Once again a thanks to lostindreams081981 for the editing.
Enjoy!
A night to remember
It had been a long night.
"Fucking bitch," he swore darkly, thinking about what Artemis had told him. He couldn't believe that bitch had the nerve to spy on him. He had thought about breaking one of the Justice satellites just as payback.
"It's your fault for getting carless, Clark," Artemis whispered. This Clark, the one that could rip steel apart in his rage, was not one that she liked dealing with. She even gave him a wide berth when he went to visit his parent's grave. She had only caught sight of Diana appearing at the edge of the city and trailing after him as he headed back to Smallville. Needless to say, the Princess was not one of his favourite people right now.
"I know that," he hissed. "I don't need to be reminded every moment."
"Getting angry will do you no good, Clark," Artemis said softly. The red-head stood and took his arm gently. "Until you let go of your anger, these mistakes will crop up."
He breathed slowly, closing his eyes. Artemis, the one who had taught him to fight stood before him right now and he knew that she was right.
"I am sorry," he whispered.
Artemis frowned. The Cabal had screwed with his head for so long, just when it looked like he had found a lead, a way to bring to justice those who had killed his parents, they disappeared again. The story of the blonde woman worried her though. Why did she call him her son?
"It's alright, Clark," she said rubbing his arm. "Don't let it happen again, use your speed to your advantage, only Diana could hope to keep track of you when you truly move. Her agents in Metropolis are not nearly strong enough to keep pace with you."
He nodded. "If she comes near me…"
"She is worried, Clark," Artemis looked down. "You know Amazons feel a connection to nature right?"
He nodded.
"Something has been causing a disruption like we have never felt before," she looked truly worried. "Nature is crying out, like it's in pain."
Clark didn't pretend to understand the Amazons. Artemis had not lied to him in the time that he had known her though, so he nodded.
"It's troubling to all of us, there is something that doesn't belong out there," she said softly. "We're not sure if it's the Gods or if it's something else, but an abomination has been unleashed on nature."
"So, she thinks it might be me," Clark looked at her in surprise.
"You have to understand, your skill set reminds all Amazons of Hercules, and yet you are mortal," she said looking out the window. "They're afraid you're the abomination that will put all Amazons back in chains again."
"You know that's crazy right?"
Artemis nodded. "I know you, I understand how you think, I know what you feel, and that's why I know you're not it. It's an eternal fear of my people though."
Clark just rubbed her shoulders lightly. "I am sorry that I'm troubling you."
Artemis smiled slightly. "I guess all students are pains in the ass."
He laughed lightly. "So why are you and the rest of the Amazons here?"
"There is some big event coming up tonight, I am surprised you haven't heard about it since your boss applied for a press pass for you."
Clark thought back to the conversations he had over the last week, he had been walking around like a dead man for most of it.
"I can't remember," he admitted sheepishly.
Artemis scowled. "You know that's not good. You can't let your emotions rule you, or you will miss important things."
Clark rolled his eyes going back towards his computer. "I am not twelve anymore."
"Could fool me sometimes," she grumbled. "Anyways, some big model/actress/whatever is coming into the city and the Embassy is hosting a gala in her honour, well they're holding a show with Zatanna and using it as a way to attract attention to the good work of the League with this woman coming in."
"Popularity play, by your princess?" he looked at her in surprise. "Why?"
"The League is still on the "watch" list of several nations, she wants to make sure they have a good public face," Artemis shrugged. "You know my preference on these things."
He nodded. "So would you care to tell me who this woman is?"
"Astoria Jul," she said with a drawl. "She is supposed to be a beauty on par with the Princess of the Amazons, if Diana is your type."
Clark shrugged. He could admit she was attractive, but after the other night? "So I take it I am going to be stuck doing another boring op-ed piece that has no real place expect as bird cage liner."
"You're writing is pretty good," she admitted, looking back at him.
"It's a job," he said with a sigh. "I am trained in computer science, I could rule the MMA circuits in this town, and all I am stuck doing is writing fluff pieces because I wrote for the college paper a couple of times?"
"Change it," she said. "I know how well you're trained, hell you're a better cook than some of the people I have met in this town. If you don't like it, change it."
"You know why I keep it," he said looking at her. "I may dislike it, but there are advantages to keeping the job."
Artemis made a click of displeasure with her tongue. She did not like Lois Lane, she made no secrets of it. She thought that Lois was beneath her "little brother" as she called him and that he could do much better. It was a source of frustration for him while they were dating, because Artemis rarely kept her comments to herself.
"I am headed out tonight," Artemis said. "Think you won't cause any trouble while I am gone?"
Clark laughed lightly. "You know me."
"That's what I am afraid of," Artemis admitted, setting her cup of coffee down. "How do you drink this stuff all day and still sleep is beyond me."
Clark gave her a short wave, not looking up from his computer as she left. He suddenly caught a sound from the TV that he had been ignoring before.
Slowly moving his head away from the window Clark looked at his television. It showed him a picture of Lex Luthor owner of Lex Corp. and the most powerful man in Metropolis. Because of that he tried to position himself as the face of the city, donating millions to charity and erecting libraries, schools, and hospitals in his name.
"Mr Luthor, I thought that Luthor Corp had gotten out of the weapons business, what is bringing this change about?" A reporter asked, but before Luthor could answer another report cut in.
"It is true that you bribed several street thugs into claiming that Superman had beaten them when he apprehended them," Lois's voice snapped in. Lex waved his hands to stop their questions and answered.
