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The Story of the Century
Chapter 1: Strange Visitor
Lois Lane had always considered herself a practical person. She didn’t believe in ghosts, witches, vampires, werewolves, or any of that supernatural mumbo gumbo, and certainly not alien beings, but that was before he walked into her life. Or should that be flown into her life? She didn’t know what to think now. If a man could fly, then what else was possible?It was as if she was looking at the world through a pair of new prescription glasses and she could see everything differently and clearly for the first time in her life. I can’t stop thinking about him, and I’m sure I’m not the only person thinking about him either. Superman … that is the name I’d given him, and it definitely fits, just like that costume, not to mention that smile and his eyes. She suddenly stopped and looked around, actually forgetting where she was. She put her hands on her face, feeling flushed and warm. Oh, dear, I’m in serious trouble. She thought.“Attention, people!” Perry yelled to the masses of startled reporters. “Conference Room A, now!”Clark Kent was at his desk moments before Perry’s announcement and was hard at work on his follow-up article about the theater district. Between glancing at Lois and trying to finish his article, his mind couldn’t help but return to their first meeting in Perry’s office. It was as if the world had stopped and it was just the two of them. I’ve never had feelings like that in my life, but I know I can’t pursue her as Clark Kent and certainly not as Superman. He had asked her out as a spur of the moment thing and she had accepted, but then she remembered she had dinner plans with Lex Luthor. I really shouldn’t even be thinking about her. Tell that to your head and your heart, Clark.  He thought of his parents then. My parents are wonderful and caring people, and if I ever find even one-tenth of what they share, I would be very happy and blessed if it happened.But then an idea came to him. He had seen the crazy tabloid stories about him. It was better to get his story out into the world without all this speculation about him. He didn’t want to start some kind of a panic. He was not on some mission to take over the world or to hurt anyone. He was here to help, nothing more, and he wanted everyone to know that.“Clark, are you coming?” Lois asked her partner.“Sure, Lois, I’m coming,” Clark replied trying to pull together his thoughts.##Perry stood at the head of the conference room table and waited for everyone to be seated. “Everyone, this is it! The story of the century is waiting for that one reporter who can get an exclusive interview with …”“Superman?!” Lois added for him.“That’s right, Lois. Superman is the name you gave him, but that’s all we know about him. He’s been here several weeks now and no one has managed to get close enough to get an interview with him.”“But how do we get an interview, Perry? He’s not talking to anyone, although he did speak to Lois that first day,” Clark said waiting for her reaction.“Yes, he did, Perry. He came by the office one evening and he seemed like he wanted to talk, but then he had to leave,” Lois said thinking maybe she had a chance. “Well, get out there, make yourselves available, get his attention, do something. Get that interview. Now, move it people!” Perry hollered. Everyone jumped up and went to their desks, started making calls, and tried to figure out how to get Superman’s attention.“Have you come up with any ideas, Lois?” Clark asked coming up to her desk. He was wondering what she would come up with and hoped she wouldn’t do anything drastic.“Now, Clark, I have an idea, but Perry did say ‘one reporter,’” Lois said.“Oh, so we’re back to that now? It’s me and you, no we, right?” Clark asked knowing the answer.Lois sighed. “Clark, you have to admit Superman is a once in a lifetime story. Do you really want to share a byline on it?”“Well, I suppose not,” Clark said hating to admit it.“I knew you would understand. Oh, look at the time. I’m on my way to get an interview with another elusive citizen of Metropolis. Wish me luck?”“Sure, good luck, Lois,” Clark said watching her go, but then he suddenly got an idea.##Clark was outside Lois’ apartment waiting for her to return home from her dinner with Lex. He wasn’t sure how to get her attention. He had no problem as Superman, but as Clark, she just wasn’t interested. They did work well together. There was no denying that fact. So, he decided he would enjoy their working relationship, but there was no reason why he couldn’t be close to her as Superman. It was deceitful, he knew that, but what other choice did he have? He sighed. ‘Alls fair in love and war.’ Wasn’t that the saying?  He sighed again.After making up his mind and talking himself into it, he saw Lex and Lois return to her apartment. What he hadn’t planned on was seeing him kiss her goodnight. He clenched his jaw and his fists were at his side wanting to hit something hard. After she went inside her apartment, he watched her for a moment, changed into the suit and waited.Lois went to the window and looked up at the sky, not knowing why she did it, but she was compelled to and then she saw him. Was he watching my apartment? “Lucy, I’m going out for a walk, I’ll be right back.” She didn’t wait for Lucy’s answer. She exited her apartment building, looked up at the sky, but she didn’t see him.“Ms. Lane?” Clark asked as he dropped down beside her from above.“Oh, you startled me,” Lois said, putting her hand to her chest and looking around. “Where did you come from? How long have you been here? Were you spying on me?”Clark chuckled. “Wow, that’s a lot of questions. Well, I was in the neighborhood. There was a fire just up the block a little while ago. I arrived here about five minutes ago. And, no, I wasn’t spying,” Clark said, stretching the truth.“Oh, I see,” Lois said intrigued by his answer. “So, why are you here?”“Well, I was wondering. People may have questions about me and I wanted to ease their minds.   So, I thought we could continue our interview from before when we were interrupted. You do want the exclusive, I mean, if you’re still interested,” Clark said smiling at her.“Of course, I’m interested.” She looked around. “Can we go somewhere?”“Sure, I know just the place.” He took several steps towards her, as he asked a silent question. She nodded yes. “Hold on tight now.”He didn’t have to tell her twice. Lois refused to close her eyes though. It’s so beautiful up here.  She glanced at his face. I still can’t believe this is happening. We’re actually flying.Clark smiled at the look on her face. “There’s a park not far from here. It has a fountain, too. It’s pretty late, so we should have some privacy. Is that alright, Ms. Lane?”“Sure, and please call me Lois,” Lois said hoping he wouldn’t think her forward.“Alright … Lois, here we are.” He landed in the park and set her down. “Ok, then, ask away.”Lois took a deep breath and took a pad from her purse. “Well, first question. Do you have a name? I feel weird calling you Superman.”“My name is Kal-El.”“Kal-El, umm, K-A-L-L… would you spell that please?”“That’s K-A-L hyphen, capital E, small L.”“Thank you. You said you were from another planet, right?”“Yes, as I said before, I’m from pretty far away, another galaxy actually. I’m from a planet called Krypton.”  He smiled at her. “That’s K-R-Y-P-T-O-N.”“Oops, I spelled it wrong... sorry about that,” Lois said embarrassed.He chuckled. “That’s alright.” He turned and walked toward the fountain appearing deep in thought. She followed him. “I arrived here a long time ago. Actually, I grew up here. I didn’t know where I was from until recently. My parents on Krypton sent me here as a baby. The planet exploded, but they were able to save my life. I was raised here on earth by two loving and caring people who took me into their hearts and their home and treated me as one of them.”“What a sad story. I’m so sorry.” She shook her head. “So, what else can you do?"“Well, I have x-ray vision, except I can’t see through lead. I’m strong, fast, and impervious to pain, well, so far anyway. I can shoot fire from my eyes, heat vision, and super breath, and I can fly.”“Wow, that’s incredible.”“Lois, you should know that it’s the earth’s yellow sun that enables me to do these things. The sun recharges me. I sort of need it to survive.”“Oh, should I put that in the article? I don’t want to cause you any harm with information that could hurt you.”“Thank you, Lois, but I have no problem with you printing everything about me. I don’t want any secrets. I want everyone to know that I’m here to help, nothing else. I’m a friend, Lois.”She glanced at him from underneath her lashes. “And are we friends?” Lois asked hoping that was the case.He took several steps and looked into her eyes.  “Yes, Lois, you are my friend. You never feared me or looked at me like I didn’t belong here. Thank you for that,” Clark said meaning it.Lois blushed. She never blushed. “It was nothing,” she said looking down and shaking her head.He reached down and touched her chin, lifting her face up to look at him. “Never doubt your instincts, Lois.”“Alright, I won’t,” Lois said transfixed by the look on his face.“Good. Well, do you have any more questions?”“No, I can’t think of anything else.”“I’ll take you back now.” He picked her up and took her back to her apartment. Lucy was asleep, so he came in through the window.   He held her for a moment, set her down, and then stepped back.  “Thank you, Lois. I’ll look forward to reading your article.”“Thank you for giving me the exclusive.”“You’re welcome, Lois.”“Good night … Kal-El.”“Good night, Lois.” He stepped up on the ledge, looked at her once more and then he flew away.Lois ran to the window but he’s gone.##Clark read the article several days later and couldn’t help but be impressed with her work. She really is an amazing writer, but who in the world came up with the title … I Spent the Night with Superman? Clark couldn’t believe Lois would do such a thing.Perry came up from behind and slapped him on the back, startling him. “Lois got the exclusive. Can you believe it, Kent? When she showed it to me yesterday, I was truly shocked. She’s some reporter, no one like her.”“Perry, did Lois come up with this title? Isn’t it a bit insulting to Superman and the image he’s trying to convey?”“It was my idea, Kent. I like it, don’t you?”“I suppose so. I just wonder how Superman would look at it.”“He’s a man, Kent. He’ll deal with it. There’s nothing wrong with a little titillation, Kent. It’s called selling newspapers. We sold out first printing and had to reprint several times. That never happens, Kent.”Clark sighed. “Well, if it sells papers.”Perry laughed, slapped him on the back and went back to his office.Clark looked up from the article, as Lois arrived with much fanfare. She looked amazing this morning, Clark couldn’t help but notice. He smiled in spite of himself.Superman would be lucky to have a woman like that to spend the night with him. And Clark couldn’t help but think ... I would be just as lucky, too!TBC!##A/N: That was so much fun. I really loved pulling out the DVDs and doing a little research! I hope you liked it. Thanks for reading. Chapter 2 will arrive soon.

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Chapter 2: Not AloneTwo weeks ago, the Daily Planet:It's an adjustment for Clark, the big city and the constant noises that flowed through his sensitive hearing and the voices were loud and never-ending. He closed his mind as the voices finally were quiet enough to enable him to move forward. He stood outside the massive building and wondered again if this interview would be a waste of time.He pushed his glasses up his nose, and with his back straight, a hope in his heart, he would get the job, Clark approached the bullpen not sure what to expect. With his resume’ in hand, he opened the door and was at once bombarded with noises coming from every direction. But the one conversation he noticed first was a man screaming at a young man with a camera around his neck.“Because I own you, you intern twit!” The older man hollered and emptied a small trash can over his head. “Now, you will wear this waste basket on your head so you can hear the gentle reinforcing echo as you say one hundred times, ‘Mr. Galloway asked me for strawberry, not berry-banana’ Ready Jack?”“Um… it’s ‘Jim’ actually,” Jimmy said with his hands over his head to protect his head from the trash.“Your name is whatever I put on your too-generous paycheck, you Lout!” Galloway yelled in his face.Clark watched the scene and wanted to say something to stop this then, he asked a gentleman standing nearby, “That’s not Perry White, is it?”“Oh, God no. That’s Quentin Galloway, the publisher,” the stranger replied.“Does he treat everyone in the newsroom like this?”“Today is one of his good days. Man, this is hard to watch, but you know,” he replied as he walked away.Clark continued to watch the scene as he broke a pen behind his back needing to smack that smug look off Galloway’s face. No sooner did he began to approach the scene, a woman behind him hollered “Hey! His name is Jimmy Olsen.”“Jim,” he said correcting her and wiped the yogurt off his sweater.Lois Lane had more to say, facing Galloway, she said, “His name is Jimmy, not Lout, not Twit! Do you think you’re a big shot? Do you think publicly humiliating an employee because you’re in a bad mood about yogurt; it’s small and petty.”Galloway had more insults. “Lois Lane, didn’t you used to be somebody? Why aren’t you on the trail of some UFO or crop circle or some other slow news day?” He crossed his arms proud of himself.“Back off, you pay for our work, not our dignity. I do not like bullies, and you will not push people around just because you’re bigger, not while I’m here.” Lois gave him the stink eye.Clark listened to her then he whispered to himself, “I think I’m in love.”Galloway will not be intimidated, then he said, “And when exactly are you here Ms. Lane? With travel vouchers for Kuala Lumpur, Toronto, Gulfport, and Mississippi? Six months ago, you had a reputation; you had respect, not mine, of course, but apparently that of your peers. But that was before you locked onto some fairy tale and began following so-called leads all over the world. A gravity-defying strong man in khakis and a leather jacket who does honorable deeds! La de da!”Lois stood her ground. “Look, my investigation isn’t done, and you’re changing the subject. You want to have a temper tantrum, be my guest, but if you want an efficient news organization full of adults, stop poisoning it with childlessness!” She came closer to get her point across. “You are a leader; I expect better from you.” That did it; he walked away, “You are my hero,” Jim said behind her.She smiled then, “Get back to work.” He scurried away.“Wow,” Clark said still staring at her.“Pardon?” Lois whispered to her left.“Just well-handled.” He paused and stared at her. “You will be here tomorrow, right?”“Mr. Kent? Editor White will see you now,” Jim said.“Kent, Clark Kent? You filed that piece on Asuru?” Lois asked.Stunned, Clark replied, “You read it?”“Turn up the volume. What?” She frowned, not hearing him.“I said, you read it?” Clark spoke up louder.“Yeah,” she replied.He frowned. “That doesn’t sound like you were impressed.”“No, I mean, yes. But from your writing, the way you come across in print, I just assumed you would be… I don’t know… taller?” She asked teasing him. Clark stood there staring at her thinking, Lois Lane was searching… for me. A moment then, “Mr. Kent, he’s waiting,” Jim said as that broke the tension. “Oh, right behind you,” he said and followed Jim. Smiling, then ‘Wow.”~o~o~In Perry’s office, Clark is waiting for Mr. White to read his resume` but he is frozen in his chair, unable to forget that Lois Lane searched for him, unsure if he should speak up, say something, anything.After a minute, Perry spoke up. “You can’t be real.”“In… what way, Mr. White?”“Come on, Kent! You’ve been sitting, squirming and staring at your shoes for ten minutes. No one’s shoes are that interesting.” No answer, he came around his desk and stood over him then. “How did someone as shy as you get an interview with Qerizan terrorists? Or Chief Justice Benton?” He asked after reading his resume`. “Why aren’t you a bank teller? Why do you want to work here?”“I… well…” he hesitated to gather his thoughts. He had rehearsed an answer for hours.“Spit it out Kent!”He closed his eyes for a moment then he slowly stood up to his full height over 6’ and some inches. “Because Mr. White, you have the fastest, most reliable news service in the world. Whenever a story happens, the Planet gets it first and has it webbed and in print while the New York Times is still fishing for sources. Your staff is that good and I’m that good.”Perry is stunned but before he could reply to that statement, Lois knocked and entered.“I’m sorry to interrupt but I have an urgent scoop on a story; it can’t wait,” Lois said.He felt relieved. “Come in Lois. Mr. Kent and I were almost done.”Lois stared at him. Clark stared at her unable to form any thoughts but one.Perry noticed it, then, “Lois Lane meet Clark Kent. Lois, now please listen for a minute. Kent is a little shy around the edges but he is a promising writer. I haven’t decided yet whether he is a fit for the Planet, but how about you show him the ropes around here for a while and he can learn a lot from you. You are the best.”Both stunned as they continued to stare, then Lois spoke up, “But what about my story?” She held up a copy. He took it. “I’ll read it later. Kent, you two get better acquainted while I read this.” Neither of them moved. “Go on now, get to work.”~o~o~As she showed him a desk he could use, she still felt stunned by this unexpected turn of events. She watched him get settled, inwardly sighed and helped him logon to his computer.“Thanks, Ms. Lane,” he said still staring at her.“You’re welcome,” she said, then “You can call me Lois.” She paused. “I guess we’re partners now?”“Yeah, I suppose we are.” He stood up and held out his hand for her to shake it.She hesitated, then she shook it, and yes sparks flew all over the place.They stared at their joined hands unsure what is happening.“Welcome to the Planet,” she said and smiled at him.“Well, I haven’t gotten the job yet.” He sat back down and stared at a blank page then he got an idea.“The staff meeting is in half an hour. Perry will give us a story. Don’t worry about it,” she said.He tried to feel encouraged. “Thanks… Lois.”“No problem.” He watched her head over to her desk and he tried to get to work. Still his memories of five years ago seemed fixated on his life as a journalist in Ghana and his experience in authoring a story of an uprising, meeting Kobe Asuru and the night he died. Clark did feel proud that both Lois and Mr. White had seen and read his article in the Ghana Dispatch. Clark continued to stare at her as his memories returned to the night of the exclusive interview with Superman and Lois Lane.