Author's Notes: In this update, the search for Lex is over but how to catch him in the act of being Lex, meaning any plan to hurt Superman, his reputation as a man that cannot be trusted, but Lex has other ideas. Also coming up is Jason who has a lot to think about, after meeting Clark Kent again and all that comes with that knowledge. Keep reading and I hope you enjoy it.

~o~o~

Chapter 4: Family Matters

Back at the house:

After he'd made another search of Luthor's yacht and vacant residences as well, but if the kryptonite were stored inside anything made of lead, he couldn't see it. He hadn't found any evidence of kryptonite anywhere, and no lead boxes either. He's thinking how to place the listening device on the yacht without anyone seeing him and there's one way, but he hadn't used his invisibility control in a long time, and he'll consider it first on Lois. It's late evening and she's in the kitchen making a sandwich. He disappeared into the living room, floating near to the kitchen, then he spoke to her.

"Lois, it's me; don't be afraid; I'm invisible."

She turned but she didn't see him. "Clark, where are you?"

"I'm right here." He smiled; it's working, he thought. "I can't do this for more than a few minutes." He reappeared before her.

She gasped. "That's incredible. You disappeared; have you ever done this before and why don't I know about this invisibility power?"

"I never mentioned it before because I've only done it twice."

"Okay, I get it. Were you planning to use it to set the listening device?"

"Yes, he has an office and while everyone is asleep, I'll place it underneath his desk, and it will run for several months. It's automatic and will turn on only when noises are heard then off when it's quiet. That's long enough to find out what he's planning." He pulled out the receiver. "We can listen to the device as it's recording too."

"That's great and if he's planning something, we can alert the Coast Guard and the police as well," she said. 'We will catch him and he's going back to prison for a long time."

"Oh, about that, Perry left me a message when he found out that he's on parole and that his movements are restricted meaning, he can't leave the country; no weapon of any kind, plus he doesn't have a passport," Clark said.

Relieved, she said. "That's good news."

That first week passed and Jason will be home soon. They hoped everything would return to normal and felt they could breathe again but after a month, unfortunately, the device hadn't recorded anything suspicious. They felt stunned at this unfortunate turn of events, but no choice but to be careful and keep busy as to not let it ruin their lives to become paranoid.

Jason's on his way at any minute. Richard escorted him to the front door; Jason knocked and rang the bell. Jason at once pulled his mom close and gave her a hug.

"Welcome home honey," she said, pulled away and touched his cheeks with both hands. " You've grown a foot since the last time I saw you."

"No not that much, but I may have grown a few inches." He looked behind her. "Is Mr. Clark here?"

"No, honey he's not. Come in you two and relax for a while. Welcome, Richard; it's good to see you."

"Hi, Lois; I have his luggage right here. Where should I put these?"

"You can leave them here for now. We'll take them up later," Lois replied.

"If you two are hungry, I made sandwiches, a fruit salad and a few cookies until we have dinner later tonight." They were silent. She frowned. "Is anything wrong?"

Richard glanced at Jason. "Tell her son."

"Mom, after what happened at the zoo, I told Daddy Richard about Superman that he's my biological Father."

Lois felt stunned but not surprised. "You did?"

"Are you mad, but he asked me if it's true, and I told him the truth. "Are you mad?" He asked again.

"No, honey, I'm not mad. Richard, I had planned to tell you after this trip and I'm happy you know the truth. Superman and I spoke about this and it's important that you know because Jason will learn from him about his powers and how to control them."

"Oh, I see," Richard said, but he had a question. "Jason didn't feel afraid of what happened at the zoo only concerned about the pony if he had hurt him. Even at his youthful age, how exactly will he learn to control his powers?"

"Superman will explain all of it to both of you when the time is right," Lois replied.

"Thank you, Lois. I would like to know if he wouldn't mind telling me?"

"It's no problem; I'm sure of it. Now should we eat; it's a long drive from Gotham City?" She headed to the kitchen; they followed her.

