Bruce
Gotham City

Out of breath. Sprinting through the corridor. Too slow. Go faster.

"Where, Tim?"

"Ninth floor."

"Where on the ninth floor?!"

"Hallway to the left." Bruce turned and continued his sprint. "Left! You went right. Turn around."

Shit.

People stared wide-eyed at him as he bolted past. When he turned another corner, he saw Kate standing at the end of the hall...and that's when he heard the screaming. His heart was pounding in his chest.

Am I too late?

"Kate? Where?" He called from down the hall as he rushed past the nurse's station.

"Right here. You're just in time. Get in there."

He busted through the door Kate was standing next to and the room full of nurses jumped and screamed.

"My god! Look here, Prince Charming, I'm all for dramatic entrances, but don't give my staff heart attacks," Dr. Lewis said. "Go sit and help her out. Your kid didn't wait for an epidural."

"Bruce..." Zatanna's weak voice came from the bed, where he saw her covered in sweat, but smiling.

"Zee, are you okay?" He sat in the chair by her shoulder, grabbed her hand, and pressed his lips to her sweaty forehead.

"Fine now. I wasn't sure you'd make it."

"Wouldn't miss this for anything," he said.

"Get ready, Zatanna. It's time to push again," the doctor said.

He squeezed her hand and gave her a small smile. "You've got this."

"Mmhmm...ahhhhhhhhhh!" She strained and nearly crushed his fingers as she pushed through the contraction; it felt to him like it went on forever.

Why does she always make me feel so helpless?

When it passed, her head fell back on the pillow and her breathing was quick and shallow. He put his hand to her chest. "Breathe with me. In and out. You know the drill." She looked in his eyes and matched his slow, deep breaths.

"Glad you're here," she whispered.

"One more should do it, hun. I see that messy head of hair crowning now. Push with all you have and this little guy will join the rest of us."

He felt the grip on his hand tighten again as the next contraction started. All he could do was wait as she struggled...until he heard the soft sound of a new life crying out.

"Good job, Ms. Zatara. Placenta and you're done," a nurse near her head said as Bruce focused on the new sound.

My son. Our son.

"Okay, Momma. You ready for some skin-to-skin time?" The doctor asked, finally raising the wriggling, upset little boy where they could see him once he was cleaned off.

"Yes," she said through tears. "Gimme that kid." The doctor smiled as the nurse helped Zatanna remove her gown and then laid Thomas down on her chest. He blinked furiously to clear his eyes of tears so he could see their son. "Oh, hi. Hi, little boy." She kissed his tiny forehead and the crying calmed down. "Hey, you're okay now, aren't you? I've got ya."

Bruce leaned down and put his chin on Zee's shoulder. "You did it."

She took his hand and put it on the baby's back while the nurse covered them with a warm blanket. "We did. All three of us."

"Here's the call light. We'll give you a little alone time, but if you need anything, we're right outside the door. Just hit that button," the nurse said, heading toward the door. The doctor had already zipped away to the next birth, leaving them alone with their newest family member.

"You just couldn't give me those extra three weeks to get ready, could you?" He teased.

"You'd better be talking to him and not me, because I did not give him permission to show up today. Told you he was a morning person," she laughed. He leaned forward and kissed her gently. "Thank you for making it in time."

"Thank Tim, Barb, and Kate. It took all of them to get me here and properly dressed for the occasion."

"And Alfred. He already had a bag packed up and drove me here. Takes a village."

Thomas wiggled in her arms, fussing softly as they watched him. "He's perfect," Bruce whispered, holding his tiny hand. He leaned forward and kissed the same spot she had on his forehead. When he did, the reality that Thomas was there and his family was complete started to set in. Returning his head to Zee's shoulder, he closed his eyes and let tears run down his face and onto her skin. He was exhausted...happy. "You okay?"

"Yeah. Exhausted, but happy," she said. He laughed softly at his mirrored feelings. "What?"

