TITLE: Mind Your Own Business

AUTHOR: LOTSlover

CHARACTERS: Batman / Wonder Woman

RATING: T

WARNINGS: Author Chooses Not to Use Warnings

DISCLAIMER: I love Justice League, but especially Batman and Wonder Woman. Unfortunately, I do not own the characters and, if I did, things would be much different for them.

SUMMARY: Sequel to Suspicious Minds. Soon after the formation of the Justice League, the seven founders are invited to a government appreciation gala in Washington D.C. Bruce decides it's the perfect opportunity to further study the Amazon Princess. Pre-BMWW.

A/N: This series will be a slow steady build of their relationship from the beginning. I'll incorporate different events from JL/JLU at times so I hope you enjoy! :)

Mind Your Own Business

Sitting in the conference room of the Watchtower, Batman found his mind wandering and his patience running very thin. He was acutely aware of everything going on around him—the way Flash was drumming his fingers at an insane speed, how Hawkgirl kept glancing at Green Lantern out of the corner of her eye, the alluring scent of the Amazon princess sitting to his right, Lantern incessantly tapping the end of his pen against the table, the gentle back and forth sway of Diana's crossed leg, the occasional orange glow of the Martian Manhunter's eyes.

The one thing that he was supposed to be paying attention to, he was not. It's not that he had attention deficit disorder or that he couldn't focus. It's just that Kent had been droning on for almost an hour now about friendship and team spirit, attempting to rally the team into working together as a cohesive unit.

While he couldn't fault the blue Boy Scout for his efforts at trying to coax the newly formed League into a harmonious relationship, he seriously didn't have time for this. Crime had been skyrocketing at an alarming rate in Gotham and he had to do something to put a lid on it fast before it spiraled out of control.

It's not like the seven of them had been arguing or not getting along. In fact, things couldn't have been better, especially seeing how they'd only been together for a little over five months. It was going to take some time to truly get to know each other and learn everyone's idiosyncrasies.

Each member had their own strengths and weaknesses that they brought to the team. They just needed to gain each other's trust and try not to work independent of each other, but he knew it would all come together eventually.

"Before I adjourn the meeting, I need to make an announcement. The Justice League is being recognized for our extraordinary work so far," Clark proudly announced. "The United States government is hosting a gala in our honor a week from this Friday. It's formal attire so come dressed appropriately. I expect you all to attend."

Everyone noticed how Superman's gaze fixed on Batman while the Dark Knight noticed how Diana's shoulders slumped slightly as an excited buzz filled the room. Bruce couldn't help wondering what had the Princess of the Amazons so worried about a formal party. Didn't they have parties on Themyscira?

Images of wild Amazon toga parties danced through his mind as Clark dismissed everyone. Flash, John, and Shayera quickly left together, talking excitedly about the upcoming gala. Clark and J'onn fell into step behind them, discussing the monitor duty roster.

Normally, Batman would've been the first one out the door before Clark could finish his last sentence. Today, though, something held him back, making him stay with the unusually quiet Amazon who was still sitting alone at the table lost in her thoughts.

Maybe it was sheer curiosity getting the better of him or perhaps it was the fact that she'd just been banished from the only home that she'd ever known for the last few hundred years not even two weeks ago, but he wanted to know what was bothering her. He chalked it up to nothing but professional concern, refusing to even admit that it was anything beyond that when it came to her.

"Are you okay, Princess?" he rasped something dark and rough and far harsher than he had intended.

He silently cursed himself for sounding so cold and gruff, reminding himself that she wasn't the scum that he fought every night in Gotham. Reaching out to others was definitely not one of his strong suits, but he also didn't need to sound like a detective questioning a suspect.

She turned to look up at him, somewhat startled that he was actually talking to her. He felt a momentary stab of guilt with the unexpected realization. "I'm fine," she softly replied. "Thank you for asking."

