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Duty Calls, Chapter 5, Hungry Heart, by Bruce Springsteen

Diana's perspective…

Arriving at the Bat-cave via the Watchtower teleporter, I looked around me in wonderment. The utter vastness of the cave was awe-inspiring, shrouded in darkness and littered with crags and peaks. The depths of the shadows were punctured by tiny pinpoints of lights built into the sides of the cave, looking like fireflies hovering in mid-air. The décor was rather stark and minimal, but several objects were placed at intervals throughout the room, including a giant penny, what appeared to be trophy cases, and a row of costumes hung in glass cases along one wall, lending an eclectic and unique feel to the room. Overall, the effect was eerie and a little lonely, somewhat reflecting the personality of its owner, I imagined.

A giant computer screen lit up one area of the cave, enabling me to see two figures awaiting my arrival, one seated while the other stood behind him in quiet support and dignity. The indomitable Alfred, I supposed, feeling somewhat trepidacious and yet eager to meet this man who had played such a pivotal role in Bruce's life.

I slowly made my way over to the men, taking deep breaths in order to calm my racing heart and putting forth my best smile. I had made the conscientious choice to appear today, in this place, as only Diana, and not as Wonder Woman, and I had chosen my outfit with that in mind. The clothes were one of the few that I had from my time on Themyscira, a simple white shift with thin straps and a loose, billowing skirt. Having no idea of what the afternoon would consist of, I was sure that it would be somewhat informal, being only in the Manor, but the outfit made me feel comforted, a reminder of the place that I had once called home. My nerves had been playing with my confidence ever since Bruce had left me earlier that day and I needed every bit of comfort and conviction that I could muster, even with something as simple as my clothes.

As I neared the two, I watched as Bruce stood, paused a moment, and then began striding forward to meet me halfway to my destination. As we drew close, he held out a hand to me, grasping my left hand in his right before wrapping his other arm around my waist, gently embracing me as he laid a soft kiss on my cheek.

"Hi," he whispered tenderly in my ear and, savoring both the sweetness of the moment and his warmth, I relaxed in his arms, rubbing my cheek over his, feeling the slight stubble and sighing in happiness.

"Hi," I whispered back, feeling all my butterflies vanish in the warmth of his embrace, instead soaring into my heart, causing me to smile brightly at Bruce, reveling in this sweet side of him. I knew that it wouldn't be often that I got to experience this facet of Bruce and I was determined to enjoy and take pleasure in every moment of it. Our eyes met and I was delighted to see that the shadows that usually reigned in his gaze had lightened, replaced with a sparkle of contentment that I recognized was a rare occurrence. It eased any remaining ache in my heart to realize that I was part of the reason for this escape from the shadows, that this lonely man took comfort in my presence and in my affection.

He eased back out of the gentle embrace, but kept my hand tightly in his, giving my hand a firm squeeze as he led me towards the other occupant of the cave, a regal figure whose bearing reminded me somewhat of my mother's. Alfred was dressed formally, in black and white, and, as we drew closer to him, I could see a twinkle in his eyes as well, and he gave me a slight smile, causing me to smile vibrantly at him in return.

"Diana, there's someone I would like you to meet," Bruce told me as he halted before Alfred, looking at me tenderly as he presented me to his butler-cum-father figure. "This is Alfred."

Gazing at the man who had and still meant so much to Bruce, I couldn't help but smile, knowing that this man had been integral in raising Bruce and turning him into the man I loved, the man who cared so deeply for his world that he had picked up a cowl and a cape and become a vigilante, determinately taking justice and safety into his own hands.

"The pleasure is entirely mine, Princess," said Alfred, looking down at Bruce and my clasped hands before meeting my eyes. Joy blazed in his eyes and I couldn't help but feel the warmth of approval and appreciation that emanated from this man.

"It is nice to see Master Bruce in the company of such a lovely companion as yourself," he told me. "If you need anything at all during your time here, please do not hesitate to let me know."

