Making the Best of It
Chapter 22
Wayne Manor
Within Diana's bedroom, the morning rays of sunshine peaked into the room. Rays trekked along the room as the sun continued to rise until it gleamed into the Amazon's eyes.
"Mhm," she groaned from the disturbance. Slowly, she opened her eyes just as Bruce awoke from his sleep. Her head placed on the edge of her pillow and her chin resting on the sleeve of her boyfriend's t-shirt.
"Morning," the man stated languidly. A smile on his lips as he awoke content by yet another good night with his girlfriend.
Languidly, Diana smiled back. "You snore," she stated never losing her smile. Her hair a tangled mess but she still looked so beautiful.
"You drool," he countered with the same expression as she.
"What? No, I don't," she immediately denied. Her expression one of confusion.
He inched his eyes to the left sleeve of his t-shirt. A damp spot around where her mouth once was. Instantly, the woman's face burned in embarrassment while the man was amused.
In provocation, Diana sat up, grabbing her pillow, and hitting the man in the face with it, snorting.
Bruce, on the other hand, merely chuckled as he removed the pillow, placing it up against the headboard. The man found this moment of normalcy heartwarming as he cherished these moments with the woman. She, too, shared his same feeling.
Immediately, the raven-haired woman looked to the baby monitor to check on their daughter. To her surprise, Elissa was wide awake. Moving around, blinking, and sucking on her pacifier. The ten-month old's calmness was surprising as she usually wailed and demanded attention and food first thing in the morning.
"She's up?" Bruce asked her as he sat up in bed.
"Yes," she nodded, not hiding her surprise. She chalked it up as Elissa growing up as the baby usually wasn't awake until after nine. "What time is it?" she scanned her nightstand searching for her alarm clock. Discovering that it was almost nine o'clock made the woman relieved. As she did not have to wake up to a screaming baby first thing in the morning.
"I better get her downstairs," the woman uttered, removing the covers. Just then the Amazon's secure phone line rang. Only certain people had that number and usually work was the only topic of conversation.
Haggardly, she picked up. Her eyes widened as she heard Etta's voice after such a long time. "Etta?!" she exclaimed.
"Diana, great to hear your voice after so long," the military woman began. Diana visibly winced as she had neglected to contact Etta upon her return from maternity leave nor to even check up on her before she took her sabbatical.
"You too. What can I do for you?" the woman got straight to business as she felt Bruce's curious gaze on her.
"I have a problem that's right up your alley."
"Yes?"
"There's a problem with a griffon, of all things, disturbing D.C. I was hoping you could help. Seeing as how this is more your area than the Justice League?"
Diana glanced over her shoulder to see Bruce's blank face. "I will… be right there," she told her and hung up. Regretfully, "Bruce, I—"
"It's okay," he assured her. "Go. I can hold down the fort," he rose from her bed.
Moments. That was what the two of them had. Both were very busy people and whatever down time they had were Elissa's and in the rare times theirs.
She kissed his cheek with a promise to make it up to him and Elissa later. She hated missing time with her daughter, but she had other duties as well.
Washington D.C.
Etta stood outside an airport in Washington as a woman in red and blue flew down to greet her.
"Etta," Diana greeted warmly.
"Hello, Diana. It's been a while," the woman of the rank of captain greeted. She turned inclining they would walk and talk.
"The griffon showed up early in the morning. Security had no idea it was even here until flights started taking off. Then went crazy, demolishing anything in its' path," she briefed the Amazon.
The pungent odor of smoke filled her nostrils as black clouds inched towards the sky. "We've made attempts to deal with it humanely," Etta cautioned. "But some are starting to get twitchy," she said, glancing at the armed ARGUS agents around.
"Thank you for your consideration. I will see what I can do," Diana vowed, taking to the air. She landed on the airfield as the griffon's mighty roar deafened all other noise. Wincing, Diana had to cover her ears by the boisterous roar.
The beast tackled a refueling truck causing it to roll along the airfield.
She inched closer, retrieving her lasso from her waist. "Easy you majestic creature. There is no need for such violence," she spoke calmly. "Let's get you out of here. You're upsetting the locals and I'm certain the engine sounds are not to your liking," she theorized as to why the griffon was attacking.
