Fic: Do You Believe in Fate (11/?)
Title: Do You Believe in Fate? (11/?)
Author: Babette babettew54
Category: Smallville
Characters: Clark Luthor/Alt-Lois Lane, Jonathan/Martha, Perry White, Jimmy Olsen, Bruce Wayne, Tess Luthor
Rating: M
Word Count: 3,000
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, the League is in for a big surprise, Tess has her hands full with ‘little’ Lex, and later, Jonathan awakens. Please read and review. Thanks, everyone! :D
Banner by Ctbn60
Previously:
( Chapter 1)( Chapter 2)( Chapter 3)( Chapter 4)( Chapter 5)
( Chapter 6)( Chapter 7) ( Chapter 8) ( Chapter 9)( Chapter 10)
x-posted to: (AO3); (FFN)
Chapter 11: With a Little Help
Outside Lois' apartment, minutes later:
After a minute or two of stunned silence, Lois finally spoke up. "Look guys, it's a miracle. Clark is alive. He just got back and …"
Clark interrupted her. "No, Lois."
"But …" Lois didn't know what to think or to say.
"What is going on here? Are you Clark or not?" Bruce was totally confused.
Clark sighed to himself. "Yes, I'm Clark, but your Clark is alive. He's at the Fortress of Solitude recuperating from his injuries. He'll return in about a week."
"But the paramedics couldn't revive him. What happened?" Carter asked.
"His heartbeat was reduced significantly but he was actually still alive," Clark replied.
"That's amazing, but we don't understand how there could be two of you." Carter wanted to know then he thought about it. "Are you a clone, should we be holding green-k in your face, or is this a sick joke?"
"No to all of your questions."
"Clark, we should go inside before anyone sees you," Lois suggested, as she opened the door to her apartment.
Once everyone was inside, her cellphone rang. "I have to take this. It's my boss, Perry White. Yes, what is it Perry? Really? Yes, I'll head over there in a little while. Yes, I'm alright. Bye, Perry."
"Lois, what did he say?" Clark asked. She looked very worried.
"We may have a problem. Perry said that Superman's body is missing from the morgue, and if I was up to it, he asked if I would go down there and see if can find out what happened."
"Superman?" Clark asked and smiled. "You named him, didn't you?"
"Yes, it was me. You have the same name don't you?" She had to smile.
"Yes, I do," he replied and returned her smile.
Bruce cleared his throat. Lois and Clark pulled their eyes away from each other.
"I'm not surprised you would be so impulsive. I just hope the video cameras were off or it was too dark," Bruce commented and tried not to scold him.
"Look if you're not a clone, then who are you and why do you look so much like Clark?" Wally asked getting worried.
"This will be a shock, but I'm from a mirror universe, one pretty much like yours, but different. My name is Clark Kent."
"Did you say Kent, as in Jonathan and Martha Kent?" Bruce asked.
"Yes, in my world the Kents found me, adopted me and raised me as their son, but in your world, Clark was raised by the Luthors."
"I get it. So in your world, all of us are there as well? That's unbelievable." Cyborg finally spoke up with a question.
"Yes, that's true. In my world, all of you exist in one way or another," Clark replied.
"I see, that's why our Clark is … ummm …" Bruce hesitated as he glanced at Lois.
Lois' back went up. "That's why he's damaged, is that what you were going to say?"
"No, that's not what I was going to say." Bruce tried to explain. "What I meant was, that's why he's distrustful, a bit quick-tempered, but he's also eager to learn."
"Good save, Batman," Lois muttered.
Clark hid a grin. "I'm sorry, but Lois and I were headed to the hospital when you arrived. Mr. Kent had a heart attack." He paused at their shocked expressions. "He's fine, but Lois and I should be there when he wakes up."
"Of course, we understand, but could you meet us at the tower later? We have a favor to ask," Bruce asked.
"The tower? Do you mean Watchtower?" Clark asked hoping it was true.
"Yes, I suppose that's the same place. It's located on Spencer Avenue and 10th Street."
"Yep, that's the place. I'll be there as soon as I can," Clark said. "Let's go Lois." Then Clark felt since they knew the truth about him, that it was best that he reveal everything. He twirled into the suit and then he and Lois left them staring after them.
The League members stared at each other. "Well, I'll be damned," Carter muttered.
