JLA#0 Challenge Part 2

First Date by Hellacre13

FIRST DATE by Hellacre13 Diana opened her closet and stared at her clothes in some dismay. Normally her wardrobe never bothered her;it was simply a matter of function in her life,due to the myriad personas she had to project over the years. Diana Prince had been either a prim schoolteacher who wore tailored suits and sensible shoes or  a government agent in military uniform, both looks topped off with a pair of studious frames. As Princess Diana,Grecian tunics and sandals were the order of the day;and if there was a need for it,flowing robes of state.As Wonder Woman,she wore the world famous blue,red and gold uniform. Now for the first time in her life she was pulling out garments and looking at them in real frustration. What was one to wear?! She did not want to overdress;he was coming to cook her dinner here in the apartment;but  did she did not want to look too casual either! It was,after years of companionable outings,her and Clark Kent's, aka Kal-el of Krypton and Superman,first real date and she sincerely wanted to look her best. She tried on and peeled off several outfits,all to no avail.She glared at herself in the mirror. "What is wrong with you?It is only Kal....Clark......" She looked at the bedside clock and saw it was 17.45. Hera,he would be here in fifteen minutes!She needed to hurry.Finally she donned a blue skirt,white blouse and sandals.She left her hair down,spritzed herself with a light scent and applied pink lip gloss.There was no need to wear the glasses in the apartment.She looked at the mirror and shrugged.Well,it would have to do. Diana went into the living room and began to straighten cushions and fix ornaments,occasionally peering through her balcony doors to see if she could see the familiar red cape.He would no doubt be flying in from Metropolis. It was a balmy September evening and the sun was just over the horizon. From her seventh story top floor apartment she could see the harbour and lighthouse.It was quite a view. Living alone amongst civilians without mother, sisters, staff, servants and guards had taken some adjusting.But she was learning to appreciate being independent in every facet of her life. Diana glanced at the clock on the kitchen wall.It was five past the hour.He was never late.She sighed;as a superhero his life,as well as hers,was always full of unexpected emergencies and she would not be surprised if he was not saving someone's life at that very moment. The door bell rang a few minutes later and she frowned.She went to peer through the peephole hoping it was not someone paying an unexpected visit.No one was to know that she and Clark  were beginning to date. She let out a breath of relief.Standing outside her door,in a white shirt and khaki trousers,hair wind swept,glasses perched on his nose,carrying two bags, was Clark Kent. Diana opened the door with a warm smile. "I was watching for you on the balcony." He kissed her cheek as he entered. "I thought it might be better if Superman was not seen buying foodstuff and choosing dvds.You know how awful the press can be.Diana Prince may get unwelcomed publicity." He produced a bunch of lilies and roses for her.She took it with an exclamation of pleasure."Oh, how lovely!No,Miss Prince would not want that at all.It is hard enough keeping them off Wonder Woman's back.I'll put these in water." She led the way to the kitchen.He had already visited her apartment,so he knew his way around,and it helped having super vision so he could detect where most utensils were.He put the bags down.Whilst she sought out a vase for her flowers,she asked,"What's on the menu?" He tumbled out an array of ingredients."I thought a feta cheese salad with ciabatta to start,a risotto and to finish a honey,orange and ginger sponge with ice cream......" Diana looked impressed."It is all very mediterranean." "I had hoped you would notice." "Do you do this sort of thing all the time?",she asked as he considered her selection of knives. He said,"I am not bad in the kitchen.Though this is probably as adventurous as I get.I am better at good old hearty country cooking.So if we want say,Indian or Thai, we would have dig into our pockets......" Diana asked,"Can I help?" Clark replied,"Sure.You got an apron?" She produced two.He said, as he took one,"These look remarkably new." Diana confirmed ruefully,"They are new.I ,er,don't do that much cooking, you see" He looked amused."Why is it I seem to  always go for gals who can't navigate around a kitchen?Lois was terrible.She could not even toast