Chapter 14

Love Trouble

At the Joker's hideout, the mad clown chewed out his new girlfriend.

"WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU THINKING!" he yelled, rage filling his soulless eyes. "ATTACKING LIVEWIRE, WITHOUT MY SAY SO!"

"Hey, she's been kidnapping me for years. If I didn't do something, I could have been fried," she bit back.

"YOU DELIBERATELY DISOBEYED ME! I TOLD YOU TO KEEP WATCH! THAT WAS ALL!"

"Well maybe hurry up with your scheme next time."

Joker slapped her hard across the face, sending her to the hard floor.

"DON'T EVER USE THAT TONE WHEN SPEAKING-" But before he could finish, Lethal got up and kicked him in the stomach, knocking him down.

"YOU LISTEN TO ME, YOU LITTLE SHIT!" she sternly yelled. Poking him hard on the forehead. "I MAY BE YOUR SECOND IN COMMAND BUT DON'T THINK FOR A SECOND I'M GONNA LET YOU PUSH ME AROUND! IF YOU WANT A BITCH TO SLAP AROUND, THEN GO BACK TO HARLEY!"

Joker was speechless. He had hoped that Lois would become twisted after his torture, but he could now see that it may have worked too well. He decided to change tactics.

"I'm sorry sweetie. I don't know what came over me," he said in a falsely calm voice.

"Your ego," she dryly remarked.

"Maybe, but that doesn't excuse me for my behaviour. he tried not to show his displeasure as the words left his mouth.

She sceptically hummed.

"Tell you what, Honey, tomorrow night we can do whatever twisted idea you want."

"Promise?"

"I promise," he grinned, hiding his crossed fingers.

She pondered for a moment. "Alright, I forgive you, Puddin'."

"Good."

"But only if you carry me to bed," she added.

"Fine," he agreed halfheartedly. "Now let's get some sleep. We have a big day tomorrow."

Lethal beamed as she leapt into his arms. The twisted couple made their way to bed and Lethal planted a kiss on her boyfriend's bleached cheek before whispering in his ear "You better keep it."

"I will."

Ivy and Harley walked down the street on their way home from a girl's night out when they came to the alley where Joker and his gang had been an hour ago and something caught the looney jester's eye.

"What is it?" Ivy asked.

"I think someone had a nasty accident," she pointed to the body in the alleyway.

The green woman looked in the general direction her girlfriend was pointing. "Probably just some drunk..." she squinted as the figure began to look familiar. Then both their eyes widened as they realized who it was.

"Livewire?!" They rushed over to her. Harley cupped the weak woman's head in her hands.

Livewire coughed as her eyes opened. "Harley?... Ivy?... Is... that you?" she said between breaths.

"Yes."

"What happened to you?" Ivy asked.

"Was it Joker?" Harley added.

"No... it wasn't... it... it was... his... new... girlfriend."

"Girlfriend?!" the duo said in shock.

"Yeah... and... she's... a real... psycho."

"What's her name?"

"She... calls... herself... Lethal Lynx."

"And what's her real name?"

Livewire tried to speak but couldn't muster the strength, and then her eyes slowly shut. Harley put two of her fingers to her wrists, trying to feel her pulse, but there was none.

"She's dead," Harley almost choked.

Suddenly, they heard police sirens. Ivy took out a rope vine and threw it onto a rooftop. They climbed and pulled up the green vine, just as three police cars stopped. The officers got out and called in Livewire's body.

"Over here," he called out.

Bruce and Zatanna made conversation on their way to the theatre.

"So where's your next stop?" he asked.

"A city three hours from here." she clarified.

"Will you be performing at another hotel?"

"Nah, I'll be in an actual theatre. The hotel I'll be staying in doesn't have a stage… or a pool, F.Y.I."

"Take it you'll have to go somewhere else for an evening swim?"

"Only if there's one within walking distance," she stated. "By the way, have the others had any luck finding Lois?"

"Not yet."

"Hope they find her, I hate to see Clark worried."

"That isn't the only thing bothering him."

"What do you mean?"

He looked around to make sure that no one else was in ear range, then explained what Barbara had told him.

"So, Jim knows about them being Batgirl and Supergirl?"

He nodded. "Thankfully he won't tell anyone, for Barbara's sake."

