JL: The Newest Recruit

Part Ten

Requited Feelings

When Diana awakened the next morning, she found herself alone in the tent. From the smells coming from outside, Diana knew Clark was already up making breakfast. Diana felt her neck and chest, feeling her wounds had healed. What a strange night she thought. Who was Cheetah and who was the person she made a deal with? It would be questions she would need to find answers to and soon. Africa was the last stop on her tour and once she and Clark returned to Kenya where their plane was, they were returning to the States where Diana would have a very long rest. From juggling her schedule with the Justice League and her tour, it was starting to take its toll on her.

Diana wondered how much of the trip's toll had taken on Clark. He was busier than her. Since no one other than Batman and J'onn knew Superman was also Clark Kent, Superman had to show up for his shifts with the Justice League without garnering suspicion. Sometimes he did patrols over Metropolis giving Kara a break, but most of the time he was with her. Though Diana was looking forward to the tour ending, there were things she was going to miss: the people, the sites of the cities and the new lands she traveled too but mostly she was going to miss spending her time with Clark. They've grown closer over the three months and she treasured all the time they've spent together. Once they returned to the States, they would have to return to their separate lives and only see each other during League duties.

With a sigh, Diana emerged from the tent to join Clark for breakfast.

"When we started this trip two weeks ago, I said I was going to hunt and cook us breakfast and every day you always beat me to the punch." She smiled and leaned on him. "You're not being fair."

"Why hunt for breakfast when we have our rations?" Clark asked. "Besides, you were hurt last night and you needed your rest. How are you by the way?"

"Better. You?"

"I'm good."

"Are you excited to go home?" Diana asked.

"Yeah. You know the saying, 'there's no place like home.'" Clark said as he fixed Diana's plate. "I can't wait to get back to my own bed. It'll be nice to see Metropolis again."

"And Lois?" Diana inquired taking her plate.

Clark was silent for a long moment. "Yeah. It'll be nice to see her."

He didn't sound all that enthusiastic. "You never saw her in the three months you were gone?" Diana asked. "Even when you did drop by Metropolis?"

"No," Clark admitted, knowing how that looked. "I had dinner with her before I left."

"But that was three months ago," Diana said. "Don't you usually see each other sooner than that?"

"Sometimes," Clark said fixing his plate. "It can be once a month or a couple of months. She's busy. I'm busy as Superman."

If they really cared for each other, wouldn't they make more of an effort to see each other? Diana wondered. She just didn't get it and she decided not to pry anymore about Clark and Lois' relationship for now and enjoy what little time they had left together.

****

"Wow. This kimono is absolutely beautiful, Clark. It feels like real silk. Thank you," Lois said as she marveled at the beautiful kimono Clark brought from Japan. Of all the gifts, Clark bought for Lois, she liked this one the best.

After three months, Clark found it was easy to slip back into his life at the Daily Planet. His last story of Diana's tour was printed today and with the weekend near, Perry encouraged Clark to take a three day weekend. Before he left, he wanted to give his friends at the Planet the gifts he bought for them while he was touring the world.

"I love this Chinese dress you bought for me, Clark," Cat said admiring the dress bought when he was in Beijing. "How did you know my size?" She winked at Clark. "Have you been watching me more closely than usual?"

Lois rolled her eyes. "Honestly, Cat, you think every guy's watching you."

"That's because they are," Cat said and sauntered off with her gifts.

"Thanks for the picture, Clark," Jimmy told Clark as he gazed at the autograph picture of Wonder Woman he got for Jimmy.

Lois looked over Jimmy's shoulder and read what Diana wrote to Jimmy. "To Jimmy, Metropolis' best photographer and a good friend to my closest friends Superman and Clark Kent." Lois looked at Clark. "Close friend, eh? Just how close did you and Wonder Woman get on the tour?"

"The press really talked about you two," Jimmy said. "I got all of the international pictures."

"And I saw them," Lois grinned. "Too bad there weren't any press coverage while you and Wonder Woman were in the jungles of Africa; camping out at night; alone; just you and Wonder Woman in the elements. Talk about an opportunity to express yourself."

