Army brat, Farm guy
Chapter 4 Thanksgiving I
A/N: 1 year has passed; Perry White, Chief Ashton and General Sam Lane are in the know as to Clark Kent's super abilities. But not his origins. Clark has yet to divulge any of this to Lois; the Richard White affair really rattled him. He knows he must correct that, and tell her. But when? Thanksgiving? Maybe. Lois also has never met Jonathon and Martha. Lots of holes in her knowledge of her partner!
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Daily Planet Bullpen
Late October
Lois and Clark are sitting at their facing desks, tossing ideas back and forth. Perry White wants a nice Thanksgiving spread. He has suggested that Lois write the copy and Clak illustrate it. They are having trouble formulating a plan.
SUDDENLY
Lois' IM* pings:
CK: Kent Farm!
Lois looks up, puzzled.
CK: Come with me to the farm, week B4 Thanksgiving.
LL: AND?
CK: We will have holiday dinner 1 week early. Take pictures, do sketches, interview country folks re down home values etc. etc.
LL: Come back and blow Perry's socks off!
CK: That's the spirit.
LL: I AM IN, Smallville!
CK: Smallville, KS. Kent Farm!
LL: Set it up!
CK: Yes ma'am.
LL: That's the spirit!
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2ND TUESDAY IN NOVEMBER
Clark and Lois had driven (how quaint) out to the farm for their Daily Planet Thanksgiving project. On the way Lois had been more animated than Clark had ever seen her; absolutely giddy at times.
"Do you know how long it's been since I've had a real Thanksgiving dinner?" She exclaimed.
"Ah, no." How would he know that?
"Of course you don't. I actually don't remember. God, I'm so nervous!"
"Why?"
"Why not, Smallville? I'm meeting your folks. Well, it's not like we're a couple or anything." She focuses on the countryside out her passenger window. A shiver runs down her spine.
"Relax Lois; my parents are gonna really like you! Just be yourself."
"My snarky, sarcastic, annoying self. Right?"
"Yup, that's the one, I've talked her up," a small smile touches his lips.
She shakes her head lightly. 'What have I gotten myself into?'
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As they drive down Smallville's main street Lois is amazed at all the decorations. Clark knew a secret; his mom and dad had gotten the word out that 2 Daily Planet reporters would be in town scoping out a Thanksgiving special edition. The town had picked up the baton and was running with it. There were interviews scheduled on Wednesday & Friday. A special Friday evening Thanksgiving service at the United Methodist church with the SHS choir and band on tap.
Some folks wanted more but Jonathon and Martha held up a STOP SIGN!
Both Lois and Clark had a digital camera; at one point she had him stop and park. They got out, each taking a side of main street, and started taking pictures. 45" later they met at the Talon. After coffee & a piece of Martha's apple pie (Your mother made this?!) they headed for the farm.
As they drove under the KENT FARM sign, Lois' eyes got misty. She was an emotional wreck already. God, she was nervous. As the folks knew, Clark parked in front of the barn; he got out and came around and opened Lois' door. He held out his hand and helped her out.
(They were 2 years into their partnership; for a long time that assistance would not have been welcomed – or allowed)
He took her hand, she welcomed it, and led her into the barn. They climbed the steps to the loft. They noticed a few declarations a la Martha.
"So, this is what?" Lois asked as she wandered around.
"My Fortress of Solitude. As a boy I spent a lot of time here. Looking at the stars, reading, listening to music, thinking. I even slept on the couch sometimes."
"Your home away from home," she chuckled.
"Yeah." He sighed, then sat on the couch.
Lois joined him, "Your folks?" She was next to him, touching hip to shoulder.
"I told them that we would start out here. We should go in shortly, or my dad will send a posse." He grinned.
"Thank you, for thinking of this. It's nice to see your roots." (If she only knew; someday)
They got up, descended the stairs and ambled to the car. They got an armload of stuff and approached the front door. Martha had been watching, so as they got up on the porch, she threw the door open.
Martha enveloped Lois in a massive hug, arms full notwithstanding. "Lois, it is wonderful to finally meet you. Let me relieve you of some things." She takes some stuff, leaving a stunned Lois Lane!
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TBC
IM = Instant Messaging.