A/N: Sorry about the wait, but I've been suffering writer's block and the ideas haven't been flowing in a way I would like. It often happens with long stories! Which is why I generally try to avoid writing them. Much easier to keep them short, and I hadn't intended for this story to be so long. It seemed to develop into something a whole lot more, and sometimes it's a bit daunting. That being said, I persisted. I'm still not sure if it's as good as I would have liked, but at least the ideas are beginning to flow again. Reviews help a lot and they have dropped away lately, so I'm not sure how much people are still enjoying this story? Feedback would be great!
Thanks to my regular reviewers. You guys are awesome! Thanks also to VisAVis2 for editing this chapter, which was a mammoth effort considering my horrible misuse of the comma :)
Enjoy!
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Chapter 21.
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When Clark's thoughts were not taken up with Lex, and his charity ball, they drifted to Lois. He thought of her a lot, too much. Since his chat with Jor-el in the fortress last Saturday, he had been unable to figure out why she was back in his life. Was it some strange twist of fate? Feelings he'd thought he had under control came back to haunt him.
He still cared about her. He couldn't deny it or lie to himself, but caring came with a price. It also meant he worried about her. As just a friend, he would silently affirm. They could be friends, no harm in that, right? Since his visit to her apartment, he had come to the conclusion that his Mom was right. Lois was struggling. She was dealing with some kind of trauma she was unlikely to ever discuss. In as much as it really wasn't his business, he knew the early signs of PTSD. He had a feeling she was on the brink of it. He had seen the strongest police officers suffer from it. In his line of work they were often subjected to unimaginable and horrific scenes. His Kryptonian training had been integral in helping him deal with such scenes. He had felt anger, justified outrage, at what some people were capable off. There were times he wanted to make a person pay for what they had done. Unlike everyone else, he had powers, and having such powers meant he had to learn self-control. Jor-el, for all his resentment towards him, had taught him that much.
'Anger is a powerful emotion, Kal-el. It causes us to make errors, as does envy. These are emotions that lie at the root of all evil, causing empires to fall, causing our own planet to meet its destruction.'
It also made people vulnerable. Whatever Lois had seen in Iraq, it had affected her. The dark rings under her eyes were testimony to sleepless nights. Did she drink to deal with it? Even if she did, what could he do about it? If he allowed himself to get close to her, he risked his heart. Would she even want to get close to him? Could they ever go back to what they had? Definitely not when it came to romance, but they had been best friends long before that. All of these conflicting feelings he was experiencing left him feeling confused and unsettled, restless.
Tearing his thoughts away from Lois, his eyes scanned the grand-looking room. It wasn't his scene. He usually spent his evenings at work, or standing on rooftops, searching the troubled streets, watching the world pass by.
He glanced at Chloe as they stood in the regally decorated expansive room. "Maybe this was a bad idea."
She raised an eyebrow. "You wanted to come."
He didn't really want to come. He just felt it was time to dig a little deeper when it came to Lex's motivations. Lex had a lot of money, he was CEO of Luthorcorp with a disturbing lust for power. What Clark couldn't understand was – why? Why the insatiable need for ever more power and control? What troubled Clark even further was Lex's interest in the bizarre and unethical science practices of experimentation. He knew he was using his company's assets and resources to fund questionable and illegal scientific research on cloning and alien intelligence. Whenever it made media attention, Lex always had a ready answer. 'Luthorcorp funds numerous scientific causes, causes that I believe will one day benefit mankind.'
Did Lex really believe his own words, or was it the sort of sick project that fascinated people like him? A fascination Clark couldn't comprehend. Lex always had an ulterior motive and if by chance he was researching alien intelligence then no doubt he would be number one on his hit list. But Clark had barely seen Lex in the last three years. At times he wondered if Lex really knew what he was, or was he merely biding his time? Chloe tended to the think the latter.
'If Lex craves power imagine what he would do to someone like you, Clark.' She had warned at the time she had done some digging into it. 'Maybe he wants your blood so he can create his own super-powered race.'
Maybe that wasn't too far removed from the truth? It left a deeply disturbed feeling in the pit of his stomach.
