RIP the man, the myth, the legend, Kevin "The Batman" Conroy! No one will ever top his incredible performances.
Making the Best of It
Chapter 35
Wayne Manor
Alfred stood at the bottom of the grand staircase, patiently observing as the four-year old Elissa made her way down the stairs. Her treasured blanket wrapped around her, one of her toys in one hand, her other hand holding onto the bars of the banister as she went down one step at a time.
Her little mind carefully processed her legs moving one at a time. Her little hand tight against a bar. As she moved closer to the floor, she noticed her grandfather patiently watching her move along.
It was automatic for her. Her mind flooded with fond memories of Alfred Pennyworth.
The old butler was completely caught off guard by the child.
She effortlessly bested him.
She flashed him a disarming bright smile and innocent articulation. "I love you."
The man's eyes widened, his heart burst with jubilation, completely caught off guard by her sudden sentence.
His eyes followed her as she finished the steps. A smile formed on his old face, and he returned with adoration. "I love you, too, Miss Elissa."
Elissa flashed him another smile and ran off in search of her parents leaving Alfred behind without care.
The old Englishmen merely followed her, a smile still on his lips as nostalgia struck him. He recalled a very long time ago; a young Bruce had done the same thing to him. It was quick, leaving the man unable to utter anything. He hadn't been with the Wayne's for long when Bruce said those sacred words, not truly understanding the weight to them. Nor did Alfred understand the importance of returning such affection.
This time there was no hesitation nor reluctance. He cherished that little girl with all his heart. Truly honored to be gifted such a position as 'Grandfather'. He was wary of being the sole guardian to Bruce after the tragedy, worried he would never be enough nor able to provide what a child desperately needed following such a calamity.
While over the years he doubted his enabling or inability of changing Bruce's ways upon beginning this never-ending crusade. He was grateful that following all the pain and disaster that plagued this house, this child was a break.
Gifted the life a young Bruce Wayne had before Crime Alley.
And this time, Alfred would be there to guard the innocence of Elissa.
He found the child in the dining room with Bruce and Diana both working on a combined project with the Wayne Foundation and Wayne Enterprises. Stacks of paper surrounded the adults, laptop computers in front of them.
Elissa, wanting to be around her parents was sitting in one of the antique chairs next to Diana, her blanket curled around her frame and her toy in front of her silently playing. Occasionally, the raven-haired beauty would pause in her work and her fingers would slip under the child's shirt assaulting her belly bringing her into a giggling fit.
Her daughter's laughter was sweet music to the woman's ears, bringing a warm smile to her face.
Seeing an opening the butler interjected, "Can I get anyone anything?"
Diana turned to the man, "I'm fine, Alfred. Thank you," she replied pleasantly.
The butler's eyes went to the master of the house. Bruce oblivious to him, caused the older man to address him. "Master Bruce, can I get you anything?"
Bruce barely spared him a glance, "No."
It was abrupt, almost curt. But that was expected when the man was deep in his work. This behavior was reserved for cases or something he was passionate about. Meaning this latest project was something Bruce deeply cared about.
Alfred faced the little girl content with playing.
"And you, Miss Elissa. Can I get you anything? Are you hungry?"
Elissa was oblivious to the man still enraptured in play. It was only when her mother nudged her did she look away from her toy.
"Grandpa is speaking to you," Diana told her, slightly pointed.
Elissa looked up to Alfred with blank expression.
"Are you hungry? I have fresh apple slices," he offered.
"Apples!" She shouted in excitement.
"I will be right back," Alfred said with a grin, heading towards the kitchen.
When he returned with Elissa's snack, the girl dived into them, silently watching her parents' work. Her mind soaking everything they were doing.
When the parents were finished, both stretching in their chairs, restoring blood flow. Bruce stood up to stretch his legs, moving to the yawning little girl, who had just woken up.
"Did you have a nice nap?" he wondered.
His little girl only moaned, arms automatically reaching out to wrap around his neck.
In an instant, Bruce held his daughter in his arms, her head resting on his shoulder, eyes slowly closing.
Diana watched from her seat, finding the scene adorable.
"Did you hear about Arthur?" She suddenly spoke.
"No. What's happened?" the dark-haired man took the seat his daughter had been using.
"He and Mera are having a baby," she told him joyfully.
"Oh?" Bruce was mildly surprised. At the mere mention of a baby, he glanced down at his sleeping daughter in his arms, gently rubbing her back before looking back at the woman.
"They haven't been married that long, have they?"
The Amazon shook her head. "No, not very long. They announced it the other day at the Hall," she explained.
"Well, good for them," he uttered. Subtly trying to steer this conversation away from babies.
Unfortunately, Diana could read him very well. And could see that he was uncomfortable. And it would be wrong to tease someone in an uncomfortable position.
Inwardly, she smiled deviously. She could sense that babies were a sensitive topic for him. It had only been a few years since Elissa was born.
Crossing her legs, the fine limb dangling, a devious smile on her red lips and a wicked glint in her eyes sparkling.
"What do you think?"
"About?"
"Us having another one," she explained plainly.
Bruce struggled against expressing his surprise. But he couldn't. His heart skipped a beat, his face filled with shock at her statement.
