By Juliee <julieej02@hotmail.com>
Rated PG
Submitted February 2001
Summary: Lois finds Clark in a romantic embrace with Lana Lang and our favorite couple's relationship is on the rocks for a couple of days before Clark manages to regain Lois's trust and confidence.
***
Lois and Clark were busy typing their stories to get them in by deadline. Lois was 6 months pregnant with a little boy after trying for 11 months to conceive.
"Clark, what do you think of my story? Do I need to make any touch-ups or changes to it?" Lois asked after Clark had read it.
"It's a Pulitzer." Clark smiled, handing it back to her. "I still don't understand you sometimes. How did you manage to snag an interview with The Pro before he was executed?"
The Pro was a serial killer who had killed 13 people all over the United States. He was known as The Pro because he was able to stick a gun in his victim's mouth, at first making police think the victims had committed suicide until they found a calling card — the word PRO on the palm of each victim.
"Well after spending the last 35 years on Deathrow, The Pro had more than plenty of time to think. He wanted the victims' families to know that after 35 years, he truly felt bad for what he did and had repented his sins to God and that he was very sorry for all the pain that he caused," Lois said. "I just happened to be the first reporter on the scene."
"Lois, give yourself more credit than that," Clark said. "Sure, any journalist could report the story but only my wife could write the story and truly give it the publicity it deserved."
"Well thank you," Lois said, getting up to take it down to editing.
"Do you want me to take it for you?" Clark offered.
"Nice try farmboy," Lois teased. "I may be pregnant but I'm not stupid. The moment I hand this to you, the by-line suspiciously changes from being written by Lois Lane to being written by Clark Kent. I don't trust you."
"Me?" Clark asked faking his feelings being hurt. "I can't believe that you don't trust me. I'm your husband."
"I'm sorry sweetheart," Lois said, wrapping her arms around his neck and giving him a kiss. "I love you. I just don't trust you." With that, she grabbed the story off her desk and headed down to Editing.
When Lois came back from the Editing room about 20 minutes later, she found her husband sitting at his desk typing away. She knew he was deep in concentration so she decided to sneak up on him. She was about to jump in front of him and scare him but Clark ruined her plans.
"I hear you Lois," Clark said without even turning around.
"Clark!" Lois whined. "Why do you always have to take away my fun? And how did you even know that it was me?" She walked around and sat on his desk.
"I heard you," Clark said.
"But how did you know it was me? It could have been Perry or Jimmy," Lois said.
"Yeah," Clark said lowering his voice. "But Perry and Jimmy wouldn't have two heartbeats coming from them." Lois smiled at the thought of Clark keeping such close tabs on her and the baby all the time.
"So, how does it sound?" Lois asked. "Are we both beating normally?"
"It's perfect," Clark said. He got the faraway look in his eyes. "Someone's in trouble."
"Go," Lois told him. "I'll cover for you."
"Great, thanks," Clark said kissing her.
"Be careful, I love you!" Lois called after him like she normally did.
At 4:00, Lois decided to call it a day. Clark still hadn't returned but he could fly home so she took the car and drove home. She pulled up in front of her home and was appalled to find her husband passionately kissing another woman. She felt the tears welling up inside of her. She got out of the car.
"Clark?" she asked uncertainly. "What is going on here?"
"Lois!" Clark said breaking loose of the other woman. Lois gasped when she saw that it was Lana Lang — Clark's old girlfriend. "Lois, this isn't what it looks like."
"Oh really?" Lois asked letting the anger get to her. She crossed her arms across her chest. "You weren't standing on our front step passionately kissing your ex-girlfriend?"
"Well — um — soon after I had to leave the Planet, Superman saved Lana and I was going to get a cup of coffee and saw Lana sitting in the coffee shop," Clark said.
"Yeah," Lois said. "Was the emergency that you missed being in the arms of Lana Lang?"
"Emergency? What emergency was Clark in?" Lana asked, confused. Lois and Clark weren't paying attention to her though.
"No, no!" Clark said. "After our coffee, Lana told me about the new job that she took here in Metropolis and wanted to reminisce about the good old days when we were in high school, so I walked her back to our house. She was just about to leave, that's why we were outside."
"That doesn't explain why you were kissing her," Lois said flatly.
"I don't know Lois, we were talking about when we used to be together, I got caught up in the moment — I wasn't thinking. I swear Lois, I love you. I love only you," Clark said.
"Really?" Lois challenged. "That's why I come home and find you in the arms of another woman. Well thank you so much Clark. Or is this your way of thanking me? I cover for you when someone's in trouble, I'm pregnant with your child. I do so much for you and this is how you repay me. Thank you so much Clark Kent!" Lois stormed inside the house and slammed the door.
"Clark Kent, you've been keeping secrets from me," Lana said. "And we were together for so long, why didn't you tell me?"
"Tell you what?" Clark asked confused.
"That you're Superman!" Lana squealed. "That is so cool, I can't believe I never picked up on it until now when Lois was talking about all the emergencies that she had to cover for you when you disappeared."
"Lana, I try to keep it undercover because there are so many lunatics that will try and attack or kill my family and friends. I don't want anyone to hurt my parents, Perry or Jimmy, or Lois because they have some problem with me so I would appreciate it if you wouldn't tell anyone — not your parents or your best friend or anyone, please?" Clark begged. "My life and the life of all my loved ones depends on it."
"Sure Clark," Lana said.
"Now I have to go inside and straighten out things with Lois," Clark said rushing inside. "Lois!" he called out. He used his superhearing to detect that she was upstairs in their room. He ran upstairs to find her packing. "Lois, what are you doing?"
"I'm moving out," Lois said. "I need time to think and I don't want you around."
"Lois, please don't," Clark begged. "Please stay with me — I love you."
"Well you just have the best way of showing it, don't you?" Lois asked. She zipped her suitcase.
"Lois, please think this over again. You're six months pregnant, this is the hormones talking."
"How dare you!" Lois yelled. "How dare you try to blame your stupid mistake on our innocent child!" She calmed her tone down. "Listen Clark, you have no idea how I felt when I came home and saw you in the arms of another woman. I have to think about this and I would really appreciate if you would give me my space." Lois carried her suitcase to the stairs.
"Lois, at least let me carry your suitcase. You're six months pregnant and heavy lifting is not good for you," Clark said.
"I'm fine Clark," Lois said. She headed out and got in the car. Clark followed her. "Goodbye Clark." With that, she pulled out of the driveway and left.
The next day, Clark decided to walk to work since Lois had taken the car. He decided the fresh air would do him good and didn't feel like spending the money for a cab. He walked into the Planet and Lois walked in behind him. He opened the door and held it open for her.
"Thanks," she mumbled.
"Don't mention it," he answered sorely.
"Lois, Clark, I need that story about Metropolis' dirty cops on my desk before you leave today!" Perry demanded.
"Perry, we still have one more source to talk to," Clark told him.
"Then you'd better go talk to him right now," Perry replied.
"Perry, do we really have to do this today? Can't you let someone else write the story?" Lois asked.
"Lois, this is a front page story. Why would I want someone besides my two best reporters on the story? Is there something going on between you two that I need to know about?" he asked.
