CHAPTER 17
Clark walks slowly down the middle of the street, his clothes slightly rumpled and his hair tousled. There's a dreamy expression in his eyes and a soft flush to his cheeks as he remembers his and Oliver's lovemaking from the night before. The flush deepens at the memory of their activities that morning.
He can't stop singing to himself, oblivious to his surroundings as he walks up to a aluminum can and idly kicks it a few feet. He walks up to it and kicks it again, continuing to kick it until it rolls under a parked car across the street from the house.
He's unaware of his mother standing at the stove stirring a pot full of oatmeal as he practically glides into the kitchen, his long black coat swirling around his legs. She looks at him curiously as he sits down. He looks as if he was loved all night, smiling inwardly. "What the hell happened to you?" she asks out loud, although she's pretty sure of the answer.
"I don't know where to start," he replies as he sets the program for La Boheme down on the table.
"You got contacts," she remarks, peering at him closely. "Even your hair is different."
"Mom, everything is different," shrugging his shoulders.
"Are you drunk?" she asks when she notices the dreamy expression in his eyes.
He looks up at her. "No. Are you drunk?" he counters back with an arch of his brow.
"No, but I have a hangover," she replies in a weary voice as she pours some coffee into two mugs and hands him one of them.
"So where's Dad?" he asks next as he stirs some sugar into the mug. "I really need to talk to him."
"He went to the bakery," she replies while sitting down.
"Do you know when he'll be back?" he asks as he raises the mug to his lips.
"He shouldn't be that long," she tells him and sets her mug down. "Clark, I know what you want to talk to your father about."
He stares back at her, his mouth slightly open. When he doesn't say anything, she continues to speak. "I saw the Inquisitor this morning."
"Oh," was all he could say.
"You and Oliver Queen make a very handsome couple," she remarks casually as she takes another sip of her coffee.
He turns a slight shade of red as he sets the mug back down. "What about the picture of Dad with-"
"Mona?"
"You know who she is?"
"Yes," Martha replies and proceeds to tell him all about her. "Your father explained the rest of it this morning, but not before I gave him a good slap across the face."
His jaw drops. "You actually slapped Dad?"
"You better believe I did," she replies with a determined lift of her chin.
"Wow," shaking his head in astonishment. "I wish I could have seen that," chuckling lightly.
They sit there in a comfortable silence for a while sipping their coffee before he speaks up again. "Oliver figured out who Mona really was," he admits as he reaches out for her hand. "You must be relieved that he wasn't cheating on you after all."
"I am, but it still doesn't explain why he's been so irritable and moody lately. If I didn't know any better I would say he was in the throes of a mid-life crisis, but he's way past that age," she says with a sigh.
"I don't know either," sighing himself as he idly glances at the wall calendar. He furrows his brows for a moment before walking over to look at it closely. "Mom, when is Dad's birthday?" turning around to face her.
"January sixth," she replies.
"How old is he going to be?" he asks next.
She thinks about it for a moment before answering. "He's going to be seventy."
"And how old was Grandpa Kent when he died?"
"Your Grandfather died when he was…" her voice trailing off as she has a realization. "He was seventy," she replies in a whisper, her hand over her mouth.
"I think that's why Dad has been so moody lately. He's gonna be the same age as his father was when he passed away," he replies in a serious tone as he walks back over to the table and sits down.
"That would also explain why your father has been talking about death a lot," she remarks.
"Yeah," nodding his head before getting up. "I should probably change into some fresh clothes," he adds as he starts to walk away.
"Clark," she calls out to him.
He turns around. "What?"
"Lois showed up last night."
He stares back at her in shock. "WHAT?!"
"You heard me."
"She's supposed to be in Washington," he replies in a worried tone.
"No more she's not," she tells him.
"She's with her sick father in Washington," he insists.
"Her father was transferred to a hospital here in Metropolis. Apparently the stroke wasn't as severe as the doctors predicted. According to Lois, it was a miracle."
"A miracle? There aren't supposed to be miracles anymore."
