Chapter Thirteen: Close to Home

Lana picked up her cellphone as it rang, she carefully pulled into the Kent's front yard, 'Chloe??'

'Lana! You need to get away from Davis!'

Lana felt the air around her cool, she glanced in the rear view mirror, where Davis was once writhing now sat a calm and very dead looking creature. Its thin lips revealed razor like teeth, and the greying skin it wore gave off a cold chill. Lana dropped her cellphone and scrambled out of the car.

The engine spluttered as Doomsday absorbed it's energy with one small touch. In her panic, Lana stumbled onto the ground, she peered upwards at the two abysses that were once Davis's sincere eyes.

'What are you??' she demanded, trying to stay brave in the face of fear.

Lana could have sworn that it sensed her terror as a crack appeared at the right corner of its thin lips. The crooked smile seemed more menacing than content, Lana climbed to her feet as she noticed the green grass surrounding them began to turn yellow. Whatever she was facing seemed to be sucking the life out of everything around her.

Lana stepped back, 'I don't want to hurt you...'

Doomsday cracked another bemused expression. This feeble capsule of energy thought it posed a threat to him? He simply stepped forwards, as the distance between them decreased, he felt himself get stronger.

Lana suddenly felt weak in her core, she felt a sensation of dizziness creeping into her mind, a strong wave of fatigue hit her. She desperately stumbled away from the creature, trying to keep her head upright as she fled, but it was no use. She was getting weaker by the second, her body felt cold now, as if it was a void of energy.

As of late, Doomsday had felt his hunger transform into rage, he began nurturing the desire to destroy life forms rather than simply absorb from them. His veins throbbed as he felt the warmth of her presence, it almost angered him.

Doomsday towered over the horrified mortal, he took a moment to enjoy the sensation of terror he could feel exuding from her.

Doomsday felt a strong force approaching, he cast a calculated glance at the horizon, it was a force he had sensed before. He tried to remember where he had come across it. He wasn't strong enough yet to reckon with such strength. Casting a threatening look at the mortal on the floor, who now looked paler than before, Doomsday simply left.

Determined to return and claim his prize, the mortal, at a later time.



Lois, Chloe and Jimmy pulled up as they saw Clark holding Lana close, Chloe climbed out of the car, 'Lana! Thank god you're okay...!'

Jimmy glanced at Lois, who's eyes were glued on Clark and the way he firmly held Lana against him as she sobbed into his shoulder. Clark met Lois's gaze, but Lois looked away, she faced Jimmy.

'I'm gonna head back to the Daily Planet and see if there have been anymore sightings of Davis, okay?'

Jimmy looked at her, 'Lois-'

'See you later Jimmy.'

Jimmy let out a sigh as he watched his friend go, he knew Lois felt as if she was above being the jealous type, but from the way he felt with Chloe and Clark's friendship, he knew it still hurt to see the person you love caring for someone else.

'Lois?' Jimmy looked up to see Clark, who had let go of Lana and was approaching Lois.

Lois looked at him, 'yeah?'

'Where're you going?'

'I was gonna see if I could find anything on Davis and his whereabouts...' she could feel Lana's brown eyes on her. 'You should stay and take care of Lana-'

Clark shook his head, 'Lois, you're not going anywhere.'

Lois frowned at him, almost offended by his protectiveness, before she could argue, Clark turned and face Chloe, Jimmy and Lana, 'none of us are. He knows us all, he knows where we live. Its better if we stay together.' He paused, 'It's safer.' In reality, it was easier for Clark to protect the people he cared about if they were under one roof.

Nobody argued. Instead the five friends glanced at eachother awkwardly, everyone was very aware of what Clark hadn't even considered.

Lana and Lois...and Clark, under one roof, with a very different dynamic.

Lois smiled politely at Lana, 'you feeling okay?'

Lana nodded dismissively, 'I feel fine.'

'You don't look fine.' Clark said worriedly.

'Lana,' Chloe chimed in, trying to prevent Lana and Lois from conversing about anything, 'Come on, you look like you just saw death, you need to get some rest.'

Chloe led Lana into the Kent house, 'Hey Clark? Lana's in the master bedroom right?' Chloe called.

Clark nodded, 'Yeah-it's closest to the bathroom and first aid kit.'

Lana buckled slightly, Clark ran to her side as Chloe and Jimmy helped her up, 'Lana??'



