Chapter 3 – A Baby Is Born
"So when are we going to get married? We seem to have put the carriage before the horse so to speak." They were enjoying their first night in Lois's, no in their co-op apartment.
Lois shrugged her shoulders, "I never was one for following tradition, or orders for that matter. It used to cause so much friction between me and my dad." She laughed recalling something, "Made living on an army base rather difficult too."
Clark smiled at her shaking his head at the images that came to mind, "I can just imagine all the trouble you got into." Suddenly Clark's attention was diverted, hearing a newscast from a neighboring apartment. "Oh, I need to go. I'll get back as soon as I can but it may be a little while."
He disappeared before her eyes as she grabbed the remote control to turn on the news hoping to catch whatever he was responding to.
Xoxoxo
Superman flew above England surveying the flooded areas figuring out how he could best help out the stranded people. Entire areas throughout England and Wales had been flooded by days of heavy rain. He worked for several hours first making sure all the stranded people were taken to higher ground then went about making temporary trenches to help drain off the water feeling guilty that he had been too distracted to hear about this natural disaster earlier.
He arrived home to find Lois waiting for him lounging on the sofa in a sheer pink negligee going over her ballot for the upcoming presidential election. She looked up blushing slightly as he joined her on the sofa. "I hope you really do like pink. I seemed to have acquired a lot of it since that interview a few years ago."
"Lois, I would think you beautiful in whatever you chose to wear, or not wear for that matter."
"What about when I'm out to here with our baby?" She held her hand way out from her flat belly.
"Especially then." He smiled as she snuggled up close to him.
"Hmmm, I guess we'll find out soon enough." Holding up her ballot she asked. "Did you vote yet, the election is Tuesday?"
"Yes, thinking I would be gone, I voted absentee a couple weeks ago. I'm really worried about Thorn getting elected. I just don't trust that man or his running mate Bonds." Taking the papers from her and setting them on the end table he pulled her even closer. "I believe we were talking about something much more pleasant than the upcoming election when I had to leave."
"Yes we were, as I recall." She smirked as she settled into his arms. "I was thinking maybe we could just get married in Smallville, I'm sure your mother would love that. You know just a small simple ceremony with just a few close friends and family."
"Ha ha, You don't know my mother well enough yet. She would turn that into a whole town affair faster than I could fly us there to stop her."
Lois frowned, "Oh! Then what do you suggest we do, go to Vegas and have Elvis preside?"
Clark rolled his eyes. "Hardly, what if we just have a simple ceremony here? Mom could fly in and of course your family and maybe a few people from the office."
"I like it, book-it Smallville!"
"Whoa! What… me?"
"Well, it was your idea." She moved to sit across his lap then started tracing her finger seductively over his chest.
"If you put it that way how can I refuse?" Wrapping his arms around her, he leaned down for a kiss. "Now the only question is… when?"
"Hmmm, I was also looking at the calendar while you were gone. How about the Saturday before Thanksgiving, November 18th? That gives us two weeks. It would also give us Thanksgiving week to have a real honeymoon. I'm sure Perry would give us both the time off if we ask him just right."
Clark took a deep breath. Lois noticed. "What's wrong? Is it too soon?"
"No, it's not that. I was just thinking that your father may not be too pleased with all of this. I am not exactly one of his favorite people as I recall."
"Well, lucky for you, you are not marrying my dad and he really has nothing to say about it. Besides if he got to know you a little better I'm sure you could win him over." She laid her head on his shoulder as he continued to hold her close.
"Get to know me better? Just how much better are you talking about? I know he's your father but I don't know if I'm ready to let him 'know me' that much better."
"Don't worry, I'm not suggesting that, but maybe you could let a little of your real self out with him. Let him know you're not a wimp."
Clark seemed surprised, "Is that why he doesn't like me, he thinks I'm a wimp?" Lois just shrugged acknowledgement. "Well, actually I do see why he might think that." he sighed remembering the last visit when General Lane had thought Clark had left Lois in danger while he had 'run to call for help'. Superman had had to save both father and daughter from a gang of thugs, not that he seemed to appreciate Superman either though. All the same he felt resigned to trying to win the man over for Lois' sake.
