Jason heard a knock on his door and he looked up.
"Come in," he said
Bruce opened the door and stepped inside.
"Do you think we can talk?" He asked
Jason was quite for a while.
"Sure, I guess." Jason said, turning his attention back to the book he was reading.
Bruce went over to sit beside Jason on the bed.
"I know you're still mad at me and I don't blame you. I just want to say I'm sorry for saying the things I said. I'm willing to try. I don't want us to fight." Bruce said, hoping Jason would understand.
"I'm not mad." Jason replied, keeping his voice low
"Good. All I want is for you to be happy and if that means being with Artemis, then so be it. I will put my feelings for her aside and let you be happy with her. After all, people change. For all I know, I've been wrong all along." Bruce said and Jason felt a hint of happiness that Bruce will ready to put aside his grudge to let them be happy together.
"Really?" Jason asked, putting his book down
"Of course. If it will make you happy." Bruce said
Jason thought for a moment.
"She's truly something. She's so passionate about helping people and protecting innocent people." Jason said
"I understand that, although I don't like the way she does it." Bruce said, fully aware of what went down with her ex husband.
"She was also married to that man. Yet she never told you." Bruce said, a sharper tone in his voice.
Jason almost rolled his eyes at that comment. He had been upset about that at first but that was only because he feared Dalkriig would take her away from him and she wouldn't fight him.
"I was kinda mad at her about that at first but she had her reasons for not telling me." Jason said.
"Even though it could have gotten you killed?" Bruce asked, unapologetically
"I thought you said you were going to put your feelings for her aside." Jason said with a sigh
"I am but I just want to understand better." Bruce said, his voice gentle
Jason wasn't sure what to say after that. He didn't want to start a fight and he thought anything he said would sound like he was defending Artemis. Which he gladly would because she had been through hell with that man and Jason for one was glad to see him dead.
"Look, she did what she thought was best at the time but in the end, she made sure he couldn't hurt anyone else. She's been through hell and she deserves a break." Jason said
Bruce nodded as if to say he understood.
"I'll talk to her when I get a chance." Bruce said and he noticed Jason frown at that.
"Don't worry. I'm not going to get violent." Bruce promised.
"Just get to know her, B. I think you'll come to like her." Jason said
"I know she means so much to you and that must mean she's something pretty good." Bruce said, letting Jason know he's trying
"She means the world to me. I can't imagine my life without her. I just hope she knows that." Jason said, turning away to look out his balcony window at the rain that was starting to fall.
"I'm sure she does, son." Bruce said
"Thanks. For trusting me." Jason said after a moment
"I trust you with my life, Jason. Despite all we've been through, I know I can trust you to do what's necessary. You're brave like that." Jason looked at his father and saw pride in his eyes.
Jason tried not to get choked up.
"Thanks for all of this. You didn't have to let us stay here. Especially after what Artemis did to you." Jason said
"Oh she told you?" Bruce asked and Jason nodded
"Yeah, she told me everything. She regrets everything she did back then. She's just trying to do what's right now." Jason said and Bruce smiled.
"I'm glad. If accepting her and taking a chance on her will make you happy then that's what I'll do. Like I said, she must be something if you think so much of her. You wouldn't think so much of someone who wasn't worth it. Besides, I remember taking a chance on you and I never regretted it. Not once." Bruce said
Jason smiled slowly.
"Thanks, dad. For taking a chance on her. It means a lot." Jason said
Bruce smiled warmly at his son, feeling grateful.
"Of course."
Jason and Artemis had spent the next few days at the palace and got to enjoy family dinners and family gatherings when one or all of the royals weren't busy. Bruce had yet to talk to Artemis but he wanted to wait. He wanted Jason and Artemis to spend as much time with the family as possible because he wanted to get to know Artemis better and his way of doing that was watching her with Jason and other people.
The family adored her. Not one of them disapproved. Each of them had spent time with the couple and they seemed to truly admire the amazon.
It was the little things Bruce noticed first.
