By Artiste Sixty-Two (75032.2765@CompuServe.COM)
Summary: Picking up after the episode "Big Girls Don't Fly," Lois is depressed at the thought of never seeing Clark again.
***
Lois Lane rolled over in bed and reached for the box of tissues she kept by her bed. She pulled out two and wiped her eyes and blew her nose. For the past three months Lois had been crying herself to sleep. She so longed for her finance', Clark. But then she probably wouldn't ever see him again. He had flown off to New Krypton with his wife, Zara.
"Ohhh." Lois moaned as she started to cry. She sat up in bed, sobbing uncontrollably. Lois somehow managed to reach the phone and dial the number that had almost become automatic since Clark left.
"Hello?" A familiar voice asked on the other end.
"Martha, it's me. It happened again."
"Oh, honey, you'll get through this. He'll come back."
"No, he flew off with that Kryptonian slut…"
"Lois, now you listen to me. That boy of mine loves you more than life itself. If it is at all possible he will return for you. And if I know him, he'll scoop you up in his arms and fly you off for a quick wedding in Vegas." Lois let out a little giggle.
"Thanks, Martha. You've been a great therapist these past few months."
"Honey, I've been a mother. You are like a daughter to me. And I miss Clark just as much as you do, but I know that it's been harder for you. I've got Jonathan. Now you get back to sleep and don't get yourself all worked up."
"But Martha, I haven't heard from him since that time he told me he was okay. And that was in July!"
"Just don't worry about it. I'm sure you'll hear from him soon."
"Yeah. Well, good night." Martha hung up the phone and turned to Jonathan.
"Lois again?" She nodded.
"She's so depressed. I've never seen her like this. What will happen to the poor child if Clark never comes back?"
"Now, Martha, we've been over this. That boy of ours will do everything in his power to get back to that girl and we both know that when he really tries, he can do anything. And Clark will come back. He'll be home for his 30th birthday or my name's not Jonathan Kent."
***
The next day a disheveled looking Lois walked into the Planet. She was adorned in black like she had been every day since Clark flew out of the newsroom window. She glanced over at her husband-in-her-heart's empty desk.
"Hey Lois, you OK? Perry wants to know if you're up to covering-"
"Jimmy, leave the poor thing alone. She's obviously not up to it." Perry broke in leading Jimmy over to the little coffee area.
"Now look, son, Lois hasn't seen hide nor hair of Clark since Superman left. She claims he's off helping a friend that's in trouble, but every day she dresses in black. You just try to go easy on her. Lord knows where Clark is. I thought he had more responsibility then this."
"Or maybe Lois is upset about Superman. I mean, maybe their relationship was closer then we thought, Chief."
"Jimmy, that's preposterous."
"Okay Chief, just a theory." Jimmy said under his breath as he prepared a cup of coffee for Lois. He set it down in front of her, but she didn't acknowledge him. She just kept on typing. Jimmy stared at her puffy eyes and her tear stained face. He knew something must be up. Lois had never gotten this upset. But then she'd never gotten a lot of things until Clark came. And where in the Sam Hell is Clark? Jimmy wondering, letting his mind slip into Perry's way of talking. Clark should be with Lois. But for all we know, he may have left her. It can't be easy dating Ms. Lane.
Lois stared at her screen. She had just typed a chapter in her novel. It was a romance novel about her and Clark. The guy left the girl in the book and never came back. Just then, Lois heard something. It sounded like Clark's voice, but it was in her head.
"Lois. Lois, I love you. And I'm okay. I've defeated Lord Nor. New Krypton is now safe. But I miss you. I long to hold you in my arms. I love you, Lois. I'll be home for our wedding, honey." and that was all. That was all Clark said. Lois knew that Clark had sent her another telepathic message. A tear rolled down her cheek. Then another, until Lois was crying and smiling and shaking. Perry walked over to Lois and put a hand on her shoulder.
"Are you all right, Lois?"
"Perry, Superman's okay!"
