October 9. Prince-Hol Residence. 18:13.
Diana ran toward her front door, her eyebrows furrowed at the person who was insistently knocking on the door. She knew it was Bruce. He had asked her to dinner last night before they had left work. What she didn't know was why he felt the need to knock on the door every five seconds.
"I'm coming," she called when she heard Bruce knock on the door once more. She quickly unlocked the door and pulled it open, glaring at the man who stood in the hallway, a smirk on his face. "There was no need for that," she stated as she crossed her arms over her chest.
Bruce only chuckled. "Well if you hadn't taken the spare key from me, we wouldn't be having this conversation," he stated, shrugging his shoulders as he stepped into the apartment.
"Uh uh," Diana said, wagging a finger at the man. She promptly closed the door and turned to face him, watching as he fiddled with his sleeve. "Don't blame me. That was Shayera who took it away, and you know why."
Bruce only chuckled once more. He knew when he had walked in on Shayera and John on the couch, it was only a matter of time before she came to his place demanding their spare key. She may have liked the man, but she sure as hell didn't like him walking in like he owned the place. "Okay," he began, "but in my defense, who fools around on the couch?"
Diana only tilted her head as she stared at him intensely. "We fool around on the couch," she stated, letting out a small chuckle.
"Right," he said with a smirk. He turned to Diana and grabbed her arm, pulling her against him as he kissed her lips. "You look beautiful by the way." He released his hold on Diana and looked around, noticing the boxes along the wall, the last few items Shayera had left in Gotham. Tonight was her last day of work, working alongside Gordon, who had fought with her to try and get her father's reputation restored after all these years. He cared for the detective, and he wanted to make sure she didn't leave Gotham on bad terms.
Diana shook her head and scoffed, pulling Bruce's attention away from the boxes and putting it on her. Her hair was loosely braided and hung over one shoulder. She wore a t-shirt and jeans, and her feet were bare. She had been reading all afternoon, wanting a day to relax after the countless nights of packing and crying she had had with Shayera. "I was just about to change," she admitted.
She ran into the room, stripping as she went, leaving Bruce to himself. He ventured over to the couch and took a seat, running a hand through his hair, trying to calm his racing heart. He patted the breast pocket of his jacket, nodding to himself when he felt the object he needed for dinner, before he let out a small sigh. It wasn't long before Diana came back into the room, dressed in a red dress that stopped just below her knees. The dress was form fitting and showed off each of her curves beautifully, and was cinched at her waist. She had thrown on some lipstick, a complimentary shade of plum, and had replaced her watch with a bracelet her mother had given her on her eighteenth birthday.
"Wow," Bruce said under his breath, watching as she stood beside the couch, shuffling her feet into a pair of black heels. He quickly stood and grabbed her hand, moving his finger in a circle, silently asking her to turn. Diana obliged and twirled slowly for Bruce, letting him see every side of her, before she faced him with a smile. "You really do look beautiful," he said. He leaned in to kiss her once more. His hands dropped to her waist when she returned the kiss, placing her hands on his chest. "But we really do need to go," he whispered against her lips.
Diana nodded and pulled away from him, letting him lace their fingers together, before he pulled her toward the door, letting her grab the clutch from the breakfast bar and her keys beside the door. They walked out into the hall and Diana locked the door, before they made their way downstairs and into the lobby, waving at Roxanne as she sat staring at the couple, smitten with both Bruce and Diana. "Alfred didn't drive you today?" Diana questioned once she saw Bruce's black porche waiting in front of the building.
Bruce released Diana's hand and walked up to the car, opening the passenger side door. "No," he answered. "Said he had some other business to attend to."
Diana nodded as she slipped into the car, relaxing in the comfortable seat as Bruce shut her door and rushed over to the driver's side, pulled open his door, and slid in. He quickly brought the car to life and drove off, heading toward one of the fanciest restaurants in Gotham.
The drive was quiet, each consumed with their own thoughts. It wasn't long before they pulled up to the front of the restaurant, where Bruce parked the car and hopped out of his seat, before making his way to Diana to open her door. He reached out for her hand, smiling when she placed hers in his, and helped her out of the car, letting her loop her arm through his as they walked up to the front door.
"Mr. Wayne," the valet said, giving Bruce a small nod as the two approached him. "Nice ride, as always."
