Chapter 44

"When is she coming?" Clark was getting antsy and beginning to pace the floor of Oliver Queen's apartment. He still had the potentially horrible job of getting the blue kryptonite this afternoon, but he had to take care of this first.

"Clark, keep your shirt on, or whatever you call that." Oliver Queen looked up his friend, dressed today as the iconic hero that had now overshadowed all of the Justice League put together. Of course, it was inevitable. The man had more powers, or "abilities" as he so often called them, than all of the other members combined; well, at least that had been true until he'd talked her into joining. "Will you relax! She'll be here. She's not exactly someone who keeps to a definite time table, but she did promise. She knew it was you who asked."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Clark said it a little testily. He couldn't help it. Oliver had that way of teasing him that always sounded like there was some secret joke only Oliver understood.

"It means she's got a crush on you. Surely you knew that?" He watched Clark turn away quickly, but not before he witnessed the look of painful embarrassment that flitted across his face. "Hey, I have my own groupies too. They're just not in the same category as yours. Maybe I should have gone with the spandex look instead of leather."

"Oliver, you know that Lois and I —"

"Yes," he drew out the word, "and so does she. I did tell her. But you know what I think?"

"No, but I'm sure you're going to tell me."

"Yeah, well, I do enjoy tormenting you sometimes." He chuckled, "And it's so easy. No, seriously, I think she believes she's a better fit for you than your average earth girl."

"Piece of advice, don't ever call Lois 'average' to her face unless you want to lose some teeth."

Oliver smiled and Clark resumed his pacing. "It's almost ten. The judge is expecting us. You did tell her to bring it?"

"Yes, although I doubt it was unnecessary. I think she always has it with her. Clark, this judge, he has heard of her, right? I mean, she's only just arrived on the scene. Unless he believes in —"

"I've already talked to him. He has heard of her, but I think it wouldn't have mattered. He is really impressed with Superman's reputation for truth."

"Do you know how strange it is to hear you talk of Superman as if he's another person when you're standing there in the costume, red cape and all?"

"Lois doesn't like it either." Clark sighed. "But I have a hard time thinking I'm him."

Oliver's eyebrows show skyward. "What?" he said sharply.

Clark turned and the red cape swirled around him, emphasizing to Oliver just how much Clark Kent was truly the celebrated Man of Steel. "Oliver, that article Lois wrote… It set a …tone, a standard for Superman. I can't ever live up to that."

"Clark, Clark," Oliver shook his head in disbelief, "you don't even realize you are the only one that thinks that. You live up to it every day. Why can't you see that?"

The sound of the elevator caused them to both turn toward the door. "Good, that must be her now." Oliver crossed the room, ready to welcome his special guest into his home.

"Oh no!"

"What?" Oliver turned back to Clark.

"It's not her. It's Lois."