He watched over the city extending his senses to their limit. He wanted to stop anyone from dying like Leon. The man had led a terrible life, but he could have changed. Whoever did this didn't deserve to take that chance from him. He had already stopped two of them, knocked them out before they reached the same point Leon had. Star Labs had been able to come up with a sedative that could keep them calm until the drug burned out of their bodies. However, when they woke up, they couldn't remember anything from the people who had given it to them. As the exhaustion finally started to settle he went home to find Clark returning from Smallville.
"Sorry I took so long to come back," he said unable to ignore the tiredness in Conner's eyes.
"Are the people from Smallville okay?" he asked not wanting to talk about what happened a few nights ago.
"They were okay when you and your team defeated the Union, just worried as of why they couldn't remember the past few days," Clark said changing in a second to his suit.
"Sorry to leave you with that," Conner said wishing their team had more resources though they were just getting started.
"Don't worry about it," he said with a smile, "it was nice to visit and see everyone."
"Clark, there is something we have to talk about," Conner told him.
"I really don't want to talk about Lois," Clark said with a sigh.
"It is not about her," a nervous chuckle escaped him, "at least is not centered on her. Is about what she is helping me with."
"Finding Dr. Spender, you mean?"
"Yeah, she found me a lead and I followed it. I got this out of it," he said before showing Clark the letter, still closed.
"What does it say?" he asked.
"I don't know yet," he said not daring to pick at it with his senses. He stared at the letter with a frown. There was something about it that made his skin crawl. He placed the letter on Clark's desk, "could you please keep it for me?"
"And I thought I was the one evading the inevitable," Clark said with a sigh.
"I need to talk to Luthor," he told Clark.
"Didn't you talk to him the night you saved him?" Clark asked trying to hide his discomfort but failing miserably.
"I did," he said sitting on a chair by the table, "he didn't remember me."
"What do you mean by that?" and then Conner explained to him and saw the worry increase in his features. In the end, Clark looked at him with understanding though not willing, "are you sure you don't want the League intervening?"
"I am sure," he said before flying out.
When he finally got to the hospital, he found the window to Luthor's room open. Mercy was by his bed going over his agenda for the following day. She didn't spare him a glance as she closed the agenda and left the room.
"Took you long enough," Luthor said placing a file on his lap.
"What's all this?" he asked looking at all the stacks of files around the room.
"Since you didn't show up when we agreed I decided to search more on my own. I take it was because of the sudden appearances of those psychic freaks. No rest for the wicked, right?" Luthor said calmly.
Superboy couldn't agree more. He was exhausted from using his powers in such a large range for so long. The same could be said about Luthor. All around the room there were box files lying on top of each other. Computer files could be hacked, but old paperwork was harder to be covered. There might be a clue among all of them.
"Did you find anything?" he asked keeping his distance.
"Over there," he said pointing to a folder by his nightstand.
He went to it and opened it to find the records of Red Arrow and his cloning. It was done in the same lab where he was created, so that was a excellent clue.
"I can't remember anything related to funding that project and a lot of the related files are missing," Luthor said with a calm tone. He then looked at Superboy trying to hide his fury at being used. However, Superboy could sense them like constant waves emanating from the man, "and the lab was completely destroyed a few years ago. There was nothing to salvage."
"I am not surprised," he told them returning the file to the nightstand. "Do you really remember nothing?" he asked with a frown.
"Nothing at all," he said.
"I have heard from Martian Man Hunter that you have very high psychic defenses," otherwise the League would have already roamed through the place.
"My father was… an unusual man… but he always made sure that I was prepared for anything," Superboy could sense he was restraining a greater fury than he had sensed before.
"I don't doubt it," Conner said unable to help scratching the back of his head, "I sincerely don't know how much to tell you."
"I am surprised you are even considering telling me anything. You are not like… the previous model," he said with a smirk. "Your powers put some of his to shame."
"Referring to him like that won't make me help me decide in your favor," he wanted to sigh. It hadn't even been five minutes into the conversation without him saying derogatory about his mentor.
"And I suppose offering you a ride of your own won't be any good. Since you can fly," Luthor said with a roll of his eyes, "and let me guess, monetary contributions are also out of the question."
"I wasn't always able to fly or many of the things I do now. Your scientists considered me a failure and so did you. You wanted a Superman of your own to kill the man that has become like an older brother to me. It didn't work," Conner said, "and you also tried to get me to betray my friends by promising me powers like his."
"That does sound like me," Luthor said with a shameless smirk.
"You are unbelievable Luthor," Superboy said to him flying towards the window, "I hate that my creation had anything to do with you." And he hated that someone as nice as Lori was related to the guy.
"There is something you are hiding, an important detail, isn't there?" Luthor said leaning forwards.
"Nothing as important as finding who did this to you and trying to hide any clue to my origin," he said keeping his eyes on the view outside the window.
"You lie, I am actually surprised," Luthor said with a raised eyebrow.