Deciding to change the subject he moved to another topic, "There's something else we need to talk about besides the wedding. You need to see a doctor and I'm thinking perhaps my doctor in particular."
It was Lois' turn to be surprised. She pulled away so she could look up at him to better scrutinize his face, incredulous. "Your doctor, you have a doctor?"
Clark shrugged his eyebrows almost disappearing under his hair as he nodded. "Not that I really see him very often but yes Doctor Hamilton at S.T.A.R. Labs. Lois, this is completely off the record, only a very few people know about it so you can't tell anyone else. There's a secret lab underground set up almost exclusively to treat and study me."
Lois put her hand protectively on her stomach and again studied his face. "What, you want our child to be delivered there…and …studied?"
"Lois, Doctor Hamilton and his personal staff are completely trustworthy. We are in unknown territory with our child. We need someone monitoring you and our baby that knows just what they're dealing with. We need Doctor Hamilton."
She sighed, "I guess you're right. So you'll have to make the appointment no doubt and you'll go with me right?"
"Of course I will. I'll be with you every step of the way."
Xoxoxoxoxo
The very next morning Lois came out of the bedroom with her hair still wet, incredible unexpected smells fueling her hunger coming from the kitchen. "Hmmm, what is that wonderful aroma? It doesn't smell at all like my usual banana in a bowl of cereal."
"Well, you are eating for two now. I thought a fresh egg and vegetable omelet would be nice with fresh picked berries on the side."
"You can cook!? GET OUT OF HERE! Really?! Just what other talents have you been hiding under your too big suits and red cape?" She hugged him then surreptitiously reached for a handful of fresh berries off the plate on the counter next to where he was standing. "Oh, these are heavenly where in the world did you get all of this stuff? I know it wasn't here last night."
Laughing and happy his cooking was such a hit he explained. "The eggs are from the farm. Mom has more than she can ever use so she insists I take what I want. I try to help her out as often as I can with some of the chores. The place is just too much for her alone and she refuses to hire anyone to help her. The berries and vegetables are from a farm in Chile I have connections with."
"Connections? As in Superman connections?"
He shrugged as if embarrassed. "Superman kinda helped them out a few years ago. They insisted he come back anytime he wanted fresh fruit and vegetables. I try to pay them but most of the time they refuse so Superman helps them in other ways like clearing the brush, that sort of thing."
"You do realize you're going back and forth between first and third person don't you?"
"Ha ha, Mom's always saying that. I guess I'm just letting my guard down with you. Sometimes the two merge in my mind when I am not being careful. Sorry."
She finished the fruit she had taken and reached to pick up a couple raspberries which she fed to him. "Its alright, I think it's cute."
"Hmmm, I love raspberries." Reluctantly pulling away he ladled the omelet onto the plates and set them on the table as she watched. Then he retrieved the plate of fresh fruit also placing it on the table along with two glasses of freshly squeezed orange juice. "Breakfast is served milady."
"Oh, I could totally get used to this."
As they enjoyed their breakfast Clark spoke up. "Oh Lois, we have an appointment for tomorrow afternoon with Doctor Hamilton at S.T.A.R. Labs. It's set up to look like we're visiting the main lab to conduct a routine interview with Doctor Hamilton on one of his ongoing studies. He'll take it from there. I told him why we're coming so it's all set."
"Tomorrow afternoon, how on earth did you book a doctor's appointment on such short notice and on a Sunday morning?"
"Well, I am his only patient, at least till now. I call he says come in, I just have to tell him when to expect us."
"So, you say jump and he says how high?"
"No, no it's not like that but he does make every effort to accommodate me." He seemed somewhat embarrassed at the special treatment.
"So… we won't have to wait for an hour and a half to actually get in to see him reading magazines from two years ago?"
"Huh?" He was truly confused by that question having never experienced it.
"Never mind, I think I'm going to like seeing your Doctor Hamilton. By the way, this omelet is wonderful. You are now the official cook of the Kent-Lane household since my specialties all come in little take out boxes."
