Fic: The Things We Lost (7/?)
Title: The Things We Lost (7/?)
Author: Babette babettew54
Category: Smallville (AU)
Characters: Lois/Clark/Kal-El, Tess, Oliver, Lex
Rating: T
Summary: Lois and Clark must accept the cruel reality of their separation as they try to get back what they had lost.
Word Count: 3,000
Spoilers: Dominion (10.19)
Disclaimer: DC Comics, Warner Bros. Entertainment owns these characters (well, except Andrew), dangit!
A/N: In this next chapter, Clark and Lois finally reconnect, Tess and Oliver are finally on the same page, and later, the League sets out to stop Lex once and for all. Here’s another favorite of mine and you know why! Please read and review. Thanks, everyone! :D
Story banner by hanakt
Previously:
( Chapter 1) ( Chapter 2) ( Chapter 3) ( Chapter 4) ( Chapter 5)
( Chapter 6)
Chapter 7: Always and Forever
Lois and Clark's apartment, early morning:
It was nearly three a.m. in the morning and the city was eerily quiet when Clark finally returned to their apartment. Quiet as a mouse, he let himself in then slowly entered their bedroom and Lois was sleeping soundly and beautifully. He watched her for a few minutes. Her hair was all over the pillow in silken waves just waiting for him to touch it, to touch her. Taking a shuddering breath, he twirled out of the suit and entered the bed and climbed under the covers. He was a big man, and the bed squeaked a little. Lois sighed, but didn't open her eyes, too into her dreams to do that.
Clark smoothed and stroked her hair, the silken softness calling to him. Laying his head close to hers, he breathed in the fragrance of her hair, as flowers in springtime came into his mind and some other scent that was uniquely Lois. He closed his eyes then and he fell asleep within moments.
A few hours later, the birds chirped outside and the warmth of a body laying behind her slowly awakened the woman in the bed. Lois opened her eyes and he was beside her, his arm around her waist protecting her even in sleep. She managed to slowly turn around without awakening him. She reached up, careful not to wake him, smoothed and stroked his hair out of his eyes. Smiling at the serene expression on his face, she waited patiently for him to wake up.
As soon as his eyes began to move, she leaned over and kissed him awake. "Good morning," she whispered provocatively and smiled.
"Humm, good morning," he replied and returned her smile. Closing his eyes again, Clark turned toward the warmth of the sun like a magnet calling to him.
Lois looked from his face to the window and back again, enthralled yet again by this amazing man. "Clark?"
"Uh, huh?" He didn't open his eyes.
"What are you thinking?" She wanted to know what he had been thinking at that moment.
He opened his eyes then and looked into her inquisitive eyes. "How much I want you," he replied as he twirled a lock of her hair.
"Really, truly?" Lois loved hearing him say things like that.
"Always," he replied with so much emotion, that Lois's heart melted. Then he leaned down and kissed her ever so sweetly. Lois put her arms around his neck and kissed his back slowly at first, then tongues touched and moans were uttered. He clutched her to him as her hands went into his hair stroking and smoothing the softness. His lips then left the sweetness of her mouth and traveled down her hollow of her throat and Lois couldn't help it and she leaned back to given him more access. Clark's head was spinning with sensations as he pulled her up and helped her remove her gown.
"Oh, Clark, I've missed you so much." Tears blurred her vision at those words, as she tried to hold it in.
He watched as a stray tear slid slowly down her cheek. "Oh, Lois, I'm so sorry about everything, for what happened before I left for the Phantom Zone, for not telling you my instructions, and most of all for not being here for you, to hold you, to take care of you," Clark whispered getting emotional too.
They held each other close, her head on his chest his hands stroking her hair, both holding back tears then, as words were hard to speak.
"Don't say anymore, just kiss me, kiss me," Lois whispered to him. She pulled him closer, leaned up, eyes closed, and then they were kissing desperately, each tasting the other's tears.