bread without burning it." Diana donned her apron."I am not that bad.Leslie taught me one or two things.Besides,I want to learn.So, you are to show me tonight how to do a risotto and that yummy sounding dessert." He grinned and offered her a knife."I can try.Here, we start with peeling onions and garlic.Can you do that?" She took the knife away from him with a derisive sniff."Don't be silly.Of course I can!" As they washed,peeled,and chopped away at their ingredients, they chatted easily about their respective day.She had been fortunate not to be called out in uniform more than once,he had been half a dozen times for one thing or the other. He grimaced."Superhearing and vision can be a pain in butt.The last time I had just come out off the shower and was dressing to come here and I could hear the commotion a mile away.Some things I know I have to leave for the emergency services else I'd have no time or energy left." "So you left it?" "Oh,I dashed in so quickly I think the jumper thought he was hallucinating.Before he could blink,I had deposited him in a bed in a psychiatric ward.I felt a bit guilty but I did not have the luxury to talk him down." She nodded understanding his dilemma completely."You saved his life,that is what is most important.He's in the hands of the professionals now.We can't do everything.Part of our responsibility is empowering others." Clark beckoned to her."Come,this is what we do for the base of the risotto......" Once that dish was cooking ,he said,"Let's start the dessert. You peel the ginger and grate some orange zest for me......I'll get the cake mix going....." Diana nodded and picked up an orange.She asked,"How is Connor ?" "He is fine.He has just  finished  his degree.He's hoping to get a job soon." She said,"I think Cassie really misses him" "He's got alot on his mind.They need time apart,"he replied as he measured out flour and butter in a mixer. Diana picked up the ginger and began to peel it. She said,"I think they were too young when they got together.I mean its taken us so long to work out our feelings much less for them.Some people thought we were...ouch!" He looked up and saw she had nicked her finger.He came around to look."Woman,what are you doing?" Diana said crossly, sucking the tiny cut,"Peeling like you said." He stood up behind her,put his arms around her so he was holding her hands with the  knife in his own.He said, moving her hands,"This is how you do it.You scrape the skin;you don't peel it .See,how easy it comes off?" Diana gulped.Peeling ginger was suddenly the last thing on her mind.Having him press in so close behind her,that she could feel his body brushing hers and his breath caressing her cheek, made her insides go all queasy. "Diana?" She swallowed and turned her head to stare at him."Does peeling ginger make one light headed?" Clark looked into her eyes.Their hands had stilled and the knife and knobbled root fell to the counter unheeded. He murmured,"I guess it does." Their lips were inches away from each others when the familiar alarm of Diana's JLA comlink went off. Clark swore under his breath.Diana let out a sigh of dismay. She whispered,"I need to get that." He moved back."Yes.I know you do." She hurried to the sitting area where the device sat on the mantle.She powered it on. "Diana here." The image of the Batman flicked on the tiny screen. She sighed."What is it,Bruce?" "Wonder Woman,there is a gas leak and explosion at a petrochemical plant in the S______Valley.You are the closest one there.There are workers on site and a housing development a mile away." She replied in resignation,"I'll get to it." Batman added,"You might do well to take Clark with you." She asked perplexed,"What do you mean take Cla.........?" Batman interrupted,"Exactly what I said.Batman out." Diana turned around to call Clark,only to see him right behind her already attired in his Superman uniform.She uttered,"He said......" Superman replied,"I heard.Come on.Suit up." "How did he know?" "He is doing monitor duty,"he shrugged,"he'll know everything." "That is not what I mean,and you know it." "What do you mean?" "You told him!" "Of course not.Come on,we are wasting time.You can give me the third degree when we are in the air." The amazon princess glared daggers at him,but he did not blink.In a whirl of motion,she was soon in her famous uniform. He said, as they took to the air,"Now then, what are you so miffed about?" She said tersely,"We were to keep this secret.I have not even told my mother." "And I have not told anyone either." "So how did he know you were