I wanted to thank my beta and friend Vaun for helping me fight with this chapter (and boy, did it fight back). Without him I would never had completed it.
It was a grey morning; the type of morning reminding you that autumn too could be cold and unforgiving. Kitty enjoyed the warmth of the leather from the back seat of the Bentley and wondered how long she would be able to stay accustomed to the luxuries she helped procure over a year ago, and looked up as the man who would ultimately decide her fate strode towards her with a purpose. Lex Luthor always moved with a purpose, because he knew exactly where he was going before his body started in any direction.
A blast of cold air startled her from her thoughts, and she stared at the man she loved, still loved, from behind large glasses, waiting for his first words to her in a year. Slamming the door he glanced at the prison and smiled, and turned to her. "Kitty."
"Lex."
"They reduced your sentence if you rolled on me, I gathered." She shrugged and pulled the fur closer to her body.
"Perhaps."
"You took the deal."
"Perhaps." Lex smiled, that disarming smile that usually meant either he was really pleased, or he was about to hurt you or someone you loved. "Lex, I…"
"Words Kitty? Really, at a time like this." He glanced up at the driver. "Why are we still here?" The chauffeur looked at him from the rear view window and nodded curtly before pulling off. The silence was maddening during the drive, leaving her thoughts to toss back and forth. What was he going to do with her?
It's true that she would serve five years for his life sentence, but due to her key testimony they sent her to a minimum security prison to carry out her term. A blessing in itself, but when her lawyer came and told her that not only her but Lex as well had been granted temporary freedom, she found herself thinking of the man she helped put away for life and wondered if he still loved her, because that was the only thing that kept her safe when he was short on patience.
Lex took her hand and smiled; an excitement in his eyes that made them look like they were dancing. He only got that happy when he had a plan. "You're not planning on leaving the city, are you?" She asked wearily.
"Kitty, yet again you underestimate me. I'm staying right here. Although it would take only a side trip to a hardware store to remove these ankle bracelets… I'm leaving them on. I want the trial. I'm not going anywhere. This is my city, and it was mine before Superman's. I think it's time people remembered that."
"I'm sorry." He acted as if he hadn't heard her. She sighed and tried again. "Lex, I said I'm-" The blow wasn't that much of a surprise, but it still stung as her cheek forcibly slammed into the leather seat on the other side of her head.
"You're sorry? Not yet you're not." Lex's voice didn't change, still containing the good-humored attitude he maintained when he was at his most treacherous. "I forgive you Kitty, because with a woman like you they probably walked all over you and turned you around so much you forgot who looked out for you. But Daddy's back now."
Clark inhaled deeply as he hovered over the fields, turning slightly in the air as the view of the farm caused him to release the tension he was used to ignoring. Once a month he made time to come back to the farm, to do any work his mother needed around the house and to spend time together. One day he'd like to bring Jason with him, but for right now it would only be him.
The sun was just peeking over the horizon, and the sounds in the kitchen let Clark know that Mom was awake and making breakfast. It was nice; the ability to do what came naturally without prying eyes to worry about. Rising into the air he landed silently at the kitchen door, and walked in. "Good morning!" He smiled, closing the door and kissing Martha on the cheek.
"Clark! I'm just finishing up. Can you set the table?"
"Sure. So, what's on the list this weekend?" He asked, pulling out the worn white china and silverware and setting two places. Clark hesitated with a third plate in his hand. "Is Ben coming?"
"No. I told him I'll have lunch with him. You're going to have to suffer with just your Mom today." Martha looked over her shoulder and smiled, turning off the stove. "And as for chores, nothing's come up, so I thought we'd just relax. You're looking more and more tired every time I see you."
Clark shrugged and put the plate away. "I'm fine."
"A mother knows when her child tries to lie."
"Mom! It's not lying." He looked out the window and sighed. "I'm physically fine." She dished up the food, the scraping of the spatula the only sound in the room.
"How's Jason?" Martha tried again.
"Good." Clark shook his head and sat down at the table. "He asked about you the other day."
"What did you say?"
"I asked him if he wanted to come back out here." Martha tried to keep the hope off of her face, because she knew that it hurt her son every time he wasn't able to bring Jason by to see her.
"What did he say?"
"He couldn't stand still. Something about pie and ice cream and Shelby." Clark teased, mixing the grits with some butter and salt.
"I'm going to spoil him rotten." He looked up into the glee in his mother's eyes.
"Mom."
"I am. You can't stop me." She laughed and passed him the strawberry jam. "So, what have you been up to?"
"Mainly work. " Clark shrugged and smiled. "Spending time with Jason is getting easier."
"As Clark or as Superman?"
"As Clark."
"That's a nice change of pace."
