Fic: Now or Never (11/?)
Title: Now or Never (11/?)
Author: Babettew54 babettew54
Category: Superman Returns
Characters: Lois Lane/Clark Kent/Kal-El, Perry White, Lex Luthor
Rating: M
Summary: They’ve had so many chances to make it work, but could there really be one more?
Words: 4,000
Disclaimer: DC Comics/WB Entertainment owns. No profit is being made from this story; this is strictly for my own amusement.
Author’s Notes: In this next chapter, Superman and Lex Luthor meet again, Clark and Jason find common ground, Lois gets a visit from another foe or is he, and later, while in the mist of another crisis, Lois and Clark manage to stay focused on what’s important ... family. I hope you enjoy it. Please read and review. Thanks! :D
Banner by hanakt
Previously:
( Chapter 1)( Chapter 2)( Chapter 3)( Chapter 4)( Chapter 5)
( Chapter 6)( Chapter 7)( Chapter 8)( Chapter 9)( Chapter 10)
Chapter 11: Family Matters
Six months later, a house on the hill:
Lois and Clark had lived together for almost six months and Jason was doing well in school too. His powers were still dormant for the time being. Lois had talked to him about home schooling Jason but Clark was totally against it. Private school was fine for their son and Lois agreed wholeheartedly. She couldn't be more pleased as she thought about her dream.
The house they were living in was a rental with an option to buy. They loved the house with its magnificent views of Metropolis and the lovely countryside. It was the best of both worlds. Clark had his grass and Lois had her view of the city; it was perfect for them.
The subject of marriage had come up but only by Martha. She jokingly mentioned to Clark to make an honest woman out of Lois. Clark took it in stride but inwardly his heart soared that Lois didn't go all silent on him like before. She smiled and actually seemed to be warming to the idea. That was a few weeks ago and the subject had not come up again, but he would mention it again. In his mind, it was time for them to finally reach that goal. It was what they had strived for all these months since they had gotten back together.
"Mom, Dad, I'm ready," Jason came down the stairs ready for the first day of school for the first grade. Now that he was in grade school, he was now wearing uniforms of navy slacks, light blue shirt and navy sweater.
Lois thought he looked grown up, too grown up to her eyes and then the tears formed and she dashed them away.
Clark knew that look as he pulled her close, then the school bus horn honked and Jason sprinted normally to the bus. They both waved as he left.
Clark closed the door and his expression told her something was wrong.
"What is it, what's happened? It's not Luthor is it?"
"Actually yes, it is. While you were upstairs with Jason, the paper came." He showed her the paper. The headline read: 'LEX LUTHOR ILL IN PRISON."
"Have you talked to Kitty recently? Does she know about this?"
"I have no idea; I'll give her a call so she won't be thrown by the headline." She and Emil had been dating for a few months. If you saw her, you saw Emil. "Hi, Kitty, it's Clark."
"Oh, hi, Clark, I was just heading out. What's up?" Kitty had found a job as a lab assistant at STAR Labs. Emil had found her the job.
Clark put the call on speaker. "Lois is here … we have news."
Kitty stiffened fearing the worst. "It's Lex isn't it?"
"Yes, he's sick, Kitty. We don't know how bad it is."
Silence followed that statement.
"Kitty, are you there?" Clark asked as he and Lois shared a glance.
"I'm here. That part of my life is over, Clark."
"I know, but …"
"I mean it, now I have to go. Goodbye," Kitty said.
Both Lois and Clark said their goodbyes then Clark hung up.
"I understand how she feels Clark and I don't blame her." She sighed. "Is there any way to find out how sick he is?"
"I suppose so; I do know the warden at that particular prison. It's the same prison Luthor was sent to after the California earthquake, and the same one he escaped from too."
"Really, that is not what I wanted to hear."
"Don't worry, he's under maximum security, plus he is sick." She still looked worried. "I'll head over there now."
"Thank you, Clark," she smiled and kissed him goodbye.
~o~o~
Federal Maximum Security Prison, upstate New York:
Clark decided to enter the prison as Superman to remind everyone that he was still around and that his presence would be felt when and if a prisoner tried to escape or be released. It also gave him a chance to get a rise out of Luthor, get him to admit his suspicions about Jason to his face.
The warden greeted him cheerfully. "It's wonderful to see you again Superman and I know why you're here."
"It's wonderful to see you again, sir. How is he?"
"It is true that Luthor is ill, but his doctors have reason to hope he will recover."
Clark hated to admit it but he wanted a different outcome for Jason's sake. "I see, but six months ago, the doctors were convinced he would not last the year."
