TITLE: A Mind of Her Own

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: Set during the events of Starcrossed, Bruce is on a suicide mission, but finds that his last thoughts seem to revolve around her.

A Mind of Her Own

Batman tightly gripped the main controls of the Watchtower, doing his best not to think of anything else except for what had to be done right now. His mind had been made up the second that he had realized it was the only way to save the world. His steel-like determination didn't allow for any other alternatives. There were no other options. No one but him could do this.

He was not only the most capable person to guide the Watchtower and keep it from burning up on reentry but he was the most expendable of the six remaining members. The others were too invaluable, but he…he would not be missed. Anyone could take up the mantle of the Batman and carry on his mission to protect Gotham, but the others were irreplaceable…especially a certain Amazon.

He had made damn sure no one else knew he was about to embark on a suicide mission. He had kept a tight lock on his mind from J'onn's telepathic abilities and had kept eye contact with Diana to a bare minimum with her innate ability to know when he was up to something that she wasn't going to like.

Diana.

The mere passing thought of her was enough to nearly make his heart skip a beat, but he couldn't allow himself to think about her now as he flipped switches and took control of the floating satellite. He had a Thanagarian generator to destroy and a world to save and yet she still lingered right there at the periphery of his thoughts.

He could hardly believe how a tip about a possible terrorist incident had led to this living nightmare that they found themselves in now. He shuddered as he remembered watching helplessly as Diana and John had taken a violent hit by that Gordanian ship. It had scared the hell out of him, not knowing if they would survive the alien technology that had hit them.

Hawkgirl…Shayera…their teammate and friend. She had double-crossed them, giving away all of their secrets to her people in an effort to take down the Justice League and take over the world. They had trusted her and she had turned right around and stabbed them all in the back as if they had meant nothing to her.

Bruce glanced at the time, knowing that they were going to be cutting this close. He tightened his grip on the controls, checking the monitors for the hundredth time to make sure that the Watchtower was doing what he needed it to do.

"Come on, Diana," he muttered under his breath.

He knew as sure as he knew that the sun would rise tomorrow that Diana would come through for him. She was one of a handful of people that he fully trusted with his life. She had never let him down, never failed the team and he knew that she wouldn't disappoint him now.

She had been the one who had tricked the Thanagarian guard, goading him into drawing closer to her. That had been his biggest mistake. Diana was a highly intelligent woman, a true warrior at heart that never conceded defeat no matter the risks or the odds.

Hearing her break free…watching her as she had singlehandedly battled the soldiers had caused an unexpected surge of desire to flood his system. She had been so fearless as she had fought for their freedom, taking on the whole squadron of guards without a single ounce of hesitation.

He had found himself wanting to kiss her senseless when she had freed him from his cell, but that had definitely not been the time or place. Little had he known that he'd eventually get that kiss that he'd wanted so badly then.

Batman quickly flipped a couple of switches, altering the environmental controls to help compensate for the building heat on the inside of the Watchtower. He punched some buttons, trying to lessen the stress being exerted on the satellite as Earth loomed closer and closer. They were only going to have one shot at this and they had to make it count.

There was no one he trusted more than Diana to get that force field down despite her previous flash of doubt. It was to be expected after everything that had recently happened, even in a proven warrior like her…that brief wavering of doubt that flickered inside when the world around was crumbling.

It hadn't made him think any less of her. At the time, she'd actually endeared herself even more to him.

Keeping to the shadows, the six heroes stealthily made their way through the darkness, trying to remain as inconspicuous as possible in the shadows. No one dared to speak, each one lost in their own thoughts about the horrifying turn of events.

Each of them was struggling with feelings of anger and betrayal, but the overwhelming emotion at that moment was instinctive. It was survival. They were going to have to fight against one of their own if they were going to be able to save the planet from the Thanagarians.

Bruce allowed himself a fleeting glance at Diana was beside him as they methodically worked their way through the city. Looking at her now, he could see the toll all of this was beginning to take on her. A fight had already taken place before she'd been captured on the Watchtower and then again fighting for their freedom on the Thanagarian ship. He also knew Diana well enough to know that she was personally carrying the betrayal of their friend close to her heart, using that pain to give her strength now.

