Beside you still
Chapter 1 Starting gate
LOIS' APARTMENT
After their mini make out session on the floor, and the declarations of love, Lois and Clark get up and join the gents at the table. They join in devouring the Chinese take-out; the grins on their faces made eating somewhat of a challenge, they manage.
"So, I think we have something to talk about," the general stated the obvious.
"Maybe two things," Perry adds.
"Yup," Sam agrees.
"What?" Lois feigns ignorance.
Clark keeps on eating. He's had a lot of practice ignoring things. And People. And topics.
"What just happened here," Sam glances between Lois and Clark.
"Be more specific, dad." Lois deadpans.
Perry takes over "Let's start with Superman, shall we?"
Clark takes Lois' hand, lacing their fingers. "I will answer all your questions gentlemen. However, I would like to spend some time with Lois first. Getting our relationship off to a solid start. I hope you understand?"
Perry and Sam look to each other, and nod. "Yes, I get that," Sam responds. Perry nods in assent. Sam continues, "Can we schedule a dinner, in 2 weeks or so?"
Lois looks to Clark, he nods. "Yes, that should work. I'll call you, daddy."
"Good," Sam is good with that.
"But, kids, we need to have a talk at work. Sooner rather than later," Perry expresses.
"Absolutely," Clark nods.
Lois agrees, "You make the call on that, Perry."
"Monday is not too soon for me," the senior editor adds. "Say 08:00?" (It is Thursday.)
"We'll be there," Lois promises. Clark nods.
After some more small talk, and dessert, the 'old folks' take their leave. Clark helps Lois clean up, then the two settle on the couch, cuddling close together.
"Wow, this is different!" Clark whispers.
"Yes, it is. I can get used to it, though," Lois returns.
"How long will it take?" He smirks.
"Well . . . oh, there it goes! I'm now officially used to this!" Lois pulls him down for another kiss.
"You are a fast learner."
"You bet. Does that surprise you?"
"Nope. Not at all. Now Lois, what would you like to ask me?"
"Nothing tonight. I just want to absorb what I've learned. Perhaps over the weekend we can have some Q time?"
"We certainly can. I better go, give you some time for your beauty sleep. Not that you need it, I mean, ah . . . you already are beautiful . . . I mean-
Lois mercifully stops his rambling with her lips on his. She grins at him, "Stop! I know what you mean. You are cute when you are flustered! I love you, Clark!"
"I love you too, Lois!"
They rise and mosey to the door.
After a tight embrace, kisses and some more 1-4-3, Clark opens the door and turns to leave.
Lois drops her gaze and says, "Good night, Superman!" She closes the door softly behind him.
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Clark stops short. What? There are some things to talk about over the weekend! Who does she love? He thought he knew. But does he really?
He has a hard time going to sleep that night.
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Lois does her bedtime routine, throws on her PJ's and slips into bed. Then it hits her – she said good night to Superman! She remembers what Clark said to her when he stopped by to check on her after her hospital stay.
FLASHBACK
"I would think that Superman has everything – that he needs that is." Lois expresses.
"No . . . he's still looking for someone to love. Someone who will love him for who he really is."
"He is Superman! Everyone loves him!" Lois exclaims, waving her hands around.
"No Lois. When he goes home and takes the suit off, there is a man. That is who he really is! Superman is a persona – a super hero who helps people, doing good. That's not the real man. Being a super hero can be quite lonely."
PRESENT
'God, did he catch that? Of course he did!'
Lois tosses and turns. Should she address this tonight? No, first thing in the morning. Or later in the day. 'Oh, geez! What have I done? DAMN!'
She finally falls asleep somewhere between 2 & 3 AM.
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TBC if there is interest.