Rules of the Game
Folc4evernaday
Chapter 5
A/N: Okay so this part gets steamy and yes I do plan on delivering in this fic. I know I keep torturing you guys.
Enjoy. FDK appreciated as always.
***
Rolf sat in the car outside STAR Labs, looking down at the tracker in his hand. After it had gone off he’d traced it from one end of town to the other. Unfortunately, the first location Superman had been at hadn’t been recorded due to a malfunction with the device. Once he’d calibrated it he had been able to follow Superman to this building.
The tracker was working. All he had to do was wait. He pulled out his phone to call into the number Diana had given him.
“Bonjour? Oui, nous avons une trace. STAR Labs.Oui.”***
“Are you sure about this Mayon?” Henderson asked, looking at the photo of the celebrity anchorwoman in front of him. “I mean, I find this hard to swallow.”
“So did I.” Mayson frowned.
“You’re absolutely sure this is our assassin?” He asked.
“I just got the name from the special prosecutor,” Mayson said grimly. “Judge Arnold just signed the arrest warrant but I don’t expect her to hang around for it to get served.” She crossed her arms over her chest, glancing around the crowded station. “She’s after Mr. X. I need someone I can trust to help us hide him before he goes in front of the grand jury next week.”
“Well, I always enjoyed a good game of one-upmanship but this might be a bit too rich for my blood.” Henderson sighed, pondering for a moment. “How soon do you need him moved?”
“Now.” Mayson gave him a pleading look.
***
Lois hovered over Clark, watching in horror as his complexion went from pale to a greenish hue around his lips. “Clark?” She shook his shoulder, trying to get an answer but his only response was to groan in agony. She glanced up at the clock on the wall. It had been ten minutes since he’d collapsed. She needed to do something.
‘Think.’ She wracked her brain, trying to force the panic building up inside her to stop. She needed to do something. Clark was sick. Only one thing could make him sick.
Kryptonite.
She looked around the kitchen, trying to find where he could have possibly come in contact with the poisonous meteorite. She stopped, recalling the lipstick from earlier. “Oh my God,”
She bolted up, running to the bathroom to find the tube of lipstick. She returned to the kitchen where Clark was unconscious on the floor. “It’s going to be okay.” She reassured him, reaching for the phone.
He was obviously sick. She couldn’t take him to a hospital.
She reached for the phone and began to dial the familiar number…
***
Diana positioned herself outside the cabin, watching through the telescopic lens for her opportunity. She had tracked down the numbers on the pager to three lawyers, a judge, a maid and now it appeared she had discovered the safe house for Disanto.
She watched as the armed guards moved back and forth in front of the door. This was definitely the place.
***
It had been three hours. Lois stared at the blank walls around her. After changing Clark into the suit and calling Dr. Klein she rushed him to STAR Labs.
Dr. Klein was waiting in the lobby and hurried Clark back. After what seemed like hours but had only been half an hour he returned to the lobby to update her.
‘Kryptonite poisoning.’ How had he been fine one minute and not the next? She offered up the lipstick tube that she’d retrieved from the wastebasket, uncertain how to explain its presence on Superman. Thankfully, Dr. Klein didn’t ask.
Then came the testing for any further signs of radiation on her. A blue gel-like substance was forced down in way too large cup with a grimace. She could feel the goo go down with minimal gagging. Afterward, Dr. Klein had moved her into a room for monitoring to ensure the radiation had been absorbed. Then came the nauseating pains as everything she’d eaten throughout the day returned in a regurgitated form...again and again. The last test had shown less than one percent radiation.
Dr. Klein said she wouldn’t be able to see Clark until she was at zero. Sitting here, staring into nothing and pretending that it was just a friend that was in trouble. It was just a friend that someone had tried to poison through her. She doubted Dr. Klein believed that any more than she did, but she was grateful for his silence on the issue.
She still needed to call the Kents and let them know what was going on, but right now all she could muster up the energy to do was think. Clark was hurt. Hurt in a bad, he could have died way. All she could think of was how stupid it was to let her insecurities and doubts get the better of her over the last few weeks.
The doors to the room opened and Dr. Klein entered with a syringe in one hand and the long tube he’d been using to test for radiation in the other. “Okay, let’s see if there’s anything left.”
“I don’t think I can take any more.” Lois groaned, sitting up.
“I know.” Dr. Klein grimaced, taking the long tube and running it across her abdomen once more. The device remained blue, pinging after each area had been examined. “So far so good.” He nodded to her with encouragement.
“Does that mean I can get out of here?” Lois asked hopefully.
“One more draw of blood and then you should be all right to leave.” Dr. Klein instructed.
“How’s Superman?” She asked, looking at him in concern.