"You should write a novel, Lois," Clark played off Lois insinuations. "You have the talent for it."

"I do, don't I?" Lois said proudly. "You're telling me *nothing* happened?"

"No, I can honestly say nothing happened." He tried to hide the regret in his voice but Lois picked up on it.

Lois shook her head. "You really know how to blow it with women, don't you, Smallville? Wonder Woman's beautiful, single and would be perfect for you. I saw the pictures of you two together. Wonder Woman looks very relaxed with you and you look very happy with her. If you have a chance to be with Wonder Woman, you should take it and damn the consequences. Not that there should be any with you two."

Clark knew why Lois was doing this. Lois was thinking if Clark Kent and Wonder Woman get together, Wonder Woman wouldn't be interested in Superman. Problem was Clark Kent was Superman and Lois was inadvertently pushing him in the arms of her competition.

****

After leaving the Daily Planet, Clark went to his Fortress of Solitude. It's been three months since he's been to the place and figured he needed to check up on things. Kara was there also using the Fortress as a place to study. She took a break from her schoolwork to help Clark feed the alien animals in his menagerie.

"I thought you would be back in Metropolis after being away for so long." Kara held her hand of food out to a Dodo who greedily ate his meal.

Clark was feeding one of the water aliens when he said, "I was but Perry insisted I take a three day weekend. Metropolis has been quiet even with you patrolling and I haven't been here in three months."

"Clark, can I ask you something?"

Kara's serious tone intrigued Clark. "Sure."

"What's your relationship with Wonder Woman?" Kara looked at her cousin. "Seriously."

"She's my friend, Kara. You know that," Clark said.

"Batman is your friend, too, but I don't see you hanging out with him for three months. You seem eager to go on tour with her. Ma and Pa know not to trust the speculation of the press but they have been wondering what's going on."

"She's a friend, Kara. That's all."

Kara sighed. So her cousin was going to play this game with her, too. "Clark, you think you have everyone fooled but I know about you and Lois. I know you have been secretly seeing her. I don't know how far you've gone with Lois but whatever you two have can't be that serious with the looks you give Wonder Woman."

"Did you talk to Lois while you were pretending to be me?" Clark asked, wondering if Lois hit on Kara as Superman.

"No. I actually avoided her because of it. I knew you were together ever since Darkseid brainwashed you."

Clark was surprised Kara knew and for that long. With this new information, Clark didn't deny it any further. "Lois and I haven't gone far. I want her to like me as Clark but that's not happening since she is seeing Superman secretly."

"You know you can just tell her and get it over with."

It made a whole lot of sense but Clark didn't want to risk losing what he had. "I think if I tell her she might not want me."

"If Lois doesn't or if she gets angry at you for keeping your secret, then let her go and move on." Kara gave her cousin a sympathetic look. "Clark, just because Lois helped you through a difficult time with Darkseid brainwashing you, it doesn't mean you have to be with her forever because of it. Jimmy was the first guy I liked in this world and my first boyfriend but it ran its course."

Clark eyebrows rose. "So, you didn't see Jimmy when I was gone?"

"We did but it was only to get coffee and see a movie," Kara said. "We're good friends but that's all we'll be. Some relationship aren't meant to last, Clark and you shouldn't hold out on one relationship that has run its course on one that can last forever."

Clark pretended he didn't get the insinuation. "I don't know what you mean."

"If you say so, but you're not fooling me when it comes to Diana."

Clark was going to respond but J'onn called in through the com link. "I'm here, J'onn. Go ahead."

"Metallo, Kalibak, Live Wire, Toyman and Weather Wizard are causing destruction in downtown Metropolis. They are attacking in front of the Daily Planet building."

Clark was alarmed at the situation but he kept his head straight. "Sounds like a trap."

"That's what Lantern thinks. He and the rest of the League are on their way."

"So am I." Clark said. "You stay here, Kara." Clark turned to leave.

"You sure you don't want me to help?" Kara asked.

