Chapter Twenty One
"So you're getting out today? You gotta be pretty pleased with that." Oliver asked as he sat on the chair next to Lois' hospital bed early that morning. She wondered why he was there so early, surely he couldn't afford to keep taking time off work to come to Smallville, though the last couple of weeks he had limited it to twice a week but she had seen more of him in the last month than she had the entire time she'd been dating him. Well, it felt that way anyway.
She smiled and looked over at him.
"I cannot wait to get out of here. The staff are all great but I am literally climbing the walls."
"Well at least you've had plenty of visitors to keep you occupied." He replied with his trademark grin that years ago, would've knocked her off her feet.
She smiled, thinking of Clark. He'd been so sweet over the last month, bringing her fresh flowers each time the previous ones were dying out, sitting with her every day not to mention sneaking back in after hours some nights.
Last week she had been so crabby, fed up with being confined to her room and her bed, unable to do anything but gripe about it. The pins in her leg had been taken out last week and she had been put in a full leg cast. So Clark had talked to the nurses and appeared at her doorway with a wheelchair. Before she had a chance to say anything, he'd gently lifted her out of bed and placed her in it, then wrapped a blanket around her and wheeled her outside for some fresh air.
She hadn't been able to get her throat working to thank him, so she'd held his hand as she'd absorbed the fresh country air like she'd been starved of the stuff for months. Thing was, with him doing things like that for her, he was making it increasingly hard for her to remember why she'd decided to stick to just being friends with the guy. Well that and the constant dreams she kept having. They weren't helping either.
She shook her head before her mind could start replaying those thoughts. Thinking of his naked skin against hers could and would only lead to trouble.
She cleared her throat and looked back at Oliver. "Yeah, Clark's actually been really great. He comes by every day after he finishes work."
An odd expression crossed Oliver's features and she saw his eyes look at the small bunch of flowers that was on the cabinet beside her bed. "Every day huh?" He said, his voice thick.
"Yeah, he keeps me from going completely insane and it's kinda nice to still be in the loop." At Oliver's confused expression she said. "He brings some work in for us to do while he's here."
"He's got you working? Lois, you should be resting." Evidently that little piece of news did not sit well with Oliver.
"Firstly, I asked him to and secondly, I can't sit in here without something to keep my mind busy Ollie. I'm glad he did, it means I can still be me even if I have to stay in this bed."
Oliver let out a quiet sigh and reached across and grabbed her hand in his. "I just don't think you should rush back into anything Lois, you were shot. You almost died. I think it's okay if you take some time off to get over that before you throw yourself back into work."
"Ollie, my work is important to me, and the fact that you think I shouldn't be doing any right now tells me exactly how little you really know me." She replied, removing her hand from his grasp. "Clark knows that I need to do this, that I need something to keep my synapses firing. He gets that." He gets me, she thought.
"Yeah he's a real boy scout. I wonder how he has the time between working at the Planet, managing the farm and…" He trailed off and fell silent, and Lois was sure that he'd been about to mention something else. So obviously he must know about the Blur too. Well, of course he would. He's the Green Arrow, why wouldn't he know.
"And…?" She pressed, hoping that he would tell her but not really expecting it. Although Oliver did looked conflicted for a moment or two.
"Nothing, I just want to make sure you're getting better. I…we almost lost you Lois."
She narrowed her eyes at him for a moment, studying him, but his face was as blank as the piece of paper on her table. "Well, like I told Clark, you can't get rid of me that easily. Besides…"
A knock at the door cut her off and she was glad because she didn't actually know what she was going to say. Something was off with Oliver lately and she couldn't figure it out. She glanced over as the door opened and she saw a dark head poke through.
"Speak of the devil," Oliver muttered as Clark smiled and walked inside the room.
"Hey, how you feeling?" He asked, standing beside her bed with his hands in the pockets of his suit pants. It was the first thing he always said when he came in, every day.
