Valentine's Day Into Night
The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances: if there is any reaction, both are transformed.
Carl Jung Swiss psychologist (1875 - 1961)
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After the relatively 'late breakfast', at least by farmer's standards and after the morning's Valentine's festivities had concluded the kids had gone outside and were enjoying the cool mid-morning sunshine playing fetch with Einstein and Shelby. The older dog Shelby had quickly tired out and returned to the porch steps panting.
Lois and Clark went out to the porch swing and sat down together to check out the latest breaking news on Clark's laptop. As the laptop booted up Clark raised his head, eyes focused on the bright sun beaming down on his side of the swing. He smiled softly soaking up the warm feeling then looked out into the field, his smile growing even broader as he watched the kids chasing each other and the dog.
After a few seconds Lois turned and continuing to smile looked at Clark following his gaze. "You know we need to start thinking about going home soon? We can't stay here forever. Perry has been very understanding, letting me work from here and your mom has been great helping the kids with home schooling but we need to return to our lives."
"I know. I feel the same way. There is one problem though. Clark is going to have to remain incognito at least for the short term. It was bad enough Clark and Superman returned after a five year absence on the same day. We can't have Clark and Superman both appearing to have lost weight together. Anyone who knows Clark might make the connection."
"I still can't believe I never saw through your disguise, especially when my five year old son did in no time flat!"
"Our five year old son, but then children often see the simple reality we adults miss in our pre-conceived worlds. We expect things to be a certain way therefore our minds convince us that is what we see. There is an old Irish Proverb; the world would not make a racehorse out of a donkey. Clark is seen as just a donkey."
Lois chuckled at that comparison. "No way is Clark anything resembling a 'donkey' but I guess you did have a way of disappearing into the background. That reminds me, why on earth did Clark and Superman show up on the same day? Not too smart."
"Uh Lois, triple 7, space shuttle, ring a bell!"
"Oh, that's right. Well, you are right Clark had better stay out of sight for awhile. I told everyone you were on assignment so that should explain it. We'll just have to make sure no one sees you. When and where do you think Superman is going to show up, do you know yet?"
"I was thinking tomorrow at the U.N. and in Washington D.C. The stage already seems set thanks to all the work our friends have done. I'm still trying to process all that they did do. I never expected all of this." He started pulling up one headline after another showing all that had been done by not only his known friends but others as well. Entire sections of the web seemed to have joined the band wagon. Most of the news was positive but there were a few disparaging reports still questioning his trustworthiness or his true motives.
"Are you sure you're not jumping the gun? It hasn't even been 48 hours since you couldn't sit up on your own."
"Lois, I'm well on my way to a full recovery. I should be fine by tomorrow. No use putting it off. As a matter of fact I feel the sooner the better for everyone, us and the rest of the world. I would feel better if the kids stayed here a couple more days until Superman's affairs are settled one way or another and things calm down. I worry about another incident like yesterday."
"I agree the kids would be better off here at least tomorrow. What are your plans? You need to be very careful. You know what some people in those places can be like. They'll turn your words around to make it seem like you are admitting treason or something! What happened was not your fault!"
"Lois, in a way I feel it was. Just my being here may have brought them here. Then at the same time they may have come here sooner had I not been here." Clark closed the lid on his laptop looking away in deep thought before he continued. "I just don't know what to think anymore. I do know Superman cannot operate in an environment of fear or distrust."
Lois moved closer putting her head on his shoulder as she wrapped her arm around his back, her actions offering more comfort than mere words could ever express.
Martha and Ben joined them on the porch bringing warm cups of steaming tea. As they enjoyed the tea Clark told them of their plans to return home soon. Martha and Ben were delighted that the kids were to stay at least one more day. Martha couldn't help smile at the two of them sitting in the swing holding hands while drinking the tea. She caught both of them stealing glances at the kids every few minutes.
"Speaking of watching the kids" Clark asked, "Would it be an imposition to ask you to watch them tonight? Lois and I, well we planned a date."