"We're on our way," Lois pouted. Lois and Clark headed out the door. They spoke in a very flat tone.
"Should I meet you there?" Clark asked sorely.
"No, you might as well ride over there with me," Lois said. "Would you like to drive?"
"That's fine with me," Clark answered. "Is it OK with you?"
"Fine with me," Lois replied throwing him the keys which he easily caught and getting in the passenger side. They drove to the alley behind a fast food restaurant to meet their source in complete silence. Once they had gotten a statement from their source, they headed back to the Planet to write their story.
"Do you want some lunch before we go back to the Planet?" Clark asked.
"No thanks, I'm not hungry right now," Lois answered.
"Fine," Clark said. "Don't say I didn't offer."
"Don't worry. I won't," Lois said. They arrived back at the Planet and were working on the story until about 8:00 that night. They were tired and left. "Do you want a ride home?"
"No thanks," Clark said. "I don't want to invade your space."
"Fine," Lois said in an annoyed tone. She mumbled an inaudible whisper while walking to the driver's side of the car which Clark heard perfectly. "I don't know why you're mad at me, I didn't cheat on you."
"Lois, I apologized for what I did, you're the one acting like a big baby!" Clark yelled.
"That is the last straw Clark Kent!" Lois said. "You have absolutely no reason to blame me for any of this! I came home and caught you kissing another woman and you're mad at me! I hate you!" Lois yanked off her wedding ring and threw it at him.
She jumped in the car and pulled off, leaving Clark standing there. He picked up the ring and walked home to fix himself some dinner. He was extremely hurt by the fact that Lois would ever take off her wedding ring and throw it at him. He got home and sat down and watched TV for a couple of hours before going to bed. The next day was the same for the two. Clark arrived at work before Lois.
"Clark, where's Lois?" Perry asked.
"I don't know," Clark answered. "We're not living in the same house, we've separated."
"What in King's name?" Perry said. "If you two have problems, there's no hope for any of us. What happened, Son?"
"Lois caught me in a big mistake," Clark said. "I was kissing my old girlfriend, I didn't mean anything by it — I got caught up in the moment and I never meant to hurt Lois. I know it was my fault and I don't blame her for being mad at me but I never thought that she would move out. Last night I yelled at her and she yelled at me. She even took off her wedding ring and threw it on the ground. Now we're barely talking."
"I am so sorry," Perry said. "I had no idea. Is this why you didn't want to report on the dirty cops yesterday?"
"Yeah," Clark said. "But don't worry, any story you need us to work on, I'm sure we can put our personal problems aside. I can anyways."
"That's good to know," Perry said walking away. Lois walked into the Planet looking very tired. Clark was worried about her but didn't want to say anything because they were still having some problems.
At lunchtime, she still looked the same so Clark decided to offer her some lunch in hopes that she would get some of her energy back after eating.
"Lois, do you feel OK?" Clark asked walking over to her.
"Yeah, I'm just tired," Lois said.
"Well can I get you some lunch or something?" he offered.
"No thanks I'll be fine," Lois said.
"Lois, you can't hide from me," Clark told her. "I can tell that you don't feel good. If you still want to live apart from me, that's fine but if you're not getting a good amount of rest — that's not fine. We can trade if you would rather. You stay at the house and I'll take the hotel room. Or I'll go stay with my parents if you want me that far away. Listen Lois, I care about you OK? I love you and the baby and I couldn't bear to see anything happen to you."
"Clark, how can you say that?" Lois asked with tears in her eyes. "How can you expect me to trust you anymore? You've told me for the last four years that you love me and then I walk home and you're passionately kissing another woman! You don't understand how much that hurt! And then I still have to work next to you and see you everyday! I'm so confused, Clark! My emotions are going crazy because I love you but I hate you at the same time and I can't sleep no matter where I am because I keep replaying that awful scene in my mind, day after day."
"Lois, you're right in every way. What I did was inexcusable but-" he started.
"-But nothing!" Lois interrupted. "You said yourself that what you did was inexcusable so stop trying to make excuses for it! Now if you'll excuse me, I'm taking an early lunch." She grabbed her purse and stormed out of the Planet.
Clark was so annoyed with Lois at this point. He didn't expect her to immediately forgive him but this was crazy. He had tried time after time to apologize but she wouldn't hear him out long enough. He stayed at the Planet and Lois returned from her lunch break about an hour later. She looked worse than he had ever seen, she was very pale and washed out and looked even more tired than ever. Clark was really worried about her now. He walked over to her.
"Listen Lois, I know I'm not your favorite person right now and I don't blame you for that and I'm not looking for your forgiveness right now, but I'm really worried about you. You look so tired and pale and washed out. You don't look like yourself. Do you feel OK? I mean, maybe you should go home and get some rest," Clark asked.
"Clark, I appreciate your concern, I really do," Lois said looking up at him. "But I'll be OK." She could tell by Clark's expression that he wasn't satisfied with that. "Listen, I'll compromise with you," she said with a smile on your face. "I'll go back to my hotel room at 4:00, no later. I won't put in a hard, full day today."
"OK," Clark said smiling back at her. He was happy now. Lois had smiled at him for the first time in almost 2 days. She didn't have any rude or annoyed tone in her voice either.
At 4:00, Lois kept her promise and left the Planet. She even surprised Clark by telling him good-bye.
"Clark, I'm leaving now," she said. "I'm going home like I promised."
"Are you going home or a hotel?" Clark asked hopefully.
"I'm going to my hotel," she answered. "I'll see you at work tomorrow." She patted him on the back before leaving.
Clark had hope for them getting back together now. This was the first time they had touched in almost 2 days and Lois initiated it. There was definitely some forgiveness and hope for the two of them. They were finally healing. The way Lois walked out, Clark could tell there was something wrong with Lois but he didn't want to push his luck. Instead, Clark snuck out of the Daily Planet and changed into Superman and flew high above her so that she wouldn't see him until she arrived to her hotel. Then he watched as she got in her room and laid down on the bed to watch TV. Clark flew back to the Planet and put in a few more hours before deciding to go home himself.
That night around 1:30 in the morning, Clark was awakened by a call for help. But this time, it wasn't any regular call for help. It was Lois.
"Clark! I need your help," he heard her beg. "I'm in so much pain!" Before she said anything else, Clark had changed and Superman was at her side in no time. When he got there, she was sitting up in bed and had sweat droplets on her forehead tightly clutching the nightstand.
"Lois, sweetie, what's wrong? Are you OK?" he asked kneeling beside her and taking her hand.
"Clark, thank God you came, I was afraid you would now be mad at me for how badly I've treated you and not come," she said looking at him, her brown eyes wide with fear.
"No Lois, I'm the one who messed up, I had no reason to be mad at you. It was all my fault. But that doesn't matter right now — you matter. Tell me what's wrong," he said.
"Clark, you were right. Today, I didn't feel good and I ignored it but I can't ignore it anymore. I'm in so much pain, I think I'm in labor," she said frightened.
"Lois, please don't be scared," Superman said. "I'll have you at the hospital in no time."
"No, wait," Lois stopped him before he could pick her up. "I don't want you to take me." Clark was hurt and kind of confused.
