A/N: Well fanfictioners we have finally made it to D-day or more like OSP-day. I do not own any of the characters here. I want to thank you all for reading, reviewing and following the story, your words of encouragement inspire me to write better and post as soon as I can for you all. Hope you all like this one as the next one is SHOWTIME! God bless you all...ENJOY xo
Chapter 10
Day of Wayne Thank you Party
Clark and Diana were sparring in the training room before the team meeting that day in an hour, and then everyone would leave to get ready for the party that night. They were sweating profusely after two hours of attempting to one up each other without the use of their powers. Over the years Diana had taught Kal to use strategic moves to best a foe so that if a time came he was incapacitated and needed to rely on his "street smarts" he could still defeat them or at least keep them busy until help arrived.
Diana had been the logical choice to teach him as she could match him in strength and her years of warrior training and learning various fighting styles from Bruce meant Kal would have the best training possible. He had come into his own making Diana and Bruce very proud and ensuring that the Trinity was a formidable force with or without meta powers.
Today though Kal was trying to obtain information from Diana regarding her activities with Zatanna, Wally, and the other Justice ladies using his reporter's instinct and skill to try and draw the information from her. Knowing what he was trying to do and deciding to have a little fun with him but not giving the game away she decided to see how far he would go. She had to lock in her poker face today as it was Operation Sucker Punch day and they were all excited to perform, nervous of their outcomes and relieved the wait was finally over.
"Diana, you have gone around the world three times now in your responses but still ending up in the same spot without answering my questions"
Ever the diplomat, "Kal for the past two hours you have asked me questions about what we have all been up to, I have specifically told you each and every activity we have engaged in-", she stopped as Clark suddenly stopped with a faraway look in his eye, "Kal?...are you ok?"
Clark started and looked at her smiling sheepishly, "Sorry Diana I just took something you said out of context.."
"What do you mean?" she asked curiously, thinking over what she had said so far.
He started to shuffle from one foot to the next, "Uhhhhh, no no it's ok just me being stupid", trying to take the conversation back to where she stopped.
But Diana would have none of it, "Kal, explain yourself", in a Princess like tone, "what could I have possibly said to make you look like you were in a dream?"
He was now very nervous as he knew her temper was starting to surface, he nervously started to scratch the back of his head, indicating clearly to Diana that he was about to say something she most probably would not like.
"Uhhhhh…."
"Clark Kent!"
"Ok ok, I'll tell you, I hate it when you do that it is so like Ma is right here! When you said activity we have engaged in my mind did the typical male thing and went in the gutter section of the brain picturing you all in a VERY different type of activity", he took a wide step back smiling nervously and raising his hands in front of him.
Diana frowned slightly trying to make sense of his words, then looked confused as she pictured what he said, her eyes widening in shock as it clicked in her head what he meant and her mouth forming a very wide "O". To narrowing in anger as she started to advance towards Clark, fists clenched.
Clark had watched the emotions run across her beautiful face amazed at how each one did not detract from her natural beauty only enhancing it, even to when she looked like she was going to punch him into next week. Which was right now.
UH OH
Diana stopped in front of him the anger pulsing off of her, Kal swallowed painfully in apprehension.
Suddenly, she took a step back with her right foot and with her right hand on her hip leant on an angle and lifting her left arm at him clicked her fingers in his face and then flicked her entire arm behind her in a very matter of fact way and then said to him, "Oh no you DID'NT"
Clark's jaw dropped and he was speechless, did Diana just DISS him?
She smiled widely at him then turned around and gathered her things and was about to walk out of the room, when she strode quickly up to him and smacked him on the back of the head.
"Owwww, Diana.."
"That was for even thinking it in the first place", she quickly walked away whilst he continued to rub his sore head.
"Besides Kal, you are only allowed to think of that activity with me if you are the only person in it too, because I have many, many times", with that parting shot she again left Clark with his jaw dropping open combined this time with that faraway look in his eyes.
"What a woman" he grinned and also exited the training room heading towards his quarters for a VERY VERY cold shower before the meeting.
Day before Operation Sucker Punch
Diana, Zee, Shayera, Dinah, Helena, Mari and Beatriz had all met at Diana's embassy to finalise their costumes, props and final pep talk to support each other. They had decided that was the best place to keep their plans under wrap as Batman would not have bugged any of the rooms there and Superman was too polite to use his x-ray vision. The other men had been threatened when they began asking questions, and they had been wise enough to stop then and there.
Zee was using her magic for everyone's costume change so it reduced the chaos that would ensue. They were all so very excited and nervous about what they were about to embark on, but they knew no matter the outcome it had all been worth it. The seven ladies had formed a bond in sisterhood that ensured longevity into the future no matter what happened to the Justice League.