Lois was back in heaven again. Being in his arms was heaven to her, and Clark felt the same way. He found a new respect for her. He thought about how she had managed to go on without him. He didn't know how he could have done it. He clutched her tighter against him as they touched skin to skin, and hip to thigh, as passion burst to sweet life between them. She ran her fingers through his thick black hair, down his powerful neck and arms.
"You're so beautiful," Clark whispered, as he smoothed her hair away from her face. "I love you, Lois. I'll always love you."
"I love you too, Clark, always," she whispered back. Then his mouth closed over hers yet again. Clark wanted this to last as he traveled down her throat to her breast. She was so soft and delectable to him. He couldn't stop touching her or kissing her, the same driving hunger they had both missed and the knowledge that they both wanted this brought joy and happiness to their souls.
Lois was like a drug to him, inside his mind, his body, all of him, causing him to lose control of himself in ways that stunned him sometimes, but he wouldn't want it any other way. He was hers, and she was his in every way. He promised himself that he would go slowly ignoring his bodies' demands, knowing it had been a long time for her.
"Clark, please, I need you," she begged on a moan, her head thrown back on the pillow, her eyes squeezed shut, her breath barely escaping from her lungs. Clark desperately needed her too. He watched as he entered her slowly at first. He was back in heaven too. "Oh, god, you feel so good," he sighed enjoying the feeling of being inside of her again. And then he was kissing her again, his mouth slanting across hers in a deep, consuming kiss as he began to slowly move in and out of her body. Being with her like this was never far from his mind, and now that they were back together, he would never take her for granted, never again.
Then he was thinking of nothing else as they began that familiar climb, each straining and clutching each other close. It was bliss, pure bliss for both of them. After they had caught their breaths enough to speak, he pulled her close to his side and stroked her hair.
"Are you ok?" Clark asked as Lois was a bit too quiet.
"I'm fine," she replied and sighed against his chest. "I was just thinking about us and how things got so mixed up between us."
"I was too," he whispered, pulling her closer. "I have a confession to make."
"What is it?"
"When my memories came back to me, I realized something that I never want to do again. I've hurt you in the past, Lois, like my instructions to Tess, for one, and when I sent you away to Africa. I've lived to regret those decisions."
She leaned up on her elbow to see his face. "I know it was never your intention to hurt me, Clark, but I was hurt. I know you wanted to protect me, but not telling me your plans or sending me away was never the answer, but I hope we can move on from here."
"I hope so too, Lois," Clark whispered, determined to make it work.
She smiled at him. "I know we can, Clark," she told him firmly. "Actually, thinking about Africa, while I was there, I learned a few things."
"Like what?"
"Well, I just may have a new name for you, you know, to go along with that amazing costume."
"Really, what is it?"
"What would you say to the name ... Superman?"
"Humm … Superman?" He thought about it for a moment. "It's straightforward, to the point, not flashy, but simple. I think I like it." He smiled. "Thank you, Lois."
"You're very welcome." She went into his arms, pulling him closer. "Now, about all of the other adjustments we have to make, like we both need jobs."
Clark had thought about that. However, returning to the Planet may be difficult for them, if not impossible, but he hadn't given up hope that they could do it. "We don't have to decide anything right away, but we do have to see Lex tonight," he told her, as he pulled her close to his side.
Confused, she leaned up on her elbow. "Why would we go to see him?"
"As you said, he needs to be stopped, and you, Tess and I may be the only ones who can stop him."
She nodded understanding. "Do you mean you, Clark Kent, or ... Superman?"
"Both," he replied smiling and watched her eyes light up with a dawning expression.
~o~o~
Tess's apartment, later that morning:
Bright sunlight streamed through the windows of Tess's bedroom as she stretched her arms over her head and realized that she had finally gotten a good night's sleep. It had eluded her for a long time ever since Oliver had disappeared. Sighing to herself, she couldn't help thinking about him. Her cell phone rang. Now who would be calling me at this hour? It was Oliver. "Oliver, what is it? What's happened?"
