(now been beta'd. One line difference to from previous version.)

~♥~


Even before they had become separated for days, parting had always been difficult. Being together 24/7 for the last few days was not enough, it never could be, not that it was even an option.

With recent events however, it had been that much harder to pull away. It felt like the very early days of their marriage, kissing him and watching him fly off from the balcony. Missing him before he had left, longing for him. Hoping the world would be at peace and he'd be safe.

Invulnerability didn't mean invincible. It didn't mean that the unseen couldn't hurt him, and that there wouldn't be a green kryptonite deposit or some experiment to catch him by surprise. Nothing could be taken for granted. This thought was always at the back of her mind.

Lois was proud of him. His heart was always there for everyone, ready to do what was right to protect them, be their hope. He did it with no agenda and no ego. If anything she sometimes had to be that ego for him. Clark may have found a peace with who he was and his destiny but like anyone he needed someone to tell him he did good and remind him, when the pressures got to much that it was okay to just be Clark Kent.

Lois never had any illusions that being his wife would be easy. In fact, she expected it to be full of difficulties and heartache. There were days when the burden was especially heavy for him and it was her place to help him carry it. It hurt her to see him hurt, yet Lois knew there was no other place she ever wanted to be but at his side. Yes, there had been a time when she had thought herself another burden, someone that would slow him down or prevent him from reaching his full potential. But she had been told, informed and reminded that she was what he needed. Doctor Fate, Carter Hall, Mera, Martha, Chloe and ultimately in Clark's vows. All reaffirming that her need to be needed wasn't a wasted dream. Clark needed her. Superman needed her.

Since then, the day they exchanged vows, Lois hadn't looked back. There wasn't a moment where the feeling of being needed went unanswered. She saw it in his eyes. It wasn't the kind of neediness that could send one running for the hills but the sort that said, everything she was, was perfect for him.

It was love. It was that love that made the heartache, troubles and life threatening moments worth every ounce of her effort. Carter was right. She had the strength to carry the burdens that came with this great love.

It was a great love as far as Lois was concerned. She didn't need recognition to feel it. The world may never know that Superman had a wife, that he had someone by his side. Validation from the world had no value to her, she found all she needed in his eyes. The way he would come into the room and his eyes would always seek hers, no matter where they were or what the circumstances. Happy or sad, tears or laughter. Their eyes would meet and she would drown again.

Growing up, love had felt like something others had, like somehow she had missed out on the right to have someone love her like she was the only girl in the world. She had seen glimpses that kind of love existed. Even with her parents she had, and then there had been the Kent’s, and Clark mooning over Lana. Reminders, painful ones that she wasn't allowed in on that. Yes she had family but Lois Lane did not have a home, nor was she the object of someone’s fantasy.

It was typical of Clark to turn all that on its head, all the while he was still trapped in the pull of another girl. His home became her home, his family her own, his friendship became a prize she was loathe to give up on, even when she wouldn't admit to it. It took her by surprise when she realised that he meant more to her then that and that falling for him had never stopped. Again and again he stole her heart. She was never going to get it back.

How deep could love go? It was a question she hoped was never answered.

With a deep breath and several long minutes of standing on the balcony, Lois moved back into their apartment. Lost in her thoughts of what she would do to bring back both sides of her husband, when the door buzzed,

Chloe wasn't due for another half hour.

Peeking through the peephole in the door, she frowned at the smartly dressed woman on the other side.

Lois opened the door a little, the chain still bolted on the door. Not in the mood to deal with something new at the moment, her hands were already full.

The light brunette on the other side gave her a once over just as Lois was doing the same. “Mrs Kent?” She asked in a professional but friendly manner.

Definitely not P.D and not from Metropolis either Lois thought, not with the pleasantness in her manner while still keeping a formal air. Metropolitan’s weren't exactly known for doing both at the same time, and cops, well lately Lois wasn't impressed with their manners either. No matter where they were from.

“Lane-Kent, actually". It was a statement but with the unspoken question of what are you doing here and what do you want? Lois didn't care that she wasn't exactly being friendly.

“My apologises, Mrs Lane-Kent. I was hoping to talk with you. I'm Special Agent Dianna Lassiter...” She flashed a badge, Lois barely had a chance to look at it before the woman tucked it back into her jacket and continued, “Can I come in? I promise I won’t take up too much of your time.”

There was a definite feeling that this was one of those times where, if she closed the door and ignored whatever it was the woman was bringing with her she'd be missing out on something important. Yet at the same time whatever it was, whatever importance it might have held, would only lead to more trouble.

Sighing, she made up her mind, never one to back down from a challenge. “Can I have you're badge number first?” Lois said with a tight smile.

“Of course”. Agent Lassiter seemed unfazed and gave her the number without hesitation.

