kal_el_kent

...and his rants..

Tue, 31 Oct 2006 15:40:06 GMT

Moving away from Clark, she turned and reluctantly put Matthew in Clark's arms, being very careful not to touch him. "If I'm not ready to talk, then that's just tough, Clark. I need time to process what's happened. I don't want to see you, okay?" She hated hurting him like this, but after what he'd accused her of earlier, she couldn't imagine wanting to spend time making up, not when she was still so angry.

Holding his little infant, he looked down and saw all the beautiful features that his wife had given to Matthew. Shaking his head, he moved to stand in front of her and sighed. "Alicia, whether you like it or not, we are in an adult relationship. You're my wife. I'm your husband, and we need to act like adults for the sake of our son. I'm sorry if you feel you can't be around me because of how I acted or what I said, but that's too bad. Look, Alicia, look at him," Clark said, holding the baby up slightly, his cooing and hand sucking too cute for words. "He needs us to be the parent's we've always been, and that's not going to happen if you keep shutting me out."

Shaking with anger, Alicia turned angry eyes at Clark. "Don't you DARE use our son against me," she whispered, not wanting to upset Matthew, who still seemed oblivious to his parents' argument. Probably because of her own mental block she had kept up, keeping her own thoughts from reaching her son's. Because she didn't want him knowing how hurt his father made her. "This isn't about being an adult," she continued, her eyes lit with an inner fire. "It's about you leaving me alone until I can speak to you rationally so I don't say something I'll regret."

"Like what, Alicia...what would say that you would regret?" Taunting her, perhaps on purpose, Clark stepped back with his son and waited. His own eyes red with anger, his heart racing and now, understanding there was no going back, the gloves were off, he said nothing more.

Alicia took a step back, her eyes wide with horror as he actually asked her that question. Her mind went blank as her face fell, anger replaced with hurt and despair. "Does it matter? You think I'd enjoy watching you beat on yourself because of something I might say? Hell no, I'm not going there, because I TOLD YOU, I NEED TIME TO PROCESS, dammit!!"

Her yelling made Matthew struggle in Clark's arms as he started whining.

Turning his now fussy baby around in his, he held him high and kissed his neck, shooting happy thoughts and images of him being fed to keep him satisfied. "It's okay little man, it's okay." Walking towards her again, he heard her sigh and roll her eyes. "Stop being like that with me, and I am not leaving you alone until you talk to me."

"Stop being WHAT with you?" she snapped back, forgetting where they were and who might be listening. "What part of 'leave me alone' do you not understand? Don't you get that calling me a liar has seriously hurt me?" She stalked towards the kitchen door but Clark managed to get there just before she could leave.

"Because....you lied!" He yelled, louder then he anticipated, her eyes going wide and her blood finally boiling over. She gave him a face that exuded all feeling and emotion in two words, and within a moment, evaporated into a cloud of green dust. 'Dammit,' he said, kissing Matty's head, as he was now crying. Going over to the couch, he laid his baby down on the couch, wrapped him warmly in his miniature snow suit, a tiny scarf around his face, grabbed his diaper bag, and made way out the door. Calling a brief 'see you later' to Martha, Clark went out into the wintry afternoon and slowly made his way to the truck.

Teleporting back to the house, Alicia grabbed an overnight bag, weeping as she packed a bag. She intended to leave Smallville for the night, since Clark refused to not only leave her alone but also not give her a chance to explain Tyler 's presence in the house earlier. Tears blurring her eyes, she threw clothes into the bag, not caring what she packed, as long as she was gone by the time he got there.

Unfortunately, he and Matthew were walking through the back door by the time she'd put on her coat and zipped her bag. And Clark 's screaming her name made her cringe and freeze in terror.

Stepping through the door, he rushed to her and felt frantic. "Wait....don't leave, please," he asked, holding his hand out and hoping she didn't pull another disappearing act. "Matty's been coughing, is...he sick?" Her face softened a little, her eyes going wide and immediately, she dropped the bag. "I know, I know we have things to settle...but I didn't know....he could get sick..."

"Matty's... sick?" she asked, her face blank with shock. "He hasn't been coughing that I know of." She looked at her husband uncertainly. "How is his coughing got anything to do with us?"

"He just started coughing in the truck...and he doesn't have anything to do with us. But I...don't know what to do." Feeling helpless and small, he waited for her to say something. Do anything. "Ali, I'm sorry I said what I said to you..."

"Don't," Alicia said, holding up her hand as she took Matthew from Clark and listening to his lungs carefully. They sounded clear, though he was coughing just a little. "Maybe he's just a little cold," she replied softly. "I'll call the doctor in the morning if it doesn't go away." She looked at Clark hesitantly. "Guess you got lucky, Clark . I won't be leaving tonight."

Shaking his head, he sighed and went towards the stairs. "Well seeing as you want to be alone, maybe I should give you some space. I'll sleep on the couch tonight. Unless of course, you want me out of the house - which I would rather not, since Matty-" she cut him off by putting her hand up, but he turned away from her. "What do you want me to do tonight?"

"Sleep where you want to, Clark," she replied. "Matthew will be safely tucked into his own bed, though I think I'll take a guest room. I don't want to be in our... room... alone." Too many memories, she thought as she sat down and rocked her son to settle him.

Going upstairs, into their bedroom and grabbing his pillow, he looked around the room and closed his eyes. Flashbacks of their time together from the night before and so many others flooded his mind and it was then he knew what he had to do. Going back downstairs, he threw his blanket and pillow on the couch and sought her out. "Alicia?"

"What?" she asked quietly from the guest room that was across from their bedroom. She'd been getting ready for bed, though she didn't know if she would sleep tonight.

Going back upstairs and following her voice, he leaned against the doorway and watched as she pulled the bedspread back on the bed. "I don't want this to happen...I hate how things are right now between us..."

"I do, too, Clark," she answered, not looking at him. "But you should have thought about what before you called me a liar." She slipped into bed and turned off the light.

Kneeling down beside her, he heard Matty's soft cry followed by a cough in his nursey. Leaning down, he kissed Alicia's forehead and whispered those three words telling her how he did and always would feel for her. "I'm sorry...and I love you...."

"Sure, love you too," she whispered, not really wanting to return the sentiment... but anything to get Clark to leave her be for awhile. "Can you please go? I'm tired."

Walking out, he went towards his infant and stifled his true sadness for the moment. Going into the bedroom, he picked him up and sat down on the rocker gently.

Alicia rolled over to the other end of the bed, facing the window, and wept like she had never done so before. She didn't know how to make it right, but she knew that, by the morning, Clark would want to talk... again. And she steeled herself against the idea that he wouldn't like what he heard.

Standing up, he carried the sleepy baby downstairs with him, his little blanket in tow. Lying down and making himself comfortable on the couch, he placed the growing boy on his chest and covered both of them lovingly. "...love you Matthew..." he whispered, hearing his wife's heartbeat, her cries mixed with his own sadness.

Later on that night, Alicia awoke to the sound of Matthew crying. Damn, he must be sick, she thought as she padded downstairs to find Clark awake and holding onto Matthew. "He's coughing again?" she asked, worry creasing her brow.

Leaning against the back of the couch, he continued on patting the back of Matty and nodded to her question. "He was fine up until about ten minutes ago," Clark whispered, continuing to rock him. "I don't know what's wrong..."

"Damn," she whispered, tears pricking her eyes. "I'll call the doctor in the morning and see if I can get him in." She sat down in the rocking chair, not sure what else to say, though she was tired and lonely.

Standing up, only wearing his boxers, he began to walk him back and forth, looking down to check his face out every so often and kiss him. Not knowing what to say to her, he continued on in this way for the next few minutes. **

Clearly, Clark had realized that she really did want space to process her thoughts and decided to go to bed. "Good night, then. I see you've got everything covered," she said, getting up and moving towards the stairs.

"Please...don't...go," he muttered out, not wanting to be alone with this first time experience of their son being sick. "Please, Alicia..."

"Why wouldn't I go?" she whispered, not turning to look at him. "You don't want me to stay."

"I want you to stay..." he said softly, walking to her and standing before her, his eyes conveying the truth behind his words. "Ali, I am sorry...please, stay with me.."

Pausing on the stairs, she whispered, "Are you willing to listen to what's happened today?" she asked.

"Yes," he said, looking at her and pleading with her to stay. Taking a few steps back as she came down from the stairs, he held his hand out to her, willing them to both sit comfortably on the couch.

Though she didn't take his hand, she sat next to him on the couch, trying to make herself comfortable as she wondered where to begin.

Easing himself down, Matthew now fully asleep on him, he picked up the tiny blanket and wrapped it around him as best he could. "So...what, what ..." he didn't know where to start or what to say, so instead he waited, smiled nervously and said nothing more.

"Tyler was just someone I knew when I lived in Cleveland," Alicia immediately started, staring out into the room and not at Clark, "We were just friends, though we dated for a few weeks. Nothing serious, though. I took off before I had a change for him to find out about me." Her voice was flat and emotionless, like she had said this all before.

"Is....is that all there is to...that?" He felt embarrasses and ashamed, but he felt something beneath the surface that she wasn't telling him. Hearing the baby cough again, but go right back to sleep, he looked over to her again and listened intently.

"There really isn't anything more than that, Clark," she insisted, not understanding why he was still so suspicious. "I just... I was shocked when he showed up today. I didn't even know he was in town or that he knew where I lived. Kinda... creepy, if you ask me."

"Did you leave on...bad terms? I mean, would he ever...hurt you, or Matty?" Feeling bad that he asked that, he was concerned and worried about his family at all times and wanted her to know that is part of why he was mad. Moving closer to her, he felt himself falling into her presence and fell in love with that feeling all over again. "I've missed you, ya know...all day today.."

"No, he wouldn't hurt us," Alicia immediately replied. "No way. When I left, we did say goodbye, though I think he was a little more torn up over it than I was." She smiled wryly.

"Good, good..." he said his voice drifting off as his eyes fell to the small head on his shoulder. "Do you wanna hold him for a little while?" he asked, trying to get close to her again, needing to be near her and let her know he was sorry for being an ass.

Nodding wordlessly, she gently took Matthew from Clark 's arms and held him gently. She walked to the window and looked out into the night.

Following her, he stood behind her and knew the time had come, that everything was okay. Slipping his hands around her from behind, he held her body flush against his own as they stared out at the moon basking its incredible glow over the snowy field. "I love you," he whispered into her ear, hoping she would be calm enough to say it back - with feeling this time.

"Yeah," she whispered in return, not moving away from him but not really interested in touching him, either. She never wanted to re-live her time in Cleveland, and seeing Tyler again had brought that all back. She didn't want to tell Clark anything about it. And she still couldn't shake the feeling that Clark was trying to placate her to get his own way. She moved away from the warmth of his body sadly, her head down.

"What? What is still wrong?" he asked, hoping to get through to her, some way, some how. Placing his hands on the back of his head, he slouched and followed her with his eyes as she held Matthew. "What is it?"

"Nothing, Clark," Alicia replied, patting Matthew and trying to calm him down. "It's nothing I want to discuss, okay? Please just drop it."

"Then how are we supposed to fix...this," Clark said, waving his hands around and feeling his tolerance level dropping. "I love you. You're my life, but you won't talk to me. Why, why won't you...let me in?" His words, finally forcing her to turn around and face him, a look of despair on her face.

Alicia turned her sad eyes and looked into Clark's concerned and still angry blue ones. Sighing, she held his gaze and said evenly, "Because there are some things better left dead and buried. Why can't you just accept that there are things about my past I'm not proud of and I don't want to think of any of it, and when Tyler showed up today, it... all came back." He bowed her head, looking at her feet.

"I can accept that, and I understand it. Hell, my past wasn't exactly easy either, but that's not the issue. I care about you, and that means all of you. Your past, your present, tomorrow...all of it. And if you never want to tell me, well then, I have to accept that - because I care about you. But please, please don't ever...hide things from me. I would never, ever do that to you, and I hope you know that." Moving close to her again, he touched her arm and rubbed it gently, giving feelings to his words.

"But I didn't hide anything from you," she whispered, still not looking at him. "If I did, it wasn't intentional. If I didn't answer the phone, it was because I didn't hear it. Between taking care of Matthew and keeping house, I'm pretty busy. And then this ghost from my past appeared... it was all too much for me to handle. I'm not gonna lie to you, dammit."

"Okay, so why are you still mad at me?" Taking a step back, he pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed heavily.

She sighed. It was going to be a long night, she realized. "Because of the way you acted earlier, Clark ," she said calmly. "Why come storming in when for all you knew, we were at your mother's? It scared me and upset me, the things you said and the way you treated a guest. I just...." She shrugged her shoulders. "I don't know what else to say right now." Since Matthew had fallen asleep, she sat down in the rocking chair with him, moving the chair slowly and thoughtfully.

"The way I acted was because of what I've seen. You would have done the same, and considering I don't know all of your past, maybe you don't know much of mine either." Turning away from her, he walked into the kitchen and put on a pot of water for tea. Pulling up the blinds on the kitchen window, he looked out at the moon once more and frowned; this was not how he wanted to spend the evening with her.

"Okay, Clark," she whispered mournfully. "You win, I lose." Standing with Matthew, she said, "You'll have my entire past on paper in the morning. Now please... let me get some sleep since Matthew has finally fallen back asleep." With that, she walked slowly up the stairs and into the baby's room.

Hearing her footsteps going up the stairs, he clamped his eyes shut and buried the past that threatened to overwhelm him. Going back to the couch, he downed his tea in one gulp and sat down, upset and hurt that his wife was refusing to let him in. Kicking his feet up onto the table, he slouched down against the back of the couch and closed his eyes. 'I don't know what the hell to do...' he mumbled, hoping his baby was still with him at least, so he wasn't alone.

Once in Matthew's room, Alicia put the baby into his crib, crooning softly, "Sleep well, my baby. I'm sorry your daddy's being a meanie tonight, but sometimes it happens." She gently kissed his forehead and grabbed the baby monitor. She then moved back into the guest room, locking the door behind her -- as if that could keep Clark out, she thought bitterly -- and went back to bed. Though she knew sleep would not come easily, if at all.

A Jealous Man...

Tue, 31 Oct 2006 00:55:53 GMT

Sitting down on the concrete wall alone, Clark smiled as he reached into his pocket to retrieve his cell phone. Dialing his house number, he bit into his sandwich and waited for his wife to answer. One ring. Two rings. Still nothing. Leaving a short message, he flipped his phone shut and slipped it back into his pocket. Ten minutes later and still no phone call, he grabbed his phone once more and tried to call her again. The second call and still no answer, Clark began to worry. Leaving the construction site swiftly and undetected, he vanished and went back to the house.

Alicia laughed as Tyler asked to hold Matthew. "You sure?" she asked, still a little amazed that he had found her after all this time. "If memory serves, you hated kids."

Tyler smiled a little and shrugged. "Yeah, but he's yours, right? So that automatically makes me want to meet this little guy." Matthew cooed as if in agreement.

Not knowing what to think, Alicia handed over her son, gently placing him in her ex-boyfriend's arms. Matthew seemed to like being the center of attention, because he smiled at Tyler. "He's definitely a happy guy," she remarked happily. She heard a noise behind her and saw Clark standing in the middle of the room, his eyes glowing red with rage. "Clark?" she asked, a little surprised to see him.

"Alicia," Clark said, his voice flat and laced with fury. Looking over at this semi blond, surf-ish looking guy sitting on his couch, holding his son, HIS boy - was more then Clark could handle. "Hi," he said, his eyes never leaving this unknown mans face. "And you are?"

Tyler blinked in surprise, not knowing Alicia's husband was so... huge. "Uh, Tyler . T-Tyler Owens," he stammered, quickly giving Matthew back to Alicia.

"Clark, Tyler's an old... friend," she replied, trying to sound casual despite her fear of Clark's anger.

" Tyler, I'm Clark." Walking over to this...man who was alone with his wife, Clark shook his hand, gripping it tightly so there would be no question as to whether he meant business or not. Letting go, and turning his back to him, he walked to Alicia and picked his son up and out of her arms. "Hey there, my little guy..." Enjoying a moment with his son, he ignored the situation and remained as such, not knowing what to say or do.

Alicia shifted uncomfortably, embarrassed that Clark thought there was something more to this meeting with Tyler than there actually was. "So, I thought you were working at the site all day?" she asked, looking at Tyler with an apologetic smile.

Tyler simply smiled in response, nodding his head, as if he understood.

"I was, and I still have to go back... "Shooting a look over to Tyler that said he needed to speak to her in private, the other man stood up swiftly and excused himself to the bathroom. Turning to her, he held Matty against his chest and bounced him lightly. "So...who is he?"

Alicia blinked in surprise at Clark's overly harsh tone. " Tyler? He's just an old friend, Clark. Nothing else." She shrugged, wondering what Clark would think if he knew who Tyler really was.

Shifting his stance, he knew she was lying and it broke his heart. "Really? Then why are you lying to me?" Sitting down on the couch Tyler had only been moments ago, Clark kissed Matthew's head and leaned him against his belly.

Alicia blinked again, this time frustrated at the realization that Clark was nothing more than jealous. Sighing, she glanced at the hallway bathroom and said, " Tyler's just a guy I dated very briefly last year in Cleveland . He just... was in town for a visit." She noticed Tyler walking down the hall and gave him a look that silently asked him to leave.

"Well, I suppose..." Tyler said evenly, "I should get going. Nice to meet you, Clark. Alicia? Maybe I'll see you again before I leave?"

Standing up once more, Clark stood tall and proud of the man he was compared to this... Tyler guy. "Good to meet you," he said to him, flat and unenthused. Turning around, he headed upstairs with the baby still in his arms, needing to not be around the two of them before he left for work again. Knowing they would more then likely fight over this, he smiled and nodded and finally was up in the nursery with his little boy. "Daddy's a little upset...but everything will be okay..."

" Tyler, I'll call you at the hotel, ok?" Alicia said, her words not betraying the inward turmoil she felt.

"It's cool," Tyler responded, taking a step to hug her but thinking twice when she shook her head. "Yeah, I'll see you around." With that, he turned on his heel and left the house.

Breathing deeply several times, Alicia made her way upstairs slowly and peeked into Matthew's room, where she found her husband. "Clark , can we talk downstairs?" she asked.

Seeing the baby asleep in his arms for the moment, he smiled, stood and placed him in his crib. Covering him with his favorite blanket, he blew a kiss and headed downstairs. Sitting on the couch beside her, he sighed heavily and avoided looking at her. "Why did you lie?"

Shrugging, Alicia didn't bother trying to look at him. "Because I knew you'd react exactly the way you are right now," she whispered, walking over to the window and gazing out of it.

"So you lied to me? Alicia...I tried calling twice...left messages. I was worried and I come home to find another man holding our son - and then you LIED." Shaking his head and standing, he stood in front of the china cabinet and stared at his own jealous reflection.

She bowed her head, not turning away from the beautiful winter scene she saw before her. Not that she noticed anything but the desolation that was her life at the moment. "What do you want me to say?" she retorted, ashamed and humiliated that she couldn't tell Clark the truth. "That was the past. You and Matty are the present."

Shaking his head again and rubbing his eyes roughly with his hands, he stood there and said nothing. Turning and walking towards the door, he turned back and sighed, "I just don't know why you would lie to me. I'm not a jealous guy...and I...trust you. But he must have meant...or still means something to you, otherwise you wouldn't have...lied."

"The hell you aren't a jealous guy," she whispered softly, wincing at his words.

"I wouldn't be...if this hadn't happened." Walking back towards her, he held his hands out and pointed upstairs, "how the hell would you feel if you walked in and found some random girl holding our son, sitting on our couch and me...not answering your calls, huh? How would YOU feel?"

Alicia wrapped her arms around her waist, hugging herself as Clark's voice grew in intensity and harshness, her body involuntarily wincing with each word he emphasized. "I'm sorry, okay?" she whispered. " Tyler just... appeared at the doorstep, telling me he was in town. It would have been rude to have turned him away."

Turning his back to her again, mimicking her own actions, he placed his hands on his hips and sighed. "I...I don't know what to say…"

"Then don't," she replied sadly, tears forming in her eyes and slipping unchecked down her face. "There's so much you really don't know about me, Clark... and Tyler's one of them. I thought maybe I could tell you one day, but..." She hung her head in despair, suddenly wishing she wasn't tied down with a baby so she could disappear for a few hours.

"...but what?" he asked, looking up the wooden stairs and all he had built for them, never thinking she was capable of lying to him. "But...did...did you love him?" His voice broke slightly, afraid to know her answer but needing to know.

She sighed. How did she know he's ask that question, she wondered. Even if she couldn't read his mind at the moment. "I... wasn't around him long enough to find out." She suddenly felt the need to take Matthew and leave, but she stood in her place. Refusing to leave. Angry with Clark for not giving her the chance to explain and knowing he never would listen.

Walking over to her, the only thing he wanted was to touch her. He longed for that everyday while he was at work, but now - the thought just angered him more. Standing behind her, he said her name softly and waited for her to turn around.

Walking over to her, the only thing he wanted was to touch her. He longed for that everyday while he was at work, but now - the thought just angered him more. Standing behind her, he said her name softly and waited for her to turn around.

"What?" she asked softly, refusing to turn around, ready to bolt if Clark even touched her. Her sadness knew no boundaries.

"Look at me please..." he whispered, his hand threatening to betray his mind and touch her shoulder.

"No," she replied, her mind made up. "I'm sorry I didn't answer the phone, I'm sorry you're jealous of something that never existed in the first place... and I'm sorry I never thought for a second that my past meant anything to you." She turned heel and left the room, still not looking at Clark.

Clenching his jaw, he leaned against the window sill and watched as she stormed upstairs and away from him. Feeling his blood begin to boil he followed her slowly, headed to ask the one question he never thought he would have to.

Alicia knew he'd follow her. She knew Clark wasn't going to give up until he got what he wanted from her. That much she knew. She had retreated from the bathroom to clean her face and try to compose herself... which was of course impossible when her angry husband was quick on her heels and stood menacingly in the bathroom doorway.

