Chapter 10

"We had a nice time," Diana said, sipping an iced mocha and smiling at Shayera and Flash. "He took me to this little Italian restaurant he knew and after we went to a jazz club downtown to listen to a friend of his play."

"Sounds fun," Shayera said. They were sitting in the commissary, and Flash was speeding through a tray of sandwiches.

"What kind of car did he drive?" Flash asked between bites of a chicken salad sandwich.

"Audi TT, red," she responded and Flash whistled low.

"Nice wheels," he said.

"And did he make any moves on you," Shayera prompted, "maybe kiss you goodnight?"

Diana blushed and Shayera laughed. "He kissed you didn't he?"

"Ok, now we are getting to the good stuff," Flash said with a grin.

Diana laughed and sighed, "Yes, he did kiss me."

"And?" both Shayera and Flash said.

"And, it was … nice."

"Nice? Just … nice?" Shayera cocked an eyebrow. Flash, who looked disappointed, powered through another sandwich.

Diana looked out of the window remembering what happened after her date. She was not going to tell them how Batman had come to her and kissed her the way she had always wanted him to. And she was not going to tell them how he had insulted her and pushed her away yet again. It was like a broken record and even she was tired of hearing it.

"Yes, nice." She looked back at Shayera. "It was brief, but pleasant and I am looking forward to kissing him again."

Shayera laughed then and shook her head, "You're priceless."

Diana frowned but said nothing. Over Shayera's shoulder she saw John and Vixen walk in. They were deep in conversation and neither of them looked happy. Flash, who was finished with the sandwiches now, said, "John and Vixen just walked in. And Vixen looks angry."

Shayera stiffened, her fork stopped in mid air.

"I'm not going to look," she said quietly, then turned her head to the side to try and sneak a peek.

"Well, they have been having a hard time lately, considering that …," Diana leaned forward, "Oh my, she just dumped her tea on his head!"

"Really," Shayera asked and turned around fully to see a dripping Green Lantern glaring at the door. "Oh my," Shayera said and chuckled. "She got him good."

"Poor GL," Flash said.

"Are you kidding, he probably deserved it." Shayera smiled with satisfaction.

Diana smothered a laugh and took a sip of her drink. She wondered to herself if John was finally finished with Vixen and she wondered what that would mean for Shayera. She knew Shayera still had deep feelings for John and hoped that maybe there was still a chance for them.

…

Two day later Diana was sitting in her office at the UN building, sorting the last of her paperwork before she left for her vacation, making sure that her assistant would be able to find everything she might need. She was almost finished when there was a knock at the door.

"Come in," she called, wondering who would be around when the UN was out of session. When Steve appeared she smiled with pleasure. "Steve, what a pleasant surprise. I didn't know the US Ambassador was still here."

"He isn't but I had a report due and I wanted some peace and quiet to work on it. I noticed you were here and was wondering if you had plans for lunch?"

Diana looked the clock and noticed it was almost 2pm. "No, as a matter of fact I lost track of time and forgot to eat. I have two hours before I have to report back to League Headquarters. Let me just finish up here and we can get something, ok?"

"Great, I'll wait in the lobby."

Diana hurried to finish her work as Steve left the office. It made her smile to think that he had taken the time to come see her, and she was glad he had. Filing the last of her work she grabbed her jacket and headed down to the main lobby.

"Alright, all finished," she said and he held out his hand. She took it easily and followed him out to the parking garage.

"Did you drive?" he asked.

"No, League transported me. I can get direct transport back when we're finished."

"Oh," he said, looking slightly bemused. "So, when do you leave for your trip?"

"Day after tomorrow," she said. "I am really looking forward to it. A very good friend of mine is going with me and I have not seen her in … well I guess it's been a year and a half. I have been working non-stop and have not had time to visit her."

"I'm glad you'll get a chance to relax, even if that means I have to wait a month to see you again," he said and smiled.

Diana blushed. "Where are we going to eat today?" she asked, hoping it would be another homey place like their last date.

"Well, I was thinking we could hit this hot dog stand near the park, then go for a walk? It's such a nice day."

"I'd like that," she said, pleased with his choice. It was just the sort of normal activity she was hoping for.

"Then let's leave the car here and just walk over." He turned and they walked toward the exit, her hand held firmly in his. She grinned at the casual intimacy.

"I had a really good time the other night," she said.

Steve looked over at her and squeezed her hand, and pulled her to a stop. "So did I. I'm glad I got to see you today." He gently cupped her cheek and brushed his lips across hers. As he pulled away Diana felt almost lightheaded.

