A/N: I think you'll enjoy this chapter. I hope!
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Chapter 15.
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Martha shivered in the cool night air as she exited her car. Something was very wrong. She could sense it. Call it a mother's intuition and she was suddenly very scared. It was probably the wind playing tricks on her mind.
Shelby scratched on the back door from the inside, wanting to be let out. She opened the door. He was out like a shot, racing across the back lawn to the storm cellar.
"Shelby," she called after him, disconcerted.
What would possess Shelby to go to the storm cellar? She swallowed, experiencing a sudden dread.
Dropping her hand bag on the porch, she hurried after him. Shelby was barking, quite ferociously as she descended the stairs.
"Shelby – what is it?"
The hairs on the back of her neck stood up at the sight of the glowing space ship.
"Don't be afraid, Martha Kent."
The voice was unlike anything she had heard before, an accent she couldn't place. "Who are you?"
"I am Jor-el, Kal-el's father."
Clark's biological father?!
"Kal-el is in great danger."
Martha froze on the spot. The dread she had been feeling intensified.
"You must find the key and insert it into the ship."
Did Jor-el mean the key that she had hidden away in her wardrobe?
"Kal-el now has the key."
She was confused.
"He took it from you. I will guide you to it."
Clark took the key – when? And why? She would be grilling him about that later.
"Your connection to Kal-el allows me access to your mind."
Martha shivered. "I am his mother." She had to point that out. She didn't know this Jor-el. Jor-el didn't know her son Clark – not in the way she did.
The lights to the space ship went out, leaving her standing alone in the darkness. Shelby whined.
"Go to the loft, Martha Kent.'
The voice was in her head. How did he do that? Is this how he communicated with Clark? Her legs moved of their own volition. She walked up the steps of the storm cellar and towards the barn. She could feel Jor-el in her mind, a presence all of his own. The wind had picked up in intensity, it tore at her clothes.
Clark was at the site of Jonathon's death. How she knew this, she had no idea. It was an impression placed in her thoughts. It had to be Jor-el's doing.
Once in the loft, Martha knew exactly where to find the key. It was hidden behind the desk, on a wooden beam.
"Hurry, Martha Kent, time is of the essence."
She ran back to the storm cellar, Shelby on her heels. Without a second thought, she placed the key into the ship. The ship came to life and in a blink of an eye, was gone.
Martha stood in silence, the darkness swamping her. She was alone. Jor-el's presence had vanished from her mind.
Dazed and shell shocked, she sat down on the bottom steps of the storm cellar, trying to grasp just what had exactly happened. Clark's race had a superiority far from anything on this earth. She couldn't help shuddering at the thought. Suddenly everything had become that much more complicated. Jor-el had made his presence felt. What did that mean for her and Clark?
When Lois thought about it, afterwards, it was strange that she never felt a thing when they fell. It should have hurt. They should have been crushed to death. But she was still in Clark's arms, lying on top of him. She could hear the steady beating of his heart. Raising her face, her eyes met his.
"Are you hurt?" she suddenly asked.
"No."
How was that possible?
"You – Lois?"
His hands cupped her face, his eyes raking over her with concern.
"I'm fine, Clark."
He smiled with relief. It was then that Lois noticed the golden light. Scrambling off him, she slowly sat up, blinking in disbelief.
Clark's spaceship was right next to them.
"Clark …" she began.
His eyes widened at the sight of the space ship. "H-How – did it get here?"
Lois glanced upwards, at the pile of rocks through to the ground above. She could see the night sky. They must have fallen a good 50 feet.
Aware that Clark was now standing, she clambered to her feet. Clark ran his hand over the space ship. She watched on, mesmerised. Whether he wanted to admit it or not, it was part of him.
"It must have protected us during the fall," she murmured. Or more to the point, protected him, she had just been along for the ride.
Suddenly aware she was only wearing her lingerie, she began shivering. "I'm freezing."
Turning to her, Clark hastily took of his coat and draped it across her shoulders. His fingers lightly touched the spot on her cheek, were Chad had hit her. She saw his jaw clench, a glint of anger flashed in his eyes.
"I wanted to kill him," he muttered.
"Yeah, well make that the two of us. Not to mention my dress will be ruined."
Not that she could ever wear it again, too many bad memories. Just the images of Chad's hands touching her made her shudder with revulsion. She could already imagine the bruises that would form around her waist.
Clark, watching her intently, must have noticed. "He hurt you - Lois."
Okay, she needed to be upbeat about this, lighten the mood somehow. But much to her chagrin, tears welled in her eyes. She fought them back.
He shut his eyes, shaking his head. "You were risking a lot. How could you do something …"
Swallowing, she pressed a finger against his lips. "No lectures."
His eyes opened, she saw the flicker of annoyance in them.
