okay. so the final part... Chapter 12. the last chapter. wow. it's pretty long. 12 pages in Word.

well, there will be a sequel and the first chapter of it should come sometime next week. after that, there will also be a third installment to complete the trilogy.

oh, and just so you know, the sequel will be much darker than Lilies, Something For Lois, and For Her were. woo-hoo! looking forward to it

so here we go. and again, hidden easter eggs throughout! i can't stress how many there are. seriously, by now you ought to have figured out the plot to the sequel if you're finding all the eggs

so anyway... Chapter 12. hope ya like it. and remember.. hidden easter eggs a-plenty (you know, the ones that'll clue ya in to the sequel..). and some are pretty obvious, and some aren't. but i'm not gonna tell ya what they are.

Author: Alison

Disclaimer: Characters belong to DC, WB, AlMiles, etc., etc., etc. I only own the story and my love for Keith Urban. My cat is on her way back from Torino. There's word she swiped some of the gold medals from the German women's Luge team. We're looking into it.

Chapter 12

He didn't know how long he'd been there. He couldn't remember what time he left her.

The lack of sleep in the last twenty-four hours was beginning to take its toll. But he had to stay awake. Because today was…well, today was going to be a better day.

But he'd been lost in his thoughts all morning. Thoughts of her. Thoughts of last night. Thoughts of this morning.

He'd stayed until she began to stir. It was past dawn, but still early morning. He just couldn't bring himself to leave any sooner. He couldn't bring himself to leave…her.

But he had to. She'd probably flip out if she woke up and found him sitting on her bed stroking her hair and wiping her tears away. No. That would kinda ruin the surprise of today.

He couldn't believe how much had happened in the past few days. So much had changed. Their relationship had certainly changed, even if neither admitted it out loud. He just hoped nothing would screw that up.

A car door slammed, but he stayed focused on staring out the window. He even heard her footsteps on the loft stairs, but he still didn't turn around. He knew who it was. He knew she'd be early. But he just didn't want to turn around. It wasn't depression. It was just…anxiousness? He wasn't sure, but he knew his stomach was doing flips.

"So, it must be tough."

He shoved his hands deep in the pockets of his jeans as he sighed and turned around.

"What?"

"Not being able to be surprised by anyone. You know…super hearing and all."

So, she did know him pretty well. She stood smiling at the top of the stairs. He should've hugged her for all she'd done that week. He should've run over to her. But, he just couldn't do it then.

He still had the image in his head of her sleeping. Not to mention he could still feel the wetness of her tears on his fingers. No, he was just too wrapped up in thinking.

He managed a half-hearted smile and nodded, then lowered his gaze.

"Yeah."

He sighed as he stared at the old wooden plank floor.

"I went to the cemetery. Everything looks great, especially the picture. They did a really good job on it. Lois is gonna love it."

"Great, Chloe. Thanks."

He heard her. Of course, he could hear her. The super hearing kinda helped. But, he was feeling so many things at the moment, that he just wasn't sure what to do with them all.

He slowly walked and sat on one end of the couch. She sighed and crossed her arms and moved closer to him.

"Okay, Clark. What's up?"

Uh oh. She was fishing for something. She was moving in to reporter mode. She asked as many questions as she could until she finally got you to crack and give her the answers she'd been looking for. He knew it well.

He leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees, quickly glancing at her, then returning his gaze to the floor. How much did he want to tell her? Did she already suspect something? Did she already know something? Chloe was highly intelligent. She could figure it out if she really wanted to. He was sure of it.

"Nothing. It's just…well. I've just been doing a lot of thinking lately."

Thinking. Well, that's just great. There shouldn't be anything suspicious about that.

"Okay…about what exactly?"

Yep, she's fishing.

He took a deep breath and closed his eyes. He didn't want to say it, but part of him knew she already knew.

"Lois."

She hesitated before answering and smiled.

"So…what about Lois?"

Did he want to say it all? Everything he'd been feeling? Everything he'd been thinking? Even though he still wasn't sure what any of this was called?

