She squirmed in the finely stitched leather seat in the receptionist's lobby just outside the principal's office. No matter how much Dick defended her, Mr. Tudor simply wouldn't hear it. He'd made up his mind. And that was that. Artemis knew Dick was in there with him even now, but she also knew that it didn't matter.

Her mother was going to kill her. Still, though, she didn't regret it. She'd done the right thing. It taken some time but eventually the three thugs sitting opposite her had stopped groaning. The nurse had come in and bandaged his nose and given the other two ice packs for their groins. She tried to repress the smirk that came to her face at the reminder. She'd gotten them good. Artemis Crock in or out of costume could get them. Thugs. Bullies. No matter who or where they were.

But then the door opened, and her mother wheeled inside. Her face shadowed with disappointment and grief and oh, did Artemis feel like shit again. "Mom, I can explain—"

Her mother held a hand up before wheeling in the rest of the way. A sigh escaping her lips as she spoke. "I heard about what happened. I think you did the right thing."

And that was so not what Artemis was expecting to hear from her mother's lips. She could only stare in bewilderment.

Her mother simply shook her head. "It doesn't mean that I'm not upset by the situation. You have to have better opportunities than—"

"It wasn't her fault." Dick's voice resounded through the receptionist's office with a slight tinge of a plea to it.

"Mrs. Crock, my office please."

The man simply stood there. Door open. Dick stomping out of it, angry mutters pouring out of his mouth. "You'll kindly refrain from your complaints, Mr. Grayson, or I fear that Mr. Wayne's money might not be able to save you."

Dick slouched into a chair beside her, a frown still marring his features, but his lips still and tongue silent. Artemis very much doubted that Dick would go anywhere, if Bruce Wayne didn't want him to, but she knew better than to say such things.

Her mother wheeled in the office and the principal only stared down at her. Watching her. Artemis's blood boiled. Wasn't he going to help her? And just as she was about to launch herself up to defend her mother from this self-righteous asshole, the door slammed open. And everyone in the office withered. Once she turned, she saw why.

"I don't like having my lunch plans interrupted by calls about bullying, Robert." And that was all the introduction he needed, as he took the room in three long, purposeful strides. And wow, he was big. Artemis could only stare flabbergasted as he barreled his way by the suddenly remorseful bullies, herself, a grimacing Dick Grayson, and her equally awestruck and fear-struck mother. The door to the principal's office slammed shut behind him. Leaving everyone else in the room still and quiet.

Oh, so quiet.

Artemis felt like even the smallest breath was too loud. Dick, for his part, merely sat there. The most unaffected by all of this. Was that…

That was Bruce Wayne.

And he was huge. And present. And angry. So angry. In the past she'd heard rumors about him being an unrelenting and brutal businessman but figured those for only rumors. Especially after she'd met him and saw the way his eyes were just a little too vacant for the rumors to be real. But having just seen him… She needed to rethink a few things. Maybe he put on a show in public. But in private…

She let her gaze slide over to Dick Grayson. What was life like at his home? What was it like to live with such a man? Be on the receiving end of his wrath? She didn't think there was anyone who could make her feel more afraid.

A manicured hand slipped around the edge of the door and pushed it open with soft grace. And Artemis could only stare wide-eyed at the woman standing in the threshold.

Princess Diana. Wonder Woman. In the flesh. And even though Artemis was sure that Diana didn't know her, or who she was in or out of the mask for that matter, Artemis still curtailed her star-struck, jaw-dropped gaze for something more mundane. Like the floor.

The carpet with all its bland patterns and—

"Did he go in there?"

"Uhm. Yes." Her mother whispered.

Diana lifted an eyebrow at the door and Artemis remembered that under Diana's list of powers was enhanced hearing. She could likely hear whatever it was the two men were saying just beyond the closed door. If Artemis listened hard enough she could swear she could hear shouting—

"Are you alright, Dick?"

Diana crouched down in front of Dick, who was completely red-faced and spluttering. Diana merely shook her head with a smile, before running her hands through Dick's hair in an attempt to settle the unruly locks into something that looked more like him. A knowing smile touched her lips. "Relax, Dick. I know that Bruce can be a little tightlipped sometimes, but we both agreed to go public eventually."

