Disclaimer: DC/WB Entertainment owns these characters. No profit of any kind is being made from this story. This is strictly for my own amusement.
Author's Notes: This next chapter will be another sharp left turn. Believe me; I thought long and hard about writing this part, but after what had come before, the circumstances just appeared so here it is. *Warning, Angst ahead!* Please read. Thank you! :D
~o~o~
Chapter 13: First True Love
Several hours later at STAR Labs:
Martha Kent was finally able to book a flight to Metropolis. Lois had called her several hours ago and informed her that Clark had fallen ill, that he was in the hospital, but he was recovering. Martha was confused about the phone call.
She had to wonder why Lois hadn't called her earlier in the day immediately after Clark had gotten sick. On second thought, she supposed that she was probably frantic with worry and wasn't thinking clearly, but other more disturbing thoughts came into her mind.
After gaining access to STAR Labs, she made her way to Clark's room. Quietly opening the door, she peeked inside thinking he must be asleep. He was, but Lois was curled next to him, her arm around him, also asleep. She cocked her head to the side watching them. Grinning at how close they were and how they seemed to fit together, then walked over and touched Lois' shoulder.
She immediately awakened thinking something was wrong, but then Martha was there. "Oh, Martha, I'm so glad you're here," she whispered happy to see her.
"Let's go outside," Martha suggested.
Lois frowned, turned to Clark and he was still asleep. "Alright," she replied. She followed Martha out into the corridor. After sitting down in the visitor area, Lois sensed something. Martha was quiet, not meeting her eyes. "Martha, I'm sorry for not calling you sooner, but it was crazy here since Clark fell ill. He had to be stabilized and out of danger; you understand, don't you?"
Martha closed her eyes for a moment. "I'm trying to understand, Lois, honestly I am."
Lois was starting to worry. "But you don't, do you." It was a statement.
"Just tell me what happened to my Son."
Lois then took a deep breath and told her everything since the last time that they had seen each other, meaning since the asteroid incident. She told her about Lex Luthor's sick obsession with her, Clark's plan to spy on him because he wanted to kill him, about the clone who looked like her, how she had poisoned him, and lastly about losing his powers.
"Clark was undercover and this Lex Luthor cloned you and poisoned my Son? Is that right?" Lois nodded. "One of you should have called me," Martha said very troubled.
Head down, she apologized again. "I'm sorry, Mrs. Kent."
"I can't believe this. Clark almost died and I wasn't here." She pulled herself together. "Have his powers returned?"
Lois felt horrible. "No, I don't think so," she sadly replied.
"You don't know for sure?" Martha asked concerned.
"No, he didn't have them when he fell asleep earlier tonight."
"I see," Martha murmured, thoughtful.
"The doctors aren't sure when he will get them back. Clark is a rare case and." Lois tried to explain.
"I know that, Lois." Martha paused for a moment. "Well, I'm here now; you can go home and rest for a while."
Lois tried to hold it together. "But I promised him that I would be here when he wakes up. I can't leave."
"He's not a child, Lois. He'll understand that you need to rest. I'll explain it to him; Ok?"
It was not Ok. "Alright, I'll leave." Lois stood up then decided that she needed to understand that they were in a serious relationship; it wasn't a fling or anything like that. "Mrs. Kent, I don't know if Clark told you, but we're moving in together in a few days and."
Martha was stunned. "Moving in together? I can't believe it."
Oh, no, Lois thought. "He didn't tell you?" Lois was truly worried now.
Martha stood up. "Lois, I'm sorry, but Clark shouldn't be moving in with anyone, not for a while." At her crestfallen expression, she continued. "You see, you two haven't known each other very long plus you are his first girlfriend and he's very dependent on you."
"But, he asked me to move in with him. If he weren't ready, he wouldn't have asked me."
"That's just my point. I don't think Clark knows what's best for him, but I do."
Lois pressed her lips together, holding her temper in check. "Mrs. Kent, I mean Martha, please understand; Clark and I bring out the best in each other." She paused to gather her composure. "He needs me, and I need him."
Martha sighed. "It won't be for long, just until he can get back on his feet, when he's stronger and he doesn't make any more rash decisions."
"It wasn't a rash decision. Clark and I, we're in love; surely you know that." Lois hated to explain it to her.
