A few weeks later, Clark walked into the Daily Planet refreshed and more relaxed than ever. He was settling into to his new job and had just been assigned to be Lois' partner. He strolled into the bullpen and took a seat at his desk, setting down a brown paper bag in front of him.
Lois looked up from her computer and her face lit up. Clark reached in and pulled out two maple doughnuts, handing one to Lois and the other to Chloe who didn't even look over but just reached out and grabbed it. She was busy shuffling through documents and articles that were sprawled across her desk.
Lois took the doughnut from Clark and sank her teeth into it.
"You really know how to treat a girl, Smallville."
Clark smiled at her, "I'm you glad you appreciate it."
"Are you kidding me, these are my favorite, how could I not?"
"Well some people just don't seem to be as enthused." He said while glancing in Chloe's direction.
Chloe turned and grinned, "I'm sorry Clark. I've just been super busy between the scandal with the mayor and this 'Joker' guy in Gotham. Lois, I thought Perry was going to give you the Joker assignment."
"Trust me cuz, I tried. He said you're his Gotham girl." Lois said with a hint of jealousy.
"Well, at least that's something because you're clearly his Metropolis girl." Chloe shot back.
"Ladies, let's calm down a bit. Chloe what have you found out so far?" asked Clark.
"Well the Gotham police still have no new information on where the Joker is. The good news is that he hasn't struck again yet. And now that I think about it, Batman hasn't made any recent headlines lately. It's almost like he quit or something. Now would be a good time to return if you ask me."
"I really don't think Batman retired Chlo," stated Lois.
"What makes you think that Lois? He hasn't been spotted in almost three months."
"Because Clark saw him recently." Lois blurted out.
Clark covered his face.
"Oh he did, did he? That seems like something that would come up in our daily discussions. So what's the deal Clark?" Chloe said, cocking her head to the side.
"Look, Chloe you know I told you that I've met him before. And yes I saw him recently and I can assure you he hasn't quit. So for now just don't worry about it."
"Don't worry about it? Yeah sure Clark since it's my freaking job to worry about it. I know you said you couldn't reveal his secret identity and I get that. But you still could have mentioned that you met up with him. I thought after all of this time that I at least deserved that."
"I'm sorry Chloe, it's just things have been a little complicated and some things just slip my mind."
"It's okay, I just want you think about me a little more."
"Well it's not all Clark's fault, I knew too and didn't tell you. I'm actually the one who has urged Clark to keep Batman's secret." Lois said with concern.
"Guys, it's fine I just wanted to get my point across. By the way, have you all heard the recent reports from Star City about this 'Hood' guy? He's acting like some type of Robin Hood, ya know, robbing the rich and giving to the poor." Chloe laughed, "He's even using bows and arrows to get the job done."
"Bows and arrows," Clark quickly asked while his brain lit up.
"Yeah I know. We have these things called guns now." Chloe continued to chuckle.
"Why are they calling him the 'Hood?'" asked Lois.
"Well he apparently wears this green outfit with a big hood on that helps keep his identity a secret, some say it's made of leather."
Clark was no longer paying attention to Chloe and Lois discuss the Hood, he was now thinking back to the day he rescued Oliver off of the island. Oliver had been wearing a green outfit with a hood and was defending himself with a bow and arrow just like this guy. And the guy had just recently surfaced just like Oliver.
Clark suddenly stood up, "I have to go."
"What? Where?" asked Lois.
Just then Perry walked in, "Kent, I need you down at Lex Corp in an hour, Lex Luthor has requested an interview with you."
"With me?" Clark said in a bit of shock.
"Yes you, it seems that you really impressed him with the last interview."
Lois stood up as well and began to gather her things.
"Lane, what do you think you're doing?"
"I'm going with Clark, what do you think?"
"I think you're going to put your stuff back because Kent is taking this one alone. You on the other hand have just been assigned to this guy they're calling the Hood." Perry ordered.
"You can't be serious? I have more important things to report on." Lois glared at Perry.
