Chapter Four

Clark Kent jumped out of the taxi, paid the fare and turned to face a modest, foursquare house amid a row of similar type houses, tenement buildings and a play park across the street. It was five thirty pm. After finishing work, instead of going home he had detoured to come to this address. He smiled as he heard shouting and laughter behind him. Several children were playing soccer on the grass, while others were on the swings and jungle gym.

It was a bright afternoon in July and vacation time for many kids. They looked carefree and happy. His mind harkened back to lazy summer days racing with Lana and Pete across the fields, playing baseball with the local little league team , fishing with his Pa, climbing trees and swimming in the pond…yes, it would be correct to say his childhood had been a happy one. He had so many great memories. The challenges began only when he started to physically change. To realize he was different. Powerful. Not like Pete and Lana. But still he had Ma and Pa and they helped him get through the tougher times. After they died, he'd made the conscious decision to do something to change the world. Rao, he'd been cocksure and full of enthusiasm that with just strength, speed and his other abilities he could take on crime but when he came to Metropolis he had a rude awakening.

Innocence was indeed bliss, he thought wryly.

He was about to turn away when he saw the soccer ball bounce towards him.

Clark stopped it with his foot. He expertly flicked and balanced it for a moment; then juggled it on his foot and knee; he flicked it onto his head juggled a couple of times and very gently headed it back to the boys.

The kids stopped and watched him in delight.

"Wow, that was cool! Can you show us how to do that, Mister?"

"Well, I…"

"Please?"

He gave them a tiny, lopsided smile. One sweep with his super hearing told him the person he wanted to see was not at yet home. He had some time. "Sure."

He spent the next fifteen minutes showing the kids how to juggle, dribble and do stopovers and pull backs. As he did the smaller ones on the jungle gym came closer to join in and even the smaller, thinner boy wearing glasses ventured from where he sat playing alone to watch.

A taxi pulled up and a tall, good looking, dark skinned man in his thirties stepped out. Dr John Henry Irons looked across the street when he heard sounds of childish laughter and shouts. He walked closer to the green and watched as Clark was in the middle of showing them how to kick flip. He grinned to hear the kids squeal, "Do that again, Mr Clark!"

Clark met Dr Irons two years ago. He had been one of the team that worked with Lex Luthor in charge of the super soldier project. Dr Irons had also been present when they captured Superman. He resigned when they began to torture him. He had also intervened and saved him in his battle with John Corben and the Terminauts. Clark owed John an enormous debt. The man had saved his life and he continued to be a close ally and mentor. He also was one of the few to know Clark was Superman. It was not something Clark could have hidden if he wanted anyway. Not after being attacked by the Parasite last year. Most people simply thought Clark knew John as he was the reporter who had scooped the story on the super soldier project. John had being crucial in testifying at the independent inquiry and as a result the whole projected had been scrapped.

John said loudly, "Never took you for a soccer kind of guy, Clark. Always saw you as a baseball or football man."

Clark caught the ball and smiled. "Oh hey, Doc. You'd be surprised what I could do." He looked at his watch and then at the kids. "Sorry, gang, I have to go. Was real fun playing with you."

"Awww…"

"Just keep practicing. You'll get the hang of it."

"Will you come back again?"

"If I ever come and you're playing soccer, I will check you guys out."

He handed the ball over and joined John.

The scientist observed, "So where did you pick up those tricks?"

"When I traveled the world a few years back, I picked up a few tips. I helped with a couple of soccer clinics when I stayed in Cambodia and South Africa."

"Ah, I see. Did a lot of traveling? That is not Superman related I mean?

"Yeah. After Ma and Pa died, I took a year out and visited as many places as I could. Just back-packing. It let me really see what the world was like and appreciate how great this planet is. I'm quite good at camel and goat racing too. I like cliff diving as well. "

John gave an amused laugh. "How did you manage that with the glasses?"

"I grew a nice scruffy beard. In fact, if I want to just go and be incognito on holiday I just don't shave and let my hair grow out. No one is any wiser that Superman is playing with them."

"You're full of surprises, Clark. So what's on your mind? It's been a while since we chatted."

"Yeah, you heard what happened last night?"

"I did. It was all over the news."

"The alien nearly had me, John. It was red sun radiation this time."

"Ouch, another one?"

"Tell me about it."

They walked up the path, to the doorstep and rang the bell. It was a minute later when a gray haired woman with glasses peered out. She was short and dressed in a floral dress and sandals and leaned on a cane.

"Hi, Mama," said John cheerfully.

The lady was Bess Irons, John's grandmother.

Mrs Irons beamed. "John! And, Clark, is that you, dearie? Well, this is a fine surprise. Come in, boys. How are you?"

John bent to kiss her on the temple while Clark nodded. "I'm fine, ma'am. How are you?"

"I've told you to stop calling me ma'am, Clark. Mama will do. I'm holding up. The arthritis flares up now and again. But been doing my exercises and John has created some new heat warmers for me. It's been a while since we've seen you. What brings you here?"

Clark followed her into the sitting room. "I came to see John. I called from work. I thought we could work on some stuff."

"Oh, I see. You boys and your inventions. Always in basement." She let out a relief sigh as she sat down. "I really don't know where John Henry got that from. Must have been from his grandpa, Butter. He used to tinker too, God rest his soul. Do you want some food? I made some nice chicken pot pie."

"We're okay for now, Mama," said John, who saw Clark shake his head. "We want to get to work."

