Fic: I Still Believe (13/?)
Title: I Still Believe (13/?)
Author: babettew54
Category: Superman Returns, Batman Comics
Pairings/Characters: Clark/Lois, Joanne/Samuel, Bruce/Diana, Lex Luthor II, Jason, Connor, Martha/Ben
Rating: T
Word Count: 4,500
Summary: This is a story about secrets and lies how they always come out and usually at the worst possible time.
Disclaimer: DC Comics/Warner Bros. Entertainment owns these characters, except for Joanne Kent and Samuel Hamilton; they are mine. This is strictly for my own amusement.
Author's Notes: In this next chapter, is it actually over between Jo and Sam, Kara has a few choice words for Alex and then Sam overhears a shocking and painful conversation. This one was so hard, as you can imagine. Takes a deep breath, as my Muse says “wipe your eyes and move on already.” Ok, Ok, I hope you enjoy it. *sniffles* Please read and review. Thanks guys! :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)( Chapter 12)
x-posted to: (AO3); (FFN)
Chapter 13: Everything I Do
Sam's hospital room, minutes later:
Sam was getting excited. Even though the pain in his shoulder was numb from the drugs, his mind was clear. Today was Jo's birthday. He couldn't wait to see her.
Suddenly, the door opened. He sat up a little straighter, protective of his arm, which was in a sling and his entire right shoulder was covered in bandages, but then his face fell. He peeped around his mother's and even Mrs. Kent's shoulders but Jo wasn't there. "Where's Jo?" He paused and thought about it. "Is she alright? Where is she?" He was getting worried.
"Calm down, Sam. Jo had to go home and change. She was covered in blood," Kitty told him hoping he would not ask any more questions. "Don't your parents get a hello?" She smiled at him then she wrapped her arms around him, mindful of his arm as well.
"I'm sorry. Hello, Mom, Dad."
"How are you really feeling son?" Emil asked.
"I'm alright, just anxious to get out of here." He then watched everyone's faces and he could tell something was wrong. "Mrs. Kent how long before Jo comes back?"
Lois glanced at Kitty and Emil and they were shaking their heads that Lois should not say anything, but then she decided to lie. She hated it. "Sam, Jo is … ummm … not feeling well."
"But Mom said …"
"I know, but I got a call from her Father and she's not up to it. She'll probably come by tomorrow and see you."
Something was going on. "Tomorrow, but today's her birthday. Did everyone forget?"
"Lois, is that right? Is today her birthday?" Kitty felt guilty.
"Yes, it is her birthday," Lois sadly replied.
Sam threw the covers off and tried to get up. "I have to find out what's happening. I can't just sit around here while she's at home wondering why no one has said anything."
Lois and Kitty gently pushed him back onto the bed. "Sam, now stay right there. We were planning a celebration on the space station, but those plans fell by the wayside because of what happened," Lois told him.
He closed his eyes, feeling guilty about everything. "I'm sorry, Mrs. Kent, but Jo and I, we …" He hesitated.
"You love each other, and we believe that Sam, but …"
"We're too young, I know, I know," Sam said, getting too upset.
Emil changed the subject. "Why don't you give her a call later today and wish her a happy birthday," he suggested.
Sam sighed, needing to see her. "It's not the same."
Kitty, Emil and Lois all glanced at each other and then Lois received a text on her cellphone "I'll take this outside. I'll be right back."
Lois quickly walked down the hall, texting as she went.
Clark, where is she?
I got her to stop flying for a bit by using our shared telepathy.
Wait, back up, Jo flew?
Yes, Lois. Jo flew for the first time today.
Oh, Clark, it's her birthday today.
I know, honey. Meet us at the house in a little while.
Alright, but Sam is very upset. He wants to see her.
How is he?
He's alright, but our baby is hurting. We have to help her.
I'll do what I can. I'll call you later.
Bye, Clark.
Lois closed the phone, took a deep breath and wondered how much longer before Sam realizes the truth, that Jo may break up with him to release him from any more pain. She knew her daughter and the dismal look on her face just before she ran out almost broke her heart. Of course, she understood her reasons, but it did not have to be this way. She prayed Clark could convince her.
~o~o~
Meanwhile, back at the Kent house:
Clark held his daughter tightly to him. Her grip was strong, but it was her tears that tore at his heart. He drifted down to the back of the house and let himself in. Jo would not let go of him.
"We're home, honey."
Jo peeked out from under her Father's chin and then she slowly released him.
"Why don't you go shower and change and then we'll talk."
"Dad, I can't talk about this, not right now." She shook her head.
"I know, honey, but we should talk about this." He paused. "Sam is still asking for you."
Her eyes filled up again then she covered them and started to cry again. He picked her up and took her upstairs to her room. "Here wipe your eyes." He gave her a tissue. Jo wiped her eyes and blew her nose.
He then went to her dresser and pulled out a change of clothes. "Go on now, I'll be here when you get back." He surprised her when he twirled out of the suit and was standing there in jeans and plaid.
Shaking her head, she did as he said. Ten minutes later, she had showered and changed into a pair of jeans and a tee-shirt. Her Father was sitting on the bed waiting for her, but he had a wrapped gift in his hand.
"Dad, what's that?"
"It's a gift for you. Happy Birthday, Jo."
"Thank you, Daddy."
Clark patted the bed and waited for her sit down beside him. "Daddy…? You haven't called me that since you were ten." He frowned then. "Jo, please don't pretend that the last twenty-four hours didn't happen."
