A/N: This is the first POV fanfic I've ever written. It takes place in Bruce's POV as he thinks about someone... I'm pretty sure we know who that someone is lol :D. Enjoy!
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Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Justice League or DC Comics characters and/or material. Trust me, if I did, Wonderbat would've been a thing much sooner.
Summary: Facing his potential demise, Bruce thinks about one person in particular, and how she had become a beacon of light in his dark life. (Bruce's POV)
Only Her (DCAU):
I struggle against the bonds that surround my entire body, trying to find any weakness to the chains that bind my arms and legs together. I have been in many scenarios similar to this one: my life hanging in the balance, with little time to think of escape as my captor watches on somewhere within the shadows, a sickening grin on their face at the thought of killing me once and for all. But then I would escape, thwarting my rival's attempts and bringing them before the due process of law. However, this time might be different. This time, the rival may have gotten me.
Tonight had been a routine patrol—only a few muggings and a small bank heist being the highlights of the night—when reports came in of a Riddler sighting by Gotham's train yards. I should have noticed the vagueness of the message, how direct and seemingly forced the report sounded through the GCPD's radio channel. However, it had been a slow night, in addition to a long week of League missions and Wayne Enterprise meetings, and I was primed for taking down one of Gotham's notable villains, stopping Nygma before any innocents could be hurt in his attempts to destroy me through his battle of intellect.
I arrived at the train yards within minutes of the report, thankful my patrol route for tonight put me only several blocks away at the time of the spotting. I quickly noticed the quietness of the train yard, with no lights or any signs of activity within the numerous lined railroad cars. Deciding to make a quick sweep of the area to be certain that it was a false read, I quickly scouted the railcars, checking to make sure there were no gadgets or explosives left behind by Riddler in an attempt to distract me from his escape. However, as I moved towards the end of the train yard, I somehow missed the false floor by one of the railcars, and just as I realized the trap I was standing on, the floor gave way, leading to a slight fall before my world went black.
Now, I'm suspended upside down twenty feet above the ground, solid carbon-steel chains wrapped tightly around my arms and legs by what I'm assuming were Riddler's robot henchmen, machines that he sees as "improvements" over any human counterpart. The chains are bonded by three locks, all of them custom-made by Nygma himself with no keyhole or number combination, meaning that they are essentially impossible to pick. I'm facing a ten minute timer already counting down, of which a fully automatic machine gun is hooked up to facing in my direction. The entire setup was extremely obnoxious—I could have been killed easily while I was knocked out—but for the Riddler, this is more about humiliation than the potential prize of killing me, sacrificing the easy kill in order to see if I can escape his death trap one last time.
Just below me on the ground-level were four of Nygma's custom robot henchmen sitting within each corner of the room, watching my every move. I couldn't spot the Riddler, meaning that he either left or is observing me from a room somewhere close by. With his prideful and arrogant nature, the second option seemed more of his style.
The room itself was relatively small in terms of length and width, however the ceiling extends to about thirty feet. No skylight or windows could be seen, meaning that a quick escape was also not possible. Knowing Riddler, he is probably jamming my communications as well, meaning that a call for backup was unlikely. The worst part is that the robots confiscated my utility belt, leaving me with very little tools in order to make my escape.
I never like to admit it, but my chances of escape were looking very low. The only tools I had on me were a few lock picks, three emergency batarangs, and a singular smoke bomb, all of which are currently useless unless I can get free of my bonds. I jerk my body back and forth, hoping to find any movement that would allow me to slip one of my arms out of my steel bindings, giving myself a chance to escape with my life.
As I search for any possible way to free my arms, my mind begins to wander as I struggle to discover a way out. Although I never give up, I always consider every outcome, and right now the outcome of me not surviving this trap was a likely possibility. I always knew that I would never live to an old age, eventually dying either by the hands of a Gotham villain or through self sacrifice. Of course, plans have already been set up years ago in case of my death, a sort of 'Knightfall' protocol hidden away in files that no one but Alfred knows about. If activated, my assets and property as Bruce Wayne will be distributed to certain specified individuals as according to my will, while the Batcave and all related items (which of course was not laid out specifically in the will) will be given to the Batclan for further use.
While I always hoped that the protocol would never have to be enacted, I knew that being Batman can only end in misfortune. I never made the promise to my parents those somewhat-thirty years ago as a way of making a hobby. From the start, I knew that my time as Batman would always be an uphill battle, fighting and training harder each and every day to outsmart the brute enemies attempting to break me, be fast enough to dodge a spray of bullets, controlling my mind against my worst fears, and worst of all, preventing myself from falling into the darkness that have taken so many within this city.