Bruce only nodded his thanks and handed him the keys to the car, before walking through the front door, pulling Diana in beside him.
Inside the two were hit with the aroma of some of the best French cuisine within a two hundred mile radius, glad that the newest up and coming chef had chosen Gotham to start his business. The hostess quickly grabbed two menus when she saw the couple walk through the door, giving Bruce a small smile, not needing him to utter a word to know he had had a reservation for nearly two weeks. She led them to a small table near the back of the restaurant, close enough to the windows to have a view of the Gotham skyline, but far enough away that prying eyes wouldn't be able to see them much. It was a much coveted spot that Chef Piere only allowed his most precious guests.
The young hostess let the two take their seats, watching as Bruce pulled out Diana's chair for her, before he sat on his own, and gave them their menus. "Your waiter will be right out," was all she said before she turned on her heel and walked back to the front of the building, waiting for the next party to be ready.
Diana looked around, taking in the beautifully lit skyline. The last few months had been trying not only for Bruce and Diana, but for everyone who was involved with the two. Shayera and John had been busy with the move and getting situated with their new jobs. Dr. Thompkins, since the fundraiser, had been having meetings with benefactors every other day, everyone wanting to help fund the hospital that had given second chances to countless families throughout the state. Hippolyta, who had been in a constant competition with Damian and his company since their beginning, ended up gaining clients left and right, grateful that people had dropped their contracts with Damian unwilling to conduct business with a convicted criminal. Even Alfred was keeping busy, making sure Ace was recovering nicely and not overdoing things until he was fully healed.
"Hello, friends."
Diana turned toward the familiar voice, letting her eyes settle on their waiter's face. "Dick!" she exclaimed. "Is this your new job?"
Richard Grayson, Dick to his friends, had become a steady friend to both Bruce and Diana, who had become regulars in the small Italian restaurant he waited tables at. The last time Bruce and Diana had gone for lunch Dick had mentioned getting a new job. The three had celebrated with an extra basket of the freshest bread available in Gotham.
Dick flashed Diana a smile and shook his head. "No, no," he answered. "Pierre is an old friend. I'm just helping out until he gets all the wait staff fully trained. I'm moving to Bludhaven. Got a job with the police department."
"Congrats!" Diana said, happy for the young man.
"Thanks," was all Dick said, before he turned to Bruce, who had been staring at Diana silently. He had known since the first time the two had come to the restaurant for lunch that there was something there between the two of them. When Bruce had made their relationship public, he had smiled at his roommate, gloating as he collected the two hundred dollars he had bet on the two months ago. It had been enough to fund his move out of Gotham. "So what are you two having?" he asked, pulling a notepad out from the front pocket of the small apron wrapped around his waist.
"We'll start off with a bottle of your finest Merlot," Bruce said with a grin, tearing his eyes from Diana to look at Dick. He saw Diana raise her eyebrow from the corner of his eye, before he continued. "And I'll take tonight's special."
Dick scribbled a few notes onto his notepad and turned to Diana. "Diana?" he asked in a quiet voice.
Diana glanced at the menu for a second and then shrugged. She trusted Bruce, and she had done so every time they had gone out. Tonight was no different. "I'll take the same," she said, giving Dick another smile as he gathered up their menus and left with a small nod.
Dick returned a minute later, two wine glasses in one hand, a bottle of wine in the other. He quickly placed a glass in front of each of them, carefully uncorked the wine bottle, and poured a glass for the two of them. "Enjoy," he said with a wink, before he turned on his heel and walked to one of his other tables.
Bruce carefully lifted the glass of wine to his lips, watching as Diana did the same, smelled the alcohol, and took a sip. Without another word he downed the glass of wine, his nerves getting the best of him.
"What are you nervous about?" Diana asked, a smug smile on her face as she placed her glass on the table. She watched as Bruce refilled his glass and took a deep breath. "Everything okay?"
Bruce nodded. "It's been a stressful week," he explained vaguely.
Diana placed her elbow on the table and let her chin rest on her hand. She had taken notice of the secret meetings, the calls in his office that he remained tight lipped about. She knew whatever he was up to was the same thing Jacob had been helping him with, but even Rylie didn't know what they were up to.
"Secret meetings will do that," she said with a smirk.
