Clark Kent strolled with a white dog at his side in the warm glow of the early morning sun. He was heading towards Smallville Cemetery,and in his hand were three white roses. He looked around at this part of town. It had changed a lot over the years. What had been a quiet road with the cemetery and nearby church,now had more houses and people. However, it being Sunday and just past six am,made the road quiet and he only met up with the folks who were walking their dogs.
He supposed he had to be grateful he kept the farm. It was one of the few places where humanity had not encroached and he had enough privacy. He barely knew anyone left in Smallville after his long absence. Many of the older families he had known had moved out or died and their kids had grown up and he barely recognized them. Most people were vaguely aware of some distant relation coming to take up residence in the old Kent place outside of town. He was labeled as that decent but reclusive writer. In a time when one could shop and do business on-line what need had one to go into town.
The cemetery was clean but looked slightly old and crumbling in places. Folk seldom buried their dead anymore. Cremation was the norm of the modern world. It was inexpensive, quick, convenient and, in a time when space was a problem and procuring a plot cost money,it was the better option for most. Clark opened the gate and walked towards the lee side.
He stopped before three graves .JONATHAN KENT. MARTHA KENT. LOIS LANE KENT. They stood along-side each other. Krypto sat down and watched him with his ears cocked. Since Clark coming back home this was the first time he had ever come with him to the cemetery.
Clark put a single rose near each tombstone. It was something he did once a year now. He recalled the time Lois died and he could not even come near the place. It had hurt that much. But with time passing,so did grief and he could come now and pay his respects and remember them all with love and pride. He had been lucky. To have been blessed to be found by two such wonderful people as Martha and Jonathan Kent. What he might have become if he had been found by other folks he would never know.
He smiled and said,"Thank you,Pa. Thank you,Ma. For everything."
He looked at Lois's grave and touched it. He had considered himself lucky for this woman to even give him,Clark Kent,the time of day. She had been full of life and zest and did get herself into trouble more often than not. He use to worry himself sick about her. Times he had been guilty of not doing his job out of the fear of wanting to keep her safe. It said how much he loved her but he admitted it had been a tad unhealthy at times. The ultimate irony was that she didn't die at the hands of one of his foes as he had so often feared. She died due to rushing to get a story and rushed a red light and was hit by an on coming truck. She had died instantly.
He could barely recall it all now. It seemed like a far off dream. But he had been numb for years until he left and went and traveled the world and it was there, seeing other people,that it dawned on him that he had been wallowing in self pity. He had been to Africa. To the Middle East. To Asia. He worked in war zones. Covered natural disasters. Did things not only as Superman but as Clark as well. He took in details. He didn't just save. And he got to know the people he wrote and saved.
He met men and women who had lost everything in one second. Be it from a bomb or an earthquake. They had lost houses. Children. Spouses. Others their countries as they fled as refugees in civil wars. He met folks who lost their entire family. And the dignity with which those people lifted themselves and carried on, many in abject poverty,stunned him. It also made him open his eyes and see what living was about. How brave and resilient the human spirit could be. It had inspired him and he found a peace within himself.
He smiled."I will never forget you and I thank you for loving me. I use to think Clark could only ever be for Lois,never understanding that Clark isn't solely who I am. I will always cherish our time together,but life goes on........and it seems it's coming full circle. I .....guess you must know what I mean. Diana. She was at the beginning. Before you. I never told you that because, well,I knew you always felt a bit threatened by her. But back then I didn't see myself as even fitting in her world and I don't think Diana and I would have worked. We were young and both at a place in our lives where we wouldn't have been able to cope with being Superman and Wonder Woman as well as THE super-couple. It might have just ruined a really good friendship. She was my best friend ;her and Bruce. There were things I couldn't tell you,cause you wouldn't have understood but they always did. Were it not for them,I would have never gotten over my initial grief for you. I just wanted to go shut myself away in the Fortress. Bruce,god damn him,wouldn't let me. And Diana she was my rock. Then when I began to feel something for her I ran again. I hid away in other parts of the world. It made me feel so guilty. How could I feel for her after I had you?I guess I grew up a little more,Lois. I have seen so much in these last five years. So much death and suffering but I have also seen hope and strength in people who have nothing. It inspired me to never give up."