She couldn't look at him. "I'm not pretending."
"Yes you are. We need to talk about this."
"There's nothing to say." She paused then glanced down at her present. "It's over." The pain of those words caused her heart to wither in her chest. The pain was indescribable.
He frowned again. "Jo, look at me. What's over?"
She steeled herself as only a Lane could. "Sam and me."
"You don't mean that."
"Of course, I do."
"No you don't. Honey, listen to me …"
Jo covered her ears then she jumped up from the bed, her present falling to the floor. "Dad, it's over and you can't make me see him."
Clark frowned at her then he picked up her present. "Why are you covering your ears?"
She lowered her arms then shrugged her shoulders. "No reason, I hear things all the time now."
Clark knew what this was about. "You can hear him, can't you?" He sadly asked.
She couldn't deny it then she raised her tear-filled eyes to her Father. "Yes, but it won't stop… make it stop, please Daddy, help me, please…" The tears fell freely then, heartbreaking sobs and Clark wanted to cry with her.
"Honey," Clark whispered then he pulled her close. He rocked her, stroking her hair, her back. They stood that way for several minutes. "Jo, I wanted to apologize for spying on you and Sam. I'm sorry."
He held her Father close. "I'm sorry I ran away."
"I know, sweetie, sit down for a minute."
Sighing he took her hand and placed inside his own. "Jo, I know exactly what you're feeling."
She knew what he was referring to. "Is it because of Mom?"
"Yes, honey, and you know how much your Mother and I have been through to be together."
"I know, Dad. You left her behind because you couldn't bear to see her hurt."
"Yes, that's right honey, and it was the biggest mistake of my life." He squeezed her hand. "I regretted those decisions."
"But it's different with Sam and me."
"How is it different?"
Jo could not give him an answer.
"Jo, no matter how long you may be apart, no matter how hard you may want to blot out his heartbeat, you can't do it."
"I can try." The Lane determination showed its head.
He shook his head. "Jo, you have to go and see him. He deserves that at least. He did save your life and Kara's as well."
"But bullets can't hurt us."
"That's not true, Jo. Green-k can take away your vulnerability."
Her eyes lit up. "Sam saved my life?"
"Yes he did honey."
Just then, there was a knock at the door. It was Lois. "Can I come in?"
"Mom!" Jo jumped up and ran to her Mother.
Lois squeezed her tightly to her. She hoped this was a good sign. Lois pulled back from their hug, pushed her hair out of eyes and tried to smile. Jo's eyes were red from crying. "Are you ok?"
"I think so. How's Sam?"
Clark nodded his head at Lois's unspoken question. "Well, you have to come to hospital to see for yourself."
"Jo, you didn't open your present," Clark reminded her then held it out to her.
"Oh, Ok," she said and opened the pretty box wrapped in gold ribbon. Inside was a crystal shaped like a star. "Dad, it's beautiful, but where did it come from?"
"It's from the Fortress. I shaped it myself. Look inside, there's more."
Inside was a note in her Dad's strong hand. It read:
We love you sweetheart. Here's your Kryptonian name.
Live as one of them, Lara-El, see where your strength and your power will take you, but always remain in your heart the pride of your special heritage.
Happy Birthday, Jo.
Xxx Love, Mom and Dad xxx
Jo raised her shining eyes to her Father. She didn't know what to say. Her throat had closed up.
He stroked her hair. "Jo, you must live your life. Your powers are a part of you but they don't define you. You found someone, someone special. You love each other. Please don't throw that away." He paused becoming emotional. "You may never get it back."
She ran the beautiful name over her tongue a few times. "That's my grandmother's name."
"Yes, Jo. Do you like it?"
She went into her Father's arms. "I love it. Thank you, Dad, and you're right." She pulled back and looked up into his eyes. "I do love him."
Clark nodded his head finally accepting the fact that his little girl was all grown up.
"We know you do, honey. Are you ready?" Lois asked, excited for her.
Jo looked down at herself. "I should change, oh and my hair!" She ran into the bathroom.
Relieved, Lois and Clark went into each other's arms, holding each other close. "Thank you, Clark."
"No problem." He squeezed his eyes tightly shut, but a few tears leaked out on their own.
~o~o~
Metropolis Police station, an hour after the LexCorp incident:
Kara still had drops of blood on her clothes, but she did not care at the moment. She was led inside the visitor waiting area. She had to talk to him to find out why he had done it. The League had filled her in on Talia Head that she was the mastermind behind all the plotting and schemes perpetrated against them, not Alex.
Suddenly, a door opened and Alex was led in, his arms behind his back in handcuffs. His 'insanity' period had worn off and he was back to his old self, whoever that may be. He sat down and stared at the beautiful woman before him, but why was she there? "What do you want? Come to gloat?"
"I've read up on your situation Alex and I have to ask you one question."
"What's that?"
"Why did you let her do this to you?"
"I don't know what you're talking about."
"I think you do. Talia is behind this isn't she?"
He gritted his teeth. "I did this all on my own."
"Really?"
"Yes, really."
"I will find out the truth." She suddenly leaned over the table, surprising him. "I could help you get out of here."
"What do you mean?"
"You could turn against her then turn her in."
"Why in the world would I do that?"
"Because she's a bad person; she manipulated you. We know why you did all those unpredictable things, like bringing me before the press. You knew my cousin would come after me, but you did it anyway." She paused. "Why?"
