This Chapter is dedicated to Briee, my friend and inspiration, because everything she writes comes from the heart.

COMMITTED QUESTIONMARK

Daily Planet, October 2008

"Lois ... Lois, wake up!" Clark whispered loudly in her ear. She started and almost fell out of her seat before Clark reached out to steady her.

"Are you all right?"

"Fine," Lois mumbled. "Don't have to scare a girl. I was just, uhm, thinking." Rubbing her eyes, she tried to focus on Clark's concerned face.

"This is the fourth time in the last couple weeks that you've been thinking with your eyes closed," Clark said, raising his brows and leaning forward to look at her more closely. Having seen herself in the mirror that morning, she knew what he saw- tired eyes with dark circles around them, strained expression, wrinkles between the brow.

Lois simply returned his look, raising her own brows. What did he want?

"Uhm, maybe if you went to bed earlier …" Clark said knowingly, looking directly into her eyes as if to find the answers.

Trying to avoid his scrutiny, Lois quickly turned to her computer screen. She didn't need another lecture from Clark. What she needed were Clark's arms around her… like last night. Her face reddened at the memory.

She must have fallen asleep on the couch with the computer in her lap. It wasn't the first time in the last two weeks.

She'd never had a set bedtime, but it was worse since she'd started taking an online class at Met U. Having this second chance meant that she could get the degree she'd always wanted. Still, she'd kept putting it until she discovered that Clark was the Blur. Something about the discovery gave her the added incentive to get signed up and going. Funny how she was supposed to "challenge" Clark, but he was the one making her want to be better.

"… Make a new future." Garth's words were a good reminder of why she was here.

Awareness came slowly as she felt a shift in her position. It wasn't until she was jostled that she realized she was being carried. Opening her eyes slightly, she peeked up to see Clark's face above hers. There was faint odor of smoke around him and wondered about it.

"What are you doing?" She asked sleepily, mumbling against his shoulder.

"Shh," Clark responded. "I'm taking you to bed. You need your sleep."

"Mmm, this must be a dream…" Lois said sleepily.

"Why do you say that?" Clark asked, laying her down on the bed.

"Because," Lois yawned as she rolled over, "if you were really taking me to bed, I'd be thinking about something besides sleeping…"

This morning she'd convinced herself that the whole thing was a dream. Now she wasn't so sure- Clark was still standing next to the desk, wearing that concerned but knowing look. Closing her eyes to block his gaze, she started praying that she was right.

She jumped when she heard Clark's whisper in her ear, "Lois, are you blushing?"

Self-conscious and frustrated that Clark had commented on it, Lois opened her eyes and fired back without thinking, ""Look, Clark I already share a bathroom with you, I'm not going to share my sleeping habits."

Lois heard her co-workers chuckling nearby as her words came out louder than she intended. Her eyes narrowed but Clark didn't smirk. Instead he put on that innocent expression she knew so well, the one that told her he knew more than he was letting on.

"Is there something… bothering you?" Clark asked hesitantly, watching as Lois directed her stare toward their chuckling co-workers.

"Let it go, Smallville; I'm fine. Everyone gets a little tired now and then."

Clark reached up and ran his hand through his hair in frustration. "Not you," he muttered.

Lois felt her heart start hammering as she realized he was not going to let this go. Jumping up, she grabbed his hand and dragged him to the supply room to even louder chuckling. Ignoring her co-workers and closing the door, she turned to face him. At least she could give him the partial truth.

Why hadn't she told him before that she started back to school? It took a few minutes for Lois realized she was embarrassed.

It was stupid.

One look at Clark's concerned face and she knew that there was nothing to be embarrassed about. Clark would be proud of her. She needed to learn to share things with him. Wasn't that why she was here?

"A couple of weeks ago, I started class at Met U," she blurted out. "I'm taking online journalism at night and I plan to finish my degree."

For a minute, Clark looked shocked, like he was expecting another answer, and then a grin split his face.