"The truth needed to come out. You know I can't stand injustice."
He blinked, and nodded. "He almost," he swallowed, "I mean what if he had ra …"
"But he hadn't," she finished for him, seeing as he couldn't say the word.
Deep shadows filled his eyes. She could see he was struggling to let it go. "I felt so useless."
"That's what he wanted, Clark."
She wasn't about to tell him her own fears in that given moment. Given Clark's tendency to blame himself for everything, it was best to be quiet.
The space ship made a sudden whirring sound. They both turned to look at it. Lois felt relieved by the distraction. She didn't want to talk about Chad. The memories were too raw and fresh in her mind.
The space ship darted around them and straight down a hole.
She stumbled over to hole it had disappeared through and peered down. She could see it hovering just ten feet below, as if it were waiting for them.
"I think it wants us to follow it."
Pulling the rocks away to widen the hole, she glanced up at Clark. "Give me a hand here."
Coming to his senses, he was by her side, helping.
"What do you think is down there?" she asked.
"I guess we will soon find out, and I'm going first, Lois."
Seeing the stubborn tilt of his jaw, she would have to let him.
Once wide enough, he scrambled through.
They followed what looked to be a roughhewn declining path, which eventually began to widen out. Her heart was beating erratically in her chest. What was this place? She glanced sideways at Clark, who had been silent this whole time.
"How's your knee holding up?"
He grimaced. "It's all right."
He was lying. And he wasn't supposed to be walking without the crutch, not that they could do much about it. It had probably been smashed by the falling rocks.
The path eventually levelled out, and they found themselves in a small, circular room. Clark could hear the voice from the ship whispering to him. It is time – let your intuition guide you, Kal-el. He could feel Lois' eyes watching him, mingled with curiosity and a quiet thoughtfulness.
His eyes scanned the walls which were full of Kryptonian symbols.
"Can you read them?" she asked.
He nodded in hesitation, feeling every bit the alien in that moment. "It's a message," he began. "Enter through the wall, Kal-el. I've been waiting for this moment."
His voice broke off there. This was for him – this place, his father had left it here or someone Kryptonian had. The room hummed with a life of its own, possessing an energy he was yet to understand.
"How do you enter through a wall," Lois murmured.
But he already knew. Walking past her, he stood in front of a section of the wall. It didn't look any different to any other part, but this was the spot.
A white light appeared out of the wall, scanning him.
"Clark," Lois began, her voice laced with urgency.
"It's all right, Lois. It won't hurt me."
"How do you know that?"
He glanced over his shoulder at her. He couldn't really answer that, because there wasn't one. "I just do," he replied.
Her eyes widened, before darting to the wall in front of him, that seemingly, out of nowhere – opened. The space ship zoomed past him.
"I guess that's our cue to follow," Lois remarked.
Clark peered after the space ship. "I'll go first to make sure it's safe."
For once, Lois didn't argue. He took the few steps forward and entered a room, lined by 20 feet stone walls on either side. A white light from above lit up what looked to be a stone table.
Slowly approaching it, he could feel his excitement growing. In the centre of the table was the shape of a five sided indentation. At the top lay a shining black crystal. Reaching out a hand, he picked it up, reading the Kryptonian symbol.
"Water," he murmured out loud.
He turned quickly to Lois. "I think I've found the third crystal."
Her head shot upward. "What?"
"It looks just like the other two that Lex has."
"What is this place?" she asked in awe.
"It's – a portal."
She gave him an amused glance. "You've been reading too much Harry Potter, Smallville."
"You did give me the books, Lois."
He ran his finger over the slot on the edge of the table. A memory took hold. The octagonal key. A cold shiver swept down his spine.
"And I think I may have the port key."
He slowly turned to the spaceship. Taking the few steps towards it, he swept his hand over the ship, the octagonal key flew into his hand. The space ship fell to the ground.
Lois eyes widened, they were glued to him. "Wow, Smallville. You're full of surprises."
Turning back to the stone table, he inserted the key into the empty slot. It was a perfect fit, but nothing was happening.
Of course. He needed all three crystals to make it work.
Lois hovered by his side.
"Your father was right, the answers do lay here. They always have. He's not a mad man, or just a voice in your head. Surely you have to see that now, Clark?"
"I know."
"He must have had some foresight in to what would happen to his home planet, and had been planning to send you here all along."
Clark recalled the words. When you travelled through the cosmos, you carried the hopes and dreams of your people. They now live through you, Kal-El.
"We need to get out of here before anyone else arrives," he said with urgency.
Pulling the key from the stone table, he put it back into the space ship. The little ship came to life and sped out of the room, up the tunnel and no doubt home.
Pocketing the crystal, he reached for Lois' hand. "Let's go."
