A/N: Thank you so much for the lovely reviews on the last chapter. I love reading them! Most of you have lots of words of encouragement which really makes my day.
That said here is the next chapter. Enjoy!
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Chapter Six.
Lois was not used to being in the one place for long. Maybe farm life was making her go stir crazy? That had to account for her feelings about the kiss she'd shared with Clark. Damn him for responding to it. What she needed to do was go out for a night on the town, find a cute guy and kiss him. That would then erase Clark's kiss from her memory banks, because she'd seriously thought more about that kiss than she was willing to admit.
"Okay, so he can kiss," she muttered to her reflection in the mirror. "So what of it?"
It meant nothing. Good steady farm boys were definitely not her type. She liked guys who were okay with rebelling, knew how to hold their own in a drinking competition, which left Clark out of the equation.
And she liked guys who knew how to have fun.
Clark was boring. And good. Seriously, such a goody two shoes. He'd easily take out the Boy Scout honour award.
Since his drinking binge a week ago, his face turned pale at the mention of alcohol. She had had some fun teasing him about that night. Enjoying the look of discomfort that would cross his face. She didn't tease him about the alien thing, though. He appeared far too touchy about that whenever she happened to mention it.
"Lois," he whined at the door, "Are you going to be much longer?"
Turning away from the mirror, she yanked the door open. Clark stood there, hand raised as if ready to knock again.
"What's the rush, Clark?"
"I have a date with Lana."
Of course he did. Lana. Lana. Lana. Her eyes wandered over him. "Dressed like that."
He bristled. "What's wrong with it?"
She raised an eyebrow. "You should try something else besides plaid for a change."
Before he had a chance to respond, she grabbed him by the arm and dragged him to the bedroom.
"Lois," he protested, "This is a good shirt."
Ignoring him, she began fossicking through his wardrobe.
"Take it off, Clark," she ordered over his shoulder.
Spying a long sleeved blue shirt, she pulled it off the hanger, smiling to herself. Of course she really didn't mind plaid, just she seemed to get a perverse sense of enjoyment watching him squirm.
Turning to face him, he was still standing there, looking unsure.
Lois rolled her eyes. "I've seen you without a shirt like a hundred times, Clark." She never tired of it either. Don't be stupid Lois, she silently chided. This was about enjoying his embarrassment, not because she wanted to see his chest.
Holding up the blue shirt, she waved it at him. "You should wear this one."
"I don't know," he began, a hesitant expression on his face, "I wear that to church on a Sunday morning."
Of course he did, she snorted to herself. Why did she get the feeling she was on the set of A Little House on the Prairie? How could someone so possibly straight kiss the way he did? And don't even think about looking at his lips!
"And why are you suddenly interested in what I wear? I thought you didn't even like Lana?" he asked.
She shrugged. "It's your high school crush, Smallville. Just helping out." She smiled up at him. "Think of me as an annoying older sister."
"You got the annoying part right," he muttered under his breath.
Sometimes he surprised her with his quick comebacks. There was an intelligence behind that thick skull of his. He hid that too, though she had no idea why? He was a bit of a puzzle at times.
Watching him take his shirt off, she admired the view. She often gave him a hard time and he just took it.
"You know what your problem is, Clark?" she began.
He glanced at her, frowning. "I have a problem?"
"You are too polite."
He raised an eyebrow. "That's a problem?"
She snorted. "It is when you just let someone boss you around."
Pulling the blue shirt on, he sighed. "Somehow I get the feeling it would be futile trying to say no to you, Lois."
She grinned. He had her pegged in more ways than one. She punched him in the arm. He scowled at her. She resisted the impulse to mess up his hair.
"So, you going to plant one on Lana tonight?"
His cheeks reddened slightly. "I don't know, maybe. What do you think?"
"Don't ask me. Wrong person to give relationship advice."
"I'm not in a relationship yet."
"Yeah well I don't do the whole going steady thing."
"Why not?"
She hadn't expected him to ask. For a moment she felt put on the spot. She uttered the first words that came to mind. "Because there is no happily ever after, Clark." That sounded a lot bitterer than she'd intended.
Lois bit down on her lip. His confused, questioning gaze met hers.
"I like my independence," she quickly added. "I don't need a guy telling me what to do."
A hint of a smile crossed his face. "As if any guy could."
How did he do that? How could he be so irresistibly adorable at times? Damn him. She really needed to get back to the rough big city life. She was becoming too soft living this idyllic farm life with good natured people, and one very cute farm boy.
Date number two with Lana. All Clark could think about was kissing her. He'd been thinking a lot about kissing since Lois smacked one on him a week ago. He'd often replayed it over in his mind, then getting annoyed with himself for doing so.
