By Jennilyn Lazo (jellog@aol.com)
Summary: Scenes that might have occurred after the ending of the episode "Return of the Prankster."
[Author's note: After reading some people's reactions to "The Return of the Prankster", it was clear that some people were disappointed . So, here I am again, proposing yet another couple of scenes that were cut. Hope this makes up for the lack of romance. :) ]
***
"Wait, hold the elevator!!" Jimmy bolted past the other workers, trying to escape the wrath of Lois. He thanked his lucky stars as he safely jumped into the elevator before the doors closed.
Jimmy's voice was still ringing in Lois's ears. She rolled her eyes as she looked at the mess before her—actually, ON her. She glanced up as she sensed Clark approaching her.
Clark was still chuckling to himself as he walked over to Lois. He suddenly stopped, as she said, "Quit it, or else I'll.."
"Nice look, Lois," he said, with a huge grin on his face. "But if I were you, I'd lay off on the Silly String—"
"Oooh—Clark!!"
He knew he was pushing the limits now. "Okay, okay, Lois, I'll stop." Still grinning, he helped wipe off the Silly String, and gathered up the balloons and other stuff. After having done that, he sat on her desk.
"I guess I deserved that." she said.
"Why?"
"Because I'm such a pain," she said sadly.
"Lois, you're NEVER a pain," Clark replied quietly.
"Yes, I am. I mean, I think I really annoyed Jimmy, when he was the one doing me the favor." She sighed. "I guess my 'quirks' drive everyone crazy." She lowered her head.
"No, Lois, they don't—at least not to me." He gently lifted up her face. "Like I said before, your quirks make you a very unique person. They're just what I love about you—" He suddenly stopped, making sure if he had or hadn't dropped a subtle hint. But the more he thought about it, the more it didn't matter, since he knew he'd have to tell her how he really felt.
Lois just smiled at him gratefully. Gazing at one another, they were lost in each other's eyes—in another world, where only the two of them existed. But they were abruptly brought back to reality by a familiar voice.
"Excuse me, uh, Lois, uh…uh…" Jimmy stammered as he stared at his feet. He couldn't even look at Lois. "I, uh, I'm sorry—"
"Look, Jimmy, forget about it. Really. I've gotten over it." She glanced at Clark, adding, "Believe me, I have."
Jimmy, noticing this, thought it better not to spoil the moment, remembering how he had spoiled a great many others in the past. As he walked behind Lois, he turned around, so that only Clark could see him. Giving him a 'thumbs up', he quietly mouthed "Go C.K.!!" and hurried on his way.
Clark smiled at that, and returned to his desk.
Lois, still in a daze, hoped that somehow Clark would bring up the 'date thing'. It had been on her mind for quite a while, and she needed to talk to him about it.
"Oh, Lois, by the way," he said, sitting down in his chair.
This is it, Lois, you asked for it, she thought to herself. "Yes?"
"What position DID the President say he'd play?"
A groan was his reply.
***
"Want a lift home?" asked Lois.
"Yeah, sure, I'd like that. Thanks," he replied. He stopped talking—and walking—when they were in front of The Planet building. "You know, Lois, I—I was worried about you these couple of days."
"W-why?"
"Griffin, Lois. Last time he was out, you were in danger, but back then, I was able to watch over you, remember?"
"Yeah, I do," she said, her mind drifting back to what happened—what almost happened at Clark's house. True, it had felt awkward, because they had grown closer—much like they were growing closer right now. Lois sniffed as she was realizing all of this. "But what was the matter with now?"
"I couldn't do the same now. You could've stayed at my place. Really—I wouldn't have minded," he reassured her.
"But Clark, it would have felt weird—you know—since we're 'almost dating'. I mean, I didn't know what to think."
He winced at her words. "Lois, the only reason I asked is because I care." She looked up at him. "Yes, I care greatly about you. I—I worry about you all the time."
"Y—you do?"
"Of course I do!! I worry when you're in danger. I worry when you're sick. I worry about how much trouble you seem to always be getting yourself into." He managed a smile. "And when you are in trouble, I always worry—if I'll see you the next morning.."
She was close to tears. She couldn't understand what was happening, or what she felt. Maybe it was because she wouldn't LET herself figure the whole thing out. In one way or another, she had heard these words from Superman, but it had sounded as if he was trying to end something. Hearing it from Clark, though, it seemed…to promise a beginning. But a beginning of what, she thought.
"Lois, I'll always be here for you. Always. No matter what. You were right when you said something will change if we do start dating. But I promise you that one thing will NEVER change."
"Oh, Clark, I—I don't know what to say," she said softly.
"Sshh, you don't have to say anything. Just remember what I've said tonight. Especially my promise." He sighed. If there was anything holding her back, he knew that the man in blue was on the top of that list. "Oh, about the 'date thing'. I think we can both see that it's causing too much tension between us. So, if you'd like to forget about it—"
"NO!" she replied, a little too loudly. "No, let's not forget it. Please, just give me some more time." She looked to him with pleading eyes.
He sighed in relief. "Sure. Anything you say." He gently caressed her face.
"Thanks, Clark." She gave him a grateful hug. She knew eventually she would have to make a decision: just stay best friends, or risk losing everything in the hopes for something more, something better? But as she eased up, giving him a kiss on the cheek, and taking his hand in hers…
It was obvious what choice she had made.
THE END
(aftrjoke.txt)