When does it all become too much to bear? Diana can't say she knows; she doesn't pretend to know. But the signs are identifiable, Lois makes sure of it. The reporter is calm and collected, almost glacial in her demeanour. Days ago the same woman was screaming hysterically and punching Kal's chest, throwing curses around like confetti. If Superman is bothered he doesn't show it. Diana secretly thinks he's been taking lessons on impassiveness from Bruce. She glances at Bruce only to find a similar indifferent look on his face. Lois' eyes are blank and Diana finds it hard to swallow the bitterness.

The Amazon's hands itch and the smile on her lips falters for a moment. Kal is telling Lois about Gorilla Grodd and the reporter looks none too happy. For one horrifying second Diana feels guilt welling up; Lois is a firm believer that their method of dealing with the villains is exaggerated. The feeling is stoutly shrugged away with a mental wrench. Grodd had it coming. Too long had he been allowed wreak havoc upon the innocent. Diana exchanges a look with Bruce; it's a silent plea on her part. She wants to be alone with Lois for a little bit. Bruce understands and manipulates the conversation so as to take Superman's attention off of the two females.

Diana pulls Lois out on the balcony. "You are like a sister to me." she says sweetly. The shock on the other woman's face seems genuine. Lavender eyes fill with something like affection and her lips curve ever so slightly. "So believe me when I say that we mean no harm. This won't last forever." Why must she explain herself to Lois, Diana isn't sure but she does it anyway. A sigh is her reply. The harshness is completely gone from Lois' bearing. The Amazon smiles and holds out her hand which Lois clasps a second later. "I'd hate to lose you friendship."

"All of you are so different." Melancholy haunts Diana at those words. She has thought that too. But people are bound to change.

"It's for the best, Lois." is the only thing she can say.

"Perhaps." It's a half-hearted agreement but Diana knows how to count her blessings.

They head back in with twin smiles on their faces. For the time being both have what they need: hope. Lois can believe that things would go back to the way they were; Diana can trust that she hasn't yet lost another friend. The subtle glance Bruce gives her is an inquiry which is answered with a gentle nod. Superman nods at both of them but his eyes are cold. Diana has to hold back a shudder at his gaze sweeps over her. Distantly she wonders if Lois can feel it too. Maybe she can; she shivers next to Diana.

There's a sudden pain after her and Bruce leave Lois' place. Her eyes itch and there are spots all over her vision. Diana leans against her partner for support. The blurriness makes her head ache and the holes in the images frustrate her. It's like someone has shined a strong light very close to her face. Slowly her sight regains its usual state of health. The pain is a dull roar that she settles at the back of her mind. She chooses to think about Shayera instead and her developing relationship with John. The Thanagarian has been glowing lately and Diana is ever excited for her friend.

"Princess," Bruce calls for her attention, "are you spending the night?"

She smirks. "What do you think?" He chuckles at her answer. The pain is almost gone from her eyes.


In which there is something lingering, something that feels suspiciously like guilt and Lois has the ability to dig it up in Diana.