"She's lucky to have a father like him."

"She is, just wish they could see eye to eye."

"They will, I may not have known her as long as you or Kara, but I know she's not the kind to hold petty grudges for long."

He smiled. She was right, Barbara may be stubborn at times, and a little rebellious, but she wasn't the kind of person to hold grudges. They finally arrived at their destination and went to the ticket booth.

"Two tickets for Medusa please," he requested.

The woman behind the counter handed them over and the couple took their seats in the fifth row. The audience went silent as the lights dimmed and the curtains opened up. As the marvellous show mesmerize them, Zee rested her head on his shoulder and their hands came together.

By ten o'clock the play had finished moderating applause and the couple walked out chatting about their favourite parts. Once they were far enough away from the crowd, they paused for a moment.

"Thanks for a great night," she said.

"Glad you enjoyed it," he replied.

"I'm gonna miss you."

"Not as much as I'll miss you," he teased.

"We'll see about that," she played back before leaning forward.

They gave each other a loving kiss. Under the prying eyes of a young journalist and their photographer.

"Quick, get the camera," she eagerly commanded. "This is gonna be front page news, I know it."

He took out the camera to take the photo and they left without being spotted.

The next morning, Barbara slept soundly until a loud blaring alarm shocked her awake. She went into the kitchen to see Kara trying to cook something. The redhead batted away the smoke before going to assist her girlfriend by plating the slightly burnt pancakes.

"Thanks," Kara laughed in embarrassment as she turned off the stove.

"No problem." They sat down at the table. "So, what do you want?"

"What do you mean?"

"Well, the only time you make pancakes is when it's either my birthday, a special occasion or if there's something you want me to do."

Kara took a deep breath, but before she could speak her girlfriend had already figured her out.

"I'm not making amends with him," she said sternly.

"Why not?"

"He thinks we're freaks."

"Look, I know he's said some things, but he's still your dad."

"Why do you want me to make up with him, anyway? He's made it clear he doesn't like you."

"Because I don't want you to regret it. What if something were to happen and he never understands why you left?

Barbara pondered the idea and her heart sank as the thought of losing another family member stung her hard. "Alright. The next chance I get, I'll do my best to repair our relationship."

Kara smiled lovingly. "Thanks, Babsy." Just then, her phone rang. The caller ID showed Jimmy Olsen. "Hi, Jimmy."

"Turn on the news, quick," he ordered.

"What? why?"

"Just turn it on."

Kara and her partner quickly went over to the sofa and switched on the television.

"Famous Metropolis Super Villain, Livewire, has been found dead," a news anchor announced.

The duo gasped in shock.

"You're seeing this right?" he asked.

"Yeah, we are."

"Originally known as Leslie Willis, the dangerous criminal was discovered brutally beaten by a blunt weapon. She was pronounced dead on the scene." he finished. Then the woman next to him continued.

"The main suspect was thought to be The Joker, however, several eyewitnesses and CCTV footage have confirmed that he was robbing the bank during the time the murder has been estimated to have taken place.

"Thanks for the warning, Jimmy," she said.

"No problem, just stay safe out there, ok?"

"We will," Kara reassured him before hanging up. She turned her attention to her partner. "If Joker didn't do that, then who did?"

"I don't know, but whoever they are, they're our top priority as of now."

"Clark's not gonna like that."

"I know him well enough that he'll at least let one of us pause on the Lois search for something this severe."

"I hope so," she whispered to herself.

When the story of Livewire's demise finished Barbara switch over to the next channel to see what else was on the airwaves but only came upon a gossip panel.

"This just in, Gotham's billionaire playboy, Bruce Wayne, may have found the one," a host announced before the photograph of Bruce and Zatanna's kiss was shown.

"Zee?!" the couple shouted in surprise.

"That right. Zatanna Zatara and Bruce Wayne are officially a couple," another host added.

"The picture was taken by young photographer Bob Finger, for an article written by Julie Hale."

Barbara and Kara looked at each other before a smile appeared on their faces.

"Congratulations Zee," Barbara stated as they looked back at the television.

It was during his lunch break that Bruce discovered the news. He sat in his hotel room with the local paper when he turned to the enraging expose. He immediately called Zatanna.

"Hi, Bruce," Zee said. "Take it you heard about our secret going public?"

"Unfortunately."