"Okay. Don't take all evening though. Else I will come down and get you. You boys must eat."

They left her and headed for the basement.

The basement was a large room where John could work on his inventions out of the way of prying eyes. His own apartment was not large or private enough and his grandmother, who knew he was Steel, had offered him the space. She did not know Clark was Superman. She just believed he was a friend who shared a mutual love of science.

The room was full of mechanical equipment and parts and it was sound proof. John worked on improving his inventions here and they were currently working on shield technology for Clark's armor. The body fitting armored suit Superman wore was extremely light weight and durable. But it was not able to fully deflect kryptonite, magic, and energy sapping foes and now red sun energy had to be added to the list.

"Lobo managed to get someone capable of harnessing red solar radiation. It depowered me. He might have caught me were it not for Wonder Woman."

"Yes, I saw some of the footage," John said soberly. "Even if we managed to get a shield to deflect and temper these substances, it still won't make you immune to magic."

"I know. That's where I'm hoping some martial training comes in when I become vulnerable. I could barely handle Lobo. It was only due to my Kryptonian physiology he did not kill me right away."

"Well, I could add some weaponry to your armor if you want," he offered.

"A bit redundant for me." He pointed to his eyes and lips. "There's enough heat here to slice and freeze most things. No, I need to try to work on my hand to hand combat skills and got to admit, they are very mediocre at best. I've never had to do much other than hit very hard. That often does the trick. Usually."

John remarked, thinking of his own sledge hammer, "I wish I could help you. I usually rely on hitting very hard too."

"I'm thinking of asking Batman to help me out there. So how is your work going at Kord Industries?"

"A heck of a lot better than working for the government. I've had it with trying to make weapons for men to kill each other. I'm much happier working on engines and CPUs and robots for domestic and line assembly usage. How's your job treating you? I heard Morgan Edge is eyeing the Daily Planet."

Clark said grimly, "Yeah, he wants it. Circulation has been dropping every year. We're barely keeping our heads above water. He is offering to absorb us into GBC. If that happens I'm walking."

"I understand. There's a better way to make a living than compromising what you believe in. But if you do, what then?'

Clark shrugged. "I could go teach. English, maybe? Japan always wants teachers."

John replied, with a knowing look, "Really? You would relocate to teach English? Give up the crusade? Come on, Clark. We know you could make a steadier income by editing, writing for magazines, teaching, tutoring and yet you choose this. It's in your blood. You couldn't stop even of you wanted to. It's like me and the name they gave me. It haunted me for a long time…over shadowed me until I realized what an honor and blessing that was. We're both steel driving men, Clark. Life will never be easy for us. Born to stand up and die for what we believe in as well. I think even if you'd grown up on Krypton, you'd be labeled a "trouble maker" as well."

He said quietly, "My father was called that. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree, huh?"

John smiled and glanced at a black and white snap shot of his late grandfather pinned up on a message board. "No. No, it does not. So how did you feel when you got hit with it?"

"It's weird. For most of my childhood I was normal…or least a little stronger than normal. I never got sick. I was the best at sports. You can't break a Kryptonian that easily even if he was under a red sun. But losing my abilities. It's like taking away my sight or limbs. I always thought being "normal" again would be a relief. For those fifteen minutes, it wasn't. And I'm not talking about Lobo beating me up."

"You continue to strengthen with time and exposure, Clark. You are still maturing and who knows if and when you will plateau. I'm not surprised you felt the loss keenly. You exist on a level totally different from us all. You brain and body is capable of doing amazing things. I can't begin to understand the control and range it takes to be able to hear on a cellular level and yet maintain what you're doing now. Talking and concentrating on me without even being bothered by it. Your brain is wired differently. What anyone would give to study it. Shame our base equipment can't work to begin to measure that."

"They can do it on my dead body. It's what the military still want I bet."

John said gravely, "They can't control you and that makes you dangerous in their eyes. You could be the ultimate weapon, Clark. They could have done things with you that a whole army could not do and now with the Earth open to attack by off world threats…they will be feeling very helpless. Powerful men who are feeling helpless is not a good thing."

"The Justice League has tried to defuse their fears and…"

He interrupted, "But you're not with them."

"I help when I can…," he began defensively.

John said calmly, "You're not part of the team. You possibly one of the most powerful men on this planet and people need to know they can trust you. You're still on shaky ground judging by what took place last night. But sometimes taking a stance…a tangible one…can send a clearer message."

Clark stood up and folded his arms. "Joining the League full time is not a guarantee to do any of that."

"If they asked me tomorrow I would say yes. But they haven't. They've asked you."

"Look, you're human. I'm an alien…Have you seen how many folks are still terrified of me? They'll faster trust what they know than what they don't understand."

"Clark, you can probably justify everything. You're the one better with words. But you know…how can I put this? With great power…"

"Aww, come on, don't quote Spiderman at me," he warned.

John smiled. "Many hands make light work." He lifted the mesh of superconductive wires he was working on. "Can you bring that soldering pen for me and hold this? I can't do this alone."

Clark picked up the pen and his frown eased. His friend's words were simple and to the point. John never lectured but he was an upfront sort of a man. He valued that. And his little analogy seemed to hit home more than anything else.

The men worked together until about eight pm when there was a knocking on the door.

"Uncle John?"

John looked up and saw the door open and a thirteen year old girl looking down at them from the top of the stairs. "Hey, Nat, didn't know you was here?"

