"I almost forgot to ask you, but can you come to dinner with me, Lois, and Jon tonight?"
"I'd love to, but right now I kind of want a drink." Diana said as Clark waltzed around the dance floor with her. The lights in the building dimmed as the time came closer to that of the award function.
"I don't think that's a good idea Diana, you are a sloppy drunk." Clark jested. They both knew Diana couldn't really get drunk under normal circumstances.
"Kidding. I'll be back. And before you insist to get it for yourself, know I insist to get it for you."
Clark left to find a waiter so he could order a drink. Diana stepped off the dance floor, thinking of how well each person played their role in the orchestra. She held great passion for people who completely involved themselves in what they did. She reveled in the joy on the violinist's face as she played her instrument. The world was full of beautiful things if one was willing to look.
From the corner of her eye Diana could see the army man, Steve Trevor, approaching with an easy look on his face, hands in pockets. "The violinist really seems to love what does she does." He laughed.
"Yes. She plays expertly." Diana said turning to face Steve.
"Would you mind dancing with me for a song?" Steve asked hesitantly, not really sure of her relationship with the reporter. He starkly remembered Lois saying "his good friend Diana Prince".
"Oh, well Clark is getting me a drink right now, but why not for a song?"
Steve smiled, genuinely happy. He held her hand in his and put his other around her waist, loosely in waltz position. An experienced dancer, he gently led her in the waltz. The soft music set the basis for what could be a nice conversation. Diana was incredibly surprised by Steve's confidence, but wondered if that would have been different if he knew she was wonder woman.
"What's it like being a foreign correspondent?" Steve questioned.
Diana tried to focus her attention on Steve for the moment, "It's interesting, I like meeting new people, but the nuisances of upper class life can get tiresome. What about you? I'm sure you face situations similar to mine as a high ranking soldier."
"That's a funny thing, you know. Fighting on the field, there is always so much death, it makes everything we do seem a little bit insignificant. There are real, innocent people dying in the battle between giant egotistical countries and nameless billionaires. And knowing that makes it tough to smile and sip chardonnay with the very people treating thousands of others like disposables."
The maturity and insight Steve spoke with made Diana want to converse further. "I couldn't imagine being a soldier, always having to take orders."
"Well nowadays I usually make the orders, doesn't make it any easier though. It's difficult to keep sane when you realize each death is a person with a whole lifetime full of memories. Favorite foods, favorite songs," Steve stopped talking mid thought, "—I'm sorry this subject matter certainly isn't appropriate for one of our first conversations. "
"Oh no, I find it refreshing to meet someone willing to talk about real problems. I appreciate honesty."
Steve opened his mouth as if to speak, and then suddenly he was shoved to the ground.
Two indignant men screamed over each other throwing violent punches back and forth as they barreled through the dozens of people dancing. The music sharply stopped playing and a frazzled woman came from the crowd and tried to pull the men apart before being punched sharply in the face. The sound of a bone breaking resonated in Diana and angered her. The woman was now on the floor touching her bloody face in panic.
Diana didn't understand the context of the meaningless violence, but the fight left a bad taste in mouth. Even here she couldn't escape to violence. Diana pushed her way through the gawking crowd that formed in seconds and ran to the woman's aid. Meanwhile Steve tried to keep the two men apart. When Diana looked up to Steve, his lip was swollen and bleeding onto the floor.
The woman on the floor was desperately wailing "Make them stop please. Make them stop." The woman had a broken nose, maybe more. Her sharp screams contrasted the booming insults being flung between the two men.
Now, realizing she couldn't just act like Wonder Woman and fly the woman to the emergency room, Diana struggled with trying to decide how a normal person would go about this conflict.
"Someone call 911." Diana screamed to the large crowd of onlookers. Diana tried to apply pressure to the wound of the woman to staunch the flow of blood. Clark, placing Diana's drink on the closest table, had joined and restrained one man while Steve got the other. The struggle only lasted a few minutes, but to Diana it seemed to last hours. She couldn't deny the feeling in the back of her head telling her that this was related to her. She attracted war.
Security guards finally showed up and wrangled the two arguing men out of the building. It was terrifying how even as being dragged out, the two men sustained their argument, struggling to scream insults over the burly security men.
"What happened?" Clark asked to no one in particular.
"I'm not sure." Diana smiled attempting to support the woman on the floor, now crying. "It's over now. It's okay, but Steve are you okay?"
Steve brushed his hand across his lip and used his tongue to suck up the blood, "Probably the third time this week I busted my lip. I'm fine, Clark?"
