A/N: I know things are slow right now, but I want to get Diana's feelings sorted out and out of the way before the other things begin. Things should pick up next chapter. Nonetheless, I hope you enjoy the chapter. It's mostly Diana pondering her feelings for our favorite Dark Knight. Please enjoy and review! Also, let me know if any characters are OOC or anything else. Any constructive criticism would be appreciated.

Disclaimer: I don't own any of these characters. They belong to their rightful owners.

Chapter 2:

Musings

Batman.

The Dark Knight.

Self-proclaimed guardian of Gotham.

It's funny if you think about it. The only man I'm attracted to and have feelings for is just a mere mortal. No powers. But, after observing him and his abilities, I've come to realize that he doesn't need any.

He is a warrior in the truest sense, having honed his body to muscled perfection through nothing but his own determination. And his brilliance is unmatched just as is his arrogance. But, it's a lot more than that. It's not just his abilities and mind that gravitates me to him, though they are admirable.

No. The main thing is the fact that he cares so much more than he lets on. Its fact that he gives so much of himself without expecting anything in return.

It wasn't always this way though.

I remember the day I met him. Hera, he was so infuriating.

That day, 5 years ago…

The watchtower had just been built. The seven of us were gathered in the conference room, waiting to discuss our actions and the formation of the Justice League.

With a swoosh, the door opened and the seven of us walked into the conference room.

Inspecting the room, I saw a large round table in the middle of the room. There were also seven chairs set up around it and a hologram projector in the middle of the table. Each of the chairs was marked with a unique logo, corresponding to our superhero identities.

I noticed that my chair was positioned between the chairs of Batman and Superman. On Batman's chair was his bat logo, and Superman's chair was marked with his shield.

My chair had a logo that looked to be the combination of an eagle and two W's.

With no one speaking a word, we each took our seats, Batman on my left, Superman on my right. Sitting in a the regal manner I was taught, I observed the six of them.

Flash and Green Lantern were engaged in another verbal conversation about something called the "Bro code."

Aquaman was trying to sit in a regal and dignified manner, holding his chin up high with his hands clasped on the table.

Cyborg looked like he was playing a game on his arm.

Superman kept on alternating glances between outer space and the Justice League logo imprinted in the middle of the table. And Batman…

Batman was just sitting there. Stoic expression plastered on his face. He looked like a statue and I couldn't even tell if he was utterly bored or in deep thought.

What a strange man…

And then, as if on cue, everyone quieted down until no one was speaking anything. Just glancing across the table at one another. Then, after a few more tense moments, Superman broke the silence.

"I think we should all discuss our views on the formation of this Justice League and whether or not we are willing to take on the responsibility of keeping Earth safe." Superman stated.

Trying to get the first word, everyone started to speak at once.

"I already work at the police station, I'm swamped with work."

"I have a whole sector of the universe to protect, and I haven't needed any help so far."

"I only care about the oceans."

"I'm just a kid."

The list of excuses went on for a while until the, up to this point, silent man seated to my left spoke.

"ENOUGH." He growled at no one in particular, "The world needs the Justice League, so it is in their best interest that we form this team."

I found it intriguing that this man could get everything in order with a single word. Albeit a little annoying that he's ordering us around.

"Agreed." Superman replied hastily, "But with that being said, I think we should all explain our situations and boundaries that shouldn't be crossed." Then he looked around the table, wondering, "Anyone want to go first?"

I decided now would be a good time to voice myself.

"I will participate in this team. My name is Diana, Princess of Themyscira. I have come to Man's World to help spread our ideals of peace, but will also do anything I can to protect it." I swept my gaze across each of their faces. "I will also not tolerate any sexist remarks. From anyone." I added icily.

Growing up on Themyscira, I know that women live fine without the help of men. And once I came to Man's World, I noticed that women were treated unequally, as if they were of lower status than the male gender. Unable to tolerate this, I made it a goal to also speak for gender equality. And being the only woman here, I do not want to be treated differently because I am of the female gender.

"Alright. I'm in." Flash stated warily after a few moments of contemplation. With his hand grasping his chin, he stated, "Names Flash. Hopefully we can do some good work here." He smiled and ran his hand up and down his neck nervously.

From what I've seen, he seems like a good guy. Doesn't have an attitude and is always in a happy mood.

After Flash agrees to join, I can see that the Green Lantern resigns to join as well.

Sighing, he said, "Hal Jordan. Green Lantern of the sector that contains Earth. Normally I protect it by myself, but I guess I'll work with you guys too."

He seemed very cocky. Much like the men my sisters warned me about.

