Author's notes: Chapter 6 is one of my favorite chapters of TRNT because it features two of my favorite Clois fanfic writers, the first part written by Lily aka Lilah1986 and the second part by Enid aka Deliverance Territory. Thank you so much for sharing us your remarkable talent. Writing this fic with you is truly unforgettable to me. Maraming salamat po.

To the readers – This is the end of the first half of the story. The remaining chapters will be posted by next week. Maraming salamat po for supporting TRNT. The NC-17 version of TRNT-Chapter 6-The Flight written by Lily will be posted on under the M category.

Remember, The Roads Not Taken features three time lines – 2003 (bold); 2004 (italics); 2011 (normal). Pronouns/sentences/paragraphs that are really important to the story will be underlined.

Whoa, chapter 6 is on the way… Here you go!

Chapter 6: The Flight

Smallville, Kansas (2004)

He stood in the loft staring out at the massive expanse of the field. When he heard her coming up the steps behind him, he turned around and smiled. "You're here."

"You told me today is the day you want to learn to fly…. Of course I'm here." She smiled. "How's it going?"

"Not so well." He mumbled. "So far, I'm more grounded than ever. I can't even leap higher than that fence over there."

Lois shook her head and laughed softly. "You have to believe in yourself, Clark. This isn't just going to happen."

"Why do I have to learn anyway?" he asked sadly turning away from her. "I've made it this far without flying. Who needs flying anyway?"

She walked up to him and stood directly behind him. She lifted her hand slowly and felt him tense as it landed on his shoulder. "Because it's who you are. It's a part of you. And until you harness this power, you won't feel complete."

He sighed placing his hand over hers and squeezing it gently. He turned back around, with her hand still in his, and smiled softly. "Thank you."

"Anytime, Smallville." She grinned. "Now… up, up and away…"

He nodded and turned back to the window. He breathed deeply and wiggled his fingers in anticipation. Lois crossed her arms behind him. He wasn't moving.

"Maybe it'd be better if I try this outside…"

He stalked past her and down the stairs. She turned and followed him. She watched him in the middle of the driveway and leaned casually against the door of the barn.

"Just do it, Clark… forget about everything around you and focus on one thing… only then will you fly."

He nodded and closed his eyes. He focused on the noises around him and concentrated as they melted away from him one by one. Eventually, there was only one thing he could hear beside his own heart and that was hers.

Thump. Thump. Thump.

It was steady, but fast. She was excited. He smiled and held on to that one noise in the background.

Clark bent his knees and shot into the sky.

And for the first time, he didn't feel like he was falling.

Lois stood beside the barn, looking up, until she saw him disappear completely within the cottony clouds. She was happy. Clark was embracing the powers embedded in him. He was prepared to accept his destiny. He was already taking the leap of faith needed to be Earth's savior.

After a long moment, she decided to enter the loft, his self-proclaimed Fortress of Solitude. It was getting late. 'He must be having a blast!' Lois thought. Then she wandered around the place, searching unconsciously for things that help her learn his story. His entire story. A football. A picture. A journal. Though curiosity was one of her most distinctive characteristics, Lois didn't pry into such personal items. And so unlike her, she was willing to wait until he trusted her completely and opened his whole heart to her. 'Me, patiently waiting? Imagine that!' Love can do the craziest things to people.

It was amazing. The kind of freedom he felt when soaring openly throughout the firmament was unique. The wind blasting on his face was cold, yet energizing. The power was endless. After watching hundreds of wonders around the world, within merely hours, he could only think in one thing –or rather one person: Lois, the person responsible for him to accomplish such marvelous event. He wanted to share with her this special moment. He wanted only her.