After all, it was just five days ago he couldn't stand Lois. He argued with her every time they were together.

But something had changed in the last few days. Things were different between them. He wasn't entirely sure why, but he had his suspicions.

Of course, he still had his reservations about the whole situation, too. He had to. Because everything had happened so fast. And…it was Lois.

Chloe sat next to him on the couch.

"I don't know. I guess everything from this week has just been so strange. I mean, in a way, she's driving me crazy. But at the same time, I can't stay away from her."

He rose off the old sofa and walked back to the window, running his fingers through his hair.

It was all so frustrating. He thought he'd accepted it. He thought he'd figured it out. When he was around her, he was sure he had.

But it's when he wasn't around her that he had his doubts. That frustrated him even more, because no matter what he did, he couldn't stop thinking about her. And that really was driving him crazy.

"So what did you do with the picture? Do you still have it?"

Oh. The picture? Um…huh. Well.

He took a deep breath. How far did he want to go with this?

Slowly, he turned around and looked at her.

"No. I, uh…sneaked into her apartment last night and dropped it off."

Okay. Good. Let's leave it at that. Just please don't let her ask any more questions.

But she looked confused. And that meant more questions.

"Dropped it off? What'd ya mean? You didn't just put it back in the box, did you? Because if you did, she's gonna think she's losing her mind when she finds it there."

He took another deep breath. He might as well just tell her. She'd probably find out from Lois later anyway.

"No. Uh. No." He paused and cleared his throat. "I sorta ordered some lilies and left them and the picture with a note telling her to meet me here at two o'clock today."

The words just kept coming. He couldn't believe he'd said them until they came out. But he did. And a small part of him was relieved.

"Okay…let me get this straight. You took her lilies, her favorite flower, left the picture and a note?"

Boy, she catches on quick. Good summary, too. Yep, that's pretty much what happened. Now, please don't take it any further.

A sheepish grin crept across his face and he stuffed his hands deeper in his jean pockets.

"Yeah."

"Okay. First of all, where did you get the lilies this time of year? I know they don't have them down at the Main Street Florist right now."

Oh no. Not this question. Okay. Just breathe. This isn't hard. Just tell her. Just don't make eye contact. She might get even more out of you if you look directly at her.

He looked at his feet as he answered.

"Germany."

"Germany! Why Germany?"

So, he couldn't help but look at her after that reaction. His head shot up as he walked to the sofa, sat down and turned to face her.

"I got them from a florist online in Heidelberg. It's where her dad got her mom's lilies." He paused and shifted back away from her. "You know, the ones she's holding in the picture."

She closed her eyes, sighed and smiled. He wasn't sure what to make of her. He didn't always know what was going on in that quick witted head of hers.

She opened her eyes and looked at him.

"So…do you like her?"

Uh…

He didn't think she'd ask it. But he should've known that when Chloe Sullivan goes after something, she goes full throttle until she gets what she wants. He should've known this conversation wouldn't be any different.

But what was he supposed to say? Was he even sure himself? Sometimes he thought he knew. Like last night. And during the movie. And when they were supposedly looking for the picture.

Yes, all those times he thought he knew. But, when someone actually asked the question…out loud…did he know?

"I don't know."

Well, that's original. But, it was kinda the truth.

"Right. So all of this has just been something nice for a friend?"

"No."

What? No? Um…Well.

He wasn't even sure what he was saying. The words just kept coming.

"So, it wasn't something nice or she's not your friend?"

Argh. This drove him even crazier than he already felt.

He quickly stood and ran both hands through his hair. He honestly had never felt like this in his entire life.

"No, Chloe. I don't know. I don't know what's going on. Everything has surprised me this week. I don't want to feel what I'm feeling, but I do. I don't know what it is, but something has changed. Something…for her." He paused and walked to the window, resting his hand on the windowsill. "And I just…I just want her to be happy."

There was a pause as she stood and slowly joined him at the window, placing her hand on his arm.

"Then make her happy, Clark."

Maybe that's what he'd been waiting for. Maybe those were the words he needed to hear.

Or maybe that's what had been in front of him all along, but no one had pointed it out. Out loud, anyway.

