Glad to see you're back. You've been in my thoughts and prayers, Sue.

This is another in a long string of amazing parts. I wish I had the time to quote some specifics, but James is waiting for me.

I love the tenderness. The SG1 fandom would call this a hurt/comfort story. It is through their hurt that they are able to fully care for each other. Also, I love that they haven't lost their senses of humor.

Elisabeth
who has truly figured it out. It's just like the Superman movies. Superman has to give up his powers to be married to Lois. That's it. I'm sure it is.

I love this. It reminds me of how Lois thinks about how they are different -- and the same -- in my story after she finds out.

I love how she was willing to let him help her, and how she didn't kill him for lying to her. I don't think being shot would stop Mad Dog Lane if she was on the prowl.

I am excited to see what's next!

Okay...feedback. This was a great part, Sue. I loved how Lois and Clark were so considerate of one another and how she didn't get angry with him over the whole Superman thing. I guess she decided that there were plenty more important things to waste her energy on, huh?

Ooh! In Clark's presence? I mean, he is your husband, Lois... Surely he deserves...something?

~Anna.

Sue...awesome...awesome...awesome! You have the ability to render us powerless under the spell of your stries. How do you do that?

Anyway without further delay...here's my take...

So what exactly was it that cost Clark his powers? What was in the dirt?

They're trying to make their horrible situation light. He's even editing her copy...still.

Even injured, Clark is still trying to take care of Lois. But she knows that hr is being a lot nobler than he probably should be right now because he is just as hurt as she is.

Okay, some feelings are expressed here. They are both wanting to relay that there is more to their friendship than just friendship. It's all just so complicated. It's almost as if one wants the other to know how he feel just in case they don't make it out. Lois is now admitting that she actually wanted to date Clark.

They were both getting comfort and strength from each other...almost like recharging. It was an expression of love, just not sexual.

Almost as if there was a silent truce, they're now being totally honest and open with each other.

Clark's last dying concern was for Lois...because he loves her more than he loves himself. Even thought this is an incidental marriage, he has taken his vows to another level.


Thank you Sue for another fantastic chapter. Hurry back with more.

A random thought to begin with... during my long years as a comic book reader I gradually grew furious about the fact that the owners of the Superman trademark seemed determined to keep him a virgin, i.e., they'd were determined to keep him away from the clutches of Lois Lane. And when she finally did catch him and put him in a position where he stood to lose those red briefs of his, the owners whatever they could to undo the damage. I won't go on about that heartbreaking movie, Superman II, but do you know what happened when Superman got married to Lois in the comics? The owners sent Clark and Lois on a honeymoon, where they got barely ten minutes to themselves before they had to spend the rest of the time chasing villains. Hardly had they defeated the badguys than they had to board the next plane to Metropolis (Clark was powerless at the time, I think), and when the plane touched down in the Big Apricot, Lois had mysteriously vanished into thin air! Only no one noticed or worried, least of all Clark, who blithely went about his bachelor life as usual! What was the cause for her disappearance? I swear it was to keep her hands off Clark's anatomy! So how did she return? Heck, she sort of slowly dripped or seeped back into the story, one panel at a time, and whenever we saw a glimpse of her again there was nothing but polite friendship between her and Clark, believe me!

But, Sue, as I was reading this part and had come about half-way through it, I was thinking to myself: Is it possible? Can Lois and Clark have a worse honeymoon than the one they had in the comics? I didn't think that was possible, but hey... you have outdone yourself again, haven't you?

Oh, but... then towards the end, you gave us the kind of dialoge between that them that was so perfect that it almost brought tears to my eyes. And it wasn't just the dialogue, but the volumes they spoke to each other using body language. They were honest and just a bit annoyed and teasing, and they were caring and tender and warm and just the right amount of embarrassed, and... wow. Mmmmmmm. No, Sue, this honeymoon is so, so much better than the one they had in the comics. No matter how much their bodies are suffering, the togetherness you gave them at the end was just wonderful:

So funny... so beautiful... *sniffle* (I swear that was more WAFF than some people get out of a lifetime of marriage.)