"That's wonderful, Lois," he exclaimed, walking forward to embrace her.

Lois fought the urge to lean in.

Seemingly unfazed, Clark pulled back and continued to praise her decision. His reaction was so supportive and he looked so relieved that she had to bite her lip to keep from telling him everything.

Online class was not the primary reason for Lois' sleepless nights. Lately, she spent a lot of her time listening for Clark's comings and goings. Working in her room, she would count the number of times Clark left the house. The next day, she'd compare her notes with reported Blur rescues. By now, the Blur was up to thirty saves. With every rescue, she was finding it harder and harder to fight her blossoming attraction for the hero.

Knowing Clark was the Blur hadn't changed her feelings as much as amplified them. Everything she felt for the Blur was being wrapped up into her feelings for Clark. Lois was starting to crave the same connection with the farm boy that she'd experienced with the Blur.

Keeping track of his saves was just one way of building that connection, at least for Lois.

Last night was the first time she'd fallen asleep on the couch waiting for him and, of course, he'd tried to help. If she kept it up, Lois was afraid she'd tell him everything. Sleepy Lois was a little too chatty-

"Lois," Clark said getting her attention with a smile, "let me take you out to lunch to celebrate."

Before she could agree, Clark's smile was replaced by the distracted expression that told her he'd picked up someone in trouble.

"Actually, I'll take a rain check," she said. "I need to make up some work. Why don't you just get me some of my favorite coffee from down the street?" Turning around, she left the room without looking back.

When she finally glanced over her shoulder, he was gone. Looking at the notes scattered around her computer, Lois sighed. There were times like today when she wished she could blur out of the building rather than stay behind making the excuses.

On the other hand, she knew she was at least pretty good at them; Clark's reasons for disappearing left something to be desired. How many times could someone leave on the oven?

She sat down, one ear on Clark's police scanner, and started to sort through her notes. Her eyes were drooping when Chloe interrupted.

"Lois, I need your help," she demanded, pulling up a chair and ignoring her cousin's sigh of resignation. "What do you think of this cake?" With her head resting on her elbow, Lois looked at the potential designs, making placating noises every now and then.

Once the cake was chosen, Lois tried to get back to work, but the blond interrupted again, complaining about the venue owner's condition that she and Jimmy arrange for set-up beforehand and clean up afterward. After a few minutes Lois interrupted the diatribe. "Whoa, Chloe, take a breath. If you need someone to stay and clean up, I'm your maid," she volunteered.

"Really?" Her cousin's eyes lit up. "I know Jimmy would be so grateful. He says he's got some sort of surprise for me after the party-"

"No problem," Lois interrupted again, not sure she wanted to hear about Jimmy's surprise. Still, she couldn't help but laugh at her cousin's big hug. "You're the best maid of honor ever."

"Naturally," Lois told her, smiling at her cousin's happy face.

"Hey, are you okay?" Chloe asked, pulling away. "You look a little tired… actually, more than a little tired."

"I'm fine," Lois waved her off. "I've just been busy. Actually, Chloe, I've been meaning to tell you that I started back to-"

The buzz the phone interrupted. "I'm sorry, Lois," she said after checking the ID. "I need to take this."

"That's okay; I'll talk to you later." Making sure to grab a calendar, she took a moment to pencil in the latest pre-wedding obligation, wincing at the number of entries for the next few weeks.

She was turning back to her computer when her desk phone rang. Lois took a deep, calming breath before answering.

"J'onn, what can I do for you?"

His deep voice chuckled. "You've been hanging around Clark too long. You're starting to pick up some manners."

"Ha, ha, very funny."

"Is Clark there? I've been trying to reach him," the Detective told her.

"No, he's out right now," Lois hinted. "Any message you want me to give him?"

"This is nothing you need to know, Lieutenant."

"Oh, come on, J'onn-"

"Just tell him I called, will you."

Before Lois could respond, the man hung up.

