The following day, back on the cruise ship, Joey and Shayera were indulging a professional massage in their cabin. Shayera had a towel wrapped around her waist to hide the Molecular Belt, to avoid any questions.

She enjoyed it, but could not help thinking, "Not as good as when Joey massages me." She turned her head to look at him and saw the expression on his face: tense, eyes closed, trying hard to relax.

She could not resist playing a joke on him. Smiling, she reached for her purse on the night table, and put a finger to her lips, urging the masseuses to remain quiet. She pulled a $50.00 bill from her purse and waved at them, pointing towards the door.

Smiling, the masseuses left their cabin without making a sound. Since the bed would move as the masseuses changed positions, Joey did not realize they had left and that Shayera had now assumed the role of his masseuse.

She kneaded his trapezes and exerted a bit extra pressure on the knots she could feel in his back.

"Hmm, that’s way better!" He said, voice muffled from the pillows.

She grinned. The towel she had wrapped around her waist fell as she straightened up. She pushed her towel aside and pulled his towel off, straddling his hips, leaning forward to kiss the nape of his neck.

Joey’s senses shot through him like a lightning bolt when he felt the towel pulled from his waist; followed by the sensation of warm, smooth skin touching his buttocks. Then, a wave of panic rushed through him when he felt the lips kissing the nape of his neck, and the silky hair touching his shoulders.

"Is she insane? Shayera’s going to decapitate her!" He thought, trying to roll on his back, but unable to as she was pinning him to the bed.

Shayera laughed aloud, seeing the effect her joke had had on Joey. He recognised her voice.

"What the hell? Shy... I mean, Sheryl?" He said.

She let him turn to face her, putting a hand on his chest. He realized the masseuses were both gone.

"You nearly gave me a heart attack!" He said, now also laughing, "I was thinking ‘Shy’s going to murder her’!"

Still laughing, Shayera gave him a sheepish smile. "I’m sorry, I just couldn’t resist! I tipped both girls to leave us…I didn’t mean to scare you like this!"

"I’m gonna have to keep an eye on you! Then again it’s a good thing you did: you massage way better than my ‘professional masseuse’ did!" Joey said, chuckling.

They kissed.

"Turn around baby, your back is all knots, I’ll relax you!" She said, smiling.

Joey could not resist teasing her. "Baby again? When did you start calling me baby?" He said with a smirk, as he lay back on his stomach.

"Shut up!" She said, giving him a swat on the left buttock.

"Ouch!" He said with a giggle. "Love you too!"

She kissed the nape of his neck again, giving him shivers. She smiled at the effect it had on him and proceeded massaging his back.

Tim woke up a smile etched on his face. He had a date with Cassandra the night before, and it had gone well. Not only that, but she had told him she liked him, a lot.

And she kept snuggling up to him, kissing him … and when he asked her if she’d like to go out with him again, she said yes, with that beautiful smile of hers …

He got up and went to shower. He had been so worried he would do or say something stupid that would anger her he had felt anxious for the better part of the evening. Agreed, he could hold his own in a fight, but getting into a martial arts bout with your date … not good.

He chuckled at the thought. Cassandra had read him like an open book, and did everything to make him feel at ease.

"Are you falling in love Tim Drake?" He wondered. Then, Wonder Woman’s words of wisdom to his God brother Dick Grayson came back to him. "Love doesn’t come easy for people like us, if it comes at all. Don’t push it away when I comes in your life. I do believe that’s the just of what Wonder Woman said." He thought with a dreamy expression on his face, as he showered.

"One step at a time Timmy boy, you promised Cass you wouldn’t rush her." He thought again, as he was towelling off.

It was a wonderful sunny Saturday morning. The phone rang. He wrapped the towel around his waist and answered the phone. It was Cassandra. "Okay, the ‘let’s just be friends’ call" Tim thought anxiously.

"Timmy? Beautiful day, want go swimming?" She asked.

Tim smiled, unable to repress a sigh of relief. "I certainly do! Pick you up in 10 minutes?" He said.

"I’ll be ready! Want breakfast on way there?" She asked.

"Sounds like a plan Cass," he said, "Can’t wait to see you!" He winced, "Damn it Drake! You’re moving too fast!" He thought.

