Fic: Do You Believe in Fate? (16/?)
Title: Do You Believe in Fate? (16/?)
Author: Babette babettew54
Category: Smallville
Characters: Clark Luthor/Alt-Lois Lane, Jonathan/Martha, Perry White, Jimmy Olsen, Bruce Wayne, Tess Luthor, Clark Kent, Lois Lane, Conner Kent
Rating: M
Word Count: 3,600
Disclaimer: DC Comics/Warner Brothers owns these characters. No profit is being made from this story. This is strictly for my own amusement.
Author’s Notes: In this next chapter, in the real world Lois and Clark finally discuss his adventure in the alternate universe, CL has a decision to make about his future, and later Lois’ investigation into the copycat bank robberies reveal shocking and disturbing news. I hope you enjoy it. Please read and review. Thanks, everyone! :D
Banner by Ctbn60
Previously:
ACT I: Redemption
( Chapter 1)( Chapter 2)( Chapter 3)( Chapter 4)( Chapter 5)
( Chapter 6)( Chapter 7)( Chapter 8)( Chapter 9)
ACT II: Seven Days
( Chapter 10)( Chapter 11)( Chapter 12)( Chapter 13)( Chapter 14)
( Chapter 15)
x-posted to: (AO3); (FFN)
Chapter 16: Don't You Remember?
The real world, Lois and Clark's bedroom, the next morning:
Lois slowly awakened from an amazing dream. Or was it? She yawned and stretched enjoying the remnants of the dream. Soon it faded from her mind, then she opened her eyes and realized it had been a dream. Clark wasn't there. "Clark, are you here?" No answer. She glanced at the nightstand digital clock, and it was almost time to get up and go to work. She frowned. It wasn't a dream. He came home last night and … Then she remembered their hot and crazy lovemaking at the Planet. Closing her eyes and sighing to herself, she whispered, "Where are you Clark? Don't think you can sidestep our conversation. We will talk about your trip." Then she couldn't help but think, Is he avoiding me?
She picked up her cellphone and called him. He didn't answer then she left a message for him. "Hello sweetheart. I'm so sorry you couldn't make it home last night. I waited up for you." She paused. "Well, I know you must be 'extremely' busy right now so I won't keep you. I'll catch up with you later. I love you. Bye, now."
Smiling to herself she thought, That should throw him off the track or maybe it won't. Shrugging her shoulders, she climbed out of bed and realized her legs were sore, and she was stiff as a board. Wow, he sure did miss me. I missed him too.
~o~o~
An hour later, she arrived at the Planet hoping to see him, but he wasn't there. She spotted Jimmy who appeared to be on his way out. "Jimmy!"
"Yes, Ms. Lane?" He answered, camera around his neck and his eyes wandering as if he couldn't look her in the eye.
Lois frowned. "Have you seen Clark this morning?"
"Well, I … Ummm …" He hesitated.
"Well, have you?" Lois was getting inpatient. Something was going on.
"He called, and I talked to him briefly this morning, but I haven't seen him," he finally replied, eyes still wandering.
"What time was this?"
"Around 7:30."
Lois glanced at her watch. "That was an hour ago. And he didn't say where he was going?"
"No, he didn't. Ummm, Ms. Lane, I have to go. Mr. White gave me an assignment."
"An assignment, but when, where, how?"
He chuckled. "Well, I've been begging for this chance for years and I couldn't pass it up."
"I see, well, good luck, Jimmy." Lois meant every word. He deserved this chance.
"Thank you, Ms. Lane." Jimmy then left her staring after him.
Lois crossed her arms and glanced at her watch again. Clark hadn't returned her call. He is avoiding me.
~o~o~
Meanwhile, Clark was on the other side of the world in the middle of a massive explosion on a deep sea oil rig located in the eastern Mediterranean, unable to call or contact anyone. He managed to save the workers from the rig after they had fallen into the ocean, but it had taken hour upon hour to accomplish the unthinkable.
His cellphone beeped, fortunately had been inside his suit that was water repellant, with another call from Lois. He wanted to take the call, but his hands were full at the moment. She must know by now why I haven't had the chance to return her calls. He hoped she wouldn't think he had been avoiding her, but he realized that it may appear that way.
Thinking back on his trip to Earth-2, there truly wasn't anything unusual about his visit well if being kissed and hugged by another Lois truly wasn't unusual, well it truly wasn't a big deal. Although he had pretended to be Superman for Clark Luthor and he had revealed himself to the League, it certainly was not in his original plan, but things had, unfortunately, spiraled out of control. It couldn't be helped.
