JL: The Newest Recruit
Part Four:
Changes
Diana sat alone in her room. She wouldn't cry. She was wouldn't she vowed. How could her mother do this to her? Banish her from Themyscira when she broke the rule of allowing men to the island out of love for her mother and Amazon Sisters? Never again would she see home, her Sisters, partake in festivals and celebrations. A tear shed from her eyes as it finally hit her at what she lost. She wouldn't cry in front of the League when the announcement was made by her mother. She had to be strong in front of them; show her loss wasn't affecting her as deeply as it was.
Just as she was going to allow her tears to flow freely, a light knocking from her door stopped her. She wondered who it was. Once the Javelin returned to the Watchtower, Diana retreated to her room. She said nothing on the flight back home and no one provoke a conversation with her.
Flash started a conversation with the rest of the League trying to lighten the mood with his adventures in Keystone City. While a smile was cracked from J'onn, Batman and Superman remained quiet.
The knock came to her door again. Diana didn't want to talk to anyone. Didn't *they* see that?
A third knock came followed by, "Diana, I know you don't want to see anyone now, but if I could have a moment of your time."
Superman? What did he want to say to her? Sympathy perhaps? Of all the men she encountered, he intrigued her the most. He always challenged her preconceptions of men by his actions, proving they all weren't savage barbarians. He was the one to come to Diana's defense when her mother ordered her banishment. He was the only one she would talk to now.
"Come in," she whispered so low only he could hear.
Superman entered and remained close to the door, ready to leave when he said what he had to say.
Superman's eyes were full of sympathy and if she didn't know any better, he looked guilty. "Diana, I'm sorry. This is my fault."
Diana blinked. She expected Superman to apologize for her loss, but never for him to blame himself. "Why would you think that?"
"I suggested you go home and talk to your mother."
"And if you hadn't, I wouldn't have learned about Faust. No, Clark. This is *my* fault. After I decided to stay in Man's World, I should've went home and told my mother what I want to do. I didn't. I didn't want to face her for I knew she would be angry with me for leaving. She might even order me to stay home."
"Children never want their parents angry with them," Superman reasoned.
Diana nodded. "My mother didn't always see eye to eye. Mother didn't want the Amazons to involve ourselves in Man's World. Mother always talked of Man's World in a negative way, and while I deplore some of the things I've seen, there are things I've come to like."
"Ice Mochas?" Superman quipped.
For the first time since her banishment Diana smiled. "Yes. That's one." Her smile faded just as fast as she was overcome with her loss again. "I never thought I would be banished for my actions. I only wanted to save my family."
Diana hugged herself. "My mother and my Sisters were raped and beaten by Heracles and his men. That has not happened to me but I understand how it feels to have something taken from me beyond my control. That's how I feel about losing my home and Sisters." She sighed. "I'm not making any sense am I?"
Clark stepped further into the room. "Actually, you're making perfect sense." He pulled a chair from her desk and before Diana. Taking her hand in his he said, "But this isn't your fault. Faust is to blame, Diana and he has paid the ultimate price. Give your mother some time. I'm sure she'll change her mind and allow you to return to Themyscira."
Diana shook her head stubbornly. "No, she won't. My mother is dedicated to the rules of the island. She wouldn't change it for me. I'm banished from Themyscira and will forever remain in Man's World."
"Don't you think you should stop calling Earth that?" Diana looked puzzled. "This isn't just Man's World, Diana. It's your home. You should start living in it."
Diana looked even more confused. "What do you mean? I've been living in this world since I arrived eight months ago."
"As a visitor not as a citizen. You live in the Watchtower when you could be living on Earth in your own home. You told me you want to help change the world. You can't do it living up here. You should live on Earth with the people where you can decide where to help the most," Clark suggested. "Maybe you can even have a career."
"You mean a double life like you?" Diana questioned.
"No, you don't have to have a double life to have a career. John doesn't but having a double life has its advantages. Being Clark Kent, I can go about my daily life without being hounded by people questioning me, taking pictures. I know people will like me for who I am and not because I'm Superman."
"Even if I wanted a career, what could I do?" Diana asked.
"You have many talents, Diana," Clark said. "You have to find which one you want to use as a career. I would suggest you think of something you can that do that spreads your Amazon way of life to change the world."
"What if the people of Earth don't want to change? What if they don't want to listen to me?"
Clark smiled. "They'll listen to you. No one can't help but listen to what you have to say."