To his relief, Cassandra’s voice was happy "Me too, I know I’m silly, but I miss you – only saw you yesterday… but I still do!"

Tim smiled. "I’ll be right over, just give me a chance to get dressed."

"Okay, see you soon! Bye!" Cassandra said.

"Looks like I’m not the only one falling in love" Tim thought, rummaging through his clothes for his swimsuit and something to wear.

"Don’t rush her; take it one step at a time…let it happen. Who knows? She might just be the one." The thought thrilled him.

Bruce woke up. He also could not wipe the smile off his face. Whether or not he had Sentry Duty today could not spoil his mood. Diana had left a note on her pillow.

"Dear Bruce, thank you for the wonderful evening and for being so understanding. More Embassy business today unfortunately…but I will see you later today at the Watchtower, I promise! Love, Diana."

Bruce leaned back on his side of the bed and stretched, clutching the note in his right hand. He sat up, looking at his alarm clock. 7:30 am. Alfred probably had breakfast ready.

He got out of bed, slipped into a bathrobe and put a pair of slippers on. He made his way to the kitchen.

"Good morning Alfred!" Bruce said. His smile widened as the smell of fresh brewed coffee, toast and eggs Benedict greeted him.

"Why, good morning sir! You are quite chipper this morning!" Alfred said, also smiling. "You are usually…well, rather broody when you are up for Sentry Duty at the Watchtower."

"I have a skilled team looking over Gotham City when I am busy with the Justice League, and plenty of reserve members from the Justice League to cover for my Knights when they are taking some time off." Bruce said, pouring himself a cup of coffee.

He took a sip, and then looked up at Alfred with a broad smile. "And I am fortunate enough to have the strongest, prettiest, most understanding and supportive woman on the planet loving me. I don’t deserve her … but I am happy she decided to be with me." Bruce said.

"Don’t deserve her Sir? I’m not so sure about that Master Bruce!" Alfred thought, putting a plate of eggs Benedict and toast in front of Bruce.

"I must admit my anxiety factor and blood pressure have been reduced to more manageable levels when you and Miss Diana decided to…shall we say… become committed to one another." Alfred said. "It was plain to the beholder that she had been quite fond of you since the early years of the Justice League."

"Out of fondness love has grown Alfred, I’m not too proud to admit this to you. I simply adore her." Bruce said, tackling his first bites of eggs. "And I wish I could tell you how unbreakable the bond between Diana and me is; sealed by Aphrodite herself!" Bruce thought.

Alfred smiled paternally. Bruce never shared his feelings about women, not quite like this anyway. "Mr. and Mrs. Wayne, you must be so proud right now!" Alfred cleared his throat.

"The maids should be showing up any minute, Master Bruce, I shall greet them. Honestly, I cannot wait for Wilfred to be in full working condition." Alfred said.

"Wilfred?" Bruce asked, giving Alfred a quizzical glance.

"Oh I hope you do not mind Master Bruce, I decided to name Mr. J’onz‘s android after my late brother Wilfred. It seemed appropriate since I will be working with him." Alfred said.

"Not at all Alfred, ‘Wilfred’ does sound rather appropriate!" Bruce said.

"I shall let you finish your breakfast." Alfred said, heading towards the kitchen door.

Bruce finished breakfast. He poured himself another cup of coffee and headed to the showers. He showered and shaved, finished his coffee then brushed his teeth.

"I wish there was a faster way to get in the Bat suit," he mused, "Never mind molecular manipulators, I wish there was molecular suit changer…" He paused, thinking about it.

"Perhaps J’onn and Ray could work on a prototype; it would certainly be a time saver." He thought about it for a few more seconds then shook his head. "Nah!" Bruce thought with a chuckle.

He got dressed in a short-sleeved top and slacks. He was not exactly comfortable parading in his underwear in front of the house cleaners. He made his way to the Study, making sure he locked the door behind him. He opened the secret door to the Bat Cave and went down the stairs.

"Bat Computer, lights on!" He said. The lights went on, illuminating the Bat-Cave. He went to the locker where the Bat suits, utility belts and gadgets were stored. He slipped on a Bat suit, once more donning his Batman alter ego.

