Events Collide

Washington

Due to events, Clark's date with Diana had been pushed back. Saving the world has a way of interrupting scheduled plans. Much to the pleasure of Kara, Courtney and Mary, the date had been rescheduled for the weekend, thus their punishment had been put off. A few crocodile tears and fake looks of disappointment later, the three young members gleefully exited the Watchtower intent on celebrating.

Clark stood in front of the Embassy, just one of the many tourists that passed by everyday. He adjusted his tie and looked down at the orchids in his hand. There was no doubt this was a date, but for the life of him he wasn't sure why. He'd always been friends with Diana, but she'd never suggested or even hinted she wanted more than that with him, as far as he could remember. Suddenly she wanted a date. This made him wonder if it was just him or something else was motivating her.

Karen.

The night in jail had been something of a revelation to him. They really didn't like each other much. He'd started to rethink what Karen's reason for asking him out might actually be? Could she have just wanted to annoy Diana? In turn did Diana just want to get back at Karen? Whatever the reasons he found himself smack dab in the middle of two gorgeous, powerful women.

The problem, well, the main problem was that he liked them both. The date with Karen had been better than he would have imagined. Sure, the end wasn't so hot and it had proved rather costly but up until then he was really enjoying himself. She was beautiful, smart, fun and a little playful. It was a side of her he hadn't seen before and he liked it. There was also the idea that he didn't have to worry about being with her. She wouldn't break if his concentration slipped for even a moment like 99.9% of the women he knew. Going out with a woman like that was so special, he sometimes wondered if it would ever happen.

Now it was happening a second time.

Diana.

What words hadn't already been used to describe Diana? The consensus among the general public was she was the most beautiful woman in the world. Talk about pressure, a date with the most beautiful woman in the world certain fell into that category. Most would say he should feel exceptionally blessed that she was actually going out with him. Most men would crawl across broken glass on their knees just for the slim possibility of going out with her. She was a Princess, almost otherworldly in some respects, totally beyond most men.

But she was also just Diana, at least to Clark.

Frankly he thought she was still interested in Bruce or Tom up until the moment she asked him to take her on a date. Talk about your uncomfortable moments, Clark mused; she just had to ask in front of Karen. He might be the most powerful man on the planet, but even he didn't want either of these women pissed at him. He was pretty sure one of them, Karen, was already unhappy with him.

For the life of him, Clark couldn't figure out what was going on. It wasn't like he was a playboy or something. That was Bruce and Ollie's territory. Hell, he'd only been out with three or four women in his life that hardly made him an ideal candidate for a Romeo. Wally probably had more dates than Clark did. Frankly, before going out with Karen he couldn't remember the last date he was on. Maybe in college he thought?

Zatanna.

Well, you really couldn't count that as a date, exactly.

Then there was the fact he had a sneaking suspicion she wasn't going to like the idea of him having a date with Diana either. Great, three really, really powerful gorgeous women and I'm stuck right in the middle of them, Clark lamented. Somehow he doubted this happened to Batman. He made a mental note to ask Bruce how he did it, juggle so many women at the same time. It was amazing if you think about, Clark pondered. Here was Bruce, Mr. Anti-social, yet he had what, dozens of women interested in him? Add to that all the young boys he seemed to always be mentoring, it was a miracle he had any time to actually be Batman.

Kids.

I'm going to be a father, Clark remembered. He'd been so caught up in that idea he hadn't really thought of much else. It had never seemed like a possibility before, but now it was so real. His mind drifted back to that night with Zatanna and a smile came to his face. It had been really good. She was so different than most of the women he knew and not just the magic part of it either.

"Kal? Is something wrong? You've been standing in front of the Embassy for almost ten minutes?"

Clark pulled himself from his internal thoughts and gazed up at the front door. Standing there was Diana. She looked radiant. He couldn't help notice that many of the people on the street had stopped and were just looking at her. Well, at least I'm not the only one, he thought.

"Kal?"

"Hmm? Oh, right, um, yeah, I was just about to knock,' he finally offered, moving towards the steps.


San Francisco

Zatanna sat at her dining room table, slumped forward her head on her forearms. She had an expression that said she was miserable. Across from her sat Madame Xanadu, who was trying to cheer her up. She wasn't having much success.

"So you took a home pregnancy test last night and it came up negative,' she said. "Maybe it's just too soon. Did you ever think of that?"

"I got my period this morning."

