Title: Unborn
Series: Lois & Clark
Author: Singing Violin
Rating: K+
Summary: After the honeymoon and before the series finale, Clark makes a choice that isn't really his to make.
Disclaimer: They're not mine, but sure have they been used a lot! I'd like to get in on the game, though of course, not for profit, because then it'd be illegal!
Feedback: Please, and yes I understand it's a touchy subject. Otherwise it wouldn't be interesting to write about.
Archiving: Anywhere.

She was so peaceful, lying there. His eyes took her in, like the breath of life. His Lois. Until death do us part, he thought. It was time to find out whose death that referred to. His hand traveled unconsciously to the side of her face, where his thumb caressed her cheek. It was the same gesture that not so long ago had led her to realize that he, Clark Kent, was Superman. He loved this woman so much, and yet he was about to do something that could cause him to lose her. Though if he didn't, he'd lose her anyway. At least this way, she'd live, and he could cherish her from afar.

He took the leaden box and gently opened it. The green glow bathed his beloved in an eerie light. He cringed as the radiation hurt him, but he kept the box open until he couldn't stand it any longer. He hoped it would be enough.

Quickly he closed the case and sat down for a moment to recover. Lois stirred in her sleep. The urgency was palpable and he flew out to return the rock to Star Labs before she could catch him. He knew she was going to need him soon, one way or another, and he planned to be there until the truth came out and she rejected him forever.

When he returned, she was wide awake, and the bed was covered in blood. Tears streamed down her cheeks. "Clark," she sobbed, "what's happening?"

In an instant he was at her side, and she was in his arms. "Shh," he soothed, "it's going to be all right. I think..." he hesitated, "you had a miscarriage."

Through her sobs, anger rose within her, "it's not all right, Clark! It'll never be all right! We just lost our child! Where were you?"

"An earthquake in Japan," he lied. Holding her tightly, he squeezed his eyes shut, savoring what might be one of the last moments he would have to touch her. She sobbed uncontrollably against his chest.

Suddenly she pushed him away. "Clark...I don't feel so good." Her eyes rolled back into her head, and Clark was glad he hadn't changed out of his costume, because in this instance, he didn't know if he'd have had the resolution to take even half a second to change before flying her to the hospital.

Please, Lois, he thought. Please live. The image of Lois in the bed, covered in blood, was forever burned into his mind. He prayed that it wouldn't be the last memory he had of her.

TWO WEEKS EARLIER

As usual, Lois was madly typing out a story. Clark slyly eyed her, treasuring the view of his wife...his wife...at work. It wasn't much different from before they were married, but it felt like a world of difference. He smiled as he watched her.

Suddenly she stopped typing, and turned pale. Clark rushed over to her, putting a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

"Lois, what's wrong? Are you all right?" he asked.

Her arm hugged her belly. She looked down, then up at her husband with wide eyes. "It hurts," she whispered.

"Let's get you to the hospital."

She shook her head. "Star Labs."

Clark panicked, but escorted her into the elevator. When the doors closed, and they were alone, he asked, "why?"

"Clark," she admitted. "I'm pregnant."

"You're what!" he bogged. "That's impossible, Dr. Klein said I couldn't...unless..."

"It's yours, Clark. I wanted to tell you, but I was afraid you'd worry. I also wanted to make sure...I didn't want to tell you too early, because I didn't want you to be disappointed if..." Her voice trailed off.

The elevator had arrived at the ground floor, and, with his arm around her waist, he hurried to the revolving door. As soon as they were outside, he commanded, "stay here, I'll be right back." Seconds later, he returned as Superman, took her in his arms, and flew as fast as he could to Star Labs.

TO BE CONTINUED...