Moving on Up

Script by Kate Blake

Disclaimer: I own nothing- story for entertainment purposes only.

This vignette is my way of melding the horrific Blahna arc of season 8 right back to where we left off with a few twists on how the Lois / Clark reunion could be handled without Clark looking like a total wank.
Rating: G for everyone.

Setting: Metropolis curb outside Lois's new apartment.
Players: Lois Lane and Clark Kent along with Jimmy Olsen.
Timing: Post Infamous. Lois is back in Metropolis and moving into her new place with Clark and Jimmy helping her.

Lois: Come on Clark - get the lead out! I want to return this truck before the rental place closes and I have to pay for an extra day's rental.

Clark: Yes your highness. I didn't realize how much stuff you had.

Lois: Did you think that I was sleeping in Lana's bed? I bought all of the furniture in the apartment above the Talon- of course I have stuff.

Lois shakes her head while grabbing a box and heading for the door at the street. It is an alcove entrance with an intercom to the apartments above. Jimmy is inside , he opens the door to let Lois and Clark pass.

Jimmy: I am so sorry I can't help out more Lo' but you know... ( He looks down to the sling on his arm. There are bandages on his face and neck where he still has healing cuts.)

Lois: It's ok Jimmy- we need someone to hold the doors open- this building doesn't exactly have a doorman. (Lois smiles as she says this.)

Clark is carrying a large TV and does not see Lois has stopped in the doorway and nudges her from behind.

Lois: OUCH! Watch it farm boy!

Clark: Sorry Lois- I didn't realize you'd stopped moving - I thought you were in an all fired hurry to finish moving?

Lois: mumbles something under her breath - all that you can hear is "wiseass" then she smiles a fake sweet smile at Clark and heads up the stairs that are just inside the door.

Cut to door at the end of the hallway- 5 stories up.

Clark: And will you remind me why you have an apartment on the fifth floor of a building with no elevator?

Lois: What? Having a tough time keeping up? (she smirks at him as Jimmy opens the door ahead of them)

Apartment interior- there is a small galley kitchen just inside the door to the left, and then down a short hall is an open living area that leads to a large balcony that looks out over the rooftops of her neighboring buildings. There is a hallway to the left of the kitchen through the living area that leads to two bedrooms and a bathroom.

Lois takes her box inside and deposits it in the first bedroom.

Lois: Clark- that TV is for my bedroom!

Clark: Ok.

Clark proceeds down the hall to the second room. It is almost as large as the living area and leads out onto the balcony as well. Lois's bed and dressers and boxes and boxes of clothes are already in the room. Clark looks around. He can't see a cable jack and doesn't know where to put the TV so he puts it on the bed, then pushes her largest dresser into place across from the

end of her bed and puts the TV on top of it. Lois walks in- with another box.

Lois: Why did you put that there? I'm not going to watch TV in bed.

Clark: Then why do you ask me to put it in your bedroom?

Lois: For this dummy.

She turns to the corner and lifts up a figure that looks like a man- it is a contact boxing dummy.

Clark: Lois- I didn't know you were so hard up for a date....

Lois: Ha ha! Very funny. Since I have so much more space here I am pulling out my stuff that has been in storage.

Clark: That explains why there were 50 boxes here before we showed up today?

Lois: Yeah- I had the general ship me my workout stuff- I have a complete set of weights, my dummy , a free standing punching bag and my other sports stuff.

Clark walks to the corner and sees the weight bench- in pieces.

Clark: You know I can help you put this together if you want when we get the truck returned. I can set this up for you while you unpack.

Lois: That would be great! Speaking of which- lets get the last boxes in and return the truck- I think Jimmy wants to head back home after I get him the pizza I promised.

Jimmy: Lois- you mind if I crash out on the couch here for a bit while you grab the last boxes and return the truck?

Lois : (Looking concerned) You haven't overdone it have you? You told me the stairs were ok as long as you didn't carry anything?

Jimmy: (Smiling up at Lois with real affection and a bit of awe) Nah- I'm ok Lois- just a little tired...and hungry?

Lois: I promise- one more trip then I take back the truck and pick up pizza - you rest now.

