To use fear as the friend it is, we must retrain and reprogram ourselves…We must persistently and convincingly tell ourselves that the fear is here - -with its gift of energy and heightened awareness - -so we can do our best and learn the most in the new situation.

Peter McWilliams, Life 101

Superman landed on the roof of the Daily Planet and made his way down to the bullpen. Taking a seat at his deck he looked around to make sure no one was in sight who might notice he was typing much too fast for any mere human.

He was concentrating on finishing the task when he heard Perry shout from his office "KENT, GET IN HERE… NOW!"

Looking up surprised, he saw Perry sitting up from the sofa in his office where he had evidently been sleeping. He was staring intently at right at him. Glad Perry could not see his hands from his vantage point he finished the story and sent it to print and to Perry's email in one fell swoop. "Hi, Perry, I was just printing out the article, you should have it right ….now." Getting up he headed for Perry's office, thinking to himself. Wow, I should have checked the office better. I didn't even know he was in there.

Perry motioned for Clark to have a seat. "Clark, just because you are suddenly this close to Superman doesn't mean you can walk all over me. I am still the chief…. I mean the boss!" He had held his fingers up as he spoke with a very small space between them.

"Er…uh….yes sir. I…I had no intention of any disrespect sir…. I…. uh…. Superman …."

Clark was cut off with a wave of Perry's hand.

"Oh, can it Kent…. we both know what's going on here." Perry said with no patience.

"We do sir….. and what exactly is that?" His voice cracked, and he looked as if he was totally lost, shaking his head in bewilderment.

"Do I have to spell it out for you son? Superman was annoyed at me for trying to control him so he took control of MY people. Sure maybe it was necessary to keep Richard, Lois and Jason safe…. but you, you were just to put me in my place."

"Uh, …I…. well, maybe you're right sir, but I, uh… I did help you know. And … well … I did need time to write that first person account. By the way, Superman still needs to supply the input for the New Krypton story so you wouldn't want to make him mad. He might decide not to do it." He said raising his eyebrows as if in the know.

"Yeah, yeah, but you know son, the way I see it, he needs us just as much as we need him. That said, let me see what you have for me here. Hmmm, this is pretty good. So that is what the press conference is about! Damn, why didn't any of you tell me before?" Grabbing the phone and calling the press room…."HOLD THE PRESSES. YES! I said hold the darn PRESSES. I want the story I'm sending down to you right now to go on the front page above the fold. Use that picture from the arraignment showing Superman standing in the aisle blocking Luthor's exit from the courthouse. And Marty, use full color. This is big!"

Looking back at Clark, "Good job son. And by the way, welcome back. We've all missed you. Now when do you expect to complete that New Krypton Account?"

"Thank you sir, but as for completing the final account, it depends on when Superman can finish giving me the details. You do realize I'm not just making this stuff up as I go don't you?" Clark snickered to himself.

"Well, do what you can, Sunday is fast approaching, but I guess you know that. Now why don't you go get some well earned rest? See you tomorrow. Are you covering the press conference?"

"Yes, I'll be there, somewhere. Batman is picking all of us up. Richard and Lois should be back in the office sometime after the press conference is over so, we'll all see you tomorrow. Goodnight and thanks Perry."

Clark left the office and decided it might be a good idea to make Superman's presence once again available to the world as a whole. He tackled several typical Superman type jobs that he had been for the most part ignoring the last few days. It felt good to get back to normal stopping fires, rescuing people and catching the run of the mill bad guys.

Arriving at the waterfront home exactly at 7AM he knocked on the door dressed as Clark. Jason opened the door and immediately jumped into his arms. "Daddy, are we going to fly to Grandma's house?"

"Is there any other way to get there?" Clark said laughing and kissing his sons cheek in the process. Looking up he saw Lois approaching them.

"My, we are punctual, aren't we? I don't remember Clark ever being that punctual in the past," Lois chuckled.

"Well the Clark you knew in the past wasn't the real me, was it?"

"Touché! So what's the plan for today?"

"I'll take Jason to Mom and be back here in time to go with you and Richard as Clark. Superman will show up on his own." Still holding Jason, Clark leaned over to Lois giving her a quick kiss on the lips. As he kissed her Jason quickly extended his arms around both parents. All three stayed like that for a several seconds enjoying the closeness of a special moment.

Richard came downstairs just in time to see this tender embrace and his heart skipped a beat, again wondering where he was going to really fit into the picture. Just as the three parted from the embrace Jason saw Richard and squirmed down from his Daddy Clark's arms and ran over to him.

"I'm going to grandma's house with Daddy Clark, so can I have a kiss and hug goodbye before we go? Do you want me to bring some homemade cookies back for tonight? Grandma's cookies are so much better than the ones we have here."

Happy again and feeling better to be included in his sons plans he smiled and answered, "that sounds yummy, I love peanut butter or chocolate chip, how 'bout you?"

Both Clark and Lois were smiling, happy that Jason was making Richard feel more at ease.

"Grandma makes 'em all good. Bye Daddy." Giving him one more hug Jason ran back to Clark and they both smiled and waved to Lois and Richard as they walked out the door hand in hand.

