Chapter 3 - Changes

Lois Lane stalked out of the elevator, soaking wet and covered in mud. People in the bullpen knew to get out of her way. After twelve months of getting lead story after lead story, she was the brightest star in the Planet's history. Some said that she was even on track to become the youngest recipient of the Pulitzer Prize. She marched over to her desk and lifted the bag of spare clothes she always kept there. Lois went into the restroom and did a quick clean job, putting on fresh clothes. She returned to her desk, settling in to finish her article. She was in the zone, at the top of the game. This article detailed drug smuggling in Metropolis, and she had spent several hours crawling through slime and river water puddles to get the information. But, she got it.

Lois stopped typing, looking at the picture of her and Chloe that she kept on her desk. Her baby cousin had moved out to Star City three months ago to start at the Star Times. She was living her dream. Lois couldn't help but feel guilty about her leaving. Her meteoric rise to fame had been hard on their relationship. Chloe was slightly resentful, which Lois didn't blame her for. Lois just fell into the work and it felt so right. She was making a difference, doing something that she excelled at and getting famous for it. Life was good.

Lois was engrossed in her article, so much so that she didn't notice the young man come up behind her. "Uh, excuse me, Miss Lane?"

Lois turned in her chair, bumping her head on the ever present camera around his neck. "OW!" shouted Lois, rubbing her head. "Jimmy! Personal space here!"

Jimmy Olsen blushed and stepped back. "Uh, the Chief wants to see you in his office right away." Lois stood, exasperated at Perry's bad timing. She was almost done with her article and he was breaking her concentration. "Rumor has it that he's assigning you a partner." Lois froze and turned to Jimmy slowly.

"You said what?" she asked levelly.

"Uh…r-rumor has it that y-you…uh." Jimmy stammered.

"Never mind, Olsen." Said Lois, pushing past him. The nerve! What was Perry thinking? She couldn't break in a newbie! She charged into the office with both guns blazing. "Perry, you've had some bad ideas before, but this one takes the cake!"

"Ah, so glad you could join us." Said Perry expansively. "Lois Lane this is Clark Kent, our newest hire." He said, gesturing to the tall man sitting on the old couch. The man uncurled himself, standing. Lois took him in a glance. Conservative suit, conservative glasses, conservative haircut.

"Miss Lane, hi" the young man stammered, holding his hand out to her. She perfunctorily shook it and let go, turning back to Perry.

"Look, you know that I work best alone and don't have the patience or good will to break in fresh meat." Said Lois.

Perry frowned. "Clark has been contributing articles under a pseudonym for six months now. He wrote that Uganda piece for last week's special edition."

Lois turned to the cream-puff in the three piece suit. "That was you? Dangerous work."

Clark blushed and tried to mumble a reply, but Lois' attention was off him. "I don't see how this will work. I don't share by-lines."

Perry glowered. "You do now. Clark's good. He needs to learn the city and how the politics of the paper work. Or you can go back to writing pet obituaries."

Lois crossed her arms. "You wouldn't dare" she said.

Perry raised an eyebrow. Lois caved. She turned to leave and looked back at Clark. "Coming, Kent?"

Clark said his thank you to Perry and rushed after Lois. Clark remembered bits and pieces of the night they first met. He was laughing inwardly at her abrupt manner. She was far more beautiful than he remembered. Clark caught up with her, bumping into just about everyone crossing the bullpen. Wordlessly, she pointed at the desk across from her and sat back at her computer. Clark sat and began organizing his desk.

Lois, meanwhile, was unable to shake off the feeling that she knew this guy. She racked her brain to come up with a connection. "So, Kent, where are you from?" she asked, more to be polite than any real curiosity.

"S-Smallville, Kansas." Said Clark.

Lois stopped typing. She looked at him. "Right! I knew that I knew you from somewhere! At least you came dressed this time."

Clark blushed to the roots of his hair. Lois laughed. "So, I guess that you recovered your memory, huh?" Lois looked harder at him. He did look different, and it wasn't just the clothes. He had changed his whole demeanor. When she found him, he was quiet, but had a strong confidence. He had clear and bright green eyes. His eyes seemed muted, probably from the glasses.