"Yeah, Mom, Dad and Jamahl are upstairs too. We went to the movies and dropped by to see how grandma was and she made us stay. She says you two must come up now or else she will come down here and drag you upstairs."

John nodded at Clark. "Time to go up. Else Mama will make good on that threat."

They left the basement to meet the rest of John's family. His brother, Clay, and his wife, Blondel, and their two children, Natasha and Jamahl, were sitting at the dinner table with the senior Mrs Irons.

Mama was at the head and she gestured at them imperiously, "Go on and wash up and get back here. It's getting late now. You both have to eat."

Clark knew the whole family and found himself seated between the two kids and being served by Blondel.

"Mercy, Clark, you seem to have lost weight. That shirt is sagging on you. Here, take a double helping. How come you don't have anyone to cook for you yet is beyond me. You're a smart and nice looking boy. I know this cute girl I can introduce you to."

Clay said, "Come on, Blondel, let the boy live a little before he gets the ball and chain. How old are you, Clark?"

"Erm, twenty five."

Blondel made a face at her husband. "You didn't complain when you married me at twenty three. And who's talking about the ball and chain? I just want him to have a date. Jenny is a nice girl."

"Twenty five is old," pronounced eight year old Jamahl.

"Not as old as Uncle John," piped in Natasha.

John began, "Hey now."

Mama said regretfully, "Well, let's hope he does not wait as long as John. Clark, son, I hope by the time you're thirty five you're at least seeing someone with some prospect. It's one thing being smart but smart don't keep you warm at night. I miss Butter, God rest his soul. I know John has no one. But you're dating at least?"

"Umm…"

Clay queried, "I thought you were seeing someone called Heather?"

"No…not anymore."

Blondel said, "See, I can set him and Jenny up."

Clark declined politely, "Thanks, Blondel, but I really don't think I can. Work is very demanding and I…"

Mama shook her head. "What is it with young men today and fussing over their career? Time was you see a pretty girl…and you went for it. Take her to a movie, walk down the river, and watch the sun set..."

Natasha said slyly, "Jamahl has a girlfriend."

Jamahl protested, "I do not!"

"You do. Missy Collins said you kissed her in the gym."

Blondel looked at her son with a stern eye. "You did what?"

Clay's brows rose. "You starting early, son."

Jamahl protested. "Nat is lying! Missy kissed me and I don't like her and she's spreading it all over." He gave his sister a glare. "Kissing her is like kissing a shark."

John blinked at his nephew and half laughed. "Really? How's that possible?"

Jamahl pointed at his lip. "She cut my mouth with her braces. Uggh, I don't want any girls kissing me. Like ever. I am going to be like Uncle John when I get old. Work hard and never ever get married!"

Mama rolled her eyes. "Lord, the Irons men seem have gone to mush."

Clay grinned and winked at his wife. "Not this one. Right, sugar?"

John shook his head ruefully at his nephew. "Yeah, thanks for that, J."

Clark smiled. He sat back and watched the lively family and felt a twinge of longing and nostalgia. It was like the warmth he felt when Ma and Pa were alive. This was something he only experienced when he came to this house. Jimmy was his good friend but Jimmy was single and away from home too. It was something that seemed so far removed from his ability to achieve. A small part of him…the part that grew up in such a home…that remembered Lara and Jor-El…still wanted that.

Wishful thinking.

But he appreciated what he saw and the Irons family for at least allowing him to be part of it even if it was for short time.

Superman floated into the Batcave and landed gently onto the main platform.

A cowless Bruce Wayne was sitting before the Batcomputer. He was monitoring Gotham PD's broadcasts and the local news stations for any sign of criminal activity. So far the night was average. Nothing that the local cops could not deal with. Without turning he asked, "What do you want, Kent?"

"Sorry to bother you. But I need your help."

Bruce glanced over his shoulder. "Well, this must be important that you come to me at this hour."

"I'm just coming back off patrol and decided to come see you."

"Is it about what happened yesterday?"

"Yeah."

"Come by the Watchtower. Between Cyborg and Flash, there must be some way to help you deal with red sun radiation."

"Dr Irons is already helping me with that. I wanted to see you."

His voice was serious so Bruce half turned in the swivel chair and waited for him to continue.

"I need you to teach me hand to hand combat."

Bruce gave him an odd look and then snorted, "Oh, don't be silly, Clark."

Clark put a hand put to stop him swiveling the chair. "You are well versed in many forms of martial arts and one of the best known fighters around. When I got hit by Lobo and was depowered, I barely held my own. I don't want to have to rely on being rescued. Wonder Woman might not have been able to reach me on time."

"Look, I can show you moves but it takes years to master them."

Clark stated matter of fact, "I have an eidetic memory."

"The physical disparity between us is no mind to you?"

"Of course I don't expect to spar with you. I'm thinking I can create a program with your help and spar with my sentinels. Or least create a simulation whereby I can use what you teach me."

"Or you could go to someone who can do both without us having to waste our time with computers." Bruce's expression was quite clear.

Clark dropped his hands off the back of the chair. "No, I'm not going…"

"Why? Are you stupid?"

"Bruce…"

Bruce took up a pot of coffee near that sat by and poured himself a mug. "Clark, it would be much better dealing with something other than a robot or simulation and Diana is an expert warrior and very strong. She knows things I don't and more importantly she can actually go toe to toe with you. Coffee?"

Clark shook his head. "I can't abide it black."

"I could get Alfred to bring down…"

Clark raised his hand. "Not necessary. I could get it for myself in seconds. I know where your kitchen is. You'd drag the old man out of his bed for that? Seriously, Bruce?"