"Ahem," Someone choked out. We all turn to look at Aquaman as he stood up.

He rose with his trident at his side. "I am Arthur, King of the seas. My allegiance comes to the oceans before anything else. But, since providing my help to you will help keep the oceans safe, I will join as well." After his speech, he sat back down, trying to look regal once again.

After Aquaman, Cyborg spoke up nervously, "My name's Victor Stone, but since I won't be able to return to my old life, I guess you guys can call me Cyborg."

Then, I realized that he was just a kid, no older than 18. Worriedly, I voiced my concern. "If you don't mind me asking, what happened to you Victor?"

Cyborg then told us his story about how he was a high school football player who got injured from the boom tubes explosions. He told us about his father and the procedure it took to keep him alive. After he finishes his story, I felt my heart sink at what happened to him. His life was abruptly destroyed for no reason and now he's forced to live life as a machine, unable to return to normality.

"I'm so sorry." I told him. I can't imagine what it would be like if my life changed like that.

"Yeah, me too."

Trying to ease the tension, Superman spoke, "You guys can call me Superman." He smiles, then looks around the table."With everyone here, I'm hopeful that we can keep the Earth safe from danger."

Finally, everyone turned to the man in dark-clad armor to my left.

"Batman." He stated neutrally without any emotion. "One rule. Stay out of Gotham City," he orders.

I felt my anger rise at his arrogance. This was his second order and he had barely spoke ten words. Who is he to order us around? He doesn't even have any powers.

Just a mere mortal.

Green Lantern is the first to object, "It is my duty to keep Earth safe. So, I will protect all of it, including Gotham."

"No." This time, his voice carries an underlying icy tone. "I already told you this. Gotham is MY city. Stay out of it. ALL of you." His face is still expressionless as he looks around the table to make sure his message gets across to all six of us.

I couldn't take it anymore.

"And who are you to order us around? You arrogant man. We don't have to listen to you."

He turned his head to face me directly, but remained silent.

Trying to stop this conflict before it gets escalated, Superman tries to intervene, "Wonder Woman-"

I cut him off, fuming at his continued silence and expressionless glare. "No. Who is he? Why is he even here? He doesn't have any powers. Why should he even be allowed to be on this team with us?" I spat out angrily.

Batman still said nothing. His only reaction is to smirk at me.

I'm about to get up and punch him in the jaw when Superman put his hand on my shoulder to keep me seated.

He's about to speak when he gets interrupted again.

"Care to spar, Princess?" Batman asked me, emphasizing my title.

I laughed. "You? Spar with me. I would beat you easily, even without my powers." I stated, fully confidant in my abilities.

"Try me." He challenged. I never back down from a challenge, it is not the Amazon way.

"Your funeral," One of the other men muttered. I didn't catch who spoke, considering I was still fuming at his arrogance.

Before I even respond, Batman stood up and walked out the door toward the training room. I got up and followed him, with everyone else trailing behind me.

As the six of us entered the training room, we see Batman standing in the middle, looking at us, still sporting a smirk.

I walked up to him, staring into the lenses of his cowl.

"Are you sure about this?" Even though he's angered me, he still helped us out during our battle with Darkseid. I don't want to cause him any unnecessary harm.

"Scared?" And, somehow, I just knew his eyebrow raised under his cowl.

My only response was to throw the first punch, and true to my word, I wasn't using my powers during this fight.

Surprisingly, he easily dodged my attack and took a couple steps back, putting some distance between us.

"I'm not ready, Princess," he stated, his voice still emotionless. I would imagine that he would be at least angry, or at the very least, irritated due to my hasty attack.

I watched as he unhooked his cape and threw it to the side. Then he took off his utility belt and placed it next to his fallen cape. After that, he walks back over to the center, with his lips set in a thin line and his face expressionless.

He nods at me, "Ready."

I nodded back, signaling the beginning of our battle.

At first we are just circling each other, waiting for the other to make the first move. My patience running out, I charged first and throw out a couple fast jabs. He managed to dodge most of my jabs and block the rest. He countered with a lightning fast roundhouse kick that forces me to block and take a step back. Unrelenting, he pushed forward and barrages me with an onslaught of kicks and punches, most from styles of fighting I've never seen. I managed to black most of them, but a few get through. I decided to go on the offensive again and go for a leg sweep, but he flips away, landing about 10 feet away.

