You know, to this day it STILL surprises me that I actually have reviews.
You love me. You really really love me.
But no really, THANKS for all the kind and encouraging words. They really help keep me going so bravo on your part.
Lois' eyes shifted back and forth between the two figures, her eyes narrowing at Clark's shifted gaze and Joseph's awe-struck look at Clark. It was obvious to her now that Clark knew Joseph. At the moment, she didn't know if she should be upset with Clark or ask him for an introduction. She opted for neither and instead focused more on the fact that Clark's hand was still gripping hers. The trio stood in awkward silence, Clark not knowing how to break it without drawing all attention towards him even though it might be too late. Joseph was staring at him like he always did; like Clark, at any moment, would burst forth in all his Naman glory thus proving the legend true. So, Lois did what she always did in moments of uncomfortable silences, she opened her mouth.
"Na-What?" She asked, wondering if she had misunderstood the man. Maybe he had said No one...and had yet to finish his sentence.
Joseph took the opportunity to speak, giving Lois a warm smile that appeased her.
"Hello. Nice to see you again, Clark." He welcomed, turning to Clark who gave him a strained smile.
"Hello." He mumbled. He glanced at Lois, gauging for a reaction but getting none. She continued to look at Joseph. She removed her hand from Clark's, who let his drop limply to his side, as he watched her present it to Joseph, who gladly took it.
"My name is Lois Lane. Reporter for The Daily Planet." She said, her voice oozing professionalism that never seemed to surprise Clark, though it did manage to deflate any hot-headed politician or make any acne ridden teen boy curdle with lust.
"Joseph Willowbrook. Central Kansas professor and expert in languages and prehistoric cave paintings." He said, laughing as Lois brightened with amusement.
"Just the man I was looking for." She proclaimed.
He turned his attention to Clark, who had for the moment, been glad to have been shoved into the background.
"It's been a long time, my friend. It is truly good to see you." He said sincerely, making Clark feel guilty for getting even the slightest bit mad. He was finally able to give him a true smile.
"So," He sighed, turning back to Lois, assuming she was the one who had wanted to see him, "What can I do for you today?"
"I need your input on a certain symbol that's been appearing around Metropolis." She explained, holding a file out to him. He took it from her, flipping it open to reveal a rather good photo of the House Of El. Joseph seemed to take it in, his forehead furrowing as if deep in thought. Clark shuffled behind Lois, his mind racing as his heart beat a tattoo in his throat. To Clark, it seemed like ages that Joseph stood there, looking at the file. Finally, after what seemed like a lifetime of breath holding for Clark, did Joseph finally lift his head and speak.
"I am sorry that you came all this way for nothing, Miss. Lane but I do not recognize this symbol. It is nothing I have ever seen."
Lois deflated.
"Are you positive?" She persisted.
"Yes. Whatever it is...it's not from around here." He said, giving her the file back with a sad smile.
She gave him one in return, placing the file back in her purse. All this way for nothing. She had felt like she was getting so close, only to hit yet another dead end. But she wasn't going to give up. Oh no. A Lane never quits. Clark grew apprehensive as he saw the determination in Lois' eyes. And why not. He knew this wouldn't deter her from The Blur but he had hoped it would slow her down. Now he feared it was just adding to the burning desire in her.
"I could go for a nice maple doughnut, Smallville. I'll let you two catch up." She said, "It was a pleasure meeting you." She gave Joesph a mischievous smile, "But don't think this is the last time you'll see me." She said before turning around and walking away. Both men watched as she receded down the hall, her form growing smaller and smaller.
"Thank you." Clark finally said.
"Oh, do not thank me. I really didn't know what that symbol meant."
Clark let out a breathy laugh.
"Though it did look oddly familiar, Naman."
"Please don't call me that. Especially in front of her. I've got enough nicknames from her, let's not add another one."
"She's a special one, isn't she?"
Clark lifted an eyebrow, "She is Lois." He said, as of that explained it all.
Joseph slowly turned to Clark, his eyes carrying years of hard wisdom.
"You mustn't keep something so big from someone so special."
Clark stared at him, confused at his words until he finally understood what they meant.
Special.
Wasn't that the exact thing he had told Lois once.
"Lois, you don't understand. It's because you are special."
"It's complicated."
"It is because you make it so, Clark." Joseph reprimanded softly. "I see she means something to you. Don't destroy it by protecting her. Something tells me that Lois Lane of The Daily Planet can protect herself."
"Chloe?" Clark called out, poking his head into the apartment.
"Over here." She called back, "Where I've been all day." She muttered to herself. She watched Clark enter, a bag in his hand that, coming from the aroma that made Chloe's mouth water, meant dinner.
"Chinese?" She asked, her stomach growling in hunger.
"I see or rather hear we're hungry." Clark said with a smile, placing the bag on the table.
"Well, when you have limited mobility, you kind of deal with what you've got." Chloe explained, watching with hungry eyes as Clark portioned out the food, "Which in my case is water and saltines."
"Mm. Sound good." He teased, handing her a plate overflowing with food.
"Did I mention how much I love you?"
"It's been said before."
"Well, I will gladly say it again." She said, her mouth filled with food. She closed her eyes in pleasure as it hit just the right spot. After a couple more hasty bites, she slowed down, taking smaller bites.
"So, how was chores?" She asked.
Clark picked at his food, "Lois went to go see Joseph Willowbrook today." He murmured.
Chloe placed her plate on the table rather slowly, watching Clark.
"And how'd that go?"
"Don't worry. Nothing was revealed...I just..." He threw his fork down in frustration. "I hate lying to her."
Chloe felt a wave of deja vu. Wasn't it just recently that Clark was saying the exact same thing about a certain raven haired girl? Chloe tried to pick her words carefully but another part of her was equally frustrated with Clark.
"Clark, I honestly hate having to repeat myself to you." She finally said.
He looked at her and she sighed as she explained further.
"It's difficult to tell you something when you've already convinced yourself of something else entirely. Let me guess? The reason you haven't told Lois about yourself is because you feel like you need to protect her?"
"Yeah..." He mumbled, ashamed at Chloe's reprimanding tone.
She checked herself, reminding herself that she was supposed to be a friend, not a judge. It didn't help that she was harboring every emotion this side of the street. She gave Clark a sympathetic look, patting the spot next to her. Clark sulked over to her, sighing as he plopped himself down beside her. Grabbing his hand, she gazed at him softly.
"Clark. How long are you going to keep telling yourself that before you come to the conclusion the person you've been trying to protect isn't Lois. Maybe it's been you. You fear rejection so much that you've put it in that super head of yours that by not telling people your secret protects you from them."
She paused for a moment before continuing, hoping not lose the massive roll she was on.
"And that's completely understandable. No one can possibly imagine the weight you carry on your shoulders with all the abilities you have to hide but you need to understand that I know your secret. Oliver knows. You even have a fair share of friends with secrets of their own who are still there to back you up. We haven't run away and we never will. Lois is strong-headed and has a mouth that goes on and on but she has always been there for you. Something tells me that Lois Lane can handle ALL of Clark Kent...even Kal-El."
Clark sat there, thinking about the Chloe's words.
"How did I deserve such a smart friend?"
She smiled, "I don't know. How did I deserve such a heroic friend?"
"I don't know."
Chloe shifted herself more comfortably.
"Clark...?"
"Hm?"
She bit her lip, "I have something to tell you that you might not like..."
He stared at her.
"What?" He said with much hesitation.
"You know those funky green rocks of ours?"
Clark didn't like where this was going.
"Well, they've striked again."
Not. At. All.