Disclaimer: I do not own the JSL

A/N: Wow update! Finally! Darn you writers block! Hope it was worth the wait. Thank you for being patient! Like always -enjoy!

Contagion-7

Coffee splashed into the cup followed by half a scoop of sugar. A stir stick blended the two together then was discarded into the trash bin resting against the counter. The hand escorted the cup across the room stretching out to the intended target.

Clark was pulled out of his thoughts at the sudden appearance of the cup. Seeing the steam wisp in the air he looked at the owner of the hand.

Dick simply set it down in front of Clark. "I don't care if you're an Amazon, Martian, or a alien from a desecrated planet. You need energy."

Clark sat back in his chair looking at the vigilante. "You are the last person I'd thought would extend kindness to me."

"Kindness is hardly the word I'd used. It is practical and obvious. I have experienced one who is hell bent on finding answers."

"It's not like I have any other choice." Clark stated as he looked out the window across from him.

Dick walked back over to the counter picking up a muffin from a bowel in the corner. "I can't decide if Bruce would be flattered or impressed by your obsession but knowing Bruce he'd be ticked."

Clark turned his attention back to Dick. Then he raised his hands in time to catch the muffin. Blinking he stared at Dick.

"So your not mad."

"Oh. I am furious but I understand what you're doing. I just wish you would have done it in the first place. Bruce wouldn't be in a bed fighting for his life if you had. Try not to screw up this time."

With that Dick left the mess hall. Clark lifted the cup to his lips before setting it down. After a moment he rose from his seat. Leaving the offerings on the table. Two months since this whole mess started Joker had hid himself well in Gotham and as much as it ticked him off he couldn't abandon Metropolis.

The day was actually peaceful sun broke through the early morning clouds and crime was no more active than usual. After a moment he gathered himself together leaving the mess hall and down the corridor he made it half way until he heard a voice call out to him.

Clark in time turned to see Hal coming up to join him. "You need help today? You know, scouting out?"

Clark shook his head. "No. I work better alone."

Hal crossed his arms. "Heard that before..wouldn't ever think it would come from your mouth though."

"I have valid reasons. I can't stay and discuss this so if you-"

"Diana."

"Excuse me?" Clark prodded.

Hal softened slightly. "Listen big guy it hasn't been missed that you and her haven't talked in weeks."

Clark diverted his eyes from the guardian. "Nothing really to talk about."

"According to the ladies. There is PLENTY to talk about. Something about intuition and men being like blue cheese to a good wine." Hal stated earning a wary look from the kryptonian.

"Hal..believe it or not I have a day job that I am currently late for. Pick this conversation up...never and go on from there."

Hal simply watched as Clark made his way down the hall.

"You really don't have a knack for subtlety."

Hal flinched slightly at the sudden appearance of the speedster. "Eavesdropping?"

"Nah just a hunch. Did he take up your offer for snooping Gotham?"

"No...Bruce is making improvement. According to J'onn his body is bouncing back ever so slowly. You'd think that would pick up superman's spirits."

"Guilt. Clark is the kind of person to take things personally. He feels responsible for this whole thing. He's dealing with it the only way he knows how." Barry said.

Hal shook his head. "I don't know, I hate this standing around and doing nothing."

"I kind of like the world not in constant peril. Gives me the chance to have a somewhat normal life. Hey guess what." Barry stated his face beaming.

"What?"

"You remember the blond from that pool party."

"The one with the dolphin tattoo?" Hal asked in surprise

"Yeah. I got her number." Barry confessed draping his arm around the pilot. "And I got the number from her twin. Catch my drift."

Hal smiled as they made their way down the hall. "Twins? Do you think she likes green?"

"One way to find out..."

)))))))))))

Diana sighed thinking about her out burst. Clark had opened the door she worked so hard to keep close. How long did he know that she loved Bruce did he know that she loved him as well? How did it get to this. Bruce was someone that was polar opposite of Clark on so many levels. Him being human for one thing but Bruce was strong and intriguing to her in ways superman wasn't. On the other hand Bruce wasn't expressive with his feelings it made it difficult to read his intentions and face it Bruce was not one to settle down. Clark was someone she could talk to and to be blunt sex was great with him and...

"Diana."

The amazon princess looked over to see Kara standing a few feet from her.

"Kara." After a moment of silence passed she pressed on... "What is it?"

"Why are you blaming my cousin for what happened to Bruce?"

Seeing the hurt look on the young kryptonian Diana quickly walked over taking her hands in hers.

"Kara. I don't I mean that from the bottom of my heart."

"Then why aren't you talking to him?"

"I don't know what to say to be honest. Obviously he's hurt and I..."

"He pointed out your love for Bruce. I heard that but...I know Clark he'll forgive you."

Diana released her hold on Kara's hands. "I wish I had that much faith. I practically accused him of abandoning us."

"I must admit you came on pretty strong but...he knows that emotions are running high. Talk to him. Please." Kara stated before exiting the room.

"I'll try." Diana said to herself.

