The Spider And The Fly (boy)

By RC1

At the Daily Planet

Lois and Clark sat at their desks in the newsroom of the Daily
Planet, just like they had almost every day for the last three
years now. Everything seemed really relaxed. Clark pushed his
chair away from the desk and leaned back to get a better view of
Lois as she worked on their story, another political scandal
involving the police chief and her chief of detectives and the
improper use of a police car... after hours. For Clark Kent, time
seemed to stand still every time he looked at Lois Lane. It
seemed she had that affect on him ever since he had met her. She
was so gorgeous, so smart, so intelligent and of course, he loved
her more than he ever thought he could love anyone... ever. He
sighed just ever so briefly as he continued to watch her
intensely as if she were the only thing in the universe. Of
course, to him, she was.

Lois heard him sigh and looked over to see what was wrong. She
found herself looking directly into his eyes. *What eyes* was the
only thought she could come up with. For what seemed like an
eternity to her, she drowned in his eyes as she had come to do
quite often. Then, not much to her surprise she sighed too and
then followed it with a smile that was reserved only for Clark
Kent. "What are you looking at, Mr. Kent?"

Clark looked at her and now slipped into famous `I'm caught, and
I love it' smile. "I'm looking at the most beautiful woman in
the entire universe," he said simply.

By now work was just a memory for both of them. "Oh," Lois said
simply and then with a devilish smile "Well, I hope you are
enjoying the view."

"Trust me. I am," Clark said with a wicked smile that only Lois
could bring from him.

*That smile!* she thought. *He's up to something, but what is
it!?!* Just then she looked at him impishly and noticed that his
glasses were riding on the edge of his nose. *He's using the
x-ray vision AGAIN! That's the smile!* Lois casually got up,
walked over to Clark and pushed the glasses back onto his face.
"Clark Jerome Kent, you are incorrigible!" She then sat down on
his lap and held him oblivious to the crowd that had gathered
around. She whispered into his ear privately, "Besides, I
thought you didn't peek?"

Clark held her and whispered back "I lose all self control when
I'm around you. I can't help myself." To this Lois could only
muster an "Oh." as she kissed him.

Jimmy hurried up to Lois and Clark's desks with some pictures he
wanted their opinion on before he handed them to the Chief. He
came up so fast that he hadn't noticed what was going on, but,
as soon as he did he turned and started moving slowly away. Just
then Perry exited the elevator with four people in tow. Three
men, and a knockout redhead. The guy holding the girl's hand
looked to be about Jimmy's age. "Lucky," Jimmy muttered
softly. The man walking on Perry's left was a little younger
than Perry, had a mustache and white / gray hair while the man
directly behind was older than the lucky guy holding the girl's
hand but younger than the 'mustache' guy.

"This is my newsroom," Perry announced holding his arms open to
embrace the place. "The heart and soul that is the Daily
Planet." The 'mustache' man looked around and noticed all the
people away from their desks. "What do you think, Mr. Jameson?"
Perry asked with pride.

J. Jonah Jameson surveyed the place again. "It's homey.
Doesn't exactly look efficient... especially with everyone away
from their desks."

Perry just noticed the crowd and he knew exactly what it was.
"One minute please," Perry excused himself and then walked down
the stairs a bit. "Olsen!!"

Jimmy jumped. *Uh-oh. The Chief used my LAST name. I'm in
trouble,* Jimmy thought quickly as he raced to Perry. "What's
up Chief?" Jimmy asked with a worried smile.

"The new adventures of Lois and Clark, that's what," Perry
said bluntly. "Listen son, in the name of Graceland, pour some
cold water on them, get the rest of the room back to work, and
then get Lois and Clark into my office. Got it?"

"Got ya Chief," Jimmy said already moving away.

"Oh, Jimmy!" Perry said catching him on his way back. "I want
you in the office too." Jimmy nodded and headed to his task.
With a glint in his eye, he saw Jimmy pick up a bucket and
considered the possibilities.

Perry walked back to his guests and began to explain. "The
commotion is that couple over there. The woman in the blue pants
suit and the man in the gray suit." The ensemble nodded. Perry
smiled proudly as he spoke, "That's Lois Lane and Clark Kent,
the shining stars of the Daily Planet. They just got engaged a
month ago, and... oh I haven't been able to separate them
since!"

"You ever thought of separating them... different assignments,"
Jameson suggested more than inquired.

"They're just two people who are very much in love, J.J.
Nothing wrong with that," the man in back suggested.

The young man now spoke up. "Robby's right. I know MJ and I
were like that for a while." His voice trailed off absently.
"Actually we still are."

"I make my own calls, Robby, Parker," Jameson said.

Perry sighed. "It took all of us here two years to get them
together. You know, I wouldn't have it any other way." With
that they headed to his office. Perry grinned slightly as he lead
the way.

Moments later Clark, Lois, and Jimmy all entered the office
talking. "I don't understand how you two got dry so fast. I
mean that bucket was full of ice water and you too didn't even
flinch for a moment." Lois looked at Clark, thankful his heat
vision had dried them off before they had to face Perry. "How
can you two be so involved to not know you've had ice water
dumped on you?"

"You'll find out one day, Jimmy." Clark reassured him.

"In the meantime, you do that again and you may not live to find
out how we do it," Lois said in a warning tone. She didn't
really mean it though. It was part of an old act that they all
enjoyed now. On cue, Jimmy's eyes widened in mock horror.

Perry looked up smiling. "Don't blame him Lois. It was MY idea.
Sometimes I wonder why the fire sprinklers don't go off when you
two get near each other." Perry laughed again. "Come in, close
the door."

Clark closed the door and then joined Jimmy and Lois on the couch
in front of Perry's desk. He looked over the guests quickly and
apparently lingered too long on the redhead because Lois elbowed
him in the ribs. "Lois, Clark, Jimmy. I'd like you to meet our
guests from New York's very own Daily Bugle. They're here for
the charity ball on Friday."

"The one being thrown by Wilson Fisk?" Lois chimed in.

