Note: Didn't want to keep this one waiting long as the previous chpt was more of a set up to this one. Hope you enjoy and that you're not getting bored with this one. Would love to get your feedback and thoughts! Thanks much!!

--

Chapter 12

Lois' stomach tightened painfully. She'd been right. Clark Kent was at the center of all this…whatever this was.

Suddenly a whole lot of little nothings clicked into place. The information in the file Bruce gave her. Luthor Corp's name had been all over the place. The friendship turned rivalry between Clark and Lex went far beyond mere jealousy over a girl. Lex knew about Clark. Or at least he knew enough to know something. Is that what finally started the rift between them? Clark's unwillingness to tell his secret? Lex's manipulations to force the truth out of him?

And just how obsessed was he with finding this particular earth-shattering truth? The file gave her some indication, but there'd been more there than just Luthor Corp data. Bruce's own findings helped connect many dots. So, what exactly did Lex know? And how could she stop him from finding out more?

Having at least put one and one together, Lois didn't need to ask to know, but she asked anyway. "What are you talking about?"

"Clark Kent." Lex turned her with a predatory glint in his eyes, though his casual stance was still firmly in place. "I hear the two of you have gotten…close…"

"We work together if that's what you mean."

"It wasn't, but ok. We'll go with your definition of 'close'." His eyes narrowed as he gauged her. She was trying too hard to hold it in. Fighting too many urges at once. To lash out. To protect. To defend. And Lex Luthor was too versed in the ways of women under Clark's spell to not see her nonchalant disinterest for what it really was.

Realization flickered through his eyes. "My God. You've fallen for him, haven't you? Yeah…yeah, I can see it in your eyes."

Clinging to emotional distance, Lois scoffed. "Clark and I can barely stand each other."

"I do remember that." Lex conceded. "On the other hand, that kind of instant dislike is usually a precursor to something…explosive."

"The only thing explosive between Clark and me is our tempers." Rolling her eyes, Lois forced a chuckle. "Why do you think I'm here in Gotham? I was tired of dealing with the Prince of Brood day in and day out. It's like an every day drama with him. And trust me, that gets real old, real fast."

"Yes, I'm sure that could be one reason." Lex pursed his lips as if in thought. "On the other hand…I seem to remember you two doing this before."

"What are you talking about?"

"When you were both back in high school. He asked if I could put in a good word for you with Met U. Seemed he couldn't get you out of Smallville fast enough." His lips curled. "I suspected then, he had ulterior motives, and now I see why." His gaze raked over openly. Her insides shrank at the rough caress. "Even back then you were too hot for Clark to handle. I can only imagine how he's handling you now."

"He isn't."

A full smile and suggestively knowing gaze. "But I'd bet you'd like it if he were."

"I realize this isn't your experience, but not every woman in the world thinks Clark Kent is the center of theirs. I'm a happily engaged woman, Lex. Or don't you read the papers?" She thought she sounded convincing. By Lex's suddenly relaxed features, she figured she had been.

A sigh of relief rushed through her. She'd managed to avoid falling into his trap. It gave her a boldness to try to set a trap of her own. Even if the words did leave a bad taste I her mouth. "Besides, the last time I saw Clark, he was in a serious liplock with none other than your ex."

Lex Luthor stared at Lois a moment as if trying to read her mind. Then, suddenly, he chuckled, his eyes bright with instant delight. "Why, thank you, Lois. That's probably the best news I've heard all day…"

--

There was a deafening silence. And rising tension. Then one long growl of rage.

The door to the dressing room blew off its hinges and sailed through the air, landing with a thud that seemed to shake everything, even the cave walls.

Bruce barely ducked in time.

Instantly alert, Bruce backed away, his hand gripping the Kryptonite so hard his knuckles were turning white.

Another deafening silence. Another long, tense moment.

"Clark?" Bruce ventured tentatively, worry ripping through his expression. "Clark, if you'll just let me explain…"

After what seemed like an eternity, Clark Kent filled the opening dressed from neck to toe in the Batsuit. Well, one of them at least. Bruce was surprised at how well it fit him. A vague sense of satisfaction washed over him. This plan was definitely going to work…

A deathly low voice interrupted his brief and incongruent moment of triumph.

"Ex-cuse me?" Face flushed with renewed anger, Clark's narrowed eyes were two blazing balls of blue.

Bruce swallowed hard. "You wanted to know why she ran."

"You…" Clark took a measured step forward. "…told her about me."

"Technically, I presented the facts to her in a folder and let her come to her own conclusion." He paused. Keep it honest. Keep it open. Keep it calm. "I'm pretty sure she figured it out."

"Do you even…?" Anger was boiling just under a barely controlled surface. Clark's hands clenched by his side. His nostrils flared. His jaw tensed. "What gives you the right to…"

"Clark…"

Another measured step. "Do you have any idea how long I've wanted to tell her but didn't? How many times I almost said the words, but stopped myself?? To protect her?? To keep her safe? DO YOU?"

