Best Friends Part 6

CHAPTER 6 MJOLNIR Wonder Woman appeared back at the JL Satellite after she,as Diana Prince, had packed up and left her life behind in Boston.She was now going to be a permanent resident there.It was no big deal.She was back to her original self,Princess Diana,aka Wonder Woman,who had no need for civilian type accoutrement's,and the quarters suited her simple needs. She could have gone back to being ambassador;Mala would have stepped down instantly but Diana had not been interested nor had any desire to usurp Mala who had done a sterling job so far.She was relieved for now to just attend to her duties as Wonder Woman in the League and continue her work with her social and humanitarian causes world wide.It meant no more Washington nor Boston and little or no chances of seeing Robert.She sighed as she hung her golden wings upon the wall and then her eagle type helm, gold breastplate and shin-guards.She looked at the tall lance and carefully fixed it in a bracket,near a large battle axe and sword. There was a gentle knock on the door. Diana turned."Come." The doors slid opened and she saw Superwoman. "Hi.J'onn told me you were here." She smiled."Yes,I am just unpacking my things.I am nearly done." Kara looked around.Books lined the shelf above the single bunk.She could see clothes already folded neatly in the closet.Small personal effects were already laid out;on the mantle piece;she saw incense sticks,an oil burner,small effigies representing the Olympian gods,and candles.On the desk was Diana's JLA communicator,stationery,a laptop,and a piece of jewellery.Kara's eyes fell upon it.It was a platinum chain and pendant shaped like a hammer studded with tiny diamonds and runes engraved on one side. "Wow.This is very pretty.What is it?" Diana looked up.She winced internally.She did not mean to leave it lying around.It was usually kept in a corner of her drawer."It's a mjolnir,"she replied casually. "Mjolnir?Isn't that the hammer of Thor?" Diana tried to look casual."Yes.It is Nordic." "So...where did you get it?It's really pretty." She replied, putting her hand out for it,"Kal gave it to me.A very long time ago." "Really?It must have cost him a pretty penny back then.What was the occasion?" she asked,too fascinated by the piece to give it over just yet. "I ...it was just to say thanks...It's a long story.Not really worth repeating." "Okay.So why have I never seen you wearing it?It's really too gorgeous to keep hidden.Hey,why not wear it tonight?At the Wayne Foundation gala?It'll go well with your white Grecian gown."Kara laid it against her own neck and flaunted in the mirror."Oh yeah,it is lovely.Look at how it glistens." Diana said,"Oh,you know me.I prefer just my tiara and bracelets..." "Yes,but tonight you can be different.I'm sure Kal would get a kick out of seeing you wearing it." Diana waved at her dismissively and came and took it out of her hand."Oh I bet he barely remembers.It was nearly twenty years ago."She pulled a drawer and dropped it in a corner. Superwoman frowned."You know maybe you would convince me with the innocent act years ago,but not now,Diana.Why are you so keen to hide that thing?" Wonder Woman began,"Kara,I am not hiding..." "No?What are you doing then?You clearly value it else you would have given it away...but you are keen to keep it hidden...What does this thing signify between you and my cousin?" Diana shook her head."Nothing.It signifies nothing." "Liar." "Kara!!" Superwoman folded her arms and looked down upon her.There was a time Diana did the looking down;but now Kara was three inches taller and wider in the shoulders and had a very direct and forceful gaze. "Diana,you have never lied to me in all my life;but I sense you are trying to now and let me tell you ,you are woefully poor at it.I don't know what's going on between you and Kal..." Diana interrupted defensively,"Nothing is going on between me and Kal..." "Oh please!You two have been doing this little dance for years.One step forward.One step back.When are you going to stop pretending you are only "best friends" and just do what your heart tells you?!" Diana clenched her fists."Clark had a wife he loved, Kara.There was no pretense.We knew where we stood." "Do you?Then tell me truthfully what is the story behind that mjolnir?If he gave it to your nearly two decades ago then Lois was alive and they were married..." "This is ridiculous.You are imagining things..." "Diana,last month you refused to marry the man you courted for some years.I think that speaks volumes in itself." Diana was silent. Kara reached out and touched her shoulder. "Diana,why are you so afraid?He is free,you know." "No,he is not...He will never be..."She let out a weary sigh and sank upon the edge of the bed.Superwoman sat next to her.Slowly Diana told her about the time she and Superman spent in Asgard.Spending 1000 years in the