Author's Notes: This first chapter will dive into DC's animated series 'My Adventures with Superman.' This story will be partial AU but those scenes are missing not spoilers. The first season is over and Lois knows the truth about Clark. We'll begin with the exposition, then the missing scene of their rescheduled first date. Here we go and I hope you enjoy it.
~o~o~
Chapter 1: With A Little Help
The Daily Planet:
As interns, Lois and Clark, and Jimmy were now in the boiler room found by Lois. It needed work but it will do for now. She calls it the war room because a water pipe burst but they cleaned it up. Lois was pacing with a lot on her mind meaning her friend Clark Kent was also Superman.
After everything that happened during their encounters with the League of Lois Lanes, she felt confused by the orb, the green crystal, and the Superman images she saw. She refused to believe Clark would act this way and decided to hide it. Now that they're speaking again she prepares for their first date. Meanwhile, Clark is also overthinking their date but he wanted it to be perfect.
They also had several talks about what happened to Jimmy but they found out that he already knew Clark's secret. Lois felt that Clark didn't trust her with his secret identity but that was not the case. He explained he wanted to be normal especially at his place of employment. He apologized and she accepted. She also apologized for calling him a liar.
Jimmy's disappearance formed a pattern not only the kidnappings and the powerful weapons, but who could be behind it. Cadmus was behind the advanced tech and the missing lawbreakers had become an important mystery that needed to be solved. Their rescheduled date had been delayed again. They agreed they would have the date at some point when these urgent matters are resolved.
We now begin after the chaotic Mr. Mxyzptlk, now gone, the League of Lois Lanes, and the multiverse were revealed and Clark's weakness appeared for the first time. He wanted to tell Lois about it, the green source in the weapons but he had no idea how to explain what happened to him.
After the rescue, Lois decided to hide the green crystal and the orb inside a metal file drawer in the war room at the Planet. Thinking of the orb again, the green crystal, and the disturbing images of multiple Superman personas, they were not her 'Clark.' Her mind still refused to accept that he could manage all that destruction and death revealed in the images.
While getting dressed for their rescheduled dinner date, she's overthinking it, what to wear, the conversation at dinner and the one question that reverberates inside her mind. How do I fit inside his life, as a friend, a good friend, like Jimmy or something more? She wondered. Their kisses were nice but dare she admit that she wanted more but inside, she did want more.
Clark texted her that he's on his way; then texted back that she was ready. Now back inside the bathroom, she glanced in the mirror and for someone who doesn't worry about make-up or fancy clothes, but tonight will be different. Her dress was new; her makeup and lipstick, not too much; her shoes were comfortable, and her hair was the same.
Now ready for their date but before that final glance in the mirror, her cellphone rang. 'Dad' appeared and he's calling her again, but this time she picked it up.
"Hello Dad. Is anything wrong?" She asked probing for answers.
"Nothing is wrong, but I'm glad you picked up. How are you?"
Sighing, she replied. "I'm fine. Dad, we haven't talked in months. Now, I have an appointment and I can't talk right now."
"Lo, please, I need to see you. Can we meet at your office? We can find a place to talk, have lunch and catch up?" At her silence, he tried again. "Please, Lo."
"Okay, meet me in the Daily Planet entrance at Noon on Monday morning." A knock came at the door. "I need to go, good night, Dad."
"Good night, Lo." He hung up and stared at the phone. At least she didn't hang up on me. "I'm sorry, Lo." He whispered to himself.
She opened the door and Clark appeared there in a new suit, glasses, and roses. "Clark, right on time. You look nice. Are these for me?"
"Of course, here you go." He walked inside. "You have a lovely home."
"Thanks. Let me place them in water and we can go," she said and headed to the kitchen. "Where are we going for dinner!?"
"It's Saturday night, and I made a reservation at an Italian place. I hope you like Italian."
"Of course, I do. I'm ready."
He looked her up and down. "You're wearing a dress and it's beautiful." He did love blue.
She blushed. "Thank you, Clark."
At the door he helped her with her coat. "Lois, before we go, I wanted to apologize again for what happened the other night, you know, our first date had to be rescheduled."
"Oh, about that, none of it was your fault and besides, I think we learned a lot about… you and me."
At his look of confusion, they left her place and walked over to her car. He helped her inside.
"Oh, can you drive?" She asked about to turn the key.
"Yes, I do know how to drive, but I never needed a car."
"I'll drive." And they were off.
"It's not far, only five miles or so," Clark said. "Turn left at the light and a few more lights, then you'll see it on the left."
"Clark, about the other day, I learned about Lois Lane in the multiverse. I was thinking and we should talk about our early lives before we met. I truly don't want to talk about what happened to us with the League of Lois Lanes. It didn't sit well with me. It appeared a lot to take in."
He frowned. "What do you mean?"
"They wanted to keep you and me on your toes; I was always in the way. I felt like I didn't belong there at all. I couldn't relate to any of them."
"I'm sorry you felt that way, but I understand your feelings. I was surprised when Mr. Mxyzptlk kidnapped me, you and Jimmy. It just wasn't what I expected. Too bad about our date, but we made it and here we are. Now, tell me about your life before we met."
