AN: This chapter is quite suggestive but not literal. Should be safe for the teens. I extended the library scene, but it is innocent enough. The mature version is titled Stolen Moment and is a separate story (really just has an extended library scene).
A WHOLE NEW LEVEL
Gotham City, Batcave, Friday, 6:45pm
Tim looked at the clock and winced. Two minutes and 45 seconds to go till he was done. His arms were beginning to shake from the stress of the exercise. Two minutes and 36 seconds left. He knew when he agreed to become Robin that the physical strains would push his body to beyond its limits. With Bruce, the workouts and the training were all about survival and improving on the job. Barbara taught him about balance and how to gage an opponent. Cassandra, well, she kicked him on his ass. But Dick! Who would have thought that the happy go-lucky one of the Batclan was a workout sadist? Bruce and Barbara did this because they had to. It was all that Cassie knew growing up. Dick actually enjoyed this.
He had been holding his body in an handstand position on the rings for nearly ten minutes. Dick called it a warm up. Damn, this was going to hurt tomorrow! He glared over at his newest instructor. Dick had his feet propped up on the pommel horse and typed away on a laptop. Bruce had installed three large screen monitors, which doubled as television screens, in the workout section of the cave. They could dictate to the computer and work on cases while they trained. Dick currently was working on a web of the crime syndicates in Bludhaven. One monitor showcased the major players and their connections. The second monitor was running through the criminal database housed in the Batcomputers searching for further information. The last screen had the local 'Haven news on. Dick rested his hands behind his head and leaned back on his chair double checking his work. Tim rose his head to catch a glance of the main terminal, where Barbara had seventeen screens opened running various searches. Bruce was pacing behind her yelling over the JL commlink. They were still searching for the whereabouts of Dr. Psycho.
"Drop that hold. Swing into an iron cross. Hold it for 60 seconds. Then, dismount with a double twist," Dick grinned from his relaxed position. At least, the ten minutes were over. Tim spun out of the handstand and positioned himself into an iron cross. The second that he settled into the position it felt like his shoulders were going to fall out their sockets. 57 seconds left. Tim snapped his eyes shut hoping that one of the breathing techniques he learned would ease the strain.
"Passing on tradition?" Tim heard Bruce say as he walked into the workout area.
"I figured it was a good place to start. You always said that some healthy competition could push us beyond what we think we are capable of. We'll have to update the record in the computer. Who held the lead in the iron cross hold?" Dick grinned.
"Bruce," Barbara entered behind Bruce.
"Are there any more traditions that you plan on passing on?" Bruce asked keeping a stoic expression.
"A few. I really would like to try train hopping," Dick's smile grew wider.
"Start with the trapeze work and martial arts. Once he has a few months under him, try field training," Bruce suggested.
"I was a couple years younger than him when we started," Dick argued.
"True. You also had 10 years of trapeze experience, acrobatic training, and two more years of training with me," Bruce pointed out.
"Boys," Barbara mumbled in disgust, "Tim, it's been over a minute. You can twist out."
"Hey! I'm in charge of this training session," Dick protested, still smiling, "Tim, it's been over a minute. You can twist out."
"Torturous carnie," Barbara said through narrowed eyes.
"And that was before I was raised by Batman," Dick wagged his eyebrows at her.
"I called you all here tonight for a reason," Bruce shot a glare that cut off the childish bickering, "As I am sure all of you know by now, I have been seeing Wonder Woman socially as Bruce Wayne. I would like to tell her about my work as well." Tim landed fine but tripped on the mat while he heard Bruce's admission. Wonder Woman! That was the bimbo . . . date in New York!
"Almost, everyone did," Dick smirked and offered Tim some water as he stood up.
"Nice to know that some of you don't use your training for snooping," Bruce gritted out shooting a dark look at Dick and Barbara.
"I thought we were just following your orders. At least, that's what he told me," Barbara pointed at finger at Dick. He just smiled and shrugged his shoulders.
"When do you plan on telling her?" Barbara asked hoping to change the current topic of discussion.
"Soon. Maybe tonight," Bruce responded.
"How much do you plan on telling her?" Dick questioned in a more serious tone.