And I know this much: assuming both of them survive (and I think they will), there is no way Lois could disappear without Clark going mad with worry and fretting his cute little backside off!

At least we know a bit of how badly injured Clark and Lois were when they were brought in to the hospital. Gunshots? Have they been shot so far? Yes, they have, haven't they? Not just beaten up? (Sorry, Sue, I have no time to re-read the previous parts.) I think they have been shot already, and that's a relief, because then we don't have to "look forward to" addtional shooting in the next two parts! (Bad Sue - you added a chapter so that we can agonize about the horrors still awaiting our favorite couple a little longer!)

And now I'm afraid I don't have time to comment more right now. I'll be back, Sue!

Ann

Yeah!!! Sue's back with more Honeymoon!!!

This was another wonderful section.

BTW--I Detest Las Vegas on so many levels so your description:
just seemed to fit. I've stayed there a couple of times--mostly because it was what was available as we were driving through the desert. I've seen nice rooms in Vegas as well as the ones you described--your right there is little as depressing and then to put it in that slime pit of a city. . . well it's amazing that Martha isn't crying her eyes out with all that is going on.

I love Lois' introspection about Clark and how she comes to "terms" witht he whole dual identitiy thing. <big sigh> very nice.

I'm so currious about what caused Clark to lose his powers. . .you are going to let them figure it out eventally aren't you ? And let us know? Please?

OK, I've got to stop so I can get to work. So, I'll end by Saying that I love the time in the slot canyon. He's really lucky that the one there had water in it, the one I got to go in this summer was mostly cut by wind and was dry as a bone.


More soon please!!

Vonceil

ooh yay another part from Vegas!!
I think I know how confused Martha and Jonathan must be right now!! Not knowing what happened to them. So was it the dirt that made Clark loose his powers??

And it was great to read that Lois didn't get mad that she could see that Clark was superman (that it even made sense)and that she helped him!! aaawww
How nice of him!! Of course they'll share !!!!

It's a lot to quote but I just LOVE the whole conversation thay have that night! About how mean they were to each other. I really think that was sooo sweet!

This was just an other super part, can't wait for the next one!!!

Heh. I rarely stay at hotels, I can't afford them, but if I have to stay at one, it had better be better than that one! Geeez!! And I'm very much a non-smoker, and these days, when smoking is forbidden in all public places indoors, my tolerance for cigarette smoke grows less and less. (Can you smoke in hotels in Sweden, at least in some rooms there? I've no idea.)

Anyway, I just wanted to say that this description reminds me of the first school I worked at, Söderslättsgymnasiet in Trelleborg in 1980. Back then, smoking indoors was certainly allowed, certainly in the staff rooms for teachers. I remember one such room in particular. I'm sure there must have been mould in that building somewhere, because it definitely smelled like that, and then several of the teachers who used to sit there smoked like chimneys. You can't believe what the combination of mould and stale smoke smelled like in the morning (insert retching icon here). And it never took long before one of the chain-smoking teachers came in, smelled the air, uttered an expletive, condemned the foulness of stale smoke, and promised anyone in the room that he or she would immediately freshen up the air by exhaling some fresh cigarette smoke on us! Whereupon the teacher in question promptly lit up!

This is beautifully written. Lois admires and idolizes Superman, but she loves and cares for Clark. I think that is because Superman is per definition invulnerable, untouchable, indestructible, not only physically but emotionally too, or at least that is how Lois has seen him. Clark, on the other hand, is human like the rest of us and feels what we feel, or that is what Lois thinks of him. His eyes are warm and teasing, while Superman's is heroic and far-seeing. Of course that makes it so much worse if Clark is hurt than if Superman is injured.