He noticed how Artemis listened to Jason whenever he was speaking to her. He noticed how she smiled proudly at him when he came back after a successful patrol. How she looked at him like he was the only thing in the world. Bruce even noticed how she could be sarcastic with him and he would just shrug it off as if he knew she didn't mean anything by it. Bruce also noticed that both liked to brush the others hair out of their face lovingly.
It was the little things that made Bruce realize that Artemis wasn't the woman he had imagined her to be or even the woman he had remembered. He also realized that although she was confident, she still had a sensitive side and even felt insecure at times. Bruce started to see that she truly believed in Jason and that made him feel better. Just the thought of Jason having someone who would stand by him and believe in him made Bruce happy.
He could clearly see how in love they were and seeing how Artemis with Jason made him truly appreciate her. He had never known anyone else who could make Jason happy and give him a lecture when he did something stupid. Artemis knew when to be tough on him and Bruce greatly respected that. She wasn't rude or disrespectful and she wasn't afraid to say how she felt and she knew when to be gentle.
Bruce found himself starting to admire her little by little. He had wanted to put her through some tests to prove that she was worthy of his son but after seeing how she was with him, especially when they didn't realize Bruce was watching them, he didn't feel the need to do that.
Going to such extremes would only make Jason angry and he would once again be faced with the possibility of losing his son.
"Artemis, I need to have a word with you." Bruce said one night after dinner.
Artemis wondered what the king wanted to talk about. She figured it was about her relationship with his son.
"Of course." She said and the two of them left to take a walk down one of the long hallways that led to the library.
"I've been noticing you and Jason are in fact very serious about each other." Bruce started
"Yes, that's how it's always been. Ever since we started our relationship." She stated
"I'm glad he found someone like you. I only hope you stay true to him. He may not be my only son but he's very precious to me. Just as much as the rest of my children are. He means so much to this family and we don't want to loose him." Bruce said as they got closer to their destination.
"I completely understand. I do believe you underestimate me, though. I will always stay true to him, no matter what. We made it clear, even before we started a relationship that we will remain extremely loyal to one another." Artemis explained.
"That's all I ask. However, it slips my mind why you would fail to tell him you were married. You told him a convincing lie and he believed you. He trusted you. I won't criticize you or judge you but I would like to know the story behind that. I'm sure you had your reasons." Bruce said
"Of course I did. You may not understand them but I did what I thought was best. Even Jason didn't understand at first. For a moment, I thought I had lost him. I thought he would see me differently after that but he didn't." Artemis said as they reached the large library.
"He was angry but it didn't take him long to forgive me. Even if I didn't deserve it."
"When I started working with Jason, I realized what a caring person he was. He cares about other people more then he cares about himself and he would do anything for the people he loves. I didn't plan to fall so in love with him but when I realized he felt the same for me and we decided to be more then friends, I thought I could actually be happy for once. I had never felt the way Jason made me feel. I didn't want to loose that. She said, remembering how she had first felt with Jason. He was everything Dalkriig wasn't. Loving, caring, respectful.
He treasured her and appreciated her where Dalkriig had toke her for granted and abused her trust.
"I thought I had left my past behind me and was moving on."
"Did you not realize you put him in danger by not telling him about your dangerous husband?" Bruce asked, trying to sound casual as to not offend her.
"I foolishly believed we were safe. I didn't think he would come for me."
Artemis said, walking into the library with Bruce behind her.
"I let myself believe everything was alright because I felt safe. No one has ever made me feel safe. No one except Jason." Artemis said, not bothering to look around her.
"I would never put him in danger intentionally. I would rather die first."
"At first I couldn't help but think you were bad for Jason. I knew how you were before and I didn't think Jason needed that kind of influence and then there was the question of weather or not you were worthy. My answer was always no. Until I saw how you were with him. How you look at him." Bruce said
"He could use someone like you. I'm glad it was you he chose." Bruce admitted
"Sometimes I wonder why he chose me." Artemis confided
"I can see why. You're strong, compassionate and quite intelligent Your looks are just a bonus." Bruce said
"Yes but there are other woman out there who must be better then me yet he chose me. I'm not sure I deserve him." She said, letting her feelings out.