He couldn't help thinking that it was a good thing that she was the embodiment of truth because she was a lousy liar. Instead of minding his own business and moving on to more important things, he pulled out his chair and sat down, wondering what he thought he was actually doing here playing the part of a friend.

"You don't seem fine," he pressed with a definite frown.

A faint blush crept up her neck to her cheeks as she nervously tucked a few strands of raven hair behind her ear. It abruptly struck him that he'd never seen the powerful Amazon warrior actually nervous or apprehensive about anything before.

"Interesting…" he thought to himself, filing it away to dwell on later.

"It's…silly actually," she finally said, averting her eyes.

Before either of them could say another word, both of their comms went off simultaneously, signaling them there was an emergency. "On my way," the both responded nearly in unison.

Diana was more than thankful for the unexpected distraction as she raced out of the room right behind Batman. She wasn't really sure who she should talk to about her unexpected problem. The only people she knew in Man's World so far were the six other members of the League.

She guessed that she could talk to Kal about it. He was her closest friend so far, but he was a man. She wasn't so sure that he'd be able to help her. She could ask Shayera, but she felt ridiculous asking her. She'd been here for five months now. She should know more about her new home and the world that she now lived in, but, truth be told, she'd been so busy with missions and monitor duty that she'd had little time for anything else.

She had to admit that Batman had totally surprised her with his concern. It had been very sweet of him to show such kindness to her, but it felt even more ludicrous asking him of all people. He would probably just growl at her and stalk off, further adding to her embarrassment and sense of shame.

She did have to admit, though, that his concern for her had cast a new, intriguing light on him that she was more than anxious to see more of. He had fascinated her since their first meeting, appearing and acting so differently than anyone she had ever met before and definitely unlike her other male teammates.

He stood out from the rest, a mortal who stood shoulder to shoulder with his fellow teammates, garnering their respect as well as their full attention whenever he spoke. There were gods that garnered far less esteem than this mortal man.

Entering the Javelin and sliding into the co-pilot's seat to the Dark Knight's right, she found herself momentarily forgetting her worries, growing more than eager to find out even more about this remarkable man.

XXX

Batman headed towards the kitchen of the Watchtower, searching for some coffee before he got to work on some maintenance issues that required his attention. Entering, he found a sole occupant sitting at the table with her hands wrapped around a cup.

He silently made his way to the coffee pot, grabbing a cup and pouring himself some much needed caffeine. He turned to look at the princess who had yet to even acknowledge his presence which was highly unusual for her. Ever since the meeting last week, he'd been absentmindedly wondering what it was that had been bothering her. It was obvious that whatever it was had not gone away.

She was staring into her cup, her forehead creased in thought. It wasn't until Batman noisily pulled the chair back from the table, allowing the legs to scrape loudly along the floor, that she realized she was no longer alone in the kitchen.

She looked up at him, stunned by his appearance. "Batman," she murmured in greeting, forcing a smile that never reached her eyes. "I'm sorry. I didn't notice you came in."

"All right, Princess," he began as he sat down, knowing he was going to regret this. "What's going on with you?"

"I guess I'm just a little homesick," she tried to tell him.

He stared at her for a long moment, knowing there was far more to it than that. "You've handled your exile with incredible strength and dignity," he told her, hinting at the respect that he held for her. She'd been dealt a very cruel blow, one that she had not deserved. He would have liked to given Queen Hippolyta a piece of his mind, but had held his tongue out of respect for his teammate's feelings. "I know you miss your home, but that's not what has been bothering you lately."

They sat in silence for several long moments, Diana trying to figure out how to tell him and Bruce trying to get to the bottom of it.

"This is about the gala," he evenly stated. It was more of an observation than an actual question. "Why are you so worried about it?"

Diana stared at him in stunned disbelief, wondering how in Hera he was able to read to people so well. Most people would never have questioned the words of the princess of the Amazons, but not him. He was definitely not like most people and he continually proved that to her over and over again.

