Kal
Wayne House

"Bearer of bad news? I didn't want to go in the first place," Bruce said, lifting weights.

"Oh, right. So...congrats?"

He smirked. "Well, it's not the greatest news. But, there won't be some sort of ill-advised mission to the darkest reaches of space without a full crew. I'd rather let him come to our turf. We're strongest here...and not just because of the yellow sun."

"Mm. Red sun. I guess I'm a little out of the loop on my history. I know a few things, but nothing like what Clark knows."

"Do you want to know?"

Kal shrugged and stood, taking one of the weights and spinning it around his hand. "Ignorance can be bliss, so maybe not."

"Could you please not spin my 250 pound weight around like it's a feather? I'll get self-conscious."

He raised an eyebrow and tossed it up before bouncing it off of his elbow and into his other hand. "250. Cute."

Bruce rolled his eyes and kept lifting. "Get a bigger dose of that red sun and we'll see who wins."

"Cark! I stong, too!" Thomas picked up a tiny weight and did a few curls for him.

"You are, big shot." He put the weight down and picked him up. "Flex for me." Thomas flexed and grunted like a bodybuilder.

"Kal, son. He's Kal."

"Supaman!"

"I'll answer to that. Maybe I can get them to start calling me that at home. Especially your mom."

"Careful," Bruce growled.

"Sorry. Tommy's mommy. Totally different person."

"Mama?"

"Yeah, she is something else."

Bruce made another growling noise. Okay, that subject is too touchy.

Zatanna came in, dressed for her own workout. "Hey, a whole room full of handsome, muscly men. Am I a lucky gal, or what?"

Bruce dropped his weights and walked over to her, running his hands through her hair and kissing her. He walked her back to the wall and pressed her against it, drawing a soft moan from her throat. Alright, I get the message. She finally pushed him away slightly.

"I love you," he said, running his hands down to her hips.

"Alright, you two. We're not going to play this game," she said, pushing him back further. "Kal, you're with Tanna. Bruce, you're with me. This isn't a competition."

"You're right," Bruce said, still holding onto her. "There's no competition."

"Oh, my god...stop it."

"It's my fault, Zee," Kal said. "I need to separate my realities out better."

She kissed Bruce's cheek and pushed him the rest of the way off before turning to take Thomas. "You're both forgiven, but let's just try to act like adults. Except you, sugar. You can act like a kid as much as you want."

Once she set Thomas back down, she walked over and started lifting weights with Bruce. They chatted and laughed...just like they always had on his world. It didn't seem like an easy job to get this Bruce to laugh, but he could feel the joy between them. Clark said they balanced each other, and that seemed like a good description.

"You're going to hurt your back."

"You're going to get your nose broken."

Bruce laughed. "You need new threats."

"Laugh all you want, but we are still 1:0 on broken noses."

"Just raise up with your hips and legs, not your back. You need your back for practice."

She fought a smile and lifted with her hips and legs. "Got it."

Kal had learned quickly what that code phrase meant, so he tried to ignore them for the rest of the workout, helping Thomas with his own session. When they finished, they all went downstairs to yet another gourmet Alfred breakfast spread.

"I don't think I've eaten this much food in...well, ever."

"I'm glad you feel the need while you're here," Alfred said, plating his breakfast.

"Thank you, Alfred," Zatanna said. "Kal is coming to check out Shadowcrest with us today, so it'll be a bit quiet around here for a while."

"Of course, ma'am." He sounded a little bummed. Clearly, he enjoyed his role in the family.

"Don't worry. We'll be back before dinner."

"Oh, Bruce, I was going to ask you about something. I was on the computer earlier and read some old headlines about you..."

"An act," he said abruptly. Zatanna stifled a laugh and took a drink of her orange juice.

"Mm. Right." He took another bite of his food. "So the yacht..."

"No."

She couldn't stifle her laugh this time.

Deciding that he'd antagonized Bruce enough for one morning, Kal spent the rest of the meal catching Zatanna up on the previous day's adventures. While they washed up the dishes, he leaned against the counter, holding Thomas.

"Guess you're stuck with us a few more days," Zatanna said, handing a wet plate to Bruce.

"More than that if we can't figure out a way to get me back."

"I got you here, I can get you back."

"She just doesn't actually have a plan yet," Bruce said. Zatanna splashed his face with water.

"I will. I'm great at coming up with brilliant plans that definitely don't go sideways."

Bruce stared at her, earning another splash to the face.

