Bella MacLeod's Twilight Fanfiction

The Wayne Legacy: Knightmare

By BetterInTexas

Chapter 25:

Wayne Tower

John Blake hit the hard floor, the wind leaving his suffering body. He held in a grunt as Kara’s body fell on top of him, their heads bumping together.

Kara rolled off in a huff. He closed his eyes and hoped she would be so irritated they could quit. He had a shift starting in two hours and he already felt as if the day would never end.

He heard a fake cough and opened one eye. Above him stood the meanest man he had ever come across. Despite having gone to Paris Island for basic training and Camp Pendleton, California for Force Recon training, nothing had been as brutal on his feet as what Terrance Berg was forcing him to do now.

The man stood above him, arms crossed and a glare on his face. “The idea is not to become tangled up with your partner and trip, dragging her to the floor on top of you. If you want her on top of you…”

His words were cut off when Kara jumped to her feet and punched the man in the arm.

Terry looked at her in annoyance then offered a hand to the cop on the floor. “Get up, Jarhead. We have much more work to do. Much, much more work.”

Blake took his hand and stood, ignoring the cramping in his legs and feet. At least when he sparred with Bruce, the man ensured Blake wore pads so he wouldn’t be black and blue all the time.

This was only his second lesson. After the first one that took place in the Wayne Manor Ballroom where he and Kara had crashed into each other so many times, Kara decided they need professional help. Now he was meeting her four times a week in her office while her EA acted as the dancing drill sergeant he never wanted.

“You are new at this.” Terry acknowledged while instructing his reluctant charge. “Floating around a dance floor while Kara leads you is easy enough. Kara does not float though. Kara dances with grace and authority so you will dance with grace and authority.”

Blake stretched his arms and tried not to watch Kara stretching. The door was closed, and she was wearing tights and a short t-shirt, that showed her abs every time she lifted her arms. Her hair had been in a ponytail, but she had abandoned it, deciding to let it flow free.

In short, she was very distracting to look at, which was not helping Blake’s ability to focus on his footwork.

She was also irritated.

He walked to the small side table by the wall and took a bottle of water and Terry joined him.

“You did this professionally?” Blake asked.

Terry nodded. “Yes, this and other things. My first love was musical theater.”

Blake could understand that but wondered what a man with such artistic talents was doing on the top floor of the largest corporation in the world.

“That’s cool. When I was a kid, me and a friend of mine snuck into the back of Gotham Theater behind the curtains. We would climb the catwalks and watch the show from above. Once it started, the guys on the catwalk couldn’t chase us off without interrupting so they eventually decided we weren’t worth the bother and just left the door open for us.

“It was cool. My friend acted like he was too tough for theater, but he was lying. For me, it was like escaping reality and living in a better world for a few hours. I loved movies as well. You ever want to play trivial pursuit with me don’t challenge me on entertainment.”

Terry had raised his eyebrows listening to the former Marine and current Police Officer. “No wonder she is so into you. You are an interesting man, John Blake.”

Blake shook his head. “She isn’t into me. She just needs someone to hang with during her sister’s wedding and doesn’t want to be used as some society trophy. I’m just helping her out.”

Terry laughed, shaking his head. “Diana Wayne’s wedding will be an event on the scale of a Royal Wedding, only the bride has real power unlike a queen or princess. You are going to be linked to the Princess of Gotham in worldwide media. Your life will change. If you aren’t ready for that, back out now before you disappoint her later.”

Terry smiled but Blake could tell there was a very serious tone to his words. Terry loved Kara and wanted the best for her.

“We are friends.” Blake explained. “I’m going with her because my friend asked me to. If the world can’t understand that, the world can go to hell. I never pay attention to the news anyway. My friend needs to dance though and I’m realizing I am out of my league. Let’s get back to work.”

“Line up.” Terry ordered.

Kara moved to Blake and placed her hand in his. Terry poked Blake’s elbow up. “Elbows locked! You’re an action hero, so muscle shouldn’t be a problem for you. Keep your eyes on hers and count silently in your head. Take your steps with authority and she will follow. If you think this is hard, you haven’t seen anything yet, Marine.”

Blake looked directly at Kara’s scowling face and locked eyes with her. Slowly, the annoyance faded away, and she gave him a small smile as they began again.

The rest of the hour went better, mostly because Blake didn’t fall to the ground or bring Kara with him. He did step on her feet more than a few times and lost balance. Terry snapped at him about his form and corrected it constantly, not bothering to be gentle but actually jerking his limbs in place and pushing the small of his back roughly with a stick to remind him of posture.

Terry stepped into the restroom in Kara’s office to change leaving the two alone.

“You got a shower in there?” he asked.

Kara nodded. “Probably going to leave it though. I don’t have any meetings this afternoon. I think I’m going home early and working on your old Mustang.”

Blake nodded, wanting to see what she had done so far but doubting it would be much. She hadn’t worked on it that long.

“Hey, listen… ,” Kara started, ”we are going to Paris to celebrate my birthday. We will be gone for a week… I mean Bruce, Alfred, Diana, Steve, Eliza, Alex, and Babs. We are also bringing the woman who moved in with us, the curator of our antiques and art. She wants to shop in Paris for new additions. Silver and Lucius Fox are meeting us there.

“I was thinking you could come if you wanted to. You mentioned wanting to travel before. You are doing me a favor and I know this isn’t easy for you… I really appreciate it. You also look out for my brother and give him someone to beat up so…”

Blake raised a hand to stop her. “Normally, I would love to, but I don’t think I have that many vacation days yet and my European savings account isn’t where I want it to be right now.”

