FANFICTION : SMALLVILLE
Title : The ties that bind
Disclaimer : I don't own anything. It's just for fun.
Summary : Lois Lane discovers Clark's secret.
Takes place after the death of Johnatan Kent
Rated T : pairing Clois (Loïs Lane and Clark Kent)
xxx
Smallville – Kansas
The car left the road and turned into the familiar lane, surrounded by cornfields. Lois Lane smiled. She remembered last year, when she was cursing country's roads and got lost trying to find the Kent's farm. It seemed such a long time ago. She had matured so much since that day when she first met the Kent's. And she was sure of one thing, now she would have recognized these cornfields anywhere and when she reached the mailbox and saw the farm, she felt that she was coming home.
The winter had been sad and painful. Everything was quiet, as if life had been on hold. The snow dissolved two weeks ago but the air remained cold. It was the end of February. Spring would follow soon, and she hoped that she could let go of her pain more easily with brighter days.
But she had to face the truth. Mr. Kent was dead. He was the father she never had. And she couldn't get over it, as she didn't get over her mother's death either. Life was unfair. All the people she loved went away. Maybe it was the way it had to be. Maybe she was condemned to be alone for the rest of her life.
She had learned to hide her feelings behind a wall of steel. But the Kents had taken her off guard and the wall had fallen into pieces. And now Mr. Kent was gone and her heart was bleeding again.
She stopped the engine and got out of the car. She started walking towards the house, taking a deep breath and trying to remain as calm as possible. She had to be strong for the Kents. She was about to knock when she heard voices rising from the opened door of the kitchen. Clark and Martha were arguing. Apparently, it was a family matter. She was about to leave when Clark's voice stopped her.
« Why didn't you tell me ?! »
Martha's answer was a whisper. She seemed so desesperated and helpless.
« - honey, you don't have to be involved in this.
- mum, we're talking about blackmail ! It's all about me and you know it ! »
Silence settled for a moment before Clark spoke again, his voice soft and tender.
« I know you want to protect me, mum. But I'm not a little boy anymore. You don't have to deal with it alone. »
Lois was stunned. She remained still for a minute, standing on the porch and wondering what to do. When she finally recovered, she dared a quick look through the door and entered the kitchen, unsure. Shelby was the first to notice her and ran straight to her, wagging its tail. She greeted him but quickly focused her attention on the Kents, who were watching her by now. Martha was the first to speak.
« - hi Lois. It's nice to see you.
- hi Mrs Kent, Clark. »
Here were two choices : one, pretend she hadn't heard their conversation, two, put her foot in it and eventually crash and burn. Of course she was a Lane, and of course she took the second option.
« - I'm sorry to interrupt.
- you're always welcome Lois. »
Clark was silent. No banter, no sarcastic pic. Obviously, something was wrong. And it was not the usual 'moping around' she was used to. He seemed absent-minded, like he was on another planet. And he had this adorable wrinkle on his forehead that betrayed him when he was upset about something. Wait… She didn't say 'adorable', did she ? Ok, focus girl. She turned her attention on Martha, who was staring at her.
« Is there something bothering you Lois ? » God, this woman was amazing. She was such a mind reader ! At her words, Clark emerged from his thoughts and frowned. Loïs bit her lower lip and gathered her courage. « Actually, there is ». She took a step ahead. « Don't be mad guys, but I heard your conversation ».
She saw them exchange looks of horror and she felt the urge to reassure them. « I'm really sorry. I know it's a family matter. But don't worry, I won't tell anyone ». The Kents remained silent. « Look, I have known the hard way that everyone keeps secrets, even from the ones they're the closest to, and I promise I won't ask anything to you ».
Martha gave her a weak smile. « Thank you, Lois ».
« You're probably gonna tell me it's not my buisness, but I want you to know that I'm here if you need help ». She winked at Clark and added « The General left me a valuable legacy that consists in kicking butts… and I have to admit that it's very useful and jubiliant. I'd be glad to use it on anyone you ask me to ». Lois saw Clark's smile growing wider and twinkles sparkled in his eyes « I'm sure you would. As long as I'm not the target, it's ok with me ».
Despite her trouble, Martha laughed at Clark and Loïs' banter. She had been used to these delightful interactions when Lois was living under their roof and it was nice to have it back.
« - we appreciate, Lois » she looked at her son « But I'm afraid we have to face it alone.
