{"id":658,"date":"2014-12-11T16:39:02","date_gmt":"2014-12-11T16:39:02","guid":{"rendered":"\/lnc\/?page_id=658"},"modified":"2023-06-10T11:05:15","modified_gmt":"2023-06-10T15:05:15","slug":"what-a-husband-should-be","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/nfanfic.com\/lnc\/fanfic\/pg-fanfic\/what-a-husband-should-be\/","title":{"rendered":"What a Husband Should Be"},"content":{"rendered":"

Author: Sheila
\n
Email: ethanseth@msn.com<\/a>
\n
Rated: PG-13<\/i><\/p>\n

\nThis story line takes place around "Barbarians at the Planet"\/"The House of
\nLuthor", however, some things are different. The Planet was never destroyed,
\njust financially devastated. Luthor still owns it and Lois, so to speak. She has
\naccepted Lex\u2019s proposal and turned down Clark\u2019s declaration of love in the park.
\nPerry is still Editor in Chief and Lois and Clark are still partners, though
\nvery strained. Lex has stripped Superman\/Clark of his powers in the Kryptonite
\ncage and there are still 2 weeks before the Luthor wedding.<\/p>\n

Perry is sending Clark to Japan on a story and Lois doesn\u2019t want to be outdone,
\nso she demands to tag along. She classifies this expedition as the last Lane and
\nKent story before she marries Lex and go to work at LNN against all better
\njudgment. Lex is not at all happy about Lois leaving with Clark, but he\u2019s going
\nto let this one last time slide, maybe.<\/p>\n

This is my first attempt at a story so constructive criticism is welcomed.<\/p>\n

Normal disclaimers. None of these characters belong to me. And now\u2026 <\/p>\n

"Kent! In my office," Perry yelled in his most southern dialect.<\/p>\n

"Want me too, Chief?" Lois asked, pleadingly.<\/p>\n

"Well, no, honey. I\u2019m going to have to send Kent on a story in Japan and I\u2019m
\nafraid that Luthor\u2019s instructions were for Kent to go solo. I have to follow
\norders as much as I\u2019d like to do things differently," Perry replied, rather
\nsolemnly. He really hated breaking up the greatest newspaper team in the world.
\nMore than that, he hated Luthor. He hated working for him. This story could have
\nbrought Lane and Kent a Kerth, but now, since Luthor owned the Planet and Lois
\nwas his fianc\u00e9e, it may bring just Kent a Kerth. <\/p>\n

"I\u2019m going Chief. I\u2019ll deal with Lex! I\u2019m a newspaper reporter, at least for
\nanother three weeks. This could be my last big story before I go to work for
\nLNN." That realization almost brought tears to Lois\u2019 eyes, but it was expected
\nof her to go to work for Luthor.<\/p>\n

"Your last big story, Lois? I think Perry called me into his office for this
\none. You just invited yourself along," Clark grated out.<\/p>\n

"Just because I told you that I\u2019m not in love with you doesn\u2019t give you the
\nright to cut me out of a story\u2026"<\/p>\n

"Lane! Kent! Please! Do this on your own time! Right now, more than ever, I\u2019ve
\ngot a newspaper to run! Now, hopefully this will be the break that will get the
\nDaily Planet back on its feet. Do I have your full attention now?"<\/p>\n

"Yes Chief."<\/p>\n

"Yeah chief," Lois and Clark replied in unison.<\/p>\n

"Now, Kids, an old buddy of mine…" Perry related. "You two should be able to
\nwrap this up in a week, maybe less, since the both of you are going. Here are
\nvouchers for your plane tickets and unfortunately, the Planet could only afford
\nto reserve one hotel room, since we only thought we were sending one reporter."<\/p>\n

"What! I can\u2019t spend the night in the same room as Clark. I\u2026"<\/p>\n

"I\u2019m not sharing a room with her\u2026" Lois and Clark yelled together.<\/p>\n

"This is it folks! Take it or leave it. After all, we were only sending Kent."<\/p>\n

Lois and Clark looked at each other and called a silent truce. Perry smiled
\nwithin himself. Just what he needed\u2026for Lane and Kent to be away from Luthor,
\ntogether. Perry had footed the second ticket himself, because truthfully, the
\nplanet would only finance one reporter. Maybe Kent could talk some sense into
\nthat girl. He hated that bastard, Luthor, for the evil mark he had left on
\nMetropolis. And Lois saw Luthor through such rosy glasses. How could such a
\nbrilliant investigative reporter be so na\u00efve and blind to such a heinous
\ncriminal?<\/p>\n

"Now, the flight leaves tomorrow at 0900. Go home and pack!"<\/p>\n

Lois turned and almost marched out of Perry\u2019s office. Perry could see the
\nhostility in her walk. Clark just turned, shoved his hands in his pants pockets,
\nlowered his shoulders and took on a look of pure defeat. Just as Clark went to
\nexit Perry\u2019s office, Perry called out to him, <\/p>\n

"Hey Kent\u2026"<\/p>\n

"Yea, Chief?"<\/p>\n

"Good luck with Attila, there," followed by a deep bellowed laugh.<\/p>\n

"Thanks Chief. I\u2019m gonna need it."<\/p>\n

Lois met Lex for dinner as they had been doing for the past week or so since
\nthey had gotten engaged. Lois seemed even more preoccupied tonight than she ever
\nhad been when in Lex\u2019s company. Luthor, of course, knew that Lois was
\npreoccupied and he knew exactly why, but he wanted Lois to volunteer the
\ninformation to him, so that he could tell her that she couldn\u2019t go. After all,
\nhe had planted the story to get that nuisance, Kent, out of the way for good. It
\nwas time he started to train her to be Lex Luthor\u2019s wife and take away that
\ndamned annoying independent streak, and get rid of that nothing, Kent, at the
\nsame time.<\/p>\n

Lois and Lex sat at one of Lex\u2019s many dinner tables over the rack of lamb and
\nasparagus that Chef Andre had prepared Lois was just picking at her food. Lex
\nthought this the opportunity to open the door for her to express her intentions,
\nwhich would be immediately shot down.<\/p>\n

"Lois, my darling? What\u2019s troubling you? Talk to me," Lex so elegantly spoke
\nwith that deceitful cat-like smile he often displayed.<\/p>\n

"Oh, Lex. Perry is sending Clark away on an assignment to Japan, a big story. I
\nam going with him. It\u2019s my last big chance at a Kerth before we are married and
\nI retire to LNN. We leave in the morning at 0900. I just wanted to discuss it
\nwith you, since we\u2019re going to be married and all and\u2026"<\/p>\n

"Lois, my darling, I can take you to Japan daily if you\u2019d like. You don\u2019t have
\nto tag along with Kent and you don\u2019t need a big story. You don\u2019t have to work at
\nLNN. Hell, you don\u2019t have to work at all. It would actually be wonderful if you
\ndidn\u2019t work and could spend time with volunteer work and Luthor Industries\u2019
\ncauses\u2026"<\/p>\n

"Lex, this isn\u2019t about working or money. It\u2019s what I like to do. I want a Kerth,
\na Pulitzer even. Please, just let me do this alone. I\u2019m asking for your support,
\nnot your permission."<\/p>\n

Luthor\u2019s first reaction was to snatch that little hussy into step, but decided
\nto just go along with this one. After all, she had it right. It would be her
\nlast time. Maybe the plan would even work better with her there to watch Kent
\nshamelessly grovel to the Immigration people when they wouldn\u2019t let him back
\ninto the United States. After all, he looked sort of Japanese and it would
\ncertainly be believable that he was really a Japanese citizen. <\/p>\n

"Very well, my dear. You have my blessing. But be careful. Now you have an early
\nstart in the morning so I\u2019ll have Nigel drive you home."<\/p>\n

"Thank you, Lex. I knew you\u2019d understand my love for my work."<\/p>\n

"Just be careful of Kent. I don\u2019t trust him."<\/p>\n

"Clark is harmless, Lex. He wouldn\u2019t\u2026" Lois started in defence of Clark.<\/p>\n

"But he has eyes for my lady," Lex sneered poetically.<\/p>\n

"Well, I wouldn\u2019t worry about that. Clark knows where we stand and he would
\nnever betray my trust," Lois recited, kissing Lex on the cheek.<\/p>\n

"Okay, but I won\u2019t rest until you are back in my arms. Goodnight, Lois."<\/p>\n

"Goodnight, Lex," Lois responded as Nigel placed her coat over her shoulders.
\nThen she followed Nigel to the car, like a schoolgirl who had just been given
\npermission by her dad to attend a slumber party.<\/p>\n

"Nigel! Please see me when you return. I have some business for you to attend
\nto," Lex related in an almost sinister voice.<\/p>\n

"Certainly, Sir," Nigel replied with a slight bow.<\/p>\n

Clark had left work and run a few errands. It was now close to eight thirty and
\nhe was pretty much close to finished packing. It had been almost two weeks since
\nhe had escaped Luthor\u2019s Kryptonite cage. Clark wondered to himself if he would
\never get his powers back. He spent as much time as safely possible in the sun,
\nbut so far\u2026nothing. This human speed thing was just miserable. But it allowed
\nhim time to think, about things, about Lois. He really didn\u2019t want to but he
\ncouldn\u2019t help himself. How could she marry the most dangerous criminal in the
\nworld and not see him for what he really is and at the same time reject her best
\nfriend\u2019s expression of love without even thinking about it? How could she not
\nsee Clark Kent for who he really is? Oh, how he loved her and would now have to
\nspend a week alone with her in torture. He would be an emotional wasteland when
\nhe got back from Japan. <\/p>\n

Lois got home and packed for her trip. She had a big part of the night to pack.
\nShe decided that she could sleep on the plane. Her mind wondered as she packed.
\nFor some reason, she thought of Clark and his distraught look when she had
\nturned down his declaration of love in the park, only to be turned down the same
\nway almost by Superman. Speaking of Superman, he hadn\u2019t been seen in about two
\nweeks, and crime in Metropolis was on the rise. What a coward. Did he really
\nhate her that much? Again, she drifted off to thinking about Clark. She could
\ntell that he really did love her, but why wait until Lex proposed to tell her?
\nHe had such horrible timing. And Lex\u2026she didn\u2019t appreciate one bit how he tried
\nto dictate her life. Little did he know that Lois Lane was not about to start
\nsubmitting to him just because they were married. Married\u2026married? Was this the
\nright thing to do? Slowly, sleep overtook Lois. She had to remember to ask Clark
\nto borrow one of his carry on bags for her makeup. <\/p>\n

"Sir, what can I do for you," Nigel asked in his most English accent.<\/p>\n

"Nigel, I need you to make sure that immigration doesn\u2019t allow Kent back into
\nthe US, at least not for a very long time. Then Lois and I can be married
\nwithout her being distracted by him," Lex announced. <\/p>\n

"Oh, and Nigel, be sure that Lois is present so that she can witness him grovel,
\nand see just how weak that country bumpkin really is."<\/p>\n

"Already done, Sir," and Nigel exited the room.<\/p>\n

It was a beautiful sunny morning in Metropolis, 7 o\u2019clock. Lois was outside of
\nClark\u2019s door as she promised to drive them to the airport. She stood there for a
\nfew minutes, almost nervous, but then finally started to knock. Almost
\nimmediately, Clark opened the door.<\/p>\n

"Hi. You ready?" Lois asked almost shyly. <\/p>\n

She was having regretful flashbacks of the argument that they started in Perry\u2019s
\noffice the day before.<\/p>\n

"Hi, come in," Clark beckoned as he stepped aside for Lois to enter. "I\u2019ll be
\nready in just a sec."<\/p>\n

"Clark, would you happen to have a small carry on bag that I could borrow, just
\nfor my makeup and my passport. I seemed to have misplaced mine."<\/p>\n

"Sure, I have another one just like this one," Clark responded in a solemn tone.
\n"I\u2019ll be right back."<\/p>\n

Once Clark had given Lois the carry on bag and she placed all of her intended
\nbelongings in it, they left for the Metropolis International Airport. The ride
\nto the airport was almost in silence. Lois drove and Clark looked out the window
\nmostly. He thought this was the way to keep from breaking down. Even without his
\nsuperpowers, he was still so tuned in to Lois\u2019 heartbeat and her scent. It was
\nan overwhelming torture, but he would handle it.<\/p>\n

Lois drove along to the airport. What was Clark\u2019s problem? Why was he being so
\ndistant, after all, they were best friends, right? He had hardly said a word,
\njust looked out the window the whole way to the airport. This was going to be a
\nlong trip.<\/p>\n

"Clark, we\u2019re here," Lois stated as she shook Clark\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n

"Oh, yeah," Clark responded as he jumped almost like a startled rabbit.<\/p>\n

"You okay?" Lois asked in a sincerely concerned voice.<\/p>\n

"Yea, I\u2019m okay," Clark responded in a not-so-convincing voice. He actually
\nlooked like he had tears in his eyes that he batted away.<\/p>\n

"Ready?"<\/p>\n

"Ready," Clark said in a voice so soft that Lois could barely hear him. Clark
\ngrabbed most of the larger bags, Lois grabbed the rest, and they walked in
\nsilence into the airport.<\/p>\n

Their Air Japan flight had taken off on time and they were about twenty minutes
\nairbourne. The were seated in first class due to some sort of mix up at the
\nticket counter and this was the airline\u2019s way of apologizing. Clark hated to
\nfly. This just wasn\u2019t natural, to fly in an enclosed container. Good thing his
\nsuper powers weren\u2019t working or he probably would have crushed the armrest to
\nsmithereens.<\/p>\n

"Clark\u2026want to talk about it?" Lois asked as she reluctantly rested her hand on
\ntop of Clark\u2019s. "I\u2019m still your friend."<\/p>\n

"No, Lois," Clark almost yelled, yanking his hand away at what seemed like super
\nspeed. Then he softened and finished, "I don\u2019t want to talk about it\u2026I can\u2019t
\ntalk about it right now."<\/p>\n

"Talk about what? Why? I want to help you\u2026"<\/p>\n

"No, Lois," Clark said as he started to tear again. He shut his eyes tight for a
\nminute, and then opened them again. He then almost whispered, "I can\u2019t," then he
\nshut his eyes tight again. "Maybe later, okay?"<\/p>\n

Lois just nodded in silent agreement. Inside she sort of knew what was bothering
\nClark and she felt bad about it. She had seen how emotional he had become. What
\nhad she done to him? Demanded to tag along with him and remind him of what he
\ncouldn\u2019t have. How could she do this to the man she called her best friend\u2026the
\nonly true friend she had ever had? This was going to be a really long flight.<\/p>\n

Four hours into the flight, Clark realized that he had drifted off because he
\nawakened to a heavy weight on his right shoulder. He was disoriented for a
\nmoment, but soon remembered that he was on a flight to Japan. The weight on his
\nshoulder he realized was Lois\u2019 head. She must have drifted off to and laid her
\nhead on his shoulder. He thought of pushing her head away, but then decided to
\njust cradle her instead, revel in the last time that he would probably be able
\nto hold Lois like this. He lifted the armrest, reached around her shoulders and
\ncradled her head to his chest. He planted multiple butterfly kisses in her hair
\nas he whispered, "God, Lois, I love you so much. What I wouldn\u2019t do to have you
\nas my own wife, cherish you the way you deserve and not display you like some
\nprize that I won at a carnival. You deserve so much more than that, than Luthor.
\nHe doesn\u2019t love you. He wants to own you." <\/p>\n

Lois shifted in her sleep and snuggled more comfortably into Clark\u2019s warm
\nembrace. Clark just smiled, for the first time in weeks, and dozed back off to
\nsleep.<\/p>\n

Much later into the flight, dinner was served. It was the first waking moments
\nof the duo together since leaving Metropolis, other than the occasional visit to
\nthe bathroom. Lois would always somehow manage to get back into Clark\u2019s embrace
\nbefore dozing back off to sleep. Clark had chicken and Lois had steak. <\/p>\n

"Oh, Clark, this looks so good. I\u2019m starving."<\/p>\n

"Yea\u2026"<\/p>\n

"Ummm, and it is delicious. I never thought I\u2019d think that airplane food was
\ngood. I must really be starving," Lois stated as she ate. <\/p>\n

She did notice that Clark was just picking over his. "Clark, eat up. The flight
\nattendant will be back shortly to collect your plate\u2026"<\/p>\n

"I\u2019m just not that hungry Lois."<\/p>\n

"Clark, stop sulking and eat. You haven\u2019t eaten at least since we left
\nMetropolis."<\/p>\n

"Lois, please, I\u2019m not a kid. I\u2019m just not hungry." Clark realized that the tone
\nin which he responded to Lois was a bit abrasive and he cringed inside. He had
\nto learn to control his feelings and he had at least a week more alone with her.<\/p>\n

"Look, Lois, I\u2019m sorry. I just\u2026"<\/p>\n

"No, Clark," Lois said empathetically. "I\u2019m sorry. I should have just let you
\nhave your space instead of\u2026"<\/p>\n

"Lois, you\u2019re not going to make me feel guilty about this. I didn\u2019t do anything
\nwrong," Clark stated, getting on the defensive again.<\/p>\n

"I\u2019m sorry that I don\u2019t love you Clark. Is our whole trip going to be about
\nthat?" <\/p>\n

Lois realized just as she said those words, Clarks eyes started to glaze with
\nunshed tears. He looked away from her out the window. Then he suddenly stood.<\/p>\n

"Excuse me Lois. I ha\u2026"<\/p>\n

"Clark wait, I\u2026"<\/p>\n

"Please, Lois\u2026" Clark stated just above a whisper as he squeezed past Lois into
\nthe aisle and to the bathroom.<\/p>\n

Once in the bathroom, Clark just sat on the counter and squeezed the bridge of
\nhis nose as his eyes burned with tears. He finally gave in and just let them
\nflow. Clark realized within himself that he had to get this all out and move on
\nif he was going to be able to produce a story good enough for the Daily Planet.
\nHe had to accept the fact that Lois was going to marry Luthor and there was
\nnothing he was going to be able to do about it. <\/p>\n

Clark hadn\u2019t realized how log he had been in the bathroom when he heard a knock
\non the door. <\/p>\n

"Clark, you okay in there? You were just gone a long time and\u2026" in a concerned
\nvoice.<\/p>\n

"Lois I\u2019m fine. Go sit down. I\u2019ll be out in a sec." <\/p>\n

Clark finally made it back to his seat. Lois was just sitting there looking at
\nhim as he sat. Clark looked away, out the window.<\/p>\n

"The flight attendant came and took our plates. I asked her to leave your drink.
\nI thought you might be thirsty."<\/p>\n

"Thank you," Clark responded in a lifeless voice.<\/p>\n

"Are you going to talk to me, Clark? I cannot understand why you just clammed
\nup."<\/p>\n

Clark just shook his head no. He continued to look out of the window, which
\nseemed to be the only way that he could control his emotions. Eventually, sleep
\novertook him.<\/p>\n

Lois sat and watched Clark fight with his emotions to keep them in check. Why
\ndid she have to keep hurting her best friend? She could tell that his heart was
\nheavy and that he had been crying in the bathroom, but she didn\u2019t broach that
\nsubject. She just wished that Clark would open up and maybe they could talk
\nabout this wedding thing and Clark would understand that he would always be
\nspecial to her and be a part of her life. After all, he was her best friend.
\nAfter what seemed like hours of deep thought, Lois went off to sleep.<\/p>\n

The next morning, the Boeing 777 landed in Tokyo. Lois and Clark had awakened
\njust minutes before landing as the Captain started to speak. After claiming
\ntheir luggage, going through customs, immigration and agriculture, they headed
\nfor the rental car desk. <\/p>\n

Clark assumed responsibility and went up to the rental car desk. He spoke to the
\ngentleman in fluent Japanese. After a verbal exchange that lasted about 15
\nminutes and Clark producing a driver\u2019s license, passport and a credit card, the
\ngentleman handed Clark the keys to what Lois would later find out was a Toyota
\nWindam, known in the United States as a Lexus ES330. <\/p>\n

As Lois and Clark settled in the rental car, Lois took the rental papers from
\nClark to place in the glove compartment. Just as she was about to close the door
\nto the glove compartment, she noticed the names on the rental car receipt.<\/p>\n

"Clark! Mr. and Mrs. Kent! Have you lost your mind? You just wont give up! I
\ntell you I don\u2019t love you and you decide to just pretend that we\u2019re married. You
\nare\u2026"<\/p>\n

"Lois, it was just easier that way, so that I didn\u2019t have to\u2026oh, just never
\nmind. You wouldn\u2019t believe me if I told you," Clark said, defeated. "If I don\u2019t
\nlove you why would I be married to you? Think about this Clark," Lois yelled,
\ngetting angrier and angrier.<\/p>\n

Clark wouldn\u2019t respond. He just kept driving. Finally, after about half an hour
\nhe pulled up in front of their hotel, The Marriott. It was beautiful. Clark got
\nout of the car and proceeded to unpack his and Lois\u2019 bags from the trunk. The
\nbellhop came with a rolling cart and got their belongings from the curb. Clark
\nasked Lois to go into the lobby with the bellhop while he parked the car, the
\nfirst thing he had said to her since the argument in the car. To his surprise,
\nLois didn\u2019t refuse she just did it. A few minutes later, Clark came up into the
\nlobby of the hotel and proceeded to register. He tried to get separate beds and
\neven put forth a last-ditch effort to get separate rooms, but they just weren\u2019t
\navailable. <\/p>\n

Once inside of their hotel room, the reporting team began to unpack their things
\nand get comfortable. Lois, with her competitive nature, started up again.<\/p>\n

"Clark, since there is only one bed and I am\u2026"<\/p>\n

"Lois, you can have the bed. I\u2019ve already planned to sleep on the couch," Clark
\nstated, never really looking up from unpacking.<\/p>\n

"Oh\u2026"was all Lois could muster. <\/p>\n

"Would you like some lunch? We could order room service," Lois stated, trying to
\nget some conversation. But, Clark just wouldn\u2019t bite.<\/p>\n

"I\u2019m okay, Lois. You go ahead. I\u2019m gonna look over some of the notes that I took
\nfrom Perry before we left. You\u2019re welcome to join me." <\/p>\n

Clark thought if he just kept the conversation to this level, he could do this
\nfor a few days and not loose control of his emotions. <\/p>\n

Over the course of the next few days, Clark and Lois went out in search of
\ninformation for their story. But strangely enough, they weren\u2019t getting
\nanywhere. Clark checked in with Perry frequently, but Perry encouraged him to
\njust keep at it. Perry did ask how life was, being bottled up with Lois, and
\nClark told him that he decided to just keep the conversation limited to the
\nstory and food and everything went fine. Clark told Perry that that woman could
\nmake an argument out of the weather report. Perry just howled in laughter, told
\nClark "good luck" and hung up. <\/p>\n