Kara was surprised he had a separate savings account just for a European trip.

“Diana can talk to Gordon, and we will pay for everything.” Kara insisted.

Blake shook his head. “Hanging out in France with you sounds great, but I don’t want you or your sister asking the Commissioner for favors for me. I don’t want anything free. One day, if you want to take five thousand and go with me to travel Europe on a budget adventure, I would love that.

“I have to do this on my own, Kara. I know you get that. I know that, because you get me.”

Kara shouldn’t have been surprised. He wouldn’t take twenty thousand and a new car for his Mustang. She should have known he wouldn’t take a free trip to Paris.

“I do… I shouldn’t have asked.”

“It’s not that I don’t want to…” He started, before she waved him off.

“It’s cool.” Kara conceded. “Hey, I heard what Terry said to you about being my escort. I guess I never really thought of it that way. If you want to back out, it’s fine.”

Blake shook his head. “I’m not backing out. To hell with the rest of the world. I only worry about what I think of myself.”

Terry walked in, holding his Pad. “I’m glad you think so, because you just became a minor celebrity on your way to becoming a major one, John Blake. I wasn’t sure how long it would take, but our time is up, Kara.”

Kara raised an eyebrow. “Time?”

“Grace period would be a more apt description.” Terry clarified and handed her the pad. It was an article from the Metropolis Daily Star society page, or what should more aptly have been called the ‘gossip page of the rich and famous’, written by tabloid reporter, Linda Lake.

“It’s hit papers and celebrity websites all over the world.” Terry told her, worried about her reaction.

Princess of Gotham and Bad Boy of Star City split. New Suitor spotted.

It has been confirmed that Thomas ‘Tommy’ Merlyn has returned to Star City. He had previously resided in Gotham City where he owned a business and was in a romantic relationship with Kara Wayne, renowned scientist, Co-owner and President of Wayne Enterprises.

It is speculated the two split sometime within the last two weeks. Merlyn returned to Star City last week, rented an apartment and bought two local small businesses in the Glades section of the city.

Kara Wayne was seen in a Gotham City bar soon after Merlyn left town, surrounded by her friends and security, where she spent most of the night in the company of former Marine and current Gotham City police officer, John Blake. The two were seen drinking together, playing billiards, darts and enjoying each other’s company.

According to an anonymous source familiar with the Wayne family, John Blake is a close friend of billionaire playboy, Bruce Wayne, and a regular guest at Wayne Manor, showing up late many nights of the week.

Could this new man be the reason behind the breakup of Tommy Merlyn and Kara Wayne or is something else afoot? Could Diana Wayne have been responsible for her younger sister’s relationship ending? Is Bruce Wayne’s friendship just a cover for the handsome officer seeing Kara Wayne most nights? As usual, in regard to the Wayne family, the truth is shrouded in the shadows of secrecy.

Included with the article was a candid photo of Kara and John smiling while holding pool cues at the table, their faces clear.

Kara dropped the pad but Terry, having expected this reaction, caught it before it hit the ground.

“Oh, god.” She whispered.

John motioned for the pad, looked over the article and handed it back to Terry. “Screw them, Kara. It’s the Daily Star. Nobody reads the Daily Star.”

“I just told you it’s been picked up all over the world. It’s not a long article which is worse because it leaves readers with much more to imagine.” Terry reminded him. Blake shot him a look indicating he didn’t need reminding.

Kara’s face was pale as she added to Terry’s warning. “You don’t understand. It was dangerous enough hanging out with my brother. Now this. The world is going to know you, John. Your life won’t be the same.”

Blake shrugged nonchalantly, wanting to reassure her. “My life isn’t the same from one day to the next. Don’t worry about me. I’ll be forgotten by this afternoon. Just relax, okay? I’m sure people write stuff like this all the time about your family, right?”

Kara wrapped her arms around herself, staring at the floor, not answering.

“Kara?” he asked.

“He is going to think I cheated on him.” Kara said quietly.

Dig walked in, having received a heads-up from Barbara Gordon along with additional information he hoped cheered Kara a little. “Diana just saw the article. She was in a meeting with Sam and the execs on the ninety-second floor and is on her way up. Barbara has already found the leak and I will deal with him when we return to the manor.”

“The leak?” Kara asked quietly, looking up at Dig who nodded.

“Babs hacked Linda Lake’s email, texts and call records to confirm a name… a soon-to-be ex-member of Wayne Enterprises security. She traced everything back to a burner phone that he used to send the texts and photos of you two. She confirmed that this man was part of your security detail that went to the bar.”

“That’s fast.” Blake commented, realizing how many laws had probably just been broken and not giving a damn at that moment seeing the forlorn look on Kara’s face.

“That’s Babs.” Dig said, his eyes staying on Kara. “She is called Oracle for a reason.”

Blake looked at Kara, then Dig. He needed to leave for his shift and thought Kara could use some space to deal with what had happened. “I’m going to go to work… unless I am needed to clear this misunderstanding up?”

Dig shook his head. “It’s not a misunderstanding. It’s the media and gutter reporters catching onto any small thing and blowing it up into what they want. Whether it’s factually accurate or not doesn’t matter. If not you, it would have been someone else. Go on to work… actually you may want to call in for a few days until this blows over.”

“A gutter reporter isn’t keeping me off my beat.” Blake snorted. “I’ll see you later, Kara. Look… Tommy seemed like a smart guy the few times I talked to him. I bet he knows how this stuff works.”