With bewildered eyes, he stared at the slumbering child safe and sound in his strong arms.
"Another baby?" he uttered, seeking further elaboration.
He saw her smile that smile that made his heart flutter, slowly nod her head.
"Elissa would be delighted to have a little sister," Diana expressed warmly, hand jutting out to said daughter.
"Are you sure we would even have the time for another child?" Bruce responded, slightly shifting in his seat.
"We could make it work," the raven-haired woman shrugged nonchalantly, loving watching him squirm.
"But your work keeps you busy. Can you handle being out of the field with tending to another baby?" he questioned, secretly hoping to dissuade her of desiring another child now.
Diana showed a contemplative look, she hadn't expected him to fight dirty, but she wasn't going to take it lying down. "I would put our new baby ahead of my own wants," she put elegantly.
The billionaire was starting to sweat, his heart beginning to pound in his chest. "Diana…"
She interjected, "We're so good at practicing," she reminded him subtly of their active sex life. The smoldering gaze in her azure eyes made his mouth dry. "We could wind up pregnant with forgoing the protection," she thought aloud.
He was getting antsy, and he showed it.
A thought suddenly struck him. "Wait. You said a sister. What if the next one was a boy?"
She instantly leaned forward, a sultry look burning in her eyes. "We will just have to keep going until we get another girl," she said breathlessly.
She said it like a temptress that swung a sledgehammer to his fabled willpower, cracking it.
He swallowed nervously, curing his dry mouth.
He forced himself to look away, stare at something—anything to get the sight of his beautiful lover out of his face. He would give in to her if he continued to look at her.
Diana leaned back chuckling slightly at his antics.
"You're an evil woman," he grumbled, provoking another fit of laughter from Diana.
"We're busy, Diana. I'm not sure I even want another one," he uttered earnestly.
Gone was the little game she was playing and suddenly their conversation grew grim.
"I see," she started slowly. Disappointment in her voice. She started to feel guilty. Perhaps they should have had an honest conversation about more children rather than her being a tease.
Truthfully, she wasn't certain she wanted more children either. Bruce was right. They were both busy. Elissa had just started school. And Diana seemed to, after a couple of years, finally land on her feet following Elissa's birth. She had a good thing going as Wonder Woman. Working with the Justice League and working as Diana Prince at the Wayne Foundation.
Another baby would jam the pace she had up.
Bruce felt at fault at seeing the disheartened look on the woman's face. He loved this woman. And wanted to give her everything she deserved and wanted. Even if it meant he had to make a sacrifice to give her what she wanted.
The idea of another child filled him with fear and hesitation. He already felt he barely had any time for his daughter. Dividing what time he did have for his family seemed like an impossible feat.
He glanced at Diana, seeing her brush some hair over her ear, not looking at him. No doubt deep in thought as he was.
And that's when he knew.
"But if it's what you want..." his voice caused her to look at him with curiosity.
A solemn expression was written on Bruce's face. "If you want another baby, I would be willing to give that to you," he promised. He wanted to make her happy.
His response was a surprise to her, but it was a welcomed one.
She smiled brightly at him, "Thank you, Bruce." She reached over, caressing the back of their daughter's head, "But I'm fine with the one we have right now. Maybe someday."
"Someday," he murmured, agreeing to idea of discussing it later.
Just when the mood was good Bruce had to ruin it.
"If we do decide to have another, you're not going to strangle me when you're in labor again?"
There was silence for a moment and then the beautiful Amazon looking him square in the eyes.
"Let's see what happens," she shrugged, leaving him gawking.
That wasn't good enough for him. He wanted it on record.
He needed it on record!
Christmas at Wayne Manor had changed in the last year. Elissa understood the holiday better than the previous ones. Getting excited about the holiday cheer, the food, the gifts, lights, and music.
Especially the food as Alfred went all out.
He made the most delicious cookies for the holidays. And the bottomless pit that was Elissa would inhale them just as quickly as the butler made them.
But there was another tradition that Bruce and Diana had. During the winter solstice the two would carry out the tradition of Diana's people. Lighting a pyre commemorating the holiday that Diana had with her people for many years.
The pair understood the need to have a little light when they saw so much dark.
But this year they brought Elissa along. Diana wanted to immerse her daughter in at least one tradition of her people. Elissa, while she was of Amazon blood, she was a child of Man's World, growing up a typical child in America would. Her mother understood that and was willing to wait until Elissa was older to truly introduce Elissa to the Amazon ways.
The three were far from the manor, but still on the grounds. It was easy to get lost on the grounds and never leave the property line.
As Bruce was finishing stacking the wood, Elissa was playing in the snow. Dressed in a winter coat, a hat on her head and matching gloves, she dug up the snow with her hands and deftly threw them in the air.
Giggling as white powder gingerly came down upon her.
Diana was watching her, pleased that she was having fun. However, the mother in her was a little worried that Elissa wasn't warm enough.
But Elissa didn't seem to be bothered by any of it.
The woman turned to check on her lover, finding out he had just finished stacking the wood.
"Do you have the matches?" he inquired through condensate breath.
"Right here," she held out the box of matches from her pocket.
"Elissa," the father called out to his daughter.