Lois had tried to call Luthor but for some reason was never able to get in touch
\nwith him. Clark was secretly loving it. Maybe she\u2019d find out what Luthor was
\nreally about after all.<\/p>\n

The fifth day into the trip, Lois and Clark got in late. Upon going into the
\nbedroom, Lois discovered that someone had been in there and ransacked their
\nstuff. <\/p>\n

"Clark, please come in here," Lois summoned. Clark could hear the fear in her
\nvoice when she called out.<\/p>\n

"What is it, Lois?" Clark came running. And at about that time he saw what Lois
\nsaw. <\/p>\n

"Who did this? We need to make sure nothing is missing and then file a report
\nwith the front desk and the police", Clark stated. "Why would someone pick our
\nroom to go through?" Clark continued. "We don\u2019t have anything of any value here.
\nAt least I don\u2019t."<\/p>\n

"I don\u2019t either\u2026" Lois blushed, "\u2026except this," holding out her left hand to
\nshow the 3-karat tacky diamond design that Luthor had given her.<\/p>\n

"I\u2019m gonna file the reports," Clark stated as he evaded comment on that
\nstructure on Lois\u2019 finger.<\/p>\n

After the reports were filed and the police left, Lois and Clark got ready for
\nbed. They had not discovered anything stolen, not even their laptops with the
\nlittle information that they had gathered. <\/p>\n

Of course, nobody at the hotel had seen anything. <\/p>\n

Clark had just dozed off on the couch when he felt a hand on his arm. His eyes
\nimmediately flew open and he sat straight up. He was comfortable not wearing his
\nglasses at bedtime around Lois. He just didn\u2019t think she paid enough attention
\nto him anymore to even notice his resemblance to Superman. And Superman had been
\nmissing in action for a few weeks, anyway. Lois probably would not care to
\nremember what Superman looked like after he told her that they could not have a
\nrelationship. But, even in the dark and without his super powers he could tell
\nthat it was Lois and there was something bothering her.<\/p>\n

"Lois, what\u2019s wrong?" Clark asked in a concerned tone when he noted the
\nhorrified expression on Lois\u2019 face visible even in the dark.<\/p>\n

"I\u2019m kind of uncomfortable, I mean\u2026I\u2026what if they come back. Maybe if I just sit
\nhere and get really sleepy\u2026then I can just go back to bed\u2026and\u2026" Lois fumbled.<\/p>\n

"No, Lois, that\u2019s not necessary. Here\u2026sit," Clark welcomed as he threw his
\ncovers back. <\/p>\n

Lois sat and folded her feet up at her side. Clark then placed a questioning arm
\naround Lois\u2019 shoulders. She didn\u2019t pull away so Clark hugged her to him. He held
\nher securely but with enough proverbial space that she could get up if she
\nwanted. Reflexively, he smelled her hair and took in the scent of her shampoo.<\/p>\n

"I won\u2019t let anything happen to you\u2026I\u2026" Clark bumbled, about to open up that can
\nof worms again, and his heart.<\/p>\n

"Thanks, Clark. What would I do without yo\u2026" Lois started, but catching herself
\nbefore completely finishing her thought. <\/p>\n

Clark just held Lois in his arms until she got drowsy. Then he leaned back in
\nthe corner of the couch, which made Lois lay somewhat on top of him, and pulled
\nthe covers over them. He stroked her hair and unbeknown to her, laid butterfly
\nkisses in her hair. Soon Clark started to doze off. <\/p>\n

The next morning, Lois opened her eyes. That had been the best night\u2019s sleep she
\nhad had in a while and she still felt so\u2026good. Then she realized that she was
\nsleeping on the couch sort of on top of Clark, in Clark\u2019s arms and he was
\nholding her like a precious piece of porcelain. She felt so protected, so right
\nwith Clark. That chest, those pects, that beautiful\u2026<whoa girl\u2026you\u2019re about to
\nmarry Lex>. She didn\u2019t want to move. She just wanted to savour that moment. But
\nthen she felt Clark stir. Lois thought, <maybe if I don\u2019t stir he\u2019ll go back to
\nsleep and I can enjoy this moment a little longer.> Nevertheless, to Lois\u2019
\ndismay, Clark continued to wake up.<\/p>\n

Awareness set upon Clark. He was lying on the couch with Lois in his arms from
\nthe night before. She looked like an angel lying there. Clark wanted that moment
\nto last forever, but he was all too aware that Lois was starting to wake up by
\nthe changes in her respiratory rate and slight movement. She would probably wake
\nup and bolt when she realized that she had slept there all night. She probably
\nonly wanted some temporary comfort from whatever it was that spooked her. <\/p>\n

Yes, their stuff had been rumpled through, but Lois didn\u2019t scare easily. There
\nwas more to that than she was saying, especially since Clark had been right in
\nthe next room. <\/p>\n

This is what Clark lived for\u2026to hold Lois in his arms\u2026every night. The intimacy
\nwas so much more than he could have imagined. God, how he loved this woman.
\nFinally he just gave in before Lois jumped up, bolted and blurted out some
\naccusation again to hurt him.<\/p>\n

"Hi."<\/p>\n

"Morning Clark," Lois responded lifting up her head and looking into Clark\u2019s
\neyes.<\/p>\n

"You sleep okay?"<\/p>\n

"Yeah. You? Considering the fact that I fell asleep on you. I\u2019m sorry if you
\ndidn\u2019t rest well."<\/p>\n

"On the contrary Lois\u2026I rested very well," still holding on to Lois.<\/p>\n

"Oh. We\u2019d better get started\u2026"<\/p>\n

BRRRing<\/p>\n

"The phone this early. People should have more tact than\u2026" Lois started as she
\nwatched Clark pick up the phone receiver over his head, but still holding on to
\nLois and gently massaging little circles in her back.<\/p>\n

Hello\u2026Hi Perry. Yea, Lois is here\u2026okay\u2026sure\u2026are you sure? Sure\u2026see you
\ntomorrow."<\/p>\n

"Perry?" Lois asked as Clark hung up the phone.<\/p>\n

"Clark sighed, "Yea. Apparently we didn\u2019t find anything because this whole thing
\nwas a bogus lead and Perry wants us on the next flight back to Metropolis. He\u2019s
\neven afraid that someone purposely planted bad information to lure us away and
\nmay possibly try something. And after last night\u2019s events, I\u2019m with him." <\/p>\n

For the first time since they woke up, Clark let go of Lois and she very
\nreluctantly stood to start getting stuff together for the next flight out.<\/p>\n

Clark had called the airline and found out that there was a flight leaving in
\nthe next two hours so he and Lois booked it out of the hotel and to the airport.
\nShe never mentioned last night and Clark just chalked it up as the last great
\nmemory and would not mention it again either. They returned the rental car and
\nproceeded to the ticket line. They passed through agriculture and customs but
\nthe trouble came when they got to immigration. Lois produced her passport as
\nrequested but Clark seemed to have trouble producing his.<\/p>\n

When Lois realized that Clark was having trouble producing his passport she
\nstepped out of line to help him search for it. <\/p>\n

"Lois, I can\u2019t seem to find my passport. I had it in this carry on bag. They\u2019re
\nnot going to let me back into the US without it. Just tell Perry\u2026" Clark
\nnervously breathed out.<\/p>\n

"Lets just keep looking, Clark," Lois responded. <\/p>\n

They went through their luggage, all of it, to make sure that it wasn\u2019t
\naccidentally misplaced. They called back to the hotel and asked if the cleaning
\npeople had found the passport but the hotel came up with nothing.<\/p>\n

This was one time Clark wished he had his powers, and then getting back home
\nwould be no problem.<\/p>\n

Hours later and two missed flights back to the US later, there was still no sign
\nof Clark\u2019s passport. Then it dawned on Clark, "Lois, last night, when someone
\nwent through our things\u2026"<\/p>\n

"But why? I mean that\u2019s a whole lot of trouble for someone to go through for a
\nUS passport when it would just be easier to have a fake one made," Lois spit out
\nangrily.<\/p>\n

"Yeah, but who says that they wanted a US passport? Maybe I was specifically
\ntargeted. Maybe someone doesn\u2019t want me back there," Clark offered as a
\nsolution. "I\u2019ve got to get another one, so lets just get to the US embassy. I\u2019ll
\ngo and see if we can get that car back. You call Perry and let him know what\u2019s
\ngoing on. I\u2018ll call my parents."<\/p>\n

"Yeah, and I\u2019ll call Lex, too. He has enough power that maybe he can pull some
\nstrings."<\/p>\n

Clark just looked at Lois, but didn\u2019t say anything. His look spoke volumes.<\/p>\n

"You\u2019re not going to blame Lex for this Clark\u2026"Lois started defensively.<\/p>\n

"Well, Lois, why not. It had to be someone who knew where we were\u2026"<\/p>\n

"I haven\u2019t even been able to contact him since we\u2019ve been here so why would it
\nhave been him\u2026"<\/p>\n

"Oh, come on Lois! Don\u2019t you find that the least bit strange? You\u2019re smarter
\nthan that. He\u2019s\u2026he\u2019s\u2026oh never mind. Let\u2019s just get started," Clark barked
\nangrily.<\/p>\n

Fortunately the rental car gentleman remembered Clark from before and Clark got
\nthe rental car back without much effort. Lois called Perry to explain what was
\ngoing on. She was so nervous. She and Lex were supposed to get married next
\nweek. He must be worried sick. Perry offered whatever they needed and got
\nworking on another passport, back in the US. <\/p>\n

Lois tried to call Lex, but the recording said that the number was no longer in
\nservice. She called many numbers that she had to reach Lex, but none of them
\nworked. Now Lois was really worried. <\/p>\n

"Mr. Luthor," Nigel stated in his sinister English voice, "it is done. Here is
\nMr. Kent\u2019s passport. He cannot come back without first proving that Clark Kent
\ndid exist, which will take at least a few weeks. I called in a favour and had
\nall evidence of his birth erased, social security number, etcetera. I took the
\nliberty of handling that delay as well. I think it was a smart move to keep Mr.
\nKent abroad. By the time he finds himself and his way back to the United States,
\nyou and Ms. Lane will be long married without his interference and he wouldn\u2019t
\nhave been a distraction. And sir, after your not returning Ms. Lane\u2019s calls, I
\nalso took the liberty of changing your personal numbers so she cannot beg for
\nfavours. I hate it when people beg."<\/p>\n

"Very good, Nigel. Excellent as always. I do love her, but she is going to be
\nsuch a challenge to domesticate. After her last little stunt of going off to
\nJapan with that hick, I realized that it is going to take the big guns, so to
\nspeak. I hope I don\u2019t have to do away with her." Lois and Clark got to the
\nembassy. They went in and explained what happened. The embassy said that they
\nwould get to work on it. They asked for a contact number and said that they
\nwould be in touch after checking everything out. Lois and Clark then left the
\nembassy and headed back to the hotel that they had just left, but to a different
\nroom. This time Lois didn\u2019t put up too much of a fuss about having to share a
\nroom with Clark. <\/p>\n

Just as they unpacked, again the phone rang. <\/p>\n

"Lois, it must be the embassy. I\u2019ll get it\u2026Hello, Clark Kent\u2026yes\u2026yes\u2026what do you
\nmean I don\u2019t exist. You have my social security number\u2026Yes it is valid. I\u2019m a
\njournalist at the Daily Planet, Metropolis. \u2026I have a drivers license with me\u2026my
\npartner Lois Lane is right here. She can vouch for me. My parents live in
\nSmallville, Kansas\u2026I have no siblings. Perry White is my editor at the Daily
\nPlanet. Please. Thank you\u2026in the morning? Thanks, I\u2018ll see you then," and Clark
\nhung up.<\/p>\n

"Lois, someone erased my whole identity. I don\u2019t exist. This was on purpose. My
\nbank account, my credit cards, all erased. Who\u2026why would someone do this? This
\nwas strategically planned," Clark sneered out between clinched teeth. <\/p>\n

"Where is Superman when you need him? Oh, I\u2019m sure he\u2019s still pissed at me,
\ntoo," Lois responded.<\/p>\n

Clark just ignored the Superman comment. <\/p>\n

"Had to be someone with a lot of power\u2026" Clark stated with expectations for a
\nverbal attack. But instead he got a puzzled look from Lois. <\/p>\n

Perry called back shortly after that and talked to Clark. He basically said the
\nsame thing that the embassy said and he also told Clark that he thought it was
\nthe work of Lex Luthor. Clark agreed but couldn\u2019t figure out why, since Luthor
\nand Lois were to be married. Clark thought that maybe Luthor wanted to make sure
\nthat he didn\u2019t interfere with the wedding. <\/p>\n

Clark tossed and turned all night. Lois seemed to be sleeping peacefully. He
\nbegged for sleep just to overtake him, and eventually, much later into the early
\nmorning, it finally happened. Unfortunately, Clark was up early looking like he
\nhad not had a wink of sleep, but quickly showered and dressed and was ready to
\ngo to the embassy.<\/p>\n

Lois listened to Clark toss and turn most of the night. He seemed so restless. A
\ncouple of times she was tempted to go to the couch and lay down beside him just
\nto see if she could calm him, but decided against it almost as quickly. She
\ndidn\u2019t want to send Clark the wrong signals. What happened the night before was
\njust Clark being a good friend. Though it felt good to be held by him, they were
\njust friends. <\/p>\n

Lois also battled about how to tell Clark that she was going to have to leave
\nhim there because she had to get ready for her wedding. He would be upset with
\nher but he would get over it. She could work on helping him better from
\nMetropolis, she justified to herself. She could use her powers as Mrs. Luthor
\nand put some fire behind the US government\u2019s speed to get Clark back home. <\/p>\n

"We\u2019re sorry Mr. Kent. We believe you, but we cannot simply issue you another
\npassport. There are formalities and I\u2019m afraid that it\u2019s not just a missing
\npassport. You don\u2019t exist according to the department of vital records," stated
\nMs. Sanders of the US Embassy, a 50ish year old very elegant and well-spoken
\nBlack lady.<\/p>\n

"How long will it take to prove that I exist? At this time Lois very lightly
\nplaced her hand on Clark\u2019s arm, a silent gesture between them telling him to
\ncalm down and that he had her support.<\/p>\n

"I\u2019m sorry Mr. Kent\u2026"<\/p>\n

"Give\u2026" Lois interrupted.<\/p>\n

"Six to eight weeks, at least," Ms. Sanders very professionally stated.<\/p>\n

"What! Have you lost your mind! Obviously you\u2026"<\/p>\n

"Lois…Lois\u2026please calm down", Clark said in a calming voice. "Ms. Sanders is
\nthere anything else that we can do to speed up this process. We have to get
\nback. I have a job, a life\u2026"<\/p>\n

"Mr. Kent are you married?" Ms. Sanders inquired.<\/p>\n

"No we\u2019re just partners at work\u2026what does that have to do with anything?"<\/p>\n

"No, Mr. Kent\u2026to anybody? I need to know for my next suggestion." Ms. Sanders
\nstated with a slight smile.<\/p>\n

"No, I\u2019m not\u2026you\u2019re not suggesting that we\u2026"<\/p>\n

"Look Ms. Sanders, I am not marrying Clark. We\u2019ve been through that. Anything
\nbut that. I\u2019m going to marry Lex Luthor when I get back home. That\u2018s why we need
\nto speed up this process because I\u2018m getting married next week. I need to be
\nback in the US soon," Lois started.<\/p>\n

"The Lex Luthor," Ms. Sanders inquired with a raised eyebrow. "The alleged
\nphilanthropist?"<\/p>\n

"Yes, and\u2026what does that mean, the \u2018alleged philanthropist\u2018. You don\u2018t know Lex
\nlike I do\u2026"<\/p>\n

"Ms. Lane, listen. I\u2019m not going to get into my opinion of Mr. Luthor right now,
\nbut in order to speed things up you and Mr. Kent could get married and evade
\nsome of the red tape. This handsome guy can\u2019t be that bad." <\/p>\n

Ms. Sanders also noted that Clark was no longer involved in the conversation,
\nbut looking down at his feet. He looked hurt ever since Lois\u2019 outburst about not
\nmarrying him but Lex instead. <\/p>\n

"Listen, the marriage thing is not going to happen but I\u2019ll call Perry and just
\nsee if he can call in any favours," Lois bit back.<\/p>\n

"Well, Ms. Lane, suit yourself. You\u2019d be lucky if Mr. Kent would want to marry
\nyou after that outburst," Ms. Sanders replied with some humour in her voice. She
\nwas trying to lift Clark\u2019s dampened spirit.<\/p>\n

Clark didn\u2019t bring up the discussion on the way back to the hotel from the
\nembassy. Actually, Clark hadn\u2019t said anything. He seemed to be in deep thought,
\ndistant and separated. So Lois did, reluctantly bring up the embassy discussion.<\/p>\n

"Clark, about what I said\u2026"<\/p>\n

"It\u2019s okay Lois I understand. Lets just get back to the hotel." <\/p>\n

"Clark, I am sorry\u2026I didn\u2018t want to bring this up just now with everything going
\non, but I cannot stay here with you indefinitely. I\u2019m getting married and I have
\nto go back home. I\u2019ll make sure that Perry and your parents stay on top of
\nthings. I mean you are my best friend and I love you and I\u2019m going to do all I
\ncan to get you back home. Maybe I could even contact Superman, somehow, to help.
\nMaybe he won\u2019t take out his anger on you because of our differences. I know that
\nLex can pull some strings if I could only get in touch with him."<\/p>\n

Clark just gazed at Lois.<\/p>\n

"The Planet is going to cover my expenses. Please, don\u2019t put yourself out, Lois.
\nI\u2019ll be okay. Just\u2026let me help you get your things so that you can catch the
\nnext plane to Metropolis. Wouldn\u2019t want you to miss your wedding to the biggest
\ncriminal in Metropolis," Clark grated out.<\/p>\n

"Clark I don\u2019t want to argue with you. Just don\u2019t go there. I\u2019m truly sorry that
\nI am not in love with you. I really am. But that doesn\u2019t give you the right to
\nslander Lex just because I\u2019m going to marry him," Lois bit out. "And what\u2026are
\nyou jealous? Because if you\u2026"<\/p>\n

"What, jealous? Right! Can we just finish this inside? I know that you don\u2019t
\nlove me and don\u2019t want to be with me but I don\u2019t want to lose the last of my
\npreserved pride by allowing the rest of the world to know," Clark said in a
\nhoarse whisper. <\/p>\n

"I\u2019m sorry, Clark\u2026I\u2026"<\/p>\n

"Let\u2019s just get inside Lois".<\/p>\n

Inside of their hotel room, Lois sat on the couch and Clark sat beside her on
\nthe couch. He was careful to keep a proper distance so that Lois wouldn\u2019t become
\n\u2018claustrophobic\u2018 Clark carefully placed the car keys on the table. He then took
\na couple of really deep breaths. <I have to do this. I have to know this now.>
\nClark thought. He wanted to just grab Lois and shake her. He was prepared to
\ntell her off, to tell her to get the hell on back to Metropolis, but then he
\nthought of another approach.<\/p>\n

"Lois, are you in love with Luthor? I mean really in love with him," finally
\nlooking up and into Lois\u2019 eyes. "Do you just sit and watch him when he sleeps
\nand unconsciously take on the same breathing rhythm? Do you pray that he loves
\nyou just a fraction of the amount you love him because that is so much that it\u2019s
\nmore than you thought could be possible? Do you pray for his safety because it\u2019s
\nmore important to you than your own safety? Do you want him to be the first
\nperson you see in the morning when you wake up and the last just before you
\nclose your eyes for sleep at night? Do you want him to be the father of your
\nchildren? Can you\u2026can you make love with him, open yourself to him and share
\nyour most intimate emotions without feeling violated or used or ashamed to let
\nyourself go while you\u2019re with him? That\u2019s what I mean when I ask are you in love
\nwith him," Clark recited.<\/p>\n

"I\u2026well\u2026"<\/p>\n

"Yes or no, Lois. Simple as that."<\/p>\n

"No\u2026I\u2019m not in-love with him but I guess I care about him," Lois struggled to
\nget out. "Anyway, nobody loves like that\u2026what you said. You\u2019ve been reading a
\nvery unrealistic trashy romance novel."<\/p>\n

"You say that you care about me, Lois," Clark replied sadly.<\/p>\n

"Well, I do, Clark. You\u2019re my best friend and\u2026"<\/p>\n

"Do you think he is in love with you?"<\/p>\n

"Yes, of course. Why else would he ask me to marry him? That was a really dumb
\nquestion, Clark," Lois announced in her most pompous tone.<\/p>\n

"Was it, Lois? Why hasn\u2019t he tried to call you, to find you? If I were Luthor,
\nI\u2019d be nuts now trying to find you and get you back to me. I think for whatever
\nsick reason, he is behind this\u2026"<\/p>\n

"Clark, don\u2019t you\u2026"<\/p>\n

"No, Lois let me finish."<\/p>\n

Clark gently grabbed Lois\u2019 hands and said in his most endearing tone, "Lois, I
\nknow that you\u2019re not in love with me but I am in love with you. For the life of
\nme, I cannot understand why you chose Luthor over me. What besides money does he
\nhave that I don\u2019t? You said that nobody loves like that\u2026like the way I just
\nsaid, but you\u2019re wrong. I love you that way. You are the most beautiful thing in
\nthe world to me. I\u2019ve prayed since I\u2019ve met you for you to fall in love with me
\nas I am with you and we could be together. I know that you don\u2019t trust easily,
\nbut I feel like I have one up on the next guy\u2026we have trust and
\nfriendship\u2026you\u2019re my best friend. The other night when I held you all night, it
\nwas the most wonderful night of my life. I would never hurt you, never make you
\ncry, never make you worry, intentionally. I don\u2019t have much material stuff or
\nmoney, but what I have is yours, too. I\u2019d take care of you the best that I know
\nhow. I can promise you that you\u2019d never need anything. But I cannot promise you
\nworldly riches. The one thing that I do have, in excess, is love for you and
\nthat I can give you more of than any other man can, more than you ever thought
\ncould be possible. I wouldn\u2019t try to change you or take away your independence
\nbecause that\u2019s what makes you you. Lois, please be my wife. Marry me. I\u2018m not
\njust asking so I can get home. I\u2018m asking for forever, Lois." <\/p>\n

Kissing Lois\u2019 knuckles, Clark noticed tears start to fall down Lois\u2019 cheeks.
\nAgain, Clark had laid his feelings on the line, out in the open, and again, Lois
\ntrampled all over them.<\/p>\n

