T: Chance of a Lifetime 1

"Late again," I hissed as I rushed out of her apartment door.

Piece of toast in mouth, I rushed towards the elevator down the hall. Not too fast, you know with having a secret identity and all. Just fast enough not to bring too much attention to me. I believe Lois called it 'the bumbling fool shuffle'.

This was my morning routine whenever I slept over at Lois's. I'd wake up deliberately late to make sure I wouldn't have to deal with the dreadful morning after. There was nothing like the walk of shame when the person wants you to make them breakfast. According to her my farm-boy upbringing made my food better. It didn't, my Ma just taught me to cook. A part of me hated myself for doing this to myself. I didn't have to sleep with Lois, but I always did. I couldn't even blame it on her this time.

"Why are you doing to yourself, Clark?" I asked as I rushed down the hallway.

A question I'd asked myself too many times. Why did I sleep with someone who only was with me because she found out I was Superman? I knew she hated 'Clark'. She made it very clear that the moment I stepped into her apartment, I had to remove everything that might remind her that I was Clark. Glasses, clip-on ties… Hell, I had to stand up straight and lose my Midwestern draw for her. Nothing about how I grew up could stand in her presence. My Kryptonian side wasn't welcome either. Not even the part she wanted was good enough.

Closing the door to her apartment behind me, I saw one of Lois's neighbors leaving her apartment.

"Hey…" I said as I waved at her.

Whether she saw me or not I didn't know. She merely made her way toward the elevator. I watched her press the button to call up the elevator. I glanced down and looked through the floors. It was about to hit our floor. At my current pace, I would be able to reach the elevator in time before I closed. She looked over her shoulder at me. An elderly woman, she was relatively nice to me.

"I've got a chance," I thought.

Or so I thought. The old woman looked me dead in the eyes as she entered the elevator and immediately closed the door once she was inside. Turning back around, she flipped me off.

"Tell your girl to piss off!" she hissed.

"But she's not my girlfriend…" I shouted back as the door closed.

As the doors closed, I just stopped. My index finger raised in opposition to the old woman's insinuation. I let out a sigh as I slowly turned towards the emergency stairwell. Nothing like running down fifteen flights of stairs to ruin your morning. I wouldn't feel it, but it's the thought that counts. I couldn't be too fast or too slow. There was only one exit out of Lois's apartment building, the front. If I moved too quickly then she'd notice, moreover if I moved too slow she'd notice. The morning bus was ten minutes away.

Again I wondered why I did this to myself. I could zoom past everyone and be at work in a matter of seconds, but too many questions would be asked. I could see it now.

"You're on time Kent, what did you do?"

I took my time as I made my way to the Planet. I was already late. What was Perry going to do, fire me? Probably not because then he'd be stuck with Lois doing interviews. And God knows no one wants that. I still cringed at the one she did with me. "My night with Superman', that title sounded like a d-list porno. Thankfully, she was never allowed near me while on the job as Superman again. Got to love J'onzz for pulling that one out of his ass. After her third attempt of trying to get my attention J'onzz sent a request to Perry stating her antics placed innocent people at risk of harm. Which it did. Who rushes into a hostage situation with a crazed supervillain just to get saved, Lois. She was told to back off or risk losing her job and getting sued.

Sadly, during this time she discover that Clark was Superman. In a moment of weakness, I gave her what she thought she wanted. A half-chub with a side of not trying. She seemed to enjoy herself, me on the other hand. Thank Rao for my super speed. A quick rush to her bathroom and thinking about someone else did the trick. A fact I did all too often. The other woman was always there in the back of my mind. 5'11 warrior woman, who was kissed by Rao with a radiant light brown hue. Raven hair and the bluest eyes I'd ever seen. Nothing compared to her beauty yet here I was with a woman who doesn't like me. I need to talk to J'onzz about this.

…..

"Damn it Kent! Are you even listening to me!"

Lost in thought, I didn't notice Perry shouting at me from his office.

