Hello again. Particularly long chapter here, I hope I don't bore you. A few things have been explained in this chapter for those of you who were confused. Try to pay attention to what Jason says in this chapter….
Once gain give amazing thanks to Lostschizophrenic for beta :)!

Chapter ten: Everything you want

Lois began to avoid Clark like the plague.

He was lucky if he was granted a simple 'hello' or 'goodnight.' But hadn't ever seemed to be blessed enough for Lois to stare him directly in the face. If she was forced to be anywhere near his presence, her eyes would cast downwards and ignored his apologetic glances.

The last few weeks remained the same. The bitter cold snow had finally arrived in Metropolis, every corner had a Santa Clause merrily ringing charity bells, the malls were busy with last minute Christmas shoppers trying to find 'the gift' on sale and every child was restless with excitement and of course on their best behaviour for the big man in the red suit to fulfill their Christmas list.

Although all this great joy was circling the world, Clark was left behind from the cheer wagon feeling downright dreary. The Holiday Spirit wasn't enough to take all his guilt, hurt, confusion and regret away.

He hadn't particularly had any confrontation with Lois, not even as Superman would he have the courage to speak to her again. His mind couldn't function right anymore, he just stayed focused on the night he'd found out about Lois's scaring past. He completely blamed himself, if only he'd waited a few more days before leaving he could have saved her, if only he'd said goodbye she never would have been out that night in the first place, if only he'd never left at all….

If only, if only. If only he could rewind the past five years and start again. But he couldn't change anything now, though the scene sent chills down his back. The mere thought that Lois had been raped as she screamed for him absolutely tortured his mind.

But she'd seem to have gotten over it now, five years is a long enough time to forget things. Forget things Superman, and forget Clark. She'd moved on and he wrecked it. And what did he have to show for it? He didn't even really have a friendly relationship with her as Clark anymore. She felt too ashamed for her actions on the rooftop to even speak to him. Then of course there was the moment he accidentally blurted out having the knowledge of Jason's true paternity. He worried most about how he was going to explain why and how he knew, but never got opportunity. Lois had never particularly gone into those subjects. She never said a word to him about his glasses, which he knew Lois was smart enough to realize they were phony, yet she hadn't questioned him. She hadn't asked how he was able to save her from Luther's goons at the warehouse; she didn't ask how he got her the hospital so fast when she was shot, she didn't ask about the strange picture she found while unintentionally snooping around in his apartment, she'd never even asked about how Luther knew where his apartment was in the first place. Leaving such mysteries unknown was completely out of character for her. There was a reason she was avoiding those questions. Maybe it was because she had so much on her mind recently and didn't want to bother with the obscurities of Clark Kent, maybe it was because if she questioned his lifestyle she would lose the only normal friend she'd ever had, or maybe it was because on some subconscious level…she knew.

With Christmas only a few days away, Clark was desperate to find a way to re-establish a relationship with Lois. Neither Clark Kent nor Superman had seen a Christmas in five years, and the best possible Christmas gift he could get, was to see Lois smile again.

"Kent!" Perry barked him out of his daydreams. "Do me a favour will you?"

A favour, for Perry? This couldn't be pleasant…

"S…sure Chief. What can I do?"

"Try some of this will you?" Perry held out a plastic water bottle of what seemed to some kind of liquid.

"What is it?"

"It's a new energy drink, my sister is helping to fund a company that's trying to develop a "Super drink."

"Super drink?"

" It's supposed to be some gimmick to get people to waste their good money on products inspired by the return of Superman. I think it's ridicules really., but she asked me to give it to a few people around work to see if they like it. Would you try?"

Clark shrugged, he couldn't help but find it amusing that merchandise was being created after his work. Actually he found it surprising that people didn't try to make money off him sooner.

"Sure, super drink eh?" He took the bottle from Perry and the very moment the liquid entered his mouth it began to burn.

"What to do you think? I hear the secrete is that they mix it around with all those meteorites." Before he could spit most of the fluid back up out all over his desk it slid down his throat leaving a fiery trail behind.

"K-kryptonite?" He wheezed stubbing over; he could feel the toxin mixing around in his stomach.

"Well yeah, if your Superman." Perry said doubtfully. "Was it really that bad?"