Perry wagged his pencil at Lois half smiling. "One and the same.
Let me introduce all of you." Perry pointed to the 'mustache'
man as Jimmy had now labeled him. "This is J. Jonah Jameson,
owner of J3 Communications and editor of the Daily Bugle."
Jameson nodded slightly. "This is Robby Robertson, assistant
editor." Robertson smiled and nodded politely. "And this here
is Peter Parker and his wife Mary Jane Watson-Parker."

*I knew it! She's married,* Jimmy cried in his thoughts. *My
luck.*

"Parker here's Jameson's star photographer," Perry said as
Jameson smirked.

Jimmy's face flashed in recognition. "Peter Parker? You're the
one that gets those fantastic pics of Spider-Man!!! You're a
legend around here!" Jimmy bolted and started shaking Peter's
hand before he knew what happened.

Perry laughed. "Let me introduce you to MY star photographer and
aspiring cub reporter, Jimmy Olsen."

Now it was Peter's turn. "Olsen? You're the one who gets those
wonderful shots of Superman! You're a legend in your own right
in New York!"

"Don't go telling him that," Perry said jokingly. "I'll have
to give him a raise." Everyone except Jameson chuckled. "Now,
these two," Perry said as he pointed to Lois and Clark, "are my
star reporters. They're practically like my own kids. This is
the dynamic duo of Lois Lane and Clark Kent."

Robby Robertson moved toward them and shook their hands warmly.
"I've read most of your work, both of you. You two are great.
Oh.. and your pieces on Superman! You've got to tell us how you
do that. We've been trying to get Spider-Man to give us an
exclusive for years!" At the last comment Jameson gruffed.

Lois and Clark looked at each other and shared the private joke.
"Well, Superman is a close friend to both of us. When he wants
to talk, we talk," Lois said factually. *Never mind the fact
that if Clark wants to talk to Superman all he has to do is talk
to himself!* Lois thought with a grin.

Robertson smiled warmly as he let go of their hands. "Maybe we
should put Peter on the reporter beat. After all, he gets those
shots of Spidey. Maybe he could get us an interview?" The last
line Robby directed over at Peter who smiled briefly before
getting elbowed by his wife.

"Cute couple." Clark commented softly to Lois. Lois in turn
nodded.

By now, Jameson was off track. "Parker's a photographer, I'm
not turning him loose to write his own column," Jonah said with
a huff.

"Don't worry, Mr. Jameson, I don't have any reporter
ambitions." He looked at Lois and Clark. "I'm just a
photographer, who supports his wife with pictures of Spider-Man
and uses the rest to keep up with my science hobby."

Lois and Clark exchanged looks of wonder. *This is NOT Jimmy's
New York counterpart,* Lois caught herself thinking. Mary Jane
held Peter closer. "Actually, science isn't his hobby. It's
more of a compulsion!" Mary Jane said as she held him close.

Clark had been trying to place Mrs. Parker's face since he'd
really seen her. "Mrs. Parker, what do you do? Any writing?"
Lois looked at Clark and for a moment he thought he saw
Kryptonite there. Just a moment.

Mary Jane laughed. "Heavens no! And please call me MJ. Everyone
does. I'm an aspiring model / actress."

Now it clicked. He'd seen her in some magazines, or commercials.
Lois looked at her and just stared daggers.

The group talked for a while and then Perry finally broke it off.
"These two have to get back to work," he said glancing at Lois
and Clark. Then his eyes set on Jimmy. "And you better go get
some pictures." Jimmy was quickly out the door with his camera
in search of tragedy, triumph and something the Chief would like.
"Mr. Jameson, Mr. Robertson and I have some last minute details
to attend to. So why don't the four of you knock off and go
home." Jameson didn't complain, so Peter and MJ followed Lois
and Clark out of Perry's office.

Lois had the wheels turning in her mind. Clark saw it in her
eyes, and it worried him. It used to terrify him, but now it only
worried him... a little. *We really need to get out more with
other people like us,* Lois was thinking. *Young, in love
couples.* She turned to Clark as they walked. "Clark, I have a
wonderful idea!" Before he could stop himself, Clark rolled his
eyes back. Lois didn't miss it so Clark found himself getting
ribbed by Lois's elbow again. "Not all of my ideas are life
threatening, dangerous or hazardous. Only the really fun ones."
She grabbed him, pulled him closer and kissed him. Peter and MJ
exchanged glances briefly wondering if everyone else saw them
like that. Finally Lois came back up for air... Clark was still
recovering. "Sorry," she apologized without really meaning it.
*What do I have to be sorry for? I'm kissing the most wonderful
man in the world and I want EVERYONE to know how much I love him*
"I was wondering if you two would like to come to dinner with
us." Lois stole a glance at Clark who nodded in approval. "We
know this wonderful little Italian sidewalk restaurant just a
block or two away."

Peter looked at MJ for a moment, but he knew the choice wasn't
his. "We'd love to, right Tiger?", Mary Jane prodded. Clark
knew the tone well. Peter was as helpless with MJ as he was with
Lois. Clark could only hope that Peter was just as happy with his
fate as Clark hoped to be soon. Peter nodded, and the four of
them headed for the elevator.

Later, at the restaurant, the four were enjoying their meal when
the topic of work came up. Lois began the prodding. "Peter, how
do you get those pics of Spider-Man anyway? Just luck." Peter
looked a little standoffish. "We've got our line to Superman,"
Lois said and looked at Clark who smiled. "We won't tell how
you do. We're just interested."

Peter decided he had to be crazy to do this, but for some reason
he felt he could trust these to reporters. "Spidey sometimes
lets me know where he's going to be hanging out. I just wait to
see what happens." Peter lowered his head and wondered why he
was saying this. "Secret safe?"

Lois looked at Clark and they both smiled. "We're pretty good
at keeping secrets, Peter," Clark said. They ate in silence
until Clark brought up more conversation. "So, why are you and
your wife here. I imagine Mr. Jameson could attend the event
Friday without you."

MJ and Peter laughed, which took Lois and Clark aback. "I'm
sure he could. Actually, he'd probably be happy if I weren't
anywhere around." Peter looked up at MJ and kissed her for the
first time since they had arrived at the Planet. "Actually,
after I `volunteered' for the assignment. I had gotten some
pretty good pics of Spider-Man taking down Electro, so Jameson
couldn't really say no. He wanted to, but he couldn't." Peter
was grinning now. "Sourpuss really hates it when I can watch him
squirm."