And public…

That was…

Wonder Woman and Bruce Wayne were in a relationship. Artemis wondered how that happened. She had half a mind to ask her when the door opened. A lot less violently than the other one had, revealing a proud Bruce Wayne and a not-so-happy Principal Tudor. The older man was clearly wounded, though. His face said it all. So, Mr. Wayne's money did matter? Huh? Who knew?

Mr. Wayne for his part, set his gaze on Wonder Woman who was still dutifully tending to Dick and fixing his coat. "You left the car." His deep voice rumbled.

Artemis thought that sounded like an accusation, and Wonder Woman merely lifted an eyebrow before slowly slipping her gaze up to meet Mr. Wayne's and standing. And the two of them were equal in height. Granted Wonder Woman was wearing heels, but they weren't that tall. And Bruce Wayne was a big guy. A lot bigger than Artemis remembered, certainly.

"I did." Wonder Woman said with a nod. "Someone had to come in here to clear your fuming path."

Mr. Wayne's face reddened. "Right. I-uhm." He rubbed a hand against the back of his neck. "Dick, are you ready to go."

Wonder Woman's face lit up with a bright smile. "I do have to admit, seeing you all mad on Dick's behalf was definitely nice."

And she pulled him in for a quick peck on the lips. Artemis could only stare. Were they flirting? Was Bruce Wayne blushing? Gotham's White Knight. Gotham's Prince. Gotham's most notorious, most eligible bachelor was blushing… Artemis averted her gaze, watching as Dick plastered his grimace right back on his face, averting his gaze for a whole other reason, she suspected.

"If that'll be all." Mr. Tudor mumbled.

Bruce paused. "I do believe you're forgetting something, Robert."

Mr. Tudor groaned. "And Artemis isn't suspended." Before she could cheer or hug her mother or both, he kept speaking. "I'll have you know, Artemis, one more misadventure on your part, and no one or nothing will be able to save you."

Artemis's smirk only grew.

"That'll be all, Robert." Mr. Wayne said, without even turning to face the man.

Mr. Tudor slunk back into his office with a brief word to his starstruck receptionist before calling the three bullies into his office. They skirted along the wall as though they could make it there without being acknowledged by the occupants in the room, but Artemis just fixed them with a proud glare. She wanted to stick her tongue out, but that was too childish. Even for her.

Wonder Woman glanced over Mr. Wayne's shoulder. "Bullying is never okay."

The three boys withered, and Dick's face reddened. "Diana."

She grinned down at him, ruffling the hair she'd tried in vain to fix. "Stop it." There was no venom in his voice, though. And instead, he looked back up, but then his eyes caught Mr. Wayne's and they suddenly got repentant.

Artemis felt another inkling rearing inside her. Another defensive feeling. The need to defend Dick from his guardian. From Bruce Wayne of all people, but then before she could open her mouth, the man got on one knee. "Are you okay, Chum?"

"Yeah." Dick mumbled.

"You can come to lunch with us." Diana grinned. "In fact, you should come too."

Bruce and Dick looked up at Wonder Woman with different expressions on their faces, but one thing was clear, they weren't too open to the idea. Well, fine, then. Artemis didn't—

"Mrs. Crock. I do apologize for the way that I busted in there and interrupted you, but let me make it up to you. Would you like to join us?"

It sounded genuine enough. But Artemis hadn't missed whatever that was between him and Wonder Woman. And she didn't think her mother had either.

"Oh, that's fine. I wouldn't want to impose. Mr. Wayne."

"Nonsense. It's the least I can do. After all, from what I hear, Artemis is quiet the heroine."

Artemis's mind went blank. Did he know? How was that even possible? How—

"Oh, well, thank you, but Artemis was just being a good friend." Her mother said.

Artemis let out a breath. Oh right. She'd saved Dick Grayson. She'd kept him from being beaten up even more by those three juniors. She knew something must've shown on her face though because Dick was giving her a curious but very amused glance.

"Well, then, I think it's time we be friends, too. After all, if our children are friends, then we should be, right?"