The creature saw her approach and reacted violently. Charging at her with a mighty roar that was deafening. Effortlessly, the woman evaded by diving to the left. The instant her foot rooted onto the ground she tossed her lasso towards the beast looping around its body tightening around the wings effectively grounding it.
With her strength she pulled the golden cord forcing the griffon to the ground, the creature releasing a yelp of pain.
"Stop," she commanded. The lasso dominating the griffon forcing it to follow her orders. When she noted the creature appeared docile, she gave it a gentler tone. "Easy," she took steps forward. "What's got you upset?" she asked soothingly.
Using her gifts, she was able to decipher the tiny growl the came from the griffon. "I see," she nodded in understanding. "I will get you home," she swore.
She turned just in time to see Etta and a squadron of ARGUS agents pull up.
"Everything okay, Diana? I see you have things handled," the dark-skinned woman noted.
Nodding, the raven-haired woman answered, "Everything's fine, Etta." Diana turned her head back to the downed griffon. "This one just got a little lost. Didn't you?" she smiled treating the mythical creature like a common house pet.
"What do we do with it?" Etta questioned.
"Nothing," Diana replied. "I will escort him home. I'm sure his family is worrying about him," she mentioned.
She removed the lasso, winding it up and back on her hip, she patted the griffon giving permission to rise.
"Come," she beckoned as she took to the sky. With a great roar, the griffon followed. Its majestic wings flapping carrying its profound weight.
It took hours for Diana to return to Washington as it took time for her to assist the griffon in reuniting with its family and heading back to brief Etta on the status of the creature.
"Everything's taken care of," the Amazon said with a sigh. Exhaustion weighing heavily on her. Inwardly, she regretted skipping breakfast.
"Good," the other woman nodded, finishing paperwork on the matter. "Where have you been?" the captain inquired after a long pregnant pause.
"I'm sorry?" the woman blinked perplexed.
Holding her hands up in the air, Etta elaborated. "You've been gone for over a year. No word or explanation. The Justice League gives a press conference about you being involved in peace talks in space. What the hell?!" she exasperated.
Diana appeared apologetic almost remorseful for the deception, but it was all in order for Elissa to be protected. In hindsight, she should have explained that things were getting hectic or at least give Etta a call that she would be away for an indeterminate amount of time.
"I'm sorry, Etta. I should have called," Diana relented. Guilt eating at her.
Instantly, Etta regretted her anger. Diana just had this look about her that whenever she looked sad it was the most heart wrenching thing to witness.
Sighing, "I'm sorry. I know you have a lot on your plate," the military woman slouched in her chair.
Diana shook her hand, "You have a right to be angry," she continued to agree with the other woman.
Suddenly, a thought occurred to Etta. "I'm sorry about Steve," the sentence instantly made Diana stiffen.
How much did Etta know?
That was the question that made Diana feel a nervous sweat run down her back.
"He told me the two of you broke up. What happened? You guys were great together," the woman praised.
Diana was taken aback. Apparently, Steve had not told Etta everything about the breakup. She wanted to have a few words with her ex to express her gratitude for his silence.
Swallowing the lump in her throat, she proceeded. "We just…" she trailed off to find the correct words that did not reveal too much. "We just drifted apart, Etta," she confided sadly.
"Sorry," the other woman reflected sympathy.
"It's fine. I… I've made peace with it and I am focusing on other things."
"Other things?"
"Yes," Diana nodded.
"Such as?"
"Work," the Amazon shrugged. "And some charity work when I can."
"No new beau?" the woman smirked coyly.
Reflecting great poise, Diana made certain she did not answer in the positive to the question. Bruce and she had yet to discuss what to say to the non-costumed friends in their circles. But that matter was soon to be addressed as the woman had forgotten about Etta.
"No, there's no one," Diana denied. Etta swore she could make out the tiniest bit of sadness on that cordial smile on the Amazon's lips.
But she held her tongue as it was none of her business.
Wayne Manor
Diana returned late as the sun had already set. Mainly due to the fact the League had called her in for further assistance on another case. Something to do with Justice League Dark apparently. A new branch of the league dedicated to handling the magical aspect of the universe.
