Author's Note: I do not own these characters! Just the random ideas that pop in my head. This is my first attempt at this, so let me know what you think!

Fleeting

Death had never struck Diana as a hard concept to grasp. At least in the beginning of her life. Mortals were born, they lived their lives in man's world, and eventually perished. The thin, woven strings of life. It was what the Fates' deemed for all the living except for the blessed or the divine. "Such was life." It was cruel in many ways. The "gift" of life only given for so long and could be taken away at any time. What person or creature does that with a gift? Gifts are meant to be given freely and lovingly with no restrictions or terms. If anything, life was precious and more like a wonderful dream that eventually has to end.

She did not encounter it as a difficult notion until she had lost her mother. No one she had ever known or loved as dearly had died before that day. The only positive part that came from this was her treasured sister, Donna. Though that was a difficult battle to fight in itself. In her dark pea coat pocket, Diana rubbed her fingers together as though she could still feel the soggy, damp clay that was once her mother pass through her fingers again as the rain had washed her tears away. It was a hopeless feeling that she never quite got used to and it still stung her heart when Hippolyta was spoken of. Now she relies on herself, her friends, and the gods; what was left of her biological family.

And in an instant, death had happened to someone else she had bound herself to. Clark.

She stared at the two worn headstones that were marked as Jon and Martha Kent who now lie next to their only son. Reduced to mere ashes. He was a god in his own right, but what was unique and incredible about him was that he did not set himself above mortals like that. He wanted to belong. He wanted to be Earth's son. He was even if he did not realize it in the end.

Diana looked around the small sea of dark clothing of the few who were standing with her on this dreary day. It was as if the Earth realized what it had lost. Lana Lang held what were the remains of their loved one. She was grateful to Lana for keeping her promise to Clark. Not many would have taken many risks or broken so many of man's laws to bring him to his true final resting place. Her red hair looked like it had not been brushed in days, dark green clothing rumpled, eyes were swollen in grief, and her mouth made a small, clinched line while holding back tears.

The Amazon pulled her grief stricken friend towards her for a hug and a moment to cry with no one watching the tears roll down her face. John Henry Irons looked in the direction of the two women with his own pain-filled eyes as he continued to dig a hole to place Clark. Diana nodded to him that she had Lana in her care and for him not to worry. If she were honest, Diana was not sure when this heavy grief would hit her. She felt immense sorrow, but it was if she was holding back or steady to make sure the others were taken care of. It is true that death impacts everyone differently, and she had no issue with showing her emotions. The lasso of truth did not allow her to deny her feelings. She must face them with the same ferocity and strength as she does with anything in her life. But it seemed that many relied on her as a shelter from the storm.

She smiled while a tear ran down her face. Shelter from the storm. She was no longer Clark's but Clarks' loved ones now. Diana did not mind. What was hers was Clark's and vice versa. They shared as much as any loved ones could. Hopes, fears, aspirations…It took her a while to reach that point with a man though. Someone who was once thought to be devious and hurtful turned out to be more trustful and good than much of her own family. Clark could never be any of those things that her family has been. He was kind, thoughtful, gentle, loving. He was the best of the league. Of the world.

As she stroked Lana's hair, Diana's eyes moved over Lana's head to a black "Wayne Enterprises" limousine that was parked in the distance. Ever since Clark died, Bruce never flinched or gave away that he was as distraught as they all were. How she envied that in many ways, but at the same time, being made of stone and not expressing one's feelings had to rip the soul apart. Diana began to think again on her own quiet grieving. Was he feeling the same? Not knowing when the wave of depression or daunting reality will hit? Bruce had seen death. More than anyone should, really.

