Face in the Crowd
"Golden Dancer"
Gotham
Traffic was heavy. Nighttime in Gotham, if you only watched the news or read the headlines, you would think it was a non-stop war zone. Crime was certainly present just like every other major city, yet there was also nightlife. The clubs were still packed, people still went out to movies and theaters still had live shows. The citizens of Gotham went on with their lives.
A sleek, black limousine moved through the traffic towards the theater district. The windows were tinted to shield the occupants from prying eyes. Diana sat in the back gazing out the window at the buildings as they passed by. She was alone. Kal had explained why he couldn't go with her. Diana was disappointed but told him she understood. Both of those things were true. She was also mad, but hadn't admitted it to him. While she was interested in seeing Zatanna's show, she wanted to go with him.
He said he would be there, just not as her date. He mentioned that others from the League would be there, but Diana found she didn't care about them right now. He mentioned that Bruce would be there and while she already knew this, Diana found she hadn't been thinking about him either. She glanced down at her new dress. When she had seen it in the store, the image of her and Kal walking in came to her mind. His reaction at first seeing it had been just what she wanted. She wasn't thinking of anyone else's reaction, just his.
Her anger was more out of frustration at both the situation and at him. She certainly understood his desire to protect his secret identity and those close to him, but he hadn't even consulted her and that's what frustrated her. By making the decision the way he did, Diana felt he was pulling back from her and she didn't like it. She was realizing that in his own way, Kal could be just as mercurial as Bruce was. He'd given her glimpses of the real man underneath all the personas, but then he would shift, sliding effortlessly away again. Diana found herself very attracted to that man underneath.
This all may have started because of a bet, but that had changed. The night she'd spent waiting for him to come home, Diana had a revelation. They were already in a relationship. He could call it whatever he wanted, a pretend marriage, an illusion, but the fact remained the same, they were in a relationship. From her observations of others and how this sort of thing worked, it was usually the woman that decided anyway. Diana had decided. They were definitely in a relationship. If she waited for him, who knows how long it would be.
This was all new to her, but she instinctively knew that to be in a relationship it had to be a partnership. Both of them had to be open and honest with each other. She understood there would be problems, but they would work through them together. It hadn't been out of jealous that she was so upset about him not calling, she told herself, certainly not. It was that he cut her out and didn't even consider what she might be thinking. He was spending the night with a beautiful young woman that had expressed interest in dating him, what did he expect Diana to think when he was so late?
She believed him that nothing had happened. If she hadn't he would have been sleeping on the couch for the foreseeable future and she would have had a very long talk with a certain young magician. Diana thought she still might, just so her and Zatanna were clear. No out of jealous, she told herself, just so they understood where they stood.
As far as tonight went, it wasn't that he was concerned about protecting his family and friends that bothered her. Diana understood that. The part that frustrated her was that he hadn't even discussed it with her. If they were going to be in a relationship that would have to change, she thought. She wasn't the other women he'd been with; she didn't need him to protect her.
As the limo turned the corner, Diana saw Wayne Tower and her thoughts turned to Bruce. She could admit to herself she still found him a fascinating and attractive man, but her visit to the mansion the previous day seemed to be a microcosm of their problem. He had closed himself off and locked himself away from her. He dictated when and how they would see each other. He seemed so worried about being in control of everything in his life that he couldn't let anything unexpected happen.
When this bet started it seemed so important to prove something to him, but now she was wondering if it would even make a difference. Diana had been as open as possible with Bruce, yet it didn't seem to be enough. She knew he'd suffered an unspeakable tragedy in his life, but was starting to realize the psychic wounds had never fully healed. He tried to hold everyone at arms length, never letting anyone get too close. Batman wasn't just a role anymore it was who he was.
Perhaps that was what drew her to him in the first place. He was such a caring, magnetic man, that you didn't see how great the flaws were at first. Perhaps there was an element of wanting to save him too, Diana realized, to help heal his wounds. She wouldn't be the first woman to feel that urge.