"Yes, Lois, I'm sure he is, but-"
"No, Perry, you don't understand." Lois said, smiling, but she didn't bother to explain, she just picked up the phone and called the Kents.
"Jonathan, Clark is all right. He's coming back for our wedding, he said." Lois said excitedly after making sure no one was listing.
"Oh, Lois, that's great. I told you everything would work out."
"Um, I gotta go, Perry's eyeing me funny." Lois hung up the phone and walked over to Perry. She convinced him she was up to the bombing story and she climbed in her car and drove off. Lois was filled with optimism the rest of the day. But when Clark didn't return that week or the following, her optimism faded. Lois wished she could contact Clark. There were so many things she wanted to say. She'd tell him she loved him and that she missed him and that she wasn't holding up very well. "Oh, Clark, I need you." Lois thought as she made her way into her apartment. She dumped her stuff in a chair and read her mail. There was a mailing about wedding dresses. "Wonder if I'll ever need one of these again." Lois thought out loud. Then she came across a scrap of paper that hadn't been mailed. It must have been slipped through the slot by someone. Lois unfolded the paper and saw the oh-so- familiar CK monogram.
Lois, I'm back in Metropolis. I'll be at the Daily Planet at seven.
I love you. I have a surprise.
Love, Clark
"Omigod! Either this is some sick joke or my lover really is back on Earth." Lois checked her watch. 6:45. Lois rushed back outside to her car. She sped to the Planet and walked into the newsroom just in time to see Superman fly through the big window. But he wasn't wearing his red, yellow, and blue suit. It was black and blue and had no cape. But he still looked great. Lois ran to him and hugged him. She didn't care who saw. Only Perry, Jimmy and a handful of other reporters were there.
"Lois, I've missed you. And everyone else on Earth. I'm proud to announce that my business elsewhere is taken care of. I'm back on Earth for good."
"Um, Cl- Superman…" Lois caught herself. "My car, broke down, would you mind flying me home?"
"Not at all, Lois."
"Hold it." Jimmy said as he snapped a few pictures.
"Don't worry, Jimmy, I'll hold a press conference here tomorrow. And feel free to print this up tonight." Clark said before scooping Lois up and flying out the window. As soon as they were out of the Planet, Lois began to kiss Clark. She kissed his cheeks, then began to kiss his neck. Clark turned his head and kissed her nose as he flew into her apartment window.
"Oh, Clark. I'm so glad you came back. I've missed you so much."
"Obviously. Your face is so tear-stained. But you look great to me." Clark said kissing her passionately on the lips. He was still holding her in his arms as he walked toward the bedroom. He set Lois down on the bed, but made it apparent that he just wanted to talk-for now.
"Lois, that last night…what happened between us, that was what kept me going. Anytime I felt ready to give up, I thought about it, and you, and got the strength to go on."
"Was your battle hard?"
"Yes. Nor is a monster. He's very intelligent. But Luthor was worth."
"How's Ching, and…Zara?" Lois asked coolly.
"They're fine. I made it possible for them to marry and when I left they were happily settled in the palace."
"That's nice. So what was that surprise?"
"Well, I'll show you. But first I need some Clark clothes."
"Okay, there's that suit you left here for emergencies."
"Perfect." Clark said spinning around and appearing again as Clark.
"Glasses. Glasses." He said checking his pockets. Lois reached over to her bedside table and handed him the pair that sat there. He slipped them on.
"Well?"
"Oh, Clark." Lois said standing up and hugging him. Clark wrapped his arms around her and squeezed her.
"Lois, do you have anything white? That black is pretty depressing." Clark asked releasing her from his embrace.
"Yeah, I'll be right back, sweetie." Lois pushed Clark out of her bedroom and changed into a white pants suit. She came out and Clark smiled at her.
"That's good, but I was thinking more along the lines of…" Clark opened Lois' closet and pulled out a simple, but beautiful, wedding dress.
"Clark!" Lois cried out running over and taking it from him. "Where'd you get it?"
