"Bruce, are you sure this is a good idea?" Wonder Woman asked through the communicators.

"It certainly can’t hurt Princess," Batman said, climbing down to the balcony of Jimmy Zucko’s luxury Penthouse apartment from the top of the building, "I’ve dealt with the likes of Zucko and Falcone over the years. They know better than to tick me off."

"All the same Bruce," Oracle chimed in, "be careful – Zucko’s apartment has a high tech security system which could either electrocute you or burn a hole clean through your body using a highly illegal laser targeting system."

Batman chuckled. "Atom, are you in position?" He asked.

"Sure am Batman, Zucko’s high tech system has been reduced to a nice light show, the only thing missing is the music!" Atom said. "I’m done here, if you no longer need my assistance I’ll transport back to the Lab."

"Thanks Atom, I appreciate it. As you see my fair ladies, I always come prepared!" Batman said.

"Show off!" Wonder Woman said, Oracle giggling.

The lights had gone out altogether. "Zucko must have blown a fuse trying to reactivate the security system". Batman thought. He switched over to night vision. He located Jimmy Zucko trying to hide in a corner, behind a large houseplant, gun in hand.

"Put it down Zucko, you’d only waste a bullet." Batman said. "All I want is a word with you…for now."

"J-just give me one good reason not to waste you right now!" Zucko said, startled that Batman was able to find him in the darkened room.

"Because all you’d accomplish is tick me off. Your father, your uncle and your current business partner must have told you this before: you don’t want Batman ticked off at you." Batman said, in a deep gravely voice, face stern.

Zucko lowered his gun, putting it down on the bar. Emergency lights came back up. "You won’t mind if I pour myself a drink Bats?" he asked.

"Knock yourself out, just keep your hands where I can see them and don’t make any sudden moves." Batman said.

Zucko nodded, pouring himself vodka on the rocks. "You said you wanted to talk?" He said, taking a long sip.

"I know you’re linked to the Gotham Clarion. Don’t even bother denying it or have the audacity to tell me you don’t know what I’m talking about – in spite of lack of solid evidence Jim Gordon, The Justice League, the Gotham Knights, The Titans, Young Justice – we all know." Batman paused, giving Zucko an appraising look.

"The article on Dick Grayson and friends ruffled a lot of feathers; and cost a good man his job; and I don’t mean Jimmy McIntyre. " Batman said.

"No, I won’t deny anything. I know Grayson is Wayne’s Golden Boy and when Wayne barks you leap into action!" Zucko said with a mocking sneer, trying to assess Batman’s reaction. He shivered as Batman just stood there staring at him, an expression of contempt on his face. Zucko pressed on with his bravado.

"Wayne can shut down the Clarion; I’ll open three more scandal rags the very next day. McIntyre is nothing but a low-level schmuck: never made deadlines on time, lacked the killer instinct. He did however have a knack for research – those details on Grayson’s recently found fortune … hats off." Zucko said, taking another sip of his Vodka.

He flashed a smug smile at Batman. "Besides, Mackie is probably one of the biggest cowards in the history of men. If McIntyre’s testimony is all Wayne’s lawyers have, they got nothing." Zucko downed the rest of his vodka and poured himself another.

Batman flashed a cold, stern grin back at Zucko.

"I guess we’ll find that out in court now, won’t we?" Batman said. Zucko looked uneasy all of a sudden.

"So word to the wise sunshine, McIntyre is under Justice League protection. Anything happens to him on his way to court, in court, walking out of court … you get the idea. He so much as catches a cold and I’ll personally take it out of your sorry hide." Batman said.

"Hey, I can’t be held responsible of any accident, that isn’t fair!" Zucko whined.

"Life isn’t fair, deal with it; you’ll just have to make sure McIntyre gets into no accidents or doesn’t get sick." Batman said, his lips pressed into a cold smirk.

Batman returned to the balcony, and said, "Remember Zucko my boy, we’ll be watching!", and jumped off the balcony.

Wonder Woman swooped down and caught him. "What’s this, no grappling hooks or Batwing on remote control?" She said, smiling.

"Nah, this is much better Princess!" Batman said, returning her smile. They flew to the top of the building where the Batwing was still hovering in stealth mode. They kissed in mid air and landed on the roof, near the Batwing.

"Did you get that conversation Oracle?" Batman asked.

"Got it all on tape Batman; agreed I may need to edit the flirtatious remarks between you and Wonder Woman." Oracle said, snickering.

