Chapter10:

Later that Night, Luthor Mansion-Smallville:

"Damnit!" Lex slaps his laptop closed, slamming his fist hard into the hardwood desk.

"How can one teenage girl slip through my fingers like that?" He hisses as he runs his hands over his bald head in frustration. From the corner of his eye, Lex spies a shadow retreating from the doorway.

"Skulking around in the darkness isn't really your style dad." Lionel emerges from the abyss, the dim lighting casting eerie shadows across his features… "I didn't want to intrude on your moment of weakness, Lex."

"Moment of weakness dad? I'm merely frustrated."

"You shouldn't let your emotions get the best of you." Lionel heads straight for the scotch, hand lingering over the crystal bottle in contemplation.

"On second thought, I'll just leave, good night son."

"You were here on a social call? I don't believe that dad."

"Can't a father check in on his only son?" Lionel watches a mixture of emotions wash over Lex's face.

"Good night son." Lionel makes his way to the door and pauses, his back still turned to Lex…"I don't know what your reasons are for pursuing the younger Lane girl, but keep your eye out for her sister and Bruce Wayne." With those words Lionel merges with the darkness and disappears.

"What does Bruce Wayne have to do with Lucy Lane?" Lex asks aloud as he turns to stare into the fireplace.


Wayne Manor, 2 am:

I toss and turn in bed, finding it difficult to get comfortable and even harder to fall asleep. The meeting with Dr Richards, worries about the future and thoughts of Clark refusing to let me be. I sigh in disgust and roll onto my right side to stare out the window. I can see the outline of the full moon through the heavy clouds hanging menacingly in the sky. The clouds part to reveal the majestic moon, high and confident. The complete opposite to my current feelings.

"Argh…" I slap my hand down on the pillow next to me and begin to manoeuvre myself out of bed. With a great deal of effort I end up in a sitting position at the side of the bed. I look disgustedly at the moon that seems to taunt me and place my feet in my bunny slippers. Slowly, I stand and turn my back to the window, making my way out of the room, snatching my dressing gown from a nearby chair as I do so,

gracefully swinging it around my shoulders. I shuffle down the staircase, cursing myself for insisting that I have my usual room on the second floor instead of the proffered room on the first floor. Damn that stubborn Lane gene.

I mentally whoop as I reach the bottom of the staircase. I have every intention of going to the den with a brief detour via the kitchen but the glow emanating from down the hallway beckons. I wander towards the glow like a moth to a flame, ending up in Bruce's office, the room much more inviting with a fire lit than early yesterday afternoon. I immediately notice the absence of Bruce, my shoulders slump. I sigh and come to stand in front of the fireplace. Absorbing the warmth, losing myself in the flickering flames, one hand rubbing my stomach and the other massaging the small of my back.

One of the babies kicks and I can't help but grin, "Well hello there little one, you've got that Lane spirit and your daddy's strength don't you." I tilt my head to the side as the other baby begins to use my belly as a punching bag.

"Don't wanna be left out huh? Don't worry babies, I love both of you, you can both count on having my attention." I long to add that you'll have all of daddy's love and attention… " Wherever daddy is, I know he love's you with all his heart. Just as I do."

My mirth fades as my thoughts turn dark. The babies seem to sense the change in my mood, one kicking harder and the other becoming still. I desperately want to focus on something else, anything. But instead fight the inner voice and let myself wallow in the gloom. Not long after I hear cogs turning and a door opening, I turn to find Bruce and Alfred emerging from the wall. Bruce's face falls as he notices the darkness in my features. I quickly try to smile but only fail. Alfred uncharacteristically has no witty comment…

"Well Master Bruce, I best be off to bed then. Night Miss Lois."

"Night Alfred." He smiles slightly, leaving Bruce and I alone. Bruce comes to stand next to me, clearly looking awkward. I laugh, a cold mirthless laugh. Bruce looks at me oddly.

