Fic: The Things We Lost (12/?)
Title: The Things We Lost (12/?)
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: 2,600
Spoilers: Dominion (10.19)
Disclaimer: DC Comics, Warner Bros. Entertainment owns these characters (well, except Andrew), dangit!
A/N: Well, as it turns out, this is not the final chapter. It was getting way too long, close to 5,000 words, so I split it into two. Also, I'm putting this up a little early so you won't have to wait too long for the rest of the story. The final chapter will be an epilogue and a look into the future. So, in this 'next to last chapter,' Lois and Clark get bad news, Tess and Oliver consider the possibilities, Lois and Clark get back to work, and later, promises are fulfilled. 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)
Chapter 12: The Light
The next morning at Watchtower:
J'onn had just given Oliver and Tess the news about Andrew being a clone and that he had targeted Lois's affections on Lionel's orders.
Oliver and Tess glanced at each other, not completely shocked by this news but they did have a dilemma on their hands.
"We should think long and hard about this before we decide what to do. Andrew, Lois and Clark have all worked out their differences. I spoke to Lois just this morning. Andrew may be working at the Planet soon," Tess told them truly worried now.
Oliver paced and touched his chin thoughtfully. "You're right, Tess. I think we may have to keep it a secret from them. What do you think J'onn," Oliver asked hoping he had an answer.
"I agree up to a point," J'onn began.
"What do you mean up to a point? Either we tell them or we don't," Oliver asked.
"I don't want to lie to them, but in this instance, we may not have a choice. In my dealings with clones, Andrew may not be around for too much longer," J'onn sadly stated.
"Oh, I see," Tess murmured, getting upset.
"How long?" Oliver asked and glanced at Tess.
"I can't be sure, weeks, years; it's hard to say exactly. Each clone is different, but he should be examined as soon as possible," J'onn replied.
"How much should we tell them? They will figure it out, once they know he's a clone. They'll know that Luthor was behind it," Oliver asked.
"We really have no choice, do we," Tess sadly concluded.
A few minutes later, Lois and Clark entered Watchtower hand in hand, laughing and smiling. The laughing quickly stopped when they saw the looks on their friend's faces, and J'onn looked very worried.
"What's going on?" Clark asked his friends.
Oliver and Tess glanced at each other. "J'onn has something to tell you. You too, Lois," Oliver sadly replied.
"J'onn, what is it? Tell us," Clark demanded as he held Lois' hand tightly in his own. "Is it bad news?"
"It's about Andrew. Just before you arrived at the mansion the other night, I overheard Lionel telling Andrew that he was a clone, and that he had planned for Andrew and Lois to be together."
Lois didn't believe it. "Lionel was insane. We can't believe anything he says. Maybe he was blackmailing Andrew to hurt me, wasn't he, Clark?" Lois wanted Clark to confirm this.
"Yes, Lionel was insane, but …" Clark began.
"There's more. Andrew may be dying," J'onn stated to the shocked couple.
"Oh, no, then he really is a clone?" Lois asked, unbelieving. Tears sprang into her eyes. She felt horrible about this. Andrew didn't deserve any of it.
"I'm sorry, Clark," J'onn said, not knowing what else to say.
"We will help him, Lois," Clark told her as he held her close.
"We have to go see him, right away, so he can … prepare," Lois told her fiancé.
"Of course, we will," Clark said then they said their goodbyes and left.
"Manhunter, out," J'onn said.
Oliver and Tess were too busy holding each other close to reply, comforting each other in light of what they had just heard.
~o~o~
Tess's apartment, a little while later:
Oliver and Tess slowly entered the apartment, Tess wiped at her eyes with a tissue, still not understanding her tears. "I don't know why this is upsetting me so much. I feel silly. I hardly know the man."
Oliver grinned. He brought her some water and sat down next to her on the sofa. "Here, drink this."
"Thanks, Oliver," she sighed and took a sip.