"Lois, please, now as I said, you and Clark haven't known each other very long; what, two months now, and I think you should step back and take some time; that's all I'm saying."
Lois realized that Martha's mind was made up and she certainly didn't want to argue with her. They were drawing unwanted attention to their conversation.
"Alright, Mrs. Kent; when he wakes up, just tell him that I'll see him later," Lois murmured then she had to see him just once more. "But I have to get my things." She pointed to Clark's room. Martha nodded.
She slowly opened the door and Clark hadn't awakened. "Oh, Clark, I'm sorry," she whispered devastated then picked up her bag, covered her mouth and ran from the room. Martha refused to meet her eyes.
Once in the elevator, Lois broke down into sobs. "I'm sorry," she whispered over and over again.
~o~o~
Clark's room, fifteen minutes later:
Clark slowly awakened and reached for her, but she was gone. "Lois?"
"You're awake," Martha said. She went to him and took his hand. "I'm so glad you're alright." She stroked his forehead.
"Mom?" Clark wasn't expecting to see her. He looked around. "I'm glad to see you but where's Lois?"
Martha straightened his bedclothes, not looking at him. "She had to leave to get some rest, but she'll be back."
"Mom, what happened; what aren't you telling me?"
"Son, I asked her to leave," she admitted to her shocked Son.
"I don't understand. Why would you ask her to leave?"
"Clark, you and Lois are moving entirely too fast. She told me about your plans to move in together. I couldn't believe it. You never said a word to me, and now two months later, you're going to be living together?"
Clark was worried about Lois. What must she be thinking? He tried to sit up. He felt weak, but he was getting stronger. "I can't believe you said those things to her." He stood up on shaky legs and immediately fell back down. "I have to find her and explain."
"Clark, please lie back down; you're not strong enough," Martha said hoping to reason with him.
Clark realized that she didn't understand about Lois and him, and he began to wonder if she ever would. He slowly walked over to the closet and pulled out his clothes, and placed them on the bed. His powers haven't returned and now he began to worry about that, as well.
"Where do you think you're going? You can't even walk."
He managed to put on his trousers, shoes, shirt, jacket, and lastly his glasses. "I'm leaving. Are you coming with me?" Martha was still. He pulled out his cellphone, dialed her number but Lois wasn't picking up. He silently cursed a blue streak. He left her a message to call him as soon as possible.
"No, I'm not leaving. You should stay in bed." Martha crossed her arms.
"Mom, please don't be stubborn. You can stay at my place."
She relented. "Alright, I'll go."
~o~o~
Meanwhile, at Lois' apartment:
Lois didn't know who else to call. "Daddy, it's me," Lois said and wiped at her eyes with a tissue.
"Lo, what's wrong? You sound funny."
"I need a place to stay. My things will have to go into storage for a while."
Sam was confused. "What in the world is going on? I thought you were moving into a new place."
"I got the dates mixed up, so I have to move out right away."
"Alright; you can put your things in the basement for now. There's plenty of room down there."
"Thanks, Daddy. The movers were available so they're coming now, but I won't be here. It's not a lot of stuff. Most of my things are already packed. There's a sofa, my flat screen, side chair, a few small tables, my bedroom furniture, my three-piece dining set, and." Rambling a bit, she pulled herself together. "The landlord will let the movers in."
Sam shook his head, not understanding what was really going on. "Where's Kent?"
"He's not feeling well, so I'm taking care of everything myself."
"Alright, sweetie, I'm at the office right now, but I'll see you in a little while."
"Bye, Daddy," Lois said then she hung up. Picking up her two small pieces of luggage, she left the apartment.
~o~o~
Twenty minutes later, Clark shows up at her place but there was no sign of her. Minutes later, the movers came inside, and he was surprised when they just opened the door and walked in. Now, he was totally confused. Lois doesn't have a key to my place. I was going to give it to her on the day of her move, now everything is a mess.
"Where are you taking Ms. Lane's things?" Clark asked one of the movers.
He frowned and glanced at his associate. "Sorry, but we have strict orders not to reveal the address."
"What?" Clark was stunned.
Martha touched his arm. "Clark, it's better this way."
Clark closed his eyes and sighed. "You still don't get it do you?" He turned on his heel and left.
Martha followed him. They went to his place. Once his Mom was settled, he called Perry.
