A/N: I declare this pairing "Poise" if no one has any objections :) There is also the typical binomial "Pois" if you'd rather that. The point is here is the first Pete and Lois story on this site. It also may include some of my favorites Clex and Chlana.

Disclaimer: Of course Smallville doesn't belong to me... I'm writing fanfiction, not episodes for the show; which sadly is long since over.

Title: Pois Christmas by: Amber Esme Hermione

Cold wind stung Pete's arms from the passenger window. He glanced over at Lois with an easy smile, and shook his head. She unfolded her crossed arms and pulled the cigarette from her mouth. After a pause she blow smoke out the window then turned back to face his profile—his eyes were on the road again.

"What's so funny Petie?"

"Weren't you trying to quit?" His amused tone kept the remark from being an accusation; he'd accepted her need for nicotine as he'd accepted her cousin's need for caffeine back in high school.

"So The General's recruited you to bug me too, but that doesn't answer my question." She opened the ash-tray in the center compartment and tamped out the butt. She closed it inside, but he knew she'd get it back before the night was through.

"No, Lo, you know I don't mind—everyone copes with stress in their own way." He turned their car and slowed as he approached Lobe bridge. I wonder if he'll be there...

"What d'you mean stress?" She grit her teeth in a false smile. "I've gone into more hostile situations than visiting people for the holidays."

"Well, this is Smallville—you never know." Pete reached across the car with his right hand and laced his fingers with hers. He ran his thumb over the small diamond on her third finger. "Mrs. Kent sent us both invitations. If anything I should be nervous—I've been gone longer than you."

Lois lent her head back in frustration. "Yeah, but they're not counting on us showing up together, or engaged! At least you stayed gone." He gave her a look. "Not like that, Petie. I just kept dropping into their laps, and taking over Clark's room every few months. You had the decency to make up your mind about where you wanted to live!"

The car bumped along over some packed snow as Pete pulled over. He set the parking break for good measure. Then leaned across and kissed her cheek, her jaw, her lips—the taste of the smoke lingered. After he pulled away she smiled and swatted his arm.

"Lo, you needed a family, and I don't know a better one than the Kents."

"I can think of one—the Ross family." Her cheeks tinged with pink. "God, that was too corny. I can't believe I said that! What have you done to me, Pete?" She grabbed his shoulders and leaned across the consol. "Before you answer remember I can kill you at least seven different ways."

Pete chuckled and a wide grin spread across his chocolate features. "I guess my sappy lover boy ways are rubbing off on you, Captain Lane."

A truck rumbled up behind them and the driver's door opened. Lois glanced back with a frown. "They must think we've broken down or something."

"Maybe," Pete rolled down his window and a gloved hand rested on it for support as the stranger peered into the car.

"Well, it's been a while, Pete, Lois." They stared at the smiling man as he removed a knit cap.

"Lex Luthor?" Lois leaned across toward the man as if she still couldn't believe what the bald head and blue-gray eyes meant.

Pete asked a more practical question. "Since when has Lex Luthor driven a truck?"

Lex raised his eyebrows and glanced back at his vehicle. "It has better traction, and as some like to point out, I have trouble staying on these roads without snow on the ground." Then the billionaire pulled his hat back on and straightened. "Do you need a lift to the farm?"

The couple took in the man's appearance fully. He wore dark jeans, a wine-red turtleneck, and what appeared to be custom purple and gray flannel over shirt—all of which was covered by a somewhat worn coat. Pete had the presence of mind to shake his head in answer.

"Nah, we just pulled over for a second."

"Alright, see you there." Lex tapped the roof of the car and turned to go back to his own. "I won't tell them you're coming, but if you want food dinner should be ready, and Martha anticipates a full house."

Pete shivered in the cold that wafted into the car and rolled up the window on his side. He and Lois stared at each other until Lex's truck pulled away. Lois's mouth was slightly open, and he could see the wheels turning in her head. Finally he put his fingers under her chin and closed it.

"Was he wearing flannel?"

"Yeah," Pete affirmed. "Since when has he called Mrs. Kent 'Martha'?"

Lois shook her head and sat back again. "I don't even call her that—she's always been Mrs. K to me."

"Well," Pete released the break and maneuvered back onto the highway. "I guess it's time we go see what other surprises there are in store."

A/N: Well, it's a start. Tell me if you want to see everyone at the farm. Is the ship working? I've wanted to try this couple as an answer to fill out my other ships (Clex and Chlana), and keep everyone i.e. Lois and Pete happy.