Title: Dragons, Demons, and Other Wonders of the Heart (6/??)
Author: Allaine
Email: eac2nd@yahoo.com
Disclaimers: DC Comics, Cartoon Network, Bruce Timm, the JLA animated series, etc, etc. No profit intended from my infringement.
Rating: PG-13
Spoilers: Up to the episodes "Wild Cards" and "Comfort and Joy".
Feedback: Please, please, please!!
Summary: With five of the seven members of the Justice League in relationships, the Flash is determined to meet someone now. But what will it do to the rep of the self-proclaimed "ladies' man" if he's the last to find love? The sequel you demanded to "Always a Bridesmaid".
___________________________________
Chapter 6
"Congratulations . . . Lithuania is spelled with an 'N'."
"In the time it would take me to go back and fix that typo, Smallville," Lois muttered without looking up from her work, "I've written five new words. A typo, mind you, that wouldn't survive the rough draft phase of this article. And _why_ do you insist on reading over my shoulder? Didn't Martha teach you that was impolite?"
Clark smiled and stood up, taking his hands off her desk. "Better?"
"You're still looming. And was it necessary for you to congratulate me for misspelling Lithuania?" she asked irritably.
"Actually, I was about to congratulate you for being bumped another notch down Luminus' 'Least Favorite People' list," he replied.
If Lois Lane was going to get chills every time she heard the name of someone who tried to have her killed, she'd never stop shaking. But any mention of Edward "Luminus" Lytner - whose repeated attempts to murder her had, among other things, left her too afraid to get behind the wheel of a car for a week - and a tremor insisted on racing up her spine. "Who does he hate more than me? Besides Superman, of course," Lois asked dryly.
"Mercy Graves," Clark said, sitting on her desk and folding his arms so he could look at her.
Lois Lane blinked. "Lexcorp's 'Chauffeur CEO'?" she asked, referring to a derogatory nickname coined by the Metropolis tabloids not longer after Mercy took over. "He was fired years ago. Why'd he wait so long?"
"Unknown," Clark told her quietly. "Luminus got Mercy and another passenger into one of his solid-light holograms made to look like her limousine. Then he drove them off the freeway overpass."
Lois stared at him, shocked. "Where exactly did this happen?" she asked.
He looked uncomfortable. "Why don't we take a walk?"
"Yes, lets," she hissed, standing up and dragging him off to the elevators.
"Lois - " he began to say when they were alone.
"Where was the accident?" she demanded.
Clark sighed. "Almost the exact same spot he tried to kill you."
She scowled, clenching her fists. "Well, _that's_ certainly an interesting coincidence," she snarled.
"He's just trying to throw you off-balance. Your paths haven't even crossed in months. He just thought he could kill two birds with one stone - sorry, bad metaphor."
"Well, it's not working," Lois said. "Was she all right?"
"Yes. Actually, someone managed to save her before I did."
"Really? Who?"
"Starfire."
"Who?"
"A.k.a. model Kory Anders."
Lois looked at him like he'd been exposed to red Kryptonite and grown a second head. "You want to try running that by me again, farmboy?"
Clark quickly explained what he'd witnessed that afternoon, along with a brief reminder of who "Kory Anders" was. "Only now she's going by Starfire," he finished, "and she's Mercy's new bodyguard."
"I guess she had some idea that Lytner was after her," she reasoned.
"Couldn't say for sure," Clark replied. "You know Mercy - always wanting to be difficult."
Lois moved to brush past him, but he blocked her way. "Where are you going?" he asked.
"Hello? Attempted Murder of Lexcorp CEO Foiled by Model Turned Superhero? This is what we reporters call a scoop, Clark."
"I know. That's why I put my copy on Perry's desk a couple minutes ago," Clark said, smiling.
"What?! You wrote your story before telling me? You know, I might have to work late tonight. Guess we'll have to reschedule that dinner."
"I thought you'd have other assignments to work on," he pointed out.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"I heard you landed an interview with a certain princess from Kasnia. And it wasn't from your lips."