Bruce's hand curled around the green rock. He watched carefully for the signs of an imminent attack. Either Clark was an expert at hiding his intentions or he didn't know himself. "Clark. If you don't calm down…"

"Now, she is exactly where I never wanted her to be. Because you decided to play God with our lives!" Chest rising and falling with rapid breaths, Clark's face twisted in panic as a warning rumbled deep in his chest. "If anything happens to her, so help me…"

"I didn't do this, Clark." Bruce shot back hotly, if only to gain Clark's heated attention. "Her knowledge of your origin isn't what put her in Lex's hands, ok?" He reasoned. Cajoled. Deflected Clark's focus…and anger. And lost an edge to his own. "Luthor's obsession did. And that is something neither of us can control. Clark, she'd still be exactly where she is even if she didn't know. And in this situation, her knowing about you might turn out to be our greatest strength."

That took the wind out of Clark's sails.

He gaze lowered as he contemplated Bruce's words. He began to pace in an effort to keep his emotions in careful check. And silently cursed Bruce for being so spot-on right.

Lois didn't need this right now. She didn't need two men who were obviously at war for her affections to kill each other before they had a chance to rescue her. Despite every nerve in his body spoiling for a fight, her safety must and would come first.

Everything else could be dealt with in time.

Clark also knew Lex Luthor. He knew him well enough to know if he wanted to use Lois as a bargaining chip, not a world of locked doors could stop him from getting to her. Using her. Harming her, if he deemed it necessary. Chances were great that Lex hadn't a clue what Lois really knew. Which meant that once he got what he wanted, Lois was as insignificant to Lex as a fly on the wall.

And just as safe.

Nothing Bruce or Lois or Clark himself could have done differently to avoid their present situation. And even if they could, now was not the time for blame or what ifs. Besides, the chance of Lois being cautious was greater now than if she didn't know. She would measure her words. Perhaps, even curtail her instincts to act rashly. For if there was one thing Clark knew about Lois Lane, angry or not, she was loyal to the core. She would do anything to protect the people she loved.

And she did love him. Of that, he was sure.

Only how and to what extent were in question.

His mind quickly shifted to the latest information.

So, Lois knew his secret. She knew who he was. What he could do. It had brought tears to those beautifully confident eyes. And it had made her run from the home she thought she'd found with Bruce. Only Lois could tell why. He just prayed that when this was all over, she'd be willing to offer an explanation. And willing to listen to his.

The tension in the room broke. Clark visibly relaxed. After a moment's hesitation, Bruce tossed the Kryptonite into a lead box on the desk and closed it with relief.

It was time to offer a truce. "Clark, I'm sorry. I know it's your secret and you should have been the one to tell her, but…"

"Then why?" Clearly confused not only by Bruce's actions, but his confession as well, Clark's shoulders hitched helplessly. "Why did you do it?"

"Because all's fair in love and war." Bruce stated what appeared to be the obvious. At least to him. "And I think it's been established you and I are knee deep in both."

Incredulous, Clark's voice nearly cracked. "What does my secret have to do with…"

"Look." Taking a slight step forward, Bruce held up his hands in a disarming show of surrender. "I was just leveling the playing field."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Oh, come on, Clark, you know women."

The blank expression on Clark's face indicated he did not.

Bruce's wry chuckle and shrug of his shoulders signaled he didn't get it any more than any other man. But he tried to explain anyway. "They love the dark, brooding, mysterious types. Which, face it, is pretty much us to a T. Except…"

"Except?"

"Well, Lois figured out my secret pretty quickly. So, in the mystery department you were winning by a mile. I had no choice really." Bruce shrugged. "So, I told her about you. Mystery gone. Just like that." He rocked back on his heels, a hint of confidence slipping through his handsome features. "That just leaves dark and brooding, which…I must say, I pretty much have sewn up."

"Oh, really? You know, I'm plenty dark and brooding." Hands on hips, Clark shot back defensively. In his fight for Lois, Clark clearly wasn't going to give up even an inch. Except when that inch was patently obvious. Noting the knowingly raised eyebrow pointed his direction, his gaze shifted in concession. "Well…brooding, at least."

Bruce cracked a smile and hated how much he actually liked Clark Kent. "You know you were right about one thing."

"What's that?"

"Lois does cling to complicated." Sure the potential danger had passed, Bruce crossed the room to where Clark stood and began inspecting the suit for any improperly applied closures. He tapped Clark's arms and nodded a silent command. "So, who knows, Kent…you may still be in the running yet."

Clark rolled his eyes and raised his arms. "In the running." He scoffed, clearly offended by the implication he was a distant second. He issued his own challenge. "We'll see who's in the running when we find Lois."

"Which, given the plan…" Bruce rounded Clark and inspected the back of the suit. "…you will before I do." He readjusted a few pieces of material around the shoulders before coming to stand in front of Clark with a nod of approval.

"Your point?" Eyes glinting dangerously, Clark crossed his arms in front of him.

Bruce's gaze met his knowingly. "You'll have her undivided attention. At least for a few minutes." A flicker of doubt entered his eyes. "Any plans to…you know…level your own field?"