"No, I haven't seen her." Perry frowned and wondered what was going on. "Lex is in jail, so I'm assuming he's not behind her disappearance."
"No, it's not Luthor," Clark admitted. "Perry, have her call me if she comes in."
"Of course, but I do expect you both in here tomorrow first thing."
"We'll be there, Chief. I'll see you tomorrow." He hung up, so worried. "Where could she be?"
"Clark, I'm sure she'll call you eventually," Martha tried to cheer him up.
Clark frowned as he stared at her. "Mom, I don't know how to explain it to you. You must know what I'm feeling because of Dad."
"Surely you aren't comparing what you feel with what your Father and I shared for over forty years of marriage?"
"But I am comparing it, Mom. Lois and I met quite by accident but it's there between us. Everything that we've been through from the moment we met has blossomed into something I couldn't imagine that I would ever feel in my life. Believe me, watching you and Dad over the years; I know what I'm doing; please trust me alright; I know." He stated firmly. "Now, I have to find her and I hope she'll take me back."
Martha was very moved by his speech, but she wasn't convinced. "Clark, please just take some time and."
"I don't need time, Mom. What I need is Lois, Ok? Please, now I have to go." He left her with a sad but resigned expression on her face.
~o~o~
Meanwhile, at the Lane house off base:
Lois pulled into the driveway, slowly left the car and pulled her bags from the trunk. Lucy came out to meet her.
She ran to her and gave her a tight squeeze. Lois hugged her back happy to see her. "Lo, it's so good to see you," Lucy said and took one of her bags.
"It's good to see you too. Is Dad home yet?"
"No, but he'll be home later tonight," Lucy replied. She noticed that Lois wasn't looking at her. "So, how long can you stay?" Lois finally looked at her sister. Her face was streaked with tears and her eyes were red.
"Sweetie, what's wrong?" Lucy was worried now.
"I can't talk about it; not right now. I'm sorry." Her vision blurred.
"It's Ok; I'll be here when you're ready to talk." She put her arm around her.
She was truly grateful. "Thanks, Luce."
They went upstairs and Lois went into her old room. It was a nice bedroom, but it wasn't her home; not anymore. Lucy left her alone, but Lois was done with crying. It certainly didn't help anything. But all she could think of was Clark waking up and she wasn't there. No more crying; she told herself her eyes had other ideas. She fell on the bed and cried for what might have been.
Lucy couldn't help but hear her; she was so worried. She called her Father. A half hour later, Sam came home. He couldn't think what or who could have hurt his daughter this way. It must be Superman or was it Clark Kent?
Sam knocked then entered. "Lo?" Lois immediately sat up in bed and wiped at her eyes. "Honey, what's wrong; what happened?" He sat down next to her.
"Daddy, I'm sorry, but I'll be alright in a little while."
"But you came home, and not that I wouldn't love for you to stay, but it must have been pretty serious to just drop everything, leave your apartment, and come here."
"I know it was sudden, but it couldn't be helped," she said and pulled her legs up close to her chest. Closing her eyes, she wrapped her arms around her legs. She wanted to curl into a ball and cry some more.
He frowned. "Did Clark Kent do something to hurt you?"
"No, no, it wasn't him," she replied not looking at him.
"Then it was Superman. I knew it."
"No, Daddy; it wasn't him either," Lois replied and looked him in the eye.
"Then who was it that upset you like this?"
She looked away. "I can't talk about it; I'm sorry."
"Lo, I will find out who did this." He stood up. "I have a few calls to make." He left her alone.
Lois sighed and lay back down. A few hours later, the movers arrived and after placing her things in the basement, she tried to eat dinner, but she couldn't seem to feel the need to eat. "I'm sorry," she apologized and slipping back into her old ways, she asked, "May I be excused?"
Sam frowned. "Of course, and Lo, please stop apologizing," he replied and watched her leave.
"What in the world is going on?" Sam asked his youngest daughter.
"She won't talk to me, Daddy." Lucy replied chewing her food. "I know my sister, and from the few times that she called me, it has to be Clark Kent. She couldn't stop talking about him. It has to be him. Mark my words."
"I think you're right." He thought about it. "Have you met him?"
"No, have you?" Lucy asked.
"No, but that is a telling sign; I must say," Sam replied thoughtfully.
"Not really. Lo has always been pretty private about her personal life." She glanced at her plate.