What did it matter? He decided to speak the truth. "You were dying. She said to keep you there … to kill you, but I could not do it."
Surprised by his answer, Kara leaned back in her chair and stared at him.
"You don't believe me?" He asked when she hadn't said anything.
"Actually, I do believe you." She stood up then. "Have you confessed to anything?"
He nodded his head. "No, I haven't."
"Good, don't say anything." She paused. "I'll be back."
~o~o~
Later that evening, Metropolis General Hospital:
Unable to sleep, Sam was in his room and he could not stop thinking about Jo and why she had not come to see him. His parents and Mrs. Kent were being evasive unable to meet his eyes, even lying to him. He knew they were lying; he saw it clearly. Then suddenly, he knew the truth. Was it over?
Lois and Jo had just gotten off the elevator to see Sam but Lois had a question for her. "Jo, come and sit down, we need to talk first before you see him."
At that moment, Sam had left his room to get a little exercise. Maybe it would help him to relax and possibly to sleep so he forget about Jo and why she would do this to them. And then he saw her with Mrs. Kent. He came closer, glad she had come to see him. They had their backs to him standing over by the visitor area.
"There's nothing to say, Mom. I know what I have to do."
Lois frowned, confused by that statement. "What does that mean? I thought you had made up your mind."
"I have made up my mind." Jo paused. "We need space. Sam and I need space."
Sam must have heard her wrong. What did that mean … space? No, no, Jo. We can make it work, please Jo. His mind screamed for it not to be over. His hopes were dashed with her next words.
"What do you mean space?" Lois asked, extremely worried now.
Jo stood up. "Mom, please, this is between Sam and me. It's getting late and visitor hours are almost over."
Lois sighed then she took her hand. "Alright, just please don't do anything you'll regret."
Jo frowned. "I won't."
Sam had already left and had gone back to his room. He slowly climbed back up onto the bed, pulled the covers up to his chin and tried not to break down in tears, but they would not stop no matter how hard he tried to stem the flow.
Jo took that moment to enter his room. His back was to her and he was facing the window. At first she couldn't see if he was asleep or not. "Sam, it's me; are you awake?" No answer, then she thought she heard sniffles.
Sam had to face her no matter how much it would hurt. He slowly sat up then. His arm was beginning to throb. Taking a deep breath, he stared at her. She was so beautiful, he almost broke down again. He managed to say something, "So you came after all."
She came closer. "Sam, were you crying?"
He stiffened his back. "No, of course not."
"Yes you were. Tell me why." She thought about it. "Was it another bad dream?"
He shook his head. "No, it wasn't a dream." He paused as he stared at her. "I wish it were."
She frowned. "What does that mean?"
"Stop pretending, Jo. It's not very becoming."
Now she was totally confused. "I don't understand."
Sam was done with this. "Alright, I'll spell it out for you." He paused as his next words nearly broke his heart again. "It's over between us."
"What did you just say?" Jo was stunned.
"It's what you want, isn't it? I heard you and your Mother talking about it."
Jo was quiet, not meeting his eyes.
Sam's tears threatened again. "Well, isn't it? You said you wanted space. Well, you can have it. Just … just leave me alone." He turned from her so she wouldn't see his tears.
He had misunderstood her words. She wanted them to be alone, not apart, never apart. She had to fix this before things got too far out of hand. She went around to the other side of his bed and took his hand firmly in her own so he couldn't pull away. "Sam, look at me."
She took a tissue from the nightstand and wiped at his eyes. "Now listen. I won't lie to you Sam. When I left the hospital earlier today, I wanted to disappear. I wanted to run away and never come back."
His eyes widened not wanting to believe it. He shook his head. "But I don't understand."
"I never wanted to hurt you Sam, and everything that happened … it was all my fault."
"No, I wasn't your fault. It was that Alex guy. It was all his doing, but everything turned out OK. I'm alright." He squeezed her hand. "So why are you really here? Did you change your mind?"
"I'm here because this is where I want to be. I can't run away from my feelings." She squeezed his hand. "My Father told me of a time when he had left my Mom, ran away from what he was feeling, what he wanted the most. It was the worst decision of his life."
He looked into her eyes. "Just so you know if you haven't figured it out by now … everything I do, Jo, it's for you. It's always been that way."
"Oh, Sam, I do know that." She touched his cheek. "How did I get so lucky?"
His eyes lit up. "Does that mean … you aren't going to leave me?"
Both their eyes welled up. "No, Sam, I could never leave you, never, never, never!" She cried then she threw her arms around his neck and kissed him.
He kissed her back, pulling her onto the bed to lie beside him, slanting his lips against hers loving her beyond reason, beyond any rational thought. She stroked his hair, his cheek, his strong throat, gripping his gown, pulling him closer.
Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. It was the nurse.
Jo jumped out of bed at super powered speed and stood at the foot of the bed, seconds before the door opened.
"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't realize you had company." She glanced at her watch. "Visiting hours will be over in fifteen minutes, Miss." Then she gave Jo a serious look. She turned to Sam and flashed a brilliant smile. "The doctor prescribed something for you to sleep, Mr. Hamilton."
"Ummm, thank you nurse." Sam took the pill to get rid of her.
After the nurse had left, Jo crossed her arms. "What was that look she gave me?"
"I think she has a crush on me." He sheepishly admitted. "Forget about her. Come here." He patted the bed. "She won't be back until morning."
"Sam, I can't stay. My Mom is just down the hall waiting for me."
