I always thought that Lois should have an August birthday. Smallville never celebrated. I'm fixing that…

BIRTHDAY BLUNDERS

Metropolis, August

"Happy Birthday, Legs," Oliver greeted Lois with a hug, a beer, and small gift-wrapped box.

"Oliver Queen, what brings you to my party?" Lois asked loudly, trying to talk over the noise of the local bar. "I thought you'd still be battling the newspaper about that piece of fiction they printed about you … or be off somewhere drowning your sorrows."

"Ouch, maybe I should take my gift back," Oliver said, nodding to Chloe and Jimmy, who were seated at the bar next to Lois. Lois snatched her hand away as Oliver reached for the brightly-wrapped package.

"Don't be such a spoil sport," she told him, ripping in to the gift. "Thanks for the present."

"It's nothing," Oliver replied, taking a sip of his beer, "It's the least I could do after you nursed me back to health."

Lois waved her hand in his direction. "I didn't do anything," she told him, opening the box. "Chloe and Clark found the antidote." She looked inside at the high-tech flashlight keychain, complete with safety alarm, and pulled it out of the box.

"Oliver, you shouldn't have," Lois said, raising her eyebrows at Chloe and Jimmy, who were attempting to stifle their laughter.

"With you, Lois, it's safety first," Oliver said, toasting her with his beer and smirking. She handed the keychain to Jimmy for examination and when she turned back she caught the Oliver's stiff body posture, earlier expression replaced by a decidedly wary one.

Following Oliver's gaze, Lois spotted Clark standing by the door, still wearing his work clothes. As she watched, he looked around, eyes coming to rest on Oliver. For a moment Lois was sure she saw an expression of guilt on his face before the crowd blocked her view.

What's going on?

"Clark's here," Lois shouted to Chloe and Jimmy, ignoring the tension. She moved to make her way through the crowd to grab Clark's arm. Her touch seemed to break the spell and he looked down at her.

"Hey, it's supposed to be a party, Smallville. Turn that frown upside down," Lois yelled at him over the noise of the bar. He smiled a little and handed Lois a small box.

"Happy birthday, Lois," he shouted back.

She held the box tightly to her as she dragged Clark back to the bar to rip into the present. Everyone was quiet until she opened the box and pulled out the gift- the same high-tech flashlight keychain with safety alarm. Jimmy and Chloe couldn't contain their laughter. Even Oliver chuckled.

"You do work awfully late, Lois," he told her earnestly. "I thought you could use some additional protection."

"Thanks, Clark; safety first," Lois said, trying not to roll her eyes. She started to punch Clark in the arm but then thought better of it and gave him a hug. She grabbed the other keychain back from Jimmy, who was playing with the flashlight, and tried to ignore Clark's surprised look as she placed both in her purse. Oh, well, that's what she got for hanging out with protector types.

"Sorry I don't have a gift for you to open," Chloe told Lois. "Your gift from me is your maid of honor dress, shoes, flowers, and all that. Weddings are expensive."

"No problem, Cuz, I'm just glad you've decided on a winter wedding," Lois told her sincerely. It had taken all of Lois' skills but she had managed to get Chloe to change both the date and the location of the blessed event. She just hoped it would be enough to change the outcome as well.

"Tell me what I need to do to help and I'll take care of it, when it's not my birthday, of course," Lois said, swinging her beer toward Chloe's for a toast.

Chloe narrowed her eyes at Lois with a rueful smile and a shake of her head. "I'll schedule an appointment."

Stepping back, Lois careened into Clark, who steadied her with his hands while she leaned in to talk to Jimmy.

"Jimmy, a winter wedding is a great idea, a chance to start the new year fresh," Lois shouted, patting him on the back. "Take advantage of that," she added, watching as Jimmy sidled closer to Chloe.

"S-sure, Lois," he replied nervously. "Thanks."

Lois chuckled to herself at Jimmy's display of nerves. Good, she was still keeping him on his toes. He deserved it for being tricked into working for Lex. Then her heart fell as she remembered events from the future. Jimmy didn't deserve to die the way he had.