"I…I think I'm going to be sick…"

He whorled around clumsily towards the restroom and dipping his head down over the toilet he hurled, a mass of green and red slid out of his mouth. How could he have been so stupid? He simply thought the color made no difference, just food coloring. It figures, the drink would be inspired by Superman but if Superman actually drank the thing it would kill him.

"What's wrong with Clark?" Lois's concern was comforting, yet it seemed lost and small.

"He's in the--" Perry began.

"Oh no! Perry you didn't give him that drink did you? I told you it was disgusting!" She scolded him; it was refreshing to hear her temper flare again.

"It's not that bad--"

"It's all over his desk! Jesus, go see if he's alright Jimmy." She ordered.

He could hear Jimmy's footsteps outside, he didn't have a choice. He would have to pull himself together and survive the rest of the afternoon.

"You okay Clark?"

He could feel the bitter tasting burn of the kryptonite in his mouth, his stomach bubbled and churned.

"F-fine Jimmy. Just a little queasy, be…be right out."

The remainder of the afternoon was awful; he sat at his desk trying to concentrate on his work, but had absolutely no success because of the reoccurring trips to the rest room. Had really only consumed a small amount of the poison but it still seemed to give off strong effects in his system.

Lois, who often gave him small glances of worry, had still refused to speak to him. Perry, who was often to stubborn to perform such an act of courtesy, kept apologizing having no idea how his drink could have made him so sick with only a small mouthful.

And of course even when Jason arrived he had that suspicious look in his eye too.

"Mr. Clark, you don't look so good. Mommy says you're sick…"

"I-I'm okay Jason."

"Your voice sounds funny too. Is it sore? Why don't you just go home if you're sick?"

It wasn't as if he had somewhere to go, since Lois had occupied his apartment he spent most of his time at work our out scouting the skies. And even started sleeping at the Planet…

I could always go home. Go to Smallville…

The possibility of spending Christmas with his mother in Smallville didn't seem like such a horrible idea, he rather be there then stuck in an office for Christmas.

Everyone had gone home to their families, only he and Lois remained at their desks putting in a few extra hours before the holidays. Jason was silently nodding off in the corner while Lois scurrile kept herself busy.

"Mommy can we go home now?" Jason begged, repeating for about the fifth time.

"Soon sweetheart, mommy just wants to get a few more things done…"

Clark turned his attention to the blank computer screen; he was supposed have a story finished for Perry

by tomorrow morning and barely had down a beginning sentence.

For the first time in a long time his body felt tired, his eyes were droopy and his head was spinning. He didn't know how much longer the drink would affect him, but the room just kept spinning causing him to feel dizzier and dizzier….

"Clark!"

His eyes shot open when he realized he was laying flat down on the floor with Lois hovering overhead of him.

"Clark, can you hear me? Are you alright?"

"Wh-what…?"

"You passed out." She said trying to assist him to his feet.

"Mr. Clark your sick you should be at home!" Jason scampered to his side and scolded him gently.

"I…I had to finish…" He said attempting to defend himself for his actions. He was woozy and found it hard to think straight, although he did find it pleasing that Lois had finally spoken to him again.

"Perry's story can wait! You should be resting, look…" She placed a warm hand on his forehead. "You're hot Clark."

"I'm w-what?"

"You're boiling up, come on I'll drive you home."

"Actually, I'm going to Smallville tonight."

"Well you certainly in no condition to drive, you can barley stand." He didn't notice how unbalanced he was until Lois secured him.

"You can go tomorrow if you're feeling better," She talked down in a motherly hushed voice. "I'll take you home now."

"I don't…" He swallowed shakily gaining up the courage to admit that he didn't exactly have a home.

"I don't have anywhere, right now…"

She raised her eyebrows at him. "You haven't got an apartment Clark?"

He shook his head shamefully. "Not exactly, I'm going to my mother's for the holidays--"

"Are you at a hotel?"

"No…" Truthfully he hadn't had the chance to gain a lot of money in the short time since his arrival, and the little amount that he did have was spent on Lois's care.

"Where have you been living all this time!?"

"A-around…here…"

"You mean the office?"

"You live at your work Mr. Clark?" Even Jason seemed to find his predicament abnormal.

"Really Clark if you needed somewhere to stay that badly why didn't you ask me?"