"At the very least, I will tell her about me. You should be prepared though. She'll probably figure out your connection quickly. Tim and Barbara might not be affected unless they come out and tell her," Bruce explained.
"She might figure out who I used to be," Barbara pointed out.
"Does it concern you?" Bruce asked with a hint of compassionate in his tone.
"Bruce, I wheeled up to her and introduced myself after she walked in on Dick and me in the middle of coitus. Do you really think I'm worried if she finds out that I was Batgirl?" Barbara ignored Tim gagging on water and Dick groaning in horror.
"Point taken," Bruce answered rolling his eyes at the boys, "Dick? Tim?"
"More power to you," Dick glared at Barbara.
"I . . . I . . . What exactly are you asking?" Tim wondered.
"I plan to tell Diana that I'm Batman. This means that she will know the personal relationships of Bruce Wayne. Dick grew up here. It makes sense that people would place him as the original Robin. Barbara is connected to Dick and me. People could see her red hair and figure out that she was the original Batgirl. I need to know whether or not it makes you uncomfortable having the possibility that Diana may learn your secret identity," he clarified.
"No, that would fine. Diana has always been nice," Tim said.
"Kid, its okay to say no," Dick gave his shoulder a reassuring squeeze.
"No. I'm sure. It's fine. I just didn't realize that we could discuss this," Tim noted in his quiet manner.
"Who do wish to tell?" Bruce asked.
Before Tim could answer, Dick blurted out, "Your friends?" He nodded.
"Which ones?" Bruce continued never blinking.
"Kon-El, Cass, Bart. Basically the members of Young Justice," he glanced at Bruce.
"Dick? Barbara?" he turned to the first generation of sidekicks.
"Fine by me," Dick answered. Barbara smiled and nodded.
"Alfred, any objections?" Bruce called to the butler, who seemed to magically appear with coffee for Bruce and Barbara and milk with chocolate chip cookies for Dick and Tim.
"Of course not, Master Bruce. I believe that I always encourage you to expand your horizons. Master Tim, we look forward to meeting your friends perhaps one day," Alfred set down the tray and began serving everyone.
Dick rose his glass, "To horizons."
Watchtower, Diana's Dormitory, Friday, 7:48pm
Wearing a dark sapphire colored form-fitting evening gown that draped over one shoulder, Diana clipped a diamond barrette in her hair securing a French twist. Diana gazed over her image one last time in the mirror feeling the butterflies in her stomach. Tonight, she met the members from the Wayne Foundation. After years of fighting supervillains and serving as a public figure for the league, she was going to truly work on her mission. The mission the Amazons appointed her as their ambassador, and the mission the goddesses bestowed upon her. Plus Bruce would be there to support and guide her. The thought brought a smile to her face.
She walked out of the bathing suite to seek her sister's opinion. Donna was laying face down on the bed snoring. Diana sighed. All she really wanted to do was push Donna over and slip in next to her. They had been forced to spend their nights on the Watchtower. They both woke up in the middle the night screaming from the nightmares wreaking havoc in Diana's head. The embassy staff heard Diana despite the nullifiers installed in her bedroom. Donna called experiencing the same problem in her apartment building. They spent the last two nights in the medical center with J'onn, Zatanna, and Dr. Fate erecting mental blocks and magical barriers. Still, Diana was forced to endure a least one nightmare where she maimed, beat, or killed Bruce. J'onn could not block the mental link between them. Diana left her sister in solace feeling guilty over the terror that her dreams were inflicting.
As she proceeded to the transporters, a wolfish whistle dragged her out of her troubled thoughts. She looked up to see Flash leaning along the wall admiring her form. "Another date with Brucie?" he inquired.
"Yes. There is a Wayne Foundation gala at the manor tonight. I believe that it is our coming out as a couple," she smiled wondering if Bruce realized how public their interaction would be.
"Seems like he has a few of those coming up," Flash mumbled under his breath.
"I'm sorry, Wally. What did you say?" she wondered.
"Nothing," Flash turned a bit pink reminding himself to use inner monologue around superhearing folks, "Have fun tonight."
"Thank you. I intend to," Diana set the transporter codes for Gotham City.
