SUMMARY: This story starts at the end of "Infamous," then goes AU from there. In my version, Lois is the one who accompanies Clark to Los Angeles instead of Tess. It was originally supposed to be about eight chapters, but I enjoyed writing it so much that I kept on going. In fact, I just posted Chapter 108 on another website today.
DISCLAIMER: This was my 1st attempt at a multi-part story. Just so you know.
CHAPTER 1
Metropolis - Oliver's Penthouse…
Oliver is sitting in his living room having a drink while reading one of the many tedious reports he must read every day. Then he hears the elevator moving. He gets up from his chair and walks over towards the elevator and waits for the doors to open. Who would come at this time of night? He wonders. It's probably Clark. But to his surprise it's Lois who steps out of the elevator. She walks right up to him and slaps him across the face. "What the hell?" – holding his hand to his face. But then he sees the anguished look on her face. "Lois?" he asks in a softer voice.
"You told me during the wedding that you were sure he needed me," looking at him with a touch of bitterness in her eyes. - walking over to the terrace and looking out at the skyline of Metropolis.
After a moment, he slowly walks over to where she's standing and puts his arm around her shoulders. "What happened with Clark?" he asks.
"Nothing," she responds with a sigh. "We were supposed to meet for coffee tonight and have what he called a 'complicated conversation' about what almost happened between us at the wedding. But then he sent me a text message saying that he was swamped at work and couldn't get away. But I know that wasn't it. It wasn't exactly a busy work day today Ollie. He blew me off – plain and simple."
"I'm sure he had a valid reason for doing that," Oliver responds – in defense of Clark.
"No Ollie," she says, walking back to the living room and plopping down on the couch. "I just don't think he'll ever really be interested in me. Lana screwed him up for good. He's never get over her – not as long as she has a breath in her body." Then she gets up again and walks over to the elevator.
"Come on - why don't you stay a while?" Oliver asks. I'll pick up some of your favorite ice cream and we could talk some more if you want."
"Thanks Oliver - but I think I'm just gonna go home. I already have some Rocky Road ice cream in the freezer. I'll just mope around my apartment tonight. But tomorrow is a different story." She smiles at him as she steps into the elevator. "By the way," she adds, "I'm sorry for slapping you – I was upset and…"
"It's okay Lois," he interrupts - giving her one of his understanding looks.
She smiles back at him and gives him a little wave as the doors close.
Daily Planet - Several days later…
Clark is busy doing some research for the story he's working on. He stops for a minute and casually looks over at Lois's desk. When she looks up from the computer screen, he averts his gaze and picks up his phone to make a call. After a few minutes, he hangs up and again looks over at Lois.
"What are you looking at?" she says suddenly – a hint of irritation in her voice.
"That's the first time in 3 days that you've said anything to me. I was beginning to think you lost your voice or something." He adds, "It was nice to have some peace and quiet for a change."
Lois flinches at that comment. "I'm not in the mood for sarcasm – Especially from Clark Kent."
"What's that supposed to mean?" – starting to get a little irritated himself.
Before she could respond, Tess Mercer's assistant comes over to her. "Ms. Mercer wants to see both you and Mr. Kent in her office right away," she says.
"I'll be right there," Lois says – getting up from her chair and walking into the elevator.
"WE'LL be right there," Clark interjects as the assistant walks way.
Lois scowls at Clark as he approaches the elevator. But the door closes before he could get in. "Lois," he calls out – "come on, open the door." But he only hears the elevator going up. Son of a B*tch! He mutters to himself. I'll just take the stairs.
Lois steps out of the elevator and enters Tess's office. But she's surprised to see that Clark already there. "What took you so long?" he asks – a smirk on his face.
She clenches her fist, and then unclenches it – wishing that she could smack him in the mouth with it and wipe the smirk off his face.
Tess walks in and sits down on the edge of her desk. "Do we need to sit down for this?" Lois asks.
"No," says Tess. "This won't take long. I wanted to let you both know that I will be unable to attend the press conference in Los Angeles, Clark. So I've decided to send Lois in my place."
Both Clark and Lois are surprised at this announcement. "I've also made another decision." Tess says, "Lois, I'm promoting you to full-fledged reporter. You're moving out of the basement after you come back from Los Angeles."
Lois can't believe it. "That's great!" she exclaims – walking over to Tess and shaking her hand. Clark's still standing there with a stunned look on his face.