Lois started, then shook her head and chuckled. "I knew she'd run to you," she muttered.
"What?"
"Oh, don't even try, Mr. Perfect Hearing. Wonder Woman found out I was going to interview her girlfriend, so she wants you to run interference," Lois said, "so she can protect Audrey from the big, bad reporter."
"That's not true and you know it," Clark said, knowing that the Lois/Diana issue was pointless to discuss. The two women had never gotten along, and they never would. "Personally, I find it odd that I heard it from her, not you."
"Do we share all our assignments with each other?"
"When they involve each other, yes. And this touches upon the League, so it touches upon me. Why'd you seek her out for this interview?" he asked. "What is it you're hoping to accomplish?"
"Hey, don't get short with me, Smallville. It was Perry's idea. I just followed orders."
"Then why was it a secret?"
"Because I knew you'd overreact like this," she retorted, smacking his arm even though she knew he wouldn't feel it.
"_Me_ overreact?"
"Can you please trust me enough that you stop giving me these little talks every time I'm with someone who I have inside information on, thanks to you?"
He was taken aback. "Of course I trust you."
"So what's the problem?"
"Diana is worried that Audrey might 'accidentally' let something slip. She's not entirely happy about having to hide their relationship from the public."
"Gee," Lois said. "Wish I could empathize with _that_ little problem."
Clark was about to give her a look when he stopped. "Maybe you've got something there."
"What?"
"You and Audrey have similar problems - you can't be seen having a romantic relationship with me in my street-clothes persona, you have to share Superman with the world. Maybe you could help her adjust?"
"And then we can write an advice column together. Superheroes and the Women Who Love Them. Dear Audrey, why can't my boyfriend accept the fact that I steal valuables with cat motifs for a living?"
"Don't even joke like that around Bruce," he said.
"Look, I love you dearly, Clark, but adjusting to this kind of relationship isn't the same thing as getting used to it," Lois warned him. "Not being permitted to have a normal relationship has always bothered me."
Clark looked unhappily at her.
"But the time with you is worth it," she added. "And . . ." Lois sighed. "I guess I can remind her that some things aren't worth losing that."
"Thanks, Lois," he said.
"I shouldn't be doing this. At least you could have given me the scoop on Mercy Graves."
"I wouldn't want you to stop respecting me as a reporter," he responded, grinning.
She made a disgusted noise and stormed off.
_______________________________________________
Audrey sat on the park bench and bathed in the sun's glow, oblivious to everything around her. None of it mattered. Nobody knew who she was. She had no duties to take care of. And Diana would be joining her shortly. Audrey did wonder how the heroine would arrive without creating a scene. Wonder Woman in civilian clothes slipping into a theater was one thing. Wonder Woman in civilian clothes in the middle of a park in Metropolis with the sun shining brightly was another. Witness how swiftly she'd been recognized in Paris, even in her red dress.
She felt the bench vibrate slightly as someone sat next to her. "Darling," Audrey purred, raising her head and opening her eyes. "I thought you would never come." Then she stared.
"I almost didn't want to disturb you," the other woman said. "You looked like a cat sunning yourself like that."
Audrey peered over the rims of her sunglasses. "Diana?" she asked.
Diana smiled uncertainly. "Does it work?"
"What _are_ you wearing?"
The Amazon princess was wearing something one might have purchased off the rack at the local department store. She was dressed in a deep blue skirt that ended at the knee, a matching jacket, and a light grey blouse, along with low-heeled pumps. The upper half of her face was obscured by glasses with perfectly circular frames. Her hair was pulled back into a ponytail.
The outfit could be considered "tasteful". It could also be considered dull.
"I'm trying out a new look," Diana explained.
"It's not working," Audrey said instantly.
Diana raised her eyebrows. "You don't like it? I-it doesn't work?"
"Well, I suppose it's all right if you're working forty hours a week under florescent lighting," Audrey allowed. "Diana, I understand you're trying not to attract attention, but why - "
"I don't really have much of a secret identity," Diana told her.
