Disclaimer: DC Comics/Warner Brothers owns these characters. No profit is being made from this story. This is strictly for my own amusement.

Author's Notes: This chapter took a while to work through. I'm sorry about that, but here it is and I hope you enjoy it. In this next chapter, Conner makes his debut, Jonathan has doubts about Superman's return to the living, Lois, on the other hand, was confused about her feelings, and later Clark has second thoughts about his decision. Please read and review. Thanks, everyone! :D

~o~o~

Chapter 12: Saving All My Love

Meanwhile, at the Luthor mansion:

Barely a week had passed, but Lex continued to grow and he was now a teenager, pushing fourteen years of age. His powers had come in and also his obsession with all things Clark Luthor and Lois Lane.

Tess had her hands full with these constant changes. The morning of Superman's miraculous return to the living, she went to find him and shockingly, he had transformed into someone she did not recognize. He was also wearing a tee shirt with Superman's logo on his chest.

"Lex, what …?" Tess was at a loss as she looked him up and down. He was now taller than her, reaching nearly six feet in height.

"It's me Tess, but I don't like that name anymore." Lex was growing out of his Lex persona and into his destiny that he become more like Clark Luthor.

Tess tried to remain calm. "What name do you prefer?"

Lex walked over to the window and looked up at the sky. "I remember the doctors calling me … Conner after I first awakened."

"Conner?" Tess frowned, but she decided not to upset him. "I like the name."

"Good because it's my name now." He paused as he watched her for a moment. "Why did you lie to me?"

"I told you the truth, nothing more and …"

"Superman is alive. You said he was dead." He cocked his head to the side. "I don't like liars." Smirking, he came closer.

Frowning, Tess backed up. "Now wait a minute. I never lied to you. Clark was declared dead, but he … he apparently came back to life. That's the only explanation or maybe he's an imposter."

"Really and why should I believe you?" He looked around his lavish living space. "And why do you keep me a prisoner here? I can't go anywhere do anything. I can do what he does, but you won't let me try."

"Conner …" She began, but he interrupted her.

"I'm leaving. I need to see him. He'll understand what I'm going through. You can't do that Tess, not anymore."

"Conner wait, please." Tess blinked, and he was gone just like all the others.

Why does everyone leave me?

~o~o~

Jonathan's hospital room, a little while later:

Jonathan's condition had improved immensely since he woke up from surgery. He was sitting up and even eating a bit of food, but mostly liquids.

Lois had just returned with a few things for Martha who was at that moment in the bathroom changing.

Martha had been by Jonathan's side the entire time, but now that he was on the mend, she left his side for a bit to change, take a walk to stretch her legs and to get a bite to eat.

Lois turned on the television and was totally shocked by what she could see. "I can't believe this."

"It's him, isn't it." It wasn't a question. Jonathan's tone of voice caused her to turn and stare at him.

"You're not happy about this?" Lois asked, confused by his tone.

Staring at the television, Jonathan thought about it for a minute but didn't reply. He watched her for a moment. "Lois, please try and remember he's not our Clark."

Lois closed her eyes for a moment but couldn't tear her eyes from the screen. "He's amazing." She paused, and she turned to him. "I know what you're thinking, and I know he's not our Clark, but look at him."

Jonathan sighed. "I know. He looks exactly like him, but … he's not him."

"But one day our Clark will wear that suit, and everyone will look up at him and finally know the truth that he's special and that we believe in him and everything he stands for."

"Lois?" He paused as he pointed to the screen. "And you think our Clark can do that?" Jonathan wasn't truly convinced.

"Of course he can, and he will." She paused, and she turned to him again. "Please Jonathan, please have faith in him. He made us proud. He sacrificed his life to save us, and when he comes back, he'll wear that suit. I truly believe that and you should too."

"I want to, I do." Jonathan wanted it to be true, he truly did.

Martha came back a short time later, looking refreshed and happy, and upon seeing the television, she smiled and unable to help herself, she smiled as happy tears flooded her eyes. "Well, will you look at that?"

Lois came over to her and put her arm around her. "Isn't it wonderful?" Lois couldn't contain her happiness.

Martha understood what she was feeling. She glanced at Jonathan, and it was as if she could read his thoughts. He wasn't happy about this.

"Yes it is, but …" Martha paused.

