Chapter 5
Blending in and taking a leap of faith
Clark and Pete run out to the field where Varsity football tryouts are. Lex smiles as he straps his helmet on.
"Good luck guys."
Clark smiles tucking his chain under his pads, he looks out to the stands to see Chloe and Lois watching.
"You so want him to make the team don't you?"
Chloe asks as she smiles devilishly watching the boys warm up for the tryouts.
"I couldn't care either way."
Chloe rolls her eyes.
"Right, just admit it Lois, you love the idea of your boyfriend being a jock, nerd and superhero."
Lois laughs, before biting her lip at the thought.
"Who said anything about boyfriend?
It's Chloe's turn to laugh out loud as the whistle blows and the boys take their positions.
"And will you please tell the jury Ms. Luthor, whom you believe caused your father's death?"
The lawyer leans into the grieving Lana.
"Objection you honor, the question calls for speculation."
The judge leans forward to the defense.
"Agreed, Mr. Lawson you know better."
Lana's lawyer nods smiling at Lana.
"I'm sorry your honor, let me rephrase. Did your father have any enemies?"
Lana nods, "Yes, he was a powerful man you don't become that rich without stepping on people's toes."
"Aw come on open your eyes ref! That was unnecessary roughness!"
Lois was leaning over the railing yelling, her booming voice even though controlled was shaking the seats.
Chloe uncovers her ears as half the team looks over to Lois. Clark has a huge goofy grin on his face as Pete helps him off the ground after a rough tackle.
"Real smooth Lois."
She looks at Chloe with her hands now across her chest obviously frustrated.
"That guy sacked him way too hard. He doesn't have his powers right now Chloe and…"
Clark just made his way to the end zone scoring a touch down to which Lois squealed jumping up and down.
Chloe rolls her eyes.
"Lois it's just a scrimmage game, something to see how they work under pressure."
She shrugs as the coach blows his whistle signaling the end of practice.
Lex takes off his helmet following Pete and Clark into the locker room.
"Seems like you had your own cheering section out there Clark."
He shrugs while striping the pads off his swollen and bruised body.
"Lois gets into Football I guess."
Pete smiles while watching the two.
Chloe and Lois wait outside the front of the school inside Lois's SUV. Lex is the first to saunter out and heads straight to the passenger side of the car.
"Hello ladies."
Chloe beams while Lois gives a friendly smile.
"Hey, what's up?"
Lex shrugs dropping his bag on the ground.
"Nothing just wanted to see what you guys were up to this weekend, there's a party over at Dean's house."
Lois spied Pete and Clark approaching and shrugs.
"Dean, which one is that?"
Pete opens the back door tossing his bag in.
"Dean's the guy who kept sacking Clark."
Lex smiles stepping away from the door as Clark opens it, dropping his bag to his feet he closes the door leaving Lex waiting.
"So you guys coming or what?"
Lois smiles at Clark before looking back at Lex, "sure we'll be there."
Lex notices the exchange between Lois and Clark, trying to disguise his frown he beams.
"Nice, Saturday night you guys know where Dean lives right?"
Pete nods as Lex winks before tapping the SUV's side, as if giving them permission to drive away.
"Great so we're really going to this party?" Clark asks not excited in the least.
Lois smiles, "Yeah, we should. For once let's not think about saving the world and actually do something normal teenagers would do."
They drive away.
"I am doing what normal teenagers would do; I just spent over two hours trying out for the Varsity Football team."
Chloe snickers in the backseat as Lois gives Clark a smirk.
"Yes you did and you were great."
He smiles looking down pushing his glasses higher up the bridge of his nose as they threaten to fall off.
"You should have seen Clark and Lex racing to get showered and dressed first. If coach hadn't stopped us to say how well we did today."
Lois and Chloe gasped excitedly.
"So he's noticing you guys?"
Clark nods as Pete laughs.
"I love this, last year you guys tried to get me to quite the team saying how the paper needs me more. I remember your exact words Lois was 'Bone heads score touchdowns Pete, you would be much better off behind the lens.' So what happened?"
Chloe smiles brightly as Lois blushes a few shades of red.
"I changed my mind, is that not allowed? Plus you guys can cover the sports section now."
Clark seemed to awaken from his thoughts the blush still evident on his cheek.
"Wait, you want me on the paper?"
Chloe smirks looking at Lois before clearing her throat.
"Well since I'm editor it was more of collaboration if you will, but it makes perfect sense. Especially since the last sports writer graduated last year."
