"Sure is cold today huh, Alfred"

Bruce uttered while currently reading a newspaper in front of the manor's fireplace. It was almost freezing outside that certain warmth coming from a furnace should suffice

"It's literally hailing cats and dogs out there, sire"

Alfred responded while pouring a hot tea unto the young master's cup. He gave him a look of suspicion as Bruce was too engrossed with the newspaper

"So, when is Miss Diana coming over?" Alfred asked casually

Bruce grew confused upon hearing the English Butler's remark.

"What about her?" Bruce scoffed in a brusque manner

Alfred lets out a sigh of dismay as he took the usher board and wiped it clean. He had been making things a bit "too" tidy for some reason that it was starting to arouse Bruce's suspicion

"Isn't the manor a little too "dressed" for a mere new year's eve Alfred?" Bruce intriguingly asked

Alfred snorts in response while wiping the vases shiny in the process

"Oho, whatever could you mean, Sire" Alfred rebutted sarcastically

Bruce gave him a glare of doubt as he took a sip of the tea that was presented to him.

Without even looking at the young master, Alfred automatically knew what he was pulling off

"Don't you try the glare on me, Sire. On whom did you think you learned such technique from?" Alfred boasted cockily still facing the other way.

"I'm just intrigued, if it's just Dick, Jason and Tim coming over, then such effort to make the Manor more presentable is unnecessary, don't you think?"

Bruce scoffed as he took another sip of his tea

"They are mostly here anyways so why bother with the decorations Alfred?"

The British Butler deliberately listened to the young master's prattle while spraying some kind of a solution to the paintings near the furnace

"I bother because such an occasion should be celebrated in a festive way Sire, and whose fault do you think it is that they have been spending more time in Gotham than usual?" Alfred responded

Deep in his thoughts, Bruce closed the newspaper to properly examine the interior and the new decorations that had been set.

"I admit that I have more responsibilities to attend to in the Watchtower now than usual…"

Bruce hesitantly uttered

"Well what do you want me to do, solve some riddles with Nygma while Brainiac is invading the planet yet again with his usual shenanigans?"

Alfred placed the spray down and faced the young master

"That might be true Sire, but we all know the real reason why you've been hanging around the watchtower more so than lately" Alfred rebutted in a more derisive manner

Intrigued, Bruce gave him a look of dissatisfaction. Whatever the British Butler was getting at, he was having none of it.

"It's literally almost the end of the year and you're still going on with this?" he scorned sternly, clearly not amused with the butler's preposition

"Yeah, and it has been literally 15 years since you've been head over heels in love with her and you're still doubting your true feelings towards Miss Diana"

Alfred retorted with hints of anger in his voice

"You do understand I won't be here forever to babysit you Master Bruce, that this lifestyle of yours isn't gonna keep going on forever. You'd have to eventually find a family of your own"

Alfred words really cut deep into Bruce as of that moment. He really took it to heart how he was able to relate upon it.

Bruce knows for himself that what he stated was true, eventually, he'd have to get out of his comfort zone and take the risk,

Especially to a specific Amazon Princess that he had been fawning over ever since

"You didn't have to put it that way, Alfred" Bruce slowly responded

"I know that for sure, but my responsibilities as Batman still stand greater than my personal endeavors"

Alfred was clearly not satisfied with the same old justification he'd always use, clearly not wanting another word of the young master's prattle about not having anyone in his personal life

"That Batman excuse is starting to get rusty Master Bruce, and you know that for yourself"

Alfred snorted in response

"I can only imagine how many times she has heard that same excuse in the span of you two being ""strictly-platonic–best–good-friends-in-the-whole-wide-world." Like you always claim to be, probably a thousand"

Bruce bowed down his head as the sharp daggering words of the British Butler cut deep within him like a knife. All those times that he'd told the same excuse, not considering how she would have felt

Alfred notices his young ward's sudden melancholy and empathy soon took over his disdain of how the man had been running away from the Amazon's feelings.

He was broken inside and he knew that firsthand, he was there when the poor boy lost his parents, and which he is still suffering from as of this moment.

Bruce Wayne, the boy that he looked out for had turned into a man of dignity and courage, but that void in his heart remains unfixable as long as the burden he's carrying still reside in his shoulders

The poor boy was confused over his feelings after all those years of misery and sorrow. And so the only way he'd thought of to respond to the people that truly cares about him, is to push them away

Alfred tapped his shoulder and stood next to the young Master's chair, he clearly needed some sort of a calming signal.

"I-I don't know Alfred, I guess im just, scared…"

Bruce slowly uttered

The young man caressed the bridge of his eyebrows. It had always been like this when it comes to her. Diana had always had this effect on him.

"Scared of what, sire?" Alfred curiously asked

Bruce gulped in fear as the thoughts of Diana slipping away from him resurfaces. The thoughts of her ending up with someone other than him was causing an ache in his chest.

"Of losing her… " Bruce slowly responded

"Alfred, I'm scared of losing her.."

"Which is why I want to keep things the way they are between us," he added

"I'm afraid that's quite unfair, Sire" Alfred responded

"What do you mean?" Bruce asked curiously

"I believe she had been crystal clear on showing you signs of how she feels about you. And you're just gonna let things are with her expecting for something that you're too afraid to commit on" Alfred stated

"A woman can only take so much, sire" Alfred added

Bruce grew confused over Alfred's statement. Their conversation was then interrupted by a loud echo of the doorbell.