You may be right here, but you know me, Sue - stubborn as a mule. All I can see that Clark lied to Lois and if he wanted to tell her he should have told her, not dropped hints. I refuse to see it as Lois's fault that she didn't figure out his secret! *stamps foot*

Wow, yes. That was ironic. Only now I think Lois has figured out that she would much rather sleep with Clark than with Superman if she got the chance to live the past few days all over again. (Never mind that they are the same guy. Now that Lois knows that the two are one, she can also see that they aren't really the same.

Hmmm. I do think it is nice that she thinks about the possibility that was so perfectly within her grasp, but that she let slip.

She might not have been able to leave Superman behind either, but that would have been out of a sense of civic duty. She couldn't leave Clark because he was Clark, and she couldn't imagine her life without him.

I'm quoting this just because - yes! He has already been shot. No need to shoot him again, Sue!

Oh, Mr. Feel-Sorry-For-Himself because Lois found out his secret. Tell me, Clark. When had you really planned to tell her?

Love some of the words you are using here, Sue. "Stark" - to me that is a word that symbolizes something harsh, sometimes beautiful, but usually lifeless. There is certainly none of the messes that living things make in anything that is stark. Grunts and groans, though - they are so totally associated with life. Not life in any of its most beautiful aspects, but life, most certainly. In this case, the grunts and groans are made by a living being that is as attractive as anything that Lois can think of, and she could have touched him, caressed him last night, if she hadn't been so stupid. "Her questing hands" - that's a beautiful expression, too.

I love this. The outfit itself is small. It looks big because of the sheer stature, physical and mental, of the man who wears it.

Horror!!!

Wonder, though, why the badguys are so desperate to find them? They should know that Lois and Clark are both injured, and that their chances of survival in the desert are small. Okay, I guess Mickey and his goons might be implicated if Lois and Clark's bodies are found, and possibly also if these relatively well-known reporters just disappear. Anyway, I wonder what it is that Micky is hiding. What was it that Lois was about to discover about him?

Eeeeww, disgusting....

They are that desperate?

His deepest, darkest secret... come on, Lois! It's not as if you have just discovered that Clark is an axe murderer.

I'm so moved by this somehow.

Wow, Clark. You would have revealed your powers to Lois rather than having both of you dying in the desert? Excuse me for being underwhelmed. (Okay, Mickey would almost certainly have found out about your powers too, and that would definitely have been a bigger deal.)

I love how he's thinking of Lois here.

This is lovely. They can still joke.

:rolleyes:

He is rather annoying here.

:rolleyes:

That's so funny!

Chances are it was Alpha Centauri, Epsilon Eridani or 61 Cygni. They are nearby, and I just can't believe he could travel more than a few light-years if he were to survive the trip. Wonder if he knows himself which star is his, though?

Anyway... I love the image of the two of them lying on the ground in the desert side by side, sharing his cape and looking at the stars. Wow... I bet the stars are amazingly bright out in the desert, so far from towns and people and artficial illumination.

Pssst, don't tell anyone, but this may be the one thing I find hardest to accept about Superman - that he looks perfectly human, even though he is an alien. Consider how different we humans actually look here on Earth. We do, honestly.













How come Clark can look not only perfectly human, but perfectly beautiful according to most of our ideas of perfect beauty? When he's from another planet, light-years away? It boggles the mind.

But... all right, all right... I want him to look perfectly human and beautiful, too. I'll just have to try to tell myself that this is perfectly normal somehow.

They knew he would land in Kansas??? And they took aim a coupla light years away???

(Sorry - being an astronomy nerd sometimes gets in the way when I'm reading these stories. Forgive me, Sue!)

I can't help it, I love how they start arguing after she has tried to apologize for her behaviour! Suddenly Clark can see why he has a reason to be angry at her!

He stole your story about the theater, Lois? The one you weren't in the mood to write?

Yeah, when you put it that way, he was!

Oh, how sweet. I love this, Sue!

Please tell her she wasn't galactically stupid!

Poor Clark. he often feels so worthless in Lois's eyes after his secret has been exposed.

