Chapter 7

Introduction: This is the final chapter of my story. Its now finally finished and over. I hope everyone enjoys this last chapter and judging from the responses, it's clear everyone who's read this story has enjoyed it tremendously. That's a good thing to know.

As a friendly reminder, please when reviewing, keep any opinions on the New 52, be it positive or negative, to yourself. If you do have something to say, message me about how you feel. Reviews are meant to critique and express opinion on a story, not about what goes on outside of it. Please read my profile for a little more detail on this.

A few years later…

The cave was dark as it usually was, even with all the lighting, it still felt dark and ominous. Despite all that, it wasn't the scariest or the most uncomfortable place to be.

Bruce sat at the main computer or rather in the center of the main console area. Typing various keys on his armrest, he watched as the green spherical computer system cropped up. Bruce examined everything on his screen, motioning with his hands when he needed to switch to another. He tapped on an image or report like he would on a pad or touchscreen and he could get a better look.

He felt relaxed as tonight was a quiet one, crime had been down for at least two weeks now and there was nothing to be overly concerned with. Many of the criminals had been either in Blackgate, Arkham or had lied low. Even some of his most dangerous enemies had barely made a peep. Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy were nowhere to be scene and probably stayed in a more remote part of Gotham. Though he made sure to keep tabs on them as he did with everyone.

"Working as always, huh?" A youthful voice emerged from the darkness.

"You know how thorough I am." Bruce replied calmly, his eyes focusing on the screen, but fully aware of whom was standing over his left shoulder.

"And you're going to be late for this party your wife decided to have?" Dick asked, hands in his pockets as he was dressed in black slacks and a blue pin striped casual shirt with the sleeves rolled up, as he preferred.

Bruce chuckled. "I'm not late. Everyone's in the ballroom having a good time. They all know I'll show up soon."

"True." Dick replied as he watched his mentor, father figure and friend shut off his computer image and input a few security codes. "But talking Diana into letting me find out when you'd show up, instead of her, was a bit of chore."

Bruce sat up and straightened his own button up casual shirt, black with the sleeves buttoned at the wrist along with his khaki pants. He turned and regarded Dick for a moment, before giving him an appreciative nod.

"Yes. She'd drag me out without even a second thought." Bruce replied as he started to walk away from the main computer area and towards the steps that would lead to the library.

"I'm surprised you let her have this party." Dick stated as he walked behind Bruce.

The older man shrugged in response. "Don't be. I thought it'd be nice to spend time with some friends and family."

Dick let out a light laugh, as they got closer to their destination. "Either you're getting softer as you age or being married to Wonder Woman changed you."

"Probably a little bit of both." Bruce replied as he put a hand in his pocket and pressed a button on his phone and the large grandfather clock opened up. Sliding to the right, revealing a slightly agitated Diana Wayne with hands on her hips waiting for her husband and his heir emerge.

"Took you long enough. I thought you'd hide all night," Diana huffed, she crossed her arms; she looked exquisite, dressed in a simple blue dress; it cut at the ankles revealing her blue heels the wedding band on her finger shining under the bright lights of the library. Her raven hair was free and cascaded down her arms and shoulders.

"I was finishing up some work, no hiding or any other motives." Bruce explained as he felt the grandfather clock slide shut. He moved his eyes around before speaking again.

"Facial recognition. Go." Bruce said aloud as made sure his sleeves and collar were adjusted. Diana raised an eyebrow and Dick smiled and shook his head.

"Still like using that during big events, huh?" Dick asked as he made a slow exit from the library.

"Always good to use it." Bruce replied as he noticed Diana shaking her head and mouthing what ever she could do with him.

- Facial recognition algorithim. Activating. -

- Dick Grayson. Former: Robin. Current: Nightwing. Access Level: High. –

- Diana Wayne. Current: Wonder Woman, Princess of Themyscira. Access Level: Highest. –

"I'll be hobnobbing with the guests." Dick waved behind him as he left Bruce and Diana to themselves.

Bruce nodded in response and looked back at Diana. She had a bemused expression on her face.

"You must enjoy making sure everyone is who they should be." Diana stated.