Said daughter froze in place, ceasing her playing with the snow. She faced her father, cheeks rosy, a curious look on her face.
"We're starting," he announced. He beckoned her to him with a hand, "Come here."
"Okay!" she exclaimed cheerfully.
She ran to him, an innocent smile on her face. She latched onto his legs, only to be picked up by her father. Her legs instinctively latching around her father's strong body, her arms around his neck.
The little girl turned her head to see her mother, get closer to the stacked wood.
"What are you doing, mama?" she uttered, curiously.
Diana struck a match, and replied, "Starting the fire, my love."
She tossed the match into the wood, which soon turned into a bright and glorious bonfire.
Elissa's eyes widened in wonder as she felt the immense heat teasing her. Her curious eyes were transfixed on the mighty fire. Smoke wafting off into the cold night air.
The scent of burning wood assaulted her nose. As the young child watched the bonfire, the starry night sky held her parents' gaze.
Her little mind not understanding why they were out here burning some wood rather than playing in the snow or making a snowman. Eventually, the meager patience a four-year-old possessed ran out and she made her curiosity known.
"Why are we out here, Daddy?" the small child asked within her father's protective arms.
Bruce turned to her and flashed her his rare reassuring smile. "Your mother and I do this together every year, before you came along," he started. His eyes glanced toward Diana, who's eyes remained gripped on the sparkling night sky. Her thoughts filled with that of her sisters. Even though she could not visit her homeland she knew they still lived under the same starry sky and hoped that they would meet again.
"It's a tradition your mother performed with her people and when she came her, she and I started doing," the man continued. "It's necessary to have a little light when it's dark," he gave her a broad explanation for someone her age. She would understand a little bit better when she was older.
Elissa's eyes went to her mother, processing what her father had said.
"Mama," the child called out.
Said woman turned her head to her child with urgency. She briefly wondered if her daughter wanted to go inside.
Bruce put her down, sensing she wanted to do something.
Gingerly, Elissa walked over to her mother, snow crunching under her booted feet. As she approached, she instinctively reached to take her mother's hand in her own. Her mother was eager to hold her hand.
"It's pretty, Mama," Elissa expressed happily. She held a hand out to the fire, warming it from the heat wafting off the fire.
Their eyes were glued to stars, wonder in the daughter's blue eyes.
"Can you make out any constellations?" the mother questioned softly.
In response, Elissa faced her mother and shook her head, not understanding what her mother was talking about.
Patiently, the Amazon walked her daughter through constellations and stars. Their eyes following the pattern of several stars until they could make out the Big Dipper.
Although Elissa was still having trouble reading them.
Bruce watched from behind as he enjoyed seeing the pair interact.
Eventually, he approached, his hand resting on Diana's shoulder, his other atop Elissa's head, surprising the two ladies.
Diana smiled reassuringly as she gazed into Bruce's eyes. Yes, she loved spending time with her family as well.
The family stood watching the stars until the fire started to die and it was time to get Elissa back inside the house.
Though memories of carrying out yet another tradition for the Wayne family enamored the parents as they continued to mold their young daughter into the incredible woman they knew she would become.
Christmas Day was not just another day to Bruce anymore, nor was it just another night filled with crime that needed to be thwarted and the fate of the city spared from a madman with a nefarious scheme.
It was one of family and togetherness.
The dazzling Christmas tree's lights illuminated the room, presents surrounded the tree skirt. Already damaged holiday themed wrapping paper was discarded on the carpet.
A very understanding Elissa dug into her Christmas presents, while Dick, Tim, Jason, Cassandra, and Damian were a bit more reserved.
Bruce and Diana sat next to one another on the couch, content with watching the children rend into their gifts before they opened their own. Both clad in their pajamas, Bruce nursing a hot cup of coffee, Diana holding his hand mesmerized by yet another holiday for Elissa.
Alfred, already dressed for the day, was taking snapshots of the family, making sure he captured plenty of images of Elissa and her brothers and sister.
The parents' attention from one another was interrupted when Elissa's voice poised a question.
"What deez?"
Her parents looked down at their daughter, who held a clear box containing nunchucks, their daughter looking at it quizzically.
The father frowned at the inappropriate gift in his little girl's possession. Out of the corner of his eye, he noted Diana's amused expression.
Bruce, however, was not.
He heard chuckling, his eyes whipping to his son Damian, obviously the culprit for this.
Damian's amusement dampened when his face flashed him a scowl and a shake of his head.
The dark-haired man handed his cup to the woman sitting next to him, his hand out silently demanding the weapons. Elissa wordlessly compiled handing it to her father without complaint.
"Something you can have when you're older," he said firmly. He set the box next to him, scowling at his son. "Really?" he uttered with irritation.
The teenager merely chuckled and returned to his presents.
Diana's chuckling in the man's ear, deeply amused by the interaction.
After Bruce had helped open a few of Elissa's gifts for her to play with, he had handed his gift to Diana.
She graciously accepted and opened it. She had to stifle a gasp, it was an elegant white dress that held some resemblance to some of the chitons that she had lying around, adorned in gold trimmings.
"Bruce…" the woman was at a loss for words at how exalted she was by the gift.
"Merry Christmas," the man said to her with some Christmas spirit. He grunted in surprise as Elissa had jumped into his lap.