"Nothing happened, but I need to see you right away. It's important."
"Now, but I have to get to the office soon, and make sure Lex doesn't get suspicious. You know the plan."
"This won't take long, I promise."
What is it now? Tess thought. "Alright, I'll see you in a little while."
"Bye, Tess."
She hung up and hoped Oliver wasn't going to start up with her about tonight. She didn't need him after her about this, but she had to wonder again what was really going on with him, but it needed to stop.
A half hour later, Tess opened her front door and Oliver was standing there looking sharp and quite appealing. She tried to calm her racing heart at the mere sight of him, but she had long since given up on her dreams years ago. It just wasn't possible. Sighing to herself, she said, "Oliver, what do you want?"
"I'm here to talk, Tess, that's all," he smiled as he watched her check him out. His hands were behind him then he held up several bags, one full of coffee, the other full of scones. "Hungry?"
"Oliver, I don't have time to do this," she told him, then shut the door and followed him to the living room. He placed the coffee on the coffee table.
"Careful, it's hot," he told her. Then he went into the kitchen, found a few plates and brought them over. "Come on, Tess, you must be hungry. If I know you, you were at the office all evening, not taking a break or eating. Take a seat, Tess."
Sighing, she sat down next to him and then they ate in companionable silence for a few minutes. Smiling to herself, she realized how much she had missed him, missed this. "Thanks, Oliver, I don't normally eat breakfast."
"Well, we'll have to remedy that from now on," he told her, without thinking, chewing his food.
Tess swallowed with difficulty after hearing those words. "What do you mean 'from now on'?"
He shook his head at her. "I thought you would have realized it by now." She frowned not understanding. "I don't know what else to do, Tess. I've pretty much broadcasted my feelings here. Are you being particularly dense for some reason?"
Tess tried to swallow again, but it went down the wrong way. She coughed, choking a little.
He patted her back a few times. "Here, drink this," he gave her some more coffee.
Her eyes watered, but it wasn't from almost choking to death. She swallowed again. "Oliver, please don't do this to me," she said then put the coffee down.
He smiled at her. "What am I doing to you?"
Oh, no, there's that smile again. "Making me crazy," she replied, not looking at him. Her heart was pounding and she wondered again if this were really happening.
He reached up and stroked her hair behind her ear. "Then, I've succeeded."
She shook her head, still confused. "I don't know what to say."
"Yeah, you do, but I'll wait for it," he smiled again. "Come here," he told her and held out his arms.
Tess hesitated for a millisecond, and then she was in his arms, her arms around his waist. He pulled her close to his chest.
She sighed, took a deep breath, her eyes tightly closed, and just enjoyed being in his arms again after so long. She breathed in his unique scent and then her emotions got the better of her. Her eyes burned; she knew what was coming; she was going to cry. "Oliver ... I've missed you ... so much," she whimpered and tried to hold it in.
He clutched her tighter against him knowing exactly how she felt. "I'm back now, I'm back," he told her softly and stroked her hair.
"I always had faith you would come back," Tess whispered to him, finally admitting it.
Oliver closed his eyes and held her closer at those words. She constantly amazed him.
They sat that way for several minutes, both enjoying their newfound closeness, finally understanding what was really happening between them.
Tess spoke first. "About tonight, if anything happens ...?"
He clutched her tighter against him. "Nothing is going to happen."
Confused, she pulled back and stared at him. "But, you said ...?"
Now he had her worried about her safety. "Never mind what I said," he told her firmly. He took her face between his palms. "I won't let anything happen. I'll be there every step of the way. Remember that."
She smiled. "I won't forget."
He smoothed her hair away from face. "See that you don't," he replied firmly and then he closed his eyes and pulled her toward him.
Tess also closed her eyes, accepting the inevitable, and then they were kissing, softly at first, then heads turned and tongues touched, exciting them both. Then they were in each other's arms, his hands were in her hair, and her hands caressed his cheeks, still not quite believing this was happening. They both wanted and needed each other, but Tess had the presence of mind to remember she had to get to the office soon. She reluctantly pulled back.
