Precipice
"Being a Man"
Gotham Heights
"I won't be wronged, I won't be insulted, and I won't be laid a hand on.
I don't do these things to other people and I expect the same from them."
- John Wayne in The Shootist -
Be a man.
Ask twenty people what it means to be a man and you'll get twenty different answers. It seems to constantly be evolving and changing, yet there is a constant to being a man. It isn't a matter of age; you only need to look around you to see this. Everyday you hear some story about a guy who thought he was being disrespected, so he shoots up a house or kills someone. That's not being a man, that's a boy pretending to be a man cause he has a gun.
It's always a struggle to become a man. The action heroes we see on the screen, kicking ass and taking names are some warped view of what a man is. The bluster and look at me attitude that seems so common today is just a sad attempt to convince others what you know in your heart isn't true.
There are many types of men and they come in all shapes and sizes. They all share fundamental traits though. Honor, not the kind you hear so much about on the battlefield, but a quiet sort, the honor of keeping your word. Most of the traits of a real man are like that, quiet and hardly noticed.
It's something only a man can teach another. That might not be fashionable to say these days, but it's as old as time. The young look to those around them for role models, for guidance on what it means to be a man or a woman. It's difficult enough for all of us, but if there are no men around a boy never learns to be a man. He will become something of a caricature of what he sees presented to him in the media or music or culture of what it means to be a man.
A man and woman had raised Clark Kent. He'd learned many of his lessons well, but he was still struggling with what it means to be a man. To the outside world, he was Superman representing a man in every sense of the word, yet if was the private side of it that he was still learning. That was why Thor's words had such a sting to them. The Uncommitted, it had such a horrible ring to it. Unwanted truth usually does.
Thor had challenged Clark in the most direct and basic way. He'd challenged him as a man. There was a word for what Thor so plainly stated were his intentions, cuckold. Clark's first thought was to climb out of the pool and kick the loud mouth Norse God's ass all the way back to Asgard.
It was the thought of the stick that stopped him. The Uncommitted, neither in Heaven or Hell, but sentenced to spend an eternity chasing a banner. The banner represents self-interest and the wasps and hornets that pursue them represent the sting of their conscience. Clark realized Thor had chosen very well in his gift, for didn't that describe what Clark was doing? Since this whole bet had started, he'd just gone along. It was Diana that took every step forward, while he continued to step back. He was the Uncommitted, never choosing, just letting things happen to him.
Maybe he was so used to be cautious; he didn't know how to be anything else anymore. Clark wasn't sure and because of it he hadn't acted on his anger. Hadn't he been hesitating all this time with Diana? It seemed he had one excuse after another for them not to be together. Some of them may be legitimate, but he was only seeing why it wouldn't work, not how it might. The whole outing to the theater had been one long performance to show Diana how difficult it would be for her to put up with his bumbling, mild mannered routine.
As hard as it was to admit, maybe Thor was right, maybe Clark didn't deserve Diana. Maybe he wasn't the man for her. He'd certainly not acted like a man in love towards her. If he couldn't commit to a relationship with her in this situation, then when would he ever? Perhaps Thor had a point. You can't take something away from a man if he's unwilling to commit to it in the first place.
Lashina was awake in the small room she was using as a bedroom. Growing up on Apokolips, you learn to be a light sleeper. She had heard Clark go out to swim and got up to watch him from the window. She was only wearing a shirt she borrowed from him to sleep in. She liked having his smell close to her and it annoyed the Princess, so it was a win-win.
Standing in the dark at the window, she had heard every word Thor said. She couldn't believe Clark hadn't climbed out of the pool and responded. It was what she would have done, no question. She would have taken that stick Thor gave him and shoved it up his ass. Several emotions seemed to rush through her at the same time. She was angry at Thor was having the nerve to talk to Clark that way, but she was even angrier with Clark for taking it.
If that is what it means to be a hero, she thought, they could have it. The Kal-El she knew was passionate and forceful. He took what he wanted and didn't let anyone stand in his way. The man she watched climb out of the pool and walk inside the house was a pale reflection of him. This is what comes from living with the Princess she thought. All their noble words meant nothing if they turned in the face of a direct challenge.
