Thanks for letting me help you out with this one, Kathy... it's lovely and lyrical and emotional, and full of weath--err, I mean, symbolism

Great job

PJ

Oh wow ... Kathy, that was ... *waffy sigh*. I so felt the intial hurt Clark was going through. Feeling like that in *any* kind of relationship is so hard ... I had such a lump im my throat.

He's such a perfect guy in an imperfect way.

Thanks for sharing this! It was very much worth the wait.

Intriguing start, Kathy - you had me immediately wondering what was wrong with the pointers about Clark being encouraged she allowed him to touch her and then the clear indications that something was wrong. Very nice hook.

And this was superb. I was fascinated and engrossed throughout. You had me feeling so desperately sorry for Clark, not knowing what was wrong and taking it personally and worried about what had happened to Lois and what she was hiding from him.

And my poor boy was trying so hard.

I wanted to bop her when she was being all noble. <G> Shut up and let the guy propose, Lois!!

The conversations were so poignant, Kathy and so waffy! Beautifully done.

Hey kathy...

What a wonderful story...

I loved it...

Yaay!!!!

You kept me on the edge of my seat while reading this. Umm... did you really say it was too long?

This cries out for a sequel! The Kents have to be told, Perry has to be told... <g>

No, seriously - this was so very beautiful, Kathy. Thanks for sharing.

Hi,

Beautiful!

MAF

Hi!

Great story!

I had guessed that Lois was pregnant before she admitted it

Wonderful idea, and beautifully written.
You pictured in a superb way Clark's feelings.

No, he 's mine! If Lois doesn't want him, I do for sure.

Exactly! Just imagine Lois and Clark getting in to the Planet, everybody looking at them suspiciously, and Lois saying: "Clark, we had forgot to mention we were going to be married, hadn't we?"

Good work.

CONGRATULATIONS!

And know that Xanabee and I are looking forward to reading more...

See you soon.
Anna_B.

Oh, man, it's a two tissue short.

It was so beautiful, and so sweet. I had an inkling of what might be wrong... but I had started to contemplate some more drastic possibilities.

I like the weather metaphor! And I like how even though this proposal is totally different than ATAI, it's STILL RAINING!

And the title is just right.

I liked the weather thing, too... really started noticing it on my second or third time through this (beta-reading). Check this out:

At the start, Lois and Clark are both unhappy, and not talking to each other about it; the situation is tense and uncomfortable, just like the heat wave. There are some clouds in the sky, but nothing's happened yet. L&C go for a walk, finally start talking, reach an understanding... and it starts raining. They go back to the house; it's still cloudy out, and they still have a few things left to talk about... and then at the very end, when L&C have resolved everything and are happy, we see the sun emerging from the clouds. I just think that's really cool

PJ

This was so sweet, I really enjoyed it.

I too was relieved and smiled when Lois finally blurted out her "problem"!

The hot, sticky weather descriptions actually had me feeling that sticky-middle-of-the-hot-humid-summer-skin you get when it's 90+ degrees!

~Liz

Kathy
wonderful story
waffy
I loved it
merry

Great story. :-) It had me smiling in a few parts, tho I guessed early on why Lois was so moody. Then again, I've got pregnancy/marriage on the brain lately (not me, just someone close to me) so that could be why. I wonder if I should show them this?

Kathy,

Wow, so waffy! I don't want to repeat everything that everyone else said, so I guess I can just say ditto to what everyone else said!

- Alicia

Kathy, this is simply beautiful. I think that if I was going to start quoting my favorite parts, I would pull out almost every single thing.

But I do have to quote this:
My poor Clark!! Already you had me in tears and they hadn't even started their conversation yet!

I've enjoyed reading over the comments folder before posting. I had noticed the fact that it rained (ending the hot "uncomfortable" weather) right after the "major" issue was cleared up between them, but some of the minor nuances that Pam pointed out I had missed. I love seeing what others pick up on

And the proposal was so sweet and waffy and then when I read this
I just melted - what's the phrase that people use? - into a puddle of goo.

Truly marvelous story. Thank you.

Kathy

Well, you already know how much I love this, but I don't mind saying it again. I think this is one of your best works yet. The melancholy tone and the atmosphere of this story are overwhelming. I noticed the symbolism of the weather immediately. I could feel the tension rising as the humidity built. When the clouds finally burst and the rain fell, I felt like dancing it myself, I was so relieved.

I thought Lois' reactions and fears were very realistic, given the fact that they'd only been dating for two months. Clark may be a wonderful guy, but even the most wonderful of guys can freak out under these sorts of situations. And it's not like Lois has much experience with the reactions of good guys.

Clark's reassurances were perfect. Exactly what she needed to hear. The last scene was my favorite though. This line made me cry:

Up until this point, I have to admit that I wasn't sure she wanted the baby either. Oh, I knew that she'd come around eventually. But I just wasn't convinced that she was really happy. But this, this was so sweet, and I was so relieved.

I loved it,
Annie

This was just gorgeous and satisfying and waffy and wonderful. Thank you!

