Fic: The Things We Lost (11/?)
Title: The Things We Lost (11/?)
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: 3,600
Spoilers: Dominion (10.19)
Disclaimer: DC Comics, Warner Bros. Entertainment owns these characters (well, except Andrew), dangit!
A/N: In this next chapter, Tess and Oliver come to breakfast and run into a surprise guest, Clark reconsiders his new name, and later Lois and Clark ‘christen’ their return to the Planet. 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)( Chapter 8)( Chapter 9)( Chapter 10)
Chapter 11: A New Start
Lois and Clark's apartment, a little later that morning:
Lois, Clark and Martha were all in the kitchen busy putting together the final touches for their 'special' breakfast with Tess and Oliver. Nothing was left out … eggs, bacon, toast, juice, pancakes, fruit and coffee.
"That's some spread, Smallville. Were you expecting an army or what?" Lois asked as she stirred the batter for the pancakes.
"No, just a few friends ... and family," he replied smiling.
Suddenly, the doorbell rang. "I'll get it," Martha said and went to the door. She opened the door and there stood her surprise invited guest. "You made it, honey. I'm so glad," she gave him a hug.
"Hi, Mom, thanks for inviting me. Are you sure it's ok? I don't want to intrude," Conner said. He sniffed. "I'm starved; something sure smells good," he said and headed for the kitchen.
Still a growing boy, Martha thought. "Of course, you're not intruding. Clark and Lois will be happy to see you," Martha replied. "Look whose here!" She hollered as they both entered into the living room then headed to the kitchen to finish cooking.
"Conner!" Clark exclaimed coming to greet his brother. "I'm happy you could make it," he told him and shook his hand.
"Thanks, Clark," Conner said and gave Lois a sly grin. "Hi, Lois," he tentatively greeted her.
"Hello, Conner. You sure have grown," Lois remarked. He was beginning to look more and more like her fiancé.
"Well, I'm almost twenty years old now. I was just a kid the last time we saw each other. I'm sorry I missed your visit to Washington last year." He came closer. "I would have apologized then, but ..."
Clark frowned, remembering the incident at the mansion but he had thought they just had words, but was there more to it? "Apologize for what?" He asked, looking between the two of them.
"It was nothing, Clark. Conner was … ummm, under the influence of red kryptonite and didn't know what he was doing, but nothing happened, really."
"Oh, boy," Conner mumbled. "I'm sorry, Lois," he apologized then winced at Clark's furious expression. Clark himself knew firsthand how unpredictable be had been under the influence of the red rock.
Lois took pity on him. "You're forgiven," she said.
Lois and Clark glanced at each other. "We'll talk later," she said and patted his arm.
"Lois?" Clark began.
She turned back to Conner hoping to diffuse the situation. "I'm just glad you made it. Tess and Oliver should be here in a few minutes."
"Tess Mercer is coming?" Conner asked, but he wasn't surprised that Tess and Oliver would be coming over. However, he still didn't remember her, although, every now and then he would get these flashes of memory of his early life. The feelings were there, but the faces were elusive, only glimpses. He never really understood what they meant.
The doorbell rang. "I'll get it," Clark said and went to the door. "Hey, guys, come in, breakfast is ready."
"Thanks, Clark, for inviting us," Tess said but then she stopped dead in her tracks, a bit dumbstruck at seeing Conner there.
Oliver came up behind her and put his arm around her waist to steady her. "It's alright; just breathe," he whispered and gave her waist a squeeze.
Conner heard her voice and stood up from the sofa and turned to face them. "Tess?"
"Hello, Conner, how are you? Never mind, I can see how you are. You look … wonderful," Tess rambled a bit, at a loss as to what to say to him.
"So do you," Conner said and then it something happened. Those flashes of memory occurred like before, but this time, a face was there, and here she was standing right in front of him.
Tess and Conner stared at each other. "We're brother and sister, aren't we?" Conner asked as he came closer.
Tess nodded, unable to speak. Oliver still held her steady. The air in the room stilled as everyone waited to see what would happen next.
Martha smiled at the scene. She had hoped this would happen, that he would finally remember Tess and everything she had done for him.
No one said a word as Conner came forward. They stood that way staring at each other each unsure what to do, then he took her into her arms, shocking her.