Blake squeezed her shoulder in support, then shook Dig and Terry’s hand, passing Diana on his way out as she walked into the office, followed by Terry.

“Has Babs found the leak?” Diana asked Dig.

He nodded. “As soon as I get Kara safely tucked away in the manor, I’ll deal with him. He should be on front gate duty in an hour.”

Diana looked satisfied and wrapped her arms comfortingly around Kara who still had her head down and her arms wrapped around herself.

Dig knew he could do nothing further to help the young blonde and he needed to calm down, so he stepped outside.

Tatsu was waiting, her eyes intent and her demeanor threatening. “Give me the name and he will be no more.”

Dig grinned at her words. Despite his earlier reservations, he was really warming up to the woman. “I wish it were that easy, believe me I do, but I am afraid the damage is done. You are more than welcome to conduct an exit interview with me but I’m afraid a leak is grounds for termination of employment rather than termination of life.”

Tatsu shook her head in disgust. “A message must be sent. Perhaps we could cut out his tongue and show it to potential new hires as a warning not to open their mouths about what they see.”

Dig laughed lightly, his overwhelming rage lessening into a cold anger as he pictured in his head what she was suggesting. “I really like you, Tatsu. Thank you for the offer but I will handle it. You are more than welcome to join me, and we can scare the hell out of him together.”

Inside the office, Diana pulled back from Kara keeping her hands on her little sister’s shoulders and rubbing them to calm her.

“It’s okay, sweetie. I’ll call Tommy and clear this up.” She told Kara, knowing exactly why her sister was so upset.

Kara shook her head. “No… I need to be the one to call him. I can’t have him thinking that…”

“He never would, Kara.” Diana assured her. “I know I had my reservations at first, but I believe in him. He is a good man and knows how the media are. Are you sure you want to call him? I can do this for you.”

Kara knew that wasn’t true. “I have to take care of these things myself, right?”

Diana nodded, a proud, encouraging smile on her face.

Kara took her phone and hit the contact she had not looked at in a couple weeks, one she had almost deleted.

He answered on the first ring and his greeting surprised her.

“Are you okay?”

“Tommy?”

“Hi, Kara. My stock boy just showed me the article on his phone.”

“Then why are you asking if I’m okay?” she asked, extremely confused.

Tommy scoffed. “Because I know how those sewer rats operate. They lie to make profits, leech off the backs of others. They are slime but… look, I know you haven’t dealt with it as much in your life. I was worried about you.”

Kara began crying. “You know I wouldn’t cheat…”

“Kara, stop. It never occurred to me, not for one second. I know you didn’t. I swear it never even crossed my mind.” Tommy promised her. “Please don’t worry about me. I’ve had a lifetime of experience dealing with them.”

“I didn’t know he would be there at the bar.” Kara explained anyway. “We were just talking, we didn’t plan to meet there.”

“It doesn’t matter if you did or not. No matter where you went, whoever you were near, they were going to find a story when I returned to Star City, and they realized I was staying. I should have warned you, but I wasn’t sure if you wanted me to call.” he said.

Kara took a deep breath and wiped a tear from her eye. “Thank you, Tommy.”

Tommy was silent for a moment. “Keep your head up, don’t waste your time or even acknowledge questions about it. You are better than them. Don’t forget it.

“I know I’m not your favorite person right now but I’m always here if you want to talk, Kara, and… whether you believe it now or not… I will always be your friend.”

The call ended and Kara smiled. Diana smiled as well, having heard Tommy’s end of the conversation and marveled at how much he had grown since she first met him.

Wanting to alleviate her sister’s distress, Diana asked, “Do you remember how many men and women I was linked to before I met Steve?”

Kara smirked. “At least one a month. I think my favorite was the polyamorous relationship with Lady Gaga and Tommy Elliot.”

“Exactly.” Diana acknowledged with a smirk. “Pay them no mind. It is but one of the prices we must pay to be in the position we are in. Are you ready to go home?”

Kara nodded.

“How did the dance lesson go today?” Diana asked.

Kara scowled and rubbed her back side. “He has a lot to learn.”

The older sister chuckled. “I have faith he will get there.”

---

Gotham City Police Department Fifty First Precinct

Blake had been bothered as he left Wayne Enterprises. He knew what the problem was and hoped Kara would be okay.

He also had known being involved with the Wayne family would unfortunately bring greater scrutiny to himself, but it didn’t matter to him. Bruce needed legal back up on the streets sometimes. He believed in his job as a police officer and believed in Bruce’s mission. He would never be the fighter Bruce was, but he could be better than he was now. He could be a better cop and a better fighter.

He hadn’t given thought to what Terry had spoken to him about. He agreed to escort Kara as a friend… but deep down, he knew he was lying to himself. He had been fascinated by her since they first laid eyes on each other. He had distanced himself, forced himself to only think of her as a friend and not romantically because of two reasons.

The first was that guys like him didn’t belong with girls like her. Steve Trevor was the exception, not the rule.

The second was because, at the time they met, she was taken, and Blake didn’t horn in on other relationships. It wasn’t who he was, and it wasn’t something he would ever do. It just wasn’t the way he was built. He wasn’t given a moral code by his parents, so he made his own. He had decided the type of man he wanted to be, and he set the rules he tried to live by.

He walked into the station and the entire floor quieted down as all eyes turned to him.

He saw a few thumbs up, a few clapped, a few were jealous as hell, mostly those who resented him already because of his early success in his career.

“Congratulations.” A hated voice called to him. “You got her to dump society scum for street scum. You really do run a good racket, rookie.”