"I know. He and Abby are a lot of fun to be around." He nodded, inhaling the eggs, five pieces of toast and numerous slices of bacon. Pushing the plate away, Clark sighed as the uneasy feeling he had been experiencing came back full force.
"What's wrong?"
"Well… when did you know it was okay to move on?" He shifted in his seat uncomfortably, wishing he could just lift a mountain into the air rather than watch his mother's facial expression. "I mean, to allow you to feel something for someone else?"
Martha nodded and sipped her coffee. "It happened in stages for me. Why, have you met someone?"
"I think so…" Clark chuckled and sighed. "I don't know how I feel about it."
"Is it Abby?" He looked up, startled.
"Yeah, how did you know?"
"Jason seems really taken with her, and you've mentioned her quite a few times when you've called." She shrugged. "What's she like?"
He frowned slightly, Abby was… Abby. "Well, she's very kind, especially to Jason. When Richard and Lois are too busy to eat lunch with him then she and I get to. She makes me laugh without being silly. I feel relaxed around her; I can actually loosen up and have a good time. And she doesn't mind when I have to run out on her. She takes me at my word when I say there's something I have to take care of. I'm sure she's curious, but she won't ask."
"She sounds wonderful."
"She is, but the problem still remains. I have a son. I have a son with another woman who doesn't even know I exist outside of the cape. Is it truly fair to even contemplate a relationship with someone else when I can't have a normal relationship with my own son?"
"So, what are you going to do about it?" Martha pressed her hands around the mug on the table. "Your father and I have always taught you that if you're not happy with something, work hard to change it."
"I know, but I feel like I'm kind of stuck."
"Why?"
"Because any way I look at options… neither looks very good. If I decide to pursue a relationship with Lois so that I can actually have a family… I hurt Richard, and the man doesn't deserve that. If I decide to go with Abby, then Jason will wonder why I couldn't make it work with his mother, but I could make it work with someone else. If I were him I would wonder too." Clark groaned. "Stuck."
"You're looking for the easy way out."
"No, I'm not."
"I'm talking about the easy way out that will leave everyone happy but you. Why do you feel so comfortable being unhappy? I know you didn't get that from me and your father."
He turned, looking through the wall, and to the fields beyond. "I'm not happy being unhappy."
"I wish you could see yourself as clearly as you see other people." The only sound in the kitchen for the next few minutes was the wall clock above the refrigerator, the silence in the room contemplative. Clark hadn't looked back at his mother yet, and she found herself wondering where he had gone.
"I'm not happy being unhappy… not anymore."
Abby opened her eyes and blinked to make sure she was seeing correctly. "Derek… you're awake." She yawned and sat up. "Did you need something?"
"Why do I have to sleep in the guest bedroom?" He asked, adjusting his leg so that he was sitting comfortably beside her on the bed.
"You know why. Don't you think it's too early for this?" It was a mistake, offering Derek a place to stay while he waited to be healthy enough to travel. He was milking this for all it was worth, and frankly it was getting on her nerves.
"Early to rise, remember? We would be back from running about this time. You've gotten lazy." He teased, but the smile faltered as he saw the look on her face. "I was thinking I could make some breakfast, as soon as you point me in the direction of the take out menus."
"It's Sunday, I usually cook." Abby slipped out of the covers and stretched.
"What do you mean, usually cook? Have people over often?" Derek tried to keep his voice light, but his curiosity was overwhelming. Ever since she helped him hobble inside two weeks ago, she made it a point not to talk about her free time since she moved. That couldn't be a good sign.
Abby rolled her eyes and grabbed her robe. "Do you want me to bring you breakfast in bed when it's done?"
"I think I can totter to the table. Abigail, is something wrong?" She didn't respond as she walked down the hall, pulling her hair into its customary bun when she was cooking.
"No. Blueberry or pineapple?"
"What?" She heard the squeak of rubber feet on the floor, and turned to see him leaning against the doorway of the living room.
"Blueberry pancakes or pineapple pancakes?"
"What happened to normal? Buttermilk please." Abby nodded curtly and went into the kitchen. "Abigail, do you remember that time we went to La Fleur de Lumière? We danced all night." He eased himself into a stool in front of the counter on the island.
"I remember. We drank all night too, and regretted it in the morning. What were we doing there in the middle of the week?" She sighed and pulled out the ingredients for the meal.
"I was done with my residency."
"That's right. I had never seen you so happy."
"I want that back." Abby turned around and glared at him.
"Why are you doing this? Why now?"
"Because being with you these past couple of weeks reminded me of what we had when you and I were together. Before you came here and lost… You changed."