He looked at all three markers now."I love Diana. It has taken me twenty years to admit that. But I know it here." He pointed to his heart ."And here." He pointed to his head. "I have stopped running but the irony now is that she is running from me. I guess I deserve that. It's been a while since I felt like a teenager and I don't know if I'm doing this right but I just want you three to know that I am doing this and.....I wish....you were here to give a guy some advice after I put my big foot in my mouth all those years ago in Asgard......"
He smiled ruefully and looked at the headstones as if waiting for something. The breeze suddenly lifted and he felt a cool rush of air on his face and he smelt something like freesias. A scent he associated with Martha Kent. It was strange. Kyrpto seemed to perk up and wag his tail. "What is it ,boy?"He stood up to see if anyone had come into the cemetery. There was no one.
Clark frowned and looked at Krypto who looked at him with an expectant air.
The smell, as it had come, had gone. Clark shook his head ruefully. He was imagining things. He said with a smile."Come on,boy. Let's go home."
Diana watched Kal discreetly as he worked on the final additions to the diplomatic center that was adjoining the Palace. She had come to the Hall of History to access some records on the Integration Treaty that hadn't been destroyed by Ares; and for some reason she had been compelled to the large,arched,glass window that over looked the area where the extension was going up. He was on the roof using his heat vision to refine any rough edges to the pediment and scour for any weakness or cracks. What was most amazing was that the S insignia was no longer in a sea of black. He had changed it. It was back to the former red on gold. As in the old days.
It was his last day there and after that she had no idea when she would see him again. Unless she made up an excuse to bring him back which seemed pathetic or if the League needed her and she knew J'onn would never call her away from Themyscira now unless the world was ending. The thought seemed to gnaw away at her. She had lain awake for hours last night,not because of fears of nightmares and insomnia but for the anticipation of seeing him for the final time for maybe months. She watched him chatting with several sisters who were on scaffolding washing the walls directly beneath him. Very few on Themyscira resented him. He was the only male of the JLA they really trusted to be themselves;not even withstanding the brilliance of all the others. There was something non threatening about Kal,despite his power,it was in his eyes and smile. It disarmed one completely and drew one in. Made one trust despite themselves.
She thought of the Bana. It was her mother's dream to have her sisters united. If she should even start anything with Kal....that would be the end of the unity right there. She sighed and watched him throw his head back and laugh. Never in all her years of knowing him had he looked better. In his youth he had been a handsome man. Now with the kiss of silver at his temples,the worldly touches of care on his face and in his eyes,the knowing mischief in his smile,and the physical maturation of his body,he was absolutely magnificent. He moved with a confident kind of grace. He could rival the statues of the Greek heroes in the recess in the Hall of History.
"Diana!"
She jumped and drew back guiltily. It was Donna.
"I was looking all over for you.....I wanted you to take a look at a letter I'm drafting to the Bana........I...What are you looking at?"
Diana turned away swiftly."Nothing."
Donna came to the window and looked out. Her brows rose and she grinned."Well,well. Nice view."
Diana replied,"Yes,the center looks really good."
"I know and so does the man on the roof. Were you ogling him?"
Diana protested."Really,Donna."
Donna grinned."You can't fool me,you know. You may be Queen and the best darn diplomat around but when it comes to men and love,you always were a bit easy to read and out of your depth. Clark is a hottie. Any woman can see that. Can you can at least admit it,oh Royal One?"
Diana frowned and snapped goaded,"Fine. He is hot!"
"And you want him....."
"I don't......!!!"
"Oh,where is that lasso?"
"Donna,I ....."
Donna took her arm."He has done everything but crawl on his hands and knees to show you that he cares.What more do you want?Words of love?Odes to Diana? Surely words pale in comparison when put against his every action over the years?"
Diana coloured."I....the Bana...."
Donna threw her hand up."Oh, to heck with what those ancient,grouchy stick-in-the-muds have to say!!!!You weren't even doing anything and they believe you are sleeping with him!So why not do what you want?"
Diana chided."Donna,that's very reckless. I am not....I am Queen. I must maintain some self control. Do what is right for my people."
"Come on,Diana!Live for a change. Follow your heart. Stop being so selfless....and such a martyr. You know how many people think you and Clark are made for each other?Most of the JLA and JSA and half the world.I remember when I was younger most of the Titans really believed you two were married. You use to behaved like an old married couple. I took one look at you yesterday when you came to the dining room and I knew something had changed. You were more like yourself and you even smiled at Phillipus' joke. I think he was responsible for that...wasn't he?"
