Fic: Do You Believe in Fate? (19/?)
Title: Do You Believe in Fate? (19/?)
Author: Babette babettew54
Category: Smallville
Characters: Clark Luthor/Alt-Lois Lane, Jonathan/Martha, Perry White, Jimmy Olsen, Bruce Wayne, Tess Luthor, Clark Kent, Lois Lane, Conner Kent
Rating: M
Word Count: 4,400
Disclaimer: DC Comics/Warner Brothers owns these characters. No profit is being made from this story. This is strictly for my own amusement.
Author’s Notes: In this next chapter, along with a special friend, Lois heads to Starrware for answers, Kara lets her guard down again, and then Lois and Clark head out on their first date, but not without a few unexpected surprises. Please read and review. Thanks, everyone! :D
Banner by Ctbn60
Previously:
ACT I: Redemption
( Chapter 1)( Chapter 2)( Chapter 3)( Chapter 4)( Chapter 5)
( Chapter 6)( Chapter 7)( Chapter 8)( Chapter 9)
ACT II: Seven Days
( Chapter 10)( Chapter 11)( Chapter 12)( Chapter 13)( Chapter 14)
( Chapter 15) ( Chapter 16)( Chapter 17)( Chapter 18)
x-posted to: (AO3); (FFN)
Chapter 19: Eyes Wide Shut
The Daily Planet bullpen, the next morning:
Lois had just hung up the phone with Karen Starr and after telling her that she and Clark were 'close,' she agreed to meet with her. Grabbing her purse, she stood up and Conner was there, backpack over his shoulder staring at her. "Conner, what are you doing here and why aren't you in school?"
"Hello to you too, Ms. Lane. I have a free period." He looked around the bullpen. "Where's Clark?" Conner asked, not actually wanting to see him, just Ms. Lane.
"He's not here, and I was just about to head out to an appointment." She paused as she watched him for a moment. "We missed you at dinner last night."
Conner suddenly looked uncomfortable. "Well, I … Ummmm ..." He hesitated.
"You what?" Lois was beginning to worry.
"It wasn't anything bad, just hanging out with a few friends from school."
"I see, well, I'm sure the Kents have told you that friendships are needed at your age, but also to remember about your powers. Do you know what I'm saying?"
"Of course, I do. I'm always careful about that."
"Good, now about last night, Clark revealed to us that he has a cousin, and so do you," Lois explained.
"A cousin, but where is he or is it a she?"
"She's a woman, and I'm headed to her office right now," Lois replied and headed to the elevator.
"Can I come?" He asked excited and thrilled to help with her assignment and to meet his cousin.
Her first thought was to say no, but then she thought about it. Kara was Kryptonian, and so was Conner. "Alright, but don't say a word unless I tell you to, do you understand?"
"Yes, madam," he replied, grinning from ear to ear.
She shook her head at him. "Just do what I tell you."
He just stood there staring at her. She rolled her eyes. "I must be losing my mind," she mumbled. "Let's go."
~o~o~
Twenty minutes later, at Starr Towers:
Karen Starr came out of her private office and greeted Lois and her … what she had no idea. "And who might you be?" She asked before Lois could introduce them.
My name is Conner, and I'm Clark's brother."
"Half-brother," Lois corrected him. "He's part Lex."
Kara was stunned. "Lex? Really? He looks nothing like him."
"I'm a clone, Ms. Starr."
Kara was shocked. She shook her head to clear it. "Come inside and we'll talk."
They followed her inside her office. Lois and Conner sat opposite her while Karen took a seat at her desk.
"You have questions about Conner and about Clark, don't you?" Lois got right to the point.
"I'm sorry about the other night," Karen was sincere in her apology.
"You hurt him." Lois was still angry about that.
"I'm sorry, but …"
"Why, Karen, why did you do it? What are you hiding?" Lois was determined to get to the bottom of this.
Conner sat quietly and listened to their conversation. Although he had promised Ms. Lane that he wouldn't speak unless she asked him to, he did not like what he had just heard. Conner tried to remain calm, but he just couldn't. Then the words just came out. Why would you hurt him? His mind asked Karen.
Karen's eyes slowly turned to Conner. She had heard him plainly, then she shook her head unbelieving that he actually spoken to her without moving his lips. "What did you say?"
"I asked you what are you were hiding." Lois frowned at her. Wasn't she listening to me? Lois thought then it dawned on her. She glanced between them, and she could tell that they were speaking telepathically. She frowned again. Now what? She then decided not to interfere. Conner may be able to help.
"I'm not hiding anything," Karen finally answered her. She glanced at Conner again.
You're lying. Conner knew that without a shadow of a doubt.
I'm not lying. I was trying to protect him.
Protect him from what? Conner sensed she wanted to tell him the truth.
At that moment, Terry opened the door, interrupting their meeting. "Karen, are you working? Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't realize."
Karen stood up awkwardly, suddenly realizing she was about to confess. "Terry, as you can see, I'm busy."
Terry felt dismissed. He didn't like it then he walked toward them. "And who are your guests? I know you. You're Lois Lane. And who are you?"
"We'll set up another time to talk," Lois said then pulled Conner away. "I'll call you." Then they were gone.
"What the hell was that about?" Terry asked.
Karen was furious with him, but even more so with herself for almost telling them everything. She purposely did not answer his question. "Next time, check my calendar to see if I'm 'busy' or not!" She almost shouted at him.
"Hey, I'm sorry."
"You're always sorry." She sat back down then tried got back to work.
Terry just stood there staring at her trying to understand her.
Sighing, she looked up at him. "Was there something you wanted?"