Awww!!!! So adorable! *happy snuffle*

It's so sweet that they are so shy around each other.

Yes, Clark. That must be it.

Aawww....

Aaawww!!!

Hmmm. She doesn't like his boy scout image.

Those red streaks, could they be the beginning of blood poisoning, as they called it when I was a kid? The way they explained it to me, it could be deadly.

Good idea, Lois. But you might wear the boots, too.

Aaaawww...

Oh, Lois. Hey, you are married, you know?

And then the ending again - or the end ot this part, at any rate. So, so sweet. But, Sue, you really need to rescue Lois and Clark. So why don't you come back in a hurry and do so?

Ann

Wheee! Another night of no internet connection and the wondering/waiting game. To come in this morning and find all this... I'm beyond happy! But, since I am at work, I'll have to try and be brief... Ha! Would you believe I hadn't even thought of that angle? But that is kind of fun, in a way. Thanks so much for the thoughts and prayers, Elisabeth. They're very much appreciated. What story is that? Heck, if you're going to plug your story in a thread, you should at least tell us which story it is. Anna, I thought about having her righteously angry over the whole thing. But then I thought about how it would feel when they've both already been through so much. It would have been too over-the-top to make her angry. Really, how can she possibly punish him when Mickey's men have done all the dirty work for her? He's only got two things left to lose - her and his life. Bonus points to Sheila for making the connection! I thought that was a fun way to explain why they couldn't use the cacti for water, plus it gave her an opportunity to needle him later when she asked: "Are you telling me that you've never studied the mines of the Southwest?" Heh. That's exactly what's going on! More bonus points for Sheila! It is complicated - no one wants to be the one who reveals too much. Yes, Vonceil. I promise. True that. I've hiked in the canyon they're in multiple times and sometimes the spring is active and sometimes it isn't. But, honestly, they couldn't have survived all the way to Friday morning without water in that heat. He seems to think so. Mickey was meeting up with a goon who had been made to leave Metropolis (Big Joe). At the beginning of the story L/C are theorizing that maybe Big Joe is trying to make a comeback. The possibility that two of Metropolis' crack reporters might make a comeback of their own is a loose end that Mickey can't have. L/C may not have known anything when they were shot, but they certainly could implicate Mickey and the others in several crimes now. Mickey is cursing himself for not taking them straight out to the desert when he found them, but he had wanted to find out what they knew first. Now there are witnesses all over Vegas who saw them together, he paid for their room and they've just disappeared? You bet he's desperate to find them. Find them and make sure that no one else ever finds them again. It's beyond amazing. No picture or description can do it justice. But I, too, love the mental image of them lying beneath that wide expanse of stars under his cape. Hee - this reminds me of a family story, one that my sister will KILL me for repeating. But, if you've read this far, you deserve a reward. <g>

Several years ago, back when LnC was still on the air, Dean Cain hosted some TV special about the paranormal or superheroes or something. I don't remember the show, only the conversation in my mother's living room. At one point Dean was talking into the camera and he said something like, "And what about the most famous of aliens, Superman?" My sister, who was about 17 at the time (plenty old enough to know better) lets out this astonished shriek and turns to me and earnestly exclaims, "Superman is alien?!? Oh my gosh, but he looks so human!" Everyone laughed at her and she became upset with us. It became a catch phrase in our family (and still is to this day, "Superman is an alien? Oh my gosh...")

Ahem. Maybe you had to be there, but it was all in how honestly sincere and surprised she was. How could he be an alien when he looked just like us? <g>

I'm glad everyone liked this part. To me it feels truncated because I had to chop off about 5-6 pages. The next part is better. At least, I think so. Now that they're finally comfortable with each other, they can really start to talk. Which means they can annoy each other, flirt with each other and somehow reach the point where Clark would adamantly insist to everyone that Lois was truly his wife. As Sheila pointed out (more bonus points!): Even thought this is an incidental marriage, he has taken his vows to another level. Maybe, before the story is over, they both will.