"No. I can handle it. Besides, you've done enough for the city while I was gone." Clark flew from his Fortress to Metropolis as fast as he could.

****

It was pass midnight when Diana entered Clark Kent's apartment. It happened hours ago but she was still in disbelief over what happened in Metropolis. Superman died sacrificing himself for her and Batman. Toyman had a new invention that vaporized everything on site and he used it to vaporized Superman. Only a piece of his cape was left.

Diana lashed out, tearing Toyman's machine apart. She was so full with rage that she almost killed him. It was Flash's reminder that Superman wouldn't want her to kill the reason she released Toyman. Diana never thought losing Superman would cause Diana to release rage and a thirst for revenge. She didn't think she had it in her.

Diana kept her emotions in check as she helped with the clean up in Metropolis and talked with the League on how they would be handling the funeral arrangements. Batman didn't take any part in anything. He only gathered some of the debris from the battle and left. Knowing Batman was Bruce Wayne, Diana had more of an understanding on what he could be thinking. He didn't deal with loss well, first with his parents and now with Superman, who she knew Bruce was close to.

Alone she was able to release the dam of tears she held in since witnessing Superman's death. She didn't know why she came here instead of her place in Boston. She knew she needed to be here. Never before had she cried so heavily. She didn't cry this much when her mother banished her from Themyscira. All these tears and it was for a man. Her mother and Amazon Sisters would shame Diana for shedding tears for a man but she couldn't help herself. Superman was a very special man to her.

When her tears dried, Diana walked around the apartment, remembering the few times she was here. Sometimes if the League were in Metropolis, Clark would invite Diana to stay a little longer and they would end up at his apartment talking or eating a snack Clark prepared for them.

Diana picked up a picture framed of Clark with Lois at their office in the Daily Planet. Lois. She must be mourning, too. Diana placed the frame back on the television and left the room. She went into Clark's bedroom. In the previous times she has been here, not even she had been to his bedroom. She saw Clark's camera on his nightstand. She sat on his bed and picked it up. Clark took several pictures while they were traveling together and though she had seen some, she hadn't seen them all. Most of the pictures were of her, some of Clark she took herself and there were many of the two of them together. It gave her comfort seeing the pictures of Clark during happier times that before she knew it, her tired body finally relaxed and she fell asleep on Clark's bed.

****

"Diana. Diana."

When Diana awakened the next morning, she saw Kara sitting on the bed. "Kara?" Diana sat up abruptly. "I--how… when did you get here?"

"A few minutes ago," Kara said. "Have you been hear all night, Diana?"

"Yes. I didn't mean to fall asleep."

"It's all right. It was strange for a second when I saw a body on Clark's bed, I thought it was him and this nightmare was over." Kara began crying. "I just saw him yesterday before he left for Metropolis. I can't believe he's gone."

Diana hugged Kara. "Kara, I'm so sorry. It's my fault. Your cousin died for me."

"No, don't blame yourself, Diana," Kara comforted Diana. "Clark wouldn't have it any other way."

"I know because that's the way he is."

Kara pulled away to see the fresh tears on Diana's face. "You really care about my cousin, don't you?"

Diana nodded. She didn't hide how she felt. "Very much. How are his parents taking the news?"

"It's very hard for them. They are flying up this afternoon. I came here to get the place ready for them. You should meet them."

Diana was confused. "Why?"

"You are a very dear friend of Clark's," Kara said. "Why wouldn't they want to meet you? They have been curious about you and I think meeting one of Clark's special friends will comfort them in this difficult time."

Diana smiled. "If it means that much to them, how could I say no?"

****

Queen Hippolyta went to her balcony alarmed. The sentinels were warning the Amazons of an arrival from the outside world. Queen Hippolyta looked in the skies searching for the intruder and saw Hawkgirl flying in. Hippolyta first instincts was that Diana was hurt. She rushed out of the palace where Hawkgirl was pleading with the Amazons on guard who opposed her presence.

"Lay down your arms!" Hippolyta told the Amazons. They did so as Hippolyta made her way to Hawkgirl. "Is Diana harmed?"

