JL: The Newest Recruit

Part Six:

Relationships

If Clark was human, he would be worried about the food placed before him by Lois Lane but since he was a Kryptonian immune to all the poisons and diseases on the planet Earth, he decided to take a chance and eat the dish Lois prepared.

It didn't look like any lasagna he's made or eaten but he wasn't going to tell Lois that. Lois really tried at her cooking and he was going to show her he appreciated this.

This was all unexpected to be honest. Superman had stopped a five alarm fire in downtown Metropolis. After his feat, he stopped to answer reporters' questions including Lois Lane who whispered she wanted dinner with him tonight.

It was going to be the first time they saw each other since Wonder Woman's interview with Clark Kent. He knew Lois was still furious about it even though it's been two weeks since the article was printed. Three days after the article was released Lois finally got a hold of Bruce and gave him an earful because she thought he connected Wonder Woman with Clark Kent for the interview.

Strange enough, Lois was welcoming when he came to her apartment that night. She gave him a passionate kiss and encouraged him to sit down while she finished with dinner. So far, Lois didn't say anything about the news article. She talked about a movie she thought he might enjoy seeing and getting away for a day, dropping hints on places she would like to go.

So, here he was eating the lasagna that was too seasoned and deciding which of the cities he should take Lois for a day. He smiled at her appreciatively for the meal and grateful she had forgiven him. "Thank you, Lois. This lasagna is great."

"I really tried," Lois said apprehensively. "I'm not too good with cooking."

"Next time dinner is on me," Superman promised.

"Good, but I will decide the place."

The conversation remained positive. They didn't talk about Lois' work at the Daily Planet or Superman's with the League. Superman thought Lois had forgiven him or finally cooled down over the article until Lois served him pecan pie over cool whip for dessert.

"It's been a year since the Justice League was formed," Lois started, "and what you're doing is a good thing but I can't help but wonder if you're worried about the power you and the Justice League are displaying over us humans."

Superman looked at his dessert and wondered if this was leading up to something. Was she softening the blow? "What power?"

"You know some people haven't forgotten what you did to Metropolis. I know you were under Darkseid's power and most of the people of Earth have forgiven you but there are others--"

"Like your father?" Superman guessed, well aware of Sam Lane's hate for Superman.

"Yeah, and other military officials. With this League and other metahumans surfacing, the military's growing nervous about them, especially those who don't want to talk to the press."

"You will never get Batman to speak to the media," Superman said flatly.

"It's not Batman the military's nervous about or want information on."

"Everyone has given an interview to the media including Wonder Woman who was the last hold out." Superman stopped as he realized what Lois was doing. This wasn't a conversation about the military's distrust in the League or him. The military was a cover for Superman to bring up what Lois really wanted to talk about: Wonder Woman.

The smug look on Lois' face confirmed his thoughts. Damn. "Wonder Woman finally gave an interview to the Daily Planet but it was to Clark Kent and not *me*."

Superman wished he hadn't finished dessert. He felt he was going to lose it after this. "The point was Wonder Woman give an interview and she did."

Exasperated, Lois asked, "Didn't you talk to her about giving *me* the interview?"

"I did. I told her about you, Lois, but Wonder Woman didn't want to give the interview to you."

"Why not?" Lois complained. "I'm a great reporter. Didn't you tell her about the stories I did on you?" Lois asked, her voice rising just as her temper was.

"Yes, but Wonder Woman is her own woman, Lois. I can't tell her who to interview her. It was her decision."

"And she decided on Clark?" Lois couldn't wrap her head around it. "Why? Because he's a man? There are plenty of male reporters so why him?"

"Mr. Kent is a very honest and fair reporter."

"And why would Bruce suggest Clark," Lois wondered. "Bruce knows me more than Clark and unlike Clark, I know Bruce is Batman." Lois looked at Superman suspicious. "I wonder if you had more influence on Wonder Woman's decision than you are saying."

"Me?" Superman sputtered.

"According to the article, Wonder Woman credits you with helping her making the transition to this world."

"Lois---"

"Is Wonder Woman attracted to you?" she asked bluntly.

He wished. "Diana? No."

"You addressed her by her name and not her title this time," Lois was quick to pick up on. "How close are you two?"

"We work together. Sometimes we address each other by first name," he explained.

"So, does she call you Kal-El?" Lois asked.

"No…" He wished he hadn't said that. This wasn't good. He knew what was coming next.

"So, my secret boyfriend, for over two years now hasn't told me your Earth name and yet Wonder Woman has been on this planet for a little over a year knows? Am I missing something here?"

"Lois--"

"Are you attracted to her?"