He looked at his best friend. He truly loved Chloe. He knew she must love him more than he'll ever know to be able to utter those words. And that made him love her even more.

They both smiled as he pulled her into a hug.

She slowly pulled away and looked up at him.

"Listen…I don't think I'm gonna be able to make it with the two of you to the cemetery later." What? Not go? That means it'll just be two of us. She paused as he shot her a confused look. "I mean, I just have so much work to catch up on back in Metropolis. And going back to the place that was meant to be my place of eternal rest only a year ago still creeps me out a little."

Well, that was understandable. But, he still wished she could go. He didn't know what he'd feel if he and Lois were alone again.

He nodded his head slowly and darted his eyes.

"Oh, hey." She looked at her watch. "It's almost two. I'd better get going before she gets here."

He reached and grabbed her arm. She couldn't leave just yet. Chloe would soften the blow when Lois arrived.

"No, wait, Chloe. Please stay. It might be easier with you here when she shows up."

She paused and looked up at him.

"Sure."

"Thanks." They both smiled as he motioned to the stairs. "Let's head on inside. I'm gettin' a little hungry."

He hadn't eaten all day. He'd been too nervous. But she'd made him feel better and had actually calmed him down. And he didn't need to be too anxious when Lois got there. That'd really tip her off.

They walked down the stairs, out of the barn and to the house. His parents had just finished lunch when they walked in.

"Hey, Chloe."

"Hi, Mrs. Kent."

Both of his parents sat at the kitchen island, while he reached in the fridge for the milk.

"Do you want some lunch, Chloe? We're just finishing up, but I can leave it out if you're hungry."

"No, thanks, Mrs. Kent. I can't stay too long. I'm just gonna stick around until Lois shows up."

Clark set the milk on the counter and turned, listening to his father speak as he fixed another sandwich.

"You know, Chloe…we are more than happy to help pay for this."

His mother hopped off the barstool and smiled at Chloe.

"Yeah, Chloe. We know it was all Clark's idea, but it was something that we wanted to do, too." She stepped forward and pulled Chloe into a hug. "You and Lois have both done so much for us…" She paused as she pulled away and looked at Chloe. "…And for Clark."

He looked at Chloe and they both smiled. Sometimes, he didn't know the right words to say. But he knew his mom never failed.

"Thanks, Mrs. Kent."

His mother crossed her arms and took a step back.

"I know I could never thank you enough for what you've done to help out with this, Chloe. It means so much to me that Clark wanted to do this for Lois' mom. Being a mom myself, that touches me more than any of you will ever know. You, Lana and Lois are all like the daughters I never had, but always wanted. You're each special and unique in your own ways." She moved closer to Chloe and put her hand on her cheek. "And you will all always hold a special place in my heart."

He reached for a clean glass in the cabinet. Turning around, he looked at Chloe and smiled. He might not always be able to think of the right words, but he knew how to emphasize good ones when he heard them.

"And mine, too."

Chloe smiled and hopped on the barstool next to his father.

That's when he heard it. He heard the tires on the gravel. His heart rate increased. His throat felt dry.

And the flutter had returned.

He heard every step. He heard every breath.

He heard…her.

She softly knocked on the old screen door.

"Oh, hey, Lois." His mother walked to the door and held it open as Lois stepped inside the kitchen. "Lois, have you eaten? We've already had lunch, but I can whip something up for you, if you like?" She moved to stand next to his father.

The woman never ceased to be a mom.

"No, thanks, Mrs. Kent. I'm fine."

He poured the milk into the glass, then placed the container back in the fridge.

It was just nerves. That's all it was. He was just nervous about what she'd think of the memorial.

But he was also so happy. So, maybe that's why he couldn't contain his smile.

He watched as she nervously looked around at everyone standing in the kitchen. Apparently, he wasn't the only one extremely happy.

"Okay, got your note, Smallville. I'm here. So, what's going on?" She paused and looked at each of them. "And what is with the freaky smiles?"

Before he could say anything, Chloe hopped off the barstool, stepped closer to her cousin and pulled her in for a hug.

