AN: So, I didn't realize it until last chapter but the way I separate scenes in my chapters hasn't been coming up when I upload new ones. So, from now on if you see 888 that's just a separator from scene to scene. Thank you all for sticking with this story! I appreciate all the feedback! Ya'll are amazing!

Disclaimer: The villain who's placed the bounty on Clark's head is a villain based from Superman the Animated Series. All rights belong to Warner Brothers and DC comics. :)

12: Meet the Lanes

September had rolled into November before I even knew what happened. And along with the change of months came the change of seasons, the holidays, and a deeper more open relationship with Clark; the latter being something that made me very happy. The office took the transition rather well. They were nervous how Richard and Clark were going to be around each other but after a couple of weeks of seeing them acting like the best of friends, our fellow employees moved on to the next bit of gossip.

I was grateful that Perry was taking everything in stride. He'd even allowed Clark and I to continue to work together as a partnership despite our feelings for each other. He had been skeptical at first but after we started putting out juicy articles about the Justice League he'd had a change of heart. The Justice League…that had been a whole kettle of worms at first; the heroes hadn't been too happy when the article hit the streets shortly after their appearance in Smallville. They calmed down when they actually read what I'd written, making it very clear to the public that they would only band together in times of great calamity or intergalactic crisis.

Since that first article, they'd been spotted in several places around the world fighting off creatures from space. It was believed by the public that the visitors were trying to take over the planet but the Justice League and a handful of other trustworthy people (such as myself) knew their true purpose for invading: they were after Clark. Clark was doing quite a good job putting up with being babysat all the time. Since the bounty hunters started showing up every other week now, it had become essential for him to have another member of the League within sight at all times. It was mostly Diana or J'onn since they didn't really have side jobs in well known cities to worry about.

I have to admit, I didn't really like having the two of them following us around on date night but I couldn't deny it eased my mind to have them near. I'd been having nightmares for the past two weeks about Clark being taken away from me. It had gotten to the point where I had Hal's personal cell phone number and sent him a daily text asking if he'd had any leads on who might want Clark. To all of our frustration, Hal had still come up dry. Whoever had put out the bounty had played all the right cards to keep who they really were a secret. Hal suspected the precautions were due to the fact that it was known that Superman and the Green Lantern of sector 2814 were allies and nobody dealing dirty wanted a Green Lantern on their trail.

I had no idea that the Corps had such a heavy influence in space but after sitting down and talking with Hal, I learned that there was a Green Lantern for every sector of the known universe and there just so happened to be 3000 sectors. Knowing that so many other intelligent beings existed out in the universe nearly scrambled my brain. Accepting that Clark wasn't biologically human had been hard enough. Jason seemed fascinated with the idea of other life forms and often asked Hal to tell him stories when he would be on duty watching Clark as we went to the park as a family.

I was glad that Jason was doing so well with all the changes that had fallen into his lap. He had no difficulty at all accepting Richard back into his life even though the man had given him the complete cold shoulder for months. That was one thing I loved about my son; he had a compassionate heart of gold. He reminded me of Clark in so many ways. It made my heart soar.

I was busy getting ready for the day when Jason came rushing in on a sugar high. "Mommy! Do I have to go to school today?" he asked in a rush, holding two candy bars in each hand.

I sighed. Halloween had been two days ago and because his allergies were gone it was the first time Jason could go trick or treating like any other kid. Clark had wanted him to have the ultimate experience and therefore walked around in the open as Superman. I'd been terrified that other people would suspect but since Richard had dressed up as an Air Force pilot people didn't bother to glance twice. It was unfortunate when several bounty hunters showed up and tried to kidnap three men dressed as Superman. The other League members provided the needed distraction for Clark to take flight and join the fray of stopping the hunters from carrying off innocent humans. The holiday had ended on a sour note but Jason had managed to gather plenty of candy to forget the terrors of the evening.

"Jason, honey, yes you have to go to school. And isn't it a little too early for candy?" I asked, exasperated.

Between mouthfuls of chocolate, Jason replied, "But Mommy, it's so good!"

I sighed again but this time with a smile. Those big blue eyes looked up at me as I touched up my eyelashes. "Fine, but don't think this is going to become a habit!" I called as he raced out of the room to get another handful of sugar. "I'm going to have to save up for the dentist," I mumbled.

There was a knock at the door. I checked my alarm clock next to my bed and smiled. As usual, he was right on time. I finished getting ready while listening to Jason interrogate Clark on his latest save battling a volcano in the Pacific.

"How did you see through the ash?" Jason's excited voice asked.

"X-ray vision has its advantages," Clark revealed.

"Cool!" A pause and then Jason asked, "Daddy?"

"Hmmm?"

"Will I get x-ray vision too?"

There was another pause on Clark's end. "I don't know, son," he admitted. "We'll just have to take things as they come."

"I hope I get it," Jason sighed with longing. "I wanna be just like you when I grow up."

I had to blink back threatening tears. I'm sure Clark was choking up with emotion too. After all, Jason was an answer to his loneliness. Because of the little miracle we'd made out of love, he was no longer the last son of Krypton. That brought me more joy than anything in the whole world and often I thanked the heavens for Jason. He literally was the greatest miracle that Clark and I shared.

I rounded the corner to find Clark dressed in a trench coat over his usual too-big brown suit and thick glasses with a cup of steaming hot coffee in one hand with my name on it. I kissed him lightly on the lips. "Good morning," I whispered.

"M-Morning," he stuttered, slightly caught off guard by the amount of displayed emotion so early. Little did Clark know, for the first time in weeks I'd had a wonderful dream where we'd had a pretty heated evening in the back of a truck out in the middle of a Kansas cornfield. It had been a wonderful dream; one that I hoped would become a reality in the future.

I grabbed my coat and made sure to zip Jason's jacket up to his chin. "Shall we go?" I asked, taking my coffee and sipping it delicately.

Clark smiled and laced his fingers through mine. Jason sighed. "Do we have to pretend that it's cold outside?"

"It is cold outside, honey," I said.

"Not to me," he complained.

Clark chuckled. They'd had this discussion before; Jason became impervious to the changes in the weather at the beginning of October. "You know that the other kids will notice if you don't have a coat on, son."

Jason frowned. "I know. But I still don't like having to dress up when I don't need to."

I rolled my eyes. It was freezing outside! And yet my men were completely at ease, not so much as having their teeth chatter. Clark's unique heat kept my hand warm as he squeezed it when he heard my teeth starting to knock together. We made it down to the snow covered sidewalk and waited for ten seconds before Clark's whistle stopped a cab. We got inside and I looked across the street to see a woman clad in high heeled leather boots, a purple plaid pea coat, a black hat and gloves eyeing us over the top of her copy of the Daily Planet.

"Looks like its Diana today," I muttered under my breath so the cab wouldn't hear. Clark nodded in response as he gave the address to Jason's school.