- Mrs Kent, I don't wanna be rude but I insist. The General has technology to find bugs and stuff like that. He can check the farm and your Senate's place. It's routine for him. Let me ask him… please let me help you ». Lois saw the hesitation in Martha's eyes « I won't tell my dad about the blackmail. I promise. After all, every politicians have their places checked out ».
Clark put a conforting hand on his mother's shoulder and answered « We accept, thank you… for everything ». He was staring intensly at her. Lois couldn't look away. She was diving into his eyes. « That's the least I can do » was the only answer she could think of.
For her sake, he finally broke eye contact and turned to his mother « It's gonna be fine, mum ». Mrs Kent smiled at her son, a single tear threatening to fall down on her cheek. She was so proud of him. He definitly was Johnatan's son.
xxx
Later that night, Lois entered the barn and climbed the stairs to find Clark sitting on the couch. He looked tired. He didn't notice her presence and jumped when she spoke up. « I came to say goodnight. It's late and Mrs Kent is tired. She went to bed ». Clark nodded and smiled at her. « And as far as I can tell, you are in bad shape as well ».
« It's been a long day » he said. She tried to cheer him up.
« - and the good news is that all the places are cleaned now.
- thanks to you ».
Lois looked away and swept his compliment with a quick wave of her hand. « Yeah, well. You know… err… it's nothing… really ». Geez, she was a mess. Lois Lane, the queen of witty spirit became the queen of babbling when a simple farmboy paid her compliments. Actually, he was not any farmboy.
Clark broke her reverie « - I'm worried about mum. Now that she has taken dad's seat, she'll have to carry a heavy weight on her shoulders.
- don't worry about you mum. She's a big girl.
- but her senate's office was full of bugs. Your dad took them away but it won't prevent anyone from doing it again.
- we just have to reinforce security.
- how can she survive among those sharks ?! »
Lois was touched by his concern.
« - Clark, I know you want to protect your mother. But it's her choice. And you have to let her get her marks. Besides, she may be the beloved mother that makes soup when you get the flu but she's also a stronghead and an ass kicker, believe me ! »
Clark chuckled.
« - she's not the only one.
- I take that as a compliment.
- whatever ».
Lois smiled but didn't answer. She finally turned around. « Goodnight, Smallville ».
« Wait… » Clark suddenly felt the urge to hold her back.
« - where are you going ?
- where do you think I'm going at 1.00 AM ?! I'm heading back to the Talon.
- It's late Lois, you can't drive alone in the middle of the night.
- and why not ? »
Clark looked at a stubborn Lois, standing with her arms folded across her chest. He knew she wouldn't listen to him so he tried another way.
« - after everything you did for us, the least we can do is giving you hospitality.
- oh… err… thank you ».
The queen of babbling is back, watch it Lo. Clark's eyes deepened. And again, she drowned.
« And I couldn't sleep knowing you're on the road ». Clark was sincere and the more he was thinking about her, the more he realised she had been there for him whenever he needed someone.
She helped him to find Chloe without asking questions. She prevented him from killing Alicia's murderer. She was the one who busted his chops every time he let himself get discouraged. This woman left no prisonners. People could hate her or love her. But she didn't leave anyone indifferent.
Lois was unusually quiet and he was worried she could refuse his offer.
« - Lois ?
- hum what ? oh yeah… ok. I'll invade your peronnal space, once again ».
Clark was relieved and smiled at her. She was about to leave when he called her « I think I owe you an apology ».
Lois frowned and closed the distance between them. She sat down on the couch next to him.
« - what the hell are you talking about ?!
- I'm talking about all the times you were there to support me and my family.
- oh… that. Yeah like I said, I have a weakness for stray dogs and naked guys ».
She was about to stand up but Clark grabbed her arm.
« I appreciate everything you did for my parents. I know you hate funerals. And I know how hard it's been for you to come. I won't forget. »
Loïs was suddendly submerged by emotions, her heart bleeding again at the loss of Clark's father.
« Mr. Kent was a great man. He was honorable, honest and generous. Your family accepted me and gave me a roof under my head without asking questions or lecturing me. You don't owe me anything Clark, I do ».
xxx
Metropolis City
It was dark and peaceful. The city was asleep. Only hungry cats roamed the alleys. A limousine stopped along the street and a man got in.
« - did you have a nice trip ?
- It could have been better. I hope it's worth it. »
The first man got out an enveloppe from his pocket and handed it to him.
« - the other half when the job is done.
- when ?
- tomorrow. 7.00 A.M. Smallville's dam.
- what is it in the box ? »
He opened it.
« - what do you want me to do with that piece of rock ?
