"A Simple Kind of Life"

By: Angelic Temptress

Disclaimer: I bet you didn't know they weren't mine.

Rating: PG-13. Why not?

Spoilers: None really. (Um… I really hope EVERYONE saw the new episodes, though this doesn't have anything to do with them.)

And thanks to Missy for the beta and taking my side. ;)

VV

Saturday

"Are you sure your parents don't mind my being here?" Shayera asks Clark as she climbs out of the old blue truck. She rounds the Ford and then starts to grab the groceries from the trunk.

He follows her. "Shayera, they don't care. Really. They adore you."

"And why would they do that?"

Clark closes the trunk with his foot because his hands are full with bags. "Because I told them what a wonderful person you are."

"You did?"

"Yeah." Clark steps in front of her and opens the door to his Smallville home. As he holds it open, she slips inside, and he does the same. "Anyway, Ma found some clothes for you to wear to the dance tonight."

She lets out a breath. "What is with all the dancing this week?"

"What?" He looks puzzled as he sets the bags on the table.

She doesn't explain. "Is this like those country western dances I see in the movies John made me watch?"

Clark laughs and adjusts the glasses on his face. "I'm not sure. What movies have you seen?"

"So many John Wayne flicks, I couldn't count them." They both laugh this time, and she starts to unpack the bags. "Thanks for having me, Clark."

"Anytime. Besides, Lois couldn't make it; she's in Washington."

Shayera's heart stops for a second, but she ignores it.

VvV

Clark spins Shayera and dips her like Bruce did the other night, only this is more fun. The music is happy, and she is sure she likes the sound of a fiddle. When he lifts her up, he dips her in the other direction.

They both laugh and make their way to the bar when the song finishes. The band plays well, and she claps as they bow again.

She's wearing her hair in a ponytail. She likes it up. Brown cowboy boots are on her feet, and she's also wearing a Rolling Stones tank and a jean skirt. Ma Kent has better taste than Shayera figured.

Clark, complete with cowboy boots and a hat, is wearing a white tee and blue jeans. He's almost charming in the clothes he grew up wearing.

The song changes, and Clark motions to the dance floor. "What to learn how to line dance?"

"Not really, but you can knock yourself out."

"Nah. That's alright." He checks his watch and points to the door. "It's getting late. Want to get out of here?"

She knows he's worried about when her wings might appear. She nods, and he takes her hand before they leave the bar.

VvV

Now both in uniform, Shayera and Superman are lying on one of Smallville's many barn rooftops. He's got his hands behind his head and a grin on his face.

She sighs and smiles too.

"Penny for your thoughts."

She chuckles. "I was just thinking about how I couldn't do this with Batman, J'onn, or Diana." After he laughs, she adds, "And how I used to do it with John."

"He still cares about you, Shayera."

With a shrug, she counters, "He's got a funny way of showing it."

Superman sits up and stares at her. "We all do. Care about you, I mean."

"I know." She sits up too. "It's just… It still hurts to see him with Mari."

"How do you think I handled Bruce dating Lois a few years back? That nearly killed me."

Shayera shook her head. "Please. You hadn't even asked her out yet."

"Still…" A smile spreads his lips. "Why don't you tell him?"

She glares. "Ok. There's a good idea," Shayera says with all the sarcasm she can muster. "Hey John, since you've been dating Mari and all… Can we talk about how I've been waiting for her to dump you?"

"I don't think I'd say it like that."

"Clark, you wouldn't say a thing."

His lips become a straight line, as if he's hiding something from her.

"I should move on."

"But you don't want to."

She sighs. "Is Bruce seeing anyone right now?"

Clark cringes. "Jeez-Louise… What the heck is with you women? You all act as if Batman is the only available bachelor in the League."

"My next choice would've been you, but you've got Lois."

"Yeah right."

She pats his shoulder. "Sorry to take a shot at your ego."

"I'll be okay."

After a few seconds of silence, they erupt in laughter.

VvV

This one is for Missy.