"Well you've been going through a lot--"

"That doesn't matter I can still help you. You--" She seemed hesitant to offer. "You can stay with me." But answered firmly. "I'm sure my… landlord, won't mind."

"I…I don't know." What was he doing? The woman of his dreams was asking him to spend the night with her and he actually had to think twice about it. At this point he didn't have much to lose.

"Come on Clark."

One night couldn't hurt…He thought trying to convince himself.

"…Alright." He caved at last.

He was unexpectedly given a smile. "Let's go then, come on Jason."

"But your work--"

"Can wait, you come first Clark." He couldn't help but feel heart warmed by her sentiment.

She gently assisted him towards the elevator with Jason trailing behind, scanning him carefully.

"Mr. Clark why are you sick?"

"Everybody gets a little sick sometimes hunny…" Lois answered.

But Jason shook his head doubtfully. "But not Mr. Clark…"

"Were you allergic to something inside that drink Perry gave you Clark?"

"Yeah." He answered simply.

"Agh, I told Perry not give you any of that. It tasted horrible, I bet Superman would be ashamed having something so grotesque 'inspired' by him."

"Probably…" He laughed somewhat uncomfortably as they stood side by side, Lois latched her arm in his keeping him steady.

"Erm…Clark." Oh no, here it came.

"I'm very, very sorry about how I've treated you the last little while." Her voice was barley in a whisper, partly wanting to keep Jason oblivious to grown up problems, and partly because she was embarrassed.

"What I did, wasn't…appropriate…I was very confused…and you were there…"

"L-Lois." He didn't want to go down that road again; he wanted everything to just feel good for a change.

"You don't have to apologize, or feel bad. I completely understand and I just really hope that we can still be friends."

Her smile seemed touched by his immediate understanding. "Good, because…. that's what I really want."

"I was starting to worry that you wouldn't come back."

He didn't respond he just stared at her blankly.

"I've been meaning to talk to you." She sighed; it had been an exhausting night.

"I've been thinking everything over, and I was wondering if you think that we…we could ever make it."

"You mean…be together? I really don't know…" He answered regretfully.

She was relived when Superman came knocking on her window, she knew he hadn't exactly made the most glamorous exit the last time they spoke, but she was just grateful that he didn't leave again. Truthfully the possibility nagged at her mind that he may just take off again. She had to mentally and emotionally prepare herself for that situation in case was to leave. She refused to fall apart again, but her mind and heart suffered knowing she could never put her complete trust in him again.

"I have a lot of doubts," His eyes removed themselves from the floor as she spoke.

"I know it's not your fault, but you have an entire world to take care of. Your really an amazing person, you're a great dad to Jason, you've helped us out so much. I'll never be able to thank you enough, I know you care about me a-and I care about you too but--" She didn't quite know how to word it.

"Why are you saying these things?" She could tell by the expression on his face that he was preparing himself for something unpleasant.

"Because of a four year old girl."

"What are you--" His mind clicked when he found the answer. "Oh…"

"Oh? Is that really all you have to say?"

He straightened up. "You find out about these things awfully quickly." He smiled slightly.

"It's my job to know these things." She didn't like his playful approach; she had been heartbroken when she found out about Amanda.

"Amanda Wigs was only four years old. That's a year younger then my--our son." She began firmly. "And it's my fault she is dead."

"It is not--"

"She died in a horrible car crash a few weeks ago." She refused to be interrupted until her point was across, and recited parts of the article she'd written on the incident.

"Her parents and fourteen year old brother were spared, because Superman was able to come to the rescue just in time to save them. However, Amanda was not so lucky. Because before Superman arrived she'd already very painfully left this world."

"Loi-"

"Do not interrupt me." She couldn't let his kindness seep into her heart when she knew that she about to break his fragile heart. "The car was mangled when it faced a head on collision with a drunk driver. The fire and ambulance department arrived shortly after and were forced to listen poor Amanda's screams of terror and pain, for she was still conscious for five terrifying moments in the car while the fire from the explosion melted off her skin." Her voice cracked slightly. "Amanda's funeral was last week, her body was nothing but charcoal."

She finished. And let her statement sink in to Superman as his face fell.

"The day it happened was the day you came to see Jason, it was the day I kissed Clark and it was the day for the first time you doubted my love for you."

After a moment of eerie silence she informed him "You can speak now."