"Okay, so those tests are really good."

"Why is this so hard, Nimue,' Zee asked. "Is it karma? Am I a bad person or something?"

"No, but you're an idiot if you think that,' Nimue replied.

"Thanks for cheering me up, you can stop now."

"Oh, don't be like that,' Nimue said. "I just meant you're reading too much into this. So it didn't happen the first time, so what? Do you really think it always happens the first time? Please, that would be like saying in baseball the batter hits a touchdown every time."

"That's football, in baseball it's a home run." Zatanna corrected her.

"I don't know anything about sports, it just seemed like a good time to use one of their metaphors,' Nimue admitted. "It all seems rather pointless when you get right down to it. They are always doing something with a ball, hitting it or throwing it and then chasing after it. If you have the ball, why not just keep it and run away? That way you'd always have it."

"That's called smear the queer, Nimue,' Zee replied.

"Why?"

"I don't know, it just is."

"Do they just smear the gay men or lesbians too?"

"It's just whoever has the ball, regardless of sexual orientation,' Zee explained.

"So why is it called smear the queer? Why not call it smear the ball carrier?"

"It rhymes."

"Well, that's true,' Nimue admitted. "Anyway, what I was trying to get to was nothing's a sure thing, honey. So it didn't happen the first time, maybe it will happen the next. You just can't give up."

"I guess,' Zee replied. It was half hearted at best.

"Your enthusiasm is underwhelming me,' Nimue said. "Let's get your mind off it for awhile, what do you say?"

"Sure."

"How about dinner? My treat?"

"Food's not going to help this time, Nimue,' Zee replied.


Metropolis

Kara, Courtney and Mary were at Clark's apartment getting ready for a night out on the town.

"Are you sure Clark won't mind us being here,' Courtney asked.

"Na, he's got his date with Diana tonight,' Kara replied. "By the way, you both can thank me for that."

"Why thank you?' Mary asked.

"I loaned him the money to take her out,' Kara explained. "I didn't want him to look like a cheapskate. Oh, that reminds me, he covered both of your bails, so if you want to you can just give me the money and I'll pass it along."

"I don't have that kind of money right now,' Courtney said.

"Me neither,' Mary admitted. "But once things get going with Miss Lane, I will! Teens Three! That's going to be great!"

"Yeah, but do we have to go with that lame name?" Courtney asked her two friends.

"It is a little hack,' Kara replied.

"I like it,' Mary offered.

"And my point is proven,' Courtney said.

"Why doesn't Mr. Superman just make some diamond if he needs money,' Mary asked, ignoring Courtney's insult. "I thought he could just take a lump of coal and crush it in his hands and make a diamond?'

"Well, yeah, he can,' Kara admitted. "He says that's cheating though. I don't really understand it all, but it has something to do with a work ethic or something. If they get you young out on the farm, you're doomed. You get all these weird ideas about what's right or wrong."

"Hey, if he can do it, can you,' Courtney asked.

"Yes, but he made me promise not to,' Kara replied. "It's probably for the best really. Can you imagine the questions that would come up if every couple of weeks I walked in somewhere with a handful of diamonds to sell? I'd probably have the De Beers people all over me and those are not a bunch you want on your tail."

"So are we going out or just going to stand here all night?"


Washington

Diana walked next to Clark as they made their way towards the restaurant. It was a warm night and people were milling about. They hadn't spoken much, but that was okay. Frankly, Diana wasn't sure what to expect from this date. In her limited experience, things hadn't worked out especially well. Most of the men had stared at her chest the whole evening. There had been one that asked if he could try on her costume. That date ended very quickly.

This date if she was honest with herself and she usually was, had been an impulsive and rash thing. Once Kara had put the idea into her head, Diana found she couldn't think of anything else. Seeing Kal sitting with Karen bothered her more than she wanted to admit, so she just went up to them and asked.

Now she was on a date with Kal.

Well, she thought, it's starting out okay, he's at least not staring at my chest. It is strange how he was standing out in front of the Embassy all that time. Perhaps he didn't want to be on this date, she thought. Was he doing it just out of obligation? Diana found she didn't like that idea and decided to confront him.

"Kal, do you want to go out with me,' she asked directly. "I know you said you'd do anything, but if you really don't want to I'll understand."

Clark turned and looked at her for a moment. He smiled thinking was she serious? Yes, of course she was. The most beautiful woman in the world had just asked if he really wanted to go out with her or if it was just out of obligation. Strange days indeed, he mused.

