from part 23...
Lois smiled a little nostalgically. For some reason, she found herself missing Perry. "I'll see you in a while, then. Oh! Tell me quick what I should wear. I want to make a good impression."
His voice grew husky as he answered. "Lois, my parents will love you no matter what you wear, the same as I do. If it helps, though, I'm just planning on jeans and maybe a button-down shirt. It's a casual dinner. Don't worry about dressing up."
Perry's bellowing grew louder in the background, and Clark's voice lowered to a whisper in order to keep from being overhead. "I've gotta go; Perry's coming. I'll see you tonight, though, okay? I love you."
The words entwined themselves around her heart, making her feel warm all over. "I love you, too," she told him quickly before he hung up.
When she heard the dial tone, she hung up the phone, a silly smile on her face. Suddenly the idea of meeting his parents didn't sound so scary…not when Clark, the man she loved, and who loved her in return, would be at her side.
She glanced up at the clock, then sighed. Tonight was going to be a long time in coming.
**********
Now on to part 24...
**********
Lois paced her living room, her stomach alive with butterflies fluttering about crazily. She couldn't remember the last time she felt so nervous. She hadn't even been this nervous when she had interviewed the United States Vice President when he'd made a political tour stop in San Francisco the year before.
So what was it about meeting Clark's parents that made her such a bundle of nerves?
She swallowed past the tightness in her throat. That was easy. She cared what Clark's parents thought of her. She hadn't given a flying fig what the vice president thought of her. She had just been a reporter doing a story.
This was different.
Very different.
Whether Clark wanted to believe it or not, this was a big moment. He never had to face getting the third degree from her parents; he was home free. But meeting the protective parents of the world's only superhero….
A sound on the balcony caught her attention and she spun around just in time to see Clark landing next to her sliding glass door. Swallowing hard, she tried to return his smile as he slid the door open.
"Lois, you look great," he commented, pausing to take in her appearance.
She glanced down at her clothes--her carefully selected tan slacks, and a nice but casual form-fitting black sweater--and hoped it didn't yell "trying too hard." She'd decided to compromise by wearing her dark hair in its usual style, with the shoulder-length ends curled under slightly, and barely brushing her shoulders.
She smoothed a wrinkle from the front of her sweater and glanced back up at Clark, taking some comfort in the appreciative look in his eyes. "You don't think I'm too dressed up? Or not enough?" Without waiting for a response, she sighed in frustration and turned toward the hallway. "I know, I should have worn the jeans we'd talked about…"
Clark's laughter reached her ears and she felt his hand on her shoulder, stopping her from hurrying into the bedroom to change. "Lois, you look fine. You don't need to change a thing." He moved closer imperceptibly until his face was only inches from hers. "In fact," he said, his voice husky, "you look more beautiful than ever." He cupped her face in his hands, then leaned down to kiss her.
She felt her fears dwindle at the soft touch of his lips on hers, and she slid her arms around his neck as their kiss deepened. When his arms tightened around her waist, she moaned softly, losing herself in the heady experience of kissing the man she loved.
All too soon the effect diminished and the mind-numbing nervousness that had been building all day returned in a rush. She stiffened subconsciously in his arms, and the sudden change in her body didn't go unnoticed.
Clark lifted his head from hers and studied her with a look of concern. "Lois? What's wrong?" His attentive eye took in the taut look in her face, and he frowned. "Are you okay? You seem…I don't know. Nervous or something."
She laughed, the sound humorless even to her own ears. "Nervous? Why should I be nervous? I'm just meeting my boyfriend's parents, that's all. No big deal."
A slow, understanding smile spread across Clark's face. He let his hands slide down her arms until he was grasping her hands gently but firmly. "Lois, you are going to be fine," he emphasized. "Really, this is no big deal. I talked to them this afternoon and told them you were coming, and they were genuinely excited to meet you. After everything I've told them about you, they already love you."
At his words, Lois felt momentarily queasy. She knew he'd only been trying to comfort her, but without realizing it, he had only made things worse. No pressure. Yeah, right.
She must have turned a slight shade of green because Clark's brow furrowed and he tightened his grip on her hands. "Lois? Are you okay? You don't look so good. Maybe you should sit down."
She followed obediently as he led her over to the couch. She sat, frozen, but then managed to take the couple of deep breaths Clark ordered her to.
When her color returned to normal, Clark lifted a hand to her cheek, tucking a strand of hair gently behind her ear. "What's wrong? Did I say something to make things worse?"
