Disclaimer: I do not own Batman or anything related to Batman. Anything that resembles the comic or the movie written by Christopher Nolan is not mine and I make no money from this. I do own any OC's and the plotline not seen in the movies or the comics. Please do not steal. Thank you.

"Auntie! You're crushing me!" Elizabeth said.

Sasha chuckled and kissed the top of her head before letting go of her. "I just missed you so much, my little munchkin," she said.

Hanna chuckled as Sasha entered the manor and pulled her friend into a hug. "I'm so glad you came to visit," Hanna said.

"Of course, you only visit once a year, of course I'm here to visit," Sasha said.

In the past few years, Sasha had made it a point to help Hanna out as much as she could when it came to the press. She went as far as to get herself fired from Gotham Time's in order to keep people from figuring out where Bruce was by leaving false information. As a thanks, Bruce helped her start her own online news webpage. Now, she was one of the most successful editors in the city and owned a nice penthouse with a nice shiny car to match.

"Come in, I'll open that wine you have in your bag," Hanna said.

"But of course," Sasha said.

Soon the two women were sitting in the living room sipping on the wine Sasha had brought. They quickly caught up before Sasha asked the aged old question.

"Where is Bruce?" she asked.

Hanna shrugged before glancing at the clock. "He went to the doctor a few hours ago, but I haven't seen him since," she said.

"He's not doing his underground narrows fighting, is he?" Sasha asked.

Hanna cleared her throat and shrugged. "No idea. He doesn't need a reason too," she said.

Before Sasha could say anything else, her phone went off, causing her to place her wine glass down and answer it. "Parker," she answered, standing up and walking away.

Hanna sighed and glanced at her own phone, slightly annoyed that Bruce had yet to call her or text her. She didn't want to be one of those women who needed to always know where their husband was at all times, but she could not deny that she was worried. Mostly she was afraid he was trying to track down the jewel thief and do something batty.

Sasha entered the room and frowned, causing Hanna to raise an eyebrow. "What's wrong?" Hanna asked.

"One of my reporters just snagged a photo with Bruce Wayne and some girl at Miranda Tate's charity event," Sasha said.

"What?" Hanna asked, standing up and walking over to her friend. Sasha showed her the picture and frowned.

"Do you know her?" she asked.

"No," Hanna said, her eyes tracing over the woman current smearing her lipstick over her husband.

"You don't recognize her at all?" Sasha asked again.

Hanna knew that Sasha was just resorting to her reporter habits, but she couldn't help the annoyance that pooled into her stomach. "No, I don't happen to know who the woman is. With her low cut dress and her lips sucking my husband's face off," Hanna snapped.

Before either woman could ponder further, the door opened and Bruce walked in. Hanna didn't fail to notice that he was wearing a tux, nor that Alfred had drove him home.

"Hey, honey," Bruce said, walking through the door. "Sasha, I didn't know you were here. It's good to see you."

"I wish that were true," Sasha said.

Hanna ignored them and grabbed Sasha's phone. "Who the hell is this?" she asked, showing him the picture.

"That's not what it looks like," Bruce said, knowing the picture immediately.

"Well, that's a new excuse," Sasha muttered.

Hanna sighed and threw the phone at Sasha. "Leave now, please," Hanna said.

Sasha nodded and grabbed her coat. "Call me," Sasha said, shooting a look at Hanna.

Bruce sighed as the woman left and looked down at his wife. "Hanna, let me explain," he said.

"Yes, please explain. I would love to know why this slut is pressing herself all over you," Hanna said, glaring at him.

"She was the one who stole the pearls," Bruce said, pulling them out and showing them to her. "I was getting them back."

"And you needed your mouth to do that?" Hanna asked.

Bruce frowned and shook his head. "No, she grabbed me and kissed me to steal my valet ticket," he said.

Hanna furrowed her eyebrows and took a step back. "She stole your valet ticket? Why would she…" Hanna trailed off and shook her head. "Did she steal your car?"

Bruce said nothing for a moment before motioning to the pearls in his hand. "I got the pearls back," he said.

"She stole your car? How did that happen?" she asked.

"When she forced her lips on mine and grabbed my ticket out of my jacket. I guess she told them she was my wife or something," Bruce said.

Hanna tried not to let that comment sting, but it did. "Who the hell is this woman?" she hissed.

"Her name is Selena Kyle. Trust me, Hanna, I'll take care of it," he said.

"Bruce, I swear if you tell me that one more time, I will smack you so hard you're gonna miss a week," she said while crossing her arms over her chest. "I am not afraid to take down a cripple. If this isn't handled soon I'm calling the cops or I'm going over there to handle it myself."