"Never can be too careful." Bruce answered.

"Uh huh." Diana replied as she grabbed his arm and wrapped hers around it. "Let's go, everyone is waiting for us now and not just you."

The corner of Bruce's mouth curved into a small smile as they slowly made their way down the halls towards the main ballroom. It was a quiet and pleasant moment between the married couple as they heard only the sounds of their soft breathing and footsteps on the carpet.

"How were Patrick and Greg?" Bruce broke the silence, as they got closer to one of the smaller ballrooms used for the party, hearing the partygoers within enjoying themselves. Diana had spent some time with them today, since they were apart of the Martha Wayne Foundation and received several gifts, ranging from a college fund, free tickets to movies and sporting events, and access to after school programs of their choosing.

"They're doing wonderful." Diana told him. "They say hello and both are looking forward to the new school year. Patrick is really excited about being a high school freshman and Greg is excited to start sixth grade."

Bruce nodded. "I'm glad their lives haven't taken a turn for the worse." He felt uncomfortable having said that, but that was who he was, thinking the worst. But he had learned over the years to avoid that and look at the bright side of everything once in a while. "Sorry, that came out wrong."

Diana shook her head and nudged closer to him, squeezing his muscular arm as a sign that she wasn't the east bit bothered. "It's okay. I know that's your first reaction to things. Despite their loss, they've had the support of their uncle and aunt, friends and the foundation."

"And you." Bruce finished for her.

"And you." Diana mimicked his words. They smiled at each and rubbed their cheeks against one another, both inhaling the light scent that had become so familiar to them over the years.

As they got close to the massive entryway into the ballroom, they stopped and Bruce tensed a bit, he was never good with these friends and family get together type events.

"Hey," Diana said as she let him go and turned him so they were facing each other. "Just relax and have fun. That's all you have to do."

Bruce nodded and took a few breaths, calming himself and knowing it wasn't going to be bad.

"You're right." Bruce said as he grinned. "I'll promise to have fun."

Diana smiled and pecked him on the cheek. "I'll hold you to that."

They shared a small laugh and turned and headed into the ballroom.

Bruce stood at the drink table, which held wine, champagne, various soft drinks, water and ginger ale. Picking up a glass of ginger ale, he sipped it and let the bubbly fluid travel down his throat. He observed the small gathering of people for tonight's party. The facial recognition system identifying every single person in the room as he slowly moved his eyes and studied the faces before him. It wasn't the typical huge party that was held here in the manor, but nevertheless it was a nice intimate gathering.

- Alfred Pennyworth. Caretaker. Wayne Estate. Access Level: Highest. –

Alfred was walking about the room pushing a cart of the snacks; the butler smiled as he entered, many of the partygoers saying hello and showing excitement at the food finally arriving. Alfred began to make his way around and began offering food to everyone in attendance.

Bruce noted that he first went to Jason Todd, the second Robin, now Red Hood and in certain ways the black sheep of the Bat Family. Dressed in a black muscle shirt, dark blue jeans that went down to the ankle of the black biker boots he wore, leaning against the wall nearest the hallway that lead to the kitchen and looking totally disinterested in interacting with anyone.

- Jason Todd. Former: Robin. Current: Red Hood. Access Level: Denied. –

"Lip read. Go." Bruce whispered.

- Lip read. Activating. Ocular focus. –

"You should join in, Master Jason." Alfred told him, politely. "It would be good for you."

"I don't even know why the Amazon invited me." Jason growled as he reluctantly picked up a small plate and took some snacks. "I don't belong here. You know that better than I do."

Alfred nodded solemnly, but was not deterred by Jason's hard stance and bitterness. "I understand, lad." Alfred replied as he reached up and gently touched his arm in a fatherly way. Jason stared down at the hand, but didn't brush him away or act out.

"Time heals all wounds. And while the painful memories will last a lifetime, forgiveness can make the heart grow stronger." Alfred spoke softly, giving a gentle look. "And Mistress Diana believes you have every right to be here, whether you or Master Bruce think so or not."

Alfred pulled away and Jason just sighed in frustration, yet offered no response and continued eating. Without another word, the pair separated and went back to their original tasks.

