Raven Blade
By Ryu Niiyama
Chapter 5 : Guess who's Coming to Dinner
Sophie Moore would have thought that having dinner with superheroines was supposed to be stressful. Yet it was surprisingly…normal and cute. If one called having two superpowered twins that looked like practical supermodels or demigoddesses (although that might be more likely) bustling around in her kitchen normal. It was most certainly cute however. Diana was as charming and gracious as she appeared to be in interviews, with that slightly gallant but otherworldly demeanor that Sophie also recognized in Nubia. Nubia might have been more cynical than her twin, but she had the same straightforward, fair and compassionate mindset. The technical younger of the twins of Themyscira had a playful streak that she apparently either hid well from the world or never had cause to display. However, in Sophie Moore's kitchen she needled poor Nubia every chance she got. She wasn't annoying per say, they were both thousands of years old after all, but she knew how to poke and prod playfully at her sister. In a way it reminded Sophie of herself and Jordan, when they didn't have to draw lines between Sophie the Crow and Sophie the Black Woman.
Instead, Sophie was content to nurse her wine as each of the goddesses worked away in her kitchen, the heavenly smells setting her stomach on a constant rumble. Diana and Nubia both interspersed their cooking duties with visiting with Sophie, not allowing her to be alone for too long, but absolutely banning her from the kitchen. Sophie could cook just fine, the daughter of expat Southern parents ensured that it was required in her household, but Diana had told her in a stage whisper that Nubia wanted to impress her. The fact that the only reaction to that was a blush and some rapid fired whisper yelling in Greek from Nubia that Sophie didn't understand and a lovingly amused and shamelessly unrepentant chuckle from Diana that Sophie understood perfectly, kept Sophie parked at the table. Diana walked back in carrying a tray of mezzes and fresh olive bread, looking radiant and put together as if she hadn't been helping her sister cook for the past 40 minutes.
"Come now Sophie, you need to line your stomach a bit. We have a few minutes before my sister expects me on my best behavior. As such that leaves me limited time to, what is the saying…grill you? Ah yes, grill you." Sophie found herself grateful that Nubia wasn't related to one of the more terrifying Justice League members like Batman (although finding out he was Bruce Wayne took some of the sting out of that) and even though Diana could knock her into the moon and still look as radiant as she did right now, Sophie knew a sister's concern when she heard it. Diana's questions were surprisingly bland, which only told Sophie that she'd likely used JL resources to do a background check on her…but instead the current active Wonder Woman wanted to know about Sophie's family and plans for the future. When Diana slipped in a question about her and Nubia's sex life while Sophie was mid-chew on a few dolmades, Sophie was reminded that she couldn't let her guard down around conspiring younger sisters.
As if summoned by Sophie's embarrassment, Nubia appeared bearing a fresh bottle of wine and a cheese and olive board. Sophie wasn't very worried about the amount of food, knowing whatever she didn't eat, Nubia and Diana would polish off with graceful ease. Sophie often wondered how Nubia did that; she could hold a charming conversation and look like she was barely eating when she'd actually put away a football player's dinner. However, she was more impacted by the sight of her lover. Apparently, sometime during cooking, the statuesque woman found the time to change into an evening gown. Nubia always took her breath away but if Diana was radiant, then Nubia was ethereal, almost impossible in her beauty. Sophie stood and assisted her lover with setting the cheese board, even though she knew it was an insignificant weight to Amazonian powered muscle. "Nubia, love, you look…amazing, enchanting…" Sophie bit her lip, hating that she often got tongue tied around the taller woman, although the soft blush that highlighted silken mahogany with cherry undertones let her know that her attempt was understood and appreciated. Sophie helped Nubia to her seat and as she sat at her own place, which Diana had risen to help her into just to annoy her sister, the human chuckled as she caught the smugly satisfied smile that lit Diana's face briefly.
Diana however didn't make it a pastime to needle her sister and she slipped into more normal conversation, if tales of her adventures and updates on Themyscira could be called that. Sophie knew that Nubia rarely if ever went home, even though she hadn't been banished, so it was easy to see Diana's attempt to bring a bit of home to her sister. The current Wonder Woman asked about both Nubia and Sophie's work especially now that they were no longer part of the Crows. Nubia detailed some of her more dangerous missions and Sophie was morbidly pleased that she wasn't the only one that looked a little green as Nubia described her harrowing missions. It seemed odd. Diana and Nubia both were Amazons but Diana looked both concerned and angry that her sister was putting her life on the line…as if she didn't do the same thing. "My Sister, you are at least wearing your bracelets correct? You know we are vulnerable to Ares weapons." Nubia had once explained to Sophie why she could take a punch from Superwoman, but wore a kevlar vest when she wasn't in her armor, but it still seemed surreal to her. Nubia managed not to roll her eyes, but Sophie could read the desire to in her lover's body language.