"No, it's just that I've decided to stop trying to hurt him … for you," he hoped she believed him, even though it wasn't true.
She frowned. "I don't believe you. You want something."
He came closer. "What I want is for you to trust me, to believe me."
"And why should I?" Karen was getting bored.
"Because … I …"
"You what?" Sighing, she looked up at him.
He looked her in the eye. "Because … I love you," he fervently said hoping she would believe him.
They'd never spoken those words before. She was a bit stunned. "Terry, I …" She couldn't say it.
"It's Ok. It's enough that I'm here in your life."
"Did you mean what you said that you wouldn't try to hurt him anymore?"
"Yeah, I meant it."
"I hope you did because we need him."
"I agree, we do need him," he told her, but inside he had plans, big plans to finish him off once and for all.
She smiled at him, and he returned her smile.
~o~o~
Minutes later, in Lois's car:
"Tell me what she said to you," Lois asked as she pulled out of the parking lot.
Shocked, Conner turned to her. "You know?"
"Yes, I know. Clark had a conversation with her last night."
"Well, she said she was protecting him, and I asked her who it was, but then that guy walked in."
"Damnit," Lois muttered, truly concerned about Clark and what this person would do to him. It was obvious Karen knew about the green-k incidents. Could it be someone close to her? Was it Terry Sloane?
Now Conner felt guilty. He could see how scared she was. "I'm sorry, Ms. Lane."
"You have nothing to apologize for. You were just trying to help." She glanced at him. "Thank you, Conner."
He smiled. "No problem; anytime."
She had to smile at him. They actually did want to talk to him about his crush, but it appeared to have helped just this once.
~o~o~
Later that day, before Clark arrived for their date, she had a long talk with Conner. Pacing, she faced him in the living room of her apartment. "First of all, thank you again for trying to help your brother."
He smiled. "It was nothing."
She watched him closely, but it was time to set him straight about a lot of things. "You've grown up a lot since we first met, but you do realize that your brother and I are …" She hesitated.
He sighed accepting the truth. "I know you're in love."
"Just please try and remember that."
"I will, I promise."
She smiled. "Good, now, after what you told me about Karen, I believe she knows who the masked man is that wanted Clark dead."
"I know, but how do we get her to come clean? I've already tried several times to talk to her telepathically, but she won't listen."
"If we can get her alone, she'll have no choice but to listen."
"But how?"
Still pacing, she murmured. "I'll think of something."
Conner frowned. "Clark doesn't know anything about this, does he?"
"I'll tell him tonight."
Conner raised his eyebrows.
He looked so much like Clark at that moment that she had to reassure him. "Don't worry. I'll tell him everything when he gets here."
He frowned, still worried. "I hope so."
"Good night, Conner."
"Good night, Ms. Lane." Then he was gone.
~o~o~
Earlier that day, at Watchtower:
Clark had taken a few hours off in the morning to follow-up on the masked man who was terrorizing him and the surrounding areas with the copycat bank robberies. He had to be found and put away.
"Any news?" Clark asked as he entered the monitoring center. He was in the suit of course.
"Good morning, Clark." Wally was upbeat even though the masked man was still at large. "Nothing yet."
Clark was extremely upset. "I'm assuming the crooks that were rounded up last night had nothing to say."
"They're not talking, and besides the guy was wearing a mask, so there it is."
"I hate this. He's still out there, and he could strike at any moment."
"You may need to lay low for a few days until we can find this guy," Carter suggested, but when Clark turned and glared at him, he tried to explain. "Now hear me out."
"I'm not going to hide out in a corner somewhere."
"I didn't mean it like that. Just give the impression that you're not around, but we know you are. Once you complete your work, just disappear, no interviews, and no talking to the police. Just do what you do, then go."
Clark actually liked talking to reporters (one reporter in particular) and to the police. He felt connected to them as if he was one of them, but of course, he wasn't not exactly. It didn't truly matter because he enjoyed it. "Well, I don't know."
"It makes sense, Clark, and it's only for a few days." Wally agreed with Carter's plan.
"It might work," Shiera also agreed with the plan.
"Alright, we'll try it for a few days, but tonight I have a date with Lois. It's our first."
Everyone smiled and chuckled like school kids.
"What's so funny?"
"Clark, you two have gotten it all backwards. The dating should come first then you fall in love," Wally told him with a smile.
"I know that, but Lois and I, we … hit it off from that first moment, and we just couldn't help ourselves. You all must know what I mean."
"Clark, it's called lust," Carter explained it to him.
"No, it was more than that, even from the first. It just took us a while to see our own hearts, and now, everything is perfect."
Understanding, they all glanced at each other. "Well, have a fantastic time on your date and don't worry about anything. We'll keep an eye out for that masked trouble-maker," Carter said and smiled at Shiera.
"Thanks for everything. I'll see you all later." Then he was gone.
~o~o~
Seven o'clock that evening, Lois' apartment:
While brushing her hair in the mirror, Lois went over and over what she was going to say to Clark about Karen and how she may be involved, albeit not directly, with the masked man and his obsession with killing him.
Her doorbell rang. "Right on time," she murmured then she opened the door.
Red roses and a shy smile greeted her. He looked incredible in a new suit, and his hair was a bit windblown as he tried to smooth it down. "Hi." He handed her the roses.
"Good evening, Clark," Lois greeted him with a smile. "They're beautiful. Come in, come in; I'll get you a hair brush."
"Thanks," he said and followed her into her bedroom. "You look stunning. Red certainly becomes you." He looked her up and down, and Lois caught his gaze in the mirror.