Oliver knew she had to go. "I know you have to leave. We will finish this later tonight," he told her firmly as he stroked her shoulder and arm, sending goose-bumps along her flesh.
She kissed him quick. "I'm counting on it."
They both stood up then, neither wanting to leave. "I should go," Oliver finally said.
She took his hand. "Come on, before we start something we won't be able to finish," she said and smiled, pulling him toward the door.
"Be careful tonight," he felt the need to say.
"I will, you too," she told him.
Then they kissed goodbye and then he was gone.
~o~o~
LuthorCorp headquarters, 8:50 pm that night:
Lois, Clark and Tess entered the lobby of the LuthorCorp building and walked up to the guard in the lobby of the front entrance. Clark spoke to the guard. "Tess Mercer, Clark Kent and Lois Lane, we have an appointment with Mr. Luthor."
"Yes, I see your names, Mr. Kent and Ms. Lane, but Ms. Mercer …?" The guard looked up from the list.
"George, don't you know me?" Tess asked the guard.
"Of course, Ms. Mercer, ummm, right this way."
"George, I have a key," Tess said and showed him her key.
"Of course, Ms. Mercer, I'm sorry," he apologized.
"No harm done. How are you, George?" Tess asked, hoping to relax him.
George perked up. "I'm fine, Ms. Mercer, thank you for asking."
"You're welcome, George," she smiled at him. Then they were on their way.
They entered the elevator, Tess swiped a key across the elevator security bar, punched the penthouse button, and then they were on their way to meet Lex.
Clark could see all the security equipment in the elevator ... cameras and voice-activated devices. He knew all of this, as he raised his eyebrows at his companions. They knew what that meant. They were being watched.
TBC!
~o~o~
A/N: I so enjoyed writing this chapter! *sighs heavily* I so miss our ships! Thank goodness for fanfic! A big chapter coming up, but I don't need to tell you that! Update in a week! Thanks for reading. Reviews are love.
Author: Babette babettew54
Category: Smallville (AU)
Characters: Lois/Clark/Kal-El, Tess, Oliver, Lex
Rating: T
Summary: Lois and Clark must accept the cruel reality of their separation as they try to get back what they had lost.
Word Count: 3,000
Spoilers: Dominion (10.19)
Disclaimer: DC Comics, Warner Bros. Entertainment owns these characters (well, except Andrew), dangit!
A/N: In this next chapter, Clark and Lois finally reconnect, Tess and Oliver are finally on the same page, and later, the League sets out to stop Lex once and for all. Here’s another favorite of mine and you know why! Please read and review. Thanks, everyone! :D
Story banner by hanakt
Previously:
( Chapter 1) ( Chapter 2) ( Chapter 3) ( Chapter 4) ( Chapter 5)
( Chapter 6)
Chapter 7: Always and Forever
Lois and Clark's apartment, early morning:
It was nearly three a.m. in the morning and the city was eerily quiet when Clark finally returned to their apartment. Quiet as a mouse, he let himself in then slowly entered their bedroom and Lois was sleeping soundly and beautifully. He watched her for a few minutes. Her hair was all over the pillow in silken waves just waiting for him to touch it, to touch her. Taking a shuddering breath, he twirled out of the suit and entered the bed and climbed under the covers. He was a big man, and the bed squeaked a little. Lois sighed, but didn't open her eyes, too into her dreams to do that.
Clark smoothed and stroked her hair, the silken softness calling to him. Laying his head close to hers, he breathed in the fragrance of her hair, as flowers in springtime came into his mind and some other scent that was uniquely Lois. He closed his eyes then and he fell asleep within moments.
A few hours later, the birds chirped outside and the warmth of a body laying behind her slowly awakened the woman in the bed. Lois opened her eyes and he was beside her, his arm around her waist protecting her even in sleep. She managed to slowly turn around without awakening him. She reached up, careful not to wake him, smoothed and stroked his hair out of his eyes. Smiling at the serene expression on his face, she waited patiently for him to wake up.