Diana looked out the window and her eyes softened. "Yes. He helped me see that I was repressing everything and I needed to mourn our mother. That it was okay to admit I missed her and was sad and afraid. I'm sorry,Donna for being so brittle and uncompromising. It just hurt so much losing her....."
Donna came up to her and hugged her."Oh Sis. It's okay."
Diana returned her embrace."Thank you for staying. I'm fortunate having such a sister and friend like you. I love you."
Donna smiled and wiped her eyes and smacked her shoulder."Don't make me cry now!We were talking about you!"
Diana drew back and looked uncertain."He said he wanted us to try...."
"I know. He told me!Told me that you believe he is still hung up over Lois. Diana,it's been ten years!!! Clark is ready to move on. He said so and he never lies."
"I know that....but I have so much on my plate and I don't know if I want to risk our friendship. Suppose we don't work?"
"Suppose you do?Diana,Kyle was my friend first and there is nothing more wonderful than being able to love and desire a man you trust,respect and who knows your inner most feelings,thoughts and needs without having to have it spelled out. I mean,you were with only two men in all your life...Robert and Tom...and you had to lie to both of them and hide who you really were. They both fell for the costume yet they really did not know what it meant for you to be Wonder Woman. You can never say that of Superman and he isn't even your lover....yet...."
Diana said sternly,"Donna,stop jumping to conclusions. I think we really ought to get back to work.....Where is this letter you wanted me to see?"
Donna shook her head."You are hopeless,you know that?Utterly hopeless and a coward!"
Diana's eyes smouldered suddenly."I'm not a coward!I have tarried here long enough. If and when you want to discuss something serious I will be in my chambers."
"Yeah,sure. Run away."
Diana frowned and took up her book and left Donna shaking her head in resignation.
Superman made his way to see the Queen. It was finally that time of day. To leave. He found her sitting in her ante-chamber,at her desk,with her head buried in a pile of scrolls. She looked slightly stressed. Her brows were crinkled and lips pursed. She had a hand on her cheek and a pen in her hand underlining clauses and reading them in a low murmur. The sound of the door opening and his footsteps made her look up. He stood on the threshold.
"Kal...."
"Busy?"
"Sort of...I am trying to go over a copy of the Treaty and see if there is anything I can do to make amends. To convince then that it is worthwhile staying as one nation..."
"I see. Well,I won't keep you then. I am leaving now."
She dropped her pen."Oh. So soon?I thought you would remain for dinner...."
His shook his head."It's best I go,Diana. I have Monitor Duty later and I have a lot to do...."
Her eyes looked at him wistfully."Thank you for all that you have done for me,Kal."
"It was an honor. Will you be okay?"
"I ...yes....."
He remain where he stood several feet away from her. She found her legs were leaden. If she stood up she didn't know what she would do. They stared at each other. His eyes were almost questioning. As if seeking some answer. Some signal of forestalling. She opened her lips but no sound came out. The words were stuck in her throat.
His eyes for an instant flickered with a shadow of disappointment but he forced a smile and said,"If you need me......"
She whispered,"I know........."
To say anything else would be superfluous and discordant.
He turned and closed the door quietly behind him and left her sitting there staring after the closed door as if in a trance. Diana sat there and tried to focus back on the scrolls. But she kept seeing his face instead of words and parchment. She flung them aside and pushed back the chair so hard it toppled backwards.
"Kal!!!!!!!"
She felt her heart contract painfully and her throat had a lump. She wanted.....Hera,she wanted......She rushed through to her bed chamber and burst out on to the balcony. Her eyes frantically searched the skies and she saw nothing. He was gone. With his speed he would probably be cresting America already. She couldn't even follow. ...She had no idea where he would be. A forlorn sigh was torn from her lips and Diana felt her eyes fill. She walked back inside and sank weakly on the edge of her bed and buried her face in her hands.
She suddenly stiffen. She could hear the familiar rush of wind outside on the balcony. Her heart thudded. Gods,could it be....?
Diana looked up and saw him coming in through the balcony doors. His eyes met hers and she let out a half sob of gladness and relief. She stumbled to her feet and she was moving towards him,her emotions written on her face for him to see. He caught her up in his arms,near lifting her off the ground,and holding her close.
She choked,"I thought...you were gone...."
He whispered,"I heard you call....."
They clung to each other tightly,foreheads pressed together,breathless and shaking with the sudden surge of joy and need. Diana felt him loosen his hold on her to let her toes touch the floor,only to have his head descend and his lips capture hers.
