CH6: Serious Implications

Diana prepared herself mentally for the exchanged of words that was about to take place. She expected Bruce to bring out a literal file full of documents on why they couldn't be together and a complimenting file on why he didn't do Christmas.

"Listen carefully." Bruce began. "Assuming you get what you want, and we start seeing each other, what would happen?"

Diana was confused by the facets of his question. "Why does it only have to be based on what I want? I know you feel the same way as I do. When we saved Gorilla City, you were the only one who even bothered to dig through the rubble in hopes of finding me alive. When we took down Vandal Savage in Kasnia, we complimented each other on the battlefield and made one heck of a team. So the question is, why are you so stubborn as to deny what's clearly laid out in front of you?"

Bruce was practical. "What do you think would happen if our enemies found out we were seeing each other? All it would take is one coordinated attack to get leverage on one of us and then what? I could be blackmailed to reveal my identity, you could be exploited in ways I don't want to think about. Bottom line is, relationships within the team always lead to disaster. We cannot focus on fighting crime if we are worried about each other on the field."

"Oh come on. If you're worried about me, I can take care of myself."

"Lois said something similar to Superman. And yet she has been kidnapped by his enemies in order to get to him more times than I can count."

"I'm not Lois, or Talia, or Catwoman. I'm Diana of Themyscira, princess of the Amazons, whose strength is comparable to Superman's. You think your enemies would be able to subdue me?"

"Maybe not physically. But hypothetically, if they were to capture and threaten to kill me, what would you do?"

"I'm sure you could escape with ease…"

"THAT'S NOT WHAT I ASKED!"

Diana was startled by the yelling and a look of sadness overwhelmed her. While she was letting her emotions drive her responses, Bruce was using logic.

"I would do pretty much anything to get you back safely." She replied.

"That's the problem." Bruce replied coldly. "Leverage on one of us is leverage on both of us. I refuse to put either of us in a position where we would have to sacrifice a piece of ourselves for a situation like that."

"So that's it? You're going to let these risks get in the way of what would otherwise be a happier life for you?"

"It's not about being happy, it's about doing what's right. Even if it means pushing people away."

"So you don't trust me…"

"It's not about trust, it's about protecting you… and myself."

"That's such bull…"

"Alfred will see you out."

Bruce disappeared at the top of the steps leaving one very confused, pissed off Amazon in the dimly lit cave. She stomped her foot in anger leaving a crater in the platform.

'Hera…' She pled. 'Give me strength.'

The Amazon made her way into the mansion and had no idea where to go. The place had so many hallways, rooms, and open areas it was all so overwhelming in her emotional state. Catching a whiff of cooking she followed her nose straight into the kitchen. Alfred Pennyworth was preparing enough food for the day and was pleasantly surprised to see Diana.

"Mistress Diana, I trust your chat with master Bruce was productive?" Alfred slipped a tray containing a hickory smoked ham into the oven. He turned around and noticed the princess's eyes were watery and she looked distraught.

"Oh dear…" Removing his apron and oven mitts he made his way to the side of the kitchen she was on and placed a caring hand on the Amazon's shoulder.

"I tried Alfred… But he's just so…" In her anger she crushed the marble countertop with her bare hands and pieces of it scattered throughout the floor. "Sorry…" She said quietly.

"Quite alright, I've been trying to convince master Bruce into remodeling the kitchen anyway. Perhaps something a little more dark like black granite would suite this area of the mansion better." He smiled.

Diana tensed up not knowing what to do. The conversation between her and Bruce kept replaying in her head and each time her demeanor became more bitter.

"How can you stand to work for a man like that!" She exclaimed.

Alfred thought about it for a quick second. "I imagine the loyalty I have for Bruce stems from the same qualities he possesses that captivated your affections."

Even in her state, Wonder Woman felt a blush manifest on her glorious cheekbones. Nevertheless, the Amazon had her first taste of a broken heart. While the feelings were still there, she was in pain.

"Everything he said to me… made perfect sense. And I hate it."

"Bruce does have that nasty habit of being right most of the time. Although, there are those glorious moments where I very rarely get to tell him 'I told you so'."

Diana glanced at the humble butler wondering what he meant.

"Were you to confront him about your feelings any other time, I think he would have taken it a lot better. But my lady, today is Christmas, one of the most vulnerable times of the year for him."

Diana felt a tad bit guilty. She had no idea.

"When Bruce lost his parents his life was forever changed. He stopped being a child and stepped up to become strong enough to take care of himself. He found many ways to cope throughout the years most notably his caped crusader commitment. But the very first Christmas he had to spend without Thomas and Martha, well, the brave face he had begun to build fell apart like a ton of bricks. He was so broken that day… I'll never forget how he never had a bite of the dinner I made for him nor did he open any presents. His emotions blocked his hunger and childness completely."

Feeling an awful feeling in her gut, Diana clenched the marble countertop even harder. She figured that she would be able to show up unannounced in the watchtower bearing a gift and it would go over well. Unaware that every effort she made recently would be a constant reminder of Bruce had lost all those years ago.

"Losing his parents was an eye opener to how vulnerable people can be. Especially anyone close to him, be it through their own weaknesses, or them being exploited to harm another party. Thus he has been very careful to avoid close personal relationships, as Bruce Wayne, and Batman."

"Must be such a lonely life."

"He does occasionally… ahem… indulge in the pleasantries of being a billionaire playboy philanthropist. But you are correct in assuming that none of it fills the void his parents left."

Wonder Woman wiped the tears from her eyes and took a deep breath.

"I know you are fond of him, but your goal can't be to rescue him from the darkness. He has embraced it. Instead your focus should simply be to support him through the trials he will face later. And perhaps maybe one day, Bruce will finally let you in." Alfred comforted her.

Reignited with passion the Amazon Princess had a smile of confidence on her face. She handed the big piece of marble she "accidentally broke" from the countertop to Alfred who just accepted it with an annoyed look.

"Thanks Alfred." She gave him a hug and as she was about to leave, he handed her a piece of paper with an address on it.

"If you are serious about him, this would be the chance to show him how much."

"What is it?"

"It's where master Bruce goes every Christmas."