"Pretty good thanks. Gonna get out of here so that's even better. So…did you bring me anything?" She asked, her eyes lighting up as he chuckled and handed her a thin folder containing some documents. He kept his grip on it as she tried to take it and waited for her to look up.
"This is only something small Lois, but I think you're gonna love it." He grinned. She was grateful that he had brought some of his work in with him over recent weeks so that she could help him, though she suspected that it was mostly to stop them falling into uncomfortable silences. But she was fine with it. It meant she could combine two things she loved doing, working and spending time with Clark.
"Hey Oliver," Clark said as he pulled up a chair and sat on the opposite side to him.
"Hey," Oliver replied, without a smile. Okay, what was going on there? Lois wondered. As she flipped through the folder that Clark handed her, she saw Oliver watching him with an intense, almost nasty look in his eyes.
"Anyway, did I mention I'm getting out of here today? I can't wait to go home." She said, trying to break the tension that seemed to have built up around them.
"You did yes." Clark replied, and just as he opened his mouth to say something else, Oliver cut in.
"You know Lois, you could come and stay with me." Both Lois and Clark's heads whipped around to face him in surprise. "I could hire a private nurse to make sure you're taken care of and you would have the best physiotherapist money can buy."
"No offence Ollie, but I don't need another nurse. I'm finally getting rid of the ones in here, lovely as they are, I can't take anymore uniforms. I need a complete break. And I'm fine with the physiotherapist I have here. He's lovely and I'm gonna be working with him when I get this stupid cast off. But thanks for the offer."
She turned back to see Clark watching Oliver with a knowing, though sad expression.
"Well, you know where I am if you need me Lo. I guess I should get going." He got to his feet and began to make his way to the door, but he stopped and doubled back, then leaned down and kissed her on the cheek.
"Is he acting strange or is it just me?" Lois asked Clark after Oliver had left. Clark shook his head and stood up.
"I don't know, I'm gonna go talk to him, I'll be right back. Why don't you get started on that while I'm gone." He smiled, pointing at the folder that contained an article that Clark was currently working on.
"I'm on it Smallville."
As Clark closed the door behind him, he saw Oliver just about to leave the one at the end of the hall.
"Oliver!" He yelled, running to catch up with him. "Hey Oliver," Either he hadn't heard him, or he was ignoring him, and Clark was inclined to believe the latter, but Oliver kept walking. Clark eventually caught up to him at the entrance to the hospital.
"Oliver, what is going on with you?" Clark asked as he grabbed Oliver's shoulder to stop him from leaving.
"Nothing, why?" He replied tersely.
"What was that all about in there?"
"I was offering Lois the best care that she's evidently going to need when she gets out of here. She's gonna need a lot of physiotherapy Clark, and it'll be a long process."
"But she lives at the farm."
Oliver scoffed. "Come on Clark, we both know that you're too busy to actually take good care of her."
"I'm not sure I like that insinuation Oliver. I care about Lois, I want her to get better faster…" He trailed off as he realised that maybe Oliver had a point. "But I guess she would be better off having someone there all the time."
Oliver's eyebrows flickered in surprise. "So you agree with me?"
"I didn't say that." Clark replied, frowning. "But don't you think that it's up to Lois?"
"Well she already gave her answer so I guess there's not much to talk about is there." He said flatly and walked away.
"Oliver wait." As he stopped and turned around, Clark walked forward and asked quietly. "Why do you want her to stay with you so much?"
It was a few moments before Oliver answered. "I don't know Clark, I guess I just want to make sure that she's okay."
"I want the same thing."
"You could talk to her, maybe convince her that this is in her best interests?"
"You know Lois, once she's made up her mind, that's it."
Oliver nodded. "Yeah. I guess she's made her choice huh." He gave Clark a strange look and then turned around again. "I'll see you later Clark."
He walked out of the hospital leaving Clark standing there wondering what was going on with him, though he feared he already knew. Oliver still had feelings for Lois.