"Tell her to come back in the morning. We aren't going to do anything."
"I don't know Sam. Aren't we asking for trouble?"
"I promise, Jo, nothing will happen. I need you."
She needed him too. "Ok, but only until that sleeping pill works and you go to sleep."
Sam gave in. "Alright, until I fall asleep."
She climbed back up onto the bed and put her arms around him.
He yawned. Stupid pill is working faster than I thought it would. He kissed her hair. "I love you Jo."
She leaned up to kiss his cheek. "I love you too."
Ten minutes later, Sam was almost asleep. "Happy… Birthday … Jo," he whispered softly.
She didn't want to leave him, but he needed his rest. Jo slowly climbed down, smiled at him, kissed his forehead and left him with a slight smile on his face.
~o~o~
Meanwhile, back at Watchtower:
Clark had just received a text from Lois that they were on their way home, that Jo had visited Sam and that everything was fine between them. Clark was very relieved to hear it. He shook his head at his stubbornness and obstinate behavior that had set all of this in motion.
"How's Sam?" It was Kara. She had returned from the police station and was updating them about what had happened at LexCorp with Alex, Jo and Sam.
"He'll be fine in a day or two." Clark replied. "We're listening Kara. What is this crazy story about Alex being manipulated by Talia?"
Kara got right to the point. "Once you listen to everything I have to say, you will notice that Talia has been behind all of it since the first moment that Lex Luthor died." She paused. "J'onn, pull up everything on the computer about … the Lazarus Pits?"
Bruce frowned. "Why would we want to know about that?" He got a bad feeling. He hadn't heard about the pits in a long time.
"I did a bit of snooping and apparently Talia took Alex to one of the pits. He was dying and she needed him to finish her sadistic intent to kill me, Jo and Sam."
"Here's everything the computer could come up with," J'onn told them.
"Is this for real or is it a myth?" Hal asked, reading the computer output.
"Oh, it's real alright," Bruce responded. "I've seen it work myself."
"Really, who was this person?" Clark asked.
"Talia's father has used it on numerous occasions. He's well over two hundred years old."
"Astonishing!" Clark exclaimed.
"Go on, Kara, we want to hear more," J'onn encouraged her.
Kara stood up and began to walk. "Alex may have feelings for me."
Clark frowned. "He told you this?"
"Not in so many words, but one of the reasons Talia's plan worked was his obsession with me. After he captured me, he … he knew I was powerless against him. He enjoyed it but for a moment, I did feel his struggle, but there was also a moment when I thought … I thought he was going to … hurt me."
"Oh, no, Kara, I … I'm so sorry," Clark said, still upset she had not been rescued earlier.
She shook her head. "He couldn't go through with it. Hours later, Kon-El rescued me."
Clark came over to her and gave her an impromptu hug. "We're here for you now, Kara."
"I know you are," she said holding him close.
"Kara, before you tell us the rest of your plan, I have something to say," Kon-El began, dreading this, but there may not be a better time to tell them what was happening to him.
"What is it, Kon-El?" Clark asked, concerned. He did look worried about something.
"My powers, they're … diminished."
"Diminished, but … how do you mean?" Hal asked.
"My force field abilities and I'm no longer invulnerable to kryptonite."
Silence for a minute or two as everyone digested that information. Clark then came over to him and touched his shoulder. "How long have you known?"
"Since Kara's rescue, I felt the bullets hit my back and then when I got home, there were bruises there as well."
Clark squeezed his shoulder. "That's it, nothing else?"
"Yes, I think that's it."
"But you're not sure?" That was Bruce.
"Conner, we have to check you out. We should head over to S.T.A.R. Labs first thing in the morning. Son, we have to be sure."
"I know," he sadly replied. "I didn't intend to bring this up now but I thought it was important considering Alex and what he may have planned for us down the road."
"I'm glad you felt you could trust us with the truth," Kara told him.
"I do trust all of you."
"We know you do son," Clark whispered, squeezing his shoulder again.
"You still haven't told us your plan," Bruce reminded Kara, hoping to change the subject.
"Alright, let's continue." She paused for a moment as she glanced at Kon-El. "Everyone, take a moment to read up on the Lazarus Pits. It can revive anyone to a healthy condition if you're at death's door and Alex was dying. He did not know, however, that he would briefly lose his sanity."
"And that's when he kidnapped you, Jo and Sam?" Clark asked.
"Yes, he did not know what he was doing."
"I see where you're going with this, Kara, but he did shoot Sam," Hal said, raising a valid point.
"I know he did, but as I said, he did not know what he was doing, and he could help us defeat Talia and put her away."
"How can he help us?" Bruce asked, leery of this entire plan. Talia was far too crafty. Her tracks were always covered. He wasn't even sure how long she had been planning this. Kara could be right about all of it. Talia may have put the idea of a clone in Luthor's head months before he died. He then suddenly wondered where Diana could be at this hour.
"First, we have to get him released from jail," Kara answered Bruce's question but her words were met with stunned silence.
~o~o~
At that very moment, Diana Prince was standing on the steps of LexCorp hands on hips. She had only one thing on her mind … to find out the truth.
TBC!
~o~o~
Song Inspiration: Take It All, Adele.
A/N: Clark and Jo's words just about broke my heart and the same for Jo and Sam, but everything worked out. I'm glad those scenes are over. *sniffles again* Diana and Talia's fight had to happen. Stay tuned for that! Thanks for reading everyone. Please tell me your thoughts. Reviews are love.