They had no sooner left the room, when the wall closed behind them. Lois turned around, a look of awe on her face. "Wow."
A hint of smile flickered on his lips. She was taking it well. They quietly made their way back up the tunnel, covering the entrance with rocks. Everything was dark now the space ship had left. Lois could see the stars twinkling up above.
What a night it had been. Every muscle in her body ached. She could only imagine what Clark must be feeling. His face was covered in dirt, there was a scratch on the left side of his cheek.
"Lois!" A voice called from up above.
It was Chloe.
"I'm down here," she yelled back.
"Is Clark with you?"
"Yes."
"Are you both okay?"
"We're fine, but we would really like to get out of here."
Clark's fingers squeezed hers. Turning to face him, he wrapped his arms around her.
"I was so afraid that he would hurt you," he murmured in her ear.
"It's okay now, Clark."
He pulled back, caressing her face with his large hands. He kissed her forehead, and the bruise on her cheek. His hands swept through her hair. He was so gentle and caring. His tenderness washed away the bad memories of Chad. She melted into the circle of his arms.
The next hour passed by in a blur. Once she and Clark had returned to the surface, everyone was there. Chloe, Lana and the police. There were statements to be made. Clark handed over Chad's phone as further evidence.
"How did the both of you even survive the fall?" Chloe had asked in disbelief, "With barely a scratch."
Lois had exchanged a knowing look with Clark. It wasn't something neither of them could talk about.
"I guess we just got lucky," she told her.
The police wanted to take them to the hospital for a check-up, but by that time it had gone way past midnight, and they both just wanted to go home.
Lois was exhausted. Judging by the look on Clark's face, he felt the same way.
Lois drove the truck back to the farm. Both of them were silent during the drive. There was so much to think about and process. Lois' mind was buzzing. She had seen a whole new side to Clark tonight. Up until this point in time, she hadn't really realised that Clark wasn't from Earth. Well she had in a way, but because he didn't have his powers, it wasn't that hard to see him so different from herself. But tonight had changed that. It had consolidated the reality of Clark being so much more than she had ever imagined.
"They must have such advanced technology on your planet compared to us mere humans," she had said, just before they reached the farm.
"I guess," he replied.
He guessed! Seriously?
"I didn't grow up knowing it, Lois," he continued. "I'm just a farm boy remember."
She considered his words, before glancing sideways at him. "But not tonight. Tonight you were so much more than that."
There was an intelligence to him, something that she had only seen glimpses of up until now. It was an intelligence on a level a human didn't possess. It shouldn't worry her. Clark was well – Clark. His quiet thoughtfulness, ability to rationalise in a calm manner – okay not so calm when it came to the people being hurt who he cared about - was other worldly. And yet he grew up with humans and that – well that was a good thing. He might be Kryptonian, but he didn't grow up with their culture. It made him unique. Unless Jor-el had his way, with the obvious intention of making Clark Kryptonian.
"I'm still me, Lois," he said in a quiet voice.
"Amazing," she added.
A hint of smile flickered on his lips.
"So are you." Those three simple words, warmed her. Clark made her feel special in a way nobody else ever had.
"You're probably going to send me to an early grave with your brash risk taking, without giving a second thought to your own safety, but well, Lois is a force to be reckoned with."
God, how she loved him. The thought terrified her. To love so strongly also meant she had so much more to lose.
I'm too young for this. How can she possibly know what she wanted? But she had never felt so alive, and maybe she never would again.
They entered the kitchen, trying to be quiet, not wanting to wake his Mom up. But his Mom was already sitting at the bench, a mug in her hand. Instant relief swept over her face at the sight of them.
"Clark," she breathed, jumping up from the stool. "Lois."
He caught her in his arms, before she moved on to hug Lois. Her eyes raking over the both of them, eventually resting on his face.
Her face grew serious. "You went to the crypt."
He blinked, surprised. "How did you know that?"
"I spoke to Jor-el."
He was even further shocked. "You spoke to Jor-el. How?"
Her hand rested on his arm, her forehead wrinkling with worry. "At first from the space ship." She took a breath. "Then he was – in my head, Clark."
This was something new and completely unexpected. He wasn't sure what to make of it?
"He told me get the key and put it in the ship, that you were in danger."
How did his father even know he was in danger? How was he able to see all things happening around him? As much as he should be thankful, he also couldn't help feeling disconcerted.
His eyes flew to Lois. What did she think? He could already hear the hesitation in her voice on the drive home. She was worried about him changing, he felt compelled to reassure her he wouldn't. But in truth, he really had no idea.
"So were you?" his mom asked.
"I think it's time for the truth, Clark," Lois piped up.
She took a deep breath. "You might want to sit down, Mrs K."
