First Cut is the Deepest

by ChinaE

The heart knows when it's been given a second chance. Diana/Lex, Lex/Clark hinted at, Diana/Bruce discussed, Lena, mention of Mercy and Hope, as well as other JL characters.

3. Chapter 3

SV: First cut is the deepest - ACT III (Lex/Diana, Lex/Clark, Diana/Bruce)
~oo00oo~

SMALLVILLE

"FIRST CUT IS THE DEEPEST "

ACT THREE

FADE IN.

EXT. NEW YORK – CENTRAL PARK

It wasn't often Superman called to speak to Wonder Woman or that Clark asked Diana to meet him at Central Park.

Clark had hoped his initial warning to Diana about Luthor would have been sufficient to discourage her. He thought his follow-up visit to Lex, accompanied by Batman would have also discouraged Luthor from taking an interest in the Princess. He'd been wrong.

He wasn't sure which stubborn fool had decided that this was a good idea that a romance between a superhero and villain would work. It wouldn't, he'd know.

DIANA:
[walks up to Clark, who has been waiting for her] Have you been waiting long?

CLARK:
[smiles, got up from the bench] No, you're just in time. [he gestures for them to start walking] We need to talk.

DIANA:
I gather. About?

CLARK:
[uncomfortable] You don't seem the type to be interested in that kind of man.

DIANA:
I never knew I had a type.

CLARK:
Diana, please.

DIANA:
Hera, give me strength. [sighs] All right, first let me remind you that I am your equal and I can break you.

CLARK:
Diana.

DIANA:
No, Clark. You and Bruce seem to be forever caught up in this vicious cycle, where you both think I am not strong enough and need to prove myself to the League or that I am somehow a fragile prima-donna in need of a rescue.

CLARK:
I never –

DIANA: cont'd
I will admit that Lex may not have been my first choice but – He's not the Lex Luthor that I met all those years ago. His daughter has changed him. I have changed.

CLARK:
[interrupts] Please don't tell me you believe you can save him? I made that mistake long ago, Diana, and I learned the hard way that one cannot change Luthor.

DIANA:
Why would I want to change him?

CLARK:
He's ruthless!

DIANA:
So am I, Clark. Surely the fact that I am an Amazon Warrior has not escaped you?

CLARK:
He's a criminal!

DIANA:
And he should be in jail.

CLARK:
Yes.

DIANA:
Except, you keep letting him go.

CLARK:
That's not –

DIANA:
[intent look] What scares you the most, that I find him interesting or that the interest is returned?

CLARK:
[shocked] You can't be serious.

DIANA:
I believe I am.

CLARK:
Diana, you can't –

DIANA:
Why is it that I can't? What has gotten you so scared?

CLARK:
[turns his back to her, moments pass] I loved him once

DIANA:
[touches his shoulder, makes him face her] Once or still?

CLARK:
Please, don't make me answer that.

DIANA:
All right, I will let it go for now, but, Clark, as much as I care for you, whatever it is happening between Lex and I, it must run its course.

CLARK:
Even though you know – He is my Kryptonite.

DIANA:
[softens gaze] Yes, he can definitely get under one's skin.

CLARK:
[looks away; jaw clenched] How is Bruce taking your defection into the enemy camp?

DIANA:
The brooding has intensified. You know how it is. I am a Princess from a society of Immortal Warriors; he's a rich kid with issues – Lots of issues. And if his enemies know Luthor has feelings, they might get through to him via me. Mind you, the same could be said of Bruce.

CLARK:
Ouch.

DIANA:
Bruce is scared, and uncomfortable dealing with these emotions. Kind of like you.

CLARK:
Fighting words, Diana.

DIANA:
Maybe next time we rumble you won't treat me with kidgloves.

CLARK:
Rumble?

DIANA:
Blame Wally. He insisted that I watch all of these guy movies.

CLARK:
He did?

DIANA:
[shrugs] It was his way of expressing concern about the Lex situation. He figured if I learned all the clichs, I would be able to tell when Lex lied to me or tried to trick me. Mind you, I think he also wanted someone to watch the movies with.

CLARK:
All of them?

DIANA:
Yes.

CLARK:
You have my sympathy.

DIANA:
Talk to Lex, Clark. Figure out what you want. [begins to walk away] And, Clark, don't wait too long.

CLARK:
[calls to her] If he decides he wants me?