"Krypton. It's the only white clothing they have. It's what my wife would have worn when we met for the first time as adults. Zara never wore it. She sent it back with me. She said that you were my true wife, and you should wear it." Lois stared at Clark. She knew what an honor it was to wear this. And she knew that it had been good for Clark to go to Krypton.
"Well, I'll just put this on." Lois said walking back into her bedroom.
"Ching said that according to Kryptonian logic, our love will now be complete. I had to learn more about who I am and discover my heritage before I could marry you." Clark said as Lois changed. When she walked out, Clark's eyes widened. "You look beautiful."
"So, where will we get married, Vegas?"
"No, I know a place where no one will bother us."
"Oh, eloping is so romantic."
"You don't mind that you're parents can't come?"
"All that matters is that you are there. That's all we need." Clark walked over and scooped Lois up in his arms and flew out the window. They flew for a while, and Lois rested her head on Clark's shoulder.
"Clark?"
"Yes, honey?"
"Will our kids…will they have superpowers?"
"Most likely. I asked Ching what would happen if you and I would attempt children and he said they would look normal like human children, but they would inherit their appearance from me. But they might inherit tenacity from their mother. And stubbornness and…"
"Okay, okay, I get the picture." Lois said smiling. Clark began to slow down and as he prepared to land. Lois spotted a very familiar farm house.
"We're eloping to your parents?"
"You'll see." Clark said as he led Lois inside.
"Oh, Clark, honey, we're so glad to see you." Martha said as she and Jonathan rushed towards Clark, embracing him in a bear hug.
"Is my surprise here?" Clark asked.
"Yes, Clark." A man said walking out of the Kents' kitchen.
"Pastor Carrey. I'd like you to meet my fiancee', Lois Lane."
"Lois." The man said taking Lois hand. "Where would you like me to perform the services?"
"Outside." Lois spoke up.
"Really?" Clark asked, surprised. Lois nodded. Pastor Carrey led them out under the stars that sparkled like diamonds in the night sky.
"We are gathered together tonight to join this man, and this woman in holy matrimony. Do you, Clark Jerome Kent, take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, to cherish as long as you both shall live?"
"I do."
"And do you, Lois…"
"Marie."
"Lois Marie Lane, take this man to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, to cherish as long as you both shall live?"
"I do."
"Clark, put the ring on Lois' finger and repeat after me." Clark removed the ring from the chain around his neck and slid it onto Lois' finger. "I, Clark, take thee, Lois, to love, honor, and cherish as long as I live."
"I, Clark, take thee, Lois, to love, honor, and cherish as long as I live." Lois smiled at Clark, tears sparkling in her eyes.
"Now, Lois put the ring on Clark's finger." Lois slipped the gold band onto Clark's finger and smiled at him. "Now repeat after me; I, Lois, take thee, Clark, to love, honor, and cherish, as long as I live."
"I, Lois, take thee, Clark, to love…honor…and cherish, as long as I live."
"By the power vested in me by the state of Kansas, I now pronounce you man and wife, you may kiss the bride." Lois and Clark embraced and their lips came together in a long, passionate kiss. A million thoughts ran through Lois' mind, but the most apparent one was, "I'm married to the man of my dreams!"
Later that day, in the Kents' kitchen, Lois was sipping a cream soda and talking on the phone to her mom. Clark came down from his bedroom, and kissed Lois on the neck, then he put his arms around her and held her as she talked to her mom.
"Yeah, I know mommy, but-…we just wanted to get married. We didn't want any chance of something wrong happening. It was really sweet. Where am I now? Um…a phone booth outside of Vegas. Yes mom, it's beautiful. Mom, you know what, someone else needs to use the phone, okay? I'll call you later. OK, bye." Lois said hanging up the phone quickly.
"How could you lie to your mom?" Clark asked in a false, accusing voice.
"Clark, my mother would never forgive me if she found out your parents were here and she didn't get to be here. Besides, someone else does need to use the phone." Lois handed the cordless phone to her new husband.
"How come I have to call Perry?"