There was also the fact that when her interested in Bruce first started, Kal was unavailable, he was with Lois. He wasn't with Lois anymore. The emotions he stirred within her were different than the ones Bruce did. Both were physically attractive men. The idea of being intimate with them had certainly crossed her mind. While she had no actually experience, she without doubt had a vivid imagination. Her mother would probably have a heart attack or send all her sisters to bring her back to the island by force, if necessary, if she knew the things Diana had been imagining with Kal.
She wanted him; there was no other way to put it. It was almost a primal or tribal need. It's why the idea of him with another woman bothered her so much. She had never felt so possessive about anything before. As much as she tried to deny it, on some level she thought of him as hers. He was her husband and she was his wife. No matter what the circumstances might be that caused it, it was a fact now.
They only had two weeks, though. The bet and their marriage would be over in just two short weeks. Diana wasn't sure what would happen after that. She knew all relationships aren't destined to last forever. She only had to look around to see that. It would be so easy to drift apart once the bet was over and they went back to their regular lives. Two weeks, that's what she had to find out if this was something special or the illusion it started out to be.
Gotham Heights
Another ceremony was over in Cubby's basement and the worshippers exited the rec room and began to change out of their bloody robes. Several of the members were giggling and Cubby was concerned. He felt he needed to address this as it had been bothering him for some time.
"People, good work tonight," he began. "I think we're really starting to hit our stride with the whole sacrifice thing. The ladies have provided us with a lovely spread upstairs, so I hope you're all hunger."
"I'm dying for a brownie,' Jenny gushed to LuAnn and Dottie.
"I've had Funions on my mind all night,' Dottie said.
"Um, ah, people, I think there's an issue we need to discuss,' Cubby said. The others turned towards him, even as LuAnn opened a bag of Doritos. Cubby watched as she and others started digging in.
"People, I know this stuff is all new to you, just like it is to me,' he said. "Frankly, even though I'm sort of the leader here, I'm not any half-blood Prince of this Wicker stuff."
"It's Wicca,' Betty corrected him through a mouthful of Doritos. "I'm not sure, but I think what we're doing is different than Wicca anyway."
"And the half-blood Prince is Harry Porter, dear,' LuAnn added.
"Is it,' Cubby asked. "Now is that the one with the elves?"
"No, that's Lord of the Rings,' Carl explained. "Oh, and those are Hobbits."
"Hobbits? Now that's the one where they have to move cause their warren is being destroyed, right?"
"No, dear,' LuAnn replied. "That's Watership Down."
"Those are just talking rabbits,' Carl added.
"Like Bugs Bunny,' Ted offered, before shoveling a handful of sour cream and chive Ruffles into his mouth.
"Well, maybe technically, but it's different,' Ted replied.
"I think we're getting off track here, people,' Cubby said. "What I'm trying to say is this is all new to me, just like you. I don't come from a long line of Satan worshippers or anything, so I'm really kind of doing this on the fly, as it were.'
"I think you're doing an excellent job, Cubby,' Bob offered.
"Thank you, Bob."
"Brown nose,' Jenny whispered to Dottie. They both giggled at this.
"What I wanted to address, people,' Cubby continued. "I think some of you aren't taking this as seriously as the others. While I'm all for you experimenting with the Pot, some of you have really gone off the deep end with the stuff. I'm not going to name any names, but when we were chanting in there, I distinctly heard one or two of you doing a Doors song."
Jenny and Dottie blushed, but continued eating.
"We need to keep it together, people.' Cubby urged. "Do you think we're the only people in the suburbs worshipping Satan? Hell no, we're not! This is a competitive game and only those really knuckling down are going to earn his favors. Keep your eye on the prize, people. Our businesses are just starting to turn around so we don't need an slip ups!"
Everyone was quiet for a moment. Cubby looked at all of them and felt a little embarrassed by his outburst.
"Okay, I'm sorry if I got carried away there," he admitted. "No one likes to have a good time more than me, but in the right time and place. I've said my piece, so let's just forget about it now and head upstairs and dig in. Hail Satan."
