HOLDING OUT pt13

Pairings - Not sure yet, Clark and Chloe most likely
Spoilers - It would help if you've ever Watched Smallville
Disclaimer - As much as I'd like to, I own nothing and will in no way make profit from this piece of fiction from the depths of my imagination.

NOTE – Ahhhh … Feeling a bit more alive. Was back at the gym yesterday. Got to hit me up some weights and the cardiovascular trainings. Feeling a bit more like myself. If anyone wants to see proof of any and all plays that I might or might not have done lately, I highly recommend you check out the links provided thusly.

nearing the end of this tale folks. I intend to do more writing in the near future. And odds are good that I'll continue to look for feedback from you all. But after this, I will definitely be taking a break from SV FanFics writing.

Unless I get a REALLY cool idea.

AK

Somewhere after midnight
In my wildest fantasy
Somewhere just beyond my reach
There's someone reaching back for me
Racing on the thunder end rising with the heat
It's gonna take a superman to sweep me off my feet

Holding Out for a Hero – Bonnie Tyler

September 24, 2013

The Daily Planet

Chloe leaned back in her chair and smiled. With a satisfied flick of her wrists, the front page of the morning edition snapped to attention in front of her. Grabbing her coffee mug with her free hand, she perused her handiwork.

INTERGANG KNOCKED OUT

City's Corruption Cut Off At Source

By Lois Lane

After a whirlwind series of events one thing is now abundantly clear. The criminal organization known across Metropolis as InterGang is nearly out of business.

"On September 17'th in the early hours of the morning, there was an incident involving several civilians and members of the criminal organization known as InterGang," commented Inspector Michael Richmond, head of the newly formed Organized Crime Unit. "While full details cannot be disclosed to the public at this time, we can comment that several key members of the organization were taken into custody for questioning. Charges have been laid at this time, ranging from petty larceny to murder in the second degree."

Kayla Orton, aka "Knockout" was implicated in the charges laid as being one of the ringleaders of InterGang's internal workings. Currently she's being held in custody at a maximum security penitentiary in Star City, Arkansas. When asked for the re-location, police officials only commented that her confinement required "extreme measures to protect our citizens and witnessed."

Included in the arrests were several men allegedly involved in the shooting deaths of William Eadie and associates. Eadie was a contracted employee of former Senator Martha Kent who looked after the farm land and crops for her.

"I am very saddened by the death of Bill and his brother," Senator Kent said in a statement released to the media early yesterday. "Bill was a very pleasant gentleman and his work was greatly appreciated. I knew Bill and his family well and am devastated by their loss."

Senator Kent declined to comment at this time as to her connection with InterGang.

Daily Planet reporter Chloe Sullivan has returned to work, as evidenced by the accompanying article seen below. Police officials credit her determination and dedication to the citizens of Metropolis for bringing this issue to light. She is scheduled to receive the Key to the City after the by-election to determine our new mayor is completed.

Local entrepreneur Lex Luthor. CEO of Luthorcorp Inc. added to the praise by ….

Chloe quickly let her eyes gloss over the rest of her cousin's article. One day she's going to learn to proof her own work.

UNITED NATIONS FORMS SPECIAL UNIT

Anti-Terrorist Unit to Promote Global Peace and Security

By Chloe Sullivan

United Nations Speaker Ingmar Bergman released a bombshell on the world of terror yesterday. He announced the formation of a league, sponsored by the U.N. whose sole purpose was to travel the globe and root out terror cells, illegal sweatshops and other criminal organizations.

"It is with great pride that the United Nations throws their support and encouragement behind this league of gentlemen," Bergman said at the press conference. "In the recent past these individuals have proven themselves to by putting peace, freedom and justice first in this world for the benefit of us all."

While the members of this special unit are not being released to the press at this time, several of their recent adventures and endeavors have been made aware to the public. Most recently in Korea, their investigations and efforts brought to light a lab that was illegally conducting genetic experiments on human subjects.