~o~o~Back to the present:As the memories faded, he may have revealed his feelings about her during the interview meaning their connection that seemed to him occurred the moment they had met, the shuttle and the fact that she did not appear afraid of him, only curious about his powers. She may not feel that way about him, but he would take his time and continue to collaborate with her as Clark Kent until the time is right. His first day at the Planet, Perry put them together as partners for her to show him the ropes and he was fine with it but she is not keen on the idea. She made that clear for the past several weeks by ignoring him. He sighed and got back to work but then he looked up when she approached his desk. “Hey, we have a story to investigate. Come with me,” she instructed and waited for him to follow her.“Oh, I’m right behind you,” he said and followed her, but his sensitive hearing picked up instructions coming from outside the window. “What is happening?” He whispered to himself and walked over to the window.“Kent, are you coming?” She asked him. Was he listening to something? She wondered.“Get down!” He quickly hollered, then he grabbed her arm and moved her to a desk from a missile that hit the building as it shook on impact. He stood up and wondered what to do, but he knew. This is it. “I’m going outside to check and see what happened. Everyone please exits the building and use the stairs,” he hollered to the stunned staff.“What are you going to do?” Lois asked as she turned to leave the bullpen.He didn’t answer her but left her staring after him. He entered the stairwell, the furthest from the bullpen door, and flew up instead of down. Now on the roof, he spotted two battle choppers but no one is inside of them. Someone was piloting them by remote control; he had to stop them. He ripped open his shirt, now in the suit, he flew up and there appeared no other way; they had to be destroyed. But where did they come from and what were their intentions besides hurting people and destroying property? He wondered.Moments later but after more missiles hit the building and other buildings as well, he narrowed his eyes and listened and instructions for the battle choppers came into his hearing. The choppers fired at him, but the missiles bounced off his chest, but he managed to stop them one by one by throwing them into the river. Before they were destroyed, he managed to listen to frantic instructions and he knew where they were coming from… Lex Luthor.Watching on his computer from LexCorp tower, Lex Luthor is stunned to see what is happening. A flying man in a red cape is destroying millions of dollars of equipment. Then he remembered. Lois Lane’s article: Superman. I read it but didn’t believe it, but it’s true. He is real; he can fly and he’s an alien from a different world. Stunned to think any of it is true, he frowned. I have a genuine problem, he thought.Suddenly he is brought out of his thoughts by one of the pilots. “I know as much as you, Mr. Luthor. Who is he? No visible means of negating gravity, imperious to bullets and explosions and God knows what else…” The line went dead.“Juris, Juris are you there?” Lex asked then he came back. “Sir, we have a visual. The last chopper has gone down in the river!”“I’ll call you back.” Lex watched as Superman appeared in the window outside the tower. Now on the balcony, Lex said, “I would prefer you make an appointment.”“Shut up; two people dead and seventeen injured. Is this what you’ve come to?” Clark asked furious.Lex is confused. “What I’ve come to? I beg your pardon; do I know you?”“I’ve never met anyone like you. You can drop the ‘innocent businessman’ act. You may have fooled this city, but you’re not fooling me. You’re responsible for this. Innocent people suffered because the remote units in those choppers were sabotaged with ultrasonic signals.” He held up one gadget in his hand. “I traced them to this tower office.”Lex is stunned. “You traced these alleged signals how?”“I saw them,” he replied.“Oh well, that will hold up in court. You know what court is, yes? It’s where you will be bankrupt for false accusations and property damage? Where will I find out how you can fly by suing the technology right off your back. Who designed your force-field? Your antigravity? Star Labs? Kord Technology?” Clark is silent. “You will answer me!” Lex hollered. “Are you threatening me?” Clark asked still angry.“I’m trying to figure you out. Call it whatever you want.” He turned at the noise.Armed guards entered his suite with guns drawn. “Sir, are you all right? We heard an explosion and … “ He saw Superman, now on alert. “You freeze.”“NO!” Then, they fired bullets; they bounced off his chest, then he burned the guns from their hands. They screamed and dropped the guns.Lex is stunned again. “Heat… came out of your eyes… you melted state-of-the-art guns.”“Add it to my bill; you diseased maniac. I don’t know why you interfered with this defense test, but I will find out,” Clark said.“May I quote you?” Lois Lane asked as she entered the suite with a recorder. Jim snapped photos.“No,” Lex replied.“Lex Luthor? Lois Lane, Daily Planet. What’s your connection either to this attack on Metropolis or this man who saved it in full view of thousands of bystanders?” She asked bluntly and glanced at Superman.“Ms. Lane, you may assure your readers that everyone at LexCorp knows this disaster for the senseless tragedy it is. My heart goes out to its victims and my hand to their protector.” He pointed to Superman with his hand to him. “This ‘stranger’s’ amazing actions no doubt prevented the loss of countless lives, meaning that whoever he may be…”“He’s Superman… you read my exclusive interview weeks ago, right?” She asked and glanced at Superman and he caught her look.“No, I’m afraid I haven’t read it,” Lex lied.During this exchange, Jim took more photographs especially Lex standing near to Superman. Both men were frowning, not liking it at all.One of Luthor’s guards, tried to take his camera. “Give me that camera!”“Hey!” Jimmy is caught off guard and he tried to hold on to it. “Freedom of the press!”“Jimmy don’t let go,” Lois hollered.Superman tried to help, but Lex spoke up, tired of this entire scene. “This office is private property. Get out of here, all of you, NOW!” Clark flew away with the camera. “First time he’s listened to you, Luthor?” Lois quipped and watched Superman fly away.Jimmy hollered! “My camera?”“Good day, Security! And stay out!” Luthor hollered.“Lex didn’t appear particularly happy about this visit,” Lois said as they left the suite.As they walked toward the elevators, Jimmy is still upset by the loss of his camera. Lois felt bad for him. “It wasn’t your fault, kid,” Lois said as they exited the building.“But no pictures, no proof. Nobody has ever caught Luthor acting like that before. I’m sorry Ms. Lane.”No sooner had he said that, then Superman slowly dropped down from above and handed Jimmy his camera. He winked and returned to the sky.As they watched him fly away, all they could hear were thank you all around them. They felt the same way as they watched the crowd of bystanders.~o~o~Back at the Planet:Later that day, Lois is at her desk furiously drafting her story about Superman and Lex Luthor entitled ‘Superman KOs Killer Choppers.’Her fellow staffers were gathered around her desk congratulating her on her scoop.Lois leaned back in her chair enjoying it. “Now, now, boys, it’s not the Story of the Century. I got that exclusive weeks ago. This is the follow-up. Oh, whatever; go ahead.”“Hello Lois,” Perry said and Clark stood beside him.“Chief?” Lois is surprised he caught her ego in full display. She stood up.“Not to interrupt the Pulitzer Awards going on your imagination, but I wanted to remind you that your new partner is right here or did you forget? Say something Kent.”“Hi,” Clark said, feeling nervous for a reason.“Quite the chatterbox, isn’t he?” Perry said.At her confused look, she did forget about him. In her mind, he is a rival for stories and saw no need to either help him or show him the ropes, but she did feel ashamed for ignoring him.“As I told you earlier, it’s only for a while, so he can learn the ropes. I wasn’t ready to hire him, but he filed one hell of a discovery on the chopper sabotage. It seems the engineer at WayneTech who headed the defense contract and built the test choppers. His name is Paul Paxton and he used to go by his real name of Otto Juris, back when he worked for LexCorp.”Lois listened as she gave Clark a look and if they could kill, he would be dead. Clark caught her look but he felt frantic to get this job.Perry continued. “There’s more. LexCorp was bidding against WayneTech for this defense contract. With the choppers’ spectacular failure, Luthor’s company was a sure winner but now because while Kent couldn’t prove a definite connection, the government nevertheless took LexCorp out of the running. That is the first dirt anyone’s turned up on Luthor that I can remember. I would say that earns Kent a permanent spot. Now, get back to work.” He left them alone.Clark is looking anywhere but at Lois, then he tried to hide his joy, but he failed and whistled.Lois came closer standing directly in his face. “Off a thin lead. How did you stumble across it?”Time to cover his tracks. “Well… I overheard somebody and followed a hunch.” He replied and watched her watching him. “What? What are you looking at?”Her hand on her chin thinking and staring at him. “You… but I don’t know why this didn’t strike me earlier, but you seem familiar. Give me a minute.”“I’m sure it’s nothing,” he said and waited while she continued to stare.“Wait, hang on; don’t move,” she said and touched his nose. Still staring at his face for a full minute, then, “Forget it.” She walked away.Whew, he blew out a breath. Dear Ma, it worked, he thought.TBC!~o~o~Song Inspiration: Love Takes Time, Mariah Carey.A/N: This update came about by the idea that they met in the bullpen, but a different time after the exclusive interview in costume as Superman which is a missing scene, but Lois is suspicious. I did enjoy adding Lex and he is the villain of the story, which I rarely write. Thanks for reading; now tell me what you think and come back next week.

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Chapter 3: ConnectionEcho Park, a Division of LexCorp:Lex stepped off his helicopter, minutes after landing outside of Denver, Colorado, and approached the supervisor. Surprised to see him arrive unannounced, she assumed something must be important and urgent. She hurried to meet him. With her hair blowing from the chopper propellers, she spoke to him."Mr. Luthor, Sir; what a pleasant surprise. If you had called ahead, we would have sent for lunch."With a lot on his mind, not in the mood, he walked inside the former airplane hangar redesigned to his specifications and looked around. It held more staff of scientists employed to watch the skies meaning outer space."Skip the pleasantries, Dr. Chun. I spent the ride in reviewing last month's data. You followed up on the narrow-band spike of October 14th?""Yes, Sir, and the Supernova in Sky sector J172, nothing more," she replied."And the multiple signals on the 29th?""Atmospheric interference that's all. Mr. Luthor, please be assured that every scientist in this observatory shares your passion for extraterrestrial intelligence." He didn't say anything which did not bode well for their research, but she continued. "The research breakthroughs you made when you were just a boy are still the foundation of our efforts, and we are grateful for your funding. But scanning the skies for errant messages is about faith as much as it is about math, Sir. It's a very long-term investment." She paused thinking the worst. "If you've come here to shut us down just because we're not 'producing'…"He interrupted. "Put your worries to rest, Doctor. I want you to keep watching the stars. I have faith. And you never know when concrete affirmation of alien life might present itself. Still, tell your team to switch to emergency generators. There's about to be a brief power outage… I'll take the elevator down." After reaching the lower level, he called his assistant in Metropolis. "Marcy, clear my appointments for tomorrow. Tell Mr. Kent I would like to see him."~o~o~Back in Metropolis:It's early morning and Clark is busy with his efforts to help the police, but they are not receptive to his efforts and they may not trust an alien who can fly to help them. The police and news teams are at the scene of a shooting spree.A reporter at the scene gives an update. "Reporting live from St. Martin's Junior High just outside Metropolis… where moments ago, two students carrying a gym bag full of firearms wounded a security guard and stormed inside on a reported shooting spree.""Terrified cell phone messages from inside report no fatalities as of yet, but hostage negotiations have been complicated by the arrival of a mysterious figure known so far as… Superman… who seconds ago, ignoring police barricades, flew into the school and…"Stunned she hollered, "Oh my God! Tom, get down! Ladies and gentlemen, school windows are exploding in a hail of gunfire? Guns are flying out the window, landing on the ground, broken in half and still smoking red burning smoke and of no use."The police are confused wondering what happened inside the school, but it is assumed that Superman took the guns, broke them in half and threw them out the window. Watching the window, Superman is coming with the two young men in his arms held from behind. He dropped them in front of the barricades stunning the police and the news reporters."Tom, Tom, get a shot of this! I remind viewers we're live on the scene where Superman has brought the teenage shooters into custody in a matter of moments."Without saying a word, Superman flew away."Superman, can we have a word with… you?" But he is gone.~o~o~Meanwhile, in another part of town:Superman enters a gun shop while the proprietor is lying back in a comfortable chair watching the news update about the shooting at the school. Superman went inside and stops the gunmen by removing the weapons and handing the two young men over to the police.Clark has words for him, as he noted a Confederate flag hanging on the wall; It did not help his mood. "The boys said they bought those weapons from you."Stunned and upset, he stammered. "What, where did you? I don't sell to kids. That's an illegal market. I don't know what you're talking about."Clark frowned. "I can hear your heartbeat. You're lying."Upset to be called a liar, he tried to stand but Clark is done with him. He came closer and smashed the gun cabinet holding AR-15s. "One minute ago, I saw a little girl screaming because she was staring down the barrel of a gun. She was nine, and she will remember it for the rest of her life." He pulled out an unloaded handgun from the gun display and pointed it to the proprietor. "Now you will too."Minutes later, Clark left him in the shop, the proprietor is tied up with damaged guns hanging from the wall and he is terrified and unable to move.Minutes later, the police arrived. "Freeze, dirtbag, raise your hands." Another officer said, "I don't think he can, Sir." Now further inside the shop, he whispered "What the?"~o~o~Back at the Planet:The headline read: 'Faster Than A Speeding Bullet,' by Clark Kent. Another Superman story is splashed across the headline 'Government, Local Authorities Disavow Knowledge Of 'Superman.' Then another headline. 'Superman: Hero Or Vigilante? Where do you stand? Vote! The choices: Yes, he's proven himself or No, I don't trust him'.Clark is at his computer reading the headlines on the website, then he noticed the poll. "Vote?" He shook his head and asked a co-worker over the desk divider. "Anybody know where Lois is?""The same place she is every morning at 8:45," he replied.Clark knows where she is… Perry's office.Perry is listening to Lois ramble on about the staff and their work. Lois answers him with another jab at another reporter's work. "And Troupe's story, you let him get by with secondhand sources again Chief. You're a better editor than that." Lois continued to ramble on while Perry is fuming inside and ready to fire her writing down pros and cons on that thought… Keep her? Fire her?Jim knocked and entered. "Chief, receptionist says you have a call on line three…""Don't Call Me Chief!" He yelled.He picked up the line and Lex Luthor wants to meet with Clark Kent sometime today. Perry could not believe it. An invitation harder to come by than well anything. "Kent, get in here!"Clark is listening at the door. "Uh-Oh," he muttered and came inside. "Yeah, I'm here.""Kent, why haven't you gone to meet with Luthor? I heard you postponed more than once. Is that true?""The dock strike story," he replied, but that wasn't urgent."That can wait." He glanced at Lois. "Take Kent over to LexCorp and show him how this is done, NOW!" He instructed.Lois sighed. "Sure Chief."At the elevator, he said. "You can tell Perry I know the ropes by now. You're sick of 'babysitting' me.""True, but the value-add is that I get to spar with Lex, which gives me an outlet for my rage, so I'll deal."Clark is still jealous. "I saw him kiss you weeks ago after your date with him."She stared at him. "It was one date but it's over."He perked up. "Oh, I see."In the elevator, she explained. "I've been following this story longer than anyone, right? If there is an authority on Superman, it's me, not Perry, not anyone else at the Planet."He understood what she meant. In his rant against her, Galloway mentioned her travels all over the world looking for me. Then an idea came to him; she could have seen me without glasses years ago, and that would explain why he looked familiar to her, he wondered.