"What? Why would you call for me-?"
Lois interrupted him. "I want my husband to take me, not Superman. Besides, I'm in no condition to fly right now."
"You got it," Superman smiled, standing up to spin into Clark. He wrapped his arms around Lois' waist, preparing to help her up. She snuck a good long kiss in there.
"I love you Clark," she said.
"You have no idea how good it is to hear you say that," Clark said. "I love you too."
"Before you help me to the hospital, you don't happen to have my wedding ring with you, do you?" she asked.
"I sure do," he said taking it out of his pocket. "I never left home without it." He slipped it on her finger and kissed it. "I love you."
"Clark, I'm so sorry — ohhh!" Lois groaned in pain.
"Shhh, you have nothing to be sorry about," he said kissing the top of her head. "It was all my fault and I love you so much but we have more important matters to deal with." He helped her stand up and she wrapped an arm around his neck. "Are you going to be OK?"
"Yeah," she said. Unfortunately, Lois had a second floor room so there were stairs that she had to walk down.
"Do you want me to carry you?" Clark asked.
"Ohhhh," she groaned in pain. She tightly clutched the railing. Clark firmed his grasp around Lois and she turned to him, leaning on her head on his chest. "I don't think so. I think that would put me in more pain. Just please help me. And please don't let go of me. I can't walk without you here. Do you mind?"
"Not at all," Clark told her kissing the top of her head. "I love you Lois and I'm going to make sure that you and the baby are OK, I promise. Nothing will happen to either of you. Just please don't worry, OK? It's not very good for the baby." He helped Lois to the stairs and they took them very slow, one by one. Lois tightly clutched the stair rail and Clark's hand. Clark helped her down to the car and quickly unlocked the door for her.
"It's times like these that I wish we had a car that was low to the ground instead of so high up off the ground," Lois said as Clark helped her up into their Jeep. Clark smiled sympathetically and quickly took off to the hospital.
About 5 minutes away from the hospital, Lois felt a big pain. She grabbed the door handle and groaned in pain. "Ohhhh!" She reached out for Clark's hand and he squeezed hers reassuringly. "Clark, what's wrong with me? What if I lose the baby?" Lois had tears in her eyes, partially from the pain but mostly because of fear.
"Lois, I know I've made some bad decisions recently and lost your trust, but I promise you that I will not let anything happen to you or our baby," he said.
"I trust you Clark," she said. "And I believe you." Clark quickly pulled up into the emergency parking lot. He had called ahead and there were orderlies waiting for them. They rushed the wheelchair over to Lois while Clark helped her out of the car and into the chair.
"Lois, I'll be in there as soon as I park the car," Clark said before they rushed her into the emergency room. "I love you so much."
"I love you too," Lois said as they quickly wheeled her away.
By the time Clark had parked the car and run back into the hospital, the doctors were finishing in Lois' room. Clark walked to Lois' side.
I have good news for the two of you," Dr. Nelson said. "Lois, your body was not physically ready for you to deliver so we were able to easily stop the labor. Your baby's doing fine and you're going to be just fine but we are going to keep you overnight just for observation. Have you been under any particular stress or anything that might could have induced labor?" Clark looked down at the ground, in shame.
"Yeah, I have, but it's all going to be OK and the stress should be going away," Lois answered.
"Just take it slowly from now on and don't get so stressed out," Dr. Nelson said. "Clark, I'll give you ten minutes in here but then I'm going to have to ask you to leave if that's all right."
"You got it Dr. I'll be out in 10 minutes," Clark promised. The doctor left and Clark sat on the edge of Lois' bed and wrapped an arm around as she snuggled up against him. "Lois, I'm so sorry, this is all my fault. I stressed you out so much by doing something stupid like kissing Lana and that caused you to go into labor."
"Clark, please don't beat yourself up over this," Lois told him. "So you made a mistake. I forgive you because I love you."
"I love you too sweetheart," Clark said.
Five minutes later, Clark was about to leave Lois' room so that she could get the rest that she needed to help recover.
"Clark, you're coming to pick me up around 5:00 tomorrow, right?" Lois asked.
"I sure am," he said.
"Will you do me a favor and pick up my things from the hotel?" Lois requested. "I'm ready to move back in with you."
"I would be more than happy to," Clark promised. "Your stuff will be unpacked and waiting for you when you return home tomorrow and I will take care of your room bill out of my own pocket."
"Thank you," Lois said.
"No Lois, don't thank me," Clark said. "I want to thank you for taking me back. I love you so much."
"I love you too sweetheart," Lois said. Clark wrapped his arms around her and kissed her.
"You get some rest and just call for me if you need anything," Clark said. "I'm going to go get a couple hours of sleep before going into work."
"Clark, I am so sorry," Lois gasped. "If you're tired, call Perry, he'll understand."
"Lois, don't worry about anything," he said. "I just sleep because I like to — not because I have to. Besides, I would have skipped sleeping for a year if it would have brought us back together. I missed you. Sleeping's not fun when my wife's not by my side."
"I haven't had any fun sleeping myself," Lois said yawning.
"Lois, get some sleep and I'll come get you tomorrow as soon as possible," Clark said kissing her and walking out the door.
When Clark got in to work, he explained to Perry why Lois wasn't there.
"Is she OK?" Perry asked.
"Oh yeah, she and the baby are just fine," Clark said.
"What about the two of you? Are you two OK now?" Perry asked.
"Oh yeah, we're fine now," Clark said.
"I'm really glad," Perry said.
Around 3:00, Clark left and dropped by the hotel that Lois had stayed at and checked out for her and gathered her things and took them home, putting them in their rightful place. Then he left around 4:00 to go get Lois from the hospital. He bought a dozen red roses for her in the hospital gift shop and knocked on the door.
"Come in!" Lois called. Clark walked in with the roses in front of him. Lois' eyes lit up. "Clark, they're beautiful!"
"Are you still going home today?" Clark asked walking over to her and giving her a kiss.
"Yeah, the doctor was just waiting until you got here so I can go. I've already signed the release forms."
When Lois got home, she sat on the couch and Clark sat beside her with his arm around her.
"Lois, this house is so empty without you in it," Clark told her. "And I promise you as long as I live, you will never catch me with another woman."
"That's it?" Lois asked teasingly. "I'll just never CATCH you?"
"You'll never catch me because it will never happen ever again. Or anything close to it," Clark quickly added.
"I believe you Clark," Lois said. "And I can't blame you. Lana Lang is beautiful and she still has a figure. Mine has become a figure for two."
"Lois, don't sell yourself short," Clark said. "I just did something stupid but there's no excuse for it. And Lana doesn't hold a candlestick to you. You are so incredibly beautiful."
"I'm glad that we're OK now," Lois said. "I really didn't want us to stay separated. I missed you."
"I missed you too," Clark said. "In fact, I was hoping tonight that we could make up for lost time. Did your doctor set any special restrictions for you?"
"No and I even asked if sexual activity would be bad for me," Lois said. "She thinks that it would be a good way to reduce stress."
"I agree with her," Clark said. "I was thinking that I could prepare a romantic candlelight dinner for us and then the rest of the night could be ours."
"I like that idea Clark," Lois said.
