"Diana what is this?" Clark shook her awake. Looking very agitated.

"It's my dress." Diana woke up staring at her green dress, the one she wore the night they went dancing.

"Yeah, but why is it in my closet?"

"I put it there."

"Why?"

"I was planning on spending some time here with you, I figured it would be easier if I had a few items of clothing here as well. Then you could leave some things at my place, that way we won't have to rush back home when we need to go somewhere."

"Rush back home? It takes eight seconds to get from one place to another. You take two seconds to change clothes. Why the hell do you need clothes in my closet?"

Diana was fully awake now. If he wanted a fight, he'd get a fight. "Gods Clark what is it with you and your damn symmetry?"

"Symmetry?"

"Yes it is! I did this because I wanted to be closer to you. I want to spend more time with you, but you can't get over the fact that everything in your house isn't perfect! Do I even matter to you?"

"Before you said anything, I didn't even notice all this." He haphazardly waved his hands to indicate the furniture placement. "I never gave it a single thought. 27 years of smooth sailing, then all of a sudden 'Hey Clark you're obsessive compulsive'. So now I can't stop thinking about it, the whole damn world is out of balance and it drives me nuts. Then to have you come in here and ruin the calm that I have created."

"Oh so now you're blaming me?"

"I'm not blaming you, it's just the way it is. But symmetry, balance, and whatever, actually that's not even the problem, I can push my chairs back into alignment, and push my suits back the way the were, no big deal. But keeping your clothes here is freaking me out."

"Why? You don't want to get closer to me?"

"No, because you didn't ask me. We just go from whatever it is we're doing, to you trying to move in? What is this?"

"I never said I wanted to move in!"

"Then what the hell is this?"

"I didn't think you'd react like this. I thought you'd be smart and reasonable, I thought you would be happy about it. But I was clearly wrong there!" Diana was furious now, here she made a move to get closer, and he had the nerve to get angry about it. "I never thought you would be this selfish. I never thought you'd be such a jackass!"

"Yup that's me. Clark Kent, mild mannered jackass!"

Diana didn't know what to do. She never felt so angry at him before. All the times he teased her or made jokes at her expense were nothing compared to this. She felt rejected, pushed away just as she was getting close to what she wanted.

So she shoved him, hard. He was able to slow himself enough to keep from going all the way through the wall, but the impact did break the sheetrock. She started to gather her things and leave, but before she got to the closet he shoved her back. Not nearly as hard as she did him, but hard enough to show he wasn't going to back down. She started swinging wildly, her technique was totally gone. She was throwing girl punches, hitting him with the bottom of her fists.

Clark didn't really fight back, he just did the best he could to slap her hands away. He was surprised at himself for shoving her in the first place, whatever part of his brain that told him to do that was sure regretting it now. She wrestled him to the floor and was not letting up. Luckily for him, in her frustration she abandoned all of her combat training. He was eventually able to get a hold of her arms to pin them at her sides.

At that moment Diana didn't know what came over her, but she didn't want to hurt him anymore. She stopped trying to punch him. She just sat on top of him while he held her back, staring into his eyes, trying to burn her anger into him. She wanted something else, she wanted to punish him somehow. She wanted...

Diana was now kissing him, passionate, brutal, torturing kisses that demanded an equal response from him. Here she was, straddling him at the waist, arms on either side of his head holding him down with her kiss. He pulled her close, chest to chest, arms around her waist. He pulled her hair out of the ponytail she had it in, and flipped her over.

There she was, laying underneath him now smiling, hair everywhere, exactly the way he wanted her. She was so beautiful, and she wanted him too. She wrapped her legs around his waist and held tight, holding him with her hands on either side of his face. She was ready, he could feel it, her body was calling for him.

Her body was telling her yes, but her mind was screaming no. It was what she wanted, but not how she wanted it. She didn't want her first time to be after a fight, she wanted a romantic night filled with love and tenderness. He felt damn good, she had to stop now before she gave in. She could see the rings of red in his irises, he would be lost soon too.