"Socializing from time to time is good for you, Clark," Chloe spoke beside him.
Trust her to say that. "Now lighten up," she continued, grabbing a glass of champagne from a passing waiter. "Drink up." She shoved the glass in his hand. "And use that super hearing of yours to eavesdrop."
She grinned up at him. He shook his head, bemused. It was moments like these that he was convinced she liked having a friend who happened to be alien.
He spied Lex in his expensive tailored suit, looking and being charming. He certainly knew how to do that effectively well, like a well-oiled machine in operation. Lex glanced his way. There was a familiar curious glint in his eyes.
It wasn't long before he approached them.
"Clark, I'm glad you could attend," he spoke, holding out a hand and looking so sincere.
How did he do that?
Nodding, Clark shook his hand. "It's been a while."
Lex's eyes swept over him in a quiet clinical assessing way that puzzled Clark.
"It has. I'm surprised you attended."
Chloe put her arm through his. "That was my doing," she began. "It's not every day a girl has an excuse to get dolled up."
Lex's eyes rested on her. "Chloe Sullivan, reporter for the Daily Planet."
Clark noticed the speculation in his eyes.
"Long-time friend of Clark Kent," he continued.
Chloe took a sip of her champagne. "You remember me."
"I never forget a face."
Lex returned his attention back to him. "Law enforcement, not a surprise really. Helping people, it's right up your alley, Clark."
Was there a double meaning to those words?
"Yeah. Truth, justice, and all that." For a moment he briefly remembered rescuing Lex from the bridge, and how the two of them had been friends for a while. It seemed so long ago. But there had been a time when Clark had looked up to him. He felt a deep sadness for what was lost, what could have been. Did Lex still remember the true meaning of friendship?
"I hear you've even made Constable Detective now?" Lex continued.
Clark nodded. Was he keeping tabs on him?
"In just two years. Impressive."
Chloe patted his arm. "Clark's a regular workaholic."
Lex continued to study his face for a minute, almost as if he could see right through him. Clark, feeling suddenly uncomfortable, shivered. He could see the questions in Lex's eyes, mingled with curiosity. Now he thought about it, Lex had always looked at him in the same way. An easy smile flittered across his face. It was a smile that never reached his eyes. It never really had.
"Well, you two enjoy the fine cuisine and champagne."
"It really is good to see you again, Lex," he said, raising his glass in a parting gesture, then he turned to look at Chloe.
There was a worried expression on her face.
"How is it he knows I work at the Daily Planet?" she whispered. "It's as if he makes it a business to know of all the people who happen to be in your life, Clark. It's creepy."
It was disturbing, Clark thought, just how much Lex knew about him, but not surprising. Saving Lex's life that day on the bridge had brought about its own set of complications. If it had been anyone else, they wouldn't have investigated it. Most people would have just been grateful to be alive, but not Lex. Lex and his insatiable curiosity had led to Clark becoming his obsession.
Large windows reached the ceiling, giving a spectacular view of Metropolis, brightly lit against the dark night sky. Lois stood, admiring it.
"Something else, isn't it?" Grant spoke.
She turned to face him. He handed her a glass of champagne.
"Krug Clos d'Ambonnay," he began. "It generally sells for around $3,500 a bottle."
"Wow, you know your champagnes. I'm a beer drinker myself."
Grant smiled, appearing bemused. "You look the type."
Was it that obvious? She most certainly was no upper-class girl. She hadn't grown up with a mother long enough to instil into her the desirable, proper ladylike skills and so-called etiquette. She was rough around the edges, too brusque and always saying the wrong things. She felt sorely out of place in this elegant setting. Not that people's opinions of her mattered, except the people she cared about.
"C'mon Lane, time to mingle, just try not to step on any toes."
"Are you kidding? It's what I'm best at."
Grant let out a laugh, eyes lit with amusement. She had to admit, he really was kind of likeable, even if annoying.
She mingled, she watched her 'P's and 'Q's. She spied a familiar looking set of broad shoulders. Well hello handsome, she mused. She would recognise him anywhere, and what was Clark Kent doing here?
Her heart fluttered in her chest at the sight of him. For a moment she couldn't even think straight. She attempted to compose herself and marched over to where he stood.