She nodded, her eyes both scolding and pleading. "Why did you have to tell them anything about me? The way you obviously talked about me to them, they're expecting me to be something really great. How am I supposed to live up to those expectations? What if they hate me? I'm not exactly the easiest person to like. I always come off sounding cool or indifferent, or I say something really offensive without meaning to. And now that they're expecting me to be this incredible, amazing person you've made me out to be, I just know I'm going to make a bad impression."
"Lois." Clark scooted closer to her on the couch and slid his hand under her curtain of hair at the nape of her neck. He started to gently massage the tight muscles there as he spoke. "My parents are going to love you because *I* love you. Honestly, there's no pressure here. Besides, they're not judgmental. They're good, kind, down-to-earth people. I promise you, you have nothing to worry about. At the rate you're going, you're going to make yourself sick, and what fun will that be?"
Lois stared into Clark's pleading brown eyes for a long moment, then finally nodded. Feeling a little calmer, she said, "Okay. I just hope you're right."
"I am right," Clark insisted, leaning in to press a kiss to her forehead. A moment later he was on his feet, offering her his hand. "Come on. Let's get you a drink of water of something before we go to soothe those nerves of yours."
Lois put her hand in his and allowed him to pull her up, then followed him into the kitchen where he filled a glass of water and refused to leave until she'd had several sips.
When she set the empty glass in the sink, he cocked an eyebrow at her. "Ready?"
She took a deep breath and let it out. "As ready as I'll ever be."
Clark smiled, then helped her on with her jacket. When she was zipped up and Clark felt confident she would be warm enough for the trip, he lifted her into his arms and walked out onto the balcony. Using his enhanced vision, he scanned the landscape, looking for signs of onlookers. With the mountainous drop-off behind her apartment building, their departure was screened from prying eyes, and they took off unnoticed.
Lois felt herself relax as they started soaring through the sky, the horizon alight with beautiful hues of pinks, purples, golds, and blues stretching out behind them as far as the eye could see. She snuggled into Clark contentedly, resting her head on his shoulder. She felt grateful for the chance to recharge her enthusiasm for the evening ahead.
The sky so alive with colors soon slowly turned to a dusky gray, then to a dark navy as they flew further east. Before she was ready, they were landing on the front lawn of an older, yet well kept farmhouse with large hundred-year-old trees surrounding the structure.
Clark set her carefully on her feet, keeping an arm around her for support as she got used to firm ground beneath her once again. She stared for a long moment at the warm, cheery lights emanating from the farmhouse. Suddenly she didn't feel as nervous, and when Clark reached for her hand and gave it a squeeze, she was able to look up at him and smile.
"You ready for this?" he asked.
She nodded. "I think so."
Clark released her hand momentarily as she changed back into his street clothes, and Lois had to grin. Though she knew the man in the tights and cape was the same man she loved, she found it easier to relax when he was dressed as he was now, in jeans and a casual shirt, this time an olive-colored, button-down oxford.
He reached for her hand again, then led the way up the steps of the farmhouse. She fell a step behind as he opened the front door, but he kept a firm grip on her hand as they went in. "Mom? Dad? We're here," he called out.
"Hi, you two. Come on in. I'm in the kitchen."
Lois immediately recognized Martha's voice, and she barely had a chance to take in the cozy, comfortable furnishings in the living room before Clark led her around the corner and into the kitchen. The woman at the sink turned at their entrance, and Lois felt herself relax at the warm smile that appeared on Martha's face.
"You made it," she exclaimed, setting the tongs in the salad bowl and coming over to give Clark a hug.
Clark hugged his mom back, then gestured at Lois standing beside him. "Mom, this is Lois. Lois, this is my mom."
Martha's smile broadened and she surprised Lois by giving her a warm hug, as well. Lois immediately felt at home.
"Lois, it's so wonderful to finally meet you," Martha said, stepping back from their embrace and taking in her appearance. "Well, you sure are pretty."
"Thanks, Mrs. Kent," Lois answered, blushing.
"Oh, please, call me Martha."
Lois smiled gratefully. "Martha," she corrected herself.
Martha smiled her approval, then went back to the sink for the salad bowl. "Dinner's almost ready. The ham needs five more minutes, and by then Jonathan should be in from the barn."
"What's dad doing?" Clark stole a couple of carrot slices from the vegetable tray, then laughed as his mother smacked his hand.
Martha shook her head and carried the tray to the table. "He told me he wanted to unload some hay, but I tried to talk him out of it. It isn't something he really should be doing by himself. I wouldn't put it past him to be out there trying."
Clark rolled his eyes in frustration. "He knew I was coming. Why didn't he wait for me? He's going to hurt himself." He looked at Lois apologetically and jerked his thumb toward the other kitchen door that led outside. "I'm going to go help my dad. I'll be back in a few minutes."