"You really have no idea why what happened with Andrew is affecting you this way?"
"No, but I suppose you do?" She asked and waited for him to enlighten her.
He raised his eyebrows. She raised her eyebrows. "Well?" Tess was getting inpatient.
"One word … Conner," Oliver finally answered her.
"Conner isn't a clone," she told him.
"Of course, he is, and just because he has Clark's DNA doesn't mean he'll live forever."
"No one lives forever, Oliver," she said but she wouldn't look at him.
"No, but Clark probably will," he told her matter-of-fact.
"Do you think he will?" Tess found that idea a bit shocking and sad all at once.
"I can't say for sure. He never talks about it, but I'm sure he thinks about it now and then."
She shook her head. "I can't imagine it."
"Neither can I, but of course, it would be different if he and Lois could have kids, then he would definitely live forever though his children." Tess was silent, not looking at him. "Have you ever thought about having kids, Tess?"
"Of course," she quickly replied, just a little too quickly.
He grinned then continued, "I could see it now, a red-haired little girl or even a boy, clinging to your skirts while you punch in security codes for the computers at Watchtower," he fantasized a bit wistfully then covered his slip with a slight chuckle.
"Sure, Oliver, I could definitely see it. And who's the father … I mean …?" She asked then quickly averted her eyes.
"What a question? I'm sitting right here definitely willing and ready to make that vision come true," he told her with a sly grin.
"I'm sure you are, Oliver. I'm sure you are," she said chuckling at him, but then the chuckling stopped.
His eyes were serious and so were hers. Tess had to tear her eyes away from his face. Her heart was pounding so hard that she thought she might actually faint. She took another sip of water.
"Tess?"
When she finally looked at him, he had a small velvet box in his hand and his smile was blinding.
~o~o~
Andrew's apartment, minutes later:
Andrew wondered who was at the door and when he opened it, Lois and Clark were the last people he expected to see. He was about to watch a movie and well, maybe they could be friends and enjoy each other's company. He actually wanted that to happen. Strange how things worked out the way that they did. "Well, this is a surprise. Come in, come in. What brings you by?"
Lois and Clark glanced at each other. "We're sorry to drop in on you like this Andrew, but Clark and I have something to tell you, something you already know, but there's more to it."
Andrew was completely confused. "What are you talking about Lois?"
"We know what Lionel said to you. The Blur told us what happened that night at the mansion," Clark told him.
"Oh, did he tell you anything else? How Lionel died?" He paused. "I killed him … in self- defense."
"We know about that, but … Lionel didn't tell you that you … maybe you could …" Lois couldn't say it.
"You have to see a doctor, Andrew and soon, but there may be nothing they can do for you. You may be … dying. I'm sorry," Clark told the shocked young man.
Andrew staggered back unbelieving. He had accepted the fact that he was different, who wasn't? But dying, he didn't know what to think. Was it really true? Everyone dies, and I thought I had a lifetime ahead of me, but now, even that may be gone.
"I'm so sorry, Andrew. Is there anything we can do for you?" Lois asked, worried when he hadn't said anything.
He nodded his head. "No, I'm alright, but I will see a doctor," he replied. They still looked worried. "I promise I'll let you know what he says. I'll call, I promise."
"Well, alright, if you promise. We'll go now," Lois said, but then she impulsively gave him a hug. "Goodbye, Andrew."
Clark shook his hand. "Goodbye, Andrew."
"Thank you for coming," Andrew said as he watched them leave.
Once the door had closed, Andrew stared at it for a moment, still unbelieving. Then, he began to wrack his brain trying to remember his childhood, but still no memories came to him. Tears sprang into his eyes and spilled down his cheeks.
A few days later, after he had received word that he had gotten the job at the Planet, but before his appointment to see a physician, Andrew had a dream and in that dream the images of a woman and a man with a child, a young boy about seven or eight floated in his dream and the boy was playing in the park. A dog ran up to him and licked his cheek. The dog's name was Buster.