"I didn't change. I think the time apart called to our attention something that's been there for a while." She dumped the ingredients in the bowl with all the anger she felt but couldn't show. The flour billowed back into her face, causing her to sneeze.
"So, you were never happy?" Derek asked, dreading the answer. He watched her wipe dry batter on her cheek as she went to the cabinet and retrieved cinnamon and nutmeg.
"Of course I was. I was happy for a long time. But then our goals changed."
"Mine never did." He corrected. "I want what I still wanted when we met. To be head of Oncology at a major hospital, marry you and start a family. Is that so wrong?"
"When did you ask me what I wanted?"
"When we first met. I distinctly remember."
"That's it. You never asked me if my thoughts and dreamed changed. You decided with my mother that I shouldn't become a cop. And I followed your advice."
"You could have died. Your mother couldn't handle that, not after how she lost your father."
"Don't."
"I'm just saying, all I wanted for you was your safety. I've seen you at the shooting range. You're impulsive."
"I forget did you get a degree in psychiatry or did I?" Abby whipped the batter until her arm protested.
"Abigail, please, calm down. You don't listen when you're upset." She turned to look at in with incredulity.
"Then stop upsetting me." Derek raised his hands.
"Fine. I thought we were always able to be honest with each other." Abby was about to retort when her answering machine started.
"Hey Abby, it's Jimmy. I have those files that you want, and I can drop them by, or I'll leave them on your desk, and Lois told me to tell you to call her. Says it's important, but you know her… talk to you tomorrow."
Derek looked at her questioningly. "I didn't hear the phone ring."
"I turn the ringer off before noon. I'm usually still sleep."
"And why do they insist on calling you Abby? I never liked it. It isn't dignified."
"I like it. My father called me that."
"But still-" She put the bowl down and turned to look at him fully.
"You don't get it, do you? I guess I have to lay it out for you, so you can understand. You and I were absolutely amazing together. When I decided to go back for my PhD, when my dad died… you were there, and you helped me through. But somewhere along the way your dreams were more important than mine."
"That's not true! I love you, and I want what's best for you and to keep you safe. Is that wrong?"
"No. It's extremely noble. But I'm an adult, and you can't plot my life for me. You put the wedding off because of the hours; you needed to make sure you were focused. Then you didn't want to get married as long as I was thinking about joining the Police Academy. I jumped for the opening at the Planet when they offered because I realized I had to figure this out. Figure us out."
"You know, I was always the envy of the guys at work. I had the most beautiful, kind, and smart fiancé. I promise I never meant for this to happen."
"Who in their right mind mean for this to happen?" She laughed slightly. "I'm sorry, I wanted to make this work, but we never had real give and take."
"So this is it." Derek nodded.
"I guess so."
Abby opened the door and struggled not to drop the bags of groceries as she pulled her keys from the lock. It was a long day, and she was grateful to be home. "Derek, I've got some dinner, thought I'd make your favorite, and maybe we can finish talking." She looked over at the guest bedrooms and kicked the front door closed.
Ryan trotted out of her bedroom, looking at her with his tail wagging. "What's up baby? Where's your father?" She joked as she walked to the kitchen and put the bags down on the island. "Huh? You want to go for a walk?" Abby knelt to give the dog a good rub when a piece of paper caught her eye. "Well, I know you didn't write me a note." She pulled the message from underneath one of the grocery bags and frowned. She knew Derek's illegible doctor scratch anywhere.
Abigail,
I know I said I wouldn't be able to travel for another week or two, but actually I've been able to travel for the past week. I fudged the facts because I wanted to fix this, fix us. I didn't realize I was so… overbearing. I always wanted what was best for you, and I just realized I never asked you what you wanted. You're the best thing that ever happened to me, and I don't know if I'll ever find a woman that's quite like you.
So today I decided to go home, and learn from this situation. I hope we can still be friends, because you the only one who can cut me down to size as you say. Be prepared though, I plan to make another bid for your heart, so don't count me out just yet.
Will always love you,
Derek
Abby stared at the page for a few more minutes, absently rubbing Ryan's head and rereading the words. After finally admitting she couldn't coax any more words from the piece of paper she put it back on the counter and stared at it some more.
Ryan nuzzled her hand again, laying his head on her hip and whining softly. "Okay, I'll feed you in a second." Abby walked past him back into the living room and plopped down on the couch, in a daze. She tucked her feet underneath her, heels and all, staring out the window at the Metropolis skyline. Ryan laid his head in her lap, feeling his mistress' distress. 'This was what you wanted, right?' She thought angrily. 'So why do you feel so alone now?'
Rounding the corner, Daniel stopped as he heard the high pitched yelp of a small dog. "It's okay Lady, you're free. Go play, because we're not going to be here long." The Scottish terrier seemed to understand her mistress as she yelped and scampered around her boots and ran off over the grass. He smiled and stepped forward. The woman looked over and jumped, startling a laugh out of her. "You scared me!"