Author: babettew54
Category: Superman Returns, Batman Comics
Pairings/Characters: Clark/Lois, Joanne/Samuel, Bruce/Diana, Lex Luthor II, Jason, Connor, Martha/Ben
Rating: T
Word Count: 4,500
Summary: This is a story about secrets and lies how they always come out and usually at the worst possible time.
Disclaimer: DC Comics/Warner Bros. Entertainment owns these characters, except for Joanne Kent and Samuel Hamilton; they are mine. This is strictly for my own amusement.
Author's Notes: In this next chapter, is it actually over between Jo and Sam, Kara has a few choice words for Alex and then Sam overhears a shocking and painful conversation. This one was so hard, as you can imagine. Takes a deep breath, as my Muse says “wipe your eyes and move on already.” Ok, Ok, I hope you enjoy it. *sniffles* Please read and review. Thanks guys! :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)( Chapter 12)
x-posted to: (AO3); (FFN)
Chapter 13: Everything I Do
Sam's hospital room, minutes later:
Sam was getting excited. Even though the pain in his shoulder was numb from the drugs, his mind was clear. Today was Jo's birthday. He couldn't wait to see her.
Suddenly, the door opened. He sat up a little straighter, protective of his arm, which was in a sling and his entire right shoulder was covered in bandages, but then his face fell. He peeped around his mother's and even Mrs. Kent's shoulders but Jo wasn't there. "Where's Jo?" He paused and thought about it. "Is she alright? Where is she?" He was getting worried.
"Calm down, Sam. Jo had to go home and change. She was covered in blood," Kitty told him hoping he would not ask any more questions. "Don't your parents get a hello?" She smiled at him then she wrapped her arms around him, mindful of his arm as well.
"I'm sorry. Hello, Mom, Dad."
"How are you really feeling son?" Emil asked.
"I'm alright, just anxious to get out of here." He then watched everyone's faces and he could tell something was wrong. "Mrs. Kent how long before Jo comes back?"
Lois glanced at Kitty and Emil and they were shaking their heads that Lois should not say anything, but then she decided to lie. She hated it. "Sam, Jo is … ummm … not feeling well."
"But Mom said …"
"I know, but I got a call from her Father and she's not up to it. She'll probably come by tomorrow and see you."
Something was going on. "Tomorrow, but today's her birthday. Did everyone forget?"
"Lois, is that right? Is today her birthday?" Kitty felt guilty.
"Yes, it is her birthday," Lois sadly replied.
Sam threw the covers off and tried to get up. "I have to find out what's happening. I can't just sit around here while she's at home wondering why no one has said anything."
Lois and Kitty gently pushed him back onto the bed. "Sam, now stay right there. We were planning a celebration on the space station, but those plans fell by the wayside because of what happened," Lois told him.
He closed his eyes, feeling guilty about everything. "I'm sorry, Mrs. Kent, but Jo and I, we …" He hesitated.
"You love each other, and we believe that Sam, but …"
"We're too young, I know, I know," Sam said, getting too upset.
Emil changed the subject. "Why don't you give her a call later today and wish her a happy birthday," he suggested.
Sam sighed, needing to see her. "It's not the same."
Kitty, Emil and Lois all glanced at each other and then Lois received a text on her cellphone "I'll take this outside. I'll be right back."
Lois quickly walked down the hall, texting as she went.
Clark, where is she?
I got her to stop flying for a bit by using our shared telepathy.
Wait, back up, Jo flew?
Yes, Lois. Jo flew for the first time today.
Oh, Clark, it's her birthday today.
I know, honey. Meet us at the house in a little while.
Alright, but Sam is very upset. He wants to see her.
How is he?
He's alright, but our baby is hurting. We have to help her.
I'll do what I can. I'll call you later.
Bye, Clark.
Lois closed the phone, took a deep breath and wondered how much longer before Sam realizes the truth, that Jo may break up with him to release him from any more pain. She knew her daughter and the dismal look on her face just before she ran out almost broke her heart. Of course, she understood her reasons, but it did not have to be this way. She prayed Clark could convince her.
~o~o~
Meanwhile, back at the Kent house:
Clark held his daughter tightly to him. Her grip was strong, but it was her tears that tore at his heart. He drifted down to the back of the house and let himself in. Jo would not let go of him.
"We're home, honey."
Jo peeked out from under her Father's chin and then she slowly released him.
"Why don't you go shower and change and then we'll talk."
"Dad, I can't talk about this, not right now." She shook her head.
"I know, honey, but we should talk about this." He paused. "Sam is still asking for you."
Her eyes filled up again then she covered them and started to cry again. He picked her up and took her upstairs to her room. "Here wipe your eyes." He gave her a tissue. Jo wiped her eyes and blew her nose.
He then went to her dresser and pulled out a change of clothes. "Go on now, I'll be here when you get back." He surprised her when he twirled out of the suit and was standing there in jeans and plaid.
Shaking her head, she did as he said. Ten minutes later, she had showered and changed into a pair of jeans and a tee-shirt. Her Father was sitting on the bed waiting for her, but he had a wrapped gift in his hand.
"Dad, what's that?"
"It's a gift for you. Happy Birthday, Jo."
"Thank you, Daddy."
Clark patted the bed and waited for her sit down beside him. "Daddy…? You haven't called me that since you were ten." He frowned then. "Jo, please don't pretend that the last twenty-four hours didn't happen."