"Just a secret lover," Audrey replied, grinning.
Diana blushed and smiled back. "Just that," she admitted. "But it's something I've avoided in the past. I suppose it let me pretend that Man's World was my home now, not Themiscyra. Now that my life is so wrapped up in you and the League, though, I think it's about time I created an identity that won't attract attention, like Superman and Batman and the others. Plus . . . "
"Plus what?"
"Plus, when the day arrives that the world finds out about is, it won't be such a big deal if, instead of Wonder Woman, you're in love with - Diana Castle."
"Who is . . . that's your new name? Diana _Castle_?"
Diana's cheeks turned a deeper shade of red. "I was going to use Prince as a surname first, but I decided not to. It is a man's title, after all. Why not just surrender to the irony and call myself Diana Mann?"
Audrey's musical laugh caressed Diana's ears. "So then, Miss Castle, this is supposed to be your disguise?"
Diana looked down at herself. "I don't really pay much attention to fashion. Anyway, I don't want to look glamorous or anything."
"Well, I like the glasses," Audrey responded. "You need something to distract people from your face, and since I suppose a maid's uniform is out of the question - "
"Audrey!" Diana gasped.
"You are too easy, my love. As I was saying, the rest of the outfit just doesn't suit you. You're obviously a beautiful woman, and in those clothes you just look like a beautiful woman trying desperately to hide it. It's possible to look stylish, you understand, without standing out. Although," Audrey added, "I've always tried to stand out."
"Think you could help me?" Diana asked.
Audrey's eyes sparkled. "Well, as it happens, I do have the _entire_ day free. I was going to spend it with this woman I know, but she appears to have stood me up, so I'll have to make do with you, Miss Castle. And I do have a purse full of credit cards."
Diana smiled slyly. "This woman must be very foolish to leave someone like you waiting. But I suppose I should be thankful, since she's left you entirely at my mercy."
This time it was Audrey who turned pink. "So," she quickly said, changing the subject, "what does Diana Castle do for a living?"
"I don't know yet," Diana said. "I've been focusing on obtaining the necessary identification papers - birth certificate, driver's license, that sort of thing. J'onn is procuring those for me."
"Obviously certain professions would be out of the question for an Amazon," Audrey said thoughtfully as she casually linked her arm with Diana's. "Stewardess, chambermaid, waitress."
"Right," Diana agreed dryly.
"Exotic dancer . . ."
"I'm not THAT easy to get a rise out of," Diana said after a moment.
Audrey pouted. "You're no fun." Then she smiled. "Although . . ."
"Although what?"
"You look so _confined_ in that outfit. I rather think I'm going to enjoy unwrapping you in my hotel room."
Diana coughed into her fist as a warm feeling suddenly spread through her body. Audrey just looked pleased with herself.
Then Diana stopped as a newspaper machine caught her eye. "Hold on a second," she said, briefly disengaging herself from Audrey as she went to buy a copy of the Daily Planet.
"What is it?" Audrey asked curiously.
"Attempted Murder of Lexcorp CEO Foiled by Model Turned Hero," Diana murmured, reading the headline. "Starfire?"
"Diana, is something wrong?"
"No, no, I don't think so," Diana said, thinking. "Actually, this may be a good thing. Fashion model is another line of work I wouldn't stoop to, and it appears Koriand'r might have found a worthier use of her time."
"Who?"
"I'll explain later."
They walked on in silence for a moment or two. "What about teaching?" Diana asked.
"Teaching?"
"Yes. I've seen these 'self-defense classes' women take, and I think I would like to do something like that."
Audrey nodded. "I'm sure you could. Although I'm not sure the world is ready for Amazon-trained housewives."
"You're such a tease," Diana chuckled, holding onto Audrey more tightly.
"But of course! Teasing is just the natural evolution of flirting, after all."
The two women kissed briefly but lovingly before they arrived at their destination and Diana submitted to Audrey's infinitely greater expertise in this art of war.
