Not every boat you come across is one you have to take / No, sometimes standing still can be the best move you ever make
The journey home is never too long / Comes helps to heal the deepest pain / The journey home is never too long / Your heart arrives before the train - The Journey Home - Sarah Brightman
"Do you want that? A family?"
"It's one of the reasons for my mission. To make sure no other family goes through what I did. I would like to reap those benefits, too, one day."
"I hope to see that sometime. You with a family."
"You just might, Princess"
Two Days – Text & Talk: Thursday Morning
Wayne Manor, Batcave, Transporter Pad
"Bruce, stop that."
"Stop what?"
"That. That tickles."
"I'm not doing anything."
"Yes you are! Hey, don't start anything we can't finish."
"I'm just trying to take some measurements. Now hold still."
"What are you measuring...whoa!"
"Hmmm...going to have to take a second look at that. You moved, now all my readings are off."
"Most people use a tape measure for that."
"Not as exact as me. Stop wiggling. Hold your arms out so I can measure you better. We should have done this without your armor. It seems too small for you."
"Bruce, what are you up to?"
"I'm figuring out your new Nightgale uniform. It needs to fit you snugly so it doesn't get caught in the line of duty. "
"'Snugly'? Really?"
"Oh! You want to snuggle? Okay."
"What? Oh! Awww..." Diana cuddled into his embrace as he wound his arms around her. The fabric of his business suit brushed up against her bare thigh. She noticed how he was careful about keeping his hand away from her Magic Lasso. He learned that lesson well.
She smiled as he tucked his finger under her chin to lift her head up. Anticipating, she closed her eyes and leaned towards his lips...
"Stand up straight for a second. So, your head comes to here on me, which means you're at least six foot, with heels. You're tall for a woman."
"Bruce. Shut up and kiss me."
"Yes, ma'am."
He leaned down to kiss her gently on her puckered lips. Just as he touched her, he wound his arms around her waist, sliding his hands along the circumference of her hips. Diana sighed contently, leaning into him...
"Hmmm...tiny waist. Twenty-five and a half inches, but a very dramatic curve over the hips. Will need to use very pliable fabric..."
"BRUCE!"
"I kissed you. You didn't say what I had to be thinking at the moment."
"Was I anywhere in there other than for uniform measurements?"
"Of course you were. How to get you in and out of the uniform with ease."
"At least you thought about that."
"I'm a great multitasker. Now, let's figure out that inseam."
He leaned her up against the transporter staircase and reached down towards her inner thigh. He wondered if he should take her back upstairs for an intensive, full body fitting...
"Oh, Sweet Aphrodite. Is there any way we can separate those two without causing us injury?"
"I don't know, Your Majesty. They seemed fused together. We may need to use heavy machinery to pry them apart."
The newlywed couple separated with annoyed glances at both parental figures. Hippolyta stood there with her arms folded across her chest while Alfred leaned up against a stair rail. While the queen regarded them with slight annoyance, the butler grinned at their open display of affection.
"Do you know how long we've been looking for you two? It's almost high sun and we haven't made one step back towards Themyscira. You said you had a meeting tomorrow on the Watchtower. If we don't leave soon, you won't make it back in time to see your husband."
"Mother, we're doing fine on time. And even if I got back here by evening, Bruce has patrol. I won't be able to see him anyways. Though it's sweet that you're concerned about that."
"Then you best figure out when you can see each other. I don't need you moping around the palace because you miss him. I had enough of that the last time you two were apart."
"You were moping over me? That's nice to know."
"Thanks Mother. Now that Bruce knows that secret, why don't you tell him another."
"Actually, Diana can mimic people's voices. A little gift from Athena. Goddess thinks she's funny."
"Don't you dare tell that story!" Diana stepped towards her mother. Bruce tightened his hold around her waist.
"One day when she was younger," Hippolyta continued, ducking behind Alfred, "Diana snuck behind some columns during a drill exercise. Artemis gave the order for the unit to stand fast until she got back. Diana then started yelling out commands in Artemis' voice. The unit was so disciplined, they followed every order. Artemis discovered this right before Diana marched them into Aphrodite's temple."
"Ha ha, that's a good story, Mother. You can stop right there..."
"I was in the middle of a senate hearing when Diana comes running in, screaming at the top of her lungs 'she's going to kill me!' She had the senate guards in such an uproar, they nearly skewered Artemis when she charged in. The chaos was epic! By the time I had everything sorted out Diana was hiding behind the throne, Artemis trying to get around me, and the senate couldn't stop laughing."