He activated his Justice League Communicator. "Transport Bat cave to Watchtower 1". He transported to the Watchtower, and made his way to the Monitor Womb.

Flash walked past him, "Morning Bats, how goes it?" He asked.

"Never been better!" Batman replied with a deep gravely voice, but unable to hide the upbeat tone in his voice.

Batman entered the Monitor Womb and relieved Martian Manhunter.

"Long day ahead…and I don’t care. My Princess will come join me at the end of the day!" Batman thought, unable to repress the subtle smile on his lips.

Back on the Cruise ship, Joey and Shayera were heading to the Dining Room, walking on the upper deck, enjoying the sea breeze.

Joey gave her an appreciative glance: she was wearing shorts, sandals, one of her trademark yellow and black tops, clip-on shades on her prop glasses and her mane of red hair was done up in a pony tail.

He put an arm around her waist as they walked.

"Baby, you look absolutely gorgeous …then again you always do!" Joey said.

"Why thank you, Luscious Lucas! Now you’re calling me baby too huh?" She said.

He chuckled, giving her a kiss. "I’ve called you baby before Sh-Sheryl – this is going to take some getting used to – and hearing you call me Luscious Lucas has a certain ring to it!" He said.

She chuckled too, and kissed him back.

"Do you realize we spent the first 24 hours of this cruise secluded in our cabin, getting room service?" She said.

"Yeah … I figured we deserved to be spoiled a bit!" He said. They arrived at the Dining room. There was a commotion happening at one table. A photographer was snapping pictures at a young couple, bombarding them with questions.

"Come on! One of the top International Fashion models is on a Cruise with one of the top eligible bachelors in the US; what’s the scoop? Are there wedding bells in the future?" The photographer said.

The young man was standing up hand outstretched, an angry look on his face saying: "I’ll tell you one last time McIntyre, give me that camera and quit harassing us or so help me I’ll…"

Joey and Shayera recognised the young couple: Dick Grayson and Kori Anders.

"Shall we assist?" Shayera asked.

"Oh yes!" Joey replied.

They walked behind the photographer, Jimmy McIntyre, as he was going on a rant:

"Give a man a break! I got a job to do; the people have the right to know! Ever heard of the freedom of the Press?" McIntyre said.

Joey grabbed McIntyre by the collar while Shayera snatched the camera from his hands.

"Hey!" McIntyre exclaimed as Shayera sent his camera flying through the open door and overboard.

"Good throw Sheryl!" Joey said, with a smile still holding the paparazzi by the collar.

Dick chuckled at the expression on McIntyre’s face, while Kori and the rest of the people in the dining room were applauding.

"Now you pay close attention rat boy, these two are close friends of ours. You leave them alone." Joey said.

"T-trying to intimidate the press, do I ever have a headline now! Rich boy sends muscle-bound has-been Wrestler and his main squeeze to intimidate journalist!" McIntyre said.

Shayera snapped: "Don’t you dare call him a has-been! I take it you’ve never heard of the concept of responsible journalism? You should try it some time, I happen to be a good friend of Lois Lane’s!"

Dick stepped up to them and said "Face it Mac, nobody likes you here. You’re a leech. You have no respect for privacy. If you were to try to take it to court, no one here would testify in your favour. In fact, everyone would testify against you."

"Here here!" an elderly man with an English accent said, as he was trying to enjoy lunch with his wife.

"So I’ll explain this to you in a way even you can understand," Joey continued, "Unless you want to spend the rest of this cruise confined to quarters, stay out of everybody’s face. Don’t test our patience."

"Y-you’re bluffing!" McIntyre said.

"Take a good look around you," Kori said from the table. "Look at all of these upset faces. Do you really believe we are bluffing?"

McIntyre took a furtive glance around and all of a sudden felt rather claustrophobic. He ran out, back to his cabin, to general applause.

Dick smiled and shook Joey and Shayera’s hands. "My friends, your timing was impeccable!" He said. "Join us for lunch!"

They sat as the Stewart brought them menus. Joey looked around the table and said:

"Two dark haired muscular men with two red-haired, green-eyed gorgeous girls … do I detect a pattern here?"