"Now, Clark, don't look at me at like that. We have reservations, and I don't want to be late."
He briefly looked down at his shoes, then his eyes slowly made their way to her feet, which were exposed, up her smooth calves, blinking, his eyes looked her over carefully.
"Clark Kent, stop that." Shaking her head at him, she sat down and put on her shoes. "So where are we going?"
"Well, an Italian place downtown. We'll take your car. I'm not wearing the costume this evening."
She thought that was odd, but it was his choice, of course. "Are you ready?"
They walked to the door, but he asked her something. "No comment about the suit?"
"Clark, you can wear the suit or not, it's up to you."
"I'm glad you feel that way. I wanted this night to be just Lois and Clark out on a date, enjoying each other's company."
She grinned. "You don't actually think of yourself as a third person, do you? Because Clark that would be extremely strange."
"No, not at all, it's just like I said, just you and me, no suit, no Superman."
"Alright, let me get my bag. Let's go."
~o~o~
The restaurant was unusually busy, and they had to wait a few minutes to be seated. As they were waiting, Karen and Terry walked in.
Lois and Clark's seating buzzer went off then they stood up. After the way Karen had left things between them, Clark thought it best if they ignore them. Lois, however, had other things on her mind. She pulled his arm.
"Good evening, Karen, it's nice to see you again. You remember Clark, don't you?"
"Yes, I remember. How are you Mr. Luthor."
"Ms. Starr." Clark did not want to do this.
"And this is Terry Sloane, we …. Ummm … we work together." Karen was stuck on what to call him.
Terry held out his hand to Clark.
Clark stared at his outreached hand then up to his face. He shook his hand and then he x-rayed him. He was wearing a superhero costume which shocked him, and a mask was in his jacket pocket.
Lois's buzzer went off again. "I'm sorry, but our table is ready. Would you like to join us?"
Shocked, Clark tried not to gasp out loud at that question.
Karen stared at her wide-eyed, but she regained her wits. "I'm sorry, but Terry and I will be talking business. It's all pretty boring."
"Of course, we understand. Have a lovely evening." She pulled Clark's arm then he helped her take a seat. They both sat down and pretended to read the menu.
"Thank you for following my example. I have to tell you something," she quickly whispered.
"I hope you have a reason why you did that. What were you thinking? Talk about awkward."
"I know, but Karen and Terry have secrets. I'm convinced that he's the masked man, and she knows it."
Clark was absolutely stunned, but he believed her. "You may be correct. Terry is wearing a superhero costume, and he has a mask in his side pocket."
"Then it's true. She knows Terry is trying to kill you, and she's doing nothing to stop him," Lois whispered, still worried and upset.
Clark sighed as he searched for them. They were on the other side of the room. "I'll try and speak to her now. Give me a second." He closed his menu and tried to reach out to Karen.
Karen, I know about Terry. He told her sadly.
Clark, you have to listen to me. Holding the menu high to hide her face, she continued their conversation.
Go on. Clark wanted to know why she never told him.
I swear I didn't know anything about it until that first time. He told me about his plans to get rid of you because he wanted to be 'the' superhero in Metropolis. And today he told me that he won't hurt you anymore.
And you believed him?
Yes, I do.
Then, if that's true, I want to know where the green-k is stashed; all of it.
Alright, I'll talk to him. I promise.
Thank you, Karen.
Good night, Clark.
Clark slowly opened his eyes and smiled at Lois.
He looked so happy and grateful. "I take it she opened up to you?"
"Yeah, it's true. Terry was behind the green-k assaults."
"And what else?"
"She didn't know anything about the attacks until he told her about it. But apparently, he's done with trying to kill me."
She watched him for a moment. "You don't believe it, do you?"
He smiled. "You know me too well."
"It's a smart idea that you're being cautious. Better to keep an eye open than be sorry later, I always say."
"Me too. Let's order."
~o~o~
Karen slowly lowered the menu. "I know what I want. Have you decided yet?"
"No, not yet." He watched her for a bit getting suspicious. "That was a shock seeing Ms. Lane and Mr. Luthor tonight. Did you know they would be here?"
"I had no idea." She took a sip of wine.
"Well, they do make an attractive couple."
"Yes, they do," she agreed. Clark was an extremely blessed man. It was pretty obvious they were in love. It was written all over their faces. Even their body language spoke of their love. It was a beautiful thing to note. She envied them.
"What are you thinking?"
Karen wanted the truth. "Did you mean it when you said that you loved me?"
"Of course I meant it."
"And that you would stop trying to hurt Superman?"
He sighed, but he was getting worried. "Look, Karen, how many times do I have to say it? I said I would stop, and I meant it!" He raised his voice a bit.
Clark heard them of course.
"Why are you getting upset, unless …?" Karen hesitated.
"Unless what!?"
"You lied to me, didn't you? You're still planning to harm him, aren't you? Don't do it, Terry, please don't." Karen was getting worried. She couldn't take it if anything happened to Clark. When he had died on television, she felt that maybe she could have helped him, but she hadn't done it. And now Terry was trying to kill him. She had to stop him. She had to.
Terry looked around and then he spotted Mr. Luthor. He was coming toward them with a look and posture that had him taking a double take. Terry stood up.
"Is there a problem here?" Clark asked, looking between the two of them.
"Mr. Luthor, this is a private conversation." Terry looked him in the eye. He could have sworn that he saw his eyes glow red. Terry gasped to himself.
"Karen, it's time he knew the truth. Maybe we should all step outside."
"I'm sorry Terry." She stood up and walked over to Lois. Lois stood up then they both headed for the exit.
