Two of a Kind: Chapter 1
(Disclaimer: I do not own the characters. Written for fun, not profit.)
Diana, Princess of Themyscira, sighed again for the umpteenth time. She plopped down onto a very comfortable settee and turned back towards the large bed. It was heaped with skirts, dresses, blouses, pants and underthings. She found it ridiculous that she had so many clothes and yet nothing appropriate to wear. Usually, she preferred to be comfortable when not in her usual armor. Hence, her wardrobe was mainly racked with casual clothing in the softest materials.
She frowned and made a mental note to make it a point to indulge in a few party dresses the next time she went shopping. Subsequently, a groan escaped her lips. Most women lived to shop. She wasn't among them. The thought of trudging through a crowded shopping mall, hounded by throngs of fans and being followed everywhere by enthusiastic staff who denied her any privacy was about as appealing to her as eating onions with ice cream. She sighed again and looked down again at the invitation. As she absently ran a finger over the ornate gold embroidery at the edge of the card, she wondered again why she had not declined the invitation.
It wouldn't be right of course. Afterall, it was a high society black-tie event attended by the rich and powerful. She didn't care one whit about conceited, pompous high-society snobs but it would still be rude to decline. Besides, even if the company might sound tedious, the cause was an honorable one. She had been invited to a party in honor of all the extraordinary women who have contributed to society in one way or another. She was among the honorees, hence she felt obligated to attend.
She looked back at the mess she had made and sighed again. It was no use. She didn't have anything appropriate. It was too late to buy a dress now. The event was slated to begin at 7pm and it was nearly 5. She shifted uneasily knowing that she only had one option. Feeling irritated at herself for not considering her outfit earlier, she rose and made short stiff, reluctant steps towards to door. The only way she was going to the party was by borrowing. And Shayera was the only other female in the league. Since the invasion, she still carried a certain resentment and mistrust towards the winged warrior. She was hoping that the enlistment of new members to the league would be underway soon enough as she looked forward to making new friends…female friends.
She reached the door but hesitated to open it. Her mind was considering all the options.
Perhaps, she could cancel?
No. It was too late. She had already accepted. People of such caliber would take it as an insult if she "shunned" them.
Maybe, she could rush real quickly and buy one?
No. The place would be swamped. The nearest store was Wal-Mart and she cringed as she thought about what the morning headlines might read. "Wonder Woman wears a Wal-Mart dress to the biggest party of the year!"
Maybe…she could ask Clark to ask Lois….?
No…He would point out that it was so much easier to just borrow one from Shayera. She couldn't deny that, could she?
Oh bother! I'll just have to swallow my pride!
She grabbed the knob a tad too hard, causing it to contort and opened it in irritation. Her eyes went immediately to something that swung from the impact. Her eyes widened in surprise.
Someone had left a dress for her outside her door. She lifted off the hanger and carried the dress back into her room, closing the door behind her. She unzipped the clear casing and retrieved a beautiful red dress. It was the perfect dress. She looked for a note or a letter. Nothing. She was thoroughly puzzled and yet thrilled. There was a case enclosed together with the dress. She opened it and gasped in surprise.
It contained a necklace dripping with diamonds and rubies with matching earrings to go. She stared at the beautiful accessories for a long moment, trying to contain her amazement. It did not stop there. There was even a pair of red heels inside the casing. It seems that the person had thought of everything.
Then she saw a small note pinned inside the hem of the dress. She read it and smiled. It simply said:
"For the belle of the ball."
She sat there wondering who could have been so thoughtful to do this for her. Not one person came to mind. She sighed again at the beautiful dress. She was embarrassed at the thought of wearing it, not knowing who the presenter was and possibly having to parade in front of them but it was still a better option than having to borrow from Shayera.
Two hours later, she stepped out of the hired limousine and straightened her dress. She looked up at the large mansion and took a deep breath. It was so huge that it was sprawled on acres and acres of land and looked like a medieval English castle with a gothic touch to it. In fact, the only thing missing was gargoyles. However, it was well maintained and really quite beautiful with what seemed like a never-ending driveway and endless gardens filled with rosebushes.
The large mansion was made entirely out of stone. She stood for a long moment and admired the beauty of its architecture. It had quiet elegance and was so romantic. If that was even possible. It occurred to her that it was probably as old as it looked, passed down from generation to generation. It probably could be used as a hotel if its famous occupant ever thought to sell it. A pity but she didn't put it past him.
She liked the aura of mystery and intrigue it displayed. There was even a large waterfall in front of the entrance. Naked nymphs made of stone sprouting water from the pots they held at their sides. She grimaced at that. It confirmed the owner's reputation in her mind. She thought about her host again. Although she had heard a lot about the notorious rake, she had never met him before and never thought to look him up. She held such men in contempt.