"I'm sorry. I didn't want to interrupt your talk." He teased, pulling on the leash. "Come here often?"
"Just moved in." The lovely lady pointed to one of the high rises over the tree line. "The Langford Building."
"Ritzy."
"If you say so." She was a beautiful woman with mahogany skin and a short brown bob. Her almond shaped eyes had flecks of lighter brown in them, complimenting the shades of purple she wore. "I'm sorry, where are my manners. My name is Lauren."
"Nice to meet you Lauren, I'm Daniel." He kissed her hand with a flourish and slight smile. "I think I'm going to enjoy getting to know you."
Lois looked up and smiled. "Hi."
"You were a million miles away. What's on your mind?" Richard asked, handing her a glass of wine, sitting across the dinner table. "You've been like this all day."
"Just thinking about life." She said quietly, twisting the glass in her hands. "Richard, do you ever think we don't know what we're doing?"
"Would you like to narrow it down?" He asked lightheartedly, but when Lois looked up, the smiled waned until Richard cleared his throat. "Seriously, what are you referring to?"
"Jason."
"We're new parents, but I have the feeling that if we were ill-equipped… we would have screwed up years ago." He reached over and took her hand. "What's on your mind?"
"It's just… I don't know what I'm doing." Lois struggled with her emotions. The world class reporter articulated the outrage of the public on the daily basis and she couldn't figure out what was going on in her own head. Taking a drink didn't help either.
"I'm not sure what's going on, but I'm glad that you're willing to try and talk about it."
"Perry said that he doesn't think that keeping Jason away from the office is going to do him or us any good. He says I can't concentrate anymore." She said ruefully, shrugging her shoulders.
"I agree. I told him the very same thing, but you're on some sort of self imposed punishment that was doing more to Jason than anyone else. It wasn't his fault."
"I know, but what do we do when he has… accidents?"
"We deal with them. We're not Jason's only parents." Richard took a large swallow from his glass and smiled. "We'll all deal with them."
"What did I do to deserve someone like you?" Lois asked quietly, staring into the liquid swirling around the wineglass.
"I don't know, but it must have been a doozy." Richard remembered when it was all tense air and no space in their relationship. It was right after Superman fell from the sky. Lois couldn't open up to him. Probably couldn't open up to herself, and he held her night after night as she cried for something he had no understanding of.
"Abby wasn't as upset as she should have been."
"What are you talking about? It's Jason. She knew it didn't happen on purpose."
"I know, but he did break her fiancé's leg."
"Ex-fiancé."
"Really?"
"Yes. She told me they broke it off."
"It wasn't because…"
"No."
"Good. I mean, I know they were having problems." Lois shrugged and downed the rest of her drink. "Good for her."
"Yes, so you can stop feeling guilty." Richard smiled at the startled expression she wore. "Besides, it happened two weeks ago."
"I know."
"And he's not pressing charges."
"Cute."
"I know, I thought so too." He gave her his trademark grin, the one that made her slightly weak in the knees.
"Stop." She laughed. "Abby's not too broken up about it."
"Probably not, with Clark there to comfort her." Lois looked up and blinked.
"Who?"
"Clark!"
"Clark who?"
"Now who's being cute?"
"You mean to tell me Clark Kent is interested in Abby?" She couldn't wrap her mind around that scenario.
"Jimmy said that they've been spending a lot of time together. And if Jimmy notices…" Richard trailed off.
"It must be obvious." Lois stared off into space and laughed. "So he's interested in someone, huh?"
"I think it would be good to have someone take his mind off of you."
"What are you talking about?"
"He had a serious crush on you!" Richard threw his head back and laughed. "Of course you didn't notice."
"I did notice… it was easy to ignore, and at times it was useful."
"A lot like Clark himself."
"Mmm…" Lois agreed. "But apparently not to Abby."
"Apparently."
"Well."
"Yep ."
"Wow."
It only took two days this time. She didn't live up to the image in his head. Absolutely beautiful, but not worthy of him. Not worthy to live. The water was nice and cool tonight, which made the work easier. Wiping a spot of blood from the deck, he straightened and looked around. He arrived at his favorite spot. The boat floated above a very deep trench, and with the job he did they never floated to the surface.
Recent divorcee. Should have appreciated him. Should have been happy to have someone pay real attention to her after a five year marriage without love. What did she mean he was moving too fast? Needed more time? For what? He picked up the headless body and threw it over, watching it disappear quickly in the dark water.
