15: Diana Prince & The Interview

15:05 October 21th

Washington D.C.

Skye was so nervous, but also excited. She had chosen a gray pencil skirt and blazer, with a light blue silk blouse. Her heels were only a couple inches tall, and black. Blue hair might not be professional, but that didn't mean she couldn't look the park. She had pulled it back neatly, parted to the side.

Dick was here already, arriving in the middle of the night for some work. Skye wondered if it had to do with the Justice League, but she hadn't asked. It was known Batman was part of the group, but Nightwing wasn't connected at all.

Taking a deep breath, Skye prepared herself for the interview. She walked to the office door and knocked. The person who answered was not who she expected.

"Good afternoon, Skye, thank you for coming." Diana smiled politely and stepped back, gesturing toward a chair at office desk that was clearly hers.

Skye looked around the office quickly. A few bookshelves with books and papers, a file cabinet, and a dark office desk that looked rather expensive. Diana was wearing a sharp and stylish pant suit. Skye took a seat and watched as Diana took hers.

"I wasn't expecting you," Skye admitted. "But it makes sense. I am interviewing for your personal assistant." She bit her lip.

"Don't be nervous, Skye. The reason I am meeting with you is because this position is more than just taking my calls and organizing my calendar. I know Dick told you who he was. Rather, you figured it out." She laughed, seeming amused at that. "I told Batman and Nightwing the mask didn't do anything to hide an identity."

"It took a little while," she admitted with a shrug. "But it was obvious once I thought about it. Back to this position, though. Are you saying this includes working with Woman Woman as well as... well, you, in this office?"

"Yes, you will have access to certain events and knowledge that I would have while I am not in this office. I admit, I was offering the job as a regular assistant, but since you know who Dick is, I feel you can be of great help to me on a more personal level."

"How so?" Skye was still taking this in.

"Dick trusts you with his secret. Batman does, as he would have known immediately when it happened. You are a smart woman, Skye, brave and trustworthy."

"Why do you say that?" Skye swallowed, realizing Diana knew her background. Everyone would know soon. Maybe this wasn't a good idea…

"Don't worry, Skye, your past is your past. You are stronger for it, making you who you are, but people do not need to know your personal business. It's not your place as my personal assistant. As my personal assistant, you will be my… connection to everyone else. I do my best to track of my civilian life and my status as Wonder Woman, but I do need help organizing and keeping track of things."

Diana looked a little embarrassed by that admission, and Skye realized this was a personal thing Diana had just told her. An insecurity that wasn't shown to the public.

"I can do that," Skye said, nodding. "I have a good memory, and I always take notes and make lists when I need to remember something. I'm good with people, and I've researched all the charities, business, and politicians you associate with." That were known to the public, she told herself. I may actually get this job!

"I was going to hire you anyway, but I needed to make sure you were trustworthy and honest. That's why I asked to see you personally. I'm decent at reading people." Diana smiled at Skye, hands folded on the desk. "Most of the time," she added with a playful shrug. "So, I am offering the job. We can figure out the details later, but know you get fully paid apartment, which is a rather nice one I might add, and car service. It's a safety thing," Diana explained.

"Yes, I'll take it." Skye grinned, but kept herself from jumping out of the chair. She took a deep breath to calm herself. "Thank you so much for this opportunity."

Diana and Skye stood and shook hands. Skye swallowed down a gleeful cry.

"I'm glad. I know it may take a little bit to move, how about you start in a week? Take the paperwork with you, and email me if you need any help." She handed Diana a card. Skye already had one, but took it anyway.

"Thank you," Skye repeated.

"Tell Dick I said hello."

Skye Lovett

I got the job! I'm so excited.

Dick Grayson

I knew you would. Didn't I tell you?

What's the plan now?

Skye Lovett

I start next week.

I even get a bigger apartment.

And I get to work with her as Wonder Woman!

Dick Grayson

Really? Even I wasn't expecting that.

Skye Lovett

What do you mean?

Dick Grayson

It may get a bit complicated.

Skye Lovett

Are you talking about Justice League identities?

I'm only working with Diana, so I doubt that'll come up.