A few hours later, he managed to stabilize the explosion, put out the fires and assist the authorities, then he returned to Metropolis, went home showered and changed, then headed into the office. He sent Lois a text that they would talk as soon as their schedules allowed.
Twenty minutes after sending the text, Clark wanted into the Planet which caused heads to turn and gasps at this new Clark Kent. Lois almost dropped her coffee cup, but managed not to spill it except for a few drops of coffee that she spit out from the shock of seeing her boyfriend looking as if he stepped off the pages of GQ Magazine.
"Good morning, Lois?" Clark said then booted up his computer.
"And where have you been?" Lois asked, not in the mood to discuss his new and devilishly attractive attire.
Clark raised an eyebrow then glanced at the overhead monitors. Someone turned up the volume and Clark was there in full-on rescue mode rescuing countless workers from a deep sea oil rig.
Lois sighed then turned to face him. He was grinning at her with a look that said, "Sorry, but some things come first."
Lois narrowed her eyes at him. "So, Jimmy told me that you spoke to him earlier this morning."
"Yes, I did. He wanted a scoop on Superman."
"And you gave him this story, didn't you?"
"Yeah, he deserved a break, I gave it to him," Clark replied as he went over his emails.
She shook her head at him. "You truly are something."
"Was that a compliment?" He grinned.
"What do you think?" She paused as she looked him over. "Nice suit."
"Thanks," he said and winked at her.
"Ok, Clark, let's set a time to talk, and we will talk."
"Two hours, on the roof?"
"It's a date." They both smiled.
~o~o~
On the DP rooftop, two hours and ten minutes later:
After quietly listening to Clark ramble on about his time in the other universe, Lois crossed her arms and thought about everything he had told her, but only one thing stuck in her brain. "She kissed you?" Hiding a grin and laughing inside, she waited for the squirming and explanations.
"Now, Lois, she took me totally by surprise. I told you that. It didn't mean anything." He paused when she just stood there. "Don't you believe me?"
"I don't know Clark. She does look exactly like me, and like you said, you two had a difficult time adjusting to … you know, being in close contact."
"Now, Lois, as I said she was upset. Her Clark had just died, and she needed a bit of … Ummm … comforting."
Still hiding a grin, she asked, "And you couldn't help yourself, am I right?"
"Now, Lois, I didn't do anything. It was all her, and as I said she was distraught, worried and upset. I tried to help her. That's all it was."
"Uh, huh, and what about all this hugging that was going on at the hospital and at the Fortress, well explain that."
Sighing, he came closer, uncrossed her arms, but Lois wouldn't look at him. "Look at me, Lois."
She raised her eyes to his face, but she couldn't hold it in anymore, then she covered her mouth and started laughing. She snorted but kept chuckling. "Sorry."
He crossed his arms and walked away. Lois followed him. "Clark, don't be upset, I just …" The laughing started again.
"Go ahead, laugh it up!" Shaking his head, he looked out over the city.
"I'm sorry. But I couldn't help myself, just as 'she' couldn't help her reactions to you, and I totally understand. Clark, you are just too good to be true." Smiling, she put her arms around him from behind. "Forgive me?"
He pulled her arms closer to him. "Of course, I do." He turned around and clutched her to his chest. "I just missed you so much, and she missed him. It truly was a difficult time for her and I couldn't help but think about you, and if anything ever happened to me …" He didn't want to think about that.
Lois closed her eyes and pulled him closer. She wasn't laughing now. Her eyes stung, but she managed to say, "You won't ever leave me, will you? I mean, you can't die, Clark, can you?" She pulled back and hoped he would reassure her.
Utterly serious now, he stroked her hair. "Lois, I …"
She touched his lips. "Don't answer that, just kiss me Ok?"
And he did.
~o~o~
Meanwhile, the Kent farm, the mirror universe:
Lois and Clark were on the front porch hoping to set everything right between them. They didn't want to go back to the way things were which meant jealousy and pain. They truly did trust each other, but Lois' nerves were raw thinking about Tess and how they use to be involved, but of course, Clark must have felt the same way about Oliver and about Clark Kent. Sighing, she sat down then he sat down next to her. He took her hand.
"It's only for a little while until she can find a replacement, but I will talk to her about selling the company, and about both of us moving on with our lives," he said and waited for her reaction.
Lois truly hoped that was the case. "Do you think she'll consider selling the company?"
"I hope she does. That place has unpleasant memories for both of us."