Her teasing had also intensified, for reasons he couldn't comprehend. Even before he left tonight she was in fine form, teasing him about his clothes, telling him what to wear. He generally took it with an easy tolerance, well used to her by now. But sometimes she said things that confused him. She didn't believe in love? It was obvious. And why? But as was Lois' way, she'd brush it off in some abrasive nonchalant manner. Just as he thought there had to more to it he would then come to the conclusion there wasn't. She was just Lois.
"Nice shirt," Lana complimented when he picked her up.
"Ah, thanks, Lois suggested I wear it," he replied without thinking then inwardly cursing himself.
"She, uh, has good taste," Lana spoke, her voice sounding cooler than usual.
Great going Clark, he silently berated. "Yeah well it's also the only clean shirt I have, since Lois hogs the washing machine and the dryer. She hogs everything."
The disgruntled tone to his voice had obviously appeased Lana. She giggled. "Girls can be bad for that."
The night went smoothly from there on out. They went to the movies, a walk through the botanic gardens afterwards before he drove her home.
He walked her to the front door, determined to kiss her but feeling awkward about it. She gazed up at him expectantly. He just had to take the plunge.
Resting his hands on Lana's shoulders, he leaned in towards her and brushed his lips against hers. Now maybe this would shut Lois up. Lana's lips yielded beneath his much like Lois' had. He attempted to deepen this kiss. She responded, but something was … lacking. It was different to kissing Lois, and not better like he thought it would be.
Pulling back, he gazed down into her face.
She smiled. "Wow, nice kiss."
He smiled in return. "Thanks."
It still felt good enough. Maybe he should try again or maybe save it for their next date. Brushing a strand of hair back from her face, he figured it would better to save it for their next date. He didn't want to rush things.
"I had a nice night. You want to do this again next weekend?"
She nodded. "I'd love too."
Clark was feeling pretty pleased with himself on the drive home. Things were moving at a good pace with Lana. So what if the kiss wasn't what he thought it would be. It was still early days. That was sure to change. He had been wanting this moment for the last three years; nothing was going to ruin it.
A sudden sharp high pitched ringing filled his head, causing his vision to blur and his eyes to water. His hands instantly clutched his head; the truck veered off the side road and into a ditch. Clark barely had to time to brace himself, his head hitting the steering wheel. A bright sudden white light flashed before him, as pain filled his head.
'You have to find the crystal, Kal-el. Time is running out. Soon a great danger will be coming and only you can fight it. Restore your powers. Find the crystal before it's too late …'
Clark clutched at his hair. "I don't know how too!" he yelled.
'You need to return to the place where you first lost them.'
There was no way he was ever going back there. He couldn't … the memories … the pain of loss, he couldn't face that again. He was - never - going - back - there!
'Face your fears, Kal-el. They are holding you back.'
"Arrrgh! Get out of my mind!"
The ringing stopped as suddenly as it had begun. His vision cleared. He took a deep shuddering breath. His hand shook as he ran it over his face. Feeling like he'd just run a marathon, Clark climbed out of the truck. His legs felt so weak. What was happening to him? What was with the voice in his head? Knees giving way, he slumped to the ground, resting his back against the truck front tyre. This was insane. Whatever the voice wanted he couldn't do it. He had no powers and he had no idea why he lost them or how to get them back.
"Clark!" A voice called.
He recognised it immediately. "Lois."
Scrambling to his feet, he clutched the side of the truck and waited for the dizziness to subside. Lois came into view, eyes filled with worry. She was a sight for sore eyes.
"What happened?" she exclaimed as she ran over to him.
"I sort of lost control," he began.
She was by his side in an instant, checking him over. "Your head is bleeding, Clark."
"I hit it on the steering wheel, but I'm alright."
Taking him by the arm, her eyes searched his face. "You don't look it, c'mon let's get you back to the farm."
The warmth from the heater of the car was comforting. His shivering subsided and he began to feel normal again. Every now and again Lois would shoot him a sideways glance.
"Thanks for coming to my rescue," he spoke.
"You mean again," she quipped.
He managed a smile.
Her face suddenly grew serious. "It's not like you to lose control of the truck, Clark."
He could hardly tell her about the voice in his head. She would think he was going crazy – Maybe he was?
"Did you share a mind exploding kiss with Lana and wasn't thinking straight?" she lightly remarked.
He shook his head. "No."
Well, he did kiss her, but it wasn't mind exploding. Not that he was about to tell Lois that.
"Still haven't kissed her, huh?"
Trust her to ask.
"Thought I'd save it for the next date," he lied, not even knowing why he felt compelled to lie.
Just if he told her, 'yes,' she had an uncanny knack of reading him, and it would only lead to further questions. None of this had anything to do with their kiss a week ago, and he certainly didn't want to discuss that. Funnily enough Lois hadn't mentioned it since either.
"So how did you lose control?" she persisted as she pulled up at the farm.