She drew a deep breath, trying to determine the best way to tell him without sounding silly especially to the Dark Knight of Gotham. "I…I don't have anything to wear," she softly confessed, her gaze focusing on the tea in her cup, refusing to make eye contact with him. "All I really have is my uniform and nothing else. Because of my exile, I can't even return to Themyscira to retrieve my royal ceremonial chiton to wear to represent my home…or what used to be my home. I guess it doesn't really matter now that I'm homeless, does it?"

Her attempt at humor fell flat as well as the faint smile she struggled to produce. He felt his fury swell like a dangerous thunderhead in his chest, his resentment and anger with Hippolyta flaming even hotter as his grip tightened on his cup of coffee. It felt an unexpected ache in his heart for her.

If he could, he'd fly there right now and steal her chiton for her as well as delivering a few choice words to the Queen of the Amazon who favored her royal title over her very own daughter. He knew how it felt to lose a mother, but he'd had no choice in his situation. Hippolyta had had a choice and had made the wrong decision, willing giving up her daughter because of some stupid law.

It was somewhat surprising how much he and Diana actually had in common, the exiled princess and the orphaned billionaire—both born into privilege and high society, both losing the only family that they'd ever had, both fighting for the same thing despite how much it isolated them.

The silence that filled the kitchen as they both became entangled in their own thoughts was suffocating, Diana taking it as disapproval of her foolish emotions. "I know I'm being ridiculous," she tensely scoffed, embarrassed by her confession and desperate to change the subject. She'd revealed far too much to someone who was more isolated than Mount Olympus. "It's nothing you need to worry about. I'm sure I'll figure something out. How are things in Gotham?"

"Could be better," he said with a grunt as he stood to his feet, knowing that he needed to get out of here before he did something stupid. He could feel a fine crack beginning to form in his impenetrable wall, one that she had somehow managed to create. "I've got work to do."

"Will you be attending the gala?" she asked before he could reach the door.

He paused in the doorway, glancing briefly over his shoulder. "Can't," he stated. "Patrol."

Diana sighed as he stalked away, leaving a cool chill in his wake. It was strange how for a few moments Batman had seemed so human, almost warm and reassuring. It had been very brief, but it had definitely been there. It was as if they had connected with one another for a fleeting moment.

It made her that much more determined to learn even more about the elusive Bat, more fascinated than ever.

XXX

Heading towards her quarters on the Watchtower, Diana pulled her damp hair away from her neck in an effort to cool off. She had been training for the last two and a half hours, trying to decide how she was going to find a gown before the gala tonight. It had snuck up on her, the last week filled with endless rescue missions and villains wreaking havoc.

The more she thought about the gala, the more anxious she became. She was beginning to think that maybe she shouldn't go. She should volunteer to stay behind on the Watchtower to cover monitor duty so everyone else could go, but Kal and Batman had already decided to route the Watchtower computers to the Batcave which would signal Batman if there was an emergency.

She had talked to Shayera over breakfast this morning, the Thanagarian more than anxious to reveal the new emerald colored gown that she'd bought specifically for this event. She had subtly hinted that she hoped someone in particular would like her dress, but Diana had been too preoccupied with her own problem at that point to pick up on who she was talking about.

She had tried to act as excited as Hawkgirl was about the gala, but she just couldn't muster the enthusiasm, knowing that she had absolutely nothing to wear. She was going to be the embarrassment of the League, showing up to a formal government ball in her uniform.

Her chin felt to her chest in humiliation with the thought alone. She had never really cared what others thought of her, always confident in who she was and what she was capable of, but things were a little different now. She was part of a group of heroes who were constantly in the public eye, role models for others. What she did or didn't do reflected on the League, reflected on her own personal mission.

Coming to stand before her quarters, she punched in her security codes, contemplating contacting her mother to see if Hermes could deliver her ceremonial chiton. Right now, though, her mother was the last person she wanted to talk to.