MJ sighed and hugged Peter closely. "I tagged along for the fun.
We thought we might get to have a second honeymoon of sorts."

Lois looked at the couple and knew instantly that she and Clark
would always be in love together. No matter what happened. "How
long have you two been married?" Lois asked trying to move the
conversation along.

"About two years now," MJ answered first. "At times it seams
longer, at times it seems like yesterday. It all depends on how
Mr. Parker behaves!"

Lois laughed and Clark bowed his head. "I know what you mean,
and we're not married yet."

Peter struck up the conversation now. "Your editor, Perry, told
us you two are engaged... When's the big date?"

Lois and Clark looked at each other again and silently smiled.
Peter and MJ smiled too, since they totally understood the
situation... more so than they realized. "We've been discussing
that," Clark said.

"We've gone though everything from two weeks ago to next
June," Lois chimed in completing Clark's line of thought. "All
we know is we enjoy being in love, and that's all that counts
for now."

MJ laughed. "I know what you mean." The conversation stood
still for a couple of minutes as the four completed their meal.
"So... what do you two know about the ball Friday?"

"It's supposed to be a costumed event," Lois said. "It's for
charity. It's supposed to be sponsored by the Fisk foundation.
I've never heard of them operating outside of New York before.
That's more up your alley." The last comment was directed at
Peter and MJ exclusively.

Peter tried to hide a grimace. *I wonder what Fisk is up to now?*
he thought. *Of couse, that's why I came along. To find out what
Fisk is up to!* "Let's not talk about Fisk, right now. I'm
trying to digest that wonderful pasta!"

MJ held Peter's hand and then tried to make a quick cover she
hoped the reporters would understand. "Peter kind of puts Fisk
up there with Metropolis's Lex Luthor." MJ was totally unaware
of the needles she had just poked Lois and Clark with.

Now it was Clark's turn. "Please, don't mention Luthor. I'm
trying to digest this wonderful meal."

Lois looked at Clark. He saw the sadness in her eyes and she saw
the pain in his. Luthor had caused them so much trouble and pain
it was a wonder they had made it this far, or so they thought
from time to time. Clark took Lois's hand and kissed it gently
and she turned to hold him. Peter and MJ wondered about what they
had said now. "So, I shared a secret with you two. How about a
return favor?" Peter asked with a smile. "You don't have to
tell me who, but do you know who Superman is??"

A look of concern flashed across Lois's face just so briefly.
Clark was better at this, since he had more practice. "What
makes you think Superman has a life other than Superman?" Clark
asked coolly.

"I don't know," Peter answered stone faced. "I just thought
if I had powers like that, it would get very lonely just being a
hero with no one to talk to, or maybe even confide in. I don't
know. I guess if that was the life I had to lead, I'd just be
lonely without someone." MJ reached out and held Peter tightly.
*How lonely he must have been before he let me in on his
secret*.

At the same time, Clark looked to Lois and saw a tear in her eye.
Clark brushed it away gently with a finger. "I love you SO
much," she said as she held him, not ever wanting to really let
go. *How lonely he must have been before he let me in on his
secret*.

Suddenly a ruckus kicked up on the sidewalk outside the
restaurant. Clark didn't even need his superhearing to detect it
either. Through the window at their booth they could see a woman
being mugged by four thugs. Clark immediately got up and Lois
nodded for him to *go*. Right behind him was Peter who MJ had
likewise released to do his job. The two men rushed outside, each
aware the other was there and with one common thought as they
stared at each other for a moment: *Would you please disappear so
I can change?* "Go call the police, Clark. I'll do what I can
here," Peter volunteered.

"I don't think we have time," Clark said as he headed toward
the thugs with Peter close behind. "Leave the lady alone,"
Clark demanded in his best cross between Clark and Superman.

Peter was right behind him. "I'd take his advice if I were
you."

The biggest and baddest of the thugs turned toward Clark and
Peter and laughed. "Look guys! Two boy scouts looking for a
merit badge." The lead thug picked up a crowbar he'd used to
terrify the woman and played with it in his hand. "I think we
just got some new entertainment."

Inside the restaurant, the patrons watched as Peter Parker and
Clark Kent faced down the thugs. MJ was hoping Clark wouldn't
get too badly hurt, while Lois was hoping Peter didn't get hurt
in the malee to come. All at once, the thugs came at Peter and
Clark wielding crowbars and other weapons. Peter reached out,
grabbed one and flipped him over his back while Clark *gently*
punched the lead thug in the stomach, sending him sprawling into
a mailbox. The other two came after the duo, but ran away as
Clark and Peter began to chase them. After a second, Clark
stopped Peter from pursuing. To Peter's amazement, a Metropolis
police car pulled up to block the thugs escape route. Of course
he wouldn't have been amazed if he knew Clark had heard it
coming for blocks.

After making some brief statements to the police, and making sure
the woman the thugs attacked was all right, Clark and Peter
returned to the restaurant to a standing applause, which caused
both of them to blush slightly. "Not bad, Clark, for a
reporter," Peter offered.

Clark's mind raced for a follow up, but Lois came to the rescue.
"I've been teaching Clark some Karate. I figure he has to
protect himself somehow." She and MJ shared a short giggle.

"Not so bad yourself, Peter," Clark commented trying to act
winded.

Peter dismissed it with a wave. "I'm from New York,
remember?"

Later that evening at Lois's apartment...

"So, what do you think of them?" Lois continued to clear plates
from the living room and closed up the pizza box and carried it
to the table. "They're a nice couple aren't they."

"Yes," Clark said as he washed the dishes. "He's brave,
standing up to those thugs today with no powers to back him
up."

Lois walked to Clark and just held him. She didn't want to let
go of him ever. "You're brave too, you know? You could have
exposed yourself. That takes courage too."

Clark turned around with a handful of soap suds and placed some
on Lois's nose. "How come you always know the right thing to
say to me?" he asked her.

She looked up into his eyes and took some suds and placed them on
his nose lovingly. "Because I love you." She held him for what
seemed forever, and the funny thing was that even that wouldn't
be long enough for her. She put her head on his chest and
listened to his steady heartbeat. "I wish I could tell you just
how much I love you."

