Ruby Recollections

TITLE: Ruby Recollections

AUTHOR: Midknight

CHAPTER: 3 of ?

FANDOM: Smallville

SHIP: Clark / Lois

RATING: NC-17

CATEGORY: Erotica

SPOILERS: A couple, Season Three and Six

UNIVERSE: A companion piece to “Lip Service”.

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Smallville. None of these characters belong to me. They belong to The WB and whoever else does. I pay homage to them and I make no profit from this story in any fashion, way or means.

AUTHORS NOTE: I apologize before hand and hope you will forgive any errors or blatant discrepancies.

FEEDBACK: Yes Please. It helps. It really, really helps. – midknight_tales@yahoo.com

CHAPTER THREE

Clark woke, blinking and smiled, feeling Lois’ weight and warmth against his side. He checked the clock on the nightstand and saw that it was five to six, five minutes before his alarm was set to go off and he carefully made sure that it wouldn’t. He looked down, careful not to move too much in case he woke her to find yet another side of Lois he had not encountered before. She looked some how younger and sweetly innocent in the relaxation of sleep, but no less beautiful or desirable as he felt his dick stir. He shifted slowly, before his growing erection touched her thigh and then with exaggerated slowness and care he extricated himself from her and deftly replaced his chest with a pillow under her cheek.

As, he stood looking down at her, she stirred slightly and the sheet covering her shifted to reveal the curve of her ample breast and its pink peak to his admiring gaze. His dick twitched and he wanted nothing more than to wake her with a firm, passionate kiss and have his way with her, but a gentle smile crept onto her lips and she let out a soft kittenish sigh making her resemble the sweetest of angel, so unlike the often wild and tempestuous Lois he knew, that he managed to master his desire instead of committing the unforgivable sin of waking her. He grabbed a fresh pair of sweats and a t-shirt and hen headed for the bathroom. He took a quick shower and then headed down to the kitchen to make them breakfast. If she felt anything like he did, she would be ravenous when she woke.

Lois woke up, warm morning sun splashing across her face making her blink and stretched. Her muscles protested and her mind flashed on the events that had lead to the hard physical exertion of which the protested. She sat up and looked around the room. She was alone and naked except for a sheet that covered her. She swung her feet over the side of the bed and rose with a yawn. She scanned the room and grabbed one of Clark’s red flannel shirts off the back of a chair and slipped into it. She had to fold back the sleeves several; times to free her hands and it reached to just below mid-thigh. The material felt good against her skin. The shirt wasn’t clean, but she liked that too. She could smell him on it and held the collar to her nose and inhaled deeply, enjoying the manly musk he had left behind.

Nature called and she quietly opened his bedroom door and made her way to the bathroom where she found further evidence, dried on the inside of her thighs, that what she and Clark had done was real. The funny thing was she kept waiting for regret to show up, but so far she could only find its bastard cousin, ‘Morning After Awkwardness’. She figured he wouldn’t mind and stripping back out of his shirt, took a quick shower. The hot water felt good against her skin, but she hissed a couple of times when she found scrapes and bruises on her back and buttocks from the stairs as well as from his fingers on her hips. Strangely, the slight discomfort brought a smile to her face as she remembered the passion they had shared to bring them about.

She was grateful to find towels in the bathroom; she hadn’t checked before getting into the shower and dried quickly, before slipping back into his shirt and wrapping the towel around her head. She opened the bathroom door and as steam wafted out, tantalizing aromas caught her nose. Her stomach growled and her mouth started to water as she realized she was starving and followed the distinctive smell of frying eggs and bacon. She noted the absence of her torn blouse and panties as well as her bra and shoes as she padded down the stair, and assumed he had collected them. She found him in the kitchen and paused, leaning against the doorframe to watch him cook. He had his sweatpants on again along with a t-shirt as he flipped a pancake with practiced ease. “Morning, Smallville.” She greeted him as she stepped into the kitchen, no longer able to deny her hunger or the temptation of the bacon, eggs, sausage, toast, coffee and juice on the table. “Hi, Lois.” He returned her greeting, sliding the pancake onto the stack he had already made and turned off the stove.

He placed the pancakes on the table and they were suddenly standing in front of each other awkwardly, neither of them quite sure how to proceed. Lois gnawed at her lower lip for a moment and then took the half step forward that placed her toe to toe with him and tilted her head upward. She let out a soft sigh as his arms slipped around her and she let hers slide around his waist, as his lips lowered to hers and he pulled her against him. She melted against him, leaning into his solid form as they slowly explored each other’s lips. She had to give herself a little shake to take her weight back onto her own feet when they broke the kiss and he loosened his embrace. “Now it’s a good morning.” She commented, surprised by the dreamy quality of her voice. “It is indeed.” Clark smiled down at her, his eyes bright.

