Disclaimer: DC/WB Entertainment owns these characters. No profit of any kind is being made from this story. This is strictly for my own amusement.

Author's Notes: In this next chapter, Clark gets a surprising ally, and later, Lois and her Father have it out. Let's just hope secrets don't come spilling out! Please read and review. Thank you!:D

~o~o~

Chapter 11: Long Time Coming

The Zephrymore Building, early afternoon:

After a short drive, Clark and Lex exited the limo and entered a low-rise building and it was the same guard on duty. Lex spoke to him before he could speak.

"Don't say anything, Mike. This is your final warning." He gave him a stern look which would cower a weak mind.

He couldn't look his boss in the eye. "Thank you, Sir."

Clark felt sorry for him. Anyone could fall asleep. They entered the elevator and headed to the top floor.

"What is this place?" Clark wanted to know.

"It's a front; nothing more," Lex replied being evasive.

"I see," Clark murmured not believing it.

They entered the same room that had contained the photos of Lois, but they had been removed, along with all the newspaper articles.

Lex headed over to the bookcase and released the lever and the door opened. Lex stepped inside, but Clark was hesitant. "Don't worry; there are no viruses inside this place."

Clark relaxed. "That's good to know."

Lex shook his head. They went further inside and Clark was shocked by what he saw. "They're empty now, but just a few months ago, they contained clones."

"But where are they now? Are they alive?"

"No, they didn't survive very long." He sounded upset.

"So why keep this place? Why not destroy it?"

"Because, I may need them later on; you see that's my ultimate goal: to clone Superman."

Clark should have been surprised, but he wasn't. "But why clones, Lex?"

"Because when they're clones; I can control them; that's why."

"But we don't need another Superman; one is quite enough," he declared becoming annoyed by his ridiculous plan.

"Don't you see? My Superman would be more powerful and he can defeat him."

Clark shook his head. "It's a complete waste of time and besides it's illegal to clone someone without their knowledge."

Lex immediately thought of his deceased clones. "Superman isn't just anyone; he's an alien and fair game."

Clark was getting even more upset. He counted to ten again. "That's not true, Lex, and besides, I hate to burst your bubble, but the President's Order was clear and besides Superman is invulnerable. I even heard that even his hair is invulnerable."

"Yes, I heard that too, but I can't give up; I can't."

Clark had to stop this now. "Lex, what if you did get his hair? He's an alien, not human. You can't duplicate him. Everything about him is different from us. It's impossible."

"Nothing is impossible." He turned from him and left the lab.

Clark sighed then followed him. He tried again. "Lex, if you're caught and they find out about this place. How will you explain it?"

"If I am caught, you will go down with me."

"Me, but."

"Yes you; you are the only person who knows about this place, and a few of my trusted scientists."

"But I wouldn't do that; I wouldn't betray you," he lied.

"Just make sure that you don't because there may be consequences."

He frowned getting the message. "Are you threatening me?"

"No, it's just a warning."

He immediately thought of Lois and she could be in danger. "I understand."

They left the building. He dropped Clark off at the Planet and Lex headed back to LexCorp.

Back in his office, Lex was beginning to have doubts about trusting Clark. One minute he was all in and the next not so much. Frowning, he pulled up the video feed from the lobby and in the room on the top floor. There were no cameras inside the office or the clone lab. Lois and Superman were in the hall. He watched as he picked her up and flew down the hall. They were definitely involved and no one could tell him anything different. Lex found the entire situation revolting.

~o~o~

The Daily Planet bullpen:

Once back at the Planet, Clark checked his messages. He frowned when he listened and then the caller revealed his name. Alex Washington, a scientist in Lex's lab, and then it hit him. Clark remembered him, even though he hadn't seen his face. I know him from Smallville. He knows my secret.

Lois walked over to him. She touched his arm; he jumped out of his skin. "Clark, what's got you so distracted?"

Instead of answering her, he guided her into a conference room. "You won't believe this."

"Now what?"

"I just got a message from Alex Washington. I remember him from Smallville and he works at Lex's lab." At her frown, he continued. "He knows my secret, Lois. He was on the school bus that day." He shook his head. "When Lex introduced us, the name didn't ring any bells, plus he had on a mask that covered his nose and his lower face."

