Chapter 11 – The End

Chapter 11 – The End.

Once again, Lois found herself alone, sitting near her son's bed. And again all she could do was hold his hand.

She had refused to go to the hospital, she wouldn't leave her son alone. Stew had to take care of the wound on her head, but her shoulder needed to be immobilized. It still hurt a lot, but it was the last thing on Lois' mind.

The doctors prepared the medical research lab for Jerome. It wasn't very modern or up to date but they were able to find everything they needed in order to take care of the child. The direct exposure to full strength Kryptonite had caused a serious relapse in Jerome's condition. Since his body had been weakened by the repeated exposure to the diluted Kryptonite he had been given all those months the exposure in Lex's office had damaged him to such an extent that the vaccine he had been given was the only thing that had prevented his death. Despite the deficiencies of the current treatment options there were many reasons not to take the boy to the hospital. Lois was resolutely against it when the police suggested moving him there. Lex was still at large and they hadn't a clue where he was. Nor any of his men. And moreover Inspector Henderson agreed that they would be safer if Superman would guard the little boy.

Henderson asked her a lot of questions as the doctors helped her into a clean shirt, an old one of Stew's. Lois felt uncomfortable wearing it, it felt strange. She remembered Clark had given her one of his shirts years before. It hadn't felt the same as this. She remembered that it fit on her body like a strong hug, giving her the feeling of being embraced. This time it just felt too big for her and only made her feel ridiculous.

The police asked her several times if she wanted to press charges against Stew and the hospital, but she refused categorically. She said she would never testify against the doctor. She wouldn't let Jerome either.

And the doctor couldn't tell Lois how grateful he was when he found out Lois refused to testify against Lex if both doctors didn't get the immunity. Dr. Klein and he had saved her son's life, probably Jerome would have died a long time ago if he had had different doctors.

Lois explained to Henderson that even if she was enraged by all that had happened, that she could still understand all too well Stewart's fears for his daughter's life. She knew she couldn't blame him. She was more angry at herself for being blind to Lex's true nature all these years.

But now her rage was gone. Now she was only afraid. Her life had changed dramatically in the past few days and she felt more afraid now than she had in all of the past days when she'd been ready to accept her son's death. It had broken her heart but she had known that illness and death had existed since the beginning of the world. But now it was different. She knew that her son could be dying because of her choices. She now knew that Lex had actually wanted Jerome dead. But still she saw hope. Hope of a life with Clark, all of them together, as a family. A real family, as the Kents had always been. Something completely different from what she'd been used to. Her own family barely knew her. Her entire family for the past eight years had been Jerome.

"Please, Jerome, please come back to me," she whispered. She'd been maintaining her vigil for over five hours now, the doctors had left her alone, perhaps guessing that she needed this time alone with her son. They came every half hour to check on Jerome's condition and always the answer was 'no improvement'.

Her eyes caught a movement behind her. A hand rested on her shoulder.

She tilted her head to caress the hand with her cheek.

"Hi," Clark whispered.

"Any news?" was all she was able to say.

"I'm sorry, no, I wasn't able to find him. I'm so sorry," he whispered again, but this time his voice trembled.

"Clark, it's not your fault..." she turned toward him in order that he could see her gaze.

"I know, but... I should have been able to stop him escaping. He's insane! I - "

Lois kissed his hand. "Stop that, Clark. It's not your fault. We'll think about him later, but," she whispered. "I need you. We need you."

"Lois... I need you too..."

Lois was silent for some seconds then she took a deep breath before beginning again. She lowered her gaze towards the floor. "In the last few months I've realized how wonderful you are. No, that's not entirely true. I always knew you were a wonderful person but you cared about me and about Jerome, even when you didn't know he was your son and...even though I behaved like a bitch to you - "

Clark made her stand up.

"Hey, lady, that's the woman I love you're talking about."

Lois released her son's hand in order to embrace Clark with the only arm she had available.

"Oh Clark..." He kissed her lightly on her lips, then his kisses wiped her tears.

"Lois, I don't want you to cry anymore... Believe me, I'll do all I can to avoid making you cry again..."

"To have you here again is the only thing I need."

"To have you here again is the only thing I've ever wanted."

"How did I survive all this time without you?"

"How could I?" She buried her face against his shoulder, holding him tightly. They stayed that way, silent and motionless, for a long time.

"Clark..." She whispered against his neck, "I want the Planet again..." She felt him smile, against her lips when he kissed her.

"I want that too... We'll have to fight to bring it back again, but I know that together we can do it."

ooOOoo

With the speculation about Luthor running rampant it didn't take the press long to find out that Lois and Jerome were at Star Labs. Due to the lax security at the facility word had gotten out soon after they had arrived which set off a media frenzy, every reporter wanting to be the first to question Lois on the details of the situation. Lois was becoming restless just sitting around Star Labs but due to his weakened condition Dr. Klein recommended against moving him for a couple of days at least. While it might not have all the comforts of home Star Labs did afford them some privacy as well as allowing the doctors to continue to monitor Jerome.