Before Batman could reply, Wonder Woman chimed in, "Please do Oracle…the number of people who know about Bruce and me must be kept as minimal as possible."

Batman chuckled, "You heard her Oracle, Batman out!" Batman said.

"Would you like a lift back home?" Batman asked Wonder Woman, "I do believe you transported here from the Watchtower?" Batman said.

"Don’t mind if I do, you would have looked rather foolish plummeting down from Zucko’s balcony, if I hadn’t transported here to rescue you!" She said, with a teasing expression on her face.

"I trust you with my life Princess!" Batman replied. "Where shall we go, my place, your place, or our Watchtower quarters?"

They boarded the Batwing and took off.

"Well, technically, my place is now Deanna’s place since she’s the current Themysciran ambassador. While our Watchtower quarters are comfortable they are rather cramped … and the bed in your master bedroom is so much more comfortable!" She said with a sheepish smile.

"Would you mind giving hospitality to a poor homeless Amazon Princess Mr Wayne?" She asked, with her lips pursed in a mock sad pout.

Batman chuckled. "Diana, my place is yours, you don’t need to ask. As Alfred would say, the Manor takes on an air of joy whenever you’re around." Batman said.

"Oh Alfred says that does he?" Wonder Woman said, arms crossed, a teasing expression on her face. "And what does Bruce Wayne say?"

"Bruce Wayne becomes impossible to live with when you’re not around," Batman said, "Bruce Wayne is the first one to admit that the Manor is much too quiet, much too lonely when you’re not there." Batman said.

"Nice save tough guy! Speaking of yourself in the third person does not become you, but nice save nonetheless!" Wonder Woman said with a grin, as they neared the Bat Cave.

They landed on the cloaked landing pad, which led to the Bat Cave. They disembarked from the Batwing. Batman pulled his cowl back and put his arms around Wonder Woman, holding her close. She smiled, returning his hug.

"What was that for?" She asked, smiling. "Don’t get me wrong, you can hold me any time you like…"

"For being there for me Princess, I apologise if I made it sound I was taking your rescuing me for granted." Batman said.

"No need for apologies Bruce, we are life mates. Part of me would die if anything happened to you!" She said, looking into his eyes. They kissed.

"All the same Diana," Batman said, putting an arm around her shoulders as they walked towards the doorway leading to Wayne Manor, "Thanks for saving my sorry hide."

They detoured by the locker section of the Bat Cave, where Batman changed back into his regular clothes, becoming Bruce Wayne again.

"You’ve become so organised," Wonder Woman said, "No longer leaving your Bat-suits on the floors of Wayne Manor for Alfred to pick up!"

"You’re a positive influence!" Bruce said, smiling.

Wonder Woman spun around, magically changing into the clothes she was wearing before her shift: flat shoes, a dark skirt, a white blouse and her prop glasses. She smiled, put her arms around Bruce, and kissed him.

"Care for another walk in the gardens before we turn in?" Bruce asked.

"Lead the way, tough guy!" Diana said. They walked upstairs to Wayne Manor and made their way to the Gardens.

"The sky is too cloudy for a romantic stroll under the stars tonight." Diana said, with a bit of disappointment.

"You’re the only star I need." Bruce said in a low voice that gave her shivers. They sat on one of the benches, kissing passionately. He gently removed her prop glasses.

"I should have left those inside!" She said.

"It doesn’t matter; everything you wear looks good on you." Bruce said putting her glasses on the bench next to them.

"Oh, you sweet talker," She said, her passionate embrace knocking them both off the bench, her falling on top of him on the Garden’s lawn.

"Sorry! Bruce, are you okay?" She said.

Bruce was laughing. "I’m fine Princess; this lawn isn’t hard enough to cause any injury! This is actually quite pleasant!" he said, looking in her eyes.

She caressed his face and, kissed him. Passion soon took them over, and they made love on the lawn.

Elsewhere in Gotham City, Tim and Cassandra were accompanying Barbara and her new friend Jean-René on a double date at the movies.

"Batman has confronted Zucko and is probably having a good time with Wonder Woman," she thought, "So Oracle takes some time off and Barbie-girl gets to know this handsome man better!" Barbara thought.

Cassandra could not help feeling suspicious of Jean-René: Barbara had been her teacher, her mentor, her friend; and more of a motherly figure than her own mother-Lady Shiva- had ever been to her.