Lana gave him a vulnerable smile, 'I just feel so drained.'

Chloe felt a wave of guilt for sending her friend to check in on what turned out to be a murderer.

Clark touched her cheek, her colour was still pale, 'You need to get some rest, I'll bring you some food in an hour...' Lana smiled at him gratefully.

'Thanks Clark.'

'It's okay Lana.'

Clark watched her go, Lois frowned with a sarcastic small smile, 'Maybe you should take Lana to the bedroom instead of Chloe.'

Clark looked at her, 'why would I do that?'

Lois rolled her eyes and headed towards the barn, 'I'm taking the barn Smallville. Good night.'

Jimmy let out a whistle, he raised an eyebrow at Clark, 'I can cut the tension with a knife between you three...' he said, hoping for a smile from him. He didn't get one.

An hour later:

Chloe smiled at Lana as she slept deeply, Clark set the food down on the bedside table.

'How's she been doing?' he asked casually.

Chloe nodded at Clark, 'she's been okay, we just need to let her rest...I think Davis, or whatever Davis becomes kinda...sponges you know, absorbs energy...that would explain her fatigue...'

'And her pale colour.' Clark nodded. The two sat in silence for a moment.

'How're you and Lois doing?'

Clark frowned at what he thought seemed like a random question.

Chloe nudged his arm for a reply, Clark shrugged, 'why do you ask?'

'Well, I kinda discovered that you two are yet to consummate your undying love?' she quipped. Clark felt his cheeks redden, he glared at Chloe for the 'undying love' quip. He knew all she saw of those two was their bickering and bantering.

How did she expect him to answer her question. The thought of having sex with Lois made his heart pound and his pulse race. He was afraid that if he did let himself feel what he truly felt for her in that way, he might just control of himself. The last thing he wanted was to hurt her. Not to mention he was keeping what could only be the biggest secret in history from her, and after Oliver's dual identity drama, Clark didn't want to hurt her emotionally either.

'Clark...I know you're stalling, and I know you have your reasons...but what about Lois? I mean, as far as she's concerned, you're stalling because of Lana.'



'Lana?' Clark frowned, 'My feelings for Lois have nothing to do with Lana...'

Chloe gave Clark a look. Clark felt flustered, 'Chloe...I'm not in love with Lana anymore. I've learnt the hard way...'

'Learnt what?'

He glanced at Lana as he spoke, 'That...trying your best to love someone...' he looked at the floor, 'and actually being in love with someone...' he lifted his head almost nostalgically, 'are too very different things.'

'So...Which one are you in love with?' Chloe asked, Clark glanced at her, she was practically his conscience, even when he didn't want her to be.

Clark smiled slightly, 'The one I can't stand.'

Chloe grinned, 'she can't be that bad if you're in love with her...' Clark glanced at the ground, 'You know, 'love' is a big word Clark. I mean, you realise what you're saying right?'

'Trust me Chloe.' Clark replied with a smile. 'I know exactly what I'm saying.'

'Go check in on her...' Chloe advised, Clark climbed to his feet, 'and Clark?' she added, 'Stop stalling. Life's too short to let someone as amazing as my cousin slip through your fingers.'

Clark grinned, 'so now she's your cousin huh?'

Chloe looked smug, 'if she's really the one who's stolen the elusive heart of Clark Kent? Hell YEAH baby!' she quipped proudly.

Clark grinned and shook his head at Chloe, 'good night Chloe, keep an eye on Lana.'

'Night Clark.' Chloe said with a content grin. Unbeknownst to either of them, Lana wasn't sleeping as deeply as they had assumed. Her closed eyes stung as the silent realisation hit her hard. She had lost Clark Kent for good.

Clark felt the beauty of the night lifting his spirits, he seemed to be caught up in the moment, and for the first time, he wasn't afraid of feeling this way. He headed for the barn, a small smile on his lips.

Lois lay on the barn floor as she stared up at the night sky she could see from the window. There was something homely about Smallville, the night was cool but not too cold, nor was it too hot, it was perfect. She glanced at her jacket that was strewn on the couch, for a moment she almost regretted leaving her cellphone in her jacket pocket, she could have rang Tess Mercer and planned an article based on today's events.