"You two better start getting ready. The plane leaves early tomorrow morning. We'll talk when you get back from Los Angeles." She picks up the phone to make a call. Lois walks out as Clark follows her - closing the door behind him.
They both get in the elevator. She presses the button for the basement. "It could not come at a better time," Lois says after the doors close. He turns his head to look at her.
She hesitates for a minute before speaking again. "I can't go on like this."
"Like what?" he asks.
"I don't think I can be friends with you anymore."
Clark stares at her, dumbfounded. "I don't understand. Why?"
"I think you know why. I just can't sit there day after day with you sitting across from me anymore. It's just too hard for me. So…I think it's best that we just remain two people who happen to work at the same company. And that's it."
Clark starts to open his mouth to say something, but the doors open. As she steps out, she gives Clark an 'I'm sorry' look and walks away. But what he doesn't see is the tear that starts to roll down her cheek…
CHAPTER 2
Next morning – Metropolis Airport
Clark arrives at Oliver's plane a little early. He walks in and sits down next to the window on the right side. He leans back in his seat and closes his eyes – hoping that maybe he could take a short nap to make up for the sleep he didn't get the night before. But he opens them again.
I don't think I can be friends with you anymore. Lois's words keep repeating over and over again in his head. The only thing he does know is that he needs her – more than he thought.
He tried calling her several times the night before, but she wasn't picking up. Then he tried Chloe's number, but she was still in Star City with Jimmy. He contemplated calling Oliver, but decided not to. He just doesn't feel comfortable talking with Oliver about the feelings he's having for Lois – not aware that Oliver already knows about them.
What should I do? He asks himself for the millionth time while looking out the window. But when he sees Lois approaching the airplane, he starts to get butterflies in his stomach. Okay, Kent calm down.
She enters the cabin and sits down on the left side and takes out her laptop – not even so much as a glance in his direction. Just then, the pilot announces that they're getting ready for takeoff and that they should put their seatbelts on. The plane takes off a short time later. When the 'fasten seatbelt' sign flashes off, Clark takes his off. He looks at Lois for a moment and comes to a decision. Taking a deep breath, he gets up from his seat and walks over and sits down next to her.
"Lois, we really need to talk about what you said yesterday." But she doesn't say a word. "I can't believe that you would throw away over 4 years of friendship just like that," he says, snapping his fingers.
"Do you think it was easy for me to say that to you?" she asks - finally speaking up. "We were supposed to have a 'complicated conversation' as you called it over a simple cup of coffee. But you gave me some lame excuse. You blew me off – plain and simple. And it's not the first time, either."
Clark is surprised at that comment. "When have I EVER blown you off?"
Lois thumps Clark on the head. "Think Kent, Think. Jimmy and Chloe's wedding? We were about to kiss – but the second that Lana shows up, its 'goodbye Lois' and 'hello Lana'."
"That's not what really happened Lois. I was in shock at seeing her. You saw that 'Dear Clark' video she left for me. How else was I supposed to react?"
"I don't know what to say about that." She turns back to her laptop.
Clark closes the laptop. "Come on Lois. We've been through so much together. Surely we can work this out."
"You really think so?" she says with a touch of sarcasm. "See, that's the problem, Clark. You just don't want to give up on anyone. And the one person you won't give up on is Lana. I just can't compete with that."
Clark is stung by that remark. But at the same time he understands why she said it. "You're both right and wrong at the same time, Lois."
She turns her head and stares at Clark – raising her eyebrows. "What do you mean by that?"
"You're right about my not wanting to give up on people. I didn't want to give up on Lex for years, but we both know how he turned out. As for Lana, you may not think so - but I finally did give up on her." He thinks of the moment he told Lana that she had to be the one to disarm the kryptonite bomb on the roof of the Daily Planet. He goes on. "Lois, you mean much more to me than you realize. Just the thought of losing you…" his voice trailing off.
She sees the look in his eyes that he had when she walked away from him at the hospital. "What is it you're really trying to say Clark?" she finally asks.
He bites his lip. "I'm trying to tell you that I'm having feelings for you that have gone beyond friendship. It's like it just snuck up on me - and it scares me to have those kind of feelings again."
Lois is startled to hear those words. At first, she thinks that Oliver told him what she said at the wedding. No, she thinks. Oliver would never betray my trust like that. Maybe Clark and I are more alike than I thought.
What is she thinking? Clark wonders. Sometimes I think I know, but then there are other times when I don't. This is obviously one of those times.
