Chapter 24
The doors opened up to an echoing laugh, Lois holding him by the arm. "So you're telling me you almost hit him with the tractor?"
"Almost, the important word there is almost."
"My, aren't you a dangerous one to be around. I'll have to watch out for these solar abnormalities."
Clark smiled and opened the door, walking in and dropping the tickets on the table and kicking off his boots. "Perry saw some strange things that day, but I'm glad too see that he's stopped drinking."
Lois nodded as she slipped off her own footwear and rubbed her feet. She moaned delightfully as she felt Clark's lips on her neck just a second later. "What are you-?" She was cut off by his hot breath on her ear.
"You're evil. You said that we weren't going to walk anywhere in particular." He placed his hands on her hips and gave them a squeeze, causing her to jump up slightly.
"I couldn't very well tell you, Chloe said it would be best to surprise you." She flipped herself around in his arms and was nose to nose against him. "Plus, I like it when you get surprised."
"What?"
Lois shook her head and kissed him, only pulling back to see how he had reacted. "Like that," she said, staring at his surprised expression.
"Huh?" He asked, confused by what she was talking about.
Lois rolled her eyes and tugged at his arm. "Come into the bathroom and you can look in the mirror."
Clark laughed and kissed her, this time a surprised expression slapped across her face. "Two can play at that game, but I think I'd rather spend time with you in my arms." He gently wrapped her in a tight embrace and lifted her into the air. With a slight twirl, and an elicit giggle from Lois, he dropped to the bed in a heap.
Letting out a laugh and flinging her hair back wildly, Lois rolled over on top of him as his hands went to the back of her head and fingered her hair. "What was that for?"
"I don't know, maybe I was bored."
"You find me boring?" she challenged with a ridiculous smirk. It was his turn to roll his eyes, but she interrupted him by pressing her breasts firmly down on his chest. She could see his eyes go wide, his adam's apple bobbing up and down as he gulped. His eyes suddenly glanced down to her chest and she smirked.
Clark didn't know what to do. On one hand he could feel his groin begin to stir, but on the other hand he knew they weren't alone. "Lois," he warned, his ears picking up on two people in the main room.
She rubbed her knee into his crotch, his member going instantly hard as she grinned evilly. "Exhilarating isn't it?" When his eyes narrowed and he looked as if he might cry, almost like a wounded puppy, she laughed and laid her head down on his chest. "Prude."
He smiled and blew her hair with his breath, using just a little more of his lung capacity than normal.
She grabbed at her hair and set it right, straddling him at the same time. "That wasn't nice."
"Boohoo," Clark replied as her propped himself up on an elbow. "Did we have anything planned for this afternoon?"
"I don't think so, why?" After finally getting her hair back to a somewhat presentable state, she dropped off him and lay on the bed.
Clark lifted his hands and set them under the back of his head. "I don't know, but it sort of seems like we don't have anything to do today. I guess we could go skiing again?"
Lois shook her head and placed her hands under her left cheek like a pillow. "As much as I like to ski, I'd rather relax. This is a vacation after all. Plus, we've been through quite a bit these last few days."
He frowned as he turned his head to stare at her. "You call that a lot? Yikes, that's nothing compared to what-,"
She cut him off by putting her hand over his lips. "If you say her name I'm going to hit you."
Waiting for her to take her hand off his lips, he poked his tongue out and tickled her. She pulled back quickly and wiped the saliva off on his shirt. He laughed as her nose scrunched up. "Okay, I won't say her name." He grinned devilishly and took her previously wet palm in is. "Your nose wrinkles in the cutest way."
"I am not cute," Lois challenged, pulling her hand from his and getting off the bed. She hated being called cute. She could handle anything he could throw at her, but cute was not one of them. Cute was for children, and she wasn't a child.
Clark hurriedly scooted off the bed and walked towards her. She had her back turned to him as she was gazing out the window. "Lois, what's the matter?" he asked as he placed his hands on her shoulders from behind.
She took a deep breath and said. "Cute is for children."
He smiled affectionately and slipped around in front of her, his hands still placed gently on her shoulders. "I'm sorry, is beautiful better?"
"Much better," She said, smiling at him as she lost herself in his eyes. She hated that he could bend her will to whatever he wanted by just looking at her. His concern and sincerity was of no comparison to anyone else. He cared so much and took things so personally that he hated it when people felt awkward or upset around him. "I hate that you can make me forgive you by just staring into my eyes."
He smiled and shrugged. "I could wear sunglasses if you want?"