"End lip read. Resume facial recognition." Bruce whispered again as he took another sip of ginger ale.

- Lip read. Ending. Facial recognition. Resuming. –

He continued to eye the crowd, focusing his attention to his left and noticed Diana speaking with Lois and Clark, the married couple were holding each other close, Clark's arm around her and Lois placing a hand on his back while she held a drink. The trio were laughing and judging from their conversation, was quite possibly talking about him at his expense. But he really didn't have any particular reason to become difficult nor was being a hard ass about jokes said about were nothing to worry about. It was harmless fun, though he did make a mental note to make Clark feel uncomfortable later.

- Clark Kent. Current: Superman. Justice League. Location: Metropolis. Access Level: Limited. –

- Lois Lane Kent. Reporter. Daily Planet. Location: Metropolis. –

Knowing that Bruce was looking in there direction, Diana waved him over and Lois gave a small wave. Clark nodded and gave that homely, kind-hearted smile he always did whenever he saw someone he cared about or was close too.

Bruce lifted his glass in acknowledge, but stayed in place, at ease in his current position. Diana shook her head and mouthed she'd grab him soon and returned to her current conversation with the Kents.

With some more time, Bruce continued to study the room, he noted Alfred had already made his way towards a large group and was taking his time in offering food from the cart. Bruce cracked a small smile at the sight before him.

There was Dick, holding court with all of the single women who had come to the party. Not only was he making them all laugh, but it was clear all of them were trying to get as close to him as possible, each vying for his attention and using their individual charms to get any exclusivity with him.

He's more charismatic than even I give him credit for. Bruce mused.

Finishing his ginger ale, he placed it on the tray used for empty glasses and picked another ginger ale up. Focusing his attention back on Dick and the group of ladies around him. He decided to start from the left and go from there.

- Barbara Gordon. Former: Oracle. Current: Batgirl. Access Level: High. –

The redhead was dressed in a simple short-sleeved texture sweater with capri pants and shoes. Her red hair was tied a ponytail and she wore small amount of makeup; she knew impressing Dick was never a challenge. The bright smile on her face and look of adoration she showed Dick was blatantly obvious.

- Zatanna Zatara. Current: Justice League. Location: San Francisco. –

The longtime friend and one of the most powerful land gifted magicians on planet was not wearing her usual tuxedo attire, though she did wear her trademark hat, she was wearing a strapless, black dress, that showed just enough of her ample bust and went all the day down to her ankles, where she had black heels that made her a inch or so taller. The thoughtful and cute look on her face she stared at Dick was not to be missed.

- Donna Troy. Former: Wonder Girl. Photographer. Location: New York City. -

Diana's younger sister, who was only a year older than Dick looked as exquisite as her, stood to Dick's immediate right and her left arm was constantly brushing against his. Donna's raven hair was placed in an elegant updo, with several curls adorning her face, a blue dress and blue heels completed the look she had for tonight. Donna couldn't stop giggling at what Dick was saying and even commented on the silly things he'd say.

- Koriand'r. Alternate Name: Kori Anders. Current: Starfire. –

The alien from Tamaranean with orange skin and red hair was a sight to behold and looked incredible, exotic even. She stood to Dick's right and made no bones about how close she was trying to be with him, she actually wrapped her arm around his left and held a drink in her hands. Her green eyes didn't hide her want and need to be around her first love. Dressed in a form fitting and stylish purple tank top and designer pants, her red heels made her the exact height as Dick.

Bruce observed the remaining two and was surprised by one in particular, who was preoccupied with grabbing food from Alfred's cart along with another, however this woman was filling two plates and was clearly getting ready to make her smooth transition from being only few feet from Dick to a few inches. The other woman was about an inch or two taller than the former Robin and her blonde hair in reach down to her just below her shoulders.

- Kara Zor-L. Karen Starr. Current: Power Girl. Justice League. CEO Starr Industries. -

Karen Starr picked up her plate of goodies and thanked Alfred, who politely interrupted to offer any servings. Barbara went along with Zatanna, while Donna and Kori clearly hesitated, not wanting to leave Dick alone for long. Bruce observed Karen squeezing past the other girls, dressed in a collared pink shirt, with the sleeves rolled up, a black skirt and flats, it looked odd at first, but reading lips earlier, Karen had come from a busy, but productive workday and got tired of her heels.