Diana smiled again. Her second one that night. "I'm from a race of warrior woman, Clark. We are a peaceful people but after my banishment, I'm not sure if the Amazon way is best. Even if I wanted a home on Earth, I will need plastics you call credit cards and green paper you call money, which I don't have."
"I can offer you money and so can Batman. He has more than enough to spare," Clark said. "Just think about it, Diana. You can find a home on Earth instead of living in the Watchtower." Clark rose to leave the room when Diana stopped him.
"What's it like being Clark Kent?" Diana asked. She knew he had another life but she never given much thought to Superman's identity on Earth until now.
"It's relaxing honestly. I can do what I want and no one would bat an eye. It gives me a sense of normalcy."
Diana shook her head amused. "I've seen how you look as Clark Kent. I'm amazed no one at your workplace knows who you are."
"It's not really that amazing," Clark shrugged. "It's hard to see the truth behind appearances."
What did Superman mean by that Diana wondered? "Perhaps one day I can accompany you to see what it's like, but for now I prefer to be alone with my thoughts."
That was his cue to leave. "I understand, but Diana, you're not alone in the world. Not when you have me and the Justice League. Whenever you want to talk, remember I'm here."
"I'll remember that," Diana said. Superman smiled at her and left the room.
*****
Two weeks later, Superman, Wonder Woman and Flash saved Indonesia from a tsunami that followed an 8.2 earthquake just off the coast of the island Java in the Indian Ocean. They were in Indonesian Islands for twelve hours before they returned to the Watchtower. Flash grabbed nearly all the food in the fridge and head for the lounge to watch a movie to relax from the event.
Diana and Clark made due with what was left in the kitchen. Diana sat on a stool at the counter watching Clark make them hamburgers with his heat vision. When the burger was cooked and decorated with tomatoes, no onions for either of them, cheese, lettuce and tomatoes, Clark made their root beer floats to wash it off.
"Delicious as always," Diana commented after taking her first bite into the hamburger.
Clark took the empty seat beside her. "Most people will think this is odd."
"What is?" Diana asked.
"You, Flash and I just saved Indonesia and what are we doing? Flash is eating a meal for twelve in the lounge and watching a movie and you and I are eating burgers and drinking root beer floats in the kitchen as if this was no big deal."
"Clark, we have powers that amazes human but we do ordinary things. We eat. We sleep. We relax."
"I know, but people are so amazed by my powers sometimes I forget I am normal. Well, I feel things that I do is normal."
"That's because you *are* normal," Diana said softly. "The gifts you have while amazing to others are normal for you. There are things humans do that impress others such as a human running into burning building to save the people trap inside. Not everyone would do that."
"I see what you mean. Sometimes I feel you are the only one who understands me."
Diana's eyes fell on him. "The feeling's mutual." They stared at each other for a long moment. Diana was losing herself in his eyes before she caught herself. These feelings she had while in Clark's company were new to her and she knew she should take things slow. Diana pulled back pushing a lock her hair behind her ear. "I'm glad we have this chance to talk," Diana said before sipping her drink. Suddenly she was feeling warm and she couldn't explain why. "I've given much thought on what you told me and you are right. I need to make my place in this world. It is my home now since I can never return to Themyscira. I'd like to take you up on our offer to help me live in Man's--," she stopped herself. "Earth."
Clark was happy Diana was going to take him up on his offer and even more relieved, she didn't question the strange pull felt by them moment ago. "I'm glad you're doing this. When would you like to start?"
"Tomorrow if you have time."
Clark had to work but what was the harm in taking a day off? "Tomorrow's perfect."
"I will need money if I'm to buy a place of my own," she admitted feeling slightly embarrassed. "You can't do anything without money in this world."
"Like I told you before, I can loan you some and I'm sure Batman will, too. He can also give you an identity. Do you know where you want to live, a name you want to use or what you want to do for a living?"
"I've decided to live in Boston. I don't think I need a special identity."
Boston. That meant Diana wouldn't be too far from him in Metropolis. "Having an identity will save you from being harassed by the paparazzi. If you lived in an apartment, your neighbors won't get any rest knowing Wonder Woman is their neighbor."
"John is opened by who he is and the media doesn't follow him."
"John isn't a beautiful Amazon princess. John's life is out in the open. You are still mysterious to the people and people love that."
Diana paused. Clark remarked on her looks. Flash talked about it all the time but coming from him, Diana liked it. "Maybe I will consider an alias. I suppose I can't have Princess Diana on my checks. What about Diana Prince?"