"What you all say or only rumours. Superman himself has shown that he more a vigilante than an asset to the police, or need I remind you how he introduced himself to the city and the League?" Lex smiled into the camera. "And can you blame me for getting back into the weapons business? We have a person on this planet that conventional weapons cannot harm. Of course I am going to think of the safety of this planet and its people before public perception."
"So you hold to the line that you believe Superman is a threat," Lois continued ignoring the moderator.
"Superman has not demonstrated anything to indicate yet that he isn't a threat," Luthor said with a smile. "I would rather be careful than let him run roughshod over the city…"
"You would think you would adore him," Lois said with her typical snark. She really didn't like Luthor and it showed more often than not. "You tend to do the same too."
"That's unfounded, Ms. Lane," Lex said calmly. "But you're right. I do adore Superman, he's a great benefit to the city."
He turned the TV off and looked towards the ceiling.
"And I adore you as well...Lex" his eyes however shown deep resentment.
Suddenly Clark's mobile rang getting his attention. Picking it up, he then answered trying to sound surprised by what was coming. Artemis prepping him for it made this a lot easier for him.
"Perry" Clark answered his boss.
"Kent! I just heard word that Astoria Jul is coming to the city, I need you there to cover it."
Sometimes having super hearing sucked. Why the hell did he always talk so loud when he was giving out assignments?
"But sir...it's my day off. Cant Lois handle it" Clark asked, he hated having to put up this front, but he couldn't have people asking questions about him. His response was only to receive a growl from his boss.
"Lois is currently busy writing up the Luthor presser. Kent if you value your job then do it! I want pictures of the show and if the Justice League comes then get pictures of them too!" Perry he could see in his mind slamming his phone against his desk. He went through so many of them that way.
"There goes my day off," Clark shrugged. The only thing he really needed to do was to get a date for this stupid show. Magic tricks really didn't impress him that much in the long run.
Dialing his phone Clark called the only person that could help him.
"Hey. You still in Metropolis?" Clark asked.
"Yes, I know you're leaving for Paris in a few days," Clark sighed. "I have an unconfirmed rumor that your boss is going to be at the Zatanna show tonight."
He pulled the phone away and held it out as a shriek emanated from the phone.
"Yes, I know it's only a rumour, but I could really use some help tonight," he said softly. "I mean you might even get to speak with her directly, I know that you have been trying to get an interview with her house in Paris since you joined her company."
He listened to her and sighed.
"Can you spare a date with Clark Kent?"
Clark's answer was a laughter which made him smile.
Themysciran Embassy
Diana had just finished sitting through a boring official meetings and her patience was near an end. She was sure that she knew who Superman was, she had barely been able to keep up with him as he sped over the countryside and landed at what looked like to be a farm. He had stopped at two graves and apologized over and over. It was only after that woman had appeared that she knew she had been caught.
"Stay away from him," the woman had hissed in her earn. "You harm him and I will make you regret ever being created."
Before she could do anything the woman had disappeared and the man was looking in her direction. She had been forced to run. As Bruce had said there was no way to accurately gage his abilities and interrupting something so personal could be bad for her.
She hated the idea of running.
Now they had Zatanna's show with some big wig woman, Astoria Jul, coming in to see her perform. Several League members had been assigned as security to supplement the Amazons who would be on guard. Even Artemis had agreed to help, which bothered her to no end for some reason.
She had spoken with Bruce, who asked why she had appeared outside of Smallville earlier that evening. He didn't press though, because he too was worried about this woman coming in. She was one of the few people on the planet that he could find absolutely nothing on.
She sighed. Apparently this is a "date" at least in the eyes of Bruce. Apparently this was the date she asked for. League duty and ambassadorial duty didn't constitute a date in her mind.
"He's a difficult man" she sighed as she looked at her dress which was on her couch.
Hotel
Lana lang stepped out of her bathroom as she just finished her shower. She could not believe that Ms. Jul was actually going to be here today, but Clark had never lied to her before, and it would be a chance for her to network in the industry that she could not pass up. Her phone rang and she picked it up.
"Hello," Lana spoke as she wiped her hair.
"Ms Lang," a prim voice announced. "Ms. Jul would like the chance to speak with you, is now a convenient time?"
Lana's eyes went wide. Why would she be calling her? Her towel dropped to the floor with a thud.
"Yes…" Lana stammered.
"No need to be nervous, Ms. Lang," Lana heard a soft cultured voice chuckle.
"Ms. Jul," she dropped boneless against her bed. "How can I help you ma'am?"
"I heard that one of my people was in Metropolis and since I am attending an event tonight I thought it would be interesting to meet," Lana's eyes went wide in shock. "I assume that you will be in town through the night?"
Lana nodded even though no one was there to see her. "I was asked by a friend to attend an event tonight with him."
"Really? Who is this friend," the woman asked softly.
"Clark Kent, we grew up together and he is now a reported for the Daily Planet," Lana said, still in shock that she was talking with her big boss.
Her boss was coming and she was coming to Zatanna's show, Clark's information was dead on again.
"I see," Ms. Jul said simply. "I would like to meet him as well, perhaps I will let him have an interview as well."
Lana almost dropped the phone. This would be a major coup for Clark if she was serious. No one got an interview with Astoria Jul.
"He…He would love that," Lana stammered. "Thank you ma'am."
"I look forward to meeting you and Mr. Kent, Ms. Lang," the woman sounded cheerful. "I will see you this evening, my people will be looking for you."