Everyone's eyes were on Clark expectant.
"Me, be a reporter?"
Lois looks taken aback.
"And what's wrong with being a reporter?"
Clark shrugs.
"Nothing, I just don't think I'll be any good at it."
Lois laughs.
"Clark when was the last time you failed at anything?"
She had put all her attention on him the car was still idling in the student parking lot.
He fumbled for the words, unable to produce a coherent thought while she looked at him beaming.
"Well, I, Lois I'm.."
"You're the all American boy wonder as far as I'm concerned. Used to drive me crazy…"
Now she blushed because it still drove her crazy just not in a bad way. I guess three years, growing ten inches and packing on forty pounds of muscle didn't hurt either.
The silence was deafening and as far as Lois and Clark were concerned they were alone in the car. Chloe pops her head to the front seat breaking the moment.
"Plus Clark Lane, it's genetic, I'm a good reporter you have to have some skills. I've read your papers you're pretty good, have a nice technique."
Lois blinks breaking her stare into Clark's eyes.
"Right, and who knows you'll probably end up half as good as me."
Chloe snickers.
"Right, just remember to use spell check and you'll be fine."
Lois put the car in drive jolting the car slightly. Her friends laugh at her frustration as she pulls onto the road.
"Mom, Dad I'm home. Can Clark, Chloe and Pete stay for…"
She didn't have time to finish her sentence her dad was holding up a copy of the Daily Planet which Lois hadn't seen today. The headline for the afternoon edition read 'Supergirl called in as a witness in The Lana Lang trial.'
"Oh."
Lois pauses as her Father folds the paper shaking his head. Martha walks into the kitchen looking worried as she fiddles with some pans.
"That's fine if they stay for dinner honey."
She tries to smile as Jonathan searches his daughter worriedly.
"Well, Supergirl has to go it's the law."
He frowns and nods handing her the paper.
"So Ms. Supergirl you turned over all the evidence to the proper authorities?"
Supergirl nods coolly looking around the courtroom which is filled to the brim with reporters and photographers.
"Yes, absolutely I believed the police as well as some other contacts I've acquired would need to know the nature of the evidence that I had found."
The lawyer smiles looking for a chink in her armor.
"How was the nature of your relationship with the defendant Ms. Lang before you found this evidence?"
Supergirl looks to Lana before answering the question. Pete, Clark and Chloe were in the back watching nervously.
"I've only met her a few times; I've saved her quite a bit."
The lawyer nods pacing again towards the jury.
"So you've saved the defendant's life before?"
She smiles sincerely.
"Absolutely yes."
"So why bring this evidence forth?"
Supergirl looks at the jury while answering.
"Because it was the truth and justice should always prevail. I believed it was my duty to the citizens of Smallville and to the deceased to bring forth any and all evidence that I've found."
The lawyer smiles before turning to the judge.
"I have no further questions your honor."
Lana's lawyer now stands up chuckling to himself while straightening his jacket.
"Supergirl, uh may I call you Supergirl?"
She nods.
"Are you an officer of the law?"
"No, I'm not."
"You look pretty young."
"Well my name isn't Superwoman."
The court chuckles a little as the lawyer smiles to the jury as well.
"May I ask how old you are?"
Supergirl blushes realizing where he's going.
"A lady never reveals her age."
The court laughs again as he asks another question.
"Old enough to take the law into your own hands and ignore the rights of Ms. Lang?"
"Hit me."
Lois holds up her empty cup at the bar of Talon while the waitress empties her pot.
"I think that went well."
Lois laughs taking big gulps of the hot black liquid.
"It was a joke; Lana just wanted Supergirl there to find out who she really is. Those questions that Lawson was asking had no relevance to the case."
Clark shrugs trying to show support to Lois.
"Well I think she did great."
It makes her smile but only after she finishes her coffee.
"So when do you guys find out if you've made the team?"
Clark and Pete grin with the attention on them.
"Today after practice coach is posting the roster."
The girls smile as the boys get up heading to practice.
"Good luck."
Clark winks at Lois as they leave the Talon.
Chloe turns back to Lois.
"You okay?"
She nods.
"Yeah, I just hope I didn't make it worse?"
Chloe shrugs.
"Nope, if anything Lois you gave them a case, now it's in the Jury's' hands what to do with that information."
Noticing her friends worried face Chloe sighs.
"Okay, we can't have a mopy Kryptonian what do you want to do?"
Lois smirks quirking her eyebrow at Chloe.