Chloe had vanished to the ladies room. Once she was out of sight, Clark placed the champagne flute on a nearby table. Beer he didn't mind, but he didn't like the taste of champagne.
"You do realise that you've turned your nose up at a glass of champagne that's probably worth five hundred dollars and that's just for the glass."
Clark knew that voice and spun around. His eyes widened at the sight of Lois. It took a moment to register it was her.
She wearing a jade coloured dress that fell to her knees, it was gathered at the waist with a satin cropped jacket.
"Lois?" he gasped. "You - you're wearing a dress …"
She rolled her eyes. "Great deduction super sleuth."
He blinked, his eyes meeting with hers. "What are you doing here?"
Her eyes narrowed. "I could say the same."
"Lex invited me."
"I thought you never attended his social functions?"
How did she know? Then it dawned on him.
"Let me guess, Chloe told you."
Lois took a sip of her champagne. "Who else?"
"How often do you two talk about me?"
"She's my cousin, Clark. We tell each other everything, pretty much."
Pretty much – what did she leave out, then? His eyes rested on her pretty face. He noticed her hair.
"You changed the colour of your hair?"
Did that mean she wasn't in such a dark place anymore? Curiosity aroused, he had to know.
"Why?"
She shrugged. "A girl needs a change from time to time. You don't like it?"
"It looks better."
A frown dented her forehead. "Wow, Smallville, you really need to work at those compliments."
She looked beautiful, not that he was about to tell her that, and she was distracting him.
"Just like your non-existent smiles," she continued.
He ignored the barb. "Why are you here?"
"It's part of my job, Clark." She tapped on her pass. "And trust me this is the last place I want to be, but I had no choice."
His eyes rested on her press pass. He felt tongue-tied by her sudden presence. She had caught him unawares, yet again. She had a knack for that.
"The new Senior Editor has taken upon himself to give me these boring mundane social pieces."
She appeared so put out by the thought that he felt a brief smile flicker on his lips.
"I guess he wants to keep you out of trouble."
Raising an eyebrow, she pinpointed him with a steely look. "Trouble, this girl can handle her own."
Outwardly, definitely, that was what she wanted other people to believe, and she was a force to be reckoned with.
"I spent 12 months on the front lines, trouble all around me, and I managed to get out unscathed," she continued.
Physically maybe - but emotionally? She looked as if she wanted to take back the words she had just uttered. But she had opened that door, and he couldn't help taking it further.
"Does anyone ever get out unscathed, Lois?"
He noticed the brief flicker of uncertainty in her eyes, the slight shake of her hand as she raised the glass to her lips.
"Probably not," she murmured, swallowing, and there was that restrained sadness in her eyes again.
It puzzled him. What had put it there? Focus, Clark, he silently chided, you're here to investigate Lex, not have a heart to heart with Lois, who was already appearing uncomfortable with the direction the conversation had taken.
"Work makes a handy distraction," she continued.
Funnily, he could relate to that.
"And after tonight with my little critique on Lex Luthor, let's say Grant Gabriel will never let me attend another one of these insufferable functions again."
His concern increased. "You think that's a good idea, Lois? You don't want to get on Lex's wrong side."
She snorted. "Why, what's he going to do to me?"
"He owns half of the Daily Planet."
Lois lowered the glass, frowning. "Is there a business in Metropolis that Lex doesn't happen to own?"
Clark nodded. "Yeah, he doesn't appear interested in the slum areas."
"I guess there's no profit to be had there."
With the conversation moving into safer waters, Lois visibly appeared to relax.
"Talking about the slum areas," she continued. "You found out anything more about Bob?"
"Not yet, but I have been spending at least an hour every night in that tavern for the last three nights in the hope that he will turn up."
Her eyes narrowed. "Without me? I thought we were working on this case together."
He sighed. "You can't risk showing your face there, Lois. What if someone recognises you?"
"What if they recognise you?" she retorted. "Because it's not as if a cop doesn't stand out in a crowd."
"I know how to blend in."
He frowned at the obvious amusement now crossing her face. "What?"