"Clark," she finally says, taking his hand, "I have feelings for you too and it scares me too." She hesitates for a moment. "We've always been able to talk about anything. We should be able to talk about this."
He puts his other hand over hers. "I agree."
"So what do we do now?" she asks.
"Well, I think that when we get back, we should talk some more. Maybe have some one-on-one time. Take things slow. How do you feel about that?"
Lois thinks about it for a minute. "I think I can get on board with that," she says - with a hint of a smile.
He smiles back at her. He leans in and is about to kiss her when suddenly the plane lurches – causing Clark to fall on Lois. "What the hell?" they both exclaim at the same time. He gets up, but makes sure she's okay. She gets up too and starts looking around the cabin. "I'm going to find out what's going on," he says, and walks over to the cockpit. He comes back a minute later. "The pilot says that one of the engines just blew and he thinks that the other one might go at any moment. He also said that we're probably going to have to jump out of the plane." Lois stares at Clark in horror. He walks over to her and puts his hands on her shoulders. "We're gonna be okay," he says – trying to reassure her. "We are a team after all. Nobody messes with Clark and Lois"
"You know Clark? If anybody else said we would be okay, I wouldn't believe them. But I believe it – coming from you."
"Okay. Then let's find those parachutes." She nods her head in agreement. They both start looking for them. But Clark is also using his X-ray vision to scan the entire plane.
He frowns because he doesn't see them anywhere. Then a sudden thought occurs to him. Was it some kind of test? Lex did the same thing when he was trying to find out my secret. Is this the real reason why Tess decided not to make the trip?
"I can't find them Clark," she says in a worried tone. "What are WE going to do?" But before he could answer, a sudden rush of wind enters the cabin as the outer door suddenly blows off – knocking both of them to the floor. Lois can feel herself being pulled towards the open door. "CLARK!" she screams out. He reaches out for her and manages to grab her wrists. But the wind is too strong for them. Lois is sucked out of the plane with Clark still holding on to her…
CHAPTER 3
Daily Planet – Tess's office
Tess is on the phone when her assistant comes in. "I told you I had a conference call and didn't want to be disturbed," she says in a somewhat annoyed tone.
"I'm sorry Ms. Mercer, but there's someone on line 2 who says they're calling from Metropolis Airport and that it's urgent."
"Tell them I'll be right with them," returning to her call. Her assistant nods and leaves the office – closing the door behind her. Once she leaves, Tess ends her call and picks up line 2. "This is Tess Mercer. How can I help you?" She listens for a minute. "I had a change of plans and couldn't make the trip. Yes, I sent Ms. Lane in my place along with Mr. Kent. What? Are you absolutely sure? Alright. Call me when you have more information. Thank you. Goodbye."
She slowly hangs up the phone. After a moment, she picks up the phone again and dials a familiar number. "Oliver, its Tess. I really need to speak with you. It's urgent. Can you come to my office right away? Thanks. Bye." She hangs up the phone – thinking how do I tell him about Clark and Lois?
About 10 minutes later, Oliver strolls into Tess's office. "So Mercy, what's so urgent that I had to postpone an important meeting?" he asks as he sits down.
Tess gets up from her chair and walks over to the office door that Oliver neglected to close behind him. She turns around and looks at Oliver, who is waiting somewhat impatiently. "I have some distressing news to give you." She walks over to her desk and sits down on the edge of it and faces him. "Oliver," she says, "I just received a call from Metropolis Airport. They were just informed that the plane flying Clark and Lois to Los Angeles just crashed somewhere in the Arizona desert. They're not sure exactly what happened. Fire and rescue are already on the scene."
Oliver stares at Tess in shock. He slowly gets up and walks over to the window – staring at the skyline of Metropolis, but not really seeing it.
"I told them to call me when they have more information," she says – putting one hand on his shoulder. But he still doesn't say a word. "There were parachutes on the plane Oliver. I'm sure they used them to escape."
"There weren't any parachutes," his voice a little shaky.
Tess stares at Oliver in disbelief. "What do you mean 'there weren't any parachutes'?"
He sighs. "I just had them removed the other day because they weren't in good condition. I was going to have them replaced, but…"
Before she could absorb this bit of information, the phone rings again. She quickly picks it up. "Hello? You have an update? She frowns. You're sure? Alright. Keep me informed. Thank you. Goodbye." She hangs up and looks at Oliver – who's waiting anxiously. "That was Metropolis Airport again. Search and Rescue found the body of the pilot. But there's still no sign of Clark and Lois."