The company, FutureTech was a subsidiary of Luthorcorp Inc until 2011 when they splintered off into their own organization. Representatives from Luthorcorp have yet to comment on this recent development.

Putting down the paper, Chloe took a long sip of Seattle's Best and smiled.

"Hey, Bright Eyes."

Turning her head slightly, Chloe saw Jimmy coming up the aisle towards her desk. His normally wide smile in place. As she stood up to greet him, her smile slipped slightly as she noticed the sling his arm hung in and the slight limp in his walk.

"When did they let you out?" Very carefully, she reached her arms around his neck, giving the gentlest of hugs.

His good hand pressed tightly against her back. "Last night. The docs said I stabilized a few days ago. But I figure I could've been back on the ball court by now."

Chloe leaned back from the hug, giving him a sardonic smile. "I'm sure you would've looked great, passing out under the rim from exhaustion."

His face pinched up slightly with a faux-hurt expression, before relaxing into a grin they both shared.

"What can I say? Usually when I'm biting the bullet for you it's with the Chief."

Ouch.

"Oh God, Chloe. I'm sorry. That was supposed to be funny."

"Apparently you've been watching those Rob Schneider tapes again, because your delivery sucked."

"Jeez, Chloe. I didn't mean …"

She shook her head. "It's okay. You have nothing to be sorry for. It was my big article that got you shot." She stroked his good arm gently. "I'm just glad you're okay."

"Me too."

Jimmy gave her a funny look then, his lips parted slightly in concentration.

Please don't ask me to dinner! I couldn't say no if you did. Neither of us need a "guilt date" right now. Please-please-please-please-please…

"How do you like them apples, cuz'? Front. Page. Story!"

Turning away from Jimmy's suddenly disgruntled expression, Chloe smiled over at her cousin. "In case you didn't notice, I too am on the front page?"

With a trademarked smirk, Lois cocked her mini-skirt clad hip to the side slightly and folded her arms just beneath her barely concealed cleavage. "Yes, but my story got top billing."

"How do you spell 'Metropolis' again, Lo'? Was it with three o's or four?"

Lois scowled prettily, cocking one eyebrow determinedly.

"I think they're using one of my stock photos there."

"Shut up, Jimmy."

Chloe laughed in spite of everything, reaching for her coffee cup once again.

Coming around the desk to perch on the edge, Lois leaned in towards her cousin. Her perfume stinging Chloe's eyes slightly. "Have you heard from Mrs. Kent at all?"

Blinking her eyes rapidly and leaning away, Chloe brought her cup up to hide the twisted formation of disgust on her lips. Ugh! What's unwashed Frenchman sold her that? "Uhm … Not for a few days. She said she was going to be out of the country for a while, until the damages to the farm are fixed."

Lois shook her head angrily. "I wish I could've been there, cuz'. Mrs. Kent means so much to me. I so would've opened a major league can of whoop ass on those clowns."

"And would likely have been shot dead too. Come on Lois, you're not invulnerable you know."

"Says you. Jimmy's still scared of me."

"I'm only afraid that you'll ask me out."

"In your dreams, half-pint. Yuck." Lois' face twisted comically in disgust until Jimmy finally turned away. Then he stopped, turning back to face her.

Chloe's eyes widened in alarm.

"You know, Chloe. Maybe, if you're not busy later that is …. Maybe we can … I don't know …"

Help!

"Who. Is. That?"

Saved by Lois' lust-filled exclamation, Chloe turned towards Perry's office.

Standing at the door way Perry was shaking the hand of a very tall, dark haired man. The man was impeccably dressed in a sleek, dark navy suit. The coat was folded carefully over one arm, and his neatly pressed white shirt seemed to gleam under the halogen light bulbs. As they stared, they watched the big man and Perry share a quiet joke before finally going their separate ways. As Perry closed the door to his office, The man bent down awkwardly to pick up a briefcase from the floor. With a well-practiced gesture, her adjusted the spectacles on his face and scanned the newsroom.