He wasn't worried about whether or not she could hold up. Diana was a fighter in every sense of the word. She would never give up no matter what it took and it was definitely going to take a miracle this time. They were going to have to work fast in order to stop the Thanagarians before they destroyed the planet.

Right now, though, they needed to get off this street and find cover.

"For the time being, we're going to have to go underground," Batman informed them as they stood in the darkness of the department store.

"How exactly do we hide when the entire planet is looking for us?" she asked.

"They're looking for the Justice League," J'onn pointed out as he shape-shifted into the form of a human man. "Without our costumes, we're merely ordinary citizens."

"Hold on a second here," Flash piped up, holding his hands up in defense. "What about the whole secret identity thing? I mean I trust you guys, but I'm not sure I'm ready to—"

"Wally West…Clark Kent…Bruce Wayne," Batman growled as he pulled back his cowl to reveal his face. His eyes briefly met Diana's in that instant; her intense stare causing an unexpected shiver to race through him.

"Show off," Flash grumbled as he removed his mask with a frown.

"Red hair," Diana commented, ruffling his red locks. "It suits you."

"You think?" Flash replied with a boyish grin.

"Change…now!" he angrily growled, tossing a shirt at Wally's head as he stalked by.

He didn't want to call it actual jealousy that had torn through him at that moment as Diana ran her fingers through Wally's red hair, but it had definitely been more than just annoyance. He hadn't liked it one bit. He knew that nothing romantic would ever occur between Diana and Wally, but the attention she had just given the speedster irked him nonetheless.

He made his way to a selection of men's clothes, flipping through the hangers until he found his size. Picking out what he needed, he followed Diana towards the dressing rooms, taking the one beside her. It was beyond difficult being this close to her, knowing they were both undressing.

He needed to tamp down on his desire and focus on the danger looming large before them. They definitely needed a plan if they were going to find a way to survive this and stop the Thanagarians before they destroyed the world.

"Bruce?" she softly called his name.

"Yes, Princess?"

A long period of silence followed as Bruce held his breath, his sweater clutched tightly in his fist as he fought to keep his heart from racing. He didn't know whether she was going to respond now or not, but just the sound of her voice uttering his name brought him a sense of calming peace that he had so desperately needed at that moment.

"Never mind," she ultimately replied with a sigh.

The dejection in her voice was more than evident, her heartache nearly palpable. He knew a myriad of thoughts and emotions were running rampant in all of them right now, making it nearly impossible to think straight, but they had to if they were going to save Earth.

"We'll find a way through this, Diana," he told her with a gentleness that surprised even him.

"I know we will, Bruce," she agreed, her voice sounding stronger…more resolved than before.

After they had left the department store, he hadn't even had to ask Diana to come with him when they'd decided to break off into pairs to avoid being discovered. Her coming with him was as natural as breathing, almost an unspoken expectation requiring absolutely no thought at all.

They'd always worked well together, functioning seamlessly as a well-honed unit. Despite their fierce stubbornness and strong wills, they were single-minded when it came to their duties. They were also quick to back each other up especially when the impetuous princess flew into action without thinking of the consequences…

"Diana, no!" he hissed, grabbing her by the arm and keeping her firmly at his side.

Diana glared daggers at him, indignant with his refusal to help. "You would stand here and do nothing?"

"We can't risk a confrontation here," he softly reminded her, hoping to sway logic over emotion at that moment.

Two men on the roof above started throwing rocks at the soldiers, yelling at them to leave. One of the Thanagarian soldiers shoot at the roof, knocking large chunks of it loose. Without a second thought, Diana flew to the couple's rescue, saving them from the large pieces of rock falling from the roof.

Bruce instantly reacted, kicking the two soldiers in the back and stopping them before they could hurt Diana. He quickly grabbed her, taking off running as more soldiers spotted them. "So much for blending in," Bruce grumbled.

His princess definitely had a mind of her own. While angry with the situation itself, he could hardly blame her for reacting. She had acted on instinct, her deep-seated need to help others too overwhelming for her to ignore. It was one of the things that had drawn him to her from the very beginning.