"'Don't ever let it be said that I don't pull my weight in this relationship.'"
"What do I say, 'Hey Perry, I ran off and married Lois'?"
"You'll think of something."
"Wouldn't it be better to surprise him?"
"You're right. You can tell him in person tomorrow."
"Tomorrow? No honeymoon?"
"Well…" Lois paused as Martha walked past them. Then Lois dropped her voice to a whisper. "I was thinking we could take care of that later. When we're home."
"So, are you giving up your apartment or am I giving up mine?"
"I'll sleep at your place tonight, then tomorrow we'll move my stuff to your place and we'll be fashionably late to work, causing Perry to ask where 'in the Sam Hill' we've been, giving you a perfect opportunity to tell him we eloped."
"Wow, you have everything worked out."
"Yeah, well, someone has to organize things when you're off saving some space rock."
"But I'm never leaving again." Clark said bending down and kissing Lois. She had changed into an old white undershirt of Clark's and a pair of jean shorts that Lois had left in Smallville the last time she visited. Martha walked in with the camera and without warning started snapping pictures.
"Oh, Martha, my hair's a mess." Lois said noticing her for the first time.
"Oh, honey, you look fine. You both look so cute."
"Um, mom, we kinda wanted to get back to Metropolis so…"
"That's fine, honey. Even if it's only one night, you have to have a honeymoon." Martha said hugging Clark. Jonathan hugged Lois then they switched and Martha hugged Lois. She whispered in Lois' ear "You take care of my boy, okay?"
"Okay Marth-AH!" Lois exclaimed as Clark came up behind her and scooped her up. They rubbed noses and then Clark flew out the door.
"I always knew he'd come back."
"Yes, but Jonathan, he came back for her."
"Martha…"
"Oh, I don't mean he wouldn't have come back if he hadn't met her, I just mean that she means so much to him. And him to her. They both need this."
"Yeah, it's good to see those two together, finally. Now maybe they can have some peace."
The next morning Lois opened her eyes to find herself laying in Clark's arms. She ran her hands over his bare chest and kissed the tip of his nose. She got up to get dressed, but Clark grabbed her wrist.
"You wouldn't leave without saying good bye would you?"
"No, Clark, I was going to get dressed."
"What for?"
"Clark, as much as I'd like to stay here with you all day, we have to go to work. Don't you want to see the look on Perry's face when we tell him?"
"Yeah, but I'd rather see you."
"Clark…"
"Lois, it's only 6:00, we have plenty of time."
"Ohhhh, okay."
"Good, you can say good bye and get dressed later. Besides, in our relationship we say good bye like this. They eased back onto the bed and started kissing.
Five hours later, at 10:00, Lois and Clark walked into the Planet. Perry already knew Clark had reappeared so he wasn't surprised to see him there. He was surprised to see him there late, however.
"Great shades of Elvis! Where have you two been?"
"We eloped last night and we had some things to finish before we came to work, Perry." Lois said simply.
"You what? Lois, last night? Really? Well, you didn't tell me."
"That's why it's called eloping, Perry." Clark said.
"Well, if my fiance' just came back, I think I might show up late to work too."
"So, you guys having a honeymoon?" Jimmy asked walking up.
"Jimmy, they were five hours late to work!"
"So? Five hours isn't very long. If it was me, I would've made it five days late."
"Jimmy, don't you have something to do?"
"No."
"Well, think of something quick."
"Oh, Lois, you're mom called. She seemed really upset. And your sister called and said to tell you she's proud of you and she wants to know how it was, and Clark, your parents called and said they hoped you were having fun. I guess I can call them back and tell them you were?"
"Jimmy…"
"Okay, I'll let you tell them yourself. So Lois, what did you think of Superman's return?"
"I think it's great."
"Well, you two probably didn't think about Superman all that much last night, huh?"
"You better run." Lois warned.
"Hey, can't I be glad for my two favorite reporters? Well, anyway, somehow I have a feeling this isn't the last we'll see of you guys." <G> :)
THE END
(camebak.txt)