Part Twenty
Clark and Lois walked slowly down the ramp into the bullpen after a thoroughly exhausting day chasing down a lead provided by No Knees Nolan. He had information regarding the CEO of Stone and Mercantile who was finally going to name names in a tax scandal guaranteed to send several prominent Wall Streeters running for their lawyers. Unfortunately, after cross checking Nolan’s tip with impeccable resources in the financial world, the story did not pan out.
Neither reporter was very happy about returning without even the faintest glimmer of an article.
Currently, the ‘Hottest Team in Town’ was stone cold. They both hoped the upcoming interview with Aykira Hallick-Luthor yielded better results.
Lois glumly sat down in her chair, kicked off her red pumps and turned on the computer. She glanced around the bustling newsroom and was grateful Ralph’s tenure at the Planet had ended. The last thing she and her partner wanted this afternoon was listening to his needling sneers. She looked over to Clark’s desk in time to see him open a card accompanied by a small bouquet of flowers on his desk. Curious, she spoke up, with only a tiny hint of jealous concern in her voice. “What’s that? A love note from a secret admirer?”
He finished reading the card then smiled softly, “No, it is a thank you note from Grace Chen for the story on Rhapsody Knits.”
A puzzled expression crossed her lovely features, “But that was written over four months ago. Why is Grace sending flowers now?”
Perry leaned out of his office and boomed out happily for the bullpen to hear. “That was *before* the story was nominated for a Kerth award! Congratulations Kent! Great way to close out the year!”
Members of the bullpen came over to pat Clark on the back with hearty well wishes. After all, being nominated for a Kerth in the newspaper publishing business was like being nominated for an Oscar. If Clark did win, he would only be one behind Lois. Imagine having two such talented persons on the Daily Planet’s reporting staff! No wonder they were the ‘Hottest Team in Town’!
“Smooth moves CK!” Jimmy gave him the thumbs up sign.
Steve, Eduardo, Diane, and Cat came over with personal good wishes. Jack phoned from the stacks, apparently he was working on a rush research project for Steve.
Clark accepted the accolades with his usual combination of modesty, humility, and Midwestern charm. His partner stood nearby, basking in the reflected light of his glory. After all, what was good for Clark was good for her. The story was excellent, he had worked extremely hard on it and although it was laced with his touchy-feely style of writing, it was Clark Kent at his best.
Franklin Stern came downstairs a few minutes later to congratulate him personally. This was indeed a very different publisher than the previous owners, who preferred to remain upstairs and only interacted with reporters when they wanted to put - or in some cases keep - their names out of the paper. Mr. Stern’s fascination with the daily workings of a newspaper was refreshingly different. Therefore, whenever he was in town, it was unusual not to see him walking through the newsroom asking direct questions from reporters to copy boys. The best part of all; Franklin Stern seriously listened to everyone.
The results of those direct questions produced improvements in the newsroom décor, the vending machines and especially computer upgrades. The one thing it did not change was the coffee maker. Apparently, Mr. Stern loved the sludge that oozed out of the cranky old machine.
Eventually the bullpen settled back down to work, Mr. Stern entered Perry’s office laughing, a good sign that peace existed between the Senior Editor and Publisher. Lois walked over to Clark’s desk and sat in the visitor’s chair. “Care to go dinner tonight and celebrate? My treat?”
“Dinner sounds good, but I know this perfect little place outside of town and I hear the cook is expecting us.” Clark answered.
“Is the cook baking German sweet chocolate cake?” Lois asked hopefully.
“She might be,” he teased.
“Great! We could use some comfort food after today! Perry needs an update on one of my other stories, than we can get out of here.”
***
Once their respective journalistic duties were complete, the energized duo raced upstairs to the roof, a very different pair from the couple that walked into the newsroom an hour previous. Clark spun into the suit and gathered Lois into his powerful arms. They stopped for ten minutes at her apartment to change into jeans and a white t-shirt. There was also a pair of crazy socks Lucy had mailed over as a gag gift. Not exactly her style, but they were fun in a quirky kind of way. She opened her back window and via ‘Superman Express’ they lifted into Metropolis twilight sky towards Kansas. After a too brief flight, Clark descended from the late afternoon sky and gently landed on the dirt road leading up to the Kent farm.
