AN: Here it is ladies and gentlemen, the next chapter for this wonderful tale of mine. Plus, it also happens to be the last chapter as well. My intent was for this story was for it not to be very long and I hope everyone enjoys how things come to an end. I would like to offer my thanks to htbthomas and coltdancer for betaing my fic. You two wonderful ladies helped me out a lot with this and I really appreciate it.
Chapter 7 – Royal Flush
"What about Jimmy?" Chloe asked, perplexed.
"The two of you seemed kinda chummy with each other at the Planet the other day," Clark began as he and Chloe sat down on the porch steps. "During the poker game last night, I saw you steal some glances at Jimmy."
"I did not!" Chloe vehemently denied.
"Yes, you did."
"No, I didn't"
"Chloe?"
"Alright, alright, I admit it. Are you satisfied now, Clark?" Chloe asked in a defeated tone.
"Yes. And might I add, he was doing the same to you that night," replied Clark.
An intrigued Chloe asked, "Really?"
"Uh huh. I think Jimmy likes you."
"I just don't know," Chloe said with hesitation.
Clark gave Chloe a puzzled look and asked, "What's the matter, Chloe? You like him, he likes you…"
"It's not that, Clark. Do you remember when I told you about when he and I hooked up?" Chloe asked and received a nod from Clark. "Well, he was supposed to call and he didn't. I waited and waited and he still didn't call. I don't think I can handle going through that a second time with him."
Clark gave Chloe an encouraging embrace. "I can understand why you would not want to try, Chlo, but maybe he's changed. If you think he's worth it, talk to him about it because if you don't take that risk you may regret it."
"How did you become so smart in the relationship department?"
It took a brief moment before Clark answered, "Over the last several months, I've received some great advice concerning matters of the heart from a very good friend. She's been there a lot for me and I thought it was about time that I returned the favour." He gave Chloe a warm embrace and kissed the top of her head.
"Thanks, Clark. I think I'll give it a shot. Do you think he's up yet?" Chloe asked as she got up from the porch.
Clark got up as well and answered, "Maybe, but he may not be totally himself if he's feeling how you and Pete felt this morning."
"True."
"You can go and check on him… I'll put some coffee on. I think that will help the both of you to get over last night."
As he waited for the coffee, Clark made a quick call to Lois. Getting her voicemail, he left a message for her asking where she wanted to go for lunch. After that, Clark had nothing to do but wait for the coffee to be ready… and for the appearance of both Chloe and Jimmy.
When the coffee was finally done, Clark was still waiting for Chloe and Jimmy. He decided to check on those two, since they were taking so long. Reaching his room, Clark used his X-ray vision… just to make sure that they weren't going to kill each other if things went bad between them.
"Whoa." He was very surprised to see both Chloe and Jimmy in a very steamy lip lock, the opposite of what he'd been expecting!
Clark knocked gently on his bedroom door and said, "Coffee's ready, guys." He suddenly heard a thump. "Is everything alright in there?" he asked, desperately trying to hold in his laughter.
"We're fine, Clark… um… we'll be down in a minute," replied Chloe, as she and Jimmy picked themselves off the floor.
"Okay."
Clark quickly went downstairs to the kitchen, poured himself some coffee and waited for his two amorous guests to appear. It was at that time that the phone rang.
"Kent residence, Clark speaking," he answered.
"My, aren't we so formal. How are you, handsome?" asked Lois on the other end in a sultry tone.
"I feel pretty good, especially hearing your voice, sweetie pie," Clark responded happily.
"Ugh! Clark, I think you need to work on those pet names."
"That bad, huh?"
"Let me think about that," Lois paused for a couple of seconds to think it over. "Yep, it's that bad, Smallville."
"Alright, I'll work on it. How are things with you?"
"Everything is just fine. Did everything go alright with you, Pete and Chloe?"
Clark was just about to answer when he noticed Chloe and Jimmy entering the kitchen. They appeared to have fully recovered from their little 'session' and didn't look too worse for wear.
In a low voice, Chloe asked, "Who's on the phone?"
Clark simply mouthed the word, 'Lois'.