Lois told his Mom everything, in her usual dramatic way, leaving out certain details that he could see she struggled to discuss – namely Chad. He clenched his fists at the thought of what Chad had done to her. She might act as if it were nothing much, but he knew better. It had shaken her.
He could see the concern on his mother's face growing. Her eyes would drift from Lois' face and then back to him. When Lois talked about the crystals, along with Lex, the accusations in her eyes burned a hole through him.
"Were you ever going to tell me any of this, Clark?" she demanded, once Lois was finished.
He fidgeted uncomfortably on his seat. "I just didn't want you to worry."
He knew that expression on her face. He was in big trouble.
"I'm not made of glass. I did raise you from a toddler, and that was no easy feat. I'm used to spending my days worrying. You should have told me."
He quickly averted his eyes, feeling properly chastened.
His Mom turned her attention to Lois. "As for you, Lois. I'd admire your bravery and loyalty, but what you did tonight was foolish. If it hadn't been for Clark's space ship you would both be dead!"
It wasn't often his Mom was this worked up. He didn't blame her, she spoke the truth.
"I'm sorry, Mrs K," Lois mumbled, her face reddening.
"Apology accepted Lois. Now I want the both of you to go straight to bed, and not step a foot from this house."
He watched his Mom turn away, and storm up the stairwell.
"I think we've just been scolded," Lois murmured. "I feel awful."
"Don't worry, she doesn't stay mad for long."
He turned to face her, noticing the bruise on her cheek. His jaw clenched at the sight of it.
"You need some ice on that cheek."
Lois watched him walk across to the fridge, she leaned against the bench, still feeling bad. She had never seen Mrs Kent that worked up before. Her eyes drifted shut.
"God, I'm so exhausted," she groaned. Every muscle in her body ached.
Clark returned with an ice pack. She placed it on her cheek, wincing. Sympathy flickered in his eyes.
"For once, I'm patching you up," he quipped, a smile on his lips.
She was about to give a witty retort when her eyes rested on his upper arm. Blood stained through his white shirt. Why hadn't she noticed it before?
"You have blood on your shirt, Clark."
He looked down at his arm, frowning.
"Guess I'm going to have to patch you up, again."
Placing the ice pack on the bench, she took hold of his arm, rolling the sleeve of his shirt up."
She noticed the gash to his arm, it was deep. "How could you not feel this?"
He winced. "I can feel it now."
Her eyes met with his. "Oh, just great. You can't go one day without hurting yourself, Smallville. That'll need stitches."
"I'm not going to the hospital now, Lois. It's two in the morning. I've had enough of hospitals."
She shot him a sympathetic look, before taking a closer look at the gash. "There's something in there," she began, pulling him closer towards the light to get a better view.
"Something is lodged in there, hang on a sec, Clark."
Dashing up the stairs, she soon returned with tweezers, and his other crutch.
"I found the spare. You've been walking far too much on that knee."
He took the crutch for her. "I can't wait for the day I no longer have to use it," he muttered.
She didn't blame him. Taking hold of his arm, she peered closely at the gash.
"This might hurt, stay still."
"Yeah, not like I don't know what pain is," he muttered, dryly.
She pulled out a very slender shard of some sort of metal. Holding it up towards the light, she could just make out faint traces of blue.
Her breath caught in her throat. "I think – it's a fragment from the blue rocks."
"It probably happened with the rock fall."
"No – I'm not sure, if it was recent the colour would be more distinct."
Her eyes met with his. "What if …" Grabbing him by the shoulders, she peered closely at him.
"Do you feel any different?"
He shook his head. "No."
Her shoulders slumped in disappointment. "Maybe there's more of those shards of blue rock in you, Clark."
If so, it could take forever to find the damn things.
"You need a full body scan," she continued.
He shook his head. "Another day, I'm about to collapse from exhaustion. Just patch me up Lois, so we can go to bed."
They both fell onto his bed. Too tired and worn out to bother about showering. She pulled on one of his plaid shirts. He slipped his trousers and shoes off.
"You should put an ice pack on that knee, Smallville," she yawned. "It looks swollen."
"I don't care," he mumbled, eye lids drooping.
Once in bed, she snuggled up to him. He put a protective arm across her. They were both fast asleep within a minute.
Clark stumbled out of bed. His eyes fell on the digital clock. Was it only seven in the morning? Where was Lois? Pushing the curtains aside he peered down to the yard below. Lois was there, trying to wrestle a stick from Shelby's jaw.
"Now play fair, Shelby. Give me the stick so I can throw it for you … give me … give me … Shelby!"
He smiled at the sight. A flicker of sunlight filtered through the window. The warmth of it tingled through his hand and up his arm. Gazing down at his hand it appeared to glow. Feeling disconcerted, but also strangely fascinated he continued to watch the way his fingers caught the sunlight, stiffen and stretch before his eyes.