"Clark, wait." She demanded breathlessly.

It pained him to pull away, but he did as she asked.

"We need to talk."

There they were, the worst four words in the history of relationships, 'we need to talk'. It was time for action, what could there be to talk about? Clark was going to have to take a swim in ice water to deal with this.

"Clark, I want to make love with you. But not like this. We need to stop."

Clark responded by standing and holding out a hand to help her up, which she took.

"I'm sorry. I should not have pushed you like that." She continued.

He still didn't say anything, he didn't even look at her he just sat at the foot of the bed with a defeated look on his face.

"Aren't you going to say anything?"

"The clothes in the closet, it's too much. I like having you around, and you're welcome to stay here from time to time, but keeping stuff here... I can't deal with that right now."

"Don't you think you're being irrational?"

"I'm sure I am, but this is the way I need it to be."

"Ok fine. I won't leave them then." She didn't like it, but she agreed. "Can we just go back to sleep?"

"Fine."

Diana climbed back into the bed, thinking Clark would join her, but first he went to a chest of drawers and put on a t-shirt. Without a word he laid down and turned his back to her. They laid that way for the rest of the night, no speaking, no touching.

Diana was upset at herself. Thinking she ruined everything, she wasn't even sure why he got so upset. They were just clothes, why couldn't he deal with it? He just got angry, no warning, no buildup, just unfiltered anger. It was so confusing, not wanting her in his home felt like a rejection, but then his kisses were so full of passion, what were the true feelings? She wondered how she would go about finding them.

Clark inwardly kicked himself, he was a total idiot. None of that was justified, all he had to do was tell her the truth, he didn't want her clothes here, he didn't want her to move in. She would understand. That's why he liked her so much, she understood things, which allowed her to be so forgiving. Just by staying, he knew she forgave him for acting a fool just now. Either that or she was just punishing him again, getting him all hot and bothered just to stop things just as they were getting good. Still, either way, he was still an idiot.

An empty bed and broken drywall, was what greeted Diana when she awoke. The sun was just beginning to rise, he'd left early. She wanted to speak with him before he left, hoping to be stirred awake when he got up for work. She felt lost and alone, without a clue where to turn. She couldn't go to her mother, her sisters or even Kara, they wouldn't understand. She couldn't go to the Kents, as they couldn't be relied on to fix her problems. And it was certainly nobody in the Justice League's business. But she need to talk to someone, someone who could relate, but still be somewhat impartial. If she could only figure out who.

Clark finagled his way into getting half the day off. The earliest interview he could get for the assignment Perry had given him was next Wednesday. Barring an emergency he had nothing to do for the day. So he just took a drive. He took the car because he needed to get a new panel of drywall, and the other tools he needed to patch the hole he made last night, but he hadn't gotten it or gone back home because he wasn't sure what Diana was doing. He wasn't ready to face her yet, and hadn't figured out what he wanted to say when he did.

He switched on the radio, tired of hearing the voice in his head call him stupid. He switched around before finding something soothing. 'I'd Rather Be With You' by Terry Callier was the song, it was something his parents would probably enjoy. He just allowed the music to transport him to a simpler place. As the song progressed he regretted staying on this station, the lyrics were starting to get to him.

I could catch that old greyhound head up north and bum around

Watch the sun set on the San Francisco Bay

But you mean so much to me I could never put you down

That would be too big a price for me to pay

Cause you made my dream come true and gave my life new meaning too

And more than anything

I'd rather be with you

He knew he had to apologize and explain the situation to Diana long before he heard the song, but the words spelled it out for him quite plainly. He'd rather be with her, he needed to find a way to deal with this before it grew into a much bigger problem.

Shannon sat across her kitchen table listening attentively as Diana gave her an edited version of her fight with Clark last night. She was shocked at some parts and laughed at others, both of which thoroughly confused Diana, even more than she already was.

"I ruined everything didn't I?" Diana sulked after finishing the story.