land of gods,fighting a brutal war,leaving behind all they knew and loved and having only each other to rely upon, to turn to and seek comfort.Diana told her how Thor died and how Clark refused to kill, even then.She told her how the last night came and he was injured and in bed and they were due to fight the last battle the next day,without knowing if they would survive.And they had been on the brink of succumbing to the temptation of sharing that last night as lovers. "He said he couldn't.It would always be Lois,no matter what.Even after she is long dead and gone." Kara shook her head in disbelief."Great Rao,my cousin has to be the stupidest man that ever lived." Diana looked at her ruefully."Kara,he was the wise one,and also Kal had made a promise to Lois,until death do them part." "But she was dead.It was a thousand years for heavens sakes.What is my cousin?Pope?" Diana wanted to laugh at her outraged expression. "Perhaps but he never got a chance to see her die or even grieve,and his heart was lonely and, yes,perhaps the need for a woman's touch would have helped,but only in the short term,and we both knew if we had given into temptation it would have been soured with guilt. That is not how anyone should come together." Kara demanded,"Okay,so that's his story...and he got to go back to Lois as if nothing ever happened,however much I think that ridiculous.I swear I often wonder if it is blood or water in my cousin's veins.You.What of you?" "What of me?" "One thousand years,Diana.How do you forget?' Diana shrugged."You don't." "No,I should think not.Diana,has it been very hard being my cousin's best friend?" Diana smiled."How can it be hard when he is such a kind,supportive and solid man?He never even batted an eye lid to help me in Asgard.He never has done,and I know,despite Lois,he would always help those he cared for no matter if he knew he could die in the attempt.It is just who he is.We have been through a lot together and I always cherish what we have and would never want to lose it.He wouldn't be the man I admired if he didn't love Lois with all his heart.And I always wanted him to be happy,and happiness meant Lois." Kara said awed,"How can you be so selfless?" Diana said,"I don't know what you mean." Kara touched her arm."Diana,between you and I...honestly,do you love Kal?" "Of course,"she answered simply. "No Diana,that isn't what I mean.I love him too...but are you in love with him?' Diana sighed."I try not to think about that.It's futile.I did not leave Robert either out of any hope that I could have something with Clark.Please, let's leave it like that." "But..." "No,Kara."She looked at the digital clock on the table."I need to get ready for the gala.Are you going?" Superwoman rose."Me?No.Wonder Woman has more clout than me,besides I have Monitor Duty.So this is for your campaign for your child-soldiers ,is it?" Diana nodded."Yes,Bruce has been quite kind to let me piggy back this event to raise funds and awareness on behalf of these children." "Um,isn't Kal going to be there?" Diana replied,"I don't know.I think I heard him say at the last meeting Bruce has been trying to get him to come and do some networking,regarding his writing." "Oh yeah.Pity Diana Prince is lying low else she and Clark Kent could have gone together." "Kara..." "Okay okay...It was just a thought..." "Well,let me not keep you,"Superwoman said,giving her an encouraging smile."Try and have a good time too,alright?.I know these last weeks have been awful for you.Bruce does not do things by halves,so you can imagine the best food and the most influential people will be there." "I'll try." Superwoman left her to get ready for the gala.In half an hour's time she was in her white Grecian dress and had piled her hair.She glanced at herself briefly in the mirror and her hand touched the hollow in her neck. She seemed to frown pensively and then go in the drawer.She picked up the mojlnir pendant and studied it.She had never worn it.Tonight for some strange reason she clasped it around her neck. ***************************************************************** Wonder Woman flew into Gotham.The Foundation was holding the gala at Wayne Tower.She avoided the media down on the ground by landing on the helipad on the roof and made her way down to the large chamber that hosted dinners and events.She was greeted by dozens of people,as Princess Diana was admired by many.Selina Wayne spotted her and waved.Selina was past fifty,and still boasted her lithe figure.Her once black hair was now tinged a glossy mahogany and had been allowed to grow out of its gamine crop to a sleek shoulder length and she looked very beautiful in a simple black dress. Diana bent and kissed her cheek."Hello,Selina.How are you?" Selina asked solicitously,"I'm fine.Question is,how are you?" "Much better now Diana Prince is not around.The media have no one to