A/N: I know, shock and horror that I've uploaded another chapter just a couple of days after the last one! I was in a writing mood, plus I have an incredibly busy week ahead of me, work wise. That said, this chapter has not been edited due to me wanting to upload tonight, knowing I'll have no time. Please excuse any errors if you see them and feel free to let me know what they are so I can fix them.
I don't like writing one page of angst after another, or a moping Clark for weeks on end, so I think most readers should enjoy this chapter. Please let me know. I love feedback. And feel free to comment, I don't really mind objective criticism, as long as it is constructive. As a writer I am really keen to know what people have to say. It's the only way you can effectively learn.
Thanks for all the reviews to date. They make me very happy.
That said. Enjoy!
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Chapter 11.
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New Year's Eve, and it sure sucked. Clark spent it on the sofa, drugged up with pain medication. His leg was immobilised in a full plaster cast from his thigh to his foot with only his toes poking out. The same said toes that Lois was insistent he wriggle on the hour, every hour, to make sure the blood supply wasn't cut off due to the swelling in his knee.
Pete had loaned them a bed, which was put in the lounge room, making it appear overcrowded. Clark wasn't allowed to use the stairs, luckily the toilet was downstairs, attached to the laundry. The bath, however was upstairs. For now it was sponge baths for him. He managed to, clumsily, negotiate the crutches, but she could see how difficult it was for him. It had only been two days since the operation, and he was still in a lot of pain.
Lois had done a ton of research on the internet to get a better understanding of how the recovery would be for him. Clark wasn't the most forthcoming person when it came to honestly telling her how he felt. But his appearance, as he sat on the stool at the bench, spoke volumes. He was still really pale, the dark rings under his eyes were testimony of the sleepless nights. As she slept on the sofa, near him, she had heard him groan several times last night. She'd dug her nails into the palm of her hand, and the fury she felt towards Chad would burn in the pit of her stomach. Much to her chagrin, Clark had said 'no' when she mentioned reporting the incident to the police.
"He shattered your knee cap into pieces, Clark," she'd raved.
She knew he was only doing this to protect her, because he was worried about that stupid threat Chad had made. But she was a big girl. She could take care of herself. If Clark wasn't willing to make Chad pay for what he had done, then she would, one way or another. Of course she hadn't told him that. In fact she hadn't mentioned Chad's name since Clark arrived home from hospital yesterday afternoon. It was clear as day that he didn't wish to discuss it, along with other things.
She pushed the plate of food across the bench towards him.
"Your Mom gave me strict instructions that you had to eat."
Mrs Kent had to work that day, leaving her in charge. Despite her attempts to get him to eat all day, he had barely nibbled on a piece of toast. It was now five in the evening, and at this rate he'd probably pass out from lack of nourishment. And knowing his luck, break his other kneecap.
He glanced down at the scrambled eggs, a frown denting his forehead.
"Did you make this?" he asked.
"Yes, and for once I didn't screw it up."
She felt proud of herself, her eyes resting on his face. "If you don't eat it, Smallville, I will be insulted. Not to mention that I'll force feed it to you myself."
A ghost of a smile flickered briefly on his lips. Trying to get a smile out of him was like pulling hen's teeth. Not that she blamed him. It's not as if he had a lot to smile about, but she hated seeing him this way.
There was still so much they needed to talk about. It was tortuous waiting for him to bring anything up, but wait she did. He was already suffering enough. Last thing she wanted was to add to that.
He scooped up some scrambled egg with the fork and put it in his mouth. Eyes glued to his face to see his reaction, Lois waited to hear what he thought.
"It's good."
She smiled, pleased. "Don't even think about moving from that stool till it's all gone."
She felt like she was dealing with a difficult child, she mused. Had he brushed his teeth today? He certainly hadn't brushed his hair. It really was an unruly mop at present. In fact it looked as if he hadn't brushed it in days. It was getting too long.
"You need a haircut," she said.
The fork stopped halfway to his mouth. "Feel free to cut it."
She raised an eyebrow. "You really trust me with a pair of scissors?" she quipped. "No telling what you'd come out looking like."
A hint of a smile crossed his face. It was somewhat encouraging.
"And have you been using my shampoo?"
"I just grab whatever's there, Lois."