Twenty minutes later the two are standing outside of the mall while Chloe is looking on very confused.
"Lois you've never been one to shop till you drop."
Lois smiles leading Chloe into the Mall, she takes a sharp left hand turn around the corner into a large and loud arcade.
She stops as Lois takes a big deep breath of the air.
"This is Mecca."
Chloe rolls her eyes following her friend to a vacant shooter game.
Pete and Clark leave the showers of the locker room with towels wrapped around their torsos. Lex smiles at the two as they nod their heads his way.
"You guys did good today, good luck whatever the outcome."
They thank him sincerely rushing to get dressed and see the list.
Outside, a large group huddles around a paper that's tacked to the wall. Lois is smiling as Pete smirks upon seeing his name. Clark sees his as well and they congratulate themselves. When Pete spots Lois waiting for Clark he pats him on the back waves to Lois and makes his way to his car.
"So I guess congratulations are in order?"
Clark blushes nodding as he approaches Lois.
"Yeah, I made the team you're looking at a Varsity football player."
Lois laughs.
"Does this mean you'll date a cheerleader and never speak to us again?"
Clark looks around thinking she must be talking to someone else.
"I'm not really into the cheerleader type."
Lois pushes herself off her car leaning closer to Clark.
"Oh, really."
He smiles looking from her lips to her eyes before answering.
"I prefer girls who use their brains over their bodies."
Lois realizing their close proximity smiles very close to him before taking a deep breath and backing away.
"Come on get in I have to show you something."
As the two get into the car Lex and a few other players turn their way.
"I didn't know Lane and Kent were going out."
Lex stung by the words shrugs it off.
"Neither did I."
"So where are we?"
Clark looks around the empty field that leads to the woods while Lois just smiles.
"We're heading to the caves."
Clark laughs as he rushes to keep up.
"Wow this is amazing."
Lois nods leading him deeper into wet and damp cave.
"This is what I wanted to show you."
She holds up the flashlight on one of the walls showing the paintings.
"And this is you?"
Lois nods, "My father came here years ago before he sent me."
She looks down taking the pentagon out of her pocket. Inserting it into the cave wall she grabs Clark's hand leading him through the epicenter and outside of the Fortress.
The wind is blowing sending snow in every direction, but neither of them shiver. With a small leap they both fly over to the vast crystal shadow of Krypton. When they touch the ground she takes his hand again leading him into the Fortress.
"A year ago I created this, after finding the crystal from my, spaceship."
She makes a face as Clark smiles searching her eyes. Before they enter the main room she stops Clark.
"I think it'd be best if you don't mention your powers."
She turns back as Clark looks at her confused.
"Mention them to who?"
"Good evening Lo-El."
A booming voice welcomes them as Lois heaves a heavy sigh at Jor-El's voice.
"You've brought someone with you this time?"
Lois nods towards Clark.
"Yes, Father this is Clark Lane, he's a…friend."
Clark smiles looking up at the hologram of a white blur.
"That's your, Dad?"
Lois shrugs nodding.
"Yeah, one of them."
She approaches the crystals sticking out from the podium under the hologram. Before Clark can touch them she shakes her head.
"We can't yet, we're not ready."
She catches herself saying we and laughs.
"I mean, I know what will happen if I touch, but maybe…"
She looks up at the hologram before waving the idea away.
"This is what Krypton was like; well it's all I have left. I just thought maybe you'd."
Clark squeezes her hand reassuringly.
"It's beautiful."
Lois smiles continuing to show him around.
As Clark climbs the stairs to his room a permanent smile is tattooed on his face. Chloe opens her door; with her hands on her hips she follows him into his room.
"You're in a daze Cuz."
Clark shrugs dropping his bag off next to his hamper. Chloe watches him closely.
"So Pete called me three hours ago with the good news, he also informed me that you took off with Lois."
Clark smiles nodding.
"You look like a school boy in love Clark what happened?"
Clark looks around the corner making sure no-one's in earshot.
"She took me to her…fortress."
Chloe gasped trying to suppress a squeal.
"She did." A little hurt Chloe quickly smiles.
"She never took me there, what was it like?"
Clark smiles remembering the brilliance of the crystals and the clear voice of Jor-El.
"I've never experienced anything like it before."
Chloe backs up sitting on Clark's bed deep in thought.
"Wow, she must really like you."
Clark laughs as he makes his way to the bathroom; Chloe gives him his space as he speeds through changing. Within seconds he's back out wearing Kakis and a nice shirt.