Shopping.
To be continued . . .
Author: Allaine
Email: eac2nd@yahoo.com
Disclaimers: DC Comics, Cartoon Network, Bruce Timm, the JLA animated series, etc, etc. No profit intended from my infringement.
Rating: PG-13
Spoilers: Up to the episodes "Wild Cards" and "Comfort and Joy".
Feedback: Please, please, please!!
Summary: With five of the seven members of the Justice League in relationships, the Flash is determined to meet someone now. But what will it do to the rep of the self-proclaimed "ladies' man" if he's the last to find love? The sequel you demanded to "Always a Bridesmaid".
___________________________________
Chapter 6
"Congratulations . . . Lithuania is spelled with an 'N'."
"In the time it would take me to go back and fix that typo, Smallville," Lois muttered without looking up from her work, "I've written five new words. A typo, mind you, that wouldn't survive the rough draft phase of this article. And _why_ do you insist on reading over my shoulder? Didn't Martha teach you that was impolite?"
Clark smiled and stood up, taking his hands off her desk. "Better?"
"You're still looming. And was it necessary for you to congratulate me for misspelling Lithuania?" she asked irritably.
"Actually, I was about to congratulate you for being bumped another notch down Luminus' 'Least Favorite People' list," he replied.
If Lois Lane was going to get chills every time she heard the name of someone who tried to have her killed, she'd never stop shaking. But any mention of Edward "Luminus" Lytner - whose repeated attempts to murder her had, among other things, left her too afraid to get behind the wheel of a car for a week - and a tremor insisted on racing up her spine. "Who does he hate more than me? Besides Superman, of course," Lois asked dryly.
"Mercy Graves," Clark said, sitting on her desk and folding his arms so he could look at her.
Lois Lane blinked. "Lexcorp's 'Chauffeur CEO'?" she asked, referring to a derogatory nickname coined by the Metropolis tabloids not longer after Mercy took over. "He was fired years ago. Why'd he wait so long?"
"Unknown," Clark told her quietly. "Luminus got Mercy and another passenger into one of his solid-light holograms made to look like her limousine. Then he drove them off the freeway overpass."
Lois stared at him, shocked. "Where exactly did this happen?" she asked.
He looked uncomfortable. "Why don't we take a walk?"
"Yes, lets," she hissed, standing up and dragging him off to the elevators.
"Lois - " he began to say when they were alone.
"Where was the accident?" she demanded.
Clark sighed. "Almost the exact same spot he tried to kill you."
She scowled, clenching her fists. "Well, _that's_ certainly an interesting coincidence," she snarled.
"He's just trying to throw you off-balance. Your paths haven't even crossed in months. He just thought he could kill two birds with one stone - sorry, bad metaphor."
"Well, it's not working," Lois said. "Was she all right?"
"Yes. Actually, someone managed to save her before I did."
"Really? Who?"
"Starfire."
"Who?"
"A.k.a. model Kory Anders."
Lois looked at him like he'd been exposed to red Kryptonite and grown a second head. "You want to try running that by me again, farmboy?"
Clark quickly explained what he'd witnessed that afternoon, along with a brief reminder of who "Kory Anders" was. "Only now she's going by Starfire," he finished, "and she's Mercy's new bodyguard."
"I guess she had some idea that Lytner was after her," she reasoned.
"Couldn't say for sure," Clark replied. "You know Mercy - always wanting to be difficult."
Lois moved to brush past him, but he blocked her way. "Where are you going?" he asked.
"Hello? Attempted Murder of Lexcorp CEO Foiled by Model Turned Superhero? This is what we reporters call a scoop, Clark."
"I know. That's why I put my copy on Perry's desk a couple minutes ago," Clark said, smiling.
"What?! You wrote your story before telling me? You know, I might have to work late tonight. Guess we'll have to reschedule that dinner."
"I thought you'd have other assignments to work on," he pointed out.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"I heard you landed an interview with a certain princess from Kasnia. And it wasn't from your lips."