Lois licked her lips slowly; aware that he was slowly growing hard against her belly and all the possibilities that implied and she could see similar calculations in his. Her stomach rumbled loudly, reminding her of a completely different desire. “Sit. Eat.” He commanded, his smile turning amused as he moved away from her and pulled out a chair for her to sit on. She hesitated for a moment until he leaned down and lightly pressed his lips to the shell of her ear. “We can get back to that later.” He promised and she settled into her chair to avail herself of the feast he had prepared. She made a glutton of herself and offered no apologies for it. The food was good and she complimented him on it. They chatted lightly, about Chloe and Metropolis and day-to-day trivia, neatly skirting around their present situation. Clark ate his food a bit more leisurely, watching Lois as she ate with unrestrained appetite and gusto. She had poured maple syrup on her pancakes and some of it had dripped onto the side of her mouth, even after she pushed her plate away. He wasn’t really thinking when he reached forward and wiped it onto his thumb. He caught a gleam in her eye just before she grabbed his wrist and popped his thumb into her mouth to suck off the sweet, sticky substance.

She released his digit slowly, letting it slide through her full lips. “Hmmmmmm that was good, and the breakfast wasn’t bad either.” She told him with a suggestive smile. “You’re a bad, bad woman, Lois Lane.” He admonished her playfully, running his thumb over her wet lower lip and she nipped at it with her straight white teeth before he could pull it away. “Shall we take this upstairs?” he asked, his erection making itself felt as his desire for her once again began to flare. Lois was surreptitiously rubbing her thighs together as her sex flexed and twitched, developing that special itch that she knew Clark was really good at scratching. She had a tawdry reply ready when she happened to glance up at the clock on the wall and saw that it was already well after eight. “Crap!” she exclaimed. “Excuse me?” he queried with a frown. “Sorry, that wasn’t linked to the offer. I have to go. I have a staff meeting at The Daily Planet at nine-thirty and I’ll barely have time to get to my apartment and change as it is.” She explained, letting go of his hand.

“Oh… Well okay. I think there’s still some of your stuff in the spare room. I’m sorry about your blouse and… you know.” He apologized. She flashed him a smile. He was being so typically Clark it was adorable. “You can rip my panties off any time, Smallville. Play your cards right and I’ll take you to Victoria Secrets to let you pick out and pay for their replacements. She couldn’t help but chuckle as she actually saw his cheeks redden with a blush. She patted his flaming cheek lightly and rose. Before she could stifle it, she let out a very un-lady-like belch and it was Clark’s chance to chuckle at the surprised and embarrassed look on Lois’ face. “In Japan that would have been considered a compliment to the chef.” She countered and he only chuckled louder. “Fine. I need to get dressed.” She told him with just a touch of annoyance coloring her tone. “Damn, you’re cute.” Clark informed her as he rose and before she could say anything else he kissed her, quick and hard, released her and propelled her toward the kitchen door with a firm pat to her behind.

He chuckled again as she sputtered and threw him a dirty look over her shoulder. ”You’re gonna be late.” He warned her, seeing a retort almost literally dripping from her full, kissable lips. “Bite me, Smallville.” She said, tossing her hair. “Well, make up your mind woman. Do you need to get to work or do we have more fun and games? I’ve been wondering what your ass might taste like.” He countered, moving toward her. She had a look of surprise on her face, but it soon turned speculative. She‘d blown off work the day before and she liked her fledgling career, but his offer was tempting. “Stop right there.” She warned, holding up her finger. “C’mon, Lane. Play hooky. We don’t have to go back to bed, we can get a head start on that whole dating thing.” He cajoled, suddenly changing tack.

“What’s gotten into you, Clark? Mister By-The-Book, Mister Responsibility suddenly advocating a ultra carefree attitude?” she wondered. “I… I don’t know, but I guess I want to spend more time with you. We’ve started something here, and it’s very odd, and new and unexpected and I… I guess I’m just a little nervous that it could disappear as quickly as it appeared, this thing between you and me.” He explained, slowly, haltingly as he battled to order his chaotic thoughts and admit his fears. It had started the moment she had said she needed to go and he’d suddenly found himself torn between desire and responsibility. When he’d kissed her, he’d had to work at letting her go as sudden doubts assailed him. Would their attraction fade without proximity? He knew they were affecting each other quite strongly, physically, mentally and emotionally. Would time apart maybe, just maybe cause them to reconsider? The thoughts had rushed through his mind and he had started to formulate all kinds of scenarios and he’d felt this weird tightness in the pit of his stomach.

