Voices blended with the sound of cutlery and the scent of freshly served food. Kyla's laughter echoed lightly while Tina sliced pieces of bread, her curious eyes fixed on the guest sitting across from them.
Alicia toyed quietly with her food, her gaze meeting Clark's from time to time. Diana noticed.
"You still haven't told us what your power is." The Amazon rested her elbow on the table, tone calm but focused.
Alicia blinked, surprised by the direct question. "My power?"
Diana nodded, eyes steady. "Clark said it was something interesting. I like to know who I share the field with."
Alicia looked away for a second, taking a breath before answering. "I can… move between places. Like folding space. I just have to think of where I want to be."
Her eyes turned to Clark. "But sometimes I need a point of reference. Something… or someone."
Clark kept his face neutral, fork resting at the edge of his plate. Diana noticed the detail and crossed her arms. "Teleportation, then."
Alicia nodded, shyly. "Yes. It's easier to show than explain."
She extended her hand over the table. In an instant, the air around her warped.
Fwoosh
The chair was suddenly empty. A second later, Alicia appeared behind Clark, her touch soft on his shoulder.
"Like this."
Kyla dropped her fork, stunned. "That's incredible."
Diana kept her composure, though surprise flickered in her eyes. "Impressive. But dangerous if it falls into the wrong hands."
Tina, on the other hand, grinned mischievously. "Interesting indeed. Can I try something too?"
Clark raised an eyebrow, recognizing her tone. "Tina."
"I promise it's just a demonstration."
She closed her eyes and took a slow breath. Her skin began to shift, her features softening until they molded into a perfect copy of Alicia.
Shhh
When she opened her eyes, she was her guest's mirror image. Same voice. Same smile.
"So? What do you think?"
The real Alicia widened her eyes, shock turning into fascination. "How did you do that?"
"My power's the opposite of yours. You move through space. I… move through appearances."
Kyla chuckled softly, still surprised. "I guess dinner just turned into a talent show."
Clark ran a hand through his hair, half-smiling. "And here I thought tonight would be peaceful."
Diana shot him a glance. "In this house, peace is a myth."
Alicia watched silently, her hands folded in her lap. Diana turned back to her. "And you?"
Alicia blinked. "Me?"
"Yes. You've come to dinner, learned our secrets, showed your own… Do you want to become one of the sisters of this house?"
Alicia's face flushed red. She looked down, voice trembling slightly. "I… don't know if I deserve that. I just wanted to be close. To be part of something that feels right."
Kyla leaned forward, her smile warm. "If Clark brought you here, that's already a sign."
Tina returned to her own form, resting her chin on her hands. "Welcome to our collective madness, then."
Diana's gaze stayed on Alicia — firm, but less guarded. "Here, everyone learns to fight… and to trust."
Alicia lifted her head, a small smile spreading across her face. "Thank you. I… won't let you down."
Dinner continued, the laughter and clinking of dishes filling the room once more. Slowly, the atmosphere turned lighter, almost familial. Tina told a story about a disastrous training session, and Kyla laughed so hard she nearly spilled her drink.
Alicia watched quietly for a few moments, absorbing every expression, every glance. It felt like this place breathed in a different rhythm — a balance between chaos and calm.
Clark was the first to stand, gathering some plates. "I think it's time to wrap up for tonight."
Diana followed him with her eyes. "Want me to help?"
"No need. Kyla and Tina handle that better than I do."
Kyla pointed at him playfully. "At least he admits it."
Tina laughed, stacking plates. "Miracle of the day."
Alicia rose as well, her fingers brushing the edge of the tablecloth. "Dinner was wonderful. Thank you for having me."
Diana tilted her head, arms crossed. "You did well. Just hope you know what you're asking for by getting close to us."
"I know enough to want to keep trying."
Clark stepped closer, his hand resting lightly on her shoulder. "That's all we ask."
Alicia looked up at him, a quiet moment passing between them. "So… until tomorrow?"
"Until tomorrow."
Kyla moved in for a quick hug. "Show up early. I'll let you see the training Diana puts us through."
Tina added with a crooked smile, "Survive that, and you get the special breakfast."
Alicia laughed, stepping back toward the door. "I'll prepare myself mentally, then."
Clark opened the door, letting the night air in. "Want me to take you?"
She shook her head. "No need. I've got it."
Her eyes glimmered faintly.
Fwoosh
In a heartbeat, the space around her folded, and Alicia vanished in a subtle ripple of air, leaving behind only a faint shift in sound.
Kyla blinked, still amazed. "I'll never get used to that."
Diana crossed her arms, her gaze turning back to Clark. "You brought more than just a guest, and you know it."
"I do."
"So what's your plan?"
Clark exhaled slowly, his eyes fixed on the door still half open. "For now, I'll watch."
Tina leaned on the table, drying her hands on her apron. "And tomorrow? What then?"
"Personal matters." His answer was calm, leaving no room for questions.
Kyla nodded slowly, respecting his tone. "Got it."
Tina shrugged, stacking the last of the dishes. "As long as it's nothing that's gonna blow up again, we're fine."
Clark smirked faintly. "No promises."
Kyla laughed, shaking her head. "He's serious, Tina. We better clean up before he changes his mind."
"Good luck." Diana set the cutlery down and turned to Clark. "Come with me."
Clark followed her silently down the hall, Kyla and Tina's laughter fading behind them. The bedroom door closed with a soft sound.
Clack
"You're restless." Diana's tone was low, direct.
"Just tired."
"Liar." She held his gaze for a moment. "You never rest. Even when you say you will."
Clark looked away, hands in his pockets. "Maybe I've forgotten how."
Diana stepped forward, her hand pressing firmly against his chest. "Then you need to learn. Here, now."
Silence stretched. Clark let out a slow breath, allowing himself to yield. "You always know what to say."
"And you always try to run from what you feel."
He leaned in, resting his forehead against hers, the weight of the day dissolving for a brief moment. "Thank you."
"For what?"
"For reminding me there's still calm left."
Diana closed her eyes, staying there for a few more seconds until the distant laughter of Kyla and Tina pulled the world back into place.
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