DIANA:
[stops, looks back] It's a decision I will respect, but, Clark, I'd expect the same courtesy. [flies away]

CLARK:
Great Kent, now what the hell are you going to do?

FADE OUT.

SEVERAL WEEKS LATER.

INT. LEXCORP PENTHOUSE - AFTERNOON

It's not often one is visited by superheroes, let alone that they come one by one, all with the same message, 'hurt Diana and you're toast'.

A part of him wished they'd be more original. At least Aquaman had threatened him with fish! But no, it seemed to too much to ask that brawns to also have brains.

DIANA:
[from the balcony doors] For some reason, I assumed you did not brood.

LEX:
[quiet laugh] Ah, you erred.

DIANA:
[stands next to Lex] Did I?

LEX:
You are loved.

DIANA:
[mouth curves] What do you mean?

LEX:
Your friends at the League keep dropping by, warning me away.

DIANA:
[embarrassed] Oh, no.

LEX:
Yes. I should probably be more worried.

DIANA:
You're not worried?

LEX: cont'd
When you have gone up against the universe and won, it is difficult to be scared of well-intentioned people.

DIANA:
Well intentioned?

LEX:
I am trying to be polite, Diana.

DIANA:
[notices the sadness in Lex's gaze] Does it bother you?

LEX:
No.

DIANA:
Lex?

LEX:
That they care for you, no.

DIANA:
[contemplative gaze] And you think you are not?

LEX:
I know what I am, Diana.

DIANA:
[reaches for his hand, holds it against her cheek, kisses its palm] Do you think all those sparring sessions, that I have been having with Mercy and Hope are for my benefit?

LEX:
[puzzled look] I assume –

DIANA: con't
It's a warning. Should I hurt you, they want to make sure I knew that they would be quite capable of hurting me.

LEX:
I – I should give them a raise then.

DIANA:
Let them visit their sisters.

LEX:
If they wish.

DIANA:
Of course, the only way they would do so is if you came along.

LEX:
[leans to kiss Diana's forehead] You make my heart glad.

DIANA:
You are such a sap!

LEX:
[bemused] Diana!

Unbeknown to Lex and Diana they were not alone. Superman watched from a distance. Batman, who had hacked into Luthor's security system watched via its cameras and Lena, from her hiding spot behind the sofa.

FADE OUT.

COMMERCIAL BREAK.

INT. THEMYSCIRA – SPARRING ROOM

Artemis had not been impressed.

Diana with Superman, she could understand. It was a perfect match - some would say even unavoidable.

Diana with Batman, the mortal, was a stretch but at least he was a warrior.

This one though –

What strength did he have that would have attracted her little sister?

The only thing that spoke in his favour was that he had not flinched when she had warned him she would personally castrate him if he hurt the Princess.

DIANA:
[amused] I am beginning to realize, that I am surrounded by people that like to brood.

ARTEMIS:
I do not brood.

DIANA:
I thought you'd be happy that the Bana-Mighdall tribe is once again whole.

ARTEMIS:
I am pleased my sisters are back. Mercy and Hope have been missed.

DIANA:
Yet you are here and not out there celebrating with them.

ARTEMIS:
Little sister, at times like this I wish I could say that a sharp blade and strong arm is all you need against an enemy, but now I realize I should have also taught you how to protect your heart.

DIANA:
Ah, yes, I see.

ARTEMIS:
I never thought, I would see the day where man was allowed to step foot on Themyscira.

DIANA:
And live?

ARTEMIS:
I do realize it would be impolite to kill him, what with him being the father to our new tribe member Lena and –

DIANA:
Mercy and Hope respect him.

ARTEMIS: cont'd
As well as your feelings for him.

DIANA:
Yes, it would be impolite.

ARTEMIS:
Does he know about Lena?

DIANA:
No.

ARTEMIS:
Will he?

DIANA:
I am bound to your decision sister.

ARTEMIS:
It is best if he does not realize Lena is under our protection.

DIANA:
He is smart. He might have a clue in.

ARTEMIS:
He must have some redeeming qualities if you like him.

DIANA:
[grin] He does.

ARTEMIS:
Buried deep, deep within him.

DIANA:
[teasing grin] He is a rare delicacy.

ARTEMIS:
Diana, there are things that should not be talked about –

DIANA:
[gentle prod] Between sisters?

ARTEMIS:
[pause] I apologize. Between sisters there are no secrets. It is difficult to see you as a woman grown.