She squeezed his hand. "I know." She paused wondering how to bring this up, but he needed to know about the green-k and where it was coming from. "Clark, speaking of the company, it's possible that the green-k that's been plaguing you since you became a superhero in this town I may have found out where it's coming from and whose supplying it."
At his shocked expression, he asked. "Who is it?"
"Someone you and I know, but of course, it's the last person we would suspect."
"Go on."
"Lionel."
"But …"
"I don't mean him personally, but he was behind all the other kryptonite and its distribution. He and Lex despised you wanted you dead, but being the cowards that they were, they couldn't do it themselves, but found other ways to hurt you."
"You may be right about that." He thought about it for a minute. "And you think Tess may know something about it?"
"Yes, I think she may know." She squeezed his hand. "Clark, I do trust you, but please be careful with her. She still loves you. How could she not?" She grinned at him. "I am serious though, just please be very careful."
He shook his head at her. "Lois, you must know this. I love you and everything that has happened in my life, especially since we met, I wouldn't have wanted it any other way."
"Oh, Clark!" She cried and threw her arms around his neck. "I love you too." He pulled back and kissed her hard letting her know he was hers, and she was his.
Suddenly, someone cleared their throat. It was Martha. "Lunch is still on the table if you guys are … still hungry."
Embarrassed, Lois ducked her head under his chin. "We'll be in a minute. Thanks, Mom."
Clark smiled then he pulled her closer. "Hungry?"
"Uh, huh," she replied then looked him in the eye. "But not for food."
And then she kissed him.
~o~o~
The next day at LexCorp headquarters in Metropolis:
Clark Luthor sat across from Tess and watched her do her thing. She truly was a brilliant business woman, and he admired her, but she was clingy and untrustworthy. He knew that about her, and he felt sad that they couldn't at least be friends, but they can't happen. Lois would kill him.
She placed her hand over the receiving end of the phone. "I'm almost done with this call. Sorry about that."
"It's Ok, Tess." He stood up. "Why don't I head over to my office and see how things are hanging since I left?"
"That's an excellent idea. I'll be there in a few minutes."
"Alright, I'll see you later." Clark left her office and intended to do some snooping. His secretary was still there diligently working on whatever. He greeted her differently than before. He would normally flirt with her, wink or some inappropriate behavior, but not this time. "Good morning, Susan."
Susan was shocked by his greeting, she almost spit out her coffee. She turned to him, but then she knocked over her coffee cup. He truly was the most attractive man she had ever met and his flirtations were welcome, but it appears he was different from before. She could see it in his eyes. "Good morning, Mr. Luthor, and welcome back."
"Thanks, Susan. Anything new around here I should know about?"
"No, but since you asked …" She began then looked around, suddenly nervous. "Can we talk in your office?"
"Of course," he replied and opened the door for her. She walked in then began to wring her hands.
"Susan?" Clark had to wonder what this was about. She was clearly nervous about something.
She turned to him, still nervous. "Well, as you know, Mr. Luthor, I use to work for your Father, your brother, and Ms. Luthor."
"Yes, I knew that."
"Well, I wanted you to know that I would never … betray your secret."
He frowned. "My secret?"
"I know you, even with the glasses." She raised her eyebrows, her meaning clear.
Clark wasn't surprised. "Oh, I see, and …"
"Well, it's not a very good disguise if you don't mind my saying so."
He chuckled. "No, I don't mind and thank you Susan. Was there anything else you wanted to tell me?"
"Well," she paused for a moment. "I feel it's only right that I tell you about the … green-k."
Clark was truly taken aback. He hadn't even mentioned it. "Green-k?"
"Yes, sir, and you should know that there were a lot of emails, memos, and letters that came past my desk and I kept copies."
Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. It was Tess. "Clark?"
Clark turned to his assistant. "Thanks, Susan, and I'll see you later."
"Yes, sir," Susan said and left his office.
"Well, I see you're getting settled. We can talk later or are you free now?"
"I have a few minutes," Clark replied. Then they talked briefly about the business, and Tess informed him that it wasn't doing that well. She had actually received a few offers. The stock market decline a few years ago had certainly hurt the company.
Clark saw that as a way to bring up the sale. "Tess, I also received an offer."
"Who was it from?"
"Bruce Wayne."
Tess gasped. "'The' Bruce Wayne?"
"Yep, one in the same."
"What did you say?"
"I told him I wanted to think about it. Of course, I needed to talk to you first." He paused when she hadn't said anything. "Tess, are you interested?"
