Chapter 36

Metropolis

Clark was still a little confused as he walked into the Daily Planet building. It still sounded odd; his girlfriend had set him up on a date with another woman. Zee had explained the logic behind it or at least what she saw as the logic, but Clark was struggling to wrap his head around the whole idea. The weirdest part of the whole weird thing, was hearing Zee say 'make sure she has a good time.' Clark shook his head thinking, 'what the hell does that mean?'

He stepped on the elevator heading up to his floor. The building seemed unusually quiet today. With the recent tragedy that wasn't really surprising. As he got off and headed for his office, Clark happened to glance over towards Lois' office and stopped in his tracks. It was empty. He looked around, wondering if she'd moved, but didn't see her anywhere. Cat Grant was walking across the newsroom, so Clark figured she would know.

"Hey, Cat, where's Lois," he asked.

"Gone," she replied.

"Gone? What do you mean gone?"

"She took that assignment at the Washington desk." Cat informed him. "It's only temporary, but I heard she just wanted to get away. She said she was tired of heroes. Lois wouldn't admit it, but I think Superman broke her heart. I always thought he was a stand up guy, but I guess he's like all the rest. She should have went for a guy like you, Clark.'

"What? Why do you say that,' Clark replied, flustered by this new information.

'Well, you're one of the good ones." Cat smiled suggestively. "You know how to treat a lady. You'd never hurt someone like Superman did, would you?"

"No, I guess not," Clark said before slowly walking off.

"I guess maybe those commercials are right, you can't always trust Superman either." Cat absently observed before continuing on her way. Clark made it to his office and closed the door. His mind was filled with thoughts of Lois. Six months ago, he dreamed of her knowing his secret and the two of them getting closer. It had all gone so horribly wrong. He hadn't wanted it to be like this. He cared for Lois deeply. Part of him thought he might be in love with her, yet now that door seemed closed to him. He thought he was protecting her, yet now it seemed he only hurt her more by doing that. Sadly he thought of the randomness of it all. He always believed there was a purpose to everything and that it worked itself out in the end. Maybe he'd been wrong. Maybe there wasn't some set pattern to it all, but it was all chance. A moment missed here or there and the course of lives was changed forever. Maybe in some alternative reality he and Lois were destiny to be together. Maybe in this reality Zatanna was the one for him. It was all too confusing. Sitting there at his desk, an overwhelming sense of sadness gripped Clark. Like so many he lamented the road not taken.

Island of Capri

Zod stood on the terrace of a villa overlooking the harbor. He closed his eyes, letting the yellow sun strengthen and nourish his body. A rare smile came to his face as his mind worked over future strategies. Perhaps being transformed into a mortal hadn't been just a curse after all, he thought. The fantastic powers he had on this world had made him forget what every soldier knows, be prepared before the battle. It hadn't been God-like power that had fueled his takeover of Krypton, but his mind. He had worked out every scenario before he had put his coup into action. The leaders of the Council had been so predictable, that victory was swift. It had been the unseen that had stopped him. It had been Jor-El that had been his undoing. The House of El had a special place in Zod's plans for vengeance. The father and then the son had stopped him. Zod's first instinct was to kill Kal-El, ending that accursed House once and for all, but that would be too swift. No, Zod would let him live, if only to draw out the humiliation and misery. Zod knew Kal-El's greatest weakness was his love for this his adopted planet. That was the key to his revenge. He would strip away everything; drive him further and further into isolation. Zod's curse on Kal-El and the whole House of El was for him to wander the galaxy with no place to call home. Zod's smile grew at the thought of Kal-El completely lost, forced from this world. Like the depths of space, Zod's revenge was a cold lifeless one.

The Watchtower

Ollie had been searching all over the station for Dinah. He was none too happy about her escape from the infirmary. He knew it was a pain to be laid up there, but she was still recovering. If she tore open those stitches, he was going to give her hell, he thought. He finally found her on the observation deck, staring out at the stars.

"There you are! What the hell are you thinking leaving the infirmary," he practically shouted, some of anger coming through. Dinah turned to look at him for a moment but then turned back to the window without saying anything.

"Hello? I asked you a question," Ollie said.