Her soft laugh didn’t quite help his mood, but she did lower her hand and walk back to him. “Oh, Clark… You silly, silly man. You’re taking me on a date tonight. Dinner, at Spargo’s on Fourth and Main to be precise. Try to get a reservation for about seven. Pick me up at say… six-thirty. Their number’s in the phone directory. And, after… well… I don’t really like their dessert menu, we could just come back here for that.” She informed him confidently, but affectionately and patted his cheek with a feather light touch and stood on her tiptoes to press her lips lightly to his. A little flutter had run through her stomach as he voiced the fears she had silently pushed to the back of her mind. She felt his lips bow into a smile just before they parted and she settled back onto her feet. “Don’t worry, Clark. It’s a statistical fact that a Lane never passes up a free meal.” She explained, masking her true feeling with humor and quip, hoping he could see her sincerity underneath. “Now… I have to go find something to wear for the drive back to Metropolis or I really will be late. We good?” she asked, glad that her voice didn’t sound as apprehensive as she felt.

“We’re good, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want to take you upstairs anyway.” He replied after a moment with a lopsided grin. “Oh… if only I didn’t like to eat and pay rent.” She countered with an overly dramatic sigh of regret. “Now why don’t you go clean up the kitchen, which is safely down here while I go upstairs to find clothes.” She suggested, but didn’t wait for him to reply. Clark watched her climb the stairs, admiring the sway and curve of her ass until she was out of sight. She felt his eyes on her back and most likely her ass and playfully put just an extra little sway to her hips as she walked up the stairs. Lois managed to find a pair of jeans she had left behind when she was still staying at the Kent Farm as well as a pair of old sneakers which still left her topless, so she kept the shirt, buttoning up a few more buttons and knotting the bottom over her midriff to keep it out of her way. “It’ll do ‘til I get back to my apartment.” She thought as she checked herself in the mirror. She could have asked Clark where her bra was, but the fabric actually felt soft and nice against her breasts and semi-erect nipples.

She headed back down the stairs to find Clark just starting the dishwasher. “Mind if I keep the shirt?” she asked from the doorway as he turned to face her. “Sure. Consider it a gift.” He offered generously and gave her a rather intense stare. “Take a picture, it will last longer.” She admonished him. “Sorry, you just look so cute and farmgirl-esque. If that’s even a word.“ he apologized. Clark hadn’t been able to resist checking if she’d found some underwear and perversely liked the idea that she going commando. “You’ll pay for that, but I have to go now.” She warned. “I look forward to it.” He countered and quickly closed the distance between them. He swept her into his arms and pressed her body to his as he pressed his lips to hers. Her head shifted and she opened her mouth under his with a soft moan to let their tongues undulate in a slow, sensual massage. Clark felt Lois’s breasts flatten warmly against his chest, her nipples hard, hot little points and her leg slid up lightly against the outside of his thigh. He was astounded at how easy and comfortable it had become to hold and kiss Lois and how difficult it was to let go. They broke the kiss in hesitant stages until she stepped away from him. “You’re making this really hard.” She accused him. “You don’t know the half of it.” He acknowledged ruefully. In the brief time they had embraced and kissed, his dick had grown rock hard. “Go… or you’re going to be late. I’ll see you this evening.” He instructed her, finally letting go of her arms with a quick, light squeeze. “Until this evening. See ya, Smallville.” She bid him farewell, blowing him a kiss as she hastily headed out the door, figuring a quick exit was the best way to avoid giving in to temptation.

Clark let her get to her SUV and start it before he stepped out onto the porch to wave her on her way. She waved back as she drove off. He kept watching until she was a distant dust cloud before going back into the house and picking up the phone directory. Lois played with the radio until she found a song she liked and hummed along as she drove, happily tapping the steering wheel to the beat. Things were good, likely to get complicated really easily, but good and she intended to enjoy it while it lasted. She felt an excitement she hadn’t felt in ages, even during her brief fling with Oliver Queen. She felt that there was something there, with Clark, potential her pessimistic self had not acknowledged before with anyone else. They were so different though, but different was good, if nothing else what they had done the day before was proof of that. That had been very different for her, and if she didn’t read it wrong, for him too. No one would ever accuse her of sentimentality, but as she thought about Clark she came to the conclusion that she wanted to give them a serious chance. She knew she wasn’t the easiest of people to get along with, but she had a feeling that he was up to the task. She got to her apartment and quickly changed into something a bit more appropriate for work. She found herself loath to abandon his shirt; it still smelled of him and then chided herself for being silly.