with me?" Superman said pensively,"Well,it was Bruce who helped me make up my mind." Diana blinked."What?" Superman added,"Yeah,after you told us about the wedding, Bruce and I had a bit of a debate about you when we left the island." Diana opened her lips to ask what the debate was about only to have a large explosion fire the horizon ahead of them. She gasped."Gaea!" Superman said grimly."I''ll take the core of the fire.You go to the perimeters and get people to safety.And Diana.........." She turned to look at him before flying in the opposite direction. "Take care,"he said. "You too,"she replied. The next three hours was spent calming raging fires,trying to salvage parts of the plant,getting workers to safety,securing the nearby housing development,taking the injured to nearby hospitals and evacuating part of the valley.Superman and Wonder Woman crossed paths occasionally,mainly to check on each other or assist when things got out of hand.Finally the situation was under control and the emergency services could safely take over.The plant owners,onlookers,press,the town's mayor, all wanted to either voice their gratitude or ask questions. It was ironic that Diana ,the onetime ambassador and royal princess,did not have the patience to deal with the barage of people.Clark, the farmboy reporter, however,had all the  tact of a seasoned diplomat.As Superman his boyish charisma and noble demeamour made him an idolized figure.Diana looked on in quiet amusement as "fans" fawned all over him.Even the female television reporter flirting with him made her smile.Being a reporter himself,it was a matter of professional courtesy that Clark gave the press their fair due.It was hilarious to see him try to overlook the woman batting her lashes at him and ignoring  dulcet tones that reeked of innuendo. He gritted softly to Diana,who was standing at his side and feigning an expression of mild interest at it all,"I could use some help here." Diana folded her arms and murmured,"Oh no,lover boy,  you are on your own." "Minx,"was the very eloquent reply. Then a tabloid reporter shouted,"Hey,Supes you and the Wonder Babe still getting it on?" Superman's jaw tightened and it was obvious his patience and goodwill had come to an abrupt halt with that disparaging comment.He  firmly waved the microphones aside. He announced,"We need to go." He  deliberately took Diana's hand in his and they took to the air.They could hear voices uttering."See that!I knew it!" She remarked,"That is not going to help our case." "Let them think what they want.I'm too tired of their antics to care." They flew back to Diana's city.They touched down on her balcony and looked at each other wearily.Both were covered in oil,soot and dirt.His uniform was burnt and torn in places and his cape in tatters.Hers had faired a bit better,it was crafted from the gods afterall;but her hair was matted with grime and her tiara was askew.They both began to laugh at the situation and themselves. She sighed."Is this what dating each other  will be like?" He replied,"I guess it is.We are superheros after all.We should be used to it by now." "Well,it is better than flying out on someone and having to lie to them where one is going or what one is doing.And we did do good work tonight." He smiled."We are a good team,you and I." She complained as they walked into the apartment,"I am even more hungry now." "The risotto is all soggy and it is too late to fiddle with the dessert now.I'll see what I can do with the remains." She looked him up and down."You need a shower first.There are towels in the cupboard near the bathroom." "Yes ma'am,"he saluted and disappeared down the corridor. She was about to see what she could clear up in the kitchen when the phone rang.She answered it."Hello?" Donna Troy's voice rang down the receiver. "Diana, are you allright?" "Oh,hi.Yes,I am fine." "I saw the news and caught a glimpse of you and Superman. It looked rough." "It was.But we got everything under control." "Were there much casualties?" "Dozens injured.Ten dead." "I am sorry." "We tried but it was too late.These guys had multiple injuries. Still, part of the Valley was evacuated until they could assess the damage and gas levels...." "How's Clark?" "Oh,he's inside having a shower,"she replied thoughtlessly. Donna's voice demanded,"He's where?Doing what?" Diana smacked her forehead but returned woodenly,"Having a shower.Can't a man have a shower?" "Sure he can.....but since when in your place at eleven at night?" "Since five minutes ago,"she retorted, annoyed at her sister's tone. "Oh