"Huh, he's obviously been hanging around me too long," she muttered under her breath, picking up the notes for her next story, hoping that if she couldn't finish the first she could at least start-

"Hey, Lois, have you seen Clark around?"

The notes went flying.

"Ollie, you scared the crap out of me! What are you doing here?" Lois demanded, picking up her papers. She looked up in time to see him glance over at Clark's empty chair.

"I need to find Clark, have you seen him?"

"He stepped out," she told him, narrowing her eyes. "Why do you need him?"

"Something's come up that I need to talk to him about, that's all." Oliver nonchalantly sat on the edge of the desk and picked up one of the paperclips.

"About what?" Annoyed, Lois snatched her paper clip from his hand.

"Ouch, what was that for?"

"Don't give me that look," she told him. "What are you trying to get Clark mixed up in?"

"Me?" Oliver asked innocently. "Look, Lois, Clark's got himself… I'm just trying to help here," he added exasperatedly.

"Help with what, exactly?" Lois pretended to sort through her notes, discreetly studying Oliver through lashes.

"Oh no you don't, nosy reporter," her answered, shaking his head and wagging a finger at her. "Just tell Clark I stopped by, will you?"

"Maybe," she told him, looking up as he moved closer. The last thing she wanted was Oliver roping Clark into some kind of Green Arrow business or any of his gang's little projects. In the future, Oliver had talked about some of their past escapades, and the last thing she needed right now was Clark getting sucked into some sort of hero operation.

Although maybe it was something he needed to do? What if it'd been important the first time around? Maybe she should tell him? Lois felt a headache coming on just thinking about it.

The man leaned down to catch her eyes while she was thinking. "This is serious, Lois. I need to talk to Clark. He could be in trouble."

Her mouth went dry at the thought and she nodded.

Oliver patted her shoulder, "By the way, nice story about Jimmy's Good Samaritan. What did you name him? Oh right," he continued, snapping his fingers, "the Blur. It's catchy; I like it." He smirked. "It's definitely better than the Green Arrow Bandit."

"Oh, I don't know," Lois fired back. "I always thought the 'bandit' part was spot on."

Oliver's eyes narrowed playfully. "You know, if I didn't know better, I'd think you had a crush on this Blur," he whispered, moving to avoid the impact of Lois' hand. "Tell Clark to call me right away," he reminded her, walking out of the Bullpen, his chuckle trailing behind him.

Lois sighed with exasperation and exhaustion. Oliver knew. Somehow he'd discoverd that she'd discovered Clark's identity. It must have something to do with J'onn and the matching outfits. No wonder the man hadn't called to grill her about the Blur bungle… he'd figured it out for himself. Her breath caught as she realized Oliver also recognized that she had feelings for her partner. Was she being too obvious or was he just teasing her as usual?

She put her head in her hands, her mind racing despite her fatigue. Chloe's engagement party and wedding were taking up more and more of her time, her class was demanding, she was dealing with Clark as the Blur and now there was trouble. She'd thought doing at least some things the second time around would be easier.

Her head fell back against her chair and she closed her eyes, realizing that she hadn't felt this exhausted since she'd been in the trenches fighting the Darkness.

"Lane!" Randall shouted.

Shakily Lois got to her feet and headed toward her editor's office. It looked like visiting hours were over; time to get back to work.

Fifteen minutes later, she got back to her desk to find a large cup of coffee from her favorite beanery was sitting on her desk. Clark was back in his seat but she felt too tired to even acknowledge him. Taking an appreciative sip of her drink instead, she couldn't contain a moan as the flavor hit her tongue.

After a few more sips she was feeling perkier, giddy even, and she toasted him with her coffee cup in silent gratitude. He always brought the best coffee, her favorite blend at the perfect temperature…

A thought struck her and she almost spit out her drink. All this time and Clark was probably using his heat vision to keep her coffee hot. She choked and then she started laughing. At her partner's questioning look, she laughed harder. She laughed until tears rolled down her face, until she was gasping for breath, until she was desperate to stop…

In her mind she knew it was the exhaustion taking over but that was no comfort. The panic in her eyes must have shown because, by the time she realized she was out of control, Clark was already by her side.