It surprised her that he would even be capable of holding such a noble event. Then again, it was no surprise that he chose to honor extraordinary women and not the men. Besides, it was no mystery that he took any opportunity to throw huge parties, making sure that all the eligible young ladies were in attendance. That way he could have his pick from the finest. Her lips twisted in disgust.
She climbed the marble stairs leading into the large residence and paused at the large oak doors as an elderly man came forward to greet her. "Welcome Miss Diana Prince, Wonder Woman. Glad you could make it."
He smiled at her, his deep hazel eyes reflecting warmth and sincerity. She smiled back. "Thank you sir. I'm sorry for being late. I was…"
"Fashionably late is the trend Miss Prince," he cut in and winked at her. She liked him immediately.
"Please call me Diana."
"Very well Miss Diana. I think you better get inside. I imagine you must be feeling really cold by now."
She hadn't felt the goosebumps that appeared on her arms but he had noticed.
"Thank you Sir." She said again and entered the large receiving hall.
She looked around, wide eyed at all the splendor. One could certainly not tell that such extravagance awaited from looking at the outside of the large mansion. One look at the interior made her wonder if the ancestors of her host had been royalty. It looked like Kings, Queens, Earls, Countesses, Dukes and Barons had graced these halls. Everything looked expensive. The heavy, highly polished furniture, the extremely high ceilings, the draperies, the large chandeliers, the rich Persian carpets, the mahogany railings that lined the carpeted staircases, everything looked valuable.
It was filled with people. All the men in formal black tuxedos and bow ties and the women in gorgeous clothes in every color imaginable. It was a wonderful sight to behold. She noticed immediately that many pairs of eyes were turned at her. The men looked at her dreamily while the women were scrutinizing her from top to bottom. She felt the familiar discomfort but at least they were polite enough not to swamp her. She made a beeline for the punch station, wanting to stay out of the spotlight.
She sipped on the delicious punch while watching the first dance, drawn by the fluidity of the movements. These people obviously had a lot of practice on the dancefloor. The men twirled their partners round and round, catching them at just the right time. The footwork, the movements, everything was impeccable and she was thoroughly impressed. Especially since she had two left feet.
He watched her from his position on a large sofa. She was so utterly beautiful that he couldn't take his eyes off her. It pleased him inordinately that she had worn the items that he had delivered to her. He didn't want her to have an excuse not to come. She didn't make it on time for his speech, praising all these wonderful women for their contributions but at least she came.
He knew the moment he set eyes on the dress that she would set it ablaze and she didn't disappoint. It could have been sewn on her. It was cut low in the bodice, revealing her beautiful white shoulders and clung to every curve. The slit was thigh high, showing off creamy thighs and a lot of legs.
He frowned. Perhaps, the slit was a little too high.
The scarlet color set off her hair nicely. The contrast was so enticing that it mesmerized him. Her hair was done up in an elegant coiffure. The necklace was a nice touch and only accentuated her flawless beauty. Not that she needed it. Even her feet were beautiful in the sexy blood-red heels. He noticed that every male eyes in the hall were inexplicably drawn to her. Despite his understanding, he felt the flutter of irritation.
His thoughts were interrupted by a hand travelling up his thigh. He caught it and grinned cheekily at the young woman seated beside him. He looked at all the young ladies seated around him and rose.
"Excuse me ladies. Hope you're enjoying the party. And don't forget to save a dance for me," he said smoothly and winked at them. They giggled in unison and continued with their gossip.
Diana stood quietly at her corner, her eyes glazed as her thoughts went to pleasant daydreams.
"Penny for your thoughts Miss Prince?"
The voice distracted her from her thoughts and she turned to the man standing beside her who was helping himself to a punch. He was tall, a few inches taller than her which was rare, as tall as she was. Then he turned back to her. It knocked the wind out of her. The intruder was so strikingly good-looking that it momentarily stunned her.
His thick black hair framed a gorgeous, tanned face. He had chiseled features, an aristocratic nose, a strong jaw and lips..sensual lips that… She broke out of her thoughts immediately, a blush creeping across her cheeks when she realized that she was staring at his lips. She looked up and her eyes met his. She almost sighed. It was the most unusual color. A blue like she had never seen before. A cross between cobalt and sapphire and right now it was alight with mischief and amusement. The lighting made sure he couldn't see that she was blushing. She silently thanked Hera for the small favors.
"A penny? You've got to be kidding me."
He grinned at her. A boyish grin that revealed a deep dimple in his left cheek. She quelled the urge to sigh again.
"Well what would it cost to hear your thoughts then?"
She rubbed her chin as if thinking of a price.
"A thousand dollars?"
She shook her head. "It's rather private you know?"
"A shopping spree?"
She groaned and shook her head vehemently. He laughed.
