I apologize for not updating. I had other things going on, but here's chapter 2. I hope you like it!
Making the Best of It
Chapter 2
Wayne Manor
Shocked expressions take hold of the faces of the batfamily.
"My goodness!" The Wayne family butler exclaims.
"Wow!" Dick Grayson, the former Robin shouts.
"Jesus Christ!" Jason Todd, the Red Hood, says.
Damian Wayne, the current Robin, and Bruce Wayne's only biological son is silent, but shock is still painted on his face.
Tim Drake would be here too. But, he and Stephanie Brown ran off somewhere and Bruce decided to leave them alone and let them get on with their lives. They know where to find the dark-haired man if they need him.
Bruce Wayne sits in front of them in the sitting room of the manor. He has just informed them of the cancelling of his engagement to Selina Kyle, and that Diana is pregnant with his child.
They are aware of his mission with Diana in Gahanna. Shock is understandable.
A few moments pass, and his family absorbs the new information he passed onto them.
"You knocked up Wonder Woman!" Jason exclaims.
Bruce remains stoic. He's not proud of cheating on Selina, but what he did is now a fact about his life forever.
Jason raises his right hand, "High-five me." Wonder Woman is the hottest woman on the planet. The young man will give props where props are due.
Bruce not amused simply glares at the young man, whom slowly lowers his hand when he sees he won't get the high-five.
Damian grits his teeth angrily, "Haven't you ever heard of protection?" the teenager says rhetorically. The youngest of the Wayne family asking his father this question is ridiculous. Bruce feels like he's sixteen telling Alfred he knocked up his high school sweetheart.
"Or pull out?" Jason adds putting his two cents in.
"I have" Bruce says slowly. "But, protection wasn't exactly available in our situation." He sighs, "Besides we didn't even know that time was different in that world. If we had, we would have reconsidered going to help the Gentle Man."
Damian doesn't appear satisfied with that explanation. His position in the family is being threatened with his father having another child. However, before he can further voice his displeasure, Dick cuts in, "Give it a rest guys" he says trying to get them off Bruce's back. "Bruce is taking responsibility besides," he looks to Damian, "Aren't you excited about being a big brother?" The oldest of the Wayne children asks cheerfully.
Damian simply scoffs.
"Sir?" Alfred Pennyworth, the Wayne family butler finally inserts himself into the conversation since Bruce disclosed to them.
Bruce perks up after finally hearing from the person whose opinion matters the most to him. "How do you feel about this? What do you think?" The Englishman curious on what his surrogate son will do.
"I think I should get a vasectomy" the dark-haired man states clearly annoyed with his situation. "No more unplanned kids" he says clearly not interested in more children.
"Yeah" Dick laughs.
"Imagine decades from now you find out you have a teenage kid, you never knew existed showed up on your porch" Grayson states.
Warning fourth wall break!
The people in the sitting room of the manor look to you, the reader, all raising an eyebrow.
End fourth wall break!
"Diana is coming over this Saturday to discuss… our situation" Bruce informs them.
With that he walks out unofficially ending the family meeting.
The remaining men in the room share uncertain glances. They all come to a consensus. Bruce isn't handling his predicament well.
Wayne Manor
It's Saturday. Bruce sits in the kitchen at the round wooden table. Anxiety filling him.
Diana is half an hour late.
At first, he tried to play it cool. She's fine. Running late. Nothing more. She's fine. That was ten after one. When twenty minutes after one passed, he lost it.
Every horrible situation imaginable ran through his brain. Car accident. Shooting. Miscarriage. His blood ran cold at that last one.
He sits waiting and expecting the worst.
He is brought out of his dark thoughts by someone clearing their throat. Bruce turns and sees Alfred clad in his tuxedo uniform and Diana wearing a lavender long sleeved blouse with the sleeves rolled up to just before her elbows and the blouse exposing a decent amount of cleavage, with leans and leather high-heeled black boots along with her hair pulled into a bun and a pair of glasses across her face.
Her purse draped over her left shoulder. Bruce then notices a brown paper bag with an image of a burger on it and the name Batburger on it in her right hand.
So that's where she's been, Bruce thinks to himself in relief.
"Miss Prince, sir" the butler introduces.
"Thank you, Alfred" Bruce thanks. The Englishman nods and the leaves the two to discuss important matters.
"Diana" Bruce greets as he stands from the table and gestures for her to sit.
"Hello Bruce" Diana says pleasantly. She smiles at him as he helps her with her chair.
He then sits on the other side of the table facing her. He glances at the paper bag, "Batburger" he states with a raised eyebrow.