"Well, an offer from Bruce Wayne? I'd be crazy not to consider it."
"I'm glad to hear that Tess, and this place … distressing memories are all over this place. I got chills when I walked in here."
"I know what you mean." She watched him closely. "How are you truly Clark, I mean, I see you on television all the time now? Are you sure you can find the time to work here for a few days anyway?"
"I'll work it out."
"And Lois?"
He frowned. "What about Lois?"
"You two are still … together?"
Clark had hoped she was over him, but that appears not to be the case. "Yes, we are, very much … together." His point was made.
"I see, well, I'll let you get back to work." She paused then she stood up. "Lunch?"
Clark also stood up. "I don't think so, I mean, I'll have to see how much I can get done this morning before I decide." He didn't want to alienate her just in case she was behind the green-k distribution.
"Of course, I'll talk to you later, and Clark, thanks again for doing this. I truly appreciate it. You know, maybe I can get home before nine this evening."
"I hope you can too," he told her, and he meant it.
Tess inwardly sighed as she looked him up and down, not hiding how she felt. She couldn't help but think maybe he would join her 'after' nine. Stop it Tess, that ship has sailed.
Clark frowned as he watched her leave. He knew what she was thinking.
Seconds later, he rang for Susan to join him.
~o~o~
Tess went back into her office and tried not to slam the door, then she began to pace. Damn her. If not for her, he would still be mine. I know this, but if I can't have him, neither can she. Making up her mind, she walked inside her closet pulled a few coats aside and opened the lead-lined wall safe and pulled a ring with a red-k stone inside.
Now to lure Lois here and then … she'll get an eyeful and then … he'll be mine.
~o~o~
Later that same day, Tess and Clark had a meeting planned to discuss the possible sale of the company. Clark came into her office ready to get this over with. He had dinner plans with Lois.
"Drink?" Tess asked as she handed him a shot of bourbon.
"Come on, Tess, liquor has no effect on me."
She didn't believe him. "Really?"
"It was all an act, you must have known."
"Actually, I had no idea."
"I wonder about you Tess. It was the red-k, you know that."
"Oh, do you mean this?" She asked then held up the ring.
Clark backed up. "Put that away Tess. It's not going to work, not anymore." She came closer.
"Oh, I think it will work, and Lois will finally know the truth … that you still love me."
Clark narrowed his eyes and then they glowed red.
~o~o~
At that moment, Lois had just entered the LexCorp building. She desperately wanted to ignore Tess's taunts about Clark. She trusted him, but she didn't trust her.
It was early evening and the staff had gone home for the evening. Hurrying to Tess's office, she opened the door and Clark had Tess in a headlock, choking her.
Lois rushed over to him. She grabbed his arm. "Clark, what are you doing!? Let her go. You don't want to do this!"
"She tried to kill me." His eyes still glowed red.
"No, Clark, if you do this, you won't be able to come back from this. They'll kill you for sure and I'll never see you again." Lois was pleading with him.
He listened to her words, then he took several deep breaths then he released her. Tess collapsed onto the floor coughing and choking as the tears fell.
Clark was furious with her. "I know what you did, Tess, dispensing green-k to criminals all over town. Why, why did you do it?"
Rubbing her aching throat, she told him the truth. "I wanted you to stop being Superman. Don't you remember how we were before all of this ... before her? I loved you, Clark, I still do."
Clark was stunned. "Love?! You have no idea what that means."
Tess was incredulous. "And you do?!"
He turned to Lois then. "Yeah, I do." They locked eyes for a moment, both knowing the truth.
Tess closed her eyes, unable to watch them anymore, but that didn't stop the tears from falling.
Pitying her, Clark picked up the ring and gave it to Lois. She placed it inside a lead box that she had brought with her.
"Tess, the sale will go through. You and I can't work together, not anymore. You will get fifty percent of the sale. It's only right."
"Clark, I …" Tess didn't know what to say. She didn't deserve any of it.
"Goodbye, Tess." He paused. "My lawyers will be in touch."
Lois and Clark left her standing there then she covered her eyes and tried to hold back her tears, but it was useless.
TBC!
~o~o~
Song inspiration: Don't You Remember? Adele.
A/N: I had a difficult time with this chapter. I truly liked Earth-1 Tess, and when she was killed, I cried for her and what could have been. Earth-2 Tess also went through a lot. There truly was nowhere to take Tess except far away from the only person she truly loved. I honestly hope you enjoyed this. Stay tuned for more. Thanks for reading, everyone. Reviews are so much love.