Tilting his head, he watched her closely. "I know it's because of me, isn't it." It was a statement.
"Well, Daddy, I don't blame her."
He frowned. "Is that why I haven't met any of your 'close' friends?"
"Well, now that you mention it?" She chewed her food, not looking at him.
"It's time I remedied that." He got up, went to the phone and called Clark Kent.
~o~o~
At the Planet office, later that evening:
After checking up on Alex and his family to be sure they were safe, Clark was at his desk hoping to concentrate on his article and not think about Lois off somewhere worried about them, whether he wanted to pull away from her, which was the farthest thing from his mind. His phone rang; he picked it up. "This is Clark Kent."
"Mr. Kent, there's a call on three; it's General Samuel Lane. He says it's urgent," the receptionist said.
"I'll take it." He took a deep breath and wondered what he could possibly say to explain. It certainly wasn't what he had in mind for his first talk with Lois's Father. Bracing himself, he took the call. "General Lane, Sir; can I help you?"
Sam got right to the point. "You're at the office working, while my daughter is upstairs in her room, crying, and I can't help her. She won't talk to me. Do you know what's going on with her?" He asked, getting upset.
"Yes sir, I do, but it's a complete misunderstanding. I need to see her and try to explain."
"So it was you. I thought it was Superman. She talks about him almost as much as she talks about you," Sam said hoping to understand his daughter and how her mind works.
"Yes, that's true. Please, can I see her?"
Sam glanced at his watch. "It's late and Lo is tired. Call back in the morning." The line went dead.
Clark stared at the phone for a moment then he hung up. He put his head in his hands. "Lois, I'm so sorry."
"Sorry, about what?" Perry asked coming over to him.
Clark sighed. "Lois is upset with me and won't talk to me."
"Oh, no, not again," Perry said and sighed. "What is it this time?"
"She has this idea that we need to slow things down for a while."
"Why would she think that? You two are inseparable. It's kind of embarrassing how close you are, but I think it works; at least I thought it did."
Clark was so unhappy. "I thought so too."
Perry was worried. "You aren't giving up are you?"
He shook his head. "Not a chance, Chief. If it's the last thing I do, I will get her back."
Perry was pleased with that reply then he changed the subject. "How's the article coming?"
"Well, I'll stay the night and finish it. You'll have it first thing tomorrow."
"Great, I'll look forward to it." He watched him for a moment. "Chin up, Kent; I'm pulling for you."
Clark tried to smile. "Thanks, Chief."
~o~o~
Very early the next morning:
The article was complete and sent off to Perry. Making his way to the roof, Clark watched the sunrise, hoping for that familiar feeling of his powers strengthening his body, his mind, but he'd never experienced being without them before. Since he was nine, he'd always had them. It was strange to feel this way, unable to fly, to not hear the constant noises, and the strength that flowed through his body. But now there he stood with blurred vision as if he needed glasses, and lastly without Lois's heartbeat coming to him like that first time. His vision blurred, but it wasn't from his nearsightedness. He wiped away a stray tear, then slipped his glasses back on.
An hour later, the sun was high in the sky but still no powers. Heading back inside, he knew it was early, so he called the Lane residence. Lois wasn't normally an early riser, but maybe she had reason to stay awake; him maybe? Lucy answered the phone at least he thought it was her. "Ms. Lane, this is Clark Kent. Is your sister awake?"
"Well, if it isn't the infamous Clark Kent," Lucy greeted him stiffly. Her Father had filled her in on why Lois was so upset.
"Is she awake?" Clark asked again.
"I'll check; hold on," Lucy replied. A few minutes later, she came back. "She's not ready to talk to you." Lucy said, but she wanted them to work this out. She didn't understand why, but this one was different. She felt it somehow. "But she did say that she was going into work today."
"She said that, truly?" He sounded hopeful.
"Well, she said that to my Father last night."
Clark understood. "Thank you, Lucy."
"Mr. Kent, my sister is not famous for second chances. That's all I can say."
"I understand. Bye, Lucy," he said and hung up.
~o~o~
Back at Clark's apartment:
Martha was worried about her Son. His phone rang several times last night, but she didn't answer it. She checked the caller ID and it was the Lane residence. Lois must be at her parent's home. Making a bold move, she called the number not long after Clark had made his call.
"Hello; may I speak to Lois Lane, please?"
