Fic: The Things We Lost (3/?)
Title: The Things We Lost (3/?)
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: 2,500
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 face to face, Lois reluctantly talks to Andrew about the Blur, and later Lex Luther plots, as usual. Clois forever!! Please read and review. Thanks, everyone! :D
Story banner by hanakt
Previously:
( Chapter 1)( Chapter 2)
Chapter 3: Old Wounds
Meanwhile, back at Watchtower:
Tess Mercer stood outside the Watchtower headquarters about to enter the security code and make her monthly sweep of the place when she heard a noise. Her mind suddenly flashed back to when Oliver and Clark had disappeared. The lights were on, but could they actually have returned after all this time? Her mind wondered. She quickly punched in the security code, opened the double doors and Oliver was there in his Green Arrow costume at the computer talking to all the Justice League members who were on separate monitors. He was smiling and making cracks. Her heart skipped a beat the way it usually did when he smiled as if the past five years had never happened. "Oliver?"
Oliver had just hung up the phone with Clark and was just about to log off, when he heard 'her' voice, that raspy sexy voice that set his heart to pounding. He tried to keep his composure as he spoke to the League members. "Clark and I will be in touch shortly. Yes, it's good to be back. Green Arrow out."
Still standing at the door, Tess tried to keep her happy tears at bay but they refused to obey her. "Oliver?" She whispered again, then wiped at her eyes, afraid she might burst into tears at the mere sight of him. She swallowed, "You're back," she stated the obvious.
He refused to look at her, but continued to work at the computer. "No thanks to you," he stated, putting walls up, although he hated it.
Tess released a breath she was holding, and realized they wouldn't be able to be civil with each other, but she wanted so much more for them. "I'm sorry, Oliver, but ..."
Oliver closed his eyes. He really didn't want to fight with her. Sighing to himself, he finally logged off and turned to face her. She was still the same. Not a hair out of place. His eyes looked her over then from the top of her head, to the dark tailored suit with a white blouse that showed just a hint of cleavage, a pencil skirt, long legs and high heals. "You're looking well."
"So do you," she replied, intrigued by his obvious perusal of her, then she came closer. "When did you get back?"
"Clark and I made it back last night," he answered and watched her come closer. His heart started that erratic rhythm again, annoying him.
"I'm so glad. Are you alright, I mean no ill effects from your trip, I mean ... ummm ..." She hesitated.
He began to pace to put some distance between them. "I'm fine, but Clark lost his memories of Lois and their life together, well, up until they parted ways before he told her about himself." He shook his head still worried for them. "It's complicated, but I have faith his memories will return and they'll be alright."
Tess was also worried. "I hope you're right, but Lois is ... ummm ... seeing someone."
Oliver stopped pacing and stared at her in shock. "You're kidding, right? Lois is seeing someone?"
"Yes, for months now."
Oliver groaned. "Clark's heart will be broken in two, no way to avoid it."
Tess hoped they could talk more, but she had to tell him what had happened while they were away, and it could change everything. "I have to tell you something."
"Oh, no, are you seeing someone?" Oliver blurted out, shocking himself. He couldn't look at her. The words were out there. He couldn't pull them back.
Tess's eyes widened. Now why would he ask me that? We hadn't been together for a long time. She shook her head, trying not to read too much into it, but her heart was still overjoyed by his question. Inwardly smiling, she replied, "No, I'm not seeing anyone." She braced herself then said, "I wanted to talk about Lex."
~o~o~
Lois's apartment, mid-day morning:
Lois slowly awakened mere minutes after she had fallen back to sleep. Glancing at the nightstand, it was almost Noon. Picking up her cell which had been turned off, she looked for a call from Clark, but he hadn't called. She didn't know whether to be happy or sad about it. He's already making me crazy and he just got back.
But Andy had called several times and left her a message. She then realized that it was someone knocking at her front door that had awakened her. Someone was anxious to see her. Climbing out of bed, she put on her robe and tried to quiet the knocks. "I'm coming, hold your horses!" She exclaimed, annoyed. Looking through the peephole, she tried not to groan. She opened the door then belted her robe. "Andy, what are you doing here?"
Andy stared at her and decided not to mention her appearance. She looked awful, circles under her tired eyes, hair all over her head and she wasn't even dressed and it was almost Noon. He cleared his throat then held up several bags of food. "I brought lunch. You must be hungry," he stated and invited himself in, pushing past her before she could throw any objections at him.