DIANA:
Yes, I've gathered that but, Artemis; give Lex a chance, if not for me, at least for Mercy and Hope.

ARTEMIS:
I will – allow myself to speak to him.

DIANA:
[grin] He may just surprise you.

ARTEMIS:
In what way?

DIANA:
Well – There is a reason Lex is feared by the Justice League.

ARTEMIS:
He, a mere man?

DIANA:
Yes, this mere mortal has on occasion made the Justice League tremble in fear.

ARTEMIS:
Is he that dangerous?

DIANA:
What makes Lex dangerous is his ability to look at a situation and turn it 360 degrees, study all of its angles and find weaknesses, attack points, all in a matter of seconds.

ARTEMIS:
He's that good?

DIANA:
Yes.

ARTEMIS:
How does your Justice League survive then?

DIANA:
It helps that we have someone just as good.

ARTEMIS:
I see.

DIANA:
[intrigued] Do you?

ARTEMIS:
Is he a substitute, Diana?

DIANA:
No.

ARTEMIS:
[frown] Are you certain little sister?

DIANA:
You prepared me well for life, Artemis. You and mother taught me, most of all, to be true to myself. He is not a substitute.

ARTEMIS:
Was he ever?

DIANA:
No. [pause] Batman and Lex, they are different in so many ways.

ARTEMIS:
You love them both?

DIANA:
I always will love them both, but only one offers me his heart. Only one is able to see me for whom I am. Lex is not perfect, Artemis, but I never sought perfection. [slight pause] I sought someone who would treat me as his equal. Who would stand by my side and love me, not because of what I was or who I am, but for me. Diana. A daughter. A sister. A friend.

ARTEMIS:
I cannot welcome with open arms what I do not know, but I will try to get to know him.
As you say, he may be useful if for nothing else, it would be good to test my strategies against an opponent who is – Unorthodox.

DIANA:
Thank you, Artemis.

ARTEMIS:
If he makes you happy, that is all we wish.

DIANA:
He does.

ARTEMIS:
Good.
But if he stops –

DIANA:
You need not worry, you taught me well.

ARTEMIS:
Hmm. You may have become rusty in the man's world. Perhaps it is best that we practice.

DIANA:
Of course.

ARTEMIS:
[points to the weapons on the wall] Swords?

DIANA:
[nods head in agreement] Winner take all?

ARTEMIS:
[both gather their swords] The prize?

DIANA:
If I win, a friend, Martin Manhunter would like to speak to our chief historian Mnemosyne. He believes his people may have once had contact with the Amazons, and he wonders if it was recorded anywhere.

ARTEMIS:
Agreeable. Should I win, I will like you to contact your friend Shayera Hol. Thanagarians are a warrior race. There is much we can learn from them. I would also like to take a look at her mace and see if we can replicate that kind of metal here on Earth. After all, it is resistant to magic and considering how often we must battle the lesser gods, it would be good to have something like it in our arsenal.

DIANA:
Agree.

ARTEMIS:
Good. Now little sister, prepare for battle.

FADE OUT.

EXT. THEMYSCIRA – SHORE LINE – NEXT DAY

Diana enters the water, her hand rhythmically tapping the top of the water, knowing that this would call the dolphins to her. A pod of dolphins lived near Themyscira, and she knew through them she'd be able to get a message to Arthur.

Soon several dolphins approach, swimming near her. She rubs their fins, laughing at their playful antics.

DIANA:
[holding the fin of one dolphin] I need to speak to your King.

She waits, all the while playing with pod of dolphins, rubbing their bellies, swimming next to them. She feels as the air around her change, as a portal opens before her.

ARTHUR:
They always loved you best.

DIANA:
[rubbing the head of a young dolphin] They are easy creatures to love.

ARTHUR:
I take it that this isn't a social call.

DIANA:
No.

ARTHUR:
I won't apologize, Diana.

DIANA:
I am not asking you to. I understand your reasons, even if I do not agree with all of them.

ARTHUR:
Did it help?

DIANA:
Mother can be formidable.

ARTHUR:
[swims closer. Both are rubbing the young dolphin's head] Diana –

DIANA:
Yes, it did help.

ARTHUR:
Good.

DIANA:
Mother tells me you have been talking to fish.

ARTHUR:
[embarrassed] They see everything, Diana, and they love to gossip.

DIANA:
Will this, too, be talked about?