A little while later, Clark opened the front door with a key; he'd seen the car in the driveway and knew Jason was home and Richard's there as well then braced himself.

Lois heard Clark arrive then came closer to welcome him. "Clark, you're here. Come and join us. As you can see, Jason's home and Richard is here enjoying lunch with us. Please join us." Lois feels nervous about the four of them all together as a family.

"Thanks, Lois, but I don't want to intrude. I only wanted to give you an update about that issue we talked about earlier today."

"Oh, do you mean Lex Luthor?" Lois asked without thinking.

"Not him," Richard said. "I heard he had been released; it's all over the news."

"Yes, we heard the same. We're all concerned about what he might do," Clark said.

Jason spoke. "I remember the bald guy on the yacht."

"We can talk about this later," Lois said concerned about Jason and his memories of being on the yacht.

"Mr. Clark, are you here to see me or my mom?" Jason asked.

"I only stopped by to see how you're doing Jason. Your Mom told me what happened at the zoo. Are you okay?" Clark asked concerned.

"I'm alright; thanks for asking." Jason ate his food not wanting to talk to him.

Richard sensed tension. "I should be leaving; it's a long drive back to Gotham. Bye, Jason. Come and give your Daddy a hug."

"Sure," he said and gave him a hug. "Daddy, I'll see you soon."

"Bye son; we'll talk later."

"Thanks, Richard and we'll talk soon." Lois escorted him out.

"Bye Lois; bye Clark," he said and left.

Lois and Clark stared at each other.

Jason had no idea why he's here and what's happening between his mom and Mr. Clark. "I'm finished. Can I play a few video games before dinner?"

"Sure, go ahead and Mr. Clark will bring your luggage up in a little while."

"Okay, thanks Mom. Bye Mr. Clark."

"I'm not leaving," he whispered to himself, but Jason is gone. "That went well," he deadpanned.

"I'm sorry I mentioned his name, but I wasn't expecting you."

"I'm sorry too; I should have called ahead, but I do have an update about Luthor."

"What is it?" She asked and cleared the dishes.

"It appears that he's planning a move to Gotham City; I heard it on the listening device."

"Why would he move there of all places?" Lois asked confused.

"I have no idea, but the syndicate has left Metropolis and moved there several months ago according to Perry."

"Oh, I get it now; he contacted criminals from his old days," Lois said thinking he's planning something big.

"Yeah, I thought the same thing."

After clearing the dishes, she told him that after what happened at the zoo, Jason told Richard that Superman is his biological father.

"He truly told him; wow, that's surprising." Clark wasn't surprised only curious.

"Yes, he did. I know we weren't expecting it, but it doesn't genuinely surprise us. Jason feels proud of being your son and Richard asked him about the pony and he told him the truth."

"Mom?" Jason called from the top of the stairs. "Then it's true, Superman is my father?" He walked down the stairs. Jason heard noises then they became clear after he'd left his room.

Clark realized that Jason's hearing is stronger than before. He needs to learn about that too.

"Yes, Jason, it's true and Mr. Clark has something important to tell you."

"I remember seeing you on TV when you came back to Metropolis. Are you Superman?" Clark didn't reply for a moment. "It's true; isn't it?" Jason had a feeling.

He glanced at Lois; she nodded, then removed his glasses. 'Yes, I'm Superman and you're my son."

Lois took Clark's hand. "Jason, come and sit down." Lois instructed.

Jason sat down in a chair opposite them, while they sat together on the sofa; Lois took his hand again.

"Jason, honey, we know you have a lot of questions, and we'll answer them." She glanced at Clark. "We met a long time ago, before you were born. I myself didn't learn his true identity until we fell in love. It happened and we knew being together would be difficult, but we needed each other."

He watched them holding hands. "You love him after all this time?" Jason is observant like his father.

They glanced at each other. "Yes, I still love him," she replied.