"I just had this sharp sudden pain in my head, and I felt really dizzy."
Lois turned to him suddenly. "That happened to you last Friday. I thought it was to do with the alcohol."
He frowned. "What did I say?"
"You just had this pain in your head, and you wouldn't stop shivering." Her eyes raked over his face. He saw the concern, felt touched by it. "You should go see a doctor, Clark."
He waved off her concern. "No, I'm fine …"
She cut him off, poking him in the chest. "You could have something seriously wrong with you."
"Like what?"
"Like a brain tumour."
He rolled his eyes. "I doubt it."
He might have lost his powers, but he was rarely, if ever, sick.
Lois folded her arms. "You know, you can be really annoyingly stubborn."
Disbelief crossed his face. "Me!" he exclaimed, "What about you?"
"I'm not as stubborn, just annoying," she grinned, "It's one of my more endearing qualities."
He would have laughed if his head didn't hurt so much. He then noticed her clothes; tight, figure-hugging jeans and a low necked green blouse.
"Why are you all dressed up?" he asked.
"Oh, Chloe and I decided to go out to the local tavern for some fun."
He shot her an incredulous look. "You have to be 21! How did you get in?"
A smug look crossed her face. "I have my ways," she shrugged. "Fake ID's, I have a heap of them."
His mouth dropped open. "But that's illegal."
"Lighten up, Smallville," she snorted, "Now let's go inside and I'll patch up that cut on your head."
He followed her to the back door.
"And don't think for a moment that I'm going to let this rest, Clark. You will go and see a doctor tomorrow," she said over her shoulder.
He sighed to himself. "Yes, Lois."
Lois always did grab the bull by the horns, so to speak. He should have guessed she wouldn't let the matter drop at the breakfast table the following morning. She told his mom all about his headaches and dizzy spells. His mom had that worried look in her eyes. He hadn't told her about the visions, or the voice yet. Now he would have too. He hadn't wanted to worry her. She had been through enough since his father had died; last thing he wanted was having her stressing about him.
Later that morning his mom approached him in the barn.
"What is going on, Clark?" she asked.
Leaning the rake against the wall, he turned to face her. He would have to tell her everything, even his drinking binge last Friday. She wasn't going to be happy.
Sure enough the look on her face said it all.
"That isn't like you, Clark!"
He felt the shame wash over him, the same shame he'd been feeling every day since that Friday.
"I'm not a saint, Mom," he said in his defence, "I know it was stupid and believe me I've since learnt the errors of my ways."
"And this dream?"
He sighed deeply. "It was more like a vision."
A troubled look crossed his mom's face. "Like the first one, a few months back?"
He nodded. "Only this was worst … and it felt so real." He inwardly shuddered at the memory.
"But last night wasn't a dream, Clark."
He hated hearing the worry and fear in her voice. Most of his life it had been there. The price she paid for having a son who was different from everyone else.
He swallowed, and shook his head, his eyes meeting with his mom's overly concerned gaze.
"I had this sharp pain in my head and I heard a voice, the same voice from the dream, vision thing."
"What did it say?"
"I was running out of time and that I had to find a way to restore my powers," he muttered, raking a hand through his hair. "I don't know how to do that."
It left an unsettled feeling in the pit of his stomach. "I don't even know how I lost them, but I know if I hadn't." His voice caught in his throat. "I would have been able to save dad."
A bleakness swamped him. "And the truck," he continued, gesturing with his thumb out the barn door, "wouldn't be stuck in the ditch and we wouldn't have to fork out seventy dollars, money we don't have, to pay a tow truck driver to do it."
His mom's face softened. "Oh, Clark, you don't have to be so hard on yourself," she began, her hand resting on his arm, "We'll manage."
Sighing deeply, he turned to face her. "You know in the last few months I've been happier than I have in a long while?"
He'd finally achieved all of what he'd only dreamed about. He was on the football team. He was dating Lana and he could convince himself he was every bit human. But in reality, he wasn't.
"What if the voice is right," he murmured more to himself than his mom.
It wasn't a thought he wanted to acknowledge. But maybe he just might have too.
"I think," his mom began, slowly, "we wait and see what happens next."
Grabbing a towel, he wiped his hands clean and nodded. "Okay." Because what else could he do? Returning to the scene of his father's death wasn't something he could ever face.
"I should go have a shower and get ready for the game."
"I think you should miss the game this afternoon, Clark," his mom quickly interjected.
His head shot up. "What? No. I'm fine now."
"What if it happens again?"
"It's only happened twice, once when I was asleep and last night. I'm not missing the game."
It was the highlight of his week. It was the only thing he was good at, the only thing that earned him any respect. Out on that football field he could forget everything. It was the closest thing to freedom he'd felt in a long while, if ever.