"Hail Satan!" Everyone echoed. They all started to file upstairs. Dottie turned to Jenny and whispered. "You had the lyrics wrong, by the way."
"What do you mean?"
"The actual lyrics are, 'My wild love went ridin', She rode to the sea
She gathered together, Some shells for her head."
"They are,' Jenny questioned. "Well, those make no sense at all."
"I'm just telling, that's what the song says,' Dottie explained. "I was so buzzed the other night I played the song like twenty times in a row, so trust me."
"Twenty times? Wow, Dottie, I wish I could be as good a hippie as you are,' Jenny said.
"Nonsense, I think you're a wonderful hippie, Jenny,' Dottie replied.
"Thank you!"
Gotham
Bruce Wayne effortlessly shifted the Ferrari 612Scaglietti as he darted in and out of traffic. Dinah Lance sat next to him silently watching the traffic rush by. He was in a tuxedo and looked impeccable. Dinah was wearing a black silk and chiffon cocktail dress that ended mid-thigh. She was showing quite a bit of leg and Bruce couldn't help noticing.
"You're quiet tonight,' he said. His eyes drifting down to her exposed thigh for just a moment.
"My mind's elsewhere, I guess,' she replied, not turning to look at him.
"I looked at the data you sent over, I think you made some interesting connections between the gang and the gun smuggling,' he offered.
"You mean the data I tried to talk to you about, but you hung up on me," she asked. "That data?"
"Yes."
She turned and looked at him now. She had changed her hairstyle for the evening and her blonde locks sexily fell over one side of her face covering her right eye.
"So?"
"I think you are on to something,' he said. "The gang is definitely stepping up its game and trying to move into the big time. Those arm shipments we stopped are just the start."
"We should call Barbara,' Dinah said. "I could be down there keeping them under surveillance right now."
Bruce couldn't believe he was going to be the one to say this, but he pressed ahead anyway.
"Dinah, Oracle is keeping an eye on them. From what you sent over, they aren't moving any merchandise tonight, so you'd be wasting your time. Besides, you know Zatanna would blame me if you don't show up."
"I didn't really feel like going on a date anyway,' she admitted.
"Well, you're on one, we both are, so let's try and make the best of it,' he replied. "You look lovely, by the way."
"Thank you,' she said. "I was starting to worry this dress might be too short the way you've been checking out my legs the whole way."
"I haven't been checking out your legs, don't be ridiculous,' he immediately replied.
"Right, sure you haven't,' she said, turning back to look out the window.
"I haven't."
"Uh-huh," Dinah absently said. "You keep telling yourself that."
"I haven't,' he whispered, even as he gave them another glance. Bruce shifted again and the car shot through the night.
Gotham – The Theater District
Clark got out of his cab a block from the theater. He paid the fare and started to walk towards the gathered crowd. Zatanna's opening night had turned into something of an event. He could see fans, reporters and paparazzi swarming around the entrance as local and nationally known officials, dignitaries and celebrities made their entrances. He could still see the look on Diana's face when he told her they couldn't go together and felt horrible about it.
It was this crush of media that he had been worried about. The pictures and video of those arriving would be everywhere by later tonight. If Diana, probably one of the most well known women in the world suddenly showed up with an unknown reporter from Metropolis it would raise a lot of eyebrows. He would become a story overnight and that was attention Clark didn't need. He knew his place wasn't on the red carpet, but back here, behind the velvet ropes.
Clark pulled out his press credentials and clipped them to the pocket of his black suit. He wasn't wearing a tux and he wasn't really covering the show, but it would help him blend in.
"Hey, sorry buddy, I didn't see you standing there,' a man said as he jostled against Clark.
"No problem."
Slowly Clark made his way through the crowd towards the front. He was just behind the photographers and camera crews. He knew he should probably just head inside, but he wanted to watch her arrive. He was bumped and pushed by the crowd around him, but he didn't complain. They were there to see celebrities and he was just another face in the crowd.