"I don't think so." Shannon replied.

"You don't?" Diana asked skeptically.

"No. He just freaked out, guys do that."

"So he's really ok with me keeping my things there?"

"No. There's a reason we call it personal space, and as you said, he likes things organized a specific way. How would you feel if he started rearranging your apartment to the way he likes it?"

"I wouldn't like it." Diana admitted.

"Exactly, that's how he felt, he just didn't know how to express himself. That's what makes men so complicated. They hold everything in, and then it explodes, leaving us to pick up the pieces."

"So what should I do?"

"Unless you want him to stay mad, you should move your things out."

"Oh." Diana pondered. "It just made so much sense at the time."

"Yes Diana, it made perfect logical sense. But you have to realize that although they claim to be, men are not logical creatures. They're stupid, impulsive, aggressive and terrified of commitment."

Diana wasn't sure she agreed with that, Clark was logical, on a genetic level, but then again his genetics were Kryptonian. "So what is wrong with us for wanting to love them?" Diana asked half joking.

"That's a good question Diana." Shannon answered with a laugh. "It might be the sex, I need a man for that. But I don't need to tell you, with a big boy like Clark I'm sure you're set."

"No. We haven't... yet. I wanted to, but this whole thing has got me confused."

"Really?" Shannon was stunned. "You two did it with me in the other room, you can't be a vir... Wait! That's why you looked like you were having a panic attack that morning."

"Yes. Clark is my first boyfriend, and before him I never really had much interaction with boys. My mother always made me go to all girls schools." Diana had told Shannon about her schooling before, and the beauty of it was, technically, she didn't lie.

"Ok, so that explains the rookie move, and I wouldn't dwell on him freaking out, that's what guys do when things get too real."

"So I should just act like this never happened?" Diana queried.

"No, make him talk about it, get your feelings out there. If he really likes you he'll forgive you. If not, get yourself another man, looking like you do, you can have anyone you want."

Diana knew that based on looks alone she could have any man she wanted, but she was sure she only wanted Clark. "So why are you still single?" She asked.

"Because men are distracting, with work and school I don't have time for that. Don't get me wrong if someone comes along that makes it worth my while, I reserve the right to change my mind, but I'm not going to be swayed by good looks with no personality anymore. That's a bad road."

"I see."

"Diana can I ask you a favor?"

"You may."

"Do you think I could commission you to make me a dress or two? Yours just fit you perfectly, and I have an impossible time finding them to fit right."

"Oh sure. No problem at all."

"Great. You always look so elegant, maybe I could pick up an elegant guy if I dressed like you."

Diana didn't know what to say, she got hit on constantly when she was out if Clark wasn't around, and most of those guys were sleazy. Luckily Shannon didn't say anything more about it, after absently checking something on her phone.

"Oh look at that, Billionaire Bruce Wayne treats mystery girl to luxury shopping spree. I bet she can get clothes that fit with that kind of money." Shannon gets celebrity gossip news on her phone.

"Bruce Wayne? Does it have a picture of the girl?" Diana asked. She had a hunch who the woman was, and hoped she was wrong.

"Yeah, she's pretty but I don't know, she seems a little regular to get a guy with that kind of bread."

As Shannon handed her the phone Diana steeled herself for the picture, unfortunately she wasn't wrong about who the woman was. The paparazzi hadn't figured it out yet, but under the arm of Bruce Wayne was none other than Selina Kyle. Was this what he had to do to get his car back? Diana thanked the gods that the only issue Clark had was a little bit of commitment phobia and some OCD habits.

"She got him somehow." Diana tried to play it off as nothing, she had to stay neutral about the situation. It was a good thing only she and Clark knew that Selina Kyle was really Catwoman, because Bruce would probably have to quit the league if the others knew. She still couldn't figure out how he just completely lost it whenever Selina was around.

