Author's Notes: I'm back to Clark's POV. Thanks for the reviews. If you've read my other story titled Legacy, it's on hold for a moment. That's really kicking my proverbial back side. Seriously. I usually don't have this hard of a time completing something I start, sure I'd have a momentary lapse of creative thinking, but I finish it when I'm that far ahead, but it's becoming trickier than I expected. Hang tight for those waiting on it.

Metamorphosis – Chapter 25

I stayed with Lois until she fell asleep in my arms. I carried her to her dorm room, gently placing her into bed. I couldn't keep my eyes away from her because she was so beautiful. Peaceful, like the world is safe as long as I can see her in front of me.

Today was a confusing day for. I was so sure that we had a great time the other night but when she didn't return my phone calls, I had thought I blew it somehow. Little did I know, she really wasn't ignoring me.

That's when guilt crept up at me.

Should I regret wanting her when it's clear that being with her is making Lex miserable?

It doesn't take a genius to realize what's been going on with him. Ever since Lois came into my life, Lex has been distant.

Uncaring.

Jealous.

I knew all this but I still went after her. I don't just like Lois Lane, I'm in love with her and for the first time in my life, I'm not sorry about it. I want to discover if what I feel is real. I don't want to love for the sake of not being alone. I want to know love for what it is.

Pure.

Real.

Unwavering.

And I'm willing to discover it with her if she let me. In my heart, I know she wants to try and that's more than enough for me.

I bid her goodnight, my voice in a whisper. I tuck several lose strands of hair behind her ear before leaning down to place a soft kiss to her forehead. Reluctantly, I leave her to sleep. I didn't want to leave but I'm still unsure if it's right to stay.

Early Morning

Lois awakens from her slumber and curiously notes how she got into bed. Recollecting the night previous, she recalls being with Clark and that was the last thing she remembered.

She stepped out of bed and noticed she was still in her clothes from the night before.

"Hmm," said Lois, her lips curling to a smile. It was easy to figure out that Clark had probably tucked her into bed.

Letting out a silent thank you to him even though he wasn't there, she stepped out of her room when she caught the sight of Clark sleeping. In another time, if she and Clark had met in different circumstances and he was just some normal-Joe, she'd have caught a fit. Not today though.

He looked peaceful, but she can imagine how achingly strained his neck is going to be once she wakes him up. Clark was sitting upright with his arms crossed and his head bobbed forward, his neck the only thing connecting his head to his body.

Lois chuckled at the sight. Although he looked peaceful, that must be the most uncomfortable sleeping position known to man.

She walked forward and the floor boards creaked. Clark's head snapped upward and he let out a little groan when he did so.

"Morning," said Lois.

Blinking away his blurry vision, he sees Lois in his sight.

"Hi," said Clark.

Same Morning

When I woke up this morning, I immediately expected to be back at Smallville. I'm used to that setting so imagine my surprise when I saw Lois staring back at me when I woke up. I'd forgotten that I took Lois to bed and then almost left, but I had this desire to keep watch and make sure she remained safe.

I should've known I'd fall asleep in the process.

I'm glad I didn't scare her though. She looked more amused than upset that I took it upon myself to cozy up in the corner of her couch. I'm internally glad she didn't have a roommate. That would've been weird.

"Did you sleep okay?"

"It was good, thanks. You know, I have some spare blankets, anytime you want to greet my couch with some shut eye, fill free to spread out"

I was surprised by the offer. Relieved too, but most definitely surprised.

"I don't want to impose… or presume…" I cast my eyes shyly to the floor, muttering incoherently. "Nevermind"

She chuckles and I take that as a good sign that I'm not a complete doofus.

"Do you have any plans today?" I ask hopeful.

"Actually, I'm gonna see Lex this morning. I sort of left him in disarray and I want head back and make sure he didn't do anything too tragic"

I should be disappointed, but one thing I like about Lois is her devotion to her friend. I know where her feelings lie with me now, at least I know a good portion of where her feelings lie with me and I also know that she cherishes her friendship just as much and I won't take that from her.

"I understand"

I meant it too and I could tell she believed me.

"I'll see you later, though, right?"

I smile. "Definitely"

LuthorCorp

Lois exited the elevators on the way to the top floor. She hoped he didn't break anything or do anything rash after she left. When you couple anger and pain with alcohol, the results become unpredictable. It always does when you're Alexander Luthor, son to business tycoon Lionel Luthor.

She walked into his office with confidence, but not arrogance. Lois truly values their friendship but she refuses to let that dictate her life.

"What are you doing here?" asked Lex.

Lois sees him where she left him, on his expensive black leather sofa with an ice-pack on his forehead. He fell and hit his head before getting him to rest on the couch after the affects of the alcohol made him sleepy.

"What's it look like… I'm trying to prove to you that I'm here for you, regardless of what happens between me and Clark. Why can't you see that it isn't a choice for me?"

"Of course it isn't a choice, you chose already," said Lex stubbornly.

"That's completely unreasonable and not to mention incredibly selfish of you to think that," said Lois, her stance on the subject is just as stubborn as Lex's. "I will always be here for you. You're my best friend Lex, that doesn't change. Why don't you believe me?"

"Because!" said Lex angrily. "It's Clark Kent"

Lois is partially confused. Does Lex feel so inferior to Clark that he believes he loses everything to him.

"He has everything I've ever wanted!"

That admission says it all and Lois's angry façade fades to show sympathy and maybe even a little pity.

"You either be the change you want or let other people change you," said Lois simply. "It's your choice. I can't do it for you"

Lex remains silent, he hated how brutally right she can be sometimes.

"I'm going back to campus. I'm gonna hang out with Chloe and I'm going to spend time with Clark. You may think you've lost a friend today but I meant what I said. I will always be here for you when you need me. That'll never change. Our friendship will never change, not to me"

To be continued…