Something pulled her eyes back to the group in front of her. Lois Lane and Jimmy Olson cried quietly leaning on each other for support. It was the first time Diana had ever seen Lois so…vulnerable. Had Lois gotten into trouble with the Justice League's enemies in the past? Of course. But this was different. Those other times she faced death with adrenaline running through her veins. Not the death of a loved one with pure grief. That snatches away any bravery we have in us and leaves us with the raw notion of what will never be. She had lost her coworker and one of her best friends. Lois was as fierce as any Amazon and revered for her tough nature, but it was a shell to what she was now.

"Okay, Lana. It's time," John Henry spoke snapping Diana back to the present.

This was it. Lana's hand found Diana's and squeezed then stepped forward and turned. Her left arm cradled the box of their Clark.

She looked towards the sky and began slowly, "Thank you all for coming. I did not know what I was going to say when we got here. Truth be told, I still don't believe I can say much without me ending up choking on my words." Everyone seemed to understand and nod at what she was saying as she continued, "Clark, we kept our promises and will continue to do so. We will always remember your sweet smile, your bravery, your goofy sense of humor, and how you saved us many times, but…we couldn't save you…" The tears began again, "You believed in Earth and loved it even when it did not love you. You were the epitome of human kindness, and I hope we can live up to your image and make you proud…"

And that was it. Lana was lost in her sorrows. Diana could not continue this much longer. She could feel her own tears stinging her eyes. If she broke down here, who would be the pillar of strength for them? Her eyes darted to focus on anything to regain her composure. She was a god, royalty. She had to be strong for them.

John Henry held Lana and asked if anyone had anything else to add. Silence. They were all holding as steady as possible. Any little speck of additional sadness would tip them all over into raging grief. He took the box from Lana and said softly, "We will never forget you, pal. You were the best of us. Goodbye."

He laid Clark in the shallow grave as they all wept quietly. How final this all was. Was Superman really gone? Was this it?

Diana could no longer handle seeing what was left of Clark being buried into the cold, wet ground and went to Lois and Jimmy to express her condolences to them and offer anything she could within her power. Anything to avoid seeing the finality of this day. As she made her way over to them, Lois met her half way and embraced her tightly, "I'm so sorry, Diana. I can't imagine what you are feeling. All of this is too much for me. I don't handle death well." She rolled her shoulder as if pushing something back, "I know this is a nonsensical question, but how are you holding up? I promise, this is off the record."

A small smile crept up Diana's face. If she only knew the truth of the welling pain in Diana's chest. The kind words only made it swell more. "Thank you for asking, Lois. I'm…I'm here." It was the truth. She was physically there, but mentally far away. Changing the subject quickly, "I wanted you and Jimmy to know that if there is anything you two or the Daily Planet family needs, I am here for all of you like Clark was," she paused swallowing back a soft whimper, "I also wanted to tell you how beautiful and inspiring your final article about Superman was. It was truly touching, and I know Clark would have been proud. He loved all of you very much. As do I."

"Thank you so much, Diana," Lois cried, "I only wish in the future I would be able to write a homecoming Superman story for the world." With that, Lois gave a final hug and said her goodbyes while walking Jimmy to her car. Diana vowed to make sure they would be protected and taken care of until she no longer drew breath. She blamed herself with not being able to save Clark, so she swore to be there for his loved ones. "I will always be here for you, my sister."

"Diana," Lana called bringing Diana back, "I have something for you." Diana turned around and saw a small vial in Lana's right hand. "This was not a part of Clark's request, but I consider you his spouse and I'm not quite sure what traditions the Amazons have. I remember reading about you burning your dead...anyways I'm rambling, so I wanted you to have this." She handed the black vial, almost crystal-like, over to Diana. "It's some of his ashes. I thought you might want to spread it across Paradise, so a piece of him is always with you."

A slight tear escaped Diana's right eye and clutched the ashes, "Thank you, my sweet sister. I shall treasure this and release him to the world when the time is right." Lana smiled and snatched Diana into an enormous hug. Diana squeezed her back gently, "You are a true paragon of strength through all of this. I admire that immensely. If you or John Henry need anything from me," She paused and whispered, "I am always around."

