Preparing for the Change
Metropolis – Daily Planet
The elevator doors opens. You step out. Voices assault you from all sides, as people rush back and forth. You are in the newsroom of a big city newspaper. Egos and voices tend to be considerable here; it's part of the job. It's a deadline business and if you haven't learned to push your way to the front you have no business being here.
An older man shouting Great Caesar's Ghost' attracts your eye, as does the fiery wisecracking and beautiful brunette reporter. The backslapping sports guy and the shameless flirt gossip reporter can't help being notice. If you're not careful and watching where you are going you might literal run into one of the young photographers. This will draw a droll barb from the beautiful reporter to be sure. You just hope it's directed at him and not you.
Everywhere you turn, someone or something demands your attention. It's survival of the fittest up here. There is one man that will go unnoticed as you move around the room, unless you are introduced to him, Clark Kent. For a passing moment you might wonder how he got there, but will forget him as the next larger than life character crosses your path.
Later, if someone mentions his name you have a vague recollection of him but couldn't describe him if your life depended on it. If you tried, soft words like mild, quiet, easy going would come to mind. Even his handshake would be indistinct, strong, yet not too strong, firm yet somehow not firm enough to grab your attention.
You would probably say he seemed like a likeable enough guy and let it go at that. He was just a face in the crowd, another of the thousands that seemed to blend into the woodwork and leave no impression. It would never occur to you that it was a deliberate act on his part because he pulls it off so seamlessly. He's been doing it for years.
You walk outside, your mind still buzzing from all the sights and sounds of the newsroom, when some shouts look up in the sky its Superman! Your heart starts to beat faster as you gaze up to see a crane has snapped it's cable and is plunging towards the ground. There's no time to run, to get out of the way. You feel as if your death is rushing towards you in the form of that huge falling machine and then it stops.
You stand with your mouth open as you witness what could only be a miracle. A man has flown down and caught it, saving your life. A man probably isn't the best description, as he seems more like a Demi-God descending from the heavens. He lands, setting the impossibly heavy machine down without breaking a sweat. You are caught up in the excitement like everyone else and rush towards him.
He is larger than life, massive in build, while impossibly handsome. People act like he's a rock star, screaming and shouting at him. He smiles a warm smile and takes the time to speak to everyone. For some reason you immediately like him, trust him and aren't threatened by the incredible gifts he's just shown. When he finally lifts off, soaring up into the heavens like an angel, you find yourself smiling. The world seems like a better and friendlier place knowing someone like that is in it.
Later, you can describe every detail down to the exact red of his cape. You chuckle and agree when someone suggest he's just an overgrown Boy Scout. Even the most cynical in the group has a hard time dismissing him. Few would believe that it's all a carefully crafted image, a deliberate act on his part because he pulls it off so seamlessly. He's been doing it for years.
In some ways even more remarkable is that fact that you would never think of Clark Kent and Superman connected in any way. In both cases, you only see what he wants you to see. That might be his greatest talent, the ability to appear to the rest of the world exactly as they would imagine a bumbling, shy reporter would be and in turn what a hero would be.
Clark Kent sits at his desk. A list of things he has to do is in front of him. People he's worked with for years might say hi, but for the most part he just blends in with his surroundings. It's second nature to him now.
He takes a pen and crosses off the second thing on his list, getting some time off. Perry White wasn't exactly happy about it, but when Clark handed him the exclusive interview with Bruce Wayne he agreed and quickly shooed Clark out of his office, while shouting to the pressroom.
Clark leans back in his chair staring at the first thing on his list, telling Lois. That's been number one on several lists for months now, but he still hasn't gotten around to it. He hasn't told her he's Superman.
He's meant to a hundred times and even started to tell her a hundred times, but something always comes up. Lately, things haven't been the best between them. The excitement of a new relationship has worn off and it's time for making commitments. She's made it clear where she stands on the matter. It's Clark that has been dragging his feet.
He's always been cautious by necessity, but even more so with his heart. He may be to the entire world the Man of Steel, but his heart is all too human. He gives it sparingly. He wants to give it to Lois, but it's his nature to be cautious. He's learned the hard way that every one of his actions has consequences for others. Because of who he is, those consequences can be fatal to them. Where others might see indecision and passivity on his part, it is really careful consideration for all the ramifications.