Diana Prince. Clark smiled at the irony of it all. "Clever. I like it."
"I have an idea on what I want to do. I've read many interpretations of Greek Gods and stories that pertain them. Most of them are inaccurate. I wonder if it's possible to share the true story and even share the Amazon philosophy."
"You certainly will be financially secure." Clark thought of the many Greek stories out there and how people would buy anything Diana wrote. She'd be a millionaire over night but she will need a company that will handle her well and not cheat her out of her money. "I recommend you go to Wayne Publishing. It's a new company under Wayne Enterprises."
"Wayne?" Diana repeated the name with familiarity. "As in Bruce Wayne?"
"How do you know Bruce Wayne?" Clark asked. He was certain Diana didn't know Batman was Bruce.
"I don't know him personally but Batman mentioned him to me in passing when I was in Gotham. I read up on Mr. Wayne and it's led me to wonder if he is supplying Batman with the technology he uses. Batman knows all about the technology in the Watchtower and Javelin and he uses special gadgets and many scientific equipment to fight crime which all cost a lot of money."
Looks like another person will know Bruce's secret but it won't be coming from him. "If you're asking me to confirm or deny this, I'm not telling you."
Diana grinned. "I don't expect you, too. Batman likes to keep secrets. If it is to protect who he is then I accept that."
"True. So tomorrow we'll go house shopping and squeeze in an appointment with Bruce Wayne."
"By talking to Batman?" Diana guessed.
"Uh, yeah."
"Sounds good."
After finishing their snack, Diana went to her bedroom. Clark cleaned up and searched for Batman. He found him on the teleport pad preparing to be teleported to Gotham. "Batman, wait a second."
"What is it?"
"Diana has decided she wants to live on Earth. She wants to live in Boston with a new identity: Diana Prince. I'm going to help her find a place tomorrow. Diana also wants to support herself by writing books telling the true Greek stories so I was hoping if Wayne Publishing would help her."
"Diana just decided this *now*?" Batman questioned.
Superman smiled sheepishly. He could already tell what was going on in Batman's mind. "I talked to her after her mother banished her from Themyscira."
"I'll make an identity for her. Bring her to Wayne Manor to meet Bruce Wayne. Batman opened a slot from his utility belt and tossed Superman a large wad of cash in a money clip. "In case you need some extra money on a deposit for Diana's new place. Let me know if you need more."
Superman looked at the clip then at Batman. "You carry two thousand dollars on you?"
"Always be prepared," Batman said and he was teleported to Gotham.
****
Diana and Clark spent the morning looking around at apartments, penthouses and homes in Boston before Diana settled on a two bedroom penthouse apartment in a nice neighborhood. The view was great and Diana would be able to slip in and out of her apartment without notice. Even though Diana was dressed in civilian clothes: black boots and a black skirt and purple tunic, Clark insisted Diana wore glasses to conceal her identity.
"You really think glasses will stop people from noticing I'm Wonder Woman?" Diana asked him.
"You'd be amazed at what glasses can do," he told her.
And so Diana went along with it as well as sweeping her hair up in a ponytail despite Clark's suggestion in putting it in an unflattering bun. No one questioned her appearance or asked if she was Wonder Woman.
While house shopping with Clark, Diana got a look at Superman in his Clark Kent's clothes. Out of his Superman suit and wearing a business suit and glasses, Clark looked like any other man but she could see that he was Superman with her eyes and was baffled that people were fooled by Clark Kent's clothes on a daily basis.
After signing papers and leaving a deposit for the penthouse, Diana and Clark left Boston and went to Gotham to Wayne Manor. At Wayne Manor, Diana dropped the glasses and let her hair down as she was seeing Bruce Wayne as Wonder Woman.
"I'm sure you can talk to Bruce Wayne alone, Diana. You don't need me to accompany you." Clark had only meant to show her where Wayne Manor was. Diana insisted he accompanied her.
"You're my friend, Clark. I want you to come with me."
"All right but Mr. Wayne will question how we know each other," Clark said.
Diana smiled sweetly at him. "Then I'll just tell him Superman referred you to me as a possible interviewer. I've yet to give one you know."
That was true and Lois was pressing Superman talk to Diana about her.
Wayne Manor doors opened and Diana was greeted by an old gentleman in a British accent. He bowed before Diana knowing she was royalty. "Wonder Woman I presume. Mr. Wayne told me he was expecting you." He looked to Clark Kent. "Hello again, Mr. Kent. I wasn't expecting your company but I assure you are most welcome."