For a minute, the weight of her responsibilities hit her and Lois felt the fear of history repeating itself. She tried to brush the feelings aside for tonight. For her birthday she wanted to have fun, forgetting missions, the Darkness and danger.

When Oliver was the first one to leave her little party, Lois breathed a sigh of relief. He'd been tense all night. Whatever was going on with Clark was serious. Both of them had been unusually quiet and the tension in the air had put a serious damper on the party.

"You know you're always welcome to crash at my place," Oliver told Lois on the way out, brushing her bangs out of her face and looking over to Clark, who stood talking to Jimmy at the bar.

"I might take you up on that someday," Lois told him, "Strictly as a friend, of course." Blowing at her bangs, she patted Oliver on the cheek. "Don't forget I'm kicking your ass again next Thursday," she reminded him with a smile.

Oliver shook his head with a resigned look and headed for the door. Lois noticed that he didn't say goodbye to Clark on the way out. However, Clark watched Oliver as he made his way across the bar, regret and guilt all over his face.

Something about Clark's expression told Lois that a brooding session was coming. Well, she wasn't allowing that tonight- time for an intervention. Squaring her shoulders, Lois walked up to Clark at the bar. "Let's dance," she said, putting her hands on his arms and trying to drag him out onto the floor.

It was like trying to move a rock.

"You just want to make fun of my dancing skills," he said to Lois, shaking his head in the negative.

"What skills?" She commented, laughing. When Clark raised his brows, she stopped and pulled on his arms.

"Come on, it's my birthday and I'll dance if I want to," she half-sang, sliding her hands down his forearms to tug at his hands. Clark rolled his eyes at her singing, resisted for a minute and engaged in a playful tug-of-war before letting her lead him to the dance floor. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see Chloe and Jimmy looking on with interest and then following them.

She watched as Chloe and Jimmy pulled each other close and hesitated as the song changed to a slow rhythm. Tentatively, Lois put her hands on Clark's arms and waited, continuing to look over Clark's shoulder at her cousin who was talking and laughing. A twinge near her heart made her realize that she was jealous of how at ease Chloe appeared with her finance.

Clark shocked her out of her contemplation when his arms closed around her, pulling her close for a dance. Lois looked up at his facial expression, wondering again what kind of relationship appealed to the farm boy. His expression told her nothing; he was staring off at a distance. Frustrated by his stoicism, fueled by alcohol and that little lingering twinge, she let her hands slide to Clark's shoulders and used them to pull her mouth close to his ear.

"Lighten up, Smallville," she breathed. "We're supposed to be having fun."

Her feminine senses thrilled at the shiver she felt go through his body, and she purposefully pressed against him as she slid back down onto her heels, marveling at her own boldness. It must be the alcohol because she'd never been so bold as to tease Clark like this before. She couldn't resist peeking through her lashes to gauge his reaction.

He was looking at her now, eyes darkened and narrowed. She gulped as a slow smile appeared on his face and she quickly lowered her gaze to his shirt, flustered by Clark's confident response. Her body shivered from the intensity of Clark's gaze and he pulled her closer. The heat from his body, along with the slower tune, soothed her nerves and she felt her eyes slowly close … and pop open the minute she felt Clark's breath on her ear.

"Oh, I am having fun," he whispered, and Lois' knees buckled.

What had she started?

As the night continued, Lois decided she didn't care. Whatever it was kept the party going into the late night hours. As Lois stood on stage, singing karaoke with a reluctant Chloe, she couldn't take her eyes off of Clark.

She says, We've got to hold on to what we've got
'Cause it doesn't make a difference
If we make it or not
We've got each other and that's a lot
For love - we'll give it a shot

Something about his stance and body language was more relaxed tonight and she reveled in the fact that she might have caused him to forget the weight of the world. In some ways, it surprised her to discover how much she wanted him to be this way- to feel this way. Outwardly nothing had changed; his eyes were still blue- if a little lighter; his lips were still full- smiling now; his body was still athletic, but relaxed in a way she hadn't seen since his farm boy days.

Whoa, we're half way there
Whoa, livin' on a prayer
Take my hand and we'll make it - I swear
Whoa, livin' on a prayer

As she and Chloe belted out the chorus, Lois caught Clark's eyes and felt her face flush at his expression. The affection mixed with amusement she saw heated her from the inside, made her feel warm all over and, for just a minute, the lyrics of one of her favorite songs took on new meaning.