Clark: Don't worry about us Jimmy- we will be done in no time.
(Clark frowns a little- not realizing Jimmy was still not completely recovered from his bout with the monster at the wedding. Lois sees his reaction.)

Curb- truck.

Lois: I saw that you know.

Clark: What?

Lois: The oh it is all my fault look.

Clark: I don't know what you are talking about Lois.

Lois: Jimmy- his injuries are not your fault. They are mine!

Clark steps out of the truck bringing two last boxes down and pulling the truck door shut behind him.

Clark: Explain that to me please. Last time I checked you are not a spiny covered murderous monster.

Lois: I knew that there was something wreaking havoc here in Metropolis and I didn't push hard enough to uncover the truth. When Tess shut down my Jack the Ripper story I should have

just continued to investigate, but after we were kidnapped and the wedding plans.....

Clark sees that Lois really believes she could have prevented the events at the wedding.

Clark: Lois, I had no idea you felt this way. Is this why you stayed away so long? You know none of it was your fault?

Lois: With Chloe gone I had to stay with Jimmy, I had failed them both so badly by not stopping that thing sooner.....

Clark puts the boxes down and walks over to her and takes her hands in his and wills her to look up at him.

Clark: You were not responsible for that monster but I know you were responsible for Jimmy coming through this ok. Chloe has been going on and on about how she will never be able to repay you. ( Clark brings her hands up between them.)

Lois: I know she has- but Clark- I felt so stupid. And you know I hate that. ( She looks down to their clasped hands and pulls hers away. She wipes at her eyes and looks up toward her apartment.) I know that I give Jimmy grief but even if he wasn't family, he has been a good a friend and I don't let bad things happen to the people I care about. (Lois straightens her back and steps back from Clark) Now- lets take these last boxes on up then I can return this truck- ok?

Clark: Ok Lois.
Clark hands Lois a box and grabs the heavier one himself after opening the door for her. He looks on her with a firm set to his jaw.

Apartment: It is now dark outside.

Clark, Jimmy and Lois are in her living room sharing a HUGE pizza. Clark is sprawled on the floor on a pile of floor cushions and Jimmy is on the couch with a blanket over his legs thanks to

Lois, Lois is sitting with her legs crossed eating a huge slice. Music is playing.

Jimmy: I can't believe you have an actual record player.

Lois: It's great isn't it? It was in storage- my dad sent it to me along with my vinyl collection

Clark: If you can call every hair band LP made a collection.....

Lois throws a used napkin at Clark's head.

Lois: Ha ha! Admit it - you secretly love it!

Clark shakes his head as Lois jumps to her feet does a little dance and picks up the empty pizza box which she takes to the kitchen counter.

Clark: Jimmy- are you up to driving back tonight or do you need me to give you a lift?

Jimmy: Nah- I'm ok CK- I napped here on the couch while you and Lois were out. I will probably be up all night thanks to the gallon of Diet Coke I drank with the pizza. How about you?

Clark: How about me what?

Jimmy: Come on CK? Are you going to make Lois spend her first night in the big city all by herself? This isn't the best neighborhood and her alarm guys don't come until tomorrow....

Clark: Uh....

Lois: I am a big girl and the alarm guys may not be here until tomorrow but I have my security system. ( Lois turns to the closet door between the kitchen and bedroom in the hallway)

Here it is! ( she turns around)

Clark and Jimmy together: Lois!

Clark: That is a shotgun!

Jimmy: Well that should work....

Lois: Well I have learned that handguns are only good if you know what is coming- for someone trying to break into your place- a shotgun blast through a door is most effective.

Clark: Do you really think you need that? ( Clark stands up to look outside across the balcony, as he turns his head he hears sirens in the distance and realizes that the businesses below have barred their windows and doors for the night.)

Lois: Well- just until my security system is ready. Half of it is done. Jimmy- you have had the Talon apartment upgraded too.

Jimmy: What? How?

Lois: When I came back and Chloe was with you- I talked to my father and we had the bathroom there turned into a secured panic room. The walls are all steel reinforced with lead and the door is now a blast door. If you ever need to hide- you go in there, shut the door and there is a panic button under the medicine cabinet. Hit the button and 911 will be on the way!

Jimmy: Wow! That is high tech. Why the lead?