He had a sudden longing to bask in the sunlight, with his whole body. Pulling on a pair of tracksuit pants and grabbing his crutch, he made his way down the stairs.
Something felt different. It took a moment for him to pinpoint what exactly that was. Then it came to him – the pain had lessened. The stairs which were usually difficult for him to negotiate, were suddenly easier. When he reached the bottom and crossed the floor, his knee felt sturdy. Throwing the crutch away, he took the few steps to the back door. He had been walking without the brace on his knee, but never without the crutch, apart from last night. And never had it felt so strong. Something was changing. Not giving it a second thought, he pushed the door open, the need for sunlight over riding all of his sense.
He stumbled down the porch steps, feeling the warmth from the sun. It burned but the sensation wasn't unpleasant. It washed over him in blankets of fiery heat. He couldn't move, couldn't think of anything, but what was taking place inside of his body.
"Clark!" he heard Lois yell.
He glanced up as she ran towards him.
"Lois, stay back," he warned, holding up a hand. "Something is happening to me, I don't know what it is."
Lois froze in her tracks, her eyes glued to him. His whole body was bathed in a golden light. It was as if the sun was inside of him. She was terrified, her heart beating wildly in her chest. His eyes were tightly closed, his body shook.
What was happening to him? It had to be Jor-el?
"Clark," she called again, helplessly.
But he didn't answer. What was probably only seconds seemed like many tortuous minutes? The light that emitted from him began to fade.
Clark fell forward, landing on his knees and hands, taking in deep breaths of air. Beads of perspiration dotted his forehead.
Breaking out of her trance, she dashed over to him. "Clark!"
She was by his side in an instant, her hands touching his face. She expected him to be burning up, but his face was cool to touch. She swallowed. "Clark …" Her voice not much more than a croak.
His eyes met hers. "I'm all right, Lois."
She drew in a deep sharp breath. "Clark, your face!"
"What is it?"
"You had scratches and now," she swallowed, "They are not there anymore."
He straightened up. Shoving the sleeve of his shirt up, he yanked at the bandage covering his upper arm. The gash was completely healed.
Lois's eyes widened in astonishment.
"I – I don't feel any pain," he stammered in disbelief.
A tremulous smile hovered on her lips. "Does this mean …"
"You," he gasped, a look of wonderment crossing his face. "You were right, in a way. The blue rock doesn't take away my powers, it only takes them away when I'm near it, or in this case, it being inside of me."
He stepped back from her, a strange euphoric look on his face.
"Where are you going, Clark?"
He smiled. "Running."
With a whoosh, he was gone. Lois stood there stupefied. Smallville wasn't kidding when he said he could run at the blink of an eye. A slow incredulous smile, crossed her face. And then he was suddenly standing in front of her, as if he'd never left. Smiling at the look of wonder on her face, he caught her lips with his.
The sense of freedom was amazing. He had forgotten what that felt like. He'd been trapped by his injured knee these last three months, dealing with pain on a daily basis. Quite suddenly he was complete once more. It was totally liberating. He zoomed about the place, doing farm chores and fixing fences that had been let go. He had limitless energy.
Every now and again, he would return to Lois. She sat on the back porch with Shelby. He would give her a wide smile. Without her, this never would have happened.
"I know, it's weird seeing him so happy," she remarked to Shelby, when Clark vanished in a blink of an eye, for the umpteenth time that morning.
Her stomach growled. She was starving. When Clark next returned they were having breakfast. Hopefully he would get it out of his system soon.
She glanced at her watch. Which should be in exactly one minute. Sure enough, he returned. He may have his powers back, but Smallville was still totally predictable.
"Okay, Clark. Let's go get some breakfast and pass on the good news to your Mom."
Before he had the chance to respond, she quickly grabbed him by the arm. "No disappearing on me Houdini."
It's just as well she had a sense of humour, she had a bad feeling she was going to need it.
"And you must be starving by now, Smallville."
He stopped suddenly. She turned to him puzzled.
"Actually, I'm not," he slowly returned. His eyes meeting hers. "I'm not hungry at all."
"Really?"
How could he not be? She shrugged. "Oh well, you should eat some breakfast anyway."
Clark followed her inside, somewhat puzzled. It was odd. What was even stranger was that he didn't feel thirsty either. But he should – shouldn't he?
Lois had pulled the orange juice out of the fridge. She poured them both a large glass.
"How do you feel?"
"Great."
He picked up the glass and took a sip. Looking up, he found Lois watching him. "What?"
"Something's bothering you."
"It's nothing."
"I know you well enough by now, Smallville, so spit it out."
Lowering his glass, he sighed. "I don't feel hungry or thirsty."
"At all?"
He shook his head. "I can taste the orange juice, but I don't desire to drink it."