As soon as his eyes began to move, she leaned over and kissed him awake. "Good morning," she whispered provocatively and smiled.
"Humm, good morning," he replied and returned her smile. Closing his eyes again, Clark turned toward the warmth of the sun like a magnet calling to him.
Lois looked from his face to the window and back again, enthralled yet again by this amazing man. "Clark?"
"Uh, huh?" He didn't open his eyes.
"What are you thinking?" She wanted to know what he had been thinking at that moment.
He opened his eyes then and looked into her inquisitive eyes. "How much I want you," he replied as he twirled a lock of her hair.
"Really, truly?" Lois loved hearing him say things like that.
"Always," he replied with so much emotion, that Lois's heart melted. Then he leaned down and kissed her ever so sweetly. Lois put her arms around his neck and kissed his back slowly at first, then tongues touched and moans were uttered. He clutched her to him as her hands went into his hair stroking and smoothing the softness. His lips then left the sweetness of her mouth and traveled down her hollow of her throat and Lois couldn't help it and she leaned back to given him more access. Clark's head was spinning with sensations as he pulled her up and helped her remove her gown.
"Oh, Clark, I've missed you so much." Tears blurred her vision at those words, as she tried to hold it in.
He watched as a stray tear slid slowly down her cheek. "Oh, Lois, I'm so sorry about everything, for what happened before I left for the Phantom Zone, for not telling you my instructions, and most of all for not being here for you, to hold you, to take care of you," Clark whispered getting emotional too.
They held each other close, her head on his chest his hands stroking her hair, both holding back tears then, as words were hard to speak.
"Don't say anymore, just kiss me, kiss me," Lois whispered to him. She pulled him closer, leaned up, eyes closed, and then they were kissing desperately, each tasting the other's tears.
Lois was back in heaven again. Being in his arms was heaven to her, and Clark felt the same way. He found a new respect for her. He thought about how she had managed to go on without him. He didn't know how he could have done it. He clutched her tighter against him as they touched skin to skin, and hip to thigh, as passion burst to sweet life between them. She ran her fingers through his thick black hair, down his powerful neck and arms.
"You're so beautiful," Clark whispered, as he smoothed her hair away from her face. "I love you, Lois. I'll always love you."
"I love you too, Clark, always," she whispered back. Then his mouth closed over hers yet again. Clark wanted this to last as he traveled down her throat to her breast. She was so soft and delectable to him. He couldn't stop touching her or kissing her, the same driving hunger they had both missed and the knowledge that they both wanted this brought joy and happiness to their souls.
Lois was like a drug to him, inside his mind, his body, all of him, causing him to lose control of himself in ways that stunned him sometimes, but he wouldn't want it any other way. He was hers, and she was his in every way. He promised himself that he would go slowly ignoring his bodies' demands, knowing it had been a long time for her.
"Clark, please, I need you," she begged on a moan, her head thrown back on the pillow, her eyes squeezed shut, her breath barely escaping from her lungs. Clark desperately needed her too. He watched as he entered her slowly at first. He was back in heaven too. "Oh, god, you feel so good," he sighed enjoying the feeling of being inside of her again. And then he was kissing her again, his mouth slanting across hers in a deep, consuming kiss as he began to slowly move in and out of her body. Being with her like this was never far from his mind, and now that they were back together, he would never take her for granted, never again.
Then he was thinking of nothing else as they began that familiar climb, each straining and clutching each other close. It was bliss, pure bliss for both of them. After they had caught their breaths enough to speak, he pulled her close to his side and stroked her hair.
"Are you ok?" Clark asked as Lois was a bit too quiet.
"I'm fine," she replied and sighed against his chest. "I was just thinking about us and how things got so mixed up between us."
"I was too," he whispered, pulling her closer. "I have a confession to make."
"What is it?"