Lois widened her eyes at him, silently pleading for him not to leave her alone. But he only smiled and squeezed her hand, then leaned down to kiss her lightly. When he pulled back, he mouthed, "You'll be fine," then disappeared out the door into the chilly Fall evening.
The sound of the door shutting echoed in the suddenly silent room, and Lois felt her stomach tighten. She glanced over at Martha, who was pouring water from a pitcher into one of the glasses. It was clear from the smile tugging at the corner of her mouth that their quick shared kiss hadn't gone unnoticed.
Feeling uncomfortable, Lois forced herself to move, and she walked to the table and reached for the pitcher. "Here, Martha, I'll do that. I'm sure you have something else you want to check on."
"Thank you," Martha said, handing the pitcher to Lois. "I think that ham is ready to come out of the oven."
It was quiet for several moments as Lois finished filling the glasses and Martha pulled the ham out of the oven. The tantalizing smell filled the kitchen, making Lois's stomach grumble.
"That smells great," she spoke up, hoping to break the silence. "Clark's been trying to teach me to cook, but for all his efforts, everything I cook is generally a disaster."
Martha chuckled as she checked to make sure the ham was done. "Well, don't give up just yet. I was a terrible cook when I first married Clark's father. It takes time."
"Yeah, well, I think there has to be some talent involved, and I obviously don't have any." Lois grinned sheepishly as she filled the last glass, then set the pitcher in the center of the table.
"I admit talent does play a part, but we're all talented in our own respect. Take what you and Clark do for a living," she said as she sliced the ham and arranged the slices on a serving tray. "I know I couldn't do it--tracking down leads and writing those stories that make a difference. I wouldn't even know where to start."
Lois took the serving plate Martha held out to her and carried it to the table. "I suppose you're right." She had to move the pitcher to make room for the plate, but was glad she managed to do that without breaking or spilling anything on her beautifully set table.
"I see you and Clark are back on track," Martha commented, changing the subject as she came to stand beside Lois and made room on the table for her salad bowl.
Lois glanced up at her and caught the mischievous sparkle in Martha's eyes. It was clear she was referring to the kiss she'd witnessed before Clark had gone outside to help his dad.
Lois blushed. "Yeah, we are."
"I'm glad. I had no idea what was bothering Clark that day he came for dinner until you phoned looking for him." Martha shook his head. "That boy is as stubborn as the day is long. If you hadn't called, I would never have been figure out what was wrong. As it was, I was able to approach him with the little information you shared and talk to him about it."
Lois felt her mouth go dry. "So, um, Clark told you what we…fought about?"
Martha nodded. "He did." Then she suddenly paused, a look of concern flitting across her features. "Does that bother you? That he shared that information with me?"
"No, it's fine," Lois reassured her quickly. "I think it's great that Clark feels comfortable talking to you about…things." She felt her voice falter before the last word, and wondered if Martha had heard it, too.
Feeling suddenly anxious, Lois shifted her feet and licked her dry lips. So, Clark's mom knew what their fight had been about. She knew that Lois had written a story exposing her son. But surely Clark had told his mother that it had all been a misunderstanding?
She anxiously studied Martha's expression for any signs of mistrust. She didn't see any, but still she wondered how Martha felt about that. Did she think Lois couldn't be trusted? Did she think someone like her wasn't good enough for her son, having once considered betraying him?
Swallowing past the lump in her throat, she began haltingly, "Martha, I hope you believe that I could never expose your son like that. The whole article was a huge mistake that I immediately knew could never see the light of day. Clark didn't believe me at first, but I did everything I could to convince him I was telling the truth."
Martha grinned. "I know you did. He told me how you flew all the way to Metropolis and broke into his apartment to wait for him in his living room until he got home from work. That's one way to make him listen to reason." She shook her head, clearly amused. "That was a gutsy thing to do, and the fact that you did that tells me just how much you care about my son."
Lois studied Martha, trying to determine if she really meant that, or if she was just humoring her. Finally she couldn't stand it any longer. She had to know once and for all where she stood. "Does that mean you believe me? That you trust me to keep Clark's secret? Because I hope you know, I would never do anything to hurt your son. He means so much to me, and--"
Martha's expression quickly changed into a frown and she reached for Lois's arm. "Lois, honey, are you under the impression that I don't trust you? That you're here on trial?"
Lois froze. "Well…aren't I?"
Martha laughed incredulously, the tension in the air instantly relieved by the warm sound. "Heavens no! I don't know what thoughts have been running through your mind about tonight's dinner invitation, but I promise there's no agenda here." She glanced out the window and saw the figures of her son and husband in the light of the distant barn. Gesturing at the table chairs closest to them, she said, "It looks like the men will be another few minutes, so let's have a talk, shall we?"