Wally had been there for the first part as the ladies wanted their party dresses to be a surprise for all including him. But they had asked him to come so each of them could surprise him with a thank you gift accompanied with a kiss and hug of gratitude for assisting them. Wally had blushed as red as his costume for the rest of the time they were together and couldn't wipe the grin off his face for hours after he had left.
All women had then enjoyed themselves immensely as they had put on an impromptu fashion parade, each modeling their chosen costumes for each number they would be in. Each woman given a standing ovation, loud cheers and wolf whistles when they stepped out. They all left in high spirits and loads of confidence to give a show stopping, jaw dropping performance the next night. Operation Sucker Punch would be unforgettable.
Present moment – Justice League team meeting
"…as things are still manageable and we have all managed to have a semblance of a life, as promised tonight we are having a party courtesy of Bruce Wayne to thank you all for the teamwork and dedication you continuously bring to the Justice League", Clark stated, to a thunderous round of applause and cheering led by Wally of course who said loudly, "now that's what I'm talking about!".
"Wally…" Batman growled, "no spiking the punch like last year's Christmas party or else, monitor duty for a month straight!"
Wally pouted at Bruce and said, "But Batman, Bruce Wayne promised he is going all out for this and I for one intend to put his efforts to good use", Wally knew Bruce was Batman but not all present were aware of this fact.
"Have fun Wally but…DO….NOT…SPIKE…THE…PUNCH….or I will have Shayera spike you with her mace, seeing as I won't be here!", he was coming as Bruce Wayne so had told everyone that Gotham came first and parties were not his thing. He decided maybe Zatanna would be a little easier to deal with if he came as Bruce and not Batman, well he was hoping she would as he had something he needed to say to her. He had finally acknowledged his feelings for her and wanted to be in a relationship with her, but after their last meeting he knew he would have his work cut out for him. He smiled, he always loved challenges and winning Zee's heart was one he was not going to lose.
Wally turned fearful eyes towards Shayera who was twirling her mace with a wicked gleam in her eyes and wide smile on her face. He gulped and stammered, "Ok Batman….I..uh…I promise".
Chuckles and giggles were heard around the room, Diana and Zee looked at each other and nodded slightly. Wally was becoming agitated, he couldn't sit still from the excitement about what they were going to do.
OMGOMGOMGOMGOMG
Shayera glared at him again and stroked her mace threateningly knowing exactly why he was fidgety. He smiled weakly and calmed down a little continuing to bounce his right leg, which with his speed created the table he was sitting at with all the women involved in the plan to start vibrating slowly.
Diana's hand suddenly grabbed his knee to still his movements and whispered furiously, "Wally, calm down"
He looked up and all his cohorts were glaring at him. He stilled immediately, though his eye continued to twitch intermittently.
"Ok everyone that concludes our business for today, go now get some rest and we will see you all tonight and remember to enjoy yourselves, you all deserve it", Clark said with a big smile on his face to another thunderous round of applause.
Thinking to himself that he intended to have fun and spend some quality time with Diana, to gauge her feelings about him and see if there was a possibility that she still wanted a relationship with him. He had come to the realisation that he very much wanted to spend the rest of his life with her being happy and making her happy.
He looked at the object of his affections, who was leaving post haste with Zatanna, Wally and the other heroes following in their wake. Batman had done his usual disappearing act. He still wanted to know exactly what was going on with Diana and her crew, but decided tonight it did not matter and he left the watchtower to go to Smallville to grab a nap and then get ready for tonight.
Wayne Manor
Jumping out of the shower he quickly dried himself and then taking the towel over toward his marble wall he grabbed the gold ornament handle there and pulled it down. It was a laundry chute that led down to the ground floor laundry into a large basket beside the washing equipment to be cleaned. He threw the towel in and quickly closing it made his way into his master bedroom.
He had become very conscious over the past year of how Alfred was not as spritely as he used to be, though he would never admit it, ever. He had very much valued his life six months ago when he had broached the subject with his devoted butler, and maybe he could hire a new butler to assist him or take over more for him. Alfred had said nothing but had given him a death stare that scared him more than his Bat glare scared his deadliest enemy.
"Master Bruce until I am six feet under in a pine wooden box I will continue to serve you as I always have"
Bruce had slowly backed out of the room and never mentioned it again. But he had since made modifications to the manor to help his stubborn manservant. He had added modern kitchen appliances to help with cooking so that Alfred did not have to do everything by hand. He installed an automatic car wash in the Bat cave that could be operated with the push of a button to wash, buff and polish all his vehicles housed there, even the Batwing. He added an electronic wardrobe that was controlled by a monitor that Alfred could select his clothes and they would be delivered in pristine condition to him where he stood. He had the laundry chute installed so Alfred would not have to lug all the dirty clothing up and down the wide stairway from floor to floor.
But his greatest addition was the self-automated gardening equipment that took care of all the maintenance for Alfred's prize winning flowers, from roses to orchids (Diana's favourites, Alfred had even named three crossbred types in her honour, Princess, Lady Diana and Wonder Woman of which he had help her plant cuttings at her Embassy and apartment) to tropical hibiscus' of all beautiful colours of the rainbow.