"MOTHER! You promised not to bring that up."
"No, I said I wouldn't tell it again at the dinner table. We're not there now, are we?"
"Semantics, Ma."
"Come on, Diana. Tell him what you had to do."
"No."
"I made her carve two laws into a section of the senate hall specifically for occasions like that. 'Thou shalt not mimic Artemis or thou shalt suffer her wrath' and 'The Princess shall not useth the throne as a hiding place."
"Are those are still there?" Alfred asked.
"They are! Right beside the law that states "Whateverso occurith in Aphrodite's temple stayeth there."
"Diana," Bruce started cautiously, "you wouldn't have done that recently? Perhaps mimicking my voice to open a young hero's uniform case?"
"What? Um, no. I can't do men voices. I tried once on Kal. He said I sounded like a teenage boy whose voice hadn't changed yet. He wouldn't stop asking me to do it again."
"Hmm. Thought I had a lead on that. A mystery indeed."
Diana peered over Bruce's shoulder, flashing a significant look at Alfred. He patted his coat jacket pocket. She rolled her eyes in relief.
"Would you two mind giving us a few more minutes of privacy? I would like to properly say goodbye to my wife."
"Of course, Master Bruce. We'll hover around the Batcomputer for a while. I can pull up some of your baby pictures in the meantime."
"Alfred. I can pick an island for you to retire on. A nice, arid, empty one."
"Imagine that. I forgot I moved those pictures to a computer upstairs. Guess I'll just have to leave those there."
"Good idea." Both parental figures walked away. Alfred turned back and tapped significantly at his watch. Bruce nodded, then returned to the woman in his arms. "I didn't realize you were such a mischievous kid. You're always so regal in your bearing."
"Ah...I'm usually on my best behavior when I'm in uniform. I always felt I had a lot to live up to while wearing this. Though you've pushed me beyond that in the past few days."
"Don't talk. Batman's not allowed to smile, yet I've had the hardest time hiding it while around you."
"It's going to be difficult keeping this a secret, isn't it?"
"Yes, it is."
"What should we do if our relationship is revealed?"
"Depends. We either bring that person into the fold, or we can borrow a portal to the Phantom Zone from Clark. Either one will work."
"In other words, you have absolutely no idea."
"Not one. This is uncharted territory for both of us. You married someone your people have sworn to separate from. I made a commitment that will possibly reveal my identity and place this entire city in danger. It feels selfish in a way."
"You know what? I don't care. We've given so much to everyone else, it's our turn."
"Our way."
Diana nestled in closer. She took a deep breath, savoring the smell of his cologne. "I miss you already."
"Don't worry. We'll see each other soon. Remember, second star on the right..."
"See you in the morning?"
"Close enough." The gentle kiss they shared moved into another one. Another touch, another kiss. Soon, they were reliving the last time they stood together on that platform, barely three days before.
A firm hand pulled back on Bruce's shoulder, another tugged on Diana's waist. They were parted with exasperated sighs and slight chuckles. Without a word, Hippolyta took Diana's hand and walked up the transporter stairs. Alfred kept his hand on Bruce's shoulder, more out of sympathy than to hold him back.
The men watched as the women took their places on the transporter pad. Mother and daughter continued to hold hands as Bruce walked over to the control panel.
"Themysciran Embassy, if you please," Diana asked. Bruce smiled as he glanced down at the controls. He dialed in transporter preset 1 - the first set of coordinates he programmed into the computer. He did that the minute he found out about her ambassadorship. This was the second time he'd used it.
"Ready?"
"Yes. See you later. I love you."
"Love you, too."
Bruce activated the transporter. The light swirled around the royal pair. Diana kissed her fingers and blew him a kiss. He bowed low, hand over his heart, bidding both farewell. Then they were gone. The cave felt empty after that.
"An epic weekend, sir."
"Yes, Alfred, it was."
"Hard to get back into the swing of things, isn't it?"
"I can fake it. My lunch meeting is the only one I really have concentrate on. The rest are a procession of slide shows. I just have to nod my head and pretend to be interested. I already know what they're going to show and I have my answers prepared. I think I can make it through that."
"Are you sure? You look exhausted."
"I've had worse. I went straight to a board meeting after time traveling. This shouldn't be a problem."
"Very good, sir. Wait. Time Traveling?"