"When am I ever not serious? Now quit fooling around with your Blur scoops and get busy on this other guy. I want to know everything there is to know about him."
"Whatever, fine I'll do the story. Besides the name 'the Hood' is stupid. I'm going to rename him," said Lois while flicking her ponytail in Perry's direction.
"Do whatever you like, I don't care as long as you bring me some news. Sullivan, what do you have so far on that clown from Gotham?"
"He goes by the Joker Mr. White, and unfortunately not a whole lot. There isn't much to go on from these police reports." Chloe said while throwing a few pieces of paper in the air.
"Well guess what, you'll be going to Gotham City in person to investigate."
"You're sending her alone?" Lois asked out of turn again.
Perry rolled his eyes," No Lane, I'm not. Mr. Kent will be joining her. He and Sullivan leave tomorrow."
Clark smiled at Chloe who was beaming.
"Just like old times, huh Clark?"
Lois crossed her arms in disappointment.
Twenty minutes later Clark was in the lobby of Queen Industries. He told the secretary that he needed to speak to Oliver urgently. She did as Clark said and then with Oliver's approval, ushered Clark to the elevator and then to Oliver's floor.
"Clark, what a surprise, I had no idea you were going to be in Star City today. What brings you to town?"
"A guy who's been running town with a bow and arrow, like Robin Hood."
"Is that right?" Oliver smiled.
"Yeah, it's funny. You see he popped up not too awful long after you returned home. He's been described as wearing an all green out fit with a big hood. Sound familiar?"
Oliver chuckled, "I was wondering when you would figure it out."
"It didn't take me long."
"So what's this? You here to tell me that what I'm doing is dangerous? Huh? That I should stop?"
"That's exactly what I'm doing. Oliver, this isn't the island. You can seriously get hurt or even worse, kill somebody."
Oliver's mood quickly changed, "I've already killed people!" he burst out. "I've killed multiple times Clark! And it haunts me to this very day! What I'm doing now, it's not killing. What I'm doing is a form of justice."
"But you're breaking the law."
"Well sometimes it has to be broken. Justice doesn't always work in the laws favor, that's where I come in. I'm setting things straight."
"So what? Now you're a hero now?" Clark asked.
"I'm whatever I need to be. I look around this city and I see it dying every day because of greedy business men who are destroying the middle class and wiping out the lower. I can't do what needs to be done as Oliver Queen. I can't get good people's money back that way. I can't stop drug dealers crime bosses from dragging down the slums. I can only do it with the skills that I have recently acquired. And I'm putting those skills to good use on the other criminals in this city as well. The one's that the police are afraid to go after."
"But at what cost?"
"Clark, I will do whatever this city needs. You of all people should know that. Sure I don't have superpowers or anything but guess what, a guy who does, inspired me to take up the bow. He inspired to become a better person and use the resources I have to help those who need it. You are that guy Clark."
"So this is what you've been talking about when you said you've had an idea of what you were going to do with your life. Oliver I respect that and I do respect that you've taking responsibility for improving your city. But I don't agree with some of your tactics and I don't know if I will ever will. You're not the first I've met to go about things the way you do."
"Look, I'm not going to try and get you to agree. I only hope that you understand why I'm doing it. I just don't want something like this to ruin our friendship. I can't lie; you are the closest thing to a true friend that I've got right now."
"Don't worry, this hasn't changed anything. I just want to make sure that you don't get in over your head with this thing."
"Clark if anything, this is a sweet release from my normal life which as you can tell, I'm always way in over my head."
This caused a laugh to breakout between the two of them.
"Well I'm sorry I can' stay any longer, I've got a meeting with Lex."
"Lex? What about?" Oliver questioned.
"I'm not sure but I'm guessing it's probably not going to be good."
"There's something you should know Clark. I found out that Lex has been funding these research facilities that are testing on humans with some type of serum that affects gene cell function. I've been doing my own research but I'm not sure what his plan is. I just thought you should know."