Bruce said nothing for a moment before smiling and moving closer to her. "You are positively adorable when you're angry," he said, leaning forward to kiss her nose.

Hanna scrunched her nose and gently swatted him away. "Bruce, I'm serious. Stop trying to distract me," she said. "What's going on? Why did you all of a sudden want to go to the doctor for your leg now?"

Bruce said nothing for a moment before taking a step back and clearing his throat. "There is a rumor that something is going to happen in Gotham," he said.

Hanna frowned and studied him carefully. "What do you mean?" she asked.

Again he was quiet as he moved to sit on the arm of the couch. Hanna turned with him but kept her stance, waiting for him to continue. "There is the talk of a man called Bane in Gotham. He's a very dangerous man, and no one is quite sure what he is up to," he said.

"Should we be leaving Gotham?" Hanna asked.

"I can't leave, not right now," he said. "Not until I figure out what is going on."

Hanna met his gaze, stomach filling with cement at the implication. "Should I be leaving with the kids?" she asked softly.

"Probably," he said softly.

Hanna was quiet for a moment before she reached out and grasped his hand. "What are you going to do?" she said.

Bruce shook his head. "I don't know…"

Hanna didn't want to bring it up, she hated bringing it up. "Batman…"

"I don't know," he said. "I… I need to keep you safe. You, Elizabeth, Daniel. I have no idea what this mercenary is doing here, nor do I know how Selena Kyle fits into all this, but I'll figure it out. With or without Batman."

Hanna took a deep breath and lifted his hand to press a delicate kiss on his knuckles. Bruce watched her as she seemed to retreat into her mind. He wanted to ask her what she wanted, but was almost afraid of the answer. He reached up and brushed some of her hair back.

"What are you thinking?" he asked.

Hanna sighed and took a hold of both of his hands, her small hands seemed to shrink in his, but he could feel her warmth heating him up, just by simply grabbing his hands.

"I'm scared," she said softly. "I'm scared for the kids, for the city. Mostly I'm scared for you."

Bruce sighed and moved to speak, only to have her release on of his hands and press a finger against his lips.

"I know you, Bruce. You're going to tell me that you're fine, and you won't do anything rash, but we both know that isn't true. You're going to do whatever you can to make sure this city is safe. That's just who you are," she paused and brushed his hair back, "And though I love that about you, I'm selfish. I would rather us run away and leave Gotham to ruin than to lose you."

Bruce frowned as tears began falling down her cheeks. "Hanna, you know I love you. I would do anything for you, I have done anything for you. But there are innocent people out there. People who I swore on my parents to protect. I can't just… leave them."

Hanna nodded and sniffed, trying her hardest to smile at her husband. "I know. Nothing I say will stop you. I just… I'm scared," she said.

Bruce pulled her close and kissed the side of her head. "No matter what happens, I love you."

Hanna pulled away and smiled ruefully. "I know, I love you too."

Bruce leaned down to kiss her, only to have her pull away and scrunch her nose. "Hanna…"

"I'm not kissing you when you have another woman's lipstick all over your fucking lips," she said, pulling away and walking toward the kitchen. "Please, go wash your mouth out."

Bruce simple chuckled lightly and shook his head. "Yes dear."

Hanna raised an eyebrow as she looked around, her mind recognizing a few features that were recreated exactly as before.

"It's a bit… big, isn't it?" Hanna asked, her hands absentmindedly rubbing her stomach.

Bruce shrugged as he sauntered down the stairs. "It's the same square footage, mostly," he said.

Hanna raised an eyebrow. "Mostly?" she asked.

"There is a little extra basement room, it was in the plans when we first started building it," he said.

Hanna shared a knowing look, but said nothing. It really was not any of her business. "Well, I think it's nice. Big and… empty, but nice," she said.

"It might not be as empty if we occupy a few rooms," Bruce said.

Hanna raised an eyebrow and glanced over into the sitting room as she heard a crash, followed by a soccer ball rolling out into the hallway.

"I'm sorry! I didn't mean to do it!" she heard Danny shout as he ran through the rooms away from her.

Hanna sighed and glanced at Bruce. "Still want us to occupy a few rooms for you?" she asked, a tired smirk playing on her lips.

Bruce shrugged and made his way over to her. "I didn't like that vase anyway," he said.

"You don't even know if it is a vase or not," she said.

"It's always a vase," he said.

Hanna chuckled and continued to rub her stomach, causing Bruce to frown. "Are you alright?" he asked.

Hanna nodded and smiled up at him. "Yeah, she's just restless is all," Hanna said.