~o~o~LexCorp Tower minutes later:At the lobby entrance, Lois had more to say about Superman and why he's here. "I would stake my reputation on my objective opinion: He is here to help. And we can trust him."At the reception area, Lois showed her press pass. "Lane and Kent to see the big man, thanks.""Do you have an appointment?" One of the receptionists overheard what she said. "And he's hot." She added.Lois is distracted. "And he's hot, I mean, that's not… Oh, just buzz us in already."Clark hid a grin behind her.Lois and Clark both entered his office. Lex did not expect Ms. Lane but decided to be civil."Mr. Kent, thank you for coming. Ms. Lane, it's good to see you again. Please take a seat. Would you like something to drink?""This is not a social call." Clark got right to the point. "What do you want, Mr. Luthor?""I wanted to show you something and Ms. Lane is welcome to join us.""I wouldn't miss it," Lois said."Follow me," Lex instructed and exited his office."Stay behind me," Clark instructed.Lois rolled her eyes but didn't say anything.They entered an elevator which headed down to lower levels, and several minutes later, they exited into a corridor, dimly lit with armed guards on both sides of a massive metal door.Clark frowned and watched as Lex swiped his finger across an access panel then a green light opened, and Lex placed his right eye over it.Lois and Clark glanced at each other then rolled their eyes, getting impatiently with him."What is this place and why are we here?" Clark asked, not in the mood for all this secrecy.Clark is still suspicious then he introduced himself, but he supposed that was pointless. But he needed to know the truth and held out his hand. "Hello Lex, it's been a long time since… Smallville."Lex ignored his handshake, but he needed to clear this up. "Mr. Kent, I'm not familiar with 'Smallville.' If you're claiming that you and I have met before; that is the second time you've lied about me this week."Clark is confused. "When did I lie?" He asked and stood up straighter; Lex knew the truth."Look, I asked you here for two reasons. First, to let you know how displeased I was with your story about the helicopter attack on Metropolis. You accused me of being somehow responsible.""No, I simply pointed out the connection between LexCorp and…"He interrupted him. "I read the piece, Kent, your insinuation was quite clear and not at all amusing.""I appreciate your anger but…""Not anger, disappointment that White would hire such an amateur. My being unaware of every time action of LexCorp's vast staff is, if not desirable, eminently understandable. Your concentration on trivial pursuits, however, in the face of a much larger truth that threatens the entire world, is unforgivable.""Translation?" Lois asked confused by their entire conversation."You're missing the big story." He sighed. "Allow me to spell it out for you; I have this morning's data input."The door slowly opened, and they walked inside a massive space and they appeared to be inside a simulation encompassing a huge landscape.The images looked familiar to Clark and then it hit him. They were many alien creatures from his home planet. It was amazing but how did Lex do this? He wondered.Utterly fascinated by the images, Clark blinked several times, afraid he might imagine it. "What is that?"Out of the corner of her eye, Lois glanced at Clark and wondered about his expression. Only she could see that he was intrigued."Ever since I was a little boy, I've been utterly obsessed with extra-terrestrials," Lex responded. He pushed several buttons on a pedestal and the images shifted, and there were individuals dressed as Kryptonians from the images that his Father Jor-El had shown him. "With my wormhole technology, I was the only one who was able to track the alien and where he had come from."Lois spoke up. "Why are you showing this to us?""Ms. Lane, haven't you figured it out yet?" He pointed to the images. "I'm the only one who can save the human race," he answered. Lex placed his hand on it again, then suddenly images appeared of Clark in the suit flying all over Metropolis doing what he was born to do, help people."Oh, no," Lois whispered, stunned by the images before them. "How did you do that?"Clark could feel his eyes begin to burn hot behind him. He closed his eyes tightly.Lex continued. "He truly is a remarkable specimen. I've been watching and calibrating the natural abilities that he's proven thus far. The flying of course; the inhuman hearing abilities; x-ray vision; his muscles; and his strength are unreadable at this level, but it's all superficial right now." He turned to them. "Now where do you suppose someone like him came from?""Lex, don't you read newspapers or the Internet? It's all in my article," Lois said but refrained from rolling her eyes."Don't you see?" Lex asked surprised they couldn't figure out where he was going with this. The next shocking image appeared a scene of Clark on a slab dead but not dead but writhing in pain, dissected like a frog, and blood is everywhere. "There's so much more to learn."Lois gasped and turned her head then she pulled Clark's arm. He was stiff as a board and Lois was afraid he would lunge for him, but she had to ask Lex a few questions to distract him. "What has Superman ever done to you, Lex? Why would you want to hurt him?"He stared at them as if they'd both lost their minds. "He's an alien. Who's to say that there is more of them and they could come here and destroy us all?""Lex, he saves us every day for hours and never asks for anything in return. I must wonder what people would say if they knew what you were planning." Lois was angry and totally sickened by him, to have this much power and to use it for this madness.She is shaking; she was so angry.Clark closed his eyes and tried to clear his mind of the images but it was difficult. He placed his arm around Lois' shoulder to comfort her, and without thinking, she leaned into him. "Did you think we would be on your side with this insanity?""It's not insanity. We must protect ourselves. Who's to say there aren't more of them, and this," he pointed to the alien about to die, "this is the only way." Lex explained it to them.Lois shook her head at him. He refused to see the truth. "Superman is on our side. Surely, you know that." She was sure of this."You're living in a dream world. The police agree, or should I say your Father agrees," Lex taunted her.Lois gasped. "My Father is only concerned about me, and I'll explain it to him. You are the one that should be stopped, not Superman. Come on, Clark, we have a story to write."Lex stopped them with his next words. "I know you Kent; you think you know me, but you don't. Tell me you are not investigating me and my holdings."Clark wasn't intimidated. "I have no idea what you're talking about. Have an enjoyable day." They left him staring after them.Once in the elevator, Clark knew the truth now. Lex didn't remember him or he could be lying about it, but then he couldn't get those sickening images out of his mind, one is now burned into his consciousness, and it would take a long time to forget it if he ever would.Lois knew what he was thinking. "We will stop him, Clark, we will."He put his arm around her shoulder again; she did not pull away, determined to stop Lex. "Count on it."~o~o~In a coffee shop minutes later:They ordered coffee and sat down to talk about all of it."Do you think Luthor is right?" He asked needing her reassurance.She sipped her coffee. "I don't know.""Would it matter?" He needed to know.She watched him closely. "I don't know."He told her the truth. "A long time ago, he doesn't seem to remember which is its own mystery, though; to be honest, I was kind of hoping he wouldn't remember me."Lois has questions for him. "When we first walked in, you acted like you and Lex were old… friends. Why did you mention… Smallville? I thought you could shed some light on his motives. Why the big obsession with finding extraterrestrials?""That is the town where I grew up, but looking back, Lois, he was obsessed. As a teenager, he was bullied for being a nerd about books and learning. He couldn't seem to fit in. Outer space and aliens fascinated him if they existed. I suppose he's still learning." He paused. "I think he just wanted someone to talk to."Lois noticed something. "You and he were friends back then or were you?""No, we were not," he replied sadly. He ran his fingers through his hair."Let's head back; we have research and a story to write," she said.They finished their coffee, but on the way back, while walking, she took his hand.Surprise and delight lit up his face. He squeezed her hand, then the quiet contact with stares and looks. Their connection is there and Clark had a feeling about it.~o~o~Back at the Planet:In the elevator, with silent glances and stares, but this feeling would not go away. He told himself that he should wait to tell her the truth, but her reactions to Luthor's insane ideas about killing him, and other things, he felt she should know, and took her hand."Lois, I have a confession to make."Confused she asked. "What is it?""The man you were searching for all over the world… it's me."At that stunning confession, she stared at his face and put the pieces together in her mind and it all made a crazy kind of sense, then, "I knew it."TBC!~o~o~Song Inspiration: Lost Then Found, Leona Lewis.A/N: In the context of this AU, Clark's confession seemed like the right time. But Lex is always scheming and hoping to get the upper hand against Superman. He knows the truth about Clark and he wants to destroy him. I hope you enjoyed this although the Tower scene was sad and upsetting. Look for an update coming soon.

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Chapter 4: The TruthThe Daily Planet:The elevator dinged, he took her arm then, "Come with me." Now in the conference room, the door locked, he took a deep breath then turned to face her. He felt excited and worried at the same time. "You knew, but how did you figure it out?"Lois had a few thoughts about all of it. "The other day when you broke the story about the failed battle choppers, you disappeared and I suspected you left to help people."He looked confused. "I had my doubts before that. When I first met you, I mean when I met Superman on the shuttle, then you came here searching for a job and I began to think you were right, all that time I spent searching for you, then it all made sense." She stared at his face. "You came to me out of the blue and gave me the interview and the way you came on to me." She had to know. "Do you have feelings for me?"He stared at her face feeling shy. "I guess I was not too subtle about my feelings.""No, you weren't but I felt intrigued and fascinated. "You are Superman, but your kindness, sensitive to others and the things you can do, all the superpowers, you were born with them. You grew up here, and you do fit into this crazy world." She tried to smile.He came closer. "But when we were assigned together, you avoided me, like I was an idiot and did not belong there.""That was my ego because I knew about you, your name that you could write, and you do have a reputation. I felt you would become famous and I did not want to get into a rivalry about stories," she confessed."You are a Pulitzer Prize winner, and there's no way I could outshine you. Come on, you know it's true." He paused. "Now, tell me the real reason you avoided me."She walked over to the window feeling ashamed not only that but other things with far deeper meanings. "I'm sorry, Clark, but you are right, there is another reason." She bowed her head. He came closer still and waited. She looked up into his face. "Do you want the truth?""Yes, tell me the truth.""When we first met, I felt our attraction, and I was afraid we would become involved and everything would change, but to be honest… I liked you."He smiled liking that reply. "I like you too. But it is true, that we haven't had the chance to get to know each other, well not since the interview, but I do want to get to know you." He felt bold, then raised her chin, the same way he did during their interview. "I've wanted to tell you the reason I came to you that night and gave you the interview. I wanted you to be the one because I heard of you during my travels, that you were brilliant at what you do, and I wanted to meet you, and to be honest, I felt our attraction as well," he confessed."Oh, Clark, that's a sweet thing to say. We have a lot to discuss and we can do that at another time.""Lois, how would you feel if I asked you out… on a date?" There, he finally did it.Surprised but dare she admit it, she felt touched but also confused. "You want to date me?"He smiled. "Well, we could talk over a nice meal, a glass of wine, and get better acquainted; what do you say?" She was thinking about it. At her confusion, he let her off the hook for now. "There's no rush; think about it and let me know. Now, we should get to work." They left the conference room but had one more thing to say. He took her arm. "Lois, this is between you and me, no one else, understand?""Of course, only you and me," she smiled understanding. As they walked toward the bullpen, she did feel relieved that he gave her time to think about the date, but she would give him a chance, and realized she did not need to talk herself into it.Now at their desks, Clark had hope they would go out on a date and dare he raise his hopes, but he did have hope.~o~o~Later that same day:Clark is in Perry's office and his boss seemed worried. "Luthor is ready to file a lawsuit for slander or you need to write a retraction about the chopper failures. The Planet is implicated. "Write it up," he demanded.Clark is upset. "On what basis, Mr. White? Until he presents his alleged evidence? It's all conjecture on Luthor's part.""Right, and the key word is that sentence Kent, it's not conjecture; it's Luthor.""What is his proof? What is his credibility?""Other than years of proving himself to be the leading expert in this entire field. Are you kidding me? This is not a crackpot theory, Kent. The fact that Luthor's making these claims about Superman is news. Either you write it up or I'll hire someone else who will."Clark is still upset, then left his office feeling disappointed and sat down at his desk. "This is the career you wanted, Kent." He whispered to himself staring at the blank screen, hands above the keys trying to decide about Lex. He knew it was true. Superman knew it, but he cannot prove it. Suddenly, he heard a loud metal noise and it seemed like something is breaking apart, and it was not stopping.Now on the roof, he changed and headed towards the sound. It was a high over-head bridge swaying back and forth and vehicles were swerving hoping to get control and a few crashed against the wall barriers but they did not give way. He looked over the bridge and saw a nightmare happen before his eyes. A bridge connection cable snapped and he flew up and held it together while all the vehicles left the bridge, but one vehicle lost control and crashed into the side but it would not start again. A young woman left her car and decided to run. Still holding the cables together, people were screaming to help. "Look at him, go Superman, go!" "Dude's a hero."Suddenly the bridge began to sway again and the woman tripped and almost fell over the side and into the water. He decided to fuse the cables together, a temporary fix, and went to help the young woman. It's a long way down, and she may not survive. He helped her pull herself up and he saved her. She thanked him and headed to the end of the bridge.That's when he spotted Lois and Jim is snapping pictures, then she gave him a 2-thumbs' up. He smiled but he got a strange feeling and tried to pull himself up but the weakness in his body felt odd.He fell over the side and into the water, feeling weak, and unable to save himself. In the water, he felt strange and the weakness is still there. He hadn't felt this way in a long time, but he knew what it meant … Kryptonite is here somewhere. He managed to leave the water but barely.The next morning, he read the headlines on the Daily Planet website. 'Demolition Man?' It had a picture of Superman holding the cables trying to stop the collapse of the entire bridge. More smaller headlines: 'Failed Rescue Or Deliberate Sabotage? Eyewitness Argue. Lex Luthor Warns City To "Maintain Its Vigilance, Offers to Match Federal Funds For Alien Investigation.'~o~o~It's the weekend, Clark left a message with Lois, then returned to Smallville for a short visit to talk to Ma and Pa and to rethink his career. Martha is at the computer and Clark is pointing to the headlines. They both spoke at once: "Luthor."After Clark explained how he felt before and after falling from the bridge, Martha had a question. "On the bridge, that's the same pain you felt when you were fifteen?""Yes, nausea, fever, and sudden weakness." In his mind's eye, he could see himself, then he continued. "It's not like I can catch the flu, Ma, which was exactly like what I went through at fifteen, and Lex was connected to that too. He's the key; he lived here that year we were trying to become friends. And you're telling me there's no record of him in Smallville at all? School enrollment, county clerk, newspaper files?" Clark asked."Yes, they were purged, altered or destroyed. Hardly beyond a man as rich and powerful as Lex became. I suppose people remember…" Martha replied.Jonathan enters and removes his hat. "I asked around, Principal Goodwin, Lana's family; you would be surprised at how many folks have been "encouraged" to change the subject whenever the Luthor name came up." He came close and gave Clark a hug from behind and Clark's glasses fell off; he placed them inside his shirt pocket."Rich and powerful?" Clark asked thinking of the man he met recently."I'm thinking," Jonathan said."What is it?" Clark asked curious."I recognize that million-mile stare, the one that says, "I blame myself. Clark, think back, you tried to help Lex, remember?""Yes, I remember," he replied and again saw in his mind's eye of the night he asked Lex over for dinner only being a friend. "You were both good to him, asking him to make himself at home and to welcome him.""I remember how late you both were for dinner and then you explained that Lex tended to get into trouble at school because he appeared too old for high school. He was always fixing gadgets, appliances, missing tests, too busy fixing things. He does have a brilliant mind, and his teachers knew it," Martha said."That is true. I remember one evening he wanted to explain to me about the stars and how to safely use my telescope. Lex felt surprised that it was a gift and he didn't understand about gifts. I tried to explain to him about school, my teachers, and how positive I am about life, learning, friendship and my parents. He just did not get it," Clark said sadly."He was definitely a strange one," Martha said thinking about Lex back then."But a man can change in ten years, Clark, especially one so fundamentally abused and disturbed as Lex was." Jonathan remembers too."You can say that again. It's hard to believe he's the same guy, except for…" Clark hesitated."The meteorite," Jonathan finished for him."Except for that. I always assumed he'd lost it in the fire and the explosion that afternoon… and let's talk about that… but…" He hesitated thinking about Lex and his experiments and the last time he saw him.~o~o~Meanwhile, in Echo Park:It's early evening and Lex is back at Echo Park, in his lab coat, goggles, and hearing devices to record everything to make sure he doesn't forget anything. First he closed the Park for refurbishment and gave the staff the evening off; he's all alone, reminding him of his life up until he had met Clark Kent.Friendship to him meant talking to someone who knew him inside and out, understood him and would not judge him no matter what, but it was this one area that stood between them… his powers and abilities and of course the meteorite. He recorded the bridge test losing a precious piece of the green nonmineral in my possession. However, the payoff exceeded my wildest hopes.Superman's molecular structure, as I had expected, is uniquely vulnerable to the meteorite's radiation. Given prolonged exposure, it's rays could end him altogether and to think… that isn't even its primary value.As a boy, I stood at this very threshold and in one bitter moment… was denied the culmination of a lifetime's dreams and labors. It has taken me a full decade to reconstruct my designs and calculations, now, ten years later, that moment stands before me again.Activate subspace translator… discovery a phantom zone, antigravity… telepathic sensors.And dear God… success is sweeter than I could ever have imagined… He could see through a wormhole… Kryptonians, the familiar 'S' and what it meant…~o~o~Back in Smallville:Clark and Jonathan are standing at the spot where Lex explained to him all those years ago about the meteor that they thought was buried but it's not."No, I had assumed it had been destroyed in the blast, but he must have saved it. And now that we're grown up, he's using it on me, intentionally this time… smart," Clark said."He was a smart boy; you both were.""I just read fast Pa. Lex was born an absolute genius."Then Clark remembered the explosion at the Luthor mansion, the last time he saw Lex. "I tried to help him that night but after I entered his lab, I felt the effects of the meteorite. I had never felt anything like it except the other day. All of Lex's work was destroyed, notes, experiments, everything was burned away." Clark saved Lex but his father died. "That was the last anyone in this town ever heard from Lex Luthor… directly anyway."Jonathan put his arm around his son. "It's not your fault, Clark. Whatever Lex's hardships were, that darkness was inside him before you ever met. I don't care if he's more charming now, or more coherent, Lex chose to make himself into the man he is today. If you still want to take responsibility for him, then concentrate on stopping him before he hurts anyone else.""And hope he doesn't see through my disguise," Clark said."He's not looking Clark, remember? Nothing good will ever come out of this hick town but Lex Luthor. Hopefully, so long as you're always extra-careful around Lex in both your identities, even if he wanted to link Superman to Smallville, his ego would not allow it.""There will always be that danger though.""It's a dangerous job. Fortunately, you're damn good at it."