Chapter 12:
"The Swann Foundation?" – He asked surprised: he knew well the Foundation but what surprised him was the fact a foundation had interest in jewelry.
"yes, the one that Virgil Swann founded years ago." – Batman stated.
"Yeah, I know. I knew Dr. Swann years ago when I was a teenager. Short time after, he passed away." – He remembered the man who showed his heritage, where he was from, and the message from his biological father, the shock knowing that he was the sole survivor of planet Krypton, the Last Son of Krypton. – "Anyway, I must be heading to New York to warn them about the jewel. Most probably who ever robbed DragonEye, is now trying to get the second half. Thank you Batman. I'm leaving now."
"Wait." – Superman stopped and Batman approached him, face to face. – "Tell me, how it feels? The cape?" – He asked curious: he was the first one to cross the path of the alter-egos and when Superman came up, he just had to ask: their methods were different, they were different. They wanted the same but the means to achieve the ends were as different as their personalities: the two faces of the same coin.
"Still a little nervous but overall it's positive."
"And Lois?" – Bruce Wayne and Clark Kent knew each other secrets; Clark saved Bruce's life one time when the Joker almost killed Batman. He exposed his secret to Bruce when Bruce realized that Clark wasn't the average citizen that he pretended to be. They became good friends and eventually through time, they share their secrets. Batman made his debut four years earlier, in 2010. At the time Clark was in Gotham University, in his final year. Bruce knew about Clark's unconditional love for Lois.
"More gorgeous than ever. It's killing me, you know? – He admitted, smiling weakly.
"So close and yet so faraway?" – He asked, knowing exactly how Clark was felling.
Superman confessed his sadness. – "You can say that."
Batman put an arm on Superman's shoulder like an older brother is giving an advice to his younger brother. – "It's possible that someday, things might be different. You got to have hope." - He saw the stunned expression coming from Clark and smiled: He wasn't much the type for expressing his feelings. – "I know it sounds strange coming from me but I've learnt from you. When we met the first time, when you saved me from the Joker, I realized that the world wasn't lost because at least there was one person who helped another, a complete stranger. And when you became Superman, helping people when you could simply use your powers for your own benefit, it gave me even more hope. The world still has good people and you are one of them: one person that I can call a friend."
He felt surprised by his friend's confession, knowing mostly for his non-verbals than anything else. - "I got to say this: this is the last thing I would expect hearing from you but anyway, thanks."
"Don't worry about Lois. There will be time for you." – He spoke convincingly.
"Is this part of your detective skills?" – Superman asked doubtfully.
"Call it a hunch." – He teased.
"I'm going now. Thanks for the help."
"You're welcome. I would help but there's a certain lunatic clown loose in the streets of Gotham City. Keep in touch."
"I will." – He nodded and flew away.
The next day, Clark went straight to New York. It took a little more time than the usual since he hadn't fully recovered from the kryptonite. He warned Perry, saying he was following a lead on the Metropolis Fashion story and he would spending the next couple of days in New York.
As for Lois, two things were on her mind: Superman and Clark Kent. In case of Superman, she still thought about their first encounter two days before. When she was grabbed by him, a thousand thoughts went in her mind but there was something about this man: she couldn't explain it but definitely there was something there: an attraction? Safety? What was it?
"Damn it! It's got to be the cape!" – She thought.
She spent the day trying to find stories about Superman or any situation that could lend Superman to appear: after all he was the one who claimed that duty calls. She searched everywhere, looking for him but he was no where to be seen.
And as for Clark, she understood that he was avoiding her: the excuse for going to New York following a lead was something she wasn't buying. She tried multiple theories about his behavior but none was able to make sense. But deep inside she knew that farmboy from Kansas was still the same person that she fell in love years ago.
"What's going on Clark?"- She thought.
Plaza Hotel, New York City:
Two things were in his mind at this moment: Lex Luthor and Lois Lane. Double L was a common thing in his life. What would Lex Luthor have to do with a simple assault? And what reason would he be connected to someone as John Corben? Lex was already too rich to let himself evolving with a simple robbery even one which evolve hundreds of millions dollars. Although it could all just a hoax and Lex wouldn't have had anything to do with the robbery and would have to be something else, Clark sensed that somehow, Lex was involved.
As for Lois Lane: How that woman could create such an impact on him? He was still thinking about that night when he was at her home and how things erupted like that: he never stopped loving her no matter what happened between them. She is unforgettable.