Superman stretched out and enjoyed the press of space around him. It wasn't quiet out here, but it was calm. Floating above the earth, it was easy to imagine it to be as peaceful as it looked from above. But his ears told him different. Various exclamations of distress pricked his ears, but all he heard could be dealt with by the police.
Leaving him alone with his thoughts. He hadn't realized how hard it was to spend more than fifteen consecutive minutes with his son when he was in uniform.
Lois was starting to look slightly defeated. The story she was working on left her stumped. The new hospital that was being built had to have owners, but there was no paper trail. She said her gut told her that there was something else there. Something that shouldn't be and she would work on it until she found out what it was.
Always determined, always focused. Watching her had become less of heartache and more of a protective gesture. No one would forget their first true love. And he still loved her; she was the mother of his child… something he never thought possible. But he could hear the way her heart sped up when Richard came into view. She was over him.
Still the guilt made it impossible to move on. If he had stayed, would he be in Richard's place? Would he be able to go home with his son and read him books and play with him? Maybe, maybe not. It was questions like this that swam through his mind when he had a quiet moment.
Closing his eyes, he listened for the people that were close to him, by finding their unique heartbeat. At this time of the night Jason was sleep, currently dreaming. Richard was presently sitting in his home office, finishing up some formatting for the next issue.
Lois was sleeping as well, but she had been exhausting herself ever since Jason's incident. The few times he tried to drop by to speak to her directly either ended with her refusing to talk, claiming she didn't have time, and then running off. Like he couldn't see what she was doing. It was becoming difficult to come up with excuses not to tell her his secret. Again.
His mother was with Ben…and moving on… Bruce Wayne was wide awake, and beating the crap out of someone. An interesting man, and who would have known that they could have developed a friendship so quickly? Perhaps it was the fact that they had to trust each other by default, or maybe it was that he was one of the few people on the planet who truly understood what he was going through. Every time he ended up dropping in on him Bruce would ask if he told Lois yet. How could someone who wears a mask make him feel like such a coward?
He sought out Abby's heartbeat and smiled. She was awake and laughing. The emotion Clark felt when he thought of her was always a little surprising, and another source of guilt. Did he have the right to move on when he had caused so much pain for Lois, at the time that she had needed him most?
But he enjoyed Abby, enjoyed being around her, hearing her laugh. It was nice for someone to look for him when he came into the office. She actually saw him, listened to what he had to say and laughed at his jokes. Lately they had been spending more time with each other outside of work, the need for companionship very strong. When she told him that Derek was permanently out of the picture he had been thrilled.
Thrilled for what? Why did he care? The last attempt at a real relationship hadn't boded well for him or the world, what would make this any different? But he couldn't deny the comfort that her presence brought, or the way he couldn't help but look up as she entered the bullpen, always radiant.
Reentering the atmosphere he found himself floating towards her apartment wanting to see her but not knowing what for. The sky was absolutely clear, and arrival took only a couple of seconds. He looked down as he neared Abby's apartment, just planning on checking up on her and realized she was no longer there.
Frowning, he scanned the area and found her with Ryan, bundled up for a quick walk in Centennial Park. Floating above her he was concerned that she would just walk out in the middle of the night with no one to protect her besides a very large and but friendly dog. He decided to make himself known.
"You do know there is a killer on the loose." Frowning, he levitated in the air before her, realizing anew, how beautiful she was, in the soft light.
"You scared me." She said, pushing her hair out of her face. "I know, but my dog still has to take a walk before turning in." Superman landed on the ground and smiled as Ryan immediately jumped up and rested his paws on his shoulders. "Down Ryan!"
"No, it's okay." He rubbed his head and eased him down to the ground. "Seriously though, you shouldn't be alone at this time of night in a park."
"Why not? "
"Because you could get hurt." Superman shook his head. "And I might not make it in time."
"I know." She teased, struggling with Ryan's leash. "Oh, you big baby, go run for a minute." Uncoupling the lock the large dog gave a huge bark and bounded off into the dark. Abby looked back up at the superhero and smiled. "So, do you do this often?"
"Do what often?"
"Drop in and talk to people."
"No."
"Ah." She straightened and looked around. The area they were in was empty, the silence comforting. "So, do you want to walk and talk?"
"Walk and talk, like an interview?" Superman asked playfully, kind of surprised at the invitation.
She shrugged. "Well, I hear you only grant interviews to Lois Lane."
"I can make an exception, can't I?"
"Sure. Okay, I'm sure I can think of some questions." They walked along in silence; the only sound was her boots on the ground and the swish of his cape. Superman found himself unable to resist watching her out of the corner of his eye. Wearing an extra-large sweatshirt that bore GCU School of Journalism logo on the front, her curly hair was in a neat braid that hung down her back in a thick rope. He had never seen her dressed so casually, and he wondered if this is how she looked in college. "Alright. How are you adapting being back? Saving people… is it like riding a bike or did it took a while to get back into the swing of things?"
