The Ties of Fate

by pumpkinmoose22

Just when they thought they had a chance to celebrate their first anniversary, Lois and Clark are forced back into the past to save their younger selves from an evil who claims to be from the future. With a mission to destroy the Man of Steel in order to rid the world of future heroes, will this evil succeed or will Lois and Clark prevail? Sequel to Forever Yours and Yours Alone.

1. Chapter 1

AN: Hello everyone! Welcome to The Ties of Fate, the sequel to Forever Yours and Yours Alone! I would advise those who haven't read FYaYA to do so before reading its sequel as there are parts that will make more sense by so doing. To those returning to my fanfiction tales, welcome back! I hope this sequel will be just as satisfying as its original!

For fun, I've decided to have this story take place from Clark and Lois's point of view in first person. It's the first time I've written in a man first person POV just FYI. Should be fun. Now, on to the fic!

Fate has often been subjected as a topic of ridicule. Yet unexplainable things tend to occur frequently in the lives of the mundane – things that lead to greater means and depths than fathomable to the human mind. And often these events are unexplained happenstance which brings nothing but joy to those who find their destinies under Fate's kind smile of fortune…

1. Rebuilt

Clark

With a burst of speed I cut through a particularly nasty storm that had decided to grace the Floridian coast. Lightning flashed and thunder rumbled in my ears as I barreled through the dark clouds. I closed my eyes as I felt the soothing wind in the humid atmosphere. My pleasures of enjoying nature were interrupted by a voice that had become second nature to me.

"Clark, the mayor is almost done with his speech. Now would be a really good time for you to swoop in!"

I smiled. Though I knew she wouldn't hear me, I found myself answering her anyway. "Coming, sweetheart."

Plastering my arms to my sides, I willed myself to go faster and the air erupted in a sonic boom as I directed my course towards Metropolis. Sure enough, the skyscrapers zoomed upon me in seconds and I had to slow down so as not to blow any of the structures away while I descended towards the crowd that had gathered in front of a lovely apartment complex. The building was an exact replica from my memories: a light shade of brown with an ugly green canopy over the doors and flowerboxes lining the windows on the ground floor. I smiled a little as I passed the top floor where a balcony with a small garden and white metal garden furniture caught my eye. I had to force nostalgia away in order to keep myself focused on the here and now.

"Speak of the devil," the mayor cried into the microphone.

Hundreds of eyes filled with admiration looked up at me, watching on bated breath until I touched down on the platform that had been erected in front of the apartment complex. Though the air filled with cheers and many sought my attention as I waved to the masses, my eyes landed on the most spectacular woman in the crowd: my wife, Lois Lane.

Her beautiful hazel eyes seared into my soul and a love that I couldn't even express justly with words nearly made me break my composure. The emotion I was feeling was reflected in her eyes but it went away as she smirked and jerked her chin ever so slightly to the mayor who stood beside me. I pried my eyes away from my wife – a hard thing to do since she was wearing my favorite pinstriped pencil skirt and pink blouse combination – and gave the mayor my full attention.

"Superman," Mayor Gramm declared, "a little over a year ago a tragedy occurred in this neighborhood. Behind me is the historic apartment complex where you had your first exclusive interview with the then Intrepid Reporter Lois Lane, now Mrs. Lane-Kent. As a thank you for all you have done in helping to rebuild the city after the Para-demon Pandemonium, the city of Metropolis has rebuilt this historic landmark in your honor."

I took the mayor's offered hand and shook it warmly while speaking in a loud voice, "Thank you very much, sir."

Mayor Gramm smiled and spread his arms wide. "While this complex looks like an apartment on the outside, the interior has been modified into a museum featuring Metropolis' hometown hero, the Man of Steel, and is now open to the public!"

A cheer was issued by the masses and I once again shook hands with the mayor as cameras flashed and reporters cried for my attention. I answered a few of them, a couple of questions coming from my darling wife, before deciding it was time to take to the skies. Though I wanted to get a look at the museum, I was due to look over some articles for the evening addition of the Daily Planet and even though Perry White knew my secret and was quite understanding of my sporadic lifestyle, I wasn't about to fail in the promotion he'd graced me with as Assistant Editor. Smiling warmly so as to give Jimmy a good photo for the article that Lois was sure to write, I shook the mayor's hand one last time, thanked the citizens of Metropolis, and took off.

"Thanks for the shot, CK," Jimmy muttered as I flew away.