Whoa, we're half way there …

Maybe she was starting to make some progress after all.

After their duet, Chloe and Jimmy said their farewells, leaving Lois alone with Clark. Being the gentlemen, of course he offered to walk her back to her car.

Feeling just a little tipsy, Lois linked her arm with Clark's. "If I didn't know better, Smallville, I would think that you might just know how to have good time," she told him, trying to fill the silence and distract her wayward thoughts. Thinking about his breath on her ear made her shiver.

Damn traitorous body.

"Gee, thanks Lois," Clark replied sarcastically, focusing his eyes straight ahead while he continued walking.

Lois took the opportunity to study his profile, noticing a change in his demeanor. He was brooding. Her mind worked to figure out what had happened- he hadn't seemed upset with her condition, only amused; he seemed to lighten up with the dancing; something from before…

"So what's up with you and Oliver?"

When Clark flinched she knew she'd hit the nail on the proverbial head. "Come on, Clark, you can tell me," Lois said. "I promise I won't take sides."

Clark stopped and ran one hand through his hair. "I found out something … something about Oliver's family and I didn't tell him. He discovered it anyway and now he's angry," Clark told her, looking glumly at the sidewalk as turned and continued to walk.

"Why did you keep this- whatever it was- from him?" Lois asked, keeping an eye out for Clark's reaction. Sometimes you could get more from Clark's body language than his words.

"I don't know," Clark sighed. "I guess I was worried about how he would react. I didn't want him to do anything stupid." He stopped, looking up toward the globe at the top of the Planet.

Lois stopped and looked as well, first at the globe and then at Clark. "So you didn't trust him?"

"What?" Clark responded in astonishment. "No, that's not it." He stammered. "I was trying to protect him."

"Protect him?" Lois snorted. "You just didn't trust him to make his own decision."

Clark took a step closer, his face cloudy, "I thought you said you weren't going to take sides?"

"I'm not, but come on," Lois narrowed her eyes stepped closer. "Oliver's a big boy, Clark. When you keep important information from someone like that, it usually means you're trying to control-"

"You are taking sides," Clark's said through clenched teeth.

Lois held up her hands in surrender. "No, no, no, I'm just trying to get you to see the other side. I'm sure Oliver thinks you hid the truth because you don't trust him, Clark. He feels betrayed."

Clark grunted and stuck his hands in his pockets before walking over to the after-hours door.

Lois followed, trying to ignore the memory of her last argument with Oliver, when she was trying to protect Clark and, in some ways, Oliver himself. He was stubborn, impetuous and unpredictable. Maybe that's why they got along so well and why Lois could understand Oliver's point of view.

When she reached the door, Lois put her hand on Clark's arm and felt the sharp pain in her temple that preceded either a headache or a memory.

Crap, not again.

Lois gripped Clark's arm tight. It wasn't a headache; the memory hit with a swiftness that made her sway.

"He needs to be taken down, damnit!" Oliver yelled at her for the third time, as they were getting ready for what they hoped would be their final confrontation with Night.

"Ollie, you know that we could use his abilities. If he could be turned-"

"What makes you think you can turn him? We've all tried and failed, even Chloe and Lana. Hell, Chloe died trying to turn him."

And there it was. The real reason Oliver couldn't forgive Night. Despite Oliver's efforts and their romantic relationship, Chloe had followed Clark rather than him. Her loyalty to Clark had resulted in her submission to the dark side, which had ultimately led to her death. Lois was never sure if Oliver blamed Night or himself more.

"What makes you think you …" Oliver continued, trailing off as his eyes narrowed at her expression. "Unless you know something I don't know. Did something happen-"

"That's enough, Oliver. Now get into position; this will work."

"Is that an order?" Oliver asked her sullenly.

Lois shuddered as the memory faded and her head cleared. It hadn't been a lengthy memory but Clark was obviously concerned.

"Lois … Lois, are you all right?"

Lois tried to answer but her head was still reeling. Suddenly, Clark's free hand moved under her chin, forcing it up. "Lois, look at me."