It took thirty minutes to get to Jason's school due to the snow that decided to fall ruthlessly upon the city. We both kissed our son goodbye and watched him dart into the snow like the rest of the kids making their way to the school's entrance. We even watched him throw a couple of snowballs before the cab pulled back out into traffic to head for the Daily Planet. I caught another glimpse of Diana as we drove away, paper still in hand.

I sighed and leaned into Clark's large chest. "Why do I have a feeling it's going to be one of those days?" I mumbled.

Clark's chest rumbled in silent laughter next to me. "Perhaps it's because today Perry's going to try to get you to have another exclusive with Bruce Wayne."

I frowned. "Wasn't he satisfied with the one I gave him?"

"Well, Bruce Wayne is in town again on business with Queen Enterprises."

"That's certainly a surprise," I said sarcastically.

Clark chuckled.

We pulled in front of the Daily Planet, Clark handed over a few bills to the driver, and we were about to go through the revolving doors when Clark stopped. Diana was leaning against the building, her newspaper still covering half her face. Her eyes, however, were on us. Clark raised an eyebrow. "Can I help you, miss?" he asked since there were several other reporters milling around.

Diana shook her head, not lowering the paper from her face. They seemed to stare at each other a moment more before Clark nodded and went through the doors, making sure to keep our hands intertwined the whole time. I waited until we'd secured an elevator to ourselves.

"What happened?" I asked the second the doors were closed.

"Hal got word that there will be a group known in the bounty world as Dice heading to Earth in the next day or so. They're supposedly really good at what they do. My security is being doubled."

I looked at him sympathetically from his sigh of obvious disdain. "So that's why Bruce and Oliver are in town."

Clark nodded. "The business deal is a cover up. It helps that they've worked together before so it isn't too big of an eyebrow raiser for the press."

"Clark, are you okay?" I asked after a moment.

He looked deep in thought. "I'm frustrated."

"I can see that," I said gently.

"I wish we could figure out who wants my head so we can stop all this madness. People have gotten hurt from these bounty hunters, Lois. If I turned myself in…"

My heart slammed against my chest. "No!" I latched onto him, clinging to him desperately. He looked at me, startled. We'd had this conversation before but then I'd been headstrong unlike now where I was –dare I say it- desperate for him not to leave me.

"Lois?"

I couldn't meet his eyes but I kept my hold tight on his arm. "I can't let you do that, Clark. You…you can't leave me again," I muttered so quietly I wasn't even sure if he would hear.

But he had heard. His strong arms came around me and he pulled me into his chest. Lifting my chin gently with one finger, he searched my eyes so I could see for myself his sincerity. "I will never leave you or Jason again, Lois," he said tenderly.

"Promise?" I asked, feeling stupid for displaying such weakness. Darn this man! He was the only one who could bring out this side of me, the side I hid from the rest of the world.

Clark bent down and kissed me long and deep, sending my worries away instantly as I rocketed up somewhere with the snow falling in the sky. "I promise," he whispered against my lips.

Someone cleared their throat. We both looked up to find Richard staring with a mocking grin on his face. "Don't you think kissing in the elevator is getting old? Maybe you should try the supply closet for your next make out location."

"Good morning to you too, Richard," I said.

Clark's face was a little flushed at having been caught. Keeping up the act, he managed to trip a little as we got off the elevator. Richard had to stop himself from rolling his eyes.

"Where are you going so early?" I asked.

"Running to the ground floor to get a cup of hot chocolate for Perry," he answered.

"Why not coffee?" Clark wondered.

Richard sent us both an evil grin. "Alice is on the move again. She's made Perry swear off coffee until after Christmas."

Clark and I shuddered in horror. Turning to Clark I jabbed my finger into his chest. "Don't you ever do that to me, you hear, Smallville?!"

"I wouldn't dream of it, Lois," he replied in his higher office voice.

Richard chuckled and muttered so only the two of us could hear, "Just wait until you wake up next to her, Clark. She's a right foul monster from the underworld until she has coffee in her system."

I rolled my eyes, punching my ex-fiancé lightly in the arm. "I wasn't that bad!"

Clark grinned, his eyes glinting mischievously. "You just didn't learn how to tame the beast the night before, Richard."

Richard's mouth dropped open while my face became so hot you could fry an egg on it. Had he seriously just said that?! I was blushing all the way to my roots and my ears. Clark looked rather pleased with himself as he nodded to Richard and tripped a little as he made his way to his desk. I watched him go, my face still as red as a beet.

"Morning Mr. White and Miss Lane! How are you both today…?" Jimmy's enthusiasm ceased as he looked at our expressions. Richard resembled a fish, opening and closing his mouth, while I was still as red as an apple. "Did something happen?" Jimmy prompted.

I was the first one to recover from such a surprising revelation from my boyfriend. "Richard, weren't you going to get hot chocolate?" I asked, turning away from Jimmy.

"Wha? Oh, yeah," Richard muttered, getting into the elevator. His expression was still one of surprise as the doors shut.

I marched down the bullpen. Clark was busy at his desk, already typing an article with particularly cheery gusto. An evil thought came to my mind. If he was going to embarrass me in front of Richard, I sure was going to get my revenge. Thankfully Jimmy had followed me as I walked towards my desk. Suddenly changing course, I walked right up to Clark who turned away from his computer just in time to find me planting myself right into his lap.

Immediately I felt him freeze beneath me. Clark may be completely head over heels in love with me and perfectly fine with openly kissing me in the office but petting and cuddling was something we'd decided to save for private settings. After all, even though he'd made his fair share of misdeeds in the past, he was trying to turn over a new leaf and be the moral farm boy his parents raised him to be. The move I'd just made was definitely something that was against public affection.

Ignoring his frozen horror beneath me and Jimmy's obvious discomfort, I grabbed Clark's hands and placed them over my stomach, leaning into his chest as I spoke. "Was there something you needed Jimmy?"

The photographer cleared his throat, trying to ignore the intimacy in front of him. "Um, C-Chief wanted me to a-accompany you on a s-story," he stammered because I had now twisted in Clark's arms so my legs were hanging over the side of one of his arm rests while I ran a finger up and down Clark's chin, keeping his hands over my stomach with my other hand in the process.

I could feel Clark getting more and more antsy by the minute. I could hardly contain my grin. "Sounds good, Jimmy. Once I get the assignment from Perry, we'll head out."

"O-Okay, Miss Lane," he stuttered, trying to avoid watching my open display of seduction.

"LANE! WHAT THE DEVIL ARE YOU DOING?!"

I looked over at Perry innocently. "Just enjoying being in the bullpen, Perry. Did you need something?"

Half the bullpen had stopped to glance in shock over the scene; I'd never been this openly affectionate with Richard in all the five years of dating him. Perry looked uncomfortable but still remained firm as he stormed over to Clark's desk. "You're going to give Clark a heart attack," he said. "The man's as red as a cherry. Stop this nonsense and get in my office, both of you!" He turned on his heel and rushed back into his office to await us there, too uncomfortable to continue watching his two best reporters in such a position.

