Fic: Embracing Destiny (12/?)
Title: Embracing Destiny (12/?)
Author: Babette babettew54
Category: Superman Movie-verse
Characters: Lois/Clark/Kal-El, Conner, Jason, Martha, Perry, Jimmy
Rating: T
Summary: Lois and Clark must fight harder than they’ve ever fought before to keep their family together.
Word Count: 4,800
Disclaimer: DC Comics/Warner Brothers owns these characters, except Joanne Kent and Samuel Hamilton; they’re mine. No profit is being made from this story. This is strictly for my own amusement.
Author’s Notes: In this next chapter, Lois and Clark draw strength from one another, Conner gets devastating news, and later Lois has a secret. Here's another favorite chapter of mine. They do seem to be piling up, but you know I love it! Please read and review when you get a moment. Thank you! :D
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: Never Let Go
I can't understand it.
The search for an answer is met with a darker day.
And we've been handed these moments forever.
But I'm reassured there's another way.
You don't have to close your eyes.
There is room for love again.
Ease the pain to realize
All that love can be.
Forced apart by time and sand.
Take a step and take my hand.
And don't let it go.
Never let go. .. (1)
~o~o~
The Kent house:
Later that same night, Jason knocked on his parent's door. It was late, but they were still up. "Mom, Dad, I have something for you."
"What is it, son?" Clark asked as he came to greet him.
"Mr. Olsen brought these by, but I'm not sure if …" He hesitated then he handed the photographs to him and waited.
Clark sighed as he realized what they were. "I'll … ummm …" Clark hesitated.
"What's going on, Clark?"
He knew it was silly, but he put the photos behind his back. "Nothing."
"Really?" She quirked an eyebrow at him, but she knew he was hiding something.
"Lois, I don't think …"
"What is it Clark? Tell me .."
"Alright, but you may not be ready to see them. Jimmy brought these over. He thought they would help with the article about … General Zod," Clark explained.
"Oh, I see."
Clark understood. "It can wait, and besides, we don't really need them," Clark told her then handed the photographs back to Jason.
Lois sighed then came over to them. She held out her hand. "Give them to me."
"Lois, I don't know."
"Clark, I need to get past this and … seeing him the way he was long ago, well, I think it will help."
"Are you sure?" Clark wasn't sure about any of this.
"I'm sure."
He handed her the envelope.
Lois took a deep breath and went to sit on the bed. Clark and Jason sat down next to her.
Lois inwardly smiled at her two men beside her, trying to shield her from any harm. Feeling a bit stronger, she opened the envelope and pulled out the photos. It was him alright but he was definitely younger. She also recognized the two other Kryptonians from her dream. Pointing to them, she finally asked a question, "What were their names?"
Clark pointed to each of them in turn. "That's Ursa and that's Non."
"And where are they now?"
"In prison," Clark replied.
"But is it possible they could escape?"
"No, Lois, I checked up on them and they haven't regained their powers."
"But they could at some point in the future. Am I right?"
He took the photos from her then turned her to face him. "They won't be coming here. I promise, Lois."
Jason picked up the photos from the bed and wondered if he should tear them up. "Dad, we have to make sure they can't escape, not ever."
"I'll take care of it, Jason. Don't worry."
Jason was relieved. He watched his Mom for a moment. "Good night, Mom."
"Good night, Jason."
"Night, son," Clark said.
"Good night." Jason took the photos with him.
Clark turned back to his wife. "Are you ok?"
Lois stood up and began to pace feeling agitated and worried. "I hate feeling this way."
"I know you do." He smiled at her. "You're my rock, Lois and I need you well and strong again."
"I want that too, Clark." She sighed and sat down in a chair by the window. She pulled the curtains aside and looked up at the moon and the stars. "It's such a vast universe, so full of secrets and so much we don't know or could ever understand."
He came over to her, pulled up another chair, sat down and took her hands in his. "We will get through this, just like we always have, together."
She smiled at him then she reached out to touch his cheek. "I know we will."
He removed her hand from his cheek and kissed it softly. "I love you so much, Lois."
"I love you too, Clark."
Both their eyes were bright as they stared at each other.
He stood up then and pulled her close. He kissed her hair. Lois pulled him closer feeling stronger now. His true essence surrounded her and made her feel as if they could do anything, defeat any enemy, as long as they were together, they could get through anything. Being in his arms like this was exactly what she had needed all along. She knew that now. "Clark, make love to me," she whispered against his warm chest.
He pulled back and pushed her hair out of her eyes, but he wasn't sure they should. "You know I want you, Lois, but …" He hesitated.
She smiled understanding. "Making love to you has always been my strength, Clark. When I'm in your arms, everything feels right." She took his hand. "Feel that. I need you and you need me too. I know you do."
"Always, Lois, always," he whispered and then he leaned down and kissed her forehead, her temple, her cheek, her nose and then her mouth.
Lois felt cherished and so loved as if she were the most precious of gems. The feeling flowed through her entire body making her shiver with wanting him.
He helped her remove her robe and gown slowly as she helped him remove his clothes as well. He picked her up and laid her down ever so gently. He stood beside the bed for a moment and Lois couldn't help but stare at his clear evidence of his desire for her.
