Chapter 37

Metropolis

The Silver Factory was one of the trendier restaurants in town. Clark had heard of it, but thought there was a two-month waiting list to get in. Somehow Zatanna got reservations. I guess it pays to have a hot, famous girlfriend, Clark thought as they were ushered to their table. He could feel all the eyes in the place looking at them and knew without a doubt it wasn't him and his nice off the rack black suit that was the center of attention. Diana usually had that effect on people when they saw her in person. The host showed them to a rather private table. As Clark looked at it, the first thought that came to his mind was that it seemed a rather romantic setting. What the hell was Zatanna trying to do?

"Are you going to sit down, Kal,' Diana asked.

"What? Oh, yeah, yeah, of course," he stumbled to say.

"This is a very elegant place you've picked," Diana said with a smile.

"I didn't pick it, Zatanna did."

"First the flowers, now the restaurant, did you pick anything Kal," she asked, a little annoyed.

"I choose this suit,' he lamely offered. She gave him a look and then picked up the menu.

"Should we see what they have or has Zatanna already done that for you too?"

"Ha-ha and some people say you have no sense of humor," Clark sarcastically replied.

"Who says that?"

"Why don't we see what's on the menu," Clark offered.

"You're avoiding the question," she replied.

"Yes, I know," he said with a smile and then started looking at the menu. Diana grumbled at this, but picked up her menu as well. As they were perusing the menu, Diana noticed that several of the other diners were looking at her.

"People are staring at us, Kal."

"Not us, you, Diana," he said, not looking up from the menu.

"What? Why? Is there something wrong with me," She asked defensively.

"No, but I imagine most people here don't see a lot of Amazons. They make quite the impression, especially you," he offered.

"Why especially me," she asked.

"Weren't you endowed by your Goddesses or something?"

"Yes, so?"

"Let's just say Aphrodite did an especially good job," he absently offered, as he checked out the prices wondering if he'd brought enough money.

"Are you saying you think I'm attractive, Kal," Diana asked, blushing a little.

"Yeah, I guess," he replied without noticing her reaction. At these prices he knew he didn't have enough cash and mentally tried to figure out if he had enough room on his credit card to cover it.

"You've never commented on my looks before, I didn't think you even noticed,' she said, a shy smile spreading across her lips.

"Well, there was that accidental comment about you looking hot with a tramp stamp," he countered before he could stop himself. He happened to glance up and see her smile starting to turn into something else and quickly added, "Which I'm extremely sorry for and apologize again for ever saying. It was totally out of line and will never happen again."

Before she could reply the waitress came over.

"Good evening, I'm Annabel and I'll be your server tonight. Are you Mr. Kent?"

"Yes, yes I am," Clark replied, surprised by this.

"Everything has already been arraigned by Miss Zatara. Would you care for something to drink?"

"Wine alright with you, Diana?"

"Yes," she said rather clipped. She didn't look too pleased that Zee had taken care of this too.

"The Alban Syrah. Oh, and make it a bottle." He added, keeping a weary eye on Diana the whole time.

"Very good, sir," she said with a smile. "I'll get the wine and here's what's on the menu for the two of you tonight."

The waitress handed them both white cards that listed the meal, before heading off to get the wine.

"Wow, she went all out," said Clark in surprise, as he looked what was selected.

"Maybe I should have went out with her," Diana acerbically said as she looked at what was on the menu for them both. "Oysters and Caviar, Belgian Endive salad, fresh caught Mahi-mahi stuffed with lobster, crab and Maui onion. Baked in a macadamia nut crust, it sounds delicious."

"I'm going to need a loan to pay for it," Clark muttered under his breath.

"What was that, Kal?"

"Nothing, nothing, it all sounds lovely."

"Yes, Zatanna really went all out, as you said, unlike some people," Diana said with just a hint of annoyance. Clark looked up from the menu.

"Okay, I deserve that. I'm sorry, Diana, if you'd prefer we don't have to continue this," he said to her.

"No, I want to continue our date, Kal."

"May I ask why all the sudden interest in dating? I mean I'm still not quite sure I understand what this is all about?"

"I was asked out to dinner, a date with Bruce," Diana informed him. "I thought it would be something simple, but everyone seems to think it means more than that. I'm nervous about it. I've never been on a date, so I wanted some experience so I wouldn't look like a fool."