"When my memories came back to me, I realized something that I never want to do again. I've hurt you in the past, Lois, like my instructions to Tess, for one, and when I sent you away to Africa. I've lived to regret those decisions."
She leaned up on her elbow to see his face. "I know it was never your intention to hurt me, Clark, but I was hurt. I know you wanted to protect me, but not telling me your plans or sending me away was never the answer, but I hope we can move on from here."
"I hope so too, Lois," Clark whispered, determined to make it work.
She smiled at him. "I know we can, Clark," she told him firmly. "Actually, thinking about Africa, while I was there, I learned a few things."
"Like what?"
"Well, I just may have a new name for you, you know, to go along with that amazing costume."
"Really, what is it?"
"What would you say to the name ... Superman?"
"Humm … Superman?" He thought about it for a moment. "It's straightforward, to the point, not flashy, but simple. I think I like it." He smiled. "Thank you, Lois."
"You're very welcome." She went into his arms, pulling him closer. "Now, about all of the other adjustments we have to make, like we both need jobs."
Clark had thought about that. However, returning to the Planet may be difficult for them, if not impossible, but he hadn't given up hope that they could do it. "We don't have to decide anything right away, but we do have to see Lex tonight," he told her, as he pulled her close to his side.
Confused, she leaned up on her elbow. "Why would we go to see him?"
"As you said, he needs to be stopped, and you, Tess and I may be the only ones who can stop him."
She nodded understanding. "Do you mean you, Clark Kent, or ... Superman?"
"Both," he replied smiling and watched her eyes light up with a dawning expression.
~o~o~
Tess's apartment, later that morning:
Bright sunlight streamed through the windows of Tess's bedroom as she stretched her arms over her head and realized that she had finally gotten a good night's sleep. It had eluded her for a long time ever since Oliver had disappeared. Sighing to herself, she couldn't help thinking about him. Her cell phone rang. Now who would be calling me at this hour? It was Oliver. "Oliver, what is it? What's happened?"
"Nothing happened, but I need to see you right away. It's important."
"Now, but I have to get to the office soon, and make sure Lex doesn't get suspicious. You know the plan."
"This won't take long, I promise."
What is it now? Tess thought. "Alright, I'll see you in a little while."
"Bye, Tess."
She hung up and hoped Oliver wasn't going to start up with her about tonight. She didn't need him after her about this, but she had to wonder again what was really going on with him, but it needed to stop.
A half hour later, Tess opened her front door and Oliver was standing there looking sharp and quite appealing. She tried to calm her racing heart at the mere sight of him, but she had long since given up on her dreams years ago. It just wasn't possible. Sighing to herself, she said, "Oliver, what do you want?"
"I'm here to talk, Tess, that's all," he smiled as he watched her check him out. His hands were behind him then he held up several bags, one full of coffee, the other full of scones. "Hungry?"
"Oliver, I don't have time to do this," she told him, then shut the door and followed him to the living room. He placed the coffee on the coffee table.
"Careful, it's hot," he told her. Then he went into the kitchen, found a few plates and brought them over. "Come on, Tess, you must be hungry. If I know you, you were at the office all evening, not taking a break or eating. Take a seat, Tess."
Sighing, she sat down next to him and then they ate in companionable silence for a few minutes. Smiling to herself, she realized how much she had missed him, missed this. "Thanks, Oliver, I don't normally eat breakfast."
"Well, we'll have to remedy that from now on," he told her, without thinking, chewing his food.
Tess swallowed with difficulty after hearing those words. "What do you mean 'from now on'?"
He shook his head at her. "I thought you would have realized it by now." She frowned not understanding. "I don't know what else to do, Tess. I've pretty much broadcasted my feelings here. Are you being particularly dense for some reason?"
Tess tried to swallow again, but it went down the wrong way. She coughed, choking a little.
He patted her back a few times. "Here, drink this," he gave her some more coffee.
Her eyes watered, but it wasn't from almost choking to death. She swallowed again. "Oliver, please don't do this to me," she said then put the coffee down.