I don't believe it.

Jimmy broke the silence. "I think that's the new arts and entertainment reporter I've been hearing about. He's supposed to be handling the theatre reviews until …"

"I meant, who is that hunk of manly man and where has he been all my life." Is she drooling? Lois abruptly stood up from Chloe's desk, straightening his skirt and smoothing non-existent wrinkles from the front of her blouse. She turned to her cousin absently, never really taking her eyes off the man in question. "How do I look?"

"Show more cleavage. That won't look desperate at all."

"Great. Fine. Be right back."

Lois stalked away like a high-heeled leopard on the prowl for the nearest wildebeest. Chloe shook her head softly, a small smile spreading across her face.

Jimmy leaned in slightly. "Doesn't he kinda look like …"

Chloe nodded absently. "Yes, he does."

Seeing Lois stalk towards him, the man moved forward as well carrying his oversized briefcase with the same hand that held his suit jacket. As he came forward he straightened his tie carefully, a slow grin forming at the corners of his mouth.

Planting herself directly in front of his imposing frame, Lois struck a very suggestive pose. One hip planted sideways, her torso thrust out intimidatingly and both hands on her hips – the fingers splayed forward. Tossing her head back gently, her long brown hair settled over one shoulder.

The man stopped up short, somewhat surprised.

"Hi." My God, Lois. How many bad romantic comedies have you been watching lately? Her voice dripped seduction like molasses on a hot day. "Lois Lane. Staff reporter. And you are?"

Chloe covered her mouth with one hand. Do. Not. Laugh.

The man reached up and tipped his glasses down until they rested on the tip of his nose. Running his blue-green gaze over her body, his lips twitched slightly in distaste. "Kind of repulsed, actually."

Lois' whole body froze in barely concealed astonishment.

The man continued. "I mean really, Lois. I can't believe the General knows his daughter goes out in public dressed like a cocktail waitress."

Lois' eyes widened, finally realizing the truth.

"Smallville?"

Pushing the glasses back into place, he grinned the famous Kent smile and quirked an eyebrow in acknowledgement. Then stepping smoothly around her quivering-with-embarrassment-form, he continued his trek towards Chloe's desk.

Chloe admired the view, her lips unconsciously quirking up in a grin. "I hate to agree with Lois, but the whole suit and tie is definitely a good look for you Clark."

"I didn't know it was you!"

"Please, Lois," he called back over his shoulder. "I'm already going to need a shower after the mental undressing you gave me. Let's not make this any worse."

Lois' face began to turn purple. Her hands twisting viciously, as if around a neck.

Jimmy limped forward, extending his good hand. His face full of a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "What's happening, C.K.? I didn't know you were back."

Clark shook his hand carefully. "Just got back a few days ago, Jimmy. I heard about what happened. I'm glad that you're going to be okay."

He forced a laugh. "Chicks dig scars, right?"

Clark smiled politely. "That's what I hear. Never noticed that myself, though."

Chloe rolled her eyes. "This coming from the High School Quarterback?"

Clark's cheekbones tinged slightly, and he adjusted his glasses in embarrassment.

Gathering her composure, Lois went on the offensive. Rounding the desk, she planted both fists on it aggressively. "Where have you been all this time? Your mother's been worried sick about you! Do you have any idea what she's been through, what we've all been through in the last few weeks?"

Clark met her gaze calmly. There's that new look again. "That's actually why I'm back, Lois. I've been traveling abroad while completing my education via correspondence courses. Once I heard about Mom, the farm and what Chloe and the rest of you have been through, I came right home."

"Oh yeah, so you can live with your mommy again? Who's taking care of the damages? Who's taking care of Shelby?"

Clark smiled sardonically. "Actually, when I got home a few days ago I began working on the farm repairs myself. Shelby's been really happy to have me back. Can't believe how much she loves that Frisbee."

