Chapter 37

With both hands locked around the warm cup of coffee she whirled it around glancing towards the front door of the Talon every ten seconds.

'Can I get you a refill?' The waitress asked politely on her way past Lois' table.

'No, thanks.'

Her back tensed when she saw the redheaded woman entering the coffee shop. Raising her arm, she waved at her and soon Martha Kent was taking a seat opposite her.

'Hey, sweetheart.' The older woman greeted warmly.

The dark circles under Lois' eyes didn't go by unnoticed but, much like she'd done with her son earlier this morning, she didn't say anything about it.

'Hi.' Lois replied with a nervous grin.

'So, what did you want to talk to me about?' Martha cut to the chase, never allowing the silence to build between them.

Oh, thank God she wasn't bringing up the awkward situation between her and Clark!

Lois silently thanked her for it and allowed her shoulders to relax.

'I got a letter yesterday from the Metropolis Herald.'

Martha nodded urging her to continue.

'I applied for a job there and they wrote me to go in for an interview.' Lois paused, playing around with her cup for a beat before adding: 'I got a job interning there.'

A broad smile spread over Martha's lips and her hand came out to reassuringly squeeze Lois' as she congratulated:

'Oh, honey that's great news!'

'Thanks.' Lois beamed seeing the motherly pride irradiating from Mrs. Kent's face.

'When do you start?'

'On Monday.'

'So soon! Oh, I'm so happy for you!'

Martha's smile faltered when she saw the hesitation on Lois' face.

'What's wrong?'

Lois' gaze shot up. Nothing got passed Mrs. Kent.

'There's a catch.'

Martha watched her attentively.

'The editor wants me to go back to college and finish my studies.'

'That's a wonderful idea!' Martha exclaimed, not understanding the cause of Lois' apprehension.

'I went by Met U and everything's settled. I'm official a student there.'

'So why are you so glum?'

Lois pressed her lips together.

'It's just that between classes and interning for the Herald I don't know how much time I'll have to...'

She didn't have to finish her sentence, Martha was already stepping in.

'Oh, Lois, you don't have to worry about that. I'm sure Gina can take over your functions as my Chief of Staff. Don't get me wrong, I will miss you. You're the best CoS a Senator can hope for, but you need to focus on your future and this is a great opportunity!'

'I didn't want to quit on you. I-'

'Lois, it's alright.' Her thumb brushed over Lois' hand tenderly.

'I'm really sorry...'

'There is nothing to be sorry about. You are going back to college and that's it. No discussion.' Martha stated matter-of-factly, the smile back on her lips.

Lois' face mirrored Martha's glowing expression.

'Thank you, Mrs. Kent. For everything.'

'You're welcome.'

There was a moment of pause before Martha spoke again:

'Oh, honey, I'm so proud of you.'

Lois' chest expanded with pride at Mrs. Kent's heartfelt words.

'I have the report you wanted me to take a look at.' Lois reached for her purse and fished out a large file handing it to Martha. 'I've outlined the major issues that we need to...'

Mrs Kent nodded, watching Lois with a warm smile as she began explaining the contents of the report.

She wanted to ask her about Clark, but it was clear that this wasn't the time for it. So she simply sat back and listened.

'You don't have to do this, you know?' Lois said taking the book Mrs. Kent handed her and placing it in the large box.

'I'm glad to help out. After spending the last two days sitting at a conference table with a bunch of strangers discussing public funding this is actually a breath of fresh air.' Martha laughed.

'Thanks.'

They continued to silently pack Lois' things into the carton containers scattered across the room.

Martha was overwhelmed by the amount of things Lois was taking with her.

'Are you sure there is enough room in your dorm for all this stuff, Lois?' She inquired raising an eyebrow.

'There has to be.' Lois replied as she sealed off one of the boxes.

'How are you going to carry all this back to Metropolis? It's not going to fit into your car.' Martha noted leaning against the counter that separated the kitchen from the living room.

