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Thoughts? Holiday wishes? Or maybe you'd like to share your favorite Elvis song?

Yea! You posted this!
Awwww, shucks! Thanks! It's so cool to see the work in progress, and then the revisions that are made to the final product. Honestly, it's my absolute pleasure to be part of the process.

It's amazing how such a small detail brought me right back to season 1 Lois.


See, this is perfect. He's not going to lie to her - I know what he came here to do. That sigh, his first person admission (even though Lois doesn't recognize what he's doing) - it's enough for me to glimpse his state of mind.


Squeeeee! You go get what's yours, girl!

LOL...I really love this!

Well, way to be a Mister Gloomy Pants, Clark!

Yeah, Lois should feel guilty, but I do appreciate that she recognizes that fact so quickly. Gives her time to do something about it.

Loved Lois' persistence at EPRAD. Can't wait to see how you decided to resolve the whole thing in part 2.

Yay! Another Sue story! Love,love,love this. I can feel the angst rolling off both Lois and Clark in this part. Lois, hurt from being lied to and only understanding after Clark left what she'll lose. And Clark, looking for understanding and companionship. Also, finally come clean and lay himself bare to the woman that he loves. So many things lay between them that may forever be denied. Especially, if Nightfall truly ends everything before it really even begins. I can't wait for the second part. Although, you did have me a bit worried when Corporal Oliver said Superman wasn't there. For a few seconds I thought Clark was being stubborn and pigheaded. Then it dawned on me, just like Lois of where he would go. (Unless he's somewhere licking his wounds). Bring on the next part. Also, maybe another Kleenex too. Sarah

Fantastic! You handle conveying emotions so well.

I'm surprised that Lois isn't planning to call Clark's parents to try to speak to him. If she didn't already have their number from her visit there, it would be easy enough for her to find it. Yeah, the talk with Jonathan or Martha might well be awkward, but under the circumstances, I'd think that she would deem it worth it.

Of course, there's always the possibility that Oliver is lying and Clark really is at Eprad, but I rather doubt it. After all, the Kent farm was the first place that I had thought he would be, even before his apartment. (Of course, I have an advantage Lois didn't have: I saw ASU.)

I'm looking forward to seeing how this story turns out. Do you have any idea when you'll be posting part two?

Joy,
Lynn

Pushing the asteroid off its path -- a much more realistic option! And I really liked Clark's thought process, that if he's going to end up dead either way, the only option is to save everyone else first. He's so scared (poor Clark!) yet it's really the only answer. The mark of a true hero, willing to make the ultimate sacrifice.

I wanted to shake Lois when she got mad at him (even if it was perfectly in character) and was glad when she realized what she'd done -- how he'd confessed his fear and she'd sent him away -- just a minute too late. If she doesn't find him to apologize, it's going to be a heavy burden to bear, that she rejected him in his final hours.

Looking forward to part 2!

Kathy

I like this alternate take on the episode. Their reactions were very believable. I’m looking forward to seeing where you go in part 2!

120,000 mph is about 33 miles/sec; at that speed, it has to be coming from outside the solar system.

Can I consider this a birthday present? ...

What a nice surprise to find this story today .


I very much enjoyed how honest Lois is with herself.

But also... Lois, an occasional pizza/movie on Clark Kent's couch sounds like a pretty amazing way to spend an evening .


Even this part--which wasn't really WAFFy--but showed so much comfort and familiarity, really got my attention. That friendship--it is so much of everything, isn't it? Great way to illustrate .


I tell you...those little details, they really do make all the difference! His body rocking back and forth--that detail added a lot. Also, IMO, just putting the 'seriously' into Lois' question--it made what she was saying sound real. You are really great at writing how people actually 'talk' (if that makes sense ).


This part--I really enjoyed how Lois is approaching the conversation (obviously) in work-mode (as Clark as her partner), and Clark is being completely honest, telling her what happened (pretty much as Superman).


Friendship (sighing). Their's really is so beautiful. I love these little showcases of it .


He needs her SO MUCH right here. And showing his vulnerablility--'Lois, I'm scared'--that was so direct, so right where he is at that moment. I LOVED that!

I might as well highlight the whole story, the way that I'm going...but anyway:


Toe-curlingly sweet. I love how much Lois is trying. I love how much you can tell Clark is grasping onto that. It's very touching. And entwining the fingers--that's a big one for me...so sweet.


It's all definitely out there. Yippee!


Yeah, Clark! I love how he went with his emotions, with what he wanted so badly to do. Didn't think, just acted. He's under so much stress--letting go for that brief moment. Giving into his feelings.


Echoing Susan here. Loved this! Lois' honesty again with herself.


This is what I'm worried about!


Yep, Clark is officially 'in'--she cares, completely.


She's not. Just mad/scared/frustrated/in shock/etc/etc/etc...


The glasses left there sitting on the coffee table. Big impact. Clark leaving without glasses. That implies a LOT of upcoming 'scary' stuff--him not thinking he'll ever need them again.

So glad that Lois went after Clark...to his apartment, to EPRAD. Now to see what happens next! Can't wait!

Laura

Wow! Look at this lovely, lovely feedback! It's like Christmas came early!

Susan - Aw, thanks! I'm very flattered. I'm also extremely grateful that you're willing to read the story repeatedly (and then yet again once it's posted).

Thanks! That was the germ of an idea that started this whole story, the idea of Clark coming to confess the truth about Superman, but ending up confessing just how frightened he was. I couldn't resist the poignancy of Lois wanting to comfort Superman, not knowing that she already is.

Sarah - I'm not sure, no matter how hurt he was, Clark would be petty enough to completely avoid her. Especially if there was the possibility of not returning. I'm so glad you're reading along!