Lois wanted to throw something at him alright, but it might land her in jail. "Please, come in," she deadpanned then closed the door. "Andy, I told you I was tired and no, I'm not hungry."
He felt contrite as he put the food on the dining room table. "Aren't you feeling any better?" Judging by her appearance, he could plainly see she wasn't any better.
"Do I look like I'm feeling any better?" She deadpanned again, hands on hips.
"You look ok, but maybe if you had some food, you'd feel better. Come on, go wash up and come eat with me?" Andy wheedled a little.
Lois sighed. "Alright, I'll be back in a few minutes," she told him and went to change.
"Great, I'll warm the food. Take your time," he told her then gave her a bit of a shove to her bedroom.
"I'm going, I'm going," Lois said then she shook her head at him. He had a way of cheering her up even though he could be a pest sometimes. After taking a quick shower, and changing, she did feel better. She put on a bit of make-up to cover her blotchy complexion from crying all night. As she brushed her hair, she couldn't help but think about Clark. Why did I send him away last night? If he saw that Andy was here in 'their' apartment, he would be very upset by it. Why do we continue to hurt each other this way? I hate it.
"Lois?" Andy called to her, hoping she wouldn't be too much longer.
"I'm coming!" She called back. Taking a deep breath, she went to join him, but then she braced herself because she knew what he wanted to talk about ... The Blur!
Once Lois was seated at the table and had taken a few bites, Andy couldn't contain his excitement any longer and of course, Lois picked up on it. "Go on, I know you're dying to talk about him."
"It's all over the news, Lois, but I get the impression that you're not happy about him coming back, when I know that's not true."
Lois sighed and swallowed some food before she could speak. "I'm happy he's back. We do need him; I know that."
"You say you're happy about it, but I can hear it in your voice, you're not happy about it at all." He watched her squirm a little. "Do you know what I think?"
"No, I don't, but you're going to tell me anyway," Lois said, intent on her plate of food.
"Well, since we met, you've never once talked about him, not until last night at the office. That was the first time you've mentioned him, and then he comes back last night, just like that. It's really strange." She squirmed even more. "Did something happen last night that you're not telling me?"
Lois couldn't take any more. She got up from the table and went into the living room. Pacing, she finally ended up at the window, hands over her eyes, and decided to tell him the truth.
He came up behind her and touched her shoulder. "Will you tell me about him now?"
She took a deep breath. "He saved me last night."
"He did?" He came to stand in front of her then. "What happened?"
"It was a carjacker. The Blur showed up just before the creep pulled a knife and held it to my back."
"Oh, Lois, you could have been killed. It was a good thing he showed up when he did. I don't want to think about loosing you, Lois. You've become way too important to me," he told her, as he stared at her trying to show his feelings.
Lois stared at him. She tried with everything in her to try and return those feelings, but she couldn't. She didn't really love him. Oh, they had kissed a few times, but that spark she had hoped to find was never there. She thought maybe one day, but then there was Clark. There would always be Clark. She wanted Clark's comfort, his arms around her, not Andy. She turned abruptly and left him standing there looking upset for her. "I'm alright, but I don't want to talk about him anymore."
"I understand now what you went through. I'm so sorry." He paused understanding her now. He saw her inability to talk about the Blur as more than what she was telling him, but he didn't think this was the right time to push her. "You should finish your lunch." He came over to her and Lois was startled a bit when he put his arms around her. Lois felt uncomfortable, as she patted his back. He pulled back after a moment, thinking she was definitely not the same woman he had come to know these past six months.
"Thank you, Andy, for the company and the food."
"You're welcome, and don't worry about coming in. We have a replacement for you ... Joyce."
"Joyce, is that all you could find?" Joyce was as upbeat and cheerful like a Barbie doll come to life.
Andy chuckled. "She is a handful, I admit, but it's just for one night." He paused. "Are you sure you'll be alright?"
"Yes, I'll be fine. You know, now that I'm dressed, I have to head down to the police station and make a statement. I almost forgot about that. I did promise the Blur I would go down there," she stated without thinking.
"That's the Blur, always on the side of the innocent," Andy was impressed even though he knew that he was a rival for Lois's affections, which was painfully obvious to him now.
"Yes, that's true," Lois murmured a little wistfully thinking about him.