"That's pretty, mama," Elissa voiced in wonder, her eyes entranced by the reflection of light on the gold trimmings.
"It is, my love," Diana replied with heartfelt enthusiasm. "Thank you, Bruce."
Said man smiled at making her happy, she kissed his cheek.
When he was about to kiss her, he felt something tug his shirt. Looking down, he saw Elissa sending him a pout. "I want a kiss, too, Daddy."
Happy to oblige, he peppered his young daughter's cheek, giggles erupting from her throat, her body squirming in his lap.
When he pulled away, Elissa cried out to her mother for a kiss too. The raven-haired woman leaned in peppering her daughter's cheeks with tender kisses while she tickled her belly.
Her daughter's little body twisted to get away, all while her laughter was heard.
Time flew by, months had past, and winter changed into spring.
Current events passed, routines were followed, and things were changing.
Namely, a couple had gotten engaged.
Oliver Queen had finally popped the question to Dinah Lance. About damn time.
It was true what they say, no one's getting any younger.
And Dinah had asked Diana to be one of her bridesmaids. Said position had its ups and downs, but the one thing many women can attest that the bachelorette party was going to be out of this world.
Diana put on her best dress, a black dress that hugged her body with a slit on the right thigh, a low neckline, her arms bare, the skirt short and black stiletto heels decorated her feet. Her inky locks were curly, diamond earrings hanging from her earlobes and a gold chain necklace around her neck.
She came down the grand staircase to find her two favorite people waiting for her in the foyer.
As soon as Bruce saw her, he was tongue-tied. He couldn't put out the words to describe how beautiful she looked.
Diana, seeing his reaction, was deeply pleased that he liked her dress so much.
Of course, Elissa was kind enough to offer her a compliment.
"You look pretty, mama." She smiled brightly. Her pigtails bouncing as she raced to her mother and gave her hug. Her little arms wrapping around her mother's knees. She smiled feeling her mother's comforting hand rub the back of her head.
"Thank you, Elissa." Diana responded kindly.
The child looked up at her mother, keeping her arms wrapped around her legs. "Can I come?" her blue eyes filled with imploring desire.
It hurt inside to deny her daughter something as simple as being in her company, but a bachelorette party was not appropriate for a child.
"I'm sorry, my love. But I can't take you with me." Her heart ached as she witnessed her daughter deflate in displeasure at being denied. "Now none of that, young lady," she chided lightly.
The woman placed her hands on the back of Elissa's head and drew her close. Embracing her child tightly, banishing the sour mood that captured her child. "We'll do something together over the weekend, okay?"
The dark-haired girl's head looked up in an instant, eyes portraying enthusiasm. "Promise?"
"Promise," she smiled reassuringly. She kneeled to Elissa's level, "Kisses?"
Instantly, Elissa's face lit up. And the two exchange lovely kisses to the other's cheeks. They like to get both cheeks just to stay close just a little while longer.
"All right, I have to go," she reminded the girl. "Be good for daddy, okay?"
She watched Elissa nod convincingly.
When Diana faced Bruce, he had finally cleared his throat and found some words.
"Wow."
Diana smugly grinned at the compliment, striding up to him.
He stopped her by placing his hands on her hips. "Now remember, young lady. You are taken," he teased her. "So, have fun but not too much fun."
The Amazon beauty chuckled. Kissing him gently, getting his hopes up and then it ended, leaving him slightly vexed.
"Don't worry, things won't get too crazy," she assured him. "I'm the designated driver."
"Really?" Bruce was perplexed. He had thought Diana had told him a limo was rented.
"I will try not to be back too late," she promised, getting close to the front door.
"Oh, don't worry," Bruce dismissed, his eyes falling to their daughter, who followed them to the door. "We can survive an evening without you. Right, Elissa?" he grinned slightly.
"Yep!" she chirped. Her father had promised to play every game she could think of. And she would hold him to it.
"I love you both!" she expressed lovely as she departed out the door and took to the skies.
She was meeting Dinah and the rest of bridesmaids at the Clocktower. And from there the fun would begin. When she landed on the balcony of the Clocktower, the door was ajar, and the rest of the ladies were waiting.
"Sorry I'm late," she apologized, seeing everyone was present.
"We all just got here," Dinah dismissed.
Dinah's bridesmaids consisted of her maid of honor Barbara, Diana, Zatanna, Helena, and Kendra. Each woman was all dolled up and ready to party.
They all made a beeline to the door as Barbara was alerted that the limo was here. The plan was to hit every strip club in bar on the East Coast.
Ambitious.
They piled into the limo boisterously as some were laughing at a joke made. Their destination the nearest strip club. It was Dinah's last night of freedom and they were going to make it worth remembering.
Helena and Kendra were helping themselves to the alcohol in the limo, they were pre-gaming.
Zatanna and Diana were chatting where Zatanna disclosed something important to Diana. Very serious stuff.
With a spell, a chilled bottle of champagne materialized in the Mistress of Magic's hands.
"I understand that you could drink all of us under the table. That Amazon metabolism of yours makes it difficult to get buzzed."
She handed the bottle to a surprised Diana. "Here you go. A magically spiked champagne. A fine bottle if I must say," she impressed.