"Clark, I\u2019m sorry\u2026I have to go home," Lois let out in a hoarse whisper. "I\u2019m
\ngetting married. Just love me enough to be happy for me. I do pray that one day
\nyou\u2019ll find happiness, a wife, children, because you deserve that. I pray that
\nyou find the wife who will love you, dote on you, have a little white house with
\na picket fence, a wife who will make passionate love to you until you\u2019re both
\njust exhausted, one who will want to have lots of babies with you. I know that
\nyou will be a good father and a good husband."<\/p>\n

"Yeah," Clark whispered, looking away and finally letting go of Lois\u2018 hands. <\/p>\n

"Please, Clark, there is a flight leaving this evening in a couple of hours. I
\nhave to go," Lois said with pleading eyes.<\/p>\n

"Okay, let\u2019s go," Clark replied without ever looking up in Lois\u2019 face. Clark
\ngrabbed Lois\u2019 bags and out the door they went to the airport. <\/p>\n

Clark got Lois to the airport and again through immigration, customs and
\nagriculture. They checked in her luggage and then went to sit at the gate from
\nwhich her plane was leaving. They sat most of the time in silence. When Lois
\nheard the first boarding call for her flight, she turned to look at Clark.<\/p>\n

"Clark, I\u2019ll call as soon as I get back to my place. I promise that we\u2019ll get
\nyou back as soon as possible. I only regret that you won\u2019t be at my wedding."<\/p>\n

Clark didn\u2019t say anything. He just stood up, slouched his shoulders, looked down
\nand stuck his hands in his pockets. Finally after the second boarding call,
\nClark spoke. "See you Lois," as he reached up, cradled her face and kissed her
\non the forehead. Then he turned to walk away. Lois first stared behind Clark as
\nhe walked away, but the final boarding call made her turn and board her plane.<\/p>\n

Clark got into the rental car and headed back to the hotel. He was trying to
\nrationalize within himself why Lois wanted Luthor instead of him. What, besides
\nlots of money, did Luthor have that he didn\u2019t? At least he felt that he and Lois
\nknew each other, and Lois and Luthor didn\u2019t. Before Clark knew it, he was back
\nat his hotel.<\/p>\n

Lois was a couple of hours into the flight back to Metropolis as she continued
\nto think about Clark. She felt really sorry for him today. She would make sure
\nthat he got back home. A few times, Lois started to wonder if she dismissed
\nClark\u2019s feelings too soon. Clark had never been anything but accommodating to
\nLois. And he loved her in spite of her shortcomings. Clark pouring his heart out
\nto Lois, yet again, right before they headed to the airport made Lois start to
\nwonder if three could be an "us" with Clark. Then that proposal. Should she have
\naccepted it? It was the most emotional thing that anyone had ever said to her.
\nShe did love Clark, but like a brother. Was that enough? Could she love him in
\nthat different way that he wanted her to love him? Was he right? Was she really
\nnot in love with Lex?<\/p>\n

Lois found herself pondering these questions almost all the way back to
\nMetropolis.<\/p>\n

Clark had made it back to his hotel. He really just didn\u2019t feel like doing
\nanything. It was as if all of the life had been sucked out of him. He went to
\nthe bedroom and sat on the side of the bed. He could smell Lois\u2019 scent where she
\nhad been on the bed. He picked up the pillow that she had slept on the night
\nbefore and inhaled the scent of her shampoo. Before he knew it tears had started
\nto roll down his cheeks. After ineffectively trying to stop the tears, Clark
\ngave in to them and started to sob. He wasn\u2019t sobbing because he was stuck in
\nJapan. He was sobbing because the woman that he loved more than life itself was
\ngone forever, to another man\u2019s bed, and he would never again have the chance to
\nhave her.<\/p>\n

Sleep must have overtaken Clark at some point because hours later, he awakened
\nstill holding that pillow. He looked outside and it was dark. He looked at the
\nclock and it read 9 o\u2019clock pm.<\/p>\n

Clark figured it to be about 6 o\u2019clock am in Smallville and his parents would be
\nup early to tend the farm, so he called.<\/p>\n

"Hello\u2026Mom\u2026"<\/p>\n

"Jonathan, pick up the other phone. It\u2019s Clark! How are you, honey?"<\/p>\n

"Lois went back to Metropolis, today. She going to do it Mom\u2026she\u2019s going to
\nmarry Luthor. I tried to\u2026I asked her if she loved him. She couldn\u2019t really give
\nme a straight answer. She was anxious to get back to him, to marry him."<\/p>\n

"Oh, honey I\u2019m sorry. Maybe she doesn\u2019t know how you really\u2026"<\/p>\n

"Yes, Mom. I told her how much I love her\u2026again\u2026asked her to marry me, but she
\njust doesn\u2019t feel the same way. She didn\u2019t really even answer. She just said she
\nhad to get back to Metropolis. I thought at least she knows me, unlike Luthor,
\nand we were best friends\u2026but\u2026"<\/p>\n

"How do you know that she doesn\u2019t know Lex? I mean she did date him, right?"<\/p>\n

"How could she know him and still marry him, Mom? She can\u2019t really know him. And
\nobviously our friendship wasn\u2019t that important to her either, because she ran
\nback to marry him. I don\u2019t even know when I\u2019ll be able to come back to the US.
\nMaybe I should just stay here. Maybe that\u2019s my sign."<\/p>\n

Clark proceeded to tell his parents about the events at the embassy. He even
\ntold them about Ms. Sanders\u2019 suggestion for marriage and how Lois wigged out
\nabout it. But they were sure that he would be home soon. Just a matter of red
\ntape.<\/p>\n

"No powers yet, honey?"<\/p>\n

"Nothing."<\/p>\n

"Clark, honey, something that we\u2019ve never told you, because it was never an
\nissue, but we don\u2019t actually have a birth certificate for you. There was\u2026uh\u2026some
\ndocumentation but your actual birth, well we just didn\u2019t know. We had Judge
\nLakin draw up the adoption papers and officially sign and file them, if you know
\nwhat I mean, but the specifics\u2026we told him that we found you on our doorstep,
\nwhich is essentially true."<\/p>\n

"That means that they would have to know\u2026"<\/p>\n

"No, honey, not just yet. We\u2019re working on that. Just give us s few days. You
\nokay? Need anything?"<\/p>\n

"No, Mom, Dad. Perry assured me that the Planet would take care of my expenses.
\nHe just has to be careful because Luthor still owns the Planet. And my savings
\naccount is probably still just sitting there. I don\u2018t exist but you do, Mom. I
\nadded you to my bank account, you know, just in case of an emergency, like now,
\nso, if I need anything, I\u2018ll tell you how to make a withdrawal."<\/p>\n

"Okay, honey. Take care and call us. I love you\u2026"<\/p>\n

"Yeah, love you son\u2026"<\/p>\n

"Bye, I love you guys, too." Clark hung up.<\/p>\n

The next day, Lois called to say that she arrived back to Metropolis safely. <\/p>\n

"Hello."<\/p>\n

"Clark? It\u2019s Lois."<\/p>\n

"Hi, Lois."<\/p>\n

"I made it back safely. You okay?"<\/p>\n

"Yeah, great."<\/p>\n

"I talked to Lex about getting you back home. He says that he knows the director
\nif INS and that he has agreed to do a rush passport to get you home within a
\ncouple of weeks. He has extended his bank accounts if you need\u2026"<\/p>\n

"No, Lois! I don\u2019t need anything. Perry and my parents are helping\u2026"<\/p>\n

"Clark! Lex is trying to help. Why are you being this way? He would never try to
\nhurt you. He was just insecure because he thought our friendship was a threat to
\nhim."<\/p>\n

"Insecure, huh? Is that why you couldn\u2019t reach him? Is that why\u2026"<\/p>\n

"I couldn\u2019t reach him because he was changing some things around, numbers,
\nimportant papers\u2026for my safety, for when we\u2019re married. He doesn\u2019t want me to be
\nthe target of some of his disgruntled associates. Can\u2019t you see, Clark? He\u2019s
\ntrying to protect me. The business world is so much more dog-eat-dog than we
\nknow, Clark. He said that he would have called but he didn\u2018t know where we were
\nstaying\u2026"<\/p>\n

"Lois, Luthor owns the Planet. He\u2019s a smart businessman. He knows where every
\npenny from the Planet goes, especially since it\u2019s in financial trouble."<\/p>\n

"Clark, Lex is trying\u2026"<\/p>\n

"Whatever, Lois. Look I have to go. Take care of yourself."<\/p>\n

"Bye, Clark."<\/p>\n

"Bye."<\/p>\n

It was now Wednesday. Days passed and Clark still had no idea when he\u2019d get
\nhome. He had not heard anything from the embassy. He talked to Perry and his
\nparents daily. He hadn\u2019t talked to Lois anymore, since she\u2019d called to say that
\nshe got home and that Lex was helping. Yeah, right! Lois would be getting
\nmarried in three days, on Saturday. Maybe then Lex would be happy that he, Clark
\nwould be out of Lois\u2019 life forever. <\/p>\n

Early Thursday morning, the phone rang in Clark\u2019s hotel room. Clark wasn\u2019t awake
\nuntil the phone rang. He bolted upright in the bed. His parents never called
\nthis early, and neither did Perry unless it was important.<\/p>\n

"Clark Kent."<\/p>\n

"Hey, son. Uh, listen. I got some news. Luthor just sold the Planet to Franklin
\nStern. Said it would be a loss to him. Now I\u2019m figuring that this marriage to
\nLois, you being stuck in Japan and this exchange of money is all tied together.
\nLuthor doesn\u2019t need the Planet anymore because he\u2019s got Lois. He can control her
\nnow that she doesn\u2019t work here anymore. She works for LNN, officially, now. Mr.
\nStern didn\u2019t want to see a good newspaper\u2019s demise, so he bought it. The closing
\ntakes place in the morning."<\/p>\n

"That\u2019s great, Perry. So\u2026?"<\/p>\n

"Well, now I can manoeuvre because Luthor won\u2019t be looking over my shoulder
\nanymore. I\u2019ll just explain the situation to Mr. Stern and we will probably get
\nyou home sooner."<\/p>\n

"Think so, Perry?"<\/p>\n

"Yeah, son, I do."<\/p>\n

"Thanks for calling, Perry."<\/p>\n

"See you soon, son."<\/p>\n

Clark turned over and went back off to sleep. Maybe things would be okay. <\/p>\n

Thursday morning, Lois woke up early and got dressed for her new job at LNN. She
\nwanted to make a quick stop by Lex\u2019s penthouse to have a cup of coffee with him
\nand go over some last minute details before work. <\/p>\n

When she arrived at the entrance of the penthouse, the guard was preoccupied on
\nthe phone. Lois stood there for a few minutes waiting for the guard to get off
\nof the phone, but he continued to talk. It seemed that the conversation involved
\nsomeone complaining. Lois decided to just take the opportunity and catch the
\nnext elevator up. She had never been able to surprise Lex because he was always
\nbuzzed and told that she was coming up. Now was her chance.<\/p>\n

When Lois arrived on the 120th floor where the entrance to the penthouse was,
\nshe got off of the elevator and proceeded to the door. There was a vestibule
\nright inside of the main door and then the door to Lex\u2019s office. A security
\nperson always stood at the entrance to his main living quarters. Once inside of
\nthe vestibule Lois was about to turn to head down the hall to Lex\u2019s living
\nquarters when she heard Lex\u2019s and Nigel St. John\u2019s voices coming from his
\noffice. It was mostly Lex and it seemed that he was talking on the phone. She
\nstopped at the door and tried to listen and what she could hear was very
\nfrightening.<\/p>\n

"Kent won\u2019t be able to get back until after the wedding, at least a month\u2026Ms.
\nCox at the department of vital records deleted him from the US government
\nsystem. She should have destroyed all hard copies as well. I\u2019ll just keep her
\nstringing along\u2026eventually she\u2019ll forget about him\u2026I\u2019ve destroyed Superman, what
\nmakes you think Kent would be any kind of challenge? I\u2019ll control Lois, like I
\nsaid, and after we\u2019re married, she\u2019ll do as I say or pay the consequences\u2026"<\/p>\n

"Mr. Luthor, will you be needing my services?" the English accent inquired.<\/p>\n

"I\u2019m sure that some\u2026exterminating\u2026will be in order. Oh, are the surveillance
\ndevices in Ms. Lane\u2018s apartment?"<\/p>\n

"Yes, Sir, and the Daily Planet, Sir." <\/p>\n

Lois had heard all she needed. Clark was right\u2026again. He saw through Lex all the
\ntime. <Oh my God, I\u2019ve got to help my best friend. He would have never left me.><\/p>\n

Lois had to make this visit to Lex look authentic because she didn\u2019t want him
\nsuspicious. So, she turned left and proceeded in her initial direction, towards
\nthe main living quarters to make it look like she was there looking for him.<\/p>\n

When Lois approached the door, the guard asked, "May I help you?"<\/p>\n

"Yes, Lois Lane for Lex Luthor," Lois responded, trying to keep her calm. <\/p>\n

"Just a moment, Ms. Lane. He\u2019s in his office. I\u2019ll get him\u2026"<\/p>\n

"Oh, no, that won\u2019t be necessary. It\u2019s really not that important. I can just
\ncatch him later," Lois stuttered. <\/p>\n

"Are you sure, Ms. Lane?"<\/p>\n

"Absolutely. But if you would, please tell him to give me a call later."<\/p>\n

"Sure thing, Ms. Lane."<\/p>\n

Lois turned and headed back for the elevator. When the elevator car arrived,
\nLois noticed that there was another elevator at the end of the hall without
\nfloor markings like the others and wondered where it went. Her curiosity got the
\nbetter of her so she decided to get on to see where it went. <\/p>\n

When the door closed to the "secret" elevator, it started to move without any
\ninstruction, downward. After a short time on a ride that seemed only fit for the
\nfreight elevator, the car stopped and the door opened. Lois got off and looked
\naround. It seemed that she was in an old closet or cellar. There was a lead door
\nto her left. The door was cracked just enough for a shimmer of light to escape.
\nLois went over to it and pushed it open. There were stairs and what seemed to be
\nwooden barrels at the foot of the stairs. A wine cellar\u2026Lex aged his own wine
\nshe thought. <\/p>\n

Lois proceeded down the stairs, periodically looking over her shoulders to be
\nsure that she wasn\u2019t being followed. <\/p>\n

When Lois got to the bottom of the stairs, what she saw made her gasp out loud.
\nShe saw a cage the had slightly green bars, like a jail cell, and Superman\u2019s
\ncape inside of it, in the middle of the cage floor. The door stood open. And no
\none had to tell her what the green bars were made of. <\/p>\n

Lois reflexively covered her mouth in horror and ran back up the stairs the same
\nway she came. She got onto the elevator and headed back up to the 120th floor as
\nit proceeded back to without instruction. Apparently it was a private elevator
\nthat only went between the basement and 120th floors. <\/p>\n

Once on the 120th floor the door opened and Lois stepped out, right into the
\nsecurity guard. <\/p>\n

"Ms. Lane\u2026?"<\/p>\n

"Oh\u2026I\u2026um\u2026\u2026I seemed to have gotten on the wrong elevator. As\u2026as soon as I got on
\nI realized it and got right off." <\/p>\n

"Yes, Ms. Lane," the guard said suspiciously. "Now you have a good day now,
\nhear?"<\/p>\n

Lois got onto the proper elevator, went down to the first floor and exited Lex
\nTowers. When Lois finally exited Lex Towers she couldn\u2019t get to her Jeep fast
\nenough. She got inside of her Jeep, started the engine and proceeded out of the
\narea headed towards the Daily Planet. Upon arriving inside of the parking garage
\nof the Daily Planet, Lois sat quietly in her Jeep and began to replay all that
\nhad just happened. She had dared not think until she had made it to a safe
\nplace.<\/p>\n

Lois thought <Oh my God! Lex killed Superman. Clark was right. How could I have
\nbeen so blind? I\u2018ve got to help Clark to get back home…I\u2018ve got to call him\u2026I
\nshouldn\u2018t have turned him down\u2026what have I done? Clark will never forgive
\nme\u2026I\u2018ll never forgive myself if something happens to my best friend.><\/p>\n

Then Lois placed her face in her hands and started to sob.<\/p>\n

A tap on the Jeep\u2019s window startled Lois out of her depression. When she looked
\nup, it was one of the Daily Planet security guards.<\/p>\n

"Miss, are you okay. I saw you drive in almost an hour ago, but no one got out
\nso I just wanted to make sure that you were alright."<\/p>\n

"Yes, I\u2019m fine thank you," Lois replied as she opened her car door. "Thanks for
\nchecking."<\/p>\n

"Sure thing Ma\u2019am," the security guard replied as he tilted his hat and walked
\naway.<\/p>\n

"Mr. Luthor, it seems that you had a visitor in your cellar. Look at this," the
\nsecurity guard stated to Lex Luthor as he handed him a video surveillance tape.<\/p>\n

"Apparently, Ms. Lane doesn\u2019t know that her every move is being recorded," Lex
\ngrowled in one of his most sinister voices. "So, she now knows that Superman was
\nhere. I just wish I knew what really became of that freak. But we\u2019ll be married
\non Saturday, in two days. Then I\u2019ll be sure that she understands who\u2019s boss. And
\nI will curb that curiosity of hers."<\/p>\n

Lois entered the Daily Planet newsroom, looking around. My how she missed it
\nalready. She walked over to what used to be her desk. It was unoccupied and
\ncleaned out. She lightly touched it as she walked by. But that wasn\u2019t enough.
\nLois pulled out the chair and sat in her old seat. Why did she ever give up her
\njob at the Planet? In the back of her mind, she knew that going to work for LNN
\nwas a mistake and maybe she should come back to work at the Planet.<\/p>\n

<Stupid\u2026the whole marrying Lex thing was stupid. You should have listened to
\nClark\u2026He\u2019s your best friend and he loves you\u2026what did he have to gain by lying
\nto you? He had your best interest in mind all the time. ><\/p>\n

She then looked over at Clark\u2019s desk, the aetiology of a lot of good news work,
\nneat and tidy like Clark himself. She got up and walked over to it. She sat in
\nClark\u2019s chair. Yeah, she had to get him back home. She was missing looking over
\nat him already, and the way their desks were arranged was just right.<\/p>\n

Lois was caught up in her thoughts when Jimmy came up behind her and tapped her
\non the shoulder. The touch startled Lois back to reality.<\/p>\n

"Oh, God, Jimmy you scared me\u2026"<\/p>\n

"Sorry Lois\u2026talked to CK? We really miss the team around here. Sure wish things
\nwould go back to the way they were\u2026"<\/p>\n

"Jimmy! That\u2019s sort of why I\u2019m here\u2026"<\/p>\n

"To come back to work at the Pla\u2026"<\/p>\n

"I need to see Perry. Is he in?"<\/p>\n

"Yes, darling, I\u2019m right here," Perry responded behind Lois.<\/p>\n

"Perry, I need to talk to you, but not here. Here, let\u2019s\u2026" Lois started as she
\ngrabbed Perry\u2019s hand and headed to the roof of the Daily Planet.<\/p>\n

Once on the roof of the Planet, Lois began to pace. Perry knew this as a sign of
\nnervousness. But he waited patiently for Lois to start talking. Just from
\nknowing Lois, he knew that it was better if he just let her get to it in her own
\ntime and not rush her. He knew she\u2019d eventually spit it out.<\/p>\n

"Perry, Clark was right and I didn\u2019t listen to him. Lex is responsible for
\nwhatever happened to Superman. He bugged my apartment and probably the Planet as
\nwell\u2026he is the reason that Clark is stuck in Japan. He wants to kill Clark and
\nprobably me, too if I get in the way\u2026"<\/p>\n

"Hold just a damn minute\u2026you\u2019re rambling\u2026what did you just say?" Perry asked in
\ndisbelief.<\/p>\n

Lois proceeded to tell Perry what she had overheard in Lex\u2019s penthouse. She told
\nhim how she snooped in the cellar and that she was virtually sure that no one
\nsuspects that she was even there.<\/p>\n

"I have friends over at the department of vital records who owe me favours. I\u2019ll
\nget right on that lead."<\/p>\n

"I need to go back to Tokyo\u2026to Clark. I think Clark and I can get more
\naccomplished together. You should contact me by my cell phone. I\u2019m going to get
\nanother one right before I leave for Tokyo with prepaid minutes so that no one
\ncan trace my calls. I\u2019ll give you the number before I leave." Lois then
\nhesitated and said, "Oh, and Perry, one more thing\u2026"<\/p>\n

"Done\u2026I\u2019ll have a ticket waiting for you within the hour. But, Lois what about
\nyour wedding? I guess it\u2019s safe to assume that there will be no wedding, that
\nyou\u2019re not marrying Luthor."<\/p>\n

"Like you said Perry, you didn\u2019t become Editor in Chief because you could
\nyodel," Lois smiled.<\/p>\n

"When are you planning to tell Luthor?" Perry inquired.<\/p>\n

"I\u2019ll call him," Lois responded, nervously. She then stood on her tiptoes and
\ngave Perry a kiss on the cheek.<\/p>\n

"Uh, Lois, just for the record, Kent\u2026Kent loves you unlike anything I\u2019ve ever
\nseen before. That boy\u2019d walk on water for you, or die trying," Perry conveyed.<\/p>\n

"I know, Perry\u2026now," Lois responded sincerely.<\/p>\n

"Be careful."<\/p>\n

"I love you, Perry\u2026thanks."<\/p>\n

"You get outta here," Perry demanded. Mr. Stern couldn\u2019t close this Planet deal
\nfast enough for Perry\u2018s sanity.<\/p>\n

When Perry got back to his office, there was a voice mail from Mr. Stern. He now
\nowned the Planet. Perry was ecstatic\u2026a prayer had been answered.<\/p>\n

Lois left for Tokyo Thursday evening. She\u2019d get there late Friday.<\/p>\n

It was Friday, and Lois would be married tomorrow. Clark was more depressed than
\nhe had ever been. He didn\u2019t want to see the sun rise. He just stayed in bed. He
\nhadn\u2019t eaten a decent meal in two days. He just wasn\u2019t hungry. He hadn\u2019t shaved.
\nHe just didn\u2019t have the energy. His powers showed no signs of returning, which
\nonly depressed him more. He just slept a lot. He kept the blinds closed and the
\nTV off. He didn\u2019t want to hear accidentally about Lex Luthor\u2019s grand wedding. He
\ndid occasionally listen to the radio. All he did during his waking hours was
\nthink about Lois, so he tried not to be awake too much. But on the other hand,
\nwhen he slept he dreamed about her. He was damned if he did and damned if he
\ndidn\u2019t.<\/p>\n