There was a brief silence.
"Maybe it has to do with your powers," Lois spoke at length. "Was it like that before?"
He tried to think back. "No – I did feel hunger, but maybe because I was still growing at the time and now I'm fully grown I don't need to eat and drink."
It was the only possible answer he could think of.
"You don't feel pain, either," she slowly said.
He raised his eyes to hers. "So if I'm to do this," she began, pinching him hard. "It doesn't hurt?"
"I don't feel any pain, but I can sense your touch."
"What if I tickle you?" she continued, her fingers poking him in the side of his ribs.
"No."
Her face fell slightly. "Really?"
"I mean I can feel it, but it doesn't tickle."
She went quiet, again. It was unnerving, and the way she was scrutinizing him.
"You keep looking at me, Lois, as if I've some sort of peculiarity."
She pulled herself up with a start. "It's not every day a girl finds out her best friend is an alien with powers beyond imagination. I mean I've known you're from not around here, just up until now you've been like me."
"And now I'm not," he returned, flatly.
Uh oh, dangerous territory. "In an entirely good way."
His face relaxed.
"Now you are – super."
As much as it felt great to have his powers back, but at the same time it was kind of daunting too. What happened next?
"Oh, hi Mrs K," Lois exclaimed, looking over his shoulder.
He turned around to see his Mom. She looked tired, and he felt bad all over again.
"I'm sorry about last night," Lois began. "You were right. I wasn't thinking, which is pretty much me, and Clark should have been honest with you."
A wan smile crossed his Mom face. Lois turned to him.
"Clark has something to tell you."
He swallowed, not at all sure on how to tell his Mom what had happened this morning.
"Please tell me its good news, Clark."
He took a deep breath. "I have my powers back."
His Mom's face went so still. He didn't know what to make of it.
"I'd cut my arm last night and Lois had pulled out a part of the blue rock. That was obviously the cause for me losing my powers."
A slow smile tilted up the corners of her mouth. It felt so good to see it.
"You know what this means?" he continued. "I'm not a medical cost or liability any longer."
He was useful again. "I can get some work helping out on other farms, bring some money in."
His Mom wove her arms around him.
It would be okay.
It felt good to have a shower, without worrying about slipping. Clark felt so strong, the feeling was totally alien to him. When he looked down at his legs, he could notice how much they had changed. The scars were gone. His muscle density had been restored. They looked like they did before his knee injury. Turning the taps off, he stepped out of the shower and reached for a towel.
He dried his hair, catching sight of his reflection in the mirror. A frown dented his forehead at the sight of his changed physique. Where did the sudden muscle definition come from? Not being able to do much in the way of physical exertion these last couple of months, his muscles had gone a bit soft during that time. But now – now it was as if he'd been working out in a gym on a regular basis.
"Clark," Lois called from the other side of the door. "How much longer are you going to be? I'm coming in."
He hastily wrapped the towel around his waist, just as Lois peered through the door. "Are you decent, Smallville?"
"Um – yeah, sort of."
She stepped into the bathroom, her eyes resting on him and widening in shock. "Whoa, what happened to you?"
"I-I don't know," he stammered. "Just that my body seems to be …" his words trailed off there.
"Suddenly that of a Greek Adonis," she finished for him.
This was awkward, colour flooded his face. "Hardly, Lois."
"Are you kidding, Clark," she began, grabbing him by the arm and making him face the mirror. "I'm mean, look at you!"
He glanced at the mirror, not knowing what to say.
"You look amazing."
It had been a while since he had. He felt his face grow warm by the compliment.
"How does that work?" she continued, frowning.
He had no idea. When he last had his powers, he'd been a tall lanky 15 year old. Maybe it happened with age? To him his physique looked much the same as before his knee injury, with him being a bit more toned now.
"It's like the sun recharged you in some way. You were glowing, Clark."
He turned to her, suddenly. "Maybe it had. I think it plays a part when it comes to my powers."
But as to how or why that was, he had no idea.
"There is so much I really don't know," he murmured, more to himself than her.
It left an unsettled feeling in the pit of his stomach. He glanced up to see the look of determination in Lois' eyes.
"You need to wear the baggiest, daggiest clothes you have in your wardrobe, Clark."
He frowned at her.
"You can't go to school looking suddenly amazing, or even at home. What if Chloe or Pete decide to call by?"
Grabbing him by the arm, she pushed him out the door. "Go get dressed. I need a shower."