"Thank you, Mr. Pennyworth."
"Alfred," Alfred insisted and looking to Diana he said, "And you may call me Alfred as well."
"Thank you and you may call me Diana."
Diana and Clark walked inside and Diana looked around at the large and lavish home of Bruce Wayne. "You have met Bruce Wayne?" Diana asked. Diana only thought Clark was using Batman's connection to Bruce to meet the playboy. She didn't know she knew the man personally. "You didn't tell me that."
"I interviewed him once in Metropolis," Clark explained.
Diana took that into account though wondering how strong a coincidence it was that Superman knew Batman and Clark Kent knew Bruce Wayne and Batman possibly has close ties to Bruce Wayne.
Alfred escorted the pair to a decorated table and chairs on a terrace on Wayne Manor. Fresh flowers rested on the balustrades of the terrace.
"Mr. Wayne is on an important phone call from Japan. He will join us as soon as possible. In the meantime, he has told me to offer you lunch."
"Thank you," Diana said and Alfred pulled out her chair for Diana to sit in which she thanked him again.
Alfred left to bring lunch, leaving Clark and Diana alone.
Diana looked around at the wide expansion of land. "Mr. Wayne has a lovely home. It's very large but it must be lonely to live in this place by himself, his ward, Tim Drake and his butler."
"Actually, it's livelier than you think."
Diana and Clark turned to see Bruce Wayne walk onto the terrace. Diana rose to meet him. He was a tall man, a few inches taller than her which was impressive given her height. Diana read up on him being a handsome playboy. Diana was still deciphering the difference on what makes one attractive. He was nice looking but Diana didn't see what drew so many women to him.
"Hello, Mr. Wayne."
Bruce took her hand and kissed it. "It's an honor to meet you, Princess."
"Thank you, but please call me Diana," Diana insisted.
"Of course." He smiled at her flashing a smile that usually won the women over. "Please call me Bruce."
Clark rolled his eyes.
Bruce's dark eyes were sharp but there was playfulness to him and yet Diana saw something more. With her sharp warrior eyes, Diana knew this wasn't the real Bruce Wayne. Physically, this was him but this persona wasn't real at all.
Bruce helped Diana in her seat. He looked at Clark. "Mr. Kent. Nice to meet you again. I wasn't expecting you."
"Mr. Kent is accompanying me as my guest," Diana said. "I invited him if that is all right."
Alfred arrived with lunch. He arranged their dishes of chicken carbonara and Caesar salad served with red wine before them. Clark preferred to drink water.
"Of course of course," Bruce said giving a sly smile to Clark. "I wasn't aware you had a boyfriend, Diana. I didn't know you were so smooth, Clark."
Clark nearly choked on his water.
"No," Diana corrected Bruce. "Mr. Kent is a friend of mine. I do not have a boyfriend."
Bruce smile widen. He reached forward and caressed Diana's left hand with his. "Is that so? I must say you are quite beautiful, Diana, and if you like, I would be most honored to have dinner with you." He looked at Clark then at Diana and said, "Alone."
Clark fought the temptation to kick Bruce under the table.
Diana pulled her hand away. "Thank you, Mr. Wayne but seeing as we are going to do business together I hope, I do think it is best we keep our relationship strictly professional."
Bruce smiled not at all offended at Diana's brush off. "All right. Through mutual friends of ours, it seems I can help you with some business. And it's Bruce."
Diana explained her plans to tell true stories of the Greeks as the books she read in this world were inaccurate. She also included thoughts on writing about her Amazon teachings.
"I think it's a great idea coming to Wayne Publishing. We'll accompany you every step of the way. I'll arrange meetings with my best editor and you can reach me *personally*." He added a wink. "We can schedule a book tour where you sign autographs, read portions of your stories. You'll be a very rich woman, Diana."
"While I will need some money for a living, I prefer to share the money I earn to charitable organizations," Diana explained.
"My company will offer you a more than generous offer for your writings and as an added bonus whatever organization you want to donate your money, too I will equal it."
Diana smiled appreciatively. "Thank you. That is very generous of you."
Once lunch was finished, Alfred arrived to clear the lunch plates and bring dessert, chocolate crème brulee. Bruce continued to flirt with Diana as they talk business and Diana share some stories about Themyscira to him while Clark was growing agitated. He knew Bruce was playing up with his playboy persona but he thought his friend was overplaying the role.
"This look delicious," Diana remarked on the brulee.