"I'll take it." Bruce stated as he stood up from his chair and walked to the front door to answer for the boys

"You know you could've just came in and….."

He was then met with Tim and a beautiful blonde girl who reminded him of a certain Amazon

"Are you gonna let us in or are you gonna stare my date to shreds?" Tim interrupted

Bruce comes back to his senses and notices how cold the weather is outside

"Come in, Come in." Bruce stated as he paved the way for the both of them

"Forgive us for the intrusion.." the blonde girl softly stated as she entered the Manor

Tim lets out a feint chuckle upon hearing her polite remark

"P-leasee.. This place is big enough for the city to be in." Tim sarcastically jested, taking off his shoes in the process

Tim looks at Bruce who was just watching Cassie like she had done something wrong.

"Woah, easy there Bruce. That's mine" Tim provoked

Bruce gave him his signature glare, trying to prove a point that what Tim was thinking was wrong.

"just get inside." He relentlessly retorted

xXx

Gathering at the dinner table, Bruce couldn't help but stare at Tim's date. She awfully resembled someone very familiar to him and it has been running on his mind all along

Tim was telling a story about how he escaped detention from skipping classes

"So it was like lunchtime, when suddenly he appeared right behind me. And I was like…

"BAAAANG!"

"I flew right across him, giving him one of my signature kicks that will definitely take you in a world of pain!" Tim enthusiastically narrated

He looks at his girl from the side as he puts his arms around her.

"Isn't that right, Cassie?"

"Well, definitely not solo. I remember distracting Ms. Givens there whom was anticipating you first hand. So you could've at least gave me a credit"

She responded cheekily, while playing a lock of blonde ends of her hair

Hearing the girl's take made Bruce curious about something. Tim revealed her name which is Cassie and this only fueled Bruce's theory about something

Bruce pondered to himself a quick theory on who the girl was while taking a bite of a warm, heated cookie from the plate

Tim chuckled for a second as the blonde was just listening to his story. Gasping for air, he had decided to go to the kitchen to get himself some water for his throat that had gotten dry for all of that rambling

Bruce and Cassie were now alone at the dinner table as the blonde was just looking around aimlessly, mesmerizing the paintings on the wall and the interior of the manor. Bruce had decided to break the ice by starting asking her something

"So, how did you and Tim meet?"

Cassie turns to him with an astonished expression. She was stunned for a second before she could utter…

"We met in school, it was our freshman year and we became friends immediately" Cassie stated, trying to look away from Bruce's gaze

"Are you and him together?"

"Well I do like him, but I'm not sure" she responded with a feint lint on her voice

Bruce's gaze grew narrow as he asked another question

"So… tell me about yourself"

Surprising the girl yet again, she was taken aback from Bruce's question that she almost choked on her cookie. Cassie immediately cleared her throat as she took a chug in glass of water

"Well, my name is Cassie, 13 years old and I'm currently staying in school with Tim. My dream one day is to become an important person to someone I look up to"

"You mean Wonder Woman?"

Hearing Bruce made Cassie whimper all of a sudden. She slowly turned her gaze to Bruce who was looking at her with a satisfied look.

"h-how do you know that.. Sir?" Cassie slowly asked, hints of nervousness lingering in her voice.

The plan was supposed to be to keep her identity from Tim's guardian which is Bruce Wayne himself. But in this situation, it seems like there's no more beating around the bushes.

He'd definitely be against Tim being with a girl with a dangerous girl like herself. She figured that Bruce Wayne doesn't know about Tim's side job yet as being Robin since he's definitely too busy as the CEO Enterprises.

Bruce carefully sipped a portion of his hot chocolate as he shifted his gaze back to the unsettled girl

"Do you happen to know who I am?"

"Y-Yes… Mr. Bruce Wayne. CEO of the Wayne Enterprises. Richest man of Gotham." Cassie hesitantly uttered

Bruce lets out a snicker as he wiped his mouth with a table napkin.

"Tim hasn't said a word to you yet?"

"About what?" Cassie asked curiously, she was not interested on what the man was pointing up on

When suddenly a loud flash of lightning caught her by surprise, but as she turned her attention to attention to the man

She saw something unbelievable…

(Cue the dramatic part of the Shirley Walker Batman theme)

For some reason his eyes were white as a black silhouette covered his entire figure. It was like she had seen a phantom of a shadow of some sort.

Her mouth draped open as she had come to the conclusion. Everything made sense now. How he is able to have the resources, power and intel of the city

"No way…." Cassie slowly muttered

It didn't take a second for the flash of lighting wore out as Bruce's figure returned back on the scene like nothing happened

He responded with a smile as he looked unto the window which had a good view of the pale moonlight

Cassie on the other hand was still speechless. She met the Batman himself once but it was brief. He helped the teen titans defeat Clayface and he did it alone. It was at that moment she concluded just how skilled he truly is on taking down hard opponent that they barely defeated.

She still remembers how threatening he was while walking down the warehouse holding dragging Clayface on the ground. There were no hints of fear whatsoever in his eyes as he was literally treating the villain like a toy

And now that the caped crusader himself is in front of him hits different. It was like an honor finally meeting the man behind the mask. How could she not realize it all along. Connecting the dots leads to Robin/Tim being Batman's sidekick, which means Bruce is no other than

"You're the Batman…" Cassie slowly uttered, her eyes still widened in shock

"Tell me about yourself, Cassie Sandsmark"

Cassie was surprised that he knows her last name for a second but upon realizing who the man is, it wasn't that of a shock anymore

"Well, my name is Cassie Sandsmark. I am not an Amazon nor went to Themyscira, but I've always admired Diana and her ways to make the world a better place as a Woman. I got my powers from a series of artifacts from an Amazon named Artemis."