"Hey Chief," I reluctantly replied as I looked up to his office.

The whole office had their eyes on me. Oh shit, did I just get fired? Slowly I made my way up to Perry's office. I kept my head down, yet I still felt everyone's eyes on me. Reaching his office, I let out a deep breath as I grabbed the doorknob.

"Brace yourself," I muttered as I opened his office door.

Entering his office I was greeted by a Perry standing beside a very tall buff woman. She wore armor that looked similar to what Wonder Woman wore. I nodded my head as I said.

"You wanted to see me, chief,"

"Have a seat Kent," Perry said in his gravelly voice.

I followed suit, never taking my eyes off the towering woman besides Perry. She stared at me, narrowing her eyes for a second, before slowly allowing a smile to come upon her face. Once in my seat, Perry looked over at the woman. Her smile suddenly faded.

"Please forgive Mr. Kent for his tardiness," Perry said as he turned his attention back to me.

His eyes bored into mine as he continued.

"He was raised on a farm and has no home training,"

The woman let out a deep yet soft chuckle, "There is nothing to forgive…"

"You are too kind to him," Perry said.

Taking his seat, Perry slid a yellow envelope across his desk toward me.

"... This is Artemis, envoy for Princess Diana of Themyscira," Perry continued. "Seeing that she hasn't an interview joining the Justice League, Miss…."

The woman lifted her hand, cutting Perry off.

"Artemis will do,"

Perry nodded, "Apologies, Artemis believes it is time for the princess to do a formal interview and I want you to do it…"

I sat there as Perry spoke praying he wasn't going to ask that. Me, interview my colleague… No, I couldn't. Wonder Woman had been in 'Man's World', as she calls it, for over six years and has never once done an interview. Even during the group interviews, Wonder Woman had always been stand-offish. I always chalked it up to her being camera shy or having social anxiety. A thing I could very much so relate to.

"I can't…" I blurted out.

As the words left my mouth, I couldn't stop them. I watched Artemis's face twitch and Perry audibly curse.

"Come again, Kent," Perry hissed. "Because I don't believe I heard you turning down a once-in-a-lifetime interview with Wonder Woman. Did I?"

Immediately, I stood to my feet faster than I should have. Perry didn't notice but Artemis did. There was no time to worry about that, I needed to get out of doing this interview and fast.

"I don't believe I'm the best candidate to do this," I answered. "Wouldn't a female reporter be better suited for this…"

Artemis scoffed, "Diana comes from an island full of women. She already knows what they think of her. She wishes to have a man's perspective."

As she spoke there was a tiny glint in her eye. She knew more than she was telling.

"Plus you know who will bully her way into doing the interview herself," Perry added as he took a puff from his vape.

I shrugged, "Maybe it won't be as bad as you think Perry…"

Perry pointed to the envelope in front of me.

"You so sure about that?" he asked.

I opened the envelope. Inside were handwritten notches from Lois. Questions for Wonder Woman. I placed my hand over my mouth as I read them one by one. They were nothing but pure trash. Lewd and downright offensive. The last one broke me, 'Do you have feelings for any of your colleagues? Sexual feelings?'

"These are all about her sexual preferences," I said.

Perry placed his hand on his desk.

"Now do you understand why I want you to do the damn interview, Kent," Perry said. "She handed these to me the moment she caught wind of this interview. Said it would go viral. We aren't some dirt sheet tabloid!"

Perry had seen what tabloids could do to a man. His son was unfortunate in that regard. Someone caught him with a man and blasted him. A veteran with a path to the senate was ruined because of something that had nothing to do with his qualities as a leader. His son sadly took his own life after that. The look he gave me, broke me. He failed his son in life, in his death he wouldn't allow anyone to suffer the same fate.

"I know Perry," I replied.

I played all the scenarios in my head as I sat back down in my chair. Wonder Woman didn't know I had a side gig. We'd known each other for six years and I'd lied through them. She would either hate me for lying to her or hate me for lying to her. Hell, most of the league didn't know that Clark Kent and Superman were the same person. If I did this nothing would be the same.

