The next chapter is here! Enjoy!

Batman did not contact me for a couple of days. My best guess as to why was that encryption was that strong. He was the expert in such matters. So, I left him alone. He preferred it that way. It was kind of his thing. Besides, I had other things to attend to. Like telling my family that Lois was pregnant. I hadn't quite done that yet. Then again, Kara was on Kandor visiting her parents. And I wanted to wait a bit before telling my parents. Just in case they didn't make it. I didn't want to get their hopes up for nothing. Lois disagreed. She thought that we should tell my parents now.

After all, she had already told her parents when I wasn't around. Her father hadn't taken it well. Then again, he didn't like me at all. Either as Clark Kent or as Superman. Now he was stuck with me. There was no way to pull us apart. He didn't understand that this was already the case. I was never leaving her. Regardless of whether or not we have kids. There was nothing he could do about that. I was here to stay. At least now he finally understood that. That was something. I was also glad that I did not have to be part of a part of that conversation. For I don't care for the General myself. I'd rather spend as little of my time dealing with him as possible. He could vent in the corner for all I cared. I wanted nothing to do with it.

Anyway, as I was saying, Lois insisted that we tell my parents as soon as possible. I initially disagreed. I wanted to wait, but she eventually changed my mind. They deserved to know. And they needed to hear it from us. Before they heard it from anyone else. It made sense. I wanted to tell them. I just don't know why I was hesitating so much. This was the best news. Lois and I had beaten the odds and created something that by all rights shouldn't exist. We were from two different species. Even if we looked the same on the outside. Our DNA was too different to be able to conceive. I knew that. Lois knew that. At least, I think Lois knew that. I'm not sure really since she went on all the time about having a baby. I told her that it was impossible. I'm so glad that I was wrong. For I had forgotten something very important: That I wanted to be a father just as badly as she wanted to be a mother. Only, I had given up. I got used to the idea that I would never have one of my own. Lois had not. She believed that we could do it. Even though she had no idea how. I thank god every day for her. For I could not do this alone.

Still, it begged the question: Why was I hesitating? My parents would be ecstatic. They loved Lois and they definitely wanted grandchildren. Even though they didn't believe that we could have children naturally. Hell, I didn't believe it until a week ago. It seems like a dream. One that I could wake up from at any second. I did not want to wake. I did not want to find out that it was all a lie. That's when I realized it: I was afraid of getting their hopes up for nothing. There was still a good chance that they would not make it. I had done everything that I could, but there were no guarantees. This was something completely new and I had no way of predicting everything that might happen. There was a very good chance of a miscarriage. Which was the last thing that I wanted. It terrified me. I was already too attached to them for my own good. But they were my children. How could I not get attached?

Still, Lois was right. They deserved to hear our good news straight from us. Regardless of the outcome, they needed to know. After all, we were family. And this was good news. The very best news. How could I keep it from them? We had to go to Smallville.

We arrived just before noon. We had not told them that we were coming. Still, they took everything in stride. Then again with me, things were never normal. They had accepted that long ago. They just ushered us in as if they planned to have us over. Ma made one of her famous stroganoff stingers. She insisted that we take the lion's share. Which was easy for me, but it was a challenge for Lois. Even while pregnant. Then again, it was early on. Lois didn't have a huge appetite just yet. Our little ones were not demanding that much food . . . yet. She could barely keep up. Lois kept silently begging me for help. Of course, I ignored her. She had to grin and bear it. Just like the rest of the family. Besides, Ma meant well. She loved Lois. She wanted her to feel at home. She just went a little overboard, that's all. How could I blame her for that?

Once lunch was over we retired to the front porch. It was our favorite place to gather on a summer day like this. I loved the quiet, the peace, and above all the view. It was so different than I was used to in the city. It was refreshing. One could almost forget why we were here. Almost, but not quite. It was time to tell them the good news.

"Ma, Pa, We didn't just come here to enjoy your cooking. We need to tell you something."

Ma gave me that look that said, she already knew that something was up. "Oh, I figured that something was wrong. You're far too nervous. Your hands have been shaking ever since you got here. And don't deny it, I'm your mother. I notice these things. So, what's going on? You two didn't have a fight, did you?"

I shook my head. "No! Lois and I . . . Okay, sure, we had some disagreements lately, but nothing serious. Nothing to worry about anyway. That's not what's going on at all!"

Lois cut me off. "What the dunderhead is trying to say here is that we're having a baby. Not breaking up. Two, in fact, the bastard totally knocked me up!"

"Lois!"

"Just joking, Smallville. Geez calm down, will ya?"

We couldn't continue our argument any further, for Ma rushed over and gave us both a hug. Pa kept his distance, but even he had a silly grin on his face. "So, that's what's going on, huh?" He asked. "You're finally going to become a father. Best job there is too. I'm proud of you, son. Congratulations to you both."

"Thanks, Pa."