She sighed, that would explain why her special so called 'make your hair grow faster' shampoo was rapidly diminishing.
"I paid twenty dollars for that shampoo," she muttered out loud. "Next time read the label, Clark."
He raised a questioning eyebrow.
"It's supposed to make your hair grow faster. Which is obviously working for you."
"You really believe that works?" he asked, a hint of amusement in his eyes.
"Well a girl's gotta try."
"It's nothing more than marketing, Lois. They'll do anything to sell a product."
She rolled her eyes. "You're really dashing all my hopes here, Clark."
His smiled widened, just a little bit more. "So, you think it's working for you?"
She shrugged. "I measured the length of my hair yesterday, it's now one and half inches long."
His eyebrows shot up. "You measured your hair."
"Yeah, I needed a distraction. I was bored."
His eyes rested on her hair, making her feel a tad self-conscious. "It has grown back quickly."
"It's been over a month."
Had it really been that long? It seemed just the other day. She still remembered that night. Clark buying her a six pack of beer, and trying to cheer her up. Much like she was trying to do now, for him, by talking about trivial stuff, ignoring the elephant in the corner of the room.
The smile left his face, replaced with a grimace. She knew that look.
"You haven't taken your pain meds."
"I'm fine," he returned, with a dismissive wave of his hand. "I just need to lay down."
Watching him fumble with the crutches, she couldn't help feeling annoyed with him.
"You need to take them."
"They make my head feel spaced out."
She threw up her hands in despair. It was time to get bossy.
After helping him get settled on the sofa, Lois went back to grab his plate of half eaten scrambled eggs. He wasn't getting out of finishing it off.
She returned to the sofa, handed him the plate. He glanced at it, frowning. "I'm not hungry, Lois."
"You don't get to say no, Clark, and trust me, you really don't want me to feed this to you."
"Are you really, going to make me eat …" he began.
Sitting down on the edge of the sofa, she scooped up a forkful and waved it in front of his face. His eyes met hers. "I guess you are," he continued with a sigh.
There was no point in trying to argue with her, besides he felt too exhausted. Taking the plate from her, he began eating. Seeming satisfied, Lois walked back into the kitchen. No doubt she would be getting his pain meds, and he'd have no choice but to take them. She was right about that too, the pain was unbearable, so what if the meds made him groggy. Who'd ever thought that one small bone could cause so much pain? The pain was ten times worse than it had been when he'd initially torn his ACL.
Lois was angry with Chad, and he hadn't let his mind dwell on it, because he was afraid of what Chad would do to her. It was best just to play it cool for now. When he was better, however long that took, because right now it felt as if he'd never feel better again, he would deal with Chad. As for restoring his powers, it would have to wait. He still had so much stuff to sort out in his head. Right now he felt a deep anger, mixed with resentment towards his birth father. He also had a lot of questions. Why was Earth's fate going to be the same as his home planet? Was it true what his father had told him? As for the other part: You are Kryptonian. Did that mean Kryptonian's didn't have feelings and passions? 'Your attachment to the girl is governed by emotion. You have grown up in the human way. It'll be your undoing.'
Watching Lois take the plate from him, his heart twisted painfully in his chest. He didn't care if it was his undoing. Having no emotion, it sounded so – desolate. Overwhelmed with a sudden need for reassurance he murmured her name. "Lois."
She glanced at him, the questions in her eyes, all the things he wanted but was too afraid to tell her. He held out a hand to her, she took it, sitting down on the edge of the sofa. He gently pulled her towards him. She went willingly, and he wrapped his arms around her. Her hand resting on his chest. This was what he needed, Lois. The loneliness of the last two days receded into the shadows. As much as he told himself he wouldn't let anything happen to her, neither could he shut her out any longer. He would tell her everything. Breathing in the scent of her shampoo, the one she'd berated him about using, he ran a hand through her one and a half inch hair. Bemused by the fact that she'd actually measured it. Pulling back slightly, she bit her lower lip. One of her nervous gestures he was beginning to read so easily. He wanted to reassure her. Pushing the short strands of hair behind her ear, he traced her earlobe with his finger.
"I think you should come with a hazard warning, Clark," she murmured in a husky voice.
He managed a smile. "For the record, Lois. I think your hair is starting to look pretty." He rubbed the short strands together. "It's soft." His knuckles lightly skimmed the length of her neck.