"I'm trying to picture you, six feet three inches of handsomeness with a build like a brick shithouse, blending in."
Did she really think him handsome? Keep focused, he inwardly chided again, for the second time that night.
"You'd be surprised, Lois."
Her eyes were filled with curiosity now. "This I have to see."
Why did he suddenly have a bad feeling about this?
"Tomorrow night, Clark. You are I are going to meet up at that tavern."
He saw the determination in her eyes.
"I don't know what shift …" he began.
"Then I guess I'll just have to go by myself."
She shrugged in a nonchalant way that frustrated him. He knew her well enough to know she wasn't bluffing either. And she knew him well enough to know he wouldn't let her go there alone.
"Okay," he muttered, shoving his hands in his pockets.
A triumphant grin crossed her face. He shook his head.
"Who is your friend, Lane?" a voice spoke.
It looked as if Grant had tracked her down, damn. She turned to face him.
"Grant, this is Clark Kent, Clark - Grant," she quickly introduced.
Grant held out a hand and Clark shook it.
"He's the Senior Editor of the Daily Planet," she continued.
Grant smiled in his affable way, but Clark's face remained passive. "You look young for a Senior Editor."
"What can I say," Grant returned. "I'm ambitious."
The two men assessed each other, making Lois feel on edge. She could see Clark making a mental deduction about Grant's character.
"What do you do, Clark?" Grant asked.
"He's a police officer," she replied before Clark had the chance. "We're working on a murder case together."
Clark glanced her way, his expression unreadable and puzzling.
"It always pays to have a contact in the police force. When you're not giving me mundane social stories to write."
Grant's eyebrows shot up. "Lex Luthor is a big deal, Lane. You should be thanking me."
She rolled her eyes. "I'd admit he's interesting, but there's something off about him."
"Speaking of the so-called Devil, it looks like Lex is about to give a speech. Time to get that pen out, Lane, and a front row view."
Lois found herself suddenly whisked away from Clark. She glanced over her shoulder; a frown dented his forehead and Chloe sidled up to him.
It was Lois' turn to frown. Chloe was here? She had never said anything about coming to the ball. Was she playing his sidekick role again? Jimmy wouldn't be happy. What were Clark and Chloe up to? She had no time to ponder it as Grant gently nudged her through the crowd.
"So what is the special occasion for tonight's grand charity ball?"
"Lex is giving a generous donation to Syntechnics and Metron Pharmaceuticals."
"I guess it looks good on his resume. Seeing as Election Day is only a month away."
Lois could see the title already: Lex Luthor plasters on the charm in his bid for state senate. She snorted to herself as the man took centre stage.
"He certainly has a way with words," she murmured under her breath.
Clark's attention was focused on Lex's speech. The word's that came from his mouth rang with such sincerity. What chance did anyone stand who didn't know any better?
"Is that Lois?" Chloe gasped beside him.
His eyes drifted to Lois in her pretty jade green dress. His mouth went dry. "Um, yeah."
"With Grant Gabriel?"
Grant Gabriel, Senior Editor, had been quick to drag Lois away from him. Something wasn't right about him, though Clark couldn't figure out what that was. Had he really been promoted to such a high position on ambition alone? Having spent two years in the police force, Clark was adept at observing people, their mannerisms and body language. Gut instinct, he had learned, often saved lives. And his gut instincts were telling him there was something suspicious about Grant Gabriel.
"He told her she had to come."
"He gave tonight's scoop to Lois!? That was supposed to be my story."
"Is that why you came as my partner?"
"I wasn't about to let you go into the lion's den alone, Clark."
He felt touched. Chloe had been a trouper these last couple of years. He'd be lost without her.
"It's odd," she continued. "Why would he want to bring Lois here? Unless … he has a thing for her?"
Did Grant have a thing for Lois? It left an unsettled feeling in his stomach. What was it to him anyway? Lois was free, single and attractive. The thought of her seeing other guys since she had left the farm wasn't one that had crossed his mind, but no doubt she would have.
"Don't you think he's too young to make Senior Editor?" he spoke out loud.
"Of course he is, but he's driven and he's irresistibly charming. He probably charmed his way into the position."
