"Do you want to stay for dinner?" Lois hated herself for asking the question, inadvertently twisting the drying towel in her hands. Superman looked down at the twisted cloth briefly before smiling.
"I don't think you want me to take you up on that offer, but I appreciate the courage that it took to extend it." From the rise in her body temperature, he knew he said the wrong thing.
"You don't… always have to just come and go." She threw up her hands and sighed. "I don't know what I'm trying to say. All I know is that I want you to feel welcome here."
"I can't feel that welcome Lois when Richard tries his hardest not to glare at me whenever I land in the yard to pick Jason up." Superman crossed his arms.
"I can't help what Richard does."
"He's just worried."
"He knows that Jason is safe with you." She reassured him, but he shook his head.
"It's not with Jason that he worries." The tone in his voice was weary. Before Lois could respond Jason came bounding into the room, an excited look on his face.
"Are you leaving?" He asked, running around the kitchen table and jumping into his arms.
"Yes, but you know I'll be back." Jason nodded.
"I liked flying."
"You didn't." Lois glared at him.
"Do you honestly believe I would put him in any sort of danger?" Superman cut her off, putting Jason back down on the ground.
"Jason, go get cleaned up for dinner." He nodded and scampered off, hair still windswept. "Look, it's fine when I went flying, but…but…"
"Yet again, I'll ask, do you honestly believe I would put him in any sort of danger?" She found herself wanting to smile against all that beautiful blue-eyed concern and warmth for her child… for their child.
"No." Lois stopped resisting and smiled. "I just don't know what to expect."
"Well, I don't know either. I'm fully Kryptonian, but he's half human. I can't foresee what will be different and what will be the same, but I do know this, I'll probably be helping you replace furniture when his super strength comes in totally." He smiled, and she noticed the faraway look in his eye. A memory had his attention, and she wished she knew what it was. "I should go… Richard will be back soon."
"I should have dinner on the table by now. I guess I'll see you next time you decide to stop by." Lois couldn't keep the bitterness out of her voice, and Superman didn't keep the pain off of his.
"Goodnight Lois."
> > >
> > >
Clark pushed his glasses higher on his nose as he stepped out of the elevator and into the hustle and bustle of Daily Planet. The past year had been hard, with trying to spend as much time as possible with Jason, respect Richard and Lois' relationship, and save the world.
He looked down in just enough time to run into someone. "I am so sorry. I wasn't looking where I was going." He lifted a woman's stack of papers off of the floor where they had only slightly spilled, and held out a hand for her to take.
She looked up and smiled. "Looked like you have the world on your shoulders." The stranger was smirking. "Thank you."
"Not a problem. Sorry for knocking you over." A graceful wave of her hand ended in pushing her long black hair over her shoulder.
"I just… wasn't looking. Now that I look it's kind of hard to miss you. That's what I get for holding a stack of files that are taller than me. Maybe I'll see you around."
"Maybe." Clark said noncommittally, throwing a shy smile and moving towards the doors of the Daily Planet. To his surprise she was standing behind him, waiting for him to go through the door. "Oh, you're coming in here." Step out of the way Clark…
"Yes. And from the looks of it so are you. What do you do here?"
"Reporter."
"Then you're Clark Kent. I've heard so much about you." She smiled brighter and he took the time to actually look at her. Warm brown eyes with small laugh lines around them, strong jaw and a very nice smile. He found himself smiling back again.
"How did you know I was Clark? I mean, how did you know who I was?"
"Because you're the only one I hadn't met in the office, and Jimmy wouldn't shut up about you. I'm Abigail Daniels, but you can call me Abby."
"Nice to meet you." They stood there for a couple of seconds before she laughed and shifted her load.
"Well, I'll be going. I have to get oriented with Mr. White." With another brilliant smile she was gone, and Clark was scratching his head.
"I see you've met the new talent." Jimmy quipped, causing him to jump. They walked along the crowded aisle towards his cubicle.
"Where's she from?" Clark watched her put her files down on a desk on the other side of Lois', picking up a pair of glasses and putting them around her neck.
"Gotham. We stole her from the Inquisitor. Ran the highest circulated advice column, with the occasional editorial and headline. She's really an all around type of writer." Jimmy nodded and watched her take off her tan jacket. "And she is drop dead gorgeous. She should always wear red." Clark's eyebrow rose and he found himself agreeing.
"JIMMY!" Both men jumped at the sound of Perry White's voice. "In my office with those photos. Clark, I want you in here too."
"On it chief!" Jimmy slunk towards his desk, while Clark turned to slip out of his jacket and pick up his pen and pad.
