Part XV

It was requiring all of Diana's strength to keep her attention focused on Superman. To her it seemed as if he had been droning on and on for hours. She glanced at the clock behind him. Fifteen minutes. Only fifteen minutes since she'd last looked to her left. Fifteen minutes of not really hearing a word Superman was saying. Frustrated she leaned forward on to the table. She let her elbows rest on its surface, while her hands served the dual purpose of cradling her face and also creating a set of blinders. She tried yet again to listen to him. No luck. She only heard the beginning of the monitor schedule before her thoughts took her away.
What was he going to say to her? She hoped it was good. Of course knowing Bruce he really does want to talk about her little tantrum in the Cave. She knew by now not to get her hopes up when it came to Bruce.

"Is that all right with you, Diana?"

Startled, Diana looked up quickly to Superman's grinning face. She had absolutely no idea what he was talking about. She looked around her for some kind of help, but she saw that the meeting must have adjourned. All the leaguers were rising out of their chairs and heading out the door.

"I'm so sorry, Kal, but I've got no idea what you're talking about."

"I didn't think you did. What I asked you was if you would mind taking Flash's monitor shift tomorrow night."

"I don't think I have any plans."

She looked to her left to see that Batman had already performed his trademark disappearing act, before looking back to her friend and replying.

"At least none that I know of."

Superman nodded in understanding.

"If anything comes up I could cover for you."

"Thanks, but I don't think my plans will change any time soon."

Diana saw his face become serious as he rounded the table to where she still sat.

"Don't doubt him, Diana."

"I don't doubt him, Kal. I just never know where I stand."

He pulled out Batman's chair to sit down. Once seated he grabbed the arms of her chair and turned it to face him.

"You stand where I have never seen another woman stand in Bruce's life."

"What good does that do me if he shuts me out. The only time he's open with me is when he's near death or delirious. Any other time the stubborn man could just will me out of his life."

"I don't think he could do without you in his life."

Diana was puzzled by the comment.

"I find that a little hard to believe."

"Think about it. Since Atlantis, Bruce has spent more time here on the Watchtower with you than he has since we built the place."

"And you think he's been here because of me?"

"I can't think of any other reason."

Diana paused, searching her brain for an alternative.

"Maybe he just wants to help the league more."

Superman raised a questioning eyebrow at her.

"Diana, except for the incident with Fernus there really hasn't been very much to justify his increased presence here. Besides he could easily work with us through videoconference, but he chooses to be here in person. I think you're the reason."

"I wish I knew for sure."

"It'll work out. Trust me."

"Thank you again, Kal."

Diana stood as Superman did.

"That's what friends are for."

She leaned forward and embraced her friend. Through everything he was a constant. He was truly her best friend. She felt his powerful arms wrap around her shoulders.

"Don't let him run, Diana," he whispered.

She chuckled in to his shoulder. Diana broke the embrace and stepped back towards the door.

"I could always hit him with a chunk of granite. That always works."

Diana turned and walked out of the door, leaving Clark still laughing at the table.