He smiled at her. "What am I doing to you?"
Oh, no, there's that smile again. "Making me crazy," she replied, not looking at him. Her heart was pounding and she wondered again if this were really happening.
He reached up and stroked her hair behind her ear. "Then, I've succeeded."
She shook her head, still confused. "I don't know what to say."
"Yeah, you do, but I'll wait for it," he smiled again. "Come here," he told her and held out his arms.
Tess hesitated for a millisecond, and then she was in his arms, her arms around his waist. He pulled her close to his chest.
She sighed, took a deep breath, her eyes tightly closed, and just enjoyed being in his arms again after so long. She breathed in his unique scent and then her emotions got the better of her. Her eyes burned; she knew what was coming; she was going to cry. "Oliver ... I've missed you ... so much," she whimpered and tried to hold it in.
He clutched her tighter against him knowing exactly how she felt. "I'm back now, I'm back," he told her softly and stroked her hair.
"I always had faith you would come back," Tess whispered to him, finally admitting it.
Oliver closed his eyes and held her closer at those words. She constantly amazed him.
They sat that way for several minutes, both enjoying their newfound closeness, finally understanding what was really happening between them.
Tess spoke first. "About tonight, if anything happens ...?"
He clutched her tighter against him. "Nothing is going to happen."
Confused, she pulled back and stared at him. "But, you said ...?"
Now he had her worried about her safety. "Never mind what I said," he told her firmly. He took her face between his palms. "I won't let anything happen. I'll be there every step of the way. Remember that."
She smiled. "I won't forget."
He smoothed her hair away from face. "See that you don't," he replied firmly and then he closed his eyes and pulled her toward him.
Tess also closed her eyes, accepting the inevitable, and then they were kissing, softly at first, then heads turned and tongues touched, exciting them both. Then they were in each other's arms, his hands were in her hair, and her hands caressed his cheeks, still not quite believing this was happening. They both wanted and needed each other, but Tess had the presence of mind to remember she had to get to the office soon. She reluctantly pulled back.
Oliver knew she had to go. "I know you have to leave. We will finish this later tonight," he told her firmly as he stroked her shoulder and arm, sending goose-bumps along her flesh.
She kissed him quick. "I'm counting on it."
They both stood up then, neither wanting to leave. "I should go," Oliver finally said.
She took his hand. "Come on, before we start something we won't be able to finish," she said and smiled, pulling him toward the door.
"Be careful tonight," he felt the need to say.
"I will, you too," she told him.
Then they kissed goodbye and then he was gone.
~o~o~
LuthorCorp headquarters, 8:50 pm that night:
Lois, Clark and Tess entered the lobby of the LuthorCorp building and walked up to the guard in the lobby of the front entrance. Clark spoke to the guard. "Tess Mercer, Clark Kent and Lois Lane, we have an appointment with Mr. Luthor."
"Yes, I see your names, Mr. Kent and Ms. Lane, but Ms. Mercer …?" The guard looked up from the list.
"George, don't you know me?" Tess asked the guard.
"Of course, Ms. Mercer, ummm, right this way."
"George, I have a key," Tess said and showed him her key.
"Of course, Ms. Mercer, I'm sorry," he apologized.
"No harm done. How are you, George?" Tess asked, hoping to relax him.
George perked up. "I'm fine, Ms. Mercer, thank you for asking."
"You're welcome, George," she smiled at him. Then they were on their way.
They entered the elevator, Tess swiped a key across the elevator security bar, punched the penthouse button, and then they were on their way to meet Lex.
Clark could see all the security equipment in the elevator ... cameras and voice-activated devices. He knew all of this, as he raised his eyebrows at his companions. They knew what that meant. They were being watched.
TBC!
~o~o~
A/N: I so enjoyed writing this chapter! *sighs heavily* I so miss our ships! Thank goodness for fanfic! A big chapter coming up, but I don't need to tell you that! Update in a week! Thanks for reading. Reviews are love.