Chapter Eight

Clark awoke to the early morning sounds of chirping birds. His eyelids, still heavy from deep sleep, peered past the open window to see that the sun was just beginning to rise. The warm body that lay against him brought a lazy smile to his face. He remembered Diana falling asleep on him shortly before he himself gave in to sleep. Clark cocked his head to get a better view of her.

With her head on his chest, he was able to study her perfect features. She really was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. His thoughts went back to the moment she admitted she had feelings for him. The elation he felt overcame his doubts and hesitation. When he finally kissed her, it seemed like a great weight was lifted off of him and he felt he could soar across the sky on his own. He felt powerless as he leaned in and brushed his lips against hers.

Diana stirred, her eyes slowly opened, as she was awakened by Clark's gentle kiss. She gave him a slow smile as she found him watching her. His face only inches away. Somewhere in the back of her mind, she was reminded of an old fable she recently read. It was a tale of a princess who fell into a cursed slumber that she could not freely wake from. The only way to break the curse was to be awakened with a kiss by her prince. She had thought that fable arrogant and ridiculous that a man merely had to kiss a woman to save her. Now, she could understand its appeal. Diana reached out and brought his head down to hers for another kiss. Remembering their passionate kiss from the night before, Diana wasted no time in opening her mouth to welcome him.

They began lightly, patiently, as their mouths once again explored the wonders of each other's taste. Those short, gentle kisses eventually became longer and more demanding. Their desires deepened. Their bodies shifted in the couch, and Diana ended up underneath Clark. The length of his muscular frame covered her trim and shapely figure. His weight on her was another new sensation she found that she liked. Diana ran her fingers through his thick hair as the other ran up and down his magnificent torso. Clark had buried his hand in her hair as the other had anchored itself around her waist.

They were both so lost in their embrace that neither one of them heard the footsteps of someone coming up the stairs of the loft, or the gasps of shock that escaped the mouths of the two people who stood several feet away from the entwined couple.

Not until "Clark Kent!" was shouted did Clark and Diana break off their kiss. Mortified to be caught in their current position, they quickly glanced up to find Martha and Delleia glaring at them. It also took Delleia to draw her sword and say, "Get off my Princess" for Clark to realize that he was still on top of Diana.

As Clark scrambled to get up and stand, he gave the two glaring ladies a weak smile. "Morning, mom. Delleia. You can put the sword away, you know."

"Princess, if this man hurt you, just give me the order, and I will have him run through."

Diana stood up and took a step forward. "Delleia, stand down. I command it."

"But your Highness…"

"It's okay. Clark did no wrong to me." Delleia still did not lower her weapon. So, Diana added, "It was I who sought him out."

Martha and Delleia shot Diana looks of disbelief. "I am here in the barn, aren't I?"

Clark reached out to put a hand on Diana's shoulder, but he dropped it at Delleia's glaring look. "Diana, you don't have to defend me."

"I'm not. I'm stating a fact." Diana turned her attention back to her guard. "Delleia, please sheath your sword."

Martha finally spoke up. "You had us worried, Diana. You were not in your room when I came in to check on you. Delleia and I were afraid that somehow Etheon found you and took you. We came here to get Clark. I'd say that now I'm relieved yet shocked to find you both…together."

Diana had never been in an embarrassing situation like this before. And not knowing exactly how to respond, she could only come up with, "Martha, I…I'm sorry. I'll just go back to the house." She took a quick glance in Clark's direction and walked out, with Delleia closely following her.

As soon as both Amazons left the barn, Clark immediately told his mother, "Nothing happened, mom."

Martha still stood with her hands on her hips. "Really? From where I was standing, it didn't look like it to me. Something definitely happened."

"We kissed mom, that's all."

"That's not the point, Clark." Martha seemed exasperated. She thought her son knew better than to take advantage of Diana's innocence. "I know she's beautiful and strong and good, but she's not ready for any kind of relationship with a man. And that includes you."

"You think that I don't know that, mom? The first time we met, I admit I was in awe of her and we became friends. This time around…I don't know but all I can think of is that I want to be more than just friends. But don't worry, I already told her that she needed time to get used to our world before getting involved with me. And she wasn't too pleased when I told her that...With Diana, I don't have to be anyone else but me. I finally find someone I want to be with and I can't be with her."

At the forlorn look on Clark's face, the anger and disappointment Martha felt moments ago dissipated. She closed the distance between her and her son, and hugged him. "Oh, honey, I knew you liked Diana, but I didn't realize you cared that much about her."

"When we woke up together this morning, just for that moment, everything in this world felt right. So, I kissed her. And she kissed me back. And that's when you found us."

"I'm sorry for what you're going through, Clark. I know that life isn't fair sometimes." Martha continued to hug her son. Until his words dawned on her. "Wait. You mean she spent the night here?"

Clark gave his mother a sheepish look as he answered. "All we did was sleep. I swear."