"She came straight from the airport to talk to you," getting up from her chair. "She said she left you several voice messages on your cell phone," she continues as he's unwinding the scarf from his neck. "You have a love bite on your neck. She's coming back this morning. What's the matter with you? Your life is going down the toilet!" she gestures with her hands. "Cover up that damn thing!"
"With what?" he snaps back.
"I have some concealer you can use," walking over to the desk and looking through her purse. "Here," holding the tube out towards him.
"You can't be serious," staring at her in astonishment. "You expect me to put on make-up?"
"Do you have any better ideas?"
"Fine," snatching it out of her hand and walks over to the closet to pull out some clothes. They stare at each other when the doorbell rings. "Oh, no," Clark mutters. "Answer the door," he tells her as he walks out of the room. "Mother!" He yells out from the other room when it rings again.
She shakes her head as she walks down the hall, not stopping until she's reached the door and peers through the glass pane before opening it. "Hello. Is Clark here?
She's taken aback for a moment at the blonde Adonis standing in front of her. That certainly explains why Clark didn't come home last night, she thinks to herself. Not that I blame him, her eyes briefly sweeping over the man's body before shaking herself out of her thoughts. "Come on in," chuckling under her breath as Oliver steps into the house. "It's not Lois," she calls out as she shuts the front door.
Clark re-enters the kitchen dressed in his sweatpants. "Oliver," a surprised look on his face as he puts a blue long-sleeved v-neck top over his grey t-shirt. "What are you doing here?"
"You forgot this in the limo," walking over to Clark and handing him the duffle bag.
"Thanks," taking it from him, his gaze softening for a moment as he looks into Oliver's eyes. "Lois came back early and wants to talk to me," giving himself a mental shake.
"Good," Oliver replies with a grin. We can get this all out on the table," turning to Martha. "I'm Oliver Queen," extending his hand.
"Nice to meet you," shaking it before pushing back the collar on his shirt. "You have a love bite on your neck," she replies with a straight face. "Just like Clark's," smiling inwardly.
Clark just rolls his eyes as Oliver nervously adjusts his collar. "The stroke Lois' father had wasn't as bad as she thought," Clark says as they all re-enter the kitchen. "Maybe you shouldn't be here when she comes."
"No, I think I'll stay."
"Oliver, please," arguing with him. "I really don't think-"
"Would anybody like some oatmeal?" Martha asks as she shuts off the stovetop.
"Mrs. Kent, I would love some oatmeal," he replies with a grin, ignoring Clark as he sits down.
Clark sits down next to him while Martha scoops some oatmeal into a couple of bowls and sets them down in front of them. "Would you like some honey to put on your oatmeal?" she asks him.
"Yes, I would," Oliver responds politely as she hands him the bottle. "Thank you," taking it from her.
"You should come over one of these days for Mom's pancakes. They're the best you'll ever have," Clark says as he uses the bottle of honey after Oliver is finished with it. "Once in a while she'll put raspberries in them. I love raspberries," smiling back at Oliver as he sets the bottle back down on the table.
Oliver smiles warmly at him as he dips his spoon into the oatmeal and raises it to his lips.
"Mmm," he murmurs as he slips it into his mouth.
"Who wants a jelly donut?" Jonathan announces as he enters the kitchen carrying several bags full of bakery boxes.
Oliver does a spit take, choking slightly while some of the oatmeal he spit out ends up on the tablecloth. "Are you okay, Oliver?" he asks with a look of concern while patting his back a few times.
"I'm fine," he insists, taking a napkin from Martha and wiping his mouth with it. "I'm sorry about your tablecloth," he says as he picks up a second napkin and starts wiping the cloth.
"It's okay," she replies with a warm smile. "The important thing is that you're okay."
"I am," he says as he sets the napkin down and stands up. "We haven't met formally," walking over to Jonathan. "I'm Oliver Queen."
"Jonathan Kent. Clark's father," setting the boxes on the table and eyeing him curiously before they shake hands.
"Oliver's the one you saw me with last night at the opera," Clark tells his father as both of them sit down in their respective chairs.
"Yes, about that…" Jonathan starts to say, but Clark interrupts him.
"I know who Mona is."
"You do?" looking at him before turning to Martha. "You told him?"
"Oliver figured it out," Clark interjects. "Mom just filled in the blanks."
