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: Holy hell Batfans... this is the last chapter.
It's done...
Disclaimer: It's been half a decade, and I'm still no closer to owning these characters than I am Disney Land, the Moon, and... well, you know the rest. DC Comics owns these amazing, amazing characters.
Bridezillas & Kryptonite
~Epilogue~
-6 Months Later-
The sea monster was a gigantic writhing mass of tentacles, a head full of unblinking eyes and a wide, barrel-shaped mouth with teeth big enough to make a great white nervous. But despite mostly being made out of a gelatinous matter and ooze, it still packed a hell of a punch - something Hawkgirl found out the hard way.
With her wings weighed down and sticky, she lost altitude and was barely five feet from the water when a glowing green hand caught her.
Shaking off the excess slime from her uniform and hair, Shayera glared up when she heard Hal snicker. "Something funny, flyboy?" she challenged as he raised the construct higher, out of the flailing tentacles' reach.
"Just appraising the situation, Shay." He said dryly. "I didn't say a thing."
"I thought so." She sniffed, and once her wings were dry enough, she rejoined him back in midair. "Remind me to kick Arthur's ass for this later."
"You can bet on it." He said over the monster's sudden, shrieking roar when one of John's energy blasts hit where it hurts.
"When you two are done talking," the marine snapped, "Do you mind giving me a hand here?"
"I already did, besides, you look like you're handling yourself just fine from where I'm floating, John." Hal snarked.
"Jordan, I swear-"
"Aw, crap." Shayera said, cutting them off abruptly. "Incoming cargo freighter!"
The monster must have noticed the same thing before submerging, its massive body causing the water to part as it shot towards the large ship. With a nod to one another, both Lanterns put up a wall around it, cutting it off halfway.
The monster collided with the energy barrier, thrashing against it until Shayera swooped down with a war cry of her own - she avoided its tentacles before bringing her mace down over its head.
She manages to blind several of its eyes only to enrage it enough that it rears its head up out of the water and lets out a deafening screech similar to a thousand nails being dragged down a chalkboard.
It's enough to make both Lanterns have to stop for a minute to cover their ears - the barrier flickers like their concentration, but before it can fade, something bright and golden wraps itself around what constituted as the monster's neck.
Shayera's head snapped up and she let out a bark of laughter when she saw Wonder Woman in her full glory behind them.
"Looks like you needed a little help." The Amazon grinned, the Lasso of Truth like a thread of raw sunlight in hand as she had her back turned against the sky, her hair whipping in the gust.
It was a beautiful sight.
Shayera pulled back out of the way almost immediately. "Go for it!" she called and watched as Diana yanked on the Lasso, using her strength to the pull the monster out of the water and threw it at least a league in a different direction.
"Whoa! Nice!" Hal said, giving her the thumbs up once he turned and straightened up. "Oh, and by the way? Welcome back."
She pulled back on her lasso and nodded. "It's good to be back."
The monster recovered quickly, however, and submerged itself entirely before shooting towards the freighter like a torpedo. They were about to go after it again when Diana stopped them.
"Don't worry, I brought help."
At that exact moment, Hal noticed a second shadow, longer and more serpentine than the first. "What the-" the words are barely out of his mouth when a massive green sea dragon exploded out of the water. Hal nearly fell out of the air in surprise, "-Holy crap!"
The dragon lunged with a roar, dragging the monster down as it coiled around it like a snake, sending massive waves crashing against the hull of the ship.
"Wait," Shayera said, squinting and drew back when she noticed the distinctive red criss-cross markings down the dragon's spine, "is that J'onn?"
"He wanted to come with me." Diana said casually, watching as the crewmen onboard rushed to the edge of the freighter and pointed at the bubbling surface in shock and awe. "He also says he hopes you don't mind that he interfered in you mission."
"Your Highness," John stated, dead serious despite his mouth twitching, "believe me when I say with an entrance like that, the man he can cut in whenever he damn well wants."
"What? And make the rest of us look bad?" Shayera said wryly. "Just tell him to keep the showing off to a minimum in the future."
Noted. A familiar voice resonated wryly in the back of their minds.
The four of them looked in time to see J'onn the sea dragon poke his head out of the water.
"You okay, big guy?" Hal asked, he and Shayera flying over to him, the two of them dwarfed by the Martian's sheer size.
Familiar red eyes turned to them and blinked once, a strange rumbling sound not unlike gathering thunder at a distance building in the back of his throat. I am well. I managed to get into contact with the creature - it's agreed to return to Atlantis.
"Well, that's kinda anticlimactic." John noted as he and Diana joined the others. "Why are you still like that?"
One of us should oversee that it returns without any further complication.
"Do you want us to come with you?" Diana asked.
No need. He rumbled. This form should simplify the proceedings.
"That's unless Arthur freaks out when he sees you and sends his army after you." Shayera pointed out. "Then again... the Fish King would have it coming."
I'll be sure to alert Aquaman of my arrival beforehand. J'onn reassured.
"Less fun, but I guess that's better than causing a diplomatic incident." Hal said mildly, crossing his arms over his chest.
"Let us know when you get there, J'onn." Diana said. "We'll see you back at the Watchtower."
He blinked once more in acknowledgement before ducking back into the water, disappearing with ease below the surface.
Later...
The Batcave
Bruce stood at the edge of the sparing ring, trying with mixed results not to say anything as Dick and Jason circled around one another like a pair of lions.
"Stop dancing around and fight already, Grayson." Jason huffed in annoyance, his entire body taut with eager anticipation. His voice had a breathy edge to it that gave away the toll the effort of keeping up was taking.
His eldest son, in comparison, was the very picture of ease, and even Bruce had to admit he almost believed that he was. Almost.
Flashing Jason a grin that was downright lazy, Dick moved with a casual swagger, all loose muscles and light, careless footsteps. "It's not my fault you're getting slow in your old age, Jaybird."
"Keep it up, pretty-boy, we'll see who's laughing at the end of this."
It was becoming a habit for him to come down and find the two of them using the Cave's training facilities most afternoons. Besides, training sessions sometimes turned into dinners which sometimes lead to midnight patrols, or, if on a Friday, one or both of them staying the weekend. All of which meant a happy Alfred and an equally thrilled Diana that he was making an effort with them.
...Of course, the last time his sons stayed over for an extended period of time ended with two broken windows, an awkward discussion with Jim about a man and a vat of radioactive material, and the Penguin making a public statement that he was taking a 'bloody holiday' after his court hearing. The cast would be coming off any day now.
To Bruce's right, Alfred scoffed impatiently. "Do get on with it, lads, we can't keep standing around watching the two of you if nothing's going to happen."
