Iris

Fragments

Chapter 7 - Fragments

Clark got out of the car and stood looking up at the gothic structure. There was something eerie about coming here at night. He had to admit it was as dark as the man who resided in it. He smiled at the thought of that man. They had their ups and downs and they didn't agree on a lot of issues, but besides Pete he had never had a closer friend. He trusted this man with his life. He would trust this man with Lana's life now. The decision to drive to Gotham City had been spontaneous. He needed someone to talk to, someone objective, someone who didn't fear looking at the truth. He knew this man would not choose words, he would say what needed to be said, no less no more. A man of very limited words.

His thoughts were hectic as he used the knocker and waited. How was he going to start? He couldn't get the image of Lana out of his mind. She was now like a constant shadow. He had thought that the trip with Lois had cleared up a lot but there were still lingering feelings of disorientation. He ran his hand through his hair as he whispered his wife's name, even though it wasn't the name on his mind or in his heart. How had he gotten himself into such a mess?

Alfred looked at the young man before him, the confusion etched on the young man's face. He could see that the smile and small talk were forced. He knew Clark Kent better than a lot of people thought he did. He had watched, studied and cared for this young man over the last few years. It was like the Wayne Manor had always had a second young master.

"Alfred you should have been there it was so cool. I mean it was so awesome, it's the furthest I have been from Earth's atmosphere____" he stopped when he noticed the distance look on Alfred's face "___then I fell, you should have seen the blood Alfred."

"But you do not look like you have suffered too much over the unfortunate lose of the red liquid that we are not even sure you possess Master Clark," the butler smiled at the young man.

"Alfred, why don't you ever call me Clark? It feels strange when you call me that," he sighed in frustration, it had been a topic that had been on the table for years.

Alfred just smiled at him as he led him to the kitchen.

"Unfortunately Master Bruce is not in at the moment, but I have been assisting Lady Tatsu in the kitchen. She is making a rather interesting dish," he said as he held the door open for Clark to precede him the kitchen.

In other words you have absolutely no idea what she is making, Clark thought as he entered the kitchen. His eyes found Tatsu at the kitchen island slicing what could only be garlic from the overpowering smell.

"It's an oriental dish. I thought I might make one for tonight. Poor Alfred has been forced to assist me," Tatsu smiled as Clark leaned down and placed a kiss on her cheek.

"Not at all my lady, it is a privilege to be of assistance to you and gain knowledge of something new in the process," he was putting on an apron back over his clothes.

"Alfred, forever the diplomat," Tatsu smiled.

Clark sat on a chair next to Tatsu as she continued to chop the garlic.

"You know I could have that done in seconds," he offered.

"Clark Kent, you keep your powers out of my kitchen. Bruce's equipment is bad enough," she started on the onions.

"So where is the Dark Knight?" Clark picked up one of the carrots that were awaiting Tatsu's attention.

"He had a meeting at Wayne Enterprises, but he should be back in a few hours. Stay and have dinner with us."

She could tell that something was bothering Clark. It could only be one thing. Lana Lang. She wished that the solutions were easy, that she could tell him exactly what to do and it would solve his problems. She hated to see him so confused, not knowing what to do. She put the knife down and wiped her hands on her apron. She sat next to him and touched his hair lightly. He was the little brother she had never had.