Women of Steel Series
Sequel to The Rescue
Disclaimer: TV/Comics/Books characters do not belong to me. I write for fun and the only thing I get from this is lots of more fun. There might be some TV/Comics/Books Canon, but it's mostly for background's sake. There might also be characters that are not TV/Comics/Books related – those are mine.
Chapter Two
Diana slammed heavily onto the concrete ground, lightning crackling over the metal pieces of the tank Ares threw at her, as they wrapped tighter and tighter around her body, painfully crushing it and slowly forcing the air out of her lungs.
She tried to break her metal binds, managing to get one arm free, but the blue lightning crackling across it came from the God of War and pinned her even further - she couldn't break free, no matter how hard she tried.
But the feeling of having her life slowly squeezed out of her wasn't as overwhelming as the sense of desperation growing inside her heart.
Trapped and gasping for air, Diana turned her head, seeing men running and hiding, and fighting all over the battlefield - massive destruction around them. She gasped louder as the metal tightened harder.
Ares hovered over her, his cruel eyes shining with the arrogance of victory.
"It is futile to imagine you can win. Give up, Diana."
The sound of an airplane caught her attention and she looked up into the sky, watching an aircraft rising into it.
"Steve…"
The sense of urgency overpowering her senses to the point she couldn't think clearly anymore. Something was wrong, very wrong.
"Steve…"
Her eyes filled with dread as she watched the plane rising, higher and higher, until, suddenly, it exploded in a massive glowing ball of fire and gas, thundering up in the dark sky.
"Nooooooooooo!"
A wrenching scream ripped from her throat, as the horrible reality of what just happened before her eyes slammed merciless into her mind.
Frantically struggling with the metal binds restricting her, she tore them apart in a raging explosion of grief and sheer power, causing the mighty God of War to stumble back.
Overtaken by anger, Diana stormed against the enemy, fiercely fighting them off and taking them down, one by one, never realizing when her scenario changed to a similar, but quieter one; one that was just as dark and as devastated by battle and destruction as the enemy camp she was just at.
Looking up a slope, she noticed two bodies, red and blue catching her eye, and she knew whose lifeless body was up there, waiting for her to bring it down; to bring it back to his family.
Her heart still heavy with the shock and pain of watching Steve die again, Diana started to climb up the slope and walked hesitantly towards the slain body of Superman, her friend.
But her steps faltered, and her knees caved, and she fell hard onto the rocky floor, her eyes wide with terror and disbelief as she recognized the battered body in front of her.
Her chest started heaving, gasping for breath again; a moan of anguish escaping as she sat up abruptly, clutching the sheets around her in a white knuckled fist.
Still breathing hard, her hands and arms shaking, Diana looked around, realizing she was in her bedroom, in her home – safe.
Falling back onto the mattress, she covered her eyes with her arms, a lone tear escaping undeterred.
##
Diana knocked on Kara's heavy door a little harder. She was knocking for the third time without getting any response from the woman inside. Kara had super hearing; she knew this. She should've answered the first time she knocked on her door.
Flattening her hand against the sturdy door, Diana drummed her long fingers, frowning in deep thought. She didn't want to invade Kara's privacy, but she was beginning to worry. She expected that the magic in the island would affect Kara to some degree, but maybe it was affecting her more than she thought. What if it was making her sick? Or messing with her powers?
It didn't help that her very recent nightmare had rattled her to the core, and she just wanted to make sure Kara was all right.
Pursing her lips, she knocked once more before pressing down the iron knob. Peeking inside the softly lit room before letting herself in, she quietly made her way to the large bed, watching for any sign that her friend might not be feeling well, that something was wrong.
Stopping close to Kara's bed, Diana stood quietly, with arms loosely crossed over her chest, a soft smile unhurriedly gracing her lips. Kara was curled in a ball, all snuggled in her furs, only her closed eyes and forehead visible. The Kryptonian was deeply asleep, it seemed.
Shaking her head, Diana wondered if Kara ever slept this soundly at home. She had a feeling the answer would be no, that the Kryptonian didn't usually get enough sleep, her day job and obligations as Supergirl seeing to that; that and the self-inflicted pressure. She would have to ask her about that.
Reluctantly, Diana decided it was time to wake up the sleeping Kryptonian and sat down on the bed, close to her, gently touching her fur covered shoulder. Kara was beautiful, and asleep, looked so much younger than she really was, and she almost couldn't resist the overwhelming urge to kiss her awake.