Author: Babette babettew54
Category: Smallville
Characters: Clark Luthor/Alt-Lois Lane, Jonathan/Martha, Perry White, Jimmy Olsen, Bruce Wayne, Tess Luthor, Clark Kent, Lois Lane, Conner Kent
Rating: M
Word Count: 3,600
Disclaimer: DC Comics/Warner Brothers owns these characters. No profit is being made from this story. This is strictly for my own amusement.
Author’s Notes: In this next chapter, in the real world Lois and Clark finally discuss his adventure in the alternate universe, CL has a decision to make about his future, and later Lois’ investigation into the copycat bank robberies reveal shocking and disturbing news. I hope you enjoy it. Please read and review. Thanks, everyone! :D
Banner by Ctbn60
Previously:
ACT I: Redemption
( Chapter 1)( Chapter 2)( Chapter 3)( Chapter 4)( Chapter 5)
( Chapter 6)( Chapter 7)( Chapter 8)( Chapter 9)
ACT II: Seven Days
( Chapter 10)( Chapter 11)( Chapter 12)( Chapter 13)( Chapter 14)
( Chapter 15)
x-posted to: (AO3); (FFN)
Chapter 16: Don't You Remember?
The real world, Lois and Clark's bedroom, the next morning:
Lois slowly awakened from an amazing dream. Or was it? She yawned and stretched enjoying the remnants of the dream. Soon it faded from her mind, then she opened her eyes and realized it had been a dream. Clark wasn't there. "Clark, are you here?" No answer. She glanced at the nightstand digital clock, and it was almost time to get up and go to work. She frowned. It wasn't a dream. He came home last night and … Then she remembered their hot and crazy lovemaking at the Planet. Closing her eyes and sighing to herself, she whispered, "Where are you Clark? Don't think you can sidestep our conversation. We will talk about your trip." Then she couldn't help but think, Is he avoiding me?
She picked up her cellphone and called him. He didn't answer then she left a message for him. "Hello sweetheart. I'm so sorry you couldn't make it home last night. I waited up for you." She paused. "Well, I know you must be 'extremely' busy right now so I won't keep you. I'll catch up with you later. I love you. Bye, now."
Smiling to herself she thought, That should throw him off the track or maybe it won't. Shrugging her shoulders, she climbed out of bed and realized her legs were sore, and she was stiff as a board. Wow, he sure did miss me. I missed him too.
~o~o~
An hour later, she arrived at the Planet hoping to see him, but he wasn't there. She spotted Jimmy who appeared to be on his way out. "Jimmy!"
"Yes, Ms. Lane?" He answered, camera around his neck and his eyes wandering as if he couldn't look her in the eye.
Lois frowned. "Have you seen Clark this morning?"
"Well, I … Ummm …" He hesitated.
"Well, have you?" Lois was getting inpatient. Something was going on.
"He called, and I talked to him briefly this morning, but I haven't seen him," he finally replied, eyes still wandering.
"What time was this?"
"Around 7:30."
Lois glanced at her watch. "That was an hour ago. And he didn't say where he was going?"
"No, he didn't. Ummm, Ms. Lane, I have to go. Mr. White gave me an assignment."
"An assignment, but when, where, how?"
He chuckled. "Well, I've been begging for this chance for years and I couldn't pass it up."
"I see, well, good luck, Jimmy." Lois meant every word. He deserved this chance.
"Thank you, Ms. Lane." Jimmy then left her staring after him.
Lois crossed her arms and glanced at her watch again. Clark hadn't returned her call. He is avoiding me.
~o~o~
Meanwhile, Clark was on the other side of the world in the middle of a massive explosion on a deep sea oil rig located in the eastern Mediterranean, unable to call or contact anyone. He managed to save the workers from the rig after they had fallen into the ocean, but it had taken hour upon hour to accomplish the unthinkable.
His cellphone beeped, fortunately had been inside his suit that was water repellant, with another call from Lois. He wanted to take the call, but his hands were full at the moment. She must know by now why I haven't had the chance to return her calls. He hoped she wouldn't think he had been avoiding her, but he realized that it may appear that way.
Thinking back on his trip to Earth-2, there truly wasn't anything unusual about his visit well if being kissed and hugged by another Lois truly wasn't unusual, well it truly wasn't a big deal. Although he had pretended to be Superman for Clark Luthor and he had revealed himself to the League, it certainly was not in his original plan, but things had, unfortunately, spiraled out of control. It couldn't be helped.