Lois was dying to hold him again, but she could be patient. He was being so tender and sweet that it brought tears to her eyes.
Clark moved onto the bed and buried his face in her neck, but suddenly he felt his chest tighten, his eyes filled up with tears and then he clutched her to him tightly. He didn't think it would happen now at a time like this but he couldn't seem to stop it so he had to let it out.
Lois felt his big body shudder for a moment and then she clutched him to her. She knew what was coming.
Clark's eyes burned with tears and then it happened. He burst into tears. He was silent with his sobs but she knew he was crying because she could feel the wetness of his tears on her neck. She stroked his hair pulling him closer and murmured soothing words to him. "It's ok, it's ok."
"I … I almost … lost you, Lois," he managed to choke out. "I would die … if anything ever happened … to you."
Lois closed her eyes at his heartfelt declaration but she knew exactly what he was saying. She didn't need to say it, so she rocked him as best she could. She told him she loved him over and over, and that everyone was safe and sound.
After a few minutes he pulled back, Lois leaned over and she wiped his tears away with a tissue from the nightstand. Lois pulled the covers up over them and pulled him back into her arms. Clark snuggled closer to her unable to get close enough.
Content, she continued to stroke his hair and arms comforting him, but it also thrilled him too. It didn't take much to excite him. All he had to do was look into her eyes or be close to her like this. Clark closed his eyes and began to kiss her again slowly and with a purpose this time.
He began at her throat, then her ear, with little bites and licks. His tongue swirled around her ear and then down her throat.
Lois moaned and leaned to the side and to give him better access. Clark moaned loudly then. He was himself again and Lois was thrilled and deliriously happy about it.
Suddenly, the world stopped and it was just them in their own world, loving each other, taking comfort from one another, giving and receiving the strength and togetherness they so desperately needed.
He made love to her slowly and with such deliberate and precise movements that Lois was about to lose her mind with wanting him. It was beginning to feel like torture to her. She couldn't take anymore then she begged for it, "Clark, I need you."
Smiling with a devilish smile that melted her heart, he leaned up and covered her mouth fully with his, as his hands sought her body. And as their limbs entwined, their hearts came together as one once again.
He entered her slowly at first and then he began to move in and out of her body knowing exactly how to please her. "Oh, yes," he murmured filling her to the hilt, withdrawing and then back into her again.
Lois was climbing toward that goal, kissing him and loving him too, stroking his back his neck, his shoulders, everywhere her hands could reach. They would not be still and then it happened. They both came at the same time, clutching each other close, both breathing heavily and their bodies soaked with perspiration and feeling utterly satisfied.
After their heartbeats slowed to their normal rhythms, kisses were given freely over and over again, each wondering when they could do it again.
Clark slowly began to leave her body but Lois was not having it and so she raised his chin and kissed him, her tongue swirled inside his mouth and then she felt it. He came alive once again.
He pulled back after a few moments. Smiling he whispered, "I love you."
"Show me … again." Her smile was blinding.
And then suddenly while making love to her husband again, Lois began to remember everything even the good memories returned: Niagara Falls, her daring attempts to trick him into telling her the truth, telling him that she loved him, their flight to the Fortress, Clark giving up his powers for her, making love for the first time, and then of course, the terror of Zod and his underlings, Luthor, all of it came back, and even Clark letting her go.
Lois gasped when the memories had faded and her mind understood all of it, why he had turned away from her, and why he had felt compelled to break his heart and hers as well. Closing her eyes, she blindly followed him to the highest peak and over.
A little while later, and before she fell asleep Lois was thinking that she would tell him the truth one day, one day very soon now.
~o~o~
The Daily Planet the next morning:
Jimmy Olsen was so nervous that he couldn't seem to think straight. Now that he knew the truth about his friends, he worried and wondered when they would be coming into the office.
Perry shook his head as he watched him from his office doorway. "Jimmy!"
He jumped out of his skin. "Yes, Chief!"
"Get in here now!"
Perry shut the door and watched him for a moment. "Is there going to be problem?"
"What do you mean, Chief?"
"You know exactly what I mean." He shook his head then decided to try something. It was a desperate solution, but things are desperate. He couldn't have Jimmy treating them any differently because everyone would notice and things could get awkward pretty quickly. "Jimmy, look at me. Now, when Lois and Clark get here, try and picture them without any clothes on."
"What? What did you say?"
"What I meant to say was picture them in their underwear."
"I can't do that." Jimmy was shocked.
Suddenly, they heard loud voices in the bullpen. The staff was eagerly welcoming the Kents back from vacation.
"You can do this Jimmy, now get out there and welcome them back."
Jimmy groaned to himself, stood up a little straighter, opened the door and watched them for a moment. He cocked his head to the side and thought, they really don't look any different, just Lois and Clark, just as before.
Lois spotted Jimmy out of the corner of her eye. She pulled Clark's coat sleeve, then they both went over to him.
"Welcome back," Jimmy squeaked a bit too loud, and then he swallowed. "How was your trip to Nassau?"
"Jimmy, we didn't make it to Nassau. Remember?" Clark reminded him.
"Oh, yeah, I remember, ummm, sorry."