That didn't make Clark feel any more reassured, especially if Grant was interested in Lois. He shouldn't worry. Lois wasn't charmed that easily.
"And he's handsome," Chloe added. "Not that he's my type."
"I don't think he's Lois' either." The words slipped out before he had a chance to stop them.
Chloe shot him a speculative look. "Do I detect a tiny hint of relief there, Clark?"
"No," he scoffed. "Just that I don't think it would be a good idea for Lois to get involved with someone like Grant Gabriel."
A knowing look crossed her face.
"Why?"
He tried to act nonchalant. "I don't know if I trust him."
Clark didn't trust easily these days, Chloe mused, but maybe he had a point when it came to Grant Gabriel. It was about time she had a chat with Lois. It wouldn't be good for office politics if she were to get to friendly with him, not that she could see Lois getting in a relationship with him. Lois was still in love with Clark. She knew how that had once felt, glad she had resolved her feelings for him and found Jimmy. And Clark, though he was in denial, still loved Lois. She had the feeling he would always love her. What would it take to get the two of them to see this? Sighing, she shook her head and grabbed Lois by the arm.
"We need to chat."
Lois spun around, a wide smile crossing her face. "Hey, Cus. What's up?"
In his office, Lex was viewing the surveillance cameras, focusing on only one thing: Lois Lane. Suddenly, the door opened. He looked up to see Grant Gabriel, who was his successfully cloned younger brother Julian, though Grant had no idea of this. Lex longed to tell him, but all in good time. The right moment had to present itself first.
"You asked for me?" Grant enquired.
Lex leaned back in his leather chair. "I see you brought Lois Lane?"
"As you asked of me."
"And the relationship angle?"
Grant let out a low chuckle. "Getting in a relationship with Lois Lane? It would be easier to wrestle a pit full of snakes."
He could imagine. She was feisty. Her father, General Lane, wasn't a man to take lightly. It was no wonder she had a tough outer shell, but a tough outer shell could still crack under the right pressure.
"Don't forget the only reason you were promoted to Senior Editor was because of me."
Grant's face grew serious. "I haven't forgotten, but what I don't understand is your interest in her."
"I'm only interested in what she knows."
Grant leaned against the edge of the desk. "She doesn't have a favourable opinion of you."
Of course she wouldn't, which only confirmed his suspicions. Lois Lane was the key to finding out what Clark Kent was.
"I don't care what Lois Lane thinks of me. All I care about is what she knows of a particular person."
Grant raised a curious eyebrow. "Who?"
"Let's just say he's a person of interest."
Lex leaned forward in his seat. "Which is where you come in."
"Me?" Grant had a bemused look on his face.
"I need you to find out everything Lois Lane knows about Clark Kent."
A frown crossed his face. "The guy she was talking to just earlier? Isn't he a cop? What is so special about him?"
"He has something I want."
Grant crossed his arms, his gaze direct and challenging. He was a Luthor. Lex felt a jolt of pride. His creation, the long lost brother he had always craved to have back in his life, stood before him in living flesh.
"Like what?"
"You don't need to know."
"And why would I do that to Lois."
"Because I know who your real parents are."
Grant went still, a carefully guarded look on his face. Several minutes of silence passed before he spoke. "And if I somehow manage to get that information from Miss Lane, you will tell me who my birth parents are?" he continued.
Lex felt a certain thrill. That day would soon be here.
"How do you even know who they are?"
"I make it my business to know these things."
"So you can dangle it like a carrot before the people you use?"
Julian was no fool. But of course he wasn't. He was a Luthor, and Luthors were survivors, they were smart, and they were a cut above the rest. His father had filled his head with such sayings his whole life. And now he, Lex Luthor, had one over his father - Julian. His father had no idea he existed.
"Do we have a deal or not?"
Lex could see the hesitation in his eyes.
"Lois Lane is a hard shell to crack. What makes you think I can get that information out of her?"
You're a Luthor, you'll find a way he felt like saying.
"Use whatever means necessary. You have looks and charm and everyone has a weakness."
