Author's Note: I apologise for the long wait. I have been busy with real-life stuff as well as writer's block. I would like to thank everyone for being patient with this chapter. I promise that the next one won't take as long.

Special thanks to AFY2018 and Pure Red Crane for Beta reading this chapter.

Without further ado, I hope you all enjoy this chapter.

Chapter 15

One Short Day

The following day, Clark was in the bathroom and used his laser vision to shave off the stubble from his chin. Once finished, he prepared for his day out with Lana. As he dressed, he began questioning if he had seen a twinkle in her eyes. "It's all in your head," he tried to convince himself as he finished putting a white shirt over his Superman outfit.

From her hotel room, Lana was having the same conversation with herself as she pulled a long-sleeved shirt over her uniform. "It wasn't a sparkle you saw. It was just the light reflecting off his eyes."

"You're just friends, that's it." They unknowingly agreed before leaving their respective rooms.

At nine, they met up outside Clark's hotel.

"Hi, Clark."

"Morning, Lana."

"So, whatcha got planned for today?" she giddily asked.

"I was thinking we'd go sightseeing," he suggested.

"OK, sure. Where to first?"

He waved down a taxi and opened the door for her. "Gotham's Aquarium?" he suggested.

"Sure."

"Gotham's Aquarium, please," Clark told the driver.

As the driver took them to their destination, Lana shut the window between them before talking to Clark.

"So, how did it go in Dalles?"

"Oh, it was just a standard mission."

"Giant snakes are a norm?"

"More so giant monsters."

"What have I gotten myself into?" she mumbled to herself.

"Hey, you'll be fine. You'll probably start with smaller jobs first."

"You mean like robbers?"

He nodded. "Once you think you're ready, you can do more dangerous tasks."

"Trust me, that'll be a long time."

"You'd be surprised how quickly you learn. You'll be ready in no time."

"I think I've had enough surprises to last me a lifetime," she quipped, earning a small chuckle.

After the ride, they explored the many tanks and attractions of the aquarium. They saw a huge octopus hiding among the rocks, an Alligator Snapping Turtle, a school of Red-Bellied Piranhas devouring a large dead fish, and many other amazing sea creatures. They came across an enormous tank filled with several species of sharks, like Hammerheads and Nursing sharks.

"Glad I'm not in there with them," Lana stated as they sat down to watch the sharks.

"They're not that dangerous. They only go after people if they're hungry. And even then, they don't really like human meat."

"How do you know that?" she teased.

"They don't look hungry. Besides, you have me to protect you if need be." He played along.

She playfully rolled her, and the two sat silently as they watched the sharks swim about. "So, how's your story coming along?" she asked.

"Pretty good. I've still got a few more drafts, but it's getting there. It's still classified, though." he joked, earning a small chuckle. "How are the dresses coming along?"

"Great, I've already finished the first batch, and I'm halfway through the second one."

"Really? You made twenty dresses in just over a week?"

"Well, I may have had some help."

"You didn't use your powers, did you?"

"Only for one of them, and that was before I knew I had powers," she pointed out. "Besides, you must have used your powers outside of work."

"Well, not often," he admitted.

"Anyway, I meant that Barbara helped me with a few of them. I might offer her a job if I ever need an assistant."

"I think you'll have to convince her to leave Gotham first." he quipped.

A small chuckle escaped her lips when she suddenly saw another twinkle in his eyes. Quickly, she decided to change the subject. "Let's keep going," she suggested.

"Alright."

Barbara was drinking coffee on her lunch break at a cafe. She had just taken a sip when her girlfriend joined her.

"Hey, sweety. How's your day been going so far?" Kara asked, sitting across the small table.

"Pretty good. Your's?"

"It's going well. Just out looking for a story or two for the paper."

"Found anything?"

"Not yet, but I'm sure I'll find one soon."

"I'm sure you will. By the way, Jessica, Karen and Country called. They wanted to know if we would like to go for a girl's night out next week."

"Anything in particular?"

"Country suggested eating out."

She smiled. "Tell them that we're in."

"Will do."

Kara noticed a small hint of sadness in her girlfriend's voice.

"Is something wrong?"

"Nothing."

"Are you sure? You know you can tell me if something's wrong."

She hesitated for a moment before confessing. "I've just been thinking about my mum lately." Kara placed down her cup and wrapped her arms around her girlfriend as the redhead's eyes began to water slightly.

"It's ok. I know how much she means to you."

"I just miss her so much. Why did she have to die?"

"I don't know. But I know she would be proud of you and the woman you've become."

Her girlfriend smiled a little. "She would have loved to have met you."

"I would have loved to have met her, too."

"I wish she was still here."

Kara thought for a few seconds. "When my grandmother passed, my brother and I were in tears for weeks. Our mum would always tell us that she was always with us, even if we couldn't see her."

"Really?"

