A/N: This is the last chapter! I want to say thanks to everyone who has read my story. Also I wanted to say to the one who wrote reviews that I appreciate every one of them. I loved that you liked the debate from chapter 14 and the way I demonstrated the different points of view in chapter 10. Also it made me laugh when you wrote that you liked Clark being smart. Thank you for sticking by this story. I'm going to write a sequel, so certain details will remain vague and be further explored in the next story. However, it will be a while before I publish it.

Chapter 30

Hospitals had always produced a sense of dread in him. They were cool, sterile, and smelled of ammonia, which was unpleasant, but the atmosphere was not the only off-putting aspect. The space was too confined with too many people; he could fall victim to a perceptive mind. He realized that wherever he went he ran that risk, but this was a place of science where people went to be observed and people were paid to observe. But Clark had to be there. For too long, he had been stalling when it came to this particular task. Besides he would be around doctors more frequently now, so he thought he should grow accustomed to it.

Finally he reached her room, but his hand stopped a few centimeters from the door. What would he see? What would she say? Would she throw him out? Would she throw things at him? Clark shook his head. If she wanted to do any of those things she was justified. Still he stood outside the room. And focused on the flickering flourescent light. For Heaven's sake, he was Superman. He was brave. He fought fear with hope and strength. He was hope. And he did what was right. He knocked.

"Come in," came her voice.

Standing in the doorway, he saw her. He wanted to say hello and not stare at her, but he couldn't help it. Her red hair was back in a tight ponytail, bespectacled, and in a wheelchair. There she was placing her shoes on her motionless feet. Carefully she pulled one leg toward her and leaned as far as she could while lifting her lifeless limb so she could place the toes inside the shoe. Releasing her leg, all of the weight of it forced her foot into the shoe. By pulling with one hand and pushing her foot with the other, she shimmied the shoe over her foot. The shoe nearly on, she lifted with one hand on the back of the shoe and pushed on her foot to finally shove it all the way in. Gently she placed her foot straight down, tied the shoe, and proceeded to the next foot. For what should be a simple task it seemed so laborious. A lump formed in Clark's throat and he looked away. He was the cause of her labor.

"Hey," she said gently. Looking up in surprise, he saw her face was lit up in delightful surprise. "I got your card and flowers, but I didn't expect..."

"Yeah. I'm sorry," he said awkwardly as he slowly walked into the room, "I wanted to come earlier, but I..."

She shook her head, dismissing his apology. "Yeah. It's okay. You're here now."

All he did was stare, not knowing what to say. She was staring at him too and she smiled a little sadly.

"Uh..How are you? I mean-" He grimaced once the words left his mouth. How are you? What kind of question was that? "I saw Bruce," he said lamely as he gestured out toward the hall.

"Yeah. I'm leaving today. Bruce is checking me out," she said as she reached for her other shoe, but Clark beat her to it.

"Oh you don't have to-"

"Yes, I do."

"I've got it."

"I want to." He looked at her intensely for a few moments before he dropped his eyes again and he sighed.

"How are you?" he whispered.

He heard her shrug. "I'm okay. It'll take some time to...adjust," she laughed weakly, "I mean if you thought this was difficult, you should've seen me get my pants on."

He looked up at her. Ever the sardonic woman, he saw the humor in her face, but it wasn't in her eyes. He didn't smile.

"Really? Nothing? I thought it was entertaining. They had to hoist me up using a harness and these two nurses were jamming my pants on my..," her voice died away when his face didn't change.

Instead, he focused on placing her shoe on her foot. He unfolded the tongue, guided her foot down, and pressed it against her heel. Slowly he tied the shoestrings. When he was finished he placed her foot back on the rest and stared at it. He could feel the heat in the corners of his eyes.

"Barbara-" he began his voice was breaking and he couldn't look her in the eyes.

"Clark-"

"I'm so sorry-"

"Clark, please-"

"I should've-"

"Stop," she said placing her hands on his shoulders. They held each other's gaze for what seemed like an eternity.

"If I had moved faster-" he whispered in anguish and regret.

"Then you'd be dead and I'm sorry that I think your life is more valuable than my legs," she said with tears in her eyes.

"That doesn't change what happened."

"Clark," she sighed. "You can fly faster than a speeding bullet, lift a train over your head one-handed, and do so many other amazing things. But you're not infallible."

"I know." More than well aware of his weakness, he witnessed to what end his weakness had brought.

"No, you don't. You have such a good heart and you care so much. So much that every life, every task you see as a priority. That's a great asset. But that is also your greatest weakness."

He looked at her a little confused.

"You can't keep blaming yourself everytime you fail to save someone because you will fail sometimes. If you don't accept that, it will destroy you."

"I can't accept failure when it's my fault," he said vehemently.

She looked him straight in the eyes. "This was not your fault."

He began to protest, but she cut him off.

"It was not your fault! This was my choice."

It was his fault. She was protecting him. He could heal, but it was unlikely that she would ever recover and she took the fall for the bullet that was meant for him. He couldn't allow other people to do this. It was too dangerous. It was his responsibility.