She was quick to wash up and change before she checked on her daughter. She shared Bruce's wishes to keep Elissa out of their line of work as much as possible.
She came upon her little girl in the dining room. Bruce feeding her goop as usual. It was hard to believe her little girl was approaching one year's old already. It felt like yesterday that she was born. Already her hair was getting so long.
When Elissa saw Diana out of the corner of her eye, she exclaimed in utter joy. Babbling incessantly that made the mother smile more.
"Hello, love," she said sweetly, kissing her forehead.
"Welcome back," Bruce greeted with a modicum of a smile.
"Hello," she kissed his stubbled cheek.
"You okay?" he inquired, noting the extra fatigue she was displaying.
"Fine," she replied. "Just had an eventful day." Her focus returned to Elissa as her little hand reached for her mother. Gently taking hold of it, they shook, making Elissa smile and laugh.
"Did you have a good day?" Diana asked sweetly. "What did you do? Did you walk today? Is that what made you so happy? You walked," Diana chatted with the little girl. It always made her feel better whenever Diana had a bad day. This little girl was the sweetest thing in the world. And she could barely talk yet.
Bruce merely smiled as he observed the scene between mother and daughter. Diana made it all look so easy. He still had trouble figuring out what Elissa wanted.
"When you're finished feeding her, can we talk?" she sounded hesitant.
He looked at her for a hard minute until…
"Sure," he replied innocently, scooping up some more baby food for Elissa.
An hour later the three sat in the living room with Elissa playing with her pristine wooden blocks that Alfred had gifted to her. Sanded down to avoid splinters.
She stacked them until they fell down. Bruce and Diana were sitting around her wanting to be close to her as possible.
"What did you want to talk about?" Bruce asked, his eyes trained on the back of Elissa's head as he sat on the floor behind her.
The woman swallowed, knowing the man would not like what she was about to say. "I want to tell Etta. About everything," she confessed plainly.
Bruce, to his credit was quiet. And that filled the woman with hope. Until…
"No," was his curt retort.
Gawking, she responded. "Can we talk about this?" she put incredulously.
"Fine," he said evenly. His gaze turned to little Elissa, whom was handing her precious blocks to him. Silently asking him to play with her. Smiling, he stacked the blocks just in time for Elissa to knock the tower over, turning her into a giggling fit.
"Speak," he commanded, his eyes on the baby but his attention diverted to the Amazon.
Feeling a sense of vague offense for him to command her, she persevered. "Etta has been wondering where I've been and what I've been doing. And I do not like lying to her. If you are worried about your secret, Etta is very trustworthy. She would never betray me," she insisted.
"How convenient for you that you can turn military personnel into such loyal acolytes," Bruce uttered. The Amazon sensed contempt in his tone, and she did not like it one bit.
"What is that supposed to mean?" she demanded heatedly.
"After a few days of just knowing you, Steve Trevor and Etta Candy went from being loyal to country to being loyal to you. Is there some special power that you have been hiding?" he said with skepticism.
"I do not like your implication and I will not tolerate it," Diana exclaimed in anger. She could not believe he was saying such things, acting like this. Over such a topic.
Bruce seemed sour about the matter. Soon he regretted the utterance. Yet, he held his ground on the matter. Nor would he apologize.
"My answer's no, Diana."
"And I am to just take your answer and obey. Like I am subservient to you?" The Amazon's anger boiling the longer this conversation continued.
"No, Diana," he shook his head. "It's just not only your secret to tell," he put adamantly. He paused, handing a block back to Elissa, before continuing. "I have no choice but to let Steve Trevor hold onto my secret," his tone laced with reluctance. "And as I promised, I have left him alone. Most of the league knows who I am! I have put too much effort into being liked that all it takes is someone slipping up and my identity is on national news. Forgive me if I do not want to be serving hard time for all the crimes I've committed for the sake of justice.," he ranted. "I went after the most dangerous of my enemies that knew who I was so Elissa would be safe. And you ask me, to let one more person know just so you don't have to feel guilty," he stated bitterly.
Diana for a moment felt guilty but she persisted. "I trust her. You trust everyone in the league. We both do. If you have any problem with that, then that is your problem."