~o~o~Back to Metropolis:Feeling chipper and excited to see Lois again, Clark entered the bullpen and saw Jim. "Morning Jim, how was your weekend… Jim?"Jim and several employees were pointing and they seemed worried while looking at something outside the window."Too good to be true… who knew he was… what do we do now?" Jim spoke to his co-workers.Clark came closer. "Jim, what is going on?"He ignored him, then Lois, Mr. White and several others were also staring out the window. "Lois? Mr. White, I've been away a couple of days. I missed something newsworthy?" He asked his co-workers but they were still reading and confusion appeared on their faces.Then he saw it and read a banner of a huge billboard. "Under Attack. Lex Luthor Provides Photo Evidence of Alien Warships with Familiar Crest. Pentagon: Superman "Just the First": Vanguard of Imminent Alien Invasion."Clark is stunned then, "What?"~o~o~Minutes later, now out on the street, Lois is speaking to a fireman. "Where is Superman?" Lois asked him."You just missed him, Lady; I didn't see him myself, mind you, but that water tower didn't dump itself on this fire, something…"Now at a hospital emergency zone, Lois is speaking to an intern and recording him."Blurred through my emergency room spreading God knows what kind of extraterrestrial bacteria and pathogens. I've already called in the Center for Disease Control to clean up. Yes, some patients, mostly those on painkillers, mind you, claim this 'Superman' stopped the east wing hazmat spill, but I don't know…"Now out on the street, speaking to a policeman, and she is still recording."Whose side he's on for sure. Like he detains those perps, right? But when I tell him there are warrants out for him, too, he takes off like a shot, not five seconds ago, Miss…"Lois is confused by this entire situation. "It doesn't sound like Superman at all," she whispered to herself.Still confused, in her car, she managed to follow several police cars but she got lost. She did recognize the neighborhood and it is not a nice area, but she could find out what is going on. Now inside a private establishment, a crack den, it appears, but she tried to back out. She heard footsteps, and with her spine straight, she watched as several unsavory looking men came forward and she handed one her press pass."Lois Lane, Daily Planet," she said but regrets her decision.One man spoke, checking her credentials and handed it back. "I recognize the name. I'm sorry you found us. You had a lot of enemies in the Giacomo family, Ms. Lane.""Had?" She asked, nervous and worried."Forgive me. Unlike you, I'm no writer." He grinned but he is not impressed. "But it seems like past tense is the most proper choice. Obviously, we could simply kill you by meth, but why waste a good high?" He pulled out two handguns and pointed them at her.She tried to run but he fired the guns. Instead of getting killed on the spot, Superman stood behind her and stopped the bullets. She looked behind her. "God… there you are. About time." Still reflecting bullets, then she said. "I have a lot of questions for you.""Can they wait?" He asked still busy."No," she replied as more bullets arrived and stopped.One man yelled. "It's him! Whoa, whoa, hold your fire! Superman, we have a message for you.""What could you possibly have to say that I would want to hear?" Clark asked furious."Oh, we… we were told to make you an offer. Mister Giacomo figures that when the invasion comes, you all need an operations network. He can provide that. He proposes an alliance." He holds up the phone to Superman. "Here, I've got him on the phone."On the line, Mr. Giacomo is listening. "Yeah, Tony, put him on, hello, is anyone there?"Superman is gone with Lois in his arms, flying over the city. They hadn't flown together since the night of the interview.He is worried about her. "Did they hurt you? Do you need a doctor?"Being this close to him again in this way, made her nervous but also excited. "No, but the fact you asked certainly bolsters my belief, meaning nothing Luthor says makes any sense about you and why you're here." She paused and held on tight.He felt relieved. "Thanks for that."She continues and tells him what she found. "Luthor claims that you're the sentry for a race of alien warmongers because he's got an Einstein-level brainpower, that accusations making headlines and headway. You're wanted for questioning by the police, the Feds, the Department of Homeland Security, and even the United Nations and yet…." She paused to gather her composure."And yet?"She stared at him feeling so many things. "Even though our total conversations don't add up to ten minutes, I've been watching you a lot longer than that, and all evidence indicates you're a good man here to help."And with that statement, feeling bold, he leaned down. Lois froze afraid of his intentions, he stopped, then she pulled his head down and they kissed.TBC!~o~o~Song Inspiration: All At Once, Whitney Houston.A/N: Sorry to end it there, but the next update will make up for it. I do not normally write Lex only in the movie verse and a few times in the TV verse, but this book opened my eyes about Lex and his life in Smallville. I knew he was a genius but also a narcissist and with mental issues. Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed this. Please comment when you get time. Come back in a week.

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Chapter 5: One ManOver the skies of Metropolis:Clark felt thrilled she kissed him like she seemed excited they finally did kiss. She pulled away and smiled. He smiled in return and he felt grateful that she would encourage him but she appeared she had more to say. "What is it; what are you thinking?""Why is everyone eager to listen to Luthor and all the fear he spreads all over the news?" She is worried about Lex and what he would do next to hurt him.Clark had time to think of answers. "Because he's loud; there aren't many of us who know he's a vile, vile man; and because he knows how to amplify the fear that drives people and how to trick them into turning to him for protection.""You can't show up nowadays and be a super-friend; we are a skeptical lot. With Government, advertising, and of course, the media, these things manipulate us, 24/7, and worse, we know it. We claim to fight it, but most of us don't have the energy to struggle every moment of every day. Wear us down enough, and the lesson we eventually take to heart is that it's easier and safer to be cynical than it is to trust someone."Now over the Planet rooftop, but he had to know. "Do you trust me?""I want to; I want us all to trust what you say and what you do." She paused. "I would love to prove that these 'photos' of alien warships Luthor's subspace cameras are providing are digital pranks."Now on the Planet rooftop, he released her, held her steady for a moment, then she had more thoughts about Luthor. "But I need your side of this story to drown out Luthor's ravings if he's lying who you are and what you are. You told me you are a friend, where you came from and how you grew up here, and you are an alien.""Yes, I tried to explain in the interview and all of that is true. I am a friend, and I came here as an infant, unknown to me what I was and how I came here." He paused. "The spaceship that I arrived in, my parents explained about the digital insert in the ship showed me where I came from and who I am, but I wasn't given that knowledge until I was a teenager and that is all I know.""We don't have a lot of time to figure this out. Clark," she paused. She hasn't called him that not while in the suit. "Luthor is not going to stop until everyone is terrified of you. Give me something. What can you tell me to stop him?""That Luthor is wrong; it isn't fear that drives people.""I know but prove that to Metropolis."He slowly lifted into the sky. "I'm trying." He flew away.~o~o~The bullpen, minutes later:Lois arrives and Clark is at his desk, drinking coffee staring into space. It was strange seeing him like this as she remembered that she knows the truth. Superman works here as a journalist then shook her head, and decided not to change anything, but to continue as they were friends, good friends who kiss. She smiled remembering the kiss."Hey, rookie," Lois said and continued to her desk, but he didn't say anything. "Hello, Kent?""Hey, Lois, sorry; I was hoping to figure something out," he said distracted and watched her walk over to her desk. He turned back to his computer and he is communicating with Ma, in texts speaking back and forth about Lex. Then he asked a question that was bothering him. "What if he's right? What if I am supposed to be some sort of advance scout? There must have been some reason my parents sent me to Earth.""The reason was to save your life, for you to live; that is all." Martha knew that to be true. She continued. "It's all right, son. We know you love us, but it's only natural. Every adopted child is curious about his birth parents."Clark is thinking about the past. "Before Luthor left Smallville, he tried to build a machine that would probe its origins. That green meteorite Luthor has, it's related to me somehow. My guess is that he finally completed the machine and that is when the explosion happened. He and I need to have a talk." He sighed and decided."Clark, you got a second?" Jim asked.He logged off and stood up to leave. "Not now Jim; I have an errand to run."On the roof, took off his glasses, then spoke to himself, "I need to see a man about a rock."Back in the bullpen, Lois is at her computer, hoping to help Superman, then Jim is at her desk and she had a question for him. "Hey, Jim, those graphics Luthor's been piping to the media? How hard would they be to fake?""At that resolution, with that detail? It would be like counterfeiting a twenty with a crayon. The photo department has been over them with a microscope, and they are satisfied," he replied."Then, get me some star charts.""On it," he said."Thank you."~o~o~Meanwhile, Echo Park Conservatory:Luthor has gathered outside three huge telescopes to see into space and beyond. Two armed guards standing outside the trucks communicating. "Hour two, still no alien. Your tax dollars at work." One spoke."Dude, I'm not even sure I believe in 'Superman.' My girlfriend says it's all part of some big ad campaign," another one spoke.Another one pointed to it. "So, what's that coming in at eleven o'clock? What is it?""FIRE!" They all fired at once. Explosions occurred all around them as the telescopes were destroyed and they had no defense against who or whatever came at them out of nowhere.Inside the conservatory, Luthor Is speaking to the military, an officer. "And you will see is proof then, General. The White House will have their own machines with which to watch the coming alien invasion by tomorrow. At this point, it's simply a matter of legally gifting the LexCorp-patented wormhole technology to the Government. My lawyers have been instructed to make it happen, and…" Suddenly, a loud noise that sounded like explosions; everyone is afraid. "What is happening?"Alarms went off, meaning everyone should leave. "Breach! It's him! He's coming for me!" Luthor hollered.One guard spoke. "Men, secure the site! Luthor must be protected at all costs! Go! Go!"Then, heat rays moved around the huge metal door, meaning Superman is trying to get inside. Seconds later, he stood before Luthor towering before him. "You have a lot to answer for."Luthor stood his ground. "No witnesses?""I won't risk them hurting themselves. You and I have less patience. What is this all about, Luthor?" Clark asked.Now in his control center chair, he replied, "You mean Project Krypton?""Krypton, are you insane? What are you planning?"Then he pushed a button on the console on the armchair, and images appeared like the ones he had showed him at the Tower. "Don't you see? After Krypton went boom, the blast irradiated its fragments into something so far up the periodic table there's no atomic number for it. It's harmless to earthlings. It's called Kryptonite. You call it agonizing green death by radiation poisoning. And it could be hidden anywhere on the premises. That is one reason you would not want to go on a tear," he sneered. Then he held up a document for him to see. "Here's another. Twenty minutes ago, this entire outpost is property of the U.S. military, Exhibit A, the deed," he said holding the upper hand.Clark is stunned but determined. He grabbed Luthor by the throat and squeezed. "You would never hand over these secrets to the Government. You would not tip your hand."Lex tried to pull his hand away to enable him to speak, but it was difficult. "Yes, but I would… bilk them for… billions. It would not be… the first time.""Is that why you invented a hoax that's causing worldwide panic, in order to line your pockets?" Clark asked furious at the idea.With Clark continued to squeeze his throat, Luthor barely spoke. "No, to discredit… you and destroy you. The money is just… a benefit… you freak." Clark released him but he had more to say. "Understand, I have spent my entire life searching for a civilization further up the evolutionary ladder than humans, but I was unfortunate enough to be born here. Well, you finally showed up and given your first chance… you deliberately humiliated me. You looked at me like I look at the ants." He narrowed his eyes appearing evil. "You do not get to do that. Period.""You are crazy." Clark knew it.Now standing before him. "Oh no, I'm the only sane inmate of asylum Earth. I'm not eager to hand tomorrow over to an interplanetary extremist with laser eyes. There is only room for one leader, Superman. When I'm finished with you, every gibbon out there will know you for the menace you are… and they will realize Lex Luthor is their savior.""You will never get people to believe that. I will win them over one at a time if I must.""You see, you lose right there, because I prefer to think in much larger numbers."Suddenly, another door exploded and armed guards entered pointing guns ready to fire. "General, we're in. We have the alien in our sights!""Not for long," Lex said.Clark is gone.~o~o~Back in Metropolis:The Metropolis Eagle headline reads: 'Superman Attacks: Army Saves Luthor'. More smaller headlines read. 'Scientist Claims Assault Final Proof of Kryptonian Invasion.' Latest polls: 'Majority of Metropolis's Citizens Fear 'Man of Steel.'Clark is outside on the street, trying to buy a paper. He is taking too long. One citizen is in a hurry. "Are you going to take all day? Keep it moving, Buddy! Come on, Jeez!" The man is not in the mood."Sorry, not used to being so crowded," Clark stammered."You're not from around here, are you?""Not exactly," Clark replied."Then why don't you go back to where you came from, corn boy?"Clark is distracted by noises from across the street. He lowered his glasses not believing his eyes. A huge red spider with long legs walking and destroying property and with an 'S' symbol is seen on its chest as it moves forward stomping and crashing through anything moving or not moving.The crowd screamed and running away; one hollered. "The Kryptonians! They're HERE!"Now in the suit, Clark is hovering before it trying to figure out a way to stop it. It's so massive that it towers above skyscrapers crashing and destroying them one after the other. The police see Superman and assume he is one of them and begin shooting at him.Clark is confused, but the bullets bounced off his chest, not hurting him. Clark screams, "I'm not the enemy! I'm on your side!"Jim is outside on the phone, trying to reach his boss. "Chief, it's Jim Olsen. I'm at 52nd and… Lois? Lois, put Mr. White on the phone. I have an exclusive!"The Planet staff is scurrying around on phones with no idea what is happening but also trying to leave the bullpen. "It's crazy here," Lois said. "Wait, what do you mean a warcraft suddenly appeared in midtown? How does something that size suddenly appear in our airspace without NASA flipping out? Email me a video or a snapshot! No, don't take the time to download from your camera, just send a video from your phone so I can see it!"The images and a video are now on her computer. Perry is there and he is furious because Lane has his phone."Jimmy, tell me I'm getting a clear image because from what I can tell… Our alleged 'invader' is defending us from that 'thing!"Then huge metal doors opened from a massive warship and 'invaders' wearing silver metal costumes with red capes, with a red 'S' on their chests, and speaking a strange language flying before the populous. They were made to fight, to destroy everything without feelings to attack and harm people.With a stunned look on his face, Clark wonders what is happening but he had a suspicion about all of this. He had the same idea as Lois. With no military presence, the government would have seen this 'thing' coming from afar but they had no idea. He is all alone in this fight. Then he heard voice transmissions but he knew that voice."You heard me, Ms. Stokes, evacuate the LexCorp building at once. I won't have any of my employees endangered.""But Mr. Luthor, Sir, what about you?" Ms. Stokes asked."I have a plan to save Metropolis from the Kryptonians, Ms. Stokes. But I must not be distracted. No admittance to this office, none. Go home to your husband and children before the Kryptonians have reduced this city to ashes."Clark listened and he is furious Luthor would do this all because of me, his hatred of me and what I am. He did manage to destroy most of the invaders. But then the weakness is there again."Are you getting this, Lois? No, I'm as confused as you. One minute Superman is kicking butt, the next there's something in the sky above him, but I have no idea what he's reacting to, not unless he's seeing something I cannot." Jim is confused.A green glare is coming to Clark and it is weakening him, then the attack from the 'invaders' and he cannot stop all of them. He tries to run away from the pain and hide; it could lessen the effect. Clark is being followed by the police but of course they think he is one of them. They fire and because he is weakened by the green glare, the bullets hurt but they cannot penetrate his skin, at least for now.Clark tries to speak. "You don't… understand…""Freeze, put your hands where we can see them." The police want to arrest him. Clark stands up to run away, but he is too fast. He hides behind a dumpster then removes his suit to look like a regular person to escape the police. Now walking with his glasses in place, he walks towards the street, then he sees Lois, and she speaks to him."Clark, I didn't see you there. I see Chief has you chasing this story, huh?" She looked around then whispered. "You look like you're about to pass out. Are you okay?"He pushed his glasses up his nose. "I've been better; we need to talk."All around them, the police are confused looking for him. "Where did he go?"