"So you're not still angry at me?" Jonathan asks in a hopeful tone.
"Not anymore," he says while laying his hand briefly on his fathers.
"That's a relief," he replies with a chuckle as Martha puts a bowl of oatmeal in front of him. "Let's eat," he smiles as he picks up his spoon.
Oliver and Clark briefly look at each other and smile as they pick up their spoons. They start to eat when Martha suddenly speaks up. "Clark and I think we've figured out why you've been so moody and talking about death lately."
Everybody stops eating. Clark sets his spoon down, his hand covering his eyes. There's dead silence as Martha's words hang in the air. All of a sudden, Jonathan stands up and smashes his fist on the table, not looking over at any of them before slowly sitting down again.
Clark and Martha exchange glances before she continues on. "You're turning seventy in a couple weeks and since your father died when he was seventy, well…" her voice trailing off.
Jonathan heaves a sigh and leans back against his chair. "A man understands one day that is life is built on nothing," still not looking at her. "And that's a bad, crazy day," shaking his head sadly.
"Jonathan?"
He finally looks up at Martha.
"Your life is not built on nothing," she says in a firm tone. "You're the most respected Governor this state has ever had. You have many wonderful friends and a family who loves you," walking over to him and stooping down in front of him. "So don't you dare tell me that your life is built on nothing," cupping his face with her hands. "Ti amo."
"Ti amo," gazing lovingly into her eyes before lowering his lips to hers.
"Damn it," Oliver mutters as he wipes his eyes on his sleeve.
Clark looks at him curiously. "Are you crying?"
"No," Oliver insists but his glistening eyes betray him.
"If you say so," smiling inwardly before pressing his lips against Oliver's cheek. Just then the doorbell rings. "That has to be Lois," Clark says nervously as he gets up.
"I'll get it," Oliver declares and gets up too.
"I'll get it," Martha says before either one of them could move.
"I should tell her," Oliver says.
"No, Oliver," Clark replies before turning to his father. "What am I gonna tell her?"
"Tell her the truth, Clark. They find out anyway," shrugging his shoulders.
Clark rests his hand on his father's shoulder and lowers his head. "I love you, Dad."
"I love you too, son."
"It's not Lois," Martha says as she comes back into the kitchen followed close behind by Jimmy and Chloe.
"Hi, Clark," they both say at the same time.
"Hi," he replies back while Jimmy pulls out a chair for Chloe to sit down on. "I thought you'd be at the store," he remarks as Jimmy walks over to Martha.
"You forgot to pick up your mothers order yesterday," he replies as he hands her the bag.
"Oh," a sheepish expression on his face.
"We figured you had a lot on your mind. You know, because of the wedding," Chloe remarks.
Martha pours some coffee into a mug and hands it to Jimmy. "Would you like some decaf?" she asks Chloe.
"No thank you, but I will have some cranberry juice if you have any," she responds with a smile. "So what are we doing?"
"We're waiting for Lois," Martha replies as she pours some juice into a glass and hands it to Chloe before sitting back down.
"I see," Chloe nods. "Hi, Oliver. It's been a long time. How have you been?"
"I'm fine, Chloe. How are you?" he asks as he comes over to give her a brief hug.
"Fine, just fine," she replies with a smile.
"You look like you're almost ready to pop," looking down at her belly.
"The doctor says I'm due around New Year's but Mrs. K thinks it might be sooner," she replies with a smile, her hands resting lightly on her stomach. "By the way, this is my husband, Jimmy."
"Very nice to finally meet you," shaking Jimmy's hand.
"So how do you know Clark?" Jimmy asks as he sits down next to his wife.
"We met when Clark came to the bakery the other day to invite me to the wedding because Lois wanted me there," Oliver replies as he sits back down in his chair.
"I thought that there was still bad blood between you two because of the accident," looking at him with curiosity. "I wonder what changed her mind," she remarks out loud.
"I honestly don't know," shrugging his shoulders. "I'm just glad she did," looking over at Clark with a wink and a smile.
"I'm glad too," Clark replies back before the conversation lapses into silence.