"Damn it. Keep losing my mind because of her. Let me tell you a story, Alfred..."
Center City Gotham, Iceberg Lounge
"I read through the proposal your office forwarded. Your ideas on sustainable, clean energy are definitely forefront on my company's agenda, and I like how your R&D division has tested this out in various situations. I'm especially interested in the line about the possibility of this being used in an international exchange with the Themysciran government. I didn't know you had those types of connections."
The professionally dressed man glanced up from the document to the bowed head opposite from him. The younger man leaned his forehead against his fist, his elbow propped on the table. Every now and then a small smile crossed the man's lips, then to be replaced a barely stifled yawn. His eyes were definitely fighting to stay open.
"Mr. Wayne? Are you okay? You seem out of sorts. Do you have a headache?"
Bruce snapped to attention, shaking his head to clear the memories from that weekend. He focused back to the deal he was trying to close. His lunch partner was among the more open-minded investors in the industry, but Bruce didn't think it would make a good impression if he found himself face down in his lunch.
"Hmmm? I'm sorry Mr. Trevor. I had a very busy weekend and I haven't had much time to recover. I just need some coffee. What was that you were saying about connections?"
The other man raised an eyebrow at Bruce's tired question. "Seems you made a few connections of your own this past weekend, Mr. Wayne. I know that look - tired but happy. Had a few weekends like that myself when I was younger. Married the last encounter. She still leaves me tired." He leaned towards the younger business tycoon, a sly smile on his face.
"You sound like a lucky man, Mr. Trevor."
"Please, call me Lyle. Yes, I am. Let me give you some unsolicited, older male advice. That smile on your face? Let her keep it there."
"Then call me Bruce. What makes you think there's a woman?"
"Please. You've worn that dopey grin all throughout lunch. Let me speak plainly; while your reputation precedes you, I can tell you're preoccupied with someone. A man with loose morals wouldn't be thinking back so fondly over an encounter. He'd be more concerned about the business at hand and his next conquest."
Bruce shook his head. He really needed to work on his poker face. "I apologize, Lyle. I should have my head in the game better. I'm not usually like this..."
"No, don't apologize. What you do in your personal life is your business. It's a shame that the tabloids want to publish trash instead of focus on the positive work that you've done. I've read about the investments you've made on the local level, even one that helped rejuvenate an entire Gotham neighborhood. I'm focusing on that. Though the incident they published years ago about what happened to you at that mansion's grotto..."
"Ah, moving along. So, you said that you were interested in the proposal?"
"Yes. I think this looks good, though we'll need to go over some of the finer points of the contract. However, we can let our lawyers do that, the main ideas are sound. How did you get this partnership with the Amazons? That part really caught my attention. I didn't know they were willing to have anything like this in their land."
"That was actually a last minute addition to the proposal. Wonder Woman contacted me with an interesting proposition. Seemed she was pitching an idea about an exchange of military tactical knowledge and peacekeeping strategies. We had a conversation and it went from there." That's the official story, and I'm sticking to it.
"I'm very intrigued. I have a younger brother that works for the Pentagon. Steve might be able to tell me more about this. To have a connection to beautiful, immortal women. Wow, what they could tell us about the past. It's a shame they're not too keen on integrating with 'Man's World', or whatever they call us. "
"I've received word that their queen was open to starting a conversation. Seems her ambassador brought some updated information that helped her change her mind."
"Now that's some skillful diplomacy. You know, my grandfather likes to tell this story about how he met Wonder Woman while serving during World War Two. Isn't that crazy? My brother and I think either he's making it up, or it was a different Wonder Woman than the one we know. Grandpa even said he got to kiss her, and she kissed him back! Ah, guess we won't know if its true or not."
Lyle motioned for a passing server, not seeing Bruce's glare at his story. "Can you get me a cappuccino? And a triple shot of espresso for my friend here. Thank you. So, Mr. Wayne. I do have a few more questions. When will this supposed exchange begin?"
"I'm receiving information as it develops. Last I heard, Wonder Woman will be touring a Marine facility later this month to observe our country's training methods. She'll pass on her findings to us and our governments afterwards."
"I see. And how will we measure the success of both tech and personnel integrations?"
"I think it will be considered successful the minute the first group of Amazons set foot on U.S. soil without their weapons. A bold move on their part." The older man's eyes widened in surprise.