"It's ok. It's good to be back. Is the Chief in?" Clark asked, hoping to change the subject.
"Yes, he's in his office."
"Great, and thanks for everything Jimmy," Lois told him sincerely.
"Anytime, Mrs. Kent, anytime," Jimmy replied, feeling a bit more relaxed.
Lois smiled at him. Lois and Clark entered Perry's office then shut the door.
"Welcome back, you two," Perry greeted them cheerfully. "Are you two ready to get back to work?"
"Yes Chief, we are but is Jimmy ok?"
"He's fine. Just give him a day or two then everything will be back to normal."
"That's good. We know things will be strange around here, but we don't want to be treated any differently."
Perry crossed his arms. "I have no idea what you're talking about Kent. Now, get to work."
Lois and Clark both shook their heads, and then spoke at the same time, "We're going Chief."
~o~o~
Later that evening at the Kent house:
The family was just about to sit down to dinner when the doorbell rang.
"I'll get it." JoJo was usually the first one to answer the door and without asking who it was, she opened the door. "Grandma!"
"Hi, sweetie," Martha said, leaned down and gave her granddaughter a huge hug and a kiss. "How are you honey?"
"I'm fine, Grandma," JoJo answered. "I'm so glad you're here."
"Me too, sweetie, me too," Martha replied then she gave Clark a hug as he took her small bag, as she turned to Lois.
But Jason had a few hugs to give his Grandma too. "We missed you."
Martha kissed his cheek. " I missed you too, sweetie."
Then Lois and Martha stared at each other and then they were both on the verge of tears. Martha held out her arms and Lois was in her arms in a flash. "I agree with JoJo and Jason, Martha. I'm glad you're here."
Martha hugged her for a moment longer. "Come on upstairs and we'll talk, ok, honey?"
"Ok." Lois held her tightly around the waist as they headed upstairs.
Clark nodded his head at them, smiled and ushered the kids into the dining room to finish eating.
~o~o~
Lois took a deep breath, took a seat on one the comfortable chairs by the window, turned to her mother-in-law and then the words just flowed like the tide unending and soothing all at once. Lois told her about what happened at the Fortress and her dreams and nightmares of being kidnapped all those years ago.
Martha sat quietly as Lois talked, nodding her head in understanding, truly thankful that Lois had someone to talk to, someone with an objective eye, a professional who understood and could help her.
"Just having you here means a lot." Lois smiled at her, "Clark and the kids have been amazing through all of it."
"Well, you, Clark and the kids mean everything to me."
Lois cocked her head to the side. "But there is someone else more important?" She teased. Then she spotted the ring. "Martha?" She exclaimed and reached for her left hand. "When did this happen?"
"A few days ago, but with everything that was going on, we thought we should wait until things calmed down a bit."
She squeezed her hands. "We need this, Martha. We need this for the family, a wonderful occasion like this after all the bad things that have happened. Clark would agree with me. Oh, JoJo will be so excited. She'll be the flower girl, of course, and Clark will give you away. Oh, it will be wonderful."
Martha chuckled at her enthusiasm. "Slow down, honey. We haven't set a date for the wedding or anything."
"Pick a date and let's get to it," Lois said and smiled at the mother-in-law.
Martha smiled back and realized she was right. It was just what the family needed.
~o~o~
Later that night:
Lois, Martha, JoJo and Jason were upstairs planning a wedding, so Conner and Clark were in the den going over the papers that Conner had found at the warehouse during Sammy's rescue.
"Do you understand any of this?" Conner didn't quite know what it all meant.
Clark was silent for a moment, but then he turned to his son. He sighed and then told him what he thought it was. "Dr. Westfield and apparently Lex as well, were working on … a way to destroy you in case they couldn't control you."
"Do you mean …?" Conner was shocked at first, but then he thought about it. "I could die?"
"Yes, but only after a very long exposure to this substance." Clark looked over the papers again. "I don't see a name just the ingredients." He sighed. "Apparently, there are numerous types of kryptonite that I can see … green, blue, gold and a few other substances that could harm you and me as well. I also see a lab called 'Cadmus' and it's located in Canada."
"So that's where they were headed?" Conner asked as Luthor's mad schemes came back to haunt them.
"Yes, Lex had planned taking you there, but we can destroy it Conner, get rid of all of it, as well as all of their research."
Conner stood up and walked around for a moment, not saying anything. He stood at the window and listened to his family upstairs, laughing and happy now that his Mom was on the mend. He closed his eyes and tried not to let this news burrow inside his mind and make him paranoid.
"I know this is difficult to believe and to accept, but once I found out there was something that could destroy me, it took me a while to even believe it and now thinking about it," he paused and came over to him then touched his shoulder, "please try not to worry about this. Now that we know about it and once it's destroyed, everything will be fine."
"I hear you, Dad, but tell me how to forget about this, live my life and not worry that someone might be out there who knows about this, and how they could hurt me?"
"Come and sit down son," Clark told him, hoping to help him deal with this knowledge.
This time Conner welcomed his Father's talk. He needed to know his experience and how he had gotten through it.
"You know, Conner, it wasn't long after my parent's told me where I had come from and how they had found me, that green kryptonite came into my life. I didn't know why it was happening, but I soon found out that it could kill me."