I grinned to myself as I headed for the Daily Planet. I landed on the roof two minutes later after checking that the coast was clear. Spinning quickly on my feet, I changed into my regular Clark Kent suit and tie and placed my half-rimmed glasses on the bridge of my nose. Sighing, I smiled again as I thought of the apartment and the kind gesture behind its structure.

"I love this city," I mumbled to myself as I stooped my shoulders a bit and headed for the elevator that would take me down to the Daily Planet newsroom.

A year ago today the world had been cleansed from the tyranny of Darkseid and his para demon minions. I could hardly believe so much time had passed since then; it all felt like a blur. I was a married man with technically three children: a seven year old whom I considered one of the greatest miracles to grace my life and two teenagers, one being my long lost cousin Kara and the other being Conner, a clone made by Lex Luthor who was rescued by the Justice Alliance a little over a year ago. Lois and I had taken it upon ourselves to help my mother, Martha Kent, in raising Conner and Kara on the weekends when they would come to spend time with us and Jason in Metropolis. Conner was going to be a senior this year at Smallville High while Kara was going to be moving to England to go to college part time while working full time as a model for my childhood friend, Lana Lang's company.

Lois and I were very proud of our adopted teenagers. They turned out to be really good kids, both going into the superhero business while battling the joys of teenage life. Jason was sure to follow them in that regard though the kid was also showing great promise in becoming a journalist like his parents. I was very proud of my son. He had a tender heart and cared for others in a way that most seven year olds wouldn't. He valued human life and treated it as something sacred. Even now he tried to do everything he could to reach out and help others though Lois and I had to constantly remind him not to grow up too quickly; I ended up using the caterpillar to butterfly analogy a lot the first couple months into Lois and I's marriage.

My thoughts over my family were interrupted when the elevator dinged open and the eruption of the usual Daily Planet noise filled my ears. The smells of coffee, fresh ink, and mixtures of perfume and cologne clogged my nose the first couple of breaths but soon grew normal as I made my way towards my office. I made sure to bump into a couple of desks, trip over a chair, and even sideswipe Lombard (who cried out indignantly) before reaching the other side of the bullpen.

Perry was waiting for me with the usual scowl and twinkle in his eyes. "A little later than usual, aren't you, Kent?"

"Morning Mr. White," I said in my high pitched voice. Adjusting my glasses, I swallowed nervously. "Sorry I was late, sir, I was helping Lois cover the apartment story."

"I saw it on TV. Superman looked pretty happy."

I shrugged. "Well, I'm sure he was. It is a special place to him after all."

Perry cleared his throat. "Well, I have the evening's edition on the table…let's take a look, shall we?"

"Swell," I said, nodding enthusiastically.

The old editor in chief chuckled under his breath as we walked into his office. I made sure to trip over the threshold before closing the door behind me. Instead of pressing me further about the apartment turned museum, Perry leapt right into the articles he figured would make the evening addition as well as others that would be best if reserved for tomorrow. I made a few suggestions, pushing a scandal concerning a couple crime bosses that were suspected to be working together to the morning addition and a less attractive piece of gossip to tomorrow's evening addition.

Perry looked over our work and nodded his approval. "See to it that this makes it down to the print room, Kent."

"Will do, Chi–" I froze. An explosion in Germany alerted my ears as many people cried out at once.

My panicked expression was not lost on Perry. "Forget about the paper. I'll take care of it."

"But-"

"Go, Clark!"

I didn't need telling twice. Due to the dire circumstances, I made sure no one was watching before leaping out the window, changing into my suit mid-fall. I sped off to Germany as fast as I could just as my ears picked up the steady heartbeat of my wife making her way through the bullpen. "I'll be back soon," I muttered to myself as I broke the sound barrier, flying through the clouds as a streak of blue and red.

Lois

I walked into the bullpen and immediately looked around but Clark was nowhere to be found. I tried to keep the slight disappointment off my face as I unconsciously smoothed my pink blouse and headed for my desk, sighing heavily.

"Don't worry, Lois," Jimmy said, lowering his voice, "I'm sure CK will be back before we know it."

I noticed his attention was drawn to a breaking news story from Germany. Superman, Wonder Woman, and Martian Manhunter were on the scene, cleaning up the remains of what was suspected as a threat from France. The two countries had been on edge lately and it didn't help that the citizens weren't acting too kindly towards each other. Though the governments had not yet outright declared war, they were doing nothing to discourage their people from lashing out at each other.