'I was thinking of making two round trips.' Lois explained.

There was a moment of silence before Martha tentatively supplied:

'It's really a waste of time, don't you think?'

Lois shrugged plopping down on the couch and letting out a content sigh when she was done.

It had taken her all afternoon, but she had successfully packed most of her things.

'There's no other way.'

'Well... actually...' Martha trailed off coming to sit next to Lois. 'You could ask Clark to help you carry these in the truck.'

The tension materialized between them as Lois stared at Mrs. Kent.

'I-I don't want to bother-'

'Oh, it's no bother, he'd be happy to help.' Martha quickly intervened.

She'd been trying to approach the sensitive subject all afternoon and had finally managed to squeeze it into the conversation.

'I don't think that's such a good idea.' Lois finally admitted.

Martha watched her for a couple of seconds. Taking a deep breath she uttered:

'I don't know what happened between you two last night and I'm not trying to butt in, I know it's none of my business.' She hastily added when she saw Lois' back stiffen. 'But I think you two should... talk.'

'I don't really think there is anything to talk about, Mrs. Kent.' Lois muttered weakly.

'Are you sure?' Martha tried one more time.

'Positive.' Lois insisted.

Noticing Lois' growing discomfort with the topic, Martha decided it was best just to drop the issue and not push any further.

'Well, it's getting late and I should get home to make dinner.'

'Ok, thanks once again.' Lois repeated getting up and walking her guest to the door.

'I suppose you wouldn't be interested in joining me and Clark for dinner?'

Lois shook her head.

'Maybe some other time.'

'Ok, then. If you change your mind about the truck...'

'I'll let you know.' Lois finished her sentence.

'Good night.'

'Good night, Mrs. Kent.

The days seemed to rush by at a shocking pace. Lois would divide her hours evenly between studying and working at the Herald.

In the mornings she had classes and the afternoons were spent interning at the newspaper.

It had astonished her how easily she manoeuvred her way around in the hectic world of professional journalism. She soon realised that with her inquisitive personality, research came naturally for her. She wasn't too keen on fact checking though, but learned it was an important part of the trait.

She hadn't had a chance to write anything yet, mostly what she did was research and the dreaded fact checking for other reporters but she didn't feel discouraged by it.

Perry White, her news editor, had been a life saver, always there to guide her when she got lost or too overwhelmed with work and it wasn't long before the two established a close father-daughter like connection, one she hadn't had since Mr. Kent's passing.

Occasionally, when she had time she would squeeze in a quick lunch with her cousin.

After the initial surprise, Chloe had been happy that her cousin had decided to give real journalism a chance.

The two would happily talk about their day, Chloe would complain about some random puff piece she was forced to write and Lois would mope about her insufferable roommate and the boring classes.

Lois would cleverly try to avoid talking about a certain farm boy and every time Chloe would mention him, she would expertly change the subject.

And so a week went by, and then another.

After an excruciatingly long day at the office, Lois managed to drag herself back to her dorm. She was crossing the common living area when the voice of the TV anchor woman caught her attention:

'Earlier this evening Miss Lang, Lex Luthor's infamous fiancé, had been released from the hospital after being brutally attacked by an overzealous paparazzi who was thought to be the stalker. Police reports now identified the real aggressor as Mack Byrne, a member of Mr. Luthor's own personal security team.'

'Oh my god!' Lois' eyes grew large as she watched the flickering images on the screen.

Chapter 38

Lois halted dead in her tracks and jumped behind a large file cabinet when she recognised the broad shoulders concealed behind the red jacket.

Cowering in her hiding place she ignored the odd frowns thrown her way by the passing Daily Planet employees and watched as Clark spoke to Jimmy. Chloe stood behind him, awkwardly fidgeting with a few papers, obviously uncomfortable with the whole situation.

From where she stood she couldn't hear their exchange, but the tension was obvious.

She held her breath and shrunk further behind the metallic structure when Clark turned to leave.

