Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It's a gruesome scene. The shell of a man regularly labeled as people's "hope" was slumped against the wall, losing the battle for life with every passing second. His once smooth and pristine face was scattered with deep cuts - part of his ear missing where he'd narrowly dodged a Kryptonite bullet only a few hours before.

His arms were forced high, his veins pulsating green as he'd long given into the battle of keeping the Kryptonite shackles from touching his bare skin. The room smelt like burning flesh as the direct contact seared his wrists

He kept his mind focused on Lois - Superman's hope - as he fought his battle with unconsciousness - her nervous rambles, her raw fight for the story, her deepest desire to just be simply loved. Some she'd share with only Superman, and some only with Clark.

This was it "Lois it's now or never" he whispered as if she held the same powerful hearing capabilities - his eyes closing for the final time losing the fight with the waking world.

If I found my body in chains I'd lay down and wait and hope she looks for me
......

48 hours earlier

The morning was in full swing. The newsroom bustled around them as Clark, Perry, Jimmy and other employees gathered in the meeting room. Clark nursed his coffee as if it was the only thing giving him the means to function this early, another full cup sat next to him accompanied by an empty chair that was usually taken by Lois Lane.

"Kent! Have you heard from Lane yet today?" Perry questions Clark, knowing that if anyone knew of her whereabouts it would be him.

“No Sir” Clark replies - a hint of worry in his voice. “Maybe problems at the bank or something?” He suggested  - even though he knows he would have still heard from Lois if so. A pit of concern forming in his gut - it wouldn't be the first time Lois got herself in trouble in the name of a story. Sure - she’d been late without a prior warning from time-to-time - but that had always been maybe 5, 10 minutes at most. Any other time she’d always called him, the reasons didn’t make sense all the time but she’d at least call to get him to cover for her. Now an hour late without any contact was for sure concerning. 

“Well Alright just… if you hear from her update me” Perry sighs  “Lets just get this meeting started so we can all get out there - Jimmy! How’s processing those photos from last night going?” Perry continues on as if it's not a big deal - not doing a very good job at hiding the concern in his voice. 

The meeting continued on with no distractions, a quiet settled in as Perry called on them one by one for updates - at least not until a disheveled Lois in yesterday's outfit barges in.

“Sorry I'm late I’m late” She spouts - taking her seat next to Clark brushing herself down like nothing was out of the ordinary as Clark and Perry both let out a sigh of relief. Clark takes the moment of distraction to pull down his glasses and heat her coffee that had fallen cold next to him - not thinking about how to explain it still being hot after sitting for so long.

“Lois - what in the hell happened to you?” Perry curses. She looked like she’d been dragged through hell and back again. Her outfit from last night was stained heavily with mud and torn in some places - her hair a mess and her purse barely holding together. A quick glance by Clarks X ray vision discerning that she at least appeared unharmed. 

“Chasing a lead - found this” She gave a very vague explanation, pulling a lead box out of her bag and opening it. What was inside caused Clark’s eyes to widen, stomach to drop, and face begin to turn pale. Shackles came into view - shards of Kryptonite melded into the restraints.

“Someone's trying to capture Superman” Lois and Clark grimaced at the same time. Lois’s head whipped towards Clark whose eyes were filled with fear to the point where it looked like he was sweating. He couldn’t seem to pull his eyes off the shackles as he gripped his stomach - successfully hiding his sudden pain from everyone but Lois.

Lois kept her gaze on Clark as she closed the box - noticing him suddenly relax a little removing his arms from supporting his stomach. She could still see the heavy look of fear on his face. Lois knew that Clark and Superman were close so of course seeing tools designed to hurt Superman would concern him but Lois couldn’t help but feel that for Clark there was more to this than the simple concern for a good friend. 

“Alright Alright meetings over! Lane get yourself home and cleaned up and then head back! Jesus you reek. I want a full report once you're back! Oh and leave the Shackles here - Clark and Jimmy can look at them in more detail while you're gone - the rest of you get back to work!”

Lois silently nods - uncharacteristically for her - and heads out, leaving the lead box and her untouched coffee on the table - too many questions going through her head to notice it was there - let alone that it was freshly hot.

