Summary: (BM/WW Wedding-fic) When Batman finally gathers the courage to ask Wonder Woman to marry him, the Dark Knight gets more than he bargained for when the entire League decided to pitch in and help plan their impending nuptials – contains fluff, random humour, a temperamental Amazon princess, drunken bachelor-party escapades, and various attempts on Superman's life!
A/N: There's a bit of a time jump, but that means the wedding, she is a drawing near, yes? *Fist-pumps* Yes! Oh, in case anyone's wondering about how far along I have Diana in this story, I'd estimate she's about 15 – 17 weeks (I did the math, I did the research – find out why I made it so below…)
Anyway, big, big thanks to my very good virtual friend and loyal reader, Delta808th for suggesting several of the Amazons which you will read about below (most of them comes from the Wonder Woman animated flick, the other from the comics). And on a final note, you guys really have to lay off with the complements – my heads getting dangerously swollen over here – still, God bless! Over 200 followers!
Disclaimer: I will no sooner own these characters than I will rule the world… so I better get cracking then, mwhaha!
Bridezillas & Kryptonite
~Chapter Thirteen~
Part One
Of the Bats & the Birds… and plenty of Amazons
"Mother," Diana managed after some of the initial shock had passed. "What... what are you doing here?"
Hippolyta smiled at her daughter indulgently as she walked up to her. "Are you not pleased to see me?" she asked, hugging Diana.
Diana sighed softly and returned the gesture. "Of course I am," she said and withdrew from the Queen's embrace, "I'm just… it's a surprised to see you – all of you. Why are you here?"
"It isn't everyday my own daughter gets married, now is it?" Hippolyta asked.
"But, the wedding isn't for another month," Diana said.
"The Queen thought it would be better if we came early," Phillipus said.
Diana nodded at her in acknowledgement, "Phillipus."
The Queen's general nodded back, "Princess. It's good to see you are well."
Diana smiled back, "You too." She said and looked over to the rest of the warrior women in the room, "My Sisters."
"Princess," they responded in unison with a respectful half-bow of the head.
"We hope this doesn't inconvenience you?" the Queen asked.
"I think you shouldn't be asking Bruce that instead, Mother, this is his home." Diana said.
"Of course," Hippolyta then turned to a mildly apprehensive-looking Bruce. "Bruce Wayne – it's odd seeing you without your armour."
Bruce nodded curtly. "Your Highness… I wish I could say the same."
"Ah, yes," Hippolyta laughed, "You must understand that it's the first time many of us have stepped out into the Man's World. It's better to come prepared, no?"
"Yes, I suppose it is." He said. He then got a subtle nudge in the side, and when he caught the semi-pleading look Diana was giving him, he cleared his throat awkwardly. "…Would you like to stay? I'm sure there are enough rooms for everyone."
"We would, thank you. But as to accommodation, we brought our own."
"Mother…?" Diana said, confused.
"The rest of our party is setting up camp as we speak." Hippolyta said matter-of-factly.
There were more of them? Bruce asked internally, thinking it better not to say anything out loud and– wait a minute, camp?
There were tents, everywhere.
It was around sunset, and as they stared through the window that looked out over the Manor's extensive backyard, white lavish Grecian-style tents resembled white squares dotting against the impeccably kept lawn.
"Erm… I hate to be rude, Miss Diana, but exactly how long will our guest be staying?" Alfred asked, visibly wincing when he watched spikes being hammered into the green grass.
One of the things Alfred was particularly proud of was his ability to keep the vast grounds perfectly manicured and lush with only a handful of gardeners kept under his careful supervision.
Bruce turned to look at Diana as well. "I want to know that too."
Diana sighed. "I'm not sure, Mother said she would be staying until after the wedding but as to how long afterwards was unclear."
"Oh… lovely…" Alfred commented quietly.
Diana sighed. "I'll go speak with my sisters. Maybe I can convince some of them to move inside instead."
"Please do, Miss." Alfred said until he straightened up. "Good Lord – are they making a bonfire?"
"I'll go right now." Diana said.
When she left, "Guys…?" Tim said speaking up for the first time since the Amazons had arrived. "Do you know what I just realized?"
"What?" Dick asked.
"If I counted all of them, they outnumber us at least five to one."
Alfred blanched. "Oh my…"
"And you know what that means, right?" Tim asked, looking at the older men seriously.