Bruce put a piece of it on his spoon and held the food to Diana's mouth. "It's more enjoyable if you eat it this way."
Forget thinking. Clark *knew* Bruce was overplaying the role.
"What about your spoon?" Diana asked.
"Well, you feed me the brulee with yours. It's much tastier that way."
Clark cleared his throat and sent a glare to Bruce to which he ignored.
Diana smiled. "I think it will be best if I eat with my spoon and you eat with yours."
After dessert, Alfred served coffee and as the three were finishing with their meal, Bruce suggested. "Would you like a tour of my home, Diana? I assure you it's quite a sight."
"Thank you. I would like that."
Bruce came around to help Diana out of her chair and held an arm out to her. Reluctantly, Diana took it. Bruce looked over at Clark. "Are you going to accompany us, Mr. Kent?"
"Yes." Clark rose from his seat.
Clark followed not believing himself. First, he was jealous of Wally going on a date with Diana. Now he was jealous of Bruce flirting with Diana. Diana rebuffed his every move and Clark knew Bruce was playing to his image but he still couldn't shake the fact he was jealous for no reason.
Or was there?
Bruce has been aloof with Diana as he has been with the other League members but maybe that was an excuse because he was fighting his attraction to Diana. Even though he didn't want her to, Bruce allowed Diana to accompany him in his city. This is a man who kicked Flash and Green Lantern out but not Diana. Maybe he was attracted to Diana. Who wouldn't be Clark thought but Bruce was able to express his attraction through his Bruce Wayne persona.
Clark shook his head. He shouldn't be thinking like this. Bruce was a close friend to him. He shouldn't think like this about him, but more importantly he shouldn't be thinking nor caring who attracts Diana because he was dating Lois.
Lois was his girlfriend right? He should focus on her. He shouldn't be concern about Diana. She's a woman who can handle herself and if she wanted to date someone it wasn't his business. Who was he anyway but a friend to her? A friend who did more than he shouldn't to help her in this world. A friend who was secretly attracted to her.
Clark shook his head as he finally admitted to himself he was attracted to Diana and he couldn't do anything about it.
"Thank you for the tour, Bruce," Diana said once the tour was over, "but Mr. Kent and I should be going."
"Of course." He took her hand and kissed it again. "It was a pleasure meeting you, Diana. I do hope we can meet again on more personal terms."
Diana slyly pulled her hand away. "Good afternoon, Bruce." Diana turned to Clark. "Are you ready to leave?"
"Yes. Just give me a minute alone with Mr. Wayne," Clark said. "I will meet you in the foyer."
Diana nodded and left the room. As soon as she was gone, Clark said, "You're really rubbing it on thick, Bruce."
Bruce smiled. "I'm renowned playboy. If I don't hit on the most beautiful woman in the world, people would question it. I have a reputation to uphold."
"Yeah, but I think you were rubbing it on too thick," Clark commented.
"Your personal interests in Diana aside, Clark, I'm mainly doing this so Diana doesn't think Bruce Wayne and Batman are the same person."
"Personal interest?" Clark questioned.
"You're attracted to Diana, Clark. I give you credit for fooling everyone in the League except J'onn and I," Bruce said. "Don't worry. Your secret is safe with me though I think it is foolish of you to get involve with someone you work with."
"Oh, so it's better to get involve with someone you fight with like Selina Kyle?" Clark countered.
Bruce frowned as Clark's words struck hard and shot back with one of his own. "How is that relationship with Lois going?"
Clark was silenced. Bruce had him just as he had with Selina. "We're fine and Diana and I are just friends."
Bruce held Clark's eyes in a stare before pulling back and resuming the conversation to business. "I have Diana's new identity created. I'll bring it by the Watchtower this evening. Has she found a place?"
"Yes. It's a nice penthouse in Boston. It's great for sneaking in and out without the neighbors noticing. It's a nice, quiet neighborhood."
"Good. I'll create a bank account for her and wire some money into her account. One hundred thousand dollars should be good enough for Diana to start with to get on her feet. She can buy furniture for her place and even a car if she like."
Bruce said the number as if it was pocket change to him. It *was* pocket change to him. Bruce was helping Diana out more than he could financially and Clark couldn't help but feel threatened by that. Bruce could give Diana more than he could if he generally wanted her. The question Clark couldn't figure out was Bruce doing this to help Diana out as a fellow ally or was he doing this because he had an attraction to Diana?