Bruce made a face. "He's up watching game shows. And don't let him hear you call him old. Anyway, back to who were discussing. Diana. When we spar she goes easy on me. We just use those sessions for me to pick up new moves and practice. Not for me to beat her hand to hand. I have to be stupid to think I could beat Diana that way. I need my other tricks. Same with you. You can't do it with me."

"I can't just go and ask her," he frowned and folded his arms across his chest.

"Why not? She's not unapproachable. She's actually very helpful. If you were there you'd know that," he said a touch sarcastically. "Mind you, I saw what you wrote. Why are you being so hard on her?"

"How am I being hard on her? What am I doing differently with her than anyone else I write about? She's making a huge mistake aligning with Edge. I told her that and she and I had some …words. I don't think she would be fan of Clark Kent after that." He told him about their little run-in at the Planet.

"Hmmm, so what's the difference between me and her, Clark? I'm born with a golden spoon too. You don't blog about me…. why not? I feel rather left out."

"I use to when I thought you an idiot playboy," he retorted with an unrepentant grin. "Bruce, you don't need to put yourself through all this but you do. You could use your money to better the world and endorse products and live in luxury. You'd still be considered a good guy. But you choose to put your life on the line every damn day…put your body under enormous stress…risk your life…have your bones broken, bullets graze you, weirdos attack your friends and associates. You don't have to put yourself through this kind of stress. You are not meta. It does not come easy to be the Batman. What you do is down to grit, determination, hard work and sacrifice. I know you barely have a personal life and thing is …you could…so easily. You could be on some yacht in the Caribbean with a bevy of beauties and yet you're here. I often wonder if I would be as strong to do what you do if I was only human. That's the difference, Bruce."

Bruce was gratified by that. He said in a gentler tone, "Clark, you never struck me as judgmental. Certainly you have strong opinions. I guess I was somewhat like you at twenty five. She's only doing what she is advised. Most people would tell her she was doing the right thing. It's also complicated for her because she is involved with Trevor. She feels a lot of loyalty to him and she won't consider he would mislead her…least not knowingly. I don't think he would either. I think he does care for her but he's part of the system that you are fighting against so he won't even recognize Edge for what he is. It's a tricky situation without us able to procure proof without breaking the law. Everyone has been paid off to be quiet or dead."

"I know. I know. I thought there was a time I could break into men's homes, and threaten to throw them off balconies and that it was justice." Clark smiled a little wryly at the memory. "While it was fun to make them pee their pants and pretend to drop them…I realized in time I was no better than they were using intimidation. There are rules. I can't go and invade Edge's home or business…it's as bad as wiring tapping and extortion… but if the fight comes to me or he threatens innocents I will take him and the whole damn military on."

Bruce took a sip of his coffee. "We still have not solved your problem though."

Clark frowned at him. "We could if you wanted to."

"It's not that I don't want to. I don't see the point. You have a perfectly good opportunity to ask Diana. She does not even know you're Clark Kent."

"Fine. I'll go program my own sentinels."

Bruce put down his mug and turned the chair to look at him squarely in the eye. "Are you attracted to her?"

Clark asked sarcastically, "Do I look like I'm dead, Bruce?"

"I see. Look, you're not asking her to go out. You're asking her to help you train. Why are you making this such a big deal?"

"This is coming from the man who is sitting at one pm behind a computer in a bat suit and who can't seem to find the will to bring in a certain cat burglar who offends repeatedly. She messes up your plans, doesn't she, Bruce? However well intended and determined you are…you try to ignore her…shake her…and yet you are compelled. You have no control. Yet you know you can't have more even if you're tempted to try."

Bruce was silent. He did not know Clark knew about Selina. He wondered how much he did know. His and Selina's relationship was a mess to say the least. They pushed and pulled at each other. He loved and hated what he felt when she was around him. They had been intimate several times. Costumes and masks on. Passion erupting. She did not even know Batman and Bruce Wayne was one man. He did not tell her and she never asked. She was dating some police officer last he checked. He told himself he did not care. He honestly wished it was true.

Bruce asked, "So, what now?"

"I was kind of hoping you'd still help me."

Bruce relented, "Fine. But you need to come to the Watchtower for that. My time is very limited. I'm on Monitor Duty this Friday perhaps we can start then."

"Thanks, Bruce. I'll owe you one."

Bruce's eye caught something on one of the monitors that linked up to the CCTV cameras. It looked like movement in the financial district. A group of masked figures accompanied by a man in a suit and half scarred face could be seen moving along the rooftops. His hand reached for his cowl.

"I won't forget it. Work calls."

"You need help?"

"No. I've got this."

Clark nodded. "Fine. See you at the Watchtower."

Diana leaned her head back against the leather upholstery of the limousine and stared out the window. Steve sat next to her. He was on his cell phone talking to a higher up from the Pentagon. They were discussing a break in at one of the installations that took place earlier in the evening. From his tone Diana could sense it was serious.

When he came off the phone, Diana asked, "Do they have any idea who did it?"

"No. No prints. No signs of forced entry. Nothing on the cameras. Must be an inside job. That's worrying. I've got to go to Nevada tomorrow."

"What went missing?"

"They said some data and equipment from a classified project they were working on. I'll see when I go." He slipped the phone in his pocket and looked at her face. "How are you doing? You were very quiet tonight."

She gave him a half smile. "I just have much on my mind."