"Do you want me to stay here tonight?" The words made him sick just saying them and turning away from her, he looked back to their baby's room and felt his heart shatter. He never, never imagined he would ask her this question, but a level of trust was broken and truths were revealed that he never expected.

Alicia paused, looking up at Clark with nothing less than shocked betrayal on her face. "What the hell are you saying, Clark?" she demanded angrily. She whipped around and looked him in the eye, glaring at him.
"That is the first time you've looked at me since this fight started, and why you always get mad at me for not telling you or sharing with you my deepest thoughts, fears...and now look what happened. Yea I know you apologized, but you don't want me around, I can feel that much."

"You know, you're right," she said flatly, hearing the truth of his words and feeling like she'd been kicked in the stomach. "But don't give me the high and mighty act because I fucked up, okay? Stay here all you want. I'll spend the night at your mom's house."

"No." Flatly and matter of fact like, he turned away from her and walked towards Matthew's room. "And I wasn't being high and mighty, let's settle that right now. I am sorry I'm your jealous husband and the stupid fucking alien daddy to our beautiful son, but you pissed me off and it...hurts." Sighing and thinking about what he had just said, he kept walking and peeked to see that the baby was...

"Yes, that's usually what happens when people fight," she replied with a sad, wry smile, following Clark back to Matthew's room and watching him look in on their son. Sighing, she continued, "And stop with the self-flagellation, okay? It's not cool."

"Thanks," Clark said, his voice quiet but more rude then he wanted. Or expected. Exiting the nursery he walked out into the hallway and closed the door gently. "So where do we go from here?"

Alicia shook her head. "I... don't know," she whispered, moving away from him and heading downstairs again. "You should go back to work so you'll still have a job. I'm going to pack up Matthew's stuff and head to Martha's house for a little while. For a short visit." So maybe I can sort these things out for myself, she thought.

"Fine," he said, knowing this was over for the time being. Grabbing his head, he closed his eyes and squeezed his scalp. 'Dammit,' he said to himself not wanting to leave like this. Walking to her, he cornered her and placed his hand over her shoulder gently. "Alicia..."

She stiffened at his touch and stilled. "Yes?" she whispered sadly, wishing she could rewind this day and do things differently.

Leaning down, he hugged her. Wasn't begging for forgiveness or apologizing, just letting her know how much he cared for her and was sad he had to leave. Was, just sad. Holding her, he closed his eyes and listened to her heartbeat, feeling her relax in his embrace slightly, but knew this wasn't going to be settled until later.

Alicia didn't know how to react to Clark's embrace, even though she relaxed slightly when she realized he meant her no harm. She didn't know what he wanted from her, either. Sad or not, he was quite successful at hurting her in return. She moved out of his arms and headed up the stairs, avoiding Clark's gaze. "I'll... see you later," she whispered.

Dropping his hands to his sides, he shook his head for the hundredth time that night and sighed. "Love you..." he whispered, then took off and went back to work.

Walking into their bedroom, Alicia waited until she sat on their king-sized bed to sink into the mattress and weep. Because everything Clark said about her was right. Because she wasn't worth the ground he trod on. Because she was foolish enough to think she could have a life outside being a mother again.

Leaving the house after a fight like that one, Clark's head was swimming into a thousand new uncharted waters. Hopping into his truck, he felt drained, sad - all the emotions he never thought he would experience having Alicia as his wife. But he was proved wrong. It was scary, outrageous to think anything would happen with her and another man, but still - seeing Tyler sitting in their home, holding his son had hurt unlike anything else. 'What would have happened had he not returned from saving his father's life? Would she be in his arms now?' Crazy, idiotic thoughts burned his brain while he finally made his way back onto the construction site - to see it was closing down for the day on account of the snow getting worse.

Shortly after Clark's departure, Alicia grabbed a bag with Matthew's things and tucked him into the moving car seat, which she used to carry him across the field to Martha Kent's house, where she had spent the day. And though Martha had been a wonderful consolation, she nevertheless dreaded Clark's return and his hurt and anger. She wasn't ready to tell Clark about her past, and yet... Tyler's presence in their house clearly warranted that discussion. But not when Clark was as angry as he was.

Having gone to a local restaurant to eat alone and collect his thoughts, Clark thought it would be best to go to his Mom's house and talk with her before heading home to Alicia. Turning his truck on and trudging through the snow, he slowly made his way to his old farm house. Pulling up the driveway, casting a quick glance in the direction of his own home that he shared with his wife, he sighed...

and made his way up the porch steps. Stepping inside and calling out to his mother that he needed to talk with her, he saw Alicia and Matty, sans Martha Kent, sitting on the sofa. "Hey..."

"Clark?" Alicia asked, a little surprised to see her husband at his mom's house so late. She thought he would have gone home. Actually, she had been counting on it, because she didn't want to see Clark. Not now. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Martha enter the kitchen behind Clark , see her son, and creep slowly back out of the room. No doubt to give them time to talk, she thought wryly. "Uh, what are you doing here?"

"I was going to sit and talk to my Mom, but seeing as you're here and she sees to be darting out, maybe we should be the ones talking." Saying this and sitting beside her, kissing Matty warmly on the head, he immediately felt hurt when she stood up and took Matthew away from him. "Maybe we should go home and talk about this?"

"No offense, Clark, but I'm not ready to talk to you yet," she replied flatly. She'd seen Clark's hurt look when she took Matthew away, but for some reason, she couldn't bear to be parted from her son. She couldn't break the connection. "I'll go home if you're going to stay here." She tried to move away from him and leave.

"Alicia, we need to work this out, whether you're ready or not." His tone flat, his mind reeling, he stood behind her and put his hand on her shoulder. "I would like to hold my son..." he whispered, hoping she wouldn't be that full of spite.

TBC......

Wed, 18 Oct 2006 15:19:57 GMT

The light surrounded them, perhaps even a small sense of warmth as they transitioned back into the cave portal. Standing where they had once been not so long ago, Clark held her close and asked her to gently open her eyes. "Everything is okay now..." he whispered, kissing her forehead. Looking around, he slipped the key back into his pocket and made way for the exit. "I can't wait to see Matthew."

Alicia managed to open her eyes and focus for a moment, seeing the cave walls moving towards... the exit. "Clark?" she weakly asked, her extremities still very chilled, her body slowly warming from his body pressed against hers. But it couldn't be real. He'd died, right? "I... is that you?"

Holding her firmly with his revived and very much living body, Clark walked slowly out of the cave and headed towards the truck. "We're going home baby..." Kissing her cheek, just to let her feel his warmth once more, he felt her fall asleep, weak from what they had just been through – together.

She wasn't aware that she had passed out, but at some point, she awoke briefly to the sound of Matthew's cries and Clark's voice soothing him... And then a slight touch on her face. When she finally awoke, she was in her own bed. At home. Clothed in sweats and a long-sleeved shirt. "What... how did I end up here?" she asked in confusion.

Pulling the blanket around her a little tighter then it already was, he smiled and touched her forehead, "you were out of it for a few hours....I brought us back." Watching her and wondering if she remembered everything, he stood up and mouthed a "be right back" and came walking in a second later with Matthew. "He misses his mama..."

Alicia burst into tears: Clark was here with her. And he had brought Matthew from Martha's house. Clark put their baby into her arms and she cradled him gently, weeping for joy and wanting to hold onto Clark forever. "Oh God, we're home," she sobbed.

Sitting beside her, and touching his baby boys little foot, he leaned down and kissed one of his pudgy little legs. "We're all here Ali..." Clark said, leaning over Matthew to kiss her...warm and full of love.

"I'm glad you're here," she replied, lifting her free arm to stroke his cheek. Her memories of the horrible last several hours came back to her, making her shudder in terror. "I really though I... I lost you... and I begged... no, threatened Jor-El to... bring you back!"

Taking Matty from her arms, he laid him out on the bed beside them and turned back to her. "I know you did. And you're fighting is what brought me back...I...was just lost... but your voice - your cries..." Letting the rest of his words die, he touched her chin lightly with his fingers and closed his eyes. "I...need to touch you, I need to...be with you..."

"Oh God, to think you were lost..." she sobbed, clinging to him and burying her face into his shirt. "Can you... put the baby to sleep? I need you too." She looked up and smiled at him softly, anxious for his response.

Nodding his head, he kissed the tip of her nose and ran his hand through her hair. "Be right back darling.." Reaching over, he scooped up Matthew and cradled him like the pro he had become at it. "Time for bed my little boy..." Rocking him gently and making a few soothing sounds, Clark continued on to the baby’s room and put him to sleep within ten minutes. "Goodnight Matty..." Clark whispered, touching his little cheek and placing his favorite blankie around him to keep him warm. Stepping out of his nursery and out into the hallway, he switched on the monitor and made his was slowly to the master bedroom once more.

Alicia used the short amount of time Clark was gone to wash her face and clean herself up. She didn't want Clark to see her tear-streaked face anymore. Not when he'd been through so much. She slipped into her silken nightgown and sat on the edge of the bed, waiting for him. And that's what he found when he walked into the room moments later. "Hey," she whispered longingly.

Standing in the doorway, he saw her sitting there, adorned in silk and more beautiful then he had imagined. "Hey gorgeous," he whispered and stepped inside slowly. "How are you feeling?" he said, motioning to her mid section and smiling expectantly.

Holding her belly, she blushed a little and looked down. "I'm feeling fine. Better, even." She stood up and sauntered towards Clark slowly, enticing him with her hips. "How are you feeling?"

"Feeling better...then I did...in that chamber thingy..." Reaching down, he slipped one finger beneath the small strap on her shoulder, pushing it to the side of her arm and rubbing his palm over her hot skin. Leaning down, he kissed her neck, moving to her shoulder and ending on her collar bone. "I missed you...so much...I felt how...empty it was without you beside me..." he whispered in spurts kissing her slowly and romantically, watching as her eyes opened and closed, her hands threading through his hair.

"Clark," she whispered against his mouth, kissing him warmly and increasing the intensity with which she held him. She needed him to know how much she missed him. She wrapped her arms around his neck and moved into her as closely as possible.

"Alicia..." his mouth said, aching to taste her in all the ways he so longed for when he crossed over. Taking a step back from her, he leaned down and lifted the nightie up and slipped it over and off of her body slowly. Letting the light fabric fall to the floor, he followed it with his eyes until he felt her hands on his face, pulling him close to her. "I'm here..." he said, still willing himself to believe that truth. "The love...I have for you...I...I-" his mouth cornered by one of her fingers, he closed his eyes and sighed, happy to be here, happy to be…alive.

Slipping Clark out of his shirt, she smiled at him. Fully, madly feeling too much for this man, she didn't even know where to start. "What do you want to do?" she asked softly, with a glint of lust in her eye as she smoothed her hands across Clark's chest, leaning in to kiss his male nipples lightly.

"Lay down, Alicia.." Clark whispered, watching as she turned her body around and walked slowly to the bed, naked and enticing him further with each step. Following her, he smiled and crawled onto the bed slowly. Moving his large body on top of hers, he spread her legs slightly and came down to meet her face to face, leaning in to kiss her thoroughly. "I'm so in love with you, you know that?"

She wanted to cry as she deepened his kiss, wanting to take in all of him at the same time. "Yes, I do... and it's nothing compared to how deeply in love I am with you," she murmured against his lips, taking her time, kissing him like they had forever at their disposal. She felt his hands slowly slide down her sides, making her ache with need. "Touch me, please," she begged as their kisses became more frantic and harder.

"Let me take you..." he whispered, hoping she was well and healed enough for him to become one with her. "Please...let me make love to you.." he said, kissing her neck, moving down to caress her breasts and licking circles on her most sensitive spots. Kissing her belly like he had when she was pregnant, he smiled when he felt her writhe with anticipation. Giving in to her, he eased one finger gently into her and moved slowly, a tease of what was to come. "You're so gorgeous to watch..."

Alicia nearly came when Clark slipped his finger into her and slid it back out gently, so as not to hurt her. "More," she begged, her hips taking on a mind of their own as she pushed against his hand. Clark willingly obliged, slipping his finger into her and letting her ride it. She moaned loudly, calling out his name and babbling of her love for him as she felt her body heat up from the pleasure he was giving her. All too quickly, she felt her orgasm come upon her. "Make love to me," she begged desperately.

Wanting to feel her come, but not with his hand, he kneeled in front of her and smiled lovingly. "Are you sure?" he asked, seeing her urgent response and shaking her head, he got his answer. Smiling and pulling his boxers from his body, he moved closer to her and grabbed her hands, kissing each one and setting them off to the side of her. Watching as she slipped on hand from his grasp and eased her fingers around his cock teasingly, she placed him where she most desired and begged with her eyes to… push. "Ali..."

"Take me, Clark," she whispered, playing with the tip of his cock slowly, making him groan. She couldn't believe how hard he was. It had been much too long, she thought as she watched him. "Please, I want you... it'll be fine." She knew he feared hurting her, and there was nothing she wanted more than being one with him again. "You're not gonna hurt me."

Easing himself into her slowly, he groaned and nearly toppled over on her. "Ahh...God..." he said, his words drawn out by the sensations she was causing. "You're so...tight.." he hissed, wondering how a women who had a baby not too long ago could feel this way. "I'm...not going to last long Ali..."

Alicia groaned in frustration as her hips rose off the bed to meet his slow thrusts. "God, you feel good," she whispered, spreading her legs wider to take as much of him in as possible, to feel his rhythmic penetration. "More... now... I.... need to.... please... now...." she babbled, not making any sense as Clark began to pound into her.

Looking down, he watched as he fucked her, and she did just the same back to him. Matching his thrusts with her own movements and giving him all of herself. "Alicia....keep...keep...moving like...that..." he nearly screamed, his orgasm not far off.

Feeling her own orgasm begin to ripple through her, she kept her movements sure and swift against Clark, throwing her head back onto the pillow, closing her eyes, and giving herself into the sensations Clark created inside her. Ripples of pleasure ripped through her, making her scream his name in agony.

Wanting her pinnacle to last for as long as she deserved and could ride it out, Clark pumped into her, giving everything he had and spilling himself within her without thinking. "That's my girl..." he said, kissing her lips with such intensity he felt it was as if they were one person.

Clark coming into her body was what drove Alicia into her orgasm like a Mack truck, her body shuddering with pleasure. "Clark... yesssss...." she cried as she felt him fill her completely, her inner muscles spasming around his cock, trying to bring him into her as she cried out wantonly. Her cries were swallowed by Clark's kisses as she came down and her body cooled. "My God," she said after a moment. "You... are... perfect." She wrapped her arms around him and held him close.

Lying down on top of her, he felt their hearts beginning to slow from their sexual exertions. "You....you are perfect, I just fit..." he said, laughing lightly and propping himself up on his elbows to gaze down at her lovingly. "How was that for a first time back..." he asked, tracing her jaw line with his finger softly. "Mm..." Clark moaned slightly and leaned down to kiss the spot he just touched.

Moving Clark onto his side, Alicia curled her body into his and sighed in contentment. "God, I don't know if we could do better," she whispered against his skin, stroking his chest lightly, just happy they were together again. Finally. "I'm sorry I ever doubted you," she whispered, a tear streaming down her face.

Rolling on his side and laying his head on the pillow beside hers, he smiled and touched her arm, "it's okay...you were right. If it wasn't for Jor-El...I would still be...dead.." he muttered, avoiding her eyes at all costs. "I'm sorry I put you through that Alicia, you didn't need that so soon after our baby was born.."

"Oh sure, now you tell me," she whispered, playfully punching Clark in the arm, trying to make light of everything that had happened. "Speaking of Jor-El, is he still in your father's body?"

"Yea...as far as I know, and he said he would come to us. But God only knows when that is..." Stroking her belly softly, he smiled at her, and then a thought hit him, "what....birth control did we ...not use tonight?"

Laughing, Alicia kissing him lightly and said, "No, I don't think we have anything to worry about tonight, Clark. I just finished my first period not too long ago, so... I think it's safe just this once." She blushed at her own words.

"Okay...but you know...I wouldn't-" The face she shot him said it all: "DON'T say it!" so he didn't. Smiling, he leaned closer to her and just as he was about to kiss her, Matthew cried a little and broke them out of their reverie. "I'll get him..."

"Please do," she said, grinning as she sat up in bed and pulled the sheet over her lower body. "I think he's hungry." She watched Clark put on his boxers and run into the next room. Moments later, he was back in their room with a wriggling baby. Alicia admired Clark, the father, trying to keep his son still. "You're a natural, ya know," she mentioned to him, reaching her arms out for Matthew, "but there are some things only Mommy can take care of."

Nodding, he pat his son's little behind lightly and smiled, "ah huh, quite a few things Mommy can take care of..." With that, he handed Matty over to her slowly and rejoined her on the mattress. "Six weeks...already..."

"Can you believe it?" she said as she helped Matthew find her breast so he could eat. She stroked his dark hair and whispered, "Sorry my little man, but Mommy needed a little TLC." She looked up to see Clark watching her, a strange smile on his face. "What's up?" she asked, preferring to hear his response rather than read his mind.

"I...just couldn't imagine anyone but you in this moment. You're the mother of my child, and it's more wonderful then I have ever dreamt..." Leaning over, he laid his body beside theirs and cupped his sons head with his palm, smoothing out the beautiful black hair adorning it. Kissing her arm and still touching Matty, Clark closed his eyes and placed his head on the pillow. "I wish I had a picture of this…"

Giggling, Alicia blushed from head to toe over Clark's words. She had never been the focus of such praise before in her life, and she didn't quite know how to take it all. She grinned in spite of her embarrassment. "Yeah, well, since I'm butt naked, feeding your son, there's no way you're taking any pictures, okay? It'll have to be a mental picture for you, Mister."

"Mental, physical...either way, I won't ever forget this..." Letting go of Matty's head, Clark leaned back and rested his arms behind his head. "I don't want to continuously bother him while he is eating...I would hope my parents didn't do that to me..." Laughing, he closed his eyes and paid attention to the sounds they were making; her subtle baby words, full of love and affection, Matthew's own language; All these things were all Clark needed now, and for the rest of his life.

Part 2/2 :P

(*thanks Angie for playing Mr. Kent AND Jor-El.... looking forward to more good times with BOTH characters! ;)*)

Wed, 18 Oct 2006 15:15:43 GMT

Alicia had enjoyed spending the day with Martha Kent. Matthew was growing so quickly, and with time flying by so quickly, she couldn't believe he was nearly six weeks old. They had spent the day making wedding plans, since Alicia didn't want her mother-in-law to miss out on a wedding. "I'm glad to be so close to you, Mrs. Kent," she said, watching Martha bounce Matthew on her knee. "Matthew loves being around you."

"Well, I love being around him." She smiled at Alicia. "And I'll admit...as much as I love Clark, it's nice to have a daughter now."

Alicia beamed with a pride she had not felt in a long time. Smiling back at her, she said, "Believe me, it's nice to be someone's daughter, even if it's not biological." She would have said more to her, but she suddenly heard Clark's truck pull into the drive.

Turning the truck off and hopping out briskly, Clark srpinted up to the door and smoothed his jacket out. Walking into his mother's house and smiling at his family, he waved and went to Martha. Kissing her warmly on the cheek, then picking Matty up and smothering his with the same affections, he then walked to Alicia and kissed her tenderly. "How's everyone doing?"

"Just fine, hon," she replied, smiling at him warmly as he kissed his mother and then his son. He seemed to be more chipper than usual, which perked up her senses. "Had a good day at work?" she asked, looking at Martha in confusion.

"I did..." Sitting down beside his wife and still holding his baby boy, he smiled at her and watched as his mother went to the refrigerator to get him a glass of lemonade. "Thanks Mom," Clark called out and leaned over to Alicia. "I have to talk to you..."

"Uh, sure," she whispered back at him, suddenly afraid of what he was going to tell her. She had waited for the day... is it now? she wondered. "What about... Matthew?" She looked down at their child, fear creeping over her.

"I'm going to ask Mom to watch him for a little while..." Forcing a smile and touching her hand gently he winked and stood up. "Mom, would you mind watching Matthew for a few hours? I want to take Alicia out for a nice dinner and what not tonight… "

"Of course I don't mind." She smiled at the two of them, completely clueless as to Clark's real reasoning for her babysitting. "You two have a wonderful evening."

She wasn't at all sure of a nice evening, but she plastered a smile on her face as she hugged Martha. "Thanks, Mrs. Kent," she whispered as she pulled back. "We won't be long, I promise."

Handing his mother the small bag with extra diapers and baby supplies Clark had brought over, he smiled, kissed her goodbye and looked over at Alicia, "ready?"

"Ready," she breathed in a deep breath and took Clark's hand. "See you soon, Mrs. Kent. Love you Matty," she called as Clark led her out the door and to the truck.

Opening the door for her and smiling as he helped her up, he shut the door and went around, hopping in shortly there after. "How's your day been?" he asked, kissing her hand and holding onto it a little tighter then usual.

Alicia noticed his almost desperate attempts at holding her and almost knew what he was going to tell her. "My day's been fine. What's going on, Clark?" she asked impatiently.

"That's good to hear..." he said, putting off what he had to tell her as best he could. "Matty always looks so happy with Mom.."

"Yes, he does," she replied, squeezing Clark's hand tightly. "What is it? Is it...?" She couldn't finish her question. It was too painful.

Not looking over at her, Clark said it all. Still holding onto her hand, he brought it to his lips again and held it there. "..We are headed to the cave now.."

"The... cave...??" Alicia could barely get those words out as she stared out her window, holding onto Clark's hand for dear life. "We going to your fortress?" she asked hesitantly.

"Yea," he said flatly, hoping she would be okay enough to finally get this over with. "I love you..." he said, looking over at her at a red light. "You know that, don't you?"

"I know that," she whispered, turning to look at him with tears in her eyes. "And it's because I love you that I'm even willing to do this." All too quickly, they reached the spot to the opening of the cave. She felt weak inside, her body more like jelly than flesh and bone. In fact, she nearly fell out of the truck when she opened the door. And even though Clark was there to catch her, she insisted, "I'm fine, really, Clark. Let's just... get this over with, okay?"