~o~o~Back at the Planet:Clark is bombarded by voices coming from everywhere. Mr. White is furious about the invasion and none of his staff is out in the streets getting the story. He thought his staff had more initiative than that.Clark wants to hide and Lois wants to help him somehow.Mr. White spotted Clark and yelled in his face. "Kent, where the hell have you been?""Sorry Mr. White," he replied head down.Perry took out his anger on him. "Sorry doesn't cut it. If you don't walk in with a story, then you don't get to come and go at your leisure." No answer. "Do you think you're somebody special, Kent?"At his desk, staring at the screen. "Not right now, Sir.""You got that right, because starting tomorrow, you're on a time clock… assuming Metropolis has any time left!"Clark groaned to himself but didn't say anything.Now, Galloway is standing over him. "If you throw up on that keyboard, it comes out of your paycheck, got it?""Yes Sir, Mr. Galloway," he managed to reply, still feeling weak and sick.He walked away muttering about LexCorp and how they're coping with the invasion."That isn't actually news," Clark whispered to himself and Galloway heard it.He came back. "As your publisher, news is what I say it is. LexCorp is a major advertiser, and they like to see their name online. That means that if Lex Luthor wants his butt kissed and I say do it, you pucker up!""But" Clark started."If I want you to talk, I'll pull your strings. So long as you work here, you will keep yourself corked, is that clear?""Yeah" he replied. Galloway left and he returned to his texts with his Ma. "Son, are you there? Your Pa and I heard what's happening in Metropolis and we're worried. Are you all right?""No," he replied. "I'm sick. Lex has found a way to broadcast meteor radiation like a web across the city, and it's draining me. It's a little better indoors, but it's getting gradually more painful regardless.""Then come home. Let the Army deal with the aliens.""They're not aliens, Ma. All this is Luthor's doing, somehow, every bit of it. All to take away any ability I might have to help anyone, and it worked.""Son, this is your father. Come home while you still can. If Luthor truly is behind this, he'll call it off long before he levels the city. If he just wants to be the 'hero' instead of you, then let him. Don't put yourself through this.""But we thought a secret identity would be a good idea," Clark said but there could be a way to stop it, he thought."If it didn't work out like we had hoped, there's no shame in that. You've done a lot of good, son, but you must pick your battles. Clark, come home. It's okay."He logged off and drafted his resignation letter but decided to wait. He packed up his desk and stood up.Lois saw him and thought, is he leaving, she wondered. She ran after him, now in the corridor, still unbelieving, she faced him. "You're leaving?""I can't do anything for them," he replied not looking at her.She understood but he needed to hear this, then she touched his shoulder. "You're scared; we all are, Clark. We have an obligation to the public, and… Superman needs us to be strong. I know he would if he would only come back; I know this." Her eyes watered.He touched her cheek wiped away a stray tear, but her tears tore him up inside. "I know."She watched him leave as he entered the stairwell.TBC!~o~o~Song Inspiration: Now That I Know, Mariah Carey.A/N: The invasion reminded me of recent live action movies, but this book was written two decades ago. Luthor is truly insane and his vendetta against Superman is not surprising. Is Superman gone? Stay tuned for the next chapter. Thanks for reading and comment when you can. Come back next week.

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Chapter 6: Whatever It TakesStill in Metropolis:The 'Kryptonian invaders' continue their assault but it's now being reported that Metropolis is the only city in the entire world that is experiencing the invasion. Lois thought that was odd but then she knew it was true. Luthor is behind this, all of it and there must be a way to stop him.Then she remembered the Tower images that Luthor had shown them. She told her boss where she was going but told him the truth about Luthor and why all of this is happening. He's insane and he wants to destroy the city to make Superman leave because he wants him gone and he is the only one who can 'save' Metropolis.Perry is stunned to hear this, but there could be a grain of truth behind her idea. He told her to be careful and would try to contact the government and the police.Meanwhile, Clark is on the Planet rooftop, but he changed into his suit, staring at his glasses for a moment, he dropped them, and lifted into the sky. The weakness is gone somehow, and he didn't question it, but relieved he was able to fly again."Not on my watch," he whispered to himself. Flying over the city, Clark is furious and disgusted by the sight of the invaders doing this much damage. He then flew to the invaders and using his red eyes of fire sprayed the invaders one at a time and they stopped lying on the ground wounded and unable to move. It will do for now, he thought.He stops for a moment and Lois is speaking aloud hoping he would hear her. "God, this has Luthor's tentacle-prints all over it. Keep thinking aloud if it helps. The Kryptonians appeared instantly, with zero warning in ships that completely escaped detection. Now we're getting stories of sightings that don't match up, reports of damage that doesn't exist. Superman, wherever you are if you're listening, I know this isn't what it looks like. If you can hear me, let me help."She sees him and he is close. "Okay," he whispered lying on the ground in the burned bodies of invaders all around him. She runs to him and helps him to stand."Oh no, what did they do to you?" Lois asked as he held her close to his side."Just need… a second wind and there is no they… at least… not in the numbers Luthor wants us to… believe. This entire 'invasion' is mostly a hoax. It's designed to create fear and panic that Luthor can 'save' us from and prove that I'm never to be trusted.""We saw you fight. Those are real soldiers." Lois could not believe it."Some… if by real, you mean mercenaries equipped by Luthor, armed with alien-modeled weapons and speech translators, and they account for ten percent of the 'invaders.' The rest of the force is an illusion cast over the city. I thought at first it was intended to poison me, but now I realize that's a secondary benefit. Lex isn't crazy enough to bankrupt himself building a Kryptonian army, Lois…""Yeah, not when he can gather phantom images from another world's past and broadcast them like holograms," she said.He frowned. "How did you?" He started."Later, first, tell me more about this 'poison.' What on Earth could hurt you?""Nothing on Earth." He paused. "It's too dangerous a secret, Lois, I can't… I shouldn't," he started having second thoughts."Explain… don't explain. Do whatever you think is best." She paused. "I trust you.""Wow…," he said then decided. "Luthor calls it Kryptonite. It's a meteorite from my home world, and it gives off a unique radiation that effects only me. That is what's powering this entire operation… a chunk of rock no bigger than a football… and I can't get within a city block of it." He tried to explain.She touched his arm. "Okay, and it's locked away where? Tell me.""In his lab on the top floor. There's a private elevator through an unmarked door off the north alley. It's open." He turned his head. "Oh no…""You heard something. Wait a second. You're in no shape to...""No choice," he said and turns to her. "Be careful.""You too," she said and watched him return to the carnage.As Clark continued to fight more invaders, but now they are speaking English to the terrified masses, he noted.One citizen asked, "Why are you doing this?""For your own good. I wouldn't expect you to understand."One invader held up a baby for all to see.The mother screamed. "Tara! No, give her back!"Another invader said, "Not in the short time you have left… kill them."Everyone is screaming, then Clark arrives and manages to protect the crowd from bullets, get the baby back and hands her back to her parents.Clark feels weak from the bullets laying on the ground, but he tries to warn them. "People, listen to me. You're being lied to." He turned to the leader, "Tell them the truth, Van-Gar or whatever your name is. Your men are actors working for Luthor!" He continued and tried to stand. "You're an empty threat! Metropolis can and will… fight back." And with those words, he charges him by flying straight at him.Van-Gar stops him and grabs his hands. "I don't know what's brought on this sudden bout of insubordination, soldier." Clark is unable to stop him. "But why don't you ask these delicate little sparrows you say will fight us." Every citizen is standing looking broken and damaged unable to fight only stand and watch the invaders take over.Van-Gar continued. "How 'empty' does this threat look?" He turns to watch a huge green warship arrive with a 'S' shield on the front then shows the war machine to Clark. "Actors are paid frauds Superman. Let this ring in your super-ears. My men aren't doing this for money. We're backing Luthor because he's right. You're the fraud and we're on to you!" He blasts Clark and his costume is blown from his chest then thrown to the ground as he screams in pain. "It's only a matter of time before you turn on anyone weaker than you. That's how it works."As Clark rises with a fist, then he says. "Not… not always." He spoke."What, were you raised in a barn?!" Van-Gar screams at him.With red eyes burning, Clark saves citizens from the warship by picking them both up and flies away but then he hears a familiar voice."Oh God, that kid… Superman!" It's Jim.He returns the two men to safer ground and returns to pick up the child. But then the war machine blasts him but he and the child are both protected by a huge 'S' shield removed from the back of the war machine and held it up for protection for the kid.Jim is screaming, "Front page, Front page! Hello Chief? I'm uploading a shot, now you need to see! No, I still haven't made up my mind whose side Superman's on, but that's about to be a question for the entire world… because as soon as we get this photo online, I guarantee you, within two minutes… it's going to be picked up by every news server there is!"Meanwhile, Luthor is in his office watching the news and there it is: Superman saving a child with a giant 'S' shield to protect them. "Damn it!" He screams as the news feeds appeared from all over the world in different languages as well.The General is communicating. "Mr. Luthor, Sir! Request permission to deploy troops, Sir! LexCorp's Earth-first Security Force is fully armed, ready and eager to engage the invaders Sir!"Luthor is excited. "Any moment now, General. This city is counting on you to eradicate this alien blight. Stand at the ready.""But Sir, the civilians…" General is confused."I said hold, General." Luthor is clear."Commander, I'm granting you an extra sixty seconds." Van-Gar is listening. "Tell me that gives you enough time to break Superman's spine.""With pleasure," he replies."Everyone off the streets! NOW! Please get yourself to safety!" Clark tries to warn the citizens.Van-Gar continues his assault upon Superman and the shield he held up minutes ago. "No one is listening. Do you know why? Because you're utterly predictable."As Clark tries again to save civilians, he screams as a building is about to collapse with hundreds of people are standing on the rooftop hoping to watch the carnage. "Can't hold it long; people go!" They listen and run from the rooftop. Minutes later, everyone is now safe, then Clark is blasted again.Van-Gar is standing over his body out of breath and weak. "I've been waiting all day to say this, Superman. Your 'S' is mine." He turned at the noise.A crowd of citizens are charging at him holding hatchets, rifles, bats, any weapon they could get, coming for him. "Back off; he's with us." Jim is at the front of the crowd mad and ready to fight.~o~o~Meanwhile, in Luthor's Lab, Lois is standing at the front door watching Lex. She listens as Luthor is counting down. "Thirty seconds and counting General, on my mark."She remembers Clark's words to her… 'In Lex's Lab, it's powering this entire operation.' "You would think Luthor would have the courtesy to label his death machines… Okay, try this." There it is. "That's it; that's the meteorite Superman. If you can hear me, I have it." She held up the green shining meteorite. "We've won."Luthor stands near the door listening to her every word.~o~o~Out on the street, the green glare is no longer there, as the invaders approach Superman lying weak and unable to get up, then he opens his eyes.The mad crowd of citizens are coming closer. "Smoke and mirrors, Van-Gar. Superman was right. You all weren't half the threat you pretended to be. We did a lot of this to ourselves, but we're not afraid anymore. Get him!" Jim hollered ready to fight."Don't bother," Clark said, then he rises and hits Van-Gar with his fist and into the sky until he disappears."Oh Jeez, the war machine – that's for real! Take cover!" Jim screams to the crowd."Relax!" Clark is on it. He lifts the entire machine over his head and destroys it throwing it a mile down the street into a ditch.~o~o~Meanwhile, at LexCorp:"Lois Lane, you nosy little twit. How much do you know?" He asked as he grabs the green meteorite from her hand."The same as… everyone will know when I report the story… that you're twice the liar even I figured you were." On the floor where he shoved her away, she laid it all out. "All your warning photos of Kryptonian warships rocketing their way towards us? Bogus." She took a deep breath, then continued. "The spacecraft is genuine, but what everyone overloaded, until I had their backgrounds compared to modern star charts, was that those images are thousands of years old! I also know that by yanking that rock out of your power grid, I just proved that nine-tenths of this invasion force is a broadcast illusion… and that Superman is kicking the teeth out of whatever is left."Lex will not be deterred. "Wishful thinking. Kryptonians aside, I assure you, the LexCorp army amassed downstairs is 100% authentic. Once they've been dispatched, Superman will be…" He didn't finish as an explosion rocked the entire room."Mr. Luthor, Sir! We have a problem," General said."Then solve it! I'm paying you to confirm the Luthor name. Get out of there, NOW!""That's just it, Sir! We can't; the only exit is the bay door, and it's jammed shut… like something huge fell against it from outside!""Well, keep trying! Keep… Lane, get away from there; what are you doing?" He hollered.With a metal poll, she hollered back. "Monkey-wrenching your equipment, you creep!" She replied and continued smashing the console repeatedly.~o~o~Back on the streets, Clark continues to fight the invaders. Van-Gar returns and ordered his men to open fire, but Clark burns their weapons to the ground."Fine, I'll do it myself," Van-Gar said."It looks like your boss has cut you lose." Clark continues to fight. "He would hang you out to dry in a Metropolis second, Van-Gar or whatever your name is. You don't know the real Lex Luthor." Now Van-Gar is on the ground defeated. "Not like I do.""Ouch; I take it you're back in the game…?" Jim asked."Getting there," Clark replied as he held up two fists ready to take on anyone."Good, which by and by, is not to say you don't freak me out a little, but.. well…" He held his torn shirt of the 'S' shield. "I believe this is yours."He takes it and with his laser eyes adds it back. Then they both say simultaneously, "Luthor!"~o~o~Meanwhile, the LexCorp Lab:Lois is on the floor and Lex is dragging her but he still thinks he can win. "They will know Superman's own people will tell me how to stop him." He is still dragging her towards the window. "Communication is a two-way street, Lane. A wormhole to scan Kryptonian's past was always only the first step. The true goal was to send as well as receive… to set up a dialogue. It will accelerate the half-life of the fuel, but so be it. I'll find more."On the floor, Lois speaks. "Fine, you know who else is going to talk? Your fake Kryptonians. They will roll over on you, now that… you're exposed.""As if I hadn't planned for that contingency. Here's a little factoid for your science editor." He touched a hand monitor: click. "When properly engineered, even the tiniest sliver of Kryptonite is enough to make a formidable explosive.""Oh God! Suicide bombers…?!" Lois screamed terrified."Well, technically, not 'suicide' since I left that part out of the hiring brief. Still…" He opens the window. "As they erupt all over the city, with any luck, Superman will be one of the thousands caught in the blasts, if not, well… at least the collateral damage will keep him too busy to help you." He pushes her out the window twenty stories high.Lois screams as loud as she can hoping and praying for a miracle.Clark is busy not believing his eyes and the invaders are exploding one by one.The screams can be heard…"Nooooo! It's trying to detonate! Get it off me! Get it off..! I don't want to die!" Van-Gar is screaming for mercy. "Dear God, please…!"Clark picks him up and takes him to the sky! "Stop whining. Why would he show you mercy, Van-Gar? How many times did he hear that prayer today because of you? Bystanders murdered; city blocks flattened… you're lucky I don't just let you drop. Stop squirming!" The weakness is inside his armor. "Kryptonite burns; almost have it." Then an explosion but he can save him.Then a terrified scream comes to him. "Lois." He flies fast and caught her one foot from the ground.Now in the sky holding her close, he says, "Hi," he smiled.Lois is stunned but deliriously happy to see him. She pulls him close and he is happy she is all right and safe in his arms where she belongs. In his heart, he knew that truth.Back in the damaged lab simulator, Luthor is hoping to make contact. "Come in! Come in! This is Lex Luthor from the planet Earth. My world is in dire peril! I need your help for the love of God, can you hear me?"Clark hears his pleas and remembers. "I think he just wants someone to talk to." Now in the lab, Clark pulls him away from the instruments. "Luthor stop grasping at straws. It's over! Ask Van-Gar; ask everyone who reads tomorrow's news who started this nightmare… and who stopped it!"