Tess was stunned at first, then she hugged him back enjoying their closeness for a moment. She pulled back and had to ask him, "You remember me?"
"Yes, I do, not so much your face, but your voice, and the feelings are there. Feelings of being loved, of feeling safe and happy," he told her then smiled. "Thank you, Tess. I won't forget what you did for me, I promise."
"Oh, Connor, thank you and you're welcome," Tess told him, eyes shining, returning his smile.
After a few mooments, Oliver spoke up, "Whose hungry? I sure am," he said hoping to break the tension.
"Let's eat everyone, grab your plates, and ladle on the food. The spread is in the kitchen," Martha said.
Soon, everyone was seated at the table. Martha said the grace, but then half-way through the meal, Martha felt it was time to make peace, clear the air and apologize. Taking a deep breath, she began, "Tess, I know it was hard for you coming here. Inviting Conner was my idea. I wanted him to finally remember you and the bond you shared. I also wanted him to know what a fine job you did with him in his early years. They made a difference, don't ever doubt that."
Oliver squeezed her hand and smiled.
"Thank you, Martha," Tess said truly thankful.
"I also wanted to apologize for my behavior when I held a gun to you and forced you to …?" Martha couldn't finish.
Tess put her out of her misery. "Martha, everything is fine, really. I admit those times were hard on all of us. I wasn't proud of my behavior either, but everything worked out for the best. All is forgiven."
Martha was so relieved. "I'm glad and thank you Tess," she said and smiled.
"You're welcome, Martha," Tess replied returning her smile.
"Ok, then, now it's my turn," Lois said and tried to lighten the mood. "Tess knows what I have to apologize for."
"Lois, please, I forgave you long ago. Please don't bring that up now."
"What happened, Tess?" Oliver wanted to know.
"It's not important anymore." She turned to Lois. "I understood why you did it. Actually, I'm glad you did because I had my doubts about Clark's plan, believe me," Tess said, giving Clark a side-eyed glance.
Clark groaned, not wanting to discuss it. "Can we move on to something else please?" He then brought up a happy topic. "Lois has a new name for me," he announced.
"I like the name, Clark, very regal and noble," Tess said.
"I agree with Tess, although …" Oliver hesitated.
"What don't you like about the name?" Lois asked and gave him a glare for good measure.
"What's the new name?" Conner asked, interrupting Oliver's reply. "The Blur really didn't cut it, Clark," he told him unnecessarily.
"I know, I know," Clark said.
"Superman," Oliver told him.
"Clark, I like it," Martha added her two cents.
"Superman?" Conner asked intrigued and very curious about the name. "Where did the name come from? Is it Kryptonian? It doesn't sound like it."
"No, it's not Kryptonian," Lois replied. Then she went on to tell them about her trip to Africa and meeting Carter Hall. She went on to say that she believed that Clark and her shared a destiny then she quoted Nietzsche, saying, "To him, the true hero was the person who embraced the life that he or she was given and made it better. He called that person 'übermensch' ... a Superman," she said, finishing her story.
"That's a nice story, Lois, but …" Oliver hesitated again.
Lois put her hands on her hips. "Oh, please, the name is perfect, not to mention the 'S' shield on his chest stands for something," she reminded him.
"Lois, it's not an 'S'; it's my 'El' family crest," Clark told her again.
"I know that, but …" Lois began.
Oliver interrupted. "That's just my point. The 'S' is 'human, not Kryptonian," Oliver explained. "How do you really feel about that Clark?"
"He doesn't have a problem with it," Lois answered for him, but Clark was silent. She turned to him then. "Clark?"
Clark sighed. "To be honest, I haven't had time to really think about it. My first instinct was yes, I like the name, but now … I don't know," he honestly answered her.
Lois took his hand understanding why he would be conflicted about this. "Clark, I know you're proud of your heritage and the 'S' shield will always look like an 'S,' but once everyone knows that it isn't really an 'S' but your family crest, people will understand and accept the name. You'll see," she told him hoping to ease his concerns. He didn't look too happy.
"Lois is right, Clark. Give it time. You'll grow to like it; I know you will," Martha told him hoping to cheer him up.