Lynn - Thank you! I'm exceedingly pleased that the emotions are working for you. I actually did toy with the idea of having Lois call the Kents, but it made the story feel cluttered to me. Also, the conversation between Clark and Lois ended up being awkward and devolved to accusations, so I cut it and went in a different direction. I plan to post the second half next week, probably right after Christmas.

Kathy - I'm rather agog that you're reading my story! And I'm ecstatic that you agree with me about the option to push Nightfall off course. Thank you for the compliment on characterization. That means a great deal to me, especially coming from an author I admire so much. (I have "Winter Wonderland" earmarked to dive into over the break -- can't wait!)

Debbie - Thank you! Having him blow up the asteroid always bugged me (along with a couple of other little details that I'll "fix" in the next half). I started this story as a snippet back in 2009, then forgot about it until last year when I came across an article about a possible asteroid impact on Mars. It estimated 120,000 mph as 55 km/second. If you're interested, this was the article: Mars Impact

Laura - Ha! Yes, consider this an early birthday present. I'm with you about the occasional pizza and a movie on Clark's couch sounding like a perfect way to spend an evening.

The details *always* make a difference! I tend to write starting with their dialog, and I'll say it out loud, just to make sure that it sounds right. I guess that's why it sounds real to you. Once I have that, I'll start shading in the action, then I go over it again and add the details. And then again and again until it feels done.

Me, too!

That, along with the fact that he told her the truth in the first place, just has to weigh on her. He honestly believes he isn't coming back.

Thank you so much, ladies! I very much appreciate your comments.

Just caught up and eager for the next part. Really great stuff Sue.

Artemis

I have no idea how you'll be able to tie up all these loose strings in one more part, Sue. If you can, . Although, since most of us think of you as Sue S., it's certainly in the realm of believability.

I read this the other night and didn't comment before now for two reasons. Firstly, I needed to think about what news she needed to call Perry about (stupid me, for some strange reason, I thought it had something to do about Clark's sudden holiday while the world was going to pot, i.e. CK=SM... not about the world going to pot, which I had forgotten wasn't *public* yet and that Clark had just informed her. You'd think, I'd have figured that out sooner, but my brain has been on hiatus all week.) Second reason, more understandable has something to do with lack of RL time and brainpower to do so. My apologies.

I love that Lois confessed to loving Clark (no "as a brother" here), before he could get out that he was in love with her... or that he was Superman. Kudos!

I agree that it was obvious to the rest of us where Clark had gone (as one other reader pointed out, we had bonus of having watched the episode). It makes sense though that Lois would still be thinking of Clark as Clark, not Superman. She hasn't see him DO anything Super. He didn't spin into the suit or disappear before her very eyes. So, she's thinking "where would Clark go" not "where would Clark go if he *could* fly (which he can)". Of course, once she figured it out, she slapped her forehead silly, Duh-ing herself.

The guy at EPRAD who denied her entrance asked a strange question though. He asked if she was alone. He only told the people in the back that Superman had female visitor (or something of the sort). My thoughts of this were that Superman could have been back there but expecting Clark's folks (hence a man and a woman). Now, that I think about this though, they could also be thinking, "only allow Lois Lane back if Clark Kent is with her", because Daitch likes Clark and not Lois. Probably the most obvious answer is the correct one. Clark went to Kansas and not to EPRAD after Lois made the mistake of kicking him out of her apartment. But if that were so, why ask if she was alone?

Other than that, ditto everything that Laura said, because she always notices all the wonderful nuances of your writing that I think while reading but forget once I get to commenting. So, thank you Laura, for once more taking the words out of my brain and saying it more eloquently than I could.

I'm still curious how you'll be able to tie up all these strings in one more part. I'm glad to hear that we'll find out the answer before 2015.

Yay! Sue S. is back!

Man, I am really getting behind in my commenting! In the office this morning which is thankfully quiet at the moment.


Simple sentence, but all of Lois' angst and fear is wrapped up in it.


Suddenly grim reality is hitting Lois smack in the face. The pain most be awful.

When is the next installment?

Holy crap, the holidays have hit me hard this year! In addition to usual festive goings-on, one of my brothers is getting married this Saturday and there have been all kinds of stuff to help out with on that front. Work has been crazier than usual because most of my team are on vacation and the clock is ticking down on getting our interfaces built and validated before February. It's madness, I tell you! MADNESS!

But, dang it, I really wanted to finish *something* this year, so I'm barely squeaking that resolution in under the wire.

Artemis - Thank you! I'll have the next part posted by tonight.

LWhite - What a wonderful compliment it is to hear that the story feels "alive." Thank you so much!

Virginia - Uh, you do remember that I said this was only going to cover about half the episode, right? It ends in a logical enough place, but I won't be tying up every single little loose thread. Yet.


I started this story because I couldn't shake the feeling that Clark, knowing he might not be coming back, would want to tell Lois the truth. I also wanted to give them a much more private farewell than having Lois grab him for a quick kiss in front of an international audience. And, heck, if I was going to do all that, then Lois could certainly admit her real feelings and not couch them with "as a brother."

Actually, Corporal Oliver didn't ask that question. He can see that Lois is there alone. It's whomever he's talking to on the other end who's asking the question. I like your "they like Clark, but not Lois" line of thought.

Morgana - I am back! Thank you for noticing the details in the short stuff. It means a lot to me when the readers pick up on it. The next installment will be soon!

My thanks (again) to everyone who has commented. Y'all rock my world!

That's what I meant. The guy on the other end of the line, not the man Lois spoke to directly.

I figured as much, but I thought I'd clarify, just in case.