A/N: In this next chapter, Clark and Jason grow closer and Clark finds out the meaning of the word 'multi-tasking,' as the Justice League goes before the press for the first time. I'm very excited about this chapter, as you can well imagine! I hope you like it, guys. Read on!!

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Chapter 6: A Better World

Previously:

Speaking of taking notice, the press has gotten wind of our meetings so it's time for a public appearance." Clark heard a few groans around the table.

"The press conference won't last long, and I'll do all the talking, so it will go faster that way. It's mostly for the mayor and a few public officials to get the word out about us. We want these officials on our side, as well as the press. It's important to what we're trying to accomplish. The conference starts at 10:00 am tomorrow morning at City Hall. Don't be late. So, if there's no further business, I'll see everyone in the morning. Meeting adjoined."

~o~o~

The house on Riverside Drive was eerily quiet the next morning. The sun was slowly rising outside the lover's bedroom window casting a shadow on the walls, and on the two individuals so close together on the bed that one might think at first glance that they were one person.

Clark instinctively turned his head toward the window just as a bright light from the sun caressed his face. He inwardly sighed and pulled Lois closer. He knew he should get up, but this day was going to be a very special day for all of them. He wanted to spend some time alone with his family. He also knew that this day would change their lives forever.

Lois slowly awakened and was very pleased to feel her husband's arms around her. She snuggled closer amazed at how quickly she had become accustomed to his body heat. She sighed thinking about their honeymoon and how blissfully happy they had been, but the past few days had taught her that their love would only grow stronger as the days, weeks and months went by.

"Good morning," Clark smiled and kissed her forehead.

"Good morning," Lois whispered and then stated the obvious. "You're here."

He chuckled. "Yes, I am."

"Why, not that I'm complaining, mind you." Then she remembered the conference. "Oh, I think I know … the press conference. Are you worried about it?"

"Well, only a little," he whispered.

Lois leaned up on her elbow to get a better look at his face. "I can't imagine why you would be worried. Everybody loves you, and once the public realizes this is the best thing that could happen to Metropolis and the world for that matter, they'll come around. You mark my words."

She may be a bit biased in that department, but Clark loved her for saying it. He shook his head, smiled and touched her cheek. "You know, I can't think of anything to say to that except one thing."

"And what's that?" Lois breathed and leaned down on his chest until they were face to face.

"I love you Lois Lane-Kent. Don't ever change," Clark whispered and then he kissed her and then all too soon they were welcoming the new day in their own special way.

~o~o~

A few doors down the hall, Jason awakened to a new day with a lot on his mind. He also instinctively turned his head toward the sun. Lately he had been feeling differently, like something was happening or about to happen. It was a strange feeling, but somehow he knew deep inside that it had something to do with his powers. He wanted to talk to his father about it, but he knew how busy he was right now and besides, he didn't even know what to say to him.

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. His Dad was there poking his head inside and smiling at him. "Good morning, Jason. I thought you'd be up by now. Are you feeling alright?" Clark could see something was on his mind and hoped Jason would open up to him.

"Morning, Dad," Jason sighed and sat up in bed.

Clark sat down next to him and touched his forehead. "You don't have a temperature."

"I'm fine, Dad."

"Well, it is a big day today for all of us. Were you thinking about that?" Clark probed trying to get him to talk.

"A little." Jason paused. "Dad …?" He hesitated.

"What is it son? Go ahead. You can talk to me about anything." Clark encouraged him to speak.

Jason stared at his father, not knowing what to say or how to begin.

"It's alright, Jason, I know what's bothering you," Clark said.

"You do? Can you read minds?" Jason thought that would be a cool power.

"No, son, but I went through the same thing growing up. It is about your powers, isn't it?"

"Yes," Jason breathed then he tried to explain his feelings. "I want to be like you, I do, but …"

"But what, son?"

"I'm … afraid," he whispered and sighed. "I'm sorry." He hung his head ashamed.

Clark understood. He touched his son's cheek and raised his head to look at him. "There's nothing wrong with being afraid, son. Do you think I never feel fear?"

"You're not afraid of anything, Dad." Jason didn't believe that for a minute. "You're just saying that."