If he were completely honest with himself, he really couldn't have sat back and done nothing either. Of course, because of her impulsive actions, they'd had to hide in that Indian restaurant to avoid being captured. It was her quick thinking that had saved them. It had been far better than any of his dreams, causing a fantasy to become a reality.

Before he realized it, her hands were on his face, drawing him to her. Her lips pressed against his with a fierce urgency he shared at that moment, but there was something else there too as he willingly returned her embrace. Though he felt the tension in her shoulders, he also felt her relax into the kiss as emotions rapidly took over.

It suddenly became less about survival in that moment and more about surrendering to the attraction and longing that had steadily been building between them over the last two years. While a part of him was still aware of his surroundings and the sounds of the Thanagarians' voices, he found himself wanting this to never end.

He was aware of everything, his every sense heightened as they kissed. He reveled in the feel of her fingers lightly stroking his hair at the nape of his neck, the feel of her hand gripping his shoulder, the softness of her lips and the honeyed sweetness of her taste, her almost imperceptible moan that he swore he had heard.

His hands moved to her shoulders, gripping them tightly. He didn't want to let her go as he began to lose himself to her and the feel of her lips against his. She briefly pulled back only to claim his lips all over again, the heat of their kiss growing with every passing second. Desire began to flame like an inferno begging to be unleashed inside of him, stealing his breath and making his heart race.

He'd never shared a kiss like this before. It was distracting and passionate, making his head swim with lust and pleasure. All too soon, though, Diana was pulling away, the kiss over far too quickly for his liking. He found himself staring into azure eyes shining with mutual desire.

"Sorry," Diana shyly apologized, a faint glow warming her cheeks.

"Don't be," he replied with a roguish rasp to his voice, his lips curling with that playboy smirk he was notorious for. He found himself wanting to kiss her again, but they needed to get to Gotham.

Batman released the controls long enough to wipe away some of the sweat that was running down his face. The temperature was steadily rising and it was only going to get a lot hotter before all was said and done. The Watchtower was already beginning to shake and shudder, causing his worry to spike that it wasn't going to hold together at this velocity.

As Earth rapidly grew closer, he allowed himself to reflect on the ones that he cared about most—Alfred, Leslie, Dick, Barbara, Tim. Memories of shared moments spent with each of them flooded his mind, but he found that the Amazon princess somehow managed to outshine them all.

While he loved all of them, what he felt for Diana had become something special to him. It was more than just a passing crush, becoming far more than he had ever dreamed was possible to feel for a woman. He had fought hard not to let it happen…had railed against the feelings steadily growing inside of him.

It had proven to be a futile endeavor in the end. Even he was not immune to falling for the Amazon princess. His love for her was deeply imbedded in him despite his best efforts otherwise, managing to spring up out of the deep cracks and crevices of his damaged heart. Only she had been the one able to make something miraculous like that happen.

And now, he was going to die without ever telling her how he felt. She'd never know or truly understand what she had come to mean to him. He wasn't going to be able to see tell her how she had changed his life for the better just by being a part of it.

He'd never get to see her beautiful face or her dazzling smile that rivaled a sunrise. He'd never again hear her voice or the contagious laughter that caused him to smile against his will. He wouldn't be able to feel her soft skin or kiss her again.

Bruce felt an overwhelming sense of anguish settle in his soul, threatening to destroy what Diana had caused to grow in his heart. He tried to force her from his mind, but he was beginning to find it hard to think straight.

The heat was growing unbearable inside the Watchtower, finding it harder to breathe. He gritted his teeth, holding the controls in a death-grip in order to keep the satellite steady and on course. There were running out of time. He needed that force field down now.

It made him worry about what trouble Diana and the others had found themselves in. They were no doubt involved in the battle of a lifetime, trying to complete the most important mission of their lives…the last one of his life.

"We're cutting it a little close," Batman stated into his commlink. "Have you shut off the force field?"

"Not yet," Superman told him. "Where are you?"

"Aboard the Watchtower guiding it to the target," Batman revealed, sweat pouring down his face, his breathing ragged.

"That's insane," Superman yelled. "Get out of there!"

"Negative," Batman replied. "I'm staying…"

The transmission ended in a burst of static. This was it. The time had come.