She laughs, "I apologize for being late, but I was famished. And when I saw this place I couldn't help myself."
She begins opening the bag and taking out her food. Bruce narrows his eyes. He should sue. If he could. This burger joint makes Batman into a laughing stock.
She begins eating her jokerized burger. She hums relishing the burger. The dark-haired woman offers Bruce a fry, but he declines with a shake of his head.
He waits to let her enjoy her meal. But, eventually asks, "Is that good?"
She moans, "It's delicious" as she takes another bite.
"No, I mean is it good for the baby?"
Diana swallows, "It won't hurt her" she says simply. Still lingering to the idea that they are having a girl.
Once Diana finishes her burger, she wipes her mouth with a napkin, "So" she begins.
"So" Bruce says back. "I guess I'll start. How are you feeling?"
The Amazon smiles a little amused with how concerned he is with her safety, "We're fine" she says picking at her fries and eating one here and there.
Suddenly, her mood sours, "I told Steve.'' She stares at him dejectedly, "He broke up with me. He saw the pregnancy tests" she pauses then continues, "He thought the baby was his" she says as her eyes well up.
"Damn" he mutters. He really made a mess of things. Diana doesn't deserve to be going through something like this. "I'm sorry, Diana. I really am" he apologies. He has never been in this position before. He has never ruined someone's life like this. It's true. All he does is bring pain and misery to people.
The Amazon sniffs, "Stop apologizing, Bruce" she orders. Causing Bruce's eyes to widen at her tone, "We both did this. Us. Now we have to live with it" she states as she wipes her tears away with her napkin.
"Alright" the man agrees solemnly. He'll do whatever he must to get through this with her. "This doctor you're seeing Wednesday" he begins getting to the topic at hand." Their baby. Diana gives him her undivided attention. "Is the doctor trustworthy?"
She gives him a look not understanding his meaning.
"What I mean is, does this doctor know you're Wonder Woman?" Bruce specifies.
She shakes her head, "No, I want with my alias."
"I know a doctor who is discreet" Bruce explains bringing an alternative doctor to the table. "She has even patched me up over the years" he tells her. Causing her to raise an eyebrow knowing the number of people Bruce Wayne trusts to be very limited. "Her name is Leslie Thompkins" he informs her.
"Do you trust her?" Diana asks knowing he does but does he trust this doctor enough with their child.
"I do" he says without hesitation.
Leslie has stated in the past her disapproval of Bruce's nocturnal mission but has remained a stalwart ally he can count on when he needs to.
"Alright" she agrees. If Bruce trusts her with their baby that's good enough for her. "I'll cancel my appointment and make an appointment with Dr. Thompkins."
A thought comes to the dark-haired woman, "I'm going to have to go on leave from the league now" she states.
"At the next meeting?" the dark-haired man probes.
She nods, "Yes, my powers are fluctuating." She puts a hand to her abdomen not yet producing a bump, "I think the pregnancy is causing it" she tells him. She explains, "The other day, I got winded apprehending some armed robbers. And flying is just impossible" she says in annoyance. "Once I start flying after a few minutes, I start losing altitude."
"So, Wonder Woman is on maternity leave for the foreseeable future?" the man says clarifying.
She gives him a nod, "Yes, I can't go around fighting crime with a baby bump, can I?" she jests with a smile. "I wouldn't be able to forgive myself if something happened to the baby because I wouldn't stop fighting. Wonder Woman can take care of herself, a baby can't."
"So, the baby will be the child of Bruce Wayne and Diana Prince?" he clarifies.
"Yes" she says. "That would be for the best."
"Agreed" Bruce says wanting the baby to be safe and healthy.
A thought comes to Bruce and he vocalizes said thought, "But, the baby is going to be a high profile for the press. They will be digging into everything about our child because I'm the father" Bruce says concerningly. "The press are vultures for a celebrity baby."
Diana nods understandingly, "I am aware, but I think we can protect her from being smothered by the paparazzi" she says reaching over and taking hold of Bruce's hand lying on the kitchen table and giving it a gentle squeeze.
The action takes him by surprise more so than it does Diana but, the strange feeling that jolts through them is unusual but pleasant.
He squeezes back which results in the raven-haired woman gracing him with a warm smile.
"Do you have a job?" Bruce asks breaking the quiet yet warm mood.
Dian's smile vanishes and shakes her head answering the strange question. Her beachside home was a gift from Steve, her ex. And the league has a fund to provide living arrangements as well as monetary benefits to those without jobs.
"Do you want one?" Bruce asks her already having a job in mind for her.