His partner looked around taking in what few sights she could in the waning light. “This is certainly different from the last time we came out here. Instead of flying via airplanes and waiting for trains to pass, we cut out several hours of travel! Dating Clark Kent has its perks, and is going to save us a ton on airfare. Guess my frequent flyer miles won’t pile up as fast as they used to!”
“Maybe not, but that means more time for enjoying things like, de-stressing after the day we’ve had! Come on, they are waiting for us.” He gestured towards the quaint farmhouse perched on the hill. The lights of Martha’s kitchen… and the tantalizing aromas within that beckoned them.
***
A long happy time later, with the dinner dishes cleared and washed. Martha announced the cake still needed to cool for awhile, before frosting it. The Kent men folk went out to the barn, once again to work on Jonathan’s obstinate, ancient tractor. Lois and Martha sat down in the living room, peaceful in each other’s company. The older woman took out her knitting and began to talk, “This is so nice, after nearly thirty years to speak honestly with another woman about my son. You have no idea how happy he has been since arriving in Metropolis and working for the Daily Planet. Almost from the very first day and ever since, ‘Lois Lane’ was the name we heard the most. Having you share his secret has been like finally welcoming you to the family... officially.”
“So you weren’t concerned with my knowing about…” she made a swooping motion with her arm.
“Oh well, at first Jonathan and I were a bit surprised, but Clark needed someone special in his life to share such a secret… to have a family of his own.” Martha put her knitting down and signed deeply, “Jonathan and I won’t be here forever. That’s another reason why we are so pleased he has such a special friendship with you.”
Lois blushed. “The relationship I share with Clark is the most precious thing in our lives, but it’s not quite ready to take that final step.” Feeling a shade self-conscious, her voice trailed off.
“Oh no honey, I didn’t mean to embarrass you! Relationships take time. Gosh, when Jonathan asked me to marry him I had to decide on being a farmer’s wife or continue working as an administrative assistant for one of the biggest engineering firms in Kansas City.”
Fascinated, Lois leaned forward very curious to hear about Martha’s early life. “I had no idea you worked in a city.”
“Oh, I was employed by Blaise and McCleary for three years. At that time in my life, I thought it was the place I was supposed to be. I turned Jonathan down flat three times before saying yes.”
“No way! What did he do?”
“Dived right into his work, he plowed up two fields in the middle of the winter!”
Laughter rocked the comfortable living room, as the two women continued talking about the men in their lives. Father and son. Husband and lover. Each cherished in his own way.
After several minutes, of listening to funny stories about Martha’s ‘business’ life, Lois sat back wiping happy tears from her eyes. “Seriously Martha, what made you leave the company? From the sounds of it, you were on the fast track.”
“In my day we called it advancement,” her eyes gleamed mischievously, but than her features turned thoughtful. “Sadly, Blaise and McCleary had what is now referred to as the ‘glass ceiling’. I was passed over for promotion a number of times in favor of a man. No matter how hard I worked, some freshly pressed college boy with a crew cut took a position I was perfectly qualified for.”
Lois nodded, “it still exists. Sometimes, I think it’s harder than ever for a woman to break into a male dominated field. But, that doesn’t stop us from trying! So what finally made you accept Jonathan’s proposal?”
Martha grew silent, ran her fingers over the sweater she was knitting, as if drawing strength from its bright colors and smooth texture. Then she spoke in tones shadowed with regret and pain. “I wanted children. The only man I could imagine having them with was Jonathan. No job could hold a candle to that. Sadly, we know how that turned out.”
Lois got up from her chair and sat next to Martha, giving her a fierce hug. “Maybe together you couldn’t have children, but look at how great Clark turned out! That’s better than working for some engineering company!” In Lois’ mind she thought. <Did I actually say that? Spending even this short time with the Kent family has really changed my attitude towards marriage and children! Imagine *me* telling anyone to be a wife rather than actively pursue a career?>
***
As Lois and Martha chatted, the men folk of the Kent family worked in the hushed atmosphere of the old barn. The comfortingly familiar smell of hay filled the night air as they toiled diligently on the tractor. Clark’s mind went back his youth, in the days when he was just discovering his powers and how there alieness frightened him. How they set him apart from all of his friends except Pete Ross. In this barn, he talked with his Father revealing his fears and dreams. It only seemed right that he continue to do so again. Now, voicing the concerns and plans of a mature man. After a time, Jonathan spoke, his calm gentle voice cutting through his son’s thoughts.