ARTHUR:
[closes eyes momentarily] No. I am King, after all.

DIANA:
[lets the dolphin swim away; slowly swims back to shore knowing Arthur will follow] This is where it all started for us.

ARTHUR:
Yes, it is.

DIANA:
Everyone assumes Superman had my first kiss and Batman was my first crush. But they are wrong.

ARTHUR:
I know.

DIANA:
I dreamed about you months and even years after that day.

ARTHUR:
I tried to come back so many times but Themyscira remained hidden from me. In time, I began to think it was all something I'd imagined.

DIANA:
It is not easy to forget one's first love.

ARTHUR:
No, it is not.

DIANA:
[holds out her hand] Thank you, Arthur, for everything.

ARTHUR:
[kisses her hand] It was my pleasure, my Princess. [gathers her into his arms; whispers into her hair] Be happy my love.

[they separate; hands touch, fingers entwined then slowly release, long gaze, words left unspoken as both recall their youthful misadventure]

Arthur swims away, heading back to Atlantis and his people.

Moment's later arms encircled Diana; she leaned into them.

LEX:
Should I be worried?

DIANA:
First love.

LEX:
[confused] Oh. I thought it was Bats?

DIANA:
No.

LEX:
He loves you. [indicates to the now absent Arthur]

DIANA:
[leans into Lex's shoulder] We were each other's first love.

LEX:
Puppy love.

DIANA:
Yes.

LEX:
Are we doing the right thing Diana?

DIANA:
I believe so.

LEX:
[kisses the top of her head] Good.

DIANA:
[turns in his arms, now facing each other] How is Artemis?

LEX:
She'd like for me to extend my visit. She wants me to look over some battle plans.

DIANA:
[laugh] Another conquest?

LEX:
[finger reaches to touch the tip of Diana's nose] The girl I want is right here. [his kiss is surprisingly gentle]

FADE OUT.

COMMERCIAL BREAK.

EXT. LEXCORP – ROOFTOP

It's not often one gets a call from Superman. Well, for most people.

So, Superman wanted to see him, alone.

To discuss, gods knew what.

SUPERMAN:
[hovers above ground] Looking over your empire?

LEX:
[refusing to look up, instead looks toward the Metropolis skyline] I stopped building empires long ago, Superman.

SUPERMAN:
[touches down to the ground] Not exciting enough?

LEX:
Empires are a burden to the next generation. I don't want my daughter burdened by my ambition, trying to live my dream instead of her own. [pause] You seem surprised by my answer.

SUPERMAN:
Never thought you'd answer my question.

LEX:
Ah, I like to keep life interesting.

SUPERMAN:
So, Wonder Woman is your way of keeping life interesting.

LEX:
I walked into that, didn't I? No, she is an unexpected bonus.

SUPERMAN:
[stands tall, crosses arms] Why are you doing this Luthor?

LEX:
[put hands in pant pockets] I know this is hard for all of you to understand, but I genuinely like her.

SUPERMAN:
Just like?

LEX:
It is more than that, but you of all people know it is easy to fall out of love, but it is more difficult to stop liking someone.

SUPERMAN:
So, you are settling?

LEX:
Only you would think that. No.

SUPERMAN:
[raises eyebrow] No platitudes? No, she is the only woman I will ever love?

LEX:
I leave the platitudes to you. Also, this is none of your concern.

SUPERMAN:
She's my friend.

LEX:
She's my girlfriend.

SUPERMAN:
Just a girlfriend?

LEX:
[steps back] Diana isn't 'just' anything.

SUPERMAN:
You're the one who used that word.

LEX:
You know, I'm doing this out of courtesy to her.

SUPERMAN:
Scared I'll reveal some uncomfortable truths?

LEX:
I stopped believing in the boogeyman long ago, Superman.

SUPERMAN:
[pained] Why her?

LEX:
Seriously, you are asking me that now?

SUPERMAN:
Never too late to ask.

LEX:
[deep breath] She knows me.

SUPERMAN:
I know you.

LEX:
Do you?

SUPERMAN:
Of course.

LEX:
All right, I'll play this game. Answer this, what is it that I want most in this world.

SUPERMAN:
My secrets.

LEX:
[looks sadly at Superman] Perhaps. Years ago that would have been the answer.

SUPERMAN:
[insistently] You always wanted my secrets.

