I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Guest: No, they stripped and passed out.
Making the Best of It
Chapter 36
Following the spontaneous manifestation of Elissa's powers, Bruce and Diana thought it was time to talk with their newfound superpowered daughter.
The truth.
Or at least half of it until she was older.
They told her who her mother was. Really was.
Bruce felt a sense of pride when his daughter doubted them.
To convince her Diana left the room and came back dressed in her armor. Elissa was shocked at the sight of her mother and instantly believed them.
Immediately, she wanted to go flying, demanding her mother to take her excitedly.
Taken aback by how easily Elissa was convinced and then moved right in to wanting to go flying, Diana had to steer back to the importance of their discussion.
The dark-haired girl pouted, crossing her arms along her chest irritated by the refusal.
Diana uncrossed her daughter's arms and took her hands in her own, taking a seat next to her on the couch.
The mother stressed the importance of keeping family secrets to themselves. That it was to keep everyone safe. Elissa followed that with an inquisitive why.
To which, Diana explained that people could use the information to do bad things. And bad things are bad, in line with child-like thinking.
It took some time and more questions and explanations, but the little girl started to understand what her parents were trying to tell her.
And then they moved on to the main reason of the conversation: Elissa's powers.
They stressed that Elissa needed to be very careful when using them. Never use them against other children or any adult such as teachers and family.
They stressed the importance of not showing them to anyone, kids or otherwise. Elissa's powers were a secret that her mother would teach her to control.
Their daughter silently listened, and her parents were blind to the changes that were happening within her.
While Diana and Elissa were speaking, Bruce was silent, planning on what he could do for his daughter. His mind was already working on an inhibitor to keep her powers in check until she was old enough.
His secret, however, remained one. Bruce was certain his secret would be too much for a little girl to comprehend and be burdened with. She had enough excitement going on.
When the parents were certain Elissa would keep their family secrets to herself, they began her training.
The first attempt ended in disaster because to everyone's surprise, Elissa was powerless. No stronger than any other five-year-old.
But a few days later, her powers manifested again, and she ripped her favorite dress, bringing her to tears.
As her mother consoled her, she shared a worried look with Bruce.
The dark-haired man found it reasonable to conclude that his daughter's powers were in flux sort of like when Diana was pregnant, she could fly for miles until she couldn't.
He theorized that it was due to her age but needed more data. The inhibitor proving to be an urgent necessity.
Days flew by and the adults in the household noted a distinct change in the girl's personality. She was profoundly sullener than she ever was. Before she was cheerful and exuberant.
She was scared.
She wouldn't touch anyone due to the fear of harming them courtesy of her power fluctuations. She only trusted her mother to be safe from her strength.
Alfred being the godsend that he was immediately remedied her fearful condition. In a safe and healthy way. The only casualty was the house's fine China.
He approached the young Wayne, who was sitting in the playroom coloring, a broken crayon in her hand, didn't seem to bother her.
He politely cleared his throat, gaining her attention. And once he had it, he kindly requested her aid in cleaning the China.
Uncertainty welled up inside the child, concerned she would break them, she knew Grandpa Alfred worked hard polishing the China.
However, the old man would not be deterred. And assured her she would not break them.
Still unconvinced, she still followed the man wordlessly.
Fetching her stepstool, Elissa helped her grandfather polish the china.
He handed her a plate, to which she took very carefully, her little hands trembling slightly as she took it. She watched as Alfred showed her the proper way to polish it. She took the rag and mimicked the way she saw Alfred doing it. Unfortunately, her fingers clenched the plate a little too tightly and the plate shattered in her hands, a look of horrified shock on her face as the fragments rained down, some landing on the table while the rest fell on the floor, missing the stepstool she was using.
Slowly, she looked to her grandfather, remorse flooding her body and about to utter apologizes and tears trickle down her face.
However, her grandfather had other ideas.
With a twinkle in his old eyes, the butler purposely dropped the plate he was polishing, its demise ending with loud smash, startling the girl.
The shocked girl stared at her grandfather with wide eyes stunned by the breaking of the plate. She knew Alfred never broke a plate.
"Oops," he uttered knowingly.
It took some time before she noticed the smirk on his face and soon Elissa understood.
They came to an agreement, every plate Elissa broke, Alfred would as well.
It took many plates as shattered ceramics decorated the floor, but Elissa strove to be more careful with the next one.
They had less China than they did before, an understatement, but it was worth it to the Englishmen.
Why?
Because Elissa's laughter erupting from her whenever Alfred broke a plate intentionally. To hear the sound that seemed to have died from someone so young. If he had to, he would sacrifice every plate and cup in the manor to give that child some joy that seemed to have become scarce.
When Bruce entered the room, he noted the shattered mess on the floor, but then the smile on his daughter's face and the mess meant nothing him.
And then, Alfred noted the master of the house. "Ignore the mess, Master Bruce. It shall be cleaned up in a few minutes. Isn't that right, Miss Elissa?" he asked with a knowing small.
"Yep, Grandpa!"
She chirped so cheerfully that it filled her father with hope. Hope that the little girl he had known since birth was coming out of her shell.
Later, Bruce was furious. The inhibitor that he spent weeks building proved useless. Not only were his daughter's powers always fluctuating, meaning she could pick up a twenty-pound dumbbell with ease or not. But also, her divine given abilities seemed impervious to the device.
Meaning… his daughter would have to spend the rest of her childhood being careful around people in general. Always treating everything like glass, even her own father. He couldn't remember the last time she hugged him.
He wasn't the type to hug people, but this his own daughter, who loved hugs.
He was helpless to soothe his child's woes, unable to bring back the cheerful child that was Elissa.
He didn't like the new version of Elissa, this opposite of her.
Diana tried to assure him that it would get better in time.
He merely grunted as her assurances. Time meant her childhood would be unpleasant. Which would constitute failure in his promise to protect his daughter.
And for the life of him, he didn't know what to do.
Bruce had walked up from beneath the cave after a long night of patrolling the streets. His body weary as he had been pushing himself more and more every night. His helplessness regarding Elissa's new normal weighted heavily on him. And the only way he could blow off steam was put his energies into the mission in a vain attempt at feeling less impotent.
The manor was pitch black aside from the moonlight. While the man was walking down the hallway to his bedroom, eager to collapse into the soft linens. His tired eyes noticed movement in the shadows, a glimmer of light spilling out of his daughter's bedroom partially staving off the dark.
He noted the silhouette freeze at the sight of him. It took him a moment to realize that the shadow was his daughter. Up far past her bedtime.