"After you, Mr. Sloane," Clark said and waited for him to leave.
Fuming inside, Terry threw down his napkin, left a few dollars for the wine and headed for the exit. Clark was right behind him.
Once outside, Lois was holding Karen steady with her arm around her shoulder.
Terry didn't know what to think. "What the hell is going on here? Karen, please look at me. Tell me what's going on?"
She sighed as she glanced at Clark. He nodded his head. "Terry, I … I'm Kryptonian, just like Superman."
Terry's eyes bugged out. "Then it's true? You're just like him, and that's why you wanted me to stop trying to hurt him?"
"You do realize that you've just confessed to assault, don't you?" That was Lois.
"He's fine, I didn't hurt him," Terry said and shrugged his shoulders.
Clark was furious with him. "I wonder what the police would think to all the bank robberies and innocent people put in danger all because of your ego and wanting to get rid of Superman. I wonder."
"Hey, it wasn't me. I wasn't there. I didn't rob those people. You have no evidence against me."
"Really, then what's this?" Clark asked then he grabbed his arm and pulled out the mask. "Care to explain yourself?"
"Hey, how did you know that was in my pocket?" Shocked, Terry then put it all together. "It's you."
"Terry, if you turn over all the green-k, the authorities could be lenient with you. Just tell him everything," Karen pleaded with him.
"I'm not going to jail, do you hear me?"
"But Terry, you have no choice now. We all heard what you said. You confessed." Karen felt pity for him.
Resigned to his fate, he asked, "Did you care for me at all?" Terry sadly asked.
"I'm so sorry," Karen covered her eyes and tried not to cry. Lois held her close hoping to soothe her. "It's alright."
Clark spotted a police car patrolling the area. "Officer?!" The police car made a U-turn and approached them.
"I'll tell them about you and Karen," Terry threatened.
"I don't think so." Clark wasn't worried.
"And why not?" Terry was sure he had the upper hand.
"Well, I've done a bit of research about you, Mr. Terrific. I know what happened on Apokolips. It took skill and cunning to outwit Darkseid." At his shocked expression, he continued. "I think, once you serve your sentence, learn a few lessons about humility and honor, then maybe one day you could very well be a member of the Justice League."
Terry was thrilled but could he trust him. "Why should I believe you?"
"I never lie." The policeman got out of his car. "Officer, this gentleman just confessed to conspiracy to commit grand larceny and attempted murder. Take him away."
"Wait!" Kara felt terrible about all of it. She wanted to give him a bit of encouragement. "I'll … I'll see you soon?"
"Count on it," Terry tried to smile. "Goodbye, Karen."
Her eyes watered as she watched him being hand-cuffed and taken away. Then he was gone.
~o~o~
A little while later, at Karen's apartment:
"Would you like me to stay with you tonight," Lois asked.
Karen was standing by the window and looking up at the sky. "I'm alright and thank you for asking."
"Of course, you know, Karen, we're family now, and families stick together."
"She's right, Karen. We're here for you." Clark meant every word.
Thinking of Terry, her eyes watered again. "Thank you both. I don't know what to say."
Clark came over to her. He wanted to give her a hug, her eyes watered even more, but then she whispered, "Kal-El?"
He held out his arms. "Kara."
She went into arms holding him close then she started to cry. She missed Terry. In his own peculiar way, he had wanted to protect her; she knew that now.
"It's alright, you're Ok. You're not alone anymore." He stroked her back hoping to soothe her.
She pulled away after a minute. She wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. "Thank you, Kal-El, but I need to apologize to you."
He frowned. "What for?"
"For a lot of things, the least of which is not helping you to defeat … Doomsday, and second, for keeping quiet and remaining in the shadows. You see, Lex convinced me that if I were to come forward and tell everyone who and what I was, everyone would reject me and try to hurt me."
"I see," Clark murmured. "Part of what he said was true. The unknown, the unfamiliar, it does tend to bring out the worst in people. In a way, I'm grateful to him"
"Why, Clark?" Lois was surprised to hear him to say that.
"Well, he found you Kara, kept you safe and I can't blame him for that."
"Well, what do you know? Lex did something right after all," Lois whispered a bit dazed by that true fact.
"I believe you're right. Thank you, Kal-El for what you did tonight. I truly didn't know how to stop him." She paused. "Did you truly mean what you said about Terry joining the League?"
"Of course, I meant it."
She ducked her head feeling a bit embarrassed to ask this. "What about me?"
"You?" Clark was surprised, but pleased she would ask.
"Why not, I'm just like you."
"She has a point, Clark," Lois said, adding her two cents. Putting him on the spot, she continued. "She needs a superhero name."
"Oh, a name … really, Clark? Do you have one in mind?"
"Well, let me see …" He stroked his chin.
"How do you feel about … Supergirl?" Lois asked and smiled as Kara's eyes lit up like the sun.
"Supergirl?" Smiling, he thought about it. "I like it. Do you like it Kara?"
"What do you think?" She smiled back. "I love it."
TBC!
~o~o~
Song inspiration: Between the Lines, Sara Bareilles.
A/N: Awww, I hope you enjoyed this chapter. I had fun with it. Terry was a bit of a challenge. In truth, eventually, he will be a true hero with the League, but he did have a back story of ruthlessness and cunning, so I added that. Terry has a very long and complicated back story, hence my mention of his past. He just needs a chance, just like Clark needed a second chance. Well, we're almost there guys. Only one more chapter to go. *wibbles* Lois and Clark still need that truly memorable date! I'll give them that plus more. Until next week, thanks everyone. Reviews would be so wonderful.