LEX:
No, I knew your secrets. I just wanted you to admit to them. [pause] I want my daughter to be happy. That's what I want and if you really knew me, you'd know that I changed from that insecure power-hungry man, to a father with mother-hen like tendencies.

SUPERMAN:
I do know you.

LEX:
You knew me.

SUPERMAN:
[steps forward] I know you.

LEX:
Repeating it is not going to make it true. [rubs back of head] Look, I know this is hard to believe, but I think I outgrew you. [smiles somewhat embarrassed at Superman's incredulous look] I know, I can be obsessive and I probably would have continued down that line but having a child made me reprioritize things. As I've said, Clark, your secrets are no longer my priority.

SUPERMAN:
[looks anxious] You can't mean that.

LEX:
I can't lie.

SUPERMAN:
You lie all the time.

LEX:
Clark, I have been hanging out with the once-Goddess of Truth. Believe me, not lying becomes a bit of a habit.

SUPERMAN:
We could start again.

LEX:
We could, except I didn't like the man I was, when I was thinking or obsessing about you.
[pause] I like the man I am now, Clark.

SUPERMAN:
Because of her.

LEX:
If you mean Diana, no. Because of my daughter. She grounded me enough to let me appreciate my life and see the trees from the forest. Made me a stronger man. A man I wanted to be, had someone been there to help me get onto the right path.

SUPERMAN:
I did try to help, Lex.

LEX:
I know, except your help demanded too much sacrifice. You live in a world of black and white. My world is filled with grey. I couldn't become what you wanted me to be, because that man would have been a mere ghost of what I am today.

SUPERMAN:
That's not true.

LEX:
Diana sees me and accepts me, and loves me because she sees those flaws and scars, and knows that what I am today has been a result of that struggle.

SUPERMAN:
Lex.

LEX:
And I'm in a place in my life where I can finally accept that kind of love. I'm sorry, Clark.

SUPERMAN:
[pale, clenched jaw] I see.

LEX:
[sad] I don't think you do. Goodbye, Clark.

SUPERMAN:
You're making a mistake.

LEX:
I don't believe that I am.

SUPERMAN:
[gaze arches slowly back and forth] You're marrying her.

LEX:
No, and not because I don't want to as much as I don't think it would be politically sound idea for her to marry me.

SUPERMAN:
What?

LEX:
I've been talking to her sisters, scary lot, but one of them said the gods and goddesses that protect Themyscira might not be too keen on having their heir tied down to a mere mortal. Makes sense.

SUPERMAN:
[incredulous] You are not a mere mortal, Lex.

LEX:
Compared to an Atlantean, I am.

SUPERMAN:
What does Arthur have to do with this?

LEX:
Puppy love that was frowned upon by the Greek gods, because Hera was jealous of Diana's emerging beauty and Poseidon was pissed off at a teenage Arthur or such. Anyway it is looked on more favourably now that I am in the picture.

SUPERMAN:
[disappointed] You haven't changed.

LEX:
I have.

SUPERMAN:
You're still building empires.

LEX:
No, I'm just ensuring that the woman I love doesn't burn any bridges because she committed the greatest sin of loving me back.

SUPERMAN:
Diana wouldn't agree.

LEX:
[shakes head] You don't know her at all.

SUPERMAN:
She's a friend and a colleague.

LEX:
She's an heir to a Kingdom ruled by Gods. Ultimately Diana will always do what is best for her people.

SUPERMAN:
[hopeful] Even if it meant giving you up.

LEX:
I don't see that happening.

SUPERMAN:
You're what, the exception to the rule?

LEX:
No, I think the Greek gods are a little intrigued by me.

SUPERMAN:
Enough to keep you around.

LEX:
For now.

SUPERMAN:
And when that stops?

LEX:
I would have had a few years of being loved by a good woman, of my daughter being raised by a loving mother and protective aunts. By then, I should probably be in my old dotage.

SUPERMAN:
[shocked] Diana knows this? She's agreed to this.

LEX:
If you mean about me wanting to marry her, no. I would like that to be a surprise. Of us living in sin, yes. She doesn't understand why people are so intrigued by our private life.

SUPERMAN:
But you just said you won't marry her.

LEX:
I still want to, I just don't believe she should.

SUPERMAN:
I see.

LEX:
I hope you do.

SUPERMAN:
We're done then.

LEX:
Yes.

SUPERMAN:
Goodbye, Lex.

LEX:
Goodbye, Clark.

Superman flies off.

Lex continues to stare at Superman's disappearing figure.

