By Sheila <ethanseth@msn.com>
Rated: G
Submitted: September 2005
Summary: So, Lois should get married to keep the Prankster away from her? Well, who'd want to marry her? A cute vignette from a new author.
***
"So, Clark, what you're saying is that if I were married, Kyle Griffin would not be…making my life miserable," Lois said as she and Clark walked along the streets of downtown Metropolis.
"Well…Lois…well…yes, yes, that's what I'm saying," Clark responded with that dreamy look that he usually got when he looked at Lois. He very easily got caught up in his thoughts about how much and how long he had been in love with Lois. He had even told her in the park one day before her attempted marriage to Lex Luthor. She had rejected him and hurt him worse than Kryptonite ever could. After her failed wedding to Lex Luthor, outside the Daily Planet Clark had recanted his expression of love to Lois. He had since wondered if it was the right thing to do, because he still so desperately loved her. He had decided that, at the time, Lois didn't need any more stress in her life and he wanted her to be comfortable with him and to be his best friend again.
Clark was very quickly drawn from his buried memories by Lois' soprano tirade.
With accenting hand gestures, Lois growled, "Clark, that is just ridiculous! I'm not going to search for someone to…marry…just because Kyle Griffin creeps me out!"
"It's going to be a long day," Clark mumbled as he jogged to catch up with Lois in her fast angry pace.
"Lois, all I'm saying is that, if you were married, Kyle Griffin would think twice about pulling pranks on you. I think the image of having a male figure around all the time would make him back off. And I also think he has a thing for you and being married would make you off limits. That's all I'm saying," Clark almost pleaded to Lois.
"Clark, first of all I don't need a man to protect me! Second, I know you mean well, but you just make it seem like I can just walk up to someone and say, "Hey, marry me to keep the Prankster away from me." Talk about thinking I've lost my mind. If I walked up to you and said that, what would you think?" Lois shouted.
No sooner than the question was out of her mouth, Lois regretted asking it. She knew or at least had a strong suspicion that Clark was in love with her even though he had denied it that fateful day outside of the Daily Planet. And if she were honest with herself, well, they were best friends…and…well…nothing. Her past relationships had been federal disasters and she didn't want to mix romance with the best friend she ever had and get a nuclear holocaust. And she just didn't feel that way about him, or so she tried to convince herself.
Clark must have sensed that Lois hadn't meant for that question to be verbalized, because he hesitated, looking down at his feet, stuffing his hands in his pockets, almost rehearsing his answer. Oh, he knew her so well.
"Lois, I think that most men would jump at any reason to marry you. You're smart, beautiful and many other things. No, I would not think you lost your mind. You really wouldn't have to give me a reason. Just say that you love me as much as I love you."
Lois and Clark made eye contact briefly. Clark looked away first after a few seconds. He could see in her eyes that she was not very comfortable with what she was hearing from him.
Lois looked down after Clark looked away from her. She could see the hurt in his eyes. She knew that he knew that she did not feel the same way about him as he did her. Clark was the first to turn and resume walking. He very carefully did not broach the subject again.
Though Clark avoided the subject, Lois could tell that he was still thinking, probably about how she had hurt him again. Lois continued to think about it and actually ponder the idea.
It was six o'clock at the Planet already, and the dream team had just called it a day.
Clark had been preoccupied all day about his and Lois' discussion. Why couldn't she see his love for her? She would probably cling to someone else, eventually, if Kyle continued to scare her. But he did have one thing that no other person had and that was Lois' friendship and trust.
"Lois, are you ready? Want me to see you home? I can grab some takeou…"
Lois felt the need to go home alone and think. This whole fiasco had thrown her off base and she needed to sort things out. There seemed to be a tiny bit of something that seemed to be surfacing for Clark.
"No, Clark," Lois said solemnly. I'm okay. Really, I can take care of myself. But thank you for looking out for me. Thank you for asking."
"Okay, if you're sure," Clark responded, holding Lois' coat for her to put her arms in. "I'm here…if you need me, okay," he very softly assured Lois as he gently touched her cheek in that way that only he could.
"Goodnight, Clark."
"See you tomorrow, Lois." Clark watched Lois as she got into the elevator and the door closed her from his human view.
Clark sat watching an NBA game between the Bulls and the Lakers when a knock came from his door. His x-ray vision told him that it was the only person in all of Metropolis who had no reservations about coming over at any time of day or night. Clark got up and opened the door.
"Lois, what are you doing here? It's after ten. Are you okay?" he asked with concern in his voice.
"I was…was wondering…do you mind if I…if I…"
"Stay here tonight…sure…come in." Clark stepped aside to allow Lois in. "Is everything okay? Did something happen?"
"No…I'm just…I'm just a little…" Lois started as her voice began to crack.
Clark hugged her to his chest. "It's okay, Lois. I wont let anything happen to you."
Clark gently grabbed her hand and led her to the couch to sit. They sat and made brief eye contact. In that brief moment, Lois saw a kaleidoscope of emotions pass through Clark's eyes. She quickly looked away to gain control.
"Clark, remember today when you said that all I had to do was to tell you that I love you as much as you love me?" Lois asked, with uncertainty in her voice.
"Yeah…but, Lois…"
"No, wait, let me finish…before I lose my nerve. What if I told you that I am in…in love with you? I don't know if I have as much love as you do, but I want to share what I do feel with you," Lois said with tears shimmering in her eyes.
This all caught Clark off guard. All he could do was look at Lois with so much love in his eyes. But Lois took his hesitation as rejection.
"You know what, Clark, never mind, just forget it. I guess I had my chances, and I…" Lois snapped as she got up and headed for the door.
"Lois, honey, no. Please, stay. I just don't know what to say. I love you so much and I have waited for so long to hear you say that." Clark stood to gather Lois in his arms. He lead her back over to the couch and they sat.
"Lois, what would you say if I asked you to marry me? I know that it's sort of sudden, but I would make sure that Kyle Griffin never bothered you again."
"Would you be asking so that you could protect me?" Lois asked, looking disappointed.
"No. Do you have to ask? I would be asking because my selfish self is so in love with you and I want you all to myself." Clark got down on one knee. "So…what would you say?"
"Ask and find out," Lois whispered back.
"Lois, I love you with all of my heart. I cannot imagine life without you. There are so many things that I want to share with you. I see children with little dark heads and feisty personalities." Clark had to smile to himself as he imagined a miniature Lois running around. "All I've dreamed about for so long was your beautiful face being the last thing I looked at as I fell asleep and the first thing I saw when I awakened every morning. Will you marry me, sweetheart?"
"Oh, Clark…" Lois started with tears in her eyes. "…yes, yes, I'll marry you."
Clark gathered Lois in his arms and hugged her like he would never get the chance again. Then he reluctantly released her, looked down into her dark pools and very slowly lowered his lips to hers. The kiss made enough electricity to light a transformer.
When Lois finally broke the kiss, due to a lack of air, she looked up at Clark with love in her eyes and whispered, "Love me, Clark…please, make love to me."
Clark looked in her eyes and responded, "Please, stay with me. Not just tonight. I need you, honey," as he picked her up and carried her off to his bed.
Finale…