Chapter 3: Closed Doors

It had been about a week since Chloe's "escape". You're probably wondering if Chloe got her job at the Daily Planet back. Unfortunately, that's a no and not for lack of effort. Apparently, once you're fired from The Daily Planet that's a life sentence.

So it made her just a tad bit jealous when Lois started campaigning for Clark to apply at the paper.

"Clark, you can't just stay on that farm, alone, forever. You have to think about your future. Wouldn't you love to have a desk right next to mine so you could be with me all day long." A big grin was sprawled across Lois' face as she sarcastically spoke with Clark.

"I don't know Lois. I don't think Clark really even likes journalism." Chloe interjected from the kitchen.

"I worked for you didn't I?" Clark acted hurt by Chloe's insinuation. He did in fact have a natural investigative personality. He may have let Chloe do most of the work but in reality he was just as capable.

"Ok Ok Mr. Defensive. I just thought…" Chloe's eyes found Clarks and suggested that he might have other responsibilities. It was true, adding a journalistic career on top of superhero did seem a bit ambitious. But, who cares.

"Come on Clark." Lois shoved him in the shoulder and left her hand resting on it. All day with Lois? All day dealing with this? This unexplainable creature named Lois?

"Alright. I'll do it."

"Lets go. I know you guys are exited about seeing super Clark again. We gotta get going." Oliver Queen said peeking into the leagues hotel room. They had been on assignment in Gotham City and were planning a return visit to Metropolis.

Good ol Metropolis. He knew that in this city a lot of unsettled issues remained. For one Lois. Sure, he'd come back a few months back and they had officially ended things. But his feelings remained. He knew the minute he saw her again those feelings would come flying full force at him and he feared what he'd do.

But business came first and something was brewing in Metropolis. With Lex in a coma he was one less problem to deal with. However, Multimillionaire: Jonathan Reece was making his way into Metropolis upon hearing Luthor was out. Oliver wasn't sure his intentions exactly but he knew one thing for sure. Reece meant trouble.

The phone rang. It was late, maybe around one in the morning. It didn't matter. Clark lay alone in his bed, at the farm. All by himself.

"Hello?" Groggily, he rubbed his eyes open.

"Clark"

"Lana? Is that you?"

"Yeah it is. I just wanted to tell you I'm okay and that I'm happy. I wanted you to know I'm moving on and I'm not coming back. I just had to tell you." He could hear her voice roughly crackling behind suppressed tears. He, himself, could feel his voice loosing strength.

"Yeah?" Was all he could muster out.

"I'm sorry Clark. I don't want this to cripple either of our lives. We both have to move on." He knew that, but up until this very moment he had not accepted it. The way she left, just like that. It hurt him beyond words, but it didn't solve anything. It left things open and left him with hope. Something she had just yanked away from him.

"………" He tried to open his mouth but he couldn't think of anything to say. There was nothing more to say. His silence spoke volumes.

"Bye Clark. I hope you someday find what you deserve."

"Goodbye Lana." Both hung up the phone simultaneously. That was it. It was finally over. After so many years it was over. As it should be, he thought.

The clock tower was just as Oliver had remembered it. Not that it had been long since he'd left but it barely looked abandoned.

"Did you know the annual fall ball is tonight?" Arthur curry asked Oliver.

"Yeah, I went last year with Lois." Unsure how to answer to that, Arthur simply ignored it. "We should go bro. I think we could all use a night of fun." It was true. The four of them: Oliver, Arthur, Bart and Victor had been busy all summer battling evil. They not only needed this fun, they pretty much deserved it.

"Did I just hear fun? Could we possibly be having some of that tonight?" Victor poked into the conversation.

"I don't know guys. I don't know if it's a good idea. We just got here today." That was not the reason Oliver didn't want to go. He knew perfectly well, as did the others, it was because Lois would be there. He was Oliver Queen. He practically had access to everything so of course he'd given the guest list a glance.

"Come on Oliver. There will many sexy ladies there and that can help with your manly troubles." The boys started laughing and egging Oliver to finally agree. Which he did, reluctantly so.

Now why was Lois going to the ball? There's a simple explanation to this. Martha Kent wanted her to. Not only had Lois been her loyal assistant but she was now a dear friend and Martha would not have it any other way. Considering Martha was a big-shot senator now, this ball was highly focused on her. Clark would of course be escorting Ms. Lane to the ball. As a good son would.

Clark arrived at Lois' apartment around 8pm. The ball started at eight but who honestly arrived at these things early. It's all about being fashionably late. At least that's what Lois had told him. Knowing her, she probably wasn't even ready. He tugged on his tie before he knocked on the door. I hate stupid ties. And suits. And dressing up. But she likes it.

Three knocks seemed a little insistent. He decided to wait a minute before ringing the bell. No need. He heard the door unlock and Lois slowly opened the door revealing her beautifully. Clark couldn't tear his eyes away from her. Lois was wearing a dark blue satin dress that ended mid thigh. It hugged every curve and appeared to be painted onto her skin. The low cut in the back revealed her perfectly slim back. To put it lamely, the dress was perfection. And Clark would have to be blind not to notice. So he did.

"Control the drooling Smallville. It's nice isn't it?" Lois said she she twiled herself around to show off her dress. It was indeed "nice" and he was in fact drooling.

"Wow Lois. You look…" this is Lois we're talking to. Compliments are lost on this woman "like you're ready to go." He smiled that million dollar smile and all Lois could do was punch him in the arm.

"Yeah yeah. You look sexy too Clark."

As Lois locked her door she wondered what tonight would hold for her. Little did she know it would be an unforgettable night.

A/N: How was that? As always please Read and Review. :) Thank youuuu.