There was a line of limos dropping off the famous in front of the theater. He watched as the Mayor, the Governor and even a Senator stepped out, waved to the crowd as they went inside. Celebrities from the music and entertainment industries drew much bigger cheers. Out of the corner of his eye, Clark saw John Constantine slip under the velvet rope and make his way inside as everyone's attention was on the latest pop star to arrive. Zatanna certainly has some interesting friends, he mused.
A white stretch Hummer limo pulled up and the crowd eagerly waited to see whom it was. The back door opened and a delicate white wing emerged first. Shayera stepped out from the car. She was dressed in a peach colored gown and seemed nervous in front of all the cameras. Flash bulbs went off and she stood there, almost unsure what to do. She looked like an angel, Clark thought. He saw her stumble forward a bit. She turned to say something, but Wally was already out of the car. He stood there with a huge grin on his face and stretched out his arms towards the fans.
He didn't see the look Shayera gave him. Clark had to smile as he watched Wally work the crowd. He high fived everyone and posed for pictures with anyone that wanted to. Whipping out a pen, Wally said he was ready to sign some autographs when Shayera came up and took hold of his elbow. Clark could see Wally wince as she ushered them both into the theater.
There were a few more celebrities and then a black Ferrari pulled up. The valet rushed to the driver's side just as Bruce emerged. He was very well known, and flashed his billion-dollar playboy smile as he haphazardly tossed his keys to the young man. Waving to the crowd, Bruce went around to the passenger side and opened the door. Flash bulbs began to pop as a very long leg emerged. Another followed it and Dinah emerged. It was a daring dress she had on, but she certainly pulled it off with style, Clark thought. She looked like a movie star in his opinion. The two of them politely stood for pictures, while Bruce playfully bantered with some of the reporters. They eventually made it inside and Clark had to tip his hat to Bruce. He could still play the role of playboy with the best of them.
It was several minutes later when the black limousine pulled up in front of the theater. Clark shifted a little closer to the front as the Amazon driver got out and went around to open the back door. He found himself holding his breath, along with many in the crowd as Diana stepped out of the car. For just a moment silence seemed to hang over the scene as she stood there looking around at the crowd. He knew she was looking for him, but in the next moment there was an explosion of flash bulbs.
She was breath taking, he thought, the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen. There was a regal aura about her, as Diana smiled and patiently stood for the cameras. The crowd was screaming and pushing against the security trying to get closer to her, as they saw the same things Clark saw. She handled it all so effortlessly, as if she were born to it. In a way she probably was, Clark thought. She belonged in front of the cameras, not hiding behind them like he was. As she made her way towards the front door, Clark started to slip back into the crowd. He would find a side entrance somewhere and go in that way.
Moments Earlier
Diana sat in her limousine watching as others entered the theater. She could see Bruce and Dinah stand for the cameras and had to admit they looked very glamorous. She found her eyes straying though, looking at the gathered crowd trying to find him. It should have been easy to spot of a man of his size and good looks, but somehow he had done that thing he was so good at, blended in. She felt disappointed at not seeing him, but as her limousine pulled up, she assumed her role. She was the Ambassador of her people and knew what was expected. As the driver, one of her assistants opened the door; Diana managed to smile as she stepped from the car.
Her eyes immediately went to the crowd and for a brief moment she thought she saw him. It was all washed away in the next moment consumed in the cacophony of white light from the flash bulbs. The sound of the crowd and the paparazzi came crashing in on her. It was all so overwhelming, yet she maintained her poise. Diana waved to the screaming crowd and stopped for the photographers. Questions were shouted at her from all sides, but she didn't reply. After the obligatory length of time, she headed towards the front door of the theater. Just as she was about to enter, she turned her head and scanned the crowd one last time. For a moment she thought she saw him turning away, but then he disappeared again.
Backstage
Zatanna stood in front of a full-length mirror practicing her bows.
"Thank you, thank you, you are too kind,' she said to an imaginary audience and gave another bow. "Please, three standing ovations, it's too much, thank you!"