"I didn't think you'd be the one egging us on, Alfred." Jason admitted, sounding mildly surprised.
"I'm not, but if the two of you are going to insist on knocking each other around, I'd rather you do it in a controlled environment... as much as it is." The butler said crisply.
"Aw, cheer up, Alfie, at least this way we can knock come sense into each other." Dick said, grinning at him over his shoulder.
Alfred didn't look amused. "That's not nearly as comforting as you think it is, Master Richard."
Dick was about to open his mouth when Jason came at him from the side, managing to get him in a headlock. "Always be aware of your surroundings, Grayson."
Dick recovered quickly enough after that, but while the two of them scuffled, Bruce's attention was pulled away when he heard footsteps coming from the stairs leading up to the study. Turning his head, he saw Tim coming down with a half-dozing baby on hip.
"She woke up." The teenager said in way of an explanation, grinning a little sheepishly.
"Was she crying?" Bruce asked, walking over.
"No, but I figured I might as well bring Aurora down here since everyone else obviously is." He said, carefully handing her over. "Diana isn't back yet?"
"Not yet." He said, adjusting his arms and holding his daughter against his chest.
He smiled a little, visibly softening when a small hand bunched the material of his shirt and hazy eyes blinked back when he looked down. He actively ignored the looks he was getting from his father-figure and sons before brushing his lips against her forehead.
"You know," Jason began, straightening up. "I don't think I'll ever get used to seeing Bruce... melt like that. It's weird."
Bruce huffed mildly. "Legs."
Jason blinked. "Wha-?" He barely had the words out when Dick swept his legs out from under him.
"Always be aware of your surroundings, Jay." Dick echoed back, grinning broadly.
Alfred just shook his head. "Any injured parties?"
"I'd say Jason's pride got hurt in that fall, Alfred." Tim said glibly. "We might need to take a look at that."
Jason rolled his eyes. "Can it, Replacement." He grumbled, but accepted the hand up Dick offered.
Not too long afterwards, the teleporter in the cave lit and Diana stepped out.
"Welcome back, Madame." Alfred said warmly.
"Alfred," she said, smiling back. "Everyone."
"Hey, Di," Dick said cheerfully. "How was your first day back?"
"Good! Long." She said. "It was good to be back, it felt... right."
"Anything interesting?" Tim asked.
She nodded. "Always."
"C'mon," Dick said, putting one arm around Tim's shoulders when he passed him before ruffling his hair playfully. "We can ask later. We're glad you're back safe, Diana."
Alfred nodded at both Bruce and Diana once, following the younger men back out and up the stairs, none-too subtle satisfaction practically radiating from him as he hummed to himself all the while.
Bruce waited until they were gone before walking up to her.
"Hi."
She pressed a kiss to his lips. "Hi..."
He smiled himself when the gentle weight in his arms stirred.
Diana noticed and nuzzled her face against short blonde curls. (And hello to you, too, my little sun.) she said affectionately. "...How was she?"
"A little restless when you left," he admitted. "But she calmed down before I had to go. Alfred assured me he had everything under control."
"I don't doubt that. That man is a miracle worker."
"Always have been." He said and let the moment pass in peace. "I heard about your mission."
"Of course you have. And like I said, I'm glad I went back."
"I know. You belong out there, Princess."
"Perhaps, but I belong here too."
The wonderful thing about the way she said that? The fact that Bruce didn't doubt it for a minute.
"Not to change the subject," Diana began conversationally, "and I hope you don't mind, but a few of our friends invited themselves over later."
"Is that so?" he said dryly.
"Some of them haven't seen Aurora since she was born, and since when have Clark or Shayera ever needed a reason to visit?"
"I'm sure Alfred would be thrilled to hear that."
"He usually is." She grinned, stepping back a little, moving towards the stairs as he took his free hand. "So... are you coming up with me now, or should I leave you in your cave for a little while longer?"
Bruce just smiled to himself but willingly let her lead him away.
Later...
Clark held perfectly still as small hands roamed over his face and along his jaw, smiling when then they came to a halt on either side of his face, on his cheeks, the baby taking in the details where her hands went.
When he took one of her hands and kissed the back of it playfully, Aurora pulled them back and clapped, letting out a peal of delighted baby laughter as she did.
Out of the corner of his eye, Clark noticed the way Wally made a face like he was in pain.
"So... cute..." he managed with exaggerated difficulty. "No, seriously, I can feel my teeth aching. That's just... wow."
They were in the hallway outside of the nursery, it was getting late and it was almost time for Bruce's patrol. Most of the others were downstairs already, saying their goodbyes - Clark had offered to tuck his goddaughter in while Bruce and Diana walked them to the door. For some reason, Wally wanted to tag along with him.
"I'm sure you're overreacting." Clark said.
Wally shook his head. "Nope, definitely don't think that I am. It's not a bad thing."
"Bruce won't let me babysit." Clark admitted a little sadly.
The redhead's eyes widened. "Huh? Why not? You're so good with her."
"I don't think it's because he doesn't trust me, but..."
"But you want to?" he said and thought about it. "Well, it makes sense. I mean, isn't Bruce just super protective right now? He practically growled at me for holding her, so I wouldn't over think it too much, big guy."
Clark smiled a little. "You're probably right." He said before looking at him curiously. "Why did you want to walk with me, anyway?"
"I just wanted to check something real quick." He said with a grin as they stepped inside.
"What?"
Wally's eyes zoomed in on something, and in a heartbeat crossed the distance between them and the dresser on the other side of the room in the span of a second. Another heartbeat later, he groaned as he held up a piece of yellow fabric Clark recognized as a baby's onesie.
"What are you doing?"
The speedster shook his head. "I bet Shay thirty bucks the other day that I wouldn't find a batsignal onesie if I looked around."
"You found one." Clark said, amused.
"Yup." He said and sighed. "Now that we're on the subject, could I borrow the money? I'll give it back to you as soon as I can, I promise."
Clark laughed as he walked over to the crib. Pressing a kiss to the baby girl's forehead, he carefully laid her down. He paused for a moment when the same small hand from before wrapped itself around his thumb and squeezed.
He blinked in astonishment.
"Huh..."
"What's up?" Wally asked, putting the onesie away again.
Clark smiled slightly. "She's strong."
Before he could say anything else, he felt something different, an afterthought or a tingle down his spine - not quite there, and yet...
"Uh... Supes?" Wally said. "You're spacing out again."
Clark listened for a moment, recognizing the distant rumble as thunder. Straightening up, he couldn't quite shake the brush against his senses despite himself. "A storm's coming."
The speedster snorted. "Considering where we are, you're not really surprised, are you?"