Blake turned and confronted Bullock. “Let’s get this over with, Bullock. You obviously want a fight, probably to punish yourself over some deep seeded emotional crap, so let’s step behind the station house and I can kick the living…”

“Hey!” Cash called out, patting Blake on the back. “Don’t let this guy bother you, partner. He has lived pathetic and jealous and will die pathetic and jealous.

“Hey, Montoya! Your partner is off his leash and needs to go outside for a walk. I thought the Captain told you to house train him! He might want to shut up before my partner beats him sober.”

Cash turned Blake away and walked the two out to their patrol car.

They took off, Blake sitting in the passenger seat grinding his teeth while Cash drove with a small smirk.

“Shut up.” Blake finally said.

“I didn’t say anything.”

“I can hear you thinking. It’s not a sound I hear often but I recognize it.”

“I’m not thinking anything.”

The two drove in silence for a few minutes more before Cash spoke up.

“So… I follow her on her public Facebook and Instagram accounts.” Cash told him. “She mostly posts funny cat videos, X-Files fan page links, Doctor Who and Star Wars memes. Anyway, I know her birthday is coming up in a couple weeks. You heard what Diana is doing for it? I remember one year, Diana had Justin Timberlake come to the manor and perform a private concert for Kara. Another year, she had Cirque Du Soleil set up and perform on the manor grounds.

“So are you going to whatever Wayne exclusive event is happening this year?”

Blake shook his head. “She is going to Paris.”

Blake raised his eyebrows. “Nice. So…”

“So what?”

“Did she ask you to go?”

Blake sighed. “Yeah, she asked. I said no.”

“You’re a damn idiot.” Cash told him. “What was your excuse? Going to Madrid that week with Renee Bullock?”

“I… look man it’s a slippery slope.” Blake tried to explain though wishing he didn’t have to explain anything. “I don’t want to owe anyone anything in this life. I’m gonna get to Europe one day and all the other places I want to go, but I’m doing it on my own. Maybe I’ll invite her along. Right now isn’t the time. Besides, she just broke up with the Merlyn guy. Even if I ever planned to make a move, which I don’t, she wouldn’t be ready. She was so upset when the article came out…”

Cash held a hand up from the steering wheel. “Hold up. You were with Kara Wayne when she read the article? It only came out a couple hours ago. I thought you train Bruce three times a week at night after shift or when you are off. Why were you with her?”

Blake squirmed uncomfortably, wishing a call would come in.

“I’m not stopping until you tell me what’s up.” Cash threatened.

“She is teaching me to dance.” Blake finally replied reluctantly. “We’ve been using her office. She needs a dance partner at her sister’s wedding, and she doesn’t want a society guy who might try to leech off her popularity or get into her life because of money. She asked me if I would do it and I said I would.”

Cash was silent for a moment, fighting back a smile. “She asked you to be her date to her sister’s wedding.”

“Escort. Like we would hang out and dance, stuff like that. That’s all.” Blake countered.

Cash shook his head. “You can wrap it up anyway you want. She’s asked you to be her date at the wedding of the decade, maybe the century. Playing pool and having a few drinks at a bar is one thing. When you are seen with her there… wow. You better be ready for your life to change.”

At that moment, dispatch reported a robbery with shots fired less than a mile from their present location.

“Let’s make sure I have a life to change after this shift, okay?” Blake pointed out, happy to have the distraction.

“Copy that, partner.” Cash responded. “Unit forty-two responding, ETA ten minutes.”

---

Two Weeks Later

Diana shook Kara awake from her bedroom on the jet. At times like this, Kara’s insomnia worked to their advantage in that she would only sleep when given her pill. It meant a few hours in her schedule could change to accommodate the jet lag.

Kara’s birthday would be tomorrow, and they would arrive in Paris late this afternoon but first, they needed to make a stop in England.

The jet had been quiet for the most part. Security personnel had flown to Paris in the second Wayne private jet the day before, meeting with French police and Intelligence Services and coordinating security at the hotel and all stops in their itinerary. The only security available to the group where they had just landed would be Dig and Tatsu who were in the front compartment, coordinating with the security heads on the ground.

Sam had begged off the trip and agreed to watch Violet who had already been to Paris and had no desire to go back. Diana didn’t ask for an explanation nor did Tatsu offer one, so she left it alone.

Alfred, Eliza and Bruce, were asleep all over the plane, in recliners, couches and so forth. Steve slept in his and Diana’s private room while Kara, Alex and Babs slept in Kara’s. With Hippolyta, it was more difficult to tell. On one hand, she appeared to be sleeping in a sitting position. On closer inspection, her hands were gripping the arms of her recliner tightly. Diana suspected this was her first time flying though the woman had assured her she once flew on Pegasus.

“We home?” Kara asked sleepily.

“No, we are farther away from home than you have ever been.” Diana replied softly.

Kara’s eyes popped wide open, remembering where she was.

“We’re in Paris?” she asked.

Diana shook her head. “Not quite. We’ve made a pit stop.”

“A pit stop?”

Kara crawled over Alex and Babs whose groans she ignored and peaked out the window.

“Why are we at an Air Force base? There are no U.S. Air Force bases in France.”

“We are in the U.K.” Diana informed her. “Welcome to RAF Lakenheath Air Force Base. We have a surprise for you here. Get dressed in something comfortable and put in your contact lenses.”

Kara did as ordered and exited the plane with Diana to find Steve waiting for them.

“Good morning.” He greeted the sisters with a broad smile.

The three walked to the main hangar and were greeted by the officer in charge of the base.