Friday evening came too quickly for Clark. With the time difference, Lois would
\nbe Mrs. Luthor in just a few hours. And there was nothing he could do about it.
\nHe glanced at the clock. 6:52 pm. He got comfortable in the bed and surrendered
\nto sleep yet again. As Clark slept, he had nothing but more dreams of Lois. <\/p>\n

She was so beautiful. He was dreaming of her wedding except in his dream, he was
\nthe groom. In his dreams Lois would come walking up the aisle, smiling at him.
\nShe would stand next to him and whisper in his ear, as he took possession of her
\nhands, how much she loved him and couldn\u2019t wait to become his wife. She would
\nsay her vows with such love in her eyes, and he would do the same. They would
\nkiss and there would be magic.<\/p>\n

In Clark\u2019s dreams, they would get home and head straight for the bedroom, to
\nbegin an expedition into a world that Clark had never visited and one that Lois
\nhad never experienced the full effects of. He would lie on the bed and wait for
\nher to make her debut from the bathroom as his new wife. She would approach the
\nside of the bed and sit on the edge. She would first whisper words of endearment
\nand reveal her deepest darkest fears and reservations. There would be no more
\nsecrets. Clark would assure Lois that there was nothing to worry about, that he
\nwas there for the long haul and that he would always love her and never leave
\nher. Lois would touch Clark\u2019s shoulder lightly and whisper his name\u2026"Clark\u2026" <\/p>\n

Lois landed in Tokyo after 9 o\u2019clock pm Friday night. By now, Lex would know
\nthat she was gone. She had to hurry. She hailed a taxi to Clark\u2019s hotel.<\/p>\n

By ten-thirty Lois arrived at Clark\u2019s hotel room. She knocked on the door. There
\nwas no answer. She listened at the door but there was no noise. Surely Clark had
\nto be there. Perry had been talking to him.<\/p>\n

"Clark\u2026" Lois called.<\/p>\n

No answer.<\/p>\n

Lois had no other way of getting into Clark\u2019s hotel room so she resorted to
\ngoing to the front desk of the hotel.<\/p>\n

"Yes may we help you?"<\/p>\n

"I\u2019m Lois Lane and I cannot seem to get into my room. I think I misplaced my
\nkey. It\u2019s room 501," Lois responded fidgeting.<\/p>\n

"Let\u2019s see\u2026we don\u2019t have a Ms. Lane registered\u2026"<\/p>\n

"I know. My partner registered for us, Clark Kent\u2026"<\/p>\n

"Ahh, Mr. Kent. I remember you now. Here is the spare key. Have a good night,
\nMs. Lane. Sorry for the mix up."<\/p>\n

"No problem," Lois responded. "And thank you," Lois added as an after thought as
\nshe walked away from the desk towards the elevators.<\/p>\n

Lois arrived back at Clark\u2019s hotel room door and slid the key into the lock. The
\ngreen light flashed and the door clicked unlocked. She was pretty positive that
\nClark was there. She was pretty sure that she had seen the pine coloured Lexus
\noutside in the designated parking space for Clark\u2019s room.<\/p>\n

Clark\u2019s hotel was dark and quiet\u2026too quiet. Lois didn\u2019t see any signs of living
\nin the hotel living room so she quietly slipped into the bedroom. <\/p>\n

Clark was in bed, very still, shallow respiration, apparently asleep. Lois went
\nover to the bed and sat on the side of it. There was a little moonlight breaking
\nway through the drapes. She looked down at Clark, where the moonlight was
\nshining and gasped, almost out loud. Even in the dark Clark looked
\nso\u2026terrible\u2026so unkempt\u2026so pale. He had lost weight and had dark circles around
\nhis eyes. He hadn\u2019t shaved and he wore a troubled expression, even in his sleep.
\nLois tried to fight back tears but lost the battle. Tears rolled down her face
\nas she gently touched Clark\u2019s hair in a feather-like way.<\/p>\n

"Oh, Clark\u2026what have I done to you\u2026my best friend. I know that I\u2019ve hurt you so
\nmuch," Lois choked out in almost a whisper.<\/p>\n

Lois started to bare her innermost thoughts and feelings to Clark in his
\nsleeping form. <\/p>\n

She whispered to him, "I have been such a fool to believe that Lex meant well.
\nHe is a lying scheming criminal and I had to let my stubbornness take control of
\nme\u2026I know that I turned you down without even considering you\u2026your feelings. I
\nthink I may have dismissed your feelings too soon, Clark\u2026and I am so sorry. I
\nnever meant to hurt you. I just wish I had the chance to make it up to you."
\nTears were now coming down Lois\u2019 cheeks full force. <\/p>\n

She continued to stroke Clark\u2019s hair and whisper to him. Suddenly Lois needed
\nfor Clark to be awake, so that he could see the love and admiration that she had
\nfor him and maybe he would understand how she felt. Clark could always seem to
\nunderstand her better than she understood herself. She wanted Clark to know that
\nshe had come back for him\u2026to him\u2026to hear him say that he forgave her for being
\nsuch a hussy and to hear him say again that he loved her, that he would always
\ntake care of her and that he always wanted her in his life. She couldn\u2019t say
\nthat she loved him in the way that he loved her, but she did care about him. She
\nknew that he was her best friend, if he\u2019d still let her be in his life. And
\nClark would have never say "I told you so."<\/p>\n

"Clark\u2026Clark\u2026" Lois started as she touched his shoulder.<\/p>\n

Clark opened his eyes at the sound of his name. Was he dreaming? He was so
\ndisoriented. It was so dark with just the moonlight. Then he heard it again.<\/p>\n

"Clark\u2026"<\/p>\n

Slowly Clark turned over to face the direction that the voice was coming from.
\nHe knew that voice and he could feel her presence. No he wasn\u2019t dreaming.<\/p>\n

"Lois? "What are you doing here? I thought you left. Aren\u2019t you supposed to be
\ngetting\u2026going to marry\u2026him?" Then anger set in. "Why are you here? You should
\nleave." <\/p>\n

"Clark, just let me say this and then I will leave if you want." Tears continued
\nto fall freely from Lois\u2019 eyes.<\/p>\n

Clark, feeling defeated, reached over and brought Lois\u2019 face to his chest and
\ncradled her there. Yes, she was home now. His heart went out to her.<\/p>\n

"Say what, Lois? You know I can\u2019t stand it when you cry. It\u2019s okay\u2026it\u2019s going to
\nbe alright," Clark said softly into Lois\u2019 hair as he hugged her. "What did he
\ndo?" Clark wasn\u2019t sure that he wanted to hear the answer if it meant that Luthor
\nhad hurt Lois in some way. <\/p>\n

"Clark…Lex wants to kill you\u2026and me if I get in the way. He is the reason that
\nyou cannot get back to the US\u2026he had your identity erased. He didn\u2019t want you to
\ninterfere with our wedding. And whatever happened to Superman\u2026Lex…he is
\nresponsible. I saw the Kryptonite cage when I sneaked into Lex\u2019s wine cellar.
\nSuperman\u2019s cape was still in the cage in the middle of the floor\u2026" Lois rambled.<\/p>\n

At the mention of Superman, Clark cringed. "Lois, how do you know all of this?"<\/p>\n

Lois explained to Clark how she went to Lex towers and how she stumbled across
\nthe information. She also relayed to Clark that she was almost certain that no
\none saw her but the quicker they got to work on things, the better off they\u2019d
\nbe. <\/p>\n

There was still something that Clark had to know. He was taking a chance here,
\nbut he felt like he couldn\u2019t be hurt any more than he already had been.<\/p>\n

"Lois\u2026are you\u2026are you still going to marry Luthor tomorrow?"<\/p>\n

"No\u2026Clark. How could I marry someone who tried to kill Superman\u2026who tried to
\nhurt the most important person to me in the world\u2026my best friend\u2026you? You were
\nright all along\u2026Lex is evil. How could I marry someone like that?" Lois
\nresponded earnestly.<\/p>\n

"I\u2019ve asked that, myself," Clark responded. "Lois, you don\u2019t know what this
\nmeans to me. I\u2019ve done nothing but fret over this whole thing. Your safety is
\nimportant to me and I knew that Luthor would have done something horrible to
\nyou. And I wouldn\u2019t have been there to help you," Clark said as he continued to
\nhold Lois.<\/p>\n

"Clark, I know I dismissed you rather abruptly, without thinking before. Please
\nforgive me, Clark. Let me be your best friend again." Lois looked down,
\nembarrassed. <\/p>\n

Clark just continued to hold her. "You\u2019ve never stopped being my best friend and
\nI lo\u2026you mean a lot to me, Clark responded, almost slipping up. <\/p>\n

"I know that you would have never left me here and I hate myself for leaving
\nyou, Clark."<\/p>\n

"Lois, when do you think Luthor will find out that you\u2019re gone? We have to get
\nready for what he may try. He won\u2019t take too kindly to rejection."<\/p>\n

"Well, Perry is working on your identity thing and\u2026"<\/p>\n

"Lois, Luthor is dangerous and you mean too much to me for me to allow anything
\nto happen to you," Clark said in a serious tone. He then went out on a
\nlimb\u2026again, knowing that he shouldn\u2019t. "Listen, I love you Lois." There he\u2019d
\nlaid the foundation\u2026again.<\/p>\n

"I know. That is the one thing that I have no doubts about."<\/p>\n

"Then why Lois\u2026why? If you\u2019re not in love with him and you were going to marry
\nhim, why couldn\u2019t you marry me? I\u2019m your partner, your best friend. You know me.
\nYou trust me. My life is an open book to you. I\u2019m not hiding any deep dark
\nsecrets." Clark stopped breathing for several seconds as soon as he\u2019d said that.
\nHe\u2019d briefly forgotten that he was harbouring a secret that Lois would be
\nfurious about when she found out what. But he\u2019d deal with that later\u2026he hoped.<\/p>\n

"Clark, I don\u2019t know. I guess I\u2019m just afraid," Lois said sadly.<\/p>\n

"Afraid of what? You know I\u2019d never hurt you or betray you. I\u2019m in love with you
\nLois."<\/p>\n

"Afraid of things going badly and losing our friendship, I guess. Clark, you\u2019re
\nthe only true friend I\u2019ve ever had. I need you in my life. I always seem to
\ndestroy relationships\u2026romances. After a few dates with me, men seem to run away.
\nClaude came back and told the whole newsroom that he\u2019d slept with me and what a
\nhorrible lay I was. Paul wouldn\u2019t even speak to me after that night with him,
\nbut the whole male population on the campus of Metropolis University knew about
\nwhat happened. I swore to myself that I\u2019d never let anyone hurt me again. So, I
\ndon\u2019t get emotionally involved. Lex was safe, as far as emotions were concerned.
\nI didn\u2019t love him so he couldn\u2019t hurt me\u2026at least not emotionally."<\/p>\n

Clark\u2019s heart went out to Lois. But he had to make her understand. He would
\nnever hut her or betray her, no matter what. And she would never have to be
\nwithout him because he couldn\u2019t stand to be without her.<\/p>\n

"Lois, you don\u2019t have to worry about that. I would never betray you like that.
\nFor me this is forever. For God\u2019s sake, I\u2019m 29 years old. I know what I want\u2026who
\nI want. If you\u2019re indifferent to emotions then humour me. Let me show you how
\nwonderful it can feel to be loved, the way that I love you. I don\u2019t want to
\npossess you, I just want to love you".<\/p>\n

"But Clark\u2026what about\u2026you know\u2026sex\u2026I mean\u2026surely\u2026" Lois stuttered, now sitting
\nup and looking into Clark\u2019s eyes. Surely you\u2019d get tired of this friendship
\nthing and start looking elsewhere for\u2026your needs."<\/p>\n

"Lois, I would want to make love to you, but I would want you to want to as
\nwell. But, I would never ask you to do something that you\u2019re not ready for. You
\nknow that. I will wait for you as long as it takes," Clark assured Lois, with
\nhis palm placed on her cheek and inadvertently wiping away stray tears with the
\npad of his thumb. "I would never go out and cheat on you under any
\ncircumstances, and I would expect the same from you. Everything I want is right
\nhere sitting next to me, in my arms." <\/p>\n

Clark had an afterthought and decided to just plunge in. "Lois, what about
\nLuthor? What would you have done when he wanted you\u2026I mean\u2026sexually? You could
\nonly be too tired or have a headache for so long before he took it upon himself
\nto just\u2026help himself to you." Clark could feel Lois tense at that thought. It
\nnauseated Clark to even say it.<\/p>\n

"I don\u2019t know. I guess I never thought that far. But after what Paul said and
\nwhat Claude said, I\u2019m sure that he\u2019d have only wanted me once," Lois responded
\nwith a disgusted laugh.<\/p>\n

"Lois, don\u2019t do this to yourself. The problem lies with them, not you. I think
\nyou\u2019re the most beautiful thing in the world. When you love someone it\u2019s not
\njust about sex\u2026it\u2019s the emotions that go with it," Clark assured Lois.<\/p>\n

"Oh Clark\u2026"<\/p>\n

"So, what do you say\u2026about getting married? To me?" Clark asked hopefully.<\/p>\n

"Clark\u2026I don\u2019t know what to say. I\u2019m just so confused\u2026I\u2026"<\/p>\n

"That\u2019s okay Lois\u2026I shouldn\u2019t have\u2026I\u2019m sorry, just forget I asked\u2026" Clark
\nresponded defeated. "I had no right to just zoom in on you like a buzzard on a
\ncarcass\u2026"<\/p>\n

"No, Clark, listen to me. I\u2019m confused because I can\u2019t believe that you still
\nwant to be with me after all I put you through. I don\u2019t know that I\u2019ll ever
\ntruly be in love with anyone. Superman was just an infatuation because he was
\nunobtainable. But, if there was ever a doubt about you being in love with me
\nit\u2019s gone now. Either you really are in love with me or you have a psychiatric
\ndiagnosis somewhere," Lois ended half jokingly. "I do love you Clark, but I\u2019m
\nnot in love with you\u2026"<\/p>\n

"Lois, just forget it\u2026I shouldn\u2019t have set myself up for this. I just don\u2019t
\nthink I can handle another rejection, so just\u2026"<\/p>\n

"No, Clark\u2026please let me finish! You are my best friend. I\u2019ve shared more with
\nyou than I have anyone else including my sister. I cannot imagine living my life
\nwithout you\u2026"<\/p>\n

"Nor me without you," Clark interjected.<\/p>\n

"\u2026so, yes Clark," Lois said smiling from ear to ear. "But, please, Clark, you
\nhave to promise that you won\u2019t leave me when something else comes along. I
\ncouldn\u2019t handle it," Lois said sadly.<\/p>\n

"You don\u2019t have to worry about that, Lois." With uncertainty, Clark pierced
\nLois\u2019 eyes with that loving look that he only had for her. "Are you saying yes,
\nyou\u2019ll marry me?"<\/p>\n

"If that\u2019s what you\u2019re asking," Lois replied smiling.<\/p>\n

"I am asking," Clark responded in a more serious tone. He then got down off of
\nthe bed, on one knee and very gently grasped both of Lois\u2019 petite hands with his
\nmuch larger ones and asked with all the love imaginable in his voice, "Lois,
\nwill you marry me, be my wife, spend the rest of our lives together?"<\/p>\n

"Yes, Clark. I will marry you," Lois replied with a yearning that she didn\u2019t
\nknow she possessed.<\/p>\n

For the lack of knowing what better to do, Clark slowly stood, then gently
\npulled Lois to a standing position and hugged her like he\u2019d never get the chance
\nto hug her again. Clark then slowly tilted Lois\u2019 chin up, so that she could
\nresist if she wanted to, and lowered his lips to meet hers and experienced the
\nmost earth-shattering kiss of his life. There was no pretence or ruse. This one
\nwas real. Most of all, Clark felt Lois responding\u2026with emotion? If Lois were
\nreally feeling something, it would be a dream come true. If she had any feelings
\nfor him at all beyond friendship, it would be a good start. <\/p>\n

"Oh God, Clark," Lois whispered. "Where did you learn to kiss like that?"<\/p>\n

"I love you Lois. That\u2019s the only inspiration I can claim," Clark responded
\nsincerely.<\/p>\n

Throughout a good part of the rest of the night, Clark and Lois talked about
\ngetting married and getting Clark back to the US. They decided to get married on
\nSunday, so as not to have the same intended wedding date as Lois would have had
\nwith Lex. Their plan was to meet with Ms. Sanders on Saturday if they could
\nreach her and to tell her their decision. A little after three am, Lois was
\nstarting to doze off. Clark grabbed a pillow and went towards the closet for a
\nblanket to make a bed on the couch.<\/p>\n

"Clark, where are you going?"<\/p>\n

"To, the couch. You can have the bed. I\u2019ve done nothing but sleep for the past
\nfew days. You need to be comfortable," Clark responded.<\/p>\n

"Clark, you can\u2026there\u2019s enough room," Lois said waving her hand towards the
\nempty side of the bed and pulling back the covers.<\/p>\n

"I\u2026I\u2026we don\u2019t have to sleep together\u2026I mean in the same bed if you don\u2019t want
\nto. Like I said, I\u2019m not going to force you into something that you\u2019re not ready
\nfor," Clark said reassuringly.<\/p>\n

"I know, Clark. I\u2026I just wanted\u2026I just miss curling up in your arms," Lois shyly
\nrelated.<\/p>\n

"Clark just smiled and simply said, "Okay." He then climbed in next to Lois.
\nClark got comfortable, then stretched out his arm towards Lois. She responded by
\nadjusting to lie in Clark\u2019s outstretched arm. He snuggled Lois close and they
\nboth went off to a very peaceful sleep.<\/p>\n

Martha and Jonathan went over to see the ailing Judge Andy Lakin. At this point,
\nthey had not been able to get around producing a birth certificate for Clark.
\nJudge Lakin would remember drawing up and finalizing the adoption papers for
\nMartha and Jonathan back in 1966. The then elderly judge recalled how over the
\nyears as Clark grew up that he couldn\u2019t understand why no one came back to claim
\nsuch a handsome boy, that someone would just leave a baby on some stranger\u2019s
\ndoorstep. He had sort of done a rushed and abbreviated job for the Kents. Martha
\nhad later cared for Judge Lakin\u2019s wife as she had lain ailing and soon after
\ndied from cancer. The judge would never forget them for that.<\/p>\n

Jonathan pulled the old pickup truck to the driveway of Judge Lakin\u2019s home.
\nHesitantly, he and Martha got out and went to the door and knocked. After what
\nseemed like an eternity, the elderly judge cracked the door of his home.<\/p>\n

"Yes\u2026who\u2019s there?"<\/p>\n

"The Kents. We\u2019d like to talk to you," Jonathan stated.<\/p>\n

With that the judge opened the door and stood aside to allow the Kents in. He
\nlooked so feeble with oxygen going in his nose. He hugged Martha and shook
\nJonathan\u2019s hand. He gestured for them to take a seat on the couch and then took
\nthe seat across from them They chatted for what seemed like hours about
\ndifferent things. The Kents were informed that the judge, too had been diagnosed
\nwith end stage heart disease, cardiomyopathy, and that he had no energy or
\nreserve. Then the Kents decided to shorten their visit and cut right to the
\nchase.<\/p>\n

"Judge, remember when you drew up those adoption papers for Clark? Well, we
\nnever had a birth certificate and you said that it wouldn\u2019t be a problem, then.
\nBut now\u2026" Jonathan proceeded to tell the judge of the events of Clark\u2019s
\nretention in Tokyo and why he now needed a birth certificate.<\/p>\n

"Remind me, Jonathan, why didn\u2019t we draw up a birth certificate?"<\/p>\n

"Well, within that 90 days, no one showed up within 200 miles who had had a baby
\nand abandoned it. We weren\u2019t sure of Clark\u2019s birthday so we estimated his age
\nand came up with February 28, 1966," Jonathan replied.<\/p>\n

"Yes, and I remember the neighbours making speculations and that\u2019s when you
\nasked that I\u2019d just rush the paperwork so that you could leave Smallville.
\nExcept you didn\u2019t. I\u2019ll never forget how you and Martha took care of my ailing
\nJean," the judge said reminiscing.<\/p>\n

"Please, is it possible that you could draw one up now, a birth certificate, so
\nthat we can get our boy home?" Martha pleaded.<\/p>\n

"Already done. I did it anyway, back in 1966. I knew that with things changing,
\neventually they would be required, so I just kept it. You never asked for it,
\nbut I wanted to be sure that in the event that I\u2026I\u2026well, you would be able to
\nobtain it. But, before I will give it to you, there is something I must ask of
\nyou."<\/p>\n

"Sure\u2026anything\u2026" the Kents replied.<\/p>\n

"I witnessed some strange phenomenon around your farm as Clark grew up, like
\ntractors being lifted, things being done faster than the laws of gravity would
\nallow, and so forth. Where did Clark really come from? Is he now Superman?"<\/p>\n

"The Kents looked at each other. They had no idea that anyone was aware of any
\nof Clark\u2019s special abilities. Thinking along the same lines, and communicating
\nthrough their eyes, the Kents decided to be honest with the judge, especially
\nsince he was dying and hopefully he would take it to the grave sooner than he
\ncould tell anyone.<\/p>\n

"He is," Jonathan simply said. <\/p>\n

The judge\u2019s eyes got big.<\/p>\n

"But he no longer has those abilities. That\u2019s why he can\u2019t get back home,"
\nMartha finished.<\/p>\n

"I see." The judge thought for a few minutes, and then breathlessly said, "The
\nbirth certificate is on my dresser under the edge of the scarf. I guess I
\nfigured you or Clark would be coming for it soon. Martha, if you would\u2026"<\/p>\n

"Sure\u2026and thank you so much."<\/p>\n

"Glad I could help. Now, it\u2019s been wonderful to see you once more, but I\u2019m tired
\nnow. I\u2019m gonna go and lay down," Judge Lakin replied.<\/p>\n

"Sure, sir," Jonathan said as he stood. Martha was returning from the judge\u2019s
\nroom with the sealed piece of paper. "If we can do anything\u2026to make you
\ncomfortable\u2026"<\/p>\n

"Thank you Jonathan and my dearest Martha."<\/p>\n

Then the Kents left.<\/p>\n

Perry had thought of running a series in the Daily Planet about Luthor being
\nbehind the demise of Superman and the retention of one of his star reporters,
\nClark Kent, in Tokyo, but decided against that idea. He didn\u2019t want Luthor to
\nknow that anyone was on to him.<\/p>\n