> > >
> > >
Jimmy cleaned the LCD on his digital camera and brought it up to his face, and did what he did whenever he was bored and waiting on the next assignment. Lester from Metro and Jonathan from Traffic were laughing over the water cooler… by the window Donna from Health and Gary from Editorials shared a cup of coffee and probably the latest round of office gossip… And as he swung his lens around, it caught sight of something very interesting.
Lois had Jason in tow, nothing new there, but they both were talking to Abby, and all three were laughing. Lois usually didn't take to new people that well, and it was a pleasant surprise.
"Are you spying Jimmy?" Clark frowned as he made the younger man jump.
"I didn't see you there Clark. No, I'm not spying, I'm bored… and just stumbled across that very nice picture."
"Yes, she is beautiful." He smiled wistfully at Lois before turning his eye to Abby. "How's she fitting in?"
"Charmed just about everyone, and can yell at Perry like nobody's business. I guess she's used to doing that in Gotham. Chief didn't know what to do or say." They both laughed.
" Good. That's good to know. Lois has sure taken a shine to her."
"I know, it's remarkable. You have to give her credit. She made friends with Richard and Jason in a heartbeat. I'll tell you what, I'd love to let that cup of hot cocoa just…" The statement ended in a growl and Clark self-consciously stepped away.
"Do you have those photos for me?"
"What? Oh, yeah. Here they are." Jimmy handed him a folder and continued gazing. "I'm going to ask her out."
"Good luck Jimmy." Clark watched him wave distractedly as he walked away.
"Hello Clark."
"Richard, hello." He smiled and waited for the other man to catch up. Try as he might, he couldn't dislike him, but it was hard to wholeheartedly like him. Cordial neutrality was all he could do. "What can I do for you?"
"Well, Lois and I were throwing a little "Welcome to Metropolis" party for Abby, and wanted to know if you'd like to come? She wanted me to make sure that you came."
"Oh… she did?" He couldn't keep the surprise out of his voice, and inwardly cringed at the strange look that crossed Richard's face.
"Yeah, she sure did. So, I can tell her you'll be there?"
"Oh, yeah…yeah. I'll be there. Should I bring anything?"
"Just yourself." Richard smiled and walked off towards his office, leaving Clark a little surprised. So Lois wanted him at the party? Maybe this was a step in the right direction… or maybe she was being friendly to him again. Just…friend…friendly.
And that thought depressed him more than anything.
> > >
Clark was already irritated when he arrived at the nicely lit home of Richard and Lois. He had to fly back home when he realized he was underdressed, and along the way foil a bank robbery that had the unfortunate timing to occur when he was in a hurry and not in the best mood. In all it took half an hour longer than when he said he'd arrive, and then the wine was warm. Great…
"Good to see you Clark. I was hoping you'd come." Jimmy smiled and clapped him on the back. "This is a real snazzy get together, isn't it?"
"Sure is. Where's the guest of honor?"
"She's on the patio with Lois. Hey… why don't you come back me up for moral support? I'm going to ask her out." Jimmy nodded enthusiastically. Clark's brow furrowed slightly.
"Didn't she just get in today?"
"No, last week, but I'm trying to move fast so I can beat other people to the punch." He smiled and pulled on his arm. "Man, have you been working out?" Clark allowed himself to be led to the patio, but started listening to the conversations taking place until he zeroed in on Lois' voice.
"Jason's at a friend's house for tonight. Didn't want to wake him up." Richard handed Abby a glass of wine and she nodded.
"I understand. You guys didn't have to do this, trust me." She leaned against the wooden railing and laughed. "I must admit though, seeing everyone in a suit does make you realize you work with really out of shape guys." Abby smiled pleasantly as she swept Clark with her eyes. "Or perhaps not."
"What were you three talking about?" Jimmy asked a little too loudly, pulling a sort of protesting Clark behind him.
"Just thinking about all the new friends I'll be making in the office." She said pleasantly, taking a sip and smiling.
"I'll be glad to show you around, that is if you ever need help getting around the office… or Metropolis for that matter." Jimmy stammered. Richard looked at Clark over his head and winced, Clark shrugging and looking the other way.
"Jimmy does have all of the good restaurants staked out." He volunteered, wanting to save the photographer from himself.
"Thank you, perhaps I'll take you up on that offer. I'm going to have to know my way around when Derek gets here."
"Derek? Who's Derek?"
"My fiancé." Abby held up her hand and revealed the diamond on her right hand. "He's back home in Gotham right now, but looking to move here as well."
"What does he do?" Lois asked, intrigued.