“Thank you… one moment”. Lois took a quick photo of the woman with her cell before closing the door . Not caring what the woman thought she sent the badge number and the photo directly to watchtower with a question of validation. Just because she was married to Superman and had seen a badge didn't make her stupid. Especially after the story she and Clark had covered the year before on a serial killer who had used a badge to get close to his victims.

About 2 minutes Later she got back a confirmation that Agent Lassiter was legit, FBI apparently.

Lois glanced around the apartment to make sure there was no sign of Clark and then unbolted the door, opening it all the way. “Sorry for the wait, I had to be sure you are who you say you are”. Lois took a step back allowing the woman to come into her apartment.

Despite the fact she could see no obvious signs of Clark's recent presence she felt a sense of nervousness.

“I understand completely. I read the story you wrote last year and I have to say I was truly impressed.”

Lois nodded for the woman to take a seat at the table. “Thank you!” she responded sincerely before adding, “But that’s not why you're here, I don't imagine the FBI dropping by just to tell me they like my articles. If anything I'd be expected to be told to be quiet rather than encouraged."

“I'm not just anyone and why I came here has even less to do with your articles then my personal admiration of your work”

Lois leaned against the counter, a hand on her hip as she looked the woman over. “I imagined you did some research on me. If so you'd know that whatever angle you're working won't be helped by flattery”.

Lassiter nodded, “There is no angle. Nor is this an interrogation, I only wish to talk to you. Please just here me out and then I'll be out of your hair”.

The only reason Lois was giving her anymore of her time, was a result of the air of sincerity the woman was giving off. Whether it was the truth or not her curiosity was peaked. What would an FBI agent have to say to her? What could be so important?

“Fine”. Lois pressed her lips, “You've got twenty minutes”.

“That's all I need”.

“Would you like some coffee?”

“Yes please”. Lassiter specified her coffee preferences before throwing out the reason she was there. “The truth is Mrs Lane-Kent, I can help clear your husband’s name”.

Lois turned from pouring the coffee to look at her once again, incredulously “Clear his name?”

“Yes”.

“Forgive me if I’m a little sceptical about this but…” Lois waved a hand in the air, “I’'s a little left field for me. Last thing I expected from someone like you is an offer of help”.

“I'm not one of the Detectives on the case. I have my reasons for wanting to help you, one of them being I do believe he is innocent”.

“He is innocent”, Lois snapped.

It went quiet as Lois stared at her for a moment before turning to finish the coffee. For once she didn't notice to the silence, to lost in her thoughts to care. This whole conversation was completely disconcerting. She'd rather be yelling at the Metropolis P.D then deal with a sudden and unexpected wild card.

Sitting at the table, Agent Lassiter watched Lois make the coffee and bring it over. Despite the fading bruises and signs of physical trauma, Lassiter could tell she was strong. Whatever was bothering her had to do with the state of Clark, not because she was afraid of him, but for him.

Lois sat, not sure if she trusted the other woman's claims that she could help her clear Clark's name. She had been prepared for a fight and now suddenly a miracle was being offered. It seemed unreal or like it had a huge price tag possibly attached to it.

“So.." Lois began holding her coffee trying not to seem overly hostile, failing though by narrowing her eyes.

Lassiter wasn't surprised or particularly offended. “It's Dianna, and Lois...”testing the waters with her first name. “I am here to help.”

“Why? The Detectives and D.A were so convinced my Husband hurt me despite everything I said. And now because of that, Clark is god knows where. He could be sick or...” closing her eyes against the flashes of her dream, of him in her arms. Despite the twisting of truth involved the feelings were real.

Dianna took a sip of her coffee and nodded appreciatively at it before giving Lois a long look and carefully forming her next words, it was clear Lois was upset. “Lois… I deal with special cases. For years, even before the noticeable emergence of Superheroes, there were times when things couldn't be explained whether it was an horrific incident or a miraculous save. Our department mostly got witness statements and investigated as much as we could. Hoping someday to fill in the blanks”. She sat back, remembering the early days.

Lois waited listening, wondering where this was going.

Lassiter continued while nursing her drink. “Back then we weren't taken too seriously. Than the Green Arrow appeared followed by the Blur, as well as a few localised heroes”. Lois didn't miss the way she said the word ‘hero’ or how she never called them vigilantes. There was warmth to her words.

“Did you get your answers?”

“Yes, though it didn't matter for a while, we were shut down. The VRA saw us as supporters’ rather than just investigators. And I guess they were right, like you Lois we did feel that many deserved our respect. There were some that didn't but that was part of the overall picture. Extraordinary people were out there, some for good and some for not. When the VRA was shut down it took a while but we were put back in action, this time to not just investigate but to help heroes like Superman within the law. ”

Lois frowned, confused. “Why have we never heard of you? And why are you coming to me?”

“Most of what we do is behind the scenes, which is how we prefer it. And I am here Lois because I believe you. I want to help”

“Clark isn't a Superhero”. Lois found it hard to get those words out.