Chloe gave an, 'Ah' reaction with a nod of her head.
"Everything went fine, Lo. They let me know that they didn't mean for it to happen and that the both of them were sorry. Pete and Chloe also said that they wouldn't play poker again if it involved alcohol," Clark said, chuckling at the last part.
Lois laughed as well and then said, "I take it that they are suffering from a hangover?"
"Uh huh."
"Well, they'll survive. But there was something good that came out of it."
"And what is that, pretty lady?" Clark asked whimsically.
"It did bring us closer together," Lois replied happily. In more ways than one, she thought. "By the way, pretty lady, nice touch."
"Thanks. By the way, Chloe knows about us. I hope you don't mind me telling her. It just came up," Clark said as he braced himself for the wrath of Lois Lane.
"That's alright Clark, I don't mind at all," Lois stated calmly.
"You don't?"
"Nope, not in the least. I'm glad she knows and that she's fine about us. She is fine with us being together, is she, Smallville?"
"Chloe's fine with it – you can ask her yourself." Clark motioned for Chloe to come over and take the phone from him.
Leaving Chloe alone to talk to her cousin, Clark went over to the table and joined Jimmy for some small talk and coffee.
"Hey, Lo. How are you?" Chloe asked.
"A little busy this morning but everything is alright. How about you, Chlo? Are you really okay with me and Clark?" asked Lois curiously.
"I'm fine and I'm okay with you and Clark. To tell you the truth, I'm surprised it took the two of you this long to hook up."
"Really?"
"Of course, really. I could see the chemistry between you and Clark for a while now. When the two of you finally started acting like friends instead of sparring partners, it was only a matter of time before you decided to become more than friends."
"So, we were that obvious, huh? I'm glad that you're fine with everything. I didn't want to do anything to hurt you and I think Clark feels the same way."
"Trust me Lo, Clark does. So, why the phone call to the King of Flannel?" Chloe asked, laughing.
Clark choked a bit on his coffee and Jimmy could barely contain his laughter from seeing Clark react to Chloe's question.
"I heard that, Chlo," Clark matter-of-factly stated.
Chloe just waved a hand in his direction letting him know that she knew that.
As Lois' own laughter came to an end, she answered, "Clark and I were planning on going out for lunch. You can come too, if you want."
"I'll ask Clark. Can Jimmy and I join you two for lunch?" From across the room, Clark nodded. "Clark says it's fine. Plus I'm bringing someone with me."
Lois was intrigued. "Who is that, my dear cousin?"
"You remember Jimmy Olsen?"
"Of course I do, Chlo. He was at the poker game last night. So, I take it he's the one that you want to bring."
"Yes, he is. I'm taking a cue from you and Clark. We talked about how we felt and decided to give us another shot."
"Good for you, cuz. Do you mind putting Clark back on?"
"Sure," Chloe then pulled Clark out of his talk with Jimmy and gave the phone to him.
"Hey, Lo," Clark greeted Lois a second time.
"So, are you really okay with having Chloe and Jimmy tag along with us for lunch?"
"I really would've preferred to spend some time alone with you but maybe we can do it tonight?" Clark asked quietly
"That really sounds good to me, Smallville."
"Good, do you want me to pick you up or do you want to meet us in town?"
Lois thought about that for a second or two before she answered, "That could work. You could pick me up at your mother's office. But which form of transportation would you be using?"
"I thought the Clark Kent Express would be a good way to travel."
"So, I take it you wanted to cop a feel while we traveled that way," Lois said as she giggled the last part out.
"Lois," Clark said, exasperated.
"I'm sorry, Smallville. I just love pushing your buttons."
"You do that all right and sometimes do more than push my buttons."
"Why, Smallville, do I sense a little double entendre there? " Lois asked.
"Perhaps," replied Clark mischievously.
"I'll take your word for it then. You can pick me up around noon. Do you have a place in mind that we can go to?"
"Sure I do, but I want to surprise you. I'll send Chloe and Jimmy on ahead so that I can pick you up without rousing suspicion from Jimmy. I've had enough of explaining my abilities to someone for now."