"Knowing Bruce, nothing’s coincidental." Dick said with a smirk.

"You mean this was also a gift from Bruce for overworking you?" Shayera asked with a smile.

"Absolutely," Kori replied, "He is such a changed man since opening his heart to Diana!" She had nearly let "Wonder Woman" slip, but caught herself at the last second.

The Stewart brought them a bottle of Champagne. Dick cast him a quizzical glance.

"From the couple at table 7," the Stewart said, "as thanks for getting rid of ‘that cockroach McIntyre’."

They turned to table 7 and nodded with thanks.

Joey raised his glass and said "A toast, to Bruce Wayne, the best damned employer I’ve ever had, and a good friend."

"Here, here!" Dick said as they all took a sip.

Shayera was next "To Bruce, a good friend who has done everything in his power to keep me with the man I love!" She took Joey’s hand who smiled at her, giving her hand a gentle squeeze.

"Here, here!" Joey said, and they all took another sip.

Dick was next to raise his glass. "To Bruce, my trainer, my mentor, my friend; the man who I am proud to call my father; the man thanks to whom I am the man I am today." He said.

"Here, here!" Kori said, as they all took another sip. Their eyes turned to her. She smiled. "To Bruce, who has become a good friend, a true friend; a man who has been very kind to me, just like a father."

"Here, here!" Dick said, as they took another sip.

"Longest toast I ever heard!" Joey said. They all chuckled.

At the swimming pool, Tim and Cassandra were taking a rest. They had had breakfast, and gone for a swim. She then had another good chuckle as she caught Tim trying his best to avoid staring at her wet swimsuit clinging to her body, and she had kissed him for being so cute.

They lay down in a spot shaded by trees.

"Gorgeous day, I’m glad you thought of it Cass, great idea!" Tim said.

She smiled, and pulled a bottle of sunscreen from her bag. "Here Timmy, rub sunscreen on my back please?" She said.

He took the bottle from her, dropped it, picked it back up and put some sunscreen in his hand. Cassandra laughed.

"Told you pretty girls make me act all goofy!" He said, blushing.

She kissed him. "You’re doing fine Timmy!" She lay on her stomach, moving her bathing suit straps aside so he could rub the lotion on her back.

Tim swallowed nervously as he rubbed the sunscreen on her back, feeling her smooth, warm skin, her muscular back and arms. He noticed the expression on her face: that happy smile, those closed eyes. He kissed her cheek.

She opened her eyes, still smiling, putting her bathing suit straps back in place.

"Thanks Timmy, I’m glad you’re relaxing! Here, lie down, I’ll rub sunscreen on your back!" She said, returning his kiss.

He complied. He closed his eyes too, feeling her warm hands rubbing the cool sunscreen on his back. "Am I falling in love? Yes I do think I am…so God help me I think I am!" He thought, a smile etched on his face.

She lay down beside him, putting an arm around his shoulders. She whispered in his ear "I wish today never end! I can’t wait for our next patrol with the Knights Timmy, just to be with you more!"

Heart beating so loudly he thought the entire world could hear it, Tim whispered back at her "Me too Cass. So help me I think I’m falling in love with you, I don’t want today to end either!"

She smiled, feeling tears in her eyes. She turned on her side so they could hug, and held him tight. "I fall in love with you too Timmy … I know it’s silly, but that’s the way I feel! I’m so happy you feel that way too!"

In the shade, they hugged and kissed. Once more, history had repeated itself: a different incarnation of Batgirl and Robin had also fallen in love.

In the Monitor Womb, Batman received an incoming call from Oracle.

"Hi there Barb, what’s up?" Batman said.

"I hear Mount Olympus named you honorary Cupid?" Oracle said. Batman could visualize her smirking face.

"Excuse me?" He said.

"Tim picked up Cassandra late last evening to catch a movie. She came back with a dreamy, absent-minded expression on her face. Then early this morning she was on the phone with him again and they went out for a swim. She mentioned in a very matter of fact way that Batman had subtly suggested they go on a date and have some fun?" Oracle said.

