Note: So the reason I am ending this story here is because if I let it go on for too long I am just going to get burnt out and not want to continue. This seemed like a good place to end it. I will not discount the possibility of a sequel at some point. I am thinking about doing it.

Chapter 12

Clark and Lois were sitting on the couch, her head was resting on his shoulder. It was late at night and they were in need of some relaxation. They were currently watching Lethal Weapon. " It's been a while since we had a movie night," Lois said.

"After everything that's happened I think we could use it," Clark grinned.

"Hey, what exactly do you think we changed?" Lois asked, not looking away from the movie, but grabbing a piece of pizza on the coffee table.

"Well, we stopped Zod from being released so no Dark Thursday. No phantoms, which also means no Bizarro. Davis Bloome is still out there. Although, he is just an EMT right now. He hasn't become Doomsday so I think we should just leave him be for now." Clark recounted.

"That's what, three years worth of stuff we just prevented. "Lois said as she looked up at him. "Damn Smallville, not bad."

Just then Martha and Jonathan walked into the living room. They both had smiles on their faces as they looked at each other. "Lois, son. We just wanted to say that...we're proud of you. Both of you." Jonathan said. "I really had my doubts about whether this whole Superman thing could work but, you did it. And you saved the world." The pride in Jonathan's voice was evident.

"He's right. We are proud of both of you." Martha said as she started to tear up.

"Son, I know that our fears of people finding out your secret has always weighed on you. But, this man that I see before me...it's more than your mother and I could have hoped for you son."

Clark smiled as he stood up from the couch. "I hope so dad. Because every time I put that cape on, I think about you. And how I try to live up to what you and mom always taught me."

Jonathan smiled, without saying another word he walked over and hugged Clark, his mother joining in. He then turned to Lois. "Lois, come here. You are a part of this family too after all."

She smiled and got hug from Martha and Jonathan as well. "If anyone was going find out Clark's secret, I'm glad it was you Lois."

"You mean that Mr. Kent?" She asked as she pulled away.

"Of course. I can see why you two work so well together." Jonathan said.

"I just wish Kara was still here." Martha said. "She is such a sweet girl I was starting to like having her around."

"We'll see her again one day mom. She needs to find her own way." Clark told her. "Plus, she is in good hands with Diana."

"A real Amazon, I always thought they were just myths. "Martha said with awe.

"Oh you should see Atlantis," Lois mentioned."By the way, I have some news. The editor of the Daily Planet called. He loved my story on Superman stopping Brainiac and he wanted to meet me for an interview."

"That's great Lois," Clark said excitedly. "I hope they're ready for Lois Lane."

"Well you know, now that this whole Brainiac mess is dealt with. I could use my partner," Lois said as she placed her hand on Clark's chest.

"That right?" Clark smirked.

"Well you don't think I would share a by-line with just anyone do you?" Lois winked at him.

"We'll get there Lois. " He told her. "I figured I would go for a degree in journalism first. Also, Perry White still has connections at the planet. I'm sure he could put in a good word for me."

"Well, we just wanted to tell you two how proud we were of you. I trust you two will behave while we go to bed." Jonathan said.

"Dad, we are talking about my future wife here."

"Yes, but you're not there yet. Are you?" Jonathan and Martha smiled as they walked away to their room.

"Hmm, you hear that Smallville? Behave," Lois said to him. "And what makes you so sure that I'm going to marry you again? Mr. Kent."

"Oh we are going to be getting married again," Clark grinned, his voice full of confidence. "I know the future."

"Oh you know the future? Okay, so what do you see in our future?" She crossed her arms with a grin.

"I see,,,that no matter what happens and what new challenges we have to face, I am going to love you for the rest of my life. Because there is no one else I want by my side."

"Well," Lois said, wrapping her arms around his neck. "With a future like that...I'm game."

At the Luthor mansion, Lex was in his study reading the article of how Superman stopped Brainiac. He took a sip of brandy from his glass before placing it back on the desk. He looked up just as Lionel was walking in.

"Well look who decided to come out of hiding," Lex said as he placed the paper down.

"Quite a surprise, isn't it son?" Lionel said as he went to pour himself a glass of Brandy.

"And you of course had no idea that Clark was an alien," Lex stated. ""You've had your suspicions just like I have. So what exactly did you know and when?"

"Lex believe me, I was just as surprised as you to find out that Clark was really a super powered being who saves lives." Lionel said as he took a sip from his glass.

"Dad just stop!" Lex shouted as he got up from his chair. "Don't you think we're a little past secrets at this point? I know that Clark is Kal-el. All this time, you must have known something."

"And if I had, what good would it have done you, hmm? You are obsessed with finding demons where there are none." Lionel said as he placed his glass on the table and walked over to Lex.

"And what about Milton Fine? Was that just my imagination? He was really an alien supercomputer masquerading as a college professor. Who just happened to want to unleash a deadly Kryptonian on the world."

"Yes, and then another alien stopped it. Not all of them are out to get us Lex." Lionel said.

"See but that's the problem dad. We shouldn't have to rely on them in the first place. The fact that we didn't know about this threat and couldn't protect ourselves is a problem."

Lionel took a breath and headed toward the door. "Lex," he said as he turned to his son. "This path that you are on. It's only going to end badly son."

"I've accepted my fate, dad," Lex said. "Clark and I, we're both destined for greatness. Just not on the same side. I suppose in time we'll find out who is really the hero and who is really the villain."

A few days later, Clark and his dad were in Metropolis, about to watch the Sharks play. He never got to use those tickets to see the Sharks before his dad died. "It's been a while since we've gone to see a game," Jonathan said.

"I know that things have been crazy lately. Things are different, what with me and Lois, the future and all the Superman stuff. I wanted to spend some quality time with my dad, that's all." Clark said.

"Listen, Clark. I know that in the future I'm not around." Jonathan said as he put a hand on Clark's shoulder. "But from what I've heard you've done just fine."

"It wasn't easy dad. I've missed you so much." Clark said, his voice filled with emotion.

"We don't always know what's going to happen, son. Take you for instance," Jonathan said as they walked. "Your mom and I thought that we lost you in that hospital, but you came back only different. Things happen that you have no control over. You just have to accept that and deal with it as they come."

"I still don't know how all this happened. I may never know, but what I do know is that I have a second chance to be the hero that the world needs. I can't abandon them again." Clark said.

As they were reaching the entrance to the stadium, three police cars sped by them with their sirens blaring. Clark's super hearing picked up police chasing two vehicles, each one had armed men shooting at the cops.

"Save my seat for me," Clark said. His father nodded before he took his glasses off and ducked into an alley across the street. He took off moments later into the sky.

Jonathan looked around as pedestrians all over were looking up, hoping to catch a glimpse of Superman. He saw the look of awe and wonder on their faces. He saw kids pointing up into the sky, wearing Superman t-shirts. He felt a tear fall down his cheek as he looked back up.

"Sure thing son" He said softly as he smiled with pride.

Note: And that is where we are going to end this. Like I said, I am thinking about doing a sequel to follow up. Have a time skip to see where it all ends up.