Bruce kneeled down and pressed a delicate kiss on her stomach before he rose up and kissed her lips. "So, what do you say? Should I put a few rooms aside for you and the kids?" he asked.

"Well," Hanna started, smiling at him. "I don't mind sharing one if you don't."

Bruce smiled and kissed her again, only to break away when they heard someone clear their throat.

"Pardon me, Master Wayne, Miss Hanna, but is there a reason there is a broken vase in the sitting room?" Alfred asked.

Bruce and Hanna chuckled. Hanna went to answer, only to gasp in pain and bend over. Bruce held onto her and helped to keep her upright. "Are you okay?" he asked.

Hanna paused before she looked down at the wet floor, then back up at Bruce, who suddenly turned pale. She took a deep breath and answered: "I think my water just broke."

And suddenly, they no longer cared about the broken vase.

"Seriously, Hanna, are you even listening?" Matt asked as they ate.

Hanna jumped and glanced up from her dinner. "What? Oh, I'm sorry Mattie, I'm just in another world," she said as she munched on her fries. Next to her sat her youngest, who was busy picking the cheese off her kids pizza and dropping it into her mouth. "Ellie, please eat like a proper young lady."

Elizabeth scrunched her nose, causing her cousin and brother to chuckle at her. "Okay," she said.

Matt shook his head and looked at his sister. "What's going on, Hanna-Banana? You've been a little out of it," he said.

Hanna shrugged and glanced at the television in the family restaurant. "I'm just anxious to get home," she said.

"Is that why you bought a ticket home four days after mom's funeral?" he asked.

Hanna paused at this, glancing over as Daniel raised an eyebrow at his mother. He took a quick sip of his soda and cleared his throat. "Why are we heading back so early?" he asked.

"Because I have to get back to work, and you have to go back to school," she said. The truth was, it was the only flight she could get for all three of them so soon after the funeral. Unless, of course, she bought one in first, one in coach, and another for a plane that left four hours later. She blamed it on football's opening game. Many people were flying in from Rapid City and taking up flights at Gotham's small airport. She supposed driving was an option, but that would take forever.

"There is still going to be a lot to do, plus, I have to head out to Metropolis for work the next day. I was sort of hoping you could go through some of mom's affairs while I was there," Matt said.

Hanna frowned and went to speak, only to be cut off by police sirens cut her off. After a moment, she finally turned back to her brother. "I really wish I could stay, Mattie, but I need to get back home. I have students, and things to do. I'm already missing a good portion of band camp," she said.

Danny chuckled and shook his head. "This one time at band camp," he said.

Matt chuckled and Hanna shook her head, only to be distracted by the news, which now was reporting a familiar vigilante chasing after men who held up the stock exchange. As if on autopilot, she stood and walked closer to the television.

"Mom?" Danny asked, his eyebrows raising as Hanna continued to stare at the news.

Hanna felt worry fill her stomach as she watched the familiar motorbike and costume entered the screen. She had briefly wondered where he had been all day, but ignored her gut when he phoned her and said that something held him up and that she should go out to dinner without him. It worked in the moment, since Matt's wife had opted out as well. Now, she regretted not pushing him. At least then she would have known what to expect.

"Is that Batman?" Matt asked.

"Yeah," Hanna said softly.

"I guess he's back," Danny said.

Hanna nodded and watched as he disappeared in an alley and came back out with some sort of helicopter he got from Fox, no doubt. She clenched her fist and turned back to her family.

"We need to leave," she said, reaching for her purse to grab a few twenties for dinner.

"But Momma, I didn't get ice cream," Elizabeth said.

"Hanna, what's the rush?" Matt asked as he watched his sister rush to leave.

Hanna glanced at him before shaking her head and wiping her daughter's messy face. "There is a murderer on the loose with a gang of mercenaries tearing the place up," she said.

"How do you know it's a mercenary doing this?" he said.

"I just do," Hanna said, her irritability showing through. "Come on, Daniel, let's go."

"Hanna, the cops are going to be blocking off the streets. You'll be lucky if you get there at all tonight," Matt said.

"Well," Hanna said, throwing her purse over her shoulder. "I guess I'd better start now."

Screams echoed through the manor as she gripped his hand. Somewhere in the manor sat her son, who was being distracted by her mother, while Bruce and Alfred sat with her in the master bedroom. In front of her sat the doctor, who had come on a special favor for Alfred.

"Alright Hanna, it's coming," the older man said.

Hanna sighed and leaned back into the mountain of pillow's that Bruce had piled behind her. In her stubbornness, she had refused to go to a hospital in Gotham, and insisted that Bruce get a plane to take her to her doctor in West Chester. By the time the plane was ready, it was far too late to move her. A few hours later she had a doctor in front of her, and was informed that, because she was too damn stubborn to move, she needed to give birth in the manor.

