As Clark approached the Luthorcorp building, he wondered how he and Lex had gotten to the point they were now facing. Lex had become his father. A man who had once been Clark's best friend, was responsible for the death of both Clark's father and his own father's deaths. As Clark neared the window to Lex's office, he noticed the light on and, using his enhanced vision, saw Lex sitting at his desk. Clark reminded himself that Superman had no fear and that Lex was the antithesis of everything Clark and Superman stood for.
Superman stood floating outside Lex Luthor's office window, arms crossed, looking directl at Lex. Lex looked up from his desk and, seeing Superman there, motioned him to go up. Superman followed the instructions and headed for the roof.
Not long after, Lex came through the metal door carrying a glass fill with what Superman could only assume was some form of alcoholic beverage. "Well, if it isn't Superman!" Lex smirked, then took a swig of his drink. "The man who save my life, along with a dozen or so reporters! To what do I owe the pleasure?"
Superman stood firm, arms remaining crossed, face as serious as he'd ever been. "Mr. Luthor, I came because some items have been brought to my attention that I thought you would be able to shed some light on."
"And what "items" might you be referring to?"
"Let's start with the claims made by your attempted assassins! They claim they were paid to kill both Lionel Luthor and Jonathan Kent."
"Ah yes, so they claim! But my lawyers have made it very clear, as I trust you have heard, that I could not possibly be responsible for it!"
"And yet there doesn't seem to be any motive for a group like that to kill a small town farmer. And I don't know any group of that nature to go after a billionaire unless someone was paying them enough. Care to explain?"
"You know Superman, for a superhero, you have the instincts of a great reporter! Maybe you should consider a career change! Even if you're right, I can assure you, you'll never prove it!"
"Maybe not. I assure you, however, that I will be watching your every move. Step out of line, and I will bring you down!"
Lex maintained his cool exterior and approached Superman. "Speaking of moves, that was quite some restraint tactic you used at the press conference. Using their belts to tie their wrists together! I'm not the only one with secrets! I only know of one other time I've seen that done. I don't suppose you've ever been to the Kawatche caves in Smallville have you?"
Clark tensed. He decided he might as well be honest. Get Lex off of Clark Kent's trail and let him think he figured it out. "Jerry was a friend of mine. I heard his cries for help. I came to his rescue! You were trying to kill him!"
"So, what about Clark Kent?"
"I didn't meet Clark until recently. He didn't know of my existence until he saw me at the press conference."
Lex seemed to consider what Superman had just said. "It seems my suspicions were wrong. Clark wasn't the one sent down with the first meteor shower! You were! You've been hiding all this time!"
"Think what you want Mr. Luthor. However, I have done my homework. I know you used to live in Smallville. I know that Clark Kent and you were once friends. I don't know why you would kill his father and attempt to kill his mother. I don't know why you've taken all the lives you have or why you continue your quest for power at the expense of the less fortunate. But know this, I intend to stop you!"
"You can have all the good intentions you want. You may have powers, but I have THE power in Metropolis. You'd do yourself a favour by remembering that!" Lex turned and headed for the door.
Superman flew in front of him to block his path. "Might I remind you Mr. Luthor, I saved your life in a way you couldn't. All the power you have won't keep you safe from flying bullets. I may not be there the next time one of your disgruntled employees decides to collect their paycheck!" Superman rose above Lex's head. "You'd do yourself a favour by remembering THAT!" Superman flew into the air and disappeared with the sound of Lex smashing his glass echoing in his ears.
As Superman flew high above the city, he let out a sigh of relief and smiled in satisfaction. He and Lex had both said what was needed and the inevitable war between good and evil had started. The paintings on the walls had been fulfilled.
Superman soon began his descent towards the other meeting he hoped to have tonight. A meeting, he hoped, that would be much more pleasant.
Superman stood, floating, outside the window, then knocked. Lois came to the window with a shocked expression on her face. She opened the window and remained speechless at the sight of her late evening visitor. "Miss Lane?"
Superman's voice snapped Lois out of whatever trance she'd been in. "Yeah, sorry. Superman! What can I do for you?"
"May I come in?"
"I'm sorry. Of course, please, come in!"
"Thank you." Superman floated through the window and landed on the living room rug. He slowly turned to face Lois, never uncrossing his arms. Lois was just closing the window. "I apologize if I'm disturbing you at such a late hour."
"No, it's okay. I have to admit, I'm surprised. I didn't think Superman made house calls."