Andrew awoke with a start, but the dream remained. It was me in the dream, wasn't it? The tears returned but this time they were tears of joy and relief.
~o~o~
The Daily Planet offices, Lois and Clark's first day back:
Lois's palms were sweating and her heart was racing. She looked up as the elevator floor lights went higher and higher to the upper floors of the Planet building. Finally, it stopped at their floor and Lois and Clark exited the elevator both nervous as heck. Of course, Clark wouldn't let Lois see it, but Lois didn't have it in her to hide what was driving her up a wall.
A young man walked up to them and held out his hand. "Hi, Mr. Kent, Ms. Lane, my name is Jimmy, Jimmy Olsen. I'm a photographer and I'm available anytime, just say the word."
"Did you say, Olsen? Then you're …?" Lois began as she shook his hand.
"Yes, Henry James was my brother," he told them and waited for their reaction.
Lois was tongue-tied. He did look a lot like their Jimmy. Clark found his voice. "Welcome to the Planet, Jimmy," he said and shook his hand.
"Thank you, but I'm the one who should be saying welcome. Welcome back, Ms. Lane, Mr. Kent."
"Thanks, Jimmy," Lois and Clark spoke at the same time.
Jimmy shook his head and chuckled.
Perry stood at his office door and watched the group for a minute then made his presence known as he walked over to them. He gave Jimmy a look, a cue for him to get back to work.
"Well, well, well, Clark Kent and Lois Lane! The prodigal son … and daughter have returned to their roots. Let's all give them a warm welcome, shall we?" Perry announced their arrival with much fanfare as everyone applauded for a few seconds then got back to work. "In my office, now, you two!"
Lois and Clark glanced at each other then prepared themselves to be reamed out for leaving the Planet under very unique circumstances.
Once they had taken a seat, Perry walked over to his desk and stood behind it. Grinning to himself, he let them off the hook, but only a little. "Sorry about that, but I had to set the right tone here, that I won't be coddling you two, not after the way you both left the Planet high and dry."
"We know, Perry and I explained all of that," Clark said hoping he would get past it eventually.
"I know what you told me but what's the real story? I know who you are and what you are, but what I don't understand is …" he hesitated.
"What is it, Perry? What don't you understand?" Lois asked, still worried about the fact that Perry knew the truth and what he would do with the information.
He came back to stand in front of them, leaned down and whispered, "How is that you can fly? I mean, in all your years in Smallville, you never flew. I mean really? That's truly amazing. Is it the cape or is it some sort of wind machine hidden in there?"
Lois glanced at Clark's reaction and he was trying hard not to burst out laughing.
But Lois couldn't hold it in anymore, and then she started to laugh, slow hidden chuckles then she laughed so hard there were tears in her eyes. She had to wipe them away. The tension was gone and the fear of Perry's knowing the truth and any reprisals against them, all of it was gone. She was ready to get back to work.
"What's so funny?" Perry crossed his arms. "Alright, alright, no more questions. But I want to know everything and I want that article first thing in the morning, Lane. Now, get to work, both of you!" Once they were gone, Perry sat back in his chair, put his feet up on his desk and smiled.
That worked perfectly!
~o~o~
Later that same day:
Lois and Clark managed to get through their first day back at the office. Sighing, they entered the elevator both relieved and happy to be back. Lois watched the elevator lights as the floor numbers blinked lower and lower but with a different kind of look this time. It was late and no one else was around. They stood side by side enjoying the ride. Clark took her hand in his and squeezed.
Lois smiled and turned her head to look at him. No words were needed. Clark returned her smile.
Everything that was lost ... was found.
TBC!
~o~o~
A/N: I thought I was done right there, but as it turns out I'm not! There will be an epilogue to pull everything together. And you won't have to wait a week, only a few days for that. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Please leave a comment. I would greatly appreciate it. And thanks for reading. Reviews are love, folks!