"A ballsy proposal! I like that. A brave move on your part as well. A man with your reputation in contact with a nation of women sworn to protecting their virtue. I'd invest just to see what happens next!"
"Ah, that has been a challenge. Which is why I'm especially grateful that their ambassador has been there to act as a filter. Her experiences with the Justice League have been useful in that regard."
"Well, it also helps that you danced with her in Paris. Seems you made an impression on her." Bruce lowered his head, hiding his self-deprecating smile.
"Yes, that did make the introduction easier. Though I didn't think she remembered me. She was interrupted during our dance. That was the last time I saw her until this weekend." Looking off into the distance, he didn't see Lyle's smirk at Bruce's slip on his companion's identity. His opinion on the younger CEO went up many points on the NASDAQ.
The server returned with their drinks. Thanking him with a nod, Lyle turned back to Bruce. "How about we wrap things up here so I can sign the preliminary round of contracts. This is an investment that has all sorts of possibilities. I want to be the first to have our name on it."
"Thank you, Mr. Trevor. I appreciate the vote of confidence. I'm sure more will follow after they see that you've given your approval to the venture."
"I'm sure they will, Mr. Wayne. Though I bet other names on the proposal will intrigue them as well." At that cryptic answer, Lyle raised his coffee cup to the struggling, tired man. "I'd order us some martinis to celebrate, but I don't think you can handle one right now. What should we toast to, Bruce?"
Bringing the dark, rich drink towards his lips, Bruce pondered all that had happened in the past weekend. So much to look forward to, with someone he couldn't live without.
"How about we drink to a future of profitable gains and beautiful assets. This looks like the beginning of a very lucrative investment." Lyle nodded his agreement to the toast. Their cups touched to seal their contract. Bruce breathed in the scent of liquid energy before taking a sip. He'd need about two more of these to fully wake up.
After finishing his business with Mr. Trevor, Bruce pondered the rest of his day. He barely made it on time to his finance meeting, and he fought to keep his eyes open during lunch. He still had R&D and logistics to talk to. While essential to his business and his mission, he couldn't bring himself to sit in a dark room through another meeting's slide presentation. Those were sure to knock him out.
With deep apologies to each department head, he cancelled the rest of his meetings, making sure R&D knew to check out the large cell tower at the city's limits. Then he had his assistant call Alfred to pick him up. He didn't want to stay in the penthouse, empty of someone's dear presence. While he waited for his trusted helper, Bruce went through his mental list of responsibilities to take care of in the near future:
- Record their marriage in county records without being obvious.
- Obtain a certificate for Diana recognizing her new name. Again, without alerting the tabloid bloodhounds.
- Finish gathering Diana's measurements for her new Nightgale uniform. Thoroughly. Test for durable fabric. Field tests preferred.
- Figure out what type of metal would withstand a meta human's strength, yet be beautiful enough to hold a diamond for her wedding ring.
- Work Diana's name into his estate should something happen to him so she would inherit Wayne Manor as his wife.
Bruce pondered that last line item. Currently, he had Dick and Tim as heirs to his estate, with Alfred, Lucious Fox, or Clark as his executors, depending on who was still alive at the time. Others would be taken care of - Alfred had his own account accumulating decades worth of investments Bruce had made for him. And the Justice League had an on-going portfolio siphoning interest money from various undercover businesses from around the world. Should the League's charter bylaws be followed to a tee, that income would last many more years.
But now there was someone else to care for, one with an immortal life span. He had no idea how much of that he would be able to spend with her, and what type of legacy he could leave when he eventually died. She would be the first to tell him that his love would last her the rest of her life. But to him, that wasn't enough. He had to give her something that would remind her of him, even when he was gone:
- Find out the soonest we can have children. Keep trying until we have a daughter to be the next Princess of Themyscira. Then assure as many grandchildren for Hippolyta to spoil as possible.
Bruce smiled softly at the thought. A daughter. Many had told him he needed one; he seemed to choose sons all the time. Not his fault they wormed their way in to fight by his side. But he imagined a little girl with Diana's long, black hair, Martha Wayne's smile, and Tim's laugh.
Was it bad that he hoped the girl had his eyes?
Alfred entered the executive office, wondering why Bruce hadn't answered his assistant's intercom call. He found his ward with his head cradled in his arms, resting on his desk. A small smile crossed the man's lips, making the butler wonder what he was dreaming of. He had an idea, though. So much happiness had entered their home ever since she returned.