"Elissa?" he uttered softly, coming to a stop halfway to her bedroom.
"Daddy?" his daughter replied, surprised at seeing her father.
"What's wrong?" Bruce asked, turning on a nightlight from a near outlet.
The illumination hurt both sets of eyes, pausing until their eyes adjusted. Within that break, the man smelled a faint scent of asparagus.
Elissa didn't answer him. Instead, she wordlessly walked back into her bedroom with a curious Bruce following.
When he entered, he noticed the smell grew stronger. He saw Elissa standing by her bed, pointing a finger at the spot where she slept. He stepped closer and thanks to the lamp by her bed he saw the wet spot and it all became clear.
He glanced back to his daughter, who wore a sullen expression on her face, and seemed to be trying to make herself smaller.
"It's okay, princess. Accidents happen," he assured her.
"I'm sorry, Daddy." The child said meekly, her head bowed. Shame wafting off her.
He placed a kiss to the top of her head. "Why don't you get cleaned up and change your pajamas while I clean your sheets?"
She nodded weakly and left her father to his task.
The dark-haired man sighed, reluctance waved off him, but he went to work. Pulling the sheets away and trekking downstairs to the washing machine. From there he shoved the filthy sheets into the machine, then pulled out a laminated card left by Alfred.
Written on it were the proper instructions on how to use the washing machine. He wryly noted the 'In Case of Emergency' warning in big bold letters.
Slowly, he followed the instructions to the letter. As the sheets began to be washed, Bruce grabbed some cleaning supplies and made his way back upstairs.
Quickly, he got to work on the mattress. When finished he realized Elissa was standing patiently by the door, changed into new pajamas, he stopped.
"You okay?"
She nodded, fidgeting with her hands.
Her next set of words were just above a whisper. "Daddy."
"Hmm?"
She looked up from the floor, anxiously staring at her father. "Don't tell mommy." She pleaded.
The man exhaled. And said, "You know how your mother feels about lying."
As soon as the words left his mouth, he witnessed Elissa's eyes mist and lip quiver about to start crying from the shame.
Bruce saw this and proposed another idea. "But if she doesn't ask, I don't see a reason to mention it."
He witnessed his daughter feel a little relieved by his intentions. He offered her an encouraging smile and picked her up into his arms, he wiped her eyes with his finger.
"Come on. You can sleep with me tonight," he told her. He was glad to see her perk up. Before he left the room, he cracked a window and turned the light off.
He wandered into his room and plopped her on his bed. "Under the covers," he said to her.
She giggled as she snuggled under the covers, excitement rushing through her, her head hitting the pillow, she sighed contently.
Before he went in, he questioned her. "You don't need the bathroom, do you?" His eyes narrowed skeptically.
"Nope," she denied.
"Okay."
He slipped in, the covers sweet embrace soothing him to sleep. "Night," he uttered.
"Goodnight," she said softly.
And soon sleep claimed both Waynes.
Bruce awoke with a start when a sharp kick hit him in his lower back. His eyes shooting open, an annoyed expression appeared on his face. He rolled over or tried to as he halfway rolled on Elissa's legs. He quickly discerned that his daughter was somehow horizontal.
The brightness of the morning slipping into the bedroom.
He grunted in dissatisfaction. He tapped her leg, "Up and at 'em," he grunted, half awake.
Elissa groaned and stirred in her sleep.
"Scoot over," he said rudely. However, she wouldn't budge.
Silently fuming, he turned her around until she was vertical, however, he was now wide awake.
Grumbling to himself, he got out of bed and left the bedroom.
As he entered the hallway, he was greeted to the sight of Diana walking up to him with a look of concern.
"Have you seen Elissa? She wasn't in her room and she's not downstairs."
He jutted a thumb to his closed bedroom door, "She's still asleep."
"In your room? Did something happen?"
"She wasn't feeling well," he lied, covering up what happened during the night.
"Is she okay?" the woman inquired worriedly.
"She's fine," he assured her. "Apparently she likes to kick," he grumbled, still carrying a grudge. He unconsciously rubbed his back at the memory.
"And her bedsheets are missing because…?" a fine eyebrow rose in suspicion.
He just shrugged nonchalantly.
He turned on his heel, muttering about needing coffee.
Diana watched him walk away with dubious eyes yet remained silent. She turned back to Bruce's bedroom door. She opened it as quietly as she could, feeling relief upon seeing her daughter fast asleep in her father's bed.
Something happened. She knew it. And she had a good idea of what judging by the different colored pajamas Elissa was wearing. But she didn't search out the truth. Elissa seemed to be unable to connect with Bruce following the manifestation of her powers, always staying at arm's length.
She was glad to see her daughter had known she could always go to her father with anything. His love for her outweighed her fear of self.
She prayed that nothing will ever sever the bond between father and daughter.
Mid-Summer had arrived, and things were back into routine. Elissa still had problems with her powers, but Diana was diligently teaching her how to control her strength when her strength was reliable. The fluctuations were getting more and more rampant with no end in sight.
It was a paradox, the Amazon woman was glad her daughter was coming to life and happy whenever she could control herself, but when her powers didn't work or when difficulty presented itself, she would become dejected and uncooperative.
Diana's heart wrenched seeing her only daughter in such a state.
But it took time for her to come into her own.
She agonized over her helplessness, but all she could do was be there for Elissa and comfort her. And make absolutely certain that Elissa was not some strange thing.
She was a young girl born with extraordinary gifts. All that was needed was to temper them.
Of course, she did have a way of dispersing all that stress for herself.
A pleased moan hummed from Diana. She was seated in Bruce's lap in his bed, her tongue down his throat, while her hands wandered through his hair, shoulders, and the back of his neck.
A jolt of liquid ecstasy shot through her spine, as she welcomed him within her hospitable embrace. She purred, feeling his calloused hands lightly brush along her back and down to cup her bottom concealed by the bedsheet.
Their mouths in comparative combat as their lower regions, panting hot breaths assaulted the other's face, bliss washing over them in waves.
She cooed, feeling him lightly bite her neck, his fingers moving through her dark hair, the tress spilling through them like dark water.
The rocking of her hips, pulled him deeper within her, refusing to release him until she had her fill of him. His eyes rolled in his skull, his heart hammering in his chest, the pleasure they brought one another lulling him to sweet oblivion.
His skin crawled positively when her pink tongue dragged along his cheek, sampling a bead of sweat draining down him.