"Not you too?" Lois said, then she looked between them. "Martha, I know he's not our Clark."

Martha took her hand. "Lois?"

Now, Lois was getting upset. "I have to leave." And without saying goodbye, she grabbed her bag and left.

"Lois wait, I'm sorry," Martha cried out to her, but she didn't look back.

"Oh, dear," Martha murmured. "We have a serious problem."

Jonathan and Martha continued to stare at the television, still truly worried about Lois and about Clark as well, then Jonathan's conscience would not leave him alone.

"Martha, honey, I have a confession to make, and now that I'm, you know, still here, I have to tell you this."

"That sounds ominous. What is it honey?" She took his hand to give some comfort.

"Before the other one came here, I went to the police." He paused for a moment.

"The police, but why?"

"I'm an eye witness to … Clark killing someone."

"Oh, no, but …"

"It was Kent who convinced me that our Clark was worth it. He's a different person now, and when he comes back, I'm going to confess and tell him everything."

"But are you sure you want to do that? It's in the past, and it won't change anything."

He thought about her words. "I just feel horrible about it."

"Well, you shouldn't feel that way, but if you feel you should tell him then tell him. I'm sure he'll understand."

Jonathan squeezed her hand. "I hope so."

~o~o~

An hour later, at the farm:

Conner did not waste any time in locating Lois Lane. Of course, they had never met, but he followed Superman there and there she was. He waited patiently to make his entrance to impress her.

Shortly thereafter, Lois entered the farmhouse in tears. What is wrong with me? I know he's not my Clark but why don't I believe it?

"Lois?" It was him.

Stiffening her shoulders and wiping the tears from her cheeks, she braced herself then she turned to face him. A bit shocked to see him still in the suit. "What are you doing here?"

"Just taking a break." He came closer. She backed up a step.

"Lois?" He stopped. "You're upset about something. I can tell." He paused as he stared at her. "Have you been crying?"

Shaking her head at his concern, she murmured, "You can't stay here. You have to go back to … to your Lois."

"I will, but not yet," Clark whispered coming closer.

Shaking her head again, she whispered, "No, you have to go back to her. She's waiting for you and … I'm not her and … you … you're not my Clark."

He stopped walking, turned from her and took several deep breaths. "You're right." He turned back to face her. "I'll stay at the Fortress, and when Clark wakes up, I'll bring you to him."

Relieved, Lois closed her eyes, but when she opened them, all she saw was the 'S' on his chest. He was standing directly in front of her.

"Get away from her!" It was Conner.

"Conner?! How did you get here?" Clark was shocked to see him there all grown up, and he could see he was just as powerful as he was, maybe even more so.

"What did she mean by 'you're not my Clark'? Aren't you Superman?"

"Yes, Conner, but you shouldn't be here."

"And where should I be? Clark Luthor is my brother. Isn't he?" Conner was confused.

'Yes, he's your brother, but … "

"But what?"

"I'm not Clark Luthor. My name is Clark Kent."

"Clark, I don't know about this." Lois did not like where this was going.

"Clark Kent as in Jonathan and Martha Kent?" Conner asked.

Clark sighed and then he told him everything. After a few minutes of explanation, he said, "Conner you should stay here and wait for the Kents to return. I'll explain everything to them. They can help you adjust to your powers, and in return, you can help with the chores around here."

"Live here and not with Tess?" He thought about that. Tess wanted him to stay in at the mansion, and not see anyone but her. It was boring there, but here, it was quiet and had a lot of open spaces and maybe the Kents would let him be what he had always wanted to be, a hero. "Alright, I'll stay here. Will you be here as well, Ms. Lane?"

"Well, I don't know." Lois wasn't so sure about this.

"It's only until the Kents return, say a few days? Is that Ok?" Clark asked and hoped she would agree.

"Well, Ok, I'll stay," Lois replied and tried to smile at Conner.

He smiled at her, and Lois shook her at head at him, feeling a little better about it.

"Good, now I'll head to the Fortress and check up on him. I'll see you both later." He paused. "Goodbye, Lois." He knew it was wrong, but it took everything in him not to touch her.

"Goodbye, Clark." Seconds later, he was gone.

Tears blinded her, but deep in her heart she knew his staying away from her was for the best, but would he keep his word?

~o~o~

A little while later, at the Fortress:

"My Son," Jor-El greeted him warmly.

