Title: Increments: 1: Fight Test
Rating: G
Spoilers: Crusade
Disclaimer: I don't own any of them.
Summary: Continuing the conversation at the end of Crusade.
Author's Notes: I was re-watching some season 4 episodes and realized that Lois and Clark connected almost instantaneously. Since we didn't get nearly enough Clois scenes to explain their behaviour, or see how their relationship developed, I figured I'd explain it my own way. This is part of an occasional series that will span the fourth season.


Crusade

Clark: Look, why don't you let me help you find out who did this to Chloe? Come on, you can stay at our house while you're in town. It beats living out of your car.

Lois: Thanks. But you should know I don't pay attention to curfews and I never make my bed. I'll give you some time alone.

Clark: Lois! Chloe's still alive.


Lois turned around slowly, watching an adamant plaid-wearing farm boy tell her what she so wants to believe.

"What? How do you know that? You take one look at her tombstone and decide someone's been playing a trick on us for the last few months?"

She trudged angrily back towards him, stopping a little more than an inch from his face. She glared up at him. "Listen farm boy," she hissed. "You better explain exactly what you know. I'm not in the mood to be dicked around, especially when it concerns my cousin. Understood?"

Clark blinked in surprise. He took a nervous step back. "No. Lois, you don't understand. Chloe's my best friend; I want to find out what happened to her just as much as you do–"

"Spare me the heart-felt speech. Why do you think she's still alive?"

Clark ran a hand through his hair in a nervous gesture. "Just think about it for a second. Who wanted Chloe out of the way? Lionel. And you went to see him, didn't you? Did he seem like–"

"A man who'd been given a get-out-of-jail-free card? No… In fact he—never mind." She gave her head a slight shake and focused back on the boy in front of her.

Clark shifted uncomfortably under the intensity of her gaze. He met her eyes, trying to show he was being honest, well mostly, anyway. After a long moment she finally spoke. "So, your house."

Clark nodded in relief. "Yeah."

Lois watched him warily, "Okay. I'll follow you."

"I thought you knew the way."

"I found it by accident. I'd rather not spend another hour communicating with Mother Farmland. It's boring." A slow smile formed on her lips. "Unless you're feeling an urge to get in touch with nature, again. Now that would make it slightly more interesting."

Clark felt his face go hot.

Lois smiled delightedly. "You're blushing! This just keeps getting better. I'm stuck in Hicksville with a plaid-wearing, blushing farm boy. All you're missing is the accent and hat." She eyed him carefully. "And maybe the tight jeans."

"I take it back. You can stay in your car."

Lois sobered immediately. "I don't think so. You said you'd help me find out who did this to Chloe, or whatever you think happened to her. And make no mistake, I will find out and make whoever pay."

"You know what? I don't doubt it. But first you need dinner and somewhere to sleep. Drive me home and we'll talk." He started towards the street.

Lois looked surprised. "You didn't drive? How did you get here, then?" She fell into step with him.

"Uh, my mom dropped me off; it was on her way,"

She shook her head. "You are something else, Clark Kent."

He looked away. "About that ride…"

"If dinner and a bed still stand, then you have a deal."

"Okay."

"Okay."

"But first you're taking me to see Chloe's safe house."

"What? But—"

"I have the car."

Clark sighed. "Fine. Let's go."