She nodded. "Your mum is still here, even if you can't see her."

A small smile formed on Barbara's lips. She hugged the blonde tightly.

"I just hope I can be just as good as her when I'm a mum."

"You will be."

"We will be." Barbara corrected. Just then, she caught sight of someone.

"Oh no."

Kara looked around to see a familiar face, much to her dismay. A brown-haired woman about their age walked up to them. "Hey, Barbara."

The redhead tried to stay calm. "Sofie."

"Mind if I sit with you?"

"I'm trying to have a private conversation with my girlfriend."

"Oh, I'm sure she won't mind if I sit here quietly."

"I do actually mind, and I would also like you to stop hitting on my girlfriend," Kara stated firmly.

"I just want to see if she's interested."

"I'm not Sofie."

"Oh, come on! Just one date? That's all I ask."

"I'll give you ten seconds to leave." Kara threatened.

"Come on..."

"I mean it," she stated through gritted teeth.

Sofie groaned and departed with her nose in the air.

"The nerve of that woman."

"Hopefully, that's the last time she tries to do that," Barbara added.

Kara hummed in agreement before taking a sip of her drink.

At noon, they took a break from their sightseeing to have a small lunch at a cafe.

"So, what do you think of Gotham?" he asked.

"Pretty good. It's got nothing on Metropolis, though."

"I'll toast to that," he agreed, cheering her cup.

"Help!" They heard someone scream.

They looked outside to see a gang stealing a lorry of cash along with a few captured hostages. As two members got into the vehicle, the third gagged the last of the hostages and threw her into the back of the vehicle.

"Step on it, Mickey!" the leader ordered.

Just as they began their getaway, Clark and Lana rushed out of the cafe, leaving their payment on the table, before heading into an alleyway to reemerge as their respective alter egos. Superman took to the skies, followed by his new companion.

The second in command looked through the right-side mirror. "Bugsy, we've got company."

Bugsy took a glance. "Superman?!"

"And look, he brought a friend with him," she sneered.

"Mickey, lose these jokers quickly," he ordered.

"Sure thing, boss." He made a sharp turn and floored it.

"I'll try and cut them off once it's safe. You keep following them," Superman told his apprentice.

"Got it."

He zoomed ahead of the lorry. The gang tried their best to shake her off their tail, turning left and right, but she kept in sight and managed to get closer. Once they were out of traffic, Superman suddenly flew down in front of them. Mickey quickly pulled a 180 and drove into an alley, only for the front left tire to run over a nail and go flat. The gang rushed out of the lorry and down the alley. The Supers freed the hostages before heading off for the crooks, who cornered themselves at a dead end.

"What now?"

"We're gonna have to fight them," Bugsy said.

"Jeez, you don't say," she retorted.

"Shut up, Holley!"

"Come quietly, and no one gets hurt," Superman ordered.

"You want us? Come and get us!" the leader challenged.

"You sure ya wanna do this?" Superwoman rhetorically asked.

"Sure, toots. After all, there's three of us and only two of you," Holley mocked as she and the rest of the gang pulled out their weapons.

They charged at each other, with Superman taking on the two men while the women squared off.

The Man of Steel dodged the many swipes of the thieves' knives and punches. Mickey tried to stab him, but Superman caught him by the wrist and lifted him off the ground. Superman dropped the criminal with a hard thud.

Holley and Superwoman fought back and forth, with the former trying to land a kick, only for the superheroine to grab her by the leg and throw her into the brick wall.

Bugsy, seeing his chance, made a break out of the alley. The heroic duo followed in hot pursuit. Before he knew it, the thief was lifted into the air.

"Where do you think you're going?" Superwoman asked in a stern voice.

"Shit."

Not long after, the authorities arrived, along with a few reporters. The gang was promptly arrested and placed into the police cars.

"Thank you for your help today," an officer said to the two heroes.

"Don't mention it. Glad to be of service," Superman said.

As the officer left, the press swarmed them with cameras and notebooks at the ready.

"Superman. Samual Johnson of the Daily Report. How did you stop this operation?"

He explained the events and how they played out.

"Ms., over here," called a female reporter. "Nicholle Charendoff of the Weekly Times. Who are you, and how long have you been in the hero business?"

"Superwoman. I've only started today," she said.

"With your boyfriend, no less."

"What? No, we're not together. We're just acquaintances," she quickly stated.

"Are you sure about that?" another reporter butted in.

"Yes, we are," Superman sternly added.

"How does Lois Lane feel about Superwoman?" a third asked.

"Does she mind you working with her?"

"Superwoman, did you meet Ms. Lane before she went missing?"

"Does she feel the same way about Superwoman as she does towards Wonder Woman?"

"Superman, has Lois apologized to Batgirl and Zatanna yet?"

The two didn't know how to answer the highly personal questions as more were flung at them in rapid procession.