A large part of him wishes he could just go with his desires and wants. It is one of the things he liked and drew him to Lois, how she was all in with everything she did. There is a sense of life in abundance about her. He knew she'd had her share of heartaches and disappointments, but she hasn't let them stop her from taking new risks. It is the difference in their temperaments.
He still hadn't told her.
He knows it's frustrating to her. She is a woman that doesn't like to wait, for anything. She probably wonders whether he really trusts her, but that isn't the issue, it really isn't. He does.
Clark's been trying not to think about it since they started seeing each other. For once he just wanted to get the girl. As the months have passed though, he finds he can't deny it; being with him puts Lois in danger. The deeper they get involved, the more dangerous it is to her.
It's one of the things he's struggled with all his life. If you care for someone, how can you knowingly put her at risk?
The military has a phrase for it, collateral damage. It's a useful phrase for describing the cost of human life in a war. It makes it easier for the folks back home to swallow and get on with their lives. When the collateral damage is someone you care about the usefulness of the phrase falls apart.
Perhaps it would be different if he'd trained all his life like Diana or made a conscious decision to become a hero like Bruce. Maybe he'd be better equipped to deal with all the issues that came with being Superman. The truth is he never set out to be a hero, but just sort of drifted into it. With the gifts he had, using them to help others just seemed like the natural thing to do.
It was how he was raised; you offer a hand to someone that's fallen down.
He found he liked helping people. That's what had slowly pulled him deeper and deeper into the superhero life. It wasn't even the huge things that everyone seemed to focus on, but the little things. Others would scoff at the idea of rescuing a kitten from a tree for a little girl, but to Clark the look on the little girl's face when he returned her kitten was worth more than all the medals and honors. It was just a tiny piece of making a better world. That was what it was really all about for him, doing his part to make a better world.
Others might see him as Superman, a leader, defender of Truth, Justice and the American Way, but he didn't see himself that way. He did what he did, because he could. He was no different than the fireman or the doctor that risked their lives everyday to help others. Besides, he'd never quite understood that last part. He'd always thought Truth and Justice was the American Way.
Karma. The energy you send out to the world, good or bad, returns to you tenfold. If you want a better world than you have to do your part.
As he looked up, Clark saw Lois walking straight for him. He quickly put away the list. It wasn't Clark Kent that would have to tell her, it was Superman. He gave her his best farm boy smile as she stopped right in his doorway.
"Hey, Smallville, I just heard you're actually taking a vacation,' she said with a grin. "Finally decided to take that dream trip and see the world's biggest ball of twine? Maybe take in the 4H museum and the Cadillac Stonehenge too?"
"Nothing quite that exciting, Lois."
"Oh, come on, Clark I was only teasing,' she replied. "So where are you going?"
"Hmm? How's that,' he said, still a little reluctantly to tell her.
"I said where are you going on your vacation, Clark? These aren't difficult questions, Smallville."
"I just thought I'd take some time away from everything, you know, some place quiet,' he offered.
"Some place quiet for a vacation," she replied. "What are you like seventy, Clark? Have some fun, some excitement, go to Vegas or Cozumel, maybe even hook up with a woman you meet there."
"Yeah, that really wasn't in my plans where I'm going,' Clark nervously said.
"Come on, Clark, live a little.' Lois told him. "Have some fun. You're not still hung up on Lana are you? That was like years ago. You really need to move on and find yourself a girl. If you want I could ask around, I'm sure I could find someone that's your type."
"My type?"
"I'm just guessing, but a quiet, shy, wall-flower seems right up your alley,' Lois explained.
"Really," Clark replied. He sat back, crossing his arms and smiling at this. "So that's what you see as my type, huh?"
"Like I said, I'm just guessing, but yeah."
"Interesting. See, now I always saw myself with a really hot brunette, you know, very assertive to the point of being aggressive. Someone that spoke her mind even if she ruffled a few feathers. She'd be gorgeous by the way."
Lois just looked at him for a moment before bursting out in laughter.
"In your dreams, maybe,' she managed to say. "Come on, Smallville, a woman like that would chew you up and spit you out."