Alfred laid a gentle hand on a strong shoulder. "Bruce." The younger man's eyes opened suddenly. He had been dreaming - a little girl...long dark hair...sapphire eyes...laughter... sunshine...
"Alfred," he simply answered. He wiped his eyes to clear the sleep. "I need to go home. No way I can finish this day."
"Why didn't you go up to your penthouse? You would be more comfortable there...nevermind. I understand. Let's go, I have your briefcase."
Alfred had to wake him up again when they arrived home. It amused the butler on how exhausted Bruce was after a night with Diana. He could stay awake for almost seventy-two hours before needing sleep, trading between cowl and office suit with no problem. Sometimes he even fit in a date with a starlet or two. No such luck with a demanding Amazon as his wife.
Alfred admired them both - Diana's strength and Bruce's endurance.
Bruce stumbled up to his room, leaning heavily on the stair rail for support. He couldn't help but chuckle at a specific step. He entered his room, quickly undressed, and collapsed onto the bed in only his boxer briefs. He grabbed a pillow that held a powdery soft scent and clutched it to his chest. He was soon fast asleep.
Being the CEO has it's own privileges.
New York City, Themysciran Embassy
"Oh, Your Majesty! This is such an honor. I'm so happy that you're able to visit us, but we weren't given prior notice that you'd be here. I apologize if we aren't able to accommodate any of your needs."
"That's alright, Miss..."
"Park, Your Majesty. Kim Park. I've been your daughter's... I mean... the ambassador's assistant for a year now."
"Miss Park. It is fine if I fend for myself for an afternoon. I don't need special care. Besides, I didn't have a chance to warn Diana that I was coming for a visit. The opportunity presented itself, and I took it. I apologize if this puts undue stress upon your duties."
"No, of course not! This is your Embassy, you can come through anytime you please. I'm just grateful to have the opportunity to work here while I go to school. To serve alongside Wonder Woman, even in this small way, has been a wonderful experience for me. Please, if there's anything I can do for you, don't hesitate to ask."
"Thank you, Miss Park. I would actually like to talk to my daughter privately. We'll be in her office. Would you be able to bring us something to drink?"
"Of course! I'll go get both of you her favorite. I'll be right back!" The young assistant rushed off to fulfill her royal chore. Hippolyta shook her head in wonder.
"Diana, are these young girls always so eager to please?"
"Hmpf? Whaa...I didn't hear you. You're pleased to do what?" Diana picked her head up off her desk, her eyes barely open. She rubbed her face to shake off the sleepiness, but it wasn't working.
"I said that I was going to kidnap Alfred and have him become my royal chamberlain, replace you with Timothy as my favorite child, and let Aphrodite's acolytes pamper Dick to his heart's content. Is that alright with you?"
"Yeah, hmm...sure. Whatever makes you happy." Hippolyta rolled her eyes as her exhausted daughter laid her head back onto the table. She knew why Diana was so tired. She'd seen many a warrior slumped at their posts after a wine festival, and it wasn't because of the alcohol.
"Why hello, Bruce! Fancy meeting you here. You're going to take me back home?" Diana's head shot up, red-rimmed eyes darting around the room looking for the mentioned man. Instead, she found her mother standing in front of her desk, arms folded over her chest with a mischievous smile on her lips. "Thought that might wake you up."
"That was mean, Mother. You know I'm already missing him."
"Oh, for 'Dite's sake, Diana. You just saw him this morning. I didn't think you two were ever going to stop 'saying good-bye'. I almost wanted to call your friend Kal to take me home."
"You were fine. Alfred made breakfast and he was telling you stories of his adventures in his queen's service. I know you found that interesting."
"Yes, he is quite the storyteller. I can see where Bruce gets some of his charm. But we were getting impatient and actually had to come find you. Bruce is the only one that can activate the transporter, and that manor is so big, you conveniently found the one room we forgot to check."
Diana smiled. "You didn't forget to check there. We were able to duck in after you passed by."
"I see you've been learning some things from your new lover about cover and concealment."
"Mother! Ugh, please don't refer to him like that. That sounds strange coming from you."
"Just because I'm your mother doesn't mean I'm not aware of what goes on between a man and a woman. Believe it or not, Amazons had relations with men long ago. That was before we became immortal."
"Yes, I know. I read the scrolls. I had to memorize them for my lessons."
"Hm. Well, did you know it was because of that I became the Queen of the Amazons?"