"Come on," she thought, "Barb’s already checked his background, and found nothing suspicious: Jean-René Leclair, age 30. Registered massage therapist down on his luck due to budget cuts. Waiting tables at François’ Bistro and moonlighting at three other jobs to save up enough money to open up his own aches and pains clinic. He’s clean …then why do I feel so…overprotective?"

She gave Tim a sideways glance and noticed his expression. While he tried to watch the movie, playing it cool, his facial expression betrayed the way he really felt: "Pay me attention Cass!"

She snickered, and smiled at him. She gently turned his face towards her and kissed him. He smiled, with a blush. Happy with the results of her kiss, she wrapped her arms around his left arm, and before putting her head on his shoulder, she whispered, "I love you!" in his ear.

Tim smiled, heart beating so loudly he thought the usher would show up and tell him to keep quiet. He looked at Cassandra, who had raised her head from his shoulder to look back at him. He saw her pretty face, her angelic smile, and gently touched her cheek. Unable to help himself, he returned her kiss.

Breathless, he also whispered to her, "I love you too!"

"No matter how many times he tells me…every time I hear him say it makes me feel so happy!" She thought, her heart also beating so loudly she believed the entire theatre could hear her. She snuggled up closer to him.

"Weren’t we watching a movie? Oh, who cares?" They both thought in unison.

Barbara caught a glimpse of them from the corner of her eye and smiled. She looked at Jean-René and tentatively reached for his hand. He took her hand and kissed it, smiling. Barbara smiled. "Yep, I still got it!" She thought.

In the Cruise Ship, Joey was fussing over Shayera, pampering her.

"Relax Angel, you deserve it. That little bikini show you put on with Kori must have felt awkward." He said, gently massaging her scalp.

"A little," she said, and grinned. "Do remind me to punch you in the arm for calling me Angel while we’re still on the Cruise Ship…"

"Hey, we’re on our own!" Joey said.

She laughed. "I’m just teasing you baby! Yes, I called you baby, shut up and learn to like it!" She said with a teasing smile.

"Okay, baby it is then!" Joey said, with a chuckle. He moved her silky, fiery mane to the side, massaging her neck muscles, and then gingerly massaged her temples and forehead. Shayera closed her eyes, enjoying his touch.

"The bikini show was worthwhile though: Kori and I got to teach Taft and Marcus some manners, and I’m getting pampered by the man I love! Massage my wings again Joey?" Shayera asked, removing her top and then lying on her stomach.

He smiled, and kissed the small of her back to see the goose bumps appear all over her body again. She gasped.

"You found a magic spot!" She moaned, with a blissful expression on her face.

"And now Angel, let’s see if I can’t relieve the tension in your wonderful wings!" He said.

Using his fingertips, he proceeded the same way he did the first time: from the top of her left wing working his way down, letting her guide his touch.

"I never realized how flexible the lower part of your wings was!" He said, massaging the bottom part of her left wing.

She snickered. "Centuries of evolution at work!" She said.

As Joey started massaging her right wing, she continued: "A Thanagarian also needs to sit down. The lower part of my wings is flexible enough for me to use chairs, benches, Car seats, Javelin seats…but recliners, couches and comfortable lounge chairs were always lost on me: the top part of my wings isn’t quite as flexible."

She let out a moan as Joey was gingerly massaging the previously injured part of her right wing. "But now, thanks to a wonderful man who simply adores me, I have a molecular belt that allows me to walk around incognito, enjoy sitting in easy chairs, recliners, couches…press a bit harder near the scar tissue there Joey, that spot feels a bit tight…yes like that!" She said, wincing a little.

"You’ll have to introduce me to that wonderful man who simply adores you; I don’t take kindly other men ogling my girl!" Joey said, with a smirk.

Shayera giggled. "Now don’t you beat yourself up, we see enough violence in a day!"

Joey smiled and leaned over to kiss her.

"You’re not done massaging me yet are you?" She asked, giving him the teasing look again.

"Far from it, it’s just that when you look this sexy I can’t help but kiss you!" He said, now massaging her shoulders.

"Then I must look sexy plenty of times!" She said with a snicker.

"You do! And I can’t keep my hands off you either as you can also see!" He said, kneading her back.

He undid her shorts and could not resist giving her buttocks a kiss. She gasped again, more goose bumps appearing on her skin.

