Title: We always fail destiny

Spoilers: Up to 'Power' then goes AU

Disclaimer: Don't own, don't profit.


He didn't know when it had started, maybe from the moment she'd found him in the field. He'd just been so set against it.

Finding her now, head propped on an arm and eyes fully closed in what he guessed was a peaceful sleep, or as peaceful a sleep as Lois allowed, Clark reached forward, weighing the pros and cons of such a foolish action.

Softly, his finger picked a long lock of her dark hair that had looped over her cheek and slipped it behind her ear. For a few seconds he imagined she smiled, even though he knew she really scowled.

Deciding that if there was one other thing beside green kryptonite that could end him, it was Lois, he smiled and left her undisturbed in her chair.

"Live to fight another day, Clark", he sighed.

He always did like to watch her sleep. Mostly because it was the one time she was absolutely quiet and not angry at him. Clent fought the urge to sit on the edge of the bed where a bare leg was flung out from under the covers. He fought the urge to leave, every rational thought in his mind telling him he shouldn't involve her in this mess. He was a man of battles where it concerned the love of his life. Not that he would have it any other way.

"Lois."

She didn't stir and he decided not to press the matter any further. It would be easier this way, hopefully. And so he told himself one last touch, one little touch, would be harmless and last him another lifetime. Leaning closer to her, terribly aware of the way her nose crinkled slightly, Clent brought a single finger to her smooth cheek. It trembled through him, maddeningly and tortuously, a pain so sweet and acidic he couldn't think straight.

It was the only reason she got a good lick in.

"Lois!"

"Get back old man!"

There was enough sense left in him to increase the distance between them as much as possible before she tried to kill him with her bare hands. From across the room he watched her turn the lamp on and reach for her cell phone.

"You've made a big mistake, Clent." Her eyes watched him as she spoke into her phone. "Hello? My name is Lois Lane."

Clent dropped his shoulders and leaned against the wall, listening to her describe the intruder and the fact that he was not, in fact, attacking or threatening her. When she snapped the phone shut and glared at him, he didn't move. Instead, he waited for her to make up her mind which seemed like an endless eternity. It was one of those very rare mystical Lois things, her mind using the ample time to weigh all the options and look in every corner before taking the first step. He didn't know whether he was happy she was using caution or annoyed she didn't just make her decision in a barely seen second like she usually did when put under the wire.

"How'd you get in here?"

"The door. You really should have an alarm system. This is Gotham."

"I have one."

"Then why wasn't it on?"

"It was."

"No it wasn't or it would've gone off when I got in. God Lois, do you even know the type of monsters out here that are just waiting to eat you alive?"

"Excuse me?" Lois stood, heat streaking her face. "You're the man who showed up out of the blue yapping about Smallville and then sneaked into my apartment at three in the morning!"

"That's different."

"Really? Because it sounds more like a potatoh-potahto thing."

"You can trust me."

"No, I'm pretty sure I can't."

"Then why haven't you tried to tackle, kick, bite, or kill me?"

"You jumped away! And I called the police!"

His raised eyebrow spoke volumes.

"I don't even know you, Clent! How could I trust you?"

"Shhh."

"What?" Lois frowned. "Don't shush me."

"Lois," he growled, turning his head to the left and hearing the two officers complaining about checking on a possible break in.

"What the hell are you doing?"

Snapping his head back, Clent straightened himself. "Sounds like your heroes are on their way."

"Who?"

"Gotham's finest. I guess it's time for me to go."

He'd intended on leaving without looking back, making it easier on himself, but then he felt her hand grip the upper part of his arm. She always had to complicate his life.

"I need to go, Lois."

She didn't remove her hand and Clent closed his eyes as he heard her take a small step towards his back. His flesh burned hotly, drinking up the sensation and wanting to fling it off at the same instant. Complete opposites, him and her, always them. Always conflicting, her and him, everything around them.

"Lois," he whispered thickly. "Please?"

Something happened to her then. Standing there, her fingers nearly gripping his muscles under the trench coat, Lois felt herself suddenly overwhelmed by grief. It nearly engulfed the pads of her fingertips and shot up her nerve endings to bypass muscle and bone, ending directly at the center of her heart, liquid and tissue. In all her years, she'd experienced heartache enough to be a combat veteran, but this was different. This was…life sucked from her.

He turned obliquely, not sturdy enough to keep himself from damning this world's Clark Kent by claiming her as his. His ears welcomed her thrumming heartbeat, the swallow of confusion, a purse of her lips meeting. He saw her tired face and wished to the gods he could kiss her lips and taste the salt of her tears once more.

"Who are you?" she asked breathlessly, eyes desperately searching his.

Call him selfish. Call him wounded. Call him idiotic. Don't call him strong.

"Lo…I'm your –."

"Gotham Police! We got a call from this location!"

Lois whirled, her glance darting from the door to Clent and back again.

"Hide. Now."

"Where?"

"In there." She pointed to her room as she began walking towards the door. "And be quiet."

Confident Clent was hidden, Lois dropped her shoulders and figured the mess of her hair would only help her.

"Hey!" She eyed their badges. "Rogers and Wills. Sorry about that call. One too many tequila shots and a marathon horror movie fest don't mix well. Did you know the force it takes to shove a toothpick into your, uh, lovegums is equal to – ."

"Ah, Miss Lane," the one of the right raised a hand to stop her. "So, there isn't an intruder?"

"Oh. No." Lois smiled crookedly, playing ashamed. "Sorry."

The two men looked at each other and the left one shrugged his shoulders.

"Okay, we'll be heading out. Be careful, and uh, stay away from toothpicks."

"Wise words," Lois muttered as she locked the door behind them and paused to take a breath.

Was she really doing this? Of course she was. It was almost as if she had no choice, her curiosity was so great. She ran across the carpet to her bedroom where Clent was sitting on the rustled bed.