"I would like to say that I understand that, but I can't. Don't think about your abilities as a curse, Clark, they're a gift," Lois encouraged Clark.
"Thanks, you really know how to set my mind at ease," Clark happily thanked her.
"Anytime, Smallville. Just don't be late picking me up."
"Not a chance. See you in a bit, Lo."
"Bye, Clark."
"Bye, Lois."
After hanging up with Lois, Clark talked to Chloe and Jimmy about where to meet for lunch. The trio decided on a place that wasn't too far from the Talon so that they could head there for dessert.
Clark told his friends that he would meet them at the restaurant with Lois, but he had a few things to do first.
Agreeing to see both Clark and Lois later, Chloe decided to take Jimmy out on a quick little tour of Smallville before they met up for lunch. Clark watched as they left the farm and once they were a good distance away, Clark super-sped to meet up with Lois.
In a blink of an eye, Clark was at his mother's Senate office. Making his way around the place, he patiently waited outside the office of Senator Kent's chief of staff. Several minutes later, Lois stepped out of her office, surprised to see that Clark had already arrived.
"Hey there, Smallville. Have you been waiting long?" Lois asked, pleasantly surprised to see Clark so soon.
Clark happily answered, "I haven't been here overly long. Chloe took Jimmy for a little tour around Smallville before they meet us at the restaurant. Once they were safely out of sight, I super-sped here."
"And not a hair out of place I see."
Clark had to laugh at that.
"You ready to go, Lois?" Clark asked.
Lois took a quick look around to see if anyone was nearby and wrapped her arms around Clark's neck. With their faces less than an inch apart, Lois said, "I am now, Clark." She then gave him a breathtaking kiss.
"Wow," Clark replied. "That makes me wonder how you are when you're not ready."
Lois then gave Clark a quick punch in the arm and said, "Maybe someday, Smallville. Let's get going before we're late."
"With me, you'll never be late."
Clark gave Lois a quick kiss and they headed to the elevator arm in arm. Once outside, he led her to an alley, so that they would not be noticed when he used his speed to get them to the restaurant.
"You may want to take your heels off, Lois. I would hate for you to lose one of them along the way," Clark told her.
"Okay," replied Lois as she took them off.
Clark picked her up with ease and she wrapped an arm around him with her heels securely in hand.
"Ready, Lo?"
Lois nodded her head and they both took off in a flash.
A safe distance away, Clark slowed down and placed Lois carefully back on her feet so they could walk the rest of the way to the restaurant. To their surprise, Chloe and Jimmy were coming toward them in the other direction.
"Hey guys, I didn't expect to meet you outside here," Chloe greeted her cousin and best friend.
"Smallville has a way of getting to places fairly quickly." Lois replied with a slight laugh.
"Lois," Clark groaned.
"I'm sorry, Clark. I just couldn't resist."
"Yeah, yeah."
"Okay, let's go and get something to eat before Lois and Clark start their own version of World War III," Chloe said, putting an abrupt stop to Lois and Clark's bantering.
"Chloe's right, let's get something to eat. I'm starving," mentioned Jimmy.
Finding a table, the four friends took a quick look at the menus that were there and waited for someone to take their order. When the waitress arrived, they all ordered burgers and fries. It wasn't long after that when their food arrived and they dug in.
As they began to eat, Lois couldn't help but notice the interaction between both Chloe and Jimmy.
"Here you go, bright eyes," Jimmy said to Chloe while he held a French fry in front of Chloe's mouth.
"Aw, thanks, Jimmy," replied Chloe as she took a bite of the fry.
In a very low voice, Lois said to Clark, "Do you see what I see? If you do, give me a gentle squeeze on the hand."
With a mischievous grin, Clark gave Lois his answer. He didn't gently squeeze her hand instead he gave her a gentle caress on her inner thigh. That little action caused Lois to yelp.
Chloe and Jimmy stopped feeding each other at the sudden noise.
"Are you alright, cuz?" Chloe asked.
"I'm, um…" Lois paused to compose herself and gave Clark a stern look. "I'm fine, Chlo."
Taking Lois' word for it, Chloe then went back to what she and Jimmy were doing before Lois' yelp interrupted them.