Andy had always wondered about her feelings for the Blur, and they were confirmed with this talk. He really wasn't surprised by this. They did share a history. "Walk me out?"
They walked to the door. "I'll talk to you tomorrow, and I promise not to disturb you before Noon," he smiled at her. He wanted to kiss her goodbye but even that felt wrong to him.
Yes, everything was different now. Andy left her apartment, stood very still in the hallway and stared at her door. Lois couldn't have seen it, but Clark had. His forehead glowed with the Omega sign.
~o~o~
LuthorCorp headquarters in Metropolis, the penthouse suite:
Alexander 'Lex' Luthor was seriously pacing in the front of the television not believing his eyes. Channel after channel had the same story. The Blur had returned to Metropolis. He wanted to throw the remote at the screen. He couldn't be back now, not now! Numerous plots to get rid of the Blur came and went into his mind. He would think of something. Five years without him, and now he's back and on the exact same day as I announce my intent to run for President of the United States. This is not a coincidence.
Lex was determined to make a stand to show the Blur and everyone else that he was their best choice to run the country. He wasn't a criminal and he wasn't out to hurt anyone, not any more. Lex's platform for all the months before his announcement had been clear. It had taken him years to rebuild his image, specifically his stance on the ever-growing crime and efforts to help law enforcement. He was also a philanthropist, giving away millions to charity. His platform also stood for technological advances for the common people, specifically fossil-based fuels for a 'flying car' in every garage.
He watched the news stories again. Lex had finally accepted the Blur's secret identity as Clark Kent. When the memories had finally come to him months after his rebirth, he had embraced those memories. He had decided to keep his mouth shut about Clark's secret, not only because he had apparently disappeared without a trace, but also for his future schemes. He also knew that the secret coming out would hurt Lois and dare he admit it, he had grown to like her. Ever since she had joined the news room at his station, he had sat back and watched her performances and he liked the direction her career was headed. He had often wondered about her and why she had chosen Clark over all the other men who had pursued her. He now knew the answer ... Clark was the Blur.
Suddenly, he got an idea. He buzzed his assistant. "Get me Lois Lane on the line, NOW!"
TBC!
~o~o~
A/N: A lot going on now. Setting up everyone for what's to come. I hope you're enjoying what's happening so far. 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: 2,500
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 face to face, Lois reluctantly talks to Andrew about the Blur, and later Lex Luther plots, as usual. Clois forever!! Please read and review. Thanks, everyone! :D
Story banner by hanakt
Previously:
( Chapter 1)( Chapter 2)
Chapter 3: Old Wounds
Meanwhile, back at Watchtower:
Tess Mercer stood outside the Watchtower headquarters about to enter the security code and make her monthly sweep of the place when she heard a noise. Her mind suddenly flashed back to when Oliver and Clark had disappeared. The lights were on, but could they actually have returned after all this time? Her mind wondered. She quickly punched in the security code, opened the double doors and Oliver was there in his Green Arrow costume at the computer talking to all the Justice League members who were on separate monitors. He was smiling and making cracks. Her heart skipped a beat the way it usually did when he smiled as if the past five years had never happened. "Oliver?"
Oliver had just hung up the phone with Clark and was just about to log off, when he heard 'her' voice, that raspy sexy voice that set his heart to pounding. He tried to keep his composure as he spoke to the League members. "Clark and I will be in touch shortly. Yes, it's good to be back. Green Arrow out."
Still standing at the door, Tess tried to keep her happy tears at bay but they refused to obey her. "Oliver?" She whispered again, then wiped at her eyes, afraid she might burst into tears at the mere sight of him. She swallowed, "You're back," she stated the obvious.
He refused to look at her, but continued to work at the computer. "No thanks to you," he stated, putting walls up, although he hated it.
Tess released a breath she was holding, and realized they wouldn't be able to be civil with each other, but she wanted so much more for them. "I'm sorry, Oliver, but ..."
Oliver closed his eyes. He really didn't want to fight with her. Sighing to himself, he finally logged off and turned to face her. She was still the same. Not a hair out of place. His eyes looked her over then from the top of her head, to the dark tailored suit with a white blouse that showed just a hint of cleavage, a pencil skirt, long legs and high heals. "You're looking well."
"So do you," she replied, intrigued by his obvious perusal of her, then she came closer. "When did you get back?"
"Clark and I made it back last night," he answered and watched her come closer. His heart started that erratic rhythm again, annoying him.