“Yes Chief! A CK and Jimmy teamup!” Jimmy beamed - reaching across the table for a high-five as everyone else got up to leave the meeting room. Clark didn’t notice - eyes still fixated on the box as a million questions went through his head 

‘Whos trying to capture me?’ - “Did they mean for Lois to find them?’ - “How many sets did they make? I shouldnt presume that this is the only set’ - ‘If Lois was meant to find them, does that mean that they know Superman works at the planet?’ - “Are my parents in danger?’ Was just a few of the mountain of unanswered questions that were running through his head - He didn’t hear the ending of the meeting and what he’d been assigned to do next.

“CK? You good?” Jimmy’s voice pulled Clark out of his spiral. Clark groaned, pushing his hands underneath his glasses to rub his eyes, somehow feeling the Kryptonite was still having an an affect on him even though the lead box was securly closed. His head pounded and he couldn't think straight - fear rising up in his gut. 

“Sorry Jimmy - not feeling my best today” Clark mumbles, at least a little bit grateful that this time that wasnt a lie “What did Perry say to do? Im kind of out of it today” He admits trying to soften his expression and force a soft smile 

“Chief wants us to check these things out - see if we can find anything on them that might tell us where they come from?” Jimmy reminds, jumping into Lois’s seat and pulling the box closer to him.

“O-Oh I don't know Jimmy…” Clark panicked trying to think of a quick excuse” I-im not feeling great - maybe I’ll run by the pharmacy real quick, get started without me!” He forces the chair behind him, grabbing a jacket and running out before Jimmy has a chance to respond - leaving him stunned into silence for a moment before he composes himself and opens the box, getting to work contemplating on if he should try to contact Superman about this newfound discovery. 

Chapter Text

Superman was flying around Metropolis - at least his body was - not knowing where he was flying to just that he needed to get away from the Planet. His mind was somewhere else, panicked as he tried to force his mind to think rationally.

“Okay Clark think - who has Superman angered recently?” He asked himself - way too many names and faces flashing through his mind to narrow it down - from Intergang to the simple man who was pissed that he saved him from the burning flames but not his secret $10,000 hidden in his mattress.

He didn’t realise that he’d auto piloted himself to Smallville - cursing as he realised too late that he’d not given himself a chance to think on how - or even if - he wanted to tell his Parents this yet. He could see Jonathan Kent waving to him from the cow field, surprised but happy to suddenly see his son this early in the day.

Clark hovered for a moment - knowing that at least his father is still enough out of view that he couldn’t read Clark’s expressions. He rubbed at his face trying to shake the look of anguish and think of an excuse as to why he was visiting at ten in the morning on a working Friday. Luckily he managed to remember that he was due to pick up some pies for the Superman Foundation Fundraiser the next day. He took a deep breath and plastered a smile on his face before landing.

He waved to Jonathan, standing tall and strong, giving a quick look to make sure no-one else was around before letting the Superman statue slip into his more comfortable Clark letting his shoulders drop a little “Hey Pa, here to pick up those pies” He explained before Jonathan had a chance to ask.

“Sure son - shouldn’t you be working this time of the day though? Thought the fundraiser wasn't til later tonight” Mr Kent asked, walking beside his son as they headed towards the house.

Clark walked with his Pa, red Superman boots kicking up Kansas dust, hoping the fact that he didn't bring a change of Clark clothes didn’t give away that he left in a rush- let alone that he didn't plan on coming until he was already here.

“Quiet morning and fancied a flight, thought I’d kill two birds with one stone” Clark explained, hand itching his chest feeling desperate to get out of the suit feeling exposed in the big S for the first time in a long time. “I have some time, need help with anything on the farm before I head back?” He offered, silently desperate for an excuse to not head back to Metropolis just yet.

“Well now you mention it - I got a nut on a tractor wheel that refuses to budge - think you can break that off for me? Can't change the tier otherwise” Jonathon had a feeling that there was more to this than his Son was letting on - and knew a little light farm work would normally get him talking. He'd always been good at reading his son, could tell when there was something on his mind. 

“Alright, Ma inside? Clark asked, getting his answer via a simple nod from Jonathan “I'll go say Hi, meet you at the tractor in 10?”