Even Kryptonians get tired of heels. Bruce thought, finishing half his second glass.

Karen had managed to successfully squeeze next to Dick's left and kindly offered some wieners to him. Dick was about to take one when…

- Selina Kyle. Current: Catwoman. Former: Justice League of America. Access Level: Denied. –

Selina Kyle, his former lover and occasional girlfriend in the early years was wearing a form-fitting, though maybe just bit too much, black dress. Her face was touched up with a light amount of makeup and she looked completely at ease being around Dick. She calmly and coolly moved through the other women and stood at Dick's right and handed him a plate. Bruce didn't have a problem with Selina being here in the slightest, but he didn't quite understand why Diana would invite, perhaps Alfred talked her into it. Then again, Dick seemed to behave and look at Selina differently than the other women surrounding him. Quite frankly, he wasn't sure what it was or what it meant. And he learned to always stay out of the personal business of Dick or other members of the Bat Family. Instead, he just watched the scene continue to unfold.

Watching Dick pause slightly before smiling and taking the plate, he knew Selina well enough that the smile she returned was not fake or forced, but very real. Alfred having completed his task of serving the largest group in the entire room smiled, nodded his head and accepted gratitude from everyone. Bruce watched as the scene unfolded, laughter could be heard from the women as Dick cracked a joke. To some outside observers particularly in this setting, it would be considered fake laughter, but in actuality, it was genuine and very real.

Bruce felt somewhat awkward observing everyone, his paranoia creeping up, even when he made every attempt to suppress it, there was no denying it from appearing in the back of his mind.

"Bruce Wayne."

His eyebrows raised and his ears perked when he heard the stern voice of Diana. She stood only two feet from him with her hands on her hips, giving him a disapproving glare. Bruce shook himself from everything he was doing and dished out a smile.

"Something wrong?" He asked, trying to avoid any potential misunderstanding.

"Yes, there is." Diana replied as she reached for his free arm and pulled him from the drink table. "You're supposed to be with me and talking with Clark and Lois. Not standing by yourself like some loner."

Bruce followed her and could tell her voice was filled with annoyance, anger and disappointment. Clearly, upsetting Diana was not an option and he didn't want to look like an ass in front of everyone. But sometimes he couldn't help himself as much as tried not to.

They stopped just in front of the Kent's, Bruce delivering a nod to Clark, which was returned by the man from Smallville, Kansas. Lois offered her own smile and shook her head at Bruce having to be dragged over by Diana instead of willingly coming over.

"You have to do everything don't you Diana?" Lois asked as she took a sip from her champagne flute. She was dressed in a blue collared shirt, black dress pants and blue dress shoes. Her gold wedding band shined under the lights of the room.

Diana rolled her eyes playfully. "You have no idea, Lois." Before she gently elbowed Bruce in the gut and leaning against him, she noticed Alfred out of the corner of her eye approaching.

"What about Clark?" Diana asked as she Alfred stopped and offered a plate her. "How much of a handful is he?"

"I'm not that much…" Clark was about to say before he was cut off.

"You're a pain, Kent." Bruce said jokingly. "I have to carry you sometimes."

Lois and Diana giggled as they grabbed some food for themselves. Lois asked Clark if he wanted anything and said they'd share instead. Clark quickly turned his head back and shot look of annoyance at Bruce.

"Really, Bruce?" Clark asked, taking a swig of his glass of water. "And how many times have I had to carry you?"

Bruce laughed and rubbed his eyes. "You know, we both carry each other."

"So you're saying Clark has to carry you in his arms when flying? And you have to carry him in your arms while walking up a flight of stairs Bruce?" Lois interjected playfully, interrupting her husband from speaking. She offered a boiled egg to Clark, who took it, raising an eyebrow in confusion.

"Lois…" Clark said after popping the egg into his mouth and eating it.