- you ask too many questions. Just keep it in your pocket. »
xxx
Smallville – Kansas
Martha Kent got up early. Although she was tired last night, she didn't sleep well. In fact, she had not slept much since Johnatan died. How could she rest without her husband holding her? The bed was too large and cold. All the photos on the walls brought her to the painful reality of her loss. They were happy together. She gave up her career to live with Johnatan and she became the happiest woman when Clark came into her life.
And now, she was wondering why death took her husband so soon. What did she do to deserve such a punishment ? Life was unfair. Everyone had the right to happiness. That's why she had to take her husband's senate seat. She had to go on and achieve his dream of a better world. She had faith in him and she wouldn't give up, now more than ever. But the fact was, she couldn't run the farm and work as a senator. The farm was in the family for so long. She didn't want to sell it but she would have to make a choice sooner or later. Clark wanted to run the farm but Martha knew he was destined to something much better than milking cows. And she didn't want him to waste his life.
When she passed his room's door, she noticed the bed was empty. That was not surprising. He couldn't sleep either and he spent almost every night in the barn, grieving and blaming himself for his father's death.
Martha went to the barn and slowly climbed the stairs. She was right. Her son had fallen asleep on the couch. But he was not alone. Martha smiled at the wonderful picture laying in front of her. Lois was curled into Clark's arms, her head resting on his shoulder. She knew something was up the moment she saw them bantering. Whatever they would say, they couldn't deny the sparks lightening their eyes. And she knew her son so well. It was only a matter of time.
But for the moment, they needed some rest. It had been a long time since she last saw her son so peaceful. It was a relieve. She turned around as quietly as possible. But she should have foreseen his super earing. And she surely had overestimated his sleep because she heard him shift position. « Mum ? ». She turned to face him, a sheepish smile on her face.
« - I'm sorry honey. I didn't want to wake you.
- that's ok. Besides, I feel better this morning. »
Martha bit her lips but didn't say anything. The reason was laying next to him. And she was begining to emerge as well. Slowly, they sat up and waved away the last shades of sleep. Surprise and confusion came first. Then, they realised they had spent the night in eachother's arms. Clark spoke first.
« - mum, I can explain.
- yeah… we were just talking. I guess I fell asleep. Clark, why didn't you wake me up ?!
- oh, good question Lois. I don't know… maybe because I fell asleep too !
- that's not a reason to hold me tight.
- who knows ? you may have been the one sliding by my side.
- don't go there, Smallville. »
Martha was laughing out loud.
« All right, that's enough. Now, if you two had some rest, I think it was not such a bad idea. »
Lois and Clark exchanged confused glances and quickly looked away.
« - I'll take a shower.
- and I'll feed the cows. »
They quickly disappeared, letting Mrs Kent alone, a big smile on her face.
xxx
Metropolis City
She was back. Finally. The trip had been long but it was worth it. And now, the only thing she wanted was a hot shower and a sweet lazy day. After all, she deserved it. And it was Sunday. Besides, Lois was in Smallville and Lana was spending the weekend with Pete, in Wichita. So she had the room for herself.
But patience was not one of Chloe's qualities. She was so excited. Her investigation in Gotham City had been very interesting and she had found the information she wanted to write the article she was working on. And if she was working all day on it, she would be able to give it to Mr. White, the new editor, on Monday.
A smile appeared on her face as she took off her cloths and entered the shower. Gotham City was a beautiful city. Most of people described it as a dark and corrupted city. But she disagreed. The architecture was amazing and the athmosphere mysterious. That was all a reporter could dream of. In fact, she had fallen in love with the city. But not only…
She bit her lower lip and closed her eyes. The water was running down her body. Although she knew her life was here, in Metropolis, she somehow realised that her heart was still in Gotham.
xxx
Smallville - Kansas
The hot water had been running for long minutes now and condensation was invading the Kent's bathroom. Lois seemed insensitive to the heat, her mind miles away from the reality. She couldn't believe she had fallan asleep on Clark's shoulder last night. It was late and they were tired. They spoke a long time and although it was hard to admit, their conversation was nice and she soon felt confortable with him. She couldn't explain it but his presence was reassuring. She was refreshed this morning and it was a bit scary. What happened to her 'no plaid, no geek' policy ? Wait, maybe it was a 'brother feeling stuff '. She didn't have a brother but yeah, that couldn't be anything else, right ? He was overprotective and annoying with her. Only a brother could get on her nerves like that. But what about that little twist in her stomach ? She quickly waved it away. Probably hunger.
