He wasn't sure who groaned as they parted. They looked up to see a group of young kids and a soccer ball.
"Ewww…gross!"
"Are you married?"
"Get a room!" were some of the mature comments being hurled at them.
Lois blushing, quickly stood. "Watch it guys, or one of you boys are next" she threatened.
Clark tried to swallow his laughter. Most of the girls and boys ran away, a few lingered. One curious little boy stood his ground, his bright smile matching his bright red hair. He looked up at Lois in awe.
"Really?" he asked.
Lois glanced at Clark in surprise, and then turned to give the boy her full attention. She grinned, dropping down to a squat. The boy just waited.
In a lightening-fast motion Lois peeked his cheek, stood up and ruffled his hair. "Get back to your friends, kid," she said warmly.
The blushing boy gave Lois a huge smile that died as soon as he saw Clark stand up and cross his arms over his chest.
The boy turn and ran back to join his friends - safety in numbers.
"Oh very nice and mature there Clark" Lois' laughter died the instant she looked at her watch.
"Yeah, well, —" he was interrupted by Lois taking his hand and sprinting full speed back towards her car. Despite the distance she was barely out of breath. Another interesting tidbit to add to his growing list on Lois Lane.
They jumped in the car, Lois pulling away before he even had the door fully shut. When they were on the highway he finally felt it was safe to question her.
"What was that all about? Why the hurry? I thought you were supposed to be teaching me some first date techniques." Clark asked, trying to keep his tone light. He was worried he had moved too fast, making her pull away. Or maybe it had all been a mistake.
Lois glanced at him and winked. "This is the 'how to make a quick escape lesson."
"Except you almost hit a few pedestrians," Clark reminded her.
"I did not."
"Suuure," he drawled.
"Oh, shut up."
"Fine."
"Fine."
Clark looked out his window, mentally counting how long Lois would be able to handle the silence. He didn't have to wait long.
"Listen Clark, about what happened today…that shouldn't have happened. I mean we aren't usually like that, and I don't, I wouldn't do anything like...that if we were in Smallville, so yeah, just wanted to establish that," Lois tried to explain awkwardly.
Clark watched her struggle. He felt a surge of disappointment and confusion at her words. The dynamic between them had changed, or shifted--whether it was the fact that they were out of Smallville or the lack or restrictions and expectations upon them--he wasn't sure. And despite his confusion over his own feelings regarding Lois, her words still stung.
"Clark?"
He broke out of his reverie.
"No, I heard you. Today was...a mistake, or just a fluke occurrence. Got it." Clark replied, trying to keep his tone light.
Lois winced.
"Not a mistake, more like we just got a bit carried away. We joke and flirt and fight. That's are thing. I enjoy it, but..." Lois paused, trying to think of the right words. She knew Clark and his tendency to brood, and she wanted him to understand exactly what she was trying to say.
She sighed. What the hell, she'd just say it fast, like the Band-Aid metaphor—the quicker the better.
"Okay, I'm just going to say it. We have a... unique relationship. We can't really stand each other, but at the same time, we're always around each other. And let's face it, things with us would never work out. You still have unresolved issues with Lana, and Chloe. And for me, my cousin comes first—"
"Lois," Clark interrupted. "Take a breath. And let me say something. I know what you're saying and I don't disagree, but I also know that what happened today wasn't a mistake. I had fun; I actually enjoyed the whole time I spent with you. I can't honestly remember when I laughed that much. I'm not saying that now… I don't know" Clark said frustrated. "I just know it wasn't a mistake." He added resolutely.
Lois laughed.
Clark turned to stare at her. That was definitely not the reaction he was expecting.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry" she apologized, trying to hold back her laughter.
"Well I'm glad you find this so funny" Clark said, indignant. "It's your fault, anyway. I know you didn't ask me out on this date for any normal reasons. I don't know if you were just bored, or wanted to freak me out, or get back at me for those pranks I've been playing on you—"
"Wow, paranoid much?" Lois interrupted him, grinning. "My reasons will be revealed when the time is right" Lois said cryptically. "But for now, let's just agree that what happens in Metropolis, stays in Metropolis."
Clark smirked. "Happens?"
"Happened. What happened today," Lois quickly corrected.
Clark smiled, relieved that the awkward explanations and rationalizations wouldn't have to be discussed and dissected between them. He figured that would be difficult enough on his own.
"Deal."