A/N: After much fluff, I wanted to try my hand at some emotional scene.

Many thanks to Lady Isis for betaing and for your insight, you're the best^^

As always, don't own a thing, and I'm not profiting.

XI. Raison d'être

Gazing pensively at the orange flames, the Amazon princess was curled in the couch, thinking, waiting for the owner of the manor to return.

It was almost dawn when she finally heard the grandfather clock move, and tired steps sounded from the hidden passage.

"Princess, what are you doing up at this hour?" asked Bruce with a weary voice.

"We need to talk."

Cocking an eyebrow, Bruce found it humorous to be addressed with a phrase he had thrown to her so many times. "So talk, I'm not going anywhere. But make it quick, it's been a long night."

"Very well, Bruce, I'll make it quick," replied Diana with a sigh. "How long have we known each other?"

"Why the sudden question?"

"Just answer me."

"At least six years by now."

"And how long have we've been dating?"

"...Year and a half?"

"Right. So, after knowing each other for so long, and having seen each other privately for sometime, how would you describe our relationship?"

"Look, Princess, I don't know where are you going with the inquisition, but if you want to discuss this, I don't feel I'm up for this right now..."

"Don't fob me off, Bruce!" said an angry Diana, thumping on the side table.

Over the years, Diana had curbed her natural Amazon impulsiveness, so it was indeed rare to see his Princess lose control.

"I'm not fobbing you off, but I think this is not a good time for deep discussion."

"And when do you propose to have such discussion? YOU'RE NEVER HERE!"

Facing an infuriated Amazon, Bruce was trying very hard not to lose his patience. "Princess, you know that Gotham comes first for me."

"Yes, I knew it when I entered this relationship, but I thought that if you cared for me, you would have found space for me...for us..." She huffed in frustration at getting off track. This wasn't about Gotham. "No, that's not what I mean, I...I thought you would have found time to tell me what you think, what you feel about our relationship. And you never have. You've always found something else to do, something that requires your immediate attention. I know Gotham comes first, I accepted that when we entered into this, but I refuse to accept you using it as an excuse – and that is exactly what you are doing!"

Looking at Bruce for his reaction, she noticed his demeanor: fists tighten, facing away from her, with his customary stoic expression in place.

'So this is it...' she thought wearily.

Bruce heard her sigh, so he looked at her: she was facing away from him, looking out through the large window, her shoulders hunched, her demeanor shouting her defeat and weariness.

"Princess..." he stopped when she held up one arm.

"Bruce, since your feelings for me can't make you care enough to find time for us, then it is better that we end this now."

"...What do you mean?"

She turned to face him, sadness plainly visible on her beautiful face. "I think that it is better if we cease to see each other privately, and maintain only a working relationship."

At her words, Bruce felt a hollow space appear where his heart should be. "Are you breaking up with me, Princess?" he asked, trying not to let his emotions take control.

"You're leaving me no choice. I will fly back to New York now, but I'll be back in a few days to collect my things." Without waiting for his reply, she stood up and opened the French doors.

By the time Bruce recovered, she was already gone...

Dejectedly, he finally let his emotions take over, and collapsed into the couch Diana was sitting. The faint warm that lingered on the fabric was not enough to warm his icy insides, and trying to capture her elusive sent, he wondered if he would ever feel warm again.

'You're wrong Diana...I care for you, but I'm a coward who cannot make himself say it to you.' He took his head between his hands. 'Knowing that you're here, waiting for me, it's what has kept me going so far.'

'Diana...You're my reason for being...'

A/N2: for those of you who were wondering...The pig from the previous chapter was a token of appreciation/thank you from some natives for Wonder Woman, for rescuing them from some kind of disaster. Since Diana was in a hurry, she took it with her to the Manor.