Chapter Seven

Clark came back to the kitchen a few moments later. He tossed an old grey t-shirt to Ollie. "Here you go."

"Great, thanks!" Ollie said as he put the t-shirt on. He moved from the counter and kissed Martha on the cheek. "Dinner was great, Senator. I'm sure I'll run into you at the next dinner gala."

"Yes, I'm sure, too. You take care of yourself, Oliver. And don't get into too much trouble either."

Clark was surprised, and relieved, that Ollie was leaving. Apparently while Clark was upstairs, Ollie told Martha and Diana that he was going back to Metropolis. He tried hard to sound disappointed as he asked Ollie, "You're not staying?"

"As much as I want to stay in the same house with these two beautiful ladies, I really can't. Sleeping on the floor is not good for my back. Besides, someone's got to look out for Metropolis while the Red-Blue Blur has his hands full tonight. Oh, and I'm going to need to borrow your keys." Ollie then turned to Diana and picked up her hand to plant another kiss on it. "Princess, I will never forget my first meeting with Wonder Woman."

"I enjoyed our meeting as well, Ollie. Thank you, again, for helping us earlier." Diana smiled back.

Clark headed for the door. "Come on, Oliver, I'll walk you out."

Clark handed the keys over to Ollie as they stepped out of the house and walked towards Clark's truck. "I know I've already mentioned it, but thanks again for your help today."

"You're one of the few friends I have, Clark. I do what I can to help my friends out." The sincerity in Ollie's voice was genuine. "Oh, by the way, I just want to say that I'm sorry for making moves on your girlfriend."

"She's not my girlfriend." Clark answered rather quickly.

"Yeah, well, you're acting like a jealous boyfriend." That remark got the reaction Ollie was expecting. If he did not care for his friend as he did, he would have laughed at the guilty look that crossed Clark's face. "Why don't you do something about that? Get rid of that pitiful look on your face, and make a move."

"It's not that simple, Oliver. Diana hasn't been in our world long enough to handle the complexities of dating men. She also has her mission, and I can't be a distraction for her. I have no place in her life. She's a Princess and I'm just…me."

"Clark, are you that dense? You may think you're not good enough for her, but what about Diana? You think that makes a difference to her? Look, I know women and you know I don't have problems getting dates. Diana has no interest in me. From what I've observed tonight, it seems she only has eyes for you. And you've got it bad for her, too. For a guy with X-Ray vision, you sure have a hard time seeing what's right in front of you."

A realization dawned on Clark. "Wait. Is that why you've been acting like such an ass all night? To see if I have feelings for Diana? You know, I have half a mind to toss you over to the next state."

Ollie appeared unfazed by that last remark, knowing full well that Clark was too good of a guy to do that to a friend. "You should be thanking me for making you see how much you really care about her. You save people all the time and ask for nothing in return. For someone who is a hero to many, you lead the life of a monk. Admit it. You have a tendency to play the role of the relationship martyr. It's time for you to live a little. Take advantage of the time you have with her right now. Otherwise you'll regret it. For once, I know what I'm talking about. Trust me on this one." Ollie finally walked away shaking his head. He got into Clark's truck and drove away, leaving Clark to digest his parting words.

*******

Clark walked back into the house to find Diana and his mother talking in hushed tones and giggling. When Martha noticed her son, she told Diana, "Oh, never mind, my dear. I'm sure Clark heard everything we've said."

Clark could only guess that they were talking about Ollie. "I wasn't even listening. Why don't you enlighten me?" He even shared a grin.

"It wasn't important, Clark. Just women talk." Diana looked somewhat embarrassed as she averted her gaze away from him.

"Okay, then…" It seemed Clark was trying to come up with something else to say, but he could not think of anything. So he kept quiet.

Martha decided to take charge. "Well, it's getting late. Clark, why don't you get the sleeping bags from the barn? I think we have a couple of them there. I heard Agents Simms and Garner talking to Delleia and Melina earlier about coordinating night watch shifts. Diana, you take Clark's room for the night."

"You know, mom, one of the Amazons can have the couch in the living room. I've got my couch in the barn, so I'll sleep there tonight."

"I'm fine with that. If there's trouble, Clark will be able to hear it and be here in an instant." Martha said as she turned her attention to Diana.