He put his arm around her. "I know it must get tiring for you. That's why I hoped you'd enjoy yourself tonight. Just you and me at the restaurant and then a nice play. I thought you'd appreciate St Joan."

"Oh, it was very moving. Tragic. Joan was a true hero and adhered to her principles." Diana did not add that she was already feeling out of sorts and the play, as well acted as it was…actually left her feeling a little down.

Steve drew a straying tendril off her cheek. "Much like you."

"Oh, I hardly think so. I am not about to be betrayed and martyred, am I?"

Steve cocked his head at her. Her voice sounded a little brittle. He turned her face towards him. "What's wrong?"

She sighed. "Nothing."

"You sure?"

"Yes. I am. Really." She patted his cheek.

Steve drew her closer. "Come here. You look tired. I know your schedule is grueling. Maybe when I come back we can go away for a weekend? Maybe down to Maine? Book ourselves into a nice cottage on the beach?"

Diana mused, "Go away together?"

"Yes. But only if you want to." He held his breath.

It was the moment. He was asking her to take their relationship to the next level. They had kissed and done some petting but he got the sense that he needed to shift gears. She was so beautiful and desirable and he wasn't sure she knew the effect she had on men. He wasn't even sure she was aware of the extent of her own sexuality. She seemed to enjoy kissing and his caresses. But she never seemed to lose control. He was only human and he wanted to know she desired him as much as he did her and he wanted to show her what he could do. That male part of him wanted it badly.

Diana hit him with one of her blunt questions. "Steve, are you expecting us to have sexual intercourse?"

It was certainly a way to blow the romance of the moment.

But he knew from experience to be up front. Diana was still learning but she was no fool. "Er, yes, I am. I thought…well…we've known each other long enough now and dating for a while…we do what most courting couples eventually...er...do."

"I see." She frowned and chewed her lip. "This needs planning though."

"It does?"

"Well, I never had intercourse. I have read books though. I know what it entails. I have no disease. I assume you have none. I know the military would ensure you do physical examinations and have a clean bill of health, right?"

Steve was taken aback but managed to choke out, "Yes, I'm er…healthy."

"I do not catch ailments and my DNA, while humanoid, is different to your own and we should not take any chances. So we shall need some sort of protection. You have prophylaxis, I assume?"

"Yes, I have."

"Well that would take care of disease and pregnancy. But we will need to consider you are only human and I have a higher strength level. I would like to go away with you but I do not want to hurt you in any way, Steve."

Steve moved his arm around her shoulder. He really had pictured this differently in his mind. He would ask and she would say yes and they would kiss and she might even say she loved him. That she looked at this so practically and clinically certainly was not what he expected.

But her loveliness and charm was still very alluring. She had not said no. It's just the way she was saying yes left a lot to be desired.

He took in a deep breath. "Diana, sex is not a battle. Certainly it is about connection and caring. I'm sure we can do this without you…hurting me. Men are usually much stronger than women and they don't make love with the intention to hurt them."

"Well, I suppose you might be right. I presume you have a lot of experience bedding women so you know what you are doing?"

"What?"

Diana looked at the expression on his face and surmised correctly, "I will take that as a yes. I will try to go over Masters and Johnson again. Refresh myself on the stages of love making."

"You read Masters and Johnson? When you said you read about it, I thought you meant Cosmopolitan or something." He shook his head ruefully. "I should not be surprised."

"Yes. About a year ago. Very interesting book." The limousine stopped before her Embassy. She turned to him and asked, "Would you like to come in for some coffee?"

Steve shook his head. "I'd love to but I have to fly out early. I'll see you in a few days."

Diana nodded. "Wise. Have a good trip."

She allowed him to give her the customary good night kiss and got out. He watched her walk up the path to the front door.

The chauffeur turned to look at him. "To your base, Captain?"

Steve leaned back and shook his head. He really should go back to the base but he felt restless and for the first time since being with Diana was a bit disappointed by the way the night turned out. He felt he needed some air or a drink. "Ah, no. Can you drop me off down town? I'll take a taxi back when I'm ready."

The limousine dropped him off in the heart of city where there were restaurants, bars, lounges and clubs still open. It was only 12:30 and the night was still very young. He headed for a favorite jazz lounge of his. It was an underground cavern with great music, and food and a light and easy atmosphere.

He was a well known face and was greeted warmly by the staff. There was a band already on the small stage and the place was filled with customers. He was a good looking man and got several glances from women as he went in. He went to the bar and managed to find a stool and he ordered a drink.

He sipped his beer and listened to the music and on two occasions had to turn down a couple of pretty women who came to stand by him and try to strike up a conversation and flirt. He was flattered but he really was not there for that.

He was ordering another beer when a voice said behind him, "Can a girl buy you a drink?"

"Look, I'm not interested in…Oh." Steve's eyes widened and his lips curved in pleasant surprise. "Mad Dog?"

Lois Lane put her purse on the counter and sat down next to him. She was dressed in a slinky, black cocktail dress and sling back heels. She looked very pretty.

"Hello, Zipper."

"What are you doing in Washington?'

"I came to see mom and dad. What are you doing here? And all alone?"

"I just dropped Diana off and came here for a drink. I'm not intending to stay long. But are you alone?"

"No. I'm with some friends." She pointed to a table with a few ladies. "They don't mind I sit with you a bit. So, I can't believe you're dating a princess, Hotshot, and you never even gave a girl a hint. The Daily Star actually got that scoop!"