"Given how fast this spread, most of the league probably already knows about it, too."

"That doesn't concern me too much, but with what Clark's going through, I won't blame him if he takes this the wrong way."

"What are you going to do?

"Don't worry, I'm sure I can explain to him," he reassured her.

"Um don't take this the wrong way, honey, but you and Clark don't exactly have the closest friendship."

Bruce signed knowing she was right. "I know we've had our disagreements in the past, but I'm sure we can sort it out like reasonable gentlemen."

"Alright, but don't turn it into a fight."

"I'll try," he teased.

"Bruce."

"I'm kidding, I won't."

"Thanks, Honey."

"Don't mention it," he stated and checked his watch. "Sorry to cut you off, but I have to get back to a meeting."

"Well, good luck."

"Thanks. Bye Zee Zee."

"Bye Brucey,"

As dusk came to the city of Gotham, Batgirl and Supergirl waited on a rooftop while they discussed the identity of Livewire's killer.

"Riddler?" Kara suggested.

"I've checked with Arkham and he's still locked up," Barbara stated.

"And Scarecrow?"

"They've put him on complete lockdown, they're not taking any chances."

"Thank goodness," Kara said, just as Lana arrived.

"Evening you two."

"Hi, Superwoman."

"So, what you two talking about?"

"We're trying to figure out who killed Livewire?"

"Harley and Ivy?" Lana suggested.

"Nah, she had a mutual relationship with them."

"And besides given their recent activity, I doubt they would want to be on the police's radar anymore than they are now," Batgirl added.

"Well whoever it is, I'm sure you'll catch them."

"You mean we'll catch them."

"Well, actually Clark and I will still be training. But I'm sure you two can handle it on your own."

"Oh sure."

"By the way how is my cousin?" Kara asked.

"You know I haven't seen him since last night. He seemed alright, but..."

"But what?"

"It's nothing. He just seemed a little..."

"Stressed?"

"He said the same thing to you?"

Kara nodded.

"You don't believe it either?"

She sighed, "He's hiding something, I just know it, but every time I try to talk with him just uses the same old excuse."

"Any idea what it could be?"

"No," she lied.

There was an uncomfortable silence for the next thirty seconds with neither party knowing what to say.

"Can I ask you something?" Lana asked to break the silence.

"Oh, sure."

"How did you two meet in the first place?"

"Well," Barbara stated before telling the tale of the night she and Kara meet and took down Livewire and her doppelgangers.

"That's quite a story."

"Yeah and we've been best friends ever since."

"So, when did you turn into lovebirds?"

"Well, when I saw her laughing on a rollercoaster, there was a brief moment when I thought I saw a sparkle in her eye," Barbara admitted.

"Sparkle?"

"Yay." A sly grin appeared on her lips as she turned to her girlfriend. "And if I recall about a month later..."

Kara playfully rolled her eyes. "We were chatting one day and I saw her eyes sparkle in the sunlight."

"And you said it never gonna happen to you." Barbara teased as she tickled her girlfriend's abdomen.

"No, stop. I give up!." Kara said between laughs.

Lana smiled to herself. Seeing the young couple reminded her of her time dating Clark when she was around their age.

"Uhum."

The couple stopped and the three of them looked up to see Clark hovering with a stern look on his face.

"Hi," Kara greeted him in an awkward tone.

"If you two are done, we can begin."

"Actually, we were hoping to ask you something first."

"Sure."

"We know you want us to continue looking for Lois, but with this killer on the loose-"

"Absolutely."

They were taken aback by his direct answer. "Seriously?"

He nodded. "You still have to look for her, but until further notice stopping this murderer is our top priority."

"Got it."

The lovebirds set off to begin their search, leaving the old sweethearts alone.

"They were only having fun," Lana explained once the pair were out of sight.

"I know, but this isn't the time for it," he sternly expressed and then added, "Besides, they're on duty."

"I know, but they're still young. Remember what we were like at their age?"

"I do," a smile crept over his face. "Seems like only yesterday, we were spending our summers at the lake," he reminisced. "Do you remember?"

"How can I forget," she smiled. "Those were the days."

"Yeah, good times."

"Like when you pushed me in," she teased.

"By accident."

"Oh sure, 'accident'."

"It was."

"No, I remember it well. You pushed me in when my guard was down."