"None that have formed." Clark replied evenly, reassuringly. Then crumbled Bruce's confidence with a smirk. "Yet." He shrugged nonchalantly. "But I haven't seen her in a month. And I do have a lot to say, so…"

"Don't do anything I wouldn't do." The warning was delivered through tightened lips.

"Something tells me, I won't..." Clark responded cryptically. Spinning on his heels so fast the cape fluttered tauntingly in Bruce's face, Clark finished the thought over his shoulder as he sauntered away. "…all being fair in love and war, that is."

Bruce shook his head in grudging admiration as his heart tightened in pained regret.

It had been an intriguing month. And a valiant effort. But even Bruce Wayne couldn't stop destiny.

And now that Clark Kent knew the rules, he would have no problem playing the game...

…and claiming what was rightfully his.

--

Lex stood outside the steel door, looking in at his latest prisoner.

A man in a suit came to stand next to him.

"Were there any problems?" Lex asked without taking his eyes from the woman whose face was hidden by a veil of long, dark hair.

"No, sir."

"And no one saw."

"No." He paused venturing a question. "I hope we did the right thing." Lex silently turned to him and he continued his explanation. "I mean, our orders were to only follow her. And I know how you demand complete adherence to orders."

Lex offered a half smile and patted the man on the back. "You did exactly the right thing. You saw an opportunity and contacted me before taking action on your own. I applaud that kind of initiative."

"Good."

"No, what's good, is what you've delivered." Lex's gaze returned to the woman on the other side of the door.

"And what is that?"

"The dagger to pierce my enemy's heart once and for all."

A few moments later, the door swung open. Her head snapped up. Her eyes narrowed in disbelief.

"Lex?"

Lex Luthor shut the door behind him and leaned against it. His lips titled in acknowledgement. "Hello, Lana. Welcome home."

--

"Let's go over it one more time." Bruce commanded from the driver's seat.

Clark sighed loudly. It had only been the tenth time they'd 'gone over' the plan. "I find Lois, get her to a safe location and notify you. In the meantime…"

"I'll be meeting with Lex. Stalling as much as I can."

"I'll return, create a diversion…"

"We'll make our exit."

"With Lois."

"And the information."

"And then you and I resume our own war." Clark threw the last part in just for the heck of it. His eyes danced in uncharacteristic anticipation.

Ignoring Clark's attempt to rile him, Bruce sank back into the leather seat and nodded with approval. "Well, now. That sounds like a workable plan."

Clark reached for the door handle only to be stopped by one last warning. "Just don't forget."

Voice on auto pilot, Clark rolled his eyes as he repeated the simple instructions. "Don't say anything. If I have to speak, keep it short, witty and…"

"…uber-cool." Bruce finished smugly. Clark shot him a look that prompted a defense. "What? I have a reputation to uphold."

Impatient to get going and noting the time on the clock, Clark's attention focused on the building. "Let's do this."

"You know where you're going?"

A curt nod of Clark's head was all the answer he needed. Though Clark provided a nugget of information that still set Bruce's nerves on edge. "I can already hear her heartbeat."

Bruce swallowed hard. "Clark. When you see Lois…"

Their eyes met in silent understanding. "I'll tell her you love her."

Bruce watched as Clark Kent exited the car faster than he could blink. A hint of awe entered his voice. "I actually believe you will."

--

She was working out a way to escape.

Her wrists were raw with her repeated attempt to loosen the ropes. Her back was sore from sitting so long in the same position. Even if she did manage to get her restraints off, there would be no real point. The door in front of her was solid steel and locked from the outside. The only windows in the room were too high to reach.

Growling in frustration, Lois sank back into the chair. "Think, Lois, think. There has to be a way out of here."

Suddenly, there was a sound at the door. A crunch, a snap, then the door flew open to reveal a man dressed from head to toe in black.

"Bruce! Oh, thank God!" Lois nearly giggled with relief. The door was swiftly closed and secured, but a focused Lois barely noticed. "Listen. I know who did this and why. It's Lex. Lex Luthor. And he's after the information on Clark."

A silent blur of black swirled in front of her only to round the chair and kneel behind her. He attended to the restraint on her wrists, which came undone with a flick of his fingers. "We can't let him get it, ok? He's a first class psycho with serious fixation issues." Lois immediately helped aid her escape by working at the ropes around her ankles. Black gloved hands gently pushed hers away to cut through the ropes on her left ankle with ease. Lois continued to ramble. "He'll do anything to hurt Clark." The ropes on her right ankle fell away. "We can't let that happen."

He silently stood. For the first time since he entered the room, Lois realized he hadn't said a word. "Bruce! Are you listening to me?"

In one swift move, he yanked her to her feet and pulled her body flush against his. Tight. Molded. Their eyes met. He heard her sharp intake of breath as her eyes widened in surprise.

"Clar…"

The rest of his name was crushed against his lips…

…and lost in the tidal wave of passion Clark Kent had been holding back for years.

Tbc…