Bruce toke a good long look at her and noticed something in her eyes. Sadness? Insecurity?
"Why do you feel that way? Asked the king
Bruce felt better knowing she didn't put herself above Jason. She saw him as an equal and even thought she wasn't worthy of him at times.
"I've never been good enough. I have always known that but being with Jason has made me feel like I am. When I see him being caring and compassionate, I wonder what I did to deserve him." She said
"You mean more to him then you'll ever know. He will always see you as more then enough. That should be all that matters. Just as long as you feel the same for him." Bruce said, turning around to face the large rows of books.
It was then that Artemis toke a look around. It was her second time seeing it. Jason had brought her here once before.
"This was always Jason's favorite part of the palace. He loved just sitting on one of the sofas reading late into the night." Bruce said
"Yes, he toke me here once. I noticed his love for reading and I think that's great. It's one of the things he's passionate about." Artemis said
"Your very lucky to have him as your son." Artemis stated and Bruce looked at her and smiled softly.
"Yes, I am. " he said
"I'm sure you realize how lucky you are to have him as well."
Artemis nodded
"I certainly do. I see how the whole family seems to enjoy him being here and the younger ones even look up to him. Even if they won't admit it." She said
"I want him to have a close relationship with his family because that's something I never had."
"You do now." Bruce assured her and Artemis smiled gratefully.
Jason awoke feeling refreshed for the first time in forever. The love of his life was still asleep beside him. Jason was still in awe of her. He didn't think he would ever get over waking up next to her in the morning. She still toke his breath away and she was the only woman who could ever do that.
They were currently on vacation on a beautiful island. Jason had suggested they go away for a while and Artemis reminded him of that. So here they were, away from everyone else. It felt great to be on their own. To finally be free. Free to be with each other without having to worry about someone tearing them apart.
Jason watched Artemis sleep for at least an hour. She looked peaceful and absolutely gorgeous. It was like a dream come true and Jason was afraid he would wake and realize none of it was real. Artemis had proved to be just what Jason needed in his life. Bruce had finally saw that. There was no need for her to prove her love for him. It was clear how in love they were by the way they acted around each other. Jason was very grateful that his family very much approved.
Jason smiled to himself when Artemis started to stir. She opened her eyes and found him staring. He couldn't help it.
"Good morning, princess." Jason said happily.
"You're in a good mood." She said
"Yeah well, I get to wake up with a beautiful woman beside me." He said
"It's actually late. We kinda slept longer then we planned." Jason said, not bothering to move.
"What about breakfast?" She said, knowing Jason never turned it down.
"How about lunch?" Jason said
"Sounds good but let's stay here for a little longer." She said and Jason didn't protest.
"Fine with me." He said, kissing her softly.
Artemis felt more relaxed then ever being wrapped up in her lover's arms. She wouldn't trade this for anything.
"I love this." She said after a while.
"Me too." Jason replied, closing his eyes
"I feel so complete." She confided. She had never had anyone who made her feel so complete. She was at home with Jason. He was her home.
A few hours later, the happy couple found themselves on the beach. They were enjoying their time together and didn't want it to end.
"We could come here for our honeymoon." Jason commented, causing Artemis to look at him.
"Are you proposing, Jason Todd?" She asked, a small smile creeping on her face.
Jason just laughed.
"No." He said "Just a thought".
"I would love to come here should we ever have a honeymoon." Artemis said as they walked hand in hand along the beach.
"I'm sure we will." Jason said
"It feels amazing to just be together like this. It's like we have nothing to worry about." She said
"Yeah, I feel so... different." Jason said, thinking of how much his life had changed since he met Artemis and how different things felt now that they had everything out of the way.
