A/N: Hi!!! Thank you so much for all of your reviews and comments! This chapter I tried making it a little bit longer so I hope this will tie everyone over until next week. Hope you like and don't forget to click on that review button!

Chapter 4

Lois hated omitting the truth from Clark, but there was nothing else she could do. If she wanted to protect the future she wanted with him, then she would have to let things progress the way they should, the way they were meant to. Even if it meant he had the knowledge that she was married and expecting twins. And there was no way she could tell him about Jordan either. Lord knows, what that might lead to.

No, leaving Clark in the dark was for the best, unless she had no choice but to tell him the truth. For now, ignorance was bliss.

Well, partial ignorance that is.

Lois was on her way in fixing dinner. So far, Superman hadn't showed up yet and she didn't think he would so soon. That might be a little suspicious that after she talked to Clark Superman would come right away, knowing everything. She had to give Clark props for that. If she was him, then she would be busting through the window wanting to know what the Hell was going on. Especially if she found out that Clark was married.

This is no doubt killing him, she thought. God, poor Clark. I bet he thinks it's not even him. But what can I do? I can't risk us. If I tell him the truth, then who's to say we will even end up together? We went through so many obstacles to get to where we were and we matured from that. If he knows ahead of time, then would that mean those obstacles would be avoided? If so, then would we be the same as a couple?

No matter how much Lois loathed all the interruptions that she and Clark experienced, she knew they happened for a reason. They were all tests to determine if this couple would survive together. And they did. They were stronger after each one. She couldn't refuse this Lois and Clark from that. Not when it's important for them to show much they love each other and how much they want to be together.

I need to keep that in mind. This is simply another one of those obstacles. Even though Clark and I are separated, we need to prove that a separation can't stop us from wanting to be with each other. We succeeded together as a team and we need to succeed on our own.

It made sense. It didn't matter that Tempus was the one who put this in motion. This was a test like any other. And Lois was confident in their love that they would beat this.

She did, however, have one nagging feeling. From what she could gather, this 1994 was the very same 1994 she went through. All the past articles she kept were exactly word for word of what she had written. She remembered Mr. Wells explaining that many alternate realities and parallel universes have certain similarities to each other, but there would always be one difference that sets them apart from the other. No two worlds could be completely identical. Even when the worlds would eventually become Utopia. There would still be a difference, no matter how minor, such as a different phrase or word in a textbook. Either way, they cannot be the same.

Yet, it was the same.

Every story, every key player, every quote was the same. Even the results were the same!

Lois wasn't in a different world. She was literally in the past. Her past.

If this is really five years ago for me, then why don't I remember this happening? I would have known that I've traveled to the future. And so would Clark. He would have told me what had happened. So why do we don't have any memories?

"H.G. Wells must have erased them," she spoke aloud to the empty apartment. "Not the first time too. Then that means I do get home and Clark and I still end up marrying! So if I do tell him about the future, then there is no worry about it getting screwed up. Not if we can't remember!"

Lois then pressed her lips together. "But wait… that is a lot to erase. Before, it was only to make sure I didn't remember that Clark was Superman or that we saved him as a baby. And it wasn't foolproof since I was able to regain those memories back. If I was able to trigger those memories, then how come I didn't with this? Unless… I never said anything about the future. And Mr. Wells only blocked the time-traveling part. But, wouldn't Clark and I have known about it? After everything that we went through with Mr. Wells… he would have let us remembered… Then again, maybe it has to happen so we can remember. Or! Or he only blocked the 1994 versions of us. Yeah. That might it be so Clark and I can continue with our lives as before. And I mustn't have said anything about the future because we would have known what our futures would be. But why don't I remember time-traveling?"

She patted her belly. "Mommy and Daddy's lives are way too confusing. God, I hope this doesn't happen to you. I can already hear the accusations that we ruined your lives forever. To be honest, I wouldn't blame you if you end up hating us. At least it's not because of the typical teenage drama of hating your parents. We really did a number on each other, and if it gets past on to you, then holidays will really be a warzone."

Lois' musings were cut short by the soft tapping at her window. Here it goes.

She left the hatch unlocked, but Clark was way too much of a gentleman to assume entrance. And she really didn't feel like waddling over to the window to let him in so she could waddle all the way back to finish dinner. Not when during that time something could get ruined, which this would undoubtedly happen.

"It's unlocked!" she yelled.

The curtains rustled as the window opened, followed by a firm shut. Remember. You're absolutely in love with him. He's not Clark. Have to show some things hadn't changed or he'll think there's nothing between you. Forgive me honey. I know how much you hated that I flaunted over your other identity. Just know that I love you no matter what, not the 'S' but the man. God, I need to quit babbling in my head.