Everyone else chimed in Martha's sentiments.
Clark sighed and realized they were right. Once everyone knew that the 'S' was his family's crest, then it won't matter what name everyone used to call him. My name is 'Kal-El' and 'Superman' is what everyone would call me. "Thanks, everyone and I agree; I still like the name."
Lois let out a heavy sigh. "Thank goodness that's cleared up. Anyone want any more coffee?" She asked and stood up about to clear away a few empty plates.
"Lois, please sit down. I'll take care of the dishes," Martha said. "It's the least I can do," she told her future daughter-in law. "And besides, now that everyone is here, we need to plan a wedding," she said and everyone gasped, including Lois.
Clark gulped loudly.
Oliver burst out laughing.
So did Conner.
Tess covered her mouth and chuckled behind her hand.
"Alright, everyone, it's not a surprise that Clark and I are engaged again, but wedding plans will have to be put on hold for a while, at least until we can get back to the Planet and make sure our jobs are secure. I know what you said, Clark, but I'm still worried. Perry was not happy with me when I quit."
"Honey, he knows why you did it. He understands. Don't worry," Clark told her and took her hand.
"That's great news, Lois. Both of you back at the Planet, the way it should be," Tess said.
"Yeah, this guy here made Perry an offer he couldn't refuse, if you know what I mean," Lois said and let that hang in the air.
A beat, then, "Perry knows?" Tess asked shocked.
"Yep, he knows," Lois said and shook her head.
"Of course!" Oliver exclaimed and wondered if they should just put it in the papers then everyone would get the scoop.
"Oliver, come on now, Perry won't say anything," Tess said. "He won't, will he?" She tentatively asked Clark.
"No, he won't!" Clark vehemently stated.
"Clark is right. Perry is … upstanding, honest and … ummm …" Lois hesitated.
"A reporter … need I say more?" Clark chuckled and then everyone laughed, except Lois.
"Hey, you're a reporter too!" Lois exclaimed arms crossed. Everyone laughed harder then.
Clark didn't reply, but he did look a little uncomfortable.
~o~o~
Outside the Daily Planet building, later that day:
Hand in hand, Lois and Clark stood outside the Planet building and looked up at the towering skyscraper.
"You're nervous about Monday, aren't you? I could tell from the way you were acting this morning," Clark said and squeezed her hand.
"A little, I admit it," Lois told him and tried to shake off her nerves.
"I'm surprised, Lois. I know you want this more than anything, and if not for me, you would still be here. You know I had to do this for you," Clark said, still upset about the time-warp and everything Lois had felt compelled to do because of him.
She squeezed his hand. "Clark, I told you before that those decisions I made while you were gone, a few I regret, but leaving the Planet, it was the best thing for me." She said and pulled him along so that they could walk for a while. They crossed the street, entered a park, and sat down on a bench.
They sat there for a few minutes and watched a few people going in and out of the Planet building, a lot for a Saturday afternoon.
"Do you see anyone you recognize? How long were away?" Clark asked, curious about her life while he had been gone.
"Well, I left the Planet about a year ago, then I went to the station a few months later and that's where I met Andrew," she said and glanced at his stern jaw. "He was a part of my life, Clark, and not talking about him won't change the past, and he is my past. It's over between us," she stressed and watched his face hoping they could move past that chapter in her life.
"I know," he said and squeezed her hand. "It's alright to talk about him, but I still wonder why he was with Lionel that night."
"I wonder about that too. How did they meet? What's the connection?" Lois murmured her thoughts aloud.
"You can ask him yourself," Clark said and nodded toward Andrew just as he entered the Planet building.
"What is he doing here?" Lois asked shocked to see him and at the Planet.
"I have no idea," Clark said as they quickly entered the building and caught Andrew just as he entered an elevator.
"Andrew?" Lois asked, shocked to see him. "Why are you here? What's going on?"
Clark could see he wasn't infected with the darkness anymore.
"Actually, I … ummm …" He hesitated as he glanced at Clark.
"Andrew, this is Clark Kent, my … ummm …" Lois hesitated.
"Lois and I are engaged," Clark stated to his shocked rival.
It was Lois's turn to hold her tongue. She inwardly groaned. Men and their egos, she thought.
