A probably highly unlikely little twist, but I like it. This is totally canon with Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, right down to the baby in the series finale. As far as I'm concerned, in this story and in the finale in general, that baby was Lois and Clark's biological child, a gift from Zara and Ching who realized they may not be biologically compatible until Lois' body acclimated itself to Clark's. Using their superior medical technology, and a little bit of DNA they had stored of Clark and Lois, they made a baby, Zara carried it, and they sent it on its way to Earth. That's my theory and I'm sticking to it, unless I change my mind.

Lois and Clark belong to whoever owns them at this point…I sure don't. I wish I owned Dean Cain, though. He's super hot.

Cat Grant idly flipped through the pages of the previous day's edition of the Daily Planet. Even though it had been years since she worked at the Planet and lived in Metropolis, she still liked to keep abreast of the news there. She liked to read the articles written by her former friends and co-workers. Sometimes she would get a little wistful about it, but most of the time she laughed.

The articles that made her laugh the most were about Lois Lane, and there were usually quite a few every week. For some reason, Lois had more of a knack than ever for getting herself into trouble…usually needing rescue from Superman.

"Like she doesn't do that on purpose," Cat muttered as she flipped through the city section. For once though, Lois wasn't on the front page. Her byline was, well, her byline with Clark was. Cat shook her head in disbelief. After three years, those two were still partners. She didn't know Lois had it in her. She wondered if, after all this time, Clark had managed to break into Fort Lois. Lord knew he'd thrown more longing gazes at that woman than Cat had ever seen on a man's face in her lifetime.

She glanced with disinterest over a follow up article on the recent Ultrawoman spectacle. "Seen one superhero, seen 'em all," she said softly. She squinted at the picture of Ultrawoman. It was a good picture, credited to James Olsen, she noticed with a raised eyebrow. Very good picture, actually. Funny, but Ultrawoman looked familiar…Cat shrugged. Oh, well. She wasn't likely to ever see her. She had been in Metropolis and Cat was in L.A. Plus, Ultrawoman claimed she had to leave. "Leave for where, anyway?" Cat wondered aloud.

She sipped her coffee and glanced at her clock. Well, she still had twenty minutes before she needed to leave for work. Her work at the Los Angeles Chronicle fulfilled her in ways the Daily Planet hadn't. Sure, being a gossip columnist had been fun, but as she got older, she found herself wanting to change her image into something more respectable…well, incrementally, at least. The Chronicle had afforded her the opportunity to reinvent herself. While the destruction of the Planet had been devastating, it had allowed her to put her old life behind her and become someone she'd never had the nerve to become.

Maybe Lois had rubbed off on her more than either of them had thought.

She flipped past the obits and was about to turn past the wedding announcements when a picture caught her eye which made her splutter her coffee all over the table. "No way!" she gasped, mopping up the coffee, unable to take her eyes from the photo.

It was one of the publicity photos from the 'Hottest Team in Town' campaign the chief had pushed. Clark Kent, as hot as ever, she thought, standing with his arms crossed and a little smirk on his face. Lois Lane was leaning against him, also with her arms crossed, with an even bigger smirk. Cat had to grudgingly admit the genius behind the campaign. Sales had skyrocketed, windows across town had been plastered with photos of the team, and Lois and Clark had become the Daily Planet's crown jewel. Few reporters ever built up notoriety the way they had. Cat could count on her hand the number of reporters she remembered by name.

Clearly, they had taken their partnership beyond the professional. The photo was under the engagements heading.

Cat picked up the article, brushing off a smear of coffee. "'The Daily Planet is pleased to announce the recent engagement of our top reporting team, Clark Jerome Kent and Lois Joanne Lane. Kent, 29, was raised in Smallville, Kansas, and is the son of Jonathan and Martha Kent. He is a graduate of Midwestern State University, and traveled extensively before his employment with the Daily Planet, where he has since won a Kerth Award. Lane, 28, was raised in Metropolis, New Troy, and is the daughter of Dr. Samuel and Ellen Parker Lane. She is a graduate of New Troy State University, has been a reporter for the planet since her graduation, and has three Kerth Awards to her name. The pair met three years ago when Kent began his employment at the Planet. They were partnered shortly thereafter, and have been dating for approximately nine months. No wedding date had been set at this time. We at the Daily Planet would like to extend our sincerest congratulations to Lois and Clark. As far as we're concerned, it's about time!' Unbelievable," Cat said as she continued to stare at the picture. "I literally cannot believe it."

She glanced at her clock again. It was eight-thirty in the morning, which meant it was after eleven in Metropolis. She tapped a finger on the counter, contemplating the wisdom of making such a phone call. "It's worth it," she said, and picked up her phone.

She dialed a number, and was connected to the central switchboard. After the bomb and subsequent renovation, everyone's extensions had been changed due to the new computer and phone systems. Cat had never bothered to get anyone's new extension, largely because she hadn't spoken to anyone at the Daily Planet in two years.

"Good morning, Daily Planet, how may I connect you?"

"Yes, good morning. I'd like to be connected to Lois Lane."

"One moment please."

Cat heard a faint click, then the tone signifying that Lois' phone was ringing. On the fourth ring, she picked up. "Lois Lane."

Cat opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out.

"Lois Lane. Hello. Anyone there?"

Cat finally found her voice. "Sooooo, Lois. Interesting article in the Planet this morning."

"Who is this?" she asked suspiciously.

Cat rolled her eyes. "It's Cat. Cat Grant. Catherine Grant. The society columnist at the Planet for three years. Your occasional arch rival, your-"

"Okay, Cat, all you had to do was say your name. So to what do I owe this very out of the blue phone call?"

"I read your engagement announcement in the Planet."

"Oh, is that out today? That was fast. Perry doesn't waste any time, I guess."

"He's probably busting at the seams with pride," Cat said sarcastically. "Probably thought he'd never get you married off. Must've been one hell of a dowry."

There was a moment of silence. "Did you call just to insult me?"

Cat's eyes opened wide. "I expected you to retaliate."

"Let's just say I've gone soft," Lois said wryly/

"So how'd he do it? How'd Clark finally get you to let your guard down? That man was crazy about you from day one, you know, as much as I hate to admit it."

Cat could almost hear the smile in Lois' voice. "He wore me down, I guess. There's only so much looking into those eyes you can do before you fall for the man behind them."

"Guess you finally got over that Superman obsession,"

Lois hesitated. "Let's just say I've found my real Superman."

Now Cat hesitated. "I wanted to say congratulations. I'm terribly jealous, but this is how it should be. You and Clark are perfect for each other. I know you'll be very happy."

"Thank you, Cat." Lois sounded genuinely pleased. "That's very nice of you. Maybe you can make it to the wedding."

Cat laughed. "That would be difficult. I have a fella here who needs me to stick around. But thanks for the offer."

"Well, I'll send you an invite anyway. You're still at the Chronicle?"

"Yes."

"Well, I hope your 'fella' is as good to you as Clark is to me."

Cat's gaze wandered over to her infant son, asleep in his carrier, ready for her to pick up and bring to the Chronicle daycare center. Her reason for reinventing herself, as it were. She smiled softly. "He's better."

"Well, I wish you luck. Thank you for calling, Cat. Clark will be glad to hear you did."

"Give him my regards, and everyone else, as well. Take care, Lois."

"You, too."

Cat hung up the phone and stood up. She checked her appearance in the mirror, and then picked up her purse, diaper bag, and her baby. He squirmed a bit, but she kissed his little forehead and murmured a loving 'shushhh', and he settled down. She smiled.

She was right. Much better