"And that costume, where did he get it, and does Clark own the same costume?" Wally asked still a bit dazed by the entire situation. "Clark needs to put that on and soon."
Bruce chuckled. "I have to agree with you, but it's not our decision to make. It will be up to him."
"By the way, what favor did you want to ask Kent?" Carter asked.
"We need his help," Bruce replied. "If word gets out that Clark's body is missing, then we have to calm the masses. We don't want the criminals to think that he's truly dead."
"But will Kent go along with it?"
"I have no idea," Bruce thoughtfully replied.
~o~o~
Over the skies of Metropolis:
Clark had to steel his emotions against her. Flying with Lois was always a thrill for them, and now with his secret revealed to the League, they would have to be more careful. After he had explained everything, he knew the League would understand.
After he had changed again, they entered the hospital. In the elevator, he asked her a question. "Lois, would it be alright if I borrowed a few of Clark's outfits. I only brought the one change of clothes and since I'm going to be here for a week, well …" He let that hang in the air.
"Of course, I'm sure he's got plenty at the farm."
"But you two … ummm … never mind."
"No, we're not living together. We've only been seeing each other for about a month."
"Oh, I see. I just assumed … I'm sorry."
"Don't worry about it. Why don't you head up to ICU and I'll be up in a little while? Once I check out what happened in the morgue, I'll be up to see Mr. Kent."
"That sounds like a plan. I'll see you later."
"Bye Clark," she said and watched as he exited the elevator, turned and stared at her.
Lois didn't know what to do, so she ducked her head and pushed the elevator button to close the doors. The doors closed then she leaned against the wall and shook her head. "This is not going to be easy."
~o~o~
Minutes later, in the ICU:
Martha was beginning to worry. Jonathan hadn't awakened, the doctors had examined him and they were sure he would awaken very shortly.
"How is he?" Clark asked as he came into his room.
"Hello, Clark," Martha greeted him warmly.
"I'm sorry, Mrs. Kent, but I thought he would be awake by now." He came over to her and gave her a hug.
Martha welcomed his embrace for a moment. "The doctors assured me that he would wake up, but it's been hours now."
"I see. Why don't I speak to him? It couldn't hurt."
She smiled. "Go ahead."
He pulled up a chair, took his hand and spoke to him. There were so many things he wanted to say. Becoming emotional, he closed his eyes for a moment then he squeezed his hand.
"Mr. Kent, I mean Jonathan … Dad, it's me. You can wake up now. It's Ok. Everything is fine now. Martha is here, I'm here, but you have to wake up. I know it's hard to open your eyes but you can do it. I know you can." Jonathan's eyes fluttered for a moment. "That's it, open your eyes."
Minutes later, Jonathan opened his eyes. Blinking several times to clear his vision, he whispered, "Clark?"
"Oh, Jonathan," Martha whispered and kissed his forehead. "You're awake."
"Martha, what … happened?" Jonathan was disoriented and confused.
She stroked his hair. "Your heart, honey, it was your heart."
He frowned. "I … remember."
"You're going to be alright now," Martha whispered as she kissed his forehead again.
"How are you feeling? Are you in pain?" Clark asked.
"No, just numb, but … I'm alive."
Clark's eyes watered. "Yes, you're alive." He couldn't take it. "I'll be back in a few minutes." Blinking back tears, he left and went to stand in the corridor by a window. Closing his eyes, the sun did calm him.
Minutes later, Lois exited the elevator and she saw him and he was crying but he was hiding it well. Lois thought the worst. "Oh, no, is he Ok? What happened?" She touched his shoulder.
"Lois … I…" She was here.
"Oh, Clark," she whispered then she impulsively took him into her arms. "I'm so sorry."
He held her close for a moment. "He's going to be alright, Lois, but I guess I was so worried that he wouldn't wake up, that I … I'm sorry, please forgive me." He stepped back then wiped his tears away with the back of his hand.
She took his hand. "There's nothing to forgive. I'm just so glad he's Ok. Martha must be over the moon." She watched him for a minute. "Are you sure you're alright? I'm going in now to see him."
"Before you go, what happened in the morgue?"
"No cameras. We got lucky," she replied and smiled hoping to cheer him up.
Clark was very relieved. "You go on now. I should head over to the tower anyway. Tell Martha if she needs anything to let us know."