Around 8:45, Lois and Clark had finished dinner and were cuddled on the couch with Clark's arms tightly wrapped around Lois, kissing.
"I love you so much," Clark said. "I've missed being able to do this."
"Clark, do I kiss better than Lana?" Lois asked drawing away.
"Oh yeah," Clark said. He leaned in to kiss her more but Lois stood up with her back towards Clark. "Is something wrong sweetheart?"
"Do you think I'm prettier than Lana?" Lois asked.
"Of course I do," Clark answered sounding puzzled.
"Then why did you do it, Clark?" Lois asked. "I mean I know that you've apologized and I forgive you for it, I really do. I just need to know why you did it. Did I do something wrong to make you need to find comfort in the arms of another woman?"
Clark got up off the couch and wrapped his arms around Lois. "Lois what I did was my fault and I swear it meant nothing to me. I guess I just got caught up in the moment with an old flame and I'm so sorry Lois, I really am. But I promise you that it's never going to happen again. I'm going to do whatever it takes to gain your trust back, I promise." Lois turned and faced him with tears in her eyes. "Oh God, Lois, please don't cry. I didn't mean to make you cry, I'm so sorry."
"It just hurt me so much to see you in that position. I never thought you could do that to me," Lois said with her voice shaky. "But I believe you that you will never let it happen again."
"It won't Lois, I swear," Clark promised, kissing Lois.
About an hour later, the two of them headed up to bed and slept the entire night wrapped in the embrace of one another to continue the healing process.
One month later, Lois was now 7 months pregnant and everything that had happened between them was forgotten. They were back to being the couple that never left each other's side.
"Lois, are you ready for lunch?" Clark asked approaching her desk. "I'm starting to get kind of hungry and I was hoping that you would accompany me."
"I'm 7 months pregnant, have you ever known me to turn down food?" she asked.
"I've never known you to turn down food even when you weren't pregnant," Clark joked.
"I have a high metabolism," Lois said. "Before I was pregnant, did I ever seem fat to you?"
"Lois, you had the sexiest body of anyone that I have ever known," Clark told her.
"After I give birth, I intend to get it back," she told him.
"I look so forward to that," Clark said happily. "But I think that your body is sexy, pregnant or not."
"I love you," Lois said wrapping Clark in a hug and giving him a kiss.
"I love you too," Clark told her. They headed out to a small cafe down the street. They both ordered a hamburger and French Fries and Lois ordered a chocolate milkshake to go with it. No sooner had they sat down, did they hear a voice that neither one of them were anxious for.
"Clarkie!" Lana's voice rang out. She pulled up a chair beside them without an invitation. "Lois, you're here too So after you caught Clark and I on the porch kissing passionately, you were still able to take him back? Isn't that — noble of you?"
"Yeah well, you know me. Little Ms. Noble," Lois said faking a smile.
"Lana, I don't want to be rude but we would really like to be together, alone," Clark said.
"Lois, you don't mind if Clark and I eat together do you?" Lana asked, not picking up on Clark's subtlety.
"No Lana, Lois and I would like to eat alone, together," Clark said.
"Oh, sure, Superman — oops! Did I let that slip? I'm sorry, I meant Clark," she said. Clark turned beet red as Lana left the cafe.
"Clark, how does she know about that?" Lois asked.
"That day that we had our fight she picked up on it when I mentioned the emergency and you said you couldn't believe after all you'd done for me—carrying my child, covering for me—that I would repay you like that," Clark answered.
"Clark, I am so sorry!" Lois gasped in horror. "I got mad and I let your secret out. What if she does something to you or to our baby now?! Clark, this is all my fault!"
"No Lois, there's no need to point fingers because as long as she doesn't carry out some stupid plan, we have nothing to worry about. Now, one more person knows my secret than what I would like but it's really no big deal."
Around 3:30, Lois and Clark decided to head home. It was Friday and they always tried to go home early on Friday if they could.
"Ohhh, I can't wait to get home and put my feet up and do absolutely nothing," Lois said, smiling at the thought.
"That sounds good to me too," Clark agreed. They arrived home a short time later and changed out of their work clothes into something more comfortable and sat on the couch together, putting their feet up.
"Maybe you could even give me one of your 'super' back rubs?" Lois suggested giving him a look that she knew was irresistible to him.
"Lois, you know that look is like Kryptonite to me, don't you? I can't resist anything when you look at me like that," Clark said.
"Why do you think I do it?" Lois asked. She wrapped Clark's arms around her body and snuggled close to his face kissing his lips and his neck. "Will you please rub my back? It's killing me."
"Turn around." Lois turned around and Clark rubbed her back.
"Oh that feels good," Lois said.
That night around 10:45, Lois went upstairs to soak in a warm bath. Ever since she had become really pregnant, she had soaked every night to relieve the tension in her muscles. When she got out, she put on a t-shirt and some wind shorts and went back downstairs to find Clark. He had fallen asleep on the couch.
"Clark?" Lois whispered. He stirred slightly. "Clark?" she whispered a bit louder. He opened his eyes and smiled as soon as he saw her. "Could you not wait for me to get back before falling asleep?"
"I tried, but I was laying down, it was dark, the house was silent and I was out like a light," he said.
"Well are you ready to go upstairs?" Lois asked.
"Sure," Clark said. He sat up and yawned and stretched and pulled Lois down in his lap.
"Auughh!" she screamed laughing. "Did you get your energy back all of the sudden?"
"Seeing your face always re-energizes me," Clark said kissing her. "OK you can get up now. I think that I'm losing all the feeling in my legs," he teased. Lois gasped.
"You are so rude to me!" she said standing up. "Maybe I don't want you in bed with me tonight."
"You don't?" Clark asked standing up as well. He wrapped Lois in his arms and gave her a deep, passionate kiss. "Do you still not want me upstairs in bed with you?"
"No, now I don't want anything else except for you to be in bed with me," Lois said pulling him along.
About halfway up the stairs, Clark started getting sluggish and slowing down.
"Clark, are you really that tired? Come on, what's wrong with you?" Lois asked. By that time, Clark couldn't walk anymore and lost his footing, falling down the stairs. Lois watched in horror and raced down to see if he was OK. "Clark! Oh my God, what happened? Are you OK?"
"Ohhh! Lois, there's gotta be some Kryptonite around here somewhere," he said.
"Very smart of you Clarkie," Lana's voice said coming from downstairs. She had a chunk of green glowing Kryptonite in her hand.
"Ohhh! Go away!" Clark said trying to scoot away from it. Lois held his hand and he squeezed it in pain.
"Lana, what are you doing?" Lois asked.
"You know Lois, I thought that I had done it. I thought I succeeded," Lana said. "I hooked up with Clark and we shared a kiss and it worked out perfectly that you drove up right in the middle of it. I thought he was finally going to be single again and on the market. I didn't plan on you, the fiery-tempered reporter, to forgive him and take him back. So I guess you could call what I'm doing now, sweet revenge. Oh, and I really want to thank you for getting so mad at Clark that you accidentally let his secret slip. If you hadn't, I wouldn't be able to hurt him."
"Why him?" Lois asked. "If you love him and want to get your revenge, it doesn't make sense to hurt him and not me."