"Yes, I saw that report, but apparently that's not the case anymore. I have seen and spoken to Luthor several times and he appeared, what's the word … upbeat? Mr. Luthor has an inner strength that's hard to describe. It's as if he has a secret of some kind that has enabled him to be strong enough to survive the massive amounts of chemical treatments for his illness."
Clark knew what he was referring to and mindset played an important part in cancer patient recovery. "Luthor is not allowed visitors, correct?"
"Yes no visitors and no communications whatsoever."
Clark was relieved to hear that. "I wish to see him."
"But, are you sure?"
"Yes, I'm sure."
~o~o~
When Luthor was told he would be allowed a visitor just this once, he knew who it was; he just knew. The door opened and Superman walked in. He had to admit it was good to see him. With no visitors and no one to talk to, he was going a bit stir crazy in this place. "Well, if it isn't the Man of Steel himself. Hello Superman."
"Lex."
"What brings you by?" He cheerfully asked.
Clark frowned. The warden was right, too cheerful by far. As he stared at him his back itched, but he resisted the urge so he straightened his spine. "Why do you think; what are you up to?"
Lex chuckled. "What you see is what you get." He stood and walked from one side of his cell to the other. "I can't do anything in this place; no television, no radio, no computer, nothing, just the guard with his stone face and no conversation. He brings me my meals and takes my tray away just like clockwork, but I do have this one small window."
Clark saw the window but he wasn't fooled by Lex's attitude. It was classic Lex. "You're planning something, aren't you?"
"And exactly who would I tell these plans to anyway? It's like I said, no phone, no letters, nothing!"
Clark was really worried now. He could have done something before he was sent up here, but what? "I will find out what it is and when I do, if you thought you were isolated now, believe me, you haven't seen anything yet."
Lex shrugged off his warning, but he thought he would leave him with something to think about. He walked over to him, smirked then said. "Just watch your back."
Clark narrowed his eyes, but didn't respond, turned and knocked on the door. "Guard!"
Luthor's smile was pure evil.
~o~o~
An hour or so later, Clark was very busy making rounds, but his mind was not on what he was doing as he narrowly saved someone's life. Luthor's words would not leave him alone. He should have known this would happen. Suddenly, he had an urgent need to see his son, just to see if he was alright. He headed to the school and realized it was almost time for dismissal, so he changed and waited for him to exit the school.
While waiting for him, various emergencies came into his hearing, but they were taken care of without him. He watched as groups of excited and rambunctious boys and girls exited the school, some headed to cars, and others headed to school buses, then he spotted Jason. He felt so relieved just to see he was alright.
Jason saw his father and he was so shocked that he couldn't believe it at first. His father never had time to pick him up from school then he waved and smiled at him. Jason ran to him then Clark picked him up.
"Dad, what are you doing here?" Jason asked happy to see him but then he began to worry that something must have happened for him to come and see him like this, without warning or calling first. "Is everything alright?"
Clark smiled to reassure him. "Don't worry, everything is fine, Jason. I came because ... well, I wanted to see you ... and..." he paused when he saw Jason's eyes light up. "Would you like to go for a ride?"
"Really, right now!" Jason squealed.
"Sure right now," Clark chuckled as he set him down and took his hand.
Jason suddenly realized this was it, and he couldn't help it as his heart began to pound. Clark heard it so he squatted down eye to eye with him. "Are you ready, son?"
Jason didn't speak for a moment. He was excited about flying with his father, but a part of him, that human part of him was terrified. "Uh, huh, I'm ready."
Clark wasn't so sure about that, but Jason needed this and so did he. "Let's go over here and sit down for a minute." He squeezed Jason's hand as they headed to the school playground and sat down on a bench. "I understand how you feel Jason."
"You do?" Jason wondered about that. "Were you ever afraid?"
"Of course, Jason, it took me years to get up enough courage to do it, but I didn't rush it. I took my time, I practiced for a few years, and then one day, it just happened."
Jason was very curious about that. "Wow, how did it feel?"
"Well, it's hard to describe. It felt ... unreal at first, like nothing I've ever felt before, and now every time it happens, I still get butterflies and ... amazingly it still thrills me like the first time I did it."
Jason wondered again about himself. "Did you mean it when you said ... maybe one day?"
He pulled him to his side. "I can't predict the future Jason, but there is a very good chance you will fly one day."
Jason was beginning to believe. "I'm ready now."
Clark stood up and went behind some trees to change. Jason stood up arms in the air. Clark picked him up and shot clear up into the sky, high above the clouds so no one would see them. "You can open your eyes now, son."