They sat down next to each other, and Martha turned her chair slightly toward Lois's. "Lois, the only reason we asked you here tonight was to get to know you better. We see how happy you're making Clark; in fact, he's happier than we've ever seen him. We know that's because he has you in his life." She paused to smile at Lois. "Clark goes on and on about you all the time, so we finally decided we wanted to meet you for ourselves. That's all."
Lois felt the tension drain from her body. Breathing an audible sigh of relief, she managed an embarrassed smile. "Oh, Martha, you have no idea how nice it is to hear you say that. Ever since this morning when Clark phoned me and passed along your dinner invitation, I've been a nervous wreck. I know how much Clark means to you, and how protective you are of him...especially because of the special gifts he has. I didn't want you to think I wasn't good enough for him, or that I was using him or something…"
"Oh, sweetie, I would never think that," Martha quickly interjected, giving Lois's arm a reassuring squeeze. "Clark trusts you, so we do, too. Besides, you make Clark happy. That means everything to us. I just hope he's making you just as happy."
Lois's cheeks colored again, and she smiled and nodded. "He is."
Just then the kitchen door banged open, and both women looked up to see the two men coming into the room. Lois immediately recognized Clark's father from the picture she'd seen of him in Clark's apartment, and she stood to greet him. Before she could say anything, though, Clark reached for her hand and drew her to his side. He quickly began the introductions.
"Lois, this is my dad. Dad, this is Lois."
Jonathan's welcoming grin spread across his face and he reached out to take her outstretched hand in his. He placed his other hand over their clasped ones and patted it enthusiastically.
"Lois, it's a pleasure to finally meet you," he said, giving her hand one last pat, then releasing it. "My son's said so many great things about you that we feel like we already know you. We're glad you could come tonight."
"Thanks for having me." The accepting gesture instantly put Lois at ease, and she found herself liking him as much as she did Martha.
Martha spoke up then, reminding them that dinner was ready, and they all headed over to the table. Clark held Lois's chair out for her, eliciting a look of pleasure and surprise from her. Once they were settled at the table, the atmosphere relaxed into that of a typical family dinner, with much talking and laughter as everyone caught up with what was going on in each other's lives.
Lois felt herself relax as dinner continued, though she found herself more content to listen than to talk. She answered the questions Martha and Jonathan asked about her job in San Francisco, and she ended up sharing about her love for the city by the Bay. She was surprised at how welcomed she felt, and she couldn't help wondering why she'd even been so nervous in the first place.
As Clark asked his parents about what had been going on in Smallville lately, talk quickly turned to the recently held corn festival that had become an annual event in Metropolis. Lois found herself smiling as Jonathan filled them in on the events that had taken place during the event. It all seemed so foreign to her, to hear talk of a small town's community event after living in a big city her whole life. She found the subject fascinating, however, and laughed along with them as they regale them with the festival's funny highlights.
Several times during dinner, Clark would reach for her hand beneath the table and give it a loving squeeze. Each time she looked over at him, he would give her a smile, his gestures reminding her how much he cared, and how thrilled he was to have her there. She couldn't remember the last time she felt so loved...and part of a family.
Talk of the corn festival soon turned to the upcoming winter season, and Clark assured his father he would come help him ready the farm and equipment for the snow season ahead.
Martha sighed and shook her head. "I can't believe how fast the year has gone. Soon it will be Christmas, and then the New Year."
Her comment elicited a chuckle from her husband. "You say that like you don't enjoy the holidays. Nobody makes a bigger fuss over Christmas than you."
Clark laughed, obviously in full agreement. "Dad's got a point, Mom." He turned to Lois. "All my friends wanted to come over here during Christmas break in high school because nobody baked as much as she did."
"And then there's the lights," Jonathan interjected, grinning. "If she buys any more strands of lights the airplanes flying overhead are going to think we're a landing strip."
Everyone laughed, and Martha smiled good-naturedly at their teasing. "Okay, it's true," she admitted, her eyes twinkling. "I love Christmas. And Christmas just isn't Christmas without baking and twinkle lights." She rolled her eyes at her chuckling husband, then took another bite of her dinner. "What about you, Lois? What holiday traditions do you and your family have?"
Lois's smile froze on her face and her heart constricted painfully. She heard Clark's slight intake of breath, and the room suddenly grew quiet. She caught the look of confusion that passed between Martha and Jonathan, as they clearly wondered why the question seemed to hang so heavily in the air.
After a moment, Clark cleared his throat awkwardly. Lois turned to look at him and was startled to see he looked both regretful and apologetic.