"Yes, Diana, I'm happy to go out with you anytime,' he finally replied.

"Oh, well, good-good,' she said. "You do know this is a date, don't you Kal? I thought I was very clear on that, but I don't want there to be any confusion. We are on a date and that's why I asked if you wanted to go out with me."

"Yes, thank you for clearing that up for me,' Clark said with a smile. "Yes, I want to go out with you, Diana. Thank you for asking me."

"You're welcome."

Diana liked his answer. A smile spread across her lips as she dipped her head, afraid she might be blushing. He surprised her a little when he reached over and took her hand in his. She looked at him questioningly.

"I think I'm the one that should be thanking you,' he offered. He gave her hand a light squeeze and returned her smile.

"You're welcome again,' she said softly.

He just felt the need to tease her, just a bit.

'Yes, I should really thank you. I mean me, some nobody from the sticks out with a Princess, wow! Maybe later could I get your autograph?"

"Kal!" Diana grumbled and then punched him in the shoulder.

"Ow! I know, don't call you Princess,' he replied.

"Thank you for remembering,' she said.

"Well, you keep hitting me so it's kind of hard not to."

"Good, then it's working."

The smile on her lips got just a little bigger as they continued walking, hand in hand.


Gotham

Bruce stood at the window of his study looking out on the back lawn. Damian was out there playing or what passed for playing with him. His conversation with Zatanna was still nagging him. Yes, he would admit, he wasn't the proto-typical father, but was that such a bad thing? Most fathers were clueless about where their sons were most of the time. Bruce knew exactly where his were at all times. He'd inserted a GPS chip under their skin, so he could.

Doesn't that show he cared?

So what if he wasn't tossing the ball around with them or building model airplanes, those were pointless exercises for the most part. He supposed throwing a ball would help with hand eye coordination and building a model airplane would help with patience, but they really weren't that utilitarian when you get right down to it.

From Dick to Damien, he'd tried to teach each one how to protect themselves. It was a dangerous world and they always had to be on guard. He'd done his best to instill a sense of morality and justice, while empathizing their physical training along with offsetting it with a rigorous mental education. He was preparing them for the world, to stand on their own and be men.

Thomas Wayne.

Yet when he thought of his own father, it was the quiet moments that came. The two of them talking over breakfast or his father reading him a bedtime story. His father was a busy man yet he always seemed to have time for Bruce. His father and mother had made this mansion a home.

Bruce found himself wondering if his boys looked at it the same way?


Washington

Clark sat across from Diana in the small outdoor café. It was in the middle of a park and there was a band playing a free concert. They created quite a stir when they entered, or more accurately, Diana created quite a stir. He'd known her for some time now, but he had to admit it was always amazing watching her walk into a room. Every eye was instantly on her, yet she seemed to notice none of it. He knew something of what that was like as Superman, but that was one of the reasons he was Clark Kent too. The constant attention got so overwhelming at times; he needed a break, yet somehow she managed it effortlessly. As he watched her eyes shifted around, taking in everything he couldn't help being a little playful.

"So how do you think the date is going, Diana,' he asked. "I want to make a good impression this being a first date and all."

She caught the teasing tone in his voice and smiled. She sat there for a moment just looking at him.

"It's satisfactory, so far," she finally replied.

"Satisfactory, huh?'

"Yes, so far."

"Well as a Princ-Ambassador,' he started, quickly correcting himself when he saw her temper flash in her eyes. "As I was saying, as an Ambassador, I'm sure you're used to fancier surrounding but I thought you might like a change."

"Oh, the surroundings are fine, Kal,' she teased. "You are better than many dates I've been on."

"Oh, really? Well that's good to know,' he replied. "How did I move up the ladder, if you don't mind me asking?"

"You haven't been staring at my chest the whole evening."

"Well, maybe later. More wine?"


San Francisco

Zatanna and Madame Xanadu sat at a comfortable table at the Fifth Floor Restaurant & Lounge. The food was excellent. Their meal began with Asparagus and Hearts of Palm Salad, speck, sorrel, Aleppo pepper, and pink lemon vinaigrette. Brillat-Savarin Ravioli - hedgehog mushrooms, sage, brown butter, pistou, wilted chicories, followed this. For the main course, they had Louisiana Red Snapper- melted green garlic, artichokes, asparagus, capers, preserved Meyer lemon-cabernet vinaigrette.