Upon hot ecstasy surrounding him in a warm embrace, he clutched her closer to him, needing further closeness.
She flashed him a warm smile, that struck him with love sickness.
A wicked glint in her azure eyes, she teased one nipple with her fingers, while she assaulted the other with her nimble tongue.
His stifled moan spurred her further on to continue her ministrations. She increased the pace of her rocking, the bed rocking, her pleased moans highlighting the pleasure of her fervent pace.
In a matter of minutes, their coupling shoved them over the edge and the two experienced a satisfying finish.
As white-hot pleasure ran through their bodies, hearts beating a mile a minute, they started to cool down. Diana slumped against her man, her head resting on his shoulder, her face buried in the crook of his neck. Neither moved nor severed their connection.
Their combined heady musk of their intimacy assaulted the senses. Yet, neither minded the others scent. Their sweat covered bodies fused their tender flesh together.
Bruce's hand gently stroked her damp back, brushing her long hair along with it. He despite himself, feeling the Amazon unconsciously nestling into the crook of his neck, eager to be closer.
She smiled to herself. Delighted at the satisfaction he brought her. She needed their love to be acted upon.
Languidly, she glanced at his face. Curious on how he felt about their last coupling. Was he as satisfied as her? She didn't dare move to check.
She appeared timid when the man caught her staring at him, bashfully hiding her face into his neck once more.
"That was nice," he uttered. His voice a deep rumble in his chest, which she felt through her face.
"Indeed," she pulled out of his neck to rest her head on his shoulder. Her hand brushing his scarred and sculpted chest.
A faraway look glistened in her blue eyes. She was no longer focusing on her and Bruce. Her mind concentrated on their child. And how depressed she had been the last few days.
She had been cooped up in the house too long. With every defeat at the hands of her gifts she pulled herself more and more into herself.
Her mother wanted to alleviate the dark cloud that hung over her daughter. So much so, that she voiced her concerns to Bruce.
And an idea began to form.
It was still the summer, and a week away from home would do the family some good.
"A vacation?" Bruce questioned.
"Yes," Diana nodded verily. She pulled away, staring him directing in the eyes as she the bedsheet began to fall off her.
Her eyes reflecting the impassioned resolve within them.
"Elissa needs some excitement and a way to get away from her burdens," she explained.
He didn't see an issue with Diana's request. If he was able to help Elissa in the smallest of ways, he would gladly accomplish such a task.
"A vacation," he muttered to himself. His mind already at work forming an idea.
A few days later, Diana walked out of the manor following hearing a series of loud honks from a car.
Stepping out the door, she was surprised to see an RV residing in the driveway. Bruce stepping out of it easily.
"How does a road trip sound as a vacation?" the billionaire questioned undoubtedly.
She chuckled lightly, bestowing a kiss on the man's lips, pleased that he made good on their plan.
"Where's Elissa?"
"Inside," she answered him.
Just then, Elissa came walking out the door wondering what all the commotion was about.
As soon as her eyes landed on the RV, she brightened up with excitement. She ran to her parents amazed at the sight.
"What is that, Mommy?" the child asked her mother. Her curiosity mounting, feeling that the RV held wonderous novelty.
Her mother answered her question. "It is an RV. And it will be our home for a bit while we go on vacation."
She brightened up with excitement at the mention of a vacation. "Where you going?"
"It's not just us, my love, you are coming with us," her mother corrected her.
She watched her parents shared a look before her father replied. "We'll have to figure that out. But so far, a road trip sounds like fun, right?" He crouched to her height and flashed her a kind smile.
"Yeah!" their daughter yelled excitedly.
With Diana laughing at her exuberance.
"Come on," the man beckoned the child. "Let's explore the RV."
With that said, the child ran straight to it before the man could rise to his full height. He too, chuckled at her behavior. Glad to see she was acting more and more like herself again.
In a matter of days, the couple had a plan for a vacation. A road trip all over the country. Their trip would be for two weeks, and they would hit every tourist attraction the country held in that amount of time.
And their transport would be the state-of-the-art RV fresh off the assembly line from Wayne Motors. Bruce added a few new features to it because he was very anal when it came to protecting his family. Bullets proof windows, state-of-the-art GPS, reinforced tires to prevent a flat or someone trying to steal them, they would be in for the shock of a lifetime if they made such an attempt.
Gotham would be covered by the rest of the family while he went on vacation. He needed to let go just a bit; Dick assured him everything would be fine.
When he asked Damian to accompany them on their trip, he declined politely in his own, which was a brisk refusal saying he had other plans.
While he was a little disheartened by the refusal, Bruce thought giving his son's surly demeanor in a confined space was a powder keg.
When Bruce invited Alfred to join, the butler declined saying that, "Even I need a vacation from you, Master Bruce."
His reply surprised the billionaire, who let out a wryly scoff.
Elissa's excitement was palpable. She had been asking about their road trip for days. Needing constant reminding that they wouldn't be going until a few more days, much to her parents' amusement.
Of course, when they were packing, they had to stop Elissa from packing up literal boxes of her toys.
A chuckling Diana had to dissuade her daughter from bringing all her toys. "My love, as spacious as the RV is, we won't have much room if we must climb over these boxes. Only bring the toys you will absolutely play with."
Her daughter pouted. "But Mommy, I love them." She whined.
The woman nodded her head in understanding. "I know. But your toys will still be here when we come home," she promised.
She saw her daughter deflate in disappointment. Rubbing in daughter's head, she pulled her in close for a hug comforting her dissatisfied child. "No pouting." She held her tight, kissing the top of her head.
Elissa, however, was slow to reciprocate, still upset.
To remedy her daughter's sour mood, Diana picked her up. "How about I help pick which toys you want to bring along? How does that sound?" she flashed Elissa a reassuring smile.
Still sullen, Elissa merely nodded and laid her head on her mother's shoulder. It wasn't what Diana wanted to see but it was a compromise.
The day of their trip, Elissa could barely contain herself. She refused to sit still as Bruce loaded up the RV. Diana was finishing printing out directions to their first destination. She preferred hard copies rather than digital directions on the GPS.
Alfred and Damian watched the man work, while Elissa tried to lift one of the bags, but gave up with a profound grunt. Her powers appeared to be dormant for now. Which meant that she could be her affectionate self.
Diana came out of the house carrying the documents for the trip. She witnessed Elissa excitedly describing the trip to her brother Damian.
"And we're going to the beach, the aquarium, and—and-and-and…" she stammered falling over her own words.