"He's a doctor at St. Gerard's of Gotham, the head of oncology. Between the move and trying to plan a wedding… it's been a whirlwind. Thanks again for the party. I get to see everyone outside of the job…loosened up." Clark gave a small smile and gulped down his glass of wine.
"Well, I know that you and Derek will find Metropolis a wonderful place to live, and maybe even raise a family." Richard beamed and Clark wanted to roll his eyes. If he were lucky, the night would end quickly.
> > >
> > >
"Superman, huh. I don't see it." Abby leaned over Jimmy's desk to gaze at his computer screen. Jimmy forced himself to only look out of the corner of his eye, trying his hardest not to move his whole head.
"What do you mean? He's the greatest superhero on the planet!" He scoffed, shuffling through the other pictures he had of him. "I've made quite a name for myself snapping these."
"That's all well and good, but he's such a… such a…" Abby stood up and took a step back, running into Clark's chest. "Oh! I didn't see you there."
"Sorry, I came to get my white out back from Jimmy. What were the two of you talking about?" He asked, feigning ignorance.
"Superman."
"Oh. What about him?"
"Abby doesn't think he's all that awe inspiring." Jimmy tattled mockingly. "She's partial to Gotham's Batman… the freak."
"Ah, I've heard of him. Seems he's doing quite a job there." Clark said graciously, holding back a smile.
"Yes, and he does it without any superpowers. Any nut with an exotic background and a cape could do what Superman does… but Batman, it took a lot more. He doesn't have superpowers, just a need to see Gotham cleaned up. For that I can admire him." She defended, crossing her arms.
"But Superman is cooler." Jimmy nodded, dismissing her argument.
"That's just because you root for the home team."
"So do you Abby." He shot back and Clark raised his hand.
"Alright then… Do you have those photos for the Chief?" He started moving the stacks of folders around on his desk.
"No, come back in half an hour and I'll have them. I've been distracted by petty arguments with no evidence to back them up." Abby burst out laughing and walked away, shaking her head.
"Ouch Jimmy… don't you think that was a bit harsh?" Clark asked, leaning in closer. "I thought you had a crush on her."
"Had Clark. Had. She's been here for a month and she's sticking to that fiancé story, so I have to move on. There are other fish in the sea…" He smiled and shook his head.
"Whatever you say Jimmy. Just get me what you have in half an hour. I have to have a copy for Perry to look over before the end of the day."
"Will do." Clark walked back to his cubicle and sat down, swiveling in his chair back and forth. He really didn't have anything to do until four, when he had to call his source back for the rest of the interview… until then he could- before the thought was completed his stomach growled painfully. When was the last time he ate?
At the elevator he ran into Lois. "Oh, Clark, where are you going?"
"Getting something to eat. I'm starved." He said, putting on his jacket.
"Good. Can you bring me back a tofu wrap? I'm famished but I can't finish this article at the café. By the way, how many a's are in congruent?" She asked in a rush. Clark thought for a moment.
"None. That's all?"
"Yep. I'll pay you when you get back." She stuck her pen in her mouth and walked away before he could say anything. Pushing his way into the elevator, he silently wondered why he was so cowardly at times.
"Lot on your mind, huh?" He looked over and saw Abby, looking nice in a black spring jacket cinched tight at the waist.
"Oh, yes… you could say that. Where are you headed?" Her smile became strained as someone stepped on her toe.
"Down for some air and something to eat. Care to join me?" She asked, sighing and pushing back on someone to her right.
"Sure!" He smiled and someone knocked over his glasses.
> > >
"And of course my taser decided it didn't want to work. I forgot that I was lazy the other day and put the batteries in my digital camera. I was so upset." Abby rolled her eyes and leaned back. "Man, this place makes a good Cesar salad."
Clark nodded over his steak. "So then what happened?"
"Batman came out of nowhere. He landed and I ducked and ran behind some boxes. There was a scuffle, and then he told me I could come out. I was most definitely very grateful. I offered to buy him dinner… he smiled and said he'd love to, but he had a prior engagement. Then he took off." Her voice was wistful.
"He just left you there?" He frowned and took a long drink of his coffee.
"I think you misunderstand. After Batman comes to your rescue… you're kind of left alone. He inspires a lot of… fear from the unsavory element. I was able to walk the two blocks to my apartment unmolested. That's why I've kind of found Superman a little joke. He seems so… I don't know. I guess it's just the fact that I've always carried a torch for the Dark Knight. So how about you Clark? What do you think of Superman?"
"He does good work. I think that's admirable." He said neutrally. "I really don't have an opinion about him."
"I'm sure you've been told you look a lot like him." Clark choked and splashed coffee on his tie, while knocking over the glass of water next to Abby's salad. She looked down at her drenched food and back up at him.