Jason opened his eyes and all he could see was the beautiful blue sky, and clouds everywhere. The air felt like nothing he'd ever felt before. He breathed it in and smiled at his father.
Clark smiled back. "Hold on tight now, your Mom is waiting for us."
Jason held him tightly around the neck as his father flew them towards the Planet, a little slower this time. Jason finally looked down and he gasped and all the tiny cars and even smaller people. "Wow...!" He exclaimed thrilled.
Clark smiled at his expression. Soon, they were over the Planet and Lois was on the roof waiting for them. He slowly landed and set Jason down. He looked up at his father in awe of him and the things he could do. "Thank you ... Superman."
Clark smiled. "You're welcome, Jason," he replied and ruffled his hair. He winked at Lois then took off into the sky.
They both waved at him. Clark glanced back and returned their waves then he shot up into the sky off to another emergency.
~o~o~
Daily Planet offices, several days later:
Clark entered the office ready to speak to Lois and to plan a special evening with her. He had decided to ask her to marry him. Luthor and his plots and schemes were not going to stop them from living their lives and being a family. It was something he had wanted with her from the moment she had accepted him the first time years ago, and now this chance would be the one they've waited for; the one that would get them to that very special place ... marriage.
Lois in the meantime had picked up Jason from school and was headed to the office. She was almost there when she heard a swooshing sound. At first she thought it was Clark again but then she remembered Bizarro, and the dread came back into her heart.
Suddenly, someone dropped down in front of her car then she slammed on the breaks just before hitting a boy who was standing there in a black tee-shirt with a red letter "S" on his chest, black jeans, and he was smiling at her. "What in the world ...?" She whispered.
Back at the office, newsfeed was gradually coming in about a teenage boy flying around Metropolis. The monitors were positively buzzing with the news. Clark was shocked by the stories, but for some reason he decided not to put on his suit. He left the office, exited the lobby and then he saw him and they were only a few blocks away. It was a young boy standing in front of Lois's car smiling at her. "Oh no, not another clone?" He whispered as he came closer. He didn't appear threatening; he just stood there not saying anything. Clark decided to watch for a moment.
Lois saw Clark approach just to her left and breathed a sigh of relief. Luthor and his schemes, but then she remembered what had happened to Bizarro and she wished this boy would not see the same fate. He did look like Clark with dark hair and a devilish smile, but he was definitely different from the other one, Lois admitted as he stared at her.
She left the car and hoped to find out where he had come from, his name and anything else she could find out about him. "Jason, stay in the car."
"Alright, Mom," Jason replied.
She moved a little closer to him. "Did you want something? What's your name?"
"Conner," the boy replied then he cocked his head to the side. "Lois Lane?"
"Yes, my name is Lois. Where did you come from?"
He seemed confused as he looked up into the sky.
Lois frowned at him. Clark came up to her then. "Lois, is everything alright?"
"Everything is fine. Clark, this is Conner; Conner this is Clark Kent."
Clark held out his hand to the boy hoping he would take it.
Conner seemed confused then he slowly held out his hand. "Clark Kent?" He said the name as if it were somehow familiar to him.
"Yes, hello, Conner," Clark answered him as they shook hands. "Would you like to come with us?"
Conner hesitated as he stared at them. "Alright," he replied and smiled.
Lois and Clark helped him inside the car where he sat next to Jason.
"Hello, my name is Jason," Jason said trying to be polite.
"Hello, my name is Conner," Conner replied and held out his hand.
Jason looked at his Mom unsure of what to do.
"It's ok Jason," Lois said as she watched them interact. She had to admit, this young man was an enigma and someone she would like to get to know. She glanced at Clark and he had an eyebrow raised as if reading her thoughts.
Jason and Conner shook hands, a possible friendship between the two seeming to take shape.
Jason was fascinated by him and had to ask. "So, you can fly?"
Lois and Clark stared at each other and said at the same time. "STAR Labs."
A mysterious man stood in the shadows of the crowd seemingly very pleased with the results of his work and the inevitable outcome.
~o~o~
Clark called ahead and a few minutes later they arrived at STAR Labs and Emil was waiting for them. Kitty was also there waiting to meet this Conner 'superboy.'
They all exited the car then Clark introduced him. "Emil, Kitty, this is Conner … a friend."
"Hello, Conner, it's nice to meet you," Emil said, smiled and shook his hand.
Conner looked around and wondered what was happening. "Is this a hospital?"
Kitty came forward then to answer his question. "Hi, Conner, I'm Kitty, and to answer your question, no, this isn't a hospital, but a research facility. There are doctors here, however, if you feel sick. Do you feel sick, Conner?"
