Special Thanks again to SparklingStone for her beta assistance. I hope after you read this to please take a few moments to review and let me know what you think, constructive criticism helps!

Proximity Chapter 12

Much of Friday morning had slipped away as Kent and Lane buried themselves in tips and exploring creditable rumors of underhand deals that were beginning to swirl around the mayor’s office. What had once been touted as a refreshing new face of city government free from corruption and dedicated to the people had rapidly been picked at by skeptics such as cynical reporters quite similar to the male and female couple that intently flipped through files, internet sites and notes.

Since Perry revealed significant information to his seemingly favorite editorial reporter, Lois made the most rational choice to deal with the matter; she ignored it. Completely.

Sure, dutifully she had arrived yesterday at 10 am at the economic summit and churned out a satisfactory article to satiate her employer, she delved into the far more intriguing issue that no one seemed to notice. Patrinelli Construction’s name became far more frequent in mentions for city bids. They were also responsible for rebuilding the severely damaged lobby and façade of the Metropolis Board of Trade.

Earlier in the day, Lois had chosen to share information with her partner that Superman had found divers off the coast and near the coordinates of where she recently almost met her untimely demise. More importantly, they discussed what the divers had found. Both reporters sensed something afoot.

There were too many singular events that were unfurling simultaneously to be coincidental. What exactly connected them, they could not legitimately trace at that point. However, women’s and reporting intuition was a bitch of a thing to dismiss.

“It’s ridiculous Lois.” Clark muttered distractedly as his fingers rattled across the keyboard. He whispered as he bent forward, his eyes peeked just over the tops of his glasses as he glanced at his partner. “You cannot insinuate that our new owner happens somehow be behind all of this.”

“Why not?” She hissed below the buzz of the telephones and office chatter. “I know I’m right. I just have to prove it.”

“How about while we both remain gainfully employed, huh? Just because your article was edited more than you preferred is a bit of a stretch to accuse…”

“He practically blackmailed me Clark.”

“Don’t you think you’re being overly dramatic?”

“No. You weren’t there. Besides, I’m not dramatic.” A corner of her partner’s mouth turned up at the false statement. Lois quickly corrected herself. “Well, not today anyway. Clark I mean it.”

He stood, gave the conspiring woman a warning glance and began to weave through the bustling floor to the coffee break room. Lois followed. She was determined to prove a point.

“I’m not going to pass judgment on the guy without even having met him.”

“Way to stand up for me Smallville, nice to know I can count on you in a pinch.”

“I’m not the one who’s hatching an enormous conspiracy theory, in fact, leave me out.”

“Clark!” She glared, leaned against the counter and crossed her arms. Fuming at her partner’s reluctance. “We’re a team.”

“True, but this half,” he gestured with a coffee stir strip “has not met Mr. Fine. I’d like to at least shake hands with him before I form an opinion.”

Lois leaned over his shoulder, her lips inches away from his ear and softly whispered. “Oh, by the way…my phone lines home, work and cell have been tapped. Email accounts and all my computer files at work are being monitored. ”

Lois was unable to discern if it the flush that spread across her cheeks was physical heat that radiated from his frame or mounting tension and chemistry she could no longer dismiss as her sternum grazed his shoulder.

She huffed and flung the door open as Clark spun around adding “Just so you know.”

His mouth hung open like a fish.

“Yes Clark…you heard me.”

The door slammed in its frame.

Lois had made her way to the photocopier and ripped through pages to copy, focusing her glare entirely on the green hue that rhythmically moved from left to right beneath the lid of the machine. The discarded papers slammed loudly on top of the neighboring file cabinet. It had been dented from prior hissy fits.

We bicker so much. Back and forth. Suddenly it struck her. Foreplay. Clark, the little things you do to me. It was a fine wire they walked and it was intoxicating. A surge of adrenaline coursed through her veins as she felt her partner’s sudden presence directly behind her. Her skin burned with the near proximity of his torso and her back. Lois closed her eyes and bit her lower lip to regain a sense of control of the carnal instinct that flared.

Clark’s heart raced as he leaned over her shoulder. When Lois whispered not exactly sweet nothings in his ear, he had dug his hands into the counter and nearly left imprints of his fingers into the steel surface. He was about to return the favor. Two could play at this game. Low and slowly, he murmured.

“You drive me nuts. Do you know that?”

She spun, her ponytail swatted his chest as it whizzed across his broad torso. “What?”

