Disclaimer

The characters used in this story are the property of DC Comics and Warner Bros. I have used them and fabricated this tale which is entirely is product of my imagination.

Chap 7

Bruce jumped and sat up in his bed.

Later that day, in the watch tower, Flash seemed to be in a great hurry, as he didn't as much as acknowledge, let alone grin at Wonder Woman who passed by. He was looking for Superman.

"Superman, apocalypse, now!" He said, as he ran into the kitchen where Superman was having a cup of coffee with the Green Lantern, who seemed to be all over the place with his war-tales. They were astonished by the sudden news. "What apocalypse? Where?" Green Lantern demanded. "I don't think it's just apocalypse. It's something bigger than that. You'll never guess what happened!" he was panting and smiling at the same time. They looked at each other and sighed. "What now, Flash? Did Wonder Woman laugh on another silly joke of yours?" Lantern said, with exasperation clear in his tone. Normally it would've simmered down Flash, but this time, it didn't work. GL and Superman couldn't help but smile. "Smile is infectious, isn't it?" Flash poked. GL mocked anger, "And pray, may I know who gave you this infection?"

"The bat." Flash showed a clear sense of achievement.

"I thought as much." GL sighed, "You got bitten by a Bat! Where did you run across a bat in the watch tower and how did you manage to poke it to get bitten?"

"Ha ha! Funny GL! But your lame comments are not going to bother me today. The great Batman acknowledged my joke! I made the bat laugh, and he gave me this infection" Flash stressed on the last word.

"No way! Batman...laugh!" Superman widened his eyes, "Are you sure you're not day dreaming?"

"I knew you wouldn't believe me," Flash snapped in disgust. "Batman will be here in a minute. Ask him yourself!"

"Of course, we will," Green Lantern shrugged and looked at Flash if that would deter him. No luck. He was on cloud nine.

Just then, Batman entered the kitchen. "Hello GL, Superman, Flash! Merry Christmas!" Lantern and Superman half opened their mouth in amazement.He was actually smiling, like a normal person. Superman gulped down his coffee and shook his head to make sure he wasn't dreaming. "Hey, Batz! Tell them what you told me, about my joke!" Flash demanded. "Well it was a really good joke, Flash. I think you didn't tell them yet, or they would've been rolling on the floor by this time!" Batman spoke, in an encouragingly even tone. Flash flashed his teeth at the other two again. They realised they had to face it. It was really happening.

"Hey, I forgot, I have to recharge my ring. I'll catch up with you guys later," Lantern spoke and left abruptly. Batman frowned while Superman looked in his direction. He saw Hawk Girl hiding behind the wall. "Some recharge!" he said to himself. "Aw – I see it!" Flash winked, "I will not miss this for the world" he smiled and zoomed away.

"So, you want to fill me in?" Superman asked, filling another mug of coffee and handing it to Batman. Batman just couldn't stop smiling. "She came to the manor this morning," he said, his face showing excitement one would never expect to see. "Ok, by she we are referring to – ", Superman raised his eyebrows. Batman frowned. "You know who I am referring to. But if you want me to humour you, it's Lisa." Superman grinned. He never imagined it'd be so easy to get it out of him. This woman had certainly struck him. "And..." he nodded and raise his eye brows, encouraging him to continue. "I asked her out – " he replied. Superman widened his eyes, "That's it! She came in and you asked her out? Nothing in between?" Needless to say he wanted more information. "Well, I didn't technically ask her out. She came in to see how I was doing. Apparently she was shaken by the news of my accident. She spent about an hour with me, giving me instructions regarding how to take care of my head and make sure the wound doesn't get aggravated. While she was leaving, I asked her if she'd like to join me in our small Christmas party for under privileged children. She agreed, and I am going to pick her up at 6." Clark couldn't help but say, "Do you realise how desperate you sound?" Bruce frowned, "There is nothing desperate about it," he remarked. "Really Bruce! When was the last time you smiled so much at the thought of a girl merely agreeing to go out with you on a social occasion? This woman makes you happy, doesn't she?" Bruce tried to protest, but thought. Clarke was indeed right. Ever since Lisa came into his life, he had been smiling more than he ought to. And wasn't superficial, it was coming from within. He was indeed happy.

Superman took his silence as a Yes. He smiled and said, "So you think this is the girl?" Bruce gave a quick 'no', which was more of a reflex than an opinion. Superman tried to pursue the matter, but suddenly Diana walked in. "Batman, Superman, can you two please come to the meeting room?" Although it looked like a request, it sounded as if she wasn't really giving a choice. They obliged.

As they entered the meeting room, they saw the others were already there. GL looked a bit moody and Flash looked disappointed in particular. So, that was the reason why Hawk Girl had called him, Superman thought. They took their chairs. Diana stood up and began, "I am sorry to have called for this impromptu meeting, but I needed your advice." She said and looked for acknowledgement. "We're always here for you, Diana," Hawk Girl said, and kicked GL under the table, "Of course! We are all there!" he spoke abruptly. "I am so glad. Actually, I speak for my friend. She said she was asked out by a man and is in a dilemma of whether to acknowledge or turn him down. She asked me for advice. But, as you know, I am new to this world, and so I need your vote to help her out." The others looked at each other. That was hardly a reason to call for meeting, but as long as they were there, it probably wouldn't hurt to help out a damsel in distress. "Who are you talking about?" GL enquired.

She looked at Batman and said, "Bruce Wayne!"