"No! Absolutely not, Lois," Clark bellowed for the fourth time, but this time over the amused white top of Perry White. Jimmy cringed nervously between us. He hadn't said a word since Clark's first adamant dismissal of this incredible opportunity. I honestly do not blame the boy; Clark can be terrifying when he is upset. If people thought that Superman was scary… well, they have never seen an enraged Clark Kent before. I have only seen his wrath maybe twice since we started dating, but then again I have fully deserved it.

"Clark, you're just jealous because you weren't invited," I teased. Perry looked between us with a bemused smile.

"Lois, I think you know me better than that," Clark grumbled. "Now, what do we know about these two characters after all? And What about this secret excavation business. What is that all about?"

Jimmy finally stepped up, "If we knew it wouldn't be a secret." Brave, Jimbo, brave. Clark's glare cut short any laughter that could have bubbled up.

The Chief finally spoke up, "I don't see anything wrong with it, Clark. It could be a great feature." I knew that Mr. White would never be able to pass on a scoop like this.

"Well, you're the boss, Chief, but I just don't like it," Clark relented.

"Jeepers, Mr. Kent, if there's any trouble, don't forget, I'll be there." Jimmy's attempt to sooth Clark's nerves didn't have quite the effect that Jimmy might have thought. Especially when Perry White spoke up.

"You'll not only be there. The chances are 10-to-1 you will have started it."

Jimmy tried not to cower again, "Sometimes, the faith you have in me is frightening." Good try little cub, good try.

"Well, you just remember to bring back some good pictures," Chief demanded.

"You can count on me, Chief… Sir."

I finally just needed to ask for a little clarification, "So we can go?"

White grumbled, "Yes, yes, so we can have a little peace and quiet around here."

"Listen to me you two," Clark growled. His sharp gray eyes were glued to me as he spoke, "I want you to promise me something. I want you to watch your step and not take any chances." His words were so harsh that it also scared me… but I couldn't let him know that. I really wanted this scoop!

"For you peace of mind, Clark, I promise we'll file a dispatch the minute we arrive in Beldad."

"You do that," he sharply replied.

"Okay," I smiled sweetly.

There is something about the way that Clark worries that just makes me melt. He never truly stops me from doing my job, but he is always there to let me know that he is ready to catch me if I ever falter. If it were any other man it would come off as condescending, but with Clark… well… what else can a man, that can absorb the blast of a bomb, do when the love of his life insists on scouring the globe for the next big scoop?

I looked to Jim, "Ready Jim?"

"Ready, Miss Lane," Jim grinned. We started out of the room.

"Uh, Mr. Olsen," Perry called after us.

"Yes, sir?"

He grabbed a brown leather bag from off his desk and made his way toward us, "If you intend to bring back some pictures, it might be a good idea to take your equipment with you."

Jimmy paled and he started to stutter, "Yes, sir. Uh, thank you, sir. Have a nice trip, sir."

"You're the one that is going away!" Perry bellowed.

"I know," Jimmy whispered. I quickly got the cub reporter out of there. He looked a little worse for wear but I knew that he would bounce back as soon as we were on the plane to Beldad. He followed me as far as my office.

"Well, Jim," I stated, "you had better run home and pack. Not to mention that you need to tell your mother that you have an international assignment."

"I can't wait to tell her," Jimmy practically squealed as he ran off.

I giggled to myself as I watched the young reporter speed over to the elevator. I took a deep breath and entered my office. Clark's warning rang through the dark. The only light came from the sun riding low behind the Metropolis skyline. I took a minute to just bask in the beauty that is my home.

A tentative rumble came from behind me, "Lois?"

"Come in, Clark," I smiled. I didn't turn around which allowed him to slip his arms around my waist and lean my back against his chest. My head fell back into place as we watched the window in silence for a minute.

"You know I love you… right?" Clark sighed. I snuggled deeper into his steady hold. I lifted my left hand and let the light glint off the ring.

"Yes I do," I whispered.

"Good," he let go of his hold on me and stepped away. I left a chill in the absence of his touch. "In that case, you need to get going so that you don't miss your flight."

He had made his way to my office door and held it open for me. I picked up my purse and jacket and started making my way to the door. Just before I made my exit, I closed the door, dropped my accessories to the floor and threw my arms around his neck. My lips claimed his in the most urgent kiss I could manage.

"I promise that I will send a telegram as soon as we get to Beldad," I smiled. "I love you, Mr. Kent."

He hugged me close. "I love you, Miss Lane."

I picked up Jimmy on the way to the airport. The two expressions that met me at the door were vastly different and I couldn't stop my smile. Jimmy looked like the puppy that just got pick for adoption and couldn't wait for his new adventure, but Mrs. Olsen looked almost sick. She had a stern, concerned face. A few wrinkles crease her brow. I assumed that the few whispers of white hair that sprinkled her lovely ginger locks had to be from Jimmy's years at the Planet.

It took a good minute to reassure Mrs. Olsen that I wouldn't let anything happen to Jimmy. She relented but made sure to plant an embarrassing kiss on his cheek before he slipped past her.

"Miss Lane," I hear Mrs. Olsen call. Jimmy continued the pursuit of my car, as I turned back. "I know that you will be with him the whole, and Superman is never too far away. But I lost his father when he was deployed to the East during World War II. So please understand that I am not happy about this, and my boy better come home in one piece."

"I understand Mrs. Olsen. We will be safe."

"Thank you, Miss Lane."

Jimmy was sitting in the passenger's seat his knees bouncing with anticipation. "What did my mom need."

"Oh, she just wanted to make sure that you packed everything you needed for this trip."

Jimmy smiled, "Yeah, she likes to double check my work."

"She just cares," I smiled. "Now let's get to the airport."