I finally decided to look at Clark. He was indeed as red as Perry said. His eyes were trying desperately not to stare down at me; I'd conveniently positioned myself in such a way that he could get a full view down my blouse if he wanted. Laughing quietly in triumph, I kissed the cleft in his chin before slowly sliding off his lap.

"Come on Smallville," I said. "We'll have to wait until later I guess." I glanced back and Clark turned, if possible, an even deeper shade of red. Laughing under my breath, I muttered, "Payback for that comment earlier, Kent. Next time, think twice before embarrassing me in front of the entire newsroom."

Clark stood up, sighed, and did something completely surprising. He took me into his arms and kissed me full on the mouth. "Whatever you say, Miss Lane," he grinned. "Thanks for the view," he whispered before walking into Perry's office.

I stared after him, clearly pleased as well as surprised. Trying not to show these emotions, I walked into Perry's office with my head held high. As expected, Perry chewed us out for bringing our personal life into the bullpen (though the old man had to fight really hard to keep the smirk from his face and the approval from his eyes) and assigned both of us to cover the story about Wayne Enterprises and Queen Industries latest business proposition.

"I want exclusive interviews with both billionaires!" Perry called as we left the office. "And take Olsen with you to get pictures!"

"Exclusives shouldn't be too big of a problem," I said with a smirk as we walked to my desk. Clark leaned against it while I took the chair. I crossed my legs and noticed him taking in the view. "Kent, Chief did just warn us to keep our relationship out of the office."

Clark grinned without shame. "This coming from the woman who openly sat in my lap for five minutes. I'm just enjoying the view."

I snorted but smiled. "So when do we snag those two to get an interview?"

Clark shrugged. "We'll have to mingle with everyone else at the party they're hosting at City Hall tonight. When opportunity arises, we go in for the kill."

I grinned. "Who do you want to take down?"

"I prefer Oliver Queen since Bruce Wayne seems more prone to speak to the opposite sex."

"I'll be sure to wear something that will loosen that tongue of his then."

Clark raised an eyebrow. "I hope it won't loosen it too much."

I grinned seductively at him. "Why? Afraid I might get more than an interview?"

Clark's eyes suddenly smoldered with burning passion. A shiver ran down my spine. He leaned in and whispered in my ear, "I doubt you'd want more than an interview with someone who could never fully satisfy you." He decided to torture me further by brushing his lips purposefully across my earlobe before pulling away.

My face flushed. I couldn't breathe properly. My heart was going a thousand miles a minute. To heck with keeping our relationship out of the office; I stood up and muttered, "I need to get something from the supply closet."

Clark watched my retreating figure. I slammed the door and pretended to be looking for something. I hoped he'd taken the hint. I waited for ten minutes. He still hadn't shown up. Had he slipped off to rescue someone? I was just about to crack open the supply closet and peek when he opened the door and closed it with a snap.

I immediately leapt into his arms, kissing him furiously. "What took you so long?" I asked as I leaned back to catch my breath.

"If I'd followed you flat out, Perry and everyone else would know we weren't merely grabbing supplies," he answered, before kissing me again. Another breath later, he added, "I had to wait until everyone was distracted."

"I love you," I muttered before kissing him again, my fingers climbing into his hair.

He pushed me up against the wall, deepening the kiss, his hands slowly moving up and down my arms. We were just about to get into the good stuff when he leapt backward and pretended to be shuffling through some papers on a shelf. I would have displayed an expression of hurt if the door hadn't opened at that moment.

"Lois, what kind of sticky notes were you trying to find?" Clark asked in a normal tone, completely devoid of loss of breath.

I looked at our intruder only to find Richard standing in the doorway. He blinked a few times, assessing the situation, before closing the door behind him. "You know, when I suggested the supply closet, I never actually thought you two would take to the idea," he said, his voice slightly strained with disdain.

I didn't really know what to say. I felt like I was back in high school and the principal had just caught me making out when I should have been in class. Clark seemed to feel the same way because he didn't move either. Richard obviously wasn't mad but he was aggravated.

"Perry confided in me just now," Richard went on when neither of us said anything. "He said that if you two can't keep things…professional…he's going to ship Clark over into international."

"What?!" I cried, outraged. "He can't do that!"

"He's the Editor in Chief, Lois, he can do whatever he wants," Richard said, folding his arms. "He sent me in here to give you both a warning. He's tolerated the small pecks but he's not going to stand for public displays of intimacy. We didn't even do anything of the sort in the office, Lois." He looked uncomfortable, unable to meet my eyes.

This affection for Clark I openly showed was a testament to the fact that my relationship with Richard was never as serious as my current one. The realization hurt, that was obvious, but it was the truth. I felt bad for causing such suffering in Richard but I couldn't help myself. Whenever I was around Clark and he did something to stir my emotions, I couldn't control myself. It was like my hormones took over every other rational thought. Apparently I did the same thing to Clark.

Richard cleared his throat, trying to get past the awkward feeling floating around the room. "I stood up for both of you this one time because I can see how happy the two of you are. But I'm not going to do so again. If you can't control yourselves, I'll support Perry's decision to separate you two. Do I make myself clear?"

Clark stood tall as he turned around. "Very, Mr. White," he said in his deep timbre. Richard didn't flinch from the change but instead stood his ground. He knew that Clark wasn't trying to be intimidating; he was trying to show Richard that he agreed with him. "However, may I be so bold as to ask a question, sir?"

Richard's eyebrows rose. "What is it, Clark?"

"Does this rule extend to breaks?"

I nearly choked from trying not to laugh. Richard cracked a smile. "Of course not, Clark. Lois and I found plenty of time to express affection when everyone else went on lunch or took a coffee break. Though I suggest that you take it to the roof; don't want anyone walking in on you."

Clark nodded with a smirk on his face. "Thanks for clearing that up, sir."

888

Richard had agreed to watch Jason for the evening so Clark and I could go to the business party. I looked myself over a few more times in the mirror. I'd decided to go with a red dress and strapping red stilettos. The dress flowed freely from my hips to my knees, exposing my calves. I'd decided to wear my hair down, letting my curls flow in loose ringlets around my shoulders. The doorbell rang. Grabbing my handbag with my recorder in it, I opened the door to find Clark standing in a tux. It took everything I had not to let my eyes fall out of their sockets. He looked positively stunning. No wonder he wore over-sized suits to work; every woman would try to get him in the supply closet if he didn't.

I allowed his eyes to freely roam up and down my body a few times before smirking. "Like what you see?" I asked.

He grinned but lightly blushed. "You look beautiful, Lois."

"You cleaned up nicely yourself, Smallville," I responded.

Taking my hand in his, we made our way down to where he had a cab waiting. We were halfway to City Hall when my phone started to ring. I looked at the display and groaned. "You've got to be kidding me," I muttered.

"Who is it?" Clark asked.

Ignoring him, I hit the green phone symbol and sighed, "Hi, Daddy."

