Chapter 6

Lois awoke to an incisive knocking at her door. She didn't notice the time she fell asleep, but knew it was after Clark had left. Was that yesterday?

She rolled out of bed to answer the door, or kill the person on the other side.

"There better be a fire", Lois answered crankily.

"Lois", Chloe rushed into the apartment, "I've been knocking forever. Where were you?"

"Somewhere in between the fifth or ninth dream", she answered sarcastically walking toward the kitchen for coffee, "I'm not really sure."

"How are you", Chloe asked following her cousin to the tight kitchen.

"I've seen better days, I'm sure", she smiled sadly.

"I spoke to the elephant in the room, named Clark Kent", Chloe said slowly.

Lois sighed, "yeah he came by yesterday."

"Yesterday", Chloe asked, "Lois, Clark came by three days ago."

"Right", Lois said putting the coffee on the pot, "that's what I meant."

"Lois", Chloe asked, "have you been sleeping this whole time?"

"No of course not", Lois lied, "like work would let that happen."

"What work", Chloe asked, "you were supposed to start today."

"Damn it", Lois cursed rushing back to her room to get ready.

"So you have been sleeping for three days", Chloe stated.

"I haven't been up to anything, Chlo", Lois said walking out of her room dressed somewhat appropriately for work.

"I'm glad you're back, Lois", Chloe smiled.

"Ditto, cuz", Lois walked to her cousin and hugged her.

*-*-*-*-*

Lois sat at her old desk staring at Clark's desk. He hadn't moved his work station in the last few months apparently, but he hadn't been at the Planet all morning either.

"If you are looking for Mr. Kent, he's out chasing a story", Tess Mercer walked up to her desk interrupting her thoughts.

"Huh", Lois said caught off guard, "no. I wasn't looking… I'm just…"

"Right", Tess smiled knowingly, "So Miss Lane, how does it feel to be back?"

"Really comforting", Lois smiled, "strangely."

"Well, I wanted to tell you", Tess said, "I'm offering you the City Beat section of the paper and… giving you a new partner."

"Really", Lois was excited, "wow. Thank you. I won't let you down…"

Then it sunk in.

"I'm sorry did you say a partner", Lois paused.

"Congratulations, Lane", Tess said walking back to her office.

"But who's my partner", Lois called after her.

*-*-*-*-*

Clark Kent walked into the Planet ready to type up the story on Detective John Jones shooting. It was his first big break, and he was actually excited to be typing up something other than the obits.

He stopped in his tracks when he saw her.

Sighing, Clark walked to his desk, it was now or never.

"Hey Lois", Clark greeted sitting in his chair; "I didn't know you were coming back today."

"Clark", Lois greeted though her eyes never left her computer screen, "I didn't tell you I was coming back today."

"Right", Clark sighed looking at his surroundings.

"LANE! KENT! My office! NOW!

Both stood up quickly and headed toward Tess Mercer's office. Not before awkwardly bumping into each other first.

When they both stepped in through the door, Tess ordered them to shut the door.

Lois sat down in a chair, and Clark was quick to follow her lead.

"Lois", Tess began, "as you know I'm now giving you the City Beats. But I'm also giving it to Clark Kent as well. Congratulations you two, you're going to be partners."

"What?"

"No way!"

"I'm sorry", Tess lifted her hands, "do you not like the pairing?"

"Miss Mercer, with all do respect", Clark started, "I'm sure Lois doesn't want or need a partner, much less me."

"Well, Mr. Kent", Tess began before sitting in her leather chair, "Miss Lane doesn't really know what she wants or needs, that is my job to tell her. And I'm telling her and you that you will both be working together on the City Beat. Unless, you don't want the job…"

Clark and Lois looked at each other.

"Miss Lane?"

"I want the job."

"Mr. Kent?"

"I don't."

"Excuse me!"

"What Clark, don't be a moron!"

"Mr. Kent, you don't want to work on the City Beat", Tess asked again.

"No I-"

"Shut up Clark! Yes he wants it!"

"Not if we're going to be on barely speaking terms, Lois!"

"Clark! Our issue is personal. We're both professional enough to not let it interfere with work."

"Lois-"

"Clark-"

"I'm confused", Tess interrupted them both, "what's it going to be? Yes or no?"

"Yes."

"Yes."

"Well, then", Tess smiled, "your first assignment…."

*-*-*-*-*

"Why'd you do that?"

"Do what", Lois asked, "Not let you throw your career away…?"

"Lois", Clark started.

"The truth is", she began, "I haven't forgiven you yet, but that doesn't mean I won't. You broke my heart, Clark. And that's not something I can just forget. But you are one of my best friends, and deep down I want the best for you."

"Lois I-"

"Please", Lois stopped him, "I don't need another Clark Kent apology."

"What do you need", he asked, "what is it you want from me?"

"Time", she said grabbing her purse and getting ready to leave the office, "time and space."

A.N: I have vacation for the next four days, so I'll probably be updating a lot more. Please remember to read and review! It honestly inspires one to continue writing.