Chapter 13

"What do you mean you're leaving?" Chloe exclaimed at Clark, pacing around Watchtower.

"I told you already Chloe. She doesn't want to see me here again. I think it's best if I stay away now. The Kandorians need me back anyways."

"How do you figure that? Clark you've been guiding them for nearly four years. How long is that in their plane of existence? They can definitely manage on their own. Kara has spent time there and they're fine. They aren't your family Clark! It's here on Earth!"

Clark shook his head and turned away, "You didn't see her Chloe. She hates me. She'd be happier without me... Please understand. I have to do this."

"Clark I've tried to understand for a long time but now, I can't see how you can just leave again? You're finding an excuse to run away from your responsibilities!" Chloe couldn't believe how naive Clark was. Did he honestly think he was doing it for the best. To just leave his home again. Did he honestly think it wouldn't hurt any more if he did it again? "You may think you have no place here on Earth, but no one has forgotten Superman and how much we need him regardless of the Justice League! It's not complete without you. I need you Clark and so does Lois! Your son needs you!"

"Lois even said it herself. I don't deserve to be in his life anymore. I made the mistake of leaving and I can't go back."

Bruce Wayne had walked into Watchtower and greeted Chloe, walking past Clark. Clark was annoyed at his presence for interrupting their conversation. "Hey Chloe. I just came back from meeting with Oliver. It turns out Luthor has appeared on our radar finally. He located himself at the Arctic and just landed back in Metropolis. No one knows about his involvement with the nuclear missile. Turns out he's back to normal now that Brainiac is gone. I want to find out whether he remembers anything though, I'm gonna stick around for a while." Chloe nodded at the information given to her. Bruce finally turned his attention to Clark, who was ignored since he arrived, "I heard you're leaving again. Personal issues against this planet?" he joked, to which neither Chloe nor Clark laughed. Bruce sighed, "Look I know we don't really know each other, but I think we should talk. I want to show you something."

"What is it?" Clark said with a serious tone. Him and Bruce never had any time to get to know each other. Clark knew everyone on the team, except for him and Wonder woman, who he had yet to meet. What did Bruce need to show him?

Bruce chuckled, "You'll see when we get there. Now I'm not as fast as you, so I thought we could use my car, it's waiting outside." Clark hesitated, he felt awkward around Bruce, who felt as comfortable as if they were the best of friends. Clark simply nodded and they headed out the door. Bruce turned and winked at Chloe, who smiled back.

Bruce and Clark sat in his car. Turns out Bruce was Gotham's billionaire superhero, just like Oliver. He had joined the team a couple of months after he had left Earth. Once they got out of the car, Clark noticed they were around a suburb type neighbourhood in Metropolis, "What are we doing here?"

"Well we need to walk a couple blocks, you'll see for yourself."

Clark scowled at him, "I'm not a fan of mystery so why don't we get this over with and tell me why you needed to talk. Is it about Lex?"

Bruce shook his head and chuckled, "You leave Lex to us. I've heard he's caused a lot of problems or you." He led the way to the direction they were heading, "I heard you made your decision to leave, and I really think you should reconsider."

Clark sighed of frustration, "No offence, but you don't even know me. You don't know the full story so you can't really tell me what I need to do. You don't know what it's like to be me."

Bruce laughed, "Maybe not. But I do have the same responsibilities as you. As a hero. You may not know this, but Lois and I dated a couple of years ago."

Clark stopped at his tracks, "What?"

Bruce nodded, ignoring Clark's reaction, almost as if he expected it, "She was the one who found out my identity and got Oliver and Chloe to find me at one of my charity gala's. They introduced themselves and right off the bat, they told me they knew about me and who they were. At first I told them I work alone. As it turns out, they helped me get out of a really tight situation. It was thanks to Lois too. She was the one who pushed me, and wouldn't back off when I said I wasn't interested in being in their League. Then she told me about you. About Superman, and how he was the same way, reluctant to work with others at first, but realized that he needed a team, he needed to work together with other heroes around the world. They found guidance in you. They looked up to you to be their leader, because you always saw the good in everyone. You were there for all of them. They stayed strong even when you left, but apparently it wasn't the same. Eventually Oliver and I led the team. To fill the gap you left behind I guess."

