Chapter 13

Lois was enjoying the ride, watching the landscape as they serenely passed over, the wind in her hair, whipping it behind her. It felt amazing, so amazing that it wasn't till after Metropolis was a speck behind them that she realized they were still flying. "Where are we going?" she asked.

Clark looked at her and replied playfully "You're always complaining that 'the pizza in Metropolis doesn't hold a candle to Bean town.' So, we're going to Chicago to get some pizza. You're going to have to tell me what pizzeria to go to once we get there."

"I think I'm going to like having you as a boyfriend. I get to eat at all my favorite places and never leave home." Lois responded impishly.

"Anything to please the lovely Miss Lane." Clark snapped as if commanded.

They picked up two large pies, Lois' favorites. She had questioned Clark when he had ordered two, but all he would tell her was it probably still was not enough. They flew back to Chloe's dorm where Clark set up the pies in one of the study rooms, while Lois brought Chloe into the room with her.

As soon as Lois entered the room, she and Clark embraced and kissed. Clark quietly said "I missed you." as Lois giggled. Chloe was amazed at the change in their relationship. A great smile played on her face as she heard Clark's remark.

When she heard Lois giggling, she was stunned; Lois had not been so carefree since she was a child. Chloe cleared her throat and coyly asked "Are you sure you want me in here? It looks like you two might want to be alone."

Clark blushed and quickly kissed Chloe's cheek, and then he added "Of course we want you here. There's much to discuss, but first if you two beautiful women can do without me for a few minutes I have a couple of errands to run."

Lois's smile faltered as she said "You're leaving so soon?"

Clark took her hand in his and kissed it, and then replied soothingly "I'll be right back. I just need to get the rest of our group. Don't worry I'll be back soon." He kissed Lois again, and then super sped out, leaving a small vacuum in his wake.

Chloe turned to Lois and inquired, "The rest of our group?"

Lois shook her head and said "He didn't tell me. When we picked up the pizza, he ordered two. When I questioned him about it he said it may still not be enough. Who he was talking about I don't know."

Chloe smiled and hugged Lois. Then she added excitedly "You love him! Tell me all about it." They spoke how Lois felt about Clark and about what happened at the Fortress. Lois didn't tell Chloe about Clark's imminent training or about Zod. She wanted Clark there for that.

Barely ten minutes later, the door opened. "Chloe, it's so good to see you again" said the young man that entered. He hugged then kissed Chloe on the cheek, and then he turned to Lois smiling. "You must be Lois, I've heard all about you. I'm Pete Ross one of Clark's first friends." the man said extending a hand.

"Nice to meet you Pete, Smallville told me a little about you. Is he here?" Lois queried anxiously.

"Smallville?" Pete said confused.

"That's Lois's pet name for Clark. It's great to see you too, Pete. But, is Clark here with you?" Chloe said glowing.

"Yes, he picked my up and flew me here … I can't get over the fact that he can fly now. He called me earlier and said we needed to talk. He picked me up from my dorm at Princeton and brought me here. He met someone outside and directed me here. He said he would be up a minute." Pete said.

A minute later; Clark entered the room, followed by another man. Clark took Lois's had and pulled her to him; enveloping her in his embrace. "I told you I wouldn't be long." Clark kissed Lois, when they parted he shook his head and said "Where are my manners, Lois this is my friend Bart, Bart Allen. And I assume you already met Pete." Clark continued the introductions.

After all the introductions, Bart pulled a bouquet of tulips from behind his back and crossed over to Chloe. "Your favorite flower; it's great to see you again, Chloe." Bart said as he kissed Chloe's hand. Chloe bushed bright red and Lois hid a giggle behind a hand. It was good to see two handsome young men so taken with her cousin.

Clark broke the silence that had descended, "Let's eat. Lois and I need to tell you all something" Clark said looking at Lois, a silent communication passed between them that she hadn't told anyone about the situation they were about to embark on.