Bruce swallowed hard, his heart pounding in his ears. In that dire moment, all he could think about was her and all the things that he was going to miss with her…all the special moments they'd shared. She was going to be absolutely furious with him when she found out what he had done, but she'd be alive and that is all that mattered in the world to him.

Countless memories of her raced through his mind, each appearing like a bright flash of color only to morph into another.

…the first time that he'd seen her when she had first landed on that rocky ledge in those red dominatrix boots.

…her appearance at the government gala in the dress that he had secretly bought for her and thinking that he'd never seen anything more beautiful in his life.

…the soft press of her lips against his cheek after trying to dig her out from under that missile.

…waking up in the infirmary to the feel of her curious fingers gently exploring his body after Aresia's plan to destroy the male population.

…trying to cheer her up after her visit with Steve Trevor at the nursing home.

...Diana placing a blanket over him as he slept after defeating Dr. Destiny.

…a Kasnian princess and an interrupted dance in Paris.

…spending a magical evening with the princess after defeating Vandal Savage and finding himself falling for her.

…sparring together on the Watchtower and finding it more than difficult not to kiss her.

…looking so elegant and regal as she helped carry Superman's casket in her ceremonial dress.

…appearing on that rooftop in Gotham to give him her Christmas present.

Her personal journal that she had given him had meant everything to him. He'd already read through the entire journal four times by New Year's Eve. The corners of his lips curled as he remembered the endless string of text messages he'd received soon after Diana had learned how to use the cell phone he had given her for Christmas.

Batman sat at his computer in his dank sanctuary, a scowl fixed on his face. The cowl and gauntlets rested on the desk to his left, his fingers flying across the keyboard as he updated files. It had been a difficult night to say the least, one that he'd sooner forget about, but knew that he wouldn't be able to.

It was already proving more than difficult.

The annoying buzz of his cell phone interrupted his thoughts, forcing him to check his cell as he wondered who was up at this ungodly hour. Picking it up, he found a text message from Diana. His frown deepened as he read her message.

D: Hi

D: What are u doing?

D: Are u done with patrol?

With a sigh, he punched in his response.

B: Working. What are u doing up at this hour?

D: Monitor Duty. I'm bored. I thought I'd see what ur up to.

Bruce really didn't have time for this nor was he in the mood to be chatting with the princess right now. He definitely didn't want to be cheered up either.

B: I'm busy.

There was a long pause giving him hope that she had gotten the hint. His hope was abruptly dashed in the next breath.

D: Busy doing what?"

He released a long, slow breath as he pinched the bridge of his nose, trying not to lose his temper with her.

B: Updating files.

D: Did you know my new phone can play any music I want?

Bruce's eyebrows knitted together as he read and reread the last text.

B: Yes.

D: Did you know I can also watch movies on it?

B: I'm aware of that fact.

D: Did you know I secretly got another pic of u when u were busy talking to J'onn yesterday?

Bruce sat forward in his chair, his mind taking him back to yesterday afternoon when he had been talking with J'onn about some much needed upgrades to the Watchtower. He'd been so focused on discussing the specs he'd somehow managed to miss the Amazon princess sneaking into the Monitor Womb.

B: Delete it.

D: No way.

B: Delete it!

D: I like it. I'm going to keep it in ur pic file.

B: DELETE. IT. NOW.

D: Never!

B: DELETE IT!

D: Make me!

Bruce growled low in his throat, a sneer twisting his lips. She was one of the very few that he couldn't intimidate now matter how hard he tried. It was charming and irritating all rolled up into one beautiful Amazon princess.

B: You've already taken four pics of me. I think that's more than enough.

D: Actually, I have ten. You just didn't know about the others.

B: PRINCESS!

D: Relax! I'm not going to send them to anyone. They're for my own personal use.

Curiosity somehow got the better of him in that moment despite his best efforts to stay angry and moody.

B: What exactly is that supposed to mean?

D: Wouldn't u like to know?

B: Frankly, yes I would.

D: Don't worry so much. I have plenty of pics of the others too.

Bruce felt his heart sink a little with the revelation. He had actually liked the idea that she had so many pics of him compared to everyone including the Man of Steel. Now, he felt a twinge of jealousy.

B: You do? How many of the others do u have?

D: Just a couple of the others.

