A/N: This next chapter will end Act I: Devotion. As hidden secrets are revealed and threats are confirmed, their lives will never be the same. I hope you enjoy this next chapter. It's definitely one of my favorites. Read on!! :D

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Chapter 8: Evolution

Previously:

"It sounds like you have a plan," Gordon said curious to see what he had come up with.

"It is the oldest plan in the book. Hit them where it hurts, in the pocketbook. No drugs, no money, it's as simple as that."

"You do realize that Edge won't sit still for it," Gordon said.

"That's exactly what we're counting on," Bruce said liking their plan more and more.

~o~o~

Gotham City, the next morning:

Lana needed a break and soon. What a week, between starting my new job, finding an apartment, moving in and now, working on a Saturday, I need to get out of here. The past several months had been like a whirlwind, not that she was really complaining. She loved her new job and her new apartment, and Richard was there every step of the way ready to help no matter what her request happened to be. He is a true friend. Still calling him that, are we? She smiled at her inner voice. Richard wanted more and she finally admitted it to herself, that she was definitely warming to the idea.

Her phone rang just then. "Lana Lang, here."

"Hi, Lana, it's me. Are you almost done?" Richard asked anxious to put his plans into action for the afternoon.

She was more than ready to leave. "Hi, Richard, perfect timing, I'm all done."

"Great, I'll be there in ten minutes."

"I'll be ready. Bye, Richard," Lana said and smiled.

"Bye, Lana. I ... ummm ... I'm on my way," Richard mumbled and hung up. I did not almost say those words over the phone and for the first time no less. That is not how I want to tell her how I feel. He grabbed his jacket and headed over to her office.

"So, where are we going?" Lana asked looking out the window of Richard's car and not recognizing this part of town.

"You'll see; we're almost there."

"Oh, you and your surprises," she said smiling. Shaking her head at him, she loved surprises, but then she saw the passing signs. Air strip, hangars for hire.

"Richard, are we going flying?"

"Yes, would you like a little ride?" He hoped she would say yes.

Lana took a deep breath as her nerves started screaming at her. She had never been on a private plane before. She put on her brave face, at least she hoped it was a brave face and said, "of course, I would. Thank you, Richard."

Richard chuckled. "You're nervous, aren't you?"

"How could you tell?" She gave him another brave smile.

"Well, that smile, I've not quite seen it before." He patted her hand. "We don't have to, you know."

"No, no, I want to. I trust you, Richard." She squeezed his hand. "I know you're an accomplished pilot. Let's do this."

"Are you sure, because I want you to have a good time and I know you've been going non-stop for weeks. This is my way of getting you away from it all, just for a little while."

If Lana had any doubts about him or her feelings, they were wiped away with those words. He really does care about me. He's proven that in so many ways, I've actually lost count. She was finding it hard to speak past the lump in her throat. "I'm very sure."

"Great," Richard said more excited than he could ever remember. After parking the car, he pulled out a picnic basket from the trunk, took Lana by the hand and headed to his plane. Soon, they were all buckled in and ready to take off. He turned to Lana who was clutching the arms of her seat. "Ready?"

"Ready as I'll ever be," Lana said amazed she could talk considering she was shaking inside.

After getting clearance from the tower, he taxied down the runway and they were off, up into the sky. Richard glanced at Lana and her eyes were closed. He chuckled. "We're leveling off now. You can open your eyes, Lana."

Lana dared to open her eyes, looking out the window to the right and saw blue skies and flowing clouds and she looked directly out the front of the plane, and finally she turned to Richard. His smile warmed her heart and she could feel it slowing to a more manageable rhythm. She smiled back and relaxed. She thought her terror would be with her the entire time, but it was gone. "Oh, Richard, it's beautiful. I can see why you love it so. Thank you."

Richard saw and heard her reaction, and it pleased him enormously. He took her hand and kissed it. Now might be a good time. "You're welcome. Lana, I ..." He hesitated.

Lana saw his expression and her heart literally skipped a beat. "I know," she smiled as her eyes filled with tears.

"You need to get over here," Richard said as he pulled her hand.

Lana unbuckled her seat and went into his arms kissing him senseless. Richard barely managed to put the plane on autopilot as their kisses intensified. "Should we be doing this?" Lana asked as she kissed his cheek and his ear.