"I need to be alone to think," she said finally.

'Think? Think about what," he asked.

"We need to break up."

"What? Why," he said, completely caught off guard by this.

"This-This thing we're doing, what is it," she asked.

"Ah, um, I think it's called dating," he fumbled to say.

"Oh, yeah, right, dating, dating forever," she said sarcastically.

"Did I miss something," he asked, not quite sure what was going on.

"Apparently so," she replied. "Where's the romance, Ollie? Can you even remember the last real romantic date we had?"

"Um, ah, well, ah, oh, I know! I took you to Tahiti two months ago!"

"That was some sort of business convention," she retorted.

"It was romantic," he countered.

"Did you write it off?"

"Well, yes, but…" he started to replied, but she cut him off.

"Then it doesn't count."

"Where is this all coming from, Dinah?"

"Are you happy with the way things are now, Ollie," she asked.

"Well, I was until I came in here," he replied, giving her a small playful smile.

"Don't be cute, I'm not in the mood," she fired back.

"Okay, yes, I am happy with the way things are," he said, moving over to put his arms around her.

"I'm not."

"I'm getting that impression." She flashed him an angry look and he winced.

"I'm tired of the way things are, Ollie," Dinah said. "I'm tired of everyone thinking we've been dating forever. Something has to change."

"So what do you want, Dinah,' Ollie asked. She gave him a look and then pulled away from him.

"You're a smart guy, Ollie, figure it out," she said to him. "What could I possibly want to happen for this relationship to move forward?"

She looked him right in the eye and held his gaze for a moment, then turned and walked out. Ollie stood there stunned.

"Oh, wow, I did not see that coming at all,' he muttered to himself.

The Cafeteria

Zatanna was just stopping by to see if there was anything new on Nathan. Jonn informed her there was nothing since the last attack. She thanked him and headed to the cafeteria to grab a beverage before heading back to Metropolis. As she entered the cafeteria, she saw Wally and Shayera sitting together laughing. Since messing with Diana, it seemed they had been having fun with several of the League members. Their latest victims were Hawk and Dove. Zee hadn't heard the whole story, but knew it had the two at each other's throat. As she made her way over to their table, an idea formed in her mind.

"Hey, it's Superman's girlfriend," Wally said with a chuckle.

"Hi, Zatanna," Shayera said to her friend.

"You two seem to be enjoying yourself," Zee observed.

"Just a little harmless fun to lighten the mood," Wally replied.

"Like freaking Diana out about her date with Batman?"

"It was just a little teasing, Zee," Shayera replied.

"Sure, I know," Zee nodded. "Oh, have you heard the latest gossip?"

"No, what," they both replied eagerly.

"There's a rumor going around that two of the members have just started secretly dating."

"Who?"

"Yeah, this sound juicy," Wally replied with a big smile.

"You two," Zee said with a smile.

"What," Shayera screamed, a look of horror on her face.

"Wow! That's kind of cool," Wally smiled.

"No, it's not," Shayera replied. "It's not true!"

"I'm just telling you what I heard," Zee said. "Got to go, see you guys around."

A smile came to her face as she headed towards the door. She could already hear Wally and Shayera arguing. Amateurs, she thought to herself.

Dr. Fate's Invisible Tower

Richard Occult was pouring over all the information the Justice League had on Nathan's attacks, trying to find a common thread or a pattern in it. So far he had come up with nothing. Looking over the photos of the carnage Nathan had caused sickened Occult. How could he have let this happen? He always knew Nathan was a troubled young man, but he'd never imagined it was this bad. He could hardly face Dr. Fate or his wife, knowing that his son had done these things. Richard felt responsible. He loved his son, but somehow they had never connected. Maybe if he'd have spent more time with the boy things might have been different. Richard knew Rose desperately wanted a favorable outcome to all of this, but with each passing day it seemed more and more remote. Can I kill my own son, Richard thought to himself? Before he could find that answer, a shock wave ripped through the magical plain. Inez screamed and Dr. Fate nearly collapsed under its force. Richard lost control over their body and Rose emerged. She looked around the tower wildly.

"Rose! Rose what is it," Inez asked.