Three days after he regained consciousness Dr. Klein and Dr. Lewis pronounced Jerome fit enough for travel. He was still quite weak but he was no longer in imminent danger. It was a good thing too as Dr. Klein had been requested by Star Labs management to see that they left the facility as soon as possible. Upon hearing this Lois was ecstatic, but also she was apprehensive about having to run the gauntlet of reporters who were still crowded outside the doors.

It was more than a whole day later before Jerome recovered enough to wake up. He was still weak, but both of his doctors agreed that in time he would be just fine. The newspapers and television news channels seemed abuzz with rumours. Everyone was talking about Lex, Lois and Jerome. Everybody wondered how and why the most powerful man in the world would try to kill his own son. Everyone had their own theory it seemed. Star Labs was besieged by reporters. Never in all her life had Lois seen so many reporters in the same place. The police had even had to send a couple of men to calm down the situation.

"Lois, it looks like it's time for you and Jerome to leave. But I'll be close by, I won't let anyone bother you."

Lois looked up at him and leaned her head on his chest. Then she raised her gaze. Her hand traced the S on his suit.

"I don't want Superman with me," she said firmly. Clark tensed, but she added, almost immediately, "I want Clark. Clark is the one I want to spend my life with. Clark is the one I want to work with. Clark is the one I'm in love with. I want Clark. Can you understand that? I know, it's crazy, but - "

Clark held her tightly. "Lois, this is what I've always dreamed about. You and me, as Clark, not Superman. Not the superpowers...no suit..."

Lois looked up at Clark with a mischievous sparkle in her eyes. "No suit? I think I like that idea..."

"I didn't mean... no... well ... "

"You don't want to?"

"No... I mean... Yes... I mean..."

"I love you when you are embarrassed," she said, giving him a quick kiss on his lips.

"I like being embarrassed by you."

"So?"

"So what?"

"What do you think? About having Clark with me."

"I'll get you and Jerome out of here."

"You think we can hide who Jerome's true father is?"

"I don't want to hide. If you agree, I want to be his father. As Clark."

"I couldn't have hoped for better." Clark held her hand. She smiled but it was slightly sad.

"Hey... what else is wrong with you?"

"Sorry. Just thinking."

"About what?"

"I don't want Jerome to go home... I mean not to that house! It would be too painful."

"I can understand that... "

"Lex owns most of the city. I don't want to stay somewhere that's his. It's stupid, but - "

"It's not stupid. I don't have a place here anymore. I could ask some friends - "

"It's not a problem, Clark. I was with him for so long, it's not - "

"Smallville!"

"What?"

"Well, not forever, just for a while - just until Lex is safely in prison. You can come with me. My parents will be so happy to find out they're grandparents!"

"If I was them, I'd hate me..."

Clark kissed her head, holding her again. "Lois, stop it. Stop blaming yourself!" She simply nodded. "Lois, you know my parents. They'll love Jerome!" She smiled sadly. "They'll love having you home again."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah, I know they will. Mom was worried about you when I told her about Jerome."

"She didn't think I deserved all I got?" she said, unable to find the courage to look into his eyes.

"Are you joking? Lois, no one deserves what you've been through." She smiled at him sadly, so he added, "But in Smallville, we don't have that big a house remember." She nodded without understanding why he'd brought it up, then she noticed the sparkle in his eyes and she understood. "So we'll have to share...a room..."

"You mean the bed. Don't you?"

"I guess that too..." he said with the most naive voice he was able.

"Well, I've discovered you don't snore, so that's okay."

"And if I did snore?"

"Mmmm I guess I'd have to give you a reason to stay awake..."

He looked at her with an amused gaze. "You know, I snore a lot. Really a lot."

She kissed him, laughing loudly before leaving the room. "Jerome is waiting for us. We have to go."

ooOOoo

Lois helped Jerome to dress, although he wasn't happy to need the help. He wanted to do it alone, as he used to do, since he was very young, but he was still too weak. But Jerome insisted on walking alone, without help.

"Stubborn as his mother," was Clark's comment, but he agreed.

Jerome was able to walk alone, although not without visible effort. He left Star Labs, walking slowly and holding onto Clark's hand, almost hiding his face against his father's side. He wasn't ready for the reporters clustered around the exit.

There were reporters from all parts of the world. Luthor was still wanted and the scared gaze of one little boy was the big news story of the day for most of them.

Clark held tighter to the small hand clutched in his, winking at Jerome.

The little boy wondered how this man was able to erase all his fears with only a look, or a smile. He thought that this was what made his mom fall in love with Superman. He could feel the love Clark had for him and he was sure Clark loved his mom the same way as well.