Cassie paused for a second to look at the ground, she was rubbing her toes together, indicating of nervousness and tension

"Well about me… Im just your typical girl who wants to make the world a better place. I was always the outcast of our class mostly, that is until I met Tim. Tim was the first boy I've fallen in love with, don't tell him though" Cassie narrated as she placed her finger at her lips at the end, elaborating of a shush

Bruce shook his head as he lets out a feint chuckle. He had noticed how the girl's scenario is strangely related to the Amazon he's dealing with

He returned his gaze on the girl who looked like she had seen a ghost. But it didn't take long before her stunned face turn into delight

"I've heard lots of stories about you from Diana!" Cassie excitingly revealed

This caught Bruce off guard, he wasn't expecting Diana to be brought in to this conversation. Alfred then enters the scene holding a teapot on his right hand.

"Diana?" Bruce asked slowly

"She talks to you about me?"

"Yes! All the time even. She mentioned something about how lucky she is to have you as her partner on missions" Cassie reveals slowly

Bruce was caught aghast at that moment. It was like a big revelation that had turned things even more wild inside of him. And it didn't help that this is from the Amazon herself

He turned to Alfred who was giving him a look of approval as he was pouring seconds of Brewed Hot chocolate to the young master's mug.

"Would you like to have some refill as well, Ms. Sandsmark?" Alfred asked politely

"I'd love that Mr. Pennyworth" she responded

Alfred made his way slowly to the girl, trying not to spill some hot chocolate to the newly waxed floor that was reflecting the light from the moonlight.

"Please, do just call me Alfred." He uttered as he poured hot chocolate into Cassie's mug

Tim, now holding a glass of milk, came back to the scene and sat next to Cassie

"Hey, what'd I miss?"

"A Lot." Cassie responded as she turned her gaze to Bruce

"Ohh, so you finally found out? But yeah, Bruce Wayne is indeed, the Batman" Tim stated nonchalantly

"Well I guess, it's official. Welcome to the Family Cassie" Bruce announced as he raised his mug to the air

Delighted, Cassie raised hers as well and so did Tim. She was thoroughly happy that Bruce wasn't against their relationship whatsoever. Alfred was watching from a distance with a smile on his face.

"It's an honor Mr. Wayne. I'll take good care of your son"

Bruce snorted suddenly upon hearing her remarks

"The master does not have a son, Miss Sandsmark He doesn't have any" Alfred uttered while arranging the permanents on the table

"More like a guardian of three stubborn hardheaded brats" Bruce responded sarcastically

"Hey! What's that supposed to mean?" Tim yelled, slightly offended by his statement

"Wait, so Bruce Wayne himself doesn't have a wife? Or a girlfriend even?" Cassie curiously asked

Bruce felt a tug of sharp feeling all of a sudden.

"Na-da, despite all those ladies literally chasing after him, he remains to be Gotham's most eligible bachelor" Tim explained while taking a bite of a sandwich laid on the table

"I see…." Cassie muttered while smiling at the ground. She raised her head to give Bruce a very playful smile

"I don't like where this is going…" Bruce pondered to himself

"You know Mr. Bruce, Diana holds a high regard towards you.." Cassie revealed slowly

"Hah, is that so" Bruce replied sarcastically

"Yeah... Not only is she very beautiful, but Diana can be pretty funny and cool sometimes, Mr. Bruce." She added

"really…" He mumbled under his breath

"Don't you think so, Mr. Bruce?" Cassie asked, holding her cellphone this time for some reason

"Think what?"

"That Diana is a nice, courageous, brave and a very beautiful lady that is the only person that qualifies as your wife" Cassie stated, holding the cellphone near her mouth this time"

Bruce massaged a crease on his forehead upon hearing the girl's outlandish preposition

"this again huh…" He stated softly

"Why is everyone pushing us to be together, she's just a very good "strictly-platonic–best–good-friend-in-the-whole-wide-world" "

He pauses for a second to take a sip of his hot cocoa

"But sure, I mean, it doesn't sound that bad. If no one is gonna take her— I guess I'll take Diana as my wife." He revealed

Cassie giggled in delight upon hearing his statement

"Yes! So when's the wedding?"

Bruce shook his head as response

"Didn't you hear what I said? 'If no one is gonna take her' " Bruce uttered, emphasizing a statement

"Same thing." Cassie responded as she shifts her gaze back to her sandwich which, for some reason, was now gone

Only one culprit came to her mind, the brat next to her with a very big appetite

"Tim, how could you? I was gonna eat that!" She grunted in annoyance

Tim snorted as a response

"I thought you weren't gonna eat it so…"

"I was! Okay you're gonna get it, Drake." Cassie yelled as she locked Tim in her arms and playfully nudged his head

"Okay! Okay! Cassie! Please! Enough!" Tim bickered while trying to escape from her lock.

He tickled her waist to get an advantage which made Cassie giggle, thus losing his grip with the boy.

"That's playing dirty!"

"Heh, It's called learning your enemy beforehand and learning their weakness" Tim snickered while wiping a linen from his nose that he got from the fabric of Cassie's sweater

"Isnt that right, Batman?"