"Alright, if you say so." a relaxed grin appeared on his face. "You should have seen your face. I don't think I've ever seen such a pout."

"I don't pout."

"Yes, you do."

"I do not."

"You sure about that? I'm pretty sure you were," he teased with a raised eyebrow.

She playfully rolled her eyes. "Well, if I did pout, I still managed to get the last laugh that day," she stated.

"You mean when you poured a bucket of water over me when I was sunbathing?"

She nodded with a proud smile. "Man, where did the time go?"

He looked and reminisced for a moment before asking, "Anyway, are you ready to begin?"

"Yep, what's first?"

"Ice breath."

"I suppose winter came early this year, then," she joked, earning an eye roll.

They flew off to find a less populated location. As the cool air blew across their faces, a cunning smile materialized on her face. "Race ya," she said before zooming off.

"Hey," Clark laughed and dashed after her.

They soared across the city, unknowingly passing over Ivy's greenhouse, inside of which she and Harley spent a tranquil evening at home. As Harley entered the living room she saw her girlfriend reading an article.

"Whatchya reading?" she asked startling her.

"Urm, nothing," Ivy fibbed as she attempted to hide the paper.

"Come on, you can tell me."

"It's nothing."

"Let me see." Harley seized the paper.

"Harley no-" but it was too late, Harley noticed the story. It was about Livewire and her life. The part that Ivy was worried about was the paragraph that articulated when the electric woman teamed up with them. The journalist had called Harley "Joker's former 'Yes woman'."

As her expression turned to a combination of sorrow and furry, Ivy placed an arm around her girlfriend's shoulder when she began to weep.

"It's not fair. I haven't been with him for years and they still act like I'm just his girlfriend," she fumed before punching a cushion. Tears streamed down her face. "Why do they always have to mention that?"

Ivy looked at her, uncertain of what to do. This wasn't going to be an easy fix. She tried to think of any way she could make her happy then something came to mind.

"You know they probably only call you that because they don't consider you a big crime leader."

"What do you mean by big?"

"Oh, you know, killing a famous person, or abducting a celebrity," a smirk appeared on her face. "Robbing a highly secured area."

"What are you suggesting?"

"If you head a significant robbery, a genuine big-time robbery, then maybe people will see you as more than his ex, maybe they'll see you as a better criminal."

"That's a brilliant idea Red, but what are we gonna rob?"

"The museum."

"But we're already going to rob that and besides you're heading it."

"Only for the plants," Ivy added. "But you can lead us in stealing some other priceless artefacts."

Harley pondered for a second then a smirk appeared on her face. "You did say I could steal something I liked."

She swept her off her feet "Ma belle fleur de rose, will we be stealing some rare fossils?"

"Actually, I know something better to steal."

"What's that?

"Ever heard of The Devil's Eye diamond?"

The two villainesses shared a wicked grin as the identical idea came to them.

In the centre of Gotham, Batgirl, and Supergirl flew over the buildings as they looked down on the city.

"See anything suspicious?" the lady in purple asked.

"Nothing yet."

"Let's land for a sec."

Supergirl nodded and landed on a nearby building, her girlfriend hopping off her back.

"So, what are you thinking?"

"I'm trying to think of a good place to start looking for this killer."

"It'd be easier if we had an idea of what sort of person we're looking for?"

"It has to be someone who would have known about her water weakness."

"And be strong enough to beat her that badly," Kara added.

"That's the issue, everyone I can think of that fits either one of those points is either in jail or doesn't have a motive."

"Do you think Joker could have done it?"

"No, we saw the footage."

"But what if it was one of his goons pretending to be him."

"Why would he do that?"

"To try and lure us to him. We're high on his hit list at the moment, if he can get us to come to him, then he could trap us and do god knows what."

"But why slaughter Livewire? If he really wanted to trap us, he would have gone after somebody closer to us."

Kara sighed. "Good point, there goes my theory."

In the distance, the duo saw a familiar figure making her way across the rooftops. Immediately they leapt into action, following the figure as she moved through the city in a cat-like fashion until she came to a local jewellery store. The cat burglar began to cut a hole through a top window when a pair of shadows loomed over her.

"Well, well look what the cat dragged in," Batgirl remarked as the feline-dressed criminal turned to face them.