“You. Drive. Me. Nuts.”

Her eyes grew. Who was this and what did he do with Clark Kent? Despite the sensation of a slight offense at the bold statement, she found it equally intriguing. The tips of her ears tingled. The electricity between the two was not up for negotiation; at that point it was pure fact, they both knew it. The office was the last place for anything to transpire, however it was quite apparent that both restrained themselves. Tonight, would be a different story. Thank goodness.

“You asked to be my partner again. Remember that.” She jabbed his chest with her index finger and surprisingly, damn near broke it. Lois stared at her digit in disbelief as Clark provided a rapid rebuttal.

“If you must know, I didn’t exactly volunteer. Perry left me with no choice, and I hadn’t minded until this point. But Lois you’re going to get us both fired before noon! Just please, stay calm.”

His hands rested squarely on her shoulders and guided her to the mismatched desks that belonged to the pair. He planted the fuming woman at the neater of the two desks; his own and continued with as much fervor but a lower decibel.

“To be honest, whoever decided to tap your lines was serious...” his voice trailed. Images of her terrified face fluttered through his stream of consciousness as she begged him two nights ago to determine if Jason’s identity as Superman’s son was still private information. “Do you have any proof?”

“Proof! Perry himself told me!” Lois hissed.

“He told you Fine’s behind it?” Clark was doubtful.

“No. Not exactly.” She flopped backward in frustration.

He had a point. Other than a hunch, there was nothing specific that was valid she was able to objectively identify. Lois rolled her eyes to distract herself from the fact that both of his hands were on her. Not that she objected.

Lois; I’m not saying there couldn’t be truth to your suspicions but get something concrete. Clark loosened his grip from her shoulder and as he relaxed, his hand slid down her arm where it came to rest on top of her own.

“Please.”

The pair lingered briefly with the intimate physical contact and looked with mutual fire into each other’s eyes amidst colleagues who swirled about to various editors to make copy.

“Alright.” She blinked and stood, their hands slid from her lap.

“Lois” he warned.

Her open hands waved in the air. “I didn’t cross my fingers alright? I promise. Honest.”

“Because I, I really was…am looking forward to tonight, and begging fired beforehand would kind of put a damper on the whole evening.”

With genuine surprise, Lois looked at him in wonder. “You’re looking forward to it?”

He shifted. “Yeah. I wanted, hoped that you did too.” Despite the fact you’re getting an award for writing an article that basically gave me the glorified middle finger.

“I thought you were going because I was forcing you.”

“Despite your misconception Lois, you’ve never made me do anything.”

“Yes well…” she was visibly flustered at the sudden steel backbone her partner produced. “I just hope you’ll be on time. Please Clark. Don’t lock yourself out of your apartment in your underwear, don't drop your glasses down the garbage disposal, or anything else that you would do. Just sit still, stay in your apartment away from anything flammable or destructive. Please.”

Clark was unable to prevent a smirk from escaping at her comment. If she only knew how far from the truth that statement would probably be. With any sort of fortune, another worldly crisis or imminent disaster would not materialize until tomorrow.

As the sun began to sink between the buildings, some of the staff began to quiet their workstations, shuffle papers for the weekend journalists and collected the PDA’s, laptop computers and cell phones that somehow remained chained to the reporters despite the upcoming weekend.

Jimmy fastened the strap of his messenger bag, slid the chair into its place with a satisfying push and slapped his long time friend on the back. The sudden blow caused the man’s glasses to slip down his nose.

An index finger pushed them back up to their typical resting place, squarely in front of the eyes that folded at the corners in recognition of Jimmy’s presence.

“Hey Jimmy!”

“What a week, nice little display Lois put on eh?” He winked conspiratorially at Clark.

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“She’s free and clear Clark. I know you’ve had a little more than a crush on her; apparently not much has changed since you left.”

His eyes rolled. “She’s my partner, nothing more. Will you let it go? Gosh, why does everyone still tease me about that?”

“Nothing?” The photographer’s lips pursed together in disbelief. “Well…Clark then you can tell me all about that nothing more business in a sec. I’m beat and in dire need of a thirst quencher before I hit the trains home.” His hand patted the shoulder of the taller man and began to guide the rushed reporter to the elevators along with the increasing numbers that did the same.

Clark looked quickly to his partner’s desk; Lois remained hunched over the keyboard and without pause or a shift of her posture, waved distractedly in the general direction of the two men.