Bruce chuckled. "I didn't want to say anything until contracts were signed and we were sure it was going to go through, but it looks like Wayne Enterprises will be announcing that microchip, without the help of Damian Kyrios or his company."
Diana raised her eyebrow and reached for her wine glass. "I thought you had the rights to those blueprints," she said, taking a sip of the alcohol.
Bruce nodded. "I did, do, but now I don't have to associate the company with that man at all."
"Jacob?" Diana asked. She knew the two had been meeting up more often within the last few weeks.
"Yes," he answered. "Remember that term paper I found when you and I were babysitting?" Diana nodded. "The kid is really smart, so is his brother. In a matter of a few months they were able to come up with everything and more of what Damian's whole department took years to achieve. So Wayne Enterprises offered them both full time jobs. Excellent benefits, enough pay that Rylie can stay home with the baby if she chooses, and if not, you know we have a good day care."
"That's wonderful, Bruce. They both deserve it."
Bruce nodded once more. "Yes. And thank you for dragging me to babysitting that night, and forgetting your pen. Without that I would've never found that paper."
Diana chuckled. "Well you're welcome, I suppose." She glanced up just in time to see Dick walking back to the table, two plates in hand. He carefully placed the food in front of them and smiled once more, before he turned and returned to the kitchen.
Diana took a whiff of her food, her mouth watering when the delicious aroma hit her senses. The plate not only smelled amazing, it also looked beautiful, and she almost contemplated eating such a work of art. Almost.
"This smells amazing," she said, grabbing her fork and placing a napkin in her lap.
Bruce agreed, nodding his head, before he dug in. His taste buds instantly sang with delight when the food touched his tongue. "It tastes even better," he whispered. He watched as Diana took a bite, her shoulders slumping and her eyes closing when the food hit her tongue. "Good?"
Diana nodded. She knew she had made the right decision trusting Bruce with their food. The two continued to eat, sharing small talk. Diana explained the conversation she had had with her mother that morning. Hippolyta had told Diana that Meredith was an excellent addition to their team, able to ready payroll quicker than Antiope ever could, which lightened both of their work loads. Bruce told her Ace was finally starting to venture out longer on his daily walks without much pain. They were halfway through their meals when Bruce cleared his throat, pulling at his tie.
"So," he began, taking a sip from his wine glass before he reached into his jacket's interior pocket. "A year ago today, I received this." He pulled the envelope out that had the letter Walter had given him, recommending Diana take his place as Head of Security. Diana had read the letter before, when she had been convinced Bruce had given her the position because of the relationship they had. However, she didn't realize this had been put into motion weeks before the two of them had even shared their first dance at the benefit in January.
"I didn't realize that was a year ago," Diana said as she raised the glass, a smirk on her lips.
"Well Walter didn't have to convince me much. I knew the moment I met you, you would be something special. It took convincing the board longer. But now they see what an amazing job you've done." Bruce took another sip of wine. "But I have a question to ask you," he said, clearing his throat once more. He pulled another envelope from his jacket pocket and placed it on the table for Diana. He watched as she grabbed the envelope, opened it, and pulled out the sheet of paper from inside.
"Oliver Queen and I have been discussing the prospect of doing more international business, but we've run into the same problem. We need people who are more personal. People who can travel to meet prospective clients and coordinate meetings with Oliver and I. He suggested having a person who works closely with each of us and is willing to immerse themselves in a client's culture and help with meetings."
"Is this what the two of you were discussing when we were on vacation?" she asked, remembering that business meeting Bruce had taken in the middle of their trip to the Caribbean.
Bruce nodded. He had hated keeping his meeting with Oliver a secret, but the two had just started their relationship, and he knew suggesting a new job to her would have come off as an insult, especially after the Metropolis incident. He had only thought more about it when they had officially come out to the public. "I didn't know how I wanted to go about it at first, but the more Queen and I talked, the easier it was to see how to implement this new job."
"So a personal assistant?" Diana asked with uncertainty.
Bruce shrugged. "Kind of," he answered with a shrug. "But more than that. This person will have a stake in the company, able to act on behalf of Wayne Enterprises while out of the country."
"I see." Diana read the sheet of paper in her hands, looking over all the details. Whoever took the job would be second to Lucius. "So have you found someone for the job?"