"…What am I supposed to say?" He responded calmly. "I'm sorry."

"Well, it's not your fault. Do you know why Amanda is dead…Superman?" She didn't favour calling him that; she knew there was an anonymous name behind that shield.

He waited for her to answer the rhetorical question.

"She is dead because you couldn't get to her in time. And why couldn't you get there in time? Because of where you were. Now please answer where you were at the time Amanda's short term of life on this planet ended."

"Here…with you."

"Precisely. Now tell me…did you happen to hear Amanda's screams? And remember, you can't lie."

"…Yes. I did."

She nodded. "Now usually you being, well you, you would take off faster then a bullet at the slightest whimper for help. And when you heard this poor little girl's blood curdling screams, you didn't leave the spot you stood frozen in. But that wasn't your fault, you were distracted. What were you distracted by?"

He didn't answer.

"Or more of, who were you distracted by?"

"Not you--"

"Yes me. It is because I was talking about my pain that some else suffered. Someone else died. If you hadn't been talking to me Amanda would be safely tucked away in her bed right now, and alive."

"Lois Lane you can not blame yourself for my…choice."

"Choice?"
"It was my decision to stay with you when you needed it most. Lois I was too shocked to do anything when I heard about your…history."

"But she's dead…she's dead because I opened up to you. She's dead because I was talking about my problems to you when you were needed somewhere else. She's dead and I can't fix it. If we ever tried to make 'us' work, how many other people will die just so we can be together?"

She could see the hurt in his eyes. "I can't save everyone. No matter how much I want to, I can't. And I know that."

"No you can't, but you could save a lot more people without me standing in your way."

"You were not standing in my way. I had the opportunity to leave if I wanted. But I couldn't Lois, it wasn't your fault. It was because it hurt so much that you had to experience something that could have been easily prevented if I was there. I wasn't there, and I was so afraid if I left you again at that moment, something else could have happened."

"You heard her yelling and you still stayed!"

"I left you left you! I left you for far too long and I didn't want to leave you again!"

"Shh!" She disciplined sharply and whispered. "Jason and Clark are sleeping."

Poor Clark had had an awful night. She'd heard him get up several times to throw up in the washroom; his condition hadn't seemed to improve all night. He'd insisted he sleep in the very small second bedroom as not to disturbed Lois and Jason. At one point she got up and offered to take him to the hospital but he declined and said he'd probably feel better by morning. She couldn't help thinking about what exactly he'd been allergic to in Perry's drink. There wasn't anything totally unusual in it, just a normal power drink. Though he did mention it had been mixed with Kryptonite. People would do anything to make money, even use materials from another planet. Unfortunately Clark's reaction wasn't what disturbed her most; it was that he still refused to take off his glasses. She didn't want to say anything; it would be awfully rude after all. But it still swirled around at the back to her mind trying to come to a conclusion.

Maybe he wore them when he was a child and his vision got better and simply didn't feel comfortable without his glasses?

Maybe those glasses have some sort of sentimental value, like a charm bracelet or necklace?

Maybe he has some terrible scar on his face he'd trying to hide?

All possibilities seemed unlikely. However it didn't really concern her much anyway; she wasn't going to throw his friendship away over a pair of glasses. Everybody was entitled to a few secretes.

Right now he was sick and needed her help, that was all that mattered.

She turned her attention back to Superman.

"You know the worst part all of this is that she was in the same situation I was."

"What do you mean?"

"When I was raped I didn't give up hope for a second that you wouldn't come. I knew if I just kept screaming and screaming and held on just a little longer you would save me. That any minute you'd take me up into your arms and make everything go away." She began to explain. "Now Amanda and her family were in the same situation, while they were in such terror there was a part of their brain that was thinking about you. They'd probably heard of all your 'work' and were reassured that any minute Superman would drop in and everything would be okay. Amanda had probably seen you on T.V, she probably wanted to marry a great guy like you. Her brother probably admired you and secretly whished he and had Superman powers too. What every child in the world wants is to be you. And so when they were in danger they probably thought 'Superman is back! Were going to be okay! He'll save us!' They probably had complete faith in you, like I did." She paused, her next line would be the no going back point. She could just drop her rant now and spare his feelings, but he needed to hear this. "And the worst part is when you don't show. When their last thought is that you never came. Amanda's family is probably very angry at you. You go off saving all these other people yet you couldn't come in time to save their daughter. What makes them so different? Why couldn't you save her? Why did she have to die? Why not someone else who you tried to save? They believed so much in what you were doing and finally when they were in need you couldn't come through."