"Gee, thanks Lois, you're always so kind,' Clark sarcastically replied.
"Oh, come on, Clark, I didn't mean it like that,' she offered. "I know you're a good-looking guy in a quiet sort of way. I'm not saying you couldn't go out with a woman like that, just that it would be nothing but trouble, believe me."
"I don't know I might surprise you, Lois."
"Clark trust me on this,' Lois said. "I know what a sweet and great guy you are, but what you're talking about is a man-eater. They wouldn't appreciate you for you. Trust me on this, you'll see I'm right."
Lois glanced down at her watch and realized she had an appointment.
"I've got to go, interviewing the Mayor in twenty. Oh, hey, nice job on getting Bruce Wayne to do any interview.'
"Thanks."
"It wasn't as hard-hitting as when I interviewed him, but if it boosts circulation it's a winner,' she continued.
"She giveth and she taketh away,' Clark muttered under his breath.
"What's that?'
"Um, ah, nothing, good luck with the Mayor."
"Thanks and if I don't see you before you leave, have a good time on your vacation,' she replied. "Try and have some fun, Clark. Maybe talk to a girl while you at whatever museum you're going to.'
"I'll think about it."
"Send me a postcard."
The Watchtower – Diana's Quarters
"Well?' Diana said as she stepped out from the bathroom dressed in a form fitting, knee length blue dress. "How do I look?"
"Like Wonder Woman in a blue dress,' Zatanna replied. Shayera smacked Zee and gave her a look.
"Ow! What was that for?"
"You've said that about every outfit she's tried on,' Shayera replied.
"Well, she does!"
"Maybe if you use a little less make-up, Diana,' Mari offered.
"I don't wear any make-up,' Diana answered.
"God, now I hate her,' Dinah whispered. She saw Shayera turn towards her. "Don't even think about hitting me, cause you know I'll hit you back."
"Oh, really? I think being chairwoman is going to your head, Dinah,' Shayera replied. "You think you can take me? I'm a little more to handle than Huntress."
"We're inside, bird girl, those wings aren't going to help you here,' Dinah said.
"Okay, let's lower the estrogen a bit ladies,' Zee offered. "Any more of it floating around this room and one of us will get pregnant.'
"That makes no sense,' Mari said.
"I've been hanging around Wally too much,' Zee offered. "I'm just trying to get us back on point here. We are trying to help Diana blend in a little more so she can go out shopping for furniture, remember?'
Shayera and Dinah both reluctantly nodded in agreement.
"Why don't you try something less glamorous, Diana,' Zee said.
"Very well.'
As Diana went back into the bathroom to change, Zee reached over and smacked Shayera.
"Hey, what was that for?'
"For hitting me earlier.'
"I thought we were supposed to be focusing on Diana,' Dinah asked.
"We are, but I'm not just going to let her get away with a free shot, come on,' Zee explained.
"Could you be any more juvenile,' Dinah groaned.
"Suddenly she's Miss Mature,' Shayera snidely commented.
Dinah held up two fingers only an inch apart.
"You're this close to being on my list, don't push it."
"What list? When did you start keeping a list anyway,' Shayera asked.
"It's my shit list, and believe me you don't want to be on it,' Dinah warned.
"Don't you mean your No. 2 list,' Zatanna joked.
Mari and Shayera laughed, but Dinah just glared at Zee.
"Okay, you just made, honey, I tried to warn you but you had to be a smartass.'
"Ooo, I'm so scared,' Zee sarcastically replied, wiggling her fingers in mock fright.
"Keep it up, funny girl, keep it up,' Dinah growled. "I'm already on the edge dealing with that imbecile Plastic Man, you don't want to push me."
"Maybe you should be the one taking some time off, Dinah,' Mari nervously suggested.
"Yeah, you've already threatened two of us, Di, what's going on,' Shayera asked
"Plastic Man,' Dinah admitted. "I just hate him! He's like fingernails on a blackboard. I really think I might kill him."
"That's a bit extreme, isn't it,' Zee asked. "You're chairwoman, remember? Just send him on some far away mission or something.'
"You think I could?"
