chapter 11

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Bruce was watching her sleep. Diana's perfect body was draped over him as they lay on the couch, her breathing a perfect steady cadence. It was hypnotic. He could lay here forever. Part of him actually entertained the fantasy of remaining here with her, to watch her wake up in the morning, in her bed, sunlight, instead of moonlight, streaming in through the balcony doors. But the part of him that craved the night, preferred the shadows, was what kept him grounded all these years. It had become his life. To forsake that side of him now would be suicide. As he gazed at her peaceful form though, he knew he had finally met the woman who could accept that.

Diana shifted against him and murmured, "You're still here. . .Patrol?"

He pressed his lips to the crown of her head and closed his eyes, breathing in her scent. She knew him too well.

"I'll be leaving in a little bit, Princess."

He heard the smirk in her voice as she murmured, "My dark knight. . ."

Bruce traced lazy patterns across her bare shoulders and back with a light touch as he resumed watch over her breathing pattern, waiting for her to fall back into a deep sleep. Finally, supporting her with his arms as he slid out from under her, he lifted her carefully and carried her to bed. He pulled the sheets and duvet over her. He crouched by her side and, thinking of what she called him on the couch, leaned over and gave her a gentle kiss on the lips. Her only movement was a small sigh, still deeply asleep.

"Guess the fairy tales were wrong," he reflected in his rare moment of whimsy.

He ran his fingers through her hair, pulling stray strands from her face. He allowed himself a smile as he stood up.

"Goodnight Princess."

Diana woke up with sunlight shining on her face, making her feel a little flushed. She kicked off the covers and pulled on her robe. She had to look around first. She knew he left last night, but she still had to check.

In the living room, she smiled when she realized he must have blown out the candles and cleaned up before he left. She reminded herself to thank Alfred on training him well. A note sat on the now otherwise empty coffee table. She laughed at herself upon the realization that even the sight of his handwriting delighted her.

"Good Morning Princess.

Thank you for that taste of Themysciran cuisine."

She blushed, and continued reading.

"I would enjoy your company again, tomorrow night at the Opera, "Orpheè et Eurydice."

B."

Diana couldn't stop grinning. Note still in her hand, she wandered into the bathroom to start her morning routine. She stood at the sink, reading it again.

She leaned against the wall, and pressed his note to her lips. She closed her eyes and thought about how much had changed since that first dance, then their first kiss-absolutely chaste compared to last night. As she left Wayne Manor, his lips caressed hers so gently and she was so stunned, she hardly gave him anything to work with. She chuckled softly at the memory of her inexperience. She opened her eyes and looked at her reflection in the mirror, taking note of her broad grin and flushed face. Shaking her head at her reflection, she couldn't help but express her awe out loud.

"Hera forgive me. I'm in love."

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author's notes: "Orphee et Eurydice" is an absolutely beautiful opera from the 18th century by Christoph Gluck, based on the Greek myth about Orpheus and Eurydice. Orpheus was skilled at the lyre and traveled with Jason and the Argonauts, known for saving them with his talent playing the lyre, e.g., against the Sirens. When his wife Eurydice died, he traveled to the Underworld and made a deal with Hades to get her back. As long as he did not turn back to look at her before they left the Underworld, she could leave with him. As soon as he stepped out, he turned around, but Eurydice wasn't out yet and she was once again taken from him. *******************************