"You're going to have to start pushing," the doctor said.

"I know I have to start pushing," Hanna snapped as she leaned forward.

Bruce placed a hand on her back and gripped her hand. "You've got this, Hanna, I'm here," he said.

"Go fuck yourself! This is your fault," Hanna snapped, her blue eyes meeting his.

Bruce paused for a moment before glancing at Alfred, who stood close enough to help the doctor, but far enough so he could respect Hanna's privacy. Alfred chuckled and shrugged. "It is part of the process, Master Bruce," he said.

"I want to go to a hospital," Hanna snapped.

"I'm afraid we're a bit too late for that, Missus Wayne," he said.

A contraction hit before Hanna could correct him and she heard someone shout push. With all her strength she complied, trying to push the small human out of her. Her scream echoed through the room, and she gripped onto Bruce with all her strength.

"Good, Hanna, good. It's crowning," the doctor said.

"Is that good?" Bruce asked.

"It means it's almost fucking over. Get it out, now!" Hanna cried as another contraction hit.

"Come on, Hanna, you're almost there," the doctor said.

"Hanna, she's almost here, just a little more," Bruce said.

Hanna glared and reached over to grab his shirt. "Don't tell me what to fucking do! If you make me do this again, I swear to God- Ahh!" Hanna shouted, breaking her train of thought as she pushed again.

Seconds later, screaming filled the room, causing Bruce and Hanna to pause as the doctor handed a small baby to Alfred. The elder man cradled the small child before he turned to the couple. "She's here," he said, tears in his eyes.

Hanna felt tears fall down her cheeks as he placed the small child in Bruce's arms. Bruce stared down at his daughter in awe, watching as her eyes opened and looked at him for the first time. Bruce smiled and looked at Hanna, his own eyes filling with tears as he moved to sit closer to her.

"She's so beautiful, Hanna. My God…" he trailed off as the young girl stopped crying, her big new eyes settling on him.

"Congratulation's, she's a healthy little girl," the doctor said.

"Thank you doctor," Hanna said as Bruce placed her in her arms.

"I'll give you a moment, before I finish up," the doctor said.

Hanna ignored him as he and Alfred left the couple alone to stare at the small child. Bruce leaned over and kissed the side of Hanna's head.

"I love you," Bruce said.

Hanna smiled and glanced up at him. "I love you too."

Bruce held her gaze for a moment before looking back down at his daughter, smiling as he reached out and gently took her small hand in his two fingers. "Welcome to the world, Elizabeth."

Bruce sighed as he jumped out of the Bat, ignoring the look from Alfred as he took of his cowl.

"Very inconspicuous. Shall I tell the neighbors you got yourself a new leaf-blower?" Alfred asked.

Bruce rolled his eyes as he handed him the cowl. "We bought all the neighbors," he said.

Alfred ignored the comment as he cleared his throat. "From the look of the television coverage, you seem to have your taste for wanton destruction back," he said.

It was Bruce's turn to ignore him as he handed the older man a flash drive. "I retrieved this," he said.

Alfred took it but frowned. "Shouldn't the police be gathering the evidence?" he asked.

"They don't have the tools to analyze it," Bruce said, walking to the computer.

"They would if you gave them to them."

"One man's tool is another man's weapon," Bruce said.

"In your mind, perhaps," Alfred said, following him to the computer. "But there aren't many things you couldn't turn into a weapon."

"Alfred. Enough," Bruce snapped, turning toward the butler. "The police weren't getting it done."

"Perhaps they would've if you hadn't made a sideshow of yourself," Alfred said plainly.

"Perhaps you're upset you were wrong," Bruce said smugly.

"Wrong?" Alfred asked, watching as Bruce began to take off parts of his costume.

"You thought I didn't have it in me," Bruce said.

"You don't. You lead a bloated police force on a merry chase with some fancy new toys from Fox. What about when you come up against him. What then?" Alfred asked, pointing to the screen where a clip of Bane was.

Bruce watched it for a moment before shrugging. "I'll fight harder, I always have," He said.

"That was before. Things are different now. You are different now. You have no regard for your life," he said. Bruce went to switch the screen off but was stopped by Alfred, who grabbed his hand. "Take a good look. At his speed, his ferocity, His training. I see the power of belief. Of the fanatic. I see the League of Shadows resurgent," he said.

"You said he was excommunicated," Bruce said.

"By Ra's al Ghul himself. Who leads them now?" Alfred asked.