Lex returned his attention to the surveillance monitor screens. He adjusted the security camera to zoom in on Lois. He didn't miss the way her gaze drifted towards Clark. They had been inseparable three years ago. Lex had always been curious as to why Lois had so abruptly left the Kent farm. Something was odd about that, given the longing in her eyes as they rested on Clark. She still loved him. Why would you leave someone you loved? Unless she had discovered the truth and done it to protect him.
Lex slowly turned to Grant, again.
"I have a feeling Clark Kent is hers."
Clark's eyes scanned the room. Lex had abruptly disappeared after his speech. Where was he? Using his super hearing to get a local on him, what he heard surprised him. Two people were conversing, and one of them sounded very much like Grant Gabriel. Why would Grant be talking with Lex? It could mean nothing, yet it could mean everything? He only caught the tail end of their conversation.
Use whatever means necessary. You have looks, and charm and everyone has a weakness.
I have a feeling Clark Kent is hers.
His blood ran cold. It didn't take long for him to piece it together. Grant was somehow connected to Lex, maybe Lex was the one responsible for him being promoted to Senior Editor and Grant owed him a favour. Lex always collected. Was it possible that the 'use whatever means necessary' was that favour? Was Lex referring to Lois when he told Grant, 'I have a feeling Clark Kent is hers'?
How was he Lois' weakness? What was Lex planning to do? The words, 'use whatever means necessary', filled him with dread.
Lex hadn't made a move these last three years because he hadn't any means to do so, not until Lois came waltzing back into town.
Now he did. He was putting his plan into motion.
Clark clenched his hands into fists.
It made sense. Why not use Lois to get to him.
His head spun.
"Are you all right, Clark?" Chloe spoke beside him. "Because you look as if someone has just walked over your grave."
He reeled in the turbulent thoughts and attached emotions. Surely Lex wouldn't hurt Lois? Wishful thinking. Lex was quietly ruthless. The words, 'whatever means necessary', kept reverberating in his head, making him feel sick.
"Lex …" he began, slowly, "And Grant Gabriel are connected."
"What? Are you sure?"
The man himself re-emerged into the central ball-room. Clark watched him walk towards Lois. He fought the urge to intervene. Now wasn't the time to cause any suspicion. Lex was still in the room. Using his x-ray vision, Clark could see him sitting, staring at a screen. It was obviously a surveillance screen. Lex was spying, watching everything they did.
"I heard them talking."
"What did they say?"
His eyes met hers. "I only heard the end of the conversation, but Chloe … I think Lex is using Grant to get information from Lois."
Her eyebrows disappeared under her fringe.
He swallowed. "About me."
Sudden concerned crossed her face. "I have to warn her," she began.
He grabbed her by the arm. "Not now. Not here. I will tell her, tomorrow."
She frowned. "When, Clark?"
"I'm meeting her at the tavern," he paused for a moment. "You know we're working on this murder case."
"You and Lois working together," she began, a bemused expression crossing her face. "How ironic."
Clark shoved his hands in his pockets. He knew what Chloe was implying.
"Nothing is going to happen between me and Lois, that's past history."
"Meanwhile Romeo over there is going to be making some fast moves on Lois."
He glanced in their direction. Grant was standing in very close proximity to Lois, his hand rested on her waist. Clark felt his jaw clench.
"Once I warn her about him, she'll steer clear of him."
"You really think that'll stop Lex?"
He stiffened at her words.
"No," he began in a slow measured voice. "I don't know how we can stop him?"
But there was no way he'd ever let Lex hurt Lois, that much he knew. Quite suddenly his whole world was filled with uncertainty and doubt. Lex was on the prowl, Lois was the bait, and he was the prize.
He felt his hands tighten into fists. Despite all of his super-powers, in that moment he was beginning to feel very - powerless.
Lois tried hard to ignore Clark's presence, which was easier said than done. Forget it Lois, she chided, Clark will never be yours again. A sadness swamped her. She hated the feeling. At least Grant made a handy distraction. He was laying on that boyish charm pretty thick. She could feel the champagne going to her head. A sudden tiredness took hold. She longed for the comfort of her bed, and a temperamental cat, that was slowly growing on her.
"If it's all right with you, I'm going back to my apartment," she eventually said.
