It's not an S // Superman

Chapter 14

After a few hours of gathering as much information as I could about the object buried beneath the Glacier and once Clark had confirmed that the carving out of a tunnel to reach it had been completed we decided to take action and identify this mysterious structure.

We waited until dark, Clark continuing with this "Joe" persona throughout the day and going about his daily duties so as not to arouse suspicion. Once he was sure everyone on site had turned in for the night, the air becoming bitter cold in the late hours Clark made his way back to the shelter where I awaited the green light.

"Lauren, I don't think you should come with me," Clark voiced aloud as I was pulling on my hat and gloves

"What are you talking about Clark? I didn't come all this way just to sit in some metal shed."

"What if it's not safe? I don't know what's in there," he pushed, already knowing that no matter what he said I'd be going with him. He knew from years experience that whilst I would always listen to his opinion on something I wouldn't always agree. This was one of those times.

"And that Clark Kent is why I am going with you. We are in this together and no arguing. I'm taking a stand," smiling a huge triumphant grin when his sudden slump of the shoulders and shake of the head proved I had gotten my way.

Picking up my Parka from its resting place atop a crate in the corner, Clark passed it to me and made sure to zip it up himself once I'd put it on. He fastened it as securely as possible so as not to allow any excess ice cold air to get to me and then pulled my hair out from inside the padded coat so it could hang freely.

"Fine. Fine. Just promise me one thing ok?" Clark stroking the waves of my hair and looking directly into my eyes. Wow, I'd missed those looks.

"Sure, anything."

"Just stay where I can see you. Don't wander off. Lauren, I know what you're like." He wasn't happy about this, not happy at all. If it was anything else I would stay behind just to put his mind at rest. I couldn't do it with this though, no way. We'd been searching for so long, together and apart and now there was a chance that all those years of research and sacrifice were going to amount to something. Whatever was buried in that Glacier could change Clark's life forever. Whether it was for better or worse we did not yet know. All I did know was that I would be standing next to him when it happened, I would be at his side holding his hand. He needed me just as much as I needed him.

"I'll stay right next to you, I promise. In return though I want you to promise me something." An element of cheekiness in my request and stepping just centimetres away from him, reaching up to wrap my arms around his neck.

"Ok, what is it?" Clark asked with raised eyebrows and an exasperated exhale, then leaning in as close to me as possible without our faces actually coming into contact.

"You promise me that after this all over you shave that beard off your face. I mean stubble I can handle but you've taken it way too far" I giggled, Clark following straight after. I'd definitely succeeded in breaking the nervous and anxious tension if even only for a moment.

"Yeah well I like it. It's keeping my chin warm and I know it's only a matter of time before you give in and kiss me anyway," Clark playing along so as not to give me the upper hand straight away.

"Well it may be keeping your chin warm but it will give mine friction burn if I come anywhere near. So no kissing until the beard goes missing. Got it farmboy?" I finished with the most suggestive air I could muster.

"I guess that's me told."

"I guess it is. Now are we ready to do this?" I asked, making some last minute checks on my coat, scarf and gloves. Clark was only wearing a long sleeved, button down t-shirt and vest. The cold was no issue for him, it never had been. He'd worn the padded coats etc in the past for appearance sake, but when I was the only one with him he didn't need to keep up the pretence. He could have walked through these icy planes completely shirtless and not felt so much as a shiver.