"Ra's al Ghul was the League of Shadows. Bane's just a mercenary, and we have to find out what he's up to," Bruce said, opening the text on the flash drive. He read them over for a moment before frowning. "Trades of some kind. Coded... and my fingerprint. Courtesy of Selina Kyle."

Alfred watched as he grabbed the Drive and handed it to him. "Get this to Fox - he can crack the code and tell us what trades they were executing."

Alfred was silent as he waited for Bruce to change, and then followed him out of the cave and through the manor. "I'll get this to Fox. But no more," he said.

Bruce frowned and turned around. "Alfred?" he asked.

Alfred shook his head and cleared his throat. "I've sewn you up and set your bones...but I won't bury you. I've buried enough members of the Wayne family."

Bruce paused as his words sunk in. "You'd abandon me?" he asked softly.

"You see only one end to your story. Leaving is all I have to make you understand: you aren't Batman anymore - you have to find another way," he paused before taking a deep breath. "You have a family to take care of now. You have a responsibility greater than this crusade of yours."

"I'm doing this for them," Bruce said. "I'm trying to protect them. To keep them from suffering the same fate as my parents… as Rachel."

"And what if doing this destroys them? Have you thought about that, Master Bruce? Have you thought about that little girl who loves you?"

"Don't bring Elizabeth into this," Bruce said harshly. "This is for her protection."

"And who will protect her when you've gone and gotten yourself killed? What kind of man would leave his daughter? His son?" Alfred shook his head. "How could you put Hanna through that again?"

Bruce was silent for a moment before glaring at the old man. "How dare you use them to try and stop me," he said viciously.

I'm using the truth, Master Wayne. Maybe it's time we all stopped trying to outsmart the truth and just let it have its day. I'm sorry," Alfred said.

"Sorry?! You expect to destroy my world, then shake hands?" Bruce snapped.

Alfred shook his head. "No. I know what this means."

"What does this mean, Alfred?" Bruce asked.

"It means your hatred. It means losing the person I've cared for ever since I heard his first cries echo through this house. But it might also mean saving your life. And that is more important. And if you won't do it for me, Master Wayne… do it for Elizabeth. For Daniel. For Hanna," Alfred said, tears filling his eyes.

Bruce was silent as he stared the man down. "Goodbye Alfred," he said finally.

Alfred gave a small nod and looked down. "Goodbye, Bruce."

Bruce watched as Alfred walked away, hoping the old man would change his mind and turn around. When he didn't, he sighed and walked up the stairs to the bedroom, only to stop as he saw Hanna, standing at the top with tears running down her cheeks.

"Are you going to scold me too?" he snapped.

Hanna ignored his tone and crossed her arms. "Are you going to go after him?" she asked.

"He made his decision," Bruce said, walking past her.

"Bruce…" she started.

"What?" Bruce snapped, turning toward her suddenly. "You agree with him? Are you going to leave to try and stop me?" he asked.

Hanna flinched at his tone, but stood her ground. "He is practically your father, Bruce. You can't just let him go," she said.

"He made his choice, Hanna," Bruce said. He went to make his way toward the bedroom, only to pause and turn back to her. "Are you leaving?"

"Not tonight," Hanna said, wiping away a few tears. "Are you okay?" she asked.

"Fine," Bruce said tersely.

"Bruce," Hanna said, fatigue laced in her voice.

He sighed and turned back toward her, his eyes meeting hers. "I'm not injured… if that's what you're asking."

Hanna nodded and walked toward him, her hand reaching out to gently take his. Instantly, he felt his fist unclench, and was shocked to realized he had clenched them in anger. Hanna didn't say a word as she pulled him into a tight embrace, though he felt her tremble ever so slightly. When he pulled away he realized she had been crying.

"Hanna-"

"I'm just… I'm just so glad you're okay," she said breathlessly.

Bruce leaned forward and kissed the top of her head. He said nothing as he pulled her in close and gently rubbed her back. No matter what Alfred thought, he was going to protect his family. By any means necessary.

Hanna chuckled as she watched Bruce gently bounce the small baby in his arms. It had taken a few months, but he finally got ever the awkwardness of being a new father. As she watched from the doorway, she couldn't help but feel her heart fill with joy as he gently kissed the top of Elizabeth's head and sat down in the rocking chair.

"Alright, El, I think it's time we go to bed for a full night tonight," he said, smiling as the one year old cooed in his arms. Bruce grabbed the closest book to him and opened it up.

"Why don't we read this one. 'Where the Wild Things are.' That sounds like fun, right?" he asked.