Bruce continued to stare at Diana. A smirk began to form on his face, watching in amusement as the realization hit her. "It was created with you in mind," he confessed. "You're so good with people, Diana. You love traveling, and you can work more on your art."
"But Bruce," she began. She loved her job. She loved the guys she worked with. It had been all she had known for two years. But this job was an absolute dream. "You shouldn't have made a position just for me."
Bruce chuckled. "I know. But a part of this was for me too. I would be lying if I didn't say some part of me wanted you to leave security. It's dangerous, and I know you can handle yourself, but it would put my mind at ease. Plus, I'd want you to be equal with me. It may be my name on the company, but I value your intuition, your expertise. I want to be your partner in this."
Diana raised her glass once more. She contemplated Bruce's offer and sipped her wine. "I will accept the offer," she began, "if I can request one thing."
"Paul will be offered your job should you say yes," he admitted. He stabbed a pepper with his fork and placed it in his mouth, chewing quickly.
"Perfect. I accept then."
Bruce smiled and picked up his wine glass. "To new beginnings," he said, waiting for Diana to clink her glass against his, before he took a sip.
"There's also something else I wanted to talk to you about," he added, earning another curious eyebrow raise from the woman. "Now I know that we've been-"
"Oh my, if it isn't Bruce Wayne and his lovely lady."
The two turned to look at the owner of the voice, carefully putting their wine glasses back on the table. "Can I help you?" Bruce asked. He watched as the woman tucked a strand of blonde hair behind her ear, before she looked into her purse and pulled out a recording device.
"I'm with the Gotham Gazette," she explained. "I was having dinner and noticed the two of you all cozied up." She pointed to the table across the room and waved at the man who sat there embarrassed. "Tell me, has Wayne Enterprises recovered from the fiasco with Damian Kyrios? What's next for the company? What's the next step for the two of you?"
Bruce grabbed his napkin and gently wiped his mouth before he looked over at Diana who scrunched her nose. The constant media attention was something she would never get used to. "I've given a statement regarding Wayne Enterprises," he said calmly. "But if you'll excuse us, we'd like to get back to dinner."
"How has your relationship been progressing?" the reporter asked as if Bruce hadn't even spoken. "It's nice to see Bruce Wayne finally dating after the public separation with Selina Kyle."
Bruce let out a sigh. He was about to speak when someone else joined them at the table. "Hi, you need to either go back to your table, or I will be happy to escort you outside." Dick glanced down at the duo and gave them a wink, before he stepped in between the reporter and Diana and Bruce's table.
The reporter glanced down at the couple and back up at Dick, before she let out a sigh and walked back to her own table defeated. "Sorry about that," Dick muttered.
Bruce shook his head and raised a hand. "It's fine. Thanks for the save though."
"Don't thank me yet," he said. "Someone saw you two come in and now there's a few paparazzi waiting outside."
Bruce let out a huff and looked over at Diana. "We'll take the check then?" he questioned, watching as Diana nodded, before he looked back up at Dick.
"Sure thing."
Dick rushed off and grabbed their check, rushing back to their table where Bruce was waiting with his card. He quickly paid and the three said their goodbyes. Bruce quickly snatched up the envelopes and stuffed them into his coat pocket, before he walked over and pulled Diana's chair out, letting her stand. He grabbed her hand and the two walked out of the restaurant, waving a small thanks to the hostess that had kept all the paparazzi and all their chaos outside.
The valet quickly pulled Bruce's Porsche up to the door and hopped out, handing Bruce the key. Bruce helped Diana into the passenger seat and rushed over to the driver's side, shutting the door, closing them off from the relentless questions that were being thrown their way. "I'm sorry," Bruce said as he shifted the car into gear and took off, before he grabbed her hand. "I wanted to have a nice dinner, no interruptions."
Diana kissed the back of Bruce's hand, squeezing it gently. "It was perfect," she said. She saw him grip the wheel of the car tighter and knew he was angry. It was because that reporter had brought up Selina. That was the last person he wanted brought up while they were out together. "And I'm sure Alfred can whip up some dessert to end the night."
Bruce said nothing as he continued to drive. His hand gripped the wheel tighter as he grew more and more frustrated. He was angry that they had been interrupted, but not for the reason Diana thought. Sure, he didn't like Selina being mentioned, but that was the least of his worries. He had planned a special night wanting to ask her the most important question in their relationship. He had been so nervous all night, wanting everything to be perfect, but now it was ruined, and he wasn't sure he could salvage the night. Diana deserved the perfect proposal and it had all been screwed up.