Everyone was now gone. Even the limo. She would find Bruce later. There was much to discuss about the future of the world and the new Superman who showed up during Clark's final hours. Even though she was swimming in her own heartache, she could not ignore her responsibilities or duties. Could the League trust this man or was he a pretender? Diana knew what a pretender could potentially bring. Olympus had suffered greatly from it, unfortunately, during the reign of Apollo.

Diana knelt to ground on both knees and said quietly, "Hello, my love. I feel a bit silly speaking to the air, but knowing who my family is and what wonders lie out there, I hope there is the heaven you have spoken of in the past." Quiet. She laughed bitterly, "I hate this, Clark. I know I will be fine. I know I will endure, but it is not fair. You were so young, so full of life!" She shut her eyes and yelled, "Do you hear me, Zeus?! Father?! Anyone?!" She beat her breast and screamed, "I am your daughter and Earth's protector, yet you only bring pain to the world! It's not FAIR!" slamming her fists to the ground. It trembled from the Amazon's fury.

"What have I done to you?! What has HE done to deserve such a fate?! ANSWER ME! YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO BE MY FAMILY!" Diana cried to the sky with tears raging. It began to rain as she hung her head and sobbed hysterically, "Why…"

Suddenly Diana sensed she was not alone anymore and felt a hand on her shoulder, "Kal-El was not a creature of this world, Diana. We do not have domain over his life after death." The tender voice was from her step mother, Hera. "If there was something I could do, I would. You know I would do anything within my power for you, child." Her eyes were filled with a sadness that a mother would have while seeing her child in pain. "I know of your love for him. Aphrodite feels it. I feel it. Your love is a beautiful mixture of affection, friendship, and respect. The kind of amour only some dream for."

Diana stood, tears streaming down her face and embraced Hera, "It is not fair, Hera. I could do nothing…I can do nothing…this feeling is wretched. I never thought I would feel like this again. So helpless…"

"Shhhhh, I know," she cooed as she held Diana feeling the pang of guilt that she was the one who was a part of the demise of Queen Hippolyta, "I know. You must be strong, Diana. Though that does not mean to shun your sorrow, but embrace it and thrive."

How cryptic. Diana did not understand what Hera meant, but hoped in the future she would. Right now though, her head felt heavy, eyes swollen…it was time to go home.

It was in the evening as Diana stared at the door number to Clark's old apartment. Why was this incredibly difficult? If anyone came by, it would seem as though Diana was in a trance or inspecting something on the door. With the funeral done days before, Diana wanted to gather her things from the old apartment that were left before Kara moved in when Clark's identity was exposed to the world. Kara had said she left Clark's room as it was the day he left, and that I was welcome to come by any time.

Breathe, Diana thought. The locked clicked, and she slowly opened the door. Kara had boxes stacked on the counters of the small kitchen and in the living room area. It wasn't the same anymore. Diana was grateful for it. Anything to ease the pain was very much welcomed. Though there was also pain from the idea that this was no longer his. How fickle emotions are. She placed her key on the counter, and smiled at the House of El emblem. It's yours to carry now, little sister.

Clark's bedroom door swung open, and the punch to the gut that Diana felt hurt more than any blow that Darkseid or any other enemy had inflicted on her in the past. It looked like he was never gone. As if life continued, and he was at the Daily Planet and saving the day elsewhere. All of this was very poignant and reflective of life. The world does not stop not matter who dies or who lives. It will move on without us.

In this moment though, she wished life would pause or stop briefly. Just to soak in these last minutes before she left and never returned. The bed was not even made, which tempted her to lay down to see if she could still somehow feel him. This felt a bit strange to her, but it was human to want to grasp at what can never be returned. Especially if it was loved.

"It's as though he never left." The voice sliced through her thoughts and made her turn. Bruce.

A small half-hearted smile came across her face, "Bruce. How are you? How is Alfred?" She knew Alfred was probably taking this almost as hard as Bruce. He regarded Clark as Bruce's younger brother that he never had.