"Lois, I'm sorry," he whispered, tightening his grip on her hand. "I never got around to mentioning it..."
Martha looked from her son to Lois, then back. "Mentioning what?"
"Umm, maybe we should talk about something else--" he began, his eyes and tone full of empathy and concern, knowing the answer to that question was more painful than anybody there could understand.
But Lois put a hand on his arm and gave it a gentle squeeze. "No, Clark, it's okay." She glanced around the table briefly and noticed everybody's eyes were on her. Swallowing past the lump in her throat, she forced her voice to remain steady as she went on. "My family and I were in a car accident several years ago, and they were killed. I'm pretty much on my own."
Martha's gasp was audible, and Lois looked up to see tears of sympathy glistening in her eyes. "I'm so sorry," Martha said sincerely, reaching over to touch Lois's arm lightly. "I had no idea..."
"That's okay," Lois hurried to add, uncomfortably aware of the awkwardness hovering in the air around them. "Really, it's in the past." She smiled tremulously, making sure to keep her tone light as she continued. "I do have some good memories of our Christmases together, though. One tradition we had was that every Christmas eve..."
Lois went on to share some of her family traditions, and she felt the mood lighten as the conversation returned to the cheery atmosphere of the one before. Clark's hand kept a firm hold of hers, and when the subject changed once more, she glanced over at Clark to see him staring at her, a mixture of newfound respect and renewed love evident in his eyes. Her heart warmed under his gaze, and she gave his hand a squeeze.
Clark's hand never left hers the rest of the meal, and when everyone stood to help clear the table, he unashamedly leaned down to give her a light but lingering kiss. She felt uncomfortable at first, knowing they were in plain sight of his parents as they worked to clear the table, but when their kiss ended, she caught the look of delight passing between his parents. It was clear they were happy to see their son in love.
Jonathan's eyes were twinkling as he carried what was left of the ham to the counter. "Why don't you two go out for a walk? We're not going to have many more beautiful Fall nights like this one. We can take care of the dishes."
When Lois hesitated, Martha practically shooed them from the kitchen. "Yes, you two, get out of here. Clark can show you around the farm. Besides, you two lovebirds don't need us cramping your style."
Lois and Clark both blushed, but Clark grinned good-naturedly and wrapped his hand around Lois's. "Well, I would like to show Lois around the place, if you're sure you don't need help..."
"We'll be fine," his mother assured him. "You two go on. Make sure to wear your coat, though, Lois. It's probably pretty chilly by now."
Clark guided Lois out of the kitchen and helped her into her coat, then held the front door open for her. As they walked down the porch steps, Lois stared up at the indigo sky smattered with dots of light and took a deep breath, savoring the fresh, cool night air filling her lungs.
"It *is* beautiful out here," she sighed happily, her ears attune to the songs of the crickets in the darkened yard and distant pasture. "I can see why you love it. No smog, no city lights to make it hard to see the stars..."
Clark squeezed her hand. "And now it has you. It's perfect."
She turned to look at him and caught the intensity of his gaze. After a moment, a slow grin spread across her face. "If this moment wasn't so perfect, I would think that was pretty sappy."
Clark chuckled. "Sappy? I wasn't trying to be sappy. I meant it."
"I know you did," she reassured him, sidling up to him and raising her face to his for a kiss. "And that's why you were able to pull it off."
He laughed against her lips, then hugged her tightly to him. They stood on the front lawn hugging for what seemed to be a long time, and Lois found herself feeling more content than she'd ever been in her life, snuggled up against Clark's chest. With her ear pressed against his shirt, she was able to hear the steady beating of his heart. It was comforting to her somehow. So many times she felt like pinching herself, to make sure she wasn't dreaming. But it was times like these, as she stood wrapped in the arms of the man she loved and listened to the rhythmic beating of his heart, that she knew it was real. And she was lucky.
Clark at last released her and took a step back. "So, should I give you the grand tour?"
She laughed. "As much as can be seen in the dark, I guess."
Over the next half an hour, they walked around the yard, stole kisses in the barn, and even took a quick, unobserved flight over the pastures and creek that surrounded the house. Lois marveled at the vast expanse of land, having never realized just how much land was required to make a living farming.
Their tour ended in back of the house, and they took their time walking across the yard. Clark stopped in front of a large, tangled tree near the house and gestured up into the large, gnarled branches above them. "This is the last thing I wanted to show you."
Lois eyed him strangely. "It's...nice. It's a tree, right?"
"Yes, it's a tree." Clark grinned and rolled his eyes at her sarcasm. "But it's a special tree. Come on. I'll show you."