"I was just thinking the same thing, but you probably have me beat." They laid there and watched the boy's face until he started to fall asleep. "I love you both so much."

"Good, cause you're stuck with us," she said with a grin. There was a knock at the door and a nurse entered with a small rolling crib.

"Is it okay if we take him for a bit and get him checked out? It won't take too long."

Zatanna sighed and looked down at the sleeping face for a long moment before finally nodding. "Okay, but be careful with him. I'm pretty in love already."

"Promise," the nurse said, carefully lifting the boy, swaddling him, and laying him on the mattress.

He noticed Zee's breathing suddenly start to pick up and he could see the panic building in her eyes. "Bruce, can you..."

"Is it okay if I go and watch?" He asked the nurse, reading her mind and feeling the same panic at the thought of Thomas being alone.

"Yeah, just follow me. There's a sink you can wash up at and a cabinet with gowns and gloves near the entrance."

"I'll send someone else in," he said, quickly kissing her again and heading to the door. "See you soon."

Zatanna
Gotham General

There's exhaustion and then there's no-sleep, just-shoved-a-kid-from-my-body exhaustion. She'd managed to doze off for less than an hour in the den before her back pain returned and woke her again. When the pain shot from her back to around her abdomen, it finally dawned on her what was happening. Alfred had answered his phone on the first ring and had her in the car within ten minutes, driving calmly to the hospital as if it were something he did on a daily basis. From there, it was a mad dash to get the doctor there and ready to play catcher. Just as she had decided Bruce wasn't going to make it in time, he barreled in the door like Batman going after a criminal. She'd never been so relieved to see someone before in her life. Somehow, someway, they had gotten it right.

The nurses came into the room to help her clean up and get into a new gown, then they wheeled her down to a different, larger room on the other end of the ninth floor. She requested a snack and some water as they left her again, but she mostly wanted sleep and Thomas back in her arms. Another knock on the door stopped her from dozing off in the quiet room.

"Come in."

"Hello, Sister," Diana said, stepping in and closing the door behind her. It was the first time Zatanna had seen her since before her trip to Hell.

"Hi. What are you doing here?"

"I was at the tower when the alert went out. Figured you could use some extra security."

Birthing alert and security detail. My life is so weird.

Diana walked to sit down in the chair next to her, taking Bruce's spot and grabbing her hand. "Congratulations," she said after a long silence. "I'm sorry I haven't been around to say that sooner."

"I understand."

"Understand what?"

"I'm not in the League anymore. I didn't expect you to..."

"I'm your friend, League or not, Zatanna. I should have been there for you."

She sighed and closed her eyes. "Why weren't you?"

Diana cleared her throat and stared at the wall. "I was upset with you for leaving."

A nurse came in and handed her a cup of water and some peanut butter crackers. "Start with this, but we'll have a nice lunch cooked up for you and your husband soon."

"Thanks. When can I see my son again?"

"It usually takes about 45 minutes to get them all cleaned up and examined, so it won't be much longer," the nurse said, taking her vital signs. "This must be your sister."

"Yes," Diana said with a quick squeeze of her fingers.

"Did you get to meet your nephew yet? He's quite a looker."

"Just briefly in the hallway. He will be a heart breaker, no doubt."

"He will be a gentleman," Zatanna interjected. Diana laughed and the nurse typed some information into the computer before leaving the room.

"Husband, huh?"

"Yeah. He pretty much claimed that as soon as he got the ring on my finger," she chuckled. "He's insisting on a wedding."

"Of course he is. Bruce is old fashioned. Don't you want one?"

"Honestly? I never did, but the more he talks about it, the more I do. His face lights up when he starts planning." She looked down at the ring on her finger and thought about how much life had changed since she and Diana last spoke. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you I was leaving. Things got bad fast and...well, that doesn't even matter. I should have told you, Di."

"Yes, you should have," she said firmly. "Especially when something gets bad. That's what sisters do."

She nodded and continued to stare at her hand, not wanting to see the disappointment on Diana's face. "Never had one before."