"It's nice to see you rehearse everything. Very professional, Zee."
She gasped and spun around to see Clark Kent standing in the doorway.
"Clark! Wh-Wh-What are you doing here,' she managed to say. At the moment she wished she could just vanish through the floor she was so embarrassed.
"I was stopping to wish you luck, but three standing ovations,' he said with a smile. "Doesn't sound like you need it."
"You weren't supposed to see that, no one was,' she replied. God, I must look like a complete douchebag, she thought with a cringe. She blushed and fiddled with her jacket, trying to think of a spell that would transport her back in time, say five minutes.
"Hey, I thought it was very cute,' he offered. "You should know I'll be leading that four ovation, so don't stop practicing now."
Zee smiled, but was desperate to change the subject to anything else.
"Sh-Shouldn't you be out front with Diana,' she asked." Didn't she come?"
"Yes, she came,' he said, shifting a bit against the doorframe. "I'm really not a spotlight sort of guy, though. Not comfortable with all that attention."
"But you're, well, you know,' she said, and then mimed drawing an S on her chest.
"Not tonight,' he said, giving her an almost sad smile.
"Jeez, when I invited you two, I didn't even think about that, sorry,' she offered.
"Don 't be,' he said with a shake of his head. "I just wanted to stop and say thanks again and wish you luck."
"Thanks."
"You know, sometime you're going to have to tell me how you got Bruce to come and bring Dinah as a date on top of it,' he teased.
"Magic,' she teased back.
"Well, it worked,' he replied with a chuckle. "Dinah went all out. She looks spectacular. I think I even caught Bruce glancing at her legs once or twice on their way in."
"Why?"
"Let's just say she's wearing a rather daring dress,' Clark offered. "She pulls it off too. Really, really well."
"Okay, I get it, Dinah looks nice, let's not go overboard,' Zee replied.
"You look lovely too,' Clark quickly said, remembering who's night it was.
"Thank you," she said with a smile.
"I imagine Bruce will think so too,' he teased.
Zatanna blushed and then quickly turned back to the mirror.
"I have a show to do, Clark, I'm not thinking about anything else,' she said.
"Okay, well, good luck, I know you'll be great,' he said and then moved off. Zee called thank you again, but he was already gone. As she looked at herself in the mirror, she had to wonder just how short Dinah's dress was?
Gotham – The front of the Theater
The concert hall had three sections on the main floor and a balcony. It was full to capacity. Diana was sitting on the aisle, fifth row on the left side. The seat next to her was empty. Both in front and behind her were politicians. The next seat over after the empty one in her row sat the Mayor's wife. Further down the same row, she saw Dinah and then Bruce towards the middle of the row and then towards the right aisle Shayera and Wally. Couples surrounded her, yet the seat next to her continued to remain empty, she glumly thought.
She was expecting him to enter just as the lights went down, hoping that no one would notice. What Diana didn't realize was that Clark had been doing this all his life. He knew if he tried to sneak in, he would draw the wrong sort of attention to himself. People would see a tall, good looking man taking the seat next to Diana and immediately start to wonder if they were a couple. They would want to know who he was and everything about him. It would defeat the purpose of not arriving together. What he needed was the right sort of attention.
Diana heard voices and turned her head. Standing at the other end of the row was Clark and the usher. They were whispering, but it was just loud enough for everyone to hear.
"There-There must be some mistake,' Clark said. "That can't be my seat, I mean that's Wonder Woman."
"This is where your seat is, sir,' the usher replied. Clark looked nervously around, adjusting his tie as if it were too tight.
"Isn't there some place else,' he asked. "The balcony or something? I'm sure, Miss Zatara didn't mean for me to be sitting here."
"I'm sure she didn't either, sir, but the show is completely sold out,' the usher dismissively said. "The show is about to start, so please take your seat."
"Gosh, I don't know, I mean me sitting next to her,' Clark whispered. He adjusted his glasses and seemed to wipe the sweat from his brow.
