A/N: So my "Question of Honor" fans, I was just rewatching The Dark Knight Rises and my favorite part, where Alfred talks about his fantasy of seeing Bruce happy and free from Gotham, came on. It gave me an idea; what if not only the war never happened but Bruce decided to stay with Grace and her family?
So this is for you guys. The happy ending Bruce and Grace could've had.
On the Banks of the Arno
It was a special day for Grace and Bruce both. Not only was it Grace's twenty sixth birthday but it was their second wedding anniversary. It was also the ninth anniversary of Bruce giving up his quest for vengeance. But he had never told Grace the full story.
What was the point? It was buried in the past. Sometimes doubts rolled in, especially at night. But Bruce would snuggle closer to a sleeping Grace and put the doubts to rest.
At least for that night.
"So where are we going?" Grace asked as they strolled down the streets of Florence. "Dinner was delicious but you didn't ask for dessert."
"You'll see." Bruce said, smirking, leaning in and kissing Grace on the temple. She smelled of Amariage and violin resin.
They stopped at a little café. Grace gasped. "You picked where you proposed!"
"I figured you'd like to remember where we've been." He leaned closer. "And where we will end up going."
They were seated close to where Bruce had proposed to Grace three years prior and ordered the same things they had ordered. He couldn't help but smile at his wife and her curving belly. Even though they hadn't made the news public yet, speculation was already growing in Corte Maltese.
He happened to look over the tables and recognized an old face sitting at a table in the corner, enjoying a glass of Fernet Branca.
Alfred.
Part of him wanted to get up, run to the old man and give him a warm hug.
But from that smile on Alfred's face, he knew that there was no need to.
He gave a slight nod and a smile.
Alfred returned the nod and smile.
The lingering doubts dissipated.
There was no need to go back.
Home was in Corte Maltese with Grace and their family.
A/N: So this one shot has me wondering…how many of you would like to see an AU fic where Bruce stayed with Grace in Corte Maltese? Please respond in the reviews section!