Increments: 2 - The Rescue Blues

Gone

"The best ones always start that way?"

How would Lana know, anyway? And more importantly, how could she be okay with the idea of him and another girl already? Paris. Maybe he should have gone to Mexico. The best one's always start that way. He wondered if that's what had happened with the guy she met in Paris. He doubted her situation applied to his-hopefully brief-acquaintance with Lois Lane. Chloe's cousin or not, she was still annoying. And rude. What bugged him the most was her inability to take anything seriously. She may have helped stop Trent but she could have gotten Chloe and herself killed. Why would Lana even think he'd be interested in someone like that? Obviously she hadn't seen them in a room together for a prolonged period of time. That would make her change her mind…

"Clark?"

He muted the TV and turned around to see his mom standing in the doorway watching him.

"Mom, what are you still doing up?"

She walked over to the couch. "I was reading. But I just wanted to come down and say goodnight. Are you alright?"

Clark nodded. "I'm fine. It's just been a strange day."

Martha nodded. "A lot happened, but Clark, Lionel's behind bars where he belongs and Chloe's alive and safe. So what's bothering you?"

He should've known better than to try and pull anything over Martha Kent. "It's just…it was so close. Too close. He was choking her…" He shuddered. "Mom, what if I had been too late? It would have been my fault."

"Oh, Clark." She whispered. "But you weren't too late. You saved Chloe. You were there when she needed it most. You can't blame yourself for everything that happens. "

He sighed deeply. "I know. I know."

Martha hugged her son fiercely. "You're an amazing person, Clark, but you can't save everyone from everything. All you can do is your best. I'm going to bed. Don't stay up too late. I love you," she said kissing his cheek.

He gave her a tight smile. "I love you too, mom. Night."

Once she left he turned the sound back on. He shifted restlessly, unable to focus or relax. Finally he had enough and grabbed his coat and snuck out the back door. Maybe a run would clear his head and the tension from his body.

He made his way down Main Street, slowing as he passed the Talon. He briefly considered going to see Lana before remembering their awkward reunion. She had moved on. He would have to try and do the same. He walked towards Sam's convenience store in search of some ice cream.

It was after midnight and the store was quiet with just old Mr. Kristoff turning the page of one of his old Western dime novels. He didn't even glance up when Clark passed by on his way to the freezer aisle in the corner.

He turned the corner. "Lois?"

She turned in surprise. "Clark?"

"What are you doing here?" They said in unison.

"You first," Clark said.

"Getting ice cream. Uncle Gabe's not really an ice cream fan and I had a craving for…ice cream," she finished lamely. "You?"

"Yeah, same here. Out of ice cream."

They stood silently, unsure of what to say.

"Well, this is awkward." Lois announced. "I'll just get…" she bent over the freezer and reached for a small container. "What kind do you want?"

"Hmmm, Chocolate Macadamia Nut, please."

She straightened and tossed him a container.

On their way out Lois grabbed two plastic forks from the counter.

"What?" Clark asked, watching Lois look around.

"It's late. I was just checking to see if your mom was waiting."

Clark rolled his eyes. "I'm not in elementary. And for your information I don't have a curfew."

Lois ignored him. "How did you get here?"

Clark stopped. "I, uh, walked."

Lois's eyebrows rose in surprise. "Now I've only been in Podunk for a couple of days, but isn't that a bit far to walk in the middle of the night?"

Clark shrugged. "I needed some fresh air."

She eyed him skeptically. "Uh huh." They both began to walk.

"I'll walk you to your car. You shouldn't be out here alone."

Lois looked at him, amused at his protectiveness. "So chivalry isn't dead, just hiding in the guise of a small town farm boy from Smallville. Go figure."

He narrowed his eyes at her in exasperation. "Do you ever take anything seriously?"

"Nope." She shrugged. "It's a gift."

"You walked didn't you?"

She mimicked back to him, "I needed some fresh air."

They walked in silence in the direction of Chloe's apartment.

Lois eyed him as they walked up the steps to the Sullivan's apartment complex. "You aren't seriously upset, are you? Trust me Clark; I can take care of myself. I've been doing just fine at it for these last twelve years. Relax."

She sank down onto the front step. The air was warm and fragrant with the smell of late summer blossoms and recently cut grass. One of the advantages of a small town was the unobstructed view of the vivid and vibrant stars that were scattered throughout the night sky. The world seemed almost peaceful.

Clark sat down beside her. Lois took out her ice cream and popped the lid, Clark did the same. She handed him a fork, which he took without a word. They ate silently until Lois leaned into him, reaching for a taste of his chocolate macadamia nut. He glanced at her and smiled.

"Couldn't sleep, huh." It wasn't a question.

Lois sighed. "No. Every time I shut my eyes I kept picturing us being too late…"

"Me too" he said quietly.

She turned to him, "Oreo Chocolate Fudge?"

Clark looked at the proffered container doubtfully. "That sounds awful."

"It's surprisingly good. Plus, chocolate equals comfort food, and after today…"

"…We could all use some" he agreed. Clark took a large spoonful. "Mmm, not bad."

Lois grinned. "Told you so."

They sat in the stillness, with only the occasional sound of a car to break up the hum of the crickets. This time it wasn't so awkward or strange. There was a comfort in knowing they were both plagued by the what-ifs of being too late.

When they finished both containers Clark stood up. Lois stared at him in that unflinching way that made him feel uncomfortably exposed. "Thanks for walking me home."

Clark smiled shyly, somehow understanding the subtext to her words. "Any time."

"Thanks for introducing me to Oreo Chocolate Fudge."

A slow smile crossed her lips. "You're welcome."

They stood there, studying each other for a moment.

Finally Lois stood up and stuck out her hand. "Bye, Clark."

He took it, squeezing gently. "Good bye, Lois."

Tomorrow she'd return to collect her bags and leave Smallville for good and he'd get his room back.

They went their separate ways, neither looking back but both feeling calmer as their fears began to slowly abate.