Chapter 11 – Back to Work

Previously:

Lois was doing things to him that robbed him of all thought, except one. Clark rolled her onto her back and kissed her neck, her ear, and then her mouth. Two can play at this game, he thought.

Clark didn't know what he had done to deserve this woman, but she was his and he thanked God everyday for bringing her into his life.

End of Act I: "Soul Mates"

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Act II: A New Life

Lois and Clark both realized that the life that they had pictured for themselves looked nothing like this. Lois was 'Miss Independence,' needing no one, living off of her wits and quick thinking, and with a few close family and friends. She felt as though she didn't need anyone, and no one needed her. She never thought she would find that one person who would change everything.

And Clark was an 'intergalactic traveler,' an 'alien,' different from everyone on the planet, destined to be alone in the world, never really belonging, never finding that one special person to spend his life with. Now there was only Lois and Clark, and the life they were building … together.

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They were headed to the Daily Planet office, ready to face their co-workers, who had no idea that they were a couple. They hadn't told anyone about their status, even Clark's mother didn't know, but they didn't think she would be surprised, and neither would Chloe.

They walked down to the basement trying very hard not to touch each other or make eye contact. They had talked about this, and they had it all figured out. First, no touching, no eye contact for too long a period, and they were to keep everything strictly business while they were at the office. They didn't want the gossipmongers to have a field day with their business.

Clark had his doubts about their 'plan.' Lois was adamant though. He decided to go along with it, and see how it went. He would do his part as best he could. He was a strong person, wasn't he? He could handle this, piece of cake. He glanced at Lois. Clark's mind started rambling. I'm going to have to talk to her about her 'work clothes.' If we're going to make this work, her outfits will have to change. That skirt, that blouse, and even the way her hair is made up. Oh, boy, I'm in trouble. Stop staring at her!

"Clark, you're staring at me," Lois whispered sharply.

"What? Oh, sorry, Lois." Clark had a feeling their plan wasn't going to work. He didn't think it would be this hard.

Lois rolled her eyes, exasperated. "Clark, you're going to have to control yourself. I know this is going to be hard, but we can do this."

"Sure, Lois. I was just caught off guard by your … your outfit." You would think Clark would have learned about making those kinds of remarks about Lois and her outfits.

Lois glanced down at herself. "And, what's wrong with my outfit?" He did not just say that.

"Nothing, nothing at all." Clark changed the subject. He cleared his throat. "So, what's on your calendar for today?"

"Well, I am a bit behind on my stories, but they're not too urgent. My editor isn't being too hard on me. I have been pretty busy these past few weeks." She was reading her notes not looking at Clark.

She can't possibly be referring to that, can she? Clark's mind immediately went to their last lovemaking session, and he pulled at his collar, feeling very hot all of a sudden.

Lois looked up at Clark, and she couldn't believe what she was seeing. There was steam coming out of his shirt collar. "Clark, what's wrong with you?"

"Nothing, I'm fine. Isn't it a little warm in here? Maybe we should call maintenance."

"Clark, you're not fine." Lois looked around, then grabbed his arm and pulled him into the nearest supply closet. Luckily no one was in there. She locked the door. "Clark, there's steam coming out of your collar."

"Oh, there is?" Clark didn't feel any different, just very warm.

"Yes, there is. Are you sick or something?" This is really strange. She thought he couldn't get sick.

"No, I feel fine, just a little hot. We need to talk to maintenance about the temperature in this office." Clark tried to cover up what had just happened.

Lois looked at him closely, and it seemed as if the steam had stopped. She hoped it was nothing serious, but with Clark's origins, you could never be too sure. "Clark, have you ever seen a doctor, been examined, had your temperature taken, just to see what's normal for you?"

"Lois, my parents wouldn't allow it. Besides, there's no one who would know anything about me, except Jor-El, and I won't subject either of us to that again. I'm fine, I was just thinking about … us, and … you know, and my mind kind of got carried away. I won't let it happen again. I promise."

"Well, alright. But Clark, I'm still worried about you. I think we should find you a doctor, someone we can trust with your secret." Lois just wanted him to be healthy, well, healthy for him.

"Lois, too many people know about me as it is. We can't risk it."

"Haven't you heard of doctor/patient confidentiality? This person will be obligated not to tell anyone about you or any details about your medical history. Please, Clark, do this for me." Lois couldn't help the pleading in her voice, but she could not stress enough how important it was that he take care of himself.

"Well, I suppose I could get a little information from Jor-El. I won't ask him about us or our relationship, just about my physiology. Will that make you happy?" He couldn't deny her anything.

"Yes, very much. Now, come here." Lois grabbed him by his tie and tried to pull him towards her.

Clark backed up, and he immediately hit a wall. "Now, Lois, we can't do any of that here, remember?"

"Clark, it's just a kiss." Oh, well, our 'plan' lasted all of five minutes. He shouldn't be so irresistible, Lois thought. She kissed him, he kissed her back. Things were starting to heat up.

Then, someone jiggled the door knob. A voice called, "Is anyone in there?"

They jumped apart, almost knocking over some boxes that were stacked against the wall. Lois had to bite her tongue to keep from letting out a string of curses. Clark straightened his tie and smoothed his hair. Lois straightened her blouse and hair, then she opened the door.

It was Diane, the biggest gossip in the office. Lois couldn't believe her luck. "Sorry, we didn't find what we were looking for. It's all yours," Lois said.

Clark just sighed and followed Lois to their desks. Their 'plan' wasn't going work, not at all. Could anything else happen?

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A/N: They are so cute!! They so deserve a little fun. Thanks for reading.