Chapter 4
"Let me put these plates away and I'll bring out dessert." Clark said rising from the table.
"Smallville, you may be able to eat like an 8 year and have the body of 'Mr. Hardbody. But, I have to watch what I eat. There is no way I could eat dessert. And I'll help you with the dishes." Lois said starting to get up.
"No Lois, you sit here and I'll take care of the dishes. If you want to help, you can help by drying the dishes later after I wash them. Right now, I'm just putting them in the sink." Clark quickly replied, putting his hand on Lois's shoulder. Clark picked up the plates and went into the house.
Lois thought, 'what is going on here? Clark is up to something. I thought he just wanted a little company. I thought he was just lonely here all by himself, but this … this is not the shy, brooding Clark or the over confident Clark. Lane, just ask.' When Clark came back for the last of the dishes, Lois said "Clark what is going on here? Why are we here?"
Clark replied "One second Lois, we'll talk when I get back. Are you sure you wouldn't like some dessert? It's you favorite, fresh homemade brownie warmed up with mom's homemade vanilla bean ice cream."
"My favorite, now I know you're up to something Smallville. What do you want? You need money or something?" Lois asked her curiosity piqued.
"We'll talk in a sec. Dessert?" Clark asked, quickly changing the subject.
"Maybe later. Hurry back, I need to know what's up with you today." Lois exclaimed.
Clark quickly cleared the rest of the table and went back in the house without another word. When he came back out, he was carrying a small box. He went up to Lois and held out a hand. "Lois, let's go to the barn. We can talk in there." Clark said to Lois helping her out of the chair.
"Okay, Smallville, as long as I get answers." Lois replied wondering forcefully. As the walked to the barn Lois kept looking at Clark trying to figure out what was going on in that gorgeous head of his, gorgeous – where did that come from? She had to admit he was handsome in that 'farm boy' way of his.
"Did I grow another head or something?" Clark asked, knowing she was trying to figure out what he was thinking.
"No distracting me this time Clark, what is going on?" Lois asked brooking no more delays.
Clark to Lois's hand and looked her in the face. "Lois I will tell you, what ever I can, but can we do it in the loft?"
"Sure Clark." Lois replied too stunned by the compassion and emotion in Clark's voice. So stunned she did not even notice that they held hands until Clark sat Lois down on the sofa. Clark sat next to Lois, still holding her hand.
"Lois, I know that dad's passing has been hard on you. Mom and I tried to include you, but you didn't let us." Clark said softly looking into those endless hazel pools that were Lois's eyes.
"Clark, that was for family. I didn't want to intrude." Lois replied drowning in Clark's sky blue eyes.
"Lois, you are family. Dad always considered you family. You and Chloe are the daughters he never had." Clark said incredulously. "How could you not know how we felt about you?"
"We, Smallville … Clark?" Lois asked hardly believing what she was hearing.
"Yes Lois; we, dad, mom and me. You are a big part of this family. Dad used to say we, you and I reminded him of is brother and him. Always arguing and fighting, but very protective and respectful of the other. I have come to see the truth in that, you are always there when I need help and I will always be here to help you. I figured you saw it too." Clark said quietly, a little embarrassed.
"Clark, I don't know what to say. I can see what you mean, you have always come to my aid even when I pushed you away and insulted you. I am sorry, if I acted like a brat. I... am sorry that I gave you such a hard time. I rode you so hard about Lana, I …" Lois said.
"Lois, you did nothing wrong. It was you that helped me finally realize that Lana and I would never work. You are the reason I broke it off with her." Clark said confidently feeling relieved to get it all out in the open.
"Clark! You don't … you aren't… I mean" Lois stammered stunned by Clark's confession.
"No, Lois, I mean you are one of my best friends. You showed me, things that I didn't see…or maybe didn't want to see. Lois if you didn't show me that my relationship with Lana was doomed, I would still be on the crazy roller coaster ride. You accept me for who I am and how I treat people. You respect that I may not want to share everything that has happened in my life. Lana even as friends wanted to know everything. Maybe Lana and I can get back to being friends sometime. I will always love her, but I will never be that little abused puppy looking for any attention she is willing to give. Oh, and Lois, you can call me Smallville." Clark said finishing with a smile.
"You like that, do you?" Lois said with a smirk.
God, that beautiful smirk, Lois looked so beautiful with that mischievous smirk. Clark's smile, broadened into that signature Kent smile.
"Smallville, what's with the smile?" Lois quipped slyly.
"Yes Lois, I have come to associate that with you and our little games, we play with one another. I really don't know how I ever lived without you." Clark replied as his smile brightened even more.
"Thanks Smallville, I don't now how you ever survived without me either. But, enough of this mush fest. I still want to know what is this all about." Lois said trying to get the conversation back on track.