Lashina realized Thor was going to be a problem for her. As long as he was there, the dynamic was off. At first she believe it would be a help to her cause, having Thor woo the Princess, but now she saw that wasn't the case. Clark would focus on nothing else as long as Thor was there. Thor had to go, Lashina decided. With him out of the picture, Lashina could tempt Clark while sowing the seeds of doubt in the Princess's mind. She could split them up and make Clark hers, as it should be.
As selfish as this was, there was another part of Lashina that was only thinking of Clark. She knew he wasn't a coward, yet his response or lack there of, to Thor's challenge bothered her. He might seem like a quiet, calm man on the exterior, but Lashina knew from experience there were deep passions just below the surface. He was hers, of this she had no doubt, but he needed to show what sort of man he was to Thor. He needed to make a stand for himself, she thought. It was a risk, but she wanted him to commit, even if it was to the Princess. Once he embraced his passions, he would be moving towards Lashina not the Princess.
As she exited her room and walked into the living room, she heard him banging quietly around the kitchen. Leaving the shirt she was wearing unbutton she went to him.
He was trying to make coffee, but she could see his hand shaking as he tried to control his temper.
"Here, let me do that,' she said, sliding her hand along his and taking the coffee pot from him. He turned and looked at her and immediately noticed she wasn't wearing anything under the shirt. He quickly turned away.
"Um, ah, thanks, Lashina."
She poured the water into the machine and turned it on. She moved along the counter until she was directly in front of him.
"You're angry,' she stated.
He was going to deny it as he usually did and say everything was okay, but she hadn't said it as a question but as a fact.
"Yes, I am,' he admitted.
"You should be,' she replied. She held his gaze, almost challenging him.
"It's not that simple, Lashina,' he offered, but she shook her head no.
"Yes it is, Clark. Thor couldn't make it any clearer, he's here to take something away from you."
"Diana's not a thing, Lashina," he countered. "She's an adult and she can choice for herself."
"I care little about the Princess, you know that," she stated. "This isn't about her, Kal-El, it's about you. He spit in your face, are you just going to take it?"
"What would you have me do, fight him,' Clark asked.
"Yes."
"What if he's right? What if I am the Uncommitted as he says?"
"Then I think it's time you commit to something,' she replied. "Even if it is only a commitment to defending your home, Kal-El. Take his 'gift' and shove it up his ass with a 'fuck you' added on to it."
"How did I know that would be your answer,' he mused, smiling for the first time.
She returned his smile and stepped closer to him.
"Because we know each other very well, Kal-El, whether you want to believe it or not,' she whispered. Her lips found his then and he could feel the passion behind her kiss.
"Lashina, no,' he said, breaking the kiss and stepping away. She gave him a very sultry look and then started to leave. She stopped at the doorway and faced him.
"I've heard you speak glowingly about the humans that raised you,' she said. "How would the human father you had react to a similar situation?"
They held each other's gaze for a moment and then she turned and walked out. As she came out of the kitchen and into the living room, Lashina saw Diana coming down the stairs. Diana stopped at the landing and looked at Lashina. The shirt she was wearing was open all the way down the front. Lashina saw the Princess had noticed this, so she slowly buttoned two of the buttons. She smiled at Diana.
"Good morning, Princess, lovely day, isn't it?"
She didn't wait for an answer and walked back into her room. Diana's eyes followed her the whole way and then turned back to the kitchen. She could hear Clark moving around in there. Diana was not happy.
Gotham
Dinah Lance, aka Black Canary stood on the edge of a twenty-story building looking down at the street below. She had a line in her hand, all set to launch herself into the air and swing across the street to the building opposite. It was something heroes did everyday, but it went against ever instinct humans had. To step off solid ground and let yourself fall into space was completely unnatural. The basic survival instinct each of us has rebells against this. Just standing on the edge felt wrong. It never got easier, no matter how many times you did it.