Clark shook Oliver's hand, "Thanks, I'll definitely keep that in mind. I've had my suspicions that he's been up to something, I just didn't know what. This answers one my questions."
Lex was standing in front of his giant window when Clark walked in. He was holding a piece of green meteor rock in one hand, tossing up and down. Clark walked closer until he felt the pain shoot through his body. He took few steps back and caught his breath.
"Clark, just the man I was hoping to see." Lex said and put the rock in a lead lined box.
Clark straightened up and took a seat. "You wanted to see me, here I am."
"Ah yes. You see I wanted to talk about something with you but first I suppose I should give you something to report on first. To make this interview official, I'll give you a little more info on my future plans. As you know, that once I win this election I will then set my eyes on Washington D.C. I would like for you to be the first to hear the news that Lex Corp will soon become the official manufacturer and supplier for the U.S. military. That will place my company way a top the economic ladder, making it a powerhouse globally."
"And how did you manage that?" Clark asked with a small amount of sarcasm.
"The Luthor name goes along way Clark. Anyways, my next big move is an anti-vigilante campaign. You see, these so called hero's that have been showing up, they don't actually obey by the rules like the rest of us do. Nobody knows who they are or whether they can be trusted. The Blur is someone who needs to be silenced. You see, when it comes to Metropolis, this is MY city. The city will live and die by my hands and that's just the way it is. So I will soon begin to muddy the name of the Blur and he will no longer be a favorite of the people."
"Why am I not surprised? You just can't share anything, can you Lex? Your initial reaction is to get rid of the Blur rather than help."
Lex started laughing, "I knew you react this way Clark, just how you used to in Smallville when things like this happened on such a regular basis. Which makes me question the coincidence of the Blur's arrival on the same day as your arrival. If I didn't know any better, I'd say that it's no coincidence at all."
Clark became suddenly uncomfortable and Lex could tell.
"What's wrong Clark? You seem uneasy, like your hiding something, like you know who the Blur is. You want to know what I think? I think that you've been protecting him all these years. You see I have a theory. After studying all of the research of my father's, I have determined that someone came to Earth in those meteor showers that hit Smallville. And I think that this individual has lived among us ever since. He has abilities that anyone would dream of but won't reveal who he is. I believe that same individual is the Blur and one way or another I'm going to find out."
Clark then realized that Lex did not suspect him to be the Blur. "So you think that there is an alien here living among us and that I have been helping that alien remain a secret ever since I was a kid. Has it ever occurred to you that the Blur could have been in Metropolis all of this time but had yet to make a public appearance? And since you brought up the past, it's come to my attention through various sources that you've reopened a few lab facilities around Metropolis and Smallville. Care to comment on that?"
Lex's smile changed to a stare. He had gone from making Clark squirm to now being the one who was squirming.
"It is true that I've opened a few test facilities. It is my belief that science is what paves way to our future and that Lex Corp will be one of the leaders into this new technological era."
Clark could tell Lex wasn't telling the whole truth.
"I'm sure that's their only purpose Lex. I'm sure there's more to this story and don't worry," Clark leaned in. "I'll get to the bottom of it one way or another."
"I'm sure you will. But look, I'm sorry to end our talk so quickly but I'm already late for a board meeting. It was good seeing you again Clark, I really do cherish these few moments we get to spend together."
And with that, Lex walked out of the office, leaving Clark alone.
Lois was still sitting at her desk when Clark returned. She had been slightly worried due to the fact that she was slightly afraid that Clark might lose his cool with Lex. But when she saw Clark's face she knew everything was okay.
"That didn't take long."
"No, it was short but informative. Lex tried to hammer in a connection between me and Blur but I quickly turned it back on him."
Lois gave him an alarming look.
"Don't worry, he doesn't think I'm the Blur, he just thinks I know who he is and that I've been protecting him, which he's not wrong." Clark said, cracking a smile and looking away from Lois and at his computer screen.