Clark held her tight and stroked her hair. "You tell me how
every day, honey." She looked up to him and waited for him to
continue. "Everyday, I wake up and know you are here for me. I
know your support and love are unconditional, and I know that
love is for me. I just wish I could tell you how much I love
you."

"You do everyday.", she said simply. Then she laughed. "We've
gone mushy!"

Clark grinned and kissed her lightly. "There is nothing at all
wrong with mush."

The phone rang and they both let their head fall on one another
in despair. "Remind me to pull that thing out of the wall on our
honeymoon."

"What makes you think there will be phones where we take our
honeymoon?" Clark smiled widely and Lois smacked him on the
chest as she answered the phone. She came back in a moment or two
with a serious look on her face. "What's wrong?" he asked a
little concerned.

"Nothing really, that was Lucy on the phone," Lois said as she
picked up a too familiar pad of paper and began writing.

"Oh no," Clark moaned. "That's it, isn't it. Please tell me
I'm not on it this time?" Lois was the only woman who could
make Clark scared, especially when she had that particular
notepad. Lois looked at him quizzically. "That's the `Notepad
of Revenge', isn't it? I haven't done anything to get on that
in over a month."

Lois giggled a bit as she laid down the pad. "It's not the
`Notepad of Revenge' anymore," she assured him. "You've gone
and made me too soft for that. This is the new `Notepad of
Payback'. Don't worry you're not on it... yet. Jimmy gets the
honor of being the first. If it hadn't been for your heat
vision, Mr. Kent, we would have been soaked for hours thanks to
his little stunt!"

"Then we would have had to get out of our clothes," Clark said
absently.

Lois smiled widely as she watched him. "Why didn't you think of
that earlier?"

"So, what's Jimmy going to get?" Clark asked as he sat down
beside Lois at the table. He looked at the pad and shook his
head. "No. He doesn't deserve that!"

"Oh yes he does Clark. It's the meanest thing I can do to him
that my soft side will allow, and I'm going to do it!" Lois
scribbled on the pad. "Friday, Jimmy. Just wait `til Friday."

Clark sighed. "Sorry Jimmy. So, when does he get to pick up your
sister?"

Meanwhile, at the hotel room of Peter and Mary Jane
Watson-Parker

"They're a nice couple," MJ commented to Peter as he lay on
the bed. "I hope they'll be as happy as we are."

Peter turned to MJ and gave her a slightly prolonged kiss. "I
don't know if that's possible, MJ. But since he doesn't wear
spandex under his suit, they probably have a good chance."

MJ looked at him for a moment or two. "You're worried. I know
that look."

"It's Fisk. What is he up to? Why Metropolis? It just doesn't
make any sense for the Kingpin to set up a ball for charity. Not
him."

MJ cuddled up to him. "Come on Tiger. Lets not let this stop us
from enjoying ourselves. Who are you going to go to the ball
as?"

Peter thought for a moment. "I don't know. I can't really go
as Spider-Man, even though I got the outfit." He laughed as he
held his wife. "How about you?"

"I was kind of thinking of the Black Cat!" With that Peter
moaned again. "I remember how you used to look at Felicia
Harding in that getup. Well, its payback mister." She began to
tickle him and soon they were too involved in each other to watch
the time pass by.

Back with Lois and Clark, something similar was happening

"So, who are you going as Lois?" Clark asked with a devilish
smile. "Why don't I play Hercules and you play Xena?"

Lois swatted him on the chest. "You'd love that wouldn't you.
If your parents only knew the monster that lurked under this mild
mannered persona. And to think, I let it out!" She hugged and
kissed him for a moment. "Actually, I was thinking of
UltraWoman."

Back with Peter and MJ

Peter finished putting the gloves on and now reached for the
mask.

"Do you have to go out tonight?" MJ asked. "We're here on
vacation."

Peter looked sorry as he cupped her chin and gently kissed her.
"I just need to get out and spin some new webs here in
Metropolis. Who knows, I might bump into Superman." He thought
for a moment and then looked concerned. "I hope he won't mind
me being here. I mean, I'm treading on his territory."

MJ pushed him to the window. "I'm sure he'll understand. Just
be careful out there, Tiger." Peter slipped on the mask and
climbed out the window into the Metropolis skyline.

Back with Lois and Clark

"I enjoy you taking off your clothes slowly," Lois commented as
Clark changed into the suit. "Some things you just have to take
your time with."

"Like you?" Clark asked as he checked his cape. "Is it
wrinkled back there." Lois shook her head.

Clark walked to the window. "I'm only going to make a quick
flyby tonight. I doubt I'll find much." Lois waved at the
windows. "I'll be careful," he assured her. With that, he took
off. The breeze that followed his departure scattered papers over
Lois's desk.

She just stood and stared at the desk and then looked up to the
sky where Clark now was. "I'm going to have to get more
paperweights."

On the roof of the Daily Planet

Spider-Man sat perched on the roof of the Daily Planet and looked
over the city. "So peaceful," he commented.

From above him came a voice. "It is. That's why I like it up
here myself." Superman glided down and landed next to Spider-Man
who was now on his feet.

Spider-Man stood as he watched Superman. "Superman, it's an
honor to meet you. I never imagined I'd actually get to meet you
while I was here in town."

"The feeling's mutual Spider-Man. I have to say, I'd never
expected you in Metropolis." Superman resisted the urge to use
his vision to see who was under that mask. "What brings you to
Metropolis. You're a long way from home."

"I guess I can tell you," Spider-Man said with a moments
reservation. "I'm here following a gangster called the Kingpin.
His real name is Wilson Fisk!"

"The Kingpin? ... Fisk?" Superman thought for a second. "He
could be here trying to put connections in with Intergang!"

"Just wonderful. Exactly what I needed. The Kingpin AND
Intergang!" An uneasy silence passed between them in the night.
"Why are we up here. We've certainly got better things to go
home to than this." Spider-Man waved out across the city. "I
know I do."

Superman let his character drop for a slight moment and thought
of Lois back at her apartment. "Me too."