When she finally calmed, she could feel a large, warm hand rubbing her back while the other held hers, fingers rubbing slow circles on her palm. The warmth of his hands eased the panic but then Lois felt her emotions swing violently at the feel of his hand on hers.

She wanted so much more… feelings of overwhelming gratitude and admiration, of desire and more, welled up inside her until she thought she might explode. "I need to get out of here," she whispered, distressed even more by the thought of breaking down in the office.

Quickly and with little effort, Clark lifted her out of her seat and casually walked her to the elevator. Her feet barely touched the ground and she felt almost weightless. He was quiet- which Lois appreciated- and she managed to give him a grateful smile before he shuffled her inside. Somehow his body he blocked her from the other passengers on the elevator until they reached the right floor.

By the time they were at the parking lot Lois felt completely overwhelmed. The dam burst just as Clark was opening the door of her car. Collapsing against the side, she started crying hysterically, beating on the hood in frustration until Clark grabbed her arms. Soon he was pulling her against his chest and at first, Lois fought him, wanting to curl up inside the car and disappear. She hated the fact that he was seeing her like this.

Eventually, surrounded by his warmth- and emotionally and physically drained- she leaned against him, losing track of time. When her last tear was shed and she was hiccupping into his dampened shirt, her eyes start to close.

He shifted and tried to pull away.

"No," she whispered, tightening her grip on his shirt, afraid of the floodgates reopening, afraid of breaking down completely and not being able to stop. He stilled and rubbed light circles on her back until her eyes closed.

It was the cool evening air that woke her. Clark was carrying her again and dimly she recognized the front porch of the farmhouse. Still half-asleep, she snuggled into his warmth, nuzzling against his neck in the process.

"Thanks for not taking me to the hospital," she whispered groggily against his warm skin.

He stopped to open the kitchen door. "Oh, you're going to the hospital," his voice rumbled. "But right now you need some sleep and the hospital isn't a good place for that."

"Hmmm," Lois responded with a kiss to his neck, her exhaustion lowering her inhibitions. She felt him shudder before her eyes closed.

She was being lowered on a bed when she woke again. Whimpering, she clung to him.

"Shhh," he whispered. "Go back to sleep."

She felt a hand brush the hair back from her forehead and her eyes closed. A sense of fear forced them opened again. In her exhausted state, all she could think about was that it was important to keep Clark with her.

"Clark?"

"Yes, Lois."

"Are you worried?"

"Yes, I am."

"Don't be."

Why not?" He demanded.

"You worry too much," Lois mumbled.

"Okay," he agreed with a chuckle. "Now go to sleep."

"Clark?"

"Yes, Lois."

She tried to answer but his hand was brushing against her face so soothingly that her mind was on the verge of surrendering. A niggling part of her brain was telling her to talk. She needed to tell him something important but her thoughts were growing fuzzy. Something about… leaving?

"I made a promise," she muttered.

"A promise?"

"Uh, huh."

"What promise?"

"Huh?" Lois breathed out as she fought to keep her eyes open.

"Lois…"

"Oh… promise I'll never leave you," she mumbled softly, succumbing to the sleep she so desperately needed just as his warm hand froze on the side of her face.

Engagement party, one week later

Lois strolled around the perimeter of the room trying not to show her boredom. She'd helped with set up and with the cake and now there was nothing else for her to do until the toast. She tried looking at the photographs on the walls but only one or two were interesting. At least this time the happy couple was able to book a better location- a studio belonging to the parents of one of Jimmy's photographer buddies.