She couldn't look at him. "I'm not pretending."
"Yes you are. We need to talk about this."
"There's nothing to say." She paused then glanced down at her present. "It's over." The pain of those words caused her heart to wither in her chest. The pain was indescribable.
He frowned again. "Jo, look at me. What's over?"
She steeled herself as only a Lane could. "Sam and me."
"You don't mean that."
"Of course, I do."
"No you don't. Honey, listen to me …"
Jo covered her ears then she jumped up from the bed, her present falling to the floor. "Dad, it's over and you can't make me see him."
Clark frowned at her then he picked up her present. "Why are you covering your ears?"
She lowered her arms then shrugged her shoulders. "No reason, I hear things all the time now."
Clark knew what this was about. "You can hear him, can't you?" He sadly asked.
She couldn't deny it then she raised her tear-filled eyes to her Father. "Yes, but it won't stop… make it stop, please Daddy, help me, please…" The tears fell freely then, heartbreaking sobs and Clark wanted to cry with her.
"Honey," Clark whispered then he pulled her close. He rocked her, stroking her hair, her back. They stood that way for several minutes. "Jo, I wanted to apologize for spying on you and Sam. I'm sorry."
He held her Father close. "I'm sorry I ran away."
"I know, sweetie, sit down for a minute."
Sighing he took her hand and placed inside his own. "Jo, I know exactly what you're feeling."
She knew what he was referring to. "Is it because of Mom?"
"Yes, honey, and you know how much your Mother and I have been through to be together."
"I know, Dad. You left her behind because you couldn't bear to see her hurt."
"Yes, that's right honey, and it was the biggest mistake of my life." He squeezed her hand. "I regretted those decisions."
"But it's different with Sam and me."
"How is it different?"
Jo could not give him an answer.
"Jo, no matter how long you may be apart, no matter how hard you may want to blot out his heartbeat, you can't do it."
"I can try." The Lane determination showed its head.
He shook his head. "Jo, you have to go and see him. He deserves that at least. He did save your life and Kara's as well."
"But bullets can't hurt us."
"That's not true, Jo. Green-k can take away your vulnerability."
Her eyes lit up. "Sam saved my life?"
"Yes he did honey."
Just then, there was a knock at the door. It was Lois. "Can I come in?"
"Mom!" Jo jumped up and ran to her Mother.
Lois squeezed her tightly to her. She hoped this was a good sign. Lois pulled back from their hug, pushed her hair out of eyes and tried to smile. Jo's eyes were red from crying. "Are you ok?"
"I think so. How's Sam?"
Clark nodded his head at Lois's unspoken question. "Well, you have to come to hospital to see for yourself."
"Jo, you didn't open your present," Clark reminded her then held it out to her.
"Oh, Ok," she said and opened the pretty box wrapped in gold ribbon. Inside was a crystal shaped like a star. "Dad, it's beautiful, but where did it come from?"
"It's from the Fortress. I shaped it myself. Look inside, there's more."
Inside was a note in her Dad's strong hand. It read:
We love you sweetheart. Here's your Kryptonian name.
Live as one of them, Lara-El, see where your strength and your power will take you, but always remain in your heart the pride of your special heritage.
Happy Birthday, Jo.
Xxx Love, Mom and Dad xxx
Jo raised her shining eyes to her Father. She didn't know what to say. Her throat had closed up.
He stroked her hair. "Jo, you must live your life. Your powers are a part of you but they don't define you. You found someone, someone special. You love each other. Please don't throw that away." He paused becoming emotional. "You may never get it back."
She ran the beautiful name over her tongue a few times. "That's my grandmother's name."
"Yes, Jo. Do you like it?"
She went into her Father's arms. "I love it. Thank you, Dad, and you're right." She pulled back and looked up into his eyes. "I do love him."
Clark nodded his head finally accepting the fact that his little girl was all grown up.
"We know you do, honey. Are you ready?" Lois asked, excited for her.
Jo looked down at herself. "I should change, oh and my hair!" She ran into the bathroom.
Relieved, Lois and Clark went into each other's arms, holding each other close. "Thank you, Clark."
"No problem." He squeezed his eyes tightly shut, but a few tears leaked out on their own.
~o~o~
Metropolis Police station, an hour after the LexCorp incident:
Kara still had drops of blood on her clothes, but she did not care at the moment. She was led inside the visitor waiting area. She had to talk to him to find out why he had done it. The League had filled her in on Talia Head that she was the mastermind behind all the plotting and schemes perpetrated against them, not Alex.
Suddenly, a door opened and Alex was led in, his arms behind his back in handcuffs. His 'insanity' period had worn off and he was back to his old self, whoever that may be. He sat down and stared at the beautiful woman before him, but why was she there? "What do you want? Come to gloat?"
"I've read up on your situation Alex and I have to ask you one question."
"What's that?"
"Why did you let her do this to you?"
"I don't know what you're talking about."
"I think you do. Talia is behind this isn't she?"
He gritted his teeth. "I did this all on my own."
"Really?"
"Yes, really."
"I will find out the truth." She suddenly leaned over the table, surprising him. "I could help you get out of here."
"What do you mean?"
"You could turn against her then turn her in."
"Why in the world would I do that?"
"Because she's a bad person; she manipulated you. We know why you did all those unpredictable things, like bringing me before the press. You knew my cousin would come after me, but you did it anyway." She paused. "Why?"