She turned off the shower and grabbed a towel. Just then, she heard a phone ringing and rushed in Clark's bedroom to answer it. The ring stopped and she checked her cell phone. But it was not hers. It probably was the Kent's phone, downstairs. She dressed up and got out of the room, hoping Clark would still be feeding the cows. She didn't want to cross his way. Not this morning. She was too confused. She needed time.
Unfortunatly, she heard Clark's voice and stopped in the middle of the stairs. She was about to climb back when she stopped again.
« Clark, don't go there ! »
Martha's voice betrayed her anxiety.
« -mum, I have to.
- please honey. At least, let me go with you.
- no way. If anything happened to you, I couldn't forgive myself.
- it's too dangerous.
- don't worry, I'll be careful.
- but…
- please trust me and stay here. I don't want you to be harmed. »
The kitchen's door creaked and the house became quiet. Clark had left. And there was no way he was leaving without Lois. He would probably be mad but whatever he would say, he needed back up. She rushed to the front door and ran to her car. « What the hell are you thinking about, Clark ! ». Whatever he was involved in, he was not a super man. He needed help. She started the engine and her car soon closed the distance with Clark's one. « You're lucky Clark, I'm the queen of shadow play ».
xxx
Smallville's dam – Kansas
Clark stopped his car on the dam and got out. There was no one. Not yet. He didn't know what to expect from that man but he seemed pretty confident on the phone. And it scared Clark to death.
His mother had destroyed the record but it was possible the man had a copy and wanted to continue the blackmail. But why this meeting ? Why would he take the risk to meet him ? That didn't make any sense. Clark's thoughts were suddenly interrupted. A car was coming. It stopped in front of him and a man got out. He stood quietly, a smile on his face. Clark waited a second and spoke « What do you want ? »
Lois stopped her car at the other side of the dam, where the two men couldn't see her. They were too far and she couldn't see the man's face. She reached the glove compartment and took a pair of binoculars. « Where's that damn pen ?! Here ! All right, Mister Bad Guy, let's see your license plate. »
She noted it on the back of her hand and turned her attention on the man. She saw him closing the distance and Clark suddenly tripped, taking a step back to the railing. What the hell was happening ? She rolled her eyes and sighed « I knew you would need a sidekick ».
She took her spray off her bag and got out of the car. A loud noise suddenly made her jump. A gun shot. A second later, she heard Clark cry and saw him bend down with pain. God no ! That couldn't be possible ! Lois dropped the spray on the floor. Her feet were stucked on the road. Finally, as she began to move, she saw with horror the other man grabbing Clark by his jacket and pushing him over the railing.
« No ! » The man turned around and quickly jumped in his car. But Lois didn't even notice him. She was running as fast as she could, hysteria threatening to overload her mind. « Clark ?! Clark ! ». She couldn't breathe anymore and her legs nearly tripped. She hit the railing and bent down in the empty space. She couldn't see him.
If he was not holding the railing, that meant he had fallen on the ground. She couldn't see the bottom of the dam and it scared her to death. She shouted his name one last time, tears running freely down her cheeks. There was no answer. Only a painful silence. That couldn't be happening. It was a nightmare. She couldn't stand it anymore and closed her eyes, taking a step back. Her legs suddenly weakened and she bent down on her knees. Her head hurt so much, everything was spinning around her. She couldn't even think straight. The scene went over and over in her head, haunting her. Why everyone she loved had to die ? Anger melted with both distress and pain. All she could do was stay in the middle of the bridge and cry.
Her strength was gone. She would not have the courage to announce Clark's death to his mother. She would not be able to put up with it. That was aweful, she even heard voices in her head. Clark's voice. She had lost her mind. The voice raised and she could clearly hear her name. That was too much. She opened her eyes and went back to reality. She turned her head in the direction of the voice and saw a shadow approaching. Was it a driver rescuing her ? Was it the mugger coming back ? At this point, she didn't care. She couldn't even see his face as he knelt down in front of her. Tears were blinding her. She felt a gentle touch cupping her face and again, Clark's voice, soft and frightened. « Lois ? Lois, look at me. Are you alright ? ».
She forced herself to focus on the man and stared at him. Her heart beat increased as she looked up and drowned in his eyes. Was she insane ? She could not trust her mind, it was causing her tricks. There was only one way to find out. She gathered her strength and stretched out her hand to his face, touching his cheek. « Clark ? » she whispered. She felt his hand holding hers as he answered « Yes it's me, Lois. It's gonna be fine ».