Lana stared at the phone as the line went dead. She leaned back and kicked her legs in the air in joy.
En Route to Metropolis
Her private jet had been a modified design. It normally sat thirty, but only a handful ever travelled with her. Leaning back she set the phone back down and looked towards the roof.
"She is a talented designer," the woman's aide said. "If she had access to the distribution network we would dominate."
Astoria Jul nodded, closing her eyes and pursing her lips. "The Justice League is going to be bothersome, but make sure we get to meet her and her friend."
Her aide nodded and began taking notes and making phone calls. One of the nice modifications to her plane was the ability to make calls without interfering with the equipment. It allowed her an advantage when she was on the move.
"The Legendary Dark Knight, the Amazonian Princess, and Martian Manhunter will all be present at the event," her aide said. "Amazons are main security, they're…"
"They're there more to make a good impression with the people," Astoria said dryly. "They are using me to make good public relations material for themselves."
The aide nodded. "Make sure that I take no pictures with any of them. I have no real desire to sit with the League or be used by them."
The aide nodded.
Astoria leaned back and smiled. It should be an interesting evening.
Justice League Headquarters
"I don't see why we're the ones stuck pulling watch duty," the Flash complained loudly to the nearly empty command deck. "I mean wouldn't we better serve if we were actually at the event as well?"
"You just want a chance to see Astoria Jul," the Green Lantern groused. "You know you don't have a chance with a woman like her right?"
"Oh that's just wrong," the Flash laughed lightly. "Speed isn't the only game I have going on."
The Green Lantern groaned. "Yeah, I am really sure of that, but keep watch. You will at least get to see the woman, she comes out rarely these days."
Metropolis
Bruce Wayne would normally attend these events, but he needed to be in uniform tonight. His cowl covered his face as he made a dramatic appearance above the building that Zatanna's show would be in. Paparazzi below turned their cameras skyward hoping to catch an image of the Dark Knight. Wonder Woman would be arriving on the Red Carpet. She would be in her ambassadorial duties so instead of her traditional battlements she would be in a dress.
"You know this is rather boring," Martian Manhunter said stepping from the shadows behind them. "Zatanna's shows rarely draw this much fanfare."
"It's because Astoria Jul is making a rare public appearance here," Bruce looked over the stage and the security that was in place. Ms. Jul's people were already in place.
"It's rare for security to be this tight," Martian Manhunter looked around. "They believe that this Ms. Jul is this important?"
"Diana hasn't been able to get an audience with her," Bruce said dryly. Themyscira, when it announced it's presence to the world and established its embassy, had tried to arrange a meeting between the Princess and the Philanthropist but her people had continually refused the meeting, siting work issues for Ms. Jul. It was a sense of frustration to Diana.
"This is insane," Diana admitted appearing next to them. She was wearing an elegant red dress that left her shoulders bare. Bruce had no doubt she had a dagger hidden underneath all of the lace. "Artemis tells me that her own people are getting pushed out of the way. What can normal people do that an Amazon cannot?"
"Maybe they feel more comfortable with their own people, Diana," Bruce said looking ahead. "Familiarity breeds trust, the Amazons are still not a known quantity in the world."
Diana groused lightly. "I guess I have a "date" to get too."
Bruce groaned inwardly. He knew he was going to pay for this later.
"Clark, remember to behave alright. No foolish antics," Lana scolded, even though he was the one that had invited her to the event.
"Scout's honour," Clark said with a slight smile.
Lana groaned. Even if Clark said that, there was still a chance that he would not be on his best behaviour. Annoy him at your own peril was words that their home town had lived by. After what had happened when he was teenager it became a warning, Clark's temper was a lot shorter after that than it had been before.
Lana Lang also was in traffic as she drove her Porsche. Next to her was Clark who looked very handsome. He wore a black boldly pin-striped suit with a white shirt. His hair was groomed but the single strand of hair was always. It made her smile because it refused to be tamed. He looked very handsome and was glad he came prepared since she begged him to.
Lana herself wore a black cocktail dress which complemented her figure. When she saw an opening she went for it, and all Clark could do was hold on for the ride.
Metropolis – Zatanna's show
Diana was standing, greeting guests. Hopefully Bruce would get out of costume for a little bit so that she would not be greeting visitors alone. This was an all out show and having her greet guests was going to go a long way to improving public image.
A black Porsche pulled up to the end of the line. Most of the guest had been arriving via limo.
"You know, seriously, you need to stop driving so insanely," the man complained as he stepped out of the car.
"My driving is not that bad!"
Diana's heart stopped as she caught sight of him. He was here, what the hell was he doing here?
"Sure and I am the freaking pope. I don't know how you got your licence with this type of driving!"
The woman laughed and took his arm, handing the keys to the valet. "A scratch and I will rip your heart out."
Diana tried hard not to show her surprise as the man approached with his guest.
"Mr. Kent and guest, Princess," her aide offered.
"Mr. Kent," Diana said in happiness. "I am glad you could attend."
"Sure," Clark growled out.
The woman slapped him on the arm. "Behave."
He looked at her and then looked back at Diana. The dark look in his eyes told her that she had been seen, he walked forward with Lana not bothering to reply.
"The nerve," her aide said. "Where does that male get off?"
Diana held up her hand. This was not what she had expected. The one that she had trailed was here, working as a reporter. Her eyes widened though as her ears picked something up.
"Stay out of my business, princess," the male voice hissed.