"No, I feel ok," he replied.
"I'm glad Conner. Would you like to come with us?"
"But why are we here?" He turned to Lois for answers.
Lois came forward to reassure him and took his hand. "It's ok, Conner, these people are our friends, and they just want to make sure you're ok, that you're healthy. Do you understand?"
"I guess so," he replied.
"Good, go on now, we'll be right behind you," Lois instructed the skeptical young man.
Conner, Kitty and Emil went inside with Lois, Clark and Jason right behind.
Lois took Clark's hand. "Oh, Clark, we have to help him, no one else will, and what if …?" She whispered fervently but couldn't finish the question.
Clark squeezed her hand. "I know and we will," he told her firmly.
~o~o~
Several hours later, Emil and Kitty came into the waiting area with Conner's test results.
"How is he?" Lois asked as they all came forward to greet them.
"He's resting. The test was hard on him because of his invulnerability, but we managed to get a blood sample," Emil said.
"So, what did you find out?" Clark asked knowing the answer.
"He's a clone with multiple DNA strains … Superman and … Lex Luthor," Emil said.
Lois gasped and put her hand over her mouth. Clark shook his head, groaned and rubbed his tired eyes wondering again when it would ever end.
Jason watched his parents worried about his new friend. "Is Conner alright?"
Kitty answered his question hoping to reassure him. "He's fine, Jason." He turned to Lois and Clark. "He's asking for you both, you too Jason."
"Can we see him?" Jason asked his parents, but when they didn't answer him, he said. 'He's all alone, Mom, Dad?"
"Of course, we can, Jason," Lois said and took his hand, but Clark just stood there rooted to the spot. "Clark, are you coming?"
Everyone waited for him then Jason held out his other hand for his father to take it.
Clark closed his eyes and thought about Conner. It's not his fault; none of it was his fault. Clark came forward and took Jason's hand. "Sure, let's go."
~o~o~
As everyone entered Conner's room, he was so intent on soaking up the sun, eyes closed, that he didn't hear them knock or call to him. "Conner, Conner, hello," Lois said smiling at him.
Jason also came forward to say hello. "Hi, Conner, are you alright?"
"I'm fine, Jason," he smiled at his friends. "I was worried that I'd have to stay here. Can we leave now?" He asked instinctively touching his arm.
"I'm sorry, Conner, but we have to run a few more tests and you can leave in a day or two, how's that?" Emil replied.
He frowned, not liking the idea. "Ok, if I have to."
"Everything will be fine, you'll see," Emil said. "I'll get started on those tests. I'll see you all later."
"Thanks Emil," Clark said and shook his hand. Lois and Clark tried to smile at Conner both feeling a bit awkward. "We'll visit you tomorrow, would you like that Conner?" Clark asked.
"Awesome; can Jason come too?" He asked smiling at his new friend, but then he had a thought. "But what will happen to me after that, where will I go?"
Lois and Clark glanced at each other. Kitty was also thinking about him too. "We should talk," Clark whispered as they all left Conner's room.
"Stay with Conner, Jason," Lois instructed.
"Ok, Mom," Jason replied.
Conner frowned then he sat down with Jason. He turned on the television to distract Jason for a bit and then he watched the door. He could see everyone clearly then he decided to listen.
~o~o~
"What are you thinking, Clark, or do I need to ask," Lois said.
"You have to help him, Clark," Kitty put in her two cents. "If you don't, I can take him."
"Really, Kitty, but you've never been around super-powered beings before and you have no idea what to expect," Clark said.
"But he's part Lex, and I ..."
"No, Kitty, we can't ask you to do it, Conner will come home with us until we can figure out his future, well at least until he turns 18," Clark said.
Kitty supposed he had a point but it was time to clear the air. "Isn't it about time you told me the truth? You can trust me you know, I would never tell anyone."
"What truth, Kitty?" Clark played dumb.
"Clark, just tell her," Lois said and sighed.
"Well?" Kitty waited.
"You know?"
"Yes, I figured it out a while ago," Kitty said.
He sighed. "Ok, it's true, I'm Superman."
"See, that wasn't so hard," Kitty said smiling at him.
"You have no idea, Kitty," Lois deadpanned as she quirked an eyebrow at her partner.
~o~o~
Back in Conner's room, Conner turned to Jason and smiled from ear to ear.
"Why are you smiling?" Jason asked.
"It's nothing; nothing important," he replied still smiling.
TBC!