is that right?Couldn't he go back to Metropolis?He'd be there in minutes." "Donna,will you stop it?". "Oh!Oh,I get it.You and Clark are up to something!" "We are not!" "It makes sense now.You called off the wedding so abruptly.I knew something was off when you kept going on and on about him and Bruce....." "Donna,please......",she beseeched. "Diana,I am your sister.You can confide in me,you know....' After a long pause,Diana admitted,"We were to have a first real date tonight.He came to cook me dinner and well,you know the rest......" Donna squealed."Oh I am so excited!I think that is wonderful.I always preferred him to the others.Well, the night is still young and you never know........" The amazon princess felt her cheeks tingle with heat.She rebuked,"We are only having dinner,nothing else is going to happen.We don't want to rush things....." "Okay,Prunella,if you say so........" Diana retorted,"I know so.So I would appreciate if you would take your mind out of the gutter.Clark and I ..........." The door to the bathroom opened and Clark came out wearing only a towel  about his hips.He came into the sitting area to pick up the clothing that he had scattered on the floor earlier that evening. He apologized,"Sorry.Just taking these and going." Diana stared at him open mouthed.She had seen this man many times in various states of undress but always in a work setting.The mere sight of him out of uniform,his hair wet and curling from the shower,his skin still damp and glowing, in her living room, hit home the new level of intimacy in which their relationship was heading.She watched him retreat back into the bathroom,oblivious of the effect he had upon her. Donna Troy was calling her sister's name. "Diana!Diana!You there?" Diana jerked out of her trance and let out a groan ."Hera,I don't know if I am ready for this!" "For what?What happened?" "He...he just came out to get his clothes...and ..and he was only in a towel........Gods,I can't think straight.." "Come on,Diana,stop acting like a petrified virgin.You've known him for years.You trust him implicitly.Don't over think this.Just let it flow.You'll know if it feels right.Nothing has to happen if you don't want it to happen.Okay?" Diana took a deep breath."Yes,okay." "Good.Now you must call me and tell me everything tomorrow." "Allright,I will.Have you seen mother?" "Yesterday.She's busy with negotiations.You know,mother really respects him.If she had to willingly give you up to anyone I think she might for him.Even a few of our other sisters may understand as well." "You think so?" "I do." The door opened and Clark appeared dressed,minus the glasses. "I've got to go.Talk to you soon",she said quickly and hung up. He looked at her curiously;she said,"That was Donna." He commented, studying the self conscious look on her cheeks,"I take it she knows as well?" "I let slip you were here and she put two and two together." "At this rate everyone will find out.Are we so transparent?" "To those that care for us and know us,maybe we are,"she shrugged."I'll go clean up." She left him to come back out fifteen minutes later to find the kitchen spotless,and awaiting her,the salad,a vegetarian omelette and a pitcher of orange crush. He said,"It's the quickest thing I could do.We can have the ice cream for dessert." She reached up at once and kissed his cheek."Clark,you are super." "I know,"he smiled."Let's eat out on the balcony.We'll watch the movie another time." Beneath an awning was a set of four chairs and a round table.They sat down to eat.The darkness was lit up by the city's lights.They could see the revolving beacon of the light house in the distance. He remarked,"It is a very pretty view.Better than mine."He glanced at the row of potted plants and the trough of flowers and herbs. "You have quite a green thumb as well." "It relaxes me.After dealing with arch villians and government redtape I find this calming.On Themyscira I help in the gardens and have a little plot of my own.You used to be a farmer,I guess you can understand." "To an extent.I planted wheat,corn and fodder;nothing as pretty as this.Occasionally I'd help Ma in her rose and vegetable garden.....digging up old beds and sowing seeds.It's been years since I've touched the soil....." He continued thoughtfully,"Coming to Metropolis and writing columns,being Superman,meeting Lois,living in the city....You could say I lost touch with my roots." She observed,"You always seemed comfortable in the city;more than I ever could be.I miss the peace and open spaces of my island.But I cannot fulfill my