"What did you do?" Conner asked, eager to know.
"Well, giving it a name helped, plus I talked to my parents about it. They were just as upset about it as I was, but they gave me a perspective that to this day, all I had to do was think about those words and the calmness I told you about … it's there."
"Tell me, please."
Suddenly they were both startled by a knock at the door. It was Jason. "Hey, what's going on in here?" They glanced at each other not saying anything. "Mom is asking for you Dad."
"I'll be there in a minute, Jason," Clark replied.
"Ok, I'll tell her," Jason said and left them alone.
"We will finish this, Conner. Please try not to worry."
"I'll try," Conner replied.
A few minutes after his Father had left, he looked up at a brief knock and then the door opened.
It was Jason again. He came inside and shut the door, and he could see something was really bothering him. "Can I help?"
Conner wasn't sure he could talk about this right now, but knowing Jason, he probably wouldn't let it go. "Alright, but it's a secret."
~o~o~
The Watchtower space station, later that same evening:
Diana was anxiously pacing around the massive meeting table deep in thought. She had just given her friends an idea but no one was saying anything. She stopped pacing and waited patiently for an answer. "Well, what do you think?"
Bruce finally spoke up. "I agree, Diana, after what we witnessed with Conner and how he dealt with Zod and I think you're right. He needs to be among other superheroes with powers equal to his or at least able to keep up with him."
"Hal, J'onn, do you agree?" Diana asked her friends.
They glanced at each other. "I have one question. How will Clark take the news?" J'onn asked.
"I think he'll go along with it," Bruce responded.
Diana chuckled. "If I know Clark, he'll keep him close and not let him roam too far from home. We may have to do a bit of convincing."
Everyone agreed with that statement. "I'll talk to him," Bruce told them, but he knew he would have to choose his words carefully.
~o~o~
Back at the Kent house:
Lois was in bed waiting for her husband. JoJo and Martha were down for the night. Lois felt as if she didn't tell her husband that she remembered everything that she would burst and probably blurt it out without thinking.
"Honey, what is it?" Clark asked, as he came into their bedroom and closed the door.
Lois watched her husband for a moment. "Is everything alright? I know you and Conner were downstairs talking."
Clark inwardly sighed and wondered if he should tell her about Conner, but decided it could wait. "We were just finishing up the loose ends of the Westfield story, that's all," he replied. "What did you want to talk to me about?"
Lois knew her husband too well, but she decided to call him on it later. Taking a deep breath she forged ahead. "Well, I do have something important to tell you."
"What is it?" He asked and sat down next to her.
She took his hand. "It's about my dreams, Clark. I've been having them on and off for days, and last night when we made love, it all came back to me … all of it."
He perked up happy that she remembered but he was also worried. "Are you saying …?"
"Yes, Clark, I remember … everything," she replied smiling.
He loved her smiles and it encouraged him to ask the next question. "Do you remember the Fortress, our breakup at your apartment, the kiss, all of it?"
"Yes, I do." She paused. "Oh, Clark, I know now what you went through all those years ago, having to break up with me, to leave me and … I understand now."
"I can't believe this. After all these years, you remember everything." Suddenly, he couldn't look at her. The guilt was welling up inside of him, especially after everything that had happened with Zod, but then when he raised his eyes to hers, he knew she would forgive him, but he had to say it, "Lois, I'm sorry." He paused. "Do you forgive me?"
She sighed and realized why he felt the need to apologize. "Clark, I forgave you long ago." She touched his cheek. "I prefer to remember the good times, like those few hours we spent at the Fortress, making love for the first time … and …" She paused unable to continue.
Clark understood, so very happy for her … for them. Now they could look back and remember the good times, yes, all the good times. He squeezed her hand and after he quickly undressed, she scooted over for him as they both crawled under the covers and immediately went into each other's arms. "Now that I know everything, can we talk about that time? I know you told me most of it, but there are a few blanks."
"Of course, ask me anything," he told her as he kissed her temple pulling her closer.
"Well, I know you never wanted me to know who you really were, but after Niagara Falls …?"
Clark stiffened at hearing those two words again.
"Are you ok? Maybe we shouldn't talk about it."
"It's nothing, but … it has been a long time since we were there."
She leaned up on her elbow and watched his face closely. "Clark, how would feel if we went back there … you know, to Niagara Falls? It wouldn't be right away. Maybe we could go after your Mom's wedding and things have quieted down for a while?"
"But why would you want to go back there?"
"I think it will help me get past all of it and I have a feeling that once we return, then all the pieces will fit. You'll see." She could see he didn't like the idea. "Please just for a day or two? We need this time away and after our plans for Nassau fell apart …?"
He sighed and realized she was right. He couldn't deny her anything. "Of course, if it will help."
"Thank you, Clark, but no pink bear rugs this time, ok?"
"I promise, no pink bear rugs," he told her and shook his read remembering.
TBC!
~o~o~
Note: (1) Never Let Go, Josh Groban
A/N: Lois remembers everything. What a relief for her and for Clark. I know it must feel strange with no villains waiting to pounce on our family, but this backend will be about them and how much the past several weeks have affected the family. They would have to change, that's a given. Tell me your thoughts and thanks for reading. Reviews are love, everyone!