“Sure Son” Jonathan replied, not addressing the soft sigh he heard from Clark as he turned towards the barn.

---

Martha was in the kitchen, pulling the last pie out of the oven yet to hear that Clark arrived early. “4…5…6” she counted as she checked she hadn't missed any “and the extra one for Lois” She smiled at her handiwork as Superman entered

“Hey Ma” Her Son called, Martha not at all phased by Superman suddenly being in her kitchen, getting a quick hug before he speeds upstairs and appearing back instantly dressed in spare Clark clothes minus the glasses - glad he kept extra sets at the Kent farm still as he felt himself relax a little.

“Hey there's my favourite son” She grinned giving him another hug “Good timing as always, just pulled the last pie out the oven”

“I'm your only Son Ma” Clark groaned rolling his eyes as a strong smile crossed his face - Martha Kent yet again working her healing magic.

Martha turned her attention back to the pies, making sure all 7 of them had equal space to cool on the racks as Clark looked a little confused

“Did you over bake again? Thought we asked for 6” He asked, referring to how Clark and Lois had been voted to be Planet representatives for the fundraiser much to Clarks dismay - making it harder to disappear to become Superman later. 

“Well yes and no…Dear Lois works too hard, both of you do. She loved my Chicken Pot Pie when you last visited so I made an extra for you two to share later - maybe over a glass of wine and some lit candles?” Martha winked, nudging his arm. Clark was convinced she’d never give up the fight to get the two of them together.

“No promises Ma but thank you” Clark smiled as he saw the “S” Symbol she’d baked into all the ones meant for the fundraiser - she always knew how to go that extra mile and bring a smile to everyones face. 

“Nice touch, I can't wait for them to sell out in five seconds flat again” He recalls the last time Martha had baked pies for a fundraiser and how people couldn't get enough of them. He wanted to take more but would never dare overstep on his mothers hospitality “Pa wants help with the tractor, how long do the pies need to cool for?”

Clark waits for a response then nods before zooming back out the door. Jonathan was under the tractor - the wheel arch behind held up with the dodgy jack that Clark had told him to stop using a long time ago. Just as he approached the jack finally snapped. Clark sped into action - catching the arch and lifting the whole tractor before it could even begin to fall.

“Seriously Pa I told you to stop using that jack long ago” Clark protested, heart rate increasing slightly, glad that he happened to be in the right place at the right time yet again.

“I know Son, I’ve just been so busy on the farm I’ve not had a chance to get to the parts shop this week” Jonathan reasoned, pulling himself out from under the tractor so Clark could lower it back down

“I’ll run by before I head out, do any other tools need replacing while I'm there?” Clark asked, finding himself making a mental note to visit more often and give Jonathan a hand on the farm

“Yeah right, with what time?” He caught himself, shaking the thought out “I’ll make time - I always make time”

Now free from a Kent underneath it Clark lowered the tractor, Jonathan leading him to the problem bolt on the front right wheel. He lent down next to it, thinking about the best way to get it off without breaking the part it was connected to as well. He remenissed a little on teenager Clark learning to control his strength through his morning chores, many parts getting broken in the process yet his parents never once complaining even though money was tight. 

“So how’s work going Clark?” Jonathan knelt down next to Clark, trying to make small talk to find the thing that he could tell was bothering his son.

“Planet or Superman?” Clark replied nonchalantly, first trying the traditional method of using a wrench to unscrew the bolt, to get an idea of the level of resistance, tounge sticking out in concentration. 

“Both, I imagine Lois is keeping you on your toes in both jobs” Jonathan chuckled a little - that Lois was sure a force of nature that had Clark wrapped around her little finger, as much as neither of them would be willing to admit.

“Been a couple slow news days” Clark thought out loud “Almost slow enough to be concerning, but its been nice not being in such a rush all day” He said vaguely, not bringing up any particular cases or rescues - concerning Jonathan further as the only times he wasn't specific was when he was holding something back. Clark turned his attention back to the bolt, putting down the wrench and instead going for the same method but with his thumb and finger as leverage.

“Superman not had much trouble either? I know a slow news day doesn’t always mean a slow Superman day” Jonathan recalls the stories that Clark had shared that hadn’t made a headline. His struggles with red Kryptonite, some of his previous scuffle with Luthor, his times working with Batman. 