Thanks guys! I should have part six out far more quickly than this part.

*yay* I'm so glad I have this to read right now!!

I've told Jessi this quite a few times before and I'm sure she thinks I'm deranged by now, but... every time I read a revelation story I always get in this weird-like state where I sit here and find myself amazed by the fact that Clark is Superman - as if I had just learned of it myself. It's literally as if I'm suddenly putting two and two together and going "OMG!" *lol* In fact, this morning I was walking to work and some song lyrics got me thinking how weird it is that Clark is an extra-terrestrial. It's mind-boggling...

This said... I love when that happens, that whole "WOW!" thing when I realize (for the millionth time) that Clark is Superman.

This brought it right back and I'm pretty sure what I'm feeling now is what Lois was experiencing at the time:

ROFL!!! And that was exactly where I was at this morning when I was walking to work:

Seriously... mind-boggling... he's more human than a lot of people I know, but he's not from here at all. It's so weird to think about that!!!

Are you sure? I clearly remember Lois calling Clark on his when he was out having lunch with Mayson. But the cell would *definitely* not have worked in the desert - coverage back then was very limited. (and believe me, I know - I worked for a cell phone company back in 1996)

Great part - sorry for the lack of actual real comments, I was so caught up in the whole thing. I love that, though. I love when I don't want to take my eyes off the page until I get to the end. It was great! Can't wait for the next one!!

wow that was good especially after such a long wait (dont worry i dont blame you sue). i have to admit i was pretty surprised she didnt blow up even the tiniest bit. what? she is Lois lane after all. now, whats this bit that i need osme tissues for!!! oh god, im dreading that bit! whens the next one came out sue?

LOL Sue. It's "Inside Out," which you proclaimed as too long to read when you commented on my vignette

But here, I'll paste the passage and then maybe I can entice you into reading it:

Across the table, Lois was trying to listen to what Perry was saying, but her mind – and her eyes – kept wandering to Clark. She searched his face, looking for all the things she had missed. They had the same eyes, the same mouth, the same jaw … no major differences except the glasses and the hair. But there *were* differences. Superman's eyes were steely; Clark's blazed with desire as he made love to her. Superman usually looked stoic; Clark's lips parted slightly as he was sleeping, his mouth soft and inviting when he kissed her.

And may I add that I thought the "him editing her copy" comment was hilarious. It's funny how even when she doesn't realize it, he is doing that, both in fics and on the show. She may be better with the content (i.e. reporting) but he is head and shoulders above her when it comes to detail (the writing side).

But as an editor, I claim this defense: We don't mean to edit and pick at everything! Well, most of the time ...

And you know, I'm going to Vegas next week. I'll have to keep an eye out for Mickey and his henchmen.

Excellent. Thank you, also, for the illustrative slides - I could imagine the desert, having been there, but I couldn't imagine the canyon. And forget the omission of mobile phones; the thing that worries me is the danger of poisonous insects and wildlife...

Yvonne
(sorry this is short but I have a headache)

I "proclaimed" it? You make it sound like I waved my hand in the air and sniffed and yawned and said, "too long". But seriously - when is a 35 part story (I checked) not a major time investment? I didn't mean to insult you when I put that in your FDK, I just wanted to let you know that I had enjoyed your vignette but I wouldn't be able to invest the time that a 35-part story would take. My apologies if you thought I was being rude.

I'm not really sure I see the correlation between Clark's features and reactions during sex and Lois stealing his pens and snitching his french fries (the passage you compared it to). I was simply trying to convey something like Lara had mentioned - how surreal it was for her to discover that she had done all those mundane (and sometimes rude) things to Superman. I know just what you mean, Lara! I, too, seem to suffer from temporary amnesia when it comes to the revelation. It's my favorite thing to write - there are just so many ways that it could happen, so many roads to go down. And it amazes me afresh each time when I look through Lois' eyes and realize that the ordinary guy she eats lunch with every day is the same guy who flies around the city on a whim. I don't think you're deranged. Or I'm just glad that we're suffering from the same insanity. <g> I thought about having her go ballistic, but it seemed like overkill. In these circumstances, he's being punished enough already.