Lois sat down next to Chloe on the seat bleachers. She had been on Mrs K's side about Clark playing this game. She had tried talking him out of it. But Clark could be stubborn when he wanted to be, and when that stubbornness did set in it was impossible to change his mind.
She watched the game with some apprehension, but Clark appeared to be fine. He played his usual best, kicked the winning goal, and was the hero once again.
Lois yawned. She had been worried for nothing. Lana ran across the field, straight into Clark's waiting arms. Oh please, it was enough to make her throw up. Trust Lana to make such a big deal out of it. Lana's next action, however, surprised her. Lois watched her plant her lips to Clark's in a long, lingering kiss. She sat there stupefied for a moment. She shook her head. Talk about being a show pony!
"Well, it looks like Clark got his first kiss with Lana after all," she remarked to Chloe.
Of course she wasn't bothered by that. Not at all. Not the slightest, because why should she be. Lois glanced sideways at Chloe, suddenly concerned about how she was taking it, but her face was strangely unreadable.
"I guess it was only a matter of time," she returned, a hint of dejection in her voice.
"He has lousy taste in girls," Lois muttered with more venom than she'd intended. "Such a typical male high school jock."
Chloe looked at her, surprised. "Whoa, that's a bit rough."
Maybe, but she couldn't help feeling a bit disappointed in him. Clark was different in so many ways but when it came to girls; so predictable.
Of course Lois was going to tease him in the car. Well he had expected her too, but she said nothing about it. Maybe she hadn't seen the kiss after all. As for the kiss itself, it had caught him unawares. It felt good, felt great actually, better than the first time, just that … there was one question bugging him of late; did Lana now only take an interest in him because he played football? Would she still be interested if he'd remained the nerdy Clark Kent he had been these last couple of years?
"You're quiet, Smallville," Lois spoke, breaking the silence.
"I – was just thinking."
"About that kiss."
Okay, so she had seen it. He turned in his seat to face her. "I wasn't expecting it."
"You obviously enjoyed it," she returned, her tone of voice a bit abrupt.
He frowned. Why did she appear to be annoyed? She was the one pushing him to kiss Lana.
"Why wouldn't I?" he retorted.
"No need to get all huffy, Smallville," she snorted.
"I'm not," he protested.
"Funny how Lana happens to snog you in front of everyone."
"What do you mean?"
Lois raised a shoulder. "I guess she's letting all those girls out there know you're her man."
Clark leaned back in the seat, mulling over Lois' words, and then a thought took hold. Obviously Chloe had seen the kiss as well, and Lois being the protective older cousin was upset for her, directing her anger at him.
"This is about Chloe, isn't it?" he asked once they were back at the farm.
"No, this is about you being a typical high school jock," she returned, closing the front door of her car.
He bristled at her words. "Why, because I'm dating a cheer leader." He slammed his own door shut, harder than he intended.
"That's my car, Clark!" she snapped, glaring at him. "And yes, Chloe did see the kiss, but she took it better than I thought. I guess she's resigned herself to you and Lana being an item, but it still hurt her to see Lana so openly kiss you."
He felt bad now. He didn't want Chloe to get hurt. She'd been such a good friend to him, was loyal, and stuck by him during the worst years of his life.
"I hadn't asked Lana to do that," he said in his defence. "I'm sorry Chloe was hurt …"
"Forget it Clark, there's no accounting for taste," she said with a dismissive wave of her hand before stalking towards the house.
He watched her go feeling both annoyed and confused. She had just managed to effectively burst his bubble. She didn't have to be so put out about it. And she was probably right about some things too when it came to Lana, especially the part about her kissing him in front of everyone. It left him feeling disgruntled for the rest of the weekend.
It was another typical boring Monday. Lois hated Monday's. She yawned and tried to focus on what the teacher was prattling about, something to do with Shakespeare. She had attempted to read Othello, but she could barely understand the language. Did that make her stupid?
"I don't get it," she'd grumbled to Clark. "I can't even understand what he's writing about."
"If it's any consolation, Lois, that's makes the two of us."
That had made her feel a bit better till Chloe started raving on about how great it was. 'He has a way with words.'
She still didn't get it. High school just wasn't her thing. And why was she here? Oh, that's right, she didn't have enough credits to graduate.
"How can we best describe Shakespeare's writing?" the teacher asked.
Lois stifled another yawn.
Lana's hand shot up, Lois rolled her eyes.
"Yes, Lana."
"Well, he's poetic, inventive, and revolutionary for his time, and he has an ironic twist to his novels."
Oh please. Someone put her out of her misery now. Luckily for her, the lesson was interrupted by the Queen of fundraising, Mandy Sheen, no doubt about to support another lost cause.
"Okay guys," she gushed, as she stood at the front of the class, "It's that time of the year again, World's Greatest Shave, fundraising for The Cancer foundation."