Taking a deep breath, Dinah calmed her nerves. She had a meeting with the Question, who had done some surveillance for Oracle. He, of course, had picked a building you couldn't just walk into for the meeting. She could have sworn she saw tin foil wrapped around the edges of the roof, but thought that was unlikely. Then again, it was the Question she was meeting.
Just as she was about to launch herself, the sound of whirling came up behind her. As she turned something grabbed her and lifted her off the rooftop.
"Don't want you to be late for your meeting, Dinah. Just sit back, relax and enjoy the ride,' Plastic Man said to her. "Would you care for some complimentary peanuts during your flight?"
Dinah's eyes were wide with shock and her mouth hung open, as she couldn't seem to find the words.
"No peanuts,' he asked. "How about some music? Ah! Sweet mystery of life At last I've found thee! Ah! I know at last the secret of it all; All the longing, seeking, striving, waiting, yearning. The burning hopes, the joy and idle tears that fall! For 'tis love, and love alone, the world is seeking, And 'tis love, and love alone, that can repay! 'Tis the answer, 'tis the end and all of living! For it is love alone that rules for aye! "
"What the hell are you doing here?" Dinah finally managed to say. "Would you stop singing, you imbecile!"
"Don't care for the classics, huh,' he replied. "How about a polka?"
"Put me down!"
"But we're over the middle of the street,' he said.
"Well, get to the building and put me down, then,' she grumbled. Plastic Man zipped over and set her down before transforming back into his usual self. Dinah absently noticed it was tin foil wrapped around the edge of the building, but she was too angry to give it any thought. "What the hell are you doing here?"
"We're a team, Dinah,' he replied. "Now that you've admitted you like me, I'm here to help!'
"I never admitted I like you! Are you crazy? Wait, scratch that question,' she said. "Go away!"
"No one said anything about Plastic Man being here,' a voice from the shadows said. Plastic Man and Dinah turned to see the Question lurking.
"Hey, Question, how's it going, buddy,' Plastic Man enthusiastically shouted.
"How do you know I'm the Question? Who told you that," The Question asked. He seemed to nervously look around, though without a face it was really just a guess. "I was certain the tin foil would block out their scanners! Damn it, this whole operation is compromised now!"
"Um, ah, Question,' Dinah said. "We've actually met you before, remember?"
"Are you sure? Was that really me or someone pretending to be me,' he replied. "For that matter, how do I know you two are the real you?"
"I get it, wheels within wheels, very metaphysical," Plastic Man offered.
Dinah looked from one to the other unsure which was crazier.
"That's exactly what I'd expect the real Plastic Man to say, but you might have already known that,' the Question said.
"But if I knew you knew I was going to say that, wouldn't I have said something else to throw you off track,' Plastic Man countered. "Or is it all just part of a larger plan where we are both puppets for unseen masters to play with?"
Diana groaned and felt like her head was going to explode. The Question stood there, what one assumed was his face pointed at Plastic Man. Finally after a long pause; he went over and embraced him.
"Plastic Man, good to see you again!"
'You too, buddy! Good to be working on a caper with you again, A-ring-a-ding-ding!"
"Shut up, both of you,' Dinah growled. "He is not working with me and neither are you! This isn't a caper, okay? Oracle said you had some information for me, so please tell me before my head explodes!"
Plastic Man turned to the Question and whispered.
"I think she has intimacy issues."
"That would explain the break up with Green Arrow,' the Question replied. "So many heroes do, have you noticed?"
"It comes with the job, what are you going to do?"
"Shut up or so help me I'm going to start screaming,' Dinah roared. She pointed at Plastic Man. "You, get out of here and you, Question, just tell me what you found out!"
"I think she needs to get laid,' Question whispered to Plastic Man.
"I'm warning you!"
"All right, the gang has a warehouse on the edge of the waterfront,' Question began. "It's heavily guarded and they seem to be waiting for something. I couldn't find out what's inside or how many there are."
"Okay, now we're making some progress,' Dinah said in relief. "It looks like I'm going to have to try and sneak my way in and see what they're up to."
"Oh! OH! OH!" Plastic Man suddenly shouted, raising his hand and jumping up and down.
"Now what? Do you have to use the bathroom or something,' Diana asked in frustration.