Superman took Jason up for a short father and son talk at what was fast becoming their favorite spot high above the clouds. They enjoyed the early morning sun while softly talking.

"Jason, your Mommy and I want to live together as a family with you. We're going to find a new home for the three of us share. Daddy Richard will stay in the house where you live now. We hope to find something nearby so we can all see each other whenever we want. How does that sound to you?"

"Why can't we all just live together in the house we have now?" Jason asked looking hopeful.

"Someday you'll understand why that's not possible. There can only be one husband and one wife in a family. Your Mommy and I want to have that kind of relationship. Don't worry, Richard will remain close, just as I have remained close since I returned. Do you understand?"

"I think so. Are Mommy and Daddy Richard getting a devoice?" he asked somewhat confused.

"You mean divorce, and yes, it's something like that. But, don't worry, Richard is not going to go away. He will always be there for you. In fact I feel sure he'll be there for all of us."

"Okay, what kind of cookies do you like Daddy? Do you think Grandma will make some for me today. She makes the best cookies. I love Grandma."

Smiling, "I love her too Scruffy and I know she loves you just as much as you love her, maybe even more." He said as he mussed his hair and then proceeded to tickle him all over. With both now giggling Superman started to descend from the sky heading toward the farmhouse.

Entering the door they were warmly greeted by Martha who embraced them both in turn saying. "My two favorite boys, then looking around at Ben who was reading the paper…."hmmmm, you're my favorite man!"

Jason jumped down from Superman's arms and ran to the table grabbing a hot biscuit. "Hey, save one for me," Superman said laughing heartily.

"I had a feeling you'd be here this morning. I take it you haven't had breakfast yet? There's more in the oven staying warm, along with some scrambled eggs and bacon. Take a seat both of you. I just have to pull them out."

"Mom, I don't know what I'd do without you. You're right. I forgot all about breakfast. Jason did you eat yet?"

"Just some cereal, I'm hungry too."

"Clark, you have to remember to take better care of yourself. How can you expect to continue to take care of everyone else if you don't take care of yourself first?"

"You're right Mom and now I have the best reasons in the world to inspire me, right Jason?"

"Huh?" Jason mumbled with his mouth full of biscuit and bacon. Ben had put his paper aside and was intent on the conversation wondering if perhaps …..

"Mom, you better start looking for a special dress to wear as mother of the groom. We haven't made the plans yet but count on it soon."

"What? … Do you mean….. Why didn't you tell me …is this what you meant last night when you kept saying you would talk to us today… Jason's drawing last night … Oh, Clark." Dropping the hot pad holder she had in her hands she ran and put her arms around her son with tears in her eyes.

Taking a seat at the table Clark noticed the paper was the past Sunday edition of the Daily Planet, which had just arrived in the mail. He pulled the Sunday special section curious as to how his article had been treated in the paper. Not finding it he looked up at Ben with a questioning look.

Ben was holding up the front page and there it was as the main feature predominately on the front page taking up the whole page above the fold. Not believing his eyes he grabbed it saying that was not a front page story. "What is wrong with Perry? Didn't he bother to read the darn interview I gave to Clark last week?"

Martha and Ben just laughed and continued to eat. "You know Clark, he's going to do what he thinks will sell the most papers! Isn't that right Martha?" Then to Martha the continued, "Has he always referred to himself in the third person like that?"

"Only when I'm annoyed or one of us wants to make a point," Clark said joining their laughter. "And Perry is starting to annoy both of us!"

Jason was enjoying his second breakfast too much to pay much attention and he wasn't sure he understood anyway. "Grandma, Grandpa, did you know I got to meet Batman last night? He's a little scary at first but he likes me and he's a good guy. Did you know that?"

xxxxxx

Arriving back at the waterfront home shortly before Batman was expected Clark filled Lois and Richard in on the bare bones of the conversations with Jason and the one at the farmhouse.

Lois seemed a little upset he had talked to Jason on his own saying "we should have told him together."

"Believe me, I wanted for us all to talk to him last night but things are just happening so fast I felt he needed to be told and the opportunity presented itself so I took it." He then gave her the complete account of what he and Jason had discussed.

After hearing the full account she kissed him and said "you handled that just right. Jason needed to know and the sooner the better."

Hearing the helicopter land in the street in front of the house they all ran out and climbed in heading to Washington for the press conference. Batman was piloting and had his headphones on so was unable to join in on any conversation. On the way there Clark filled Richard and Lois in on the encounter with Perry the night before. He also told them that the Return to Krypton Account had been placed on the front page of last Sunday's paper which had very much annoyed him.

Shaking her head and laughing with Richard Lois said, "Like you didn't see that coming!" then she became serious, "You really don't see yourself like everyone else sees you do you?"

"What do you mean, like everyone else sees me?" Clark looked confused as he asked.

"Clark, Superman is BIGGER THAN LIFE!" Whatever you do is going to make the news and more often than not it will hit the front page. I would have thought you'd be used to it by now." Richard answered as he patted his friend's back.