She shivered. "And you have a nice neck."
She drew in a breath. "You weren't wrong when you said those pain meds made your head feel spaced out," she quipped.
"I think it's more to do with the scrambled eggs you just forced me to eat. I seem to have a bit more energy." His eyes fell to her lips. Neither of them had mentioned the kiss they'd shared before Chad rocked up. It stood between them now. Hesitation flickered in Lois' eyes.
"I'm a disaster when it comes to guys, Clark."
"And I'm totally unexperienced," he added.
She smiled, her eyes resting on his lips. "Oh, I don't know, you do pretty well for someone who is."
It was only because he felt comfortable around her.
"You're my best friend, Clark, and I don't want to risk losing you."
"You won't. Nothing has to change, Lois."
She tilted her head to the side, contemplating his words. He rested a hand on her shoulder.
"I'd never risk our friendship, or losing you."
A sweet smile crossed her face, as she gazed back at him. It offered some encouragement.
"I'm just as scared as you are," he continued. "I have no idea what will happen to me, what my future is …"
"Yeah, you do," she interrupted. "You're this planet's saviour."
He let out a harsh bitter laugh. "Look at me, Lois. I can hardly do anything like this."
"For now, until you get your powers back."
His hand dropped to his side, he averted his eyes from hers. Okay, so they were going there, discuss what needed to be discussed even though he really didn't want to, because it needed to be discussed all the same.
"Which you seem really reluctant about," she continued, "And I don't understand it. Surely you don't want to keep suffering like this, Clark?"
He plucked at the flint on the blanket half covering him. Of course he didn't want to suffer, but if he did do all of what his father asked him, become Kryptonian, then what would become of Clark Kent? How could he even trust the nameless voice from his visions?
"You told me what your father said to you, how your body would continue to break down, and it is. His prediction is coming true."
He squirmed uncomfortably. She was right.
"What did you see in the last vision, Clark?"
He glanced up at her, and swallowed. "You."
Shock registered on his face, followed by confusion.
"You were by my side, calling out to me as a lay unconscious on the ground," he continued. "My father said you were strong for a human girl, and that you could help me."
"Oh." Surprise lit up her face.
"Even if it cost you your life," he muttered.
"I told you, Clark, I'm willing to take that risk."
Seeing the fierce loyalty in her eyes, caused a lump to form in his throat. "I know – but." Raising a hand he touched her face.
"You are not," she finished for him, "You said that in the hospital, but Clark – you are more important."
They were words he didn't want to hear, he shook his head. "No."
"You can't keep pretending you're not, this isn't going to go away. You have a destiny."
"We all do, Lois."
"Of course, and mine is help you get your powers back."
He could see the determination blazing in her eyes. She really was incredibly beautiful.
"Okay, say that does happen and I find the three crystals, and build that cold sterile ice fortress here on earth …"
"Whoa, hold up there, Clark, what fortress?"
"My home planet, apparently," he muttered, "My father said the three crystals would form a replicate of the fortress, and where I would learn the Kryptonian way."
Lois wasn't sure if she liked the sound of that. Kryptonian way – what did that mean?
"I don't even know what that is, Lois," he stressed.
She glanced at his face, noting the worry in his eyes. He had mentioned that before. She remembered in the ambulance, he kept muttering how he didn't want to become Kryptonian. And then again in the hospital, something about not having a heart.
"But from what I could gather – it would mean losing my humanity," his voice broke off there.
Lois could never see that happening, Clark was stronger than he gave himself credit for. "What makes you say that?"
He lowered his eyes,
"My father said my emotional attachment to you – was because I had learned the human way. It would be my undoing."
Okay, so now she understood his reluctance.
"Basically I am to let you help me, but form no emotional attachment to you."
She could see this greatly bothered him, and it did sound so cold. And to hell with that. He might not be human, but neither did he have to become like his father.
"I understand military minded fathers," she began, "When my Dad gives an order, I'll only ever do part of it, and then do the rest my way."
A slow smile crossed his face, there was a spark in his eyes as it dawned on him what she was implying.
"So I get back my powers, find the crystals and the ice fortress gets built."
"I don't see why you should have to learn the Kryptonian way, just give him enough to keep him happy."