"You're not going like that are you?"
Clark asks Chloe who's still in shorts and a baggy T-Shirt.
"No, I was just waiting for you to get home."
Chloe jumps off the bed heading to her room leaving Clark laughing at his cousin.
"Lois is picking up Pete first so she wants us ready in an hour."
Chloe just scuffles in her room throwing clothes against the wall.
"But Ms. Luthor."
Lana's leg is up on her desk scratching the house arrest bracelet that threatens to disturb her pricey outfit.
"I don't want to hear it Lawson, your job is to get me off on all charges. I don't want any pleas. I think today went quite well."
The lawyer shakes his head as he adds another shot to Lana's glass.
"I don't see how bringing Supergirl in helped our case."
Lana laughs before taking a sip of the thick brown liquor.
"Oh, it helped, Supergirl thinks she can break into my home and steal my personal files and then have me arrested?"
She stands up throwing the empty glass in the fireplace before looking back at her lawyer.
"Get Friedman on the line, I want the bum who took out my father brought in and these charges dropped. If the government wants those projects they can have them for a price. But this case, I want this over with."
Lawson nods before scurrying out of the room. Lana pushes a button on her laptop watching a surveillance video a quick red flash is seen before the video goes black.
"I'm going to bury you Supergirl, if it's the last thing I do."
Lois pulls up to a bustling house in the middle of a corn field. Clark looks up gulping as girls shrilly laugh and the bass shakes the ground.
Chloe and Pete exchange smiles as Clark just looks up awestruck at the house, Lois stares at him oddly.
"Clark? Earth to Clark you okay?"
He shakes his head pulling his glasses off and cleaning them on the side of his shirt before placing them back on.
"Yeah it's just…"
He turns looking at his friends pleadingly before settling on Lois.
"Can't we still make a movie or something?"
Chloe laughs walking towards the house backwards.
"This is Clark's first high school party."
Chloe raises an eyebrow at Lois who's frowning at Clark.
"Aww don't worry Clark it won't hurt a bit."
She takes his arm dragging him towards the front yard.
"Besides, you're on the team now; you have to make appearances at these things."
Clark chuckles nervously looking at Lois, she's enjoying his discomfort a little too much.
"Why do I get the feeling you're loving every bit of this Lo?"
She shrugs stopping before they open the front door. Chloe grins at Pete waiting for Lois to answer Clark.
"I just think it'd be an interesting story for the Fall."
They enter the house as Lois continues.
"What do you think of, 'Summer heat and pheromones run ramped through Smallville as the In Crowd kick off the first party of the year?'"
Chloe laughs again scanning the crowd.
"Lois, tonight we're not reporters we're High school seniors escorting these boys to the other side…"
Clark squints around the party, the music blaring, his senses go into overload.
"Uh the other side Chloe?"
His cousin smiles at him before making note of the cheerleaders and jocks who eye them.
"This Cuz is 'The other side' where people think they're popular and everyone like loves them."
Chloe answers sarcastically cocking her head in her best valley girl impersonation.
"Only the cheerleaders, the rest of us just play along."
Lex answers smiling at the four who look slightly out of place. He eyes Lois with a huge grin before clearing his throat again.
"I'm guessing you guys are looking for a beverage?"
He leads them over to the coolers handing Chloe and Lois two diet cokes. Clark grabs a Mountain due handing one to Pete as well.
As they settle to the music Lex tries to talk to Lois again.
"So I'm glad you guys came."
She nods looking around the room notably at the cheerleaders who are giving her the evil eye.
"I'm not sure they're glad." She points to the bitter squad, who giggle perking up as Lex looks their way.
"Yeah well, you did get half of the squad suspended."
Lois laughs reveling in her article from last year. She locks eyes with Clark who's trying to shrug off a petite blonde before laughing again to herself.
"This is true."
Lex smiles following her gaze to Clark.
"So you and Clark are…?"
Lois shrugs thinking.
"I'm not sure."
Lex looks down at the empty can in his hand.
"So nothing official then?"
Lois chuckles as Clark twists around trying to keep the girl's hands off his chest.
"Official, with Clark?"
Lex smiles as he watches Clark try to get away from the pushy girl.
"Right, leave it up to Lane to keep tight lipped about how he feels."
Lex looks at Lois as he says this she laughs excusing herself running over to rescue Clark at the last minute.
"Clark sweetie thank God I found you!"
She snuggles up close to Clark pushing the blonde back a couple of feet. The girl tries to kick her shins but ends up hurting herself limping away from the two.