She stopped, looking back towards Clark Kent and the woman he had come with. He seemed staring straight at her. The anger seemed to pour off of him; Nature itself was terrified of him and the rage that he seemed to be holding back
"She's here!" some screamed as a number of cars approached from the airport. She was broken from her thoughts as she turned back to the larger limo. As it stopped someone literally hopped from one of the earlier cars and came back and opened the door.
A stunning pair of legs stepped from the limo, what most would define as "the little black dress" hugging her curves, and a smile on her face. Astoria Jul emerged and started walking towards them.
The princess moved to greet her.
"Ms. Jul, I thank you for coming tonight," Diana said as pleasantly as she could manage. She never completely understood the fashion industry or the power that this woman seemed to wield.
"Thank you, Princess," she said pleasantly enough. She seemed to be looking over her shoulder and caught sight of Lana and Clark waiting near the door. "If you will excuse me."
Diana watched, stunned as the woman walked past her and went to greet the reporter. Everything she had heard said that she avoided the press like the plague. What the hell was going on here?
"Don't worry Lana everything will go well" he smiled at Lana as he felt her grip tighten against his arm.
"Clark, you don't understand," she said darkly. "She could be the key to my career."
"Don't worry Lana, you're good," he said softly. "You won't make a mistake here."
"Ms. Lang," Astoria said with a bright smile. "I am so glad you were actually able to come."
Lana shook her offered hand. "It's nice to finally meet you Ms. Jul."
"Ms. Lang, not so formal, please call me Astoria," she said softly.
"Then please, call me Lana," Lana offered back. She suddenly seemed to remember something. "Ms…Astoria, please allow me to introduce Clark Kent, reporter for the Daily Planet, and the reason that I actually got invited to this event."
The woman turned to him and Clark felt a familiarity with her. He took her hand and kissed her knuckles. "I am pleased to meet you, Ms. Juls."
"Please, Astoria as well, Mr. Kent," she said looking in his eyes. "I hear you're a reporter."
He nodded, wondering what she was going to ask.
"It must be a bother, working events like this," Astoria looked around. "So many false images that you have to see through."
For some reason he got the impression that she was talking about more than just the celebrity events that he was stuck writing these days.
Astoria looked back at him, a brightness in her hazel eyes that had been hidden before. "So, Mr. Kent, how would you like to give the world the real story?"
He stopped, she was seriously suggesting what he thought she was suggestion. "Ma'am?"
"Astoria," she said again with a smile. "I thought maybe I would make a career or two with this trip. So how about it Clark? Would you like the interview?"
Now he knew something was up, things like this didn't drop out of the air, but he wouldn't ruin this for Lana. She had connections that Lana needed, and he would do anything to make sure that Lana's career went far.
"Of course, ma'am," he said standing straight. "It would be an honour."
Astoria smiled. "Would you two care to join me in my private box? It gets rather boring with only my workers to speak with."
Lana felt like her heart was going to stop, this was beyond anything that she had imagined. "It would be…"
"It would be an honour, ma'am," Clark finished for her. Astoria smiled again and took Clark's other arm.
"Then let us be off, Mr. Kent," Astoria started pulling him and Lana along.
Diana was stunned at what had just happened. What was this woman doing? Why did she want to speak with him?
"Something wrong, Princess," Bruce Wayne walked up next to her. He looked at the trio heading away surrounded by photographers.
"Did you just see that?" Diana asked softly. "Why did she make a point to greet them before entering?"
It didn't make any sense to him, but he couldn't really say anything. He had not met Astoria Jul either so he had no idea what was going on.
Diana had not told him her suspicions about Clark Kent, at least she had a name to attach to it now. There was the threat that had hung in the air. Could he really be that angry with her?
She turned back and continued to greet guests, it was almost time for the show.
Metropolis – The Front of the Theatre
The concert hall had had a main floor and a balcony, all of which were packed. Magic shows normally didn't warrant such crowds, but when considering Zatanna's looks and her skill at pulling off the impossible, she was a wildly popular act. Diana was in a private box with her Amazon Guards, as well as Martian Manhunter and Bruce Wayne who was once again back in uniform.
"It's amazing how much power she seems to command," Diana said, looking at the group of men standing at the door to Astoria Jul's suite.
"She is considered one of the most beautiful women in the world, has starred in several movies, is considered a top flight fashion designer, and a marketing genius," Bruce listed off. "Power attracts others."
Diana nodded, she caught sight of Clark Kent standing in the suite next to the two women who had escorted him in. He gave her an uneasy feeling for some reason, there was just so much anger in him.
"What's a matter, Diana," Martian Manhunter said softly, make sure Bruce did not hear.
"I don't know," Diana admitted. "Something just feels off tonight."
"Does it relate to Mr. Kent?"
"You noticed," Diana looked back
J'onn nodded. "He seems to be the cause of much of your worry tonight. Why?"
"He can fly," Diana admitted softly. "One of my amazons caught sight of him flying out of the city. I followed."
"I take it, he wasn't too happy with that," J'onn frowned. They had no reliable estimates of how strong Superman was, and if she had found his identity…
"He did nothing," Diana admitted. "There was another woman there, she seemed to comfort him and then disappeared. She reappeared behind me and told me that if I harmed him, she would make me regret it."
J'onn frowned. Whoever this woman was, she was extremely powerful if she could get behind Wonder Woman without her being able to track.
