Best Friends Part 11

CONFIDENCES CHAPTER 11 "Well,children,I'm taking that jackpot!" announced the Flash as he flopped his frame down in one of the armchairs in the Members Lounge of the JLA satellite and dropped what looked like a piece of a chip down on the center table . Kon-el,who was playing a kind of hologramic chess with the eighteen year old mage Zatara,looked up at that. "What?" "I am taking that twenty thousand,pal." Kon waved at him dismissively. "You always say that,Wally. Every month for the last two decades." "This time I nailed it. It's not going to be Christmas in the Fortress as you predict. It is TODAY in the farmhouse. " Zatara looked up. "What is he on about?" Wally said kindly,"You are too young,my boy. You weren't even born yet when this wager got going." Kon rolled his eyes. "Well technically neither was I but what makes you think you've won?" Wally leaned back and hooked his hands behind his head. "I just called Blue to remind him about a meeting and guess what he said? Superman is indisposed." Zatara said innocently,"Well,maybe he is. He is Superman,you know." "No,no. You don't get it. Superman is never just indisposed. He is either saving the world or in peril or doing something or the other whereby he will tell you why he is late or can't make a meeting. He doesn't just switch off without as much as an explanation. He actually cut me off." Kon straightened up and said crossly,"Maybe he was in a hurry. " "Oh yeah,I bet he was. He said and ,I quote,"Wally I'm off duty and busy. When I 'm free I'll let you know. Don't contact me unless it's a life or death situation." And then he cut me off." Kon frowned. That did sound suspect. "Look,Wally,you need proof to win that bet. We don't even know Diana is there. From what I gather she's tied up with Themyscira." Flash said airily,"Well,why don't you call him?Last thing he told Kara was that he was at the farm. That was over six hours ago. No one has heard nor seen sight of him." Kon got up. He wasn't going to lose this bet."I will." He fished out his own communicator and tried. He only got the sound of a dead line in response. He frowned. Wally waggled his brows. "See?Kent always answers." Kon pulled out his mini phone and dialed the farmhouse. The phone rang then it appeared someone had lifted the receiver only to click it back down. He dialed again and got a busy tone. "Damn it!! I still don't believe it." Wally grinned. "I'm telling you,Conner,Supes and Wondy are together. I can feel it in my bones. And when I see him tomorrow I'm going to ask him." Zatara,who seemed to have grasped the essentials of the conversation, said,"I thought they already were together. Everyone seems to think so. This is news to me ." "Superman had a wife,little Z. She died ten years ago." "Oh I see. No wonder. I always thought he use to look sad when I was younger. I'm glad if he and Wonder Woman get together. She is very brave and kind and understanding and well,who wouldn't love her......?" Wally grinned as Zatara blushed to the roots of his blond hair. "I see you feel the wonder too. Don't feel too bad. All of us love her. There isn't a guy here who didn't at some level feel awed and inspired and adored her. But we all knew only one of us had a real chance in capturing her heart and understanding her. That was the Bigguy. He was a bit blind back then but things happen when they are supposed to,I guess." Kon frowned. "I'll ask Kara." Kara was none the wiser but she was not very helpful. In fact,she ripped into Wally and Conner for even wanting to disturb her cousin. "If he is with Diana,which I don't know,the last thing we need is for you two to be nosing into their business!!! If I so much as hear you two tried to go anywhere near that farmhouse I will.....Well,you had better be far away!!!" The two Leaguers slunk away. An angry Kara was not a pretty sight. Kon said wryly,"I think we had better wait this one out." Wally grimaced."Er,yeah. Winning the pool will not be fun if I suffer third degree Kryptonian burns." ************************************* Diana returned to Themyscira very late that night. She landed quietly on her balcony and went into her chambers. Dozing on a divan in a corner was Donna. Diana tried to tip toe quietly to the bed but Donna opened her eyes and said in an amused voice,"So the prodigal daughter comes home." Diana turned. "Oh,sorry, I didn't mean to wake you." "No. I was just dozing. What time is it?" "Just past midnight." Donna smiled slyly. In the pale lamp light she could see a the subtle change in her sister's face. Diana looked as if she was radiating a kind of serenity and light. "Well,you did stay long. I had to cover for you several times. Told them you probably got caught up in League business. Did you, er, finally make progress?" Diana blushed. "I..yes...." "So spill. Come on. I have to hear