She was slowly shattering his heart piece by piece and she felt terrible for doing so.

"Listen I'm really not trying to make you feel bad. I'm trying to give you a perspective on how the world sees you. I'm just trying to say that you can't put me ahead of billions of other people."

She knew he'd be speechless at this point, surprisingly he didn't even try to say anything at all.

It was then when she realized Superman didn't' appear in his professional standing up straight manner as usual, he seemed weary and she noticed he couldn't stand perfectly still, that he somewhat swayed back and forth. His face was pale, and the usual warmth that his body generated seemed cooler.

"Are you…alight?"

"I…I don't know."

"Come on, come sit down." She helped him over to the small couch and seemed to relax.

"Are you saying we can…never?"

"No, I'm saying just…not anytime soon."

He stared directly at the floor in front of him "Did you say Clark was here?"

Damn. Like mentioning Clark was just a great way to make him feel better. "Yes…he's kind of sick. He didn't have anywhere to go so…I know this is your apartment and I really suppose I should have before inviting anyone."

"Do you love Clark more then me?" He said startlingly, completely ignoring her pathetic apology.

She selected her words very cautiously. "I know who Clark is. I know what to say to him, I've seen him at his shyest, and at his bravest. I like Clark…a lot. But you know I would love you just as much probably even more, but I don't know you."

"…If I told you who I was, do you think we would have a chance?"

She was taken aback. He actually seemed to be considering telling her! She'd whished and dreamed about this moment and hoped she wouldn't blow it.

"Well a lot more of a chance then we do now."

For a second he looked intently at her, examining her body as the idea seemed to be rolling around in his head, but shook his head regretfully.

"It's just not worth it. I won't see you or Jason get hurt over my carelessness."

Her heart fell, if it wasn't for his damn over protectiveness of them.

"I see…" She placed her hand on his and felt it tremble. "Your hand…were you exposed to any Kryptonite recently?"

"Uh…y-yeah." She found it quite startling to hear him stutter and talk with such timidity. "I have to go." She watched him stand up slowly and head for the window.

She nodded, "You'll be okay though right?"

"Yes. I'll be fine."

"And you will…come back?" She said needing the reassurance that he wouldn't desert his family again.

" I will. I promise."

"Mommy, mommy look at all the snow!" Jason excitedly bounced up and down with joy pointing outside the apartment window.

"It certainly is quite a blizzard…"

"Were going to have the whitest Christmas ever!" Her son was proud to see a big fluffy white blanket of snow spread itself all over Metropolis Christmas eve.

"Yes, this Christmas will certainly be one to remember…"

First Christmas without. First Christmas without turkey dinner. First Christmas in five years without Richard. First Christmas ever, spent with Clark.

Her life was changing, and she knew it would never be the same again.

"Will Santa know to come to Superman's apartment?"

'Santa Clause' wasn't exactly going to be spending much of his schedule here delivering presents. Lois couldn't afford a tree, couldn't really afford dinner either, it would be Chinese take out. She spent virtually all her money on a few presets for Jason and her family. Who did she blame for money issues? When she went to the bank last week she learned that Richard had emptied all of her accounts and transferred the money to his. Richard schemed her again. Of course she had no access to them, he really had dealt with all the financial business when they were together. They were supposed to have been getting married after all; she'd just made the stupid mistake of trusting him. She would have to wait until next months payday until she could provide for Jason properly again. And perhaps rent a more comfortable apartment.

"Yes Santa will know where to go, remember he knows everything."

"And he flies in a sled with reindeer right? Do you think he and Superman go flying sometimes?"

The thought of both the two most loved people in the world flying together made Lois chuckle.

"Well maybe. You can ask Superman that."

"Mr. Clark is staying with us too right?"

It's not like she was just going to through him out onto the streets. He hadn't wanted to impose on them and offered to go stay with his mother but she insisted that he stay. Though it was a few days later, Clark's condition had just begun to improve. Whatever effect Perry's drink imposed on him had lasted several days. Thankfully this morning when he said he needed to do some last minute Christmas shopping she'd seen his smile light up the room again. It was pleasing to see him up and his old klutz self again when he tripped while Lois walked him down the six flights of stairs.