"Mr. Luthor, Sir, my sources in Tokyo tells me that Ms. Lane landed there Friday
\nnight and has been with Kent since. The wedding is in four hours, sir. What\u2019s
\nthe next step?" Nigel expressed to Lex.<\/p>\n

"No one\u2026I mean no one\u2026makes a fool of Lex Luthor! I\u2019ll just call a press
\nconference, call off the wedding, publicly, and state that I discovered some
\ninconsistencies concerning Ms. Lane and that it would not be fruitful to my
\nprofessional life to be associated with her," Lex snarled. "Then have your
\ncontact\u2026have him\u2026kill that hussy and her lover Kent. Wait, on second thought,
\nspare Kent. It would be much more fun to see him mourn since he loves her so
\nmuch. Oh and be sure that Kent witnesses the whole thing. We can do away with
\nyour contact later."<\/p>\n

"Done, sir," Nigel responded.<\/p>\n

"RRRing"<\/p>\n

"Hello\u2026yes\u2026he\u2019s here\u2026just a moment\u2026Mr. Luthor, a Judge Lakin for you. Says he\u2019s
\ncalling from Smallville, Kansas."<\/p>\n

"Yes\u2026Lex Luthor here\u2026"<\/p>\n

"Mr. Luthor, the Kents came by and I did as you instructed. Clark Kent is NOT
\nSuperman. But I know who\u2026uh\u2026"<\/p>\n

"Lakin\u2026don\u2019t you do this\u2026who?" Lex demanded. But the judge had had his last bout
\nwith his heart on the other end of the phone line. Saturday morning arrived in
\nTokyo. Lois opened her eyes. That had been the best night\u2019s sleep
\nsince\u2026since\u2026well since the last time she slept with Clark. But wait\u2026her warm
\npillow was missing and there was light shining through the curtains.<\/p>\n

"Good morning, sunshine," Clark whispered as he emerged from the bathroom door
\nbehind Lois\u2019 side of the bed.<\/p>\n

Lois quickly turned around and looked up at Clark. "Good\u2026whoa, you clean up
\npretty well in the morning," Lois said as she noted Clark\u2019s clean-shaven face
\nand the absence of worry lines from his face.<\/p>\n

"You don\u2019t have to clean up. You are beautiful just the way you are," Clark
\nwhispered as he leaned down to kiss Lois on the cheek. "Hungry? I\u2019m starved."<\/p>\n

"Yeah. What\u2019s for breakfast? <\/p>\n

"Pancakes, bacon, blueberry syrup, coffee and juice."<\/p>\n

"IHOP? Here in Tokyo?"<\/p>\n

"No\u2026Clarkhop," Clark responded laughing. "Maybe after breakfast, we can go see
\nif we can find Ms. Sanders," Clark said, but noticed a worried look on Lois\u2019
\nface. "Lois\u2026what is it\u2026you change your mind?" Clark asked with disappointment in
\nhis voice.<\/p>\n

"Clark\u2026I\u2026I\u2026"<\/p>\n

"Lois, please, just say it. I can\u2026"<\/p>\n

"No, Clark, I didn\u2019t change my mind. If there is anyone I want as a part of the
\nrest of my life, it\u2019s you. I just keep wondering if you will last
\nfor\u2026forever\u202640, 50 years\u2026without intimacy. I mean you are so handsome and women
\nwill be offering\u2026you know\u2026left and right. I just don\u2019t want to get hurt."<\/p>\n

"I only want you, Lois and for you I can wait. I wonder how you\u2019ll survive for
\n40, 50 years\u2026without. There are just as many handsome guys as beautiful women. I
\njust know that all I want is you," Clark responded as he looked into Lois\u2019 eyes.
\n"I love you, Lois."<\/p>\n

"I\u2019m going to\u2026um\u2026get showered and dressed and we can go and find Ms. Sanders,"
\nLois responded nervously.<\/p>\n

"RRRing!"<\/p>\n

"I\u2019ll get it Lois. You get dressed."<\/p>\n

"Hello\u2026Hi Perry\u2026yeah\u2026my parents did get the birth certificate\u2026great\u2026Ms. Cox
\nworks for Luthor\u2026you got the hard copies before she destroyed them, too\u2026there\u2019s
\nenough to charge Luthor\u2026for how long\u2026you\u2019re kidding\u2026that\u2019s the rest of his
\nnatural life\u2026within a couple of weeks\u2026thanks Perry\u2026Oh, by the way, Lois and I
\nare getting married\u2026probably Sunday\u2026it\u2019s a long story\u2026tell you about it
\nlater\u2026yeah, Perry, you know how much I love her. Thanks\u2026I\u2019ll tell her\u2026bye."<\/p>\n

Clark didn\u2019t see Lois standing behind him. When he turned to call her name, what
\nhe saw took his breath away.<\/p>\n

"Lois, honey, don\u2019t cry. Did I do something or say something wrong? I\u2019m
\nsorry\u2026that was Perry\u2026he\u2026" Clark started nervously.<\/p>\n

"Oh, Clark, I feel so stupid. Everyone knows that you\u2019ve been in love with me
\nexcept me," Lois said with tears shimmering. She just stood there with a white
\nterry cloth robe tied around her. She was about to get in the shower when she
\nstarted to listen to what Clark was saying on the phone.<\/p>\n

"Lois, honey, it\u2019s okay. We\u2019re here, now. That\u2019s all that matters to me. It
\ndoesn\u2019t matter how we got here," Clark assured Lois as he pulled her into his
\nembrace. "I\u2019m going to always be here for you, no matter what," Clark said
\nearnestly. Tilting Lois\u2019 chin up to look in her eyes, Clark continued, "Perry
\nsaid to tell you congratulations\u2026both of us, on the marriage."<\/p>\n

Lois just threw her arms around Clark and hugged him tight. He held her there
\nfor a moment.<\/p>\n

"Go and get dressed. We have a lot to do today."<\/p>\n

"Okay," Lois whispered.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile Clark called his parents to relay the change of events. They were
\necstatic to hear that their boy was finally going to be happy, going to spend
\nthe rest of his life with the woman of his dreams. They congratulated him and
\nfilled him in on the events of their visit with the judge and his subsequent
\ndeath. Clark told them that Perry had already filled him in on most of it and
\nthat he should be on the way back to the US within two weeks. They hung up as
\nLois exited the bathroom dressed.<\/p>\n

After breakfast, Lois and Clark started by looking up all of the \u2018Sanders\u2019 in
\nTokyo. Shouldn\u2019t be too many.<\/p>\n

They found seven. They started calling the numbers and on the fourth one, they
\ngot a hit. Even though it was Saturday morning, Ms. Sanders was glad to hear
\nfrom the couple. She gave them the process to go through to get married. She
\neven had a friend who would perform the ceremony for them. She sounded excited,
\nas if they were her own kids. She even told Clark that she knew that he and Lois
\nwere meant to be together. Clark assured her that he would invite her to the
\nwedding on Sunday.<\/p>\n

Clark and Lois set out separately to run errands for the upcoming nuptials. Lois
\ntook a taxi and Clark took the car since she didn\u2019t feel good about driving
\naround Tokyo. Lois first went to buy herself a dress, semi formal, white, fitted
\nat the top and wide at the bottom. The back carried a large white bow. It was
\nsimple, yet elegant. She bought some pearls for her neck and ears and some white
\nlace pumps. Lois also bought Clark\u2019s ring. Funny they hadn\u2019t discussed what the
\nother one wanted, but somehow, she knew that Clark had wanted white gold, a
\nplain white gold band.<\/p>\n

Clark had had his mother wire him money that morning when he spoke with them. He
\nrented a black suit and a white shirt to wear with it. He also bought Lois\u2019
\nring. It was a single one-karat solitaire, white gold and a plain white gold
\nband. It looked like Lois. Clark wanted to buy her more, a bigger diamond, but
\ncouldn\u2019t afford to do it right then. Maybe he would replace it in later years if
\nhe were lucky, if Lois didn\u2019t like it.<\/p>\n

"Mr. Luthor, my source in Tokyo tells me that Ms. Lane went shopping for a
\nwedding dress and a wedding ring and Kent rented a suit and also brought wedding
\nrings. I think\u2026congratulations\u2026might be in order, Sir," Nigel related. "Do we do
\nit now or wait until the wedding? After all, it would just make me\u2026shall I
\nsay\u2026excited\u2026to upturn her marriage to Kent."<\/p>\n

"Now, Nigel\u2026I feel your\u2026ambition. I say we wait until the wedding, too," snarled
\nLuthor. "Now, hurry along, Nigel. We have a press conference to attend."<\/p>\n

Perry White stood watching TV in the newsroom, when an important announcement
\nbroke the usually scheduled news. Then he saw Lex Luthor\u2019s face up close. He was
\napparently holding a\u2026press conference?<\/p>\n

"Ladies, gentlemen, friends and associates of Metropolis, I regret to inform you
\nthat the marriage of Miss Lois Lane and myself has been called off. I want to
\npreserve Miss Lane\u2019s reputation so I will not go into details regarding the
\nreasons why. I will say that Luthor Corps and associates could not chance the
\nnegative press that Miss Lane\u2019s indiscretions would attract. I thought it then
\nin my best interest to terminate relations with her\u2026" Lex lied.<\/p>\n

"What in the Sam Hill\u2026?" Perry yelled. "That liar!"<\/p>\n

Lois had returned to the hotel room and Clark slipped in not 15 minutes after
\nher. His face just lit up when he saw Lois standing there in the mirror fiddling
\nwith her hairstyle. <\/p>\n

"Lois," Clark whispered behind her.<\/p>\n

"Hi." Lois replied smiling. "What\u2019s up? Done with your errands?"<\/p>\n

"Yeah. Lois, I have something for you," Clark said as he reached in his jacket
\npocket. <\/p>\n

When he withdrew his hand, out came a maroon velvet box. All Lois could do was
\ncover her mouth with her hand as her nose turned red and her eyes started to
\nwater. <\/p>\n

"Oh, Clark, you didn\u2019t have to\u2026oh my God\u2026" Lois started, hoarsely.<\/p>\n

"I wanted to, Lois. Every bride should have an engagement ring. If you don\u2019t
\nlike it\u2026"<\/p>\n

"Oh, Clark\u2026I love it\u2026but it must have cost you a small fortune\u2026"<\/p>\n

"And you\u2019re worth every penny. I\u2019ve been saving for this day\u2026and it\u2019s finally
\nhere\u2026"<\/p>\n

Clark reached out for her hands and gently led her over to the sofa. He nudged
\nher to sit down and he kneeled in front of her. <\/p>\n

"Lois, I have been in love with you for so long and I can\u2019t imagine my life
\nwithout you. Will you marry me?" Clark asked almost in a whisper as he held
\nLois\u2019 solitaire out of the box.<\/p>\n

Lois held out her left hand, and with tears and\u2026love\u2026showing in her eyes, she
\nreplied a simple, "Yes." <\/p>\n

Clark placed the ring on her finger and gently kissed it after it was placed.
\nThen he stood and gathered Lois in his arms and whispered, "I\u2019ll never hurt you
\nor make you cry, intentionally and I\u2019ll never leave you." He just wanted her to
\nunderstand the seriousness of his emotions.<\/p>\n

"Clark\u2026" Lois sniffled out, "\u2026somehow, I know that\u2026I know."<\/p>\n

Just then the phone rang and jerked the couple from their intimate moment.<\/p>\n

"I\u2019ll get it," Clark said.<\/p>\n

"Hello\u2026yeah Perry\u2026he did what? That evil jerk\u2026no, we just got back in\u2026sure\u2026what
\nare they waiting for to arrest him\u2026thanks, Perry."<\/p>\n

"Lois, that was Perry. Apparently Luthor held a press conference to tell all of
\nMetropolis that he called off the wedding because of your indiscretions\u2026he knows
\nsomething\u2019s up\u2026"<\/p>\n

"My indiscretions\u2026that\u2026"<\/p>\n

"I know, let\u2019s just let it go because the police are on the way to pick him up
\nfor a \u2018truck load\u2019 of crimes; felonies, that they are able to pin to him,
\naccording to Perry. So Metropolis will see who really has the indiscretions,"
\nClark assured Lois.<\/p>\n

"Lets see if we can pick it up here\u2026"<\/p>\n

"Lois, no. Let\u2019s not let him ruin our\u2026things for us," Clark responded
\nredirecting Lois back to the issues at hand. "We have a wedding to get
\ntogether."<\/p>\n

"Yeah, Clark, you\u2019re right."<\/p>\n

By nightfall in Metropolis, Lex Luthor was behind bars and so was Ms. Cox,
\nmostly for accessory. But Nigel St. John was still on the loose and being
\nhunted. Lois and Clark did eventually turn on the news and the story was being
\naired in Tokyo. Luthor was big news.<\/p>\n

Lois and Clark had dinner in after the news and just sat and talked like they
\nused to, before things started getting complicated. Before long it was nine-
\nthirty and Lois was starting to doze off. She had expressed her exhaustion
\nearlier, from running around today. When Lois finally just gave in and was fully
\nasleep, Clark picked her up from the sofa, took her to the bed and laid her
\ndown. He started to pull up the covers but decided that Lois was still fully
\ndressed with shoes on and wouldn\u2019t be comfortable. <\/p>\n

Clark started having an internal struggle about undressing Lois versus just
\ntaking off her shoes. The one thing that he didn\u2019t want was for Lois to wake up
\nand think that he had violated her trust and taken advantage of her. The latter
\nfinally won the tug of war and he just removed Lois\u2019 shoes. He then pulled the
\ncovers up around her shoulders and whispered, "Sleep well, honey," as he turned
\nto exit the room. <\/p>\n

Clark couldn\u2019t sleep just yet. He couldn\u2019t seem to get the idea of getting
\nmarried tomorrow off of his mind. Sunday Morning arrived. Lois had
\nslept\u2026well\u2026rather peacefully. Then it dawned on her. Today would be her wedding
\nday, the day she married her best friend. She stretched and sat up on the side
\nof the bed. She had so much to be grateful for; marrying her best friend
\n(because in spite of her shortcomings, he still loved her unconditionally),
\nLuthor was behind bars and most of all she was grateful for finding out how evil
\nLex Luthor was before marrying him. Lois then looked at the clock. My, it was
\nlate\u2026nine-forty-five…and she had slept in her clothes? Then she distinctly
\nremembered falling asleep on the couch next to Clark. Leave it to Clark to carry
\nher to bed and leave her dressed\u2026such a boy scout. But she had to start getting
\nready. Their wedding would be at eleven thirty.<\/p>\n

Lois stood and walked to the living area to see if Clark was up and about. When
\nshe got to the doorway, the blankets and pillow were gone and Clark was nowhere
\nin view.<\/p>\n

Panicked, Lois started calling," Clark\u2026Clark\u2026" but no answer came. She walked
\nthrough the living area and kitchen continuing to call Clark, but no answer
\ncame. She turned to go back to the bedroom, thinking maybe he was in the
\nbathroom. As Lois entered the bedroom door she noticed a piece of paper stuck in
\nthe corner of the dresser mirror. When she looked closer, it was a note from
\nClark\u2026<\/p>\n

Sweetheart,<\/p>\n

I wanted everything to be perfect so I left before you awakened. I\u2019m in a room
\nright down the hall. Didn\u2019t want to see the bride before the wedding. Bad luck
\nyou know. But, a nuclear disaster couldn\u2019t keep me from you at 11:30. <\/p>\n

I Love You, Clark<\/p>\n

Lois released a breath that she hadn\u2019t realized she was holding, held the note
\nto her chest and just smiled. Yes, she was doing the right thing.<\/p>\n

Clark wondered if Lois had gotten the note. He was already up and showered. He
\ncouldn\u2019t wait for Lois to become his wife. He loved her so much. Secretly he
\nprayed that she had some feelings for him beyond friendship and that they would
\neventually share passion between them. But right now he\u2019d settle for whatever he
\ncould get from Lois as long as he could keep her in his life. His parents had
\ncalled earlier to wish him happiness\u2026and Martha had wished them lots of babies.
\nHe could hear the laughter in her voice, and Jonathan seemed to be in on the
\njoke, too. Clark had trouble figuring that one out, especially since the Kents
\nknew the terms of his and Lois\u2019 marriage.<\/p>\n

At eleven-ten a limousine arrived to pick up Lois and take her to the designated
\nplace that Clark had chosen. She had no idea where it was. He\u2019d just told her
\nthat it was beautiful. Lois took one final look in the mirror and gave an
\ninternal okay. Her gown fit perfectly around her curves. She wore her hair up in
\na French roll with decorative pearls. Her short white veil covered down to her
\nchin. She wore pearls around her neck and hanging from her ears. She carried one
\nlilac lily in her hands and proceeded to the limo. Clark was driving the rental.<\/p>\n

By eleven-twenty Clark was standing at the garden where the wedding was to take
\nplace. It was outdoors with lots of Japanese wildflowers surrounding. There was
\na waterfall and a red brick floored area where they would stand, gazeboed with
\nflowering trees. It was absolutely beautiful. It was 80 degrees and the sun was
\nshining high. <\/p>\n

Clark looked around. The minister was there and Ms. Sanders and her husband were
\nthere. There were curious onlookers standing by. He was getting nervous because
\nLois hadn\u2019t arrived yet. Ms. Sanders noticed Clark\u2019s nervousness and sent her
\nhusband up to comfort him.<\/p>\n

"Hi, Clark\u2026Ian Sanders\u2026so nice to finally meet you," Mr. Sanders said, reaching
\nout to shake Clark\u2018s hand. <\/p>\n

"Clark Kent. Pleasure to meet you, too," he said, shaking Mr. Sanders\u2019 hand.<\/p>\n

"You know, Christine has been talking about you two since you initially came
\ninto the embassy reporting your passport incident. She said that that girl had
\nlove written all over her face for you, but was too stubborn to admit it. She
\nsaid that you two would end up together, but was just surprised that it was this
\nsoon," continued Mr. Sanders. "Don\u2019t worry, son\u2026she\u2019ll be here come hell or high
\nwater if she\u2019s anything like Christine says."<\/p>\n

"Thank you, sir." I\u2019m just praying that she didn\u2019t\u2026"<\/p>\n

"Look behind you, son. Christine was right about the other thing she said, too."<\/p>\n

"What was that, sir?"<\/p>\n

"She is beautiful\u2026congratulations, Clark."<\/p>\n

"Yes, she is\u2026and thank you for getting me through these last few minutes, sir,"
\nClark finished, shaking Mr. Sanders\u2019 hand again.<\/p>\n

"Welcome," Mr. Sanders replied as he turned to go and sit back next to his wife.<\/p>\n

Lois exited the limousine and proceeded through the garden in the direction that
\nthe limo driver pointed her. The garden was more beautiful than Clark had told
\nher. Things were so simple yet endearing. How did Clark do it\u2026make her feel like
\na queen with the simple things in life, yet she felt like a cheap puppy with the
\nthird richest man in the world? Then she stopped walking as she saw Clark come
\ninto view. He was so handsome standing there and he had that look in his eyes
\nthat he only had for her. <God what am I going to do. He\u2019s not going to be able
\nto maintain a platonic marriage. I know he\u2019s going to expect\u2026Lois stop it\u2026it\u2019s
\nyour wedding day\u2026moment. If Clark promised you that, he wouldn\u2019t push you, he
\nwon\u2019t. > Then almost as if Clark had read Lois\u2019 thoughts, THAT LOOK disappeared
\nand was replaced with the look of an adoring friend. Then Lois relaxed.<\/p>\n

The music started and Lois slowly walked down the stone pathway to stand next to
\nClark and before the minister. When she reached Clark, he reached out his hand
\nto her and she took it. They turned to face each other. Clark bent slightly and
\nwhispered in Lois\u2019 ear, "You\u2019re so beautiful that you just take my breath away."<\/p>\n

"Oh, Clark\u2026" Lois responded as her eyes started to glaze over.<\/p>\n

The minister looked at them and smiled. When he was sure that they were finished
\nexchanging endearments, he proceeded with the ceremony.<\/p>\n

Finally, Lois and Clark\u2019s vows were exchanged and they had placed their rings on
\neach other\u2019s fingers. <\/p>\n

"You may kiss your bride," the minister finished.<\/p>\n

Clark saw the look of uncertainty pass Lois\u2019 face. They hadn\u2019t discussed this.
\nHe quickly decided that he would just place a kiss on her forehead.<\/p>\n

Lois was panicking inside. What should she do? They hadn\u2019t discussed the kiss.
\nBut quickly she decided that this was their wedding day and she would not ruin
\nthat for Clark.<\/p>\n

Their eyes met. He silently asked if a kiss was in order, trying to read Lois\u2019
\neyes. What he saw in Lois\u2019 eyes, he hadn\u2019t expected to see; love. That was his
\nanswer. He placed his right hand on Lois\u2019 left cheek and softly brushed away a
\ntear with his thumb. He then leaned down as she met him halfway but before he
\ntouched his lips to hers he whispered in her left ear, "I am so in love with
\nyou", and then he turned his lips back in line with hers and claimed them. When
\ntheir lips touched, Clark felt a bolt of desire go through him. He kissed Lois
\nwith such gentle passion. The most wonderful part of the kiss was the fact that
\nLois was returning it with\u2026passion? It was the most endearing kiss Lois had ever
\nexperienced.<\/p>\n

The couple finally ended their kiss, and when Lois and Clark turned to face the
\nfew guests they faced a round of applause. They looked at each other and smiled
\nas the minister introduced the new couple.<\/p>\n

"I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Clark Kent."<\/p>\n

Lois and Clark proceeded to greet the few guests especially Mr. and Ms. Sanders,
\nwho had helped them more than they would ever know. Ms. Sanders had whispered to
\nher husband, "I know that Lois thinks she just married Clark to help him get
\nback home faster, but she is in love with him. He\u2019s not going to let her go that
\neasily." <\/p>\n

"As always Christine, I agree. You\u2019re so right," Mr. Sanders responded.<\/p>\n

"Clark, you stay here for a second? I want to go put my lily in the car. Be
\nright back, okay," Lois said.<\/p>\n

"Okay\u2019" Clark replied as he turned to finish his conversation with the Mr. and
\nMs. Sanders. <\/p>\n

What seemed like just a few seconds later, Clark was distracted from his
\nconversation by screeching of tires. He looked around and did not see Lois
\ncoming back. Other people seemed to hear the screeching, too. Clark slowly
\njogged towards the parking lot calling, "Lois\u2026Lois\u2026" His calling was interrupted
\nby the sound of a screeching halt and something flying onto maybe the hood of a
\ncar. Clark had gotten close enough to the parking lot that he could see a big
\nwhite Suburban speeding away. Then he slowly looked away from the speeding truck
\nto the ground and almost went limp. Lois had been hit by the speeding Suburban.<\/p>\n