"Lois, you're jumping to conclusion," Superman tried to calm her down.

"You didn't answer!"

Superman gripped Lois' gently. "Lois, you know how I feel for you."

"Then why won't you open up to me?" Lois asked. "Why do I feel like I'm the only one trying in this relationship?"

"Lois, we talked about this. When we decided to move beyond friendship, I told you we should start slow; we had to be careful because if someone found out about us, your life will be in danger, and if something happens to you because of me, I would never let that down."

"We've been moving at a snail's pace for two years now!" Lois jumped from her seat and walked away from him.

Superman went to her side. "Lois, I---" he struggled but the words wouldn't come out.

"Forget it," Lois said and hugged Superman. His arms came around her. They didn't argue anymore tonight and spent the rest of their time together watching the movie Lois bought. Lois didn't press it feeling that she was pushing Superman away with her anger, pushing him away from telling her his secrets, and the last thing she wanted to do was push him away and into the arms of the Warrior Princess.

****

"Bruce, when you wanted to congratulate me on the publication of my books and discuss dates for my book tour over dinner, I thought you meant at Wayne Manor and not in New York City," Diana said to Bruce Wayne as they flew in his personal jet to New York City from Gotham.

Diana looked out the window, watching the evening sun disappear into the clouds. He told her to dress formal so she dressed in a simple black evening gown. She thought she was going to be overdressed having dinner in Wayne Manor but now the attire was making sense. "I was also under the impression, Bruce that Miss Evans, my editor would be attending the dinner, too."

"If I told you it was just dinner, I knew you would turn me down," Bruce said charmingly as he poured a glass of wine. He offered one to Diana to which she decline. She shook her head and Bruce took the glass of wine for himself. "And Jessica had to work late."

"Something tells me she wasn't told about this meeting," Diana said confidently.

Bruce didn't say respond to that comment letting Diana believe her theory was true. "So, do you like living in a world with men as oppose to living with just women?" Bruce asked.

"I'm still learning and I'm finding some of the women of this world are no better than the men. The company of some men are welcome. Not all, but some."

Bruce smiled and moved closer to Diana on the sofa of his private jet. "So, while living on Themyscira, were you ever lonely for the companionship of men?"

"No. I never met a man then. How could I be lonely for something I never knew?"

Bruce sipped his wine and placed a hand over hers. "What about now?"

Diana was aware of what Bruce was hinting at. "I like the company of some men, present company excluded." She gave his hand a tight squeeze.

Bruce winced and pulled his hand away, placing it over his heart. "You wound me, Princess. In more ways than one."

"Something tells me a man like you recovers quickly when refused by the female sex," Diana said. When he wasn't shamelessly flirting, his presence was welcoming. He wasn't phony as he was now. "Bruce, I must tell you this constant flirting is quite distracting and if I have to use physical force to get you to stop, I will."

When Wonder Woman made a threat like that, Bruce knew to take it seriously.

Bruce knew how this look, especially should, no, when Clark finds out. He was curious about Diana and wanted to know more about her and the only way to do that was through Bruce Wayne. Questioning her as Batman would raise too many questions since he always remained aloof with her and all members of the League except Superman. Also given the recent attack of the rogue Amazon, Aresia, Bruce thought it was best he found out all he could about Amazons lest they should attack again and he prepare himself. He wasn't going to be caught off guard again.

So, Bruce thought if he wooed her, Diana would be more open to him. Diana was a strong warrior, intelligent, compassionate and unpredictable. Even he was surprised she would kiss him in Gorilla City. Diana was also still naïve, especially to men. He thought Diana would warm up to his persuasive ways. After all, Alfred was a brilliant teacher in acting but even those acting skills weren't enough to win over Diana.

For now, Diana was unimpressed with his charm and wanted to get to business. Until otherwise, he'll have to do just that.

With Bruce Wayne seeing he wasn't winning her over with charm that woo other women, Bruce Wayne was back to talking business on her book tour.

As they started to talk more about business, Diana was feeling more comfortable in the presence of Bruce Wayne. She couldn't shake the feeling there was another side to what he was presenting to her and he was harboring a secret. She read up on Bruce Wayne, knew he lost his parents at a young age and adopted Dick Grayson and Tim Drake. Two boys who shared the same loss as he when he was a child. The fact he would do that, didn't flesh well with this promiscuous person before her. Whatever he was hiding, it was deep and she was curious enough to find out.