"I am not him, but that doesn't mean I will not do the right thing," and then he left without giving Luthor a chance to give him another word.
He was ready to throw the towel for the night, but he just had to take another look at the place of the attack. That part of the building had been sealed because it was dangerous and for investigation purposes; little had been changed. He made sure not to touch anything as he went to the safe room. Inside he found no trace of whoever attacked Luthor. The offices were completely gone, and so were the computers, so he couldn't tell if someone from the staff had done it. He wouldn't pass Luthor hiring shady people. He found a pattern on the flames and followed it to the center of the floor and found an unusual sight. The ground was completely churned, but for the exception of a pair of footprints. He suspected a Meta immediately.
"Ohmygosh!" he heard a familiar voice say before he turned and saw Lori enter the room. He must have been really exhausted not to sense her before, "it's you, Oh wow." Her eyes were wide as she started walking towards him.
"Stop, this place is not safe," Superboy told her trying not to sound nervous. It was dark enough so that she couldn't get a good view of his face, but if she got close enough it would be a whole different story.
"Don't worry, I already checked this room out," she said with a smile before the ground gave under her. He stopped her fall immediately with his tactile telekinesis. He flew them to the top of the building and near the elevator but didn't release her.
"Could I ask you a few questions?" she asked with a nervous smile.
"What were you doing in there," he asked, "are you an employee?"
"I know what you must be thinking," she said with a nervous laugh, "but I just want to know who tried to kill my uncle and bring them to justice. Just like you guys. My name is Lori Luthor."
"Miss Luthor," he said releasing her not too gently. Lori fell to the ground on her knees and cried out, "don't interfere with our or the police's investigation. You will only get in the way and just like to place yourself in harm's way unnecessarily."
"I… but he is my uncle. I have the right to-" but he cut her off.
"Just because you are a Luthor, it doesn't mean you can do whatever you like," he didn't care if she recognized him anymore. He had sensed her deception when she walked into that room. She had known it was going to break, and that he would save her. He floated to be face to face with her and sneered, "You are an adult, stop acting like a spoiled child."
"You are the brat, not me," Lori said standing straight, "and are you going to give me that interview or Conner didn't even ask you?"
"He didn't mention about you being a Luthor," he lied, "and don't think about pulling another Lois Lane on me. You knew the ground was going to break and that I would save you."
"What are you talking about?" she said clearly shaken by his word.
"What did you think would happen? Did you think you could get the same deal as Lois Lane? Wake up Luthor, this is real life," he said with a mocking smile. "I guess the Luthor's genius gene is not as strong as their gene for lying."
"You condescending bastard!" she shouted as he started to fly away.
"Whatever you say Miss Luthor," he laughed before going back home. He hoped that with that meeting Lori would not be able to see the connection between them.
888
Lois found the envelope inside her car. She was tempted for a moment to throw it out the window and drive as fast as she could. However, something told her that this was meant for her, not in the 'blowing up in your face' way.
She had a difficult week, but she couldn't help adding a new morsel to her list of work. She opened the envelope where she sat and a small, rectangular plastic fell to her lap. She picked it up and saw half the shield of Superman in it. She immediately knew there was another half somewhere. Inside, there was also a letter.
If you received this letter, it means that Project Kr is asking the right questions. If this is true, his life is in great danger. You must help him. The data is scripted on the whole card. Project Kr needs to know of its contents to prepare for what N.O.W.H.E.R.E. will try to do. I am sorry for placing you in this position, but please believe me when I tell you that this is not just to protect him, but also you and Superman as well.
"Great, now I am a messenger," she sighed before driving towards Clark's apartment. She hoped the kid would appreciate her skipping her morning coffee to give this to him. She found Clark about to leave as she reached their hall.
"Lois? Good morning," he said surprised but also with a sincere smile.
"Cat making you go to the office?" she asked with a smirk. She sort of envied that he could work from home.
"Every once in a while," he said with a smile, "but I doubt you came here just to see what I am up to, right?"
"You got it, I am looking for Conner. That kid needs to make up his mind about the article," she said with a smirk.
He raised an eyebrow at her. He didn't believe it for a sec, but he knew she was helping Conner with his search, so he didn't question her.
"You just missed him, he already left for school," he told her.
"Darn it," she sighed before an aroma caught her attention.
Clark couldn't help chuckling, "want a cup of coffee?" he asked her knowing she wouldn't be able to resist.
"Do you even need to ask?" she said letting herself in, "Won't you be late?"
"Is a meeting held by Cat," he reminded her, "I have a good half hour to spare."
Lois realized as he gave her the warm cup that she had walked right into that one. Clark was drinking a cup too, but his eyes rarely left her. She had tried not to think about this since she found the truth, but it was hard to when his bright eyes were on her. Was he staring at her with his x-ray vision? Had he ever done something like that? Though he was from another planet, he was still a man. She felt like crossing her arms over her chest.