Though a part of her understood that her mother had to uphold the laws of Themyscira, the part of her that was a daughter was deeply hurt by her mother's decision, loneliness her constant companion since the moment her boots had left Themysciran soil as she began to walk up the ramp of the Javelin.

Entering her quarters, she decided a long, hot shower was definitely in order. After that, she'd try to figure out how she was going to find a dress and shoes before night. She had no money and absolutely refused to use the League charge account for something as frivolous as an outfit that would only be worn for a few hours.

Turning the light on, Diana was stunned to find a large box lying on her bed covered in silver wrapping paper with red ribbon and bow. Sitting down on the edge of the bed, she carefully pulled the ribbon free before removing the wrapping paper, her mind a whirlwind of curiosity and questions.

She opened the box, gasping as she pushed the layers of tissue paper aside to find the most beautiful gown she'd ever seen. It was a white Grecian gown, one-shouldered with gold detailing around the waist. It was more exquisite than her own ceremonial chiton or any of the clothes that she'd had to leave behind.

Pulling it out, she held it up in front of her as she stood to her feet, looking down at how the gown flowed like liquid. Glancing at the box, she spotted a pair of golden sandals that were reminiscent of the ones she wore at home along with matching jewelry.

She looked around for a card or some sort of indication of who it was from, but there was nothing to be found. She felt her emotions lodge in her throat, knowing that it had to have come from Batman. He was the only one she had confessed her dilemma to, but who was he really?

Who the man beneath the mask…the man who had a heart of gold despite his terror-inducing façade?"

XXX

Bruce Wayne, billionaire playboy of Gotham, mingled with honored guests and government officials, sipping gingerly from his flute of champagne. He'd been nursing the same drink ever since he'd arrived, appearing on time for a change and anticipating the arrival of the rest of the League…namely one in particular.

Though he knew he needed to avoid having direct contact with her for fear she'd discover his alter-ego, he was still anxiously awaiting her arrival. He'd made sure everyone knew that Batman was not attending tonight, volunteering instead to cover monitor duty from the Batcave while he also guarded Gotham.

Bruce smiled over the lip of his glass at Superman who was standing next to Lois Lane who was covering the event for the Daily Planet. Superman subtly nodded his head towards him, knowing that Batman was indeed present, but not in the expected way.

Flash was zipping about the room like a little boy let loose in a candy store. He wore a tux over his red uniform, keeping his identity a secret, though Bruce already knew he was Wally West. The Martian Manhunter had just arrived and was speaking with the Vice President of the United Stated.

Looking to his left, he noticed Shayera and Green Lantern entering the ballroom together. He small smirked formed on his lips at the sight of them. He'd had a feeling something was beginning to brew between the pair. He didn't exactly approve of it, but he certainly wasn't going to stand in their way. As long as it didn't interfere with their work, he didn't care what they did during their time off.

He watched as they began talking to some politicians from California, Shayera looking beautiful in an emerald green, backless dress. He wondered what they were discussing, but didn't have time to contemplate it for long when a wave of gasps filtered through the enormous ballroom, heads snapping to attention and conversations coming to a screeching halt in order to catch a glimpse of the famous Princess of the Amazons.

Bruce looked up to see Wonder Woman standing just inside the doorway in the dress and shoes that he'd had Alfred order for her. She looked positively radiant standing there, the Grecian style dress displaying her perfect curves. Her raven hair was curled and pulled up on the sides, a golden arm band adorning her upper arm. A simple gold necklace and matching earrings completed her outfit.

He had never dreamed when he had found the dress that she would look so absolutely breathtaking in it. It was as if the gown had been made especially for her. Although he couldn't go to Themyscira to retrieve her chiton, he had done the next best thing that he could possibly do for her, hoping that it helped to make up even a little bit for her loss. There was absolutely no one who deserved it more than her.

"Keep looking at her like that and I'll be forced to wipe drool from your chin."