Lois started, then shook her head and chuckled. "I knew she'd run to you," she muttered.
"What?"
"Oh, don't even try, Mr. Perfect Hearing. Wonder Woman found out I was going to interview her girlfriend, so she wants you to run interference," Lois said, "so she can protect Audrey from the big, bad reporter."
"That's not true and you know it," Clark said, knowing that the Lois/Diana issue was pointless to discuss. The two women had never gotten along, and they never would. "Personally, I find it odd that I heard it from her, not you."
"Do we share all our assignments with each other?"
"When they involve each other, yes. And this touches upon the League, so it touches upon me. Why'd you seek her out for this interview?" he asked. "What is it you're hoping to accomplish?"
"Hey, don't get short with me, Smallville. It was Perry's idea. I just followed orders."
"Then why was it a secret?"
"Because I knew you'd overreact like this," she retorted, smacking his arm even though she knew he wouldn't feel it.
"_Me_ overreact?"
"Can you please trust me enough that you stop giving me these little talks every time I'm with someone who I have inside information on, thanks to you?"
He was taken aback. "Of course I trust you."
"So what's the problem?"
"Diana is worried that Audrey might 'accidentally' let something slip. She's not entirely happy about having to hide their relationship from the public."
"Gee," Lois said. "Wish I could empathize with _that_ little problem."
Clark was about to give her a look when he stopped. "Maybe you've got something there."
"What?"
"You and Audrey have similar problems - you can't be seen having a romantic relationship with me in my street-clothes persona, you have to share Superman with the world. Maybe you could help her adjust?"
"And then we can write an advice column together. Superheroes and the Women Who Love Them. Dear Audrey, why can't my boyfriend accept the fact that I steal valuables with cat motifs for a living?"
"Don't even joke like that around Bruce," he said.
"Look, I love you dearly, Clark, but adjusting to this kind of relationship isn't the same thing as getting used to it," Lois warned him. "Not being permitted to have a normal relationship has always bothered me."
Clark looked unhappily at her.
"But the time with you is worth it," she added. "And . . ." Lois sighed. "I guess I can remind her that some things aren't worth losing that."
"Thanks, Lois," he said.
"I shouldn't be doing this. At least you could have given me the scoop on Mercy Graves."
"I wouldn't want you to stop respecting me as a reporter," he responded, grinning.
She made a disgusted noise and stormed off.
_______________________________________________
Audrey sat on the park bench and bathed in the sun's glow, oblivious to everything around her. None of it mattered. Nobody knew who she was. She had no duties to take care of. And Diana would be joining her shortly. Audrey did wonder how the heroine would arrive without creating a scene. Wonder Woman in civilian clothes slipping into a theater was one thing. Wonder Woman in civilian clothes in the middle of a park in Metropolis with the sun shining brightly was another. Witness how swiftly she'd been recognized in Paris, even in her red dress.
She felt the bench vibrate slightly as someone sat next to her. "Darling," Audrey purred, raising her head and opening her eyes. "I thought you would never come." Then she stared.
"I almost didn't want to disturb you," the other woman said. "You looked like a cat sunning yourself like that."
Audrey peered over the rims of her sunglasses. "Diana?" she asked.
Diana smiled uncertainly. "Does it work?"
"What _are_ you wearing?"
The Amazon princess was wearing something one might have purchased off the rack at the local department store. She was dressed in a deep blue skirt that ended at the knee, a matching jacket, and a light grey blouse, along with low-heeled pumps. The upper half of her face was obscured by glasses with perfectly circular frames. Her hair was pulled back into a ponytail.
The outfit could be considered "tasteful". It could also be considered dull.
"I'm trying out a new look," Diana explained.
"It's not working," Audrey said instantly.
Diana raised her eyebrows. "You don't like it? I-it doesn't work?"
"Well, I suppose it's all right if you're working forty hours a week under florescent lighting," Audrey allowed. "Diana, I understand you're trying not to attract attention, but why - "
"I don't really have much of a secret identity," Diana told her.