"Don't worry, I don't want to leave you out in the cold," Lana said. "I've got an assistant to help take care of you. Come on out!" she called to an unknown source. Maxwell Deter walked out.
"Lana needed a person that didn't mind getting back at Lois," Max said. "I was so in love with Lois when she walked into my office so I tried keeping Clark away from her as much as possible but her memory told her that she loved someone else. I'm not good at taking no for an answer so I'm taking my revenge and it will be sweet."
"Max, you're sick," Lois said.
"Well you know I may be sick but I'm a man with a plan," Max announced. "Come on Lois, we need to be in private to do this."
"Do what?" Lois asked wearily.
"Sleep together," Max said.
"Never!" Lois screamed.
"Over my dead body," Clark groaned getting up. Lois rushed to his side and he heavily leaned on her.
"Clark, you don't have much longer until that comes true," Lana said walking over to him. She walked past him and touched him with it.
"Ohhh!" Clark yelled losing his footing. Lois helped to keep him standing.
"Come on Lois, it's time for us now," Max said pulling Lois by the arm.
"I'll stay down here and make sure that Clark dies," Lana said nonchalantly.
"No, Clark!" Lois cried. She did her best to use her body weight to keep Max from taking her.
"Lois come on!" Max yelled.
"Max you're hurting me! Please let go of me!" Lois begged. Clark couldn't bear to see anything happen to his wife. He used his superbreath to blow the Kryptonite out of Lana's hand. Then he used his heat vision to give Max a slight burn on his hand.
"Ow!" Max yelled releasing Lois. Clark rushed to scoop up Max and Lana and then flew out the window to put them in jail. Lois quickly picked up the Kryptonite and hid it in a lead box that they that they kept on hand for moments like these until they could turn it over to S.T.A.R. Labs. Clark returned a few minutes later and collapsed on the couch.
"Sweetie, are you OK?" Lois asked sitting by his side. "How were you able to do that? That was a big piece of Kryptonite."
"I told you Lois that whenever I see your face, I get my energy back," Clark said. "And when I heard what Max wanted to do to you, I couldn't just lay back and die."
"I'm glad you didn't," Lois said kissing him. "Will you be OK going upstairs to bed with me?"
"I want to go upstairs with you," Clark said. "But do you think you could give me a shoulder to lean on just for support? It really hurt flying with people in my arms. I'll be gentle, I don't want to hurt you or the baby."
"You lean on me all you need to," Lois said. "You won't hurt me or our baby, I promise." Lois helped him up and he wrapped his arm around her shoulders. She helped him to bed and lay down with him. "Are you OK now?"
"Yeah," Clark answered. "I just need to sleep it off."
"If you need anything during the night, just wake me up," Lois said.
Two months later it was the middle of June and beautiful weather outside. Lois had finally entered her ninth month of pregnancy and had grown very big, counting down the days until she was able to give birth. After a long day of work, Lois and Clark headed home to pack. Clark's 15th high school reunion was the next night and they were driving down to Smallville that night. Lois refused to let Clark fly her anywhere since it had been so hard for them to get pregnant and they didn't know how a Kryptonian baby would react to flying. She didn't want to chance losing a baby that they had already become so in love with and wouldn't even fly by plane.
"So how was the baby today?" Clark asked as they drove home. "I didn't get a chance to ask but you looked tired today."
"I was very tired," Lois said leaning her head against the headrest. "Our little boy didn't give me much of a chance to rest today. When I have a busy day, he has a busy day. He was kicking non-stop."
"I'm sorry," Clark said. "Is it labor?"
"No it's just excitement," Lois said.
"Well if you don't feel up to making the long drive to Kansas, we don't have to go," Clark said. "None of those people at Smallville High matter to me as much as you do."
"Is Lana going to be there?" Lois asked.
"Heck no, that psychopath is still in jail where she belongs," Clark said. "Why?"
"Well that was going to be part of my deciding factor in if I wanted to go or if I was going to let you go," Lois said. It still hurt her to think about Clark and Lana. Clark pulled up in front of their house.
"Lois, I know that that night still hurts to remember but I love you and I promise that I will never do that again with Lana or any other woman," Clark promised.
"I know," Lois said. "That's why I forgave you and took you back. "They got out of the car and walked in the door.
"What do you say that I spend all weekend showing you just how grateful I am that you took me back," Clark suggested wrapping his arms around Lois' body and bringing her in close for a kiss.
"What about your reunion?" Lois asked kissing him back.
"What reunion?"
"Clark, come on, I can't do everything at superspeed," Lois said. She looked down at her very pregnant stomach. "Right now I can't even do most things at normal speed. Now come on, I have to pack."
"All right," Clark said.
They packed up the backseat with their suitcases, and Lois' labor bag just in case something happened on the long 4 hour drive.
After about 2 hours of driving, Clark was getting impatient with the long car ride.
"Lois, I don't have to fly you. I could pick up this car and fly with you in it," Clark said. "But you know how much I hate driving for long periods of time."
"No Clark," Lois said. "The health of our baby is much more important than your patience. Besides, I know how to keep my husband occupied.
"You're going to cause us to have a wreck," Clark said smiling as he continued to drive. The road to Smallville was an untraveled one and they were the only car on the road.
"I need some background noise in the car," Lois said turning on the radio. A newscast came on.
"Lana Lang has escaped from prison," the voice said. "She was last seen on Highway 22 but was able to outrun the police. She is considered a dangerous mentally challenged patient with an obsession with reporter Clark Kent. Police suspect she was on her way to his house and are watching for her carefully. If you have any information about her whereabouts, please contact police immediately."
"Does Lana know about your reunion?" Lois asked.
"Yeah," Clark said. "We've known about this for about six months, way before she came onto me that day. I'll call the police and inform them of that." He took his hand off the steering wheel to dial the police and when he looked up, there was a woman in the middle of the road.
"Clark, look out!" Lois yelled as Clark slammed on the brakes and swerved to miss her. The woman in the middle of the road held out a green rock as Clark completely lost control of the car in pain.
"Have a nice trip Clarkie!" Lana yelled out as Clark ran into a tree.
Lois woke up in a tiny amount of pain. She looked at Clark who was next to her, still unconscious. "Clark?" she asked. She saw a shiny green rock glowing from the floorboard by her feet. She quickly rolled down the window and threw it as far as she could. He immediately started stirring.
"Lois?" he mumbled.
"Clark?" she asked taking his hand. He slowly opened his eyes.
"Oh God, Lois are you OK?" he asked placing his hand on her stomach.
"I don't know Clark," she said.
"What do you mean? Are you in pain, what's wrong?" he asked, worried that there was something wrong with the baby.
"I'm in pain," she said trembling in fear.
"Don't be scared Lois," Clark comforted. "I'm going to get some help right now. He got out of the car and prepared to spin out of his suit but nothing happened. He got back in the car.
"Clark, what happened to your powers?" Lois asked.
"I guess I was exposed to the Kryptonite too long, but don't worry, we'll be OK. Besides-" Clark started scooting closer to Lois and wrapping his arm around her. "-it'll be kind of romantic, just the two of us."