"I love you, Lois."

And, without realizing it, his heart jumped a little.

"Uh…you aren't possessed again, are you, Chlo? 'Cause if ya are, I want no part of it this time."

He had to smile. No matter the situation, you could usually count on Lois' sarcasm to make an appearance.

Chloe pulled back and grinned, keeping her hands on her cousin's shoulders.

"No, I'm not possessed." She smirked and looked back over her shoulder at Clark. "I'm just happy."

Weren't they all? It seemed everyone was excited this day had finally come.

"Happy? You sure you don't mean drunk?"

It was something he found himself doing a lot lately around her. Smiling. And…he just didn't know how to stop.

"No, Lois, I'm not drunk. But, unfortunately, I can't stay. I've gotta get back to Metropolis. I just came by to take care of a few things for a friend." She turned and smiled at Clark. She turned back to Lois. "But, Lois, I just want you to know…that everything will be okay."

He'd heard that phrase a lot in the last few days. He had even said it a few times himself. And he couldn't get the image out of his head of the tears cascading down her cheeks. No one should have to go through that. At least, not alone.

He knew what he had to do.

Setting his glass of milk on the counter, he nodded his head in agreement with Chloe.

"Okay, all of you are really starting to creep me out, so if someone doesn't start talking soon…"

She could be so melodramatic.

"Lois."

"What, Smallville?"

He smiled. He'd never let on, especially to her, but he secretly liked the nickname. It was just another thing that belonged to only them.

Taking a deep breath, he prepared himself. Here goes everything.

"We know this week hasn't been the best for you. That's partly my fault."

She cocked her hips and crossed her arms. The walls were, apparently, up.

"Okay. You're right. Go on."

He smiled. Well at least she said he was right. He shook his head.

"So, we've been thinking."

"We? Who's we, Smallville?"

"Chloe, my parents and I."

So, it was his original idea to do something. But he honestly couldn't have done any of it without them. His parents paid for the memorial and Chloe did all the legwork. So, of course, they were a part of it.

His father cleared his throat and spoke as he put a hand on his wife's back.

"Yes, and Lois, we want you to know that this is something we all wanted to do, and we were glad to do it."

"Glad to do what?" She looked at Clark. "What's going on?"

This was it. His heart was racing. He was thankful no one else in the room had super hearing. They'd be deaf from the pounding in his chest.

He looked at each of them. Chloe smiled. She knew.

She picked up her keys off the island.

"Right. Well, I've gotta get going." She pulled Lois into another hug. "Just give me a call later, cuz."

"Okay…sure."

Chloe released her embrace and walked to the door, stopping to turn around and wave.

"Bye."

He wasn't sure if it was directed at Lois or him. But he had a feeling it was meant for both.

"Uh…bye, Chlo."

Lois turned back around as his mother walked to her and gave her a hug.

"We're gonna go, too, Lois. I wish we could stay, but we've got some things to do."

What? They didn't say anything about leaving.

His mother sure could be sneaky.

She pulled away from Lois and smiled as his father walked up behind his wife and put a hand on her shoulder.

"Yeah. And Lois, I know we've said it before, but you're welcome here anytime."

He had to resist the urge to say it.

"Okay…thanks, Mr. Kent."

His mother walked into the dining room, took her coat off the back of one of the chairs, then walked to the screen door. She stopped and turned back to Lois.

"Oh, and Lois? It was all Clark's idea."

His mother. So unselfish yet so crafty at the same time.

Lois smiled as his parents walked out the door.

And then there were two.

He leaned against the kitchen counter and shoved his hands in his pockets. He still couldn't stop smiling.

"Okay, Smallville. What's going on? What was all your idea?"

Just breathe. You can do this. You've been preparing all week for this. Remember, it's just Lois. Just…Lois.

He took a deep breath, glanced at the floor for the right words, then looked back up at her.

"You wanna go for a ride, Lois?"

A ride? That's all you got? Well, at least it was nonchalant.

"I'm not going anywhere, Smallville, til I find out what's going on."