The service was excellent, as they apparently knew Madame Xanadu. Conversation was minimal as they both devoured their dinners.

"So are you feeling better,' Nimue ventured.

"I guess, a little,' Zee replied. "I just was so sure it was going to happen, you know. I was prepared and ready. I was even starting to think how I would redecorate the apartment for the baby, but now that's not going to happen."

"Yes it will, you just have to try again,' Nimue said. "Try harder this time, really put some effort into it."

"It wasn't like a was sleeping walking through it the last time, Nimue,' Zee countered. "I'm mean sure there were some awkward moments, but it was really good."

"Well, then maybe he needs to try harder,' Nimue suggested.

"What do you mean?'

"Well, if you think about it, he's Superman. " Madame Xanadu dropped her voice to a whisper as she said his name. "He's probably used to everything being easy for him. I mean he can fly, move planets, shoot those rays from his eyes, plus he's invulnerable, right?"

"Yeah, I guess. So?'

"Well, maybe he doesn't have to try that hard at anything," Nimue continued. "With all those gifts, he is pretty much naturally talented at everything. Maybe he thought he was naturally talented at that too."

"Huh? He tried, I was there, remember?'

"But did he give it one hundred percent?"

"I don't know,' Zatanna replied. "How exactly do you measure that sort of thing?"

"A woman knows, honey, trust me,' Nimue said with a smile.

"I thought he was trying,' Zee offered. "It certainly felt like he was trying. He is pretty good at it. Yes, definitely, he was trying, no question about it.'

"100% trying?"


Gotham

Bruce walked out into the backyard and stood watching Damian for a moment. The young boy must have sensed him, as he stopped what he was doing and turned to look at his father.

"What?"

"What are you playing,' Bruce asked.

"I'm not playing! I'm practicing! There's a difference,' Damian stated.

"Okay, what are you practicing then?"

"Killing ninjas and zombies."

"Oh, I see,' Bruce replied, a small smile just touching his lips. "I was wondering, you wouldn't want to toss the baseball around, would you?"

"Why?"

"It's just something people do,' Bruce explained. In his head he was thinking it was something fathers and sons do, but he kept that to himself. "So what do you say, you want to toss the old horsehide around for a little bit?"

"The what?' Damian asked, clearly lost as to the reference.

"The baseball, Damian, would you like to toss the baseball around with me?"

"Is this a test?"

"No, why would you think that?"

"You never wanted to before,' Damian replied. "How about a knife fight instead?"

"Clearly you've spent too much time with you mother,' Bruce grumbled. "How about just tossing the baseball for now?"

"I guess,' Damian tentatively said, still not sure if this was a trick or not. "I don't have a glove."

"I got you one,' Bruce said, taking his hands from behind his back and holding out two baseball gloves. Damian slowly walked over, his eyes focused on the glove.

"You'll have to put down the knife though. It makes it hard to catch and throw,' Bruce explained.

Damian seemed torn. He really liked the knife, it was very sharp, but his father was offering him a gift. He wanted the gift. Reluctantly, he put the knife away. Bruce extended the glove and the young boy grabbed it eagerly. A smile spread across his face as he slipped it on his hand and felt the cool leather against his fingers.

"Nice."

"Okay, move back a little and I'll toss the ball to you,' Bruce said.

Damian immediately rushed back several yards and held up the glove. Bruce lightly tossed it and the boy managed to catch it on the first try.

"Excellent,' Bruce said with a smile.

"It's not that hard, it's just catching a ball,' Damian said dismissively.

"Okay, now you toss it back to me,' Bruce replied. Damian raised his arm and tried throwing the ball as hard as he could. His aim wasn't quite there yet. A crash of one of the mansion windows soon followed. Damian stood rooted on the spot, waiting to get yelled at. Bruce looked from the window to his son.

"Okay, let's try it with you standing towards the house and me standing towards the yard,' he finally said.

"Um, okay.'

The backdoor opened and Alfred was standing there holding the baseball.

"Did one of you happen to lose this?' He asked.


Washington

Clark and Diana had finished dinner and were taking a slow walk around the park. She took his hand this time. The music from the band seemed to linger in the air, almost following them as they walk.

"I like this song,' Diana said.

"It is nice." Clark agreed.