"Your feeble attempts at arousing me are not working Mr. Lucas; please proceed with my pampering massage!" She said in a silly uppity voice.

"Not at all, not even a tiny bit?" he asked in an innocent voice, now massaging her lower back.

"Not arousing in the in the slightest, focus on your massage!" She said, smiling profusely.

He bent over to kiss her lower back again, and giggling, she said, "Don’t!"

"What, do you have eyes at the back of your head now?" He said, now kneading her buttocks and legs.

"I just know you very well, Joseph Lucas!" She said; trying to repress a moan as his hands moved from her legs to her feet.

"So my touch doesn’t arouse you at all, then?" He asked, this time kissing her feet.

Shayera rolled on her side with another gasp, staring Joey in the eyes, the expression on her face a mixture of surprise, excitement and anticipation.

"Not…one…damned…bit!" She said, panting, and laid him flat on his back, kissing him passionately. She pinned his arms down.

"Sometimes the way you talk to me is a turn-on; of course your touch arouses me!" She said, still panting. "Don’t let me catch you bragging about it to your friends!"

"I wouldn’t dream of it!" Joey said.

She smiled and kissed him again, letting go of his arms. She tugged at his t-shirt to pull it off.

"Your turn to be pampered Joey!" She said, and then whispered, "I can’t keep my hands off you either!"

This time, Joey was the one covered in goose bumps. She motioned for him to lie on his stomach. He complied.

She began his backrub, and noticed how tense he still was. "You’re on vacation Joey; you really need to learn to relax!" She said, kneading the knots in his back.

"I guess I’ll have to take that meditation class J’onn gives." Joey said. "Then again, if it weren’t for the tension in my back, I wouldn’t have the prettiest woman on Earth massaging me right now!"

"Good answer!" She whispered. She kissed the nape of his neck, and could not resist hugging him. He looked over his shoulder and smiled. She rested her head on his shoulder blades.

"I wonder if Dick has been pampering Kori like you’ve pampered me." She said.

"If he knows what’s good for him, he’d better!" Joey said.

Shayera chuckled and resumed Joey’s massage. She put her hands on his shoulder blades and held his hips between her legs.

"Make sure you’re nice and relaxed and exhale when I tell you; there’s this little back stretching technique they taught at the Academy on Thanagar – a soldier must also be adept at the healing arts you see. Get ready, exhale on the count of three; 1, 2, 3!"

Joey exhaled. Shayera transferred her weight to her hands on Joey’s shoulder blades and pulled his hips with her knees, neatly stretching his spine, with a dull crackling sound.

She hugged Joey’s back again.

"Whoa, that felt awesome!" He said.

"I know of something else that feels awesome!" She said sensuously.

"I like where this is going!" Joey said.

"Shall I retract my wings this time baby?" She asked.

"It’s up to you my Angel, how ever you decide!" He said.

She flipped him on his back effortlessly, a passionate look on her face.

"I know you have mega strength, but it always startles me when you man-handle me like that!" He said, with an expression of genuine amazement on his face.

Her reply was a passionate kiss. They made love.

Cassandra walked into the kitchen, unable to wipe the smile off her face. Thanks to Batman, this summer was turning out to be quite enjoyable: Tim was now her boyfriend, Joey, Shayera, Dick and Kori were actually relaxing in the second week of their Sea Cruise, and tonight, the Gotham Knights patrol would be comprised of herself, Robin, Batman, Black Canary and Green Arrow.

She had to agree with Oracle on this: since Bruce and Diana had become an item, things had taken a turn for the better in Gotham City. You could never completely get rid of crime, but Batman had finally decided to share the burden of Gotham City by founding the Knights.

"And I get to be with Timmy again tonight…" She thought, giggling. "Who knows, Maybe I start calling him ‘my Robin’ like Kori calls Dick?"

"Earth calling Cassandra Cain, come in!" Barbara said, with a teasing smile. Cass had been so involved in her thoughts she had not noticed Barbara wheeling herself in the kitchen behind her.

Cassandra looked back at Barbara and gave her a sheepish smile.

"I could have sworn I came in here for something!" Cassandra said. "Oh yeah, came for protein shake!"

Barbara laughed. "No worries Cass, I’ve been a bit scatter-brained myself since last night’s double date." She said. "Thanks again for agreeing to it!"

