NOTE: Wow, thanks for all the reviews guys! I truly appreciate it. And yes, I was very evil and gave you a cliffhanger ;). I usually don't do that, but just thought I'd keep you all interested, lol. Also, I strongly encourage those who can to go see Superman Returns maybe one or two more times since it hasn't done as well as I and others hoped. Go support our Man of Steel! Enjoy this chap. everyone! The wait is over…

Angel452: Hmm…one of your questions is answered in this here chapter…

Maddi-B: 2010! That's soooo far away…But I'm touched you like my story so much. I may just have to write another…:)

KalEl Hammer: I'm sure we could all get into a big debate about the whole Lois-knowing-or-not thing, but I'm not too worried about it. That's why I made it a little vague in the story. Thanks though for reading it!

Amylion: Yes, I was evil this time around :). Thank you for still reading it though, lol.

twin03: That's okay. I don't expect everyone to review every single time (especially since I know I probably would forget). Thanks, I'm glad you like the relationship. I really tried to capture just the right feeling for it.

Mr. Firenze: That does sound funny :). I really like Jason and love writing him. Thanks!

Crafty: Hmm…lol. It can't have been that bad…:D.

Jessilea: Wow, thank you. I really wanted to get Jason right, so I'm glad you like him. I hope the wait wasn't too awful long and thanks very much!

1eclecticreader: Thank you! It gives me a sense of accomplishment when you and others enjoy the character relationships. Here's more! I hope it's good.

Leli1013 & Jacqueline Roget: Yeah, I liked the last line too when it popped into my head. Superman's kid is awesome.

darkangel1910: Cool, thanks.

Jedi X-man Serena Kenobi: Thanks, here ya go!

Dragonsdaughter1: Thank you very much. I hope you like the end as well :).

LostSchizophrenic:D Thank you so much for your compliment and I'm glad you like the story so much. Here's more!


The Pulitzer Prize ceremony had been cancelled and given a new date, and it was the evening after the printer incident. Lois and Richard got ready to leave the Daily Planet. Lois gathered up a few of her things from her area and hurried off with Richard.

"Wait! Lois, I need to give you some stuff for that dedication article," Clark called. He had to maneuver around a few desks and chairs to get closer to the glass doors.

Lois called over her shoulder: "Oh, just drop it by my house tonight before the Pulitzer. I'll be at home."

"Okay, I'll do that." Richard nodded to him when he waved goodbye.


Clark stopped by Lois's house after work. He used a taxi to avoid questions and knocked on the door. He saw a blurry figure approach through the decorated glass, though he did not need super vision to know it was Lois.

"Hey, Clark! Come in."

He followed her inside and shut the door, then realized the end of his coat was stuck in it when he tried to walk forward.

"Oops. Um…Lois?"

She rolled her eyes when she saw what he'd done and came to his rescue. Once she opened the door, he could move again.

"Thanks."

"Sure thing." Her voice was tinged with amused sarcasm. "Do you want anything to drink?"

"No thank you."

They moved down the short hall entryway and turned to go into the living area. It was a warm place with beiges, tans, reds, and greens catching the light of the afternoon sun that passed through the windows draped with sheer curtains of pale gold.

"Excuse the mess. Jason hasn't picked up his things today."

There were a few toys lying on the carpet beside the couch: a couple of airplanes, some GI Joes, and a helicopter.

Clark smiled. "It's fine. Jason plays the piano?" he said pointing to the small keyboard.

"Yeah, and he's getting along well." She frowned slightly and shook herself. "So do you have the information and everything? Go ahead and sit if you want."

"Here, I put them in a folder." He sunk onto the couch and Lois sat in the matching chair beside it.

She looked inside briefly. "Good. I'll go over it maybe later. Are you coming tonight?"

"Yes, how could I miss Lois Lane getting her Pulitzer Prize? Well, actually Perry just wanted me there to cover the story."


They say smell is the strongest trigger of the memory.

Lois finally remembered why Clark's scent was so familiar. It was not only his but Superman's.

She did not realize it until she was gazing into Clark's eyes and marked how incredibly blue and beautiful they were. Then she recognized those eyes and the smell at the same instant.

I know that face…Her heart leaped, and she knew her expression was slowly changing from responsive to utter astonishment. He was saying something but she could no longer hear or feel. Time had stopped.

Impossible! How could I miss it? "Oh…my…"

Clark was cut off and stared at her. "Are you all right? You look a little pale."

"I can't breathe." She leaned back, and the folder dropped from her grasp. She didn't notice.

"Uh oh. What do you want me to do?" He jumped up.

"Take off your glasses."

"What? Lois, I think the lack of air has gotten to you…"

"No, I see better now than ever." She stood also and came in front of him.

"What are you doing?" he asked while fidgeting when she reached her hands to his face.

She could see him now behind those big glasses and klutzy, fumbling limbs. It was very strange for her, yet she would recognize the eyes of her beloved Kryptonian anywhere after their last meeting. As he protested, she snatched off his glasses.

"Well, hello Superman," she murmured in her shock.

He looked down at her then with an abruptly sober and solemn face. His brilliant eyes regarded her with a mixture of relief and disappointment. Yes, it was the same sloped nose, full lips, strong jaw, and tempered brow. His shadowy hair fell over much of his forehead and ears in looser locks than she was used to and his clothes of course hid his well-toned body. He was standing straighter now.

"Hello, Lois. I guess I can't hide it anymore, can I?"

"All this time and you were right there. Why didn't I see?"

