Rich Kid with Issues

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

 

Part Two: Chemical Attraction

Bruce sat in the back seat of the limousine, stock analysts' predictions scattered across his lap. Earlier, he'd raised the partition to the front seat, telling Alfred he needed to concentrate during the drive home. So far, he’d been unable to accomplish a thing.

Diana was the problem. He couldn't stop thinking about Diana, and about the future. Their future, if he allowed himself to admit that there could be a “they”.

As long as we both stay with the Justice League, she'll be a part of my life. Why complicate it with romance? After all, she is a respected colleague, a valued friend…

And now, a lover.

My lover.

Mine.

Where had that primal possessiveness come from? It had to be endorphins. Those hormones released during sex were nature's way of chemically bonding a couple, deepening their feelings for each other. No mystery, no romance; just simple biochemistry from caveman days, increasing the likelihood that the male would remain with the female to support the child that would inevitably ensue from repeated acts of intercourse.

Science had outsmarted nature, though. No child would occur from their union – she had said she was “protected” – and so the endorphins their lovemaking had released were simply obsolete, their purpose long forestalled.

Bruce shifted restlessly in the leather seat. He could withstand them. Long ago, he had learned to push his body's limits; to train longer and fight harder than anyone would have anticipated. He refused to let his hormones stop him from his mission of making Gotham City safe again.

But wouldn't it be easier if you had a partner? Someone who wouldn't leave you once grown up? A partnership with her might actually be less complicated…

Bruce discounted the Playboy's argument. Partners were ultimately liabilities, and the longer one stayed with him, the longer Bruce would have to worry about pain and loss.

You didn't have any nightmares last night. How long has that been – months? Years?

Maybe he could synthesize the endorphins in his lab – essence of Wonder-love? He quirked a half-smile at the thought.

You may have to repeat the experience to ensure the formula's accuracy. Would that be so bad?

It wouldn't – but only if they both agreed on the nature of their relationship. Despite her no-strings-attached invitation, Diana had clearly indicated that her interest in him was far from casual. She believed that he deserved a chance to be whole and loved, and that she could provide that love. If he only wanted to be “friends with benefits”, she might accept that, but only grudgingly. In seeking to protect them both by refusing to allow himself to love her, would he eventually lose her friendship as well?

Sounds like double or nothing, and I don't like to gamble.

As the car turned into the curving driveway leading up to Wayne Manor, Alfred's voice came through the intercom. “Sir, do you wish me to arrange a gift for Miss Diana…”

“A gift?”

He continued as if Bruce had not interrupted, “…flowers, chocolates…”

...Promises you don’t intend to keep, Bruce mentally completed. And what's a good “thanks for the sex” gift, anyway, especially for an Amazon?

He cleared his throat. “I'll take care of it, Alfred.”