Her mind kept drifting over to Clark, she marvelled at how amazing he was, even with Lana, after Lana crushed him, he was right there-protecting her without hesitation. Lois didn't let herself feel jealous, she did her best to respect Clark, and knew he wasn't like other guys.

From what she had seen, Clark was honest, earnest and loyal. He was so unaware of his attractive features, he had no idea how crazy he drove the women around him, he was so blind to it all, and that was something she adored about him. He was honourable too, Lois Lane was an independent woman, and when it came to love, she had her fair share of heartaches, but Clark made her feel safe, he would never betray her trust. He would never deceive her or let her down.

Not being one to let herself get too deep about things, Lois let her thoughts encircle the way his dark locks contrasted his intense blue eyes, or the way he smiled slightly when he was smug. She grinned at the thought.

'What're you thinking about?' Clark's voice made her sit up, Clark looked bemused at her flustered expression.

'Not you, that's for sure.' She said with a smirk, Clark grinned at her, much to his own surprise, being surrounded by Lois Lane's sarcasm felt more pleasant than watching over Lana, and for once, he didn't feel an ounce of guilt for his feelings.

Lois gazed up at him for a moment, he was dressed in smart black trousers and a crisp navy shirt which made the intensity of his eyes stand out against his smooth skin, thus making him even more attractive.

'How's Lana doing?' Much to her surprise he sat besides her, 'she just needs some rest. She'll be fine,' he said dismissively, Lois felt her heart racing at the touch of his hand as he planted it on the floor, not realising it accidentally grazed hers. 'How're you doing?' He asked in a low voice, Lois lifted her hazel gaze to meet his.

She noticed his eyes drift to her lips, 'I'm doing good. You?'

His eyes met hers, Lois watched as the moonlight made his eyes glint, 'I've never been better.' He said with a soft smile. Her heart pounded in her ears, he was looking at her with such a sincere desire, a longing to love her. Feeling her defences slowly crumble she leaned closer to him.

Lois brushed aside one of his short wavy locks, she was convinced at that moment she hadn't loved any man as much as she loved him, and she knew she would never love anyone the way she loved Clark.

Realising her hand was still on his cheek, she reluctantly pulled it away, blushing at her lapse in self-awareness.

Clark stared at her, but this time, there was a sense of intimacy in his eyes.

'What?' Lois asked with a whisper, Clark simply leaned closer, his eyes never leaving hers. Anticipating what would follow, she closed her eyes, letting him have her. Letting him love her.



Clark's lips collided with hers, and instead of the gentle kiss Lois expected, they shared a passionate kiss that left her breathless, Lois stared at the noble farm boy, she couldn't help but give him an impressed smile, 'Wow, you've got afew tricks up your sleeve,' she teased softly as he leaned in again, suddenly she realised why it felt so natural to her, she had been kissed like this before...

Lois put a hand on Clark's chest as he leaned in again to kiss her-he frowned at the physical barrier that was Lois's hand.

'What's wrong?' He asked.

'I've kissed you before...'

Clark smiled, slightly confused he replied, 'I know.'

'No-I mean...' Then it hit him. She remembered the kiss they shared when he was green arrow. Lois stared at him, this meant Clark knew. It meant he had known about Oliver all along.

'Did Ollie ask you to cover for him?'

Clark gulped, 'Lois I-'

It was too late, Lois's defences had risen, 'You know me better than you knew Oliver-and you covered for him??' She demanded an answer but didn't wait for it. 'How could you Clark?'

'Lois, I'm sorry-' he stammered, surprised by how deceived she felt.

'You made a fool out of me to protect Oliver's identity...? You don't even like him!'

Clark frowned, 'Lois-it was just ONE kiss-'

'That's not what this is about!' she replied firmly. 'You SAW what discovering Ollie's secret did to me...' She shook her head, defeated, 'I was in your arms, crying-or don't you remember?'

Clark looked away, almost ashamed, Lois stared at him, 'how could you have held me in yours arms and comforted me-knowing that I was gonna end up getting hurt-what kind of a man are you??'

'I didn't know you'd end up getting hurt Lois-If I had known I wouldn't have let him anywhere near you!'

She scoffed as she climbed to her feet, 'I'm going back to Metropolis.'

'Lois wait-'

'No-you know what Clark?' her anger began to pour over into her tone, 'I actually thought I could trust you.'

'With what??' he demanded.

