Author's Notes: Here's the last chapter. As Lois and Clark reflect on the outcome of Clark's talk with her father losing hope, but creating a soundbite that could backfire is concerning. Now we have everyone's reaction to Superman's words of not only about the red-K variant but his feelings about the world and how he wants to save everyone. Keep reading and I hope you enjoy it.

~o~o~

Chapter 4: Hope and Renewal

The Daily Planet the next morning:

Lois and Clark are worried about reactions to the Superman soundbite but it may have been the best decision of their lives. Now in their office, they pulled it up and it's still downloaded, listened to and shared as well. The comments are clear that the Internet appears enraged that the government would do this, but it's true.

"Did you see this?" Clark asked his wife.

"Yes, it's wonderful, but let's not get carried away."

"I know, but I love it."

She smiled. "I know you do. They mentioned your voice and it was a clever idea to use your voice in that way."

"Yes, it worked and I'm happy you reminded me. You're always surprising me, but you outdid yourself as per usual."

"Thank you, sir."

"You didn't seem that pleased, I mean when I used that voice when I called you and pretended the Blur was calling."

"No, you're right. It was deceitful but after you explained your reasons, I understood."

He felt relieved she would forgive and forget. "I'm a very lucky man."

"You sure are, now kiss me." He did and enjoyed it. "Okay, let us get back to work."

Both smiling and after browsing the Internet, they came across a website of televised government hearings and they're talking about the Superman soundbite.

"Honey, come and look at this," Clark said.

"What is it?" She asked, came closer and leaned over his shoulder. "I don't believe this, but the soundbite hasn't been up more than twenty-four hours."

"That was quick. The House Speaker has the floor." Clark turned up the volume.

"Thank you for coming for this early morning meeting but it won't take long. We will need your vote before you leave. My assistant showed me this soundbite released last evening of Superman and we all need to listen to this. The comments are overwhelmingly against the Red-K variant experiments." He played the soundbite. Everyone in the chamber listened, as heads turned stunned at what this could mean.

"Okay, who's responsible for this?" The Head Speaker asked. A minute then, the head of the Armed Forces Committee stood up and answered him.

"I did it, Sir. Superman is an alien and he's different from everyone in the entire world. We need to make sure he's kept in check. I felt it's our responsibility to make sure he follows our laws, regulations and its imperative that he doesn't hurt anyone. The Red-K variant would be a remedy only in case we need it."

The House Speaker sighed. "I understand your reasons, but we won't need it. On the night he revealed himself, he saved my life and everyone else on that plane. He has proven he can be trusted by everyone on this planet. He has saved countless lives and its only been a year since he arrived. The experiments will be stopped at once."

Murmurs of agreement can be heard. Someone else stood up and spoke. "I agree and my colleagues also agree."

"Anyone else have anything to say before we vote?" No one else spoke. "We will now take a vote and decide." Minutes later, the votes are in. The Speaker released the vote. "The red-K variant will be destroyed and no more experiments."

"That's amazing; I cannot believe it," Clark said stunned and pleased.

"Wow, and they say the government moves at a snail's pace."

"Yes, they do say that, but not this time."

Perry knocked and entered. "Good morning! Did you guys here about the government talking about the red-K variant and it's no longer being experimented and will be destroyed?"

"Yes, we heard; it's great news," Clark replied.

"The Superman soundbite was brilliant. Whose idea was that?"

"It was yours Perry," Clark replied and glanced at his wife.

"Oh, you're right; it was me."

"Well, I'm the one who convinced Superman to do it," Lois replied and rolled her eyes at Clark's expression.

"Indeed, you did," Perry said. "I'll see you both later at the staff meeting."

"You tried," Clark smiled with his hand over his mouth to hold in a laugh but he laughed happily.

Lois threw a pencil at his head.

He ducked still laughing.

~o~o~

Early morning, the next day:

At the Luthor mansion, Lex rolled over and the young lady beside him woke up, yawned and stretched then glanced at the clock. "It's 3:00am what is it?"

"Go back to sleep," he said and left the bedroom. Now in the kitchen, he poured himself a drink but he couldn't forget Clark's soundbite and it's compelling. He could not deny it. It may work if enough people contacted the authorities. He also felt annoyed but curious about the red-K variant and how far along the experiments are by now. He sent a text to the General and to his shock, he replied.