Bruce nodded, "We are all fine. As fine as we can be," He changed the subject, "Diana, I'm sorry to bring this up here, but we need to talk about Clark White. The man who said he was Superman as well and came to us the day Clark…do you or the Amazon's have any intel on him?"

Died, Bruce. You can say it. I'm not that fragile. "We have not known of his existence until that day, and I have not had the mind to find him nor send anyone else to do so. He did not seem to be a threat." Diana could tell this is not what he wanted to hear. Everyone was a threat to Bruce. Even her. She knew of his contingency plans for the League. It was bred out of paranoia, but it was brilliant and understandable.

Bruce glanced around and frowned, "I do not have much, but he has a wife and son. His wife is named Lois and seems to be near identical to our Lois. I believe, like the Crime Syndicate, that they are from another world." He paused, "We need to find him and know if he has any motives or designs for our world. We cannot take any chances now that Clark is gone. We need to recruit and bring more of us together. The world could not withstand an invasion at this point."

"I agree. We need to be prepared. As a strategist on war, it would be wise to be prepared because we are so vulnerable to evil at this moment," She picked up a picture of Clark and her to place in a box, "But Bruce, do you believe we need to do this right now? I imagine this can wait another day or two. No longer than that, I promise. " As she turned back she saw a small jewelry box, "I will also place security teams around the world to spot any rising threats or unusual activity. It is time for the Amazons to take their place in the world."

He noticed the box too, but pretended to ignore it, "Thank you. We need to do this as soon as possible. Meet me in a week at the manor, and we will discuss White and recruits with the rest of the League. Now is the time we need each other the most." He paused and reached out and touched Diana's arm, "I will never pretend to know how you are feeling, but I want you to know that you are not alone."

Diana smiled weakly, "Thank you, Bruce. The feeling is mutual."

With that, the Batman was gone.

She slowly reached for the box and froze. Did she want to open it? In the pit of her stomach she knew what it was. Oh how she wished she didn't know. Oh Aphrodite, will this pain of love lost ever cease?

The top was gunmetal grey with the House of El emblem and a silver filigree design along the sides where it creased to open. It was beautiful. Her arm began to reach for it again, and she touched it tenderly as if it were made of glass. Holding it gingerly, she opened it finding a folded note on top of a gorgeous, antique solitaire diamond ring. The note didn't seem like it had been there very long.

"To my Diana," she read out loud. This was going to be torture. Do I really want to do this to myself right now? Yes. It is like ripping a dressing off of a battle wound. I can do this.

She opened it and saw the short note signed by Clark and tears began to form:

My beloved,

If you are reading this, my time on Earth has expired. More importantly, you have found my mother's engagement ring and my intentions to make an even more honest (get it? The lasso of truth!) woman out of you. I had been planning to propose for a while now, but in our line of work I thought I could never find the right moment. Unfortunately, I realized when it was too late that there is no perfect moment for people. It's just us, Clark and Diana, leading our lives.

I want you to know, Diana, that I have loved you ever since I saw you in the moonlight on the Lincoln Memorial. It wasn't your physical beauty that enraptured me (though that did not hurt), but the tenderness of your heart. You showed a new side to me that I admire and will hold close forever.

There is so much I want to say to you. Even though I have spent a majority of my life writing, words are escaping me to fit in this note. I'm scared, Diana. I don't know what exists on the other side…If there is such a place at all. But if there is, I will be fighting to come back to you, and if I can't I will be waiting for you.

Live your life beautifully and completely, my love. I will see you again. In this life or the next.

Yours always,

Clark

There were no words. Her throat squeezed as if Hades himself was choking her. Diana's tears stained the note as she crumpled to the bed. Without realizing it, she curled up in the sheets and buried her face in her fallen beloved's pillow. She thought before losing consciousness, Our time was precious and exquisite. How it was all so fragile. So instant. So fleeting…