"It's unreal," Diana admitted. "I want to assign others to watch him, but I am not sure if I can keep that up with that woman's threat hanging in the air."
"It's almost time for us to make a show," Bruce commented drawing them both out. He was no longer in his Batman uniform, he was back to being Bruce Wayne. How he had changed without anyone seeing him was a mystery. "The show is almost done."
Zatanna was in rare form tonight. Diana had always thought her magic shows were only pulling rabbits from a hat that she saved most of her magic for combat situations, but she made her magic dance throughout the shows drawing the crowds in.
"Let's have fun," Diana said with a slight smile.
J'onn frowned as he watched Diana and Bruce get ready for the after-party.
Clark completely ignored the show, both Lana and Astoria noticed, but they couldn't blame him. The magic tricks, while colourful, were not something writing could truly convey. He was leaning back in his chair, looking like he had slept through most of the show. Off to the side on the ground floor a red headed Amazon was looking up at them She wore a scowl on her face every time that she looked back towards them.
Lana got up and headed towards the restroom, one of Astoria's guards following her to make sure no one heckled her.
Lana's boss and Clark were now alone. She was watching the show and he was half asleep. Zatanna, while talented with magic, was probably only so popular because she was hot.
"You know you could pretend to have watched the show," Astoria said after a moment of silence.
"There is nothing of value about the show, the main reason that I am here is you," Clark admitted flatly.
"You're not one to mice words, are you," Astoria looked over at him. "Have you been salivating over this like other reporters in this town?"
"I didn't know you were coming until this morning," Clark stared at the ceiling wish the chair reclined.
Astoria laughed. "Really, Clark. That has to be a first for me."
"I am glad I could be a first for you," Clark smirked looking over at her. "Seriously, you know this is nothing more than a glorified PR showcase for the Justice League. Why let yourself get caught up in it?"
Astoria shrugged. "I had to come to the country anyways, why not make a good name for myself."
"Don't tell me you're here to strike a deal with Luthor Corp for distribution," Clark said dryly.
Astoria laughed. "I wouldn't trust Lex Luthor to distribute a cold."
Clark laughed. Most people in business wanted Luthor's logistic network to help them get their products out there. "Either you're a talented liar or you think you can do a better job than Luthor."
She nodded. "And if I am both?"
"Then I guess I have to take any answers with a grain of salt," Clark looked over at her.
"You're not like the other reporters that have tried to get an interview," Astoria said with a smile. "It's refreshing."
"Journalism is something I fell into," Clark admitted. "I have degrees in Electrical Engineering and Astrophysics."
"Quiet a jump," she admitted.
"NASA's budget got cut, and I don't have the patience to deal with the patent lawyers for some of the things that I have worked on," Clark shrugged. "Plus I get paid to go and see shows that normally would cost me thousands to get into. So it's kind of a win-win for me right now."
Astoria laughed again, several of her aides looked shocked at the display from the woman. "Well I am glad you're here, Mr. Kent. It's always interesting to meet people who don't think I am a goddess who walks the earth."
He looked over at her. "I am sure you would give Aphrodite a run for her money."
Astoria smirked at that. "Quiet the charmer, you are."
"I try," Clark chuckled.
Astoria stood up and leaned over at him. She planted a soft kiss against his cheek. "Not bad Mr. Kent."
Everyone on the bottom floor noticed flashes on the balcony. The entire group looked up to see Astoria Jul plant a kiss on some man that she had just met. It would be shockwave through the tabloid world.
The Flash whistled as he watched that. "Damn, that guy got lucky. Jul is seriously hot."
"Is that all you think about," the Green Lantern snapped in annoyance.
"Come on, that guy had two hot women on his arm," Flash had seen his earlier entrance with Ms. Jul and some other red-headed woman.
"It seems he got lucky" the green lantern agreed. He looked at Flash cutting him off. "There is no chance you ever will."
The others who had started to arrive just laughed at the Flash's dumbfounded expression.
Balcony
"You know you just caused quite a stir," Clark said, a little dazed by her being so close.
"Your point?" Astoria raised an eyebrow.
"Clark Joseph Kent," Lana almost screamed. "What are you doing?"
"It's nothing, Lana," Astoria looked over at her. "I am just giving the tabloids something to talk about."
Lana looks bewildered.
"Don't worry Lana, I don't have designs on Clark, just causing a little controversy."
Clark groaned. "You just made my job a little more annoying."
Lana looked like she wanted to scream at him.
"I am sure you can deal with it Clark," Astoria winked at him. "You will have to after-all, since an interview right now would probably be impossible."
Clark groaned slightly. "Thank you so much for that."
Astoria chuckled. "You are an interesting man, Clark Kent."
"That's one way of putting it," Lana frowned slightly.
Clark suddenly felt ganged up on. He looked at the League and nodded as the show was finally coming to an end.
He stood slowly and suddenly felt an arm wrap with his. "Do you think you're done for tonight Mr. Kent?"
He looked at Lana as if begging, but she was on his other arm a moment later. "There is still the after-party Clark. And since you're reporting it."
He groaned slightly. "You're just loving this."
"Of course," both Lana and Astoria said happily. He looked at them both and resigned himself to having to stick around through the after-party.
One of the aides off to the side chuckled as the bodyguards readied to help them move to the reception hall where the after party was being held. Clark wanted to punch him, but thought better of it. Astoria Jul had already caused enough of a stir tonight. He didn't need to add to it by throwing a man through the window.