He'd never thought that particular chapter in his life would end and he is somewhat relieved that it has come to a conclusion.

Now, to figure out this new chapter in his life and the woman who holds his heart in her hands.

FADE OUT.

COMMERCIAL BREAK.

INT. BATCAVE.

Dick walks around the batcave, noting the collection of trophies and the display cases that document each uniform once worn by a Bat member. Even though now he is in his mid-twenties, there is a part of him that will forever be the ten-year-old orphan who stumbled into this cave and discovered his guardian, was Batman.

ALFRED:
Master Richard, would you be staying for supper?

Alfred was tidying up some of Batman's papers.

DICK:
[shakes head] No, that's all right, Alfred.

ALFRED:
If you change your mind, let me know. I have made your favourite.

DICK:
[quick laugh] Another time, Alfred.

DICK continues his exploration. He always felt conflicted coming back here. A part of him, felt guilty that he'd been too selfish and walked away and let Bruce carry the burden of being Gotham's protector.

He sat in front of the computer console. Yesterday the original Titans had had a meeting, just to reminisce and gossip, toss back a few beers, eat some chips, dance and kiss a few boys and girls.

Except at this meeting they had talked about the new romance.

The new 'It' couple.

Wally was lucky he's fast enough to avoid Donna's slap. The rest, well –

[Fades to scene from the day before]

WALLY:
I can't believe they're still dating.

DONNA:
Don't.

WALLY:
What?

DONNA:
It's not up for discussion.

KORY:
We discuss everything else.

DONNA:
Not this.

[they all share a quick glance, and note how Donna is slowly stripping the paper of the beer bottle]

DICK:
I know you're worried –

DONNA:
She brought him home to meet the Amazons!

[silence]

WALLY:
Wow.

DONNA:
[glares at Wally then points to Dick] This is all your fault!

DICK:
My fault?

DONNA:
Yes, batboy, if your mentor hadn't broken my sister's heart –

DICK:
I thought that was just a rumour.

WALLY.
Nope, saw them kiss, have pics to prove it.

DICK and DONNA:
You did?

WALLY:
Well, kind of. Does a kiss on the cheek count?

DICK:
Wally!

WALLY:
Hey, considering Batman is all I am a robot, the fact that he even kissed Diana –

DICK:
On the cheek!

WALLY: (cont'd)
- Is scandalous.

[a couple of them nod in agreement]

DICK:
Look –

DONNA:
[slaps hand down on the table] Diana is the best thing that could have happened to him, and you know it.

DICK:
He's –

GAR:
All dark and creepy?

VICTOR:
Good one.

DICK:
Shut it you two.

[Back to the present]

In a way, Donna was right. Diana was the best thing that could have happened to Bruce. Unfortunately it was Batman who made the decision.

About an hour later, a sleek black batmobile speeds into the batcave. Remaining in his seat, Dick waits for Batman.

BRUCE:
[nod] Dick.

DICK:
Do you know what you're doing, Bruce?

BRUCE:
[takes off his cowl] Regarding?

DICK:
Diana.

BRUCE:
Ah. You're listening to rumours now?

DICK:
Don't. [sigh] I never thought you were a coward or a fool.

BRUCE:
I'm not having this discussion.

DICK:
Yes, you are, because I would never forgive myself if I let you walk away from this.

BRUCE:
She's with him now.

DICK:
Don't be stupid, if Diana thought she could be with you –

BRUCE:
It's not going to happen. Gotham is my priority, you know that, Dick.

DICK:
Gotham is where you hide yourself.

BRUCE:
[growl] Enough!

DICK:
No, you're going to listen to me. Gotham does not deserve all the sacrifices you've made. She is a cold mistress, and when you're old and no longer useful to her, she'll discard you without any consideration. You deserve better.

BRUCE:
Do you think I don't know that? That I am blind to my mission? I do this – continue to be Batman, because Gotham needs me. People's lives are at stake –

DICK:
[stands up] You don't get it. You have a chance here to have something good, with someone who understands you, and gets the whole Bruce-Batman personas. And you're letting her slip through your fingers.

BRUCE:
This conversation is over.

DICK:
[shakes head] So, if I take up with Poison Ivy, or Lady Vic, you'd be okay with it?

BRUCE:
I don't need to listen to this.

DICK: (cont'd)
Or maybe I should just marry Kory's sister Komand'r?