Clark's other arm was around Lois' waist. She hated the reporters being there. There were also some of her former colleagues from LNN. Didn't they have any respect? Where was the real journalism here? They had never acted this way when they worked together. They had loved their work so much. She remembered how Clark had reacted on their very first assignment, when poor Dr. Platt had been killed. How angry he had been at the policeman who'd made a callous joke. Strange, she didn't remember the joke or even Clark's words, but in her memory she could still clearly see his face, hear the pain in his voice. Wonderful Clark, always so sensitive. Lois cuddled up against Clark's side.

He kissed her forehead, hardly caring about the reporter's questions and comments. It was all so ridiculous. Then he heard a voice in the crowd. One he would never have been able to hear without his superpowers. 'Didn't take her long to find another father for this bastard, did it?" Clark wondered if information of Jerome's differences might not have gotten out. Now was not the time to worry about that however, but he would have to be ready to deflect suspicion from Jerome just in case. Not for the first time in his life, Clark struggled to control his rage against someone. He wanted to yell at them all, 'He's my son! He's the son I always hoped to have! He's mine and Lois'!"

Lois felt his tension and looked at him, but Clark shook his head. In the same moment, he felt Jerome stagger, his grip loosening. He glanced at him quickly.

Jerome had his eyes closed. He was very pale, he was trembling, and he was trying not to cry.

Clark realized that he had overheard that horrible comment too. With a quick movement he released his hold on Lois and took Jerome in his arms, holding him tightly.

The flash of cameras lit the area around them. The sound of clicking cameras blended into one continuous click, as the assembled photographers each tried to capture the moment.

Lois' worried gaze hadn't moved from the two people she loved most in the world. She was able to listen to Clark's words to their son as she stared at the boy's body, shaking with sobs.

"I'm here, we're here, don't worry about them, just listen to my voice. Don't worry about them...Lois and I will have you clear in a few seconds, I promise. Don't cry, Jerome."

Just when they had almost reached Lois' car, they realized that it was completely encircled by reporters. Again they reflected on their time at the Daily Planet, where journalism was so different. Then a new sound drowned out all the rest. It came from another car some feet further away. Clark raised his eyes, then he was somehow able to take Lois' hand.

"Run!" he said and just as she nodded, started to move toward the car. The doors were already open. As soon as they got into the car it sped off, without giving the reporters time enough to react.

"Hey, Big Brother, it's good to see you again." The woman driving the car smiled at him in the rearview mirror.

"I was never so happy to see you, Meg...and thanks."

Lois was staring at the way Clark was smiling at this stranger.

"I'm sorry, I'm Megan O'Donnell, pleased to meet you." She stretched her hand towards Lois without taking her eyes from the road. Lois found herself smiling too.

"How's the kid, Meg?" Clark's voice broke the embarrassed silence in the car.

"She's fine. No, she's wonderful. But she's Michael's daughter, she couldn't be anything different." She laughed loudly. "Don't tell Clark..."

"Well, I don't want you to get too full of yourself you know. If you start playing matchmaker all the time when will you find time to keep up your writing! By the way, now that we're on the road where would you like me to take you."

ooOOoo

Lois opened her eyes, dazzled by the light that was filtrating from the blinder. She wondered where she was. The sheets smelled so good. This fragrance reminded her of something. She was still asleep but she loved this smell. Clark sometimes smelled like this. Slowly she woke up. Now she new where she was, her eyes became used at the light. She remembered this room, she remembered another night there, and a morning.

She smiled.

Clark had held her the whole night, here in this room, so long ago. It had been the night after Trask had tried to kill him. For the first time she had realized Clark really could have died that day. Trask had had kryptonite.

They had held each other through that long night. They spoke a little, they slept for several hours. Now, almost ten years later she remembered. That night she had dreamed she knew how to fly.

Again a smile appeared on her face. It hadn't been a dream. No doubt she really had floated that night, held tight in Clark's arms. She'd only made the connection now. Memory was strange sometimes.

Lois heard Jerome shout with joy. She slowly stood up and looked out of the window. It was a warm day. The sky was cloudless and there was a warm breeze. It seemed more like a morning in late spring than late autumn.

She went down the stairs of the silent house. There was no one in. She realized she'd slept late. That was probably why she felt so relaxed, so alive.

Lois shuddered when her bare foot touched the porch floor, but she didn't want to retreat back into the house. Not yet.

Just in front of her eyes was the best sight she had ever seen. Clark and Jerome were running along the yard, trying to make a kite fly. Jonathan was clapping and Martha was holding onto her husband, laughing.

Lois leaned against the wood of the porch, then she smiled at Clark when their eyes met. Just a second later a warm blanket wrapped around her shoulder.

"Good Morning."

"Mmmmmmm. 'morning to you too," she whispered, still feeling the warmth of his lips on hers.

"Did you sleep well?"

"Wonderfully..."

"I'm glad about that."

Lois kissed him again. She wasn't able to resist his smile, she knew that, and he seemed to know that too.

"I can't believe it, Clark..." She nuzzled up against the man she loved, kissing his neck.

He looked at her reluctantly, wondering why she had stopped kissing him.

"That we are together... Together again..."

"Not again, honey... just forever."

THE END!!