Such a wonderful sound that she had to smile.
He endeavoured. "A private jet?" His eyes lit up expectantly and she stifled another smile, tapping a finger to her temple instead.
"I can fly you know."
He sighed dramatically as if that was his best offer then added...
"A diamond necklace?"
Ironically, she fingered hers and gave him a dazzling smile. "Already have that."
He grinned back. "A date?"
She laughed.
"And I don't mean at MacDonald's." He gave her a mock-serious look so earnestly that it made her laugh harder.
Her laughter was music to his ears.
She was thoroughly charmed.
"Well?"
It was her turn to grin at him. "It would make a pauper out of you."
She didn't doubt it though since there was no way in hell she would tell the stranger that he was the most attractive specimen of the male species that she had ever laid eyes on.
"Must be some dangerous thoughts then…to make a pauper out of me." He was still grinning at her.
She looked back at him, not understanding. He extended his hand and introduced himself.
"Wayne. Bruce Wayne."
It was an introduction that normally made every woman giggle but it brought a scowl to her face so quickly that he frowned, wondering at it. Then he schooled his features and smiled back at her.
"I take it you know who I am?"
She recovered immediately and quickly shook his hand. She felt contrite at her reaction to finding out his identity. Afterall, this was her host. It was not well done of her.
"Mr Wayne. I'm sorry. My thoughts were elsewhere. It's a pleasure to finally meet you. Thanks for the invitation."
She smiled widely at him but the smile didn't reach her eyes.
If he noticed, he never showed it. "The pleasure is mine Miss Prince."
His dark blue eyes rested on her face a while longer, causing her cheeks to heat up. This time it was not with embarrassment but with anger.
"Would you like to dance?" He extended a hand towards her. She hesitated then told herself that she didn't have to be rude. She placed hers in his and he led her to the dance floor. Although his eyes never left her face, he was completely aware of the other people on the dance floor, never bumping into anyone even once. He twirled her once and pulled her against him. She met his gaze and saw the glint in his eyes.
She felt an inexplicable loss. It was such a pity that he had to be Mr Bruce Wayne. The famous lothario of Gotham who made the gossip pages almost as often as he made the business news. He was just the kind of man that she loathed. And to think that he was probably considering her to be his next conquest. She felt the anger bubbling up within her again.
She had been warned by John and Flash about his reputation. Billions of dollars and not one whit of compassion for the women he discarded for new ones. If he thought he could ever have her, he must be dreaming. Yet, she felt a sense of sadness about the loss of the gentleman who had charmed her to the toes just a few minutes earlier. Still, she was furious at herself for being charmed in the first place.
She tried not to look back at his handsome face again. She didn't want to feel anything for this loathsome man, the seducer of innocent women. Yet, his touch burned her. She felt the stirrings of desire and blocked it out by focusing on the kind of man he was. All he cared about was money and women to serve his needs. A selfish, conceited oaf who did not think twice about breaking any hearts. Yes, that was what he was.
When the music stopped, she stepped out of his embrace stiffly. He was still looking at her intently. "Thank you for the dance. It's a pleasure to meet you Miss Prince."
"You too Mr Wayne."
He smiled a dazzling smile, revealing rows of straight white teeth. She felt her stomach flutter uncontrollably.
"Please call me Bruce."
She gave him a small smile. "Alright Mr Bruce." She replied, taking a cue from Alfred.
"I have to go now."
He raised an eyebrow. "So soon?"
She nodded, unable to meet his gaze in case he saw the lie in her eyes. "I have to take over my shift. Duty calls."
Of course he knew she was lying. It was Superman's turn tonight.
He smiled easily. "Of course. Wouldn't want to hold you back from your responsibilities…Hopefully I'll get to see you again?"
"Perhaps. Goodnight Mr Wayne…Mr Bruce," she said dryly and turned to leave.
She felt a twinge of guilt for the lie but she had to get away from him. Somehow that man really got to her and made her feel things that she shouldn't be feeling for a complete stranger. And especially not for a notorious rake.
He watched her walk out the door, her shoulders slumped. She had been so angry when he introduced himself. Why?
The answer came back to him immediately. Really nothing to be surprised about. She was an Amazon. She was proud to be a woman and held her head high. And of course, as part of his cover, he had made himself out to be quite the ladies' man. The media, of course, exaggerates and suddenly he became the "philanderer of Gotham" who descended upon unsuspecting women at every opportunity. He never made any attempts to refute the picture they painted about his honor…or lack of it. Why should he? It was the perfect cover for who he really was.
For the first time in his life, he wondered if perhaps he should have.
Dear Readers,
I know that most of you must have realized that by the time the invasion took place, the league had already known each other's secret identities. However, for the sake of this story, I'm going to assume that their secret identities were never revealed.