for alcohol," Bruce tried to grab her half empty glass away from her, but to no avail. She hugged it tightly against her chest knowing he was trying to steal her drink.

"I'm surprised you don't already know that Mr. Wayne," She glared at him playfully, "You know everything about everyone,"

He raised a brow at her statement,

"Question Bruce, and I promise this is a sober one," Diana cleared her throat preparing herself to ask him the question. Bruce waited, still expecting her to ask him a drunk question, "How come you never reached out to me? I mean, I know you know everything that's going on in my life, but how come… How come you never tried talking to me till now?"

His jaw clenched, he knew this was more of a personal question and he felt that this was a question she's been holding onto for a while now. The truth was, the answer would only hurt both of them and he wasn't sure if he was willing to have this conversation with her. Especially not when she was tipsy.

"I just feel like, you only came to me only because you needed me. That's all. If you didn't need me, would you have ever even talked to me again?" Her voice started to sound clearer and more stable, she was sobering up by the second. He also heard the pain in her voice, "Two years Bruce, it's been two long years, and I've never felt more useless and powerless in my life than when I became a civilian and when… when you just stopped finding a use for me,"

Bruce saw the crystals start to form in the corner of Diana's eyes, her eyes glazed over in a thin sheet of tears as she tried so hard to hold down her pain. He felt a bolt of guilt shoot through ever nerve in his body, he never knew that she felt that way. He never wanted her to feel that way, he never wanted to hurt her. Instinctively, he reached out his hand to the back of her head and pulled her quickly and tightly into a tight embrace. His heart pounded, his throat felt like exploding from the guilt that seeped through him. It took her a second, but she finally reciprocated the hug, holding him tightly against her. Missing the warmth of her best friend.

"I never meant to Diana," His voice was soft as he murmured into her hair, "I never meant to hurt you, I was selfish-I felt the only way for me to move on was to keep you at a distance. I ran, and even though I knew I shouldn't, I ran anyway,"

He felt her choke up and a warm droplet run from her cheek onto his jaw. He had hurt her so badly, broken her and made her feel so unwanted. He didn't mean to. He thought it would be best if they parted ways now. Just because she had lost her powers and became normal, didn't mean he was. He even broke his own code, and stopped looking into her, he didn't know anything about her other than the law firm. He had ghosted her the past two years, mostly because he knew it would hurt him more than anything to watch her live her life without him in it. It was for the better, or at least that was what he told himself until tonight. But deep down, Bruce knew that it was already too late. Things were past the point of retribution and redemption. He would come back into her life, but not as another more than a mere friend and colleague. He would have to force himself to be content watching the love of his life be with someone else.