Bruce turned to find the Kryptonian standing next to him, a sly grin on his face. "I'm not drooling," he quietly bit out, sounding more like Batman than the playboy he was supposed to be tonight.

"That was a very nice gesture, Bruce," Clark softly said, touched by his friend's actions. "She hasn't smiled like that since we left Themyscira."

"I didn't do anything," Bruce evenly maintained, his eyes never leaving the princess as she began to move about the room.

"Sure you didn't," Clark countered with a roll of his blue eyes, "and Lois is like a sister to me."

Bruce shot Clark a sidelong glare that lost a measure of its usual heat considering he was sans uniform. "You shouldn't be standing here talking to me. You need to be mingling or people will get suspicious."

"Fine, but go talk to her," Clark told him. "You have a lot more in common with her than you think."

"I don't have time for a relationship," he spat out, forcing a smile as a governor passed by. "Besides, she's a teammate. Never mingle business with pleasure."

"You really need to get a life and loosen up a little," Clark replied with growing exasperation. "Diana just might be the best thing that's ever come into your life."

Before Bruce could get in a scathing retort about minding his own business, Clark turned away, shaking hands with a female senator and doing what he did best as the poster boy for the League. Bruce just scowled darkly at the Boy Scout before schooling his features once more into the womanizing playboy he was notorious for.

He quickly scanned over the crowd, searching once more for the princess. He spotted her talking to the Speaker of the House, her dazzling smile warming him clear to his toes from across the room. She had already managed to create a fine crack in his wall. He couldn't allow her to effect him any more than she already had begun to.

Clark needed to keep his nose out of it and stop reading more into a situation than what was really there. Diana was a teammate—nothing more. He was simply doing a favor for a friend who was hurting. He would have done it for anyone.

Turning, Bruce decided it was time to leave. He needed to get back to Gotham to get ready for patrol. He'd left Dick and Tim in charge of monitor duty while he was gone, but he wouldn't be completely at ease until he was back in his city, doing what he had sworn to do.

Diana looked about the ballroom, hoping that Batman would make an appearance despite his refusal to come. She had to admit that she was disappointed that he wasn't here. Even though he was a recluse, he was still a part of their team regardless of his part-time status and she couldn't help wanting to learn everything about him.

She just wished that he could have seen her in her dress, wanting to personally thank him for the beautiful gift. She would have to thank him Monday at their next League meeting, though she was sure that he would deny knowing anything about it.

"Wonder Woman?"

Diana turned at the sound of the deep baritone voice to find herself staring into the handsome face of a man she'd never seen before. "Please, please call me Diana," she politely responded with a smile. "Who do I have the pleasure of meeting?"

"I'm Special Agent King Faraday," he introduced himself with a charming grin, taking her hand and kissing her knuckles. "The pleasure if certainly all mine."

Diana felt someone brush against her; a hand briefly coming to rest on her forearm as they passed by her, but her attention was locked on the man before. If she had turned, she would have come face to face with the famous billionaire Bruce Wayne. She would have also noticed the dark scowl that adorned his face as well as the heat that blazed in his dark blue eyes at that moment.

Bruce ground his teeth as slipped out of the room like a disappearing shadow. He had heard of Special Agent King Faraday, but now he wanted to know everything there was to know about him. He had fought the overwhelming urge to cut in and ask Diana for a dance, but Gotham was calling and Diana was free to do whatever she wanted to with her free time.

He just didn't like the idea of someone hitting on her or taking advantage of her right now when she was vulnerable. She was still dealing with the aftermath of what had happened on Themyscira. Though she tried to hide, he could tell it had affected her deeply, far more than any of them truly knew. He didn't want Faraday taking advantage of that, worming his way into her life or her bed.

"Mind your own business, Wayne," he silently thought to himself with a curse, annoyed with how way the agent had been gushing all over her. "She's just a colleague —nothing more. It's time to go to work and focus on more important things."