**********

After her morning shower, Diana came back into Clark's room to find Delleia waiting for her. Diana expected that. But unlike the previous night, Delleia did not leave. She did turn her back to her as Diana began to dress in her own clothes.

"Delleia, if you think that I need to be watched over like a new-born baby, I can assure you that it is not necessary."

Delleia did not look at her. Diana could tell her guard was still disappointed that Delleia found her Princess in the arms of a man. It was Diana's right and privilege that she did not need to answer to her guard about kissing Clark. But she felt compelled to make Delleia understand his character a little more.

"Clark is not like other men," Diana began. "He is compassionate and selfless. He helps those who are in need of help and does not seek recognition for his deeds. He's as noble as they come. You don't have to worry about his character and his intentions towards me. I appreciate your concerns for my well-being, but you are not my mother. Need I remind you that I am still your Princess?"

"No, your Highness." Delleia finally turned around to look at Diana. "It is not my place to give you counsel or judge your actions, Princess. I am here to make sure no harm comes to you. I do agree that Clark Kent has appeared to be a trusted ally and gracious host since that immortal son of a leprous barbarian tried to kill you. He is also as handsome as Adonis and I don't fault you for taking some interest in him. I know that you are a good judge of one's character, but how can you have such confidence in a man you've only known for a day?"

This time, it was Diana who could not meet her guard's eyes. "In truth, yesterday was not the first time that Clark and I met." Once again this morning, Diana shocked Delleia. "I actually met him during my brief mission to retrieve the Spear of Athena. We got to know each other pretty well then. We also had dinner together the night after the first press conference in Metropolis. And he has treated me with the same respect and honor as he has always shown me."

"Princess, I was once in love with a man." Delleia admitted. She even smiled at that memory. "He was very kind and gentle, and I married him." And just a quickly as her smile appeared, it was replaced by hurt and anger. "We were only married a short while before his own brother killed him. He took the lands my husband inherited from their father. He was a beast and he took everything, including me. My only salvation was to join the Amazons. When the chance came for me to escape, I took it. And when Heracles' army came and humiliated us on our own island, I swore never to trust another man. Your Highness, I speak from experience when I say that you cannot trust him."

Diana stepped towards Delleia and gently put her hand on her arm. "I'm sorry. I can only imagine the pain and anger you must have gone through. But Clark is unlike other men. There is more to him than who he appears to be. And I trust him with my life."

"Then I pray that I am mistaken for your sake, Princess."

"I am here on a mission to bring peace to man. And to do that, I need them to first trust me. You know as well as I do that trust must be earned. I certainly cannot begin to accomplish my mission if I cannot trust man in return, can I?"

Delleia absorbed Diana's last words. Her Princess indeed possessed Athena's wisdom. She still was not convinced about Diana's trust in Clark Kent, but she trusted her wisdom. Nodding that she understood Diana, Delleia silently walked out of the room.

Diana let out a small sigh of relief. She knew her guard had her doubts but at least Delleia was beginning to open to the idea that some men can be trusted. The sound of a neighing horse caused her to turn her attention outside. Looking out across the house, she spotted Clark had mounted the horse. With his rider on his back, the horse took off at breakneck speed towards the open fields.

**********

It had been a while since Clark took his horse out. It was really his dad's horse. Most days the farm's foreman would make sure that his horse would get to run through the open fields of the farm. Since the hired hands were off today, he himself needed to take the mare out for some exercise. Rider and horse had already neared the outer edge of the fenced in land when Clark reined the horse in to halt. He bent down and patted the horse. "Guess you needed that run as much as I did, huh girl?"

"She's a beautiful horse," a familiar voice called out behind them.

Clark turned around to find Diana standing several feet away from them. She was dressed in her Amazonian garb, and he guessed that she flew out after them. He dismounted and shook his head. "You shouldn't be out here."

"Don't worry. There isn't a search party looking for us. I told my guards and your mother that I needed to speak with you."

"And they still let you come here by yourself? Especially after they caught us…together?"

Diana looked away as the heat of that memory caused her to blush. "I had a talk with Delleia. I needed her to know that she had no cause for worry when I'm with you." She looked back up him and walked a few steps closer. She noticed that his hair was still a little damp. He must have taken his shower while she had her talk with Delleia. The red t-shirt he wore only emphasized his broad shoulders and chest. The morning sun rising behind him seemed to cast a glow to him that even her gods could envy.

"I see." Clark stood where he was, still holding on to the reins of the brown mare. "I'm glad you have that much faith in my restraint. But if you step any closer, I think that you may misjudge my ability to keep my hands to myself." Clark grinned, seeing that Diana paused in her steps. "So, what did you want to talk to me about?"

Diana grinned back. "I saw you come out for a ride. I haven't ridden a horse in months, and I miss it. Would you mind if I took a turn on your horse?"

"I don't mind at all. It's just that she's pretty particular about who can ride her."