After party
Clark groaned again as he listened to any number of fans approach and nearly a hundred other reporters coming to ask him when he started dating Astoria Jul. He could have punched something he was that frustrated.
Artemis hung in the shadows, unable to approach because of the Amazon Princess watching over the crowd.
"I am going to get something to drink," he said finally. "Would either of you like anything?"
"White Wine," Astoria said simply.
"The same for me," Lana said. He nodded to both and stood to go and get them a drink.
He groaned at the throng of reporters that he had to push his way through. He knew he was going to catch hell for this, come Monday.
"Are you enjoying yourself, Mr. Kent," the soft voice of the Princess asked him from behind.
"You know, your date is probably worried that you're over here," he said not even bothering to look back at her.
"Did you enjoy the show?" she decided to press on.
He looked back at her, a dark look in his eyes. "Can you please tell me why you decided to come and speak with me? I don't really have time for bullshit right now."
Diana almost gasped at the sense of anger coming from him. "I am sorry, Mr. Kent. I didn't realize you were that busy."
"You know I am not busy," he growled out. "I just don't have time for whatever games you or the League are trying to play."
Her eyes narrowed. "So you know?"
"I caught sight of you running away," he snapped. "So tell me, what's about me makes me such an interesting person to the princess of the Amazons?"
"You're Superman," she said softly.
"And if I was?" Clark looked back at her in challenge. "I am not in the mood to play games princess, you spied on me during something that was private. I don't appreciate that."
"I am sure you can understand the reason we are worried."
"And I don't care!" He cut her off. "I don't care about your concerns or whatever the League wants to know."
The rage was pouring off him now, but it was rage of loss, not the abomination that she had been feeling.
"You can reveal to your League to stay out of my business," Clark growled out. The music was so loud that no one seemed to pay attention, even though the reports had been all over him as he moved from Astoria's private suite.
"I am sorry for spying, but there are questions we have, things that need to be discussed," she said softly.
"You don't get it," Clark hissed. "You got in my way once, your entire League stopped me from taking down a monster. Tell me, did your Green Lantern recover from the hit he received?"
Diana looked down in anger. They had not known just how strong that man had been. They had been careless and one of her friends had been hurt. "We didn't know, you didn't tell us."
"If you hadn't stopped me, I would have made sure he wouldn't have been a problem," Clark growled out. "Just stay out of my way Princess and we won't have any problems."
There was a death threat if Diana had ever heard one. There was an icy determination there that she didn't understand. What had that man done to him?
"I don't want to be your enemy," he said softly his expression now soft as fabric. "I don't want any problems, just let me finish what I have to do and I will gladly fade away."
She felt as if someone had run a spear through her heart. He was hurt badly. Why had she not seen this before?
While Diana and Clark were talking Astoria approached him, entourage in tow.
"I look away for a moment and already you're trying to charm the princess?" Astoria quirked an eyebrow at him.
"You know there is no one that can compare to you, Astoria," he said with a slight smile.
"Better keep it that way," Astoria smirked at him. She looked over at Diana. "I am sorry about before, but I was so excited to see one of my top designers that I had to go and talk with her, Princess Diana."
"It's alright," Diana said, wondering why the woman set off warning bells with her. "Did you enjoy the show Ms. Jul?"
She nodded looking back at Clark. "I am sure Clark can tell you how entertaining it was."
Clark groaned. Dear lord, this woman just had to pile it on.
"I am glad you found it enjoyable," Diana said. "I believe Batman or Martian Manhunter are around if you would like to meet either of them."
"It's alright, I am sure the League has other worries besides me," Astoria said with a smile. "Lana was wondering where you got off to Clark so I volunteered to come find you."
"I'll be right with you," Clark said. Astoria nodded and head back to her suite. He turned to Diana.
Clark turned towards her and saw her frown. "Just remember, I don't want to be your enemy. Don't make me yours."
With that he turned and walked away leaving a gaping princess.
Zatanna was amazed at the level of reporting going on. Astoria Jul had appeared which made the media hungry for anything. There were rumours floating about that she had agreed to give an interview to Clark Kent who was a report with the Daily Planet. She had met Clark once before, he seemed like a nice enough guy, but not the type you wanted to give a world exclusive too. Knowing Jul though there was little chance the Daily planet would be able to send anyone else.
Zatanna watched as Diana talked with him and felt the angry undercurrent in the air. Had Diana done something to him?
"Clark," Zatanna called out as he walked by. "It's good to see you again."
"You too Zatanna," he said, there was still a hint of anger coming off of him, but it was calmed now. "The show was impressive as always."
"I am sure you slept through it like last time," she said with a smile. "How have you been? I heard you and Lois Lane had tried dating but it ended rather quickly."
Clark looked at her like she had grown a second head.
"When I said we were friends, Clark, I meant it," she said looking back towards Astoria. "So I see you're making waves today."
"It's more like she is making the waves," he groaned slightly. He had tried not to think about what she had just done. It would make it harder for him to find the Cabal if people were looking at him constantly. "I don't even have a clue as to why she did it."
Zatanna laughed slightly. "She's going to drive you nuts you know. I heard her daughter is incredibly attractive as well."
Clark groaned. "You know if she sets me up with her daughter…"
Zatanna laughed a little louder. "Clark it's been almost a year since you've been on date."
"You know I should never have kept in contact with you," Clark groused. "Telling you this stuff is coming to bite me in the ass now."
Zatanna smiled and patted him on the back. "Remember big guy, it's my job as your friend to terrorize you about your lack of a love life."
