Lois was emotionally drained. She could hardly keep her eyes open, and yet she was wide awake, her thoughts racing. Images of Clark's brush with death, being assaulted by Peter, Richard's return from Europe, and then the grueling session with the police before she left the hospital filled her mind.
It had been one hell of a weekend.
With everything that she had gone through, Lois should have been a babbling mess. But she felt calm and relatively grounded primarily because of the man standing beside her.
Things had changed between them. There was still a part of her that couldn't believe that Clark and Superman were one and the same. It still seemed unreal, and yet once she got over her shock at this revelation, it felt right too.
The wound in her heart that had been seeping for years had finally started to heal. Clark had never really stopped caring about her. In fact, she had a pretty good idea that he might even love her. She had never stopped loving him. Her love had only grown stronger now that she really knew both sides of his character, but Lois didn't know if it would be enough for them.
They were alone in the hospital elevator headed toward the lower parking garage. Clark watched her silently, and Lois wondered how long it had been since she had spoken. She recognized that look. He was worried about her. It didn't matter if he wore the cape or not, Clark needed to help.
"I have a confession to make." Clark said, his tone was lightly teasing.
Lois knew that he was trying to distract her, so she decided to play along. "You're not going to tell me that you have a wife somewhere?"
"No." His mouth quirked in a half-smile. "At least not yet."
Lois flushed. It had been ages since they had flirted like this and it made her feel suddenly young. She recalled that first interview with him as Superman when she'd asked him if he had a girl friend. He had said that she'd be the first one to know. That seemed ages ago, almost another lifetime.
Clark had been so serious, almost somber for so long. The lines around his mouth had disappeared, the tension gone. Lois wasn't the only one who had suffered an ordeal. It was nice to see this side of him again.
She met his gaze brazenly not wanting to lose the teasing atmosphere Clark had initiated. "You snore?"
"No. At least I don't think so. Maybe you'll let me know?"
He did it again. She felt her jaw drop.
His eyes twinkled down at her.
Lois rolled her eyes. "Clark!"
He laughed softly.
"What is it?" She asked, feeling the curiosity build. Did he really have another secret to share with her?
Clark shook his head, and she knew that he wasn't going to tell her. He was enjoying this too much.
"You have unpaid parking tickets?" She guessed doubtfully.
They reached the ground floor and the doors opened to show a dimly lit parking garage. Clark put his hand on her arm, preventing Lois from stepping outside. She stopped in surprise and he pushed the button. The elevator doors closed, and the car began to rise.
Lois gave him a questioning look and Clark commented. "That would be kind of hard without a car."
"You don't have a car?" Lois asked.
He nodded sheepishly.
"That's the big confession?" Lois put her hands on her hips, almost a little disappointed not to discover some deep, dark secret.
Clark cleared his throat a little nervously and adjusted his glasses.
"But you told Albert that you'd give me a ride home."
"I will." He asserted simply.
The elevator doors opened and Clark led the way through some passage ways that were definitely not intended for the public. She suspected his intentions, and felt her heart rate increase.
They stood on an empty heli-pad. The stars blazed overhead. Lois hadn't realized it had gotten so late. The wind caught her hair, and she tucked the wayward strands behind her ears.
Clark glanced around. When he verified that they were alone, he stopped in front of her turning to face her.
Lois watched him curiously, wondering why his movements had become slow and deliberate. She opened her mouth to ask him what was going on, and promptly stilled when he removed his glasses.
Clark gave her a tentative smile, like he was uncertain how she would react, and then began to unbutton his shirt. Her heart skipped a beat as the tell-tale blue was revealed beneath the flannel of his shirt. When he had reached the last button, his hands went to the fastening of his jeans.
He paused. It didn't matter that he wore the Superman outfit underneath; there was just something so intimate about the way that he was undressing in front of her like this that her stomach fluttered. She couldn't breathe.
His eyes twinkled in amusement, but his expression was solemn like this was important to him. It was surreal watching Clark undress so slowly, and Lois knew that he did it intentionally for her benefit as he stepped out of his jeans and shrugged off the shirt. Now she understood why Clark never relaxed at the Planet, even late at night. He couldn't even loosen his tie for fear he would reveal his secret. He did a quick spin and the cape unfurled, and his boots settled into place.