Author: Babette babettew54
Category: Superman Movie-verse
Characters: Lois/Clark/Kal-El, Conner, Jason, Martha, Perry, Jimmy
Rating: T
Summary: Lois and Clark must fight harder than they’ve ever fought before to keep their family together.
Word Count: 4,800
Disclaimer: DC Comics/Warner Brothers owns these characters, except Joanne Kent and Samuel Hamilton; they’re mine. No profit is being made from this story. This is strictly for my own amusement.
Author’s Notes: In this next chapter, Lois and Clark draw strength from one another, Conner gets devastating news, and later Lois has a secret. Here's another favorite chapter of mine. They do seem to be piling up, but you know I love it! Please read and review when you get a moment. Thank you! :D
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: Never Let Go
I can't understand it.
The search for an answer is met with a darker day.
And we've been handed these moments forever.
But I'm reassured there's another way.
You don't have to close your eyes.
There is room for love again.
Ease the pain to realize
All that love can be.
Forced apart by time and sand.
Take a step and take my hand.
And don't let it go.
Never let go. .. (1)
~o~o~
The Kent house:
Later that same night, Jason knocked on his parent's door. It was late, but they were still up. "Mom, Dad, I have something for you."
"What is it, son?" Clark asked as he came to greet him.
"Mr. Olsen brought these by, but I'm not sure if …" He hesitated then he handed the photographs to him and waited.
Clark sighed as he realized what they were. "I'll … ummm …" Clark hesitated.
"What's going on, Clark?"
He knew it was silly, but he put the photos behind his back. "Nothing."
"Really?" She quirked an eyebrow at him, but she knew he was hiding something.
"Lois, I don't think …"
"What is it Clark? Tell me .."
"Alright, but you may not be ready to see them. Jimmy brought these over. He thought they would help with the article about … General Zod," Clark explained.
"Oh, I see."
Clark understood. "It can wait, and besides, we don't really need them," Clark told her then handed the photographs back to Jason.
Lois sighed then came over to them. She held out her hand. "Give them to me."
"Lois, I don't know."
"Clark, I need to get past this and … seeing him the way he was long ago, well, I think it will help."
"Are you sure?" Clark wasn't sure about any of this.
"I'm sure."
He handed her the envelope.
Lois took a deep breath and went to sit on the bed. Clark and Jason sat down next to her.
Lois inwardly smiled at her two men beside her, trying to shield her from any harm. Feeling a bit stronger, she opened the envelope and pulled out the photos. It was him alright but he was definitely younger. She also recognized the two other Kryptonians from her dream. Pointing to them, she finally asked a question, "What were their names?"
Clark pointed to each of them in turn. "That's Ursa and that's Non."
"And where are they now?"
"In prison," Clark replied.
"But is it possible they could escape?"
"No, Lois, I checked up on them and they haven't regained their powers."
"But they could at some point in the future. Am I right?"
He took the photos from her then turned her to face him. "They won't be coming here. I promise, Lois."
Jason picked up the photos from the bed and wondered if he should tear them up. "Dad, we have to make sure they can't escape, not ever."
"I'll take care of it, Jason. Don't worry."
Jason was relieved. He watched his Mom for a moment. "Good night, Mom."
"Good night, Jason."
"Night, son," Clark said.
"Good night." Jason took the photos with him.
Clark turned back to his wife. "Are you ok?"
Lois stood up and began to pace feeling agitated and worried. "I hate feeling this way."
"I know you do." He smiled at her. "You're my rock, Lois and I need you well and strong again."
"I want that too, Clark." She sighed and sat down in a chair by the window. She pulled the curtains aside and looked up at the moon and the stars. "It's such a vast universe, so full of secrets and so much we don't know or could ever understand."
He came over to her, pulled up another chair, sat down and took her hands in his. "We will get through this, just like we always have, together."
She smiled at him then she reached out to touch his cheek. "I know we will."
He removed her hand from his cheek and kissed it softly. "I love you so much, Lois."
"I love you too, Clark."
Both their eyes were bright as they stared at each other.
He stood up then and pulled her close. He kissed her hair. Lois pulled him closer feeling stronger now. His true essence surrounded her and made her feel as if they could do anything, defeat any enemy, as long as they were together, they could get through anything. Being in his arms like this was exactly what she had needed all along. She knew that now. "Clark, make love to me," she whispered against his warm chest.
He pulled back and pushed her hair out of her eyes, but he wasn't sure they should. "You know I want you, Lois, but …" He hesitated.
She smiled understanding. "Making love to you has always been my strength, Clark. When I'm in your arms, everything feels right." She took his hand. "Feel that. I need you and you need me too. I know you do."
"Always, Lois, always," he whispered and then he leaned down and kissed her forehead, her temple, her cheek, her nose and then her mouth.
Lois felt cherished and so loved as if she were the most precious of gems. The feeling flowed through her entire body making her shiver with wanting him.
He helped her remove her robe and gown slowly as she helped him remove his clothes as well. He picked her up and laid her down ever so gently. He stood beside the bed for a moment and Lois couldn't help but stare at his clear evidence of his desire for her.