"I have a way with animals if you remember. Just give me a moment." Diana stepped closer to Clark and the horse. She stretched out an open palm to let the horse smell her scent. Almost instantly, the horse nodded and neighed as Diana gently stroked her mane and neck. "Thank you, dear friend."

She was still smiling when she looked up at Clark, who was standing close to her. Diana leaned in and tilted her head up, tempting him to kiss her.

Clark leaned in, too, as if he was going to kiss her again. But he held himself in check. They were both rooted to their spots, neither one made a move. Clark finally stepped back as he handed her the reins. "I guess you were right about me." His cerulean eyes twinkled. "I'm just going to go sit by that tree over there until you're done with her."

Diana maintained her calm composure. She mounted the mare with the ease of an expert horsemen, or horsewoman as it were. "Thank you, Clark. Oh, by the way, what's her name?"

"Hellacre."

"I'm surprised that she would have such a name. She's such a gentle mount."

"Not when my dad first got her to farm. She was really a hellion back then. She could cover acres of land faster than my dad could catch up to her on another horse. Eventually, my dad needed me to help out. Hence, the name change."

"I guess that suits her. What was it before?"

"Norma."

"I like Hellacre better."

"I'll see you in a bit. Enjoy the ride."

"I will."

It was a short while later when Diana came riding back. Clark got up from his comfortable spot under the oak tree. He had spent the good part of a half an hour leisurely watching Diana ride his horse. The joy on Diana's face warmed his heart. As she dismounted off Hellacre, she cried, "That was rejuvenating! Oh, how I miss being able to do that."

Taking the reins back from her, he said, "Feel free to take her out for a ride whenever you wish." Clark mounted the horse and stretched his arm out to Diana. "Come on. We better head back to the house. Right now, the breakfast my mom made is starting to get cold."

"Then we better not disappoint her any further." Although Diana could just float up, she took the arm he offered instead to share the saddle behind him. She put her arms around his waist and leaned against him as they rode back to the house.

From a distance, a male voice laced with excitement and anticipation asked, "Did you get that? Did you get enough shots?"

Another male voice replied, "Yeah, Barton. I got them. Good thing you thought of coming out here."

"I did my homework. Let's get out of this dirt road. We need to get some wireless reception so that I get these photos to the station ASAP."

In a few moments, the white SUV the men had driven in pulled away from behind a cluster of trees, and headed back to the main streets of Smallville.

*********

Back at the farm, Diana and Clark helped washed the dishes and cleaned the kitchen after eating their breakfast. They were drying their wet hands when Martha rushed into the kitchen.

"Both of you need to see this. Now." The seriousness in Martha's tone of voice and grim look told them this was something that they were not going to like. They followed her back to the living room. "These were just posted all over WNN."

On the television screen, photos of Clark and Diana together were plastered on screen. One photograph had captured them riding his horse together. Another captured them smiling at each other as they stood a couple of feet away from each other. And the last one took a more intimate shot of them as they appeared as if they were about to kiss.

"This is Jack Barton, live from Smallville. Yes, ladies and gentlemen. It looks like there is a budding romance going on between the Amazon Princess and the reporter. It's not surprising since Mr. Kent is also Senator Martha Kent's son, who was at the press conference when an attempt was made on Wonder Woman's life. Until a few moments ago, no one knew where the Kents were sheltering the Princess. Things are looking pretty cozy around here..."

Not knowing what to say, Diana and Clark remained silent. This morning was embarrassing enough having Martha and Delleia catching them entangled in a passionate kiss. This nationwide broadcast of some pictures of them just flirting was even worse. And neither one of them dared look at Martha until she finally spoke.

"Well, that idiot just announced to the whole world where we are! It's a good thing he doesn't have anything more of those pictures. Please tell me that there aren't any other possible pictures he could've taken."

"No, mom, there isn't."

"Clark only let me ride his horse, and then we rode back together to the house afterwards."

"I guess it's a good thing I didn't kiss you out there." Clark offered a small smile, trying to alleviate the stress that filled the living room. "But if Etheon's watching this now, then he knows where Diana is, and we don't have much time before he finds us."

As much as she was taking pleasure in spending time with Clark, Diana was actually relieved to come out of her sanctuary. As she had voiced her objections before, hiding from an enemy was not something she was raised to do. "Then we have no choice but to confront him," Diana said with grim determination.

"Um, kids. Look outside. I think that's him." Martha pointed to the window.

All eyes turned to look beyond the window. Etheon was indeed outside the house. And he did not hide the arrogant smirk that stretched across his face.

"How the hell did he get here so quickly?!" Clark asked, knowing full well that none of them knew the answer to that question.

"He said that Ares had blessed him with immortality and incredible strength. My guess is that those weren't the only gifts the God of War gave him." Diana straightened her shoulders and tilted her chin up a notch. Before Clark could stop her, she quickly walked towards the door and opened it. Diana stood at the doorway, ready to face the man who wanted nothing more than to end her life.