Looking down at her as she was now in his arms, he brushed his finger over her shirt and followed her eyes down to her breasts. "You....leaked a little," Clark said, leaning down and kissing her passionately. "It'll be over soon...I promise.."

Alicia tried to cover up the spot on her shirt where milk had leaked out but Clark prevented her from doing that. Instead, he kissed her soundly, deeply, before taking her into the cave. Inside, it was dark and musty, Alicia could hardly breathe, she was so afraid. "Is it... gonna hurt you?" she asked in a small voice as she watched Clark pull out the octagonal shaped key to open the portal.

"I don't know...truthfully. Hold on to me tightly.." he said, and slipped the key into its slot, quickly teleporting them to the Fortress in no time.

A whirl of light, lots of wind, and three seconds later, Alicia stood in the midst of Clark's fortress. She was freezing, but the sheer immensity of this place always made her speechless. She shivered in despair as a large, booming, masculine voice said, "Hello, Kal-El." It was Jor-El. The time was near.

Still holding onto his hand, he looked over to the one glowing block of ice and saw his deceased father's body laid upon it. "Jor-El.." Clark whispered his voice strong and ready for anything. "We have come here, now what do happens next?"

"Are you here to bring back your Earth father?" Jor-El questioned.

"I am. Please, help us Jor-El, we don't...know what needs to be done." Clark pleaded, still holding onto his now shivering wife.

"Very well. Come forth into the chamber room, Kal-El."

Alicia was terrified: of the cold, of the bodiless voice, of Clark leaving. She shook with the fury of the cold, despite Clark's warm body, and when he left her to enter the chamber room, several feet from where she stood, she thought she might freeze to death before everything was done with.

Right before entering, he looked at her long and lovingly. Walking back over to her, he scooped her in his arms and held her against him; just to touch her before he went...under. "I love you, I love you so much," he said, closing his eyes and kissing her face.

"I love you, too," she whispered, kissing him back with all the passion in her heart. Not enough time, however, to really kiss him: just something quick before he backed into the chamber. She heard the door slam him in and knew that was like the nail on his coffin. Turning to Jor-El, she screamed, "So now what?"

"Step forward, Daughter," Jor-El's voice said.

Alicia, speechless at the voice that surrounded her, took a step forward and to the control panel for the Fortress. She shivered uncontrollably at this point. "Couldn't turn up the heat, huh?" she muttered to herself.

A second later the small area surrounding the control panel warmed up several degrees.

"Thank you," she whispered, then shouted, "What do I have to do, Jor-El? And you better bring him back to me once you're done with him."

"Must the button," Jor-El responded. "The rest will take care of itself."

A large round button appeared on the console, clearly the one Alicia was meant to press. Tears streaming down her face, she turned to Clark, whispered, "I will always love you," and pressed the button... and watched him as he died.

A blinding, white hot pain ran through Clark's body, and the last thing he remembered was looking at the traumatized face of his wife. Trying to scream, wanting to change his mind, he banged against the icy walls to no avail. "SOMEONE...HEllppp me..." his voice dieing along with his body, everything faded to black, along with Alicia's own cries. And then the journey began, long white tunnels leading no where, showing no end. "Dad...?" Clark called out, hoping this would actually work.

"Clark?"

Looking over, there was his father standing proud with a smile on his face. "Dad..!" he screamed as he ran to him, wrapping his arms around him and hugging him warmly. "I've come to bring you home.."

"What do you mean, Son?" He asked in confusion.

"I want you to meet your grandson...and I don't think it was your time. So I have come for you..."

"But how?" Jonathan asked, shaking his head.

"Just....follow me," Clark said, grabbing his fathers hand and turning to look for some sort of return point.

"Clark...what if there are consequences?" he asked with a furrowed brow.

Turning to him, he frowned, "like what?"

He was silent for a moment. "I don't know," he admitted.

"Then come with me...please..." he asked, pleading with him.

Nodding slightly, Jonathan slowly followed him.

Alicia saw Clark's body slumped over and knew he was dead. And she fell to her knees and wept, now impervious to the pain of the intense cold in the fortress. She's just killed Clark: what did it matter now that he was gone? Suddenly, she heard a roaring noise and a blinding light where Clark's body was, forcing her to stand. "What's happening?" she said to herself, then louder. "What's happening?"

"You shall soon bear witness to the beginning of Kal-El's destiny," Jor-El responded.

Alicia nodded mutely, humbled by the thought of Clark's journey starting here, in death. And before she knew it, she saw the body of Jonathan Kent lying on the frozen table next to... Clark's body? Alicia rushed over to Jonathan and shook him. "Mr. Kent?" she shouted.

He winced a little and opened his eyes, finding himself surrounded by cold air in some icy cavern. "Where am I?" he murmured, rubbing his head.

Still locked within the Heaven his father had been in, Clark spun himself 360 degrees but couldn't find his father. Fearing Jonathon had made it through the portal and he didn't Clark froze and slumped down on himself. 'Alicia...' he called, knowing he had died...and wouldn't be coming back.

Alicia looked at Jonathan and smiled. "Oh my God, you're alive," she breathed, helping him up. "It's Alicia, Mr. Kent. Clark... he just... saved your life." She suddenly stood up, realizing that Clark was still locked inside that frozen box of death. Not moving. Still dead. She beat on the outside, screaming his name, but still... there was nothing. "Jor-El!!!!" she shrieked at the top of her lungs. "Bring him back! Where is he?! He promised me he'd return, damn you!!!"

"The only thing I can do is inhabit he who has just returned to retrieve Kal-El."

"Then do it!" she shouted to him. "Do whatever you have to, but bring him back to me!" Her wail echoed through the walls of the fortress as she sank down against the frozen wall that separated her from her world. "Bring him back," she whispered.

"Very well." Jonathan's body jolted suddenly and he cried out before collapsing back onto the chamber floor.

Sitting himself down and resigning to his fate, Clark rubbed his eyes and willed himself not to cry. 'I can't be here...I can't stay...here...' he said over and over, forcing himself to believe his own words. "GODDAMN YOU JOR-EL!!!" Clark screamed, hoping he would hear him across the monumental space that separated them. 'Goddamn you..' And then he felt a hand on his shoulder, gentle and light. Turning abruptly, Clark faced Jonathon Kent once more and hugged him firmly. "Dad...O God...I though you had left me... WE.. we have to get out of here..."

"It is not Jonathan Kent, Kal-El. You must follow me. Do not look back." He looked at Clark for a moment, and then moved ahead.

"Wait...wait, what do you mean, you're not Jonathon Kent?"

"Follow me, Kal-El," he replied.

Not wasting another moment, Clark spun this robot figure of his once father around and glared at him. "Who...are you?"

"Jor-El," he said simply.

Wanting to say anything, but unable to fully grasp what he was being told Clark stood there. "How..?" Reaching out, he touched Jonathon's body but felt the icy touch of his long dead biological father.

"You were trapped here. Your Earth wife requested that I return you. This is the only way I could do that."

"Well...thanks?" Clark said, unsure if he was happy to finally meet him in the flesh or more concerned about when they returned.

"We must go now," Jor-El said.

"Okay..." following him at a brisk pace, Clark said nothing more.

It seemed like an eternity since Jor-El, in Jonathan Kent's body, had left to search for Clark, wherever he was. The fortress had become dark and cold, causing Alicia to shiver on more than one level. As she leaned against the cold slab of wall, staring at Clark's lifeless body, she felt eh cold invade her body and her life force begin to fade. She wondered about Matthew and longed to touch him again. She wondered is Martha was worried about why they hadn't returned for their son yet. Would it even matter, she wondered, if Clark never came back and she froze to death? She didn't even know how to get home if such a thing happened. Time seemed to stop: nothing to do, nowhere to go... no way to get warm, she thought faintly. Her eyelids became heavy, a sense of sleep beginning to overwhelm her. So it was with very little energy that she was able to see that white blinding light again, this time with two figures standing in front of her: Clark and his father.

Shaking his head out of the fantastic oblivion he had just bin in, he looked around and noticed he was back in the Fortress. Sitting up abruptly, he searched the vast room and finally found what he was looking for: Alicia. Curled in a fetal position and looking at him as if her eyes betrayed every known law to man, he slid off the slab of ice and ran to her. "Alicia, it's me...I'm here.." he said over and over, wrapping his arms around her, and rubbing them to give her warmth once again.

Alicia heard his voice and felt the warmth that only he could offer her, but she still couldn't believe it. Clark had come back. She said nothing, only stared into his beloved face before smushing her face against his chest, the terror and emotion of the last several hours too much for her befuddled brain to handle. "Clark?" she whispered.

"I'm here...I'm here..." he whispered over and over, looking back to the figure of his father...both of them merged into on man's body. "Um.. why is Jor-El in my dad's body?" Turning over, he frowned and touched her face. "Just as beautiful as when I left you..."

Alicia just kept her face buried in Clark's shirt, her teeth chattering and her world feeling like it had been literally turned upside down. She didn't have the words to explain to Clark what had happened. There was no way.

"I appear to be stuck in this human body," Jor-El informed them.

Standing up and pulling Alicia to him, he glared back and shook his head. "I died to bring...Jor-El back?" Clark said, regretting those words as they rolled off his lips. "We all need to get home, Alicia is freezing.."

"Go on, Kal-El. I will attempt to correct this situation."

"I will come back here for you. When?" He asked, not sure of what to do and at what point.

"I will come to you."

"Okay..." Clark said, reaching out and shaking his hand, thanking his real father without any words. Turning back to Alicia, he picked her up and made way to the portal with the cave. "Let's get you home.."

Alicia only nodded, her outer extremities beginning to feel numb, beyond cold. She couldn't process anything at this point: she felt her mind shut down in anticipation of her own body losing its life. She felt, rather than saw, the changing lights of the portal move as they transported back into the Kawatche cave.

Part 2 following! ;)

When a man loves a woman...

Fri, 06 Oct 2006 14:42:49 GMT

Clark was late getting back to the apartment, which Alicia had expected. Moving on from your father's death isn't easy... nor having your best friend brutally raped. Still, Alicia was a little anxious to see him and spend time with him. With the birth of their baby getting closer, she was more and more aware of how tired she'd get during the day. The fact that the doctor had told her to start taking it easy wasn't helping, either. So when Clark breezed through the door shortly after 7pm, wearing a mischievous grin on his face, she threw him a tired smile and wondered what he was up to. "Hey," she said and kissed him. "What's with the grin?"

"Well....funny you should ask me, but I have a surprise for you." Bending down, he kissed her warmly and then proceeded to kiss her belly. "We're getting there..." Clark said while running his hands over and around her belly. Walking over to the bathroom, he kicked his boots off and tossed his dirty clothes into the hamper. "Gonna shower real quick, but do you want to drive or fly?"

Alicia's body jerked in response to seeing Clark wearing absolutely nothing. And he didn't seem ashamed of that fact... even to the point where she wondered if he would ask her to join him. She shook herself out of her reverie and looked him in the eye. "Huh? Oh, uh... where are we going?" She wasn't sure which way to go, especially if she didn't know where she was going.

Superspeeding through his shower, he emerged from the steamy bathroom, towel draped around his waist and walked to her. "That's why it's a surprise...but it's not far.." Walking around her, he circled her slowly and his eyes drew lines of lust up and down her perfect physique. "So...fly or drive?"

His looking at her like that literally made her weak in the knees. "I don't care, but you'd better get dressed and catch me, because I think I'm gonna fall," she played. "Do you know how sexy you are in nothing but a towel?

Stopping his sexual torment and standing in front of her, he wrapped his arms around her waist and smiled devilishly, "no...but what about without a towel?" Shaking his hips slightly, the cotton fell to his feet, his body now completely exposed and directly in front of her. "Well?"

"Um..." she tried to speak, but knowing Clark was completely naked again was more than she could bear. How frustrating her belly was in the way, preventing her from feeling him competely against her. "Uh, if I just said 'the fastest way possible', will you put some clothes on?" she begged, her eyes pleading against the spark of lust in his.

"Or...what?" Cocking his eyebrow in the most wicked of manners, he spun himself around so he was now behind her and she could...feel him against her. "Do you know how sexy you are to me?" Running his hands down her arms, over her tummy, between her legs and softly grabbing her swollen breasts, he heard her sigh and nearly melt against him. Emotions were running high and as much as he wanted to show his love for her here, there was somewhere else he preferred to take her.

"Oh God," she moaned, pressing her backside against his groin as his hands massaged her enlarged breasts. She could feel herself lose whatever battle he was waging with her, so it was surprising when Clark moved away from her and dressed quickly. She whimpered quietly, wondering what he was doing. "Um... what's the fastest way to get where we're going?" And to hurry home so we can finish what we started? she continued silently.

"Flying, but I don't know if that is good for you and Matty, so to be safe, I am going to drive." Walking over to her, he ran a hand through his wet hair and kissed her forehead. Reaching out for her hand, he let her walk in front of him and opened the door for her. Once in the truck and sitting so close beside one another, he could almost taste the sex coming off of her. "You...you are driving me crazy, you know that..?"

Stroking his cheek with one finger, she whispered, "If's your fault, ya know, getting me all worked up like that." She watched as Clark slammed the truck into drive and drove like a madman towards.... their new house. "Clark!" she gasped. "I didn't think the house was ready yet!"

"Not the entire house..." Turning the engine off and jumping out, he walked to her door and helped her out. Taking her hand, he picked her up and walked up onto the porch, opened the door and walked her over the threshold in his arms. "This...isn't what I wanted to show you.." Letting her down, he watched her spin and take in all the improvements and progress since the last time she had been there. "Follow me.." he said, reaching out for her hand and heading upstairs.

Alicia labored up the steps, which were nearly completed. Thankfully the railing had been installed, giving her extra support while he took her upstairs... and into the master bedroom, which was completely furnished. The large king-sized bed stood proudly in the middle of the room, with candles lighting up the room. Chest of drawers and nightstands also adorned the room, giving the room a very welcoming atmosphere. Very... romantic. "Clark, what... what is all this?" she asked, a little in awek.

Watching her soak in the appearance of the room, he smiled and cupped his hands together. Not wanting to ruin her moment with the new house, the new look and their future home, he said nothing. She was his life and in this moment, her happiness was all he could concentrate on. That was...before she came at him in full force.

Alicia grabbed Clark by his shirt and pulled his mouth to hers, kissing him soundly and passionately. Something she had wanted to do before they left the Talon apartment. She moved her hands underneath his shirt, touching him all over his back and chest, groaning that she couldn't pull him closer but using their physical space to her advantage. "Clark," she moaned against his mouth as he deepened their kisses and rubbed her back sensually.

Knowing she couldn't wait, and neither could he, he backed their bodies towards the large bed and slowly slipped his hands under her maternity shirt. "Mm..." he mumbledm words seeming too distant and irrelevant at the moment. Picking her up and straddling her around his waist, he laid her down on the bed softly and broke the kiss," do you like our bedroom?"

Pushing herself back onto the bed and onto her side as Clark stalked her on their new bed. "I love it... almost as much as I love you," she panted, grabbing at his clothing, wanting to see him naked again so she could let her mind wander back to those delicious thoughts she was thinking earlier. "Wanna try out the bed?" she asked with a wicked gleam in her eyes.

"What do you have in mind?" Clark asked, winking and sliding her into the center of the bed, now forcing him on his knees and hovering above her. Leaning down, he undid the clasp of her bra and slipped it out from under her shirt, and instantly marveled at the size and shape her breasts had taken on. "Wow..." he said, his eyes widening and his anticipation building.

Strange as it felt, Alicia had never felt sexier in her life than right at that moment, with Clark's gaze on her full breasts, his mouth practically watering. Giggling, she put one of his hands on her breasts. "Well, touching me would be a nice start, since I see that look in your eyes... yeah, like how big I've gotten?" she asked, moaning a bit as he put both hands on her large breasts and gently squeezed and massaged them, playing with her already sensitive nipples.

Watching her writhe beneath him at the slightest touch, he gathered that her pregnancy had made her more sensitized to each and every gentle touch. Leaning down, he circled his tongue around her as his hand delved down between her legs, taking in the hot, wet feeling she was emanating. "You want me?" he asked, his voice low and husky, and sounding as if he needed to be needed.

"God, yes," she moaned beneath his touch, her body on fire as his finger swirled around her opening, teasing her mercilessly. "I want you... need you... take me..." Her voice echoed her body's needs, begging for him to please her as she knew only he could. Her overly sensitive body was screaming for release, her heated body becoming slick with sweat as the mere thought of Clark inside her nearly making her come. "Just have... to be... careful..."

"Always careful Ali.." he whispered, brushing his lips across her ear and begging her to beg him. Slipping one finger into her ever so slightly, he ran his thumb over her clit and felt the heat increase ten fold. "MM...that's how I like it baby.." he said, commenting on her reactions that were making his body insane with lust and want. Slipping his now soaked finger from her, he brought it to his mouth and licked it slowly. Then stood off the bed and undid the top button on his jeans. Watching her sit up slowly, and straining at such an effort, she moved her body to the edge of the bed and reached her hands out to help him get his pants off. "I see you want to take them off, huh?"

Alicia's body was on fire. She had never felt so wet and ready to have him inside her... ever. So her urgency in taking off his pants was evident in her fingers fumbling at his fly, yanking his pants down and waiting impatiently as he stepped out of them. His rock hard erection before her, she immediately leaned forward and gently licked his head, bringing him a little into her mouth and sucking ever so slightly. She felt Clark's body twitch in response, his groaning urginer her onward. Already she felt the taste of his pre-cum on her lips as she drew him out again and licked him again.

Looking down, he grabbed her hair and moved it out of the way so he could see her better. Here she was, the love of his life, 7 months pregnant and going down on him. "Godddd...Alicia..." he hissed, his heart racing and his mind moving faster the the speed of his own powers. "I....I need to fuck you now.." he said, unaware of how rough his words sounded - his intentions really to make love to her.

Clark's words made her shiver in a delicious pleasure she hadn't felt in a long time. As wet as she was, as horny as she was... she knew Clark wanted her just as badly. Pregnant of not. She looked up at him after licking his head one last time and smiled knowingly. "Then show me how you wanna fuck me." She moved back to the headboard and proped herself up, lying on her back pretty much an impossibility.

Going to the end of the bed, he switched the light off and let the warmth of the candles fill the room. Crawling over to her, watching as she taunted him with her ass in the air, this position much more comfortable for her. Grabbing onto her hips gently, he ran his hand over her smooth ass and smiled. "Perfect.." he whispered, hoping she would truly understand that he meant every word. Taking his cock in his hand, he rubbed the outside of her swollen and ready center, teasing her and himself all the while longer then he wanted. "How bad Alicia? How bad do you want it?"

Alicia moaned loudly, babbling inaudibly sounds of need as she pushed her ass against his hard cock, feeling the tip just outside her center. "Be inside me and you'll find out how badly I want it... NOW!" She begged, she pleaded... she demanded. But he still kept himself outside her, continuing to tease her without mercy. Crying in sheer frustration, she screamed, "Clark, I want you so badly I'm gonna come if you don't get inside me soon!"

Wanting to see that actually happen, but not daring to miss that wonderful feeling, he slid himself into her easily, still taking note of their son. Staying there for the moment, he heard her moan and matched it with one himself. "Fuck me..." he said, closing his eyes and pulling almost fully out of her and sliding back in. "Alicia, fuck meee..." he pleaded, feeling himself falling over that orgasmic horizon faster then he wanted to admit it. But he didn't care. He was totally and completely in love with her, and that was all that mattered.

Hearing the desperation in Clark's voice made her orgasm hit her with the full force of a Mack truck, and she wanted to make it last as long as possible. She bucked against his cock, spreading her legs wider to make him enter her as fully as possible. Her hips rose with every slow thrust, her inner muscles contracting and spasming with each and every motion. But they kept it slow and sensual, both aware of the baby's presence and not wanting to hurt him. "Dammit, Clark... come for me," she whispered frantically, her own orgasm making her breathless.

Leaning down onto her and placing both hands on either side of her body, he gripped the pillow and kissed her neck ferverntly. Thrusting into her once more, he felt his body shake and shiver with the onslaught of his pinnacle. Spilling himself deep within her, his eyes clamped shut and he felt his cock stiffen harder then he ever remembered. Feeling the last remaining shock waves from her own orgasmic experience, he smiled and nearly yelled out her name.

For several minutes afterward, Alicia couldn't speak nor feel anything but her pounding heart and the feel of Clark behind her. Even as he finally pulled out of her and pulled her down onto her side, putting himself behind her, she still remained speechless. She pulled his arms around her to put them on her belly, more in love with this man every day. She sighed contentedly. "I can't wait to give birth to our son," she whispered, finally.

"I can't wait to see you give birth to our son..." his said, his words relaxed and true. Touching her naked belly and concentrating on Matthew's heart, he laughed and smiled. "Our little guy must be running around in there.."

She giggled, slightly embarrassed that he might have felt his parents' exertion. "Yeah, he's quite active. Maybe our... activities woke him up." She smiled, her body cooling as she snuggled against Clark's front. She felt his cock harden a little in response to her rubbing and laughed again. "Already? But we just...."

"...we just?" he questioned, lifting her leg up and easily entering her, blowing her away with shock and his abrupt movements. "I can't help myself with you..." he said, tilting her head back so he could suck on her neck easier. "I want you to come hard...just like this.."

"Oh... Gooood.... fuck me hard," she begged, her hips moving back against his, making him slide further into her and forcing her body back into a heightened state of pleasure again. He gripped her hips and thrust into her easily, making their rhythm a little faster, her second orgasm threatening to overtake her at any second. She moaned and writhed, screaming Clark's name as he continued his attack from behind again.

Holding onto her, he ran his hand over her belly gently and nipped her shoulder with the same tender. Feeling himself ready for a second orgasm, he closed his eyes and shook his head. He had never before experienced back to back orgasms. "Ahh Godd...Ali...I'm gonna come again.." he stuttered out, still reveling in the pleasure her body gave him.

Clark continued gently thrusting into her, and her body responded by pushing against him to take him in as much as possible. "Come for me, baby," she whispered. "I wanna hear you come." Even as she said this, she felt another orgasm hit her and wash over her like a waterfall: ripples of pleasure ran through her body.