"We're good, no one's around," Richard breathed and kissed her again. He'd never done this before, but he couldn't stop kissing her. She feels wonderful in my arms.

"Maybe we should land," Lana breathed between kisses.

"Humm, actually, there's a strip ahead not far from the beach. We could stop there and have lunch. How does that sound?"

"Perfect. I'm hungry," Lana said and kissed his throat. "And not for food," she pulled back and smiled at his shocked expression.

~o~o~

An hour later, Richard landed the plane in Tampa, Florida. He couldn't remember ever flying so fast, as he patted his coat pocket, remembering that he had made a hotel reservation hoping they would stay the night. He knew it was wishful thinking on his part and Lana may not be ready for this, but he couldn't resist the temptation, knowing he was ready for the next step.

They grabbed a cab from the airport and headed to the hotel which was close to the beach. It was a beautiful day, sunny and warm. Richard glanced at Lana, she seemed so excited and he couldn't help feeling it too. They held hands in the cab and smiled at each other. He couldn't resist her, as he pulled her to him and kissed her. She immediately responded kissing him back. I haven't told her yet how I feel, but I will remedy that very soon now.

The cabbie just smiled and shook his head. They must be newlyweds or something.

Richard pulled back after a moment and decided to let it all hang out. "Lana, I booked a room not far from the beach," he said hoping he hadn't made the biggest mistake of his life. She opened her mouth to speak but nothing came out. He sighed. "You can smack my face now."

Instead of smacking him, she pulled his head down and kissed him like never before. Richard was ecstatic. He kissed her back moaning and tasting her tongue.

The cabbie cleared his throat. "We're here guys, guys?"

Richard's brain vaguely heard the cabbie speaking, as he smiled at Lana's flushed face. He paid for the cab and he wouldn't remember later exactly how much he had paid the man. They entered the hotel hand in hand, got the room key, entered their room, and immediately fell into each other's arms.

They fell back onto the bed and began slowly removing each other's clothes like a dance they knew, but didn't want the music to end. Lana studied his handsome face trying to decide which of his features appealed to her the most. Was it his eyes, his full, perfectly shaped mouth, which now drew her gaze? Her look turned him on beyond measure. He had to have her. "You're so lovely," Richard said so enthralled, he didn't think he could go slowly. He had to say it or he would burst. "I love you, Lana."

Lana smiled and touched his cheek. "I love you too, Richard." She kissed him thrusting her tongue inside his mouth and moaning her approval when he kissed her back. Their kisses grew more and more passionate, and then his hands began their exploration of her beautiful body. He murmured love words to her as he kissed her lovely breasts, down her torso to her flat stomach until he came to the juncture of her thighs and saw the lovely nest of red curls. He almost lost it then. He stroked her center and she was slick and warm with desire. He stopped for a moment. "Richard?" Lana missed him holding her.

"I'm here." He pulled a condom from his jacket pocket and slipped it on. He kissed her sweet mouth again and again and then he pulled her beneath him. He pressed gently against her opening, easing his way inside her. Lana lifted her arms and legs to pull him close eager for him to move. He quickly found the pace that had her climbing toward a climax and she clung to his shoulders. He held her tightly to him as his arms slipped beneath her body to pull her closer. Lana's breathing increased when Richard thrust more rapidly against her and then it happened. She felt her body convulse sharply as she climaxed. He was right behind her as his body jerked and he cried out his pleasure against her neck as he joined her in a lover's paradise.

Richard continued to kiss her and hold her tight. He withdrew carefully and settled back into her arms as they clung to each other and their heartbeats slowed. He smiled against her temple and stroked her hair.

Content, Lana closed her eyes and snuggled closer. Oh yeah, this is just what I needed.

~o~o~

Somewhere in the far north:

Clark was fast approaching the Fortress of Solitude. He hadn't spoken to his father since before the wedding. It was way past time to clear the air between them. He had avoided coming here, but he couldn't put it off anymore. He had to know if any unusual outer space communications had occurred since his return six months ago.

After speaking with Bruce and the informant, and finding out about a big Intergang meeting, he knew he couldn't wait any longer. The League was doing their part hitting Edge where it hurt the most ... narcotics trafficking. It was time to update his father about his life. Even with all that had happened in the past, as he came closer to the Fortress, he couldn't help the feeling of coming home and the sense of peace and assurance that came over him.