Xoxoxoxo
Lois was amazed at the secret lab. She had been to S.T.A.R. Labs several times in the past but never once suspected there was a whole secret lab under the building. When they were left alone for a minute she looked over at Clark. "You never told me it was straight out of James Bond."
Her tests had been mostly routine, both blood and urine taken and a complete physical. Doctor Hamilton and his daughter, Doctor Elizabeth Hamilton were nothing if not thorough. Liz did the physical while her dad handled the other tests. Clark had only met her a couple times before since she usually stayed in the background when he was present, her father always taking the lead. In this instance her expertise would come in very handy. She had originally planned to go into pediatric research before deciding to join her father at the privately funded S.T.A.R. research lab. He had taken her into his confidence only a couple years earlier about the secret lab when his prior partner had died suddenly of a heart condition. What was even better she had privileges at Metropolis General so the baby, depending on the findings, could be delivered there. That would help the parents-to-be cover-up the special circumstances while appearing to be just like any other normal couple having a baby.
Doctor Hamilton came back into the exam room smiling. "Well everything looks good at first glance but we do need to finish some of the more comprehensive lab tests before we can say everything is indeed 'normal'. I would like to schedule a sonogram for the middle of January. And Kal-EL, I had hoped you would come in after that whole incident a few weeks ago. If you're up to it I would like to do a quick exam on you and draw some blood to make some comparisons. You did say you were powerless for a time? Do you know what could have caused that?"
Looking at Lois first then turning to address the doctor he answered. "Yes I do know what happened. My energy was basically drained leaving me, for the most part, what might be considered normal by human standards. I was able to reverse the process by simply undergoing a very intense recharging."
"I definitely think we should test you then. We want to make sure there were no lasting effects. Miss Lane do you mind waiting in the outside room for a few minutes?"
"Wait, he stayed with me for my whole examination, why can't I do the same and stay with him?" Lois seemed a little put off. "You're just going to take a little blood, right?"
"Lois, it's a little more complicated than that. Please do as they ask."
Lois didn't move, seeing no need for her to leave. What was he afraid of, needles? Surely not.
"Miss Lane, in order to get the sample we need to expose his arm to Kryptonite. It might not be safe for you or the embryo you're carrying to risk any exposure. Please he will be alright. We've done this before with no lasting ill effect."
"Lois, it'll be alright. They know what they're doing. Besides it'll only take a couple minutes, and they're right, you do need to leave for our baby's sake."
As Lois continued to watch refusing to budge Doctor Hamilton took a small lead box out of a safe in the corner of the lab while his daughter draped Clark, who was now lying bare chested on the exam table she had just vacated, with heavy lead aprons leaving only a part of his arm and head unshielded. The young doctor prepared his arm, by attaching a tourniquet, selecting a site and swabbing it with alcohol just as she had when drawing blood from Lois's own arm. At this point, both Doctors stopped and looked over at her waiting.
Clark nodded to her then turned to stare intently at the lead box as if bracing himself for what was to come. Lois sighed, finally giving up as she backed out of the room.
Just a few minutes later they allowed her back in. Clark was just beginning to sit up and seemed unusually pale. Lois ran to his side grabbing his arm examining it just in time to see the needle prick disappear and the small bruise fade to nothing.
Xoxoxoxo
The rest of the week went by like a jumble. The office was in an uproar with the election results, or more precisely the non-results. Perry was glad he had his top reporting team back in place to help cover the political fiasco that was unfolding. He was also glad his nephew had decided to head the international division from Metropolis rather than clear across the pond in London. He had always liked that kid. Sure, he was a little spoiled and had that typical rich kid, unattached bachelor attitude but he was sure there was more substance there just waiting to surface.
He smiled watching Kent and Lane from the privacy of his office have at it with Richard over 'who really won' the election. He watched Jimmy trying to hold his own with the other three not taking a stand on either side of the issue but a 'lets wait and see what happens' stance.
As he continued to watch their impassioned debate he was glad his reporters had been able to remain impartial in their coverage, but then they always had before in other just as highly charged issues so why not now.