"Jason, I want you to listen to what I'm about to say and listen carefully. Do you understand?" He took his son's hands in his, stared at them for a moment. Jason's hands are so small in mine.

Jason could sense this was important. "Alright, Dad, I'm listening."

"Now, I know we haven't talked about that day on the island, but …"

"Do we have to?" Jason began to squirm, not wanting to talk about it.

Clark touched his shoulder trying to soothe him. "I'm sorry, Jason. You know I wouldn't bring it up if it weren't important."

Jason sighed. "Alright."

Clark realized that he didn't want to talk about it either, but he had to make a point. He took a deep breath. "I was afraid that day that you and your mother were going to die because of me. I was terrified that I was going to die too."

Jason couldn't imagine it, but his father was afraid of something.

"Yes, Jason. I don't want to die. I don't want to leave your mother or you, not ever. I love you both so very much. Do you understand what I trying to say?" Clark was barely holding it together.

Jason understood. His little heart burst with love for his father and his family. "Yes, Dad, I do." He held up his little arms and Clark pulled him close trying hard not to cry, but a few tears had a mind of their own.

"I love you, son," Clark whispered and kissed his son's head holding him close.

"I love you too, Dad," Jason said and hugged his father tighter.

Clark pulled back after a moment or two and smiled. They both wiped at their eyes. "Now, from what I hear, the schools are going to let the students watch the conference today. Is that true?"

"Yes, Dad, it's all anyone can talk about. I can't wait," Jason said getting excited.

"Neither can I," Clark said smiling. "Let's go wake your mother. Are you hungry? I could whip us up something to eat."

Jason was his mother's son. "Remember, Dad, no superpowers in the house," he giggled.

Clark picked his son up and tickled him. "Haha, come on," he laughed along with his son.

~o~o~

The Daily Planet, 9:00 am:

Lois Lane-Kent could not remember ever seeing so much chaos in the bullpen. Well, maybe after Superman's big night, but not since then, that's for sure. She was packing up her things to head down to City Hall, when she heard her name being called from behind her.

"Lois!?" It was Martha and right behind her was her husband Ben, along with Richard and Lana too.

"Martha, Ben? What a wonderful surprise!" Lois gave her mother and father-in law hugs and kisses. "Does Clark know you're here?"

"No, honey, we wanted to surprise him," Martha said.

"This day will go down in history, Lois," Ben said also feeling the excitement in the air.

"Oh, it definitely will, Ben. Hey, Richard, Lana, it's good to see you both. I knew you wouldn't miss this. It's a madhouse around here as you can see."

Everyone was running around or on the phone. The monitors were all channeling the live feed from City Hall.

"Hi, Lois, and yes, it is all very exciting," Lana said and looked around. "Where's Clark?"

Everyone glanced at Lana. "Well, umm, Clark is out of town getting a public reaction story. He left last night."

Martha smiled at her daughter-in-law.

"What's that smile about, Martha?" Lois asked.

"Lois, I know about our 'friend," Lana said and smiled.

Richard and Lois both stared at her with mouth agape.

Lana chuckled at their expressions, but felt the need to explain. "Guys, we grew up together."

"Oh!" Lois was surprised and just a little envious of Lana's childhood memories. She shook her head and smiled at the images in her mind. I'm finding it hard to picture Clark as a kid, let alone a teenager. I must get pictures of him when he was younger, not only for me, but I know Jason would love to see them too.

"Shouldn't we be heading down to City Hall? It's getting late," Martha asked her daughter-in-law. She was excited to see her son on this historic day.

"Sure, Martha," Lois replied as she looked around and spotted Jimmy. "Jimmy, let's go!"

"Coming, Lois!" Jimmy hollered back.

Richard stared between the two of them amazed. "Lois?"

"I'll explain later," Lois chuckled at Richard's expression.

Lana pulled Lois aside stopping her from leaving. "Lois, before we leave, could you join me in the ladies room?" She turned to Richard. "We'll meet you downstairs."

"Sure, but we have to hurry," Lois told Lana wondering what was going on.

Lana told her about the surprise visitor she had on her first day at work.

"He just showed up unannounced?"