When he made it to the manor, Bruce parked the car, turned off the engine, and turned to Diana. "You deserved a stress free night," he said, "and it was ruined."
Diana shook her head. "It was wonderful," she said. "Thank you." She leaned over and kissed Bruce's cheek, once, twice, three times, not stopping until she saw him crack a smile. "There it is," she whispered, kissing him once more. "Now I could use some of Alfred's famous chocolate chip cookies," she said excitedly as she opened her door and stepped out of the car.
Bruce followed her lead and got out of the car. The two walked up to the front door and walked inside, where Alfred stood waiting to greet them. "Master Wayne," Alfred said with a wide smile. "Ms. Diana! I did not expect the two of you so soon." He rushed up to Diana and grabbed her hand between his, glancing up at Bruce who shook his head adamantly behind the woman. "Always a delight to have you here, Ms. Diana," Alfred said, realizing there was something missing from the hand he held. Bruce must have either not proposed like he had been planning, or she had not accepted. Somehow, Alfred knew it was not the latter.
"We hit a snag at the restaurant," Bruce explained vaguely as he closed the door behind him. "Had to rush out of there before dinner was over," he said with narrowed eyes, hoping the old Englishman didn't give away anything further.
"Well then," Alfred said, his smile never dropping. "How about some dessert?"
Diana smiled. Alfred knew just how to make the night end on a magical note. "That would be wonderful. Won't it, Bruce?"
Bruce nodded and smiled, however Alfred could see right through it. "Yes," Bruce answered.
"Let me change and I'll join you," Diana said, eager to help Alfred concoct whichever delicious sweets he had been dying to try. She was always his guinea pig when it came to new recipes. She rushed over to the stairs, climbing them as quickly as her heels would let her, until she disappeared down the hall toward Bruce's room.
"So what was this snag?" Alfred asked the moment Diana was out of ear shot.
Bruce shrugged, unbuttoned his jacket, and pulled his tie loose. "There was some reporter at the restaurant that kind of bombarded us," he explained. "I could tell Diana was uncomfortable so we left, and then there was all this paparazzi, and I just couldn't ask with all the flashing cameras."
"Ah, the price of fame," Alfred said with a smirk, watching as Bruce only waved away his comment.
"I just wanted it to be personal. But the more the cameras flashed, the more I just wanted to get out of there with her. It was supposed to be perfect. An amazing dinner, a wonderful job offer, then I propose, and it was all ruined. Now I don't know if I'll ever get the right opportunity again."
Alfred watched as Bruce let out a sigh. Even when Bruce had proposed to Selina, he hadn't been this nervous. With the two of them, it had been somewhat of a surprise, an impulse decision neither of them were ready for. With Diana, Alfred knew Bruce wanted things to go perfectly. "Well now, Master Wayne, I'm sure the perfect opportunity will pop up. And when it does, you'll know." He carefully looked down at the man he had raised and offered him a small smile. "But for now, I better hurry off to the kitchen before Diana makes a mess without me."
Bruce watched as Alfred scurried out of the room toward the kitchen. He let out another sigh and turned on his heel, heading toward his office. Once he was inside, he pulled the two envelopes from his jacket pocket and placed them on the desk, before he pulled the jacket from his body, reached in, and pulled the small velvet box from the pocket on the opposite side. He tossed his jacket onto his office chair and pulled his tie from his neck, letting it join the jacket. "I wanted this to be perfect," he admitted to himself.
In hindsight, he knew it was now a terrible decision to go to the newest restaurant and expect no one to notice them. He should have taken her on a weekend trip, just the two of them, well maybe Ace as well, and enjoyed all the pleasures a secluded cabin would have given them. He could have whisked her away to Greece to enjoy the sun and sand, letting her spend a few days with her family before telling her he wanted her to be a part of his. He could have done anything more private. The thought alone would eat him alive for months.
Bruce opened the small box in his hand, a smile coming to his face when he saw the ring inside. It had been the one thing he had cared for, and when Selina had taken it, he had never expected to see it again. He'd imagined she had pawned it, sold it to some no good jewel thief for a pretty penny. Never had he thought she would have kept it all these years, but he was grateful to her that she had.