"Yes, the experiments are done; the mist is complete." General Lane sighed but he felt bad and after hearing the soundbite from Superman, he put it all together. He listened to it multiple times and he realized to his shock that Clark Kent is Superman and his daughter loves him, both of them. He sighed and decided. "Superman knows we're behind it and we will stop the experiments and destroy the red-K variant what's left of it."

Stunned to hear this; Lex is furious. "You can't do that; it's finished and I intend to use it."

"It's being destroyed as we speak."

Lex didn't answer him but slammed the phone down.

~o~o~

The Planet later the same day:

Lois and Clark exited the elevator after lunch. Both rejuvenated but worrying about the red-K variant and how long it would take before it will be destroyed.

The hearing was clear but they need to be patient. Now inside they have booted up their computers. They checked the Planet website and the Superman soundbite is still blowing up but comments are in favor of destroying it.

"Wow, would you look at those numbers. This is happening, even higher than the Luthor one." Lois is shocked. "The comments are on point, saying they will do what they could to help Superman."

"Yes, they are. I'm grateful," he said. Then his emotions got the better of him. He pulled himself together when Perry knocked and entered.

"Perry, good afternoon, what's up?" Lois asked.

"I have great news. Did you see that the Superman soundbite is out of control? The numbers don't lie. Everyone is onboard to help him."

"Yes, we saw them; it truly is amazing and wonderful," Clark said.

"Indeed, it is." Lois agreed.

"We should do soundbites more often. I'll see you both later at the staff meeting."

"We'll be there." They answered together.

Perry shook his head and left.

"What now?" Lois asked.

"You should text your father and find out when it will be destroyed." Clark suggested.

"I think I will," Lois said and sent him a text. "That was quick. He says he wants to see both of us meaning you Clark Kent."

"Oh dear, that should be interesting." Clark felt worried thinking of his last visit.

"I'll send him a text that we'll be there later today after work."

"Are you sure; he may figure it out that we're the same?"

"Clark you know we almost told him at the wedding, he could figure it out and with the soundbite even though you changed your voice, but it could be true." He still looked worried. "It's time, Clark; he needs to know the truth."

"I agree but it could backfire on us. He thinks Superman is a threat to the entire world. The fact that he agreed with the government or whoever told him to go ahead with these experiments, it says a lot about his mind-set." He paused thinking of the government. "It's a good thing about the hearings, but that could take days or even weeks before the variants are destroyed."

"I hear what your saying, but he may surprise us and stop the experiments right away. Look, he knows how much I love you. He saw it in Smallville and he's thinking about all of that, plus the wedding made it clear how much we're committed to our marriage."

"I know, but I am not looking forward to it." He thought again of their last meeting and felt devastated.

"We'll get through this like we always have… together." She smiled to lighten the mood.

"You're right… Lois and Clark against the world." His mood is feeling better.

"You better believe it."

"You know I do." They both felt encouraged.

~o~o~

Later that day, back to the base:

Lois and Clark entered the base with an appointment to meet with General Lane. Clark searched the building and Lex Luthor was also there but not in his office. Now in the entrance, he pulled Lois aside. "Lex is here."

"What? I cannot believe this."

"We suspected that they could be working together on this ridiculous idea about the red-K variant, now he's here to continue the experiments. I'm sure of it."

"I see and you saw him, but where is he?" Lois asked.

He lowered his glasses and looked closer. "I can see him surrounded by other men and women and they could be scientists or doctors, all wearing white coverings; I'm not sure."

"Dad will know; come on, he's waiting."

Now in his office, Clark pushed his glasses up his nose, feeling nervous. They were seated across from him and waited.

"Alright Dad, we're here, what is it?"

Sam sighed as he stared at them. "I know the truth."

Stunned, they glanced at each other. "You know the truth?" Clark had a feeling.

"Yes, I know the truth that you're… Superman."

"But I don't know how…" Clark began, but he thought of the soundbite.

"It's the soundbite, right?" Lois asked.