Andrew gasped. "You're engaged? But … how long …?" He couldn't think how this could have happened unless she was dating this man while seeing him. His jaw clenched.
Lois hastened to explain. "Clark and I have known each other since school. He returned from an extended stay overseas, but now …" Lois let that hang in the air.
"I see, well, I'm happy for you, Lois," Andrew stated honestly.
Lois relaxed and she could tell he meant what he said. "Thank you, Andrew, but why are you here?"
"Well, after watching you and your 'eagerness' with your reporting, I was hoping to get a job here. I have an interview with Mr. White, the editor in chief," he stated to a shocked Clark and Lois. Andrew was surprised by their reactions, but he wanted to distance himself from anything 'Luthor,' and that included the station. He continued, "I know I have no experience, but maybe I could start out in the basement, you know, the bullpen, as they say. I may get lucky," Andrew said eager to get started.
"Yes, you may get lucky. Good luck, Andrew," Lois told him.
"Good luck, Andrew," Clark told him and held out his hand.
"Thank you, Clark and thank you, Lois," Andrew said and shook his hand, but then he had to shake it to get the feeling back. That was some handshake.
The elevator arrived and Andrew left the elevator on his way to see Perry.
Lois rolled her eyes and shook her head at her fiancé.
As the elevator door closed, Clark didn't say anything, but pulled her into his arms and kissed her. He let his actions speak for him.
Clark pulled back after a moment. Turning a bit, he glanced at the hidden camera, then pushed the elevator stop button. Clark then moved them away from the camera.
"What are you doing, Mr. Kent?"
"What do you think, Ms. Lane?"
"Is this because we ran into Andrew? You don't have to prove anything to me, Clark. You know I love you," she told him hoping to put his jealousies to rest.
"Let's just say I have a lot to make up for. And as far as Andrew and Lionel, they're part of the past. Neither one of them can hurt us, not anymore."
Lois sighed relieved he would take that stance. She put her arms around his shoulders. He picked her up and braced her up against the wall. His hands roamed all over her body, down her thighs and between her legs. He kissed her hard letting her know he was ready and she was too. His lips wandered down her throat and back to her mouth again. Lois moaned into his mouth.
He moved her panties aside and she was wet and ready. He unzipped his pants and moved his erection all over her slick flesh, exciting them both. Lois gasped when his thickness filled her to the hilt, the pleasure indescribable. Soon, she found herself swept along in his passion and she could feel herself coming, as she moaned against his throat. It felt as if she might actually swoon. "You like that, do you? Ummm, I do too," he whispered. Being inside of her was never far from his mind. She was a fever in his blood burning him up. He could feel her contractions, knew she was coming and then he gasped against her neck as his climax shuddered through his body, trembling as the warm flood of his semen filled her.
A few moments passed then they pulled apart, both feeling a bit awkward at their lack of control. Once she was standing on her own two feet again, Clark held her steady for a moment. Lois was first to speak, as she righted her clothing and pushed her hair out of eyes. "Wow, that was …" She paused, then glanced at his flushed face. "Pretty good," she finished and quirked a smile flirting with him. "Here," said as she handed him a tissue from her bag, both a bit embarrassed by their actions.
Clark raised his eyebrows as he zipped his pants. "Just pretty good?" He asked a bit crestfallen.
Lois took pity on him as she touched his warm chest, his heart still beating at a rapid pace. "Let's just say I can't wait for the next round."
"Me neither," he told her and then he kissed her. Soon the elevator alarm bells went off, the elevator began to move, and the door opened. Then appalled gasps and amused chuckles came into their hearing.
But instead of leaving the elevator, they continued to kiss. The strangers entered the elevator and tried to ignore them, pushed their floor buttons and elevator began to move again.
One of the strangers recognized them. Jimmy Olsen knew Lois and Clark were coming back to the Planet and he couldn't wait to introduce himself, and to prove to them that he was just as good of a photographer as his brother had been. But he couldn't help but glance at the still kissing couple. Smiling, he thought, They really do need to get a room.
TBC!