Clarks mind was running a hundred miles an hour. He knew that his parents are there for him, especially when its something like this that he can't share fully in Metropolis, but he also knew that the moment he did the worrying and concern would start. It had only been a few weeks since he'd recovered from his last run in with kryptonite, Clark wasn't ready to put his parents through worry again.

Just as he was about to respond the nut popped off in his hand “Got it!” He triumphed, standing up looking proud of himself “Got any other Super Clark tasks?” He grinned, trying his very best to make it look like he wasn’t hiding something.

“C’mere son” Jonathan called, seeing right through Clarks mask, patting his shoulder before taking a seat on the bottom step of the stairs to the barn loft, leaving space next to him.

In that moment Clark instantly knew that his father could tell something was up. He released a deep sigh as he sat next to Jonanthan - the man that had yet again seen right through him.

“What's bothering you Clark? You know there's no hiding anything from me or your Ma” Jonathan approached, wrapping an arm around his son giving him a comforting back pat and the space to open up

“Yeah I know - It's just it's probably nothing and I didn’t want to get you guys all concerned about nothing, like they could of come from anywhere and its probably not going to amount to anything” Clark found himself rambling like how Lois often did, unable to look his father in the eyes, his view focussed on his wringing hands in his lap instead.

Instead of speaking, Jonathan gave Clark a reassuring shoulder squeeze, an invite to continue.

“Lois was late to work this morning, said she was chasing a lead. When she came into the meeting late she pulled out something she found inside of a lead box" 

Hearing about Lead made Jonathan's stomach drop and heart rate rise. Anytime something was found encased in lead there was always a specific item inside. He did his best to keep a cool face as he gave space for his son to continue, but Clark caught the uptick of his heart rate and knew instantly that Jonathan knew where he was headed. He suddenly felt the need to meet his Dads eyes - to let him know that he would be OK and that nothing bad was going to happen.

He locked eyes with his Dad, trying to put on his Superman Stoic face yet finding his mouth suddenly very dry.

“Kryptonite Shackles” he spoke, his voice breaking giving away his fear despite his best attempts “Someome wants to capture and torture Superman”

Chapter Text

The Kents were back in the kitchen, kettle boiling away at the stove as the three sat at the dining room table, Clarks hands wrapped around the coffee cup like he was absorbing heat from it, despite that was yet to be filled.

“Did Lois say where she found them?” Martha asked as she removed the kettle from the hob, pouring them all a cup of coffee, the fammilar smell wafting into the room giving Clark a sense of fammiliarity. 

Clark shook his head, grateful that Jonathan had caught Martha up so he didn’t have to repeat himself “Perry sent her to go clean up at home, wanted her to give a full report when she came back” He ran his hands over his eyes, Regret forming, not stopping her to at least get a bit more detail seeming like a grave mistake. 

“Is anything else known about them?” Jonathan asked as Clark took a sip of the fresh cup, completely unaffected by the fact that it was still an undrinkable temperature and would burn any normal person's tounge. 

Clark shook his head again “I kind of left in a rush” he shamefully admits “I just took off before anyone could notice that I was staying clear of them - and next thing I knew I was hovering over the cow field being waved at” He felt like such a fool. It had been a long time since He’d fled from a predicament like that.

“Honestly Son, it sounds like the best plan for now is to go back to Metropolis, find out what you can about these shackles and who can be behind them. Don't let anyone see Superman being different too - we don't want to let whoever it is know we are on to them” Jonathan sternly suggests

“But what if Superman gets caught in the middle of a save?” Clark questions worryingly - he wasn’t sure he could his best job if he was watching behind his back every five seconds

“What about a tracking system of some sort?” Martha suggests “Something that you could hide under your suit, so if you do get captured Lois would have your location?”

“Do you think that would work?” Clark looked up hopingly, grateful for any sense of security “It would mean she could find Superman even if he couldn’t see a way out himself right?”

“Id think so - I’d keep it on the down low though, don't let anyone else know about it. Wouldn’t want the information that Superman has a tracking system on him getting out there” Jonathan piped in.

Clark nods in agreement, remembering the time that Jimmy brought spy-like gadgets into the office thinking that he'd know where to get such a tracker.