Dianna gave her a knowing smile, “Maybe not, but am I right in assuming that what you experienced is tied to Superman? And that makes Clark a victim in this.”

Lois fought the urge to swallow. There was something in the woman's eyes that made her feel like there was so much not being said. Did she know Clark and Superman were the same? Was she completely genuine? And if so...could she really help?

“What makes you think any of this ties to Superman..?”

“He flew straight into an airport looking directly for you. Not to mention his brief statements on what occurred over the skies of Metropolis. While there is nothing directly linking what happened to you in those statements, it’s not a long stretch to see that both events tie into each other”.

When Lois didn't dispute with her Dianna continued, “I had a good look at the medical report. Your chest wound matched the description of a number of victims found around Metropolis and those of the penitentiary. One could argue that Clark Kent was on the loose, but that doesn't explain the prison nor the survivors’ descriptions of a creature that matched the one of the Great Storm”.

Lois gave a rueful smile and took a deep breath, “If only the detectives on my case were as perceptive as you, Clark would still be here”.

Dianna nodded, “Unfortunately and in fairness to them they don't have the luxury of my experience. I can have this case transferred to my department and I can get this cleared up”.

Lois frowned and leaned forward, “If you can do that then why haven't you?”

“It’s not that straightforward. The process though will work faster and easier if you are part of it. Which is why I am here...you have a reputation Lois and for good reason. That alone could be a hindrance if we got off on the wrong footing. If you suddenly found out that a third party was handling this situation you would be doing everything you could to find out, even if it meant throwing wrenches into the works. While ultimately that wouldn't matter, the safety and expedient return of your Husband is important to us, we'd rather it is done right. ”

Lois eyed her for a moment, “What exactly is it that you want from me?”Voice heavy with the implication that she was exactly on board.

“For you to trust me and tell me exactly what happened to you”. There was so much unspoken in the way she said it that Lois knew she meant as far as Superman's involvement too.

Before Lois had a chance to respond, Lassiter stood and slipped a card across the table. “Think about it, the sooner you contact me and we talk the sooner we can clear his name and get him home”.


~ A short time later ~

Dianna stepped into the plain everyday office on the 7th floor of a non-descriptive building in the heart of downtown Metropolis, wondering as she often did, why her partner refused to leave since they had arrived the day after the Great Storm.

Before she had a chance to inform him on the one on one with Lois Lane-Kent, he asked, “Is she as tough as they say?”

Observing him, as he looked out the window, she was unable to stop the slight smile forming at her lips. “Her reputation doesn't do her justice.” He turned to look at her nodding in approval. Dianna continued, “Head strong, blunt...perceptive to say the least.”

Taking a seat behind one of the small desks set up in the spare room, her partner nodded again. “Fits the reporter mentality… does she love him?” He asked. The look in his eyes told her he needed reassurance, so she gave him the truth as she saw it. “Fiercely and very protective, her behaviour did not fit Hernandez report. She’s not a victim, far from it.”

“Good. Do you think she will accept the offer?”

Dianna pulled a chair over and sat. “Honestly, I don't know. I have a feeling she is going to be looking to find everything on me and our department, before she'll even consider it. But I think there’s a chance.”

“I hope so, for both their sakes. I have no doubt she could pull it off on her own but it would be far quicker with us.”

“So, are you going to tell me?” She leaned forward on to the edge of his desk. “Come on... how do the Kent’s tie in with Superman? And don't give me that line about Lane's articles. I know all that…no run around Peter.”

He shook his head, “No… not yet. Look I will tell you when its time but I need to see the Kent’s first.”

“Then why didn't you come today?” She asked.

“Because Clark Kent isn't home yet.”

Dianna gave Peter a suspicious glare. It irked her that he was keeping something from her. It was more than the connection between the Kent's and Superman, somehow Peter himself had one. But he guarded it like nothing else, as if it would become life or death if he spoke about it.

It would be a lie to say it didn't hurt her a little, especially considering how much of their life they did share together.

“Fine!” She suddenly stood up, “I'm going out for coffee, want some?”

“Yeah, my usual thanks.”

When she left it was the same as before. Peter came to stand by the window, looking at the sky and watching the streets. The flash of red and blue that streaked across the sky left Peter with an odd mix of feelings, the time to resolve them was coming soon.
~♥/♥~


A/N: Originally there was a lot more i was going to post for this chapter. But it was just getting to be to long (37 pages) and several scenes weren't finished. So I figured this was the best place I could split the chapter up at. So the cliffie i originally had has been moved to chapter 14 and chapter 14 (that is a special one) is now 15. Lol.. Hopefully I will have Chapter 14 up in the next week or two as it is very close to being done. BTW this does mean the sexy elevator scene i promise would be coming to certain peeps..its in the next chapter..sorry 

Despite the lack of epic ending hope this is enjoyed.

As usual feedback is cookies..please feed me!