~o~o~
A/N: This one was fun, teasing the name 'Superman' and what Clark really thought about it. I hope you enjoyed it. And yes, Jimmy is back! Just one more chapter to go! *iz sad* 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: 3,600
Spoilers: Dominion (10.19)
Disclaimer: DC Comics, Warner Bros. Entertainment owns these characters (well, except Andrew), dangit!
A/N: In this next chapter, Tess and Oliver come to breakfast and run into a surprise guest, Clark reconsiders his new name, and later Lois and Clark ‘christen’ their return to the Planet. 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)( Chapter 8)( Chapter 9)( Chapter 10)
Chapter 11: A New Start
Lois and Clark's apartment, a little later that morning:
Lois, Clark and Martha were all in the kitchen busy putting together the final touches for their 'special' breakfast with Tess and Oliver. Nothing was left out … eggs, bacon, toast, juice, pancakes, fruit and coffee.
"That's some spread, Smallville. Were you expecting an army or what?" Lois asked as she stirred the batter for the pancakes.
"No, just a few friends ... and family," he replied smiling.
Suddenly, the doorbell rang. "I'll get it," Martha said and went to the door. She opened the door and there stood her surprise invited guest. "You made it, honey. I'm so glad," she gave him a hug.
"Hi, Mom, thanks for inviting me. Are you sure it's ok? I don't want to intrude," Conner said. He sniffed. "I'm starved; something sure smells good," he said and headed for the kitchen.
Still a growing boy, Martha thought. "Of course, you're not intruding. Clark and Lois will be happy to see you," Martha replied. "Look whose here!" She hollered as they both entered into the living room then headed to the kitchen to finish cooking.
"Conner!" Clark exclaimed coming to greet his brother. "I'm happy you could make it," he told him and shook his hand.
"Thanks, Clark," Conner said and gave Lois a sly grin. "Hi, Lois," he tentatively greeted her.
"Hello, Conner. You sure have grown," Lois remarked. He was beginning to look more and more like her fiancé.
"Well, I'm almost twenty years old now. I was just a kid the last time we saw each other. I'm sorry I missed your visit to Washington last year." He came closer. "I would have apologized then, but ..."
Clark frowned, remembering the incident at the mansion but he had thought they just had words, but was there more to it? "Apologize for what?" He asked, looking between the two of them.
"It was nothing, Clark. Conner was … ummm, under the influence of red kryptonite and didn't know what he was doing, but nothing happened, really."
"Oh, boy," Conner mumbled. "I'm sorry, Lois," he apologized then winced at Clark's furious expression. Clark himself knew firsthand how unpredictable be had been under the influence of the red rock.
Lois took pity on him. "You're forgiven," she said.
Lois and Clark glanced at each other. "We'll talk later," she said and patted his arm.
"Lois?" Clark began.
She turned back to Conner hoping to diffuse the situation. "I'm just glad you made it. Tess and Oliver should be here in a few minutes."
"Tess Mercer is coming?" Conner asked, but he wasn't surprised that Tess and Oliver would be coming over. However, he still didn't remember her, although, every now and then he would get these flashes of memory of his early life. The feelings were there, but the faces were elusive, only glimpses. He never really understood what they meant.
The doorbell rang. "I'll get it," Clark said and went to the door. "Hey, guys, come in, breakfast is ready."
"Thanks, Clark, for inviting us," Tess said but then she stopped dead in her tracks, a bit dumbstruck at seeing Conner there.
Oliver came up behind her and put his arm around her waist to steady her. "It's alright; just breathe," he whispered and gave her waist a squeeze.
Conner heard her voice and stood up from the sofa and turned to face them. "Tess?"
"Hello, Conner, how are you? Never mind, I can see how you are. You look … wonderful," Tess rambled a bit, at a loss as to what to say to him.
"So do you," Conner said and then it something happened. Those flashes of memory occurred like before, but this time, a face was there, and here she was standing right in front of him.
Tess and Conner stared at each other. "We're brother and sister, aren't we?" Conner asked as he came closer.
Tess nodded, unable to speak. Oliver still held her steady. The air in the room stilled as everyone waited to see what would happen next.
Martha smiled at the scene. She had hoped this would happen, that he would finally remember Tess and everything she had done for him.
No one said a word as Conner came forward. They stood that way staring at each other each unsure what to do, then he took her into her arms, shocking her.