****
A month passed since the event in Gotham. Superman stood at the console in the Watchtower listening to Flash tells him about his adventure against Groud and the League dealing with the monkeys in Gorilla City. Clark was listening to Flash but with his hearing, he could pick up other sounds and conversations going on in the Watchtower and on the Earth below. Usually he ignore it but he couldn't ignore the conversation taking place between Shayera and Diana as they were making their way to the room.
"So, what's going on between you and Batman, Diana?"
Clark's ears perked up at Shayera's question. What had happened between Diana and Bruce? He knew Batman was with her in Gorilla City but Flash wasn't saying anything about them.
"There isn't anything going on between Batman and myself, Shayera," Diana said. "Why do you ask?"
"You kissed him."
*Kissed?*
"On the cheek," Diana explained. "It was merely a thank you. He was more concern about my condition when I was buried under the missile than he wanted to let on and I was merely showing my thanks for the gesture. I know Batman is not one to express himself. It's nice to see that he does care."
"Hmm," was all Shayera said. "So, you're not attracted to him?"
Diana laughed. "No. This world has strange customs. If one is to kiss another on the cheek it is misconstrued as an attraction when it could be merely a gesture of thanks, of friendship."
"Yeah, well, Batman is a man, Diana and your kind do not look highly upon men. So, you can't blame me for finding it strange you gave Batman a kiss."
"I suppose not but your misunderstandings are all wrong," Diana said.
"Does that mean you will give Flash a kiss on the cheek?" Shayera teased.
"If the moment calls for it but something tells me it's best I don't. If you
misunderstood my kiss to Batman, then Flash certainly would misinterpret it."
What Diana was saying made sense but part of Clark was envious of Bruce for receiving a kiss from Diana and he had not even though they were good friends. Clark chastised himself. This was wrong and he knew it.
Shayera laughed at Diana's words. "You do have a point, Princess. I'm going to write this report up and go home."
"I'll see you tomorrow."
Clark could hear Shayera going off in another room in the Watchtower and the doors opening before him and Diana coming to him and Flash.
"Hey, Di! I was just telling Superman what was going on in Gorilla City. It's crazy I tell ya! First I find out there is an island of gorgeous woman and now a city with talking gorillas. What's next?" Flash asked. "I'm starting to wonder what kind of world we live in."
Diana shook her head amused. "It's an amazing world, Flash."
"Yeah and a little bird is saying you got a place on your own." Flash put his arm around Diana. "So, when are you going to invite Flash to the place?"
Diana took Flash's arm off her as Clark said, "Flash, Diana is keeping a low profile in the place you can't show up the way you are without drawing questions. We all have identities to keep."
Flash frowned. "Yeah. Yeah. I hear ya but I gotta get going. I made a couple of hot dates with my superhero persona and the Flash cannot disappoint." Flash stepped on the teleport pad and returned to Earth.
When Flash was gone, Diana leaned on the console and smiled at Clark. "Busy?"
"Not particularly," Clark said. "It's been a while since we've seen each other."
"Yes, we've both been busy. It's been nearly a month since we've really seen each other. John told me what happened while you were in War World. I wish I was there with you."
Clark smiled. "I was fine. Mongul's tough but I can handle him. How's the apartment and the writing going? I haven't seen the place since you we toured it."
"Good. I've finished with the true telling of Jason and the Argonauts, Odysseus and Romulus and Remus. Bruce Wayne has been very cooperative. A shameless flirt," Diana commented with a laugh. "I do find it strange a man like him has associations with Batman. It's as if there's a side to Batman he doesn't want anyone to know."
"You know Batman and his secrets," Clark said and secretly hoped Diana would get off the topic of Batman. It's bad enough she kissed him. Now he had to hear about her commenting about him. Clark berates himself again. He shouldn't be thinking like this.
"So, what's it like living alone?"
Unaware of Clark was deliberately changing the subject, Diana answered. "Strange. I guess I should be use to being alone since I've been without my mother and Sisters for months but even at the Watchtower, even if it was J'onn, someone was here. It feels strange to be truly alone. Silly, isn't it?"
Diana's smile left Clark's heart beating a little faster. He forced himself to concentrate. "Not really. When I left home and traveled the world before settling in Metropolis, it was lonely and it took some time before I adjusted."
"That's not the only thing. I've put off buying food since I don't know how to cook." She blushed, slightly embarrassed. "I've hunted on Themyscira. I know how to skin and cook animals over a fire. As for using the mechanics in the kitchen, I'm lost." At Clark's raised eyebrows, Diana went on. "I never learned how to cook. Either it was you, Flash, or John making something in the kitchen at the Watchtower."
