Batman and Wonder Woman: Last Christmas

Prologue

It's a Date, Bruce

Location: Justice League Watchtower

Date: December 24th, 2021 (Christmas Eve) 

   Batman sat at the Watchtower's monitor, which was the only thing in the room that had Batman's complete attention. The only noise that filled the room was the sound of Batman intently typing away at the monitor and the occasional audio interruption from different broadcasts. The grand view of Earth stood proud behind the monitor. Batman then sat back in his chair and let out a large sigh from the lack of any activity throughout the planet. It seemed that Christmas Eve was going to be uneventful, as if the villains collectively agreed to treat the holiday as a truce, like the 1914 Christmas Truce during WW1. Batman, however, knew better than to get his hopes up, something would come up and he was determined to jump towards action when something eventful transpired finally. While sitting back in his chair, he ran numerous scenarios in his head and planned action steps for worst-case situations, like a sudden invasion by Darkseid's forces.

   The backdoor suddenly slid open and Wonder Woman entered the room. Diana's footsteps were now occupying the noise in the room, in addition to the audio frequencies from the monitor. She took a seat near Batman by the monitor, her sheathed sword clapped against the chair as she sat down. Diana's blue cape covered the chair and she crossed one of her legs over the other to get more comfortable. She then placed her elbow on the monitor's panel as she sat down and leaned her cheek onto her open palm. She let out a loud sigh, signifying her complete boredom. Both Bruce and Diana sat in complete silence without utterly a word to each other. Bruce's gaze was fixed on the monitor, while Diana occasionally looked up to Bruce, but her glares were not acknowledged by him. They have known each other for a while now, they didn't need conversation for the sake of avoiding awkward silence. Diana thought to herself that enough was enough, the time had come.

   "Well, looks like it will be a quiet Christmas Eve." Diana confidently exclaimed.

   "So far, but a lot can happen between now and the rest of the night." Bruce immediately responded with irritation.

   Diana decided not to respond, since she knew better enough to press further. Bruce was the most stubborn person she had ever met, he would not yield, especially when it came to his self-declared crusade. So, they both sat in silence for a while longer before Diana broke the silence again.

   "I wonder how J'onn is doing. I hope he is enjoying his time with Clark and his family. It's good that he didn't choose to isolate himself up here again, I think he will genuinely enjoy his time." Diana hopefully exclaimed.

   "Uh-huh." Bruce uttered under his breath, as if he could care less for the conversation. Diana chuckled in response and then continued.

   "Great! Barry is spending Christmas with kids at an orphanage, John is spending well deserved time with his family back home; Arthur is taking personal time with Mera in Atlantis, and Jessica is out on a mission with the Lantern Corp. Meanwhile, I volunteered to do monitor duty with you out in the vacuum of space."

   "You know you don't have to be here Diana; I can handle tonight on my own."

   "Yeah, I know, it's just I... I guess I felt sad knowing you would be alone up here for the holiday. No one deserves to be alone around this time Bruce."

   "Oh, please Diana, you know for a fact that I wouldn't be phased by that."

   "Well, I don't care Bruce, besides, if something does happen, I don't feel comfortable with you doing it on your own. You need backup."

   "You don't need to worry about me, I've..."

   "Ok Bruce I understand." Diana cut off Bruce in frustration, she knew that this conversation would be going in circles all night if it continued. Diana then leaned back into her chair and crossed her arms tightly. She let out a huge sigh and then stared up to Bruce with her ocean blue eyes. She then smirked before continuing.

   "Bruce, do you remember our conversation on that roof? The night we were on stakeout."

   "I don't know what you are talking about."

   "Yes, you do. Bruce, I understand why you are always vigilant, but one night won't jeopardize anything. You know, I read that Robinson Park has a beautiful display of holiday lights throughout the park. Maybe...maybe you could go with me?"

   "Are you kidding me? I need to attend to the monitor Diana."

   "No, you don't. I'll call up Caitlin. She volunteered to do monitor duty as backup if needed, she still wants to prove herself. She will attend the monitor and if something comes up, we'll deal with it."

   "No! Anyway, you are talking about Gotham, the park is bound to be a security threat and..."

   "Bruce, I'll be with you, if something happens, then we will handle it together."

   Bruce then finally stopped staring at the monitor and turned his chair towards the direction of Diana to give her a firm look.

   "I am not going to neglect my responsibility for a casual night stroll. If you want holiday cheer Diana, then leave." Diana stood up from her chair and returned Bruce's firm statement.

   "Bruce, I'm going to go take a shower and get dressed for the night. When I come back, we will be going. No more excuses. I'll go wake Caitlin. It's a date Bruce." Before Bruce could respond, Diana winked at him and strolled away. Bruce leaned back in his chair flustered.