"Are you both cheating on us?" Lois pressed, winking at Diana, the Amazon smiled back devilishly.

"Wait a minute." Bruce tried to interrupt.

"It's okay Lois," Diana took her turn to cut her husband off. "If they cheat on us, we'll cheat on them."

Lois dished out a seductive look at Diana who also returned the same look. Clark gulped and pulled out a handkerchief from his pocket to wipe some sweat off his brow. Bruce looked for Alfred to help, but he had already made a hasty exit.

After another moment of silence, the women laughed and both men stared at them.

"Smallville, you and Bruce can be so easy sometimes." Lois said as she playfully smacked him on the arm.

"Yes," Diana said as she gave a quick and light smack onto Bruce's rear. "For two men who are quick to catch onto anything, it's easy to tease you both."

Bruce gave a sly smile and Clark dished out his usual farm boy innocent face. They were played by the wives, obviously they did this to themselves and there was no real way out once it started.

"Well, Lois." Clark said as he picked up a cream cheese topped cracker. "He is my best friend after all."

"My most trusted and valued colleague." Bruce said as grabbed a bacon-wrapped asparagus from Diana's plate. Though it was Bruce's way of saying that Clark was his best friend too and all four of them knew it.

The group four continued talking and enjoying the night. Eventually, Barry Allen and Iris West Allen showed up, which was a surprise to Bruce and Clark, but a welcome arrival all the same. Everyone had a chance to enjoy each other's company and relax outside of their various responsibilities for a change.

Unfortunately, Tim Drake, Cassie Sandsmark or any of the other Teen Titans couldn't arrive, neither could Conner Kent or Kara Kent, they were all together having their own fun. Clark mentioned they were all young and deserved to have fun their own way. And as Bruce pointed out, Tim was with them, which meant they would all act responsibly whether any of them liked it or not.

The night continued without much of anything. Bruce continued to chat with Clark and Lois and noticed that Jason eventually became less distant and more talkative; of course, Zatanna was the one who did it, approaching him and offering a drink. Jason's demeanor changed somewhat upon this. Bruce wondering if maybe Zee had cast a spell or Jason became enamored with her. Then again, it was hard to tell with Jason.

Eventually dinner was close to be being ready. As everyone headed towards the dining table and took their places, Bruce was stunned when he saw Jason offer to help Alfred in bringing the food out.

Jason upon noticing some of the looks he received from some; explained he just wanted to help, and it gave him something to do other than wait. Though Diana knew and told Bruce as much, that Jason was helping because he cared.

As Bruce and Diana got ready to sit down, he turned and gave Diana a look before kissing her forehead. Diana tilted her head and smiled in appreciation.

"What was that for?" Diana asked as she watched Bruce slipped behind her and pull her chair out to help her sit.

Bruce leaned in and whispered into her ear. "For being you and making me realize I'm not alone."

Diana blushed a bit, before taking his hand after he had sat down. "Thank you."

They smiled at one another as the food arrived. Bruce looked around the table and saw everyone that had he had become friends with over the years. Had become a part of his family, even after all he had been through, he wasn't alone in his war on crime or when dealing with loss.

He so many people to turn to and rely on. People that loved him, cared deeply for him and wanted to be there even when he didn't ask. And Bruce knew, just by looking at the image before him. The fact that he found love and happiness with Diana as his wife, an adoptive son in Dick, and a best friend in Clark, or surrogate father in Alfred was more than he could have hoped or even wished for.

That he could live with having more than just those four in his life everyday.

He could have more and never regret any of it.

And that's all one could ask.

THE END

End of Story Notes: It's finally completed. After almost eleven months, the story is complete. I sincerely hope you all enjoyed the ride and had fun reading. I know this chapter may not have been what many of you expected, but I thought this would be a good ending.

Again, as a friendly reminder, please, when reviewing, keep any opinions on the New 52, be it positive or negative, to yourself. If you do have something to say, message me about how you feel. Reviews are meant to critique and express opinion on a story, not about what goes on outside of it. Please read my profile for a little more detail on this.

Finally...

Thank you to those who reviewed, followed and favorited this story and to the ones who do so in the future. Much appreciated.

Until next time.