Yvonne, I'm glad you liked the pictures. I hope your headache has disappeared! <hugs>

No idea how I posted this twice. :rolleyes: Please delete this one. Thanks!

Oh no, not at all. I was kidding. I figured people may like my vignette because it was short. LOL.

The correlation I saw was more subtle (and she was thinking about him in general, not just during sex) in that she is thinking about how she never thought about the fact that this stoic man/the man whose eyes blazed when he was around her (my story) and the man who was her companion and best friend/the man who saved her the world (yours) were one and the same. I'm sorry. I won't make any more comparisons or leave FDK if it seems erroneous and stupid.

EDITED TO ADD: PLEASE DELETE MY DUPLICATE POSTS ... NOT SURE WHY IT DID THAT EITHER!

Hmm interesting thoughts about why Clark looks human. Maybe because a human being invented him? He is the ideal perfect man and obviously doesn't exhist here on Earth<g> I guess he had to come from somewhere, other then heaven, or their would be no sex! And what fun is that to us humans? But I am glad he was invented. He certainly is a devine inspiration! Laura

Elisabeth has it right:
**Elisabeth
who has truly figured it out. It's just like the Superman movies. Superman has to give up his powers to be married to Lois. That's it. I'm sure it is. **

I have so many unanswered questions with this part--I love that this is not a predictable story in the least. It makes it fresh and new and I love it!

What a lovely part. I just loved seeing them grow closer together through hard times. Can't wait for more.

Jackie

I just found the time for FDK. This story is absolutely overwhelming. Great, angsty sort of fic. I'm not the biggest fan of angst, but this sure blew me away.

YAY!!! Sue, I was so happy to wake up this morning and see that you posted part 5. And as usual, you didn't disappoint.

This was a very intimate chapter--friends wise. I enjoyed reading how Lois and Clark were there for each other and took care of each other. However, you're such a tease!!!! Half naked, close contact, and NO kissing???!?!?!? Talk about frustration--haha. I can't wait to read the next installment!

Lola

Sue, I stayed up until 2 in the morning to catch up on this story. I can't even begin to describe how much I'm enjoying it!

I also have to apologize for just now getting around to reading it! Since school ended for the summer I've been working 7 days a week. And don't get me started on this whole 9-5 business! I'm glad I still have a year of college left because I'm not ready for this! But I digress...

It's been so frustrating for me to watch these two interact with each other. I just want to yell at them to simply talk to each other and be honest with each other! Its all so pointless: Lois getting angry because Clark doesn't react appropriately to her semi-nakedness, and Clark hiding his reactions because he doesn't want to offend Lois. They seem so angry with each other, sniping and making comments at each other. But I suppose the pain will do that to a person.

In the past couple parts I was surprised at how rude Clark was acting. He just seemed so angry with her for insisting on taking him along. And for not being more concerned for her injuries. I suppose the guilt over the whole situation compounded with his injuries would make anyone change. And he probably doesn't have a lot of extra concern to go around since he's in pretty bad shape himself. But I guess I'm just used to his more caring side. (And just as a disclaimer, this in no way means I'm not enjoying this story! You write it so well. And it would be boring if every story was the same. I enjoy reading any and all differing angles of these two! )

You made it better with this part though. They actually started to talk a bit. And to lay next to the person you love under a sky like that...I can't even imagine what that would be like. Too bad they're practically bleeding to death and can't fully enjoy the experience. I'm interested to see what happens between them that makes Clark so adamant about calling her his wife. Not that I should be surprised, but I'm still excited to see what happens.

Sue, I cannot wait for the next parts. Unfortunately, I'm leaving for vacation on Tuesday and I'm sure I won't get to see how this all ends for at least another week! There are so many questions that need to be answered! I just hope you post the next part before Monday...although maybe there will be a huge cliffhanger and that would just make it worse...oh I don't care. Bring on the next part!