"You are going to pay for that, Smallville," Lois told Clark with a hint of anger in her voice.
With an apologetic look, Clark said, "I'm sorry, Lois. Can you forgive me?" He then leaned over and gave Lois a mind-blowing kiss.
Once they parted, Lois regained her equilibrium and said, "You're forgiven, Smallville."
"So, back to what you asked about earlier. Yeah, noticed. What about it?"
There was a twinkle in Lois' eye and she said mischievously, "Do you wanna have some fun with those two?"
"Why not? This could be fun," replied Clark happily.
"Follow my lead, Smallville."
Clark gave Lois a nod and they went back to their meal and continued to watch the pair that sat opposite them. Chloe and Jimmy continued to feed each other not knowing what Lois and Clark had planned.
"Look, Pa, our little girl is growing up," Lois said, barely keeping a straight face.
Lois' comment stopped what Chloe and Jimmy were doing.
Lois then snuggled up to Clark and grabbed his hand while she rested her head on his shoulder. Clark then said, "You got that right, Ma. Where does the time go?"
Both Lois and Clark then broke out into laughter.
"Come on guys, cut it out," Chloe said, slightly annoyed.
"Now don't you go talking back to your elders, young lady," Lois replied with a chuckle.
"If you keep that up, we may not let you see your young man anymore," Clark said to Chloe, barely containing his laughter.
"Okay, enough is enough. What brought all this on?" an upset Chloe asked.
"Yeah, I would like to know that, too," Jimmy added.
"Alright, alright. It's just that the way you two were feeding each other. This isn't Lady and the Tramp, people. You may think it's cute, but we who have to watch it in person think otherwise," Lois told Chloe and Jimmy. "Besides, I just couldn't resist busting your chops, with a little assist from Smallville here."
"Okay, I get your point," Chloe reluctantly said.
"I'm sorry, Chlo. It was just too good to resist," Clark said apologetically.
Jimmy said, "Thanks, CK. If I were in your shoes, I'd probably do the same thing."
"You're forgiven, Clark. Lois, I'm not too sure about," Chloe playfully added.
"Hey!!" Lois said, feigning hurt at Chloe's statement.
"If everything is all settled now, let's finish before our food gets cold," Clark told the others.
"Yes, Pa," replied Chloe with a barely straight face.
Clark answered with a slight groan, which was followed by him laughing. In no time, the others joined in laughing. Once they settled back down, they finished their food, paid their bills and headed to the Talon.
As they walked, Lois and Clark held hands and Clark gave her a quick kiss on the lips. Chloe noticed the exchange between them and just couldn't resist paying back her cousin.
"Lois and Clark, sitting in a tree. K-I-S-S-I-N-G. First comes love, and then comes marriage. Then comes Lois…" Chloe happily chanted before being interrupted by Lois.
"I would think real hard before you finish that last line Chlo," Lois threatened while giving Chloe a nasty glare.
"Jeez, can't you take a joke?"
"Sure I can. By the way, Chloe... Gotcha," Lois said with a laugh.
"You mean… that what you just said…" Chloe said completely flustered.
"I know you were getting me back, Chloe but as you know, I couldn't let that go."
"I think that's enough guys. Can we have a truce here?" Clark asked
Both girls nodded in agreement and then they all went in to the Talon. Finding a table and placing their orders, they waited patiently.
It wasn't long when they all received their respective orders and enjoyed their coffee and pastries. The four friends enjoyed each other's company and even apologized for their earlier teasing, even as hard as it was for Lois to do so. During that time, Lois and Clark would occasionally steal a kiss from each other, which didn't go unnoticed by their friends. Chloe didn't tease them but she did find it adorable because she was very happy for her cousin and best friend.
As they were finishing up, Clark noticed a little something on Lois' face.
"Uh, Lois, you have a little something…" Clark began while he motioned to the same spot on his own face.
"What is it, Clark?" Lois asked, not knowing what Clark was getting at.
"You got a little icing on your face."
Jimmy and Chloe watched as Lois tried to get the icing off her face.
Lois picked up a napkin and started dabbing around her mouth. "Did I get it?"