A few hours later, he managed to stabilize the explosion, put out the fires and assist the authorities, then he returned to Metropolis, went home showered and changed, then headed into the office. He sent Lois a text that they would talk as soon as their schedules allowed.
Twenty minutes after sending the text, Clark wanted into the Planet which caused heads to turn and gasps at this new Clark Kent. Lois almost dropped her coffee cup, but managed not to spill it except for a few drops of coffee that she spit out from the shock of seeing her boyfriend looking as if he stepped off the pages of GQ Magazine.
"Good morning, Lois?" Clark said then booted up his computer.
"And where have you been?" Lois asked, not in the mood to discuss his new and devilishly attractive attire.
Clark raised an eyebrow then glanced at the overhead monitors. Someone turned up the volume and Clark was there in full-on rescue mode rescuing countless workers from a deep sea oil rig.
Lois sighed then turned to face him. He was grinning at her with a look that said, "Sorry, but some things come first."
Lois narrowed her eyes at him. "So, Jimmy told me that you spoke to him earlier this morning."
"Yes, I did. He wanted a scoop on Superman."
"And you gave him this story, didn't you?"
"Yeah, he deserved a break, I gave it to him," Clark replied as he went over his emails.
She shook her head at him. "You truly are something."
"Was that a compliment?" He grinned.
"What do you think?" She paused as she looked him over. "Nice suit."
"Thanks," he said and winked at her.
"Ok, Clark, let's set a time to talk, and we will talk."
"Two hours, on the roof?"
"It's a date." They both smiled.
~o~o~
On the DP rooftop, two hours and ten minutes later:
After quietly listening to Clark ramble on about his time in the other universe, Lois crossed her arms and thought about everything he had told her, but only one thing stuck in her brain. "She kissed you?" Hiding a grin and laughing inside, she waited for the squirming and explanations.
"Now, Lois, she took me totally by surprise. I told you that. It didn't mean anything." He paused when she just stood there. "Don't you believe me?"
"I don't know Clark. She does look exactly like me, and like you said, you two had a difficult time adjusting to … you know, being in close contact."
"Now, Lois, as I said she was upset. Her Clark had just died, and she needed a bit of … Ummm … comforting."
Still hiding a grin, she asked, "And you couldn't help yourself, am I right?"
"Now, Lois, I didn't do anything. It was all her, and as I said she was distraught, worried and upset. I tried to help her. That's all it was."
"Uh, huh, and what about all this hugging that was going on at the hospital and at the Fortress, well explain that."
Sighing, he came closer, uncrossed her arms, but Lois wouldn't look at him. "Look at me, Lois."
She raised her eyes to his face, but she couldn't hold it in anymore, then she covered her mouth and started laughing. She snorted but kept chuckling. "Sorry."
He crossed his arms and walked away. Lois followed him. "Clark, don't be upset, I just …" The laughing started again.
"Go ahead, laugh it up!" Shaking his head, he looked out over the city.
"I'm sorry. But I couldn't help myself, just as 'she' couldn't help her reactions to you, and I totally understand. Clark, you are just too good to be true." Smiling, she put her arms around him from behind. "Forgive me?"
He pulled her arms closer to him. "Of course, I do." He turned around and clutched her to his chest. "I just missed you so much, and she missed him. It truly was a difficult time for her and I couldn't help but think about you, and if anything ever happened to me …" He didn't want to think about that.
Lois closed her eyes and pulled him closer. She wasn't laughing now. Her eyes stung, but she managed to say, "You won't ever leave me, will you? I mean, you can't die, Clark, can you?" She pulled back and hoped he would reassure her.
Utterly serious now, he stroked her hair. "Lois, I …"
She touched his lips. "Don't answer that, just kiss me Ok?"
And he did.
~o~o~
Meanwhile, the Kent farm, the mirror universe:
Lois and Clark were on the front porch hoping to set everything right between them. They didn't want to go back to the way things were which meant jealousy and pain. They truly did trust each other, but Lois' nerves were raw thinking about Tess and how they use to be involved, but of course, Clark must have felt the same way about Oliver and about Clark Kent. Sighing, she sat down then he sat down next to her. He took her hand.
"It's only for a little while until she can find a replacement, but I will talk to her about selling the company, and about both of us moving on with our lives," he said and waited for her reaction.
Lois truly hoped that was the case. "Do you think she'll consider selling the company?"
"I hope she does. That place has unpleasant memories for both of us."