this!!!" Donna got up and came to face her. "I want every little,teensy,last,dirty detail." Diana rolled her eyes. "There was nothing dirty about this." Donna laughed and sat down on the bed and pulled her sister down next to her. "Says you. So come on, tell me what happened." "Well,we talked......"she began carefully,trying to find the words but aware of a heat creeping up her cheeks as her memory went back her day in Smallville. "Yeah,yeah,I know you and Clark....you two do love to talk. Thirty years later, god knows what more you have to say to each other! But my question is,did you do it? And no beating around the bush,Sis. Just a yes or a no." Diana shook her head ruefully but replied honestly,"Yes,Donna,we did." Donna clapped her hands. "Hurray!So tell me,how does the Man of Steel measure up?" Diana protested now. "Donna really!!!" "Oh,come on! I'm not asking his measurements.....Though one can guess, with those red trunks of his, he has nothing to be ashamed of. What I mean was,how was the s-e-x?" "You have a filthy mind. I never ask you about Kyle." "No but then you are boring that way. Come on,sisters share their secrets. How was it?" Diana 's eyes seemed to sparkle and a smile curved her lips and, to Donna's amusement, she fell backwards on the bed with a dreamy sigh and confessed,"Being with Kal was just heavenly." Donna laughed and laid along side her. "Ha! So,he was better than old Tom and Rob?" Diana frowned."I suppose it's not fair of me to compare but ....I could not bear to leave him......I just wanted to stay cocooned in that space,in time,forever. Hera,listen to me. I am sounding lovelorn......" "Welcome to the real world,Sis. This is what it's about. Even with those other two before you were so very...I don't know,clinical and always in control.....Love is a crazy thing that makes you feel a little off balanced and that's okay." "That's what Clark said. "She sighed. "I can't afford to miss him too much,because I have all these duties that require my attention. I know speed and distance are not issues for us,but I can't see him everyday,even if I want to......He will be too great a distraction." "So when next do you see each other?" She said,"I told him perhaps at the end of the week. He could come to the island then....." "I see. Five whole days apart,huh?" Donna looked cynical. "And he agreed to this?" "Yes,he understands my predicament. He himself has many things to do. And I want our sisters to gradually get use to the idea." Donna looked at her crinkling her brow at the thought of not seeing him and hid her smile. She did not tell Diana that she could easily see them both breaking that agreement. Instead she asked,"Sooo,how many times?" Diana turned her head."What?" "Come on, you've been cocooned, as you said, for hours....nearly sixteen hours with him.....and you both got more energy than most...." Diana sat up. "You think we only had sex all this time? Oh,come on,if Clark and I had done that for sixteen hours straight I wouldn't be able to walk much less fly." "Okay...okay...so you talked....and?" "And he cooked for me.....breakfast and dinner. We slept through lunch.." "Okay so you cooked and slept.....and?" "And had a shower......" Diana's cheeks flushed as she said that. Donna grinned and lifted her index finger."That is definitely one time." Diana's lips curved traitorously."I can't remember ....." "Oh,yes you do." "Yes I do but that is for me and Clark alone to know......Oh Donna,I am so happy!Is it right to feel this ecstatic so shortly after mother?" "Listen to me,if anyone deserves to be happy it is you two. Our mother would never resent that." She hugged her." I have to go home tomorrow and I am so glad you and Clark sorted things out." Diana said softly,"Me too. Thank you for covering for me and for helping me." "Anytime." ****************************** Kon-el walked into the commissary and saw Superman standing near the beverage table. "You could have told me! You let me lose to Wally! Thanks a lot Clark!" Clark looked up from where he was pouring a cup of coffee for himself. He smiled. It was all over the satellite. Since yesterday he saw the smiles and winks,got thumbs ups and slaps on the back from his many colleagues. He didn't have to confirm anything to anyone. They all knew. Plus one could tell by looking at Superman something had changed. It was in the return of the old twinkle in the eyes and smile in his voice. And Flash claiming the jackpot, after Donna told Kyle, who told Wally, who let the cat out of the bag. For once Superman,who had always been scrupulous about his private life, did not take offense. He never realized so many of his colleagues really wanted him with Diana. It was as if this happening had made everyone enthused and happy. There were never two people who were more loved and respected than him and Diana;be it from their older