Wonder Woman attached herself to Bruce Wayne's arm, looking almost like arm candy. And Artemis wondered what she saw in this man. Why she was willing to hang off him like that? Wasn't she a paragon of female empowerment? And yet she was dating Bruce freaking Wayne? Something didn't add up.

"Well, if you insist, Mr. Wayne, I…"

"Good." And Mr. Wayne grinned. It came so easily to his features. And his eyes started to lose just a touch of their earlier lucidity. He wasn't quite vapid, but it happened so easily. So suddenly… Artemis had to wonder if her eyes were playing tricks on her. "It's settled then."

And that was how Artemis found herself walking with her mother wheeling beside her to a much too fancy car. The limo… Artemis wondered what the insanely rich drove, and apparently—judging by the way an elderly gentleman with a pencil mustache stood by the open door at the ready—they didn't. "Master Dick, don't you look like you've had quite the day." A British accent. Because of course, why not a British accent. A British butler. Artemis wondered what century this was.

Dick ducked his head. "Yeah. Thanks Alfred. But Artemis saved me."

The older man turned his placid attention to Artemis. "I see, then I owe you a debt of gratitude Miss Crock."

"Artemis, please." She blushed.

"Ah. Very well then, Miss Artemis."

"Alfred, we'll be having three extra guests join us for lunch." Mr. Wayne stepped up to the older man. And even though Bruce Wayne was far taller and likely the other man's boss, she sensed that the older man called the shots. Was Bruce Wayne so vapid that he couldn't tie his own shoes? He had to let his butler boss him around? She paid another glance in Dick's direction.

But then Wonder Woman moved up to stand beside him. "Alfred, I can't believe you waited patiently out here the whole time. You should've at least come in. Joined us. Bruce was quite the character on display."

"Oh?" Alfred's thin lips curved into a barely there smile. "You'll have to regale me."

Dick bounced on his feet then. "Yeah! Mr. Tudor was about ready to piss his—"

"Language, Master Dick."

Dick blushed. "Well, Mr. Tudor was really scared."

"Well, it's no wonder. I was about ready to march in there myself, but I figured that one of us was more than enough." One of us was going to be too much. Artemis heard the unspoken verbiage. And she didn't doubt it for a second. Alfred with that witless, closed-off stare of his… She'd barely known him for more than a second or two but even she had to admit he could give Batman lessons.

Mr. Wayne shook his head bemused. "Let's just get in the car while I have some of my dignity left."

"That implies you had any at all." Diana laughed, but with that she planted another kiss on his lips. And Bruce Wayne for his part didn't object to her blatant disrespect. Artemis had no idea what to think. The two of them were far different than she'd expected, and Bruce Wayne was far from what she'd expected. But then again, in certain ways, he wasn't so different at all. And it seemed also that Bruce Wayne really didn't have it in him to maintain that kind of imposing composure all the time. Like the Principal's office was just an act.

A damn good one.

But an act, still.

"Shall we, Master Bruce?"

And no matter that he said it, Artemis could tell it was just for the sake of propriety. Likely to assuage Mr. Wayne's ego that he was still in-charge. That he was Alfred's boss at the end of the day. But she very much doubted that Mr. Wayne would or could fire him if he chose to ignore such formalities. Then again, Dick seemed far more attached to Alfred than she would suspect. In the short time she'd witnessed them interact, he had shown more openness around the butler than anyone else. Maybe even more openness around Wonder Woman, too. She wondered if Mr. Wayne saw it and moreover if he cared.

Poor Dick.

Bruce nodded. And they all crowded into the limo. And Artemis watched dumbstruck as she was ushered into the limo and kept from helping her mother. It was Mr. Wayne that helped get her settled and buckled her in. Artemis frowned at the odd sight. Such chivalry. And then they were all inside, the door shut sealing them inside without Mr. Wayne.

He took his seat in the front to sit beside Alfred.

Artemis had no idea what just happened. But the man had a sense of fluidity as he worked to help her mother. As though he knew what to do. As though he was confident doing it. As though it was no problem for him to aid her mother. And she was dumbstruck. She glanced over at Wonder Woman as she began a conversation with her mother… Maybe there was a quality Wonder Woman saw in Bruce Wayne after all.