"Perhaps it is your lucky night,' sir,' the usher offered. "Now if you'll please take your seat."
"Well, okay, jeez, I'm so nervous my palms are sweating," Clark said.
"Lovely."
Everyone's attention was now on the nervous man who had the unbelievable luck of sitting next to Princess Diana, Wonder Woman. For Diana's part she could hear the murmurs all around her of 'lucky bastard' or 'how sorry they were for her'. She kept her face placid, not turning to watch him, but out of the corner of her eye she kept keen notice of his progress.
Clark was a big man and by entering the row from the wrong side, this meant he had to climb over everyone to get to his seat. As he began to stumble, stagger and bumble his way to his seat, constantly saying 'excuse me'; Diana could hear the soft laughter all around her. While her expression remained neutral, she was getting angry. She didn't like them talking about him is those rude tones. They weren't laughing with him, they were laughing at him. She felt the urge to just get up and grab him by the labels and yank him into his seat and end this charade, but remained in her seat.
Clark managed to make it as far as Wally and Shayera before he stopped.
"Wow, The Flash! I'm a big fan,' he said. "I'm Clark Kent, reporter for the Daily Planet."
He offered his hand, but Wally didn't take it. Wally knew what Clark was doing, so he decided to play along.
"No interviews, please,' Wally said, raising his hand dismissively to wave Clark along. "I might be persuaded to give you an autograph after the show, but let's see how it goes."
"Oh, right, sorry,' Clark replied. He noticed Shayera glaring at Wally and he didn't think that was a good sign.
"Hawk girl,' he said loudly, almost gushing. "May I say you look beautiful tonight, miss. You look just like an angel."
"Thank you, Mr. Kent,' Shayera replied, giving him a smile.
"That's all well and good, Kent, but move it along will you,' Wally said. "You're not made of glass, you know."
"Right, right, sorry,' Clark replied. As he started to move, he 'accidentally' stepped directly on Wally's foot and then seemed to stumble against him. Wally gasped in pain, as Clark let all of his weight press down on his foot. Clark whispered so fast that only Wally could hear.
"Remember she's doing you a favor by being your date, Wally. Be a gentleman."
Clark managed to extricate himself and took his foot off Wally's.
"I'm so sorry, Flash, I guess I'm not that coordinated sometimes,' Clark offered.
"It's okay, okay, just watch where you're going,' Wally said, relieved to have him off his foot finally.
"You look really lovely tonight,' Clark said to Shayera as he inched his way passed her. She smiled and blushed a little at this. Wally saw this and remembered Clark's words.
"Yeah, you do, Shayera," he said. "If I forgot to say it earlier, I 'm sorry. You look amazing and thanks again for coming with me."
"You're welcome,' she replied, the smile getting just a little bigger on her lips.
Clark continued to progress, nearly falling several times. He continued to say excuse me constantly as he moved over one dignitary after another. He could see Bruce and Dinah out of the corner of his eye. Clark made a great show of his nervousness as he approached them. When Dinah crossed her legs and her dress slipped just a bit higher, he actually gulped. The crowd around them were all talking about him now.
"Clark Kent, Miss Lance, I'm a big fan,' he started to say and then stumbled, landing right on top of Bruce.
"Um, ah, y-you look spectacular, if you don't mind me saying so, Miss Lance,' Clark offered as he tried to right himself, but ending up sitting on Bruce.
"Thank you, Mr. Kent, that's very nice of you, but I'm not sure my date agrees,' she replied with a smile.
"How's that,' Clark asked, still sitting on Bruce.
"Mr. Wayne, Bruce Wayne,' Dinah said, as she uncrossed her legs. Clark seemed to be distracted by her legs just like everyone else.
"Hmm? Who?"
"Bruce Wayne, the man you're sitting on,' Dinah informed him.
"Oh, Jeez," Clark gasped and started to get up.
"Who? Very funny, Kent," Bruce whispered. "Now get off me!"
Clark managed to get off him and uneasily stand.