colleagues to the younger ones who virtually idolized them. They all knew Superman's sad story and Diana's recent tragedy and knew it would only be a matter of time before those two would find solace and joy within in each others arms. That people cared so much for their happiness touched him. "So Wally won the pool?" "Oh don't you play innocent with me,Clark. You know he did. You could have given me a heads up!" "And how was I supposed to do that? Was I to stop mid way and say to Diana, oh hang on, I need to tell Conner?" Superman strolled over to a table and sat down. Kon dragged a chair and sat down opposite him. "Well,did you have to give Wally those clues?It was clear as day. You may have just well said "Wally,I'm in bed with Diana, don't call me!" You know how much I put into that pot over the years?" Clark looked unsympathetic. "Well,you did win the Bruce marrying Selina over Talia wager. Now you will have to find some other poor soul's loneliness or misfortune to bet on." "Humph,nothing with interesting stakes as your and Batman's love life or lack of one. I couldn't even believe when he dropped that bomb on us all when he got married. Everyone thought he was going to be a grumpy old bachelor. Anyway,good going,Kal. It's about time. How is she?" "Well,I haven't seen her for three days. She's very busy with her duties. She's having some teething problems,especially with the Bana." "Really? I thought after Ares they were all one big happy family." "I'm afraid not. There is a sudden resurgence of an extreme faction that puts all that has happened on Diana's shoulders. They say she is responsible for corrupting the Amazon way of life by allowing the influence of the Patriarch world into Themyscira. They are pressuring Artemis to break the Treaty of Integration so the Bana can go back to their old ways and living in isolation. They see all of Diana's friends and allies as threats. It's only been a month since the attack and with all the fatalities and Hippolyta's death,Diana feels it would seem a tad insensitive to flaunt it openly that the Queen has a male lover who will be allowed unlimited time on the island . Diana wants to be honest with her sisters and discuss it first. The Bana have already set the rumour we are lovers when we weren't and when it is made official,Diana is fearful of a falling out." "Wow,being Queen is complicated." "It is,"he replied simply. "And I have to respect that." ********************************* Diana sat in her place in the New Senate. They were listening to Phillipus discuss the changes that they had to adapt after having lost sisters. It was not going to be easy,now that they had lost the likes of Euboea,who had been the captain of the guard,as well as many other well trained sisters. They needed to find someone to replace Euboea,and they were discussing the idea of shortlisting candidates and then having a tournament. The Senate voted unanimously for the idea. Diana waited until the chair, Penelope,asked if there was any more business to discuss,and when none was raised,she herself stood up. She looked somewhat self conscious as she took the floor. "Sisters before we adjourn this sitting,I have something to say." The women looked at their Queen curiously. Diana cleared her throat. "I admit I am not quite sure how to begin......but I need to tell you,that I am.....that Superman and I are officially courting." There were murmurs and Diana detected some smiles as well as frowns. She added,"As your Queen,I feel I am obliged to tell you this and that I crave your indulgence and understanding." Pallas spoke up."Your Majesty,you are Queen here. You do not require our permission." "I know that,but I would like your support" There were two representatives from the Bana in the Senate. One was called Lacea. She said coldly,"The last time a Queen courted and counted herself in love Heracles and his men betrayed and humiliated all of us." Diana said gravely,"Kal-el is not Heracles. I have known him for many years;we have fought together side by side;he has never hurt me willingly. My sisters will attest to his good will." Mnemosyne said,"Lacea, from what I know of Superman,is that he is a good man and has helped this nation time and time again through out the years. If this is her choice then from my point of view,she has chosen someone worthy. I wish you well,my Queen." Diana nodded at her gratified. Timandra added,"He has also bled for us and what he did this last week, were we left to do it by ourselves, well, we wouldn't be sitting here comfortably. There is no ally that has done for us what this man has through out the years. Even Hippolyta trusted and respected him." Lacea asked dryly ,"That sounds all well and good,but what does this courtship mean?" "This is not the first time Her Majesty has courted,"said Phillipus."Why should this even be an issue?" "There