A/N: Short chapter. This story is developing into a series of snapshots at Lois' and Clark's lives, showing transitional moments. After all, who wants to read about Lois brushing her teeth after a hard day? I suppose I could make that a one shot...

Dis-Claimer: If I owned any of this stuff, I wouldn't be writing here. I'd be making mad cash like the real owners do.

Chapter 10 - Weakness

The next day, Lois entered the bullpen, unsure as to what she would do when she saw Clark. She wanted to rush to him and apologize, explain that she was scared by her feelings. She wanted to tell him that she didn't feel anything for Superman, it was all a lie. But, when she got to Clark's desk, she found it as empty as the day before he came to work. Even the picture of his parents was gone. Lois felt as if a lead weight had settled in her gut. She turned and strode into Perry White's office. "Where the hell is all of Clark's stuff, Chief?" she asked, wanting to start a fight.

Perry sat back in his chair and calmly regarded Lois. "He asked for a transfer, to Politics. Said that he needed to broaden his horizons and branch out. He looked pretty rough, like he had been up all night crying. At first I thought it might be his parents, he was so broken up, but he insisted they were fine." Perry glared at Lois, "Clark really can't lie worth a damn, so I called his mom and dad in Smallville, just to be sure. They're okay, so…what could've happened to put him in that state, hmmm?"

Lois looked guilty. "What makes you think I would know?"

Perry stood and thundered, "Because, Lois, aside from his parents, and you, he has no friends! His parents are fine, which only leaves you! What did you do to break up the best investigative team this paper's ever seen?"

Lois tried to stare Perry down, but soon crumbled, tears coming to her eyes. She put her face in her hands and tried not to sob. Perry immediately changed tactics. He closed his office door and sat them down on the couch, comforting his star reporter. He had never seen anything but anger from her, and was almost sure of what set her off. Lois began, haltingly, speaking around sobs. She told him the whole story, beginning with her reaction to Lana, through her lies last night.

Perry sighed and stood. "Lois, I've never beat around the bush with you before, and I'm not going to start now. You screwed up." Lois' sobs stopped abruptly. She looked at Perry in shock. This wasn't the emotionally gentle pep talk she expected.

Perry continued, "Clark's a great guy, perhaps one of the best I've ever known, and you've crushed him. You tell me that he poured his heart out, and didn't even have the decency to tell him how you feel in return. Instead, you tell him a lie to drive him away." Perry sighed and ran a hand through his silvery hair. "I'm honestly surprised that he didn't just up and quit the paper. Any other publication in the country would've leapt at the chance to put him on their staff. And, I don't know if I can repair the professional damage done. My best team grounded because the senior partner has emotional issues. Great shades of Elvis!"

Lois looked at Perry with a lost expression. "What do I do, Perry? Have I screwed everything up?"

Perry smiled at Lois. "You've made a mess of things, kid, that's for sure. But, remember what I said about Clark. He's one of the best men that I know. If anyone could forgive you for being a blockhead, it would be him. My advice is to go to him, tell him everything and beg for forgiveness. You two work too well together, and I'm not just talking about the reporting."

Lois nodded and rose, "I'll go find him now."

Perry stopped her, "No, now you are going to get working on the latest Superman story."

Lois looked down, "Perry, I don't think that's the best idea, considering everything that's happened…"

Perry cut Lois off with a stern look. "Lois, I feel for you, but you're my best still, and you have the best relationship with Superman. Get to the bottom of his behavior last night. With quotes, if you can get in touch with him."

Lois frowned. "What 'behavior'?"

Perry threw his hands in the air. "He almost went on a rampage! There was a gang shootout in Suicide Slum last night he broke up, by putting 20 of them in the hospital! He seemed upset and out of sorts, and snubbed three news crews when they asked for comments."

That was peculiar. Superman was always friendly with the media, and would never skip the opportunity to say a few words to the camera. He'd explained it to Lois once that he always wanted to remain up front and truthful with everyone. If he was a recluse, he wouldn't be a very good role model. Perry gave her a few more details and sent her back to her desk. Lois spent the morning reviewing the reports and witness statements, her wonder increasing. It was sounding like Superman wasn't even himself, but another person entirely.

The bullpen was overcrowded, as usual. Lois took the elevator to the roof to get a breath of fresh air. When she and Chloe were interns together, they would come up here and talk about the future. Lois smiled wryly as she thought of those happy memories. Lois whispered to the wind, "Superman, you probably have a million other things to do that are way more important, but I really need to talk to you now."

"Hello, Lois" came a rich baritone from behind her. Lois closed her eyes and turned around. She slowly opened them, taking in the Man of Steel's figure. He stood in a classic pose, head and shoulders straight, feet planted shoulder width apart and arms crossed over his powerful chest. His cape blew dramatically in the breeze. No matter how many times she saw him, her breath always caught a little in her throat.

Lois looked at him harder. She began to notice little things that puzzled her. His shoulders were tight, making him look like he was hugging himself. His head was tilted back, and his eyes were almost glaring. Lois became a little frightened. This WAS like looking at a different person. "Hello," she said tentatively.

