Rich Kid with Issues

Author's Note: This story follows “No Dating for the Batman”. We recommend you read that first as this fic is set immediately afterward.

This story makes references to the following Justice League/Justice League Unlimited episodes: Maid of Honor, Starcrossed, This Little Piggy, The Return, Ultimatum, The Once and Future Thing, The Ties that Bind

Special thanks to HeyBats for the beta and to Djinn for allowing us to borrow her concept of Karthene from “Rules of Engagement”.

Disclaimer: If you recognize it, it's not our character and is used without permission. We aren't making any money from this story.
 

Rich Kid with Issues

by Athena Phoenix

Part One: Coffee Clash

The sunshine streaming into the bedroom gradually awakened Bruce Wayne. Hardly daring to open his eyes, he wondered what time it was and how long he had slept. He steeled himself and glanced around the unfamiliar room. For a moment, he couldn't remember where he was or why, although his nakedness provided a probable answer to the latter.

Diana had –

they had –

he had broken his promise never to get involved with a fellow team member.

I've got to go. Now. He heard the promising hiss of an espresso machine, followed by the clink of china, and reconsidered.

Okay, later.

Diana came through the doorway, clad in a green satin robe and carrying a cup and saucer. “I've got a cup of Columbian Supremo here with your name on it.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Are we changing roles now, Princess?”

She smiled archly. “It is my home, or had you forgotten? I make the rules.” Sitting on the edge of the bed, she handed him the coffee. “Besides, I thought you might be tired after our…exertions.”

Bruce sipped his coffee, stalling for time. Hrn.

“I'm fine, Princess.” He was surprised at how rested he felt. I must sleep better with company.

“I'm glad.” Diana slid over to sit next to him, leaning against the headboard. “I was glad to see that you were still here when I awoke.” Her tone was light but her eyes betrayed a hint of sadness. I never thought he'd stay.

He reached out to caress her flowing hair, slightly tousled from sleep. “You hadn't given me permission to leave.”

She turned her head to look him directly in the eye, daring him. “Do you want to leave?” The words hung in the air, their meaning far beyond that of simply departing after a tryst.

“What I want doesn't matter.” He looked away. “There's too much at stake.”

“Is there something you’d like to talk about?” Diana asked, concern creeping onto her face.

“Not really.”

Diana ignored him and rested her hand on his arm. “John told me about the future.”

“He shouldn't have,” Bruce snapped, staring back at her again.

“He said I needed to know.” Her voice rose and her grip tightened. “Bruce, I was there. I don't remember it, but according to him, I lived it.”

Turning to gaze into her troubled eyes, he said flatly, “You were dead, Diana. Everyone was dead. I can't risk that by changing who I am now.”

Her voice sharpened, “Don't you realize that Chronos had already tampered with the future you saw? It doesn't have to happen that way. Are you going to let paranoia run your life from now on?”

Bruce laughed bitterly, “Some say it already does.” Seizing the moment, he challenged, “Why did you invite me here, Princess? What do you want from me?”

“I want – ” The words caught in her throat. “I want you to be the man you were meant to be – not just Batman. You and I both know damn well we care for each other. I want you to give yourself a chance…give us a chance.”

“Batman is me. You know that.”

“You're wrong, Bruce. Batman is a part of you, just like Bruce Wayne the playboy. But I've seen the real you when we danced in Paris, when we hid from the Thanagarians...” She interrupted her tirade, smiling ruefully for a moment, “…and I've heard all about your attentions to – and sacrifices for – a certain little pig.”

There was no response. Exasperated, she stood up. “Maybe Circe should have changed you into a mule; you're certainly stubborn enough! Look, Bruce, despite our little game last night, I can't make you do anything you don't want to do. I just wanted you to see what our life could be like – what you were missing.”

He simply gazed at her, stone-faced. He might as well be wearing his cowl, she thought.

Diana went to the closet, took out her uniform, and headed for the door. Looking back, she added, “I've got Monitor Duty in half an hour. In case you're wondering what to wear, Alfred sent over a suitcase. It's in my closet. Whatever you pay him, it isn't enough.” She left the room, closing the door harder than necessary.

* * *

Bruce felt divided, as if his personas were debating in his head.

The Dark Knight reprimanded, You and Diana crossed the line. You just ruined your professional relationship. Was it worth it? You never considered dating a teammate, let alone spending the night with her…

That's a lie, the Playboy retorted. You not only considered it, you fantasized about it. Frequently. Especially once you came back from the future – do you really want to be a bitter old man?

Better alive and bitter than dead, the Dark Knight shot back.

The Playboy rejoined, You want to live forever? Hang up the cape and cowl, idiot! Besides, she loves you.

That's the problem, the Dark Knight returned. It's much easier to deal with women who just want to screw a billionaire.

You love her, the Playboy pressed on.

That's why I have to leave. I can't afford to love…can’t afford the distraction. Bruce Wayne had had many lovers, but his real mistress had always been Gotham City.

He heard the shower start in the hall bathroom. You could join her, the Playboy suggested. He imagined the water cascading down her body and the tease of soapsuds lightly coating her breasts. She might like to have her back washed.

The Dark Knight countered, Given the mood she's in, you'd be lucky to get out alive.