Gotham City, Wayne Manor, Friday, 8:00pm
Bruce stood in last spot in the receiving line for the latest charity gala. This gala was different from the usual parties that the foundation arranged. He cared about this one. Martha Wayne held a similar annual gala to raise funds for the Park Row Clinic. The tradition stopped after the fateful night in crime alley. When Bruce returned to Gotham and restored the foundation, the first major event held was the gala for the clinic. They were held religiously every year since. It was the one event a year that he allowed himself to be Bruce Wayne, son of Thomas and Martha, instead of the billionaire playboy flop. It was also the one event that he never had to ask people to come. Leslie, Dick, and Barbara came each year without question.
He intended to greet Judge Rimes, but the sight in the corner of his eye caused him to excuse himself and rush to the door. Diana beamed at Bruce as he made a beeline towards her. She thanked the attendant that took her evening wrap and walked over to meet him. He took her right hand and ran his eyes down her body drinking in the vision before him. "Princess, I would love to tell you that you look enchanting, beautiful, or even lovely. But no words could do you proper justice," he brushed a kiss on her hand.
"Flatterer," she spoke hoping only he heard.
The smile on his face broadened while his eyes shined with amusement. "Princess, do me a favor and turn around like you are showing me your dress," he requested in a low tone only she could hear. She obliged his offer scanning the crowd.
"Bruce, everyone is staring at us. Is it okay for me to be your date tonight? The press are going to have a field day with this," she asked concerned.
"Correction, Princess. Everyone is staring at you. They've been staring since you walked through the door, so my pervious statement had nothing to do with flattery. Of course, it is okay for you to be my date this evening. I had a meeting with the press secretary for the foundation. We released a statement including a note that you were my date for this event," he responded lightly shaking his head.
The meeting this afternoon with Victor Marens was a laugh. Bruce always knew that his antics as a playboy caused many pains for Victor, but today was the first time he personally went to see him. Victor greeted with a barrage of questions. What's her name? Where is she from? Is she royalty or famous? What is she saying you did? What did you actually do? Bruce smiled and answered in rapid fire. Diana. Themyscira. Yes, a princess. Nothing that I've heard. A few kisses and hand adventures. Victor had pulled a bottle of Maalox as Bruce answered his questions. Victor almost begged him to let her go before the reputation of another nice girl from some small nation was undone by the notorious Bruce Wayne. Bruce finally told him that Diana was somewhat of a public figure in her own right. Victor grabbed a pencil to write down Bruce's 'official' statement about the date.
When Wonder Woman crossed through Bruce's lips, Victor was dumbstruck. The official statement was that Wonder Woman had accompanied Mr. Wayne in order to observe foundation functions since she planned to establish her own non-profit organization. If newspapers agreed to print the mention of her foundation, Bruce told Victor that he could let it slip that this was not the first date for the couple. He left his office as Victor put a straw in the Maalox bottle. This was going to be a media circus.
"Come on. There are people here that have been asking me about you for three days. They are going to run me over if I don't introduce you soon," Bruce led her through the crowd into the ballroom.
Gotham City, Wayne Manor-Ballroom, Friday, 10:16pm
Diana had been swept through the ballroom of Wayne Manor meeting a dizzying number of individuals. Bruce ran her quickly through the bluebloods and society rich. Then, he pulled her to a quiet corner of the room, where three individuals stood taking in the success of the gala. Introduced to the event planner, program director, and financial consultant of the Wayne Foundation, Bruce excused himself to attend to guests. The team had worked with Bruce since he re-established the foundation in Gotham. After learning how they restructured the foundation, the team offered snippets of advice and the best people that could help establish her in New York. Once the business was out of the way, Diana joined in the gala dancing with the financial consultant, Marc Parsons.
"You know we had a running bet in the office that Bruce was pulling our leg about you coming tonight," he admitted.
"Who won?" Diana asked clearly amused.
"I did," he answered looking down at their feet.
"Why did you place so much faith in the famously dubious Mr. Wayne?" she pushed sensing he was holding something back.
"Promise that you won't tell anyone how I knew that picked a winner," he mused.