"What? I thought you became Queen because Aunt Antiope was killed during the Attic War when she was kidnapped."
Hippolyta glanced down at her daughter's desk. She noticed a large crack in the wood surface; she idly wondered how it got there. "There are some details to that story that have been, ah...left out. I think this is a story you should know, especially since you and Bruce are pursuing a life together."
"Mother? Are you okay? You look like you're about to cry."
"Oh, Diana. How I wish you could have known my sister. She was a wonderful person, and a wise Queen. She would have kept the communications open between us and Man's World. But, then we wouldn't be here today. Her death sparked the chain of events that allowed us to become who we are. And I never would have had you."
Diana rose from her seat and swiftly walked around her desk. She allowed her mother to lay her head on her shoulder for comfort. Hippolyta felt Diana touch her cheek, wiping away a tear. With her arm around her mother, Diana unconsciously started rocking her back and forth in a soothing fashion.
"I miss her, Diana."
"I know, Mother. It's alright. I'm here for you." Hippolyta looked up into her daughter's beautiful face.
"Yes, you are, my sun and stars. You look so much like her. Except your eyes. Those are my eyes, no doubt about that."
"And what about...him. Do I resemble him in any way?" Diana glanced into her mother's eyes. Hippolyta understood that look. Coming to terms with her origins would be a trial. But, she wouldn't have to do that alone.
"You have his...hair." Their shared look had them both giggling under their breath.
Diana leaned down to kiss her mother on the forehead. "You can tell me about Aunt Antiope on the ride back to Themyscira. It'll help pass the time."
"Are you sure? You seem to be one breath away from falling asleep. You could use that time to rest."
"I just need something to help wake me up. Maybe Kim can get us something to drink."
"Already on it, Madam Ambassador!" The young woman entered the office, two large containers of iced mocha yumminess calling to both monarchs.
Hippolyta reached for the drink eagerly. "I remember these! I found myself craving this while enduring another senate session. Anyway we can work this into the exchange program?"
"We can ask Bruce to add a line for it into the budget. I'm sure he'd do anything to stay on your good side."
"He better. If you're going to be courting him..."
"Sshh!" Diana nodded towards the bustling assistant who left the room. "These walls have eager ears, if you know what I mean."
"Oh...right. Sorry. Not used to the whole 'undercover' thing. So, are you ready to go?"
"Sure. Let's get a few things together first. Kim? Can you print out twenty copies of the translated exchange proposal? We'll need those to pass along to the senate."
"Yes, Madam Ambassador." As the two Themyscirans discussed other matters, the young assistant went about her chore. Right before clicking the 'translate' button to Greek, she scrolled down to the part that listed the parties involved. One particular name stood out as the main investor to the project:
Bruce Wayne, CEO, Wayne Enterprises
Kim stifled a gasp of surprise. She heard the words "Bruce" and "courting." Could it be? That would be so freakin' cool! Of course, she wouldn't tell anyone. Well, maybe her mother, who was proud of her daughter's appointment to the embassy. And perhaps her sister Linda, who could be trusted not to tell anyone else.
Quickly, the assistant finished her task, printed out the copies, and placed them within an official portfolio embossed with the Themysciran Seal. Kim ran her fingers across the gold image of an owl clutching a spear and a swan grasping an olive branch. A circle of twelve stars surrounded the two avian symbols. The young woman hoped that, one day, she might be able to visit this magical land.
Kim approached the door with the portfolio and a shopping bag in her hands. Knocking lightly, she waited for the two Amazons to stop giggling over something they were whispering about. "Madam Ambassador, Your Majesty, I hope it wasn't presumptuous of me, but I thought that since the trip was long you wouldn't mind if I put together some refreshments to take with you."
"That's very kind of you Miss Park. Thank you." Hippolyta took the bag from the beaming young woman.
"That must be for you. She never put one of those together for me," Diana pouted.
"But Madam! You usually transport up to the Watchtower first. I would have made you one if you were flying straight from here to Themyscira."
"No, Miss Park. You're doing fine. Diana's got other things than food on her mind when she transports up to the Watchtower." She threw her daughter a significant glance. Diana blushed. So she always wanted to stop by to see a certain someone first. Now, she can see him whenever she wanted.
"Don't worry, Madam Ambassador, I can make you a goodie bag whenever you want."
