Chapter 6 - Old friends

Lois was furious. No, she was past furious. If she had a thesaurus handy, she would look up the word that described her mood. Right after she beat Clark Kent into a bloody pulp. She had spent all night writing and spell checking her article on Superman. Only to be scooped. SCOOPED!!!! Lois Lane was never scooped. Until now.

Lois sat at her desk, fuming. Even Jimmy had stayed away from her. Superman had told her that her interview wouldn't be of any use, and he was right.

After Lois had left the office, and conveniently turned off her cell phone, Superman himself had appeared at the Planet! Jimmy had taken a few photos, and Superman asked for Clark Kent by name. Perry had apologized profusely for Clark's unexplained absence from the bullpen, then sent him directly to Clark's apartment. Clark had interviewed Superman and emailed the story right to Perry! Everyone had spent the morning patting Clark on the back for his great work. AS IF!!! That was Lois' story. Lois had even gotten reamed by Perry, almost accused of trying to steal another's story. She had been giving Clark the silent treatment all day.

Finally giving up completely, Lois gathered her bags to leave for the day. Clark had been casting nervous glances at her. Let him suffer. Lois made her way to the elevator and stalked home, trudging the 15 blocks to her apartment. Great, not only am I a failure, I've got a blister, too.

Lois changed into her pajamas, favorite bunny slippers and grabbed a pint of double chocolate ice cream. She settled in on the couch for a round of TiVO soap operas. Halfway through the second show, a quiet knock sounded on her door. She got up and answered it, startled to see Clark. "What?" asked Lois ungraciously.

"Lois? C…Can I come in, please?" asked Clark.

"Make it quick, Smallville. Richard is about ready to propose to Jenna, and I want to get back to the show" grunted Lois.

Clark came in and sat on the sofa, opposite Lois who sat with her legs drawn up in a defensive posture. "Lois, I can't help but think that you're mad at me?" asked Clark.

Lois laughed a short barking laugh, full of irony. "No, Clark. Why would I be mad at you? My partner got the interview of the century and left me out of the loop! He's the hero of the bullpen, and my editor-in-chief thinks that I tried to steal a story! Why would I be mad?" Lois shoved a large spoonful of ice cream into her mouth.

Clark grimaced. I did do this to myself. I should have told her about the article. "Lois, I really am sorry. He came to me to tell his story."

Lois threw her hands up, gesticulating wildly with the ice cream. "That's part of my point, Clark! The story was well written, but you left out the most important parts! He's all alone, on a strange world! Sure, he can do all these amazing things, but he's also vulnerable! He could walk like a god among us, but he chooses to help ease our suffering." Lois was shouting at Clark, and feeling guilty for it. She sobered down. "Yes, I am upset at being scooped. And yes, I think that you should have told me right away that you got the interview." Lois looked at Clark, "I think that we made a connection last night, flying over the city."

Clark's eyebrows went up. "He took you flying?"

Lois smirked, "You must not be his type, Smallville."

Clark chuckled, No, he's not my type, Lois. He looked Lois in the eye, "Lois, I am truly sorry. You're right, and you deserve the follow up. You seem to have insights into Superman that no one else has. I promise, from now on, I share everything with you."

Lois nodded, "Okay, Clark. Me too. Now, let me get back to my show."

Clark looked at the TV, "I thought that Richard would propose to Delilah, not Jenna" he said.

It was Lois turn to be surprised. "You follow General Medical? I never figured you for the type."

Clark smiled sheepishly, "I'm a sucker for sappy romance. Do you have another spoon?" he asked hopefully.

Lois nodded and the two settled in for a night of ice cream and soaps.

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Clark had smoothed things over with Perry, and Lois' follow up article was an even bigger hit than Clark's. Superman could be seen at all hours, flying around and helping people. Even Superman rescuing a cat out of a tree was front page news.

A few days after the blow up with Lois, Clark was relaxing in his apartment, enjoying a much deserved day off. He was lounging in flannel pajama pants and a white t-shirt, eating double chocolate ice cream and watching soap operas. Richard was going to cheat on Jenna. Clark sighed. Couldn't people be happy with just one person? Clark would've been. A soft knock sounded at the door. Clark got up and put on his glasses, opening the door. He was shocked to see who had come to visit.

