I want to pull on your coat about something...

Phuket, Thailand

He didn't invite them to sit down. They did anyway. Bruce was on his left, Diana on his right. Clark took another drink, finishing the glass.

"Celebrating?"

It was Bruce's idea of being ironic.

"Something like that."

He could feel Diana's eyes moving over the bruises and cut on his face and hands. Her expression was one of concern.

"You should see the other guy."

It was a lame attempted, but all he could come up with.

"We did." She replied, looking him directly in the eye.

"I know."

"You knew we were there?" Bruce almost seemed surprised as he said this.

"Yes, you'd be surprised what you can see from in there,' Clark replied. He reached for the bottle and poured himself another drink. Diana gave him a disapproving look. Bruce, as usual, was unreadable.

"Wasn't that beating earlier punishment enough?' Diana asked. There it was, he thought, the first volley. He knew why they were here. Part of him even appreciated it, but the larger part just wished they would leave him alone. It had been a grueling night already. Emotions he hadn't been able to deal with had finally come to the surface. The bitter reality couldn't be denied any longer.

"It looked worse than it was,' he offered. He set the bottle down and picked up the glass.

"Yes, you managed to get up and win, this time,' Diana replied. "What happens next time when you can't get up?"

"I lose. I've lost before."

His words seemed to be referring to more than just the fight. Diana reached over and put her hand on his, stopping the glass before it got to his lips.

"Kal, I know you've suffered a horrible loss, but it does get better. It just takes time.'

He looked at her for a moment and then turned to Bruce.

"Does it, Bruce?"

Bruce clasped his hands together in front of him. He seemed to be studying his fingers for a moment. He seemed to be weighting his answer, but finally he just said the truth.

"No, it never does."

Clark glanced at Diana and then eased his hand away from hers and took another drink.

"You do learn to live with it, though."

Bruce was looking at Clark.

"It's your choice, really. What you do afterwards."

"Well, we all can't become Batman,' Clark replied.

"It seemed like a better choice than drinking myself to death or getting killed in a meaningless fight."

"Like I said, it looked worse than it was." Clark took another drink.

"We saw it, Clark or should I say Pale Horse?"

"That stupid nickname,' Clark groaned. He shook his head in disgust.

"It seemed pretty apt from where I was sitting. I've seen death wishes before."

"That isn't why they gave it to me,' Clark replied. "They gave it to me because Death always seems to follow me around. People are always dying around me."

Clark reached for the bottle again, but Diana grabbed it first. She looked at it for a moment and then tossed it away into the ocean.

"I won't sit here and just watch wallow in your pity,' she said.

Clark looked at her for a moment and then turned and signaled the bartender for another bottle.

"I have a tab,' he offered.

"I'll get this one,' Bruce said. He stood up and Diana was surprised.

"Bruce?" She started to protest, but he stopped her.

"Diana, if he wants to drink himself blind, we shouldn't stop him. Everyone deserves to make a fool of themselves,' Bruce replied and then walked towards the bar.

"Thanks, Bruce,' Clark sarcastically replied. He glanced over at Diana. "I'll just remove temptation."

He held his glass away from her and then stood and moved to the railing. He knew what was coming. He would have been more surprised if she didn't try. It might be ten years since they sat like this; Clark thought he knew her well enough.

This wasn't going the way she wanted it to. Since Bruce had told her he'd found him, Diana had been imagining what she would say. She'd run over scenarios in her mind, thinking of counterarguments for what she expected him to offer. On the flight over, she felt confident she could make a rational, heartfelt case to Kal, but then she saw the fight.

The fight had thrown her. Oh, she had seen more than her share of fights and even brutality in her years, that wasn't it. Frankly, she wasn't sure what it was about it that disturbed her so much. Perhaps it was the helplessness she felt as she watched him get driven into the canvass again and again. It was such a sickening feeling being a spectator to it all.

She thought on the way over here, she could still go ahead with her planned argument, but seeing his bruised and battered face up close rattled her. It had her out of step and now she wasn't sure what she could say. Standing up and moving over next to him, Diana made another attempt to reach him.

"Kal, I won't presume to know what agony you've been through, but this isn't the answer. It's a hard truth, but you're not the only one that's ever lost someone. Look around you, that unfortunately is the world we live in."

"You don't think I know that, Diana? He asked. "Maybe I'm just not as good a person as you, but I can't treat them all equally. Some … Some losses hit closer to home, that's just the way of things. Call me selfish if you want, but I don't seem to be equipped to care about strangers as much as I care about … about those close to me. I guess whatever 'Gods' that created me, weren't as wonderful as yours."

There it was again, the dig, she thought. He wants to provoke me, just like the last time. He wanted to get her angry so he could push her away. Oh, he is such an infuriating man, Diana thought.

"Leaving the Gods out of it for now, is this what you plan to do from now on,' Diana asked. She wanted to challenge him, just as he was challenging her. His dig had stung and in the heat of the moment she decided to give one back. "Being a drunken whore monger doesn't seem like much of a tribute to those you've lost."