"Batgirl, Supergirl." Catwoman groaned.

"Alright, come with us quietly and no one gets hurt," Supergirl firmly stated.

"You know, I was anticipating Batman."

"Well, he has other obligations at the moment," the redhead cuffed the older woman.

"More like a new girlfriend," Selina Kyle mumbled bitterly to herself.

"You know it wasn't going to work out for you two."

"It would have if he wasn't Mr. Morals-Over-Relationships."

The duo rolled their eyes, not noticing Selina had managed to unlock the cuffs with one of her claws. Suddenly she spun around and managed to cuff them together.

"Nice catching up with you ladies," she taunted before backflipping off the building into an alleyway.

Supergirl carefully broke the cuffs with her laser vision and they raced after her but soon lost her trail. Even with her X-ray vision, she couldn't find her.

"Oh, this is just great." Supergirl groaned.

"Well, we've got bigger fish to fry at the moment. A petty cat burglar is something the authorities can handle." Batgirl pointed out.

"True."

"Speaking of which, we should get back to searching," Batgirl suggested as she hopped onto her girlfriend's back.

Supergirl nodded and then took off into the night.

Once the cost was clear, Catwoman emerged from her hiding place and headed for the Iceberg Lounge.

Superman mentored his new pupil as she learned how to use her new powers like her ice breath. She attempted but couldn't make it go longer than a few seconds.

"Ok, how are you able to do this?" she caved.

"Take in as much air as you can, hold it in for a few seconds, then blow as hard as you can."

Following his steps, she managed to create a small ice puddle.

"Pretty good."

"Thanks. You know if we work together we could make an ice skating ring," she teased. Superman laughed. "What?"

"Nothing."

"Come on, what is it?"

"Don't you recall what happened the last time you went ice skating?"

"No," she fibbed.

"Are you sure you don't remember?"

"Yes, I'm sure."

"You mean you don't remember how you keep slipping and falling." he chuckled.

"Anyway," she segued, "what's next?"

"Laser vision. Now, this one is highly dangerous, so you'll have to be careful," he informed her sternly. "The most important thing is to focus on the target." He proceeded a few feet forward and etched an X on the ground. "Now just aim at the X."

Lana's eyes glowed red as she concentrated on her target. Suddenly laser beams shot out of her eyes and hit it. She beamed and turned to him. "Did you see…" But she had forgotten to stop her lasers. He ducked just in time, but the lasers cut down a tree which collapsed with a loud thud. They looked at the damage before he turned with a harsh glare.

"Oops," she chuckled in embarrassment.

"I told you to be careful," he warned.

"It was an accident, I swear."

"I know, but imagine if that had been a person! Powers carry a lot of responsibility!"

"I know…"

"Then start acting like it."

Her jaw dropped before she gave him a fierce glare. "You know what? Maybe I don't want to be Superwoman."

"You don't have a chose."

"Oh yeah, just watch." She dryly said. She turned around and began to leave. Clark flew in front of her but she just moved higher and then zoomed off. He grumbled in frustration before going after her.

"Wait, please."

She stopped in midair. She turned to face him, once he reached her.

"Where are you going?"

"Back to the hotel."

"We're still training."

"I told you I don't want to be Superwoman."

"Whether you like it or not you are Superwoman."

"Who says?"

"I do."

"Oh, so you're the one who wants me to be thrown into the superhero business?"

"This isn't about what I want or what you want, it's about doing what's right."

"What makes you think I want anything to do with this?"

His stern expression turned colder. "What's going on?"

"It's none of your business."

"Tell me."

"Nothing."

"Tell me," he repeated in a final tone.

"I'm scared, alright!" she yelled, taking him by surprise. "I'm scared about being Superwoman."

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"I'm a grown woman, I shouldn't be scared of anything," she admitted.

There was a brief moment of silents before he spoke again. "You know, I've been Superman for years and there are still times when I'm scared."

"Really?"

"Really. It only happens a few times but there have been missions where I was terrified."

"What was the scariest moment?"

"Not sure, but the thing I'm scared of is losing someone closest to me."

"That must happen quite a lot."

"It does. I just have to keep a brave face."

She let his words sink in, and then she smiled. "I think I'm willing to try and be Superwoman."

"Glad to hear it."

"Thanks for the pep talk."