~o~o~
A/N: I enjoyed writing Conner. He's like a blank slate with so much potential. We'll see how things go from here. Look for the final chapter in a few days. *iz sad* Thanks so much for reading. Reviews are love! :D
Author: Babettew54 babettew54
Category: Superman Returns
Characters: Lois Lane/Clark Kent/Kal-El, Perry White, Lex Luthor
Rating: M
Summary: They’ve had so many chances to make it work, but could there really be one more?
Words: 4,000
Disclaimer: DC Comics/WB Entertainment owns. No profit is being made from this story; this is strictly for my own amusement.
Author’s Notes: In this next chapter, Superman and Lex Luthor meet again, Clark and Jason find common ground, Lois gets a visit from another foe or is he, and later, while in the mist of another crisis, Lois and Clark manage to stay focused on what’s important ... family. I hope you enjoy it. Please read and review. Thanks! :D
Banner by hanakt
Previously:
( Chapter 1)( Chapter 2)( Chapter 3)( Chapter 4)( Chapter 5)
( Chapter 6)( Chapter 7)( Chapter 8)( Chapter 9)( Chapter 10)
Chapter 11: Family Matters
Six months later, a house on the hill:
Lois and Clark had lived together for almost six months and Jason was doing well in school too. His powers were still dormant for the time being. Lois had talked to him about home schooling Jason but Clark was totally against it. Private school was fine for their son and Lois agreed wholeheartedly. She couldn't be more pleased as she thought about her dream.
The house they were living in was a rental with an option to buy. They loved the house with its magnificent views of Metropolis and the lovely countryside. It was the best of both worlds. Clark had his grass and Lois had her view of the city; it was perfect for them.
The subject of marriage had come up but only by Martha. She jokingly mentioned to Clark to make an honest woman out of Lois. Clark took it in stride but inwardly his heart soared that Lois didn't go all silent on him like before. She smiled and actually seemed to be warming to the idea. That was a few weeks ago and the subject had not come up again, but he would mention it again. In his mind, it was time for them to finally reach that goal. It was what they had strived for all these months since they had gotten back together.
"Mom, Dad, I'm ready," Jason came down the stairs ready for the first day of school for the first grade. Now that he was in grade school, he was now wearing uniforms of navy slacks, light blue shirt and navy sweater.
Lois thought he looked grown up, too grown up to her eyes and then the tears formed and she dashed them away.
Clark knew that look as he pulled her close, then the school bus horn honked and Jason sprinted normally to the bus. They both waved as he left.
Clark closed the door and his expression told her something was wrong.
"What is it, what's happened? It's not Luthor is it?"
"Actually yes, it is. While you were upstairs with Jason, the paper came." He showed her the paper. The headline read: 'LEX LUTHOR ILL IN PRISON."
"Have you talked to Kitty recently? Does she know about this?"
"I have no idea; I'll give her a call so she won't be thrown by the headline." She and Emil had been dating for a few months. If you saw her, you saw Emil. "Hi, Kitty, it's Clark."
"Oh, hi, Clark, I was just heading out. What's up?" Kitty had found a job as a lab assistant at STAR Labs. Emil had found her the job.
Clark put the call on speaker. "Lois is here … we have news."
Kitty stiffened fearing the worst. "It's Lex isn't it?"
"Yes, he's sick, Kitty. We don't know how bad it is."
Silence followed that statement.
"Kitty, are you there?" Clark asked as he and Lois shared a glance.
"I'm here. That part of my life is over, Clark."
"I know, but …"
"I mean it, now I have to go. Goodbye," Kitty said.
Both Lois and Clark said their goodbyes then Clark hung up.
"I understand how she feels Clark and I don't blame her." She sighed. "Is there any way to find out how sick he is?"
"I suppose so; I do know the warden at that particular prison. It's the same prison Luthor was sent to after the California earthquake, and the same one he escaped from too."
"Really, that is not what I wanted to hear."
"Don't worry, he's under maximum security, plus he is sick." She still looked worried. "I'll head over there now."
"Thank you, Clark," she smiled and kissed him goodbye.
~o~o~
Federal Maximum Security Prison, upstate New York:
Clark decided to enter the prison as Superman to remind everyone that he was still around and that his presence would be felt when and if a prisoner tried to escape or be released. It also gave him a chance to get a rise out of Luthor, get him to admit his suspicions about Jason to his face.
The warden greeted him cheerfully. "It's wonderful to see you again Superman and I know why you're here."
"It's wonderful to see you again, sir. How is he?"
"It is true that Luthor is ill, but his doctors have reason to hope he will recover."
Clark hated to admit it but he wanted a different outcome for Jason's sake. "I see, but six months ago, the doctors were convinced he would not last the year."