"I give you my word that any exchange between us will be held in confidence if it brings no harm to others," she promised.
"I always pick the underdog. Bruce only had a couple people believe that he was bringing you, so I threw my hat in on him," Marc confessed his insider information, "Bruce asked me to look over the financial records that you gave him. That's how I knew I won."
"Did you make the bet before or after he gave the information?" she inquired.
"Before," he answered.
"Then, congratulations on your win," she smiled, "But you may want to consider donating some of that money to the clinic."
"Sounds like a good suggestion. May I make one of my own?" he turned her out.
"Please," she responded as she twisted back in.
"Bruce said that you planned on naming the foundation after some word in Greek," he questioned grasping her hand.
"Yes, the Greek word for hope," she confirmed.
"Princess Diana, you are a marketing dream. Your face and symbols are recognized the world round. Perhaps you should consider naming it after yourself. Anyone, who admires your work or even you, would donate funds or time to the cause if they hear your name," he suggested.
"The 'Diana, Princess and Ambassador of Themyscira Foundation' is a bit of a mouth full," the Princess looked skeptical.
"I meant that you could call it the Wonder Woman Foundation," he laughed, "The Wayne Foundation is recognized by many people because of the name. You should consider it."
"Thank you. I will," she turned to clap the orchestra as the song ended.
"Can I have the next dance?" a voice asked from behind her.
"I would love to. Marc, please excuse me," she turned to her new partner.
"Wow. Bruce is a lucky man," he complemented her.
"I must say that Barbara is a lucky woman. You look quite handsome in clothing," she replied to a blushing Dick Grayson, "You know I'm confused. Bruce led me to believe that dancing was not your forte."
"Did he tell you any stories that wouldn't embarrass me?" Dick shook his head.
"Plenty, but my sister was less merciless," she grinned.
"She forgot to mention that part when she told me about your lunch," Dick groaned, "If there is anything you want to know about her, I'm your guy."
"The gloves are off so to say," she leaned back into a dip.
"Oh yeah," Dick smirked.
"It still doesn't explain how you learned to dance," Diana smiled back.
"Let's just say that my teacher had something to offer that was much more appealing than what Alfred or Bruce could ever offer," he pulled her back up and glanced over at Barbara, who was talking to an elderly woman.
"How long have you known each other?" Diana followed his eyes to the redhead.
"Forever. More accurately since we were teenagers," he sighed and frowned.
"When did she lose the use of her legs?" Diana read his mind.
"Almost two years ago. She was shot through her spine," his body tensed as anger flashed in his eyes.
"It appears that she has adapted to her new situation very well," Diana hoped that she had not brought up an unmentionable topic.
"I have to pinch myself sometimes. It's hard to believe that I'm lucky enough to be with such a remarkable woman," he gave another loving glance in the direction of Barbara.
"From what I see, she is just as lucky," she replied.
Dick pulled back and assessed the look on Diana's face, "I can see why everyone likes you so much. I hope he knows what he has."
The smile radiated from her face, "Thank you. If he doesn't, you can always tell him."
Extending an elbow, Dick led her off the floor towards a gesturing Barbara, "We are being summoned. I don't think that you have been introduced to Leslie Thompkins. She is the reason we are here tonight."
Gotham City, Wayne Manor, Ballroom, 10:46pm
Bruce scanned the room hoping to steal Diana away from whoever she was talking to and spend at least the last hour with her. Batgirl and Robin were covering patrol until the gala was over. Batman and Nightwing were pulling the second shift. Spotting Barbara and Dick on the terrace, he slipped out into the evening air. They were fully engaged in quiet discussion when he interrupted, "Sorry. I was just looking for Diana. I saw her talking with you earlier."
"She was a little tired, so she retired to one of the sitting rooms," Barbara acknowledged him.
"Yeah, the stuff shirts and gawkers got to her," Dick smirked, "But it seems to be an impressive turnout this year."
"Glad you think so. I'm going to find Diana," he excused himself.
"Private time?" Dick leered.
"Have to preserve my reputation," he called over his shoulder, "By the way, you get to play host now." Bruce quickly retreated through the door and crowd before Dick could refuse.
"What just happened?" Dick turned to Barbara.