Smallville, July 2006:
Five days. For the last five days he remained the same: no powers, nothing. On one way, he felt free, no responsibility what so ever about his abilities, the weight of the world was off of his shoulders but on another way, he needed them: it was always a part of him, he couldn't deny it. If it was 3 years ago he would thank heaven for something like that: he always thought his abilities as a sort of curse. But some events on his life make him see things different now: Bart told him that his abilities were a gift and in a way Clark thought that Bart was right. Looking back he realized because of his abilities to help so many people and above all his friends and family. His parents: he own them so much that right now he was feeling useless: without his powers, he wasn't able to pull all the work in the farm: Some tasks were being left behind and for him who was always the one to pull some many tasks, it was frustrating. And that wasn't the one thing: being without powers, he was the feeling the heat of July and the fatigue for the hard chores. He was in a complete mess.
Afternoon: Clark was resting in his "Fortress of Solitude" as his dad used to call it, since his work in the morning felt him very tired, so he was taking a break because of the sun's heat in July's afternoon. He was now thinking of Lana reaction's to his secret when Clark heard a car approaching. He hadn't heard that sound in quite some time: Chloe's car and she wasn't alone. Even without his super-hearing, some things would never change.
Chloe stopped her car in front of Kent's house. - "It's all so quiet. Not even Clark is out here." – looking for some activity.
"Hello Chlo'? It's like hell around here; nobody can walk around here under this sun! Even I could make some eggs around here."
"Yeah…I guess you're right…."– she quickly slapped herself mentally.
"Chlo', I'm always right!!" - She teased. – "Let's go inside to see if anyone is in there." – They both stepped out of the car and walked to the house. They entered and looked around the living room but saw no-one and then walked to the kitchen.
"Hello??"
"Anyone?"
"Chloe!! Lois!!" – Martha exclaimed coming from the stairs. She hugged both of them. – "How are you two? When did you arrive?"
"Just a few hours ago. We left our things at my apartment." – Chloe stated.
"Chloe you must be out of space in your apartment." – She turned to Lois. – "You can stay here Lois. Clark will have the couch."
"Don't worry Mrs. Kent. I'll be fine." - Martha didn't buy Lois's assurance and insisted.
"Lois…" - Martha gave a look to Lois bending Lois's will. Lois had too much respect for Martha and so she couldn't deny her anything.
"Fine!! – She waved her hands in the air submitting to Martha's will and tried to change the subject of the conversation. – "So where's Smallville? ...Sorry, Clark." – as Lois apologized as she saw Martha's eye brow rise.
"Well he's in the loft. Go there while I prepare fresh lemonade for you."
"Thanks Mrs. Kent." – She said sincerely. – "C'mon Chloe." – She sounded enthusiastic to Chloe.
They both went to the loft where Clark was resting.
"Clark?" – Chloe asked when they entered the barn since they couldn't see him.
"Up here, Chloe!! – He shouted while he was lay down on the couch.
They both climbed the stairs and went to Clark.
"Hey!!" – He got up and hugged Chloe. – "How are you? I haven't seen you since Easter." – He took a few steps back and looked Chloe seeing how she was.
"We have emails…"- she stated.
"you know it's not the same!!" – He stated.
"Well Smallville, no hug for me?" – She asked sensing that all Clark's attention was for Chloe.
Clark: "What was I thinking??" – He teased her, rolling his eyes. After one moment looking at her, he finally hugged her. – "Feeling better now?" – He asked still teasing with her.
Lois punched in Clark's arm. -"Now I do."- She grinned.
"Ouch!! That hurts!"
"that's for keep me on hold." – She stated playing his little game.
By this time, Lois and Clark's friendship had taken another step. As for Lois, Clark was a one of a very few friends that she could absolutely trust. When he helped her on her sister's situation, she started to see Clark in another way: a confident, a friend who help her in a second if she was in trouble. The farm boy as she used to call him definitely won a place in her heart. They were now "officially friends".
And for Clark, Lois was now a friend… yes she was still bossy, stuck up, a little rude sometimes but he found out the other side of Lois: a friend, a woman who protect her friends and that meant protecting him too. Even he didn't know why, he always felt a little better when she was around.
"So, what's the news from the Sullivan - Lane team?" – He asked dying for some new news: the fact of Chloe and Lois showing up was something that Clark needed, human touch.
"Sullivan – Lane team? I like the sound of that!" – Chloe smiled, proudly.
"Don't get too excited about that!" – Lois exclaimed, feeling a little envy.
"Well the news is good. I just passed all exams!" – She affirmed with some pride.