Alfred had said nothing, merely nodded and walked away. Bruce took that as a good sign. Little did he know that Alfred was very grateful for all the upgrades cause as much as he hated to admit it, age was starting to catch up with him and he could not control it or the pain he felt each and every day. Both of which he managed to hide very well from Bruce as he made a promise to Thomas and Martha Wayne on the day of his birth to always look over him and take care of him. He smiled with pride as he walked away from Bruce at the man who cared more than he cared or would ever admit.
Bruce made his way into the bedroom to find his most expensive and classic suit laid out on his bed, with all the required under clothing right beside it. He smiled with gratitude at the thoughtfulness of his greatest friend and ally Alfred. There was even a little note beside everything, he picked it up and read Alfred's neat writing.
Master Bruce don't let happiness slip away because of your mission. Your parents would want you to be happy, as we all do. You can have both, Miss Zee would have it no other way. Carpe diem my son Carpe Diem
Bruce smiled the old man had a magic power after all, he could read minds. Whistling quietly he started to get dressed.
Across town in her apartment
"Nope", she waved her hand.
"Uh uh", shaking her head she waved her hand again.
"Oh hell no", she quickly snapped her fingers.
"Hmmmm….", she turned slowly and blushing profusely said, "ummm maybe on our honeymoon…if he's lucky", she snapped her fingers again.
"Oooohhh", she turned left then right, then slowly turned around to get a view of the back her eyes widened, "Now that's what I'm talking about!".
Admiring the dress she had finally chosen to wear to the party, she closed her eyes and then waved her right hand from her head slowly down to her chest area and then opened her eyes. It took her breath away.
She was staring at herself in a red velvet strappy dress that had her bodice decorated with red gemstones to draw attention to her ample bustline, the gemstone neckline continued around her back. She had decided to veer away from her comfort colour of black and chose red to grab the attention of the object of her affections and make him stand to attention, in more ways than one.
The v cut of the front was tasteful as was the knee length hemline. But the shimmer of the velvet every time she moved was amazing and her simple gold choker with a matching red gemstone in the middle of her neck matched her gold strappy shoes with the same gemstone on her toes to connect the straps around her feet. Her makeup was natural, allowing her outfit to shine for her.
She smiled gleefully at her reflection and turned to walk out of the room.
She was going to knock Bruce's socks off.
On the Watchtower in the quarters she shared with Ice
Bea smoothed her sweaty palms down the sides of her party dress. Tora was getting ready at her boyfriend Guy's apartment, so they could come together. So it left her to get ready on her own, or panic which was more like what she had done. She had gone through her entire wardrobe looking for the perfect outfit to wear to the party, this was evident by the appearance of her room looking like a tornado had just swept through it. But her mission was accomplished she found the perfect dress to woo Wally.
She was wearing a cocktail style nude coloured bead and crystal encrusted sheer net dress. The shine and sparkle of the design went all the way up to her neck but only covered like a bikini even though the sheer nude tulle covered her from neck to mid-thigh and double long sleeves fitted her in a more demure sense. Having her latina skin tone and confidence about her she wore the dress with every bit of sexiness and sass it was meant to evoke. She felt her power of a woman with pride.
With waterproof mascara and a clear lip gloss as her only make up she looked stunning. Smiling at her reflection she gave herself a thumbs up to boost her confidence, just as a knock on the door signalled Wally's arrival. She turned to open the door hoping that her effort would wield the result she was hoping with all her heart for.
Wally was very nervous and more twitchy then when he was about to go on life and death mission. He was wearing black dress pants, with a crisp white dress shirt, and a red tie that was in tribute to his Flash suit he decided to not wear as he wanted Bea to be impressed with him out of the suit for a change. He had on the spur of the moment asked to escort her to the party and was happy he did when she had beamed at him as she accepted. His nerves were on hyperdrive and he couldn't stop vibrating even though to the human eye he was standing still.
Tonight he was going to ask Bea out on a date.
He was bouncing from one foot to the other in supersonic Flash mode. His heart thundering in his ears like a jackhammer, with his hands behind his back. The door slid open and praying he wouldn't faint looked up, his jaw dropped and he froze blinking rapidly.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMOMGO….
"Hola Wallace"
OH…MI…GOD
He could only nod in greeting, unable to form any coherent thoughts in his head, let alone open his mouth.
"Are you ready to go?
Wally could only nod again as his head was frantically running around trying to find the connection to his mouth again.
Bea smiled gently at him, but in her head her inner cheerleader was doing backflips, cartwheels and double somersaults with pom poms in hand to celebrate her well-earned victory. She turned around to pick her clutch purse from her bed and then turned back to hook her arm under Wally's and started to guide him out to the party. Just as they exited she felt Wally take in a very deep breath and stop.