She saw the anger flash in his eyes and knew she had stung him. She expected him to lash out at her, but not the way he did.

Clark finished his drink and tossed his glass away. He wanted to slap her or tell her to go fuck herself, but somehow knew that wouldn't end it. All he wanted was to end this, to get away from her and Bruce, but especially her. He moved in front of Diana and places his hands on the railing on either side of her. They were very close now. He looked into her eyes.

"Like I said, I guess I'm not as good a person as you are, Diana,' he whispered. "I'm sure it's weakness in your mind to want the touch of someone, to feel something, anything, even if it is for a few fleeting moments. Have you never felt that want, Diana? When you lie alone in bed at night, don't you ever dream about someone else touching you like that? Someone reminding you what it to feel alive?"

He reached up and ever so gently ran just the tip of his finger along her cheek.

Diana felt the anger stir inside her again. How dare he, she thought. Oh, he was without a doubt the most infuriating man she had ever met. Even Bruce, the most mercurial man ever created, didn't infuriate her like he did. Diana thought about the first time she had met Kal. He'd kissed her, full on, without even a hello or anything. She had been so caught off guard, so flustered, but by the time she was able to react, he was already apologizing and telling her why they wouldn't work.

He basically played out a whole relationship for them before she could even speak. The arrogance was overwhelming, she thought, yet his contrition seemed so genuine she didn't know how to react. Diana had been so new to the world; she didn't even realize at the time, he'd opened and close the door on them before she even considered there was a door to be opened. Now he was trying to do something similar, but 13 years had past.

Diana stood her ground, even took a step closer to him. She held his eyes as she whispered her reply.

"You said awhile ago, we only knew each other briefly a long time ago and that I really didn't know you at all, Kal. That goes both ways. What did you think I would do? Blush and run away? Do you really believe you're the first man I've had make advances towards me? I'm not the naïve innocent that just arrived 13 years ago, Kal. Are you so drunk or just arrogant you thought this would work?"

With just the tips of her fingers she gave him a shove, but it was hard enough to move him back. He bumped into the table, nearly stumbling, but caught himself.

Stupid, he instantly thought, and what was I thinking?

The sound of a bottle being set on the table caused them both to turn. Bruce was standing watching them.

"Wasn't one beating enough for tonight, Clark?"

Practical as always, Clark thought. He actually smiled for the first time all night.

"Yes, it is,' Clark replied. He moved away from Diana and then turned and looked at her.

"I apologize, I was out of line, Diana. I'm sorry, forgive me."

Before she could answer, he turned and held out his hand to Bruce.

"I should probably apologize to you too, Bruce and thank you,' Clark said. "I didn't before, but I appreciate everything you did … the funeral and all. I should have said so earlier, so thank you."

"That's what friends do, Clark,' Bruce replied, taking Clark's hand and shaking it. "Your welcome, I was more than willing to help. In fact, both of us still are."

"Yes, Kal,' Diana added. "That hasn't changed. We're still your friends, we want to help you."

Clark looked at both of them and then nodded.

"Thank you both. I certainly haven't acted like much of a friend and there is no excuse for that. Many things may have changed, but I still remember what gratitude is. I'm grateful for what you both are trying to do, but I think you're wasting your time in this case. Others can't help some things; it just doesn't work that way. I should go now. Thank you both, again."

"Kal!"

He was already walking away. Diana wanted to rush after him, to tell him he was wrong, but something held her back. One moment passed and then another, yet she didn't move from her spot. She felt Bruce's hand on her arm and turned to look at him.

"Let him go, Diana. He's right, some things you have to deal with yourself."

Diana saw something in Bruce's eye and she knew he wasn't just talking about Clark. He was another man haunted by tragedy.

"I don't believe that, Bruce,' she gently said. "Yes, ultimately it is an individual choice, but others can help you along the way. It doesn't have to be a journey taken alone."

Perhaps it was the advancing night or the way he was turned, but Bruce seemed to be in the shadows. He put his hands in his pockets and glanced out over the water. Whether he was still talking about Clark or himself, Diana wasn't sure.

"You may be right, but that's part of the choice too. Not all hands offered are of friendship, Diana. Maybe along that journey you come to believe the only one you can really trust is yourself."

They were silent for a moment. The whole night had not gone as Diana planned and it was frustrating. She so rarely felt thrown by anything anymore, it was surprising and exasperating when it did. Tonight had been one of those rare times.

"We should probably be getting back too,' Bruce said.

"This feels unfinished, Bruce."

"Yes, but things don't always work out the way we want them to."

Diana reluctantly agreed and they started for the door. As they were just about to leave, she glanced back and saw the unopened bottle on the table. Such an infuriating man.

Phuket - Andakira Hotel

It was a brand-new Hotel located in the heart of Patong Beach, just minutes away from shopping centre, nightlife entertainment and the beach. It had 104 rooms and suites that featured a contemporary modern design. It was beautifully furnished and equipped with all the comforts one could wish for.