"I'll do it," I muttered softly.

Perry relaxed.

"Good boy," Perry replied. "I knew I could count on you…"

Artemis nodded, "I'll see you first thing tomorrow morning then…"

Artemis took an overly extended pause.

"Mr. Kent."

Artemis walked past me, lowering her gaze on me.

"Suit looks a bit ill-fitting," she remarked. "Me sure to wear something that fits you properly."

Her voice trailed off as she left Perry's office.

"What a waste of all those muscles…"

I felt my face flush. Had she noticed? Once she was gone Perry sent me back to my office with orders. First, have my questions submitted to him by 5. And second, not to tell Lois I's been given the Wonder Woman interview. In my office, I slumped over my desk. What had I gotten myself into? Tomorrow was going to be interesting.

T: Chance of a Lifetime 2

Author's notes: This is from Diana's point of view. So things/characters will be different from her pov. Artemis pronouns are she/her as well as they/ them. Superman/Clark is unaware of this at this time, but Diana is.

The next day

"Why did I let you talk me into this Artemis?" I said as they placed my cup of tea on my desk.

"Because you love me and your mother told you to," they replied with a smirk.

"Always with bringing my mother into this," I grumbled under my breath.

Artemis took her place on my right-hand side.

"I wouldn't have had to resort to informing your mother if you'd done this years ago," they snapped back.

"They're all the same," I replied.

"And I'm trans," Artemis replied. "Don't you think I get tired of having to explain myself to everyone here?"

I let out a sigh. Their silence was annoying. They knew they were right. Even as she stood behind me I felt her grinning behind me in amusement. I'd been putting this off for years, the dreaded interview. I hated them. All of their questions always ended up in the same place. 'So do you like women, right?' A part of me wondered was what all they thought of me. Was I just the exotic woman from an island full of women who also slept with women? Yes, I had but it was far less than they would probably care to think. I could count the number on one hand and Artemis was one of them. They brought the total to lucky number three.

Snap… The loud snap of Artemis's fingers brought me back to my senses.

"Gaea to Diana," Artemis's face was just inches from mine.

As she stood up she planted a kiss atop my head.

"You're enjoying this aren't you?" I remarked.

"Come now," Artemis cooed. "What enjoyment could I have with you still in clothes?"

I instinctively let out a snorting laugh. Reaching out from behind me Artemis slid my cup of tea closer to me.

"Now enjoy your tea before hot stuff arrives…"

I reached for the cup as Artemis spoke. I stopped halfway and looked over my shoulder at them.

"Hot stuff?" I asked. "What are you talking about? I'm just doing an interview with…"

Knock, knock

"Who is it?" Artemis called out.

"A Mr. Kent to see the Princess," one of the guards outside my door replied.

I nodded.

"Send him in," Artemis replied.

As the door cracked open I got a woft of crisp air. Something I only smelt around one person. Slowly the door opened revealing a towering man with thick black-rimmed glasses. He ducked his head to not hit the top of his head against the top of the doorway. Under their breath, Artemis once more muttered. I couldn't make out what she had said because I was fixated on the towering man before me.

"Morning Artemis…" he said with a nod.

He looked at me and gave a slight bow.

"And to you Princess Diana…"

"I see you took me at my word," Artemis replied. "This suit fits you better, but you could do better …"

I looked over to Artemis puzzled. What could he do better? The dark suit he wore clung to him like a glove. Artemis looked back at me and mouthed.

"Told you hot stuff…"

I shook my head and brought my attention back to the man in front of me.

"So you must be Mr…"

"Kent, Clark Kent from The Daily Planet," the man replied.

"You may sit," I said as I offered him a seat.

I watched his every move as he made his way toward me. There was something familiar about him, but I couldn't place it.

"Have we met before?" I added. "There's something about you that I can not place."

The man's face looked flustered by my question. I was about to probe him further but Artemis interfered.