"No, but I thought..." At the strange look he got, he shook his head. "You know what? Never mind... It's probably nothing, anyway."
"Right." Wally said as the two men started leaving. "So, about that loan..."
Closing the door behind him, the nursery was dark save for the single nightlight against the wall, darker still with the oncoming storm - when the thunder rumbled, Aurora stirred, uneasy.
The first bolt of lightning came as a surprise, flashing in front of her window, temporarily banishing the dark. When the second bolt struck, she made to cry out when a pair of large hands reached down and picked her up, distracting her.
White, white teeth were visible even in the partial light as the stranger smiled, and for a minute, all either did was stare - vivid electric blue eyes meeting bright green ones.
Then, a voice.
"Curious, Lord Zeus?"
The stranger chuckled as he gently cradled the baby in his arms and turned to the newcomer. "She resembles Hippolyta." He said mildly.
The newcomer frowned as he stepped closer. "This is a bad idea."
"Why? I'm fulfilling my familial duties, after all. I can't see what's wrong with that."
"Is that the only reason why you're here? If Diana finds out-"
"You've always worried too much, Hermes." He said, shrugging off his son's concern.
"Someone has to." The Messenger said and sighed. "Should I automatically assume you're planning something, or are you going to lie to my face, Father?"
Zeus tilted his head to the sides slightly. "I'm sure I don't know what you're talking about. But are you really surprised I'd take an interest? Considering who this child is related to, I'd say I have a very good reason to want to get involved."
Hermes's shoulders tensed. "What do you mean...?"
"It should be interesting to see what she becomes, don't you think?"
"With all due respect, why do you care? Her... lineage, aside, she's not even pure Amazon..."
Zeus's smile broadened. "Because, where her blood lacks in some areas," he went on, trailing his thumb down her cheek carefully, "it makes up in others."
Before Hermes could ask anything else, Aurora reached up and grabbed Zeus's fingers - in the span of a heartbeat, easy to miss if you were human, her eyes flashed.
The younger god's eyes widened.
"I... see." He said slowly after a brief, stunned silence."May I ask... Do you intend to interfere in her life?"
Zeus shrugged, tucking a curly strand of hair behind the baby's ear. "If the situation calls for it... you never know what some foolish boy breaks her heart, and she be in need of a storm to break over his head."
Hermes groaned. "I remember you saying the same thing about Aphrodite when she was younger." He said and shook his head. "...But that's not what I asked."
"We'll have to see."
"I can't exactly talk you out of it, my Lord, but if you think it's best... I suppose I'll try and support you as much as I can."
"Good." Zeus said matter-of-factly. "Because you'll be helping me keep an eye over her."
Hermes blinked. "You're joking."
His father didn't elaborate as he returned the baby to her crib, lingering as he tucked her back in. "Huh..." he said after a minute. "Aurora Antiope... A fitting name, don't you think?"
"Fitting. Daunting. It'll be one she'll have to live up to and then some." Hermes said quietly, annoyed at being ignored and grimaced.
"Undoubtedly, but not impossible surely."
"Hmm, perhaps... Until then..."
Zeus's teeth flashed in the dark as the thunder rumbled outside. "Until then..."
Aurora made to reach for his hand again only to reach up into thin air, alone once more.
Just then, the door opened and Diana peered in.
"Diana?" Bruce asked, his hand on her shoulder.
"I thought I heard..." she began, frowning at the gathering storm outside. "Never mind... Bruce, do you think it's a good idea to leave her alone? The weather's picking up-"
Just as she said this, there was a flash in front of the window and they heard something coming from the crib. When Bruce realized what they were hearing, he stopped her from going over.
"Diana..." he said quietly, "listen."
Sure enough, instead of crying, little Aurora Wayne laughed as lightning struck and the storm finally broke.
8 Years Later-
It was still dark when the door to the master bedroom creaked open, and with the soft snap and the equally soft patter of feet, Bruce blinked once, then twice before shutting his eyes stubbornly and turning on his side.
Aurora - the dawn - he thought ruefully, they really hit the nail on the head with that one...
The arms around his waist tightened as Diana stirred, only half-awake herself.
"Your daughter's awake." He grumbled under his breath, turning his head just enough to catch a mass of dark curls.
There was a puff of breath as Diana exhaled against his neck. "Before sunrise she's your daughter..." she murmured, curling up against his back more.
He didn't respond, didn't move a muscle, didn't react when the bed sagged under the added weight and crawled over him bodily.
"Daddy..." Aurora whispered loudly, looming over him curiously. "Daddy, are you awake?"
He kept his eyes shut tight. "No."
His mouth twitch at the giggle that followed and when he felt a feather-light brush of lips against his cheek, he grudgingly cracked open a single eye.
Aurora settled back. "Silly... You gotta get up now. Alfred's making breakfast."
He opened the other eye, slowly resigning himself to his fate. "Did you chase him out of bed too, hummingbird?"
She huffed. "...'m not a bird, Daddy."
"And you didn't answer the question." He pointed out.
"I didn't mean to wake him..." she said, suddenly sounding sheepish. "I couldn't sleep, besides, Alfred always says it's better to get up early because you can get more done during the day. He made me tea and he told me about that one time Dick and Jason-"
He almost dozed off again while he listened to her babble on cheerfully until he felt the subtle vibrations coming from the warm body next to him as Diana tried to smother her laughter with her pillow.
"Why couldn't you sleep?" he asked, straightening up enough without unseating his daughter who had made herself all too comfortable over his stomach.
"'Cuz! We're going to the Watchtower! You promised you'd take me today, didn't you?"
He sighed, hitching himself up on his elbows. "Aurora, we aren't going for another seven hours."
"Yeah, well... I was excited." She said matter-of-factly. "Anyway, you really gotta get up now, Daddy. Alfred's making pancakes, and he said he'd only make them if you come down and help him do it."
Of course he did. "Alfred asked you to get me?" he asked, narrowing his eyes.
Aurora nodded. "Uh-huh."
"Right now?"
"Yup." She said simply. "He also said you can't fire him because he knows too much already."
At that point, Diana couldn't stop her laughter and rolled over onto her back, the tremors from her shaking body vibrating through the mattress.
"Oh! Hi, Mama! I didn't know you were awake." Aurora said cheerfully.
Diana stifled another laugh before she sat up and nuzzled her face against her daughter's affectionately. "Good morning, my little sun."
She giggled again and returned the gesture with equal affection. "Are you coming with us to the station?"
"No, my love. I have duties at the Embassy I need to attend to personally today."
"What about later?"
"We'll see..." She promised. "But... I'm sure I'll hear about it when I come back."