The three really seemed to be enjoying their little debating sessions. Perry grinned. It seemed Clark was finally coming into his own, showing more spunk than he ever had before. He and Lois were good for each other. Good for them, Lois just better keep those Superman exclusives coming or, well maybe they would have to find some other enticement for the big guy. He looked at his watch, it was past 3 AM on a Saturday morning. The place was nearly deserted save for the night staff and a few of his top people, Lane and Kent included who had all been burning the midnight oil on the never ending election for several days.
Shaking his head he was about to go out and tell them to pack in for the night when a bulletin appeared on one of the screens in the bullpen just above Lois's desk where the threesome was still debating. A cable car fire in a tunnel was being reported in Kaprun, Austria. Perry grabbed his remote and switched channels to pull the station up on his own set. According to the report there were estimates of 160 skiers and snowboarders along with a conductor trapped in the ascending railway car. The conductor and at least one passenger were also believed trapped in a second descending car. Looking back out in the bullpen he saw Lois, Richard and Jimmy all staring up at the television as he heard what sounded like a sonic boom. Looking back at the screen in his office he saw Superman arrive at the scene of the tunnel fire a few seconds later. He pondered that for a moment, thinking his reporter instincts were missing something important in the puzzle.
Xoxo
Superman arrived at the tunnel entrance and quickly blew the fire out that had started in the conductor's compartment then inhaled the deadly noxious fumes filling the tunnel like a giant chimney. Exiting the tunnel and streaking into the sky he exhaled the fumes into the atmosphere where they would do no harm. Returning to the tunnel he pulled both trains to safety making sure all aboard were accounted for and recovering from the mishap. Finally he flew back up the tunnel making a final check ending at the Alpine Centre located at the top of the tracks where he proceeded to fly the stranded workers and skiers to safety since the tunnel was now closed for all transport.
As Clark re-entered the bullpen the station was reporting that Superman was being credited with saving the lives of as many as 170 people. Perry looked up just in time to see Clark walk in the main door. He noticed the young man smiling up at the story being reported as Lois ran to give him a hug. The rest of the bullpen was empty except for a few night workers everyone else had finally gone home. Perry got up from his chair grabbing his coat and headed out of his office. "You two should go home, it's almost daylight already. That's where I'm going. The place will survive for the rest of the weekend without the three of us. Have a nice weekend I'm sure you have a lot to do what with the wedding next Saturday."
"Thanks Perry. We'll see you Monday morning." Clark answered as he helped Lois with her coat. Lois quickly brushed a little soot off his jaw line hoping Perry and been too tired to notice.
Xoxo
The following week the couple received news that by all appearances the pregnancy was normal and the embryo was developing as would be expected for a typical nine month gestation period. The due date was determined to be June 22nd. The week flew by as they became more excited about making their union official.
Wednesday evening Lois and Clark went to pick up Martha at the airport expecting her to stay in their guest bedroom. They were both surprised when she arrived with Ben Hubbard insisting on staying at a nearby hotel they had already booked.
Seeing his hurt expression Martha pulled Clark aside as Ben was distracted watching for the luggage to appear in the baggage claim turnstile. "Clark I loved your father, I always will but life goes on. Besides, you didn't expect me to attend your wedding unescorted did you? We've been planning on doing some traveling together for a while and this seemed as good of a time as any. Besides now that I don't have to worry about you allowing yourself some happiness, I thought perhaps I could find a little more for myself."
"You're always right mom, and I do want you to be happy and well cared for. I'm glad you brought him." Sighing he continued, "I was just a little surprised that's all. You still could have stayed with us you know."
"Honey, I just thought perhaps it might get a little complicated…if you needed to make a quick exit. I haven't told him anything…but it would certainly be nice to have someone to confide in besides you and now Lois."
"Let me give it a little thought mom, see how it goes for now. Oh! I should help him with the bags."
Xoxo
Lois's father arrived Friday night just after the dinner party started the night before the wedding. Before taking his place he insisted Lois accompany him outside to a heated patio area where he proceeded to grill her as if she was the main course.
"Lois, what the he!! is this all about? Out of the blue you are up and marrying this…this." He was at a loss of just how to describe the man his oldest daughter was about to marry.