Oliver gets a hopeful look on his face. "That has to be good news – isn't it?"
"Oliver, I don't want to burst your bubble, but…if they don't find them, chances are they never will. We have to face the real possibility that they're gone."
Oliver walks away from Tess in a huff and heads towards the door. He turns to look at Tess – a look of fury in his eyes. "I will NEVER believe that – not for one minute. I KNOW they're alive – and they WILL come back." He storms out the door and slams it closed behind him.
Tess sits back down at her desk. I hope you're right Oliver.
One hour earlier…
Clark manages to hold onto Lois as they're falling through the air; putting his arms around her. She grabs onto him as tightly as she can. "We're gonna die Clark."
"No we're not. We're gonna make it."
She stares at him in disbelief. "We're falling at least 176 feet per second Clark. How can you be so sure?"
He gazes at her with such confidence that it somehow calms her. "Because if we died now, then I would never be able to do this." He finally puts his lips on hers – kissing her with such passion that she feels like she's never been kissed before. She finds herself kissing him back in the same way. They forget where they are – lost in the moment.
Who knew that Clark Kent was such an amazing kisser? Just like that Green Arrow wanna-be. Her eyes pop open at that thought. He opens his eyes and looks at her. The question is forming on her lips when she notices they've stopped falling. "Clark, we've stopped." She pauses. "Are we dead?"
"No Lois, we're very much alive." She takes a step - expecting to be on solid ground. But then she starts to fall again. Clark grabs her arm. But when she looks up at him, she can't believe her eyes.
"YOU'RE FLOATING!" she exclaims. He pulls her back up – a panicked look on his face. She looks at him like she's never seen him before. What is he thinking?
There's no explaining this one away. I can't tell her she's hallucinating, or that she's dreaming, or she hit her head. Nope, there's no getting out of this one. The only thing I can do is tell her the truth – or at least part of it. He's about to speak when he hears voices coming from the ground. "We have to get out of here before they see us Lois," turning his head to look at her. He takes a deep breath. You can do this Kent. "Hold on," he says – holding her close to him. With a sudden burst of speed, he takes off - flying up into the night sky.
She gazes at Clark as they're flying through the air. For once, Lois Lane doesn't need to say anything. Many thoughts – wonderful thoughts - are running through her head.
Can you read my mind? Can you picture the things I'm thinking of? Wondering why you are all the wonderful things you are.
He's looking straight ahead with the most confident look she's ever seen on his face. He looks so happy – almost as if a burden has been lifted.
You can fly, you belong to the sky. You and I could belong to each other
He gives her a smile that makes her whole body tingle – then looks straight ahead again.
Will you look at me quivering… like a little girl… shivering? You can see right through me.
I never want this moment to end…
CHAPTER 4
Daily Planet Rooftop
Clark and Lois touch down on the roof of the Daily Planet. There hasn't been a word spoken since they took off from Arizona.
It's not like her to be so quiet. That's not the Lois I know. He looks at her again. What is she thinking? It's driving me crazy. I wish she would say SOMETHING. I also wish that for once I can not have a million thoughts running through my head.
"You're making me nervous Lois," finally speaking up.
"I'm making you nervous?" she asks - a flirtatious smile on her face as she slowly walks over to him – stopping just a couple feet away from him.
"You haven't said anything since…"
"Since you kissed me in mid-air and flew me from Arizona to Metropolis in less than 10 minutes?" – taking another step until they're almost touching.
"Well, yeah," he says, gulping nervously as she moves in closer and places her hand behind his neck and begins to kiss him under his chin. He puts his arms around her; closing his eyes as she makes her way down his neck. She feels so good, thinking to himself. I just want to…
"Want to what, Clark?" she stops and looks into his eyes.
"Want to talk about what happened," he says. You're such a chicken Kent, he says to himself.
"Uh huh," she says. That's not what he was going to say, but I'll let it go - for now. "Alright, let's talk,"
"I know you probably have a lot of questions for me so…" He leans against the ledge of the roof – crossing his arms against his chest.
She walks over to him and stands next to him. "Okay. Then let's start with this one. Did you dress up as the Green Arrow to throw me off Oliver's trail?"
Clark is surprised by the question. "That was me – but how did you figure it out?"
"Simple. When you kissed me, my toes tingled. The only other time that happened is when the Green Arrow kissed me."