Duties would come first. They could not be avoided. For either of them. It would have been so easy,to have given into temptation and move a few steps closer to the bed. She would not have resisted. He could have seen and felt the desire that matched his own. But voices had stopped them. He had heard the approach of her sisters long before they were even on the floor to Diana's chambers. They had reluctantly broken apart. It would not have been wise for the new Queen to be discovered in a compromising position in broad daylight when she was supposed to be attending affairs of state.
In any case he did not want their first time to be a flash in the pan,driven by lust and instant gratification. They had waited so long for that moment,they could wait a while longer. He wanted to savour their coming together. It had been so long since he had felt that kind of euphoria and it astounded him how much he wanted that. It had been a long time since he had been intimate with a woman and he had even wondered if he remembered how,but he smiled. Judging by Diana's response to his kisses he guessed he was off to a decent start and having the most beautiful woman in the world in ones arms was certainly a plus.
Fingers snapped in front of his eyes."Kal!"
Superman blinked and looked up.
Superwoman frowned."Are you even listening to me?"
He looked slightly sheepish."Sorry,Kara. I ...was thinking of something else. What were you saying?"
"I'm here to relieve you."She gestured to the clock."It's nearly six am GMT."
"Oh."His eyes seemed to gleam.
"Yes,you can go,"she gestured.
Superman got out of the chair and said,"Thanks....."
Kara looked at him curiously."You've got a big goofy grin on your face. What's up?Monitor Duty couldn't have been that funny."
His lips twitched."Nothing...."
Her hand caught his sleeve."Oh no you don't, mister! Spill the beans!"
His brows rose in amusement."Beans?What on earth are you talking about?"
She laughed."So evasive. Come on,Kal,I'm family. Anything going on with you and a certain monarch? You were with her a whole week......."
He smiled."You'll have to wait for something definitive."
Kara put her hands on her hips."You haven't made your move yet??!!?What are you waiting on?Will hell have to freeze over for you two to just get on with it?"
Superman tutted."Now,now,it won't be fair me giving you a heads up when everyone is vying for some snippet to win the pool. Think of how disappointed Kon would be if he didn't win."
Superwoman laughed."Yeah,like if I believed you cared about that. I get it. You could simply tell me mind my own business,you know.''
"Yes,but that isn't very Superman-like,is it?"
"No,I guess not..Always the BoyScout,huh?"
He smiled."I do have a reputation to uphold. Now if you will excuse me....."
Kara smiled and took the chair and he moved towards the teleporters. He had barely put a foot on it when she said,"Uh-oh....Kal....."
He turned."What?"
"Trouble in Metropolis. It's Grundy. You want me to call in someone else...?"
Superman touched down before the Fortress of Solitude. He was carrying the comatose body of Grundy over his shoulder. It had taken him a bit longer to take Grundy down. The monster seemed to get more powerful and smarter with each resurrection and he had taken a few knocks. This time he was not going to leave anything to chance to allow him to regenerate. He would imprison him in the Phantom Zone.
He tapped in the security code and flew in. He headed towards the armory where he kept various weapons and alien devices. Here he kept the phantom zone projector. He laid Grundy upon a raised circular platform and turned the projector on. The monster vanished. He locked the projector down and secured the armory. He winched. His ribs had taken a battering. It was sore on the left side. He hovered and floated towards the main communications room,to check in with Kara.
She was relieved to hear that Grundy was imprisoned. "Let him go beat up Jax-ur or one of those other Kryptonian criminals now to his heart's content,"she said sourly.
He smiled."Do you need me for anything else?"
"No,I think it's quieter now. Nothing else the others can't handle. I know you feel you don't need as much rest as we do but do try to get some."
He nodded and her face vanished from the screen. He flicked though the different monitors and sure enough there was nothing to draw him out as Superman. He might as well go home and see if he could grab a couple of hours. He programmed his sentinels and locked down.
He flew high above the clouds taking in the rays of the sun. He felt the warmth flooding his limbs and organs, pulsating in every fiber of his being,giving him energy and healing any damage he had sustained with Grundy. It would probably be just nearing dawn in Kansas and he wasn't sleepy. He would see if he could finish the chapter he was working on. He admitted his mind always seemed to come alive with the dawning of a new day. He landed before the farmhouse and opened the screen door. He almost never locked the place. One never needed to with Krypto around to keep guard.