"Okay. But can you tell Daddy he needs to get up, please? Pancakes, Mama..."
Diana looked at her husband, unable to keep the grin off her face. "Those are delicious."
Bruce sighed. "How far was he?"
Aurora blinked. "He was mixing the batter. Why?"
"Because," he said, making Aurora squeal when he snaked an arm around her waist and brought her with him when he laid back again, "that means we can sleep for ten more minutes."
"Daddy...!"
His arm didn't budge as she wriggled in them. "Sleep..."
"Mama! Assistance required!"
Diana looked amused. "I'm afraid this is one battle you'll have to win on your own, daughter."
Aurora pursed her lips before narrowing her eyes at her father, keeping completely still until Bruce eventually relented and let her up again.
"Merci." She said with a dignified sniff she could only have picked up from Alfred himself.
Bruce sat up himself and reluctantly got out of bed, holding out his arms for Aurora.
Grinning once more, the eight-year-old was in them faster than he could have blinked and with more force than he anticipated. Despite being slightly winded, when she tucked her head under his chin, Bruce softened enough and held her closer to his chest before he straightened up and looked over at Diana.
"Will you be joining us, wife?"
"Actually, I think I'll be having a lie-in for a change, husband." She said matter-of-factly, stretching out languidly as she fell back in bed. "I don't have to be anywhere until ten."
"We'll save you a few pancakes for later, Mama." Aurora piped up.
"Thank you, my love."
Bruce shot her a grumpy look. "Vengeance will be mine."
"I love you too." She returned with ease, definitely laughing at him again as she pulled the covers over herself again.
Later...
Aurora was a wide-eyed, bundle of energy, practically bouncing on the heels of her bright red sneakers, not stopping even once they stepped out of the teleporter onboard the Watchtower and she greeted an amused-looking J'onn with a cheerful wave.
When they got to the hallway, Bruce got down on his haunches in front of her, making her look up at him by tilting her chin up. "You wanna tell me the real reason why you're so eager to be here today, old chum?" he asked, using his Batman voice.
She shifted the weight from one foot to the other. "No reason..."
"Really?" he said wryly.
She fidgeted. "Really no reason?"
"Do you want to try that again?"
"Uh... I love you and I won't accidentally set Uncle Wally on fire again?"
His mouth twitched at the memory despite himself. "Better, but I'm still not convinced. Just tell me one thing, and I'll let you go." he said.
"Daddy..."
"Just one thing. Is fire involved?"
"No."
"Flashbangs?"
"No. Tim won't help me make anymore since the last time, so..."
"Tripwire?"
"No."
"Magic?"
"I don't-" at the look her father gave her, Aurora cleared her throat. "No..."
He wasn't wholly convinced on that but let it slide for a moment. "Arrows?"
"That's no fair! That only happened once, Daddy!"
"Aurora..."
She sighed. "No... Besides, Uncle Ollie isn't here today." She said before she noticed something behind him and perked up, looking relieved. "Oh, but look, there's Superman. Hi, Uncle Kal!"
Bruce got up when Clark approached the two of them and turned to see the Boy Scout grin at them broadly.
"Hey there, sunshine. I heard you were coming around." the Kryptonian said cheerfully before nodding curtly at Bruce, schooling his face to look more serious with limited success. "Batman."
"Superman." Bruce returned and looked back at Aurora. When he didn't say anything immediately and she started fidgeting again, he couldn't keep from smiling a little. "Well, what are you waiting for?"
She beamed up at him, squeezing his hand one before looking at Clark. "Is Ryan here today?"
"He and Rex are in the rec. room." Clark said and shook his head in amusement. "It looks like they've been waiting for something, but they didn't tell me when I asked about it. You wouldn't happen to know anything about that, would you, Aurora?"
Her eyes widened as she backed away slowly. "Uh... I gotta go now. Bye!"
"And don't run!" Bruce called out afterwards as she took off in a streak of blonde hair.
Clark chuckled. "Think we should be worried about that?"
Bruce just sighed. "The property damage will be minimal... probably."
"'Probably'?"
"I'm an optimist." He said dryly and watched as his daughter disappeared around the corner.
Despite passing several League members, Aurora didn't stop for anything longer than a quick hello or a wave until she got to the rec. room. When she got there, however, she froze in the door, a slow grin spreading over her face as she noticed her two best friends talking animatedly with one another.
Ryan happened to notice her over Rex's shoulder, sky blue eyes lighting up as a grin of his own started forming.
Rex, standing with his back turned in her direction, was still busy talking and didn't seem to notice as she crept up to him as quietly as she could. When Ryan had to visibly stop himself from laughing, the older boy looked at him strangely until something similar to a heat-seeking missile launched itself onto his back... or so he thought.
The ten-year-old managed to catch himself just in time, but when he straightened up, yellow curls obscured his view as a pair of legs clamped around his waist. "Dammit, Rora!"
Aurora wrapped her arms around his neck, resting her chin on his shoulder. "That's not a nice thing to say. Besides, you know what I want, Stuart." She said matter-of-factly.
He made a face as he turned his head to look at her. "Do I have to...?"
"Yup." She said, tilting her face just so until Rex relented and pressed a quick kiss against her cheek, making her giggle.
"There. Was that so hard?" she said smugly.
"If I get cooties, I'm blaming you, Wayne." He grumbled, adjusting her legs enough as he got used to her weight.
She scoffs haughtily. "It's not like you'll die if you do get cooties, you know. It isn't even a real thing!"
"That's not a chance I'd like to take."
Aurora stuck her tongue out at him before looking over at Ryan. "Anyway, you guys ready?"
Ryan nodded eagerly. "Uh-huh, sure thing - I checked and everything, he's here today."
"And you're sure you didn't tell anyone?" she said, narrowing her eyes.
His cheeks flushed pink for a moment. "C-cross my heart, Ro!"
"What about you?" Rex asked.
"No way," she said firmly. "I think Daddy was suspicious, though, but I didn't say anything."
"Same with my Dad, and I think Uncle Clark might be on to us." Rex nodded.
"But- but it's not like we're doing something wrong, right?" Ryan asked, suddenly apprehensive.
"Not happening. Besides, we talked about this. It might be our only chance." Rex said before flashing him a confident grin. "You're not thinking about backing out now, are you, Blue?"
"N-no," he said before catching himself and cleared his throat, "No - I'm ready."
Aurora nodded in approval before pointing onwards over Rex's shoulder. "Then what are we waiting for? Let's go!"
They were careful as they left the rec. room - while it was true they'd practically grew up on the Watchtower, there were places on the space station they still weren't allowed to go.
