Chapter 5
Zatanna stood in her hotel room wondering why all the clothes she owned were hideous. She had emptied her closet and they were strewn around the room on every piece of furniture. It shouldn't be this hard to pick something to wear on a date. She'd done it before, but somehow this date felt different. Clark was different then most of the men she had dated in the past and Zatanna wanted it to go right. What she wore would send a message, but she wasn't sure what message she wanted to send him. She was too close to this and a little freaked out. What she needed was an objective opinion. She thought of calling Shayera, but that would involve explaining who she was going out with. Shayera would make a big deal about her going out with Superman, but that wasn't who Zatanna was going out with. As strange as it sounded, she was going out with Clark Kent, not Superman. Intellectually she knew they were the same person, but when she was with Clark she rarely thought of him as Superman. Superman was the unapproachable hero of heroes, with Godlike powers, while Clark was a sweet, funny, good looking, maybe a little awkward regular guy. Clark was who she could relate to and was attracted to. There lay the problem, she was attracted to Clark, more than she wanted to admit and it only made tonight doubly important. Standing there looking at every piece of clothing she owned, Zatanna knew she needed help. In desperation she went to the hotel room door and opened it, looking for somebody, anybody that could help her. Wearing only a towel, Zatanna nervously glanced up and down the hallway. The only person she saw was the young Hispanic maid attending to her cart.
"Perdóneme, habla ingles?" Zatanna asked.
"Yes, I speak English, Miss. Do you need something? More towels," the maid asked with a smile. Zatanna blushed, a little embarrassed standing there wearing only a towel.
"Ah, no, no, I have plenty of towels, thank you. I was wondering if you have a moment, could you help me with something in my room?"
"Of course, miss," the other young woman said with a smile.
"Oh, thank you, and it's Zatanna," she said, offering her hand.
"Nice to meet you, Zatanna, I'm Carmen," the maid replied, shaking hands. "So what seems to be the, oh, my, problem?"
Carmen stood in the doorway looking at all the clothes spread out around the room.
"I've got a date tonight," Zatanna offered.
"And you don't know what to wear, right," Carmen asked, smiling as she entered the room.
"Yes! Can you help me?" Zatanna pleaded with the young woman.
"Well, why don't you tell me a little about your date," Carmen asked.
"It's a first date," Zatanna said, nervously.
"Oh, I understand," Carmen nodded and smiled. "You want to make great first impression, huh? You must like him a lot?"
"I do," Zatanna admitted, blushing. Carmen smiled and the two young women began to look through the clothes.
"Is he taking you someplace special, like the Olive Garden," Carmen asked.
"Hopefully, someplace better than that," Zatanna said, recoiling at even the thought.
"Oh, some place fancy like Red Lobster! He must be very nice."
"Ah, yeah, he is," she replied, suddenly hoping Carmen had better taste in clothes than in restaurants.
Across town, Clark Kent nervously paced his apartment. It had been awhile since he'd had a first date, well, any date for that matter and his track record on first dates wasn't the best. He still cringed at the thought of his first date with Diana. Not one of his smoothest moments, he reflected. Hi, let me stick my tongue down your throat wasn't exactly the way to break the ice with an Amazon princess. He was lucky she didn't try and kill him for that. Thankfully, she kept it just between the two of them or he'd have never lived it down. Let's try and be a little smoother with Zatanna tonight, he chided himself. When she'd first asked him, he'd been elated, but as the time drew nearer Clark was getting more and more nervous. As Superman he felt confident and seemed to instinctively know what to do in most situation, but as Clark Kent he wasn't so self-assured. He wanted to make a good impression and had changed clothes five times already. He didn't want to seem too casual in case she was really dressed up, but he didn't want to be too formal either, in case she was dressed casually. He'd gone back and forth about wearing a tie, even considering a bowtie at one point. Looking at himself in the mirror, he realized the bowtie made him looking like he was going to barbershop quartet reunion, not on a first date. That was definitely not the look he was going for. He ripped it off and decided to go without a tie tonight. He unbuttoned the top few buttons of his shirt and looked in the mirror. A frown came over his face as he realized all he needed was a fake leather jacket and a few gold chains to look like a complete douchebag. Maybe I should just call Bruce and ask him, Clark thought, he does this sort of thing all the time. No, that would just be too weird and he'd want to know everything. God, I'm actually sweating, Clark thought to himself. He quickly took another shower, brushed his teeth and put on more deodorant. He finally decided to just wear one of his suits from work, as it was the safest bet. He was just tying his tie when there was a knock at the door. He was so preoccupied, he didn't check to see who it was and just opened the door. Standing there was Lois.