"Hello, Father. How is he?" He asked as he came closer to the ice chamber.

"He's recuperating, but it's a slow process. His heartbeat has returned to normal, but his internal injuries have not fully healed."

"I understand, but are you sure he won't wake for another few days?" He asked.

"Actually, I'm glad you're here. My initial evaluation of your brother's injuries has changed. It appears that Kal-El has been dreaming for a few hours now."

"Then that means …"

"Yes, only a few hours before he wakes up."

"That's wonderful news, but before I bring Lois back here, I have a question."

"Yes, what is it my Son?"

"Why did this happen? I mean, the mirror box showed me everything, and I couldn't ignore it. I had to save them. I had to."

Jor-El was silent for a minute.

"Did you hear me, Father? Why am I actually here?" Clark was concerned about everything that had happened, saving Jonathan and his brother was recuperating, but he had to wonder why and what, if anything, would change either in this world or his own.

"I see you have doubts about coming here, but you shouldn't. You did the right thing, Kal-El."

Clark was doubtful. "I'm here but in my world, are things different there? Can you look into that world and see anything?" He suddenly worried about Lois, his Mom, and all of his friends.

"Give me a moment Kal-El and I will show you," Jor-El responded.

Minutes later, Clark watched as images were revealed … images from his world.

~o~o~

Smallville, the real world:

Martha and Lois were at the farmhouse, eating dinner. Lois had decided to stay there with her to ease her loneliness somewhat and to talk to her about everything that had happened.

"It's incredible," Martha thoughtfully said. "Clark actually went back there to help them … to save Jonathan and Clark Luthor?" She paused as she thought about it. "But I'm truly not surprised that he would do such a thing."

"I'm not surprised either but …"

"But what? Are you worried about something?"

"Well, he's been gone for several days, and everyone is asking questions. The League understands, but Clark has a job at the Planet."

"Oh, I see and what did you tell Perry?"

She sighed. "Not much of anything really, just that he received a tip on a hot story and that he had to leave. And that he's in a place where we can't reach him. It's the best I could do on the spur on the moment. I was frazzled when Perry called because I don't even know when he's coming back, if at all."

Martha frowned. "Lois, of course, he'll be back. Don't worry." She took her hand.

"It's just, it reminded me of when he left for the Phantom Zone and didn't tell me some important facts."

"Oh, I remember that, but this is different. He told you he would come back, and I believe him. You don't truly have doubts do you?"

"I can't help it, but I do, I do have doubts."

"Oh, Lois, come on now. Clark adores you and you know that. He would never stay away if he had a choice."

"That's just it, what if he can't, I mean, there is no mirror box in that place and what if …?"

"Now, Lois, stop that right now. Do you hear me?"

"I'm sorry," she murmured. "I'm better than this, but when it comes to Clark, I'm a mess." She paused to gather her composure. "I miss him so much."

"Oh, sweetie, I know you do, but he will come back. Please believe that."

Blinking back tears, Lois squeezed her hand. "I'll try."

~o~o~

Back in the other mirror universe:

Bruce was not happy about being pulled away like this. He had managed to spend some time with his wife, which over the past month or so, hadn't nearly been enough time. She reminded him of that fact. He also reminded her that he would be there if she needed anything and that she knew his life, but that hadn't stopped her from accepting his proposal, marrying him and so forth and so on.

Silena hadn't appreciated his humor. "I know why I married you and it had nothing to do with your other job. I loved you dearly and wanted to be with you."

"Silena …" He began, but she interrupted him.

"I know, I know, you don't have to say it. Just go do what you have to do, but remember, babies have a mind of their own and when she's ready she will be here whether her Father can make it on time or not."

"I'll remember," he said and kissed her goodbye.

~o~o~

Back to the present at the tower:

"What is it Clark?" Bruce asked, concerned. He thought everything was going smoothly.

"I've made a decision. I have to go back to my universe as soon as possible." Clark was not surprised by their reaction.

"But, you can't leave now. Everyone expects Superman to be here to help them, and …" Wally didn't want to him leave, and neither did anyone else.

"The only reason I'm here is to look over my brother and to make sure that he recovers totally. I truly did not intend to … pretend to be him and get everyone excited about Superman in the red and blue, but that's what happened, and I'm sorry, but it can't continue."