"Wow." She said breathlessly.
Superman stood before her. All traces of Clark Kent were gone.
"I already knew of course, but seeing it like that . . . it's just so incredible. I can't get over how different and yet now that I know, how the same you look."
Clark, for she really couldn't think of his as Superman anymore, held out his hand. Lois stepped forward without hesitation and took it.
"I've always wanted to do that." Clark confessed. "I'm glad that you finally know the truth."
She gave a throaty laugh, and she said, "Will you do that again sometime, with this suit?" Lois touched his blue sleeved arm.
He chuckled, and she felt it rumble all through her body. He didn't answer she noticed with some disappointment. Clark drew her close to him, pressing his nose to her hair and inhaled.
She stood on his feet and gazed up at him. "Why did I never see it before?" Lois asked.
"I usually change much faster than that." He teased.
"Not that!" Lois grinned, lightly slapping his arm.
He settled her against him, and she closed her eyes and sighed. Lois wondered how long they were going to stand there like this. It was nice to be in his arms again, so much better now that he was Clark. She opened her eyes and gasped. Her fingers tightened on his arm involuntarily. They were already soaring high above the city.
Clark smiled, tucking her closer against him protectively. "How's your head? Is it hurting?"
"I hadn't noticed. This" she breathed "is better than a car."
She felt more than heard his laugh.
"I thought it would be cold outside." she added.
He kissed the top of her head.
"I missed this. I missed you." Lois whispered.
"Me too." He agreed.
Clark raised his hand to stroke her cheek.
They pulled back enough so that they could gaze at each other as they spiraled toward the clouds. Lois could lose herself in those eyes. He was gazing at her so intently she couldn't look away even if she wanted. The air was cool and slightly damp. It smelled cleaner this high up above the smog of the city. There was little sensation of movement, just enough to make Lois feel slightly giddy.
"When you brought me to Smallville, I had no idea you could move so fast." She said finally looking around at the city lights in amazement.
"I don't really know how fast I can go." There was a haunted quality to Clark's voice that made Lois want to comfort him.
"This is nicer. I was just curious. I knew that you could go fast, but I didn't know that I could too."
"I think I was doing most of the flying." She liked him in this playful mood. Clark's smile warmed her deep inside. He was really a handsome man.
He continued, "My skin isn't really invulnerable, I have an aura close to my body that protects me from harm. Haven't you even wondered why when a bullet bounces off my chest, my clothing doesn't get punctured?"
"Super spandex?"
He shook his head, amused. "That's why I have to wear such form fitting clothing. My cape is a different matter; it's further from my skin. I replace that frequently. So you see, I wasn't lying, I really do have another."
She smiled remembered how she had folded the cape she had used as a covering into her suitcase. It was still at the hospital. Clark had promised to come back for her suitcase later.
He said, "When I hold someone close, and I want to protect them, my aura expands to include them."
"So you're saying that I'm invulnerable right now?" She asked, a smile turning the edges of her lips.
He shook his head. "Only at the point of contact with my skin. It extends out somewhat, but there are limits."
"So you have to will this right? Is that why when someone tries to punch you, their hand doesn't suddenly become invulnerable when it impacts with your skin?"
"Right. But I don't think about it. Just like you don't think about the beating of your heart. It just happens."
They hovered over a brick apartment building, and Lois knew that they had arrived at Clark's apartment complex.
"Does this mean that you can't hurt me?"
"I would never do anything that would harm you, but I can't promise that being with me will always be . . . safe."
She understood the wariness that had flickered over his features.
"Clark."
She could see the trepidation in his eyes.
"I have a confession to make." She said.
"What is it, Lois?"
"I never put a high value on safety."
He smiled, but she could see the tension in his face.
"I know that you're strong, but I never feel safer than when I'm in your arms."
She ran her hand down his back. They settled gently onto a balcony that had a great view of another building. It was so close that Lois could touch the rough brick if she stood on her toes and reached. Lois didn't move, still standing on his red boots.