"Hey, Smallville, I needed your help with something," she said, walking right passed him and into his apartment.
"Um, ah, this, this really isn't a good time, Lois," Clark protested, but she was already looking around the apartment.
"It won't take that long, just an hour or two."
"Could it wait, Lois? I really have something else to do tonight," Clark asked.
"What do you have a date or something," Lois sarcastically said, looking at some of the pictures on is table.
"Actually, yes, yes, I do," Clark admitted. Lois nearly dropped the photo she was holding in shock. Slowly she turned around; her eyes wild and her mouth hanging open.
"Real-Really? With who," she immediately asked.
"Um, ah, Zatanna."
"The lady juggler?"
"Magician, Lois," Clark corrected her.
"Whatever," Lois dismissed this, "Wow, Clark, I'm-I'm impressed, surprised, shocked, but impressed. You actually asked her out?"
"Well, no, um, she kind of ask me," Clark said uncomfortably.
"What?!" Lois gasped in surprise, not quite believing what she'd just heard. For some reason she didn't understand, the thought of Clark going out on a date with Zatanna bothered her. She really didn't know Zatanna, but she just seemed all wrong for him.
"Yes, she asked me to dinner, tonight, so I'm afraid we'll have to do this another time, okay," Clark gently said.
"Oh, what? Oh, yeah, yeah, that's fine, don't worry about it," Lois waved him off. "I was just in the neighborhood, so I thought I'd stop, but if you've got a date, I understand."
"Thanks, I'll make it up to you," Clark offered with a smile.
"Forget it! Go! Have fun," Lois said, but in her mind she was thinking don't have too much fun.
"Thanks, I appreciate it," Clark replied, moving towards the door to let Lois out.
"What are friends for? So dinner, huh?" she asked, still standing by the table with the pictures.
"Um, ah, yeah, dinner," Clark said, one hand on the door. He opened it a little, but Lois wasn't taking the hint. She moved over and dropped down into one of his chairs.
"So where are you taking her? Tell me you weren't thinking of Arby's, Clark," Lois asked.
"No, not Arby's, some place nice," he defensively said.
"Please, don't tell me you're thinking the Olive Garden."
"No, of course not," Clark quickly replied, mentally scratching off that idea.
"You should take her to San Ramos," Lois suggested, "It a family place, really nice, understated and classy."
"I'll keep it in mind," He said, gently opened the door a little wider.
"Is that what you're going to wear," Lois asked.
"Well, yeah, it seemed like a safe choice," Clark said, closing the door.
"Is it a date or are you doing her taxes, Clark?"
"A date. What's wrong with this,' he asked, suddenly unsure of what he had on.
"You want her to think you made an effort, Clark," Lois instructed, getting up and moving towards him. "This looks like you just came from work. The only thing worse is if you wore a bowtie."
"A bowtie, don't be ridiculous," Clark said, blushing as he remembered considering it.
"Look it's your date, but if you ask me, that's a non-starter," Lois commented.
"Well, what would you suggest? It's kind of been awhile since I was on a first date," Clark admitted.
"Yeah, the sweaty palms kind of gave that away, Clark," Lois replied, stepping back to look at him. She seemed to consider the problem for a moment. "Let's see what we have to work with."
She turned and headed for his bedroom, with Clark right on her heels. Clothes were laying all over the bed and chairs. Lois turned and looked at him with a smile.
"A little nervous, are we," she teased.
"Like I said, it's been awhile."