"The publicity was insane. I think they are kind of settling down now. We're old news so we only make the inside of papers now. What will you have?"

She winked. "A Screaming Orgasm."

"Ha. Funny, Lane. I can only get you one of them…not that I can't do the other…but you know…zip's up these days." He clicked his fingers at the bartender. "One Screaming for the lady."

She grinned. "I know. So what is it like dating the most beautiful woman in the world?"

He gave her a funny look.

She rolled her eyes. "It's off the record. Jeeze, Steve, I'm not the kind of friend to take what you say and put it in print."

He smiled. "Just checking. Can't trust you reporters. It's like nothing I've ever done before."

Lois tilted her head. "In a good way?"

He admitted, "It gets complicated at times. But she's a fascinating woman. There is nothing predictable about her."

She giggled. "Never thought I see this day. Steve Trevor : monogamous. Hey, could you get her to put a good word in for me with one of those hotties on that Watchtower? I mean, if you can date a swimsuit, I could date one of the tights."

"What, you haven't tossed yourself off a building and gotten Superman's attention yet? You're losing your touch, Mad Dog."

She got her drink and took a sip. "Mmm, that's great. Hey, I tried. He won't take the bait. He's a bit of a mystery, that one."

"So you're single?"

"Well, I have one guy I see occasionally. Jonathan Carroll. A fellow journalist…but he's from out of town. Nothing serious."

He gave her a curious look. "You're an attractive and sexy woman, Lois, why aren't you in something serious?"

"Yeah, well, I'm not the settling type. The thing I have with Jonathan suits me fine. I don't need anyone crowding me. But a girl has needs, you know? So do you come here a lot?"

"Yeah. This is kind of my haunt. Music is great."

"Isn't it? Hey, you want to dance? I haven't danced in months. Pickings in here are pretty lean."

Steve put his bottle down. "I would but you're still…"

Lois drained the cocktail in one go. "Done."

Steve laughed. "Same old Lois."

She picked up her bag dropped it on the table with her friends and then joined Steve on the dance floor.

He put a hand on her back and took her hand in his. "I can't dance the night away. I have an early morning."

"And a royal, amazon, princess girlfriend. I know, Zipper. This is just some fun. Come on; let's show these people what two army brats can do."

Steve laughed and for the first time that night he realized he was having fun.

Wonder Woman teleported into the Watchtower. She was down for duty along with Green Lantern, Aquaman and Batman. Batman was supposed to be doing Monitor Duty but she was surprised to see Arthur alone in the control room and the seat of the Monitor Womb empty.

"Good evening, Arthur. Where are Bruce and Hal? Have they been called out?"

"They're in the training room."

"Oh? What are they doing?"

"Sparring, I believe."

Diana's eyes lit up. She always enjoyed watching her colleagues spar and if there was a chance for her to jump in she took it. It was what kept her sharp and such a good warrior. And she had not trained for a couple of days with her schedule being so busy. She could do with an adrenaline rush. Bruce was interesting in the way he used strategy and gadgets to try to take her down and he never used the same tactics. Hal's imagination was wild and his attitude cocky. It was always fun to see what they came up with. "Oh. Is there any mission waiting for me?"

"No. It's quiet." He smiled recognizing her eagerness. "I'll call you if I need you."

Hal and Bruce sat in the control area located above the simulation room. This allowed them to look at the screens of Superman taking on the program that Batman used to train but the goons coming at him had been amped up to meta human strength. Superman had spent the last hour being schooled by Batman on the basics of the Keysi Fighting method. The Man of Steel did not have the time to adopt the elegance of the other martial arts. This was fast paced, close quartered and aimed at having multi foes attacking at once. It did not use kicks. It was all head, fists, shoulders, knees and elbows. There was sharp elbows and hammer fists and with the Kryptonian's enormous upper body strength much more effective.

Batman had gotten him to remove his heavy boots, cape and the top part of his armor. It was tradition to train that way and the boots would be in the way of him being centered and in touch with the elements.

In the first couple of encounters the program bested him in minutes but by the third time, Superman was managing to hold his own.

Hal leaned forward in amazement as he watched him take down opponent after opponent. "Wow, in one hour he remember those moves you taught him. Totally not fair!"

"Coming from a guy who gets to just think his way out of trouble with a ring?"

"Hey, concentrating takes skill and if you have a monkey mind like me it's even harder."

"You said it. I didn't." He spoke to the Kryptonian via the comlink. "Superman, if you finish this one successfully next time we can see about doing a program that will amp up the power levels. An alien alpha class or New God level. This was just really to ensure you remember the moves and learn how to anticipate and use them in the right way."

Superman slammed an opponent to the floor. "I can continue. I'm not tired."

"Well, I'm sure you could. But we need to create the program. I'll get Victor to see if he can work on that."

The door to the gallery slid open and Diana entered.

Hal turned. "Oh hey, Diana. How are you?'

She came forward curiously. "I thought you two were sparring. Who are you watching?"

She came to stand behind Hal's chair and her brows flew up in surprise. The last thing she expected to see was a topless, barefooted Superman in a training simulation in what looked to be a series of dimly light alleyways and streets where he was being attacked by deformed goons. She looked at the screen and saw he was in a grapple with his last two opponents. He used his elbow in the goon's neck and slammed its head on his knee. The other one came at him from behind and jumped on his back.

"Oh."

Hal enthused, "Supes is a beast, isn't he?"