were two others before. How is this different from them?You were even prepared to bind yourself to one of them in the custom of the Patriarch's world!Where is he now?" Diana coloured but said truthfully,"I never professed to be an expert on matters of the heart. Tom Tresser was unable to withstand the pressures of being boyfriend to Wonder Woman and whatever we felt for each other was not strong enough to overcome that .I admit I made an error in judgment with Captain DeCourtenay .I respected and cared for him but realized I did not belong in his world nor he mine. In either case whenever I was called upon to do my duty,I did it. As Queen it is no different. Superman knows this and he expects nothing of me in terms of making demands upon my time or interfering in the running of this nation." Lacea frowned skeptically."So we are to assume you won't change your mind with Superman?" Diana responded with a voice full of sincerity,"I don't know what the future may bring but I can truly say I have always admired and respected him. I trust him with my life." Penelope stood up."My Queen,it is flattering to the Senate that you would be so open and honest with us,regarding your personal life,which in fact you did not even have to do. You are Queen after all. We here too should know ourselves,despite being granted the boon of immortality,that none of us are infallible. We have many years now accepted that men are not evil and Superman is a good example of all that is best in the species. I do not see why it should matter whether the Queen courts him or anyone else. It is her right to do as her heart dictates. So far I do not see that this courtship could detrimental to Themyscira and I, for one, support her." Phillipus spoke up."As do I." Timandra said,"Then let us put this to a vote so we are clear where we stand on this issue. Those who agree for Superman to be granted unlimited freedom to come to the island,vote now." Three quarters voted for it. The rest abstained. They were grateful to Superman but still were coming to terms with the idea of their Queen courting a man who was as powerful as a demigod and granting him unlimited freedom to come and go as he pleased. The two Bana simply stood up and walked out. **************************** The fallout came the next day. Lacea and her colleague did not return and a message was sent by courier that the Bana had voted to withdraw from Themyscira totally. They would no longer occupy a place in the Senate and they would go back to ruling themselves. Diana had been taken aback at this sudden turn of events and she personally tried to go see Artemis to see if they could negotiate some agreement. But Artemis' hands were tied. Her sisters had voted unanimously for their independence,after being told by Lacea how soft the Themyscrians had become on their position over men. "I am sorry,Diana,but as you have a duty to listen to your people,so have I,"was all the satisfaction she got from Artemis. Phillipus saw her face as she arrived back at the Palace. They walked together along the corridor leading to west wing where her apartments were located. "I take it it did not go well?" "No. They will not reconsider." "I am sorry,Your Majesty. I know how much you wanted the two tribes united." Diana sighed. "It's a major set back,and not the way I wanted to start my reign. Artemis is under great pressure and the anti-male faction have managed to create enough paranoia to get the support to sever the treaty." Phillipus said grimly,"The last time this happened we were on our way to civil war." Diana looked at her startled."Surely it will not come to that?" "My Queen,I have seen many things during the centuries and nothing would surprise me any more. I hope that Artemis do not let these radicals take control." Diana said ,"After we have been through so much as one people,fought side by side,in the Imperiex War and against Ares,surely it will not come to that?" Phillipus said softly,"Let us hope so,but we must be wary and not take for granted that everyone feels the same loyalty as you do." "What do you suggest,General?" "I think they need to be watched." Diana knew what she implied. She was not that naive. She said,with a heavy heart,"As much as I hate spying upon them,I see what you mean. I leave it to you to what you have to." Phillipus bowed."I will attend to it,my Queen."The General turned to go but then paused and said,as if she were discussing the weather,"Oh,I almost forgot. You have a visitor." Diana crinkled her brow."A visitor?I am expecting no one at this time. Who is it?" Phillipus' lips turned upwards as she said,"He is waiting in your chambers." Her heart leaped."He?!?" Phillipus nodded. Diana needed to hear no more. She ran eagerly up the staircase towards her apartments. ***************************************** She pushed opened the door and saw