"Who's calling?" Lucy asked.
"This is Martha Kent, Clark's mother?" Martha replied.
"Oh, alright, hold on," Lucy replied and went to see Lois. She poked her head in. "Are you awake?"
"What is it now?" Lois asked then covered her head with a pillow.
"Clark's mother is on the phone."
Lois groaned loudly. "Oh no; tell her I'm asleep."
"Are you sure?" Lucy asked. She glanced at her watch. "It's almost nine. Aren't you going into work today?"
"I don't know if I can face him."
"Really; I can't believe you said that." She came over to her and pulled the covers off. "It's time to get up, Lo. Don't tell me you're afraid to face these people. That's not like you."
"No, I'm not afraid; I'm just not ready."
"That's a load of crap. Now get up and get dressed."
She didn't want to fight with her. "Alright, alright," Lois mumbled. I have to face him sooner or later.
"Good, now are you going to talk to her?"
"Ok, I'll talk to her." She picked up the phone in her room. Taking a deep breath, she said, "Mrs. Kent, this is Lois."
"Hello, Lois." She paused then forged ahead. "Clark didn't come home last night. I'm so worried."
Now Lois was worried too. "But did his powers return?"
"No, they didn't," Martha replied still worried.
"I see, well, I'm sure he's Ok."
"You think so?" Martha had thought all night about what she had done; she had been wrong about everything.
"Yeah, I think so. Did you call the office; maybe he's there?"
"No, I didn't." She paused. "Would you call; he's upset with me?"
Lois brightened. "He's upset?"
"Yes, Lois, he wants to live with you; he loves you and the way I reacted was impulsive, overprotective, and I've slept on it and I was wrong; I admit that."
"I understand. You were worried about us and I've slept on it too, and you were right."
Martha was confused. "Right about what?"
"Moving in together; it is too soon. It was rash so we should step back and take it slow for a while." Her heart constricted with the pain of those words.
Martha was thinking. What have I done? "Lois, now, you should talk to Clark. It's not what he wants; he told me that."
"I have to admit that the past few weeks have been a little crazy, and you were right." She said it again.
Now Martha was truly concerned, but how could she fix this? "I'm coming to see you. Give me the address."
"No, Martha. Clark and I will work this out and besides its too far; over an hour away. I'll call after Clark and I have had a chance to talk; I promise."
"Alright, call me later. Bye, Lois," Martha said.
"Goodbye, Mrs., I mean Martha." Lois hung up. Her vision blurred. "Oh, Clark, why did this happen to us? There has to be a reason."
~o~o~
An hour later at the office:
Depressed and upset, Clark walked into the bullpen. His head came up when a newscaster came on and Lex Luthor and Superman were the top story:
This is David Burton of News Channel 9. I'm standing in front of police headquarters where Lex Luthor has spent the night under arrest for multiple charges. According to our sources, Luthor is under investigation for building an illegal clone of Lois Lane of the Daily Planet, kidnapping and attempting to kill Superman with a lethal poison. No one has seen Superman or heard from him since this photo was taken yesterday morning. [A photo is revealed of Superman and Lois Lane on the street not far from the Lexor Hotel.] Ms. Lane has not been seen either. If anyone has any information, please contact the authorities. This is David Burton reporting for News Channel 9. We now return you to our studios.
Clark sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. He had a headache then resisted the urge to sneeze again. Apparently, the poison was still in his system. The news report was very enlightening, but the article would definitely have to go public. Lex should remain in jail.
It was now nearly twenty-four hours since he was exposed and his powers hadn't returned. Lois wasn't speaking to him, but she was coming into the office today. He glanced at his watch and it was nearly ten. Then she walked in. Clark stood up then she walked right past him. "Lois?"
A few of reporters took note of the cool vibes flowing from them. Cat in particular took notice. Of course, she remembered how strangely Lois had acted, and not this? She was definitely intrigued. Were they over?
Smiling, she walked over to him. "Is something wrong Clark? Is Lois giving you a hard time?" She touched his shoulder.
He sat back down. "I'm fine, Cat; thanks for asking."
"Well, if you need a shoulder, I'm available."
"Thanks." He tried to concentrate of what to say to Lois. Cat shrugged her shoulders and went back to her desk.
Clark checked his emails for a few minutes, and there was one marked high importance from Perry saying he needed to speak to him about the article. He walked over to his office and knocked. "Come in." Perry answered the knock.