Tess was stunned at first, then she hugged him back enjoying their closeness for a moment. She pulled back and had to ask him, "You remember me?"
"Yes, I do, not so much your face, but your voice, and the feelings are there. Feelings of being loved, of feeling safe and happy," he told her then smiled. "Thank you, Tess. I won't forget what you did for me, I promise."
"Oh, Connor, thank you and you're welcome," Tess told him, eyes shining, returning his smile.
After a few mooments, Oliver spoke up, "Whose hungry? I sure am," he said hoping to break the tension.
"Let's eat everyone, grab your plates, and ladle on the food. The spread is in the kitchen," Martha said.
Soon, everyone was seated at the table. Martha said the grace, but then half-way through the meal, Martha felt it was time to make peace, clear the air and apologize. Taking a deep breath, she began, "Tess, I know it was hard for you coming here. Inviting Conner was my idea. I wanted him to finally remember you and the bond you shared. I also wanted him to know what a fine job you did with him in his early years. They made a difference, don't ever doubt that."
Oliver squeezed her hand and smiled.
"Thank you, Martha," Tess said truly thankful.
"I also wanted to apologize for my behavior when I held a gun to you and forced you to …?" Martha couldn't finish.
Tess put her out of her misery. "Martha, everything is fine, really. I admit those times were hard on all of us. I wasn't proud of my behavior either, but everything worked out for the best. All is forgiven."
Martha was so relieved. "I'm glad and thank you Tess," she said and smiled.
"You're welcome, Martha," Tess replied returning her smile.
"Ok, then, now it's my turn," Lois said and tried to lighten the mood. "Tess knows what I have to apologize for."
"Lois, please, I forgave you long ago. Please don't bring that up now."
"What happened, Tess?" Oliver wanted to know.
"It's not important anymore." She turned to Lois. "I understood why you did it. Actually, I'm glad you did because I had my doubts about Clark's plan, believe me," Tess said, giving Clark a side-eyed glance.
Clark groaned, not wanting to discuss it. "Can we move on to something else please?" He then brought up a happy topic. "Lois has a new name for me," he announced.
"I like the name, Clark, very regal and noble," Tess said.
"I agree with Tess, although …" Oliver hesitated.
"What don't you like about the name?" Lois asked and gave him a glare for good measure.
"What's the new name?" Conner asked, interrupting Oliver's reply. "The Blur really didn't cut it, Clark," he told him unnecessarily.
"I know, I know," Clark said.
"Superman," Oliver told him.
"Clark, I like it," Martha added her two cents.
"Superman?" Conner asked intrigued and very curious about the name. "Where did the name come from? Is it Kryptonian? It doesn't sound like it."
"No, it's not Kryptonian," Lois replied. Then she went on to tell them about her trip to Africa and meeting Carter Hall. She went on to say that she believed that Clark and her shared a destiny then she quoted Nietzsche, saying, "To him, the true hero was the person who embraced the life that he or she was given and made it better. He called that person 'übermensch' ... a Superman," she said, finishing her story.
"That's a nice story, Lois, but …" Oliver hesitated again.
Lois put her hands on her hips. "Oh, please, the name is perfect, not to mention the 'S' shield on his chest stands for something," she reminded him.
"Lois, it's not an 'S'; it's my 'El' family crest," Clark told her again.
"I know that, but …" Lois began.
Oliver interrupted. "That's just my point. The 'S' is 'human, not Kryptonian," Oliver explained. "How do you really feel about that Clark?"
"He doesn't have a problem with it," Lois answered for him, but Clark was silent. She turned to him then. "Clark?"
Clark sighed. "To be honest, I haven't had time to really think about it. My first instinct was yes, I like the name, but now … I don't know," he honestly answered her.
Lois took his hand understanding why he would be conflicted about this. "Clark, I know you're proud of your heritage and the 'S' shield will always look like an 'S,' but once everyone knows that it isn't really an 'S' but your family crest, people will understand and accept the name. You'll see," she told him hoping to ease his concerns. He didn't look too happy.
"Lois is right, Clark. Give it time. You'll grow to like it; I know you will," Martha told him hoping to cheer him up.
Everyone else chimed in Martha's sentiments.