He saw Krypto as he walked past the living room. In the pale morning light,the dog was seen to be lying on a rug near the television but oddly enough he did not spring up and launch himself at Clark. He just sat and thumped his tail. He also seemed to be looking at the couch.
Clark gave him a knowing look and walked in, "What?Too tired are we?I bet you got up to mischief while I was away.....You must be starving...I will whip us up somethi...."
He stopped short as he came around to stand before the couch. Lying asleep on it,in a white tunic and sandals,no tiara on her head,was the Queen of the Amazons. She was curled on her side,her cheek against a small pillow and her hands were loosely holding one of the magazines from the coffee table. He squat down so he was level with her face and he studied her for a moment. It warmed his heart instantly to see her there but he wondered what brought her away from Themyscira. She looked peaceful and he loathed to wake her. He quietly stood up and left her to slumber.
Sunlight streamed through the window and danced upon Diana's satiny cheek. The warmth and the glare teased her eyes open as well a delicious smell pervading the room. She sat up abruptly,the magazine falling to the floor. She picked it up and looked at the wall clock. It was past seven. She turned her head at the smell. It was coming from the kitchen. He must be home!
She got up and headed towards the kitchen. The door was slightly ajar. She pushed it open and saw Krypto with his head in his bowl wolfing down pancakes. His master was standing before the counter,in a blue plaid shirt and faded jeans,making fresh orange juice. Clark turned and smiled."You're up. Come in. I just made pancakes. You want some juice?Or coffee?"
"I..yes. Juice will be fine."
He poured a glass and pulled a chair out for her."Sit down. I'll get you some pancakes."
Diana obeyed. She looked at him in some wonder. How long had it been since she had seen him in his home environment?It had been years!He looked so relaxed and at ease and there was nothing incongruous in seeing this side of him. In civilian clothes,quite happily being domestic. He seemed to fit in naturally. Who would guess looking at him that this man also wore the cape,and wore it very well.
He plunked a plate with pancakes before her along with a honey,maple syrup, fruit puree and butter selection. She looked at him."Aren't you going to eat too?"
He smiled ruefully,"I'm afraid I fed myself as I cooked. I'll just have juice."
She looked at the plate."I am afraid I won't be able to eat all this, Clark ."
He nodded at Krypto."Oh,just eat what you can. Krypto will gladly help you with the left-overs."
Diana picked up her knife and fork and cut into one. "That is delicious, Clark. I'd forgotten how good a cook you were....."
He smiled,poured himself some juice and pulled up a chair opposite her. "Now,why are you here?Is everything okay in Themyscira?Any problems with the Center or Senate building?"
She lifted her lashes and met his questioning gaze. "Yes. We are fine. There is nothing wrong."
“Oh. So this visit is not for business?"
"I was waiting for you and when you didn't come, I......"She trailed off self consciously,looking a tad nervous and expectant. Their eyes were locked onto each others. A tension filled the air between them. She had stopped eating and he was largely ignoring the glass of juice in front of him.
"Your sisters know that you are here?"
"Phillipus knows.....and Donna....."
"How long do you plan to stay away?"
"I can stay for the day but that depends....on you........"
He stood up,as did she.
Krypto looked up and cocked his head to see his master come around the chair of the tall female. It had been a long time since the animal had seen Diana but he had remembered her voice and deft touch. She was not like Kara whom he knew belonged to the family by nature of her blood. And she was nothing like the human woman who had been his master's mate. Diana actually liked him and had no fear whereas Lois had never quite reconciled herself to her husband's dog who had a passion for chewing up her belongings. Diana also smelled of a unique exotic fragrance, reminding the animal of those moments when he roamed the earth,above green canopies and beneath blue skies,of open spaces and freedom.
He saw his master draw her into his arms and their faces were close together. Krypto wagged his tail. It seemed they had forgotten the pile of pancakes on the plate. He watched them leave the kitchen. He jumped upon the chair and looked at the plate. Surely they were not leaving it?He looked at the kitchen door. Were they coming back?He sat and looked at the plate. Better to guard it and make sure.
Clark looked at Diana .She laid on her side,her head resting on the pillow. Her eyes were half shut,and her breathing seemed soft and regulated. The sheet was thrown carelessly over her,covering only her lower back to her thighs. Her longs legs were bare and her hair,which seemed matted and damp fell down her unblemished back. The curves of her breasts were just peeping from beneath where her arms rested on the pillow before her.