Hanna smiled as he began reading the children's book, watching that with each page, her daughter got sleepier and sleepier. By the time they reached the end of the book, she was fast asleep. Bruce gently took her over to her crib and placed her down, his smile widening as he gently brushed down the small amount of hair on Elizabeth's head.

"I love you so much, El, don't ever doubt that."

Hanna smiled and gently backed out the room. Letting him have his moment.

Bruce knew Hanna was going to be mad. Well, perhaps mad was an overstatement. Annoyed and hurt was probably more accurate. Missing his mother-in-laws funeral was something he knew he should have been there for, and he missed it. The cab pulled to a stop in front of his door and he quickly handed him a few twenties that Officer Blake handed him and began jogging toward the door, ready to get in and try and figure out how to make it up to his wife while telling her to get the hell out of Gotham.

His plans were thwarted as he tried the door and realized it would not budge. Again he tried and sighed as the recognition that it was locked hit him and he stepped back. Now he was locked out of his own home and had no idea where any of the keys were.

"No one is answering," a voice said, causing him to jump. He glanced over and saw Miranda, who was currently holding a newspaper over her head.

"No," Bruce said, taking a step toward her. "No one is home."

Miranda nodded. "Do you have keys?" she asked.

Bruce chuckled and ran a hand through his now soaked hair. "Never needed them," he said. "I can find a window."

Miranda nodded and reached out to take his hand, only to have him place his hand on her upper back and guide her toward the side. As they ran across the large wide estate, his thoughts suddenly turned back to his conversation with Blake.

Earlier that Day

Bruce pursed his lips in frustration as he saw the tow truck lifting his Lamborghini out of the parking spot and onto the truck. A young man quickly walked up to him and frowned.

"I'm sorry Mr. Wayne, but they had papers…" he said.

Bruce waved him off and turned back to Wayne Enterprises, hoping that his plan would work. Ignoring the shouts of photographers he turned back to the street, only to be surprised to see Officer Blake making his way toward him.

"Need a lift?" he asked.

Bruce glanced at the cop car, debating if he should just call Hanna, before nodding and walking toward the vehicle.

Silence surrounded them for a few moments before Blake spoke. "When you began, why the mask?" he asked.

"To protect the people closest to me," Bruce said, glancing out the window.

"I thought you were a loner… or have you always had… you know," Blake said.

Bruce glanced at him frowning. "There are always people close to you. Sometimes you just don't realize it until they're gone. When that happens you realize how important it is to keep them safe," he paused before continuing. "The idea was to be a symbol. Batman could be anybody… that was the point."

"Well, it's damn good to see him back," Blake said.

Bruce scoffed and looked back out the window. "Not everybody agrees."

"They'll figure it out in the end," Blake said.

Bruce tried not to think about Alfred leaving, and Hanna's worried look as he left that morning; and instead changed the subject. "Got anything on Bane?" he asked.

"I've got five hundred pages of tunnel records and a flashlight, I could use some help with that."

Bruce nodded and cleared his throat. "You know what… drop me off in old town."

Now

He let out a shiver as he broke through the double French doors in his living room. Behind him followed Miranda, who was taking in the surroundings of the room. Bruce brushed back some wet hair and glanced at her shivering form.

"Let me get you a blanket… I don't think the heat is on," he said. One of the things Hanna told him to turn off when she left for the funeral.

"Fox worked the board like you've never seen - I'm in, Daggett's out and he's not happy," she said. He watched as she took in the freshly dusted furniture and new vase full of flowers on a coffee table. Again, he figured was his wife's doing. He walked up and handed her a blanket, glancing at the newspaper on a table with his face plastered on it.

"I hope you didn't like me for my money," he said, smiling at his own joke.

Miranda glanced at the paper before looking to him. "Suffering builds character," she said. Her eyes glanced to a desk full of photos, including one of his parents that he barely saved from the fire. "I'll take care of your parent's legacy, Bruce."

Bruce glanced at her, surprised by the kindness and determination in her voice. "Thank you," he said softly.

Miranda nodded and furrowed her eyebrows as she picked up a photo of Elizabeth at her fourth birthday party. "Who is this?" she asked.

Bruce grabbed the photo and tried to hide the smile as his daughter smiled up at him, a few teeth missing, but eyes bright as the candles on her cake. Instead of answering her, he placed the photo down and glanced at Miranda, who stared at the photo before turning to him and leaning forward. Realizing her intention, he quickly took a step back and shook his head.

"Miranda, I'm sorry…" he said.

"Have I done something to offend you?" she asked, her eyebrows furrowing.

Bruce cleared his throat and shook his head. "No… no I just, I just don't feel the same way, I'm sorry," he said.