Hawkgirl shook her head. "No, but she needs you."

"What has happened?"

"Superman," Hawkgirl said gravely. "He was killed in action a few days ago." Hippolyta was stunned at the news. She witnessed Superman's power when he was on Themyscira and when he helped Diana in dealing with Aresia, but she didn't see how this affected her daughter. "He died saving Diana and Batman. Diana's taken his death very hard. She needs you. She needs her mother."

Hippolyta didn't need to hear anymore. Her daughter needed her. That was enough for her to make the trip to Man's World.

"We'll leave for Man's World at once."

****

Diana was nervous as she flew with Kara to Clark's apartment. She had been so busy in the week with the funeral arrangements for Superman that now the day before the funeral was the only time Diana had to meet Jonathon and Martha Kent.

Diana wasn't sure what her reception would be. Clark told her about his parents of how warm and welcoming they were. Still that didn't quell the nerves in Diana's stomach.

"Don't look so nervous, Diana," Kara told her when they arrived at Clark's bedroom window. "Ma and Pa will love you." Kara opened it and the two entered the apartment.

Jonathon was sitting on the sofa watching TV and Martha Kent was in the kitchen finishing with dinner when Diana and Kara entered the room. "I'm back and I brought a guest."

Jonathon rose from the sofa and Martha came out of the kitchen wiping her hands clean with her apron. They looked at her in awe for a moment before Jonathon found his voice. "Well, hello, Wonder Woman."

Diana stood nervous before Clark's parents. "Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Kent. It's an honor to meet you."

"The honor's all ours," Jonathon said kindly. "Please. Call us Jonathon and Martha."

"Then I insist you call me Diana. I wish our meeting came under better circumstances."

"So, do I. I had thought after this tour we would finally meet you," Martha said.

"I'm sorry for the loss of your son. He died saving Batman and myself…" Diana paused getting a grip on her emotions. "I'm so sorry."

"Don't apologize, dear," Martha assured Diana. "Clark was doing what he does and I know he doesn't regret his decision and you shouldn't either." Martha could see the sadness and guilt in Diana's eyes. "How are you handling my son's death?"

"Honestly, it's very hard for me. I never lost anyone before. Where I'm from, everyone's immortal. I know of death and have seen it but it hasn't affected me this deeply before."

Martha smiled touched. She could see this woman cared for her son. "That's because you cared a lot about my son and it always hurts when you lose someone you care about. Would you like to stay for dinner, Diana? We were just about to eat."

"I don't want to impose."

Jonathon laughed. "You couldn't possibly impose on us. Have dinner with us? It'll get us to know you better and learn more about what our son has been doing."

Diana stayed for dinner and was happy she did. She got to know Clark more through his parents. She shared stories about Clark as a child and Diana shared tales with him helping her in the world and their battles together against enemies. Clark's parents were just as he describe them and even more. Sharing stories about Clark comforted them all on what they lost.

When Diana left, she flew to Gotham to check on Bruce. He kept himself out of touch with the League after Superman's death. She knew how death affected him and thought he could use a friend now. Alfred welcomed her and address how Bruce kept himself busy since Superman's death.

"What are you doing here?" Batman asked Wonder Woman when he saw her entering the Bat cave.

Diana notice a table under lights lined with the pieces of debris Batman collected after the battle in Metropolis. "I should ask you the same thing. Ever since Clark's death, you cut yourself from the League. You haven't taken part in the funeral arrangements. Are you even coming to the funeral tomorrow?"

"Why?" Batman remarked rudely. "He's not dead."

"Bruce, I know it's hard to accept his death. It's hard for me, too but you can't deny the fact he is gone. Please, honor his memory and come to the funeral tomorrow."

"When Superman does die, I will honor him but he's not dead." Batman turned his back on her and went back to examining a piece of the debris. "If that's all you're here to say, you're wasting your breath."

Diana didn't argue with Bruce anymore. His mind was made up. She could only hope he would change his mind. Diana left the bat cave and flew home. When she arrived on the balcony of her Boston apartment she saw the lights were on. She went to the window to see who was inside and was shocked to see her mother sitting on the sofa, watching TV.