"I'm so sorry, Mr. Wayne, I hope you know it was an accident,' Clark offered in his most sincere voice.
"Forget about it Kent,' Bruce replied, adjusting his suit. "You might want to consider a diet though."
"Right, right, I'm completely sorry, Mr. Wayne."
Even as angry as she was at the comments swirling around her about Clark, Diana had to bite her lower lip to stop from laughing when he sat on Bruce. Others in the area didn't feel the same need, and laughed out loud at the poor clumsy schmuck embarrassing both Bruce Wayne and himself.
Clark gently moved passed Dinah and she smiled at him as she crossed her legs again. He gave his collar a little tug, as if it were just a bit too tight all of a sudden.
"Nice dress,' he whispered.
"Thank you,' she replied with a playful smile.
Diana heard this and didn't like it. He was almost to his seat, so she faced forward not even acknowledging him. Everyone was watching, waiting to see if the big clod would do something embarrassing to Wonder Woman. As he stepped over the Mayor and his wife, Clark almost fell twice. He managed to stop himself and finally made it to his seat. He stood there nervously looking at her and then all around him.
"Um, ah, Miss Wonder Woman, I just wanted you to know it's an honor to sit next to you,' Clark gushed. "I'm Clark Kent, a reporter for the Daily Planet. My boss would have my head if I didn't at least ask for an interview.'
Diana slowly turned and looked at him.
"I'm sorry, what was the name again,' she asked. There was a challenge in her eyes and for just a moment Clark let the façade drop.
"Kent, Clark Kent, Princess."
He could see the fire in her eyes now and knew she wanted to hit him. He smiled and raised the façade again.
"I'm here to see a friend, Mr. Kent, that's all,' Diana slowly replied, keeping her composure. "All interviews are set up by my Embassy. I suggest you contact them."
"Of course, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to offend you, Wonder Woman,' Clark quickly said. "I guess I'm just a little nervous."
"The show's about to start, why don't you sit down, Mr. Kent,' Diana said to him.
"Oh, yes, absolutely,' Clark started to reply and then noticed the Mayor and his wife. "Nice to see you Mr. and Mrs. Mayor, may I say you look lovely tonight ma'am. Boy, quite a night, huh?"
"Thank you, but the show is about to start, Mr. Kent,' the Mayor's wife replied.
"Is it,' Clark said, turning and nearly fell again as he glanced at the stage.
"You seem to be having trouble, Mr. Kent, allow me to help you," Diana offered. Before he could reply she reached up and yanked him into his seat. Clark gave a little gasp as she deposited him firmly into his seat. He looked at Diana, but she wasn't looking at him and then he turned to the Mayor's wife.
"That's Wonder Woman, wow,' he whispered, just to little too loud.
"Yes, I'm aware of that, ' the woman replied.
The lights went down and everyone got quiet. Just before the opening music began, Clark whispered so low that only Diana could hear.
"You're the most beautiful woman here tonight. I just wanted to you to know."
She didn't turn or give any indication she heard him, but as the music started a smile came to her lips.
Gotham Heights
The worshippers were all digging into the food. The ritual and probably other things had made them very hungry. Jenny had a small bowl and a lighter and was just about to take a hit when she glanced out the front room window. She took the bowl away from her lips and squinted for a moment. She looked down at the bowl and then the lighter, before gazing out the window again.
"Don't Bogart that bowl, Jenny," Dottie said. "I got that expression from Easy Rider. Very hippie stuff.'
When Jenny didn't answer, both Dottie and LuAnn looked at her.
"What's wrong, Jenny,' LuAnn asked.
"You know, maybe Cubby has a point about us doing too much of this stuff,' Jenny replied. "I would swear I just saw a giant woman all dressed in black with metal bands around her body go into the Kent house."
Dottie and LuAnn looked out the window and saw nothing. They turned back to Jenny.
"Wow, you must be really high, you're tripping,' LuAnn said.
"I am so jealous,' Dottie added. "You're like one of those Merry Pranksters on Ken Kesey's bus!"