"I just hope this doesn't lead to anything like Iran and Iraq again," I muttered, turning away from the television to start up my computer.

"I don't think it will come to that," came a mutter right in my ear.

I leapt out of my skin. "Clark! Don't scare me like that!"

My husband took me in his arms and kissed me passionately on the lips. "Hi," he muttered, pulling away.

"Hi," I replied, dazed.

Jimmy cleared his throat beside us. Clark let go of me to shake Jimmy's hand. "Hey, Jimmy, did you get any good pictures from the new museum? Perry would like to run your best shot for the evening edition."

Jimmy smiled knowingly. "Oh, I think I got a good one and guess what? It includes Superman!"

"Great!" Clark said enthusiastically before looking a little stern. "You'd best get it printed then, Jimmy. This paper doesn't wait for anything, not even a picture of the Man of Steel. We've got less than an hour before we need to hit the pavement."

"On it, CK," Jimmy replied, rushing off with his camera in his hands.

I smirked before yanking a little on Clark's tie. "You know, you're really cute when you order people around."

Clark smiled before gracing my lips again with his. "Then you'll find this cute, dear. I need that article about the apartment complex on my desk in half an hour. Can you get it to me by then?"

I mocked thinking it over while running my hand up and down his tie. "I could but that's a big demand to fill, Mr. Kent."

"It's either that or you get docked to covering the auto sale going on downtown to be viewed in Thursday's addition on page seven."

I frowned as I searched his expression; there wasn't a hint of sarcasm. I frowned, folding my arms. "I hate it when you're serious."

"I'm on a tight schedule, Lois," he said with a hint of stress.

I pursed my lips and pushed away from him, slamming myself into my chair. "You'll have your article, Mr. Kent!" I snapped.

I have to admit I was trying to get him to apologize but instead he walked off to his office as if nothing had happened. Feeling stung, I pounded on the keys in frustration, pausing only to rip my notes from my bag to make sure I got exact quotes correct. I knew I didn't have a lot of time so the article was sure to be in desperate need of editing but I trusted that Clark would be able to fix any of the mistakes in two seconds.

I couldn't believe he hadn't even said a word – not one word – about my outfit! I'd picked it out specially for the occasion – not to mention the fact that our one year anniversary was in two days and I was trying to do everything I could to make the days leading up to it memorable and special. It was I who talked the city into rebuilding the place and making it into a Superman museum. True, I'd been an anonymous caller on the suggestion hotline when the city was being reconstructed… but still! I thought Clark would have figured out that I was the one behind the grand master plan! This was my early anniversary present to him and he was acting as if he didn't care in the slightest about the whole thing! He was so concerned about making the deadline! And he hadn't even told me what happened in Germany!

Frustrated, angry, and trying miserably to write an article that would have been filled with passion if a certain someone hadn't spoiled my mood, I finished up what I had, hit print, and stalked into Clark's office. He was sitting behind his desk looking at his laptop when I came in unannounced. I slammed the article down on his desk, knocking over his pens in the process.

"There's your article, Mr. Kent!" I cried shrilly before spinning on my heel to leave.

"Lois," Clark called.

I froze in the doorway, my hand on its frame, my back straight. "Yes?" I snipped without turning around.

A pair of hands rested on my hips and spun me around. Against my will, I twisted from the force and found myself inches away from my husband. His eyes glinted mischievously from behind his spectacles and the smile I loved so dearly crossed his handsome features. He tried really hard to put on all the charm he was capable of and - darn it all! - my knees started to go weak unconsciously.

Swearing angrily, I pushed myself out of his embrace. "Don't even try to smolder me, Clark! I'm not in the mood!"

He was still smiling. "Your heart rate says otherwise, Mrs. Kent."

"Lane-Kent," I corrected.

Clark smirked.

"Don't you have an article that has to make it to the presses in less than ten minutes?" I snapped, looking at his desk. The paper was gone.

"Already taken care of," Clark said matter-of-factly.

I rolled my eyes. "Of course…well, you have your article. What further assignments could you possibly want from me?"