"That's nice, Elissa." Her brother uttered. Damian was brought to a smile a habit caused by the innocent exuberance of his sister. She was infectious with her sweet personality that could even melt his surly disposition. When she was a baby, she was entranced by him. Her curiosity tried to place him in her life. As she got older and could walk whenever her brother was around, she would follow him like a puppy. Always interested in what he was up to and wanted to do the same.
In the beginning, her behavior irritated him. But as time when on, he began to understand that she looked up to him. No one in his life ever looked up to him before, the notion surprised him.
But eventually, he felt less annoyed and more welcoming of Elissa spending time with him. The constant barrage of questions was sometimes bothersome, but he understood that everyone was like that at one time.
He loved his sister, and he would do anything for her.
The teenager was pulled from his thoughts when he felt something warm embrace him tightly. Surprised, he glanced down to see Elissa giving him a hug.
She looked up with those endearing eyes of hers and flashed him a smile.
"Bye, Dami!" she said to him before pulling away.
She went over to Alfred next giving him the same amount of affection. "Bye, Grandpa!"
"Goodbye, Miss Elissa," the butler returned wholeheartedly, giving her warm embrace.
"We'll bring you lots of gifts!" she promised innocently.
"Okay," Alfred chuckled.
Elissa waved goodbye, still smiling. She ran to the RV where her mother was waving goodbye to the gentlemen. "We will call you when we get there," Diana promised.
"Thank you, Miss Diana! Enjoy your trip!"
"We will!"
Minutes later, the RV drove away from the manor and soon left the property line in pursuit of their first destination,
It took an hour for the comfortable silence within the vehicle to be abruptly ended by Bruce and Diana arguing.
"You need to get in the left lane," she told him, glancing at the directions and then the road.
"I know," the man grumbled. He signaled awaiting a chance to get in the next lane. Unfortunately, the traffic was murder.
Later they ended up lost, which the dark-haired woman sighed irritably.
"We're lost," she grumbled.
"We're not lost," Bruce denied emphatically, his grip on the steering wheel tight. His eyes glanced around for any signs to help get back on track.
"I thought you had GPS?" Diana questioned. Her fingers pressing buttons, but nothing happened. She was annoyed at Bruce's fervent refusal to use her printed out directions.
After a pregnant pause, the man spoke. "It doesn't work anymore."
"Why? This thing is brand new," she expressed strongly.
"Elissa spilled her apple juice on it yesterday. I didn't have time to fix it," he lowered his voice not wanting to get Elissa upset about it again.
When it had happened, Elissa apologized profusely for the spill. They were sitting up front and she had left her cup on the dashboard precariously and the rest was history.
He didn't yell at her. He didn't want to poison the trip that Elissa desperately needed to get out of her head. He just picked the cup up, cleaned up the mess and comforted his little girl.
No tears on this trip. This was supposed to be two weeks of fun as a family.
"There's a rest stop over there," she pointed out with her finger. "We can ask for directions," she suggested.
"No," he refused.
Incredulously, she rolled her eyes. "Typical man," she scoffed.
He wasn't lost. He knew where they were. He just needed to find a sign telling them where they were, and they would be on their way.
Suddenly, they heard Elissa's voice from behind. She was strapped into a booster seat at a table booth. She had been distracted by the television that hung just above the threshold of the front seats. "Mama?"
Diana turned around looking further inside. "What is it, my love?"
"I'm hungry," she announced.
"Okay," she responded. Diana carefully unbuckled her seatbelt and approached the kitchen area. "What would you like?"
"Hmm?" the little girl took on a pondering expression.
To help rush her along, Diana started listing off what was in the refrigerator. She jolted in place, catching herself with her hand on the refrigerator as they had hit a bump in the road.
"Are you okay?" the mother instantly worried of her daughter's safety. She saw her nod happily and went back to fulfilling the task of feeding Elissa.
With Elissa eating, Diana went back up front to see how Bruce was doing. She was glad to see that they were back on track.
It was nightfall when they finally made it.
Niagara Falls.
They could hear the rushing water as they stretched their legs after being couped up for so long.
Bruce saw Elissa yawn as she stretched.
She squealed in surprise as her father picked her up.
"Daddy!" she laughed, feeling so safe in his protective arms.
"So what do you think about Niagara Falls, baby girl?"
She looked around, seeing around the rest area. She had goosebumps on her arms from feeling the wind carrying sprays on her bare arms. Bruce felt her shiver by the cool breeze.
Her eyes went back to her father's, and her next few words sent him for a loop. She said in a whisper, "Daddy, I have to go potty."
"Huh," a dumbfounded Bruce set her down and she ran back to the RV.
Diana chuckled in amusement.
Diana found the place breathtaking. The way the light reflected on the rushing water was like the Falls had its own personal aurora borealis.
She was certain Elissa would find it the same thing when she came out of the bathroom. And she was proven right as her daughter gushed excitedly at the sight of the ethereal light. The girl was leaning over the steel railing watching the running water and the reflected lights, transfixed on its beauty. She giggled feeling the mist spray her face lightly.
Her mother had wanted to put a coat on her, but she refused, too engrossed to be bothered.
Her mother while unhappy at Elissa's stubbornness, gave in and had the coat in hand in case she changed her mind.
"It's a rainbow, daddy!" the little girl exclaimed excitedly looking behind her. Her father on her right, staying close in case she was about to fall.
As they were leaving an idea formed in the Amazon Princess' head. She witnessed her daughter's displeasure at having to leave so soon. She wanted to stay longer and watch the pretty lights. And like any mother, Diana wanted to give her daughter something that she could really take to heart from this trip to Niagara Falls.
With a knowing smile, she told Elissa to put on her bathing suit. Her perplexed daughter obeyed and went to change, while Bruce had an idea of what she was up to.
The woman smiled at him and gave him a kiss and told him what she planned.
Upon hearing it, he agreed with the idea and drove the RV to a move private area away from prying eyes.
When he parked it, he saw both his daughter and Diana dressed for the occasion. Only the woman wasn't dressed in a bathing suit. No, she was dressed in her armor. Bruce didn't even complain about them being on vacation and that there should be no costumes. He had stashed a spare batsuit in a false wall in the closet.
With a reassuring smile, the dark-haired woman held her hand out for her daughter to take.
Whom took it without hesitation and with complete trust.
They walked out and as soon as their feet touched the ground, Diana held her daughter's body securely in her hand and darted up towards the sky.
Elissa's exuberance at flying with her mother was deafened by the sound of the rushing waves. Her excitement was so consuming that her mother had to call her several times to get her attention.