“Son, it’s good to see how happy the two of you are together. Hand me the channel locks please.”
“Sure, here you go,” Clark said as he passed over the large tool. “Being together… it feels right Dad. She’s the only woman I can imagine sharing my life with.”
His father smiled indulgently, “Good, for awhile there Mayson Drake’s name kept coming up. She was a pleasant woman, but not the right personality. Funny, she kinda reminded me of Lana – too pushy. So, when are you going to ask Lois for her hand in marriage?”
Clark answered the question with a smile as well, reached into his barn jacket vest pocket and pulled out a small blue and gold box. He opened it slowly to reveal a gleaming diamond solitaire ring. “We aren’t there yet, but I just want to be prepared.”
Jonathan’s shook his head laughing, the gentle blue eyes behind the wire rim glasses twinkled. “Between me and the boy scouts you learned well! Now son, speaking of preparation and the future, isn’t the apartment lease is going to be up pretty soon? If memory serves me correctly Lois’ place isn’t much bigger. Where are you going to live? After all, women like their closet space.”
“It’s odd to hear you say that. I need to talk with my landlady about a few things and then if matters pan out we can discuss it further.”
“Fair enough.” Jonathan’s face turned serious then said, “Son, Lois is a good woman and no matter what happens, we will always consider her a member of our family.”
“Thanks, Dad. Without your advice I don’t know where I would be by now.”
The elder Kent walked over to his workbench, grabbed a towel, and rubbed the black oil and heavy grease from his calloused hands, “Right where you should be - at Lois’ side.”
“Jonathan, Clark, come in for cake and coffee!” Martha called from the porch. The two men smiled at each other and walked to the house.
All too soon, dessert was over, and the couple prepared to depart.
“Here take some of this cake. It will be a nice snack for later,” Martha insisted.
“Mom, I still have cookies from the last trip!” Clark protested mildly.
“Oh don’t worry Martha, I’ll take it. This cake is too good to leave here! I need a couple of extra sessions at the gym anyway.” Lois gingerly took the bundle into her arms.
Effervescent, but quick hugs were exchanged, Clark spun into the suit, gathered Lois up, then alighted into the night. His parents watched from the porch until the familiar sonic boom reached them and their children were gone from
sight.
***
Lois felt a curious sense of warmth and peace while she and Clark flew back to Metropolis. In the distant horizon, she could see the smudge of the city’s night-lights beckoning them. They were heading to their separate homes, but here at this moment she felt ‘home’ in his arms. <Where would I be tonight without this man? Sitting alone in my empty apartment; eating a melting dish of low-priced chocolate ice cream? On the other hand, I could be wasting an evening getting cheap, vicarious thrills watching my ‘favorite soap opera, Ivory Tower? Since Clark has welcomed me into his life, my own life has become enriched. Lois Lane is so much more than just a byline – she is a person – who has a fantastic new family!>
Suddenly her chest grew tight with emotions, chiefly being gratitude, and something akin to joy. The realization hit her with the force of a train wreck: she had found true love and acceptance at last. For that, she would forever be grateful to Clark. She tucked her head against his chest sighing softly.
The familiar rumble of Clark’s voice broke through her thoughts. “Lois, we are almost at your apartment.”
“Oh, let’s spend some time at your place; I’m not ready to go home yet,” she begged.
“Okay, but remember, we have to be at the Planet bright and early,” his deep voice caressed her ears.
“Yes sir,” she giggled, cuddling her face into his neck.
***
A scant ten minutes later, shoes off and seated comfortably on Clark’s couch, they enjoyed warm cups of Oolong tea. The coffee table held two plates; atop each were generous wedges of Martha’s cake. Sitting on the floor by the kitchen table sat Pepper, silently observing *his humans*.
“Mmm, eating at this hour cannot be good! Oh well, Tae Kwon Do class is tomorrow night. But Clark, in the future, stop me from having too much rich food. Maybe your Kryptonian body can eat whatever it wants, but my Earthbound metabolism can’t handle it!”