"Dad, I love him. He's been my best friend for years and he's the most wonderful man you could ever imagine. You just need to get to know him like I do." Reluctantly she decided to tell him the other news. "We're expecting a baby and we want to spend the rest of our lives together."
"Oh, so that's it, a shotgun marriage! Lois you don't have to marry the guy just because he got you pregnant. There are a lot of other options…."
"This is not a shot gun marriage. I never thought I wanted babies till I realized I was having his baby. WE couldn't be happier and if you can't share our joy then maybe you should just go back to wherever you came from. I will not let you mar our wedding day." Fuming and not wanting to spoil her mood by hearing another word from him she started to walk away, then turned back. Her eyes were tearing but she refused to shed any on his account. "And I don't need you to give me to Clark because I've already committed myself to him body and soul!" With that she turned and headed back inside, Clark met her opening the patio door putting his arm around her protectively as she rejoined the dinner party in the restaurant.
Sam watched Lois leave and saw the look on Clark's face as he met her at the door. If he didn't know better he would have sworn the man looked like he had heard the whole conversation. He suddenly felt like Kent was sending him a visual message with his intense stare, as if to say, if you dare mess with her, you'll have me to contend with. He had never noticed how tall and imposing the young man could be. Deciding he had little choice he joined the party taking the only open seat near the other end of the table from the now smiling couple.
Xoxo
Jimmy got up from time to time snapping pictures capturing the evening for the wedding book that was to be his gift to the couple. Jimmy hadn't really been too surprised when they announced just two weeks earlier that they were getting married. He had been surprised at how close Lois and Clark had become to Richard though, especially after their first meeting that same night they had made their announcement. They had even helped Richard find an apartment not too far from the office. He guessed it was their closeness in age and except for the political differences they seemed to have a lot in common. He chuckled to himself remembering all the debates about the never ending election that was still not decided.
He snapped a picture of Richard seated next to a pretty blonde. Clark had introduced her as a lifelong friend from Smallville, Chloe if he remembered right. The two seemed to have hit it off and had been talking animatedly all evening. As he moved around the table trying to get candied shots of everyone he couldn't help but notice the coolness General Lane exuded. Oh well, maybe the guy will see how those two were just meant for each other. All he had to do was really look at them to see how happy they both were. Clark's mother on the other hand was the picture of happiness. Now there was a sweet lady. She had even known who he was before Clark introduced them. Sweet!
Xoxo
The wedding went off without a hitch and Sam did a commendable job of hiding his uncertainty. The wedding had been conducted at a small church with just a few friends mostly from the office and close family attending. Besides Martha and Ben the only other person from Smallville attending had been Chloe Sullivan. After the couple left Richard offered to show Chloe the 'sights' of the big city. Not wanting to spoil the mood, Chloe didn't bother to tell him that she had spent many days in Metropolis over the years and had seen just about everything already.
Richard was a little bit of a player but Chloe was enjoying his company all the same. She would have to eventually fess up and let him know she wasn't the little farm girl he had pegged her for. In the meantime she was having fun and she had a little time to kill since she was between job assignments doing off camera investigational work for an international cable news channel.
Xoxoxoxoxo
Clark had made all the honeymoon plans in secret wanting to surprise Lois by taking her to one of his favorite places. As they sat in the plane just a few short hours after the wedding reception heading for France, Clark seemed antsy. He fidgeted and moved around in his seat every few minutes.
Finally Lois spoke up. "Clark, what's wrong, surely you're not afraid of flying? Don't you have enough room? Good thing Perry gave us those upgrades to first class you would really be cramped back in coach."
"No, of course I'm not afraid of flying." Looking around to make sure no one was listening he whispered conspiratorially, "I just don't like flying in a plane, it is too confining."
"I guess we needed to fly commercially and go through customs with our passports in order to stay at a hotel huh?"
"Unfortunately yes" he sighed as he looked out the window wishing he was on the other side of it.