Clark could see how important this was to her and kicked himself for taking it so lightly. Now it was clear to him. She obviously had deeper feelings for Bruce than he'd realized. There was a slight twinge of jealousy, but he quickly suppressed it

"I apologize if I haven't been very helpful," He offered. "I know how important a first date can be. I really don't think you have anything to worry about though."

'Well, technically, it will be my second date, this is my first," Diana replied with a smile.

"First practice date, you mean," Clark said.

"What? Oh, yes, right," Diana said, blushing a little.

"I didn't realize you were quite so taken with Bruce. I mean I knew you were interested, it's just…" Clark trailed off as the waitress came back with the wine. He sampled it and gave her a nod. She poured two glasses and went back for the opening course.

"To a successful date," Clark offered, holding up his glass. Diana raised hers as well.

"I hope so as well." She smiled and then took a sip of the wine. "That's delicious."

"Well, I couldn't let Zee have all the credit tonight," Clark said with a smile and a shrug. Diana laughed at this and took another sip of her wine. The first course was served and they both commented on how amazing it looked. As they started to dig in, Clark offered some light conversation.

"I would imagine coming from your island, seafood is something of a staple for you?"

"Yes, although we have game animals as well. My sisters are self sufficient growing everything else we might need," Diana replied. They continued the small talk through the first and second course. Diana seemed to relax with Clark and they chatted freely, laughing now and then. He figured things were okay again between them so he shifted to the topic of the night.

"So do you know where Bruce is taking you?"

"No, he just said dinner."

"I'm sure it will be some place amazing, Bruce is much better at this than I am. He'll even pick the restaurant himself," Clark offered with a shrug.

"So is this what you usually do on a date, Kal," Diana asked, taking another sip of her wine.

"Well, dinner, yeah, I guess, although not usually at such a fancy place."

"You don't like this restaurant? It seems very nice to me."

"No, it's amazing," said Clark, with a shake of his head. "I guess I just have simpler tastes. It's probably from growing up on a farm in a small town. I would imagine being a princess and all, you've been to many formal dinners."

"Yes, especially since coming to the Man's World." Diana nodded. "As a representative of my people I'm obligated to attend such functions."

"So why the nervousness about a dinner date? If you can handle those state functions it should be a snap."

"Well, everything I've read and now heard makes it seem completely different. Most say it's part of the courting ritual," she said, reddening at this.

"I take it that's something you've been thinking about," Clark asked gently. "With Bruce."

Diana took another sip of her wine and he noticed she blushed a little before answering.

"I admit it has been something I've been thinking about lately. I've seen you and Lois, Ollie and Dinah and now you and Zatanna. It's made me a little curious,' Diana offered. "If I'm going to understand this world, I think I need to become familiar with more of it."

"I would imagine your mother wouldn't be too happy about this new found interest."

"Given the Amazons history I couldn't blame her," Diana replied. "While I honor what my sisters have suffered, I didn't share their subjugation. Since I've been in the Man's world, I've come to understand that not all men are evil. Many are, but I've met others that are not, like you, Kal."

"And Bruce,' he added.

"Yes, and Bruce as well as the rest of the male members of the League." Diana continued. "I find myself not wanting to get trapped into seeing the world as my sisters saw it before they went to Themyscira. Men and women have changed since that time. If I'm going to succeed in my mission to spread peace and truth, I can't turn away when something doesn't agree with what I was taught."

The main course came and Clark ordered another bottle of wine. If he was going to go into the poorhouse it might as well be on a great meal. As he savored another bite of the main course, the world intruded on his mind again. One of the downsides of his amazing abilities was he couldn't always turn them completely off. Stray bits of conversations slipped through the wall he tried to maintain to shut out all the noise. He heard several people talking about the P.R. campaign that seemed to be everywhere these days about heroes. Clark felt a twinge as someone asked why Superman hadn't saved that poor young girl at the Planet.

"Kal?"

"Hum?"

"Is everything okay," Diana asked. "You seem rather quiet."

"Oh, just enjoying the dinner," he offered, not wanting to spoil this for her. "I'm not always the best at this. You can probably expect on future dates, Bruce or anyone else will pay a lot more attention to you, Diana. I'm sure they'll show all sorts of little signs of their interest."

"Such as," she asked, very fascinated in this.

"Well, I suppose they might take your hand across the table,' Clark said, gently reaching over and slipping his fingers under hers. "There will be lots of compliments I guarantee."

"I doubt that." Diana blushed, shaking her head.