“Hmm dangerous job that, you get pretty cranky when the double fudge crunch bar supply gets low,” his eyes twinkled with humor.
“Since hanging around with a certain guy, I don’t need chocolate quite so much as I used to,” she leaned towards him.
“Do I know this guy? Who is strong enough to make the Daily Planet’s best investigative reporter give up her beloved candy stash?” Clark inched closer to meet her.
“Only the strongest man on Earth,” she whispered back. Then in a typical sneaky Lois move, she planted a kiss – on his nose.
“Hey, no fair! “He growled good-naturedly, “I wasn’t expecting that!” All discussion of cake forgotten, swiftly he gathered her up in his arms and sat her on his lap. “Now…here’s where I get even!”
“Yeah right Farmboy! You, and what army?”
“Minx!” He laughed and gave her an enthusiastic hug. The hug lasted for a moment or two longer than it should and they awkwardly separated. Tentatively Clark held her face in his hands, burrowing his fingers through delicately jasmine scented brown tresses, and kissed her sweet lips, his tongue dexterously searching her own. This time they did not separate, but lay perfectly in each other arms savoring the serenity.
***
This was what he always wanted, to share his life with her. It was only a matter of being patient and forever would be theirs.
A long time later, Clark whispered. “Oh Lois, many is the time I dreamed of an evening like this. This is so much better than the last time you stayed late here.”
No response was forth coming from his partner, her head comfortably on his shoulder, Lois had effortlessly drifted off to sleep. Tenderly, he stood than floated her noiselessly into the bedroom. He removed the cute white socks with pictures of flying typewriters from off her delicate feet, then pulled up another one of Martha’s quilts to keep her warm.
Lois’ boyfriend smiled down as the petite figure contentedly nestling herself into the pillows. “Oh yeah, this is so *definitely* much better than the last time!” He whispered to himself.
He floated back to the living room, cleared the dishes, put away the cake, and spun into the suit. Time for his nightly patrol, hopefully, she might still be asleep when he returned. He snapped his fingers and remembered one last task.
“Pepper,” he called softly.
“Meow?” Came the reply. His super hearing picked up the light-footed stroll of his feline roommate. The little cat padded over to his friend, paused, then stood on his hind legs enjoying the petting Clark gave.
“Hey buddy, can you look after Lois for me? Try not to wake her up, it’s been a long day.”
“Meeow!” Almost as proof he understood the request, Pepper walked into the bedroom where Superman was assured the cat had made himself comfortable next to Lois.
Superman smiled and shook his head, he was really going to miss Pepper when Mrs. Harper came back. The amicable feline had been wonderful company. Satisfied that his girlfriend and furry charge were safe and secure, he flew into the night.
***
Less than thirty minutes later Lois woke with a start. <Where am I?> Slowly, thinking backwards her mind began to recollect the evening. She seriously considered grabbing her shoes and going home. But she was too tired and Clark’s warm scent from his bed was so comforting. Moments later she fell asleep, dreaming of her prince as if she were in a fairy tale.
***
Two weeks later on a bright and sunny afternoon in early September a Metrocab pulled up at the LexCorp building. Inside, deep in discussion were Lois and Clark, eager to interview Aykira Hallick.
“Finally, we can get to do this interview after two delays! At this rate, the Luthor’s elopement to Greece won’t even be newsworthy. Maybe we can find some way to trick them into admitting their involvement with this whole crystal theft plot.” Lois spoke enthusiastically.
Clark shook his head. “Not likely. Scott is not showing signs of regaining consciousness, without him providing concrete proof we have nothing to pin on either Lex or his wife.”
“Yeah, Henderson says Scott’s home and work computers have been wiped clean. I still say we should let Jimmy take a crack at it.” Lois said
“Metropolis PD had some of their best forensic technicians go over those machines. If they couldn’t find anything, no one can. Come on, let’s leave computer work to the experts.” Clark smiled softly, his partner was still determined to prove Aykira was just as involved as her husband.
“Humph! I’ll take a desperate and determined hacker over a bored techno any day!” Lois snapped.
“Lois, what does Jimmy have to be ‘desperate’ about?”