A flabbergasted Diana stammered. "But I thought I was the designated driver?" she questioned.
The sorceress scoffed. "Diana, we have a limo driver. Were you not at the last meeting when we decided to get a limo?"
Both women paused recalling the last meeting Diana attended in preparation of Dinah's bachelorette party.
It took a few moments for the Amazon to remember, and she indeed was not present. She couldn't recall where she was at the time.
Doesn't matter.
"Thanks, Zatanna. But I prefer to keep my faculties intact just in case," she politely declined.
In response, Zatanna shrugged. "Okay."
They arrived at their first stop. The music blasting from the club caused tingling vibrations to run through the party.
Lights blinded their eyes, ears assaulted by the clamor of the crowds inside. Male strippers pulling out their best moves for the female patrons throwing money at them. Women far too excited by the show were starting to act like animals.
The party of women got a table, drinks in hand.
As soon as they were all seated, Barbara proposed a toast. "Ladies, this will be a night our friend Dinah will never forget," she promised.
With a clinking of glasses and shouts of delight they all took a sip.
And a night none will forget began.
A hotel somewhere in Metropolis
The first thing that registered with Diana when she awoke was the pounding headache, so much so her eyes even hurt. She exhaled through her nose, stiff limbs weakly stretched along the bed, the gentle caress of the pillow like a lover to her face.
Her eyes had yet to open, while her knee shifted along the bed until she hit something.
Something that grunted from the impact.
Tearing her face away from the pillow's seductive embrace, she checked her bedmate, through blurry eyes.
When her azure eyes finally adjusted, she stared into the wide eyes of Dinah, who shared the same shocked expression.
The women's eyes shared a prolonged stare, until their trailed down the other woman's body, realizing their partner was nude.
"We didn't…?" the Amazon started, worried she fell back into a shameful behavior.
"God, I hope not," Dinah expressed fearfully.
The two scanned the room with their eyes and realized they had ended up in a hotel room. They were uncertain if it was an impressive room or not as it had turned into a disaster zone.
Remnants of food wrappers, party favors, and other items were scattered along the floor, desk, and dresser. Someone's bra was hanging precariously from the corner of the television set. The scent of fast food and alcohol were perceptible to their noses.
They noted that they were indeed not alone as there was another bed across from them inhabited by two unconscious women in various states of disarray.
As minutes ticked by, Diana and Dinah became more alert of their surroundings. Diana could tell that by the hair color of the slumbering women across from them was Barbara and… she wanted to say Helena?
The drapes were drawn, blotting out most of the sunlight that slipped through the cracks.
Dinah was groaning as her body was stiff, her throat dry. She rolled her body not the least bit flustered by her nakedness. As soon as her bottom touched the bedding, she hissed in pain and rolled onto her side as if the bedding had burned her.
"What the hell?" she grumbled. Lying on her stomach, she looked over her shoulder and gasped.
A curious Diana glanced at the blonde supple rear end, checking if she was okay.
Both were stunned at the sight of a tiny green bow and arrow marred her left cheek, outlined in red as it was still fresh.
"Dear God!" Dinah was flabbergasted at the tattoo on her butt. Panic racked through her tired form, first disbelief hit her and then she chastised herself for doing something so foolish. Ollie would no doubt love it and laugh. Dinah would warn him not to say a single word for threat of pain.
Diana was at a loss for words until she guffawed that turned into a snort. She found the thing hilarious, much to Dinah's chagrin. Her friend's sour demeanor caused her to stifle her giggles but was failing.
The blonde's eyes narrowed as she scowled at her friend. Silently hoping for payback. Her blue eyes trailed down the Amazon's fine body and noticed a black mark on her right cheek. A black mark in a very familiar shape.
"Looks like I'm not the only with some ink," Dinah boasted smugly, pointing a finger at Diana's rear end.
Bewildered, the raven-haired woman looked over her shoulder, still lying on her belly, her eyes nearly popped out of her sockets as she came across a tiny bat symbol on her right butt cheek, just above a birth mark.
BY THE GODS!
She thought.
Her heart beat faster, her hand pulling her skin closer for her to see. The ache of being branded by ink pricked her.
How drunk did she get last night?
She instantly recalled that Zatanna offered her that special body that could overwhelm her Amazon metabolism and enable her to get drunk and let her hair down as the magician had said.
Her thoughts were of Bruce and wondered how he would feel about her sporting his symbol on her flesh.
An excited tingle ran through her body, interested in his reaction.
"You cannot tell Ollie about this," Dinah demanded of her friend. "I need to get this removed," her eyes held distain at the ink on her body.
"I swear," the woman promised, shifting in the bed, until she stepped off it and pulled the curtains apart. She shut her eyes as she was blasted with blinding sunlight, she heard Dinah groan as her sensitive eyes were assaulted and stung in her head.
"Come on," the engaged woman grumbled.
"Sorry," Diana apologized. Her eyes fighting against the light until she finally opened her eyes undaunted. She scanned the surrounding buildings and came across a familiar globe in the distance. "We're in Metropolis," she stated, turning back to Dinah, not making the effort to cover herself.
"Goodie," Dinah grumbled, slowly turning onto her other side, hissing as pressure was on her tattoo.