"And what about you?"
Zatanna blushed at that. "Hey, I am not the one who hasn't been on a date in a year."
"Sure, sure," Clark said with a roll of his eye. "I should get back before she sends Lana out."
Zatanna nodded. "See me after the party, we have much to catch up on."
"Sounds like a plan," Clark said with a smile.
Zatanna watched him go and saw the throng of reports that had appeared following him again. She could see the headlines tomorrow about the "mystery man" in Astoria Jul's life.
"I didn't know you were friends with any reporters," Diana said, stepping next to her.
Zatanna looked back. "He was the reporter from my first show. We stayed in contact over the years. Why?"
Diana didn't want to say anything, she only had suspicions and she knew people hid things from the world. "Has he always been so angry?"
Zatanna looked at her, wondering what going on in her head. "So you see it too?"
Diana nodded.
"He seems to hide it well, but even I can tell with the way emotion flows off of him," Zatanna admitted. "He has never told me anything, but I know something bad happened in his past. His former girlfriend mentioned it to me once when he disappeared during our interview."
Diana nodded. "Give him my e-mail next time you talk with him."
Zatanna looked at her oddly. Did Clark Kent actually catch her eye? She would have laughed if she didn't think she would offend the Princess.
Metropolis– Theatre District
Clark walked both Lana and Astoria to her waiting limo. "Are you sure that you're done for tonight, Clark?"
He nodded slowly. "I have a few things to take care of, and I still have to work tomorrow, Lana."
Lana nodded in understanding. It was amazing chance for her, but Clark still had other responsibilities.
"It's a shame Mr. Kent," Astoria said with a fond smile. "I will be in town for a few days though, and my daughter as well, what would you think about meeting for coffee?"
Clark groaned inwardly. This was the last thing that he needed right now. Zatanna would be insufferable.
"I will see what I can do, Ms. Jul," he said with a smile.
"See that you do, Clark," she said with a smile. She looked at Lana. "Come, Lana, the night is young and we need to talk about some of the designs that have filtered across my desk."
Lana looked back at Clark who was smiling.
"It seems you got a promotion. Congratulations."
Lana felt ecstatic and jumped and hugged him. She looked back. "Are you sure, ma'am?"
Astoria nodded and offered a smile. "We always keep watch for talent, and you have it Lana. So let's party the night away and discuss the future."
Lana suddenly remembered her car. She looked back at Clark. "You better not get a scratch on it."
"Seriously?" Clark looked at her with a raised eyebrow. "I don't drive like I am half insane."
"No, you're just all insane," Lana tossed him the keys. "Have fun with it, but make sure to bring it back in one piece."
"Yes ma'am," Clark offered her a mock salute.
She hugged him tightly, never seeing the frown cross Astoria's lips. "Thank you so much for this, Clark."
"Thanks for being my date tonight," Clark said with a sad smile.
Lana ducked in the car, followed by Astoria. Both gave him a wave as they disappeared into the city.
Car park
Diana leaned against a wall with Bruce, watching as the last of the guests disappeared from the concert hall. They had made their way to the Car Park to wait for Kent, who did not leave with Ms. Jul.
"How's was our date Diana" Bruce smiled making Diana look at him with something between concern and annoyance.
"I expected something different," Diana said plainly. "I have never considered duty, a date."
Bruce frowned slightly. "What was that with Clark Kent anyways? Why did he look so upset with you?"
"I don't know, to be honest," Diana said. She wasn't ready to admit that she had spied on anyone. Even if he was Superman, there were moments where she understood the desire to be left alone. "I think you're right though. Superman is centered around the Daily Planet, we need to keep watch of them."
Bruce nodded. "Lois Lane has not backed off either. I got an e-mail from her the other day saying that if I continued to "fuck-around" with her friends she would expose me to the world."
That made Diana stop. "She found out?"
He nodded. "I didn't reply, but I am not entirely sure how to handle it."
"Just be careful," Diana said softly. Tonight was a night of many first for her. Clark Kent was the single angriest person she had met that at heart seemed to be a nice guy. The fact that he knew she had followed him bothered her. She was trained to be the best, how could he have sensed her?
"What's really, the problem, Diana," Bruce asked, still frowning.
"Like I said, this wasn't what I expected a date to be," she said frankly.
"What were you hoping for, a romantic dinner, dancing?"
She nodded. "Would it hurt if I said yes?"
Bruce sighed. "Zatanna had been begging me for a month, she had some idea that there might be a big wig at this show and wanted as many of her friends there to keep her from falling apart as possible. You know she gets nervous on the stage when there are big wigs at her shows."
It was a running joke in the League. The one with the biggest career out of all of them was afraid of large crowds.
"How about this, tomorrow we have the date you wanted, okay?" Bruce offered, seeing that she was still not entirely happy about the situation.
The Amazon princess just nodded and Bruce took this chance and kissed her cheek. This was as close as physical affection had gotten to them at this point.
Once they found their car they saw Clark Kent walking towards a Black Porsche with Zatanna of all people on his arm.
"Zatanna!" Diana called out her to stop him. "That was a great show."
"You told me this already," Zatanna rolled her eyes. She tugged on Clark's arm. "Clark, these are two of my friends."
"I have met the Princess," he said. The hint of venom that had been where they were talking in private was still there, but better hidden. "I don't believe I have had the pleasure of meeting."
Bruce looked at the offered hand and shook it. For some reason he felt like he should take offense on Diana's behalf. What could have happened?