Jimmy looks around at everybody as the silence continues. "Somebody please tell a joke," he blurts out, startling everybody. Oliver is the first to laugh, followed by Clark then everybody else.
"So how about these jelly donuts," Jonathan pipes up as he opens one of the boxes. "Oliver, would you like one?"
Oliver looks sideways and gives Clark a suggestive wink before replying. "Not right now, but can you put one aside for me for later?"
"Of course," he answers back. "How about you, Clark? Would you like one?"
"I would love one," says Clark as he takes one out of the box. While the others are making casual chit chat, Clark bites into his donut. "Mmm, raspberry filling. My favorite," he remarks as he takes another bite.
Oliver can't help staring at the spot of jelly on Clark's lower lip. "You…uh…missed a spot," pointing to Clark's lower lip.
"Thanks," Clark says as he swipes his tongue across his lip. "All gone?" he asks with a smile.
"Yeah," gulping thickly as Clark squeezes the donut until some of the jelly oozes out and he uses his tongue to lap it off.
"Clark, I need to have a word with you," abruptly pushing his chair back and standing up. "Out there," cocking his head in the direction of the living room.
"Alright," he says as he follows Oliver out of the kitchen.
Jimmy turns to Chloe. "What do you think that was all about?" he asks.
"I have no idea," shaking her head as she pulls out a jelly donut from the box.
"So what's up?" Clark asks as they enter the living room while still munching on his donut.
"Will you please stop eating that?" Oliver says with a trace of annoyance in his voice as he grabs the donut out of Clark's hands and sets it down on the side table.
"Will you tell me what the hell is going on?" Clark asks him with exasperation.
Instead of answering, Oliver promptly pushes Clark up against the staircase railing and plants a passionate kiss on his lips. "You were driving me crazy with how you were eating that jelly donut," he murmurs between kisses.
Clark tears his lips away for a moment. "I don't understand."
"Before you woke up this morning, you were talking in your sleep about how much you would love to lick jelly off me," Oliver blurts out.
His eyes widen at Oliver's admission. "I talk in my sleep?"
Oliver stares at him incredulously. "That's what you took from that? You said that you wanted to lick jelly off me."
"Hmm," Clark pretending to think about it. "Licking raspberry jelly off your hot body," looking Oliver up and down with lust in his eyes. "I love the sound of that," he says in a voice one octave deeper than his usual tone as his hand gently palms Oliver's groin.
Oliver's eyes flash for a moment before he suddenly spins Clark around so that he was facing the railing. "You are a very bad boy and must be punished," he mutters in his ear as he grips both of Clark's wrists with one hand and raises his arms, holding them securely above his head.
"What do you think you're doing?" Clark asks as Oliver presses his front against Clark's backside and begins to rub it up and down. "We have company in the other room," he whispers in a nervous tone.
"That is such a turn-on," Oliver whispers in his ear. Clark moans softly as Oliver's free hand begins to stroke his length through the fabric of his sweatpants.
"Ahh," Clark gasps out.
"Shh," Oliver gently chides him. "Do you want them hearing you?"
"Ollie."
"What?" Oliver asks as his fingers squeeze harder.
"Are you gonna…"
"No, I'm not gonna f*ck you if that's what you're asking, but I will make you cum," Oliver replies huskily as he increases the pressure on Clark's backside. "I will f*ck you later though," squeezing Clark's length even harder. When Clark gasps out again, Oliver grabs the jelly donut.
"Shut up," shoving the donut into his mouth.
Clark throws back his head, his back stiffening. Oliver removes his hands and takes a few steps backwards and watches as Clark comes hard, his body shuddering as his fingers let go of the railing and he slides down to the floor on his hands and knees.
Oliver stoops down behind him and lowers his lips to Clark's ear. "I think you need to change your pants," eyeing the dampness of the front of Clark's sweatpants before standing up. "I'll tell them that you got some jelly on your pants and had to go upstairs to change," giving him a soft kiss behind his ear before heading in the direction of the kitchen.
Clark stands up and leans back against the railing. Wow, was his first thought as he pulls the donut out of his mouth, his breathing slowly returning to normal. His second thought as he climbed the stairs and walked to his closet was how he was going to get back at Oliver.