"So now what are we supposed to without you?" Bruce was truly worried about everyone's reaction to Clark disappearing.

"Look, I checked up on your Clark he is getting better, and the timeline has been reduced to only a few days."

"Oh, why didn't you say so? A few days should be alright. What do you think Bruce?" Wally asked.

He stroked his chin. "I suppose so, but what about Clark? Will he be alright without you?"

"He'll be fine. He'll have the best care in the world. Don't worry." He paused. "I hear an emergency, but I'll call when I can."

Everyone blinked and then he was gone.

"Wow, when I see him do that, I sometimes think he is faster than me. One day, our Clark and I will have a race, and then we'll settle this once and for all," Wally thoughtfully said.

Everyone just rolled their eyes at him. His ego was just too massive to contain.

~o~o~

High over the skies of Metropolis:

Thinking back on the images that Jor-El had shown to him, Clark felt horrible. Of course, Lois would remember that terrible time when he was gone for weeks, and she hadn't known when he would return to her, if at all. But now that his brother was on the mend, he would be able to return sooner than later.

"Thank you Father and I will return shortly."

Shortly afterwards, after giving Conner some chores, Lois was at the farm resting, when Clark was at her door informing her that Clark would awaken soon.

Lois was so thrilled and excited that she felt like crying. "Thank you, Clark. I'll be ready in a minute." But before she left, she said, "Are we Ok? I mean, things have been really strained between us and …"

"Don't even think about it." Sighing he said, "We've both been through a lot these past few days, but everything is as it should be."

Lois was relieved. After informing both the Kents and Conner where they were going, they were high in the sky headed to the Fortress where it appeared it was true, Clark was dreaming. They could see his eyes fluctuate rapidly.

"He's in a dream state, but he will awaken shortly," Jor-El explained.

"Maybe we should wake it him up." Lois was getting more and more excited.

"Jor-El doesn't think that's a good idea. If he's startled awake, it could cause problems. When he's ready, he'll wake up."

She watched him for a moment. "So, I guess this is it. Do you have the mirror box?"

"Yes, it's almost ready." He paused. "Lois … be happy."

"I will, and you be happy too, Ok?" Lois couldn't help it. She gave him an impulsive hug.

~o~o~

Meanwhile, Clark was in the mist of a dream:

"Father, Father are you there?" Clark was getting inpatient.

"I am here, Kal-El."

"The darkness is gone, Father," Clark announced without pride in that accomplishment.

"Yes, my Son." He paused. "You have done well."

Clark inwardly beamed at his praise. "It wasn't easy, Father, Doomsday was a formidable opponent."

"Yes he was, but I'm proud of you Son."

"Thank you, Father."

"Your mother and I are in agreement; we have seen much, Kal-El." Jor-El paused. "It is time."

And with those words, an ice chamber opened on the other side of the Fortress and there shining at him was the suit in all its red and blue, and as his heart pounded with excitement, joy, and yes, even doubts clouding his heart, he tried to move forward.

"You are ready, my Son," Jor-El encouraged him.

Clark took a deep breath, slowly walked toward the chamber, reached his hand out to touch it, closed his eyes for a moment, but then he opened his eyes and to his surprise he was in the suit. It fit perfectly; it felt incredible, like nothing he had ever felt before as he ran his hands over it, admiring it. He lifted the cape, and the feel of it was breathtaking.

He held his head high as he walked back over to the console, took a deep breath and spoke to this Father. "Thank you, Father and I will make you proud of me."

"You have already done that, my Son."

Clark thought he would never tire of hearing his Father's praise, but he knew there would be times in the future of disappointments, doubts and yes, even fears, but with Lois by his side and with his family and his friend's support, they would endure, they would make it through, no matter what.

"Thank you, Father."

~o~o~

After the dream had faded, Clark slowly opened his eyes. For an instant, Kal-El thought that he had died and gone to heaven, and he and Lois were together forever, but then he realized that Lois was not dead, he was. At least he thought he was.

Feeling stronger, he whispered, "Lois?"

TBC!

~o~o~

Song Inspiration: Saving All My Love (For You), Whitney Houston.

A/N: Well, this one was tough. I thought long and hard about CL waking up and witnessing a moment between CK and LL. We'll see his reaction next chapter. Stay tuned and come back in about a week! Thanks everyone.