And when she did, she explained the rules.
"Be very careful of the rocks. You can touch the surface of the water but do not stick your arms or legs into the water, okay?"
Elissa nodded her head. "Okay, mommy."
The woman was pleased at hearing how obedient her daughter was being.
Wordlessly, the Amazon Princess flew down the current. The spray of the rushing water tickled them, her daughter's giggles muffled by the rushing water. She flew close to the surface of the water, Elissa's arms spread at her sides like she was a bird.
The little girl squealed happily as they dove down the waterfall, her eyes absorbing the rainbow of colors in the mist.
Diana played along and got as low as she dared, their feet dampened by the water and rushing water plummeting down soaked her hair.
Deciding that was enough, the woman flew up and saw Bruce was watching with a fond smile on his face.
Elissa seeing her father, started chatting away at him.
"Daddy, did you see? My feet touched the water!"
"I did," he answered. "Did you have fun?" he inquired as he had a couple of towels ready for his ladies.
"Yeah!" his little girl declared.
Diana was drying her hair when Elissa turned to her mother and innocently inquired.
"When do I start flying, Mommy?"
Her parents were taken aback by the innocent question. They too shared the same question. Currently, Elissa had her mother's strength or at least a low level of her strength which would no doubt grow as she got older.
They knew her powers were a very sensitive topic for Elissa. She was frightened by what she could do, but the idea of flying seemed like the only power that was harmless to anyone. And Elissa wanted it.
Wanted to experience the feeling of leaving your stomach behind as you soared the skies, the gentle breeze in your face and hair.
After a moment, her mother bent forward, her hands on her knees. She put delicately, "We will see when they manifest, my love."
Her mother's assurance seemed enough for the little girl. Luckily, she was a child and her mind wandered. "Can we go again?" she wondered eagerly.
"One more and then it's time for dinner and then bed," Bruce announced.
The two ladies shared an eager look and Diana grabbed her child up in her arms and took off for the Falls.
He was frantic as turmoil overwhelmed him. His city burned. Thousands were dead. His family torn apart, bleeding and dying in service to a city that was on the cusp of armageddon.
And the source of it was an insane clown.
The Joker.
His hated foe's chilling laughter echoed thought his skull, while he was beaten and bloody.
He laid on his back; his uniform torn in various places. His consciousness fading, the smell of smoke and death aided him in staying conscious.
The deafening sounds of explosions jolted him from the edge of nothingness.
Those beady, unblinking eyes stared down at him with evil. His city had fallen—he had fallen.
And millions would pay the price for his failure.
Beyond the cacophony of callous laughter and the explosions of buildings, the cries of the innocent reached a crescendo and then… nothing.
The last thing he saw was the deranged clown, pull out a pistol and cock the hammer before the profound sound of a gunshot rang out.
Bruce awoke abruptly, sweat on his brow. It took him a moment to realize where he was before he settled down. Inwardly, he chastised himself. It was just a nightmare. Just a nightmare. He told himself.
He visibly scowled.
Even in death, that lunatic wouldn't leave him alone.
He was quick to note that the sun was just starting to rise.
He turned over, hoping to see Diana's sleeping face. Only to be denied as shockingly, he found his daughter sleeping peacefully on her mother's chest.
The side of her face was pressed into her mother's shirt, her hands resting on her mother's shoulders.
He briefly wondered when Elissa climbed into bed with them. And how had he not sensed her slip in.
"Trouble sleeping?" Diana quietly asked, her eyes closed, her upper body propped up by pillows.
Her question had surprised the man, believing that she was fast asleep.
"When did she sneak in?" his voice was heavy from sleep, and he purposely dodged her question.
"Not long ago. Maybe an hour or two," she replied, her eyes finally opening. Her arms were still wrapped around Elissa's waist, keeping her close. She noted his evasion but let it slide. She knew he preferred to keep his problems to himself even though she disliked it. But she would not press unless she was certain he needed to talk about it.
"I thought we were trying to keep her in her own bed?" He voiced other concerns as he adjusted his body until he was elevated by the pillows.
"Leave her be," she said gently. Unconsciously, she rubbed her daughter's back with her hand. "You know she has trouble sleeping in new places. I'm surprised it took most of the night," she stated.
The last few nights Elissa had crawled into bed with her mother citing troubles going to sleep. And Diana humored her finding no problem with her snuggling up together a few times.
Besides, she knew Elissa was having trouble and the smallest gesture could be profound enough to remedy her ails.
His eyes rested on his slumbering daughter. Her peacefulness was welcomed as the sight of her banished the detestable nightmare that had plagued him.
Feeling awake, he got out of bed and started his day.
Diana chose to go back to sleep for a little longer, seeing as Elissa was comfortably sleeping on her chest.
Days pass, and the family made several stops at a few aquariums and museums that left Elissa wanting to stay for more.
The dolphin show at the aquarium had to have been her favorite so far. She laughed after being splashed by the mammals and wanted to stay longer. Her parents acquiesced and saw the show two more times. When they were finished at the museum, the family left with plenty of souvenirs to remember their experience their and gifts for the rest of the family in Gotham.
Bruce steered away from Washington D.C. desiring to avoid anything to do with the Justice League for their family vacation. Besides, Diana could take Elissa there anytime. Now was family time, and he was trying his hardest to do just that. Leaving the Bat locked up, sneering just beneath the surface just in case the Bat was needed.
His seasoned instincts at the ready and in use scanning the area for any criminals.
However, Diana and Elissa wanted to see the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. So the dismayed man's desire was thwarted by the two ladies in his life he could barely say no to.
Elissa had cited that she wanted to see the dinosaurs.
And Diana wanted to see the Greek exhibit.
The decision was made, and he made a reluctant beeline for the Smithsonian.
As the family entered the Smithsonian, Elissa gawked at the bones of a wooly mammoth. She looked behind her to see her mother, she pointed at it excitedly.
"Mommy, look!" she exclaimed with exuberance. "It's huge!"
"I see," her mother replied, chuckling slightly.
Bruce was standing with them, amused by his daughter's reaction to the skeleton display.
They wandered around for a bit. Eventually, arriving at the dinosaur exhibit.
The t-rex display frightened Elissa, whom started to whimper and ran into her mother's arms.
As Diana comforted her, she strolled out of the exhibit, wanting to calm her.
They walked for a while until Elissa calmed down and was back to normal. They rendezvoused at the Greek exhibit.