"Congrats!"
Chloe grinned. - "Thanks!"
"Miss Wonder here took straight "A" in everything." – She said with a little jealous. Chloe's love for journalism made her easier to get high grades.
Clark looked at Chloe, stunned. – "Wow!"
"C'mon Lois! You also passed every exam! And with good grades too! You studied a lot!" - Chloe had began realizing for quite some time when it came to Clark Kent, Lois Lane could be a little jealous when it came to grab Clark's attention even she never admitted or probably she consciously wasn't aware of it.
"Oh, really?! That's even more impressive!" – Again Clark started teasing with Lois.
"What?"
"Lois Lane….studying!... – as he grinned.
"Funny farm boy!!" - She punched again Clark's arm.
"Didn't I just tell you that hurt?" – He put one hand in the other arm where Lois hit him. Lois grinned: She always had to find a way to grab Clark's attention.
"So what are you doing tonight, Clark?" – Chloe asked curious.
"I don't have any plans. What's your idea?" - He asked blankly: being alone in Smallville, his social life was in the "no-existent" status.
"Maybe a movie. Or go the Talon just for the old time sake."
Chloe's suggestion deserved Lois's approval. - "yeah, I kind miss going to the Talon. Lane's Espressos, Glory days!"
"Clark, something's wrong?" – As she realized Clark's expression. When Chloe hit the Talon issue, Clark immediately thought Lana and how there were some issues between them.
"No… of course not….I'm just tired with the farm chores." – In a way it was the truth: Without his powers, Clark was tired but that wasn't really what was bugging him.
"Liar!" – thought Chloe. Chloe always hated that Clark was like this: Clark knew that she was there for him, a friend. But she had to find out what it was.
"So it's a date…"- realizing her own words, she blushed as she looked at Clark and Chloe's admired face. – "Well not a real date… but a…thing…"
"Lois, I got the picture." – He smiled at her embarrassment.
"Sure you did, I'll see you at the Talon tonight, Smallville." – Lois tried to act cool but desperately to get out of that embarrassing moment.
"We're going back to my apartment to grab Lois's things. Your mother told her, she could stay her."
Clark didn't answer but he smiled shyly thinking how good it was to have some companionship.
The Talon, at night:
Clark arrived at the Talon. He was already late. The sense of time for Clark completely changed because of the lack of his abilities: he wasn't used to it.
He was surprised by the movement of the coffee shop and bar. He was still looking for Chloe and Lois when someone called him.
"Clark, over here!" - Chloe put herself on tip toes when she noticed him. She headed towards his direction. – "For someone who was sensible ears you sure are deaf tonight." – She said while she got close to him.
"I'm…" - perplexed, he tried to come up with an explanation but Chloe wasn't interested in an explanation and interrupted him.
"And besides for speedy-boy you sure are really late…ah, never mind! Let's go to Lois." - Lois was already behind the balcony addressing people.
Lois soon saw both Clark and Chloe heading towards her.
"Well, that's about time you show up! What took you so long? Wait! Was it the Smallville's big rush hour"– she looked at Clark and she soon realized he wasn't much the bitterness games they used to play. - "Forget it! So what are you having?"
"I see you want your old job back. I just want a glass of water, thank you." – He sat down in a chair
"Weak!" – She teased him: She still tried to get under his skin.
"What's that suppose to mean?"
"C'mon Smallville. Not just one drink?" – As Lois grinned.
"Not in the mood. Is it coming that glass of water?" – Lois sensed that something was wrong with Clark.
"Sure." –now turning to Martha. – "Mrs. Kent I'm taking spoiler boy here to that table over there."
"Ok, keep an eye on him for me, ok Lois and Chloe?" – Martha looked at Clark. Clark raised his eyebrow expressing his annoyance.
Chloe smiled. - "Not a problem."
"Sure do, Mrs. Kent. C'mon farm boy, let's go." – She grabbed Clark almost dragging him to the table.
Once they sat there they stated to talk and their conversation went for hours: College, Grades, and life experiences. After a few hours the people were now starting to leave the Talon. Clark never mentioned Lana or what happened in his last few days. For some time, he forgot about his problems and enjoyed his conversation with Chloe and Lois.
"…and basically that's about it." – He concluded.
"Well that's great."
The conversation ended in that point. Somehow now there was a strange silent. So that's when Chloe decided to pick up a subject for conversation a little tricky: Lex.