"What's point of being chairwoman if you don't get to throw your weight around once and awhile,' Shayera suggested.
"You're right," Dinah said brightly. "There are all kinds of crappy missions and countries I could send him to. Thanks guys, you've really helped.'
"So does that mean I'm off your list,' Zee asked.
"I guess, but watch it,' Dinah replied.
The bathroom door opened and Diana stepped out again. She was dressed down, wearing just a pair of boots, jeans and a white blouse, but she still looked stunning.
"Well?"
"Don't you have any fat clothes,' Zee asked. "You know for when you're feeling a little bloated around that time of the month?'
"No."
"God, I really hate her right now,' Dinah groaned.
"Speaking of that time of the month,' Shayera whispered to Zee and Mari and then tilted her head towards Dinah.
"This close, Shayera, this close!"
Metropolis
Clark could hear the music and racket a mile away. As he walked towards his apartment, he knew Kara had arrived. Putting his key in the lock and opening the door, Clark is greeted with the sight of Kara bringing suitcases from his room, dancing to David Bowie's Queen Bitch.
"Hey cous! I almost have you all packed,' Kara shouted. "I'm just going to move my stuff into the big bedroom, I hope that's all right?"
Clark slowly closed the door and looked around the apartment and than at his cousin. He moved over and turned down the stereo to a more reasonable volume.
"Little loud, don't you think?"
"If the music's too loud, Clark, you're too old!'
"Nice to see you too, Kara,' he replied. "You do realize I'm not leaving forever, right? I'm going to be in Metropolis all the time."
He glanced down at the suitcases on the floor and realized that every piece of luggage he owned was sitting there. He tossed his keys on the table and sat down on the couch.
"Did you leave anything of mine here?"
"No, I figured you never know what you might need once you're living with Diana,' Kara said, moving over and dropping down next to him. "I got to say, nice move on that one, Clark. Shacking up with Diana for a whole month, you must have more game than I thought."
"It's not like that,' Clark complained. "It's just a stupid bet between her and Bruce. I got roped into it, that's all."
'Did she cry,' Kara asked.
"Yeah," Clark reluctantly admitted. 'Some Amazon warrior she turned out to be using emotional blackmail. The worst part, it was only one tear and I caved. I've really need to stop letting that happen.'
"You know when I was on Themyscira they taught that a true warrior uses every advantage at her disposal to win, so actually Diana was being faithful to her training,' Kara explained. She than smiled and put her arm around Clark. "Maybe when you two are alone, she'll make it up to you."
"I told you it's not like that, it's just a bet, besides, I think she's interested in Bruce."
"God, you are such a hayseed sometimes, Clark,' Kara replied. "You're spending a month alone as husband and wife with the most beautiful woman in the world and you're thinking about it as a bet? Come on, Clark, this is like a perfect hook up situation and it dropped right in your lap! Put the moves on the Princess!"
"Put the moves on her,' Clark repeated, looking at his teenage cousin. "You know I'm really starting to worry about you. Just what are you doing when I'm not here?"
"We're not talking about me, Clark,' Kara said with her sweetest smile.
"Maybe we should," Clark replied.
"You'd just be upset,' Kara remarked. "Now stop trying to change the subject. This is a golden opportunity for you so don't blow it. Diana's perfect for you, you just have to make your move. Oh, and don't try any of that Hicksville stuff on her, she's a Princess remember?"
"Smallville.'
"I know what it's called, I'm forced to live there, remember? I'm just saying if you're going to beat out Batman you've got have to play down the homespun Hee Haw image you have.'
'Basically go against my nature,' Clark suggested rather sarcastically.
"Exactly! You're playing right into Bruce's hands with that small town stuff,' Kara replied.
"Boy, today people are just doing wonders for my ego left and right,' Clark complained. "I've been told I'm a hick that should stick to wallflowers or I should pretend to be someone completely different than I actually am. I'm not sure I can take anymore help today.'
"Oh, come on, you know I'm right. Oh, I know, taking her flying, that's way cool,' Kara said. "I'd do it all the time if I could.'
"For your information, the bet is that we can't use our powers while we're in Gotham Heights."
"That's a stupid bet,' Kara replied. "If you can fly, why wouldn't you?'