Sometimes, Lois wished her mind would slow down. It hadn't stopped buzzing since discovering Clark had his powers back. It was as she had said earlier. It was one thing knowing Clark was from not here, but it was an entirely another thing seeing him with his powers. It was both awe inspiring, and somewhat overwhelming too. He was like a new born foal. Testing his legs for the first time, discovering his capabilities. She would see the puzzlement in his eyes, the way he'd quickly glance her way as if seeking some kind of reassurance he was okay. Was this how it was for Mrs K, bringing up Clark? She had a much better understanding now. She also had a better understanding of his insecurities. He must have spent half of his life terrified, being raised a human, yet so different from everyone else. Lucky for him, he had had great parents. She shuddered to think what would have become of him if he had fallen into the wrong hands.
Clark sat at the bench, reading the paper, struck by his sudden ability to read super-fast and absorb every word. He couldn't remember it being this way before, was this a new thing?
Lois entered the kitchen.
"I didn't think you were ever going to get out of the shower," he remarked.
She was wearing jeans and a dusky pink blouse. Her damp hair, fell in soft short curls around her pretty face. She was beautiful.
"It feels good to be clean again."
He watched her open the fridge door. "I'm sure there was some left over maple pie in here."
"You just had breakfast, Lois."
"That was an hour ago – and bingo; found it."
She pulled the pie out, a triumphant smile on her lips.
"You want some?"
He shook his head.
"Still don't feel hungry?" she asked, cutting a piece and putting in in a bowl.
"No, I mean yes, I don't feel hungry."
"Lucky you," she murmured. "You don't have to eat or work out, and you still get to have a hot body."
Didn't it bother her? He wasn't sure what he felt about it, only sometimes - disconcerted.
Pulling a spoon out of the drawer, she took a mouthful. His eyes fell on her lips. They never did get around to kissing last night. Her 'save it for later' hadn't eventuated with everything that had happened.
Scooping up a generous amount of pie with the spoon, she leant over the bench, waving it in his direction.
"Open up, Smallville."
He glanced down at the spoon.
"Just humour me."
Opening his mouth, she pushed the spoon past his lips. The pie tasted delicious, as always. She was smiling.
"Still taste good?"
He nodded. "Yes."
Her smile widened. "You want to share it with me?"
She was being cute and provocative at the same time. He was starting to feel hot and bothered with the direction his thoughts had suddenly taken.
"Okay."
What he really wanted to do was kiss her senseless, run his hands over his body and … was that a car pulling into the driveway?
"Someone's here."
Placing the bowl on the bench, Lois went and peered out the window. "Oh, hell," she muttered.
"What is it?"
"Lex Luthor."
His heart sank. Lois dashed to the sofa, grabbing his crutch and shoving it under his arm.
"Slouch your shoulders, Clark," she ordered.
Her puzzled gaze met his. "How did you hear that? He was like half a mile away?"
"Really?" he frowned. He couldn't remember having any kind of special hearing abilities before.
He looked up, to find Lois watching him, a bemused look on her face. "You have like super hearing too, Clark. Let's hope so. That'll come in handy, think of all the conversations you can eavesdrop on."
"Lois," he admonished. "That would be wrong."
She rolled her eyes. "Oh, right. I forgot how much of a boy scout you are."
There was a knock on the door. His heart rate picked up. What was Lex doing here? What did he want? He would have to visit now, just as his powers had returned. Lex was very shrewd, he didn't miss the tiniest details.
"I'll get it," Lois said. "You stay there, Clark."
Lois walked to the door, feeling anxious. Maybe they should pretend no one was home? Pity Mrs K decided to go do the food shopping now. She could have done with her support.
Taking a deep breath, she opened the door.
So this was the infamous Lex Luther. He didn't look at all intimidating.
His gaze rested on her face in surprise. "Who are you?"
"I'm Lois Lane."
He assessed her for a long minute, making the hairs stand up on the back of her neck.
"The girl that was in the rock fall with, Clark."
It was more of a statement than a question. And how did he know that?
"You haven't watched the news?"
He was certainly switched on. She inwardly shivered. "Um – no."
His gaze left her face, peering over her shoulder to the hallway.
"Is Clark home?"
She was tempted to lie. Before she could even utter a word, Lex walked right pass her and into the house. She stood there dumbfounded for a moment, followed by a quick surge of annoyance.
"Just invite yourself in," she called after him.
He stopped in the hallway, turned and looked at her. His cool gaze raking over her. "You're friends with, Clark?"
Closing the front door behind her, she walked up to him. "Yes, and I happen to live here too."
She could tell he was sizing her up, trying to figure her out.
"Lois," Clark called from the kitchen.
Dismissing her, Lex walked into the kitchen. Lois followed him, feeling wary, along with an instant dislike towards him. If Lex knew about the rock fall had he come here to check out Clark for himself?
"Hi, Clark," Lex spoke in that smooth voice of his.
"Hi, Lex," Clark returned, looking as cautious as she felt.
"Sorry to interrupt, but when I heard about the rock fall I just had to make sure you were okay."