What did it matter? He decided to speak the truth. "You were dying. She said to keep you there … to kill you, but I could not do it."
Surprised by his answer, Kara leaned back in her chair and stared at him.
"You don't believe me?" He asked when she hadn't said anything.
"Actually, I do believe you." She stood up then. "Have you confessed to anything?"
He nodded his head. "No, I haven't."
"Good, don't say anything." She paused. "I'll be back."
~o~o~
Later that evening, Metropolis General Hospital:
Unable to sleep, Sam was in his room and he could not stop thinking about Jo and why she had not come to see him. His parents and Mrs. Kent were being evasive unable to meet his eyes, even lying to him. He knew they were lying; he saw it clearly. Then suddenly, he knew the truth. Was it over?
Lois and Jo had just gotten off the elevator to see Sam but Lois had a question for her. "Jo, come and sit down, we need to talk first before you see him."
At that moment, Sam had left his room to get a little exercise. Maybe it would help him to relax and possibly to sleep so he forget about Jo and why she would do this to them. And then he saw her with Mrs. Kent. He came closer, glad she had come to see him. They had their backs to him standing over by the visitor area.
"There's nothing to say, Mom. I know what I have to do."
Lois frowned, confused by that statement. "What does that mean? I thought you had made up your mind."
"I have made up my mind." Jo paused. "We need space. Sam and I need space."
Sam must have heard her wrong. What did that mean … space? No, no, Jo. We can make it work, please Jo. His mind screamed for it not to be over. His hopes were dashed with her next words.
"What do you mean space?" Lois asked, extremely worried now.
Jo stood up. "Mom, please, this is between Sam and me. It's getting late and visitor hours are almost over."
Lois sighed then she took her hand. "Alright, just please don't do anything you'll regret."
Jo frowned. "I won't."
Sam had already left and had gone back to his room. He slowly climbed back up onto the bed, pulled the covers up to his chin and tried not to break down in tears, but they would not stop no matter how hard he tried to stem the flow.
Jo took that moment to enter his room. His back was to her and he was facing the window. At first she couldn't see if he was asleep or not. "Sam, it's me; are you awake?" No answer, then she thought she heard sniffles.
Sam had to face her no matter how much it would hurt. He slowly sat up then. His arm was beginning to throb. Taking a deep breath, he stared at her. She was so beautiful, he almost broke down again. He managed to say something, "So you came after all."
She came closer. "Sam, were you crying?"
He stiffened his back. "No, of course not."
"Yes you were. Tell me why." She thought about it. "Was it another bad dream?"
He shook his head. "No, it wasn't a dream." He paused as he stared at her. "I wish it were."
She frowned. "What does that mean?"
"Stop pretending, Jo. It's not very becoming."
Now she was totally confused. "I don't understand."
Sam was done with this. "Alright, I'll spell it out for you." He paused as his next words nearly broke his heart again. "It's over between us."
"What did you just say?" Jo was stunned.
"It's what you want, isn't it? I heard you and your Mother talking about it."
Jo was quiet, not meeting his eyes.
Sam's tears threatened again. "Well, isn't it? You said you wanted space. Well, you can have it. Just … just leave me alone." He turned from her so she wouldn't see his tears.
He had misunderstood her words. She wanted them to be alone, not apart, never apart. She had to fix this before things got too far out of hand. She went around to the other side of his bed and took his hand firmly in her own so he couldn't pull away. "Sam, look at me."
She took a tissue from the nightstand and wiped at his eyes. "Now listen. I won't lie to you Sam. When I left the hospital earlier today, I wanted to disappear. I wanted to run away and never come back."
His eyes widened not wanting to believe it. He shook his head. "But I don't understand."
"I never wanted to hurt you Sam, and everything that happened … it was all my fault."
"No, I wasn't your fault. It was that Alex guy. It was all his doing, but everything turned out OK. I'm alright." He squeezed her hand. "So why are you really here? Did you change your mind?"
"I'm here because this is where I want to be. I can't run away from my feelings." She squeezed his hand. "My Father told me of a time when he had left my Mom, ran away from what he was feeling, what he wanted the most. It was the worst decision of his life."
He looked into her eyes. "Just so you know if you haven't figured it out by now … everything I do, Jo, it's for you. It's always been that way."
"Oh, Sam, I do know that." She touched his cheek. "How did I get so lucky?"
His eyes lit up. "Does that mean … you aren't going to leave me?"
Both their eyes welled up. "No, Sam, I could never leave you, never, never, never!" She cried then she threw her arms around his neck and kissed him.
He kissed her back, pulling her onto the bed to lie beside him, slanting his lips against hers loving her beyond reason, beyond any rational thought. She stroked his hair, his cheek, his strong throat, gripping his gown, pulling him closer.
Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. It was the nurse.
Jo jumped out of bed at super powered speed and stood at the foot of the bed, seconds before the door opened.
"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't realize you had company." She glanced at her watch. "Visiting hours will be over in fifteen minutes, Miss." Then she gave Jo a serious look. She turned to Sam and flashed a brilliant smile. "The doctor prescribed something for you to sleep, Mr. Hamilton."
"Ummm, thank you nurse." Sam took the pill to get rid of her.
After the nurse had left, Jo crossed her arms. "What was that look she gave me?"
"I think she has a crush on me." He sheepishly admitted. "Forget about her. Come here." He patted the bed. "She won't be back until morning."
"Sam, I can't stay. My Mom is just down the hall waiting for me."
"Tell her to come back in the morning. We aren't going to do anything."