"Don't think the worst. If he called then maybe, he wanted to help you."

"My first thought was yes, he does, now I'm afraid to call him. What if he tries to threaten me or something like that?"

"You've become very jaded since you got here, and I'm worried it's because of me," Lois thoughtfully said.

Clark picked up on something. He touched her shoulder. "Have you reached your Father yet?"

"No, he hasn't returned my calls. I thought of going over there without calling, but."

"You should go and I'll go with you," he said hoping to help in some way.

"I don't think that's wise, Clark. He may recognize you and we can't let that happen; not yet anyway."

"Well, I do change my voice when I'm dressed this way, so he may not. We should try. We don't know what he's doing over there and."

"You're right." She took a deep breath. "First call this Alex guy back and see what he wants. He could ease your mind."

"Ok, I'll call him." He picked up the phone and called him back. It was his cellphone number.

"Alex, this is Clark Kent; I got your message."

"Yes, Mr. Kent, we should meet in private."

He frowned. "What is this about?"

"I'd rather not say. Please meet me after work today. I can't leave now."

"Hold on a minute." He put him on hold. "He wants to meet with me."

"You should go."

"It won't be until later so we can go see your Father first."

"Perfect." She smiled encouraging him.

"Alright, Alex, where should we meet?" He listened for a minute. "I'll be there." He hung up. They left the conference room.

"Let's get this over with; I've already spoken to Perry and he knows what's going on."

They gathered their things. "Was he as shocked as we were when you told him?" Clark asked.

"Yes he was. He found the idea of Zod being experimented on shocking and upsetting."

"Yes it's very upsetting." Clark thought about Zod. "He was misguided, determined to save his people, but his goal of destroying Earth to build New Krypton was not the right way and, unfortunately, he wouldn't relent or stop."

"No, he wouldn't stop until it was way past time for it to end."

"Are you ready?" He asked.

"Yes, and Clark, let me do all the talking."

He frowned. "Alright, but if he insults you or."

"I can take care of myself. He's my Father; I know him, at least I thought I did."

He took her hand; they left the bullpen.

~o~o~

A little while later, just outside the base:

Lois was having second thoughts about Clark coming with her to see her Father. "I've been thinking and what I have to say may be difficult for him to hear and for you as well," Lois said.

"Do you want me to listen in or?"

"No, you can drop me off then come and get me in about an hour."

"Lois, I don't know about this. I'm sorry, but I don't trust him."

"I don't either, but he is my Father; he won't hurt me."

He took her hand. "He already has, but are you sure?"

"Yeah, I'm sure."

"Alright, but I don't like this." After gaining access to the base, he dropped her there and headed back to the Planet.

Lois did not have an appointment. She regularly called ahead before coming, but she wanted to catch him off guard if it would help. She walked into his office and his assistant, Helen, was certainly surprised to see her. "Ms. Lane, I wasn't expecting to see you today and General Lane, he."

She interrupted her. "Where is he; is he in his office?"

She stood up. "Yes, but."

Lois walked in unannounced. Sam stood up, but he had officers with him. "Lo, what in the world are you doing here?"

"I'm sorry, Daddy, but." She glanced at the officers. She immediately recognized a few of them from the invasion.

"Gentlemen, we'll continue this later." They left without a word. The door closed. "This is a welcome surprise." He came closer and tried to give her a hug, but she backed up. "Lo?"

Lois got right to the point. "Daddy, I heard something earlier today and I need to hear it from you."

He knew what this was about. "Please have a seat."

She hesitated, and then sat down. She watched him take a seat, but he didn't say anything and he couldn't look at her, which spoke volumes. "Then it's true?"

He raised his sad eyes to her face. "Lo, I had to do it."

The military was fully against Superman in the beginning, but she thought that had changed. "But I don't understand. Were you forced? Were you under orders?"

"No, I wasn't under orders. It was my idea to do it; no one else," he replied firmly.

Lois frowned as she picked up on something. "You sound proud of yourself." She shook her head. "What happened to you?"