"Ok, I'll tell her, but will I see you later at the farm?" Lois hopefully asked.
He hesitated. "Sure, I'll see you later."
"Bye Clark," she said and headed down the hall.
Clark watched her with a wistful expression. It's only been one day and I'm already a mess. Sighing, he decided not to change into the suit then took a cab over to the tower.
~o~o~
The Luthor mansion:
"Lex, Lex, where are you?" Tess had left him alone for only a minute to get him some food. His appetite had improved. He didn't seem to need a lot of food. She supposed it was because of Clark's metabolism so she wasn't truly worried.
"I'm here," Lex responded. Lex had now grown to about ten years of age. It was amazing to see how much he looked like Lex. It was uncanny. She truly wasn't sure who he would finally look like once he matured, but she loved him and wanted him healthy and strong. The other clones had died, but he seemed to be doing just fine.
Following his voice, she entered one of the many rooms in this part of the house and brought him a tray which contained a sandwich, a piece of fruit and a soda.
"Thank you, Tess," He said and began to eat.
"Alexander?" Tess began.
"Yes, what is it?"
"Do you feel Ok?" She touched his forehead. "You seem fine."
"I'm alright, but why hasn't my brother come to see me?"
Tess frowned. "Do you mean Clark?"
"Where is he?" Lex was beginning to worry. The look on her face told him that something was wrong. "Tell me where he is. Is he alright?"
"Oh, Lex, I … I'm so sorry. He's gone."
"Gone, gone where?" He shook his head beginning to understand. "He's dead, like all the others, isn't he?" Tears formed and slide down his cheeks.
"I'm so sorry, but I'll never leave you, I promise," Tess whispered and pulled him into her arms.
He pulled back. "Why should I believe you?"
"Because … I love you."
His eyes watered again. "I love you too Tess," he whispered back and held her tight, just a bit too tight, but Tess didn't mind at all. He reminded her of Clark and his too tight embraces.
"Everything is going to be alright. I'll take care of you, don't worry about anything."
Lex closed his eyes enjoying her comfort.
Tess pulled back because it was getting hard to breathe.
"Finish your lunch."
"Ok."
~o~o~
Meanwhile, at the tower:
Clark entered the huge tower space and had to wonder about how things worked between Clark Luthor and the team. Bruce said he had a short fuse and didn't trust anyone. He wasn't surprised by that, but he was eager to learn, and in turn, he would grow to trust all of them.
"Hello, Clark," Bruce said and welcomed him. "Well, what do you think?"
"It's great. You've done a lot. How long have you been at this location?"
Everyone glanced at each other. "Before I answer that, where's the suit?"
"Why?"
"Well, we thought it was pretty incredible, seeing you change like that."
"Oh, well, it works fine … usually."
"What do you mean?" Carter asked.
"Well, wearing two sets of clothing can be problematic, especially if … well, you gentlemen know what I mean. Sorry, Shiera. May I call you that?"
"You know me?"
"Yes, didn't everyone explain who I am and where I came from?"
"Yes, but I didn't believe it. But now, when I look at you?" She didn't trust him. "Show us your arms."
"You want to see my arms, but why?"
"Our Clark has a scar right here," Bruce replied then pointed to his right arm.
"Ok," Clark said and rolled the sleeves up on both his arms. "Well?"
"I can't believe this," Shiera muttered. "Then, it's true. There are two of you?"
"Yes, but Clark and I are very different."
"No, you're not, not really. I mean, he was raised as a Luthor and he doesn't trust people easily, but he's a hero through and through. He's proven that over and over." Bruce paused. "He died to save us."
"I know and when he comes back, you can tell him that."
"We will," Wally said sternly.
"Good now, what was that about a favor?" Clark asked intrigued.
~o~o~
Meanwhile, back in the ICU:
Martha was worried. She had witnessed Lois and Clark comforting each other and she was truly worried about them.
"Martha?" Lois walked in and gave her a hug.
"I'm so glad you're here," Martha said.
"Mr. Kent, you're awake?" Lois asked him.
"Yes, I'm awake." He paused. "Clark was here." Martha had told him about the hug in the corridor.
She ducked her head. "I know, but he had to leave, but he'll be back."
Jonathan was worried about them. "He's not … my son," he whispered firmly.