"I admit it threw me for a moment," Lana said still wondering about Bruce's visit.

"Didn't you think that was odd?"

"Yes, but what could I say? I did ask him for an interview for you."

"And what did he say?"

"Well, his exact words were "I'd be honored."

"Really? That's great, Lana. Thank you," Lois said, truly grateful, and she hugged Lana impulsively.

"He said you should give him a call."

"Oh, I will, before he changes his mind. I can't remember the last time he gave an interview. He's very leery of the press."

"Speaking of that, there's something else he said I found curious. He said he knew who you and Clark were, and that he had met Clark on several occasions, although, now that I think about it, you two are famous in the newspaper world, so it's not that surprising."

"Humm, that's true enough." Lois thought about that for a moment. "Well, we should head out. We have to hurry."

~o~o~

Downtown Metropolis, City Hall, 9:55 am

Mayor Walter Bennett; Chief of Police, Alan Jones; and District Attorney, Samuel Washington, were all seated and ready to get the press conference started. The Mayor turned to his assistant, who was standing at the entrance of City Hall, and nodded to her that it was time to start. He approached the podium, touched the microphone and tried to get everyone's attention. He looked out at the crowd and if he were a guessing man, he would say that there must be at least a thousand people there either seated, lined up in the streets, on rooftops, or in office building windows. There were also television cameras from local, national, and international stations that he could see. There wasn't an empty space to be had.

"May I have your attention, please?" He tapped the microphone harder. "Attention. We're about to start. Thank you. Good morning, ladies and gentlemen and welcome distinguished guests. Let me introduce to you the District Attorney for Metropolis County, Samuel Washington, and the Chief of Police of the Metropolis Police Department, Officer Alan Jones. Thank you, gentlemen, for joining us here today."

"This is an historic day for our city and for our country. Like many of you, I remember the day or should I say the night Superman arrived here in Metropolis. He saved countless lives that night, including the President of the United States. I know we were all saddened that he left us on his personal journey to find himself, but we were overjoyed and thrilled that he came back to us. Now, today, Superman and a handful of his ... super 'friends' have formed The Justice League of America. They are here to protect us, to help us fight crime and bring peace and justice to America and to the world. A better world is what we all want; a safer world for our children to play, where we can live our lives and not have to worry about criminals who roam our streets day and night wanting to hurt us and our families. So, ladies and gentlemen, without further ado, I give you … The Justice League of America!" The Mayor applauded and turned toward the City Hall double doors.

The doors to City Hall opened and as the League members made their way down to the grandstand, the Mayor introduced them one by one. "The Flash, Green Lantern, Aquaman, Martian Manhunter, Wonder Woman, Batman and … Superman!" The crowd went wild. Flashbulbs went off, cell phone cameras were clicking left and right, and everyone screamed and waved for the League to speak to them.

Lois, Martha, Ben, Lana and Richard each had their own cameras. Lois smiled at her husband, applauded, and yelled along with everyone else.

Jason's classroom was whooping and hollering too. Jason's smile was from ear to ear. He felt so proud, thinking, that's my Dad.

The Mayor held up his arms and tried to quiet the crowd. "Thank you everyone. We're ready to begin the questions from the press. Each agency was given a number when you arrived. Who has the first question?"

"I do," Lois answered holding up her hand. "Lois Lane-Kent, Daily Planet. My question is for Superman." A few people laughed and whispered "of course." Lois ignored them. "Superman, whose idea was it to start the League?"

"The idea was formed between Batman, Wonder Woman and I. After my return six months ago, we all realized that crime had taken a chokehold on this country. We all wanted to make a difference, but we also knew that we needed help. We had been in contact with each other since my return, and one conversation led to another and soon everything just fell into place."

"Thank you, Superman," Lois said trying not to smile at him. Then Lois's mind wandered back six months ago and then back even further. Superman and Batman have been friends for years, or they tolerate each other, from what I hear. Batman's home is in Gotham City. Everybody knows that. Clark has a rich friend who owns a private island in the Caribbean. Bruce Wayne is very rich. Bruce Wayne's home is also in Gotham City. Bruce Wayne is Batman? No Way. Lois stared at Batman with mouth agape.