Lois moved over in her seat pulling up the armrest between them so she could snuggle up to his side while still keeping her seatbelt fastened. "Why don't we just try to sleep for a few hours after all we have over five hours left before we arrive in Paris then the commuter flight to Toulouse."
"Sounds like a good idea to me. I'm sure you at least could use the rest." He put his arm around her as she rested her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes.
Xoxo
As he drove the rental car Clark began to tell Lois about their destination point of Cordes-sur-Ciel in the South of France. He told of how he often flew over the town to see the beautiful countryside and often watched the sunrise from one particular site. He said the town was given the name Cordes-sur-Ciel which means Cords on the sky during the twentieth century because the hilltop town is often above the low lying mists on winter mornings. Lois noticed he seemed particularly excited about sharing the information with her and she couldn't wait to see the sites he was now telling her about that obviously had him so captivated.
Driving up to their hotel the Château de Laborde Lois began to see why, the Château and countryside was breathtaking. They spent the afternoon seeing the nearby sights. Even having their portrait done by a young local artist named Sophie Himene who insisted on being called by her nickname, Noux. She spoke in English but with a delightful French accent.
The next morning Superman woke Lois just before dawn with a light kiss. "Time to get up sleepyhead, you really don't want to miss this." He had just returned from several Superman jobs all over the world. He took special care to handle several around Europe as well as in America to hide the fact that Superman was in France.
Gathering Lois in his arms he took her to the top of a medieval church building at the top of the town. A place only he would be able to access. The sun was just starting to rise and the town was indeed above the mists. Lois was awestruck with the beauty as they sat there in silence for several minutes. It did indeed appear like they were on an island in the sky with misty clouds separating them from the rest of the world.
Lois noticed the sun sparkling in Clark's brilliant blue eyes as he looked out over the town. She leaned back against his chest with his arms encircling her enjoying his warmth. They continued to watch the spectacular sunrise in absolute silence from their hidden perch above the mists.
Xoxoxoxoxo
The week flew by much too fast for the young couple and soon they found themselves back at the office with fond memories to share with each other and friends. Little had changed in the week since they had left and soon they were both back in the thick of the newsroom events.
Finally on December 13th the U.S. Supreme Court by stopping a Florida presidential recount effectively decided the Presidency in favor of Thorn. As the news spread in the bullpen like wildfire Richard approached Lois and Clark sitting at their desks grinning from ear to ear. "So, I win!"
Clark looked up at him frowning and answered, "No, I am very afraid that we have all lost!"
Richard continued to smile, shaking his head.
Xoxoxoxoxo
On January 8th one of the big stories was the reporting that Noah, a gaur or a dark coated ox was born in Southeast Asia. What made it news was that it was the first individual of an endangered species to ever be cloned. The 'baby' sparked a new round of debates in the bullpen. This time Lois, Clark and Richard were all on the same side.
Xoxoxoxoxo
One afternoon, just a few days later Richard came over to Lois' desk looking for Clark. "Oh, I sent him to get me a pickle with mustard on it, suddenly I just had to have one."
Richard made a face and just then Clark came back to his desk empty handed and sat down prompting Richard to ask, "Where's the mustard pickle?"
Clark looked at him as if he was crazy then noticed Lois's expression and figured she must have made an excuse for him. "Oh darn, I got sidetracked and completely forgot. I'll go get it now."
He got up about to leave again when Lois stopped him. "Oh that's alright, but you know what I really would like? A chocolate malt…with peanut butter in it."
Clark smiled and started to leave, Richard caught up with him. "Mind if I tag along? I could use a pick-me-up myself."
"Clark, could you also get them to put some tuna fish in the malt? Thanks, you're such a sweetie."
Clark and Richard both stopped in their tracks, turning around faces showing their distaste for what she had just asked for. Clark asked wanting to make sure his super hearing had not failed him. "Did you just ask for a chocolate, peanut butter and tuna malt?"
Lois looked up from her computer smiling sincerely, "Uh huh, it just sounds really good to me right now. Make it a large one too."
Clark swallowed hard thinking and I'm the one with the cast iron stomach. Richard looked like he was about to change his mind about going since he seemed a little green but then took a deep breath as both men turned and walked out of the doors together.