Her heart was pounding and she hoped against all odds that the loud chatter in the newsroom would keep his super hearing from picking up on it.

She let out a sigh of relief when he walked on and left the room.

Turning her attention back to the couple, she watched them.

A warm smile spread over her lips when Jimmy closed the distance between him and Chloe to wrap his arms around her and kissed her.

When he pulled away her cousin was literally glowing.

'Um... Miss...'

'What?' Lois's head whirled around to face the annoying stranger that had interrupted her.

'Are you ok?'

'I'm fine.' She waved her hand dismissively at him as she stepped out from behind the cabinet and walked towards the embracing couple.

'I know. Me to.' She heard Jimmy say.

The sound of Lois clearing her throat jolted the two lovers out of their private cocoon.

'Glad to see you guys made up.'

'Lois! What are you doing here?' Chloe clumsily pulled away from Jimmy.

'I heard about Lana on the news. I didn't dare go to the Luthor mansion to check on her. Is everything ok? What happened?'

'Long story.' Chloe said offhandedly, her eyes lingering on Jimmy.

The geeky grin plastered on both their faces made Lois roll her eyes.

'I can come back later if you want.'

'Good idea.' Chloe nodded; exchanging lovey-dovey glances with her newly reinstated boyfriend.

'I was being sarcastic.' Lois retorted with her hands on her hips.

The remark seemed to snap Jimmy out of his daze.

'Well, I have to go take care of this felony charge.'

Lois' eyebrow shot up at the felony comment.

'I'll be off in a few minutes.' Chloe said hastily.

'I can take you home if you want.' Jimmy offered; his heart racing with glee.

'I'd love that.'

'Great! I'll just...'

'Yeah…'

'Ok, enough with the googly eyes.' Lois mocked warmly. 'You can catch up later.'

Jimmy smiled and dove in to give Chloe a quick peck on the lips.

'See you later?'

Chloe nodded biting her lower lip as she grinned broadly and watched him go.

'So, you made up, huh?' Lois questioned eyeing her cousin.

She hadn't seen her smile that way in a long time.

'Yep.'

'Oh, you are gone, sister, if you're popping P's and everything.' Lois teased.

All Chloe could do was grin and so did Lois.

'So he's ok with...?'

God, she was pathetic, she couldn't even say his name.

Two weeks and she still got a fluttering in her stomach just at the thought of him. Seeing him hadn't helped either. This whole ignoring thing definitely wasn't working.

'Yeah.'

'Good.'

After a pause:

'So, what's up with crazed stalker guy and Lana?'

'It was a mess. Turned out he was one of Lex's security guys.'

'Gee.'

'Thankfully Clark was there to help her.'

'Yeah, he always is. Lana's knight in shining armour.'

Wait! Was that jealousy?

'No, of course not!' Her mind quickly denied.

Lois froze when she saw the suspicious look Chloe gave her.

'What?' Lois snapped defensively.

'Nothing... just...' Chloe shook her head.

She was starting to imagine things.

'So everything's ok with Lana?'

'Yes, I think so. It was all a big scare.' Chloe said relieved.

'And you're back with Jimmy. All's well when it ends well.' Lois singsonged.

'Don't mock me.'

Lois raised both hands in surrender.

'I'm not mocking. I'm happy you're happy. You are happy, right?'

Chloe's response came in the form of a wide grin.

'Good.'

'What?' Chloe asked when she caught Lois' scrutinizing stare.

'No, it's just... I thought... Nothing! Forget it!'

'No. What is it?' Chloe insisted, putting down the papers she was carrying and giving her cousin her full attention.

'This is what you want, right?'

'Me and Jimmy?'

Lois nodded.

'Of course!'

Lois frowned sensing that her cousin was being completely honest. Still she needed to make sure...

'What about Clark?' She uttered.

Chloe's eyebrows creased.

'What about Clark?'

'I mean, you know... you and Clark...'

'Lois, what are you getting at?' Chloe cut to the chase.