Clark watched me silently as I sat tensely by his side. I tried to keep my composure as my father revealed to me that he was going to be in town for Thanksgiving and he wanted to spend the holiday with me and Lucy. The location would be at Lucy and Ron's place. I desperately wanted to say no but I couldn't bring myself to do it. Like all other times when talking to my father, I didn't want to start a fight because it was exhausting. "Fine," I muttered, "I'll come. But I'm going to have company." I glanced at Clark. He squeezed my hand. "Yes, Daddy, I'm bringing a guy and no it's not Richard. Yes, Jason will be there too. No, I won't talk about him over the phone. You'll just have to meet him in person. Bye, Dad." I hung up and groaned, closing my eyes.

"So I guess it's time to meet your father?" Clark said.

I nodded.

"Lois, relax. It's not like the world is going to come to an end."

"Clark, you don't get it," I laughed without humor. "My dad chews apart any guy I bring home. He even chewed out Richard. No matter who it is, he won't be satisfied with whoever I'm with. It took him four years to warm up to Ron! I can't even imagine what he's going to try to do to you."

Clark chuckled. "I think I'll survive anything he throws at me."

I rolled my eyes. "You just might not survive this fight, Clark."

"Of course I will, Lois. I'd face any threat he pulls in order to show him that you mean everything to me."

I looked over at him and finally managed to smile. Golly, I loved this man. I kissed him lightly on the cheek. "You always know what to say to cheer me up," I said.

The cab pulled over. Clark paid again and we got out joining the throng of people heading up the steps to City Hall. The party was all for the sake of publicity since a deal hadn't been made yet. It was typical pomp and circumstance for the Prince of Gotham, who was surrounded by a crowd of sharks all determined to get on his good side for the sake of promoting their own endeavors. Oliver Queen had his round of admirers as well but mostly they were the older crowd who'd made plenty of business transactions with him in the past and always came out fruitful. Clark and I wandered around getting comments from several bystanders about their opinions on another merger between the two companies.

It wasn't until the middle of the night that I got my opportunity to corner Bruce alone. Clark had already grabbed Oliver and the two were in a deep conversation that had been going on for almost ten minutes already. Bruce had his back to me when I rushed in for the kill.

"Good evening, Lois," he said without turning around.

I scowled. "You never let me sneak up on you."

"It's not just you," he said, turning around. His next words died in his throat as he took in my outfit. A smirk climbed his handsome face. "Very impressive," he complimented.

"Thanks," I said without emotion. "I heard that playboys like things in red."

"It's a rather…eye catching color," Bruce said carefully with a gentlemanly smile. "It helps to soften the mood too."

I smiled. "Good since a pleasant atmosphere makes a lovely scene for an interview."

"I don't give personal interviews, Miss Lane."

"You can't use that excuse since you gave me one over a month ago."

"That was an exception."

"I'm not leaving until you answer my questions, Bruce, and if you don't, I could go so far as to say something about your night life."

Bruce's face filled with obvious displeasure. "Why did I clue you into that again?"

I shrugged. "Secrets aren't meant to be kept from certain individuals," I said sweetly.

He sighed. "Alright, Miss Lane, ask your questions."

I grinned as I pulled out my recorder.

Clark met me at the punch bowl twenty minutes later as I celebrated my victory. Bruce had been rather sweet in his responses but I could tell in his eyes that he didn't enjoy the interview one little bit. The man was a great actor.

"You seem pleased," Clark commented as he lightly kissed my cheek in greeting.

"It's an accomplishment when you can get a man to open up to you," I shrugged.

"Hmmm, maybe you can give me a demonstration."

I blushed. "Clark, not on the job, remember?"

Clark took a casual sip of his punch. "I wasn't implying now, Miss Lane."

"Charmer," I muttered into my cup.

Clark suddenly froze, getting a faraway look on his face. I glanced up at him. "What is it this time? More hunters?"

He nodded. "They're close too. They just blew up half of Broadway. It's got to be that group called Dice. Hal said they specialized in explosives. I've got to go."

I grabbed his arm. "Clark, you can't go by yourself!"

Just then Diana and J'onn materialized out of thin air next to us. Both were wearing attire appropriate for the occasion. "Shall we ditch this affair and head to the real party?" Diana asked.

"Should have known you two would be babysitting," Clark muttered, slightly bitter. He turned to me and kissed my cheek. "Don't leave this party," he ordered.

I pouted. "But you're going where the real story is! That's not fair."

"Lois, please, for my sake, stay here where it's safe."

I looked into his eyes and deflated. "Fine," I sighed, "but you'd better give me details, Smallville."

Kissing my cheek again, he nodded before rushing off with Diana and J'onn. Bruce and Oliver seemed to magically disappear as well. I heard later that they were seen heading to the elevator probably to discuss further business propositions. I sighed as I watched smoke rise from Broadway Ave three blocks away. Superman and Wonder Woman could be seen periodically dodging in and out of the vapor. I sipped on my punch but refused to look away, my stomach swirling in a fit of knots. I didn't fully relax until Clark reappeared at my side an hour later to report that the group named Dice was on their way to a galactic jail in the custody of Green Lantern. I breathed again, my frazzled nerves relaxing as my nightmares proved once again to be false. However, an hour later when I was tucked under my covers alone in my small secondhand apartment, I couldn't help the fearful thought from plaguing my mind: would Clark be taken from me next time?

888

It had been two weeks since another pair of bounty hunters had been hauled into space by three Green Lanterns from different sectors. Hal seemed to know them all since they joked for a few minutes before bidding him farewell, dragging an unconscious set of blue, two-headed pink-haired creatures with them. I had the joy of writing the article after getting an interview with Hal, much to Perry's delight. He was practically doing back flips in his office because I was the first reporter to get exclusives with every member of the Justice League except for Batman who evaded any kind of press like the plague when confronted alone.

I was sitting at my little kitchen table in my apartment with a cup of steaming coffee in one hand and an evening copy of one of the three evening copies of different newspapers in the other. Jason was over at Richard's; due to it being Thanksgiving break, Jason was going to stay with Richard tonight since tomorrow he was going to spend the holiday with Perry while Clark and I were taking Jason to Lucy and Ron's.

I was just thinking about going to bed when there was a knock on my balcony door. I glanced up and was surprised to find Superman and Green Lantern standing there, the former having a rather sour expression on his face. I gave them both a questioning eyebrow, silently grateful that I'd thrown my robe over my nightgown.

"What's up?" I asked, sliding the door open.

The two of them entered. I shut the curtains to my balcony and turned around to find Hal and Clark standing in my living room, their suits gone. Clark still had a sour expression on his face.

"We found out who put the bounty on Clark's head," Hal revealed.

"That's great!" I said excitedly but then I noticed Clark's expression and the smile slid from my face. "Isn't it?"

Clark sighed. "He's known as the Preserver."

"He's a very famous collector in the intergalactic community," Hal explained when Clark refrained from elaborating further.