"I'm fine." Clark stated as he scanned Diana making sure she was unhurt. Clark had missed the start of the fight and was confused as to why Diana had a guilt ridden expression. He pieced it together quickly; she probably thought the fight broke out because the men were so close to the God of War.
"Thank you guys so much. I'm so sorry, I shouldn't have cheated on him. I got us all in this mess. I'm so sorry." Her tear filled apology made all of them feel bad. The woman continued sobbing in a once pearly white dress on the floor. She leaned on Diana who was still applying pressure to her wounds.
"No matter what you did, it doesn't constitute the reaction those men had. Do not burden yourself with fault." Diana stated over the sound of police sirens.
Another group of security came by and helped the woman up while forcing the crowd to disperse.
One of the guards spoke directly to Diana, "Thank you ma'am, but we got it from here. The paramedics are here." Before Diana could insist on helping the woman to the door the security guard sharply turned and supported the woman as she walked towards the paramedics outside.
The sound of hushed whispers reigned in the building. After a few minutes of Diana trying to judge if she got blood on her dress or face, a speaker came over head. A commanding yet elegant voice spoke, "Please take your seats, the award functions will start soon. We ask that the three people who helped in that—altercation come up stage momentarily. We want everyone to know that altercation has been resolved and we will be moving on with the program as scheduled."
Diana looked at Clark who shrugged. The three of them made their way to the stage and then were directed backstage. There stood two police officers, probably there to prevent the type of fight that just broke out.
"We are trying to put together what happened back there, and wanted to ask what you knew."
"I was just dancing with her when the two guys slammed into me. I tried to pull them apart, and that's basically it." Steve stated while fixing his tie.
Clark raised his eyebrows at Diana, he didn't realize she had been dancing with Steve. A wave of jealousy unexpectedly crashed into him, and Clark harshly realized that Diana was not only his. Diana did not respond to his look of surprise which frustrated him further.
"She told me something about cheating on one of them. I think the guy on the left broke her nose. And that is the extent of my knowledge." Diana looked tired by the whole process, more emotionally drained than physically.
Clark threw his hands up in the air, "Well, I just came in later and held a guy back. The men seemed keen to insult each other, that's for sure."
"Alright, that's what we picked up from what they have told us as well. We just wanted to make sure the stories matched up. Thank you guys for your time, feel free to return to your seats, have a good day." The officer scribbled down a note hurriedly and left.
Clark led them out, back towards the table and Diana fell back with Steve.
"Our dance ended a bit short." Steve said.
"It seems so." Diana sighed.
"We could finish it at the after-party Bruce is throwing me. Of course anyone you wish to come with you can. You being there would make it a lot nicer." He gave her a heartfelt smile.
Clark frowned; Diana was being hit on by a nationally recognized soldier being thrown a party by a billionaire. He felt inadequate and frustrated at the fact that he had no right to be so jealous and angry at her interactions with Steve.
"Oh—well I think Clark and our little group had dinner plans. I'm so sorry." She realized Steve was asking her out essentially. But all Diana could focus on was Clark uneasily walking quickly in front of them. She was conflicted about how she felt about Steve. Certainly he was a nice man, but when Diana thinks of the happiest moments of her life she seems to note that most of them involve a certain goofy reporter.
"Oh right, I remember Lois telling me about the reservations now. I completely understand. Maybe I'll see you sometime later?" Steve's question had clear intentions.
At the moment this vital question was asked, Lois came within hearing distance and exclaimed, "Steve couldn't you stop the heroism for a day?"
Steve sighed, realizing the moment he had with Diana was lost; he took a seat without pressing the question further. "Guess not. Clark and Diana were just as amazing though. I'm going to go clean up in the restroom really quickly."
Diana decided to do the same and went to the bathroom and washed the blood on her hands in the sink, luckily nothing got on her dress. She looked at herself in the mirror, and struggled to accept that no one had noticed she was Wonder Woman yet. She sighed and took a second to collect herself before leaving the restroom. This night was not what it was supposed to be, with Clark finding her bedroom in disarray and the fight.
When she returned, Clark smiled and tried to steal Diana's attention so Steve couldn't get another chance to ask her out. Somewhere inside Clark knew this game he was playing was incredibly childish and nonsensical, but his jealously overpowered this common sense.
"My award section is the last one." Clark said, "You can tell when it's coming because most people are asleep by then."
Diana laughed. She looked around the circular table. To her right was Steve, Clark to her left. Across from her were Lois and Jon. There were three empty chairs.
"Well I have made it my personal mission to make sure you are awake and don't miss your award."
"What a noble mission Di." He sighed, "I read a lot of the pieces yesterday and there is no way I'm winning. Lois has good chances though."