We circled each other for a bit before I charge again. This time we exchanged hits for a while. Him actually getting more hits on me than I am on him. We continue back and forth for a while until he throws out a right hook. I moved to block the attack, but it turns out it was a feint. Pressing his advantage, he put his arms around my body, bringing me down to the ground. While doing this he managed to take one of my arms and pull it behind my back. Now, with his weight on top of me I can't move. He has me pinned. Needless to say, I'm shocked.

What shocked me even more though, is after he stood up, he held his hand out. Warily, I accepted his offer and allowed him to pull me back to my feet. I would've thought he would berate me for underestimating him, but instead he surprises me with this kind gesture. His face, what I can see of it, seemed to look at me with what I think is concern. But, just as soon as it appeared, it vanishes, and his expressionless face takes place again.

He turns and puts on his gear before heading towards everyone.

He walked over to the rest of the team and smirks at their shocked expressions. No one thought he would be able to take down Wonder Woman, even if she wasn't using her powers. She was born and raised a warrior, and has had thousands of years honing her martial skills.

As I walked over to them, I can't help but respect Batman for his fighting skills. I've lived my whole life bathed in combat and, even without my powers, I'm a formidable opponent. I wonder how much training he has gone through.

Once I get to them, Batman addressed us all in his trademark emotionless tone, "I don't need to prove myself to any of you."

"I'm here because this team needs me. I do not care for any opinions regarding myself or my methods." He pauses, "Nonetheless, we should hold a mandatory meeting here every two weeks." And on that note he abruptly walked out of the room.

Even though his actions still upset me, I can't help but feel badly for the way I treated him. So I left the room to go find him before he teleports down to Earth.

He of all people knows his limits. He has no powers, but is not afraid to do what is needed to be done. Just looking at him, I can tell he holds himself to a high regard. And from his stance, his confidence is almost palpable. He must have spent a lot of time training himself to get to this point and I can only guess that he also has set high standards for himself. He is a mere man walking among gods, but he deserves to be here. He isn't doing this because it's easy for him, he is doing it because it's the right thing to do, and I can't help but admire that. He is the only other true warrior here.

As I walked up to him, he turned his body towards me.

I put a hand on his shoulder as I apologize as sincerely as I can, "I'm sorry. It was wrong for me to assume anything about you based on your lack of powers. You are a good fighter and I think you will be very beneficial to the team. Although your demeanor is questionable."

My only response is a curt nod as he turns around to head to the teleporters. Not even a word. I don't know why I feel a sense of disappointment at his dismissal as I head back to the others.

How can a man be so infuriating and intriguing at the same time. Throughout this day, I've wanted to castrate him, but I also want to learn more about him.

That day was quite amusing.

Lying on my bed, I thought about these last few years and my relationship, or lack-thereof with Batman.

He acts the same as he always has. Smug. Arrogant. Confidant. Cold.

But to me he doesn't seem as bad as anyone else says. Flash actually told me last week, that he thinks Batman acts nicer to me than anyone else. I don't see it though. Maybe he's not as dismissive? I'm not sure. I think he talks to me more than any other member besides Superman. And I do enjoy the banter between the two of us. Does that even mean anything?

Could that mean he likes me too? Hera, what did I start thinking like this?

And I am sure that there is a growing attraction between us. I know he's at least attracted to me physically. Even though I hope it's more than that.

Ever since that first spar, he has been my favorite sparring partner. He may not have my strength, but he definitely has the technique. Sparring against him only betters myself as a warrior and an Amazon. Sparring with Superman is like throwing hay makers and hoping that one of them hits. Flash is too fast to spar with, Cyborg has his weaponry, Green Lantern uses his ring, and Aquaman has a trident he thrusts.

Nonetheless, I prefer Batman as a sparring partner anyway. As we sparred more and more through the years, that physical attraction between us has definitely grown more and more. It has gotten to the point that when one of gets pinned, I can almost taste it in the air.

During one of those sparring sessions, he pinned me and I actually saw him lean towards me. I was waiting in suspense until I saw him reel his emotions back in. He stopped, moved back, got off, and abruptly left the room. He didn't even say a word and left me frustrated on the ground.

But this physical attraction isn't the main reason that I'm attracted to him.

I see it. It barely escapes his hardened cold demeanor he works so hard to project, but in those brief moments I can see-

Beep. Beep. Beep. My communicator.

I picked it up off my desk and placed in my right ear. "Wonder Woman."

"Wonder Woman. Batman wants us up at the watchtower. And you know he doesn't ask unless it's something the League can handle."

Speak of the devil.

"Understood. Wonder Woman out."

I put on the champion armor and waited to be beamed up to the watchtower. And as my particles disassembled, I couldn't help but wonder what he'd discovered this time.

A/N: Review Please!