She squeezed his hand. "I know." She paused wondering how to bring this up, but he needed to know about the green-k and where it was coming from. "Clark, speaking of the company, it's possible that the green-k that's been plaguing you since you became a superhero in this town I may have found out where it's coming from and whose supplying it."
At his shocked expression, he asked. "Who is it?"
"Someone you and I know, but of course, it's the last person we would suspect."
"Go on."
"Lionel."
"But …"
"I don't mean him personally, but he was behind all the other kryptonite and its distribution. He and Lex despised you wanted you dead, but being the cowards that they were, they couldn't do it themselves, but found other ways to hurt you."
"You may be right about that." He thought about it for a minute. "And you think Tess may know something about it?"
"Yes, I think she may know." She squeezed his hand. "Clark, I do trust you, but please be careful with her. She still loves you. How could she not?" She grinned at him. "I am serious though, just please be very careful."
He shook his head at her. "Lois, you must know this. I love you and everything that has happened in my life, especially since we met, I wouldn't have wanted it any other way."
"Oh, Clark!" She cried and threw her arms around his neck. "I love you too." He pulled back and kissed her hard letting her know he was hers, and she was his.
Suddenly, someone cleared their throat. It was Martha. "Lunch is still on the table if you guys are … still hungry."
Embarrassed, Lois ducked her head under his chin. "We'll be in a minute. Thanks, Mom."
Clark smiled then he pulled her closer. "Hungry?"
"Uh, huh," she replied then looked him in the eye. "But not for food."
And then she kissed him.
~o~o~
The next day at LexCorp headquarters in Metropolis:
Clark Luthor sat across from Tess and watched her do her thing. She truly was a brilliant business woman, and he admired her, but she was clingy and untrustworthy. He knew that about her, and he felt sad that they couldn't at least be friends, but they can't happen. Lois would kill him.
She placed her hand over the receiving end of the phone. "I'm almost done with this call. Sorry about that."
"It's Ok, Tess." He stood up. "Why don't I head over to my office and see how things are hanging since I left?"
"That's an excellent idea. I'll be there in a few minutes."
"Alright, I'll see you later." Clark left her office and intended to do some snooping. His secretary was still there diligently working on whatever. He greeted her differently than before. He would normally flirt with her, wink or some inappropriate behavior, but not this time. "Good morning, Susan."
Susan was shocked by his greeting, she almost spit out her coffee. She turned to him, but then she knocked over her coffee cup. He truly was the most attractive man she had ever met and his flirtations were welcome, but it appears he was different from before. She could see it in his eyes. "Good morning, Mr. Luthor, and welcome back."
"Thanks, Susan. Anything new around here I should know about?"
"No, but since you asked …" She began then looked around, suddenly nervous. "Can we talk in your office?"
"Of course," he replied and opened the door for her. She walked in then began to wring her hands.
"Susan?" Clark had to wonder what this was about. She was clearly nervous about something.
She turned to him, still nervous. "Well, as you know, Mr. Luthor, I use to work for your Father, your brother, and Ms. Luthor."
"Yes, I knew that."
"Well, I wanted you to know that I would never … betray your secret."
He frowned. "My secret?"
"I know you, even with the glasses." She raised her eyebrows, her meaning clear.
Clark wasn't surprised. "Oh, I see, and …"
"Well, it's not a very good disguise if you don't mind my saying so."
He chuckled. "No, I don't mind and thank you Susan. Was there anything else you wanted to tell me?"
"Well," she paused for a moment. "I feel it's only right that I tell you about the … green-k."
Clark was truly taken aback. He hadn't even mentioned it. "Green-k?"
"Yes, sir, and you should know that there were a lot of emails, memos, and letters that came past my desk and I kept copies."
Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. It was Tess. "Clark?"
Clark turned to his assistant. "Thanks, Susan, and I'll see you later."
"Yes, sir," Susan said and left his office.
"Well, I see you're getting settled. We can talk later or are you free now?"
"I have a few minutes," Clark replied. Then they talked briefly about the business, and Tess informed him that it wasn't doing that well. She had actually received a few offers. The stock market decline a few years ago had certainly hurt the company.
Clark saw that as a way to bring up the sale. "Tess, I also received an offer."
"Who was it from?"
"Bruce Wayne."
Tess gasped. "'The' Bruce Wayne?"
"Yep, one in the same."
"What did you say?"
"I told him I wanted to think about it. Of course, I needed to talk to you first." He paused when she hadn't said anything. "Tess, are you interested?"
