Clark fitted his worn leather jacket across Lois' slim shoulders and then turned to assist Jason in buttoning his coat. At his mother's insistence, he grabbed a sweatshirt himself, though he didn't need it. They set off across the farm, Clark and Lois in pensive silence. The entire horse thing had been entirely unexpected. It was… rather odd of Jason, though somewhat touching.
Even so, Clark hoped that he wouldn't have a chicken or other farm animal named after him.
Lois shot him a curious look as Jason darted in front of him.
Clark caught her eye and shrugged.
The abrupt reminder of Richard had hurt Lois, he knew, but he was also relieved to see that she overcame it quickly. It seemed that it took less and less time for Lois to regain her composure after thinking about him. He took this as a good sign… the other day she had shown him some picture albums that had been salvaged from the wreckage of the house because they were in the stone lined basement. She had shown him Jason's childhood, including many pictures of her and Richard together. She had looked up at him slightly nervously for his reaction, but he just gave her a reassuring grin and they continued to look at the albums. The fact that she had been more worried about his reaction to the pictures than sobbing over them was a huge step, he realized.
They finally reached Jason, who was peering through the wooden slats of the fence. A magnificent horse stood in the middle of the field and Clark smiled automatically. This was his horse. He had named him Darcy after Jane Austen's hero because of the similarity in their character. Darcy was a thoroughbred stallion, tall and proud, always mindful of his superiority. But after Clark had spent the better part of a year training him, Clark had begun to recognize that Darcy the stallion was a bit of a softie. That clinched the name and it had stuck.
Apparently Darcy had found a mate. He squelched the urge to rename the mare Elizabeth, and willed his horse to move so he could see the foal. As if being belligerent on purpose, Darcy remained firmly rooted to his spot. Clark clicked his tongue but Darcy stubbornly refused to move.
Lois laughed slightly at this and rested a hand on his back. His sweatshirt was soft and loose but it didn't mask the hard muscle underneath. Jason seemed unimpressed with this lack of movement from the horses and began to climb over the fence. Clark, who had been looking at Lois, noted the movement vaguely in his peripheral vision. A tenth of a second later, he had jumped the fence and caught his wayward son firmly in his arms.
"Jason, you can't just jump in here," Clark said softly. "You have to be careful."
Jason looked apologetic and Clark melted. "Would you like to meet my horse?"
Jason nodded enthusiastically and Clark glanced back at Lois. "Would you like to come too?'
Lois smiled at the two but shook her head firmly. "I'm not much for animals…"
"Come on," Clark said. Jason added to this plea, stretching out syllables. "Pleeeease, mom?"
Unable to resist the twinkle in Clark's eye or the sound of Jason's pleading, she sighed and nodded her assent.
Clark was over at the fence in an instant, helping her over. She rolled her eyes as she reached for his arm.
"You know, they do make fences with doors," she said.
"Well, yeah but part of the experience is jumping the fence," Clark said, unable to mask the excitement in his eyes.
Lois noticed the look mirrored in Jason's eyes. This was Clark's home, where he felt most comfortable. She had called him farmboy teasingly since she'd known him, but she never actually envisioned what that meant. Having been a city girl all her life, this new world and way of looking at life was extremely odd to her. But Jason seemed to be fitting right in, she thought fondly as he leaned casually against the fence.
All he needed was a cowboy hat and spurs she thought, nearly giggling at the picture. Clark went to lift Jason in his arms, but he shook his head no.
Shrugging, he extended his hand to Lois, who took it smiling. After making sure Jason stayed close, they slowly approached Darcy. Darcy glared at the three warily before Clark let go of Lois' hand and motioned for them both to stay put. He then walked slowly up to his horse, speaking quietly.
A moment later, Darcy bowed his head in submission at Clark's familiar voice and Clark motioned for his family to join him. He lifted Jason in his arms so he could reach and then Jason gently patted the velvety fur on the horse's nose.
Clark turned back to Lois and she adamantly shook her head.
"No way, farmboy. I might get this close, but this is as close as I get!"
Clark was about to protest when Darcy finally moved, making Lois shriek a little as she grabbed Clark's arm. When Darcy just trotted off a few steps, Lois abruptly released Clark, her dignity slightly bruised at the sudden dependence on him in that moment of weakness.
But Darcy's movement allowed them to see past his considerable bulk and both Lois and Clark gasped in pleasure at the slight of the newborn horse.
Jason smiled proudly at this, about to rush forward, but mindful of Clark's words, he stopped himself.
"We can't get too close just yet," Clark said softly as he steered them back behind the fence.
Once his family was safely behind the fence, Clark allowed himself to relax.
Darcy was a bit of a wildcard when it came to strangers, but he had been counting on him to behave himself that day. He reminded himself to go visit him with some extra sugar cubes later.
Richard the foal was mostly black, just like Darcy, though he had inherited his mother's white nose. He was a beautiful little horse and Clark was glad that Jason was sokeen to have him. It meant a lot to him to share this bit of his past and home with his son, even though he knew Lois couldn't understand it.