trail.I must thank Bruce for his help.Where is he?" Selina pointed to where her husband stood on the other side of the room in a black tuxedo,his graying hair combed back,and leaning slightly on his ebony topped cane.He was chatting with none other than Clark Kent,who had his back to them."He's over there with Clark.Why don't you go and say hi...I have got to go call the girls at home..." Diana nodded.The room was filled with guests and catering staff milled around carrying waiters with appetizers and drinks.The chatter was loud and Diana had pause to speak to people who were members of the charity she supported,associates of Bruce Wayne that were interested in supporting what she was doing and even some who counted themselves as fans and wanted to get a photo opportunity with her or a chance to speak to her.The years had not tempered their adoration of her,and the fact she looked not a day older than when she first came to the Patriarch's world was all the more fascinating.As she did this Clark Kent,also in a tuxedo,turned.He didn't need Bruce to tell him she had walked in. Bruce commented,"Just look at them flock around her. It's like bees to a honey pot.She never looks put out, does she?" Clark smiled pensively,"It's in the upbringing.She's a princess.She knows how to deal with the subjects.Even if she's irritated she never shows it in public.Diana is the consummate diplomat.She..."Suddenly he halted. His eyes had fallen inadvertently upon her neck. The mjolnir.He had never seen her wear it. Ever. He had often wondered but never wanted to ask her,to be so obvious. Bruce saw his colour fluctuate and he mused,"What?" "Nothing." Bruce turned and scanned Diana.He couldn't see what had make Clark start,but he knew something about her had caught his attention.Bruce shook his head and observed dryly,"Yes,sure,I can't tell the last time I saw you gape like a teenager.But I guess Diana does have that effect on people...though I thought you were past the age of blushing." Clark scowled."I am not blushing." "If you say so..." Clark was about to retort when a sultry voice sounded behind him."Well,who would have thought it!!" The two men turned to see a a blond haired woman,with sparkling hazel eyes and a very beautiful face standing with two other people at her side.She looked to be no more than thirty and her accent was British.Clark blinked."Jessica...?" The woman smiled."Clark Kent.My favourite foreign correspondent ..."She came up to him and boldly reached up and kissed him on the lips.Clark had to hold his glasses in place.He blinked and had to draw back slightly,really self conscious now as people were turning and looking at them with interest."Hi,um,what are you doing here?!" "I'm in Gotham filming.You never called Clark.That was ever so naughty..."Her eyes turned to see Bruce."You must be Mr Wayne..." Bruce shook her hand."You have the advantage over me,Miss...?" Clark said,"Miss Blake.She is one of the best stage actresses in London." Bruce nodded and put on his best debonair smile and flourish.He kissed her hand."Ah,yes I heard you were in town and it's a pleasure to meet you.How do you know Kent?" She said,"Pleasure is all mine,Mr Wayne.We met while he lived in London and we actually had a few dates" She turned to give him a coy smile."Which I thought was going quite well but then the press began to get a bit nosey and that's when Clark ran.Well,I must say you look well,Clark.Are you still with your...Daily Planet,is it?" Clark shook his head."Only freelance now.I actually write for my living." "Really?Impressive.So are you living in Gotham now?" "No.I am based in Kansas.In Smallville." "Smallville?Never heard of it.In Kansas you say?That's a big move for a man who lived in the biggest cities in Europe and Metropolis...We have so much to catch up. Oh,let me introduce you to my companions.It is by just sheer coincidence they are supporters of the Wayne Foundation and we decided to come tonight..."she said,introducing her two friends. Both men nodded and shook hands and chatted for a while with the host whilst Jessica took Clark's arm and steered him way from them."So tell me about this writing of yours..." ***************************************************************** Diana had just about finished talking to the few media that had been allowed to attend and looked up to see a beautiful woman walk past and go straight up to Clark and Bruce.Diana saw the woman draw Clark's head down and kiss him on the mouth.The journalist could be heard uttering,"Jessica Blake!I heard she was in town.!!Well,well,she seems very touchy-feelly with the guy in the glasses.Who is that again?" His colleague said,"I think it's one of Wayne's many friends.Keith?Kent?Dunno.Something like that." "Huh,she's hot.What does she want with the likes of him?" Diana reached up instantly at the back of her neck and tore the delicate