"Where's Clark? Is everything alright?" Martha asks as Oliver re-enters the kitchen.
"Everything is fine," he answers back as he sits back down. "He got some jelly on his pants so he went upstairs to change them."
Martha turns to Jonathan. "You did get some maple donuts for Lois, didn't you?" arching a brow at him.
"Of course I did," rolling his eyes as he takes out another box from one of the bags. "Here's a dozen of them," setting it down on the table. "Are you happy now?"
"Very," grinning back at him.
He rolls his eyes again but can't help laughing a little. "What's so funny?" Clark asks as he comes into the kitchen.
"Not important," says Jonathan as Clark sits down next to Oliver. "So tell me," turning to Clark. "What did you think of the opera?"
"I loved it," he replies, his hand slipping beneath the tablecloth.
"What was your favorite part?" Martha asks him next.
Oliver stifles a gasp when he feels Clark's hand slip inside the front of his pants. "Are you okay, Oliver? You look a little flushed," Clark asks with a straight face.
"Uh…yeah…" he mutters as he tries to keep his voice level while Clark's fingers are firmly stroking his length at a brisk pace. "Just…fine," looking over at Clark with narrowed eyes.
"I'm happy to hear that," Clark replies with a wicked grin. The conversation stills when the doorbell rings. His hand lets go and he stares anxiously at the front door.
"I'll get it," Jimmy says as he gets up from his chair and walks towards the front door. They all continue to sit there in silence as they hear the door open and the sound of voices. Jimmy comes back into the kitchen. "Lois," he says in a low voice as he sits back down on his chair.
Everybody watches with curiosity as Lois approaches the kitchen and stops in the doorway of the kitchen, a little surprised at first by how many people were sitting at the table. "Clark?"
"Hi, Lois," Clark says in a nervous tone as he stands up. "How's your father?" he asks as he walks a little closer to her.
"The doctors say he's going to be okay. He'll require a lot of physical therapy though," she replies, sounding a little nervous herself as she takes a few steps towards him. "So you came," turning in Oliver's direction.
"I did," he replies as he rises to his feet. "You were right. Five years is too long to have bad blood between us."
"Are you sure you didn't come to that realization because of Clark?"
Both Clark and Oliver stare at her for a moment before Clark answers her question. "You saw the picture in the paper this morning, didn't you?"
"Yes, I did," nodding her head. "I was very upset at first because you didn't tell me yourself, but then it was pointed out to me that you probably wanted to tell me in person instead of on the phone."
"What picture?" both Chloe and Jimmy ask at the same time.
"We'll tell you later," Clark replies without looking at them as he walks over to Lois. "In answer to your question, yes, I did want to tell you in person. "I'm so sorry that you found out the way you did," a sorrowful look on his face. "Can you ever forgive me?"
"You think that sad puppy dog look is gonna sway me?" she rolls her eyes at him before reaching out to punch his shoulder.
"Have you been working out?" a frown appearing on his face as he rubs his shoulder where she punched him.
"I've always been strong," she smirks before her expression turns serious. "So…uh…my father is not the only reason why I came back early," the nervous tone returning to her voice. "There's something I need to tell you. Can we talk alone?"
Clark shakes his head. "I need my family around me now."
"I understand," nodding her head.
She hesitates a long moment before answering. "I'm so sorry, Clark, but I can't marry you after all." He doesn't say anything for a moment. "Clark? Did you hear what I said?" looking at him with a confused expression on her face.
"I heard you," finally speaking up. "So even before you saw the picture in the paper, you decided to break off the engagement. The engagement that was your idea to begin with," his voice starting to rise.
"Clark, what are you talking about?" Oliver interrupts.
"I'm talking about a promise," briefly turning to him before turning back to look at Lois. "She proposed!" pointing a finger at her.
"Don't you point your finger at me, Clark Joseph Kent!" she snaps back. "Will you at least let me finish?"
"This oughta be good," he mumbles under his breath.
Her eyes narrow for a moment, then she takes a deep calming breath and exhales. "I'm getting married."
He stares at her in shock. "You're…what?!"
"I'm getting married," she repeats.
"Who are you marrying?" asks Oliver.