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: 2,600
Spoilers: Dominion (10.19)
Disclaimer: DC Comics, Warner Bros. Entertainment owns these characters (well, except Andrew), dangit!
A/N: Well, as it turns out, this is not the final chapter. It was getting way too long, close to 5,000 words, so I split it into two. Also, I'm putting this up a little early so you won't have to wait too long for the rest of the story. The final chapter will be an epilogue and a look into the future. So, in this 'next to last chapter,' Lois and Clark get bad news, Tess and Oliver consider the possibilities, Lois and Clark get back to work, and later, promises are fulfilled. 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)
Chapter 12: The Light
The next morning at Watchtower:
J'onn had just given Oliver and Tess the news about Andrew being a clone and that he had targeted Lois's affections on Lionel's orders.
Oliver and Tess glanced at each other, not completely shocked by this news but they did have a dilemma on their hands.
"We should think long and hard about this before we decide what to do. Andrew, Lois and Clark have all worked out their differences. I spoke to Lois just this morning. Andrew may be working at the Planet soon," Tess told them truly worried now.
Oliver paced and touched his chin thoughtfully. "You're right, Tess. I think we may have to keep it a secret from them. What do you think J'onn," Oliver asked hoping he had an answer.
"I agree up to a point," J'onn began.
"What do you mean up to a point? Either we tell them or we don't," Oliver asked.
"I don't want to lie to them, but in this instance, we may not have a choice. In my dealings with clones, Andrew may not be around for too much longer," J'onn sadly stated.
"Oh, I see," Tess murmured, getting upset.
"How long?" Oliver asked and glanced at Tess.
"I can't be sure, weeks, years; it's hard to say exactly. Each clone is different, but he should be examined as soon as possible," J'onn replied.
"How much should we tell them? They will figure it out, once they know he's a clone. They'll know that Luthor was behind it," Oliver asked.
"We really have no choice, do we," Tess sadly concluded.
A few minutes later, Lois and Clark entered Watchtower hand in hand, laughing and smiling. The laughing quickly stopped when they saw the looks on their friend's faces, and J'onn looked very worried.
"What's going on?" Clark asked his friends.
Oliver and Tess glanced at each other. "J'onn has something to tell you. You too, Lois," Oliver sadly replied.
"J'onn, what is it? Tell us," Clark demanded as he held Lois' hand tightly in his own. "Is it bad news?"
"It's about Andrew. Just before you arrived at the mansion the other night, I overheard Lionel telling Andrew that he was a clone, and that he had planned for Andrew and Lois to be together."
Lois didn't believe it. "Lionel was insane. We can't believe anything he says. Maybe he was blackmailing Andrew to hurt me, wasn't he, Clark?" Lois wanted Clark to confirm this.
"Yes, Lionel was insane, but …" Clark began.
"There's more. Andrew may be dying," J'onn stated to the shocked couple.
"Oh, no, then he really is a clone?" Lois asked, unbelieving. Tears sprang into her eyes. She felt horrible about this. Andrew didn't deserve any of it.
"I'm sorry, Clark," J'onn said, not knowing what else to say.
"We will help him, Lois," Clark told her as he held her close.
"We have to go see him, right away, so he can … prepare," Lois told her fiancé.
"Of course, we will," Clark said then they said their goodbyes and left.
"Manhunter, out," J'onn said.
Oliver and Tess were too busy holding each other close to reply, comforting each other in light of what they had just heard.
~o~o~
Tess's apartment, a little while later:
Oliver and Tess slowly entered the apartment, Tess wiped at her eyes with a tissue, still not understanding her tears. "I don't know why this is upsetting me so much. I feel silly. I hardly know the man."
Oliver grinned. He brought her some water and sat down next to her on the sofa. "Here, drink this."
"Thanks, Oliver," she sighed and took a sip.
"You really have no idea why what happened with Andrew is affecting you this way?"