links of the chain.She dropped it in her purse and turned to allow the mayor to escort her into the dining room. ***************************************************************** After the sit down dinner Bruce Wayne handed over checks to the relevant charities,and Diana gave a little speech on her own thoughts on children being used as pawns in war.Diana stepped down from the podium to go back to her table.Selina,Bruce,the mayor and some business colleagues sat at this table.The band began to play music and guests were crowding the dance floor. Selina smiled at her."Good speech.I think you impressed some of the people in this room.I won't be surprised if you also put some of the politicians back up as well." Diana shrugged."War doesn't in happen isolation does it?Too often it is governments who should know better that funds people to destroy themselves." Bruce nodded."True.Well,most of the postulating is over.Time for folks to just enjoy the rest of the night" Diana said,"I don't think I will stay back for the partying,Bruce..." He gave her a look."Why so eager to run away?You have barely said two sentences to Clark ...Where is he by the way?Ah,dancing with the actress.She is an old flame from what I gather.You know her,Diana?" Diana glanced back to see the actress with her arms around Clark's neck as they swayed to the music. "No,but I did hear he had been dating someone." "I thought he was still moping for Lois when he was in Europe but it seems I was wrong." Diana said briskly,"Yes,well,it's time he starts to live again.I must go.Early start tomorrow."She picked up her purse hurriedly and kissed Bruce and Selina on the cheek ."I will see you two around.Thank you so much for letting me do this for the kids,Bruce.Selina say hi to your girls for me." Selina smiled."I will .You must drop by more often. "Diana promised and said good bye to the mayor and then began to make her way through the throng.Selina kicked her husband's foot under the table.Bruce looked at her sourly,"Hey,that's my bad leg." Selina hissed."What do you think you are doing?" Bruce said dryly,"Someone has to light a flame under their rear ends..." Selina asked sarcastically."By driving her away?You know Clark does not care for that Barbie doll." Bruce pointed to Clark who was pulling away from the actress as he saw Diana leave the room."I am aware of that." Selina frowned as she saw Clark gesture apologetically to the blond and then follow Diana out."How did you...?" Bruce smiled smugly."He won't let her leave like that." Selina cocked her head at him."You seemed sure..." "I know the way he thinks,well at least regarding Diana. Nothing has changed since those days in the Watchtower years ago when he use to pretend he was such a paragon of virtue and so devoted to Lois.But when he thought no one was looking he would stare at her that second longer than he needed to.He cared for her, but never permitted himself to love her back in those days.It was too complicated and he felt he was out of her league.I know he was loyal to Lois,loved her in as much as he thought he was capable.But time changes a man.Love too evolves and so do needs. Look at me,I wanted you so badly in the early days but never allowed myself to get into anything with you.I guess I just wasn't ready.But the time came when I was and here we are,years later." Selina leaned into her husband and kissed him, unabashed,on the mouth."Okay,I promise to make it up to you later for kicking you.You think they are ready?" "He has been sitting,dining,dancing with Miss Blake but his attention never left Diana.Not for one second." Selina smiled."Yes,the Batman is use to seeing all..." ***************************************************************** Diana had reached the roof,and was about to lift off when she heard his voice. "Diana,wait." She turned.Clark stood behind her.He looked perplexed and gestured."You are leaving?Already?" She said politely,"Clark,I have an early start tomorrow.." He stepped forward.He knew she was not rostered on the League and was not working at the school."Diplomatic duties?" She was lying now.She looked uncomfortable doing it.She said vaguely,"Er,yes...I promised Mala to do something..very important.You should go back.Don't keep your girlfriend waiting.We will catch up next week at the next League meeting..." Clark frowned.He could see and hear the stiffness in her stance and voice.He could always tell when she was put out."Girlfriend?Jessica?Whatever gave you that idea?" Diana's brow rose."From that kiss she gave you I would have thought it obvious.And Bruce said you dated..." He smiled."Bruce said that, did he?" "You yourself spent the last two hours with her..." "We dated for some months yes...but it went nowhere. And the person I wanted to spend my time with happens to be an Amazon princess. I can't afford Clark Kent having the media chasing him like