Location wasn't the only thing that was different. Lois looked down at the simple black dress she chosen for the occasion, feeling a bit superstitious but unable to resist changing things around. She'd left her hair long and curled rather than twisting it up in a knot. She was hoping for a better outcome-

She winced when she remembered her speech and overall behavior at the first engagement party. Stopping, she leaned against one of the large decorative pillars that supported the room, taking a sip of her sparkling water.

She could really use a drink.

Unfortunately, no alcohol was one of her doctor's orders.

Naturally, Clark had taken her straight to the hospital after her little breakdown where the doctor diagnosed her with exhaustion- big surprise. More worrisome to Lois was when Clark talked to the doctor about her little 'zoning out' moments. Her partner was more observant than she gave him credit for.

Of course, she'd played them down but it was still concerning that Clark noticed them at all.

Just then Lois spotted the subject of her musings making his way toward her. Again, his awareness surprised her; she didn't think he'd be able to spot her hiding in this crowded room. It wasn't that she was avoiding him exactly but something had changed since her breakdown and she was still trying to figure out how she felt about it.

Whatever it was certainly hadn't affected her attraction. Lois felt her breath catch at the sight of Clark strolling confidently toward her. Unable to resist what Lois secretly called his "Blur side," or the more self-assured Clark, she waited until he reached her before she reached up to adjust his collar. Lately, she seemed to be looking for excuses to touch him, while he frequently rubbed at her back, patted her arm, or felt her forehead, all the while asking if she was okay.

It was exhilarating and infuriating at the same time.

"Looking good, there, Smallville," she teased, before he could ask how she was feeling. She leaned in conspiratorially, "try not to outshine the groom, though, I hear it is bad luck."

"I think that's the bride, Lois," he smiled in mock exasperation, lightly placing a hand on her elbow.

"Try not to outshine her either," Lois said, peeking up at his expression through her lashes. She laughed at his pained look and tried to ignore the warmth that was spreading at his touch.

Clark turned around to look at Chloe and his face softened. "I don't think that's possible."

Lois felt her insides melt and wondered if the man was trying to kill her? Tall, dark and handsome with big chunk of hero was pretty amazing but add in the sweet farm boy and Lois wasn't sure how much longer she could wait. Every day she was more and more torn about whether she should continue to be patient or simply kiss him senseless and tell him everything.

She followed Clark's gaze to her cousin. Now was not the right time. "I think you're right," Lois said, watching a radiant Chloe in her dark pink baby-doll dress. "She does look happy. I just hope she stays that way."

"What do you mean?" He turned his gaze to her. "Chloe tells me you've been trying to get her to postpone the wedding. Why?"

She almost groaned out loud at the question. All of her reservations were based on her knowledge of the future: Chloe's divorce from Jimmy, Jimmy's subsequent murder, and her cousin's brief- but much more fulfilling- relationship with Oliver. She struggled to explain without giving anything away. "Well, I've been knocked around by cupid enough to know true love when I see it," she told him. "And… I just don't see it."

"Hmm, sounds a bit like jealousy."

Lois bit her tongue. Her first urge was to adamantly deny it but things were different this time around. She remembered watching Chloe and Jimmy dance together at her birthday party. Whether it was true love or not, they had an ease with each other that she envied.

"Maybe I am," she answered, pulling her elbow away and turning to look at a photograph that had caught her attention; the one of five guys skydiving in formation. The colors were bright- red, yellow, and blue- the figures grouped together against a light colored sky. She'd felt drawn to it, almost comforted by it, like her room in the Legion's space station. Something about those colors-

"Lois-" Clark whispered apologetically, placing a hand on her shoulder.

"You know," she interrupted, fighting off the urge to shiver at his touch, "a palm reader once told me that I was destined to be with a guy who flies a lot and likes to wear tights." Looking over her shoulder at Clark, she plastered a smile to her face. "If you ever see my cross-dressing pilot, let me know, will you?"

