It's a date.

[theotherlantern]

It wasn't the next day like they'd originally planned. Trying to catch up on the lives they lost led them in different directions, and of course they found issues that needed their immediate attention. Diana had a lead on some Amazonians, while John had to get up to speed on his own architectural firm's current projects, lest they fall apart.

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[spirit_of_truth]

He'd been kind enough to leave the apartment so that she could get ready for their date, and Diana hopes that she will not disappoint. She'd found the dress at the back of the closet, still wrapped in the plastic store bag on its hanger. The sheath dress with contrasting bands of light and dark blue hugs her curves, with the ever-present silver bracers completing the look. Her hair is pulled back and loosely gathered at the nape of her neck, strands curling around her face.

Coming up behind John, she takes a moment to appreciate just how good he looks in that suit, and then clears her throat.

"Hello, John."

[theotherlantern]

John turns around, and anything he was about to say vanishes from his throat at the sight of her. She's wearing more clothing than she usually does, but somehow it's even sexier.

Because she looks fantastic... and she's dressed up for a night with him.

This is still unreal.

"Hello. You look incredible," he finally manages to say.

[spirit_of_truth]

"Thank you -- you are looking quite dashing yourself." She leans in to give him a quick kiss on the cheek. Adjusting her stole, Diana looks around. Dinner out would be a nice distraction from searching for her fellow Amazons.

Not to mention the opportunity to get to know John better, and to find out what might have attracted her in the first place to him.

Other than the kissing, that is.

"Is our table ready?"

[theotherlantern]

"It is indeed," says the maitre'd. Apparently John didn't quite look good enough on his own to get a table right away, but Diana wows the staff enough to get things done.

John offers his arm and tries to kill the butterflies swirling in his stomach as they walk to the table.

What if you screw this thing up now? When you KNOW it worked before? Would you ever be able to get over that?

Steady, man.

[spirit_of_truth]

Dinner has been ordered and salads brought to the table, along with fragrant warm sourdough bread.

Diana pours herself another glass of wine and then offers the bottle to John.

"So tell me what else there is for me to know -- anything that a first date should know about her suitor." She leans back in her chair, idly swirling the wine in its glass.

[theotherlantern]

John has to polish off his wine before delving into the answer to this question.

"Well, let's see. Engaged twice, married once. Both to aliens," he says, because it sounds amusing to say. "Neither ended well." She'll likely know of his wife, Katma Tui, and her untimely demise. The second, Merayn Dethalis, actually left a 'Dear John' letter.

"Served with the Darkstars with your sister for a while," he adds, a natural flow from the second engagement.

[spirit_of_truth]

A natural flow that causes her to raise an eyebrow briefly.

"I trust that your encounters with Donna were good ones, then. But please, continue."

[theotherlantern]

"The encounters weren't always good, but Donna was never the reason. The Darkstar thing didn't last too long. Especially once I was paralyzed."

A deep breath.

"Which is a long story that's definitely not first date material."

[spirit_of_truth]

She's applauding as he comes back to the table. Eyes sparkling, smiling broadly.

"This certainly does clarify matters for me."

One hand reaches across to clasp his, a gentle embrace.

[theotherlantern]

"Good," he says, taking a long drink of his water.

"Then perhaps you'll dance with me later, and you can clarify matters for me."

A beat.

"Assuming you know how to cut a rug."

[spirit_of_truth]

"In my job as ambassador it has been necessary for me to be proficient in many different styles of dance."

A pause.

"However, if these do not suffice, I am a quick learner."

[theotherlantern]

That gets a raised eyebrow.

Then he shakes his head with a grin.

"You can be 'proficient' in computer programming, or languages, or accounting. You can't be 'proficient' in dance. You can either move, or you can't move yet."

A hand reaches out as he rises again.

"Come on. Let's see what you've got."