“Welcome to the 48th Flight Wing, more famously known as the Liberty Wing. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintances.” Colonel Brighton greeted them.

“Thank you for allowing us to land at your base.” Diana told him. “I assume there are no problems?”

“Everything is prepared.” The man smiled at Diana, then looked at Kara. “Miss Wayne, if you and Captain Trevor will follow me to the locker rooms, we can get you outfitted.”

“Outfitted?” Kara asked, the confusion in her voice evident.

“You said flying with me would be the best birthday present ever.” Steve reminded her. “I talked to Diana and convinced her to let me take you up. Since your jets aren’t twin seaters we are going to take a F18F Super Hornet.”

Kara was quiet, almost numb listening to her soon to be brother-in-law speak. She turned to Diana, wondering if it could be true.

Diana gave her a reassuring smile and nod.

Kara wordlessly followed the Colonel to the dressing room. It seemed like everything was happening in fast forward as she could barely remember the events leading to her walking next to Steve, wearing a flight suit then climbing up into the cockpit of the legendary fighter jet.

“You buckled in?” Steve asked. Kara could only hear him in her helmet, as the twin engines had started. She could feel the incredible power surrounding her and was nearly speechless.

“Kara?” Steve asked again, a hint of concern in his voice.

“Yes!” She replied immediately. “Yes, I’m good. The airman helped me.”

“Okay. Your simulators are the closest thing to flying a jet without leaving the ground, but this is a different ballgame. The g-forces are real, everything is sharper, clearer and your heart will be racing like it never has before. Are you comfortable?”

“Ye… Yes.”

“Good. We are going to be going through a lot of maneuvers and putting this beauty through its paces. If you become sick or anything becomes too much, tell me. There is no shame in it. Are you ready?”

“God, yes!” Kara all but shouted. “Are you sure Diana is cool with this? She isn’t going to have a panic attack, is she?”

“Eh, she might, but she is cool with it.” Steve assured her as he taxied to the runway.

“Okay, kid, hold tight. We are about to break the speed of sound in a small-pressurized metal tube.”

Steve accelerated, keeping the jet low and gaining speed then climbing straight into the air before leveling out.

“Seven G peak, kid. How did it feel?”

“I want more!”

“That’s my girl.” Steve replied, laughing.

Steve took it in a straight climb and began to spin. Kara held her breath to prevent passing out. Steve was right. While her simulators made one feel g-forces, an actual flight was something else entirely. There was a danger to it. In her simulator, she knew no matter what happened, she would be fine. The engines weren’t as loud, and the scenery wasn’t changing as often.

But this was real.

She fought to keep her equilibrium as the jet shot straight into the air, then looped back around, twisting and turning.

Kara began laughing hysterically then screaming in excitement.

Steve almost asked her to pull the mic away from her mouth but thought better of it. As much as it hurt his ears, her joy was a sound he would never forget.

Kara wasn’t the only one who dreamed of this. He had watched her for years, become close to her and looked after her as much as possible. He had been there during her worst moments and watched her fight the odds every day to survive. He had so many things he wanted to show her, do with her and now he finally had the chance. It meant everything to him that when he had asked her permission, Diana immediately agreed, showing him how much trust she had in him with the person who was the most precious in her life.

The two headed out to sea and climbed higher and higher until they reached fifty thousand feet.

After thirty minutes, they headed back over the mainland. Steve flew her over London then returned back to the airfield.

Kara jumped into his arms as soon as she was out of the plane, hugging him tightly, then ran to Diana who was waiting for her with a big smile.

“Thank you so much.” She exclaimed, engulfing her sister in a great hug.

Diana relaxed for the first time since they had landed.

Kara was safe. Diana had been taut the entire time, standing inside the hangar and watching the cockpit camera stationed in front of Kara’s face, watching the rapture on her face. She had wiped more than a few tears away.

Their parents had always wanted the best for Kara, wanted her to have ever happiness possible. Now everything was possible, and she wished so badly that they were here to see it.

“Are you ready for Paris?” Diana asked, further relaxing with her sister so close.

Kara took a last, longing look at the fighter she had just been in and smiled, nodding her head.

When she walked into the jet, she and Steve were applauded by everyone there. Even Tatsu smiled.

They landed in Paris an hour later. To Kara’s pleasant surprise, Lucius was waiting for her. Diana had asked him to come, and he immediately agreed. She had not seen him in months, only spoken to him and was as excited as Kara to see their mentor.

Wayne Security was in full force at the airport and soon they were in cars, being driven to the Shangri La Hotel . Once there, each of them were given their own rooms. Even Kara was given her own room next to Diana and Steve, a Duplex Terrace Eiffel View suite.

Diana walked out onto Kara’s balcony with her, both of them taking in the Eiffel Tower for the first time.

“Gorgeous, isn’t it?” Diana asked softly, watching Kara’s face as she looked over the city in wonder.

Kara nodded, no words available. She was in sensory overload and fairly exhausted by jet lag, travel, her adventure at the air base and her trip through France on the drive.

“I thought tomorrow morning, we would travel to the Tower and perhaps climb it. I have procured a boat on the Seine to have your party and it will be anchored in front of the Tower at night. The view should be amazing.

“For now, why don’t you rest before dinner. If you could take a short nap, I believe you would feel better. You can take your sedative tonight and feel fresh in the morning.” Diana told her, already having planned for Kara’s needs.

“Didi, I don’t think I can nap.” Kara explained. “I’m tired but I am in Paris! We are in Paris! I’ll sleep tonight but its only five here. Can’t we do something?”

“What did you have in mind?”

“Where were we planning to have dinner?”