"Nothing happened to me." He stood up and walked over to the window. "I shouldn't have to tell you this, but," he hesitated as he turned to her, "The world is not a very safe place. We can't trust anyone."

"I can't believe what I'm hearing. I trust you, Daddy; don't you trust me?" It pained her to ask these questions, but she had to know.

"Of course, I trust you," he quickly replied.

"I don't think you do. If you did, you would trust that I know what I'm doing." She paused to gather her composure. "You can trust Superman; he is not a threat, not to you, to me or anyone else on this Planet."

"You sound so sure." He thought about it. "How many times have I told myself that you were not involved with him? You told me to my face that it wasn't true." He shook his head. "But I know it's true; isn't it?" He had to know. "Are you sleeping with him?"

Lois closed her eyes for a moment then she stood up. "Daddy, you have to listen to me."

"No, you listen. If you're sleeping with him, you can forget about you and me. I can't even fathom it. It made me sick to even think it."

She gritted her teeth then tried another tactic to get through to him. "Daddy, who I sleep with, is not your concern; not anymore." She came closer. "Daddy, now listen to me, please."

He was still. "Go on."

"I'm going to tell you something and because I still trust you, I would hope you won't tell anyone else." She stared at him closely. "You have to promise me."

He frowned. "Alright, I promise."

"Superman is not alone in this world."

"What are you saying?" Then he thought about it. "Are there other Kryptonians out there?"

"No, that's not what I meant. He has a family; a family that raised him to adulthood."

"I can't believe this. He's an alien, and."

"That's true, but you seem to forget that he's been on this Planet for over thirty-three years. Did you forget that? He didn't just show up out of the blue. He arrived here as a baby; unable to walk, to feed himself, or even to think for himself." She came ever closer and touched his arm. He seemed to understand then she tried one more thing to get through to him. "Do you remember what it felt like to mourn my Mother?"

Sam was stunned for a moment. "Of course, I remember, but what does that have to do with?"

"A lot of people would mourn him if he died, Daddy, a lot of people; me included." Her eyes watered. "Do I understand what I'm saying?"

Sam understood. "You love him." He couldn't believe it.

Lois couldn't deny it. "Yes, I love what he brings out in all of us. I love what he stands for; what he believes in; our potential for good, and our hope for the future." She paused for a moment. "I know it seems as if humankind has given up on those things, but I haven't given up, and I know you haven't either."

She was right. "Oh, Lo," he whispered and pulled her close. "Of course, I still believe all of it."

Lois was so relieved; she pulled him closer. After a minute, she pulled away. "The tests must end."

Sam believed her and he trusted her. "Well, I think we can do that."

Lois brightened. "You think?"

"Actually, the men who were just here; I just ordered them to destroy Zod. It will happen first thing tomorrow." He grinned at her; she was smiling from ear to ear. He hadn't seen her like this in a very long time.

"Oh, Daddy, thank you." She threw her arms around his neck and kissed his cheek.

He decided to tell her the truth. "Lo, General Swanwick found out about the tests and he insisted that they be stopped." He hung his head.

"I see, but," she hesitated. "Look at me, Daddy." He raised his eyes to her face. "You do know that it was the right thing to do, don't you?"

"Yes, I do know that," he replied firm in his answer.

Lois was relieved then she had a question. "What about the results of the tests? What will happen with those?"

"Well, according to Dr. Klein, General Swanwick will receive all of the test results." She seemed pleased with that reply then he continued. "Now, I'm ready."

Lois frowned. "Ready for what?"

"I'm ready to meet this mystery man, Clark Kent."

Lois was a bit thrown. "Well, I don't know; not just yet."

"But why not; I know you care for him? I saw those photos from the Planet in the gossip section."

Lois was entirely surprised. "You actually read that stuff?"

Now, he looked sheepish. "I read all of it. You do work there after all." He grinned.

"Yeah, I do, and thank you."

"Well, how about you setup dinner and I'll come over?"

"Ok, in a few weeks. I'm moving and," she started and inwardly kicked herself for blurting that out.

"Moving where?"