"Everything okay?" She asked without looking up as Clark walked back in her room.
"I'm not sure." He replied, returning to the seat he'd been in before.
"Is he angry with you about something?" She asked, closing the folder to focus her attention on him. He smiled a little as he studied her.
Even without make up, she looked especially pretty today. Her eyes held a sparkle that he hadn't seen for a while and he knew that it was probably the news that she could leave the hospital today that had put it there. But she seemed so much happier lately and he was glad. She'd been through a lot, but she'd come out on the other side okay.
"I don't know Lois, maybe." He replied, thinking he knew that Oliver still had a problem with him. Clark hadn't told him that it was Lionel that had killed his parents and that had almost destroyed their friendship.
"Clark, tell me." She demanded, staring straight into his eyes.
He blew out a breath and leaned forward. "I think Oliver was kinda hoping that you would go and stay with him while you recuperate."
"But why would he…? Oh…" As it hit her, Clark could see the wheels turning in her head. "I see."
"I think maybe you should." He said, his eyes cast down at his feet but he didn't have to look at her to know that she was frowning at him, he could feel it.
"But I live at the farm." She replied, stating the same words he'd used earlier.
"But Oliver can get you the best…" She held up her hand.
"I don't wanna hear how he can hire the best staff that this country has ever seen Clark. I know he can, and I know that he would take care of me. But I don't wanna be a burden to him or to…anyone."
"Lois…"
"Smallville, it's fine, I don't need anyone to hold my hand. I can take care of myself."
Clark rolled his eyes at her adamant tone. "Lois no one is doubting that but this isn't something you can just play off like a bump to the head or a scraped elbow."
"I'll be fine." She huffed. "I can stay with Chloe."
"Chloe who recently got married? That Chloe?"
"Low blow Smallville." She warned, sending him a death glare, which he ignored.
"Lois, you live at the farm."
"So?" She returned her attention to the folder in her hands until he reached across and took the nearest one in between both of his. He heard her slight intake of breath and hoped that he wasn't crossing any lines. He waited until he looked at him before he spoke.
"Lois, you could never be a burden to me. I know how strong and tough you are, but sometimes even the great Lois Lane needs a little help. And I would like to take care of you for a little while, just till you're back on your feet."
As she opened her mouth, Clark held up his hand, this time stopping her. "Lois, this is what friends do for one another. Just for once, stop being so stubborn." He wondered what he'd said wrong when her face abruptly fell, but then she smirked at him and masked it.
"I'll show you stubborn Smallville. You'll see, one week of me at the farm and you'll be begging Ollie to take me off your hands."
Not likely, Clark thought determinedly. "I have more patience than you think Lois, how else could I have stayed friends with you for so long."
"Gee Smallville, you really have a way with words don't you?"
He shrugged his shoulders and smiled playfully at her. "What can I say, it's a gift."
There was a knock on the door and then it opened to reveal Lois' doctor.
"How are you feeling Lois?" He asked as he moved to stand next to her.
"I'm great, really great." She urged.
The doctor chuckled. "Don't worry Lois, I have your discharge papers right here. I wouldn't dream of keeping you in here another moment."
"Finally, thank you."
"No problem. But just remember that you're still recovering from your surgery, your abdomen will still be a little sore for the next couple of weeks and you need to be on complete rest."
As Lois murmured and made a grab for the papers, the doctor pulled them out of her reach. "I mean it Lois, nothing strenuous. And you have to come back in two weeks for the cast to be removed and then we'll start the physiotherapy."
"Got it,"
"Alright, I take it you have someone to help look after you?" He asked, glancing at Clark.
He nodded. "Yeah, don't worry, I'll take good care of her."
"Good, so that's it then, time to say goodbye and I hope you don't take this the wrong way when I say I hope I don't see you in here anytime soon." He chuckled.
"Not at all, and thank you, for everything. You've all been wonderful in here."
"Anytime Lois, so what do ya say you sign these, and we get you on your way."