There have been times when that darkness has almost claimed me whole. Of course, the years following my parents' death have always been a constant struggle of balancing on a fine line: one side where I embrace the darkness that created Batman, making me a symbol of fear and justice, while the other side is trying to remember my humanity, remembering the times where I was happy and content and seeking for the opportunity to love and be loved.
I know that I have people that care for me. Alfred has been with me since the beginning, watching as the young, angry boy kneeling at his parents' grave turned into a vengeful man, seeking justice on those who try to hurt the innocent. Even with the many items that I've lashed out at him, come home with another injury, or worked myself to the brink of exhaustion, Alfred stands strong with me, providing me with the closest thing to a father that he can offer, and for that I'm forever grateful for him. He was the one who taught me how to be a proper man, giving me pointers on how to act as Bruce Wayne, and of course some of my tricks I use as Batman.
Those who have fought alongside me in my quest to save Gotham from its own destruction are some of the closest people to me. The 'Batclan', as dubbed by Dick of course, is the closest thing to a true family that I have. I never wanted anyone becoming involved in my line of work; no one should ever have to go through the things I do every night, the pain inflicted on me by the criminally insane, the gruesome sights that would make many turn their heads away in disgust in learning what this city's underworld is truly capable of. Yet, seeing others on the verge of becoming broken by this city, I could not help but open myself up to them, providing them with the comfort and care that was so foreign to me as a child. I never intended to let it get this far, but I don't regret my actions in any capacity.
Thrashing at the bonds that restrict me from my freedom, holding me up like a piece of livestock about to be gunned down for slaughter, I knew my time was running out. A quick glance back at the clock showed me my remaining time: five singular minutes. I knew that I had to work fast, or else I would be facing the one thing that I've eluded since that time in the alley: death.
My mind begins wandering one final time, a place that I'm not surprised would be my final thoughts on the brink of my demise. It's been difficult lately thinking about anything but her, the Princess of the Amazons, Ambassador to Themyscira, known around the world as Wonder Woman, but to me, she's Diana, the Princess.
It's been over two and a half years since I met the remarkable woman, when her crimson-red heels touched down on the cliff side during the alien invasion. Her beauty instantly captivated me, causing my eyes to linger on her form, the way her lips parted and moved as she spoke, the way her long, silky black hair flowed gracefully in the wind, how her blue eyes sparkled during the description of her homeland. I was enchanted from the beginning, however it took me a full year to figure out that I was under her spell.
The dance in Paris was when I truly realized my feelings for Diana. Watching her walk into the ballroom with the form-fitting black dress, my mind instantly blurred out anything else but her. She was the focal point of my attention, and I was captivated by her exquisiteness. Seeing men group around her, throwing her questions as if they were hungry vultures teasing their food, an unfamiliar emotion overcame me, causing me to push my way through the crowd in order to rescue Diana, like a fantastical knight saving the beautiful princess. Holding her in my arms, staring into those glimmering aquamarine-blue eyes, a foreign feeling I'd thought I would never experience again encompassed me. For the first time since before I can truly name, I was stunned by the beautiful woman dancing in my arms, the attraction I had for the Princess causing me to catch my breath.
Of course, our dance was interrupted, causing Diana and I to go on a long mission in order to save Kasnia from Vandal Savage's clutches. By the sunrise of the next day, however, it was revealed to me by the Princess herself, wearing a proud grin on her face, that she deduced my secret identity. Ironically, I didn't seem to care. I denied her claims—it is in my nature as Batman—but inside, I felt relief, the big secret truly keeping us from becoming close now gone just as quickly as she discovered my identity. It was both thrilling and terrifying, however the freedom that came with this knowledge was unmatchable, and I was left to deal with the recognition of this attraction I had for a close colleague, and a closer friend.
Now knowing the man behind the mask, Diana and I grew extremely close. The first time she visited Wayne Manor was a little over a month after our dance in Paris. In the month-long period before that, however, we joked with each other, boarding on the line of flirting, and increased the amount we spared together, essentially becoming each other's exclusive sparring partners.
After arriving home from a long day at the office filled with paperwork and board meetings, I open the door from the garage leading to the main foyer to hear a female laugh coming from the Manor's private kitchen. Confused, I briskly made my way to the source of the sound, throwing off my jacket onto a chair and undoing my tie to hang loosely around my neck and I hurriedly crossed the great distance to the kitchen. Arriving at the open door, I was shocked to see none other than Diana sitting at the breakfast bar dressed in civilian clothes, eating a slice of chocolate cake while laughing at something that Alfred had said.