And as the tour guide was explaining the exhibit to the patrons, Diana had to stifle a retort as the tour guide was mistaken on a point of history. It grated her nerves but chose to hold her tongue listening intently to history.
And while slightly misinformed the tour was informative.
Unfortunately, when Diana and Bruce looked down at Elissa, she was nowhere to be seen.
Panic instantly overflowed inside the woman. Her head whipping for any sign of her daughter.
Bruce was feeling the same thing but was calculating how much time had passed since the last time he saw her.
Believing she wandered off only a few minutes ago, he paced around the Greek exhibit.
"Elissa?!" Diana called out, frantically searching the halls.
"Elissa?" Bruce repeated.
"Elissa?!" Diana called out with more inflection as sheer panic began to take hold of her. The concerned parents started to garner a few looks from other patrons, but they ignored them.
Relief washed over her when she found her daughter walking back into the Greek exhibit.
"Elissa Martha Wayne!"
Said girl flinched at the sound of her full name. Her eyes wide as she saw her mother run to her.
As soon as Diana got her in her arms, she held her tightly, her daughter confused by what was happening.
Swiftly, relief turned to anger.
"Where were you?" her mother demanded to know. Eyes smoldering with anger and worry.
"Bathroom," the daughter uttered simply.
"You can't walk away like that," she reprimanded. "Your father and I have been worried sick about you. We thought something might have happened to you."
"Sorry, mommy." The thoroughly chastised girl murmured. She looked down at the floor, unable to meet her mother's gaze.
With a sigh, the dark-haired woman banished her anger and embraced her daughter once more. Glad to see she was unharmed and safe with her.
She smiled feeling her daughter return the hug.
It was then that Bruce had noticed Diana had found their daughter.
"Is she okay?"
Diana broke the hug and looked up from floor. "She's fine," she replied with relief.
He crouched down to Elissa's height and examined her himself. "You okay?"
He saw her nod her head. "Uh huh."
"We're not at home, princess. You can't go anywhere without one of us," he lectured her.
"But I had to use the bathroom," she insisted.
"Then you should have told one of us."
"But you said not to talk while that man was talking," she countered innocently.
Apparently, Elissa had to go just as the tour guide was in the middle of his lecture. And Elissa obeying her father's words had wandered off to use the restroom without interrupting the man.
Her parents shared a bewildered look, but eventually they sighed, agreeing they needed to have a talk with her about the importance of staying close to them when out of the house.
They left with a little scare and a few more souvenirs of their time at the Smithsonian. And even took a few photos in front of the wooly mammoth.
When night fell, the family returned to the RV. Bruce packed away the souvenirs while Diana was getting Elissa ready for bed. Finishing his task, the dark-haired man decided to video call Alfred to let him know where they were and how they were doing.
As soon as he connected with the manor, Elissa excitedly exclaimed. "Grandpa!" The little girl ran towards the tablet, blocking her father's sight and took over the call.
"Hello, Miss Elissa," the man greeted with a smile. "How is your vacation going?"
"Great!"
"We went to an aquarium and a mu—mu…" she struggled with the next word.
"Museum," Bruce helpfully supplied.
"Museum!" she said excitedly, which built with every word that came out of her mouth.
He watched her chat with Alfred for a while. Seeing the older man chuckle as Elissa told him about their adventures on the road. She seemed her usual self, happy. While she went into detail about the dolphin show at the aquarium.
Bruce let her speak with Alfred for a while until it was time for bed.
He politely cut in, telling the other man and Elissa it was time for bed, which provoked a groan from his daughter.
He kissed the top of her head and told her not to pout. "You can talk to grandpa tomorrow," he promised.
"Say goodnight," he instructed her.
"Goodnight, Grandpa." She waved at the screen, walking to the rear of the RV where her bed was.
"Goodnight, Miss Elissa. Pleasant dreams," he wished her.
When she was put to bed, Bruce returned and sat in front of the tablet. He sighed before getting to the heart of the call. "How's Gotham?"
His question caused the older man to give a wryly chuckle. He knew a two-week vacation would make Bruce antsy. He was surprised to not hear that Bruce was bouncing off the walls of the RV with anxiety regarding the city.
"I assure you, sir, the city is well in hand," Alfred reassured him. "Super crime is at an all-time low. Street crime is up. But it's nothing the others can't handle."
"Good," Bruce nodded. It seemed to appease him for the moment. Before he could utter another word, Alfred inquired.
"How is the vacation going?"
"Fine. We're in D.C. with plans to go down to St. Louis," he explained.
"Jolly good, sir. The Gateway Arch is a breathtaking piece of architecture," he gushed.
The two chatted for a bit longer until Bruce bid goodnight to the older man.
He shut the tablet off and worked on setting up his and Diana's bed. He pushed the table down, its collapsible support pillar lowered into the floor. He then pulled out the bed from the couch, the top half of the mattress flanked by the couch.
As he was finishing making the bed, Diana came out Elissa's room, finishing putting her to bed.
"Did I miss saying hello to Alfred?" she wondered, seeing the call was over.
"We can call him tomorrow," Bruce looked up from retrieving the pillows.
She was silent until she dove into the bed and slipped under the covers at an incredible speed. Her actions left him dumbfounded; her amused giggles brought a smile to his rugged face.
He shared a small chuckle with her before slipping in next to her. Instantly, she pulled him close to her. In response, he wrapped his arms around her as her head rested on his chest. His even heartbeat lulling her to sleep in mere moments.
He watched her sleep for a bit. Entranced by her peaceful appearance, he pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead before he decided to join her in sleep.
The drive to St. Louis was a pain in the ass. Traffic was one thing, but Diana being a backseat driver was not helpful.
It was during the drive there, Bruce contemplated putting in an ejector seat with the next RV model.
When they arrived in St. Louis, Missouri, Elissa could see the Gateway Arch. Her blue eyes sparkled in wonder. She had inquired if the Arch was a giant slide.
In response, her parents chuckled in amusement at the innocent question. After which, her father started to explain the significance of the Gateway Arch.
How it was created as a vision of greater opportunities for all men of other races and creeds. The arch symbolically a gateway to the West.
Elissa only got half of what her father said. But she found the monument incredibly fascinating.
The family walked the park taking photos and going inside the Gateway Arch Visitor Center. They went on the tram that carried them six hundred and thirty feet in the air. Elissa exclaimed in delight at being up so high. She felt like she was flying with her mother.