"No, but I suppose you do?" She asked and waited for him to enlighten her.
He raised his eyebrows. She raised her eyebrows. "Well?" Tess was getting inpatient.
"One word … Conner," Oliver finally answered her.
"Conner isn't a clone," she told him.
"Of course, he is, and just because he has Clark's DNA doesn't mean he'll live forever."
"No one lives forever, Oliver," she said but she wouldn't look at him.
"No, but Clark probably will," he told her matter-of-fact.
"Do you think he will?" Tess found that idea a bit shocking and sad all at once.
"I can't say for sure. He never talks about it, but I'm sure he thinks about it now and then."
She shook her head. "I can't imagine it."
"Neither can I, but of course, it would be different if he and Lois could have kids, then he would definitely live forever though his children." Tess was silent, not looking at him. "Have you ever thought about having kids, Tess?"
"Of course," she quickly replied, just a little too quickly.
He grinned then continued, "I could see it now, a red-haired little girl or even a boy, clinging to your skirts while you punch in security codes for the computers at Watchtower," he fantasized a bit wistfully then covered his slip with a slight chuckle.
"Sure, Oliver, I could definitely see it. And who's the father … I mean …?" She asked then quickly averted her eyes.
"What a question? I'm sitting right here definitely willing and ready to make that vision come true," he told her with a sly grin.
"I'm sure you are, Oliver. I'm sure you are," she said chuckling at him, but then the chuckling stopped.
His eyes were serious and so were hers. Tess had to tear her eyes away from his face. Her heart was pounding so hard that she thought she might actually faint. She took another sip of water.
"Tess?"
When she finally looked at him, he had a small velvet box in his hand and his smile was blinding.
~o~o~
Andrew's apartment, minutes later:
Andrew wondered who was at the door and when he opened it, Lois and Clark were the last people he expected to see. He was about to watch a movie and well, maybe they could be friends and enjoy each other's company. He actually wanted that to happen. Strange how things worked out the way that they did. "Well, this is a surprise. Come in, come in. What brings you by?"
Lois and Clark glanced at each other. "We're sorry to drop in on you like this Andrew, but Clark and I have something to tell you, something you already know, but there's more to it."
Andrew was completely confused. "What are you talking about Lois?"
"We know what Lionel said to you. The Blur told us what happened that night at the mansion," Clark told him.
"Oh, did he tell you anything else? How Lionel died?" He paused. "I killed him … in self- defense."
"We know about that, but … Lionel didn't tell you that you … maybe you could …" Lois couldn't say it.
"You have to see a doctor, Andrew and soon, but there may be nothing they can do for you. You may be … dying. I'm sorry," Clark told the shocked young man.
Andrew staggered back unbelieving. He had accepted the fact that he was different, who wasn't? But dying, he didn't know what to think. Was it really true? Everyone dies, and I thought I had a lifetime ahead of me, but now, even that may be gone.
"I'm so sorry, Andrew. Is there anything we can do for you?" Lois asked, worried when he hadn't said anything.
He nodded his head. "No, I'm alright, but I will see a doctor," he replied. They still looked worried. "I promise I'll let you know what he says. I'll call, I promise."
"Well, alright, if you promise. We'll go now," Lois said, but then she impulsively gave him a hug. "Goodbye, Andrew."
Clark shook his hand. "Goodbye, Andrew."
"Thank you for coming," Andrew said as he watched them leave.
Once the door had closed, Andrew stared at it for a moment, still unbelieving. Then, he began to wrack his brain trying to remember his childhood, but still no memories came to him. Tears sprang into his eyes and spilled down his cheeks.
A few days later, after he had received word that he had gotten the job at the Planet, but before his appointment to see a physician, Andrew had a dream and in that dream the images of a woman and a man with a child, a young boy about seven or eight floated in his dream and the boy was playing in the park. A dog ran up to him and licked his cheek. The dog's name was Buster.
