Exposed

This takes place a couple weeks after DC's animated film "Reign of the Supermen."


Clark sighed as he got into the elevator that would take him up to the Daily Planet bullpen. It was his first day back at work since "being found by Superman" after the Doomsday and Cyborg Superman debacle. More than once he'd thanked Jonn for helping him keep his identity intact. He also was grateful that, despite the events with Doomsday six months ago, Lois and his parents didn't declare him dead; coming back as Clark would have been impossible if they had. And he had the Eradicator and other Supermen figures to thank for showing up, seeing that they kept people wondering if Superman had taken a new form after his supposed death. Being an unknown alien had its speculation perks, he guessed.

The doors to the elevator opened and Clark briefly closed his eyes, listening to the clacking of keyboard keys, the latest gossip at the water cooler, and various coworkers trying to fish information for their articles over the phone. The smell of ink, paper, sweat, and coffee permeated the air. A smile graced his lips.

It was good to be home.

Making a scene of his toe catching on the small crack between the elevator and floor, he entered the bullpen and Jimmy immediately caught sight of him.

"CK!" he cried.

The bullpen froze.

"Um… hi." Clark waved a little self consciously.

The newsroom erupted, everyone leaping to their feet welcoming him back with huge grins and cheers. Jimmy rushed over and grabbed Clark's hand, his other slapping his back a couple times in brotherly embrace.

"I'm so glad you're okay!" he said, stepping back with watery eyes.

"Hey, Jimmy," he smiled. "It's good to be back."

The two of them headed for his desk, Clark smiling and thanking his coworkers; a few slapped his shoulders as he passed. He was sincerely surprised by the warm reception. Normally he wasn't the most popular guy in the newsroom, his perfected klutz fa?ade irritating people to no end. To see everyone cheering and recognizing him… it seemed Clark Kent had affected the Daily Planet more than he'd ever thought possible.

"KENT!"

Clark looked up to see Perry standing near his desk, a huge grin on his face.

"Hi, Chief," he smiled, shaking the Editor's hand.

"Good to see you, Kent. For a while there…"

"Clark smiled. "Thanks for letting me come back, Mr. White."

"Well, it would have been tragic to lose my best typist," he said gruffly, clearing his throat. "Not to mention I can't get anyone else to work with Lane."

"Like I need a partner, Chief!" Lois protested, finally making her presence known.

Clark watched as she sauntered over, her hips swaying in a gray pant suit, her rather low-cut blouse tantalizing his desire. Eyes sparkling, Lois smiled at him and Clark's whole being lit up.

"Hi, Lois," he said.

"Hi, Smallville," she said, a glint in her eye. "The planet wasn't the same without you."

Clark smirked at the double meaning. "So you're saying you missed me?"

In response, Lois snatched Clark's tie and unexpectedly yanked him down until their lips met. Shock quickly transformed to passion and Clark wrapped his arms around her petite waist, his eyes closing in ecstasy. But Lois cut the kiss short, abruptly wrenching him back to reality. For the second time in less than an hour the newsroom was quiet, everyone's jaws dangling near the floor.

"L-Lois!" Clark gasped, feeling all the stares. "I thought…"

"I nearly lost you," she muttered. "I'm done hiding us."

Still gripping his tie, she twisted around and headed for the supply closet, Clark stumbling after her with a pleased but astonished look on his face. Throwing the door open, she paused and shouted over her shoulder, "I hope none of you need anything. The closet is going to be occupied for a while."

After yanking Clark inside she slammed the door shut.

The bullpen exploded and Clark winced from the wolf whistles and surprised shouts from various coworkers. Jimmy was even demanding that Gil "pay up" while Perry chuckled "It's about time!"

"Are you sure you're okay with this?" he asked, amused by the reactions on the other side of the door and nervous that Lois might actually change her mind.

To his delight, she shoved him into the back wall and threw her hands around his neck. "Shut up and kiss me, Clark."

Raising an eyebrow, Clark's eyes darkened with desire. "Yes, Miss Lane," he smirked, claiming her lips with his own. The kiss lasted for several steamy seconds before he moved his lips across her soft jaw line. "Just kiss?" he murmured against her earlobe.

He suddenly jumped when he felt Lois's hands wrapping around his back under his shirt, the buttons now fully undone, the famous "S" shield exposed to her view.

"What do you think?" she smirked, grabbing his collar and forcing his lips to hers again.

Smiling, Clark wrapped his arms around her, his feet unintentionally lifting off the floor, his whole soul lit with love.

It really was good to be back.