He gave the warmest smile she had seen in three days. It felt so good to see it. It felt even better having him open up again and be honest. She really thought it wouldn't be so soon.
"You're amazing," he confessed.
She grinned back. "I know."
A brief laugh escaped his throat, before his hand found hers. "I don't know what I'd do without you, Lois."
The sincerity and warmth in his eyes took her breath away. No one had needed her so much before. But that need went both ways. Their destinies, it would seem, really were entwined.
Whatever worries she had, Lois shoved them aside. Let tomorrow take care of itself. With Clark, she had a feeling it would be take one day at a time. She was risking her heart with him, but it was worth it. She had never felt that way before. Whenever her feelings became too intense for a guy, she would generally head for the hills. But then, it wasn't every day she'd met someone like Clark.
Pulling back before she did something stupid, like kiss him senseless, she reached for the tablets and glass of water from the coffee table.
"Okay, time for those meds, Smallville."
There was no way she was letting him get out of that. Much to her surprise he didn't protest. He must really be in a lot of pain. From her research, the pain was intense for the first couple of weeks. It took many months to recover. She needed to find a way to restore his powers. She had a gut feeling, the answers lay in the two rocks she had found in the rubble. The sooner he restored his powers the better. Then he wouldn't have to suffer anymore, because she hated seeing him this way.
His hand shook slightly as he raised the glass of water to his lips. "It'll get better," she spoke, softly.
He didn't look convinced.
"I sent an email to my friend who happens to be a geologist," she continued. "He lives in Metropolis. I told him about the rocks and he's really interested in studying them."
"Can you trust him?" Clark asked.
Seeing the hesitation in his eyes, she nodded. "I'm not telling him anything about you. I'll just say I found them and was curious because of Chloe's wall of weird and unexplained so called meteor infected freaks."
"Yeah, I remember stopping a number of them."
She cast him a curious glance. "It's interesting that the green rocks made you sick, but can give humans certain abilities."
"Those abilities were of a weird and unusual nature," he frowned, a worried look in his eyes. "The rocks are dangerous. Where are they now?"
"In your bedroom."
"You need to put them in lead casing. One thing I discovered when I was exposed to the green rocks, was that lead acted as a protection to whatever it was they emitted."
This was good, Clark was finally talking about the rocks. "Okay," she nodded, taking the glass of water from his hand, his fingers brushed against hers.
"You need to be careful, Lois."
Hearing the concern in his voice, she glanced at him. His eyes reflecting the same concern. He raised a hand, resting it on her shoulder, his thumb brushed up and along her neck. "I want to go with you when you see this geologist friend. Just give it two weeks till I have the sutures removed and get fitted with the knee brace. I should be use to the crutches by then."
She didn't want to wait that long, but seeing the apprehension in his eyes and given Clark's tenacity to blame himself when things went wrong, she nodded.
He smiled, cradling her face with those large hands of his, which were surprisingly gentle. And she was drowning in the warmth of his beautiful eyes. She couldn't imagine him without emotions, without a heart. Surely that would never happen if he did learn the so-called Kryptonian way?
She had the sinking feeling that he might not have a choice, given the control his birth father seemingly had over him. She wouldn't let that happen.
Slowly, gently, soothingly, he stroked her back from shoulder to waist. His touch fuelling the need for more. Her eyes rested on his lips, and oh crap. She was going to kiss him. Just a little kiss to stop the ache. Leaning in towards him, her mouth only inches from his, she could feel her lips tingle with anticipation.
"Clark," she breathed, seeing the same need in his eyes.
Cupping his face with her hands, she pressed her lips to his with the intent of keeping it simple and gentle. Not too much, she told herself. But who was she kidding. The longing rolled over her in waves. She felt the coaxing, enticing sweep of his tongue across her lips all the way to the soles of her feet.
"Hi, Lois, Clark."
Oh crap, Mrs Kent! They quickly pulled away. Clark's eyes widened. Lois hastily stood up. They hadn't even heard the door open.
"Hi, Mrs K."
Mrs Kent was placing a bag of groceries on the bench. Just how much had she seen? Lois's cheeks burned. She hastily straightened her top, which had somehow managed to get rumpled from Clark's hands. Then her cheeks burned an even deeper shade of red at the memory.
Double crap.
