Lex had arranged for the van to move from a secluded alley a block away from Laura's apartment to a street corner on the other side of the wooded area they were currently walking through. Unfortunately, when the team reached the van, all the tires were blown and the driver was unconscious. "What the hell is going on?" Lex said, annoyed that everything wasn't going to plan.
"Lex Luthor." Lex jumped at the sound of his name and then turned to see the Batman standing right in front of him.
"Get him!" Lex said, angrily pointing at Bruce. While Lex's men rushed the shadowey figure, Batman let loose some smoke bombs making it impossible for them to see where he was. Then, he quickly disabled about half the guards hoping to take advantage of their lack of sight. After the smoke cleared, he quickly engaged in hand to hand combat taking five of them down without a struggle. However, the last one was putting up one hell of a fight.
"You can't win." Lex said, with a pleased smirk. Bruce could feel the gun against the back of his head and knew he had no choice but to surrender. He looked at Laura, helplessly lying on the ground and was just hoping she would wake up so she could get away and it would all be worth it. Lex was about to swing the gun against his head and knock him out when the gun mysteriously disappeared from his friend. "What the -?" Lex asked and soon noticed Ames knocked out, and Superman standing in between him and Batman.
"Lex Luthor. I wish I could say it was a pleasure." Superman said.
"What are you going to do? Kill me? You can't lock me up." Lex told him with a smirk.
As if on cue, Laura chose them to gain consciousness, "Sure he can. I have cameras in my apartment. The police will know if was you who kidnapped me – it's over Luthor."
Being Lex Luthor, he could never admit defeat so he started running – a fruitless effort in reality as he was soon carried back by Superman. Batman immediately took out a phone and started dialing 911 and let them know where they were. The two superheroes tied up Lex and his cronies and only then acknowledged the other.
"Look, I really should get going. This is your city you should take the credit." Superman said, looking at Laura. "Make sure she gets home safe. She's a very important person. I'll be nearby until I know she's safe." And with that he flew upwards, with Bruce left to only look up and stare.
When the police arrived, Batman gave a brief statement and then took off, leaving Laura to fill in the details. She told them about the cameras at her apartment and soon enough, the police had them and were able to use them to immediately arrest Lex Luthor. Kicking and screaming, Lex vowed revenge on both Batman and Superman for stopping him.
After Laura got through with the police, she was finally able to go back to her apartment. Of course when she walked in, Oliver and Clark were both there waiting.
"You guy know, I'm okay." Laura told them with a small smile.
"We know, it's just – we didn't want to come all the way to Gotham without seeing you." Oliver said as an excuse.
"Besides, we were really worried." Clark pointed out.
"That's really sweet and all – I really appreciate it but can you be worried without me? I've never been so tired in my life." Laura pleaded. The boys chuckled, gave her a hug, and promised to be close by and walked out of the apartment. Laura sighed a breath of relief. She was finally going to get some sleep after the night's ordeal.
When Laura finally woke up the next morning, it was to the giggling sound of her cousin in the next room. Excitement was soon replaced by the surprise that Lois was actually in her apartment in Gotham. She slowly tip toed her way out of the bedroom and into the living room and realized Lois was pacing in front of the TV on the phone.
"Clark, it was a good story. I'm not mad – I promise, I did get the headline after all…Okay kiddo, I gotta go." Lois said and then rolled her eyes and turned to Laura. "I knew I heard the door creak open." The older cousin smiled.
"Caught," Laura said and smiled, "what on earth are you doing here?"
"Hello? The prince of Metropolis caught in city of darkness? I bet every good investigative reporter is trying to get to the bottom of the story," Lois said with a completely serious look on her face, "I'm kidding of course. You see, my little cousin is apparently so important that Lex did everything in his power to find her and she was almost kidnapped so I'm here because I love her?"
"Thanks Lois." Laura said before pulling her cousin into a massive hug. "So, what's the word been?" Lois shoved a copy of the Daily Planet as well as the Gotham Gazette.
"Whoops! I meant to show you the article at the bottom of the front page," Lois dramatically flipped the paper over. Laura briefly noted the words 'interview' and 'superman' and made a mental note to check it out. At the bottom, Laura quickly glanced over an article written by Clark about how Lex Luthor had finally gone off the deep end. It included information about his arrest the last night as well as what he's susptected of.
"I thought this was supposed to be your story?" Laura asked Lois, a little suspicious.
"Well – it was but I got a bigger one and so I gave this one over to Clark. Besides, I had to catch the first flight to make sure you were alright. You are alright – right?" Lois asked, taking a seat on the couch and motioning for Laura to do the same
"Yeah, of course I am. I mean, you remember life growing up in Smallville – I'm pretty used to having my life in danger or being kidnapped." Laura told her, chuckling a little as memories of the past filled her mind.
"Little Green sources tell me not one but two costumed men saved your life last night. Dish." Lois insisted – now comforted by the fact she really was okay, happy to indulge in the important things.