Clark looked far ahead, in the distance, taking in Bruce's story, Bruce continued, "I joined the team because of you. You... inspired me to work with them. And Lois... She could never forget about you. When we started dating, I could tell she wasn't ready to move on. She just couldn't move on. When anyone mentioned the name Superman in the streets, she immediately looked up in hopes of seeing you. Eventually she broke up with me, because she admitted she had lost someone dear to her. All she wanted to do was be a mother. That's exactly what she did. She's been on many dates, but she never committed to anyone after you."

Bruce stopped at his tracks and Clark did the same, "Why are you telling me this?"

Bruce sighed, "To give you a reason to stay. And I realized since you've been here. You haven't once seen your son yet. Lois raised him well. He has her tough personality, but god... he looks just like you!"

Clark grimaced, he's heard that from everyone since he's been here, he realized where they were. They were at an elementary school. He looked around to see other parents standing outside or waiting in their cars. "What are we doing here?"

"Before I came to Watchtower, Oliver told me you were leaving and so I told him that I would pick up Christopher from school today." Clark raised his eyebrows at him, this was Chris' school? He was about to see his son in person for the first time in four years. Clark opened his mouth. Bruce grinned at Clark when the school bells rang.

"Uncle Bruce!" Clark turned his head and gasped as he saw his son run in human speed up to them. Clark couldn't move, all he could do is stare back at Christopher. He had short black hair and blue green eyes, just like him. Chris had a big smile on his face as he ran up to Bruce and held his arms out, Bruce picked him up and swung him up in the air. Chris giggled out loud.

"How was school CJ? How many times did you get in trouble this time?" Chris shrugged, hiding his head in Bruce's shoulder, "Christopherrrrr" he slurred the last part of his name.

"Alright! I got two time outs today." Chris pouted.

Bruce shook his head in disappointment, "Tsk! tsk! Your mother is not gonna be happy about that Christopher."

Chris scowled at Bruce, he hated it whenever his family called him Christopher. It always meant he was in trouble. He grabbed onto Bruce's collar, with wide eyes, "You're not gonna tell her are you? She'll strap the blue rock on my wrist again!" he whispered the last part. Clark wrinkled his eyebrows. Blue rock? Was he talking about blue kryptonite? Lois used that to discipline their child?

Bruce chuckled, "I won't tell your mom. YOU are. At least if she hears it from you she won't be as mad." Chris pouted and crossed his arms. It was then when he realized there was someone else standing with them, listening in on their conversation. Clark stares back at the little boy in Bruce's arm. He is the spitting image of him. Clark opens his mouth in amazement. He couldn't believe it, his heart started to race as realization hit him. This was his son. He was face to face with his son... finally.

Bruce looks back at the two, smiling to himself as he see's Chris' expression. Chris looks back at him with confused eyes. "CJ, this is...my friend, Clark Kent. He just recently came into town."

Chris extends out a hand and tries to sound mature, "Pleased to meet you Clark!"

Clark takes a step back, his son just addressed him as Clark. Not dad. He somehow didn't care, but it did bother him somewhat that Lois never told him anything about him. Clark took his son's hand in his and shook it. He felt warmth in his heart, being able to reach out and physically touch him instead of looking at him through a holograph. Clark squeezed his hand, not wanting to let go, but Chris pulled his hand out, feeling awkward. He slings his arms around Bruce's neck, who chuckles under his breath, "CJ, Uncle Bruce has to go to a meeting. I have to do work, but I brought Mister Clark here to hang out with you." Chris starts to get shy and tightens his grip around Bruce's neck, which starts to hurt, "Now CJ. I'm not made of steel like you buddy." Chris understands and lets go of his neck, but doesn't look like he wants to go with Clark.

Chris crouches close to Bruce's ear, "I don't know him uncle Bruce. Can't I just come with you? I'll be very good I promise!"