Peter grinned under the mask. *I knew he had another life out of
that suit.* "To answer my own question, I'm up here because of
these powers I have. I have found that with great power..."

"There must also come great responsibility," Superman finished.
"I've thought the same myself sometimes. It seems to suit you
better though for some reason." Superman smiled briefly.

Spidey looked back to the skyline and looked. "I guess you could
call the Kingpin my Lex Luthor," Spidey joked.

Clark moaned and rolled his eyes as Spider-Man watched intently.
"Please, don't mention Luthor. I'm trying to digest a
wonderful meal I just had." Then suddenly Spidey thought he
remembered those words before.

If Superman had been peeking under Spider-Man's mask, he would
have seen Peter Parker's eyes widen. *That phrase! That voice!
The rolling eyes! It can't be!!* Spider-Man, suddenly feeling
very self-conscious, rose to his feet. "I guess I should really
get going. We've both got better things to do than hang around
up here and talk shop."

"I don't know," Superman said. "It's kind of nice to chat
with a fellow superhero. Batman and Robin don't get down this
way too often." The later comment he said with a smile. As
Spider-Man rose to leave, Superman called after him. "Be careful
Spider-Man. Enjoy the sights."

Spidey turned and joked. "I'm from New York, remember?" With
that he shot a web line out and swung out of view.

"It can't be," were Superman's only words.

Soon after, back at Lois's apartment.

A breeze blew through the apartment, once again sending papers
flying. Without looking up Lois half-joked "Next time you're in
Greece, pick up a nice paperweight, please? Maybe something from
a temple?"

Superman spun into Clark. He had to talk to someone. "Lois, sit
down." They both sat on the sofa and Clark proceeded with the
story. "I ran into Spider-Man tonight!"

-With MJ and Peter

"I ran into Superman tonight, MJ!" Peter said as he dressed.

-With Lois and Clark

"We talked shop for a while. He's in town looking for a
gangster called the Kingpin, and the Kingpin is Fisk!" Clark
said putting the pieces together.

-With Peter and MJ

"He thinks Fisk might be trying to connect to Intergang." Peter
finished dressing.

-With Lois and Clark

"That's not the strange part though..." >Clark

-With Peter and MJ

"I think I know who he is!" >Peter

-With Lois and Clark

"He's Peter Parker!" >Clark

-With Peter and MJ

"He's Clark Kent!" >Peter

-With Lois and Clark

"That explains his exclusive photos." >Lois

-With Peter and MJ

"That explains their exclusive interviews" >MJ

-With Lois and Clark

"What makes you think..." >Lois

-With Peter and MJ

"... it's him?" >MJ

-With Lois and Clark

"Something..." >Clark

-With Peter and MJ

"... he said." >Peter

-With Lois and Clark

"You're sure. I mean positive it's him?" >Lois

-With Peter and MJ

"You're sure about this?" >MJ

-With Lois and Clark

"Positive." >Clark

-With Peter and MJ

"Positive." >Peter

-With Lois and Clark

"Then there's only one thing we can do..." >Lois

-With Peter and MJ

"... guard their secret as if it were our own." >MJ

-With Lois and Clark

"We can't let them know, we know." >Clark.

-With Peter and MJ

"Of course not. It would be so awkward. Then we'd..." >MJ

-With Lois and Clark

"... have to share our secret with them," Lois said simply.
"It's not an option right now."

Clark held her and kissed her for a moment. "I am so luck to
have you." He looked deeply into her eyes.

-With Peter and MJ

"So now that you have me, what are you going to do with me?" MJ
teased Peter as they lay together.

"I can come up with a few ideas, Mrs. Parker," Peter said as he
turned off the lamp.

Next morning, with Lois and Clark

"I've been thinking... ," Lois began.

"This Kingpin thing could help us crack Intergang once and for
all," Clark finished Lois's thought.

Lois looked up at him with wonder. "When did we start completing
each other's thoughts?"

"According to Perry, two months ago," Clark said with a smile
as he sipped his coffee. "I guess I should mention to Peter,
that Superman mentioned to us, that he saw Spider-Man last night
and would like to meet with him again." Clark thought for the
moment at what he just said. "I never babbled until I met
you."

"Ha, Ha," Lois mocked laughed. "I never was a softie until I
met you. Here I am planning my rev... my payback on Jimmy and the
worst thing I can come up with is having him take my sister to
the ball on Friday."

"I'd put that in the revenge category," Clark said teasing.

"Hey!" Lois protested as she sat down. "Don't pick on my
sister. Only *I* can do that. Besides, they've gone out before.
They both say they're miserable together." Lois's face lit up.
"Hey, I'm getting two paybacks for one!"

"What has Lucy done for a payback?" Clark asked with a raised
eyebrow.

"Nothing... yet," Lois finished. "I'm just stocking up for
those times she does and I don't feel like getting her back
right away."

"Oh," Clark said simply.

Later, at the Daily Planet

"So, you pick Lucy up at my place at 5:30p.m. on Friday. Got
that Jimmy." Lois had Jimmy in a corner and she enjoyed it.

Clark was at his desk, listening the whole time, and quite
sympathetic for his friend. He didn't want to get on the payback
list though. Jimmy was on his own this time. "CK, give me a hand
here!" Jimmy pleaded. Clark shrugged and tried to look as
sympathetic as he could. "This isn't fair Lois!"

"You said you wanted a date for the ball," Lois said with a
devilish grin.

"But not your sister. Not Lucy. That's... torture!" Jimmy
looked like he was at the end of his rope. "CK, when does that
train pass at 5th and 3rd?"

"You will be NICE to my sister. Understand?" Jimmy nodded
silently.

"Jimmy!" Perry called from his office.

"Saved by the scream." Jimmy looked skyward for divine
intervention.

Jameson and Perry, along with Robby Robertson were upstairs
planning a joint Planet / Bugle spread on the event. Meanwhile,
Lois and Clark poured over the information they had gotten on the
ball.

"The Church group," Clark said matter-of-factly. "Security is
sub-sub-sub contracted to the Church group."

"Somehow, I don't think Mindy Church is the innocent airhead
she pretends to be sometimes." Lois looked up at Clark who was
standing over her. "So, what do we do?"

