Delighted to still be here, even after I pulled a Clark-no-show!
Thank you, everyone, for reading and enjoying and leaving feedback -- it's such a blessing to be able to get encouragement for something that I love doing anyway!
Thank you for the comment on the parentheticals, groobie! I really enjoy doing them, but before my wonderful betas read the chapters, I wasn't sure if anyone else would like them. I know they could be annoying, so I try not to overdo them, but they're just as addictive to write as to read!
I'm so glad you enjoy them!
James is one of my very favorite parts of this story -- he kept getting more and more prominent every time he showed up just because he was so strong and loyal that I couldn't help but pull him into scenes. This chapter, this scene between Lois and James, almost wrote itself after I set the prologue aside because I couldn't see it going any place good, and after this chapter, I couldn't help but continue. I'm glad the suspense worked for you, LWhite!
Thanks, Bean22! The pacing was something I worried about and worked on quite a bit, so I'm glad you don't mind the story taking its time!
Great idea, Framework4! Now if only I had thought of that... It might actually be easier than what I'm actually doing...
I've always enjoyed Jimmy's character, Lynn (as I think we've probably discussed in emails), so I liked getting the chance to explore him a bit more. One of the things I've always enjoyed about him in the comics is that he's Clark's pal as well as Superman's, and Clark sees him as a great friend mostly, I think, because Jimmy sees Clark as someone to respect and look up to just as much as Superman.
Deadly Chakram, that line about Jimmy's alter ego being as good as Clark's was one of my favorites to write! And remembering to type James instead of Jimmy was hard for me at first too (but now, I'm afraid, it will be hard to switch back when this story is over)!
And yes, I can't owe you tissues for a good long time, surely, especially after 'Alone!'
I remember that interview, VirginiaR - or well, I think I heard it on Dean Cain's commentary of the Pilot, but I do remember the story and still think it's ridiculous. I admit that I would have preferred a lot more of S1 Jimmy as opposed to S2-4 Jimmy, though of course I'm fond of him too.
But though James is based on Michael Landes' Jimmy rather than Justin Whalen's, I wasn't thinking of that line when I came up with the storyline (at least, not consciously!). The disguise theme - and the disguises coming off in various ways - is a huge theme of the story, so I had to smile reading your comments on Jimmy's knowledge of them and Perry's referral to that. In fact, all your thoughts were fascinating to read. Does Clark have his memories or not? Is it fated that in every universe, Nightfall erases his memory or are there some where he's injured in other ways? And James is in a VERY awkward, dangerous place. Easy for Lois? No, I wouldn't say I do that...:)
It's hard for James to trust Perry or Lois after what happened, Morgana! I do try to leave it somewhat free to the reader's imagination which Jimmy it is, but a few physical descriptions do probably slip in just because I can't help myself.
Believe me, LMA, I don't mind that you like to gush -- I'll try not to let it go to my head! You're so right. No matter what James chooses, whatever happens from there is going to be on his head. So glad you said that about taking as much time as I need to show Clark...
And thanks for mentioning the paragraph about the spilled tea - it was a fun one to write and really helped set the tone for how the entire story would be written!
Thanks, everyone! I hope you continue to enjoy!