“Night boys.” She turned, freed a pencil that was lodged behind her ear and directed the chewed eraser at Clark and added “You, be on time. Do. Not. Be. Late. Got it?”

Jimmy looked silently at Clark but quickly, the younger photographer’s eyes found the ceiling far more appealing than the heated stare Lois shot in his direction.

Clark held his hand toward his friend to gesture a brief intermission from their conversation and briskly weaved his way toward Lois’s desk between disgruntled staff.

He placed his palm squarely on top of the notepad that held her attention. Her gasp of protest and frown was only followed by Clark’s continued movement to pack her belongings into the satchel that she often carried home for any projects to further delve into at a later time.

“You, be on time. Got it?”

“Excuse me?” He had some nerve. I’m not the one who locks myself into the bathroom on a regular basis.

“Lois? Go home, get dressed. It will keep.”

She glared with every ounce of intimidation of a child told to retire to bed. Their editor’s bellow above the other boisterous voices on the floor caused both to turn.

“Everyone, for those of you who haven’t heard, we’ve got a new owner. Yes, that’s right kids so straighten up your ties and don’t make a mad dash for the elevators just yet.” His hands waved dramatically. “Mr. Tony Fine has spared a few moments of his time to meet you and can become a familiar face.”

Both Lois and Clark knew with the grit on the edge of their editor’s voice he truly loathed every moment of the incredibly shameless corporate moment. The brief scowl in the pair’s direction was a private message that read loud and clear “behave yourselves or else.”

A tall slender middle aged man stepped out from Perry’s office shadows, through the doorway. He ran a hand through his dark hair and bright brown eyes scanned the mute crowd of reporters, photographers and copy assistants. The corners of his eyes folded in a somewhat distant and impersonal smile that dripped upper management insincerity.

Clark’s head rose slightly above the crowd of the staff reporters and was easily able to observe. To the contrary, Lois stood on her toes, then onto those of her partner’s and craned her neck to catch a glimpse of other’s reactions. Most of the reporters in city and editorial were men and stood shoulders above the petite fireball.

Her tall partner briefly looked down in displeasure at the glorified step stool his feet had become and back to the editor’s office.

His eyes met the gaze of the new owner. An instant chill ran up his spine.

“Lane, Kent! My office, now.” Their editor fired off.

“Great, now what did I do.” Lois grumbled. “If those assholes want to fire me, then at this point, go ahead. They can take my Pulitzer and shove it up their…”

Her moans of displeasure drifted off as Clark’s mind flashed to the conversation she had with him two nights ago. Of her desperation.

“If something happens to him…” Lois choked and her hands began to shake.

His own words reverberated. “Lois, I will not let anyone harm our son. You have my word.”

Lois swallowed. Her rabid heart raced. “Go.” Urgency was felt in her simple statement. “Hurry Kal El, please.”

As soon as the thought had intruded, like a wisp of smoke it vanished. Again, Clark’s eyes met with Tony Fine, the new owner as the reporting team approached Perry’s office. Almost certainly, the strange man’s mouth twitched with a grin that begged to escape. The air of smug confidence hung thick about the tall man who remained quiet.

Tony Fine extended a long arm to Clark. The tall reporter looked down at the man’s open hand, paused for a moment and grasped it firmly.

Immediately a wave of energy flashed through his body along with a newfound heat that seared across the surface of his palm. The eyes of the new owner bore into his own.

Clark felt somewhat violated with the piercing eyes; as if his thoughts were no longer private. It was quite easy to understand why Lois had quickly distrusted the man. The ability of the man to manipulate others with a simple look was incredible. Clark was skeptical and overtly guarded.

“So this is the Mr. Kent I’ve heard so much about.”

“Sure. Mr.…Mr. Fine. I can’t say the same for you.”

“I’ve been under the radar a bit I suppose.” The men still clasped each other’s hand. Firmly. “As for yourself, I see you’ve made quite a few headlines since your arrival to Metropolis.”

“I’ve had a few bylines.”

“I’ve noticed and am pleased to say our circulation has again improved since you decided to come back. Something I’ll always welcome.”

Perry interjected “Yeah, took a chance on this tall hayseed years ago, turned out pretty well for us I’d say. Given this city mouse a run for her money ever since.” He slapped Lois firmly on the back, who was somewhat too insulted by the comment to reply.

“Ah, you’re not from around here then?”

“No. Not quite.” Fine’s hand gripped Clark’s with increased pressure. The reporter returned the gesture. The new owner gave no indication of discomfort. In fact he seemed to only mirror the firm grasp.