"Lois showed me the card Clark and I think Ben saw it while you were making it." Martha chuckled as she patted Ben's knee while he stifled a laugh of his own. Clark blushed and he noticed Lois was trying to hide her own blushing face. "We'll be happy to watch the kids tonight to give you two love birds a Valentine's night alone at Ben's house or where ever you care to go. Now what were you saying about my not needing to fix dinner earlier?"
"Just what I said, but Lois and I will not be joining you and that is all I'm saying for now."
"My, you were busy yesterday weren't you?" Lois somewhat recovered from her blushing spell brought his hand up to her lips kissing it gently as they smiled at each other. "Just how did you manage all these 'preparations'?"
"Hey, what can I say, even Clark knows people, at least in Smallville." Lois gave him a sideways look shaking her head.
The kids went running up onto the porch and into the house without stopping. They came back out shortly with their balloons running back into the yard chasing each other, Einstein chasing close at their heels. Lucky for Kala and Einstein, Jason didn't run with any intend of speed. The adults watched them play for a few minutes then went back to their conversation. Martha steered Clark to answering her concerns of what he planned to do in reference to Superman's reappearance. He merely repeated what he had already told Lois.
Then as always happens, one of the balloons got away and floated higher and higher but the child who had lost the balloon was not any child and he jumped up after it unknowingly leaving the ground far behind. Kala screamed as her brother ascended quickly up after the balloon. "Jason, no Jason!…..Daddy help!"
"Oh, man, don't even say it Mom, I so have this coming to me." Then laughing he continued as he jumped over the railing, "Well, at least he didn't jump off the silos." Clark ran towards the spot where Jason had left the ground taking off into the air on his way.
Lois and Ben ran down the porch stairs following after Clark looking high into the air as Jason and then Clark became smaller and smaller dots in the sky. The balloon had been caught by the wind current and carried off to the north but Jason had gone straight up. As they stood there squinting trying to see what was happening Martha came up behind them walking at a calm pace. She put her arms around Lois and Kala pulling them to her sides.
"Everything will be just fine. Clark is on it as you can see. Looks like he was right Jason can fly on his own, he just can't steer yet! At least we know Clark's got his wings back. That has to be good."
Lois marveled at how calm and collected Martha was, thinking to herself, Oh no! This must be commonplace to her!
As they continued staring up where the two had disappeared they heard a swooshing sound coming from the north. Turning they saw them, Jason beaming ear to ear with the balloon in one hand and Clark holding his other wrist lightly guiding him home.
Looking at himself and over at Jason, Clark smiled sheepishly as they landed within arms length of those waiting on the ground. "This is a perfect example of why wearing street clothes just doesn't work." They both appeared to be wearing old tattered clothes.
Lois was immediately all over Jason but before she could say a word his enthusiasm stilled her from admonishing him. "Mommy, Mommy did'cha see that? I can fly just like Daddy. Kala, grandma, grandpa did you see me flying. I can fly now. Oh, Daddy I want to do that again. Can we fly some more. I want to fly some more right now!" He easily escaped his mother's arms in his excitement but Clark just as easily grabbed him.
"Hold on Buddy. For the time being you only fly when I take you up. No exceptions."
"Aw Daddy" Jason pouted as he bobbed his balloon up and down.
"You scared your Mom and sister besides you don't know how to guide your flight, control your speed or your landings yet. When you can do all that we'll talk about more freedom. You don't want your mom worried about you, do you?"
Jason looked back at his mother and wrapped his arms around her. "I'm sorry Mommy. I didn't mean to scare you. I didn't know I could really fly like that till I was already up in the air. I'll wait for Daddy next time."
Kala came up next to him and he hugged her as well. "Were you scared? I would have been scared flying up all alone like that for the first time."
Jason shook his head "No, because I knew Daddy would come after me. Then chewing on a finger he considered what she had asked, "I guess I was a little scared, but it was mostly fun."
Clark heard what Jason had said and knelt down to his level. "Jason, I didn't even know if I could fly yet, you mustn't take chances just because you know I'll protect you. There might come a time when I'm not there. Promise me you will never take chances like that."
"I promise Daddy, I'm sorry. Can we go flying now? I promise I will only go when you take me from now on."