"Mother?"

Hippolyta rose and greeted her daughter's warm hug. "Daughter, I'm glad to see you." She pointed to the television. "What is that? It's a most interesting device."

"It's a TV," Diana answered. "What are you doing here?"

"Your friend Hawkgirl told me the news of Superman. She told me how affected you were of Superman's passing. I had brought the appropriate attire to honor your fallen friend."

Diana looked on the sofa and saw the gold and white honor garbs worn to honor a fallen warrior. A fresh batch of tears surfaced. "Oh, mother. Thank you." Diana embraced her mother. Hippolyta held and soothe Diana until her tears stopped. "You must honor your friend to shed such tears, Diana."

"He was a good man," Diana cried. "He died saving me."

"I was told he sacrificed himself to save you and another one of your friends," Hippolyta said stroking Diana's hair. Diana nodded. "He will be honored among the Amazons and he will be honored in the next life."

Diana nodded. "I know, Mother, but he was gone too soon."

"Most things we want are, Diana," Hippolyta said soothingly. "Just as you when I had to banish you from our home."

"But I'm still alive, Mother. You can still see me. Superman's Earth parents will never see their son again. I never thought it would hurt so much to lose someone," Diana confessed.

The confession concerned Hippolyta. "Daughter, when you said Superman was gone too soon did you mean to the people of Earth or to yourself?"

"I don't know what you mean."

Hippolyta pulled back to see her daughter's face, stained with tears, eyes so lost. She never saw her daughter so sad. "Do you have feelings for Superman?"

"I….. mother…."

"It's true, isn't it?" Hippolyta surmised. "I thought you said he has someone."

"He does… he did," Diana tried to explain herself. "We haven't done anything."

"But you wished you did."

Diana pulled away from her mother. "Mother, this isn't the time to discuss this and it doesn't matter anymore. Superman's gone. What feelings I have for him is of no concern."

Hippolyta decided not to press the matter for now. Superman was gone and her daughter was mourning his death not as a friend but as a woman who deeply cared for him. It would be rude to continue to question her daughter during this difficult time. Still, the queen thought it was better Diana lose Superman this way while she respected and cared for him than to lose him when he broke her heart in a vile despicable way as Heracles did to her.

****

The next evening, Diana arrived at a cathedral in Metropolis where Superman's funeral was going to take place. She wore a white Grecian armor with gold boots. She covered herself in a traditional white hooded robe. Hippolyta decided to stay in Diana's apartment and view the funeral from the television.

Reporters and several guests were already in attendance when Diana arrived. People from all over the world and universe had arrived for Superman's funeral including Aquaman and Mera, Orion, the Green Lantern Corps. Diana and the rest of the League except for Batman contacted everyone with the grave news Superman had passed the funeral arrangements.

Diana saw Kara and Lana Lang sitting with the Kents. A few rows forward she saw Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen and Perry White. She only saw Lois from a picture in the Daily Planet. Lois was visibly upset and having trouble keeping it together. Diana envied her in a way. Lois could express her feelings of loss for Superman because of her relationship with him while Diana had to hold hers in. Diana even thought of talking to Lois but decided not to. She wasn't sure she would've been able to keep it together and the last thing Diana wanted was for Lois to become suspicious of her relationship with Superman.

Most notably absent was Clark Kent but Diana and J'onn came up with a clever excuse. J'onn disguised himself as Clark Kent and talked Perry White into convincing him to cover the global coverage of Superman's death and his impact on the world. It would buy them some time for Diana and J'onn knew they would have think of some way to dispose of Clark Kent.

The funeral began promptly at six. J'onn gave the eulogy, speaking for most of the League. After J'onn stepped down, Diana went to the podium. She never would've forgiven herself if she hadn't spoke. Diana removed her hood and stared at the crowd for a moment before telling everyone of Superman: the man who he was behind the suit, what he represented and how they shouldn't be sad he was gone but happy they did know such a man in their life and how he will never be forgotten. Near the end, Diana's voice cracked for a moment. She didn't shed a tear and but took a moment to gather her emotions before finishing her speech.