Batman chuckled. "Well good! Dating is their age, it’s normal. Agreed they will need to learn to keep their personal feelings in check while on patrol, but that’s for them to learn Barb. We can’t keep on sheltering them with the pretence it’s for their own good. They’re young but they’re smart." Batman said.

"I know Bruce, I’ve been there myself when I was Bargirl and Dick was still Robin … I wish I could avoid them the heartbreak that comes with dating a team-mate, but you’re right: I can’t shelter Cass. Tim’s a good boy, and it was plain to everyone they were crazy about each other for a while now. I just hope they turn out better than Dick and I did." She said.

"We can’t dwell on the past Barb. Personally, I find it is a joy to see Cassandra smiling and laughing. You had a hand in that. You’ve done very well." He said.

"Thanks Bruce. She could be quite a handful … yet you went through this with Dick, Jason and Tim. You have more patience than I’ve ever given you credit for!" She said.

"It’s a labour of love Barb." Batman said, "I could see so much of myself in them, that anger, that lust for revenge …"

"I’m just glad Tim makes Cassandra happy," She said, "you say it’s a joy to see her smile, you would have loved the look on her face when she came home last night !"

"I would have loved to see that indeed! I’m not saying not to keep an eye on them, but…I have faith in them. Give them a bit of space; they’ll do the right thing." Batman said.

Oracle sighed. "Is this what it feels like to be a parent?" She giggled a bit. "Yes, let’s have faith in them and give them a bit of space. I know I would have expected no less when I was her age … then again I was the Commish’s daughter, all of my dates had to behave, Dick included! Oracle out, I’ll keep you posted!" She said.

Batman chuckled and looked at the clock. His sentry shift was almost over. Wonder Woman would be back from the Themysciran Embassy in a few hours. "Why don’t I hit the gym while I wait for her? She can locate me with the communicators. Not much action happening out there so far." He thought.

Mister Terrific entered the Monitor Womb, relieving Batman. After exchanging greetings, Batman headed towards the Gym.

Discreetly, he tried his communicator. "Batman to Wonder Woman, come in?" He said.

After a pause, Wonder Woman’s voice responded.

"Wonder Woman here, what’s up tough guy?" She asked.

"Busy?" He asked.

"Winding down here, I’ll be with you in an hour or so. What about you?" She said.

"Just finished my sentry shift, I needed to hear the sound of your voice Princess!" He said.

"You sweet talker! You’ll be happy to know that Deanna becomes the new Themysciran Ambassador effective midnight tonight. Agreed she may still need me as a consultant; but she is far more skilled as a negotiator than I am. She will do splendidly!" Wonder Woman said, a satisfied tone in her voice.

"That’s wonderful news Princess! I’m heading towards the gym. Meet me there when you’re done, I’ll treat you to an early dinner!" Batman said.

"Sounds like a plan! See you in a bit …" in a near whisper, she added, "Love you!"

Her whispering voice sent shivers down his spine. Taking a quick step past Green Lantern who gave him a quizzical glance, Batman whispered back "Love you too Princess! Can’t wait!"

They terminated the communication both feeling like teens in Love. "Kind of feels like going through puberty again doesn’t it?" He thought with a grin. "That ambrosia extract really has some interesting side-effects …Aphrodite can be a naughty girl when she formulates her gift!"

Batman was snapped out of his reverie by a familiar voice.

"Oh Batman?" Martian Manhunter asked.

Batman turned. "Yes J’onn, what’s up?"

"The final tweaks to Wilfred have been finalized. You can take him back to Wayne Manor when you’re ready." Martian Manhunter said.

"I won’t even ask how you found out Alfred baptized the android Wilfred!" Batman said with a smirk.

"He has very fond thoughts of his late brother, but I cannot take the credit for finding out: Alfred simply referred to the android as Wilfred when he brought him in for the fine-tuning." Martian Manhunter said, an amused look on his face.

Batman chuckled. "Well, the Maids are still in Wayne Manor, so I’ll bring Wilfred along when Diana joins me. I’ll drop him off at Wayne Manor and take her out for dinner." He said.

Martian Manhunter smiled and telepathically said, "I am happy for you both. I feel privileged to be the only one to share the secret of your status as an Amazon initiate…and as Diana’s mate. Fear not my friend, your secret is safe with me."