"Hey," Clark said, smiling and giving her hand a squeeze. "You can trust me on this one. You're an extraordinarily beautiful woman, Diana. A guy would have to be blind not to notice. You also smell amazing, but then you always do."

Diana felt her heartbeat race a little as she looked at him. She could feel the heat rising to her face and felt the pulse of his hand against hers.

"Thank you, Kal," she said softly.

"Just trying to let you know what to expect," he offered, releasing her hand and turning his attention back to his food. Diana sat there looking at him, experiencing new and unfamiliar emotions. This felt so different than the other times they had dinner together. Why were these new exciting feelings associated with Kal, she wondered? He looked up and smiled at her.

"You're not enjoying the Mahi-mahi," he innocently asked.

"What? Oh, yes, yes, it's very good,' she stammered, blushing as she turned her attention back to her food. Clark gave her a look, then shrugged and continued eating.

The Theater

The show was going wonderfully. Zatanna always felt at home on the stage, as it was her first love. She playfully bantered with the audience, while astonishing them with new and different tricks. The appreciative looks she was receiving from the men didn't hurt her self-confidence either. Up here on the stage, she felt in complete control. There was a confidence in her step and smile. The worries over her other life were pushed aside as she lived in the moment. The thrill of a live audience pushed her to try new and even more astonishing tricks. Each night on stage was different than any other. Being a skilled performer, she could automatically gauge the audience's mood and adjust. They might come in somber, worried about their everyday life, but by the time the show was over their mood had been transformed. Some would dismiss it as just a distraction, but they didn't understand. It was a gift to be able to lift people's spirits, even if it was for only a few hours. It's what brought people out to movies or live shows. It was a chance to be transported from their ordinary everyday lives into a magical place. It was in the beat of a great live band blasting across a club that made the people want to get up and dance or sing or shout. It was in that feeling of watching a great movie and slowly being pulled in, so when the final climatic moment came, you found you had tears in your eyes or your blood was pumping rapidly through your veins. In was in the astonishment and wonder of the audience watching Zatanna's show. She was responsible and it was her special gift.

The Silver Factory

The meal was over and Clark was paying the check. His mind had been preoccupied most of the evening with other worries and concerns. The meal had been delicious, but he felt a little guilty being so distracted when he was suppose to be helping Diana. As he signed his name on the credit card slip, groaning as he saw the total plus tip, he felt her move up next to him.

"Dinner was excellent, Kal, please tell Zatanna how much a appreciated it," she teased.

"I'm sure she'll be pleased to hear it."

"So what now," Diana asked.

"Now I walk you back to the hotel," he said, his mind trying to calculate how many meals he would have to skip to pay for this one.

"Oh, our date is over," Diana replied, a hint of disappointment slipping through. Clark caught this and turned to her. He felt like he was letting her down. It was a feeling he'd been having a lot lately.

"Well, I guess it doesn't have to be, if you don't want it to, Diana." He offered.

"I would like it to continue," she said with a bright smile. "What should we do?"

"Well, Zee didn't plan anything else for us, so I guess we're on our own," he said jokingly.

"So you'll have to make a decision other than to drink and wear a suit." She countered with a playful smile.

"Oh, very funny, Princess."

She frowned at this, but didn't make an issue of it. "So what would you usually do next on a date, Kal?"

"Okay, um, let me think," he said, not really give it much thought until now. "How about some music? There's a small club a few blocks away that has a jazz trio? We could dance, I suppose."

"Yes, that sounds interesting.' Diana quickly agreed.

"All right then, you asked for it," he said, ushering her out the door.

Gotham

Bruce was in the Bat Cave going over some computer analysis when Alfred made his way down from the mansion.

"There was a phone call earlier, Master Bruce, from one of the Asian suppliers. They were hoping to have some of your time this Saturday. They suggested dinner," Alfred said.

"Yes, that fine, have my secretary set it up," Bruce replied, still deep in his work.

"Should I make reservations at the usual place?"

"What? Oh, yes, that will do."

"Good to hear, sir, Gotham hasn't seen Bruce Wayne in some time, people were starting to talk. I'm sure there are many young ladies that will be excited to hear you're back in town," Alfred said with just a hint of sarcasm.

"Well, I wouldn't want to disappoint them,' Bruce chuckled, but then something occurred to him. "Wait, did you say Saturday?"

"Yes, is that a problem?"

"As a matter of fact it is. I've already made plans for dinner that night,' Bruce said, grimacing as he realized it had almost slipped his mind.