~o~o~The Daily Planet the next day:The headline: 'Luthor Indicted' with cover photos of Superman saving a child also destroying the green war machine, by Lois Lane and Clark Kent. Below that, a summary: Despite protests of innocence, astrobiologist Lex Luthor was charged today with multiple counts of masterminding terrorist action disguised as an 'alien invasion' on Metropolis.The bullpen is buzzing about the story and Perry has his arms around both Lois and Clark. "So, how are my two-star reporters today?""Dissatisfied, Luthor's doctors are already blaming 'the peculiar actions of this beloved financier' on 'radiation poisoning.' You know Luthor will find a way to beat the charges," Lois said unhappy about it."Someday, but if he does, it will be despite you. In the meantime, nice work," Perry said."Give credit, Chief. Kent is the one who brought in the confession of Van-Gar… alias wacko militia survivalist John Hargerfort and that was the biggest nail in Lex's coffin.""I'll say that's true. Bet Lex Luthor hates Mr. Kent even more than he hates Superman now. You want a bodyguard, Mr. Kent?" Jim asked with a slight chuckle."I'll get by Jim but thanks," Clark replied. As they continued to their desks, he had words for his partner. "Thanks for talking me up probably why I still have a job.""No, you still have a job because I found your crybaby resignation letter before you turned it in and who taught you punctuation, Mr. comma-splice?" She asked teasing him.Now standing over her desk, the question still needs an answer. "Well, if I'm here to stay, maybe… you and I could… I mean if you're not seeing anyone…"She understood what he was asking. "You did just hear me refer to you as a crybaby, right?" She asked still teasing.He sighed. "So noted." Then he had an idea and he still wants an answer. "Lois, look at me." He waited for her to stop typing and turned to face him. "Can we talk in private for a minute? Follow me."She sighed and followed him. Now in the conference room, he shut the door, locked it and to the important part. "When I decided to tell you the truth about me, it wasn't to score points or anything like that. I knew you would look at me differently, not human but Superman with all those powers, but I decided to do it. I wanted us to begin our relationship on solid ground not lies and ways to hide it from you but that you know me inside and out, well physically anyway."She stared at his face and she understood why he told her, but inside everything will take a while to mesh them together in her mind. "Yes, I understand why you told me." She took a deep breath and decided. "Yes, we can go out on a date, only to talk. I'm game." She smiled at him.He came closer, touched her cheek, and thought why not. He leaned down and she didn't push him away. They kissed slowly at first then he pulled her close, her arms reached up to pull him closer hands in his hair. The kisses continued, heads turned and moans were uttered. He pulled away and rested his forehead against hers."Wow, I wasn't expecting that," he whispered."Me neither," she felt stunned but happy.He took her hand but she had more to say about Superman. She touched his chest and drew an 'S' across it. "I know you're still worried about what people think about you but they'll come around. People know now; it stands for courage… it stands for hope… it stands for… Superman. And the entire world will remember that." She smiled at him."Wow," he murmured pleased with those words, and smiled in return then, at the door, "Tonight at 7?"She shook her head and laughed, then "Tonight at 7."TBC!~o~o~Song Inspiration: We Belong Together, Mariah Carey.A/N: This update was a wild ride. I knew from the images and dialogue that it would take a while to put the pieces together, especially the Clois scenes to pull them closer. I hope you enjoyed it. Another chapter is coming. Thanks for reading and comment when you get time.

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Chapter 7: Cast Your Fears AsideThe first date:It's Friday evening and they had a reservation, but they stood in line for half an hour. They entered the restaurant, escorted to their table, and given menus. Clark apologized for the wait, but they could see they were busy. Their table is found in a quiet corner near to a window. It's perfect, exactly where they needed to talk.Moments later, the waiter appeared. "Good evening. My name is Peter and I'm here to serve you. Would you like something to drink, water, wine, a soft drink?" They asked for white wine and water."This place is famous and I'm surprised you managed to get a reservation on such short notice. I should be thanking you; this place is known for its cuisine," Lois said."Thank you, Ms. Lane, I mean Lois." He glanced at his menu. "I have a confession to make. The first time I asked you out, I decided to make a reservation just in case."She smiled at his slip. "Thank you for thinking of me. Okay enough about that, but I'm intrigued. I'm finding it hard to believe that you wanted to date me. Then you confessed that you had feelings for me; remember, during the interview," she teased remembering."Yes, I did admit that, but as I said I had heard of you, meeting you in the bullpen, during the interview, and on the shuttle, I felt our connection. But no, there wasn't anything else, only a date to talk and get to know each other better." He paused thinking of the first time he had seen her. "When we met on the shuttle and your reaction to seeing me in the suit, using my powers but to me it felt important that you see the real me.""The real you? But the real you are sitting in that chair having dinner with me."He frowned. "You truly see me, Clark Kent, and not the other guy?"She shook her head, amused. "Yes, you are Clark Kent. And when I look at you, I see you, not the other guy."He felt relieved but also surprised. "Do you truly mean that?" He asked not believing it."Yes, I do. Look, I can understand why you would believe that 'the other guy' would be uppermost in my mind, but he's not." He still looked confused. "Okay, I admit that a part of me is excited to see the things you can do, but when we worked together, during the invasion, it was Clark, not Superman that I wanted to help."Before he could reply to that stunning comment, Peter appeared with the wine and water then asked if they were ready to order."Yes, we're ready," Clark replied. "You go first."After ordering their meal but he ordered his meal in French. Lois shook her head and thought of all the times she had looked for him but never managed to see him, not including the shuttle."It's funny you would mention the shuttle and the first time I saw you in the suit and in action," Lois said."Yes, as I told you before, you didn't appear afraid, and I couldn't explain how I felt for you to see me like that and not be afraid.""Oh, I see, it all came together that you were real and not a myth that existed only in my mind. I had heard stories about you that you wanted to help people, not hurt them.""I'm a myth? That's strange but I had been helping people since I left college, over five years." He took a sip of wine. "And you, have you always wanted to be a journalist?""Yes, it came into my mind during my last year of high school, but I needed to continue my education and studied in college.""Most kids that age want college but cannot afford it, but odd jobs and working part-time did help. My parents helped but I did manage to finish.""I can see we are a lot alike, meaning college and finding a purpose in life." She took a sip of wine.They stared at each other finding a new understanding about their lives up until this moment. The food arrived and they ate in silence for minutes.They did talk about their early lives, his life on the farm, her life growing up in a broken home, meaning her parents divorced when she and her sister reached their early teens, and that her father is a career soldier, a 4-Star General."A General, wow, that's interesting." He paused. "Lois, I wanted to ask you something before we," he hesitated."What is it?" She felt the tension between them, expected and nice. "Tell me.""Do you feel it?" He did not need to elaborate.She lowered her eyes. "Yes, I do.""Please look at me."She felt worried. "Clark, I'm not sure we should do this.""I understand why you would feel that way, but I would never hurt you.""I know that, not sure why, but I believe you.""Let us finish eating, and we can take a walk and talk more. Okay?""Sure, we can do that," she replied and continued to eat, and he did too.Almost done, Lois had a confession to make. "All the time you were employed at the Planet, I ignored you because of this; you and me together like this.""I understand, and I was afraid because I knew you felt it but I pushed it aside, but I can't seem to do that anymore." He paused. "I think about you all the time."Surprised, she asked, "You do?""Oh yes, all the time," he replied, and the staring continued.Peter arrived, and he could see them staring, then asked. "Are you finished?"Clark managed to pull his eyes from her lovely face. "Yes, we're done," he replied and waited for him to remove their plates. "Would you like dessert?" He asked."No, thanks," she replied."I'll be right back," Peter said and left.He placed his hand on the table, palm up. She took it. "Are you as confused and excited about all of this?""Yes, I never expected any of it, but I'm happy we had this chance to talk and" she hesitated.Peter came back for the card, and minutes later, Clark signed the receipt and left a generous tip on the card."Oh, here you go," Clark said."Thank you, have a nice evening." Peter left them alone."Are you ready?" He asked."Yes, I'm ready," she replied.They left the restaurant. It's getting late, around 9, and his car is a block away, and they walked that way. He took her hand, and she did not pull away."Clark, before we leave, I wanted to ask why you asked me out? I mean, I ignored you for weeks, and then, there you were asking me out.""Let me clear this up. The truth is that I waited a week before I came to the Planet and asked for the job. I had seen your byline in the Planet, and I knew your face. I knew that you were famous, and I wanted to meet you and get to know you." He paused. "Then I thought why not ask her out and you couldn't decide at first and I gave you the time to think about you and me on a date.""During the invasion, we helped each other, and you saved me. Thank you, but I thought we could work together to stop Lex and we did.""So, you thought we could become friends?" He asked."Yeah, friendship was all I could do for now.""I understand," he bowed his head, then, friendship is fine, but his heart was not into it. "But you said that you felt it.""Yes, I did feel it, but I don't think we should.""Is it because I'm an alien and you're worried about that." It's not a question."No, I mean, yes, I'm worried," she admitted.~o~o~At his car, he helped her inside, but before they could leave, he received a call from Police Detective Dan Turpin."Hello, Detective, can I help you?""Yes, I know it's late, but it's an emergency. The D.A. is getting anxious about the case against Luthor. He needs your help to contact Superman and I promised I would call."Clark put the call on speaker. "Ms. Lane is here with me. Tell us what you need.""I would like to speak in private not over the phone. I'm at my office; can you come now and please bring Ms. Lane? It won't take long."She nodded, and he turned the car around and arrived at the station in ten minutes.Now in his office, he mentioned the images they found in Luthor's lab.Lois and Clark glanced at each other. "How can the images help the case?" Clark asked."They were disturbing but it did give the D.A. a reason for the attacks and why Luthor felt the need to do this to the city. It's all disturbing and sad when you think about all the people who were hurt or killed."Clark spoke carefully. "Superman told us about the images that they were hurtful, and he would not want to see them again.""Yes, I know about those images, but the ones I'm speaking of held images of his alleged family. The wormhole technology that Luthor achieved showed a planet's people with an 'S' shield and that could explain why he did this. His defense of having a poisoned and muddied mind is not believed by anyone. The D.A. believes he did it because of his hatred of Superman which proves he planned it for years in advance.""Clark, can we contact Superman somehow and explain this to him? He wants Luthor behind bars after what he did. We all want that," Lois added."Yes, we can do that. Detective, we'll be in touch."He shook his hand. "Thank you, Mr. Kent and you too Ms. Lane."~o~o~They left his office, now in his car, she took his hand. "What changed for you, I mean after we kissed, no more being friends, but it's scary to think what all of this could mean," she said still worried."Yeah, it is scary, but I'm willing to give it a chance… give us a chance." Hope shined through his eyes."Clark, it's going to be difficult to fit me into your life. You fly around helping people and that takes up a lot of your time, and then you do have a job. You need excuses for leaving specially if its short notice after what you hear and you do see my point right?""You see, I was afraid for most of my life to not get involved with anyone," he confessed thinking of his early life."You've never…?""No, Lois, I haven't," he replied."Oh, Clark, I understand; I do, but not having that one special person. I've been afraid as well, but it could be the right time.""I have thought about it, neither of us can live in fear. I don't want that for either of us." He paused. "Being a superhero is one part of the life, but it's not all of it." He paused again. "I want more."She thought about her life and being alone and afraid. "Yes, I want more too," she said believing it."I'll take you home now," he said as hope soared inside his heart.At the door, he stood staring at her waiting and Lois saw it and without thinking, she spoke up. "Come in and we can talk, Okay, only to talk."He followed her inside, feeling nervous and excited to be alone with her a little while longer. "You have a lovely home; this is nice."Now in the kitchen, fixing drinks, she had a question. "Do you have a place to stay?"On the sofa, he replied. "No, I haven't had a chance to search for anything."That took her by surprise. "But it's been weeks since you arrived at the Planet. Where do you sleep; you do sleep don't you?"He chuckled. "Yes, I do need sleep; I am humanoid, but no time to search. I did find a motel and stay there when I can." He bowed his head and felt weird to tell her about the motel."Clark, you need a place to stay." She paused and handed him a glass of wine. "You can stay with me. I have a second bedroom with a pullout sofa bed." She sat down and waited."Thanks for that, but I don't think that's a good idea," he replied and sipped his wine not looking at her hoping she would let it drop."It's only for a few days until you find a place and I can help you. There are several apartments near to the Planet and there could be one available." No answer. "Now get your luggage and you can sleep here. Go on now."He sighed and stood up. "Okay, I'll stay. I'll be right back."She smiled and escorted him to the door. "I'll see you soon."She watched him enter his car and drive away. Back in her apartment, she opened the bed, added clean sheets, a blanket and pillows for him. She did feel strange about him sleeping here but he's a friend and needs a safe place to stay, she told herself. She tried without success not to think about his appearance, an extremely attractive man sleeping in the bedroom next to her. She shook her head then the knock. "That was quick; he's fast."He smiled and stepped inside carrying several pieces of luggage, but he felt nervous for a reason. "Are you sure about me staying here?" He asked hoping to break the tension."I'm sure now follow me and I'll show you around." She said but her racing heart confused her. She showed him the bathroom and then the spare bedroom. "My sister Lucy sleeps here when she's in town. I changed the sheets and added a blanket and pillows. You're all set.""Thank you for doing this and I'll try to stay out of your way. I'm a quiet sleeper, I mean, I don't snore or get up late, and" he rambled."Clark, you're funny. Now, I'm a late sleeper. I usually rise at 8 and eat a quick breakfast and," she rambled too."I guess we're both nervous," he said and smiled.She looked him up and down, nervous yes, but entirely turned on by his appearance. I'm in a lot of trouble, she thought. "I'll let you get settled and say goodnight.""Goodnight, Lois and thanks again." She stood there watching him. He placed one piece of luggage on the bed, then loosened his tie, pulled it out, then his jacket, hung it in the closet. He added clothes to the dresser drawers, and he realized she's still there. "Oh, did you want to ask me something?"She shook her head to clear it. "No, but you said that you're humanoid, and that means that," she stopped unable to think straight.He smiled indulgently. "Yes, I can do what other men do, with women, if they both want tenderness and affection," he explained staring at her, but his eyes slowly moved over her body."Oh, I see." Unable to move but stare, then. "Goodnight Clark." She finally left and headed to her bedroom, shut the door and leaned against it. Her heart is beating too fast, and she placed her hand over her heart and took several deep breaths to calm down. She felt that look and she burned.Clark shook his head and managed to calm his racing heart. He finished unpacking and realized the bed is too short for him. But he lay down under the covers, rolled to his side and tried to get comfortable. He smiled and thought of her reactions to him. He loved it but being this close to her and not able to be closer meaning to take that next step.He would wait for her, forever if he needed but he hoped it wouldn't take that long. His mind returned to the Detective and the images related to his family. Luthor hadn't shown him those images only animals of his planet and the sickening one he had no wish to see that again, but it's burned inside his brain. He may never forget it. Having Lois with him means everything and if he did see them again, she'll be there with me, and with those calming thoughts, he fell into a very deep sleep.Now the dream:I can see myself on the farm, and I'm running fast extremely fast and then I disappeared over the corn flying and carefree, no worries, only the sky and me as I flew higher, and I love every minute of it. I wake up suddenly and I'm above the bed hovering. I dropped down feeling silly but happy. I look to my left then Lois is there in my room but I'm not asleep, she's there in my room staring at me."Lois?" He spoke her name but she's not there. He rubbed his tired eyes and she's not there. He lay back down. "Only a dream," he said to himself or was it, he wondered.Lois is outside in the corridor and he's amazing, she thought, hovering over the bed, but all she could do was watch him thinking of the words. 'I'm humanoid.'TBC!~o~o~Song Inspiration: The Little Things, Whitney Houston.A/N: When I decided to add another chapter, it felt weird to end it without the date, then other thoughts like, will they or won't they, and yes I decided to wait and we will dive into the investigation into what happened during the invasion and why. Now, tell me what you think and thanks for reading.