"No, let me do the investigation, I'm perfect for it!"
"He has a point, Dinah," Question offered. "He could slither in and scope the place out without them knowing it."
Dinah hated admitting they had a point, but they did. Plastic Man was ideal for this sort of assignment. Reluctantly, she knew it would be the best option.
"All right, but as soon as you're done, you're leaving,' she finally said.
"She likes me, she just has a hard time admitting it in front of others,' Plastic Man whispered to the Question with a grin on his face.
"Would you stop telling people that? I don't like you, I never have!"
"Classic denial, text book,' Question whispered to Plastic Man. Dinah shook her head, and then threw up her hands.
"Let's just get this over with, please?"
Gotham Heights
Bruce and Zatanna had made the trip down in record time. She was still upset about this, accusing him of driving like a madman. He was sitting next to her in the real estate agent's car checking out the listings. He was wearing a fake black mustache and she had on a big hat and sunglasses. He glanced over, as Zatanna hadn't spoken to him in the last five minutes.
"You're not still upset about our drive down here, are you?"
She turned towards him, her eyes shooting daggers.
"Yes!"
"Aren't you being a little melodramatic? We got here safe and sound,' he offered.
"My life flashed before my eyes, Bruce and even that wasn't as fast as your driving,' she replied. "I'm still young, I want the review of my life to last a little longer next time."
"All right, I'll drive a little slower on the way back,' he said.
"No way, why don't I drive on the way back,' she countered.
"That's not going to happen."
"Why not?"
"First of all, you hardly ever drive," he said. "I don't think I've seen you drive once in all the time I've known you."
"And?"
"It's my car."
"For your information, I drive,' she said. "It's been awhile, but I've got a license."
"A real one or did you conjure up one,' he teased.
"It's a real one, smartass! The driving instructor said I was the best student he ever had."
"You flirted with him, didn't you,' Bruce asked.
"I'm friendly! Why do you make it sound like a bad thing,' she replied.
"You're still not driving my car, Zee, besides, if I have to go by Conrad, you can be a little uncomfortable on the ride,' Bruce said. "By the way, why did you tell the agent my name was Conrad, anyway? I hate the name Conrad and you know it."
Zatanna just smiled at him.
"Oh, I see, well aren't you cute,' Bruce said in a sarcastic tone.
"Shh, here comes the agent,' Zee replied. "Thank God, she's driving us."
Before Bruce could respond, the real estate agent, Nancy, opened the driver's side door and climbed in.
"All set,' Nancy asked. "I've got a complete list of homes for sale in any price range, Mr. and Mrs. Grayson."
'Grayson, Jesus,' Bruce muttered under his breath. Zatanna had a big smile on her face at this.
"I'm sorry, what was that, Mr. Grayson, 'the agent said.
"Please, just call him Conrad,' Zee offered.
"Right," Bruce said. He knew she was needling him and enjoying herself, so he wasn't above giving some of it back to her. "Just the best houses if you will, Nancy. Nothing is too good for my bride, Abby! We're newlyweds, you know?'
He gave the real estate agent a big fake smile and wrapped his arm around Zatanna, giving her a hug.
"Oh, I could tell right off, Conrad," Nancy said with smile.
"We can hardly keep our hands off each other, it's that new,' Bruce added, snuggling against Zee.
"Laying it on a little thick aren't you,' she whispered, as she wriggled out of his grasp.
"Anything for you, pumpkin,' Bruce continued. "No price is too high!"
"It will be if you call me pumpkin again,' Zee whispered to him.
"You two make such a cute couple,' Nancy the realtor said as she started the car.
"Don't we though,' Bruce cheerfully said and then kissed Zatanna. He caught her by surprise with the kiss. Her eyes opened wide as he laid one on her and then sat back with a smile. Zatanna looked at him for a moment and then just shook her head.
"God, you are such a dick sometimes."
"You bring it out in me, honey,' he replied. Zatanna was going to reply, but then something caught her eye out the side window. She turned and looked at the car they were passing and the quickly turned back to Bruce.
