Author's Notes: Yay, I'm back. I've neglected this story enough. Not intentional, mind you. I hope this update is okay. If you're wondering why I titled this story 'Origins' it is because I wanted to introduce how Lois, Clark and Bruce become friends and allies. So yeah, stop hating on poor Bruce. wink

Into the night with a back pack over his shoulder, Clark Kent wandered the streets of Gotham City, wondering how in the world he was going to approach Lois. It was his first time in Gotham and he didn't know what to make of it.

Suddenly, with his senses attuned to the unfamiliar environment, he notices he isn't alone.

Clark felt a knife-like pressure on his back. "Give me your bag, fella!" He heard a man behind him say. "Or someone's gonna get hurt." His hearing then picked up another felon.

Clark took a deep breathe. It didn't matter where he was or what he was doing, trouble always knew how to find him without him even trying. Before Clark could do anything about it, something dark and black jumped down from above.

"Oh my God, it's Batman!" the thief squirmed, crawling on his back as his companion ran for his life. Clark didn't have to do anything this time because this figure they called a 'Batman' easily comprehended both harassers, suspending them upside down from a nearby post.

"Uh…" Clark was surprised. Normally, he would be in his position rather than the would-be victim. "Thanks."

Clark took a moment to use his x-ray on the man in black and was surprised to know who he was, but he kept the discovery to himself. Besides, he saved his life, even if in fact he didn't need the rescue.

Then Batman was gone and Clark looked on, grinning in amusement. The world didn't feel like a cage anymore and he briefly wondered how Bart was coming along on that league of his that he mentioned when they first met back in Smallville.

Perhaps this Bat character would like in on it, he mused to himself before trekking forward to his destination.

A couple of hours later, Clark stood in front of the building that supposedly housed Lois. The return address of the last letter she sent to his parents led him here. Clark contemplated going into the lobby, but cursed himself whenever he chickened-out, circling his way back outside of the revolving doors.

"Come on, Clark," he says to himself, stretching his neck left and right as if he was about to fight for a heavy-weight belt in a boxing ring. "You can do this," he encouraged himself.

After pacing back and forth, he took a deep breath, turned around and walked straight towards the revolving doors again, but before he could make it there, he bumps into the most unlikely person.

What are the odds, he thought.

Clark's eyes go wide. "Hi Lois," he greeted with a nervous smile.

After regaining her composure from the brief interruption, Lois looked at him and all rationality and focus left her body. It happened so fast that she was left speechless in front of him, making Clark all the more nervous than he already was.

If only he knew that she felt the same way.

"The unbearable silence is usually your thing," he tried to lighten, but Lois remained mute and still, making him rethink his actions and perhaps realizing that coming to Gotham to see her was a bad choice.

"Lois," he repeated once more in hopes he would get a response.

"Huh? What?" she muttered without thought. She was still reeling from his presence. "Oh, Clark!" She finally realized. "Hi!" She greeted in return. Smooth, Lois. Very smooth, her head chastised.

Clark relaxed; her response far better than any of the other his head had so dramatically cooked up.

"What are you doing here?" Lois managed to ask while simultaneously resting her hands behind her back.

Clark smiled without trying to look over-eager. "I wanted to see you," he answered a bit too cautiously. "I haven't heard from you… and my mom mentioned you were in Gotham," he added.

"Oh," was her only reaction.

"I should go," Clark gestured away. It was obvious that he wasn't welcomed. This was a mistake.

Clark turned around to make a quick leave when he felt her hand grip his shoulder.

"No, please don't," she called back to him. Clark turned to look at her in the eye. They had so many unfinished words to say to each other, but neither really knew how to go about it. "I'm just." She paused. "Surprised"

"I hope I didn't come at a bad time"

Lois shook her head. "You didn't." She looked at her watch and chuckled. "Actually, you did"

Clark bowed his head in defeat but then felt Lois's finger lift his chin up to her eyes.

"Come with me," she says with a smile.

Clark gave her a smile of his own. "You sure?"

"I wouldn't have asked if I wasn't," she answered him honestly.

Clark nodded happily, relieved that she didn't flat out turn him away. As they walked side-by-side, Clark began talking about what's been going on in Smallville and Metropolis since she left. Although he noticed a lack of participation in her side when it came to sharing her experiences, he understood that his impromptu appearance was a little overwhelming and was just thankful that she was listening to him.

Along the busy street, a limousine passed the walking duo. The occupant inside immediately threw off his sunglasses and glanced at the two.

"Alfred," he called out.

"Yes, Master Bruce?"

"Was that Miss Lane we just passed?" Bruce wanted to confirm. Her male companion seemed awfully familiar as well.

Alfred glanced at his rear-view mirror and saw the beautiful Miss Lois Lane in the reflection. "Yes, Master Bruce, I believe so"

"Do you think they're together?"

Amused… "Let's see. They're young, they're beautiful, and they're walking side-by-side having a jolly good time. Hmm, I think they may very well be, Master Bruce," Alfred says in a teasing tone.

Bruce smirked. "Your humor kills me, Alfred."

"I do my best, sir"

Bruce continued to smile and looked back at the walking couple one last time, concluding that Lois Lane certainly had a weakness.

Lucky guy

To be continued…