“I Think Jimmy could help me with finding one, I can let him know the idea and get him in touch with Superman” Clark thinks out loud. Despite not having the faintest clue on who could be behind this scheme he was feeling stronger and less nervous about the situation. Weather it was as Clark or Superman he knew that Lois, Jimmy and Perry always had his back.

“Speaking of - the pies should be cool enough to travel with now” Martha mentioned, getting up to double check and start packing them up into a couple of carriers that snapped closed, perfect for air travel.

Clark speeds upstairs, changing back into Superman putting his Clark clothes back in his old bedroom since they were barely worn, rushing back down to his parents sides as they stood ready to see their son off.

“Thanks again Ma, Pa. You guys are the best” Clark smiled, giving his Mom a kiss on the cheek and and his father a m hug before he picked up the carriers “I'll call you tonight with any updates?”

“Yes, please keep us updated. Good luck Son” Jonathan smiled, the luck aimed at managing his two sides at the fundraiser later and the cracking of this new case.

Off Superman went, a slower speed than normal as to not disrupt the pies, flying to his apartment feeling lighter than he did on the way in. 

…..

Clark landed on his apartment buildings roof pies still intact. He checked his surroundings before coming in through the window he always left open for this exact reason. He placed the pies on the kitchen counter, removing the one meant for them both leaving the rest in the containers for later, resisting the urge to cut into it and take a bite as the smell of the fresh warmth fills his home. He noticed his answer machine blinking, not expecting to be long he stayed in his Superman getup as he checked the messages.

“CK it's Jimmy! If you get this call me back at the Planet, been an hour since you left just want to make sure you're good”

Clark cursed to himself, he really needed to get better at giving excuses that took longer amounts of time. He racked his brain trying to think of a valid excuse - he knew Jimmy was aware of how many pharmacies there were downtown and how at this time of the day they wouldn't have lines - especially ones an hour long. 

“Would it be so bad if he knew Superman flew the pies in?” He tried to reason in his head remembering previously saying the pies were frozen ones from previous Kent Metropolis visits. He decided not - especially since Martha had gone an extra mile with the decoration and it would be a bit weird to explain why he had Superman pies in his freezer.

Clark called Jimmy back, not wanting to leave him without an answer for his wearabouts much longer.

“Hey Jimmy, So sorry the pharmacy was having trouble with its till and by the time I was out I realised I needed to meet Superman at my place. I'm heading back now” Clark explained, not really thinking about how he could fly the route in five minutes when the communte would reasonly at least take twenty. 

“It's all good CK, I'll see you soon” Jimmy replied, racking his brain as to why Superman would need to be at Clarks apartment at this time on a Friday. He decided best not to question it - he didn't know the level of their friendship -  hanging up. Clark once again took flight this time on course for the Planet. He landed on the roof grabbing his clothes from earlier before jumping down into an alley below, spinning back into his Clark attire making sure his super suit was perfectly concealed under his work suit before heading inside. 

The elevator dinged as Clark arrived on the chosen floor. Jimmy was sat at his desk, researching away on the computer. Clark breathed a sigh of relief that the shackles seemed to be no-where nearby, making sure to put on an act of sickness reminding himself that it was best to keep that up until he knew the shackles were at least out of the building.He ducked into the bathrooms, making sure they were empty before holding the main door firmly closed, using the mirror to aim his heat vision onto his forehead warming it to a temprature that he hoped would convey a tempreture, a little sweat forming with it. He then put his back to the door as he blew his cold breath into his hands, turning them to ice. He let go of the door and assessed how he looked in the mirror, drooping his body low and slow. He smiled as he looked back at a man who clearly looked sick, before leaving glad that no-one attempted to disturb him. 

He headed over to Jimmy's desk, wrapping his arms around his body and coughing to make Jimmy aware of his presence “Hey Jimmy, I'm back” he called trying to make his voice sound rough and scratchy. 

“CK! Damn that was quick! How you feeling?” Jimmy replied, a little shocked that Clark had made it back so quick. He shrugged it off, presuming that Superman had given him a lift as he'd seen him do for Lois before. 