"Are you kidding?" Cassandra said, while pouring milk and protein powder in the blender, and then slicing a banana. "I’m crazy about Tim; no way I’ll miss opportunity!" Once more, her grammar had been erratic, and she did not care. She added the banana slices to the protein mix, put the lid on the blender and turned it on.

"You’re a lucky girl; you get to spend time with Tim in a few hours. Agreed it’s all business, but hey –you’ve seen each other under many stressful situations, both at your best and at your worst – and you still feel the way you feel about each other. That’s special." Barbara said.

Cassandra poured her shake in a tall glass and took a sip.

"Hey, looks like Jean-René likes you!" Cassandra said.

"True…but how long before Oracle business becomes a problem between us?" Barbara sighed. Cassandra gave her a hug.

Tentatively, Cassandra said, "Who knows, if he no work out, plenty of handsome single men in Justice League?"

"You’re a sweet girl Cassandra." Barbara said, "All I can do and wait and see. You’d better get ready for patrol!"

Cassandra kissed Barbara on the cheek and went to the hideout. She slipped on her Batgirl suit and revved up the Bat-Cycle. Barbara, now Oracle, tested the communicators.

"All channels open Batgirl; meet Batman and the Gotham Knights at the Bat-Cave." Oracle said.

"Copy that Oracle, on my way." Batgirl replied.

In the Bat-Cave, Robin had already joined Batman. Black Canary was next to join them via transport.

"Green Arrow will be there shortly," She said, "he was wrapping up a training session with Wildcat for some of the new recruits."

"No problem," Batman said, "thus far, Oracle has no reports of anything major happening, so we’ll stick with routine patrols unless one of our Arkham rogues attempts an escape."

Black Canary nodded at Batman, then winked at Robin, and in a teasing voice, she said, "Stop staring at my legs bird-boy, I’m flattered but I’m already in a relationship!"

Robin titled his head and playing along, replied, "I’m in a relationship too, and besides, must you wear fishnet stockings? Those things are a darned eye magnet!"

Black Canary laughed, and put a hand on Robin’s shoulder saying, "I’m only teasing you Robin, I’ve heard about you and Batgirl, I’m very happy for the both of you! So…you find my fishnet stockings a bigger eye-magnet than Wonder Woman’s outfit, do you? I am flattered!"

Robin blushed; worried about the way Wonder Woman might react if she heard that conversation.

Green Arrow had transported to the Bat Cave in the middle of the teasing exchange between Black Canary and Robin.

"Now, now Canary, I think you’ve teased the poor boy quite enough!" Green Arrow said.

"You wouldn’t be a bit jealous now, would you?" Black Canary replied, smirking at Green Arrow.

"I don’t have a jealous bone in my body!" He said with a smile. They kissed.

The sound of Batgirl’s Bat-Cycle approaching filled the air. She parked and joined them. She walked up to Robin, they said "Hi!" to each other, and they kissed. She held onto his arm and said her hellos to Batman, Black Canary and Green Arrow.

"Oracle, do you copy?" Batman said.

"Oracle here Batman, all channels open; Watchtower 1 do you copy?" Oracle said.

"We copy loud and clear," Wonder Woman said, as it was her turn on Sentry duty in the Monitor Womb, "we currently have no emergencies originating from Gotham City – all quiet at the Maximum Security Penitentiary and all normal at Arkham Asylum."

"Information verifies," Oracle said, "and no major emergencies on the Police Channels either. It’s gearing up to be a quiet night"

"Very well, keep all comm. Channels open; we will proceed with standard patrols, Batman out." Batman said.

He turned to his team. "Standard procedure: take no unnecessary risks, and don’t hesitate to call for backup. I will patrol the South side with the Bat-mobile, Robin; you take the Redbird and patrol the East side. Batgirl, same idea: patrol the West side on the Bat-Cycle."

Robin and Batgirl nodded and walked to their motorcycles, discreetly holding hands.

"Wait up you two, I’m not done yet!" Batman said, with a smirk. Batgirl and Robin stopped in their tracks, looking sheepish.

Batman turned to Green Arrow and Black Canary and said, "Your backup rides are on standby and ready to go. Black Canary, you patrol the North side, while you take the Downtown core Green Arrow. Don’t hesitate to monitor from the rooftops if you feel things are slow; you know the routine. Be safe out there." Batman said.

They left the Bat-Cave and began their patrol.

"Nice touch with the ‘be safe’ line my love," Wonder Woman said in Batman’s communicator so only he could hear, "you are such a good, caring leader!"