"You look uncomfortable Bruce, awkward. Not something I'd associate with you." Bruce moves closer and places an arm around my shoulder, maintaining steady eye contact.

"Lois, I'm not so much uncomfortable than in new territory. Believe it or not, I haven't been this close to a pregnant woman before. Well besides in passing. Anyway, I digress. We've never had any really emotional encounters before, and let's face it, you're all emotions and nerves right now." He smiles unsurely.

"So much so that I feel like a stranger in my own life." I try to smile but burst into tears. Bruce awkwardly pulls me into a hug, awkward because of my stomach. I bury my head into his chest and just let it all out. Bruce strokes my hair reassuringly. I can feel the vibrations in his chest as he speaks.

"No matter what Lo, I'll be here for you. I know I'm not the one you want but I'll do my best." My heart swells; I'm blessed to have a friend like Bruce. I look up at him and smile, the tears still falling. Bruce smiles back and wipes my tears away. I stand on my tip toes and lightly kiss his cheek.

"Thank you." We stand in silence for a little longer….

"C'mon why don't you go get some sleep, we've got a long day ahead of us." Bruce lightly pushes me towards the doorway, guiding me up the stairs and to my bedroom. He pulls the sheets back and then tucks me in.

"Sleep well." He leaves.

"Thanks Bruce." My eyelids slide shut, and with thoughts of Clark and the babies, I drift off into a peaceful slumber.

I'm standing outside, the sun warming my face, wind in my hair. Laughter and joy enveloping me. I turn around, answering to my name.

"Careful of your mother Lara, you don't want to hurt the baby." A sandy blonde blur leaps at me, I catch her and twirl her around, swinging her onto my right hip, avoiding my swollen belly.

"Lara." I whisper as I drink in her appearance. Her features so similar to mine, but her eyes, her eyes are the bluest eyes I've ever seen, the eyes of Clark Kent. My smile grows wider as I look down at a little dark haired boy tugging on my hand.

"Mommy, pick me up too." An adorable puppy dog look on his face. He looks very similar to Clark but not quite a mirror image.

"Don't forget your manners Jack." A kind yet stern voice chastises.

"Please Mommy."

Before I can answer, a tall shadowy man picks Jack up, taking Lara out of my arms and placing Jack where she previously sat on my hip. Jack holds onto me tighter than Lara did, snuggling into me a lot closer too. "Jack." I whisper, he looks into my eyes and sighs. I hear Lara giggle.

"Faster Daddy. Faster." My head shoots up and I can't help but grin as the shadow man moves into the light. "Clark." I whisper breathlessly.

He walks over to me, Lara bouncing in his arms. As he draws nearer and nearer his smile grows wider and my heart beats faster and faster. He leans over and kisses me softly, but oh too briefly. I'm disappointed but soon get over it as Clark takes my spare hand in his and leads me over to the blanket. I place Jack down and carefully lower myself onto the blanket. Clark collapses next to me, Lara still in his arms. Jack sits on my lap, placing his head on my stomach, listening to the little being inside.

Clark leans in and kisses me again, this time deeper and full of burning desire. I break the kiss, grabbing Clark's hand and placing it on my belly where the baby's kicking. A look of complete awe and glee absorbs his features. Eyes dancing with merriment. Two little hands appear next to Clark's matching looks of wonder on the twins' faces. I don't think I've ever been this content.

Lara quickly removes her hand and shoves Jack, "Tag, you're it."

Jack looks at me questioningly… "Go on little man."

He grins that famous Kent smile and takes off after Lara. I watch the children happily chasing each other around the green field. "I love you." I say to Clark, but no sooner have the words left my mouth I grow cold, the sky turning grey, winds becoming violent. I can't see Clark. Panic overwhelms me.

"Clark!" I scream. Thunder cracks in response. The children begin to wail. I run to them as fast as I can, grabbing both children and hugging them to me, almost crushing them. Thunder booms again as the heavens open up and rain heavily on us.


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