"Bea…", he began softly.
"Yes Wallace?"
"You look stunning. I am proud to be taking the most beautiful girl to the party, thank you for giving me the honour"
Tears burnt at the back of her eyes, "Nada Wally, the honour is all mine".
Smiling widely at each other they made their way to the party.
Queen Mansion, her bedroom
Dinah was in a dilemma of epic proportions.
Did she dress to impress Ollie or dress to grab Hal's attention?
Still very much at odds with what to do with her life and whom to share it with had made her doubt anything and everything in her life at present. It was playing havoc with her emotions and doing her head in.
She loved them both very much, but her heart and head were at war as to who her future had her with. One was her best friend and the man she thought was the love of her life until his cheating scandal had thrown a spanner in the works and shattered the picket fenced life she had mapped out. The other had become her best friend and a man she thought would be the last man on Earth or the entire galaxy she would ever harbour romantic feelings for. Funny how life likes to knock you on your butt to see how you bounce back.
Tonight she would make a decision to set the course of her future and what she wanted at the end of it. With a deep breath she set her shoulders and lips in determination and turned back to her wardrobe. She walked in and a minute later came out with her first decision made on the path she had set. Holding it up in front of her body as she faced her full length wall to wall mirror, turning slightly from left to right she slowly smiled. Nodding her head she started to get dressed.
Once done she turned to face her handiwork. She wore a jade coloured knee length sleeveless sheath, that was in an asymmetrical column style with ruching from the neck to the knee. It was elegant and timeless and she decided to add sparkle by donning a 5 row diamond belt. Her minimal makeup highlighted her eyes and lips with a light pink lip gloss. After securing her diamond strapped heels she turned to smile encouragingly at her reflection.
With one more final deep sigh she turned to leave, confident with the choice she had made.
Queen Mansion, his bedroom an hour later
Oliver Queen was standing with a towel wrapped around his waist in his bathroom on the phone talking to his business partner. He was meeting Dinah at the party as she had gone early to attend the party with Zee.
"Jake did you check the history of the company and if they have had any shady dealings in the past?"
He listened to the response.
"Hmmm sounds positive but I want a thorough investigation done on everything there is to know about them so no skeletons jump out of the closet once the merger is complete"
He paused.
"Yes she is fine thank you. I will let her know. Yes I will be unavailable after tonight for a week. I am hoping to spend some quality time with Dinah away from everything so we can sort out our future"
Another pause.
"You have my emergency number in case armageddon breaks out. But I have every confidence in you Jake to take care of the final details of this merger. It will benefit so many people once it is done and implemented"
Lifting his wrist to check the gold rolex there he said, "Jake buddy gotta go now…yes you too…and thank you for doing this for me"
He hung up and putting his phone down on the bathroom counter he stared at his reflection. He looked old and tired, had since the scandal broke. He missed Dinah more than he realised, she was like the energy he needed to face each day. He had committed the most unforgivable of acts and he was pulling out all stops to make it up to Dinah and hoped she would still want a future with him.
He loved Dinah Lance with every fiber of his being but pleasure of the flesh was and had always been his weakness. He had sought counselling when Dinah had moved out, attempting to once and for all rid himself of the addiction that had devastated the most precious thing in his life. His relationship with Dinah.
He had booked a surprise trip for them both to fly out tomorrow for a week to a chateau in France where they would be isolated and they could sort out their future once and for all. He wanted to lay his heart on the line and make her understand that what happened would never take place again.
With a regretful sigh of acceptance he turned to go and get ready for the party.
He needed her to believe in him again.
Watchtower, Hal's quarters
He was nervous. He was never nervous. Hal Jordan did not do nervous.
But here he was standing in front of his floor length mirror butt naked nervous as hell.
All because of one woman….Dinah.
Hal had been with many women, so many women that his "little black book" had four volumes. He had met and been with women of all shapes and sizes. From human to alien, every culture, religious denomination he had met them all. His numerous conquests were legendary and he had relished in every single one. He believed in the old adage that variety was the spice of life, and he had tried every spice known to man and alien.
He had been proud of his lifestyle and never regretted a single moment. Until the day he laid eyes on Dinah Lance. It was like being hit in the gut with the most powerful weapon he could create with his ring. He had not known it at the time, simply because he would have laughed his head off at the very thought of it. But he had fallen head over heels in love with her then and there.
Every other woman in his lifetime, other than his late mother and baby sister paled in comparison to Dinah Lance. Finding out she could take care of herself as Black Canary and working to aid the less fortunate in her role at her Legal Aid office only cemented his belief that he had found a woman worth spending the rest of his life with, to be the only woman in his life. This dream disappeared before his very eyes when he found out she was engaged to Oliver Queen. He felt a fierce pain in his heart that he could not understand.