Lois was dying to hold him again, but she could be patient. He was being so tender and sweet that it brought tears to her eyes.
Clark moved onto the bed and buried his face in her neck, but suddenly he felt his chest tighten, his eyes filled up with tears and then he clutched her to him tightly. He didn't think it would happen now at a time like this but he couldn't seem to stop it so he had to let it out.
Lois felt his big body shudder for a moment and then she clutched him to her. She knew what was coming.
Clark's eyes burned with tears and then it happened. He burst into tears. He was silent with his sobs but she knew he was crying because she could feel the wetness of his tears on her neck. She stroked his hair pulling him closer and murmured soothing words to him. "It's ok, it's ok."
"I … I almost … lost you, Lois," he managed to choke out. "I would die … if anything ever happened … to you."
Lois closed her eyes at his heartfelt declaration but she knew exactly what he was saying. She didn't need to say it, so she rocked him as best she could. She told him she loved him over and over, and that everyone was safe and sound.
After a few minutes he pulled back, Lois leaned over and she wiped his tears away with a tissue from the nightstand. Lois pulled the covers up over them and pulled him back into her arms. Clark snuggled closer to her unable to get close enough.
Content, she continued to stroke his hair and arms comforting him, but it also thrilled him too. It didn't take much to excite him. All he had to do was look into her eyes or be close to her like this. Clark closed his eyes and began to kiss her again slowly and with a purpose this time.
He began at her throat, then her ear, with little bites and licks. His tongue swirled around her ear and then down her throat.
Lois moaned and leaned to the side and to give him better access. Clark moaned loudly then. He was himself again and Lois was thrilled and deliriously happy about it.
Suddenly, the world stopped and it was just them in their own world, loving each other, taking comfort from one another, giving and receiving the strength and togetherness they so desperately needed.
He made love to her slowly and with such deliberate and precise movements that Lois was about to lose her mind with wanting him. It was beginning to feel like torture to her. She couldn't take anymore then she begged for it, "Clark, I need you."
Smiling with a devilish smile that melted her heart, he leaned up and covered her mouth fully with his, as his hands sought her body. And as their limbs entwined, their hearts came together as one once again.
He entered her slowly at first and then he began to move in and out of her body knowing exactly how to please her. "Oh, yes," he murmured filling her to the hilt, withdrawing and then back into her again.
Lois was climbing toward that goal, kissing him and loving him too, stroking his back his neck, his shoulders, everywhere her hands could reach. They would not be still and then it happened. They both came at the same time, clutching each other close, both breathing heavily and their bodies soaked with perspiration and feeling utterly satisfied.
After their heartbeats slowed to their normal rhythms, kisses were given freely over and over again, each wondering when they could do it again.
Clark slowly began to leave her body but Lois was not having it and so she raised his chin and kissed him, her tongue swirled inside his mouth and then she felt it. He came alive once again.
He pulled back after a few moments. Smiling he whispered, "I love you."
"Show me … again." Her smile was blinding.
And then suddenly while making love to her husband again, Lois began to remember everything even the good memories returned: Niagara Falls, her daring attempts to trick him into telling her the truth, telling him that she loved him, their flight to the Fortress, Clark giving up his powers for her, making love for the first time, and then of course, the terror of Zod and his underlings, Luthor, all of it came back, and even Clark letting her go.
Lois gasped when the memories had faded and her mind understood all of it, why he had turned away from her, and why he had felt compelled to break his heart and hers as well. Closing her eyes, she blindly followed him to the highest peak and over.
A little while later, and before she fell asleep Lois was thinking that she would tell him the truth one day, one day very soon now.
~o~o~
The Daily Planet the next morning:
Jimmy Olsen was so nervous that he couldn't seem to think straight. Now that he knew the truth about his friends, he worried and wondered when they would be coming into the office.
Perry shook his head as he watched him from his office doorway. "Jimmy!"
He jumped out of his skin. "Yes, Chief!"
"Get in here now!"
Perry shut the door and watched him for a moment. "Is there going to be problem?"
"What do you mean, Chief?"
"You know exactly what I mean." He shook his head then decided to try something. It was a desperate solution, but things are desperate. He couldn't have Jimmy treating them any differently because everyone would notice and things could get awkward pretty quickly. "Jimmy, look at me. Now, when Lois and Clark get here, try and picture them without any clothes on."
"What? What did you say?"
"What I meant to say was picture them in their underwear."
"I can't do that." Jimmy was shocked.
Suddenly, they heard loud voices in the bullpen. The staff was eagerly welcoming the Kents back from vacation.
"You can do this Jimmy, now get out there and welcome them back."
Jimmy groaned to himself, stood up a little straighter, opened the door and watched them for a moment. He cocked his head to the side and thought, they really don't look any different, just Lois and Clark, just as before.
Lois spotted Jimmy out of the corner of her eye. She pulled Clark's coat sleeve, then they both went over to him.
"Welcome back," Jimmy squeaked a bit too loud, and then he swallowed. "How was your trip to Nassau?"
"Jimmy, we didn't make it to Nassau. Remember?" Clark reminded him.
"Oh, yeah, I remember, ummm, sorry."
"It's ok. It's good to be back. Is the Chief in?" Clark asked, hoping to change the subject.