Dick Grayson

The press will ask.

I'm at your hotel room.

If you don't mind me using it as my own room, too.

Skye Lovett

I'll learn to keep up with the 'no comment' thing.

That's fine, I'll even get some wine.

Dick Grayson

I can dig that.

Dick was happy for Skye, but the idea of her moving to another state put him in a down and out mood. Granted, Dick had ways to see her, obviously, but he had set up shop in Chicago. If he did want to see her more, he had to deal with the Falcone Family business up there.

He was on his back, in sweatpants and a t-shirt, on one of the two beds in Skye's hotel room. With hands behind his head, Dick looked at the ceiling, waiting for Skye to arrive from the interview. The sun was just beginning to go down the sky, an hour or so from the sun setting directly. She was bringing wine - was that permission for something more? Dick laughed at himself. No, that was not permission for something more than what they've done.

He couldn't help but wonder and even fantasize a bit. Wine was romantic in this situation. Thinking back, Dick counted the weeks they had been dating - three and a half weeks since that day in the park where he asked her out. Did meeting her back at the beginning of September count? He had felt a connection then, and decided yes, it did count. Skye knew who he was now, so… It seemed much longer than that, from speaking to each other practically every day to Skye figuring out he was Nightwing.

The hotel room door opened and shut, and Dick sat up. Skye came in with her cute skirt and blazer outfit, holding a bottle of wine in her hand. A grin was on her face and Dick mirrored it.

"You look happy," he commented, moving to sit on the edge of the bed. Skye kicked off her hills, lazily letting them fall into a corner. She sat the wine on the little desk near the window.

"Of course I am! I have a job that actually counts for more than alcohol consumption." She eyed the wine bottle and cork cautiously. "I've never opened up a bottle. I only drink wine at restaurants or with Laura."

"I got it." It was a simple red wine, and he pulled out the cork with ease. Skye looked impressed, and he felt like puffing out his chest. Like a dork, he told himself, laughing to himself again.

"What?" Skye brought him two clear plastic cups that came with the hotel room, found near the sink.

"Nothing. Wow, fancy." Dick poured a few inches in each cup and held up his for a toast. She help up her own, it coming to a rest in front of her face near his own cup.

"To a new, fantastic job!"

"To you being fantastic," Dick corrected, winking. Skye flushed and they both took a sip. He nodded. "Hm, not bad."

"It's a bit cheap, but who cares?"

"Exactly."

They sipped their wine for moment. Dick saw Skye take the rest of her wine down in a gulp. What was on her mind now? She sat the plastic cup on the desk and took his from his hand.

"Don't say anything to ruin the moment." Skye wrapped her arms around his neck and stood on her toes, brushing her lips against his. He did as she asked, not saying anything, just wrapping his arms around her waist. Skye closed her eyes and tilted her head to deepen the kiss. With a sigh, they both continued, tongues being introduced to taste the wine in each other's mouths.

Skye pulled back, taking a shaky breath. She looked flustered and unsure. Dick was flying high with excitement and anticipation.

"Skye?" Dick didn't know what to do - well, he knew, but she was thinking too hard for him to move forward. "If you keep that look on your face, it'll freeze. Are you panicking?" He grinned to ease her anxiety.

"You're always blunt, aren't you?" Finally, her face relaxed, but nervousness was still evident. That was normal. Dick kept a hold around her, keeping her chest pressed to his and her arms around his neck.

"You enjoy it," Dick said matter of factly.

"Better than a liar," she said, shrugging.

"Even after I hid a few things?"

"That's different," Skye giggled. "It's in the rule book of superheroes."

"I'm really glad you aren't pissed at me."

"I was for a few seconds, but then it went away. I couldn't stay mad at you."

"Oh?"

Skye shook her head bashfully, looking away for a moment, then back to his face. A shy smile was on her face. Dick leaned forward and kissed her again, as passionately as before. She sighed into his mouth, and he gently pushed her back, putting space between them. His body was too hot for moment. Skye was confused for a moment, then seemed to realize what was wrong as she looked over his body. Clearing her throat, she went for more wine.

"Wine," Skye stated.