A few weeks before the wedding, he had installed security precautions in light of what had happened with Luthor, so no more unwanted visitors could gain access to his home. As he punched in the security codes and scanned his fingerprint, he was granted access. The Fortress came alive as soon as he approached the main console.

"Father?" Kal-El called to his father.

"Kal-El," Jor-El responded. There seemed to be a pause. "How are you, my son?"

Clark was startled by that question. He has never asked about me before. That is strange. Could it be possible that Jor-El is evolving somehow? It wouldn't be unusual, but it certainly is surprising. "I'm doing well." Confused, Clark looked around. "Father, I still can't see you."

"There have been a few minor problems since Luthor stole the crystals, but everything should be back to normal soon. Kal-El, I haven't spoken to you since the security upgrades."

"Yes, I know. I wanted to come and talk to you about the many changes in my life."

"What changes, Kal-El?"

He is not going to like this. "Lois and I ..." He hesitated.

"Tell me, Kal-El," Jor-El encouraged his son to speak.

Clark took a deep breath and forged ahead. "Lois and I were married several weeks ago. We are mated for life, Father. I love her and she loves me. Nothing and no one will ever change that."

Silence followed that statement. Clark sighed, not knowing what to say.

"Kal-El ... why ...?" Jor-El began.

Clark interrupted him. "I know what you're going to say, but Father, Lois and I can make this work. It's what we both want more than anything. I can be a father and a husband and still be Earth's savior."

"What I was going to say was why didn't you tell be about this before?" Jor-El asked and then he said ... "a father, Kal-El?"

"Yes, I'm a father. Lois and I have a son. His name is Jason. He was conceived six years ago after I gave up my powers to be with her."

"You have a son?"

"Yes, I do." If I didn't know any better, I could swear he is smiling. "I want you to meet him. You'll ... like him Father. He's smart, beautiful, friendly, funny, sweet ..."

Jor-El interrupted him. "Kal-El, you can bring him here to meet me."

Now Clark was the one smiling. He was so relieved. "I will, Father and soon, but what about Lois? Can I bring her too?"

"Yes, Kal-El, I wish to speak with her."

Clark didn't like the sound of that. "And what are going to say to her? She's been through enough Father. Lois and I have been through hell and back to be together, and there's nothing you can say that will change it. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Kal-El, I do. I wanted to tell her and you that I will no longer stand in your way."

"Do you mean that, Father?"

"Yes, Kal-El, I do mean it."

"Thank you, Father," Clark said relieved beyond measure. Maybe he has evolved. "I will bring them both here very soon. But there's another reason why I came today. Has there been any suspicious outer space communications in the past several months or since my return six months ago?"

"Yes, Kal-El, there has."

Clark's heart sank. Edge truly was desperate to unleash that monster. Millions could be harmed or worse. He thought he was prepared for this, but hearing it made it all the more real. "When was it?"

"About three days ago."

It must have been right after the conference. "I see. Father, it's possible one of my greatest foes will be here on Earth very soon now. I've brought everything I know about him and I'll upload the data in a few minutes. I've also brought all the names and biographies of all the Justice League members. I want them to be able to access everything here just in case anything happens. They're superheroes like me. They can help us. What I want from you is a way to stop him."

"I'll help you any way I can, Kal-El."

"Thank you, Father. Now, let's get to work."

~o~o~

Meanwhile back in Metropolis:

Lois was at the house that morning sitting on the bed in their bedroom staring into space. She was still in shock, as she lifted her hand and stared at the blue positive test strip indicating that she was pregnant. She blinked, shook it again, but it still read positive. I'm pregnant. She put her hand over her mouth, shook her head, still not quite believing it.

Looking back over the past week, she couldn't ignore the signs anymore, her missed period the other day, the headaches, the mood swings, the exhaustion, it all added up. It looks like Clark and Dr. Hamilton were both wrong. We can make babies with Clark's powers and we did. She knew when it had happened too. She pulled out the bedside table drawer and looked at her calendar organizer, and sure enough, it happened on their honeymoon or anytime really over the past two weeks. Of course, she wasn't surprised. It's a wonder we survived our honeymoon at all. We couldn't keep our hands off each other let alone take time to eat anything. She chuckled. I guess some things haven't changed. She put her hand over her stomach. "Oh, Clark." Tears welled up in her eyes and slid down her cheeks. This time will be different from before. Yes, so different.