BRUCE:
What do you want me to do, stop her?

DICK:
I want you to care!

With long purposeful strides, Dick walks away leaving Bruce contemplating in the batcave.

FADE OUT.

COMMERCIAL BREAK.

INT. ISLAND IN THE CARIBEAN.

They're back at Lex's private island, and away from the distractions. Lex is not actively trying to accelerate the pace of their relationship, but he's come to enjoy the quiet times they spend together. Sometimes just the two of them, sometimes as a family.

He couldn't help but notice how much his daughter had changed, how much more mischievous his little imp had gotten. How much more confident she now was.

He'd never thought he'd actually consider having LexCorp join forces with the Justice League, or of having its research branch provide the League with weapons or better armour.

He finds Diana and Lena both taking a nap in Lena's room, after a full day of play.

He picks up a children's book that Diana must have been reading to Lena and smiles at the title, "The Cat in the Hat' by Dr. Seuss. Lena's favourite.

He bends down on the bed and leans forward to kiss Lena's temple as he adjusts the blankets around her.

He then goes over to Diana's side of the bed and gently picks her up and carries her out of Lena's bedroom and into her own.

It is only as he puts her down in her own bed that Diana wakes up. Sleepy eyes gaze up at him and she sends him a breathtaking smile, the kind that says all is right in the world.

LEX:
Go back to sleep, love.

DIANA:
[reaches for his hand] Stay.

LEX:
[gets in bed with Diana; they lie face to face] It's going to be hard getting Lena back to Metropolis.

DIANA:
Hm –
She loves being on the island.

LEX:
[smiles] It seems both my girls are island girls, after all.

DIANA:
[eyes suddenly serious] Am I your girl, Lex?

LEX:
You have been for sometime Diana.

DIANA:
You never said.

LEX:
[fingers reach over to caress Diana's cheeks] Took me a while to figure out what my heart already knew.

DIANA:
[teasing grin] I thought you were smart.

LEX:
Not when it comes to my heart.

DIANA:
And you are now?

LEX:
Yes.

DIANA:
Good.

LEX:
[quiet laugh] We are a pair. [kisses the side of her mouth]

DIANA:
I wanted you to be sure. You seemed troubled after your talk with Clark.

LEX:
Oh, well – [another kiss, this one slow, his tongue tracing the contours of her mouth] Realized I loved you.

DIANA:
[out of breath] Only then?

LEX:
Hm – [swallows a gasp as Diana has lean to kiss and lick his neck] Long time wanted you. [hands come entangle in Diana's hair] Diana –

DIANA:
[chuckle] I love it when you lose control.

LEX:
[moan] Knew you were a vicious woman.

DIANA:
[breathless] What gave me away?

LEX:
[twists; now laying on top of her; trails kisses on her face and neck; stops and leans back] Do you want this?

They've engaged in heavy petting and kisses that had tested even his resolve to wait, to not push.
And the usual surfaces used in their intensive making-out sessions were walls, chairs, sofas, and once a table where he had pushed aside her lovely white dress, stepped in-between her spread legs and she brought him off with nibble fingers. This time, there would be no turning back.

DIANA:
Yes.

LEX:
[gaze roved appraisingly over her body] All of it?

DIANA:
[swallows nervously then returns Lex's stare] Yes.

LEX:
[leans down, his forehead rest against her's] I may not have always been a good man and that –

DIANA:
Shh – You are the man I want. No one else belongs in this bed but the two of us. Not the world or their opinion. Just us.

LEX:
[caresses her face] I love you.

DIANA:
Then take me, love.

Lex should have prepared something. He should have ensured that their first time together, the bedroom would have had candlelights and rose petals on the bed, and possibly chocolate. But such a scenario would have spoiled this, would have spoiled how absorbedly nervous he was, how Diana's body arched for his touch, how wet and eager she became when he pressed his knuckle against her nob and rubbed, enjoying her cries, how the back of her heel pressed along his calf, how her hands caressed his back, when her fingers dip between his ass cheeks sending him deeper into her.

FADE OUT.

COMMERCIAL BREAK.

EXT. LEXCORP ISLAND

It started to rain outside and a tropical storm of high winds and lightning surrounded the island protecting its inhabitants from prying eyes.

Out in the storm, riding a large seahorse, was Arthur. With the Triton clenched tightly in his hand, he controlled the ocean water, its rise and fall, the mist and the hail of the rain, where the hail landed and how it engulfed the perimeter of the island, protecting it from prying eyes.

