Chapter 1
He moved toward the couch where he gently placed her. He sat next to her, holding her tightly wishing that he could take away her pain. It killed him to see her so feeble and helpless but he couldn't do a thing so he did what he knew; comfort her.
He brought his hand up to her back and began rubbing in a circular motion while his other hand caressed her head. He didn't know how long they sat there and he didn't care. He knew better than to ask her questions; she would open up when the time was right—if there would be a right time. All he wanted was to take away her anguish so Lois could get better. Until that time, he would be her shoulder to lean on. No questions asked.
They sat on the couch letting the time drift away, while solacing her. He started combing through her unruly knotted hair with his fingers. He continued when he didn't hear her complain.
He closed his eyes and rested his chin on top of her head. Clark began to wonder what could have happened to make her so feeble. Was she raped? Did someone she know die? Did something happen at work when he wasn't there? Did something happen with Lucy? What about Chloe? The situations were endless and they ran through his mind like a song on repeat.
Her eyes were more tearful than a rain cloud; his wet shoulder was evidence. But he didn't mind; he would let her cry it out, even if it resulted in a soaked shirt. She came to him for comfort and that's what he would do.
He reached for the box of tissues sitting on the wooden coffee table. She tugged at the tissue, but only pulled out half of one. He suddenly realized she would pass out soon if she didn't get rest and something to eat. He was about to go make her something when she finally spoke.
"He's gone," she inaudibly choked out.
He had to strain to hear what she had said. "Who?" he whispered into her hair. He closed his eyes knowing his mistake. He had asked a question after he promised himself he wouldn't ask. He should have known better than to open his mouth. He sighed. This was no way to get Lois to open up.
She didn't know when she would be ready to talk but she did know that all she wanted was to be held and cry until she had no more tears to shed. She had to get out of his embrace before he asked more questions.
She shook her head against his chest and pulled out of his embrace. Attempting to get away, she stood up quickly. Lois reached for the couch's arm as her legs wobbled beneath her weight. Her hand made contact with her forehead, trying to block out the blackness that was filling her vision.
Clark took hold of her arm and guided her back into her seat, "I'm going to get you some water," he announced, entering the kitchen.
Eyes closed, she barely nodded, the energy drained from her body. She hadn't realized how parched she was until Clark placed the refreshing cup of water on her lips. She drank greedily, like a desert soaking up the rain.
"More," her voice scratched. Her crackled lips proof that she longing for the refreshing liquid.
"Okay," he said taking her order.
"Do you want me to make you something? Soup?" he inquired returning with the hydrating fluid.
Lois nodded in affirmation while she gulped the water.
He entered his small kitchen apartment, searching for a can of soup. He frowned realizing he didn't have any. Sighing, he began puling out supplies. He would have to make it from scratch. He poured water into the pot and placed onion slices while waiting for the frozen chicken breast to defrost. He needed this to go faster, he need the chicken thawed now. This was one of those times where he was grateful he had super powers. He began defrosting the chicken, heat radiating from his eyes. Once satisfied, he placed it in with the pot. Now he had to wait for the water to boil before he could add the other ingredients.
He found Lois curled up in a ball on the couch. Her eyes were wide open, presumably staring into space. He placed the blanket that was resting on the back of the couch over her.
He sat on the edge of the coffee table and spoke, "soup should be ready in half an hour."
No response, "Lois?" he gently called.
She looked at him.
"Do you want to get some rest?" She remained quite. "I'll take that as a no."
He let out a deep breath. He didn't know what to do. He had never seen her like this. In the meantime, he would go make her soup.
-TBC-