They were silent for moments. The only sound came from their daughter playing.
"Why is it that I am the only one willing to make any concessions?" she stated rhetorically.
She stomped off angrily, feeling she would say something that could not be taken back.
Later at night within Diana's bedroom, the door opened up and Bruce came in weary from patrol. They still kept separate bedrooms but there were nights where one joined the other.
He slid under the covers, ready to shut his eyes and experience the bliss of sleep. That was the plan, however, a long slender leg roughly kicked him out of the bed and onto the floor with a thud.
Bewilderment turned into irritation. "I guess we're fighting?" he stated sarcastically.
"You bet," the raven-haired woman replied bitterly, her back to him.
Bruce stomped off with a scoff and was willing to slam the door but shut it gently, not wanting to wake a sleeping baby.
It was a few days later, after sullen silences and cold-shoulders, Bruce appeared before the woman reading to their daughter, whom sat on her mother's lap.
The man appeared regretful. He always had difficulty admitting he was wrong or apologizing. The man recalled Diana saying how she was the one who made all the changes or most of them. He felt it was only far he did the same.
He made his presence known by clearing his throat. His action got the desired reaction as she looked up from the book.
He swallowed nervously, his palms unusually sweaty. "You can tell your friend that you have a child. But that is all," he maintained. "You… You need to give me more time," he requested.
She blinked at him casually. Slowly, a smile graced her lips. "Thank you," she said before resuming to read to Elissa.
Batcave
Just as Bruce was getting ready for patrol, Diana came down dressed in her armor. He gave a cursory glance before he resumed getting his gloves on.
"Is something wrong?" he inquired, his mask resting on his back.
"I told Etta," she disclosed. "She was surprised and ecstatic that I have a child," she recalled the conversation.
"I see," the man replied monotonously. An awkward silence filled the cave. Uncertain on what to say. Surprisingly, Bruce started up the conversation. "Are we okay?' his voice reflected apprehension.
Blue eyes pierced through him as she took a moment before answering. "Bruce, we had an argument. I'm certain our relationship is strong enough to handle a disagreement," she pointed out.
"I'm not going anywhere and I'm not walking out on our relationship over something that is minor." She stroked his cheek with her thumb before placing a kiss on his lips.
"Okay?" She pulled back, a nervous expression on her face.
"Okay," he smiled at her. His hand holding hers before he placed a kiss on her palm. "You going out?' he wondered.
"No," she shook her head. "I'm home for the night."
He nodded, before he regretfully pulled away. He desired more to stay with her instead of going out on patrol, but he had work to do. Someone was trafficking weapons out of Gotham. He needed to make some inquiries.
"Be safe," she said to him before she went upstairs for the night.
Halloween in Gotham. For the police it was the same as every other day. Dealing with costumed fools trying to hurt people. But on Halloween, drunks and stupid kids were added to the rotten mix.
For Batman it was the same. Even on this night he stayed in the shadows. Watching. Waiting. Ready to strike out at the wicked.
But this Halloween was different. It was Elissa's first Halloween. And Bruce and Diana chose to take her trick or treating. They she couldn't really do anything, but they wanted her to have some fun and interact with other people.
"Is she dressed?" Diana eagerly asked as she got her phone out.
"Yes, just getting the top on her head," Bruce answered. He was getting Elissa dressed in her costume. An adorable pumpkin outfit. Round in the torso with that of a jack-o-lantern on it. Her pacifier snapped to the torso.
She was a couple feet of orange and green.
"Oh, you are so adorable!" Diana gushed, snapping photos.
Elissa smiled at the sight of her mother. Reaching for her demanding for her mother to take her. Diana did so, kissing her chubby cheeks.
"You're not dressing up?" she rose a curious eyebrow as she asked the man.
"I dress up every night," the billionaire shrugged.
"Where are we going?"
"Park Ridge," he answered getting his coat on. "It's a safe and friendly neighborhood. I'm not needed there most of the time," he informed her. That made the woman feel relief as they wanted as normal a night as they could.
"Good. Ready?" Diana inquired with a smile. Seeing him nod, they went to the front door and into a minivan
Park Ridge
The area was alive as kids screamed cheerfully. Scaring wandering parents and other kids as the block was decorated for the holiday.