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Chapter 8: Krypton's LastLois's apartment, an hour before dawn:Clark woke up, and remembered he's not in Smallville, the motel, but in Lois' apartment in her spare bedroom. He yawned and stretched and realized this bed is not comfortable. He stared searching for her and she's still asleep, but he realized her bed is king size then thoughts of sleeping with her if only. He shook his head, left the bed and headed to the bathroom to shower and change.Lois woke up and heard the shower running and remembered it's him. What time is it and glanced at the clock. It's early, too early to rise. He's an early riser, but it didn't surprise her and tried to go back to sleep. Her alarm would wake her up.Clark is getting dressed then his thoughts of telling her about Krypton, his family on the images the Detective told them he wanted Superman to see. Fully dressed, now in the suit, he had to tell her the truth.Instead of flying to the sun, he added his regular clothes over the suit and stood on the balcony. The sun is fully up now, and this would have to do until he could find a place.Lois is awake and he waited for her to join him. On the sofa watching the early news, he watched as she entered the kitchen and opened the refrigerator."Good morning," he said and waited for her to speak."Good morning. I heard you in the shower and I suppose you're an early riser?""Yes, I'm sorry if I woke you, but I need the sun first thing," he apologized."Don't worry about it. I'm fixing breakfast; do you want to eat with me?""Sure, can I help; I do love to cook?"That's good to know, she thought. "You can help; only scrambled eggs with cheese and toast, no bacon."He came into the kitchen. "Okay, I can fix the eggs and you do the toast," he said and chuckled. "Do you know how to cook?" He asked stirring the eggs."Well, now that you mention it, no, only a few dishes; I never learned." She replied sadly."I can teach you," he said and showed her how to cook the eggs without over-heating them."Oh, that's easy. Thanks, Clark." She added jam, butter, glasses, and orange juice to the table.They fixed their plates and sat down at the kitchen table. "Oh, I have juice, no coffee.""Juice is fine," he said.Now eating, Lois commented. "I'm starved. Not to complain, but the dinner last night, the portions were small, and I should have asked for dessert.""Well, the dessert choices are even smaller," he smiled and laughed; she did too. "I think we should check in with Detective Turpin about our meeting with him about Luthor. It's the weekend, but he did say it's urgent. I truly do not want to do it, but if it will help the case, we should arrange a meeting." He paused. "I truly want you with me.""Of course, I'll go with you. I want to help in any way that I can.""Thank you, Lois." He paused and took a sip of juice. "Can we talk about… us?"She froze unsure what to say, but she guessed talking wouldn't hurt. "Okay we can talk, but where should we start?""The invasion, you and me, and we should start there. I wanted to thank you for helping me especially the way you met with Luthor… you almost died and it's not the first time, but it forced me to think about you and me and how we'll manage our partnership going forward." She looked upset. "I'm sorry, Lois, but after he forced you out that window, I knew he did it for me to save you." He paused. "You see, being with me, even when we work together, you could be in danger and that is the price you pay to be with… me." He stopped and let her digest this truth about them as a couple.Lois tried to understand, but one thought hit her hard, their relationship. "I see, but is that the reason you've never had an open and honest relationship with anyone?""Yes, that is the reason, but I do care for you in a way that I've never felt before," he replied hoping she would open up about her feelings.She stood up and walked over to the balcony. "That is a lot to take in."He followed her. "I felt you should know. Being with me, the person that I am, it may cause you pain and I don't want that. Hurting you is the last thing I want, but circumstances can't always be controlled."She frowned and turned to face him. "You sound as if you're blaming yourself for what happened. None of it was your fault. Luthor hated you because of what you are. There's no way you could have changed him. He felt determined and the Detective is right. He planned it for a long time, long before you revealed your powers in Metropolis.""That is true. Let's sit down for a minute; I need to tell you something." They sat down on the sofa; he took her hand. "You were right when you saw us together after the chopper failures.""Then it's true that you met before that?" She suspected it."Yes, we met when I was a teenager in Smallville, my last year of high school, but we were never friends. I did try, but he was not into being friends. His intellect and the way Lex grew-up with one parent, a father, but I couldn't break through.""I see and he knows your secret, that you're an alien?""Yes, he found out a long time ago. He connected the dots and that's when the meteorite became important to him because it affected me. That is how it came into the picture.""The green meteorite explains why he became obsessed with you and where you came from.""That's when it all started." Agitated, he stood up and walked. "Lois, the Detective needs to know why Luthor did it. I would need to reveal my secret."She followed him and touched his arm. "No, you don't need to tell him any of that. All he needs to know is that what you are is the only reason Luthor did it; nothing more."He thought about it. "You're right." He paused. "I guess we need to make that call.""And I'll be with you every step of the way." She smiled."Come here," he said profoundly grateful then pulled her close and they hugged tightly, as a friend, but Clark closed his eyes enjoying it far too much.Lois hated to admit it, but her eyes closed as well. Seconds later, her eyes popped open and she's the first to pull away, then the staring and it did not stop until her cellphone rang."I should get that." In the kitchen, she answered the call. "Perry, good morning; what is it?""Oh, good morning, Lois. Detective Turpin called here looking for you. Are you with Kent? He's looking for him too.""Yes, he's here and we're about to call him. Thanks Perry.""What did Perry want?""Detective Turpin called the Planet looking for both of us. I'll call him now.""Wait, before you do that, we need to produce a plan to manage this. I cannot be in two places at the same time. You meet with him and tell him that I'm a little jealous of you and Superman. He'll accept that I'm not there with you. Then I can meet you both at the Tower as Superman."Surprised, she said, "Oh, you're right, and yes, that's a clever idea, but you can't be jealous of yourself; that makes no sense." She shook her head amused at that idea."I know it makes no sense, and it may sound silly but sometimes I am a little jealous." At her raised eyebrows, he tried to explain and sat down; she sat beside him. "There's a part of me that at first did not accept my powers, not at all. Being raised as a human but when my powers appeared, I had no choice but to accept them, that I'm not human, that I'm different from everyone else on the planet. It was tough."She took his hand. "Oh, Clark, I've never thought of it that way. I'm sorry you had to go through that." She paused and watched his face. "Do you feel that way because of me and how we've become close as friends?""Lois, we're more than friends; aren't we?" He squeezed her hand.She glanced at their joined hands. "Yes, we are," she admitted.He leaned over and they kissed repeatedly enjoying it. His hand touched her cheek, and he did not want to stop, not ever. After a minute, they pulled away at the same time."I need to make that call." She called the Detective, and he listened as she explained that Clark had errands to run, now that they're living together, and that he'll meet us at the station after the Tower images are revealed."Why did you mention us living together?" He asked but he liked it."He understood that you don't want to meet with Superman, that we're close; that's all.""Now that's a clever way to explain it; good thinking.""Ok, let's go, and I'll call you after it's over." She smiled.~o~o~They left the apartment. Clark headed to the Planet, only for appearances, while Lois met with the Detective. He accepted the excuses about Clark not being there and they left for the Tower.Superman is waiting for them at the Tower entrance because it's roped off since the invasion. Clark greeted them both and shook Turpin's hand.Now inside the Tower in the Lab, where Luthor made all his plans for years to discredit Superman, and their tenuous relationship since they met all those years ago.Detective Turpin explained that it's a crime scene and nothing has been touched but they had brought in computer experts hoping to find evidence that explains Luthor's actions.Superman spoke up. "That must have taken a long time; this place is in shambles.""Yes, it did take a while, but the computer was restored, and we were able to retrieve the images we need from the wormhole that were not destroyed."Lois felt the urge to take his hand but refrained. He's standing close and he felt the same but instead he placed his arm over her shoulder.Detective Turpin explained. "As I said, the images you don't want to see are not here."Relieved, he said, "Thank you, Detective."Turpin turned back to the computer. "Let me see," he said and seconds later the images appeared.Clark felt stunned as images of Kryptonian citizens appeared before them. He gasped and he could see his parents. He knew it as they were holding a baby, and they were speaking to him. His mother kissed his forehead, but they could also see vague images of more citizens speaking their language and also fading in and out.Clark knew what's happening. "They're dying." He closed his eyes, then he could hear Lex speaking to his parents."I am real; take heed! We can save each other!" Luthor is screaming, hoping they could hear him.His Father spoke. "Wouldn't listen to me, Lara. It's hopeless."His Mother spoke. "I know, Jor-El, but keep faith in what we have conducted… for it is Kal-El's only chance of survival. Our son, the last of the El family… the last son of Krypton."Clark spoke up. "Mother? Father? Kal-El? That's me and my name is Kal-El of Krypton. That's me."Luthor spoke. "Last of your race, which makes this genocide. I'm doing you a favor, Superman. It's agony to be alone in this world."The images are still there as screams are heard and silenced. Kal-El's ship is launched, and he is traveling up into the sky.Jor-El's words. "Goodbye my son. Forgive me."Lara's words. "You've nothing to be sorry for. You gave Kal-El all a father can give his son. You gave him every chance."Jor-El's last words. "But will that be enough? We'll never know." His parents watched but could no longer see the ship anymore.Clark instinctively reached out to them, but the images faded as more screaming of citizens and then silenced.This time Lois took his hand and brought it down to her side.Detective Turpin took a minute for them to digest what they saw, but he's curious about the evidence and if it's enough to convince the D.A. "What do you think?""Superman, what are you thinking?" Lois asked but she's still holding his hand."I think it's enough. He did say he wanted me gone and after seeing those images of my family, and the shocking ones as well, he seemed convinced that I would accept my death and no matter who was hurt; he didn't care.""My thoughts exactly," Detective Turpin said. "Thank you for doing this coming here and I hope it will give you some matter of comfort, that your parents wanted you to live, and rest assured they will know."Clark's eyes watered. "Thank you," he said and shook his hand."Yes, thank you Detective," Lois said and she too shook his hand."I'll see you out," Turpin said.They left the Tower, and once outside, Lois pulled out her cellphone for appearances and called Clark to come pick her up at the Tower."I can take you wherever you need to be," Superman said."Oh, thank you, but I'm sure you're busy and," she started."It's no trouble," he said, then, "Here we go; hold on tight." He picked her up and they flew away.Turpin shook his head, watching them. "Wow, will you look at that!"~o~o~"Okay, where are you taking me?" Lois asked. "My car is at the station.""I can pick it up later. Your place is close, and we do need to clear up a few things," he replied."That sounds vague but intriguing. We can talk but only if you're up to it. Those images were sad and upsetting.""Yes, they were, but Turpin was right. My parents loved me and wanted me to live but other than that, there's no need to talk about it.""Are you sure; I saw your face and you seemed upset?""Only a little; I felt sad because they're dead, but they can rest assured that I made it and I am living my life… with you by my side; if you'll have me?"Lois felt touched he would ask. "Oh Clark, what you said about being with you because it could be dangerous, I'm willing to take that risk to be with you.""Do you mean it?" He smiled happy to hear it."Yes, I mean it," she replied.Now on the rooftop of her apartment building, still carrying her, they entered the corridor, she pulled out her key from her purse and gave it to him.He set her down, but now he's having second thoughts about doing it. "Lois please give me a minute. I think I do need to talk about what happened at the Tower. It won't take long. Here, sit down.""Alright, Clark, go ahead.""It's the first time seeing them that way. The ship I arrived in didn't have images only my name and where I came from, but nothing about the planet exploding and why they sent me here.""Oh, Clark, I'm sorry.""Seeing them like that, as a family with me as a baby, it felt amazing and wonderful. It gave me hope.""What do you mean hope?""It meant that maybe I didn't have to be alone, and that I could find someone who would accept me as I am and not be afraid, but to love me no matter what.""Everyone wants that, but it's hard to find that one person. Believe me, I have tried.""I know you have and you and me together like this, it does make you think."She could see where this is going. "Clark, look, you've been, how do I say this, forthcoming about your feelings, but I hoped you would give me time to accept everything about you and I think I may need more time.""I see," he said disappointed. "You can have all the time you need. Why don't I call for dinner delivered. What would you like for dinner?""It's a little early, you can call in about an hour or so. I would like a pizza maybe?""I love pizza. I'll call around 7. How's that?""That's fine," she replied. "How about we watch a movie and talk about work? That's a safe subject."He shook his head. "Sure, we can talk about work and our cases.""Oh, I almost forgot; let me get my keys; my car is still at the station." She handed him the keys."I'll be back in seconds," he said and left.She smiled thinking, he sure is handy to have around.~o~o~After pizza and a movie, her head on his shoulder, watching television, Lois is getting sleepy, but also restless and uncertain about them. It's been only several months since they had met, but it feels like more than that. She couldn't understand why she felt that way.Being with him, time seemed to have slowed down and she knew the reason. Her time with him is more important than any time she would spend at work or anywhere else. She loved spending time with him.She sat up straighter, glanced at his face and he's watching commercials, switching channels looking for something else to watch."It's late, and we should say good night." She stood up and he did too."Goodnight, Lois.""Goodnight, Clark."TBC!~o~o~Song Inspiration: Gravity, Sara Bareilles.A/N Come back for the last chapter where Lois and Clark will have choices to make. The wormhole images were featured earlier in the book, but I decided to add them later in the story. One week from today and everything will fall into place. Thanks for reading and please comment when you get time.