His usual charming smile struck her to the core. "Perhaps you did not want to see. Clark Kent isn't exactly the most graceful, Superman-like guy."

"Clark…" she whispered, "you have a real name now."

"There were so many times when I was moments away from telling you who I was. I wanted to so much, but I never did."

Lois reached up and touched his cheek. "It's really you. I still can't believe it. I feel foolish for not knowing and not seeing you right in front of me." It all made perfect sense. Clark had left at the same time Superman did, returned the same time as well, never said much about his personal life, had looked the way he did when she inquired into his love life because it was her he truly loved, and was often nowhere to be found when Superman was around. She recalled the day they were eating lunch and he had left and come back with wet feet. Later she heard of Superman saving a drowning boy.

"It's about time," he joked.

She started to smile when they were interrupted by the opening of the front door and Richard and Jason's voices in the entryway.


And it was over as quickly as it seemed to happen. Clark backed away from Lois as she anxiously grabbed his glasses and handed them back. He put them on with some reluctance. Richard really was the only one who didn't know yet. Would he ever?

Lois gave him one last meaningful look before slipping past him with the papers in her hand. He heard Jason run to give her a hug and Richard greet her warmly. He stepped into the hall.

"Oh yeah. Clark just stopped by to drop off some stuff." She waved the folder.

"Hi Mister Clark," said Jason with a wide, knowing grin.

"Hey there kiddo. Well, I guess I'll be off and let you guys get ready."

"See you later," said Richard.

"Same to you. I mean, I'll see you later, not me…"

"Bye Clark," said Lois with a friendly smile.

Jason waved to him as he left.

The cool air was refreshing once he was outside, yet it was the burden lifted from his shoulders that really made him feel released. Now that Lois knew the truth and discovered it for herself—again—he did not feel so constricted by his secrets.

But then it presented the same problems as last time. Before Lois had been so tormented by having to act no different and impartial towards him in public that he ended up erasing those memories to spare her the suffering. What would make this instance any different? However, Lois had matured and grown since he was gone. Being a mother and having a family had changed her in some ways. She was not so reckless with her life knowing she had a son to take care of, her humorous and teasing personality was toned down a bit, and she was more responsible.

He walked a good distance away from the house and leaped into the sky no longer Clark Kent.


The Pulitzer ceremony was held in a building where they used a dining hall and reception room. Many from the Daily Planet attended and other important people of the writing and journalist world.

Clark was there a few minutes early and was seated at a table with Perry White. He craned his neck to look around for Lois and Jason.

"Has, uh, Lois got here yet?" he asked.

"No, she's on her way," said Perry. He was in a sharp-looking suit and sat with his back straight and a pleased smile on his face like a proud father. Lois Lane was one of his reporters, and he was glad to show it. "You make sure you get everything. I want details, Clark; details on Miss Lane especially."

Other people were receiving awards and recognition as well, but it was Lois Lane Perry wanted to showcase in the paper.

"Right, chief. Details."

Then he saw her enter the room, and everything else faded into the distance. He was used to seeing her in work clothes and little makeup—she didn't need much of course—so he was taken aback by how stunning she looked that evening.

Her slender form was accentuated by a dress of dark red with a banded waist, thin straps, and flowing mid-length skirts. Her smooth, dark hair was put up with a few loose tendrils falling around her throat and ears. She had put on a little more makeup than usual, and she seemed to glow.

And in one hand she held Jason's. He was clothed nice also in a vest and collared shirt. He walked beside her in awe of everything around him: the people all well dressed, the white-clothed tables, the crystal glasses and gleaming silverware, and mood music lilting through the hall. It was not an extremely fancy event, but it seemed so to the boy's eyes.

Richard entered with them as well, and Clark sighed. He had almost wished Richard would not come for some reason.

They joined what seemed to be the Daily Planet table and received greetings all around. Clark stood, and Lois and his eyes met.

"Wow, you look great," he said in his usual Clark Kent voice.

"Thanks, Clark. You don't look so bad yourself," she said taking in his suit and tie. She lowered her gaze at once and turned away.

Soon they were all seated, and the ceremony was under way. Often Clark would catch Lois stealing glances in his direction, her eyes full of confusion and uncertainty. But Richard was sitting beside her, and he frequently placed his hand over hers or leant to whisper in her ear. She had to sit there with the two men she loved and pretend everything was all right.

Clark did smile though when he saw Jason fidgeting. The awards were given, people honored, and it was over. There were drinks and snacks in the reception room where everyone migrated to talk.

Richard took Lois aside. "Honey, I think I'm going to take Jason home. He has school tomorrow and he's getting restless. I'll be back in a little bit. Is that all right?"

"Yeah, it's fine," she smiled. She bent to gently take Jason's head in her hands and kiss him. "I'll come say goodnight when I get home later. I love you."

"I love you too, mommy," Jason said.

She watched Richard walk away with Jason's hand in his and out the doors.

Clark saw them leave also but felt held back by guilt. What kind of man would he be to sneak into Richard's place whenever he was gone like waiting in the shadows? So he spoke with Perry and other guests to occupy his thoughts.


NOTE: I hope you enjoyed this, but I have a request. I'm going to run out of conflict soon (in a few chapters) and all my knowledge of Superman consists of is from Superman Returns and the first two original Superman's. Lex Luthor is the only villain I know of but a lot of people are complaining about how they're sick of him always being the bad guy in the story. So I wanted to know if you all felt that way and if I should restrain from using him (although there's some juicy stuff if I did: he knows about Jason, etc.) Please let me know! Thank you.