"I'll walk you to your car," Grant offered.
She held up a hand. "No need. I'll see you tomorrow."
The longing for solitude was becoming overwhelming, she had to get out of there. Making a bee-line for the main doors, she glanced at Clark. He was looking directly at her, a strange expression on his face, almost one of concern. Chloe had a similar look on her face. Puzzled, she tore her gaze from them and walked to a nearby elevator. She was too tired to give it much thought. Hopefully there would be no nightmares tonight. She needed some much needed sleep.
Clark's eyes scanned the tavern. No sign of the regular customer Bob; maybe he wasn't a regular? There was no sign of Lois either.
He ordered a beer and sat down at a table. A Met's game was playing on a television attached to the wall. He briefly watched it. The place was dead, as it had been the other nights. No sign of any biker gangs calling in; obviously this wasn't a place they frequented often. Two old guys were playing a game of pool. They had been here every night. Maybe he should go over and chat with them? He had been here enough nights now not to make them suspicious of him.
He was just about to stand up when he saw Lois.
Her hair was scraped back in a severe stubby ponytail, from which short wisps of hair attempted to escape.
Her face was devoid of any make-up. The clothes she wore were non-descript. A plain navy shirt and black trousers.
There was a twinkle in her eyes when they met with his. She strolled up to the bar; he watched as she ordered a beer and then sat down at his table. Her eyes scanned over him. She was clearly amused.
"Blending in, Clark," she murmured in a low voice. "Baseball cap, work clothes, and the lumberjack adds a nice touch."
He felt a smile twitch at the corners of his mouth.
"You look like you've just stepped off the wharf," she continued.
"Hmm, and you look like you're having a bad hair day."
She smiled warmly and shook her head.
"It's a bit of a come down from last night."
It was. And about last night. He had to warn her about Grant Gabriel, but where did he begin with that?
"You look worried, Clark."
"We need to talk."
"Uh oh, that doesn't sound good."
Picking up his beer he took a swig.
"Is that for Dutch courage?"
"I don't feel the effects of alcohol."
"There's no fun in that."
There was no fun in his life, full stop. But, once there was a time. His eyes rested on her. She used to make him laugh. For a brief moment, he wondered if he would ever have fun again, or laugh. But now wasn't the time for getting sentimental.
"I heard Grant Gabriel talking with Lex last night."
He might as well get straight to the point.
"They were in a surveillance room. Lex was spying on us; or more specifically, I think Lex was spying on you."
She frowned, confused. "Me?"
He took a deep breath. "I think Lex is using Grant to get information from you about me."
He watched her closely to gauge her reaction.
"I guess that's why he was laying on the charm pretty thick last night," she slowly murmured.
Clark tried to remain neutral. "Did he say much?"
"He was just … very attentive."
Clark bet he was. The thought bothered him, more than he'd ever admit.
"You need to stay away from him."
Her puzzled gaze met his. "How is he connected to Lex?"
"I think Lex is the reason he was promoted to Senior Editor."
She went quiet, a thoughtful look on her face.
"That makes sense," she murmured at length. "But how do they know each other?"
Clark shrugged. "I don't know, but Chloe did a background search on Grant."
"And?"
"He grew up outside Philadelphia. He played Point Guard for Homestead High. He has a Harvard degree."
"So there is no evidence of any real connection. That's just odd, Clark."
"The only anomaly is that he was adopted."
"So? Lots of people are. Even you."
"And I turned out to be an Alien."
Her eyes caught and held his, a question in there depths. "Are you saying he's an alien too?"
Clark considered it for a moment. It was Lex, anything was possible. "Who knows?"
Lois rubbed her palms on her pant legs. A gesture she often did when her mind was ticking over.
"I know what I heard, Lois," he continued.
"Exactly what did you hear?"
He told her, not that there was much to say. She didn't look as worried as she should. When she didn't say anything, he prompted her. "Well?"
The determined look in her eyes worried him.
"Maybe I should play along," she began. "Let him romance me and find out what his connection to Lex Luthor is."
Clark looked at her, horrified. She couldn't be serious!
"What - No."