"Clark, if you are talking yourself down right now I'm going to hit you." Lois said.
"I second Lois' view." Diana liked Lois a lot.
Clark's knee was bouncing nervously and he was drumming his fingers across the table.
"You are a mess Clark Kent. Also, where is my drink?" Diana grabbed his hand to stop his drumming.
"Sitting on some table somewhere, probably consumed by some other person." He laughed when he realized that he had forgotten it.
"I knew I should've gotten it myself." She joked.
"I'll get another one for you." He got up, but Diana pulled him back down.
"No not now. Now I just want you to sit with me and enjoy this event."
"No promises." He joked.
Beside her, Diana heard Steve stand up. "Hey man! How have you been?"
Bruce Wayne walked up to their table with two women by his side. "Splendid actually. Have you tried this wine yet Steve? It's amazing. Here I'll order you one."
"No need Bruce, I think I've had enough for tonight."
"No I insist." Bruce slurred his words slightly and gestured to a waiter who hurriedly rushed to bring the great Mr. Wayne what he wanted.
"Well if you insist. You should join us Bruce, there is enough space for the three of you."
"Three?" Bruce looked around confused. "Oh yeah these ladies are Katie and Lizzie. How rude of me."
The shorter brunette corrected him, annoyed, "Sarah."
"Sorry, Lizzie and Sarah. I've been drinking since morning, so joining you may be the best idea I've had all day." He pulled the chairs out for his women and sat down. He waved off the body guards lurking behind him.
Diana and Clark looked at each other and laughed at Bruce's act. He'd mastered it, no one would doubt for a second he was a spoiled billionaire with nothing much to his life besides parties.
Steve spoke, "Diana here works for you." He pointed to make it clear he wasn't talking about Lois.
"I haven't met her before; I'd remember a pretty face like that. Nice to meet you Diana, what do you work as?" Bruce said.
"Something like a foreign correspondent, reporting on your businesses aboard."
"Ah, how many languages do you speak?"
"10 fluently."
"Interesting, I assume you are here for Mr. Kent here. I've worked with Mr. Kent before, excellent reporter."
"Yes. I think he's excellent as well." She beamed at Clark who was leaning back in his chair enjoying Bruce's act.
Steve pointed, "By the way, that's Lois, my friend, and her boyfriend Jon."
After they exchanged decent introductions (Lois already knowing Bruce as Batman) Bruce spoke, "By the way, what happened with the paramedics and the fighting? My bodyguards just swarmed me and I missed all the fun."
Steve spoke, "I think the woman cheated and then the two guys got fussy."
"Come on Steve, being your wingman gets so much harder when you have a giant bruise on your lip. Speaking of heroics, you guys see the Superman video yet?"
Lois leaned in now, feigning interest in hopes of making Clark uncomfortable, "I haven't!"
Clark rolled his eyes, understanding it was the video of him cussing. "I did, but hey, at least he's not running around in a bat suit yet." Clark pointed his jab at Bruce.
Bruce gave him a sour expression that lasted a second at most. Bruce pulled up the video on his phone for Lois to watch.
"Yeah I understand his pain, that watch is limited edition, expensive." Bruce added as Lois laughed at the video. His words were obviously pointed at Clark. Clark stayed silent, the darkness of the room made it so no one could see him redden or his sour expression.
Diana poked Clark's ribs and whispered, "I don't think you need to tell him about the watch now."
Clark gave Diana an angry look.
At that moment a speaker came up on stage. "Everyone please be seated, we are starting the award ceremony." At this Clark let out a whispy breath; Diana reached out and squeezed his hand. Across the table Lois and Jon kissed.
The award ceremony did stretch long. Steve was probably on his ninth drink, Lois did not win her category, Clark wasn't any less nervous, but it was finally his category.
"Can't you just read what's in the envelope?" Diana whispered to Clark.
"I can, but I didn't think about doing it until now. You are not helping."
"Alright, so you want it to be a surprise?"
"I've waited this long might as well wait a few more seconds."
"To each his own." Diana giggled quietly and noted how all the eyes on their table focused on Clark.
"And the winner is—" the speaker took a break, "Laurence Hill!" The winner jumped up from the table beside them and ran up to accept his award.
Clark was clapping, "I liked his piece, I'm glad he won out of the others."
"Not disappointed?" Diana asked quietly over the winner's thorough list of thanks.
"Always next time, I guess." He shrugged and pretended to be focused on the winner's speech.
Right after that announcement, the speakers finished out with thanks which involved calling Bruce Wayne on stage (who notably thanked no one and barely formed coherent sentences). Quickly after that, there was a moment for Steve, the honored guest, where the speakers thanked him for his service. The lights went up and just like that, the event was over. People shuffled out the door, loud and jubilant winners chatted eagerly but perhaps louder was the somber silence of all those who lost, especially at Clark's table.