Lois still shuddered whenever that word was mentioned. It always brought back painful memories of her mother. She was so young really, just 35. Another part of the reason her father had freaked out about her smoking was because of her mother. Though, thanks to her deal with Clark, she hadn't lit up a cigarette in well over a whole month.
"I need volunteers," Mary continued, her eyes skimming the crowd, "Preferably girls; brings in the money."
Lois silently snorted. As if any high school girl would volunteer up their locks. Her eyes rested on Clark, who was staring dreamily at Lana. Especially her, Miss Cheer Leader. And seriously Clark, you could do so much better. Like me. Whoa where did that thought come from. Who was she kidding, Clark saw her as nothing more than a buddy. As it should be. He should be looking at Chloe in that way, though Lois had given up nagging him about it.
"Anyone?" Mary asked hopefully. "C'mon girls, don't be so vain, this is for a good cause."
Those words stabbed her conscious. Did she really want to be as vain as the rest of these girls? Was she no different? She knew her mother had lost her hair from the chemotherapy. She had worn a wig because she hadn't wanted to upset them. A lump formed in her throat. Oh hell, she was about to do something she'd regret.
Straightening up in her seat she raised a hand. "I'll do it."
Clark's head snapped around, and he looked at her in astonishment. What was she doing? She couldn't be serious. Did she just volunteer herself?!
"Thank you so much, Lois, that is very brave of you."
Clark's head was now reeling. He leaned towards her. "What are you doing, Lois?" he hissed.
"No one else was going to volunteer," she hissed back.
His eyes widened. "So you have to?"
She turned to look at him, and shrugged. "Who else."
He leaned back in his seat, simmering. Naturally it would be her, because it always was, but this … was kind of drastic.
He was still unable to let it go, and come the end of the lesson he followed her out of the classroom.
"Did you consider the implications at all, Lois," he ranted as they walked down the corridor. "They shave your hair, till it's only like a number one in length."
"Guess I'll have to become mates with Lex," she grinned up at him.
He sighed and shook his head. "It'll take forever to grow out."
She frowned at him. "Gee, Smallville, I didn't know you were so attached to my hair?"
"I'm not," he stammered. "And I think it's really courageous of you, just that you tend to act irrationally at times, Lois, without thinking things through."
She stopped and turned towards him, frowning. "Irrationally," she muttered, hands resting on her hips. "Thanks for the vote of support, Clark."
"I didn't mean it like that," he stammered.
She poked him in the chest.
"You know, I thought you of all people would be happy that I'm doing this. I'm doing something good for a change."
He felt a stab of guilt. She was right. "I am … Lois, I just wanted to make sure you knew what you were getting yourself in for."
She scowled at him. "I'm touched Clark, truly, but I do know what I'm getting myself in for. I'm a big girl. I'm sure I can swallow my vanity for a bit." The next words caught in her throat. "My mother had too."
With that she walked away, leaving him standing there feeling like a fool. Of course her mother had died from cancer. He'd forgotten. Great going, Clark, he berated.
"In trouble again," Lana spoke from behind.
"Just Lois … being Lois," he sighed, turning to face her.
"I couldn't believe that Lois put her hand up," Lana continued. "She is very brave."
Yep, that was Lois. Brave, strong, stubborn and … not fearing to go where other girls won't. He glanced at Lana.
"Would you do it?"
Her eyes widened. "Well, I can't really, I'm head cheer leader. It wouldn't look good if I went out there with no hair," she replied.
His eyes rested on her hair. She had a point, but he couldn't help feeling that even if she wasn't a cheer leader she still wouldn't do it.
"Not many girls want to part with their hair, Clark," she smiled in that sweet way of hers.
Except Lois, though Lois was generally all bluff, which is why he knew she would regret it afterwards, good cause or not. But at the same time she was also being strangely selfless. He still recalled the pain in her eyes when she had said, 'I'm sure I can swallow my vanity; my mother had too.'
"You don't look happy about it?" Lana observed.
"It doesn't really bother me," he shrugged. Though it was a lie, and why should he care? It's was Lois and she was a law unto herself.
A puzzled frown dented Lana's forehead. "Really," she began, "because judging by the way you were acting just a moment ago, it sure seemed to bother you."
He felt caught between a rock and a hard place. It had nothing to do with him having feelings for Lois. She was just his friend, so what was Lana trying to imply?
"I-I just wanted to make sure she …" He ran a hand up the back of his neck. "Knew what she was getting herself into."
The faint lines on Lana's brow deepened. "Because you care?"
"I … um, well, yeah, she's my friend," he stammered in response, feeling awkward. "Not to mention I do have to live with her."
"And from what you've said, it isn't easy," Lana lightly remarked.
He forced a smile to his lips. "No, it isn't." Though he had gotten used to having her around. He really didn't mind her company, and her antics had a way of amusing him. She made him laugh.