The smile faded as she recognized the understanding and familiar longing in his expression. Ever so slowly, Clark turned her to face him and his hands lowered from her shoulders to lightly caress her bare arms. Drowning in the darkening blue of Clark's eyes, Lois barely noticed when the lights dimmed around the perimeter, illuminating only the center of the gallery for engaged couple to toast one another. She tried to listen politely but was too distracted by his hands to pay attention.

Suddenly, the entire atmosphere was overpowering and her eyes closed in response. She felt Clark step closer until she could feel the heat from his body. A whimper might have escaped her lips but she wasn't sure.

She tried to put some distance between them, stepping away when she realized she really should be acting as the supportive maid of honor. Before she could take more than a couple steps, she was pushed fully into Clark by some guy rushing to the bar.

She froze.

The feel of him pressed against her stole her breath. His hands closed around her arms for support and, struck by a sense of déjà vu, she placed her free hand on his chest, feeling the pounding of his heart. She looked into his hooded eyes and, at the same time, realized his lips were coming closer. Her own lips parted just before she lifted her face to meet him halfway.

The minute their lips touched Lois knew this kiss was different. Clark took control immediately and there was passion- so much heat. Still, Lois could fell the care he was taking with her. Clark's lips were tender, almost gentle, as he leisurely explored her mouth with his own.

By the time he was finished Lois was dizzy and clinging to him to keep her balance. Her eyes focused on his shirt while she tried to catch her breath but then his hand lifted her chin.

"Lois-" he said huskily and the slow smile on his face was almost her undoing.

"Clark?" She whispered, afraid to break the spell.

They stared at each other before leaning in again-

"Lana!" Chloe's exclamation rang loudly from the center of the room. "I can't believe it!"

The sound of that name felt like a physical blow and Lois stiffened with tension. At least Clark didn't pull away from her. Instead, Lois watched his expression turn to one of confusion before he shifted his focus to the middle of the room.

She felt frozen in place by her racing thoughts and swirling emotions. How could it be? Lana was back early this time, and instead of having everything together, Lois felt like she was falling apart. Had her 'future friends' predicted this? Probably not; Lana always had impeccable timing.

You must continue to support and challenge him.

Lois tried not to choke on Rokk's words as she considered what they might mean in the worst case scenario. Her heart felt like it was crumbling apart but she was supposed to somehow be the strong one. How could she stand by while Clark turned to Lana- again?

She wasn't sure she could.

Clark was still holding her and she couldn't resist looking for his reaction. She was surprised by the lack of expression on his face. His face was blank like it'd been on the balcony outside the Ace of Clubs weeks ago. She could see him shut down from the overwhelming stress, confusion and anger.

At the sight of his distress, Lois stepped back but grabbed Clark's hand with her own. She couldn't walk away and leave him like this. Gently, she squeezed his hand and turned to stand at his side. Eventually, she felt his return squeeze as they both watched Lana's eyes feast themselves on Clark over Chloe's shoulder.

At the look on Lana's face, Lois felt her hackles rise. Lois might have her own feelings to wrestle with but no way was she going to let dark-haired woman rip out the farm boy's heart again. Setting aside her own heartbreak for now, the reporter resolved to stand by her friend.

Wrapping her hand more fully around Clark' she kept quiet watch, while Clark's eyes followed Lana's progress around the room. When Oliver appeared out of nowhere and started to speak to the woman, she thought Clark seemed surprised and suspicious, before he turned to her with a question.

"Why?"

Lois gripped his hand tighter, "I don't know."

His hand tugged at hers and when she refused to let go, his thumb started rubbing soft circles in her palm. "I need to talk to her," he pleaded. "I need to understand."

She wanted to scream at him that there was nothing to understand- that sometimes people just leave. She wanted to take him away and protect him from the world and, at the same time, push him at the world until she caught a glimpse of confident Blur. She wanted to kiss him again. She wanted to care for him and to be cared for. She wanted-

At the look on Clark's face, she knew that what she wanted was not what he needed. With a sigh, she released her grip. When his fingers slid from hers, the loss of warmth caused her to shudder. When he moved away, the cold spread through her body until she was shaking with it. Was she going into shock?