'With my heart...' she blurted out, a heavy silence became apparent between them. Clark stared at the hurt woman who didn't meet his gaze out of fear of feeling completely exposed.



'Lois wait...' Clark said as she began to leave, 'Hey-' he grabbed her wrist, but the instant their eyes met, he let go of her. There was an expression on her face he hadn't seen from her before, it was disappointment. She was disappointed in him.

Lois turned away, her heart felt heavy in her chest as she left him standing there.

He couldn't watch as she walked away anymore, catching upto her, he said her name firmly, 'Lois.'

Lois turned around to face him, his eyes searched hers, 'Don't go.' He said simply, his heart was aching in his chest, he had never expected her to remember that kiss, he had never expected this reaction, but now he knew for definite that if he wanted this to last, he'd have to be honest with her. About everything.

'Why not?'

'Because I love you.' His voice was strong this time, deeper than usual. The statement hadn't sounded feeble, it was a declaration. He said it with sheer sincerity. 'I don't know how you feel about me Lois...' He said as he explained himself, 'But I'm crazy about you...You're the one person who manages to drive me insane and somehow, you the only person who can slow down my world when I think I'm losing my mind...'

Lois smiled at him, he was sweeping her off her feet with simple words and there was nothing she could do to stop it, no matter how much she tried.

'Clark?' she said loudly, over his confession, 'You love me, I get the idea...' Clark stopped mid-sentence, he was rambling, it wasn't his intention, he gave her a semi-sheepish smile. Lois grabbed him by the collar and kissed him slowly, Clark closed his eyes as the sensation of her lips against his ignited a burning passion inside his chest, he quickly pulled away, afraid that if they continued, he may not be able to stop himself. As much as he wanted to be with her in that way, he needed to be honest with her first, about who he was, about what he was...and he had a funny feeling it wasn't something he could drop into conversation between kisses.

'What's wrong?' she asked, he glanced down at her, her eyes were still closed as she longingly rubbed her nose against his, he heard her take in a deep breath. He smiled slightly, he assumed he had a similar effect on her too.

'Lois...I wanna take this...further...' Lois studied him, she cringed as he flinched at his attempt to put his thoughts into words.

'Then shut up and kiss me-' she said whilst leaning in again, only to face rejection.

'No, Lois...you don't understand...'

Lois frowned at him, 'Will you stop playing games with me Smallville...you're either interested or you're not-'

She studied him, 'is it because of Lana?'

Clark shook his head, 'No...no, its not about her, and...it's not about you either...' he took in a pained sigh as he prepared to speak, knowing his words would do nothing but infuriate her, 'It's me.'



He flinched, bracing himself for a violent outburst, but he didn't feel anything, he opened his eyes to see her giving him a look over. Clark straightened, something seemed to change in her as she began to nod slowly.

'Okay. You don't wanna rush this. I can respect that.' She lied politely, Clark let out a relieved breath, but he couldn't help but feel a sense of deflation spread over him as he watched her walk over to the couch. Her slim but voluptuous figure cast a long shadow in the moonlight, he longed to wrap his arms around her and claim her as his. She settled onto the couch and threw him a small smile, her lips had felt so soft against his, he already missed the sensation. He began to walk towards her, intending on joining her on the couch, her eyes met his for a moment, they glinted softly in the dimly lit barn. Clark felt his lips break into an easy smile. Maybe it was time to tell her. She deserved the truth, and she was Lois Lane, she could handle it, she wasn't Lana Lang or just any other girl. She was the one woman who was everything he needed and more recently had become the one woman who was everything he wanted.

'Lois...there's something you need to know about me before we take this any further-'

'You don't cry after sex do you?' she said with a mocking tone, Clark smirked.

'No...it's something else...'

'Whew,' Lois said, a faux-relieved expression on her face, Clark tried not to smile, he knew her quips were her own little way of making life bearable.

'It's about who I am...It's about what I am...'

'Clark –'Friendly-citizen-farmboy- soon-to-be-ace-reporter Kent'?

'Lois...this is serious...it's ...' he stared at her, feeling almost naked under her emerald gaze. He rarely felt nervous, but when it came to such a precious truth, he had every right to feel nervous. Knowing that his personal truth could make him lose Lois before every really having her.

'Lois-I'm not from-'

'CLARK!?'

'LOIS?!'