Batman replied in thought, "I know my friend, thank you." Batman smiled.

Aloud, he said, "I guess I should have that workout now, care to join me?"

"It would be an honour to be your spotter!" Martian Manhunter said.

Back on the Cruise ship, Joey and Shayera were taking a break at the swimming pool.

"It was nice of Dick and Kori to invite us for dinner!" Shayera said, lying on a mat, tanning, and a small smile on her lips.

"It certainly was." Joey replied, lying on the mat to her right, an expression of concern on his face.

"I know that look Joey Lucas," Shayera said, a sensuous smirk on her lips. "What’s bugging you?"

"Dick’s right: with Bruce there are no coincidences. I’m tempted to give him a quick buzz and ask him what he’s gotten us into." Joey said.

Shayera sighed rolling her eyes and smiled "Bruce is right: you do need this vacation! You’ve become paranoid!" She moved closer to him to whisper in his ear "You almost threw the Joker off that roof, that’s not like you at all. Besides, even if Bruce did have an ulterior motive, at least we’re facing it together, with Dick & Kori’s help."

Her whisper sent shivers down his spine. He put his left arm around her, pulling her closer and they kissed. She then rested her head on his chest, smiling, listening to his heartbeat as she had previously done.

"I never did thank you for staying with me while I was in the coma." He whispered back. "I have this vague memory that you spent the night with me, pretty much in this position."

She raised her head to look up at him and smiled, and then moved her legs, gently putting his left leg between her thighs. She then put her right arm under the nape of his neck cradling it in the crook of her elbow, resting her right hand on his right pectoral. She put her head on his chest again, "Actually, it was more like this." She whispered back, still smiling.

"I was too worried to sleep in my quarters or in your apartment, I needed to hear your heartbeat, your breathing…" She changed position to face him and he turned on his side to face her. They began kissing again. The familiar sound of an automatic camera snapped them out of it.

"Oh this is too juicy: ‘Has-been Wrestler and girlfriend shamelessly make out in public!’ I’ll make a bundle off these photos!" McIntyre was back, with a replacement camera.

"McIntyre!" Joey and Shayera said in unison. Clenching his teeth Joey straightened himself up from his mat and stomped towards the paparazzo, Shayera was a few steps behind him, also fuming.

"You my friend must have a death wish." Joey said, scowling. "Dick Grayson is a gentleman, with too much class to do what I’m about to do to you!"

At first, McIntyre stood his ground, snapping a few more pictures; but soon realized that Joey Lucas, the professional Wrestler, was about to beat the tar out of him.

McIntyre took a few steps back, then was about to turn to run; but tripped over his own feet, falling flat on his face, letting out a frightened: "W-whoooa!" to the amusement of on looking passengers. His replacement camera bounced off the deck.

Joey chuckled. Putting on a Foghorn Leghorn voice, he said, "There, I say, there you go again boy, flat on your face! You should really learn to stand on your own two feet!"

Shayera also chuckled, picking up the camera off the deck, and dropping it overboard. "Oops!" is all she said.

McIntyre was getting no sympathy at all from the on lookers who had witnessed the whole thing, most of them actually applauding.

"I-I’ll sue! That’s the second camera she throws overboard!" McIntyre stammered.

"Sue for what?" She said. "I didn’t do anything! Has anyone seen anything?"

The other passengers who were in the pool area replied a resounding "No!"

The Second in Command, a Mr Jonathan Walsh, walked up to them.

"Mister McIntyre, "he said, "We have received several complaints of your harassing passengers. Let me give you fair warning that this will not be tolerated. Any more complaints and we shall dispatch the Coast Guard from Florida to escort you off this ship. Leave our passengers alone and keep out of trouble."

Once again feeling claustrophobic, McIntyre ran to his cabin, to more applause and laughter from the on looking passengers. Mr Walsh smiled at Joey and Shayera and tipped his cap before returning to his duties.

"It’d be a shame if he was escorted off the ship, messing with him is kind of fun!" Joey said to Shayera in a low voice.

"I think you enjoyed that a bit too much!" She replied with a smile, putting her arms around him. They kissed and returned to their mats.