Diana shook her head. "Clark, it isn't necessary for you to sleep there. I'm already imposing on you by taking your bed. You're our host, and you shouldn't be sleeping in the barn."

"It's okay. It wouldn't be the first time I've fallen asleep out there. When I was a kid, my mom would have to wake me up and drag me back to the house." Clark could not help but grin at those memories.

"Yes, you did enjoy pretending that was your own fortress." Martha added.

Imagining Martha dragging Clark as a boy out of the barn caused a giggle to escape Diana's mouth. "I can only imagine. I'm sure you were a handful, Clark."

"And I bet my mom, here, would love to tell you all the times I've gotten in trouble." He glanced over at his mother. Clark saw that she was patiently waiting for them to finish their conversation, and knew that she was not going to move until he did as she asked. "I better get those sleeping bags." Reluctantly, Clark went out the back door to head for the barn, while Diana followed Martha upstairs.

********

Clark got back in the house and quickly set up the sleeping bags in the living room. Since he could hear that Diana was still in the bathroom taking a shower, he decided to make a quick trip to his room to get a change of clothes. He passed his mother along the upstairs hallway, who informed him that she took the liberty of borrowing the pajamas she bought him for Christmas to give Diana something to sleep in.

When he walked into his room, he was startled to find Delleia looking out the window. She must have been stationed elsewhere before when he came up to get a shirt for Ollie. As she turned her focused gaze away from the night's view outside, she gave him a hard questioning look. Before she could ask him anything, Clark quickly explained, "Don't worry, I'm not here to bother the Princess. I'm just here to get a few things. I'll be sleeping in the barn across the house."

Delleia nodded, but she surprised him when she said, "Thank you for your generous hospitality." She said nothing more as she turned her attention back past the window.

"You're welcome," Clark replied as he went to his chest of drawers to get some clothes to sleep in. Once he found the ones he wanted, he called out a quick goodnight to Delleia and left his room. He went back downstairs where he waited until he heard Diana emerge from the bathroom. As soon as he heard the door to his room shut, he went back upstairs to take his own shower. He hoped that he would not run into her when he was done and ready to head to the barn. The last thing he wanted tonight was to see Diana before going to bed. If he did run into her, he was going to have a hard time falling asleep with a vision of her wearing his pajamas.

*****************

He was having a hard time falling asleep, trying to envision Diana wearing his pajamas. And sleeping on his bed. For the last hour, Clark could not seem to find a comfortable position on the couch. The loft's window was open, letting in the cool evening breeze. There was always something soothing about cool breezes that calmed his senses. He had even gotten up and taken off his t-shirt to feel the breeze on his bare chest. But even that was not working.

Clark could not get his mind to stop thinking about everything that had happened in the last couple of days. Everything that involved Diana. When they were alone the previous night, he wanted more than to be just a friend. Yet he had hesitated. But it took Ollie's words, not just his antics, to realize that deep down he was tired of being alone. That he wanted someone who understood him. That he did not have to hide his true identity from. And that someone happened to be an untouchable Amazon Princess who was essentially an innocent to men.

Clark let a sigh escape his lips. He shut his eyes and rubbed his forehead with the palm of his hand. Maybe if he read a book to take his mind off of Diana, he would eventually fall asleep. Just maybe.

*****************

Diana was wide awake as she stared at the ceiling. She was wearing only the top half of his pajamas, and lying on his bed. She sighed, and turned on her side. At once, she realized that was a mistake as she inhaled the pillow that held his scent. Even when she first came to this house years ago, and slept in the same bed, she did not experience this trouble of falling asleep. It was perplexing to her. If she thought she experienced some confusion over newly found feelings for man before, this time it was much, much more. Diana knew very well that she cared for Clark. That she was undeniably drawn to him. Did she dare say she loved him? No. It was not possible. Then, this was what an infatuation must feel like. Yes, that must be it. Her mother and sisters once explained that an infatuation was temporary. That it can cause anyone to mistake that emotion for love. Once an infatuation wore off, a woman would no longer be infatuated with a man, and vice versa.

Since coming back to Man's World, Diana had a number of men flirt with her and attempt to court her. Even Clark's delightful friend Ollie had been extremely flirtatious with her tonight. Because of her mission, Diana was not interested in 'dating' anyone. But with Clark…he was all she could think of these last two days. And he probably did not give her as much thought as much as she of him.