"I didn't make the rules, I'm just stuck with them,' Clark explained. "OH, just to remind you, I'm sort of dating Lois, remember?"
"I like Lois, but you haven't told her who you are, so that really doesn't count. Give me a second to think of a way around those stupid rules,' Kara said. She pulled her knees up to her chest and wrapped her arms around them. Clark leaned his head back and closed his eyes, listening to the music. It took a moment, but then an idea popped into Kara's head and she snapped her fingers. "I got it! Since you can't use your powers, take off your shirt as often as possible. I'm sure Diana will noticed that!"
Clark opened his eyes and gave Kara a look.
"Take my shirt off? Are you serious?"
"Yeah, trust me, that works on women,' Kara explained.
"Trust you, huh? I'm really starting to worry about you,' Clark replied. "I'm not sure I like the idea of my little cousin checking out guys with their shirts off."
"I'm not that little, Clark,' Kara said with a smile.
"Maybe I'll just ask Ma to stop up and check on you while I'm away."
"You wouldn't!"
"Yeah, I would,' Clark informed her. He gave her a smile and she frowned in return.
"Fine!" Kara grumbled and turned away from him. "See if I give you any more help hooking up with Diana, Clark!'
"That's the best news I've heard all day."
Gotham
The city in daylight looked so different from the city Bruce knew at night. Standing in his office, he had a panoramic view. It looked so deceptively clean from up here. This must be how Diana sees it, he thought.
Thinking of her brought back the bet and his conversation with Zatanna. The reason for the bet he'd given Zee was the truth, it just wasn't the whole truth. It was much more complicated than that.
Part of it was a genuine concern for metas and what their powers might one day do. It wasn't Diana or Clark he was worried about specifically, though one had to consider the possibility. Metas using their powers tended to pull them away from the very people they were supposed to protect. The further they got from the ordinary people, the less they would worry about how their actions impacted those same ordinary people.
The world should never come to rely too much on super powered heroes and neither should the Justice League. It became too easy to just assign Clark or Diana to a mission. Each member had to feel they were a vital part of the whole. The day would come when the threat was too big for even Clark and Diana to handle alone, so the others had to be ready.
That was his larger concern, but Bruce also had private concerns. He'd begun to wonder if there was still room in his life for a relationship like Diana would want. Of course he was attracted to her, but she wasn't the only woman he had those feelings for. Most would say he was one of the luckiest guys on Earth that women like Diana, Selina and Talia were interested in him.
It was just getting harder for him to see how any of them would fit into his world. He didn't think any of them realized something he'd noticed; with each passing day Batman was who he really was. Billionaire, playboy Bruce Wayne just seemed more and more to be a mask he took out now and then to maintain his cover. Most times Alfred had to pester him into doing it.
The struggle against the darkness meant he had to fight even harder. This meant being Batman took more of his time. Batman had become the central role of his life, his cause, and his mission. Being Bruce Wayne was something he could still do, but it was getting harder and harder to play that role.
He could foresee a time when he would be Bruce Wayne in name only, becoming Batman all the time. That was what it might take if he was ever going to succeed. If and when that happened, there would be no place in his life for a relationship with Diana, Selina, Talia or anyone else.
He wondered some times about his life. Batman had been born out of tragedy. Would he end in tragedy as well?
Gotham Heights
Phil Sawyer had managed to procure some marijuana for the group. They were currently passing the baggy around to look at it. Dottie opened it and took a sniff.
"That's smell awful,' she said. "Are you sure you got the right kind?"
"It's called Skunk weed the guy told me."
Dottie passed it to Jenny and she took a sniff.
"Didn't that have anything more pleasant,' Jenny asked. "Maybe a potpourri or something?"
"I don't think so,' Phil replied. "Frankly I was just thinking of getting out of there with my life. I had to go into this really scary neighborhood and then down into someone's basement. It wasn't furnished or even finished, just bare block. The smell was horrendous. It was like they filled an old tire with manure and set it on fire. I don't' think a thousand Stick-Ups would have masked the smell."
"Did you see Batman," Marie asked. "The papers say he hangs out in those sorts of places.'