mission isolated in paradise,so I do my best here." Clark said seriously,"Diana,I never really liked the city.I stayed because of my mission,the job,Lois.....She would never have been happy living in Smallville.Inevitably,I made friends and carved a niche for myself at the Planet.It made no sense leaving even after we ended....." Diana asked softly,"Do you miss her?" "She is my past.I don't regret the time I had with her and we were very happy in the early days." There was a sadness in Diana's eyes."I know.She was a brave and  strong woman." "She was a firecracker and she could give me a hard time, especially over you." Diana was taken aback."Me?" "Sure, she was very insecure about you." "But  we never....I never......" "Of course not,but who could blame her?I mean you cannot have been oblivious to how close you were...you are.. to perfection?" She said in disbelief,"Me?Perfect?Oh,come on, Clark!" "Come on,Diana,you know you are exceedingly beautiful. Your power,wisdom and generousity of heart makes you even more exceptional." Diana blushed,looking abit uncomfortable.She muttered,"Much good it did me.Being "perfect" made for a lonely life at times.....It intimidated most people.Even you.Remember what you said?" He looked sheepish."Don't remind me.What a fool I was.I was awed by you and I just ran when I found an excuse." "I don't blame you.I did not understand much then.I did not even know what I wanted." "You wanted to know what Bruce and I talked about?Well it was about you.He pushed me like never before.Making me face the truth.That I cared more for you than I would admit and that I wanted you......God,I wanted you........" Diana was holding the orange crush in her hand and it was slowly being tipped onto its side.The coldness fell onto her lap making her jump.She stood up hastily,"Oh no....How clumpsy of me!I did not even bring napkins.....I 'll go get some..." He stopped her by the catching her forearm.He took the glass out of her hand and put it down.He turned her to face him. "Forget the napkins,Diana.You know,Superman always wanted Wonder Woman.He thought they were perfect for each other......the world at large believes the same.But Clark Kent never quite believed he was suited to a royal princess. He was just a small town farmboy turned reporter,who was not ready to deal with the trappings that came with a goddess.But now,over a decade since they met...Kal-el and Clark know that whilst she may be a warrior princess, beloved of the gods,she is foremost his comrade in arms,his confidante,his conscience,his friend." He tilted her chin up to meet his gaze."She is simply Diana. Someone he could not imagine not being part of his life;with whom he has a great kinship that no one could ever understand.Clark could not bear to lose her nor share her.If she had loved another he would have stepped aside but knowing she wants him too..... that brings him no end of joy......." Tears filled Diana's eyes at that confession.She felt his arms encircle her and there was no getting out of those bands of steel.Not that she wanted to anyway!She thought of Donna's words.Don't overthink it.Let it flow. She lifted her lips to his and closed her eyes.The kiss on the island had been a revelation;this was just confirmation that it was as good,even better than their first.She could feel his lips becoming more demanding,almost bruising;his fingers were roaming down her side, her spine,moulding her body into his own. They were both breathing heavily when he raised his head to look upon her flushed face.He murmured against her forehead, "Should we take this further?" Diana followed his eyes as he glanced inside.Her heart was pounding,she wanted him but she was not entirely sure if she was ready.She knew he would never force her into anything;he would give her the time that she needed. Diana sighed as his lips moved over her brow,eyes and nose.Great Aphrodite,she had wasted so much time before.She had wanted this man even when she could not have him;when he had belonged to another.She never believed it would happen;that destiny would step in and free him from the past and shared sorrow and friendship would bring them together. Now she could have him frightened her.The fates never liked to see beings too happy.Was she ready to take the step that would change their relationship forever? She drew back to regard him,her eyes riveted on his face.A face so dear to  her;one that had seemed so beautiful,godlike and powerful in her naive youth.Only time had eclipsed it, showing her that his heart and spirit was more impressive