She on the other hand had managed to finish up all her Christmas shopping yesterday, though the entire day was spent dragging Jason around the mall looking for only two gifts. One for Clark and one for Superman.

Clark's gift didn't take as long she knew he had almost virtually nothing but a few suits for work and a few jeans here and there. Only a few items were packed tightly into a simple suitcase that he'd kept hidden in the back room for the past few days.

For Clark she could buy everything.

Though Superman was quite the opposite, the mother challenge of all Christmas gift receivers.

What do you buy a Superman? What could Lois give him that nobody else could?

They searched for hours for the perfect gift, but were unsuccessful.

"Yeah."

"So Mr. Clark and daddy will be here? Oh boy this will be so fun!"

"No Jason…daddy won't be here for Christmas this year…" She tried as hard as she could to break it to him gently.

"What? Why not? Where's he going?"

"Nowhere, he's just…got a lot of work to do."

"I haven't seen daddy in a long time now. When is coming to visit?"

Prier to this, Lois had explained to her son that she and Richard weren't going to be living together anymore. He actually took that part pretty well, but didn't seem to like the idea of not spending time with his father on Christmas.

"Not for awhile hunny."

He frowned "I miss him a lot. Can I make him a picture?"

Lois nodded. "Sure, I think he'd like that."

"I'll draw you and me and--" He stopped to rethink. "I don't think daddy likes Superman."

"No." Was all she could say.

"Only bad guys don't like Superman…" Jason concluded miserably.

She tried to keep his mind off the topic of Richard. "Hey you know what, maybe Superman will come visit tomorrow?" After all, she didn't think he'd miss seeing his son's Christmas for the first time.

He shook his head in disagreement. "He can't, not if Mr. Clark is going to be here."

"Well Jason, Clark is a very good friend. And he knows that you like Superman a lot, he won't mind if--"

"No I mean he can't. He can't be in two places at once."

"Jason what are you talking about?" Lois said puzzled.

"I'm back." Came a weary voice from the door, she turned her attention from Jason and greeted a wet, snowy Clark.

"Gosh it's really snowing out there."

"Mr. Clark can we go to the park and make a snow man?" Jason leaped up off the couch at his brilliant idea.

"I would love to take you Jason, but I think I better get going--"

"It's really quite bad weather Clark…maybe you should just stay until tomorrow morning?" She had to muster up every ounce of courage to ask him to stay longer. "I mean…traffic might not be so bad in the morning. And Jason really enjoys your company…"

"Oh…well I suppose it couldn't hurt to leave tomorrow."

"Yay!" Jason bounded over and quickly whipped on his winter jacket. "Let's go to the park, Mr. Clark!"

"Wake up! Wake up Mr. Clark! Santa came!"

"Jason shhhhh! Be quiet!" Lois scolded softly. "Come on let Clark sleep."

With a groan and cheery smile to greet them Clark sat up replied "It's alright Lois, I'm awake."

"I'm sorry, Jason is exited--"

"Come on Mr. Clark! Get up Santa brought presents for you too!" For only a few moments Jason stopped bouncing up and down like a spring and asked inquisitively "You--sleep with your glasses on?"

"Oh, well I was reading last night…must have forgotten to take them off…"

"Oh…okay!" Thankfully five year olds didn't get as suspicious like adults.

Jason could wait no longer and bolted off into the living room with pure glee.

"Sorry again Clark…are you feeling alright this morning?" She hesitantly sat down beside him on the bed messaging his back gently.

"Oh--yuppers. Spirit of Christmas is the b-best medicine there can be."

"Will you…be heading up to your mothers today?" Lois asked carefully, hoping not to scare him off.

"Well I suppose so--"

"At least stay for the morning." She offered quickly. "Jason's is thrilled that you're going to be here for Christmas."

"Oh--okay, I guess I will stay…for Jason after all--"

"Great!" She sprang to her feet. "I'll make you some coffee."

"Wow! Mommy, mommy!" Jason beckoned "You've got to come see this!"

Lois strode out into the tiny living room and was stunned to see presents covering the entire floor and a giant glowing center piece.