Tim turned to Bruce who was watching the kids play without a worry in the world. He was reminiscing a similar thing that happened between him and a certain Amazon in the past

The blonde girl gave Bruce a smile of her own as she resumed ravaging the troublemaker who ate her sandwich

"Okay! Round two Drake."

Cassie lunged at Tim as he was hysterically laughing. It turns out that the girl is a big wrestling fan who memorized all the holds. They were on the floor this time enjoying themselves, as Bruce was just watching them with a smile on his face

Alfred passes by the dining room and notices the kids.

"Sire Tim, Miss Cassie, such place isn't appropriate for…"

Bruce head out his hand that halted Alfred from his sanction.

"Let them have their fun, Alfred. They're kids."

Alfred nodded in response as he went on his way to finish his matters that need attending

The ambient sound of snow falling outside caused a peaceful mood to them as the fire from the furnace caused a swarm of warmth to each person. The shiver that has crept unto Cassie's shoulders was now replaced with a warm tender feeling from Tim's arms wrapped around her, knowing she is spending her holidays with the boy that she loves and a family that accepts her

But the solemn mood on the Manor didn't last long when suddenly…

"You guys started without us?"

A voice from the hallway caught their attention as there stood, Dick Grayson and Jason Todd themselves carrying a big Christmas tree.

Alfred hurried to the two young men as she stated…

"Master Dick and Master Jason! Do come to the fire, it is severely cold outside"

"It's good to see you, Alfred. New tie?" Jason greeted, noticing the ironed bowtie that the British butler was wearing.

"Old habits die hard?" Dick added, mildy teasing the British Butler who was way too overdressed for the occasion

"You guys don't mind that we brought company, do you?" Jason asked

"What do you mean?" Bruce asked from a distance, intrigued of who they're gonna introduce to the family next.

"This dress is way too tight for me Jason" a strong yet feminine voice echoed from the hallway

"Such a weather outside, huh" Another feminine voice echoing on the hallway

All of a sudden, Cassie's eyes brightened of delight

"Wait, I know those voices!" she yelled

This had caught Bruce's attention as his suspicion was more evident now. He shifted his attention back to the two who was staring at the hallway which was unfortunately not visible from Bruce's position

It didn't take long before two gorgeous ladies came into the scene. One was a tall redhead, wearing a nice skintight white dress and the other one was a slim, raven-haired young lady wearing a cocktail dress.

An excited Cassie stood up from her chair to meet the girls that she seemed to be familiar with

"Artemis! Donna!" Cassie cheered in excitement

"Cassie, What are you doing here of all places?" the redhead asked while adjusting her dress

"I was invited by my friend Tim, aka Robin"

"Wait, I thought Dick was Robin?" Donna uttered

"Hera, Jason also mentioned something similar as well" Artemis added

Alfred cleared his throat which garnered the attention of the young ladies standing

"They were all Robins at some point, Maam. But please do join us for a hot cocoa at the dinner table" Alfred suggested while extending his arm, indicating a way

On the other hand, Bruce was just looking at the two former sidekicks with a very confused look on his face. They were looking away, avoiding the gaze of the Dark Knight himself, clearly hiding something…

The two women sat on the dinner table. They were then served with a special brewing and hot cocoa from the British Butler himself

"Careful now, it's hot" Dick whispered to Donna while holding her hand which caused the Amazon to giggle slightly

"What is a hot cocoa, Jason?" Artemis asked curiously

"Seriously, you've never had one before?" he responded

Artemis was about to responded but the sweet aroma from her mug caused her breath to hitch a little.

"I see, so it's like the beverage coffee…"

"Just try it and find out, babe." Jason stated, extending his arms behind her, holding her close to him.

"So, your name is Artemis?" Bruce asked while clearing out his throat

"Yes, My good sir. I am from an island called Themyscira" Artemis slowly revealed

"Themyscira is an island of…

Jason tapped her shoulder as interruption as he whispered

"Trust me, he knows most about Themyscira and Amazons than any other man"

Artemis was astonished for a second upon the revelation. She was sure that Jason was the first man who ever stepped foot in Themyscira

"Really? How?"

"Diana." Jason whispered to Artemis, turning his attention back to Bruce

Upon hearing her sister's name, she concluded that he could be some kind of a boyfriend or something and so she asked him

"Excuse me sir, but are you and sister Diana?"

"Just friends."

Bruce immediately interrupted while glaring at the certain man beside her.

But then she remembers something, his face kinda resembled someone that she met before. Especially the scar in his cheek

And then suddenly, the realization struck her!

"Wait, you're that guy from bef…"

"SOO.. Donna, Tell me about yourself" Bruce immediately uttered, shutting down the redhead from revealing any more things that are not necessary.

"I believe we met already Mr. Bruce but I'm basically your typical Amazon like my sister Diana. And I am very deeply in love with your son, Richard. He's the first boy I've ever met and he's the only boy that I will ever love."

"For the last time, he's not my son. More like ward." Bruce muttered under his breath as he took a sip of the hot cocoa in front of him

And again, Déjà vu from Bruce as he caressed his mug from the side. The same narrative with an Amazon falling in love with a man and being too dependent on him to the point that she'd need him by her side at all cost. He could relate to the scenario for some strange reason

"What's next, Queen Hippolyta and Alfred?" He thought to himself

Hesitantly, Artemis slowly raised the hot cocoa to her lips. Upon the hot liquid reached her tongue, her eyes widened with the hot feeling that had warmed all of the cold shivers from the travel earlier.