"Hi!" Lois exclaimed, a little breathless.

"Hello Lois," Clark greeted, his voice deep and noncommittal. His hero's voice. "Clark told me that you need my help."

"Yes I do. Did he also mention that I'm from…?"

"Not around here. Yes, he did," he added. "I'm sorry this happened, but rest assured, I'll do everything in my power to make sure you get to where you belong."

"I know you would," she said. "Would you like some dinner? I'm afraid it's healthy pregnant women food."

His lips tightened as he let out a short chuckle. "I'm good Lois."

"Okay. Then do you mind if I eat?"

He motioned with his hands. "Be my guest. It's important those little guys get that nutrition."

She blushed. "Yeah. As much as I love them growing in me, I can't wait until they're out so I can get back to my old habits. I plan on having a huge coffee binge."

I bet, Clark thought. "I did hear that it's all right for pregnant women to have at least one to three cups of coffee a day."

"Yeah but I didn't want to risk harming the babies with the caffeine since they're not ordi—" Lois quickly corrected herself. "Since they're twins and my husband and I were trying for a long time."

"Oh. I understand." He clasped his hands behind his back. "If you want, I could look to see how they're doing."

The familiarity of his request was getting to be too much for Lois. Clark would routinely "peek" to make sure the twins were all right. And, Lois believed, to make sure they were real and not a dream. If she wasn't careful, she could accidentally let slip they were his. Or he could see the resemblance if it was possible.

"No, no. Um, enough about the twins. I should tell you about Tempus so you know who to look for."

"Yes, uh, Clark mentioned that he was a time-traveler from the future."

Lois nodded. "He's also a very dangerous man. He will stop at nothing for world domination."

"Then why would he strand you here? How could that fit in with world domination?"

"Like I told Clark, he has a thing against me and my husband. I can only imagine what sick, twisted game he has in mind. Though to be honest, I'm not really sure why he picked this time."

"I wonder why that is? If it's not revealing too much about the future."

"Sorry Superman. I can't say."

"What can you say?"

"Only that Tempus usually has a higher purpose in mind. You need to be extra careful with him too. Being from the future he has certain advantages, in particular, with certain knowledge." Lois was hoping he'll get the hint what that means about his identity.

Instead, he thought she was referring to kryptonite. "Don't worry Lois. I'll make sure to get to him first."

She chewed on her lip. "I hope so. He's not like most criminals."

"And H.G. Wells?" he inquired.

"Mr. Wells will either show in one of two possible ages. But I wouldn't have to worry so much for searching for him. He tends to stick out like a sore thumb. Plus, he usually tries to get in contact with us first."

"Us?" Superman repeated.

"Yeah… um, you and I, we had to save the day a couple times. Clark too. Well, it was mainly you. You know with the powers. Clark and I were there for the ride. We really didn't do much."

"Oh."

Lois wisely stuffed her mouth with food. Good one Lane. Can you be anymore obvious?

Before anyone could say anything else, a distant look appeared on his face. He was needed.

"Go. If I'm still up, I'll tell you more about Tempus," Lois told him, almost glad for the interruption. It was getting to be a little awkward.

"All right. If you need anything, don't hesitate to call me."

"Be careful."

His expression was almost wistful. "I'll see you around Lois." Then he was gone.

Sitting at her table, Lois wearily sighed. She wanted so badly to run into his arms, but doing so would only bring up questions she couldn't answer. Not to mention, it would probably make him uncomfortable. She now knew that this was her Clark. It wasn't another Clark from a parallel universe. Hers. It was only natural for her to want to cling to him, but he wasn't quite hers yet. Just like she wasn't his either. Well, she was but the other Lois wasn't.

This is too much. I'm already about to lose my mind.

Old habits die hard as Lois flipped on the TV to find out what called him away. No natural disasters or major conflicts were being reported on so it had to be a local situation. Turning it off, she walked around the apartment. It was so quiet that it was disconcerting. She was used to loud noises coming from her toddler that the silence only made her more homesick than she was. She wondered what was happening in her time right now.

By now, Clark would know she was missing. He probably dropped their son off with his parents so he could focus his energies on looking for her. Poor Jordan, too young to know what was going on, would be upset that his mother wasn't there. And what about her past self? Was she handling the news of being a wife and mother? Worse yet, how was she handling the fact that Clark and Superman were one in the same? She prayed that she wasn't giving him a hard time about it. Well, it was a stupid thing to ask for. She was Lois Lane for crying out loud. The past Lois was most likely ripping her husband a new one for lying to her.