Lois swatted him on the shoulder and walked out of the bedroom and into the kitchen, leaving Clark to his lonesome. She could feel his eyes on her as she walked away, knowing full well that she had his attention twenty-four-seven. He was almost like a dog being walked on a sunny afternoon, fully captivated with every little detail. She tossed her head back and smiled as the doors to the bedroom closed. His returning grin caused her stomach to warm instantly. It was a two way street though, her thoughts were about him all day and night too..
Clark shook his head and chuckled softly as the doors closed. He couldn't remember why he had been staring so intently. Maybe it was her shapely figure, but he knew it was probably something deeper. Lois had his heart, his soul, and seemingly, even his mind. He was perplexed to how simple love was, how much easier everything felt compared to what he had gone through with Lana.
He had always reserved the notion that if he had told Lana the truth about him that it might have actually worked out, but he now understood now why it wouldn't. It came down to trust, and the truth was he didn't trust Lana. She had expected so much from him, even when he had given all he could. Lana wanted everything for selfish reasons. His secret, his time, his love, she wanted it all because that was her way of dealing with the pain of loosing her parents. She had grown accustomed to having people look over her and protect her from the harshness of life. And in the end, she came to accept that help, never able to fend for herself.
Shaking his head is wonderment; he turned and looked out the bedroom window, his eyes going to the snowy mountain. Then there was Lois, the exact opposite of what he had been in love with in the past. The more he thought about it the more he came to the conclusion that he never really loved Lana, but was simply infatuated. Sure, he had told her in the past that he loved her, but logic had always been pushed aside by the need to not feel alone. It wasn't until a brunette, with a bark just as fierce as her bite, came into his life that he would begin to realize that life didn't have to be complicated.
Sure, there was Chloe, but he could never see himself with someone like her. He loved her dearly, and always would. She was his best friend. No, he could never picture himself with her. She presented none of the qualities he needed in a woman. She was determined, but she always seemed to need help accomplishing her goals. She tried her hardest, but she always fell back to him for help. Even though he loved to help those close to him, he wasn't always particularly happy about being depended on for the smallest of things. Chloe and Lana were both that type of woman. They both believed that being a man meant that he had to take control of every situation. He could do it without a problem, but he never got the impression either one could stand up for themselves.
It came to Lois in the end though. She was the exact opposite, determined, brazen, tough, independent, and most of all, understanding. Chloe and Lana had always expected him to be emotionally tough, much like his skin, but the truth was he was fragile. Lois understood why though, she understood that having the weight of the world on his shoulders was more damaging than anything else. Instead of chastising him for sulking and brooding, she always found a way to brighten his day.
He smiled to himself as thought about showing up in a public place with Lois on his arm. She would likely balk at the idea being a trophy, but he couldn't help it. She was more than likely the most beautiful woman in Smallville, and he was more than sure that could have any man she wanted. It made him feel warm inside to know that she had picked him. Something told him it wasn't that simple though. Something told him there were other forces at play, but he had learned a few days ago, from one green skinned Martian, was that dwelling on the unexplained was not healthy.
Leaning onto the edge of the window sill, he breathed out and watched as the window began to fog. Feeling like a child all over again with his warm stomach and almost giddy attitude, he drew a heart into the moisture and put and C + L in the middle of it.
"Now that's cute," Lois said as she leaned over his shoulder. Clark was clearly surprised, almost falling over as he jumped in shock. "What, scared of me, Smallville?"
Clark closed his eyes and shook his head. He opened them and quickly wiped away the little drawing on the window.
"Aww," Lois said sarcastically, leaning down and rest her chin on his shoulder.
He turned around and almost knocked a water bottle out of her hand. "How long have you been watching me?"
"Longer than you think. I went for a bottle of water, but I couldn't help standing at the doors when I came back. You seemed so peaceful, as if everything you could ever want was within your grasp."
Clark smiled and kissed her suddenly, keeping it light and quick. "With you by my side I tend to think I can do anything."
"Really?" she asked softly, looking up into his eyes and trying to read whether or not he was telling the truth, or just being sweet.
"Absolutely, Lois, you are the one person who gives me the confidence that I need to feel good about myself." He turned from her and put his hands behind his back as he stared out the window. "I've spent so many years being miserable, alone, and now for the first time in my life I feel as if everything is right. I wouldn't say it's perfect though."
"Hmm?" she mumbled as she played with his fingers behind his back.
"The escaped criminals, they're the one thing that needs to be taken care of before I stop worrying."
Lois laughed and dipped a free finger into her water bottle and removed it. She gently slid her wet finger down his right arm. It didn't catch his attention though, his eyes still staring straight out to the mountain. "Once this problem with these criminals is taken care of I'm sure you'll find something new to worry about. It's who you are Clark; you just can't turn it off like a light switch."