As he drove the Bat-mobile to the South Side, Batman indulged in a wide smile, "I’ve vowed to keep the Bat-curse at bay," Batman said, "every precaution is taken and we all work as a team. Besides, I do believe your love brings me luck!"

"Now, now tough guy," she replied in a teasing tone of voice, "don’t become all flirtatious with me, you need to concentrate!"

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

Oracle patched a communication through all Gotham Knights’ communicators,

"Oracle to Gotham Knights and Titan Tower 1, come in? You’re not going to believe this!" Oracle said.

"Batman here, I copy." Batman said.

"Robin here, I copy." Robin said.

"Batgirl here, I copy." Batgirl said.

"Black Canary here, I copy." Black Canary said.

"Green Arrow here, I copy." Green Arrow said.

"Wonder Woman for Watchtower 1, I also copy." Wonder Woman said.

"Hold onto your hats, I’ve just gotten this off the Gotham Gazette on line: the private investors behind The Gotham Clarion – here read Jimmy Zucko," Oracle said, "have decided to terminate their arms length relationship with the Clarion due to the pending Libel Lawsuit, which has become compounded with allegations of money laundering, and racketeering among many charges. Clarion editors had no comments as they officially filed for Bankruptcy Protection. It would seem your little chat with Jimmy Zucko paid off Batman!"

"The bastards folded like a cheap suit!" Green Arrow said.

"It would seem that remaining charges will be laid against editor in chief Mike Robinson, who’s left holding the bag for Zucko …and against the hired muscle such as Taft, Marcus and a few others." Batman said, with a hint of satisfaction in his voice.

"Do you think this will prompt other libel victims to come forward?" Robin asked.

"It might," Oracle said, "But for what? The Clarion’s bankrupt, Zucko’s in the clear and Mike Robinson was his puppet turned scapegoat – no money to be made there."

"Perhaps not," Wonder Woman said, "but any extra testimonies from other Libel victims will improve the odds that Robinson and company rot in prison for a long, long time."

"Serves them right for the lies they print!" Batgirl chimed in.

"Yeah, and who knows", Black Canary added, "the more people come forward may also increase the chances of Zucko getting burned as well!"

"We can only wish!" Batman said. "Thanks Oracle, keep us posted if you find more updates to that story; if you have a chance, try to page our friends on the Cruise Ship if they left their communicators on; I have a feeling they’ll rest better knowing this information."

"Will do Batman, I’m also sorting through the audio and video feeds from the bugs and Spy Cams Dick and Joey planted, I’ll let you know if I find anything useful." Oracle said.

"I’d be curious to hear what they have!" Green Arrow said.

"Thus far, mostly a lot of mumbling and grumbling from Taft and Marcus after Kori and Shayera man-handled them and threw their cameras overboard, how they keep saying ‘What am I supposed to do, beat up on a dame in front of witnesses?’; but I haven’t had a chance to review everything." Oracle said.

"If you like I can give you a hand after the patrols Oracle!" Robin chimed in.

"Thanks Robin, any help will be appreciated!" Oracle said.

"Way to finesse yourself into spending more time with Batgirl there Robin!" Black Canary teased, to the amusement of the Gotham Knights.

"Hey!" Robin replied defensively.

"That’s my boyfriend: he loves me!" Batgirl added, also teasing.

In a resigned voice, Robin said, "Yes, I do, and I’m looking forward to it!"

"Good answer," Batman said, with a chuckle, "now let us please focus on the task at hand?"

"Party pooper!" Wonder Woman said in a giggling voice from the Watchtower.

"Guilty as charged, Princess!" Batman said, once again smiling profusely, "Oracle, if you could update our friends on the Cruise Ship?"

"Trying to communicate with them now, Batman" Oracle said.

In their cabin, Dick and Kori were enjoying an intimate dinner with Champagne.

"This was a wonderful idea My Robin … I mean Dick!" Kori said.

"We needed a bit of ‘us’ time Star!" Dick replied with a wink, taking a sip of Champagne. "You see, Joey’s right: I needed a way out of the Blüdhaven Police Corps, the Clarion provided it. Not what I had in mind, but I’ll take it. This is week two of our cruise and I intend on enjoying it!"

"I am very glad you are finally relaxing!" Kori said, smiling. "I must admit dealing with McIntyre, Taft and Marcus was rather amusing!"