"I'm so glad. Are you alright, I mean no ill effects from your trip, I mean ... ummm ..." She hesitated.
He began to pace to put some distance between them. "I'm fine, but Clark lost his memories of Lois and their life together, well, up until they parted ways before he told her about himself." He shook his head still worried for them. "It's complicated, but I have faith his memories will return and they'll be alright."
Tess was also worried. "I hope you're right, but Lois is ... ummm ... seeing someone."
Oliver stopped pacing and stared at her in shock. "You're kidding, right? Lois is seeing someone?"
"Yes, for months now."
Oliver groaned. "Clark's heart will be broken in two, no way to avoid it."
Tess hoped they could talk more, but she had to tell him what had happened while they were away, and it could change everything. "I have to tell you something."
"Oh, no, are you seeing someone?" Oliver blurted out, shocking himself. He couldn't look at her. The words were out there. He couldn't pull them back.
Tess's eyes widened. Now why would he ask me that? We hadn't been together for a long time. She shook her head, trying not to read too much into it, but her heart was still overjoyed by his question. Inwardly smiling, she replied, "No, I'm not seeing anyone." She braced herself then said, "I wanted to talk about Lex."
~o~o~
Lois's apartment, mid-day morning:
Lois slowly awakened mere minutes after she had fallen back to sleep. Glancing at the nightstand, it was almost Noon. Picking up her cell which had been turned off, she looked for a call from Clark, but he hadn't called. She didn't know whether to be happy or sad about it. He's already making me crazy and he just got back.
But Andy had called several times and left her a message. She then realized that it was someone knocking at her front door that had awakened her. Someone was anxious to see her. Climbing out of bed, she put on her robe and tried to quiet the knocks. "I'm coming, hold your horses!" She exclaimed, annoyed. Looking through the peephole, she tried not to groan. She opened the door then belted her robe. "Andy, what are you doing here?"
Andy stared at her and decided not to mention her appearance. She looked awful, circles under her tired eyes, hair all over her head and she wasn't even dressed and it was almost Noon. He cleared his throat then held up several bags of food. "I brought lunch. You must be hungry," he stated and invited himself in, pushing past her before she could throw any objections at him.
Lois wanted to throw something at him alright, but it might land her in jail. "Please, come in," she deadpanned then closed the door. "Andy, I told you I was tired and no, I'm not hungry."
He felt contrite as he put the food on the dining room table. "Aren't you feeling any better?" Judging by her appearance, he could plainly see she wasn't any better.
"Do I look like I'm feeling any better?" She deadpanned again, hands on hips.
"You look ok, but maybe if you had some food, you'd feel better. Come on, go wash up and come eat with me?" Andy wheedled a little.
Lois sighed. "Alright, I'll be back in a few minutes," she told him and went to change.
"Great, I'll warm the food. Take your time," he told her then gave her a bit of a shove to her bedroom.
"I'm going, I'm going," Lois said then she shook her head at him. He had a way of cheering her up even though he could be a pest sometimes. After taking a quick shower, and changing, she did feel better. She put on a bit of make-up to cover her blotchy complexion from crying all night. As she brushed her hair, she couldn't help but think about Clark. Why did I send him away last night? If he saw that Andy was here in 'their' apartment, he would be very upset by it. Why do we continue to hurt each other this way? I hate it.
"Lois?" Andy called to her, hoping she wouldn't be too much longer.
"I'm coming!" She called back. Taking a deep breath, she went to join him, but then she braced herself because she knew what he wanted to talk about ... The Blur!
Once Lois was seated at the table and had taken a few bites, Andy couldn't contain his excitement any longer and of course, Lois picked up on it. "Go on, I know you're dying to talk about him."
"It's all over the news, Lois, but I get the impression that you're not happy about him coming back, when I know that's not true."
Lois sighed and swallowed some food before she could speak. "I'm happy he's back. We do need him; I know that."
"You say you're happy about it, but I can hear it in your voice, you're not happy about it at all." He watched her squirm a little. "Do you know what I think?"
"No, I don't, but you're going to tell me anyway," Lois said, intent on her plate of food.
"Well, since we met, you've never once talked about him, not until last night at the office. That was the first time you've mentioned him, and then he comes back last night, just like that. It's really strange." She squirmed even more. "Did something happen last night that you're not telling me?"