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Chapter 9: All I've Ever WantedLois' apartment, late at night:It's after midnight and Clark is restless and he couldn't sleep thinking of Lois across the hall in that huge bed. In the kitchen searching for a snack, but he looked over the counter and she is there watching him. He had to tell her again what she means to him."The first time I saw you on the shuttle, I became enthralled. Your confidence, not being afraid, everything about you excited me. I'll say it again. I can't stop thinking about you; I can't sleep." He paused. "Do you think of me?"Silence followed that question, but she looked everywhere but at his face."Is that a, no?" He asked quietly."Or a yes, either." She pauses not ready to say good night again. "It's late." She stopped. "Wait; I must be losing my mind."He heard it then. "What are you afraid of?"She ignored that question, picked up their dinner plates and headed to the kitchen.He sighed and came closer. "You're afraid of us, here and now, aren't you?" He asked, but it hit a nerve. "I'm sorry."She sighed. "It's not you; it's me.""Lois, no more fear; we both decided not to live our lives that way.""You're right." Decision made, she left the kitchen and walked down the hall, turned and whispered. "Are you coming?" She lifted her night shift over her head. At the bedroom door, she had to make him understand. "I don't want to start anything with someone who's unavailable."He understood what she means. "I'm available.""That's all I ask, and I know you'll try. It will be difficult for us, but I'm willing to give us a chance." She smiled, pulled his arm and they kissed.Now in her bedroom, both in underwear, but he had to know. "Are you sure about this?" He didn't give her a chance to answer, then, "Lois, you did have doubts about us being together in this way. I do appear human, but I'm not, and you are human. It's a lot to think about, and" he said but she stopped him with a kiss.He kissed her back for minutes, then foreheads touching, she had a few words for him. "Clark, I've never talked about my past, but I haven't been this close for several years and I don't want to mess this up, not with you.""I understand, but our perceptions are colored by what we fear, what we love, but we do the best we can."She pulled him closer. "My best these past few years is not good enough. I can author stories, but I can't seem to read people.""You didn't have any trouble seeing through me." He pulled her closer and kissed her forehead.She closed her eyes. "I told myself that I liked being alone.""Lois, you are not alone, not anymore.""Clark, just hold me close and don't let go.""I'm right here," he whispered, and they kissed passionately. Still kissing, he picked her up and took her to bed. He pulled her closer both enjoying it, and she felt how much he cared about her. Now naked, they at once back in each other's arms needing this closeness like never.He managed to speak. "I love us for the way our eyes make love to each other's soul.""Oh, yes, that's true," she said. Then pulled his head down and kissed him again in deep wet kisses that had her writhing and thrusting her hips against him, holding tightly to each other.Clark must be in heaven, but he could not believe his luck. She tasted and felt so incredible to him. Her lips parted under the weight of his tongue as it slipped inside her mouth, demanding a response. She melted against him. He kissed her fully as she came into his arms whimpering her need. She found the words. "I like to be alone, but I would rather be alone with you."He smiled at those words. As his lips moved down her neck where he sucked gently at her skin, and she tilted her head to the side to give him more access. Lois knew his need, felt his desire in the strength of his kisses. His enthusiastic moans and rapid breathing fueled her own desire, and she clung to him, trying to pull him closer. His fingers moved over her center as Lois gasped into his mouth and arched her back. "Please, I need you!""In due time, but you are my today and all my tomorrows." He whispered hoping they could do this all night. He needed her this night and every night for the rest of their lives. He felt stunned to think about them like this now until forever. Clark captured her mouth again in a deep kiss tasting her pleasure as it rushed through him when he tasted her tongue, warm and sweet in his mouth.Lois felt desire course through her veins, his enthusiastic kisses were as welcome as a summer rain. She clung to his shoulders pulling him atop her. The warmth of his body pressing her into the mattress enflamed her as she arched her hips against his. Her fingers closed around his hard length and then smoothed over the head causing him to moan into her mouth.He tried to slow things down a little by kissing his way down her throat to her chest, taking a pebbled nipple in his mouth and drawing on the tight bud and flicking his tongue back and forth. His leg slid between hers, and she rubbed her damp curls against his thigh, needing the pressure to reduce the throbbing he had created.Clark's hands continued to roam over her body. He's breathing fast, her moans of pleasure excited him beyond rational thought, but despite his raging need, he took his time loving her completely. Their first time will be memorable. His kisses were deeper, more forceful, and his movements against her chest caused a burning urgency that made her twist and turn against him. His mouth slanted, lips tugging and teasing as he continued to kiss her repeatedly. He was a man who loved kissing. That one pure joy was central to his existence as the air he breathed or the sun healing him and restoring his strength.Lois broke his consuming kiss on a gasp when his fingers thrust easily inside her. His breath came in harsh pants against her face. Her hands moved from his shoulders to cradle his face in her hands. "Oh yes, my heart beats faster as you take my hand, my love grows stronger as you touch my soul." She waited after speaking those words."Oh yes, stronger together," he managed to say. As he withdrew his fingers and positioned himself between her thighs and slowly slid home, and soon found the rhythm that had her writhing in his arms. She felt so close around him that the pressure began to form at once. Minutes later, he felt her walls hold him, she cried his name as she bucked against him, and his orgasm rushed to meet him. He buried his face in her neck as he pulsed inside of her.Clark raised his head to look at her. "I've loved you from the moment we met." At those words, she smiled at him and touched his cheek, and she's a beautiful remarkable sight. Her hair was strewn about the pillow and her eyes were closed as she licked her dry lips. She slowly opened her eyes and gazed at her lover. She reached up to smooth his hair away from his forehead. He had no idea how handsome he is none, she thought.Moments later after a few kisses and sweet caresses, he pulled out of her warm body, cleaned them up a bit, and pulled her close. "Wow" he whispered then, "I want to feel your skin against mine every night."Lois chuckled in complete agreement. "You read my mind, Mr. Kent." Smiling, she kissed him tasting his warm skin. Her kisses flowed over his cheek, his ear then down his throat.Clark closed his eyes, sighed, and wondered again how he had gotten so lucky.~o~o~Morning came, and for a second, he thought last night had been a dream, a beautiful dream he thought it would never end but the sun is up; time to rise. He turned his head and Lois is beside him, close to him and he still could not believe they made love and it felt incredible. He lay there unable to move or even think about anything but to kiss her again and he did.Lois woke up to tender kisses to her cheek and her ear. She sighed, relaxed and slowly opened her eyes loving every minute of it. "Hum, good morning.""Good morning, we have all day and besides eating, I wouldn't mind if we stayed in bed all day. I want to kiss every corner of your body to express all the love, which I have in my heart.""Oh Clark, I love you." She smiled and stretched her muscles a bit sore in all the right places. "Yes, I like the way you think." Then the doubts. "Do you truly mean it that you love me?""Yes, you cannot possibly doubt my love for you?""No, I don't doubt it but you and me together like this, it feels like a miracle."He pulled her close, her head on his chest. 'Yes, I think it's a miracle, the way we met, and connected in many ways, it feels like fate, if only a little."She leaned up on her elbow. "I think you're right; it does feel that way.""Especially when you fought it hard, but I was a patient man," he said with a straight face.She chuckled and lay back down. "Oh, you were patient, not at all. At every chance to get me alone, you turned on the charm, smiling and teasing me and trying to kiss me.""Well, it worked and here we are," he said smiling.She smiled. "Yes, here we are, and I wouldn't change one minute of it.""Neither would I," he whispered, leaned over and they kissed passionately. After a minute, "race you to the shower." He jumped out of bed.She shook her head and followed him. The water is running, but it's cold and they kissed while they waited for the water to warm. In a minute now under the spray, too busy kissing to wash their bodies.He surprised her, pushed her up against the shower wall, lifted her legs and then he's inside of her, kissing and showing her how much he could not get enough. Neither can she, then she whispered, "Yes, give it to me." Minutes later, his orgasm rushed to meet him, and she climaxed, then they kissed again passionately.Minutes later, they made love again, but they did manage to clean their bodies. They dried off, and she dressed in her bedroom, and he did the same in his room. Now both fully dressed in comfortable clothes, she realized he's in the kitchen fixing breakfast. Over the counter, she watched but he's finished and pulled out a chair for her. "Breakfast is ready; have a seat."'"What's this? You're spoiling me, but I love it." She sat down and waited. "How did you know I liked oatmeal?""I have my ways," he replied and sat down. "Dig in while it's hot.""You gave me bananas too? I liked bananas in my oatmeal when I was a kid.""Who didn't? Eat up."He took a bite of his oatmeal. "She must have taught you something, I mean, nothing at all?""Well, I did understand several lessons, you know, how to turn on the stove, boil things, and frying meat, little things like eggs, toast, and oatmeal, but not much else.""My Mom taught me that cooking a meal, especially dinners that it's a way of loving, but I didn't understand that part of it," he said."Oh, but that's what family dinners are all about. Those are some of my best memories before she… left us.""I'm sorry honey, but as I said, I can teach you anytime, just ask me.""Sure, thanks. Honey? That's sweet." She paused and took a sip of juice. "Are we going to talk about our first time and the… unique words?"He swallowed with difficulty. "Oh, that?"''Yes, we both said those words in our own unique way, and I meant it; did you?""Yes, I did, every word," he replied and smiled and took her hand. "I can say it again. I love you, Lois with all my heart.""I love you, Clark," she said as her eyes watered."Okay, now none of that. What do you want to do today?" She wiggled her eyebrows and took a sip of juice and smiled. "You know, we haven't talked about work not the entire weekend," he said."That is strange but true. What does that say about us?" She asked but she had no clue why they hadn't talked about one of their favorite obsessions… the Daily Planet."I have no idea, but it could mean we had other more important matters on our minds… like living, loving, talking, learning how to accept the way we are, and not to try and change but to move forward and hope it turns out all right," he replied."I'll drink to that." She held up her juice glass and he did the same and took a sip.He looked her up and down. "Are we ready to discuss more important matters?" He smiled his meaning clears."Follow me!" She left the kitchen and headed to the bedroom; he's right behind her.~o~o~Monday morning, the Planet:Coffee in hand, they stepped off the elevator and everyone noticed the change, the smiles as if they had a secret. They sipped their coffee and realized both their desks were empty."What's happening?" Lois asked.Clark asked the same. "What's going on?""You all must be in another world. Perry sent an email to the entire staff Friday evening. Your private office is all set up right over there. Take a look," Jim said.They both checked the Planet emails on their phones, and it's directed to the entire staff including them. "Oops!" They spoke at the same time.Now at the door, they noticed their names in bold letters: Lois Lane… Clark Kent.Both stunned but extremely happy about it. "It's true; we're partners, in every way," she said and smiled.He did the same. "Come here." He grabbed her and kissed her right there in front of everyone.Applause and shouts of congratulations were barely heard, but they came up for air, entered the office, and shut the door. He picked her up and twirled her around then kissed her sweetly.Perry knocked, opened the door and he saw the kiss. "Okay, guys, enough of that, the staff meeting is in half an hour.""We'll be there, Chief and thank you for doing this for us; you will not be disappointed," Lois said eyes shining with happiness."Yes, thanks, Chief," Clark said and pulled her close from behind.Perry felt uncomfortable for a second. "I have no doubts on that score. Now, get to work." He smiled which is a rare sight and left them alone.They both sat down and read the staff emails again and it's true. Lois and Clark were promoted as partners meaning the same bylines and stories. They loved the idea but there are concerns."What if we disagree on how the story should be written?" Lois asked worried."We'll talk it through, discuss the issue, and work on it all night if needed," he replied and smiled to lighten the mood."I suppose that will work," she said still worried. "But do you remember when you first arrived, I didn't want us to be rivals for stories but now we can work together and that will solve any problems that may occur.""Exactly, and if we have issues, we'll talk it through, like we always do," he said sure of it.Still worried, she said. "But what if," she began, but he is there beside her chair. He turned her around and spoke clearly. "Please do not ask for trouble. We will talk it through and work it out, Okay?""But I remember another partnership that fell through. They argued, couldn't agree, did not speak, then they quit, left the paper and they never came back." Her eyes watered, still worried."Come here," he said, pulled her up and held her close. "Please calm down." He stroked her back and kissed her cheek. "We talked day and night; didn't we?" She nodded. "That's not going to stop; we'll talk and talk, and you'll get sick of me if I don't shut up."She laughed and pulled him back into her arms. "I'm sorry, I'm only a little thrown by our new office and it's official; we're partners.""Yeah, we are," he said but now he's worried."Clark, look at me. We can do this, Okay; I know we can.""Of course, we can. Oh, look at the time, we have ten minutes."They both sat down, logged on and at once checked the Planet website, local news sites as well searching for any news about Luthor and hopefully a trial date will be set and soon."I found something, page 3, second column," Clark said and read the headline. It says, "Police Raid Luthor Tower.""That's old news, but nothing new?" She asked."No, I can't find anything else. That is strange.""After the visit to the Tower, it's big news, but Turpin must have kept it quiet," Lois said, then, "I haven't told you this, but during our drive to the Tower, I offered myself as a witness.""Oh, I understand; the fact that Luthor tried to kill you?""Yes, I felt he should know.""I don't think they'll need your testimony, but I do wonder if Perry knows anything."He thought about it. "I don't think Perry knows. I suppose we'll hear something at the staff meeting. Let us go now."After the meeting, they asked Perry, but he hadn't heard anything about the case.Now they were worried. Back in their private office, they decided to call Detective Turpin and left a message. Minutes later, he called back and told them Luthor has been released on bond and the investigation is ongoing."I get the feeling that this case is going nowhere fast. Luthor is extremely rich with lawyers, and he will get the charges dropped; you wait and see," Lois said disgusted by that idea. "Clark, did you hear me?""Yes, I heard you and you're right." He's listening, then he heard something. "I need to leave; cover for me; I'll call you." He left and closed the door behind him.Lois put her head in hands but she's worried about the Luthor story. The door opened. "Did you forget something?" It's not Clark, but Lex Luthor.Lois froze and stood up slowly unsure what to say. "You need to turn around and leave or I will call security.""I only want to talk. Where's Kent, on a rescue?" He paused. "It won't take long."Seconds later, Clark walked in and shut the door, stunned he would do this. "Luthor?""Hello Clark.""GET OUT NOW!" Clark is losing it and came closer.Lois stepped between them. "Luthor, you're asking for trouble, but you do not want to challenge him; leave now.""You haven't seen the last of me," Luthor said and left.Clark walked over to the window and took several deep breaths to calm down. She went into his arms holding him close."We will stop him, Clark."He pulled her closer. "Yes, we will."~o~o~Three months later:Lois and Clark as part of the media were in attendance during the one-week trial, the verdict, and sentencing phases. The wormhole images and witness testimony from unlawful armed militia, did Luthor no good. The prosecution had enough for the senseless and unprovoked attack on Metropolis. The charges were many including attempted homicide; illegal weapons; premeditated domestic terrorism; unlawful deaths; and other crimes.The verdict: Guilty on all charges. The sentence: Federal Prison for the maximum of 30 years, plus $100M in damages and fines.In handcuffs, hands behind his back, Luthor turned and saw Lois and Clark, smiling, holding each other, then they both turned and waved goodbye.The end.~o~o~Song Inspiration: Cherish the Day, Sade.A/N: Yes, this is the end. At first, I felt undecided whether to add a Luthor trial but added a summary instead. Lois and Clark connecting is always fun to write and I hope you enjoyed it. Thank you for reading my story from the 'comics' verse and please comment or kudo when you get time. Bye for now!