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The holiday’s going to be, uh, difficult this year without extra complications for him.” Lionel said.
“You're not a complication, Lionel. You are ... a part of my life now, and I am very grateful for that.” Martha said.
Lionel's eyes widened. “Do you know what that means to me?” Then he let's the truth slip. “Do you know what you mean to me?”
Martha and Lionel stare at each other. The room is filled with silence. Never has silence felt this loud. Lionel moves and inch. Martha doesn't back away. Lionel then realizes what he's doing. Lionel backs away. Martha moves an inch.
She doesn't say anything but rather does something neither of them saw coming. She leaned and briefly brushed her lips against hers. Lionel's eyes widened because…why did she just do that?!?!
“M-Martha?” Lionel asks.
“Lionel I-” Martha struggled to find the words. “Come to dinner.” She decides. “Please.” she pleads.
“You…still want me there?” Lionel asks.
“Yes.” Lionel said softly.
************
Unfortunately Lionel still managed to retreat to his office. But it wasn't an excuse to get away from Martha. He really did have work to do.
Martha Kent enters his office. Lionel is not surprised she's here. He's happy. Of course he's happy to see her.
“Hi.” Martha said.
“Hi.” Lionel gets up from his chair and walks closer to her.
“I was…just making sure you were still coming.” Martha said.
“I told you I would.” Lionel said.
“Good.” Martha said.
Then the room fell silent. Since Martha made a bold move. Lionel figured he would do so as well.
“.....You kissed me.” Lionel said.
“I did.” Martha said. “You tried to.”
“I did.” Lionel said. “It wasn't on purpose.”
“I know.” Martha said.
“Why was yours?” Lionel asks.
“There's something between us.” Martha says to Lionel. Not an accusation. Not as a question. But as a fact.
Lionel is speechless. He thinks he is supposed to ask what that means. If she means that's a good thing or a bad thing.
“I don't know what that is. But it's there.”
There's something between us.
“Is this the part where you say you're not ready to figure that out?” Lionel asks.
“I didn't say that.” Martha said.
“What are you saying?” Lionel asks.
“I don't know what this is….but I like it.” Martha assures him.
“What….what happens now?” Lionel asks.
Martha smiles at him once more. Then once again she kisses him.
At the Thanksgiving feast Lionel is thankfully sitting next to Martha. Ironically Chloe is sitting next to him as well.
“By yourself?” Lionel asks.
“Jimmy is spending time with his family.” Chloe explains.
“Well if you ever need a ride.” Lionel said.
“That would be an awkward double date.” Chloe smirks.
“Hilarious.” Lionel rolls his eyes.
When Clark has everyone at the table say something they are thankful for. It was…rather an easy one to answer.
“Jimmy.” Chloe said.
“I am very grateful that you are in my life.” Oliver replied.
“Smart answer.” Lois smirks. “So am I.”
“I'm grateful that you can all be here today.” Clark said.
“I'm grateful that you all could make it. I know that Jonathan would be happy.” Martha smiles.
“And Lionel is grateful for Martha.” Lois adds.
“I'm always grateful for Martha. This friendship would be terribly one sided if I wasn't.” Lionel said.
“She's your only friend,” Chloe said.
“Who needs anyone else?” Lionel shrugs
Martha couldn't help but smile at that.
**********
When the meal was over Lionel helped with the clean up. When everything was done Clark left to spend time with Lana and Lex. Lionel and Martha were left alone in the house.
“She wasn't wrong.” Lionel blurts out.
“Hmmm?” Martha asks.
“What Lois said earlier. I am VERY grateful for you Martha Kent.’ Lionel said.
Martha smiles and kisses him once more. “I know. But thank you.”
“I will always be grateful for you Martha Kent.” Lionel said.
Then they kiss again only this time it's Lionel who initiates it. Martha is very pleased by this.
“Can I answer your question with another question?” Martha asks.
“My question?” Lionel asks.
“What do I mean to you?” Martha asks.
“Oh. That one.” Lionel said.
“Well?” Martha asks.
“I was willing to blow my own brains out so you could still keep your hands clean. To let you live with a clear conscience.” Lionel said.
“And Lionel Luthor never did that for anyone before.” Martha said. “You didn't hesitate.”
Lionel shakes his head. “No Martha. You are the only one.”
“I don't ever want you to do that again.” Martha said.
“You can't make me choose between myself and you.” Lionel said. “To answer your question truly. Martha, you are the best person I know. Clark has powers, yes. But my god woman I think you truly are the most powerful human on the planet.”
“I'm thankful you put me on such a high pedestal.” Martha chuckles.
“If anyone deserves it. It's you no question.” Lionel said. “I hope that is the answer you're looking for.”
“I don't know.” Martha admits. “But it's certainly a good answer at least.”
Once upon a time Lionel luthor swore he would never celebrate the holidays ever again. But once again Martha Kent persuaded him to enjoy them once more.