Clark looked with pleading eyes at Lois. "Like I could stop you, go, just don't be gone long. We have plans for later remember."
"As I recall, I'm the one who made them. We won't be gone long."
Lois wondered if she would ever get used to her son flying off to who knows where for who knows how long. She marveled at Martha, she could learn a lot from her on how to stay calm in the situations she was sure were bound to come her way.
Clark took Jason's wrist and for the first time they took off together each under their own power once again headed straight up into the sky. Once they were in the air Clark lightened his grip and started giving Jason verbal and visual instructions as they ascended high above the clouds. Reaching the level where they had often talked and basked in the sun together in the past Clark relaxed and closed his eyes as he drank in the healing rays feeling his sore muscles and aches finally disappearing altogether. Jason noticed his father's relaxed attitude and soon father and son were floating side by side reveling at the warm energizing sensations they were both feeling.
After several minutes Clark opened his eyes smiling broadly at his son next to him floating in the air. Nudging his wrist he soon led the boy on a wild roller coaster ride all the way to his fortress in the artic. Jason had never been there and was full of questions. Clark answered all he could and deferred those he couldn't. Soon father and son were being measured optically for new suits. Clark had new copies of his suit reproduced. He had a similar suit made for Jason with a small cape that only went to his mid back. No use him tripping or catching his cape as he learned to use his powers. Soon they were both suitably attired, Father and son looking every bit the part.
"We better get back now, or Mommy is going to send Batman looking for us no doubt."
The two landed at the bottom of the porch steps and Jason ran into the house with Superman not far behind. Everyone's head turned as the two entered. Seeing Jason in a miniature Superman suit Lois's jaw dropped as a single tear that she could not contain fell down her cheek as she picked the small boy up.
Superman shrugged, "I tried to get him to go with the Incredible's design but he insisted on this. What was I to do?"
Lois just shook her head in amused surrender then studied Clark as she continued to hold Jason. She noticed how good his color appeared but the suit emphasized just how much he'd lost. He had always had a slim but strong well muscled swimmers build. Now the emphasis was more on swimmers build and less on muscled.
Superman noticed and jokingly asked. "Do you think I should maybe wear that shirt under the suit?"
"No, it's obvious you've lost a lot of muscle tone but I'm sure you'll build it back up in no time. Then even John Basedow will be jealous."
"Lifting cars, planes and trains will do that. I just need to get back to work." At that statement a slight shadow of a frown fell across his face then was gone as quickly as it appeared. "Come on Jason, we need to get back in some street clothes." Ushering Jason in front of him up the stairs he smirked as he looked back at Lois and his mom. "You don't even want to know what the clothes we left in look like now."
When he came back down stairs Clark picked Kala up as he walked by. "What did you do while Jason and I were gone?"
Giggling as Clark sat down at the table settling her on his knee she answered. "Mom and I helped Grandma make a pie. We picked up some frozen Boysenberries at the market yesterday. Can you smell it cooking?"
"Why do you think I'm sitting here? The aroma is wonderful, why I could smell it all the way from the artic." He tickled her sides as he spoke.
"Oh no you couldn't. Even you can't smell from that far away…. Can you?"
"No, not really." He laughed, and then became more serious as Lois and Martha watched and listened. "While we were waiting for the suits I did a little research. I think I figured out what was going on with us yesterday. How you can seem to be able to read my mind. It seems Kryptonians are telepathic, at least to a degree. It never even occurred to me before. Perhaps if I concentrate and I practice we will be able to send thoughts back and forth. How's that sound?"
Kala's eyes widened with delight feeling she shared something special with her dad just like Jason. Then she considered farther, "Will Jason be telepathic? Will the two of us be able to share thoughts too?"
Clark just shrugged. "Anything is possible but I really don't know. We'll just have to keep trying and find out."
"Now about that pie, it sure smells done to me. I vote we have it for lunch!"
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Later that evening Lois and Clark kissed the kid's goodbye telling them they would see them in the morning. Clark had arranged for pizza for the kids and a nice romantic dinner for Ben and Martha to be delivered to the farm house.