Clark sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose. A habit he'd
picked up from his parents when they were stressed. "We look and
listen. I have no idea what they're up to."

They were silent for a moment and didn't even notice Peter
Parker and Mary Jane enter the newsroom. Clark sat down on the
edge of Lois's desk and gave her a quick kiss. All the time,
Peter and MJ had been watching Lois and Clark intently. Slowly,
Lois and Clark both turned to see Peter and MJ and each couple
locked eyes with the other. For a small eternity, they watched
each other. Suddenly both couples broke away and looked at their
mates. Lois turned to Clark with an expression of panic.
"Oh_my_God! They know!"

-Back to Peter and MJ

"They know!" > Peter.

-Lois and Clark

"They know we know." >Clark

-Peter and MJ

"We've got to get them away from here." >MJ

-Lois and Clark

"We've got to talk to them, soon." >Clark

Clark got to his feet and waved at Perry. "Chief!! We're
heading home for a quick lunch, we'll be back soon!"

"Take your time son,". Perry called back. "News is slow today.
I'll call if I need you." With that he waved them off.

Clark and Lois gathered their things and approached Peter and MJ.
"Would you two like to come back to my apartment? I think we
need to talk," Lois asked hopefully.

Peter responded first. "I think that's a good idea."

Back at Lois's apartment

The four sat at the table in Lois's apartment. Each couple
waited for the other to begin. Several times someone would begin,
only to fall silent. Finally, Lois held Clark's hand and
together they had the strength to go first. "Peter, MJ... we've
got something to tell you."

Peter nodded as he held MJ's hand. "I know." More silence
followed. "Oh, just out with it. Lois, Clark... we know Clark is
Superman!"

Lois and Clark sat dumbfounded for a moment. They each turned to
each other. "We know you're Spider-Man, Peter!"

Peter bolted to his feet. "You looked under my mask last
night!" MJ was immediately at his side.

Clark and Lois were soon standing too. "I didn't!! I don't
work that way!" Clark shouted back at his accuser.

"Well then how?" MJ asked trying to figure this all out.

"Something he said last night... what he said about Fisk and
Luthor was identical to what he said at the restaurant. Not to
mention the 'I'm from New York' line." Clark was starting to
feel less angry. "How did you find out about me?"

Peter smiled and looked sheepish for a moment. "It was your
reaction to my Fisk / Luthor comment. It was the same as at the
restaurant." Peter held out his hand to Clark. "I'm sorry,
Clark. I'm just a little protective about this secret. I guess
you understand after all."

Clark took Peter's hand of friendship and grasped it.
"Forgiven." Clark said simply with a smile.

Hours later, the four were making final plans for Friday's ball.
"We've got to go and find out what Fisk and Church are up to."
Lois said planning the story she and her partner would write
about this.

Peter spoke up. "You'll have to keep the Kingpin out of this,
I'm afraid." Lois looked daggers at him. "I promised Daredevil
that I wouldn't interfere with his plans for Fisk. ... It's
personal."

"O.K., but we're busting Intergang this time!" Lois was
determined beyond belief. "You with me Clark?"

Clark came up to here and hugged her closely. "One hundred
percent."

Peter and MJ watched the couple as they cuddled together.
"Clark, just one more question..." Peter began to ask. They'd
already spent a good deal of time quizzing each other on their
powers, how they met their wives (or wife-to-be in Clark's
case). He had one other question. "Who made your suit? I had to
make my own."

Lois laughed lightly. "My mother made it for me." Clark said
with a smile.

Peter just shook his head and both he and MJ laughed.
*Superman's mother made is supersuit!*

Lois's mind drifted back to the ball Friday, which was tomorrow
technically since it was now 1 a.m. on Thursday morning. "So,
who are we going to go as?" Lois looked at Peter and then Clark.
"I know Clark doesn't want to go in the suit, and I imagine you
feel the same way about yours, right Peter?"

Peter nodded, and then much his fear, MJ smiled just as deviously
as Lois had before. "I got an idea!" Peter looked to the
ceiling, wandering *What now* Clark knew the expression and
sympathized. "Why don't you two switch costumes!?"

Peter and Clark looked at each other, considering the idea.
"That would be a great idea!" Lois chimed in. "I was planning
as going as UltraWoman, how about you MJ." Clark looked at Lois
with a sly smile *UltraWoman*.

"I was going as the Black Cat." MJ almost purred as she held
Peter, who was now squirming. "Why don't we switch our outfits
too!" To this, Lois nodded with a smile.

At Intergang HQ

"My dear Mrs. Church," the Kingpin began, "I believe all the
preparations have been made for our `charity' ball tomorrow
evening. I do believe it will be a resounding success for
Intergang AND the Kingpin."

Mindy Church walked up to Fisk, dropping the airhead blonde
routine briefly. "It better be Fisk. This is a big risk to me
and my organization."

The Kingpin turned and waved his hands. "I am away from New York
and those do-gooders Spider-Man and Daredevil. What do we have to
worry about here in Metropolis?"

"Superman," was Church's only comment.

"Now," Kingpin said as he turned to face her, "would Superman
suspect that the Kingpin is in town?" He almost smiled for a
moment and then his face hardened with determination. "The plan
will go ahead as scheduled. If Superman shows up, I will deal
with him."

Friday evening, at Lois's apartment

Clark was finishing putting on Peter's spare Spider-Man costume.
He had loaned Peter a spare suit. Across the room, Lois was
putting on the Black Cat costume. "You realize, if we continue
getting dressed in front of one another, we might never get out
of here." Clark said slyly. *Of course that wouldn't be a bad
thing.*

Lois was struggling with her costume. "We promised we'd wait,
Clark. As much as it frustrates me, we wait." Clark finished
putting on the gloves and walked over to Lois. She pulled the top
trying to adjust it. "Who ever wore this before had a bigger
bustline than I do," she said with a hint of disgust.

"I didn't fall in love with you for your bustline," Clark said
as he wrapped his hands around her wait.

"Thanks for the vote of confidence Spidey," Lois teased him.
She turned around to face him in the new suit. "Red, and blue.
Variations on a theme..." Lois and Clark kissed for a moment
before Lois remembered something. "I better check on Lucy, and
see how she's doing." As she walked out of the bedroom, she
turned back. "Put on your glasses!"