"A larger place, two bedrooms; I need an office and," she stopped; he looked upset. "I'll call you once I'm settled."

"Fair enough;" he replied then he had a question. "He's not afraid to meet me; is he?"

"Daddy, you can be intimidating, and Clark can be a little shy."

"He's shy?" He chuckled. "And you two get along?"

Lois felt affronted. "I'm a good girl when I want to be."

He chuckled again then he sobered. "I've missed you, Lo."

"I've missed you too." They headed to the door.

She turned to him. "We will do dinner, very soon now," she promised him.

He grinned. "I'll look forward to it."

She gave him a hug then she was gone.

~o~o~

A night club in Suicide Slum:

Clark checked the address again. "This can't be the right place," he muttered. He opened the door of an obviously shady night club. It was late afternoon and there were very few customers at the bar, but a few women were performing on poles. His eyes bugged out of his head. It was a strip club. The women weren't completely naked, but they may as well be. He cleared his throat and searched for Alex. He found him in a corner of the club in a booth. Clark sat down.

Alex grinned at his clear discomfort. "Before you ask, I chose this place because it's discreet; at least, that is what I've heard, and besides, my wife wouldn't approve."

He grinned. "You're probably right," Clark said and watched him closely. "I can't believe it's you."

"It's me alright." He lowered his voice. "Clark, if you're wondering, I don't want anything from you. I think what you've done as Superman is amazing and I wanted to help you."

"How long have you been working for Luthor?"

"Not long, about three months," he replied. "Clark, I can help you with your story. Luthor needs to be stopped. The drones will be calibrated in about a week, and the virus cocktail is nearly done. Several relatively recent flu viruses were identified and they're very powerful."

"I see." Clark was getting upset.

"He won't getaway with it. There are laws against what he's planning. Superman should not be threatened by him or anyone else. The President's pardon was clear on this matter."

Clark shook his head feeling as if he won't be able to get through to Lex. "Not according to Luthor."

"Luthor cares for no one, well except Ms. Lane. He's thoroughly obsessed with her." He watched him stiffen. "I'm gathering evidence against him every day. It shouldn't be long now."

Clark didn't know what to say. "Thank you, Alex."

Alex had a question to ask. "I saw the gossip column about you two. Is it serious; if you don't mind my asking?"

"Well, yes, Lois and I will be moving in together next month."

"Congratulations, Clark. That's wonderful news. I'm happy for you."

He stared at him. "You've changed Alex."

Alex was one of the boys who had taunted him outside Sullivan's repair shop that day. He bowed his head. "I truly hope so. I wanted to apologize to you, Clark. Kids can be very hurtful."

"Adults can be too, but thanks for saying that."

"You're welcome. You know once all of this is over, I would love for you to meet my wife. We have two kids, two boys, seven and three." Like a doting father, he pulled out his wallet.

Clark couldn't help but feel a bit jealous of Alex; he was a doctor and he had a family. He stared at the photographs. His wife was lovely and his two sons; any father would be proud. "They're beautiful."

He took his wallet back. "Clark, I know it's been hard for you, leaving Smallville behind to find yourself, but I think you're great. Everyone does."

Clark was becoming emotional. He truly needed to hear that. "Thank you, Alex."

"Well, I should get back. I'll be in touch." They shook hands. Alex went first, and then Clark left a few minutes later.

~o~o~

That evening at Lois' apartment:

After dinner, Lois and Clark were getting ready for bed. During the dinner, they talked about Sam and about Alex.

"So you basically told him about us; I mean you and Superman?" Clark asked.

"Yeah, I was a bit vague, but he got the point. I do love you, Clark, both of you," she replied. She watched him undress then she remembered. His earlier meeting at a strip club and how he was 'unaffected by naked women' put naughty thoughts in her mind. She slowly unbuttoned her blouse. Clark was sitting down his back to her.

"Clark, does this turn you on?" She was standing there in her bra and underwear. She reached behind her, unfastened her bra and slipped it off and held it up for a moment. It fell to the floor.

"Lois?" He whispered and stared at her. He looked her up and down, definitely turned on.