"Don't mention it. Thank you for listening."

"Guess you told that to a lot of people."

"I've never told anyone that before."

"Not even your family?" He shook his head. "Why not?"

"Because they already know." He received a call from his communicator. "Superman speaking, what's the situation?"

"A mutant rattlesnake is on a rampage in Dallas, Texas. I've tried nearly everyone else, but they're all occupied. You, Supergirl, and Batgirl need to get over there, A.S.A.P."

"Alright, but one needs to be in Gotham just in case."

"It's a three-person job."

"Are you sure no one else is available?"

"I'll check, but you and one of the girls need to go, now."

"Absolutely. I'll inform Supergirl and we'll be on our way." He hung up before turning back to Lana. "Can you help Batgirl with the search while we're gone?"

"Sure."

"I'll tell her to meet you at the museum."

"Got it." She flew off while he informed the young couple about the situation.

Zee was in her dressing room when she got a call from her communicator.

"Zatanna here."

"A giant rattlesnake in Dallas, Texas. Superman and Supergirl are already on their way, but they need your help."

"I'll be there in a flash," she informed them, before casting a teleportation spell.

The Supers arrived in the centre of Dallas to see the oversized serpent. The enormous Western Diamondback Rattlesnake flicked out its long forked tongue as it searched for its next meal.

Zatanna appeared beside them, taken back by just how ginormous the serpent was. "Ok, does anyone have an idea?"

"First, get everyone to safety, then we'll try to get it out into the open before you turn it back to normal," he planned.

"Got it," they agreed.

They immediately snapped into action. The Kents rounded up the citizens and led them away from the titian snake while the magician used purple shields to fence the serpent in. Once everyone was safe, the Supers lifted the snake and carried it out into the open desert. Zatanna summoned soothing music to keep the animal calm. Once they were far enough from Dallas, the raven-haired woman cast two spells on the snake, one to remove the mutation from its body and the other to turn it back to its original size. Once the snake was safely on the ground, it slivered into the desert.

"You know, compared to some of the other monsters we've faced, that one was the more reasonable one," Supergirl stated.

"You can say that again." Zee agreed. An awkward silence filled the air before Zee spoke to Superman. "So, how have things been?"

"Hard," he stated.

"I'm guessing you heard about me and Batman then?"

"I have. When were you planning to make the announcement?"

"After Lois had been found," she admitted.

"Surprised he didn't use it as an opportunity to gloat," he muttered.

"We didn't want to hurt you."

He let out a sign. "Well, I'm happy for the both of you," he stated, trying to hide the disappointment in his voice.

"Thank you. If you ever need our help, just call."

"I'll keep that in mind."

"I hope you find her soon," Zee said before teleporting back to the hotel.

Superman looked up into the starry night as he exhaled deeply.

"Are you ok?" Supergirl asked in concern.

"Yeah, I'm fine."

"If you need to talk-"

"I said I'm fine."

She tried to hide the slight pain from his short response.

"We should get going."

"Yeah."

They flew over the city as the locals cheered, none of them seeing the look of sadness on either of the heroes' faces.

At the Iceberg Lounge, Catwoman sat at a table with a simple glass of milk, when she overheard the familiar voice of Joker chatting with Penguin.

"You seem more unsettled than usual," Penguin said.

"It's my girlfriend, she's more trouble than she's worth," he explained before taking a sip of his beverage.

"Strange, I didn't think you and Harley would have gotten back together."

"No, not Harley, I have a new girl now."

"Oh, what's her name?"

"Lethal Lynx."

"Who was she before?"

"Lois Lane."

Catwoman nearly choked on her drink at the name.

"You mean you're dating Superman's girlfriend?" Penguin gasped.

"I am, took me a whole week to break her and I may have done it too well."

"Oh."

"She isn't a pushover like Harley was."

"Tough bird then?"

"That's putting it lightly. She killed Livewire when she was supposed to be our lookout."

"She's the killer everyone's talking about."

"Yes and without my say so."

"Excuse me, madam," a waitress addressed Catwoman. "Would you like a refill?"

"Oh, no thank you," she stated sensing that this waitress might have been trying to warn her to stop eavesdropping on her boss's conversation.

"I'll just get your bill then."

"Put it on my tab."