Clark quickly put on his glasses, just as Lucy came out of the
bathroom. "What do you think, big-brother-to-be?" Lucy asked
Clark with a grin. "I am Wonder Woman!" Clark let out a low
whistle, which Lois heard and once again, Clark was reminded to
stay quiet with Lois's elbow in his side. "I'll take that as a
compliment."

"Jimmy should be here any moment, Lucy," Lois reminded her with
a smile. "Now, try to have a good time tonight."

Lucy sighed and twirled the lasso a bit. "Jimmy's a nice guy,
it's just that we don't seem to click," was Lucy's only
comment.

Lois looked a little sad. Just a little. "Of course you don't
'click'. He doesn't have any prior convictions." Lois smiled,
just a little bit as Lucy bit her lip.

A knock came at the door. Clark put on the Spidey mask and went
to answer it. Opening it reveled Jimmy Olsen, wearing a Captain
Marvel outfit. "Well, Shazam! Come on in."

"Whoa! CK, is that you under there?" Clark nodded. "Great
get-up. Actually I'm Captain Marvel. I just say Shazam to get my
powers." Jimmy walked in and first saw Lois in the Black Cat
outfit. "Oh, CK... I see what you got planned for tonight!"

"Watch it Jimmy, or I'll claw you apart!" Lois said playfully
swatting her hand in the air.

"What do you think, Jimmy?" Lucy asked as he set his eyes on
her.

"Whoa!" was Jimmy's only response. Clark nudged him gently.
"I mean, you look great... I mean nice.. Whoa!" Lucy blushed a
little. Jimmy had blushed a lot.

Lucy walked up next to Jimmy and ran her hand across the bolt of
lightening on his chest, as Jimmy tried to maintain some
composure. "There must be a Lane gene that's attracted to
spandex."

"So, Jimmy, what's the Chief's costume?" Clark asked trying
to relieve a little pressure.

"What do you think, CK?"

Lois and Clark looked at each other and at the same time said,
"Elvis."

Friday evening, at the ball

Clark felt a little out of place in the Spider-Man outfit. He
felt like he was calling attention to himself. He tried to put
himself at ease though and enjoy the party. There were plenty of
Green Goblins, Pranksters, Jokers, Batmen, and of course Superman
and Spider-Men. There were even some UltraWomen and Black Cats
and Wonder Women. There however was only one Captain Marvel, and
Jimmy was playing the part to the hilt. Clark couldn't remember
seeing his friend so carefree in a while, especially in the
company of a woman. Lucy also seemed to be enjoying the event,
with Jimmy. "They seem to be enjoying themselves," Clark said
pointing to Jimmy and Lucy.

"I know," Lois said with a smirk. "You've made me too soft to
even get a payback."

Clark smiled. "Look on the bright side... if we get them
together, then they'll leave us alone for a bit? Right?"

Lois moved closer to Clark. "Now I know why I decided to marry
you."

As they moved through the guests, they caught view of Superman
(Peter Parker) and UltraWoman (MJ). With a nod, they acknowledged
each other and headed over to where Perry, Jameson and Robertson
were. Perry was up, doing his best `Elvis'. Jameson was just in
a tux, but Robby was dressed in a menacing outfit, that Clark
couldn't quite place. As Spider-Man (Clark) approached, Jameson
fidgeted. "You've got some nerve showing up here, webhead!"

"Don't worry sourpuss, I won't be here long." Clark couldn't
help slipping into the Spider-Man character for a moment. The
voice was wrong though and Jameson realized it.

"Superman?" Perry asked as he studied Spider-Man. "Is that
you?"

"No Chief." Clark replied as he unmasked himself and quickly
put on his glasses. "Only me!"

"Great shades of Elvis! You had me going there son. You sounded
just like Superman there for a moment." Perry chuckled. "So,
what do you think." he asked meaning his own costume.

"You'd make the King proud." Lois said with a smile.

"I knew that was you Lois! As soon as I knew it was Clark. Nice
costumes." Perry laughed and sat down.

"Poor taste if you ask me," Jameson snarled. "People who hide
behind masks and secret identities have no place in society."

*I see why Peter dislikes this guy so much* Clark passed the
comment off though and quickly changed the subject. "Well, here
comes Superman and UltraWoman!"

Peter and MJ approached casually. Peter had his hair slicked
back, like Clark when he had the outfit on. He'd thought about
wearing a pair of glasses, but decided against it. "Well,
Spider-Man, welcome to Metropolis."

"Pleasure to be here," Clark said with a grin.

"So, Spider-Man, I bet you do whatever a spider can," Peter
said with a smile.

"I spin a web, any size," Clark smiled back.

"He catches thieves, just like flies," MJ chimed in.

"Look out, here comes the Spider-Man," Lois concluded. Everyone
laughed.

"I'd figured you for Spider-Man, Peter," Robby said as he
looked over Peter.

"And I'd figured you for Superman, Clark," Perry said in
response. Both comments made Peter, MJ, Clark and Lois fidget a
little.

Lois came to the rescue changing the subject quickly. "Who are
you supposed to be Mr. Robertson? I don't remember the
costume?"

Robby rose to his feet. "I am Spawn! Agent of Hell, reborn to
fight evil and then lead Hell's army to take over the Earth. How
are you?" Robby laughed and sat back down. "It's a comic book
my son reads. Really nasty and gorey. I figured I'd be the only
one in this outfit, and I'm right."

"Speaking of originals, Jimmy's Captain Marvel is a wonderful
getup," Perry said. "Thanks for fixing him up with your sister,
Lois." Lois only smiled and nodded briefly.

As the evening wore on, Clark and Peter were more on edge,
waiting for something to happen. Clark scanned the room with his
vision, and suddenly saw several people massing in a room. They
had guns, and bags. This was it! Fisk was sitting at the head
table, with Mindy Church at his side. At the front of the
ballroom was the large clear plastic box that held the evening's
contributions. "It's the money," Clark whispered to Peter.
"Fisk grabs the money, all one million, and splits it with
Intergang as a sign of good faith."

"Fisk then makes a small contribution to charity in place of the
money and comes off looking like a hero," Lois added quietly.