After an exciting afternoon, Elissa and Diana were sitting on some steps in the park, a cup of chocolate ice cream. Absently kicking her legs as she enjoyed her ice cream, Diana brushed some of her hair out of her face. She glanced over at Bruce, who was getting some more ice cream for himself and his girlfriend.
"How's the ice cream?" the woman absently inquired.
"Good," her daughter chirped, not looking up.
Instantly the girl cooed at the sight of a service dog walking with its owner.
"Puppy!" she shouted enthusiastically. Her head whipped to her mother, glitter in her eyes. "Mommy, can I have a puppy?"
A bewildered Diana replied, "But what about Ace and Titus? We have dogs at home."
What her daughter said next made her a little proud.
"Those are daddy's and Dami's puppies. I want my own," she articulated firmly.
Her mother pondered the idea of another dog, they practically had a farm already with all the animals Damian had accumulated over the years. She would have to discuss it with Bruce, who no doubt will have some things to say about the matter.
"Hey," she flinched as Bruce announced his presence holding two ice cream cones.
He handed hers to her, "Thanks," she told him accepting her cone.
Before Diana could tell Bruce about Elissa desire, she beat her to it.
"Daddy, can I have a puppy?"
The man had to do a double take, while Diana smirked in amusement and ate her ice cream watching the show.
After collecting himself, the man inquired.
"Why do you want a puppy?"
"To love."
He chuckled at her answered. "There's a lot of responsibilities with having a dog," he countered. "You will have to feed it, walk it, clean up after it. If you want it, you will be responsible for it. Can you handle that responsibility?"
Of course, Elissa would make all the promises of having a pet without truly understanding the responsibilities that it entailed.
With a sigh, the father placates his daughter with, "We will discuss this more when we get home," he told her.
Elissa responded with a wide smile and a nod, accepting her father's words.
He had hoped she would forget about it when they got home.
He flashed a scowl at Diana, who was chuckling to herself at how Bruce of all people was being pushed around by a mere child, she could have warned him.
Elissa was already rattling off names for her new dog. "Mr. Fluffy? Snowball? Apples?"
He was screwed.
The next stop on their vacation was South Dakota to visit Mt. Rushmore.
Elissa was at a loss for words upon seeing the mountain. She had no idea who the faces were, but she thought that maybe the mountain just came that way instead of being manmade by Gutzon Borglum and his son, Lincoln.
Her questions were rattled off like running water, she couldn't stop. Her mind filled with wonder at the gargantuan monument.
They took pictures, of course. When Elissa managed to stop talking. A few of which Diana sent to Alfred back in Gotham. She was so amused by her daughter's behavior she thought Alfred would get a kick out of it, having sent a video of Elissa's barrage of questions.
Alfred had replied with a sensible chuckle meme.
That night, Diana sat in bed with Elissa reading a few brochures from the various places they had been to. Until Elissa demanded a real story, a fun story.
Luckily, Diana had the forethought to bring along a few books from home so Elissa could practice her reading. Unfortunately, so far, Elissa had become obstinate when it came to reading. And until now, Elissa had always fallen asleep rather quickly when it was time for bed, the events of the day draining to her.
They made it through one book before Elissa wanted something else—something better. More exciting.
And when Diana prodded for more of an idea on what she meant, her daughter surprised her.
"Tell stories about you," she asked with a bright grin.
Her mother was taken aback by her daughter's request. It was necessary to discover the truth about her mother, but the wonder seemed to fade by the grim reality of Elissa's powers.
Diana always tried to keep her enemies and the horrors of what she faced away from her child, at least until she was older to understand.
Even though the Amazon princess desperately desired to share her entire culture with Elissa. The fact that they lived in Man's World and not on Themyscira was a grave warning. Some things from her culture the rest of the ordinary world wouldn't understand nor would Elissa at her tender age.
But now that Elissa wanted to hear stories of her mother's adventures after such turmoil lately, who was she to deny her daughter the simple request that was a simple story before bed.
"Okay, sit back," her mother told the girl, who was swelling with anticipation.
Diana tenderly watched as Elissa snuggled up against her pillow, tucking her blanket under her chin, an excited twinkle in her blue eyes.
The mother leaned back wrapping an arm around her daughter, pulling her closer to her chest. She was quiet searching her mind for an exciting yet acceptable story.
She found one, but some censorship would be necessary.
Soon she began to recite her tale.
It was a tale of danger, heroism, and sacrifice. And with every turn Elissa was on the edge of her seat.
"And the warrior princess used the venom to blind herself," Diana heard the gasp from Elissa. "The pain while considerable meant little to the fate of the world. So the warrior, now blind, picked up her sword and defeated Medusa by slicing off the wicked creature's head!" she declared boldly. She swung her arm like she was holding her sword.
Diana watched her daughter's mouth drop in shock which lasted for a few moments. Briefly wondering if the story was too scary, her daughter surprised her with an anxious, "What happened next?"
The raven-haired woman smiled and continued. "The day was saved, and monster was slain."
"What about the warrior? Her eyes were still blind. What happened to her eyes?" Elissa bombarded her with greedy asks. She needed to know what happened next.
"That, my dear…"
She tapped her daughter's nose, breaking her anticipation. "Is a story for another night," she revealed much to her daughter's chagrin.
"Aww," the little girl whined.
"No, whining. You got your story and it's time for bed. We continue the story tomorrow night," she appeased the disgruntled girl.
With an expectant look, Elissa released a resigned sigh, turning on her side. She smiled automatically feeling her mother press a kiss to her cheek.
"Goodnight, love."
"Mommy?"
Diana paused in her departing, turning back with a quizzical expression.
"What's wrong?"
With her back still to her mother, she looked over her shoulder. "That warrior in the story…"
"Yes?" the woman nodded her head patiently.
"She was awesome," Elissa revealed shimmering admiration.
In response, Diana's heart skipped a beat, stunned by her daughter admission. Before she could utter a sound, Elissa let out a candid, "Good night!"
"Good night," her mother said softly, leaving her daughter to her rest.
Inwardly, as she walked, she swelled up excitement.
"She thinks I'm awesome," she uttered to herself with enthusiasm. A smile unconsciously appearing on her lips. To hear how her child felt about her gave her a sense of delight. Such a massive responsibility of being such a role model in a young child's life, especially her own.
She vowed to never betray that responsibility.
The last stop on their trip was a small ranch in Texas. Elissa had been excited about going on a pony ride after seeing a passing horse buggy back a way in their trip.
And truthfully, Diana was eager to put her on horseback. She wanted to reenact instances from her own childhood.