That. Was. It. He came, long and hard for the second time in ten minutes. Feeling her take all of him as deep as her fragile body would allow, he unloaded into her once again. "Allllii..." he nearly screamed, throwing his head back onto the bed and wrapping one arm around her lovingly. "Holy....holy...shit.."

"Yessss," she hissed, feeling him plunge into her one last time, her inner muscles shuddering against him and pulling him into her. "Talk to me.... that's what I want...." How could she be so pregnant and still come as hard as she had was beyond her, but she knew it had everything to do with Clark and how amazing he was.

Lying there, beside her, he smiled and kissed the back of her head. "Amazing..." he said, this one word signifying the power he knew she held over him. "That was...wow..." Still touching her and smiling at each sensation, he leaned up and kissed her cheek softly. "Hey....you haven't kissed me yet ya know.."

Giggling, she shifted as best she could onto her back and looked down at Clark. "What, you still haen't gotten enough yet?" With that, she pulled his face to hers and kissed him softly, longingly, and lovingly, tasting him as though for the first time. "Thank you for this," she whispered after a moment. "This was... oh, I don't have the words."

"That's the point, isn't it?" Winking, he smiled and reveled in the kiss she gave him. "Well...I do believe I should give you a rest, after that...and Matty probably hates his father right about now.."

"After that..." she looked at him pointedly, "I want more. But you're probably right. I can always take you later, no matter what Matty might think." She winked at him wickedly, a promise in her eyes for him. "So, are we sleeping here, or back at the apartment?" As she spoke, she ran her fingers through his hair, feeling those silky threads against her skin and sighing.

"Whatever you want darling.." he said, watching her watch him, and feeling the content happiness only her touches could provide. "But...you do like how I decorated the room? Ya know me...I don't know too much about too much in that.."

She had barely been aware of what the room actually looked like, so she forced herself out of their intimate moment to look around the room. "I love the furniture," she whispered, "though it could use a woman's touch." She giggled, running her hands over his muscular torso, feeling a delicious lethargy overcome her. "Is it... too cool to sleep here tonight?"

"Too cool?" he asked, not quite sure what she meant by that. "Oh, you meant he weather? Well...you know I don't feel that, so it is up to you Ali.." Kissing her hand, he smiled and fingered the small diamond on her finger. "Wish....wish I could call you my wife already.."

"Well, maybe if you could keep me warm, we'll stay here," she grinned in response. "And don't worry... I'll be your wife soon. I think we just... need to wait a little bit, you know? I know... losing your Dad, and then Chloe... you don't mind waiting just a little bit?"

"I'd wait forever, so long as it's with you." With that, he stood up, pulled the covers over them and laid back behind her. Sitting up once more, he blew all the candles out from his spot on the bed and nodded when she smiled, knowing how much she loved his abilities. "What are you all giddy about now?"

"I'm giddy about spending our first night in our new house," she laughed. "I can't wait to move in, to be your wife, to have your baby..." Even as she spoke, her voice became drowsy, her body being lulled to sleep by her new surroundings and Clark's warm body against hers.

"Neither can I...neither can I..." Kissing her temple and then a follow up on her cheek, he smiled and whispered what his heart always felt, "I love you.."

"Not as much as I love you," she whispered as she fell into a deep slumber, her dreams filled with Clark holding their newborn child in his arms.

**************

Thanks to Katie for being an awesome sport! ...Matty will be here soon <3

When it rains...it pours...

Wed, 04 Oct 2006 03:26:03 GMT

Standing outside the door, he slipped the key in softly and made his way back inside the small apartment. Hoping Alicia was still asleep, he crept in quietly and said nothing. Turning the door slowly shut, he locked it and turned around - only to find her sitting at the window and staring out at nothing. "Alicia?"

Sitting in the dark, her laptop beside her, Alicia stared out into the darkness, feeling her soul die with each passing moment Clark was gone. So it was with some effort that, when she heard Clark's voice across the room, she turned around to look at him. He looked like he'd been... well, grieving, for lack of a better word. And not with her, she thought with a sad smile. She turned back to gaze out the window. "Clark," she replied, flatly.

Walking to her, he placed his keys on the island and kicked his boots off. He knew she was pissed. Running a hand through his hair, he grabbed his face and donned his other hand on his hip. "You're mad." With that, he walked up behind her and stood there, motionless and fearful of what was to come next.

Alicia said nothing in response, but continued starting out the window and rubbing her belly, as if to comfort herself. Truthfully, she didn't know what she was, but talking to Clark at this point was nearly impossible. She felt him move across the room towards her, making her involuntarily cringe away from him. She didn't want his touch: her overwhelming pain at his emotional withdraw and Jonathan Kent's death was enough for her at the moment.

Feeling the icy chill emanate from her, he stood firm in one spot, and didn't know what to do next. "Alicia?" he called again, this time a little more sad and hoping she would answer him.

"What?" she whispered, refusing to look at him. She didn't know how to answer Clark or what to say. She felt... alone and utterly miserable. And he was doing nothing to help relieve her pain. In her hand was the crumpled up note Clark had left, and she let that fall from her hand.

"I see you got my note.." Clark said, kneeling down behind her. "I...I just had to get out of these four walls...I really...hope you're not mad." Her head shot around swiftly, and seeing the look in her eyes was enough for him to want to lie with his father six feet under. "Ali...I'm sorry..." He felt like he had said those same three words more then he ever should and in a span of two days.

"Don't!" she put a hand up in response, cutting him off. She didn't want to hear he was sorry. She just wanted... him. There. With her. No matter what. And since his father's death, Clark hadn't seen fit to let her in, so why should she share herself when he asked? She moved away from the window, leaving Clark in his kneeling position.

Looking down at his hands, he felt like his world was falling apart. "Alicia, don't...do this to me. Not now." Standing up, he closed his eyes and rubbed then harshly, his anger and sadness becoming to much to take. "I am sorry. I mean it. I am sorry I haven't been here....I am sorry." Walking to the window, he placed both hands on the sides and looked out into the night sky. Shaking his head he let down the barrier of his mind block and let her see what he was seeing. His father. Talking to his father and praying he heard him. Anything and everything. But it wasn't enough.

Alicia knew Clark was thinking about his father. It was all he had thought about since his death, and she didn't need to see Clark's thoughts to understand what he was so focused on. Her mental block held firmly in place, she turned to see Clark's shoulders hunched down in sorrow, staring out the same window she had just peered out of. A twinge of pain wracked her body, aching to take him into her arms and comfort him. Instead, she went into the bathroom and shut the door.

Hearing her trot off to the bathroom, Clark didn't move. Couldn't move. Turning to face their bed, he thought of how much he longed to hold her, if only she would let him. Knowing what was beating her heart down, he knew it couldn't be resolved in a nights time. Walking over to the bed, he grabbed his pillow and made way for the couch. That was when she came out of the bathroom and stared at him with her arms crossed.

"What... the hell... are you... doing?" she demanded, watching as Clark dumped his pillow in the couch and sat down heavily. After everything they had been through recently, after his choice to run to Chloe instead of her, she just didn't understand why he felt the need to remove himself physically from her. She remained planted in one spot, her anger threatening to bubble to the top.

Looking at her, he shook his head and then turned towards the bed, "you...want me next to you tonight?" His eyes told the tale of a man who did not understand his own actions or the thoughts of his better half. Reaching for his pillow again, he stood and made his way towards the bed once more. "What can...I do...to make this right?" he asked, with his back turned to her.

"How about telling me why you felt the need to run to Chloe at three o'clock in the morning," she retorted bitterly. She knew it was just to talk to her, but just why he felt more comfortable unloading on Chloe was beyond her. She took several steps to get to the other side of the room, and by the time she reached their bed, she was breathless. She sat down heavily, feeling Matthew kick her very hard, almost as if he was angry at her for being mad at his father.

Reaching his hand out to her, he fell forward slightly at her pain ridden features. "Are you alright?" Watching as she hit his hand away abruptly, he stood once more and shook his head. "I went to Chloe because I...because I don't know. I guess it made me feel bad to hear about her...rape so long after it happened that I didn't want to have her experience the same thing about my father's passing." Sitting down on the bed, but a good two feet from her, he felt his heart race as the sound of his son's movements within his mother's belly. "He's...really kicking you, isn't he?"

"Yes, he is," she whispered, sniffing in disdain at Clark's comments. "Leave it to our son to side with his father..." Her shoulders slumped in despair, knowing deep down that Clark was right: Chloe deserved to know. "But did you really need to see her in the middle of the night?"

"No I didn't have to go see her in the middle of the night, and that is what I am sorry for. And...I don't think Matthew is siding with me. It's late and you're upset..." Pointing to her belly, he thought of how he longed to run his hand over her warm flesh, but knew right now was not the right moment. "Do you need anything?"

"No, I don't need anything," she whispered. Except maybe you, Clark, she thought miserably. She stood up from the bed and grabbing her pillow, made her way over to the couch. She felt Clark's annoyance at her movement but said and did nothing to stop it.

"No." His voice firm and automatically agitated, he stood fast and followed her. "You're not sleeping on this couch at seven months pregnant. Na huh, no way." Looking at her with an expression he hadn't wanted to flash, he walked over to his boots and picked them up. "I can't watch you do this because you're mad at me. I would rather sleep downstairs on the Talon couch then have you stay there."

"I am... NOT mad at you, dammit!" she screamed in response. "And if you'd take a moment and pay some attention to me, you'd realize that!" She snatched up her pillow and pounded him with it a few times, then marched back to the bed. "Fine, go downstairs and sleep in the Talon. I don't want you near me," she finally said, not looking at him for fear she would break down and weep in his arms.

Watching her lie down in a heap and grabbing her belly, he knew she was uncomfortable. Putting his shoes down and slipping his jeans off, he walked to his side of the bed and slipped himself in. "I don't think we can fix this tonight...but I don't want to be away from you..." Moving close to her, he reached his hand around and placed it over top of her own, which was still placed over their son.

Alicia moved Clark's hand away from her body. She was too big to move away from him, so she stiffened when he tried to touch her again. "Fine, Clark. You don't wanna be away from me? Then sleep on the couch." She pointed across the room, too tired and upset to argue with him anymore.

Understanding that there was no way he could make things right, he leaned over and kissed her head, long and soft for the moment. "I...love you." Kissing his fingertips, he placed them over her belly and rolled away from her. Picking up his pillow for the second time that night, he swung his legs out from under him and made way for the couch. On the verge of a mental breakdown, and now this with Alicia, Clark didn't know how he was going to get get through the night.

With a desperate look, Alicia watched Clark settle down into the couch, his mind racing as fast as he could run... kind of like her own emotions, she thought with a sad smile as she got under the covers of her large but now empty bed. She leaned into her pillow and sobbed into it. She wished she could make it right with Clark... but she couldn't. She had no words to make things better. She sobbed quietly into her pillow, praying Clark didn't hear her.

He couldn't do anything but concentrate on her. On how sad she was, mirroring his emotions. "Why...why are you pushing me away?" He called from the couch, staring at the ceiling as a single tear snaked down his cheek and fell onto the plush cushion beneath him. He wanted to go to her, cry with her, but now...now she wouldn't believe him, and that was the worst part of all.

Alicia cried harder, if that was possible, hearing Clark's quiet yet desperate question. For several moments she could not answer. Then she silently answered, "Because... you are..."

That was it. All he needed. Standing, he rushed to her as it felt like the right and only thing to do. Kneeling by her bed side, he touched her face and wiped away the tears softly. "I don't mean to...and you know that." Waiting for a reaction, and hoping it was a gentler one, he stayed there at her side, touching her softly and being with her in that moment.

For a second, Alicia allowed herself to sink into Clark's concerned eyes and soft caresses, but she pulled away, knowing that the physical caress doesn't mean he would let her in. "Maybe, Clark... but you still are." She buried her face back into her pillow, away from Clark's precious face.

"No...no...come back to me. I am here. Here with you now...please." Pleading with her, he ran his hands through her hair and sighed heavily. "Ali...please..."

Alicia pulled further away, despite Clark's begging. Even though he was there, it wasn't enough. Not enough. She shook her head "No" in response, not taking her face from the pillow.

Going around to the other side of the bed, he laid down next to her and wrapped his arms around her. "I'm not backing away...I am not leaving you now...or ever." Hoping she would give in, looking for something that would suggest it, he stayed there.

Alicia felt Clark's arms envelope her but refused to melt into his warmth and loving arms. It was a matter of pride at this point: Clark chose his best friend over his fiance for comfort... and she didn't know how to react to that. Her mind was beginning to shut down, her sobs decreasing but her sheer physical exhaustion preventing her from moving away from Clark. She just laid there, wordless, with Clark's body around hers.

"Let's just....go to sleep then," Clark said, his voice reasoning and steady. He knew she was hurt. And that is what this was all about. Alicia was hurt that Clark hadn't shared with her the worst feelings known to man...or aliens. "Do you want me to stay here?"

"No." With one word, she chose to make him leave her. She didn't want his arms around her. She needed to be... alone. Because maybe she deserved that anyway. She had always been alone.... why not now remain so, ensconced in her grief?

Shock. He hadn't expected that from her but there it was. Taking his arms out from around her, he sat up and looked down at her. "Do you want me out of the apartment too?"

Alicia shook her head. "No, stay here... please. Just... not in bed." She rolled over and looked up at Clark, seeing the sudden coldness in his eyes and dying just a little more.

Nodding, he slipped out of their bed and walked over to her couch. Sitting down, he ripped his t-shirt from his body, angry and feeling more alone then he ever remembered, and laid himself down. "Goodnight," he said, the anguish apparent in his voice.

Alicia heard Clark ripping the clothes from his body and stifled the urge to go to him. But as angry as he was, there would be no way she would reach him tonight. "Goodnight," she said simply, trying hard to ignore his every movement as he tried to relax into the couch. Sleep eventually came, but very slowly. Her thoughts settled on Clark and she fell asleep listening to his thoughts of anguish and pain, around his father... and her.

After Hours Note

Tue, 03 Oct 2006 14:50:09 GMT

(Note Left for Alicia when Clark goes to see Chloe)

Alicia -

I ran to Metropolis to speak with Chloe for a little bit. I will be back probably before you get this. I love you. Everything is okay...just needed to stretch my legs.

Love,

Clark

PE: The Good, The Bad and the Expected..

Sun, 01 Oct 2006 22:58:10 GMT

My...father.

I...I don't even know where to start. Everything...seemed okay lately. Me and dad were supposed to meet up and talk about the house and the baby the day after he passed away. But now....not only am I never going to...talk to him or see him again, but my....my son won't ever know the man who helped raise me.

I just feel so lost without him, so....left behind. Alicia has been my rock, my refuge...but my mother is so cut off - I have no idea how to approach her or what to say. I know she needs to be comforted, but how? She pushes Alicia and I away and the last thing I want to do is push to hard....and make it worse.

The funeral is in a few hours, and staring across the room watching my pregnant better half, I can't help but feel sorry for myself. And I know that is wrong - in a time like this, I should just be there for everyone, but...I feel so...sad. Just sad.

I am wasting time writing this when I should be getting dressed, but Alicia is still ironing my suit and....watching her is calming me. Along with working this out on paper. I just hope I can be the man my father was, in every area. The father, the husband, the man...

*sighs*

I am sorry. Just so sorry I wasn't there when he needed me the most. I could have....gotten him to the hospital...or...something. But my job kept me away from my phone....hours too late. Walking into that ER room was the hardest thing I have ever had to do. Seeing my mother's face - Alicia's. It was...

I have nothing more to say. I just hope my father can hear me and...will always know how much I love him. He.. he taught me all the things I ever needed to know, and I just hope my son can say the same about me one day.

For now...I end this and return to my future - she's hanging my suit blazer up and holding strong for me. Something I will always be grateful for.

Goodbye my father,
Love,
your son.

OOC - On September 21st...

Thu, 21 Sep 2006 13:22:30 GMT

...26 years ago...Angie was born!!!

HAPPPY HAPPPY BIRTHDAY ANGIE!!!!!! :D:D:D:D:D

I will make ya something special tonight.....but I wanted to wish you this...wish now! :D

Hope you have a great day!!! :D

***HUGS***

PE: Current Events..

Tue, 19 Sep 2006 14:26:23 GMT

So it's been some time since I was able to actually sit down and write out what's been going on, ya know - with Alicia and Matthew; Chloe and my parents, etc., so I thought my first day off should be good to do so.

Alicia is still sleeping as I type this, and should she wake up, I might have to finish this later - not that I don't want her to know my personal feelings (she does anyways!), but because there are surprises I am going to mention and I feel as though they should remain such that. Anyhoo, I guess I should begin explaining how happy I am to be back home with her - Paris was amazing, and the little outfit we bought for our boy makes me want to me him even more, but coming home to the ultrasound appt.? THAT was incredible! His little tiny heart, beating twice the speed of mine, his small hands and legs - we actually have a picture of him looking at the 'camera'! I couldn't wipe the grin from my face if my life depended on it during that session.

But things have been busy for me. I am not around her as much as I want to be - granted we are always right next to one another by nightfall, no matter what. But it's just with the house AND work that is taking up so much time. O yea, I am building a house on the back 40 of the farm. I know my parents aren't all too thrilled about it, but I am still their child and my dad had more or less given me the green light. Mom? Well, she just smiles a lot and nods...I miss them. I am thinking of having a one on one with my father, and very soon. I need him to be there for me during this, and to love his grandson and future daughter in law. I hope he will meet with me - minus the green Kryptonite. I miss my mother as well. That last heart to heart at the Talon was very much appreciated and needed, but I feel the emptiness of her and I not being as close. I should stop over there after work and before I start work on the house..

Thank God for my abilites. To level the land, cement it, and actually build the house? I would have died by now if I were one man working on this alone - but alas, I am not normal so it is much easier for me and the entire situation. I want to have it done and ready within the month - call in the electricians, plumbers, heating, air conditioning, etc. - but thankfully I know most of these guys from working with them on the construction sites - so the fees should be low and the jobs done quick.

I just want to make Alicia happy. To put a roof over her head and take care of her. I know this house is sucking up a lot of time and money, but we were talking about a beach wedding where I would transport all of our guests down there before they ever realized what happened to them...still have to talk to her more about that. October 4th is the set date, and hoping all goes accordingly, that should make us Mr. & Mrs. (again!).

Looking over at her just the other moment, I can't describe how thankful I am to have her with me, and how she has me completely. It still brings me to my knees what I would do for her. With one hand on her belly, I felt Matthew kick ever so slightly, letting me know he knows I am thinking of him - always. And it's seconds like that one that make me believe I was sent her to this planet for a reason.

Speaking of Planet... now that I know what I am to become in my future - and Alicia has seen this 'costume' of mine - we are now trying to devise a plan of action to get her into the Daily Planet. We've talked about when I make my debut out into the world as this...man, but the details are still a little fuzzy. I just hope people believe in me and what I will stand for. Well, what I DO stand for. But either way, we have to talk to Chloe about everything, and I hope sometime soon.

Chloe. I can't say to much about her right now, as it is secret, but it is killing me inside to not be around her during this difficult time in her life. I can't wait to see her again, and I hope she feels comfortable enough...telling Alicia all that has happened. But who knows...I just...feel so...useless with everything.

But I have to stop there on that note - I swore to her that I would not say anything, and that is how it will remain. And, now looking at the time, it's way too early for me to be awake on my day off. So - I am going to lay back down next to the girl of my dreams and find some sense of peace again.

Will write more later...

OOC -

Sat, 16 Sep 2006 15:48:07 GMT

I am going to my sisters house for the night and will return sometime later tomorrow, Sunday.

Though - I may take Monday off of work because I'm bitter for the following reason: not only did I NOT get out of work early on Fri. but I stayed like an extra 15 minutes, but whatever - we all love our co-workers, right? Soooo....I am sailing off to the lovely Pottstown area of PA for the next 24-28 hours, and I hope you all have a good weekend!

P.S. two side notes:

[KT - I will hop on gmail at some point, hope to say hi! ;) But, in case - I hope you're feeling better :) *huggles*]
[Angie - SIMS 2 today!!! :D:D]

Tata ladies! :D:D Enjoy ;)

O and just because I am feeling the Supes storyline we've got running - I had to post this:

*awesome* :)

Reunited....

Fri, 15 Sep 2006 00:41:20 GMT

[sing the rest!] :p anyhoo....the it's the Calicia reunion! ;) enjoy....

Clark knew finding Alicia was going to be a feat in itself, but his heart wouldn't accept another night fall without her. Even if he could only see her once more, a mirage or a slight glance amidst the French would his soul feel more complete. He went to each of the locations that were captured in the memories she had left for him, but found her no where. Darkness had filled the foreign land and he knew his chances were cut by nearly 2/3 and contemplated giving up until tomorrow.

Until he saw her. Sitting there, alone and lost in thought - watching the people walk by, most likely thinking of their son and his own well being. His body shivered in excitement and anticipation but he didn't want to startle her. Noticing a small flower stand off to the side, he walked over to a young teenager and purchased a single red rose. Red, for love. He knew she would appreciate it for everything it meant. Walking to her, he controlled his breathing and stood behind her. Dropping the rose on the sidewalk beside her, he watched as confusion graced marked her features, and then bent down to whisper his hello.

Sitting on the steps of Sacre Coeur, the most peaceful place in Paris, Alicia had sat on the hard, concrete steps watching the night descend onto Paris, seeing the couples saunter by her, hand-in-hand. And missing Clark with every heartbeat. She felt so foolish, leaving like she did. Stupid. Dumb. There were several words to describe her impulsiveness. And for what? she wondered. More misery? But she longed to have him by her side, for good this time: the uncertainty was killing her.

And it was about that time that she noticed the single red rose fall by her side. Shaking out of her reverie, she picked it up and heard that most beloved voice. Grabbing the rose, uncaring if the thorns bit into her hand, she looked up and saw Clark standing above her, looking... different. Confident, strong, and more handsome than she had ever seen him. "Clark?" she asked as she struggled to stand. "Am I seeing things?"