Part of him still couldn't believe it. Diana,Wonder Woman,Amazon Queen of Themyscira,his best friend,was lying in his bed,in his home,in Smallville. She had lain in his arms,for the last few hours,allowing him to find a completion in himself that no other woman could ever give him. He had guessed being her lover would be something special,just by her being able to match him physically. But it wasn't just that she could bear his unbridled passion...even his lust. It was a case of two kindred spirits coming together to find that they felt right together, emotionally and spiritually. The act itself had been remarkable. He had to be grateful since coming back home he had renovated the inside of the farmhouse and redone the old wooden floors in a solid kind of tile-work that was durable and strong and replaced the old Kent bed with a reinforced titanium alloy. Otherwise he was certain the entire bed and floor would have collapsed under the force of their love making.
He had left her for a few moments,to go and answer the JLA communicator, which had been lying on the kitchen counter. It appeared Superman had been due to go make an appearance at a government function at mid-day and Flash had called to remind him that it was one pm and to check if everything was okay as Superman was never late and if he was he usually called in. Clark had very firmly said Superman was indisposed and would not be available until further notice. He did not even bother to answer's Wally's suspicious query about what he was up to. He just switched the communicator off and yanked out the battery,thereby rendering it powerless.
He came towards the bed and flung off the robe he had grabbed a few minutes before and climbed in to lie alongside her. She felt him draw her back towards him and his lips punctuated kisses along the side of her neck."Now..where were we?"
She turned her head and whispered,"What was it?"
"Nothing important....."He captured her lips and kissed her,softly at first,as if taking into consideration she may be a little worn out. But her eager response encouraged him and he crushed her mouth,almost bruising her lips. He couldn't get enough of this woman. They had made love several times and still it was as if he wanted to inhale her spirit into himself. To give all of himself to her,and it was a relief and joy to find he could.
Their first time had been achingly sweet and it had been with touches of shyness and hesitancy on both their parts....Diana had been intimate with Robert and Tom but she had not been prepared for one as Kal. And he had been so long accustomed to being gentle and controlled he wasn't quite sure how much to hold back or let go. By their third time,well,Diana had to concede it was a good thing she had been not on Themyscira and they were on a lone farmstead. One could only do so much to be quiet. All her Amazon discipline would not have kept her from crying out his name as she crested a wave of pleasure that she had been sure at the time would splinter her being to shards.
Diana shivered as hands caressed her and trailed down her stomach and abdomen to slip beneath the sheet. She moaned."Clark......."
"Yes?"
"Don't........"
"Don't?"He nibbled her ear lobe.
"Don't...stop....."
He turned her to him and she wrapped her arms around him,cherishing his weight and the feeling of joining with him one more. There were nothing on earth adequate enough to label this joy,this desire,this passion between them. I love you seemed so cliche. They both had said it to people before and it seemed hollow and trivial. What need have they,who had done so much for and on behalf of each other,of words? They did not require that kind of verbal reassurance, not at this stage in their lives.
Later Clark held her close and they talked softly.
"Will you tell them what happened here?"
"Well when you come to visit me on Themyscira,I am sure they will work out that you are not there to stack bricks or mix mortar."
He grinned."So,I will be getting to come Themyscira regular,huh?What about the Bana?"
She sighed."They will probably want your head on a spike when they find out how much you have brainwashed me."
"Oh yeah that makes me feel better,and you hardly can be called brainwashed,Diana."
"I know,but they are very backward in their thinking. They can't see that I would want you of my own free will. They see it as the man's fault. But you know what?Who cares?I am not going to go back on what I believe. The Gods,if they did not believe in the equality of man and woman,would not have sent me as Wonder Woman to help change the world. I fully intend to continue the plan of Themyscira sharing our knowledge and expertise with the outside."
"Now that's the Diana I know. I thought I lost her for a bit."
She smiled."She is here to stay."She raised up to look at him meaningfully."And you,Clark?"
"Oh, I am here to stay too. All three of me ..Superman, Kal and Clark."
She laughed and laid her head back down on his chest."I am happy,"she sighed,"but ever so tired. You sure know how to wear a woman out,Kal."
"Well,you're not backward either. I think I could do with some shut eye too. It's been a helluva twenty-four hours for me."She was yawning now like a little girl and he kissed her hair.
Clark promised."Go to sleep,Diana. I'll be here when you wake up."