"Something in your mind Lois?" he asked her.
"I am just wondering where you got this coffee from, it's delicious," she said looking at the cup. She hated her father had raised her to be so honest. She knew Clark could see right through her words.
"It's Ethiopian, a friend was there not long ago and sent it to me," he said.
"A friend?" she asked holding back her sigh. She bet he probably flew there this morning and picked it himself.
"Yeah, someone you know," he said with a playful smile.
"Alright Smallville, stop playing the mysterious card; it doesn't fit you," she said feeling at ease again.
"Chloe," he told her, "Sullivan."
"My cousin? You are friends with my cousin? How did that happen? And how come she doesn't send me any of this god given coffee?" and why had Chloe never said about knowing the guy she competed against.
"We worked together on the project from Mr. Global back in college. Since then we have kept in touch," he said a little surprised that she had not been aware of this. Those two were almost like sisters.
"This morning is just full of surprises," she said before he gave her a curious look.
"In the daily life of Lois Lane, I don't doubt it," he said getting up to get another cup.
"I bet the life of Clark Kent is also pretty exciting. Besides befriending the best world reporters, you also are friends with Diana Prince; who works for DOMA, Barry Allen; a forensic from Central City and Richard Grayson; the adopted son of Bruce Wayne. You might not like people to know, but you really get around, don't you?"
"I have my net of informants just like you do," he told her leaning back on the counter.
"Share some of those with me some time, won't you?" she asked with a smile.
"You know that's not how I play the game," he told her.
"Afraid I will hear more about the dodgy Clark Kent? That maybe you and Prince have been more than friends," she said with a smile. She stood up and almost leaned her body against his as she placed the cup on the sink, "she is quite the looker. I can't imagine you missing a chance like that." This is how I play the game Smallville.
She wanted him to say no, that the beautiful woman that had shown up in this very same apartment had always just been a friend. His answer came in the form of his hand on her hip. He pulled her closer to him. She felt her stomach tighten like the first time she kissed a boy. Jonathan's face crossed her mind for a second, but she forgot about him the moment he ran his hand down.
"Maybe I should say yes," he said keeping her still when she tried to pull back and whispered in her ear, "I have never seen you act jealous before."
"In your dreams," she said shaking. She muffled a scream when he picked her up and sat her on the counter before leaning forwards and kissing her. Just like that night last week, he poured everything into the kiss stealing away her breath and her inhibition. She kissed him back like the many times she wished she had when he saved her. Now, sitting on his counter and getting ravished by him, it felt like a dream.
"Oh Lois," her heart almost stopped when she felt his fingers undo the buttons of her blouse. He was staring at her bra encased breasts like a starving man. She guessed then that he had never picked, and for some reason to made her upset. He wouldn't break the rules for her? "Lois…" he said her name as he started kissing her neck, and then down her collar bone.
Her anger disappeared as his lips went down to the crest of her bra. But he stopped there before looking up at her with pleading eyes. Her mouth went dry as she tried to form words, though she wasn't even sure what she would say. He tilted his head innocently before she pulled him back up by his tie and then started undoing it and the buttons of his shirt.
"If Grant calls," she said struggling with the buttons, "I swear I will murder her."
He laughed as he removed his jacket and then helped her with the last of the buttons. They both froze as it dawned on them what they were doing. Then, he broke into a soft laugh before leaning forwards and placing a chaste kiss on her lips. At the same time, his hand snuck around and undid her bra.
"Dammit," he said before pulling back.
"What?" she asked as he helped her put her bra on again.
"He must have forgotten something," he said running a hand through disordered hair. A few moments later they were both dressed and sitting across from each other drinking coffee again.
"Another awkward moment to add to our collection, right?" she asked him before they heard Conner use his key to open the door. He stood there for a moment in shock before raising an eyebrow at them.
"Hey kid, I need to talk to you," Lois said standing.
"Really?" he asked a smile broke on his face, "and here I thought it had something with what was happening before I came back." He had pointed at his neck before Lois clapped her hand over hers. "His," he said with a laugh before she turned and saw the lipstick on his neck. How could they have missed that?
"I hope you don't expect the talk of the bird and bees," she said though she was sure her cheeks were red.
A cell phone started to ring which Clark was fast to answer.
"I am already on my way Cat," he said giving Lois and apologetic smile before rushing to leave.
"He could be there in a second," she said crossing her arms.
"You should break up with Jonathan Carroll before you two go any further," he told her as he retrieved a book from the couch. Before she could reply to that, he asked with a frown, "What did you want to talk about?"
"I got another letter from Dr. Spencer," she said before showing it to him and the piece of plastic that came with it. "Got any idea where the other half could be?"
"I do," he said before walking to Clark's desk and pulling the letter from his drawer.
"You work fast, don't you?" she said as he walked back and opened it. All the insecurities of what he would find in there were gone when he read the letter Dr. Spencer had written to Lois.
As they had expected, a matching card came with it.