"Of course, Diana. I didn't know Mother could scream that loud. I learned my lesson after that." Sophie fought back a wince as she knew that the wound that Nubia was referring to was a bullet she'd taken while protecting Sophie. That it happened even before they'd started dating was a testament to Nubia's longstanding affection for her then 2IC. That her injury and, at the time, the strange intervention of both Diana and Queen Hippolyta had led to the estranged daughter being accepted back into the fold and that Sophie had slept by Nubia's bedside led to the Amazon referring to the shot as "lucky". It would seem that Diana didn't appreciate the joke any better than Sophie did. Diana opened her mouth to retort, only to be cut off by the ding of the timer. "One moment, ladies." Nubia rose and cleared out any dishes that they weren't using. Diana smirked and leaned forward conspiratorially. "I must admit even I was shocked by Mother's fretting. Somehow, she was even more worried and angry than when my Sister and I first met on the battlefield before I learned of who she was." Sophie always found the story of the separated twins devastating, but aside from the obvious yearning for family restored in Diana's voice, neither Amazon spoke of their childhoods negatively. Which was quite the feat considering that Nubia had been raised by her kidnapper, Ares God of War and Diana's mothers separated over the false belief that Queen Hyppolyta had been unfaithful in order to be blessed with Diana. Within moments and before either Sophie or Diana could comment further, Nubia returned bearing a hearty moussaka and a large salad.
"That smells amazing…" Sophie figured she couldn't be faulted for the loud rumble her stomach made as the scent of the baked dish hit her nose.
Diana grinned and held up her hands before moving to clear proper space on the table. "Don't look at me, I wasn't allowed to assist in preparing it. The salad is mine, however." Nubia's features flickered and Sophie got the distinct impression that her lover wanted to stick out her tongue at her sister, but felt it would ruin her poise to do so. "I would have allowed you to do more, but you kept eating the ingredients." Diana surprisingly enough, blushed and cast her blue eyes away from the table. "I couldn't help it, my Sister. I'm a nervous eater." Nubia scoffed for a moment before the mildly awkward pause prompted her to look at her twin more closely and she realized that Diana wasn't being facetious. Sophie for her part, pulled on every ounce of her Crow training to keep her expression neutrally compassionate even as she was shocked that Diana not only wanted to get to know her but wanted to make a good impression as well.
A woman that faced down gods and monsters on a regular basis was nervous that she'd make a fool of herself in front her sister and her sister's lover. How adorable could these ancient warriors get?
Nubia reached out with that warm chuckle that always soothed Sophie's battered soul, and squeezed her mildly embarrassed sister's hand. "Well, I suppose I needed someone to taste test the ingredients to make sure they were at their peak. So, thank you…Sister." Sophie hid her smile behind her wine glass, as Diana turned to Nubia and squeezed her hand in return. Kind, a little roundabout and yet full of understanding, the response was pure Nubia and Sophie was happy to see the two Amazons inch a little closer towards the familial relationship that had been denied them. Diana surreptitiously blinked back tears, and smiled that charming toothy smile that launched a thousand magazine covers, positively glowing at the kindling connection. "I am very happy to help, my Sister." The Amazons then each reached to grasp Sophie's hand, the three women forming a small circle as Diana led a feast prayer to the gods, mostly in Greek and then in English for Sophie's benefit. Sophie had abandoned religion early into her adolescent years, the love in her heart at odds with the condemnation and anger of the religion her parents had found themselves steeped in; she assumed that considering all either Amazon had seen, and were for that matter, praying to Demeter, Athena and Hera made as much sense as any other deity.
They then began to divvy up the food and when Sophie took her first bite of the moussaka she let out a moan that caused even Diana's head to swivel in her direction and a light heat to warm her eyes. Nubia cleared her throat while Sophie was transported to epicurean bliss and Diana blinked a few times to clear her thoughts.
"Próseche to vlémma sou, agapití adelfí. Eínai i agapiméni mou." [Mind your gaze, dear sister. She is my lover.]
Sophie's eyes widened as her fork froze at her mouth, her limited knowledge of Greek translating a few words. Diana smirked briefly in understanding before dotting mouth with her napkin and turning to her sister.
"Fysiká, i aderfí mou. Eísai tycherí gynaíka…It is obvious that Athena favors you, my Sister, but I do believe we are being rude…and Sophie is learning Greek via immersion." [Naturally, my Sister. You are a fortunate woman.]