"Lana?"

Lana Lang smiled, "Hello, Clark. It's been a long time."

Clark nodded and gave Lana a hug, inviting her in. Lana looked around, "Nice bachelor pad, Clark."

Clark laughed, "Do you think that my mom and dad would let me have a bachelor pad?"

Lana shook her head, "No, your mom would keep things respectable, whether you wanted her to or not." Lana turned to Clark. "I saw your picture in the paper" she said.

"Oh, yeah. I'm writing for the Daily Planet now…" said Clark.

Lana shook her head, "That's not what I mean…Superman."

Clark froze. He looked at her with something akin to fear. "W…What?"

Lana smiled at him. "It's okay Clark. It answers lots of questions that I had about you, and us."

Clark looked down in shame, taking off his glasses. He looked back at Lana, "Lana," he began, "There were so many times that I wanted to tell you…everything. But I was afraid. Lionel and Lex Luthor were sniffing around, there were others…"

Lana held up a hand for silence, "Clark, really, it's okay. I was shocked at first, stupefied really." Lana hugged herself and began to pace. "All this time, I was wondering why you would never let me in…why you felt you had to keep secrets from me. Now I know." Lana turned and looked at Clark. "And, I don't blame you one bit."

Clark's jaw dropped. "You…you don't?"

Lana shook her head, "No. Clark, you've had to hide things for your whole life. I can't imagine what you have had to deal with on your own. For years, I wondered why my parents died in the meteor shower. And, before you go all guilt trippy, I don't blame you for any of it. But, if their sacrifice was to bring Superman into the world, then I think that they would have made that choice themselves."

Clark hung his head again, tears threatening to fall. "I don't know what to say, Lana. I don't deserve this."

Lana smiled and hugged Clark, "Clark, nobody really feels they deserve forgiveness, even if they haven't done anything wrong. This world needs you badly. Not just to save us, but to give us hope." Lana felt Clark's tears, and shed a few of her own.

Clark broke the hug first. "So, Chloe told me you were in Paris, completing your degree in Fashion Design? You didn't come halfway around the world just to see me, did you?"

Lana smiled, "Yes, in fact I did. I read your partner's follow up article, and I just knew that I had to see you face to face." Lana looked around. "So, are you up to showing an old friend the Big Apricot?"

Clark grinned, "Just let me get dressed…" Clark disappeared in a rush of wind, reappearing seconds later in his Superman suit. Lana gasped in appreciation. Clark laughed, "You have no idea how often I get that reaction!" Clark blurred again, dressed in chinos and a turtleneck.

Lana looked at him quizzically. "Do the glasses really work as a disguise? Shouldn't you wear a mask?"

"You'd be surprised at what people don't see right in front of them" said Clark. "Lunch first, then you have to see Metro Park in the fall. It's great!"

Lana nodded and they left the apartment. Clark hadn't felt this great in a long time.

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Clark and Lana were walking through the park, talking about Paris. Lana was impressed at how good Clark's French was. Clark regaled Lana with some of the more outrageous stories of his and Lois' escapades. Lana had some private suspicions about Clark's feelings.

"So, Clark, this Lois Lane sounds pretty special" probed Lana.

"She's a great reporter. Smart, sassy, abrasive. But under it all, she's a softie. She just hides it well." He said.

"Sounds like a certain farm-boy I once knew" said Lana, jokingly.

Clark laughed. "I was a mess back then. I'm all better now, though."

Lana looked at him. "Really? I seem to remember that you were terrified of being alone. Don't tell me that's changed."

Clark shrugged, looking away from Lana. "People change Lana, and Kryptonians do too. I've accepted my role in the world, and that's going to have to be enough." Clark tried to hide the small catch in his voice.

Lana caught it. "Clark, You-know-who is only what you can do. Clark Kent is who you are. The same kid who took responsibility for protecting me not only from the latest meteor-induced stalker, but the young man who was one of my closest friends." Lana linked her arm in his and walked closer. "It was your encouragement that made me quit cheerleading and start the Talon. It was your inspiration that made me go to Paris and follow my dreams. And, I think that I know you well enough to know when you're lying, especially to yourself."

Clark stopped. "Lana, it's just not in the cards for me" he said, dejected. "Sure, I want a life and family. But, I'm also Kal-El. When my…split personality…joined in the Fortress, I stopped being just that simple and insecure farm-boy."