“A-A little better, still really cold” Clark made sure to add some shakiness to his voice and hands as he poured himself a coffee and made a show of trying to use the mug to warm his hands. He poured another for Jimmy, making sure his cold hand brushed against Jimmy's as he passed it over hoping that It would cover that he ignored Jimmy's comment about his speediness

“Jesus CK you're freezing! Are you sure you should even be here right now?” Jimmy guided Clark to his chair, grabbing a blanket he kept hidden in the supply closet. He wrapped it around Clark despite his protests

“I'm fine Jimmy” Clark groaned, yet making a show of pulling the blanket closed around him and huddling up, suprising himself a little as he found comfort in the soft material that reminded him of the many blankets strewn around the Kent house. “Did you find out anything while I was gone?”

“Not yet, I contacted my source in Star Labs” Lois's voice bellowed across the hall as she approached, looking much fresher “They picked the shackles up and are going to look deeper into them - they have hope that there will be a watermark of some kind”

Lois perched herself on the edge of Clarks desk sipping her own coffee, her close attention on Clarks disposition as he let out a sign of relief “That sounds like a good call. I know Superman has a good relationship with Star Labs” Clark commented, his eyes focused on his coffee as he spoke glasses falling down his face a little, making him look pathetic. He let out a sigh, knowing the shackles were in safe hands with Dr Ramone and Dr Snow. 

“Speaking of CK, you said you saw him earlier at yours right? Did you say anything to him?” Jimmy enquired almost in a rush, secretly hoping Clark had menttioned something as this really wasn't a topic he wanted to approach Superman with himself. He would be suprised if Superman wasnt at least a little bit shocked or scared, and he couldn't bare the thought of seeing someone that was this citys hope like that. 

Clark seemed still for a moment, the only movement being the tap of his thumb against the coffee cup he held tight, before nodding “I thought it was best to, Said I'd keep him updated” He looked up his eyes catching on Lois, finding a layer of worry hidden behind her professional demenour. 

“He'll be fine Lois” Clark comments “We will make sure of it” He smiles, pushing up his glasses in the process

“Superman will be yes, it's you that I'm concerned about” Lois replied shocking Clark a little “I don't think I've ever seen you look this sick, were waiting on this Star Labs report anyway let me drive you home”

“I-I'm fine L-” Clark got cut off, Lois running off to grab her car keys before he could protest otherwise.

“Wait Jimmy I just remembered” Clark stumbled out before Lois could pull him away towards her car

“When I saw Superman earlier, We came up with an idea, Yknow just in case” He began to mumble, talking with his hands a little “Kind of like a way to track Superman so that if he does get caught you could find where he is. You think your spy store would have something like that?” He turns to Jimmy “Thinking something small enough to slip in his shoe or wear on his finger” He suggested trying to think of ways to conceal something.

“I Got you CK! I'll keep you updated” Jimmy smiles, wishing that they had more of a plan to stop these guys but glad that Superman and Clark at least had talked through some suggestions for preventative measures. He found himself finding a little jelous of the relationship they seemed to have, despite not being able to recall ever seeing them in the same room. 

Lois grabbed Clarks arms, still wrapped in the blanket, leading him into the elevator. Clark didn't protest further as they reached her car and were soon on their way back to Clarks apartment. ‘This is going to be a long ride’ Clark thought to himself as he pretended to fall asleep, making a mental note to head to Star Labs as soon as Lois was gone, hoping that his friends there would have some sort of idea on where the hell these shackles came from.

Chapter Text

A faint snoring could be heard as Lois pulled up in front of Clark’s apartment block, a soft smile forming on Lois’s face as she shook him awake “M-Ma?” Clark mumbled, rubbing his eyes and taking a moment to process where he was “O-Oh Sorry Lois” He stumbled to collect himself, glasses askew, not remembering falling asleep. His hand instinctively came to check his shirt collar, relaxing a little as he found it still snug, tie tight keeping it in place.

“Jesus Smallville, never seen you pass out that hard before you must be really sick” Lois commented, hand raising to check his temperature, a look of confusion as she found a lack of heat convinced that Clark had a fever. “Huh - not even warm” Lois commented - almost questioning, the look of puzzlement settling on her face as she steps out, heading over to Clark’s side of the car to open the door for him. 