Clark heard their conversation, it hurt him that Chris didn't trust him to be alone, but he understood. No one wants to be alone with a stranger. But Clark was no stranger. He was his father. Bruce pulled Chris away from his ear to face him, "You know I would never put you in the hands of someone I don't trust. But I trust Clark. And so can you. He's just been away for a while and he's here for a visit. He knows your mommy."

Chris turned to look at Clark, then back at Bruce. Bruce raised his eyebrows at him, waiting for an answer. Chris shrugged, "Alright, I'll go."

Bruce grinned, "Atta boy!" he put him down and pushed him towards Chris. Who was shying away behind Bruce's leg. "I'll see you later kiddo!" Bruce stepped away so that Chris was in full view of Clark.

Bruce nodded towards Clark and walked away, Clark grabbed his arm which made him turn to face him, Clark's face softened, "Thank you." He whispered.

Bruce smiled and walked away, but not before turning once more, "You can bring him over to Watchtower in about 2 hours. Lois will be there to pick him up." Clark nodded as he walked away.

He turned to Chris, who was looking down at his shoes, shying away from Clark. After a moment of silence, Clark spoke for the first time, "You hungry Chris?" Chris still didn't look at him, he simply nodded. Clark chuckled, "I thought you would be. Come on, I know a place where we can eat." Clark extended out his hand to Chris. Chris looked up at him for a while. Clark gave him a warm smile. Chris didn't know why, but somehow, he felt comfortable and safe around Clark. For someone who he just met. Bruce told him to trust Clark. And he trusted his uncle Bruce. Chris reached up and grabbed Clark's hand. Clark grinned back at him who gave him a faint smile as they started to walk together.

Clark was staring back at Chris, who was stuffing his face, with every kind of food he can find. Clark wanted to be with him all day, he only had 2 hours with him. He was going to make the most of it.

"So how old are you Chris?"

Chris had food in his mouth so he couldn't make a word out, instead he pointed out his age with his fingers. He stuck up four fingers.

"Four. Wow. You're getting so big..."

"I'm gonna be five soon! Wait till you see how big I get then." Clark grinned, Chris thought for a moment as he was staring at Clark. He looked just like him. How could that be... he had a hunch, Chris asked, "How do you know my mommy?"

Clark blinked, he wasn't prepared for that question. The kid's curiosity got the best of him, "I am... an old friend of your mothers. She moved to Smallville when I was in High school. And then she lived with me for a while and we ended up working together at the Daily Planet." Clark shook his head to himself. How could Lois not tell him about his own father? Why would she keep Clark out of his son's life like that. Then Clark realized he had it coming for him. This was her punishing him for leaving. Making sure their son didn't know about him. It made Clark angry at that. Chris didn't deserve to be the victim like this, but Clark was the cause of everything that's happened, he can't blame her.

Chris took him out of his train of thought, "Wow! You've known mommy for AGES!" Clark smirked. "Where did you go?"

Clark took a deep breath, "Well... I've been around here and there. Travelling."

Chris nodded, "Mommy never told me about you."

Clark felt hurt by that, "Well mommy and I haven't spoken in a while..."

Chris simply stared at Clark, "What do you do?"

Clark sighed, he decided he wanted to be honest with him as much as possible, "Well, I do things like your Uncle Bruce.. and Uncle Ollie, I help people."

Chris blinked, "I thought so." Clark raised his eyebrow, "Mommy and Uncle Bruce never leave me alone with anyone unless they were a super dupe with the League." Clark nodded, he was glad he at least knew about Watchtower, Chris continues, "My favourite is Uncle Bart, me and him race... A LOT!" he started laughing, remembering the time him and Bart ran off to Mexico and Lois was furious, but forgave him once he got her a burrito.

Clark smiled, he imagined Bart taking his son around the world, racing, "So you have powers too." Clark wanted to know how well he was handling getting new powers.

Chris shrugged, "Right now, I can run fast, I can hear people whispering, and I'm super strong! I can even pick up Uncle Bruce's Bat mobile! Uncle Bart taught me how to run like a human so the other kids won't look at me funny... Momma tries to help me too, because I end up hurting her whenever I hug her too hard." Chris dropped his head, he was staring at the ground. He remembered the time he got angry at her that he pushed his mother so hard that he broke her ribs. "Mommy always ends up purple... because of me."