She caressed a hand on his coffin as she spoke parting words in her native Greek language, put on her hood and took her seat with the rest of the League.

After the funeral, the League were pallbearers as they walked Superman's coffin to the Superman Memorial half a mile from the cathedral. Several people lined the streets as they watched the League and the guests at the funeral walk the short trip to the memorial. Diana felt eyes on her. She looked back and saw Batman's shadow on one of the rooftops before disappearing. It touched her he did come after all.

Once the ceremony was concluded, the Justice League returned to the Watchtower sharing the good times they had with Superman and discussing a possible replacement. The business was interrupted when Lobo burst in on his motorcycle and announced he was taking Superman's place. His bad, raucous attitude ensued the Justice League to fight him. After Lobo was subdued, much to their chagrin, they had to drag him along to Metropolis where a prison breakout of wicked the League enemies were celebrating Superman's death.

Once all the prisoners were all accounted for, Lobo boasted proudly. "Who needs Superman when you got Lobo?"

A small missile whizzed in the sky aiming for Batman. Something grabbed it and destroyed it, discharging the missile causing a cloud of smoke to breakout. Batman threw his batarang at Deadshot, knocking him out. When the smoke cleared, everyone looked on in shock and wonder at the arrival of Superman.

"Superman!" Diana joyfully announced. He was alive! Diana couldn't believe her eyes but Superman was standing before her. Diana wanted to throw her arms around him in a fierce hug but restrained herself. Wherever Superman was, time had passed. He looked so rugged and attractive with his long hair and beard and the strange clothes he wore was appealing.

After firing Lobo, Superman explained what happened to him in the future and why they had to stop Vandal Savage from stealing a dwarf star from Ray Palmer. Diana wasn't even aware Vandal had escaped Kasnia's prison. Diana went on with her tour and didn't give much thought about Vandal or Audrey. Now she wished she had.

Vandal was ready to take the dwarf star when the Justice League arrived to stop him. Though they were victorious and kept the star in Ray Palmer's possession, they failed to capture Vandal who escaped the Justice League's grasps.

"Vandal may have gotten away but the magnificent seven's back again!" Flash announced once the League returned to the Watchtower. He put an arm around Superman. "We gotta celebrate your return, Superman! Let me talk to my people and we can throw you the biggest Welcome Back bash the world has seen!"

"Thanks for the suggestion, Flash but I prefer to announce the world I'm back in a much low key setting."

"We can at least celebrate here, right?" Flash asked hopefully.

"Not now," Green Lantern said. "We have some clean up to do after our fight with Lobo in the Watchtower. Let's go. You, J'onn, Hawkgirl and I can get it done."

Flash sulked. "Oh, come on! Can't we wait until tomorrow? It's been a long day with Supes funeral, Lobo, the prison breakout, Supes return and fighting Vandal Savage. I got a lot of energy but even I'm tired."

Green Lantern pushed Flash moving him along. "Stop your complaining."

"So, you really didn't think I was dead?" Clark asked Batman once he and Diana were alone with him. "It's just us. You can tell the truth."

Batman crossed his arms over his chest. "No."

"I think he was in denial," Diana said with a smile. "He was examining the debris of the scene in his cave and I did see him when we were taking your coffin to the memorial."

"Really?" Clark was intrigued.

"I never showed up," Batman denied. "You have me mistaken for someone else."

Diana laughed, her first laughed since Superman died. "If you say so, Bruce."

Batman could read between the lines. He knew he was the third wheel and Clark and Diana wanted some time alone but didn't want to admit it and using him as a distraction. "I'm going back to Gotham," Bruce announced. "Criminals took your death like kids on the last day of school and it wore me out. I'll see you two later."

And then there were two once the Batjet left the Watchtower hanger. Clark and Diana left the hanger and just walked around the Watchtower before going into Clark's room.

"I'm so glad you're alive," Diana confessed and threw her arms around him. "I thought you were gone forever."