Lois:Well- it was all army surplus stuff- and you know the lead lined steel is leftover from the cold war. One of dad's retired buddies has been using it to put in panic rooms for regular people all over the place. It was all Daddy's idea after Chloe was kidnapped- not that it would have helped at the farm...

Clark: But it is a good idea here Lois. Where is this special room? ( Clark is using his x-ray vision scanning the apartment and realizes both the bathroom and her walk in closet are lead lined)

Lois: Follow me guys! (Lois takes Jimmy and Clark to her room and shows them the closet and pulls back the shelves revealing a small compartment)

Jimmy: Uh Lois- that is an arsenal in there! I thought you said you just had a shotgun?

Lois: Well that is my day to day protection and I hardly call a couple of air rifles, a paint gun, my one registered pistol, and my knives an arsenal.

Clark: Knives? ( he is looking at Lois with an odd expression)

Lois: One of the special forces guys on my last trip with dad spent some time working with me- I am pretty adept at throwing knives. Want a demonstration?( Lois bites at her lower lip and smiles)

Together Jimmy and Clark : NO!

Clark: Wow Lois- who needs caped crusaders with you around?

Lois: Like I want to patrol the city looking for criminals? No way! But I am not going to be a victim. This new gang that is coming into the city is dangerous and I know I am stepping on some toes already.

Clark: Then the big glass doors here are not the safest are they? ( Clark looks out through her bedroom to the big doors)

Lois: Uh....they are bulletproof glass. ( the guys mouths drop open) Well the last occupant left mid-lease after being shot by a stray bullet from a nearby rooftop. When I found the place it was a mess- the guy had left as soon as he was out of the hospital. The owner gave me a good deal when I told him I knew a guy who could replace all of the glass with bulletproof stuff that wouldn't harm the historical integrity of the building. I told you I got a rent to own deal didn't I?

Clark: No Lois- I would have remembered that you if you told me you were buying you first place and the previous occupant had been shot!

Jimmy: Really? This is a totally cool buidling- I love the moldings and woodwork. You even have a real fireplace in your living room!

Lois: I know- thank you Jimmy, I felt at home the first time I walked in. The big balcony just did it for me. ( Lois smiles as she walks toward the balcony and opens the doors)
Clark walks up next to her. Jimmy comes up on the other side. All three look out across the city and can see the Daily Planet lit up at night.

Clark: Wow- you can't see that in the daytime.

Jimmy: You really are close to work here. I miss living in the city but I guess there is no way I can talk Chloe into moving from Smallville.
Lois puts her arms through the arms of both men.

Lois: And we will together work on making the city a safe place by uncovering her dark ugly secrets.

Clark: Where do you want to begin? That is a tall order Lane?

Jimmy: The Ripper. The creature that attacked me and is preying on victims at the waterfront- you think it is one and the same don't you Lois?

Lois: Yes, I do. ( She pulls her arms out and leads the guys to the wall of her balcony. She doesn't face them.) I believe there is something ugly and evil and it is hurting people- and I want to stop it. ( Lois turns around) I need you guys to help me- my cover story is the great hunt for the red blue blurr- but what I am really going to be hunting is big mean and spiny.

Clark: Tess keeps pretty close tabs on us Lois. Do you think you can pull that off?

Lois: I can with your help Smallville.

Jimmy: Count me in. I can help you with security tapes from businesses in the area where the first murders were. I know some guys who work down there- they should be willing to help out- all above board too. They were freaked out by the attack at the Ace of Clubs.

Lois: Well I will be working on my contacts in the military- my guy at the Navy pier told me he might have something. You want to come with me on that one Smallville?

Clark: Sounds like a plan- my contact at the police department said they don't have much on the killings.

Lois: Jones? Yeah he told me that when I was first trying to dig into the matter.

Clark: You know Jones?

Lois: I have been working on getting to know all of the homicide cops in the city. You know me- I don't do the sitting behind a desk thing.

Clark: So when do you want to start all of this?

Lois: Well I think Jimmy needs to get home tonight and I have to get my home office together tonight. Tomorrow is Sunday- Clark- can you come into town in the morning? My guy at the pier isn't working on Sunday - it is pretty quiet and he may be able to tell us more than if we were to look him up during the week when there is a full crew on.