There was something about this woman that just pulled every string of her soul and she was not quite sure how to handle it, because it was so different from everything she ever felt about anyone before; so different from what she felt for Steve - her dear Steve.
When Kara didn't stir, Diana's fingers shifted, slowly making their way to the golden locks and burying themselves in its softness. Carefully combing the golden tresses, blunt nails lightly scratched the scalp underneath and Diana watched entranced as the blonde finally stirred, sleepy blue eyes cracking open, just to close again, a deep breath escaping almost inaudibly.
Sleepy eyes blinked open once more, a small smile shaping pouty lips.
"Good morning," Diana said, her voice soft.
She was rewarded with mumbled words that she was sure meant 'good morning' as well. Diana smiled, charmed. How cute could one person be so early in the morning?
"Did you sleep all right?" She asked, never stopping her gentle caress. It was obvious that the blonde was enjoying the attention and she didn't want to break contact just yet.
Kara nodded, sleepily.
"Best sleep I've had in years…" Kara finally mumbled; her voice still heavy with sleep.
Diana swallowed faintly: gods, she really wanted to kiss her.
"I'm glad."
She reluctantly removed her hand from the golden locks and watched closely as Kara shifted from her comfy position and started to stretch.
Oh, she definitely wanted to kiss her – badly.
"I'm headed for the bathing pools now. Want to join me?"
Kara grunted her agreement as several pops sounded in the quiet room. The Kryptonian widened her eyes, amazed.
"That never happened before!"
Diana chuckled and rose from her spot on the bed. Maybe going to the bathing pools with Kara wasn't such a good idea after all.
"I'll wait for you outside."
Before Kara could reply, Diana left the chamber, leaving her alone with her sleepy thoughts.
Watching the heavy doors close behind the Amazon Princess, she yawned lazily. She was on vacation and could sleep in for a few more hours. Why was she getting up at the crack of dawn? Why?
Kara peered outside and groaned pitifully: it was still dark. Oh, that's right, she was here for the full experience – her words.
"Sometimes, Kara, sometimes…"
Grumbling softly, she finally sat on the bed, immediately pulling the fur around her shoulders. It was cold.
"Your fault…" she mumbled, dragging herself out of bed.
She was sleepy and cold, and a little hungry, but Diana was waiting outside for her and she wouldn't keep her waiting.
##
Diana forced herself to suppress an amused smile as a still very sleepy Kryptonian emerged from her room, groggily clutching a change of clothes to her chest with both arms. Goosebumps covered her arms and she was shivering slightly, her lower lip poking out in an attempt at being grumpy.
"You know, you really don't have to get up this early." Diana sauntered towards her and pulled a cloak around the broad shoulders, tying it securely as she inched closer. "It's a chilly morning."
Kara blinked sleepily at her.
"Thank you…"
Diana smiled and held out her hand, in silent invitation, and Kara took it without hesitation, trusting her friend to guide her through a maze of well-lit corridors to what looked like a cave system.
Somewhere along the way, she felt Kara's fingers intertwine with her own, and she replied in kind with a gentle squeeze, not daring to look at the blonde trailing alongside her. The sense of security that came from such a simple gesture was something close to foreign and almost overwhelming, and she was sure her confusion was showing in her face.
The sound of running water quickly reached their ears and it wasn't long before they walked inside a dim lit cave, the air heavy with the scent of minerals and something sweet.
Kara came to a sudden halt, letting go of her hand, a loud gasp of surprise making Diana chuckle. The cave was large enough to hold a fair number of people and had several scattered natural pools, some smaller, some larger, all full of steaming bright water, provided by a half-hidden waterfall in the back of the cave.
All around the cool granite chamber, numerous clear glass vases were strategically dispersed around, with what looked like the same glowing water of the pools and providing much needed light.
"Oh, my Rao…" Kara looked around, delighted, and now very much awake. "This is… This is beautiful!"
Diana gave her an indulgent smile. She was hoping Kara would like this.
"These are hot springs, right?" the Kryptonian asked as she started walking around, inspecting everything. "Are those lamps? Why is the water glowing? Is all this natural or was it built? Or is it all magical? Is it? Magical, I mean? Is it safe for me to go in there?"
