By Rose <Rcpeaches2@aol.com>
Rated PG
Submitted July 2000
Summary: A brief addition to the final scene of the episode "That Old Gang of Mine."
Well, my best friend Kristin (SinginDrew) has scolded me for never putting thank you's at the beginning of my stories. So, here goes. Thank you to everyone on Zoom's MBs. You keep me motivated, inspired, and grammatically correct. :)
Most importantly, thank you to Kristin for being a great editor and cheerleader (slave driver) for me. Without you, I would never have written any fics. You are awesome.
Well, that's it for thank you's… Of course, all the standard disclaimers apply… but you didn't really think I'd made up these characters myself, did you? <eg>
***
The rain beat down on the roof of the Jeep, as Lois drove Clark back to his apartment. There was something she had to tell him, and she knew she had to tell him now. She didn't want to risk losing her chance.
"Clark, when I thought you were gone, I did some thinking about my life. You know, what it would be like without you in it. I know what you're thinking: 'Gee, Lois, how self-centered can you be?,' but hear me out.
"I know our relationship has always been difficult to define. But … when I thought about how much I missed you, how much I was going to miss you for the rest of my life… Well, I started thinking maybe there's more to our relationship than just friendship …"
Lois took a deep breath, and risked a glance at Clark, who had remained silent through her confession. His head was leaning to one side, and his eyes were closed. He was fast asleep.
Disappointed, Lois' shoulders slumped slightly. She didn't know where she'd find the courage to tell him this again. She'd barely made it through the first time.
She pulled up in front of Clark's apartment, and parked at the curb. She reached over to nudge him awake, but stopped suddenly. He looked so peaceful in his sleep. He was beautiful. She wished she knew what he was dreaming about.
Lois stroked his cheek gently with her finger tips, tears welling up in her eyes once again, only this time from happiness. He was here, with her. Her best friend, and 'maybe more.' No matter what happened to them in the future, she knew she'd always be there for him. And she knew he'd always be there for her.
Lois placed her palm on his cheek and tilted his face toward her own. Gently, so as not to wake him, she covered his lips with her own and kissed him softly.
"I love you, Clark Kent," she whispered.
***
In Clark's dreams, Lois was telling him that she loved him. Him. Clark. Not Superman.
She stroked his face with her hand, and looked at him with such love in her eyes. His heart soared. The woman he loved was finally telling him that he meant as much to her as she did to him. He never imagined he could be so happy.
Finally, she leaned over to him, and he could feel the softness of her lips on his. He knew he could never live without that kiss again. He needed her with him, and she needed him too.
He wasn't sure what it was that pulled him from this unbelievable dream. Perhaps it was simply too good to be true. But when he opened his eyes slowly, he found himself in Lois' Jeep. She was sitting next to him in the driver's seat, looking at him, and smiling softly.
"Wake up, sleepyhead," she said. "You're home."
Clark's lips curled into a sleepy, and somewhat sad grin. *If only that were true, Lois. If only.*
THE END