Dick nodded solemnly. "Yep – we're screwed."
On Bruce's part, he was half inclined to agree with him.
Meanwhile…
Diana was making her way through the forest of tents when, unexpectedly, she heard a familiar voice call out to her. Stopping, she then turned around and saw a redheaded and a blonde Amazon approaching her.
When she recognized the pair, a broad smile broke out over her face. "Mala, Alexa!" she said happily.
"Ha, I told you she would still remember us," the redhead, Alexa, said smugly before embracing Diana. "It's been so long!"
Diana hugged her back. "I would never forget either of you, and yes it has. But, my friends, I'm surprised to see you here."
Mala, the blond, grinned and hugged her as well. "We were curious about your life here in Man's World… and about your… fiancé?"
"Was that him you came in with?" Alexa asked.
"Yes it was."
"He isn't at all what I expected," Alexa admitted, "Are all men so… what's the right word? Handsome?"
Diana laughed. "Some of them are – I'm glad you approve. I could introduce you to him later if you want."
Alexa beamed at her while Mala snorted. "So it's all true then?" she asked, her tone suddenly turning serious. "You're really getting married?"
Diana nodded sincerely. "I am."
"The official story that we've been told by Phillipus was that he had convinced the Bat-Man to speak to the Queen on his behalf. How on earth did he manage that? I thought the Dark Knight was something of a recluse." Mala said.
Realizing this must have been Bruce's cover-story, Diana smiled slightly. "Bruce… isn't exactly what you would call your average man." She explained.
"Well obviously if he could convince you to forsake us." Mala continued wryly.
She blinked as she was taken aback for a moment. "I would never-" Diana began.
"We know," Mala reassured, "But Artemis seems to think so."
Alexa rolled her eyes. "And since when have we ever cared what my dear older sister thinks?" she asked dryly.
"Good point," Mala grinned.
"It's wonderful to have seen you both," Diana said suddenly, "I have to go see my mother now, but we will talk again soon, I promise – it would seem you are my neighbors now in any case."
Both Amazons bade her farewell as Diana again made her way to the largest, most extravagant tent in the very heart of the impromptu camping grounds.
Queen Hippolyta was chatting away with Phillipus when her daughter finally entered her tent.
"Diana, you come just in time," Hippolyta said, standing up, "Phillipus and I were just about to indulge ourselves in some wine – would you care to join us? The grapes come from Themyscira's finest vineyards."
"Rather not, Mother, I actually wanted to speak with you,"
"No need to look so serious, my sun and stars – unless, of course, it is a serious matter?" she inquired.
"Not really, more one of curiosity,"
Hippolyta's blue eyes lit up knowingly. "You wish to know why we are here?" she assumed.
"More or less, you really did take us by surprise," Diana said.
"That is understandable," the Queen said, nodding. "Very well, as you might know, Diana, I am forbidden by divine law to leave the island for an extended period of time… but, in special circumstances, I am allowed to… shall we say, plead my case. I was granted, I think you would call it a vacation? So why not spent the time I have with my daughter?"
"But who is looking after Themyscria?"
"Right now, I asked your sister to keep an eye over things in my absence, but, when Donna leaves to join us in a few days, Penelope. Artemis has promised to stay behind with her."
"Penelope? You mean the oracle?" Diana asked.
Hippolyta nodded. "Indeed. Is that all you wished to ask of me?"
"Just one more thing and I speak on Alfred's behalf."
"Alfred?" Hippolyta questioned. "You mean the man who greeted us at the door?"
"Yes, he wondered if you would consider moving inside the Manor instead, or, at the very least, not set fire to his lawn."
"His… lawn…?" Hippolyta questioned, tilting her head slightly.
"The grass," Diana explained. "Anyway, would you consider what I ask?"
"What an odd request… however, I will think about your requests, but you must understand that some of our sisters might not be comfortable if we did move."
"I do."
"Don't worry about us, Diana, we will respect our boundaries. We've brought our own supplies, so there's no real fret of us imposing and in a city this big, we can entertain ourselves." She said and smiled. "Speaking of which, will you be joining us for a feast later?"
"I'm afraid not, Mother," Diana said, "I have to start preparing for tonight's patrol."
"Ah… well, in that case, I will not keep you."