“Here at the hotel.” Diana told her.

The exhilarated blonde shook her head. “What about…”

“Kara.” Diana stopped her. “You need to rest. If nothing else, sit on your terrace and look at the Tower. We are here for seven days. There is no need to rush, sweetie. I know you are excited, but this will be busy week. Try to rest for an hour… for me, okay?”

Kara sighed and nodded.

Her sister was pleased she wasn’t going to have to argue. “Good. Now, I need to confirm our plans with security and our trip advisor. Silver should be arriving tomorrow morning, but I would prefer her to relax, not take control of a situation as per her norm. I will be back soon.”

Diana kissed her on the forehead and moved to her suite next door while Kara’s gaze returning to the city as she took a seat on the balcony lounge chair.

Steve was busy unpacking his suitcase.

“Not a bad view. For a hunk of metal, the Tower isn’t bad looking.” He told her, kissing her softly. “That was probably my last flight ever. I’m really glad I got to share it with her.”

“I am too, though I am sure you will fly again.” Diana reassured him.

Steve shook his head slightly. “I’ve held off on promotion for so long because I wanted to retire a Captain. The only reason I re-upped was because they offered me the liaison position. Now they are wanting to promote me so I suppose I will accept this time.”

“Retire as a Captain? When were you planning on retiring?” she asked confused, knowing they had not talked about this. Steve had told her multiple times he did not want to retire.

“It was going to be a surprise.” He explained. “I missed my girlfriend a lot and wanted to pop the question. I decided I would rather work for her than be away from her. I had already put in my papers when the General approached me.”

Diana was stunned. “You were going to leave the Air Force to be with me?”

Steve nodded. “Yep. I knew I would have to choose one of the two loves of my life eventually, flying or you and it wasn’t a competition. I’d choose you every time with no regrets.”

Diana’s eyes teared up as she gasp in surprise. She kissed him hard, making the man grunt, but eventually, he relaxed in her extremely strong grip.

“You have no idea how much that means to me.” She told him, emotion heavy in her voice.

“About the same as you mean to me, I’m guessing.” He told her, smiling at her. “So… Kara too excited to lay down?”

“I just hope she doesn’t hop over the railing. I should make sure everyone else is settling in. Dinner in two hours. I need to ensure everything is going as planned with the manager.” Diana said as she walked to the door. “Relax and I will be back for a shower.”

The first night in Paris was a dream for Kara. After dinner, the group made their way to the Champ de Mars, where blankets were spread out.

Kara and Diana sat apart from the rest at first, taking in the brightly shining Eiffel Tower quietly.

It was a momentous trip for the entire group, but none more so than Diana and Kara.

For the two sisters, Kara was living one of her dreams but so was Diana.

All her life, Diana had wanted to give the world to Kara. She always had the ability to travel but refused, not wanting to see the world, knowing her little sister was stuck behind the walls of Wayne Manor. This was the culmination of a dream for both.

Diana never thought she would be here, not only with her sister but with a man she loved so deeply.

For most of her life, Diana didn’t believe romantic love would ever happen for her. She was too powerful, too secretive, too mistrusting of the world outside the manor walls. She could never imagine herself being so open with a man that she could cry in front of him and not feel weak. She was going to be married and the two had talked about children.

She had accomplished her career goals so far ahead of her own set schedule that she was now devising new ones.

Her sister was healthy and happy. John Diggle had joined the family, another person who would kill and die for Kara. Bruce had come back from the dead and despite his initial statements that his mission was everything, Kara had softened him, and he seemed to be regaining his old self more every day.

Everything was coming together, but instead of relaxing, it had the opposite effect on Diana.

Now that she had everything she ever wanted, she would hold onto it, do more to protect it, destroy anyone that tried to take it away from her. If anything, success made Diana Wayne a much more dangerous enemy than ever before if someone was stupid enough to make her one.

Even Cronus had taught her an invaluable lesson. She could be hit, cut, stabbed and broken. She was not invincible. Yet through all that, she could still win, she would still be the last one standing.

She saw Bruce approaching them, so she leaned in and kissed Kara on the cheek, then left her siblings to enjoy the view together while she joined Steve.

“Pretty sight, huh?” Bruce asked his little sister.

Kara smiled at him and snuggled closer when he put his arm around her. “Have you been here before?”

“Paris? No, cities like this were not on my travel itinerary. Even if I had, I would never have seen it through your eyes like I am now.” Bruce told her.

Kara smiled softly, the light reflecting in her eyes as she reveled in the view of the tower.

“I swear to you, Kara, I’m never leaving you again.” He said.

Kara shrugged. “You can’t know that, Bruce.”

“I do know that. Even before I left, I wasn’t the brother you should have had.” Bruce admitted. “Dig and Steve are the kind of big brothers you’ve always deserved… I’m really glad you have them, but I will do better. I promise you.”

“Don’t make promises, Bruce, just show me. Besides, as much as I hate that you are in danger so much, I like how you are now. You aren’t as… sad. Growing up… you were always sad.” She explained. “I get it, I get why. I can never imagine… I don’t want to imagine what it must have been like to be… but I’m glad you are here… and by you, I mean my brother… Bruce. I’m glad you aren’t as sad anymore. I’m proud of you for working hard to be better for me and Diana, but I’m mostly proud for you .”

Bruce squeezed her tightly. “I love you, Bunny. Thanks for giving me a second shot.”

“Thanks for wanting one.” She replied warmly.

The group eventually all congregated on one blanket and began talking together, reliving old memories but only happy ones, sharing stories of days gone by.