"You almost died, Barbara."

She didn't say anything, but what her eyes said was clear. She would die for him.

"That's what being a team is: we risk our lives to protect each other in order to protect the world."

His life then was everything he had ever wanted. Friends, family. People to love. Lois and his Mom flashed through his mind, swirling with the fear of losing them because of who he was, of what he was. Maybe things were better when he was alone. No one was at risk. No one got hurt. He felt his shoulders slump a little at the terrible thoughts. He wasn't lonely anymore and he didn't want to be.

"I know what you're thinking. I've thought the same thing. Everyone would be better off if you made a fortress of solitude and cut yourself off for their own safety. And you know what? It is dangerous to love people when you're doing this job. Villains will use your heart against you, but your heart is what makes you a hero. You just don't think you deserve it. You do. And you need it because Clark, how are you going to save the world—how are any of us going to be able to do our jobs- if something doesn't bind us here? If something doesn't speak to our humanity? Everyone needs someone to go home to. Everyone needs a family. Even superheroes."

Clark was astounded. "It's not that. I love having a family now, but I don't think I should be a part of a team. No one else should fight my battles."

"It's too late. We're going to watch your back no matter what. We care about you. I'm afraid you'll have to live with that," she finished with a little smile.

Clark raised an eyebrow at her. There was one person he wasn't sure shared that sentiment.

"Yes, even him."

He nodded a little stunned and very moved by her kind and affectionate words.

"Now if you could escort me to the front desk I would like to get out of here."

He smiled a little as he pushed her out of her room. The guilt of what happened to Barbara still sat there. He doubted it would ever fully leave.

"What are you planning next?" he asked as they went down the hallway toward the elevator.

She seemed thoughtful. "I don't know. I was thinking about starting my own group. But I was leaning more towards a sorority than a fraternity."

"Really?" he asked as he pressed the button to the ground floor. How many super-heroes did she know to form her own group?

She shrugged. "Why not? I'm still kicking," she looked down at her legs, "...figuratively."

He sighed at her dark humor, but didn't make any mention of it. "What would you be doing?"

"There's more than one way to fight a battle, Clark." She raised her eyebrows conspiratorialy and Clark chuckled as the doors closed.

The Daily Planet hummed with the same level of activity it always had on a Wednesday at 2:00 in the afternoon. Clark had been assigned a fluff piece for which he was grateful, but also a little confused. When given his assignment Perry hadn't seemed disappointed in his recent performance at the Planet, so it wasn't a punishment. In fact, he had looked concerned.

He and Luthor had fought right next to the Daily Planet building. There had been so many pictures. Clark wondered what he had seen, but he wasn't worried. When it came to Perry White, if he knew anything, Clark was certain he could trust him.

Suddenly feeling the urge to move, Clark decided to get a coffee. Halfway to the break room, he stopped.

Having been moved to hang with its exalted brothers, people had full view of the first article about Superman. Every once and a while people would stop to look at them. For inspiration, for general reading. In that moment here was one person encapsulated by it, but it was last person Clark would have ever expected.

Catherine was staring mournfully at it. The aftermath of Luthor and Superman's fight seemed to have rattled her. But the extent of the damage, Clark did not know. All he knew is that she was considerably quieter around the office when it came to Superman. Suddenly not feeling very thirsty, he turned and bumped into Kassandra.

"Kassandra! Are you okay?" His concern was real. He hadn't anticipated her presence and so didn't have time to fall back and prevent her harm. But she laughed.

"I'm fine. Coffee?" she asked as she gestured toward the break room. Clark nodded and they wordlessly went inside. Kassandra started a fresh pot and while they waited they stood in a slight awkward silence. Clark smiled a little and then went back to staring at the table. When Kassandra spoke up he jumped a little.

"You sounded so surprised to see me."

"Well..I am. I thought that since...you know..." he whispered that part, but then continued speaking normally, "that you wouldn't be working here anymore. Not that I don't want you to work here! I just thought that your job was done."

One side of her mouth quirked upward. "It is. But I'm under contract; I can't just leave."

"Oh," Clark said dumbly.

"And I do need a day job."

"Right."

They both stood there in silence until the coffee maker signaled that it was done. Clark went to get a cup, but Kassandra hadn't moved from her spot. When he looked up she seemed anxious.

"Clark, I never got a chance to properly-"

Clark shook his head. "I know. I was angry, but it's not like you had a choice. Still I wish you had said something. This would have been resolved a lot sooner."

She grimaced. "You had to figure it out because-well you already know Bruce's reasons. I hope we can move past this."

"You've already proven yourself. You kept my secret and helped me. Thank you," he said.

Although she smiled, it seemed a little sad. But the moment passed and while each prepared their coffee they stood in companionable silence. Walking out of the break room with her, Clark felt lighter and much more at ease.

"So what's new with you?" he asked stirring his coffee.

"Bruce offered me a position as legal representative and liason to the Justice League," she whispered.

"I didn't realize that the League would need that," Clark said slowly.

"If our organization is going to be legitimate we need to work with world governments. The United States is the first step."

"Well, congratulations!"

"Thank you!"