Great. Just when he thought this whole identity thing was put behind us, the past shows up and it all goes to hell. He better not take the past me to heart. We already went over this once before. He knows I forgive him and that I understand him wanting to keep it a secret. But knowing Clark… it wouldn't matter. He'll feel just as guilty. For a superhero, I sometimes think he should work on gaining a backbone. A thicker backbone.

But if the past Lois knows about Clark, then would it be all right for her to tell the past Clark? But what if Clark didn't tell her that she was his wife? There was a chance he wouldn't say anything about their relationship. Maybe the past Lois doesn't know about Superman. Maybe Clark is pretending they were two different people to keep up appearances.

This is bad. I don't know what's going on in my time. I don't know if the timeline is really messed up. For all I know, it could be and I'm protecting something for no reason. If so, then where is H.G. Wells? Why hasn't he shown up yet? If he knows where Clark's old apartment is, then he would certainly know where mine is. But he hasn't come. Or he did come but not here. The future.

Lois clenched her fists to her side. "Too many 'what ifs.' Damn!"

Her head was hurting her and her feet were getting sore. Some R&R was desperately needed. She filled up the bathtub with warm water, pouring in her rose oil scents. Inhaling it deeply, Lois carefully eased herself inside. The top of her stomach was sticking out, but Lois didn't mind. She splashed the water over to avoid a chill.

She had to remind herself that everything was going to be all right. She couldn't afford to freak out too much. Not with the twins and not when she didn't have anybody around to help her if something should arise.

Lois soaked in the tub for another forty-five minutes when she decided to get out. The water sloshed around, even dripping onto the floor. Being extra careful, Lois managed to exit without problems. How embarrassing would it be for Superman to rush in to find a naked, pregnant Lois? Well, her husband wouldn't mind. The past him would have a heart attack.

Lois giggled to herself, putting her in a good mood. The sweet, innocent Clark Kent traumatized by her nakedness. On their wedding night, he couldn't stop blushing. She knew he was modest, but not that modest. She had teased him about it too.

"Thought you said you fantasized making love to me," she joked.

"I did but its different Lois," he tried to explain himself.

"Oh? How so?"

"You see… um… daydreaming and the real thing are completely different… it's just, uh, you don't focus too much like you would in real life and—"

She stopped him with a kiss. Sometimes it was too easy to mess with him.

The memory put a smile on her face as she went about to get ready for bed. Of course, Lois found herself in a dilemma. None of the nightgowns or pajamas was big enough for her.

"Perfect," she mumbled. She could wear the sweatshirt and sweatpants to bed, then see if Clark could pick her up some maternity clothes tomorrow. That would go over real well. Or she could sleep in the nude. Wouldn't be the first time. And the cold still doesn't bother her that much. That was a plus side to her pregnancy. Clark's body temperature was higher than a normal human being's and the Kryptonian in the twins gave their mother that too. It wasn't anything like Clark's, but during the frigid weather, Lois was pretty cozy in her own skin.

However, she opted for the sweat clothes. There could be a chance that Clark might come over or she might have to escape in a hurry. Even though, running out naked would definitely sidetrack any intruder, Lois didn't think exposing herself was for the best either.

She pulled out the covers and nestled in. "Night Lara, night Clark," Lois whispered as she ran her hands up and down her stomach. "Keep your fingers and toes cross that tomorrow will be our day of rescue."

Reaching over, she turned off the lamp and settled against the pillows. She closed her eyes and hummed to herself. Just as she was about to drift off, one of the twins budged.

Switching the lamp on, Lois threw off the comforter and stared at her belly. The kicking kept going. Thankfully, it was only one and she knew who it was thanks to Clark. Lara, the little troublemaker, loved to keep her mother up. It was only her father who could put her to sleep. Clark would lay his hand against her and whispered soothing words to her and the kicking would nod off. There was no doubt in either parent's mind that Lara was Daddy's little girl. But Daddy wasn't around to ease his daughter.

"It's okay Lara," Lois said. "I know you're probably anxious, but Mommy's here. I'm not going to let anything happen to you. We're safe. This was Mommy's old home before she lived with Daddy. It's all right."

Yet, that didn't seem to work.

Lois contemplated on whether for calling for Clark. Back home if this happened, she would and he would fly back as fast as he could to help his wife. But this wasn't home. And she was sure if she asked Superman to talk to her babies he would either think she was nuts or become suspicious. Then she would have little choice to tell him that they were his.

No. She would call if it was a last resort and she would make something up as to why Lara would respond to him. Clearing her throat, Lois deepened her voice as best as she could to imitate her husband. That seemed to do the trick as Lara stopped her kicking.

Grinning, Lois laid back down. She would have to remember that next time.

TBC…