"Thankfully, the queen of planning here is not the only mind working on the problem," he said, wiping his face off. "We'll fix this."

They had said it every time, but Kal was beginning to wonder if they truly believed they could.

Black Adam
Far Away

"I need you to be ready."

"For what, exactly?"

"For my return."

"I don't see how I could possibly help you anymore."

"You failed me once. This is your chance for redemption."

Tsaritsa glared at him. "I did what you asked. He lied."

"Then you should have found someone who was being honest. I'm not arguing with you on this. I need your help when I return and I will get it."

She looked down at the floor. "Fine. But I don't know what you expect me to do. The Justice League has defeated me before."

"You will be working with me."

She looked back up at him. "They defeated you, too. And without a second Superman."

Gritting his teeth, Adam stood and started to walk away from her image. "I will handle that. Be ready."

Selina
Somewhere, hexed

The strange feeling had faded pretty quickly, and she was grateful that her arm no longer ached. Now, she had to finish the act. She could tell that dawn was breaking, which meant it was time for more "conditioning". Scarecrow's face came on the screen, right on schedule.

"I'm impressed, Catwoman. You actually told the truth."

That seems unlikely.

"I've told you everything you've wanted to know."

"Except your name."

Fuck. Alright...all in.

"My name is Selina Kyle."

"Very good, Ms. Kyle. Very good. Tell me how you feel."

"I feel...free."

"Yes. Yes, I can see it in you. Are you afraid?"

She shook her head. "No. Not anymore. I see what you were saying now. I was trapped."

"By what?"

"By my life. By my fear to be who I'm really supposed to be. I was hiding."

"Good. Thank you, Ms. Kyle. Now that we know no one was tracking you, it's time."

"Time for what?"

The feed cut off and she was alone again.

Please tell me that worked.

Zatanna
Shadowcrest

"This place is wild," Kal said, examining the pictures on the wall. "Did this guy's eyes just move?"

"No, it's a painting." Yes, they probably did. No need to freak him out about the house more than necessary. Zatanna carried Thomas into the library and set him loose on the Lincoln log city he had been building for the last week. He'd created a magical barrier around the outside to keep the cat from going Godzilla on it. The fur ball sat just outside, awaiting any opportunity to cause destruction and devastation for the poor citizens of Thomastown.

"Want some help, kid?"

Thomas nodded and handed Kal a log

"You're very good with him," Zatanna said, picking up a book and curling up on the couch.

"I spend a lot of time with the other Thomas. Making up for a lost youth, I guess."

"Nothing wrong with that. I'm sure Tanna appreciates the extra set of eyes."

"What's this building?" He asked Thomas.

"Where Dada work."

"Wayne Tower," Zatanna added.

"Oh, right. I saw that flying by. Quite a structure." He started on another building. "Where's Shadowcrest?"

Thomas pointed to a house in the wrong part of town.

"His geography could use some work," Zatanna said, smiling.

"Needs more living paintings, too."

They carried on with their construction while Zatanna read. It was early afternoon when Bruce called to check in.

"Hey, how's the day going?"

"Pretty good. Kal and Thomas have made good headway on a very accurate, totally rearranged model of Gotham City."

"Send me a picture later. I need to see if I should relocate a few buildings to fit."

"Ah, yes. Wouldn't want him to be wrong. When are you getting out of there?"

"Quarter to never, at the rate things are going."

"Merger blues?" They had been working on merging their medical equipment company with one from the west coast for months. Bruce had been dreading the meetings, as usual.

"Yes. I do have a couple of hours free before the next meeting. What would it take for me to convince you to pay me a visit?"

She smiled and put her book down. "I would have to enlist a babysitter."

Kal nodded. "We're busy, anyway. Need to work on this area. What is this?"

"Elphants!"

"Zoo in San Francisco," Zatanna said. "You're sure you don't mind?"

"Yeah, go ahead. We'll fly back to the mansion when we hit a stopping point."

"Fy!"

"Babysitter set. I'll be there shortly."

"Wear that one dress..."

"Got it."

Batman
Gotham City

"Nothing?" Gordon stood looking out across the city, his jacket getting soaked by the rain.

"No new attacks," he said, giving him a lie of omission, instead of an outright lie. "No one new in Arkham?"

"No. He's out there getting ready to unleash hell on us. I can feel it."

"So can I. We'll get him. I won't let him plunge this city into chaos and fear. I promise you that, Jim."