"Yes, I saw that report, but apparently that's not the case anymore. I have seen and spoken to Luthor several times and he appeared, what's the word … upbeat? Mr. Luthor has an inner strength that's hard to describe. It's as if he has a secret of some kind that has enabled him to be strong enough to survive the massive amounts of chemical treatments for his illness."
Clark knew what he was referring to and mindset played an important part in cancer patient recovery. "Luthor is not allowed visitors, correct?"
"Yes no visitors and no communications whatsoever."
Clark was relieved to hear that. "I wish to see him."
"But, are you sure?"
"Yes, I'm sure."
~o~o~
When Luthor was told he would be allowed a visitor just this once, he knew who it was; he just knew. The door opened and Superman walked in. He had to admit it was good to see him. With no visitors and no one to talk to, he was going a bit stir crazy in this place. "Well, if it isn't the Man of Steel himself. Hello Superman."
"Lex."
"What brings you by?" He cheerfully asked.
Clark frowned. The warden was right, too cheerful by far. As he stared at him his back itched, but he resisted the urge so he straightened his spine. "Why do you think; what are you up to?"
Lex chuckled. "What you see is what you get." He stood and walked from one side of his cell to the other. "I can't do anything in this place; no television, no radio, no computer, nothing, just the guard with his stone face and no conversation. He brings me my meals and takes my tray away just like clockwork, but I do have this one small window."
Clark saw the window but he wasn't fooled by Lex's attitude. It was classic Lex. "You're planning something, aren't you?"
"And exactly who would I tell these plans to anyway? It's like I said, no phone, no letters, nothing!"
Clark was really worried now. He could have done something before he was sent up here, but what? "I will find out what it is and when I do, if you thought you were isolated now, believe me, you haven't seen anything yet."
Lex shrugged off his warning, but he thought he would leave him with something to think about. He walked over to him, smirked then said. "Just watch your back."
Clark narrowed his eyes, but didn't respond, turned and knocked on the door. "Guard!"
Luthor's smile was pure evil.
~o~o~
An hour or so later, Clark was very busy making rounds, but his mind was not on what he was doing as he narrowly saved someone's life. Luthor's words would not leave him alone. He should have known this would happen. Suddenly, he had an urgent need to see his son, just to see if he was alright. He headed to the school and realized it was almost time for dismissal, so he changed and waited for him to exit the school.
While waiting for him, various emergencies came into his hearing, but they were taken care of without him. He watched as groups of excited and rambunctious boys and girls exited the school, some headed to cars, and others headed to school buses, then he spotted Jason. He felt so relieved just to see he was alright.
Jason saw his father and he was so shocked that he couldn't believe it at first. His father never had time to pick him up from school then he waved and smiled at him. Jason ran to him then Clark picked him up.
"Dad, what are you doing here?" Jason asked happy to see him but then he began to worry that something must have happened for him to come and see him like this, without warning or calling first. "Is everything alright?"
Clark smiled to reassure him. "Don't worry, everything is fine, Jason. I came because ... well, I wanted to see you ... and..." he paused when he saw Jason's eyes light up. "Would you like to go for a ride?"
"Really, right now!" Jason squealed.
"Sure right now," Clark chuckled as he set him down and took his hand.
Jason suddenly realized this was it, and he couldn't help it as his heart began to pound. Clark heard it so he squatted down eye to eye with him. "Are you ready, son?"
Jason didn't speak for a moment. He was excited about flying with his father, but a part of him, that human part of him was terrified. "Uh, huh, I'm ready."
Clark wasn't so sure about that, but Jason needed this and so did he. "Let's go over here and sit down for a minute." He squeezed Jason's hand as they headed to the school playground and sat down on a bench. "I understand how you feel Jason."
"You do?" Jason wondered about that. "Were you ever afraid?"
"Of course, Jason, it took me years to get up enough courage to do it, but I didn't rush it. I took my time, I practiced for a few years, and then one day, it just happened."
Jason was very curious about that. "Wow, how did it feel?"
"Well, it's hard to describe. It felt ... unreal at first, like nothing I've ever felt before, and now every time it happens, I still get butterflies and ... amazingly it still thrills me like the first time I did it."
Jason wondered again about himself. "Did you mean it when you said ... maybe one day?"
He pulled him to his side. "I can't predict the future Jason, but there is a very good chance you will fly one day."
Jason was beginning to believe. "I'm ready now."
Clark stood up and went behind some trees to change. Jason stood up arms in the air. Clark picked him up and shot clear up into the sky, high above the clouds so no one would see them. "You can open your eyes now, son."