Starting to undress, Diana shook her head, amused, Kara's barreling questions bringing back long forgotten memories of when similar questions were asked in this very place, a very long time ago.
A pang of nostalgia flared in her heart, her eyes misting with unexpected sadness, and she was glad for the dim light and Kara's inquisitive nature, that kept her distracted enough while exploring her surroundings.
Halfway through removing her sleeping tunic though, she noticed the silence around her. She was so lost in her melancholic thoughts, she never realized Kara had stopped talking until the silence became deafening.
Diana turned her head around and spotted the Kryptonian by one of the far end lamps, with her back half turned and looking very embarrassed, her eyes cast down.
She winced internally. How could she forget that Kara was shy, that the women outside of Themyscira were very self-conscious about their bodies?
"I'm sorry, Kara, I'm being a terrible host. Please, go ahead first," Diana said, deliberately turning her back on the blonde, to give her some privacy.
"It's all right," Kara said softly.
"No, it's not all right," Diana answered, hearing the rustle of shedding clothes and feeling very tempted to turn around, fleeting images of Kara's perfectly built torso and perky breasts burning in her mind. "Just because I'm used to bathe with other women, doesn't mean that you are. I should have been more careful about that. I am sorry. I can return later, if you prefer."
"No! That won't be necessary. I— thank you for being so considerate," Kara finally said, padding quietly to the pools. Testing the water with her foot, she groaned in pleasure, and carefully made her way inside the hot pool. "Oooo, this feels so good…"
Diana grinned and took that as a sign that Kara was already safe from her prying eyes and finished undressing.
Just because she was being mindful of Kara's modesty, didn't mean that she would have to transform into a Hestian virgin herself. Besides, she did love tweaking the blonde and she wanted to see her reaction.
Completely naked, the Amazon Princess sauntered casually inside the pool, causing Kara to nearly choke, the Kryptonian quickly turning bright red. Kara tried to keep her gaze averted from the lithe figure, but it was nearly impossible.
Diana was fully aware of her physical attributes, of what it tended to do to both men and women, and while she was usually more reserved than this, she was enjoying immensely the frustration she could see in Kara's darkening blue eyes.
It didn't help at all that the blonde seemed to finally realize she was naked inside a glowing hot pool, with another naked woman.
Kara visibly swallowed, sinking in the hot water until only her head was visible, her eyes fixed on some point to her right.
"What is it that you wanted to know?" Diana asked.
Being careful about maintaining a respectful distance from the blonde, which wasn't much considering the pool wasn't very large, she made herself comfortable.
Kara cleared her throat, finally peering up at her companion.
"The pools. Why do they glow?"
"Ah! Well, when Hera, the Queen of the Gods, created Paradise Islands for Amazons, the goddesses bestowed the island and the Amazons with gifts, such as the hot pools and its healing waters," Diana started, closing her eyes, while resting her head on the pool's rim, finally allowing herself to relax. "Aphrodite, however, decided that the pools could have an… extra purpose, and gifted the water with glowing light. It not only allows us to use it for domestic purposes, but also for more… enticing endeavors."
Kara frowned.
"Enticing?"
Diana smiled devilishly and answered without opening her eyes.
"She is the goddess of love." She heard Kara's heartbeat skip several beats. "The glowing helps set a mood. We paint the glass vases in different colors to decorate. It's really beautiful and some of our artisans are very skillful and creative with their shapes."
"I— hum…" Kara looked at the glowing water suspiciously, apprehension coloring her voice. "Does the water do… something? I mean, besides healing."
Diana laughed softly and opened eyes full of mirth.
"It does." She waited a beat, gleefully seeing the expected concern in Kara's widening eyes. "It keeps you clean."
Silence.
"It— I—" Kara spluttered and threw a handful of water at the laughing goddess. "That's not funny!"
Diana laughed harder. When had it been the last time she had started her day laughing?
"I'm sorry, but I have to disagree. The look on your face was absolutely priceless. I wish I had a camera now."
"Amazons don't have cameras," Kara grumbled, trying to look upset.
Diana chuckled, amused.
"This Amazon does and it's a very good one, but lucky for you, it's not here."
Kara gave her a dirty look and Diana grinned, not fazed at all.
Kara cleared her throat.
"So, are all Amazons warriors?"