"I thought maybe we could go and grab a coffee after school?" Lana enquired.
He looked down at her, and strangely he didn't feel in the mood. "Um, I can't. Farm chores are building up with me doing football training most days after school."
If she was disappointed at all, she hid it well. "Okay, maybe another day," she smiled sweetly, making him feel like a jerk for the second time that day.
What we're you thinking Lois? She silently moaned to her reflection in the mirror. Clark was right. Clark was always right, damn it. Oh well, she could hardly take it back now. She would hold her head high and pretend she was perfectly fine with her so called rash impulses. She even told Mrs K all about it at the dinner table. Unlike her son, she had nothing but encouragement for her, though perhaps that was a bit unfair of her. Clark was only concerned. He was a good friend. Just she was still pissed off with him for reasons she couldn't rationalise.
Friday came around all too quickly. The very day Lois hadn't been looking forward too. There were times she still wished her mom was here; today was one of them. 'I'm doing this for you, mom.' She'd murmured to herself that morning. She knew her mom would be proud of her.
"Are you ready for the big shave today, Lois?" Clark enquired from the driver's side as he drove to school.
"Ready as I'll ever be," she returned, "I said goodbye to my hair in the mirror this morning."
Clark glanced at her. He had that annoying concerned look in his eye. "And you're okay with it?"
She nodded. "What about you, Smallville?" she began, "Maybe you need to say goodbye to my hair too given that look on your face."
He shot her a sardonic smile. "For the record Lois I happen to think you are being really brave and selfless."
Surprise crossed her face. "Oh." She hadn't been expecting that. "Thanks."
She turned around in her seat and stared out the window, heart hammering against her top. Damn it, Smallville, she silently murmured. Brave or not, truth was that she'd been dreading this day. The amount of times she had berated herself for being so willing to volunteer. The only good thing to come out of it so far was that her popularity had suddenly increased at school. Girls who once never looked twice at her now said hello in passing. Mandy Sheen wanted to be her new best friend. Somehow or another she had found herself part of the fundraising committee. Oh well, that was sure to look good on her resume.
Lois just wanted this day to be over so she could hide away in her room, mourning her loss of hair and eating rocky road ice cream. At least it was a Friday, and she had the weekend to get used to having no hair anymore before she had to front up at school on Monday. Or maybe she could get violently ill and not have to leave her room - well actually Clark's room - for the next six months.
Man up Lois, she berated; face the music. You made this choice. Just take it in your stride as you always do.
She had to wait till the end of the day, which was sort of tortuous, but at least she could slink away quickly and hide. Though she couldn't really hide away from Clark considering she lived at his house, slept in his room. But she could hide away in the barn loft for a few hours.
She had shoved a beanie in her bag for after the big event. Luckily it wouldn't be an event performed in front of the whole school, just the council kids, head master and some teachers. Not even Clark would be there. Hardly a consolation, though.
She tried to put on a brave face. Tried not to close her eyes when they turned the shaver on, but she couldn't help shuddering a little when they began to run it over her head. Long tendrils of her blonde hair fell to the ground. "Bye, bye hair," she silently moaned.
It was more tortuous than she thought it would be. After it was all over, she raised a hand to touch what was let of hair, which was practically nothing. All she could feel was surprisingly soft, stubble of hair. She swallowed the giant size lump in her throat, forced a smile to her lips.
"You alright, Lois?" Mary asked, concerned.
She managed to nod. "Mmm hmm."
"That was so brave of you, and you managed to raise a thousand dollars."
"Great."
She sold her hair for a thousand dollars, at least it would go to a good cause.
She couldn't wait to get out of there. Shoving the beanie on her shorn head, she grabbed her hand bag and made a hasty retreat, running straight into Clark.
"Ouch - Clark!"
"Sorry," he began, a sheepish look on his face, "I was waiting for you."
She saw the concern in those beautiful eyes of his. She straightened. "I'm fine, Smallville, just glad it's over."
His eyes swept over the beanie on her head before resting on her face, a question in their depths. "How did it go?"
"I really don't want to talk about it," she muttered. Looping her arm through his, she pulled him down the corridor. "Let's get out of here."
She was quiet on the drive back to the farm. It just wasn't like her. Even when nervous she'd chatter non-stop. She must be pretty upset. Not that he blamed her. Despite her tough outer shell and tomboyish ways, she was still all girl inside. Losing her hair had obviously distressed her, as he knew it would. He did try to tell her.
Once they reached the farm, she hastily exited the truck and all but ran inside the house. He stood there for a moment, unsure of what to do. Then a thought took hold. He knew of one way to cheer her up.
Lois went straight to the bathroom, closing the door behind her. Taking a deep breath, she faced the mirror. "Time to see how bad it is," she muttered, not at all sure she was ready for this.