Superman laughed. "Generally I don't. However, considering the fact that you not only chose my public name, but have written the most objective and positive stories about me. I wanted to stop by and personally thank you."
Lois' face turned a slight pink at the flattering remark. "Well, it's my pleasure. It's the least I can do for someone who's saved my life twice in a matter of weeks."
"I'm also here because I've decided it's time the world knew a bit more about me. I know people have questions, and to earn trust, you have to give it, so I want to reach out."
Lois' jaw dropped. "Are you offering me the exclusive?"
"It's only fair. You've earned it. I know that you'll only write the truth and the cold hard facts about me. I'm sure I won't be misquoted."
"Yeah, no, I mean...of course, I'll be more than happy to share your message. Let me get my recorder. I do have a few questions for you."
"I assumed as much. Go ahead, get what you need. I'll still be here when you get back."
Lois rushed into another room and got her digital recorder. She set it on the coffee table and began the interview. "I guess my first question is, what is your real name? Do you have one?"
"Yes, my real name is Kal-el?"
"Kal-el?" Lois attempted to pronounce it.
"Yes, although I prefer Superman. Kal-el was my birth name."
"Birth name? Where are you from?"
"I come from a planet called Krypton. I was sent here as a refugee shortly before the planet exploded."
"When was that?"
"I'm afraid I can't say. There are certain things about me that need to be kept secret, for everyone's safety."
"I know you're fast, and strong. Can anything hurt you?"
"Nothing on Earth, so far."
"How fast can you move?"
"I think you know. You watched me catch those bullets at the press conference."
Lois laughed. "I didn't realize you noticed."
"Clark asked me to check on you that day, I keep my promises."
"I'm sure you do. You said you're here to help. Why now?"
"I saw the need. I read articles about how powerless people were to stop a lot of the crime bosses. I wanted to make a difference."
"Concise!" Lois nodded. "I like it. Is there anything you want to say to the people of Metropolis, or the crime bosses who think they can stop you?"
"To the people of Metropolis, you are the ones who are strong and can stand up to anyone who would try and take advantage of you. Go to the authorities, make a fuss. Contact the media. Just know that I'm here to stand up for you, when no one else will. To anyone who might want to threaten the good people of Metropolis, don't! I will find you. I will bring you to justice!"
"Wow! That's great! Just one more question I think everyone wants to know."
"And what's that?"
"What's it like to fly?"
Superman chuckled. "It's...exhilirating! There's a sense of freedom when you're not stuck in traffic or surrounded by people." Superman walked over to the digital recorder and hit the stop button. "Would you like to know how it feels?"
Lois was speechless. She couldn't believe the offer she'd just been given. All she could do was nod. "Then come, fly with me!" Superman smiled and took Lois by the hand. He walked her to the window and opened it. He took her into her arms. "Hold on tight miss Lane!"
"Lois...call me Lois!" Lois blurted out.
Superman chuckled. "All right Lois, hold on tight!" Superman floated of the ground and out the window, being sure to close it behind him. He then took off into the sky holding Lois close to him.
As they soared above the clouds, Clark only wished he could tell her the truth. She'd been so supportive lately. His feelings had grown for her in such a short time. It felt so great to be flying with her. But after Lana's rejection, he couldn't risk it. Not yet. "Are you enjoying yourself?" he asked Lois, trying to break the silence.
Lois looked into his eyes. "Yeah, as a matter of fact I am. Forget the fact that I'm thousands of feet above sea level! I have to admit, I've done some crazy things, but this tops it all!"
"I'm glad. Consider it another little "thank you" gift." Clark smiled. "It's getting late, I should probably be getting you home!"
"Yeah..." Lois sighed. "I guess the party's over!"
"For now..." Clark turned around and headed back towards Lois' apartment.
Lois smiled at Superman's last comment. She kept her arms wrapped around his neck until they arrived at her apartment. She opened the window and he set her down on the floor. "Thanks for the flight!" She chuckled.
"Anytime! I better be going. I look forward to seeing your article tomorrow!"
"It'll be my best!"
"No doubt! Goodnight Lois."
"Goodnight Superman!"
Clark flew home with a smile on his face. The way Lois had looked at Superman was nothing like the way she looked at Clark. She appreciated his abilities. Maybe telling her who he was wouldn't be a bad thing. Now was not the time. He was still getting to know her. He had to keep his two identities secret, at lease for now.
When he finally arrived at his apartment, he changed into jeans and a t-shirt and noticed the light on his answering machine was blinking. He hit the play button and heard an old but familiar voice. "Clark? It's Lana..."