'Chloe, I know you still have feelings for Clark and-'

'Clark and I are just friends.' Chloe cut her off.

'If you are just friends then why did you and Jimmy break up?' Lois tilted her head pointedly at Chloe.

'Look, there are things between me and Clark that Jimmy didn't understand. It's complicated.'

Lois cocked a cynical eyebrow at her.

'There is nothing between me and Clark. I'm over that high school crush. Believe me!' Chloe tried to assure her, but Lois wasn't buying it.

There was something Chloe wasn't telling her.

'Chloe, it's ok for you to admit you still have feelings for Clark. I'll understand.'

Chloe sighed frustrated.

'Lois! Get it through that thick skull of yours - the only feelings I have for Clark are those of friendship!'

Lois crossed her arms over her chest, still unconvinced.

'Then what are you hiding?'

Chloe's poise faltered at that and her gaze shifted slightly before dropping to the desk.

'I-I'm not hiding anything.'

'Really?'

'Really.' Chloe's eyes met Lois' and she forced on a jittery smile.

'Chloe...'

'There is nothing to tell. Yes, Clark and I spend a lot of time together, but it's not like that! Trust me!'

'So, if Clark were to date someone else...'

'I wouldn't have a problem with it. It would actually be a blessing! I mean, I love him, but he really needs to get over the whole Lana thing.'

'Amen to that!'

That had come out a little too eager and Chloe was giving her that look again.

'Now I'm the one getting a feeling there is something you are not telling me.'

'What?! No, I'm just tired of the never ending Lana-Clark soap-opera! That's it!' Lois had to stop herself from gulping when Chloe kept eyeing her.

Suddenly, the small blonde's eyes widened in shock.

'Oh my God!'

'What?!'

'Is there something going on between you and Clark?'

Lois stiffened.

'Wha-No! No, no, no.'

Lois' eyebrows were doing the crazy dance they usually did when she was really anxious.

'There is!' Chloe's eyes sparkled at the revelation.

'No, there isn't!'

'Yes, there is!'

'Chloe, stop it!'

'Not until you tell me.' Chloe's tone was giddy and childlike.

'You're delusional!'

'I know you.' Chloe countered.

'I-I'm gonna go. I'll come back when the paranoid episode has passed and I get normal Chloe back.'

Chloe was blocking her path before she knew it.

'Uh-uh-uh. You're not getting off so easily, cuz. Now out with it!'

'Chloe...'

'I'm not letting you pass.' Chloe planted her feet firmly on the floor and stood her ground.

'You do realise that I'm four inches taller than you and that I can take you if I have to.' Lois shot back at her.

'Bring it on.' Chloe dared.

Lois dropped her shoulders.

'Ok, maybe there is something...'

'A-ha! I knew it! I got this feeling two weeks ago when you were all shifty about the details of what had happened but now... When? And... wow... Jimmy was right!'

'Jimmy?'

'Yeah, he had this feeling about you two and... He was right!'

Chloe was giggling. This definitely wasn't the reaction Lois had expected. She was supposed to be... well, she was supposed to be giggling like a teenage girl, that's for sure!

'So, what happened?' Chloe beamed. 'Tell me!'

God, this was strange!

'Nothing... I mean, Clark and I had a... moment...'

'And-'

'And nothing. We decided not to do anything about it!'

Chloe ignored her last statement, focussing on the earlier information.

'So the feeling's mutual? Clark also... you know...'

'Yes, I mean... It doesn't matter because we are not doing this.'

Chloe's smile crumbled.

'You're just going to ignore it?' She asked disappointment evident in her voice. 'Why?'

'Because it's... complicated.'

'What's so complicated about it? You like Clark, Clark likes you! I like you! It's perfect!'

'Well... there was...' Lois struggled to come up with a reason.

There had been so many and now suddenly she was drawing a complete blank.

'There is... um...'

'You can't think of any, can you?' Chloe teased.

Lois' eyes grew large when she realised there were no reasons. Not if Chloe was ok with this.