Diana nodded, carefully reaching behind Kara to get to the fresh scented soap, usually stored there. Of course, she could've asked Kara for it, but she wanted to be closer to her and feel her warmth – and tweak her a little more.
She heard Kara's heart skip a beat and her sudden intake of breath.
"Please, help yourself," Diana said in a low, raspy tone, while sliding slowly back to her previous spot, her hand brushing Kara's naked shoulder. "There are different scented soaps there. I'm sure you'll find one to your liking."
Her cheeks were flushed and her breathing slightly ragged, and Diana wanted nothing more than to reach out and pull her close, and press against her body.
Sweet Aphrodite, what was she thinking?
Kara nodded, taking her time inspecting the assortment of soaps behind her and choosing one with a citrus, minty scent, obviously trying to regain her composure.
"To answer your question correctly, all Amazons are warriors, or weapon wielders, but only some are warriors for a living. We have many artisans, teachers, inventors and scientists, just like in the World of Man." She paused for a moment. "All of this that you see was not built by the gods, but by the Amazons that still live here. The gods provided us with gifts and tools, but we built it from scratch. Well," a mischievous grin, "my Amazon sisters did. I came much later."
"Well, from what I've seen so far, they did an amazing job."
"Yes, they did. We're touring the city today. It's not big so we can easily explore it on foot."
Kara smiled.
"I can't wait to know more about your home."
Diana gave her that impish little smile she seemed to have only for her.
"After breakfast, because right now, I can hear the creature that dwells in your stomach demanding food at once. Once more, I fear for my life!"
More water was thrown her way, this time, in the form of a mini tsunami.
Diana cackled; her tormenting nightmare completely gone from her mind.
##
Diana had her infinite patience seriously challenged sometime later, when breakfast in the communal room took longer than expected, mostly because many of the mingling Amazons thought it would be nice of them to welcome the newcomer and badger her with questions.
And Kara being the first unknown woman on the island in centuries didn't help either, with some of them getting a little too close to the bubbly blonde for Diana's comfort.
The Amazon finally managed to pull her friend away from her curious sisters, quickly detouring to the stables. This was the first time she was going to spend time alone with Kara ever since they met, well over a year, and maybe it was the unsettling nightmare she had that morning, but she was feeling rather selfish and unwilling to share Kara with anyone else. Not unless she really had to.
She could analyze the meaning of her actions later.
"I thought you said we didn't need horses to tour the city," Kara said, marveling at the beautiful animals inside.
"Change of plans. I'm going to take you outside the city today. It's going to be a hot day and I thought maybe I could show you some of our temples and smaller villages that surround the city. It's always cooler away from the coast." Diana walked inside the stable with a definite stomp in her gait. "And I know a great place where we can stop for lunch. I think you'll love the view."
She opened a stall door, where a beautiful golden-brown mare waited patiently.
"This is your ride. Meet Argo."
Diana scratched the mare's long nose and kissed it lovingly. The mare replied in kind and bumped her chest gently, nickering softly, bringing a smile to her lips.
"I remember you told me you have never been on a horse before, so I picked Argo for you. She is very gentle and calm, and I think you two will get along perfectly." Diana turned her head just in time to catch the longing glimpse in Kara's bright blue eyes. "What's wrong?"
Kara produced her sunny smile immediately.
"Nothing! That is a beautiful creature, but I am a little apprehensive, nonetheless. It's not that I think I will get hurt or anything, more like I could hurt it. I'm rather heavy."
"You're not that heavy and I should know. I've carried you before, remember?" Diana scratched the mare's long neck, her eyebrows rising meaningfully. "What is really bothering you, Kara? Please, tell me."
Kara sighed, defeated.
"It's nothing, really." But Diana's penetrating gaze told her she was not off the hook. "I— It's the horse's name."
Diana frowned.
"Argo?"
Kara nodded.
"It's the name of the city where I lived in Krypton." Kara answered, raising her hand so the horse could smell it.
The mare apparently liked her scent because she bumped her head against it, demanding immediate attention.
"She likes you." Diana smiled at her, watching as Kara hesitantly scratched Argo's nose. "I can get you another horse if—"
"No! No, Diana, it's perfectly all right." Kara gave her a genuine smile. "I found out two years ago that Argo survived the destruction of Krypton. Several Kryptonians still live there, including my mother. Apparently, my father built a protective shield around the city and it was strong enough to keep it in one piece, even with the planet's explosion."