"Would you like me to reschedule the meeting or your dinner," Alfred asked.

"Better make it the meeting, I don't think she'd appreciate being stood up."

"She, sir," Alfred asked with interest.

"Diana."

"Would that be Princess Diana, sir?"

"Yes, Alfred, it would," Bruce replied with a hint of annoyance.

"A date with Wonder Woman, interesting." Alfred observed.

"Its just dinner." Bruce quickly clarified.

"Yes, of course, and where are you taking her?"

"I thought the usual,' Bruce offered, giving Alfred a look. Alfred just stood there staring at him with his arms crossed.

"No good?" Bruce finally relented and asked.

"You can do better, sir."

"I'll work on it," Bruce replied. With a nod, Alfred turned and went back upstairs. Bruce tried to get back to his analysis, but now all he could think about what where to take Diana on their date.

Metropolis

Clark and Diana sat in the Twelve Note, a small jazz café; listening to the smooth, cool music. Several couples were dancing. Diana was taking all in, having never been to any place like this before. She found the music enticing and the whole atmosphere strange and exotic. Sipping her glass of wine, she found herself swaying along with the couples to the music. She looked over at Clark as a temptation came to her.

"Let's dance, Kal,' she said to him.

'What? Dance? I'm not really very good, Diana." He said in surprise.

"Come on, it doesn't look that hard."

"Have you even danced like that before," he asked.

"Once, in Kasnia with Bruce, but it was interrupted. Come on, Kal, please," she said.

"Okay, but I warned you."

Clark stood up and offered his hand to Diana. She took it and he lead her out on to the dance floor. There was an awkward moment as they stood facing each other. Slowly Clark took Diana into his arms and started to sway to the music. He wasn't holding her particularly close, but being in his arms was having a decided effect on Diana. Letting herself sway to the music, she moved a little closer to him so they were barely touching. Warmth seemed to spread out from where his hand gently held her lower back. The heat seemed to rise to her face, as the same feelings from the restaurant came back to her. It was such an unfamiliar sensation being so intimately close to him. She could smell his masculine scent and it reminded her of a combination of sandalwood and vanilla, yet with a fresh earthy quality to it. As one song ended and another began, she found herself moving just a little closer to him, almost resting her head on his broad shoulder. Their bodies were touching as they moved on the dance floor. Diana found the sensations rippling through her rather intoxicating. Her mind seemed to wander, absently thinking about how she had been so nervous about going on a date, yet now that she was on one it was so much better than she had imagined. The fact that this was a practice date seemed to have slipped her mind as she enjoyed the feel of Clark's strong gently arms around her.

The Theater

Zatanna came off the stage to thunderous applause. She felt fantastic as she made her way back to her dressing room. Dinah was standing just outside. She smiled and clapped as Zatanna approached.

"Wow, that was quite the show, Zee. Thanks for inviting me," Dinah said.

"Thank you,' Zee replied. "You seemed like you could use a girls night out. Why don't you come in while I change and then we can see what this town has to offer?"

"Sounds like a plan."

They entered her dressing room and Zatanna went over behind the screen to change. Dinah looked around at the knick-knacks Zee had lying all over the place.

"You certainly have made yourself at home here." Dinah observed.

"Well, when you're on the road as much as I am, you tend to try and make it as comfortable as you can."

"So how much longer is your run here?"

"Another two weeks," Zee replied.

"Then what?"

"Um, Miami, then back out west."

"Is that still the plan," Dinah asked.

"Yeah, why," Zee said, coming out from behind the screen. She had changed into a pair of jeans and a light tee shirt.

"What about Clark?"

"What-What about him," Zee stammered, caught off guard by the question.

"Well, he tends to stay here in Metropolis," Diana pointed out.

"I know that," Zee replied defensively.

"So what happens when you have to move on?"

"Nothing, why would it?"

"It just seemed like you two were getting rather close," Dinah offered.

"Yes, we are, so?"

"So a long distance relationship? Do you think that will work?"

"Yeah, why wouldn't it? I can transport here, or he can certainly fly anywhere,' Zee replied.

"I suppose," Dinah said. "I just assumed you two had taken things a step further."

"Well, neither of us have said anything about the future, really,' Zee admitted. "With everything that's been happening there hasn't really been much time."

"What about when this business with Nathan is over," Dinah asked.

"I-I don't know." Zee found herself saying.