Clark looked at Richard as the elevator took them down to the main floor. "Where are we going to find a chocolate, peanut butter and tuna malt?" The two men stood out in front of the building for a minute looking one way then the other, neither knowing where to go. Clark finally spoke again. "I guess the deli on the corner is as good a place to start as any."
Just as they were about to be waited on a couple punks came running into the deli brandishing guns and telling everyone to just stay quiet and back up against the wall. Richard did as told and didn't even notice Clark disappear. Seconds later Superman was there and the punks were somehow tied up with an electric cord sitting in a corner dazed. The owner hadn't even had time to open his register to comply with the punks demand for money.
"Is everyone alright?" Richard was the first to respond to the hero's question.
"Wow, it's really you. I've been anxious to meet you. My friend Clark here…" He looked around noticing for the first time that Clark was no where to be seen. "Un, sorry I don't know where he is. Anyway wow…this is so cool!" Superman was suddenly self conscious feeling like his friend Richard had turned into some kind of fanboy or something. Richard held out his hand and the two men shook. "Thanks, you are really awesome you know. I guess you get that all the time, huh?"
Two policemen came running in, guns drawn before Superman could answer. He gave a quick statement and then was on his way. A crowd formed outside and one of the policemen stayed at the entrance to keep anyone from entering. Finally after taking everyone else's statements they allowed the shop to reopen after the punks who were both high on drugs were led away.
Clark came back in and Richard motioned for him to join him at the counter. He had already placed Lois's order asking for the tuna as a separate item. "What happened to you? You just disappeared. Can you believe it, I got to meet Superman! I'm still psyched. Did you want anything, it's on me?"
Clark shook his head smiling, "I snuck out and called 911 when they told us to back up against the wall. The police got here really fast and wouldn't let anyone back inside so I just waited."
Richard was barely listening and said again, almost to himself, "Wow, I got to meet Superman… and shake his hand!"
Clark asked the owner to put the malt in an environmentally friendly paper cup then placed the cup in the bag with the cup of tuna. When Richard wasn't looking as they started walking back to the office he blew in the bag to slightly freeze the malt so it wouldn't melt.
Richard talked non-stop about Superman the whole way back to the office. Just as they got back to Lois's desk he said, "You know they say he can see through anything. I would have fun with that." Lois looked up at Richard somewhat shocked then noticed Clark just behind him looking at her, his eyes wide, shaking his head NO!
"Somehow Richard, I'm sure Superman would find better things to do with his abilities. What took you guys so long I've been starving for an hour!"
"There was an attempted robbery, I got to meet Superman!" as he proceeded to tell her everything she grabbed the bag from Clark and took the lid off the still frozen malt and took a sip from the straw." Holding it up she asked Clark if he would like a taste noticing Richard had a malt of his own but Clark had nothing.
Clark took a sip. "Hmm, not bad. Kinda like a frozen Reese's peanut butter cup."
Richard who had finally stopped his ongoing Superman commentary noticed Lois's frozen malt in the paper cup as Clark handed it back to her and looked down at his own melted chocolate malt in a Styrofoam cup. "Hmmmm, that's weird?"
Lois poured the tuna into the malt and stirred it up before taking another big draw on the straw. "Oh, now that's exactly what I wanted! Want another taste honey?" She held the cup up offering it to Clark.
Clark gulped and answered, his voice almost squeaking, "No, I'm good."
Xoxoxoxoxo
Author's note: Sorry, I had really intended to have a different 'Baby' make an appearance but I am having such fun exploring what happened that this story is going to be longer than I thought. I promise the 'baby' you have been waiting for will appear in the next chapter.
BTW the flooding in England and Wales, the Kaprun disaster which left 155 skiers dead and the birth of Noah are all real events that happened on those days in history. Well, I guess we all know about that election mess.
Also I want to acknowledge Saavikam for the S.T.A.R. Labs bit and the procedure for taking Superman's blood like she did in Aftermath! She was totally cool with me using it. I just thought it was so well done. THANKS Savvi :D
AND a VERY BIG thanks to all of you who once again took the time to review. You made my day!