"Clark, how did you do this?" Lois gaped at the massive green evergreen tree that touched the roof practically buried in dazzling sparkling decorations.

"Me? I didn't do it…"

"Maybe it was Santa and Superman!"

"Well whoever did, brought an amazing tree, it looks like it came straight out of a fairy tale."

"Wow mommy, look at all this food! And a whole box of candy canes!"

Turkey, cranberry sauce, chicken, potatoes an entire Christmas feast lay out on the table.

Lois would play along for now in front of Clark and Jason but she knew the truth, Superman came through again. Superman brought them Christmas.

She turned around to see Clark beaming with joy as he whispered quietly. "Merry Christmas Lois."

"Open this one next Mr. Clark, it's from me!"

Lois hadn't seen Jason so thrilled and energetic for a long time.

The entire day was like a dream, everything was so perfect.

Lois had been watching, just watching her son and Clark together. Memories of Richard had flooded into her mind, it was never so peaceful like this with him. There was always something unsettling with him at Christmas time, actually last year Richard had taken a business trip to New York and spent Christmas there.

But Clark was so much different. He'd helped Lois cook supper, he'd helped Jason put together all his new "Lego" action sets, he'd told them both hilarious Christmas stories from his child hood and even bought Jason and Lois a few Christmas gifts.

It was everything she wanted. He was everything she wanted.

She watched as Clark carefully unwrapped Jason's masterpiece.

"Do you like it? I drew you without your glasses at first, but mommy said you looked funny so I put them on."

"Gosh Jason you're an excellent artist…" She watched him inspecting the tiny picture of Jason and Clark.

"I love it! You d-drew your mother very pretty."

Jason beamed proudly, but Lois crossed her arms curiously. This was the first time in weeks that Jason had drawn a picture without Superman in it. "No Superman this time Jason?"

"But I did draw Superman mommy, he's--"

"Lois, I think something's burning in the kitchen." Clark interrupted instantly.

She inhaled and the scent of smoke filled her nose. "Oh gezz your right Clark!" She rushed to the kitchen to attend to her cooking and forgot about Jason's silly picture.

Lois was never particularly gifted at cooking, even though the turkey was a little dry, and the chicken was…overcooked, as Clark had gently put it, Christmas dinner was wonderful.

Lois had convinced Clark to stay the rest of the evening because of the raging blizzard outside.

"It's really not safe to be driving in this weather."

"I was going to…fly."

"A plane? Surely all the flights will be cancelled in this weather. Come on Clark, it's really alright if you stay. Jason and I don't mind, we certainly can't eat all this by ourselves. You can phone your mother if you like."

"No it's not that, I just don't want to interrupt your family time…"

"Family? I've known you for years Clark, you practically are family--"

Oops. That didn't come out right. She'd been terrified she'd scared him away.

"Really?" He said, quite astonished.

"Of…course."

"Alright then," He paused. "As long as I'm no trouble for you--"

"Not at all."

So there they were, the perfect dinner, the perfect people, the perfect Christmas.

It was simply too good to be true.

'Knock, knock'

"I wanna get the door mommy!" Jason scurried off to the door while Lois quickly fallowed behind.

"…Who are you guys?"

Jason had already burst open the door. And to Lois's fear and confusion, she saw two policemen standing wet and cold with grim faces.

"Excuse me Miss, were looking for someone who goes by the name of Clark Kent, is he around?"

"Uh…yeah." At the call of his name Clark quickly came to investigate what was going on. "P-problem officers?" He seemed just as surprised as Lois.

With the next few words that came out of the Policeman's mouth had completely ruined the rest of her perfect Christmas.

"Clark Kent you are under arrest…for the murder of Lucy Lane."

How's that for a Christmas ending?
I want to say a few things. First, thank you so much for all the reviews and feedback! But a few of you brought up some good points that needed to be fixed. I hope this chapter has cleared a few things up. But when it comes to Richard fighting for custody of Jason, you will find out why Superman doesn't go to the police or have Richard take a DNA test in the next chapter :)
Also this 'power drink' actually doesn't belong to me, a similar potion first appeared in season 4 episode 4 of 'Smallville', in case any of you were wondering.
Chapter inspired by the song "Everything you want" By Vertical Horizon, gives a good feeling of both Lois and Clarks perspective on each other, I recommend it!