From This Moment On – Chapter II
Note: Here is the second chapter! I hope you guys enjoy it!
Disclaimer: I do not own Superman, though I wish I did. :)
The Next Day
Clark walked briskly through the handicapped doors into the lobby. He did his absolute best to avoid those revolving doors. They just weren't made for people his size. His mind was racing as he traveled to the elevators. He had come to work despite his mother's wish that he stay home. She was right, but the situation with Lois was paramount. He had to tell her who he was…but how? Clark shook his head. He wasn't sure if he should wait and let her have time to get over the past week or just outright tell her so they could work it out sooner.
The elevator dinged and the packed elevator flooded out.
"Good morning, Clark." Clare was the new friendly secretary. He smiled at her and greeted her back, "Morning, Clare. Is, uh, is Lois here yet?"
Clare smiled, "Oh yes, she's in Chief's office right now."
Clark nodded and made his way to his desk. Chief had assigned him and Lois to yet another story involving last week's events. This one was on rebuilding efforts and what the government was doing about it. Clark wondered if Perry White would ever understand resting time. Then again, Lois Lane was just as bad as he. Directly after her ordeal, she was already writing her next story. Clark loved that about her.
He had been shocked to find Lois at his door step yesterday with his mom. He had turned into Clark in record time…Answering the door in just his Jockey lounge pants wouldn't cut it.
Just as he began shuffling through the heap of papers on his desk, Lois bust out of Perry's office with Jimmy right on her heels. "Now, Jimmy, let me do all of the talking alright? Last time you 'helped out' it became a disaster."
Clark immediately made a bee line towards the two. Jimmy saw him coming, "Oh, hey, Clark! I hope you are feeling better."
Lois looked up from a folder she had in her hand. "Clark, you are just in time. We're going to the FEMA press conference, and perhaps we'll even gain some individual interviews as well." Lois was grabbing her purse and notebook from her desk. "We'll go in my car if that's okay with you."
Clark smiled and shrugged in his usual happy-go-lucky way.
Lois was dressed in her normal chic style. Her professional, black pant suit was fitted. She had her hair pulled back out of her face with a banana clip, and her trendy glasses on.
He would never get tired of that city woman polish that seemed so natural on her. Of course, the great Lois Lane would look sophisticated even in rags.
Clark managed to squeeze himself into Lois' little Audi. Even if he could afford to own and park a car in the city, he wouldn't. He would have to buy a tank. Chuckling silently, he strapped himself in. Jimmy was telling Lois about his latest camera and all of its bells and whistles.
He looked up out the front window and noticed Lois staring at him in the rear-view mirror. He gulped somewhat nervously.
"Clark, how tall are you?" She seemed frustrated for some reason. Jimmy stopped talking and looked at Lois.
Clark didn't know what she was up too. Maybe she just noticed how uncomfortable he was in her back seat. "Uh, six foot three…I believe."
She went silent again for a few moments. She then stated, "Really? You don't seem that tall."
Clark gave a nervous chuckle, "Yeap, ever since I hit that final growth spurt."
"Was that yesterday?" Lois said seriously.
Jimmy was laughing, "Oh, come on Lois. Clark has always been tall. Haven't you noticed?"
Lois looked perplexed for a moment then shrugged. They had arrived at the FEMA press conference. Lois didn't continue the conversation, but led them inside to get their seats.
The conference was a relative success. Lois got a lot of questions answered, and Clark even got two. Jimmy was congratulating him when Lois abruptly stood up. She started following one of the men running the rebuilding efforts in Metropolis.
Jimmy and Clark got up and went to stand beside her. Lois got an interview from him that would work well for the article they were to write. Jimmy was taking pictures of the official for the layout when Lois noticed a man in an expensive suit walking towards the door.
Clark recognized him instantly. He was the judge that allowed Lex Luthor out of federal prison, even though he had a life sentence. He also knew that this wasn't going to be a pretty encounter.
Lois had cornered him before he could leave. She had her recorder in her hand with her thumb on the red button. She was always ready for whatever information she could get.
"Why, your honor, are you proud of the effects of your decision?"
The man started. "Lois Lane. I should have known you would be here."
Lois bristled, "How could you have let that monster out of prison?"
Clark quickly saw the impending disaster and pulled Lois out of the Judge's face. She turned on him, "Clark, what are you doing? This man has let Luthor hurt thousands of people, not to mention my family!"
"Lois, he is a federal judge, you cannot assault him like this. He can have you arrested."
Clark agreed with Lois completely, but he couldn't let her get on the bad side of a major political power like a federal judge. "Your Honor, I'm terribly sorry if you have been offended. Miss Lane was traumatized by Luthor and isn't herself lately. Please, excuse us."
Clark began pushing a shocked Lois away from the judge and out the door. Jimmy was standing nearby also in complete shock. "Clark! Stop it now! I have every right to tell this man what I think!"
She shoved Clark, which was easier said than done, and walked back to the judge. "I'm watching you. It is possible for you to be impeached with the right kind of leverage, you know. You may have the courts, but I have the people." And with that, Lois strode right out the door and onto the street.
Clark and Jimmy ran to catch up with her. She noticed them but didn't stop.
Finally, she turned to look at him. "Clark, what did you think you were doing? Don't you know what that man has caused?"
Clark let out his breath slowly, "Lois, you've just made a powerful enemy. Do you realize that? He can screw with your life and your families' lives from now on out."
The goofy, happy-go-lucky Clark had somehow disappeared.
Lois took a look at his profile and shook her head. Something was so familiar about him right now. He seemed so confident and…strong? Of course, it was just stress. She needed to take that break, but that meant being alone with Richard. She didn't know that she could stand that right now.
Lois kicked the curb in frustration, 'Why does Clark have to grow balls now of all times?'
Clark was staring at her, hoping he hasn't ruined his disguise. But what was he thinking? He has to tell her, not keep it secret. This wasn't the way though; not on a downtown sidewalk amongst hundreds of people. Sighing he said, "Look, Lois, I'm sorry. I just didn't want you to get arrested."
She huffed and headed back towards the car. The drive back the office was done in awkward silence. Clark was afraid that he had ruined his good relations with Lois.
The day hadn't gotten off to a good start.
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-KristinaLeigh