"Yes, the voices were too familiar to ignore. It took a while but after listening to it multiple times, I remember meeting you in Smallville and the wedding, it all fell into place."

Lois glanced at her husband. "We wanted to tell you at the wedding, but it didn't feel right."

"I understand why you didn't tell me, especially now with this red-K business coming out and I don't blame you."

"Dad, have you made a decision about the variant?"

"It's being destroyed; no more experiments."

Lois felt elated and couldn't help herself, she stood up and held out her arms. "Thank you Dad." It felt wonderful to hold him again. Her father was back, then her eyes watered.

He pulled away, saw her tears and touched her cheek. "I need to apologize for the way I treated you and your sister especially after your mother passed."

"We were all in mourning unsure how to move forward without her. We don't blame you for any of it."

"But you were only children, unsure about your future and I blew it." His eyes watered.

"You did the best you could under the circumstances."

"I had to do this for you and our family." He paused then held out his hand. "Clark, welcome to the family. It's overdue."

Clark stood up and shook his hand. "Thank you, Sir."

"You were right about the red-K variant. It would change your body in ways that are horrific and unnatural. It's gone now, no longer in our labs."

Clark felt relieved. "Thank you, Sir, but one more thing. I saw Lex Luthor and he's here in this building. We need to talk to him, all of us, about the variant and the fact it will be destroyed. I'm sure he's upset about the news."

"Yes, he's upset, but I made it clear and the President agrees that it should be destroyed and the experiments will be stopped as soon as possible."

"But why is he here? We need to go to the lab and work this out," Clark said firmly.

"All right, come with me." They followed him several floors down to the lab. Lex is there along with multiple scientists watching a simulation of Superman. He's in his costume, as he rotates continuously.

"What's happening?" Lois asked.

Lex is startled by their appearance. "Now you can all see how the red-K variant will affect him."

"Mr. Luthor, as I told you, these experiments are done," Sam said firmly.

"Yes, I wanted to see how it works with my own eyes. You're welcome to stay," Lex said.

"We should leave; you don't want to see this," Lois said and pulled Clark's arm but he's firm.

"I'm staying; I need to see all of it," Clark said firmly.

"It's not pleasant," Sam said.

Lex turned to the top scientist, and nodded meaning to continue.

Clark braced himself but he needed to see it.

The first image showed Superman as the mist was released and inhaled then he dropped to his knees minutes later unsure what's happening then he disappeared, no longer visible.

The second image showed him again, he inhaled the mist he appeared screaming and holding out his arms and he changed into a huge insect beast, unsure where to go or where to turn.

The third image showed his body changing into a man made of steel unable to move, but he managed to take one step but slowly as utter confusion is clear on his face.

The final image shows Superman unsure what to do but another image of Batman appears before him and Clark appears confused then his glowing eyes appear and kills him on the spot meaning his friends are not recognized.

The final image of Superman alone again as the screen goes blank; the presentation ended.

Lex tried to hide his smile, but then he smiled ear to ear.

Clark blinks to clear away his tears, but one slid down his cheek. He wiped it away, not believing what he just saw; they were genuinely thinking of using this against me. His mind is stunned to think it's true.

"Tell me Lex, do I still have control of my mind and my powers?"

"No, you have no control and your powers are gone," he replied, inwardly smiling.

Lois looked at his face and she wanted to cry. He's devastated. "Are you okay?"

He didn't answer her, but turned to Sam. "There must be an antidote; tell me."

"The only way to remove the red-K fragments and there will be many, is a blast of energy from a red sun; that's it," Sam replied regret filled his eyes.

"A red sun, but that's in another dimension," Lois said feeling upset.

"I see; there's no antidote," Clark said disappointed.

"No, there is no antidote," Lex added and tried not to smile.

"All of it will be destroyed today; you have my word." Sam said hoping he would believe him.

"Thank you, Sam," Clark said. "We can go now."

"Mr. Luthor, get out and don't come back," Sam said firmly.

"I'm leaving," Luthor said and followed the Kents.

Clark turned and watched Lex leave, but he wanted to tear him apart. Now in the stairwell, he grabbed him by his coat, and pushed him up against the wall. "You have the nerve to do this, but why; what did I ever do to you? I tried to be your friend."