the Man of Steel standing in her ante-chamber near the bookshelf,perusing a book. He turned and smiled as she cried in surprise and relief,"Kal!" Superman put the book down and she tripped into his waiting arms. Her lips eagerly met his own and she clung to him as if he were the rock she needed to hold onto lest she was swept away by her recent sorrows and cares. Diana hid her face in his shoulder. She said huskily,"But it isn't Friday...." He inhaled the fragrance in her hair and kissed her temple. "I know,but I missed you like hell. I hope you don't mind." She shook her head and simply held onto him tightly. He could feel the emotion in her. It was clear she was happy to see him but he could feel a kind of anxiety in her too. "What is it?"he asked,drawing back to look at her. Diana sighed. "Nothing that I can't deal with......I'm just so glad you're here......I missed you so much." He tilted her chin and frowned. "You have been working too hard. I can see it. Are you getting enough sleep? Are you even eating properly?" "Oh,Clark,now you are sounding like a mother hen." "Well,get use to me pecking away,because you look as if you have lost weight...again." "I haven't." "Yes,you have." She gestured impatiently at her long chiton and cape. "How can you even tell?" "Well,I'm looking." He was shamelessly scanning her from head to toe. "Clark!That's cheating!" "Come on,Diana,no evasions." She confessed wryly,"I am sleeping better than I was, though I wake up early and can't go back to sleep. And my appetite comes and goes. Phillipus even sent Epione to me but she said I was physically fine. It was just a common case of me.....Hera,what this world has come to.....of me pining for you." He laughed."I bet that didn't amuse you." "Well,of course not. Imagine what the Bana would think. The Queen of the Amazons moping for a mere man? It would be sacrilege. Plus you do have this irritating habit of popping into my head when I ought to be concentrating. I think when they see me smiling to myself in the Senate they must think I am slightly unhinged." Clark chuckled and took both her hands to his lips. "The guys up in the satellite must think the same of me." Diana smiled and gently disengaged herself after a minute. She unclasped her cape and flung it over a chair. "Are you staying for the whole weekend?" "Do you want me to?" She tutted. "Now that is a stupid question." He grinned. "So what have you got planned for me? I hope it's as good as what we had on the farm." Diana saw the mischievous glint in his blue eyes and laughed. "Are you challenging me,Superman?" "Well,your Majesty,this is my first time on Themyscira in my capacity as boyfriend,and I was hoping to have a memorable stay." Diana began to walk towards the bed chamber. She gave him a coy look over her shoulder. "Well,I was going to have a bath. Would you like to join me?" Superman replied,"Well,one wouldn't want it to be said I refused Themysciran hospitality." ********************************** The moonlight pooled upon the the ruins of a small pavilion lost somewhere in the mystical groves. A cool breeze wafted through the roofless old monument once used as a point of worship to the goddess Aphrodite. The fragrance was a combination of the salt of the sea in the distance,the heavy perfume of lady of the night,jasmine, and cypress. A small fire burned near by,casting a glowing dancing light upon two figures that laid upon a blanket on the stone floor. Next to them were signs of an unfinished meal and scattered clothing. They were curled up next to each other,his red cape covering some of their nakedness. They were looking up at the night sky and speaking in low,dulcet tones. The weekend was nearly over. It had been wonderful. They had spent as much time as they could together and at dawn tomorrow he would leave her. Diana closed her eyes and sighed. "What is it?"he asked,sensing the sudden tension in her. "When do I see you again?" "I'm down for a deep space mission and I think I will be gone for a few weeks." "Weeks. Gaea,that will feel like an eternity. Please be careful when you go and try and come back in one piece." "I know. I will be counting the days too. I want you to be careful too. With the Bana in such a mood,I feel they might be capable of anything." "You sound as paranoid as Phillipus. I have to believe that they will at least honor our Amazonian legacy and not turn on us for no reason. I understand the need to preserve their way of life and I hope they will see that it means respecting our choices too. I doubt very much Artemis will allow the radicals to dictate to the rest of their Senate. She has had her own doubts about men over the years but after being Wonder Woman I know she understands why it is important to reach out to the world and seek peace. I trust her. Yet I do feel slightly guilty about having to spy on