Pulling her to her feet, he held her close to him and just hugged her. He closed his eyes and allowed his body the satisfaction on she could instill throughout him, but knew he should explain what found him here. Pulling back slightly, he looked into her eyes and smiled warmly, "you're not seeing things. I'm here..." Leaning in he kissed her softly, taking in the tiny movements of her lips, the sway of her body against his, and it was then he knew someone else he wanted to say hello to as well. Resting his hand over her now visibly pregnant belly, he smiled and whispered, "hey buddy.." then looked back to her and remained silent.

She felt love and relief in Clark's kiss, in his greeting to their child, and she had to shake herself out of believing this was nothing more than a dream. One of many dreams she'd had since she got here. "You're here," she whispered, kissing him longingly again. "I've dreamed of you here... during the day... at night... never thought I'd actually see you here." She looked into his blue eyes and lost herself in them. Suddenly worried, she bit her lip from guilt over leaving Smallville.

He was happy he made her so happy - hell seeing her made him feel the same, but there was one question he had been eager to ask her, and now he saw it reflected in her eyes that she knew what he was thinking. "Ali...why....why did you leave? I was so worried..." Wrapping his arm around her waist, they began to walk side by side, the cool night air surrounding them; making them feel at home in such a different setting. But he needed to know, and hoped she would let him in, once and for all.

Alicia reveled in Clark's warmth for a moment, savoring their mostly silent walk. But she wanted to account for her actions, so she squeezed her arm that encircled his waist and replied honestly, "I'm sorry I worried you, Clark. But being there, alone... I couldn't take it.... I really didn't know when you'd be back." Her fingers stroked his side gently, their bodies moving together as though one.

"Are...are we okay now? I have finished my training and I am officially yours and Matthew's forever." Turning her to face him, he placed his hands on her hips and looked at her. His future wife and the mother of his child. What more could he ask for in life? Smiling, he looked up at one of the few noticeable stars and laughed, "of all the things I am to become, you're the only one who will ever have me. Please remember that.."

Laughing with sheer relief, she put his face between her hands. "I'll remember that. I'm gonna hold you to it, Clark Kent." Standing on her tiptoes, she reached up and kissed him, releasing all the missing and longing for him she went through the last couple of days.

Giving into her without a care as to who could have been vain enough to watch, he encased himself into her and became whole again. Their bodies, now with more space between them then ever before because of thier son, were latched together in a kiss to rival tales old and new. Holding onto the back of her head and one arm draped behind her back, he felt himself react to her in the only way she knew how to set off. He wanted her. Now. His two days gone and this long day of searching had taken its toll on his body, both physically and emotionally and now that they were back together again, his mind went blank with serene pleasure and overwhelming love. "Alicia...?"

Her body grew warm with love for him. She felt his need radiate off him in waves, crashing into her and making them one. Their kiss nearly made her weak in the knees, his mouth soft yet demanding as they moved against hers. She paused just long enough to look at Clark silently for a moment before running her hands through his hair, wanting to feel his body against hers. She felt his exhaustion shadowed behind the love and knew he needed some rest. "You're exhausted," she pointed out.

"Let's go somewhere... maybe a hotel for the night? I haven't sleepy in nearly three days." Laughing at his own comment to lighten the mood, he saw her new motherly instincts take over and a frown drape her face. "No, no. I am okay, trust me.. " But the damage was done. He felt her grab his hand and lead them towards the closest and cleanest hotel within walking distance and made their way in. "We really don't have to stay here tonight, I can take us home.."

"No, this is my hotel," she replied immediately. "I love this area of Paris and wanted to stay here while you were... away." They reached her hotel door and she opened it, ushering him inside and guiding him towards the bed. "Can I get you something?" she asked, trying to remove his shoes but unable to because he gently grabbed her hands and made her stop.

"Alicia, don't... what kind of man would I be if I let you cater to me like that? Especially while in the condition you're in." Standing up, he picked her small body off the floor, and laid her out across the comfortable mattress. "Here...I will get you some water.. be right back.." Walking to the little kitchen in the corner of the room, he poured two glasses and made his back to her. "So, how have you been feeling?" Resting one hand over her belly, he drank his water and watched her quietly.

She smiled with warmth at Clark's innate male sense to care of what was his. "Physically, I'm fine. And Matthew's happy," she replied, taking the glass from him and rubbing her ever growing belly. "We've just missed you... so what happened out there?" Worry crossed her features.

Shaking his head, he sat at her feet and pulled her legs to rest over his thighs. Rubbing them softly, he looked down and smiled, "Jor-El showed me what is to become of me. What I am supposed to do for this world. It was...intense to say the least, but now I know that things are going to be okay." Taking another drink of his water, he placed the glass on the night stand and looked back over to her. Smiling, he leaned down and kissed her knee, a small, loving gesture of his devotion to her. It didn't matter where he kissed her, so long as he could. "Are you tired?"

"Mmm, that's nice," she whispered as Clark continued kissing her knees, massaging her legs gently, bringing her body to life again. "But," she suddenly said after a moment, her head trying to focus on something other than Clark's caresses, "what does Jor-El expect you to do?"

"Because a force for good in this world - help people in their darkest times; it was all very vague but the lessons were true and the future pictures were shown to me. Personally...I think you will laugh, but now that I know what I am going to....look like, I kinda like it." Winking, he hoped she wouldn't ask too many questions as the description of his...work suit will be slightly misleading. but he wouldn't hide that information from her, or anything else for that matter. Bringing himself closer to her, he allowed his body to relax beside her and take in the moment. "I missed you...so much."

Bringing her body closer to his, she felt her belly brush against his lightly. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she whispered, "I missed you more. But what's this about an outfit?" She grinned mischievously at him, listening to his thoughts without shame.

"You're bad, you know that?" Nipping her nose with his teeth, he laughed and pulled her to rest over top of his body. "Nothing...ya know, I was going to tell you - now I think I might just make you wait and see.." He heard her sigh in frustration and chuckled softly, knowing fully well, if she wanted the truth from him - she would get it. "I love you Alicia... both you and Matthew. You know that?"

Alicia smiled into Clark's chest. "Yeah, I know," she sighed again in mock frustration, "but sometimes I think you like to tease me." She looked up and tried to pout but giggled instead: the look on Clark's face literally left her breathless. He stared at her like he had never seen her before. "Clark, you okay?" she asked.

"Mmhm.." He couldn't express his love for her, felt there weren't any adequate words for such a feeling, and knowing he was here, lying beisde her made him feel more alive then he could ever remember. "So, how's our little guy doing? Moving around me? I was wondering when we would be going to find out for sure that he's a boy?" Drawing circles absent mindedly on her belly, he gazed longingly at her and waited, her expression that of curiosity and wonderment.

She couldn't ignore the look in Clark's eyes and knew what was on his mind. But as much as she wanted his body, she yearned to hear his voice too. "I think pretty soon. I have to make another appointment with the doctor and another ultrasound... and I thought I felt him move after you left." Clark's eyes went from one intensity to another immediately, making her smile softly.

Looking at her in shock, he then moved his gaze speedily down to her belly and smiled, "really?" He couldn't believe it! "I want to meet him already...but...he's still too little..." caressing her softly, he looked back to her face and found her eyes heavy with both lust and sleep. He couldn't decided which to talk about so he did the only thing he though right: he kissed her. **

Fort Welling: Alicia moaned into his kiss, a little surprised by this sudden aggressiveness but too sleepy to really care. As her body caught fire with need, she wondered if Clark was tired of talking and decided to give into the desires both of them felt. She leaned into him, grabbing onto his shirt for support. "Do you... are you...?" she sighed.

He wasn't sure he completely understood what she was trying to say, but he didn't want to feel stupid by asking. Touching the bottom of her chin with his finger, he smiled and winked, and closed his mouth over hers. He wanted to feel her, wanted to feel his son move ever so slightly - wanted so many things all at the same time. "Are you...tired?" He always put her feelings first, and knew he forever would.

Fort Welling: Alicia knew the answer to his hesitant question as she kissed him back with fervor, wondering how he could create such intense feelings in her body when she was four months pregnant with their baby. She responded by reaching under Clark's shirt and stroking his hard belly with her fingers. She stopped kissing him long enough to shake her head "no", before leaning into him and stroking his neck with her lips and tongue.

He felt her body writhe beneath him and her small hands touch the skin directly above the zipper on his jeans - sending an electric shock straight down his spine kick starting the sexual tension he had kept in check. Not being able to tear his lips from hers, he felt her hand brush the rock hard erection he had and his felt as if he were a teenager all over again. "Ali...."

"Clark," she whispered against his mouth as she stroked his hardness again and again before reaching for his zipper. She sliipped her hands into his boxers, needing to feel his erection against her hand. Their mouths still connected, Alicia could hear Clark's gutteral moaning to continue what she was doing.

He didn't want to finish like this: their first time, messy and disconnected. He wanted to be...one with her. To feel their new life growing just beneath her skin, the feel...her. Looking her in the eyes, he couldn't think of any romantic way to say it while she was stroking him, so he just said it: "I don't want to finish like...this.." He hoped she would delve further into those words, and just understand him, so he waited for her reaction.

Alicia seemed to understand what he was telling her. She saw the images in his head, how they wanted them to be together this time... so she stopped her hand. Pulling brieftly away from him, she stood up and, standing in front of him, slowly removed her clothing. Her body screamed for the release only Clark could provide her, but she wanted to make the moment last as long as possible.

He sat laid there on the bed, watching he slowly take her clothes off. And it was then it hit him all over again: how beautifully perfect she was, and now more so because of what they had created. Swinging his legs over the side of the bed, he stared longingly at her, his mind and body entranced by her pregnant figure. And she seemed comfortable with her own body now, something he had known she was struggling with in the beginning. Reaching his hand out while still in his daze, he touched her, gently and with more love then he had ever known for another, and smiled. "Thank you."

She smiled in response to the absolute power she held over him. He touched her like a man possessed, his hands moving all over her body. She moaned in response to his touch, moving closer to him when he lovingly caresses and then kissed the lump in her belly. She ran her fingers through his hair, wanting him more by the second but knowing he wanted to take his time, needing this time for them to connect on every level.

His mind felt as if it were lost amidst a euphoric sea that she had swept him up into. He couldn't control where his hands roamed, where his eyes set upon, only that he knew this moment couldn't have been more right. It was him and her, coming together in a way only they were capable of, and he wanted nothing but that. Standing, he leaned down and kissed her neck, holding her hips and melting into everything she represented to him. "...love you so much.." he mumbled in between his touches.

She shivered in utter delight, lost in the sensations his kisses was creating. She moved into his embrace, her slim frame surrounded by his massive one. Her belly brushing against his t-shirt. She closed her eyes and sighed contentedly, though she yearned for more of him. "I love you, too," she whispered against his hair and suddenly felt a slight motion in her stomach. She stilled, knowing their son had just kicked, making his presence known. "Clark," she whispered, grabbing his hand and putting it on her stomach.

"What's wro-" his words cut off by the subtle movements he felt within her belly, he looked at her and smiled - wider then his cheeks would have liked. "Wow...is he....moving?" He couldn't believe it! 'My son...moving around in there..' He was completely awestruck and forgot what he was doing...until the movement settled and finally stopped did he feel her lifting his shirt over his head. "Ali… that was incredible..."

"That's our son telling you hello... Dad," she giggled, removing his shirt before bending down and taking off his pants and boxers. "There. Much better." He stood, towering over her, his intense eyes boring into her body, trying to catch a glimpse of their son moving within her. "Are you trying to x-ray our son?" she asked, slipping her arms around his waist, her hands settling on his hips.

"No - but I was thinking about it.." Feeling her pinch his arm, he smiled and let the funny feeling fade from around them. Pulling her to him, their naked forms touching, he immediately felt sparks, and a heat envelope them like never before. Running his hands through her golden hair, he thought it reminded him of silk and leaned in to kiss top of her head. "So, what would you like to do...?"

Laughing and leaning into his chest, she let their mutual lust wash over her. Kissing one of his male nipples, she whispered, "What were you thinking of in your head a little while ago? Maybe... that...." She licked his nipple briefly, wanting to be one with him. Knowing their son wanted him inside her, too.

Closing his eyes and he felt her tongue swirling around his nipple, he looked down to her and smiled. Grabbing her face in his hands, he kissed her cheek and whispered softly in her ear, "I want to be inside of you..." Letting his hands fall from her face down her arms and resting one over her stomach, he couldn't hold back another moment. His kiss penetrated her mouth, hungrier and needing to have her now. Spinning her around, he walked both of their bodies back towards the bed and laid her down. "Anything...anything you want from me tonight...tell me.."

She scooted her body back onto the bed, his following her lead. She laid down and brought him on top of her. She moaned as she felt his rock-hard erection settle between her legs, pressing against her inner core. She knew he was being careful not to hurt their baby, but she wanted him inside her just as much as he did. "I want you... inside me..." she whispered and pressed her hips up a little.

That little, but monumental move of her hips send his body over the cliff and headed straight into center of her body below. Looking down once more, he grabbed the base of his cock and positioned himself easily at her opening. Closing his eyes, he wanted to feel each and every moment of this night, this reunion. Feeling her arms wrapping around his neck and urging him on further, he leaned down and kissed her collar bone, holding himself up with his free hand. And then he entered her...in one long, and painfully slow thrust.

Alicia's breathless moaning mingled with Clark's as he entered her. Her inner muscles stretched and opened for him. And when she wished he'd move, he remained still. His body positioned above her, held up by shaking arms.... and she knew he was holding himself in check to savor their physical reunion, as beautiful as the rest of the night had been so far. But she could tell he was close to going over the edge. She moved her hips again, pulling more of him into her and moaning at the waves of pleasure that pounded into her. "Gotta be... careful... the baby..." she panted, wanting him ramming into her but keeping that desire in check. There will be more time for that after the baby was born.

Holding still, he wanted to take her the way she knew he liked, but things were different now, and tonight was about love, not sex. He wanted to make love to her, and that meant going slow, and being concerned about their baby.. both of them. Pulling out of her slowly, then entering her once more at the exact same rate, his heart felt as though it might explode beneath his chest bone. "I want to... so bad.." he couldn't finish or even complete that thought, as she arched her back and had taken a little more of him faster then he expected.

She knew she'd surprised him by her movement, but she just couldn't help herself. And as slowly as she wanted him to go, that inner demon demanded satisfaction. She kept that voice at bay, though, and moved slowly with Clark, feeling the heat inside her building up much too quickly, wanting this time to last forever between them. "Take your... time... if you can," she breathed, looking into his eyes, darkened with desire and love for her.

He wanted to - had every intention of taking his time, but his body wouldn't listen. Moving at still a much slower pace then normal, he felt himself shocked by threat of a surprising orgasm. "Ali...I don't think I can..." he felt embarrassed but he couldn't do anything about it right now. He wanted to cum, needed to ...and now that he was inside of her as deep as her body allowed him to be, he did just that. Opening his eyes and pleading with her to stop her motions so they could make this last longer, he found her smiling at him lovingly and speaking words that solidified the deal.

Alicia complied, needing him to calm down enough to make their union last longer... even though she didn't think that was possible. She felt as if she was a balloon about to burst herself as she let Clark take control, sliding himself slowing in and out. Her body's muscles stroking him as he moved. "Okay.... slower.... want this to.... last...." Her breath left her and she moaned Clark's name loudly as the fever in her body threatened to orgasm suddenly. "No..." she groaned. "Not yet..."

Reaching down, he used his thumb to play with her most sensitive of all areas and watched himself enter and exit her body. "You're so....hot..." he wanted to convey that to her, because it was true to every sense. She had him like no one had him before. Watching as her eyes closed and he head fell back onto the mattress he knew he brought her to that pinnacle. "Do you want to cum Ali?"

She wanted to. She needed to.... but not without Clark cuming with her. She nodded, looking at him, her eyes tearing up. "Cum with me," she begged, his body continuing its slow rhythmic, sweet torture of her body.

Closing his eyes, he felt his body release all its pent of sexual emotion from the last two days. It had felt like years since he last touched her, but now - the sweet, sweet feeling of coming with her grabbed a hold of him and he rode it out. Holding himself steady inside of her, he opened his eyes and looked into hers, his breathing ceased as the veins in his forehead became strained as he came inside of her; he own finish urging him on further.

Their eyes held steady as she felt her orgasm wash over her like a flood, her body quaking with the force of feeling Clark spilling himself inside her with a final thrust. It only heightened her own release: she moaned his name, unable to speak or utter a coherent thought. Never had this happened to them: she felt their connection on a spiritual level, like they were one.... whether they were married or not. Their souls touched each other as they came simultaneously. She wanted their orgasms to last forever, for them to never be parted again. But she felt her mind and soul float back into reality, her breathing become more even, and Clark pulling out of her all too soon. She sobbed slightly at his absence, as he moved behind her, wrapping his arms around her.

Feeling completely spent and exhausted from the last three days, he slid behind her and pulled her to him. He wanted to go on all night with her, but their baby would be at risk, as well as Alicia's health should he keep her awake another moment longer. "I think it's time this little family of ours gets some rest, don't you...beautiful?" Nestling his chin on her shoulder, he kissed her cheek as caressed her abdomen once more. "I can't get enough of you..."

He kept his hand on her abdomen, so she placed hers over it lovingly. Her body wanted to make love with Clark all night, just as she had heard those thoughts echoed in his mind, but she knew there was time for that later. "Me, neither... I'll always want you.... but we definitely need some sleep. Gotta get home," she whispered, snuggling close against his body, which was still hot from their lovemaking.

Closing his eyes, he breathed her in and thanked Heaven that he was back in her arms and they were all safe. "And about that costume...it's the same three colors you saw earlier in my head, but you don't know anything else.." Kissing her shoulder, he pulled the sheet tight to their bodies as he heard her stifle a laugh. "..love you's..."

OOC - Pokes Angie

Tue, 12 Sep 2006 15:33:37 GMT

Hey you! I know I've talked to you online last night and such - but just wanted to extend a shoutout and make sure everything is okay on your side of the land! I haven't seen a post from you in a while! Sims 2 taking up the time?? ;)

*hugs*

Hope all is well with Miss Sullivan ;)

On the road again...

Sun, 10 Sep 2006 22:19:33 GMT

Upon my speedy arrival back from the Fortress of solitude, I headed directly for Alicia's apartment. Running up the stairs and using the spare key she had given me not only two weeks ago, I made my way inside and called her name. Only to find her...gone, and this in her absence:

Clark,

I know you said you're coming back. And I believe you are. I love you in ways you will never truly know or understand, because I don't understand the depth of my feelings for you. I can't wait to see you again: every second you're gone feels like an eternity to me, like I'm slowing dying inside without my other half...

Obviously if you're reading this, I'm not here. I just... can't take being in Smallville without you. Everywhere I go, there are memories of you, of us... home, your worksite, the Talon. Even going to see your mom would be too much right now, because even she reminds me of you. So, I'm going somewhere to think, to get away, to be alone... since I'm pretty much alone without you. My heart misses you like mad, my love. I will return soon. Please don't worry about Matthew: he's fine, despite my having to teleport to my destination.

I think of you every day, dream of you -- and our wedding -- by night.
Yours,
Alicia and Matthew

***

My heart broke. I must have stared at that note for ten minutes before crumbling it up and tossing it onto the floor. I was angry; a sense of betrayal and loss overwhelming me, but I knew I must find her. Prove to her that I want her in every way a man can. I had so much to share with her now: the future, our life together, our son...and coming home to an empty room was the last thing I had ever anticipated.

But then there were the pictures... of Paris. I know she had mentioned her visit of France from a few years back, but I had never heard her say anything about wanting to go there again. Surely I could have taken us there if her heart desired such a trip. It made me sad in that moment that she didn't tell me that, but I knew now where I would find her. In a place where everything felt calm and open for a woman like her, and for that, I could never be angry. She had thought I was gone forever, her mind constantly getting the better of her between the war versus her heart.

But I decided to go. I had to find her, hold her in my arms and feel her close. And Matthew - how I missed him so much while I was gone nearly two days. Two days, that was it. God knows how I am going to cope when he is born and I have to leave for work - whether that is my future dream or the construction company - the time frame is still up in the air. Anyways, it's going to be hard leaving that little face each morning and missing the moments of his brand new life...

Bringing my thoughts back to present time, I looked out the window and guessed the amount of time it might take to get from Smallville to Paris and made my way out. Down to the alley, searching for any bystanders or lookyloos, I took off, faster then the eye could see and headed to my destination. The wind felt good against my skin, the air light, cool and inviting. I could now respect and understand my new love of flying.

I made it there in a little under and hour, taking my time and thinking of what strategy I would use to find her. The city large and full of life. Thinking of taking it one step at a time, I landed in another alley, the evening approaching and the sun having just set, I knew this was going to take more time then I wanted. But it was for...her. And that is all that mattered to my heart.

Let's hope the search goes well and I find her safe and happy...

**

TBC...

"Face to face with an unknown past...

Tue, 05 Sep 2006 20:39:48 GMT

....in pursuit of an untold future."

Those were the only words that continuiously rang out through my head while heading north towards my alien origin. I didn't know WHY I was headed there, only that my biological father needed me to do so for him. For his...cause. Whatever that purpose might be - and I had to admit that I was hoping I would find out what his calling was for, with time to spare.

I missed Alicia before I even left for this artic prison where destiny is another way of having my life planned out for me, but I couldn't go back. I needed to do this for the sake of my family as well as my own life. Those nightmares....those horrible - almost green kryptonite induced pains I was expereiencing - all found me here. Alone in this icy hell.

Well, nearly alone. Save for my father's long gone spirit that lingers within the frozen walls of this 'Fortress of Solitude.' Upon my swift arrival, I flew in from the top and landed exactly where I had been resurrected not even a year ago there. Looking around, the place felt comfortable, but the impending conversation with Jor-El began to weigh heavy on my conscience.

I screamed nervously for a sign - I called to him, begging for him to appear in holographic form against the pillars that surrounded me, but nothing happened. Then I rememberd the crystal that had brought my body back from the dead and searched frantically for it.

I found it where it had been laid to rest those few months back: In the 'control panel' you could say - the source of all knowledge spanning the 28 known galaxies.