"I think I overcompensated. I felt guilty for leaving, and when I first arrived back, I was almost drowning in it." Superman stopped as he heard a car crash, and continued when he realized it wasn't serious. "I had to find out what happened to my home planet, but I never considered all the lives I was putting in danger."
"Well, for once, you have to think of yourself, don't you?" Abby tucked her hair back behind her ear and whistled. Ryan ran back close to the lighted path and barked before darting back into the bushes and the darkness.
"I don't have that luxury. When I got back I…. It was different."
"You felt you had to prove yourself to humanity?"
"I think so."
"Why?"
"The first few times I rescued people they had this look on their face. First stage was absolute disbelief, the second was relief, and the third was anger. I know when I left I lost a lot of trust that I would have to earn all over again. I wanted to prove to the world I was back."
"Have you ever ignored a cry for help?" That question threw him off guard. Superman frowned for a second and shook his head.
"Absolutely not."
"Why do you say it like that? It's a perfectly normal question."
"I can't ignore a cry for help."
"So when you hear someone scream, you automatically investigate."
"I listen to the surrounding ambiance to determine how serious the situation is. Most of the time a scream is during a situation that can be or is being handled by the police. I am not to rescue every single person all the time. I cannot let humanity rely on me to the point where I debilitate the natural evolution of human history."
"That sounds rehearsed."
"If I let Lois Lane catch me unawares, then I'll have a whole lot of questions that I've inadvertently answered, and then I'll have to bargain to keep them out of the interview. I'm well rehearsed." They both laughed, imagining their own Lois moments.
"Have you ever wanted to ignore a cry for help?"
"No." In his voice there was no other answer. Abby hesitated before asking another question.
"Has anyone every refused help? If so, could you tell me about it?"
"Yes, it was an Australian captain whose boat was about to capsize. I had everyone on the lifeboat, but the captain wanted to go down with his ship. He said it had been in his family for generations, and he wouldn't leave it."
"So what did you do?"
"I lifted the whole boat and put it on the shore."
"Effective."
"I thought so."
"So you do use your abilities for random eavesdropping?" Superman looked at her and shook his head.
"I would like to keep the public's trust."
"I guess that's smart, considering you're so fast and strong. But don't you ever have the urge to prevent some crimes?"
"And who could prove what I heard or saw before it happened?" She opened her mouth to answer, but closed it.
"I'll concede your point."
"Thank you." Abby shivered slightly, throwing off a sudden chill.
"Are you cold?" He asked, frowning. He didn't realize it was so chilly.
"No."
"As flattered as I am, I wouldn't want you catching cold."
"And as flattered as I am that you're flattered, I'm fine." The edge in her voice silenced all of his objections, and the quiet descended over the pair. "So, what are your long term plans?"
"Long term plans?"
"Yes. Do you plan on being Superman forever? Or should I say, as long as you live? How long is the lifespan of a Kryptonian?" Superman found himself stumped.
"I don't know. Of course I'll do what I can for as long as I'm able. Don't worry about that." Abby shook her head.
"I wasn't. So how about kids, a wife? Any plans for those?"
"I can't make those types of plans." He whispered. This was no longer fun. "I have to go."
"Wait. I'm sorry. That was kind of below the belt. Look, can I ask you a few more questions… off the record?"
"Off the record?"
"Yes." Abby stepped off the bench and looked up at him. "I'm sorry. I'll understand if you don't want to continue."
"What are your questions?" She smiled.
"What do you like to do when you're not saving the world?"
"I like to read. I have a fondness for music."
"A cultured superhero."
"You're awfully curious about me, when it's known that you and these are your words, 'root for the home team'." Superman laughed at her embarrassment.
"It was easier to doubt you when I hadn't met you."
"And that time on the roof?"
"I was upset. Do you actually remember that?" Abby asked, slightly surprised.
"I'm not going to dignify that with a response."
"Ah. Okay, my last question."
"I'm in no rush."
"It's more of a request."
"What is it?"
"Can you take me up?" She pointed to the overcast sky. "As high and as fast as you can."
"Are you sure you know what you're asking for?" Superman grinned.
"Very. I love rollercoasters."
"This is nothing like riding a rollercoaster."
"That's what I'm hoping."
"Alright. This will be… easier if…" Abby could feel the heat of his arm on her stomach through the tee shirt and large sweatshirt she was wearing. It didn't compare to the raging inferno at her back when he stepped forward against her. "Are you ready?" His voice vibrated the air at her ear, and she almost jumped, the harmonics in his voice making her feel lightheaded.