The first set of eyes I met belonged to my faithful butler, giving me a pointed and amused look as he saw me standing slightly slack-jawed in the kitchen entrance. He knew of the developing relationship I've had with Diana. It is impossible for anything regarding the Batfamily to happen without Aflred's knowledge, and he quickly learned about my dance with Diana in Paris and promptly questioned me about the night. I didn't reveal too many details, but I did admit that she discovered the Batman's true identity. To my surprise, he responded with a slight smirk, and I knew from that moment that Alfred's mind was set on Diana becoming a bigger part of my life.
My glance then shifted over to the cause of my shock, watching as her beautiful eyes widened in surprise, before giving my attire a quick glance and reconnecting our eyes, awarding me with a large smile and a softness in her eyes I've never seen her give anyone else. She insisted that I sit with her and try some of Alfred's homemade chocolate cake, and only due to the stern look in Alfred's eyes (at least that's what I've been telling myself this past year) I decided to join Diana and talk freely about any topic. I've had conversations with her before, personal ones involving information I've rarely told anyone as well, however sitting at the breakfast bar, slightly blushing in embarrassment as Aflred told stories of my adventurous childhood, it was the first time I've ever felt normal since the night I lost my parents. It was strange, yet welcome.
The first time we kissed properly was the moment I was finally confronted with my inner feelings and desires for this wonderful woman. The kiss, happening at seemingly random as a way to hide from the attacking Thanagarians, unlocked something deep within me, something I'd thought I buried and locked away ever since donning the cowl, throwing away the key never to be found again. However, as her lips locked onto mine, engaging in the most recognizable form of intimacy with the Amazon Princess, I realized that she somehow found that key I threw away, and she used it to unlock the bindings that held something untouched for the longest time: my heart.
I'll never forget how her fingers twirled through the thin strands of hair that grazed my neck, how soft her lips felt against mine, how she tasted like the sweetest honey. At one point, I pulled back from her face, intending to catch the breath she stole from me, however the Princess was persistent, grabbing the side of my face and reengaging our kiss so much that I became lost in it. Holding Diana in my arms, my hands buried in her soft, black hair, my entire world only focused on the soft woman in my arms, I realized that for the first time since I became Batman, I was falling in love.
Denying that I was in love with Diana to anyone who asked was easy; secrecy has been a part of my life for longer than I could remember. Aflred was the first to confront me, noticing Diana's lingering gazes on me during both the Thanagarian Invasion and her extended stay at Wayne Manor while the second Watchtower was being built. He's a great detective, and it took him only a few weeks to approach me about my relationship with the Princess.
I denied any feelings for her, of course, however despite his outward appearance, I could tell Alfred knew I was in denial. He told me of Diana's lingering gazes on me, her inquisitive mindset regarding my life and some general facts about me that she's asked Alfred. While I didn't physically react to his remarks, I distinctly remember my heart fluttering in my chest, cursing how I felt like a schoolboy hearing that their crush liked them back. However, this relationship… Diana… was more than a crush. While I didn't realize it then, she became my everything.
It wasn't until our run-in with Circe did I realize the grasp that Diana had on my heart. Before, I was able to admit to myself that I did love her, however I had no choice but to forget this attraction and focus myself on the mission. It was something I've done before, pushing matters of the heart aside in order to focus on my crusade against crime. Sure, it would hurt for some time, but it was something I was used to, something I could overcome.
I'd thought that I would never feel that fear I felt sitting in the alley way again, watching as my parents grasped on their last breath, those who I loved suffering before my very eyes, When Diana was cursed by Circe, it was the first time I've ever felt fear akin to that since my parents' murder. I was like a wild animal, barking at anyone who attempted to stop me in my quest to save Diana. If it wasn't for Zatanna, I don't know if I would've been able to figure out a way to save the Princess. I knew I've hurt my life-long friend before, especially when I saw the hurt in Zatanna's eyes when I told her that Diana was someone special to me, but I'm forever grateful for her help in retrieving Diana, saving her from a fate I dare not even think about.
Of course, Zatanna still teases me about the singing performance I gave, even going as far as to let Diana herself in on the secret of my "heroics," as Zatanna likes to tease. Both women have frequently asked for a repeated performance, of which I aptly responded, "Absolutely not."