Diana nodded and with some reluctance left the tent.
When they were alone, Phillipus watched as Hippolyta crossed over to a small wooden chest and pulled out a pair of golden cups. "My Queen, what you just told the princess, is that really all why we're here?" she inquired.
Hippolyta then took out a crystal bottle and poured the deep red liquid from within into the cups. "It's part of the reason," she said, walking over to her and gave her one of the cups.
"And of the main reason for this visit…" Phillipus trailed off. "I assume you finally wish to test the Bat-Man?"
"Indeed I do," Hippolyta smiled slyly and held up her cup, "May the gods favour the unfortunate."
Phillipus chuckled. "For surely, he just may need it." she said, and the two of them clinked.
A Week Later…
The breakfast table was unusually crowded that morning, and with three extra additions, space was a rarity, but, despite that, the atmosphere within the Manor's kitchen was pleasant. The table was divided, on the one side Diana, Alexa and Donna were sifting through a stack of magazines, while on the other sat Bruce, Dick and Tim. Mala was standing by the stove, helping Alfred prepare breakfast.
"How about… this one?" Donna asked, folding the glossy magazine back and showed Diana yet another picture of yet another elegant bride, practically glowing as she smiled.
"It's beautiful, but no." Diana said after a while.
"Then…" Alexa said, paging though another book, "What about this?"
Diana had attempted to extend the invitation to the rest of her sisters, only Donna, Alexa and Mala had taken her up on her offer.
Diana just shook her head, and with a sigh, she snapped the book in her hand shut. "This is hopeless. The dress I'm supposed to wear will take my breath away when I see it. It says so in all of these infernal books." She's been through so many of them already, there were a few dresses which she liked, but there was nothing she wanted to wear.
"Don't give up yet, Miss Diana," Alfred encouraged. "You still have plenty of time to make a decision – don't you agree, Master Bruce?"
Damn, Bruce thought. For the most part, he was determined to stay out of it as much as possible, resorting to hiding behind the business section of his newspaper (and no, he had no problem admitting that, yes, he was in fact hiding).
Lowering his paper, Bruce carefully weighed his options on whether he should answer or not. He was very far and very deeply out of his comfort-zone – dresses, and everything related to them, did strange things to females, especially pregnant females.
Admittedly it all would have been funny if it wasn't potentially… hazardous to one's health.
Mentally, he shuddered at the memory of a few days ago when Diana more or less verbally assaulted Patterson's formidable PA, Margret when she asked the Amazon for her measurements to send out to possible designers. Bruce had to buy the poor woman flowers afterwards.
"Master Bruce?" Alfred asked, he, and most of the table, looking at the billionaire strangely as he spaced out.
"...What?"
"The dress, sir – do you agree?"
"Yes… yes of course." He said quickly.
Dick sniggered. "Nice save."
Bruce rolled his eyes before retreating back behind his paper.
"I don't understand it," Mala then chimed it. "What's so important about a white dress?"
"It's all part of the tradition, Miss," Alfred answered.
Just then, the doorbell rang.
Dick stood up immediately. "I'll go get that." He said and left.
"No, I understand that," Mala continued, "It's just, whenever I see one of these woman they're seem so happy. Now that's what I don't understand, is it the dress or are they actually satisfied with life?"
"Mala, they're only models," Donna laughed. "They're just posing for the magazine. It isn't really their weddings."
"Why on earth would they pretend to be something they are not?" the blond Amazon asked absurdly. "I've said it once, and I'll say it again, Diana, this world is bizarre."
"It's not the only thing…" Tim said under his breath, making Bruce smirk into the business section.
The doorbell was rung several more times by the time that Dick finally got to the door, but when he opened it, the last two people he had expected to see was bickering on the front step.
"You're an idiot," Barbara snapped irritably at a very laid-back looking Jason.
"Temper, temper there, Barbie, you wouldn't want your face turning redder than that hair of yours."
"I will hurt you."
"Ooh, I didn't know you liked it-"
"Uh, guys…?" Dick asked before Jason could finish his sentence.
Both of them turned to look at him.
"What up, Grayson?" Jason smirked.
"Right now? I'm trying to figure out if I'm hallucinating…"
"I can always hit you to find out?" Jason offered.
"Thanks, but no thanks… what are you two doing here?"