"Well…I'm impressed." He says.
"That was just a warm-up Smallville. Then it occurred to me that the 'Green Arrow' wanna-be had the same abilities as the Red and Blue Blur. So…"
"That was me too, Lois."
"Okay." She continues, "You can fly, you can run really fast, and you're incredibly strong. Is there anything else you can do?"
"Well, I have X-ray vision. But only when I concentrate – and I don't invade anyone's privacy unless it's absolutely necessary."
"You really are a Boy Scout – aren't you?" He chuckles at that remark.
"So what else can you do?" she goes on – utterly fascinated.
"I can shoot fire from my eyes. I also have super hearing and super breath."
"Super breath?" she asks.
He looks at her curiously. "I thought you would be more impressed by my being able to shoot fire from my eyes. Instead, you seem more interested in the super breath. Why?"
"I don't know. Maybe because it's an unusual power to have. When did you even discover you
had it?
"Do you remember when you were jogging one day and you almost got hit by a barn door?
"I remember. I also remember that it was YOUR barn door. And you said you didn't know how it happened."
"Well…When I sneezed, the sheer force of it blew the door off its hinges and almost hit you."
"That was you?" she exclaims. "I think I need to sit down," she says suddenly – sitting back against the wall of the roof edge. He sits down next to her.
"You're a little freaked out."
"Just a little," she admits.
"I understand," he says – putting his arm around her shoulders. "It's a lot to throw at you all at once. I'd be surprised if you weren't freaked out at all."
"But you do know I'll be okay with it – don't you? And that I would NEVER reveal your secret?"
"I know. I have no doubts about that," he says – smiling down at her.
She puts her head on his shoulders and they sit like that for a few minutes.
"Clark?" lifting her head to look at him.
I think this is it. She's gonna ask THE question. "Yes Lois?"
"I have to know. You just don't seem like a meteor freak Clark. They usually go crazy, or end up dead. How is it possible that you can do all these incredible things and not end up the same way?"
He stands up and walks a few feet away from her, takes a deep breath and turns around to look at her. She stands up and they face each other – a few feet apart.
"I'm not a meteor freak Lois – although I am allergic to the meteors."
She frowns. "That doesn't make sense. How could you not be meteor-infected - yet be allergic to them?"
He goes on. "The meteor rocks are the remains of a planet called Krypton that exploded just after I was born."
Now she looks at him a little puzzled. "How do you know the name of the planet Clark?"
"Because…" taking a deep breath, "It's the planet I was born on, Lois."
Her eyes widen in disbelief. She turns her back on him for a minute – trying to process what he just said. No wonder he kept it a secret all this time. He was afraid of what people might think – that they would treat him differently. She turns back around and gazes at him. He's still the same guy.
Now she's really freaked out. She's looking at me strangely. Any minute now she's probably going to tell me that she can't handle it. I hope I'm wrong – but I have to face that possibility.
She walks up to him and puts her arms around his waist and looks up at him. "You're still the same guy that pushes my buttons like no other person I know." Then she gives him a lingering kiss that makes his knees weak. She lays her head on his chest; listening to his heart beating.
10 minutes later – Tess's office
Tess is looking at the headline for the next day's edition when Oliver comes through the door.
"I would appreciate it if you not slam the door like you did the last time," she comments without looking up.
"I'm sorry about that, but I didn't want to hear you refer to them as being gone," as he casually sits down on one of the chairs in front of her desk.
"I haven't heard anything since you left earlier. If I hear anything, I will CALL you," she says – laying down the newspaper and looking up at Oliver.
"FINE," he says. He stands up and is about to walk away when he sees the newspaper Tess just put down on her desk. The headline reads:
DAILY PLANET REPORTERS MISSING IN PLANE CRASH, PRESUMED DEAD
He grabs it and quickly reads the accompanying article. "I can't believe you're serious about running this." He slams it down on the desk. "You don't have ANY proof that this is true"
"I had no choice Oliver. There is no way that they could have survived that crash." She pauses for a moment – her voice a little softer. "I want them to be okay too, but at least I'm being realistic here." She adds, "So find something else to focus your anger on."
Oliver is about to make a retort when he sees Tess's jaw drop; her eyes widening in disbelief.
He turns his head to see what she's staring at. His jaw drops at the sight of Clark and Lois standing in the doorway.
"It's nice to know we've been missed," Clark says as they walk in.