Part of her wondered if anyone would notice if she had a breakdown right now. Could she do this anymore? Exercising tremendous strength of will, she closed her eyes, inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly, working to fight against her natural inclination to flee. Part of her desperately wanted to go back to the farm and pack, to take off to Star City, to give up this foolish-

"Hey, Legs, how's it shaking?"

Lois' eyes snapped open at the sound of Oliver's voice. "How do you think?" She questioned, downing her glass of water with gusto.

"I'd say not too well," he responded, eyes following Clark across the room.

Lois felt her gaze follow and her heart sank as she watched Clark's recent confidence dissipate with each step closer to Lana.

…even if Clark Kent doesn't return your affections, you must continue to support and challenge him.

The Legion's words wouldn't leave her alone tonight. Was this why? Did Lana hold him back somehow? Maybe Clark Kent needed Lois Lane after all.

Her desire to flee evaporated. Instead, Lois felt her fight instinct kicking in. Suddenly, she had the urge to drop-kick Lana into the thirty-first century and let the Legion deal with her. After that, she'd grab Clark and show him that she was the one he needed, the one he wanted, the one he could have, if only-

Out of the corner of her eye, Lois spotted the drink in Oliver's hand. Still in a state of fight she grabbed the glass of liquid courage and raised it to her lips.

"Want a drink?" He asked sarcastically.

Lois downed it in one gulp and gasped at the burn. "What the hell was that?"

"An attention-getter," he smirked. "And look at that- it worked. At least I've got your full attention now."

"You could have just snapped your fingers in my face or something," Lois wheezed. "What's so important that you need my undivided attention?"

"Your cousin sent me over here. According to the future bride, your toast is long overdue, as is Clark's… but he's busy right now."

Her head snapped up, gaze slamming into Oliver's.

At least he had the grace to wince.

"Look, Lois, don't you think Clark deserves some closure, if nothing else? I'm sure they're just talking," his voice trailed off and he swallowed hard as Lois' eyes narrowed.

"Okay," he said, raising his arms in surrender, "backing off now. Don't shoot the messenger," he quipped, shrugging his shoulders in Chloe's direction.

Lois saw her cousin glaring at her with a Bridezilla look in her eye and sighed. Purposefully, she walked over to the bar and grabbed the first full water glass she could find, along with a suitable utensil. Clearing her throat, she tapped the glass with the tip of the spoon.

"Excuse me, everyone; excuse me. I'd like to make a toast." She cleared her throat.

"As we were growing up, Chloe and I spent time, like a lot of young girls, talking about the type of guy we wanted to marry someday. Of course, Chloe was more interested in the prince while I was more interested in the dragon." There were chuckles in response but Lois didn't feel like laughing.

"When we grew older, we threw away childish fantasies, recognizing that love and friendship were more important than being damsels in distress." Lois found herself looking for Clark and watched as his eyes widened at her words. "In Jimmy, I think Chloe has found both a friend and a prince," she said, turning her gaze to the engaged couple and raised her glass. "Here's to Chloe and Jimmy."

When her cousin came forward to give her a hug, Lois found her eyes returning to Clark's. His begged for understanding but, before Lois could blink Lana walked up and linked her arm through his. When Clark turned away without a word and escorted Lana out the door, Lois felt something shatter inside.

She realized then that, through it all, she'd been clinging to the Legion's words, relying on the idea that Lois and Clark were meant to be. In her heart, she'd secretly been hoping that Clark would come back to her after his talk with Lana.

Her eyes blinked back the tears. No amount of wishing, wanting or fate could make things happen now. Evidently, her time had run out.

The rest of the evening passed in a haze.

Lois talked, laughed and visited but inside she was beating herself up for being so foolish. She had put her whole self out there, so certain that time and destiny were on her side.

She'd been so sure that this time Clark would choose Lois.

She'd been so stupid.