Diana gave the hotel door a sharp rap and wondered what's taking Bruce so long. She lost track of time yesterday which led to oversleeping which led to her running late. She's anticipating a smartass quip from her colleague about partying and late nights, but it seems he's the one behind schedule. Just as she was considering breaking in, the door opened.

She looked at him, startled. There were dark circles under his eyes, hair somewhat disheveled. In all the years in the League, she has seen him in various worrying states - seriously injured, exhausted, sleep deprived, or sometimes all of the above. But regardless his condition, he always carried himself with a sharp bearing, never this... rumply. It was disconcerting.

"Are you ok?"

He just glared at her.

Diana walked in and noted the empty table. "No room service?" she asked lightly.

"There's coffee in the cupboard," he said, his voice even more gravelly than usual.

"I'll make some," she offered, heading to the kitchenette, glad to escape his surly gaze.

"You talked to Trevor."

Diana paused scooping out ground coffee. "I did. He didn't tell me much since his work is confidential but I confirmed our suspicions."

"There's a planned coup?"

"Early formation of it. He wouldn't give details. He suspects I might tell Audrey."

"Smart of him."

She looked up at his spiteful tone.

"We can trust him, Bruce. But you're right, I don't exactly know his motives."

For the first time since she entered the room, he perked up. "What do you mean?"

"Yes, he works for the CIA, but he's an agent – a pawn in the grand scheme of things. What the agency plans to do with his intel is up to his directors. And even I'm not naive enough to think the government always has the best judgement."

She takes the mugs and hands one to him.

"I don't think you're naive, Diana," he finally said.

She sighed. "Let's forget about what happened. I rather not fight."

He watched her intently as he took a sip. "You seem to be in a happy mood."

"It was good to reconnect," she replied casually, "It seems silly now why we hadn't talked sooner."

Bruce stood up and walked to the windows, his back to her.

She smoothened her dress and tried to think of something else. "Did you learn anything from the mainframe?"

"I haven't started."

"Oh of course, you had a long night."

"Actually I was back past 1," he replied. "You weren't in your room."

She set her mug on the table, feeling another disagreement coming on. "Checking up on me?"

He gave a hollow laugh. "Worse. I actually waited at the lobby. I saw both of you come in."

"Bruce," she warned, "You had no right."

"No, Diana." He turned to face her. "The last 12 hours had been difficult. I was up all night wondering, imagining things. At least now you can tell me what I want to know."

She was taken aback by his words, but his face betrays nothing, his voice just as even.

Heart pounding, Diana stood up and walked towards him, her eyes searching his. "What do you want to know?"

He hesitated. "Am I too late?"

Diana stepped closer and settled a hand on his cheek. "You're a confusing man, Bruce, have I told you that?" she asked softly.

He exhaled, placing his hand over hers. "Once or twice."

He lifted her hand slightly and kissed her palm, his eyes never leaving hers.

"What is it about men and jealousy that spurs them to action?" she asked with quickening breaths.

"It's a powerful tool. Made me realize what I could lose – or have already lost."

She dropped her hand but didn't step away. "I didn't sleep with him if that's what you're asking."

"Do you love him?"

"Don't ask me that."

He tucked his hand under her chin and gently directed her gaze to his. Her breath catches at the storm in his eyes.

"Bruce -"

He leaned in and Diana found the first contact of his lips electrifying. All she can think about is how soft and warm his mouth is. A hand tangled up her hair and pulled her closer, and she's enveloped in his embrace, her body melding to his.

After a few more dizzying seconds, they tore apart, short of breath. Diana closed her eyes and rested her forehead to his.

She's suddenly aware of his hand pressed low on her back, her own at his chest.

"Princess?"

She followed his voice back to reality and her eyes fluttered open. He was looking at her intently. She hadn't exactly answered his questions. But how can she think clearly, how can she even consider another man with his arms around her?

Diana drew away as she evened out her breathing. "You have the worst timing."

He gave a lopsided smile. "For Steve maybe."

She looked at him. "You're an arrogant man."

"Perhaps but a man at your mercy."

Diana backed away until she felt her knees touch the bed and sat down. She needed physical space to think clearly. How is everything happening so fast, she mused.

Just a few hours ago she was with Steve, talking like no time had passed between them. She never realized how much she missed his sincerity, his candor, his easy laugh and self deprecating humor... It was uncomplicated being with him.

Bruce took a seat across her. "I'm not asking for anything. I just need you to know."

"I can't think," she said truthfully. "I need time."

"Of course."

She took a deep breath and changed track. "Did you get everything you need from the mainframe?"

"Yes."

"Then we can continue the work at the Watchtower. After my lunch with Audrey we can leave."

He nodded in agreement.


Clark saw the undisclosed number on his cellphone and got up from his desk. He didn't answer until he was at a more secluded area of the floor.

"Hello?"

"You have some nerve Clark."

Clark winced. It was uncharacteristically underhanded of him to ship off Bruce and Diana to a mission, but he's been watching their deteriorating relationship for months and thought he had to do something drastic. When the Kasnia case opened, Hawkgirl made the seemingly good suggestion and he ran with it.

He thought it was going well too, not hearing from them since they landed.

Apparently not.

"Hey, how's it going?" he asked lightly.

"Really bad Clark. And I have you to thank."

Superman swallowed. "Uh, where's Diana?"

"She left with Captain Sokolov of the Kasnian Air Force. Who knows where they're jetting off to."

"Captain who?"

"Steve Trevor!"

"Steve Trevor? Why is he there? And who's the Captain? – Wait, where are you?"

"I'm dropping the Javelin at the Watchtower. I'm heading back to Gotham and you won't be hearing from me for a very long time."

At least he didn't say forever, Clark thought positively. But he was confused.

"You mean to say Diana left with a Kasnian Captain? That's unlike her."

"Captain Sokolov is Steve Trevor's cover," he replied through gritted teeth.

"Oh..." Clark uttered with a sinking feeling.

"Yes Clark, it's been a hellish 3 days. And if I see you again, I'll ..."

Clark's face blanched at the string of threats from the other end of the line. He'll have to wear the anti-Kryptonite suit at all times now.

But at least he's somewhat acknowledging his feelings for Diana. This has to be progress.

Then Clark had a bright thought. "Hey don't pin this down on me! I gave you the chance to win her – or fix things with her – or whatever it is you hope to happen. If I didn't send you to Kasnia, you wouldn't even have a fighting chance against Trevor."

There was a long pause.

"Bruce? ... Hello?"

"You're right."

Clark's eyes widened in alarm. Bruce never concedes. Never.

"Umm, do you need me to come over? Talk about it?"

"What? No," he barked. "I'm approaching landing. Don't contact me again."

Then the line went dead.