J'onn J'onzz, Martin Manhunter stood next to him, eyes glowing red. It was J'onn who had alerted Arthur to the possible trouble. That after all these months, Superman and Batman had decided to act to stop a new path being forged by Diana and Luthor. As a precaution, J'onn had brought in John Stewart, the Green Lantern and Shayera Hol, Hawkgirl as back-up.

Now Batman's plane and Superman were encased in green solid energy that pulsated out of Green Lantern's ring.

ARTHUR:
Telepathically connect me to them J'onn.

J'ONN J'ONZZ:
As you wish.

The telepathic connection was formed between all six of the Leaguers.

ARTHUR:
You are both fools.

SUPERMAN:
Mind your own business, Arthur.

ARTHUR:
If you both stop acting like children, we [indicated to the group] wouldn't need to be involved.
Diana and Luthor have made their decision. You will abide and respect that decision or so help me –

BATMAN:
[growl] You'll what!

ARTHUR:
There are things that I am capable of doing that you wouldn't even dream about Bruce. Diana is a grown woman –

SUPERMAN:
She's making a mistake.

HAWKGIRL:
[raises her mace] Want to say that again?

BATMAN:
This is Luthor we are talking about.

HAWKGIRL:
And you don't see us getting all high and mighty when you start playing with Catwoman.

GREEN LANTERN:
It's a double standard, Bruce. As much as I don't like that she's fallen for Luthor, they're both adults, and I will respect that. You must as well. Both of you.

SUPERMAN:
John, Arthur –

ARTHUR:
You both had your chance with her and him.

BATMAN:
She'll get hurt.

HAWKGIRL:
She's a big girl, let her worry about that.

It took time but finally a compromise was reached and Superman and Batman flew back to their respective cities being closely followed by Hawkgirl and Green Lantern.

Only Arthur and J'onn stayed behind.

Arthur calmed the storm, letting the sky clear and J'onn connected with someone back in the island.

ARTHUR:
All is well?

J'ONN J'ONZZ:
She'll be angry when she discovers we have planted a spy in Luthor's residence.

ARTHUR:
Technically it is not a spy but a pet.

J'ONN J'ONZZ:
She will not see it like that.

ARTHUR:
The kid liked the turtle, didn't she?

J'ONN J'ONZZ:
Yes.

ARTHUR:
No reason for anyone to complain then. Anyway it was either that or let Batman tap into their security system again. My method is less intrusive.

J'ONN J'ONZZ:
If you say so.

ARTHUR:
I do.

The turtle would keep Arthur informed if Luthor reverted back to his former type. It would also keep an eye out for the child, which Arthur realized would be helpful considering Luthor and Wonder Woman had quite a few enemies.

If discovered, Arthur knew Diana would eventually forgive him.

It was a good thing Atlantean Monarchs had long lives.

FADE OUT

INT. LEXCORP ISLAND – DIANA'S BEDROOM

Lex tucks Diana's body closer to his.

They are both spent and as he strokes down her arm, he leans to kiss the back of her neck.

Diana gives out a slight sigh.

He takes her hand and links their fingers, letting sleep claim them both.

In the morning they would be awakened by an excited Lena carrying a small island turtle she found in her room.

FADE OUT

INT. CHRYSLER BUILDING – CHARITY EVENT, NEW YORK – EVENING

A year after the 'so called' disastrous charity event, Diana held another. Unlike last year where the RSVPs had come in at the last minute, the invitations to this event had only been given to a select few and were considered covenant prizes, the Oscar event for socialites.

Royalty, superheroes, billionaires, presidents, prime ministers, congressmen, senators, the who's who of the world's political and cultural elites were invited. As were some ordinary people but the gossip columns were not interested in them.

All the major newspapers were there covering the event, talking about the plight of children, how the charity helped those less fortunate and some of the recent success they had had in recovering children lost to the sex trade.

Just before the curtain opens, Lex reaches for Diana's hand.

Diana's thick lashes are demurely lowered as a blush spreads across her cheeks. She then raises her head and gives Lex an exaggerated wink.

Lex's Adam's apple moves slightly as he swallows trying to keep from laughing.

The curtain opens and they walk hand in hand into the event.

Lights flash as cameras go off.

Reporters rush in.

VARIOUS REPORTERS:
[shout] Luthor! Wonder Woman!

END SHOW