"Wasn't that Clark and Thor,' she whispered.
"Yes, I think it was,' he replied.
Gotham Heights – Earlier
It hadn't been the best day so far for Clark. Diana was angry with him. He knew her well enough now to notice all the signs. She didn't say anything, but as Thor continued his wooing, she didn't stop him. She would glance over at Clark every once and awhile with an accusatory look on her face. She was definitely pissed at him.
Lashina was staying to the background, letting the scene play out, but taking everything in. The one action she had taken was to put the stick Thor had given Clark directly where he could see it at all times. This was her not so subtle message to him.
As the day went on, Clark was doing a slow boil, as Thor made no attempt to hide what he was up to. The ham-handed compliments, the fawning, the kissing of her hand and touching her right in front of Clark were just too much. Clark picked up the stick and was slowly twisting it in his hands as he watched it all.
Lashina's comment about what would his human father do in a similar situation had been rattling around in Clark's brain all day. Jonathon Kent was a good and decent man, kind hearted, but he wouldn't put up with this. Clark realized he wasn't going to put up with it either. As Thor started in on another one of his tales of daring do, Clark had more than enough.
"Okay, I think it's time I went to the store,' Clark announced. "Thor? Why don't you come with me?"
"What do you need at the store,' Diana asked, finally speaking to him.
"Lumber, guy stuff,' Clark lamely replied. "You wouldn't be interested. I figure I'm going to need Thor there for the heavy lifting."
"I could go, I'm nearly as strong as you two are,' Diana offered.
"No, I really think this is something Thor and I need to do together,' Clark replied.
"Very well, Clark,' Thor voice boomed through the room. "I realize without your powers you are something of a weakling. I will help you."
He followed this in his usual back slapping way, yet Clark kept a smile on his face the whole way out of the house. Diana thought this was very curious as the door closed behind them. She turned and looked at Lashina and saw she had wicked smile on her face.
"Why are you smiling,' Diana asked.
"Clark took the stick with him,' Lashina replied. Diana didn't understand what she was talking about and looked at the front door again.
The Watchtower
Kara was sitting at a table with Courtney and Mary. She wasn't happy.
"Why did you have to tell Billy, Mary,' Kara asked again.
"He asked me where I was, so I told him,' Mary replied. "It's wrong to lie, Kara."
"No it's not!'
"What the hell, Kara,' Courtney said, looking at her.
"Okay, yes it is, but that doesn't mean you have to tell him everything,' Kara said, correcting herself. "Clark's more like my brother than my cousin, but do you think I tell him everything I do?"
"Yes,' Mary replied.
"No, no, no, no, Mary, I don't,' Kara gasped. "He'd never let me out of the house if I did!'
"So you lie to him,' Mary asked.
"Lie is such a loaded word,' Kara offered. "I prefer to think of it as being selective with information."
"What he doesn't know, can't piss him off,' Courtney clarified.
"That seems wrong," Mary said.
"Oh, really, Miss Pureheart? Did you tell Billy about our little incident with Toyman,' Kara snidely asked.
"Yes, sort of,' Mary said, even as she squirmed a bit in her chair.
"So you told him how you shouted you were going to rip Toyman's dick off, did you?"
"No, but that's different."
"That's some bullshit there,' Courtney said with a snort. The other two looked at her. "I'm working on it, okay?"
Kara rolled her eyes, but then turned her attention back to Mary.
"Look, Mary, did you have a good time the other night?"
"Yes," Mary admitted.
"So why do you have to go and ruin it by telling Billy? He's sort of dating Courtney and now he's mad at her,' Kara said.
"Actually, he's really mad at you, Kara,' Mary offered. "He thinks you're the ring leader and that Courtney just goes along with what you say."
'Fuck him,' Courtney immediately said, a little hurt by the accusation.
"How did you ever imagine you would keep your promise to Pat not to swear,' Kara asked Courtney.
"I wasn't thinking that far ahead,' Courtney admitted. "Besides, Billy's my boyfriend; he should say nicer things about me! Wait until I talk to that douchebag!"
"Are you sure you don't have Taurets?"