"Excuse me," came a familiar voice. "Kara Kent of the Gotham Globe. Is Superwoman expected to be joining the Justice League anytime soon?"

"As of now, there are no plans to have her join the team." her cousin clarified.

"I want to get a bit more experience in the field before making any big decisions."

"No further questions." they unintentionally said in unison, much to their surprise.

"Thank you for your time," Kara said before leaving.

The rest of the reports tried to push their luck with further questions, only for the duo to fly away.

Once they were back in civilian clothes, Lana said, "Wow, that was something I never expected to do."

"You were great out there," he encouraged.

"Really? Thanks, but I think I'll stick to fighting robbers for now," she joked. "By the way, are the press always that relentless with their questioning?"

"Trust me, I've had to deal with worse from them."

"Great, just when I started to enjoy my new career."

"Well, it's something you'll get used to, even if it is a pain. Is something on your mind?"

"It's nothing, really."

"Are you sure? You can tell me."

"What did that reporter mean about Lois and how she felt about Wonder Woman and the other women?" She carefully phrased.

Clark let out a sigh. "Lois isn't the biggest fan of some of the women I work with."

"Oh."

"You don't have to act surprised," he stated. "She's like that with every woman I talk to."

"Every woman? I can understand why she wouldn't like me talking to you, but why Wonder Woman?"

"Well, they got into a bit of a heated debate."

"Over what?"

"Um, I can't really remember to be honest."

"Oh, okay. What about Zatanna?"

"She gave her an unflattering review, which wasn't because of the show. Zee was joking with me, and Lois took it the wrong way."

"Geez. Well, at least Lois won't have to worry about Zatanna now that she's with Bruce Wayne."

"Yeah," he quietly said to himself.

"So, what's Lois's problem with Batgirl?"

"It might be best to ask her that yourself," he advised.

She nodded. "So, where should we go next?"

"I'm not sure. Maybe we could just walk around for a bit and see what we can find."

"Sounds like a plan."

As the day continued, the two tourists resumed sightseeing while exchanging stories about old times and enjoying each other's company. Clark found himself feeling genuinely happy for the first time in months. It was almost like the days of their youth. Yet he would occasionally catch a small twinkle in her beautiful green eyes. He never said anything about it, but even so, he had to convince himself that he hadn't seen it.

At six o'clock, Clark and Lana were at a restaurant having dinner. "This is a nice place," Lana commented as she looked around at the restaurant decor. "How did you find it?"

"A colleague of mine brought me here," Clark answered, waving a thank you to the server who brought them to their table and took their drink order.

"Was it one of your Super-Friends?" Lana's eyes suddenly widened with an excited sparkle. "Was it Batman?!"

Clark blinked rapidly. It was so easy to forget that under that easily excited demeanour was a very intuitive woman. "Wow. You got it in one."

"What kind of person is he to know such a place?" Lana's sparkling eyes started to wander over every detail of the area.

"...This is one of the cheaper places he brought me to," Clark muttered absentmindedly.

"What'd you say?" Lana asked, snapping out of her daze when she realized she had ignored her friend.

"Nothing." Clark looked away.

Lana hummed. The waiter came back with their drinks. The glasses were so fancy that they felt compelled to be extra careful when taking sips. As Lana tasted the best drink she ever had, her eyes saw through the cocktail liquid and glass. She saw Clark staring admirably at the rich red of his wine, a slight excited smile on his lips. Placing her glass on the table, Lana looked at the difference in their drinks, hers blue with fruit and his a simple red. Both were tasty but looked so different. As the waiter left and Clark opened the menu, Lana sighed.

"You couldn't take me to places like this when we were dating."

"It's not as if a restaurant like this could be found in a farm town."

"No, but you could fly." Lana huffed. "I feel cheated out of a magic carpet ride and dinner in China."

Clark chuckled. "You seemed pretty satisfied dancing at the bar. My mistake."

"I'll say." Lana took another sip of her drink, eyeing the yellow lemon that slipped around the rim as she moved her glass. "...Then again, it probably would have scared me off."

Clark didn't say anything.

"I was always scared of new things."

Clark remained silent.

"I didn't even think about leaving until you started talking about it."

Silence.

"...If I had the courage back then, I wonder if you and I would be different."

"..."

"...Does Lois know about you and Superman?"

"...No."

Lana started poking at the lemon. "Is it my fault you haven't told her?"

"No. That is a secret I've always been hesitant to tell. I'm surprised I could hide it from you two at all."

Lana pouted. "Secrets are not good in a relationship, Clark. The longer you keep it, the more likely she'll question everything and smack you."

"You took it well," Clark argued.

"Yeah, but we're not in a relationship. It hurts more from a partner than someone you haven't seen in years."

"What about a childhood friend?" Clark challenged.