Lois frowned. "Of course, he is."
"No, honey, he's not. Once our Clark comes back, he'll leave and you'll never see him again," Martha explained it to her.
Lois was confused and she didn't understand why. She shook her head.
Martha took her hand. "I understand honey."
"Do you understand?" Her eyes watered. "It's just, I miss him so much."
Martha gave her a hug. "It won't be long now, but you have to be strong sweetie."
Lois pulled back, strong in her resolve. "I will, I promise."
Martha touched her cheek. "Just think about our Clark and how happy he'll be when he comes home and to see all of us again."
Her eyes watered again, thinking about him. "I know and I can't wait to see him."
"Of course, you can't."
"Thank you, Martha and thank you, Jonathan."
"You're welcome," Martha said and smiled.
"Do you need anything, a change of clothes, toiletries, anything at all?"
"Well, now that you mention it …"
"I'll be back in a flash," Lois said and kissed her cheek.
"Bye, Lois and thank you."
~o~o~
Meanwhile, back at the tower:
After Bruce had explained the situation, Clark stared at him as if he had lost his mind. "What did you just say?" He couldn't believe they would ask him to pretend to be Superman.
"Now, Clark just let me explain," Bruce began.
"I can't do that. It wouldn't be fair to your Clark," he said, truly worried about how his brother would react because the last thing he wanted was to hurt him.
"But the criminals aren't stupid, crime has already spiked, and it's only been one day," Bruce told him and watched him for a moment. "You know it's the only way to fix this."
Clark turned from them and walked over to the monitors. It was true, crime was getting worse by the hour, and the police were overwhelmed. Sighing, he just hoped that his brother would understand once he returned.
His mind made up, he turned back to them, twirled into the suit, hands on hips, cape flapping around his legs and muttered, "Let's do this."
Minutes later, the news spread like wildfire …
Superman is alive.
TBC!
~o~o~
Song Inspiration: With a Little Help (From My Friends), Joe Cocker.
A/N: A few of my readers must know how hard it was for me to write this chapter, but I made it through with my friends and my family. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. There's more to come, so please stay tuned. Thanks for reading and reviews would be so awesome. Until next time, keep reading!
Author: Babette babettew54
Category: Smallville
Characters: Clark Luthor/Alt-Lois Lane, Jonathan/Martha, Perry White, Jimmy Olsen, Bruce Wayne, Tess Luthor
Rating: M
Word Count: 3,000
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, the League is in for a big surprise, Tess has her hands full with ‘little’ Lex, and later, Jonathan awakens. Please read and review. Thanks, everyone! :D
Banner by Ctbn60
Previously:
( Chapter 1)( Chapter 2)( Chapter 3)( Chapter 4)( Chapter 5)
( Chapter 6)( Chapter 7) ( Chapter 8) ( Chapter 9)( Chapter 10)
x-posted to: (AO3); (FFN)
Chapter 11: With a Little Help
Outside Lois' apartment, minutes later:
After a minute or two of stunned silence, Lois finally spoke up. "Look guys, it's a miracle. Clark is alive. He just got back and …"
Clark interrupted her. "No, Lois."
"But …" Lois didn't know what to think or to say.
"What is going on here? Are you Clark or not?" Bruce was totally confused.
Clark sighed to himself. "Yes, I'm Clark, but your Clark is alive. He's at the Fortress of Solitude recuperating from his injuries. He'll return in about a week."
"But the paramedics couldn't revive him. What happened?" Carter asked.
"His heartbeat was reduced significantly but he was actually still alive," Clark replied.
"That's amazing, but we don't understand how there could be two of you." Carter wanted to know then he thought about it. "Are you a clone, should we be holding green-k in your face, or is this a sick joke?"
"No to all of your questions."
"Clark, we should go inside before anyone sees you," Lois suggested, as she opened the door to her apartment.
Once everyone was inside, her cellphone rang. "I have to take this. It's my boss, Perry White. Yes, what is it Perry? Really? Yes, I'll head over there in a little while. Yes, I'm alright. Bye, Perry."
"Lois, what did he say?" Clark asked. She looked very worried.
"We may have a problem. Perry said that Superman's body is missing from the morgue, and if I was up to it, he asked if I would go down there and see if can find out what happened."