So he vowed to be the best male friend she would have, because he may not be with her in the way that he wished but he could be a part of her life. To him that was just as precious. They became friends and formed a bond that deepened over time to literally living in each other's pockets. They could understand what the other was thinking and sometimes finish each other's sentences whenever they were together. He valued their friendship the same as his life as a Green Lantern.
Since Queen's indiscretion Dinah and he had become even closer and his love grew to the point that he could no longer deny it and he didn't want to. Tonight he would ask Dinah out on a date. He wanted her to take a chance on him so he could show her that he could make her happy. She was the brightest star in his universe (and he had seen the brightest) and he would spend the rest of his life giving her all the love he had in his heart for her.
As much as it pained him that she could reject him and tell him she did not feel the same way or that she wanted to spend her life with Oliver Queen, he would accept it as their friendship would be better than nothing. Dinah's happiness came first and foremost. He turned to get ready for the party.
If Dinah was happy, then he would be too. He just wished that she would want to spend her happiness together with him.
Her Gotham apartment
Helena could not decide between two show stopping dresses she had finally narrowed down to in her wardrobe. Tonight it was all or nothing for Vic and herself, he needed to make a commitment to them living together or going their separate ways. They loved each other but his unwillingness to choose was driving her crazy. She wanted him completely, paranoid conspiracies and all.
She had come down to these final two from the twenty fashion designer dresses she had originally picked from her overflowing wardrobe. It was the one vice she allowed herself from the fortune she had been left by her parents. She had donated a fair amount of it to charities she supported and to cover Steven's legal fees, the remainder she had put into a savings account for her future and that of any children she may have. She was hoping those children would be with Vic but she was starting to lose hope due to his indecision. Operation Sucker Punch tonight would hopefully give him the confidence to decide, either way.
The first of the two dresses she held up in front of her as she looked at the mirror was a purple sweetheart corset styled mini party dress covered in rainbow crystal beads, which had the skirt in three tiered organza gathered layers that draped softly around the hips and thighs. It was sexy and stunning and in her signature colour.
The second was a cream coloured knee length elastic silk like satin sleeveless sheath. That had a pleated skirt at the front which made it look very simple and demure. Until she turned it around and it made her stare in awe, it had an open back with two thin straps that ran down to the skirt that had a bowknot tail that flared out into a flamenco skirt effect. It was naughty and nice all in one dress. Simply breathtaking in design.
In the end she opted for the sheath as it would make Vic so jealous he would eat his hat, and ensure he would stick like glue to her all night. Her baby doll probably wouldn't be able to keep his hands off of her either for that matter. She smiled happily as she turned to get ready.
All's fair in love and war they say.
Vic had won the battle so far, but she was determined to win the war.
In his apartment
Vic had been ready for over an hour. He had been pacing for half that time, trying to convince himself that his Helena would take him back.
He had his arguments lined up, ready for her no matter what.
He loved the woman. She was the only one that loved him beyond reason. He was NOT letting her get away.
He had even gone and bought an expensive tuxedo to impress her.
Ok….maybe he asked Batman who sent him one care of Bruce Wayne free of charge. Knowing how much The Question loved his Fedora hat, a black replica had arrived also to match his suit. With a ribbon band that saluted his signature hat.
The man was a hopeless romantic, even if he denied it and threatened to maim you if you even thought it.
Without Zee's knowledge, Vic had paid Steven Mandragora a visit two days ago to discuss his plans for the future he wanted with Zee. Steven had smiled and clapped him on the shoulder.
"About time you grew some Victor and made my Helena happy. Grace would be proud of you, son"
He then leaned slightly towards him and said, "Break her heart though my boy, and I still have connections that will find you and bury you without a trace, capisce?"
Vic gulped loudly and nodded quickly.
"Unless she kills you first. Hell of a spitfire you got there Vic. Just like her beautiful mother", Steven smiles wistfully.
Both men shook hands to cement Vic's plan before he left.
He stood and rolled his shoulders a few times.
He was going to ask his Helena a question tonight.
And he would not take no for an answer.
WatchTower, in the quarters they shared
"All will be as it is meant to be, Greg"
"I dunno pardner", Greg said as he put on his cowboy boots that he had spit shined to perfection. He wore a black cowboy shirt instead of his trademark blue, paired with his blue jeans he wore on special occasions he added his red handkerchief and his newly cleaned cowboy hat.
"She loves you and you love her"
"But does she love me only because I am there for her?"
"Thou have me questioning your intelligence at times, this being one of them", Justin was wearing his usual armour but he chose a more formal tunic to wear and was foregoing his helmet tonight. So his hair was neatly combed and with Greg's help had a little wax to keep it that way.
"Excuse me?"
"You are blind Greg. We are each there for her in our own way since her relationship ended. But she only wants and loves you. Though your behaviour of late leaves one to ponder why?"