Jason opened his eyes and all he could see was the beautiful blue sky, and clouds everywhere. The air felt like nothing he'd ever felt before. He breathed it in and smiled at his father.
Clark smiled back. "Hold on tight now, your Mom is waiting for us."
Jason held him tightly around the neck as his father flew them towards the Planet, a little slower this time. Jason finally looked down and he gasped and all the tiny cars and even smaller people. "Wow...!" He exclaimed thrilled.
Clark smiled at his expression. Soon, they were over the Planet and Lois was on the roof waiting for them. He slowly landed and set Jason down. He looked up at his father in awe of him and the things he could do. "Thank you ... Superman."
Clark smiled. "You're welcome, Jason," he replied and ruffled his hair. He winked at Lois then took off into the sky.
They both waved at him. Clark glanced back and returned their waves then he shot up into the sky off to another emergency.
~o~o~
Daily Planet offices, several days later:
Clark entered the office ready to speak to Lois and to plan a special evening with her. He had decided to ask her to marry him. Luthor and his plots and schemes were not going to stop them from living their lives and being a family. It was something he had wanted with her from the moment she had accepted him the first time years ago, and now this chance would be the one they've waited for; the one that would get them to that very special place ... marriage.
Lois in the meantime had picked up Jason from school and was headed to the office. She was almost there when she heard a swooshing sound. At first she thought it was Clark again but then she remembered Bizarro, and the dread came back into her heart.
Suddenly, someone dropped down in front of her car then she slammed on the breaks just before hitting a boy who was standing there in a black tee-shirt with a red letter "S" on his chest, black jeans, and he was smiling at her. "What in the world ...?" She whispered.
Back at the office, newsfeed was gradually coming in about a teenage boy flying around Metropolis. The monitors were positively buzzing with the news. Clark was shocked by the stories, but for some reason he decided not to put on his suit. He left the office, exited the lobby and then he saw him and they were only a few blocks away. It was a young boy standing in front of Lois's car smiling at her. "Oh no, not another clone?" He whispered as he came closer. He didn't appear threatening; he just stood there not saying anything. Clark decided to watch for a moment.
Lois saw Clark approach just to her left and breathed a sigh of relief. Luthor and his schemes, but then she remembered what had happened to Bizarro and she wished this boy would not see the same fate. He did look like Clark with dark hair and a devilish smile, but he was definitely different from the other one, Lois admitted as he stared at her.
She left the car and hoped to find out where he had come from, his name and anything else she could find out about him. "Jason, stay in the car."
"Alright, Mom," Jason replied.
She moved a little closer to him. "Did you want something? What's your name?"
"Conner," the boy replied then he cocked his head to the side. "Lois Lane?"
"Yes, my name is Lois. Where did you come from?"
He seemed confused as he looked up into the sky.
Lois frowned at him. Clark came up to her then. "Lois, is everything alright?"
"Everything is fine. Clark, this is Conner; Conner this is Clark Kent."
Clark held out his hand to the boy hoping he would take it.
Conner seemed confused then he slowly held out his hand. "Clark Kent?" He said the name as if it were somehow familiar to him.
"Yes, hello, Conner," Clark answered him as they shook hands. "Would you like to come with us?"
Conner hesitated as he stared at them. "Alright," he replied and smiled.
Lois and Clark helped him inside the car where he sat next to Jason.
"Hello, my name is Jason," Jason said trying to be polite.
"Hello, my name is Conner," Conner replied and held out his hand.
Jason looked at his Mom unsure of what to do.
"It's ok Jason," Lois said as she watched them interact. She had to admit, this young man was an enigma and someone she would like to get to know. She glanced at Clark and he had an eyebrow raised as if reading her thoughts.
Jason and Conner shook hands, a possible friendship between the two seeming to take shape.
Jason was fascinated by him and had to ask. "So, you can fly?"
Lois and Clark stared at each other and said at the same time. "STAR Labs."
A mysterious man stood in the shadows of the crowd seemingly very pleased with the results of his work and the inevitable outcome.
~o~o~
Clark called ahead and a few minutes later they arrived at STAR Labs and Emil was waiting for them. Kitty was also there waiting to meet this Conner 'superboy.'
They all exited the car then Clark introduced him. "Emil, Kitty, this is Conner … a friend."
"Hello, Conner, it's nice to meet you," Emil said, smiled and shook his hand.
Conner looked around and wondered what was happening. "Is this a hospital?"
Kitty came forward then to answer his question. "Hi, Conner, I'm Kitty, and to answer your question, no, this isn't a hospital, but a research facility. There are doctors here, however, if you feel sick. Do you feel sick, Conner?"
"No, I feel ok," he replied.