"No, but it was daytime,' Phil replied. "There is no way I would ever go to a place like that at night."
"It would have been cool seeing Batman though,' Bob said. "When we lived in Gotham I thought I saw him, but it was only for a second."
"Cubby and I saw Superman once,' LuAnn offered.
"Really? What was he like,' Nancy asked.
"Huge,' LuAnn replied. "He must have been ten feet tall. He was just flying over, but you could tell he was a giant."
"He wasn't that big," Cubby dismissively said. "Maybe a big showoff like all those superheroes.'
"I'd like to see you tell him that,' Ted joked. "Or even better, Batman."
"What you think I'd be afraid to tell them what I think of them," Cubby scoffed. "Please, I'd have no problem telling them what blowhards I think they all are. Look at me, look at me, that's what they're all about and I'd tell them to their face if I every got the chance."
"Not likely to happen here in Gotham Heights," Clark said.
"Thank God,' Betty added. "We moved to the suburbs to get away from that sort of people. Just the thought of the Joker sends a chill down my spine."
"I think Superman's very handsome and sexy,' LuAnn offered. "I wouldn't mind if he rescued me."
"That would be exciting, "Jenny admitted.
"How about Wonder Woman rescuing you,' Ted joked. "Wow, that would be heaven!"
"I know what you mean, that outfit, Va-Va-Voom!' Cubby added. "She could rescue me anytime!"
"Oh, please, you can just tell she's high maintenance,' Marie snidely said. "She's a diva if I ever saw one.'
"Don't forget she's from an island of all women,' Dottie added. "I'm pretty sure they invented softball or something. No need for men with those gals.'
"So are we going to do the Pot or not,' Carl said. "I really put my life on the line getting it, you know."
"It's not going to make me freak out or something horrible, is it,' Jenny nervously asked. "I'm volunteering at the grade school as a crossing guard tomorrow."
Downtown New York City
Beauty, we all know it when we see it. There are levels of beauty and the higher you on the scale the more rare it is. True beauty might be within, but it's the outward beauty that stops traffic.
There are a rare few that are so gorgeous, so breathtakingly beautiful that they seem like another species. With only a smile they can turn normal adults into blithering idiots. You are so overwhelmed in that moment that you say something incredibly stupid like "you-you're pretty." Later you just want to kick yourself for being such douchebag and you were a douchebag. That's what rare beauty does to you.
The crowd stopped and stared as Diana entered the store. She had her hair pulled back into a ponytail and was wearing a rather shapeless dress with dark glasses, but it couldn't quite disguise what a stunning woman she was. To make matters worse, Dinah, Zatanna and Mari were with her. It wasn't exactly the most low profile group by any stretch of the imagination.
Every man and woman in the store seemed hypnotized by the four stunningly beautiful women. The manager wiped the sweat off his upper lip and the drool on his lower before approaching them.
"Pretty." The word came out of his mouth before he could stop himself. God, I'm such a douchebag, he thought and then did his best to salvage some of his dignity. "May-May I help you ladies?'
"We're just looking for now,' Mari offered.
"So are we,' one of the young clerks absently said. Dinah turned and cocked an eyebrow at him. The young man blushed under her gaze. Douchebag! The word screamed through his brain.
"See anything you like, Diana,' Mari asked.
"Yes, quite a few things to be truthful,' Diana replied. "This is the first time I've ever furnished a whole house, so I'm trying to figure out just what motif I want."
"Maybe you should ask Clark,' Zatanna suggested.
"Oh, I already did, he said to just pick whatever I liked."
"Typical man,' Dinah murmured.
"You are really starting to be a buzz kill, Dinah,' Mari said to her.
"I know, sorry."
"I like that lamp, it would look perfect in my apartment,' Zee said, already moving through the furniture department.
"Would you like to put it on Bruce's line of credit,' Diana offered with a smile.
"No, that's okay, I've got plenty of money,' Zee replied.
"Oh, that's right, you're rich," Dinah sourly said.
"That's right, I am,' Zee replied with a sweet smile.
"Buzz Kill, Dinah,' Mari whispered.
"Right, right, sorry, I think this job is finally getting to me,' she admitted.