"THIS IS AMAZING JASON!" Artemis squealed in delight

"Told you so." Jason responded

The others were just watching them silently. They were both confused and amused at the same time as Jason notices them

"What?" Jason asked with a cheeky smile

When suddenly Artemis chugged the whole hot cocoa into her mouth, causing her to groan in pain as the very hot liquid had burned her tongue.

"Ehhh, Jeyysenn, Eelp mee" Artemis cried in desperation, clearly in pain

Jason sighed to himself as he looked for Alfred. The British Butler nodded in response as he immediately ran to the dinner table

"I shall fetch some ice for the young lady" Alfred suggested

"No." Jason insisted, turning his attention back to Artemis.

"Babe, follow Alfred to the kitchen, he'll fetch you up with something that will ease the burning sensation on your tongue" Jason stated

"yee exy-periieccee dyhis byeforee?" Artemis asked, still sticking her tongue out

"All the time when I was a boy" Jason responded as he helped the suffering lady up

"Anyways, go follow Alfred."

"Awrighht" Artemis uttered as he went to Alfred

"Wait!" Donna stated, halting Alfred and Artemis in the process "Can I use the Bathroom as well?" Donna asked

"Sure, this way, Maam" Alfred responded

"Im coming too!" Cassie spurted as she got off her chair and followed them.

Seconds later, It was only the four of them in the dinner table. The scenario had certainly caused a very awkward silence between them

"Amazons huh" Bruce uttered as he sips his hot cocoa with his eyes closed

"Well, I do like the challenge of handling big and tough women" Jason responded

"I'm starting to think that the Robins have a certain type" Bruce stated

Dick snorted suddenly

"Aw that's very ironic Bruce." Dick interrupted

"How about you and Wonder Woman?"

Tim's eyes widened of shock as he was listening to the conversation

"Wonder Woman?" he asked out of nowhere "Bruce, You like Wonder Woman?"

Bruce crossed his arms, defiant about the notion that the boys are creating

"Me and her are just good acquaintances." He responded sternly

"If you say so…" Jason uttered, grabbing a bite of another cookie

"That reminds me. Where is she, Bruce?" Tim asked

"You didn't forget to invite her, did you?"

All the three former robins were now anticipating his answer as Bruce was deliberately looking away, indicating that he didn't.

"Damn, That's kinda mean…" Tim slowly uttered

"I heard she was actually looking forward to spending the holiday with you, from Cassie that is"

Folding his sleeves, Dick eagerly finishes his hot cocoa to join the conversation

"Did you tell her the truth yet?" he asked

Not wanting to have that topic in hand, Bruce seemingly ignored his question as his attention was on the heavy snowfall visible from the window

"Good Grief, How long are you gonna keep the façade, Bruce?" Dick insinuated

"She HAS to know about the truth."

Dick's words stung to his consciousness, but Bruce knew that this façade is keeping them in good terms in the first place.

He was young back then when he lived through the "truth"

If Diana somehow knew the truth…

Then that would change everything between the two of them

"It's for the best." Bruce revealed, with hints of hesitance in his voice

The three former sidekicks were staring at him nonchalantly as Bruce was mesmerizing the view from the window. He knew for himself that the past holds no value when it comes to development, but Diana knowing the revelation of her past is definitely ruin everything they have for each other

Bruce decided to break the mood since he doesn't want such a sour atmosphere on New Year's Eve

"So are you folks really serious about these Amazons? My womanizing charisma might've rubbed unto each one of you but Bruce Wayne didn't raise no pathetic, two timing bastards" He began

"I'm serious about Artemis actually, I'm actually planning on proposing next year." Jason revealed

"Woah, really? That's awesome Jason!" Tim exclaimed

"Thanks, she might not be on the most feminine side but I assure you that she's what I've been looking for in my entire lifetime"

"How did you meet the Amazon anyways?" Bruce asked curiously

"We first met in Themyscira, didn't really give me the warm welcome. She is very feisty and aggressive, like a literal lioness when I first met her. But you guys know me and my persistence to strong and tough women. And eventually, she warmed up to me."

Jason stuffed another fistful of biscuits in his mouth.

"I taught her everything about Man's world and how beautiful it is to live life" Jason added

"Damn, that sounds awfully similar to my relationship with Donna" Dick claimed

"Mine too! With Cassie that is. But she's technically not a real "Amazon" " Tim implored

Bruce sighed to himself knowing how similar their circumstances are, and that includes him. Listening to Jason's story is basically him and Diana's relationship.

"We're all captivated by the same type of women, strong, resilient, intelligent and grace. I admire all of you for taking up the task of guiding the Amazons on a good viewpoint of the outside world. That is such a feat." Bruce narrated

"Amazons can pretty much be a handful sometimes"

"Basing from experience?" Dick asked

Bruce responded with a side long glance that made the former boy wonder silent immediately

xXx

The time was currently 9 pm, an hour left before the start of a new year. Jason and Dick were busy playing videogames while Donna and Artemis were watching a show on the television. Tim and Cassie were doing something with the computer, for some reason.

Bruce still sat on his chair, watching snow fall from the window as the nice feeling of having company on a new year surrounds him.