Hippolyta stayed quiet for the most part except for a portion of the night where she sat alone with Alfred, away from the others. Diana had listened to her and Alfred quietly discussing Diana’s childhood, with tales of her stubbornness and her strength. He told Hippolyta of her love, her humor, her intelligence and wit.

It brought a tear to Diana’s eye, hearing Alfred speak of her with such love.

Alfred and Diana had always had a complicated relationship. They had contests of will often while she was growing up. Alfred wasn’t sure how to be a father and Diana made sure he never had the opportunity, preferring to take charge herself. She had never looked to him as a mentor. Only Lucius had filled that spot after her father’s death.

Yet Alfred was there. That was the most important thing. Whenever Diana needed him, when she was hurting, or scared, or sick with anxiety over Kara, Alfred was always there. He was a steady presence in her life she could always count on, and she couldn’t imagine not having him in her life.

On the walk back, Diana and Steve fell behind the group, walking hand in hand.

“So, we haven’t spoken about it in a while, but you still want children, right?” Diana asked hesitantly.

Steve nodded. “Of course… why? Are you… now?”

Diana laughed quietly at the panicked, but still excited look on his face. “No. I just want to make sure. The contraceptive pill Eliza made for me, the one she thought might not work but has held up fine… I’m going to stop taking it in November. I thought that would give it time to leave my system and maybe we could start trying right after we are married. Unless you need more time.”

Steve smiled widely. “By trying, you mean having sex multiple times a day in multiple places wearing multiple sets of lingerie?”

“I’m not sure how many sets of lingerie you plan to wear but yes to everything else, at least as much as you can keep up.” Diana told him, laughing outright as he playfully scowled at her.

Steve became serious. “Yes. Yeah, I’m ready when you are. If you say go, I’m good. I have naming rights for the boys, and you have the girls right?”

Diana snorted. “It depends.”

“On what?”

“If the name you pick is ridiculous.” Diana pointed out.

Steve never really thought Diana wouldn’t have an opinion, but it was nice to believe he would have the final say.

He shook the thought right out of his head and sighed. “I’m not going to get naming rights, am I?”

Diana grinned. “I’ll seriously consider your opinion.”

“That’s all a man can ask for.” He replied, chuckling.

The next day started sightseeing in full, beginning with a trip to the top of the Eiffel Tower in the morning and a private tour of Paris in a very secure bus, flanked by armored SUVs in the front and back. They stopped by many places including the Arc de Triomphe, the Palace of Versailles and the garden of Versailles.

Diana had gone all out to give Kara the birthday of her dreams.

The blonde was on a high like she had never experienced before in her life. She had flown in a fighter jet, climbed the Eiffel Tower, walked where great historical figures had walked and seen palaces grander and much older than Wayne Manor. Everything she had read about Paris when growing up, she was now seeing in bright, living colors.

That night, they partied on a boat on the River Seine, anchored next to the Eiffel Tower. The boat was made for parties and despite their party’s small size, they made up for it in fun.

Kara had told her friends she wanted no gifts but that changed nothing. Barbara had bought her a Moulin Rouge t-shirt and Alex gave her an Eiffel Tower key ring.

“So which mansion did I get in New Orleans?” Kara asked her sister quietly.

“Neither. Both had termites.”

“For reals?”

“For reals, big time. I was shocked too.”

“I see. So, we are going with the roller coaster on the grounds?” Kara said in a hopeful voice.

“After yesterday in England, do you really think a roller coaster will ever give you any kind of buzz again?” Diana asked knowingly, a small smile on her lips.

Kara smiled fondly remembering her and Steve’s flight then admitted to herself that roller coasters were kind of ruined for her.

“So… what did you get me?” She asked her older sister.

“I’ll show you at the hotel. Now you have a toast to give. Or would you prefer I give it?” Diana asked.

Kara shook her head. “I’m good. Just stand by me.”

The two sisters walked to the front of the stage where Babs was singing karaoke. The music was cut off in mid-song by Diana, following behind Kara as she climbed onto the elevated platform. Babs stuck her tongue out at Diana only for Diana to do the same, the group laughing at their antics.

“Hello, everyone.” Kara called out. “Thank you all for coming to be with me tonight. This trip is a big deal. I’ve always dreamed of going to France, traveling the world really. We started in Iceland, and this is another place I’ve thought of coming to growing up, and I am so glad the people who love me most are here with me.”

Kara paused a moment then cleared her throat. “There is one person I’d like to thank most of all. A person whom, if not for her, I wouldn’t be here.”

“You don’t have to thank me, Little Bit.” Silver spoke up, causing the room to laugh.

“I’m talking about Dr. Eliza Danvers, the woman who literally saved my life.” Kara responding with a smile to Silver’s light-hearted joking.

The room quieted and focused on Eliza whose expression reflected her shock as Kara continued speaking.

“Twenty-two years ago, Eliza stood up to hospital administrators and doctors, and fought for the life of a dying infant left on the streets. Eliza was the first person to ever stand up for me… and she brought me to my family. Day or night, no matter what, when I was sick, Eliza was there regardless of how mild the illness. Her medicines and treatments have kept me alive. She was just as emotionally supportive as physically. Everything good I have done, stems from the simple truth that Dr. Eliza Danvers did not give up on me when the rest of the world had.”

Diana raised her glass. “I have put Eliza through hell over the years. When Kara has been sick, she has comforted me when I broke down. She has held my hand, gone for days without sleep, taught me to have faith. I can’t count the number of times I have yelled at her, unreasonably blamed her for not doing more to help Kara, then apologizing later. She never became angry, never yelled back, never held a grudge. Instead, she would just hold me no matter how angry and unfair I had been, realizing my pain and always helping me though it to the other side.

