Happy New Year Everyone. May it be a Happy, Safe and Healthy one

Chapter Forty One

It had been several days since the stakeout incident and they were no where close enough to figuring out what Lex was planning at least not until the man himself was plastered on every local news channel announcing something very unexpected (at least for them).

"I know I have been outspoken with my distrust of vigilantes like Superman but now I've put that all aside and am opening my arms to those that fight for truth, justice and the way of humanity." There was a look in Lex's eyes that was unsettling to the couple as they continued to watch the announcement along with everyone else, "If the man of steel will humble my request I would like to hand over the key to the city as a sign of trust and appreciation for all his good deeds."

"Something stinks and it isn't the expired tuna salad in the break room" Lois stated in a low voice to Clark while they watched as Lex just smiled at the camera when she turned around to face him, "It's obviously a trap"

"Obviously" Clark muttered shaking his head when a flash of a faceless man entered his mind but he just shook it off, "Lex is getting desperate which means we're getting closer to the truth about his little project"

"So what are we gonna do?"

He just stood there for a few minutes thinking over possible scenarios when a voice interrupted them, "Hello Lo" they immediately turned around to see General Lane standing there dressed in full military formal attire and a brand new star.

Lois smiled and gave the general a short hug, "This must be the infamous Clark Kent" the general gave him a once over then let out a low grunt of disapproval, "I thought he'd be taller"

Ignoring the comment Clark gave the hardened soldier a smile and extended his hand out for a shake, "It's a pleasure to meet you sir"

General Lane turned back to Lois completely disregarding Clark's greeting and handshake, "Would you like to give me a tour. I'd like to see where my daughter is spending her time delivering the news to the masses" she nods and gives Clark an sympathetic look before disappearing through the bullpen doors and instantly knew he had underestimated the difficulty of getting General Lane on his good side.

Just then the familiar cries of help reached his supersonic ears and he immediately rushed off towards the roof, "This is going to be a very long day"

"You could imagine my surprise upon hearing from your sister that you were engaged to a man I had never even met" the general states while they walk down the long corridor that had many historical headlines framed on the walls, "The chain of command is there for a reason"

Lois stopped and turned to face his side with her arms crossed over her chest before responding, "I called several times but you were busy as usual" she stared at him for a few minutes then shook her head and continued on, "If you're here just to scare him away it wont work like it did with the rest"

"We'll see"

She stopped once again with a look of disappoint which she quickly masked, "Can't you just be happy for me. I finally found someone to spend the rest of my life with and I would very much like my father to be there to give me away and welcome the man I love with open arms"

"I suppose I could get to know him"

A smile appeared on her face and she immediately wrapped her arms around him in a loving embrace, "Thank you daddy" she kisses him on the cheek then backs away, "Tonight. Our place at eight"

He nodded and just like that the moment was over and Lois continued the tour.

General Lane stood in the cramped apartment dressed in formal military attire and a cold stoic glare that would no doubt shake any ordinary man to the bone.

Maggie walked out from her room and took one look at the General before running back into her room where she proceeded to barricade the door, "You've been letting her watch the Science Fiction Channel's alien invasion marathons again" Clark stated in a low voice to his fiancée before giving the general a nod then walked towards Maggie's room to explain that the nice military man wasn't going to take them away.

"Unless there's something else you want to tell me I suggest you explain yourself" General Lane stated after Clark had left the room.

"That was Margaret. Clark's daughter"

"I can see that"

"She's very shy when it comes to strangers but she'll open up once she gets to know you" Lois responded walking past him towards the kitchen, "Do you want some coffee or tea?"

General Lane cast one look at the decorated door before walking into the kitchen, "Have you thought this through?" he asked suddenly causing her to turn around giving him a confused look, "I mean…Do you really want to start a life with a man who already has a family of his own?"

Before Lois could say anything Clark appeared over the General's shoulder, "Everything okay Lo?" she gave a nod of reassurance then gave her father a look before walking out to have sometime to herself.

Clark could tell by the way she held herself that something wasn't right then turned back to the General, "Thank you for the hospitality but I'm afraid I wont be able to stay" he states walking past the kryptonian to grabs his bag and went to leave."

Once the general had exited abruptly, Clark headed towards the bedroom where the sound of shuffling and whispers could be heard, "Lo?" the door slid open slowly only to see that it was empty, "Lois?" there's a silent curse before the woman in question steps out of the bathroom.

"Did you hear?"

"Hear what?"

"Don't play dumb with me Smallville" she retorts with her hand on her hip, "Did. You. Hear?"

"Maybe just a little"

She shook her head and sat down on the bed, "It's funny. I always envisioned this day going a lot differently"

"Me too" he sat down at her side, "He could have at least shook my hand before he went"

"He left?" she shook her head, "The one time in my life I actually need him-"

He places his hand over her and cuts in to say, "I'll fix this"

"Why fix something that's already broken" she gives him a kiss on the cheek before rising up to walk back into the bathroom leaving Clark to sit there alone with his thoughts on how to make things better.

TBC