"Anytime – and I don't know about her, but I had a 'change of heart' about what we talked about."
Dick raised an eyebrow. "Really now?" he asked dryly.
"No, actually, I didn't pay my rent on time. I need a place to crash for a while." Jason shrugged and slung the duffle bag he had in his hands over his shoulder.
Barbara scoffed. "You're unbelievable."
Jason winked at her roguishly. "You better believe it, Bat-babe."
"Dude…" Dick frowned.
"Relax, Grayson, I'm not making a move on your woman."
"…Do you hear yourself when you speak or is it like a buzzing in the back of your head?" Barbara asked.
"Ignore him," Dick said. "He usually goes away if you pretend he's not there."
"Aw, you're hurting my feelings," Jason mocked.
"Anyway, Barbara, why are you here?" Dick asked, turning away from him.
"I wanted to talk to you," Barbara said before giving Jason a look, "Could you give us some privacy?"
"Just pretend I'm not here." Jason said.
"Right…" Barbara sighed but went on nonetheless. "…Like I was saying, about the other night… I'm sorry if I overreacted."
"Uhm… no problem, Babs… sorry if I ran my mouth when I said, you know…"
Jason faked a yawn. "Boring…"
Dick and Barbara glared at him. "Do you mind?"
"No, please, go ahead – but wake me when something interesting happens."
Dick rolled his eyes and then smiled at her. "So… are we cool?"
But, before Barbara could open her mouth, they heard a different voice.
"Dick," Donna said as she walked up to them.
At the sight of her, Jason perked up. "And… that'll do."
When she saw the two newcomers, Donna smiled at them, "Oh, hello."
"Hi…" Barbara said awkwardly and took in Donna's appearance for a moment, "That shirt…"
Donna was still in her sleeping clothes which she was borrowing while she was staying at the Manor, a pair of blue night shorts she got from Diana and a black and yellow Gotham Knights t-shirt that belonged to Dick.
"This?" she asked. "Dick leant it to me."
He suddenly had a bad feeling.
Barbara looked at him. "Dick, why is she wearing your shirt?" she asked quietly, too quietly.
Donna smiled awkwardly, if not just a little puzzled by the other woman's reaction. "Well, I can't exactly walk around naked, can I?" She meant it as a joke obviously, but clearly by the flash in Barbara's eyes she didn't.
Jason then cleared his throat. "I think I speak for the entire male population when I say you should probably reconsider that…"
Dick wanted to facepalm and groan at the same time. Maybe inviting Jason wasn't his brightest idea ever…
Then, suddenly, two pairs of female eyes turned on him, one angry, one confused, and he really had a very, very bad feeling.
"Dick…?" Donna asked hesitantly.
"Dick, are you going to answer my question?"
Quick! He thought to himself, squirming under their gazes. What would Bruce do?
"Uhh…" Dammit!
Jason laughed. "And the former-Boy Wonder does it again."
No, scratch that – inviting Jason was the worst idea in the history of… like, the Multiverse.
"Babs, it's just a t-shirt," Dick tried quickly.
Barbara ground her teeth together, "Three years ago – the Knights versus the Star City Rockets."
As Dick tried to understand what the heck she was talking about, when he looked at the shirt again, it struck him like a bolt from the blue. It was the game of the decade, the Gotham Knights beaten the Rockets by a landslide – Dick and Barbara had managed to get box seats thanks to some strings Bruce had managed to pull for them. After the game, Barbara bought him the t-shirt he had his eyes on that night, it was limited edition and-
…Aw crap.
"Barbara," Dick began.
"Just forget it," she said dismissively and marched over back to her car.
"See ya later, Barbie!" Jason called after her obnoxiously making Barbara give a very colourful response in return.
Dick, still in shock, slowly closed the door and began repeatedly hitting his head against it.
"…Is he okay…?" Donna asked.
"No, not really," Jason answered before his gaze traveled down to the Amazon's bare legs, regarding them approvingly. "Nice."
Noticing this, Donna rolled her eyes.
"Erm… Dick?"
"Just… give me a second," Dick said, hitting his head two more times before straightening up. "And I'm back – what is it, Donna?"
"Alexa wanted to know if you might be able to show her to the library after breakfast – it seems we still get lost in here."
Dick nodded dumbly. "Sure thing… Now," he said and sighed as he looked at Jason, "how are we going to convince Bruce to let you to stay here?"