Andrew awoke with a start, but the dream remained. It was me in the dream, wasn't it? The tears returned but this time they were tears of joy and relief.
~o~o~
The Daily Planet offices, Lois and Clark's first day back:
Lois's palms were sweating and her heart was racing. She looked up as the elevator floor lights went higher and higher to the upper floors of the Planet building. Finally, it stopped at their floor and Lois and Clark exited the elevator both nervous as heck. Of course, Clark wouldn't let Lois see it, but Lois didn't have it in her to hide what was driving her up a wall.
A young man walked up to them and held out his hand. "Hi, Mr. Kent, Ms. Lane, my name is Jimmy, Jimmy Olsen. I'm a photographer and I'm available anytime, just say the word."
"Did you say, Olsen? Then you're …?" Lois began as she shook his hand.
"Yes, Henry James was my brother," he told them and waited for their reaction.
Lois was tongue-tied. He did look a lot like their Jimmy. Clark found his voice. "Welcome to the Planet, Jimmy," he said and shook his hand.
"Thank you, but I'm the one who should be saying welcome. Welcome back, Ms. Lane, Mr. Kent."
"Thanks, Jimmy," Lois and Clark spoke at the same time.
Jimmy shook his head and chuckled.
Perry stood at his office door and watched the group for a minute then made his presence known as he walked over to them. He gave Jimmy a look, a cue for him to get back to work.
"Well, well, well, Clark Kent and Lois Lane! The prodigal son … and daughter have returned to their roots. Let's all give them a warm welcome, shall we?" Perry announced their arrival with much fanfare as everyone applauded for a few seconds then got back to work. "In my office, now, you two!"
Lois and Clark glanced at each other then prepared themselves to be reamed out for leaving the Planet under very unique circumstances.
Once they had taken a seat, Perry walked over to his desk and stood behind it. Grinning to himself, he let them off the hook, but only a little. "Sorry about that, but I had to set the right tone here, that I won't be coddling you two, not after the way you both left the Planet high and dry."
"We know, Perry and I explained all of that," Clark said hoping he would get past it eventually.
"I know what you told me but what's the real story? I know who you are and what you are, but what I don't understand is …" he hesitated.
"What is it, Perry? What don't you understand?" Lois asked, still worried about the fact that Perry knew the truth and what he would do with the information.
He came back to stand in front of them, leaned down and whispered, "How is that you can fly? I mean, in all your years in Smallville, you never flew. I mean really? That's truly amazing. Is it the cape or is it some sort of wind machine hidden in there?"
Lois glanced at Clark's reaction and he was trying hard not to burst out laughing.
But Lois couldn't hold it in anymore, and then she started to laugh, slow hidden chuckles then she laughed so hard there were tears in her eyes. She had to wipe them away. The tension was gone and the fear of Perry's knowing the truth and any reprisals against them, all of it was gone. She was ready to get back to work.
"What's so funny?" Perry crossed his arms. "Alright, alright, no more questions. But I want to know everything and I want that article first thing in the morning, Lane. Now, get to work, both of you!" Once they were gone, Perry sat back in his chair, put his feet up on his desk and smiled.
That worked perfectly!
~o~o~
Later that same day:
Lois and Clark managed to get through their first day back at the office. Sighing, they entered the elevator both relieved and happy to be back. Lois watched the elevator lights as the floor numbers blinked lower and lower but with a different kind of look this time. It was late and no one else was around. They stood side by side enjoying the ride. Clark took her hand in his and squeezed.
Lois smiled and turned her head to look at him. No words were needed. Clark returned her smile.
Everything that was lost ... was found.
TBC!
~o~o~
A/N: I thought I was done right there, but as it turns out I'm not! There will be an epilogue to pull everything together. And you won't have to wait a week, only a few days for that. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Please leave a comment. I would greatly appreciate it. And thanks for reading. Reviews are love, folks!