Clark and Laila walked into the Daily Planet, holding hands and making light conversation. They had a happy glow about them, which Lois Lane recognized almost immediately.

Lois smiled, so smallville finally got himself some ass, Lois thought to herself, 'bout time. Any longer and he'd have shriveled up. While Lois entertained herself with thoughts of a wrinkly Clark Kent, Jason White had seen Laila and was running up to greet her saying "Laila Laila! Look what I drew in class yesterday!".

Laila crouched down and looked at the picture of Jason's waterfront home. "It's beautiful Jason." Laila pointed to a red and blue figure flying next to the house, "but who is that?" she asked. "Superman!" Jason answered, "He's my best friend! He told me any time I needed him I could call and he'd rush over."

Laila smiled and said 'Aw how", Laila glanced up at Clark and met his eyes, "sweet of him". She looked back at Jason, man his eyes were blue, "Tell you what buddy, how about you go get your crayons and some paper and we can color together" Laila said. Jason replied "Okay! I'm gonna get you all the prettiest crayons!"

Laila laughed and rose into her feet. When she turned back to Clark he had a strange smirk on his face as he focused on the computer screen. "What?" Laila asked.

Clark looked at her, smiling, "You're just good with him, Jason I mean. He likes you".

Laila replied "Yeah, he's a good kid. Does he know...that you're his father?" Clark's smile faded, "No" he replied, "he doesn't. Neither does Lois, which makes everything that much harder, it's difficult to spend time with my son."

Just then Perry White's voice boomed out of his office, "Kent! Lane! Get in here! Staff meeting" Clark gave Laila a sheepish look and she couldn't help but smile. As Clark started towards Perry's office Jason dashed back to Laila, crayons and paper in hand.

After the meeting in the Chiefs office Clark was briefing Perry on his solar flares article. "I'll be sending it to print tomorrow."

"Good work Kent. Lane, how far along is that piece on the Senator Jenkins disaster?" Lois replied "Printed and ready." Perry sat down at his desk.

"Good work you two. Now get out." Clark and Lois left Perry's office.

Lois was explaining to him the details of the Jenkins scandal. "So this scumbag quietly paid for 23 strippers while the wife and kids were at home watching ABC family. Imagine that dirt bag representing us in congress".

Clark said "Gee that's- uh- a lot of strippers."

Lois rolled her eyes "Jesus, Clark is that all you got from this conversation?"

Clark chuckled and went back to his desk where Laila had colored several pictures with Jason; he noticed many of which contained Superman. Lois followed him and began to talk to Laila about their coffee plans.

As the day wore on Clark worked some more on his article. By lunch he only had half a page to write, as it was harder to type at super speed without raising any suspicions when a bunch of other reporters were around.

Laila, Clark, and Lois went out to a late lunch. When they got back to the Daily Planet Clark, Lois and Laila were all talking by Clark's desk. Lois was saying "And then this jerk off went and stole the money, leaving at least 3 fingerprints behind."

Suddenly Clark heard a distant cry for help and the sound of fire, another fire. There must be a gas leak or something; he'd have to check that out once he put this fire out. For now he had to find a way to get out of here, fast.

He looked back to Lois and Laila. Laila glanced at Clark with a knowing expression. She started to dig in her purse and said "Oh damn, hey Clark I think I dropped my cell phone in the elevator, would you mind going to check for me?" Nice cover, Clark thought. "Of course" Clark replied.

As he passed her he leaned close and whispered in her ear, "Meet me on the roof, 10 minutes". Laila subtly nodded in agreement. Clark sped out of the office and as the elevator doors slammed shut he quickly flew off.

Ten minutes later Laila was standing on the roof of the Daily Planet, gazing out at the view of Metropolis. Clark was supposed to be here any minute.

After she had covered for him she had told Lois she needed to use the bathroom and had left Richard watching Jason. She was wrapped up in her own thoughts, enjoying the cool breeze as it tickled her exposed skin and played in her hair when she heard a smooth deep voice say "Hello, Ms. Lyons."

Laila beamed and turned around, however when she saw it was Superman her face fell. "What's wrong Ms. Lyons, surely I can help with anything you need?" Clark asked. "Well I was expecting my boyfriend, maybe you've seen him? Tall, dark, and handsome, kind of nerdy but it's very sexy on him." Laila replied.

Clark stepped towards her and donned a look of bewilderment "Hmm he sounds like a handsome fellow, but fortunately for me, I have not seen him." Laila smirked and surveyed him up and down and said, "Well then I guess you'll have to do"

They both grinned, Clark presenting her with her favorite crooked smile as they drew each other close and shared a kiss. Laila ran a hand through Clark's soft, thick hair, molding her body to his. Clark tightened his hands on Laila's waist, sucking lightly on her lower lip.

Laila sighed into Clark's mouth and melted against Clark. Abruptly Clark stopped and looked out towards the city.

Laila recognized that look, someone was in trouble, someone needed Clark. He looked back at Laila with a regretful look on his face, "Laila I've gotta go…somebody needs me, I wish I could stay but-" Laila silenced Clark with a soft kiss on the lips. "Shh-Clark, I understand. Go, save the day." Clark smiled and kissed her back, "See you tomorrow? He asked. "Of course" Laila replied. And then he was gone, flying off to save someone else.

Laila entered her apartment and read a letter delivered in the mail from her magazine company about her job.

She set her keys down on the counter and read. According to the letter she would receive leave with pay, just because she had been in such a high position, until the building was fixed.

It was estimated that rebuilding would take 8-10 months. Just then her cell phone rang, an electronic chime that brought her out of her reverie.

She sifted through her purse and pulled out her phone, answering it with a "Hello?" Unexpectedly a familiar oily voice crooned at her, "Well hello Laila, I think we have some unfinished business to attend to."Her heart raced as she realized who was on the other line. It was like her worst nightmare come to life.

"Dan…" Laila breathed. Her body flooded with terror.