"Shocker," Lois smiled and went over to his closet and started looking through his wardrobe. "What's with all the flannel, Clark? Are you a lumberjack on the weekends?"
"They're comfortable," he quickly defended himself.
"So are pajamas, but you don't wear those outside do you? Come on, have a little pride," Lois said, starting to pull items out of closet.
"Here, try this. A nice white, oxford cloth shirt, charcoal dress pants and a tweed jacket."
"What about a tie," Clark asked, taking the clothes from her.
"I'll see if you have anything decent while you change," Lois said, turning back to the closet.
"Ah, Lois, this is my bedroom, you know, the place I usually change," Clark said with a little embarrassment.
"Use the bathroom, I won't peek, promise."
"Lois, I really would feel more comfortable," Clark started, but she cut him off.
"Clark, we can argue about it, but that will make you late for your date. Just go change."
Seeing he wasn't going win, Clark reluctantly went into the bathroom and locked the door. Lois laughed at this and then went back to picking out a tie for him. She had just found the perfect red power tie when the door opened and Clark stepped out.
"Well," he asked. Lois turned around and the smile on her face froze. Clark looked really, really good, handsome even, she found herself thinking.
"Um, ah, yeah, um, that's-that's good, it will work," she stammered, trying to push those thoughts out of her mind. "Here's a tie."
She went over and started to tie it for him.
"I could do that, Lois," Clark gently said.
"Just stand still," she commented, suddenly very aware of being so close to him. As she tied the tie, she couldn't help but notice just how clean he smelled; yet there was a masculine scent underneath. For some reason she felt a little flushed and it took longer than it should have to tie the tie. Finally, she finished and stepped back.
'So do I look okay," Clark nervously asked.
"Yes," Lois instantly replied, and then caught herself, "Um, yeah, that should be okay for a date."
"Thanks, Lois," Clark said and then leaned down and kissed her on the cheek. "I appreciate you helping me out."
'What-What are friends for," she said, her cheeks reddening slightly, as her heart seemed to race from the kiss.
"You're a great friend, Lois, I can't thank you enough," Clark smiled.
"Just have a good time, Clark," Lois smiled in return. She patted him on the shoulder, but found her hand lingering just a little longer than was necessary. Lois followed Clark back into the living room, a little confused over what was happening.
"Should I buy her some flowers, a corsage or something," Clark turned and asked.
"You're not taking her to the prom, Smallville," Lois sarcastically said.
"Right, like I said, it's been awhile," Clark sheepishly smiled.
"That's really starting to become clear, Clark," Lois replied. "Give her a single white rose."
"A white rose?"
"Yes, it says friendship, but holds out the possibility of more," Lois explained. "Trust me, she'll love it."
"Okay, I've got to say this feels a little weird, but thanks for all the help, Lois," Clark said with a shrug.
"Don't mention it, just go and have a good time," Lois said, ushering him towards the door.
"Ah, Lois," Clark started, as she opened the door and walked him out.
"You already thanked me, Clark, now go or you'll be late," Lois told him, stepping back and starting to close the door.
"Lois."
"What, Clark?"
"Um, that's my apartment," he pointed out.
"Oh, right, right," Lois said in embarrassment. "You go back in and I'll leave this time."
"Thanks again, Lo," Clark said, giving her a quick hug as he went back into the apartment and closed the door. Lois smiled to herself as she headed down the stairs. Clark's nervousness at going on a first date was so enduring, she thought. Zatanna was going to be pleasantly surprised at how good Clark cleaned up. As she stepped out onto the street, Lois suddenly stopped in her tracks. What the hell was she doing, Lois thought. I'm helping Clark get another woman? I don't want to do that, she thought, although she wasn't sure why. Feeling more than a little confused, Lois glanced back up at Clark's apartment before reluctantly heading back towards her place.
Zatanna had been trying on outfits for almost an hour. Apparently, according to Carmen, half of her clothes made her look like a lesbian and the other half made her look like a tramp. In desperation, she finally put on a basic, little black dress and nervously came out to get Carmen's opinion.