"Yes, do you have one in mind?" Diana responds curious about what job she could perform well in.
The dark-haired man nods, "I do. And I think it would be perfect for you" he says confidently. "Its head of Wayne Enterprises charity division. Specifically, the Wayne Foundation." An annoyed yet grim expression forms on his face, "I have just recently learned that the former head of charities has been embezzling money from the Wayne Foundation for years."
Anger consumes his mind. How dare someone he trusted make-off with the money that was supposed to help the less fortunate of Gotham. Someone from his company. He was supposed to know everything. Yet this all happened right under his nose. If the person responsible wasn't already in custody he would hunt that person down like a dog and break his limbs. His dark thoughts vanish as Diana squeezes his hand realizing that they haven't released their hold on one another.
"Bruce" she murmurs. "Stay with me" she says sensing where his mind had wondered.
The man clears his throat, "The job would entail you handling millions of dollars and distributing it to specific charities as well as helping to retrieve the stolen money" Bruce finishes summarizing what she would have to do if she took the job.
He looks at her taking a moment to observe her expression to determine what she's thinking.
Uncertainty appears on her face not convinced she is the right fit for the job.
"I know for a fact you are a fast learner" the dark-haired man says quickly hoping to convince her. "And I'd feel better having someone I trust with my life to help with recovering the missing funds" he praises her abilities as well as how much he trusts her with his family's foundation. "It will also give you something to do while on leave" he adds.
"I'm flattered, Bruce. I really am" she says. She releases her hold on his hand and presents it to him, "I humbly accept" she smiles. Bruce smirks and takes her hand and they shake on it.
"Welcome aboard, Miss Prince" he welcomes.
"I look forward to working with you, Mr. Wayne" she jests going along with their banter.
Bruce's smile slowly vanishes as something else comes to mind, "Diana" he says slowly as he releases her hand. She quirks an eyebrow.
"People will talk about us especially when you begin to show" he warns. A woman out of no where appears having a close relationship with a billionaire playboy as well as showing a pregnant belly they will surely talk behind her back about how she got such a job and appearing as it is a way to keep her quiet considering Bruce Wayne's playboy image the public sees him as.
It is mostly true. Wayne is offering her a job because she's pregnant with his child. It is also so Bruce can keep an eye on her.
"Let them whisper, Bruce" Diana says not the least bit concerned with what people say about her behind her back. If they can't say it to her face with no fear, then they are not worth listening to. "I'm a big girl. I can take care of myself" she says cheerfully as she leans over the table and pats his cheek, "Concerned bat daddy" she says with a laugh.
He grimaces not liking her teasing but doesn't say anything as she sits back down across from him, "I was wondering if you would consider moving into the manor" he says quickly seeing her reluctance. "Just until a few months after the baby's born" he shakes his head quickly, "No" he corrects himself" I'd actually like you and the baby to stay until the child is grown up" he says seeing even more reluctance than before.
"I don't know Bruce'' she says hesitantly. "That feels like I'm losing my independence here" she accuses feeling as if Bruce is taking complete control of her life.
The dark-haired man shakes his head, "I'm not trying to control you, Diana" he says gently, "I'm really not." Diana looks doubtful.
"I want to take care of you and anything the baby might need" Bruce continues, "I told you before when you told me you were pregnant. I'm here, Diana. Through the whole thing."
A gentle smile graces Diana's lips, "That's sweet, Bruce." Diana is moved at how much Bruce is willing to do for the baby. Never in a million years would she believe Bruce Wayne would want to be a dad. "It really is, but I'm not sure you'd like a meta to live in your city" she says fully aware of Batman's policy on metahumans in Gotham.
"I'm not asking a meta" Bruce states. "I'm asking the mother of my child" he declares. Shocking Diana.
The man takes the Amazon Princess's hand in his and gives it a gentle squeeze. That feeling when Diana reached over and grasped Bruce's hand before resurfacing, "I'm not declaring my undying love to you, not that I don't care about you "he says quickly. "Or asking for your hand" marriage couldn't be the farthest thing. They are both just accepting that they lost the love of their life's," I want our baby to have a whole home surrounded by those that love her. I don't want to be the kind of father who only gets to their child on weekends and keep hearing, 'I miss mommy or I miss daddy'" the dark-haired man states with conviction in his voice. Diana's eyes begin to tear up.
"Besides" the dark-haired man continues, "when you're off maternity leave wouldn't it be easier asking Alfred to babysit in the next room instead of having to fly here and then going on a mission?" Bruce asks the mother of his child.