Trying to focus quickly and squelch the emotions that came with the memory, she smiled in an effort to ease his apprehension.

"I'm fine Clark," she choked out. "I just zoned out for a minute." Using her thumb and forefinger to illustrate, Lois continued. "Maybe I've had a teensy, weensy too much to drink?"

Clark raised his brows but before he could respond, feelings from the memory gripped her and she clutched at Clark's arm. Suddenly she couldn't stop thinking about how Oliver had gotten his way, to Clark's detriment. "I understand why you did it, Clark. Oliver can be unpredictable, but if you trust him you need to tell him-"

Clark opened his mouth to speak, but Lois couldn't stop now; she had this sudden idea that if she could mend their friendship it would help the future…. "or, better yet, do something to show him that you trust him."

Clark leaned forward this time, opening his mouth but Lois' thoughts were churning.

"Or, you could do both," Lois continued, on a roll now, "apologize and do something nice." She stopped and smiled at him in anticipation, proud of her own cleverness.

"Are you done?" Clark asked with an exasperated expression on his face.

Lois nodded, confused by his lack of enthusiasm.

Clark continued, shaking his head with a slightly patronizing smile, "Thanks for the advice, Lois, but I'm not sending Oliver flowers or candy."

In a huff, Lois turned and walked into the building, tripping slightly over the threshold, huffing again at Clark's chuckle. He should be more appreciative of her good, solid advice. Granted, she wasn't Dr. Phil, especially with a few beers in her, but usually knowing the right thing to say was easy with him.

It should be easier if you know it was meant to be …

Lois snorted under her breath. When did she ever do anything the easy way? By nature she was pushy, she knew that, but it was because Lanes didn't do things halfway. The General never lived by the motto step back and let life develop at its own pace. Instead, he was all about moving forward and making progress.

Battle ready …

Prepare for every eventuality …

The General would never rely on the fact that it was meant to be. As Lois stopped on the other side of the door, she steadied herself and considered Imra's words.

"Do you believe in destiny?" Lois blurted out as Clark turned to face her after closing the door. Immediately she gave herself a mental slap as she started to rub her throat. What was she thinking?

Expecting him to laugh, Lois was stunned when Clark's bitter gaze slammed into to hers and held. His eyes narrowed and she shivered.

"No," he said, taking her arm, pulling it down and practically dragging her through the hall toward the parking garage exit.

"Why not?" Lois said trying to keep up and not stumble over her feet. She failed miserably and crashed into Clark, who turned and caught her up against his chest. It was like the bus explosion all over again and, as Lois leaned in, Clark stepped back, holding her in place with both hands.

"Why not?" Lois repeated softly and wondered what she was asking, as his distance hit her like a rejection.

Clark looked exasperated, and whether it was at the question or at her, Lois wasn't sure.

"Destiny is just another word for having no choice," he said tersely, removing one hand from her arm and running it through his hair. "Everyone should have options."

"But we don't always, do we?" Lois whispered, hearing the slur in her words.

Clark must have caught her inebriated tone as well because he relaxed and turned her back toward the garage, pushing her lightly in front of him.

"Well, for tonight, you don't have any choice, not in your condition," he said lightly. "I'm driving you home."

Settled in the passenger seat of the truck, Lois turned sideways and rested her head on the seat, studying Clark's profile while he watched the road. She considered his strong reaction to her question about destiny. It was rare that he displayed negative emotions about anything. What had happened to garner such resentment from her mild-mannered co-worker?

It hit her that if he knew about her mission, he would hate it, try to talk her out of it, fight to give her alternatives. He would try to protect her as he had Oliver; that's what he did.

Now it was her turn to protect him. Didn't he deserve the same from her? She thought about how relaxed and happy he'd looked tonight. She wanted to give him that. Maybe she should back off, pull back on the attack, so to speak. He should be given choices and if he didn't want her … she would continue to support him in the best way she knew how.

It should be easier if you know it was meant to be …

Easy for Imra to say.

Lois felt her eyes grow heavy as she let the effects of the alcohol lull her to sleep. Tomorrow she should reconsider her strategy. Clark deserved it.