"Just a secret lover," Audrey replied, grinning.
Diana blushed and smiled back. "Just that," she admitted. "But it's something I've avoided in the past. I suppose it let me pretend that Man's World was my home now, not Themiscyra. Now that my life is so wrapped up in you and the League, though, I think it's about time I created an identity that won't attract attention, like Superman and Batman and the others. Plus . . . "
"Plus what?"
"Plus, when the day arrives that the world finds out about is, it won't be such a big deal if, instead of Wonder Woman, you're in love with - Diana Castle."
"Who is . . . that's your new name? Diana _Castle_?"
Diana's cheeks turned a deeper shade of red. "I was going to use Prince as a surname first, but I decided not to. It is a man's title, after all. Why not just surrender to the irony and call myself Diana Mann?"
Audrey's musical laugh caressed Diana's ears. "So then, Miss Castle, this is supposed to be your disguise?"
Diana looked down at herself. "I don't really pay much attention to fashion. Anyway, I don't want to look glamorous or anything."
"Well, I like the glasses," Audrey responded. "You need something to distract people from your face, and since I suppose a maid's uniform is out of the question - "
"Audrey!" Diana gasped.
"You are too easy, my love. As I was saying, the rest of the outfit just doesn't suit you. You're obviously a beautiful woman, and in those clothes you just look like a beautiful woman trying desperately to hide it. It's possible to look stylish, you understand, without standing out. Although," Audrey added, "I've always tried to stand out."
"Think you could help me?" Diana asked.
Audrey's eyes sparkled. "Well, as it happens, I do have the _entire_ day free. I was going to spend it with this woman I know, but she appears to have stood me up, so I'll have to make do with you, Miss Castle. And I do have a purse full of credit cards."
Diana smiled slyly. "This woman must be very foolish to leave someone like you waiting. But I suppose I should be thankful, since she's left you entirely at my mercy."
This time it was Audrey who turned pink. "So," she quickly said, changing the subject, "what does Diana Castle do for a living?"
"I don't know yet," Diana said. "I've been focusing on obtaining the necessary identification papers - birth certificate, driver's license, that sort of thing. J'onn is procuring those for me."
"Obviously certain professions would be out of the question for an Amazon," Audrey said thoughtfully as she casually linked her arm with Diana's. "Stewardess, chambermaid, waitress."
"Right," Diana agreed dryly.
"Exotic dancer . . ."
"I'm not THAT easy to get a rise out of," Diana said after a moment.
Audrey pouted. "You're no fun." Then she smiled. "Although . . ."
"Although what?"
"You look so _confined_ in that outfit. I rather think I'm going to enjoy unwrapping you in my hotel room."
Diana coughed into her fist as a warm feeling suddenly spread through her body. Audrey just looked pleased with herself.
Then Diana stopped as a newspaper machine caught her eye. "Hold on a second," she said, briefly disengaging herself from Audrey as she went to buy a copy of the Daily Planet.
"What is it?" Audrey asked curiously.
"Attempted Murder of Lexcorp CEO Foiled by Model Turned Hero," Diana murmured, reading the headline. "Starfire?"
"Diana, is something wrong?"
"No, no, I don't think so," Diana said, thinking. "Actually, this may be a good thing. Fashion model is another line of work I wouldn't stoop to, and it appears Koriand'r might have found a worthier use of her time."
"Who?"
"I'll explain later."
They walked on in silence for a moment or two. "What about teaching?" Diana asked.
"Teaching?"
"Yes. I've seen these 'self-defense classes' women take, and I think I would like to do something like that."
Audrey nodded. "I'm sure you could. Although I'm not sure the world is ready for Amazon-trained housewives."
"You're such a tease," Diana chuckled, holding onto Audrey more tightly.
"But of course! Teasing is just the natural evolution of flirting, after all."
The two women kissed briefly but lovingly before they arrived at their destination and Diana submitted to Audrey's infinitely greater expertise in this art of war.
Shopping.
To be continued . . .