He was a farmboy, through and through no doubt about it. He liked the city, loved the excitement and the thrill, but it never compared to the slow and easy life of the country. It was where he had grown up, where everyone had known everyone else. The open skies and the miles of unused land made Kansas a giant playground while he was growing up with his powers. He hoped that he might share that with Jason, once his powers developed a bit more.
Lois watched the two boys entranced by the movement of foal and had to smile. She wasn't sure she was cut out for a farmer's life, but she was well aware that it was precious to Clark.
The sun was setting behind them, shooting golden streaks across the sky. A few moments later, Clark stirred from his trance and noted that Jason was shivering slightly. He dragged a protesting Jason away and got him situated inside with a cup of hot chocolate. He added two cinnamon sticks, just like his mom had always made it for him and watched as Jason's face lit up at the first sip.
Lois had assured him that one cup was okay for Jason's allergies and Jason looked as if he was in heaven.
"Come on, lets go on a walk," Lois said quietly. She put Clark's jacket back on again and pulled him out with her.
Once outside they walked in companionable silence, and Lois marveled at the silence of the place. Besides the wind rustling through the late season crops, the only sound she could hear was her and Clark's breathing.
"I can see why you love this place," she began once they paused at one of the fences that bordered the property.
Clark murmured his agreement as he wrapped an arm around her waist.
"I love the city, but it can't compare to a Kansas sunset," he said softly.
Lois looked up at him, the wind ruffling his hair. The sun's fading rays had him profiled in completely golden light and she caught her breath for a moment as he stared back at her.
His eyes regarded her with utter tenderness for a moment before he reached down and spontaneously kissed her.
"I love you," he said when he pulled back. He pulled her closer to him, looking down into her face.
"I love you too," she said sincerely. He gave her a half smile before fumbling in his pocket.
"Lois…" he stopped for a moment and took a deep breath. "You've made me so incredibly happy these past weeks… I know we're been through hell and back but I think it really only made us stronger. Or well it gave me strength, because I don't think I'd have to courage to do this if it didn't." He pulled out a velvet box and stared deeply into her eyes.
"Lois Lane…" he swallowed, "Will you marry me?"
He produced the ring and his heart sped up as soon as the words had left him.
Lois stared at the ring in amazement before throwing her arms around his neck.
"Yes!" Clark lifted her up in his arms, spinning her in happiness. He didn't even notice he had levitated right off the ground and that they were embracing ten feet in the air.
"I know it's soon," he said quietly after they had kissed. "And if you don't want to wear the ring just yet, I completely understand…"
Lois stopped him with a finger on his lips. "This has been almost six years in making, Clark. We love each other, our son loves you and this is long overdue."
Clark's grin nearly split his face at her words.
They were slowly coming back to earth, though mentally, Clark still felt like he was thousands of feet above.
"You've made me the happiest man in the world," he said softly, resting his forehead against hers.
Lois smiled at the absolute sincerity in his words. They began walking back to the farmhouse, though they didn't take their eyes off each other.
When they pushed open the door, both were warmed immediately by the sight that greeted them.
Jason was fast asleep on the couch in front of the fire leaning his small body against Martha Kent's, who was softly stroking his hair. Jonathon was dozing in the armchair nearby. Clark quietly shut the door behind them and smiled at the picture they made.
Walking over to his mother and his son, he kissed his mom on the cheek and then lifted Jason up in his arms. Jason stirred at the moment and grinned sleepily at his father.
"Hi Daddy," he said softly.
Clark inhaled sharply, feeling like he'd been punched in the gut. Jason had called him Daddy… Clark looked up at Lois who was smiling at this display and then back to Jason who had already fallen back asleep.
His heart full to bursting, Clark pulled the covers back on his childhood bed and tucked Jason in.
Lois came and gave Jason a soft kiss as he snuggled under the covers.
Clark fondly stroked his hair before kissing him on the cheek as well.
"Goodnight buddy," Clark said softly as he switched off the light.
"'Night Mommy…Daddy," Jason said sleepily.
Clark shut the door and then leaned against it, almost unable to keep himself standing upright. His son had called him Daddy, Lois had agreed to marry him. It seemed as if all the painful years he had experienced had all cumulated into this one, perfect day.
Lois noticed his overwhelmed expression and kissed him chastely on the lips before grabbing his hand and turning to face Martha and Jonathon.
"Mom, Dad, Lois and I have something to tell you…"
The End.
I know, I know, kind of a rushed ending. Well that just leaves open the possibility for sequels! Lol. I loved writing this story, oh my goodness it was a blast. Nice thing to keep me occupied during the lazy months of summer. Unfortunately reality is starting to kick in and I'm getting busier and busier, as you could see by the ridiculous amount of time it took for me to post this final chapter. Once things slow down I'd really like to write a sequel, but for now I think I need to leave it here. I hope you guys liked it, your reviews and support made me write the longest, most in-depth story I've ever written! This story is nowhere near as good as some I've read on here, but I think it's the best that I personally have written. You guys helped me do it and I'm forever grateful. Thanks again for the reviews and constructive criticism. You know I'm going to miss writing this a ton… Please do me one last favor and leave one more review. Thanks again.
Laura