Clark whipped his head to the side and Lois knew that he had heard something that was beyond the human range.
"What is it?"
"I have to go. The door is unlocked. Make yourself at home. I'm sorry Lois. I'll try to be back as soon as possible."
He set her gently onto her feet and disappeared into the sky.
Lois tried to watch him leave, but the visibility was terrible from the balcony. She should have asked for him to take her with him. Her head ached, and she knew that it hadn't just started. She hadn't been aware of the pain while she was with Clark.
She tried to imagine what task needed Superman's help, but realized that the list was endless. Lois went inside. She wished that Jason were here, but was actually grateful that he was still with Martha Kent. She must look terrible and she didn't want to worry her young son.
Lois made her way into the bathroom and groaned when she saw her reflection. It must be true love. From the way she looked right now, there was no way that Clark Kent could be dazzled by her appearance. She looked like hell.
Lois smiled at her reflection. Hmmmm. Who would have thought it? It must be true love.
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Lois was asleep on the couch when she felt Clark lift her up into his arms and move her into the bedroom. The only illumination came from the moon outside his bedroom window.
"Morning, Clark." She murmured.
"It's one in the morning. Go back to sleep." He sounded amused.
Her hair was still damp from her shower. "I thought I had to stay awake." She said without opening her eyes. Her face was pressed into the cloth at his chest. He smelled wonderful.
"The doctor told me that you needed to get some rest."
She was awake now. "Are you saying that you lied?" She said incredulously.
Clark hedged, "Not really. I thought it was the truth at the time."
"Oh. Okay then." She said. He laid her on his bed, pulling her shoes off her feet and tucking the blankets around her body. She shivered.
"Don't go."
"I'll just be in the other room."
"I'm not going to kick you out of your own bed, Clark. If you won't use it with me, I'll have to go back to the couch. Besides, this bed is big enough for the both of us."
"Are you sure?"
"I'm freezing in here. Do you even own a heater?" She was cold, but it really wasn't all that bad. She knew, however, that by saying this, Clark would have a hard time denying her.
"Sorry. I guess I never noticed." He disappeared for a minute and then returned. She heard the central heat kick on. He knelt next to the bed and she found that she liked how when he looked at her, he focused on her alone. Her eyes had adjusted to the moonlight. Everything seemed etched in silver. Clark looked like he was debating the wisdom of joining her in the bed. He was dressed in a pair of loose cotton shorts and a form fitting white t-shirt.
"I'm not going to take advantage of you, Clark. So relax. If you stay there any longer you're going to give me a complex."
Clark chuckled and said, "Well, for the sake of your mental health . . ."
He carefully eased into the space she made for him on the bed. Lois snuggled up to him and Clark put his arm around her.
"Mmmmm. Much better than the couch." she said.
"Warmer now?" he asked. The baritone of his voice rumbled through awareness, pleasantly.
"Much warmer." She teased.
Lois turned in his embrace, so that their noses were almost touching. His warm breath stirred a tendril of her hair. He felt warm and hard. He wasn't relaxed. She touched the side of his face and he closed his eyes. Something about his expression nearly broke her heart.
"What is it, Clark? What's wrong?" Lois asked him.
He shrugged, opening his eyes again. His lips wobbled ever so slightly. If she hadn't been so close she might not have noticed it. His eyes seemed over-bright, and she wondered if he was struggling not to cry.
"Hey." She said. "Was it that bad?" She wondered what he had faced as Superman. She had never seen him like this before.
"No. Nothing like that." He brushed the hair away from her eyes and his expression steadied. "I just thought that I'd never get a chance to hold you again."
Lois cupped Clark's face in both of her hands. The lids of his eyes drooped closed. That wayward lock of his hair curled against his brow. Half his face was in shadow, but she could see the smooth plane of one cheek, and the cleft in his chin in sharp relief. She ached for him.
Lois touched his lips with her own, just a gentle brush of skin against skin. A rush of emotions engulfed her. She shifted so that their chests were pressed together. She could feel the thundering of Clark's heart vibrate through her skin. It was a thrilling sensation.