Clark nodded, feeling the water drip off the end of his fingers and land on the floor. "I won't be satisfied until the whole world is safe."
"The world?" Lois asked, setting the bottle on top of a dresser and slipping around in front of him. He stood in a statuesque pose, only his eyes hinting at any recognition that she was there. They were staring right at her.
"The world," Clark said again, but with more authority. His eyes drifted back to the many people on the ski hill. "It reminds me of what someone once told me."
"What was that?" she asked.
"There's a whole world out their, you just can't wait and let them come to you."
Lois tapped her finger on hid chin and smiled. "It sounds like you have some pretty smart friends."
"I count myself lucky that I have gotten the chance to know so many people, whether it be as Clark Kent the person, or Clark Kent the super being. There is a whole world out there that needs my help. I cannot simply sit idly by in the loft and watch it unfold around me."
She was amazed, her jaw almost dropping. In front of her stood a man, a man who had truly accepted who he was. There was no longer the tension in the air when he spoke about his abilities. From what Chloe had told her, Clark had always thought them a curse, but it seemed as if he had embraced them fully. She loved the way he was talking, the way he stood rigid and declared his desire to keep everyone safe. It was so much like him to want to help, but the look in his eyes told her he was going to do it. His words weren't for dramatic effect; he meant every single one of them.
"There is no doubt in my mind that you will find a way, Smallville. You tend to make the impossible happen." She smiled even wider as his face broke from its statuesque mask and into a toothy grin.
"I know the way, but I will not truly understand it all until I start my training."
She didn't like speaking of his training, especially since she knew she might lose him for an extended period of time. But his current confidence was so invigorating that she wouldn't let herself feel sad. "Who knew all you needed was me to get you to open your eyes?" She smiled playfully, but his eyes went hard again. "Smallville," she asked with a worried tone.
His mind clicked, his eyes widening as he realized why it all made sense. Lois, the bracelet, his destiny, it was all connected. "Wow," he breathed out in a sigh of wonder.
"Wow what?" Los asked, getting impatient as he seemed to be ignoring her. When he didn't respond, still continuing to look out the window, she smiled evilly and grabbed his belt buckle. "Smallville!"
Clark felt a sudden tug near his crotch and his eyes suddenly went to her. "What are you doing?" he asked. He looked to the bedroom doors to make sure they were closed.
"I'm trying to get your attention, but you have that far off look again." She whimpered slightly, playing with him as she rested both of her palms on his chest.
"Sorry, I was thinking for a second."
"When are you not thinking?" she asked with a smirk.
He shrugged and smiled. "Never, but I was just thinking about the caves."
"Anything interesting?"
Clark shook his head and took her hands off his chest and held them in his own. "Some things are just becoming clearer as I spend more time thinking about them."
"You've been confused for too long, maybe it's time you start paying attention to what's right in front of you instead of something that's over four-hundred miles away."
"Yes ma'am," He replied, leaning in and kissing her. His heart felt as if was about to burst, his passion for her driving a tingling sensation up his spine.
She couldn't believe how every time he kissed her heartbeat would quicken. She had never felt that before. She had had boyfriends in the past, but not one of them made her nervous, happy, and excited all lat the same time.
The kissed turned slobbery as she felt his hands cup her jaw. She closed her eyes in pleasure and let him take her away from reality.
It broke a second later as Clark felt a soft rumbling within his stomach. He pulled away from her and frowned.
"Smallville?" She asked, seeing his puzzling expression. He didn't respond as she suddenly felt the floor begin to vibrate. She reciprocated his frown as he walked away and went to the window. "Clark, what's happening?"
Chloe and Jimmy suddenly came through the doors, throwing questions left and right, but Clark stood by the window not listening, peering at the mountain. Something seared through his mind, almost knocking him to his knees as he clutched at his head.
Kal-el, the mountain, now!"
Clark stood upright and placed a hand to his woozy head. He had first thought it was Jor-El, but he had soon realized that it was J'onn invading his mind. The Martian's words were quick and direct. As he straightened, he felt Lois's hand go to his arm.
"Clark, what's wrong?"
He looked over at her worried expression and shook his head slowly. "I have to go, now." He didn't give them time to respond as he sped out of the room and out the hotel, everything around slowing down to a crawl. It took only a few seconds as he reached the top of the mountain. He was almost knocked over by the incredibly harsh wind that was whipping around. "John?" he shouted through the wind.
"Kal-El," John replied, landing beside him and looking around wildly.
"What's wrong?"
J'onn spoke in his mind. "It's an avalanche. The ski resort picked up on a tremor."
