y3 Weeks Later

Bruce stared, mesmerized by Diana's goddess-like beauty. The girl walked along the edge of his property, more quiet today than usual. Her raven hair flowing down her back in her ponytail. Every since the attack they had been attached by the hips. Wherever
she went, he followed. For protection, he would say to her. But she didn't mind. She enjoyed his company, surprisingly. And because of her melodic voice, he was an open shell to her. Exposing all his secrets to her and enjoying every moment of it.
Countless weights were lifted off his shoulders as he spoke to her.

Sighing, he picked a fallen leaf from the ground. Summer had already started to fade: making room for Autumn. The red and browns were beautifully mixed together. Just like Diana's personality. She was sweet and kind and yet rude and disrespectful and
strange whenever she wanted to be. He loved it. He had never felt so happy in his life. All because of her. Dare he say, his friend. Was this what it felt like to be happy? He couldn't remember when was the last time he felt this way. And then he
did.

His parents.

His smile faded as dark thoughts came to his mind. The ones that he tried so hard to block. Tears filled his eyes as he thought about them. His father strong laughter whenever Bruce was scolded by his mother. The way his mother's soothing voice always
drifted him to sleep as she told him she loved him. The dark thoughts clouded over the happy memories. The darkest he wouldn't dare think about but when he did his wrist would hurt. He looked at his wrist, following his vein with his finger. He stared
at the scars he had placed there himself. He remembered the blood flowing from the cut he made with his blade. After going to the hospital, Alfred had talked with him for over four weeks after the incident and insisted that Bruce go to therapy.

He suddenly realized how lucky he was to have Alfred. Always caring for him, even though Bruce rejected him countless times. The incident had happened the day after his sixteenth birthday and Alfred has stood by his side since. And made sure to keep the
knives away from Bruce; just in case. He had to thank Alfred sometime. Or someday.

Bruce heard the patter of footsteps coming up behind him. He covered his wrist again and crossed his arms. He started to stare at Diana again. Speaking of the devil, Alfred appeared beside him.

"You have to stop sneaking up on me, Alfred. You're like Houdini, popping up out of nowhere." Bruce joked. Alfred chuckled in response.

"Well, I am the only one that's able to sneak up on you. So I'll stop when I'm dead." He replied. It was true. Alfred was the only one able to sneak up on Bruce without him noticing. Bruce smiled at the old man.

"Anyways I wanted to ask you something. Doesn't Miss Diana look familiar to you?" He asked. Bruce brushed his hair out his eyes. Now that he did think about it, she did look awfully familiar to a girl he met before. But there wasn't much similarity. The
raven hair and indigo eyes matched perfectly to the description, but the girl was naive; Diana wasn't.

"Yes but not a lot." Bruce answered. "You don't think she's that girl I told you about do you?" Alfred shook his head.

"We might never know." He said. Bruce continued to stare at Diana, following her every movement. He remembered what she told him, about her birthday coming up soon. His eyes widened. Was that today? Was that why she was so quiet?

"Alfred isn't it Diana's birthday today?" He asked. He heard a small gasp from Alfred.

"It is sir." Bruce stared at Diana, trying to think about something she would want.

"I want to give her something." He looked at Alfred. "But what?"

Alfred thought for what ought to be an eternity. Running from idea to idea. Bruce let out a deep breath.

"Well, there is the usual. Flowers, chocolates, promises that you don't intend to keep." Bruce gave him a look.

"Alfred she's much different than other girls. It has to be something special to her." He explained. Most girls were bratty, always wanting Bruce's money. She didn't care about his money, or how he looked. She didn't ask for anything. It's why he wanted
to get her something so badly.

"I do have an idea sir." His butler said.

"What?" Alfred just smiled. He motioned for Bruce to follow him. And he did.

Diana was laid out on her bed. She felt so sad. As much fun as she had with Bruce, it wasn't enough to fill her thirst. If only she had brought her books with her. All she needed was a good read. And as if to her call, she heard a knock on her door. She
got up quickly and opened it. Bruce stood with the usual shy small smile.

"Diana, I was wondering if I could show you something." He said, his voice as soft as a whisper.

"Oh, sure." She said. He took her hand and led her through the manor. She looked around. The manor was more brighter than usual. More, lively. They stopped in front of a door. Bruce turned toward her.

"You have to close your eyes." Diana raised an eyebrow.

"It's a surprise." He explained. She shrugged.

"Alright." She said, closing her eyes. She felt the sudden wind as Bruce waved his hand over her face. He took her hands into his own and opened the door. He started to walk backwards, leading her to the middle of the room. They stopped.

"Can I open them now?" She asked as he let go of her hands. "No. But just wait here." He said, his voice getting further away. She nodded. She heard curtains draw open. She felt the warmth of the sun on her body. Another curtain was drawn. She opened
her eyelid a bit to see what he was doing.

"Hey. Close your eyes." He said. She quickly shut her eyes.

"I don't know what your talking about." She said, sarcastically. Another curtain drew open.

"Can I open them now Bruce?" She asked, now growing impatient. He waited a bit before answering.

"Yes." His voice right next to her ear. She opened her eyes and covered her mouth to avoid from gasping. Alfred wasn't lying when he told her about Bruce's library. It was bigger than the palace's.

"Happy birthday." He said, quietly shy as ever but with a smile. She looked at him.

"Bruce you're the best!" She hugged him. He was hesitant at first but he hugged her back. She was warm and smelled like lavender.

They read in the library the rest of the day. It was the best birthday Diana had. She was happy with Bruce. They read book after book after book on the comfortable couch. Diana, speaking aloud while Bruce wrapped his arms around her waist from behind.
She was extremely comfortable in his arms. He was like a bed himself. As Diana read quietly aloud Bruce watched. But he wasn't reading the words on the pages. He was watching Diana; the way she spoke,how she turned the pages ever so silently.
Everything she did was so proper; she had manners and everything. Like she was raised as a princess.

And she did look like the girl he knew before, the one who was crushed by his words. But he didn't care about her past. He only cared about her now. Diana continued to read softly as Bruce started to close his eyes, the wave of sleep taking over his body.
Diana looked at him and smiled. She continued to read silently to herself, trying to avoid the attraction of sleep. But it was too strong. She set the book down and cuddled with the sleeping Bruce, resting her head on his chest. He hugged her tighter,
as if she was going to disappear. She did the same thing to him, clutching the fabric of his shirt in her hand. She didn't let go.

Diana was happy with Bruce. She couldn't ask for anything more. Bruce was happy with Diana. She was the best thing that could ever happen to him. They were happy. Happy to be together. To be friends. To be connected.

Not for long.