"Honestly, I don't remember much. I was knocked out for that part of the fight. I woke up, said something corny to Luthor, then Superman flew off. Batman was usual – dark and trying to be scary." Laura said – in actual honesty.
"Hm." Was all Lois said in response, just a little bit suspicious. Conversation nevertheless went on for a few more hours until Lois had to go to the airport. It was only about 3:00 in the afternoon and Laura was sick of trying to find things she could do. She knew what she had to do and figured it had better be now rather than later.
Bruce awoke immediately following the buzzing of his alarm clock at 11:00 AM. His first in instinct was to check the morning paper to ensure that the previous evening's events were more than just a dream. He sat down, skimming through the gazette's blasé article about the arrest when Alfred walked in.
"I would recommend the Daily Planet Article – it is much better written." He told the young billionaire.
"Too bad Laura was apart of this story – she would have written a good piece." Bruce responded.
"So would you like to fill in the dots to what happened last night?" Alred asked him.
"Well, to put it simple, Laura Smith is Chloe Sullivan." Bruce replied bluntly. Alfred looked surprised and mumbled something along the lines of 'are you sure'. "I've never seen anyone as…heinous as Luthor. He had this massive force to kidnap her and it was all so – extravagant? I didn't even get away." He added. He responded to Alfred's confused glare by continuing, "What the papers haven't said is that Superman showed up, right in the nick of time. And then he said something to me – saying this Laura chick was really important and I guess that confirmed it for me. She's gotta be Chloe Sullivan.
"But if Laura Smith is Chloe Sullivan who saved your life then somehow brought you back here…" Alfred began.
"Than she knows who I am." Bruce put simply. Alfred looked unsure of what to say.
Of all the situations where a reporter found out his night time activities, this was probably the last he would have expected. Sure, he had thought of the situation where an overzealous reporter followed him around and figured it out or something along those lines and threatened to expose him but this was entirely different.
Laura Smith wasn't some tabloid reporter out to make a name for herself or destroy him. Apparently, she just stumbled upon the truth in her own adventure. He wasn't really to concerned about her. What did concern him was her friends. The FBI report described her as being some sort of confidante to superheroes which made him worry that others knew who he was.
Unwilling to let his mind plague him with fears of what could be he decided to distract himself with a good, long workout.
At about 3:15 PM, Alfred heard the doorbell and strolled to the front door, a little anxious to see who was there. When he noticed a small brunette outside, he felt both anxious and relieved.
"Hi. My name is…Laura Smith. I was hoping to have a chance to talk to Mr. Wayne about something personal." She asked him sounding both nervous and polite. Alfred nodded his head knowingly and let her in.
"Please have a seat on the couch. I'll let him know you're here. Is there anything I can get you?" He asked attempting to play the role of curteous butler.
"No thank you." She responded and immediately sat down and started twiddling her thumbs anxiously.
After an excrutiatingly long 3 minutes, Alfred returned to inform her Bruce would be out momentarily. He then left her alone once again to try and figure out for the hundredth time what to say.
Bruce Wayne walked into his own living room feeling – for lack of a better word – awkward. Sure, he'd met this reporter a couple of times before but for the first time the two were truly meeting fact to face. Similarly, Laura felt exposed – naked really. For the first time in five years, someone knew her as more than lucky star reporter Laura Smith and it scared her.
"I'm sorry." Laura said to break the ice. She wasn't sure what she was apologizing for but she felt she should say it.
Bruce's face went from awkward to confused. "Why are you sorry?"
"It's just – I figured out you're secret? And I didn't tell you?" Laura mumbled out obviously not sure herself what she was sorry for.
Bruce started to feel a little more comfortable with the realization she was just as uncomfortable as he was. "You really shouldn't apologize. I mean, had you walked up to me and said 'I know you're batman' I probably wouldn't have reacted so well." Bruce stated which proceeded to lighten the mood. Laura chuckled at that. "So, 'Laura', what exactly should I call you?" Wayne asked.
"Good question. Honestly, either Laura or Chloe is fine." Laura responded.
Sick of all of the tip toeing Bruce finally asked a big question. "What happened that night?"
Laura breathed in a sigh and began, "I assume you're talking about the night you died?" She paused for a moment to see his shock that he died and silently swore to herself. "Well, by saving Gotham from Falconi's ridiculous food scheme, you were shot multiple times and suffered severe burns. By the time I got to you, you were just about dead. I called a friend then healed you." Laura responded.
"You called a friend?" Bruce asked a little confused.
"Well, you see, when I heal people it's not just some magical poof your healed thing, I literally take on the wounds then heal them myself. Therefore, I needed someone to pick me up before I was tossed in the morgue again." Laura responded trying to act all non chalant.
"So you're friend what, teleported me into my house?" Bruce asked half joking and half serious.
Laura laughed, "Na, that was a good friend we call Impulse. Let's just say, he's faster than the blink of a camera shutter."
"Good to know. Sorry to sound severe, but how many of your friends know about me?" Bruce asked.