"Meh," he shrugged, "I'll just spin some tale about how you made me feel bad and decided to give up my wicked ways so I could support the family in this most… holiest of matrimonies."
"So… lie through your teeth then?" Dick asked bluntly.
Jason nodded, "Big time… And I'm probably gonna end up having to suck up to Alfred a little too to make sure."
"Yeah probably," He agreed.
"But, in any case," Jason and grinned at Donna, "I'm guessing we'll be seeing a whole lot of each other, huh?"
Donna scoffed. "In your dreams maybe," She said and walked back to the kitchen.
Dick smiled. "Well… I feel better."
"Minor setback - she so wants me," Jason said confidently.
Dick snorted. "Sure she does, Jaybird. Sure she does…"
A Few Days Later…
The Watchtower
Superman found Batman on his own in the Monitor Womb, already waiting for the Kryptonian to take over for the night.
"How is everything?" Superman asked.
"There's nothing worthwhile to report," Batman shrugged, standing up from his chair behind the monitors, "Looks like it's going to be another quiet night."
"Is that a bad thing?" The Man of Steel asked, quirking an eyebrow.
"It's too quiet for my taste. It's not natural."
Superman laughed, "Ever the pessimist, aren't you? I say we enjoy the peace while it lasts." He said before lowering his voice as a broad grin spread over his face. "Anyway, I ran into Diana in the hallway – she told me you guys went to another appointment yesterday. She didn't say anything, but is it true you guys know what you're having now?" he asked eagerly.
At the mention of this, Batman's impassive visage relaxed, and he dropped his voice to a softer, less steely tone. "We don't know for sure yet, but the doctor thinks it might be a girl."
"Bruce, that's great!" Superman said happily. "But, you aren't disappointed or anything, are you?"
Batman's mouth pulled up slightly at the corners. "Actually, it'll be a nice change for once." It was true, with Jason there (as… unexpected as what his initial arrival was), there was never a dull moment now that all three Robins were under one roof, and despite the fact that his backyard was invaded by his future mother-in-law's personal guard, the prospect of a daughter was still a happy one.
"And I heard about your… housing situation. How's that working out for you?" Superman asked slyly.
The Caped Crusader snorted. "It's still up for debate." …Though, he could have done without the occasional distrustful half-glares and predawn battle cries (Hippolyta insisted that her warriors hat to stay with their routine - Bruce was suspicious about this for many reasons).
"Has the Queen challenged you to a duel yet?" Superman joked.
"Not yet…" Surprisingly, Hippolyta was a prime example of the good guest. True to her word, she kept her warriors in line, never overstepping their boundaries, she normally kept to her tent or was in the library – she was even polite to Alfred.
But, good houseguest or not, Bruce was still suspicious. He had a feeling she was just bidding her time… waiting for the right moment – not unlike a spider, he realized.
Superman chuckled. "Good luck with that, Bruce. Diana said she's waiting for you by the Teleporter Room."
Batman nodded, but, before he walked to the door, he paused for a minute to take something out of his belt. "Before I leave, I have to give you these." He said, giving the Kryptonian a small black box.
"Mmm…?" Superman said, surprised.
"It's tradition that the best-man keeps the rings until the wedding day." Batman explained nonchalantly and then narrowed his eyes at him. "Don't lose them." Just by his tone, it was obvious there was an 'or else' attached to the end of his sentence.
Superman nodded. "Can I?"
"If you have to," Batman said.
Using his x-ray vision, Superman saw two rings, one a simple slightly larger platinum-coloured wedding band, clearly Bruce's, while the other was made out of a strange dark-grey metal. Curious, he looked closer at the darker ring and he noticed something written on the inside.
When he read the inscription, Superman couldn't help but smile. "…I always knew you had a soft side somewhere underneath all that armour and scowling."
Batman chose to ignore him.
"Just don't lose them, Clark."
Superman carefully closed his big hand over the box. "I won't, I promise."
Later…
Wayne Manor
When Bruce and Diana finally changed out of their uniforms and made their way down the main staircase intending to go to the kitchen for dinner that night, the doorbell happened to ring just as they reached the bottom.
Not expecting anyone, when Bruce went to answer the door, he was surprised when he found Shayera, Dinah, Helena and Zatanna on his doorstep, all dressed to kill and looking very determined.