"I believe that you were just entrusted to play host. Bruce must want you to mingle with the guests," Barbara sighed when Dick pouted, "You're the one who wanted to be treated more like an adult."
"It's his party. Not mine," he whined.
"What part of heir do you not understand?" she responded sarcastically.
"So you're telling me that getting him to treat me like an equal downstairs means that he gets to treat me like an equal upstairs," he stated.
"Yup. Handsome and incredibly intelligent," Barbara quipped.
"Come on, beautiful. No way I'm doing this alone," Dick pushed her chair to the door before she refused.
Gotham City, Wayne Manor, Library, Friday, 10:52pm
"Diana?" Bruce called into the library, which was dark except for the moonlight streaming in the windows.
"Bruce?" she called out hesitantly hoping to avoid unwanted company.
"I thought you disappeared on me, Princess," he walked into the room finding her drenched in moonlight as she watched the lights of Gotham.
"I'm sorry. I was enjoying a conversation with Dr. Thompkins, Barbara, and Dick. We were suddenly swarmed with onlookers that hassled them for an introduction. I just needed a small breather," she took his hand, "I can return with you to the party."
"I just put Dick in-charge of being host," he tugged her arm until she moved into his embrace, "It would be nice if we spent sometime alone before returning." She smiled at his comment and turned her back to his chest wrapping his arms around her waist.
"It sounds like a brilliant plan if I've ever heard one," she sighed contently.
"I'm glad you approve," he kissed her bare shoulder. Diana leaned her head back onto Bruce's right shoulder. He lightly bit the juncture between her shoulder and neck. Moving up her neck with feather soft kisses, Diana turned her mouth to meet his.
"Mmm," she purred, "Why does it feel like an eternity has passed since we last did this?"
"Only three days," he tightened his grip on her waist and gently ran his teeth down her neck.
"I guess it was just a long three days," she sighed lifting her head off his shoulder.
"I'm glad you came," he tried noticing how her posture stiffened.
"Me, too," she turned to face him smiling, "We should return the party. There's only an hour left."
His logical side agreed with her. She shouldn't be gone with him for too long. The male side of him kept reminding him that he only had an hour until he was due out on patrol. He grabbed Diana by the hips and pulled her close. Once his mouth reached her ear, he whispered, "It sounds like a horrible plan if I've ever heard one."
Gotham City, Wayne Manor, Ballroom, Friday, 11:23pm
Dick had Barbara's hand in a vice grip. There was no way on god's green earth that she was leaving him alone. She flashed him a look to ease up. Not even fire and brimstone reigning down from heaven would lighten his grip. They had entertained the late arrivals, who decided to show up once word got out about Wonder Woman being present. Of course, the first question they asked was where she was.
Dick had smiled graciously and repeated that she had disappeared with the host for the fiftieth time within the last 30 minutes. The idiots would gasp at the insinuation and throw in some comment to the effect of that they hoped Bruce walked out alive after she tried to kill him. They all assumed that he would try to seduce the Amazon beauty. Barbara and Dick laughed and spoke the same sentiments. When a blonde woman dressed in a red slip began calling him 'Dickie', he wondered if Bruce continued to be Batman to avoid these affairs. Alfred saved him pulling him aside for a word.
"Master Dick, I believe that Master Bruce is being paged. Do you know where he went off to?" Alfred pulled him out of earshot and nodded towards the window. It was the bat signal.
"He ran off to find Diana. I'll take the business ca . . ." Dick's words were cut off by a loud cry of a woman coming from down the hall. The people in the front entry and in the back of the hall turned their heads towards the direction of the cry.
"Guess we know where Bruce and Diana went to," Barbara gave a sly smile.
"Seems so," Alfred replied.
"From notorious to legendary. I think he just secured his reputation for life," Barbara smiled wider.
"I daresay there is no way to describe his reputation now," Alfred replied.
"I got the call, Alfred. Tell him to take all the time he needs," he walked off shaking his head at their comments. There was no way he was going into the library where the clock was. Barbara moved beside him gesturing that they would need to take the elevator.
"You know he's going to make us put nullifiers in all the rooms now," Dick shuddered at the reason why.