****

Wonder Woman returned to the Watchtower after spending an hour with Steve Trevor. It was nice to see him again and learn what happened to him after the war. He lived a full life, earning medals and various honors while in service during World War II and working for the CIA after the war ended. He settled down with his feisty secretary, had children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a widow now. His sun streak blonde hair turned gray, various wrinkles were on his once smooth, handsome face. Despite his aging, he still had a sharp mind, a twinkle in his blue eyes and flirted with her even though he was much too old for her now. Shameless, Diana thought with a smile. They talked until visiting hours were over and Steve had to return to his room. Before leaving, Diana gave him a kiss on the cheek goodbye.

Diana returned to the Watchtower and went to the observation deck, thinking of Steve Trevor, wondering with her busy life if she would ever see him again. The price of being human. It saddened her to see Steve aged and being an Amazon, Diana knew she would not. In truth, Diana had not given much to aging until she saw Steve Trevor tonight. Here she was centuries old and didn't feel any different than well to be honest Diana never felt any different. Steve was in his eighties and near the end of his life on Earth. If she were to become involve with a human, she'll have to consider the fact she will outlive him. How would the man she become involve with feel knowing he will age and she will not? Would he be threatened by that? Men for all their macho and bravado were sensitive creatures. As Diana Prince, men avoided her but as Wonder Woman, men were intimidated by her strength and her beauty. They couldn't speak coherently while in her presence. The ones who did form words were often lewd. The only ones who seem comfortable in her presence were besides the men of the Justice League were Steve Trevor, Bruce Wayne and Alfred Pennyworth.

Diana heard the doors opening behind her but didn't bother turning around to see who was entering. "Diana." She smiled hearing Clark's voice. "You've been in here for an hour. Are you all right?"

Diana sat on the large windowsill, unaware she was here that long and wondering how Clark knew that. "I'm fine. I went to see a friend at a retirement home."

"Oh," Clark joined her. "I didn't know you knew anyone there. Is she all right?"

Diana smiled shyly. "Actually, it's a he. I met him when we traveled back to World War II. His name's Steve Trevor."

There was something about the way Diana said that name--Steve Trevor--sent an unwelcome feeling in the pit of Clark's stomach. "Is there anything you want to talk about?" Diana bit her lower lip nervously, an odd trait for her. "Come on," Clark coaxed gently. "Tell me. You know I can keep a secret."

Diana thought this over. What would it hurt if she told Clark? He was her closest friend after all. He looked out for her, gave her advice, and helped her settle into the Man's World. It wouldn't hurt to tell him. "I…. I kissed a man."

Superman knew he shouldn't but the first emotion he felt when Diana told him this news was jealousy. Diana kissed a man and it wasn't him. It shouldn't bother him but it did. He wasn't involved with her but the thought of her first kiss from a man and it wasn't him nagged at him. "R-r-really?"

"It was unexpected," Diana explained. "Steve grabbed me suddenly and kissed me. I kissed him back. Twice." She smiled. "It felt strange. Kind of nice but strange."

Clark wasn't sure how to respond to that. "Strange?"

Diana shrugged. "It is to me. I've never been kissed before. So…"

"Does that mean you will be kissing more now?"

Diana laughed. "I think I will have to find someone I'm attracted to before I do the kind of kissing you're referring to."

"Are you attracted to anyone?" Clark asked suddenly then quickly apologize. "Don't answer. I'm sorry. That's not my business."

Diana could tell by his expression, he wanted to ask her something but was afraid to ask. "There's a question you want to ask me. Ask. I won't deny you."

"It's not my business," Clark said.

Diana placed a hand over his, giving him an assuring smile. "You're my friend. I've nothing to hide from you."

All right since she gave him permission, he decided not to hold back. "Are you attracted to Bruce Wayne?"

Diana's smile widen in understanding. "You heard about our dinner in New York City. Believe me you're not the first to ask. Flash and Hawkgirl have as well. Flash doesn't seem too happy about my dinner with Bruce."

"Why?"

"He thinks I'm too good for Bruce and he will break my heart because he's a playboy," Diana explained. "I don't need protecting but I think it is sweet of Flash to care."

Compared to Bruce, Flash wasn't much of a threat. "So?"

Diana laughed. Clark was protective, too. She wondered if he would've been this way if he knew Flash tricked her into a date. "I don't even know Bruce," Diana admitted. "Bruce Wayne has a reputation of being a Casanova. He flirts with me and I'm well aware he wants me to be his next conquest. It'll boost his ego and give him a bigger reputation with the women if he does so."