Lois barely made the staff meeting and managed to stay under Perry’s radar only barely with vague promises of a great story she was working on, hoping that the leads she hadn’t followed up the day before would pan out with something. She got back to her desk a little after ten-thirty and stifled a triumphant laugh as her luck held. She had received an email from a contact at the Port Authority tipping her off about an exotic animal smuggling ring she had been tracking. He couldn’t go to the police, because he was involved with them under threat of harm to his family. He supplied her with a date, time and location of their next shipment. She just needed to get some pictures as solid evidence before Perry would publish the story and she could go to the Metropolis PD without getting her source or his family killed. They were unloading their shipment at five, it was cutting it a bit close, but she could get down to the docks, snap a couple of photos of the smugglers and make it back to her apartment in time to get ready for her date with Clark. She didn’t know what excited her more, scooping the story, the date, or what they’d do after.

She wished Jimmy were there, he was a good photographer and had an eye for spotting the bad guys, but he was on assignment with Chloe. Her luck didn’t hold as she found out the other Planet photographers were also out on assignment. She didn’t think that was entirely true. Her reputation preceded her and the average Planet photographer didn’t take well to her brand of micro management. She booked out a camera and spent a frustrating hour figuring how it worked before checking over her notes on the smuggling ring. They were a nasty piece of work. There were big bucks in the endangered animals they procured for unscrupulous collectors and even people sick enough to pay for the thrill of hunting them. These people were ruthless in pursuit of their payday and she would be pleased to bring them down.

Clark made the reservation without any problems, glad that Lois had chosen a fairly casual restaurant. He went through the rest of his, forcing himself to concentrate on his chores around the farm. He made his way back to the farm house and picked up the phone on two separate occasions, not knowing quite what he wanted to so to her, but each time he had simply put the phone back on the cradle without dialing. Time seemed to drag and he didn’t quite seem to be able to focus as he attempted to do some research on trying to track down any more of the Zoners he had let loose. Eventually he simply through his pencil and pad down in exasperation and simply sat back and considered the enigma that was Lois Lane and what he was getting himself into. She wasn’t just nosey, she was smart, whip smart and his major relationship roadblock as always, was his secret. He already had the nagging fear that she might remember him revealing his powers to her while they were both under the influence of Red K from her lip gloss and being with her, having her around all the time, she would be bound to notice something if he made the slightest slip. He could, of course, just tell her. She knew she could handle it, what worried him was what she might do with that knowledge. He knew he wasn’t being entirely fair or charitable to think she might turn him into her career-making story, he didn’t really think she would, but he had to consider all the possibilities.

He sighed heavily, and then smiled thinking not just of their date, but also of what she had alluded for after. There didn’t seem to be any problem in that department, in fact, he couldn’t quite believe how good it was between them. The passion she brought out in him. Clark had the distinct feeling it was the same for her. He just hoped that passion and natural synchronicity would carry over into the rest of their relationship. He had all these doubts, but at the same time he felt a kind of hope, a sense of potential he hadn’t felt for a long time. He briefly found himself thinking of Lana, but closing his eyes, he took a deep breath and stopped. There would always be something between them, him and Lana, but for too long he had let himself believe that was the only thing possible for him. He felt a little foolish, considering the newness of what he and Lois had started and all the obstacles he knew existed, but he wanted it to work and was prepared to do whatever he could to see that it at the very least got a chance.

He left the barn and took a shower and then dressed. Thankfully Spargo’s was not the most up market spot and he thought he could get away with a clean pair of work boots and new jeans. He replaced his usual flannel shirt with a simple white shirt and finished it off with a light brown sport jacket. It wouldn’t win any fashion awards, but he looked presentable. It was a little after five before he got into his truck, plenty of time to make it to Metropolis, but he wanted to stop and get her flowers. It felt like the right thing to do.