"It's Nathan! Oh, no, he's done something unimaginable," Rose gasped, shaking her head in denial.

Metropolis

Clark's day had only gone down hill since finding out about Lois leaving. He felt guilty, yet completely helpless to do anything about it. Adding to his guilt and depression was the now almost constant media campaign. It seemed to be on every channel; magazines and newspapers had joined in the debate. The public hadn't been swayed much by it, but interest was high. With each new opinion and commentary, it seemed to push the knife just a little deeper into Clark. It was in his nature to beat himself up over every mistake, both real and imagined. The constant barrage of seeing Lisa and Milton tore at him. Lois and the way things were now between them only added to his despair. He felt like going to his apartment and just shutting out the world, but that was not to be. He had a date. It still didn't really make any sense to him, but he'd agreed, so here he was at Zatanna's hotel to pick Diana up for their date. To add to the strangeness of the whole situation, Zee had planned the whole thing. Holding a small bouquet of flowers, he lightly knocked on the door. The door opened immediately and Zatanna stood there giving him the once over.

"Right on time, although you could have worn something better than a suit, Clark," she said.

""Maybe you should have picked out my wardrobe too," he said with a smile. She smiled and stuck out her tongue at him, while ushering him inside.

"Next time I will," she teased.

"Next time?"

"Just kidding, wait here, while I tell Diana you're here," Zee replied. Clark watched her walk into the other room, absently wondering why these sorts of things keep happen to him. He ran his hand through his hair, trying to muster up enough false cheerfulness to get through with this. Hearing the door open, he turned to see Diana nervously standing there in a simple black dress. He'd never seen her in anything other than her uniform or a toga and was surprised at how stunning she looked.

"Doesn't she look amazing," Zee said with a big smile.

"Yes," Clark replied without thinking. Zee gave him a look, but didn't say anything.

"Hello, Kal," Diana nervously said.

"Hi, Diana," he replied and then remembered the flowers he was holding. "These-These are for you."

"Oh, thank you, lilies are my favorite," she smiled.

"I had some help," he offered, giving Zee a look. She beamed at how taken Diana was at the flowers.

"Okay, you two, don't stand around here all night, go," she said. Zee ushered them both towards the door. "Have fun, Diana!"

Before they even realized it, they were in the hall and Zatanna had shut the door. Clark and Diana stood there awkwardly, not sure what to say. Finally, Clark broke the silence.

"So, I guess we're having dinner."

"Yes, I wanted to thank you for helping me with this. I know it seems strange," Diana offered.

"We're friends, Diana, I'm glad to help," he said honestly. "Shall we go?"

"Oh, um, yes," she replied. They started down the hallway towards the elevator. As they waited for the elevator, Clark noticed Diana shifted the flowers from one hand to the other.

"Since when are lilies your favorite, Diana? I always thought it was roses?"

"They are. If you knew that, why did you give me lilies, Kal?"

"Zee picked them out,' he replied. "They do look nice."

"Do I have to carry them around all night," Diana asked.

"No, Diana." Clark chuckled. "I think the easy out is to say they are lovely and you want to put them in water."

"But they're already dead, what would putting them in water do?"

"Nothing really, but it a nice gesture."

"Couldn't I just give them away to someone before we get to the restaurant?"

"Tonight, yes, but go with the water trick on your next date." Clark smiled. The elevator arrived and Clark ushered her inside. He could see Diana was nervous about this and tried to reassure her.

"It gets easier, Diana, besides you look lovely," he said.

"Thank you, Zatanna picked this out. She said sent the right message, but didn't explain what that message was," Diana replied.

"She was right about that," Clark muttered, absently noticed how the dress showed off ever curve of Diana's spectacular figure.

"What message is it sending, Kal," Diana innocently asked. Clark looked at her, unsure what to say. As the elevator doors close, he tried to think of the right way to put it.

The Watchtower

Wally came zipping into the observation deck and noticed Green Arrow just staring out at the stars.

"Hey, Ollie, what's with you?"

"Just thinking," Ollie said.

"Women trouble?"

"Yes, how did you know," Ollie asked.

"You're not the first guy I've seen with that look up here," Wally said with a smile.