Diana dolefully got out of the bed and walked to the window. Maybe if she let in some of the cool evening breeze, she would finally get some sleep. She stood there for a moment, enjoying the breeze. She looked across at the open window of the barn's loft. It was apparent that Morpheus had betrayed her request for sleep, and instead granted Clark with it. Yes, sometimes the Gods were cruel with their little jokes. Just before Diana turned away from the open window, a light came on from inside the loft. It seemed she was wrong about Clark being sound asleep. Diana reasoned that since they were both awake, they might as well keep each other company. She looked down at the pajama top she was wearing. It fell past her hips so she thought she was still decently dressed to see him. It only took a few seconds for her to fly into the loft.

*****************

Clark had just started reading the first few pages of an old college textbook he found when he heard something land softly a few feet away from him. He immediately sat up from the couch but froze as soon as he saw Diana. Even when he was trying to imagine earlier what she would look like in his pajamas, his imagination did not compare to the exquisiteness in front of him. He could not help himself from staring as his eyes took in her beauty. She stood there wearing only the pajama top that showed off her long, incredible legs. Her tousled hair cascaded down her back and framed her beautiful face. And the fact that she was completely unaware of how gorgeous and sexy she looked made it very difficult for him to slower his jumping heart rate.

Clark finally stood up. He could only utter, "Diana…wha…what are you doing here?"

Diana had been distracted by Clark's bare muscular arms, well-toned chest, and flat stomach. He really was a beautiful man. And his beauty was more than skin-deep. "I didn't mean to disturb you, Clark. I'm sorry. I'll just go back…"

"No. Wait," he found himself saying, "Stay. I'd like the company. Are you okay?"

"I couldn't sleep." Diana admitted. "When I saw your light come on, I thought we could talk some more."

"Right. 'Cause we're friends," he reminded himself. "We can do that." Clark nervously smiled and pointed to the chair on the far side of the loft. "Let me just get my shirt over there."

Diana was disappointed that he put his t-shirt on but she did not reveal her disappointment. As always, Clark was a perfect gentleman and he put others' considerations before his own.

They stood there, facing each other. The silence creating an awkward tension between them until Clark finally spoke.

"So, what was it you wanted to talk about?" he asked.

"Oh. Your friend, Ollie."

He felt an unexpected pang of unhappiness well up inside him. "I see. What else can I tell you about him that he hasn't already shared? He's good looking. Very rich. Somewhat of a playboy but he's a good man. I'm sure he'd take you out on a great date."

"I don't want to go out on a date with him. I thought he was very friendly as well, but that's not really what I wanted to talk to you about. " Diana reached out and touched his arm.

"Then what is it about Oliver that you want to talk about?" Clark was relieved that Diana was not interested in Ollie. He resolved not to make any more hasty conclusions.

"Ollie came to aid us today, without question. I think that shows the amount of faith you two have in your friendship. But why were you upset with him tonight?"

Clark was about to deny it, but he knew that she would see through it. "Okay…the truth is…the truth is that I didn't like that he was being too friendly. That he was flirting with you. You could say that I was…kinda jealous. Silly, right?" He looked away.

"Not at all. I'm actually pleased by it." A small smile formed on her lips.

"Huh?" He was embarrassed now.

"Clark, I don't know why, but I have these feelings towards you that I don't understand. You're the reason why I couldn't sleep tonight so I…" Diana did not get to finish what she wanted to say.

In one fluid movement, Clark caught the back of her neck and kissed her. Diana stood completely still, shocked yet thrilled at Clark's assertive kiss. She let her eyes flutter shut and gave into his kiss. But he abruptly stopped as suddenly as he started it, much to her disappointment. She opened her eyes to find him intently gazing into her.

There was a questioning look in his expression. The tenderness and intensity in his eyes melted her heart. There was only one way to answer him. She leaned up to him, closed her eyes, and touched her lips to his.

This was all the encouragement he needed from her as he gently cupped her face with his hand. Their bodies were still a breath apart. Clark's lips moved over hers, slowly, softly coaxing her mouth to open. And when Diana did open her mouth, his tongue slid inside to meet hers.

The tiny shockwaves of pleasure coursed through them both. His strong arms finally enveloped her in an embrace as Diana held onto him. It was not until he felt the pressure of her arms pulling him closer to her that Clark allowed himself to tighten his hold on her.