Hell no. "I am when you are." It took two starts to make her voice sound absolutely normal. Abby squeezed her eyes closed; expecting the drop in her stomach, something that would tell her she was rising in the air. After a couple of minutes, her eyes opened again and she gasped. "Oh my god. It's amazing…"
"It's beautiful up here, isn't it? I come here to think. Sometimes a little further up." She looked up, and he was pointing beyond the cloud layer.
"Probably not enough oxygen for me to go up that high, huh?" Abby said wistfully.
"No, there isn't." He hoped that the look on his face didn't betray the laughter he was holding in at the petulant look on hers.
"Damn. Well, I'm sure you're busy, and have to get back." She rested her head against his chest, staring down at the beautifully lit city.
"It's pretty quiet actually. Nothing major."
"Good, glad to hear. Now I want to go as fast as we can."
Abby stumbled slightly, her legs not quite steady. "Wow."
"I told you, but you weren't prepared." Superman teased, enjoying the dazed glare.
"You're right. Wow." She sat down on the bench shaking her head. He finally laughed, unable to hold it in any longer. "You laugh like a friend of mine."
He almost choked and cleared his throat. "What do you mean?"
"You laugh like someone I know. Clark Kent."
"Who's Clark Kent?" Abby smiled and looked at him.
"A great guy I work with."
"I think Lois spoke of him before. So, he's a nice guy?" Superman sat down next to her, but inside he felt like he was still flying.
"The best. He's hilarious, observant and honest. And dependable. It's amazing he's single."
"Maybe he's waiting on the right woman."
"He's had a crush on Lois Lane for a while."
"Really." This was now officially strange.
"Yes. I know that you and Lois had a thing, but I guess such an amazing woman could attract two different admirers." Superman glanced over at her. "That sounded kind of catty, didn't it?"
"Yes."
"I'm sorry. It's just… Lois doesn't give Clark the time of day, and I really like him."
"More than a friend?"
"Yes. But it's complicated. I just got out of a long term relationship that ended on a sour note."
"So you're not ready to move on?" He raised his arms at the look on her face. "I'm just curious, that's all."
"You're not just humoring me?"
"No, can't a man be honestly curious?"
"I guess, considering the profession I'm in." They both laughed.
Jimmy cut through the park, his head down and coat collar turned up against the chill. Soon winter would set in, and the gloves would have to come out. A bark came from his left, but since it was off the concrete path he couldn't really see where the animal was. Rounding the corner he saw Ryan scrabble over the gravel, barreling towards him. "Down boy!"
The dog yelped and nuzzled his hand, trying slobber all over it. "Where's your owner, huh? She didn't come to the door, and now I know why." He rubbed the dog behind his ears and smiled. "Go find her for me." Ryan jumped up and trotted off down the path, Jimmy jogging to keep up.
Around another bend in the path he slowed down, more lights in this area. What he saw stopped him cold. Reaching down he grabbed hold of his camera and did what came naturally for him. He took photos, and many of them.
It was strange. Sort of like an infidelity… but not really. It couldn't really be called actual betrayal, but that's what it felt like. Lois looked at the back of the photo as it lay on her desk, the offending picture mocking her in more ways than one. Richard caught the look on her face when Jimmy enthusiastically ambushed her with his pride and joy (the whole office was absolutely buzzing, and Abby had called in late), and asked if she were okay.
No. Yes. Not really. Absolutely not. How could he? He was hers! One of her major claims to fame! How could he do this to her? It didn't really matter. That's what Lois told Richard, and he kissed her gently and didn't believe her. She really did love and need that man in her life. Insanity isn't pretty when you're alone.
The screensaver on her computer pulled her eyes away from the picture, the animated Daily Planet logo reminding her that Perry would ask her why wasn't she working, and he wasn't paying her to stare off into space. "Ms. Lane?" Lois blinked and swiveled in her chair, the photographer responsible for wrecking her morning with a single snap of the shutter.
"What is it Jimmy?"
"It's just that you still haven't told me what you think of the picture."
"I'm sure that Perry, and everyone else in the office has kissed your ass enough." She snapped. He had the good grace to blush and walk away. Good. The offending photo was mocking her from face down. Lois picked it up and tossed it at the wastebasket, which was unfortunately full due to the brief period of writer's block the other day; stupid wastebasket ball. The picture sliced through the air and landed upright, but the high gloss of the paper kept her from having to actually look at the print. Two shoes stopped in front of it, and Lois looked up into Clark's concerned face.
"Are you alright Lois?" He asked, pushing his glasses up on his nose and bending down to pick up the picture. Who asked you to do that buster? I didn't!