"What are you doing here?"

"Avoiding Shayera."

"Why?"

"Let's just say I'm not her favorite person right now," Wally replied. "What's the problem with you and Dinah? I always thought you two were like the perfect couple."

'Apparently not."

"You guys have a fight or something?"

"Frankly, I don't know," Ollie admitted. "I thought things were going great, but she suddenly isn't happen with things like they are."

"Uh-oh, I don't like the sound of that," Wally said, shaking his head.

"I know, she said something about moving our relationship forward."

"That sounds like a mixed tape wouldn't satisfy her," Wally replied.

"Who would that satisfy?"

"So what are you going to do?"

"I don't know," Ollie admitted.

"Sounds to me she wants you to make a gesture to let her know you're thinking about the future," Wally offered.

"That's what I'm afraid of," Ollie replied.

"I know! Tell her you want to have a child with her," Wally said.

"What? Why the hell would I say that?" Ollie turned and looked at Wally as if he were crazy.

"It's just a thought, but since she put all the pressure on you, turn it around on her. A baby puts it all back in her court," Wally said. "It's the old switcharoo. It's guaranteed to work!"

"Seriously,' Ollie said, not believing he was actually listening to this.

"Well, you could always ask her to marry you," Wally offered.

"Those both seem like extremes," Ollie replied.

"Well, it's your life, pal, I guess you know what's best," Wally said, patting Ollie on the shoulder.

"Yeah, right, I guess," Ollie absently said as he headed for the door. Wally stood watching him with a big smile on his face.

"Wally!" The sounded of Shayera shouting filled the room. She had an angry look on her face as she stormed into the room.

"Don't you dare dash off!"

"Look, I know you're pissed, Shayera, but before you go all medieval on me, let me tell you what just happen," Wally quickly said. Shayera stopped short, weighting her options.

"What," she reluctantly said. Wally leaned in a whispered to her.

"You didn't," Shayera gasped and then broke out in laughter. "He's going to kill you, Wally!"

Metropolis

"It means what?!" Diana shouted as the elevator doors opened in the lobby.

"Easy, Diana, it's a compliment," Clark replied, trying to calm her down. "I just probably didn't put it the right way."

"You better not have, Kal."

"The message is that you're interested, that's all, okay," Clark offered.

"Well, I guess that's not too bad," Diana admitted.

"Great, whoops, sorry, didn't mean to say that." Clark quickly recovered, as he saw her reacting to his words. "Can we go to dinner now, please?"

"Yes, of course," Diana replied. "I'm sorry, I'm just a little nervous about all of this."

"I know and believe me, you'll get the hang of it soon enough, I promise."

"Okay, let's go," Diana said, calming down.

"Hello, Mr. Kent, I don't see Zatanna tonight," a voice said to him. He turned to see one of the maids, Carmen standing looking at him. The expression on her face was not a happy one.

"Hi, Carmen, isn't it? Zee's upstairs, I just talked to her," he offered.

"And now you're with another woman," Carmen replied.

"Its not like that, I swear," Clark quickly said. "Zee knows all about this. It was her idea."

"She is a wild one, I have to admit," Carmen said with a smile. "Well, you two have a real good time then."

"Seriously, it's not like that, believe me!" Clark found himself trying to explain. Carmen hooked her arm through his and pulled him to the side. Wondering what this was about, Clark moved away from Diana and looked at Carmen.

"Yes," he said.

"Do you need any protection?" she said with a knowing smile. She shyly pulled a sleeve of Magnum condoms from her apron.

"What? No! No! It's not like that at all," he exclaimed, shocked at the suggestion.

"A risk taker, just like Zatanna, no wonder you too are together, "Carmen laughed and gave him a wink. Clark stammered and tried to explain, but Carmen was already walking away chuckling. Diana had been standing watching all of this without a word. Clark turned to her.

"Can we please, just go to dinner," he asked.

"Yes, I'd like this date to continued," Diana said with a smile. As they started for the front door, Clark had to shake his head.

"This is the weirdest night of my life," he mumbled under his breath.

"What was that, Kal?"

"Nothing, nothing, let's get this date underway." He said with a force cheerfulness and held the door open for her.