“Gosh dang it” Clark curses, quickly taking the moment to make his hands cold again so at least that would stay consistent. He took Lois’s help getting out of the car, clinging to the blanket with one hand, using her as support with the other using his ability to float to give the act of a stumble without the risk of falling into her and hurting her, making sure his cold hands would fall where she could feel it. 

Lois guides Clark up the stairs to his apartment, being uncharacteristically caring as Clark takes it one uneasy step at a time. Something still seemed off to her, she wasn’t entirely convinced it was all sickness related too, remembering how Clark looked fine when she entered the meeting room this morning - well at least until she revealed her discovery. “Could he be?” She finds herself contemplating as they finally reach his front door, Clark panicking as he realised he never picked his keys up this morning, leaving through the open window.

“Oh gosh, Oh L-Lois” He stumbles, feeling like he was really dropping the excuses ball today “I l’ll be fine from here, you should get back before Mr White complains” He sheepishly suggests - hoping that Lois will actually leave him be, he could sneak to the window that way.

“Nonsence Smallville you’re not getting rid of me that easily” Lois Huffs, holding out her hand “Pass me your keys, I’m not leaving until you are in bed with a hot bowl of soup, you're not getting out of helping me tomorrow that easily!”

“I-I Uhhh” Clark mumbled, gaze focussed on the ground desperately trying to think of a reasonable excuse, Lois growing impatient with a still outstretched hand “I kind of…forgot them?” he provides, rubbing the back of his neck trying to give off a farmboy charm in hopes it would distract her from asking any follow-up questions. He was well aware that Lois had been here many times for many reasons - and knew his door was the type that had to be manually locked on exit. It'd probably be better to say he'd lost them but he couldn't bring himself to lie

Lois grumbled, trying the door handle, finding it firmly locked “Seriously Smallville, what would you do without me?” She owed, pulling a pin out of her hair and kneeling level with the lock, tongue out in concentration as she demonstrated her lockpicking skills. A grin formed on her face as the door clicks open, heading inside making a beeline straight for the kitchen 

Clark mumbles “T-Thanks” settling on the couch curling up trying not to be impatient, expecting Lois to be wanting to get back to the office. His face burrowed in confusion as she searched through his kitchen cupboards

“My god Clark, when did you last go grocery shopping?” Lois examined, looking for soup finding empty cupboards besides a few packs of noodles and a stockpile of very specific snacks. “noodles and autism snacks with that body? Really?” She raises an eyebrow of suspicion at the apparently sick man curled up on his couch

“II just have been eating at the office more recently" Clark tries to cover - which in a way was the truth, he didn't need to eat but he enjoyed it - especially in a social setting and especially with Lois. It meant he didn't usually bother keeping his house stocked, keeping food more for visitors than himself, besides his favourite snacks of course. He’d had Jimmy and a few others around for poker nights recently and hadn’t gotten around to restocking yet.

“Well lucky for you there's a shop just round the corner” Lois teased, gathering her things giving Clark the illusion that she just might be going back to the office “I won't be long - just - don't go anywhere” she held out her hands the same way you would if you were encouraging a dog to stay, before making haste out the front door leaving it unlocked.

—-

“Damnit, I didn't even ask what soup he liked.” Lois muttered to herself as she looked over the selection of canned soups. She found herself wishing she had the skills to make something fresher but she was trying to make him feel better, not kill him. Just then her phone rang-  Perry's work phone number “Fuck” she cursed before answering

“Lane! Where the hell are you?” Perry questioned with a tone that exuded authority with a hint concern “I'm still waiting on that report”

“Soup store” Lois replies without much thought, shoulder holding her phone to her ear as she internally battled between tomato and chicken noodle. Tomato was her favourite when she was sick but farmboys liked chicken noodle right? 

“What do you mean soup store? Please tell me this is related to the story” more confusion than anything else in Perry's tone

Lois shrugged and put a few tins of both in the basket, contemplating if she should get anything else for Clark while she was here - considering how bare his cupboards were. “Clarks really sick and he had no soup, so soup store” She gave like it was the most obvious explanation in the world

“Jesus Lane, Just admit you have a soft spot for him” Perry groans, this dropping things to care for someone being rather uncharacteristic of her. 