Jimmy: Hey Clark- why don't you just stay over with Lois and go first thing in the morning? Didn't you tell me on our way in that your neighbor was taking care of the farm pretty much full time now?

Clark: Well- I have a couple of changes of clothes at the office...

Lois: Uh...tomorrow is fine. No need to neglect your dog Clark. ( She heads toward the doors and back inside putting distance between her and Clark. Jimmy smiles.)

Jimmy: That's silly- Clark I can call Chloe and tell her to pick up Shelby and bring him to our place. Her furniture from her dad's place arrived today and she told me it is all set up now. She is usually at ISIS all day on Sunday- Shelby and I can watch some B-Ball and I can work on going over some of those feeds at home.

Lois: You can do that?

Jimmy: Yeah- the guy at the one club down by the waterfront- he is a big gamer. We share these massive data files all the time. I sent him some cool new stuff last month that I got from a buddy in Silicon Valley- ( both Lois and Clark give Jimmy disapproving looks) nothing illegal! Just some new ways to tweak your play, anyway I had asked him about the stuff before and told me he had loaded them to a remote server- I can get them whenever we want. I think tomorrow is as good as any time?

Lois: Well....

Clark: Ok. You win! Lois- you need anything from the office? I'll head over there to get my clothes then come back here so we can head out first thing in the morning.

Jimmy: I will call Chloe. ( he leaves to head to the kitchen to make the call)

Lois: You really don't have to do this- I can spend the night here and we can head over around noon when you can get here.

Clark: Lois- you know that earlier will be better and it is no trouble. Besides- it will be fun! I can help you set up your TV and weights set while you work in your office.

Lois: Well when you offer free labor....ok! The futon from the living room is moving in there tomorrow too- I have a new couch on order that should arrive on Monday.
Clark: Wow- new furniture, new place, all new Lois.

Lois: Well- change is good for a person Clark. You have made some steps in the right direction- maybe you are ready for some bigger changes too?
Jimmy returns to the room.

Jimmy: All set! Chloe is heading over to pick up Shelby. I am ready to go- you heading out CK?

Clark: I will be right behind you Jimmy.

Lois: Jimmy- thanks so much for all the help here today! And call me any time when you go over those recordings.

Lois walks over and gives Jimmy a hug and kiss on the cheek. He blushes and returns the hug.

Jimmy: I wil never be able to pay you back for taking care of me Lois.

Lois: Jimmy- we are family- don't you know that is what family and friends do for each other? They look out for each other and keep them safe.

Clark watches and listens, saying nothing. Jimmy and Clark walk to the door and Clark turns to Lois.

Clark: I will be back in a little while.

Lois: Just buzz me and I will let you in.

Clark: Ok.

The guys leave the apartment and Lois sighs.

Lois: Great - Clark is spending the night doing work for me so we can go to work together tomorrow. I guess any romance chance is dead thanks to Lana coming back to town....
Clark hears this and perks up his head as he and Jimmy walk down the stairs. Clark is careful not to go too fast.

Jimmy: So Clark- you gonna make a move on Lois or what?

Clark: What? Me and Lois? You know I just broke up with Lana.

Jimmy: Clark and Lana- yee gads- aren't you over that yet? I mean I know she was you great first love and all- but she married Lex Luthor. I just don't get how you could be with her after that.

Clark: It's complicated.

Jimmy: Only if you let it be. Man- I see the way you two look at each other. I know half the reason she stayed with me so long was to stay away from you. It must have killed her when Lana showed up like that at the wedding.

Clark: Really? You think she feels that strongly?

Jimmy: (stopping on the steps and looking down at Clark) Can you be that dense? Man- Lois cares for you more than you know. When you took off while Chloe was missing- you know she was crazy? She spent every moment she had on the phone, out on the streets and on the net looking for both of you. A woman doesn't do that for just anyone.

Clark ponders this.

Clark: You know- I took off once in high school and Lana never really bothered to even look for me. Lois isn't like that.

Jimmy: No. Lois never does anything part way and she doesn't leave things unfinished. If you want a chance with her you better do something or she will decide you are not interested and move on. Do you want to be the guy who knows he passed up the chance for something amazing because he was moping over someone else?

Clark: When you put it that way....