Clark took my hand and slowly pulled me towards him, closing his office door with his foot in the process. Before I could protest, he gently kissed my lips and softly rested his hands on either side of my hips. He did this quite often in the past whenever I was angry and deep down I was not only grateful but hopelessly attracted by the gesture. In every way it was him communicating that I had every opportunity to pull away from him if I wanted and it was my choice whether he stopped or not. In the past, on a couple of occasions, I had pulled away. But most of the time, I melted like butter on hot toast in his arms five seconds after his lips connected with mine. I had three more seconds to decide whether or not this was a fight I wanted to continue.

Deciding not to pursue my anger, I allowed my arms to wrap around his neck and my lips to part so he could explore if he so wished. Of course he obliged, sliding his tongue warmly through the parted space. I moaned into his mouth and pressed myself even further up against him. He picked me up easily and set me down on his desk, leaning in further, his strong arms resting on either side of me on the tabletop. I wrapped my legs around his torso and pulled him even closer to me, sighing as he moved to kiss down my neck towards my collarbone.

"Am I forgiven yet?" he asked, his hot breath tickling my skin.

"I'm still thinking about it," I said breathlessly.

Laughing slightly, he pulled away so I could get a good view of his gorgeous blue eyes. "I appreciate all the work you put into rebuilding our apartment, Lois. It's the best one year anniversary present I could ask for." He bent forward and kissed me gently. "And I guess I should remind you that I really like the color pink."

I blushed furiously. "I thought you wouldn't notice… you looked like you were preoccupied with other things."

"I'm sorry," he admitted, "I was a little rash earlier. I was stressed with making sure we made deadline and I was having a hard time concentrating when my wife was being one heck of a distraction."

"The outfit isn't that distracting, is it?" I asked, slightly worried. I tried really hard to make Clark's life a little easier at the office; he needed to focus and it wouldn't help if I always wore things that would take his mind away from listening to the concerns of other employees.

Clark, however, smiled devilishly and whispered in my ear, "I wasn't talking about your blouse, Lois."

If possible, my face turned even redder, my heart picking up speed. I tried to regain my composure as my husband laughed softly in my ear before kissing the lobe delicately. "I didn't think it would be that big of a distraction," I hedged, my breath quickening. "Besides, I figured pink was appropriate for the occasion and you weren't supposed to peek until later!"

Clark rubbed the sides of my arms in circles with his thumbs. "I love and appreciate it all, Lois. Thank you."

I shook my head. "Oh, come here!" I ordered, grabbing his tie and kissing him again.

Clark smiled into the kiss, allowing me to shower him with affection before I felt fully satisfied and pulled away. "Feel better?" he asked.

"Uh-huh," I muttered dismissively, slipping off his desk and brushing myself off. He chuckled lightly while I patted down my hair. "Was there anything else you needed?" I asked.

Clark raised an amused eyebrow while tapping his chin. "As a matter of fact, Lois, there was one thing I needed to ask you."

"What is it?" I asked, curious, all anger gone.

"How would you like to spend the weekend with me in Hawaii?"

I gasped and flung my arms around his neck. "Oh, Clark! Really? Hawaii?!"

"Ah-huh," he said through another kiss.

"Of course!" I cried, pulling away. "But…what about Jason?"

"Already got it covered," Clark assured. "Mom's been dying to have him all to herself for a weekend. Conner and Kara have also staked a claim on taking him to England on Saturday so Richard can see him too."

I smiled. "Fair enough. What about your second job?"

"Oh, the League and the Alliance owe me a couple of favors…I figure now would be a good time to cash them in."

I kissed my husband's nose. "You're the best."

He grinned.

"Ahem."

I leaned away from Clark to find Perry standing in the doorway with a hint of annoyance on his face.

"What's up, Perry?" I asked casually, relaxing.

"I just had an intern run into my office to complain about you two having…" he paused.

Clark turned bright red while I started to grin over Perry's discomfort. "Having what, Perry?"

"You know dang well what, Lois!" he snapped indignantly. "Look, I know the situation between the two of you is unique and requires a few…privileges in the work place but that doesn't mean I can allow you two getting out of hand while on the job, understand? We've got a newspaper to run and I can't afford my staff being uncomfortable because the two of you decided to publically display your marriage for all to see."

I smirked. "Got it, Chief. Next time we'll close the blinds."

"Lois," Clark groaned indignantly while Perry eyed me irritably.

"What?" I mocked innocence.