"Is she gone?" Lois whispers.
Clark is dazed by her perfume and the closeness.
"Hmm?" He holds her tight as Lois begins to pull away from him laughing.
"I'm sorry Clark but I couldn't watch you suffer any longer."
He grins as she pushes his glasses up higher on the ridge of his nose.
They make their way over to an empty spot on the couch.
"So how was your chat with Lex?"
Lois shrugs searching the party for Chloe and Pete who were busy dancing by the stairs.
"Fine, not that you weren't listening."
She smirks at him while he blushes.
"Can't be helped."
Lois laughs at this punching him on the shoulder. He winces a little.
"I guess I have been tight lipped about how I feel."
Lois can feel her heart rate jump.
"Well, you are who you are Clark."
She scowls at herself mouthing her own words rolling her eyes.
"Right, but I should probably be more open with you…"
"You know despite what Chloe said I do see a perfectly good article in the making, those boys have been playing beer pong. The cheerleaders that were suspended are still at their boyfriend's sides. And despite everything I still think this could work. You know Clark what do you think? It could work right?"
"Lois!"
She stops wincing.
"Yeah?"
"You're babbling."
She takes a deep breath.
"I was?"
He nods smiling and getting closer to her.
"Like a brook."
Stroking her chin gently he leans in to kiss her. As their lips touch her whole body relaxes. The room falls silent and dark, as they part Lois looks around smiling.
"Sorry guys it was just a fuse, power will be up in a minute."
Clark laughs still holding Lois's face close to his. He can see her clearly in the dark and looks longingly at her lips.
"You thought we caused the power outage didn't you?"
Lois laughs stealing another kiss from Clark in the dark.
"Who knows what would happen as we get…closer."
She leans in again kissing him, parting for a second as Clark laughs.
"This could be dangerous." They lean in kissing again each new kiss more passionate than before.
"First power surges, what's next?" Lois laughs leaning her forehead on Clark's as they flirt with one another.
Clark pulls her closer she falls on top of him laughing.
"I'll take my chances Mr. Lane."
The lights and music turn back on as everyone in the party turns to see Lois and Clark making out on the couch. They freeze as all eyes are on them. Chloe and Pete can't help but laugh aloud as their two friends separate and stand up awkwardly.
Clark's glasses are askew as he fixes them, scanning the crowd to see Pete and Chloe come their way.
"Well it was a great party, Go Crows!"
Clark says quietly and awkwardly a couple of guys in the back start shouting back and the party begins to roar again.
"YEAH, GO CROWS!"
The four laugh their way out of the house filling their lungs with fresh air.
"Well, was that normal enough for you Lois?"
Chloe asks.
Lois exchanges a sly glance with Clark before answering.
"Sure, I could do normal."
Clark smiles getting into the jeep with his friends.
End of Chapter 5
Preview of Chapter 6:
"Mr. Lawson would you like to call your next witness?"
The judge asks, he looks tired Mr. Lawson smugly fixes his tie as he stands up.
"I would your honor, Vinny Vandangle."
The court gasps as a tall dark man takes to the stand. Lois and Chloe decked out in Press passes with notepads in their hands are sitting next to an older woman who's also taking notes. She leans in to both girls.
"Now take note ladies, how does he look, try to be as descriptive as possible while also being impartial."
Chloe and Lois take a good look at the man being sworn in, they begin scribbling quickly. Lois's pencil is going a mile a minute as she writes out every detail and nuance.
"Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth so help you God?"
Vinnie looks right over to the jury who shudder at his gaze.
"I do your honor."
Lois leans over to Chloe.
"Liar."
Chloe peers at Vinnie who takes a seat.
"How do you know?"
Lois taps her ear while Chloe rolls her eyes.
"Cheater."
Lois smiles trying to listen in on the questions.
"Did you know the deceased Mr. Vandangle?"
Vinnie grunts taking a sweeping look at Mr. Lawson.
"Only for a minute."
The courtroom gasps again as Vinnie laughs at his own joke.
"Can you explain further?"
Vinnie now looks at Lana winking before looking at Mr. Lawson.
"It was business."
Mr. Lawson walks over to the jury before asking a follow-up question.
"What kind of business?"
Vinnie smiles he has one gold tooth on his front teeth.
"I'm a snuffer."
The jury looks to one another as Mr. Lawson approaches the stand.
"Can you elaborate please."
"I get an assignment and I snuff em out."
To be continued.