The night was downing quickly. Soon, the dark took over the colossal lands. The farm was quiet, thus filled with all sort of distinctive noises: crickets, trees, distant dog barks. They all seemed like the most delightful lullaby. Lois sat on the couch waiting for him. 'He could be gone for a while.' She imagined and shortly accommodated herself to rest, her eyes already closed

He ran up the stairs only to find an already asleep, and ever so beautiful, Lois. He took in the moment and admired the image. Clark wanted nothing but to feel her presence all over and under his skin. He was kind of amused by how quiet she was when sleeping, a total contradiction to her very lively self. He chuckled lightly. 'How could she mean so much to me in so little time?' That, he could not understand. Not yet.

Clark stepped closer to the couch and kneeled down to level his face with hers. Gently he tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, making her shift a little. Slowly, Lois opened her eyes, still sleep-hazed, and found herself lost into his deep blue ones. He smiled and she… well, she partially thought he was just part of her dreams.

"Hi." He whispered.

"Hi." She responded, just as subtle.

"Lois" He started, helping her seat on the couch and seating right beside her. "This has been the most incredible day of my life." He took her hands on his. "And it's all because of you. Thank you."

"Really?" She was still a little confused by his sudden reaction.

"Positive!" His smile grew bigger and then he hugged her tightly. That was the click Lois needed to wake up completely. She hugged him back and smiled as big and bright as he did.

Speaking softly to her ear, he said "Fly with me." It was not a question, but a statement. Clark stood up and took her by the hand. She was stunned, yet pleased by his confidence. She was speechless, another foolery that only happened when he was around. He felt complete by her side, invincible. They went outside and stared to the greatness of the heavens above, ready to conquer them.

One of his arms wrapped carefully but securely on her waist and the other was extended for balance and direction. Her arms hung tightly around his neck. Their bodies tingled at the contact and up-and-away they went. They swirled together across the world, smiling heartily at each other on every spin, on every stop. She knew absolutely that this was not a dream, but certainly it was the closest thing. It was, by far, the most spectacular scenery she ever saw. Her misty eyes and permanent grin acted as witnesses.

He landed first. As soon as he felt the gravel from the driveway on his feet, he placed both hands on her waist steadying her resort. Looking into his sparking hazel eyes, he exclaimed "I've never felt so happy or fulfilled in my entire life." She turned serious and looked him intently. "Is that so?" Raising one eyebrow, she smiled at him. Then she kissed him faintly on the lips. "Me either." And they kissed again, only this time passion flowed unreservedly.

They left the chilly shell of the sky and entered the warm comfort of the farmhouse. Clark needed immediately to hold her near, as near as physically possible. Lois embraced him once again and tightened the grip to his neck. Clark clutch to her waist, flushing their bodies together. By then, kissing was no longer enough or better yet, it was the mere beginning. Their hands caressed each other uncensored, without fear or doubt.

Between whispers and kisses, she managed to say "All I want is to be with you, always." He almost didn't believe this was actually happening. "I love you" He said and for him, this felt like the first time he meant it truthfully. "I love you too" She responded simply, but equally honest. And soon enough they became one.

They loved each other completely, giving in everything they had: body, mind and soul. Neither Lois nor Clark had experienced such an enchanting surrender between hearts, until now. They truly belonged together.

Hours had passed, but somehow time stood still for them. Half covered in sweet, entangled in silky sheets, they radiated the purest devotion of all: love. He wrapped her in his arms as they dozed off, closing his super hearing for a while. For tonight, Clark was Lois's, Lois was Clark's.

TBC

Reviews are welcome!

Excerpts of Chapter 7: Turning Points

Lois couldn't think straight ever since all those things happened these past few days. She couldn't possibly wrap them all in one coherent thought. Maybe she was still light-headed for Clark's declaration of love. The feeling was always there, she could tell, but they were too stubborn to admit it. They were too afraid that it would hurt both of them, but in the end they learned how to step forward and express what was within all along. She was grateful that he was there to catch her fall. His kisses, his embraces and the way he looked at her – they contained so many kinds of emotions. She sighed; she never expected that she would be able to feel that kind of love. Her feelings for him were stronger than before. 'I'm your Smallville. You're my Metropolis.' She could still hear his voice, the morning after they became one.