Chapter 12

As they emerged for the Kawatche caves, Lois stopped and pulled Clark closer to her. She ran her free hand through his hair and said "Smallville, I'm glad you made us stop the other day. Now I understand, you were right to tell me everything first. I can't say I'm not a little … scared, for lack of a better word. I mean … look, here you are getting ready to go and prepare to save the planet! How am I supposed to feel? You're a hero … no a Superhero and no one will even know."

"Lois, I'm happy no one knows. I'm no hero, I'm only doing what must be done and you would do the same. I have to do this. It's my people that are threatening your planet. You've seen what they did to Krypton. I can't allow them to do that here, nor can I allow them to subjugate the people of earth. Earth has been great for me, it's been my home. I may not have been born here, but it is my home." Clark declared.

Lois smiled. "Smallville, you really are a boy scout. Most people only worry about themselves. You are always putting your life on the line for others. You may not die; but if the wrong person found out your secret, your life would never be your own." Lois declared exasperated.

"This brings up a good point. What are we going to do about you? We need some kind of disguise just in case your battle with Zod occurs where people can see you. The press would have a field day reporting your exploits! Chloe's instinct and conscious would be at war. Telling your story could make her career." Lois stated amazed at Chloe's discretion. When she saw Clark's smile faltering she quickly added "Not that she would betray you."

Clark's smile faded some more as he said "No Lois, I just never thought of it like that. Chloe is a reporter and I'm proof of extra-terrestrial life. I truly am the story of a lifetime. Well, all I can do is make sure she gets the first exclusive, if I get caught using my abilities." Clark let out a sigh and continued "About the disguise, do you really think I need one?"

"Smallville believe me, you want something that will hide that face of yours." Lois stated as she patted his cheek.

"Lois is my face that bad?" Clark joked, using a hurt tone.

"Smallville, one look at that face and every woman will fall madly in love with you." Lois said playfully.

"So that's why you love me?" Clark queried impishly.

"Smallville, let's just get home." Lois said ending the banter with a punch to Clark's shoulder.

The ride home was quiet, both of them silently enjoying the other's company. Lois had her head on Clark's shoulder reveling in that fact, that Clark Kent was the man she cared more for than any other.

After all the other relationships she had, it was an alien that won her heart. But what an alien; he was as she had told him earlier that day, more human than anyone else she knew. And he loved her! Though it scared her.

All of the sudden, to find such a person was right under her nose, then to have him go off to save the world – to really save the world. It made her regret all the time they had lost, but that was over and done.

The only thing she could do is make sure she didn't waste another second. As they pulled into the Kent farm, she allowed him to help her out of the car and then pulled him into a long kiss.

It was more powerful than their initial kiss. They were as two birds with one flight. Their lips pressed upon each other's would ensure their own world. Their kisses would write the song of love. Her lips were sweeter than sugar; he could remain in lip-lock all day. No one else existed, only them, until they were interrupted.

"Clark, honey, whe … Oh sorry!" Martha stammered as she stood amazed. Not only were Clark and Lois kissing, but they were floating several feet in the air.

"Sorry Mrs. Kent" Lois said blushing. As she tried to disengage from Clark she finally noticed her position and grabbed Clark again adding "How about you get us back on the ground Smallville?"

Clark landed blushing bright red. "Hi mom, we all need to talk."

Martha escorted them into the kitchen, noticing that their hands were intertwined the entire trip. As they got to the kitchen Martha said "So, Lois I see you found your 'good' guy." Lois blushed furiously.

Martha added "Don't get me wrong Lois, I love that you and Clark are together. It just seems so sudden."

"Mom, I love Lois. She knows all about me, actually we just got back from the Fortress." Clark said.

Noticing Martha's surprise, Lois added "Mrs. Kent, I love Clark too."

Clark interrupted "Lois, you're family. What did we talk about?"

"Sorry." Lois said as she squeezed Clark's hand then added "Mom, a lot has happened this week. We should start from the beginning." Between the two love birds, they told Martha everything that happened. She saw them both tear up as the two shared their reaction to that first kiss.

Martha was proud of Clark for his actions. After they caught her up, Martha engulfed both in a hug and said "I am so proud of both of you."

Clark turned to Lois, and said "Lois please call Chloe and tell her we'll be there shortly." He kissed her cheek as he added "I need to ask mom something. " Lois walked into the living room as Clark talked to Martha.

Clark joined Lois and took her hand, looking in her eyes he said "Lois, we want you to move back to the farm. I'm going to be gone and mom could use the company. I'll move you out before I leave, if that's all right with you."

"Smallville, I would love to keep mom company." She said with a small glimmer in her eyes. "We'll be a great help to each other. Your leaving is going to be hard on all of us. Did you come up with an excuse yet?" Lois asked quietly squeezing Clark's hand.

"Yes, mom's going to say my Aunt Minerva is sick and she sent me to be with her in the hospital." Clark said pulling Lois in and holding her tightly. "I'm sorry I need to leave so soon, but you know what's at stake." Clark whispered into her ear.

Lois kissed Clark then said quietly "I really do love you Smallville. I'll be okay. You just better come back, or I'll kill you!" She added playfully cupping his cheek with her palm.

Clark put his hand over hers and replied "I'll always come back to you Lois." He lifted her hand and kissed her palm. Clark excused himself and went upstairs. When he returned he had a jacket and was hanging up his cell.

He draped his jacket over Lois's shoulders and led her by the hand outside. He cradled her in his arms and asked "Are you ready?" Lois nodded yes. Clark turned to Martha and said "We'll be back later, mom" as they slowly ascended into the sky.

Martha watched in amazement as her son and his new girlfriend flew away. She called after them "Be careful you two."