than his appearance and might.His was the face of a friend,a brother in arms,an inspiration to her and all other leaguers. Most importantly he knew her inner aspirations and respected,even shared many of them.He like no other could make her laugh and temporarily forget the toils and burdens of life. Diana reached up to  cradle his cheek in her palm.A tiny smile lifted her lips.It was pensive;he saw it and misread it for doubt. He said slowly,gravely,"Diana,if you do not think we ought to........" Her fingers stopped his words.She whispered,"No,I was not thinking that." "What then?",he asked,grasping her hands. She whispered,"I wonder that you even have to ask me." Clark let out a deep breath and half grinned in relief.He kissed her fingers,and cradled them to his chest. "You do not know how glad I am to hear that.For a moment my heart was ready to sink with disappointment,"he murmured, leaning his forehead to hers. "You you really want me?",she asked as innocently as a schoolgirl. Clark pressed her hand to his heart.It was beating strong and fast beneath her palm."Do you doubt it?" She said softly,"Then I expect you can hear mine." He could indeed hear it.That she was so nervous made him regard her with bemused tenderness. "Are you afraid?" "Aren't you?" "A little.But I want this more.......So let us stop wasting time out here......" He lifted her off her feet and carried her to the bedroom.He gently put her down.Facing each other,she watched him begin with the buttons of her blouse.He was deliberate,and painstakingly slow for a man who could whip off both their clothing in micro seconds.It seemed he wanted to savour the moment,to watch the fabric part and fall from her firm,smooth flesh . He drew her from the pile of clothing and kissed her hungrily. He began tugging at his own shirt,heedless of the fact that several buttons popped and went flying in the haste.Diana helped him out of it and the teeshirt underneath;she relished being held against his muscular physique.She felt uniquely feminine for the first time in her life. They giggled like children as they tried to undo his trousers; both nearly fell as he kicked and tripped his way out of them. They toppled together laughing on the bed,still in their undergarments.He held her close,kissing her, savouring the taste and texture of her skin.He could swear she tasted like honey and smelt of exotic flowers. When he finally removed the last of her garments,he paused to look upon her.Nothing had prepared him for the sheer jaw dropping beauty that laid before him.He understood now why he ran all those years ago.At that time he would never have been able to reconcile himself to being able to match this woman.This perfection.This goddess.He would have never been able to live up to the level of manhood she needed nor fit into her world.Over a decade on,older,wiser,he could see her flawless beauty;but it did not intimidate him.Because in those blue eyes was the warmth and compassion of his best friend and the desire and anticipation of a woman soon to be his lover. It was a novel experience to be able to touch someone without fear of harming her.With Lana....Lori....Lois he had to be so careful;to control his passions lest he hurt them.Caring for them had it possible and he had not resented it.Lust was a feeling he had never been allowed to have;now he was able to let go,give rein to desire. Their bodies moved,fitting perfectly together;there was no doubt they were made for each other. The iron framed bed creaked beneath their bodies,barely able to take the strain of their movements.Moans and gasps filled the room as they finally consummated their relationship,and with that, the bed frame snapped. They fell with the mattress to the floor.Breathlessly they laid together,slowly coming down to earth; they then dissolved into giggles of happiness and relief. Diana raised onto her elbow and looked at the bed."Oh no, it's ruined. " He assessed the damage."Don't worry.I'll weld it together.We just won't be able to do this on it again or on any normal piece of furniture for that matter." She laid down on his chest and let out a sated sigh,"That's a pity." He said,"There are other places;one can improvise." "Like where?" "The Fortress.The floor.Maybe the air......" She said archly,"You have thought about this, haven't you?" "Darn right I have.I am a superhero, not a saint.You are not hurt, are you?" "No,I fell on you...." "No that is not what I mean.I did not hurt you?" "Hurt me?Gods,no,it was amazing." He smiled."Worth the wait then?" "Definitely worth the wait."