"You said that the last two times," Catwoman revealed her claws. "I'll put it on the tab."

Catwoman left with a slight grin on her face. She had the perfect bit of blackmail in case she was caught again.

Barbara and Lana, now in civil clothing, walked down the street to a nearby bus stop after having concluded their night watch.

"Thanks again for your help tonight," Barbara said.

"Don't mention it."

"What do you think about your new side gig?"

"Challenging to say the least, but I think I'll get used to it."

"Trust me after a few months you'll barely notice a difference," she stated. "By the way, how did your training go?"

"A bit rocky, to be honest," she admitted.

"How so?"

"I accidentally cut down a tree."

"Jesus," the younger woman muttered.

"Yeah, I'm just glad no one was hurt."

"I take it Clark wasn't too happy."

"Mhm, but on the plus side, I was able to confess my fears to him," she stated just as they arrived.

"Well thanks again for your help tonight."

"You're welcome. Shame we couldn't find her."

"There's always tomorrow," Barbara pointed out, but secretly she was starting to doubt if they would ever find Lois.

Shortly after, the bus arrived.

"See you tomorrow, say hi to Kara for me."

"Will do, night," Barbara began walking just as the vehicle left.

When Joker returned to his hideout, Lethal had been waiting impatiently.

"I thought you said we were going to do what I want tonight?" she bitterly stated through her putrid yellow teeth.

"Oh, I'm so sorry Honey I forgot." he fibbed.

"Forgot?! We talked about it last night! You promised me!"

"Whoopsie, my fingers were crossed." he playfully mocked with a grin. She pounced at him but he swiftly grabbed her before any damage could be done. "Now, now Lethal, is that any way to treat your Puddin?" he rhetorically asked.

She glared harshly at him with fire in her eyes. Slowly, however, she began to calm down knowing full well that he wouldn't hesitate with whatever vile threat he made to her.

"But Puddin you promised," she stated in a fake sad voice.

"I know Honey, but if you behave yourself, then we might do your revenge plan."

"Okay Puddin."

"Good. Now let's get some sleep. After all, we can't come up with a master plan if we're tired."

"Okey-dokey Jokey," she agreed, faking a lusty tone with her arms around his shoulders to hide her crossed figures.

At her apartment, Barbara gave Bruce the rundown on their mystery killer.

"I know you probably don't want to hear this, but I think you should get your father on the case," he suggested

"I'm sure we can handle this on our own."

"Barbara, I know you two don't see eye to eye and I completely understand, but you can't deny his help in this." he sternly stated. "You need him to get a team to look for this murderer."

"But-"

"Barbara, I'm not asking."

"Yes, sir," she begrudgingly agreed. "So, how's Zee?" she asked.

"Fine," he said in a knowing tone.

"Congrats on you two getting together."

"Thank you, although we were hoping to tell you in person."

"Well, at least you don't need to keep it a secret anymore."

He hummed in agreement. "Well, goodnight, Barbara."

"Night, Bruce."

It was nine-thirty when she finished brushing her teeth and heard Kara come in.

"Hi, honey. How was Dallas," the redhead asked as she came out of the bathroom.

"It was good," Kara said failing to hide her sorrowful voice.

"Is something wrong?"

"Nothing, I'm just tired." she fibbed as she entered the bathroom.

Concerned, Barbara listened from behind the closed door. Even though it was faint she could her girlfriend crying.

"Honey, whatever's going on, you know you can always tell me," she reassured her before heading to bed.

Two minutes later Kara sat next to her girlfriend on the bed. "He just won't talk to me."

"Who?"

"Clark. Every time I try to talk about his problems he just says he's fine or it's nothing to worry about but..." salty tears began to fall out of her eyes. "... but I just know he's lying."

"It's ok," Barbara comforted her with a tight embrace. "He knows you're there if he needs to talk."

"Why hasn't he?" she sniffed.

"I'm not sure. Maybe he just doesn't want anyone to worry or maybe..."

"Maybe what?"

"Maybe he thinks you already know what's wrong."

"You mean with the Lois situation?"

"Maybe or..." she took a breath before finishing. "Maybe you and our folks were right about his relationship."

"But if that's the case, why won't he tell us?"

Barbara just let out a sad sigh. "I don't know, I honestly don't know." She turned off the lights as they began a restless night's sleep.