Raising a hand, she pulled the beanie off her head. Her eyes widened at the sight of her shorn hair, not even half an inch long all over. Tears welled in her eyes. What the hell! She was not going to cry! It was just damn hair, but the tears came anyway.
She must have sat on the bathroom floor for at least five minutes, crying over her stupid hair. She couldn't explain that losing her hair was almost like losing a limb. She'd always had long hair.
"Lois," Clark called from downstairs.
She hastily wiped the tears away from her eyes.
"I'm just going to the general store to get some things," he continued.
"Okay," she called back, her voice sounding croaky.
Hearing the back door close, she stood up and rinsed her red blotchy face with cold water. Grabbing her beanie she shoved it on her head. Time to eat that tub of rocky road ice-cream.
Clark was only gone half an hour, but when he returned he couldn't find Lois anywhere. She wasn't in the house, his bedroom; where had she gone? Feeling worried, he went inside the barn.
"Lois," he called out.
"I'm up here," came her voice.
Feeling relieved, he trudged up the steps to the barn loft. Lois was curled up on the sofa, a rug thrown over her legs, the same beanie on her head and a tub of ice-cream in her hands. She looked miserable. He took the few steps across the floor and sat down on the edge of the sofa. It looked as if she'd been crying. He felt bad for her.
"Why don't you just say I told you so, Smallville," she sighed, looking somewhat dejected.
"It's understandable that you'd be upset, Lois."
"It's the vanity part of me," she muttered, stabbing at the ice-cream with her spoon. "You want to know what the worse thing about all of this is."
His eyes rested on her face. "What?"
"Now I know how it must have felt for my mom. It kind of sucks losing your hair."
Her tough outer shell had taken a direct hit, and a soft, vulnerable girl hid inside. He was staring directly at her right now. And he was surprised to see this side of her, a side he never knew existed.
Tears collected in her eyes. Her lips trembled before she took a deep steadying breath. She was strangely beautiful in this vulnerable state of hers. Right now he just wanted to reach out, pull her into his arms and hold her. Instead, he grabbed her hand in his, and lightly squeezed her fingers. A shaky smile tilted up the corners of her pretty lips.
"Thanks Smallville, you're a good friend."
He nodded, and smiled in return. "So are you and I brought something to cheer you up," he said.
Removing his hand from hers, he reached for the paper bag and held it up. "A six pack of beer."
A look of disbelief crossed her face, followed by the warmest smile he'd seen from her yet.
"Whoa, Clark, I'm shocked," she exclaimed. "How did you get it?"
He shrugged. "I have my ways."
She punched him in the arm. "You are the best."
A warm tingling feeling resided in the pit of his stomach. He handed her a beer and opened up a bottle of ginger beer for himself. They clinked bottles and took a swig.
"I thought you were going to the movies with Lana?" she asked.
"I cancelled it."
Puzzlement crossed her face. "Why?"
"Just wasn't in the mood for it."
Though truth being he felt he should be here with her. She needed him at present, and if he was even more truthful with himself, he kind of preferred her company. He could be himself.
"I brought a pack of cards as well," he continued, pulling them out of his pocket. "I thought we could play poker."
Her smile widened and nothing had looked so good, seeing the light in her eyes again. It was as it should be.
"You know you don't stand a chance beating me, Smallville," she pointed out.
"Yeah, I know," he sighed, "But I could surprise you."
"You already have," she said softly, "with buying that six pack of beer. You're thoughtful like that."
He felt a flush of warmth surge through him at her words. "A compliment from Lois Lane," he quipped. "Now that doesn't happen often."
A hint of a smile tilted up the corners of her mouth. "Just don't get used to it, Clark."
"I won't."
It didn't take long for Lois to be back to her usual chatty, bossy self, much to Clark's relief. The world had righted itself once more.
"At least with it now being colder I can get away with wearing beanies," she chatted as she shuffled the cards in her hands.
His eyes glanced at the beanie on her head. "I'm sure it's not that bad, Lois?"
She stopped shuffling and looked at him. "Believe me, Smallville, its bad."
"So you're going to wear that beanie all the time?"
"Yep."
He frowned.
"Oh, don't give me that look, Clark."
"What?" he shrugged. "Anyway, why don't you just show me …"
"Oh no!"
He sighed. "I had to bare my chest when I was," he glanced at her, "Tubby."
She smiled. "I actually kind of liked you tubby."
He snorted. "Yeah right."
Shrugging one slender shoulder, her eyes met his. "Once Lana takes an interest, you suddenly get all self-conscious, and decide to dramatically lose the weight for her."
He shot her an annoyed glare. "What are saying, Lois?"
"Well, when you really like someone, Clark, those things don't matter that much."
"You're right, so it shouldn't matter if you let me see your hair, Lois."
He gave her a smug smile.