"You're welcome," Clark said wondering where Lois's mind went just then. Why is she staring at Batman like that? Oh boy!

"Next question," the Mayor asked.

"I have the number two. Adam Jones, Washington Post. Please show us if you can, and this is to anyone who wishes to answer, can all of you fly like Superman?"

Superman nodded, as the ones who could fly did. Wonder Woman, J'onn J'onnz, Green Lantern and, of course, Superman, lifted a few feet off the ground and came back down.

Everyone ohhed and ahhed, as flashbulbs went off again.

"Wow, that was awesome!" Reporter Jones exclaimed. "Thank you."

"Only two more questions left. Who has the number three?" The Mayor asked.

"I do. Lucy Peterson, New York Times. I believe you said Superman that the reason you all got together was to make a difference. Don't you think that's a slap in the face to all our uniformed men and women who go out everyday to fight crime in our cities and a lot of them won't return to their families?" There were some grumblings from people who didn't like her question.

"Superman, if you wouldn't mind, I'll answer that," Police Chief Jones spoke up then as he approached the podium.

"Of course," Superman said.

"Thank you. Like many of you, I was here that night in Metropolis working the evening shift when Superman arrived in our city. He not only saved many lives that night, but the criminals he brought to justice also realized that there was someone in their mists they couldn't ignore. In a matter of weeks, the crime rate dropped to the lowest levels ever recorded. I know I speak for our entire police force." He turned to Superman. "Welcome home, Superman and welcome Justice League of America." Chief Jones shook each superhero's hand in turn as the crowd applauded and cameras flashed.

"Thank you, Chief Jones," Superman said.

"Thank you, Chief. Next question," the Mayor said.

"I have question number four. Beth Hancock, Los Angeles Times. I'm sure this question is on everyone's mind here today. Just how far would any of you go to stop a criminal?" There was more grumblings from the crowd.

Superman went up to the podium then and tried to set the record straight. "Ladies and gentlemen, I want to make it perfectly clear to all of you today that we are not judge, jury, or executioner, but we will defend ourselves against any foe and with force if necessary. We are not here to replace the criminal justice system. We will work within that system to bring criminals to justice. That is what we are all here for and that is what the League has pledged to do. Does that answer your question?"

"Yes, it does. Thank you, Superman," Reporter Hancock replied.

"You're welcome. Mr. Mayor, if there are no more questions, we have work to do."

"If I may, Mayor, I would like to add to what Superman said about the criminal justice system," District Attorney Washington said as he approached the podium.

"Yes, of course, ladies and gentlemen, the DA, Mr. Samuel Washington," the Mayor announced.

There was very little applause and only a few photos were taken.

Clark inwardly groaned and glanced at Lois. She knows exactly what I'm thinking. There were rumors that the DA was corrupt. He'd heard the rumors soon after he had returned, but apparently no investigation was done at the time. If the crowd's reaction was any indication, he was not a popular DA.

"Ladies and gentleman, when I was asked to come here today and show my support for the Justice League of America, I admit I was skeptical at first, but I wanted to show that Metropolis is an united city on all levels of the criminal justice system. The DA's office is behind the League 100%." He then spoke to Superman directly. "I just wanted to tell you and your ... friends that you are all welcome here in Metropolis." He proceeded to shake all the League members' hands just as Chief Jones had done.

"Thank you, Mr. Washington," the Mayor said. "Thank you everyone for coming today. Please give a round of applause for the Justice League of America as we look forward to a crime free city and a safer world!"

The League members turned, but instead of leaving the way they had came, the Green Lantern lifted towards the sky, extended his ring hand and lifted the non-flying members into his green sphere and the flying members followed him up into the sky!

The audience was stunned at first, but then everyone applauded, yelled and started chanting 'Justice League, Justice League,' as they applauded even louder, as flashbulbs went off and television cameras turned towards the sky.

TBC!

A/N: I know that was campy, but I couldn't resist ending it like that! This fangirl's heart is very happy. So, tell me what you think. Please give feedback. I would really appreciate it and, if you don't know, I reply to all comments and reviews. Thanks for reading. Reviews are really love, they really are! *smiles*