"We have a winner," Carmen shouted, as she lay on Zatanna's bed picking through the complimentary fruit basket.
'You think," Zatanna asked, hopefully.
"Trust me, this guy won't be able to take his eyes off you," Carmen informed her.
"Finally, I was sure I was going to be late," Zee said, moving over to slip on her heels and adjust her necklace.
"Thanks, Carmen, you've been a big help," she smiled.
"I was glad to help, Zatanna," Carmen said, getting off the bed and moving towards the door. "Is there anything else you need? My carts right outside?"
"No, I think that's everything."
"How about protection? Have you consider that," Carmen asked.
"Protection? What," Zee said turning to look at Carmen in confusion.
"Condoms," Carmen matter of factly said, pulling a sleeve of them out of her apron. "Better safe than sorry."
"What,' Zee gasped in shock, "It's a first date!"
"You said you really like this guy, so I thought," Carmen said with a wink.
"We're only having dinner!"
"Look if these aren't his size, I've got Magnums out on the cart, no problem."
"No! No Magnums! No condoms! It's just dinner," Zee exclaimed.
"Sure it is," Carmen laughed, "Well, have it your way. You're a risk taker, Zatanna, I'll say that."
Zatanna stood there stunned as Carmen exited the room chuckling.
Clark walked into the lobby at 7:25 and checked his watch again just to be sure he was on time. Adjusting his tie, he glanced around the lobby but didn't see Zatanna. He as holding a single white rose in his hand as he turned towards the elevator just as the doors were opening. Zatanna hesitantly stepped out and looked around. A smile spread across her lips as he spotted him. They both walked slowly towards each other until they were only a few feet apart.
"You look amazing, Zatanna," Clark said, holding out the rose, "this is for you."
"Thank you, a white rose, how sweet," she smiled, accepting the flower. "You look good too, Clark.
"Thanks."
They stood there for a moment, neither one sure what to do or say, until finally Clark broke the silence.
"If you haven't guess, I'm a little nervous," he said with a smile.
"That makes two of us," she admitted.
"Well, now that we have the first awkward moment of the night out of the way, would you like to go to dinner," he suggested.
"The first awkward moment? You're expecting more," she asked, teasing him a little.
"Well, I can't make any promises, but the night's still young," he teased back. Zatanna laughed and Clark joined her. Some of the tension was relieved and they both seemed to take a deep breath.
"So about this dinner," she asked with a smile.
"I called and got reservations at a place called San Ramos. I haven't been there, but I was told it's really a great place," Clark informed her.
" Sound nice, shall we," she said.
With a nod, the two of them headed out of the hotel. Clark tipped the doorman to hail a cab for them. As they stood there waiting, another awkward silence descended. Clark could tell she was just as nervous as he was, so he decided to take a risk.
"Zee, do me a favor, kiss me," he said, looking her in the eyes.
"What? Why," she said in surprise.
"Well, we're both nervous," he started to explain. "If we get the first one out of the way now, we won't have to be wondering all night if we're going to or when. I won't be sitting at dinner wondering if it's the right moment and you won't be wondering if I'm going to. This way, we kiss and then we can relax and enjoy a nice dinner and each others company."
She seemed to think about it for a moment, and Clark could feel the first trickle of sweat rolling down his back as he wondered if he'd already screwed the date up.
"Okay, Clark," she said, leaning into him. They were a little hesitantly, but as their lips softly touched, a flicker of excitement flashed through both of them. The kiss seemed to linger a little longer than a first kiss probably should, but neither of them was complaining. It was the doorman loudly saying their cab was here, that finally broke them apart. They were both a little flushed as the looked into each other's eyes.
"Ready to have dinner," he softly asked.
"Yes," she smiled and then moved towards the cab. He gently placed his hand on her lower back, walking with her to the cab and holding the door open. As Zatanna slipped into the backseat, she glanced up to see Clark smiling at her. Zee felt a warmth spread through her as she smiled back at him. Absently, she wonder if Carmen had known something she didn't about the evening.