Bruce and Diana navigated through the crowds. Both had eyes on Elissa. Her little eyes filled with wonder as she stared at all the kids running about. All the lights illuminating the street. Her mouth agape as she processed what she saw.
Bruce holding Elissa walked up to a door where other kids congregated, ringing the doorbell incessantly. Bruce had a handle on the little bag for Elissa, completing the experience.
As soon as the door opened, the homeowner was greeted with a resounding, "Trick or treat!"
The frail looking old woman smiled and gushed at all the costumes. She handed out candy to everyone. Each child sprinting off to their parent as they wanted to move on.
When it was Elissa's turn, the old woman cooed. "Oh, aren't you adorable!"
Elissa hid her face in Bruce's neck, acting shy. Which only made the woman chuckle more.
"Well, here you go," the woman dropped candy into the bag.
"Thank you," Bruce said to her as he walked away and back to Diana.
Instantly, Diana reached for her daughter. "Did you have fun?" she asked excitedly. In response, Elissa smiled brightly that made her mother proud.
They stayed for an hour before they went back home to put Elissa to bed.
Thompson Clinic
The medical facility for Park Row was almost busy, but on this day, Leslie found some time to perform Elissa's checkup.
Diana assisted in keeping Elissa from squirming as Leslie took her temperature.
"Good," the old woman commented as Elissa's temperature was normal. "How is she eating?"
"Good," Diana replied. "When should I start giving her soft foods?"
"Now's a good time. Soft foods that are chopped up like fruits and vegetables should be fine," the doctor answered as she picked Elissa up to check height and weight.
"She's grown two inches," Leslie noted with a smile. "She is going to need a few immunizations," she mentioned.
"Of course," the raven-haired woman nodded.
When it was time for her shots, Elissa put up one helluva fight. Her little arms swung back and forth as her legs kicked out. Leslie with the patience from countless patients instructed Diana to restrain her arms, while Leslie talked the little one down.
The Amazon's heart went out to her daughter, but she needed these immunizations. If not for her and her possibly incredible healing abilities for others that do not have such an immune system.
Leslie managed to distract Elissa with her hand, wagging her fingers at the eleven-month-old. Crying festered until they boiled over as Leslie got a shot into the girl's leg. Elissa screamed like a banshee when it happened, getting all red.
When it was all over, Elissa was fully dressed and whimpered into her mother's chest, wanting to go home.
"Are you coming to Elissa's birthday party?" Diana asked as Leslie finished up Elissa's chart.
"Of course," the woman readily answered. "Still one o'clock?"
"Yes," the raven-haired woman nodded in confirmation.
"I will see you there," the old woman bid farewell as she left.
Wayne Manor
The ballroom was decorated for the birthday party. Pink balloons and banners hung up. A buffet table with plates and utensils. Food had yet to be lain out as no guests had arrived just yet.
A few gifts had already been left on a faraway table in the ballroom.
After much debate and great reluctance from Diana, it was decided for a simple birthday party. Nothing too extravagant. Mostly it was a ton of balloons. Which were a big hit for the birthday girl.
When Alfred tied a pink balloon to her wrist and he smacked the balloon, the girl giggled. Waving her arms made her a giggling fit.
Only a few more hours until Elissa was officially one years old, but everyone decided to just accept that she was a year old.
Bruce carried the birthday girl into the ballroom, dressed in black tights and a white and pink sweatshirt, little shoes on her feet. Bruce was wearing a charcoal turtleneck and jeans. No reason to be so formal.
The balloon still wrapped around the baby's wrist. It was definitely the biggest hit of her gifts.
"They should be here soon," Diana stated as she entered hurriedly. She wore a red sweater and black pants. When she reached her daughter, her expression changed into an excited one. "Hey, baby," she took her into her arms, peppering her chubby cheeks with kisses, eliciting laughter to escape her little body.
"Did you have a nice nap?" she inquired sweetly. In response, Elissa cooed. Her little hands touching her mother's face. The balloon gently hitting the side of her face.
More giggles spat out when Diana tickled the child's chin.
The scene made Bruce smile as mother and daughter interacted.
He jolted out off his revere when the doorbell rang.
