Disclaimer: I don't own Justice League Unlimited or any of the characters in this fic.

In the Spirit

Oh, the Possibilities…

She should have known, really. It's not exactly rocket science. It wasn't like she hadn't expected it from him. After all, he was Batman; crime never sleeps, and all that. But part of her had hoped that he would make an exception for one day. Especially since it was that time of year. She had yet to fully understand the relevance of this Christmas, but she only knew that it brought out the best in those around her. Clark was more cheerful, Wally was bouncier… even the more dour members like the Question and Wildcat seemed happier this time of year.

But not Batman. No, never Batman.

And yet, here she was, arguing with the billionaire crime fighter.

"I don't see what's so important that it can't wait."

He continued tapping away on the keyboard, his eyes fixated on the large monitor in front of him. "You were there. Giganta's mind shut down when J'onn attempted to read it. We need to know why."

"But the Question's on it. I think he can find whatever it is you're looking for."

Bruce didn't respond at first, and Diana realised that she had just inadvertently insulted his detective skills. But she didn't apologise.

"Well?" she asked, putting her hands on her hips.

"Well, what?" he responded evenly, still keeping his eyes on the monitor. "Take Flash. He likes Christmas."

Diana rolled her eyes. "I don't want to take Wally. I've spent an unhealthy amount of my holiday with him already."

Bruce paused for a moment, as if agreeing. "I don't see why you can't go with someone else."

"Because I want to go with you, Bruce. I enjoy your company, though I sometimes wonder why."

Bruce mumbled something quietly, continuing to type away on the computer. Diana leant forward slightly.

"What was that?"

"Nothing."

Diana raised an eyebrow. "Bruce. What was that?"

Bruce made a noise that almost sounded like a sigh. Almost. "I said, 'sometimes I wonder too'."

Diana stood to her full height, taken aback by the comment. Batman didn't move for a moment, then slowly resumed his typing, never once looking at Diana. She resisted the urge to grind her jaw, unable to stop the scowl that was crossing her face. She whirled on her heel and marched out of the room. The doors closed behind her, and Bruce Wayne stopped typing. A frown crossed his face and he leant back in his chair.

He sighed, rubbing his eyes beneath his mask.

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She sat down at the table, her expression daring only those with a death wish to approach her. She savagely attacked the steak on her plate, her teeth grinding as her knife sliced through the meat.

"Of all the arrogant…"

"Having a good day, Princess?"

Diana looked up, ready to spit out an insult, when she saw Agent King Faraday standing before her. He had a slightly amused look on his face as he gently tossed an apple into the air, catching it with ease.

"Agent Faraday," she said, trying to remove her scowl. "What brings you here?"

"Justice League business. You should really learn to keep up with these things, Princess," he said, sitting down in the chair opposite Diana. He took a bite from his apple, reminding Diana she had her own food to attend to. She stabbed a slice of her steak with her fork, and chewed it slowly.

Faraday raised an eyebrow. "So… problems in Wonder Woman's world?"

Diana grunted a laugh, then swallowed the chunk of steak. "You could say that."

"Anyone I know?"

Diana shook her head. "It's not important."

Faraday shrugged. "Fair enough. But just so you know…" he said, looking around the cafeteria conspiratorially, "I could have him killed if you wanted."

Diana smiled. "That sounds tempting, but I'd rather do it myself."

"That bad, huh?"

"You have no idea," she mumbled, once again attacking her steak to relieve the anger.

"I think it's already dead, Princess," Faraday added, smiling slightly as he did so.

"Could you please…" she began, struggling to cut through her steak. Realising it was a particularly tough slab of meat, she gave up and looked at him in exasperation.

"…not call me 'Princess'? My name is Diana."

Faraday nodded. "Only if you call me King," he said, extending his hand.

"Deal," Diana responded, shaking his hand. She got back to her steak, deciding to cut at another area.

"So, Diana. What are your plans for the holiday season?"

Diana sighed as the steak refused to comply with her wishes. She set down the knife and fork. "I was going to spend it with someone, but-" she paused, not wanting to tell Faraday about Bruce. "- the person in question is otherwise occupied."

"I see," Faraday said, nodding. He suddenly got up, grabbing Diana's knife. "I'll be right back." He walked over to the cutlery tray, and returned with a different knife.

"Note to Diana: for steak, use steak knife."

Diana quickly took the knife from Faraday, an embarrassed but amused smile on her face. She cut into the steak and nodded. "Note taken."

Faraday took his seat opposite Diana again, continuing to eat his apple in silence. Even after he had finished, he waited patiently for her to finish her food.

"So… what are your plans?"

"I think you've asked me that."

"No, I mean right now."

Diana was slightly shocked by the forwardness of the question, but quickly recovered. "Not much. I've finished my shift for the week."

"Good. Because I've got tickets to a Christmas ice show. I was supposed to go with Green Arrow and Black Canary, but they pulled out at the last minute. League business."

"I see," Diana said, raising an eyebrow, a slight smile on her lips. "And I suppose you only have two?"

"Actually, I have three. Me, Green Arrow and Black Canary. You really need to learn your math, Princess."

Diana smirked slightly. Faraday shrugged.

"I prefer 'Princess'," he said, smiling nonchalantly.

"So who's number three?"

"Haven't decided yet. You know anyone who'd want to go? Flash, maybe?"

Diana shook her head. "Hera, no."

Faraday laughed at that. "Didn't strike me as the opera type. Anyone else?"

Diana paused for a moment.

She smiled. "You know… I can't think of anybody."

Faraday shrugged. "I guess we'll have to let the third ticket go to waste."

"I guess so."

She paused.

"When should we meet?"

"It starts at seven. The Metropolis Ice Rink. It's outdoors, so you should dress for the cold. Not that you need it, if memory serves." he said, smirking slightly.

Diana smirked back. "I'll see you there."

Faraday stood. "Don't be late."

"I wouldn't dare. We need to keep relations between the League and its liaison running smoothly. Don't you agree?"

"Wholeheartedly," Faraday said, putting a hand on his chest as he smiled. He gave her a mock salute and left, tossing his apple core over his shoulder and into the trash can behind him. Diana smiled, and put her tray on the rack for dirty and used trays. She set off towards her room, considering what to wear to such an ice show.

The doors closed behind her, and the dark form of Batman emerged from the shadows, a frown on his features. This is what he wanted. He couldn't afford for liabilities. This was for the best. And yet…

He shook his head.

No. This is for the best. This is what I wanted.

He paused.

Then why do I want to punch Agent Faraday's lights out?

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(A/N: I watched 'To Another Shore' recently, and I got thinking about the bantering between Wonder Woman and Agent Faraday, and… this came out. There's not much overtly Christmassy about it except the ice show talk, but… this is what I see Batman doing during the holidays (besides Robin playing pranks on him, of course).

In any case, reviews wanted, dead or alive.)