I've known for a while that Diana wanted to extend our relationship past just teammates into something more, something intimate. She's been forward with her feelings for me, yet I've done my best to try and ignore her, telling myself that it was better for both of us if I ignored the attraction we both knew existed between us.
As I glanced back up to large, blaring numbers on the timer, watching as the neon red digits hit two minutes, something extremely rare started forming in my mind: regret. I always believed to live a life with no regrets, no instances where I would look back and say "maybe." If I missed an opportunity, I would simply move on, understanding why I missed the opportunity and just accepting the course I was on. However, as I hung binded by the thick steel chains, staring into the face of my supposed death, I began to regret every wasted moment I had with Diana, regretting not spending more time with the Princess, regretting not seeing her beautiful smile, her beautiful lips on mine once more. I regretted not knowing her touch, regretting never knowing how she could set me ablaze in moments of passion, and, most of all, I regretted not knowing what it felt like to be loved by her, my Princess, my Diana.
Something in me snapped at that moment. This regret turned into a fire that was blazing across my whole body, a rage and determination I've never experienced before. With a renewed vengeance, I thrashed at the steel chains binding my limbs together, searching for any movement as the timer continued to count down. After a few moments of twisting, I was finally able to loosen the chains enough to get my right arm out. I quickly leaned up, reaching into a hidden side compartment on my boot that stored an extra batarang. With all of my might, I thrusted the batarang at the top metal lock securing the chains around my body, watching as sparks occasionally flew off as metal scraped against metal.
After one final forceful attempt, the shackle of the lock snapped off, allowing me to wrench my other arm out of the chairs. I made quick work of the second lock in the same manner, finally undoing the chains around my upper torso. Without wasting time, I leaned up and reached for the lock at my feet, using the emergency batarang to chip at the final restraint to my freedom. I glanced up at the timer, trepidation running over me as I saw the numbers display only fifteen seconds left.
I increased my efforts, putting all of my strength into breaking the final lock. Looking up at the timer with five seconds left, I took one final heave at the lock, sending the batarang down upon it like an axe slicing through wood. The lock snapped, causing me to drop into a free fall just as the timer hit zero seconds, resulting in the automated machine gun spraying an array of bullets exactly where I was dangling a few mere seconds ago. Thankfully, the machine gun had no target to hit.
I quickly orientate myself in the air using my cape, almost like a parachute. I scanned my landing area, noticing how the four robots suddenly activated and turned to look at me gliding down towards them. I knew that I had no choice but to engage them.
I took out my singular-remaining smoke bomb from a hidden compartment in my gauntlet, throwing it towards the ground while simultaneously throwing the spare batarang currently in my hand at one of the robot henchmen. My aim proved to be true for both shots, with the batarang striking the mechanical head of one robot while the smoke bomb landed perfectly in the center of the room. Wasting no time, I landed discreetly in the smoke, taking out my final two remaining batarangs and using them as small blades, attacking the blinded robots with lightning fast reflexes. I'm not sure if it was the adrenaline of the situation or some other unknown factor, but I made quick work of the robots, taking the remaining three out within a matter of a minute.
As the smoke dissipated, I glanced at the scattered pieces of metal that used to be the Riddler's henchmen surrounding me on the concrete floor. Something catches my eye, and I look up to see a viewing window at the far end of the room, one that was out of my sight while I was my chain bindings. Sitting behind the window was Nygma himself, a stunned expression upon his face in seeing me with no injuries at all.
His stunned expression quickly shifted to anger, with the supposed genius running out of the observation room with a small firearm in his right hand. He barely made his way out of the door before his hand was struck by my batarang, knocking the firearm out of his hand before he could even have the thought of using it.
"It's over, Nygma. You failed," I replied, my tone hard as I let the Riddler know that his attempt to take my life was foiled once again.
Riddler screamed in rage, before making a last attempt at rushing at me, hoping to get in a lucky shot. It proved to be pointless, however, as a quick sidestep followed by a roundhouse kick to Riddler's head finally stopped the madman.
I searched the observation room, finding my utility belt hanging on the back of a chair. Clipping on my trustworthy accessory, I rebooted my suits systems, bringing back online my suit's sensors in order to let Alfred know that I was safe. I took a look at the clock I have stored in my utility belt, slightly groaning in seeing the time displaying 5:13am on the digital clock. It appeared that I would have to take off the morning from Wayne Enterprises so I could get enough sleep for the day.
I quickly secured Riddler, before finding my way out of the underground base under the train yard with Nygma hauled over my shoulder. I tied him up to a rail marker, alerting the GCPD of his location. Knowing that Riddler was taken care of, I remotely signaled the Batmobile, calling it to my location.