'Um... Chloe, I have to go!' She announced abruptly, catching her off guard and zooming past her.

Lois was out of the building and in her car in under a minute. The engine revved and she soon found herself speeding towards Smallville.

Chapter 39

'Maybe this wasn't such a good idea.'

As the thought crossed Lois' mind she faltered in her stride up to the barn. Her heart raced and she eventually came to a complete stop.

Yep, doing a U turn and hightailing out of there seemed like a pretty tempting course of action right about now.

Best thing to do was to just do turn around and-

'No!' She hissed, forcing her legs to keep moving.

She slowed down when she heard Lex Luthor's voice coming from inside.

'Sorry? What? That you didn't finish the job?' He chuckled dryly.

From her spot at the door she could see Clark and Lex facing each other.

'You know, I'm still a bit fuzzy on the details. What with you trying to choke the life out of me but...' The controlled anger seemed to surface as he completed his thought: 'What fascinates me... is how after all that; Lana could still feel safe coming here.'

Lana... again.

Lois couldn't contain the disgusted snort that escaped her mouth and the two men whirled around to see her.

Clark jolted up straight at the sight of her.

'Lois!' He gasped as his heart skipped a beat.

Two weeks. Two excruciatingly long weeks had gone by without seeing her and now she was standing there!

God, he'd missed her!

His eyes bore into her, making her squirm. She couldn't quite read them though. Was he happy to see her? Was he still hurt?

She timidly shoved her hands into her front pockets.

'I'm obviously interrupting... I-I'll come back-'

'No!' Clark quickly stepped towards her.

Lex frowned noticing the distress in Clark's tone. He eyed the two suspiciously as they stared at each other. He didn't know Lois Lane all that well. He'd only seen her a few times and very briefly but there was something different about the way she held herself that night. Usually, she irradiated self-confidence that bordered on arrogance, but now she was... nervous.

His gaze returned to Clark to realise that he was clearly affected by her presence. There was a tension between them he'd never picked up on before and at that moment it was palpable.

'I-I really should-'

'Lois, wait!'

Lex's eyes widened surprised at the unconcealed anxiety in Clark's voice.

Turning to Lex, he squared his shoulders and asked:

'Are we done?'

Shrugging away the strange feeling he was picking up from the couple Lex sneered:

'Nothing left but the formalities.'

Lois watched as he smugly handed Clark a piece of paper and he read it. From her spot a couple of feet away she mused that it was a wedding invitation.

'That sick bastard!'

'Don't look so surprised Clark.' His words dripped with disdain. 'Lana still cares about you. I know that.'

Lex's haughtiness was dimmed when Clark's eyes immediately snapped towards Lois.

This wasn't going the way he'd planned.

Clark was supposed to be pained or angered. This was supposed to be his moment of triumph, the one where he would rejoice in his ultimate victory over the local farm boy. Instead, Clark seemed more interested in Lois' reactions than in the invitation he now held in his hand. Nevertheless, he continued:

'And I know what it would mean to her having you there.'

Lex's voice eventually captured Clark's attention again.

'That really what you want, Lex?'

'What I want?' He paused. 'What I want is to make Lana happy for the rest of her life.' Lex gritted out, slightly annoyed that Clark was once again trying to sneak a glanced of Lois over his shoulder.

Lex was tempted to snap his fingers in his face and yell:

'Hey, eyes here buddy.'

But instead he opted for:

'And I want you to be there on our wedding day...'

This was it! His moment! He was going to relish it.

'To see what you lost.'

Lex felt the urge to slug him when Clark simply looked back at Lois.

What was up with these two? Since when did Clark have anything but annoyed contempt for Lois Lane?

Something had happened. He threw Lois one last fleeting look before turned around to leave.

'Make sure you RSVP. We need a head count for the reception. Miss Lane...'

With that he left with a strange sense of defeat burrowing in his gut.