So when's the sequel?

Wow, thanks everyone ... I'm thoroughly delighted by such wonderful feedback.

I'll be back to respond in more detail later, but I wanted to mention to those who have read the story that I've added several paragraphs to one of the scenes. I received private feedback from someone who thought Lois's expectations of Clark's reaction needed a bit more explanation, and I was able to work it in in a way that I hope will add to the scene. For those who have read already, there are seven new paragraphs (some including single lines of dialogue) beginning with this text:

It is almost exactly halfway through the story, just as L&C arrive on the farmhouse porch, but before they enter the house. If you do reread, I would welcome any comments -- positive or negative -- on the addition, either here or in private email.

Oh, and Maria, about the ring finger ... in the US, Americans count starting with their pointer finger. So Americans consider the ring finger to be the third finger (the one we count "three" on) on the left hand. Hope that makes more sense for you.

Thanks again, everyone ... I am enjoying reading your comments immensely.

Kathy

Just getting to this <G> I've been busy with rewriting a story for exams. Kathy, this screams for a sequel. So, do we get one? <g>

BF (who can't seem to use her regular nick here)

I had heard rumors of an addition, and I bet it would require an additional hanky.

I knew it!

Just when I thought you'd covered all the facets...

Excellent addition to an excellent story!

Re the addition of the few paragraphs: it was just how I could have pictured this conversation going. Of course Lois would know that Clark would never abandon her. And Clark expressing his concerns...

Kathy, I absolutely adored the story before, and now you've simply made it even better. Truly wonderful.

Kathy

well, i just read the whole thing (been catching up)... great story, kathy. have to say the title gave me a good idea what was happening before lois admitted to the pregnancy, but i wans't quite sure until she said it.

like annie, i also wasn't sure she wanted, rather than just accepted, the baby until the end. that was really beautiful.

i'm just glad that boy scout clark was properly prepared and packing an engagement ring.

still, i couldn't help thinking that silly lois should have known superman was invulnerable to shotguns.

i do like clark's elopement plan, though i expect there'll be some flak from sam and ellen, not to mention the fact that perry, jimmy, et al will probably be a little hurt. not sure that there's a better solution, given the situation.

i'm just glad to see them together and happy and starting off on a good solid foundation. and can i say again that it was a really beautiful ending?

Paul

LOL, Paul! Definitely!

Lovely story. And yeah, would love a sequel, too...

But then, I'm greedy, haven't you figured it out yet?

Melisma (melting back under her Rock to wait... well yeah, melting, literally; summer seems to have hit Seould with a vengeance, and I'm melting...melting...!)

Like Rivka, I loved the parallels to the proposal on the show. Beautifully done! This one was *much* more satisfying.

You know, I read the first half of the fic thinking, "Nah, there would be a warning for Tank if she was pregnant..." So in a way, I was kinda surprised.

Thanks for a nice one, Kathy!

Hazel

Awww, this was wonderful! I can just imagine Lois's reaction, especially if it was just after Whine Whine Whine. And as for Clark, I agree with Lois - I never thought he could be that devious!

Loriel (wondering if we'll get a sequel? )

Kathy

WOW! Beautifully written!

Thanks for sharing this excellent story. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Tricia

Kathy!

This was wonderful!

The writing was excellent. I could really picture the heat and the rain, and the way it reflected their moods.

Brilliant!

Thank you

Helga

Kathy it was so nice to see another story written by you on these boards. It was lovely too. Great job. Laura

Good story, Kathy. Poor Clark and poor Lois. They're good at miscommunication.

Nan

What? No A plot?

But then, I guess that's the point. They finally find time alone to have a meaningful and life changing conversation, and that is what the story is about.

As everyone said, it was beautifully written. I have to say that I guessed very early on that Lois was pregnant, and I was thinking "Just tell him already!" It's not so much that the pregnancy is obvious at the outset of the story; it's more that I had faith that you'd be going for a happy ending, and that was the only way I could see you achieving it given the mood at the start of the story.

My favourite line? And, yes, Clark is wonderfully devious, here. Just which teacher could he be referring to, I wonder?

Kudos, Kathy. You've obviously made a lot of people very happy!

Chris

Awww, Kathy! That was just wonderful!!!! I read it last night as soon as you posted, but couldn't get back on to comment - and I'm glad I waited cuz now I got to see the additions too.

I really liked the bit of conversation that you added, it added to the atmosphere and Lois' fears really well. I could see it as a very logical fear for her, given her history, that she would be afraid that Clark would only want to marry her and stay with out of obligation. But she should know our boy better!!! :rolleyes:

I caught on to the pregnancy pretty much right away, I've just seen enough pregnant women and their different reactions to the news to spot one a mile away. Her attitude and reactions at the beginning were very well written, and she had poor Clark such a sad, little wreck. AWWWWW, my poor baby!!! Exactly what I was thinking, Paul!!!

All of the dialogue was great!!! Come to think of it, EVERYTHING was great!!! So, I should stop pointing out what I liked or I'll just end up quoting the whole story in here. But I've gotta say that the end was just perfect - a great resolution to Clark's and the readers' worries about how Lois really was feeling about the baby!