Ma shifted uncomfortably, "I don't mean rain on your parade, but how is this possible? I mean I love you, Clark, but you're not human. And Lois . . ."

"Is very much human." Lois finished for her.

Ma nodded. "Yes, you are sweetie. So again, how is this possible?"

"Well, they are Clark's if you are wondering." She told them. "I didn't sleep around, you know."

"I didn't mean to imply." Ma shook her head. "I know that they're Clark's. There was never any doubt of that. You would never cheat. That's not what I meant. I'm not questioning the father. I'm asking how is it possible? I mean, you are two different species. Shouldn't it not be possible?"

I had no answer for Ma. I had theories, but that was all I had. The truth was this was a miracle if I ever saw one. It was unlikely to happen again. Even if my theory was correct. This was a freak of nature. I was grateful, but I didn't know if I could ever fully explain why it happened. I would try my best though.

"I don't know, Ma. My best guess goes down to the adaptive nature of Kryptonian DNA. It seemed to change in just the right way to make conception possible. Then again, there are many similarities between humans and kryptonians. Even on the cellular level. Despite being of two different worlds. It wouldn't be impossible for it to happen. Just incredibly improbable."

"Well, however it happened, I'm glad it did. For any two kids deserve this more than it is you. Congrats." Pa said ending the conversation. He made it clear that Ma was to stop asking questions. He knew that I did not have them. This was all so very new to me. I was making it up as I went along. As all parents do.

As all parents do. Huh, never thought that I would say that. It really was a miracle. I was going to be a dad. How great was that? Things couldn't be better.

That is until we had an uninvited visitor. Batman tracked me down and was now walking up to our front door. As Bruce Wayne, of course, he wasn't that stupid to show up as his "true self." As he liked to call Batman. Don't believe me? Trust me, Bruce Wayne had a screw loose. He was a good friend, but he was odd. Even among Superheroes. Why in the world would he choose this exact moment to show up? There was no reason to track me down. If he had called I would have come to him. I did not want to drag my parents into this. Nor did I want Lois to tag along. She was pregnant for god's sake! She did not need to be near this. Call me paranoid, but I know my wife. If there is something fishy going on then she is there. I need Lois to stay away from this. In that moment I so wanted to kill Bruce. I had to think fast and get him as far away from here as I could.

"Is that . . .?" Ma asked.

"I think so, Martha. That's Bruce Wayne!"

If Bruce was surprised or perturbed in any way then he did not show it. Instead, he carried on as if this were normal. "Mr. and Mrs. Kent. I do apologize for intruding. But your son asked me to help him with a project and I would like to borrow him for a moment if you don't mind."

This sparked Lois's interest. Which was exactly what I didn't want. "So, you have the results? I would like to see it if you don't mind."

I hastily greeted Bruce then started to steer him away. I needed to get him away from here pronto. I whispered, "What are you doing?"

"Exactly what you asked me to do. Investigate the tablet." He whispered.

"That's not what I meant and you know it. What are you doing here?"

Bruce didn't answer for a second. Then he finally came clean. "You weren't answering your communique."

I was dumbfounded. I didn't hear any communique. It had been utterly quiet for the last few hours. Then I remembered that I left my communicator at home. We had a little private time together before leaving and I didn't want to be disturbed. I guess I forgot to put it back in my ear afterward. "Sorry, left it at home."

Bruce shook his head. "You shouldn't be that careless. You never know what might happen."

I loved the fact that Bruce made a point to make sure that everyone heard him say that. If they weren't interested before they were interested now. It inspired me to kick his ass. Thanks, Bruce. I thought as I tried to usher him along. I had to get him out of here now!

That's when my parents made my life miserable. They invited Bruce in for dessert. Which, of course, he accepted. The bastard! He knew that I was trying to get him out of here. I did not want my family involved in this any more than they already were. If Bruce showed up for dessert god knows what would happen! This could not be happening!

Then Lois saved me. "Actually, I think Mr. Wayne has important business to attend to. Doesn't he?" She pointed the last bit at Bruce. Politely suggesting that if he didn't find some business fast then she would kick his ass. Quite a feat for a pregnant woman, but trust me Lois could do it if she put her mind to it. It was not wise to ignore her suggestion.

Fortunately, Bruce picked up the hint. "Yes, I do Mrs. Lane. I can only stay for a few minutes. Can I borrow your husband?"

"Of course, just do not keep him too long. We have dinner plans tonight."

I shot her a puzzled look. "Do we?"

"Yes," She looked annoyed, but her vitals told me otherwise. She was just pretending to be put out. "You promised a romantic dinner for just the two of us, remember?"

I finally got what she was telling me. "Oh yes, sorry. Romantic Dinner tonight. Just the two of us. Can't wait. I'll be back shortly so we can go home. Love you." I kissed her on the cheek before grabbing Bruce's Arm. "Let's take a walk, shall we?"

See you next time. Take care!