Chapter 1

Working for The Daily Planet was not easy. Of course, Clark hadn't expected it to be, especially after what Lois told him about her boss. But with everything to learn, it was overwhelming, and it didn't help that he was exhausted. Between helping clean up Metropolis and going to see his mom every weekend, he barely got any rest. He would never complain, though. It was a blessing he had gotten the job. He had a bachelor's degree in English, and that was it. The only reason he'd gotten hired was because they were short-staffed since the Black Zero event. It wasn't the way he would've wanted to get here, and every day he walked in and saw the empty desks, he was reminded of who was responsible.

He was surprised at how welcoming the veteran staff were to the new people. They really were kind to them and took them under their wings. Lombard was especially patient with him when he had questions and liked to chat with him, as well. There were times when he wanted to ask Lois for help, if only for an excuse to talk to her, but he didn't want to bother her. Ironically, in the 3 weeks he had been there, they hadn't been alone. They had shared glances, smiled across the room, but that was it. They had each other's phone numbers – Clark had gotten in contact with her before applying for the job – but neither of them had taken up the initiative to call since then. They knew they liked each other, and they desperately wanted to catch up, but they were both hesitating.

At the moment, Clark was sitting at his desk, working. Lois didn't exactly like the fact that he was in her line of sight because he was quite distracting, with his perfect jawline, curly hair, adorable glasses, and flannel clothes that couldn't quite hide how muscular he was. She had to give him credit, though: the shirt almost had her fooled. The pants still offered a nice view of his butt, though. That was something he couldn't conceal.

She tried not to stare. Unlike some of their coworkers who did so purely out of lust, she was also concerned about his well-being. She could see how tired he was. She saw the sorrow in his eyes that appeared whenever someone brought up a casualty of the Black Zero event who used to work there. She wanted to make sure he was ok.

She was done with the waiting around and wondering, so she grabbed a stack of folders, stood up from her desk, and walked towards him.

He was mesmerized by the intensity and grace in each of her striding steps. Lois Lane was always confident and filled with purpose. He was incredibly enticed by how intimidating she was, and he felt privileged that she had gotten up just to speak to him. He appreciated her appearance, as well. Her red hair was tied back in a bun and she was wearing a white button-down blouse, a grey A-line skirt, and black heels. She stopped beside his desk.

"Kent, can you come with me to the file room?"

"Of course," he muttered as he stood up and followed her.

She opened the door and flicked on the light. The room was small; it only had enough space for about six people at a time. He shut the door behind him and turned to see her putting the folders away.

"Uh, what's up, Lois?"

She glanced at him.

"Well," she said as she tucked in the last one, "I was just wondering how you're doing so far."

"Good. There's a lot to learn, but everyone's being really helpful."

"Great."

She shut the drawer and turned to face him.

"How's your mom doing?"

She knew it would be hard for him to talk about himself or acknowledge that he was having difficulties, so she started with something a little easier. He blinked, as though he was surprised, even though she'd asked about Martha Kent before, over the phone.

"She's, uh…she's ok. She's staying with a friend right now while the house is being rebuilt. I go down to help on weekends."

"That's wonderful. How's it coming?"

"Good, so far. She should be able to move back in next month, we hope."

She smiled.

"Remind me to send her a house-warming gift."

He smiled back, and it looked like the Sun.

"You don't have to, Lois."

"I want to. She was so kind to me, and she deserves it."

He looked down and nodded.

"If you insist."

"I do."

He looked up again.

"Damn, those eyes," she thought.

"And how are you?" she asked, staying on task.

His smile faded slightly.

"Me? I'm fine."

She cocked her head.

"You're not tired?"

He blinked.

"A little."

"You're overworking yourself."

He shook his head.

"I'm just going between work and Kansas."

"In addition to being Superman."

He didn't answer. She reached out and squeezed his hand, and he didn't flinch from her touch.

"Clark, if you wanna talk, I'm right here. You can call me anytime. I know things aren't easy for you right now."

She spoke softly and insistently, trying to make it clear that he didn't have to suffer or bare his burden alone anymore. He smiled a little, but it had a melancholy to it.

"Thank you, Lois," he said and squeezed her hand back.

They gazed at each other for a few quiet seconds. It really was dangerous to be in such close quarters with him. She had a flashback to their kiss. She thought the memory had faded, but it all came rushing back in vivid detail now. She never thought she would be that person who did naughty things in the office file room, but at that moment, she was seriously considering it. His eyes were on her lips, as well. She lifted her foot and was about to do something brash, but he released her hand and stepped aside, clearing the way to the door.

"After you," he mumbled, avoiding eye contact.

"Yes," she thought, "It's probably for the best."

She straightened her blouse (why? He hadn't even touched her) and pulled the door open. She didn't look back, but she knew he was walking several feet behind her. Some people looked at them as they passed, but none of their expressions seemed to betray knowledge or suspicion of what had transpired between them.