The car started out of the pick-up zone and the trip was smooth. Artemis couldn't feel a thing. It felt like they were gliding. She was awestruck by the experience. Their van was so rugged. She felt every single pebble they coasted over and then some. It was—

"You'll have to forgive me, but you're nothing like I expected you to be, Wonder Woman."

Wonder Woman laughed. "Diana, please. No need to be so formal. After all we're friends. And I get that a lot."

Her mother nodded, clearly discomfited by the idea of being on a first-name basis with Wonder Woman. Diana. Artemis frowned, trying to think of her that way. Diana almost made her sound human. But that's what they were, weren't they? Human. Even Superman had a civilian identity. Diana didn't though. She walked around brazenly. Wonder Woman on the job and off the job. Must be nice being a meta…

Artemis wondered if she could do that one day.

"I have to ask, how did you two meet?"

"Oh well, a couple years back, Bruce and I were both in Paris. I was on a solo mission for the League, and he was on a business trip. We met at a gala and he asked me to dance. Terrorists came in and busted the place up while we were just getting to know each other and well, a couple weeks after that he got ahold of me and asked me if I'd care to finish the dance. Things just sort of blossomed over time from there."

"And you've been a secret all this time?"

Something questionable flickered on Diana's features. "Well, we didn't want to go public. We're still hesitant, but rumors are circulating and it's about time anyways. I think."

"So, you're serious?"

Artemis let her gaze flit to Bruce Wayne as he sat in the passenger seat and caught his gaze in the rear-view mirror, but she couldn't make heads or tales of it before he averted his eyes.

"I thought you were with Superman."

And boy, did she say something wrong. Artemis might as well have accused Wonder Woman of murder for all the reaction she got. She felt more than one person in the limo pause and stiffen. She caught Bruce Wayne's shoulders stiffen, and although she couldn't see his gaze in the rearview mirror, she could see Dick's. And the slightly worried, apologetic gaze he passed the back of Bruce Wayne's well combed head.

Her mother's elbow in her side had her glaring at her mother. "Don't be rude."

Diana shook her head. A small smile still prevalent on her lips. "I… No. I'm not. Kal and I are just friends. More like brother and sister really. There's very few members of the League I'd be open to dating, and he's not one of them."

Her mother's voice as she spoke next was awkward and stilted. And apologetic. Artemis groaned. "I would've never expected the two of you, though."

"Not many people do." And if that wasn't a touch bitter, she didn't know what was. Bruce Wayne's deep rumbling voice carried through the vehicle, adding another layer to the tension.

Dick's stare was blank and when he caught her gaze, she could see slight disappointment and warning hidden in there. This was obviously a sore spot. Though she could only guess why. Artemis felt bad, now. Great. Just great. She didn't mean to step on anyone's toes. After all, a question's just a question, right?

Diana glanced wordlessly at the passenger seat, but Mr. Wayne didn't turn around to meet her gaze. He had to know that Diana wouldn't take that well, didn't he? He wasn't that clueless, surely… But he didn't turn around to explain himself or his comment to her. Instead, he let it sit there. Heavy and so much like the wet blanket that it was.

Artemis had to give this to the man. He did know how to use his words. He could give Batman a lesson or two.

Diana merely shook her head. "Don't mind him."

"I'm so sorry. Artemis didn't mean—"

"Nonsense, Mrs. Crock—"

"Call me Paula please. After all, we're friends." And Artemis heard a touch of desperation in her mother's voice. And she felt even worse. She was ruining it for her mother. She had to keep her emotions in better check. Rein in her impulses better.

Artemis glanced at Dick as Diana and her mother continued to talk. The tension was slowly dissipating.

Dick as fiddling with his phone, playing some kind of game. Artemis couldn't see what it was as the screen protector was one of those that shaded it from view unless you were looking directly at it, but with the way he was moving his fingers and staring at it… It was definitely a game.

"Master Dick, perhaps we should put our phone away and pay attention to our guest, hmm?"

Dick looked chastised and again, Artemis wondered why Mr. Wayne wasn't the one to chastise Dick. He was supposed to be the guardian. The father figure. Right? Wasn't that the way it was supposed to work?