It was almost perfect, but somehow he still felt incomplete, like he had forgotten someone. He nudged his neck while trying to find out what seemed missing in this moment

When all of a sudden, something peculiar happened that he didn't expect even a bit

"Pardon my intrusion…"

Out of nowhere, a very familiar voice came lingering from behind which stunned him for a second. He could feel such presence from a mile away that ultimately made him frozen to his chair

Ofcourse, it was no other than…

"DIANA!"

Cassie yelled as she lunged at Diana, wrapping her in a very tight embrace.

Diana beamed a very genuine smile as she returned Cassie's embrace. Donna and Artemis then joined as they all had a big Amazon hug.

It had been quite a while since the Amazons had been in the same place together because of certain circumstances. And they were all happy to see each other

On the other hand, Bruce was watching from a distance, still flabbergasted with what is happening at the manor's doorsteps.

He eyed the three troublemakers on the corner of his eye who were looking at him with such smug smiles, even the youngest whom he was taking under his wing for just 4 months.

Alfred then came to the Dinner table to prepare more plates and mug for their new "unexpected" visitor

"They set all this up. Do you also have anything to do with this Alfred?" Bruce whispered, trying to compose his cool

"I thought we've talked about this…" Bruce added, caressing a crease on his forehead

"So you want me to fend Miss Diana off then?" The British Butler suggested

Bruce went silent immediately at the notion of doing such a rude and vile thing to their guest

"No." He sharply responded

He wanted to avoid Diana's gaze as much as possible, and so he looked at anywhere but her

"I hope I'm not too late for the celebration" Diana muttered slowly

"Oh no, you're not!" Cassie uttered as she turned to Bruce who seemed tense for some reason

She gave him a playful smirk as she took her hand and led her inside the Manor

"Diana, look who it is!" Cassie stated as she had Diana where she wanted her to be

Literally dragging Diana towards the man himself

Bruce was stunned for a second, that girl knew too much already. He glanced at Diana who was talking to the blonde while she was guiding her towards the dinner table

He wanted to escape, especially in such a state that could make him crumble like a cookie anytime. As she grew nearer and nearer, her impending effect on him started to kick in

His legs started to feel weak as his shoulders felt heavy all of a sudden. Bruce wanted to escape somewhere he is safe in, without her…

Like the batcave

Being dragged by the blonde herself, Diana notices Bruce about to turn away

"Hi Bruce…" Diana muttered

This stunned Bruce all of a sudden that halted him from moving another step

He slowly turned around to meet her eyes.

And just like that, it was like the same as before. Her beautiful sapphire eyes meeting his that seemed to cause something inside of him. Her pretty raven hair that was flowing in the wind and her wonderful jasmine scent that was captivating him through his nostrils

"Diana… i-its uhhh nice to see you.. today"

Diana responded with a smile as she fixed a strand of her to her ear

"I'm sorry for coming uninvited Bruce, But Alfred, and your three wards begged me to come" Diana uttered

Cassie gleamed in delight upon the revelation as she gave a big nod of approval to Dick and Jason behind them

"So… are you two boyfriend and girlfriend?" Cassie asked suddenly

All of a sudden, Bruce's eyes widened in shock. The girl is gonna cause some weird awkward mood between the two of them

"We're just good acquaintances" Bruce slowly stuttered, still trying to be composed despite the awkwardness that can cut like a knife

"I mean, Batman and Wonder Woman are literally inseparable in missions. They also have the best chemistry in terms of Battle statistics"

Cassie insinuated, trying to start something between the two

Bruce gasped to himself as he was blaming a certain nerdy sidekick for her knowing all these information

"Diana also mentioned something about being peanut butter to her jel…"

"HERA! Cassie you really know too much!" Diana interrupted sharply, uttering a fake chuckle in the process as she covered Cassie's mouth with her hands

"Sorry about that Bruce, she can be quite a handful"

"Yeah, I've noticed…"

Suddenly, Dick joins the scene as he grabbed Cassie away from them. She's ruining the entire thing that they had planned

"Cassie! Why don't you play videogames with us, huh?"

"But I don't even know how to play…"

She didn't have the chance to finish her statement as her arm was grabbed by Tim

"Cassie, the editing is almost finished" he uttered

Cassie grew frustrated with how they are trying to keep her away from bring the two together. He eyed Bruce for a second before following Tim to the computer.

It was a nod of approval of good luck or some sort, which Bruce didn't really need because he doesn't need it tonight

Nothing is going to happen between the two of them.

He shifted his gaze back to Diana who was looking at the ground nonchalantly. Bruce immediately offered her a chair next to him

Diana beamed him a smile as he took the chair and sat casually. Bruce asked for the coat she was wearing for the heat of the manor is to warm anyone up.

For some reason, Diana was hesitant on taking off her coat, like she was hiding something inside

Bruce didn't want to push his boundaries and just brushed it all off.

Especially at the notion of maybe she's not wearing anything underneath, which would really be weird if he sees

He took the pitcher on the middle of the table and carefully poured the hot brewing cocoa on her mug. Diana was scanning the surroundings.

"The Manor sure looks more exquisite today, Bruce"

Hah, it all makes sense now. Why Alfred was busy cleaning up the manor for what he thought, would just be a normal family gathering with his wards.

"Yeahh… you have no idea" Bruce uttered while pouring the hot cocoa unto Diana's mug

He was too fixated on his thoughts to notice the hot cocoa literally filling up the mug. And when he finally noticed, he immediately raised the pitcher away accidentally tugging the mug unto Diana, which soaked her coat with the hot cocoa.