Couldn't she just do what was asked for once in her life?

He rolled his eyes and sighed.

"Come on, Lois, don't you trust me? It's not like I'm asking you to go see the world with me. It's just a short ride in the truck."

Why did she have to be so difficult? He should've just picked her up and thrown her in the truck.

She sighed, shook her head and closed her eyes.

"Okay, fine. Let's go for a ride in the truck."

Finally! His smile stretched across his face.

"Okay."

They had to go now before she changed her mind.

He grabbed his jacket out of the living room and put it on as he walked to the door. As he took his truck keys out of his pocket, he noticed she hadn't moved. Was something wrong?

"Hold up, there, Smallville. Just where is it that we're going exactly?"

Oh, this question? Well, the element of surprise was in his favor.

He leaned closer to her, smiled and whispered.

"I can't tell you. It's a surprise."

She rolled her eyes and sighed.

"Fine, let's go."

This wasn't going to be easy. But then, when was anything around her.

She brushed past him as she walked out the door and to the truck. This was going to be interesting.

He walked out the door, closing it behind him, then slowly made his way to the truck. He hopped in the driver's side. She was already sitting, somewhat uncomfortably, on the seat next to him.

She had no clue. And he loved it.

He started the engine and pulled away from the farm, turning onto the main road.

Why was he so nervous? What would she think? What would she say?

A part of him didn't want to rehash old memories. This marker honoring her mother would do that. But he hoped she would see what it really was. Closure.

He didn't have that with his birth mother. And he knew Lois needed it. It'd help her get through that same day, and any other day she felt the loss, every year.

The closer he got, the more anxious he became. He couldn't stand it any longer. Part of him just wanted to pull the truck over on the side of the road, pick her up and super speed there.

But the repercussions from that would probably overwhelm all he'd been planning.

And he knew that patience paid off.

He turned the truck off the main road and onto a small side road. He figured she probably knew by now where they were going. But she still probably had no clue as to why.

"Uh…Smallville?"

Nope. Not a clue.

He parked and turned off the truck's engine. He opened his door and was about to get out when she grabbed his arm.

"Wait a minute! What are we doing at the cemetery, Smallville? Last I checked, it wasn't Halloween, so what's going on?"

He didn't think he'd grow tired of that sarcasm ever again.

Opening the door, he smiled and slid out of the truck.

"Come on, Lois. I just thought we'd have a look around."

"A look around?"

He closed the door and began walking in the direction he knew too well. He didn't hear her door, so she must've still been in the truck. Oh well.

Always leave 'em wondering. They'll eventually come looking.

He walked over the hill and heard her door open and slam, then heard her footsteps behind him.

Then he saw it. The brown marble shined in the bright sunlight. He stopped in front of it as she caught up to him and turned to look at her.

"Okay, Smallville. You drag me all the way out here-"

"Lois."

"-without the decency of an explanation. You could at least-"

"Lois."

"-give me some clue as to what we're doing in a-"

"Lois!"

How could someone so smart, so intelligent, so quick witted always miss what was right under their nose?

"What!"

He smiled and shook his head. Yep, he was certain no one else had this effect.

"Do you think you could ever shut up long enough to realize what's right in front of you?"

For a moment, he meant it in every sense possible.

He pointed to the memorial next to them. Her eyes followed his finger and widened as she quietly read the inscription to herself. Her jaw dropped as she read each line.

Her gaze then fell below the inscription to the picture on the stone. She looked up at him. He was pretty sure he saw some mistiness, but he had a feeling if the tears fell, they'd be ones of joy.

"Clark…I…"

He smiled and stepped closer to her, pulling her into a hug.

"I know, Lois."

He took a deep breath as she once again pressed her cheek against his chest. She raised her arms and pulled him closer.

They didn't need words. They'd never really needed them. They always had their own communication.

So, really he should've always known. But sometimes life gets in the way and priorities get confused.

But after all that had happened in the last few days, nothing in his life could compare to this moment. He could feel her. He knew she was going to be okay. And he knew everything would be different from now on.

For it was then he realized it'd only just begun.