"Do enlighten us, O Blessed know-it-all", Greg said sarcastically with a mock bow.
Justin lifted an eyebrow in sarcastic response. Clearing his throat he began in a perfect British accent.
"Right then. It is a simple matter of chemistry my dear Gregory. You minus Lady Mari are a recipe for heartache for both sides. But you plus Lady Mari is a match made in heaven. Chemistry my friend, and logic if you so wish. Happiness all around"
Greg's eyes widened in understanding.
"Oh my God Justin, you are absolutely right. But how did you know?"
"Elementary my dear Saunders, elementary"
Greg rolled his eyes.
"C'mon you two bit hussler, let's mosey on down to this shindig and see what my Mari has to say to me"
In her New York apartment
Mari McCabe had worn many, many beautiful designer gowns, dresses and outfits over the years in her modelling career. She knew what worked on her stunning body and what didn't. But tonight of all nights she could not get it together in the styling department of her brain. She blamed her nervousness on the outcome of tonight's performance and what Greg would say to her.
She had so many beautiful clothes to choose from but none jumped out at her to snare Greg's full attention to herself. The man frustrated her to no end but she still wanted to dress to impress him.
Suddenly it came to her and she smiled in delight as she dove into her huge wardrobe. A few minutes later a shout of triumph came from within and she emerged with her sought after prize. She placed the box on her bed and pulled out the dress holding it in front of her as she twirled in front of the mirror. Perfect!
She laid it out on the bed, then pulled out the other items inside. The earrings, shoes and items to wear under the dress, she then made her way to her shower. When she returned a short while later she began to dress. Once completely done she turned to admire her handiwork.
Mari was wearing an outfit that was given to her by her longtime close friend and celebrity singer Toni Braxton. They had met whilst Toni was filming for her latest video clip for her up and coming smash hit, "He wasn't man enough for me". Mari was there for an exclusive fashion shoot in another part of the studio. The women had bumped into each other whilst coming out of there neighbouring dressing rooms both in costume. They had stared in awe at what the other was wearing, complimenting each other on how stunning they looked. They giggled and introduced themselves, becoming instant friends they organised to meet up after their work was done.
After her fashion shoot was done Mari was given the outfit she had worn as a gift from the fashion designer she had modelled it for. It was packed in the beautiful box it arrived in to preserve it. Smiling knowing what she would do with it, she thanked the designer who had signed her that day to a ten year contract and left. Meeting up with Toni afterwards at a nearby restaurant she presented the outfit to her as she knew how much Toni had admired it. Toni was shocked speechless at Mari's generosity, especially as they had only just met.
They had started talking and only stopped when the owner of the restaurant told them he had to go home. They had said goodbye with the promise to meet up with each other whenever they were in the same place at the same time. A week later Mari had arrived home to find a package waiting for her. Puzzled she took it in and when she opened it gasped in surprise and gave a whoop of delight. It was the outfit that she had admired Toni in the first time they met.
It was a chain link body dress in metallic silver that shone with every move she made. It had multiple rows that draped across her body from chest to mid-thigh and joined up at the side seam to again mirror the effect around her back. Underneath she wore a silver boob tube with matching boy leg pants. It was the dress that Toni had worn in the dance sequence at the end of her video clip. Mari added the matching silver dangle earrings and silver strappy heels that Toni had thoughtfully included in the package she sent. Her final touches were to highlight her eyes in white eye liner and silver eye shadow with a swipe of luminescent lip gloss on her lips she was ready.
Turning to take a final look at herself in her wardrobe mirror, she walked slowly towards it and watched the dress shimmy and catch the light. It was incredible and she smiled slyly knowing the effect it would have on Greg. His eyes would bug out of his head.
Hopefully it would give him the poke in the ribs to finally give them a chance. If not, she was going to take up Diana's offer to use her golden lasso. Mari would hog tie her stubborn cowboy to a chair and make him see reason. She was actually hoping that he would play hard to get so she could see the lasso in action.
Grinning at her reflection she blew herself a kiss and called for transport to the Watchtower.
Game on!
Watchtower, her quarters
Shayera Hol was not one to be daring or care about what she wore. Tonight though she was willing to make an exception. Add to it the urging of all her Justice League girlfriends and fashion expertise she was now standing in front of her mirror stunned with how she looked.
She was wearing a mid-thigh loose fitting elastic satin jumpsuit in gold that had opal like gemstones surrounding the high neck halter top, leaving her arms, shoulders and back bare. With gold strappy stiletto heels that had the straps wrap all the way around her calves to end at her knees, these had been a gift from Mari who had said they would set her outfit off when Shay had described it to them all. Her hair was left to hang down her back in gentle waves. Pairing all this with chandelier earrings and wide cuff bracelets in opal to match her neckline, she rubbed a shimmering lotion Diana had given her over her exposed arms and legs and she was party ready.
She was going to have John's eyes locked on her all night and make the soldier in him stand to attention.