"Okay, there's no way to sugar-coat it, but I'm an Army brat. My Father is a career soldier and he married young in his early twenties. They met in high school and stayed in touch for several years. His military career brought out his strict side of how to raise children. My sister and I learned the hard way. He would make sure our dates met him before we could take his daughters on dates."
"Well, my life here on Earth began twenty-two years ago when I was sent here from a distant planet. I don't know the name of the planet and where I came from but I'm sure my other parents took care of me. I have seen images inside the ship and they seemed happy to have me if only for a brief time. I arrived here as a baby. My Earth parents found me, accepted me as their son, adopted me and named me Clark Kent."
"That is a fascinating story. You said your parents sent you here from another planet but you have no idea where you came from?"
"Yes, I have no idea. I tried speaking to the man inside the ship; he's a hologram but he's speaking in a language from another world and I can't understand him."
"But you think he could be your Father?"
"Yes, it could be true. I've gone back to the ship several times to speak to him but he never speaks in English and I can't understand him."
"I'm sorry Clark. Do you remember how old you were when you realized you were different? Oh, we're here. I'll let you think about your answer to that question."
They exited the car and their table will take a while.
"I do remember the first time my powers arrived like it was yesterday. I was about 10 years old. A kite was stuck in a tree and I tried to reach it by jumping up and down." "Then, I felt an urge to fly. I know it sounds silly and unbelievable but it happened. I jumped up and I was flying. I grabbed the kite and slowly drifted back down. It felt amazing. I remember thinking; how did this happen? Oh, there was another incident when I saved someone's life. I heard a car driving too fast, she lost control. I heard it screeching down the road, moving too fast. I ran as fast as I could, not sure if I could stop the car, but I did. I saw a baby crying in her child safety seat. I saved them both." He smiled remembering that first time he saved someone.
Lois gasped. "Your first save or were those two saves?" She asked smiling.
"Yeah, I suppose it was." They both smiled.
A minute then the hostess showed them to their table and handed them menus.
Five minutes later then a waiter arrived. "Good evening, I'm Adam your server. Would you like something to drink, an appetizer to begin?"
"Yes, we'll have white wine and water, and a few breadsticks would be nice. Thank you," Clark replied.
"Lois, I wanted to tell you something about my powers." He whispered their conversation.
She frowned. "You told me that you're still learning about them?"
"Yes I am continuing to learn. It's strange because I wake up and another power and then another. I have no way of knowing how many there are or when they could appear." He paused. "It may have something to do with my age. I haven't reached 25 yet but it wouldn't surprise me if there were more."
"Clark I'm sure you'll do fine. Was there a power you're thinking about that became too much for you to manage?"
"Yes, there were several. The flying was an adjustment. No one else in the world can fly. Then there was my strength. I need to think hard before I touch anything, no matter what it is, I think before I touch it."
"But you touch me, my hands, you pick me up with no problems."
"It's different with metal or hard objects. Humans haven't been a problem."
She ducked her head. "That's good to know." She blushed, then changed the subject.
"And you think the man inside the ship who could be your Father has all the answers?"
"Yes, I do, it's not been able to speak to him and he speaks to me in a language I can understand. It's frustrating."
"I'm sorry Clark. But you won't give up, will you?" She smiled to encourage him.
"No, I won't." Then he had a thought. "I know it's a lot to ask, but if the ship opens and he speaks to me, would you be willing to write up an interview with all the answers?"
Surprised, she asked. "Of course, I would; there's no need to ask."
Clark thought about it. "Well, there's no telling when he truly speaks to me, I know, we can wait for my Father to speak in English, then we can all go and hope for the best."
"Good idea and I'm sure Jimmy will come with us no question; but yeah, he will be disappointed if he's not included."
"I know how we plan our trip and Jimmy can come, not until my Father speaks to all of us in English, the same for you. No point in going all that way if we can't understand him. I'm sorry, Lois."
"Okay, let's order first and we can plan our trip after you communicate with him.." Lois said and read the menu trying to decide what to do.
The waiter arrived. "Are you ready to order?"
"Lois, are you ready?"
"Okay, yes, I'll have…um… the Chicken Piccata, endless house salad with oil and vinegar, and breadsticks."
"I'll have the same," Clark said. He stared at her and she appeared nervous.
"Clark, speaking of the League of Lois Lanes, we did learn about the multiverse, but I wanted to tell you the way I've been feeling lately about my job and about… us."
He frowned. "What do you mean?"
She felt nervous and awkward. "Clark, this concerns you and me being friends and how I'll fit into your life. I have been thinking about you since we met and found out the truth about you, but I can't help but feel a little selfish about my feelings. The League of Lois Lanes showed me most of them were great reporters, and not only Clark's Lois. Do you understand what I'm trying to say?"
"I understand; you feel your life has been put on hold because of me?"
"A little, and I know it does sound selfish but I do feel that way."
"I understand and you're right. For one, I haven't given you the exclusive interview and there isn't much else happening outside of me and what I do to protect the city. I do love that you and Jimmy help me at every turn, but I can see your side of it."