))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

J'onn was busy examining a blood sample when he heard groan. Looking up from the scope in front of him he saw bruce shift his body position as he woke up from his sleep. Smiling J'onn got up from his seat and over to the stretcher.

"Bruce how are you feeling?"

"Everywhere aches but I've been worse."

"That you have." J'onn said looking at the monitor... "You're tempature is still high but not as life threatening. Are you up to eating anything?"

"He better be."

Both J'onn and Bruce looked to the door way to see Dick standing there a bag in his hands. "The trick is J'onn that you don't give him a choice and food that is edible would help also."

J'onn looked over at Bruce. "Dick hasn't left watch tower since he arrived."

"Oh?" Bruce his attention on his companion.

"Barry has become somewhat my errand boy. He has no reason to complain it takes him all of two seconds to get what I ask."

"I see."

"I will leave you two to catch up I have things to take care of else where..".. He looked to Dick... "Notify me if anything changes."

"Yeah." Dick said as he approached bruce setting down the bag on a tray. As he took out the contents he looked over at Bruce.

"Hope you're up for Chinese. Wonton soup seems to be easy on the stomach...I hope." he said as he pulled out the container and a spoon.

"Smart choice."

Dick walked over handing it to Bruce. Bruce took it undoing the lid. He looked down at it then back at Dick.

"Dick."

"Yeah?" Dick replied as he pulled out another container.

"You do realize it's morning right?"

Dick paused looking over at Bruce then down at the bag. He sighed. "No...I guess not."

He walked over to the bed taking the soup from Bruce. Bruce furrowed brow as Dick rubbed his eyes.

"When is the last time you slept?"

Dick shrugged placing the lid back on the soup. "I've been power napping."

"Dick You-"

"Bruce in case you haven't noticed you've been sick."

"That isn't your fault." Bruce pointed out.

"I know!" Dick snapped but then softened... "Sorry I just wish I could have been there...maybe than you wouldn't-"

"Dick you can't foresee the future. I had two of the most powerful people on this planet and they couldn't have stopped what happened. Don't blame yourself."

Dick looked was silent for a moment not meeting his mentors eyes. "I haven't been...I've placed my frustration and anger on Clark. And I know deep down inside that isn't right..." He looked at Bruce... "But he-"

"Dick kryptonite was involved. You know that if Clark is exposed to that stuff even for a brief moment he is rendered useless."

"What of Wonder Woman? What's her excuse?" Dick challenged.

Bruce frowned. "That I'm not clear on...still need more info..." he tapped the side of his head with his pointer finger... "Memory is a bit foggy."

Dick relaxed sitting in a chair from him. "Understandable...listen if you want to sleep you can. Sleep till noon then you can have a practical meal."

Bruce smiled slightly. "Perhaps."

))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

it was late afternoon when Clark landed on watch towers balcony. He removed his glasses and loosened his tie.

"Rough day?"

Clark was startled by the appearance of Diana. "it was ok."

Diana approached Clark her attire one she rarely wore. The elegant green dress hung just below her knees gold drop earrings brown two inch heels her raven black hair tied loosely in a pony tail.

"You look put together more than usual. What's the occasion?"

Diana walked over to him taking his arms and wrapping them around her waist. Her blue eyes locking on to his.

"I was hoping to talk to you?"

"talk?" Clark asked somewhat taken back.

"Yes, privately. You and me. Dinner. No listening ears."

Clark removed his arms from her. "Diana-"

"Clark, please. We need to discuss-"

"Discuss what Diana? We both know the truth. Our feelings, this idea of romance between us is nothing more than pretend. To go on like this is only fooling ourselves. I don't care about you and Bruce-"

"Clark. I know you are hurt. I hurt you, you can't deny that. I want to make it right between us." Diana stated.

Clark shook his head slightly in frustration. He then found her hand cup the side of his face forcing him to look at her. This time he didn't resist.

"You say you don't care but your eyes say differently." she siad softly her thumb ghosting across his cheek.

"Diana-" Clark began.

"Kiss me. Then you can tell me what you feel." she replied softly.

Clark stared at her her eyes captivating him. The raw emotion held in her face ensnared his soul. He eyed her then drawing her in closer he leaned in his breath meeting hers as he moved in thier lips dancing against hers faintly. Both their hearts pounding waiting for that contact. He pulled her in closer their bodies connecting. And then-"

"Hey guys...oh." Barry trailed off as Clark and Diana parted sharply breaking the contact. "Sorry I didn't-"

"It's ok Barry..." Clark managed out he looked at Diana then back at the other man... "I have to go change."

He walked passed Barry quickly glancing at Diana. "Talk later."

She gave a quick smile. As soon as he left she looked to a awkward Barry. He cleared his throat.

"Talking huh...funny what people call huh stuff these days. I-I better read up on..."

Diana rolled her eyes slightly. "Good evening Barry."

"Good...eve" he huffed out as she departed leaving him alone in the doorway.

A/N: Romance...their will be more of that next chapter hem.

Review! And thanks for reading!"

KS