Author: Babette babettew54
Category: Smallville
Characters: Clark Luthor/Alt-Lois Lane, Jonathan/Martha, Perry White, Jimmy Olsen, Bruce Wayne, Tess Luthor, Clark Kent, Lois Lane, Conner Kent
Rating: M
Word Count: 4,400
Disclaimer: DC Comics/Warner Brothers owns these characters. No profit is being made from this story. This is strictly for my own amusement.
Author’s Notes: In this next chapter, along with a special friend, Lois heads to Starrware for answers, Kara lets her guard down again, and then Lois and Clark head out on their first date, but not without a few unexpected surprises. Please read and review. Thanks, everyone! :D
Banner by Ctbn60
Previously:
ACT I: Redemption
( Chapter 1)( Chapter 2)( Chapter 3)( Chapter 4)( Chapter 5)
( Chapter 6)( Chapter 7)( Chapter 8)( Chapter 9)
ACT II: Seven Days
( Chapter 10)( Chapter 11)( Chapter 12)( Chapter 13)( Chapter 14)
( Chapter 15) ( Chapter 16)( Chapter 17)( Chapter 18)
x-posted to: (AO3); (FFN)
Chapter 19: Eyes Wide Shut
The Daily Planet bullpen, the next morning:
Lois had just hung up the phone with Karen Starr and after telling her that she and Clark were 'close,' she agreed to meet with her. Grabbing her purse, she stood up and Conner was there, backpack over his shoulder staring at her. "Conner, what are you doing here and why aren't you in school?"
"Hello to you too, Ms. Lane. I have a free period." He looked around the bullpen. "Where's Clark?" Conner asked, not actually wanting to see him, just Ms. Lane.
"He's not here, and I was just about to head out to an appointment." She paused as she watched him for a moment. "We missed you at dinner last night."
Conner suddenly looked uncomfortable. "Well, I … Ummmm ..." He hesitated.
"You what?" Lois was beginning to worry.
"It wasn't anything bad, just hanging out with a few friends from school."
"I see, well, I'm sure the Kents have told you that friendships are needed at your age, but also to remember about your powers. Do you know what I'm saying?"
"Of course, I do. I'm always careful about that."
"Good, now about last night, Clark revealed to us that he has a cousin, and so do you," Lois explained.
"A cousin, but where is he or is it a she?"
"She's a woman, and I'm headed to her office right now," Lois replied and headed to the elevator.
"Can I come?" He asked excited and thrilled to help with her assignment and to meet his cousin.
Her first thought was to say no, but then she thought about it. Kara was Kryptonian, and so was Conner. "Alright, but don't say a word unless I tell you to, do you understand?"
"Yes, madam," he replied, grinning from ear to ear.
She shook her head at him. "Just do what I tell you."
He just stood there staring at her. She rolled her eyes. "I must be losing my mind," she mumbled. "Let's go."
~o~o~
Twenty minutes later, at Starr Towers:
Karen Starr came out of her private office and greeted Lois and her … what she had no idea. "And who might you be?" She asked before Lois could introduce them.
My name is Conner, and I'm Clark's brother."
"Half-brother," Lois corrected him. "He's part Lex."
Kara was stunned. "Lex? Really? He looks nothing like him."
"I'm a clone, Ms. Starr."
Kara was shocked. She shook her head to clear it. "Come inside and we'll talk."
They followed her inside her office. Lois and Conner sat opposite her while Karen took a seat at her desk.
"You have questions about Conner and about Clark, don't you?" Lois got right to the point.
"I'm sorry about the other night," Karen was sincere in her apology.
"You hurt him." Lois was still angry about that.
"I'm sorry, but …"
"Why, Karen, why did you do it? What are you hiding?" Lois was determined to get to the bottom of this.
Conner sat quietly and listened to their conversation. Although he had promised Ms. Lane that he wouldn't speak unless she asked him to, he did not like what he had just heard. Conner tried to remain calm, but he just couldn't. Then the words just came out. Why would you hurt him? His mind asked Karen.
Karen's eyes slowly turned to Conner. She had heard him plainly, then she shook her head unbelieving that he actually spoken to her without moving his lips. "What did you say?"
"I asked you what are you were hiding." Lois frowned at her. Wasn't she listening to me? Lois thought then it dawned on her. She glanced between them, and she could tell that they were speaking telepathically. She frowned again. Now what? She then decided not to interfere. Conner may be able to help.
"I'm not hiding anything," Karen finally answered her. She glanced at Conner again.
You're lying. Conner knew that without a shadow of a doubt.
I'm not lying. I was trying to protect him.
Protect him from what? Conner sensed she wanted to tell him the truth.
At that moment, Terry opened the door, interrupting their meeting. "Karen, are you working? Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't realize."
Karen stood up awkwardly, suddenly realizing she was about to confess. "Terry, as you can see, I'm busy."
Terry felt dismissed. He didn't like it then he walked toward them. "And who are your guests? I know you. You're Lois Lane. And who are you?"
"We'll set up another time to talk," Lois said then pulled Conner away. "I'll call you." Then they were gone.
"What the hell was that about?" Terry asked.
Karen was furious with him, but even more so with herself for almost telling them everything. She purposely did not answer his question. "Next time, check my calendar to see if I'm 'busy' or not!" She almost shouted at him.
"Hey, I'm sorry."
"You're always sorry." She sat back down then tried got back to work.
Terry just stood there staring at her trying to understand her.
Sighing, she looked up at him. "Was there something you wanted?"