"My ex-boyfriend," she replies.
"When did this happen?" Oliver asks while Clark continues to stand there in stunned silence.
"While I was in Washington," she replies. "He showed up while I was waiting to see my father. He told me that he still loved me and missed me and that us breaking up was a huge mistake. That's when I realized that I was still in love with him, so when he proposed-"
"You had to say yes," Clark speaks up at last.
"Yes," she says softly as she takes his hands in hers. "I didn't plan for it to happen but it just…happened," her eyes glistening a little. "So I'm hoping that you'll forgive me instead of the other way around."
"How about we forgive each other?" his eyes twinkling as he says it.
"Deal," smiling back as they embrace each other. They eventually pull apart and she happens to glance down at the ring on her finger. She slips it off her finger and holds it up between them. "Thank you for giving it to me," she says with emotion in her voice.
"Thank you for accepting it," also sounding emotional as he takes it from her.
"I really meant everything I said that night," she adds as he pockets the ring.
"So did I," he replies as his hand reaches out to touch her cheek.
"We would have made beautiful babies you know."
"We sure would have," chuckling a little before turning serious. "You're gonna make beautiful babies with him too."
"That goes without saying," she snorts as she lightly punches his shoulder and turns in the direction of the table. "Are my eyes deceiving me or is that a box of maple donuts?" arching a brow.
"Help yourself," Martha says with a smile as she lifts the lid.
"Thanks," grinning as Lois grabs a donut and starts munching on it while Clark walks back over to the table and stands next to Oliver.
"Clark, will you marry me?"
Lois nearly chokes on her donut while everybody's jaws drop, but not as low as Clark's.
"What did you just say?" staring up at Oliver with slowly widening eyes.
"Will you marry me?" Oliver repeats
Clark doesn't know what to say at first. "Where's the ring?" he finally says while arching a brow.
"You can borrow mine."
Everybody's head turns towards the hallway. "I believe this should do it," the tall, dark-headed man says as he enters the kitchen. "I will need it back, but there's no rush," he adds in a slightly teasing tone as he holds out a signet ring towards Oliver.
"Thanks," slowly reaching out and taking it.
"I thought you were gonna wait in the limo?" Lois asks him.
"It's not just a woman's prerogative to change their minds," he replies with a smile. "So is everything okay?" he asks as he wraps his arm around her shoulders.
"Fine, but we'll talk about that later," giving him a kiss on the cheek. "Right now there's a proposal going on that you just interrupted."
"I'm sorry about that," turning to look over at Clark and Oliver. "Will you accept my apology?"
"Of course," Oliver nods before turning to face Clark again, but not before he shows everybody the ring. "Clark Joseph Kent, will you marry me?" holding out the ring.
A smile slowly appears on Clark's face. "Yes, Ollie. In front of all these people I'll marry you."
"Do you love him, Clark?" asks Martha.
"Ma, I love him awful," still gazing into Oliver's eyes.
"Oh dear that's too bad," shaking her head with a sigh.
"He loves me," Oliver says softly as he slips the ring on Clark's finger before kissing him and pulling him into his arms for a warm embrace.
Jimmy pulls out a handkerchief and starts to cry. "Honey, are you okay?" Chloe asks him while resting her hand on his shoulder.
"I'm confused," he whispers between sobs.
"You wanna know something? So am I," taking the handkerchief from him and dabbing her own eyes.
"I think that champagne is in order," Jonathan declares and promptly walks over to the refrigerator while everybody is congratulating the two couples.
Clark and Oliver continue to gaze into each other's eyes and hold hands while Martha gives Chloe a champagne glass filled with sparkling apple cider. Jonathan drops a cube of sugar into the last filled champagne glass.
"Everybody take a glass," he says as he takes one and lifts it up. They all pick up a glass and hold them up, waiting for Jonathan to make his toast.
"To Clark and Oliver and Lois and Bruce," turning to the happy couples and smiling at them. "May you both be as happy in your marriages as I am in mine," looking at Martha with a smile and mouthing Ti amo before turning back to face everyone else. "A la familia," taking a sip.
"A la Famila!" everybody declares as they all clink their glasses together before drinking the champagne…