The two conscious women heard groaning. Their eyes searched for the source and found the occupants of the other bed starting to rouse.
Barbara and Helena untangled themselves from one another, confused. Assaulted by the sunlight and a formidable hangover.
"What happened last night?" Barbara wondered aloud. Both women were still clothed in their dresses, hair disheveled.
"Anyone know where Zatanna is?" Diana asked aloud. Neither she nor Dinah could see any sign of her. They recognized Kendra passed out on the floor, spooning a pillow.
"No," Helena briskly responded, rubbing her eyes.
Barbara buried her face into her pillow, needing some time to get her thoughts together.
"I'm here," the women held surprised expressions as they heard Zatanna's voice somewhere in the room. They looked around the room with their eyes.
Suddenly, Helena felt a hand grab her leg from the space between the bed and the wall, causing her to yelp in shock. She eventually calmed down, realizing it was Zatanna, who was pulling herself out of the very small space and joined Helena and Barbara.
Zatanna was down to her undergarments, holding an irritated look on her face.
"How did you get in there?" Barbara wondered aloud.
Zatanna scowled at the redhead, who was taken aback by the look, getting Batman vibes.
"How do you think?" she snidely retorted.
The conscious women seemed to believe it was a touchy subject.
"You fell," the young woman guessed meekly.
"Wrong," the Mistress of Magic denied, crossing her legs. "I was pushed," she grumbled, glaring daggers at Barbara.
"Me?" Barbara pointed to herself.
"Yes!" Zatanna exclaimed furious. "I was sleeping and then you and Helena sneak in and rudely shoved me over while you two hogged the bed!"
Said women shared a sheepish look before they apologized to the fuming woman.
"Wait!" Dinah called out. "You remember last night?!"
"Some of it," Zatanna shrugged. Her mood was still pointed. "Why are you two naked?!"
Both Diana and Dinah glanced down at their bare forms, yet still made no attempt to cover themselves.
"Uh…" they uttered in unison.
Suddenly, a thought came to the Amazon princess. "Hey, you're the one who served the special champagne!" she challenged. "And caused some very uncomfortable conversations to be held," she blamed the fellow raven-haired beauty.
"I don't remember that," Zatanna replied bluntly.
Dinah swore she saw Diana's eyebrow twitch in restrained frustration.
The blonde decided to play peacemaker. "Anyway, I'm sure this was fun," she expressed heartfully. Even though she couldn't remember anything after the strip club.
"No doubt!" Kendra hollered, wide-awake. She seemed to be doing better than the rest. She sat up, only to get an eyeful of Diana in her natural state.
Holding up a hand, and turning her head away, Kendra spoke. "Diana, flashing me your front butt."
"Sorry!" Diana was quick to crouch down and search for her clothes that seemed to be in a combined with Dinah's on her side of the bed.
"Well, you certainly lost all the baby weight," an impressed Kendra mentioned.
"The key is discipline," the Amazon expressed proudly. She hurriedly slipped her dress back on while sit crouched, obscuring her from sight.
Considerately, she tossed Dinah hers.
To which, she offered her gratitude.
As they dressed, the other women staggered to their feet.
"I think we can all agree to never mention this to anyone. Especially, to the men," Zatanna suggested vehemently.
Several women nodded their heads, even though some couldn't recall jack.
"And that goes double for you, Miss Truthfulness," Zatanna stated firmly to Diana, pointing at her.
Diana, who was pulling her underwear on, gaped. "Me? Why are you singling me out?"
"Because you love truth. And we don't need this blabbed to everyone in the League," Zatanna retorted.
She then cast a quick spell and was fully dressed and sober. While she left the others to suffer the limitations of not knowing magic.
"Whatever," the Amazon scoffed, grabbing her shoes.
"Who paid for the room? And who's covering the damage?" Barbara inquired.
"What damage?" Dinah questioned, confused.
Barbara simply pointed to the adjacent wall.
All the women noted a high-heel shoe's heel was imbedded in the wall.
They all turned to the woman who possessed such strength.
"Don't look at me," Diana denied. "I have my shoes," she assured.
Each woman checked their respective shoes searching for the culprit.
"Shit!" Helena swore. "That's mine," she claimed, plucking the shoe out of the wall. After she noted several impressions in the wall surrounding the hole. "I think I might have been using my shoe like a throwing knife," she uttered, bewildered by her behavior.
"Heels can kill," Dinah quipped, get a few strained chuckles, everyone was still a bit hungover.
Zatanna stood to her feet. "I got it." With another spell she repaired the damage and all the trash vanished.
Thanks to Zatanna's magic, each of them returned to their respective home. Before they parted, they realized it was late in the afternoon following the bachelorette party. Diana had thought it was morning or the afternoon at least.
She hoped she didn't worry anyone at home.
Wayne Manor
Diana had suddenly appeared right at the front door of the mansion. She slightly staggered as she was still recovering from Zatanna's spiked bottle. She promised herself she would never drink again.
After a brief fetching of her house key, she entered the manor finding the house dead silent.
"Hello," she called out, hoping to gather some idea if anyone was home. She didn't check the garage for any signs of cars present. But she would send a text when she could.
