Thanks once again to those of you who have taken the time to reivew.

Chapter9:

2 days later, Wayne Manor- 13:45:

The truck pulls into the circular drive outside of Wayne Manor. Mrs. Kent lets out a gasp of awe at the sight of the beautiful mansion in front of us.

"You think this is amazing then you wait till we go inside."

I'm startled as my door is opened. "Miss Lane, it is a pleasure…" Alfred's words die on his lips as his gaze falls upon my stomach, "…you're pregnant." Alfred offers his hand to help me out of the truck, he then hurries to the driver's side but Mrs. K has already exited the vehicle. I stretch my back and legs, cramps setting in after the 5 hour drive. Mrs. K goes to grab our luggage out of the truck bed,

"I've got it Mrs. Kent."

"It's quite alright thanks Alfred. I've got it."

Alfred places a hand over Mrs K's, "I insist madam, I've got it."

Mrs. Kent looks like she is about to start an argument with the endearing butler when Bruce cuts in…"Lois, I see what the problem is, how can I be of service?" Bruce suavely descends the steps, offering a hand to Mrs. Kent…

"Afternoon Mrs. Kent, how was your trip?" He places a gentlemanly kiss on her hand and turns to me. Bruce hugs me, although gently.

"The years have done you good." I offer, grinning mischievously.

"You're looking good yourself. Shall we?" Bruce dramatically sweeps his arm in front of the mansion then places his arms across both mine and Mrs. K's shoulders. "We'll be in the study Alfred."

"Right-on then Master Wayne."

Bruce leads us through the extravagant mansion and through to his study. The beauty of the rooms lost on me, having seen it all many times before and due to the pressing circumstances surrounding our visit. Mrs. Kent on the other hand is practically gawking at anything and everything we pass.

Bruce indicates that we take a seat on the enormous leather couch in front of the fireplace. He sits on the coffee table in front of us.

"So Lois, what have you gotten yourself into this time?" Mrs. Kent looks questioningly at me and then shakes her head as if it shouldn't have surprised her.

"I guess I should start at the beginning then…"

"So you're pregnant with Clark's child, who is Kryptonian and you are experiencing a very rapid pregnancy?" For a man as smart as Bruce, he sure is having a hard time grasping this concept. Although not everyone is as ready to accept all this as I was.

"Yeah, I think that's it Captain Obvious."

Shaking his head, "You're never going to let me forget that are you. Anyway, I already have a few ideas but how do you want me to help?" Mrs. Kent who hasn't spoken a word sits there silently, signaling me to continue, to offer the plan that we discussed.

"This isn't anything definite and it's all got to do with how you feel about the whole thing because if you don't want to we understand and we'll be on our way."

"Lois." Both Bruce and Mrs. K cut off my rambling. "Take a breath." Bruce offers afterwards.

"Right, anyway. If we stay here, put on a façade of a happy family, we don't have to make any press announcements or anything and then we just play things by ear as they go along." I look at Bruce expectantly, Mrs. Kent mirroring my expression.

"Sketchy, but I'm sure we can work on it." I smile at him as he goes into deep thought, "These are just suggestions, you can agree or disagree to anything." We both nod…

"Okay, I have a doctor who will be able to help you with the delivery, there'll be no questions asked so all of the medical side is covered." He pauses again, "I have no problem with pretending that we're together, but unfortunately you're going to have to play up that public façade, we'll probably have to announce an engagement but it will only be for show, I don't expect a marriage or anything of that kind." I mentally wince and nod, "I won't make any announcements about the lineage of the children but they will receive a proper education," I nod again, "Alright, I don't expect anything in return other than your understanding of my duties as Batman," Mrs. Kent looks shocked but continues to stay silent, "And once the children are old enough I want you to finish your education." I look at Bruce shocked.

I look to Mrs. Kent and she just nods at me, I can see tears in her eyes. "Thanks Bruce, this all sounds perfect." Bruce takes my hands in his.

"I'm here for you Lois, if you don't agree to any of it I understand and won't make you do anything that you don't want to do. Secondly, any time you want out you just say so. You know I'd never do anything to hurt you." I turn my hands to his and squeeze, speechless.