"Ohhh!" Lois groaned. "Hold that thought. It won't be the two of us much longer. Clark, my water just broke. I'm in labor."
"What? Now?" he asked.
"This isn't how I had planned it either," Lois said.
"No, of course not," Clark said. "I'm sorry. Maybe the car still works." He turned the key several times but nothing happened. The car was completely wrecked.
"Clark, what are we going to do?" Lois asked in a panicky voice.
"Well first, you're not going to worry, OK?" Clark said. "That's not good for the baby."
"Try the phone," Lois suggested breathing through her contraction. Clark reached for his cell phone but saw the 'roam' light blinking. They were obviously too far out of the city for the phone to pick up a signal.
"It's dead," Clark said." I can walk to the nearest gas station to get some help. It shouldn't be more than 10 miles or so.
"No! Clark, I'm begging you, please don't leave my side," Lois pleaded. "I need you."
"Sweetheart, everything's going to be OK," Clark said. "I won't leave your side, I promise. What if I get in the very back and fix you a nice warm bed with blankets and pillows?"
"Yeah, that sounds good," she panted as the contraction ended. Clark jumped in the back and folded down the backseat to give Lois a good sized place to lay. Luckily, their Jeep was very spacious. Then Clark padded it down with two blankets and propped up some pillows for her. He also threw their suitcases in the front seat of the car.
"OK Lois, it's all ready for you," he said going to her side of the car and helping her into the backseat. "Are you going to be OK?"
"I'm sure I'll be fine with my sexy husband who won't leave my side, right?" she said.
"How am I going to go anywhere?" Clark asked. "Now you know what it's like to be married to a normal guy. You always said you wondered what that would be like."
"But I never wanted to test that when we're stuck in our car, wrecked into a tree and I'm in — labor!" Lois groaned as her contraction started back up. "Ohhh!"
"Hey just breathe through it," Clark said rubbing her back comfortingly. She leaned her head on his chest and he held her close. "I'm here for you sweetie." She looked up at him.
"You don't happen to know how long a Kryptonian birth takes do you?" Lois asked.
"No, why?" Clark asked. "Is the baby coming?"
"I wish," Lois said. "I want this to be over with." She grabbed his hand and squeezed it in pain.
"It just started less than ten minutes ago," Clark said.
"You had to remind me," Lois said as it ended. "That's much better."
"Good," Clark said. "How are you holding up?"
"I'm hanging in there," Lois said. "Clark, how long do you think it will be before you get your powers back?"
"I don't know," Clark said. "Why? Are you OK?"
"Yeah, but we need to get some clothes for the baby. Babies get extremely cold and even though it's pleasant outside to us, after coming straight out of the warmth of my womb, this weather would be too much of a shock for a little baby."
"Lois, don't worry," Clark said. "Even if I don't have my powers back yet, we're not going to let anything happen to this baby. We worked too hard to get to this point in our life and nothing will ruin this moment. We both love this baby way too much."
"Why does this baby have to cause me so much pain then?" Lois asked leaning against the window as her contraction started. Clark sat close to her and wrapped his arm around her shoulders.
"I'm so sorry," he said.
"Ohhh!" she groaned.
"Lois, do you need me to do anything for you?" Clark asked kissing the top of her head. Lois squeezed Clark's hand as the pain intensified. She breathed in effort to reduce the pain.
"Rub my back, please?" she begged with obvious pain in her eyes.
"Sure thing," Clark said. He reached his arm to her back and started rubbing it soothingly.
"Ohhh, that feels good," Lois said leaning forward some. "Clark, I want to get out and walk around. Everything's cramping and I really need to."
"Sure sweetheart," Clark said opening the side door of their Jeep so he could crawl out. He helped Lois to the edge and also helped her out. It was a big space from the seat to the ground so Clark gave Lois some help to make sure she didn't land too hard.
"Oh that feels so much better," Lois said. "Do you think anyone will ever find us?"
"Oh yeah, my parents will go out looking for us in a few hours. We should have been there in about another hour and they knew we were driving down. They'll worry and come looking for us," Clark said.
"I just hope that they can find us though," Lois said.
"Lois, don't worry," Clark said. "Just because I don't have any powers doesn't mean that I won't make sure that you'll stay safe."
"Clark, it's not my safety that I'm concerned about. It's delivering a baby. I'm so scared. I know that you know how to deliver a baby but I don't know a thing about what I'm doing or what's going on inside of me," Lois confessed.
"Lois, all you have to do is whatever feels natural to your body," Clark said.
"For the longest time, I didn't want to get married and I especially never wanted to have children. Ohhh!" Lois groaned as the next contraction started. "Now I know why." She breathed heavily in failing effort to reduce the pain. "Clark! This is agony!" She turned away from him, trying to walk, hunching over in pain.
"Lois, I'm here for you to support you," Clark reminded her, getting in front of her. "Come on sweetheart, lean on me." He offered her his hand which she gratefully took hold of and straightened up, grabbing a hold of his strong shoulders.
"Mmmmm!" came a muffled cry from Lois as she buried her head in Clark's shirt.
"You're doing fine Lois," Clark soothed running his hands through her hair. "I love you so much, you're so strong."
"Ohhhh," Lois moaned as the contraction started ending. "Oh my God, that one was pure torture. "Can we go back to the car? I don't think I can handle this much more."
"Sure," Clark said.
"Maybe we can open the back and sit on the edge and halfway enjoy today," Lois suggested.
"That sounds like an excellent idea," Clark said helping Lois back to the car, opening the back end of the car. "Can you make it up here?"
"If you can help," Lois said. With Clark's help, Lois was able to hoist herself on the end of their Jeep. Clark wrapped an arm around Lois and she snuggled into it. "Even without powers, you're still muscular and have a great body."
"It's not my powers that make me look so darn good," Clark said. "That part's just natural." He rested his free hand on her stomach. "I can't wait until our baby finally arrives."
"I wish I would be as good of a mother as you will be a father," Lois said resting her hand on top of Clark's.
"What are you talking about?" Clark asked. "You'll be a great mother. You're a loving person who's sweet and caring."
"But I've never been around little kids," she said. "I didn't even have two parents that loved each other, and I'm afraid that those behaviors will take over my personality and I'll become my mother."
"Lois, you are not your mother," Clark told her. "You're Lois Lane Kent, world's best reporter, world's best wife, world's most caring and generous woman, not to mention the sexiest. You're a wonderful person Lois, and being a mother will come natural to you. Besides, you've been so careful during your pregnancy not to let me fly you and I know how much you love flying with me and when you went into premature labor, you were so worried about the baby. Someone who didn't care wouldn't be so cautious. Your maternal instincts have already started showing through."
"I love you," Lois said kissing Clark. She immediately pulled away when the pain of her next contraction started. "Ohhh, not again." She squeezed Clark's hand only Clark wasn't paying as much attention. He was concentrating on someone lurking about in the bushes.
"Sweetheart, will you be OK if I leave you for just half a second? I promise it won't take long," Clark said. "But this is something that has to be done."
"What? What are you doing?" Lois asked.
"Lana's over there in the bushes," Clark whispered in her ear. "I'm going to take care of her once and for all."
"How? Your powers?" Lois questioned. "Ohhh!"