"You weren't my friend. After I found out the truth about you, you treated me like I was dirt beneath your feet."

"That's not how I remember the past. You were determined to push me away to live your life as if your father were pulling the strings."

Lex thought about it, and his words were true. "I'll see you around."

Clark released him and watched him move up the stairs.

"Let's go," Lois said. They followed him and left the base.

~o~o~

The apartment later that evening.

Now at the dinner table eating take-out, they of course, were talking about what they saw, meaning the many variations of red-K and how it affects him.

"I cannot believe they put that together and quickly," Clark said. "Do you think they used my DNA to put it together?" He asked as he chewed his food.

"Lex has your DNA, or did you forget about Conner?" Lois asked and took a sip of wine.

"No, I haven't forgotten about him," he replied still thinking. "Do you want to know the one that hurts the most?"

"Yes, I know, it's when you didn't recognize him and killed the Batman."

"I would never hurt Bruce; we only met months ago, but it's not in me to do that." His eyes watered thinking about it. He lost his appetite, left the table, and sat down on the sofa, but the images of him killing a friend remained in his mind.

She followed him and took him into her arms. "I know but my father said it would be unpleasant."

"It was more than that; it felt horrible and truly insane."

"They wanted to show you how they would hurt you if you turned against them; that's what this is all about."

"You and I know I would never turn against humans; my parents raised me and they loved me, but to be loved by you; I feel complete. If I haven't said it recently, thank you for loving me." He pulled her closer and kissed her forehead.

"I love you too, always." Holding him close.

He pulled away. "I need you now; are you interested?" He asked and kissed her cheek.

She pulled him closer and kissed him passionately. He returned her kisses then picked her up and took her to the bedroom. Now undressed, they climbed into bed, they were quiet thinking about the images they saw.

She touched his cheek. "You know, while watching the images of you being hurt and confused, I've never felt closer to you. Yes, they wanted to hurt your body and your mind, but the love in your heart for humans and me, I felt it."

"You felt it? Yes, I believe it's true. Thank you, Lois. I love you."

"I love you too." Her eyes watered.

She reached up and removed the glasses slowly and put them on the side table, and then he kissed her tenderly at first, but in the next moment, her lips were apart, hoping to show him what he needed, what she needed in return. Their kisses lingered for a long time, both wanting this until finally his lips moved to her neck and his hands could not be still as he moved to her hips and she felt him against her stomach.

"Oh, Clark," she whispered between pants and moans. His kisses were all over her body, down her arms, over her chest, down her thighs and finally, between her legs.

"You taste like nothing else in this world, so warm, sweet and so soft," he whispered in her ear. Lois was excited that she could barely catch her breath. His fingers touched her there and she rose up, her bosom fair to bursting with feelings. His fingers slipped inside her body while his tongue and lips worked their magic on her breasts. Her chest rose up asking for more, and he happily obliged.

Clark shifted on top of her without breaking their kiss and then he was inside her, and they both gasped when he filled her. He cupped the back of her head holding her there as he took her lips in one serious kiss after another. She followed him stroke for stroke both needing this closeness like never before.

She was moaning, shivering in his arms as she came around him. Seconds later, his climax rushed to meet him. He collapsed on top of her, his breath coming in short gasps. After a moment, he rolled to his back taking her with him. He pulled her close to his side, kissed her temple, and stroked her hair and arms.

"Are you alright?" Lois was made for him.

"I'm fine, it feels wonderful indeed." She snuggled close.

"We were meant to be, you do realize that don't you?" He asked needing to hear it again.

"I do, Clark. I know it's strange, but I do and we are newlyweds."

"Yes, we are. Sometimes I need to pinch myself that we're married." Satisfied and happy beyond anything he could have ever dreamed or hoped for, he closed his eyes, and pulled her close. "Get some sleep. We have work tomorrow."

She smiled. "That we do."

The end!

~o~o~

Song Inspiration: Because You Loved Me, Celine Dion.

A/N: You must have some idea how much I love writing my favorite pairing, Lois and Clark, of course. I hope you enjoyed this. The red-K variants only a few are new to me but inside his body as a mist, that's a terrible idea. I truly hope they never use it. Now tell me what you think. Thanks for reading.