All or nothing Shay, all or nothing.
John Stewart was going to finally give in and let them come together again.
She turned to look at her mace propped up in the corner lovingly.
If not she was in the mood for some batting practice.
She turned and walked out confident she was going to win him over finally tonight.
In his Detroit apartment
John was dressed and ready to go, he was wearing black dress pants and a maroon dress shirt that suited his dark skin. He wanted to impress Shayera and make her realise that he wanted to be with her and the future that was theirs. He smiled picturing her holding their son in her arms, and hoped that there was a little girl in their also one day.
He had realised how stubbornly stupid he had been and funnily enough it had taken Mari to make him see sense. She had confronted him two days ago and told him in no uncertain terms that he was being an idiot, as much as Greg was. She had told him that he was lucky as he had seen his future happiness with Shayera, whereas the rest of them had to take each day as it came. She had then slapped him saying that they now both had closure from their relationship and he could finally get over himself. She had then hugged him telling him to release his stubborn pride and love Shayera for the wonderful woman she was.
He had returned home to sit on his lounge and look back on his life, then looking to the future he came to a sudden realisation. He had been truly happy when he was with Shayera. Mentally slapping himself he vowed then and there that he would grab the bull by the horns and let the chips fall where they may. He chuckled to himself as he knew Shay would not like being compared to a bull but her approach was much like one in a china shop. He smiled as he thought of his flame haired angel. She was his life and now he wanted nothing more than to spend an eternity with her.
He sighed as he knew how much she would rub it in that she was right all along. Well she would let her take this one. But he was no pushover and there would be times in their lives that he would put his foot down.
This time though he was happy to let his lady win.
Her Washington apartment
Di was pissed and mightily so. She was running late to get ready, which meant she would be late for the party. She was covered from head to toe in mud.
Wonder Woman had been called out on a mission earlier in the day to apprehend Giganta who was causing havoc in New Zealand that had the potential of escalating to an international incident. Apparently Giganta had decided to focus on the health and beauty industry instead of a life of crime, as it was booming, paid more and was less stressful and legal. She had been researching clay and mud and it's benefit to skincare. Having gotten wind of the boiling mud pools and hot springs in Rotorua she decided to try them out for herself. Giganta though forgot to account for two things, her sheer size and the protective natives of the area.
Diana had arrived to find Giganta having scared all the local tourists away, lounging deep in one pool whilst her feet were each in other pools in front of her and her hands in pools to the side of her, she had ear plugs in and her eyes closed. She looked the picture of relaxation and Diana was tempted to leave her to her own devices, except for the loud protesting natives who were furiously trying to gain her attention. Sighing reluctantly she flew down to them and managed to calm them down and offer to make Giganta leave quietly if they promised to drop the many charges against her for breaking their laws and traditions.
After calmly advising Giganta of their agreement, who amazingly agreed on condition that she would be able to take a few samples for further research which the natives happily provided a year's supply for both her and a surprised Wonder Woman, she had turned to leave as she was now running late when…
SPLAT!
She was suddenly covered in mud, thanks to the mud version of a gigantic snowball that Giganta had thrown at her. Turning in fury at the innocently smiling Giganta she began to stomp towards her.
"Ah ah ah Wonder Woman the natives are watching, we don't want to give them something to be upset about now and cause an international incident do we?", she asked batting her eyelashes at her.
Any other time Wonder Woman would have called her bluff, but today was not the day. Smiling brightly at Giganta, "I'll just have to give you a wedgie the next time I see you", she deadpanned.
Then crossing her arms across her chest she warned, "Now leave before I make a mud pie out of you and drag you out of there"
It took twenty minutes to finally leave as it was five for Giganta to depart then a further fifteen to try and leave as the natives wanted her autograph and to take photos of her, even covered in mud. Whilst she was desperate to escape the eager faces could not be ignored so she stayed for as long as she could without being rude before she politely excused herself. By the time she left she was not happy as the mud had long since dried and she looked like a clay monster. Her mood had not improved since returning to the Watchtower as all those she passed made a wisecrack of some sort that did not impress her in the slightest, her glaring at them made them laugh as in her state just enhanced her monster like appearance.
She just made it into her quarters when her mobile on her dresser rang, she wanted to ignore it and just head to her shower. Sighing heavily she quickly grabbed it.
"What?"
"Di?", Zee hesitantly asked, "are you ok?"
"No, Zee I'm not. I'm sorry for sounding short, but I am late enough as it is. Going to be even later now as need to shower and scrub like mad-"
"Why what happened?"
"Giganta and mud that's what. The stuff is all over me and dried up too-"
"Say no more, my friend. I got this. Be there in a jiffy. Won anaid ot em ekat", she said.
Diana's eyes widened as Zee appeared right before her and took her phone from her and ended their call. Looking at Zee properly she smiled knowingly.