"Screw you too,' Courtney replied.
"Why do I even try,' Kara lamented. She turned back to Mary again. "Look, I'm not saying lie to your brother, just don't tell him everything, okay?"
"What if he asks where I was,' Mary said.
"Say you were out dancing, having fun and leave it at that!"
"Keep it vague, Courtney added. "The fewer details the better."
Mary looked at her two friends and thought about what they were saying. She didn't want to make Billy mad, but she had really enjoyed herself the other night in the clubs.
"I guess I could try,' she finally offered.
"That's the spirit, Mary,' Kara said with a smile. "Remember, Billy's probably doing the same things we are, he just doesn't tell you."
"You think," Mary asked.
"No, probably not,' Kara admitted. "He hasn't even put the moves on Courtney yet, so I kind of doubt it."
"Do you want him to put the moves on you, Courtney,' Mary asked. "If you do I could mention it to him."
"No!" Courtney gasped in horror at the thought.
"Mary, Mary, let's start from the beginning, again,' Kara groaned.
Gotham Heights – Outside the city limits
Clark pulled the car into the warehouse Oliver had provided and got out. Thor followed looking around in confusion.
"Is your eyesight poor as well, Clark? This is an empty warehouse!"
"I thought we should have a talk, Thor, just man to man as it were,' Clark replied.
"Oh, really?"
"Yes, you were kind enough to come to me and tell me your plans so I thought I'd return the favor."
Thor raised himself up to his full height and smiled at Clark.
"You sound like you have something on your mind, Kryptonian?"
"I do, "Clark said, taking off his jacket and starting to roll up his sleeves.
"Out with it, man, what do you have to say for yourself,' Thor bellowed. Clark patiently took off his glasses and set them on the front seat of the car, before facing Thor. He was holding the gift Thor had given him in his hands.
"You can have this back,' Clark said and then snapped the stick in two.
"Childish, that changes nothing, Clark,' Thor replied.
"You may be right, Thor, you may be right about everything, but I don't think so,' Clark offered. "Maybe I'm the wrong man for Diana, but that's something she'll decide, not you."
"You may snap the staff in two, Clark but you are still one of the undecided,' Thor boasted. "Nothing has changed. I want her and will have her."
"No, I don't think you will, at least not in my house," Clark firmly said. "I could explain why things are more complicated then you know, but that really doesn't matter right now. I put up with a lot, maybe it's my nature, but I'm not going to put up with you another day. You're leaving, Thor."
"Am I,' Thor chuckled.
"Yes, you are,' Clark replied. "Now we can do this the easy way or the hard way, it's up to you."
"I call that bold talk for a mortal, Clark,' Thor stated.
"It's your choice."
"I'm a warrior, boy,' Thor snapped. "I was facing monsters and Gods before you were born. I choose the hard way as a warrior should!"
Clark actually smiled for the first time.
"You know, I was hoping you would."
Gotham Heights
Diana and Lashina were staying out of each other's way and not talking when a rumbled rattled the windows and shook the doors.
"Thunder,' Diana said out loud. Lashina smiled to herself.
"I hope he rams that stick up Thor's ass,' she whispered to herself. The house shook again, and they both had to hold on.
"Earthquake? This area isn't known for…. Oh, I see,' Diana said. A small smile came to her lips and there was an extra spring in her step as she headed into the kitchen. Lashina watched her the whole way.
"Enjoy it, Princess, he's a step closer to me now."
Gotham Heights
Bruce and Zatanna had looked at several houses and gathered quite a bit of information. It seemed Clark and Diana, along with their guests were the talk of the community. They were on their way to another house, when the saw Clark drive by.
"That was Clark and Thor wasn't with him,' Zee whispered.
"No, he wasn't," Bruce replied. A smile came to his lips, but he didn't say anything.
Gotham Heights
The front door opened and both Diana and Lashina were waiting. Clark stepped inside and glanced at them, before closing the door.
"Where's Thor,' Diana asked.
Clark pushed up his glasses and hung up his coat, before answering her.
"He left."
"Is he coming back,' Lashina asked.
"No."
Both women were smiling now.