"Thank you, Alfred," I replied with an eager smile, understanding that I had an ally in my quest to help Bruce truly find happiness - a warrior always values a fellow comrade in arms. I winked at him before continuing – "I'm sure that Bruce appreciates your talents and that I will do the same."

I looked at Bruce out of the corner of my eye, giving his hand a very gentle press and taking in his indulgent look. It still amazed me that this man who stood beside me wearing dark slacks, a tailored white shirt (courtesy of Alfred, I was sure of that), and a self-satisfied expression was the same man who donned a cowl in order to fight crime and injustice. The dichotomy continued to startle me, reminding me that there was always more to this man than met the eye. I had a feeling that this was a puzzle that I would continually be trying to find the missing pieces to and both Alfred and the bat-cave were certainly adding to the pieces that I was trying to find places for.

Somehow, I knew that this was a puzzle that I would need a long time to solve and the thought encouraged me.

With that thought lightening my heart and my face, I turned to Bruce, eager to learn what our first afternoon together, our first date, would consist of and not wanting to waste a moment of our time, knowing that it would be precious and sporadic indeed.

"So, Bruce, what are our plans for the afternoon?"

To my surprise, I watched as his face immediately began to fall, panic replacing the tenderness of a few minutes ago and I let out a soft spat of laughter as I realized that I was asking the wrong person. It was beyond me how a man of Bruce's superior and endless intelligence could only seem to focus it into one direction – work. Hera only knew what he had been doing that afternoon – probably researching Ancient Greek dating techniques or debating topics of conversation rather than actually considering what we would be doing on the date. The man could decipher the most complicated of mysteries, but he couldn't work out what to do on a first date. Letting my exasperation and affection into my countenance, I laced my fingers with Bruce's and looked again at Alfred.

"Perhaps I should ask you instead, Alfred, as to what our plans for this afternoon consist of?"

"Of course, Princess. I can promise you an afternoon the likes of which Master Bruce could never have imagined himself." He audibly sniffed, letting loose his own exasperation with his charge. "The stables at the Manor are filled with several beautiful creatures who would love to spend some time wandering the grounds. Perhaps Master Bruce could give you a horseback tour and introduce you to his home. After that, a picnic has been prepared for your culinary enjoyment and a small surprise will follow to cap off your evening in true romantic style. I hope this meets with your approval, Princess Diana?"

"Please, Alfred, call me Diana," I told him, enthusiastic about what this afternoon would entail. "It sounds absolutely perfect – a dream date." Indeed, my excitement was almost palpable. I hadn't had the chance to ride a horse since before I had joined the Justice League and I missed it. The freedom of a horse was akin to the freedom of flying, but different at the same time. I wanted to see Bruce describe his home, the residence he had grown up in. He had seen Themyscira, albeit at a time of great peril, and I was keen for him to return the favor and see what he loved about this place. Thus far, I had only seen the Cave and I imagined the rest of his home would be very different, hopefully a little less…cave-like.

"The afternoon sounds absolutely perfect," I informed Alfred before turning to Bruce with a teasing glint in my eye. "And what do you think, Bruce?"

He looked at me sheepishly, shrugging his shoulders a little and glancing at Alfred with thankfulness blazing on his attractive face.

"I'm overcome by the verbal depths of your gratitude, Master Bruce," Alfred stated as he began walking away, towards a towering staircase that I assumed led up to the aboveground sections of Wayne Manor. "I will begin the preparations for the picnic and the surprise if you would like to show the Princess the stables."

His footsteps echoed until he disappeared from the darkness and I felt Bruce disengage his hand from mine and wrap my waist with his arms, encircling me in a loose embrace.

"It sounds perfect," he said quietly, for my ears only, brushing his lips over my ear, causing me to shiver and gaze at him helplessly, unable to get a grasp on the feelings he sent coursing through my body. "I get to spend it with you."

Aw, isn't he sweet? What's your take on this chapter? On this story?

Next chapter: Today 4 U, where I get to pretend that I know something about horses or the grounds of Wayne Manor. (But I didn't just tell you that)