Clark looked around, more to keep Lois from looking at him too closely than any embarrassment. "So, this is the Daily Planet, huh? Where do we start?"

Lois got an annoyed look. "WE don't start until I finish this article. Then, you get to follow me around and cater to my every whim. WE will be going to City Hall for a follow up on the Councilman Jankins scandal. I will be asking all the questions and YOU will be writing all the notes. And YOU had better get it right!"

Clark was mollified. "Gee, is that all?"

Lois glared at Clark. "No, that is not all, Smallville. Get this straight. I am the top dog here, and you are the low man. Me top, you low. Is this coming too fast?"

Clark grinned. "No, I get it." Lois turned back to her screen and heard Clark mutter, "You like to be on top."

Lois froze and turned beet red. She shot Clark a look powered by industrial strength lasers. "Don't push me, Smallville."

Clark chuckled. He thought he was going to like it here. Now, he knew that he was going to love it here.

Lois could honestly say that she was surprised. The duo's trip to City Hall was fruitful, as she knew it would be. She had asked all the right questions, and Clark had somehow taken notes accurate to the last letter. Then, Clark had piped in with some questions of his own that Lois hadn't even thought of, and got some great answers. She was already thinking of a new angle to go to the story. Although she didn't want to admit it, this partnership could work out after all. Let's just see how he handles the grunt work.

"Clark, take the notes and start writing, I'm going to fill in the Chief." Said Lois.

Clark nodded and settled in at the computer. Lois went in to Perry's office to let him in on the new turn the investigation was taking. Clark quickly typed the article and sat staring out the window at the Metropolis skyline.

Lois returned and stared at Clark. "Hey! Smallville! Why aren't you typing?"

Clark smiled, "It's all done, Lois" he said, using her first name for the first time. He liked the way it sounded. Lois pushed him out of the way and began reading. "By the way," said Clark, "is your cousin Chloe around?"

Lois looked up. "Oh, I forgot you two knew each other. She moved to Star City three months ago. She's following the exploits of a vigilante named the Green Spear, or something."

"I think you mean the Green Arrow" said Clark.

Lois mumbled, finishing the article. She had to admit, Clark was good. He typed the article faster than she had ever seen, and with no errors. The style wasn't quite like hers, but it was still very good. "Not bad, Kent. I'll spice it up some and turn it in to Perry."

Clark nodded to her. "Um, Lois. I don't want to seem forward, but would you like to have dinner with me?" Lois stared at him, and Clark coughed. "Not a date, just to get to know each other" he added lamely.

"Not tonight, Kent. Maybe later." Lois hit print and took the completed article to Perry. She gathered her things and waved goodbye to Clark as she walked to the elevator.

Clark sat there for quite a while, thinking on things. He hadn't counted on Chloe leaving Metropolis. He needed to talk to her. He did a quick Google search and got her address in Star City. He had some ideas that he needed to share in person.

Clark landed in an alley, putting his glasses on and walking across the street to Chloe's apartment building. He rang the buzzer and got no answer. He looked up, scanning the building. He saw no sign of her, even though he picked out her apartment quickly. She had a Smallville Crows poster on her bedroom wall. Clark smiled, thinking about their high school escapades. He looked around and settled in to wait on her return.

Chloe Sullivan liked her life. It wasn't quite how she wanted it, but it was comfortable. She was a junior reporter on a well-respected publication, had a great apartment and good friends. She walked alone down the street, having finished dinner with her pals from work a little earlier. Chloe heard a noise behind her and turned. Three rough looking men were following her some distance back. Chloe felt in her jacket pocket for her handy can of pepper spray. A girl can't be too careful in the big city. She picked up the pace, thinking about running the five blocks to her apartment. She turned back, seeing the men gaining on her. As she passed an alley, a large man stepped out and bumped into her, grabbing her arm. Chloe pulled out the pepper spray and let him have a full blast. The man screamed and crumpled to the ground. Chloe turned and ran into the alley, full into a dead end.