"Different how?" She asked, cocking her head to the side
"I was thinking about how different things are now. We don't have to worry about people finding out about us and everyone accepts our relationship." Jason said
"Yes, that's wonderful. Considering where we were a year ago." She said
"You know, I use to think I would never be truly happy. After everything I've been through I felt like I was cursed. I don't know what I ever did to deserve you." Jason said, professing his true feelings for the woman he loved so much.
"I don't know what I did to deserve you either. I'm just thankful I have you in my life." She said
"Me too. I never really had anything that truly belonged to me. That's the main reason I freaked out when you told me about.. him." Jason said, not wanting to say his name.
"I thought if you were married to someone else, then you were never truly mine." Jason confessed.
"That's not true." Artemis said, squeezing his hand in comfort.
"I just wanted so badly to believe you were mine and mine alone." Jason said, hating feeling so insecure.
She stopped to turn to face him and placed her hand on his cheek.
"I have always been yours. I always will be. It was always you I loved." She said, looking him in the eyes.
"I know, A. I'm just glad you're here with me now." Jason said, taking her hand in his and kissing it.
"I was ready to give it all up. I was seriously going to denounce my title and leave it all behind just to be with you. How crazy is that?" Jason said
"It's not that crazy. Some people would do anything to be with the one the loved." Artemis replied
"We've come so far." Jason added, feeling proud
"Yes we have." Artemis agreed with a smile.
Later that day, Jason was lighting candles in their room. He had a special dinner planned and he couldn't wait for Artemis to see what he had in mind.
"This looks amazing ." Artemis said, coming from the bathroom. She toke her time to get dressed.
She wore a white and gold dress that came below her knees with thin little straps. Her hair was down and she hadn't bothered putting shoes on. She wore a necklace that Jason had given her on her birthday that said princess. Jason was in complete awe at seeing her like this.
"You look amazing." Jason said, looking to from what he was doing.
"You're a goddess if I ever saw one." Jason added as Artemis smiled.
He never failed to make her feel beautiful.
"Well then you must be my God." She said with a laugh
"You didn't have to go to such extremes for dinner. Something simple would be just fine." Artemis said
"Well, tonight is special. It's our last night here and I want it to be remembered." Jason said, taking her hand.
"I'm sure it will be. This has been such a wonderful vacation." Artemis said
Jason picked a remote control and turned on some music for them. This had turned out to be a magical weekend. They both wished it didn't have to end.
"Wow, you are making this into a romantic movie." Artemis laughed
"I just want to set the mood." Jason said. He seemed nervous Artemis noticed.
"Are you ok? You seem a bit nervous." She pointed out
"I'm fine." Jason said, trying to act normal.
Artemis thought he looked adorable when he tried to play something off.
"Ok, here's the thing. I really didn't think I would ever find someone who could make me as happy as you do. I'm scared I'm gonna wake up and find that this was all a dream." Jason said, fishing in his pocket for something and Artemis knew what he was doing. She suddenly got nervous herself and started to tear up.
"I love you more then I ever thought I could love anyone. I never want to loose you so whatever happens in the future, I'll be there and I will always believe in you and trust you. I just want us to be happy together. You've always been my princess so I wanted to make you my wife." He said, getting down on one knee and holding the ring out to her.
Artemis felt a tear fall and she tried to smile without crying. How did she get so lucky. Jason was the most wonderful man and she wondered what she did to deserve him.
"If you will have me, will you be my wife?" Jason asked, trying to keep his voice sturdy.
Artemis felt more tears falling and she nodded. That simple gesture was enough for Jason to take her into his arms and hold her tight. The two of them stood there for a while in each other's arms until Jason slipped it onto her finger.
"It's perfect." Artemis beamed
"You're perfect." Jason said.
The couple began kissing passionately and things started to get more heated as they shed their clothes and made love. Dinner was easily forgotten as the couple shared their deepest love for each other. They had finally got to a point in their lives that made them feel happy and secure. Nothing was keeping them apart. They finally got to get their happy ending or beginning. A new beginning with each other