"What would he want with Clark?" I asked, clearly bemused.

"Lois," Clark said exasperated. "He's a collector."

He waited and suddenly it dawned on me. "He wants to add you to his collection?! What kind of sick joke is that? You're not an animal, Clark."

"Yeah, well, he doesn't seem to care what kind of species I am," Clark growled. "His purpose is to preserve all endangered life forms no matter what planet they come from."

"So he put out an illegal bounty on your head?" I wondered. "If he's a famous collector wouldn't he try to avoid doing something under the table?"

"Well, the Preserver isn't the violent type," Hal said. "I believe that he's been observing Clark for quite some time and sent out the warrant because he knew that Clark wouldn't be collected without a fight."

My heart skipped a beat. "Observing…"

Clark grabbed my shoulders. "Relax, Lois, he doesn't know anything about you."

"How could he not? He must be the one who caused the fires! He set my apartment and the Daily Planet roof of fire, Clark! He's got to know about me! And if he knows about me, he knows about us and Jason! Oh my gosh! He'll try to collect Jason too!"

Clark looked at Hal for help. Hal swallowed hard and put a hand on my shoulder. "Lois, he doesn't know about you or Jason."

"How do you know?" I snapped, desperate.

"Because the bounty is only for Clark," Hal reasoned. "Think about it, Lois, if he knew about Jason, he'd do anything to get him into his collection. His only focus is Clark. As to the fires, I don't think that was him. The Preserver isn't violent. He hires other people to do the dirty work rather than getting his own hands soiled. However, he covers up the dirty work through government approved documents signed by the Galactic Alliance."

"Galactic Alliance? You mean to tell me there's an alien government out there?"

Hal shrugged. "Is it a big surprise to you, Lois? I'm part of an intergalactic police force. Usually there isn't a police force if there isn't a government to run things."

"Okay…that makes sense," I muttered, "But, if it's a Galactic Alliance, doesn't that mean that there should be someone representing each planet?"

"Yes," Hal said slowly, suddenly feeling uncomfortable.

"Who's Earth's mouthpiece?" I demanded.

Hal shook his head. "I'm sorry, I can't answer that Lois. It's top secret. That was one of the things I was sworn not to reveal after becoming a Green Lantern."

I frowned. "You mean to tell me that there's someone from Earth out there representing us in the midst of aliens and the human population as a whole has no idea that this is going on?"

Clark flinched at the word alien. I gave him an apologetic look.

Hal rubbed the back of his neck. "Lois, if word got out, it would cause mass panic. People had a hard enough time getting over the fact that Superman wasn't the only…"

Clark sighed. "It's okay, Hal. I can't change the fact that I'm an extraterrestrial. Lois, he's right. If the general public learned that such a thing was taking place the results would be catastrophic. There could very well be a rebellion that results in expelling me and J'onn from Earth."

Like I would ever let that happen. I was beginning to see the reason why the world remained ignorant. Clark and Hal were right. It was best keeping people in the dark. "Do the world leaders know about this?" I wondered, curiosity getting the better of me.

"Yes," Hal replied. "They came together and voted who should represent us. That had been quite the debate but after five hours they made a good choice."

"Who is it?"

Hal opened his mouth but froze. Narrowing his eyes, he scowled. "Nice try, Miss Lane."

I grinned and shrugged. "Can't blame me for trying, Hal. So, back to the Preserver, you said something about documents?"

"Oh, right, well, like every other government, in order for you to claim something to be yours, you have to have a signed document of legal rights," Hal explained.

"And he needs one in order to have Clark in his collection legally?" I guessed.

"Yes," Clark sighed. "But he doesn't have one since he's trying to use under the counter ways of collecting me."

"I did some digging and it appears that the Preserver first collects and then gets things legalized," said Hal.

I ran a hand through my unruly curls. "Well, I don't see what the problem is. The bounty hunters haven't succeeded yet and they won't." Clark and Hal shuffled their feet. I looked between the two of them. Neither could meet my gaze. I folded my arms and looked at them sternly. "Okay, what are you two not saying? Clark, spit it out!"

He shied away as if being burned. "Last week…the bounty hunters did succeed, Lois."

Sensing my growing panic and anger, Hal put in, "But we stopped them before they got farther than the moon, Lois, so everything's fine."

I breathed through my nose, trying to keep myself calm. I didn't fool Clark; he could hear my heartbeat from Pluto. "Do you mind telling me exactly how they managed to even leave the Earth's surface?" I demanded, spitting venom, rounding on Clark.

He swallowed. I was the only one who could cause the most powerful being on the face of the Earth to shrink away in fear. "L-Lois, they…they knocked me out."

"Using what?! Don't tell me they know about Kryptonite!" I shouted, about to faint.

Clark shook his head emphatically. "No, no, they don't know about that!"

"Then how on Earth did they knock you out?!"

"Magic," Clark explained. "It's my other weakness, Lois."

That floored me. "Magic? Like pulling bunnies out of a hat?"

Clark smirked. "Well, a little more advanced than rabbits and hats but, yes, Lois, magic."

"I didn't know that," I said.

"I forgot about it to be honest," Clark muttered. "I haven't had to deal with advanced magic like this since I grew up in Smallville. This bounty hunter managed to throw a particular spell at me that knocked me out and gave him just enough leeway to distract the League and yank me away."

My knees started to shake, the anger replaced with utter fear. Clark wrapped his arms around my waist, keeping me steady. "Shhh, Lois, it's going to be alright," he muttered into my hair.

I hadn't realized I was sobbing until I heard a strange gurgled cry escape my throat. I buried my face into his neck, forgetting completely that Hal was even in the room. My emotions had reached a breaking point. I had bottled up my fears for weeks, my nightmares occurred every night leaving me terrified to even get in bed, I was horrified about bringing Clark to meet my family for Thanksgiving, and to top it off Clark had actually been taken this time! If the League hadn't been there, he would have left me again!

I vaguely heard Clark mutter, "Only in the worst case scenario, Hal, not now. Yes, I'm sure. Yeah, see you later."

I continued to cry, not even looking up when my balcony door opened and closed. I didn't care about anything but Clark, knowing he was safe with me. He began to pull away but I latched onto him. "Please," I gasped, "don't leave me tonight. Don't go, Clark. I can't take it. I can't sleep. Every time I do, I have nightmares of waking up and finding you gone. Please, I know you said we should continue to be in separate apartments but, Clark, just for tonight, stay with me…please."

He kissed my forehead and lifted my chin. I looked up through my tears to see his beautiful blues displaying nothing but tenderness. "I'm not going anywhere, Lois."

"B-But what if you have to leave?" I blubbered.

Clark kept his eyes on me as he pulled out his cell. Not even looking at it, he held down a button and put his phone to his ear. Rubbing his thumb across my cheek, interfering with the tear trail down my cheeks, he spoke into the receiver. "Batman, I need you and Arrow to cover for me tonight. I have other obligations. Thank you." He hung up, still staring at me. "Like I said, I'm not going anywhere, Lois."