A smirk quickly formed on Bruce's lips. Ten pics of him…two for everyone else. He knew he was being completely foolish, but he couldn't help the surge of arrogance that filled him with this knowledge.

B: Just be careful, Princess. I have pics of u too.

Another long pause before Diana responded, his smirk broadening with her response.

D: What pics and just how many do u have?

B: Wouldn't u like to know?

D: YES I WOULD! WHAT PICS DO U HAVE OF ME?

B: No shouting, Princess. It's considered rude.

D: U WERE YELLING EARLIER! WHAT PICS, BAT?

B: Relax. You're fully dressed…in most of them.

D: WHAT?!

B: JK

D: JK? What does that mean?

Bruce chuckled softly with her naiveté. How one woman could be so endearing was absolutely lost on him, but she had managed to pull him in and banish his dark mood.

B: Just Kidding.

D: Oh. Sorry. I'm never going to learn all these abbreviations.

B: You'll get there.

D: Got to go. Flash is here for his shift. I still want to see these pics u have of me.

B: Someday. Sleep well, Princess.

D: U too.

Bruce shook his head as a chuckle escaped his lips. Great…Diana had figured out how to use the emoji button. This was going to be interesting.

A soft smile formed on Batman's face as he swiftly began to lose consciousness, finding it more than difficult to hold his head up any longer. He'd never be there to see her experience new things in Man's World or be there to help her learn. It felt like a stab to his heart, but she would be safe.

Darkness began to grab hold of him, ready to take him away just as Superman broke into the Watchtower to rescue him, saving him just in the nick of time. Shoving some rocks and debris away, Batman and Superman stood to their feet, gazing at Bruce's handiwork.

"Always have to be the hero, don't you?" Superman said with a shake of his head, his lips quirked into a disbelieving smile.

"Right back at you," Batman said with a grin as he climbed out of the rocky debris.

He was more than relieved to be alive, thankful that Clark had gotten to him when he had despite his willingness to die in order to save the world. They began to sort through what was left of the Watchtower when he sensed someone approaching at a high rate of speed.

Turning, he found himself coming face to face with an Amazon princess. She landed in front of him, slowly makes making her way towards him. Her eyes were ablaze with fury as well as fear. She came to stand in front of him, her eyes roaming over him.

Before he could form a response, Diana's hand came into contact with his cheek, causing his head to snap to the side. "How dare you?" she seethed, tears shining brightly in her eyes.

Bruce rubbed the side of his face, noticing the tears brimming in her eyes. "Diana, I'm sorry—"

She suddenly wrapped her arms around him, burying her face in the crook of his neck. Batman returned her embrace, holding her tightly in his arms as he glanced at Clark who was trying desperately to make himself scarce.

"It's okay, Princess," Batman murmured into her hair. "I'm all right."

"You ever try to do something like this again and I'll kill you myself," she threatened him, tightening her hold on him.

Bruce smiled to himself, finding it difficult to breathe with how tightly she was holding him, but he found he didn't really care at that moment. "Sorry, I destroyed your home," he said as he reluctantly pulled back, not wanting to give Clark any ideas about him and Diana. "I guess you and J'onn will have to stay at the manor until the Watchtower is built."

A smile curled her lips as she studied him, her hands on her hips. "I guess it is the least you can do."

"I guess it is," Batman agreed with a nod of his head, casting a sidelong glance at Clark. "Let's go meet up with the others. We have some decisions to make."

All three of us know what we need to do now, but none of us want to give voice to it. It's time to decide what to do about Hawkgirl and focus on rebuilding the Justice League. It was going to take a lot of work, but he knew they could do it…together. He wasn't exactly a team player, but he had seen how much could be accomplished when they worked as a team. This time would be no different.

A/N: Well, there is the episode Starcrossed. There have been so many amazing writers over the years who have done a phenomenal job of retelling this episode so I decided to go about it a little differently. I hope that you enjoyed it!

Check out my new fic What Lies Beneath. While it's darker than what I usually write, there are still some sweet BMWW moments that will help balance it all out...and of course it'll have that Lotsy happy ending. :)

Family Ties is coming along. Hope to start posting it soon so hang tight! It's almost here.

UP NEXT: The JLU episode "For the Man Who Has Everything".