"Thank you very much Mr. Wayne."

"Please Mrs. Kent, just Bruce."

"Well in that case Bruce, it's just Martha."

"You're welcome Martha." He smiles, and I find it contagious.

"While I make the arrangements to get Doctor Richards here, Alfred will ready a late lunch for you, anything you desire."

"Thank you very much Master Bruce, this way ladies." Alfred says as he turns around and leads us to the kitchen.


Dr Richards Office, 4 hours later:

--In your eyes I see a future so bright,

all of a sudden everything feels right.

I'm wrapped up in feelings of warmth and love,

not exactly what I was thinking of.

I came here looking for a fight,

never expected to see you in a different light.

You're the last person, whom I'd expected these feelings to arise,

The one I dislike and most despise.

Sure, we're friends but I'd never say it aloud,

I'm dumbfounded by what I've found.

I hate myself for this realization so true,

out of everyone, why you?

My defenses crumble, now vulnerable and small,

Don't know if you love me at all.

In your eyes everything looks so right,

I'm going to take a chance, even if it's only for tonight.—

Damn, where's a pen and paper when you need it? I sigh in resignation; now trying to remember the poem for when I get back to Wayne Manor. Mrs. Kent's voice startles me out of my thoughts…

"My father was a big time lawyer in Metropolis, I grew up surrounded by a lot of grandeur and even in the time I spent with the Luthor's, I've never seen anywhere quite like Wayne Manor."

"Yeah, it's quite amazing isn't it? Often reminds me of some of the wonders I'd seen with my Mom." We both grow quiet. Me with a nostalgic smile and Mrs. Kent out of discomfort. I can't quite bring myself to call her Mom while mine is dominating my thoughts.

The office door opens as Bruce and Dr Richards stroll in. Bruce looking slightly stressed, the Doc has a mixture of worry, delight and intrigue on his face. My instincts tell me to hightail it out of there but I compose myself, sitting up straight and making eye contact with the generous doctor. Dr Richards leaves Bruce at the door and leans against his desk, facing both Mrs. Kent and myself.

"Well Miss Lane," I want to butt in and say that it is Lois because I'm only ever called Miss Lane when I'm, in trouble, I let it slide, but only this time,

"Congratulations, you are definitely carrying twins. One of each sex to be precise." My hands come to rest on my bulging stomach.

"From the scans and test results, you're experiencing this pregnancy at an accelerated rate which is causing some stress on your body."

I look at him with worry and he continues, "The human body was not created for such a short gestation period, you're only, what is it," he looks at his notes, "2 months into the pregnancy, yet you are clearly in the third trimester."

"Carl, could you please just get to the point." Bruce snaps.

"I'd say you're due in just over a month's time. Bluntly, I don't know what to expect. Your body is showing signs of stress and I'm almost sure that the stress is only going to increase," I feel Mrs. Kent take my left hand and squeeze, I am once again speechless. "Then there are the abilities that you are experiencing. I have no idea what the long term effects are or whether you will only have them for the duration of the pregnancy or permanently. Then there's the question of whether or not the children will have these abilities or not."

"So what are you saying here Doctor?" Mrs. Kent inquires. Bruce comes to stand behind me, hands on my shoulders.

"What I'm saying is that I have no idea what is going to happen but I will do all I can to ensure that you that the babies will get the best medical attention Miss Lane."

"Lois." I quietly let out.

"Lois." He smiles at me reassuringly. I wish I could ease the panic forming a knot in my stomach.

"Thank-you Doctor." Mrs. Kent stands and offers her hand to the gentleman.

"Sorry I couldn't be of more help."

I also stand and take the doctor's hand, "Thank-you. You have helped." I smile as bright as I can manage.

"You're welcome. We'll have another check-up in a week and then regular check-ups every 3rd day after that. Take it easy Lois." He looks at me pointedly.

I nod as Bruce shakes the doctor's hand. "Thanks Carl. See you tomorrow."

"You take it easy too Bruce. Those ribs need time to heal." Bruce looks at me wide-eyed as I turn around to face him. He smiles sheepishly and I grin as I make my way to the elevator with Mrs. Kent.


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