Clark sprinted to Lois and got down on the ground by her side.<\/p>\n

"Lois\u2026Lois, sweetheart\u2026wake up! Somebody call an ambulance!" Clark yelled
\nfrantically.<\/p>\n

Mr. and Ms. Sanders had come to Clark\u2019s side by then. Just as Mr. Sanders laid
\nhis hand on Clark\u2019s shoulder, there was another loud boom and in the distance
\nMr. Sanders reported that the Suburban still going much too fast, lost control
\nand hit several parked cars and an electrical post.<\/p>\n

Clark seemed to be oblivious to anything but Lois as he held her bloody hand
\nwhile she laid there fighting for her life. The police and the paramedics were
\non the scene in just a few minutes. <\/p>\n

Lois had blood everywhere. The pearls from her hair were rolling in the streets
\nand her wedding gown was torn. She was missing one shoe and her stockings had
\nruns in both legs. She was not responsive. She had a pulse and very irregular
\nand shallow breathing. Clark couldn\u2019t tell where her injuries were. All he could
\ndo while the paramedics worked on her was to hold her hand and tell her how much
\nhe loved her as he fought to contain his emotions. He had finally won more than
\npartnership with Lois and it was all but taken back by the evil doings of fate
\nand probably Lex Luthor.<\/p>\n

Right before the ambulance pulled off with Lois and Clark at her side, it was
\nsaid by one of the other policemen that an Englishman, identified as Nigel St.
\nJohn, drove the Suburban and that he was dead on impact. A sourness rose up into
\nClark\u2019s chest as he thought, <Luthor, you bastard! >.<\/p>\n

Once the ambulance arrived at the hospital, the paramedics ran the gurney into
\nthe ER with Lois on it. Clark ran to keep up but the ER nurse stopped him at the
\ndoor of the exam room. <\/p>\n

In his most flawless Japanese tongue, "Please, I want to be with her", Clark
\ninsisted to the nurse. "She\u2019s my wife."<\/p>\n

In Japanese, the nurse empathetically responded, "Sir, I need some information
\nfrom you. Then you can be with her. But the doctors need time and space to do
\ntheir jobs."<\/p>\n

"Okay\u2026" Clark resigned.<\/p>\n

"What\u2019s the patient\u2019s name?"<\/p>\n

"My name is Clark Kent. She\u2019s my wife, Lois Lane Kent. We just got
\nmarried\u2026today. This happened right after our wedding." <\/p>\n

Clark put his face in his hands and proceeded to tell the nurse what she needed
\nto know and what happened. When he was done with the nurse, he went to call his
\nparents and Perry to tell them the unfolding of events. Perry assured him that
\nhe would try to contact Lois\u2019 parents and offered up resources if needed. Clark
\nalso told Perry who was driving the Suburban. Perry assured Clark that he would
\nrelay the series of events to the Metropolis PD, Henderson; and to try and link
\nthis to Lex Luthor to add this to his list of charges. There was no doubt that
\nLuthor was behind this attempted assassination. Clark cut his conversation with
\nPerry short when two doctors approached him.<\/p>\n

"Mr. Kent, I\u2019m Dr. Madayoshi and this is Dr. Hito. We have been working on your
\nwife. She\u2019s got lots of injuries and her condition is critical; however, we
\nthink she\u2019s going to be okay. She\u2019s on a ventilator, to breathe for her. We were
\nafraid that she would quit breathing. She has a small subdural hematoma and
\nstill has not awakened, but once we evacuate that by way of a craniotomy, she
\nhas an excellent chance of recovering. She has a broken right femur and an open
\nleft tib\/fib fracture. She\u2019s got three broken ribs and what looks like a small
\nbowel laceration. We\u2019ll need your consent to fix her, starting with the subdural
\nhematoma. We have a neurosurgeon on call to take care of that, an orthopaedist
\nfor her leg. He\u2019ll take her to the OR and fix that with rods and pins. We can
\nplace and an external fixator on the femur but the tibia and fibula have to be
\nfixed now because they are open fractures. Dr. Hito and I will fix her small
\nbowel. She\u2019s got some cuts in her face around her hairline that we\u2019ll stitch up.
\nBut, over all, she\u2019s a lucky girl. It was reported that she attempted to jump
\nout of the way but the SUV was just going too fast. Had it hit her dead
\ncentre\u2026well\u2026I don\u2019t know. That would have surely killed her."<\/p>\n

"Can I see her", Clark finally breathed out, with some relief. His eyes had
\nglazed over while listening to the dissertation of Lois\u2018 injuries. "I\u2019ll sign
\nwherever you need."<\/p>\n

"Sure, briefly. We have to get her to surgery. She looks a lot worse than she
\nis, so don\u2019t be frightened," Dr. Hito said as he patted Clark on the shoulder.
\n"Right this way Mr. Kent."<\/p>\n

Clark saw Lois and his insides began to tighten up with anger, fright, rage and
\na few other emotions. He went and sat in a chair next to her stretcher and very
\ndelicately picked up her hand and kissed it. Then he started to talk to her as
\nif she were awake and listening.<\/p>\n

"Lois, honey, you\u2019re going to be okay. You just have to wake up. I talked to my
\nparents and Perry. Perry is trying to reach your parents. One of Luthor\u2019s
\nhenchmen\u2026remember Nigel St. John? Well he did this to you. The Tokyo police are
\nworking with the Metropolis police department, mainly Henderson, to stick this
\nto Luthor and to add it to his list of charges. Nigel St. John is dead so they
\ncan\u2019t do anything to him". <\/p>\n

Clark just stroked the back of her hand with his thumb. As he held Lois\u2019 hand
\nand stroked it, he felt a need to tell her again what he was feeling. <\/p>\n

"Lois, I love you more than anything else in this world. You have to wake up,
\ncome out of this. I don\u2019t know what I\u2019d do without you. You were so beautiful
\ntoday\u2026your gown, your hair. And then we kissed and it was so… magical," Clark
\nsaid in a hoarse whisper. "I knew in that moment that I would love you no matter
\nwhat. I knew in that particular moment, when we shared that kiss that I wanted
\nto have lots of babies with you, grow old and grey with you. I knew that I never
\nwanted to let you go. And I knew that you felt something, too. Honey, I\u2026"<\/p>\n

"Mr. Kent, we\u2019re sorry. We have to get Mrs. Kent to surgery," the OR nurse said
\nas she came with the anaesthesiologist to get Lois.<\/p>\n

Clark stood up, still holding Lois\u2019 hand, but reluctantly let it go after a kiss
\non her knuckles. "I love you, Lois. Please, come back to me."<\/p>\n

The nurse slid Lois\u2019 rings off of her finger and handed them to Clark. Clark
\nthen got a look of fear on his face. <\/p>\n

"For safe keeping Mr. Kent," The OR nurse assured Clark as she and the
\nanaesthesiologist started towards the OR with Lois.<\/p>\n

Clark stood and watched the OR nurse and the anaesthesiologist roll away with
\nLois. It took all he had to not break down until they were out of sight. Once
\nthe doors closed behind them, Clark went to the waiting room, sat down in a
\nchair and just sobbed. He couldn\u2019t understand why he was able to finally be
\nhappy with the woman of his dreams, and have it all be halted, just like that.<\/p>\n

Clark had been sitting in that same chair for\u2026a while. It was now 3:40 pm. Clark
\nheld Lois\u2019 tiny wedding rings in his big hands and just looked at them as if her
\nwere examining them. As soon as he saw her again, he would place them back on
\nher finger. He just wanted everyone to know that Lois was his wife and he wanted
\nso badly to be married in every way. <\/p>\n

Lois had been in surgery since about 1:25. The nurse had informed Clark that
\nthey were looking at about six to eight hours of surgery. They would call out
\nperiodically to update Clark on Lois\u2019 surgical progress. <\/p>\n

A while later Clark got up to walk and saw Mr. and Ms. Sanders coming down the
\nhall. He walked toward them. They were the closest thing to family or friends
\nthat he and Lois had here in Tokyo. Clark was so grateful that they came by to
\ncheck on Lois.<\/p>\n

"Clark\u2026how is she? Is she going to be okay?"<\/p>\n

"I\u2019m praying. She has lots of injuries, Mr. Sanders. They\u2019re talking about six
\nto eight hours of surgery. She\u2019s been in about two hours so far," Clark forced
\nout. "Thank you for coming, Mr. Sand\u2026" Clark started as his voice started to
\ncrack again.<\/p>\n

"Clark, is there anything Christine and I can do? Just say it," Mr. Sanders
\npleaded. Oh, and here\u2026here are your car keys. You left them on the ground\u2026next
\nto where you\u2026well\u2026" fumbled Mr. Sanders. "Christine and I drove the car over so
\nthat you could go home if you needed to, for changing clothes or a shower or
\nwhatever. I know you won\u2019t be leaving soon, though."<\/p>\n

"Thank you. I just want to be here when she gets out of surgery."<\/p>\n

"I know, son, I know," Mr. Sanders replied.<\/p>\n

"Just pray," Clark responded solemnly.<\/p>\n

"Christine and I have been doing just that." <\/p>\n

Mr. and Ms. Sanders sat for another hour or so with Clark, until the next update
\ncame. The subdural hematoma had been evacuated and now the general surgeons were
\ngoing to fix Lois\u2019 perforated bowel. The orthopaedists would go last. Mr. and
\nMrs. Sanders left after that update and assured Clark that they would check
\nback. Again Clark was alone.<\/p>\n

Clark must have fallen asleep because he was awakened by someone shaking his
\nshoulder as he was slumped down forward in the chair.<\/p>\n

"Mr. Kent\u2026"<\/p>\n

"Dr. Hito! Is Lois okay\u2026what\u2019s wrong?"<\/p>\n

"Mr. Kent, everything is fine. Mrs. Kent is stable but still guarded. She went
\nthrough surgery well. She\u2019s in recovery right now. She still is not awake but
\nyou may see her. She still has the breathing tube. We didn\u2019t try to take that
\nout because we want her to rest and regain her strength. She still has some
\nsedation. We have her on a drug called Mannitol to keep the brain swelling
\nminimized. She\u2019s also on a steroid called dexamethasone to keep down
\ninflammation. We started her on antibiotic prophylaxis. And of course she has
\npain medication ordered to keep her comfortable. She doesn\u2019t seem to have
\nsuffered any permanent damage, physically. The small area of hair that we shaved
\noff of her head will grow back in no time. We\u2019ll eventually send her up to the
\nNeuro Intensive Care Unit after her recovery period. We just like to recover
\ncritical patients for at least an hour before we haul them up to the units. We
\nare pretty hopeful that she will wake up soon," Dr. Hito concluded.<\/p>\n

Clark thanked Dr. Hito and his colleagues, shook their hands and then proceeded
\nto the recovery room to be with Lois.<\/p>\n

Lois was the only patient in the recovery room when Clark got to the door. The
\nnurse looked up, saw Clark and beckoned for him to come over. Clark came over
\nand pulled up the chair next to Lois\u2019 bed. The nurse continued what she was
\ndoing with Lois\u2019 IV\u2019s.<\/p>\n

Clark gently took Lois\u2019 hand and held it. His eyes started to glaze over with
\nunshed tears as he began to talk to Lois as if she was awake. <\/p>\n

"Lois, honey, you came through surgery fighting in that Lois Lane fashion."
\nClark had to smile to himself at that image. "The doctors say that you\u2019re going
\nto be fine. We have a lot of living to do, so hurry and get better. I love you
\nmore than you\u2019ll ever know. In sickness and in health\u2026I will be with you through
\nthis\u2026you don\u2019t even need to wonder about that."<\/p>\n

Emotions overtook Clark and he put his face down in Lois\u2019 covers, continuing to
\nhold her hand. He silently prayed for a sign that Lois was going to be okay.
\nAlmost simultaneously Clark felt Lois squeeze his hand. He looked up in her
\nface. Though her eyes were still closed, they were moving. Then he noted a tear
\nfall from Lois\u2018 closed eyes. Clark then stood, leaned over and kissed Lois on
\nthe lips. Her hand tightened around his as if to ask him not to leave.<\/p>\n

"Oh, God\u2026thank you\u2026for my prayer\u2026for answering my prayer," Clark choked out.
\n"Honey, don\u2019t worry\u2026I\u2019m not going anywhere\u2026I\u2019m not going to leave you."<\/p>\n

Suddenly that little pesky detail of getting back to the US wasn\u2019t so important.
\nLois stayed in the recovery room for about three hours and Clark stayed there
\nwith her. He continued to talk to her. He told her stories about his midwestern
\nsmall town upbringing. Lois seemed to relax more as Clark talked to her and
\nsoftly stroked her hand as he held it. Clark also told Lois that the nurse had
\ngiven him her wedding rings and that he would cherish them until some of her
\nswelling went down. Then he would place them back where they belong; on her
\nfinger.<\/p>\n

Though Lois stayed asleep the whole time that she was in the recovery room,
\nsomehow, Clark knew that she heard him and was aware of his presence.<\/p>\n

Finally Lois was transported up to the Neuro Intensive Care Unit. While the
\nnurses transported Lois, Clark took the time to call his parents and Perry to
\nupdate them on Lois\u2019 progress. Perry was still trying to reach Sam and Ellen
\nLane. Apparently in their attempt to reconcile, they went on an African Safari
\ntrip together. The Kents wanted to fly over, but Clark convinced them to stay in
\nSmallville. He knew that it would be stretching their budget for the two of them
\nto fly from Smallville, and besides he needed them to stay put for any
\nunexpected unfolding regarding his passport situation.<\/p>\n

After Clark got off of the phone, he left the hospital to go home and get
\nchanged. He would be right back to be at Lois\u2019 bedside.<\/p>\n

When Clark returned, Lois was in her NICU bed. He went and took a seat beside
\nher bed and at first just held her hand. Clark spent a lot of his time willing
\nLois to wake up and get on one of her babbling crusades. God how he missed that.<\/p>\n

At about 10:30 the nurse came into Lois\u2019 cubicle to do an assessment. Dr. Hito
\ncame in with her. When Dr. Hito realized that Clark was still there he turned
\nand shook his hand again. <\/p>\n

"Mr. Kent, I didn\u2019t realize you were still here. It looks like Mrs. Kent is
\ndoing remarkably well. Her vitals are normal and so are her labs. Maybe in the
\nmorning we can plan on taking out this breathing tube. If she does well after
\ntaking out the tube, by Tuesday morning we can move her out of the unit and to
\nthe floor," Dr. Hito explained. "But Mr. Kent you need to go home and get some
\nrest. We\u2019ll call you if needed but I don\u2019t think that\u2019ll be necessary. Mrs. Kent
\nneeds you well and rested. I understand that you haven\u2019t\u2019 left her side today
\nexcept for a few minutes to go home and change clothes. Did you even eat?" Dr.
\nHito continued.<\/p>\n

"Dr. Hito, I just want to be here for her. We just got married. I love her so
\nmuch," Clark spoke just above a whisper.<\/p>\n

"I understand, but what good will you be to her if you\u2019re not taking care of
\nyourself? You\u2018re not Superman you know," Dr. Hito retaliated. "Mr. Kent\u2026"<\/p>\n

Clark cringed at that last comment from Dr. Hito\u2026\u2018You\u2018re not Superman you know.\u2019<\/p>\n

"Clark\u2026please\u2026please call me Clark."<\/p>\n

"Okay, Clark, go home and we\u2019ll see you in the morning. We have your number
\nright here," Dr. Hito ordered.<\/p>\n

Reluctantly, Clark obeyed. Truthfully, he was exhausted and could use some
\nsleep. He just dreaded sleeping alone. That was something that he and Lois
\nhadn\u2019t discussed\u2026sleeping arrangements. Would she have shared a bed with him
\nsince they were married? Just for sleep? Though it would have been torture to
\nlay next to her every night and not be able to touch her like a husband touches
\nhis wife, it would be nice to be able to hold her and let her feel how much he
\nloved her.<\/p>\n

Monday morning, the phone awakened Clark. He was a little nervous about
\nanswering because his first thought was that the hospital was calling. Bracing
\nhimself, Clark finally answered the phone after the fourth ring.<\/p>\n

"Hello\u2026Clark Kent\u2026"<\/p>\n

"Mr. Kent\u2026Clark\u2026this is Christine Sanders. I\u2019m just calling to check on Lois. Is
\nshe okay?"<\/p>\n

"Yes, she\u2019s recovering. Thanks for asking. I\u2019m going to get dressed now and go
\nback over to the hospital. I didn\u2019t leave until late last night."<\/p>\n

"Well, I won\u2019t hold you. One more thing\u2026I got word that your paperwork is almost
\ndone and someone from Immigration and Naturalization has to sign it. Once that\u2019s
\ndone you get your passport and you can go back home. Probably 7 to 10 days. I
\nknow you want to be here with Lois, so whenever she is well enough to travel,
\nyou\u2019re home free."<\/p>\n

"Thank you, so much. You don\u2019t realize how helpful you\u2019ve been, mostly outside
\nof the passport situation. I\u2019ll never forget you and Mr. Sanders. Goodbye."<\/p>\n

"Bye, now, Clark." <\/p>\n

Clark turned over and looked at the clock. It was 10:00! <I must have really
\nbeen tired to sleep this long. I\u2019ve got to get up and get to Lois. Nobody has
\ncalled, so that\u2019s a good thing. Oh, God! Let me hurry! > Clark thought.<\/p>\n

By 10:30 Clark was en route to the hospital to be with Lois. He arrived just
\nfifteen minutes later. <\/p>\n

Clark got to the NICU, passed an empty nurses\u2019 station, and headed for the
\ncubicle where Lois had been the night before. When he got to where Lois had
\nbeen, the housekeeping lady was making the bed and Lois was gone. Clark
\npanicked. He saw a nurse coming from one of the other cubicles and immediately
\nstarted to ask questions that he wasn\u2019t sure he wanted to hear the answers to.<\/p>\n

"Ma\u2019am, my wife Lois Kent\u2026she was here last night\u2026I left her here\u2026where…"<\/p>\n

"It\u2019s okay Mr. Kent. Mrs. Kent is on the floor now in her own room. We extubated
\nher shortly after you left last night. She was fighting the vent and her gases
\nwere good, so we took out the tube. I don\u2019t know\u2026it seems that after that she
\njust got progressively better. She did so well during the night that we went
\nahead and moved her to the floor this morning, per Dr. Hito\u2019s orders. Mrs. Kent
\ndidn\u2019t want us to call you. She wanted to surprise you. She said that she
\nthought you needed to rest anyway," The nurse continued.<\/p>\n

A slow and grateful smile came over Clark. God, he loved her so much.<\/p>\n

The nurse pointed Clark in Lois\u2019 direction and he proceeded to her room. When he
\ngot to Lois\u2019 door, he stopped and got his giddy self together. Then, slowly he
\nopened the door. Lois was sitting up slightly on pillows, dozing peacefully.
\nClark slowly approached her bedside and, for a few minutes, just stood there and
\nlooked at Lois. Then he slowly leaned over and placed a gentle, loving kiss on
\nher lips. At the touch of Clark\u2019s lips to hers, Lois opened her eyes.<\/p>\n

"Hey, you\u2026"<\/p>\n

"Hey," Lois said hoarsely. An unsure smile graced Lois\u2019 face. "I guess I ruined
\nyour day, huh?"<\/p>\n

"Lois, honey, noooo. I\u2019m so happy right now, happy and grateful that you\u2019re
\nalive and looking as beautiful as ever and that you\u2019re my wife. I was just so
\nlost\u2026yesterday\u2026when\u2026" Clark started to choke, as he gently cupped Lois\u2018 face
\nwith his hand. Lois noticed his eyes starting to glaze over.<\/p>\n

"Clark, I\u2019m okay, just having a little pain, but I\u2019m fine. What about you? You
\nokay?"<\/p>\n

"Yea, now I am. I am so proud of you."<\/p>\n

"Oh, Clark, what happened. Was it Nigel or was I just dreaming?" Lois asked as
\ntears started to run down her cheek.<\/p>\n

"It was Nigel. He\u2019s dead now. Luthor had a hit out on you, we suspect\u2026" Clark
\nnoticed that Lois was starting to cry, so he put his arm around her and just
\nheld her. "Honey, it\u2019s okay\u2026shhh. Let\u2019s talk about that later, okay. Let\u2019s just
\nconcentrate on getting you well."<\/p>\n

By the end of the day, Lois was tired and needing pain medicines. Dr. Hito had
\ncome by and said that they would cast her femur where the external fixator was
\non Tuesday morning and hopefully Lois could be discharged from the hospital by
\nthe weekend. It was the best news that Clark had heard all day. <\/p>\n

Clark decided to go back to the hotel for a while, but assured Lois that he
\nwould be back later that night. She\u2019d asked him to bring her back some good
\nJapanese food. Clark promised her that he would. <\/p>\n

Clark kissed Lois\u2019 cheek and left.<\/p>\n

Tuesday, in Metropolis, Lex Luthor had been arrested and his bond hearing would
\nbe this morning. Perry was at the courthouse to represent the Daily Planet,
\nsince his two best reporters were\u2026not available. And besides, this was personal
\nnow. He wanted to see for himself that Lex Luthor was put away for what he had
\ndone to Lois and Clark.<\/p>\n

"Case number 00666, The City of Metropolis versus Lex Luthor. The charges are
\nextortion, murder, conspiracy to murder, accessory to murder, blackmail,
\nmultiple counts of each charge, plus more charges too numerous to mention. Mr.
\nRobinette, what does the prosecution have to say?" The judge started.<\/p>\n

"Your honour, Mr. Luthor is a very rich and powerful man with lots of
\nresources\u2026means of terrorizing people, means of escaping. The people request
\nthat bail is denied and any communication with the outside is limited to his
\nattorney. The people believe that Mr. Luthor\u2019s empire is massive enough that he
\ncould, from behind bars inflict more terror than we could prepare for."<\/p>\n

"Your honour, Mr. Robinette is obviously influenced by the media and is
\ntherefore being unreasonable. My client is an upstanding citizen,
\nphilanthropist, and would never evade the law. And furthermore, Mr. Luthor is
\ninnocent of these accusations\u2026" Mr. Bender started. <\/p>\n

"Mr. Bender this is not a trial, just a bond hearing, so get on with it," her
\nhonour urged.<\/p>\n

"Yes, ma\u2019 am. I am requesting that my client be released on his own
\nrecognizance," continued Bender.<\/p>\n