"I don't know Sam. Aren't we asking for trouble?"
"I promise, Jo, nothing will happen. I need you."
She needed him too. "Ok, but only until that sleeping pill works and you go to sleep."
Sam gave in. "Alright, until I fall asleep."
She climbed back up onto the bed and put her arms around him.
He yawned. Stupid pill is working faster than I thought it would. He kissed her hair. "I love you Jo."
She leaned up to kiss his cheek. "I love you too."
Ten minutes later, Sam was almost asleep. "Happy… Birthday … Jo," he whispered softly.
She didn't want to leave him, but he needed his rest. Jo slowly climbed down, smiled at him, kissed his forehead and left him with a slight smile on his face.
~o~o~
Meanwhile, back at Watchtower:
Clark had just received a text from Lois that they were on their way home, that Jo had visited Sam and that everything was fine between them. Clark was very relieved to hear it. He shook his head at his stubbornness and obstinate behavior that had set all of this in motion.
"How's Sam?" It was Kara. She had returned from the police station and was updating them about what had happened at LexCorp with Alex, Jo and Sam.
"He'll be fine in a day or two." Clark replied. "We're listening Kara. What is this crazy story about Alex being manipulated by Talia?"
Kara got right to the point. "Once you listen to everything I have to say, you will notice that Talia has been behind all of it since the first moment that Lex Luthor died." She paused. "J'onn, pull up everything on the computer about … the Lazarus Pits?"
Bruce frowned. "Why would we want to know about that?" He got a bad feeling. He hadn't heard about the pits in a long time.
"I did a bit of snooping and apparently Talia took Alex to one of the pits. He was dying and she needed him to finish her sadistic intent to kill me, Jo and Sam."
"Here's everything the computer could come up with," J'onn told them.
"Is this for real or is it a myth?" Hal asked, reading the computer output.
"Oh, it's real alright," Bruce responded. "I've seen it work myself."
"Really, who was this person?" Clark asked.
"Talia's father has used it on numerous occasions. He's well over two hundred years old."
"Astonishing!" Clark exclaimed.
"Go on, Kara, we want to hear more," J'onn encouraged her.
Kara stood up and began to walk. "Alex may have feelings for me."
Clark frowned. "He told you this?"
"Not in so many words, but one of the reasons Talia's plan worked was his obsession with me. After he captured me, he … he knew I was powerless against him. He enjoyed it but for a moment, I did feel his struggle, but there was also a moment when I thought … I thought he was going to … hurt me."
"Oh, no, Kara, I … I'm so sorry," Clark said, still upset she had not been rescued earlier.
She shook her head. "He couldn't go through with it. Hours later, Kon-El rescued me."
Clark came over to her and gave her an impromptu hug. "We're here for you now, Kara."
"I know you are," she said holding him close.
"Kara, before you tell us the rest of your plan, I have something to say," Kon-El began, dreading this, but there may not be a better time to tell them what was happening to him.
"What is it, Kon-El?" Clark asked, concerned. He did look worried about something.
"My powers, they're … diminished."
"Diminished, but … how do you mean?" Hal asked.
"My force field abilities and I'm no longer invulnerable to kryptonite."
Silence for a minute or two as everyone digested that information. Clark then came over to him and touched his shoulder. "How long have you known?"
"Since Kara's rescue, I felt the bullets hit my back and then when I got home, there were bruises there as well."
Clark squeezed his shoulder. "That's it, nothing else?"
"Yes, I think that's it."
"But you're not sure?" That was Bruce.
"Conner, we have to check you out. We should head over to S.T.A.R. Labs first thing in the morning. Son, we have to be sure."
"I know," he sadly replied. "I didn't intend to bring this up now but I thought it was important considering Alex and what he may have planned for us down the road."
"I'm glad you felt you could trust us with the truth," Kara told him.
"I do trust all of you."
"We know you do son," Clark whispered, squeezing his shoulder again.
"You still haven't told us your plan," Bruce reminded Kara, hoping to change the subject.
"Alright, let's continue." She paused for a moment as she glanced at Kon-El. "Everyone, take a moment to read up on the Lazarus Pits. It can revive anyone to a healthy condition if you're at death's door and Alex was dying. He did not know, however, that he would briefly lose his sanity."
"And that's when he kidnapped you, Jo and Sam?" Clark asked.
"Yes, he did not know what he was doing."
"I see where you're going with this, Kara, but he did shoot Sam," Hal said, raising a valid point.
"I know he did, but as I said, he did not know what he was doing, and he could help us defeat Talia and put her away."
"How can he help us?" Bruce asked, leery of this entire plan. Talia was far too crafty. Her tracks were always covered. He wasn't even sure how long she had been planning this. Kara could be right about all of it. Talia may have put the idea of a clone in Luthor's head months before he died. He then suddenly wondered where Diana could be at this hour.
"First, we have to get him released from jail," Kara answered Bruce's question but her words were met with stunned silence.
~o~o~
At that very moment, Diana Prince was standing on the steps of LexCorp hands on hips. She had only one thing on her mind … to find out the truth.
TBC!
~o~o~
Song Inspiration: Take It All, Adele.
A/N: Clark and Jo's words just about broke my heart and the same for Jo and Sam, but everything worked out. I'm glad those scenes are over. *sniffles again* Diana and Talia's fight had to happen. Stay tuned for that! Thanks for reading everyone. Please tell me your thoughts. Reviews are love.