A man stood on the balcony of a fifth floor suite with binoculars. He wasn't watching the sunset or the tourists' spots, but what was happening at the Togo Island Bar. Tom Tresser wasn't sure why he was here, but there was a need inside him to know. It wasn't like him to be jealous, it really wasn't. Of course he'd never dated anyone like Diana before. He'd always thought Wonder Woman was way out of his league.

Things had been good, very good with her. Diana was unlike any woman he'd ever known. She literally took his breath away every time he saw her. He fell for her hard right from the start, but knew he couldn't rush things. There were issues unique to dating her, but he thought he could handle them. For the most part he had, but one seemed to gnaw away at him, the other men in her past.

He'd been with other women and they're past lovers or boyfriends had never bothered him, but then again, they weren't Wonder Woman. It had taken awhile, but she had been open with him about the others she'd been with. It shouldn't have been a problem but it was. He couldn't help comparing himself to them. He was just a special agent for a shadowy government agency, while they were heroes and legends in some cases. The rumors he constantly heard of others didn't help either. He knew they were baseless and that she wouldn't lie about it, but once those thoughts were in his head he couldn't seem to get rid of them.

It had been just a spur of the moment call to see how she was doing. Her secretary told him she was out of the country. His first thought was she was working with the Justice League, but the secretary let it slip that she was on personal business. He then thought she'd probably went back to Africa, as that experience seemed to have a deep significance for her. A little checking showed she was in Thailand. She was traveling with Bruce Wayne, another name from her past.

Tom was already in South Korea on business so the urge to stop down was too much to resist. He'd been watching her all day. The ease with which she seemed to interact with Bruce bothered him. They were old friends she had told him once, but clearly there was more to it than that. Tom might have left it at that, but then they went to the fight. Why were they there, he wondered? It seemed out of character for Diana to go to something like that. Curiosity got the best of him again, so he bought a ticket. He stayed in the background, across from where Diana and Bruce were sitting.

When the fight started, he recognized Clark Kent immediately. It had been years since their brief meeting, but he'd hardly changed at all. The fight was brutal, but Tom wasn't watching it as much as he was watching Diana. Her eyes never left the ring. She seemed to be suffering right along with him, wincing at every blow. He thought he knew her, but this was a side he'd never seen before. Her emotions seemed to be so intense, so open. She was never like that with him.

After the fight, he kept his distance. He didn't follow Diana and Bruce, but Clark. The bar was within easy surveillance of his hotel room. Tom couldn't say he was surprised when she showed up. Superman and Wonder Woman together again, it was like some bad cliché. He wasn't just a ghost from her past; he was flesh and blood again.

Phuket - Le Chabanais

Julian sat back and looked around with a smile on his face. Business was good tonight, but then it usually was. He had enjoyed the fight immensely, but was a little disappointed Kal hadn't come back with him and Suzette. Julian's eyes wandered over to the staircase just as Suzette and another client were descending. They hadn't been upstairs long, but the man didn't seem disappointed.

Suzette fawned over the client, blushing and complimenting him on his skill. He ate it up and never questioned her sincerity. She is so good, Julian thought, she always knows just how to handle them, but then that is what makes her so special. As she ushered the client to the door, Julian watched her. It was all smiles on her beautiful face, until the door closed. The façade dropped then. The client was completely forgotten as if he'd never existed.

She saw Julian sitting alone and walked over to his table. His smile got bigger as he gallantly stood up and held her chair. Silently he signaled the bartender for champagne. Suzette loved champagne and he liked keeping his best girl happy. She thanked the bartender and he smiled in gratitude. She just naturally seemed to please men, all men. As she delicately took a sip from her glass, her eyes moved over the room.

"It seems to be a good night,' she observed.

"Yes, but not for you,' Julian replied.

"Why do you say that?"

"You've been expecting him, haven't you?"

There was no benefit for her to lie, so she didn't.

"Yes."

"You like him."

It wasn't a question, but a statement.

"Yes."

"Good, good, one should always enjoy their work,' Julian said. "A little danger always adds some spice to life."

"You think he's dangerous,' she asked, sipping her champagne.

"Don't you?"

"Yes, but not in the usual way,' she admitted.

"Ah, you see it too,' Julian replied, nodding in satisfaction. "He is a good man; perhaps he was once even a great man. Very rare these days, yet very dangerous."

"That's why you're interested in him, isn't it?"

"Yes."

"Your hobby?"

"You know me too well,' Julian said with a laugh. "I have lived a long life and there are so few things that interest me anymore. My vices have, shall we say, reached to the exotic, the very rare. It gets harder each year, but one must find pleasure where they can."

"And watching a good man fall is your vice,' Suzette replied.

"Yes and if I can give him a gentle nudge along the way, so much the better."

He held up his glass and she touched hers to it. They sipped their champagne as Nine Simone's This Years Kisses played over the jukebox.