...That didn't mean, however, they didn't go there anyway when no one was looking.
Once the coast was clear and the hallways empty, Rex gestured for Aurora and Ryan to follow.
"So, what's the plan?" Aurora asked when they stopped in front of the sliding doors.
"We go in and ask him."
She stared at him in disbelief. "What? Just like that?"
"No, we're gonna go in there with a song and dance routine." He said, deadpan. "Obviously we're just gonna go in there. It can't be that hard, it's not like we're gonna ask for a kidney, Rora."
Aurora narrowed her eyes in annoyance, crossing her arms over her chest. "Fine, then you go in first, Hawkboy." She challenged.
Rex was startled but recovered quickly enough and turned to the door. He didn't move any further.
"What's the matter, Rex?" Aurora said smugly. "I thought it was supposed to be easy."
"I'm going... just... give me a minute." He grumbled but still didn't move.
After a while, he huffed and turned back.
"...Okay. We need a plan."
Aurora smirked until she noticed something was missing. "Hey... where's Ryan?"
They heard the sound of the doors sliding open, both their heads shot up and they turned in time to see Ryan stepping through into the Observatory. Stunned, they watched as he walked up to Dr Fate and tugged at his yellow cape.
"Excuse me, Dr Fate?" he said, voice shaking a little with nerves. "Can we ask a favour?"
Turning away from the panoramic window and the endless sea of stars beyond it, the sorcerer turned his glowing gaze onto the young Kryptonian without saying anything for a long minute until Ryan started fidgeting.
"And who," he began, deep voice resonating, "is 'we'?"
Rex had a look on his face like a deer caught in the headlights until Aurora took his hand and dragged him inside.
"That would be us, sir." Aurora said, holding her head high.
"I heard bickering outside. Was that you too?"
She smiled a little sheepishly. "I'm sorry that we bothered you."
"You weren't, but in future endeavours, I would suggest you excise stealth if your intent is to stay unnoticed." He said mildly.
"Is it true?" Rex blurted out suddenly. "Can you really see into the future?"
Aurora punched him in the arm.
"Ow! What was that for?" he glared.
She glared back. "Subtlety! You lack subtlety!"
"But, you can, right?" Ryan asked shyly.
"I take it, the answer to your question ties in with this favour of yours?" Nabu asked.
Rex rubbed his arm. "It's just, well, the thing is, w-we were wondering if you -that is, if you don't mind..."
"The boys want you to look into their future." Aurora finished off.
Rex sighed under his breath. "And she says I'm the blunt one..."
The sorcerer, on the other hand, tilted his head to the side. "The boys... but not you?"
Aurora blinked, startled. "Why would I? It's not real."
While she couldn't be sure exactly, Aurora could feel Nabu's stare weigh heavily on her. "What isn't?"
She hesitated for a moment. "Well... fate. No, offence, but... we decide what happens in our lives - even if we can't control what happens to us, we control what we do, how we react, not anyone else, not a higher power."
"Is that what you really believe, child?"
She frowned, looking down at her feet. "I mean... it can't be real. It doesn't make sense."
"Then why are you here?"
She looked up again and shrugged. "Moral support."
He let out a gust of breath that sounded vaguely, oddly rusty, and it took another moment for Aurora to realize he was chuckling. "My apologies. Batman has expressed similar views in the past. I was just struck by the similarities between the two of you for a moment."
"T-thank you, sir."
"However, it's strange that you would think so, considering the Amazons' beliefs about the Moirai."
Her nose crinkled. "Yeah... Granma Hippolyta told me about them once."
"So you're not curious?" he asked quietly.
Aurora thought for a long minute before answering. "I know what kind of person I want to be one day, Dr Fate." She said slowly.
"Do you want to find out?" Nabu asked, offering his hand.
"I..." She caught the pointed look Rex gave her out of the corner of her eye. "If my friends can look too, I guess a peek couldn't hurt..."
"I would not have expected otherwise." The sorcerer said as she took his hand and he extended the other towards Ryan. "But now, join hands. Decide for yourself if what you see is the truth."
While Ryan seemed a little hesitant, when he felt Rex take his hand and looked to see Aurora smile at him, he completed the chain-
The moment he did, however, everything goes white and suddenly-
She's at the breakfast table from that very same morning - sitting between her father and Jason, giggling wildly as Dick made a show of reading Tim's texts to Stephanie out loud while Donna laughs. Cass is standing next to Alfred, watching as the butler pours more batter into a pan while Harry sits at his feet looking on hopefully, the scent of sugar and cinnamon hanging pleasantly in the air.
It's loud, it's chaotic, and when her mother walks in, the kitchen's full to burst.
It's home.
They're in front of the sliding doors leading to where they are right now, he and Aurora glaring at one another and bickering. He knows if they're any louder the entire station will hear, but at that moment he doesn't want to let her know she's winning.
They don't know Ryan's already left until they hear the door opening.
He doesn't think about moving either until he feels Aurora yank his hand and pulls him in after her.
Rex is red-faced and grumpy as Aurora holds her cheek for him, looking smug with herself when he does eventually bite the bullet and do what she wants.
He doesn't ask what 'cooties' are, knows even less why they're supposed to be bad, but he laughs at the face his friend pulls even if he thinks the kiss looks nice enough. His mom and dad does the same enough times, so it's not weird.
He doesn't know why, when Aurora looks at him, his face feels warms, his stomach flips, and he stumbles over his words.
She watches herself stand in front of Dr Fate - sees how she hesitates when he offers his hand.
It's not real, it can't be real... but, maybe...
They're in the Watchtower's cafeteria, Ryan and Aurora are next to him, cheering Uncle Wally on as he finishes off his third tray of hamburgers in less than a minute - they're not the only ones watching, and it's hard not to get caught up in the good vibes.
He laughs when his mom suddenly jumps up and whoops loudly, looking up and grinning broadly at his dad when he feels him ruffle his hair playfully. He never wants to leave this moment.
From his perch on his dad's desk, it's controlled chaos at the Planet - phones are ringing, people are busy running around, and his mom is on what Jimmy calls a 'warpath', yelling at people over the phone and winking at him when she isn't.
He doesn't think he wants to be a reporter.
She's older. She's sitting at the edge of a building, the city's alive and thrumming, and she's eager to get out there.
She holds back, however, grinning when she hears a impatient 'tt' and turns her head to look at the boy at her side. Their eyes meet, the white lenses of her yellow mask meeting the white of the black domino mask over his, and there's a slight upwards tug at the corners of his lips.
They nod once, and like that, like one mind, they're off into the night.
They're in the basement at home, it's summer, it's hot, they can hear an ice cream truck down the road, but none of that's as important as what they're doing right now.