"Superman?" Clark asked and smiled. "You named him, didn't you?"
"Yes, it was me. You have the same name don't you?" She had to smile.
"Yes, I do," he replied and returned her smile.
Bruce cleared his throat. Lois and Clark pulled their eyes away from each other.
"I'm not surprised you would be so impulsive. I just hope the video cameras were off or it was too dark," Bruce commented and tried not to scold him.
"Look if you're not a clone, then who are you and why do you look so much like Clark?" Wally asked getting worried.
"This will be a shock, but I'm from a mirror universe, one pretty much like yours, but different. My name is Clark Kent."
"Did you say Kent, as in Jonathan and Martha Kent?" Bruce asked.
"Yes, in my world the Kents found me, adopted me and raised me as their son, but in your world, Clark was raised by the Luthors."
"I get it. So in your world, all of us are there as well? That's unbelievable." Cyborg finally spoke up with a question.
"Yes, that's true. In my world, all of you exist in one way or another," Clark replied.
"I see, that's why our Clark is … ummm …" Bruce hesitated as he glanced at Lois.
Lois' back went up. "That's why he's damaged, is that what you were going to say?"
"No, that's not what I was going to say." Bruce tried to explain. "What I meant was, that's why he's distrustful, a bit quick-tempered, but he's also eager to learn."
"Good save, Batman," Lois muttered.
Clark hid a grin. "I'm sorry, but Lois and I were headed to the hospital when you arrived. Mr. Kent had a heart attack." He paused at their shocked expressions. "He's fine, but Lois and I should be there when he wakes up."
"Of course, we understand, but could you meet us at the tower later? We have a favor to ask," Bruce asked.
"The tower? Do you mean Watchtower?" Clark asked hoping it was true.
"Yes, I suppose that's the same place. It's located on Spencer Avenue and 10th Street."
"Yep, that's the place. I'll be there as soon as I can," Clark said. "Let's go Lois." Then Clark felt since they knew the truth about him, that it was best that he reveal everything. He twirled into the suit and then he and Lois left them staring after them.
The League members stared at each other. "Well, I'll be damned," Carter muttered.
"And that costume, where did he get it, and does Clark own the same costume?" Wally asked still a bit dazed by the entire situation. "Clark needs to put that on and soon."
Bruce chuckled. "I have to agree with you, but it's not our decision to make. It will be up to him."
"By the way, what favor did you want to ask Kent?" Carter asked.
"We need his help," Bruce replied. "If word gets out that Clark's body is missing, then we have to calm the masses. We don't want the criminals to think that he's truly dead."
"But will Kent go along with it?"
"I have no idea," Bruce thoughtfully replied.
~o~o~
Over the skies of Metropolis:
Clark had to steel his emotions against her. Flying with Lois was always a thrill for them, and now with his secret revealed to the League, they would have to be more careful. After he had explained everything, he knew the League would understand.
After he had changed again, they entered the hospital. In the elevator, he asked her a question. "Lois, would it be alright if I borrowed a few of Clark's outfits. I only brought the one change of clothes and since I'm going to be here for a week, well …" He let that hang in the air.
"Of course, I'm sure he's got plenty at the farm."
"But you two … ummm … never mind."
"No, we're not living together. We've only been seeing each other for about a month."
"Oh, I see. I just assumed … I'm sorry."
"Don't worry about it. Why don't you head up to ICU and I'll be up in a little while? Once I check out what happened in the morgue, I'll be up to see Mr. Kent."
"That sounds like a plan. I'll see you later."
"Bye Clark," she said and watched as he exited the elevator, turned and stared at her.
Lois didn't know what to do, so she ducked her head and pushed the elevator button to close the doors. The doors closed then she leaned against the wall and shook her head. "This is not going to be easy."
~o~o~
Minutes later, in the ICU:
Martha was beginning to worry. Jonathan hadn't awakened, the doctors had examined him and they were sure he would awaken very shortly.
"How is he?" Clark asked as he came into his room.
"Hello, Clark," Martha greeted him warmly.
"I'm sorry, Mrs. Kent, but I thought he would be awake by now." He came over to her and gave her a hug.
Martha welcomed his embrace for a moment. "The doctors assured me that he would wake up, but it's been hours now."
"I see. Why don't I speak to him? It couldn't hurt."