He nodded and went to turn off the signal. "Keep me in the loop."

Batman jumped from the ledge and swung back toward the car. "Anything new?"

"There's a break-in near the high school. Small house, no one home," Batgirl said.

"I'll head over and take care of them." He turned and sped toward the high school.

"He'll be fine once you catch Scarecrow."

"I'm worried he'll never trust me again if he finds out everything I'm hiding."

"He knows you can't work in the daylight. If you played by the rule book, you'd be another cop. He has enough of those already. Gotham needs Batman."

Rounding the corner, he saw the house. "Kids. Can you send a juvenile unit? I'll detain them."

He came to a stop, blocking the kids from escaping. They stared at him when he got out of the car.

"Oh, man! I can't believe it! We got busted by Batman!" One of the boys was far too excited about being caught.

"Have a seat, guys," Batman said. They high fived and sat down on the curb. "What did you take?"

The other boy reach in his pocket. "They only had some change lying around. Oh, and this watch."

He held them out, so Batman took the loot and put it on the hood of the car. "There are better ways to spend a rainy evening."

"Better than meeting Batman? No way! This is the best."

"And what will your parents think when they have to come get you from the local precinct?"

"My dad don't care what I do."

"Yeah, man. We do what we want."

He sighed and sat down next to them on the curb. "I care."

They looked at each other and shrugged. "Why?"

"Because I've seen what happens when no one does."

The squad car topped the hill, lighting up the dim street.

"Hey, can we take a picture with you?"

"No." He stood and smirked. "You're under arrest." The officer took the stolen items and put the kids in the back of the car.

"Thanks, Batman. We'll see if we can keep these kids from becoming frequent fliers in the precinct."

"Good. They're not bad, just misguided. See if you can advocate for some community service. They need some leadership."

"I'll do my best."

He got back in the car and resumed his patrol route.

"That was a good way to handle that," Barb said.

"No need to treat them like hardened criminals."

"I think being a father has softened you."

"Mm. They break into another house, they won't think I'm soft."

"Oh, come on. You're just a gentle soul who wants to nurture."

"Barb?"

"Yes?"

"Shut up."

"That wasn't very nurturing."

"I don't nurture adults. I'm heading uptown."

Zatanna
Watchtower

Maybe I should just move in here.

She felt like she spent more time at the Watchtower now than she did when she was actually in the League. Not that it was anyone's fault but her own.

"You ready to wear a top hat and not take it off?"

"No," Thomas said.

"It really brings the whole ensemble together."

"No."

"You're spending too much time around your daddy."

"Sit wif Vic?"

She looked over at Victor, who already had his arms out. "Get over here, miniature billionaire."

Thomas hopped down and went over. He enjoyed spreading the honor of having an occupied lap around with the whole team.

"I'm sure you all heard by now what we found," Clark said, entering the room and kicking off the meeting. "We can't go to him."

"So, we shore up our defenses here. Meet him when he makes his return and put him out of commission for good," Bruce said.

"I've already got the satellites pointed in every direction. We'll know when he's close." Barb pulled up the feeds on the monitor. "Victor, thanks for the assist on upping the range. We have a great view."

"You're welcome."

"Now comes the hard part: deciding what to do with him once we've got him under control." Bruce looked to the others.

"What we did last time worked just fine. We just undid it," Ollie said.

"Except J'onn wound up blasted into another dimension."

"You did?" Kal asked.

"Long story. I'll catch you up on it at dinner," Zatanna said.

"I really don't want to do that to him again," Shazam said.

"And that brings me back to something else we've been ignoring since Adam got loose," Bruce said. "The rip."

"Closing it before we take his power again would prevent anyone from crossing over, but without his power, I just don't know how to do it."

"And Kal would get stuck here."

"Catch 22," Ollie mumbled. "Zee, have you talked to Fate again?"

"No, why?"

"He said you would need to recruit the power. I think we all assumed he meant Adam, but what if he didn't?"

"So, what if there's someone else out there with the power we need?"

"Right."

She thought a moment. "I guess it's worth asking. Maybe he'll be more forthcoming this time."

"Especially if he's aware of the mess we've gotten ourselves into," Diana said.

"He's going to be haughty. I hate it when he's haughty."

"Has he ever not been haughty?"

"Come to think of it, no."

"We'll talk with him," Bruce said. "Meanwhile, Vic, you'll be keeping an eye on the monitors at all times?"

"Of course I like elephants. They're awesome. Trunks, ears, giant feet...awesome."

