Chapter 32: Reveal

Killer Croc, Poison Ivy, Scarecrow, and Riddler waited for Batman and Harley to appear. They had been called to their headquarters because the Dark Knight had something to tell them. The group wondered what the Caped Crusader had to discuss with them. They didn't have to wait long before Batman and Harley entered the lair.

"So what did you bring us all here for Bats?" Riddler asked, in an almost annoyed tone. He had been working on his worst aspects of his personality as of late.

"It's been almost two months since you have been in the Second Chances program." Batman stated, turning to each of them as he spoke, "You have more than earned my trust. I believe all of you have been reformed and while I can't get you out of the program this soon, I will be giving my recommendation come the state's review of each of your cases."

The now reformed villains were shocked to hear such praise from the usually stone-faced and emotionless Batman. Edward had a satisfied smirk on his face while Harley and Ivy traded smiles between each other. Batman coughed when he realized their attention was diverted from him after his statement.

"As such Harley wants all of you to be at our wedding." Bruce continued.

"Wait you two are getting married?!" Croc interjected, a little shocked.

"Well the Bat did get her pregnant. Is this what they call a uh...shotgun wedding perhaps?"Scarecrow replied, a hint of teasing in his voice.

"No Crane! I'm marrying him because I love him!"Harley yelled back, taking the bait and getting worked up.

"Relax Harley."Ivy comforted in her sultry-like voice, "Crane is only teasing."

"Anyway, as I was saying,"Bruce continued, " Since Harley wants you at our wedding the only way to do so is reveal who I am underneath the mask."

"Wait-really?"Edward asked, taken aback that they were about to finally learn who was the man under the cowl.

"Yes. Both Harley and I trust you."Batman answered, "but let me be clear, if you betray that trust I will throw you into the deepest and darkest cell Arkham has to offer and you will never see the light of day again. So you lot better take this with the utmost of seriousness."

The glare that Bruce gave them conveyed the message really well. If they dared to reveal his identity or betray their trust in any way, he would carry out his threat. After Bruce made eye contact with each and every one of them, his hands grabbed the edge of his cowl, slowly pulling it up and off of his face. As Batman's face finally came into view, the former villains' faces turned to one of shock.

"Bruce-Bruce Wayne?!" Croc stated, the revelation utterly surprising him.

Riddler's expression was at first one of shock, before he turned it into his trademark smirk, "It does make sense when you think about it. Who else could afford such expensive toys?"

"You know I'm kinda shocked we didn't at least think of Bruce as an option for being the Dark Knight." Scarecrow stated, hand under his chin as he thought about it.

"Alright that's enough of that." Batman ordered, putting a halt on the conversation, "Just as long as you keep this to yourselves then everything will be alright."

After a few questions from the group, the former villains calmed down and started asking questions about the wedding. Harley informed Poison Ivy that she was going to be her Maid of Honor, which made Pamela ecstatic. They finally decided that the date for the wedding would be sometime after the birth of their kids, since Harley's expected date was fairly close. After about an hour had passed, the group finally dispersed, leaving Bruce and Harley alone in their base of operations.

"That actually went better than I had assumed."Bruce said.

"What did you assume that the minute they found out you're Bruce Wayne they would run and out and tell every villain they know?"Harley asked incredulously.

"It was one of the outcomes I had expected yes."Bruce answered, flashing her a smirk.

"Well I have faith in my friends. So don't worry. Heck, I even wouldn't mind them babysitting the kids."Harley said, smiling at him.

"Imagining Croc or Scarecrow as our children's nanny is quite the mental picture."Bruce stated, causing Harley to giggle at the image as well.

"Now we just need to discuss if we should reveal to our future kids mommy and daddy's night hobbies."Harley stated as the two started walking out of the base.

"Thinking a little too far ahead aren't we Harley?"Bruce replied, sighing a bit, "Besides, one problem at a time."