"I must have them back," Clark said. "I wouldn't have been able to hear her if I didn't."
"Yes please go take care of her," Lois said. "Just as long as you don't end up wrapped in her embrace."
"Trust me, that's not the way I'm planning on taking care of her," Clark said spinning into Superman. He zoomed to Lana and zoomed back with a smushed gun in his hands.
"Clark? Where did the gun come from?" Lois asked, scared of the answer.
"It seems that our best friend Lana was hitch hiking to Smallville when she saw us driving and ran us off the road with the Kryptonite but lost it. Then she didn't realize that I had already gotten my powers back and was going to try to take out the Kent family once and for all," Superman answered.
"That heartless little -!
"Lois," Superman stopped her before she could let something slip. "Are you OK? Is your contraction coming to an end?"
"Yeah, you're going to take her to jail, right?" Lois asked.
"Yes I am and I'll be back in about 30 seconds or less," Superman promised.
"I'll wait for you," Lois said. Superman sped her off to jail and kept his promise, returning as soon as possible only to find Lois crying. He quickly spun back into Clark and wrapped her in his arms.
"Lois, honey, what's wrong? Are you OK?" Clark asked.
"Clark, it all just hit me," Lois said. "Lana would have killed the two of us and our unborn baby if you hadn't gotten your powers back."
"But Lois, I did get my powers back and obviously our guardian angel kept the three of us alive for a very important reason and all we can do is live up to their standards and never forget it a day in our lives," Clark comforted. "And now that I have my powers back, what if I took you somewhere to have our baby."
"Maybe you should fly me to the hospital," Lois suggested finally giving in. "I'm so tired and I'm in so much pain."
"I don't know that the hospital would be the best choice," Clark said. "The only one in Smallville is on fire."
"How do you know?" Lois asked rubbing her stomach.
"I saw it on my way back from the prison," Clark answered.
"And you didn't stop?" Lois asked knowing his reason for it. "I'm touched Clark, I know how much you hate not helping when you can. Thank you." Lois put her hand to his cheek.
"Lois, I do like helping people but you need me more and I knew that there were firemen and police and everyone was out of the hospital and it was a small fire. It wasn't out of control. But if I ever have to choose between helping you or a hundred strangers, I will choose you every time," Clark told her. "So where's your second choice to go to have a baby?"
"Your mother knows how to deliver a baby, right?" Lois asked.
"Yeah, she became a trained midwife when she found out that they couldn't have children of their own," Clark said. She's delivered about 150 babies in the past year. "You want me to take you to them so Mom can deliver the baby?"
"But you have to promise me you will fly slow," Lois warned. "I wouldn't let you fly if I weren't worried about the health of our baby. I don't want him to be born without any medical help and I don't want you to have to fly him to the hospital, he would be too little. Ohhhh!" Lois groaned. "I wish he felt little right now."
"Do you want me to take you now?" Clark asked as Lois squeezed his hand.
"No, I can't make it during a contraction," Lois panted. "Ohhh, Clark!"
"Shhh sweetheart," Clark soothed. He started rubbing her shoulders and back to help ease the pain in any way possible. "Can I do something for you to help?"
"Don't touch me!" Lois screamed in pain. "This is your fault!"
"Lois, I'm sorry -"
"Don't talk, don't touch me, don't sit near me!" she yelled as her contraction increased. She easily stepped down from the edge of the Jeep and walked herself around the side of the car until she was leaning heavily on it in pain. Clark got down and walked into Lois' line of vision. "Clark -" she said reaching out to him as he rushed to her side. She breathed heavily as the pain slowly started subsiding. "Clark, I'm sorry — ohhh! It's not over!"
"Should I walk away?" Clark asked wanting to avoid Lois' mood swing.
"No!" Lois yelled grabbing his arm. She waited it out before continuing. "Ohhh, ohhhh, it's over. Finally. Clark, I want to apologize. I didn't mean any of the things that I said to you. I love you so much and I'm not trying to blame you for anything. I feel so blessed that we're finally having a child. Besides that, women have been having babies for centuries and if they can handle it, so can I. I'm sorry for snapping."
"Don't apologize Lois," Clark said. "It was only a matter of time before I figured that you would lose your temper with me. Are you going to be OK flying now?"
"Yeah, I'm ready to go," Lois said. "But remember, don't go too fast."
"I won't, I promise," Clark said. He spun into Superman and gingerly picked up Lois and slowly flew her to the doorstep of his parents' house.
"Lois! Clark!" Martha and Jonathan greeted.
"Clark, you had us so worried," Martha scolded. "You two were supposed to be down here 5 hours ago. Why didn't you call?"
"Son, I thought you were driving down here," Jonathan said.
"Follow me while we talk," Superman said carrying Lois upstairs to the bedroom. "We were driving and Lana was standing in the middle of the road with Kryptonite and I lost complete control of the car. When I came to, I had no powers and shortly after, Lois went into labor. Mom, can you help us out?" Superman asked putting Lois down and helping her lay down.
"Sure," Martha said. "Are you OK sweetheart?"
"I've been better," Lois replied tiredly.
"I'm going to fly the car back very quickly. We should have a few minutes before Lois' next contraction. I'll be right back sweetheart," Superman said kissing Lois. He flew back to get the car and took it to the farm, only to return 30 seconds later. Superman spun back into Clark and took a big nightshirt up to Lois for her to wear. Martha and Jonathan left the room while Clark helped Lois change.
"Clark, how much longer do you think it will take?" Lois asked.
"I don't know honey," Clark said. "Can I let my parents back in here?"
"Yeah," Lois said. Clark told his parents that they could come back in but Jonathan opted to stay downstairs.
"I'll make tea or something," he said going downstairs.
"Men are such wimps," Martha said.
"Not all of us," Clark chimed in.
"Oh Clark, that's not true and you know it," Martha said. "Lois, there was this one time when Clark was about 16 and hadn't developed any powers yet, when I cut my hand when chopping tomatoes and it was bleeding but not very much but Clark almost fainted."
"Superman can't handle a little blood?" Lois giggled. "Ohhhh!" she cried out as her contraction started. Martha checked her dilation before coming to the conclusion that Lois had waited almost 10 hours to hear.
"Lois, you're ready to push!" Martha said excitedly. "Come on, push!" Lois put her chin on her chest and pushed.
"Auuughhh!" she screamed. She pushed for a count of 10 before flopping back against Clark's strong chest.
"Come on Lois, push again!" Martha encouraged.
"You can do it honey," Clark said. Lois pushed for another count of 10.
"He's almost out Lois, one more time!"
"Ohhhhhh!" came another scream of pain from Lois.
"Come on sweetie, the head's almost out," Martha told her.
"Auuuggghhh!" she yelled again as she pushed for a count of 10.
"…9, 10.." Clark counted. "Come on Lois!"
After pushing for over 30 minutes, the baby still hadn't arrived and Lois was tiring very quickly.
"Martha, why won't my son come out?" Lois asked.
"Lois, you have to push just one more time," Martha encouraged. "This baby is almost out and then you will be a mommy. And Clark will be a daddy. Come on sweetheart, you can do it! Push!"