Clark sighed and realized they were right. Once everyone knew that the 'S' was his family's crest, then it won't matter what name everyone used to call him. My name is 'Kal-El' and 'Superman' is what everyone would call me. "Thanks, everyone and I agree; I still like the name."
Lois let out a heavy sigh. "Thank goodness that's cleared up. Anyone want any more coffee?" She asked and stood up about to clear away a few empty plates.
"Lois, please sit down. I'll take care of the dishes," Martha said. "It's the least I can do," she told her future daughter-in law. "And besides, now that everyone is here, we need to plan a wedding," she said and everyone gasped, including Lois.
Clark gulped loudly.
Oliver burst out laughing.
So did Conner.
Tess covered her mouth and chuckled behind her hand.
"Alright, everyone, it's not a surprise that Clark and I are engaged again, but wedding plans will have to be put on hold for a while, at least until we can get back to the Planet and make sure our jobs are secure. I know what you said, Clark, but I'm still worried. Perry was not happy with me when I quit."
"Honey, he knows why you did it. He understands. Don't worry," Clark told her and took her hand.
"That's great news, Lois. Both of you back at the Planet, the way it should be," Tess said.
"Yeah, this guy here made Perry an offer he couldn't refuse, if you know what I mean," Lois said and let that hang in the air.
A beat, then, "Perry knows?" Tess asked shocked.
"Yep, he knows," Lois said and shook her head.
"Of course!" Oliver exclaimed and wondered if they should just put it in the papers then everyone would get the scoop.
"Oliver, come on now, Perry won't say anything," Tess said. "He won't, will he?" She tentatively asked Clark.
"No, he won't!" Clark vehemently stated.
"Clark is right. Perry is … upstanding, honest and … ummm …" Lois hesitated.
"A reporter … need I say more?" Clark chuckled and then everyone laughed, except Lois.
"Hey, you're a reporter too!" Lois exclaimed arms crossed. Everyone laughed harder then.
Clark didn't reply, but he did look a little uncomfortable.
~o~o~
Outside the Daily Planet building, later that day:
Hand in hand, Lois and Clark stood outside the Planet building and looked up at the towering skyscraper.
"You're nervous about Monday, aren't you? I could tell from the way you were acting this morning," Clark said and squeezed her hand.
"A little, I admit it," Lois told him and tried to shake off her nerves.
"I'm surprised, Lois. I know you want this more than anything, and if not for me, you would still be here. You know I had to do this for you," Clark said, still upset about the time-warp and everything Lois had felt compelled to do because of him.
She squeezed his hand. "Clark, I told you before that those decisions I made while you were gone, a few I regret, but leaving the Planet, it was the best thing for me." She said and pulled him along so that they could walk for a while. They crossed the street, entered a park, and sat down on a bench.
They sat there for a few minutes and watched a few people going in and out of the Planet building, a lot for a Saturday afternoon.
"Do you see anyone you recognize? How long were away?" Clark asked, curious about her life while he had been gone.
"Well, I left the Planet about a year ago, then I went to the station a few months later and that's where I met Andrew," she said and glanced at his stern jaw. "He was a part of my life, Clark, and not talking about him won't change the past, and he is my past. It's over between us," she stressed and watched his face hoping they could move past that chapter in her life.
"I know," he said and squeezed her hand. "It's alright to talk about him, but I still wonder why he was with Lionel that night."
"I wonder about that too. How did they meet? What's the connection?" Lois murmured her thoughts aloud.
"You can ask him yourself," Clark said and nodded toward Andrew just as he entered the Planet building.
"What is he doing here?" Lois asked shocked to see him and at the Planet.
"I have no idea," Clark said as they quickly entered the building and caught Andrew just as he entered an elevator.
"Andrew?" Lois asked, shocked to see him. "Why are you here? What's going on?"
Clark could see he wasn't infected with the darkness anymore.
"Actually, I … ummm …" He hesitated as he glanced at Clark.
"Andrew, this is Clark Kent, my … ummm …" Lois hesitated.
"Lois and I are engaged," Clark stated to his shocked rival.
It was Lois's turn to hold her tongue. She inwardly groaned. Men and their egos, she thought.