Diana does accept that would be easier. Tears now run down her cheeks her hormones already being affected by her pregnancy as well as hearing Bruce describe how much he wants to be apart of their baby's life. A thought occurs to Diana, "Her?" she points out that Bruce said her.
Bruce gives a sheepish smirk and rubs the back of his head with his free hand as well as both he and Diana squeeze their joined hands a littler harder, "A girl…wouldn't be unwanted" Bruce confesses and sees Diana's smile widen a little. "Diana this doesn't change us much. We're friends who have a child together and are raising their baby. Divorced couples can do it" he points out.
"Can I think about it?" the raven-haired woman asks needing more time to process. She has heard Bruce's heartfelt confession on his presence with their child. And she is truly happy to hear he wants to be a dad.
"Of course," Bruce responds not wanting to push her, "One day at a time."
She nods, that works for her. Suddenly, the Amazon's usually sun kissed complexion turns deathly pale.
She quickly puts her hand right over her mouth and jumps up from her seat and runs to the kitchen garbage can. Bruce quickly follows.
Diana proceeds to vomit into the garbage can and all Bruce can do is make sure her hair stays in a bun and gently rubs her back not knowing what else to do. Why do they call it morning sickness if it lasts into the afternoon?
Once Diana is finished retching she hovers over the garbage can just to be sure. "You have no idea how much I hate you right now" she grumbles. He knows its just the hormones talking as well as the vomiting, and all the changes her body will be going through. He knows she doesn't hate him about the two of them sleeping together and her getting pregnant.
"I'm sorry" the dark-haired man says not knowing what else to do or say.
She simply glares at him and then gazes into the garbage and sees her lunch, "There goes twelve dollars" she mutters. Having read, What to Expect When You're Expecting, she knows this is just the start of what is to come.
Bruce continues to rub her back a little longer which she is grateful for.
She has no doubt she won't be going through this alone.
There is silence for a long moment until Bruce breaks it, "Guess that burger wasn't good for the baby" Bruce jokes. He receives an elbow to the ribs Diana's warning for him to not start with her.
Bruce leaves her and retrieves a paper towel and wets it. He goes back to Diana and offers it to her to clean up.
"Thank you" she murmurs cleaning herself up and checking herself over to make sure she didn't miss the garbage.
Bruce sits back down and writes something on a piece of paper and hands it to the Amazon.
She takes it wondering what it is. She looks to see it's a phone number.
"I just realized you don't have my personal number" Bruce points out as Diana looks at him curiously. Its true all league members have a Justice League communicator that they use to get in touch with each other. "You need anything, call me. Day or night. I drop everything, and I have Victor teleport me to your location" Bruce tells her.
She walks over and hugs him which he slowly returns. "Thank you" she whispers.
He smiles a little as they release. She waves goodbye as she prepares to leave.
Alfred magically appears as if sensing Diana is about to depart. She throws her trash out and picks up her purse walking to leave the kitchen.
But, before she makes it through the kitchen door her cell phone rings. She pauses, she retrieves her phone from her purse. She sees its from her long-lost twin brother, Jason, whom she has recently reconnected with. She quickly answers the phone, "Jason?" Her face looks more and more confused as her brother talks to her. "Wait, Jason say again?" She requests.
Surprise and anger takes over her face as her brother repeats what he just said. Diana shuts her eyes and pinches her eyebrows together.
She gives a frustrated groan, "What did you do to my house?" she says angrily. Her brother is a horrible houseguest.
"What?!" she shouts as her eyes open and her brother repeats what he said. She simply can't believe it.
"How did you destroy the roof and all the windows?" she exclaims. She groans, she can't take this right now its bringing on a headache.
She ends her call with her brother her mind made up. She turns to Bruce who is still inside the kitchen at the table reading the newspaper. She looks at the man and clears her throat getting his attention.
He looks up at her from the paper, he decided to busy himself and let her take her call. "So, about that room at the manor?" she says sheepishly.
She was moved in by Sunday evening.
-So, what did you think. I hope you enjoyed that 4th wall break scene. I was watching Hot Tub Time Machine 2 and they did a scene where the title of the movie was said and they main characters gave a look to the people watching the movie. It was funny to me at least.
-Can any of you guess where that mentioned teenager showing up on Bruce's doorstep is from. Hint: think animated series Batman.
-Chapter 3 is being worked on. So, expect it soon. I promise it won't be another four months till an update.
-Also, I am curious and would like to know if you want me to change the rating to M. If it does change it won't be just plain smut. I plan on making it comical. As well as adding the issues that plague the Bruce/Diana relationship. So, let me know what you think in the reviews and I'll go from there.
Archer time over and out!