Clark enjoyed having all his best friends together, it was even better now that Lois and he had resolved their feelings for each other. After an hour of catching up, Chloe broke the happy tension.

"Clark, what happened today at the Fortress? I could tell Lois was holding something important back; as happy as you two seem, there seems to be some sadness between you both. I, for one, want to know why all of a sudden you brought us all together."

Clark looked at Lois, but before they could say anything, Pete asked "the Fortress? I assume Chloe's not referring to your loft."

Clark squeezed Lois's hand visibly drawing strength from the connection then said "Pete a lot has happened this year that I haven't got to tell you." Clark turned to Bart and added "Bart, I didn't tell you the whole truth about myself when we met, what you are about to hear must not leave this room. Is that okay with you?"

Bart nodded, suddenly feeling the atmosphere becoming a smothering tension. Clark told the second person today his secret. He also told Pete about the stones and the Fortress of Solitude.

Only Clark was not surprised by the easy acceptance Bart showed at the revelation. Chloe found it hard to believe, Bart wasn't floored by Clark's true heritage. The fact she had only met him once before and that Clark rarely spoke about him, yet he was here among Clark's most trusted friends was puzzling.

There must be something she was not seeing; she decided right there and then she was going to find out why Bart was so special to Clark.

After bringing Bart up top speed on Clark's heritage, Clark and Lois told them everything that happened in the Fortress. Everyone was shocked that Clark was going away in two days to train to beat Zod. Chloe told the story of helping Clark destroy Brainiac the last time he tried to bring Zod to Earth.

Clark went over his plan that they gather Green and Black Kryptonite to use if he fails. All objected that Clark was determined to face Zod by himself. But, Clark was adamant; he told them "I'm sorry, but none of you must be anywhere near our battle. I will need all my concentration fighting Zod. I can't be worried about Zod hurting one of you. The battle could be fierce and I couldn't live with myself if one of you is hurt. Please, you guys must understand I must do this myself. I only ask you to prepare … in case … I fail." He finished quietly as he dropped his head down.

After many objections, they finally reluctantly agreed. Clark squeezed Lois's hand and excused himself and Bart for a second. He kissed Lois on the cheek as he left the room with Bart.

"Bart, I must ask for a favor. If I fail, you must save my friends and my mother. Bring them somewhere and plan a way to destroy Zod. I know this would mean revealing your powers, but the fate of the world is at stake." Clark stated gravely.

"No prob. I get your drift. You sure you don't need me to help you against this Zod?" Bart asked.

"I thought about it, but Zod won't know about your powers. That may be what turns the tide if I fail." Clark said thoughtfully.

As soon as Clark and Bart left, Chloe asked "Does anyone know anything about Bart?" Lois and Pete shook their heads. "Doesn't it seem funny that he had to tell Bart his secret today? And why did it not seem to surprise him? And what's with the private meeting?" Chloe asked in rapid succession.

"Clark told me, Bart already knew about some of his powers, just not about his heritage." Lois said

"Well, I knew he had powers, but when he told me it still shocked me. But, I see your point. I just can't help feeling that there's something special about Bart." Chloe concluded.

Just then Clark came back into the room. "Bart said to tell you all bye. I've got a sheet here for each of you with everyone's phone numbers. Lois will have the key to the Fortress, if any of you hear anything suspicious call her at the farm. She'll be staying with my mom. She can alert me if something happens. It's getting late if you are ready, I'll bring Pete back to his dorm and then come back for Lois."

Clark handed out the phone lists and takes Pete home, then came back for Lois. The cousins hugged goodbye then Clark kissed Chloe goodbye. Their trip back to the farm was uneventful.

As soon as they landed, Lois grabbed Clark's hand and asks "Why is Bart special?"

Clark looked Lois in the eye and said "Lois, I would tell you if I could; but it is not my secret to tell. I hope you understand."

"I think I do Smallville, and I appreciate your keeping your friends secret." Lois replied squeezing his hand to let him know she really did understand. She added, "Let's see how mom is doing."