After watching several online videos of the process, Clark fixed the hole in the drywall and got it painted in no time. By the end of the day when the paint dried he figured no one would even be able to tell it was a patch job. He admired his work then went about putting the furniture back in it's proper place, making sure to keep everything from touching the wall for now. Then he scanned around the apartment, assuring everything was in proper order. Diana's clothes were gone as well. She hadn't tried to contact him at all today, he wasn't sure if he even expected her to. He figured if nothing else he'd see her at tonight's league meeting.

Diana returned home from her shopping trip with Shannon, she had an arm full of fabrics that they picked out for her to make a few dresses. needed to be at the watchtower in a few minutes, but hoped to catch up with Clark before that so she took the short flight to his apartment. She entered through the balcony door as usual. There were no lights on in the apartment, but she heard slow jazz music that sounded like it was coming from the bedroom, she followed it. She found him in laying in bed in full Superman garb with his eyes closed.

"I figure it would be very un Kryptionain of me to like jazz." He said without moving. "Everything is behind the rhythm, chaotic. Driven by emotion and devoid of logic. Kryptonians and Humans are drastically different in a lot of ways, it's a balancing act, and sometimes it's incredibly difficult."

"That's what makes you unique."

Clark smiled wryly. "We should probably get going."

"We should. But after, I want to talk."

"Alright."

The best part of the lack of attempted tyranny and destruction in the world was the short meetings. John and Hal caught a fugitive that had eluded the Lanterns for a short while, but nothing major. John got a tip, and Hal backed him up on the takedown. The most excitement anyone had on earth was Wally breaking up a chop shop.

"We need to stay sharp." Batman said near the end of the meeting. "Our next threat could come at any time. Everybody is getting lax in their training sessions. That's not good, the minute we think we've arrived is when it all hits the fan. Meeting over."

The Batman exited the meeting room swiftly, planning on avoiding anyone who wanted to ask him about today's shopping trip in the city. Unfortunately he was cornered by the two people who knew more than everyone else did.

"She wanted my attention." Batman began before they could ask. "She claims to have information on the drug shipment and the people getting sick in the subways."

"They're connected?" Clark asked.

"Seems that way."

"Anything else in those underground tunnels?"

"Not yet."

"Bruce, I just don't get it. What is it about her?" Diana questioned.

She only received a look from the Batman, a look she came to recognize as 'What are you talking about?'

"You won't even consider backing down from fighting giants like Bane or Killer Croc but you just completely lose your marbles over 100 pounds of Selina Kyle."

"She's more than 100 pounds." Clark joked, causing Diana to slap him on the back of the head.

"Hmph." Was the only response the Batman had. It was about as close to a laugh as the Batman would ever give, but for Clark and Diana it said a lot. It said that today may have been more than just fishing for information. Batman turned and walked away without another sound.

"Him and Selina? I'm not sure that's the healthiest relationship." Clark observed quietly.

"And you're an expert?" Diana retorted. "He's right about one thing. We have been lax in our training. Let's go to the fortress, we can work some stuff out."

"Alright." Clark said dryly, knowing what was next.

Clark figured he deserved the ass kicking he was receiving from Diana. She wasn't letting up, using every martial art she knew to keep him at bay. He felt he was gaining some ground until she switched to Brazilian Capoeira, a fighting style disguised as a dance. It always looked awesome in the movies, but he was never sure how effective it would be in a real fight until now. After a spinning handstand kick to his head, he was completely sure it was solid technique.

Diana had been going full tilt for over an hour now, and was showing no signs of tiring. She had however worked up a good sweat, and was enjoying beating the crap out of Clark, even more than she usually did. She wouldn't go much longer, but wanted to get a few more good hits.

Diana was a warrior angel, the spins, the flips, the nearly unblockable kicks, she was elegant in her assault. The ability to go from sweet, soft woman to a battle hardened warrior princess at the snap of a finger made her all the more intriguing. He could watch her do this all day, but after another knockdown blow he wanted to stop being her training dummy.

"You know, you're cute when you're helpless." She said to him as he rolled over on the floor.