“Neither one of us would be here without you, Eliza.”

“To Eliza.” Kara said holding out her glass and followed by the room. “We love you.”

A round of applause was given, leaving the Doctor in tears as she was wrapped in the arms of both Kara and Diana as they hugged her with all the love they felt for the woman.

Alex walked up to her tearful mother and patted her on the back with a smile. “Congratulations, Mom. Those were beautiful words. You deserve them. You were always there for Kara, every moment of every day. You deserve the praise.”

Eliza smiled back at Alex, but the smile left when Alex immediately turned and walked away. She looked and sounded happy, but something was off.

Deciding to address it later, or just write it off as Alex being strange like she was at times, Eliza returned her attention to the party.

The party went on for a few more hours until it had gotten well past midnight. Kara was quite tipsy though Diana had monitored her sister’s intake. Security drove the party to the hotel.

Kara’s gift from Diana was waiting for her inside her room on the bed. With her sister following close behind, she rushed to the wrapped box, finding wood under the gift wrapping.

Opening it, she gasped. It was a doll she had been wanting for her massive collection, a thirty-inch Bru Jne R antique doll with original Couture Silk Dress, hat and wig. The glass eyes were a deep, relaxing shade of blue that almost matched Kara’s.

“She is beautiful.” Kara said, mesmerized at the detail of the collectible. “Thank you, Didi.”

“Anything for you, Bunny. I left a note for you. Sleep well, my love.” Diana kissed her on the cheek and headed to bed, leaving Kara alone.

Kara took the note in the box and began to read.

Kara,

I can scarcely believe you are twenty-two today. I remember the first time I looked into your eyes while you lay in the incubator. Your young eyes met mine and I felt the immediate connection, the moment you became my sister, my heart. I felt your emotions, more strongly than I had felt anything in my life. I felt you take comfort in my presence, and it thrilled me. To this day, I have never felt as connected to anyone as I feel with you.

You have fought your whole life just to stay alive. You never gave up, no matter how tired you became, and I know you were tired. Now you have a whole new life ahead of you, one where you aren’t as limited by your health. Even before that development, I saw you growing, changing. I saw you stand up to the world, speak confidently and show others who you truly are, your strength and your kindness.

I have seen the love you have for your employees and friends, and the love and devotion they show you.

I have seen you forgive someone who hurt you deeply. Holding a grudge is easy and would have been justified. Forgiving is much harder and takes much more strength. It is not something I’m good at it, but you are much stronger than I am. Don’t argue because it is true, no matter what you think. Stop rolling your eyes.

The future will bring many changes to our lives, but nothing will ever change what you mean to me, or the endless depths of my love for you. Thank you for choosing me to be your sister. Thank you for trusting me. Thank you for always being there for me, especially in my darkest hours. There have been times in my life where you were the only light I could see.

Happy birthday, Kara.

P.S.: Since you wanted a Bengal Tiger, I got you a few. I purchased one hundred acres, twenty miles from the manor. The Kara Wayne Big Cat Rescue and Rehabilitation Center will be open in a month. We will be receiving dozens of endangered cats from around the world who need help and protection. They aren’t allowed on the grounds, but you can visit as often as you like.

Kara smiled brightly, folding the letter and covering her doll in the box. She stepped out onto the terrace and gazed at the brightly lit tower. It was more than a tower to her. It was more than a breathtaking landmark or a symbol of romance.

It was a sign that anything was possible. All her dreams, her goals could come true. Kara could do anything.

She still missed Tommy but as the weeks had gone by and she thought of what happened, she grudgingly admitted that Tommy was right. She knew he had done what he did so she wouldn’t have to. It still hurt but stung less every day.

She would be with someone again. She would find love. She would also take her time, make sure things felt right. She would not rush it. Her feelings for a certain man were growing and she did her best to hold them off. He was dangerous, reckless… and she knew she could love him. That meant he had the power to shatter her in a way Tommy never did and Kara wasn’t ready to take that chance.

For now, dancing would have to do and if he found someone else, she would deal with that too.

The rest of the week went well. Every place Diana and Kara had wanted to see was visited. It was the best trip the sisters had ever been on, eclipsing Iceland.

By the time they boarded the jet to return to Gotham City, a woman who was not a member of their party had over one hundred photos.

Emily Parlow had kept her distance, used wigs, sunglasses, different types of clothing and blended in with the crowd. But thanks to an array of long distance camera lenses, she had more clear photos than she could have imagined.

She had pictures of her daughter in front of the Eiffel Tower, in the Palace and Gardens of Versailles, and inside the Louvre.

The Moulin Rouge had been rented and secured by Diana, but she had pictures of Kara walking arm in arm with her friends as she exited the show. While Kara’s security was as complete as possible, they couldn’t make her invisible and Emily made sure she was everywhere Kara was, even if it was from far away.

Seeing Kara’s joy, she was determined more than ever to win her daughter back. She had told Harvey that being near her was enough, then thought breaking Diana’s influence would be enough, but that was no longer the case.

It should be her that Kara was traveling with… and it would be her.

Emily was a genius. She had Kara’s gift for weapons making, she was a master of disguise and most importantly, she was willing to do whatever it took to have her daughter. It was becoming more and more clear that Diana Wayne would have to die for that to happen.

Whoever else got in her way would be collateral damage, so long as at the end of the day, Kara was with her mother, the way it always should have been.