"Oh no, I'm sorry Diana… wait"

Bruce hurriedly took the rag from the cabinet and wiped Diana's coat which was still moist from the hot cocoa.

Doing this however made him wipe a certain area which was inappropriate to him to even look

Bruce got flustered upon realizing what he had done, He slowly lifted his gaze on Diana which surprisingly had a calm reaction

He was expecting a punch or a slap from her, but instead… she was composed?

But his ease didn't stay for long as her gaze towards him changed into more of a playful one. The look she would mostly give him when she is acting very childish

"Hera, Bruce… Is that how you treat your guests?" she teasingly uttered, resting her left cheek on her palm

Trying to avoid her advancements, Bruce continued wiping the table which made a thorough mess

Diana was still giving the man her signature playful look that, for some reason, would only be given to him. She had never given such look to any man except for Bruce only

"I'm still drenched Bruce, do you mind?"

Bruce groaned to himself upon hearing this. Diana can be very assertive with her teasing sometimes despite growing up in an island without men.

Well he was the first man she had met and also the one she's closest too, hence being "strictly-platonic–best–good-friends-in-the-whole-wide-world." but even still, such playfulness could indicate the wrong idea when she's doing it far too much

Bruce turned his attention to him for a second, but looked away immediately. He noticed something from her as he returned his gaze to her

It was her coat, still drenched in the hot cocoa

"Diana, you'll have to take your coat off" he uttered

It took her a second to fully perceive what he meant…

All of a sudden, her playful stare changed into a shocked one

"Wait, what?"

"Your coat, give it to me and I'll put it in the dryer"

"B-But…"

"Don't worry about it, Princess. I'm not gonna do tear it or something"

"Well that's not really the reason…" she hesitantly responded

Diana was adamant on what she's keeping in her coat for some reason

Bruce concluded that his theory might be true on how she's not wearing anything inside. He closed his eyes and let out a sigh of exasperation as he placed the rag on the table

"We might have some dresses left by Barbara, you can use them for now"

Bruce internally thanked Barbara for being there when he needs the assist. She was overseas, celebrating the holidays with her parents in Paris.

"Come with me Diana, I'll lead you to the room"

"No!" Diana shrieked in response

Bruce turned around to see Diana who was shaking

"Look Diana, I know what's going on. And for sure Barbara has a dress that would fit..."

"Bruce!" she interrupted

Bruce was halted in his words as he stood still on the spot. Diana stood up and carefully took off her coat which revealed a very familiar sweater that was given to her by a special someone

Bruce was looking away, in means on courtesy of what he might see underneath that coat. When he took a peek, he saw something that he wasn't expecting—

The sweater he had given Diana on her months ago. It was actually a shortcoming for his part after realizing that the sweater was too baggy for her after trying it on.

He should've asked for her measurements first.

"Diana, isn't that sweater too loose for you?" He hesitantly asked

Fidgeting her hands slowly, Diana raised her head to meet Bruce's stare towards her.

"Well… it's important to me. It was a present from you after all."

A rush of shock came up to Bruce. He wasn't expecting her to even keep it. But knowing the reason why she had kept it caused a sudden haste of thumps in his chest

"Still… you should've told me and I could've bought you a new one"

"I like this one." She responded while looking at the sweater with a smile on her face

She shifted her gaze back to Bruce that had hints of happiness and desire. He seldomly gives her presents and such rare things should be treasured

He could feel the warmth of Diana's stare at him for some reason. Logic and Reason was irrelevant when it came to her. Everything that he feels towards the lady literally can't be deciphered even from the World's Greatest Detective

"I was actually planning on wearing this when you had finally asked me out on any date anywhere, but the fates were unkind and that day never came to my horizon unfortunately" Diana explained softly

"I waited day and night for that to happen, Bruce. My hopes about you and me being together stood unyielding despite how much you tell me that we're just friends"

Guilt struck Bruce upon hearing this. He had no idea she had feelings such as that. So much for his "strictly-platonic–best–good-friend-in-the-whole-wide-world."

How could he be so blind all this time?

"Diana… I.."

Unfortunately, he was interrupted by a voice

"Bruce, we're about to have New Year. Atleast be in the mood" Dick stated as the Jason, Tim, Donna, Artemis and Cassie took their respective seats

Bruce shook of the thoughts off her mind for a second as he responded…

"Ofcourse."

He took a quick glance at Diana who was seated across him at the end of the table. She was a smile on her face despite the hints of sadness on her voice earlier.

Another wave of guilt took over him as she stared back at him with her smile. He could tell that she was hiding something inside that hurtful smile of hers.

And he knew damn well he was the only reason on why it is—

xXx

They all sat together on the dinner table talking to each other with live spirits. Laughters and cheers lingering on every corner of the manor as the mood was lively

Everyone was enjoying themselves, except for a certain man who sat silent on the other end

His thoughts jumbled with Diana and how she had been keeping up the façade the whole time

"Hey Bruce, why are you being so gloomy back there, come join us" Tim greeted, noticing the silent Bruce sitting at the back

Bruce responded with a nod as he takes a sip of his hot cocoa. The soothing aroma that it had eased the tension that was building up in his shoulders

His attention however was diverted to Diana who was staring at him for some reason. Upon finally meeting her gaze, she turned away immediately

That was certainly odd but somehow he knew the reason why and what caused this

He remembered Alfred's advice from earlier which really cut deep into him

"A woman could only take so much, sire"

He wasn't sure what that meant before but the significance of the statement started to become obtuse to him.