Aurora's standing next to him, blonde hair escaping her sloppy ponytail in curly wisps around her face with a smear of oil on her chin, and nods along as he makes adjustments to the blueprints on the table. When he's done, she takes the prints and pins it against the wall, both of them standing back for a minute to take it in.
The minute doesn't last, and he feels both a twinge of genuine affection and a pang of fear when she takes up the blowtorch she brought with her and grins at him. They have a prototype to build.
He doesn't know where to look - dazzled, always dazzled as his dad leads him through the glittering halls of the Fortress and towards one of the few places he's never been. It's an important day, one he's been waiting for, for years, and despite the nerves, he's excited all the same.
When they get to the hall, he can't help but fidget as he watches his dad cross the space and comes back with a glowing white crystal that radiates with something- something...
He's startled when he's given that same crystal and blinks up, wide-eyed. With a smile, his dad squeezes his shoulder and nods encouragingly, nudging him on, and with a steady breath, he goes up the platform and slides the crystal into the console he finds there.
The whole room lights up, and a voice speaks, Welcome, son of my son.
She's staring up at the barrel of a gun - she's on the ground and bleeding, everything around her is on fire, and she knows, instinctively, help isn't coming this time.
She hears that unmistakable click, sees the finger on the trigger, and glares up defiantly, looking into the face of madness.
Now isn't the time for fear, however, and when the cool steel presses against her temple, she presses back. For a minute she think she sees that blood red mouth twist into an impressed smirk.
She shuts her eyes - a gunshot rings out, but all she can hear is the laughter.
He feels his fists clenching at his sides, and it's an effort to bite his tongue as his dad yells at him in front of his team.
Irresponsible. Reckless. A damned fool. He was supposed to be a leader and he failed.
When it's done, he breathes out once with finality, digs into the pocket of his jean and pulls out his wallet. Opening the hidden pocket there, he pulls out his JL membership card and throws it on the floor before turning around and walking away.
He's done. Just...
He catches the giant metal fist with a grunt, heels digging a trench into the road from the force of it. When he recovers, he grimaces at the thought of the lecture he had no doubt he was going to get later - their insurance didn't cover damage by giant robot, apparently.
He thinks, ruefully, that everything would be so much easier if he could fly, if he didn't have to do this alone-
He can't and he is, however, and he doesn't linger around the thought as the robot towers over him menacingly. Gritting his teeth, he rips the mechanical hand clean off before tossing it aside. As the robot recoils, he rolls his shoulders back and readies himself.
She's standing in the middle of an arena - she's breathing hard but the sound of her racing heart is drowned out by the thunderous cheering from the stands. Never one to disappoint, she raises the spear in her hand up high and roars, meeting the Amazons' approval - now her sisters, truly.
She can see her mother and grandmother, her father is there too along with the rest of her family.
Her eyes wander, however, and they fall on a dark haired stranger, a man with a cruel face and red eyes, standing just behind her grandmother unnoticed by anyone else and smirking at her. Just looking at him puts her on edge.
But the image isn't clear and seem to fade around the edges-
He's standing at the edge of the cliff, the weight of the mechanical wings on his back substantial but not as heavy as the weight he feels in his chest.
He closes his eyes and breathes in. Without thinking, he opens his arms and simply falls forward.
There's a rush of air in his ears that comes through like a roar - there's a moment of panic when he opens his eyes and sees the water getting closer...
...followed by an astonished laugh when the wings open and the water shrinks again.
They're in the observatory - they have time, and Aurora is busy pointing out the stars.
It's strange being back there with her, but he can't find it in himself to complain. They're there, and they're together, and for the first time in what feels like a long time, she's just there with him in the moment.
She tells him, standing in the partial dark and starlight, the universe beyond the window is the most beautiful thing she's ever seen.
He agrees, completely oblivious to anything that wasn't the woman next to him.
Her grip is an iron shackle on her father's arm as he walks her down the short isle - they're in the back gardens, he's wearing a tux, and the white dress she has on succeeds in being both tasteful and elegant.
Everyone she's ever known personally watches her and smiles when she passes. She looks up, feeling her heart beating wildly when she sees the man waiting for her at the end of it all.
He turns and-
He couldn't seem to look away.
Wearing a ratty t-shirt, obnoxiously bright yellow pyjama shorts and even more obnoxious Flash themed socks, the green-haired woman in the recliner across from him was completely absorbed in the book she was busy with.
She eventually notices the staring and blows him a kiss over the pages.
They're in a old fashioned diner, he and a man who could have been his Uncle Bruce's twin.
He's busy talking, occasionally adjusting the glasses on his nose or absentmindedly tugging at the collar of navy suite he's in as the man across from him rolls his eyes or smirks.
They make a habit of it meeting every week.
She is weightless, buoyant as she skims over clouds. The wind plays through her hair as she turns her face towards the sun and breathes - she is free.
The faces in the photos changes every year - sometimes it's just someone getting older, sometimes it's someone new. Sometimes his team expands, sometimes it shrinks, but they're his family, and they're strong, and he wouldn't have it any other way.
They're walking down a winding road hand-in-hand - the sun is setting in the distance and her laughter is in his ear, and he's happier than he's ever remembered being.
He looks ahead for a moment, relishing the sunlight and doesn't notice the way she seemed to fade in and out of thin air, until he turned his head and realizes she's not there and his hand is empty.
-the next thing they knew, they were sprawled out on the couch back in the rec. room.
Blinking wildly, Aurora looked around the empty room as her friends tried to gather their bearings. "How did we...? Did you see how he did that?"
Rex rubbed his head as he looked at her with bleary eyes. "Magic?" he suggested.
Ryan sat up, still a little disoriented. "Was... was all that real?" he asked. "I mean, did that really happen?"
"It... looks like." Aurora said carefully, frowning. "That was weird, though."
Rex nodded. "Yeah, no kidding. Anyway, what did you guys see? I only saw what happened in my life."
Ryan looked over at Aurora before he could stop himself and blushed furiously before snapping his head back when he caught Rex looking at him curiously. "N-nothing!" He stuttered and caught himself. "I-I mean, I saw stuff, but..."
Rex seemed to understand and didn't say anything. "Yeah..." he then looked at Aurora. "What about you, Rora?"
She was quiet for a minute, eyebrows knitting together as one of the images stood out.
"Pain." She said quietly in a voice just above a whisper, making her friends look at her, worried. She then smiled a little when Ryan took her hand and squeezed. "But... I think it turns out okay. I saw my mom and dad look proud at me, so... that's something. More than something."
"I saw a giant robot." Ryan offered, and grinned proudly when they looked at him. "It was stomping around, and I beat it - all on my own!"