"I thought you said there was nothing underneath the mountain," Clark thought back. He didn't wait for a response as the snow began to break around his feet, his body beginning to fall down with it. He felt two hands slip under his arms as he was lifted into the air. John spun them around and back down the hill. There hundreds of people that would be caught in the oncoming assault of snow, none of them having a chance to outrace the avalanche. "What are we going to do?" Clark yelled.
As the hundreds of people tried to get away from the oncoming snow, John landed with Clark, setting them down halfway to the bottom of the slopes. "Blow!" he shouted.
"What?" Clark screamed back and looked over to the Martian. It took only a second for him to understand what the man meant. He quickly turned back to the oncoming snow and sucked in a large breath of air.
-
Lois watched from the balcony in horror, the oncoming snow billowing down the mountain and about to swallow up the hundreds of people skiing. She wanted to cover her eyes, but she couldn't. The sheer magnitude of people about to be buried kept her eyes open. As the people ran and skied away as fast as possible, she noticed two figures standing in the middle of the large ski hill. She could barely make them out, but she wondered why they weren't running.
Jimmy and Chloe both gasped as they watched what she was, their breathing cut short in awe. She had wondered why Clark had fallen down and then disappeared, but she understood the minute she had looked back to the mountain.
"Why isn't Clark helping those people?" Chloe asked with wide eyes, looking to her cousin.
Lois didn't respond as she continued to stare in horror. The snow had almost reached the two figures, but suddenly something happened. Instead of the avalanche swallowing them up, the snow stopped dead in its tracks and shot into the air. The white plumes rose like smoke from a fire. She didn't blink once and she felt the hotel railing vibrate in her hands. In front of the two figures was an invisible blockade, a wall that was repelling all the snow that came at them. Her eyes actually went wider when she recognized a bright red shirt. "Clark," she whispered with a small smile. Her smile vanished as the wall of snow began to inch closer to them, the battle tipping in favor of the avalanche. "No!" she screamed as she clutched the balcony railing with white knuckles.
-
"Hold on, just a little longer," J'onn yelled. He felt helpless, but he knew he could do nothing to help. It was all on the young man's shoulders.
Clark squinted his eyes in agony as he blew as hard as he could. It hurt, the burning sensation in his lungs almost causing him to fall to one knee. He felt J'onn's reassuring arm on his waist a second later, helping him stay upright. He desperately wanted to take another breath and blow again, but he knew for a fact that it wouldn't work. If he stopped now they would be taken over and the people below them would pay the price for it. He had only a few seconds left, but he knew he was loosing the battle, the snow inching closer and closer.
All he could think about was the people below and making sure they were safe. It fed him, brought his mind to push himself further until he could no longer breathe. It was almost over, his breath at the end of its rope as the snow got even closer. His lungs suddenly gave out, a primal scream of pain echoing throughout the mountain.
-
Lois watched as the snow overtook the two figures on the mountain, the helpless people below about to be swallowed up. What happened next surprised her. It had stopped, the vibration below her feet having completely disappeared. She finally blinked, and when her eyes opened up, she could clearly see that the snow had stopped mere feet from the first skier. Clark had stopped it, but he couldn't save himself. The shock kept her still, her eyes tearing up as she thought about what she had just witnessed. She had just seen the man she loved be overtaken by an avalanche. Her heart beat furiously as she thought the worst.
Her anguish kept her still for a few more seconds, but she finally managed to turn and run into her bedroom. She could hear Chloe and Jimmy following behind as she reached for the door. As she opened, expecting to run out into the hallway, she stopped in her tracks as large green being blocked her way. Her eyes went wider than cup saucers as she glanced down into the monsters thick arms. It was Clark, his limp body hanging like a rag doll.
"Let me in," J'onn said. They jumped back in fright at his voice, but he didn't care. Clark wasn't breathing. When they finally moved aside, he laid his large friend on the bed.
"Smallville?" Lois asked as she rushed over to him and cupped his face in her hands. She almost pulled back from the clammy and cold feel of his skin. He was almost as white as the snow he had stopped, his lips blue and his eyes closed. There was a faint smirk on his lips as she yelled at him to wake up. She tried over and over again, but he didn't respond. Tears streamed down her cheeks as the large green beast bent down and touched her shoulder.
"Allow me," J'onn said.
She didn't listen, but he forcibly moved her out of the way. She felt two sets of arms grab her from behind as she cried in anguish, her heart tearing apart. "NO!!" she screamed again, not believing what she saw. Clark couldn't be dead.
J'onn sat down on the bed and put a hand on the young man's chest. He closed his eyes and put his other hand on Clark's forehead. He could hear a woman screaming in the distance as he followed the lines of life that lingered. He went deep inside the mind of what should have been earth's greatest hero.