Lois peered out from the narrow space between two containers. “You’d think these people would at least wait until dark before they did their business.” She thought to herself as she brought the camera to her eye and focused on the men unloading a container further down the dock. She knew the answer though. These guys were organized; they had bribed or threatened all the right people, eliminated those they couldn’t. They weren’t afraid of anyone. She snapped shots of them unloading cages, two containing Snow Leopards and another a pacing Jaguar. She captured pictures of the men’s faces as well as what they were doing and then hit the jackpot. Simon Finch, the money and brains behind the operation and CEO and owner of Finch Industries. The link she needed to tie everything together and destroy the smuggling ring instead of just breaking it up and sending it underground. It was his ships that brought in the animals, his containers, but he had so many cut out and intermediaries that without placing him at the scene as her photos would, with his money and connections, there would be no case against him.

If she hadn’t been so focused on making sure she got the pictures as clear as possible, or hadn’t been already tweaking her article in her mind, she might have heard the man sneaking up behind her with deliberate slowness. As, it was she gasped as someone reached around her face and she inhaled the sickly sweet odor of ether on the cloth that was being pressed to her mouth and nose. Lois started to struggle, her heels scrabbling against the dirt, trying to twist free, but her muscles wouldn’t seem to respond with any kind of strength as her world started to become fuzzy and finally faded to black.

Even with the stop for the flowers, he found himself parking in front of Lois’ apartment building about half an hour early. He toyed with the idea of simply sitting in his truck and waiting, but with a snort gave up the idea as ridiculous and made his way to her apartment. He straightened his shirt and ran his fingers through his hair nervously after he pressed her buzzer. He waited a few minutes and then pressed it again, frowning. He knew he was early, but she should be home getting ready by now. He also knew Lois’ dedication to her work, so he took out his mobile and called her. Her phone went straight to voicemail. He called the Planet directly, but the phone at her desk rang, unanswered when he was put through to it. “Is she blowing me off?” he wondered for just the briefest of moments, but he remembered the look in her eye when she had set the date with him and shook his head. “Maybe she’s just stuck in traffic and her mobile’s battery is flat.” He considered reasonably, but he was already getting the nagging sensation that something was wrong.

Abandoning his truck for the faster mode of transport his powers provided he ran to The Daily Planet, hoping that he would find her there and that she had just been away from her desk when he had called. She wasn’t and he couldn’t find anyone who knew where she was. After another call to her cell phone proved fruitless and sense of panic started to grab hold of Clark, It was irrational, but he felt that she was in danger. It crossed his mind that he might be projecting his doubts, feeling that she was in danger being better than the alternative that she was simply going to great lengths to avoid him. He shook his head slowly. This was Lois Lane, if she wanted to quit their relationship before it actually started, she would have done it to his face. It was one of the things that attracted him to her, her often times blunt honesty. He needed to find her. He didn’t find anything of use on her desk and turned on her computer, only to find it password protected and bit back a four letter word he very seldom uttered. Making a decision, he called Chloe.

“Hi, Clark.” She greeted him cheerfully, having read his name on her caller ID. “Hey Chloe. Do you know Lois’ password for her computer?” he asked without preamble. “Lois’ password? Why would you need that?” she queried. “I don’t have the time to explain. I need to find Lois.” He snapped in frustration. “Clark? Is everything okay? Is Lois in danger?” she enquired, her tone growing in concern. “Sorry… Yes… I don’t know… I just need to find her. Chloe, please.” He pleaded, the desperation in his voice surprising him. “Okay, Clark. Just try to calm down. Her password is acereporter001, one word, got it?” she informed him and he typed it in and hit enter. “Got it.” He aid triumphantly as he gained access to her computer. “What’s going on, Clark?” wondered. “I’m not sure. There’s an email here giving today’s date and a time and location at the docks, but nothing else.” He informed her. “I think she was working on some kind of smuggling story, but I’m not sure.” Chloe hazarded a guess. He didn’t reply and rushed out of the Planet in a blur of speed, leaving several startled employees wondering where the sudden gust of wind had come from. Chloe called his name, several times before she realized he was gone, or his mobile hit Lois’ desk.

Lois shook her head groggily, her eyelids heavy and hesitant to obey her command to lift, as was her head. She was on her knees, but her shoulders hurt and something was holding her hands to the sides and above her head. The first thing she managed to focus on was the straw in front of her knees. She tried to move her arms with only limited success and the sound of metal rubbing against metal. She finally managed to lift her head and look around. She groaned as her head pounded with the movement and her hair partially blocked her view. She was inside one of the large cages she had seen the men off load and her hands were shackled to the thick bars above her head. She swallowed and licked her lips to wet them. She didn’t know how long she’d been out, but the sun was dipping low on the horizon already. If she wasn’t in her present predicament she might have found the scene beautiful as the setting sun panted the water a rippling, fiery orange. She also seemed to be at the end of a pier. She swung her head away from the water as she heard footsteps approaching.