A naughty idea popped into Clark's head and he said with a smirk, "Let me get it for you Lo."
Clark took the napkin from Lois' hand and placed it on the table. Clark was then inches away from her face and then he kissed the tip of her nose, in the process removed the icing that was there.
"Now you look like your old self, pretty lady," Clark said as he gave Lois the patented Kent smile.
"Thanks, Smallville. Now, let me properly thank you," Lois said as wrapped her arms around Clark. "With this."
Lois gave Clark a very appreciative kiss.
"Aww," both Chloe and Jimmy said as they watched on.
Amazed that her cousin and best friend were still lip-locked, Chloe took her eyes off of them for a second and noticed someone familiar coming over to them.
"Uh oh," Chloe said with worry.
"What's the matter, Chloe?" Jimmy asked, puzzled at Chloe's reaction.
Motioning her head in a particular direction, Chloe told Jimmy, "I think there's trouble coming."
Jimmy looked in the direction that Chloe motioned to and said, "So what?"
Chloe then spoke up, "Clark, Lois, I think you should stop now."
"Not now, Chlo," Lois ordered her cousin after taking a quick breath and continued kissing Clark.
"But… but…"
"Chloe, what could be so important that…" Clark said before he realized that they had a visitor over at their table who was very surprised at what she saw.
"Hey, guys," Lana said, stunned at what she just witnessed. She turned on her heel and fled the room, not knowing what to do next.
"Lana, wait," Clark said as he got up and went after her.
Clark caught up to her and got Lana to face him.
"I'm sorry, Lana. I didn't want you to find out about Lois and me this way," Clark apologized.
"That's okay, Clark. There's nothing to be sorry for. I'm glad that you and Lois have found each other. The first time I saw you two together, I thought I saw something there – even if you didn't see it," Lana replied, happy that Clark had found someone.
"Thanks and I know that you'll find someone as well." Then Clark thought, and I don't mean Lex Luthor.
"I hope I have."
Clark frowned slightly at Lana's answer.
"Hey, there you are. I was wondering where you went," Pete said as he handed Lana a cup of coffee.
"Pete?" Clark said, surprised.
"I'll go find us a table, Pete. Take care, Clark," Lana said as she left the two friends.
"Are you and Lana…?" Clark asked, still very stunned at this turn of events.
"Not quite, but I'm working on it," Pete said, hopefully.
"Is everything alright?" Lois asked with concern as she went over to Clark and Pete.
"Yeah, things are fine," Clark soothed Lois. Giving Lois some money, he continued, "I'm going to talk to Pete for a bit. That should cover our bill – I'll meet you guys outside in a bit."
"I'll be waiting for you, Smallville," Lois told Clark as she kissed him on the cheek.
Clark gestured to Pete to sit at the now vacated table that he, Lois, Chloe and Jimmy had been at.
"I just don't know what to say, Pete," Clark said, still very much surprised.
"I know what you mean, Clark. I hope we can be together, just like you and Lois," Pete said, pleased with his friend's new relationship.
"Things will work out Pete and I wish you the best."
Clark then gave Pete a manly embrace.
"Thanks, buddy. I better get back to Lana. See you around, Clark, and don't be a stranger. Come by and visit sometime," Pete said as they ended their hug.
"You got yourself a deal. Maybe I'll bring Lois along with me so she can get to know you a bit better."
"I'd like that, Clark. Then I could tell her some embarrassing stories about you."
The two then laughed about that. Saying their goodbyes with another hug and a handshake, they both parted until the next time their paths crossed.
"How did things go with Pete, Smallville?" Lois asked.
"Never better. I think he and Lana will make a wonderful couple," Clark answered with a smile.
Clark returned Lois to her workplace after saying goodbye to Chloe and Jimmy. But before they parted company, Chloe indicated that she needed to get back to Metropolis and if Jimmy thought it was alright, she would take him back with her. It didn't take long for Jimmy to agree and once they got all of Jimmy's things from the farm, they were off.