She smiled. "Go ahead."
He pulled up a chair, took his hand and spoke to him. There were so many things he wanted to say. Becoming emotional, he closed his eyes for a moment then he squeezed his hand.
"Mr. Kent, I mean Jonathan … Dad, it's me. You can wake up now. It's Ok. Everything is fine now. Martha is here, I'm here, but you have to wake up. I know it's hard to open your eyes but you can do it. I know you can." Jonathan's eyes fluttered for a moment. "That's it, open your eyes."
Minutes later, Jonathan opened his eyes. Blinking several times to clear his vision, he whispered, "Clark?"
"Oh, Jonathan," Martha whispered and kissed his forehead. "You're awake."
"Martha, what … happened?" Jonathan was disoriented and confused.
She stroked his hair. "Your heart, honey, it was your heart."
He frowned. "I … remember."
"You're going to be alright now," Martha whispered as she kissed his forehead again.
"How are you feeling? Are you in pain?" Clark asked.
"No, just numb, but … I'm alive."
Clark's eyes watered. "Yes, you're alive." He couldn't take it. "I'll be back in a few minutes." Blinking back tears, he left and went to stand in the corridor by a window. Closing his eyes, the sun did calm him.
Minutes later, Lois exited the elevator and she saw him and he was crying but he was hiding it well. Lois thought the worst. "Oh, no, is he Ok? What happened?" She touched his shoulder.
"Lois … I…" She was here.
"Oh, Clark," she whispered then she impulsively took him into her arms. "I'm so sorry."
He held her close for a moment. "He's going to be alright, Lois, but I guess I was so worried that he wouldn't wake up, that I … I'm sorry, please forgive me." He stepped back then wiped his tears away with the back of his hand.
She took his hand. "There's nothing to forgive. I'm just so glad he's Ok. Martha must be over the moon." She watched him for a minute. "Are you sure you're alright? I'm going in now to see him."
"Before you go, what happened in the morgue?"
"No cameras. We got lucky," she replied and smiled hoping to cheer him up.
Clark was very relieved. "You go on now. I should head over to the tower anyway. Tell Martha if she needs anything to let us know."
"Ok, I'll tell her, but will I see you later at the farm?" Lois hopefully asked.
He hesitated. "Sure, I'll see you later."
"Bye Clark," she said and headed down the hall.
Clark watched her with a wistful expression. It's only been one day and I'm already a mess. Sighing, he decided not to change into the suit then took a cab over to the tower.
~o~o~
The Luthor mansion:
"Lex, Lex, where are you?" Tess had left him alone for only a minute to get him some food. His appetite had improved. He didn't seem to need a lot of food. She supposed it was because of Clark's metabolism so she wasn't truly worried.
"I'm here," Lex responded. Lex had now grown to about ten years of age. It was amazing to see how much he looked like Lex. It was uncanny. She truly wasn't sure who he would finally look like once he matured, but she loved him and wanted him healthy and strong. The other clones had died, but he seemed to be doing just fine.
Following his voice, she entered one of the many rooms in this part of the house and brought him a tray which contained a sandwich, a piece of fruit and a soda.
"Thank you, Tess," He said and began to eat.
"Alexander?" Tess began.
"Yes, what is it?"
"Do you feel Ok?" She touched his forehead. "You seem fine."
"I'm alright, but why hasn't my brother come to see me?"
Tess frowned. "Do you mean Clark?"
"Where is he?" Lex was beginning to worry. The look on her face told him that something was wrong. "Tell me where he is. Is he alright?"
"Oh, Lex, I … I'm so sorry. He's gone."
"Gone, gone where?" He shook his head beginning to understand. "He's dead, like all the others, isn't he?" Tears formed and slide down his cheeks.
"I'm so sorry, but I'll never leave you, I promise," Tess whispered and pulled him into her arms.
He pulled back. "Why should I believe you?"
"Because … I love you."
His eyes watered again. "I love you too Tess," he whispered back and held her tight, just a bit too tight, but Tess didn't mind at all. He reminded her of Clark and his too tight embraces.
"Everything is going to be alright. I'll take care of you, don't worry about anything."
Lex closed his eyes enjoying her comfort.
Tess pulled back because it was getting hard to breathe.
"Finish your lunch."
"Ok."
