Chapter 73: Booty Camping n Clapping

Darius leaned back, casually watching the heroes, his eyes sparkling with that familiar mischief as he called over to Diana. "Hey, Diana, why don't you come sit with me?" he said with a grin, patting the seat next to him. 

Diana raised an eyebrow but smiled, standing up gracefully from her seat and making her way over. The Amazonian princess had grown accustomed to his playful nature, but that didn't mean she wouldn't give him a hard time. "You know, you could've asked more politely," she teased, settling down beside him. "But, I suppose I'll forgive you this time."

"Polite is boring," Darius said, a smirk pulling at his lips as he leaned in closer. "Besides, I'm not sure you'd like me any other way."

"True," Diana chuckled. "I'd be worried if you suddenly started acting too formal."

He looked down at Verity, who was still excitedly talking to the other heroes. With a knowing glance to Diana, he gently tapped Verity's shoulder. "Hey, little one, why don't you go play with the others? You've had your fun bossing them around today, let them relax for a bit."

Verity pouted, but she wasn't fooling anyone. She knew her father's playful tone, and with a mischievous twinkle in her eye, she gave a quick nod. "Okay, Papa! Don't have too much fun without me!" She bounced away, joining a few of the younger heroes in the far corner, already making them laugh with her energy.

Darius watched her leave, then turned back to Diana, his gaze softening. "She's something, isn't she?"

Diana nodded, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "She's wonderful, Darius. You must be proud."

"I am. But…" He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice into a teasing murmur. "She's still not as impressive as you."

Diana rolled her eyes but couldn't help the smile that spread across her face. "You're laying it on thick today, huh?"

"I call it being honest," Darius quipped, reaching for a grape from the bowl in front of him. Without breaking eye contact, he plucked one and held it up for her. "Hungry?"

Diana eyed the grape, her lips curving upward as she leaned in just a little, taking it delicately from his fingers with her lips. "If I didn't know better, I'd say you were trying to flirt with me."

Darius chuckled, popping a grape into his own mouth. "*Trying*? That sounds like I'm failing, and I don't fail at anything, especially not when it comes to flirting."

Diana shook her head, laughing as she took a piece of bread from the table, offering it to him. "You know, for someone who trained us half to death today, you're surprisingly charming."

He took the bread from her, not breaking eye contact as he took a bite. "Only half to death? Maybe I'm losing my touch."

"Oh, please," she said with a mock groan, leaning back. "Darius, I'm a warrior, but even I think today was a bit much. You had us running laps like we were recruits."

"Can't have you slacking, can I?" he replied with a grin. "You know how important it is to stay sharp. Even if you're already perfect."

Diana playfully smacked his arm. "Flattery won't get you out of this one. My legs are still burning. And you didn't even give us a warning about those laps!"

Darius laughed, leaning in closer so their shoulders touched. "If I warned you, it wouldn't have been fun. Besides, you looked amazing out there, all sweaty and fierce."

"Oh, you think so?" Diana teased, her tone playful yet challenging.

"I *know* so," Darius replied smoothly. "But I'll admit, I might've pushed a little hard today. I just wanted to see you all at your best."

Diana shook her head again, though her grin never left. "Your 'best' is a bit excessive. Even Clark was groaning, and that man doesn't get tired."

"He'll survive," Darius said with a wink. "I've got faith in him."

They lapsed into a comfortable silence for a moment, simply enjoying each other's company as they ate. Darius occasionally picked out a few fruits or pieces of meat, feeding them to Diana as she returned the gesture, their flirtation playful and easy.

"So," Diana said after a while, her voice softening, "what's your plan for tomorrow's training? More torture, or are you going to go easy on us?"

Darius pretended to think for a moment, his eyes twinkling. "I was thinking more laps. Maybe double the distance. And then some combat drills."

Diana groaned again, but this time it was mostly for show. "You're unbelievable."

"And you love it," Darius shot back, flashing that signature grin of his.

Diana rolled her eyes but didn't deny it. "Maybe. A little."

"More than a little," he teased, leaning in closer again, his voice dropping to a low murmur. "Admit it, you love when I push you."

She raised an eyebrow, her lips curving upward. "I'll admit nothing."

Darius chuckled, brushing a lock of her hair behind her ear. "Playing hard to get, huh? I can work with that."

They continued to banter back and forth, talking about everything and nothing, their conversation light and effortless. Diana would occasionally laugh at one of Darius' more ridiculous jokes, and he would smirk whenever she fired back with one of her own.

After a while, Diana tilted her head, glancing over at Verity, who was now happily chasing Whimsy around the room, both of them a blur of giggles and mischief. "She's really taken to the others. You've raised her well in such a short time."

Darius' face softened as he followed Diana's gaze. "She's a fast learner. Just like her… well, I guess her dad."

Diana chuckled, shaking her head. "You're something else, Darius."

"And you're incredible, Diana," he replied softly, meeting her eyes once again. "You know, if you ever want to be more than just partners in training…"

Diana's cheeks flushed slightly, but she quickly covered it with a smirk. "We'll see, Darius. You've still got a lot to prove."

He leaned in, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Challenge accepted."

They stayed like that for a while longer, flirting, laughing, and enjoying the moment, neither in a rush to move or break the easy connection between them.

...

After a few playful kisses and shared glances, Darius stood up and stretched. With a grin, he addressed the room, his voice carrying effortlessly over the chatter of the heroes.