Clark braced himself as she looked over at him, sure that she was going to give him a glare for what he'd said but her gaze was soft and there was a small smile tugging at her lips.
With her eyes still locked on Clark, she replied. "Yeah, I'm ready to go home."
Clark opened the door of his truck a little while later and handed Lois her crutches as she carefully stepped out. Wrapping one arm around her waist, the other carrying her hospital bag, he bought her body in close to his.
Though she hated leaning on him, because it showed her weakness, she knew she had no choice since using the crutches properly strained her stomach and that hurt. She leaned on him as he guided her to the house, pausing a moment as they got to the front porch.
"What's wrong?" He asked softly.
"Nothing, I just need a minute." She replied, closing her eyes and inhaling the scent of the fresh afternoon air. It felt invigorating, since she'd been cooped up for so long. "Okay, I'm ready."
He helped her into the house and as she took in the sight before her, she felt her heart flip in her chest. There was a bed, her bed, set up in the corner of the dining room, and a large curtain framing the doorway for privacy. Next to the bed was a little table with a bunch of fresh lilies in a vase on it.
"Smallville," She croaked. "You did all this for me?"
He shrugged, keeping his arm around her waist. "I wanted you to be comfortable and I know that you won't be able to use the stairs for a while. I just thought this would be easier for you."
"Clark." She whispered, leaning her head closer to his. He smiled down at her, his blue eyes shining. "Thank you."
"You're welcome." He replied, his voice taking on that same note of huskiness that hers had. Their eyes stayed locked for a little while, she wasn't sure how long but when he finally pulled back, she found that she wasn't quite ready to let go of him, and not because she was unsteady on her feet.
"Do you wanna lie down, or sit in the living room?" He asked.
"Actually, I kinda wanna sit outside. I need some fresh air."
He nodded. "Okay," He set down her bag and then helped her outside, getting her settled on the wicker bench on the front porch. She watched him as he carefully concentrated on wrapping a blanket around her legs to stop her getting cold.
He was so adorable, manly yet incredibly endearing. No wonder she'd fallen in love with the guy. She closed her eyes and grimaced. Yes, she admitted it. She was in love with Clark Kent. But he could never know. Just like he could never know that she knew about his secret.
She wanted him to tell her on his own terms, not because she forced it out of him. She would not be that kind of person. And if he never wanted to tell her, she would take his secret to the grave with her. She would die before she ever did anything to hurt him.
A rough panting sound reached her ears and for a second she thought it was Clark, but when she felt Shelby's cold wet nose press against her forearm, she turned and welcomed him with a sneeze, which made her wince.
"Hey Shelby, did you miss me?" The dog's response was to lick her ear when she bent her head down to him, eliciting a chuckle from her. "I'll take that as a yes. I know Clark's company can leave a lot to be desired huh?"
Clark smirked at her as he straightened up, but then turned serious when Shelby tried to jump up at Lois. "No Shelby, you can't do that yet. Sorry boy." He grabbed his collar and ushered him into the house and Lois felt a little overwhelmed by the protectiveness and thoughtfulness of the man she had come to love.
"So, what would you like for dinner. My treat." He said when he returned.
"Anything?"
"Anything Lois." There was just too much soul in those beautiful eyes, she thought, he was heartbreakingly gorgeous so she had to look away before her face decided to announce her thoughts.
"I could really go for a pizza. I haven't had one for so long."
Clark laughed. "Lois, you sound like you've been marooned on a desert island for the last three years or something."
"Well, you try being in a hospital twenty-four-seven with only the sounds of monitors beeping and patients crying in pain to keep you occupied. Not to mention the horrid stuff they actually have the nerve to call food."
His face sobered, and he sat down beside her. He reached over and took her hand, he seemed to like doing that a lot lately, but she refused to read too much into it. She'd seen him do the same thing with Chloe countless times before.
"Well, you don't have to deal with that anymore Lois." His eyes met hers and held them captured. "You're home now."