“Not what… who.” Lois responded archly.
Looking down at the slender woman by his side, Clark knew exactly ‘who’ Jimmy would face if he didn’t provide the results Lois desired. Shaking his head in bemusement, he stepped out of the cab and they made their way towards the building.
***
They arrive at Aykira’s elegant office suite. Her assistant Jane warmly greeted the reporters, beckoned them into the waiting area, and assured them Mrs. Luthor was looking forward to the interview.
“Mrs. Luthor? I don’t understand, she’s not calling herself Aykira Hallick anymore?” Lois questioned.
Lois caught a look of sadness shift fleetingly across Jane’s normally animated features. “No. Her legal name is Mrs. Aykira Luthor. Old-fashioned perhaps, but it was her decision. Please, she is waiting for you.” The assistant made a sweeping gesture towards the office door, encouraging them to enter.
Lois and Clark crossed the threshold into her office and Lois could not help but reflect on all the changes, which had taken place in her life since the previous encounter with Lex Luthor’s assistant. The office suite’s gentle cream and blue colors drew them in with a soothing sense of welcome. Aykira’s photos of her world travels were still evident, but rearranged to make room for her and Lex’s wedding photo. Lois’ eyes were utterly captivated by the sweep of the picture; a very happy and serene couple gazing lovingly at one another. The photo depicted them on a rocky clifftop overlooking a whitewashed village, the blues of sea and sky blending into one another.
“The photograph is breathtaking,” she whispered reverently.
“Thank you. It was a beautiful day, one I shall cherish for the rest of my life. Lex’s,” she paused, smiled to herself then said. “Our Villa is not too far from the village of Imerovigli, which sits above the volcanic shores of Red Beach. We would stroll through the village streets hand in hand, not really going anywhere, just happy to be together. There are excellent vineyards on the island, but Lex took me on a private tour of the Volcan Wines Museum and the ancient ruins of Thera along the hillside.”
He has lived there off and on for years hence, the people treat Lex and now myself as locals, not tourists. Metropolis’ Lex Luthor does not exist for them. On Santorini, he is a kind, generous landowner who is newly married. Several of the older resident stopped by to convey congratulations and gifts. It was absolutely wonderful, the days went by all too swiftly.” Aykira finished her narrative with the tiniest hint of wistfulness in her tone.
Lois walked over to Clark and sat beside him. She felt a sense of loss in the other woman’s words and desperately wanted to be close to the one man in the world who could fill that loss. With an effort, she shook off the uneasiness. Remembering why they were here, from the depths of her briefcase, Lois fished out her notebook and started to conduct the interview.
“Everyone was surprised by the announcement of your marriage. After all, no one in town knew anything about it.” Lois said.
“As you can imagine Miss Lane, should the media have discovered our relationship, we would have had little peace. Therefore, our courtship was conducted away from the public eye.”
“Just how long was the dating ‘conducted’ before Mr. Luthor proposed?” Clark asked curiously.
“Is that from a man’s prospective, Mr. Kent?” Aykira asked her voice light, even teasing. "Are you planning on taking that same path?"
***
Clark could not help, but quickly glance at Lois, who flushed ever so slightly, then back to their interviewee. He decided to make light of the comment, smiled and said. “We are interviewing *you* Ms Hall... uh Luthor. But yes, from a man’s viewpoint.”
“Long enough to know marriage was the only right decision for us.” She answered smiling.
The interview continued for several minutes, both Lois and Clark asked a number of staid questions for a standard article regarding the marriage of the fabulous wealthy. Aykira, providing for the most part, equally staid answers. Although, the Luthors were far and away a more realistic couple than Tim and Amber Lake. Clark sensed the entire interview was as much a ‘dead-end’ as No Knees Nolan’s tip from the previous week. He was about to suggest they wrap up when Lois spoke.
“Mrs. Luthor, one last question before we go. Our readers want to know what LexCorp’s or rather LexSolar’s official stance on the charges brought against one of its employees - Dr. Robert Scott?”
Clark noted the strange challenging light in Aykira’s eyes. As if, she were expecting the question. His spine tingled, from here on out he and Lois needed to be extremely cautious. This woman could quite possibly be a greater opponent then her absent husband.
