Army brat, Farm guy
CLOIS AU
A/N: I'm not a CLARK/LOIS canon guy – if you are, sorry. There is a ton of canon stuff out there (Improved, modified, expanded); if some creeps in here it's almost accidental. Almost. And no Zod, Doomsday or other galactic troublemakers.
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Chapter 1 Leaving the nest
KENT FARM
Martha Kent is washing the final breakfast dish. A tear slips down her cheek as she dries it and places it in the cupboard. This is the last day her only child will be here with mom & dad for breakfast for a while; for any meal really. She sits down at the kitchen table, caressing her warm cup o' joe. She knows that she and Jonathon can't keep Clark down on the farm forever; but she wasn't quite ready. She sighs, would she ever be ready? No, not really.
She hears Clark and Jonathon troop downstairs with the luggage. They set things down by the front door, enter the kitchen and join her at the table. She gets up, serves them a mug of hot brew, and rejoins them.
"I'm all packed up mom. Thanks so much for going over all my clothes and making sure I won't embarrass myself with a hole here or there."
"Of course, sweetie. I just wish you had let me put some of those plaids and flannels back in the closet."
"Mom, I need some comfy clothes!"
"I know, but you only have 5 work outfits!" She drops her head. 'Fashion is a foreign concept, I'm afraid'. "I will talk with Santa for you," his mom adds, smiling.
"Thanks mom. Well, there are only 5 days in a work week, you know."
"Clark, I've seen pictures of your partner! She looks pretty classy," Jonathon smirks. He's not certain that Clark is up to working with Lois Lane. Her reputation is off the charts!
"Miss Lane? We will be fine, no worries. She won't even notice my repeats." He shrugs.
Jonathon & Martha look at each other. They shake their heads, again.
He takes a big sip of his coffee. He frowns, "Mom, did you run out of those good beans I got from Columbia?"
"Yes dear. Can you get me more, please?"
"Yup."
"Now about your secret," dad tacks on.
"Yup, VERY SECRET!" Clark signals scouts honor.
"Clark, with an extremely intelligent & inquisitive partner – you must be extra careful," dad impresses on his son.
"I know, I know," Clark sighs.
"Now finances," Jonathon starts. "We'll take care of the rent out of the trust fund*. The rest is up to you."
"I will be ok. My intern's salary, selling an occasional sketch and maybe some other part-time work. I've got it covered."
"You sure?" Dad wants to be certain.
"Yes, I'm sure."
"Now baby, let's pray before you go," mom grasps hands and nods to father.
Jonathon prays for them all, they then head to the LR.
"You have landing zones scouted out?"
"Yup, three!"
"Two trips for luggage?"
"Yes, ma'am'."
"Come here, give me a hug and kiss."
He does, mom cries. So does he, almost.
Clark & dad do the bro hug thing.
He grabs 2 suitcases and is off. 7" later he repeats the process. In Metropolis he gets settled in his loft apartment, 5 blocks from the Daily Planet. He is in walking distance, even at human speed. After he gets everything put away, his futon made up, he takes a stroll thru the neighborhood. He meets some neighbors, greets some kids, stops at a corner store for start-up groceries and returns to settle in and watch some TV.
He sees a large accident on a suburban boulevard. He slips on the red/blue costume Martha had made (with mask) and speeds to the scene. After ripping off 2 car doors, freeing the occupants; turning one car right side up; blowing out 1 engine fire; He salutes the emergency workers and is off. 2 on-scene reporters gawk, but don't get close enough to ask any questions. A photographer manages to snap some pictures.
He feels good about day #1 in Metropolis – but there are some refinements needed in the disguise. He will talk with mom & dad this weekend.
He retires for the night feeling good.
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Built up by the gradual sale of farm land. The land remaining can be handled by Jonathon & 1 p/t farm hand. Without Clark's super speed.
BUT the folks know that Clark will be there for them when they need him most.