"Ah! That's good news then. So, why are you sad?"
Kara chuckled softly, apparently resigning herself to the fact that Diana wouldn't just let this go.
"It's just a reminder of how far I am from home, but… Earth is also my home, and I have a mother there also and a sister, and friends…" Kara shrugged her shoulders, her smile never wavering. "It gets confusing sometimes."
Diana nodded, brushing her fingers over Kara's
"I understand, Kara, more than you know."
Kara shyly looked down at their still touching fingers.
"I know."
Diana frowned, wanting to say more, wanting to know more, but knowing not to push it yet.
"Here."
Diana took her hand and placed an apple in it.
Kara frowned, confused.
"But I just had breakfast."
Diana chuckled.
"It's for Argo. Horses can sense fear and unease, so use this to bond with her while I saddle up my horse." Diana touched her shoulder, gently. "I'll be right back."
Kara watched her leave and focused on the gentle looking mare, now bumping her hand again.
"So, Argo, I'm Kara Zor-El. I'm from Krypton and I've never been on a horse before, so you have to be extra gentle with me and very patient, because I'm a bit clumsy when I'm relaxed, all right? And your Princess does make me feel more relaxed than I should."
Argo nickered at her, trying to get to the tasty looking apple in the woman's hand.
"Yeah, yeah, I can see we already have something in common."
Kara used her laser vision to cut the apple in quarter edges and rewarded her new friend with it. She spied inside the bucket on the outer side and spotted several more apples and carrots.
Quickly snatching several and hiding them in the saddle pockets, Kara whispered in the mare's ear:
"Just remember I have the goodies, so no funny business, ok?"
The mare nickered and bumped her chest again, her tongue wrapping around Kara's wrist in a slimy, horsy kiss.
"I can see that you two are bonding already. Argo doesn't kiss just anyone."
Kara looked up from her now sticky wrist and gave the Amazon Princess a proud smile, a black stallion standing behind her.
"Wow, that's a beautiful horse."
Diana smiled brightly.
"This is Chiron, Argo's brother." Diana passed her the reigns to Chiron. "Take him outside, while I finish up saddling Argo for you."
Kara curiously peered up at the tall animal and led him outside the stable. She had a feeling today was going to be a fun day, and she desperately needed fun.
Diana was soon outside with Argo and by her side, giving her a few tips about horse riding, before helping her get up on Argo, while keeping a steady hand on her leg.
"Are you all right up there?"
Kara nodded, holding the reigns just like Diana had instructed.
"Are you sure I'm not hurting her?" Kara absentmindedly patted the golden-brown mare's long neck.
"I'm sure," Diana said as she expertly climbed up on her own mount. "If she thinks you're too heavy, she'll just throw you off."
Kara gaped in mock offense and stared at her gentle mare.
"You wouldn't do that to me, would you, Argo?" she leaned a little forward, watching as Diana strolled away, laughing. "Remember, I have the goodies."
Argo nickered her agreement and Kara grinned.
"Good girl. Come on, let's catch up before she calls us slow pokes and then I might have to prove I'm faster than she is."
##
They rode across the coastline of Western Themyscira, passing by small, picturesque villages and minor temples. It seemed everywhere they stopped, every one of her Amazonian sisters became enchanted with the sweet blonde, and Diana felt her heart swell with contentment at the permanent smile on Kara's pouty lips.
Here she didn't have to be Supergirl, the Last Daughter of Krypton, defender of Earth; here she could be herself, the shy, goofy, sweet visitor from afar; here she could just be Kara.
As the morning went on, Diana explained to an avidly listening Kara about the history of Themyscira and the Amazons, and how the island was divided into five territories, with tribes from several parts of the ancient world, not just ancient Greece. Four of those territories had a Regent that represented their tribes at the Queen's Senate. It was a clever way to manage and oversee a large territory, that included the tens of surrounding smaller islands, many of them uninhabited.
They were discussing about the magic on the island and how it might affect Kara's powers, when they decided to stop for lunch at a beautiful hill, from where they could admire the ocean below and the island's sharp white cliffs, that defined its prominent coastline.
Diana had made sure they had enough food packed to feed a hungry Kryptonian for a day, and she chose a nice spot under a lone tree for their lunch. It was a favorite spot of hers, and she often came here to read or just enjoy her surroundings in peace.