A fresh wave of tears poured from my eyes and I buried myself into his chest. How had I come to deserve this man? He always put me first, no matter what. And even though I knew that could potentially interfere with his obligations as Earth's Protector, I understood that Clark needed me just as much as I needed him. We were two sides of the same coin, incomplete without the other.

He gently lifted me into his arms and sat down on the couch stroking my hair and occasionally kissing my fingers as I let out all of the pent up stress through my emotions. I cried myself to sleep sitting in his lap with his warm arms around me. Honestly, it was the first time in weeks that I'd slept peacefully.

I woke slowly to several sounds. Birds were chirping through the window I'd left open the night before, the noise from the city mixing with their morning song as cars honked and people shouted for taxis. Then there was the constant rhythm like a drum in my right ear. It was steady, soothing, and reassuring all at the same time. Something pressed against my forehead and I sighed. It had been gentle kiss.

"Good morning," his voice placidly muttered into my hair.

I sighed again, completely content. "Hi," I whispered, still keeping my eyes closed. I was afraid that if I opened them, the dream would end.

"It appears that I once again successfully tamed the beast," he rumbled with laughter.

I smiled. "Richard just didn't possess the charm the beast required."

Clark laughed.

We sat there enjoying each other's company having no need for words until my cell phone rang. I sighed. "Do I have to get up?"

Clark chuckled. Still in a sitting position, I suddenly felt us leave the couch. Clark hovered us into the kitchen where my phone was on to charge. I glanced at the peculiarity of Clark floating in a sitting position in my kitchen with me on his lap; I wasn't going to complain. I didn't have to get up at all. Clark kept his arms around me as I brought the phone to my ear.

"Hello?"

"Hey Lois."

"Richard!" I looked at the clock in the kitchen. "Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry!"

I was supposed to pick up Jason at nine. It was now ten thirty. I started to panic but Richard calmed me down. "Lois, relax. Jason's on his way over to your place right now."

"What? He is? Are you coming over here?"

"No. I gotta say, I was shocked when Green Arrow showed up at my door around nine saying he was here to pick up Jason."

I blinked. "Green Arrow?"

"Yeah, you know, the vigilante who runs around in Star City?"

"I know who he is," I replied hotly, "I just hadn't arranged…" I looked at Clark who had a sheepish grin on his face. "Clark," I muttered, suddenly understanding.

"Excuse me?" Richard said.

"Oh, Clark called in a favor," I explained.

"Ahhh, that explains it then," Richard muttered. "Um, did you spend the night together or something?"

Recognizing the teasing in his tone, I blatantly replied, "Bye, Richard," before hanging up the phone.

"I figured you could use the sleep," Clark admitted as he stood while keeping me in his arms.

I raised my eyebrows as he carried me down the hall towards my room. I was afraid he was about to cross the boundary line he'd set himself but instead he opened the door and set me down. I smiled while inside I was slightly disappointed he hadn't entered my room; another good point on his moral character. He seemed to smile ever so slightly from the obvious disappointment in my eyes. Cupping my face, he kissed me gently. "I'm going to make some breakfast while you get ready. Jason should be here soon."

"Okay," I said, slightly lightheaded from such a tender kiss. Then I paused. "Clark?"

"Yeah, Lois?"

"If Oliver picked up Jason at nine, where is he? It doesn't take an hour and a half to get from Richard's house to my apartment."

Clark grinned. "The League took him to Denny's for breakfast per his request."

I shook my head trying to imagine the Justice League minus Clark sitting in a Denny's booth eating pancakes with my son. It was a humorous image. Smiling, I shut the door and began getting ready for the day. It wasn't until I hopped into the shower that I realized Clark was going to be introduced to my family today. How would I introduce him? We weren't exactly simply boyfriend and girlfriend. After all we'd been through we were so much more than that. But we couldn't say we were lovers either though five years ago we could. Golly, this was complicated.

Twenty minutes later I was standing in front of my closet, trying to decide what to wear. Eventually I settled on a thick green sweater that came down over my thighs, black leggings, and black knee high boots. My curls cascaded all around my face, a lost cause, and my make up hadn't turned out the way I'd wanted; surely the overall outfit would drown out the imperfections.

I found Clark standing in the kitchen just finishing up making pancakes. He wore a pair of jeans and a blue plaid shirt over a plain white tee. His hair was wet signifying that he'd rushed home and got ready for the day through super speed. The familiar smell of his cologne mixed with the cornfields of Kansas blended through the air with the pancakes. For a moment I almost was deceived into thinking he'd spirited us away to Smallville.

Upon my arrival, he turned around and I gasped. He looked a little nervous. "Do you like them?" he wondered.

I was speechless. Clark's glasses were different from the ones he usually wore. They were half frames, black rimmed on the top and square in shape. The lenses were still pretty thick like his old ones which in an odd way threw off anyone from really looking at his eyes. The new look hid Superman but it was still Clark.

"It was suggested that I upgrade," he muttered even more restless now since I hadn't yet spoken.

I walked into the kitchen, my eyes never leaving his sight. I stopped in front of him, peering into his eyes. Even from this angle I couldn't see Superman. The glasses were thicker than I thought they were; thick enough to make someone look away from his face so they didn't feel like they were being rude by staring at him so intently. Clark swallowed nervously.

I smiled. Leaning up on tiptoe, I kissed him gently. "Relax, Clark," I muttered against his lips. "I love them."

"Y-You do?" he asked, puzzled but relieved. "From your face I thought you hated them."

I laughed, walking over and digging into the plate he'd made me. "I was just surprised," I admitted. "I didn't think you could wear a different pair of glasses and get away with it. I've got to say though, these ones make you far more attractive."

Clark gulped. "Does that mean I'll be more noticeable?"

"Not if you keep up the bumbling reporter act," I assured. "Trust me, Clark, the second you start tripping over your own two feet people won't look twice at the new look. Wait, are you going to be wearing different clothes now too?"

He rubbed the back of his head. "Well, that was the idea."

I raised my eyebrows. "No more hideous second hand overly large suits? What's gotten into you Clark Kent?"

Clark smiled sheepishly. "Well, it wouldn't make sense to travel for five years and come back completely unchanged," he admitted.

"But, you've been back for months. Surely the sudden change will raise a few eyebrows," I said.

Clark then leaned over the counter to wipe a stray piece of egg from the corner of my mouth with his tongue. The gesture caused my heart to rocket into my throat. He chuckled, completely unfazed by the intimacy. My face burned as he pulled away, resting his head in his hand. "If people ask questions, I'll say I was saving up on a couple of paychecks and I wanted to impress the love of my life."

My heart was going a thousand miles a minute. Right then and there it was taking all my control not to drag Clark into my bedroom, consequences be hanged. I closed my eyes and focused on Jason, thinking about how he'd be arriving any minute. It helped to toss the immoral thoughts out of my head. Clark had a smug smile on his face when I looked at him. He was munching on a piece of toast.