Superman cocked an eyebrow at her. "You need something, Ms. Lane?"

So, we're back to Ms. Lane? Lois took a deep breath and plunged in, "You've been acting strangely lately. Is everything okay?"

"I'm…fine." Said Superman shortly.

Lois gave a short, barking laugh. "You're fine? Is that why you put twenty gang bangers in the hospital last night?"

Superman looked down in shame. "That was a mistake, Ms. Lane. It won't happen again. I allowed myself to become too close to someone, and they hurt me."

Lois looked puzzled. "I thought you were invulnerable?"

Superman looked her directly in the eyes and said, "There are different types of hurt."

Lois usually wasn't so slow on the uptake, but understanding dawned in her eyes. "Oh." She said simply. "You know, if you need to talk about stuff, I'll always listen." Lois stopped, realizing that tears were actually standing in his eyes. "My, God, they must've done a number on you." she breathed.

"I shouldn't get too close to anyone, Lois. It never ends up well." He said, turning to leave.

"Wait!" shouted Lois. "Look, this might sound petty and self-serving, especially with everything you're going through, but I need your help." Lois took a deep breath and took the plunge, "My partner, Clark and I had a…well…misunderstanding. And you were kind of central to the misunderstanding. Clark said some things that, well, scared me, and I kind of used your name in vain, so to speak." Lois hung her head, "I'm so stupid. Anyway, we had kind of an exclusive deal, you and I, on news coverage. If you could, maybe, talk to Clark and see if he could come back to the team, I'd really appreciate it. I'd let him get all the quotes and interviews, if it's allright with you that is, if only we'd team up again."

Superman stared at her. "Stories about me keep your name on the front page, Lois. You're willing to give that up, just to get your partner back?"

Lois looked up and nodded emphatically. "Absolutely. I said and did a stupid thing. I lied to my best friend because I was scared. I still am scared. I probably screwed everything up. But yes, I would give up that much and more. It's only been half a day, and I miss him."

Superman continued to stare at her. "So…you want to use me as a bargaining chip? Your thirty pieces of silver?"

Lois eyes grew wide. "No. I mean yes. I mean, Clark is a much better writer than me. He'll cover you like I can't." Lois continued on, trying to convince Superman why he should let Clark cover his press.

Superman had visibly relaxed during her rant. "Alright, Lois. I'll talk to Clark. You've convinced me that you're sincere. And I'd do anything…to help a friend."

Lois smiled her first genuine smile that day. "Thank you. For everything. And that offer about talking still stands. Anytime you need me, just show up."

Superman nodded and smiled. "Thank you, Lois. Goodbye." He turned to leave. If Lois could see his face, she might have wondered at the sly smile forming on his lips. Lois Lane, I am so going to make you squirm! He thought as he flew back to the closet window he had changed in.

SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

That night, Lois still hadn't heard from Clark. She was sitting on the couch, again watching her TiVOed soaps. Jenna found out that Richard was cheating and was planning to kill him. Lois rolled her eyes, thinking that she could do a much better job at writing scripts than the hacks that wrote for General Medical. A soft knock at her door got her up. She was surprised to see Clark in her doorway. "May I come in?" he asked quietly. Lois moved out of the way and closed the door after him. They turned to face each other and settled into an uncomfortable silence.

"So" began Lois, "How's politics?"

"Not bad. Kind of depressing, though" said Clark.

Lois nodded, "I guess he came to talk to you, huh?"

"Yes, he did. He thought it would be a good idea" said Clark. "I think he's full of crap."

Lois looked at Clark with a stricken expression. "Clark, please! I'm sorry, okay! I'm not in love with Superman! I was scared and confused and it was the first thing that popped into my head." Lois sat down on the couch, followed by Clark. "If you want me to beg, I will. Please, Clark. Let's team up again."

"Is this just about work, Lois? Because I meant everything I said last night. I still love you, even though you've broken my heart." Said Clark.

Lois began to cry. "Why? Why do you love me?"

"Why won't you let me love you, Lois?" said Clark angrily. "You're smart, kind, passionate. I can share my deepest thoughts or most secret dreams with you. You're my best friend and partner. You give everyone so much of yourself and ask for nothing in return. You're the most beautiful woman on the planet, and you don't take crap from anyone." Clark actually glared at Lois through his glasses. "It's the little things, like how you scrunch your nose up when you're trying to spell a word, or the cute little bunny slippers you wear. Is it me, Lois?" asked Clark suddenly, all the heat out of his voice.

"Clark," said Lois through the tears, "Clark you're the best person I've ever known. I can't imagine being without you. I just don't know what I can commit to yet."

Clark scooted along the couch, putting a comforting arm around Lois. "Lois, my feelings will never change. If you need time, I can give you all you need. You are definitely worth waiting for." With that, Lois turned into Clark and cried like a child on his shoulder.

Once Lois' tears were spent, they sat in silence, this time a comfortable one. "So, Jenna found out about Richard, huh?" asked Clark.

Lois nodded, "Why can't people be happy with just one person?"

Clark smiled, "I know I would be."