Lois went and stood next to Clark. He glanced her way.
"Luckily, Lois and I were unscathed."
Lex's eyes were now carefully assessing Clark. Lois couldn't help the sudden deep seated worry that took hold.
"You haven't a mark on you," he spoke, then his eyes rested on her face.
She, on the other hand, had a nice shiner on her left cheek. But Lex didn't mention it.
"I went and visited the site this morning," he continued.
It felt as if a rock had settled in the pit of her stomach.
"I'm amazed anyone was able to get out of that alive."
She shot Clark a nervous look.
"Must be my guardian angel," he began.
"Working over time," she added. "Isn't that right, Smallville?"
She nudged him.
"Ha, yeah, Lois."
Lex's eyes were now riveted on her face. "Smallville?"
"My pet nickname for Clark," she shrugged.
There was silence, as Lex quietly assessed the both of them. Lois began to feel nervous.
"Did you want anything to drink, Lex?" Clark offered.
"No, I'm fine. I hadn't planned to stay long."
Of course not, he only came to see if Clark was injured in anyway. She could see the questions in his eyes, mixed with puzzlement. Lex definitely knew there was something very different about Clark. It made her uneasy. She had to fight the urge to push Lex out the front door, and warn him to stay away from Clark.
"In the paper's they are calling it a miracle."
"It was," Clark agreed.
"You'll be happy to know they've arrested the boy responsible. What was his name again?"
Clark's jaw clenched. "Chad."
"Don't worry, I'll make sure he doesn't get a light sentence."
It was the first likeable thing Lex had said so far.
"He certainly doesn't deserve one," she muttered.
A hint of a smile crossed Lex's face. "Said with such passion."
"If you make sure he's sent to the worst Juvenile detention centre out there, then you'll be my new best friend."
He turned to Clark. "She has spirit. I like it."
Lois smiled.
"Yes, she does," Clark murmured.
Lois was being friendly to Lex to take the focus off him, and the thought bothered him. The little Lex knew about Lois the better. It would only be a matter of time before he'd use her in some way.
Lex glanced at his watch. "I've got to go. I have to be in another one of my father's boring board meetings."
Clark felt relieved. Finally. Lex's eyes rested on him one last time, in thoughtful contemplation.
"Glad to see you are doing well, Clark."
Was there a double meaning to those words?
"Thanks, Lex."
"Nice meeting you, Lois. It's good to see Clark has such a loyal friend."
How had Lex even come to that conclusion?
"I'll see myself out."
Clark watched him leave with trepidation. Lois slumped down onto the stool next to his.
"Thank god he's left." Her worried gaze met his. "He knows, Clark."
Lois was possibly right. "It's still only speculation."
She didn't look convinced. "He's very shrewd, and the way he was looking at you – as if you're some kind of anomaly."
He felt like one too.
Her face suddenly grew serious. "What if he discovers the tunnel?"
The words had no sooner left her mouth when, in a blink of an eye, Clark was gone. Lois sat there, chewing on her bottom lip. Terrific.
"Just leave me here in the lurch, Clark," she muttered to herself.
Maybe she should handcuff herself to him from here on out? She was just about to get up from the stool, when the papers on the desk flew into the air. Clark was suddenly standing right in front of her, scaring her half to death.
"Smallville!" she snapped. "Some warning."
"Sorry Lois, but you'll be happy to know I've sealed up the entrance to the tunnel."
"Without me!"
He blinked, surprised.
Her hands rested on her hips. "That place is full of green rocks, Clark."
"They've been covered up by the latest rock fall."
It was still small consolation. Damn, but in some ways he was even more of a worry now she couldn't keep tabs on him.
"Don't leave me out now you have your powers back, Clark."
His face softened. He pulled her into his arms, burying his face in her hair. "Of course not, Lois."
Her arms wrapped around him. She just wanted to hold him like this and never let go. But the uncertainties wouldn't go away, they hovered on the fringes of her mind.
This couldn't last; her and Clark. One human, the other Kryptonian.
What did the future hold?
His lips lightly brushed against her forehead.
"I'm glad you came into my life, Lois."
She melted into the circle of his arms. "Me too."
Let tomorrow take care of itself. For now, she would take whatever he offered. This moment in time was far too precious to spend it worrying.
.
.
.
.
A/N: The moment everyone has been waiting for! I hope I did it justice? It's hard to tell when I've read the chapter over so many times in my attempts to edit it to the best of my ability. And I'm not sure if the Lex scene turned out as well as I had imagined it in my head?
Writing this story has been a VERY handy distraction from the horrible week I've had at work. Losing myself in story telling makes for great escapism. It also means you don't have to wait as long for the next chapter :)
Reviews are always appreciated! You have no idea how much they make my day.
Thanks for reading!