Stupid, Sullivan. Right out of the What Not To Do Textbook. Chloe spun as the now four attackers approached her.

The one she had sprayed was still wiping his eyes, while his companions snickered at him. He turned a deadly glare on Chloe, "That wasn't too smart, girl" he growled. "You are gonna have to be real nice and apologize." The others leered at her.

Chloe was scared, sure. But she had gotten out of tighter spots before. Hell, she had been buried alive once. But, Clark wasn't there to save her this time. She backed up until she felt the cold brick pressed against her. One of the men grabbed her roughly, and Chloe couldn't help the scream that came out her lips. The men laughed, until one fell to the ground screaming. Chloe stared in shock at the arrow that was suddenly protruding from the back of his knee. The others turned, seeing a lone man in a green jacket and pants, holding a bow drawn.

"The next one goes in a heart." The Green Arrow deadpanned. "Pick up your trash and get out of here."

The ruffians scrambled over each other to leave the alley. The Arrow walked over to Chloe. "Are you alright?" he asked.

Chloe nodded, "Thanks to you." She took a tentative step forward. "You're the one they call the Green Arrow, aren't you?"

He nodded. "That they do, Miss Sullivan."

Chloe frowned, "You know me?"

The Arrow smiled rakishly, "I make it a point to keep tabs on the reporters interested in me."

Chloe was going to ask another question, but was interrupted by a gust of wind, ending with Clark holding the Arrow at arms length against a wall. "Clark, no!" she wailed.

Clark looked over at her, not understanding. Then, he saw the other man's uniform. Clark put two and two together and sheepishly set the man down. "Sorry," he said, brushing out the Green Arrow's jacket.

The Arrow grinned. "That's some grip," he laughed. "Miss Sullivan, if you think that you will be all right, then I'll be on my way." With a nod and a flourish, he left the alley, leaving two very confused people in his wake.

Clark looked at Chloe. "What was that all about?" they both asked at the same time. Clark looked down. "Well, I was at your apartment, waiting until you showed up to talk to you. I heard you scream and came here."

Chloe almost dropped her purse. "You heard me from five blocks away?"

Clark grinned. "Would you like to know what the President is whispering to his wife right now?"

"Clark, the President is in Japan right now…wow." Said Chloe, getting what Clark was hinting at. "Your hearing is that good?"

Clark nodded. "I've had to learn how to shut out things so I can concentrate on stuff around me. Sometimes when I go into the upper atmosphere I just float and listen to everything at once."

"Jeez," said Chloe. "So, these guys were going to do some unspeakably rude things to me. That Arrow guy stepped in before it got out of hand."

"It's good that he was here, then" said Clark. They chatted about meaningless things walking back to Chloe's apartment. Chloe got sodas for them from the fridge and they sat on the couch, sipping quietly.

"So…I started at the Planet today" said Clark.

"That's great, Clark!" said Chloe. "What beat did they give you?"

"The city beat…partnered with your cousin, Lois."

Chloe choked on her soda, spitting liquid everywhere. Clark fetched a towel out of the kitchen as Chloe coughed. He cleaned up the spill and patted her back gently.

"Lois Lane? Are they insane?" yelled Chloe.

"It's not a big deal, Chlo" said Clark. "She's actually kind of entertaining to work with."

Chloe reached up and felt his forehead. "Are you sure that you didn't get bumped in the head with Kryptonite? I know my cousin, and I know that she will go out of her way to make your life hell."

Clark laughed. "But she's very intelligent, witty and a very good reporter. We did an interview at City Hall today and she asked very insightful questions." Clark rose and began to pace. "I don't think that she's all that abrasive, not really. And she really is pretty, especially when she smiles…what?" asked Clark, frowning at Chloe's grin.

"You like her, don't you?" asked Chloe.

"I thought that I was making that clear. She's a good person and I'm fortunate to work with her." Said Clark.

"That's not what I mean, and you know it" said Chloe. "You're falling for Lois Lane."

Clark stared at her. "Chloe, that's ridiculous. I hardly know her." He started pacing again. "Sure, she made a good impression…"

"That's what I'm talking about" interrupted Chloe. "Lois never makes a good first impression. Or even second. You're interested in her."