She was staring at him again and he read her mind.

"I haven't decided yet," he said almost apologetically.

She shook her with a smile. "I hope whatever your choice is you're happy with it. But remember, there's no deadline for membership," she said with a wink.

It would be an understatement to have said this was an odd situation. Bruce Wayne was in his home sitting across from him and drinking his coffee. Far from star struck, Clark just felt strange to be amicably spending time with him. Bruce had called him a few days earlier asking if they could have a real conversation as most of their interaction of late had been a brief hello-goodbye at the hospital. Clark of course had accepted. They had much to discuss. But they had been sitting there for fifteen minutes doing nothing, but sipping coffee. Finally Bruce made a disgusted face as though he too realized how ridiculous they were being and spoke:

"I'm sorry for spying on you."

Clark's eyebrows leaped into his hairline. He hadn't been expecting an apology. "Bruce, you don't have to-"

Bruce put up a hand. "No, I do. The battle with Zod was horrible and you caused a lot of damage because you were inexperienced and basically just sucked at the hero thing on a grand scale."

Clark frowned. "Thanks, Bruce."

"You were an unthinking, sloppy neophyte-"

"I appreciate it."

"-who stood very little chance against Zod and his highly trained military force-"

"I'm failing to see the apology," Clark said with mild annoyance.

"BUT you saved us. And you sacrificed something unimaginable to do it. In that moment for a heartbeat I believed in you. I had faith. Hope." He gestured to Clark's chest.

"You gave me that, Clark. But I can't walk by faith alone. So I watched you and I lied. I still think what I did was the logical step. But now I'm not so sure it was the right one."

"Thank you, Bruce."

A companionable silence followed. Clark was truly touched and he understood what it meant that Bruce opened up to him. Perhaps, someday they could be friends.

"Also I was impressed by how you discovered my identity. Knee replacement. Brilliant," he said as he took a casual sip of coffee.

"Well that and it stands to reason that Batman would have extra funds. What with all your toys. I looked into the expenditures of Wayne Enterprises and found some questionable accounting," he said with a quirked eyebrow.

"That's illegal."

He looked on unabashedly. "Turnabout's fair play. At least I didn't hack into a military satellite."

"We wouldn't have had to if mine wasn't knocked out of commission."

For the record, he felt guilty about that. "You're not gonna make me pay for that are you?"

"No, just place my new one in orbit," he said with a smirk.

Clark laughed although he wondered about this new satellite. There was a more important question he wanted to ask though. "I still don't understand something."

Bruce looked at him questioningly.

"Why the blackmail story with Barbara? Why discourage me from discovering your identity?"

"All of it was a test. I wanted to know more beyond your abilities and your skills. I wanted to know your character. How you would respond when someone was delving into your privacy, but there were extenuating circumstances. Your resolve in discovering the truth. Your confidence. Your morality. Your faith. I wanted to see it all. Barbara and Kassandra assisted me in that task."

"Is the testing over?"

He looked at him thoughtfully for a moment. "Any given by me."

Clark nodded somberly. The past few months had been filled with many great tasks for him. He imagined the future would be no different.

"Clark, why did you tell General Swanwick and the world about your weakness? That's an awfully big risk."

"Trusting usually is," he gave Bruce a knowing smile. "The world deserves to know as much truth about me as possible. Besides, all the Kryptonite is gone."

Bruce smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes and for some reason he wouldn't look at Clark. Bruce cleared his throat. "So are you sure you don't want to join? We could use a man like you."

Clark gave a sardonic smile. "Because I'm an asset in battle?"

"No." Bruce gave him an unreadable look that gave Clark pause. He wasn't sure what Bruce saw, but he knew that it moved him deeply.

"I've actually been thinking about that."

Bruce eyebrows shot up in genuine surprise. Another odd occurence in a rare, sincere conversation. "You have?"

Clark nodded. "I've been thinking that I should consider being a part of something greater." There was one thing though that held him back.

"But only if it's based on trust this time."

Bruce smiled a little. "I was thinking of an...acquaintanceship."

Clark smiled broadly. An acquaintanceship he could be a part of, but then Clark remembered something. What did he say? We? Kassandra had decided to serve in a different capacity for the League and Barbara had big plans that Clark wasn't aware of. So...

"Who's 'we'?"

Bruce chuckled. "You have no idea."

Clark opened his eyes.

It was pitch black outside and Lois was fast asleep next to him. Lately, she had needed much more rest.

He couldn't have been asleep for long as it had been a busy night: two robberies, a mugging, and a fire. Something had woken him, but it hadn't been a cry for help.

To his sleep-addled brain, he didn't comprehend the beeping noise coming from his bedside table until he remembered his communicator. Carefully and quickly maneuvering out of bed, he grabbed it and pressed it into his ear to hear Bruce's voice.

"Batman to Justice League."

The past months had done a number on his ability to let go, to trust. Everything he had built had been shaken, but he had come out whole through this test only because of the people in his life. They made him stronger than he had ever been. Expanding his circle would not be easy, but it would be the right path. This was his purpose. His destiny.

"Superman here."