"I'm fine, why wouldn't I be?" She asked, pulling a pencil off of the top of her head, a split second later remembering that the writing tool held up her hair.
"I don't know, you've been staring into space ever since I came in. I said hello, but you didn't even blink. I put my things down and decided to check on you." Well, that kind of made sense. Too bad nothing else in my brain does.
"Just busy. My story is getting on my nerves. Why am I talking to you about this? Please, by all means, keep the picture, I don't want it." Clark frowned and turned and left, knowing a Lois dismissal when he heard it.
"Hey, Clark! What do you think?" Jimmy ran up to him with a huge grin on his face. "This is what the Chief has wanted from me ever since I came on. He's said only good things about me all day!" He beamed.
"That's…" Clark actually looked at the photo in his hands, and blinked. "Where did you get this?"
"I was in the park, coming from Abby's apartment. Isn't it amazing? I mean, now I know why she didn't answer the door!"
"Gee Jimmy, what does Superman think about this? Isn't it kind of like invading his privacy?" He asked, giving the picture back to the author.
"Well, I don't know. I'm a photographer, and I did what I was paid to do." The younger man shrugged uneasily. "I hope he's not mad. I didn't mean to snoop. I just followed the dog." Clark didn't respond, the print in Jimmy's hand capturing all of his attention.
It all started like this. Someone inferred from a picture, an interview, that someone was more important to him than everyone else. Made them a target. He looked up and watched Lois move around her desk with the phone in her hand. So much anguish he caused, because he favored her above everyone else…
"Clark?"
"Hmm?"
"The chief called for you." Jimmy jerked his thumb over his shoulder, where Perry was ushering Gill out of his office. "You sure are spacing pretty hard today."
"It's already been a long day." All before eight there were two attempted bank robberies, a car accident and a boating accident. Very…very long day.
"I'll say." Clark watched Jimmy leave, retrieving up his notes and trying to force himself to stay in this room. He picked up so many different sounds that it was sometimes difficult to concentrate when he was tired. He pulled it together though, because Perry White accepted nothing less when you were in his office.
"You wanted to see me?" The editor looked up and nodded.
"Sit down. I have something for you and Abby, whenever she gets in. Bruce Wayne is back in town, and I want to know if his arrival is in regard to the rumor that he's planning on buying the old LuthorCorp building. As you know, Bruce Wayne doesn't usually take interviews. I'm hoping between the two of you maybe you can get something out of him. Besides, if Abby can get an interview with Superman… a businessman should be no problem."
"Uh… we'll try our best chief. Is that all?"
"Yes, get out; I want to talk to Abby alone. Tell her to come in here." Perry dismissed him without another look, but Clark didn't care, because he was watching his friend put her things down on the desk, right before she was swallowed up by people eager to hear her story. "What are you still doing here Kent?"
"Right chief." Clark adjusted his glasses and tried not to look as if he were eavesdropping.
"So, you two looked pretty cozy in the picture, is there a romance brewing?" Dana from finance asked breathlessly, shoving the picture into Abby's hands.
"Who took this!" She screeched, gaping at the photo.
"So, you're not denying it?" Gill laughed at the look on her face.
"Yes, I am denying it! Who took this picture?"
"Jimmy did."
"Where is he?"
"The chief sent him off somewhere. So, what did the two of you talk about?"
"Stuff." Abby couldn't keep up with everyone's questions, nor did she want to. "Don't you guys have anything better to do?"
"No, not really." Clark interjected, leaning over the partition. "The chief wants to see you."
"Thank you." She scowled and pushed her way through her interested coworkers. How did everyone find out about this interview, when she didn't tell anyone? And how did Jimmy get a picture of the two… Abby groaned as she remembered she asked Jimmy to come by to drop some photos off. He would have cut through the park as a shortcut from the subway…
"Are you just going to stand there, or are you going to take a seat." Perry looked up at her and smiled. "I heard. I'm so proud. Usually he only grants interviews with Lois. The two of them have history."
"I'm aware of that." Abby handed him the folder and plopped herself in a chair. "Why is everyone acting as if Superman and I are going to run away together?"
"People talk. They read the newspaper, and with this picture, we'll have them thinking that he's fathered a love child with you." Perry grinned at the interview on the page.
"Give me a break." She muttered.
"Clark has your next assignment. I want it tomorrow."Abby grumbled and threw her hands up.
"Fine. But I don't want you to run that picture. It cheapens the interview."
"Fine. Go!" Clark was waiting for her with his jacket on, holding out hers.
"Thanks." She grumped. "Your editor can be a real… jerk sometimes."
"True. Did he tell you what we're doing?"
"Nope. He just said that you had the details. From the coats, I guess we're mobile."
"Yes, we are."