Chapter 7: Lunch and other Occurrences

They had left the office, and headed towards a little deli, about two city blocks from the Planet. The kids were buzzing about everything and asking everything else. Lois was still stunned from earlier, but gracious for the time away. Mara and Clark each walked in silent contemplation.

As the group continued to walk, through the busy streets, Lois couldn't help but notice the similarities between, Mara and Clark. Both were tall, 5'10" and at least 6'4" respectively, the dark brown hair, and the eyes that despite being different colors had that same luminescent glow. Lois couldn't help but let the thought cross her mind, 'Clark is quite handsome...' Shaking her head to clear the thoughts, she looked towards Jason who was walking between Lara and Anna just in front of her, and as if he knew she was thinking of him, he turned and smiled a brilliant smile making his blue eyes glow.

Lois despite herself couldn't help but occasionally glance in Clark's direction; she had never noticed how tall he was until just now. He was like a gentle giant. There was something about it though, his whole look, that puzzled her. Something that boiled just below the surface, asking to be found, something…. Lois' thoughts were interrupted as she tripped on the unleveled pavement. She closed her eyes, bracing herself for impact, when two strong, warm arms encircled her shoulders and waist. Hesitantly opening her eyes, she glanced into the possible the bluest eyes she had ever seen.

Clark glanced at Lois and in an unusual voice, a mix of the something deep and the Clark she knew said, "Watch your step."

It was like déjà vu' looking into to …Clark's eyes. Whatever it was, she couldn't place it, and soon she was out of Clark's arm and continuing on their way, though the feeling of loss that ached at her heart felt a million times worse.

They arrived at the deli shortly after, quickly claiming a table. Lara, Mara, Jordan, and Clark all ordered burgers, while Lois and Jason got a deli salad, with a tiny bit of bacon on top. Lastly Anna got a club sandwich.

Conversation was progressing, with Clark quickly coming up with places he had traveled to in the past five years. It was when Lois mentioned a camel postcard that she had received from Clark when, Clark's whole demeanor changed. His head was slightly tilted, as was Mara's, and quickly he said, "Umm…I forgot to hand Perry my article…Sorry I'll have to take a rein check on lunch."

Mara jumped up and said, "I forgot to feed the cat… Can I leave the kids with you; I'll be back in a jiff?"

Lois nodded and soon both were gone, and she had four very wide eyes looking at her. Both had thrown down some money before tearing off. Lara's big brown eyes stared at Lois as if she could read her thoughts, and asked, "Superman's gonna be on the news, can we watch?"

Lois nodded, a bit puzzled about Superman being on the news, she hadn't heard anything. Asking the deli owner to turn on news, which he did with some disgruntle sounds. There was nothing on yet, and just as she went to walk back to the table, breaking news came on about Superman and a mysterious woman being sited at a bank robbery.

Just moments before when Clark and Mara had left the deli…

"Mara, this isn't right, this isn't why Bruce left you here," Clark stated, quite annoyed.

"Yeah well, I'm either going now with you or wait until next time and go when you can't stop me."

Clark contemplated the situation, Mara couldn't get hurt, she'd be some help, but did he want to put her at risk.

Mara smiled, her now trade mark mischievous smile, "Come on…I already have an outfit."

As quickly as he had changed, so did she.

There Mara stood, in a suit very similar to his, only there was a short, very short, red skirt, attached to the skin tight blue body suit. It was sleeveless, with of course the a red cape which reached her lower back, and an 'S' symbol much like Clark's on her chest.

"Where did you come up with that?"

"Ahh...that's for me to know and you …well …you can try and figure out."

With those words exchanged they had taken off into the metropolis skyline.

Superman and the newly dubbed Superwoman had taken out the bank robbery in record time even for Superman. Though there had been a slight moment for concern. When the robber had started to fire shots at his aggressor Superman, most would bounce off, but one aimed at his head grazed Superman's cheek actually leaving a mark.

Superwoman had witnessed the bullet, despite her shock she had quickly swooped down to grab the bullet. From there on though things went well, but the bullet would be kept for analysis later.

Back at the deli the children were watching the news, when the single shot grazed Superman's face there was a very startling gasp. Lois looked at them, and when Superwoman got the bullet she could have sworn Jordan whispered, 'Good job Momma.'

Lois shook her head. She had imagined it. Or at least that's what she wanted to believe.

Soon the news went on to other events and the children went back to eating and talking.

Lois saw Jason about to eat a French fry and quickly grabbed it from him, "Jason, you know better, you can't eat things like this with your allergies."

"Sorry, Mom."

"Ya know me and my brother use to get all those kinds allergies, but Doc Fox fixed us up," stated Lara with a mouth full of food.

"Oh yeah, you see Momma gave us all these allergies 'cause..." Jordan's sentence was cut off by Lara hand in his face.

"Oops sorry, didn't know your face was there."

Lois looked at Lara and she just shrugged and said, "Sorry."

Lois was intrigued by the idea that the allergies could be solved, she wanted Jason to be able have fun other children, so maybe this Dr. Fox could help her out too, she then made a mental note to talk to Mara about it.

Later at the office, Mara and Clark had yet to return, and the news was going ballistic over Superwoman, and all the crimes, murders, and natural disasters the two had stopped that afternoon.

Lois was just a bit peeved; she couldn't believe that they left her with four kids. She needed a break and bad, glancing around the office she looked for a victim to give the kids off to and that's when she spotted Jimmy, "Jimmy come here."

"Hey Lois whatta yah need?"

"Well I was gonna take a quick break, but I need someone to watch the kids," before Jimmy could shake his frightened face no, Lois went on, "Thanks Jimmy I knew I could count on you," and then she disappeared.

Jimmy looked around and asked aloud, "Where are the kids?"

And then he heard Perry give an inhuman yell and four very guilty looking faces left his office, through the door, not the door they had made.

Up on the roof Lois whispered into the air, "Superman."

She didn't even have to turn to know it was him, when she heard the graceful landing of feet to the ground, "Hello Lois."

She turned to him and said, "Richard left."

"I hope I didn't cause this rift between you and Richard."

Lois gave a curt laugh, "Its better this way, I was wrong to keep him like I did and now he met some girl, who is better to him then I could ever be."

That's when she noticed the slight cut on his cheek, just barely noticeable, "Did that bullet do that to you?" she asked as she walked closer, letting her fingertips graze the small cut.

"Yes," he loved it when she was so close to him. He thought he might kiss her, or whisk her away, but he knew he couldn't. He didn't want her to love Superman alone, but to love the Clark in him as well, "I have to go."

"See you later."

"See you later?"

Lois smiled, "It's not as final as goodbye."