A/N - This story started out as a one shot and grew into what it is. Because of this, the story is not set up for chapters. So, I am breaking it up into installments at appropriate places in the story.

I can not thank trixiemcbimbo enough for all her help and suggestions. She has been a great asset in bringing this story to you. I hope you enjoy it.

Gunn

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"Lois, what's wrong? You usually enjoy male strippers." Chloe asked curiously as they exited 'The Bunker.'

"I was just not into it right now. I'm sorry Chlo, I know you're just trying to help. But, maybe we should just call it a night." Lois said quietly.

Chloe put her arm around Lois and said "Lois let's try one more place – anyplace you want. Then, if you still want to go home, we'll go home – okay?"

Lois shrugged and replied "Okay, let's just walk for awhile. When I see a place we'll stop. But, that's it – no more. Okay?"

"You've got a deal. … Lois, this is about the 'Valentine's Day Debacle', isn't it?" Chloe asked.

"In a way, I guess it is." Lois said absently.

"Do you feel like telling me why this is still bothering you a month later? You usually move on rather quickly." Chloe asked hopefully, offering herself as a sounding board.

Lois saw a sidewalk cafe' and said "Let's get some coffee and I'll tell you – only if you promise to never repeat a word. "

"I promise." Chloe declared crossing her heart with her hand.

After ordering coffee, Lois began "Well, where to begin … first it's really disturbing to not remember a whole day."

"I know for a fact, that there are several days you can't remember due to too much alcohol. What makes this one any different?" Chloe asked sipping her coffee.

"True. But, I never found my top missing ALL the buttons the next morning either." Lois said emphatically.

Chloe smirked and said "What's really got you crazy … that you may have let someone get on base or that Clark was that someone?"

"I can't believe Clark, of all people, would do that to me. What happened to the bumbling, self-conscious, well mannered farmboy? I know Clark insists that nothing happened, but how does he know. Whatever affected both of us … made us lose control. I don't know how to describe it any better. I know Clark would never rip my clothes off and I would definitely never throw myself at Clark like that. I mean … Clark?" Lois said venting her frustration.

"Don't knock Clark. Next time you see him enter a room, watch all the women. They all stop and watch him. And that is purely physical. You and I know the heart of gold that beats in his chest. We know how much he cares for everyone, especially his friends. He would lay down his life to save any of ours. He also always does the small things that make us happy. Did you ever notice he talks more around you than anyone else? That's because he knows you're uncomfortable in silence. He'll say something, just so you feel more comfortable. Lois, he is unique. He spends all his energy trying to help us and expects nothing in return." Chloe replied breathlessly.

"I know Chlo. I have never had many friends … and Clark … he is the best friend I could ever ask for. But, now it seems so awkward. And I know he has secrets and bottles up his emotions, but I swear he looks at me different. … I think he remembers more than he will admit." Lois added frustrated.

"Do you think he looks at you as a potential girlfriend? Clark and you have grown really close; at times I think you may have taken my place as his best friend. Could it be that he is now seeing you as maybe more than a friend?" Chloe asked smiling.

"I care for him more than I like to admit to myself. But, as a boyfriend … that would be too awkward. But, then there is that damn CD! Those songs are my favorites, they define love to me. I was falling for Ollie, but I never made one for him. That stuff must have really affected me strongly." Lois said bewildered.

"Lois, I've seen the effects of that stuff before. It doesn't make you do anything you don't want to. It just really lowers your inhibitions. Somewhere, deep inside, you have those feelings for Clark. My advice would be to explore them." Chloe said vehemently.

Lois stared at Chloe and said "You must be crazy. Clark and I on a date, yeah I can see that. We would sit there, him silent and me babbling. Or maybe we would be constantly bickering; you know how Clark and I get. Either way it would be a catastrophe. Chloe, Smallville and I are both in a strange place right now. I think it best to just gradually get back to where we were. As much as I hate to admit it Clark is my best friend, beside you of course. I just don't want to screw that up."

"Lois, just go to a movie or something together. It doesn't need to be a real date, just go as friends and see what happens. Take it slow, but allow for the possibility for something to happen. Remember, the longest marriages are couples that started as friends." Chloe added coyly.

"I'll think about it. … Now if only I could get a full night's sleep without that damn dream." Lois exclaimed frustratedly.

Chloe looked confused and asked "What dream Lois? " She then added "You've been dreaming of kissing Clark."

"Ha, Ha! You're such a comedian." Lois replied sarcastically. She added quietly "My dreams have been about 'Smallville' lately. Only because I keep trying to remember what happened on Valentine's Day. … The one dream that keeps haunting me is of Smallville and I soaring over Metropolis and landing on Ollie's balcony," Lois's voice got softer as she relived the dream yet again. She shook herself out of it and finished anxiously "I just can't understand why it is so vivid."

"It's just a dream Lois, let it go." Chloe insisted taking Lois's hand.

Lois looked Chloe in the eyes and responded "I can't. I know it's a dream, it can't be a memory. No one can soar across the skies unaided like that. But, what is my subconscious trying to tell me; the only thing I can come up with is being with Clark made my heart soar. Can he really make me that happy? God, it's driving me crazy. I have seen that every night for almost a month now. See even now, on our 'girls night out,' I am obsessed about what it means." Lois ordered her fourth coffee and sat in silence.

"Lois it isn't that bad. I know Clark really cares for you, and I do believe he is seeing new possibilities for you both. Think about asking him to a movie or something, You know it'll take him forever to ask you, he is just as scared about screwing up your friendship." When Lois sat quietly with out saying a word, Chloe added squeezing Lois's hand "I know you're not the subtlest person, but take it slow. Hold his hand, give him a hug … Let him know you're open to new possibilities too."

"I don't know Chloe, but I will think about it." Lois quietly responded finishing off her coffee. She added "Let's go see if I can have some fun now that I purged my soul. Remember NOT A WORD leaves your lips."

"Yeah, let's go have a great time." Chloe said happily. She knew Lois would see the wisdom in what she had suggested. She also remembered how Lois had reacted to that first kiss with Clark while he was playing the Green Arrow. Maybe, they would work out after all. She had to admit they have always had great chemistry and she had never seen Clark or Lois more open, accept when with one another.