Clark and Perry shared a look, shook their heads, and resigned to silence. Grinning wickedly, I kissed Clark again on the cheek, bade Perry goodbye, and walked out of the office to go and collect my things. I finished turning off my computer before calling it a day. Following routine, I waved goodbye to a still slightly miffed Perry, headed down to the parking garage, and met Clark there with Jason in his arms; he usually picked him up from school and met me at the car so we could all go home together.

"Mommy! Guess what?" Jason asked as I kissed him on the forehead.

"What?"

"I got an A in gym!" he said proudly, holding out his progress report.

"That's great honey!"

"Apparently he was able to come in first place in running today," Clark smirked.

I raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"

Clark gave me the 'we'll-talk-about-it-later' look. I nodded before all of us got in the car. As I weaved in and out of traffic, Clark and I listened while Jason debriefed us on everything that had transpired that day from learning about tadpoles changing into frogs in science to multiples of nine in math. Several times I caught Clark's adoring smile as he listened and I couldn't help but feel my heart swell. Clark had slipped into fatherhood so naturally that one might think he'd raised Jason right from the get go. I personally felt that Clark missing Jason's first five years had turned out to be a great blessing because it taught him that every spare moment with Jason was precious. The limited time that he could spend with me and Jason was worth more to Clark than all the riches in the world and he openly displayed that through multiple acts of love in thought, word, and deed - and I loved him all the more for it.

I smiled to myself as I pulled into our apartment complex and parked the car. Clark leaned over and randomly kissed me on the cheek, his eyes sparkling mischievously. "Let's make sure to finish what we started later tonight," he whispered before getting out of the car. "I'd love to see what you were trying to save for later without the help of x-ray vision."

My heart raced uncontrollably while my face turned bright pink. "Clark," I muttered, exasperated.

He only laughed in response as he took Jason's hand and started for the complex's entrance. I tried to keep my giddiness contained as I shut the car door and joined them on the steps. Dinner that night was almost unbearable since Clark kept playing footsy with me under the table while shooting seductive glances my way every few minutes. He was just as restless as I was for the day to be officially over. I was almost thankful when he had to leave to deal with a robbery; it gave me the chance to sanely put our son to bed before rushing into the bedroom to make myself look presentable.

As I finished brushing my teeth, I sighed and looked at myself in the mirror. "You hopeless romantic," I muttered to my reflection. "Only that man can make you completely lose it…it's maddening I tell you… we've been married for almost a year and yet I'm acting as if I was barely twitterpated…honestly…"

I shook my head just as I heard the faint closing of the bedroom door, signifying Clark's return. My heart leaping into my throat, I walked out of the bathroom only to be enveloped in Clark's embrace. He'd changed into nothing but boxer shorts, leaving his chest fully exposed for my viewing pleasure.

"No fair," I whispered against his lips as my hands ran from his chest to his shoulders.

He laughed as his hands began moving up my navel, unbuttoning my blouse as he went. "You can't blame me for wanting to be selfish tonight," he muttered against my neck. "You did dress the part today after all."

I slapped his arm playfully. "Fine, but I call dibs on being selfish the first night in Hawaii."

"Deal," Clark whispered before picking me up and carrying me in his arms onto the bed.

Clark

It was Friday morning and for the first time in almost a year, I didn't have to get up to make my rounds. It was rather strange, laying in bed, my mind wandering to fantasies of soft beaches and palm trees, my hand intertwined with my wife's, as we walked across the sand. I sighed and turned my head to stare into the face of my beloved.

Her deep brown hair was tousled across her pillow around her shoulders like a crown while her features were relaxed and soft. I smiled as I listened to her steady breathing with the sound of her heartbeat, a constant stream of music to my rather sensitive ears. Her gentle lips were slightly parted and her eyes occasionally moved back and forth beneath her lids. I wondered what she might be dreaming about as the corners of her mouth lifted in a breathtaking little grin.

I glanced at the clock. 6:30am. We'd had a late night so it would be indecent to wake Lois now though I desperately wanted to. I loved watching her sleep but the fiery passion that burned in her stunning hazel eyes was an even greater supplement to behold. Even so, I settled for simply kissing the top of her hair before hovering out of bed to take a shower.

As the warm water soaked into my hair and trickled passed my broad shoulders, I decided to take a normal shower instead of a super speed one; every once in a while it was nice to slow down. It wasn't very often that I was permitted to have the morning to myself so I figured to enjoy it to its fullest. Besides, the extra time gave me the opportunity to reflect on the blessings that had been given to me.