Lois pushed with all her might and felt the baby slide down and immediately stop, right in between her legs. There was severe burning where the baby was.
"Oh God please get it out!" Lois cried in agony. Clark grabbed her hand and kissed her head.
"Shh sweetheart," he soothed. "I wish I could take away your pain Lois, I really do."
"Lois, the baby can't fit through your pelvis so we're going to get you into a position where the baby can fit through easier. Give me a minute." Martha went and put a towel on the small table in the bedroom that was about 3 feet off the ground. Clark continued to comfort Lois as she cried softly from the pain, and he wrapped her in his arms.
"I love you so much Lois," Clark said.
"Clark, help her over here," Martha instructed. Clark got off the bed and helped Lois stand up.
"Come on sweetheart," he said. Lois gave him her hand and he gingerly helped her up. She wrapped her arms around his neck and he helped her walk to where Martha was.
"Lois, sometimes sitting up will open your pelvis to give the baby a better fit," Martha said. "This should work."
"Ohhh!" Lois screamed as her next contraction hit.
"OK, Lois, are you ready?" Martha asked. "Give us a nice, big push!"
"Ohhhhh!" Lois screamed as she pushed. She squeezed Clark's hand.
"You can do it Lois!" Clark encouaged.
"Lois, it's working, the baby is coming out!" Martha said excitedly. "One more push!"
"Auuughhh!" Lois screamed.
"Lois, you did it!" Martha said as Lois felt the baby slide out from between her legs. She cleaned the mucus out of the baby's nose and mouth as he let out a cry. She held him up. Lois gasped.
"He's beautiful," she cooed.
"Like his mother," Clark told her. "I'm so proud of you Lois." He kissed her. Martha had him cut the cord.
"Martha, can I hold him?" Lois asked.
"Of course," Martha said. "But you better get back on the bed. You can't overexert yourself 30 seconds after giving birth. Clark, maybe you should carry her."
"Please do, Clark," Lois agreed.
"Sure," Clark said. "You should feel lucky that you married Superman now."
"I feel lucky because now we have a son," Lois said as Clark put her on the bed. Clark went back and carried the baby to Lois.
"He's so light," Clark said placing him gently in Lois' arms.
"He sure is," she said. "Martha, maybe you should get the new Grandpa up here now that everything's clean."
"Good idea," Martha said. "We'll be up in a few minutes actually. We'll give the new family some privacy." She left the room and shut the door.
"Lois, I'm so proud of you," Clark said. "You've endured so much pain in these past several hours just to bless us with a precious little boy. I love you."
"I love you too Clark," Lois said as tears of joy streamed down her face. "I could look at his face all day."
"I know someone else whose face I could look at all day," Clark said kissing Lois' cheek. "So, what should his name be?"
"I don't know," Lois said. "We never thought about it much."
"What about…" Clark thought aloud.
"What about Lucas?" Lois asked. "That's cute. Lucas Ryan Kent."
"I like it," Clark said. "Hi Luke. I'm Daddy." Luke responded with a coo of happiness.
"I think he loves his daddy," Lois said.
"Not as much as his mommy," Clark said.
"He has to love me," Lois said. "I'm his source of food."
"He loves you because you love him," Clark said. "The main thing that babies need is plenty of love."
"He can be sure that he will get it," Lois said kissing the top of her baby's head.
That night, Martha didn't want Lois or the baby making the flight back to Metropolis so Clark flew their car home and returned with the bassinet, diapers, clothes, bottles, and some stuffed animals and other baby necessities.
"Lois, is there anything else that we need for Luke?" Clark asked when he arrived with an armload of stuff.
"I think that's it sweetheart, thanks," Lois said. She had gotten out of bed and was holding Lucas.
"Do you mind if I take him from you?" Clark asked.
"No not at all," Lois said carefully handing the baby to him. Clark cradled him like a breakable piece of china.
"Hi Son," Clark said. "Look at what you've done for me and Mommy. You made all our wishes come true by entering this world. You made me a daddy and I promise that I won't let you down. I'll be the best daddy ever." Lucas smiled and then yawned.
"Oh goodness," Lois said in a baby voice. "Our big boy's so tired. Now that your bed is here, maybe we should put you to bed sweetheart." He started fussing.
"Go to Mommy when you're crying," Clark said handing him back to Lois.
"Thanks," Lois said sarcastically. She sat down in a rocking chair in the room where they would be sleeping and breastfed the baby. He fell asleep almost immediately. "He hasn't even been out in the world for 6 hours and he's already sleeping again. I've barely gotten to spend time with him his first day of life and I already have to separate from him." She laid him down gently in the bassinet.
"I told you that you would be a good mother," Clark whispered. "Only good mothers want to stay with their babies all the time." They snuck downstairs.
"Oh Clark! I forgot to turn the baby monitor on," Lois said turning to go back in his room.
"Lois, don't go in there, you'll wake him up," Clark said. "I promise, I'll keep an ear out for him." Lois smiled warmly at him as the two went downstairs and sat on the couch.
"How's Lucas?" Jonathan asked. "Were you able to get him asleep OK?"
"The poor little baby is…sleeping like a baby," Lois said. "Martha, I really want to thank you for everything you did for me today. Now that I've seen my precious little boy, I don't know what I would have done if something had happened to him. Without you and Jonathan and Clark, there is no way that I could have gotten through that."
"Lois, we're always happy to help," Martha said. "Especially when it results in our first grandchild."
About 30 minutes later, Lois had fallen asleep in Clark's lap and he gently shook her to take her up to bed.
"Sweetheart, are you ready to go upstairs for bed?" he whispered.
"Yeah," she yawned. "I'm sorry."
"I forgive you," Clark said. "You had a hard day."
"You can say that again," Lois said as they snuck into their room. Lois peeked in at Luke, who was still snuggled up and sleeping peacefully. "Every second of the pain that I was feeling was worth it though. And I would go through it all over again if it results in this perfect little boy." Clark came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her, kissing her neck.
"I love you," he said. "Thanks for making me the luckiest man in the world. I have a beautiful wife and a beautiful son and it's all because of you. And think of how close I came to losing you and everything important in this world."
"But you didn't," Lois said. "I love you so much." She turned around and kissed him. "I'm going to get ready for bed now because I am dead tired." They got ready for bed, only to be awakened their son two hours later.
"Lois, I think the baby wants you," Clark mumbled in his sleep.
"Don't get up Clark, I've got it," Lois said getting up. She walked over to Lucas. "Hi sweetie. Mommy's here and she'll make everything all better." She picked him up and felt to see if he was dirty. "Should Mommy change your diaper anyways?" Lucas continued fussing. "OK, I'll change you into a nice, clean, diaper." She put him on the changing table and changed his diaper. She sat down in the rocking chair and fed him. Clark woke up and walked over to them.
"I'm sorry Lois, I should have gotten up to help you out," he apologized.
"Don't worry about it Clark," Lois said. "Luke and I are bonding. Clark, you were so right. Now that I've got my little baby in my arms, everything is so natural to me. Being a mother is the greatest experience of my life and I feel like my life is complete. I've got a sexy husband, a wonderful career, and now a son. I love you Clark."
"I love you too Lois," Clark said bending down to give her a kiss.
THE END