"Don't even start," I warned.

He simply laughed.

I was thankful when the knock on the door came. Jason's little feet were heard pounding down the hallway as he skidded into the room. "Mommy!" he cried, latching onto me. "Guess what?!"

"What?" I asked trying to be surprised.

"The Justice League took me to Denny's!" Jason said with a large grin. "Barry and Hal had a contest on who could eat the most pancakes!"

"Oh really? Who won?" I asked.

"I did naturally."

I looked up to see the red head leaning against the doorframe. I smiled. "Hello, Barry. How are you?"

"Pretty good, Lois," Barry replied with a smile. "I heard you hounded Bruce for twenty minutes to get that interview printed in the Planet two weeks ago."

"You just might be next," I said cheerfully as Jason rushed over to give Clark a hug.

Barry shrugged. "Sure, Lois, if you can catch me."

I grinned. "I have several ways of tracking people down, Barry. When I'm on the hunt, nothing stops me."

Clark then came over to shake Barry's hand. "Thanks for bringing Jason home."

"No problem big guy," Barry said. "It's my day off in Central City so I get guard duty."

"What? But, Barry, it's Thanksgiving," I protested. "Surely you have family you need to be with?"

"Oh don't worry, my shift ends right after we get you wherever you're going. My mom's not expecting me until noon. I'm always late on the holidays."

"How can the fastest man alive be late?" Jason wondered.

Barry shrugged. "It doesn't matter how fast you are if you procrastinate."

Jason's brow furrowed. He tugged on Clark's jeans. "What does that mean?"

"It means putting things off to the last second," Clark explained.

"Oh," Jason said. "Daddy!" he gasped, suddenly looking at Clark. "Your glasses are different!"

Barry noticed too. "They look good, Clark. You finally caved huh?"

Clark shrugged. "I was in need of a few changes anyway."

"I like 'em," Jason said with a large grin. "Can I get glasses when I'm older too?"

Clark and I shared a smile. "Sure kiddo," I said.

"Are we going to Aunt Lucy's now?" Jason asked.

"In just a second," Clark said and literally in a second filled with a rush of wind he was back pulling a trench coat over his clothes. "Had to clean up the kitchen," he explained to my questioning look.

The ride to my sister's house was a pleasant one. Snow drifted down from the cloudy skies in droves, covering the city of Metropolis like a Christmas card. Barry had decided to run alongside us instead of taking up more room in the cab. Besides, it gave me the opportunity to have Clark's arm around my shoulders, his fingers playing with my curls. Ten minutes later we'd reached the suburbs where my sister Lucy, her husband Ron, and their two daughters, Rosy and Claire, lived. The General's car was parked in the driveway.

Clark stepped out of the cab first, then Jason, then me. Immediately I noticed a man standing on the street corner holding up an umbrella. Once the cab had pulled away, he walked up to us, trudging through six inches of snow. The man wore a long black trench coat, black boots, gloves, and a hat.

Jason was the first to greet him. "Hi J'onn!"

Barry then decided to appear. "You haven't been standing out here since breakfast, have you?"

J'onn shrugged. "I like watching the snow fall. It is a phenomenon that Mars never had the pleasure of witnessing."

"Yeah but you can watch it inside," Barry pointed out. "That way you don't get cold and wet."

"My feet are transparent in the snow and the cool air is also a rarity I didn't grow up with," replied J'onn.

Barry sighed. "Whatever, I gotta split. Clark, Lois, Jason, take care of yourselves."

"Happy Thanksgiving, Barry!" Jason called as the speedster disappeared in a blur of snow.

"J'onn, are you sure you don't want to come in?" I offered. "The holidays aren't meant to be spent alone."

J'onn smiled. "Don't worry, Lois, I have somewhere to go later. We're taking things in shifts so that everyone can enjoy the holiday."

I bit my lip, looking at Clark. A silent understanding seemed to be communicated between them. Clark took my hand and squeezed it gently. "Lois, J'onn will be fine. Come on, your sister's going to poke her head out in ten seconds to see if we're here or not."

I looked at the house then at J'onn and sighed. "Alright but if it gets cold you'd better come inside, J'onn."

The Manhunter smiled. "Thank you, Lois."

"Bye J'onn!" Jason said, giving him a hug before leaping through the snow to get to the front door.

Clark and I followed him up the path. Jason had already knocked and the door swung wide to reveal two teenage girls, one fifteen the other thirteen. Rosy was the oldest, standing tall like her father, with unruly black curls. Her sister, Claire, was shorter and her build more petite, with soft caramel colored hair that lightly flowed down her back to her waist. Both sisters latched onto Jason, enveloping him in kisses.

"Jason, you've gotten so big since the last time we saw you!" Rosy cried.

"Yeah he has," Claire agreed, squeezing Jason tighter.

"Alright girls, please don't choke my son to death," I said.

Two delighted gasps and a flurry of activity later I was engulfed in their arms as they both cried, "Aunt Lois! We missed you!"

I laughed. "I missed you too."

It was then that Rosy noticed Clark. He stood a little taller than usual for his Clark persona but then not enough for one to expect him to be as tall as he actually was. "Wow, who's the cutie, Aunt Lois?" Rosy whispered. Claire peeked around my shoulder to stare at the man her sister was talking about. I drew back and made the introductions.

"Rosy, Claire, this is Clark."

"Hello," Clark said pleasantly displaying one of his trademark goofy grins.

"Hello," they repeated a little shyly.

"Girls, don't leave the door open for all the snow to blow into the house," Lucy's voice chided as she came into the hallway. She had on a cooking apron decorated with painted handprints over her pregnant stomach. She was six months along and it was definitely starting to show. Lucy's eyes lit up when they rested on me. "Lois!"

She latched onto me in a tight hug. "Hey Luce," I said, hugging her back just as fiercely. "Sorry I didn't ever call you back after that fire fiasco. Things have been…"

"No need to apologize," Lucy said, brushing it aside. That's when she noticed Clark. He'd just shut the door to block out the snow. "Who's this?" she asked, giving Clark an interesting once-over.

"Lucy, this is Clark. Clark, this is Lucy."

"A pleasure to meet you," Clark said, slightly stumbling over a pair of shoes in the entrance way. Catching his balance before falling into anything, he took Lucy's hand and shook it.

"Nice to meet you too," Lucy replied. "Sorry about the shoes."

"Oh, no worries," Clark said cheerfully. "I'm just grateful you allowed me to spend the holidays with you."

"It's not a problem," Lucy assured. "Well, come on in, I need to make sure Ron isn't burning the potatoes. Dad's in the living room watching football."

Jason had already raced his cousins into the other room to play video games. Clark followed me down the hall into the kitchen where Ron was found mashing up potatoes in a large bowl. He paused from his work to greet us with a large smile.