Back in Gotham City, Tim and Cassandra had left the swimming pool and went to get some lunch.

Sitting behind Tim on his motorcycle, Cassandra had stopped holding onto the seat, instead holding onto him; arms wrapped gently but firmly around his waist, taking care her helmet would not constantly collide with his. Neither one of them could wipe the smiles off their faces.

They stopped at the same small Restaurant where they had grabbed breakfast. After parking his motorcycle and taking their helmets off, Cassandra pulled Tim closer and kissed him.

"Get used to it Timmy, I not used to kissing, now that I know I like it, I take what I can!" She said, grinning.

"I can take it Cass, kiss away!" Tim said, smiling.

They walked in and sat down. The waitress brought them menus. Tim leaned across the table so he could whisper to Cassandra:

"You know something Cass? I really like your new suit better. It allows me to see your beautiful hair, your pretty mouth and chin … your first suit must have been so uncomfortable: with the mouthpiece shut and no opening for your hair to flow at the back!"

Cassandra leaned closer, "First suit served me well… scared bad guys good. But in hot summer nights too warm and hard to breathe. Mentioned it to Barb, she help redesign suit … look more like her old suit but blacker, "She whispered back, "longer ears on mask too!" She smiled.

"You have a very pretty smile!" Tim said, kissing her, leaning across the table. "Better get used to it Cass, I find I enjoy kissing you too!"

She laughed charmingly.

"Can take it too Timmy!" She said, smiling brightly.

Tim leaned towards her, whispering again "Besides, it’s not like we’ll be able to be all kiss-y – kiss-y while we’re on patrol!"

"True!" She whispered back and touched his cheek. He closed his eyes for a few seconds, enjoying her touch.

"Yes definitely think I in love with Timmy!" Cassandra thought, her grammar once again erratic from emotion. She was too happy to care.

"Okay lovebirds, have you made your choice?" the waitress, an older woman with salt and pepper hair and a friendly face, asked.

Tim chuckled. "Toasted Chicken salad sandwich on whole wheat, hold the mayo and onions, heavy on the pickles, garden salad on the side instead of the fries, light dressing; and a diet cola." He said.

Cassandra thought about it for a second and said "Turkey triple-decker on whole wheat, garden salad light dressing, bottle of Grape Gatorade" Cassandra said.

The waitress took down their orders and went to the kitchen. Cassandra reached for his hands and held them.

"That what feels like to fall in love? I like!" Cassandra said, not caring how her speech had been erratic in the past few days.

"Yes." Tim said, feeling his heart skip a beat, "My heart’s racing, my palms are getting sweaty, my throat’s feeling dry, I’m babbling like a goof, I can’t stop looking at you, admiring how beautiful you are… I’m in love all right!"

Cassandra blushed, smiling from ear to ear. She gave Tim’s hands a gentle squeeze.

"Timmy Drake, you too sweet!" She said, leaning across the table kissing him more passionately this time. If the other patrons were looking, neither one of them cared.

The friendly waitress, Kim was her name, came back to the table with their drinks. "Just let me squeeze in here for a second there guys…" She said.

Tim and Cassandra both blushed and giggled nervously, realizing they had just been passionately kissing in a restaurant. Kim winked at them as she put their drinks on the table and went back to the kitchen.

In the Watchtower Gym, Batman was at the bench press, top of his uniform off. In the past, he would have made it a point to keep at least his cowl on, but since all Justice League members were sworn to secrecy, and since the Gym was off limits to the Maintenance staff; he saw no point in huffing, puffing and sweating profusely under a tight mask.

"Good set Bruce," Martian Manhunter said. "225 lbs is rather good for the average human male, you have taken it like a mere warm-up!"

"Thanks – I think?" Bruce said, chuckling. "Too bad a chin-up bar wasn’t in this place’s design; the pull-down machine can’t quite duplicate the same workout … but it will have to do."

"You have just performed a 30 minute jog on the treadmill, followed it with 300 abdominal crunches in various positions and just finished 3 sets of 10 repetitions on the bench press; with a 225 pound load … shouldn’t you be taking a rest?" Martian Manhunter said.