And then I heard him. That strong, powerful voice of the father that sent me to this green planet so many moons past. He appeared before my eyes the instant I slipped the crystal into its perfectly shaped cut on the small piller in front of me. At first I was...apprehensive - afraid that he was going to keep me her longer then most humans live, but he simply smiled and said his greetings.

"Kal-El, my son. I've been waiting." Stepping down onto the snow kissed ground, I stood there, motionless and said nothing. I knew he wouldn't have REALLY heard me anyways, and this was just a program he created before his death. "Speak to me, my son. I want to know everything."

'haking my head, I was confused. 'How? How could he hear me?' How could he have known what to program upon hearing words I have never spoken - perhaps....perhaps he could hear me afterall? Taking the chance, I stepped forward and dug my hands into my jacket.

"Tell you what? Why have I come here? Why did you do those things to me? Why did you hurt me?" My throat felt tight as one question erupted after another, not giving him a chance to speak. But he remained calm and relaxed - eager to hear me and understand the trials I have been through since my rebirth.

"Son, I did not intend you any harm - I simply knew that was the only way I could bring you to stand before me. I don't understand why you harbor such anger towards me."

What? How did he know that? How does he know ME? And how could you not expect someone to be angry with you after a certain degree of torture?? None of this made sense. He called me here to...talk to him?

"Why have you called me here, Jor-El?" I said to him, firm and steady and masking my emotions as best as I knew how. He was silent a moment and then turned his head towards a circular chamber situated off to the side - one I hadn't noticed before. Asking him promptly what it was, he looked back at me and frowned.

"My son, you must receive the lessons I have set forth ages ago for you. It is time, and I know in my heart you know this as well." Walking closer to his haunting image, I shook my head and spoke clearly, letting all the fears locked within my heart, out.

"No. I have a baby on the way, father. If you know me so well, you should have know THAT. I am going to be married soon. I won't step into that if it's the last thing this body does!" He stared at me a long while, and then sighed - almost as if he was torn between forcing me by torture once again, or waiting for me to make the "right" choice.

"Son...Kal-El, your destiny lies beyond this...Fortress of Solitude. You have power no human being could ever fathom, and to understand this...to...use this power - it must be defined and refined. That, other there, will teach you all you will become, all the words of those who have come before you. Do you understand?"

I shook my head in complete frustration. "I don't think YOU understand, father. I am not going to take that chance and miss my own son's life by stepping into a trap set forth by those I have never met." I knew what I said was wrong - many - well, all had died except for me, and being spared that horrible end, I was apparently meant to do good here. On this blue planet.

"Kal-El, you will obey my orders." It was then the pain struck me again, harder then ever, forcing my body to slam down onto the thick, freezing ice that was never as cold to me as it was in that moment. "YOU BASTARD!" I screamed out towards the dead air that filled the massive space. And then it stopped.

"Son, please. I hold love for you in this heart - the same love you hold for Matthew, but I need you to do this. You will only be in there for the total amount of thirty human hours. Thirty. I swear on your own life. This world holds great wonders for you - all you have to do is...trust in me."

Finally standing, I looked at him and nothing but hatred and murderous thoughts circled my mind. 'What should I do? Why would he lie to me? Thirty hours isn't that long.. ' Once again, my mind went into overdrive, contemplating the choices I knew had all but little time to make.

"What...what is going to happen to me?" I was fearful for the first time in a long time of the outcome of this lesson, and wasn't afraid to show it - maybe...maybe he could help me afterall.

A small smile crept across his lips as he understood my consideration in doing such the request and he blinked frantically. "Kal-El, you will learn all there is to know - you will come to understand things that aren't meant to be understood. You will hold the world as your mission - each and every day you will create an image of good. They can be a great people Kal-El, they wish to be. They only lack the light to show the way."

What?

My heart began to race as he finished his words, the truth becoming to much for me to handle. "Father, I...I am no savior. I am not God. How...how am I supposed to show them...the right from the wrong?" Smiling he motioned his hands toward the chamber and nodded, "please son, do this and you will understand why you are needed."

And then before I knew what was happening, I did as he asked. I knew in my heart I would never feel a moment's rest had I not obeyed him, but the guilt I felt for nearly betraying my family and those who loved me the most was overwhelming. Just as I stood outside the glass doors, I closed my eyes and remembered what Alicia had looked like before she fell asleep. Her small, pregnant body wrapped up in mine; Feeling her heart beat mixed with my son's; The scent of her hair; The way I could feel her love for me; Her fear reflected in my own - All these thoughts drifted into my mind the second I touched the glass and submitted to my destiny. 'I will see you again,' I whispered to her thousands of miles away, hoping she could hear me.

**

Next thing I knew, it was only thirty hours later, but my life was changed forever. I knew what was coming - what was required for me to do. But that was just the beginning. The only thought that kept me alive and sane was Alicia.

Standing before my father's image once more, I looked over my body and clenched my fists. "May I return home now?" Sarcastic and perhaps a little insubordinate my tone of voice was but he faltered not in his response: "You may, my son. But I now leave the rest of your days to the world. I trust in you that this is why I have sent you there. That my own dreams will be realized through your eyes. I thank you for your brief trust in me. I will call upon you soon to ask about your son and the life you have made for yourself. Go now, and goodbye."

And then he was gone. His image floated away like memories from a past life that was never meant to be lived. It saddened me that he left in such a hurry, but then Alicia came back to my mind and I knew it was time to return home. How happy I was! I had only been there a total of 39 hours and already was headed home to her = to our life together.

Smiling, I placed the crystal back into its slot and looked around once more. I now understood the colors, the world and all the reason behind the pain Jor-El had inflicted on me.

And then I left. Headed home - back to Smallville. And...I hurried as fast as this body allowed itself to fly.

I just hope she will be there....

Calling CHLOE & ALICIA (OOC)

Thu, 31 Aug 2006 13:57:40 GMT

OOC *

Hey girls - just hoping you're okay. Haven't seen or heard much from you two these last two days - and with good reason. I am writing to just check up and make sure you're both okay :P

Hope to talk to you both soon! ;)

*huggles my Ali and Chloe*

:)

Wed, 30 Aug 2006 13:45:18 GMT

Still flying over Metropolis, past the Daily Planet Globe and soaring towards the sun, once again he felt the colors surround his body. He was going fast...too fast, but there was a smile etched across his face: all was right in his world . Sitting up abruptly, he grabbed the bridge of his nose as he forced his mind out of its dream. Turning, he felt Alicia stir at his side and knew she was up.

Alicia felt Clark's incessant tossing and turning, waking her up from a not-so-sound sleep. 'This has to stop,' she sighed as she rolled over to face him. 'I'll never get any sleep at this rate.' She was surprised, however, that he was awake, staring down at her through heavy-lidded eyes. " Clark?" she asked, sitting up slowly. "Are you alright?"

Looking at her, sitting beside him, annoyed but beautiful, he shook his head and tried to laugh. "Yea, bad dream I guess." He didn't want to tell her about that again for fear of scaring her. Attempting to lie back down, she placed her hand on his chest and shook her head. 'Shit…' He immediately felt bad for doing this to her night after night.

She was already afraid: night after night, she'd been awakened by these inexplicable dreams Clark had, and she couldn't take not knowing what was going on in them anymore. She needed the sleep, and she needed some peace of mind. "No, we're not, well... you're not sleeping again until you tell me what's going on with you," she demanded a little harshly, overly tired from sleep deprivation.

Sitting up and sliding his body back to the headboard, he pulled the sheet to his waist and closed his eyes. "It's my father. Jor-El. I don't know whats he want me to do but he won't let whatever it is rest. It the colors and flying and I feel like a fucking savior. But...how?" Tears fell from his eyes as he cursed and visibly began to break down in front of her. For so long he had kept his anxiety from her, afraid of putting more weight on her shoulders, but tonight it was the boiling point. "Ali...what am I supposed to do?"

Alicia blinked in surprise. She had no idea he'd been holding all this back from her, and watching him breaking down was more than she could bear. She regretted her harsh words, choosing instead to straddle his waist so she could wrap her arms around him. "Why didn't you tell me?" she whispered in his ear. "I need to know these things..." Another fear crept into the back of her mind but she didn't want to acknowledge it.

Wrapping his arms around her in response, he felt the comfort only she could offer him. Nestling his head in her neck and running his hands beneath her tank top, he wished he could spend forever locked in this embrace. Knowing she was waiting for his answer, he laid his head back against the wall and sighed. "I was afraid of scaring you. I mean how many future spouses fly and are destined to save the world from itself? I guess it freaked me out. I think...I think he is asking that I go to the Fortress up north. I keep seeing flashes of that place in between my flights. And his voice...he says the exact same thing over and over again..."

Gently bumping her forehead to his, she sighed, knowing that her worst fear was about to come true: Clark would have to leave her. And the thought of their parting was more than she could handle, given her current state. "Wh-what does the voice say?" she whispered, afraid of the answer.

Looking her in the eyes, he smiled and recited the few words of his father’s voice: "Even though you've been raised as a human being, you're not one of them....They can be a great people Kal-El, they wish to be. They only lack the light to show the way. For this above all, their capacity for good, I've sent them you, my only son." Turning his head downward to reflect upon his own growing son, he felt her eyes on him. "I don't know...I just don't know what he means for me to do."

Gulping and biting back her emotions, she turned her head away and said, "Sounds like he thinks we're just a bunch of heathen... and you're to be our new god or something..." She hated herself for saying such a thing, because she didn't like the thought of having to share him with anyone else.

"Alicia...I'm not God. Nor do I ever intend to be." He could taste the bitterness pooling off of her stronger then he ever had. Wondering why she was so dismissive of his dream, he looked at her and spoke softly, "hey...are you alright? What's going on?"

She eased off him and got off the bed, heading for the kitchen. Despite the sudden craving for peanut butter, she needed the space between them to shove her thoughts into words. "I'm pissed, okay? I'm just... this isn't happening, not now." Snatching the jar of peanut butter and a spoon, she dug in, hating herself, her thoughts, and Clark's father.

Slipping his boxers on and walking over to her, he grabbed another spoon and helped himself to her dessert of choice. "I am not leaving you. Why are you so angry?" Sitting on the kitchen counter, he reached out for her in an attempt to bring her close, but she refused, he mouth shut and arms clamped around her waist.

"The hell you're not gonna leave," she replied, shrinking away from his touch as she downed another spoonful of her snack. "Why else would Jor-El keep sending you these dreams? That message? He's gonna take you and never let you come back!" 'And I'm going to be left behind,' she thought miserably. The look on Clark's face shook her, for she saw the hurt in his eyes, but she couldn't ignore what her heart was telling her.

Slipping off of the counter, he approached her slowly, knowing how fragile she was. Setting his spoon down, he licked his lips and stood before her. Leaning down, he saw the tears strike her eyes and knew why she didn't want him to leave. "Ali...I am not leaving you or Matthew. Besides...the other half of the dream...is the three of us...happy and together." Wrapping his arms around her, he felt her shake in his embrace and feared she wouldn't believe him. "Trust me. I need you to trust me."

Huddled into her own personal ball of pain, Alicia couldn't bring herself to give into his embrace. She allowed the tears fall, however, as she knew that stress would be really bad for the baby. Their baby...the thought made her cry harder. "I'm trying to trust you, I am..." she started hiccupping as she spoke. She tried pushing herself out of his embrace but he refused to let her go. She was ashamed that she was struggling to trust in what they had together.

Feeling her body give in to his, he lifted her up and held her against him. She fit so perfectly with him; he couldn't imagine anything better then this feeling. Other then their child. "Alicia...we are getting married and going to have a baby. Why would you think for one second I would leave you?"

Damn, she couldn't stay mad at him for long, she thought miserably as she snaked her hands around his neck, holding onto him for dear life. "What makes you think you will be able to stay here with me? From what you've said, Jor-El doesn't do things like this and leave you alone. He wants you... and I may never see you again..." She dissolved into tears yet again, her hurt overwhelming her.

Her tears leaked onto his chest as he did nothing more but hold her. She needed him now and forever, and most especially to be the father he knew he would become to Matthew. "I will never leave you. Even if I fly up there for one day, I will return. Jor-El does not own me. No one does." Reaching down to her abdomen, he rubbed his hand across and laughed, "Well....maybe HE does, but that's it!"

His words eased her mind somewhat, though the fear of his leaving and never returning stayed with her. Drying her eyes with one hand, she punched him on the shoulder lightly. "Yeah, well... if you do leave, you'd better come back, or Jor-El will have to deal with ME!" Putting her arms around him once more, she kissed his neck gently. "Don't forget, I own you, too."

Shaking his head, he laughed with abandon and brushed her face with his hand. "Forever....speaking of which, I have something to give you." Walking over to the couch, he heard her whisper something about making love, and dismissing it for later, he shook his index finger, "no this is different..." Moving around the room, he reached into his work pants and pulled out a tiny black box. "Close your eyes, and no peeking!"

With a surprised laugh, Alicia did has he bid her and closed her eyes, still standing in the kitchen, her thoughts on this man who promised never to leave, to love her forever. She clung to that, daring to believe everything she'd wished for would come true. She suddenly felt Clark's hand on her arm, guiding her to the couch and gently seating her. "Um, can I open my eyes?" she asked.

"Not yet..." he asked her, positioning himself at her feet to make this moment perfect for her to remember forever. Situating himself and taking a deep breath, he asked her to open her eyes and then smiled at her reaction. "Alicia, will you really marry me?"

She looked down to see Clark on his knees and a gorgeous yet simple diamond ring in his hand. Fresh tears sprang to her eyes. "Yes, Clark... a million times yes!" She saw her joy reflected in his eyes as he slipped the ring onto her ring finger.

Kneeling before her still, he lifted his body towards the couch and leaned into her, kissing her with a fervor of passion few could ever hope to muster. He was relieved to finally slip that ring onto her finger, letting there plans solidify a little bit more. "You love me?"

"Do you even need to ask that? Of course I do!" she squeaked, her voice cracking from the emotional rollercoaster she was on. She pulled him down on top of her gently and continued kissing him, trying to show him how much she loved him... had always loved him. The ring felt perfect on her finger, like it had always meant to be there. Clark groaned a little and wrapped his arms around her holding her tightly.

Tangled up in her, he could feel his life taking flight. Not just him, but his family. Alicia was always going to be with him, and now there were only a few more things to take care of before they were officially married to one another. "Hey...who is going to be your maid of honor?" He thought he knew, but still wanted to ask.

"Maid of honor? I... I hadn't actually thought of that, to tell you the truth," she replied softly, threading her fingers through his hair. She couldn't wait until they were married, but suddenly she felt like there were so many things they had to do first. "Um... would it be too weird if I asked Chloe? I'd hate to curse her to the 'always the bridesmaid, never the bride' superstition."

Laughing, he kissed her forehead and tickled her lovingly, "no I don't think it would be weird. And Chloe will find the right man one day...I know it." Closing his eyes, he pictured what their wedding day would be like and how beautiful she would look, but then the thought occurred to him: how pregnant would she be? "Ali...when....when would you like to get married?"

That thought had just hit her as well: man, they'd have to get married soon, because she didn't want to be huge on their wedding day. "Well, unless you want to marry a Beluga whale, it'll have to be soon... maybe a month from now?" She stared at him uncertainly, not knowing if they could even afford a wedding.

Looking at her and panicking slightly, he sighed and let the air escape his lungs. "Month? Really...wow...I need to work overtime!" He was joking but her face dropped as her hopes slid down along with it. "I am only kidding. I would marry you right now if I could." Sitting beside her, he reached for the calendar hanging on the wall and read carefully what next month would look like. "Well, I would like Lex as my best man. Chloe is your maid of honor, I am guessing? I mean once you talk to her..." His heart was beginning to gain hope for the journey to the alter, and smiling, he leaned over and kissed her cheek.

"Are you sure we could afford to get married that quickly?" she replied, knowing he was secretly worrying about how to pay for everything. "I mean, we can put it off... if you want to." She saw the shock on his face and knew she said the wrong thing. "Ok, I take it all back. I can call Chloe in the morning and see if I can reach her." Kissing him quickly, she whispered, "You think Lex would agree? I know you two haven't spent much time together lately..."

Biting the tip of her nose gently in a sign of affection, he smiled and shook his head. "I hope he won't mind..." Then the thought of his mother and father cascaded through his mind and a fear crept its way down his spine. Saying his next words, there were barely above a whisper, "I hope my Dad will be there..."

Alicia looked down. His father. Her happiness faded as she gently squeezed his arms in encouragement. Seeing the pain of rejection in his eyes hurt her just as much. "I hope so, too," she whispered. "Have... have you talked to him at all?"

"No." That was all he could say. He didn't want to talk about it. It was still to fresh of a wound. Standing up he made his way to the kitchen and poured two glasses of water. "So...what else needs some TLC towards the wedding prep?"

Alright, so Clark didn't want to talk about his father. Alicia was content with that for the moment, though she knew they would have to talk about Mr. Kent sometime in the near future. "Well... I can think of ONE thing that needs a little TLC," she sighed, trailing her eyes over his magnificent body as he strode back to her, two glasses of water in hand.

Setting the water down on the table, he ran his hand over her thighs and leaned close to her. "And what is that...my future Mrs. Kent?"

Leaning back into the couch cushions, she pulled his face close to hers and said, "Well... me." She kissed him gently and slowly, backing up her words with action.

Feeling her warm body flush against his own, he couldn't help but want her again. She was right - he couldn't keep his hands off her. Teasing her, he licked her neck softly and nibbled just beneath her ear. "Which part of you feels...lonely?"

She slid her body against his, cradling his head against her neck. "Mmmm, that's a great place to start," she moaned. Her hands roamed over his naked back, memorizing every inch of his body... just in case Jor-El took him away from her. The unbidden thought made her quake a little in fear, but she hoped Clark didn't notice it. At her urging, he picked her up and moved her to the bed where they'd be more comfortable.

He thought he sensed something before he had placed her onto the comfy mattress and stopped his actions. "Are you okay? Feeling alright?" Kissing her shoulder, he ran a finger down her tummy and then looked to her once more.

"I'm OK," she replied, stroking his chest softly. "Just my worries wanna come out and play, and I don't like them intruding on our... private time." She winked at him as her hands trailed down his stomach and slid beneath his boxers.

Closing his eyes as her tiny hands surrounded his already stiff erection; he felt his will power to question her drain from his body. "Mmm.... I love it when you touch me..." He felt the need to tell her every thought, every emotion experience tonight in retribution for hiding his dream from her. He wanted her to know everything, sense everything and above all, understand all he was going through. He needed her more then she would ever realize. "We fit...so perfectly…" His breath was becoming labored as she played with him more urgently, pushing him on and tantalizing him with every stroke.

Alicia felt Clark's mind opening up to her, and a flash of images plowed into her mind: all the dreams he'd had, the emotional impact behind them... his need for her... and his excitement over seeing their child for the first time. Tears sprung to her eyes as she continued gently pumping his thick cock, listening to him groan, arousing her to nearly the breaking point. "Clark, I love you," she whispered.

Opening his eyes at just the perfect moment, he saw her happiness. Felt her happiness. "I...I love you..." She wouldn't let go of him therefore causing his words to be heard barely above a whisper. His body ached for release, and nestling his head into her neck, he begged her to go harder on him. He wanted to be inside of her, but a part of him thought she was enjoying this too much to stop.

Smiling, understanding the power she held over him, she complied with his wishes, using her hand to pump him harder, faster, wanting him to come hard onto her hand. She heard his shallow breath, felt the pre-cum on her hand, and knew his orgasm was close. This made her shiver with a pleasure she’d never experienced before.

Knowing he was on the verge of ecstasy, the thought of her going down on him over took every priority in his brain. He didn't want her to stop so he deduced to ask her later, but he knew she had read his thoughts. Feeling his body begin to shiver, he wanted to do everything at the same time to her and tried his hardest to convey that through his mind. "Ali..."

Alicia heard Clark's one desire and wanted to please him in anyway she knew how. Stopping for a moment, she turned him over on his back and eased herself down his body. She licked the tip of his thickness, enjoying the sounds of ecstasy he was making. "You like that?" she asked just before taking him into her mouth.

Just as he thought his body could not sustain her tease and torment another moment, she spoke those three porn star-ish words and ignited the need further. Closing his eyes he revealed in the pleasure and power she held over him, each movement with her tongue driving him closer to insanity. Grabbing her hair, he pushed it out of the way she he had an unobstructed view and smiled at the image.

She heard Clark's mental urging to go faster, harder... but she was enjoying the moment too much to let it slip by. She gently slipped him into her mouth, sliding her tongue against him as she did, and just as slowly back out, licking his pre-cum as she went along. She continued this slow torture, enjoying the sounds of his moaning and growling out her name. She picked up the pace, knowing he wouldn't last long.

"You're...teasing....me..." Through his broken and exasperated sentence, he managed to open his eyes and watch her work him as his body gave way to her talents. She had done this to him before, but everything felt heightened - different tonight. As did his orgasm. He watched he take him completely and swallow his cum, something he never saw her do. Words were gone, as he gripped the mattress and rode the wave of ecstasy she had driven out of him.
:
Alicia nearly came herself from the sensations that Clark's orgasm gave her. She felt it ripple through her as he came; touching every part of her body as she slowly felt him relax. She licked the last of his cum off her lips as she sat back up and stared at him, a satisfied smile on her face.

Blowing out the last few breaths he had been locking inside his lungs, he calmed his body down and let the sheet go from his vice grip. Finally opening his eyes, he sat up quickly and grabbed her waist, pulling her to him and smiling wickedly. "Your turn..."

Alicia squealed in surprise and delight as he pulled her down on the mattress and began kissing and licking his way down her body. He lingered over the small rounded lump of her belly, gently caressing their unborn child with his mouth, whispering words of love to him... to them both. Tears of joy sprung to her eyes suddenly, and despite her obvious arousal at what he was going to do, she nevertheless savored that moment of calm and peace that had surrounded her by that small gesture of love. "You're wonderful..." she sighed.