“Where then, do you call home?”

After what had felt an uncomfortable length of time the two griped each other’s hands Clark released his hand. For a reason he could not explain, his blood ran cold.

“I was raised on a farm in Kansas.”

The dark eyes of Tony Fine glittered with analysis. “Interesting. For some reason the last place I thought you came from was Kansas.”

“Just a farm boy, Kansas raised. Not terribly exciting I’m afraid.”

This man triggered alarms to trip at his core, animalistic and instinctual.

“Just a farm boy.” Fine repeated.

Clark’s eyes darkened as the two men disregarded the others in the room. The intense focus between the two gave an air of sparks through the heated air.

The reporter nodded silently. It was best to offer as minimal of detail as possible. The uncomfortable prickle across the nape of his neck gave every indication that it was the best approach. Milton Fine was prodding him for information. For what purpose, he was not able to discern but had every suspicion that it was not in his best interest.

“Well Mr. Kent, Ms. Lane I won’t take any more of your time at the moment considering we’ll be seeing each other in a few hours for what I hope, will be a remarkable evening.” The owner turned and exited Perry’s office.

Perry was the first to clear his throat, gnaw at an extinguished cigar that had been rolled nervously back and forth between his thick fingers. “Well you heard him. Go.”

“I’ll take the stairs” she huffed as the bag was slung over her shoulder, her coat whisked from the back of the chair that rattled with the aggressive maneuver. “Six O’clock Smallville.”

The photographer who busied himself with the latest edition of “The Daily Gossip” from a nearby fashion department member’s desk folded the pages and began to slip on his coat as his friend approached. The eyes that sparkled with mischief gave every indication that Jimmy had heard every word that had been exchanged.

“Don’t Jimmy.” Clark punched the button.

“I didn’t say anything. Speaking of which…that nothing business between the two of you… we need to talk, well mostly you talk and I’ll listen.”

Well Jim, any other time, but I’ve got to go.”

Jimmy’s shoulders sagged in disappointment. “What’s so important anyway CK?”

“I’ve got to pick up a tux.” His hand slapped the photographer’s shoulder as he made his way to the elevator.

“Good night Jim.”

As Milton Fine ascended in an empty elevator car toward his office, his feet rocked with pleasure. His suspicions were in fact confirmed. Jor El’s son not only had returned to Earth, but was merely five floors below. This was too simple. The idea that Lois Lane would lead him to his nemesis’s son was highly effective. He stifled a laugh only briefly before erupting as he realized no one else would be able to hear him.

The energy from the ship that Kal El had used to search the remains of Krypton had triggered his own that had grown dormant a thousand Earth years prior to hum to life. The path to the Kryptonian’s new home, the planet Earth was simple and easy to follow undetected.

Tony Fine briskly walked through the gleaming lobby of his front office, past the now vacant secretary desk and closed the doors to his own private study. He sat in the large chair, swiveled and looked out across the horizon. His dark eyes danced.

Of course Kal El’s strength rivaled his own, but as things were on Krypton, some were universal. To destroy an enemy was best done from within. It was so simple. It was going to be quite enjoyable to tear him to pieces.

“So the son of Jor El has his own child.”

Alright, it's that time, please review, it does help. Didn't seem to get too many from the last chapter, I hope this one will leave a more lasting impact. I hope so, considering the next chapter is still being written, but from what I do have, I'll post a quick preview below. WARNING: There may be a spoiler, so read below the line at your own risk!

Preview Chapter 13:

“That’s it. We work well together.” Lois’s eyebrows lowered as her shoulders that had been square, slumped.

“That and you’re my best friend.”

Lois digested the information. “Then why didn’t you tell me you were leaving The Planet six years ago?”

Water had collected in her eyes that had remained focused on the floor. Glassy, they looked up at his and searched her friend for answers. They were best friends. That was it? She had to ask, now or never. Her hands rubbed together in the cold. Clark put his coat over her shoulders. As he did so, she looked at him with absolute seriousness.

“It was too hard. I couldn’t bring myself to do it” he murmured.

“Clark, are you Superman?”

Clark looked over the horizon and scratched his head, looked back at Lois who waited for his response.

He sighed deeply. It had been six years since she had asked him that question so bluntly. This time was different, this time he made the resolution to answer her.

His brilliant eyes acutely focused on her.

“What if I told you I was?”