Growing up had been difficult for me. I had few friends and I always had to pay extra close attention so as not to alert anyone of my true origins. My adopted parents, Jonathan and Martha Kent, had drilled it into my brain to keep who I truly was a secret, even from my friends. I understood the ramifications for such an upbringing but it was so lonely. I could never truly share myself completely with someone else. When Pete, Lana, and Chloe discovered the secret at the Homecoming Dance our senior year, I was petrified that they would hate me forever. Instead they were supportive and even accepted my abnormity; well, Lana eventually came around – me keeping secrets from her was the end of our short lived relationship – but Chloe and Pete were calm over the whole realization that their best friend was an alien. It was nice not having to hide from them anymore but my failed relationship with Lana made it seem impossible to ever have what I truly wanted for myself: a family.

And then I met Lois Lane. She turned my world upside down both as Clark Kent and Superman. I was astounded that instead of being terrified of Superman, she was head over heels in love with him. Clark Kent was the goofy best friend she confided in about everything. Every waking moment I spent with her in either guise deepened my respect, love, and longing for her and when she found out the truth I thought my life was finally going to be what I always wanted. But then everything fell apart due to General Zod's antics. After that, I was sure I was doomed to a life of eternal loneliness. But then, after my five year hiatus in space, I returned to Earth and found that Lois had a son who turned out to be mine! I was overcome with joy! This emotion only continued to overflow when all the broken pieces of my heart slowly glued back together as Lois opened her whole heart to me, loving both Clark Kent and Superman.

The best day of my life was the day Lois Lane became my wife. She was forever mine and mine alone just as I was the same for her. And now here we were, a year later, still going strong. Sure, we'd had our ups and downs with a few nasty fights wrenched in the works but our love for each other always outweighed them. The League had been rather impressed over my ability to juggle two jobs and a family; they'd often whispered concerns about whether or not Lois and I were going to stay together during our few rather heated disagreements. I was both happy and grateful to have proved them wrong.

The truth was that even if Lois hated my guts forever, I would never be able to stop loving her. My anger would eventually disappear as my undying obsessive love of the woman took over every rational sense of my being. I couldn't function properly without Lois. I would never truly be happy without her. I needed her. And no matter how many disagreements we got into, I was determined that no matter what, I would do whatever it took (after simmering my pride) to mend any cracks in our relationship. Compromise and humility were key when married to Mad Dog Lane.

I rinsed off and stepped out of the shower just as I heard Lois begin to stir. Smiling, I dried off at super speed, changed into my suit and flew off to get her a cup of fresh coffee. I managed to get back with said cup in hand just as her eyes fluttered open. Setting the coffee on her bedside table, I leaned forward and kissed her. "Good morning."

She smiled. "Morning, handsome. Mmmm, you smell good."

"That's usually what happens when you take a shower."

She stuck out her lower lip in a mock-pout. "And you didn't invite me?"

I laughed. "I'll make it up to you tonight, sweetheart. It's your turn to be selfish."

To that, she grinned wickedly before taking a sip of coffee. "And don't you forget it, Smallville."

A small shiver of pleasure ran down my spine. I'd always loved this nickname from Lois. Only she called me that and it was even more endearing to me now that we were married. Oddly, the name made me feel special to her and it had definitely lifted my spirits before we were married.

I spun out of my suit into a pair of jeans and a tee shirt just as the door opened and Jason came rushing in. Lois made sure she was covered up as our son leapt into my arms.

"Jason, what did I tell you about knocking first?" I chided gently as I hugged him tight.

"Sorry, Daddy," he said into my neck. "I'm just really excited!"

I smiled. "Me too, kiddo. Are you all packed?"

"Uh-huh! I packed last night!"

"Did you remember your toothbrush this time?" Lois asked.

Jason froze. "Oh! I forgot! Thanks Mommy!" And without another word, he dashed from my eyes in a blur, shutting the door behind him.

Lois frowned. "I thought you said the super speed wouldn't come back so soon."

I paused. "Well, sweetheart, for me it came in spurts. It wasn't uncommon for me to go fast like that when I was excited about something."

"Hmmm, I think I need to get another tutorial from your mother."

"I'm sure she'd love that but first I think you need to get ready," I said tenderly, kissing her forehead. "We don't want to keep Hawaii waiting."