Looking up when he heard the sound of her voice, he smiled and ran his hands over the swell of her once more before speaking. "I can't wait..." he said no more as he made his way between her legs and began to tease her. Licking lightly the small nub that always made her twitch; he kept one hand over her abdomen, not wanting to remove it just yet. She was around her fourth month now, and things would be moving along quicker then either would predict. Letting that thought slip from his mind at the image she presented before him: the squirming; the way she would touch herself to emphasize what he was making her feel - it was all driving him mad tonight. Dashing his tongue out, he heard her first cry of pleasure and continued on, needing her to feel the same release he himself did.

Alicia understood how much she had teased Clark, because he was paying her back. Big time. She writhed and panted as Clark's tongue darted into her rhythmically, sliding against her inner walls, making her insane with need. She felt the pressure building inside, her body hot and ready... Clark moved her finger away from her clit to stroke it with his tongue, and she cried out his name, feeling her orgasm begin to take her.

At just the right moment, he felt her body begin to shake and used this to give her everything he had. Kneeling, he grabbed her hips and slid his dick inside of her, feeling her walls begin to tighten simultaneously. Looking down at her face, he saw her eyes go wide and her mouth form a perfect "O", signaling her orgasm in an epic proportion. "Mm.....just like that Ali...feels good…" he said his own eyes beginning to close from her reactions to his movement. "I love you baby..."

"Ohhhhh.... I -- I love... Clarrrrrk...." she panted, unable to utter a coherent thought as he thrust into her gently, so as not to hurt the baby. But Clark's double whammy had its intended effect: her body burst into flames, her senses shattered by the sheer intensity of her orgasm. She felt Clark's movements become frantic and ragged, his own end coming quickly.

He couldn't believe that he was going to cum again - and so soon since the last. Looking down he watched as he entered and exited her body, sliding in slowly so as to not harm their growing baby. Baby. Letting one of her legs go, he felt her snake it around his waist and took the opportunity to touch her belly. Even during sex he was amazed at what they had created and he couldn't take his eyes off of such a beautiful sight. Still thrusting into her, he leaned down and kissed her softly as they both began to settle from such an orgasmic experience with one another.

It took several moments for Alicia to come down from the other planet Clark had sent them to. He had rolled over next to her, his labored breaths mingling with hers, nearly in sync with each other. Forcing herself to breath evenly, she closed her eyes, relishing how wonderful tired her body felt. How satisfied. How... complete. She felt Clark's arms circle around her and smiled contentedly. "Whoa," she murmured, "that was... intense..."

"Mmmhmm..." Pulling her to him, he snuggled into her and laid his head against her throat. "Sleepy now?"

"Sleepy... doesn't even... cover it," she whispered, threading her fingers through his hair. "Though I could go back to sleep... for a little while, anyway." She felt his smile against her and knew he got what she was telling him.

Growing tired himself, he held her close, his hand resting on her tummy - where it was going to be for the next 5 months, and closed his eyes. Breathing with a feeling of pure happiness, he felt his mind slip back into false reality but not before he heard her whispers of love. "...love you...back…"

*************

Special thanks to Katie and the trooper she is!! Sick and RP - smut nonetheless :P - the story line will be moving along, more pictures and dates to come. More Superman mythos to be written - and we both hope everyone who reads - enjoys :D

Voicemail To Lex:

Tue, 29 Aug 2006 15:58:06 GMT

Hey Lex, I don't know when you might get this but I hope its soon. I know you're probably busy, but was wondering if you could give me a call back soon - I have a question for you. Hope you are safe. Talk to you later.. Clark.

PE: Matthew's 1st Picture; Alicia's Ring; Future Wedding Plans

Mon, 28 Aug 2006 03:20:21 GMT

So I finally had some time to sit down and write out some things that have happened the last few days of my life. Well, Alicia and my life...since this involves our son, wedding and the ring I am planning on giving her. Not to mention the dreams I've been having the last few nights.

Let's start from the beginning, shall we? Last thrusday Alicia and I had our second (technically first scheduled) appointment with her OBGYN as well as the first ultrasound (I have pictures!). It was incredible. Honest to God, hearing our child's heart beat humming rapidly within his chest was the most amazing feeling I have experienced to date, and I need to share this with everyone before I explode. The picture was a lot more clear then I had hoped and the doctor smiled, giving us the thumbs up that everything was progressing smoothly. Alicia was happier then I had seen her in a few days, giggly whole heartedly when she felt the gel over her stomach. I couldn't take my eyes off of the screen. It was just incredible...looking at our child on the monitor, growing right before our eyes. WOW....anyways...here is the one pic I have...

So here's our little guy ----

The sex hasn't been confirmed yet, but from the dreams I have been having, I know it's a he. And considering Ali and I have chosen his name, she is just as decided as I am. So I would like everyone to meet the little superman, Matthew Joseph Kent. I know I can't wait to REALLY meet him, but I couldn't contain myself another moment. Call it bragging or showing off - I don't care. He is everything my future will become.

And speaking of futures - I finally purchased Alicia's ring. I am giving it to her tomorrow, but I figured I would show everyone now - just in case you were curious. I am posting a stock photo that I scanned and uploaded that the jeweler gave me, so its the main one in the pic - couldn't afford three! I hope she likes it...

I must admit, even though I know we are getting married and the proposal is over, I am still nervous to give it to her! She is not picky by no means, but I know women always hope and dream of what their wedding, the dress, the rings, their bridesmaids, etc. will turn out to be. I just hope I can make the most of it for her, because she deserves it. Especially with how things at night have been recently. Each night I sleep beside her - I know I should go home, but I can't leave her when she is that sick. Plus, I am going to be her husband, and I think we should sleep next to one another each night...it feels right to me. She is the woman I love, the woman I would die for and do anything in my power to make happy. Why would I not choose to be with her every night?

But, back to what I was saying - the dreams. I've been having this forshadowing dreams about my future and what I am to become. I am not sure what to make of them...they are mostly colors with me constantly flying around in some sort of..costume. It's mostly around Metropolis, but I have seen monuments from all over the world, and each time it's after a supposed disaster. Am I to become some sort of savior? I don't know what this means, but there is one constant that makes me eager in this forecast: Alicia and our son. Each and every dream both of them are there, waving to me, hugging me - and Alicia works for the Daily Planet. Who would have thought that?

I am really excited to see how this pans out - but I am afraid that I might have to involve Jor-El. I know Alicia is not comfortable with this - as he is not the forgiving type should I decline this offer, but I know it's what must be. I can't go on, night after night having this same dream without wondering about its origins - so I know soon I will make the journey to the Fortress of Solitude. I fear leaving Alicia for that small amount of time, but know I don't have a choice. Sad as that may sound...

But on to happier things for the time being - our wedding. We decided to make it soon, as Ali doesn't want to be super pregnant - and who would? So fall is the tentative. Tomorrow when I see her to give her the ring is when the dates will be hashed out and the groomsmen and bridesmaids picked for the ceremony. I can't wait - honest to God. Just too look down and see that ring on my finger, and know who my wife is.

Well, it is getting late and I have work at six am so I finish this with a smile as I make my way over to Alicia's apartment for the night.

Goodnight...

*********

;) Hope you like the ring Alicia! :P

Voicemail to Chloe

Fri, 25 Aug 2006 15:46:34 GMT

Hey Chloe, it's me. Remember that cryptic convo I had with you last night about being Matthew's Godmother? Well...there is something else I want to talk to you about. When can we meet? Give me a call whenever you can.. Clark.

And how do you feel now?

Fri, 25 Aug 2006 15:42:42 GMT

Walking towards the apartment door, Clark held onto Alicia's hand as they headed out. "Feeling okay?" Double checking that she was okay enough to go to Chloe's for a visit, he waited.

Alicia nodded her head and squeezed Clark's hand. "Yes, I think I can keep my stomach from churning for a little while," she replied as they walked down the stairs and to Clark's truck. "Besides, I know Chloe and I have things to talk about."

"Okay." Kissing her hand as he sat beside her in the truck, they headed down Main Street towards Chloe's house and made it there in good time.

Chloe opened the front door of her house a few moments later, standing back to let her friends inside. She couldn't help but feel a little nervous about the conversation about to take place, but she pushed it aside. "Hey guys."

"Hey, Chloe," Alicia said, giving her a brief hug in welcome. She heard her worry and couldn't help feeling the same way, but she remained silent and she and Clark walked through the front door.

Stepping inside, he hugged Chloe warmly and followed Alicia in sitting on the couch. "How are you?"

"Good. You want something to drink? I've got coffee--not from the Talon, tea, and Sprite." She glanced at Alicia with raised eyebrows. "Also have crackers."

Alicia involuntarily blushed, seeing Chloe's pointed look. Turning away from her and gripping onto Clark's hand, she mumbled, "Sprite would be fine, thanks. Clark?"

"Coffee is good, thanks Chlo.." Looking around at her place, he smiled as he remembered the fun memories from childhood here. Watching her leave, he turned to Alicia and placed his hand over her belly, "sure Sprite will be okay?"

Alicia nodded, looking at Clark's hand over their child. "Yeah, like I said, I don't think vomiting's in my future... as long as I don't eat." She threw him a comforting smile just as Chloe entered the room again with their drinks.

She handed them their beverages and then sat down in the chair across from the sofa. "So..."

Taking a deep breath, she looked at her friend. "Yeah, so... how are you doing? Everything... okay? Did you survive the body swap alright?"

"Yeah, I'm fine...how are you?" she asked, her eyebrows furrowing a little. "Is everything...okay?"

"Yeah, fortunately," she whispered, her hand straying to the lump in her belly. "He's fine... just a bad case of morning sickness, thank God." She paused for a moment, then continued. "Look, I'm sorry that I didn't tell you that I was --"

"It's okay," she said, holding up a hand.

"How...how are the guys? I mean...you must have told them something from the last time I saw you.." He was worried, but trusted her completely.

Clearly, Chloe wasn't ready to deal with the whole pregnancy thing, so Alicia turned to the Winchester boys. "Yeah, are they still in town? Definitely gotta thank them for saving out butts."

Chloe hesitated a moment. "Um...yeah...about that..."

"What is it, Chlo? You know you can tell us anything," Alicia replied, her concern for her friend evident.

"Yea...please. What's wrong?"

She drew in a breath and looked right at him. "I told them the truth." Not wanting him to freak out, she quickly held up a hand once more. "They're cool with it, and they're not gonna say anything, I promise."

Shaking his head slightly, he looked from Chloe to Alicia and then down to her belly. "I..." He didn't know what to say. What if someone found out about Alicia being pregnant with his child? What if they found out about him by the slip of a tongue?

"Clark...trust them. Completely," she said quietly, her eyes full of sincerity. "And I had to tell them something--you basically appeared out of nowhere. They would've figured it out anyway."

"Okay..." Looking down to the floor, he sipped his coffee and remained silent, still a little unsure.

Alicia placed a hand over Clark's in reassurance. "Look, I don't know these guys well... but Chloe trusts them. Besides, I think they'd know if they said anything that I'd have to kick... well, at least Dean's... butt." She smiled widely, hoping to soothe his worried mind.

"They really are trustworthy, Clark." She gazed at him. "Beyond a couple of people, you know how suspicious I am of everyone."

"True.." He felt better once hearing those words from both Chloe and Alicia, and smiled in return.

Chloe relaxed, returning his smile. "So everything's okay? Really?"

"Ask this one..." Nudging Alicia playfully, he watched her as she faked a punch to his arm.

"Yes, really... we're more worried about you, Chlo," Alicia replied, trying to ignore the silly grin on Clark's face. "Hey, I'm trying to talk here," she whispered to him. "Seriously, is everything okay with you? Between you and Sam?"

She quickly shut off the tiny part of her mind that wanted to mention the camera man from the Inquisitor, putting up walls around it, and immediately shifted back into the topic at hand. "Yeah, everything's fine with me and Sam. Why do you ask?" she asked, a little confused.

Alicia noticed the wall Chloe had put up around her mind and became very concerned. There was something she didn't want anyone to know and wondered if it had to do with Dean. "Well, I know y'all haven't seen much of each other lately... and what with the Dean thing..." She glanced over at Clark, who looked on very curiously. "Well, you know what I mean...."

"Dean thing?" she said vaguely, sipping her tea.

"You know, with Dean being hurt and everything... taking you to see him..." All of which Clark knows nothing about, she thought with a frustrated sigh.

"Oh...Dean and I are friends. Its no big deal."

Alicia nodded. "Oh, OK," she said, then turned to Clark. "Um, Clark and I actually have something else to tell you, Chlo, and I don't know how you're going to take it..." She looked at Clark for help.

Looking at her, his nerves jumped and his face became dark, he felt bad, but knew in his heart this was right.

"Okay, you guys are starting to worry me," she said looking between them. "What's going on?"

Alicia looked down, shifting her feet, wondering how to break the news to her roommie. "Well... I've... well, actually we've decided... that I should drop out of school for awhile. At least until the baby's born and we're married." She glanced back up at Chloe for her reaction, her own mental block firmly in place so she couldn't hear any stray thoughts.

"Oh." Her voice was hushed, but not very surprised.

Standing up Clark walked over to where Chloe had been seated and sat beside her. "Don't take it personally. She is just having a really hard time with this, and I...we think it's better if she is home. Just in case things get out of hand..especially since he will be different."

"I'm not taking it personally," she told him. "To be honest...I kinda expected it. It'd be pretty hard to be studying and going to classes when you're pregnant."

Sighing in relief, Alicia said, "Well, I could say you have no idea, but after what's happened... I think you do have a little bit of one... I'm sorry, Chloe, I really am."

"Don't apologize." Chloe smiled at her faintly. "You have to take care of you and your baby. That's what's important."

"Hey...remember that conversation we had at my house Chlo? About you being Matthew's Godmother?"

"Yeah, why?" She drew in a breath and let it out slowly.

"Well...I told Alicia and she totally agreed. But there is something I wanted to talk to you about that...but later. When will you be around again?"

Alicia looked over at Clark, clearly confused by his cryptic comment. "Um, Clark, I can wait in the truck if it's important... there's a nice breeze outside..." She threw a befuddled look at Chloe.

"Uh...well...I'm here til I leave for Met U tomorrow." She looked back at Alicia in confusion.

"That's good. I will give you a call later. And you...." he said this as he tickled Alicia softly, "don't worry about anything." Smiling at both the girls, he knew what he was doing and decided to change the subject: "So...what else is going on?"

"Not much really," Chloe said with a slight shrug. "Lois hopped on a plane with Lena to go be with Lex."

The smile that had been on Alicia's face died. "Whoa, wait... Lois went to Lex? When?" She knew she wanted to talk more with Chloe before she went back to Met U, but that would have to wait. "As she as she was? Have you heard from her?"

"She was supposed to call me, but I don't think she's found the time," Chloe said wryly.

Alicia grinned widely, a knowing look in her eyes and she glanced over at Clark. "Yeah, hopefully that's it," she replied. "But why did Lois go?"

Opening his mind to her, he whispered a quick "love you" to Alicia then went back to listening to the conversation.

"I think she just missed him," she said with a faint smile.

Alicia blushed slightly at Clark's mental endearment before answering Chloe. "Yes, she must have. I know she wasn't doing well when we were at the hospital with her..." The mention of that made her involuntarily shudder, the memory of the body swap coming back to her. "I hope that you didn't... suffer too much when you were in my body, Chloe."

She managed a wry smile. "I survived. But I have to say...I think I'm gonna pass on the opportunity to join the diapers club for the time being."

Nudging Clark out of his apparent reverie, she laughed. "No, I hadn't intended to join that little club either... but I guess fate had other things in mind for us."

Laughing at her suggestive innuendo, he smiled and lowered his head, "me either...but that won't stop me now.."

Feeling a little self-conscious that they were in Chloe's home, she pushed him back playfully and whispered, "Hey, cut that out." She looked at Chloe as if to say, Sorry, he seems to always be like this lately...

:
Chloe shook her head a little and sipped her tea once more, leaning back in her seat tiredly. It had been a long few days.

Alicia noticed Chloe's sudden tiredness and knew it was time for Clark and her to leave. Standing, she casually said, "So, we should go, because it looks like you need some sleep. I'll call you before you leave town, okay? And... God, I just don't know what to say, Chlo." She tugged at Clark's hand, willing him to get off the couch.

Standing up at her increased squeeze on his hand, he knew it was time to go. "Chloe...thanks for...everything." Leaning over, he hugged her tight and whispered thanks for when she had to take care of their son.

"You're welcome," she whispered, hugging him back, then hugging Alicia as well.

"Take care of yourself, okay?" she whispered in Chloe's ear as she returned her hug.

"I will, you too." Chloe forced a smile, watching as they headed out of her house.

*******

Awesome RP ladies... ;) :P Chloe, look for something for you darling! ;)

Voicemail to Lex:

Thu, 24 Aug 2006 13:41:23 GMT

Hey Lex, it's Clark...heard you were back in town. Know you are probably busy still, but just wanted to know about hanging out soon, or whatever. Let me know whenever you can? It's been a while... See ya soon, Clark.

Switch?

Wed, 23 Aug 2006 01:53:30 GMT

Holding onto Alicia's hand, but feeling Chloe's hand squeeze his back, they made their way into the Talon and headed directly upstairs. Watching her unlock the door to her apartment, Clark smiled while looking her over from behind. "This is...weird." Stepping inside, he saw the frustration build on her face as she threw the keys onto the table and sighed heavily at him.

"Weird for you, Clark?" Alicia asked, incredibly put out that she couldn't spend her free time with her fiance because she was trapped in her best friend's body. She missed not only him but their child desperately. "Try being me for a day... or two... or three..." She pushed the blond hair out of her face and slunk down on the edge of the bed. "I feel so horrible for Chloe... er... you know what I mean...." she replied, looking down dejectedly.

Kneeling in front of her, he placed his hands over her knees and lifted her face up to meet his own. "I miss Matthew as well.." Leaning in, he kissed her softly, but felt her pull away abruptly, then stood up, walking to the kitchen with her arms crossed. "Alicia...I'm sorry..."

"No, please..." she begged, turning back to him, wanting to weep because she felt too strange kissing him back. "It's just... it's so weird... I'm not really kissing you back, am I?"

"Yes YOU are. Inside you are future wife who is pregnant with our child. I know what you mean about weird, but...I love you. I...love you, Alicia." Standing up, he stood beneath the arch in the room and waited for her to say something, anything.

Clark gave her "that look", and she felt her defenses melting. She'd been waiting to see Clark all damn week, and she never thought she'd be standing in front of him, needing him more than ever... in Chloe's body. She groaned loudly, her irritation at the entire situation pushing her nearly over the edge. "Clark..." she began, taking a step towards him. Big mistake.

Pulling her gently to him, he smiled and picked her up. Wrapping her legs around his waist, he walked them back towards the bed and laughed. "See....it's me. And it's you. Just in a different body."

Alicia involuntarily ground against him, longing to feel him inside her... but she stiffened suddenly, remembering Chloe's dire warning. "No, Clark!" she said loudly as he pressed them into the mattress, "we can't... not like this..."

"....I know, but I can't stand this. This whole week....being without you and working. Thinking of my baby, wanting to feel you...wanting to be...inside of you.." His last words burned a hole through his pants and her eyes flew shut. He knew she was fighting the urge...and was loosing.

She moaned loudly as Clark started kissing her neck, slowly, nipping in all the right places that he knew would turn her on. Wait, she thought. How could she react the same way to his touches when she wasn't even in her own body? "Clark..." she panted breathlessly. She silently damned him for knowing exactly what to say to drop her defenses. "How can... uhhhh... we have to...." She tried pushing him off her but found her arms made of Jell-O.

Sitting himself up on his elbows, he looked down into her eyes and knew she didn't think this was right. Moving off of her, pulling her with him, he smiled and kissed her cheek. "I know...and besides, if I were in another man's body, I would DIE if you slept with him." Walking over to the DVD cabinet, he pointed to Finding Nemo and smiled, "Alternative?"

Smiling gratefully, she nodded her head. "Yes, the alternative's definitely good... until I can get my body back." She watched Clark put in the movie and motioned him to sit next to her on the bed. He put his arm around her, and they were silent for a moment. "You know I'd never sleep with another guy," she said finally.

"Was wondering when you were going to say that!" He teased her, tickling her sides and nipping at her neck. "Seriously....what would you do, if I were in another body and BEGGED you to be with me...in that body?"

"You know..." she giggled, " that feels too good..." She pulled away from him and looked him over. "That's a tough question to ask, Clark, but... if positions were reversed..." she groaned inwardly at her poor choice of words and Clark's wickedly sensual smile. "I couldn't do it. Not even if it was you inside..." She looked down, not sure how to respond further. A sudden thought occurred to her: did Clark want to sleep with her as Chloe?

Seeing her sudden frown, he lifted her chin once more so their eyes met. "What is it? What's wrong?"

It hurt, not being able to read Clark's thoughts, even the stray ones that flew in her head. She held onto his gaze and braved the question. "I know this gonna sound stupid, but... is it me you wanna be with now? Or because I'm in... Chloe's... body...." She flinched at the words that came out of her mouth. Damn, she thought, as she watched Clark's anger rise.

"Alicia? Do you really have to ask me that...I mean..." Shaking his head, he pulled his arm out from behind her and crossed them over his chest. It hurt that she would think of such a thing, but after a moment's thought, he understood why she would think that. Turning back to her, he smiled and ran a finger down her cheek. "Ali...I see you...in her eyes..."

"I'm so sorry. I don't... I shouldn't have asked that, but... I mean... I've always wondered if you still..." She paused and looked up at him, longing for the day when she'd see him with her own eyes again. "Really? You do?"

"I would see you anywhere this world would let me..." Pulling her to him, he hugged her. Long and hard, to let her know it was HER he was in love with. Just because his mind was unable to speak to hers at the time, didn't give him and excuse to cut his emotions off from her. "I love you, Alicia."

Clark's hug caught her off guard, but she quickly realized what he was telling her. He loved HER, not Chloe, not anyone else. She held onto him and squeezed him back just as hard. "I love you, too... only you," she whispered. "And don't worry... I'll be back in my own body quicker than you know." She flashed him a quick, wicked grin before letting him go.

