Title: Double Trouble
Author: Laura (Lou)
Pairing: Clois (naturally) and a little Chlollie.
Rating: Strictly PG-13
Spoilers: None, this is mostly AU.
Timeframe: This fic is set mostly between the time season seven ended and the time season eight started but since it's an AU, none of the stuff that happened at the end of season seven, happened here. Lana and Clark broke up about a year ago, so she isn't around anymore, she left Smallville a long time ago.

Summary: Clark and Lois are friends, but each has been developing feelings for the other. Though they try very hard to keep those feelings hidden at all costs. During a day at the lake, Lois encounters a small rock that drastically changes her life, and Clark's too. Because what's about to happen, Clark will never see coming.

Prologue

Clark set his application form down on his desk and leaned back in his chair. Linking his hands behind his head, he frowned down at the document. Ever since Lois had given it to him, he'd been adamant that he wouldn't even look at it.

But as time had gone on, he'd witnessed first hand how much Lois loved her job, he had to admit that it was appealing. There was always a fire in her eyes whenever he visited her and Chloe at the Planet and he…well he wanted to be a part of that world too.

Even though Chloe no longer worked there, he still found himself dropping in from time to time, just annoy Lois. But could he do it? Could he become a reporter? He wanted to.

"Turn that frown upside down Smallville, because you are about to have something called fun…" Clark closed his eyes and sighed as the object of his thoughts burst into his loft.

Her shrewd eyes immediately registered the form lying on his desk. "Ah, giving in already? And I didn't even have to bring out the big guns yet."

"I haven't decided anything yet, Lois." he replied, burying the form underneath a few books. "But when I do, I'm sure you'll be the first to know." He stood up and walked over to the sofa. Lois followed and perched herself on the arm of it.

"You should, I mean come on Clark, do you really see yourself as a farmer five years from now?"

He frowned, not really knowing where he saw himself in five years time. Working at the Daily Planet would be a very welcome scenario compared to the unknown future he was facing being who he was.

"I'm not sure exactly." he replied distractedly.

Lois' teasing smile faded and she stood up to walk over to him. "Come on Smallville, you know you'd be a great reporter if you really put your mind to it."

Clark smiled, Lois didn't do compliments, and when she did they were always delivered awkwardly, and usually accompanied by an arm punch.

"Wow, was that a compliment?" he asked with a chuckle. "What's the matter, didn't get your coffee yet today?"

Lois smirked at him. "I can be nice…when I want to be. You just don't bring it out in me that often."

Clark tilted his head, and grinned. "It must be deeply buried."

She chuckled dryly and turned away, but just before she did, Clark could swear he caught a glimpse of something. A tiny flinch. Had he hurt her feelings? Nah, it was Lois. But still, the thought didn't sit well with him.

"So what brings you here this morning?" he asked, changing the subject, hoping it would work.

By the time she turned around again, she was all smiles, any trace of hurt gone.

"Chloe, Oliver and I are all going down to Crater Lake, since it's so gorgeous outside. And for once, none of us have to work today." She tilted her head towards the window, indicating the blazing sunshine outside. "So come on Smallville, chop chop."

He shook his head and smiled to himself as she wandered off down the stairs. "Uh, Lois?"

She stopped halfway down. "Yeah?"

"What if I don't want to go?"

She shrugged her shoulders. "Doesn't matter, you're going. You need to get off this farm for a little while. Besides," She threw him a wink. "As I remember it, you don't exactly look awful in a swim suit, minus the cheerleader attached to your lips, of course."

She continued down the stairs, laughing. Clark stood there a little confused. Was Lois flirting with him? He laughed, because that was such a ridiculous thought. But still…she had been making a lot of those seemingly innocent remarks lately.

Shaking his head, he started gathering things he would need, and followed after her.

TBC...