"Yes, he's in his office."
"Great, and thanks for everything Jimmy," Lois told him sincerely.
"Anytime, Mrs. Kent, anytime," Jimmy replied, feeling a bit more relaxed.
Lois smiled at him. Lois and Clark entered Perry's office then shut the door.
"Welcome back, you two," Perry greeted them cheerfully. "Are you two ready to get back to work?"
"Yes Chief, we are but is Jimmy ok?"
"He's fine. Just give him a day or two then everything will be back to normal."
"That's good. We know things will be strange around here, but we don't want to be treated any differently."
Perry crossed his arms. "I have no idea what you're talking about Kent. Now, get to work."
Lois and Clark both shook their heads, and then spoke at the same time, "We're going Chief."
~o~o~
Later that evening at the Kent house:
The family was just about to sit down to dinner when the doorbell rang.
"I'll get it." JoJo was usually the first one to answer the door and without asking who it was, she opened the door. "Grandma!"
"Hi, sweetie," Martha said, leaned down and gave her granddaughter a huge hug and a kiss. "How are you honey?"
"I'm fine, Grandma," JoJo answered. "I'm so glad you're here."
"Me too, sweetie, me too," Martha replied then she gave Clark a hug as he took her small bag, as she turned to Lois.
But Jason had a few hugs to give his Grandma too. "We missed you."
Martha kissed his cheek. " I missed you too, sweetie."
Then Lois and Martha stared at each other and then they were both on the verge of tears. Martha held out her arms and Lois was in her arms in a flash. "I agree with JoJo and Jason, Martha. I'm glad you're here."
Martha hugged her for a moment longer. "Come on upstairs and we'll talk, ok, honey?"
"Ok." Lois held her tightly around the waist as they headed upstairs.
Clark nodded his head at them, smiled and ushered the kids into the dining room to finish eating.
~o~o~
Lois took a deep breath, took a seat on one the comfortable chairs by the window, turned to her mother-in-law and then the words just flowed like the tide unending and soothing all at once. Lois told her about what happened at the Fortress and her dreams and nightmares of being kidnapped all those years ago.
Martha sat quietly as Lois talked, nodding her head in understanding, truly thankful that Lois had someone to talk to, someone with an objective eye, a professional who understood and could help her.
"Just having you here means a lot." Lois smiled at her, "Clark and the kids have been amazing through all of it."
"Well, you, Clark and the kids mean everything to me."
Lois cocked her head to the side. "But there is someone else more important?" She teased. Then she spotted the ring. "Martha?" She exclaimed and reached for her left hand. "When did this happen?"
"A few days ago, but with everything that was going on, we thought we should wait until things calmed down a bit."
She squeezed her hands. "We need this, Martha. We need this for the family, a wonderful occasion like this after all the bad things that have happened. Clark would agree with me. Oh, JoJo will be so excited. She'll be the flower girl, of course, and Clark will give you away. Oh, it will be wonderful."
Martha chuckled at her enthusiasm. "Slow down, honey. We haven't set a date for the wedding or anything."
"Pick a date and let's get to it," Lois said and smiled at the mother-in-law.
Martha smiled back and realized she was right. It was just what the family needed.
~o~o~
Later that night:
Lois, Martha, JoJo and Jason were upstairs planning a wedding, so Conner and Clark were in the den going over the papers that Conner had found at the warehouse during Sammy's rescue.
"Do you understand any of this?" Conner didn't quite know what it all meant.
Clark was silent for a moment, but then he turned to his son. He sighed and then told him what he thought it was. "Dr. Westfield and apparently Lex as well, were working on … a way to destroy you in case they couldn't control you."
"Do you mean …?" Conner was shocked at first, but then he thought about it. "I could die?"
"Yes, but only after a very long exposure to this substance." Clark looked over the papers again. "I don't see a name just the ingredients." He sighed. "Apparently, there are numerous types of kryptonite that I can see … green, blue, gold and a few other substances that could harm you and me as well. I also see a lab called 'Cadmus' and it's located in Canada."
"So that's where they were headed?" Conner asked as Luthor's mad schemes came back to haunt them.
"Yes, Lex had planned taking you there, but we can destroy it Conner, get rid of all of it, as well as all of their research."
Conner stood up and walked around for a moment, not saying anything. He stood at the window and listened to his family upstairs, laughing and happy now that his Mom was on the mend. He closed his eyes and tried not to let this news burrow inside his mind and make him paranoid.
"I know this is difficult to believe and to accept, but once I found out there was something that could destroy me, it took me a while to even believe it and now thinking about it," he paused and came over to him then touched his shoulder, "please try not to worry about this. Now that we know about it and once it's destroyed, everything will be fine."
"I hear you, Dad, but tell me how to forget about this, live my life and not worry that someone might be out there who knows about this, and how they could hurt me?"
"Come and sit down son," Clark told him, hoping to help him deal with this knowledge.
This time Conner welcomed his Father's talk. He needed to know his experience and how he had gotten through it.
"You know, Conner, it wasn't long after my parent's told me where I had come from and how they had found me, that green kryptonite came into my life. I didn't know why it was happening, but I soon found out that it could kill me."
"What did you do?" Conner asked, eager to know.