"More wine!" Dick said in a deep voice. He was trying to be funny, and it made Skye laugh, what he meant it to do.

Whoa, that kiss was intense, Skye thought, taking a drink of her second cup of wine. After pouring their next cup, Dick and Skye found themselves lounging on the bed closest to the window, Dick sitting closer to the door. She briefly worried about spilling the red wine on the white sheets, but then moved forward in her thoughts. Dick had pushed her away out of respect for her, she knew. Skye appreciated it, but part of her was a bit disappointed.

A vision of Dick and her naked, in bed, came to her, and Skye choked on her drink. Dick put down his cup and looked at her with concern.

"You alright?" Dick chuckled a bit.

"Yep, just… went down the wrong way."

"Take another drink," he suggested. She did and it helped. "What made you do that?"

"Uh…" Skye was at a loss for words. "Stuff." Her face was probably red, and Dick was going to figure it out quickly. He watched her suspiciously.

"What kind of stuff?" The amusement on Dick's face told her that he may or may not have figured it out.

"Wouldn't you like to know?" she answered stubbornly. Skye took a gulp of wine and poured some more into her glass.

"Oh, I think I already know," he snorted.

"Stop it," she said, narrowing her eyes at him. Skye's face was beet red now, she knew, and she couldn't help a nervous smile from coming to her lips. "Drink your wine and stop teasing me."

Skye sipped at her third cup. She was feeling warmer from the alcohol, more relaxed now. She wasn't even buzzed, but the feeling was there. Dick scooted closer to her, still on his second cup of wine. There was one more gulp, and he finished it quickly. He poured a few inches back into his cup. The wine was halfway gone.

"I'm not trying to make you uncomfortable, just trying to make you smile," he told her honestly.

"You're sweet." It came out without a thought. Skye leaned forward and kissed him quickly. "I'm sorry I'm awkward. You know, things." She shrugged, taking a sip of her wine.

Skye hated that her past was between them like a huge wall, but it was slowly crumbling when it came to physical intimacy. Emotionally, she had accepted what had happened and had gone a long way to healing. The idea of sex still made her twitch, although she had a relatively normal sex drive. It was frustrating.

"Don't worry, it's too soon, I get it."

"I do want to, I just…" she stopped to think of a word to describe what she felt. He waited patiently, drinking his wine slowly. "Hesitant? No... It's like a reflex. I've accepted everything that happened, but my body isn't listening to my thoughts sometimes."

"Want more?" He asked, offering the bottle.

"The wine is making me warm and talkative," she commented. There was enough for a cup each. Dick poured for both of them. "I haven't felt this way in a while."

"I'm glad." Dick watched intensely, and Skye had to catch her breath. He was so attractive and focused on her, wasn't he?

"I would like another kiss like before, though. Up to it?" She found herself leaning forward as seductively as she could. Which was only mildly, to her. Dick's eyes darkened slightly, and he grinned, leaning forward himself.

Their lips touched and Dick pulled her to him. She found himself sitting on his lap, straddling his hips, kissing him with teeth and tongue. It wasn't something she had ever done - she had only a few experiences of making out and sex under her belt - but it felt natural. The cups were still in their hands, and Skye pulled back, breathing hard.

"The wine…" She pushed herself out of her arms and cleared her throat. Sitting on the edge of the bed, still facing toward Dick on the other side of the same bed, Skye drunk the rest of her wine in the cup. She warm, relaxed, and … even a little sleepy.

During this, Dick had did the same thing, gulping down the rest of his wine and taking a deep breath. Skye felt horrible for pulling away as things were getting hot and heavy, but it was the right thing to do. Dick laid back, his hands behind his head, the cup on the nightstand, and his ankles crossed.

"Are you thinking of apologizing? Don't." He reached out, took her hand, and pulled her to him. After a moment of situating, Skye found herself with her check on his chest, with her and there as well. Her other hand was comfortable between their bodies.

"Can't help it. I'm a mess when it comes to that." She yawned, snuggling into his body. She felt his intake of breath and felt a little … smug. She made him aroused and it was kind of cool.

"You said it, not me," he quipped. Skye laughed tiredly, and Dick joined in.