"Why are you so excitable?"
"I am so sorry… I'll pay for another one. I am so sorry." He repeated, trying not to blush hard under her unerring gaze.
"You don't hear that a lot?"
"Hear what?" Clark didn't look up as he sponged the table with their napkins.
"That you look a lot like Superman."
"No."
"Okay then. Well, I'll talk to you at the office. I need tospeak to mycaterer." She scooted out of the booth and picked up her purse.
"Caterer?" He asked, standing as well, appetite ruined.
"Yes. The wedding is coming up. I just wish Derek would finish his business. He's taken so much time that he's only came to visit me once. I'm glad Perry is such a nice guy, because if I couldn't do the commute I would wonder if we were still in a relationship." The indifferent smile on her face didn't coincide with the rapid increase in heartbeat. She was sad and angry.
"I'm sure it will all work out." He smiled in what he hoped was a reassuring way.
"Thanks, I really appreciate that. I guess we'll go back and hit the daily grind. I enjoyed myself, even the synchronized swimming of my lettuce." Clark smiled painfully and she laughed. "I promise it's okay. We all are a little goofy every once in a while. Let's do this again, because we could both use another friend."
"I'd like that." Clark nodded. "But I've got to mail a letter before I get back. I'll see you later."
"Alright." Abby watched him leave hurriedly. "Must be some letter…" She mused, watching him leave.
> > >
> > >
"So what happened in school?"
"We had a spelling test. I spelled the words right and got a gold star." Jason held up his hand, displaying his prize proudly.
"That's great! I'm so proud of you."
"And I lost my inhaler. Mommy was upset."
"I'm sure she was. Did you need it after you lost it?"
"No. But Mommy doesn't believe it."
"Really?"
"Yeah." He looked down at the city of Metropolis and then back up at Superman. "I like coming up here. It's kind of noisy though."
"You can hear them now?" He asked, concerned. Jason shrugged and looked back down at the buildings. They were floating about the city; Superman was levitating cross-legged, with Jason in his lap. It was the most comfortable way for them to talk for long periods of time in the air.
"Sometimes."
"I guess I'll have to teach you to try and ignore it. I didn't get my hearing until I was twice your age." The statement was more so to himself than to his son.
"When will I be able to fly?"
"I don't know."
"When did you fly?"
"When I was a teenager in Smallville."
"Are you going to take me to see Grandma today?"
"She's at a bingo game. I'll take you to see her another day." He looked down at the ruffled, wind tossed hair that lay against his chest and watched Jason play with the star on his hand. "You haven't told anyone that Clark and I are the same person, have you?"
"No, not even Mommy."
"Good."
"She'll know one day."
"Perhaps." Superman smiled and started floating towards the house.
"What time is it?"
"Almost four thirty."
"Cartoons. Will you watch them with me?"
"Not today. Perhaps another time."
"When can you take me somewhere?"
"What do you mean?"
"We only go flying." Superman landed on the ground, and Jason stretched. "I want to go to the zoo."
"I can't really walk around Metropolis with this outfit on." He reminded his son gently.
"Then take me as Mr. Clark."
"Glad to see the two of you are back. I was wondering." Lois looked at the two most important men in her life and once again was struck at how much they looked alike.
"Hi Mommy." Jason patted his father's hand and walked towards his mother. "I'll go wash up for dinner." He volunteered, waiting patiently to be kissed on the cheek.
"You're just trying to get in to see cartoons. Go ahead, the television's already on." She watched him run down the path into the living room before turning back. "So how was he?"
"Talkative. Don't worry about the inhaler. He doesn't need it." Superman said, crossing his arms.
"I'll be the judge of that. What am I saying… you'd know, wouldn't you? I'm also sure you know that crossing your arms is a sign that you're defensive." She said, unable to resist the urge to rib him slightly.
"I am defensive."
"Why?"
"Not quite sure. I'm never quite sure around you. I'll be back this weekend." He floated off of the ground a few feet, prepared to take off.
"This weekend is no good. Richard and I are going to see his parents. This wedding might go on finally." Lois said tightly.
"Is that what you want?"
"It is." Superman looked her in the eyes and realized it was more or less true.
"Then I'm happy for you."
"How noble."
"I'll be keeping an eye on him then."
"I thought you would. He's going to stay with a coworker of mine. Her name is Abigail Daniels." Lois handed him an address. "She's very nice and volunteered. She's watched him before, but I'm sure you'll want to peek in on him."
"Let him know why I won't be able to spend any real time with him this weekend."
"Of course." She watched him take off without another word.