He eagerly pulled her along after him as they walked around it, and it wasn't until they reached the side facing the house that Lois realized there were wooden slats nailed up the trunk as a makeshift ladder. Her gaze lifted, and with the help of the house's back porch light, she was able to make out a structure in the limbs above.
"Hey, it's a tree house!" she exclaimed, suddenly understanding there was more to Clark's excitement than botany.
Clark's grin broadened, proud that he'd finally gotten the reaction he'd been seeking. "Ahh, but it's not just a tree house." He gestured to the steps. "Are you feeling adventurous?"
Her eyes sparkled in the moonlight. "Always."
She climbed up the steps, surprised that the slats were still secure after years of non-use. When she reached the top of the rungs, she spotted some faded writing on the weathered board next to the entrance. She brushed off several leaves clinging to the wood to be able to see the lettering.
"The Fortress of Solitude," she read quietly, her fingers tracing over the faded red lettering.
"That's what I named this place."
The sound of Clark's voice near her ear made her gasp with surprise. She whipped her head around to see Clark hovering next to her. He quickly placed a hand on the small of her back to steady her as she teetered on the makeshift ladder.
She put a hand to her chest and tried to calm her hammering heart. "Clark, you scared me to death! Don't do that--hover all silently behind me when I'm ten feet off the ground. Give me some warning, would you?"
He chuckled. The low, rumbling sound wrapped around her like a warm blanket. "I would have caught you if you'd slipped."
She turned back and peered into the tree house. "I can't see a thing in here. How do I know if I'm about to crawl in something icky?"
Clark peered in with her. "You're clear. The floor's dusty and there are some branches and twigs laying around, but nothing icky, I promise."
"It's just dawned on me that a city girl's definition of 'icky' may differ vastly from a country boy's definition," she mumbled as she took a leap of faith and climbed cautiously through the opening.
When she was safely inside, he floated up to the platform and touched down beside her inside the small space. There was just enough room for the two of them, and Clark slipped past Lois to the back right corner where an overturned crate doubled as an end table.
She struggled to make her eyes adjust to the dark as she heard Clark pick up something from the makeshift table. A moment later a flicker of light appeared, and she saw a flame growing within an old kerosene lantern that was dusty but intact.
"I see that the lack of matches isn't an issue."
Clark's grin split the darkness, his white teeth flashing in the warm glow of the lantern he now held. "It's just one more of my special vision perks." Then he turned his attention to his surroundings and glanced around, his face taking on a look of nostalgia. "I used to love this place," he said quietly. "I called it the Fortress of Solitude because I felt like I could come here when I was little whenever things got bad, or I needed some time alone to think. It seemed like no matter what was wrong in my life, I could come here and feel safe."
Lois looked around, taking in the small space in the dim glow of the lantern. "I always wanted a place like this when I was growing up. I was always a tomboy." She grinned at her declaration, but then her smile faded. "My dad was always too busy to do something like this, though."
Clark reached out to give her hand a squeeze. It was quiet for several moments as they found themselves lost in their memories of childhood.
A breeze rustled the leaves in the tree around them, drawing them from their thoughts. Clark tightened his grip on Lois's hand, guiding her a step backwards until they were pressed against the back wall of the small space. Her look of confusion soon turned to one of understanding as she saw him blow out a breath to clear the majority of the dust and debris from the floor. Then he lowered himself onto the newly dusted wooden planks and pulled Lois down beside him.
Once seated, Lois cuddled into Clark, enjoying the feeling of his arm wrapped securely around her shoulders. She let her head fall against his shoulder as they stared out the tree house opening at the dark, starlit sky in clear view from their tall vantage point. She sighed contentedly.
"I can see why you would love this place," Lois whispered, afraid the sound of her voice might disturb the reverence of the moment. "I think everyone needs a special place to go to when they need to think...to regroup. I bet you had to do a lot of that growing up, with so much to think about and consider."
"I guess I did. When my powers started appearing, I often got angry. I kept wondering why I couldn't just be like everyone else. There was so much about myself I had to hide. It was really a struggle sometimes, trying to consciously remember to not use my powers, even when they seemed like second nature. I felt like I could never really be myself around my friends...around anybody. Well, expect my parents," he clarified. "I guess that's why I have such a strong draw to this place--my home and my mom and dad. This has always been the place I could relax and be myself. It's been a haven."
He paused for a long moment, and his voice was hushed when he continued. "It wasn't until shortly before the launch that I decided to finally use my powers to help everyone else. I guess a part of me was tired of hiding, especially when I knew I could make a difference in the world."
"And do it in very tight pants and a cape, no less." Lois tilted her head to smile up at him.
Clark chuckled softly. "Well, what can I say. At least it keeps my identity safe."