Lana nodded and pulled on his arm, walking again. "Yes, I can see that. But, he's still a part of you today. This 'Kal' couldn't erase seventeen years of growth and personality. You deserve to be happy, Clark. And, I think that you would make a great father someday."

Clark blushed and grinned. "Well, I have had a great role model." Clark looked around, noticing that it was almost sunset. "Are you getting hungry? There's a great Thai restaurant near here that Lois and I go to all the time."

Lana nodded, "I could stand some Thai food. It's been a while since I've had some."

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Lois was restless. She couldn't stand spending days off alone. She puttered around the apartment all day, making half-hearted attempts at cleaning. I've really got to get a life. Lois looked in the refrigerator, frowning in disgust. Absolutely nothing but bottled water. The freezer had double chocolate ice cream. Sighing in defeat, Lois dressed to go out for supper. Maybe Thai tonight?

Lois walked into her favorite Thai restaurant. The manager smiled and waved, coming over to her. "Evening Ms. Lane" he said in his exaggerated accent.

Lois smiled, "Evening, Tony. Table for one?"

Tony looked puzzled, "Oh, I thought that you might be joining Mr. Kent tonight?"

Lois looked surprised, "Clark's here?" she asked, looking around. Sure enough, he was at their regular table. And, he wasn't alone. An attractive brunette was laughing at something he said. Lois suddenly felt like a rock was in her stomach. She had always kidded Clark about his lack of social life, and joked about his inability to get a date. Who was she kidding? Clark was a great guy, and could probably get a date with just about anyone. She turned back to Tony, "Uh, on second thought, maybe just some noodles to go, please."

Tony smiled and nodded, scurrying away to fill her order. Lois stared at Clark, chewing on a fingernail. Clark's date looked over and saw her staring. She pointed at Lois and Clark turned. He smiled and waved Lois over. Lois groaned internally and went to his table. "Hey, Smallville. Fancy meeting you here."

Clark smiled and turned to his friend, "Lana, this is my partner, Lois Lane. Lois, this is Lana Lang, an old friend from Smallville High."

Lana rose and extended her hand, which Lois shook. "Ms. Lane, I've read your work. Clark's told me so much about you, would you like to join us?"

Lois shrugged, "I don't want to intrude"

Clark grinned, "It's no problem, Lois. I was telling Lana about the time we broke into Summerholt Labs."

Lana laughed, "I still can't believe that Clark got tangled in all those wires! It's a good thing that he has you to look out for him."

Lois smiled and sat. "Well, what can I say. He's my Smallville. What you see is what you get."

Lana and Clark stopped smiling and shared a secretive look. Lois frowned slightly. There was a lot of non-verbal communication for 'old friends'. "So, Lana, what do you do?"

Lana turned to Lois, "I study Fashion Design at the University of Paris." Lana looked at Clark shyly, "You could say that Clark inspired me to follow my dreams."

Clark grinned at Lana. Lois got the rock in her stomach again. What the hell do I care? "Well, Lana, it was nice to meet you, but I see Tony with my noodles." Lois got up abruptly, paid her bill and walked out. Outside, she started to walk fast, but stopped when she heard Clark call her name. Lois spun on him, "What, Clark? You're missing your date."

Clark had the nerve to look surprised, "Lois, she's not a date. We're old friends catching up! And, that doesn't give you the right to be rude!"

Lois looked him in the eye, 'Clark, there was a strong connection there. You two didn't need to talk to communicate. What was I supposed to think?"

Clark frowned, "Lois, even if I was on a date, we have the same non-verbal communication, don't we?"

Lois rolled her eyes, "That's different. We work together, and we've gotten close as friends. You obviously share a past history with that Lana girl.'

Clark actually scowled at Lois, "Yes, would it surprise you to know that I had a crush on the prettiest girl in high school? That she was the 'girl next door' fantasy? That was a long time ago, Lois. Lana and I are just friends, now. Why does the possibility that I could date an attractive woman set you on edge?"

"It doesn't!" shouted Lois. "You go ahead and date whoever you want to! I'm going home before my noodles get cold." Lois turned, fuming, and walked away. Clark stood rooted for awhile, then turned to go back in to Lana.