"Oh, that's just isn't right," Clark said with a laugh. "You have to learn how to cook. What have you been eating? Fast foods?"
"No. I make sandwiches and salads…" Clark laughed. "It's not funny, Clark."
"Yes, it is," Clark continued his laughter. "I'm off this Saturday. Why don't I bring some food over? I'll teach you to cook a meal."
Diana half rolled her eyes. "If I really have to."
Diana and Clark broke into laughter again. Diana eyed Clark in admiration. This man was simply amazing to her. He did things out of the goodness of his heart and never asked for anything in return. How could he be a man and act this way? Diana was grateful for Superman's friendship over the months. While Batman paid and arrange everything from her apartment, bank account to an identity, Superman helped her with the more day to day things that helped her become more independent and mark her place in the world.
She couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to date him. Maybe this weekend, she'll finally have the chance to ask him out.
****
Clark arrived at Diana's place on time with bags of groceries in tow. Diana couldn't explain the nervous feeling she got as she waited for him. She was happy, excited and a little scared and she didn't know why. Clark was dressed casually in blue jeans and a red shirt opened at the neck that emphasized his broad shoulders and muscled chest. Diana for a moment wondered what he would look like without the shirt before shoving such an alien thought back to the recesses of her mind.
"You brought a lot of bags," Diana told him.
"Not really," Clark said. "There's food in the bags but I do have cookbooks for you to read upon."
"What will you help me make?" Diana asked as they walked into the kitchen. She began helping him take the food out of the bags.
"Chicken scampi with a fresh salad and chocolate gelato for dessert."
"Sounds delicious."
Diana listened and followed Clark's instructions as he showed her how to make chicken scampi. While that cook, Clark and Diana went about making the salad. "Do you do this all the time?" Diana asked. She couldn't imagine with his busy schedule, Clark would take time to make a meal they were making on a regular basis. Then again, he is faster than speeding bullet.
Clark grinned. "When it's a slow night or I have guests." As Superman, he made dinner for Lois. He even cooked for his parents when they were in town.
"What guests?" Diana asked suddenly.
"Oh…uh, friends at the Daily Planet and my parents when they come to town." He thought best not to mention Lois. He should. She was his girlfriend but he didn't want to confess that little piece of information yet.
"Your Earth parents?" Diana said as she chopped the lettuce. Clark suddenly stood straight, his face serious. "What is it?" Diana asked.
He resume chopping the carrots. "Someone's in trouble. The police can handle it."
Curious, Diana asked, "Do you hear everything at once or just certain things?"
"Everything. I was a fifteen when I discovered my super hearing. I was at a pep rally in school. I could hear the football captain on the microphone, but I could also hear everyone in the gym. The voices filling my head all at once gave me a headache. I learned how to tune it out." Diana dumped the lettuce in the bowl and Clark followed with the carrots and began chopping the cucumbers. "It's not hard. We hear all types of sounds everyday and easily tune them out as we go about our life. Like all my abilities, I've gotten used to it."
Diana added fresh tomatoes to the bowl. "It must've been difficult to go through that by yourself."
"Not really. I had my parents."
"But it's not the same," Diana said gently. "They don't understand the powers you have. They don't know what it feels like. Even though I am different from my Sisters, we still share common interests. We share our strengths, our training regime, and our studies." Diana stared at Clark sympathetic. "You didn't have anyone who shared one iota of your abilities."
"Not until I met you," Clark said and quickly added. "And the rest of the League."
Diana smiled at the mutual feeling.
Once they finished preparing their meal, dinner was eaten at the kitchen table where Diana and Clark shared stories of their childhood on Themyscira and Smallville.
"I know you mentioned growing up in a small town. I never thought it was on a farm." Diana said incredulous. It wasn't a put down or insult as Lois' reaction was when she learned where he was from.
"You never know when the next superhero will come from," Clark quipped.
After the dishes were placed in a dishwasher, Clark and Diana walked out onto the balcony, looking out at the city of Boston. Clark noticed Diana had different pots of flowers planted on the balcony. "Nice flowers."
"Thank you. Gardening gives me something to relax myself after my time with the League. I've also thought about doing some painting. I was very good at it on Themyscira."
Clark noticed the hurt tone in her voice when mentioning her home. He decided to steer clear of talk about Themyscira. "I have a favor to ask you, Diana."
"After all you've done for me, I'll be more than happy to help."