By the time we got to 'I'm pregnant' part, I'd figured out exactly what she was going to say. Although, I must say the ride to the end was nice. Great work! Wendy mentioned another fic. Don't you know there's a rule against harboring fics??!!!! Post more, post often!

Okay, I'll admit that I read this. I'll give anything Kathy writes a try because she is one of the best. But I also have to admit that once I guessed the pregnancy part the story lost some of it's lustre.

The emotions were well handled and it was a classic 'lets have Lois and Clark get all traumatized because they are both thinking like lunkheads again' story. But...

I hate the idea of Lois being pregnant. I'm surprized you didn't bring out the idea that a child, while not only complicating Lois and Clark's lives at such an early stage of their relationship, but could and would have a major deletrious effect on her career. A career she is supposed to love greatly.

Great writing, bad idea.

Tank the Retired (who honestly believes that even though Teri is supposidly thrilled to have a child, it can't be denied that it severly crippled her career)

I just wanted to say this is an absolutely wonderful story! You are aweseome!

I've already read & re-read it a few times!!! Do we get a sequel?!?!?!?! Pretty Please....

Aw, Kathy, that was just lovely. After the week, it was almost buried down in the posts. But I'm glad I unearthed it to enjoy what everyone else has been enjoying.

Very sweet.

Best,
Sherry

I liked this story because it showed Clark's insecurities when it came to his relationship with Lois. I can understand why Lois was being distant and a little withdrawn from Clark, but I really don't understand the whole reason why she would trust him enough to start sleeping with im yet the moment she discovers that she is pregnant she turns her back on him. It is very touching though and I throughly enjoyed it. It moved me, which is a very hard thing to do! Great job!

I've been playing catch up today and finally reached this story. Kathy, how sweet and wonderful and waffy!

I can't really say more than the others. It's just very brilliant! And I do hope for a sequel, but get those other stories of yours out here first.

Saskia

Ack! I haven't commented yet! Sorry, Kathy.

Tank, just one thing to say - (Kathy, ignore that; it's definitely not meant for this sweet story.)

I enjoyed this, had no clue about the pregnancy, and did I hear right? You're hiding a fic from us?

Bad Kathy! Go post more now!

Irene

Wow, I am absolutely astounded by the level of feedback on this story -- two pages?? Almost 40 posts?? You guys really know how to make me feel good!

I'm so glad that you liked it. I actually started the story last fall and had it sitting at 80% done for months until I finally got inspired to finish it up. And based on this response, I'm certainly glad I did!

I'm especially pleased at how many of you mentioned the descriptions of the weather, and how it drew you more deeply into the story. Knowing it made you feel as if you were experiencing the same thing is a really compliment to a writer. Thank you so much for saying so.

One question that I did want to respond to ...

Crazy Babe commented:

I don't think Lois turned her back on him as much as she panicked and her defenses shot back up. As she explains to Clark on the porch, it wasn't so much that she was afraid that he would abandon her, but that he would assume she'd trapped him and would come to resent her. At first, she was in denial (both natural and out of necessity), but as they came to Smallville, her fears were starting to take over and she just didn't know how to tell him, out of fear she'd ruin everything. I actually see a lot of parallels to many of the revelation stories where Clark delays telling Lois because he thinks she'll leave him, and I tried to bring that out just a little in their conversations.

Oh, and also keep in mind that she is in the early stages of pregnancy, coupled with the stress of working super-long days and getting a huge shock. Between her hormones and the extreme exhaustion she must have been feeling -- both physical and mental -- I hope you don't judge her too harshly.


Wow, I can't believe how many people asked about a sequel. I almost hate to tell you that I have no plans to write one ... sorry!

I truly hope it doesn't "scream for a sequel", though ... I really thought I had wrapped everything up for them. I guess I'll just have to hope you were all asking out of desire to spend more time with the characters and not because you felt the story itself didn't having a satisfying ending.


LOL! Hey, we need to finish it first! <g>

What Wendy was so subtley (NOT! ) refering to is a little joint effort on the part of AnnieM and myself. We got a little sidetracked this week due to our finishing up our respective stories (this one for me, PtW for her) but we're back working on it now and hopefully will have something to post before *too* much longer.

Oh, yes, and I can't close without saying ...

That Jill is officially my new best friend.

Thanks, again, everyone! I'm so glad you enjoyed it! And thank you so much for the amazing feedback.

Kathy

Wow Kathy,

Finally caught up with this story and what can I now say after all the wonderful comments.

You put me through a roller coaster of emotions --as I worried about our pair and then delighted in their joy.

Thank you,

Barb.

What a sweet story. I just loved it!

~Sheila

tststs ... I had no idea that this story is originally from this board here or I would have post a comment long, long ago --- well, at least 1 month ago after I found the story on lcfanfic.com .

I love this story - At first I only wanted to read it on my monitor but then I decided to print it so I now can re-read it everywhere and everytime I want. Great work