The excitement of straddling a horse and mastering it just as her proud mother observed her. Even going as far as racing one another along a mighty plain. The fit of uncontrollable laughter that flowed out of her as the wind rushed through her hair, the sound of hooves smashing the ground as her mount galloped.
She thought this was the perfect opportunity to bring a bit of Themyscira to Elissa.
But first, they needed to make a pit stop.
They stopped at a gas station to fuel up the RV. While Bruce filled up their car, Diana and Elissa went inside the mart to get out of the blistering heat and get some snacks.
Diana walked behind her daughter, who was scanning the aisles for something delectable. The mother laughed as her daughter strolled down the aisles, a finger on her chin, deep in deliberation.
The raven-haired woman offered a little goading. "Quickly, my love. Daddy's sweating in the heat," she said gently.
Upon hearing her mother's words, Elissa sped up her choice and plucked a bag of chips from the shelve fervidly.
As Diana took the bag of chips, she inquired, "All set?"
"Yep."
She watched Elissa nod her head quickly.
As they paid, the occupants in the mart flinched as a loud bang blasted the calm afternoon.
Under the impression that it was a gunshot, Diana got low and took Elissa with her. The cashier followed her example and hid behind the counter.
Panic swelled within the Amazon, gunfire was child's play for her, but that was when her daughter was safely at home.
Elissa was confused. Her ears hurt, like when fireworks went off back home. And then her mother made her crouch on the floor. She was starting to get scared.
Panic turned to worry as Diana recalled that Bruce was out there.
She turned her head to her daughter, the look on her face broke her heart. But she needed to get an idea of what was happening. "Stay here," she instructed firmly.
Her mother's tone made it clear to her that she listened and obeyed.
Quickly getting to her feet, the woman raced out to the mart, the bell jingling as it opened.
As Diana raced out with a furrowed brow, she ran to the RV. Worry washed over her as no trace of Bruce could be found.
Blue eyes whipped about, searching for any sign of him.
Unaware that Elissa was watching her through the glass door.
"Bruce?!" she called out, frantic.
"Diana?"
"Bruce!" she yelled, finally seeing him.
He was walking away from a group of men pushing a pickup truck into the car shop. Sweat ran down his brow, soaking his shirt.
He held a confused expression on his face as he approached his girlfriend.
Diana released the breath that she was unaware she was holding, relief overwhelming her.
"I thought… I thought…"
He put his hand on her shoulder and was surprised as she embraced him tightly.
"I heard a gunshot," she panted.
"It was a car backfire," he supplied. He pulled away to stare into her worried eyes. "I was helping get that pickup into the shop," the man suddenly understood.
"Where's Elissa?"
Diana jerked her head back to the mart, worry returning. She saw Elissa standing in front of the glass door watching them. Frightened and confused.
The raven-haired woman instantly ran back to comfort her child. Apologizing profusely for the misunderstanding.
The man simply watched his family hold one another. And he felt disheartened that Diana immediately thought the worst. Given their dangerous lives it was expected. At least everyone was safe that was the important thing.
After the little scare at the gas station, the family went about their business and made their way to the ranch.
As soon as Elissa approached the pony, she got scared. Even with her mother by her side and the rancher near to keep the pony under control.
The smell and the size were intimidating.
She swallowed the lump in her throat, peering up to her mother, who have her a reassuring smile and a comforting hand on her shoulder.
She turned to her right, seeing her father stand there with an assuring look in his eyes.
Suddenly, she recalled something her father had told her after a bad day working on her powers.
That it was okay to be scared. But when it was time to fight it, it was time to be brave.
Steeling herself, she approached the pony, its tail wagging lightly. Her mother helped her get on the saddle, surprise running through her as she was so high up.
Her stunned eyes looking about.
The rancher then instructed her. "Hold on ta the reins, little lady," he said pleasantly.
Wordlessly, she obeyed and gripped the reins.
"Plant your feet into the stirrups. Here," he helped her put her feet in the correct position. When she was properly positioned, the rancher explained, "Hold the reins tightly, keep your feet and toes straight ahead, little lady."
The pony was tied to a post enforcing that all that could be done was going in a circle.
They could take the pony off the post later.
After being told to give the pony a little kick with her leg, Elissa lost the light in her eye. Worried that she would hurt the poor pony.
Sensing her distress, her mother came to the rescue. She got close and whispered in her child's ear.
"Gently. Like when touching a flower or holding an egg. Remember?"
Taking a relaxing breath, Elissa gently nudged the pony with a kick and started moving. Elissa jolted, surprised by the pony's sudden movement.
Slowly, she got caught up in the excitement. She smiled; she laughed as the pony took her for a ride.
Out of her peripheral, she saw her father recording her, and her mother waving at her, proud of her conquering her fear.
She waved back at her parents, only for them to worriedly yell, "Both hands!"
She swiftly gripped the reins tightly, her face stiff, but still pleasantly enjoying the ride.
She rode the pony for hours. Her parents couldn't get her off it, no matter how much they used their stern voices.
They never should have given permission to get the pony off the pole and let Elissa ride around.
That night Diana came out of the rear section of the RV, dressed in a t-shirt and shorts, her hair was still damp from a shower.
Bruce was sitting up in their bed, a tablet in hand with earbuds in his ears. He looked away from the screen witnessing Diana approach.
With a tired sigh, she began, "One book, two stories about Themyscira and a back rub finally lulled her into dreamland," she informed him.
"Too much excitement," he suggested with a knowing smirk.
"Yep," she chirped. She languidly slid into bed with him, the blanket covering her lower body. "What are you watching?"
"The news."
Gingerly, she plucked an earbud out of his ear. "Hey," he blurted out in mild surprise.
With a coy smile, she put the earbud in her own ear to listen in. Seeing an opening, her head suddenly appeared in front of him, having slipped through the space between his arm and side.
She curled up to him, the side of her head resting on his chest, his heartbeat a fine sound to drift away to. The position also helped her see the screen better.
She quickly kissed his cheek, in response, the man pressed a kiss to the top of her head. The scent of her shampoo dizzying his senses.
"Thank you," she said softly.
"For what?" he uttered puzzled.
She looked up at him with her eyes, a kind smile on her face. "This. Our vacation. Our life. I know it's hard for you. And I appreciate how hard you are trying," she expressed passionately.
"It's for Elissa," she felt his voice rumble in his chest. "I would do anything for her," he expressed gently.
She smiled. "As would I," she agreed.
They kissed.
And then returned to watching the news until they fell asleep.
NEXT: Home Alone