"Come wif me to the zoo?"

"Sure, I'd like that."

"Ya!"

"Vic?" Bruce interrupted the important conversation.

"What?"

"Monitors."

"Yeah, I've got it covered. Multitasking."

Zatanna smiled and shook her head. It would be less distracting for Thomas to stay home, but much less entertaining, too.

"We can save the zoo for a celebration trip once we take care of all of this."

"Zoo!"

"I think that means everyone's invited. I'll let you know what we hear from Fate." Bruce sat down and let Diana lead the rest of the meeting. Zatanna let her mind drift while they discussed other matters. Dr. Fate had not been very open in talking before, but the worst he could do was be annoyed with her for asking again. He had helped Bruce the last time, so maybe he would be more open to talking if he joined the conversation. He's really not going to like Kal being here.

"Zee?" Bruce brought her back to reality. The team was filing out and he was standing in front of her, holding Thomas.

"Sorry, I spaced out." She stood and forced a smile. "Ready to go home?"

"I need a bit here, if that's okay."

"Of course," she said, taking Thomas from him. "We'll go have dinner."

"Everything alright?"

"Just a lot to think about. I'll see you later." She kissed his cheek and headed to the tube. Kal was waiting for them. "Hey, I have something to show you before dinner."

"Sounds interesting." Alfred took Thomas to help finish dinner, and Zatanna led Kal upstairs to a spare bedroom. "Uh..."

"Sit. I'll be next door." She closed the door behind her and smiled.

Kal
Wayne House

He didn't really know what was going on until he felt a familiar buildup of power.

"Well, hey there big guy," Tanna's voice said just before her face appeared.

Kal laughed. "I was wondering what all of this was about. You're a sight for sore eyes."

"Oh, please. You've seen me every day. I'm the one with no Kal-El over here. She has two!"

"And a Bruce."

Her smile only faded slightly, but he recognized the look in her eyes. "Yeah, she told me."

"He's not a fan of me staring at his wife."

Tanna raised her eyebrow. "And why have you been staring at his wife?"

"Because she's the most beautiful woman I've ever seen."

The smile got wider. "I'm going to do such dirty things to you when you get back."

"Promise?"

"Promise."

"That's if I can get back," he said, furrowing his brow.

"We're working on it. I got you there, I can get you back."

"You said the same thing here."

"And we both mean it."

"How did you get me here?"

"That attack was generating so much energy that I was able to just aim you toward it. And that's the problem with getting you back. I don't know how to give that Zatanna the same kind of target here. I don't want you to end up in the wrong dimension." She sighed and shook her head. "I'm sorry. I wasn't thinking. I just acted."

"I know. I'm not mad. I wanted to help."

The door behind her creaked open and a mess of black hair came running into view.

"Kaaaaaaaaaaal!" Tommy jumped into Tanna's lap. "I miss Kal!"

"Kal misses Tommy. You taking good care of your mom for me?"

He nodded and leaned back against her. "Come home?"

"Soon, I hope. Things are so different here. Even you and Bruce."

"Different how?"

Laughing, he shook his head. "It would take hours to explain. I'll get into it when I'm home."

"Look...what I did...I hope you don't think..."

"You did the right thing. They'd be dead if you hadn't sent me here. Both of them."

She nodded and looked down. "I miss you."

"Ah, so my plan to leave you pining for me has worked perfectly." He rubbed his hands together and wagged his eyebrows.

"Idiot. Finish what you started there and get back to me. I lie awake wishing your arms were around me."

"I lie awake wishing the same thing. I'll get back. Everyone here's nice, but I miss my family." Did I just say that? He'd never referred to them as family before to her face. Cringing slightly, he looked down. "I mean..."

"They miss you more than you could know," Tanna said, voice cracking. He looked up and saw her teary eyes. "I love you."

"I love you, too."

She sniffled and smiled. "I think that's all I can handle for tonight...magically, I mean. I wish I could talk to you longer."

"Eh, I get back and you'll be telling me to shut up."

"Oh, shut up, I will not."

They both smiled.

"Tommy, you give her a hard time while I'm gone."

"Okay. Bye, Kal." He pouted and gave him a sad wave.

"See you soon," Tanna said, blowing him a kiss.

Once the connection faded, he stood and went to the door. Zatanna and Bruce were waiting in the hall.

"Everything go okay? Don't worry, I didn't eavesdrop."

"Yes. Thank you for that...I needed it."