“Groggy, and a little weak but I was able to get it all out before it could do any damage.” Dr. Klein gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze. “He’s going to be fine.”
***
Judge Brooks looked around the cabin, shaking his head, “This is a most unusual setting for a hearing, Ms. Drake.”
“I understand that, your honor, but the circumstances warrant it,” Mayson said with pleading eyes.
“Every defendant is awarded the right to confront his or her accuser.” Judge Brooks reminded her.
“Once the defendant has an attorney and we’ve ensured our witness’ safety then she will.” Mayson promised, “That’s why you’re here.” She gestured to the man standing behind her, “I’d like you to meet Michael Disanto. Former assassin for Intergang.”
Judge Brooks looked at him suspiciously, “Hey, weren’t you on that show with what’s her name…?” He mumbled to himself, trying to recall the name.
“Diana Stride.” Disanto provided.
“Yes, that’s it.” Judge Brooks snapped his fingers.
“We went our separate ways,” Disanto said with a disapproving nod.
***
“Lois?” Clark groggily began to come to.
“Hey,” Lois swiped the tears from her eyes, moving across the room to sit on the edge of the bed next to him. “How are you feeling? Do you want me to get Dr. Klein?” She looked back at the door that was still closed.
“No,” He pulled her in his arms, holding her close. “Just stay like this for a minute.” He whispered hoarsely.
“I’m so sorry.” She murmured tearfully, looking up at him. “They wouldn’t let me near you until…”
“It’s okay.” He said, running a hand through her hair.
“No, it’s not.” She argued, feeling the tears overwhelm her. “I almost lost you and…” Her voice cracked, feeling the emotions behind her words begin to become too much once more.
“I’m right here.” He reassured her, cupping her face with his palm. “Everything’s fine.” He winced, trying to sit up.
“Are you sure you should be moving?” She asked cautiously, placing a hand on his chest.
“I’m fine. I promise. Just a little sore.” He reassured her.
“That’s not fine and you know it.” She ran a hand across his cheek.
“Dr. Klein said it’ll take a few days.” He grinned at her. “Just think no running off to rescues for a few days. You may even get tired of me hanging around.”
“That’s not funny.” She countered, looking at him seriously. “I didn’t know what to do.” She looked at him tearfully, “If I lost you…”
“I’m not going anywhere.” He interjected.
“I love you.” She whispered, dabbing her eyes. “More than I thought I could ever love anyone. You’re my best friend and I’m so sorry, Clark. I never thought…”
“Neither of us did.” He soothed holding her close to him. “You had no idea knowing.”
“I nearly
killed you.” She sniffed. “Then I never would have…” She stopped, taking a shaky breath.
“Never would have what?” He asked, looking at her.
“Never would have had a chance to tell you how much you mean to me.” She murmured, leaning in to kiss him. She let out a soft moan as his hand moved to cup her face, fingering the strands of hair. “I love you, Clark Kent and I know this isn’t exactly the most romantic way of doing this, but if I don’t I know something else will come up. Because something always comes up.”
“Lois, you’re babbling again.” He teased with a grin.
“I know.” She said, wiping the tears from her eyes. He ran his hand across the frame of her face and she smiled back at him in wonder. “How do you do that?” She breathed, feeling the tension disappear as she looked in his eyes. “Look at me like that and make everything disappear.”
“Like what?” He grinned at her.
“Like I’m the only person in the world.” She whispered, running her index finger against the bridge of his nose.
“I guess because you’re the only one I want to be looking at.” He grinned lazily at her.
“I love you.” She said tearfully, allowing him to tighten his arms around her. “I was so afraid I might lose you.” She said, looking up at him. “Like really lose you and I couldn’t bear that thought.”
“You’re not getting rid of me that easily.” He joked, tightening his grip on her as he gingerly placed his feet on the ground, testing it with his toes before making a move to stand.
She looked at him in concern. “You sure you need to be standing just yet?”
“I’m fine.” He gave her a weak smile.
The soft hum from the doors opening and the groan from Dr. Klein said otherwise. “I can’t leave you for five minutes.”
“I’m fine, Dr. Klein, really.” Clark tried to reassure him.
“I’ll be the judge of that.” Dr. Klein said with a disapproving stare.
***
Nigel nodded to the familiar woman in front of him, readjusting the turban he wore to hide his appearance. Having his photo plastered everywhere made visits like this more difficult than before. Not only had Intergang turned on him before he had planned but now a warrant had been issued for his arrest.
“Which way?” Gretchen asked, readjusting the wig on her head as she looked around the crowded airport.
He pointed ahead to the double doors that led to the parking garage. The sooner they left the crowded airport the better.