Her panties were slowly slipped down her hips then she stepped out of them. She removed her ponytail and shook her hair free. It fell about her shoulders in the silken wave. "Well?" She shook out her hair again.

He swallowed then he slowly stood up and walked over to her; he had on his boxers. "You truly are something else."

"You're not so bad yourself," she whispered and bit her lip. Then he pulled her to him and they were kissing a bit desperately. Soon they were in bed, kissing and snuggling close.

But before things got too carried away, Clark was still worried. "Lois, this dinner you're planning, I don't know if we should do that."

"He has to meet you eventually, so."

"Alright, we have a few weeks to prepare for that, but I don't think we should tell him the truth about me, after this Lex business is settled and the article comes out."

"Speaking of that, when is your deadline?"

"Perry wasn't specific; he doesn't want to rush it."

"That is odd, but it will be an exclusive, and it is pretty essential. Perry doesn't want any lawsuits or anything."

"Yeah, he told me."

She leaned up on her elbow and stroked his chest then she kissed his cheek. "No more talking; it has been awhile," she whispered softly, and kissed his throat and his ear. "I've missed this."

Clark closed his eyes and pulled her closer. Lois moaned into his mouth and kissed him back. He released her mouth so she could breathe a little. "Humm, I want you too," he said in answer to her passionate kisses.

Soon they were in each other's arms kissing and caressing not able to get close enough with so much emotion and passion; she had to have him. She pulled him to her holding him close. Clark's mouth crashed down on hers as his excitement of being here with her fueled his need to a fever pitch. Heaven must feel like this.

Lois opened her eyes and drank in the dark form that was above her. She felt lost beneath him. He loomed over her. He was so masculine and strong, but he was also gentle, caring and he was hers. He moved on top of her, touching her, and kissing his way down to her breasts. She arched her back and moaned. It felt so good. "Yes, that's it."

"You like that, do you?" She tasted like heaven to him. She was so responsive to his touch. He felt her everywhere he could reach, her beautiful breasts, her arms, her long legs and firm thighs. Her hands were in his hair, on his shoulders, down his arms, and his legs, moving that part of him that was so ready for her. Clark moaned. Lois was touching him. He touched her there, and she nearly flew off the bed.

He had to have her as he entered her warm sheath slowly at first then holding her face in his hands he kissed her passionately, his tongue thrusting in rhythm with his hips. Lois wrapped her arms and legs around him trying to get closer. The pleasure was almost too sweet as he buried his face in her neck and kissed her throat and her ear stimulating her then Lois began to shake and moan. His climax then rocketed through him with a mind-numbing force. Lois screamed his name and he pushed once more and then he let everything go. 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 closer, stroking her hair and arms. Several minutes passed while their breathing returned to normal.

"Wow, that was indescribable," she whispered remembering their earlier encounters. Lois sobered suddenly as she stroked his chest. "I love you, Clark," she whispered her eyes drifting shut.

"I love you too," he whispered back and kissed her forehead. "You know, Lois, I was a little jealous of Alex."

"That's his life, Clark, but you and I, well it may not be in the cards for us to have kids."

He still had hope, but he was thinking of marriage. "We've never truly talked about kids. You're right, but we don't know the future." It wasn't in Clark not to hope.

"That's true, but there is one thing I do know," she whispered and pulled him closer.

"What is it?"

She leaned up to see his face. "You and I are very lucky. We found each other, Clark, and a lot of people will never have what we share." She spoke the truth.

He smoothed her hair behind her ear. "You're right; we've very lucky; very lucky indeed." He leaned down, eyes closed and then he kissed her long, slow and deep.

TBC!

Song Inspiration: Worth It, Whitney Houston.

A/N: This part of the story was tough. I knew what I wanted to say during Lois and her Father's talk, but it was tough to put it down on paper. I hope it rang true for my readers. I honestly can't describe what Lois was feeling (losing a parent early in her life), but I can relate to how strict parent(s) can be, not letting their children grow into responsible adults. In spite of that, Lois and Clark turned out Ok. A quick heads up: You don't want to miss the next chapter! Thanks for reading everyone. Reviews/kudos is love.