"Well, if it isn't the famous Lois Lane," he said pleasantly. "I was beginning to wonder if we'd ever see you again the way Perry keeps you chained to the city beat."

I rolled my eyes. "Just because you started working at international a year ago doesn't mean we never see each other, Ron."

The tall, well toned man grinned broadly as he wiped his hands off before coming over to give me a hug. Clark's eyebrows rose in surprise to learn that my brother in law was one of our co-workers. I was sure they'd seen each other once in a while but because Ron dealt with international stories, we never really crossed paths. He was often running around on business trips to catch up with sources in tourist places such as California and New York.

Ron noticed Clark and smiled. "Clark Kent, right? I've heard legends about you in the newsroom."

"Really?" Clark asked.

"Yeah, Jimmy wouldn't shut up about you," Ron replied shaking Clark's hand.

"I've heard that one before," Clark muttered.

Someone cleared their throat in the entry way. I took in a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves. This was it; the moment I'd been dreading for weeks. I turned from Ron to find my eyes locking on those with the General. "Hi Daddy," I said.

"Lois," he replied, his usual scowl turning upwards ever so slightly in what could be a smile. "Who's your friend?"

"Daddy, this is Clark. Clark, this is my dad, General Sam Lane."

"Nice to meet you, sir," Clark replied, holding out his hand.

The General looked Clark up and down taking in his jeans and plaid shirt like he was inspecting a soldier. Reluctantly he shook Clark's hand after a moment. I breathed a sigh. Human contact at least meant he approved of what he saw. "How do you know my daughter, Carl?"

"It's Clark, Dad," I clarified.

"Lois and I met at the Daily Planet several years ago," Clark answered. "We were partners five years ago until I left on a trip."

"Where did you go?" the General asked as he took a seat in front of the bar.

"I traveled all over," Clark said breezily.

I had to stop from rolling my eyes. None of them knew that was code for traveling all over the universe searching for Krypton. So far the exchange was going well. At least my dad was being civilized.

"Were you traveling for work?"

"Actually I was doing a little soul searching," Clark admitted.

"Why would you need to do that?"

This was fast becoming an interrogation. I wanted to intervene but Clark gave the briefest shaking of his head before continuing. "I was adopted when I was three," Clark explained. "I've always been satisfied with my adopted parents but like every person in the world, I wanted to find my real parents for myself. I wanted to know where I came from."

The General nodded not out of sympathy but out of the logic of the story. "And did you find what you were looking for?"

Clark became quiet, his eyes distant. At first I was afraid he'd heard a cry for help but then he shook his head and sighed. "I found a graveyard buried far away from here."

That was enough of the current situation. If my dad pressured him further, he'd want to know where the cemetery was located. I leapt in between them. "Daddy, how are things going at the Pentagon?"

"Fine," he replied but then turned his gaze back on Clark. "Carl, are you and Lois dating?"

The question was so forward. Lucy and Ron seemed to pause in their cooking preparations. I knew they were wondering who the mystery man was I announced would be joining us. With a sinking feeling I realized that Clark and I never discussed what details we'd give to them. I cursed inwardly at my neglect on the subject. Now we were faced with coming up with things on the spot.

Clark didn't take his eyes away from my father as he nodded in the affirmative. "Lois and I have been seeing each other for a couple of months now."

"What?" Lucy put in. "How come you didn't tell me, Lo?"

"Too much has been going on," I said.

"Lois, don't you think you're moving a little too fast?" my father asked, looking at me with a hard gaze.

I folded my arms and stood my ground. "No, Daddy, I don't."

"You haven't even been separated from Richard for half a year and you're already in another steady relationship," he pointed out. "Don't you think you need a little closure?"

I rolled my eyes. "Dad, Clark's standing right here."

"I know," he said without pause.

My scowl deepened. "Do you have a problem with Clark, Dad?"

"Yes I do," he said standing up to meet my growing ferocity. "Last I checked Jason's father was Richard. You're destroying my grandson by throwing another man into his life so soon."

"Actually, Mr. Lane, sir, that information is incorrect."

I looked over at Clark, my mouth dropping open. Was he going to…? Clark looked at me with a reassuring glance. The General had bristled into a stony silence. Nobody dared to say he was wrong unless, of course, they didn't know the punishments that could follow. Clark, however, seemed to radiate a certain presence. It wasn't exactly Superman but it wasn't entirely devoid of Clark Kent either. I was looking at Kal-El. My heart did a little flip as I watched him stand up and look down at my dad without the least amount of intimidation and might I say it was incredibly attractive.

The General didn't appear to be fazed by Clark's change in stance. "I think it best if you stayed quiet in this situation, young man."

Clark shook his head. "I'm sorry sir, but concerning this matter I have to inform you that you are mistaken concerning who Jason's father is."

"Oh, really? Who is it supposed to be? You?" the General scoffed. But then he froze. For the first time he noticed the similarities between Clark and Jason: the straight nose, the cheekbones, the shape of their eyes…it was the same.

The General rounded on me. "I thought you said Richard was Jason's father."

I folded my arms. "No, I assumed he was Richard's. Obviously, I was wrong."

"Jason is my son," Clark revealed and I noticed his tone carried parental pride.

Lucy and Ron were shocked but my father's expression was alarming. Many times I'd seen the swirling rage in his eyes when he was just about to punish soldiers and just like those times, he stood tall, grabbed Clark firmly by the arm, and marched towards the door. "We're going out," he called, "And don't any of you follow!"

Clark allowed himself to be steered from the room. I sighed. "He might try to shoot you," I said under my breath, "but I know you can handle this. Knowing you, you've been preparing for this encounter for weeks. Good luck, Clark. I love you."

The door slammed shut and a few minutes silence filled the kitchen before Lucy dared to break it. "Lois, Daddy's going to rip him up and down, you know that? I haven't seen him this angry since that time in England when a soldier triggered a grenade in the middle of the base while horsing around."

Ron ran a shaky hand through his hair. "Of all the times I've upset him, I've never seen the General that furious. I don't know if Clark can take it. From what I've heard, he's the biggest softy in the office."

I smiled and leaned back, for some reason feeling completely at ease. Maybe it was because I knew that no matter what my father tried to do, Clark was invulnerable. Maybe it was because I felt that if anyone could pacify my dad in a situation like this, Clark could. I had full confidence in him. "Both of you should relax," I said, picking up a handful of nuts and munching them down casually.

Lucy's mouth dropped open. "Clark's going to die, Lois! How can you be so calm?! Doesn't he mean anything to you?"

I looked at Lucy and let all the love I had for Clark show on my face. "Luce, he means more to me than you'll ever be able to understand. I have full confidence that he'll be fine because if you didn't notice, he's decided to love me and I'm practically renowned as the General's doppelganger. If he can tame me, I have no doubt he'll do the same to the General."

Lucy was sending me a strange look. I tried to ignore her calculated stare by focusing on the nuts. Ron went back to mashing the potatoes, unwilling to continue the conversation.