She closed her eyes, focused now on the feel of him. Lois kissed him more fully. What started out as a sweet expression of comfort quickly transformed into a hot, wet glide. Clark groaned, pulling Lois so that her entire body was flush against him.
Lois' breasts ached, tightening. Her awareness heightened. She felt the strength in him, the tightening of his body. His muscles bunched beneath her exploring hands. Their tongues caressed, mouths consuming. Lois was hot and feverish. Her lungs had gotten smaller; it was an effort to draw breath. No wonder she was getting light-headed. She couldn't get enough oxygen.
It was so good, and oh so right.
His large hands were splayed across her back, moving restlessly down the length of her. Clark was settled intimately against her. He shifted his hips causing a friction that made her heart stutter in her chest. She clutched at his back. Oh Lord.
Clark tensed and grew still. He pulled back. Lois shuddered, breathing heavily, trying to regain control. She met his gaze, wondering if her eyes looked as dark and as glazed.
"And I said that I wasn't going to take advantage of you." She finally managed to whisper.
Clark blinked heavily, as if trying to clear his mind. She could feel the hard lines of his body beneath her. There was a coiled tension there, and she knew that he wanted more. He placed a soft almost chaste kiss on her lips, shifting his body ever so slightly, so that another wave of pleasure washed through her. She groaned.
He smiled, almost apologetically and eased away. "I want you so much that it's difficult to think straight."
"Then why have we stopped? I know it's kind of fast, and yet it's not . . . is it?"
There was a look in his eye that scared her. She grabbed Clark's hand and held it firmly. Lois gave a tight, little laugh. "You know I wouldn't be here with you if I didn't love you."
A flash of something, maybe regret flared in his eyes, and then was gone. His expression became shuttered. Clark sat up, putting more distance between them. This was not the reaction she had anticipated.
She felt her mouth open in surprise. "I thought you wanted this. Us. Is it me . . .?"
"No!" Clark turned back to her and took her face in his and kissed her again. She swayed against him. When he pulled back, his expression was tender, but sad too. "I do want this, so very much. I love you so much that it hurts."
She had a bad feeling about this. "Then what is it, Clark? I don't understand."
"I don't want to hurt you, Lois."
"Is that what you're worried about?" Lois asked. "That I'm not strong enough for you?"
"Lord, no Lois." He looked appalled by this. "I don't think there's any woman stronger. I'm not one of you. Maybe I'm too strong to be with . . . anyone."
Lois understood that he was talking about being intimate with a woman. Her eyebrows drew together in confusion. "We obviously figured out a way before. We have a son to prove it."
He closed his eyes and when he opened them, the pain seemed to become her own. "You don't remember."
"We did make love . . . didn't we?" Lois asked.
"Yes." He smiled sadly. "After I gave up my powers."
This revelation shocked her. "So you're saying" she licked her lips, "that we can't be together unless you don't have your powers?"
"I . . . I don't really know. I'm sorry, Lois." He wouldn't meet her eyes. He was tracing the veins on the back of her hand with a finger, as if the pattern there was the most fascinating thing he had ever seen.
"I don't understand." She closed her fingers over his hand. He raised his eyes to meet her gaze. "You gave up your powers? But you have them now."
"I think its time I told you everything."
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A special thanks goes to Mistressbabett51, and to my beta 4ever1.
Note: I didn't come up with the Superman aura thing. I just adapted it. I've actually read some comics (yes gasp, I'm a geek) where Superman was able to project his aura to protect a spacecraft from some solar event, I don't remember what it was. I thought, boy good thing he could do that. Superman really needs another power. I mean, x-ray, heat, microscopic, and telescopic vision, flight, invulnerability, strength, and super senses makes him sort of lacking right? grin
But then Donner (Wahoogal06 corrected me, it was all Lester's fault!!)had Superman have teleportation (remember the game with Zod in the Fortress?), mind wiping kisses, and weird celophany shield Frisbees in the shape of the Superman logo that he captured Non in its sticky embrace. Superman must have gotten Batman to make these for him, because I doubt Jor-El had them tucked away in the crystals.
Sorry for the rant. Don't know where that came from.
You guys are great. Let me know what you think about this chapter.
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