Things between him and Diana won't last forever. One day she'd grow tired of their little games and will find a nice man that will treat her good

Their silly debacles will soon only just be a memory to each one. Such things are not meant to be taken seriously but every moment spent with Diana is special to him

Regardless of what they were doing, he found solace in her company. He may act annoyed of her silly mischief, but he had never even thought of it as a bad thing

The playful look that she would often give him to raise his hopes up would reminisce in his thoughts throughout the day, and even at night before he sleeps. There have been countless times where she had entered his dreams with the same look on her face whenever she's acting mischievous which according to her is only special towards him

I had always been special to her life, She had spent most of her firsts with me and I didn't notice it that much before

The first guy he met, first person she depended, first person to be there as her shoulder to cry on and so many more…

How could he have been so blind to not notice all along. When she had been there the whole time…

Waiting for him…

He lifted his head to look at her again. She sat there laughing and enjoying the wonderful conversation with them

She had a smile that could light up any dark place that inhabited gloom. Suddenly, a déjà vu occurred unto Bruce which had him remembering a certain memory

It was at that time when she had visited him, how he realized that she had brightened his once gloomy life of sadness and despair. It was her who added color in his black and white life.

And sitting there, right now is the woman who made it possible. The woman who had opened his heart on things that really matters

Family

Nothing else matters in the world but family

Not money, Not wealth and not Power

Diana turned her head to meet his gaze, she beamed him a bright smile that exactly proves his point. His heart felt warmth at the sight of her beautiful face to him

This smile was unlike the other, this smile felt genuine and true. A smile that could stop any conflict and war

"Two hours left!" Jason yelled in an excited manner

"Prepare the party hats!" Dick added

Diana was feeling the thrill in her heart. A new year is finally gonna come and a start of a new beginning.

The balcony ahead caught her attention as an idea came to her

She looked for Bruce who was sitting across the table all alone. Without hesitation, Diana came up to him..

"Bruce, let's watch to fireworks together!"

"I uhh.."

Diana didn't give him a chance to make a decision as she grabbed her arm to the balcony.

Upon finally reaching the balcony, the smell of night air lingers brushes through her nose as she remembers a certain memory from a few years ago

That's right, when he stood by her at the balcony of a party that wasn't really her liking. The night wasn't perfect but it started to be when he came up next to her to watch the night sky.

Returning back to her senses, Diana closed her eyes as she reminisced the sweet feeling she had that day. The day that she officially fell deeply in love with the man next to him

She opened her eyes to see Bruce staring at her with hints of longingness in his eyes

"What's wrong, Bruce?" she asked

"Diana…I"

All of a sudden, a big flash oh interruption came from the television caught everyone's attention

"We are coming for you live from The Gotham Museum Park as Clayface is causing havoc in the city"

Bruce shook his head of disappointment knowing he had been interrupted yet again with something

He turned his attention back to Diana who had a smile on her face

"Want me to come with you?"

"Nah, we can handle it." He responded as his three sidekicks appeared behind him in their battle suits

"Been a while since we did this together" Red Hood stated, spinning his pistols to his holsters

"Don't worry, they're rubber bullets"

Nightwing was also spinning his escrima sticks which jolted a streak of electricity that could zap anyone at such high voltage

"Basil is definitely gonna get it after interrupting our precious holiday"

Tim wore his mask as he adjusted his gauntlets

"A butt kicking in New Year's Eve, this is gonna be so good"

Bruce turned around to meet them with a full satisfied expression on his face

"We can handle it Bruce, You stay here instead. We'll handle it for tonight" Nightwing suggested

Bruce however was against this as he brushed off his oldest ward's preposition

"Not a chance" Bruce uttered as he ran towards the batcave. Seconds later and he appeared on the Balcony where Diana stood still.

'I'll be back as soon as possible, then we'll continue this conversation" Batman slowly stated

He took Diana's hand, placing a kiss on it gently as he turned to his sidekicks.

"Time to go." He announced as he clicked a button on his gauntlet which caused the batwing to appear on the Balcony

"Duty calls, laters babe" Red Hood whispered as he kissed Artemis gently on the lips

"Gotta go Donna, don't cause any trouble while I'm away" Nightwing uttered to Donna as he kissing her on the lips.

He ran towards to the Batwing and Jason followed behind him

"Check the updates on the computer, it's probably finished by now"

"Just go Tim, you big techie nerd." Cassie teased as she literally pushed Robin to the Batwing

Robin nodded in response as he joyously ran towards the batwing

"I call shotgun!"

And just like that, the vehicle hovered away towards the Gotham Museum Park where a certain Clayface is causing mayhem

The four Amazons bid them farewell on the balcony, wishing them luck on their mission

"We should've came along with them instead, it would probably make things easier" Artemis asked

"Artemis, if there's anything you need to know about the Batfamily. It is that they work better alone" Donna revealed

Cassie waved unto the batwing's direction as she internally wished Tim good luck

Diana however was holding her chest, the feeling of happiness and joy jumbled up inside her brewing like a mixture of feelings.

Bruce was about to say something back there, if it had not been for the interruption, who knows what might've happened

A smile formed on her lips as she wondered what he could've said back then...

"Oh Bruce…" She whispered to herself while watching the Batwing disappear from the sky

She was already longing for him despite seeing him just now