Once inside of the car, I instantly received a call from the Batcave.
"Master Bruce?" Alfred hesitantly asked over the secure channel.
"I'm here, Aflred," I replied, fighting the urge to yawn.
"Oh thank heavens!" Alfred exclaimed. "You've been missing for four hours! Is everything okay?"
"I had a run-in with the Riddler. Don't worry, he won't be seeing the outside of a jail cell for a while," I responded.
"That's great to hear, Master Bruce," Aflred said. "Is there anything that you require before you return?"
I thought about Alfred's question for a moment, one thing on the forefront of my mind that could not be ignored any longer.
"Actually yes," I began. "Can you contact Diana for me and ask her to come to the Manor. I need to discuss something with her."
After a brief moment of stunned silence, Alfred's voice filled in through the communicator. "Of course, sir. I'll notify the Princess immediately… and apologize on your behalf for waking her up at this hour."
Although I knew he couldn't see it, I gave a smirk in response to Alfred's comment. "Thanks, Alfred," I responded. I turned off the communicator, turning my focus to the road and just enjoying the silence that the drive provided. It allowed me ample time to think over what I was about to do, the risk I was going to be taking in hopefully a few short moments.
But after tonight's revelations, I know that no calculations, no preparations could prepare me for the matter I was about to confront. My logic has saved me numerous times throughout my life, but today, my heart was the only thing guiding me to something that I've secretly longed for.
Before long, the Batmobile sped through the secret entrance to the Batcave, coming to a stop at its normal resting place. The car spun around to face the entrance of the cave for a quick exit, before the top to the Batmobile slid back, allowing me to jump out of my car.
Taking off my cowl, I found Alfred waiting for me at the top of the staircase leading to the main platform.
"Good evening sir," Aflred greeted. "Miss Diana has already arrived, albeit very nervous about the details of this unprompted meeting. I requested for her to wait for your return in the family room."
Smiling to Aflred—while feeling a slight flutter in my stomach on hearing that Diana was already here—I responded, "Thanks, Alfred. I'm going to quickly shower, then I'll be up to greet her."
Nodding in response, Alfred turned to go back upstairs. I quickly went to the shower, my thoughts running fast as I thought of the correct words to say to her, the words I've been wanting to tell her for months but never had the courage to.
It was one of the fastest showers I've ever taken, and I quickly dried myself before putting on some loose workout clothing. As I made my way up the staircase that would put me face to face with the one woman who has a hold on my heart, my heart and mind were in battle as the old fears and worries started to make their way to the surface. Reaching the top of the stairs, looking at the secret door that was the only barrier between me and Diana, I cleared my thoughts, allowing myself for the first time in my life to be guided by my heart, and not by my mind.
I opened the clock entrance, with the family room and the object of my thoughts coming into view. My breath caught in my throat in seeing her, her beauty once again having me in disbelief. She was dressed in her Wonder Woman regalia, a slight mishap on my part for not providing more details about this meeting.
"Bruce?" Diana questioned, looking me over with a worried gaze to see if I was injured. I stared into her questioning and slightly tired eyes, somehow falling in love with her even more.
"Diana," I softly said, a small smile on my face as I took in her presence. I could tell that she was still confused as to why I called her to the Manor at such an ungodly hour, but what I wanted to say couldn't wait any longer.
I motioned to the large couch in the middle of the room, sitting down next to her so our legs were brushing against one another, sparks flowing through my body as her bare knees touched my clothed ones. I took her hand in mine, watching as surprise and, dare I say, hopefulness appeared in her eyes as I gazed into the blue depths.
I began telling her everything that I thought about while I was trapped by the Riddler, the depth of my feelings and desires that I have for her only. As I continued on my story, laying out what my heart has been yearning for, the nervous expression on her face that she first greeted me with slowly turned into a bright, beautiful smile, and by the time I was done, winded from finally telling her everything that I've kept inside for years, a single tear of joy fell down her face, symbolizing both her recognition of my love for her, and in return her admittance of her love for me.
And as she brought my head towards her lips, finally accepting and embracing something we've both been dancing around for years, for that moment, the weight of the world feels as if it was taken off my shoulders. Diana now knows the extent of my feelings for her, how much I love her, and she not only accepted it, but she also gave me her love in return.
It nearly took my death to realize it, but as I became lost in the kiss that I share with my Princess, I knew I made the right decision in telling Diana that my love, and my future, belong to only her.
The End