Lois was sitting there; her hands in her lap. Confused, Clark slowly shut the door. "Lois?"
"Take a seat Kent," Perry instructed. "Now, I'm going to leave you two alone to talk; take as long as you need. I want my writing team at least speaking to each other." Shaking his head, they were both silent then Perry left them alone.
Clark sat down then dived right in. "Lois, you know I don't feel the same way my Mom does. I want us to live together more than anything."
She nodded. "I know you do," Lois said.
"Then, why didn't you take my calls?" He stared at her profile. "We want the same things, don't we?"
She sighed. "I've been thinking and maybe your Mom was right." At his apparent surprise, she turned to him. "Clark, please don't get upset. We can revisit living together later on."
He frowned. "Later on; what does that mean?"
"Maybe a year, I don't know," she replied and stared at her lap.
Instead of getting angry, he strengthened his resolve to fix this. "I can't believe she got to you. I know you don't mean that, Lois, and I'm going to prove it to you."
She glanced at him underneath her lashes. God she wanted him to. "How are you going to do that?" He grinned at her. Lois turned from his knowing smile and tried not to blush.
"You'll see," he whispered. He stood up and walked over to the door. He held it open for her. "Are you ready to get back to work?"
She stood up and came over to him, head held high, she replied, "More than ready."
"After you," he said then he grabbed her and closed the door. He came closer. Lois backed up and hit a wall.
"Clark, what?" He leaned down and Lois was stiff, but then he kissed her. Unable to stop herself, she kissed him back.
After a minute, he pulled away then opened the door. "I meant what I said; remember that." Lois cleared her throat and walked out; he was right behind her. They headed to their desks and got back to work.
Perry watched them from a distance. The air had warmed a bit, but he did have faith in Kent.
~o~o~
Later that day, at the police station:
James and Lex were having a talk about his defense. Sitting opposite him, he said, "I have news."
"What is it?" Lex asked.
"Superman is missing and the 'Lois Lane clone' died last night," James stated sadly. "I never got a chance to talk to her."
Lex perked up. "Missing you say?" He tried to hide his grin, but couldn't. He leaned back in his chair. "What does it matter about the clone anyway? No one would have believed her."
James shook his head at his evident delight at Superman's disappearance. "What about this?" He dropped Dr. Washington's statement on the table.
Lex was totally surprised as he glanced at it. "He betrayed me?"
"He told the truth; didn't he?" James was sure Lex was guilty.
He pushed the statement back to him. "His side of the story is not the truth."
James sighed. "His statement is not helping our case." He stood up and began to pace. "It's his word against yours. Is there anyone else I should be worried about who could testify against you?"
"No, except," he hesitated.
"Who; who is it?"
Lex frowned, thinking of his earlier suspicions. "Clark Kent; he's a reporter for the Daily Planet."
"He works for the Planet?" James shook his head beginning to put two plus two together. "Why would you be talking to him? You hate those nosey busybodies."
"Never mind," Lex replied, not looking at him.
James leaned forward hands on the table. "Lex, you have to tell me the truth. I can't help you if you don't. Now tell me why were you talking to him."
"Let's just say we have a mutual adversary."
Understanding, James stood up straighter. "Don't tell me, Superman?" He was sure of it.
"Do I have to say it?" Lex raised an eyebrow, his meaning clear.
"Great; just great!" James threw up his hands. "He was playing you, Lex. You must realize that."
"Yeah, he played me alright."
"So, he knows everything? All of it?" James couldn't believe it.
Lex sighed and rubbed his tired eyes. "Yes, he does."
"Then you have a serious problem."
Lex stared at him as thoughts of killing Clark Kent came into his mind.
TBC!
~o~o~
Song Inspiration: Don't Forget About Us, Mariah Carey.
A/N: Some of you may think that Martha's behavior was OOC, but I disagree. As a mother, your first priority is to be there for your child when they're sick. Clark is a grown man, but that instinct never truly goes away. But pulling Lois and Clark apart was difficult to get through. *sniffles* I know what you're thinking: 'Why did you do that to Clois?' I think you get it now, with Lex still plotting against Superman; they're always stronger together. It won't be for long; especially if Clark has anything to say about it. Thanks for reading everyone. Reviews/kudos is love.