Chloe and Jimmy's panicked calls made Clark and Lois freeze in their steps, they both ran out of the barn and headed towards the Kent home.

'CLARK!?' the desperation in Chloe's voice made them panic even more. Glancing at Lois, Clark did his best not to superspeed.

Lois stopped suddenly as she entered the doorway, causing Clark to bump into her, he peered over her shoulder to see what had caused her to stop.



Chloe was crouched over Lana's limp body, tears dripped from Chloe's eyes, Jimmy lay knocked out on the floor, and a dark, cold presence was in the room.

'You...' a deep voice behind Clark and Lois caused them to jump slightly, Lois clutched Clark's hand as she pulled him back, Chloe sobbed, 'She's dead Clark-'

Clark stared at the creature meeting it's black eyes, he cautiously put a hand out to Lois, ushering her further away from himself and the creature. It curled its shoulders slightly, inhaling deeply as though it was attempting to pick up a scent. Clark could feel the intensity of its power as he saw the plants wilt from the corner of his eyes.

'You possess great power.' It's voice was cold, deathly calm,

Clark turned to Lois, 'Go help Chloe and Jimmy-'

'Clark-' she argued.

'JUST DO IT!' He ordered, Lois didn't argue, she ran to Jimmy, helping him stand, 'Chloe!' she called to her cousin.

Clark glanced down at the creature's feet, it was as if it hovered slightly above the floor, or atleast the slight dark mist that enveloped the creature made it look that way.

'Davis...'

'That is not my name.' It said, conveying no emotion, an emptiness that scared even Clark.

'You have so much energy...so much...life...' it conveyed an emotion this time, lust.

Clark gulped as he stepped back, Clark quickly focused on the creatures razor-like teeth, 'Its you...you've been killing all those innocent people-'

'Innocence is subjective in this time and age-' it replied as it hovered closer to Clark. Unable to explain why, Clark found himself drawn to look into its eyes, it was as though it beckoned his gaze, Clark lifted his steel-blue gaze and was met with two black abysses-both so overwhelming, so intense, that Clark immediately felt the blood drain from his own face.

'What's happening to me?!'

The creature gave Clark what seemed like a smile, 'You have abilities that emanate such strength...'

Lois stared at the monster that was approaching Clark, she felt a wave of protectiveness as it stared at Clark threateningly.

'You are not from this planet...The earth contains no such power-'

'What are you?' Clark demanded, in a swift motion the animal-like creature managed to clasp its cold, clammy hand around Clark's throat and lift him off his feet.

'HEY!' Lois yelled, she ran to the creature, giving it a powerful shove, unshaken, it released Clark, letting him scramble to the floor and turned its attention to Lois.



The mortal looked delicious, her accusing eyes gave off such heat, he could sense the passion within her, Doomsday lifted a hand over her head and held it there as he absorbed her energies.

'LOIS!' Chloe pleaded, 'Davis this isn't you! PLEASE stop!'

'LOIS!' Clark yelled, Lois stumbled backwards as her knees almost buckled, she felt weak all of a sudden.

Clark pulled her into his arms as she lay on the floor, he glared at the creature, it began to emerge closer, Clark met it's absorbent gaze with his superheat-he gave it all his rage, sending a scorching blaze through the air and straight into the seemingly infinite abysses.

Lois watched in shock as Clark used his abilities to stop the creature.

Much to everyone's terror, the creature seemed to grow stronger. Clark felt a pang of pain in his eyes, he groaned as he clenched them shut, rubbing them firmly. He opened his eyes for a second round, hoping it would work this time-but nothing happened. The creature seemed slightly larger than before, and the dark mist that surrounded him was blacker than ever. It had stripped Clark of his ability, Clark attempted to use his super-strength inhaling, and blasted a sharp waft of air at the creature, the creature veered backwards, straight out the open door. Clark felt his lungs burn as he continued to blow out all the air he could, hoping to knock the hell out of the creature that was once Davis Bloome, but much to his horror, he felt himself become breathless, his eyes widened in alarm.

He felt his muscles spasm, he buckled to his knees, he had breathed out too much oxygen and now his body was shutting down on him, the thing, whatever it was had absorbed another of his abilities, Clark turned helplessly to face Lois and Chloe as he passed out.

'CLARK?!' Lois's panicked voice was the last thing he heard as his eyes fluttered shut.

End chapter thirteen: