I do not own DC Comics.
All characters are 18+.
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Soft laughter rose over the chattering of the lounge.
Mari brought her fingers to her lips, a token show of modesty. A little something she picked up from her time among high society. She stifled the giggles quickly - her new friend had a story to tell.
"And then what happened?" Mari composed herself, shifting comfortably on her bar stool.
The blonde smirked, drawing the tip of her finger around the rim of her glass of scotch.
"What do you think? I walked right past him and took a seat at my desk." Her smile grew, looking all too pleased as the memory played back in her head. Her icy blue eyes shone with
cutting
amusement. "Oh you should have seen the look on his face when he found out who I was."
She was Alice Westbrook, once a model just like Mari but now the CEO of her own cosmetics company. Mari knew how cutthroat that business was - and tonight Alice was dressed to
kill
. Her cocktail dress was off-shoulder and figure-hugging, draping the Westbrook woman in satin of white and silver. The material clung to her - and there was much to cling to. Alice was no longer the dainty waif from her modeling days. The weight she had taken on only fed into her natural, womanly beauty. But that was her body. Above the neck, Alice was far more striking.
The lines of her face were elegant, defined. Cheekbones and jaw pronounced and clear, as if her visage had been carved from marble. Plump lips painted red clashed wonderfully against lovely, fair skin, so smooth and healthy and soft. And her eyes, large and bright and so very cunning. Her gaze was piercing, able to cut straight down to one's soul. All framed by sleek, golden hair that reached down to her chin. Longer than Mari's own. Mari's was a bob cut, almost boyishly short but for her sidelocks.
Almost gorgeous enough to give the Vixen a run for her money
, Mari thought as another laugh bubbled up in her throat. She couldn't help the thought. It was in her nature to be competitive.
"I can only imagine." Mari took a sip from her glass - a dry martini to Alice's scotch. "Not many CEOs out there who look like you. So how did the guy take it?"
"After he figured out how to speak again, you mean?" Alice brushed some rogue strands of pale gold from her eyes. Mari found herself admiring the woman's hair again - so impossibly silky smooth. "About as well as you'd expect. Lots of stammering and sputtering and apologizing. It didn't save his proposed deal, though."
"Ha. Harsh."
"You need to be in this business, hon. Especially women like us." Alice's eyes flashed with sharpness, her smile turning
lethal
.
Mari had to drink to that. She nodded emphatically as she took another sip. The martini was cold and crisp on her tongue and the flavor lingered long after it went down. It was good to relax. Especially with a friend.
In truth, Mari was glad to have found Alice even if by chance. Their circles had often mingled together back when Alice was still in the business, but the two women themselves were never really familiar with each other. It would be nice to fix that. And lord knows she needed a friend who wasn't a fellow cape. A working professional like Alice who lived that modeling life? Much easier to talk to than Wonder Woman or Hawkwoman.
"There's not a lot of love in the world for strong, capable,
opinionated
women. A real shame if you ask me." Mari put in. Idly, she tucked some of her short hair behind her ear.
This time it was Alice nodding in agreement.
"I'm lucky I met my husband when I did. My drive and ambition never once phased him. Hell, I think that's what turned him on the most about me." The blonde eyes glittered with mirth. "Besides my body, that is."
Mari shook her head, pretending to be scandalized. She took a quick glance around the hotel lounge - sure enough there were a couple of admirers. But none were close enough to eavesdrop. The off-duty superheroine relaxed again, stirring what remained of her martini.
Alice idly traced the rim of her glass with her finger again. She let out a sigh.
"I meant what I said about my husband. I can't imagine trying to date now."
Mari couldn't help but agree.
"Lucky is an understatement. Today's market is sparse, let me tell you." Mari fought back a grimace, remembering one too many poor dates. "Slim pickings all around."
Mari turned to look at Alice and found the blonde regarding her with studying eyes... and a faint expression of shock.
"Hm. Hard to believe a woman like you is still single." Alice told her.
Mari pursed her lips, working them together as she slipped into deep thoughts. Alice's words were flattering, sure, but also cutting - even if she didn't intend them to be.
"Well, believe it." Mari answered, just about frowning. She let out a soft huff through her nose, forcing a grin. "I'm a supermodel and a superhero. I'm on the
Justice League
for God's sake. A lot of men are intimidated by strong, successful women. Well, I'm about as intimidating as it gets. And... I'm not bragging, okay. That's just how it is. It's a shame."
"The real shame is that those guys don't have any balls." Alice muttered. Mari watched her shoot a look at the bartender. He was a younger man, probably a college boy... and busying himself at the
far
end of the bar. She turned her gaze back onto Mari, her eyes softening with sympathy. "I can't imagine passing up a chance with you."
Her voice had softened as well. Smooth and gentle and warm. Welcoming. Inviting.
Mari knew flirting. Sometimes it was subtle, small looks and smiles from across the dancefloor. A dance of the eyes, silent praises between spoken words. Sometimes though, flirting was obvious. Loud and clear like a bell ringing in your face.
The Vixen had taken on the likes of Gorilla Grodd and Solomon Grundy, but this? Mari didn't know how to take this. She was flattered of course. Alice Westbrook was stunning, gorgeous, driven. To be desired by her should have been a mark of pride for anyone with a pulse. It also made Mari uneasy. Alice was married, for one. And secondly... Mari thought she was just making a new friend, not a friend-with-benefits.
"That's... very kind of you to say."
"I'm just telling the truth. A woman like Mari McCabe shouldn't have to suffer a dry spell." Alice's voice dropped lower and she reached out to touch Mari's hand. To onlookers it would have appeared to be nothing more than a friendly gesture. Mari, however, could hear the lilt that flowed through the blonde's words. The flirting was clear now - as was the intent that swirled in Alice's blue eyes.
Mari felt the faint sting of disappointment.
"Right."
Mari gently slipped her hand from Alice's. She hoped the message was clear. The last thing she wanted was to make a scene. Not there at the bar and certainly not in front of the others in the lounge.
Alice held her gaze. Her interest had not wavered.
"You're tense." The blonde noted, drawing her eyes over Mari's body. Like Alice, Mari was dressed to impress. She'd poured herself into a cocktail dress just like the blonde, though hers showed more leg than cleavage. The fabric was thin and sparkling, colored honey-gold just like her hero suit. A lovely contrast against her darker skin. Mari knew she looked good - and Alice was appreciating all that was offered. Mari shifted on her barstool. Alice continued to talk. "Not surprising considering both of your jobs. It's amazing that you can balance those sorts of responsibilities. But it takes a toll, no doubt. I know a way to help you relax. My husband does, too. I have a feeling you'll like him."
Mari blinked. A warmth crept up her face, but no words followed up her throat. What could she even say to something like that?
