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Chapter 14

There were only two words to describe dinner: awkward and tense. Well, actually three. As usual, Alfred had created a sumptuous feast, though it was hard to enjoy because of the white elephant in the room.

Diana had still not settled down from their previous conversation, though she was already regretting having lost her temper. It was not this Bruce she was upset with. She should not have revealed so much to him. Though she would be lying if she denied how good it felt to finally be able to get back at him for what he had done, even in such a small way.

Unfortunately, that wasn't the only thing that was undeniable. Goddesses, she wanted him. Loved him against all reason and against all the facts. She would have to walk a fine line, using her anger to guard her heart, while counting on her affection for Bruce to keep her from lashing out at him.

Because they did not speak, the meal went by quickly. Afterward they went down to the Batcave, and Alfred joined them momentarily to demonstrate how to contact the Justice League. The helpful butler left just after they had hailed the Watchtower. After a few moments, the images of J'onn and Superman filled the screen.

Even before greetings could be exchanged, Bruce said, "I need my memory back. What do I need to do?"

It shouldn't have surprised her that now that Bruce had a goal to work toward, he would stop at nothing (or ignore common courtesies) to accomplish it. Diana forestalled J'onn's need to answer by informing him that she had told Bruce that he had been hallucinating on the island. This brought up a round of thorough questioning from the Martian, and she had barely finished answering when Bruce asked his question again.

"I'm not sure there is anything that can be done other than to wait," J'onn answered.

"That's not good enough. I have billions of dollars at my disposal; there must be some kind of treatment out there that will cure me."

J'onn opened his mouth to speak, but was interrupted by Clark, "Even if there is, what doctor is going to administer it? You have a secret identity to maintain. No one can find out you are Batman."

"At this point, I don't care about Batman."

Superman's jaw dropped open, and Diana herself had to stifle a gasp. To hear Bruce say those words was so odd, and in a way bittersweet. His being Batman was the thing that had brought them together. It was also the thing that kept them apart. It had never occurred to her that he would not want to return to being Batman. And if he didn't want to be Batman, the only reason he wanted to have his memory back was so he could be with her. Everything seemed turned upside down on its head. The mission was so important to him, and for Bruce to disregard it so he could be with her did not sit right. Diana rested her hand on his shoulder, willing him to understand the gravity of the situation.

It seemed Clark was of the same opinion as her.

"Bruce," he said, "you might not believe this, but being Batman was the most important thing to you. I won't allow you to ruin your legacy and mission just because you can't remember your past. And there are others that depend on your secrecy."

Yes, what would happen to Nightwing, Batgirl, and Robin if Bruce exposed their identifies to some physician in a bid to gain back his past? But now wasn't the time to bring this argument up. He didn't even know who Nightwing, Batgirl, and Robin were.

"I wasn't aware I needed your permission to live my life," Bruce snapped back.

Given Bruce's distrust of Superman, Diana knew he wouldn't listen. She tightened her grip on his shoulder, and said, "Superman is right."

Bruce looked up at her, and she could tell he was stunned. But it didn't deter him. "My priorities have changed," he said.

"It seems Diana's have as well," Superman said.

Even through the screen she could feel Clark's eyes on her, condemning her. Stubbornly, she lifted her chin, kept her hand on Bruce's shoulder. She had nothing to be embarrassed about. Besides, this was what Clark wanted. When would he make up his mind?

She and Clark would eventually need to talk and come to some sort of truce. Diana had enough issues to deal with without pointlessly arguing with one of her closest friends.

Thankfully J'onn chose that moment to rejoin the conversation. "Given that Bruce was able to satisfactorily cope with the information you have already shared with him, I think it would be beneficial to have him resume his daily routine. The repetition and habits may trigger his memories."

"He's in no shape to resume being Batman," Diana argued.

"While that is true, he could start training again; that is, if he's up for it." J'onn paused and looked over at Bruce, "What are your thoughts on this matter?"

"In your opinion, J'onn, is this the best way for me to recover my memory?"

"Yes."

"I'll do whatever it takes."

"Good. I think you should begin by familiarizing yourself with the people who know you best."

Diana felt Bruce shift under her hand and realized he didn't know who those people were. And it seemed he had assumed more of his pride back. He wasn't going to ask, especially not in front of Superman.

Well, she could speak for him. "We'll work on it and report back to you within the next three days."

The two men in the Watchtower nodded their heads and then the screen went dark.

Diana and Bruce stood there staring at the blank screen. The noises of the cave filled the silence, and for a second she pretended that the last year and nine months hadn't occurred, that they had all been some kind of horrible mistake. He was Bruce and Batman, and she was Diana and Wonder Woman, and they were in his cave working on League business, just as it once had been.

But an illusion was not truth. Both of them would do well to remember that.

"I think we should begin tomorrow, after you've gotten a good night's rest." Diana said, starting for the stairs.

"Why is Superman upset with you?"

Of course he would notice something like that.

"He didn't like that I was dating Tom."

"Perhaps I misjudged him."

The comment irritated her, but she decided to bury it. When Bruce knew all the facts of their past relationship, then they would have a proper discussion. She needed closure, even if they decided to stay together after this whole ordeal.

"You and Clark were very good friends, though getting you to admit it was like pulling teeth."

"What about us?"

"We were close too."

"Closer than me and Clark?"

"Yes."

"What happened to change that?"

"After you broke up with me, we didn't speak much."

"Diana…do you know why I did that?"

"I'm sure it had something to do with being Batman. It's all consuming for you…I probably distracted you from your mission." It wasn't the exact reason, but for all intents and purposes it would do.

"Did I hurt you?"

Diana paused on the steps. She knew the answer; her heart had never been so bruised or battered, but what would be the point in telling him. This wasn't the Bruce that had hurt her, and it wouldn't be fair to burden him with a guilt that belonged to another. Maybe in time, once the old Bruce was back, they could talk about what had happened, but until then, she would keep it to herself.

"It's getting late," she said. "We should get to sleep."

Once back inside the Manor, Diana began to trudge to her room. The day's events had left her drained, and she hadn't gotten much sleep the previous night. Bruce followed her to her door, and when she looked back at him, he wouldn't meet her gaze.

"This is going to be the first night I have spent without you in a long time," he said.

"If you need me, I'm just across the hallway."

He didn't seem convinced, but she wouldn't wait for the inevitable. She had enough sense to know that any invitation he gave her would not be declined.

"Goodnight, Bruce."

Without waiting for a response, she closed the door.

TBC