“A soft spot?” She scoffs “I - Lois Lane award winning reporter do not have a soft spot for bumbling farmboy Clark Kent” She insisted even as she stopped by the candy Isle and picked up more of his favorite snacks and the flavoured milk she always saw him drinking in his coffee cup at the office when he thought no one was noticing. “Look I'll drop this stuff off with Clark and come straight back to the office, scouts honor!” Lois promises.

“You better Lane. See you in my office in 30” Perry instructed before hanging up, leaving Lois to the checkout with a basket full of things a sick boyscout should need.

—

“Whats taking her so long?” Clark mumbled to himself as he fidgeted in his seat. He'd taken the chance to speed-check the apartment and make sure all signs of this being Superman's residence were tucked away, groaning to himself as he saw a glimpse of bright red cape hanging out the side of his laundry basket. “I need to be more careful” he thought to himself as he changed out of the supersuit he was wearing, hiding it and the laundry basket in the hidden section of his closet. 

He sat casual on the couch, blankets piled up next to him as he played with a rubix cube he left on his coffee table. His ears caught the distinct sound of heels in a pattern that matched Lois's walking tempo and rushed to bundle himself up, making sure to warm his head and cool his hands. This care Lois was showing for him was really throwing him off and he found himself unable to predict Lois's next moves as she let herself back into his apartment - finding Clark exactly where she expected to

“God, you still look like crap. Got you a good selection of stuff, couldn't tell if you were a tomato or chicken noodle guy so I got some of both” Lois explained as if those were the only two flavours of canned soup that existed in the world, unpacking the grocery bag onto Clark's kitchen table revealing the snacks and strawberry milk in the process. 

“Thank you Lois, you really didn't need to-” Clark began to thank, cutting himself off as he spotted the bottle of strawberry Moomilk. He stood, just about remembering to appear shaky on his legs as he met Lois at the kitchen table, picking it up “How did you even know I like this stuff?” Surprised with a massive smile on his face. 

Sure- he drank it in the office from time-to-time - but only in his Superman coffee mug that Lois got for him as a joke and had since become his favourite. (Because it was from her and was the perfect size - not because it was Superman themed) He hadn't thought anyone had noticed.

“C'mon Smallville, you sneak milk into your mug and don't expect me to notice? How innocent farmboy of you” Lois mocks as if it's no big deal, putting away the groceries leaving a can of each soup flavour out for Clark to pick from. 

“Thank you Lois” Clark manages to mumble, a small blush appearing on his cheeks “It's been awhile since someone's paid attention to farmboy Clark Kent” he admits

If Lois is thrown by his use of the third person she doesn't show it, rummaging through his drawers for a can opener - finding one right at the back of the drawer Clark counting himself lucky that he thought to keep one around not being able to recall a time in his life where he'd needed such a tool. Clark put the chicken noodle soup in the cupboard, indicating to a grinning Lois that he intended to have the tomato soup this time. Once she poured it into a suitable microwavable container Clark had pulled out she followed the instructions.

“Good choice Smallville” Lois found herself praising, smile growing wider as she saw a soft blush appear on his cheeks “Soup will be done in three minutes, I would stick around but Perry's up my ass about getting back to the office” She explains gathering her coat and bag before heading towards the door.

Clark - suddenly finding himself unable to speak the words of praise instantly increasing his heartrate - instead nodded politely coming to the door with her as his parents raised him to. Lois’s stance - and the way she stopped before the door - gave away that she was holding back in some way. Clark did not hesitate to close the gap between them, pulling Lois into a hug resting his head on her shoulder like he was always meant to fit there

“Thank you Lois - You're too kind to me” Clark finds his words, Lois not in a rush to break the hug as she lets out a soft sigh. After a few seconds she pulls back, clearing her throat and gathering herself. “Youre welcome Clark, but if that hug just made me sick then you can be the one buying soup next time” She winks, heading out the door and down the stairs, finally making her way back to the office 

“Not happening Lois” Clark thinks to himself, listening to the sounds of Lois’s heels heading down the stairs and climbing into her car. He takes a moment to gather himself, eating the soup and changing back into Superman, making sure his door was locked before taking off out of his balcony towards Star Labs.