"Well that sucked, on to dinner then?" Lois stated as she grabbed her belongings.
"Oh come on, that wasn't terrible. Plus dinner is going to be amazing." Jon spoke to Lois.
"Well Steve, have fun at your party with the billionaire. Hope to see you again sometime soon." Lois stated sourly.
Steve yawned, "I'm getting to old for this." He walked over to Lois and hugged her goodbye and shook Jon's hand. He also walked over to Clark and shook his hand, "She's really special man." He whispered to Clark, slightly inebriated as he nodded in Diana's direction. Clark didn't know how to react and he just smiled.
Then he faced Diana, "The offer still stands for if you ever want to finish that dance with me." He handed her his phone number, and hugged her before leaving to catch up with Bruce. Clark watched Diana fold it and put it away.
Bruce was already gone, not saying any goodbyes, walking towards the back exit with his women and a group of men. Typical.
"I actually ordered a limo to pick us up in five minutes. It's our little surprise for you guys. We thought it would be fun." Jon said.
"Oh that sounds fun, thank you Jon." The entire group had a somber feeling and Diana and Jon both were struggling to keep the conversation uplifting.
"You know I'm going to go out to one of the balconies here for a second. I'll see you guys up front." Clark said.
"And I'll stay back with him." Diana said as she looked at Clark, concerned.
"Sure. It'll be here soon though." Jon held Lois' hand and started to lead her out.
Clark walked ahead of Diana to a balcony. The night was beautiful. The full moon lit up the sky and stars shone brightly. The balcony overlooked a beautiful garden with a fountain the middle. Purple and yellow flowers dotted the entire garden and left a nice smell in the air. The sound of water overpowered all the cars and loud voices.
"I really thought this was the one Diana." He finally let his disappointment show.
"Oh Clark, it's still beautiful and well written in more ways than one. Perhaps your story wasn't as relatable; most people haven't felt that kind of pain. Either way, you are still exceptional. And don't forget all the fun we had dancing, talking with Bruce, and I'm sure more fun will follow at dinner tonight."
"You don't have to fake that smile for me. I know the fight really upset you. It really wasn't your fault though."
"It did upset me, but I'm not faking Clark. I am really, very glad I came here today with you." She smiled wider and forced him to look at her, "Listen to me, you are exceptional."
"You are the best friend I could ask for in the whole entire world. I mean that."
Diana let that sit in the air for a while as the sound of cars and excited voices from the street invaded what felt like their private moment in the garden. Diana remembered Clark's surprise at hearing she danced with Steve, his irritation the rest of the time, was that jealousy? Clark was looking out over the garden.
"Just friend?" Clark heard her heart speed up. Lost in all the emotions of that moment, he reverted to a joke.
"Well I guess you'd have to kiss me for me to decide." Before Clark could laugh to accentuate the fact that it was a joke, she reached out and kissed him.
Her lips were soft and she smelled heavenly. Her hands gently caressed his face, but Clark was taken by surprise. He stiffened unsure of what to do. His brain was on fire, and he wasn't sure how a man is supposed to react to being kissed by the most beautiful woman in the world. The soft fabric of her dress rubbed against his limp arms and he was suddenly short of breath.
Diana realized Clark wasn't moving, "Oh my gods, you were kidding. Weren't you?" Diana knew he was joking somewhere inside. After all these years of things being unsaid, she just didn't care anymore. All she could think about is the dancing, the ice cream, the tacos. Him.
Clark just looked at her, her beautiful face. That kiss ended too soon. He imagined just reaching out and kissing her, telling her he loved her. But in his mind there were so many things that could go wrong after that point. He just stared at her. It broke his heart to know that Diana liked him past friendship. They were a disaster waiting to happen, anyone could tell them that. If they broke up, he would lose the only thing keeping him sane, he couldn't risk that.
Silence was the only answer Diana needed, and she felt like a fool. She shouldn't have done that, sure her and Clark's friendship was complicated, but it worked. And now she felt tears forming in her eyes as she realized she had really messed with that complex balance. She feared losing him as a friend; she feared that he didn't share her feelings.
Lois walked in and instantly picked up on the tension in the air, "Hey guys…um…the limo is here."
Diana wore a smile like a mask and said, "Perfect." She tore her eyes from Clark, and left him at the balcony as she followed Lois.
AN: I just want to thank everyone who has commented and favorited and followed. You are all amazing. Sorry for my terrible writing, but thanks for reading it!