“We could sell her. She is a fine specimen. I know a sheik in Dubai who would pay handsomely for one such as this.” A deep African accented voice sounded from the shadows. “No, dump her in the drink and be done with it. Reporters are like roaches. If you don’t kill the first one when you find it they’ll start coming out of the woodwork.” Someone replied in a sophisticated English accent. Two men stepped into her view, one of them was Finch, the other a large black man she vaguely recognized as organizing the others earlier. “Could me and the boys have a little fun before we...?” he asked. “Joseph!” Finch said and only a fool would have missed the cold warning in his voice. “Yes, Mister Finch.” The larger man acknowledged. “Besides, that kind of thing leaves evidence and we were never here. Understood?” he continued with a slight quirk of his eyebrow. “Yes, Mister Finch.” The man repeated.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” Lois asked as loudly as her still parched throat would allow. “Ah, Miss Lane, I believe. You’re awake. What a pity. You may have suffered less if you were unconscious when you hit the water. What a shameful waste, such a waste. Joseph here, is right, you are a fine specimen. She struggled at her bonds, flashing defiance at him with her eyes even as her stomach clenched with a cold fist of fear. “You won’t get away with this.” She threatened, her mind racing, searching for any means of escape and continually coming up empty. Finch chuckled, a deep, ugly sound that had nothing to do with amusement. “No I won’t, My Dear Lois, because I was never here.” He informed her and turned, walking back into the shadow with a dismissive gesture over his shoulder.

Joseph whistled and two other men approached. She struggled harder, but the chains just chafed her wrists as the men pushed the cage closer to the edge. “Here you go, Miss Reporter. Take some pictures of the fishies.” He told her with an ugly laugh and tossed her camera through the bars to tumble to a halt in front of her knees. “Help! Help! Help!” she started to yell at the top of her lungs, having exhausted all other avenues. “Help! Help! Help!” Joseph mimicked. “Shout all you like little girl, no one’s going to hear you or help you.” He taunted her and then with a nod of his head, the men pushed the heavy cage off the side of the pier. The cage hit the water and just for a moment, by some fluke it seemed to bob on the surface as if it might float and then the water sloshed over the floor of the cage and it started to sink. She started to panic as the cold water covered her knees, sending a shiver up her spine. She bit back the urge to scream and in stead concentrated on her breathing, one last attempt to prolong her life, preparing herself to hold as much air as she could. The water touched her chin and she clamped her lips shut and then the water was over her head and sound became muted and her vision was tinted green. The camera floated up in front of her and then caught on the bars above.

Clark stopped at the entrance to docks and orientated himself to the location he had found on Lois’ e-mail. He wasn’t really focusing his hearing, but he must have subconsciously been trying attune himself to Lois, because he heard her sudden cries for help, almost as if she was right next to him and he sped off as fast as he could. He cursed the layout of the containers that forced him to take a circuitous route instead of a straight one and at one point considered just smashing his way through them. He skidded to a halt, finding himself at a pier with a cargo ship moored at it and a group of three men standing at its end, laughing, but no sign of Lois. He cocked his head and concentrated. “What a waste of a fine piece of ass.” He heard the largest of the three men say. He didn’t need to hear more and sped down the length of the pier. The two men never knew what hit them and Clark didn’t really mean to throw them as far as he did, but they hit the water quite far into the bay. He didn’t really care as he grabbed the third man by the throat, the one who had spoken, and lifted him off his feet. The large black man hammered at his arm, but Clark hardly felt a thing. “Where is she?” he growled. The man didn’t answer, but grabbed at his waist and drew a large hunting knife and lunged at Clark.

Clark raised his free arm and the blade shattered against his forearm. A sliver flew into the man’s shoulder and Clark didn’t know if he cried out because of that or the grip he applied on the man’s wrist to make him drop the knife handle. “Where is she?” he asked again, his voice cold and threatening, tightening his grip, hearing bone grind against bone and this time he knew why the man screamed. “What are you?” the wide-eyed man asked. “Your worst nightmare, if you don’t tell me where she is.” He almost roared, barely able to keep control of his powers and the urge to rip the man’s arm off. Something in Clark’s expression must have finally impressed his seriousness on the man, because he finally stopped struggling. “We threw her in. She is down there. You’re too late.” He finally answered, chuckling. His chuckle turned into coughing and gasping as Clark tightened his grip on the man’s throat. With, a snarl he threw the man away from him and crashing into several crates halfway down the pier where he lay limp and unconscious before diving into the water.