This wasn't right! Whatever was happening between Clark and Lois Lane had robbed him of his moment of victory. His blood raged in his veins as he stomped his way out of the barn.

Clark didn't even bother to look at Lex as he left; his eyes were already focused on Lois.

The two stood in silence for a few agonizing seconds.

'What are you doing here?' Clark finally managed to word out.

He needed to get his breathing under control, but how could he when every cell in his body tingling.

Right! Why was she here?

Her heart drummed loudly. Suddenly, coming over seemed like the world's worse idea.

'Just… Um… wanted to see how you were. You seem fine so… I'll be going now.' She tried for a quick exit but his irritated voice halted her.

'That's it?!'

When she turned around she jumped back a bit as she found him now standing right in front of her.

'You disappear for two whole weeks and then pop up in the middle of the night only to say hi and leave.'

She didn't like the demanding tone he was using. She didn't answer to anybody.

'Well, I wouldn't want to interfere in your favourite pastime.' She tilted her head sideways adding sardonically: 'You know, Lana-brooding. So I just thought I'd leave you to it.'

With that she turned on her heels and began leaving.

'Lois!'

She stopped.

'What?!' She snapped her head around, her ponytail twisting to hit her neck from the swiftness of the movement.

'You're really leaving?' He asked in shock.

'That's what it looks like.' She replied sarcastically resuming her powerful stride but stopped when she saw the woman walking towards them.

'Lois! You're here!'

'Hey, Mrs. Kent!' She greeted awkwardly.

Martha smile broadly at her.

'I'm so happy to see you! Did you have dinner? I can heat up the meatloaf and-'

'Actually, I was just leaving.'

'Leaving? But it's eleven at night. You're going to drive back to Metropolis at this hour?'

Clark frowned at that.

'Why would she go to Metropolis?'

Both women froze.

'Lois?' He questioned and watched as Lois seemed to literally shrink in front of him. 'Mom?'

'I think I left something in the oven.' Martha hastily replied, whipping around and scurrying off back to the main house.

'Lois, why are you-?' It dawned on him. 'Did you move to Metropolis?'

That was why he never bumped into her in town or at the Talon. During the last two weeks he'd come up with the most ridiculous excuses to drive into town. Thankfully, his body didn't respond to caffeine, because if it did by now he would have become a caffeine-junky with the absurd number of coffees he'd been drinking lately.

Taking a deep breath she held herself tall as she answered him:

'I did.'

'When?!'

'Two weeks ago. I started classes at Met U and I'm interning at the Herald.' She blurted.

'And you didn't tell me?'

'I didn't get the chance.'

'It's called a phone, Lois. Maybe if you'd use it from time to time…'

'I've been busy.' She defended herself.

He noticed the way she brought her jacket closer to her frame.

'You're cold.'

'I'm ok.' She said stoically.

'Lois, you're freezing Let's get inside.' He offered.

'No, I'm lea- Clark, let go of my arm. Clark!'

She protested all the way back to the barn as he dragged her by her arm.

'Oh, yeah, it's much warmer in here.' She snorted when he finally let go of her once they were inside the confines of the barn.

'Why did you come here?' He tried to remain calm while inside his chest brewed a bewildering mixture of anger, pain and giddiness.

'You know what? I really don't know. One minute I'm talking to Chloe, the next I'm in my car, parked on your driveway. It was stupid.' She waved her hands around emphatically and shook her head as the anxiety took over. 'It was a really stupid thing to do and now I'm-'

'I missed you.'

Her brain short-circuited and her back stiffened when she met his gaze.

'Oh…'

The vulnerable look she gave him remained him of the time she'd been at his barn, the day after Lex's engagement party. It was a rare look to see. Lois was never vulnerable.

He could hear the uneven beating of her heart drumming away in his ears and without realising it he was closing the distance between them.

As he moved closer his scent surrounded her and her lids fluttered closed for a moment as she inhaled deeply and the words tumbled out of her mouth out of their own accord:

'God... I missed you too!'