"Alright, everyone! It's time to hit the sack. We've got another early morning tomorrow, and trust me, you don't want to oversleep."

A collective groan spread across the room, tired bodies pushing themselves up from the plush seats. The heroes began shuffling out, heading to their rooms, already dreading the next round of training.

Diana, though, moved with her usual grace, a noticeable sway in her hips as she walked toward the exit. Her toned legs peeking through her costume caught Darius' attention, and he couldn't help but smirk as his eyes followed her.

Diana, sensing his gaze, threw a glance over her shoulder, flashing him a teasing smile. "See something you like?" she quipped, her voice low and playful.

"You know exactly what you're doing, Diana," Darius chuckled, running a hand through his hair. "Tempting me like that."

She gave a light laugh, her tone equally teasing. "Maybe I am. The question is, what are you going to do about it?"

Darius raised an eyebrow, his smirk deepening. "Oh, I'll handle it. But first," he glanced over at Verity, still playing with the other younger heroes, her energy seemingly endless, "I've got to take care of the little one."

Diana gave him a knowing nod, her smile softening. "Of course. I'll be waiting... if you're up for the challenge."

He watched as she sauntered away, her every movement deliberate and tempting. "Oh, I'm always up for the challenge," Darius murmured to himself, chuckling. But first, he had his duties as a father to attend to.

Darius made his way over to Verity, who was still full of energy, bouncing around with the younger X-Men. "Alright, munchkin," he said gently, lifting her up into his arms. "Time for bed."

"Aww, Papa! I'm not even tired!" Verity protested, though she clung to him, clearly enjoying the comfort of his embrace.

"Sure you're not," Darius teased, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "But even little mischief-makers need their rest."

She pouted but nestled her head against his chest as he carried her to her room, a cozy space specifically designed for her. The walls were adorned with soft, glowing lights and gentle pastel colours, a peaceful haven in contrast to the bustling Agency.

Darius laid her down in her bed, pulling the covers up to her chin. Verity's big eyes stared up at him expectantly, waiting for the usual bedtime story. 

"Alright, alright," Darius chuckled, sitting beside her. "How about a rhyme tonight?"

Darius settled beside Verity on the edge of her bed, his large hand gently stroking her hair. She looked up at him, her eyes wide with anticipation for her bedtime story. Darius smiled softly, knowing exactly what she needed to hear.

"Alright, here's a little rhyme, just for you," he began, his voice low and melodic.

_"There once was a star, so high in the sky, 

It danced with the moon and never asked why. 

It twinkled and shimmered, both day and night, 

Guiding the lost with its soft, glowing light. 

But one little girl, with curious eyes, 

Asked the star questions, to everyone's surprise. 

'Why do you twinkle? Why do you glow? 

Where do you go when the wind starts to blow?' 

The star simply smiled and whispered this song, 

'To keep you safe, I've been here all along. 

In the darkness, I shine just for you, 

And when you're asleep, I'll still see you through.' 

So the girl closed her eyes, and drifted to sleep, 

Knowing the star her heart would always keep. 

In dreams, they danced and played without care, 

For the star would always, always be there."_

Verity's eyes began to flutter, her little fingers loosening their grip on his as she slipped into sleep. Darius continued to hum softly, watching as her breathing steadied and her tiny body relaxed into the warmth of her bed.

"Goodnight, my little star," he whispered, standing and pulling the blankets up to her chin. He watched her for a moment longer, smiling fondly at the peaceful expression on her face. Then, with one last glance, he quietly exited her room, leaving the door slightly ajar.

As he walked down the hall, his mind shifted back to Diana. The image of her teasing smile and the sway of her hips had been etched into his mind since dinner. His steps quickened as he approached her room, and when he reached the door, he knocked lightly.

"Come in," came Diana's voice from the other side, smooth and inviting.

Darius opened the door, and his eyes widened slightly at the sight before him. Diana stood by her bed, her hair cascading over her shoulders, her Amazonian figure highlighted by the dim light of the room.

She wore nothing but a cloth wrapped around her chest, acting as a bra, and a simple pair of underwear. Her bronzed skin glistened slightly, and her lips curled into a knowing smirk when she saw his reaction.

"Surprised?" she asked, her tone playful as she stepped toward him, her movements slow and deliberate.

Darius couldn't help but chuckle, his eyes never leaving her as he closed the door behind him. "You always know how to make an entrance, don't you?"

Diana crossed her arms, leaning against the bedpost, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Well, I figured I'd dress comfortably tonight… or perhaps I should say, barely dress."

Darius stepped closer, his smirk deepening as he reached out to tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "You're playing a dangerous game, Princess."

"Am I?" she teased, her voice dropping to a whisper. "What are you going to do about it?"

Darius's hand slipped down to her waist, pulling her close, their bodies inches apart. "Oh, I'll show you."

The tension between them thickened, the air around them electric with unspoken desire. Diana's gaze held his as she leaned in, brushing her lips teasingly close to his, but never quite touching.

"I've been waiting," she murmured.

With a soft growl of impatience, Darius closed the distance between them, capturing her lips in a passionate kiss. The teasing game was over, and as they moved together toward the bed, the world outside melted away. 

"Ohhh~ you brute..."

"Ahhnnn~"

"Mmnmmm~"

And though the night would be filled with love and desire, it would remain their secret, hidden beneath the stars until morning came.

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