"Oh, that's so cool!" Rex said before looking smug. "It's not as cool as what I saw, but still very cool. I'm gonna lead the Justice League one day."
Aurora seemed to have recovered enough to snort. "Uh-huh, yeah, right."
He seemed unfazed. "Hey, if you don't want to believe me, that's fine - I'm gonna prove it."
"You do that, Hawkboy." She said, shaking her head in amusement. "Anyway - not that I'm saying I completely believe or anything, but... if even a little of what we saw was real, we're gonna make it big one day."
Rex matched her grin with her own. "Right? Now that right there, that was awesome. I mean, can you imagine it? The three of us, full Justice League members?"
"Fighting crime-" she began.
"Saving the day-" he went on.
"Flying..." Ryan said dreamily.
"Being awesome-" Aurora laughed.
"And making a name for ourselves... Okay, yeah, we have to make that happen. No matter what." Rex said with determination before throwing his arm over Aurora's shoulder. "Picture it, Rora, the three of us standing on a mountain all serious-like, music playing in the background-"
"Why a mountain?" Ryan asked despite himself.
"More dramatic, besides, it'll look great on prints and merchandise." He said matter-of-factly.
Aurora giggled. "Oh, is that why you wanna do it? A t-shirt with your face on it?"
"Please, it's an endorsement and a movie deal or nada." He joked and looked at Ryan. "What about you, Blue? Think we got what it takes?"
The younger boy nodded eagerly. "Y-yeah! It'll be great."
None of them mentioned the rest of what they saw, who they saw, as the next minute, Hal walked in.
"Hey, kids, you busy?"
Aurora perked up. "What's up, Uncle Hal?"
"We made a burger run to earth for lunch and Booster bet the Flash he can't beat his old record. A couple of us are going over to watch - wanna tag along?"
Rex seemed to tense up for a minute. "Wait... what?" he asked, wide-eyed.
"Yeah, it's gonna be great." The Lantern laughed. "Don't know what he were thinking - Wally said he skipped breakfast so we're in for a show. Anyway, maybe if we're lucky, we'll actually get to eat too, so if you're in the mood for burgers, I'd hurry before they're all gone."
"I can eat." Ryan admitted and jumped off.
When Rex didn't move, Aurora paused for a moment to look at him. "You coming?"
He opened his mouth to say something, but thought better of it in the end and followed them out.
Later...
When Clark and Bruce found their children, Ryan and Aurora were sitting together in the cafeteria, heads half bent as they whispered to one another.
Both of them started laughing at something when Aurora noticed them.
"Hi, Daddy." She said cheerfully, and it didn't fail Bruce's notice that they were holding hands.
Ryan looked between the older men, surprised at their appearance. "Did you finish the meeting already?"
"We sure did. Did you kids do what you wanted to do today?" Clark asked.
The two of them shared a look that spoke volumes before nodding.
Bruce reminded himself to check the security footage later, but for the time being, was relieved he hadn't gotten any complaints. "Are you ready to go?" he asked, looking at his daughter.
Aurora's face fell a little. "Do we have to?" she asked, disappointed. When all she got was a stern look back, she sighed and turned to look at Ryan. "I don't want to go."
"I don't want you to go either." Ryan said, equally disappointed.
"Oh, don't look so sad, kids." Clark said. "I'm sure you'll see each other soon. We're coming over next week to watch the game anyway. Remember?"
Bruce scowled. "Remind me again why we're having it at my place?"
"Because Alfred already offered and you have the biggest TV." He said blithely, amused at the annoyance on the darker man's face. "Besides, Wally said he was bringing the twins over, and Diana hasn't seen them yet."
Bruce relented with a sigh. "Fine, but next time we're going over to Oliver's."
Clark laughed. "I'll tell him that the next time I see him."
Aurora seemed happier by this and beamed at Ryan. "Then... I'll see you around?"
The boy nodded. "You bet, Ro."
She hesitated for a minute, biting her lip as she looked like she was thinking about something carefully. Before any of them could react, however, she surprised them all when she leaned over and kissed him.
It barely lasted more than a second or so, and was innocent enough, but when she pulled back, Ryan looked like a deer caught in the headlights and stared at the girl with blatant astonishment.
"Bye..." She said, a little pink in the face before she got off of the bench.
Bruce, never so grateful for the fact that his cowl covered most of his face, stood stone still and stiff until Aurora took his hand and tugged at it. "C'mon, Daddy."
He blinked at her until he caught the look on Clark's face and glared at the older Kryptonian.
"Don't even think about it, Kent." He growled, pouring as much menace into the words as he could. As he stalked out, Aurora managed a wave before they disappeared around the corner.
Clark watched them go, and when they were and he looked down at his son, Ryan hadn't moved an inch.
It wasn't hard to mistake the star-struck look in his eyes, and Clark chuckled as he picked him up. "You ready to go?"
Ryan just nodded absently, raising his hand to touch his lips.
They were halfway to the door when he spoke up.
"Dad?"
"Yeah, champ?"
"One day, I'm gonna marry that girl."
Clark thought for a minute about how to respond to that, but caught himself imagining the look on Bruce's face if any of the scenarios that played in his head came to pass.
Despite himself, he grinned.
"I'm sure you will, son. I'm sure you will."
THE END
"Cause it's a beautiful night/We're looking for something dumb to do.
Hey baby/I think I wanna marry you."
"Is it the look in your eyes/ Or is it this dancing juice?
Who cares baby/I think I wanna marry you."
- Bruno Mars, 'Marry You' Lyrics (because, obviously...)
A/N: Holy crap... it's actually done.
Okay, so here's the part where I explain a few things:
The part in the beginning: So, yeah, I mostly wrote that first part because it makes me smile thinking of J'onn as a sea dragon.
Aurora's name: Okay, this is a little bit of narcissism on my part, but I picked the name around the same time I came up with the whole pregnancy arch and it was always, always gonna be that, so... yeah.
Aurora's appearance: I based Aurora's appearance off of Martha Wayne from the Batman Begins (aka the first Batman movie I ever watched and the movie that got me interested in superheroes in the first place) - the fact that Hippolyta is mostly portrayed with blonde hair too is just a happy coincidence which I am owning right now. And, the green eyes, is because, well, kryptonite, and I like the colour green.
Aurora's middle name Antiope: Wonder Woman. 'Nough said. (It was originally gonna be Hippolyta, but then the movie happened and say what you will, but Antiope is a boss).