"I understand; I know you think I'm too young to understand these things." He thought about it. "Is he the reason why Daddy Richard moved out?" Jason asked getting upset.

"No, honey, he's not the reason. I loved Richard for a long time, but… he and I came to a decision about our lives. He and I tried to make it work, but it didn't, and I asked him to leave, and he did. We're still friends and Daddy Richard loves you and we want you to be happy. He wants you to know that will never change. He'll always be Daddy Richard, no matter what happens."

"I love him too and I need him in my life," Jason said about to cry.

"He knows that and he's there whenever you need him."

"I know." Jason tried to stay calm. "Do you love my mom?"

"Yes, I do, but Jason please, you need to understand who you are and what you are. You're my son and…" He stopped when Jason stood up, eyes shining.

"I'm going to my room; I'm tired." He ran up the stairs.

Clark rubbed his tired eyes. "I'm sorry, Lois."

She squeezed his hand. "He's confused and we can talk tomorrow. School starts in another week, but we will explain to him his powers and soon."

His head came up. "School? I almost forgot. He can't go to school until he learns control." Then he thought of Jason's health. "Does he still need the inhaler?"

"No, not anymore," Lois replied.

Relieved, he said. "That's good news, but now about his training and return to school, I'm not sure how long it will take, several weeks maybe; I've never done it before," he replied worried for his family.

"We'll figure it out." She changed the subject. "Can we call for food delivery? Pizza sounds good; he loves pizza."

"Sure, I'll make the call. Let me take his luggage upstairs first and try to speak to him if he'll let me."

"Go on up; I'll call for pizza." She watched him head upstairs.

He knocked on Jason's door and asked to come in.

"Sure, come in," Jason replied.

"I have your bags; where do you want them?"

"Over by the dresser. Thanks."

"No problem." He stood there watching him reading a book. "What are you reading?"

"One of my favorites. It's about a boy whose parents divorced." He looked up and watched his reaction to that lie.

"Oh, sounds good; may I?" He reached for the book.

"You know I'm lying; you can see through anything."

"Yes, I knew." He sat down on the edge of the bed. "Can we talk; it won't take long?"

He sighed and closed the book. "Go ahead."

"Jason, what your mom said it's true. We met, fell in love but it's difficult and we separated for years, and it wasn't her fault or mine. Circumstances could not be controlled, but I'm back now and there's an obvious issue that she forgets to tell you."

His head came up. "What is it?"

"Love cannot be controlled. Sometimes it comes and goes but true love never dies. I know it sounds like one of those books, but in real life; it's true."

"It does sound like a book."

He smiled. "Now, I know you have questions about what happened at the zoo and on the yacht."

"Yes, I do."

"Go ahead, ask me."

"At the zoo, kids were riding, and I wanted to ride, but when I stroked the pony's hair, he jumped up and ran. He's wearing a bridle; they caught him and he came back but I decided not to ride."

"You did the right thing. Here take my hands." His hands raised palms up.

He shook his head. "I'm afraid."

"No, you can't hurt me but when you touch me, try to think about my hands and you will remember yours and how they feel touching mine. Go ahead."

Clark continued to hold out his hands; they touched palm to palm. "How does that feel?"

"It's okay."

"Now I want you to squeeze my hands. It's all right; you can do it."

"Are you sure it's, okay?"

"Yes, I'm sure; you can do it."

He squeezed his hands but not too hard.

"You're doing fine. How does it feel?"

"It's okay but am I hurting you?"

"No, Jason. You see, when you concentrate, you will have the control you need. You have a lot to learn, and I would like to teach you not to hurt anyone or anything you touch. Will you let me?"

His eyes watered. "Yes, I want to learn not to hurt anyone."

Clark's eyes are shining too. "Can I give you a hug?"

"Sure; it's okay." He reached for him and came into each other's arms holding tightly not too tight. He's learning, Clark thought. He pulled away and touched his cheek. "The first lesson is to become self-aware, meaning who and what you touch; it will help you not to hurt anyone or anything. Okay?"