Just as she was about to delve deeper into the manor, she witnessed Bruce enter the foyer.
"There you are. I was beginning to think I would need to send out a search party," he teased as stood in front of the Amazon.
Chuckling lightly, the Amazon replied. "Sorry. The party got a little out of hand," she said sheepishly.
"A little?" Bruce scoffed. "It's almost the evening. We hadn't heard from you," he reminded her. "Everyone okay?"
"We fell asleep drunk in a hotel room. Zatanna had just sent us all home," Diana clarified. A pang of regret struck her heart, realizing Elissa may have been wondering where she was, and Bruce couldn't give her an answer nor get in contact with her.
"Drunk?" a disbelieving Bruce uttered. He didn't know that was possible.
"Magic," the haggard looking woman deadpanned.
That was enough to convince Bruce.
He wasn't chastising Diana at going out, she was just a little worried from not hearing from her. Elissa only asked about her a couple times, but she was satisfied to know her mother would be home soon. He would have utilized his tracking skills to find out if she was okay, but he chose to trust her and wait at home, setting his paranoid tendencies aside.
"Where's our bundle of energy?" the woman inquired to the whereabouts of their daughter.
"In the backyard playing with Dick and Donna."
"Oh? Donna's here?"
The two started to walk up the staircase with Bruce following her.
"Showed up a few hours ago. I think they are playing tag," he mentioned.
"I should see her. She must have missed me terribly."
Bruce dissuaded her. "Why don't you get settled first. You must be tired."
While listening intently, she winced, with every stride, her new tattoo started to ache a bit. She unconsciously touched her clothed marred buttock, rubbing it slightly to alleviate the irritation.
The billionaire's blue eyes narrowed in suspicion, witnessing her rub her posterior. His mind already getting an idea.
They wandered into her bedroom, watching as the woman dropped her purse onto her bed, followed by taking off her shoes.
"Are you okay?"
She flinched upon hearing the question.
"What?"
"You seemed to be in pain. On your rear end," the man gingerly probed.
Her blood ran cold, unprepared to give him the truth.
"I'm going to take a shower," she dodged the question.
He watched her enter her bathroom, the door ajar. He heard the water running, steam beginning to follow out of the bathroom.
A devious idea forming in his mind, Bruce checked the hall and saw no sign of anyone, shutting the door, he made his move.
The hot water felt great on her tired muscles, her head was tilted backward as the hot water ran down her face and hair. The water irritated her sensitive wound, but she endured.
Her relaxation was interrupted when she felt hands on her hips.
She gasped, turning around seeing Bruce had joined her.
His expression was blank in contrast to her stunned one.
"Bruce…?"
Wordlessly, he turned her around until her back was facing him, she gulped, realizing he saw it. Pursing his lips, he had yet to utter a word.
Anxiety consumed the woman's form, the water suddenly felt cold on her skin.
"So…" he suddenly spoke, the roar of the showerhead seemed nonexistent to his voice. "I see you had a rowdy party."
Slowly, she peaked over her shoulder, curious on what face he was making.
She was flabbergasted at seeing the smug smirk on his lips.
She gawked at him.
"It—It was the alcohol," she stammered.
"Uh-huh."
His hand groped her marked body part, pulling her to him, a small squeak of surprise escaping her. She caught herself with her hands on his broad shoulders.
Their faces were close together, he stared at her sensually. His hands went to work on her body that made her coo.
"That is very hot," he told her breathlessly.
"Really?" she was surprised by his response. If you asked her, she would tell you that she disliked by marked like property but the idea that she belonged to Bruce was very enticing.
He leaned in close, his lips close to her ear. "Just don't expect me to get a tattoo," he told her. He quickly kissed her, silencing any protests.
When they pulled apart, Diana's blood was pumping hotly, and it was clear that her man was eager for some alone time.
The sight of Diana wearing his symbol was an ego boost unlike any other. It was possessive of him to think that she was his, he liked it. He wanted her, more than he thought possible. To claim her body and soul, desperately trying to vanquish the doubts in his soul.
The fact that she got drunk enough to get a tattoo on her ass was hilarious.
He found himself secretly grateful that her armor battle skirt covered her rear end, preventing some very uncomfortable questions.
He moved her into position, her marred behind exposed as he wanted to take her while staring at her tattoo.
"Do we have the time?" a hesitant Diana inquired; worried Elissa would come looking for them.
"Plenty," he said huskily.
A sudden gasp left her as he began to make love to her. When they were finished and Diana was getting dressed, she began to tell the man on what she was going to do about the tattoo. "Maybe I should ask Clark to remove it?" she suggested aloud.
A fully dressed Bruce gave her a deadpan stare.
The woman understood that it was a bad idea. "Yeah, that might be testing the friendship a bit too far," she said with causal sheepishness.
That summer, things changed for the Wayne family. Elissa was a little older now, her body and mind was developing.
Diana and Elissa were sitting in the living room. Diana dressed in her business suit ensemble, returning from the Wayne Foundation. Her hair was down, her glasses and shoes were off. Her laptop in her lap, a small stack of papers on the coffee table. She was finishing up some latest reports on some money transfers for the latest cause they were funding.