***
Clark leaned back against the passenger seat, watching Lois as they drove back to his apartment. It had been a long and trying day and even longer evening with him having to be rushed to STAR Labs. How Diana had connected Lois with Superman and thought to lace Lois’ lipstick with Kryptonite nagged at him. They’d been so careful in public.
“I called your parents earlier to let them know everything’s okay.” Lois said, not taking her eyes off the road as she pulled up to the curb on Clinton Street.
“I’m surprised they were still up.” He commented, glancing at the clock on her dashboard that read,
‘3:47 am.’ He looked around the dimly lit street, noting the dark night sky as he sat up, reaching over to unbuckle his seat belt. “I guess it’s a little late to do a patrol.” He tried to joke, knowing full well he couldn’t fly right now if he wanted to.
She opened the door and got out giving him a serious expression that immediately sobered him, “Not funny.”
“Sorry.” He said, running a hand through his hair as he stepped out of the Jeep and followed her up the steps to his apartment. Despite his reassurances that he was fine it was obvious she was still very shaken by what had happened tonight. They reached his apartment door and she stopped, staring at the welcome mat outside his door. “Lois?”
“You could have died.” She croaked out in a whisper, still not looking at him.
“But I didn’t. You were quick on your feet like you always are.” He leaned against the door to force her to look at him. “Getting Dr. Klein involved was probably the best solution in that circumstance.”
“But you could have.” She pressed, looking back at him tearfully. He felt his heart clasp in his chest, seeing the tears in her eyes. “I knew something was wrong. I should have told you about the lipstick. I should have…”
“Lois, there’s no way you could have known.” He interrupted, trying to reassure her. “You said yourself you wiped it off. There was no way you could have known what it was.” He reached over to cup her cheek, brushing the tears that had escaped away. “I’m fine. A little weak but that’s to be expected.” She let out a sob and he pulled her in his arms, whispering reassurances, “I’m not going anywhere.” His arms instinctively tightened around her and he held her until the tears stopped.
***
Diana watched for her window of opportunity, seeing the shadows move inside the cabin. The figure in the back window appeared to be guarded by two officers. One in the front and one to the left. Unfortunately for Michael the position they had him in left him completely open and ready for her to deliver a deadly blow.
She smiled as she fired the grenade launcher into the window, shattering glass everywhere. Tear gas emitted in the air, forcing everyone outside the cabin. She grinned, holding her rifle steady as she shot the silhouettes coming out of the cabin one by one. The smoke cleared and she gasped in surprise, seeing three guards exit the cabin, covered in protective gear and gas masks.
“No!” She fumed angrily.
“Yes,” A voice from behind her spoke evenly and she felt a metal barrel press against the back of her head.
***
Lois let out a low moan as she felt the vibration of Clark’s moan against her lips. He outlined her jaw with his palm, cupping her cheek as he deepened their embrace. Two hands clasped the back of his head, blindly murmuring distraught lips against his as he struggled to maintain enough focus and unlock the door behind them.
She leaned back against the unlocked door, linking her arms around his neck, letting out a soft giggle. “You sure...this is a….good...idea...with your...?” She managed in-between heated kisses. “What if someone…?” She gasped in surprise when she felt his palm slip up her back as he pressed against her.
She let out an inaudible moan as she felt a familiar twinge in her belly as he spoke. “I’m sure.” The husky tone of his whisper sent a shudder down her spine.
“I love you,” She let out a sultry gasp as the bridge of his nose nuzzled the lobe of her ear. He nodded, opening the door as he wrapped an arm around her waist as they fell into the open doorway. She let out a sharp gasp when they hit the ground feeling where Clark had rolled them over to take most of the impact. Watching him struggle from beneath her to reach the door with his foot she couldn’t help but laugh.
“Shhh,” He chuckled, unable to hide his own amusement at the situation. She laughed harder trying to sit up only to fall back again, unable to sit herself up to reach the door. He finally found the leverage he needed to roll them over so he could kick the door closed and the lights in the living room turned on.
“Everything okay out here?” His dad asked from the bedroom entryway.
“Fine.” Lois managed to squeak out, trying to suppress the urge to scream and laugh at the same time. Clark let out an inaudible sigh and helped her to her feet. She glanced to the doorway where Martha had joined Jonathan, looking at them both in concern. She looked back to Clark whose face was full of regret.
“We were worried sick when Lois called to tell us what happened.”Martha said with a yawn as she moved into the living room.
“I’m fine,” Clark reassured, wrapping an arm around Lois from behind. “Dr. Klein was extremely thorough. There’s no Kryptonite left in either of our systems.”
His parents exchanged a look and his mom looked to the kitchen. “I’m going to put on a pot of coffee. You two are probably starving…”
As if on cue Lois heard her stomach grumble and groaned.
‘Great.’TBC...
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