He turned to the portrait of his parents on the wall, a smile on both their faces as they stood in each other's embrace. The portrait had been taken a few days after Thomas and Martha's second wedding anniversary, but the affection they displayed could be matched in every photo Bruce had ever seen of the two. They had been so in love until the very end. It was a love Bruce had found with Diana.
"You two would have loved her," he said to the image of his parents. He let his finger graze the ring in the box; it was the same ring that was adorning his mother's finger in the portrait he spoke to. "She's smart, and stubborn, and she has the biggest heart of anyone I've ever met. And I love her so much and I want to give her the life of happiness the two of you gave each other but…" Bruce let out a sigh and dropped his head. He and Diana had sometimes spoken of the future, usually late at night while they laid in bed together, unable to fall asleep.
"I don't even know what she would've said," he confessed as he glanced down at the ring once more.
"She would've said yes," came a voice from behind, startling Bruce.
He quickly turned toward the door, slamming the box in his hand closed. "Diana," he squeaked. "How long have you been there?"
Diana continued to lean against the doorframe, a smile on her face to try and distract Bruce from the tears threatening to fall from her eyes. "Sometime between you saying your parents would have loved me and I'm stubborn," she answered, pushing herself off the door frame and walking into the room,
"Oh," was all Bruce could say as he watched her walk into the room. Her dress had been replaced by one of her old college sweatshirts and a pair of yoga pants and her feet were bare once more, but Bruce couldn't help but stare. She was still the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. "Diana, I-"
"You wanted things to be perfect, Bruce," she stated. "I understand. But I never needed that."
Bruce only nodded. "I love you," he confessed, brushing a few strands of hair from her forehead before he placed a kiss on it.
"And I love you," she whispered back.
"Will you marry me?" Bruce asked, stopping when he realized he was messing things up once more. "I mean-" Bruce got down on one knee and opened the box, revealing the ring inside. "Diana, will you marry me?"
Diana let out a small chuckle, before she glanced down at the ring in the box, her eyes widening when she realized just exactly what piece of jewelry he was offering. It was the same ring Thomas Wayne had given his wife the day she had told him she was pregnant with Bruce. It was a ring that had been bought by a man who was so in love with his wife, he wanted nothing but the best for her.
"Bruce," Diana said, shocked to see the blue jewel. "Is that what I think it is?"
Bruce nodded. "When I was born she had made Alfred promise to only let me give it to the woman I loved as much as my father loved her." He took a deep breath before he asked once more, "Marry me?"
Diana nodded, unable to find her voice for a few seconds. This was more than she could have ever wanted. She had a wonderful job, a beautiful growing relationship with her mother, and the man of her dreams. "Yes," she answered when she noticed Bruce was getting nervous with anticipation. "Of course I'll marry you."
Bruce let out a sigh of relief. He carefully plucked the ring out of the box and slid it onto her left finger, admiring how well the piece of jewelry fit, as if it had been made for her. Without another word, Bruce stood and scooped her into his arms and kissed her.
Diana wrapped her arms around Bruce's neck and leaned into him, letting her fiance's hands find their place on her waist as he held her close. She would have never guessed that taking a job with Wayne Enterprises a few years ago would have led her to where she was now, but she was grateful.
The two had been through so much, but now they no longer had to go through life alone. They were partners, in every sense of the word, and neither could wait to continue their lives together.
Diana let out a small chuckle as she pulled away from Bruce's lips, a smirk on her face as she looked at the man. "What?" he asked, raising an eyebrow. He was hit with the realization that his fiance had known more than she had let on. "How did you know?"
"When we kissed at my apartment," she began, "I felt the box in your pocket."
Bruce let out a small sigh, trying to hide his nervous chuckle. "And you let me stay nervous all night?"
Diana only shrugged. "You wanted everything to be perfect," she said with a smirk, watching as Bruce smiled, before she leaned in to kiss him once more.
Bruce pulled her close as his lips met hers once more. He loved this woman with his whole being. She was his best friend, his most trusted confidant. They had gone through so much, separately and together, to get to this point. And as they stood there, in each other's embrace, under the gaze of the late Mr. and Mrs. Wayne, Bruce knew he would've given everything he owned to do it all over again, so long as it led him back to her.