"Try thinking of a happy thought," Mari suggested. "Plastic Man in Outer Mongolia.'
"I like it,' Dinah said, brightening at the thought. "Thanks Mari. Let's do some shopping!'
Diana was standing looking at a living room set that had caught her eye. She had to admit she was enjoying this. Back home or at the Embassy, she had some say in how things were furnished, but this was really the first time she had the chance to pick something just for her. Usually she had to consider her station on the island as Princess or at the Embassy as Ambassador, but here she was just Diana.
Her whole life had been a series of roles it seemed. From Princess to Champion, Wonder Woman to Ambassador, yet always underneath each of those roles was a young woman named Diana. She willingly played those roles, but there was a part of her that yearned to break free of them. It was the reason she was so excited about coming to the Man's world in the first place. It was also why the implication in Bruce's wager infuriated her so much.
She knew there were many things she needed to learn about the modern world, but she accepted that challenge. She understood some of them would cruel and brutal, but she wasn't afraid to face that side of life. She also wanted to explore who she was underneath all those roles. Themyscira might be a paradise, but she knew she would never really understand who she was if she stayed there.
It was only out here in the modern world, the Man's world that she would be able to explore and find out who Diana really was. There would be mistakes, embarrassments and misunderstandings, but that was the price of learning. To her that's what this bet was really about. Was she just those roles that everyone cast her in or was there something else, another person she was just starting to know named Diana?
All these thoughts were running through her mind as she let her fingers stroke the smooth cloth of the furniture.
"You have lovely taste, Miss, these are some of our best pieces,' the manager said. "Each piece is hand carved Brazilian Rosewood, very rare. The material is also hand made linen of the finest quality and has an excellent thread count. It's one of a kind.'
"I'll take it,' Diana said.
"Excellent! Which piece would you like to purchase?'
"All of them.'
"All-All-All of them,' the manager stammered. "I'm not sure if you realize this, miss, but this set is quite expensive. You won't find anything like this anywhere else. It truly is one of a kind. But if you are really sure…'
"I am, put them on this account," Diana replied with a smile. She held out a black Centurion card. The manager looked at the card and then beamed at Diana.
"Happy too, Miss and if there is anything else we can help you with, please just let us know!"
"While you're at it, add these too,' Dinah said, thrusting an armload of clothes at the man. The others turned to look at her.
'What? I'm just trying to get in the spirit of things and support Diana."
Metropolis
Lois Lane stood on top of the Daily Planet building gazing up at the sky. She lit a cigarette. She had pretty much quit, but right now she needed one. Superman had just flown off.
It seemed he was always flying off.
He told her he probably wouldn't be able to see her for a while. If he expected her to blown up and scream at him, he was surprised. Lois was tired of all that. She knew he had responsibilities, probably more than anyone else on the planet. She also knew he was a good and decent man. It was what attracted her to him in the first place. Okay, she admitted to herself, the handsome flying superhero was a major plus too.
Being with him used to make her feel so special, unique. Being in his arms flying over the city was an experience she treasured. It was such a kick, like out of some fairy tale that this literal super man was interested in her. For the first few months she was walking on air. This hero, Superman, that the whole world loved, was dating her.
For most people that should have been enough and for a while, Lois told herself it was enough. It was two years now they'd been together and she'd slowly realized it wasn't enough.
Some would probably call her selfish, but she wanted to be the most important person to the man in her life, just as he was in hers. That was how it was supposed to work. It was finally dawning on her that as much as he might love her, being who he was there would always be something more important in his life.
At first she'd tried to deny this and then she got angry, but eventually even that slipped away. She found she couldn't be angry with him for being who he was. She could try and believe the world didn't need Superman; she'd even sat down and written an article once on it. She never published it. Just as she was finishing it, a news report came on the television. A plane had lost its engines and was about to crash. Her heart went out to all the innocent people onboard and then there he was. He saved them.
She had looked down at her article with a sad smile and tore it up.
So here she was, alone again as he went off to do whatever. Maybe some time apart would be a good thing for both of them. Maybe it would allow them to make some decisions they had been avoiding.
Lois dropped the cigarette and stepped on it with her shoe. She glanced up at the sky one more time and then turned and went back into the building.