"Back home we used to have festivals at all the major holidays and there would be food and music,' she reminisced. "After dinner there would always be dancing and my sisters and I would enjoy immensely. I've noticed the same thing at many diplomatic dinners, but most times I just sit and watch."

"I'm surprised you aren't swamped with invitations to dance,' he replied.

"Oh, I get asked, but after the first few times, I stopped,' Diana said. "Having my feet stepped on while their hands tend to stray isn't exactly enjoyable."

"No, I don't imagine it is,' he agreed. "Takes some guts though, trying to cop a feel of Wonder Woman, they must have a death wish."

"I'm so glad I'm amusing you, Kal,' she replied, giving him a looking.

"It was just an observation,' he offered.

They walked in silence for a while.

"So you're really not going to ask me to dance, Kal,' Diana finally said. "I thought I was pretty obvious with my hint."

"Is that what that was," he asked. He looked at her and smiled, but just continued walking.

"Well?"

"Okay, if you insist, I guess we could,' he replied.

"Oh, you think you're so funny, don't you,' Diana said, taking her hand away from his.

"Sorry. Diana would you do me the pleasure of dancing with me? Please?"

"I shouldn't but since you asked so nicely, yes,' she replied.

Clark moved closer, but not too close and took her in his arms. She slipped her arms around his neck and they began to dance. The music drifted over them as they danced under the stars. Diana found herself moving closer to him, liking the contact. She could feel his hands gently holding her waist as they swayed to the music.

"You're a very good dancer, Kal,' she said to him.

"One of my hidden talents," he replied. ""I'm also really good at painting ceilings."

She stepped on his foot deliberately and pressed down hard.

"Ow. Okay, sorry, you're a great dancer too,' he offered.

"Thank you."

"So am I moving up on the list of dates,' he asked.

"Yes."

"I haven't looked at you chest once, I hope you noticed,' he teased.

"That's not exactly true, is it, Kal,' Diana said with a smile. "You didn't think I noticed during desert, but I caught you."

He let out a laugh and she joined him.

"Okay, guilty,' he admitted. "It was just a quick peek, come on, it wasn't a stalker stare or anything."

"Don't worry, Kal, I didn't mind,' Diana replied. "You weren't the only one taking a peek."

"Oh really? Care to elaborate?'

Before she could respond, Clark's phone went off. He stepped back from Diana.

"Sorry, but it might be important."

"It better not be Karen,' Diana grumbled under her breath. Clark looked at her and then answer his phone.

"Hello? What? Okay, slow don't, slow down,' He said. "Okay, I'll be there in a few minutes. Yes, I promise. I'll see you soon."

He hung up and turned to Diana.

"I'm sorry, but something came up and I have to go,' he said.

"Do you need any help,' she asked.

"No, thanks, but I can handle it,' he replied. "I'm sorry to cut this short, but I did have a great time tonight, Diana."

"I did as well,' she offered.

"I'm glad,' he said with a smile. "I hope I moved up on the list of your dates."

She smiled at his teasing and then he lifted off with a wave. She stood there watching him for a moment, thinking that he was at the top of the list.


San Francisco

Dinner was excellent and they had shared several bottles of wine. Madame Xanadu accompanied Zee back to her apartment but then had to leave. Apparently she had a date.

After she left Zatanna put on some Nina Simone and opened another bottle off wine. She poured herself another glass and sat down on the couch. As she listened to the music and sipped the wine, her mind drifted back to her conversation with Nimue at the restaurant. How could she know if he gave 100%? He was Superman, she just assumed everything he did, he did super. It certainly felt super, but she wasn't pregnant.

Damn him, why wasn't she pregnant, she thought. They did it three times that night; you'd think that would have been more than enough. She had been at the perfect time, her temperature was right and it should have happened. She was ready for it to happen. So why didn't it?

The more she thought about it, the more upset she got. She finished one glass of wine and poured another. Maybe Nimue is right he wasn't trying. Damn him, why hadn't it worked? She pulled out her phone and dialed his number. She wanted to get to the bottom of this and right now. Pacing back and forth she waited for him to pick up.

"Clark, it's Zatanna,' she said as soon as he answered. "I need to see you right away, immediately if you can. It's an emergency! What? Well, okay then, I'll see you in a few minutes. Right, bye."

As she hung up, she suddenly remembered he had a date with Diana tonight. Looking down at her phone and then her wine glass, she groaned.

"Oh, God, I drunk dialed him,' she lamented. "Now he's going to be here any minute!"