"Good...because I am going to attack you when that happens. Though...not too hard, wouldn't want Matthew to meet me just yet." Winking with his last words, he laid them both back on the couch and pushed play, the credits to Disney's blockbuster beginning to roll.

"Attack me, huh?" she smiled as she sat beside him. "Not if I get to you first... pregnant or not..." She stuck her tongue out at him but turned her attention back to the movie before he got anymore thoughts.

This is our type of love - ;)

Wed, 23 Aug 2006 01:30:45 GMT

Alicia knew Clark'd be waiting for her when she got home. The single light that illuminated from the Talon apartment was proof that he was there. She hoped she hadn't kept him waiting too long, but the truth was, being away from him for a second longer was torture. She practically ran into the Talon and up the stairs before she realized maybe he didn't want her running. She paused, took a deep breath, and opened the door. Clark was lounging on the couch, watching TV, flipping through the channels like he was utterly bored. "Clark."

Throwing the remote on the table, he swung his legs out from under him but stopped when he saw her hand wave up at him. "Hey...what's...what's wrong?" Her face looked flushed...like she had been running, but he couldn't think of any reason as to why. Disobeying her order, he stood up and began to walk towards her. "Ali...what -" That was all he got out before she had jumped into his arms.

Alicia didn't give him a chance to speak. She slammed the door, dropped her things, and jumping into his arms, kissed him soundly. Longingly. "God, I've missed you," she whispered and she rained his cheeks and neck with kisses.

Not being able to get a word out, he grabbed her hips and held onto her against his body. His body. She had complete control over him, and she knew it, but he could care less. He was hers, and she was his...and they were becoming a family. Smiling at this intense thought, he leaned his head back and smiled, "I've missed you...more then you know..."

"Show me," she whispered softly, kissing his neck, finding that sensitive spot and nibbling on him. She heard Clark's groaning and knew she was making her message loud and clear. She opened her mind to his thoughts. He had missed her just as badly as she had him: missing her, missing their child... "Take me to bed. I'm... tired," she softly ordered with a wicked smile.

Carrying her over to the bed, he laid her out in front of him and just smiled. Taking in this perfect picture: His future wife, happy to be back in his arms and wanting nothing more then to be with him. And their baby...their son... "I will do whatever you want me to...but I have one request.."

Alicia felt the love rushing forth from him and smiled longingly. "Anything. For you, Clark... anything." She waited somewhat impatiently for his response, forcing herself to keep still.

Lowering his body to hers, he closed his eyes and whispered, "Tell me what you want ME to do to you..." Kissing her neck, he ran his hands over her body, pausing at her belly and sent her thoughts from his head from the times when they were together before. Hoping she understood him, he opened his eyes and waited.

Clark's thoughts assaulted her mind, filling her with a desire she'd not ever felt. She shivered with pleasure, so hot and wet and near orgasm that maybe his thoughts would simply send her over the edge. She knew, though, what she wanted more than anything else. Looking him in the eyes, she whispered, "I want you to finish we started the day under the pier."

"...And I want specifics..." He was challenging her, pushing her further then he ever had. He knew she was a modest person, but tonight he was in dire straights to make this something she would never forget. Kissing her belly again, he licked it momentarily and looked up and her as she writhed beneath his hands, his mouth. "Tell me..."

Threading her fingers through his hair, she blushed as she looked down at him. "Well, I like what you're doing now," she whispered, unsure how to tell him what she wanted. What she needed. "But... taking off my shirt and bra would be nice, for starters. I like it when you touch me..."

Sliding her up and positioning himself between her legs, he slipped her loose fitting t-shirt over her head and looked down at her in wonderment. "Wow... you have a tiny belly starting to show." Running his hand across her belly and placing kisses on different locations, he couldn't help the swell in his heart. That was their son - growing healthy and getting bigger with each passing day.

Seeing Clark looking at the small lump in her belly made Alicia shake with emotion. As much as she'd missed him, watching him reverently touch and kiss her stomach, which contained their child, was more than she could handle. Stifling a sob, she turned her head away, her passions cooling and her fears taking over. She felt Clark's eyes on her, but she couldn't say anything. She was too filled with emotion at the moment. Hormones, she thought. How I hate them...

Stopping in mid motion, he looked up at her and tilted his head. Confused and fearful that he had done something wrong, he sat next to her and grabbed her hand. Noticing her awkward avoidance in looking at him, a brief thought flashed through his mind: that she didn't want him anymore, or find him the least bit attractive. "Alicia...I..."

She'd hurt Clark's feelings. She knew she had. And that thought nearly shattered her. Grabbing his hand but refusing to look at him, she whispered, "Oh, how I've missed you... your presence... I've been so lonely..." She placed her hands on her belly, stroking it softly as if trying to console herself and their baby.

He was more at a loss for simple conversation now more then he ever had been with her. He saw her reactions towards his speechless gestures and wondered more so if he aggravated her. Feeling embarrassed and ashamed of what he might have done, he stood up and stepped away from her. "I...I missed you every second..." He couldn't figure out why if she missed him this much, why then, was she pushing him away? "Are....is...everything okay?"

"I... I don't know..." she muttered, feeling his loss acutely but unsure how to make him physically come back to her. "Things have been so... uncomfortable... lately." The morning sickness, the constant nausea, lying to Chloe... where should she start? She gently sat up and glanced at Clark, her uncertainty showing in her eyes.

"Talk to me...please. See...this, this is why..." Throwing his hands up in the air in frustration, he didn't finish his last sentence. All he wanted was to be near her - to show her how much he couldn't wait to be her husband and see their son. Hell, family portraits excited him nowadays. "Ali...what, what is going on?"

Sensing Clark's frustration only pushed her further away from him, but it also made her angry... mostly at herself for doing this to him. "I'm doubting my decision to leave," she said sharply. "And I don't think I can do this pregnancy thing alone, especially since I'm so far from you... and I know you're working hard, trying to earn a living for all three of us, but dammit, I've missed you!!" She jumped off the bed and stormed to the other side of the apartment, suddenly craving peanut butter and Reese's Pieces... in a bowl. Fortunately she had both stocked, so she helped herself to large portions of both. She saw Clark's face, slightly shocked, and wanted to laugh. And cry.

Shaking his head, he walked slowly to her and stood behind her in silence. He should have known. Hormones, pregnancy, loneliness, everything factored in. Putting his arms around her, he kissed the top of her head and smiled into her hair. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to misunderstand. I thought...thought maybe you met someone and regretted all that we've been through." He knew he was being stupid, irrational, but he was a man. And a paranoid man at that. Watching her eat, he closed his eyes and allowed himself to take in the moment. "I'm sorry if I made you mad..."

Grabbing a large glass of water, she gulped it down completely, trying to wash her mouth of the gooey peanut butter before speaking. "God, no... how could you think I'd meet someone else?" she asked in astonishment. It had never occurred to her that Clark might worry about that. "Quite the contrary: I miss you so much everyday, sometimes I feel like I'm dying..." She put her emotional eating aside for the moment to wrap her arms around him. "I'm not mad, Clark... I'm emotional." She laughed wryly. "Maybe that's not much of a difference, but... I feel so... alone."

Pulling her too him, he walked them over to the couch and sat down. Looking into her eyes and touching her face softly, he leaned in and kissed her. Really kissed her, the way she deserved. Not feverishly, or rash, but romantic and completely in love. Pulling back from her, he smiled and wiped one small tear from her cheek. "I love you...and I will do anything you ask of me. Right her, right now. You want to come home? Your things will be back here and set up before you blink and eye. You want to stay? I will make it a point to sleep beside you each night. Tell me..."

Clark's kiss had literally blown her socks off. Whoa, she thought. She was speechless for a moment, caressing Clark's cheek and gazing into his concerned, loving eyes. "What do you think I should do? I mean... I love college, but... there are things about pregnancy that... I didn't bargain for... and then there's Chloe..." her words trailed off, and she felt ashamed for even bringing up the subject.

Still touching her face with the utmost care and devotion, he smiled and shook his head. "Chloe is our best friend, I am sure she will understand.. but what else is going on that I don't know about?" He could see the frown marking her features and it worried him. He wasn't sure what to do next, so opted to remain silent.

"I don't know, Clark... Chloe seemed really concerned when I told her we were engaged, and I don't know how to tell her the reason behind that is because we're going to have a baby." She shook her head, a simple motion that denoted confusion and frustration. "And it's just... everything: my body feels... weird. I puke all the time, and I think Chloe's suspicious... I'm hungry all the time... my clothes are quickly shrinking, and before you know it, I'll be wearing a muumuu!" A couple tears streamed down her face. "Why would you want me then?" She put her face in her hands.

Lifting her face to meet his, he closed his eyes and slowly opened them. "Ali....you have a life growing inside of you. Our life...something you and I created because we love each other. You are not going to wear a muumuu because I am not going to let you buy one. You are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen, and being pregnant just shows how much more my heart falls in love with you. Don't you see that yet?" Rubbing her tummy softly, he used that action to add heart to his words. "Ali...you're everything. Everything to me..."

Alicia laughed, lifting her head and looking at him. "Well, thank God for that! I don't wanna wear a muumuu." She took Clark's face in her hands and leaned in, touching her lips to his softly. "I know... I know... I hate my doubts, because I shouldn't have them. Maybe... I should think about staying here..." She leaned her head against his shoulder.

"You this guy would love to have you here..." Running his hands through her hair softly, he closed his eyes and leaned both of their bodies back onto the couch. "So....what would you like to do..? Sleep? Shop? Name it.." He wanted to show her all the things he had been researching and saving his money up for. He tried to contain his excitement but felt it seeping through his tough exterior.

Alicia looked up at him, grinning. "What have you been researching?" she said, giggling because she'd deliberately read him and wanted to know. Though... there WAS that other thing...

Shaking his head, he bit his lip and held his tongue. "Wait....there is something you're not telling me, and I don't have to read minds to see that you're hiding something." Tugging on her shirt, he smiled and sat in front of her.

Alicia leaned into Clark and rubbed her nose against his softly. "You know me too well," she whispered. "There's only two things I can think of doing right now: going out... or staying in. Which one am I thinking of?" She winked at him, throwing him a saucy smile, suddenly overcome with her physical need of him, now that her insane emotions had settled down.

Judging by the look in her eye, he chose the latter of the two options and dove in. Placing himself at her feet, he eased her knees apart and ran his hands up and down her thighs. "I am guessing you want to stay in...?" He hadn't known those words would elicit the next reaction it did from her, but was shocked at her next move.

Ah, he'd guessed correctly, she thought. Not a hard choice to make, given that it seemed he couldn't get enough of her. She slid her hips down the couch a little, sliding closer to him until he felt her against her too tight jeans: hot, wet, ready for him. Moaning at his touch, she nodded her head, too breathless to speak. A sudden flare of lust drove her to yank Clark's button down shirt from his body and fall on top of him. Running her hands against his hard muscles and chest, she grinned at him and cocked an eyebrow, loving the surprise registering on his face.

Watching her on top of him, he stripped her shirt from her body and stared at the shape it was beginning to take on. Something he had always hoped one day to see, but never once thought it would come to pass. He loved every inch, every centimeter of her with his hands before it felt like he would combust if not to have her. "Ali..."

Though the apartment was cool, her skin felt feverishly hot... and it was all Clark's fault, of course. "Yes, Clark? What is it?" she whispered, kissing his chest softly, her tongue tracing circles around his male nipples and down his torso. She heard his quick intake of breath, felt his hard length beneath her... and she wondered why she'd ever doubted him for a second.

Stopping for forward motion, he eased her down his legs some so he could undo his jeans. Taking his time, he watched her blonde hair encase her small face and felt the fire burning within her eyes. Stopping his process of undressing, he watched and she ground her body into his and moaned his name. "You like that?" He was in the mood....for anything tonight.

She hissed sharply, wanting him inside her so badly it physically hurt that he wasn't there yet. "Yesssss," she moaned, moving enough to stroke his thickness with her hand slowly, watching his cheek muscles clench and contract as he tried to maintain some control over himself. "Let go, Clark... whatever you want... do it," she panted, feeling more adventurous tonight than she ever had.

Shaking his head and index finger, he sat up and kissed her collarbone, working his way down and teasing her with his tongue. "I want you to tell me what to do to YOU. Not me..." He was serious - and he conveyed that seriousness through his mind. He wanted to know what she wanted..

Shivering with desire, she blushed nonetheless, a sudden shyness overtaking her. "I don't... I don't know how to tell you..." she whispered against him. "Everything... where do I... Ahhhhh..." She moaned with pleasure as his tongue lolled around each breast, which had started swelling slightly, making her nipples more sensitive than usual. "Clark," she sighed as she threw her head back in delight.

He could sense her urgency and sensitivity and knew it was the right moment to let go of his hold over the situation. Turning their bodies over, he slipped her jeans over and watched her sigh in happiness: both from him and the missing jeans. Putting himself between her legs, he kissed her abdomen and began to play softly with her. She was ready, impatient and burning for more. "Now....?"

"Now," she breathed, writhing against him in agony. "Cause if you don't... I'm --" Her words were cut off by his swift thrust inside her, filling her throbbing core completely with everything he had to give. "Better...." she sighed as she moved against him, impatient for more.

Giving her everything she desired in that very moment, he smiled as he held onto her hips. Going slowly for fear of damaging their son, he ran his hand over her tiny bulge and smiled. Holding his weight above her, he looked down at their union and grinned harder then he ever had. Then it hit him - something that had never happened without either a warning or tingle: He was coming already. Swiftly and hard into her. And so was she. Somehow she brought this out of him without his own body knowing it would happen. Screaming her name, he couldn't control his emotions and his arms nearly buckled at her sides. "Ali...."

Alicia held Clark's chest with her arms, always being mindful of the little one inside her but meeting his frantic thrusts with her own. She couldn't control the swift orgasm that rocked her body as soon as Clark entered her, and the fact that he was peaking so quickly only made her move against him harder. Her orgasm spilled over, knocking her breathless as the waves flowed through her, surrounding her... she even felt them sweep through Clark, as he spilled himself inside her with one final thrust, shivers rocking his body as they cried out together.

Resting beside her, he couldn't believe what they had just shared. "Does...wow? sound good enough for that?" He was smiling and out of breath - the latter rarely happening. Reaching over, he rubbed her belly once more before looking up into her eyes. "Are you...feeling better?"

"Wow... not even close..." she panted, getting lost in his eyes, needing the warmth and protection only they could provide her. "Better... not the right word. LOVED... that's it." She smiled a heart-stopping smile at him, feeling more content than she ever had in her life.

"So...you wanted to know what I've been doing while you were away - aside from working. Still interested?" He cocked one eyebrow and smiled quizzically at her.

"Yes, I'm dying to know," she whispered, "but... do you think we can do that in bed? Might be more... comfortable there." She stood up and took his hand, leading them to her bed. Pulling down the covers, she tucked them both in.

Sliding beside her, he felt her warmth and nearly fell into a trance. Opening his eyes once more, he laughed, slightly embarrassed by the power she held over him. "Well...I've been doing some baby shopping, if you must know. Checking out cribs, changing tables, mobiles, ya know..."

"Really? You have?" she said, leaning into him and kissing him gently. "I had no idea... I guess I've been too busy with school to think about that... You're wonderful, you know that?" Kissing her way to his ear, she whispered, "... and you're the one who holds the power over me, ya know. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else but here... with you."

Tickling her side gently for reading his thoughts once more, he looked up and read the late time on the clock. "Think it's time for some shut eye....our little one needs to sleep too...” Leaning down, he gave the baby his goodnight kiss and then went in for a loving moment with his bride to be. "I love you… both of you."

Sighing contentedly, she whispered, "I love you, too, Clark Kent... and maybe we can ring shop while I'm here..." Her last thought faded away as she drifted off to sleep, peaceful for the first time in weeks, happy to be with the one man she'd always wanted.

A Mother's Love...

Wed, 23 Aug 2006 01:27:16 GMT

Having made all of her deliveries for the day, Martha was feeling lonely, and didn't want to go back home to the empty farmhouse, knowing her husband would be tending to the fields for the next several hours. Not being one to window shop, not relishing the practice of falling in love with things she couldn't afford, she thought maybe she would stop in for an afternoon cup of coffee, and sort out her thoughts in a quiet corner of The Talon.

Entering the quaint little coffee shop, she didn't even notice any of the patrons, too preoccupied fishing through her purse for change, and lost in her thoughts that it seemed she was unable to escape.

Having just kissed Alicia asleep, Clark decided to go downstairs and grab a coffee for some much needed energy. Whispering to her that he would return shortly, he made his way out and down the stairs when he noticed his mother sitting off in far corner by herself. Sensing the time to actually sit down and talk with her haunt him, he walked over to her slowly and stood at the edge of the table. "Hey Mom..." was all he could muster the courage to say. He felt terrible for making her feel the way he had, but knew in his heart that time away might help the situation. Now was the chance to see if it worked or not.

"Clark?" she said looking up, her voice striking a high note from surprise. She wanted to jump up and embrace him, she wanted to stroke his jet black hair and be there to hear all of his troubles, and tell him they were going to be alright. But, seeing him standing so tense in her presence, reading so much behind his innocent eyes, she fought the urge to do what her mother's heart craved. Instead she reached a tentative hand to his, and quietly asked, "how are you--and Alicia?"

Smiling at his mother, the woman who would forever remain the his strength through so many periods of darkness, he sat down beside her, but held onto her hand tightly. "I...we are okay. The baby..." He looked at her as he was about to speak of her future grandson and continued no hesitantly. "The baby is getting bigger...she is starting to show a little. But so far, everything is good." Looking down at the table, he began to draw little circles with a drop of water that had fallen from his mug. He wanted to say he was sorry and beg for her forgiveness and acceptance, but he knew being a man meant begging was unheard of. Or so he thought. "Mom...I...I..." His mouth closed, his eyes clamped shut as he fought back the tears he knew would eventually come.

Always able to read him, she knew what he was feeling, and it pained her to see him struggling with the words. She really didn't need to hear them, she knew the unfortunate predicament he was in was not intentionally. It was not an act of defiance against her. It was simply life, and she, she would have to find a way to accept it, despite how much her heart was pained by the change. Squeezing his hand and looking to him with kind, encouraging eyes, she remained the same steel magnolia he knew her to be, and hid her pain behind her motherly concern. "How is she feeling?"

Lifting his eyes to meet her own, he smiled nervously, and held his gaze. Waiting a moment or two, he continued softly, "she is feeling...terrible. Getting sick constantly and can barely hold any food down. I don't know what to do but be there for her." Not knowing what else to say and hoping he wasn't driving her further away from him, he moved his seat closer to hers and closed his eyes. "I'm sorry for disappointing you. I never meant to hurt you or Dad. I..." One tear fell from his cheek and his words were suddenly lodged in his throat, unable to escape his mind. He wanted to share everything with her but knew not the right way to begin such a task. "Mom..."

She released his hand, and unconsciously straightened her back. She was walking a fine line between what her mind wanted to hear, and what her heart couldn't help but feel. "Clark," she begun softly. "Being an adult means taking responsibility for your actions, and standing by the decisions you've made. You're going to be a father, and I don't want you to feel you have to apologize for bringing a life into this world."

Shaking his head, he straightened up and put his hand to his chin. "I am not sorry for bringing another life into this world or becoming a father. Mom, I am sorry for falling from grace...in your eyes." He didn't know what else to say. It was the truth. He had always been the son he wanted and did everything he possibly could for her and his father. But now her eyes spoke of a different tale. Yes, he was sure she still loved him the same, but things were forever going to be different. "I love you Mom. I want you to...We would love it if you could...be with us through this. But I understand where you are coming from and I would never push you or Dad." Looking to her once he had finished speaking, he wasn't sure what to say or do next.

She took a long look at him, seeing before her the little boy who she found that day in the cornfield. They had come through so much, and she knew they would be able to survive much more, together, as a family. Reaching over and unzipping the closure of her purse, she retrieved a small plush giraffe, one that squeaked when you squeezed it. "Here," she said, handing the small toy to her son. "It's not much, but, I thought you might like to have it. It used to be yours."

Reaching out, he grabbed the worn and aged toy from his mother's hand and let his emotions get the better of him. Looking up at her through tear soaked eyes, he didn't have words for the way his heart felt. He wanted to hug her, to run upstairs and wake Alicia to show her what just happened, but his body remained in one place. He was so overwhelmed with emotion, the only thought that came to mind was to smile at her. Shaking his head in near disbelief, he let the shocked smiled cross his face and reached for her hand once more. "Mom...where...what does this...?" Lowering his face, he attempted to regain his composure but to no avail. His mother had just given him the best gift next to learning of his fatherhood.

Glad that the gesture touched him, Martha let a slight smile grace her lips, though she hid it as she zipped up her purse. "I'm sorry she's been sick. I can make her some soup, and I know crackers should help. It shouldn't last for too much longer."

It was another kind gesture following the one just moments before. He couldn't believe how well everything was going with his mother. "Are you sure? I wasn't sure yet if I could bring Alicia back to the house yet..." He let his last thought slip and he stood and reached down to hug his mother. Pulling her up, he held her and let his worries fade away. "Thank you. I really don't know..." His words were cut off as he stepped back and smiled towards her, unsure as to what she wanted to say next.

"I'll bring the soup by," she said. "Your father--" she started, hoping her eyes could complete the sentence. Seeing his brow furrow, she perched herself on her toes and laid a soft kiss on his cheek. "I love you," she whispered, her small hands grazing the flannel shirt she had laundered and mended so many times. With a final glance, eyes saying so much but holding even more in, Martha Kent turned, and walked away.

He knew by the unspoken words, his father was still not having any of it. He smiled though, thinking of how amazing it felt to have his mother back in his life - and participating in it. He hoped she would stop by soon; Not to deliver the soup, but to see Alicia and begin to share in this experience few knew he was going through. Watching her walk out, he followed her to the truck and down the main street, heading towards home. 'Thanks Mom,' he said silently to himself, and just like her, turned and walked towards his future.

**************

(Thanks Jen!! You *so* rock :) Look forward to the "soup-bringing!")