A bird chirped close by and Diana smiled, satisfied. She had never brought anyone up here before.
"Well, we already know how it's affecting me, sort of," Kara said, chewing on her third large piece of bread with roasted meat. "I mean, I can now feel temperature changes and, apparently, it knocks me out to sleep. I'm cool with that, as long as it doesn't affect my flight ability."
Diana scratched her head and gave her a contrite look, taking a sip of water from her skin.
"About that…"
Kara glanced up sharply at her, the food in her hand suddenly forgotten.
"What? What's wrong? I haven't tried flight yet. I—"
"—It's forbidden to fly on the islands. Only the gods are allowed to."
Kara blinked at her, trying to gauge whether Diana was teasing her again.
"You're joking, right?"
Diana shook her head.
"Sadly, no. The gods deemed a long time ago that humans are unworthy of flight."
Kara stared at her, crestfallen.
"But I'm not human, I'm an alien. Maybe that rule doesn't apply to me."
"Kara…"
But Kara was already getting up on her feet, half crouching to shoot up into the sky. The air around Diana shifted as Kara took off and, for a few seconds, she thought Kara might be the exception to the rule, but all the Kryptonian managed was an impressive long jump, quickly landing on her feet with a heavy thud, that slightly shook the ground beneath them.
Kara scowled at Diana, unhappy. She tried to float but nothing happened. Clearly upset, she slumped heavily on the floor, crossing her legs, her lower lip poking out, always the telltale of her famous pout.
The Kryptonian stared at her, a genuine worried look on her face.
"I can't even float! What am I supposed to do if I get tired or lazy?"
Diana covered her eyes with her hand, her shoulders shaking with silent laughter.
"I'm serious, Diana! Floating is an essential part of my life. I get lazy!"
Diana couldn't help herself and started laughing out loud while Kara kept glaring at her, not amused. Turning her back on the Amazon, Kara crossed her arms over her chest, clearly sulking.
Diana moved closer, knowing Kara wasn't really mad at her, and rested her head on her shoulder, quietly inhaling the lingering scent of the citrus minty soap Kara had used that morning.
"I've never seen a grown-up woman pout like that. It's very cute though."
Kara gave her a dirty look and pushed her away from her, causing the goddess to fall on her back on the linen blanket, arms wrapped around her stomach from laughing hard.
"You can always hop." Diana suggested, still laughing.
"Hop?" Kara repeats, incredulous.
Diana nodded happily and abruptly hopped out of her comfy spot, landing neatly on the unsuspecting Kryptonian, knocking her on her back.
Kara let out a yelp and looked up at the grinning, and now very close face of the Amazon Princess.
"You know, before I mastered flight, I had to master long jump and this the gods allow. Maybe you should give it a try before you discard it, because I saw your jump and you're as good and as gracious as a mountain goat."
Kara's eyes grew round with disbelief and she spluttered.
"Are you calling me a goat?"
"Well, if you are one, you're the most beautiful goat I've ever seen," Diana answered blithely, enjoying the blush that crept up Kara's face, all the way up from her neck. "Amazons observe mountain goats since long, to learn and master their jumping skills. It's an essential part of our training, so you should take it as a compliment."
Kara gave her a long, distrustful look before letting out a sound that almost resembled a goat.
Diana cackled, and Kara finally relented, joining in the laughter.
Settling down with her head resting on the steely, yet surprisingly soft stomach, Diana closed her eyes, listening to the erratic heartbeat of her Kryptonian pillow, a content smile shaping her lips.
Her smile grew as she felt long fingers gently entangling with her hair, messing up her braid, and she snuggled closer, relishing the gentle touch.
"You're messing up my hair," she complained, her voice soft.
"Serves you right for making fun of me."
Diana chuckled, feeling a light tug on a strand of hair for good measure. Taunt muscles contracted under her touch, her sensitive fingers drawing lines on the flat surface. She relaxed when Kara didn't pull away, seemingly comfortable with her touch.
"Will you tell me about him?" Diana asked, breaking the comfortable silence.
Kara's body tensed.
"Who?"
"The one that still makes you sad."
She heard more than felt Kara's heart hammering in her chest, the fingers still entangled in her hair faltering.
Diana moved and shifted her weight so that she was now facing the blonde woman, her head supported on her hand.