"There's armored troops in the kitchen massing to come in.
They're Intergang troopers." Clark stared at the door.

"We've got to get everyone out of here." Lois was calm, but
concerned.

"I think I have an idea." Clark turned and lowered his glasses
and focused his heat vision on the sprinkler system. One by one,
sprinklers activated, drenching the crowd below.

"Judas Priest!" Perry shouted. "Well, let's get out of here
everyone! I can't let these blue suede shoes get too wet!"
People started moving toward the exits as Clark and Peter moved
more inside after they made sure their partners were out of
harm's way.

"I'm afraid we don't have time to switch outfits, Clark,"
Peter explained. "I don't dress at superspeed."

At the head table, Fisk grumbled. "I had planned on relieving
the guests of some of their money, but I will take what I can
get." As he and Church headed for the door, he pressed a button
on his watch and said "Now!"

Intergang troopers headed into the room at once. What few guests
were left ran for cover. Peter and Clark exchanged brief glances.
Clark tossed Peter the Spidey mask and slicked back his hair.
Peter donned the mask. "It's a good thing I brought my web
shooters."

Peter jumped to the ceiling, in the Superman outfit and sized up
the situation. The Intergang troopers stood stunned for a moment
as they recognized Superman, in Spider-Man's outfit and
Spider-Man in Superman's. "Get them!" a trooper shouted. Peter
shot a web patch over the trooper's mouth and quickly tied him
up in webs.

"How's that?" Peter asked Clark who had just hung some
troopers up on the ceiling.

"Impressive," Clark said as he rammed two troopers together.

It didn't take long for the duo to wrap up the troopers, much to
Fisk's dismay. Safely outside, Fisk frowned. He spoke into his
watch / communicator. "Smyth, send in the spider-slayer!"

A spider-slayer broke through the kitchen wall. "Great, a
spider-slayer. Those are nasty ones!"

"Let me handle this." Clark flew up and lasered the head, arms
and legs off with ease and then crushed the pieces together into
a small block the size of a small table.

"I don't guess you could teach me that trick?" Peter asked
with a laugh.

Outside, Fisk made his way to a limo waiting for him. "Mrs.
Church, I believe Metropolis is not to my taste... at the moment.
I have lost a good deal of money tonight. I do not take this sort
of thing lightly. Good night." Fisk closed the door to the limo,
leaving Church to smile like an airhead as the limo drove off.

As the guests straggled back in to collect their belongings and
the police collected the troopers while Star Labs rolled away
what was left of the spider-slayer, Clark and Peter rejoined
their dates. Lois was concerned as she ran up to Clark. "I
can't find Lucy or Jimmy anywhere!" Clark's face frowned with
concern. "I checked everywhere."

The four began to search, without any superpowers. Clark was the
first to make a discovery. "I found Jimmy's cape."

A little farther along the way, Lois said, "I found Lucy's
headband."

A trail of items lead up to a table where two items lay on the
floor. Lois picked up Jimmy's tights, and Clark picked up
Lucy's suit. Peter smiled and raised the long tablecloth up to
expose Jimmy and Lucy in a compromising position. "Lucy!!" Lois
cried.

"Jimmy!!" Clark said in unison with Lois.

Jimmy and Lucy sheepishly looked up from one another and asked
"Did we miss anything?" Clark shook his head and Peter dropped
the tablecloth back in place.

Saturday morning, at the Daily Planet

The next morning at the Daily Planet, Lois and Clark were back at
work. "These are the headlines I love," Lois said as she held
up the paper for Clark to see. The headline read `Intergang --
Kingpin Team-Up Foiled by Superman, Spider-Man Duo', by Lois
Lane and Clark Kent of course.

"It's a shame we didn't have any pictures for it though."
Perry had appeared behind them. "Two prize winning photographers
in the same room, and NO pictures." Jimmy and Lucy approached
together and quickly disappeared at the Chief's words. "What's
up with them?" With that, Perry headed back to say good bye to
their visitor from New York. Lois and Clark could only laugh.

"Thanks for keeping Fisk's name out of the piece," Peter said
as he and MJ approached. "Daredevil will appreciate it."

"Not really a problem." Clark looked to Lois. "We're just a
little disappointed since we can't connect this to Mindy
Church." Lois reached onto the floor and brought up a package
and handed it to Clark who offered it to Peter. "I believe that
this belongs to the two of you."

Peter took the package and handed Clark a similar one. "This is
yours."

Lois signed. "I suppose it's safer this way, though I've got
to say Clark looked pretty nice in the Spidey outfit." Clark
grinned back and the two shared a brief, but passionate kiss.

"Peter didn't look too bad as Superman either." MJ and Peter
followed Lois and Clark's lead.

As the two couples finished, Clark took Peter's hand to shake
it. "If you ever need any help, let me know. It's nice to have
a friend in the business."

Peter smiled. "Same here." Lois and Clark held each other as
Peter and MJ walked to the elevator where Robby and Jameson stood
waiting for them. With waves, all except Jameson, the group left
and were headed back to New York.

"Nice group," Clark said as Perry came back down.

"All except Jameson. You know, he's nothing but a hound dog,
just barking all the time." Perry walked back to his office.
"Jimmy, get up here!" Jimmy quickly complied, expecting to be
sternly lectured for his lack of vigilance last night. He
couldn't help but smile though as he entered the office. He
mouthed *thank you* at Lois who just let slip a small smile.

Lucy walked up to Lois and gave her a big hug. "Thanks big
sister. Last night was great. Jimmy and I finally clicked. I
guess these things take time." At the last comment Lois and
Clark looked at each other and smiled widely. *Sometimes these
things take up to two years* "Jimmy's taking me out again
tonight. A new Italian place just a few blocks away." Lucy
wandered off, dreamy eyed.

Clark shrugged his shoulders. "I guess I'm just going soft,"
Lois said with a smile as she laid her head on his shoulder. "I
enjoy seeing them happy."

"It's amazing what the right situation can bring out in
people," Clark said absently.

Lois grabbed his tie and pulled him down to where she could kiss
him. "I guess I'll just have to create the right situation
tonight, then. Won't I?"

Clark could only reply, "Yes."

THE END