Clark meanwhile, had arrived at the Planet offices expecting to see his wife and to talk to her about Darkseid. He had to tell her everything. He dreaded it, but he had promised her he wouldn't keep anything from her. He looked around the bullpen and she wasn't there. He checked Perry's office, the copy room, and she wasn't around. He asked Jimmy, but he said he hadn't seen her all morning. Where is she? He pulled out his cell phone and called the house. Lois answered and told him she was fine and that she needed to see him as soon as he could get away. He told Perry there was an emergency at the house, so he had to leave.

When he entered the house, he called to his wife, "Lois, I'm home, where are you?"

"I'm upstairs," Lois cried, trying to pull herself together. She threw the test strip in a drawer, went into the bathroom and threw cold water on her face. She looked at herself in the mirror and groaned, and then she grabbed a brush and tried to look presentable. He's going to think something's wrong. Just look at yourself.

"Lois, honey," Clark called as he entered the bedroom. He saw her in the bathroom wiping at her eyes. Was she sick and hadn't wanted to tell me over the phone? He saw her face then and his heart fell to his knees. Something is terribly wrong.

Lois looked up at his concerned face and it tore at her heart. The tears came again. Damn hormones are going to make me crazy. "I'm fine, Clark," she managed to get out between sniffles and wiping at her eyes.

"What's wrong, why are you crying?" Clark was so worried about her. He brought her into the bedroom. He sat down and pulled Lois into his arms. "Has something happened?" Could she have heard about Darkseid somehow? No, that's impossible.

"Give me a minute," Lois said and sighed. She closed her eyes, put her arms around his waist and rested her head on his chest trying to get control of her emotions. She breathed in his unique scent ... fresh air, sunshine, and ... Clark. She took another breath and smiled then.

Clark could feel her relaxing and he pulled her close waiting for her to speak. She'll tell me when she's ready.

"I'm alright now," she said and pulled back and looked into his face. "I have to tell you something," but she hesitated not knowing where to begin.

Clark didn't know what to think, but then he had a thought. "You want me to quit the League, is that it? I know I've been pretty busy since we got back from our honeymoon, but ..."

She touched his lips to stop him from speaking. "No, no, Clark, that's not it at all. I know the League is important to you, and I wouldn't ask you to choose. Besides, you need them and they need you." She touched his cheek. "I'm very, very proud of you, what you've done with them now and will do in the future."

Clark was so relieved. He didn't want to make a choice, but if he had to, Lois and their son would always come first. "Then, what is it? Is Jason's asthma back? Are you ill?"

"No, no, that's not it." She paused again then took his hands in hers. "A miracle has happened. Clark, I'm pregnant," she said and suddenly realized he had the same expression as when she had told him she would marry him ... shocked and deliriously happy at the same time.

"What did you just say? I'm hearing things. Did you just say ...?"

She laughed. "You heard right. I'm pregnant, Clark." She threw her arms around his neck. "It's really true."

"Really? You're pregnant? Oh, honey, that's wonderful news." He stood up then pulling her to him as he kissed her cheek, her temple, her hair. "Are you sure? I never dreamed this would happen again."

"Neither did I, but I took a home pregnancy test twice. It's a miracle, Clark. We're going to have another baby," she smiled as the tears welled up again.

"You're the miracle, Lois. I love you so much," Clark sighed holding her face between his palms as he leaned down and kissed her tasting her tears, as a few seeped through his lids as well.

"I love you too," Lois said between kisses and thinking about the past and how much they had missed, but not this time. This time they would have it all.

End of Act I: Devotion

TBC!

A/N: I so enjoyed writing this chapter. I had to give both couples their happiness now, because happiness is fleeting as we all know. *cue ominous music* Well, what did you think? Do you have any comments or thoughts?

A/N#2: A heads up, I have some RL business to take care of over the next week or so. Look for Act II: Lost to begin March 15, two weeks from today. Thanks for reading! Reviews are love!!