"I don't think I want to get used to it, because I simply don't like it. As I said, I don't like being the story. There are too many other more important things going on in the world for me to be the focus."

Arriving at their destination they all climbed out making their way to the platform in front of the open park like press area. Clark made himself scarce just after Perry arrived and warmly greeted them. Commissioner Gordon from Gotham City was also there with them to answer questions if needed.

Perry made his way to the podium and nodded to the cameramen to start the live feed which was being sent to all the major TV stations. He then raised his hands and everyone was suddenly hushed. The headline story on the morning edition of the Daily Planet had splashed over onto all the morning news programs. Everyone was waiting anxiously for the rest of the revelations expected to come out in the hastily called press conference. There was a loud whooshing sound as Superman landed on the platform taking his place near Perry at the Podium.

"I see you made it, are you ready to proceed? This is your show." Perry whispered to Superman.

"Yes," smiling "I'm ready." Then into the microphone…"I wish to thank all of you for taking the time to come here without fully knowing what it was about. Two days ago Batman and I went to that crystal structure commonly referred to as New Krypton that I somehow managed to push into space. As you know it had taken up orbit near Jupiter. It's now on its way to join Krypton which is nothing more than a graveyard in space. The main purpose for our trip was to search for irrefutable evidence against Lex Luthor and secondarily to recover the remaining crystals Luthor had stolen from my fortress. The crystals are important to me and when used properly pose no threat to mankind. In fact they may someday prove to be very beneficial."

"The crystals are back at my fortress which is now secured and protected against all intruders. I alone will be allowed past the force shield currently in place. Others will only be given entry at my discretion. I take full responsibility for Luthor being able to enter in the past. My former security precautions were merely scare tactics. Luthor knew me too well and understood that when he encountered them."

"I tell you this as background information only. The real reason you've all been asked here is to inform you that Luthor is back in prison. This time there are multiple witnesses to his crimes. Including Richard White and Lois Lane of the Daily Planet along with Batman of Gotham City." Turning around he motioned for them to join him.

There was stirring in the room, then it quieted again as he continued everyone intent on hearing everything he had come to say.

"I have had Richard White, Lois Lane and their young son in deep cover both to protect them and also so they could help me gather enough evidence to put Luthor away for life. It seems the American courts give more credence to a vicious, diabolical madman than to the voice of reason. You need to make your countries aware that Luthor poses a threat to everyone on this planet. If left unchecked, his egomaniacal ways will continue to cause wanton destruction wherever he goes."

The room erupted into shouting and calls for Luther to get what was coming to him. Superman raised his hands to silence them.

"I called this press conference to ask that Luthor be tried in a World Court. His crimes include those against the world and therefore he should be tried in a world arena."

The room again erupted with cheers, woops and clear support from the entire press gathered.

"Thank you, that's all I had to say." Richard, Batman, Perry, Commissioner Gordon and all the others on the stage rushed over to shake his hand. Lois just stood there in awe thinking how proud she was of her man, and how happy she was that she could finally admit it.

The press started to breakup each trying to put their own slant to the story out as fast as possible.

Feeling like he was on a roll Superman looked at the editor intently, "Perry, that Return to Krypton account belonged in the supplement section not on the front page. I will not give the remaining New Krypton account to Clark unless you give me in writing that it will appear where we originally agreed. I am not the story. If you insist on constantly making me the story you will find me shunning your reporters. Is that understood?"

His smile fading to a serious look, "Sorry, I never knew it bothered you that much. Whatever you want. I see your point. But, you have to realize I make my decisions on what will sell the paper."

"Perry if the people know it's in the paper, the paper will sell. It doesn't have to be in their face. The real news, the important news should go on the front page, period. The Daily Planet is a respected newspaper not a cheap tabloid. Why do you think I sought your reporters out in the first place? Don't make me change my mind."

Taking a quick look beyond Perry to Lois and Richard, he could see them smiling agreeing with his every word. "Goodbye, I'm done here. I've got other work to do." Then looking again at Lois, Richard and Batman he smiled, "Thanks again, I couldn't have done this without all of you helping all along the way. It's really great to have such good support." He was gone before they could answer.

Batman said smiling as his friend disappeared, "Hmmmm, I think the boy scout is growing up, getting some backbone on that skinny frame of his. Man, I wish I could make exits like that!"

Lois just, shook her head thinking to herself, he doesn't look skinny to me. He looks migh-ty fine. I can't wait to see more of him. Making herself blush at her last thought she quickly looked around to see if anyone had noticed.

Taking his usual perch wanting to contemplate how great things where going he happened to tune into a car radio far below were he floated and he closed his eyes and just listened to the song that so perfectly captured his mood at that very moment.

Birds flying high... You know how I feel... Sun in the sky

You know how I feel ...Breeze driftin' on by ... You know how I feel

It's a new dawn... It's a new day ...It's a new life For me

And I'm feeling good

The radio played on as Superman listened just enjoying the semiment and the radio DJ announced:

That was Michael Bublé singing You Know How I Feel

I wish to thank my Beta reader SHADOLibrarian once again for her valuable input and editing