"Well, giving it a name helped, plus I talked to my parents about it. They were just as upset about it as I was, but they gave me a perspective that to this day, all I had to do was think about those words and the calmness I told you about … it's there."
"Tell me, please."
Suddenly they were both startled by a knock at the door. It was Jason. "Hey, what's going on in here?" They glanced at each other not saying anything. "Mom is asking for you Dad."
"I'll be there in a minute, Jason," Clark replied.
"Ok, I'll tell her," Jason said and left them alone.
"We will finish this, Conner. Please try not to worry."
"I'll try," Conner replied.
A few minutes after his Father had left, he looked up at a brief knock and then the door opened.
It was Jason again. He came inside and shut the door, and he could see something was really bothering him. "Can I help?"
Conner wasn't sure he could talk about this right now, but knowing Jason, he probably wouldn't let it go. "Alright, but it's a secret."
~o~o~
The Watchtower space station, later that same evening:
Diana was anxiously pacing around the massive meeting table deep in thought. She had just given her friends an idea but no one was saying anything. She stopped pacing and waited patiently for an answer. "Well, what do you think?"
Bruce finally spoke up. "I agree, Diana, after what we witnessed with Conner and how he dealt with Zod and I think you're right. He needs to be among other superheroes with powers equal to his or at least able to keep up with him."
"Hal, J'onn, do you agree?" Diana asked her friends.
They glanced at each other. "I have one question. How will Clark take the news?" J'onn asked.
"I think he'll go along with it," Bruce responded.
Diana chuckled. "If I know Clark, he'll keep him close and not let him roam too far from home. We may have to do a bit of convincing."
Everyone agreed with that statement. "I'll talk to him," Bruce told them, but he knew he would have to choose his words carefully.
~o~o~
Back at the Kent house:
Lois was in bed waiting for her husband. JoJo and Martha were down for the night. Lois felt as if she didn't tell her husband that she remembered everything that she would burst and probably blurt it out without thinking.
"Honey, what is it?" Clark asked, as he came into their bedroom and closed the door.
Lois watched her husband for a moment. "Is everything alright? I know you and Conner were downstairs talking."
Clark inwardly sighed and wondered if he should tell her about Conner, but decided it could wait. "We were just finishing up the loose ends of the Westfield story, that's all," he replied. "What did you want to talk to me about?"
Lois knew her husband too well, but she decided to call him on it later. Taking a deep breath she forged ahead. "Well, I do have something important to tell you."
"What is it?" He asked and sat down next to her.
She took his hand. "It's about my dreams, Clark. I've been having them on and off for days, and last night when we made love, it all came back to me … all of it."
He perked up happy that she remembered but he was also worried. "Are you saying …?"
"Yes, Clark, I remember … everything," she replied smiling.
He loved her smiles and it encouraged him to ask the next question. "Do you remember the Fortress, our breakup at your apartment, the kiss, all of it?"
"Yes, I do." She paused. "Oh, Clark, I know now what you went through all those years ago, having to break up with me, to leave me and … I understand now."
"I can't believe this. After all these years, you remember everything." Suddenly, he couldn't look at her. The guilt was welling up inside of him, especially after everything that had happened with Zod, but then when he raised his eyes to hers, he knew she would forgive him, but he had to say it, "Lois, I'm sorry." He paused. "Do you forgive me?"
She sighed and realized why he felt the need to apologize. "Clark, I forgave you long ago." She touched his cheek. "I prefer to remember the good times, like those few hours we spent at the Fortress, making love for the first time … and …" She paused unable to continue.
Clark understood, so very happy for her … for them. Now they could look back and remember the good times, yes, all the good times. He squeezed her hand and after he quickly undressed, she scooted over for him as they both crawled under the covers and immediately went into each other's arms. "Now that I know everything, can we talk about that time? I know you told me most of it, but there are a few blanks."
"Of course, ask me anything," he told her as he kissed her temple pulling her closer.
"Well, I know you never wanted me to know who you really were, but after Niagara Falls …?"
Clark stiffened at hearing those two words again.
"Are you ok? Maybe we shouldn't talk about it."
"It's nothing, but … it has been a long time since we were there."
She leaned up on her elbow and watched his face closely. "Clark, how would feel if we went back there … you know, to Niagara Falls? It wouldn't be right away. Maybe we could go after your Mom's wedding and things have quieted down for a while?"
"But why would you want to go back there?"
"I think it will help me get past all of it and I have a feeling that once we return, then all the pieces will fit. You'll see." She could see he didn't like the idea. "Please just for a day or two? We need this time away and after our plans for Nassau fell apart …?"
He sighed and realized she was right. He couldn't deny her anything. "Of course, if it will help."
"Thank you, Clark, but no pink bear rugs this time, ok?"
"I promise, no pink bear rugs," he told her and shook his read remembering.
TBC!
~o~o~
Note: (1) Never Let Go, Josh Groban
A/N: Lois remembers everything. What a relief for her and for Clark. I know it must feel strange with no villains waiting to pounce on our family, but this backend will be about them and how much the past several weeks have affected the family. They would have to change, that's a given. Tell me your thoughts and thanks for reading. Reviews are love, everyone!