"Does that mean you like me, Smallville?" she quipped.
He raised an eyebrow. "I'm here."
"Alright," she grumbled. "Point taken, but I'm just not ready yet."
He wasn't going to push it any further. She had to come to terms with it sooner or later.
Clark tried getting comfortable on the couch, but sleep was eluding him. His thoughts were taken up with Lois. Tonight he'd seen a side to her that she never let anyone see, and it was … attractive. Which was crazy, because now Lana was free, and he was dating her. He should be lying here thinking of her, not Lois. These sudden feelings for Lois were confusing him. She was his friend. They practically lived in each other's pockets, arguing, grating on each other's nerves when not getting along famously. That's all she was to him, but then Lois, eyes puffing from crying, looking vulnerable and sad came to mind. How upset she was to lose her hair, telling him so openly and honestly about how she now knew what it felt like for her mother. Her words had moved him in a way he couldn't even begin to explain. Lana would never know what that felt like. No way Lana would sacrifice her hair for a cause. He raked a hand through his hand, tugging on the ends in frustration. He rolled over, punching his pillow and tried to get to sleep yet again.
He heard soft footfalls on the steps, and across the kitchen floor. Whoever it was they walked into the bench. "Damn!"
It was Lois. Only Lois would walk into the bench in the dark, and what was she doing up? Swinging his legs over the side of the sofa, he stood up and walked to the kitchen. Lois was peering into the fridge, reaching for the carton of milk.
"You need a glass with that."
She spun around startled, bringing a hand to rest on her chest. "Clark!" she exclaimed, "You scared the hell out of me."
His eyes rested on her hair. She wasn't wearing the beanie. As if suddenly coming to this realization herself, her hand shot to the back of her neck in a self-conscious gesture. She bit down on her bottom lip. It really was so very short, not even half an inch long. No wonder she'd been upset.
"Is it that bad?" she asked in a hesitant voice.
He shook his head. "No."
"Oh really, because judging by the expression on your face, Smallville, it says you think otherwise."
One hand came to rest on her hip. She tilted her chin up in that defiant way, giving him a pointed look. She was still Lois, even minus the hair, he mused.
"It's just a little … jarring at first."
She raised an eyebrow. "Jarring!"
Okay, wrong choice of word. He sighed. "I mean - adjustment."
She frowned. "Adjustment."
Did she have to keep repeating what he said?
"Give me a break here, Lois. I meant it when I said it didn't look bad but it also takes some …"
"Adjustment," she finished for him.
He sighed. "Getting used to."
Uncertainty filled her hazel eyes. "Okay, I'll just go get the beanie," she began and went to leave.
He grabbed her by the arm. "I actually prefer you without it."
She stopped and slowly glanced up at him, still looking unsure.
"You shouldn't feel embarrassed," he began, taking a deep breath, "You should hold you head high and be proud. The cancer research will receive a cheque for a thousand dollars for what you did."
"A thousand dollars isn't much," she snorted.
"But better than nothing, and you sacrificed something that mattered to you," he continued, "Your hair."
Lois was totally mesmerised by his words. No one had ever spoken to her in such a way. She felt all choked up and before she realised what she was doing, she flung her arms around his neck. His arms hesitatingly circled around her waist. It felt so right, being in his strong arms. But it wasn't his physical strength that warmed her heart, it was that inner strength he possessed, what set him apart from other guys.
Then they both suddenly, feeling awkward, moved out of each other's arms. She clutched her hands together, feeling almost kind of shy, which was total alien for her.
A slow, gorgeous, smile crossed his lips. "What was that for?"
"Oh, for just being you, Smallville," she smiled back, "Amazing as usual."
His smile widened.
.
.
.
.
A/N: Okay before you send pitchforks my way let me explain my reason for Lois' actions :) I wrote the second half of this chapter weeks ago. I'm not a fan of love triangles and I really did not want to drag the whole Lana/Clark thing out. We were tortured enough when watching the series :) But at the same time I had to find a way in which Clark saw Lois in a whole different light and get pass his infatuation with Lana. We know he eventually did on the show, but that took years and in order for this story to progress I really didn't have that liberty. So after watching 'Little Women' with my daughter an idea took hold. Once a strong idea takes hold it's really hard not to write it and so I did, but then I tried to think up different ideas (hence this chapter taking me so long to update) which just wasn't happening. In the end I just had to bite the bullet and leave as is otherwise I would never finish this story! And it did allow me to take their character's to another level, and the last two scenes between Clark and Lois practically wrote themselves. I wished that happened more often when I write!
Okay you can send the pitchforks now :D Least you will not have to suffer anymore romantic scenes between Lana and Clark, because trust me that was painful to write. The action and angst begins to step up from here on out. I'm excited where this story is going to go and I think you'll like where I take it; least I hope so.
Please send a review, always appreciated!