Lana flinched, and then her expression turned pensive. She put her elbow on the table and her hand under her chin, thinking. "...If it were back when we were kids, I'd be excited."

"As teenagers?"

"I'd smack you and say, 'How could you not tell me?'"

"When we were dating?"

"...I wouldn't even know how to process it." Lana flicked the lemon into her cocktail. "And that was always the problem. Back then, I was scared of everything, and you weren't enough to bring me courage."

"That's not true anymore." Lana's gaze moved to Clark as he used his fork to take out the lemon from the cocktail, placing it on an appetizer plate. "You're in Gotham, not a small town surrounded by fields. You're working as a designer, not that server job at the bar. You're letting me teach you how to be a superhero instead of walking away like when I asked you to join me in Metropolis." Clark smiled at her. "You're stronger. You're open to new things. You dare to do the right thing. You've become an amazing woman on your own, and that is incredible."

There it was again - that sparkle. Lana could feel the heat going up to her cheeks. She quickly finished her cocktail and opened the menu to hide her blush. "Geez. When did you learn to talk like that? Was it Batman? I bet it was Batman."

"No. That was my journalist degree." Clark chuckled. Lana looked so cute when she was embarrassed. Catching himself just in time, Clark returned to his menu and dismissed the thought. He didn't notice Lana peeking over her menu to look at him, silently scolding her heart for rekindling feelings that could not be reciprocated anymore.

When the waiter returned, Clark and Lana ordered steak and chicken with salad, respectively. She cut a slice of her meal and tasted it.

"How is it?" He asked.

"Very nice. I can see why Batman would recommend this place." She took another bite. "How's your steak?"

"Lovely."

There were a few seconds of silence as they ate before Clark spoke again.

"So, did you get any inspiration from our day out?"

"That shark tank gave me a few ideas," she said as she picked up a piece of lettuce with her fork. "So, how are the interviews going?"

"Very well. I've got one with one of the palaeontologists tomorrow."

"I take it you enjoy talking with them?" She playfully teased.

"Well, maybe a little."

"You were always talking about dinosaurs when we were kids."

"I wouldn't say always."

She chuckled before she spoke. "Of course you did. On that field trip to the museum in ninth grade, you upstaged the tour guide, especially when he got the facts wrong."

"You mean when he referred to Torosaurus as Triceratops?"

"Do you remember the look on his face when you pointed out the mistake? I swear steam was coming out of his ears."

Clark chuckled a little before silence fell upon them again. He remembered that day well. The museum in their hometown was a little small, and the dinosaurs on display paled in comparison to the one in Gotham and especially in Metropolis, but it did feel nostalgic for him. It was the closest place for him to see dinosaurs as a child. Every month, his parents would take him there to view the magnificent fossils of mighty creatures. There were only about eight or nine dinosaurs. The Torosaurus was one of only two complete dinosaurs. The other complete fossil was that of Ceratosaurus, which held a special memory for him. During the aforementioned field trip, he and Lana were standing in front of the incredible remains of the Jurassic carnivore when he had first asked her out on their first date. He never forgot that wonderful day.

Once they had finished their meal, they asked for the bill.

"I'll get it." Lana offered, getting out her purse.

"Thank you, but I'll pay for it," Clark stated, getting out his wallet.

"I insist I pay for it."

"Thank you for the offer, but I'll pay." He said.

"You paid for lunch, so let me get dinner."

"Please let me pay."

"How about we split the bill fifty-fifty." She suggested.

"Alright." He reluctantly agreed.

With that, they paid in cash with a small tip for the waiter.

While walking down the quiet street outside, they continued bantering with each other before arriving at a quaint little ice cream shop painted in a pink coat with a sky-blue sign above and its name proudly displayed in indigo.

They entered, finding the shop nearly empty. The only other people inside were three staff members. The interior was welcoming, with its pinkish-white walls and beautiful seaside paintings framed neatly. The tables were perfectly spaced, with two per row and four chairs each.

"I'll pay this time," Lana stated.

"No, I'll pay..."

"Clark, please. Let me get this. Think of it as my way of saying thank you for dinner."

"Alright."

They approached the counter, where an elderly lady met them with a warm smile.

"Good evening. What would you like?"

"One vanilla and a strawberry with chocolate sauce," he asked, much to the redhead's surprise.

The older woman gave them their orders. Lana gave her the cash, and the owner wished them a good evening.

"You remembered?" Lana asked Clark once they were outside.

"Well, you ordered it every time we were dating."

"What can I say? I like what I like." A thought came to her, causing her to let out a quiet laugh.

"What?"

"Nothing, it's just..."

He smiled as he finished for her. "...We ordered the same flavours we had on our first date."

A warm smile slowly spread across their faces. They continued down the street, eating their frozen desserts under the setting sun.

Author's note: Special thanks to Pure Red Crane for helping with the dinner scene.