Clark gulped, if only he was there, he could've helped his son control his powers, and maybe Lois didn't need to get hurt. "It's not your fault Chris. You just need help controlling your powers. I'm sure no one blames you for that. I was the same way as well."

Chris' head popped up, "You're strong too?"

Clark hesitated, "Uhmm, what I'm trying to say is that... I know what it's like to struggle with new things." Chris nodded, he was getting excited to know there was someone else like him, now he's just disappointed. Clark pursed his lips, he wanted to tell Chris about him, he just didn't want to tell him all at once. Chris did just meet him. "So how else does mommy help you?"

Chris shrugs, "I don't know. She told me these aren't the only powers I'm gonna get. She said I'm gonna shoot fire out of my eyes! And I can blow out so much air that it can take down a whole barn door! Like the big bad wolf in the three little pigs! Oh! And I'm gonna FLY!" Clark laughed, Lois still remembers the barn door he blew off that almost fell on top of her. He realized she never mentioned x-ray vision to him. She didn't want him to get any perverted ideas.. at four years old.

"Wow. That's some powers you're gonna get. You better be ready for them, they'll come when you least expect it."

Chris raised his eyebrows, "What kind of powers do you have?" Clark opened his mouth, he didn't know how to answer that. He started to shift in his seat, Chris rolled his eyes, "You don't have to tell me if you don't wanna. It's not like I spilt my guts or anything..." Chris looked away stubbornly, he reminded Clark of Lois in that way, that stubborn look.

Clark smiled, "My powers are just like yours Chris." He didn't know why he said that, but he couldn't resist keeping anything from him.

Chris' face lit up when he heard Clark, his mouth opened wide open, "Whoa really? That's awesome! Can you run fast?" He was getting excited, speaking on the edge of his seat. He had never met anyone that was just like him other than his Aunt Kara of course, but she always took his powers seriously.

Clark smirked, "Yes actually I can."

"We should totally race! Have you ever been to Puerto Rico?"

Clark laughed, "Yes actually I've been there. But I'd love to go with you. You probably know your way around there thanks to Bart."

Chris nodded rapidly, "So let's go!" he jumped out of his chair and pulled Clark's hand.

Clark chuckled, "I wish we can but I have to get you back to Watchtower. Your mommy's gonna be worried if I don't get you to her on time." Has it really been two hours already? He wasn't ready to leave him yet. Or ever.

Chris looked disappointed and sighed, "Okay fine. Maybe tomorrow then?" His eyes twinkled at Clark.

Clark looked back at him and pursed his lips, "We'll see." He held out his hand towards him as he took it, they started walking down the street. "So what's this about you getting two time outs at school?"

Chris sighed, "Somebody was earsdropping!"

Clark laughed, "It's eavesdropping."

"Whatever."

"So what happened?"

Chris shrugged, "It wasn't my fault. Somebody was picking on me, and I sort of tackled him."

Clark sighed, shaking his head trying to hide his amused smile, "What did he do to make you mad?"

Chris looked at the ground, "He said my dad ran off... because he didn't like me..."

Clark stopped in his tracks, he was hesitant to speak, "Chris, that's not true. How could he not like you? You're a great kid." He stroked his back.

"Then why did he leave?" Chris looked up at Clark, who locked eyes with him, expecting an answer. Clark had an answer, but couldn't explain it to him. He didn't even know he was asking his own father why he left.

Clark knelt down to be at the same level as Chris and looked him straight in the eye, "You're father didn't leave because of you Chris. He left for you. He left to protect you. Now I know you may not understand exactly how he would be protecting you but I promise you, no matter what his reasons were for leaving... he did it out of love for you and your mother." He put his hand on Chris' shoulder and gave him a reassuring smile.

Chris smiled back, "You sound like you know him"

"I did, and I know for a fact he loves you very much."

"Do you think I'll ever see him?"

Clark stared back at his son and cupped his face, "Yes I do." Chris smiled back at him.

"You wanna race to Watchtower?"

"You sure like to race Chris, you should be careful though you don't wanna get caught."

Chris rolled his eyes, "Pleeeaaaseeee! I never get caught!"