"Lois and I saw Lex on another day." – Chloe stated, giving a quick glance at Clark before she looked again to her drink: she wanted to know how Clark reacted.
Both Lois and Clark were caught off guard. As for Lois, she never realized that Chloe would bring up that subject right in that moment. As for Clark, that subject was unpleasant that instantly Clark's humor changed. Lois even tried to send signal with her eyebrows but Chloe continued.
"Lex called us. We had a couple of encounters."
"Oh really?" - In complete disbelief. – "What did he say to you? I'm really sorry for what I did to you in this past year. I hope I can make it up to you." – By looking at Chloe's face, he saw that Chloe didn't understand. – "Lex called me 4 days ago."
"Did he?" – Clark's revelation left Chloe and Lois surprised. –"...Look Clark, maybe for you it sounds improbable but I think Lex really changed."
Clark: "look now Chloe, even if you believed Lex, that's not going to change my mind about this. The way things happened between me and Lex left me without a doubt. That man is evil. Excuse me…"- Clark got up and headed towards the exit. Lois got up too and went after Clark.
"Clark!! Wait!!" – She grabbed Clark's arm. He turned around to face Lois.
"What?" – expressing his annoyance.
"Chloe intention's wasn't bad. Give her a break." – Clark was turning around to leave but Lois insisted.
"Clark, please! Stay." – Clark stopped. – "For me. She gave him a "lost-puppy" look."
He hesitated for a few seconds but after that he decided to stay. - "ok, I'll stay."
Lois smiled widely. - "C'mon." – She dragged him again to the table where they were before.
Clark didn't know why he accepted to stay. Lois's art of persuasion was really getting him.
They sat on the same table where they were a few moments ago. Chloe was still there. A moment of tension was between those two until Clark finally spoke.
"I'm sorry."
"I'm sorry too." – They shared a hug. – "I didn't mean to upset you." – After a moment of silence, Chloe continued. – "Well I'm going to the ladies room, Nature calls." – She smiled still uncomfortable from what happened just a few minutes ago.
Clark: "Go on." – It was just Clark and Lois on that table. A silent installed between them. – "I'm sorry." - Clark said breaking the silence between them, looking at her smiling weakly.
"Don't be" – She stated as she grabbed his hand. They looked into each another eyes. She had noticed his strong blue eyes before but somehow there was something in his eyes this time: She was lost in his eyes. Somehow the "Kent charm" as Chloe usually called it was now affecting her as Clark smiled at her. A spark lightens up in her heart, affecting her causing her to feel slightly uncomfortable but it was something good: she liked it.
"Let me make it up for you." – He felt some guilty and he had the need to do something that would lighten up the temper in that room.
"What?" – Lois asked curious.
He looked around and when he saw a jukebox that his mother bought to remember her teenage years, he got up. – "C'mon Lois." – He grabbed her and both headed to the jukebox. – "Here's a good one." – He inserted a coin and jukebox began playing a rock song which was everybody's approval since almost everyone got up and joined Clark and Lois and began too dancing.
"I never fought you, were the party guy." – She said surprised.
"Guess what? I'm a changed man."
She smiled at him: She believed in him, sensing that somehow what he said, it was the truth.
She looked at him and began giving a show dance that was catching everyone's attention and of course Clark Kent's attention too: He smiled at her letting the impression he was surprised by her performance.
Once the song finished, a couple decided to pick their song. Once the jukebox started playing it, Clark extended instinctually his hand to Lois.
"Asking me for a slow dance?" - She asked, taken by surprise: she never fought that he would genuinely ask her for a dance: not something like when it was the prom of Clark when he asked her for a dance and she knew back then he didn't really wanted it. He wanted Lana. But at the present, it was different.
"Yes. I'm not a great dancer as you are but I'll do my best." – He admitted sincerely.
"I'm sure you will." – She smiled at him completely taken by his arms: he was one of a Kind, unforgettable just like the song.
"Ah Lois…"
"Shut up, Smallville…Enjoy the moment." – She said wanting to cherish that moment forever.
His strong but yet gentle moves caused Lois to feel as if no place on Earth would be as good as it was right in that moment. When the song stopped, they looked each another. Again Lois was lost in his eyes and as if she was being hypnotized by him. She was starting to lean in an attempt to kiss him when Chloe interrupted.
"I'm back." – Chloe understood that something was going on by looking at those two face expressions. Lois was upset while Clark let out a smile of pure embarrassment.
Unfortunately for Clark just when the night that was turning good again, it went worse again as he spotted Lana coming.
To be continued…