He hoped so. "My editor wants an interview with you. He has been on all the reporters for months about this. He thinks the people should know more about Wonder Woman and I think it's time. You've been on this world for nearly a year now."
"And you want that interview?" Diana guessed.
It would be a boost to his career but Lois wanted this interview badly. Besides, he knew Diana a lot more than Lois ever will. It wouldn't be fair to interview her. "Actually, I think you will more comfortable with a female reporter. I know a great one--Lois Lane."
"Lois Lane. I've read a lot of articles from the Daily Planet by her. She's good, but so are you." She cocked her head at Clark. "Reporters can be sneaky and I can handle any question they throw at me, but I prefer you to interview me."
"Lois will be fair," Clark said.
"Maybe, but I prefer you." Diana grinned at Clark. "If you write something bad about me, I know where to find you." Diana entered her apartment and Clark followed. "Why won't you take the article? Because you're Superman?"
"No."
"Did your editor say it has to be a woman?"
"No."
"Then why?" Diana asked. She cocked her head to the side. "Did you tell Lois Lane you will get an interview with me?"
"No," Clark flustered.
Diana looked at him suspicious. There was something Clark wasn't telling her and Diana wanted to know what. It wasn't like him to keep secrets from her. "How well does Lois know you? Does Lois know you're Superman?"
"No," he answered and she detected regret in his voice. He sighed. "It's complicated."
Diana frowned, not expecting that. "Tell me."
Clark didn't want to tell her about Lois. It wasn't for safety reasons. No one knew about his relationship with Lois, not even his parents though. Bruce knew but it wasn't hard for him to figure it out. Would Diana look at him differently if she knew? Would she pull away from him? It was time to find out.
"Lois is seeing Superman, romantically."
Diana blinked. She heard him but she didn't understand what she heard. "Excuse me?"
"Lois is seeing Superman secretly but doesn't know Clark is Superman."
Diana was silent for a moment. Clark could see the confusion on Diana's face and as he hadn't hope, disappointment. "That doesn't make sense."
"It did at the time," Clark said. "It's complicated, Diana."
That made even less sense. "What happened? Tell me so I can understand."
Clark explained about Darkseid turning him against Earth, how the people of Earth lost trust in him and he had to earn it back and during all that, Lois and he came together because of it. When he finished, Diana, said, "That *is* complicated."
"I told you."
"You're not happy?" Diana asked.
"I am. It's just--"
"You want her to know you as Clark," Diana finished. "Why don't you tell her?"
"Easier said than done." Clark was silent for a long moment before saying. "She may be angry, might not even want to be with me."
"If she doesn't accept you for who you are, then perhaps you shouldn't be together," Diana said. "You should be with someone who accepts you for you."
Clark couldn't look at Diana. He knew she was disappointed. She was going to look at him differently because of this. Then again maybe not. Diana hadn't shown any attraction to him that he could see. She would give him looks but they were only friendly at least to him. She would talk to him and seek him out but that was as a friend he told himself. The thought of Diana being attracted to him was all in his head he surmised. He was wrong to have feelings for Diana anyway given he was with Lois. Now that Diana knew about Lois, she would keep him on the straight and narrow and make sure he was focus on Lois and not her.
"I should get going," Clark said suddenly.
"Why?" Diana asked. First he tells her he has someone and now he was suddenly leaving her without an explanation? Diana didn't understand Clark.
"I have patrols I do in Metropolis," Clark said as he quickly made his way for the door. He stopped and turned to her. "About that interview, you don't have to if you don't want to."
"No, I'll give the interview but only to you."
Clark nodded seeing no need to argue. Perry wanted the story. He didn't care who. Lois will be furious country bumpkin Clark scooped her again and then she'll let him have it when she see him as Superman. He just couldn't win.
Diana watched Clark walk out her apartment door leaving her completely confused. All the things Clark did for her Diana had thought maybe he shared an attraction to her as she was developing for him but it seems she was wrong. He was only helping a friend out like he always does. It was her fault for misinterpreting this, whatever they had as something more.
'To think I was going to ask him for a date? How mortifying it would've been to hear him tell me no. I still have a ways to go to understand the sexes of this world.'
Diana went to her bedroom where her shrine of the Gods were kept. Diana knelt before it, lit the candles and prayed. She needed advice. She needed to consult her Gods. Her feelings for Clark were now more confusing than ever. What to do with feelings she knew would not be returned? She couldn't go home to talk to her mother. So, Diana had to pray to the Goddess Hera on advice for such matters for she was the only one who could help her.