Her eyes narrowed. "You can't tell me what to do, Clark."
He was well aware of that! His jaw clenched. "You could get hurt," he had to point out.
She shrugged in that annoyingly frustrating way of hers.
"It's not as if I would give him any information about you."
"I know you wouldn't, Lois, but it's the 'use whatever means necessary' that concerns me here."
"Don't you see, Clark, this is our one direct link to Lex Luthor."
He shook his head. "Not at your expense. Lex is dangerous."
"I can take care of myself."
"Can you?"
The words were out before he had a chance to rein them in. He was letting his emotions get the better of him.
"I-I didn't mean …" he stammered.
"That I'm a basket case," she finished for him.
He shook his head. "No you're not, Lois," he sighed. "But I've worked long enough in the police force to recognise the symptoms of PTSD."
"So, you want to be my shrink now?" she snapped.
Okay, this was getting worse by the second. He shifted uncomfortably in his seat.
"I'd admit that there were some things I saw in Iraq that … were horrible, but I'm fine," she continued, picking up her glass and taking a long swig. "You summed it up last night, Clark. Does anyone get out unscathed?"
He felt bad for her.
"No, I guess not," he sighed.
Would he just stop? Damn his astuteness. She didn't want to look into his beautiful eyes and see the concern there. It would only break her resolve. Before too long she'd be babbling like a fool to him. He always did have a way that made her want to confide her deepest darkest fears to him.
She fumbled in her bag for a cigarette as a means of distraction.
"Us mere mortals," she continued. "We don't have an ice fortress to escape to and obliterate our emotions."
Finding a cigarette, she lit it up. "Unlike you."
Clark blinked. "Jor-el doesn't obliterate my emotions. I asked him to, but he doesn't have that power."
Her hand froze. He did what!? She gazed at him in shock. "Why would you ask for that?"
He quickly lowered his gaze from hers. "Makes my job easier."
She couldn't believe he would even suggest such a thing. And what if Jor-el had had that power and done as Clark requested. It didn't even bear thinking of.
"Emotions are what make us tick, Clark. They make us who we are; there is no life without them. There is no easy way out," her voice caught in her throat.
Just the thought of an emotionless Clark disturbed her. "They make you."
Silence descended for a few minutes. Lois attempted to compose herself. Her head was still reeling.
She fought back tears. Her eyes rested on his face. He was staring at the television screen; she saw his jaw clench. He had one hand holding a glass of beer. The other hand was resting on the table. Unable to help herself, she rested her hand on his, slowly curling her fingers around his.
"Clark?"
Hearing the edge of a plea in her voice, his eyes rested on her hand that now held his. A host of conflicting emotions assailed him. He felt frozen in time. His initial reaction was to withdraw, but this part yearning towards her rendered unable to move. He had missed her so badly. And quite suddenly, unexpectedly, she was here, back in his life once more; alive, breathing and real.
His mouth went dry. Too much history. It still hurt, but he couldn't bring himself to pull away. Her simple touch was soothing. It had been so long.
Emotions make us who we are – they make you. Seeing the shock in her eyes when he'd told her he had asked Jor-el to obliterate his emotions had been sobering. What had he been thinking?
She was right. She hadn't run away from her emotions or pain, despite the horrible things she had seen. She had faced it.
In the end it wasn't the logical part of his mind that took hold, but who he really was.
"It's okay, Lois," he began, slowly and hesitatingly. "I do now know that a life without feeling anything isn't a life."
He gently squeezed her fingers. The gesture was a simple one, but it was something, like the offering of a palm leaf. Sudden sweet relief coursed through her. It would be okay. She'd sooner die than ever reveal anything to Lex about Clark Kent.
"Lex isn't going to go away. Finding out his connection to Grant Gabriel is the only way we can maybe get one over him."
She could tell he didn't like the idea, but it also made sense. He had to see that. Lois knew from a firsthand account that Lex could kill Clark one day. Jor-el had shown her the visions. She wasn't going to let that happen.
Clark might be the world's protector, but she was his.
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A/N: I could really do with some inspiration now in the way of reviews! I hope you enjoyed it. Any advice would also be very much appreciated!
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