Jimmy: Well here we are at the door- looks like my car is ok. Your truck too. You going to move it to the DP garage for the night?
Clark looks over at his truck.

Clark: Can you believe it took my truck, your car and a rental truck to move Lois out of that apartment and my attic?

Jimmy: And we didn't even have to carry up the stuff from storage her dad sent.....

Clark: I think I will move the truck to the DP garage for the night Jimmy- it looks like street cleaning is tomorrow morning here. I wouldn't want to get a ticket.

Jimmy: Or stolen....

Clark: See you on Monday- thanks for taking care of Shelby for me! I will be home tomorrow night unless I call and tell you otherwise.

Jimmy: See ya CK- and think about what I said.

Clark blurs back to Lois's apartment building with a gym bag and garment bag. He looks up toward her balcony then cocks his head- he doesn't need superhearing to hear Lois singing along to White Snake on her record player. Clark buzzes the door and holds the buzzer down- knowing Lois will have a tough time hearing it over the music.

Lois (on speaker): Clark?

Clark: You expecting some other man carrying his clothes Lois?

Lois: You......

The door opens and Clark heads inside, going upstairs after making sure the door is secured behind him. Lois is waiting at the top of the stairs with her hair in a ponytail in shorts and a workout bra top and is wearing sneakers. Clark stares at her glistening cleavage.

Clark: Uh- you changed while I was out...

Lois: Well- I thought I would kill two birds with one stone! I threw on a load of wash and decided to get in some time with my dummy while I waited for you. I need help putting my new desk together before I can unpack the office- my bedroom boxes are all empty now- you can put your clothes in the closet here outside the bathroom.

Lois opens the closet and Clark is surprised to find an empty closet with a clothing rod and a narrow dresser inside. He looks at Lois questioningly. SHe shrugs.
Lois: I figured I have a lot of room in my big closet so this one is for guests.

Clark: What about the closet in your office?

Lois: Uh....that is my overflow closet. You know I have a lot of clothes Clark.

Clark: You need two whole closets including your huge armored walkin for your clothes?

Lois glares at him.
Lois: Are you going to lecture or get to work? I have clothes to put in the dryer.
With this she heads down the hall to her washer and dryer which are in a small room that doubles as a pantry off of the galley kitchen. Clark comes up behind her after putting his clothes away and she turns abruptly into his arms.

Clark: Sorry!

Lois: What--- (they say this at the same time)

Clark backs up giving Lois some room.

Lois puts her arms over her chest, her expression is unreadable. She waits for Clark to speak.

Clark: What do you want me to do first? The desk?

Lois breathes out.
Lois: That would be great.

She shows him the big flat box marked IKEA and points to where she wants it- against the inside wall where all of the power outlets are.
Clark looks up.
Clark: Wow! I didn't realize this room had skylights.

Lois: Yeah- that is why I chose this room to be the office- I get natural light and the stars without the distraction of the big windows for the room. I had the glass replaced in here too.

Clark: It is beautiful- I should have the desk , chair and shelves done in no time. Why don't you work on sorting out your clothes?

Lois heads into the next room and we see a pile of clothes on her bed that are taller than she is. She sighs and starts sorting.
Clark finishes the furniture assembly in no time but isn't ready to face Lois so he heads into the living room, quietly and catches glimpses of her dancing in her room as she puts her clothes into the closet.

Lois: Hey Clark? You done in the office? She calls out.

Clark: I just moved into the living room- any of these boxes of books go in there?

Lois: All of them go in the office!
She steps into the hall looking for him. Sees him then heads into the office. The desk , chair and 4 bookshelves plus matching cabinet are all put together with one wall left empty for the futon couch. Lois nods approvingly to Clark.

Lois: Wow! That was fast!
She turns to face him and smiles, then takes a couple of steps and gives him a quick hug. Clark sucks in. She is still in the workout gear.

Clark: Anytime Lois- I know you appreciate my ability to do manual labor.

Lois quits smiling and stands back her hands on his shoulders. Since she is in tennis shoes she is looking up more than usual.

Lois: You know I think of you are more than just Mr Fixit don't you?

Clark: Uh... I was just making a joke Lois. I know I am still a newbie at the paper and you have always hated the farm....

Lois: Is that what you think? You think I think less of you because you do things with your hands and work on the farm?