"Sorry, but I've been thinking of that ever since I drove away Saturday night."

"I'm not complaining," she said with a cocky smile.

"Good to know," he said and they headed down to the park.

The weather was cooler now that fall was in full swing but the sky was clear and the sun was bright making it a nice day for a walk. After they purchased their hot dogs they headed down a path toward a small pond. There was a family by the water and the little girl, who was wearing a fuzzy pink jacket, was tossing crackers into the water with wild abandon. They stopped at a bench and sat. While they talked about trivial things they watched the people in the park and ate.

"Well," said a voice behind them, "fancy meeting you here."

Diana felt her stomach lurch. Slowly she turned and saw Bruce Wayne walking up behind them.

"Mr. Wayne, what an unexpected surprise." She stood and so did Steve. Forcing a smile to her lips she said, "Let me introduce you to Lieutenant Colonel Steve Trevor. Steve, this is Bruce Wayne, Gotham billionaire."

Steve and Bruce shook hands and she saw Bruce quietly sizing the other man up. Steve, who was observant, noticed the assessment and began one of his own. 'Oh Hera,' she thought as she watched them.

"Lieutenant Colonel, huh?" asked Bruce, his tone light. "You moved up the ranks pretty quickly."

"Not really," he said. "I've worked hard and I'm on track to make Colonel in the next two years."

"Career military then?"

"Yes. The work I do is fulfilling and I feel like I can make a positive impact. It's the best job in the world," he said, his tone implying that Bruce Wayne's lifestyle left much to be desired.

"What brings you to New York?" Diana asked, hoping to intercede. Steve reached down and casually twined his fingers with hers. Bruce's shoulders went suddenly stiff. She got the impression that Steve was marking his territory and was not sure how she felt about that small display of dominance.

"I had a meeting with the State Energy Comission," he said, his voice tighter than it was before. "Wayne Enterprises is working on a fuel cell that might be useful for powering cars and light aircraft. The fuel cell would help us end our dependence on foreign oil and has zero emissions. It's a win-win. I was at a hearing with the scientists who are working hard to make the technology more affordable."

"I had no idea," Diana said. "As an advocate for the Environment I hope you and your scientists are successful."

She fully expected him to excuse himself now and walk away, having obviously interrupted a private moment, but instead he turned back to Steve and asked, "So, how'd you managed to score a lunch date with the Princess?"

Steve narrowed his eyes and said, "I asked her."

Bruce laughed, but Diana knew that laugh, it was a Batman laugh, and it was humorless. "Pretty brave asking an Amazon princess out for a hotdog."

"I'm not unapproachable," she said, then turned to Steve and said, "As a matter of fact, I've even been turned down before."

"Really?" Steve looked at her with real surprise. "He must have been crazy."

"Stubborn actually," she replied then turned to Bruce. She noted that he was no longer pretending to smile and felt a surge of guilt. Yes she was mad at him, and yes she wanted him to suffer, but she felt childish throwing his rejection in his face in front of her date.

"Well," Bruce held out his hand to Steve, "it was a pleasure to meet you." He turned his gaze to Diana. His face appeared carefree but his eyes were hard. "Always a pleasure, your Highness."

She nodded and felt relief wash over her as he walked away.

"You've got a history with him?"

"Not really … I mean we've met at some charity functions but we have never gone out. I don't approve of how he treats women."

"To each his own I suppose."

"Yes, I suppose so," Diana murmured. They walked back to the UN parking garage and Diana turned when they stopped before the entrance.

"I don't suppose I'll get to see you again before you leave," he said drawing her close.

"No," she replied softly, allowing herself to be held.

"Then, let me kiss you goodbye now," he said and drew her mouth to his. This kiss was not the tender kiss they shared after their date. Instead Steve kissed Diana with a passion that left her a little breathless. When he pulled away he brushed her hair away from her face and said, "Think of me, Diana."

"Yes," she replied and smiled because she knew she would.

There was a beep in her ear as her League Communicator went off indicating it was time for her to start her rotation.

Steve stood back then and sighed, "Duty calls no doubt."

"Time for my shift. Thank you for lunch. I'll call you when I return."

"Please do," he said entered the garage.

Diana turned to walk toward a grassy field behind the UN building and activated her communicator.

"Diana here, transport for one to Headquarters."

"Right away, Princess," said the familiar voice of Batman.

'Great,' she thought as she felt the transporter hum through her.