"Well, an offer from Bruce Wayne? I'd be crazy not to consider it."
"I'm glad to hear that Tess, and this place … distressing memories are all over this place. I got chills when I walked in here."
"I know what you mean." She watched him closely. "How are you truly Clark, I mean, I see you on television all the time now? Are you sure you can find the time to work here for a few days anyway?"
"I'll work it out."
"And Lois?"
He frowned. "What about Lois?"
"You two are still … together?"
Clark had hoped she was over him, but that appears not to be the case. "Yes, we are, very much … together." His point was made.
"I see, well, I'll let you get back to work." She paused then she stood up. "Lunch?"
Clark also stood up. "I don't think so, I mean, I'll have to see how much I can get done this morning before I decide." He didn't want to alienate her just in case she was behind the green-k distribution.
"Of course, I'll talk to you later, and Clark, thanks again for doing this. I truly appreciate it. You know, maybe I can get home before nine this evening."
"I hope you can too," he told her, and he meant it.
Tess inwardly sighed as she looked him up and down, not hiding how she felt. She couldn't help but think maybe he would join her 'after' nine. Stop it Tess, that ship has sailed.
Clark frowned as he watched her leave. He knew what she was thinking.
Seconds later, he rang for Susan to join him.
~o~o~
Tess went back into her office and tried not to slam the door, then she began to pace. Damn her. If not for her, he would still be mine. I know this, but if I can't have him, neither can she. Making up her mind, she walked inside her closet pulled a few coats aside and opened the lead-lined wall safe and pulled a ring with a red-k stone inside.
Now to lure Lois here and then … she'll get an eyeful and then … he'll be mine.
~o~o~
Later that same day, Tess and Clark had a meeting planned to discuss the possible sale of the company. Clark came into her office ready to get this over with. He had dinner plans with Lois.
"Drink?" Tess asked as she handed him a shot of bourbon.
"Come on, Tess, liquor has no effect on me."
She didn't believe him. "Really?"
"It was all an act, you must have known."
"Actually, I had no idea."
"I wonder about you Tess. It was the red-k, you know that."
"Oh, do you mean this?" She asked then held up the ring.
Clark backed up. "Put that away Tess. It's not going to work, not anymore." She came closer.
"Oh, I think it will work, and Lois will finally know the truth … that you still love me."
Clark narrowed his eyes and then they glowed red.
~o~o~
At that moment, Lois had just entered the LexCorp building. She desperately wanted to ignore Tess's taunts about Clark. She trusted him, but she didn't trust her.
It was early evening and the staff had gone home for the evening. Hurrying to Tess's office, she opened the door and Clark had Tess in a headlock, choking her.
Lois rushed over to him. She grabbed his arm. "Clark, what are you doing!? Let her go. You don't want to do this!"
"She tried to kill me." His eyes still glowed red.
"No, Clark, if you do this, you won't be able to come back from this. They'll kill you for sure and I'll never see you again." Lois was pleading with him.
He listened to her words, then he took several deep breaths then he released her. Tess collapsed onto the floor coughing and choking as the tears fell.
Clark was furious with her. "I know what you did, Tess, dispensing green-k to criminals all over town. Why, why did you do it?"
Rubbing her aching throat, she told him the truth. "I wanted you to stop being Superman. Don't you remember how we were before all of this ... before her? I loved you, Clark, I still do."
Clark was stunned. "Love?! You have no idea what that means."
Tess was incredulous. "And you do?!"
He turned to Lois then. "Yeah, I do." They locked eyes for a moment, both knowing the truth.
Tess closed her eyes, unable to watch them anymore, but that didn't stop the tears from falling.
Pitying her, Clark picked up the ring and gave it to Lois. She placed it inside a lead box that she had brought with her.
"Tess, the sale will go through. You and I can't work together, not anymore. You will get fifty percent of the sale. It's only right."
"Clark, I …" Tess didn't know what to say. She didn't deserve any of it.
"Goodbye, Tess." He paused. "My lawyers will be in touch."
Lois and Clark left her standing there then she covered her eyes and tried to hold back her tears, but it was useless.
TBC!
~o~o~
Song inspiration: Don't You Remember? Adele.
A/N: I had a difficult time with this chapter. I truly liked Earth-1 Tess, and when she was killed, I cried for her and what could have been. Earth-2 Tess also went through a lot. There truly was nowhere to take Tess except far away from the only person she truly loved. I honestly hope you enjoyed this. Stay tuned for more. Thanks for reading, everyone. Reviews are so much love.