The door opened again and they both looked up to see a beaming Bruce enter, holding a sleeping Thomas.

"Remember this kid?" He asked, walking in and sitting down next to her. She scooted over so he could get in the bed.

"He looks a bit familiar, yes. Give him," she said, holding her arms out. He gently moved the tiny bundle to her arms and kissed her cheek. "There's my favorite guys."

Diana stood and walked to the door. "I'll give you three some time. We're taking shifts to protect the hospital, so rest easy."

"Thanks, Di," Bruce said, still staring at Thomas's face as if he couldn't get enough of the sight of him. When they were alone, he turned Zee's head and gave her a long, deep kiss. "You're incredible."

She laughed and shook her head. "No, he is."

"There are a lot of people out there who are wanting to meet him, whenever you're ready to share."

"Well, most are going to have to wait, but I'd say it's probably cruel and unusual punishment if we make Alfred stay away another minute."

"I'm glad you agree." He reached in his pocket and pulled out his phone, typing a quick text. "In five...four...three..."

Alfred walked in the door, characteristically early, holding balloons, flowers, and a teddy bear. "Congratulations to you both."

"Thank you, Alfred," she said, moving to hand Thomas over to the only other person she was currently willing to hand him over to, aside from Bruce.

"Well, well, if it isn't the new master of the house," he said, cradling and rocking him as he walked around the room.

"Wow. I've already been demoted," Bruce complained. He snuggled into her neck and pulled her closer.

"Oh, he's going to rule the roost, for sure," she said. "I'm going to spoil him rotten."

"As will I," Alfred said with a smile.

Bruce grumbled into her hair. "I'm gonna have to lay down the law. Iron fist and stuff."

"You'll spoil him worse than any of us," Alfred said. He continued to walk around the room, telling him all about his father and the life he'd be living at the manor, including a word or two about the temperamental cat that would likely try to take over his bed at some point. After several more minutes, Thomas began to wake and fuss, so she took him back. Alfred excused himself to go and check on the manor, but assured them he would be back before evening to make sure there was someone there to help out, if needed.

"The nurse said to call when he wakes up so you can try to feed him," Bruce said, grabbing the call light. Zee got butterflies in her stomach thinking about trying; from everything she'd heard, it usually took a while before babies fed properly. Her anxiety quickly vanished when Thomas latched on and went to town without too much prodding. "Definitely my boy," Bruce quipped with pride, earning him a punch to the shoulder. Shortly after Thomas's belly was full, the staff brought in lunch for them. She ate, but was almost too tired to lift the fork. Bruce wasn't doing much better, so they finally curled up and watched their sleeping bundle of joy in his crib as they surrendered to exhaustion.

The Accomplice
Gotham City

She moved across rooftops easily. Nimble, quick, and light on her feet. You'd almost dismiss her as a shadow or a wisp of smoke if you didn't know what you were looking for in the dusk of the evening. He knew exactly what he was looking for.

You want the Bat? You target his friends.

Befriending a creature like Batman was dangerous business. Fighting alongside him...even more dangerous. Her training was impressive, and taking her would be difficult, at best. There were others, though, and he was going to have to decide who was the most vulnerable...who was the easiest to take...who was the best bargaining chip to get Elliott back.

A siren sounded nearby, getting her attention and his. He stepped back into the shadows as she hastily moved to the next building.

Another evening, maybe.

Bruce
Gotham General

Babies don't sleep for very long at a time. Their baby was no exception, but he'd stayed out for almost two hours before fussing them awake. Zatanna was thrilled that he was eating well and had a good health report from the doctor so far. Bruce was thrilled that the birth had gone well and that the League was kindly providing security until they could get back home and inside the wards that he no longer had any issue with.

"He has your chin," Zee said, studying Thomas's face.

"It's a Wayne family special. Practically unavoidable." He lounged on the couch and flipped through the TV stations, trying to find something tolerable to have on in the background.