A second romantic dinner was to be delivered to Ben's house. Just for appearances they took Ben's truck. Ben had been over earlier and had opened up several windows and aired the place out and made sure everything was ready for them.
After the delivery man left Clark pulled a bottle out of one of the bags and disappeared momentarily reappearing with two champagne glasses. As he started pouring the beverage Lois frowned. "You know I can't drink that."
"You can't drink sparkling cider? Oh, I think you can. Lois I would never ever do anything to hurt you or our baby." As he handed her one of the glasses he guided her over to the table and uncovered the dinner. "Your menu my dear."
Appetizer - Baked Brie and Cranberries with French Bread
Salad - Green Salad with Blue Cheese, Toasted Pecans, and Balsamic Dressing
Entrée - Baked Haddock with Tomatoes, Kalamata Olives and Parmesan Cheese
Side Dishes - Red Bliss Potatoes with Rosemary
Medley of Sautéed Vegetables
Desert - Giant Chocolate Dipped Strawberries With Long Stems
After they finished the meal over light hearted talk Clark picked up the fancy tray with the strawberries and pulled Lois with him into the living room and over to the sofa. Setting the tray down he picked up the remote and turned the TV on.
"What, you want to watch the news now?" She said a little hurt.
He smiled softly closing his eyes as he shook his head gently. "I just want to watch a movie with you that I haven't had time to see yet." Turning the DVD on the 'movie' queued up. Lois wiped the tears that sprang to her eyes almost as soon as it started. It was the movie Jimmy had made for them showing their wedding and reception.
"I watched this a lot while you and Jason were gone. I much prefer watching it with you." She pulled her feet up slipping out of her shoes and snuggled into Clark's arms as they watched, enjoying the memories as well as the closeness they now shared.
Clark leaned forward and grabbed a chocolate strawberry by the long stem and dangled it in front of Lois. She nibbled half and he finished it off before kissing her. "Hmmm, you taste like a chocolate strawberry."
"Do you like chocolate strawberry as much as Boysenberry pie?"
"Hmmm, I think I have a new favorite."
As the first notes of So She Dances started Clark got up from the sofa, "I think this is our dance." He held out his hand and she rose to meet him. They waltzed around the room briefly and then out the door and up into the sky.
"When did you ever become so romantic?"
"You make me romantic Lois, you always have. I was just afraid to show it. I was afraid I would never be this happy. I don't know what I ever did to deserve you, to deserve Jason and Kala and now a baby girl soon to be with us."
"Clark you gave all that to me, to us. I'm the one who doesn't deserve you."
"Shssss, Look how beautiful the stars are tonight, made even more beautiful twinkling in your eyes. I hope our daughter looks just like you. Have you noticed how much Kala looks like you? She has your eyes, your hair, your smile, even your intellect and I'm afraid your wit as well. I hope little Elina has all that too."
Lois pulled her head back from its resting place on his shoulder puzzled, "Elina, but how did you know, I haven't told anyone I was thinking of that name? Wait, I heard you and Kala talking this afternoon. She read my mind somehow and told you?"
"She told me but not in so many words. I like that name, it honors your mother while still being her own."
"That's what I thought, what about a variation of your mother's name for her middle name, like Lauren?"
"Elina Lauren Kent. Sounds nice, I like it."
"Yes it does, doesn't it?" Rather than resting her head back on his shoulder she raised up as Clark bent his head down their lips meeting in a lingering kiss. Lois became lost in the kisses lost in the sensations she was feeling. Before she knew it she found they were back in the house somehow in the bedroom. Soon they were struggling out of their clothes and falling together onto the welcoming softness of the bed. They both could hear Awake the final song Josh Groban sang at their reception playing from the DVD.
So keep me awake for every moment
Give us more time to be this way
We can't stay like this forever
But I can have you next to me today
We'll let tomorrow wait, you're here, right now, with me
All my fears just fall away, when you are all I see
We can't stay like this forever
But I have you here today
And I will remember
Oh, I will remember
Remember all the love we shared today
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Next Chapter, Showdown in Dodge, er I mean Washington