"No, it's just that I've decided to stop trying to hurt him … for you," he hoped she believed him, even though it wasn't true.
She frowned. "I don't believe you. You want something."
He came closer. "What I want is for you to trust me, to believe me."
"And why should I?" Karen was getting bored.
"Because … I …"
"You what?" Sighing, she looked up at him.
He looked her in the eye. "Because … I love you," he fervently said hoping she would believe him.
They'd never spoken those words before. She was a bit stunned. "Terry, I …" She couldn't say it.
"It's Ok. It's enough that I'm here in your life."
"Did you mean what you said that you wouldn't try to hurt him anymore?"
"Yeah, I meant it."
"I hope you did because we need him."
"I agree, we do need him," he told her, but inside he had plans, big plans to finish him off once and for all.
She smiled at him, and he returned her smile.
~o~o~
Minutes later, in Lois's car:
"Tell me what she said to you," Lois asked as she pulled out of the parking lot.
Shocked, Conner turned to her. "You know?"
"Yes, I know. Clark had a conversation with her last night."
"Well, she said she was protecting him, and I asked her who it was, but then that guy walked in."
"Damnit," Lois muttered, truly concerned about Clark and what this person would do to him. It was obvious Karen knew about the green-k incidents. Could it be someone close to her? Was it Terry Sloane?
Now Conner felt guilty. He could see how scared she was. "I'm sorry, Ms. Lane."
"You have nothing to apologize for. You were just trying to help." She glanced at him. "Thank you, Conner."
He smiled. "No problem; anytime."
She had to smile at him. They actually did want to talk to him about his crush, but it appeared to have helped just this once.
~o~o~
Later that day, before Clark arrived for their date, she had a long talk with Conner. Pacing, she faced him in the living room of her apartment. "First of all, thank you again for trying to help your brother."
He smiled. "It was nothing."
She watched him closely, but it was time to set him straight about a lot of things. "You've grown up a lot since we first met, but you do realize that your brother and I are …" She hesitated.
He sighed accepting the truth. "I know you're in love."
"Just please try and remember that."
"I will, I promise."
She smiled. "Good, now, after what you told me about Karen, I believe she knows who the masked man is that wanted Clark dead."
"I know, but how do we get her to come clean? I've already tried several times to talk to her telepathically, but she won't listen."
"If we can get her alone, she'll have no choice but to listen."
"But how?"
Still pacing, she murmured. "I'll think of something."
Conner frowned. "Clark doesn't know anything about this, does he?"
"I'll tell him tonight."
Conner raised his eyebrows.
He looked so much like Clark at that moment that she had to reassure him. "Don't worry. I'll tell him everything when he gets here."
He frowned, still worried. "I hope so."
"Good night, Conner."
"Good night, Ms. Lane." Then he was gone.
~o~o~
Earlier that day, at Watchtower:
Clark had taken a few hours off in the morning to follow-up on the masked man who was terrorizing him and the surrounding areas with the copycat bank robberies. He had to be found and put away.
"Any news?" Clark asked as he entered the monitoring center. He was in the suit of course.
"Good morning, Clark." Wally was upbeat even though the masked man was still at large. "Nothing yet."
Clark was extremely upset. "I'm assuming the crooks that were rounded up last night had nothing to say."
"They're not talking, and besides the guy was wearing a mask, so there it is."
"I hate this. He's still out there, and he could strike at any moment."
"You may need to lay low for a few days until we can find this guy," Carter suggested, but when Clark turned and glared at him, he tried to explain. "Now hear me out."
"I'm not going to hide out in a corner somewhere."
"I didn't mean it like that. Just give the impression that you're not around, but we know you are. Once you complete your work, just disappear, no interviews, and no talking to the police. Just do what you do, then go."
Clark actually liked talking to reporters (one reporter in particular) and to the police. He felt connected to them as if he was one of them, but of course, he wasn't not exactly. It didn't truly matter because he enjoyed it. "Well, I don't know."
"It makes sense, Clark, and it's only for a few days." Wally agreed with Carter's plan.
"It might work," Shiera also agreed with the plan.
"Alright, we'll try it for a few days, but tonight I have a date with Lois. It's our first."
Everyone smiled and chuckled like school kids.
"What's so funny?"
"Clark, you two have gotten it all backwards. The dating should come first then you fall in love," Wally told him with a smile.
"I know that, but Lois and I, we … hit it off from that first moment, and we just couldn't help ourselves. You all must know what I mean."
"Clark, it's called lust," Carter explained it to him.
"No, it was more than that, even from the first. It just took us a while to see our own hearts, and now, everything is perfect."
Understanding, they all glanced at each other. "Well, have a fantastic time on your date and don't worry about anything. We'll keep an eye out for that masked trouble-maker," Carter said and smiled at Shiera.
"Thanks for everything. I'll see you all later." Then he was gone.
~o~o~
Seven o'clock that evening, Lois' apartment:
While brushing her hair in the mirror, Lois went over and over what she was going to say to Clark about Karen and how she may be involved, albeit not directly, with the masked man and his obsession with killing him.
Her doorbell rang. "Right on time," she murmured then she opened the door.
Red roses and a shy smile greeted her. He looked incredible in a new suit, and his hair was a bit windblown as he tried to smooth it down. "Hi." He handed her the roses.
"Good evening, Clark," Lois greeted him with a smile. "They're beautiful. Come in, come in; I'll get you a hair brush."
"Thanks," he said and followed her into her bedroom. "You look stunning. Red certainly becomes you." He looked her up and down, and Lois caught his gaze in the mirror.