"You may think that now, but anyone can see you."

"Don't worry. Momma taught me to always make sure no one sees me using my powers. Sometimes she even take them away when I get in trouble or I fight with her! Auntie Kara's idea..." Chris pouted, he hated not having his powers. "Whenever I say a bad word to momma and I start getting mad, I end up breaking things. She puts a bracelet with a blue rock on it to take away my powers. She keeps it on me until I say sorry and promise not to be careless with my powers again."

Clark chuckled, he never thought Lois would use the blue meteor rock against their own son as a discipline method. "I'm sure that teaches you a lesson then to not mess with mommy."

"Oh no! I never get away with ANYTHING with her! Momma says my aunts and uncles spoil me and so she has to be the sane one."

She had a point, even Clark couldn't resist getting angry at this face. But when two of the same personalities crash, there's bound to be a World War 3. "I'm sure she's a good mother either way right?"

Chris nodded, "She's the best!" They continued to walk when Chris sighed in frustration, "I don't wanna walk anymore! Let's race! We'll get there faster!"

Clark pursed his lips, "Mmmm I don't know Chris..."

"What's wrong? You scared or something? Or maybe you lied and you really don't have powers like me..." Chris raised an eyebrow at Clark, who rolled his eyes in return, Chris stomped his foot on the ground, "Pleeeaaaseee!" He pouted and then he turned on his puppy dog eyes at Clark.

"Alright! But we need to make sure no one will see-" With that, Chris had already started running before even looking out for anyone. Clark looked around warily, no one was around and he rolled his eyes at the boy ahead of him and started running towards Watchtower. He finally caught up to Chris and within a second, they were both in front of the Watchtower entrance. Clark ran from behind Chris and swung him up in the air and started tickling him. "Cheater you got a head start!"

Chris was laughing and screaming so hard that tears came out of his eyes, "Okay! Okay! Mercyyyyyyy!" Clark laughed and dropped Chris, who landed on his feet hard on the ground. "I like you. Bart always beats me cause he's faster, but for once I won!"

Clark laughed, "You like me because you won?"

Chris shook his head, "That and cause I had fun with you today." Clark smiled as Chris opened the doors to Watchtower to see Oliver and Chloe look up in surprise.

Chloe grinned when she saw her nephew, "There's my boy!" She walked up to him and picked him up she nuzzled her nose against his which made him laugh.

"Hi Aunt Chloe!"

Chloe looked up at Clark and grinned at him, Oliver walked up to him, "Clark... Bruce told us you had stolen Chris from us. Even though we didn't bother looking for him."

Chris pouted, "Hey! Clark didn't steal me! And even if he did you would look for me! Right aunt Chloe..."

Chloe laughed, "Of course we would! Uncle Ollie's just kidding around." Chloe gives him a dirty look to which Oliver shrugs. "Come on I'll get you something to eat."

"I already ate with Clark."

"Oh?" Chloe looked from Chris to Clark, "Well then I guess I'll have to eat all the ice cream by myself." She starts walking away.

"Wait! Wait! I never say no to ice cream Aunt Chloe!" he runs off with Chloe.

Clark looks after him and chokes. Oliver walks up to him, "He's something isn't he?"

Clark shakes his head, "He's... everything."

"Yeah. Too bad you're leaving huh?" he raises his eyebrow at Clark.

Clark puts his hands in his pockets, "You know, if I hadn't gotten a chance to meet him. Two hours of just... getting to know him I would've said, yeah. Too bad. But now..." Clark turns around and paces, "All I could think of was what was I thinking when I left. I missed four years of his life Oliver. Thinking about leaving again, it just seems... impossible to leave."

Oliver blinked, "Don't beat yourself up for leaving Clark. You left to protect him, but missed his early childhood. Your intentions might've been for the good. But it didn't do him any better to lose a father."

Clark looked out the window and nodded, that was when Lois walked into the room, Clark heard her heels and turned around. Lois walked in and noticed him right away, she walked slower now, she gulped, "O-Oliver, where's..." she couldn't finish her sentence. Why was Clark here? Does Chris know he's here?