"Does that mean you're finished?"

"Yes."

"Oh goody."

"I took my things out of your apartment." She said dryly.

"I saw." He stood up, but didn't look at her. "And I fixed the wall."

Diana crossed her arms and stared at the floor. "I'm willing to admit that I may have been wrong."

"I definitely overreacted."

"So did I. I should have said something first. I didn't consider that you might not be accepting of what I did. I realize now that because we're together every decision each one of us makes affects the other."

"I suppose that means we need to communicate better." He observed.

"I suppose."

"So there it is."

"There it is then." She suddenly turned to him. "Only I don't want to go back to the way it was. I wanted us to be closer, and I still do. I think you know what that means."

"I have an idea. You just keep picking me up and dropping me."

"I know, and that's not my intention. I just..."

"Listen, it's fine." He took her by the hands. "When you're ready, it'll happen. I'm not trying to pressure you into anything."

Diana wanted to talk about it, get everything out into the open, expectations, wants, and needs, but he didn't seem to.

"Well I'm going to go get a shower, I smell like I got beat up by a girl."

Diana laughed triumphantly. "Will you meet me at my apartment later?"

"Sure. No problem."

After he saw Diana out of the fortress he flew towards his living area where his shower was housed. He suddenly felt bad for not offering to let her stay here, he remembered she didn't like the shower in her apartment. She told him so the last time they had a sparring session here in the fortress, which now seemed like a long time ago. Then he also remembered something else from that day, he suddenly had a great idea for a gift to give to her. After his shower he'd get started on it.

"You're such a coward." Diana berated herself in the mirror image as she waited for her shower to heat up. "There you were, blood pumping and ready to go and you chickened out again. You should just go buy a litter of cats and get it over with."

Diana stepped into the shower and let the hot water run across her face. One thing Themyscira didn't have was hot showers, as much as she loved the bath houses back home she surely liked a nice shower from time to time. If only this tub and shower were a little bigger she could really enjoy it.

As she washed with a special soap made by Epione, she kept her ears trained on the rest of the apartment, waiting for Clark to arrive. She had to admit to herself that part of her wanted him to arrive before she finished. Perhaps if he walked in on her it would solve the problem she kept having. That part of her mind then conjured up an image of Clark here with her, and it was his hands that were massaging her skin instead of her own.

It was late when Clark finally arrived, his work in the fortress had given him some time to think. He had came up with what he thought to be a reasonable solution to this most recent situation with Diana, and he hoped she'd be receptive. However that wouldn't happen tonight, as she was sound asleep. But she did leave a space for him in the bed next to her, which he took.

"Goodnight Diana." He said softly.

Diana woke up feeling something moving in her bed, she turned quickly with her hands up, ready for anything.

"Oh it's you!" She said, realizing it was just Clark. "I didn't know you came in. Why didn't you say anything?"

"It was late and you were sleeping. I assumed that this area of the bed was for me, since you were all the way over there. Did I assume wrong?"

"No, it's fine. You're welcome here."

"As you are at my place. And speaking of which, I think I have a solution to my closet issue." Clark bent over to pick up several items placed on the floor in front of the closet. With a silly smile, he held up two small, identical black bags.

"Two really small bags?"

"Not just any bags, your bags." He said like an announcer in a bad commercial. "To be filled with personal items that you may keep at my apartment. I've already got a spot for them picked out. I suppose it's an inconvenience going back and forth, so... compromise."

It wasn't ideal, but at least he was trying. "Alright." She said with a light laugh. When did you get here? I waited half the night but you never came."

"It was pretty late, I was working on something at the fortress."

"You're going to work now aren't you?"

"Yeah."

"I don't suppose I could convince you to stay here with me could I?"

"I'd like nothing more than to stay, but I need to be in the office today."

"Oh." That was disappointing. "Call me when you're coming home."

"No problem."

After Clark left Diana fell back onto the bed, and breathed heavily.

"Tonight." She whispered softly. "Tonight."