"How can you be so calm about this?"
"Because I now have Lex on the ropes. I discovered that he's been running these labs that test on humans and apparently meddling with their genetic coding. Lex knows that I know about them so I don't think he'll be so concerned about the Blur for the time being. In fact, I'm sure he's scrambling to cover everything up, expecting me to come investigate."
"And you're not?"
"No, I'm not. But the Blur is."
Lois broke another smile, "You know, I remember a time when it was me who was investigating these type of dangerous men. I see I've rubbed off on you quite well."
"You do inspire me Ms. Lane, in more ways than you know. Unfortunately it will have to wait until I return from Gotham."
"Oh yeah, that. Well Chloe couldn't be any happier to have her old partner back, she wouldn't shut up about it all day."
"Lois, am I detecting a bit of jealousy?"
"No! That's ridiculous."
"You are, aren't you?" Clark said with a laugh.
"It's just that, I wanted the Joker story so bad."
"Well that's tough, you just have to recognize that your cousin is also very talented and she's been a journalist longer than you anyways."
"Only by a couple of years. Look, I guess that I'm just not ready to share you with anyone yet. I know that someday the world will need you and I'm just trying to hold on to you for as long as I can. It's hard to do."
Clark saw the sadness in her eyes and walked over to her.
"Lo, the world might need the Blur but it doesn't need Clark Kent. Clark Kent is 100% all yours." A smile began to spread across her face. "Except for tomorrow when I have to go to Gotham with Chloe," he added with a grin.
Lois smiled even bigger, "You always know what to say to make me feel better. And anyways, I couldn't tag along if I wanted to; Perry is sending me to Star City tomorrow to investigate the 'Hood.'
Clark didn't say anything, just nodded and walked back to his desk.
"Smallville?"
Clark didn't look at her.
"Okay, what's going on? Is it about this 'Hood' guy? Gosh I need to stop calling him that. Anyways is it about me being in danger trying to find this guy."
"No Lois, you don't have to worry about being in any danger with this guy."
"How can you be so sure?" Lois quickly questioned and then suddenly stood up. "Wait a minute, you've already met him, and you know who he is. And you've both come to an understanding, haven't you? That's why you've haven't done anything about him."
"Well there's no point in trying to make something up because you can always tell when I'm lying. So yes I know who he is. No I'm not telling you who he is."
"This is just like Batman all over again. I guess Clark Jr. won't get to enjoy recess for a while."
Clark raised his eyebrows, "Oh really? So that's how you're going to play it."
"Life's tough Smallville. The Lane twins are perfectly content with themselves for the time being. Tell Clark Jr. he's grounded."
Clark looked around the room checking to see if anyone was still there. It was pretty late and they happened to be the only two still left in the bullpen. Clark made one last look to make sure no one was around before using a gust of super breath to blow Lois' shirt off, leaving her sitting at her desk with nothing but her bra on.
"Clark Joseph Kent!" Lois yelled.
Clark smiled and then moved in one super speeded motion, picking Lois up and sitting her on the desk. He quickly covered her mouth with his before she could begin to protest. She tried to push him away but he didn't budge. Soon she was softly moaning as Clark kissed her neck and ran his fingers across her chest. She grabbed his back and dug her fingers in to his shirt.
Before Clark knew what was going on, Lois was quickly undressing him. He opened one eye and watched as Lois worked through each of the buttons on his shirt, pulled it off, and threw it across the room. When her hands reached his belt, he pulled his face away.
"Lois, we can't really do that here."
"Why not? You're not scared are you, Smallville?" She said with a grin.
"If someone walks in, we'll both lose our jobs for sure." Clark protested.
"Well perk that super hearing up because you started this Smallville, and I'm going to finish it." Lois said seductively, shoving Clark down into the chair. She then removed the last remaining article of clothing that covered the Lane twins.
And with that, Clark threw in the white flag, he was completely overpowered. "There's my girls," he breathed before pulling Lois down on top of him.