"Honestly, I'm not sure. I told Impulse not to tell anyone but when I was dead I think he freaked out and told the Green Arrow. I really wouldn't worry about it although I know it's in your nature to worry. They really are good people and would protect your secret with their lives."
Bruce took this in and wondered whether or not he should press her any further. He decided for the time being to let it go since there was nothing he could do about it. "So Superman, what is he? And for that matter what are you? And a person who can move really fast…" Bruce asked.
Laura chuckled a bit. "I guess you didn't read the daily planet article."
Bruce looked at her skeptically. "I did. I didn't believe it."
"All true." Laura said then shrugged her shoulders. "Years ago, a little boy fell to earth and saw this planet not for the evil in it but the good. And he had the powers of a god and chose to use them to help."
"Sounds a little too fruity. It also sounds like you're in love with the guy". Bruce informed her.
"That was a long time ago." Laura laughed, "but it's all true. He really is one of the most good people I've ever met. Actually, you remind me a lot of him in some ways. Neither of you are willing to give up even when it seems at times the whole world is against you."
"Alright, so I'm willing to open my eyes up to the idea of an alien but what are you?" Bruce asked. This was perhaps the question he was most curious in – she did after all save his life.
"Well when the alien came here so did radioactive bits of his home planet. The meteor rock seems to have some bizarre effects on people. I spent a greater part of my high school years studying the rocks and I guess got a bizarre effect myself." Laura said easily. "As for Impulse, he was caught in some freak storm I think. So his powers have no extraterrestrial basis." She added.
"Good to know – I guess." Bruce responded. He found the conversation so far to be rather humbling. This girl seemed to know things he could never imagine needing to know. She had obviously been through a fair amount in her life and somehow winded up on the right side. "Any chance I'll ever get to meet your alien lover?" He asked lightheartedly.
A small smile formed on Laura's face, "maybe one day. He told me to tell you that he and the rest of the 'league' as they're calling themselves these days are waiting for you to join them. You just gotta say the word."
Bruce contemplated this. "It's a great offer. Really I respect their work. But I think I have so issues close to home to take care of before I can go off to save the world."
"You know, you don't have to be superfast or be able to fly to save the world. That's something Superman taught me." Laura began. "Just by being out there, by fighting for the right people and doing the right thing for the right reasons you're a hero. You're saving the world, just not in the most literal way. Sure, Superman might be saving lives but you're bringing back people's souls. Never underestimate the value in that." Laura finished and looked up to see Bruce staring back at her thoughtfully.
"So speaking of saving the world, will you be sticking around Gotham now that your cover has been blown?" Bruce asked.
"As much fun as this past week has been, Gotham never really felt much like home. With Superman showing his face and being a public figure my name's probably not going to be worth much to the FBI anymore and near Falconi is most likely the most dangerous place for me at the moment. I think it's time for Chloe Sullivan to make her triumphant return to Metropolis." She finished looking up at Bruce with a sense of finality.
"Well, Ms. Smith or Sullivan. It's been a pleasure working with you." Bruce informed her and offered his hand.
Chloe simply shook her head at his hand. "Trust me, this is just the beginning." She proceeded to turn around, leave a business card on an end table, and walked out the door.
3 Months Later
Chloe sat once again at the rooftop of the daily planet, triumphant in her return. She closed her eyes and felt once again the dirty city air skirt across her nose. She smiled when she felt a presence nearby. Opening her eyes, the sun was blocked by a giant red and blue – guy.
"So, how does it feel to be back and have Lex behind bars?" Clark asked.
"Amazing." Chloe responded. "Although to be honest, the best part of this is being Chloe again, you have no idea how good it feels to have my identity back."
Clark chuckled. "I know a thing or two about identity struggles."
The two friends laughed with one another on the rooftop of their workplace. Eventually, Chloe left so Clark (or Superman as he was at the time) and Lois could have an interview or a date or whatever it was. Chloe sat her desk greatful to be back.
Suddenly, her phone rang. A smile instantly marked her face. It was her first day back at the planet and already she felt important. She picked up the phone and was surprised who was on the other end.
"Ms. Sullivan? This is Mr. Wayne. I was just calling to congratulate you on the job." He told her.
"Thanks. How have you been? It's been months and you don't call you don't write…" She tells him.
"It's been a long few months. I'm just calling because well – I need a little help." He told her. Chloe smiled.
"It's about time." She told him.
THE END.
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A/N: SO I know I took forever to get out this final chapter. I got distracted by something else and I was also having trouble deciding where to leave this. I want it open ended enough so that you can imagine whatever ending you really want. This story was really about the beginning and about heroes and making the most of a bad situation and what not. Really, it's a fluff story about how much I love superhero charachters and their overwhelming goodness.
Nevertheless, there is a part of me that's considering a sequel that would more than less likely take place in Metropolis. It might also be a time traveling adventure.
Sorry if this was anti climactic but the important part was Chloe and Bruce finally meeting and whatnot.