"Bail is set at one hundred million dollars and Mr. Luthor has to surrender all
\npassports. Trial is set for two weeks from now," Her honour finished with the
\ndoink-doink of her gavel. "Next case\u2026number 00667…"<\/p>\n

"It\u2019s okay Lex. I know that seems like a lot but that means ten million will get
\nyou out until your trial\u2026"<\/p>\n

"Bender, I don\u2019t give a damn. The money is not the issue. I have billions. Your
\nsorry *** was supposed to get me out of this\u2026" Lex grated out in anger.<\/p>\n

"Lex\u2026Lex\u2026please\u2026I will. I need to get your passports, before you can go.
\nPlease\u2026or they\u2018ll lock you up and destroy all credibility," Bender pleaded, as
\nif he\u2018d been intimidated by Lex\u2018s retort.<\/p>\n

"They\u2019re in my office. But understand\u2026I want them back after this is all done\u2026"
\nLex snarled at Bender with his nose almost touching his. Bender could feel the
\nspit droplets as Lex laid down his demands.<\/p>\n

"Loud and clear," Bender replied.<\/p>\n

Perry White sat watching and listening to this circus. He could not believe that
\nBender had the cojones to make such a request. And he couldn\u2019t believe that the
\njudge had set such a high bail. But then again this was pennies to Luthor.
\nLuthor was going to be free until his trial and that was too much time. <\/p>\n

Lex Luthor and Sheldon Bender walked towards the exit of the courtroom. As they
\npassed where Perry was sitting, Luthor gave a malicious grin and whispered to
\nPerry, "Lex Luthor will not live in a cage!"<\/p>\n

Perry watched Luthor and Bender exit and he exited the courtroom shortly after.
\nHe would write this story and follow the trial until Lois and Clark returned.
\nThis one was too personal to pass off to anyone else. <\/p>\n

Perry was headed to the Daily Planet. He would call Clark and fill him in on
\nwhat just happened. Perry thought to himself, <It\u2019s 10:30 here so it\u2019s half past
\nmidnight in Tokyo. Maybe Kent is still up. ><\/p>\n

Lex had the bail money wired to the courthouse and then separated from his
\nlawyer to his waiting limousine. His passports had been delivered to his lawyer
\nby a courier. Lex realized that he had a lot of work to do in a short time.
\nNigel was dead and Ms. Cox was in jail. His next best choice for plan C was to
\nlocate Nigel\u2019s contact in Tokyo. Lex pulled out his cell phone and dialed an
\ninternational number.<\/p>\n

"Tanaka\u2026plan C," Lex instructed when he heard the hello on the answering end of
\nthe phone.<\/p>\n

"Affirmative." Then there was a dial tone.<\/p>\n

Lex instructed his driver to head to the Metropolis International Airport. He
\nmade another call to his pilot, to have his Gulfstream roaring when he arrived
\nin a few minutes. The destination would be given once they were airbourne. The
\njustice system was so\u2026blind. Any smart businessman had more than one set of
\npassports, and right now, the only country that he needed to get into and out of
\nin a hurry was Japan, specifically Tokyo, Lex thought to himself.<\/p>\n

Twenty minutes later Lex\u2019s Gulfstream was leaving the runway of Metropolis
\nInternational Airport. Once airbourne, he instructed the pilot, simply\u2026"Tokyo."<\/p>\n

The pilot responded, "Yes sir, Mr. Luthor. We\u2019ll have to stop in Mexico City and
\nthen Majuro, Marshall Islands for fuel."<\/p>\n

"Then do it!" Luthor was losing his cool.<\/p>\n

Back at the Planet, Perry couldn\u2019t get to the phone fast enough. <\/p>\n

"Hello\u2026Kent? Perry White, listen sorry to wake you. I know it\u2019s late there, but
\nLuthor is out on bail until his trial. He had a bail of one hundred million
\ndollars, which the bond was posted, wired to the courthouse in a matter of
\nminutes. They revoked his passports but something\u2019s not right. I\u2019m still not
\ncomfortable with this. I don\u2019t know if he\u2019ll try anything else or not\u2026He may try
\nto get there, just watch your back\u2026You\u2019re welcome son\u2026how\u2019s Lois\u2026good, good.
\nShe\u2019s a fighter. Listen, Kent, when you two get back to Metropolis, I want you
\nto take a vacation\u2026a honeymoon, because God knows you deserve it\u2026now Kent I know
\nwhat you said about your getting married, but trust me, she\u2019ll want a
\nhoneymoon\u2026Kent, that gal loves you. She\u2019s just the only one who doesn\u2019t see it
\nyet\u2026okay, give her my love\u2026goodnight."<\/p>\n

Lois would have her femur permanently rodded and cast in the morning at 7:00.
\nBetween that and Perry\u2019s phone call, Clark couldn\u2019t get back to sleep. When
\nClark hung up from Perry it was 1:05 am Clark was pretty sure that Luthor was up
\nto something. But, he knew he had to get some rest to be there for Lois in the
\nmorning. She was recovering so well. They had had such a good time earlier,
\nafter he had come back to her with Japanese takeout. Lois was so animated when
\nshe was hungry, and there was good food nearby. But then she could not have
\nanything to eat or drink after midnight to prepare for her early AM surgery.<\/p>\n

Clark arrived back at the hospital at 6:00 am. He related to Lois what Perry had
\ntold him the night before. He assured Lois that she was safe and that Perry
\nwould keep them informed. Lois still seemed a bit nervous, but Clark related
\nthat mostly to her going back to surgery. Clark sat in the chair next to Lois\u2019
\nbed holding her hand until the surgical team would come to get her.<\/p>\n

"Lois, honey, you okay?" Clark asked, concerned.<\/p>\n

"Yea, I\u2019m okay," Lois replied calmly.<\/p>\n

"You know that I love you right?" Clark inquired. "I\u2019ll be right here when you
\ncome out of surgery. Just come back to me." Clark brought her hand up to his
\nlips and placed a gentle kiss on her palm. <\/p>\n

"Clark, if there is one thing that I know, it\u2019s that you love me. If ever I had
\nany doubts, they\u2019re gone now. You know, I got a look at myself in the mirror
\nthis morning and I am a mess. I\u2019m missing a patch of hair," Lois started,
\npointing to her head where her craniotomy was done. "My face has scrapes all
\nover it and I have little stitches like Frankenstein. I have broken bones, I
\ncannot walk, and I haven\u2019t had a decent bath since\u2026" Lois rambled as her voice
\nstarted to quiver. "How could you love me like this, especially after I hurt
\nyou? You deserve so much\u2026"<\/p>\n

"Shhh, Lois. It\u2019s okay," Clark whispered as he gently held Lois hugged to his
\nchest. He had to use caution when hugging her because she still had broken ribs.
\n"I love you for you. I\u2019ve been in love with you since I met you. I don\u2019t know
\nwhat I\u2019d do without you. Your hair will grow back, your scratches will heal, and
\nyour bones will go back together."<\/p>\n

"I know, but\u2026"<\/p>\n

"But\u2026just come back to me. We\u2019ve got a lot of\u2026stories\u2026to write," Clark
\nredirected his sentence from what his original thoughts were. He wanted to tell
\nher that they had a life to start as husband and wife and children to have,
\namong a few things. But he didn\u2019t want to spook her. He had a promise to keep.<\/p>\n

"Mrs. Kent, it\u2019s time to go," a nurse\u2019s voice stated in the background. "It\u2019s
\nsix forty five."<\/p>\n

Lois raised her head from Clark\u2019s chest. She looked up into Clark\u2019s eyes with
\ntears in her eyes. "Thank you," Lois simply stated as she kissed Clark on the
\ncheek.<\/p>\n

Clark touched Lois\u2019 cheek lightly and simply stated, "I love you, honey." He
\ncontinued to hold onto her hand, but slowly let it go as the OR nurse and the
\nanaesthesiologist rolled off with her. <\/p>\n

Clark followed directions to the OR waiting room so that he could be with Lois
\nin recovery. There he was lost again.<\/p>\n

At 8:00, Lex Luthor landed in Tokyo. He had a limousine driver take him to the
\nTokyo Trauma Centre where plan C was to be launched.<\/p>\n

At 9:30, the orthopaedic surgeon came to the waiting room for Clark.<\/p>\n

"Mr. Kent\u2026"<\/p>\n

"Yes," Clark responded as he stood.<\/p>\n

"Mrs. Kent did well. We pinned her leg back together with plates and screws and
\nput a cast on. We won\u2019t have to do any more surgery at this point. The hardware
\nis stainless steel and we just usually leave it in, unless it causes her
\ndiscomfort. She\u2019s resting in recovery and you\u2026"<\/p>\n

"Dr. Nakamoto! Mrs. Kent\u2026she arrested\u2026" the nurse yelled frantically.<\/p>\n

"I thought you said\u2026I need to see my wife, please!" Clark pleaded.<\/p>\n

Out the corner of his eye, Clark noticed a \u2018physician\u2019 run by headed towards the
\nexit wearing scrubs and a whit lab coat, like the rest of the physicians. Dr.
\nNakamoto ran to recovery and Clark ran after the fleeing doctor. He just had a
\nfeeling that he needed to get a hold of the runner. <\/p>\n

Almost at the exit, Clark grabbed the fleeing physician by the coat and tackled
\nhim to the floor. When bystanders noticed Clark running after the guy, they
\nstarted to become aware that something was going on.<\/p>\n

"Who the hell are you?" Clark yelled at the runner as he held him up by his
\nneck. Clark\u2019s powers had not yet shown any sign of returning but love and
\nadrenalin gave him the strength of a hundred horses. "What did you do to my
\nwife?" A young resident standing by noticed the blood drain from the runner\u2019s
\nface and started to intervene. "Sir, you have to release him. You\u2019re going to
\nkill him\u2026please."<\/p>\n

Reality seemed to settle in Clark and he released his grip on the runner. The
\nguy slid from Clark\u2019s grip to the floor. Clark got down on his knees in the
\nguy\u2019s face, his rage still very evident.<\/p>\n

"Who are you?" Clark demanded. <\/p>\n

Just then Dr. Nakamoto came down the hall to Clark. Security had arrived at the
\nscene as well as the Tokyo police.<\/p>\n

"Mr. Kent, Mrs. Kent is\u2026"<\/p>\n

"Who is this guy? What did he do to Lois?"<\/p>\n

"Mrs. Kent is okay now. We\u2019ll explain what happened in just a minute. Constable,
\narrest this man. He tried to kill one of my patients," Dr. Nakamoto instructed.<\/p>\n

"No\u2026it wasn\u2019t my idea. The man outside in the limousine\u2026he\u2026" the runner stated.<\/p>\n

"What\u2019s your name?" the constable asked.<\/p>\n

"Lin Tanaka. Mr. Luthor\u2026" <\/p>\n

Just then Clark noticed a black limousine start to pull off from the front
\nentrance of the hospital.<\/p>\n

"Luthor\u2026he\u2019s leaving. He tried to kill my wife before\u2026"<\/p>\n

"Mr. Kent, we\u2019ll get him. We just got a call from an Inspector Henderson in
\nMetropolis that he has a trial coming up and to be on the lookout for him.
\nApparently Henderson had been tailing him, but did not have the resources to
\nstop him at the time. By the time he had warned us to be on the lookout for him,
\nhe had already landed and was probably here at the hospital," the Tokyo police
\nassured Clark. "Mr. Kent, just go be with your wife. We\u2019ve got this under
\ncontrol."<\/p>\n

"Pop\u2026pop\u2026pop," sounded outside. Clark, Dr. Nakamoto, the police and hospital
\nsecurity went to the door. The tires of the limousine had been blown out and the
\npolice had surrounded the limo just at the hospital\u2019s entrance from the street.
\nThen some policemen pulled the driver and then Lex Luthor from the car. The
\ndriver was placed in the back of the police car in handcuffs. The door stayed
\najar. Luthor was still standing there, with that cheshire cat grin, trying to
\nbuy off the police with smooth talk. Clark couldn\u2019t resist. His anger and rage
\nmade him start toward the scene. He wanted to look Luthor in the eyes and tell
\nhim\u2026well, he didn\u2019t know what he would say. If only he could get his hands on
\nhim. The good thing about Tokyo is that these people weren\u2019t on Luthor\u2019s payroll
\nso they didn\u2019t owe him any favours. As he approached the scene, the police were
\nwarning him away.<\/p>\n

Luthor took the opportunity when one of the policemen turned to warn Clark away,
\nto go after his gun. The policeman reached to stop Luthor from obtaining control
\nof his gun but was too slow. Lex stood with the policeman\u2019s gun aimed at his own
\nhead and smiled as he started to talk.<\/p>\n

"It\u2019s a pity that it has to end this way, but Lex Luthor\u2026WILL NOT\u2026LIVE IN A
\nCAGE!" Luthor yelled as he aimed the gun at the driver and shot him, once in the
\near. The driver slumped over in the seat of the police car, immediately
\nlifeless. <\/p>\n

The police open fired on Lex Luthor, which was in a sinister way, what he
\nwanted. As the police inside of the hospital made their way out with their
\nprisoner, Lin Tanaka, Lex managed to get off one last shot, to Tanaka\u2019s chest.
\nTanaka fell to the ground, lifeless, like a rag doll. Lex, then, shot by the
\npolice multiple times fell chest down to the ground with his face turned to his
\nright side, and smiled as life escaped his body leaving his eyes open. The
\nmedical staff ran out to try to save him and Tanaka but it was all done. <\/p>\n

Clark stood there open-mouthed for what seemed like a lifetime. He was startled
\nout of his daze by the recovery room nurse coming out and tapping him on the
\nshoulder.<\/p>\n

"Mr. Kent, Mrs. Kent is asking for you."<\/p>\n

"Okay\u2026" Clark responded softly as he followed the nurse back in to the recovery
\nroom.<\/p>\n

On the way inside the recovery room nurse related to Clark that Lois had come
\nout of surgery and was doing well until this \u2018unknown doctor,\u2019 now known as
\nTanaka, approached her bedside. "He stood there, by her bed, for a few minutes
\ntalking to her. Lois was awake but drowsy. As he talked to her, he injected her
\nIV with what was later found to be succinylcholine, a paralyzing agent used with
\nanaesthesia and Pentothal, which is a sleep-inducing agent for general
\nanaesthesia. He ran out so quickly that he dropped the syringes on the floor
\ninstead of in the needle box. The needle box had just been emptied. If Mrs. Kent
\nhad not been with us, monitored\u2026" the nurse dropped off without finishing that
\nthought. Clark could read her inference. "We gave her those drugs for surgery,
\nso they would have been otherwise hard to trace and figure out what happened if
\nwe had not been in this setting. The difference when those drugs are used during
\nsurgery is that we stick a breathing tube down to breathe for the patient," the
\nnurse related.<\/p>\n

"Oh, God, she was suffocating?" <\/p>\n

"Well, sort of, except she was asleep and didn\u2019t know it. I\u2019m sorry Mr. Kent,
\nthat it happened, but, she\u2019s okay now," the nurse said sincerely. "Right over
\nthere\u2026"<\/p>\n

"Thank you." Clark responded to the nurse. "Lois, honey, \u2026" Clark whispered as
\nhe held Lois\u2019 hand and tears started to fall down his cheeks. Clark sat at Lois\u2019
\nbedside in the recovery room and held her hand. She was awake but had her eyes
\nclosed. She seemed so fragile.<\/p>\n

"Clark, I\u2019m so tired. I\u2019m just going to shut my eyes for a minute. Please, don\u2019t
\nleave."<\/p>\n

"Don\u2019t worry, honey. I\u2019m not going anywhere," Clark replied.<\/p>\n

"What happened? Why couldn\u2019t the nurse find you?"<\/p>\n

Clark proceeded to tell Lois of the events of the day. Lois opened her eyes and
\nlooked at Clark with a wrinkled forehead as he told the story. She could not
\nbelieve that Luthor hated her that much. How could a man go from loving someone
\nto the point of wanting to marry them to having so much hatred that he doesn\u2019t
\ngive murder second thought? She started to think maybe Luthor never really loved
\nher in the first place. Maybe he wanted to control her just like everything else
\nin his life. Lois thought to herself that Clark was right all the time. He had
\ntried to warn her about the evil streak that Lex Luthor had but Lois would not
\nlisten. She had written Clark\u2019s warnings off as jealousy. <\/p>\n

"Clark, I\u2019m so sorry that I didn\u2019t listen to you, that I treated you so ba\u2026"
\nLois started, holding back tears.<\/p>\n

"Shhh\u2026don\u2019t worry about that now. We\u2019re past it," Clark assured Lois. "All that
\nmatters now is that we\u2019re together and I\u2019m not going anywhere."<\/p>\n

"Oh, Clark, what did I ever do to deserve you? You\u2019ve been nothing but
\nsupportive and understanding," Lois continued as she squeezed Clark\u2019s hand that
\nheld hers. <\/p>\n

Clark responded by placing his other hand on top of the both of theirs and
\nresting his forehead on the ball of entwined hands. He then mumbled, "Lois, I
\nlove you so much."<\/p>\n

Lois just closed her eyes to fight back tears. Why couldn\u2019t she say those scary
\nwords back to Clark?<\/p>\n

It seemed that Clark somehow understood her struggle because he looked up into
\nher face and waited for her to open her eyes. Then, he said in a soft voice,
\n"Lois, you don\u2019t have to feel guilty about not being able to say it back. I will
\nwait for you as long as it takes. I do pray that one day you will feel the same
\nfor me as I do for you but I knew that you didn\u2019t when I asked you to marry me.
\nWe can\u2019t dwell on that now. You need to save your energy to get better and get
\nout of here."<\/p>\n

Lois just shook her head in acknowledgement. She was afraid that if she tried to
\nsay something she would lose control of her emotions and have a tearful
\nmeltdown. God, how did she get so lucky to get such a wonderful man?<\/p>\n

Lois was back in her room by early afternoon. Clark was still with her at her
\nbedside. Something just would not allow Clark to leave Lois\u2019 bedside at that
\ntime. He just kept thinking about how he had almost lost Lois, not once, but
\ntwice, in the past week. Was his faith being tested?<\/p>\n

By midnight, the nurse had to run Clark home. She insisted that he go home and
\nget some sleep. She assured Clark that Lois was in a monitored bed and that she
\nwould be looked in on frequently, considering the day\u2019s series of events.
\nReluctantly Clark left Lois\u2019 bedside and headed for the hotel. He kissed Lois on
\nthe cheek as he stood to walk out of the room. He could tell that she was really
\ntired by now. <\/p>\n

When Clark got to his hotel room, he wasn\u2019t sleepy. He noticed the red light
\nflashing to indicate that he had\u2026eleven phone calls, nine from Perry and two
\nfrom the Kents. He knew that he should call and update Perry and his parents. It
\nwould be about 10:30 in Metropolis and about 9:30 in Smallville. Clark called
\nPerry first.<\/p>\n

Clark told Perry about Lois and her recovery and about Luthor\u2019s fate. Perry had
\ntried to call Clark earlier to tell him that Luthor\u2019s private jet had been
\ntracked to Tokyo, when they found out that he had a second set of passports and
\nhad flown out of Metropolis. That\u2019s what all of the phone calls had been about.
\nHenderson had been tracking Luthor, but by the time he had sufficient evidence
\nand a court order to have Luthor put back in jail, his jet was long gone.
\nHenderson had suspected that Luthor would go to Tokyo to find Lois and Clark,
\nand that\u2019s why he had alerted the Tokyo Police Department. Clark finally wound
\nup his conversation with Perry after about half an hour and then called his
\nparents.<\/p>\n

The Kents were just concerned because they had heard the update on Luthor on the
\nnational news\u2026a special report. They did not however have the details of what
\nhad happened with Lois. Clark filled them in.<\/p>\n

Finally at about 2:00 am, Clark got into bed. He was asleep almost immediately.
\nHe hadn\u2019t realized how tired he really was.<\/p>\n

The next morning, Clark awakened to a ringing phone. He looked at the clock just
\nbefore he answered the phone. It was 9:06.<\/p>\n

"Hello\u2026Clark Kent"<\/p>\n

"Hi, Mr. Kent. This is Christine Sanders from the US Embassy. How\u2019s Lois? I
\nheard about her little situation yesterday on the news."<\/p>\n

"She\u2019s great. She\u2019s recovering without any side affects. But, then you know
\nLois\u2026stubborn even in her injured state," Clark said with humour in his voice.<\/p>\n

"Well, the reason I called is to let you know that you\u2019re back. We will issue
\nanother passport as soon as you can come by and get it. And then you can go
\nhome. You\u2019ve got loyal friends back in the United States. This happened in
\nrecord time. I wasn\u2019t expecting anything until at least another week."<\/p>\n

"Thank you, Ms. Sanders\u2026for everything. You just don\u2019t realize how much you\u2019ve
\nhelped me\u2026us. You\u2018ve been our support away from home and we\u2018ll never forget you
\nfor that."<\/p>\n

"It\u2019s been my\u2026our pleasure. Goodbye Clark."<\/p>\n

"Goodbye."<\/p>\n

Clark got up and dressed for the hospital. Right now, seeing Lois was more
\nimportant than getting a new passport. He would tell her later. <\/p>\n

Sunday morning, Lois was discharged home. She still was not good enough to fly
\ninternationally, but could be out of the hospital. Clark got instructions from
\nthe doctors and nurses to take care of Lois. When they wheeled Lois to the front
\nof the hospital, Clark pulled up the car and then lifted Lois into the passenger
\nseat. Her cast had been removed but she still had some small bandages from the
\nsurgical incisions.<\/p>\n

Lois and Clark got back to the hotel and Clark first carried Lois up to their
\nroom. Then he went back to retrieve her stuff from the car. While Clark was gone
\nto the car, Lois sat and thought about how much her life had changed in the span
\nof a week. She also started to wonder about some things that hadn\u2019t occurred to
\nher until now, like her personal care. Right now nothing sounded better than a
\ngood bath and hair washing, but how could she do that on her own. <What\u2019s wrong
\nwith you Lane? You can\u2019t even stand up. We\u2018ll, Clark could help you to the
\nshower. But he\u2018d have to help you stand up. He\u2018s your husband stupid. He\u2018s bound
\nto see you naked one of these days. ><\/p>\n

Just as Lois and her subconscious started to argue, Clark came back into the
\nhotel room. He sat down next to Lois, bowed his head and rested his elbows on
\nhis knees. Then he reached in his shirt pocket and pulled out her rings that
\nwere taken off what seemed like so long ago.<\/p>\n