Lois couldn't take any more. She got up from the table and went into the living room. Pacing, she finally ended up at the window, hands over her eyes, and decided to tell him the truth.
He came up behind her and touched her shoulder. "Will you tell me about him now?"
She took a deep breath. "He saved me last night."
"He did?" He came to stand in front of her then. "What happened?"
"It was a carjacker. The Blur showed up just before the creep pulled a knife and held it to my back."
"Oh, Lois, you could have been killed. It was a good thing he showed up when he did. I don't want to think about loosing you, Lois. You've become way too important to me," he told her, as he stared at her trying to show his feelings.
Lois stared at him. She tried with everything in her to try and return those feelings, but she couldn't. She didn't really love him. Oh, they had kissed a few times, but that spark she had hoped to find was never there. She thought maybe one day, but then there was Clark. There would always be Clark. She wanted Clark's comfort, his arms around her, not Andy. She turned abruptly and left him standing there looking upset for her. "I'm alright, but I don't want to talk about him anymore."
"I understand now what you went through. I'm so sorry." He paused understanding her now. He saw her inability to talk about the Blur as more than what she was telling him, but he didn't think this was the right time to push her. "You should finish your lunch." He came over to her and Lois was startled a bit when he put his arms around her. Lois felt uncomfortable, as she patted his back. He pulled back after a moment, thinking she was definitely not the same woman he had come to know these past six months.
"Thank you, Andy, for the company and the food."
"You're welcome, and don't worry about coming in. We have a replacement for you ... Joyce."
"Joyce, is that all you could find?" Joyce was as upbeat and cheerful like a Barbie doll come to life.
Andy chuckled. "She is a handful, I admit, but it's just for one night." He paused. "Are you sure you'll be alright?"
"Yes, I'll be fine. You know, now that I'm dressed, I have to head down to the police station and make a statement. I almost forgot about that. I did promise the Blur I would go down there," she stated without thinking.
"That's the Blur, always on the side of the innocent," Andy was impressed even though he knew that he was a rival for Lois's affections, which was painfully obvious to him now.
"Yes, that's true," Lois murmured a little wistfully thinking about him.
Andy had always wondered about her feelings for the Blur, and they were confirmed with this talk. He really wasn't surprised by this. They did share a history. "Walk me out?"
They walked to the door. "I'll talk to you tomorrow, and I promise not to disturb you before Noon," he smiled at her. He wanted to kiss her goodbye but even that felt wrong to him.
Yes, everything was different now. Andy left her apartment, stood very still in the hallway and stared at her door. Lois couldn't have seen it, but Clark had. His forehead glowed with the Omega sign.
~o~o~
LuthorCorp headquarters in Metropolis, the penthouse suite:
Alexander 'Lex' Luthor was seriously pacing in the front of the television not believing his eyes. Channel after channel had the same story. The Blur had returned to Metropolis. He wanted to throw the remote at the screen. He couldn't be back now, not now! Numerous plots to get rid of the Blur came and went into his mind. He would think of something. Five years without him, and now he's back and on the exact same day as I announce my intent to run for President of the United States. This is not a coincidence.
Lex was determined to make a stand to show the Blur and everyone else that he was their best choice to run the country. He wasn't a criminal and he wasn't out to hurt anyone, not any more. Lex's platform for all the months before his announcement had been clear. It had taken him years to rebuild his image, specifically his stance on the ever-growing crime and efforts to help law enforcement. He was also a philanthropist, giving away millions to charity. His platform also stood for technological advances for the common people, specifically fossil-based fuels for a 'flying car' in every garage.
He watched the news stories again. Lex had finally accepted the Blur's secret identity as Clark Kent. When the memories had finally come to him months after his rebirth, he had embraced those memories. He had decided to keep his mouth shut about Clark's secret, not only because he had apparently disappeared without a trace, but also for his future schemes. He also knew that the secret coming out would hurt Lois and dare he admit it, he had grown to like her. Ever since she had joined the news room at his station, he had sat back and watched her performances and he liked the direction her career was headed. He had often wondered about her and why she had chosen Clark over all the other men who had pursued her. He now knew the answer ... Clark was the Blur.
Suddenly, he got an idea. He buzzed his assistant. "Get me Lois Lane on the line, NOW!"
TBC!
~o~o~
A/N: A lot going on now. Setting up everyone for what's to come. I hope you're enjoying what's happening so far. Thanks for reading. Reviews are love.