"I do believe this is Mr. Kent's first celebrity interview," They said.

"Oh, I see," I replied.

The man took his seat and pulled out a tablet.

"Guess I just have one of those faces you know," he replied.

"I guess,"

The man looked nervous in my presence. I saw a bead of sweat appear on his brow.

"You may begin your questioning Mr. Kent," Artemis said.

"Oh, yes," the man replied stumbling over his words. "So Princess Diana…"

"You may call me Diana," I replied. "In Man's World, I prefer to be less formal."

"Alright, so Diana…" the man rephrased his question. "What brought you to the outside world?"

OK, a softball question. But that's how they always start. They try and lure you in right before the sex questions come in swinging.

"I wanted to see what was beyond my island," I replied. "Unlike Artemis here, I've never been off the island before now."

"So you were born there?"

"In a matter of speaking yes," I replied. "Most Amazon came from Man's World, I on the other hand came from the island itself."

A simple enough answer. The outside world didn't need to know I was the daughter of Zeus. If my sexuality send them into a tizzy, I couldn't imagine what them finding out I am a demigod would do.

"And how do you find Man's World in comparison to Themyscira?"

"I find it fascinating yet overly complicated,"

"How so?"

And here it comes. I fawn.

"You don't have to answer," he said as he smiled. "The point isn't to make you uncomfortable Diana. Let's talk about your colleagues. How do you feel about them?"

I slowly relax the muscles in my face.

"I enjoy working with them," I replied. "One of the benefits of living off the island is I can make a difference on a more personal level."

"A heart for the people,"

"Yes," I replied. "My mother told me that every little thing can make a difference. Whether on the battlefield or helping someone cross the street. The goal is to be caring and spread that love around."

"Any hero you enjoy working with the most?"

Artemis audibly choked behind me causing the reporter to look up at her.

"Oh she does," Artemis said.

I tilt my head just enough to see them out of the corner of my eyes.

"Might I ask who?"

"... it's…."

Alert, alert…

Incoming threat…Incoming threat…

Escape from Arkham… Escape from Arkham…

Level 1… Level 1…

Calling Wonder Woman and Superman… Calling Superman and Wonder Woman…

J'onzz's voice echoed in my office. It sounded as if it was coming from two different places in my office. I looked over to Artemis. She had a grin from ear to ear across her face.

"I knew it!" they shouted.

"You knew someone was going to break out of Arkham this morning?" I asked.

Artemis shook her head.

"Are you going to tell her or am I going to have to snatch those glasses off your face?" they said boldly.

I turned back toward the man seated in front of me. His face was white.

"Diana," he said as he reached for his glasses.

Pulling them off his face a slight film peeled off his face. My jaw dropped.

"Superman?!"

It was him as plain as day. Whatever he had covering his face had altered it just enough to reshape it. The signature dimple in his chin had appeared on the face of the man seated in front of me. His jawline grew sharper as did his cheekbones. Superman's piercing blue eyes stared back at me.

"... I'm sorry…"

"What is the meaning of this?" I asked. "Is this one of your tricks Artemis?"

"Nope," they replied.

Superman stood to his feet. He reached out for me but I pulled away.

"I can explain…"

"Explain…. Explain…" I repeated. "You lied to me…"

Superman was the one person in the league that I thought I could trust. He was like me an outsider living amongst people who prejudged him. Moreover, he treated me like I wasn't different. To him, I wasn't just a princess, I was Diana. Artemis to their credit treated me as such. I was allowed to just be myself with them. That's what drew me to both of them. I was a moth to their flame yet had that all been a lie. I'd been honest with him yet was I that bad of a friend that he couldn't do so in kind. Artemis cleared their throat, but I ignored them.

"Who else knows of this?"

"Bruce and J'onzz…" he replied.

I began to pace. Mother said men were liars, but this took the cake. How many battles had we fought side by side?

"Princess… Batman is calling," Artemis said. "He could use some help in Gotham."

"There isn't over…" I said as I point at him. "Whoever you are…"