"I'm glad Conner. Would you like to come with us?"
"But why are we here?" He turned to Lois for answers.
Lois came forward to reassure him and took his hand. "It's ok, Conner, these people are our friends, and they just want to make sure you're ok, that you're healthy. Do you understand?"
"I guess so," he replied.
"Good, go on now, we'll be right behind you," Lois instructed the skeptical young man.
Conner, Kitty and Emil went inside with Lois, Clark and Jason right behind.
Lois took Clark's hand. "Oh, Clark, we have to help him, no one else will, and what if …?" She whispered fervently but couldn't finish the question.
Clark squeezed her hand. "I know and we will," he told her firmly.
~o~o~
Several hours later, Emil and Kitty came into the waiting area with Conner's test results.
"How is he?" Lois asked as they all came forward to greet them.
"He's resting. The test was hard on him because of his invulnerability, but we managed to get a blood sample," Emil said.
"So, what did you find out?" Clark asked knowing the answer.
"He's a clone with multiple DNA strains … Superman and … Lex Luthor," Emil said.
Lois gasped and put her hand over her mouth. Clark shook his head, groaned and rubbed his tired eyes wondering again when it would ever end.
Jason watched his parents worried about his new friend. "Is Conner alright?"
Kitty answered his question hoping to reassure him. "He's fine, Jason." He turned to Lois and Clark. "He's asking for you both, you too Jason."
"Can we see him?" Jason asked his parents, but when they didn't answer him, he said. 'He's all alone, Mom, Dad?"
"Of course, we can, Jason," Lois said and took his hand, but Clark just stood there rooted to the spot. "Clark, are you coming?"
Everyone waited for him then Jason held out his other hand for his father to take it.
Clark closed his eyes and thought about Conner. It's not his fault; none of it was his fault. Clark came forward and took Jason's hand. "Sure, let's go."
~o~o~
As everyone entered Conner's room, he was so intent on soaking up the sun, eyes closed, that he didn't hear them knock or call to him. "Conner, Conner, hello," Lois said smiling at him.
Jason also came forward to say hello. "Hi, Conner, are you alright?"
"I'm fine, Jason," he smiled at his friends. "I was worried that I'd have to stay here. Can we leave now?" He asked instinctively touching his arm.
"I'm sorry, Conner, but we have to run a few more tests and you can leave in a day or two, how's that?" Emil replied.
He frowned, not liking the idea. "Ok, if I have to."
"Everything will be fine, you'll see," Emil said. "I'll get started on those tests. I'll see you all later."
"Thanks Emil," Clark said and shook his hand. Lois and Clark tried to smile at Conner both feeling a bit awkward. "We'll visit you tomorrow, would you like that Conner?" Clark asked.
"Awesome; can Jason come too?" He asked smiling at his new friend, but then he had a thought. "But what will happen to me after that, where will I go?"
Lois and Clark glanced at each other. Kitty was also thinking about him too. "We should talk," Clark whispered as they all left Conner's room.
"Stay with Conner, Jason," Lois instructed.
"Ok, Mom," Jason replied.
Conner frowned then he sat down with Jason. He turned on the television to distract Jason for a bit and then he watched the door. He could see everyone clearly then he decided to listen.
~o~o~
"What are you thinking, Clark, or do I need to ask," Lois said.
"You have to help him, Clark," Kitty put in her two cents. "If you don't, I can take him."
"Really, Kitty, but you've never been around super-powered beings before and you have no idea what to expect," Clark said.
"But he's part Lex, and I ..."
"No, Kitty, we can't ask you to do it, Conner will come home with us until we can figure out his future, well at least until he turns 18," Clark said.
Kitty supposed he had a point but it was time to clear the air. "Isn't it about time you told me the truth? You can trust me you know, I would never tell anyone."
"What truth, Kitty?" Clark played dumb.
"Clark, just tell her," Lois said and sighed.
"Well?" Kitty waited.
"You know?"
"Yes, I figured it out a while ago," Kitty said.
He sighed. "Ok, it's true, I'm Superman."
"See, that wasn't so hard," Kitty said smiling at him.
"You have no idea, Kitty," Lois deadpanned as she quirked an eyebrow at her partner.
~o~o~
Back in Conner's room, Conner turned to Jason and smiled from ear to ear.
"Why are you smiling?" Jason asked.
"It's nothing; nothing important," he replied still smiling.
TBC!
~o~o~
A/N: I enjoyed writing Conner. He's like a blank slate with so much potential. We'll see how things go from here. Look for the final chapter in a few days. *iz sad* Thanks so much for reading. Reviews are love! :D