they did Diana Prince and having to run underground.I know how hard this last month has been for you and I want you to know I am here if you need me." Diana saw that his eyes had that caressing quality to it and she could feel herself drowning in the azure pools. She managed stiffly."That's kind of you,Clark.I appreciate it." He had closed the gap between them now.His eyes fell on her neck."The mjolnir.Where is it?" "I don't know what you are talking about..."Her heart was fluttering and he could tell.She hated that!! "You are such a rotten liar,"he observed softly. She admitted grudgingly,"Very well,I broke it." "You broke it?Why?" "I saw her kiss you...I thought..." "What?" "I don't know..." "So you broke it and decided to run away and avoid me?" "I don't know...Maybe...Look,what does it matter?I need to go..."She seemed to not be sure what she wanted to do.Go.Stay.Rail at him.Or tell him how miserable she felt seeing him with the actress. Clark studied her frowning expression and he was conscious of an overwhelming desire to sweep her up into his arms and kiss her ire away as he had wanted to do on many a past occasion,but never had the courage. However this time he did not debate its merits.He just did it. Diana did not expect the kiss.She stood stunned for a moment.Like a deer in headlights.Reminding him of their disastrous first date when he has pounced upon her without even saying hi first.But he knew it wasn't because he had moved too fast or she was naive.If anything she looked yearningly at him,when he lifted his head for a moment. Clark took her more firmly into his arms and his mouth sought her own.This time she responded.For the amazon princess and the reporter turned writer, on the top of Wayne Tower,the wind fluttering around them,this was their first real kiss.It was tender.It was exploratory.It was sweet. He lifted his head and looked upon her flushed face. She gulped,"Why?" He replied huskily,"You look kissable when you are angry." "That makes no sense..." "It's not supposed to..." His lips touched her own once more and this time he kissed her deeply,hungrily,moulding her body to his own.Diana felt her senses spin and her all rational thought fly out of her head,other than one. Clark, Kal, Superman;her best friend was kissing her!!Was it a dream?Some illusion by Oblivion?Trick of the gods? All her life she had been tormented with desires and dreams of being loved by him and whilst it felt so good ,she felt herself panic.She must stop!Suppose it wasn't real?She could not have this to lose it again.Gateway City and Asgard had bruised her heart and made her understand anything with Kal was futile,not while Lois was around and she had to move on.However she had not taken into consideration the factor of time.From the way he held her she didn't think he did either. Both looked at each other stunned at the passion that threatened to overwhelm them.Clark was breathing heavily and she could feel his heart beating strongly against her own chest. Diana tore herself from him.He looked at her as she swallowed and tried to catch her breath."Diana?" She put her hand out as if to keep him away..."No...I can't ...I don't know why you did that but we must stop..." "Diana,I kissed you because I wanted to,and you kissed me back...this time..."he added wryly. She felt her eyes fill."I know.But we are friends, Clark, and this thing...I don't want it ruin what we have..." "Yes,I know...I treasure our friendship too and I never want to lose it...but it feels good to hold you and kiss you,Diana." Hera,she must get away from him.She said unsteadily, "You are lonely,Clark.How long has it been since you felt a woman's touch?" "A long time,unless you want to count a few kisses with Jessica...but I gave her a chance because there was no one else.You were engaged to be married.But it felt hollow and contrived." "What about Lois?" "Lois is dead,Diana." "Is she?" He frowned."What are you saying?" Diana went into her purse and took out the broken chain.She pressed the mjolir in his hand."One thousand years,dead and gone, you told me she still would be the only one.Well she is dead and it's only ten years,Clark.I cannot compete with a ghost.I need to go.Goodnight." He watched her take to the sky and she never looked back. ********************** Author's note.In Superman #165,Superman gives Wonder Woman a mjolnir for Christmas.It was his way of saying "thank you".Let us say,I do not think Lois helped him pick it out nor would she be too pleased at the ensuing embrace between the two supposed "best friends".Personally I think it was Clark's way of showing Diana that Asgard meant something to him,even if they were constrained by prudish DC writer/editors and the fact that he was married.But it was clear to me Superman wanted Wonder Woman and only loyalty stayed his hand in that 1000 years Asgard Story Immortal Beloved.