News...no, I already know it all
Horror movie...no, our lives are scarier
Romantic comedy...no...just no
Football...sure, whatever

He tossed the remote onto the window sill and got up. "Move it over or hand him over." Zatanna shot him a glare and scooted over in the bed to make room for him to lie down next to her. "Okay, now hand him over."

"You said 'or'. I moved," she said, not surrendering the baby.

"I helped make him, you know," he frowned. "Even made it here for the birth."

She rolled her eyes and huffed. "Fine, fine." He laughed as she begrudgingly transferred the squirmy mess to him and kissed his cheek. "You need to shave."

"I was thinking of skipping it for a while. Let the beard grow. I need to look more manly now that I'm a father."

"Batman with a beard, huh? I'd like to see that."

"Bushy beard. Handlebar mustache. Beer gut...the works. Full dad mode." Thomas looked up at him with the bluest of eyes as he spoke.

"I'm sure no one would catch on that you're both Bruce Wayne and Batman then." She put her finger in his tiny hand and he held onto it as she smiled. "Who do you have out there patrolling while we lay around?"

"Tim, Di, and Victor."

"That's it? How will we ever rest knowing we're so under-protected?" Her voice had a heavy note of sarcasm.

He looked at her out of the corner of his eye. "How many times have you almost gotten yourself killed in the last two years?"

She held up her hand and started thinking and counting them out. When she got to the fourth finger, she shrugged and mumbled "...well, not really, I mean, I had it under..."

"Count it."

Frowning at him, she continued on, raising the other hand. "I dunno, like eight, maybe? Give or take."

"Give. It's just until we get home," he said. There were some things he wasn't willing to risk. He asked the League for help as soon as Zatanna had returned to Gotham and they were happy to volunteer their time for hospital guard duty. "Clark and J'onn are relieving them at midnight."

"Thanks...really. It is nice to know we're safe. I'm not quite up to ward strength yet."

"At least you don't have this little leech draining you now," he tapped on the baby's nose and grinned.

"Mmm...I'll be grateful for that. I'm so sick of using a toothbrush."

He sighed and shook his head. "Of all the things you do with magic, you miss that."

"It. Is. Tedious."

"I'm just glad I don't have to worry about you driving anymore...if it can be called that."

"Okay, that's it, smart mouth. Give my baby back," she said, scowling and reaching to steal him.

"Nope. Your mistake for handing him over."

"You know, just because..." She was working up to a fake tirade, but was interrupted by another knock on the door. "This isn't over, baby hog. Come in, Barb."

"Hey, guys," Barb said, entering with her arms loaded with bags. "I went by the house and got more stuff for you so you don't get bored here. Books, newspapers, tablet, and more clothes for you, Zee."

"Thanks. We'll probably only be here another day or so, if everything goes well."

"Yeah, but no need to forego creature comforts. Speaking of creatures, give me that one," she said to Bruce, holding out her arms expectantly. He gave her the blankest stare he could muster. "Uh...what did I do to deserve that look?"

"Good luck. He's a certified baby hog," Zatanna said. "It's sad, really. Only child syndrome...never learned to share."

He slowly turned his head and gave her the same look, which she mirrored. "You're an only child, too."

"Is Dick just going to stand out in the hallway all evening or is he coming in?" She smirked as his look shifted immediately to one of surprise, signaling a quick end to their stare-off. Barb muttered something about "big, dumb coward" and walked back to the door. She reentered, dragging a sheepish Dick by the collar.

"Yes, he's coming in," she said, holding her hands out again in an attempt to steal Thomas. Zee elbowed him in the ribs, so he finally picked him up and handed him to her.

"Be. Careful."

"I've held babies before, you know." She smiled and bounced him gently as she walked around the room and baby talked him.

Dick walked over and shook his hand, then gave Zee a quick peck on the cheek. "Congrats, you two."

He wondered how much he meant that, but Zatanna smiled and thanked him as if he were any other visitor.

"Thank you, son. Have a seat."

Barb had taken over the couch and was still cooing and loving on Thomas, so Dick sat next to her and grinned.