Lois put the noodles into the fridge and went straight to the ice cream.

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Clark returned to Lana, who sat calmly chewing her spicy chicken. "Lana, I'm sorry. She's not usually that rude to people."

Lana gave him an amused look. "What makes you think she's being rude? She seemed perfectly alright to me."

Clark sighed, "It's just…I'd hoped that you two could get to know each other. She's really great. Smart, funny, no-nonsense…" Clark broke off as Lana began to giggle. "What's so funny?"

Lana was holding a hand over her mouth, trying not to spit her dinner all over the table. "So," asked Lana, finally regaining her composure, "How long have you been in love with her?"

Clark choked on his water, his coughing sending a busboy sprawling. The clatter from him dropping a tray of dishes drew attention away from Clark, and the now cackling Lana. She was laughing so hard, tears were running down her cheeks. "Excuse me?" he asked.

Lana got herself under control with difficulty. "Clark, come on! I've known you for years, and you can't get your feelings past me anymore. You haven't been able to talk about anything else for hours. I asked about your parents and you said 'they're fine' then went on about Lois. You're in love so completely that head over heels doesn't apply to you."

Clark looked down at his plate, "Is it that obvious?"

Lana nodded, "Even if I hadn't seen the puppy dog eyes you got when you realized she was here."

Clark seemed to shrink in on himself, "Lana, I know that you are probably the last person who should answer this question, but…what should I do?"

Lana was surprised. Their history was far from perfect. They had tried a relationship when they were both in high school, but neither was mature enough to make it work. "Well, Clark. Tell her everything. How you feel, who you are…you know…everything."

Clark shook his head, "Lana, I can't do that. I scooped Lois on my story, she's just got over that. If she finds out that I wrote it ahead of time, then I'm toast. And, how will she feel, knowing that I've been lying to her all this time? She won't take that well."

Lana's jaw dropped, "So, you're back to the hiding feelings and lies? Clark, I thought that you'd changed for the better, but you're still handling this stuff like you're in high school!" Lana stood. "Clark, thanks for everything. Today was great, but I can't see you do this to yourself. If you don't like my advice, then don't take it. But, if you want to be happy, which you deserve, then go for it with all you've got."

Clark stood with her and motioned for the check, "Lana, you don't have to go!" he protested.

Lana shook her head, "Yes, Clark, I do. You have things you need to do, and I can't help you do them." She smiled, "It really was great seeing you Clark. Please visit me sometime in Paris. You can certainly afford the air fare." She smiled and kissed him farewell.

Clark sat, thinking on what she had said. The spot where she kissed his cheek didn't tingle like when Lois kissed him. Lana would always have a special place in his heart, but Lois was the one he desired. Clark put his head in his hands. Love shouldn't be this complicated. Why did he have to do this to himself? He needed to talk to Chloe. He hadn't talked to her in a week. He paid his check and went outside to an alley. He slipped away, into the night sky, headed to Star City.

Lois sat on the couch, the remains of her last pint of ice cream sitting on the end table. Lois couldn't understand why she blew up at Clark. Then there was the ugly sinking feeling, seeing Clark with 'an old friend' that had sent her fleeing to chocolate and fuzzy slippers. It couldn't be jealousy. Not of Smallville! Lois almost laughed at that thought. She hadn't had a real date in years, that was the problem. Lois couldn't take enough time off work to get a social life, even though she nagged Clark incessantly about his lack of love. Lois thought back to the scene in the restaurant, feeling the familiar sensation in the pit of her stomach again. She groaned in exasperation and went to the bedroom. She punched her pillow several times to vent frustration and tried to settle in for a good night's sleep.

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Clark's visit to Star City didn't go quite as he had planned. Chloe was ecstatic to see him, and wanted to know how Lana was doing. But, when Clark dropped the bombshell, all she did was squeal with delight! Clark was hoping that she would say what a bad idea it was, it would never work, Lois couldn't feel the same way about you. But she cried with joy! Clark had given up when Chloe echoed Lana's sentiments, almost to the letter. He went back home, after promising another visit and a flight. He always kept his promises, and Chloe knew it.

Clark settled in his flannel pajama bottoms, putting his glasses on the nightstand. He sighed and closed his eyes, troubled dreams echoing in his head.