Zeus & Hermes: While, yes, Zeus is Diana's father in the comics and movies, I actually like the possibility brought up/implication in the cartoon that it might be Hades - not only do I think it explains one of the reasons Diana is attracted to Bruce (beyond all the many, many reasons, of course), there are also a slew of different consequences and implications that could be fun to explore in future fics.
Ryan: Again, the idea behind Ryan was always there since the beginning of this fic, and since this was 5+ years ago, it didn't feel right changing it either. I'm aware of Jonathan in the mainstream comics, but I wasn't going to change my mind. This is doubly awkward because one of my FF friends have the same name, and I only learned that about that a while ago.
The long, long, future sequence: Okay, so I'm not going to write a sequel to this fic, and doing that was my way of kind of cheating so we're not left completely high and dry. With that said, however, I'm midway through the first chapter of a fic that's kinda, sorta, very distantly related to this fic but won't play out at linearly as Bridezillas did. It's gonna be awesome though.
The Kiss near the end: My niece actually had a tendency to kiss boys like that when she was still around 5-6 years old, so it isn't that weird to me. Of course, then again, most South Africans do have a touchy-feely sort of culture, so it might just be me - I don't know about the rest of the world. Also, I love messing with Bruce, and what better way, right?
The kids' ages: In case you're wondering, Rex is around 10, Aurora 8 1/2, and Ryan is about 6-7.
If there are any other questions, I can answer them personally - I love, love, love hearing from my readers.
But, now... it's such sweet sorrow that we have to depart. I had so much fun writing this, and though I'm still busy with other fics on this site, it feels like I'm closing a very important chapter right now.
This was my first baby, this is also the first multi-chapter story I managed to finish, and I can't help but want to stall the inevitable for a little longer...
...
...
...
...Which I suppose I can.
Enjoy xx
Addendum
Aurora's eyebrows knitted together in concentration as she stood in front of the tall mirror in the hallway outside of the sunroom she'd claimed as her own in the south wing. Breathing in and out deeply and steadily, she focused on that knot of energy she'd feel from time to time deep in her chest - buoyancy, air, freedom...
Maybe she could- just maybe-
Breathe...
To her astonishment and delight, she felt her feet lift off of the hardwood floor. It was barely several inches, and it didn't last very long, but Mama always said it was the easiest thing in the world to touch the sky once you knew how.
She knew now.
She didn't have time to try it again, however, when she heard footsteps coming down the hall.
"Miss Aurora? Are you there?" she heard, and turned to see Alfred.
"I'm here. Are you ready, Alfred?" she asked cheerfully.
The Englishman chuckled under his breath. "I should be asking you the same thing, young lady. I assumed you practiced?" when she nodded, he walked up to the door and held it open for her. "Well then, after you."
She could feel Alfred's eyes on her, watching intently as her fingers roved over the piano keys in front of her. Despite being slightly off-key, she knew she was getting the hand of it - her fingers felt a little less clumsy each time, and the melody, basic as it was, a little less stilted every time she tried.
"You're getting better, Miss." Alfred commented after a while and the music was drawing to a close.
She smiled but didn't take her eyes off of what she was doing. "Really?"
He nodded. "Absolutely. Give a few years, I believe we'll make a pianist out of you yet."
"I hope so. I like this." She said and finished, the final note hanging in the air for a minute.
"Perhaps we should take a break? You've done well, but you need to listen to what you're playing, Miss. It's not just knowing when to press down, but how to draw out the moment."
"I'll get it one day, Alfie." She promised, rolling her shoulders back.
He nodded in approval. "See that you do, Miss." He said as he stood up. "Would you like something from the kitchens?"
When she politely declined, Alfred left with the promise that they'd pick up the lesson after he came back. Once she was alone, Aurora let her mind wander and her fingers followed after before she could stop herself.
She heard the door open again and the tinkling melody faltered briefly when she looked and saw her father. She smiled up at him but didn't stop playing, instead scooting over to make a space for him on the bench.
As he sat down Bruce watched her for a minute before he tentatively started playing with her.
Aurora blinked in surprise but continued, switching up the tempo when she realized he was following her lead. The composition was simple enough but had no real meaning, poignant notes hanging in the air for the moment and emphasised with light-hearted dashes and deeper, thoughtful edges.
"I didn't know you could play, Daddy." She said quietly as the song drew to its inevitable finish.
"I can't," he said, smiling a little. "My mother showed me a few things, but I never got into it."
Aurora didn't cheapen the moment by asking why not, but recognized the significance of the sentiment. It reflected in her playing, and the music slowed before it eventually stopped.
When she felt him press a kiss on the top of her head, she leaned into his side as his arm came around her.
"Can I join you again tomorrow, old chum?" he asked.
"Alfred will want to teach you too." She said, pressing her cheek against him. "But yes, I'd like that very much."
She smiled until she heard the doorbell ring, the sound carrying through the hall and she sat up.
"Are we expecting someone, Daddy?" she asked and hopped off the bench. "There's someone at the door."
Bruce straightened up. "Not as far as I know."
"Alfred's probably still in the kitchen." She said.
She was halfway to the door already when Bruce called after her. "Aurora, wait-"
When she got to the front door, she was taken by surprise when she opened it and was met with a wall of black cloth and leather.
It was only when she looked up that she realised she was looking at a man.
She blinked owlishly. "Oh. Hello."
A single, thick eyebrow rose over a pair of dark sunglasses as the man looked back down at her. "Is Bruce Wayne here?" he asked in a low, heavily accented voice.
Aurora was about to answer when her father arrived.
"Aurora-" he began before his eyes landed on the newcomer. Something about him set Bruce immediately on edge, and the second he got to the door, he nudged his daughter back so that she stood just behind him.
"Daddy...?" she asked, confused, but fell quiet when she caught the look on his face.
"Bruce Wayne?" the stranger rumbled.
Bruce looked at him evenly, his shoulders tense. "I am."
"I represent the League of Assassins, and I have a message from mistress, Talia al Ghul." He said, pulling out a single white envelope from the inner pocket of his jacked and held it out for him to take.
Bruce narrowed his eyes and practically growled. "What do you want?"
Instead of answering outright, the simply stood aside and revealed a dark-haired boy dressed in black making his way up the steps leading to the front door.
He stopped right in front of Bruce, tilting his head to the side as if he was appraising him before he let out a mild snort and removed his own sunglasses.
The moment he did, Bruce could only stare - although the resemblance was striking, when he opened them, the dark blue eyes staring at him coldly told him everything.
Holding his head up high, the boy spoke haughtily. "My name is Damian al Ghul. I am the child of Talia al Ghul, grandson of the Demon, and the rightful heir to the League of Assassins. I am your son."
A/N: Boom.
Until the next adventure,
GoddessofDawn signing off.