She couldn't even bring herself to look at Clark. "You need a hand with that, Mrs Kent," she said, her voice sounding unusually bright. With a shake of her head Lois quickly walked over to her, spying the carton of milk on the bench, she grabbed it. The sudden coldness of the fridge a welcoming relief on her burning cheeks as she placed the milk in there. She stood there for a moment, fridge open, trying to compose herself.
"Looking for something, Lois?" she heard Mrs Kent asked.
Lois' eyes rested on the jug of juice, she grabbed it, slamming the fridge door shut. "Just this."
There was a twinkle in Mrs Kent's eyes. Lois inwardly groaned. She could be reading anything and maybe nothing into this. The twinkle in Mrs K's eyes could merely mean she was happy to be home.
"Has Clark eaten anything today?" she asked, placing her bag on the bench.
"Not much, but I did manage to get some scrambled eggs into him."
"Well at least that's something."
Lois watched her walk over to Clark, sighing in relief. She reached for a glass from the cupboard and poured some juice, then drinking it. That worked. She felt calmer already. Now all she had to do was not allow herself to get within close proximity of Clark. Maybe she should invest in some handcuffs, she mused. That way Clark wouldn't be able to touch her.
Mrs K started dinner. Lois had a long hot shower. By the time she made it back to the kitchen, Mrs Kent had dinner ready. Hearing her phone buzz, Lois picked it up from the bench. It was Chloe. She had been waiting for her to call.
"Oh, hi Chloe."
"Okay, so New Year's Eve," she talked. "Clark's place or Pete's?"
Lois glanced over to the sofa. Clark had fallen asleep. Two days out from the operation, he really wasn't up for socialising.
"Probably best to make it Pete's."
It would give her the chance to talk about Chad out of earshot from Clark. He wouldn't be happy with her plotting Chad's downfall. But she wasn't going to let this slide, and she needed Chloe and Pete's help.
"How's Clark?" Chloe asked.
Where did she even begin with that? "He's holding up. I'll tell you all about it when I see you at Pete's."
Martha made herself comfortable on the single sofa. Her eyes rested on Clark. Even asleep, there was still a pained look on his face. With everything that had happened these last couple of days, she'd barely had time to rest. She was thankful that Lois was here. Lois had an innate knack of knowing how to deal with Clark. They were getting friendly. The only amusement she had was watching the two of them trying to hide it when it was so obvious.
She smiled to herself. It was only a matter of time before it happened. Martha always knew it would. They were each other's soul mates, like her and Jonathon had been. A brief flicker of pain flared up in her heart. There were times when she sorely missed him, especially times like these. Christmas, birthdays and New Year's Eve had never been the same.
Hearing Lois stomp down the stairs, she looked up.
"I'm heading out to Pete's house," Lois spoke, as she approached the sofa, fiddling with her ear-ring.
"Have a nice time. You deserve a break."
Lois nodded. "Thanks, Mrs K." She took a deep breath. "I know you worry a lot about, Clark. But he was better after he ate something. I managed to get him talking. He started to open up again. I think he'll be fine."
Martha did feel comforted by her words. "With you here, definitely."
A shyness stole over Lois' face, as her eyes rested on Clark's sleeping form. "He looks so uncomfortable."
Martha noticed the concern in her eyes. She really did care so much for him. Once again, she was felt the burden lift knowing that she didn't have to be alone when it came to dealing with Clark. Sharing his secret and everything Clark was so openly with another person offered much comfort.
"Are you sure you'll be okay, Mrs K. Not much of a fun way to spend New Year's Eve."
"It's been pretty much like this since Jonathon died," she returned, wistfully. "Only without Clark being injured."
Glancing up at Lois, Martha could see the girl was still unsure about leaving.
"Go, Lois. We'll be fine. You have a good time."
There were only a handful of people at Pete's house, for which Lois was grateful. She hung out in the back room with Chloe and Pete. A place they could escape from adult's watchful eyes. Lois had smuggled in a six pack of beer.
"Lois, you shouldn't have," Chloe chided, as they sat back on the sofa.
"With the last few days I've had, I sorely need it."
"How is, Clark?" Pete asked.
Lois flipped the top off her beer. "Anyone else want one."
"I won't say no," Pete returned, grabbing a bottle.