Clark returned the hug. "Yeah. After Savage told me what happened to the Earth, I didn't think I would see you all again either. He told me he killed the League. I couldn't even ask him how he killed you. I didn't want to know." He let out a heavy sigh. "It was a nightmarish place to be, Diana. I'm glad to be back. And I'll be glad to get a change of clothes and shave," he joked.

Diana's laugh was muffled as her face was buried in his chest. She pulled back only to run her fingers through his hair and caress the thick beard he grew. "Are you sure? I actually like this look on you."

"Why?"

Diana shrugged unsure herself. "You look good, rugged." She felt the fur he was wearing. "The outdoorsman look works for you."

"Well, you're just gonna have to deal with me clean shaven and wearing suits."

Diana hugged him again. "I'll accept you anyway. Your parents are going to be thrill to see you. They're at your apartment now. They're very nice people."

"You met them?" Clark couldn't help but wonder how that went.

"Yes. Kara talked me into meeting them. We talked mostly about you."

"Hope it wasn't anything embarrassing." Clark knew how his mother could get sometimes. "Is there anything else I should know like my job?"

"J'onn disguised himself as you and talked Perry White into sending Clark Kent to London to get the global view of your death. We already have a story printed out."

Clark nodded taking this information in. "At least I know I still have a job."

Diana knew she should leave but she couldn't without saying what she wanted to say. It was scary to make this confession but she knew she had to otherwise she'll always wonder. "When you were gone, I had time to reflect on how much you mean to me. There were things I wanted to say, things I wanted to do but couldn't. Now I want to and for that I'm sorry."

Clark frowned puzzled. "Sorry? What do you mean?"

"Because it's wrong and I can't help myself."

Clark could hear the beat of Diana's heart racing. Whatever was on her mind made her nervous. "Diana, you don't have to be sorry for anything. Just tell me. I won't be angry."

Diana secured her hold around Clark's neck, "I know you are taken and I know I shouldn't do this but please forgive me."

Now Clark was nervous. "Diana?"

"Oh, Kal." She said the name for the very first time; soft, yet intensely erotic.

"Kal?" Clark was silenced as Diana locked her lips over his. His eyes widened in shock. The first thing he realized Diana was kissing him! The second thing he realized DIANA WAS KISSING HIM! Clark felt his whole body aflame with desire. Any thoughts of reasoning went out the window as Clark's hand came behind Diana's head pressing their lips together cogently. His mouth opened against hers. His other hand rested against the small of her back, crushing her against him.

When Diana kissed Clark, she wasn't expecting this. She thought kissing Clark would be like kissing Steve Trevor--nice. But kissing Clark was far more than nice. It was amazing. Such feelings should frightened her but it didn't. She welcomed it. She *wanted* it. She never felt such raw need before in her life and she easily submits to it. Feeling his mouth opened against hers, Diana responded by parting her lips, entangling her fingers in his long black hair, pulling him even closer if that was possible.

No matter his strength, his touch was gentle, his mouth coaxing. It made her respond all the more. Hands that could crush a rock into pieces sent shocking sensations through Diana as those same hands caress her body. Diana felt the hand on her back move lower, settling softly on the curve of her hips. A soft sigh escaped her lips as she felt that same hand press her harder against him.

Fire burns in their lungs. Diana felt her legs buckle slightly so she wrapped both arms around Clark's neck to hold on. She was growing weak just as he and they knew they had to pull away or else they would pass out.

Diana leaned on him and Clark held her close to him. Both of their chests were heaving something that rarely happened to them even in battle.

"I'm sorry," Diana apologized. "I'm so sorry."

"It's okay. There's nothing to apologize for," Clark assured her.

"I shouldn't have kissed you. No matter how much I wanted it," Diana said.

"Diana, don't talk like that."

Diana suddenly pulled away. If she stayed close to him any longer, she would kiss him again. "I should go." She caressed the side of his face. "Good night, Kal." Diana walked out of the room and didn't look back.

And just like that, Clark knew his relationship with Diana would never be the same again.