Chapter 2:

Saturday, 1109 hrs

Clark paced anxiously around the kitchen. His parents just watched him in amusement as they finished their lunch.

"Clark, will you please sit down. All that pacing is giving me a headache," Jonathan said.

"Sorry" Clark shot his dad a sheepish smile.

"Honey, why on earth are you so nervous?" Martha asked curiously. "You told us yourself, this isn't a real date, its just Lois."

Clark sighed running a hand through his hair. "I know but that's the problem. It's because it's Lois. Who knows what she has planned or what she'll do to me."

Lois leaned against the doorframe watching in delight. "Wow, talk about dramatics. Lana Lang has nothing on you. I'm so proud you think so highly of me." It continually amazed her how easy it was to ruffle farm boy's feathers. Although honesty made her admit he was fairly good at ruffling hers as well.

Clark turned and glared at her. "You're late."

His eyes widened slightly as he took her in. She was dressed simply and sleekly, with her hair done up and just the slightest hint of make up. The result was stunning.

Lois smirked. "So sue me. C'mon we have things to do." With a wink to the Kents, she waved goodbye and propelled Clark out the door.

She had to admit, he filled out his button down shirt quite nicely. Not to mention that butt in those pants. 'Lois!' She shook herself. 'Not even going there' she told herself.

Clark turned to face her. "You all right?" he asked curiously. She had an unreadable expression on her face. She snapped out of it and grinned. "Of course. The real question is, how are you?"

"Well, I'd be much better if I was the one driving" he replied, grinning right back.

"Watch it Clark, or you might be my next casualty." She retorted.

"Wow Lois, lunch in Metropolis! How creative." That earned him a hard punch in the arm. "Hey!" he pretended to be wounded. "And you wonder why it isn't hard to convince people you have anger issues..."

Lois stopped walking and turned on him. She came closer, invading his space. When she was an inch from his face she looked up and said softly, "First of all, Clark. Senorita Juanita's has the most amazing Latin American dishes in the city. Secondly, you'll thank me for showing you the perfect place to take a date when you get to college. And thirdly, I'm starting slow. I'd hate to overwhelm your delicate sensibilities by being too 'creative' so early."

She leaned in a little more, her eyes still locked on Clark's. He leaned in towards her, prepared to meet her when she added, " and any more anger comments and you'll really feel the Lane wrath," then turned away and entered the restaurant.

Clark just stood there for a moment. "What the hell just happened?" he mumbled to himself. A guy about his age walked by, pausing to pat Clark's shoulder and said, "Hey man, those hot babes are dangerous. Good luck with that one," before walking by.

"Umm...thanks?" Clark replied. He took a deep breath, putting all thoughts of Lois and her lips away.

Two could play this game, he decided. Straightening his shoulders he walked in to join Lois with a confidence he didn't quite feel.