"Sorry, Artemis." He put his phone back into his pocket. "A friend texted me and I got distracted."

Yeah, no. It was definitely not a text. His fingers were moving too much for him to be simply distracted by a text. But she didn't call him on it. HE could have his secrets after all. She had hers, didn't she? She wouldn't lie though and say she wasn't the least bit curious.

"Oh, well, that's okay."

A grin plastered itself on Dick's features, but his tone was quiet. His voice a whisper. Somewhat mischievous and conspiratorial, but it was quiet as he spoke. "So, do you want to go over the investigation."

"Whispers, Master Dick. Secrets should not be told in front of a group."

"What investigation?" Diana asked not missing a beat. Right. Super hearing.

And Mr. Wayne cleared his throat. Dick lifted his gaze and got caught in a stare down with his guardian. Artemis could only watch. And then those blue eyes flitted to hers. And Artemis felt some weight pressing down on her as she wilted under his blue-eyed stare. Not quite a glare, but it did have something to it nonetheless. "What investigation?"

Dick bit his lip. "Just something between Artemis and I."

"Dick."

Dick glanced at Artemis, perhaps he was hoping for an out, but Artemis was just caught in it. She didn't really want to call attention to the fact that she was on the Team. Not in front of Wonder Woman who actually could know something.

"We're here." Dick quickly said. The tension wasn't gone, but it wasn't there anymore either.

Artemis let out a breath of relief. She'd take what she could get. And then they were all getting out in the systematic way they'd all filed in. It took Mr. Wayne no time at all to get her mother resituated in her wheelchair.

And they stood downtown in front of one of the fanciest restaurants Artemis had ever seen. People ate here? At places like these? For a simple lunch? She grimaced. How much money did a place like this charge for a simple meal? She probably wouldn't even be able to understand the menu.

This was far from the casual lunch that Bruce Wayne and Wonder Woman had made it sound like. Not that they'd really made it sound casual, either… "I'll just let them know we have three extra guests."

Not Alfred? Artemis glanced at the butler who remained as stoic as ever as though he wasn't expecting to be able to sit with them. Was this another formality thing that Alfred kept up, or was this a Bruce Wayne thing, that he wanted to assert some semblance of control… Maybe the latter. Maybe both?

"Alfred, you should join us?" And Bruce Wayne stopped in his tracks and looked back at the older man and Diana. Silently. Artemis half-expected the man to tell the butler off. That he wasn't invited. He wouldn't scold Wonder Woman surely, but Alfred? And would Alfred take it? Like formality required?

"Nonsense, Miss Diana. I've got a prior engagement."

Bruce smirked. "How far is her clinic from here, Alfred?"

Alfred straightened. "Enjoy your lunch, Master Bruce."

Bruce Wayne smiled. "Let Leslie know I said hello."

"Indeed, Master Bruce."

"Who's Leslie?" Artemis found herself asking Dick before she could even think.

"Leslie Thompkins. She runs Gotham Free Clinic. She and Alfred are—"

Alfred cleared his throat. "Master Dick, might I remind you that spreading rumors isn't part of a gentleman's creed."

Dick's face reddened. "Sorry, Alfred."

Mr. Wayne laughed as he stepped up to Dick. "Come on, Chum."

And with that Alfred drove off. Artemis wondered how they were going to get back. But then she mentally kicked herself. They call Alfred for a ride back to the Academy after lunch.

"I wonder how many people in there will notice." Diana said, coming up beside Mr. Wayne, intertwining her fingers with his.

"Well, you do look a bit unlike yourself."

Diana lifted an eyebrow. "Oh?"

"You don't normally wear a braid." He planted a kiss on her lips before she could say anything back. And even Artemis had to admit it was slightly sweet.

"Get a room." Dick mumbled.

Diana just laughed and pulled Bruce Wayne in for another kiss. It was their deepest and longest one yet. And Artemis found herself realizing that maybe she'd been too judgmental. Maybe Bruce Wayne wasn't so bad. Maybe there was more to him than met the eye. After all, Diana was dating him. And she had to believe that Wonder Woman saw something in him worth her time.