"Is the lady of the Manor home?" Shayera asked.
All four women swept in and immediately honed in on Diana before Bruce could even open his mouth to respond.
"Shayera…?" Diana asked, confused.
"We're going out tonight." The redhead stated. "And before you say anything, A, yes you are coming, and B, do you have anything in your closet that reaches above your knees, is tight in all the right places and/or shows of a decent amount of cleavage?"
Diana stared at her, "I… what?"
"I'll take that as a maybe – Girls?"
Helena and Dinah hooked their arms through each of the Amazon's.
"We're all going out to celebrate your last two weeks as a single woman tonight," Zatanna stated, grinning mischievously. "Now, either you can come with us willingly or we will drag you out."
Helena snorted in amusement. "You forgot to add the 'resistance is futile' part, Zee."
"Right, that too." The magician added with a nod.
"But wait what about Donna and the others? If this is what I think it is, shouldn't they be there as well?" Diana asked.
"We're already a step ahead of ya, Di." Zatanna said confidently. "We had her and those two Amazon friends of yours round up everyone female in this house, even your mother agreed to be there."
Diana blinked at them, "Really?" Now that she thought about it, she hadn't seen one of her sisters, her mother or Donna around since she had gotten there – usually, when they weren't by their camp, the Amazons either trained in the Manor's gym, spent their time in the library or explored the Manor.
"Yep," Shayera said proudly. "It wasn't easy, but your mom was interested in this 'ritual'. But less talking – we gotta make you pretty."
"…I really don't have a choice, do I?" Diana smiled.
"Nope," Dinah said as she and Helena half-dragged her back up the stairs.
Some while later, coming from the hallway on the left, Alfred found Bruce standing at the bottom of the stairs.
"Master Bruce? I heard voices, is everything alright?" the butler asked.
"Everything's fine – Shayera and the others are here." He explained. "Apparently it's Diana's bachelorette party tonight."
Alfred smiled and nodded. "Ah, I see. I take it you offered no objections?"
"…I like my limbs attached to my body." Bruce deadpanned.
"Come now, sir," Alfred said, amused, "surely they can't be that bad."
Bruce cocked an eyebrow. "Do you want to try and tell them no, Alfred?"
Alfred then lightly cleared his throat. "That… won't be necessary. It wouldn't be my place, you see."
Bruce could only shake his head and smirk, but, his attention was soon diverted when he and Alfred heard voices coming from upstairs.
Looking exceptionally pleased with themselves, Shayera, Zatanna, Helena and Dinah all wore similar smirks on their faces while Diana found herself in the middle of the staircase, flanked on both sides, she was flushed but seemed to have accepted her fate.
Out of the corner of Alfred's eye, he caught the look on Bruce's face and smirked internally himself, he looked at Diana like he was in awe – Alfred could scarcely blame him of course, the Princess looked stunning.
He didn't even know the dress existed in Diana's wardrobe – it was made out of glittery dark blue material, the sleeves were long and the neckline tasteful, but it instantly drew all attention to her legs as the dress reached just above her knees. It was matched with black heels and scarlet lips while her hair was a mane of curls and her eyes had a smoky effect to them.
Alfred, always, always the gentleman, had the faintest flush on his cheeks but otherwise kept his face carefully neutral with a slight upwards tug at his lips.
When Diana reached the bottom of the stairs, she smiled when Bruce came up to her.
"You look beautiful," he said lowly, lacing his fingers through hers.
Diana looked wry. "You can thank Shayera and everyone for that." She said, much to the women's glee.
"I'll look into that." And he would, really, they were making his life so much better… when they weren't threatening to do him bodily harm that was.
She then kissed him – it was brief, shorter than Bruce would have liked it to be, but before he could get a chance to properly deepen it, they remembered that they weren't in fact the only two people in the room.
"…That was so hot." Zatanna commented as both Helena and Dinah grinned at Diana with matching Cheshire smiles.
Shayera put her hands on her hips. "The two of you can make-out later – we're on a schedule here, Di." She said sternly.
Bruce rolled his eyes while Diana could only nod and smiled, "Of course."
"…You're not going to get arrested again, are you?" Bruce asked dryly, looking at Diana.
"Don't tell him anything!" Helena hissed.