Alfred had already beaten him to the door and Lois and Clark showed up, their son Jon also with them all dressed casually.
The Kent's' were directed to the ballroom by Alfred where Bruce and Diana waved to them. Lois instantly went up to Elissa.
"Hello, birthday girl!" the reporter cooed. Elissa acting shy turned her head, pressing her face into Diana's neck.
"Aww," most of the adults were amused by the baby's behavior.
Bruce and Clark greeted one another cordially. The kryptonian handed the billionaire the wrapped gift which Bruce placed with the other gifts on the table.
Jon walked over to Bruce and inquired on Damian's whereabouts. To the dark-haired man's regret Damian didn't show. The man worried but did not express it.
Soon more of their friends arrived. All carrying gifts for the birthday girl. Oliver and Dinah, Arthur and Mera. Hal popped in for a meet and greet before taking off. Victor showed later with J'onn and Kendra.
Barry showed up last. No surprise there.
The guests all greeted Elissa with 'happy birthdays' and left their gifts for her on the table.
Surprisingly, to Bruce, Barbara, Tim, Cassandra, and Duke showed up. Most of them didn't see Elissa until today. Her father had alienated them to such an extent.
Barbara had only spoken a few words to the man, Elissa her sole attention.
Cassandra, Bruce wanted her to interact with more people. He wanted to do better by her as he had been failing her for so long.
After everyone ate, it was time for cake. Diana had a large cupcake baked for Elissa, alone. It served as the birthday cake while another cake was for all the guests.
As the Amazon lit the single candle that decorated the pink frosted confection, everyone started to sing. Bruce had his phone out recording the whole thing. Capturing the raven-haired woman as she hung back keeping Elissa's hands away from the flame.
Her head was next to her daughter's as she blew out the candle, provoking a resounding applause as they clapped their hands.
Immediately, a curious Elissa shoved her little hands into the frosting. Eager to understand what the pink stuff was. Diana coaxing her, left a bit of icing on the baby's nose.
"Go ahead," the mother encouraged. "Have some," she said. Leading by example Diana licked some frosting off her finger.
Slowly, as Elissa's brow furrowed, she brought her little fingers to her mouth and took some. She took the frosting off one digit and the others followed.
Crouching, Diana said sweetly, "May I have some?"
Inadvertently, Elissa gave her mother the finger without knowing what the gesture meant, sucking the frosting off her little finger. In response, Diana gawked, as everyone laughed at her expense. Soon Diana joined in on the laughter.
"Tell me you got that?" someone asked Bruce in jovial hysteria.
"Oh, I got it," the dark-haired man answered smugly.
Later that night, Bruce and Diana collapsed in his room exhausted. Still in their clothes from the party. "Did she go down okay?" Diana wondered as Bruce was the one to put her to bed.
"Went to sleep as soon as her head hit the pillow," he said with fondness.
"She had a good day, didn't she?" a worried Amazon wondered aloud.
"Yeah," he nodded. "It was great day," he uttered fondly. After a few minutes he rose, rubbing the back of his neck. Diana joined him as she stood up.
"Are you going out?"
"After midnight," he said briefly.
"Do you want to…" she trailed off purposely.
He turned his head to her, his lip twitched upward. Signaling to her that he indeed wanted to.
Slowly, she pulled down her pants just as Bruce took his shirt off. He was excited when the woman shoved him onto his bed with her soon straddling him.
They stared into one another's eyes fondly as she kissed him passionately. She pulled back to throw her shirt away and used her strength to tear the man's pants off him, that made him chuckle in anticipation.
She cupped him firmly, a wicked glint in her eye as she fondled him.
She smirked when she witnessed him gasp from pleasure. She removed herself from him, her hand never leaving him, as she carefully removed her underwear.
Bruce was so overwhelmed from his own pleasure he did not notice her changed position until he sensed the bed give way around his head. He opened his eyes and was greeted to the sight of Diana's spread thighs flanking his head. He instantly understood what she wanted as he cupped her plump backside, stroking the tender flesh as his mouth lapped at her loins, just in time for Diana to return the favor.
It took minutes for the other to climax, allowing them to sample the others flavor.
NEXT: Hiatus
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