Telepathically, he added, "While I realize your reflexes and healing powers were greatly enhanced since becoming Diana’s mate; among other nice perks, I do believe you still need to recuperate."

Bruce smiled. "My exasperating need for over reaching is one thing that hasn’t changed," He said, "You’re right my friend, besides, Diana should be here any minute, I should hit the showers and make myself presentable for her!"

"Diana’s here already tough guy!" Wonder Woman said, with a smirk. She was wearing her traditional Themysciran ceremonial dress. "Hi J’onn!" She said to Martian Manhunter.

"Greetings Diana; I think I shall leave you two alone!" Martian Manhunter said, smiling.

"Thanks again for the spot J’onn!" Bruce said.

"Any time my friend!" Martian Manhunter replied as he made his exit.

She walked up to Bruce, smiling. They kissed. "Eww, you do need a shower!" She said, with a grin.

"Your wish is my command Princess!" He replied.

"Wait!" She said, "There’s this little Shower ritual that Shayera told me about …" Once again, looking like a giddy Schoolgirl.

Bruce looked at her with disbelief. "You don’t mean …someone could walk in on us!"

"That should keep things exciting then!" She said, smiling sensuously.

Leaving the top part of his uniform on the floor, they made their way to the showers, giggling like teens.

Their version of the shower ritual started very similar to that of Shayera & Joey’s: lathering up each other, rinsing off the soap and shampoo … only in their case, they made love, right there in the shower stall.

To their relief, no one walked in on them. They towelled off and got dressed. Now Batman again, he looked at Wonder Woman lovingly as they left the Gym.

"You’ve recently become quite spontaneous…I like it!" He said.

She blushed, giggling. "Maybe it’s my new found freedom? Deanna is the new Ambassador to Themyscira, my only responsibilities with the Embassy are those of a part time consultant. I have more time to spare for the Justice League…more time to spend with my tough guy!" She said, giving him a quick kiss. Fortunately, once again no one saw them.

"If words could fully convey how happy I feel right now, how happy I’ve been feeling since, you know, "He made a gesture mimicking pouring liquid in his mouth – the initiation ritual – and took a deep breath. "I’m just so happy Princess. You make me so happy …thank you. Thank you for loving me."

They stopped walking, and looked around to make sure they were still alone. The coast was clear. Wonder Woman looked up at him, smiling, tears of joy, coursing down her cheeks.

"No Bruce, thank you," She said, smiling. "I was so worried you would let your male ego refuse me. Thank you for loving me, for accepting Aphrodite’s gift." They held each other, and then heard footsteps from around the corner. They broke their embrace, and straightened themselves up, Wonder Woman wiping the tears from her face.

Green Lantern and Vixen were heading for the gym. Batman and Wonder Woman let out a relieved sigh: Green Lantern and Vixen were both in their confidence.

Wonder Woman said, "John, Mari, up for a workout?"

"Yep," Vixen said, "Stressful day altogether, we need to expand some energy!" She smiled and winked.

"What she means is her photo shoot was interrupted when the photographer tried to get fresh with her, and her jealous boyfriend decided to teach him some manners!" Green Lantern said, with his eyebrows arched.

Batman smiled, Wonder Woman and Vixen chuckled. "He’s my hero!" Vixen said, "See you all later!" They waved and Green Lantern and Vixen entered the Gym.

"Looks like that Gym is seeing a lot of action!" Batman said with a smirk.

"Oh Bruce you’re terrible!" Wonder Woman said with a wink.

"Wayne Manor?" He asked.

"I thought you’d never ask!" She said, holding his arm.

"Let’s drop by the Lab, J’onn has finished his tweaks to the android – or Wilfred as Alfred likes to call him – so we can take him to the Manor. The Maids must be done by now, and Alfred can’t wait for his permanent helper to finally be on site." Batman said.

"Lead the way my love!" She replied. "Any plans for dinner? There is a new Restaurant in Metropolis, named Dionysus’ Cellar. Lois speaks very highly of it."

"Why not, it sounds absolutely wonderful!" Batman said. They kissed again; making sure no one else was lurking around the corner, and then they made their way to the lab.

End of episode 2