Chapter 12: Walking Home*

Lois's mind had wandered for a moment, still preoccupied with thoughts of Clark and Lana, but she snapped back just in time to catch the end of Bart's animated story.

"...so I'm zooming through four different grocery stores, trying to keep all the ice cream tubs from melting!" Bart said, his grin as wide as ever. "And the manager was chasing me the whole time, yelling about how I wasn't *technically* supposed to eat in the freezer aisle. But don't worry, I paid for everything at the end. A solid hundred bucks of ice cream!"

Lois burst out laughing, clutching her sides. "Wait, you paid for all that ice cream *after* you'd already eaten half of it in the freezer aisle? Oh my God, Bart! How are you even real?"

Bart shrugged like it was the most natural thing in the world. "What can I say? I've got a *super* metabolism. Besides, it's not stealing if you pay for it, right?"

Lois shook her head, still laughing. "You are something else."

Bart flashed a mischievous grin. "You love it."

Lois rolled her eyes, a smile still tugging at her lips. "Maybe a little."

They continued walking down the quiet streets of Metropolis, the cool night air swirling around them. Bart, as usual, was full of energy, and Lois found herself appreciating how he could lighten even the heaviest moments with his carefree attitude.

After a few moments of comfortable silence, Bart changed the subject to the party. "It's kinda crazy how everyone there had some connection to Smallville, right?" His tone became a little more serious. "That town's like a magnet for destiny or something."

Lois glanced at him, noticing the shift in his tone. "Yeah, Smallville does seem to pull people together. Or push them apart," she said, thinking briefly of Clark.

Bart nodded, his playful demeanor giving way to something more reflective. "Clark's always been the one who keeps us together, though. He's got this... bigger purpose. He's meant to lead."

Lois slowed her steps, her curiosity piqued. Bart didn't usually get this serious about Clark. "Lead who? What are you talking about, Bart?"

Bart hesitated, realizing he might have said more than he intended. He looked at Lois, trying to gauge how much she already knew. "I figured you were in the loop. You two seemed pretty close tonight. I thought you knew more about his... you know, *destiny*."

Lois raised an eyebrow, clearly confused. "Bart, I know Clark's special, but I'm not sure what you're talking about."

Bart rubbed the back of his neck, looking sheepish. "Crap. I thought you were in on it. You're Lois—you always know everything."

Lois laughed softly, shaking her head. "I don't know *everything*. But Bart, it's okay. You don't have to explain yourself. If you need to talk, I'm here to listen."

Bart let out a sigh of relief. "You're not going to tell anyone?"

Lois placed a reassuring hand on his arm. "Not a soul."

He took a deep breath, then nodded. "Okay. It's just... Clark's the guy who's going to bring us all together. He's supposed to lead the Justice League. Not because he's the strongest or anything, but because he's the one with the heart for it. He's the glue, you know? Ever since Smallville, it's been pretty obvious."

Lois absorbed Bart's words, her expression thoughtful. She had always known Clark was special, but hearing Bart talk about him as a leader, as someone destined to unite the League, was new. "Wow," she said softly. "I didn't realize you all saw him that way."

Bart nodded, his tone softening. "Yeah, we do. Clark's like the big brother of the group. He's always looking out for everyone, making sure we're okay. But he doesn't even realize it half the time. He's too humble for that."

Lois smiled warmly, feeling a swell of pride for Clark. "Yeah, that sounds like him."

Bart grinned. "But it's more than that. He's the guy who's going to lead us. We need someone like him to bring us together. It's his calling."

Lois nodded slowly, digesting everything Bart was saying. She had always admired Clark's sense of responsibility, but hearing about how his friends looked up to him in this way gave her a new perspective.

"Do you think he's ready for that?" Lois asked after a moment. "Does Clark even know you guys expect him to lead?"

Bart let out a short laugh. "Clark? Nah, he's too modest for that. But we all know it's just a matter of time. He's the one who'll step up when it counts."

Lois smiled, feeling an even deeper respect for Clark. "Yeah, if anyone can do it, it's Clark."

Bart shot her a knowing look, a smirk playing on his lips. "You really like him, don't you?"

Lois rolled her eyes, though she couldn't fully hide the small smile tugging at her lips. "Bart, come on."

"Hey, it's cool," Bart teased. "Clark's a great guy. You two would make a solid team."

Lois sighed, though the smile stayed on her face. "You're impossible."

They continued walking in comfortable silence for a while, the conversation settling between them. Lois's mind spun with everything Bart had said—about Clark's role in the League, his leadership, and how much his friends admired him.

As they reached Lois's building, Bart paused, giving her a playful yet sincere smile. "Just remember, Lois—Clark's a special guy. Don't let him slip away."

Lois smiled back, feeling lighter despite the whirlwind of thoughts in her mind. "Thanks, Bart. I won't."

Bart gave her a quick hug, his boundless energy making her laugh again. "Alright, I'm off. Don't forget about those monster truck tickets!"

Lois chuckled. "I won't. Thanks, Bart."

With a final wave, Bart zipped off into the night, leaving Lois standing at the entrance of her building, her thoughts still lingering on Clark, Bart's words, and what might lie ahead for both of them.

To be continued...*