"Now, Clark, don't look at me at like that. We have reservations, and I don't want to be late."
He briefly looked down at his shoes, then his eyes slowly made their way to her feet, which were exposed, up her smooth calves, blinking, his eyes looked her over carefully.
"Clark Kent, stop that." Shaking her head at him, she sat down and put on her shoes. "So where are we going?"
"Well, an Italian place downtown. We'll take your car. I'm not wearing the costume this evening."
She thought that was odd, but it was his choice, of course. "Are you ready?"
They walked to the door, but he asked her something. "No comment about the suit?"
"Clark, you can wear the suit or not, it's up to you."
"I'm glad you feel that way. I wanted this night to be just Lois and Clark out on a date, enjoying each other's company."
She grinned. "You don't actually think of yourself as a third person, do you? Because Clark that would be extremely strange."
"No, not at all, it's just like I said, just you and me, no suit, no Superman."
"Alright, let me get my bag. Let's go."
~o~o~
The restaurant was unusually busy, and they had to wait a few minutes to be seated. As they were waiting, Karen and Terry walked in.
Lois and Clark's seating buzzer went off then they stood up. After the way Karen had left things between them, Clark thought it best if they ignore them. Lois, however, had other things on her mind. She pulled his arm.
"Good evening, Karen, it's nice to see you again. You remember Clark, don't you?"
"Yes, I remember. How are you Mr. Luthor."
"Ms. Starr." Clark did not want to do this.
"And this is Terry Sloane, we …. Ummm … we work together." Karen was stuck on what to call him.
Terry held out his hand to Clark.
Clark stared at his outreached hand then up to his face. He shook his hand and then he x-rayed him. He was wearing a superhero costume which shocked him, and a mask was in his jacket pocket.
Lois's buzzer went off again. "I'm sorry, but our table is ready. Would you like to join us?"
Shocked, Clark tried not to gasp out loud at that question.
Karen stared at her wide-eyed, but she regained her wits. "I'm sorry, but Terry and I will be talking business. It's all pretty boring."
"Of course, we understand. Have a lovely evening." She pulled Clark's arm then he helped her take a seat. They both sat down and pretended to read the menu.
"Thank you for following my example. I have to tell you something," she quickly whispered.
"I hope you have a reason why you did that. What were you thinking? Talk about awkward."
"I know, but Karen and Terry have secrets. I'm convinced that he's the masked man, and she knows it."
Clark was absolutely stunned, but he believed her. "You may be correct. Terry is wearing a superhero costume, and he has a mask in his side pocket."
"Then it's true. She knows Terry is trying to kill you, and she's doing nothing to stop him," Lois whispered, still worried and upset.
Clark sighed as he searched for them. They were on the other side of the room. "I'll try and speak to her now. Give me a second." He closed his menu and tried to reach out to Karen.
Karen, I know about Terry. He told her sadly.
Clark, you have to listen to me. Holding the menu high to hide her face, she continued their conversation.
Go on. Clark wanted to know why she never told him.
I swear I didn't know anything about it until that first time. He told me about his plans to get rid of you because he wanted to be 'the' superhero in Metropolis. And today he told me that he won't hurt you anymore.
And you believed him?
Yes, I do.
Then, if that's true, I want to know where the green-k is stashed; all of it.
Alright, I'll talk to him. I promise.
Thank you, Karen.
Good night, Clark.
Clark slowly opened his eyes and smiled at Lois.
He looked so happy and grateful. "I take it she opened up to you?"
"Yeah, it's true. Terry was behind the green-k assaults."
"And what else?"
"She didn't know anything about the attacks until he told her about it. But apparently, he's done with trying to kill me."
She watched him for a moment. "You don't believe it, do you?"
He smiled. "You know me too well."
"It's a smart idea that you're being cautious. Better to keep an eye open than be sorry later, I always say."
"Me too. Let's order."
~o~o~
Karen slowly lowered the menu. "I know what I want. Have you decided yet?"
"No, not yet." He watched her for a bit getting suspicious. "That was a shock seeing Ms. Lane and Mr. Luthor tonight. Did you know they would be here?"
"I had no idea." She took a sip of wine.
"Well, they do make an attractive couple."
"Yes, they do," she agreed. Clark was an extremely blessed man. It was pretty obvious they were in love. It was written all over their faces. Even their body language spoke of their love. It was a beautiful thing to note. She envied them.
"What are you thinking?"
Karen wanted the truth. "Did you mean it when you said that you loved me?"
"Of course I meant it."
"And that you would stop trying to hurt Superman?"
He sighed, but he was getting worried. "Look, Karen, how many times do I have to say it? I said I would stop, and I meant it!" He raised his voice a bit.
Clark heard them of course.
"Why are you getting upset, unless …?" Karen hesitated.
"Unless what!?"
"You lied to me, didn't you? You're still planning to harm him, aren't you? Don't do it, Terry, please don't." Karen was getting worried. She couldn't take it if anything happened to Clark. When he had died on television, she felt that maybe she could have helped him, but she hadn't done it. And now Terry was trying to kill him. She had to stop him. She had to.
Terry looked around and then he spotted Mr. Luthor. He was coming toward them with a look and posture that had him taking a double take. Terry stood up.
"Is there a problem here?" Clark asked, looking between the two of them.
"Mr. Luthor, this is a private conversation." Terry looked him in the eye. He could have sworn that he saw his eyes glow red. Terry gasped to himself.
"Karen, it's time he knew the truth. Maybe we should all step outside."
"I'm sorry Terry." She stood up and walked over to Lois. Lois stood up then they both headed for the exit.