Andrew gasped. "You're engaged? But … how long …?" He couldn't think how this could have happened unless she was dating this man while seeing him. His jaw clenched.
Lois hastened to explain. "Clark and I have known each other since school. He returned from an extended stay overseas, but now …" Lois let that hang in the air.
"I see, well, I'm happy for you, Lois," Andrew stated honestly.
Lois relaxed and she could tell he meant what he said. "Thank you, Andrew, but why are you here?"
"Well, after watching you and your 'eagerness' with your reporting, I was hoping to get a job here. I have an interview with Mr. White, the editor in chief," he stated to a shocked Clark and Lois. Andrew was surprised by their reactions, but he wanted to distance himself from anything 'Luthor,' and that included the station. He continued, "I know I have no experience, but maybe I could start out in the basement, you know, the bullpen, as they say. I may get lucky," Andrew said eager to get started.
"Yes, you may get lucky. Good luck, Andrew," Lois told him.
"Good luck, Andrew," Clark told him and held out his hand.
"Thank you, Clark and thank you, Lois," Andrew said and shook his hand, but then he had to shake it to get the feeling back. That was some handshake.
The elevator arrived and Andrew left the elevator on his way to see Perry.
Lois rolled her eyes and shook her head at her fiancé.
As the elevator door closed, Clark didn't say anything, but pulled her into his arms and kissed her. He let his actions speak for him.
Clark pulled back after a moment. Turning a bit, he glanced at the hidden camera, then pushed the elevator stop button. Clark then moved them away from the camera.
"What are you doing, Mr. Kent?"
"What do you think, Ms. Lane?"
"Is this because we ran into Andrew? You don't have to prove anything to me, Clark. You know I love you," she told him hoping to put his jealousies to rest.
"Let's just say I have a lot to make up for. And as far as Andrew and Lionel, they're part of the past. Neither one of them can hurt us, not anymore."
Lois sighed relieved he would take that stance. She put her arms around his shoulders. He picked her up and braced her up against the wall. His hands roamed all over her body, down her thighs and between her legs. He kissed her hard letting her know he was ready and she was too. His lips wandered down her throat and back to her mouth again. Lois moaned into his mouth.
He moved her panties aside and she was wet and ready. He unzipped his pants and moved his erection all over her slick flesh, exciting them both. Lois gasped when his thickness filled her to the hilt, the pleasure indescribable. Soon, she found herself swept along in his passion and she could feel herself coming, as she moaned against his throat. It felt as if she might actually swoon. "You like that, do you? Ummm, I do too," he whispered. Being inside of her was never far from his mind. She was a fever in his blood burning him up. He could feel her contractions, knew she was coming and then he gasped against her neck as his climax shuddered through his body, trembling as the warm flood of his semen filled her.
A few moments passed then they pulled apart, both feeling a bit awkward at their lack of control. Once she was standing on her own two feet again, Clark held her steady for a moment. Lois was first to speak, as she righted her clothing and pushed her hair out of eyes. "Wow, that was …" She paused, then glanced at his flushed face. "Pretty good," she finished and quirked a smile flirting with him. "Here," said as she handed him a tissue from her bag, both a bit embarrassed by their actions.
Clark raised his eyebrows as he zipped his pants. "Just pretty good?" He asked a bit crestfallen.
Lois took pity on him as she touched his warm chest, his heart still beating at a rapid pace. "Let's just say I can't wait for the next round."
"Me neither," he told her and then he kissed her. Soon the elevator alarm bells went off, the elevator began to move, and the door opened. Then appalled gasps and amused chuckles came into their hearing.
But instead of leaving the elevator, they continued to kiss. The strangers entered the elevator and tried to ignore them, pushed their floor buttons and elevator began to move again.
One of the strangers recognized them. Jimmy Olsen knew Lois and Clark were coming back to the Planet and he couldn't wait to introduce himself, and to prove to them that he was just as good of a photographer as his brother had been. But he couldn't help but glance at the still kissing couple. Smiling, he thought, They really do need to get a room.
TBC!
~o~o~
A/N: This one was fun, teasing the name 'Superman' and what Clark really thought about it. I hope you enjoyed it. And yes, Jimmy is back! Just one more chapter to go! *iz sad* Thanks for reading. Reviews are love.