them. But Phillipus feels,based on experience,we cannot be too careful. I know I have worked as a government operative before but why does spying on my sisters feel so unethical?" Clark smiled. As Superman he always gave people the benefit of the doubt and over the years people had called him naive. He hadn't changed in his outlook much but he did understand,like Bruce,one had to be prepared for every eventuality. Diana wanted to believe. Hope and optimism had always been both their credo. It was what made them so compatible,this sharing of wanting to better the world. She also had a pragmatic streak in her and this ability to face anything head-on. It made him breathe easier. She had always been able to take care of herself. As much as it would tear at him to not be with her, he did not have to obsess nor worry himself sick that she could not fight her own battles. It was a relief for the first time in years to love a woman and not have the guilt of leaving her to do ones job. In fact, Diana would more that likely smack him upside the head should he seem to avoid his duty or give up on being Superman. He had lifted onto his elbow and was looking at her as she spoke. The way her brow crinkled,the way the emotions in her blue eyes made it flash or shimmer,the way her lips pursed or pouted,all the while thinking how fortunate he was to have this woman in his life after so much pain. When she paused for his response he said softly, "God,I love you." Diana blinked and looked at him startled."What?" "I said I love you." "I...heard you.... but weren't we talking of spying on the Bana?" "Were we?" "Well,I was,but you just went off on a tangent....."she began,looking at him with a bemused look. He smiled tenderly and said,"I was just thinking how lucky I am to finally realize this love I have always had for you. I recall myself all those years ago feeling so alienated,so alone,so empty. I never could imagine one day I would be here, lying under the stars, with you in my arms. It feels like a dream. I never believed I could be happy again." Diana smiled and caressed his face. "I love you,Clark,I always have and always will." He kissed her fingers. "I know now how hard it must have been for you over the years. I was such a blind fool." "No,you weren't. You were just a good man and husband to Lois. I never resented it,even though there were times it ached. I wanted you to be happy, always, and I could never love you as I do if you were any different. Love is not a weakness,no matter how it manifests itself ." "What have I ever done to deserve you?"he asked,still amazed at this woman's ability to love unconditionally and her endless wisdom. She drew his head down to her. "Well,you have started well enough and the night is still young. You have a lot of time to show me." Clark murmured,"Is that an order,Your Majesty?" Her brows rose."You know,I think you enjoy calling me,Your Majesty." He grinned and began to kiss her, lips trailing down her jawline to her neck and collar bone."I'll tell you a secret. As much as men around the world have fantasies of being tied up by Wonder Woman.....being ordered around by Diana,Queen of Themyscira,for me, comes a close second." Diana laughed out loud. It was a lovely sound in the night. She shook her head and gasped as he moved to pay homage to the perfect body beneath his own. "Men......What strange .....creatures you are." "Strange but so easily pleased,if you know how." "And Superman is no ...........exception?" "None whatsoever." ******************************** Diana walked with him,hand in hand, towards the beach as the sun began to rise. The sound of the surf lapping the shore and the sound of early morning birdsong filled the air. He was back in uniform and she in her tunic and sandals. They stopped at the water's edge. She looked at the horizon and sighed. This was it. She would not see him for weeks. Clark heard the sigh and turned to take her into his arms. They held each tightly. Diana let out a tiny half sob and said huskily in his shoulder. "I told myself I will not cry." He brushed her tears away with his thumbs. "I will see you soon,Diana. I promise." "The Gods be with you,Clark." "And Rao watch over you,my love." Their lips met in a passionate final kiss. She held him close for the last time and whispered,"Go now,Kal." He lifted off and launched himself into the air like a rocket and was a blur in seconds. She turned and took to the air and flew towards the Palace. Neither of them trusted themselves to turn and look back. ***************************************** Author's Note. This is just a fluffy/fill in sort of a chapter. I just wanted to show how people feel about our pair getting together and allowing Clark and Diana to savor their love for each other until,.....yes,the baddies try to throw a spanner into the works . LOL. So until next chapter.