A companionable silence fell over them once again as they continued to stare out into the night sky, the nearly full moon hypnotizing them with its beauty. Finally Lois spoke, her voice thoughtful.
"Do you ever think what your life would be like if you didn't have the powers you do? What you would be like? What you would be doing?"
Clark sighed as he contemplated her question. Finally he nodded. "Sometimes. I don't know that I would be much different, though. My parents really drilled it into me to be kind, respectful, to watch out for others...things like that. I guess that worked out well, since the powers I have could have caused a lot of problems if I had decided to use them to gain power and money."
After a long moment, Clark squeezed her hand. "What about you? Do you ever think how your life would be different if you hadn't lost your parents or your sister when you did?"
Lois's heart constricted, and for a moment, a thousand painful memories flashed through her mind.
Clark felt her tense up beside him and he immediately regretted bringing up the painful subject. "Lois, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked that..."
But Lois shook her head and gave his hand a reassuring squeeze. "No, Clark, it's okay. It's a valid question." After a long moment, with only the sound of the crickets chirping and a gentle breeze rustling the leaves around them, she nodded. "Yes, I used to think a lot about how my life would have been different if the accident had never happened. I'd still have my sister around to confide in and do things with, and I'd still have my parents around to pester me..."
She shook her head and chuckled softly, though sadly. "I can't believe I just said that. Who wants their parents pestering them?"
Clark smiled, but remained silent, waiting for her to go on. Finally she did.
"I do miss it, though," she admitted. "I miss having someone to take care of me, to be able to pick up a phone and just check in, or to simply be there for me. I know Agnes is there for me, and she's such an important person in my life, but on the deepest level, I also realize it's not the same." She paused to control the emotion she felt welling up within her. "Anyway, I try not to dwell on it too much. I don't know, maybe I'm just so used to repressing my feelings over it that I haven't gotten upset about it for a long time. Maybe one of these days something will set me off, bring back all those terrible feelings I had during that time in my life. For now, though, I just try to focus on my life, and what I want to do, and where I want to go."
"Which is?" Clark prompted gently.
Lois lifted her head from his shoulder to smile at him. "Right now, nowhere. For the first time in my life, I feel like this is exactly where I'm supposed to be."
She saw Clark's look of surprise and delight at her words and felt a rush of happiness that she'd been able to confide in him. "Maybe you'll think I'm corny to say this," she continued, "but...well, there's something about us together, Clark. Something that just makes sense. Do you know what I mean?"
Clark nodded, his eyes twinkling as he leaned down and gently pressed a kiss to her lips. "I know exactly what you mean." He pulled back slightly and lifted a hand to caress her cheek. "And you know how you said you missed having someone to take care of you? To be there for you?" When she nodded, he went on, his voice deep and husky. "That's my job now. I want to take care of you, Lois. I want to be that person in your life. I need to be. I love you more than you could possibly know, and I want you to understand that I'm here for you. You don't have to be alone anymore."
Tears welled up in Lois's eyes and a sob caught in her throat. In the next moment she found herself in his arms, happy tears running down her cheeks. "Thank you, Clark," she whispered thickly, her tears wetting his cheek. "And I love you, too."
They stayed in each other's arms for a long time, unwilling to disrupt the moment. When the breeze began to pick up, causing several of the smaller branches to scrape against the outer walls of the tree house, Clark sat up a bit, rousing Lois from her drowsy state.
"I think it's probably time to head back to San Francisco."
Regretfully, she nodded, allowing Clark to pull her to her feet. She took a step toward the opening, but Clark's hand on her arm stopped her.
"Here. Allow me."
She smiled as he slid his arms around her waist and floated them through the opening and then gently to the ground. Several fallen leaves crunched beneath their feet as they touched down, causing Lois to smile.
"It's been a long time since I've heard that sound. We don't get much of a change of seasons in the Bay Area. Not piles of leaves like here, at least."
"I'll have to bring you back when they really start falling in a couple of weeks. It's beautiful."
She nodded happily. "I'd like that."
Clark entwined his fingers with hers and they started walking back to the house. Once inside, they bid goodnight to Clark's parents, each of them hugging their son and Lois in turn.
"Please come back soon," Martha said as she hugged Lois tightly. "We'd love to see you every chance we get."
Lois smiled gratefully as they stepped apart. "I will. Thanks for having me."
"Oh, it was our pleasure."
"It sure was," Jonathan chimed in, putting a hand on her shoulder and giving it a brief squeeze. His gaze shifted to Clark. "You get her back safely, you hear?"
Clark grinned. "I wouldn't have it any other way."
Soon they were on their way, with Lois bundled up in her warm coat, and Clark's arms wrapped securely around them. She snuggled into his embrace as they flew, and Clark smiled down at her.