"After you, Mr. Sloane," Clark said and waited for him to leave.
Fuming inside, Terry threw down his napkin, left a few dollars for the wine and headed for the exit. Clark was right behind him.
Once outside, Lois was holding Karen steady with her arm around her shoulder.
Terry didn't know what to think. "What the hell is going on here? Karen, please look at me. Tell me what's going on?"
She sighed as she glanced at Clark. He nodded his head. "Terry, I … I'm Kryptonian, just like Superman."
Terry's eyes bugged out. "Then it's true? You're just like him, and that's why you wanted me to stop trying to hurt him?"
"You do realize that you've just confessed to assault, don't you?" That was Lois.
"He's fine, I didn't hurt him," Terry said and shrugged his shoulders.
Clark was furious with him. "I wonder what the police would think to all the bank robberies and innocent people put in danger all because of your ego and wanting to get rid of Superman. I wonder."
"Hey, it wasn't me. I wasn't there. I didn't rob those people. You have no evidence against me."
"Really, then what's this?" Clark asked then he grabbed his arm and pulled out the mask. "Care to explain yourself?"
"Hey, how did you know that was in my pocket?" Shocked, Terry then put it all together. "It's you."
"Terry, if you turn over all the green-k, the authorities could be lenient with you. Just tell him everything," Karen pleaded with him.
"I'm not going to jail, do you hear me?"
"But Terry, you have no choice now. We all heard what you said. You confessed." Karen felt pity for him.
Resigned to his fate, he asked, "Did you care for me at all?" Terry sadly asked.
"I'm so sorry," Karen covered her eyes and tried not to cry. Lois held her close hoping to soothe her. "It's alright."
Clark spotted a police car patrolling the area. "Officer?!" The police car made a U-turn and approached them.
"I'll tell them about you and Karen," Terry threatened.
"I don't think so." Clark wasn't worried.
"And why not?" Terry was sure he had the upper hand.
"Well, I've done a bit of research about you, Mr. Terrific. I know what happened on Apokolips. It took skill and cunning to outwit Darkseid." At his shocked expression, he continued. "I think, once you serve your sentence, learn a few lessons about humility and honor, then maybe one day you could very well be a member of the Justice League."
Terry was thrilled but could he trust him. "Why should I believe you?"
"I never lie." The policeman got out of his car. "Officer, this gentleman just confessed to conspiracy to commit grand larceny and attempted murder. Take him away."
"Wait!" Kara felt terrible about all of it. She wanted to give him a bit of encouragement. "I'll … I'll see you soon?"
"Count on it," Terry tried to smile. "Goodbye, Karen."
Her eyes watered as she watched him being hand-cuffed and taken away. Then he was gone.
~o~o~
A little while later, at Karen's apartment:
"Would you like me to stay with you tonight," Lois asked.
Karen was standing by the window and looking up at the sky. "I'm alright and thank you for asking."
"Of course, you know, Karen, we're family now, and families stick together."
"She's right, Karen. We're here for you." Clark meant every word.
Thinking of Terry, her eyes watered again. "Thank you both. I don't know what to say."
Clark came over to her. He wanted to give her a hug, her eyes watered even more, but then she whispered, "Kal-El?"
He held out his arms. "Kara."
She went into arms holding him close then she started to cry. She missed Terry. In his own peculiar way, he had wanted to protect her; she knew that now.
"It's alright, you're Ok. You're not alone anymore." He stroked her back hoping to soothe her.
She pulled away after a minute. She wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. "Thank you, Kal-El, but I need to apologize to you."
He frowned. "What for?"
"For a lot of things, the least of which is not helping you to defeat … Doomsday, and second, for keeping quiet and remaining in the shadows. You see, Lex convinced me that if I were to come forward and tell everyone who and what I was, everyone would reject me and try to hurt me."
"I see," Clark murmured. "Part of what he said was true. The unknown, the unfamiliar, it does tend to bring out the worst in people. In a way, I'm grateful to him"
"Why, Clark?" Lois was surprised to hear him to say that.
"Well, he found you Kara, kept you safe and I can't blame him for that."
"Well, what do you know? Lex did something right after all," Lois whispered a bit dazed by that true fact.
"I believe you're right. Thank you, Kal-El for what you did tonight. I truly didn't know how to stop him." She paused. "Did you truly mean what you said about Terry joining the League?"
"Of course, I meant it."
She ducked her head feeling a bit embarrassed to ask this. "What about me?"
"You?" Clark was surprised, but pleased she would ask.
"Why not, I'm just like you."
"She has a point, Clark," Lois said, adding her two cents. Putting him on the spot, she continued. "She needs a superhero name."
"Oh, a name … really, Clark? Do you have one in mind?"
"Well, let me see …" He stroked his chin.
"How do you feel about … Supergirl?" Lois asked and smiled as Kara's eyes lit up like the sun.
"Supergirl?" Smiling, he thought about it. "I like it. Do you like it Kara?"
"What do you think?" She smiled back. "I love it."
TBC!
~o~o~
Song inspiration: Between the Lines, Sara Bareilles.
A/N: Awww, I hope you enjoyed this chapter. I had fun with it. Terry was a bit of a challenge. In truth, eventually, he will be a true hero with the League, but he did have a back story of ruthlessness and cunning, so I added that. Terry has a very long and complicated back story, hence my mention of his past. He just needs a chance, just like Clark needed a second chance. Well, we're almost there guys. Only one more chapter to go. *wibbles* Lois and Clark still need that truly memorable date! I'll give them that plus more. Until next week, thanks everyone. Reviews would be so wonderful.