Clark: Well don't you? Haven't you been badgering me for how long to get a real job and use my brain because you think I am an idiot?

Lois steps back removing her hands and breaking contact. She shakes her head.

Lois: Wow- I guess it is true that men and women are from different planets. I badger you because I know you are smarter than that and that you are better than that and because I know you can do more than just milk cows Smallville! Excuse me if wanting my friend to have more from life than just the short end of a shovel full of manure is being bossy and badgering.
She turns on her heel and starts audibly stomping down the hall. Clark stands with his mouth open. She turns around.

Lois: Close that or you'll catch flies! See I know farm sayings too.

Clark closes his mouth and rushes up behind her and puts his hands on her shoulders.

Clark: Lois- stop. Please.
He gently turns her toward him expecting to see her scowling and he gulps audibly when he sees her eyes are red and tears are streaking down her face. Clark takes a finger and gently brushes her tears aside. Lois does not say anything. She just looks up at him.

Clark: Lois- I am sorry. I guess the thought of you thinking of me as other than the town idiot comes as a surprise. I have always thought you thought I was kind of an idiot.
He smiles as he says this. Rubbing her cheek and cupping her face with one hand. He brings his head forward and their foreheads touch.

Lois: Well you are kind of an idiot....this being a prime example.

Clark: Touche.
Clark gathers Lois in his arms and hugs her close.

Clark: I guess we have been avoiding the elephant in the room and it is getting to both of us isn't it?

Lois looks up at Clark, held in his arms now.

Lois: If by elephant you mean our moment of near madness at the reception?

Clark: Is that what it was? I thought it was an incredibly romantic moment and the best dance I had ever had right up the point when we were interrupted.

Lois: Well- I guess we had our moment and it passed- so what do we do next?

Clark pulls them apart and takes Lois's hand and they head to the couch in the living room. They sit down side by side.

Clark: Lois- you are the one who has helped me realize I need more in my life. I didn't know how much I was missing until I took the job at the Planet. Working with you, doing things that help people, it feels good. I haven't been living my life to its fullest- and I know that. But right now- I am not ready for anything else. Lana came back and I think that is finally really done but I don't want to do anything right now that we might both regret. Your friendship is important to me Lois.

Lois: You are one of my best friends Clark- I don't want things to be awkward between us. If you aren't ready that is fine. If the truth is that you just don't want me - that is fine too. Just let me know- we can stay friends and I can focus my attentions on finding someone who does want me and thinks I'm special and worthy of their full attention.

Clark: Lois- I.... ( he stops then starts again) I don't want you to put your life on hold for me. Lana and I played this back and forth game for too long. It wasn't fair to either one of us and other people got hurt.

Lois stands up and walks to the balcony looking outside and leans against the closed door. Clark waits for her to speak. When she doesn't he comes up behind her, so close he can smell her hair and the unique spicy scent that is all Lois. She lets out a deep sigh, then turns around.

Lois: You don't have to worry about me throwing myself at you Clark, or pining after you like my cousin, or chasing you like Lana. I will go on with my life , and we will be friends. We will work together and hang out- and since you are taking yourself off of the potential dates list- you will not give me crap over who I do choose to go out with or who I spend time with.

Besides- now I can accept that date with Andrew Copper from Channel 2 that he is always after me for. ( Lois smiles- no tears in her eyes) Don't worry Smallville, I won't be sitting around moping over you, now lets get back to work- I want this place unpacked. We need some sleep tonight before we head to the pier in the morning.

Clark watches Lois intently, trying to see if she is putting on a show of bravado.

Clark: If you can brush it aside, I guess it didn't mean that much and it is better that we just stay friends. ( Clark is frowning as he says this) .

Lois smiles.

Lois: Clark- a near kiss is not the end of the world. If you had kissed more girls you might think so too. (She strides into the bedroom, step light and stops in the doorway not facing Clark ) Uncomfortable emotional discussion is done- now get in here and put my weight bench together Smallville or I will have to make you go get us beer to go with the last slices of pizza that I put in the fridge!

Clark heads toward her room shaking his head. What Clark doesn't see is Lois looking at herself in the mirror as she says this. She is not smiling. She is saying the words but her eyes do not match the playful tone.