Diana thought about this for a moment before saying, "Despite his promiscuous behavior, there's a side to him that makes him more than meets the eye. He's a humanitarian. He donates to several organizations. Even some of his employees have come from the streets. He was the only person to give them a chance to make their lives better. Many people had their lives turned around in halfway houses he owns. Bruce has done many good things and yet I get the feeling he's hiding something. I can see it in his eyes. I know he's a good person otherwise you wouldn't recommend me to him but this secret he's hiding, keeps me guarded around him."

"So, is that a yes, you're attracted to Bruce Wayne?"

"Honestly, I don't know," Diana admitted. "If I were to be in a relationship with a man he has to be honest with me on who he is. He has to be secure in himself and not be intimidated by my gifts. If he is human, he has to be comfortable with the fact he will age and I will not. I will have to accept that what we have won't last forever. I will have to treasure every moment we have because it could end at any time."

This was not what Clark wanted to hear. If Diana learn Bruce Wayne was Batman, would she be attracted to him then or would she be repulsed by it like Lois was? Here he was again getting worked over something he had no control over. He was with Lois so he had no right to be jealous or concern if Diana was attracted to Bruce. Diana and Bruce were both single. If they were to come together, it shouldn't bother him. He should be happy if his closest friends love with each other.

Like hell he should.

Diana had her mission and Bruce would distract her in spreading her peaceful Amazon ways. Bruce had his mission and Diana would distract him, make him see the light instead of darkness, use compassion instead of fear to break criminals. He would be punching the lights out of Two-Face with a smile on his face while spouting teachings of Athena. Whoever heard of a happy Batman?

Clark scolded himself again. Once again he was letting his imagination and jealousy run wild.

"It's strange, Clark," Diana's voice brought him back to reality. "As long as I have lived, I know of death but I've never experienced it. If I to become involve with a human, not only will I have to take his lifespan into consideration, I will have to accept I won't feel things that humans can feel with each other."

Clark's eyebrows rose. "What do you mean?"

"When I held Steve's hand, when Bruce touched mine, I could barely feel it. I couldn't feel any emotion behind it. I feel no warmth, no coldness. Nothing." Diana looked at her joined hand with Clark's and squeezed it. "When I hold your hand, I can feel your warmth. I can feel your pulse beating next to my own. I can feel new emotions flowing in me."

Diana looked at Clark, locking her eye with him. "What is it like for you with Lois?"

Clark knew what Diana was talking about. He never admitted to anyone, not even to Lois about what he can't feel with her. "It's difficult to feel her touch but there's more to a relationship than physical touches, Diana. In relationship, you find someone you mentally and emotionally connect with."

"I believe I understand. You compensate for what you can't have."

"Compensate?" Clark questioned sharply. "No, I don't think you get it, Diana."

"That's what it is," Diana said. "You make up for what you are lacking in your physical relationship with Lois through the other aspects of your relationship. There's nothing wrong with that. What's not there physically, you make up for emotionally and that can be so much stronger. Your love for Lois must be very strong."

Whether he was secretly denying it all this time, what Diana was saying about his relationship with Lois was true. Physically, they weren't there which was more on his part than Lois' and emotionally, they were slowly starting to drift apart. As for love, it wasn't turning out as he thought it would.

"Clark, may I ask you a question?"

Clark pulled himself from his own thoughts and focused on Diana again. "Sure."

"Do you know your lifespan?"

Clark blinked. Why was Diana asking him this? "I don't know. It's longer than humans. My powers come from the yellow sun. It recharges me so I don't know how long I can live."

"I see," Diana said. "In a way, you're immortal like I am." Diana looked at him and Clark held his breath. "Your relationship with Lois…is she your partner for life?"

Where she was going with this? "I… don't know. Lois wants to be more serious but I've been reluctant to go that far."

"Because of your secret. If you want a future with Lois, you have to tell her, Clark. You won't go anywhere unless you tell her," Diana told him.

"I know."

Diana thought about that for a moment. "When you considered a relationship with Lois, did you think about her mortality? Does it even matter you will outlive her?"

"Honestly, I didn't think about it." Not once did he think about Lois mortality or even his parents. "It's best not to dwell on it. Death is a natural part of life, Diana. When it happens, I will mourn when the time comes. It's not something I want to think about for a long time."

"I'm sorry for bringing this up," Diana apologized.

"Don't. It's natural to ask these questions. I may not like the conversation but I know it's something that has to be talked about. I just prefer not to think about it now."

Diana saw how troubling this conversation was for Clark. Was he thinking of losing Lois or his parents? "Don't worry, Clark. You'll never be alone." Diana promised, squeezing his hand for assurance. "I'll still be here."

As sad as he was about losing his parents and anyone else close to him, the thought of Diana being around him always raised his spirits and left a satisfying feeling in his heart. He won't be alone.