"Thank you, Kim. Actually, can you prepare one for me to take there tomorrow morning? Enough for two." Kim's head bobbed up and down in agreement, then left. Hippolyta raised an eyebrow. "I'm joining Shayera for coffee. I want to go over a meeting she should have had on Friday." Her mother raised the other eyebrow. "I'm going early, I want to have breakfast in my room."
Mother continued to stare at her daughter. "Stop looking at me like that! Fine...so I'm meeting Bruce there, too. Satisfied?"
"Yes, I am. I was hoping you'd find some time together." Hippolyta nodded her head, glad that she still had "the look". Diana rolled her eyes like the recalcitrant daughter she could be.
"Diana, in all seriousness, it's good seeing you in love. You seem so happy, even more so than when you were on Themyscira. I want you to experience this to the fullest. Even if..."
"I know, Mother. I discussed that with him. We both know time is our most valuable commodity." Diana bowed her head as her mother caressed her cheek, moving her hair out of her face.
Hippolyta wanted to tell her; Bruce had been blessed by the gods. She didn't quite know to what extent, but she felt the power leave her and enter him. She knew he felt it, too. Of all the gifts they could bestow, she hoped it was with the time they needed for a long, fulfilling life. But she didn't want to get Diana's hopes up. What if their time was limited?
Together...forever...
"Well, daughter, I think I need to get back home. I'm sure Donna is beside herself with worry looking for me. We seriously need to get some of those communicators onto the island. She could have contacted you about me. And she might be holding back a few that have wanted to take over the throne for ages."
"Oh, don't you worry about that. I'll put them in there place." Diana raised her head proudly. "We all know I'm the next queen." Her head swiftly fell, swiveling towards Hippolyta. "If I become Queen, what would Bruce be? Don't tell me..." She left the implied thought hanging in the air.
Hippolyta simply took a drink of her mocha, glanced slyly at her daughter, and winked. Her enigmatic smile had her daughter's head spinning. "Oh, look at the time! I think we should get going."
Diana, knowing she probably came to the same conclusion as her mother, stifled a laugh. Mr. Prince would be getting a promotion! They walked out of the office, Hippolyta touching Kim on the shoulder on her way pass. The young assistance beamed at the benediction, then handed Diana her own goodie bag. They boarded the elevator in the hallway and rode it to the roof.
Exiting through the access door, Diana approached a seemingly empty area. A touch to her tiara's star had an invisible hatch opening, revealing her jet parked only a short distance away. She was grateful for the tech ideas she received from Bruce and John on how to retrofit her plane for a vertical take-off. It made it easier to keep the vessel nearby.
Diana turned to help her mother onto the jet when she notice her standing near the edge of the building. Walking up beside her, Diana waited as Hippolyta gazed out to the New York City skyline. The princess had done this many times when she first entered Man's World. Truly, she still caught herself staring in awe at the modern world.
"How the world has changed in these many years. So many incredible things." The ageless queen then turned to her daughter. Reaching over, she ran her fingers through her hair. "And yet much stayed the same. There's still so much to work on between our peoples. But, I think we're ready to listen."
"Yes, Mother. I think we are." Diana took her mother's hand and led her onto the jet. After strapping in, she launched the plane into the sky. She circled the city once to give her mother a chance to really see it. She even mentioned how the Statue of Liberty reminded her of Athena in her temple. Plotting her course eastward towards Themyscira, Diana placed the controls on autopilot so the computer could do the rest of the work.
A half an hour later, Hippolyta looked over to find her daughter fast asleep in her pilot's chair. Seems the large mocha drink wasn't enough to keep her awake. A small smile crossed her daughter's lips. There was no doubt who she was dreaming about. There would be another time to tell Diana of her Aunt Antiope.
Hippolyta eagerly inspected the goodie bag Kim packed for her. She found some familiar items, but other small packages promised to be interesting treats. She pulled out a banana, unpeeled the suggestively shaped fruit, and ate her snack while she read about the Marine Exchange program.
Hippolyta ran her finger over the symbol printed at the top of the memo - an eagle, a globe, and an anchor. Each strong in its own right, but together a powerful image indeed. The symbols of Zeus, Gaia, and Poseidon. Air, land, sea...with fire power behind their strength. And the motto below the picture - Semper Fidelis. She sent a thought to Athena for understanding.
Always Faithful.
An interesting proposal, indeed.
Don't forget to breathe / Our love will be redeemed / And when you take my hand / You'll know exactly where I am - Don't Forget to Breathe - Bittersweet