By Anonymous
Summary: Lois is suffering from a cold (and she's just a tad cranky). It's up to Clark to deliver some TLC.
[The usual disclaimer.. characters are property of Warner Bros and December 3rd Productions but story is mine]
***
Lois sniffled as she shuffled back to the bedroom and collapsed onto the bed. Is it possible to feel worse she wondered. Her whole body ached from head to toe, she had no energy, the sniffles, puffy eyes, sore throat and felt just awful. She was thirsty, but didn't have the energy to reach over to the bedside table and pickup the glass. Lois groaned. She disliked being needy, but where was Clark?
"Clark, Clark… "she called out with a husky low voice.
Seconds later he was there, "I'm here, honey," he said softly. He put the tray on the bedside table and sat her up with pillows behind her so she could eat. He put the tray over her legs and helped her with her soup.
"Thanks, Clark, I just wish I could taste the soup or smell it. Oh, can you reach my water? I'm thirsty and I think I should take a couple more of those cold tablets," she asked in a raspy voice.
"Oh, sure.. here you go," he replied handing her the water and two tablets. "Is there anything else I can do for you Lois?" he asked with concern as she swallowed the tablets.
She yawned, "I don't think so. I'll be OK, I just hate being sick and needy," she complained.
Clark smiled, head bent slightly and thought to himself, yes, my Lois does not like to have any weaknesses.
"What are you smiling about… the fact that you never get sick, or how awful I look?" Clark's look of stunned surprise made Lois feel guilty at her outburst. She reached out to lay her hand on his arm and looked up at him apologetically. "I'm sorry, Clark, I get a *little* cranky when I am sick." (Clark bit his lip trying not to smile), "and it's not fair to take it out on you when you have been so concerned and caring. But I really would understand if you want to go out and do something. I don't want you to feel obligated to stay home on my account. Don't you have some big football game to go to with Perry and Jimmy, or is that next week?"
"Lois, I am *not* going anywhere unless a *major* emergency happens. I do not want to be anywhere but here. I am *not* obligated to be here I know, but when you are sick, I just want to do everything I can to make you better. Remember, honey, we are married in sickness and in health," he said in a gentle but firm tone, then he leaned over to kiss her softly.
"OK, but I don't think I am very good company right now.. I think I'll take a nap," she said before yawning again. Her eyes closed softly and she was off to dreamland. Clark caressed the side of her face with his fingertips as he gazed with love upon his dear wife. He moved to his side of the bed and gathered her close. She snuggled up to him and rested her head on his shoulder.
Hours later, Clark awoke to the phone ringing. He quickly grabbed the cordless phone and walked downstairs.
"Clark… are you there?" Martha asked.
"Yes, Mom.. I just left Lois in bed," he said softly.
"Oh my, did I catch you at a bad time - I can call back," she said quickly.
"No, No, Mom - Lois is sick with a doozy of a cold and I was just resting with her," Clark replied patiently.
"Oh, dear, sorry to hear that. Did you give her chicken soup? What medicine is she taking? How long has she been sick?" she asked in concern.
Clark rolled his eyes, "MOM - slow down, yes, I gave her chicken soup - homemade - your recipe, she is taking those 24 hour cold tablets, lots of juice, water and she has been sick for a couple days."
Martha smiled, "Honey, she'll be just fine, you are doing a wonderful job taking care of her and I'm sure, knowing Lois, it hasn't been easy at times."
"Yeees… as she puts it she does get a *little* cranky when she's ill," he muttered into the phone.
Martha smothered her laughter "Ok, dear, I'll let you go now…Oh, wait! I was calling to see if you two were still coming out here next weekend?"
"I don't know Mom, it depends how Lois is feeling," he replied quietly.
"I understand, honey, give us a call next week Ok?"
"OK, Mom, love you, bye."
"Love you too, honey, bye."
Clark went upstairs to check on Lois, who was still sleeping. With no calls for Superman he went back downstairs to watch a football game.
A while later he heard the shuffling of feet and Lois appeared in the doorway.
"Lois! what are you doing up, do you need something?" he asked with concern as he leapt up to help her to the sofa.
"Clark, * really* I can get about, I just feel awful, and, no, I don't really need anything. I just got lonely up there," she replied looking at him with appeal in her eyes. She looked so adorable with mussed hair, a little red nose and mouth, dressed in her flannel pajamas and bunny slippers.
"Oh, Honey… "he gave her a soft hug, "Mom called about next weekend. I told her we'd have to see how you were feeling." They both sat down on the sofa.
"Oh, I forgot about that…but I should be well by then," Lois replied cuddling up next to Clark. Clark put his arm around her. "Clark?"
"Yes?" he looked at her enquiringly.
"Thanks for staying home. I know you had tickets to the football game with Perry and Jimmy didn't you?" Lois looked at him before sniffling.
"Well, yes. But it is just a football game, Lois. I want to be *there* for you when you need me, barring any major emergencies. *Superman* responsibilities take me away from you enough. All my time with you is precious to me," he said sincerity in his every word and conveyed by his eyes as well.
She sniffled again, "So you don't mind that I look awful, I'm cranky and full of germs?"
"You don't look *awful*, I think you look adorable, and I am not afraid of any germs," he replied leaning in for a kiss.
"You skipped cranky, Clark. Did you think I wouldn't notice? I'm sick, but I *noticed* that," she looked up at him suspiciously.
"Cranky? My dear Lois cranky…never," he replied with a straight face.
Lois laughed, "Clark, you are *such* a bad liar… stay away from card games. Unless it is strip poker with *me*."
"Sure, honeybunch, sweetums, snookums, turtledove …" he teased her.
"Oh, *pulllease* I may gag on all the sugar…" she replied smiling at him before yawning. She leaned her head on his shoulder and in minutes was asleep again. Asleep or awake sometimes it was just enough to be together.
THE END
(sniffles.txt)