"I'll remember." Then another hug.

Out in the hall, Lois is holding back tears.

~o~o~

Meanwhile in Gotham City:

Lex Luthor surveyed his new office on the southside of Gotham City, unsure about this location but it's a small two-story office building found on the top floor; he set up a small office and a two-room bedroom next door.

The movers with his luggage, boxes of supplies, bedroom and office furniture, all set up for him. At first, he wanted to leave the country, but that's not happening at least for now. After the movers left, his old friends arrived and welcomed him back with handshakes. He watched as his friends held up a bottle of wine and poured glasses. They toasted to his release, but they also felt anxious about his return and what to expect.

He watched his friends, and he knew what they were thinking. "I can see it on your faces that you have questions about this move and not stay in Metropolis. Superman's back and he's always been my number one target, but there's more at stake than killing him. He has a family now; a son and Lois Lane is always there close to him."

"Yes, that's true but we're all confused about moving here. What are your plans, and did you forget about the Batman?" One spoke.

"No, I haven't forgotten, but I'm not worried. He's too busy with criminals appearing all hoping to stake their claim on this city. Everything is up for grabs, and I want a piece of it," Luthor replied.

"How are you planning to do that?" Another one spoke.

Lex watched them and replied, then his friends felt stunned but then he smiled a devious one they recognized.

~o~o~

Back in Metropolis, the Planet:

In their private office, Lois and Clark are hoping to hear something. The listening device had been silent for weeks, now it's beeping again, and Clark pulled it out and listened. Happy to see that it's still working but it's faint meaning the battery could be losing power soon.

Lois came closer. "Is it working?"

"Yes, it's working, but not as loud as when I first installed it. I did hear a few sounds and realized he's moving off the yacht and it's on land now in Gotham."

"Can you hear voices?"

"Yes, I can hear Lex talking to two other men." He adjusted the volume, and the voices were clear. "He's planning something in Gotham to flush Batman out into the open, or it could be someone else."

"Batman? But why would he do that?" Lois asked confused.

"I have no idea, but Batman and I have never met but it could be the right time."

"I've heard of him. He's a vigilante like you, but different in the way he fights crime."

She thought about Batman. "I think you're right and he could help us with Luthor. He's been there before and heard of him especially after the island fiasco; the trial that didn't happen; and of course, how you saved all of us by sending the island into outer space."

"That's true and I'll head there tonight and try to contact him, but I'm sure he'll notice me. I'm pretty obvious."

She smiled. "Yeah, you are."

Later that same evening, she kissed him goodbye and watched as he flew away.

~o~o~

Back in Gotham City:

Bruce Wayne as the Batman is online in the Batcave checking various locations for criminals in the act. He'd heard that Lex Luthor returned to Gotham, but he had no idea why he's here. He's angry thinking of Luthor and his crazy schemes to destroy Metropolis as well as Superman but he failed.

Superman's abilities came into his mind and he's extremely powerful; there's no way of stopping him, but there's one way. He lifted an entire island into the sky and survived. He had to admit that he admired his abilities, but now that Luthor has moved to Gotham, Superman would follow him; he had no doubts at all.

Still on his computers for any signs of terrible activities, he noticed a continued beep of a flying object, but he couldn't decide what it was, not a plane, then he knew; it's him. He at once left the Batcave now inside the Batmobile, he searched for the flying object on the instruments on the dashboard, but it stopped moving, then he also stopped, left the car and they locked eyes. He watched as he landed then walked towards each other and Clark at once realized it's Bruce Wayne.

TBC!

~o~o~

Song Inspiration: Lost Then Found, Leona Lewis

A/N: Oh, wow, I'm smiling while writing this. You guys must know how many times I've written these two working together, but I do love this one because it's never happened before not in live action only fan fiction. Routh/Bale would have been cool and amazing. I'll have their team up coming soon. Thanks for reading and don't forget a kudo or a comment is always welcome.