"You like?", Zee asked as she turned from left to right.
"Somebody gonna get some tonight huh Zee?"
Zatanna giggled, "Let's hope it's the somebody that I want"
"I will pray to my Goddesses for you two Zee as well as myself"
"Gee Di you would have come to the party looking like a tomato with the amount of scrubbing it looks like you need"
"Damn Giganta and mud pools"
"Not to worry. Have you picked what you will wear Di?"
Diana nodded.
"Ok hun, close your eyes and picture yourself exactly how you want to look for tonight….ready?"
Diana nodded again, closing her eyes with a wide smile on her face.
Touching one hand to Diana's forehead Zee chanted twice, "Efil ot maerd anaid"
Diana felt her skin tingle slightly and a slight breeze touch her body for a few seconds.
"Oh my God, Di", Zee gasped.
Diana's eyes snapped open in alarm.
"You look amazing!"
"You like?", Diana parroted her earlier comment, mimicking her left to right turn.
"Uh huh, Clark will need to roll his tongue back in his head tonight when he sees you, so will every male and three quarters of the females attending tonight. Damn girlfriend you almost make me want to bat for the other team", she winked at Diana.
"Really Zee?"
"Di, look for yourself", she gently turned Diana towards her full length mirror behind her.
Diana gasped, normally not one to care about her looks she stared at the beauty of her own reflection.
Her dress was an azure coloured one shoulder satin mini dress with a chiffon overlay that was ruched and swept up to the left shoulder and ended with a soft flowing drape over the entire left arm. The left shoulder also was encrusted with beaded detail in azure and gold that spanned her entire chest and back area in a diagonal expanding flow towards the right. The dress was a tribute to Diana's heritage but with a modern and eye-catching twist. It matched her eyes and made them look like sparkling gemstones in her face. She knew it would grab everyone's attention but the only person that would make all her efforts worthwhile was the only eyes she wanted on her.
Her makeup consisted of a light eyeshadow to match her dress and a clear gloss on her ruby lips to make them shine, her skin was flawless but the added touches made her glow. Her hair was swept up to one side and cascaded in slight ringlets to cover her bare shoulder. With her only jewellery being her ever present silver bracelets and silver star earrings, the outfit was completed with her gold strappy low heels.
She turned to Zee with her heart in her eyes and smiling brightly whispered, "Thank you Zee"
Zee was looking at her slightly puzzled, with a slight wave of her hand she then smiled, "Now you're welcome Di"
Diana turned to the mirror to see what she had done and her smile widened. Zee had turned her bracelets and earring to gold matching her ensemble.
"It will only last until your dress comes off….which if Superman has anything to do with it will be sometime tonight"
"Zee!"
"Come on Di, you know you want him bad"
"Zee!"
"Man of Steel going to take on whole new meaning tonight sweetie. Will probably have to use his freeze breath to calm himself. Might use his x-ray vision on you which would probably require more freeze breath…"
"Ohmigod Zee stop!"
"-damn honey can see you two now, he will use his super speed to whisk you away to his fortress. Laser vision to cut your dress off you….unless he rips it off first…pity though such a pretty dress too….and then like Marvin Gaye sang, "Let's get it on" will be playing through his head as her picks you up and lays you on his bed and…."
Diana placed her hand over Zee's mouth to halt her chatter, "Zatanna Zatara I never knew your imagination was so wild"
Grabbing Diana's hand and pulling it from her mouth, "You have no idea Di. You think that's bad you should hear what I picture Bruce and I doing…"
Diana blushed, "Uhhhh no thanks Zee, got the picture with Kal and I…"
"Like you never thought of that already, and probably more X rated than what I just painted"
Diana wiggled her eyebrows at her, "You don't know the half of it"
Zee's eyes widened and her mouth formed a perfect O.
"Virgin in body Zee, but very seasoned veteran in mind", she smirked knowingly.
Zee's jaw dropped and she was completely speechless.
"Daaaamn….somebody's gonna definitely get some… and more tonight!"
"Uh huh", Diana agreed.
"You gonna rock his world tonight"
"Yup!", she confirmed with a loud pop on the end.
"Just make sure you two don't rock everybody's world tonight huh?"
"Zee!"
Both women laughed as they left to head over to the party.
Metropolis, in his apartment
He lifted his arms and smelt his left then right armpit, then looked in the mirror to see if any sweat patches for the fifth time. Nothing.
He held his hand in front of his mouth and tested for bad breath. Nothing.
He checked his attire from head to toe again to see if any wrinkles, dirt or fluff to remove. Ma would be proud. Nothing.
He was as nervous as a schoolboy about to go on his first date.
He checked his phones, email, and blogs for any messages. Nothing.
He thought of any insecurities he held in regards to being with Diana. Nothing.
He thought of anything that could stand in his way of asking Diana for a second chance. Pa would have been proud. Nothing.
He was ready.