With that face, the kid will win everyone over.

He might have been a bit proud. Any man would be: beautiful, young wife...handsome kid...perfect family. All things he never thought he would have without giving up life as Batman...and to have Dick and the rest of his family around made it all seem complete. He was finally living the charmed life he'd been faking for so many years.

"Take a walk with me?" He asked Zee, who had sleepy eyes. "The nurse wanted you to move around some and we have babysitters for the moment."

She didn't look thrilled with the idea, but got up and put her robe and slippers on. Grabbing her hand, he led her into the hallway. After a few laps around the floor, he found an empty waiting area at the end of the hall that overlooked the city and pulled her inside.

"What's in here?"

"Just us," he said, putting his arms around her and resting his chin on her shoulder while she looked out across the skyline. "How are you feeling?"

"Tired, but good. I'll heal up when we get home. Don't want to freak the nurses out too much." She leaned back into him. "I love you, Bruce Wayne."

"Enough to marry me?"

"You already know the answer to that."

"It's always nice to hear it again."

She turned in his arms and looked up at him with the still-sleepy eyes. "I will marry you. I will spend the rest of my life with you."

"What if you live for thousands of years and I only live to 99?"

"Then I'll spend the next sixty three years with you and then be lonely and depressed for the remaining thousands."

He smiled and kissed her. "Now that's what I like to hear."

"That I'll be lonely and depressed?" She shoved against his chest, but he held her tight. "You're supposed to tell me to live a full, wonderful, happy life without you. Carry on in your memory."

"That's stupid and I would be lying. Lonely and depressed. It's really the only dignified option for a widow."

"Dignified? You're an idiot. Did you bring me in here to talk about your eventual death?"

"Maybe..." He kissed her again, tangling his fingers in her messy hair. "I just wanted to get you alone for a minute, but let's get back before Barbara decides to abscond with our son."

Zatanna
Gotham General

It's amazing how one little life can change everything. She'd never seen the look on Bruce's face that she was now seeing when he held their son. It wasn't just happiness; he looked content...whole.

Okay...just don't screw this up...for the next sixty six years.

Alfred had rejoined the room when they got back and Barb and Dick looked every bit the happy couple as they doted on the newest member of the family. Bruce was quick to reclaim his son and flop back down in the bed next to her.

"Who's monitoring Kate on patrol?"

"Barry for now. I'm taking over once we leave here. Considering the firepower you currently have in the center of town, her night will probably be pretty easy," Barb said. "She'll stop by in the morning to check on you guys." She and Dick headed toward the door as she spoke. "We'll head out so you can all rest. Congrats again."

"See you," Dick said quietly, not making much eye contact, but playing nice. It was a huge relief to see that they were making progress, for Bruce's sake. Alfred followed them shortly thereafter, making sure they were set for the night. Thomas started to get fussy again, so she fed him with Bruce watching on with curiosity.

"What does that feel like?"

"Weird. Not uncomfortable, but almost. There's a very good reason babies aren't born with teeth."

He winced at the thought and turned his attention to his phone. Kate's tracker was moving across the screen as he watched, unable to leave it completely. It didn't bother her, especially since he would usually be on patrol at that moment. She was grateful that the others were all willing to help out.

"You going into the office tomorrow?"

"Hell, no. You think I'd leave you two here?" He gave her his usual "you're insane" look and put his phone down. "I'd never be able to stay awake, anyway." With a dramatic yawn to emphasize his point, he laid his head over on the pillow and looked up at her.

"He should sleep for a while after this," she said, feeling every bit as tired as he looked. He kept watching her, fighting to stay awake. "You can sleep, it's okay."

"I will when you two sleep."

It wasn't long before Thomas fell still and they were able to curl up again. The bed was cramped, but having his arms around her was worth the limited space. He was snoring within minutes while she laid awake and watched Thomas in his crib. Bruce was right...he was perfect. Every sweet dream she'd had for the last nine months had come true, and for once in her life, she went to sleep crying tears of joy.