"You're welcome," Zatanna said, turning to head downstairs. "Bath time for little monsters."

Bruce turned toward him. "Feel a little better?"

Kal nodded. "Yeah. It was good to see them." They slowly walked down the hall. "She still wears her ring...your ring."

"Really? Probably just a habit."

"I've been thinking about replacing it, but..."

"But?"

"I don't know what she'll say."

Bruce chuckled. "Been there. Sweaty palms, feeling of anticipatory dread. I think that's normal when proposing to Zatanna Zatara."

"I'm worried it's too soon."

"If you're asking me for permission, that's not really my place."

"I guess not."

"But, you're a good man, as far as I can tell...if a bit of a smart ass."

He grinned. "Why do you think she fell for me?"

Zatanna
Wayne Manor

She stood brushing her hair in front of the mirror, exhausted from another day of worrying too much. Bruce came in and stood behind her, smiling and looking in her reflected eyes.

"It was a good thing you did, connecting them."

"I know how much I missed you when I was alone in the other dimension." She turned to face him. "No need for him to be more miserable than he already is."

He sighed and pulled a newspaper out from behind his back. "I need to be more clever in my aliases."

She took the paper from him and looked at the front page.

Batman in Love?
New Vigilante has Heartwarming Moniker

"Oops."

"Yeah. Oops. Guess there are others in Gotham who speak Italian."

"Well, to be fair, it was less heavy handed than 'Batwife'," she said, tossing the newspaper onto the dresser.

"But no less accurate," he said, wrapping his arms around her. "I need to monitor for a while."

"Okay. Thomas was too tired to join you."

He shook his head and frowned. "Really? So disappointing. It's almost like he's..."

"A tiny human who goes to bed at 8:00?"

"Yeah, that's it." He smiled and lifted her up, kissing her and spinning her around.

"What was that for?"

"You're always making me dizzy. Just taking some revenge."

"Mmm...you definitely make my head spin."

"Corny," he said, setting her down and turning toward the door. "That was corny and I'm leaving."

She sat down on the bed and stretched her neck. There was a lot of planning to do and still too many questions to be answered. Not much I can do tonight, though. It was fairly early, so she decided some extended meditation was long overdue. She went to her room and lit the candles.

"Raelc ym dnim."

Her mind drifted, coasting on a wave of relaxation. Thoughts flew through her head, but she tried not to focus on them for too long. The tension in her neck released and she smiled. Why don't I do this more? Oh, right...little person to keep alive. He was worth it, but it was nice to take some time to herself.

"Zee?"

She opened her eyes to see Bruce standing in the doorway. "Hey, what's up?"

"It's almost 2am. What's wrong?"

"Seriously? Wow. Nothing's wrong, I just went into a bit of a meditation fugue state." She hopped down out of her spell and extinguished the candles. "Ready for bed?"

He laughed. "Are you? You're still glowing like a candle."

She punched his shoulder and pushed past him. "Thought you might need a night light."

They got ready for bed and curled up together.

"Names?" He mumbled against her chest.

"Huh?"

"Baby names." Her heart sank a bit and he must have noticed something changed, because he looked up. "What is it?"

"Nothing. Try to sleep."

"Worst liar ever. What is it?"

She sighed. It was something they would need to talk about. Why not do it at 2am?

"I went to the doctor the other day."

He lifted himself onto his elbows and reached to switch on the lamp. "You're scaring me."

"No, I'm fine. Everything's fine, as far as I know."

"But?"

"If there's no Bruce in Kal's dimension, there's no baby girl in Kal's dimension."

"So what?"

"If there's no little girl there, how can there be one here?"

"Same way there was a Thomas in Zanna's dimension before there was one here. You broke stuff and fate took a holiday."

"Bruce..."

He moved up and kissed her. "We don't know anything. The doctor said you were fine?"

"Yes, but what if it's something else?"

"Like...?"

"Like what if one of us isn't here."

He winced and clinched his jaw. "Don't think like that. There are a million reasons we might not have another baby and a million why we will."

She closed her eyes, longing for the relaxed feeling of meditation to return. "I shouldn't have brought it up."

He laid his head back down on her shoulder. "Yes, you should have. If something's bothering you, I want to know. But, I won't want you to worry about what ifs."

"It's an important what if."

He kissed her neck. "I know. One day at a time."

Nodding, she ran her fingers through his hair. The feeling of uncertainty didn't ease, but at least she wasn't hiding anything from him now. "One day at a time."