"Bruce Wayne," he said looking him in the eye.
"Clark Kent, nice to meet you," he turned and looked at Zatanna. "You sure you want to go out for dinner right now?"
She nodded. "Jack's is still the best Diner in town, and I didn't eat during the reception."
Clark shook his head. "Fine, fine, we'll head over and see if Jack will make you something."
Zatanna smiled in victory. "What are you two doing out here anyways?"
Diana wanted to tell her she was waiting to see if she could talk with Clark, but that would be a bad idea right now. Bruce was not still very keen on Superman as a hero and fighting with him here could get messy.
"We needed a moment from the madness," Bruce said plastering on a smile. "That was your date's car, wasn't it?"
Clark nodded. "Lana worked for years for this baby, since Ms. Jul took her out for the evening she asked me to drive it back."
"It was nice to meet you, Mr. Kent," Bruce said with a fake smile.
Clark didn't even offer to give him one. He opened the door for Zatanna and then got in himself.
"Have a good night, Princess," he offered up before the pair sped off into the night.
"That was interesting," Bruce watched the car leave. "Why do I get the impression there is more going on there, than you're telling me?"
"There's nothing Bruce," Diana rolled her eyes. Men sometimes were so stupid.
Diana's apartment- Balcony
Her thoughts drifted back to her encounter with Clark Kent. She was sure now, that he was Superman. The anger in his voice though, there was such an undercurrent of pain. What had happened? Why was he so angry?
Her date with Bruce had not gone all that well and while he promised another one tomorrow, she wasn't entirely sure how she felt about that.
Would the next date be any better?
Would they be able to find the time to just be Bruce and Diana? Did he even know what it meant to be Bruce Wayne anymore?
She shook her head.
"You know, I told you to stay away," the blonde haired woman was before her, floating in mid-air. "I thought you understood that you shouldn't push."
"Who the hell are you," Diana demanded.
"You have no idea the forces you are playing with, little girl," the woman said harshly. "You will do more harm than good, the more you get involved with him."
"What the hell are you talking about," Diana nearly screamed. "What type of game do you think you're playing?"
"This is your last warning," the woman said looking into her eyes. "Stay away from him, or you will face my wrath."
Jack's Diner
Clark stared up into the night. He had finished his meal, while Zatanna was enjoying a piece of pie. She always seemed to eat more at Jack's than she did at other times. His thoughts drifted, letting her enjoy the chocolate pie that Jack made especially for her.
He had the report of the Cabal, again. Luthor corps had been bought out by one of their dummy companies to the tune of twenty percent. They could influence his moves now, and he doubted Luthor would be a match for the Cabal.
"I really need to get a handle on this," he said shaking his head. "I can't let these things distract me."
"You know, you should try and get some sleep if you have work tomorrow," Zatanna looked at him seriously. "It's almost midnight."
"I am alright," Clark said softly. "I usually don't sleep more than three or four hours a night as it is."
"More nightmares?" Zatanna asked. She remembered the e-mails detailing the darkest day of his life. When Clark felt he could trust you he would never hide things that truly bothered him. If he felt he could trust you then he would open a piece of himself, except now. This was the one time of year he seemed to shut down.
He nodded. "On a good night I can get six hours, on a bad night I have managed maybe three."
"That's not good, Clark," Zatanna said simply.
"I know," Clark said simply. He looked down to see that her pie was finished. "You ready to go?"
"You know I could call a car," Zatanna offered.
He shook his head. "I am your escort for tonight, just like you said."
Zatanna smirked slightly. "You're too nice for your own good sometimes."
"You remind me a lot of Lana," he said looking back out at the city. "Both of you seem afraid to leave me alone at times."
Zatanna would be the first to admit that she was worried about him at times. The moment she met him all those years ago, the anger, the rage, they were barely contained by him. For some reason the magic kept telling her that if he flew off the handle it would be worse than anything the League had ever seen. So she kept in touch, she called at random times and worked to being his friend. It seemed important, the magic kept telling her it was.
"What happened with you and Diana?" She finally decided to ask.
"What do you mean?"
"You know I am support with the League," Zatanna said sternly. "I saw the argument, but everyone else ignored it. What was going on?"
"She invaded on something private to me," Clark said with a shrug. He really didn't want to talk about this, even with Zatanna. "I am really annoyed more than anything else."
Zatanna took his arm. "Alright, Clark Kent, I need to head back to the Metropolis Regency."
He nodded and led her out to the car. Jack had a tab for him, since he ate there so much. He would make sure to square it away when he came in the morning.
Metropolis Regency – Penthouse Suite
Astoria Jul stood on her balcony and saw a shooting star. She held a flute of champagne and smiled. Her ring glowed blue for a moment before it stopped.
"So he wears a watch that hides his powers?" a younger voice asked. "How did he discover any Kryptonite?"
"I think its the standard green, but he has exposed himself to it for so long it has no effect except to limit his powers. It was imbedded in his watch."
The woman laughed lightly. "He is interesting, mother."
"He is Lyla," her mother turned to her slowly. Lyla was a copy of her mother except looked to be barely 21. "He is kinder than I expected him to be."
"Considering his past, that says something about him," Lyla said softly. "Do you think I can meet him soon?"
Astoria nodded. "I think it's time."
Thanks for the reviews. It is kind of you all to take the time to read and give me feedback.
There is not much to say about the reviews since it was the first chapter. However, I hope you all liked this chapter.