Miranda went to speak, only to be interrupted by the front door opening and a voice echoing through the house.

"Bruce?" the voice called.

Miranda and Bruce glanced to the doorway, hearing the woman place a few things down before her heels began clicking through the house.

"In the living room!" Bruce called, taking a few steps toward the doorway. Glancing over, he saw Miranda's calculating look, and wondered what conclusion she was attempting to come to.

Before either of them could say anything, Hanna entered the room, pausing to glance at both of them soaking wet. "Hello, Ms. Tate," Hanna said politely.

"Ms. Grey… was it not?" Miranda asked.

"Actually," Bruce said, walking toward Hanna, "She's Mrs. Wayne, she's my wife."

Instantly, Hanna's eyes widened, and she glanced at Miranda, who seemed equally as stunned. "Bruce…" Hanna started.

"I trust her, Hanna. Miranda is doing a lot to help us, I don't see the point in keeping her in the dark," he said.

Miranda seemed to compose herself as she glanced at the pictures of Elizabeth and Daniel, before a slight gleam began to creep into her eyes. "Forgive me, but I believe it is time for me to take my leave," as Bruce went to speak, she held up her hand and shook her head. "I promise to keep your family a secret, we are friends after all."

Bruce gave a curt nod and smiled. "Thank you, Miranda," he said.

She smiled and glanced to Hanna, who had remained quiet through the whole ordeal. "Have a good day, Mrs. Wayne," she said.

"You too, Miss Tate."

Miranda made her way out the front door, leaving the Hanna and Bruce alone. Once Hanna heard the door close, she was almost shocked to feel Bruce suddenly pull her into a hug.

"Bruce…"

"Hanna, I'm so sorry. I didn't want to miss your mom's funeral. I'm so sorry," he said.

Hanna sighed and tightened her hold on him, ignoring the fact that he was soaking wet and dripping all over her. "I know, I understand," she said.

He pulled away and brushed some hair away from her face, his eyes meeting hers. "Are you okay?" he asked.

"I feel like I should be asking you that question. You've been all over the news," she said.

Bruce nodded. "Dagget is taken care of, we just need to worry about Bane," he said.

Hanna frowned and reached up to place a hand on her cheek. "Bruce, please… promise me you won't push yourself too far. If for some reason it seems like he has the upper hand, just… let it go. We can figure something else out," she said.

Bruce move so his lips brushed against her hand and he held her gaze. "I need to do whatever it takes to keep you and everyone else safe," he said. Leaning down to capture her lips with his, he was shocked to feel her cling tightly to him, as if afraid he was going to slip out of her grip. "I love you, Hanna, don't ever forget that."

Hanna nodded and kissed him, breaking apart to simply whisper: "I love you, no matter what, I love you so much."

Without hesitation, he pulled her body flush against his and crashed his lips to hers. She responded instantly, and began pushing his shirt off. Feeling the sudden direction of where their actions were taking them, Bruce pulled away, only to have Hanna answer him: "We have an hour and a half before the kids get here," she said.

"Thank God," Bruce said.

He then grasped the zipper of her dress an yanked it down, not even bothering to care if he broke it or not. She helped him push the top off while ripping his own shirt off. As soon as her hands reached for his belt they were surrounded by darkness as the lights shut off. They paused as Hanna pulled away and furrowed her eyebrows.

"What is that?" she asked.

"I think they turned our power off," he said.

Laughter escaped both of them before Bruce gently kissed her, only to have her begin to unbuckle his belt. "We better speed this up, Mr. Wayne, the children are practically on their way," she said.

In response, Bruce quickly picked her up and hooked his arms under her thighs, instantly her back was against the wall and his lips on her neck. "As you wish, Missus Wayne."

Hours later, Bruce pulled himself from his wife, who was dressed in his sweatpants and one of his old Princeton shirts on front of the fire. She had changed quickly before the kids came home while he built a fire, and then the family had conjugated in the living room. Leaning over he kissed her forehead taking a moment to take in her warmth and scent before pulling away and heading toward the couch. Gently, he ruffled Daniel's hair, as the young man lightly snored with his headphones in. chuckling, he was tempted to pull them out of his ears, but refrained from doing so in order to not wake him up.

Lastly, before he left, he moved to the next couch and kneeled down next to his daughter, who was sleeping soundly with her teddy. Brushing away her brown hair, he leaned in and kissed he forehead as well, wanting nothing more than to scoop her in his arms and hug her tight. As if sensing his wish, he felt her stir and pulled back as she woke up, her bright blue eyes meeting his.

"Are you leaving?" she asked.