"It bothers me to see that lingering sadness in your eyes. It's been there since the day we met, and I want to make it go away." Diana touched her cheek, lightly outlining imaginary lines. "Please, let me help take it away."
Completely caught off guard, Kara opened her mouth a few times to speak, but nothing came out, the unexpected question and the warm, reassuring touch on her skin making it difficult to concentrate.
"I— He left Earth over a year ago, shortly before we met." Kara's voice was so soft, Diana was sure if she didn't have enhanced hearing, she would have missed it. "He had to, to survive. The air in Earth's atmosphere became lethal to him and his kind."
Kara averted her eyes, staring out at the endless blue ocean instead, as if trying to gather her thoughts.
"We… we didn't get along at first. Our home planets were sworn enemies and… they were both destroyed and we were the last of our peoples, or so we thought, so we decided to call it a truce and became friends, and…" Kara stopped, losing herself in bittersweet memories for a moment. "I thought I could mentor him. He had powers but had trouble controlling them and… we became closer, and… we kissed. He kissed me."
Diana's fingers never stopped their gentle tracing.
"He was a… a womanizer, a teaser; arrogant and pretentious, but underneath all that was a decent person, and that's the person I fell in love with and I thought… I truly believed for a while that I could be happy, that I deserved to. With him, I didn't have to think about how much pressure I need to put into a hug or a handshake, I didn't need to worry about rough play or if I would break his nose when I kissed him. I—I didn't have to think; I didn't have to control every little movement of my body." Kara's voice broke slightly and when she finally looked back at the quiet woman by her side, found nothing but compassion and understanding in those ageless brown eyes. "With him I could be Kara Zor-El; I could just be."
"It still hurts you."
It wasn't a question.
Kara blinked, pouty lips trembling ever so slightly.
"I… I'm not sure if it still hurts or if I just miss the idea of having everything that I ever wished for, if only for a while."
Diana nodded and sighed.
"I understand."
And she did. She understood Kara's need to have a normal life, to just be herself, to have a family. She understood that.
"Do you think you'll ever see him again?"
Kara shrugged one shoulder; her crinkle now more pronounced.
"He returned a while ago, from the future - married."
Diana's eyebrows raised in surprise.
"Married?"
"Well, on Earth it had only been seven months since he had left, so yeah, I was shocked and more than a little angry, but in the future, seven years had passed and… I understand. He had to move on."
Diana eyed her carefully, gauging her every reaction. Kara's face was so expressive, so revealing, if you paid close attention to it, which she always did.
"And have you?"
Kara opened her mouth but sighed instead.
"I haven't been with anyone since, if that's what you're asking. It just gets too… complicated and I…" Kara lifted her hand as if it could explain what she couldn't put into words, but it just dropped in frustration, her eyes misting.
"I know." Diana touched her forehead with Kara's.
She did know.
"I know."
Moving her head just so, Diana pressed her lips on Kara's forehead, gently brushing her way down, taking her time kissing each trembling eyelid.
The sound of Kara's erratic heartbeat distracted her long enough for the Kryptonian's breathing to grow heavier, her lips still tracing down, ghosting over freckled cheeks. Kara's heavy breath was warm against her chin and neck, long fingers wrapping around her arm.
Painstakingly slow, her fingers dropped from the warm cheeks, trailing down the length of her neck and chest, grazing firm breasts, all the way down the long torso, coming to rest on her hip. Slender fingers found the hem of the soft shirt, hesitantly sneaking under to find warm skin, taunt muscles trembling.
Fingers tightened around her bicep, Kara's body burrowing closer to hers. Diana felt the grip on her back shift to a gentle, insisting touch, leaving fire in its awake, her own breathing becoming slightly ragged.
Touching their noses, just a breath away from the sultry, parted lips, Diana stopped, biting her own lip in anticipation.
"You can let go around me, Kara. I want to know all of you. Will you let me?"
Feeling Kara's grip tighten around her body, Diana lowered her lips, the sound of thundering heartbeat invading her senses for a blurring moment, her mind feebly wondering whether it was Kara's or her own.
##
Note: I know it took me forever to update, but work has been... very demanding lately. But here it is, finally, and I hope you enjoy.
I'm also currently working on Leap of Faith chp2 and a brand new fic ;)
So, what do you think? Ask me questions, share your insights, your ideas. I want to hear from you :)