Lois' heartbeat sped up at the mention of our anniversary trip. Flinging the covers aside, she downed her coffee as she made her way to the bathroom. I made sure to appreciate the view until she was out of physical sight. "Clark, before you continue to ogle me with x-ray vision, you might want to make sure our son has a decent breakfast besides cereal."

I chuckled under my breath; she knew me so well. "Fair enough, honey."

Lois

I shook my head, a smile on my face. "That man…I swear…" I muttered as I started my early morning routine. I managed to shower, brush my teeth, fix my hair, apply makeup, and get dressed in half an hour – anticipation tends to make me go faster. Checking my reflection and satisfied with my light kaki's, red sandals, and red button up shirt, I made my way into the kitchen.

"Breakfast burritos!" Jason cried out at the sight of me, holding a half eaten tortilla in his hands. "Look Mommy!"

I kissed the top of his head. "Looks good, munchkin."

"Would you like one?" Clark asked, turning to me with a frying pan and half cooked scrambled eggs on display.

I shrugged. "Sure, thanks."

Clark finished cooking the eggs with his heat vision before assembling the burrito at top speed, handing the finished product to me two seconds later. I shook my head, amused, before enjoying the meal. Clark had always been a great cook and this morning was no exception; there must be something about cooking with heat vision that makes everything taste so much better. I savored each bite and had to try really hard not to request another one. Clark grinned knowingly from the look of restrain in my eyes but wisely didn't oblige me. Instead, he cleaned up the kitchen.

"Can we go now?!" Jason demanded impatiently just as Clark closed the last cupboard door.

"Goodness, someone really wants to see grandma, huh?" I teased, poking his stomach.

Jason giggled and waved his arms frantically. "Mom, stop it!"

I laughed as I kissed his head again. "Sorry, munchkin, couldn't resist."

"Seriously though, can we go?" Jason asked again, looking at his father with hope filled eyes.

Clark looked at me and we both shared a mischievous grin. "I don't know son…we were thinking we might just cancel the vacation."

Jason's mouth dropped open. "What?! Why?!" he whined.

"Just kidding," I muttered.

Jason frowned. "That wasn't funny."

Clark laughed as he ruffled his curls. "Come on, kiddo, let's go to Smallville."

"Yes!"

Clark reached down to pick Jason up but suddenly froze. Before I could even ask what it was, Clark had disappeared. I blinked around and found him standing at the window in the living room, the curtains spread wide open.

"Clark?"

He looked over his shoulder, a frown on his face.

"Clark, what is it?"

He shook his head. "Nothing…but I thought I saw someone…"

It was my turn to frown. "Who would be outside the window twenty stories from the ground? Was it someone from the League?"

Clark shook his head. "They were gone before I could get a good look at them."

"How did you know they were there?"

"They accidently tapped against the glass."

Trying not to be disturbed by this news, I picked up Jason and cleared my throat. "Clark, honey, we should probably get going…don't want to keep Martha and the others waiting, right?"

Clark reluctantly turned away from the window and nodded. "You're right. But I'd like to make a call to the League before we leave."

I sighed. "Fine."

Kissing me briefly, he muttered, "I just want to inform them, sweetheart. That's all."

A quick call was made to Batman who promised to monitor the apartment while we were gone then Clark changed into his suit and whisked us out the windows towards Kansas. We had to travel quickly so no one would see Superman flying through the air holding luggage with Lois Lane and her son on his back. I made sure to be lying vertically on top of Clark with my arms secured around his shoulders while Jason was squished in between us. We'd traveled this way before and though it wasn't the most comfortable for Jason, it was only necessary until we left Metropolis. I knew we'd reached the hills when the wind died down in my ears. I straightened up and Jason gratefully emerged to get a better view of the earth hundreds of thousands of feet below us.

"Careful not to lean over too far, honey," I cautioned.

"I know, Mom," Jason said.

I kept my arms around his torso while Clark slightly changed course towards Smallville. As we flew silently through the clouds and open sky, my thoughts strayed back to the mysterious figure Clark had seen outside our window. Even though I wanted nothing more than to have a quiet, simple anniversary, I had a terrible feeling in the pit of my stomach… a feeling I hadn't felt since Darkseid had nearly destroyed our lives. I looked up at the infinite skies and silently pled: if there's any chance of having a peaceful vacation, please grant it to us.

Even as I thought the plea, my feelings wouldn't rest. Something seemed off…

Well? How was it? Let me know what you think in a review! Thanks for reading! Next chapter will be posted soon.