Bruce held a finger to his lips to show her to keep quiet. "Yeah, El, I'm leaving for a little bit," he said.

"Do you have to?" Elizabeth said.

Bruce nodded and leaned in. "El, I just want you to know, that I love you so very much. I would do anything for you. I will always be with you, and I am so proud of you," he said.

Elizabeth frowned, not seeming to understand everything he was saying. "I love you too, Daddy," she said.

Bruce pulled her into a tight hug, trying not to let a few tears fall down his cheeks. Kissing the side of her head he pulled away and pulled her blankets up to cover her. "Go to sleep. Goodnight sweetheart," he said.

"Night Daddy."

Without saying another word, he quickly stood and headed out, one mission in mind. Now, with his family's lives' at stake, he knew he couldn't fail. No matter what.

It was pouring rain as Bruce sat on the couch with Hanna next to him and Elizabeth in her bassinet. Both of them silently watching TV as Danny sat in his room playing video games.

"I haven't seen you train in a while," Hanna said absentmindedly as she leaned against him.

"I haven't had a need to," Bruce said, glancing down at her.

Hanna shrugged. "I still think it's strange. Even after you left you still kept a regiment up," she said.

Bruce paused for a moment before reaching down to rub his knee. "I think I messed up my knee. It's hurting more and more," he said.

Hanna frowned and gently placed her hand on it. "Maybe we should take you to a doctor, get it checked out."

Not wanting to continue, Bruce reached up and brushed some of her hair back. "Why are you asking? You never said anything about it before," he said.

Hanna shrugged. "I don't know. I've been doing a lot of thinking and I was going to ask to join you," she said.

"Join me?" Bruce asked.

"Well," Hanna started, "I just was thinking about a way to get rid of some of this baby fat, and I thought that maybe I should take some self-defense classes. Then I figured that if anyone were going to teach me how to defend myself it would be you."

"Why would you want to learn self-defense from me?" he asked.

"Because, Bruce… I know we don't live in Gotham, and things are different, but I want to know how to protect myself. I don't want to be scared to walk alone down an alley. I can't always count on other people to protect me or the kids. I just… this is really important to me," Hanna said, turning to look him in the eye.

A moment passed before he nodded and leaned over to kiss her forehead. "I'll teach you, but you know you never have to worry about me not being there to protect you, right?" he asked.

Hanna nodded before shrugging. "Better safe than sorry."

He was surrounded by pain. As he fell to the ground, he tried not to think about the fact that if he made it out of this, he was going to have a lot of bruises to explain to Hanna.

If. The simple word shocked him. He felt so confident when he followed Selena Kyle down here that he would beat the mercenary. Never would he had thought that she would betray him, nor that the mercenary would be so formidable.

"I will show you where I've made my home while preparing to bring justice. Then...I will break you," he said, as he was tossed a detonator.

Bruce watched in shock and dismay as the ceiling was destroyed and applied sciences came into view. The realization that his armory was now in the hands of Bane hit him and he knew he couldn't give up. "No…" he said.

"Your precious armory. Gratefully accepted. We will need it," Bane said.

Bruce tried not to groan as he pulled himself to his feet and made a move toward him. Bane quickly intercepted him and blocked a swing.

"I wondered which would break first. Your spirit…" Bruce swung at him once more, only to have Bane grab him and lift him over his head. "Or your body."

Pain exploded in his back as he felt and heard a crack echo through the tunnels. A scream escaped his throat and he felt everything else go numb as he fell to the ground. Absentmindedly he felt his cowl being pulled off his head, but was too blinded by pain and the realization that he had lost to care. As mercenaries began to drag him away, he only had one thought come to mind. He really hoped that Hanna was able to get out of Gotham before Bane began his mission.

AN: I'm so sorry for the delay. Recently we have had a death in the family and life sort of snowballed from there. I want to thank you guys for your support, and I'm hoping to keep up my writing momentum.

I wrote most of this from Bruce's POV because we're not going to be hearing from him too much. I know everyone is anxious on where I'll take Hanna, and I want you all to know I have a set direction in mind. Just a few details need to be ironed out. So after a few more watches of TDKR I should have it down perfectly.

I also tried to help get Hanna's POV on the whole Batman thing down. I know a lot of people were not liking her disapproving the whole thing, but I wanted to show that though she understands why he is doing it, she is afraid for him. She lost her husband while he was protecting his country, she is just afraid of a repeat.

Thanks again for everyone giving me input. I haven't forgotten about this story, just been getting sidetracked by life. Hopefully I'm back on track.

Thank you also for all the reviews and favorites and alerts. You guys are seriously the best.

Next time my lovies.