"Lois\u2026when the nurse handed these to me, I thought I would die. Please, let me
\nplace them back where they belong," Clark said pleadingly.<\/p>\n

"Oh, Clark\u2026" Lois whispered as she held out her finger and received the rings
\nwith a tearful smile. "I wanted to ask you for them, but I didn\u2019t know if\u2026if
\nyou\u2026if you still wanted me\u2026I mean look at me\u2026"<\/p>\n

"Lois, I\u2019ll always want you, more than anything. You had to have known that."
\nClark replied.<\/p>\n

Lois just smiled as she admired the rings that Clark had given her, lovingly
\nplaced on that very finger just a week ago. And there he was recreating the
\nmoment. At that very moment, Lois knew that Clark would be forever.<\/p>\n

"Lois, we haven\u2019t talked about sleeping arrangements. I mean I assumed that you
\nshould just have the bed and I\u2019ll take the couch\u2026"<\/p>\n

"No, Clark, I can\u2026"<\/p>\n

"No, Lois, you need to be able to stretch out that leg and not be uncomfortable.
\nYou are recovering\u2026"<\/p>\n

"Clark! Why can\u2019t we sleep in the same bed? We are married\u2026I mean we don\u2019t have
\nto do anything\u2026" Lois interrupted, nervously.<\/p>\n

"Oh, I\u2026I thought you wanted\u2026didn\u2019t want to sleep with me\u2026not sleep with me\u2026but\u2026"
\nClark fumbled.<\/p>\n

"Clark, we slept together the other night. Remember?" Lois said with humour in
\nher voice.<\/p>\n

"I know but, that was\u2026different\u2026I mean\u2026"<\/p>\n

"Oh, Clark, it\u2019s okay. We\u2019re gonna be okay. These are just minor issues," Lois
\nassured Clark as she held out her hand towards his. Clark responded by taking
\nher tiny hand into his larger one.<\/p>\n

Lois and Clark had dinner and watched movies. They sat on the couch, Clark with
\nhis arm around Lois\u2019 shoulder and her head lying on his chest, talked and
\nlaughed like old times. Soon, it was after 10:00 and Clark was starting to get
\ntired. Lois seemed to be awake, so Clark wanted to be awake to help Lois if she
\nneeded. What Clark didn\u2019t know is that Lois had her own inner struggle going on.
\nShe wanted a bath so badly, but needed his help. She hadn\u2019t had anything more
\nthan a bed bath since the accident. Finally Lois just decided to just go for it.<\/p>\n

"Clark\u2026"<\/p>\n

"Yeah\u2026"<\/p>\n

"Could you help me\u2026to get\u2026get a bath?" Lois asked nervously.<\/p>\n

"Sure\u2026I\u2019ll run your water and\u2026"<\/p>\n

"Clark, you\u2019re gonna have to help me\u2026I mean\u2026I can\u2019t stand up alone\u2026and\u2026"<\/p>\n

The colour left Clark\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

"Lois, I would have to see\u2026be\u2026touch\u2026" Clark started as he went into a coughing
\nbout.<\/p>\n

"Clark, I don\u2019t care about that\u2026I mean I do\u2026but\u2026please\u2026"<\/p>\n

Reluctantly, Clark bowed an acknowledgement with his head. He didn\u2019t trust his
\nvoice. It wasn\u2019t that he didn\u2019t want to help Lois, to see her\u2026oh boy\u2026it was just
\nthat he didn\u2019t trust himself not to respond to seeing her nak\u2026like that.<\/p>\n

Clark very carefully removed his arm from around Lois\u2019 shoulders, propped her on
\npillows and went to the bathroom to run her a bath. As he headed to the
\nbathroom, an idea occurred to him. A bath wouldn\u2019t be good right now. It would
\nbe awkward trying to manoeuvre Lois into and out of the bathtub without hurting
\nher. A shower would be better because then he could stand and hold Lois up.<\/p>\n

"Lois, what about a shower? Then I can stand and hold you up\u2026I could wash your
\nhair for you."<\/p>\n

"Okay," Lois said, shyly.<\/p>\n

Clark started the shower and came back to the couch to get Lois. He carefully
\npicked her up and carried her to the bathroom. He gently sat her on the side of
\nthe bathtub and started to undress her with the care that he\u2019d give to a fine
\npiece of crystal. <\/p>\n

Undressing Lois was eventually going to be Clark’s undoing.<\/p>\n

Lois was busy wondering to herself if he was as good a lover as he was with
\nevery other aspect of their marriage. God, she wanted him to touch her. It had
\nbeen so long\u2026years. Then she got scared. Maybe Paul was right. Maybe she was a
\nlousy lover. Maybe Clark would be disappointed. And, she didn\u2019t want that. She
\nhad to focus\u2026Clark was saying something.<\/p>\n

"Lift up a little and I’ll finish undressing you," Clark whispered nervously.<\/p>\n

Clark then stood and said, "Put your arms around my neck," as he lifted Lois
\ninto the shower and closed the door. First he held her there in his arms and
\njust looked into her eyes. Then he leaned his face down very slowly, to allow
\nLois a chance to turn away, and kissed her, thoroughly. She returned the kiss
\nwith just as much longing as he did. <\/p>\n

The warm water and intimate contact was clearly too much for both of them. Clark
\nsoon found himself turning off the water, getting a towel and wrapping it around
\nLois hair, then another around her petite body. He carried her from the shower
\nto the bed and gently laid her down. "Lois, I love you, so much," Clark
\nwhispered passionately.<\/p>\n

"I love you, too, honey," Lois whispered back.<\/p>\n

Clark looked down into her eyes, just slightly illuminated by the bedside lamp.
\nHe could feel the wetness prickle at the backs of his eyeballs.<\/p>\n

"I\u2019ve waited to hear you say those words to me\u2026for so long\u2026" Clark whispered as
\na tear escaped him.<\/p>\n

In the aftermath of their lovemaking, Lois said, "You must have had lots of
\npractice\u2026"<\/p>\n

"No, Sweetheart\u2026you were my first\u2026I\u2019ve never\u2026I was a\u2026I wanted to wait until I
\nfound the right person, the person I would spend forever with, the person I was
\nso in love with that\u2026I waited for you…for 29 years," Clark fumbled. Lois\u2019 eyes
\nstretched like saucers.<\/p>\n

I wish I had waited\u2026for you\u2026"<\/p>\n

"No, no, no\u2026it\u2019s just perfect," Clark said as he stroked Lois\u2019 face in a way
\nthat only he could do. "I would like to make love to you again, sometime, if
\nyou\u2019d have me\u2026"<\/p>\n

"Clark, I\u2019m your wife, you\u2019re my husband, and I love you," Lois said as she
\nstroked Clark\u2018s lip with her index finger. "You don\u2019t have to make
\nreservations."<\/p>\n

Clark gently took Lois\u2019 finger into his mouth and gently suckled it. "I love
\nyou, too, so much."<\/p>\n

"I cannot believe that after all I put you through, you are taking such good
\ncare of me\u2026all of my needs. You\u2019ve been everything to me\u2026a friend, a lover, a
\nhusband. I don\u2019t know what I\u2019d do without you," Lois whispered.<\/p>\n

"You won\u2019t ever have to find out, honey," Clark assured Lois.<\/p>\n

There was one other thing weighing on Clarks mind. He needed to tell Lois about
\nSuperman. He\u2019d swore to himself that he would tell her before they ever made
\nlove because he wasn\u2019t sure how a Kryptonian and a human\u2026Oh God\u2026they hadn\u2019t used
\nprotection. Clark looked at Lois and noticed that she was dozing off to sleep.
\nHe gently stroked her hair.<\/p>\n

"Lois\u2026honey, wake up. We didn\u2019t use any protection," Clark said frantically.<\/p>\n

Lois\u2019 eyes opened. A panicked look went over her face. Then as quickly as it
\nappeared, it disappeared.<\/p>\n

"Clark, would it be so bad if I\u2026if we made a baby? You said that you wanted to
\nhave lots of babies with me."<\/p>\n

"You\u2026you heard me?"<\/p>\n

"Of course\u2026" Lois replied as she smiled.<\/p>\n

"You wouldn\u2019t mind\u2026if we\u2026I mean what are the chances that it would happen\u2026I mean
\nare you\u2026"<\/p>\n

"I think I\u2019d love it\u2026I could get on the pill if you aren\u2019t ready\u2026"<\/p>\n

"No, because if you are, wont the pill be dangerous in the first trimester\u2026I
\nmean if you want, I could take care of\u2026"<\/p>\n

"No. No…let’s just wait and see what happens."<\/p>\n

Clark just smiled and kissed Lois\u2019 nose. "Every time I think I\u2019ve got you all
\nfigured out you surprise me."<\/p>\n

"Clark, make love to me," Lois said softly.<\/p>\n

"How can I turn down my wife\u2019s request," Clark said as he complied.<\/p>\n

After they made love again, Clark stroked Lois\u2019 back, gently. She was starting
\nto fall asleep again. Clark gently laid her beside him He then collected her in
\nhis arms as he lay on his side. He gently stroked her hair. Then he started to
\ntalk to her, about nothing really, as her breathing became more regular and
\neven, indicating that she was almost asleep. It was sort of his way of
\nexpressing his feelings to her when she was in the hospital.<\/p>\n

"Honey, I hope you don\u2019t wake up in the morning and regret what we just shared.
\nYou’ve given me the most precious gift…you’ve given your love to me and I love
\nyou so much for it. It would kill me to know that you didn\u2019t mean it. Of course,
\nthere are only two things that can kill me and that is you and\u2026kryptonite."
\nClark paused, and then continued, "I’ve wanted to tell you, but I wanted you to
\nlove me for me\u2026and not what I could do. I know you\u2019re going to be mad and I
\ndeserve whatever you dish out, for not telling you, but\u2026about a month ago, Lex
\nLuthor called me and said that it was urgent that he speaks with Superman
\nregarding you. I\u2026Superman went and\u2026" Clark started. He told what he thought was
\na sleeping Lois about how he lost his powers and almost his life. He explained
\nthat that is why Superman has been missing in action.<\/p>\n

When he heard a sniffle from Lois is when he realized that she wasn\u2019t asleep,
\nbut awake and crying.<\/p>\n

"Clark, I\u2019m so sorry. I had no idea. And I was going to marry that\u2026that\u2026Why
\ndidn\u2019t you tell me?"<\/p>\n

"Because I was afraid\u2026 of losing you, forever. Honey please don\u2018t cry. You know
\nI can\u2018t stand it when you cry," Clark crooned as he held Lois close to him.<\/p>\n

"Oh, Clark\u2026"<\/p>\n

"I\u2019ve gotta stop saying stuff to you when I think you\u2019re asleep," Clark softly
\nsaid and got a tearful smile back from Lois. "I think you hear better in your
\nsleep\u2026or listen better anyway," Clark said jokingly.<\/p>\n

Lois and Clark talked until the wee hours of the morning. They both finally
\ndrifted off to sleep.<\/p>\n

The sun was shining when Clark opened his eyes. He turned to see what time it
\nwas but couldn\u2019t seem to find the clock. Lois was still lying partially on top
\nof him. Then suddenly\u2026thunk\u2026Clark fell about two feet down onto the mattress,
\nwith Lois landing softly beside him. He had broken her fall. <\/p>\n

"Lois\u2026honey\u2026wake up\u2026we were floating!"<\/p>\n

"Clark\u2026you\u2019ve got your powers back!"<\/p>\n

"Well, let me see," Clark said as he stood up beside the bed to test his gifts.<\/p>\n

His x-ray vision worked, some, but fuzzed out after a few seconds. His enhanced
\nhearing was in and out, he could float and his super strength was slowly
\nreturning.<\/p>\n

"I guess it\u2019s going to take some time. Things are slowly returning," Clark
\nsighed.<\/p>\n

"Will you help me to the shower, honey?"<\/p>\n

"Remember what happened the last time I helped you to the shower\u2026" Clark said as
\nhe sat beside Lois and kissed her thoroughly. "Why don\u2019t we save ourselves some
\ntime and\u2026have dessert first," Clark said as he climbed back into bed next to
\nLois. <\/p>\n

"Lois, do you regret any of this?" Clark asked, unsure.<\/p>\n

"Not a bit," Lois replied. "I only wish that I had not been so\u2026uhhh\u2026and done
\nthis sooner\u2026all of it. I wished I had saved myself for you\u2026my husband."<\/p>\n

"That doesn\u2019t matter, Lois. I love you just as things are."<\/p>\n

"I love you, too Clark. You know, I think I\u2019ve loved you for a long time, but
\nwas just in denial. I didn\u2019t want to love you because I was afraid that you
\nwould hurt me, like the others. Lex was safe. I didn\u2019t love him, so he couldn\u2019t
\nhurt me\u2026" Lois sighed, "\u2026at least not in the way I would have expected to get
\nhurt. What about you\u2026do you regret any of this?"<\/p>\n

"I regret that you didn\u2019t marry me sooner. And Lois, I will never hurt you or
\nmake you cry, intentionally. I want to make you happy."<\/p>\n

"Oh, Clark\u2026why was I so blind?" <\/p>\n

Eventually Clark helped Lois into the shower where they made love two more
\ntimes. After the shower they had brunch and Clark took Lois out of the hotel
\nroom to enjoy the sunlight and hopefully help her to get better. They made a
\nquick stop at the embassy to get Clark\u2019s reissued passport. Whenever Lois was
\nreleased from the doctors, they would head back to Metropolis. Clark still
\ndidn\u2019t trust his powers fully yet. Metropolis was still a long way for even
\nSuperman to fly an injured Lois.<\/p>\n

Over the next three weeks until Lois\u2019 next appointment, she and Clark spent a
\nlot of time talking and planning for their future. They made love often. Lois
\nwas starting to walk better and her scars were healing. Her hair had covered the
\nsurgical site and she had a new hair cut to accommodate the short patch. Clark
\nwas about ninety percent as far as Superman was concerned. The Kents were
\necstatic and ready for him to return home. Perry had given Clark the by-line for
\nthe article about the fall of Luthor. Clark shared the by-line with Lois because
\nhe said that they were partners in every way now. <\/p>\n

Three weeks later, Lois went back to the doctors and they subsequently released
\nher from their care. They set her up with doctors in Metropolis to follow up.
\nDr. Hito referred Lois to an additional doctor in Metropolis, and obstetrician.
\nShe was definitely pregnant, but very early. She had a low but growing beta HCG.<\/p>\n

When Lois got the news she came out of the exam room and sat next to Clark.<\/p>\n

"Clark, I have to tell you something and in spite of what you initially said, I
\nwant to make sure that you\u2019re okay with this," Lois said with unsure tones.<\/p>\n

"What is it, honey. You know we can get through anything\u2026oh\u2026you\u2019ve gotten your
\nrelease to go back home\u2026and you don\u2019t want to be with me any\u2026" Clark started,
\nsadly.<\/p>\n

"Clark, no! I couldn\u2019t leave you now if I wanted to \u2026if I tried. We need you\u2026"
\nLois started with tears starting to gather in her eyes.<\/p>\n

"Lois, I can\u2026what? We? You\u2019re\u2026you\u2019re pregnant?" Clark asked, hardly able to hide
\nhis excitement.<\/p>\n

"Yeah\u2026we\u2019re pregnant. We\u2019re early\u2026but yes. When we get back to Metropolis I\u2019ll
\nsee a doctor and go from there. We can leave whenever\u2026"<\/p>\n

"Oh, honey\u2026I love you so much\u2026and our baby. You\u2019ve given me everything I\u2019ve ever
\nwanted in life\u2026dreamed of."<\/p>\n

"So, I guess that means you\u2019re okay with this?"<\/p>\n

"Did you even have to ask?"<\/p>\n

When they got back to the hotel room, the expecting couple couldn\u2019t wait to call
\nPerry and the Kents to tell them the news. Lois\u2019 parents had gone on another
\n"second honeymoon" when they learned that Lois was okay. However, their calls
\nwere delayed by another session of passionate lovemaking instigated by Lois. It
\nwas Thursday, two days after Lois had been given the okay to travel, and she and
\nClark were packing their stuff for their final departure from Tokyo back to
\nMetropolis. Things were different now. Not only were they in love and happily
\nmarried, but they had a baby on the way. Clark was so happy that sometimes Lois
\ncouldn\u2019t do anything but just laugh at him. <\/p>\n

Lois lovingly looked over at Clark as he silently placed things into his
\nluggage. The one thing Lois knew for sure is that the man of steel was more
\nvulnerable than the average man; she could hurt him. The one thing that she had
\nsilently promised herself is that she would never hurt Clark intentionally, no
\nmatter what. <\/p>\n

"What are you looking at?" Clark caught her staring.<\/p>\n

"Just you, the man I love, my husband, the father of my baby, the hero of the
\nworld\u2026"<\/p>\n

Clark stopped Lois\u2019 rant by kissing her, passionately. Lois readily complied.<\/p>\n

Lois shortly thereafter pulled away from the kiss due to a need for air. Clark
\ngently touched her face with his palm in that way that only Clark could and
\nlooked Lois in the eyes.<\/p>\n

"I love you, Lois. You know that don\u2019t you? And, I\u2018m going to be here for you
\nand our baby always." Clark had some doubt in his voice.<\/p>\n

"Of course I know that. Why\u2026what\u2019s wrong\u2026" <\/p>\n

Clark could hear the panic in Lois\u2019 question. He just hugged her close to his
\nchest.<\/p>\n

"Nothing\u2019s wrong\u2026everything is right\u2026perfect," Clark responded as he kissed Lois
\non the forehead. "We\u2019d better finish packing if we want to make our flight back
\nto Metropolis."<\/p>\n

"Yea\u2026"<\/p>\n

Lois and Clark finished packing their bags and loaded the car so that they could
\nhead to the airport. <\/p>\n

Once at the airport, Clark was nervous. The last time he had tried to get
\nthrough customs, immigration and agriculture, his life got turned around. Things
\nturned out better than he imagined but still the whole process was chilling.
\nLois detected his uneasiness and just gently placed her hand on his arm.<\/p>\n

"It\u2019s gonna be okay, honey\u2026" she said softly. Clark just smiled back at her. <\/p>\n

Finally, they had made it through all of the checkpoints so they went to sit at
\nthe gate where their plane would be leaving from in about an hour. Again, Clark
\nseemed to gaze off into space. At first Lois thought it was the look that Clark
\ngot when Superman was needed, but then quickly dismissed that thought. Clark was
\nin deep thought about something<\/p>\n

"Clark\u2026"<\/p>\n

"Um\u2026yeah\u2026"<\/p>\n

"Penny for your thoughts."<\/p>\n

When Clark sat down, he thought about the very last time he had been to the
\nTokyo airport. He had brought Lois there to catch her return flight to
\nMetropolis, he had told her that he loved her and she had dismissed his feelings
\nand proceeded to rush back to Metropolis to marry Luthor. Why was he dwelling on
\nthat? It still stung a little, like a reopened wound, but they were past that
\nnow. She was his wife now in spite of all of that.<\/p>\n

"I\u2026um\u2026I\u2026"<\/p>\n

"The last time you brought me here? Is that what you\u2019re\u2026"<\/p>\n

Clark kissed Lois. "That\u2019s behind us, honey," Clark answered as he gently
\ngrasped Lois\u2019 hand.<\/p>\n

Clark held Lois\u2019 hand there, periodically kissing it until they heard the call
\nfor Air Japan flight 7717 non-stop to LAX. This was their ride. Clark stood, and
\nthen helped Lois to stand to board the plane. They were flying first class, to
\nallow room for Lois to stretch out. Her leg still had some healing to do.<\/p>\n

Once airbourne, Lois and Clark talked and talked about their future, about the
\nbaby, about where they would live and anything else that came up. They had
\ndecided to live in Clark\u2019s apartment back in Metropolis because he had more room
\nuntil Lois was back on her feet and they could find a bigger place. After about
\nsix hours into the flight, Lois dozed off to sleep. Clark just placed his arm
\naround her shoulders and held her head to his chest. God, how he loved this
\nwoman. <\/p>\n

When Lois and Clark arrived from LAX to Metropolis, it was Thursday again. Lois
\nwas tired and Clark was feeling Super again. He got them home\u2026to his
\napartment\u2026and laid Lois on the bed. Once unpacked, with Lois asleep, Clark
\ndecided to test his powers. He spun into his superman outfit and went for a
\nquick flight. He was still not 100 percent but the average person wouldn\u2019t be
\nable to tell. With some good sunlight, he would be back one hundred percent in
\nno time. He would announce Superman\u2019s return tomorrow, so that Clark Kent and
\nSuperman would not return at the exact same time.<\/p>\n

On Monday, Lois and Clark returned to work at the Daily Planet. They wrote
\nsidebars about the fall of Luthor and gave detailed encounters of his
\nindiscretions. They did not however give a detailed account of how Luthor put
\nSuperman out of commission. They simply said that it was a chapter that Superman
\nwished to close. <\/p>\n

Perry White had, however, figured out who Superman really was. After all, he
\ndidn\u2019t become editor in chief just because he was a "Hunk of Burning Love." He
\nnever admitted knowing "the secret", however, to Lois and Clark.<\/p>\n

Now, Clark was pretty sure that Perry had figured out his secret. When he told
\nLois, she had had the same thought. They would never say anything if Perry
\ndidn\u2019t. In a way, it would be good if he knew, then rescues wouldn\u2019t be so
\ndifficult to cover.<\/p>\n

The local television media heard of Lois and Clark\u2019s return from Tokyo and
\nwondered if the whole trip was a planned marriage and honeymoon made into a
\nfictitious story to get ratings for the Daily Planet. <\/p>\n

Fin<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Author: Sheila Email: ethanseth@msn.com Rated: PG-13 This story line takes place around "Barbarians at the Planet"\/"The House of Luthor", however, some things are different. The Planet was never destroyed, just financially devastated. Luthor still owns it and Lois, so to speak. She has accepted Lex\u2019s proposal and turned down Clark\u2019s declaration of love in the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"parent":13,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1,107],"tags":[833,491],"class_list":["post-658","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","category-pgfanfic","category-sheila","tag-sheila","tag-what-a-husband-should-be"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/nfanfic.com\/lnc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/658","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/nfanfic.com\/lnc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/nfanfic.com\/lnc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nfanfic.com\/lnc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nfanfic.com\/lnc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=658"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/nfanfic.com\/lnc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/658\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1892,"href":"https:\/\/nfanfic.com\/lnc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/658\/revisions\/1892"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nfanfic.com\/lnc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/13"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/nfanfic.com\/lnc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=658"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nfanfic.com\/lnc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=658"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nfanfic.com\/lnc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=658"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}