Unfortunately, when they arrived back, Lois learned that she would be gone with Clark's mom for a week. Martha was needed at the State Capital for a very important vote. What made it worse was that they would have to leave early the next day. In order to spend some time with Lois before she left, Clark helped her pack for the trip. Lois didn't really need his help but thought that it was sweet of him to help her. She would really miss Clark just as much as he would miss her.
Before she left, Clark told Lois that if she had any free time to just give him a call and he would be there in a heart beat. They sealed that deal with a passionate kiss before Lois accompanied Martha to the airport.
True to her word, whenever she had some free time, Lois would give Clark a call. Just before she would hang up the phone, he would be right by her side. They spent a lot of her free time together, going out to eat, watching a movie or just spending some alone time in Lois' hotel room.
Fortune smiled on the couple as Martha sent Lois back home a day early. She was no longer needed and had done a fantastic job over the course of the week. When Lois made it to the Kent farm, Clark greeted her and then escorted her to the loft. Once there, she was surprised at what she saw. The loft was filled with lit candles and a table set for the two of them.
After eating the wonderful meal that Clark had ready for the both of them, they relaxed upon the couch and gazed out at the stars.
"Lois, take a look at this," Clark said with amazement, pointing toward the sky.
"Falling stars… That's beautiful, Smallville."
"Make a wish, Lo."
Closing her eyes, Lois made her wish.
When she reopened her eyes, Clark asked, "What did you wish for?"
"This." Lois pushed Clark down on the couch and gave him a very passionate kiss.
What seemed like several minutes later, they came up for air and Clark asked, "Is that all you wished for?"
"Not by a long shot, Smallville."
Lois then recaptured Clark's lips with her own and things quickly became heated between the two of them. In no time at all, clothes were shed and they were doing the dance that was as old as time itself.
Clark awoke the following morning with the sun shining directly on his face. He didn't mind though because he was with the most beautiful girl in the world, at least to him.
"Good morning, sunshine," Lois giggled out as she noticed the sun shining on Clark.
"Good morning to you, too," he replied as he gave her a good morning kiss.
Repositioning themselves so the sun was no longer bothering Clark, they snuggled up with each other, just enjoying being together.
Breaking the silence, Lois said, "Clark?"
"Yeah, Lo?"
"Do you think about the future?"
"A little bit."
"What do you see for yourself?"
"I want to finish college and get a degree in journalism. And, I think I would like to help people with my abilities. "
"That's very noble of you, Smallville."
"What about you, Lo?"
"Your mom has encouraged me to take some online classes and to attend college in the fall."
"What are you taking?"
"Just like you and Chloe, journalism courses. I would like to get a degree as well. When all is said and done, I would like to the best damn reporter in the world."
"Knowing you, I wouldn't be surprised if you do wind up being the world's best reporter. You know, it would be even better if you, me and Chloe wound up working at the Daily Planet together."
"That would be nice, Smallville."
"I think it's about time we head on into the house and eat some breakfast."
"That sounds like a plan, but I think I want to take a shower. Care to join me, Smallville?" Lois asked with a mischievous look in her eyes.
"You don't have to ask me twice," Clark then scooped Lois up in his arms and sped them up to the shower.
After a sensational time in the shower, Lois and Clark changed into clean clothes and happily made their way downstairs.
"Good morning, kids," Martha greeted the pair as they came bounding down the stairs.
"Hi, mom," Clark greeted his mother sheepishly.
"Good morning, Mrs. Kent," Lois greeted Martha in the same manner as Clark.
"Why are the two of you acting as though you're caught with your hand in the cookie jar? Martha asked the pair, the fact that they were holding hands not escaping her.
"Maybe because we did have our hands in the cookie jar," Clark told his mother honestly.
"Yeah, what he said," chimed in Lois.
Martha could barely contain how happy she was, so she gathered both Lois and Clark in her arms and gave them a warm hug.
"It's about time you two realized that you make a good couple. I'm very happy for the both of you."
"Thanks," both Lois and Clark said together and they all laughed.
"So, how did the two of you finally come to your senses?" Martha asked.
"Well," Clark began, "it all started with a game of poker…"
The End
AN: Thank you for reading and I hope that you've enjoyed this fic. Please leave a review to tell me what you thought, but no flames.