A/N: So here ya go. Your reviews, ideas and sheer awesome have inspired me to keep writing this, along with other projects. My love for the boy scout will probably inspire a story about him, so if you have any idea's get in touch. Until then, enjoy.
Hours had passed since Diana had almost ripped Philipus in two. The tense atmosphere had gone and they were preparing for the Wayne Employee Ball. Dick had arrived two hours earlier with Barbara, Tim was somehwere in the house getting ready and Bruce was once more fiddling with his bowtie, unable to get the damned thing right. Alfred apepared, as always, in his time of need. "Master Bruce, I do believe I've shown you how to correctly tie one of these at least 1000 times." His smile was almost whimsical as he finished up and took a step back to admire his handiwork.
"Alfred, there are some things I'll just never learn." The corner of his mouth turned up a as the glint in the older mans eye faded away. "Master Bruce, may I be frank?" Bruce nodded as if the question didn't even need to be asked. "Of course Alfred." He wasn't really prepared for what was coming.
"Through my years of service, I have to come to love you like I would a son. It may not be my place but I wanted to tell you that I was proud of you. Truly." Bruce was taken back slightly by this, not because he didn't agree but he had just never expected to year it so bluntly from the older gentlemen. "As such, I wish to give you some advice. Miss Diana is the most spectacular young lady you have ever taken a shine too, and by far possibly the only lady I have approved of and would be happy to serve as a Wayne." Bruce smiled, Alfred was about to continue, but was cut off by the younger mans embrace. It was strange. They were like family, yet some form of appropriate barrier still lay between them. Now, with his words, Bruce had felt the need to thank him. Not with words or money but with the kind of affection a son shows a father. Bruce would never forget his true parents, or the haunting reasons for his life as a hero, but he would also not deny his life would have been over many years ago without this mans help.
He took a step back from the butler, who was slightly flabbergasted and very nearly teary eyed. "You are my family Alfred. Never forget that. " Bruce gave a smile that was saved for his adopted children and Diana to the old man, they both knew the moment passed but was something that had needed to happen eventually. He placed his rolex on his wrist before turning and speaking once more. "Are you sure that I can't convince you to come tonight?" Bruce made his way out of the bedroom, followed by Alfred.
"My days for such nights are long since passed Master Bruce, besides, I think you'll have adequate company." He looked down the central staircase, Bruce's eyes followed. What he saw next was something he'd never thought he'd accomplish. A family.
Dick Grayson, the first Robin, now Nightwing and the first adopted son of Bruce Wayne was stood next to a recently recooperated Barbara Gordon. Dick's hair was slightly messy, as usual, his hands in the pockets of his black suit, a shoe lace tie sitting around his neck. Barbara stood with her arm linking him, red hair falling onto the shoulders of her dark purple dress. It hugged her figure, dipping down to reveal a small amount of cleavage.
Stood a few feet away Tim, his tuxedo and bowtie almost a mirror of Bruce's. He looked slightly grumpier than ususal, probably feeling far too much like a teenager to be attending this kind of thing.
Diana had yet to come down, but Hippolyta and Philipus stood in there traditional, if not slightly modified, clothing. Philipus wore a tight fitting red toga, a single belt hanging loosely off her hips, it was a deep brown leather with a spiked sun symbol as a clasp. Bruce knew from just looking at it that it was a impromptu weapon. Obviously aware she couldn't carry a sword with her.
Hippolyta was fiddling with her own garments and tiara, a flowing white toga that seemed to ooze majestic feelings from it. Bruce had to admit, he could see where Diana gained some of her looks from, blessed by the gods or not. He descended the stairs seconds later with Alfred and stood with the group. Seeing Tim and Dick's jaws drop while the two Amazonian women looked far too smug. After glancing at a equally blown away Barbara he realized they were looking behind him.
When Bruce turned round, his mind was shattered and his heart gone to the wind which seemed to carry it up the stairs and into her hands. Diana's usually thick, black hair was styled and pulled round over her left shoulder, the ends of it having been curled. Her opposite and that side of her neck were exposed, the line of the dress coming across just below her neck. The covered shoulder was hidden by her hair, the arms of it traveled down to her hands and he could only see the tips of her fingers. The body of it clung to her shapely form, loosening at its base slightly to reveal a set of matching black heels. Her face had gone a deep crimson with the attention she was receiving. Apparently, the other members of the group had managed to compose themselves while Bruce's jaw was still slack as she descended the marble steps.
"Bruce, you're drooling." Next to him was Dick, who was grinning and nudging his adoptive father gently in the arm with his elbow. This snapped him back into reality as the conversations between members of the group started to bubble up as Hippolyta approached her daughter. "My sun and stars, I have never been one for the fashions of Man's World but tonight I do believe there is not a prettier woman on the planet." She smiled gently and turned back to Philipus, who was engaged in a conversation about tactical combat with Tim, who was trying to convince her of the merits and stealth over full-frontal assaults. Bruce finally had a moment alone with Diana. "I don't think theres a luckier man, alien or god on ths planet right now." He leaned in and gently placed his lips against hers for a mere moment, Hippolyta cringed a little, but knew she would have no choice but to get used to this.
Barbara spoke up as Alfred pulled up outside the door in a long, black limosuine, it was one of the only vehicles that would fit the whole group. "Well, shall we?" She tugged gently on Dick and linked her free arm through Tim's. He smiled slightly, appreciating the sentiment. They found there way into the car and began the journey into Gotham, Bruce was trying to remain his usual straight faced self, but he was struggling. Sitting next to him was the most beautiful woman, holding his hand. The back was of his mind was still plagued about the days events and whether having such a large family nowadays would eventually come back on. He made a silent vow that nothing would heart them, no matter what. The thoughts disappeared when he found himself staring at Diana's blue eyes, the swelling of his chest driving him insane. It was going to a long, and probably eventful night. Bruce, although stilled smiling, pinched the bridge of his nose, feeling Dick's eyes on him. "Come on now, you'll be fine." The younger man winked and managed to get a small laugh from the Batman, definitely an eventful night indeed.