~o~o~
Meanwhile, at the tower:
Clark entered the huge tower space and had to wonder about how things worked between Clark Luthor and the team. Bruce said he had a short fuse and didn't trust anyone. He wasn't surprised by that, but he was eager to learn, and in turn, he would grow to trust all of them.
"Hello, Clark," Bruce said and welcomed him. "Well, what do you think?"
"It's great. You've done a lot. How long have you been at this location?"
Everyone glanced at each other. "Before I answer that, where's the suit?"
"Why?"
"Well, we thought it was pretty incredible, seeing you change like that."
"Oh, well, it works fine … usually."
"What do you mean?" Carter asked.
"Well, wearing two sets of clothing can be problematic, especially if … well, you gentlemen know what I mean. Sorry, Shiera. May I call you that?"
"You know me?"
"Yes, didn't everyone explain who I am and where I came from?"
"Yes, but I didn't believe it. But now, when I look at you?" She didn't trust him. "Show us your arms."
"You want to see my arms, but why?"
"Our Clark has a scar right here," Bruce replied then pointed to his right arm.
"Ok," Clark said and rolled the sleeves up on both his arms. "Well?"
"I can't believe this," Shiera muttered. "Then, it's true. There are two of you?"
"Yes, but Clark and I are very different."
"No, you're not, not really. I mean, he was raised as a Luthor and he doesn't trust people easily, but he's a hero through and through. He's proven that over and over." Bruce paused. "He died to save us."
"I know and when he comes back, you can tell him that."
"We will," Wally said sternly.
"Good now, what was that about a favor?" Clark asked intrigued.
~o~o~
Meanwhile, back in the ICU:
Martha was worried. She had witnessed Lois and Clark comforting each other and she was truly worried about them.
"Martha?" Lois walked in and gave her a hug.
"I'm so glad you're here," Martha said.
"Mr. Kent, you're awake?" Lois asked him.
"Yes, I'm awake." He paused. "Clark was here." Martha had told him about the hug in the corridor.
She ducked her head. "I know, but he had to leave, but he'll be back."
Jonathan was worried about them. "He's not … my son," he whispered firmly.
Lois frowned. "Of course, he is."
"No, honey, he's not. Once our Clark comes back, he'll leave and you'll never see him again," Martha explained it to her.
Lois was confused and she didn't understand why. She shook her head.
Martha took her hand. "I understand honey."
"Do you understand?" Her eyes watered. "It's just, I miss him so much."
Martha gave her a hug. "It won't be long now, but you have to be strong sweetie."
Lois pulled back, strong in her resolve. "I will, I promise."
Martha touched her cheek. "Just think about our Clark and how happy he'll be when he comes home and to see all of us again."
Her eyes watered again, thinking about him. "I know and I can't wait to see him."
"Of course, you can't."
"Thank you, Martha and thank you, Jonathan."
"You're welcome," Martha said and smiled.
"Do you need anything, a change of clothes, toiletries, anything at all?"
"Well, now that you mention it …"
"I'll be back in a flash," Lois said and kissed her cheek.
"Bye, Lois and thank you."
~o~o~
Meanwhile, back at the tower:
After Bruce had explained the situation, Clark stared at him as if he had lost his mind. "What did you just say?" He couldn't believe they would ask him to pretend to be Superman.
"Now, Clark just let me explain," Bruce began.
"I can't do that. It wouldn't be fair to your Clark," he said, truly worried about how his brother would react because the last thing he wanted was to hurt him.
"But the criminals aren't stupid, crime has already spiked, and it's only been one day," Bruce told him and watched him for a moment. "You know it's the only way to fix this."
Clark turned from them and walked over to the monitors. It was true, crime was getting worse by the hour, and the police were overwhelmed. Sighing, he just hoped that his brother would understand once he returned.
His mind made up, he turned back to them, twirled into the suit, hands on hips, cape flapping around his legs and muttered, "Let's do this."
Minutes later, the news spread like wildfire …
Superman is alive.
TBC!
~o~o~
Song Inspiration: With a Little Help (From My Friends), Joe Cocker.
A/N: A few of my readers must know how hard it was for me to write this chapter, but I made it through with my friends and my family. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. There's more to come, so please stay tuned. Thanks for reading and reviews would be so awesome. Until next time, keep reading!