Clark blushed. "Even if I was, I couldn't do anything about it."

Chloe threw up her hands. "Look, Clark" she began. "In high school you danced around Lana Lang so much that you convinced yourself you would always be alone. I don't know how things worked on Krypton, but on Earth, no one can be alone. Humans just don't work that way."

"But I'm not human, Chloe."

"Yeah, a fact that I'm aware of. But I'm your best friend, Clark, and I know you. Your biggest fear is of being alone, even if you lie to yourself and think that you can handle it." She got up and hugged him. "You deserve to be happy, even if you are a big dumb alien."

Clark hugged her back. "I'm not alone, Chloe. I've got you and Mom and Dad. That's all I need."

Chloe knew in her heart that he was lying to her and himself. But she backed down. "So, what are you going to do now?"

"Actually, I thought that I would go see the Green Arrow tonight." Said Clark.

"Wait, you know who he is?" asked Chloe, stunned.

Clark nodded. "I peeked under the mask with the x-ray vision. He's actually fairly well known. He's inspired me, and I could use some pointers about the double life thing."

Chloe's jaw dropped, "So, who is he?"

Clark shook his head. "I know enough about secrets to respect them. I go alone and you don't get to know anything."

Chloe sulked, pleaded and even got on her knees and begged. Clark just laughed. Chloe went to bed, pouting, and Clark sped over to the penthouse apartment of one Oliver Queen.

Oliver strolled into his apartment through the roof door. He took off his mask and gloves, grabbing a bottle of water from the fridge. Oliver turned, staring full into the face of the man he had seen earlier in the alley. The one with the strong grip. Oliver's hand flashed to his belt, drawing and throwing a knife in one smooth motion.

The stranger never blinked as he plucked the knife out of the air, with an almost lazy manner. "Hello, Mr. Queen. I hope that you don't mind too much that I came here, but I needed to talk to you."

Oliver blinked. This guy could be a problem. "Well," he said coolly, trying to maintain some dignity. "You seem to know me, Mr…?"

Clark smiled, "Kent. Clark Kent, from Smallville, Kansas."

"Well, Mr. Kent, Clark Kent from Smallville, Kansas. Give me one good reason that I shouldn't stitch you full of arrows right here and now."

Clark actually laughed. "Don't worry. I am pretty good about keeping secrets. In fact, to set you at ease, I'm willing to tell you mine. In exchange for help."

Oliver frowned. "I don't trade favors and I don't do other's dirty work."

Clark shook his head. "No, nothing like that. I need advice."

"My office opens at nine sharp, and we have several financial advisors that can…"

"I don't think that you're getting the point, Mr. Queen." Interrupted Clark. "See, I'm kind of like you. I have special gifts and I want to use them to help. But, I'm also building a life as Clark Kent, and I want to keep that too."

Oliver nodded. "So, you want advice on the hero business?" He was surprised. This kid was out of this world, and Oliver told him so.

Clark grinned, "Mr. Queen, you have no idea how right you are."

Flying to Smallville, Clark thought on his hours long conversation with Oliver. Oliver and Clark had shared their stories, and Clark was truly inspired. They talked about motivations, balance between identities and even the heartbreak at not being able to save everyone.

"That's the kicker, Clark," Oliver had said. "You can't save everyone, and you'll go crazy from guilt if you try."

"So how do you decide who to save?" asked Clark.

"You just do what you can, man. Just do what you can." Said Oliver.

Clark would need a uniform. The fortress could make a frictionless material that would stand up to his strength and speed. Maybe a cape? That would look pretty dramatic when he was flying. Plaid and flannel? Clark chuckled to himself. Let's keep it basic primary colors. Farm Boy is not a very awe-inspiring moniker. Clark was feeling more and more confident about his chosen path. Clark landed in the alley behind the Talon and he was feeling very good, indeed. He went inside and bounded up the stairs two at a time.

Martha and Jonathan looked up from the couch where they were lounging. They smiled and greeted Clark warmly.

"Mom, I have a plan, and I need your help…" said Clark with a smile.