Diana folded her arms and said critically, "It's not very graceful, is it? Rather dirty. No kicks?"

"He's not dancing, Diana. He's fighting for his life."

Bruce responded, "It's about efficiency. Superman does not have years to master disciplines. He can, however, use this to help him in situations whereby he is vulnerable and does not have access to his powers."

"But those opponents are very predictable. They are also weak."

"For him, that does not matter. Least not yet."

Hal turned. "Hey, why don't you go and take him on?"

Diana colored a little. "Me?"

"He says he isn't tired and wanted to keep going but Bruce does not have an upgrade for him yet. You'd be perfect. Bats, she'd be perfect. God, I would give anything to see his face. Let him think he's done and ambush him. Best way to learn, isn't it?"

Bruce turned to look at Diana. "Hal has a point. Of course that would depend on you."

"He might not want to…He and I really don't…" She stumbled for an excuse.

" Oooh, I think she's scared," teased Hal. "He is a Kryptonian, after all. I wonder if that lasso even works on him?"

Her eyes sparkled like jewels. "Watch me, Hal Jordan."

She stomped out the room.

Bruce gave Hal a cynical look. "You just want to see Superman make a fool of himself as you did in her lasso."

Hal sniffed, "Hey, it's not fair I was the only one to get caught up in it. Besides, tell me you're not looking forward to this?"

Superman grabbed the opponent on his back by the scruff of its neck and flipped it over his head. The goon landed on its back but rolled out of the way of his follow-up. He saw it come at him with a whipped kick. It connected with his jaw and sent him to the ground. He landed on his back.

A foot was about to come down at him when he saw a golden loop curled around the goon's ankle and a force yanking him hard and fast across the room. He rolled on his stomach to peer in the dim light of the alleyway and he saw the goon go down. The hologram vanished.

He blinked as he saw a figure with the glowing rope come towards him. His eyes narrowed as he saw a long pair of legs. Hitched to her right thigh was a short sword.

Superman's eyes ran up the length of the legs and up the blue and red uniform to her face.

"What are you doing here?"

She announced calmly, "I am your upgrade, Superman."

He was silent for a moment. He got to his feet. "Is this a joke?"

The simulation suddenly came to an end and the alleys and streets vanished and he was standing on the metal flooring. The lights flooded on and Batman's voice spoke in his comlink. "Wonder Woman has kindly decided to offer you a spar. You did say you were not tired."

He shot the control room a look and he could hear Hal's voice. "Whoops. I think he's going to fry us with those eyes."

Wonder Woman said with a challenging sparkle in her eyes, "If you do not feel you can do this, Superman, say so."

He turned back to her face her. His cerulean pools had an anticipatory glint. "No lasso. No magical weapons and accessories. No flight. No heat vision. No super breath. Just hand to hand."

She looked at the lasso and went to the side of the room where there were compartments in the wall with each hero's signature. She pressed a button, the panel opened and she secured it with her sword, bracelets and tiara.

She took her place before him. "Ready?"

He smiled thinly and gestured to her. "Bring it."

Diana let out a warrior's cry and launched herself at him. He saw her fists come at him and he brought his hands up to brace the impact. He deflected the first two successfully. She went under his guard and caught him in the rib with her knuckles and pivoted around him to kick him in the spine. He grunted and stumbled forward. When he spun around he could see her coming again. This time with her leg. He caught her ankle and lifted her up and over but she used the momentum to twist and land on her feet and hurled him over her head.

Superman slammed into the wall. He looked up to see her fists come at him and he ducked. She slammed her punch into the wall and dented the metal. He came around swiftly and grabbed her in a bear hug.

Diana gritted and tried to break free. She could feel his powerful frame squeeze her close and she could feel the heat of his flesh against her body. His hard chest was like a wall and his arms a vice. A smell wafted in her nostrils. The elements: the earth, wind, water, fire…with hints of spice and citrus…like nothing she ever smelled.

She gritted aloud, "Gods, you're strong."

He retorted, "I know."

Diana's eyes gleamed at that as she tried to break free. She pulled him forward. They swayed. But he was not letting go.

Her eyes fell upon his feet. They were bare. That would do.

The Amazon lifted her boot and she stabbed him in the instep with her heel.

Superman swore loudly and let her go. "Rao!"

Diana watched him hobble backwards and she smiled as if she enjoyed that.

He watched her warily even as he winced. For a minute there he thought he had her. He could hear Hal chortling. God, Bruce would get a piece of his mind for this set up!

Diana came at him again. This time she looked like she meant business. He was put into a defensive position, trying to keep her at bay even while taking well timed kicks and hits with her hand, fist and fingers. He got a couple in but nothing fell flush on her to destabilize her. She was agile, graceful and very skilled. She brought out moves he never saw before and it was a task dealing with them.

He landed on his back and face several times. It was frustrating. His pride was certainly taking a beating. He found a competitive edge he did not usually get a chance to give into rising. Well, he could go all day. He'd wear her down if he couldn't actually beat her.

"Your speed and power are your strengths, but your problem, Superman, is your defense is terrible and you have poor ground work. What will happen if I had my weapons?"

His eyes glowed a little. "Play dirty maybe?"

He stamped the floor and the whole Watchtower trembled. Diana had to bend her knees to steady herself. He decided to go all out and tackle her to the floor. He blurred at her and his arms grabbed her around the waist.

She felt herself being taken to the ground in the blink of an eye.

They rolled and grappled.

She was under him and his hands were pinning her wrists to cold floor, using his knees to wedge hers legs.