Diana bit her lower lip to keep herself from laughing. "…We'll try not to."
"The key word being 'try' here," Shayera said. "But that's all you'll get from us, Wayne."
Dinah nodded. "One way or another, we're kidnapping your fiancé – do not expect her home at a decent hour."
"Do you have the stuff, Shay?" Helena asked.
The redhead nodded before opening her handbag and pulled out a plastic tiara and a matching feather boa – both of them were pink… and fluffy.
Before Diana could even open her mouth, the boa was thrown around her neck. When she was done with that, Shayera then placed the tiara promptly on top of the Amazon's head.
"Is this really necessary?" Diana asked.
"Yes." all four of them said in unison.
"Well… we had a sash and a scepter that glows in the dark too but Shayera thought all that might have been overkill." Zatanna admitted.
"…Good call," Diana said, looking over to Shayera.
The redhead grinned. "Thanks. But with that done, your chariot awaits you outside, Princess." She said with an exaggerated sweeping gesture.
Diana laughed and squeezing Bruce's hand one last time, bidding Alfred a hasty goodbye before following everyone else out.
Alfred chuckled. "Well, something tells me the Princess is out for an interesting evening."
Then, from the top of the staircase, "No kidding,"
Looking up, Alfred and Bruce found Jason carrying a stack of blankets under his arm.
"Master Jason," Alfred said courteously as the younger man came down.
"They're all gone?" Jason asked mildly.
"They are," Bruce said. "What is all that for?"
"Dick wants to have a movie night since we're not patrolling the city tonight. He'll probably ask both of you later, but if you want, you could watch with us." He said nonchalantly – there was something in his voice, not exactly anticipation but something close to it, and he avoided looking Bruce straight in the eye.
Surprised at first, Bruce cast a fleeting look in Alfred's direction – the butler nodded slightly, smiling at him encouragingly. An olive branch of sorts was being extended from Jason's side and it would have been stupid not to take him up on his offer.
Bruce turned his head back and smiled slightly. "Sure."
The corners of Jason's mouth perked up for a moment before nodded. "Cool. You're coming too, right, Alfie?"
Alfred smiled. "That's quite alright, Master Jason. I think I'll be having an early night, but all of you enjoy yourselves." He said and left without another word.
There was a brief awkward silence until Jason cleared his throat lightly. "Guess we should be going then."
Bruce nodded and the two of them walked on for a bit before Jason sighed slightly and stopped walking halfway to the door.
"…Is this as weird for you as this is for me?"
There was no use playing dumb about what he was talking about, and despite himself, Bruce smiled slightly, though a bit sadly, "Maybe a little."
"Is it ever going to stop being weird?"
"We just need to get used to each other again."
"That's going to be easier said than done." The younger man remarked dryly.
"Maybe… but, for what it's worth, Jason, I'm…" He was… what? There wasn't the right word he could use, and even if there were and he could say it out loud it would have probably come out wrong anyway.
Jason looked away. "Yeah… I know."
Luckily, for both of them, before it could get even more awkward, Tim appeared at the doorway leading into the den.
"Bruce? You're watching with us?" the teenager asked curiously.
He forced his face into a more neutral expression and nodded. "Why not? What are we watching?"
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the slight scowl on Jason's face.
Tim then rolled his eyes. "Dick mentioned something about Chuck Norris and Bruce Lee."
From inside, they heard Dick, "Way of the Dragon is a legend for a reason, little brother!"
Tim facepalmed, "And after that, we're watching Rambo… all of them… joy."
Dick only laughed as Tim went back inside. Before Jason could follow, Bruce hesitantly put his hand on his shoulder. "We'll talk later."
Jason sighed again, "Sure, Bruce."
Bruce gripped at his shoulder once more before the two of them walked inside.
Viola Fields:
I cannot believe she compared me to Gertrude!
Ruby:
I know. Now that's just wrong.
Viola Fields:
Thank You.
Ruby:
You are far worse. I don't recall Gertrude ever trying to poison you. And I'm pretty sure she wore black to your wedding.
Viola Fields:
Black. Yeah, she said she was in mourning. I just want my son to be happy.
Ruby:
Whatever made you think he wasn't?
- Monster-in-Law
"Women were tricky creatures under the best of circumstances. This was not the best of circumstances."