Dick chuckled, reaching for her hand. "Yes, from the tapes we have of Marcus and Taft, you and Shayera left quite the impression on them!"

"Filthy pigs, they are very fortunate Shy and I were under cover, or else they would have tasted our own brand of medication." Kori said, frowning.

Dick could not resist, "Medicine, Kori, a taste of your medicine!"

Kori cast Dick a faked furious look; and put her right hand on his face, imitating Shayera when she would pucker up Joey. "Must you always correct me like this?" She asked.

"Ow…only teasing Star…ease up on the squeeze please?" Dick said, looking sheepish.

Kori relaxed her grip, giggling charmingly. She leaned across the table and kissed Dick passionately.

"Hmm, now I see why Shayera enjoys kissing Joey in this manner…very empowering!" Kori said with a smile.

"Your kisses never lacked any power I can assure you!" Dick said, rubbing his jaw, "I’ve said it before: you don’t know your own strength!" He finished his glass of Champagne, unable to hide his amusement.

Kori gave him her patented look of pure innocence, knowing the effect it had on him.

"I apologise my love, I became carried away while being playful and I have hurt you, please forgive me?" She said, also knowing that calling him "my love" would make him putty in her hands.

"Kori, I’ll live!" He said, smiling at her, "I know you didn’t mean to hurt me, in fact I know you would never purposely do me bodily harm."

They kissed again, dinner forgotten on the small table near the bed. Kori was unbuttoning Dick’s shirt, still kissing him. They stumbled to the bed, her falling on top of him, letting out a surprise yelp. They made love.

They snuggled up in bed, a blissful expression etched on their faces.

"Sure beats fighting corrupt cops or Super Villains!" Dick said, with a smirk.

"Or evil space Aliens!" Kori said, giving his shoulder a gentle bite.

Just about then, their communicators chimed.

"I’ll get it," Dick said, "Nightwing here…yeah Oracle what’s up? Are you serious? That’s awesome news! I’ll definitely tell her, would you like me to advise Joey and Shayera too? Okay, but if you can’t get a hold of them, let me know okay? Ciao Barb!"

"What did Oracle want?" Kori asked, with a curious smile.

"She has great news: The Gotham Clarion has filed for bankruptcy protection. Their investors have pulled the plug. Their editor in chief is being sued left right and centre for libel, money laundering and all sorts of niceties …we’ve won Kori, we’ve won!" Dick said.

"Oh my Robin, that is such wonderful news!" she said, moving on top of him, her mane of hair softly framing his face. She smiled, looking in his eyes. She wanted him, again. He gladly obliged.

Several hours later, back in Joey and Shayera’s cabin, after they had also heard the news and gone to bed, Shayera had quietly left their cabin.

She walked outside up to the upper deck and sat on a chair facing East. She had left the room as quietly as possible, hoping Joey would not wake up. "Poor Joey hasn’t gotten much rest so far," she thought, sea breeze blowing in her hair, "just because I need to see the sunrise doesn’t mean he shouldn’t rest."

"Sh-Sheryl?" a familiar voice said softly, startling her.

"Joey? I tried not to wake you up, what are you doing here?" She said, trying to keep her voice down.

"I could ask you the same question: I felt the bed move when you got out of bed, saw you slip on a top and jeans and walk out without a word … I thought you were sleep-walking and I became worried, so I followed you." Joey said.

Shayera gave him a sheepish smile and kissed him.

"You haven’t relaxed a whole lot thus far; I wanted to let you sleep. Me, I haven’t seen a sunrise in much too long, I miss it." She said.

Joey smiled and hugged her. "May I share this sunrise?" he asked, "I would be honoured, and we can both go back to bed afterwards and rest. Unless this is something personal, then I’ll give you some privacy."

She held onto him, smiling "Are you kidding? I’ve been meaning to ask you but never did because you’re not a morning person! I’d love to share this sunrise with you!"

They kissed again and both sat looking east, snuggling.

Unearthly quiet enveloped the atmosphere as the sun began to rise. The horizon first turned shades of purple, then red, then orange, and then of yellow as the bright disk made its way above the waves.

"Absolutely gorgeous," Joey said in a low voice, "now I understand why you love watching the sunrise so much Angel, it’s… breath taking!"

She smiled and leaned her head on his shoulder. "How does another 40 winks of sleep sound?" She asked.

"Lead the way baby!" Joey said. They returned to their cabin, his arm around her shoulders, and her arm around his waist.