Elissa was content with playing on the floor. Stacking her treasured wooden blocks, forming a mighty tower surrounded by walls of wood.
All was peaceful in the room, while the taping of keys on a keyboard resonated throughout the room with the occasional thumping of wooden blocks hitting against the other.
However, the peace would soon change. And change for all time.
Elissa, eager to keep playing, twisted her body like a whip, to grab a block from behind her, her idle arm flailed wildly slapping a block from her construction.
Alerted, the child watched out of her peripheral as the block skidded along the carpeted floor until it came to rest underneath an antique chair.
Wordlessly, she pattered along the carpet, crouching down to the chair and stuck her little arm underneath the chair.
Unfortunately, her arm wasn't long even, a strained grunt left her tiny frame.
A frown formed on her youthful face, tilting her head side to side, contemplating on how to reach her block.
She tried going at it from the side of the chair but seeing as how it was a wide chair and against the wall she struggled.
Realizing she was defeated, she pouted. She turned to her mother, who was oblivious to the situation.
"Mommy?" Elissa called.
"Yes, my love." Her mother responded, her eyes still on the screen before her.
Pointing at the chair, she explained. "My block went under the chair," she whined slightly.
"Let me finish what I'm doing, and I will get it for you," the woman promised, still looking at the screen.
That seemed to appease her child, but only slightly as she was a bit disappointed her mother didn't stop what she was doing and get it for her.
Elissa let out a whine that Diana perceived.
In response, the Amazon mother patiently told her, "You have plenty of blocks. Play with them while you're waiting."
Her daughter obeyed and went back to her blocks sans one. Plopping down, she went back to playing. However, the lack of one block gnawed at her, which only grew more until she couldn't concentrate on playing without the one block that haunted her.
Letting out a frustrated sigh, Elissa went back to the chair, attempting to retrieve her block on her own once more. Only to be deterred with the reality that she could not reach it.
On reflex, she conveyed to her mother her misfortune. "Mommy, I can't reach it," she whined.
The child's whining had a negative effect on the working mother. "Elissa, I already promised to get it later. Please be patient," Diana responded briskly.
But that wasn't good enough for Elissa, who chose to get it herself, turning back to the chair with a final displeased whine.
Using her mind, she played out other ideas on how to navigate around the chair. Trying something out, she used the small amount of strength that dwelled within her small body and tried to lift the chair.
With a strained ground, the sinew and muscle strain, her face furrowed in concentration. The more she struggled the more defiant the chair was. At least it was, until…
Oblivious to her daughter, Diana typed away at on her computer. Her mind was engrossed by her work, her spirit lightening up as she saw the light at the end of the tunnel that was her work.
Only for her to be interrupted by the sound of her daughter's voice.
"Mommy!"
The woman scowled, her patience waning. "Elissa, mommy's working," she said with restrained frustration.
"But Mommy, look at what I can do!" her daughter exclaimed excitedly.
In response, the mother turned away from her computer to her daughter and the sight nearly made her heart stop in fear.
There was her daughter, Elissa, standing with a big smile on her face. The antique chair that was much too heavy for an ordinary child hung above her body, the legs pointed straight at the floor, held up by her child's little arms.
Rather than being frightened by her newfound strength, Elissa was excited like any child that found out that they had super strength. A sense of pride well-up inside her and wanted her mother to see it praise her.
Unfortunately, her mother felt differently. Her heart nearly stopped for fear of her child getting hurt. Truthfully, she was taken off guard by the display of the abilities Elissa inherited from her mother. She and Bruce expected it but thought it would be some time before her powers manifested.
The taken aback woman stared at her child still at a loss for words, meanwhile Elissa had the time of her life.
The chair weighted as much as her pillow. It was incredible. Could she lift the coffee table? She wanted to see what else she could lift, not the least bit perturbed by her new capabilities.
So engrossed and proud of lifting the chair she was unaware as to what was happening next.
Diana's blood ran cold, realizing her daughter was unaware of her situation.
It all happened in slow motion, as she watched Elissa's little arms began to twitch, losing her newfound strength.
"Elissa!" the raven-haired woman screamed, moving very quickly she reached her daughter in time, grabbing the chair from her confused daughter, setting it down and taking her child into her arms protectively.
She clutched her daughter to her chest, holding her tightly, her heart pounding in her chest from the panic.
Elissa didn't understand what had happened. But with childlike understanding she felt she was in trouble. Immediately, she began to tear up. Her mother's scream still ringing in her head.
When Diana finally decided to break their embrace, she realized the tears in her daughter's eyes. It was easy to understand she had scared Elissa.
"I'm sorry, mommy." She whimpered, sniffling lightly.
"Oh, my starbeam. You're not in any trouble," she reassured. "You just… scared me." She explained carefully. She hugged her, comforting her, while Diana felt her daughter hug her back, providing much needed comfort as well.
They held one another for some time until she saw Bruce race into the room.
"What happened?" he demanded, worriedly. He had heard Diana scream from upstairs and came racing down to check.
The raven-haired woman pulled away from her child yet kept her in her arms.
The billionaire noted the tears on his little girl's face, wondering what had transpired.
Diana gave him a troubled look.
This was going to be a very long awkward conversation.
NEXT: Road Trip