It was too much for her sanity and she threw herself in his arms. He hold her back and she felt life coming back in her body. She felt warm and relieved. Clark was alive, in her arms. They sat there for a long time, holding each other without saying a word. She didn't know how he survived and to be honest, she didn't care. He was safe.
Metropolis City
« A deal is a deal, man. I want my money »
The man was standing in front of the desk, arms crossed, waiting for a response.
« Hey do you hear me ?! »
Slowly, the large chair turned around and stopped to face the intruder.
« I took care of the young boy. Now I want the reward »
A low voice rised from the chair. « I already told you not to come here. I am the one giving orders, remember that. » The mugger let out a sarcastic laugh « yeah right. But don't forget who I am. I may not be famous in this city, but where I come from, the gang I represent is among the most powerful lobbies.
- very impressive.
- don't fool me ! You didn't answer my phone calls, I had to come.
- I am a busy man. And in case you haven't noticed… a very influential buisness man.
- are you threatening me ? »
A sigh escaped from the chair « Of course not, I know how powerful you are ». Silence settled for a second. The boss threw an envelope at his guest, looking at him as he walked to the door « That's why I can't allow you to leave ». Suddenly, a loud noise filled the room and the man collapsed on the floor, life leaving his body.
The chair turned around to face the frenetic city below. The boss pressed the button of the interphone and spoke « Security. I have a job for you ».
xxx
Smallville – Kansas
The sun was shining, lightening the Kent's farm and Smallville's neighbourhood. Sunbeams were breaking through the windows, gently brushing Lois's face.
She was sitting on the couch, struggling to find her strength back. She had been through so many emotions on that dam, it was hard to recover. Her hands were still shaking and she nearly spilled the glass of water Martha gave her on the floor.
Her skin was so pale and her eyes tired. She looked vulnerable. When he first realised Lois was on the dam, crying, his heart nearly stopped. He thought the mugger had attacked Lois and hurt her. He was so scared, he supersped towards her without even bothering to hide his ability. But she didn't seem to notice. She was lost in her pain. A pain he found hard to believe, for both of them.
Lois was a close friend. But he couldn't have imagined such a violent emotion, from her and also from himself. What the hell happened to them ?! Martha brought him back to reality.
« Are you feeling better Lois ? You're shaking honey. Clark, give her a blanket ». But Lois didn't let him stand up and pulled at his T-Shirt, making him fall back on the couch next to her.
« - where the hell do you think you're going ?
- Lois…
- I'm fine, I'm not cold. And you aren't going anywhere.
- but Lo…
- shut up and stay here Smallville. From now on, you don't go anywhere without my blessing. You'll have to ask me permission, even if you want to go to the bathroom, is it clear ? »
Clark chuckled and sighed. Yeah, his Lois was definitly back. Wait, did he say 'his' Lois ? Crap.
Lois turned to Mrs Kent, without loosing grip of Clark's T-Shirt « I'm really sorry for this pity party ! I hate myself for being weak.
- honey, how could you not be upset ?! You nearly saw Clark die in front of your eyes.
- I saw him die, Mrs Kent. He should have been dead, I… » She paused, trying to stop the tremble in her voice. Martha exchanged a worried look with her son and turned her attention on Lois again.
« - you are shocked, Lois. Why don't you go upstairs and rest.
- I'm fine. And I know what I saw ». She turned to Clark « I saw the other guy shooting at you… He was close. Too close to miss you ». Clark shifted position, unconfortable. He watched as she stretched her hand to his chest and moved his jacket aside, to reveal the hole of a bullet on his T-Shirt. She stared at it a second, before brushing a finger on his skin. The proof was laying in front of her, there was dry blood around the hole, but no bleeding scar. It was amazing.
« I can explain, Lois… ». She quickly raised her hand and squeezed his arm « don't ». She looked at him and drowned in his eyes « Clark, I don't know what you're made of, but don't give me any dumb explanation. I saw him shooting at you, I saw him pushing you over the railing ». She glanced at Martha, who was biting her lips. Then, she turned her attention back on Clark. « Look, I understand you wanna protect your secret. You don't have to tell me anything. I'm fine with it. I'm shocked but I'm fine. I don't care how you survived. You're alive, that's all that matters ».
The room remained silent, Clark and Lois drowning in eachother's eyes. Martha was watching them, a shy smile forming on her face. They finally broke eye contact. Lois stood up and walked towards the kitchen, the glass still in her hand. Clark looked at his mother, determined. She knew what he was going to say before he spoke « I'm gonna tell her, mum. » Martha's smile grew wider « I'm not the one to convince, honey ».