Taking a very long swig of her beer, Lois looked up to find two sets of eyes watching her.
"Wow, it must be bad," Chloe murmured. "You've just sculled half a bottle of beer in one gulp."
"It is," she muttered. "Clark's knee is screwed, quite literally too. The knee cap was shattered into about five pieces."
Pete let out a low whistle.
"How did it happen?" Chloe asked.
Lois looked directly at them, feeling the anger swirl inside of her. "Chad is what happened."
She filled in Pete and Chloe with everything that took place that day. How they were at Hobson's Pond, and Chad turning up with his friends. He wanted to fight Clark, but she wouldn't let him. Clark had pushed her out of the way, taking the punch Chad had aimed at her. Then Clark punched him back.
"And Chad, the lowlife, kicked Clark with a hell of a lot force straight at his injured knee."
Her hands shook with fury as she talked about it.
Chloe's eyes widened in horror. Pete swore under his breath.
"That guy is a first prized jerk," he exclaimed, jumping up from the couch. "At training he struts about the place as if he owns."
Lois watched him start pacing. It felt good to get this off her chest, and not be the only one angry.
"He's done nothing but give Clark a hard time. Every training session he roughens him up. Man I'd give anything to see him fall."
"Don't we all," Chloe murmured, still looking shell shocked by the news. "Poor Clark."
"I just want to take him out," Pete continued, hitting his fist into his other hand. "I can rough him up a bit during training."
Lois shot him a thankful look, but Pete, although solidly built was short, plus Chad had his cronies on his side. It wouldn't pay for Pete to get hurt too.
"I don't think that'll help much," Chloe spoke up. "What we need is to find some dirt on him."
"I can keep a close eye on him," Pete offered, "See if I can find anything."
"We need evidence," Chloe continued.
"Chloe's right," Lois agreed.
Chloe turned to face her, a puzzled frown denting her forehead. "Why were you and Clark at Hobson's Pond? Isn't that where his Dad died?"
Lois squirmed, now she had to lie, just like Clark had had to lie his whole life.
"Clark, I think, wanted closure. I was just there for moral support."
Chloe didn't look entirely convinced.
"More importantly," Lois continued, in an attempt to take the focus of Clark. "What was Chad doing out there?"
"Do you think he was following, Clark?" Pete suggested.
"I wouldn't put it past him."
"Why didn't you report him to the police? It's assault," Chloe asked.
Lois sighed. "Clark didn't want to. Chad threatened me, and now he's all worried about it."
"What did he say?"
"He had something special planned for me."
Chloe's eyes widened. "Lois!" she exclaimed. "You have to tell the police!"
"And what are they going to do exactly," she muttered, bitterly. "There's no evidence, just one person's word against another."
Chloe's hands rested on her legs, a determined glint in her eye. "Then we have to find some."
Lois managed a smile. If anyone could come through with that, it would be Chloe.
By the time Lois crept through the door of the Kent farm it was one in the morning. The lights were out, all except the lamp in the lounge room. Mrs K must have left it on for her.
She tried to be as quiet as possible, not wanting to wake Clark up. He needed his sleep. But when she approached the lounge room, Clark wasn't asleep.
He was reading a book. His eyes met hers, and a warm smile crossed his face.
"I couldn't sleep," he offered in way of an explanation. "I just wanted to make sure you got home safely."
Home, just that thought made her breath catch in her throat, because this was the first real home she had known since she was a young girl.
"You worry too much, Clark."
Placing her hand bag on the coffee table, she walked across to his bedside. She glanced down at the book in his hand.
"Lord of the Rings, huh. I didn't think you'd read it."
"It's a trilogy, Lois, and I happen to have a lot of time of my hands. Plus it came highly recommended."
She had chucked a whole load of books at him yesterday in an attempt to keep him entertained, but she hadn't really thought he'd read any of them, and especially that particular book.
"You learn anything from it, Smallville?"
He tilted his head to the side, a thoughtful look crossing his face. "When you have a quest, you can't do it alone."
Lois couldn't help smiling. Clark was finally beginning to get it.
"You're learning, Smallville."
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A/N: Thanks for reading. I hope this chapter levitated the frustration some people may have felt with the last one :) Please leave a review and let me know what you think. It is always, very much appreciated and valued.
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