Part 10- The Roundtable

All the members were seated at the table awaiting Clark's arrival. Clark super sped from Bruce's bedroom to the meeting. When he made it to the door, a feeling of dread flooded his senses. He would have to conduct a discussion as if nothing had happened, as if he didn't just have the shock of his life. Clark took a deep breath and tried to put on his best smile. He knew how to fake happiness he had done it many times during his teenage years.

"Hello, everyone. It's nice to see all of you," he said looking over the table to see Wonder Woman's hand shaking a bit. She was nervous. He threw a subtle smile her way and noticed the shaking slow down.
"Well, I guess Dysia was a success," Shayera said.
"Yes, me and Diana were able to reconstruct many major roadways, bridges, and homes. The people have really banded together," he said as he sat in the middle chair.
"Did anything interesting happen during your stay?" Green Lantern asked.
Clark looked over at Diana and then at Bruce.
"Well, I discovered that spicy tekula can really do a number on my stomach, " he said with a fake laugh.
"What's tekula, Supes?", asked the Flash.
"It's kind of like ham but it's from this really bizarre purple animal that resembles a dinosaur more than anything else."
"Sounds...tasty."
Clark genuinely laughed this time. Once again Flash was able to distract him from the stressful secrets he was keeping.
"Now that pleasantries are over, can we start the meeting?", asked J'onn.
"Oh, of course. Got a bus to catch?", Clark asked with a smirk.
"Sorry if I seemed rude. I just feel really exhausted."
"It's alright. Are you sure you're okay?"
"I think I'm just recovering from that mind wipe I did of the city, a week ago. So many thoughts at once really depleted my energy."
"I understand. I'll try to make this as brief as possible," he said as he took out his notebook.

Clark could feel both Diana's and Bruce's eyes following his every move. Bruce was concerned that Clark would fall apart at the seams, and Diana was worried he wasn't putting up a good enough act for their friends to believe.
"So, first on the agenda is the "Justice For All", charity dinner. The money raised will go toward rescuing children from slavery in poor or developing nations. Lara Croft, James Croft's aristocrat daughter, is hosting the event. She has invited League members to make an appearance and even give a speech. She really wants you to give the speech," Clark said as he pointed to Batman.
Clark noticed Bruce's jaw tighten at the mention of Lara Croft.
"I don't give speeches."
"Well, I can give it, but she asked for you specifically. She's putting up a lot of her own money for this cause, and if she wants Batman do give a speech I don't think that's much to ask. Anyway, the League is about helping people. You giving a speech could further the cause in ways no one could conceive and..."
"Fine, I'll give the speech. Stop with the lecture."
Good, Bruce was now distracted for a while. Clark was grateful that Bruce was so wrapped up in his, apparent fear of public speaking, to notice anything amiss between himself and Diana.
"Second on the agenda, the navigator jet needs to be taken in for a service check. John it's your turn to take it in."
Clark heard the groan of his friend.
"Third, Zatanna's birthday is Friday does anyone have any ideas on the party? Diana?"
"Oh, well, she does love Thai food. I guess I could fly to Bangkok to get her favorite dishes. She also loves red velvet cake."
"Okay, Diana. You know her best maybe you could head the party preparations?"
"Sure."
Diana was now too busy thinking about the party to study Clark's every move. He could relax a little.
"Well, that's about all for today. Does anyone have anything to bring up or any questions?"
"I have a major gripe. Can you talk to Black Canary and Green Arrow. Their arguments can go sometimes in to the early morning hours and I haven't slept well in two days, " Shayera said as she shook her head.
Clark smiled inwardly. So, they got together after all. He felt happy for Oliver. His friend never really gave himself over to a woman before, and he knew that Dinah had to be special if he would abdicate his power to her.
"I'll talk to them. Does anyone else have anything?"
The members all shook their head.
"Okay then. This meeting is adjourned."
The members got up and began to leave the room. Diana noticeably walked to the window and began staring out. Bruce went beside her. Clark wondered what Bruce was saying. Clark saw Diana smirk. Batman walked out the door with a subtle nod to Clark.
"So, the meeting went well," Clark said as he neared Diana.
"Better than I thought...why did you put me on Birthday duty?"
"You and Z are close friends I thought you'd want to.."
"Of course we're close friends but Kara usually heads those activities. She loves hosting parties."
"This is true, but Kara needs to focus less on partying and more on training. Anyway, you'd plan a killer party," he said as he put a hand on her shoulder.
"Kal, is something wrong? You seem a little different."
"Nothing is wrong. I just need to get reacclimated to the old work day."
"I know what you mean. Between working at the embassy and fighting crime, I feel a little stretched to my limit."
Clark looked around to see if anyone was watching before he got closer to Diana.
"What was Bruce saying to you?"
"Oh, he was just saying that the League missed me, meaning him. Don't worry about it."
" Yeah, a billionaire playboy who had a previous relationship with you, says something flirtatious like that and I shouldn't worry about it."
"Don't get jealous...and he wasn't flirting. Batman doesn't flirt. Bruce Wayne flirts. Anyway, we're still friends Clark. Friends miss each other."
"You're right. I'm sorry. I guess I'm just a little stressed right now and seeing him talk to you just got under my skin."
"It's alright."
Diana leaned in closer.
"Are we still on for tonight?", she asked.
"Yeah, we're meeting at the Midland Bed and Breakfast on route 40. It's a nice, inconspicuous place. We can have the whole night to..."
Clark whispered the rest in her ear. Diana's face became red.
"Kal, I never thought you could be so risqué."
"There's a lot of things you don't know about me, Diana."
Clark shuddered a little at his own comment. The image of Lois came back to him at that moment. He had to be careful not reveal anything. Diana could always tell when something was off.
"Well, I better get the data reports into the computer. I'll see you later," he said suddenly.
"I'll see you later, Kal."

Clark knew he would have to do some of his own investigating. He had four hours until his tryst with Diana. He would have to go out on his own patrol of Gotham to find out the truth behind the Lois look alike. He hoped he didn't run into Bruce on his way. Gotham was Batman's city, and he didn't want to get into a huge argument with Bruce over it. Clark would never usually break this cardinal rule but he needed answers and they could only be found in Gotham.