"I knew you two would be okay," rushing over to Clark and Lois and wrapping his arms around both of them in a big hug.
"I'm not a hugger, but I am happy to see that the two of you are okay," Tess remarks, still standing behind her desk.
Oliver lets go of them. Clark and Lois sit down on the couch.
"So, tell us, what happened up there?" asks Oliver.
"We would rather not talk about it right now if you don't mind. It's been a really long day and we just want to go home and get some rest." Clark says.
"That's fine Mr. Kent. But the two of you will have the opportunity to tell your story tomorrow at the press conference I just decided to have." She picks up the phone and makes a phone call to the press office of the Daily Planet. "We're having a press conference tomorrow morning at 9:00 sharp. Make it happen." She hangs up the phone and stares at Clark and Lois.
Clark frowns at that remark. "Let's go Lois," he says to her. "We'll see you both in the morning," turning to Tess and Oliver. He takes her arm as they get up from the couch and walk out the door.
"Did you see that?" Tess remarks to Oliver after they're gone.
"See what?"
"You didn't notice the way Clark took her arm as they walked out?"
"I didn't notice anything. But he knows better. I bet something happened between them up there, he thinks – smiling to himself.
"Nothing escapes your attention Oliver. There's something going on between them. I can sense it."
"They're just good friends who care about each other." He pauses a moment. "I do think they have the right idea about getting some rest, though. I think I'll go home too." He walks over to the door. "See you tomorrow – Mercy," giving her a wink as he leaves.
She walks back to her desk and sits back down.
I don't buy it, thinking to herself. There's something there.
Chapter 5
Kent Farm – The next morning
Clark gets up early to finish up all the chores he didn't get to the previous day. As he's stacking the hay bales, Shelby comes up to him and starts jumping on him.
"Okay boy, lets go get you some food," walking out of the barn with Shelby following close behind. He opens the door to the kitchen and fills a dish with biscuits and sets it down on the floor. Shelby runs over to it and starts eating. Then he pours himself a cup of coffee and sits down at the kitchen table. He starts to sip it when he glances at the wall clock. It says 7:45 a.m. He jumps up from his chair and leaves the still steaming cup on the table – rushing upstairs to take a quick shower.
No marathon shower today - huh Smallville? He could imagine Lois saying. He can't help but smile at the thought. He finishes getting dressed – stopping just long enough to make sure he looks okay. Okay Clark, here we go, he says to himself. He gets into his truck and starts the engine.
He could have very easily done what he normally does – namely supers speeding to Metropolis, but he wanted some extra time to reflect on everything that's happened in the last 48 hours. His mind goes back to the night before when he was walking Lois back to her apartment…
We still have to come up with a story for how we survived a plane crash - without parachutes, she says to Clark – holding hands with him as they walk down the street. I've been thinking about that and I have an idea. What is it? She asks. He stops walking and looks around – making sure that no one could hear him. He whispers his idea in her ear. She looks back at him. I LIKE IT! She exclaims. I think it just might work. They continue walking along until they reach Lois's apartment building. They go upstairs and Lois unlocks her front door; Clark following her in and closing the door behind him. Do you want me to pick you up tomorrow morning? He asks. You don't have to. I want to get to the office a little early to check my emails. Alright, he says, I'll see you before the press conference. Lois walks with him to the door. Lois? He says. Yes? I was thinking… maybe it would be a good idea if we keep things quiet at the office. I was thinking that too, she replies – after all, we do make a good team. A great team, he says. He leans forward and gives her a not-so-chase kiss before he leaves – closing the door behind him…
He shakes himself out of his reverie and puts on the radio.
I feel so foolish, I never noticed, you'd act so nervous, could you be falling for me? It took a rumor to make me wonder; now I'm convinced I'm going under…
He changes the station.
I don't know what I'm up against. I don't know what it's all about. I got so much to think about -
Hey, I think I love you, so what am I so afraid of?...
Is someone trying to tell me something? Clark wonders to himself – changing the station again.
When she left me, in all my despair I just held on, my hopes were all gone. Then I found you there. And...I'm…ready to take a chance again. Ready to put my love on the line with you…
He shuts off the radio and pulls over to the side of the road - sitting there for a few minutes. Am I ready? He wonders. Maybe I am. He smiles at the thought as he turns back on the road.
Daily Planet – Press Room
Its 5 minutes before the press conference is about to start. Lois is standing in the hallway just outside the press room. She looks at her watch again. Where are you Clark? She wonders anxiously. But then she's relieved to see him walking down the hallway.