Nubia blushed, suddenly interested in her plate and Sophie chuckled, amused at the twin sisters' antics. "Sorry, ladies. This is just really, really delicious." The two ate in companionable silence until Sophie was done, although she absently noted that both Amazons were on their third helping each. At that point they launched into a conversation that deteriorated into a mild verbal jousting match as the three of them started comparing combat strategy. Sophie supposed that most would not find talking shop to be so engrossing or demanding a defense of one's pride but the three of them were all warriors and they spent their days putting their lives on the line. Sophie's being mortal didn't lessen either Amazon's respect…or sense of competition with her. By the time all the plates were cleared and Nubia and Diana had made serious inroads on clearing out the leftover appetizers the three had scheduled a test of marksmanship vs both Amazon's divine bracelets. Content that she would be seeing more of Sophie again, Diana didn't overstay her welcome, eagerly reaching out to hug the mortal and pleased be allowed to hug her twin. The current Wonder Woman whispered something in Nubia's ear that prompted Sophie's beloved to simultaneously blush and tighten her embrace into one that forced the air from Diana's lungs. Sophie arched an eyebrow at that…wondering why little sisters always had to try their luck, even as a slightly bug-eyed Diana smirked at her over Nubia's shoulder.
Harmless, sisterly bickering aside, Diana graciously ended her visit, wishing her hostesses well and making both of them promise to keep in touch. Sophie and Nubia were practical, fastidious women by nature so they moved to wash the dishes and put away the few leftovers, while listening to some soft strains of jazz. The dishes complete, Nubia removed their rubber gloves and tossed them in the sink before she took Sophie's hand and led her back to the living room where they swayed softly to the music. "Thank you, Sophie…for indulging Diana." Sophie smiled and pulled the taller woman in her arms a little closer, nipping at her exposed clavicle before resting her head against a powerful shoulder. "Just your sister?" Nubia let out a familiar chuckle-snort that signified both her amusement and that she'd been caught, and she hummed softly in contemplation as they moved. "I…suppose I wanted you to meet…my family." Nubia pulled back a little and tilted up Sophie's chin with a finger so that she could look down into those brilliant eyes. "I wanted to make…a gesture to show my commitment to our courtship. I am proud to stand by your side and to have you stand by mine. I love you, Sophie Moore." The part of Sophie's mind that was analytical, noted that Nubia was nervous. She usually only revered back to that very formal way of speaking or saying Sophie's full name when she was either being very sincere, or was very nervous…or both.
Sophie had once believed that she would never know a love like this…a love that not only inflamed her but sustained her. A love she could trust and could stand against the world with. Finally, she had found that which had been elusive for so long and joy and gratitude burned brightly within her breast at that knowledge. She leaned up slightly, and Nubia automatically leaned down to meet her as their lips, full and sweet met in a kiss filled with unhurried yearning. When they parted, Sophie reached up and feathered her fingers over Nubia's gloriously sculpted cheekbones and smiled. "I love you too, Nubia. I'm so glad that you trust me enough to let me into your world. Which reminds me, please call Jordan back…she has been bugging me about you teaching martial arts classes at the community center." Nubia laughed softly, her head falling back and exposing her long, supple neck to Sophie's gaze. "I've told her time and time again, I'm a terrible teacher." Sophie let out an amused hum in response. "My arrest record says otherwise, Agent Hamilton." Nubia smiled, her gaze turned mildly heated as she slipped a thigh between Sophie's legs and changing the tone of their movements to the music. "True, Agent Moore, but that took very personalized…hands on…deep… rigorous…instruction… I can't just offer that type of education to anyone." Sophie's mind blanked out a bit as Nubia punctuated each description with a flex of her powerful thighs and a swirling grind of her hips. Smiling, Sophie smoothly took the lead and Nubia gasped in delight as the shorter woman dipped her deeply. "I daresay I led a few training sessions of my own, Agent Hamilton. But, duly noted."
Nubia had always been the impatient one of the two of them and she pulled away, tugging Sophie towards her bedroom. As they toppled upon the large bed together an impassioned tangle of limbs, Sophie asked one last question of the night.
"So, what did Diana say to you earlier?"
Nubia smirked and slid her hand down her lover's silken clad stomach, delighting in the fluttering of the powerful, mortal muscle beneath her fingertips as well as the pleased gasp that floated into the air.
"I'll have to show you, agape mou."
Beyond excited for the Nubia and the Amazons mini series on the way as well as Nubia's current status...So I suspect I'll have tons of ideas soon. I am rewatching Batwoman from start to finish so I can keep working on knitting Sophie and Nubia's lives together as well.
9/2021
R. Niiyama