His eyes flickered in reluctant appreciation as he looked down at her. Such a lovely view it was. She really was so beautiful when she was irate. Damn it, what was his problem?

He asked gruffly, "Uncle?"

"What?" She looked mollified.

He realized she did not know what he meant. He amended, "Do you give up?"

She snapped, "Amazons do not give up!"

Her knee went up and she connected with the space between his legs. The armor jarred her knee and she grimaced. He smirked a little. She tried to use her hips to push him off. Their groins touched.

"Are you sure you want to go that route?

She growled in Themysciran, "Get off me, son of a diseased donkey!"

His lips twitched at her words. "Sure. Just say Uncle."

She glared at him and she tried to move her arms but he was very strong. He managed to keep her down. Diana could feel her cheeks growing flushed with the effort and annoyance. She did not like the twinkle in his eyes. She could feel herself get a little flustered at not being able to budge him and the feeling of him over her. None of the others had actually ever managed to get her in a position of submission.

If she had her tiara, she would butt his head. She really did not want to use her bare forehead against his and risk concussion. He probably had a thick skull. Her eyes swept along his chest.

Decision made, Diana raised her head as far as it could go and sank her teeth in his left pectoral major.

Superman fingers released hers immediately as he let out a sharp intake of breath. "Owww!"

Diana rolled and suddenly she was over him and straddling him, her hands pinning his wrists to the floor.

"You bit me?" he uttered.

She was breathing a little heavily but she managed to give him a mocking smile. "Two can play your game."

Hal turned to Bruce and complained bitterly, "Hey, no fair! How come she never straddled me? I always get her foot on my head and face?"

Bruce rolled his eyes. "Because you are always too busy trying to straddle her." Suddenly the room trembled. He frowned and spoke to them via the comlink. "Superman, I would suggest you give this one to Wonder Woman. No point shifting the satellite out of orbit."

Superman looked towards the control room. "I'm not doing anything."

The room shivered again.

Diana let his wrists go and looked around. "It's not him, Batman. It feels like the whole Watchtower."

Superman cleared his throat. "If you get off me, perhaps I could see what's going on?"

Diana colored and scrambled off him.

Arthur's voice suddenly could be heard aloud on the intercom. " Everyone, I need you up here now! The station is under attack!"

Author's Note.

Thanks for the reviews. I appreciate when you all take the time to read and give me feedback.

Jana Girl : I know we all have favorite versions of characters. But Superman never started out as a Boy Scout. That was never his origin. He has only been this way since the 1980ties when he was relaunched by John Byrne. He spent over 50 something years confident, bright, brash,tough, with a streak of mischief and a man of action. Different to the one you know but still the Superman many others love. It amuses me when people claim he is acting like Batman when Batman actually was more camp when he debuted. Superman debuted in 1938 and was throwing people off buildings and putting the fear of God in them long before Batman. He was also only leaping buildings in a single bound. He has evolved and will continue to evolve. He has gone back to the aspect of the social crusader...the man who stands up for those who can't stand up for themselves and fighting corruption no matter where it rears its head...this is how his creators envisioned him and over the years he actually lost some of that passion. He became mary sue. He could do no wrong. He was not allowed to have normal flaws. A modern Clark/Kal-El would have some flaws and like all of us is growing and learning. I do not believe he could be as reactive and a naive farmboy. To assume a sharp reporter working in the modern world would be like that is lazy writing and unfair to the character. One can be idealistic without coming across as a dim hick. And one can come from a farming background and be very tough, intelligent and realistic. Clark is not invincible. He's not perfect. He should be allowed to feel joy and pain and lose his temper and even make mistakes. It's how writers deal with it and with every chapter hopefully you will see the layers coming off and learning who he is. He won't be juggling planets here. :)

Arcadia: How kind of you to offer Clark your bed.

Kal'garion : I'm not sure Steve is a deliberate douche. I think he feels he loves and knows Diana and what she needs. The beauty of Aphrodite can confuse any man.

Donny : I actually love my Clark/Kal. :) Sorry you think he is acting a jerk. I guess it could be perceived that way if you keep comparing him to the boyscout who was Diana's friend from day one. But then ask yourself if the Boyscout of that canon, for all his niceness, was not more a jerk to Diana? Sacrifice, Asgard, WW 141 and so on come to mind. And he was supposed to be her trusted friend who on some level loved her. Diana is very beautiful and brave on the surface of things and Clark is trying not to let that sway him from his beliefs. Now if he got to know her...;)

Charles : Yes, in this new 52, when writing we have to remember it is a modern take and must reflect the here and now. The clash I thought seemed an interesting angle because it is clear Diana has an unfair advantage over Superman in the eyes of the authorities because Steve clearly fancies her wonder pants. I bet DC as usual skim over all of that.

Hero Strife: No, there is no mask. They are one and the same man. You will just see different aspects depending on the situation. You see more of Clark's personality because he gets to show it as a reporter. As Superman he opts for now not to get too close to people to show it. So far he opens up to John Henry Irons and Bruce Wayne because they know his secret and to some extent Jimmy, who is a good friend.

Shadowclaw: If you pick up Action Comics in the new 52 you will see that Krypton was suffering from earthquakes and Jor-El was already predicting that the core was unstable. But it was Brainiac, when he collected the city of Kandor, that accelerated it's destruction. Superman's dislike of a certain arm of the military is that from day one they hunted and tortured him and basically they just want to use him for their own ends.