Lois struggled, part panic, part fear part survival instinct, but the chains that held her wrist kept her in place. The cage hit the bottom with a jarring thud, forcing some of the precious air out of her lungs. Despite its futility she continued to twist and tug at her bonds, letting the air out of her lungs as slowly as she could and inevitably, there was no more. The camera with the pictures, that would have possibly put her career on the map hung tauntingly in front of her as her lungs began to burn with the need to breath, to suck in life-giving air. She resisted with all her will, knowing that were she to inhale, all she would get was water and her death. She was waiting for her eyes to flash before her eyes as her vision started to darken around the edges, but the only thing that popped into her head was the smiling face of one Clark Kent and she found she had one regret: She hadn’t even gotten to have a first date with him. She blinked, her eyes stinging, her vision fading and the urge to surrender growing. She felt a lassitude washing over her; she couldn’t feel the cold of the water that surrounded her. She tugged at her chains one last time as she felt herself start to loose consciousness. She knew she had to be hallucinating, but just as the darkness claimed her, she could have sworn she saw Clark swimming towards her cage. She vaguely felt her lips quirk into a smile and then oblivion as she passed out.

The water was murky and it took him a few moments to find her. He rushed towards her, seeing her go limp in the cage in which she was trapped. He reached the cage and saw that she was also chained to it. He grabbed the sides of the cage and braced his feet, forcing them down into the silt and muck on the sea floor until it compacted enough for him to push off. The water made it hard, but he cleared the surface and landed on the pier, setting the cage down as gently as he could. He focused and produced concentrated bursts of heat vision to melt the chains, watching with a building sense of fear as Lois collapsed limply to the floor of the cage. Clark tore the cage apart, tossing the top and sides of mangled metal away to reach her. She looked pale, her lips almost blue, her skin cold to the touch. “Lois! Lois! Wake up!” He cried, lightly cradling her head and brushing wet tendrils of hair out of her face. He couldn’t hear her heart beat. Fear clenched his stomach and he desperately clamp down on the panic he felt growing inside him. He had to focus, get control of himself. He could save her. He had to control his powers as he tilted her head back, pinched her nose and blew into her mouth. Her lips were cold against his. Her chest rose, but then fell without rising again on its own. He gave her another breath and then linking his hands applied regular pressure on her chest, trying to restart her heart and pump water out of her lungs.

Despair made his shoulders slump, but still he tried, alternating between giving her air and pumping her chest. When she suddenly coughed and spat out water he was almost as surprised as he was elated. He guided her onto her side as she emptied the water from her lungs and took several shuddering breaths. “Clark?” she croaked questioning. “Yes, Lois. I’m here.” He told her, gathering her into his arms. “How?” she wondered. “Not important now.” He told her, gently rocking her and again brushing wet hair out of her face so that he could look into her eyes. “You gave me quite a scare, Lois. I’d appreciate it if you didn’t do that again, okay?” he suggested, kissing her still-damp forehead. “If you insist.” She offered meekly with a soft smile, closing her eyes for a moment, resting against his solid form before dragging them open again.

She didn’t know exactly what she felt, emotions mixed and merged in a chaotic swirl, but it didn’t really matter, Clark was there, so everything was going to be all right. She didn’t know how, but he had saved her. “Let’s get you to a hospital.” She heard him say as he effortlessly got to his feet with her cradled in his arms. She managed to limply hook her arms around his neck. She felt exhausted, battling to keep her eyes open. “Camera. Where’s my camera?” she queried suddenly, her reporter’s tenacity breaking through her tiredness and the welter of emotions she was experiencing after her near-death experience. “What?” he queried in confusion. “My camera was in the cage with me. It’s important.” She explained. He carried her over to the mangled mess of what was left of the cage. He found the camera, smashed amongst it, the strap having gotten tangled in the bars when he had gotten the cage out of the water. “Sorry, Lois, it’s smashed.” He apologized, eager to get Lois to Metropolis General and checked out to make sure she was okay. “The memory card… Check the memory card?” she suggested frantically. “Okay, Lois… Please, just take it easy. You’ve been through a lot.” He pleaded. If Lois been a little less distracted, she might have wondered how Clark could so easily hold her up with one arm and fiddled with the smashed camera at the same time, but she was just glad when he dropped the remains of the camera and held up the small blue piece of plastic that hopefully still contained the evidence she had nearly lost her life collecting.