― Genevieve Dewey, The Good Life
A/N: Oh, say it already – I'm a terrible, terrible person for cutting it off here, however, I believe in quality over quantity – I had begun writing the first scene of the bachelorette party, however, since it was rubbish, and I really think I have been holding out on you guys for too long, I give you this until I can deliver the chapter that I'm happy with.
Sorry for the lack of any real interaction – I was thinking about it, and I think I'm going to write a one-shot about the Amazons' stay at Wayne Manor to make up for that. I haven't worked out the entire thing yet, but I'm thinking of calling it 'Life with Amazons' – please tell me if that name's already been taken, or if you have any ideas, I'd love to hear 'em… of course, I'm going to be working on the next chapter first before I get to this, but basically, there will be a lot of Amazon/Bat-family interaction, mischief and hilarity, BM/WW fluff and maybe a scene where Jason and Diana have a moment… and maybe a few extra moments where Hippolyta plots Bruce's downfall on the sly because I giggled like an airhead when I wrote the scene with Phillipus.
Anyway, please don't hate me for ending where I did. I WILL make up for that next time.
In Response with the previous chapter's reviews:
yob3: …Damn… wow, thanks for the help, but it still sucks that Supes and Lois aren't dating (and if they kill off Lois in the new Superman/Batman movie, I will flip out). And I'm not too familiar with Cassandra Cain's character since I only began reading comics last year and my, shall we call 'vintage' Batman collection is still lacking in come departments, but from the comics I do have, she is pretty kick-ass.
Wonderwomanbatmanfan: I thank you kindly and apologize sincerely.
Delta808th: Not all of it… oh, but thank you so much for the help! Seriously, man :)
The Goddamn Dark Knight: Nope, I like Babs way more – see above response for why I don't have Cass as Batgirl.
M2J MandalorianJedi: No he is not x) – and, let's just all agree Barbara is a great character whether she be Batgirl or Oracle, 'kay?
Lloyd RPGFan: As for the ring, I sucked that out of my thumb – I don't think you can melt or infuse onyx, but I had such a pretty image in my head when I wrote that I used the first thing that popped into my head – and about Jason, sorry for any lack of interaction… but, he's in here and he will show up again. Oh, and before I forget, I have no idea what I'm going to put in the engravement – I want it to be short but so sweet any girl (and maybe some of the boys) will swoon when they read it… of course, since it's Bruce, that might prove a challenge – fear not, however, for I am on it!
LOTSlover: You honour me with your words, kind friend – seriously though, don't say something like that, I'm blushing and my head is swelling to a dangerous degree! Of course… a little love does go a long way, lol ;)
Skillgannon (Guest): Most definitely… stay tuned.
Fireminer: …That would be so, so epic… I may just use that… in a sense… watch this space.
shadow117 (Guest): Schweet and since you're my second Spanish-speaking reviewer: Muchas gracias, pero debo advertirte que cuando me pongo muy entusiasmados con un capitulo que mis palabras se ponen muy largo y mi florid lenguaje. (I hope I got that right, and thank you, again).
no one (Guest): Truer words have never been spoken, friend.
Mbembet: And I shall!
Gabriel-TDO: Not too much about that, but that may or may not change in the following chapter…
Mr. Oliver Queen: Lol, as long as you keep reading, I'll keep writing – oh, and about that thing we talked about, I'm working on that as we speak ;)
Jada121: Yes, Clark is planning the bachelor party – that will happen in about 2 chapters from now, as for groomsmen… you'll see. And thank you
Thealphamale: Thank you for reading! I hope you'll like what I have planned next.
Maculedes: The Red Hood is my second favourite of the Robins (he and Dick are tied… sorry, Tim… lol). And I'll try to update soon.
Guest12 (Guest): There will be more of the Queen next time
LaughingSenselessly: And a magnificent one at that. And yes, there will be more!
StraightedgeWingZero: …I'mma gonna take a guess here and say… trouble for Batman? Lol…
Okay! Well, I have finished my exams (I passed! Yay me!), so, I have off for a month, and while I'm not promising anything since I do have other stories to update, I will be working on the next chapter…
Also, I'm going to ignore the furious emails I will probably be getting in the next few days because there is no doubt in my mind that a few of you may want to spam me for ending as I did…
Still, if you want to review, I'm not gonna stop ya! Peace!
Until next time,
GoddessofDawn out