Batman was updating the files on the computer at the Watchtower. Sitting in his chair, completely focused on the task at hand and his back turned to his teammates who were joking around after a long nights work. Batman did not partake in such activities, of course. For one thing, he was far too busy. For another, he had a reputation to maintain. He didn't have superpowers or magic rings like the others. He wasn't an immortal warrior or a Speedster. He was flesh and blood. Striking fear is what gave him an edge. Besides his brilliant mind.
So when Berry began telling the story of Iris's faux pas while trying to speak Spanish, Batman needed to remain indifferent.
"So Iris has been learning Spanish for about a month now, right?" Barry spoke excitedly as all his friends listened attentively.
"Our neighbours are from Spain. Their grandma, who does not speak any English, was visiting. So Iris decides to say hello to her over the balcony. The old lady asks if Iris speaks Spanish and Iris st first says "yeah sure!" The old lady doesn't understand. So she somehow stammers out "hablo español" meaning I speak Spanish. Then she wants to say "I'm embarrassed" so she says "estoy embarazada"."
Wonder Woman who spoke every language in existence, placed a hand over her mouth to keep from snickering.
Barry went on.
"So the old lady looks really happy and gives us a thumbs up. Iris then wants to say "after a drink, I'm less embarrassed". So she says "pero cuando bebo alcohol....menos embarazada"."
Batman could not believe something so silly was threatening to break his composure.
"Suddenly, the old lady looks horrified. Her mouth hangs open, she looks at me, then looks back at Iris. Then she goes back inside. Later, our neighbours calls us and clears the confusion. You see, embarazada means pregnant. So Iris basically told her "when I drink alcohol, I'm less pregnant."
Everyone burst out laughing and Batman bit down on the insides of his cheeks. Superman could tell from the slight change in his heart rate that he was on the verge of losing it. He would have felt bad for Bruce but he found this whole thing hilarious. His friends struggle actually made him laugh more than Barry's anecdote.
Hours later, at about 3 in the morning, when Batman was finally alone, he decided to call Selina. He figured she would be home by now and would be getting ready to turn in.
"Hey handsome! How's monitor duty going?" Selina asked, snuggling into her body pillow, wishing it was him.
"Not bad, Kitten. How're things on your end?"
"Pretty good, actually. This is the third night in a row that there were no muggings, no drug deals, no girls being sold in East End. I don't want to jinx it, but I think things are starting to get better."
"Your hard work is paying off Selina. By the way, you wanna hear something funny?"
"Always"
Batman then proceeded to tell her all about how Iris has nearly given her neighbour's grandmother a heart attack.
Selina's laughter sounded like the most exquisite music to his ears, and only made him miss her more.
After telling her he loved her, he decided to let her rest and went back to work.
"He's telling her, isn't he?" Wonder Woman asked Superman when she noticed the small smile on his face. They were in a different part of the Watchtower and decided to check on some equipment before leaving.
"He is." He replied. "I think he misses her. His heart is beating that way."
"Is it me, or are those two adorable?"
"That, they are!"