Clark suddenly realized his dilemma. He desperately wanted to get Lois to the hospital, but the only way he could do that was to use his powers with her in his arms and conscious. He was still relatively sure he could find a halfway plausible explanation for how he was able to rescue her, but not for whisking her away to the hospital at inhuman speed. He cursed himself for leaving his mobile on Lois’ desk back at The Planet in his haste to get to her. She looked drowsy to him and he decided to take the chance. He slipped the memory card into his shirt pocket, figuring the dampness could do no more damage to it than its immersion already might have before speeding off.

Lois had the strangest sense of floating and she blinked, as the world seemed to blur around her. Her clothes were damp and cool against her skin, but Clark was warm and she snuggled against him. She must have fallen asleep or something, because the next thing she knew she was being lowered onto a gurney and wheeled into the hospital. She watched, as Clark got smaller as she was wheeled away from her and she started to rise in protest, but hands guided her back down. A nurse helped her strip out of her wet clothes and wrapped warm blanket over her shoulders before a doctor checked her over. He told her she had swallowed a lot of water and might feel a bit weak and tiered for the next few days, but she appeared to be okay. He suggested that she stay the night for observation to make sure her lungs were clear, but she declined and asked after Clark. “The young man who brought you in?” the doctor asked for clarification and she nodded. “He’s waiting just outside, well pacing just outside would be more correct.” He informed her with a smile. “We’re done here. Take it easy for the next few days. The nurse will be back for some forms for you to sign before you can be released. I’ll go tell your boyfriend he can see you now. He continued and then left the room. Clark entered a moment later.

Clark watched the medical staff wheel her into the hospital with a mixture of relief and apprehension. She had still felt so cold against him. He followed as far as he could and then a nurse stopped him and pulled him to the side to fill out paperwork. He watched Lois disappear down the corridor with a sense of frustration. The paperwork was almost a blessing as it kept his mind busy. He had the foresight to go get his truck and bring it to the hospital, but once that was done, all he could do was pace as he waited for news.

She wrapped the blanket a bit tighter and more securely around her. “Everything all right?” he asked and she nodded grateful for the added heat as he slid his strong arm around her. “The memory card… Where is it?” she asked and he produced it from his pocket. “We have to get it to The Planet.” She told him. “It can wait, Lois. We need to get you home and into bed.” Clark countermanded. “That’s sweet, Smallville, but we can have sex later. I promise.” She informed him and barely kept a smile off her lips as he gaped at her and she could see two spots of color rise on his cheeks. “I meant…” he started to clarify, but she pressed two fingers to his lips to silence him. “I know what you meant, and it is sweet, but I need Perry to see the pictures on it. It’s the proof for the expose I’m writing on an exotic and endangered animal smuggling ring and its head, Simon Finch. With, these Perry can print it and not even Mister Finch’s money and power will be enough to get him free.” She explained. “Okay, Lois, but I think we should stop by your apartment first. Personally I don’t mind, but I don’t think Perry will take you seriously in your bra, panties and a blanket.” He acknowledged and suggested. “You might have a point there, although my cleavage has been taken quite seriously at times.” She quipped. “I bet, but I don’t think this would be one of them.” He countered.

The nurse came in and she signed the necessary forms for her release. “C’mon, let’s get you to your apartment and some warm, dry clothes. My trucks just outside. You might as well back a bag. You’re staying at the farm, where I can keep an eye on you for the next couple of days at least.” He suggested. “I am?” she asked, raising her chin, her natural defiance to been ordered around rising to the fore. “Yes, you are.” Clark told her with uncharacteristic steel in his voice. She gave him a sharp look, but could only see concern on his features. “Well, she had almost died, and it might be nice to have him pamper her for a few days and if it relieved any worries he might have, all the better. Besides she had some questions for him; like how he was able to save her and what happened to Joseph and the other men who had thrown the cage into the water.” She thought. “Okay, Clark, but I have to get the article out first.” She stipulated. “It’s a deal.” He agreed and they left the hospital.

TO BE CONTINUED

NB. This is my last update for this year. Hope everyone has a Merry Christmas or religious equivalent and a Happy New Year and thank you for all your feedback and reviews and hope you have enjoyed the story so far.