Diana was in awe that kissing a man, kissing Clark, would be this enthralling. She was so consumed with these unfamiliar yet desirable sensations that she did not mind it when she felt Clark pick her up in his arms, and moved them both to the couch. He sat down on it with Diana on his lap, never once breaking the kiss.

Clark and Diana continued their lip-locking, neither one of them wanting to stop. They were enjoying the natural feel of it all. The way they felt in each other's embrace. His lips left hers momentarily to trace kisses down her neck. The moan from Diana's throat pulled him back to capture her mouth with his once again.

Diana wanted more. This desire was new to her but she reveled in its passion. She wanted to feel that magnificent bare chest and slid her hands underneath his t-shirt, marveling at the solid muscles there as her hands roamed freely. Instinct guided her hands to move the garment up to get rid of it. But Clark's free hand that was once caressing the length of her legs, while the other arm still embraced her, caught and stilled her nimble fingers.

It seemed they were both gasping for air when Clark reluctantly broke off their kiss. Things had gotten so overwhelmingly intense between them. And all they did was kiss. He knew they needed to cool it down between them before they got any further with where the kiss could lead them. His breathing was still ragged as his chin rested on her forehead. He sighed deeply as he looked down into her mesmerizing blue eyes. "I've been wanting to kiss you for a while, Diana." He said softly. His fingers caressed her cheek and he planted a soft kiss on her lips.

Diana stared back at him in wonder and delight. She brushed aside a wayward lock of hair on his forehead. "I'm glad you did. I was beginning to think that I was the only one who felt like this. Although, I'm not quite sure what these feelings are."

"Emotions are very complex, especially when it comes to the matters of the heart. I know I care about you. I'm also very attracted to you. These feelings for you are also new to me. I wasn't expecting to feel this strongly about you."

"Then why did you stop kissing me? Was I wrong in thinking that you were enjoying this as much as I was?" she asked. It was obvious Diana had no idea of the impact that the passionate kiss would lead to something more than she was ready for.

"No, you weren't wrong. In fact, everything you were doing was perfect. But it's not the right time." At her confused look, Clark continued, "Diana, if we kept on kissing, I wouldn't have been able to stop at kissing. Eventually, I would have taken something away from you that I know would be grounds for castration. I haven't even met your mother but I can guess that she'd threaten to do just that. And I'm not ready to face an angry Amazon Queen once she finds out."

Diana blushed at the possibility of losing her virginity and becoming Clark's lover. "Who is to say that she would find out? It is only natural that what happens between a man and a woman is strictly a private matter that belongs to them. You and I have this connection. I don't see why we cannot follow through with the desire we have for each other."

Her logic was just really making this difficult to cool the temptation that was her. "As much as I really, really want to, I can't take advantage of you. Not right now. You haven't been in our world long enough to determine whether this is what you really want." Clark could see that Diana was getting upset. "Look, my parents taught me that if you really care about someone, then sex between a man and a woman should be more than a casual fling. If we did this now, then I am no better than the next man who has no morals or regards for your well-being."

Diana struggled to get up but Clark held her firmly in his arms. Her silence indicating that she was not satisfied with what she was hearing.

"Diana, please. Just listen. I want you. There's no denying that I want to show you the splendor that can happen between a man and a woman. You are very important to me. But we can't right now. You might regret this as soon as the morning comes. So you need to experience more of this world before making a life-changing decision like this. To really make sure that this is what you want. And I'm willing to wait for you if the feelings between us don't change. You can either come back to me or I'll come find you."

Diana stopped struggling against Clark and he relaxed his hold on her. What he was trying to say to her finally broke through. "But what if things do change?"

"With the way we feel for each other now, I doubt that will happen." Satisfied with that answer, Diana relaxed against Clark. He repositioned them towards one end of the couch. "If you want to, we can just sit here a while and not do anything."

She looked into his eyes, and smiled a little smile. "I'd like that."

"Good. Me, too." Clark gave her a soft, lingering kiss on her lips. As much as he wanted to deepen the kiss, he pulled away and rested Diana's head on his shoulder.

Clark and Diana were so relaxed and comfortable in their positions that they eventually fell asleep together. Until the morning came, they both surrendered to the bliss of slumber in each other's arms.