"It's about time," she says to him as he walks up to her.
"You didn't think I was going to be a no-show – did you?
"Of course not," she retorts. "I just wanna get this over with," as she adjusts his tie.
"There's no reason to be nervous Lois," he says.
"I'm NOT nervous," she says.
"Okay, if you say so." Then he takes a quick glance around. Not seeing anyone, he gives Lois a quick kiss on the lips. "Better?" he asks.
She smiles back at him. "Absolutely."
"I KNEW IT!" says Oliver – coming out of the press room.
Both Clark and Lois are startled by his sudden appearance. "You should be lucky that it was me and not Tess," he remarks. "She already has suspicions. If I were you, I would keep things under the radar when you're at the office."
"We've already discussed that Oliver," says Lois – a little annoyed. "What do you want?"
"I came out to tell you that they're ready for you. So let's go." He opens the door and walks in - followed by Lois and Clark.
Tess is already at the podium. Oliver, Clark and Lois walk over and stand by her. All the reporters start firing questions at them. "Will everybody please take their seats? There will not be any questions answered until everyone settles down," Tess says in a firm voice. "Thank you," she says as everyone quiets down. Oliver and Tess both step away from the podium as Clark and Lois stand in front of it.
"What happened up there?" is the first question from someone in the first row.
"Well," Clark starts to say, "There was nothing unusual about the flight itself. It was perfectly normal. But then the plane lurched. It was a good thing that both Ms. Lane and I were still sitting in our seats. We got up and I went to the cockpit to find out what was going on. The pilot informed me that one of the engines blew and felt that the other one would too."
Clark continues. "He also told me that we would have to use the parachutes. But we couldn't find them. Then as the plane started breaking apart, the outer door came off – knocking us both to the floor."
"What happened next?" is the next question from someone in the second row.
"I'll take this one," says Lois. "I was being pulled towards the open door when Mr. Kent managed to grab my wrists to pull me back in. But unfortunately the wind was too strong and we were both sucked out of the plane."
Then the question that Clark and Lois were waiting for was asked. "How did you manage to survive a plane crash – WITHOUT PARACHUTES?"- asked by someone in the back row.
Both Clark and Lois look at each other for a moment. She finally resumes speaking. "We were falling very fast and I thought we were going to die. But then something miraculous happened. We stopped falling in mid-air. Someone saved us."
"Who could have possibly saved you?" asks someone else.
"It was the person you all refer to as 'The Red and Blue Blur," says Clark.
The room goes silent for a split second, and then pandemonium erupts. Tess takes the microphone for a moment. "Will everybody PLEASE quiet down or else there will be no more questions." As they settle down again, Lois once again comes back to the microphone.
Another person asks, "What does he look like?"
Lois smiles for a moment. "Well, he's very handsome, thick black hair, and blue eyes that make you feel like they can see right through to your soul. He's both confident and shy at the same time." She stops for a moment. "Oh, and he also has a lock of hair that curls a little bit in the middle of his forehead. It's the cutest thing."
"Sounds like you have a little crush on this guy," says one of the male reporters.
"You would have a crush on this guy if you saw him. All I can say is that he is such a super man. I've never met anyone like him."
Tess comes back to the podium. "I think that's enough questions for now." Clark, Lois and Oliver leave the room as Tess tries to quiet down the throng of reporters.
Oliver, Clark and Lois return to the hallway outside the press room. Both Clark and Lois lean against the wall – breathing a sigh of relief.
"Clark, can I talk to you a minute – in private?" asks Oliver.
"It's okay Oliver. Lois knows about my secret."
"I thought…never mind. Oliver says. "I really have to hand it to you guys. That was absolutely BRILLIANT."
"It's a good thing that Clark can fly – otherwise I don't know what would have happened," says Lois – expecting Oliver to be shocked.
But then Oliver says in all seriousness, "It's about freaking time!"
Clark and Lois stare at him for a split second, then both of them start laughing. After a moment, Oliver joins in. That's when Tess finally comes out.
"What's so funny?" she asks.
"We were just telling Oliver a joke that 'The Red and Blue Blur' told us. He has a pretty good sense of humor." Says Clark.
"Well, they're not calling him that anymore," says Tess.
"What are they calling him?" asks Lois.
Tess responds, "SUPERMAN."
TO BE CONTINUED...