She tried to smile. "I knew you would understand. We're interns and it will take time to reach that goal of published reporters, but in the meantime, how do we fix this?"
"You're right, It will take time but we can work towards a balance. Your work is important. There must be a way for you to continue your work as a reporter and I'll try the same. Stopping criminals every day can be constant, and you and Jimmy helping me does seem to occupy most of the day. Balance will help us and I think we can do it."
She felt relieved. "Me too," she said then the stares for a minute.
A little while later, the food arrived, the salad, breadsticks, and the main course minutes later. They didn't speak, but they did talk about the food, both feeling nervous.
After eating for a while and they sipped wine then "My Father called me before you arrived at my apartment."
He swallowed with difficulty. "And what did he want?"
"He wants to meet me at Noon on Monday at the Planet and we'll go somewhere to eat and talk."
"How do you feel about seeing him again? How long has it been?"
"Six months."
"Lois, I won't tell you how to live your life, but he's your Father and…" He hesitated.
"I know that but we don't get along. Ever since my Mom passed, he's changed. I don't know him anymore."
He placed his hand on the table, palm up, she took it. "Look, you have lunch with him and be subtle when or if he questions you about me, meaning Superman." He whispered.
"Yes, I've thought about what he might ask me. You, me and Jimmy, we're in the news a lot, but I know him; he'll ask me about it."
"I think he will too. I do wonder if he knows about what's happening in the city."
"Oh Clark, it could be him, but how did he find out about you?"
"Well, you know I appeared in the papers as a child years ago flying around in Smallville. Plus, Superman has been busy since I arrived here in the city."
"You could be right; he may know about you, but I don't think he made the connection between you in Smallville, and who you are, meaning Clark Kent, a reporter."
"No, I don't think he knows but we need to be careful."
"You mentioned your hometown was Smallville but where is it found?"
"A small town in Kansas."
"Kansas, but where on the map?"
"I don't think it's that large, with less than a million residents." Clark replied and thought of returning home to visit the ship again and his family of course. I still hope the man inside has evolved and speaks English for me to understand him. He thought.
"That does seem small." Smallville? She wondered.
They continued their meal and finished with dessert with small slices of cheesecake.
They left the restaurant, but Clark decided to drive her home. Now at the front door, he felt anxious but excited. He wanted to kiss her good night. They stared at each other unsure what to do. He leaned down and they kissed sweetly but then he pulled her up and her arms around his shoulders and they deepened the kiss, heads turned and they kissed never wanting to stop.
Clark stopped and foreheads touching both breathing heavily. "Wow… that felt…," he couldn't finish. He slowly set her down.
"Amazing and wonderful." She finished for him, smiling but her heart was still pounding.
He smiled in return. "I'll say good night and I'll see you on Monday."
"Thanks for dinner; I had an enjoyable time. Good night, Clark. I'll see you at work." Now inside, leaned against the door, to steady her heartrate and at once thought of asking him to stay but dismissed that idea. It stayed in her mind the rest of the night until she finally fell asleep thinking of him, but her dreams of flying together and kissing him too.
She awakened that morning with a happy smile but then her Father and memories together as a family, and her smile turned into a frown. Her sister and I haven't seen or talked to each other for weeks now. They were a happy family, the four of them, but when Mom passed after a lengthy illness, it tore our family apart.
Her cellphone rang; it's Clark. "Good morning, Clark."
"Good morning Lois. I'm sorry about the short notice, but I need to return to Smallville this morning. I need answers about my powers and I still have hope he'll speak to me. We can plan that trip another time; is that okay?"
"Yes, it's fine. You need answers and I hope you find them. Call me when you return." She paused. "I'll miss you." She meant every word.
"I'll miss you too. Bye, Lois."
"Bye Clark and stay safe."
"You do the same." He hung up.
~o~o~
The Daily Planet, Monday morning:
Lois hasn't arrived yet. Jimmy received a text from Clark about his day trip but he hasn't returned from Smallville. In the war room, he walked over to Clark's board of clues, photos, and articles, not only about the powerful weapons but also the missing criminals. Minutes later, Clark walked inside ready for work.
"First, before we begin, how was the date?" Jimmy asked a bit nosey.
"It felt great; we talked about our lives before we met and here at the Planet. Lois told me how she's feeling a little selfish needing to do her job, instead of helping me catch criminals most of the day."
"Oh, I see how she would feel that way. I don't blame her; my photos continue coming in blurs and unusable."
"I'm sorry Jimmy; I can pose for you, how's that?"
He chuckled. "That would work, but don't feel like you have to pose for me."
"Well, not every day, but once in a while would be fine."
'Okay, if you insist." They both smiled and got down to work.
TBC!
~o~o~
Song Inspiration: Written in the Stars, Westlife.
A/N: I do feel bad they may not give us a first date then I wrote this missing scene. Next up is the luncheon with Lois and her Father only to gage his reaction to Superman being all over the news. Now tell me what you think. Most of this story was written during the run of the series, but now only edits to stay within the theme of the show. Thanks for reading.