"And your mother?"

"I put her on the next trans-atlantic flight to Europe. Last I heard from her, she's been enjoying a quiet vacation along the River Thames."

Lois' mouth worked silently, trying to find something wrong with all that.

"Did you book her on British Airways?" Chloe asked innocently.

Clark quirked an eyebrow conspiratorily. "Of course not. I tucked her under my arms and flew her there myself."

Chloe burst out laughing just as Lois was about to explode.

"Lane! Get in here!"

Stopping herself mid-tirade, Lois glared daggers at Clark. "This isn't over, Smallville."

"It never is, Lois."

"Today, Lane! Stop ogling Kent like a hungry dog eyeing piece of meat at the deli and get over here."

The entire sports department burst into laughter as Lois stalked away, her face a flaming red.

As the door to Perry's office slammed behind her, Jimmy turned to Clark. "You know she's gonna make you pay for that, right?"

Clark shrugged. "I had to live with her for a few months. Believe me, nothing I can't handle."

"I guess not." Jimmy's gaze slipped away from Clark, briefly flickering to Chloe before snapping back. The forced smile was back on his face in no time. "Well, I'd better be going. The photo editor's got my weekly assignments set up for me, and I'd better see what this gimpy arm'll let me shoot."

Clark nodded. "Sure thing. And Jimmy?" He turned back. Clark rest a gentle hand on his good shoulder. "I really am glad to see you're all right. If you're having any difficulty with your physio and recovery, let me know. In my travels I learned a fair bit about personal training and the human body. I'd love to help if I could."

Jimmy didn't say anything for a moment. Eventually, his smile started to resonate in his gaze. "You're on, C.K. From the looks of you, I bet I could learn a lot. Maybe I'll get to out-bench you one day."

"I have no doubt."

Jimmy turned and walked away.

Leaving Clark with her.

What is that hammering sound?

Clark's eyes narrowed worriedly. "Are you okay? Your heartbeat just went into over drive."

Crap!

Frantically, Chloe tossed her still half full and warm cup of coffee into her wastebasket and forced a smile onto her face. "Probably too much caffeine. So … Arts and Entertainment department, huh?"

He shrugged. "Beats writing out the lunch menu."

"I bet. So this was your big plan? To call in that favor with Perry, become a big time reporter."

Clark sat next to her on the desk, their arms just barely touching. "Something like that." Reaching up, he carefully removed his glasses, turning the full effect of his blue-green eyes on her. "And being a small-time reporter's good enough for me right now. Odds are, I'm going to be pretty busy."

"I figured. I did write the piece Clark."

"I know." He paused. "Feel like writing another one?"

What?

"Clark," her voice was incredulous. "Are you actually volunteering to let me interview you?"

"Well, the me who wears the cape actually."

"Remember what happened the last time this? You nearly stopped talking to me."

"That was then. Now the world is going to have questions about me. And I need someone I trust explicitly to explain to everyone that I'm here to help. Nothing more."

Be cool, Sullivan. Be cool.

"When and where?"

He smiled, slipping his glasses back on.

"Say seven-ish. At the farm. I'll make dinner."

"Maybe we should order pizza," her nose crinkled in alarm.

Clark laughed softly. "No really, it'll be … " His eyes widened in alarm, his head cocked to one side. Listening.

Standing up from the desk, Chloe reached down and picked up his briefcase, handing it out to him. Wordlessly he took it from her hands, standing up as well.

"Is it bad?"

"Fire in a public school. Lots of kids. I've gotta …"

"Go Clark. I'll see you at seven."

"Right."

He turned away and started trotting up the aisle towards the stairwell.

Chloe stood stock-still, watching him walk away from her. This time with an amazed smile on her face.

Abruptly her turned back, his eyes locked on her face.

Go.

He nodded once, and hustled off.

Moments later, people rushed to the windows as a sonic boom rocked the Daily Planet as a blue and red streak flew past at top speed.

END of pt13