Oliver chuckled, "He's in the back getting ice cream from Chloe." Oliver noticed Lois wasn't even listening. Her eyes were fixed on Clark. She looked nervous, Clark however looked the opposite, he looked confident, and his eyes never left hers. Oliver looked back at the two and started walking away, "Lemme go get Chris."

Lois took a deep breath and walked towards him, "What are you still doing here? I thought you'd be long gone by now." She spoke in a monotone voice.

Clark sighed, "I'm not sure if I'm even gonna leave." He heard Lois swallow hard, "I met Chris today." Her eyes widened, "Bruce took me to him... we spent time together. Funny, I thought he'd call me dad... he called me Clark. I don't know it-it felt weird."

"Does he... did you.. did you tell him..." Lois didn't know how to ask him whether he told his own son he was his father.

Clark smirked, shaking his head, "Don't worry. He doesn't know I'm his father yet. I figured he should hear it from you. I thought you'd tell him about me, let him know I didn't leave because I didn't like him."

Lois squinted her eyes at him, "I never told him that."

"No. No you never told him that. Frankly Lois you didn't tell him anything about me did you? You never told him that, but kids pick on him at school for not having one."

Lois raised her eyebrows, "You think that's my fault?"

His eyes softened, "Of course not Lois. But you could've let him know I still loved him no matter what. You told me I don't deserve to be in his life. But he deserves to at least know about me and you never told him anything. Not even a picture..."

"He's never asked me about you yet! He's only four Clark. He has a long way to go before he asks me."

Clark sighed, his face saddened, "Does he really need to ask you to get you to tell him about me?" Lois took a deep breath. She didn't say anything to that, she didn't know what to say. Clark took a step towards her, "I won't hold it against you to cut me out of your life. But it's not fair to him. I won't tell him about me, I'll let you tell him on your own terms, however you want to tell him. But please Lois, don't tell him too late where he'll end up hating you for it."

At that moment, Chris ran into the room, Lois composed herself and grinned at Chris, "How you doing handsome?" Chris had ice cream all over his face, Lois rolled her eyes and wiped his mouth clean, "Chloe's spoiling you again I see. Remind me to get rid of the ice cream around here. Seems like every time I pick you up, you have ice cream all over you!"

Chris pouted, "It's not like you let me have any at home!"

Lois raised her eyebrow, "That's cause you get plenty of it here. They built a shrine just for you. Keep this up and you'll end up getting a cavity."

Chloe laughed, "Don't worry cuz, this kid has the teeth of a shark. Nothing can penetrate those ice sculptures."

"Yeah well with all the sweet talking I'm surprised they've all stayed on." Lois was about to pick up Chris who ran towards Clark.

He held out his arms, where Clark knelt down and hugged him, Chris whispered in his ears, "Can you not tell mommy I got in trouble today? She'll just get mad at me when she hears I hurt someone."

Clark smiled, "I promise buddy. I'm sure she won't get mad at you though"

Chris grinned at him, "I had fun today. Thank you." Chris hugged him once more and then ran back to Lois, who was staring with her mouth open the whole time. "Ready momma?"

Lois picked up her son and said bye to Chloe and Oliver. Her smile faded when she looked at Clark, and walked out of Watchtower. Clark looked after her and continued staring. Chloe cleared her throat, "It's amazing how much he looks like you huh Clark?"

Clark took a deep breath, "I thought I'd be able to leave again but... seeing them again, especially Christopher. I never want to leave them again."

Oliver fought back a smile, "So what does this mean?"

Clark turned to face them, "It means I'm staying. I'm gonna fight for Lois. I'm gonna get her and Chris back."

Chloe grinned and ran to hug Clark, "You have no idea how happy that makes us!"

Clark smiled as Oliver walked up to them, "As happy as I am to know our favourite red and blue superhero is back, it's not gonna be easy winning Lois' heart back."

Clark nodded, "I know. She's always been tough. But I'm gonna fight like hell for her. I'm gonna let her know that I'm never leaving her again." He starts walking away.

"Where are you going?" Chloe and Oliver said at the same time.

"To the Daily Planet. I'm gonna get my job back at the bullpen."