"Now, it wasn't so bad, was it?"
"No, it wasn't. In fact, it went better than I could have ever hoped for. Your parents are really great. But then, they would have had to be, to do such a great job raising you."
A look of pleasure spread across Clark's face, and he leaned down to kiss her lightly. When they pulled apart, Clark let his cheek rest against her forehead. "Have I told you recently how much I love you?"
"Hmm," she murmured, pretending to contemplate. "It's been at least an hour. Maybe you'd better tell me again."
The sound of his low laughter rumbled in his chest. "I'll tell you as many times as you need to hear it. I love you, Lois Lane."
"And I love you, Clark Kent," she responded, reaching up to trace a finger along his firm jaw line. "I can honestly say that I never thought I'd meet anyone like you."
He grinned. "You mean someone who flies? I'd say that's a given."
"No." She elbowed him lightly at his teasing. "What I meant was, you are such an amazing man, powers or not. I feel more comfortable with you than I ever have with anybody else. You love me for who I am--maybe in spite of who I am." She smiled. "I can see that you really want what's best for me, and it's been a long time since I've had that."
A recent memory suddenly surfaced, and a grin spread across her face. "Do you remember that night when I phoned you about how I broke into that accounting firm, and the next thing I knew, you were standing in my living room?"
Clark shook his head, reliving the frustration, and smiled. "I remember. I was furious with you for doing something so dangerous, even after I'd asked you not to."
"Well, that's exactly what I mean. I love that you're always there to share my excitements and disappointments with me, but I also love it that you worry about me. Even though you were pretty intimidating storming across my living room as I stood there with the phone still in my hand, I also felt this exhilaration, knowing you dashed right out and flew straight out there to rake me over the coals for doing something so stupid. It told me how much you cared. And I loved that."
"Yeah, well...don't make me keep doing that," he said, a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "I don't like having to swoop in and rescue you because it means you once again jumped in without checking the water level first."
Her smile slipped a bit. "I know, but that's what I do, Clark. It's how I've always been. I would love to say that I'll never get into trouble again, or that you never have to worry about me being spontaneous, but I can't. I'll probably always do things you consider dangerous. It's just who I am." She hesitated. "That...won't make you stop loving me, will it?"
Clark looked down at her in surprise. "No!" he exclaimed emphatically. Then his voice softened. "No, it won't. And to be honest, I love that you're impulsive and spontaneous and passionate about your work." He met her gaze and smiled tenderly. "I'll just be glad when it no longer means you're also putting yourself in the path of danger."
"Well, I can't promise you that I'll never do anything stupid," she offered, "but I will try to think first from now on."
"That's all I ask." Clark tightened his arms around her, drawing her even closer. "It's taken me all these years to find you. I couldn't bear to lose you now."
Lois felt her eyes grow moist at the conviction behind his words, and she nestled against his chest. It felt warm and wonderful to be in love, and to know you were loved so strongly in return. She sighed with contentment as she stared around them at the night sky, closer to her than she could have ever imagined it being.
But in that moment, she knew. She didn't have to be heaven bound to know what it was like to have her own little piece of heaven.
**********
"Sorry to interrupt, sir."
Lex looked up from his breakfast in the informal dining room--having moved his morning meal inside as the crisp, fall air made it too chilly to dine outside--and saw Nigel in the doorway, holding several papers in his hands.
"Yes, Nigel. What is it?"
"I have something you might like to see." The British man moved across the room and dropped the papers next to his employer's plate.
With furrowed brows, Lex picked up the glossy photo paper and scrutinized the picture. Then he looked up, surprise and confusion registering on his face. "What is this?"
"Those pictures were taken by the hidden security camera inside our Bay Area accounting firm and just brought to my attention this morning. It looks like Ms. Lane paid the place a little visit."
Lex's mouth drew into a firm line. "Did she learn anything?"
"Apparently she left with a rather large sheaf of papers she Xeroxed. It's impossible to know what exactly she was looking for, or what she found."
"Damn, that woman." Lex's fingers tightened on the picture as the muscle twitched in his jaw. "She's as nosy as she is beautiful."
It was quiet in the room for a moment as Lex contemplated his next move. When he looked back up at Nigel, his eyes were cold and hard. "That woman's a menace. She's already ruined one of my businesses; I can't stand to have her ruin any others. Put everyone you can on her. I want to know every place she goes and everybody she talks to. Tell our man inside the Chronicle to keep tabs on everything she's researching. I want to know every step she makes. And if it turns out she's snooping around my corporations, I want her dealt with. Permanently."
Nigel nodded. "Yes, sir."
**********
to be continued in part 25...