~Kristen

Sue, my dear queen, my apologies for my lack of FDK. Sorry, sorry, sorry. I'm reading this story since the beginning and loving each part, each line of it.

Awwwwwww...

So much better, Lois.

LOL!

... I kissed you. I made out with you.

/me melts.

Yes, just a little. Please, Sue!

Ah, the possibilities...

LOL.

/me sighs.

Oh, I want more! I've finally posted FDK. Now you can post next part, Sue.

I promise you, my Queen, I'll be more attentive with FDK. Your stories are great, and I know I've been bad with FDK. Kudos to you for your amazing writing. You're brilliant and talented. I grovel at your feet and beg your forgiveness. I've been bad. Just slap me! I deserve it.

Could you forgive me, please? Pretty please?

/me looks at Sue with big puppy dog eyes.

Love ya,
Andreia

I have been going *nuts* for 2 days when I couldn't get into this site to post feedback!!! Finally, it's up. It got unstable once more this aft, so I'll post quickly.
I really enjoyed the interaction between Lois and Clark (hmmm, a familiar ring there) as they try to get out of their predicament. My experience with crises is that you support the partner to get out of the problem and *then* get mad.
That said, I have been OBSESSED, I say OBSESSED, with where they are around Las Vegas. Hubby and I have spent hours on the computer trying to find matching scenes. We have a little extra interest since he was on Mine Search and Rescue and he used to retrieve mob hit bodies out of areas around Vegas. (It's true, I swear!) We have some ideas. I'm going to post this now and come back with pics later or maybe after the next part.

Artemis

Hope this is because RL is getting better.

That sounds like an interest job. On the other hand, I'm so glad it's not MY job.

Elisabeth

Hah! And you gave us pictures to boot! <g> Sorry it took me so long to get back here and leave you fdk - I had a really busy weekend!

So many people have quoted so many good lines... so forgive me if I don't quote a lot. But I loved the fact that Lois stepped up and was big enough not to torture Clark or be mean to him for keeping the secret... after all, they were both in enough pain as it was.

Here I was thinking - "No, no, Clark! You need to share body warmth!!! You're gonna get cold!"

See! Told ya! <snerk>

I love how they were still teasing each other even though they were in pain... about the jacket and especially about the cactus - LOL. And I love the accusations and how they proved that they had both been mean to each other. Heh.

Yay! They found water!

*ahem* continuing...

The undressing scene was sweet and using the suit like they did was awesome! Great idea, Sue. <g>

Sorry to quote that whole last part, but I just adored it. <g>

Yippee! I can't wait to see part 6 <checks e-mail inbox... clicks again... clicks again... stamps foot impatiently...>


-- DJ


P.S. -- (To EditorJax)

Oh! Don't think that! I know Sue loves fdk (and people's comments) just as much as the next author... and I know she wasn't implying that your fdk was stupid. It was just a little difficult to see the connection at first, that's all. Don't feel that way! FDK is wonderful!

<shutting up now...>

Not only that it was a *volunteer* job! This was back in the "Rat Pack" days of Las Vegas. Supposedly they've cleaned up their act now!

Artemis

_____________________________
He's only got two things left to lose - her and his life.
_____________________________

im sorry, (whoever wrote this comment, think it was sue,) but i dont agree. what about his parents, what about his friends, like jimmy and perry. but most of all his parents so he has in actual fact 3 or more things to lose sorry had to point it out. cant wait for more
lv sammie xXx

I can't believe I didn't see this chapter! I'm appalled at myself for skipping it over. I think I thought I had already read it and then one day I actually clicked on it and was like "AHHHH A NEW CHAPTER FROM SUE THAT I HAVEN'T READ YET!" So I suppose it was a treat. I can't tell you how much I love this story! I'm still a sucker for the hurt/comfort thing they're doing. And the mystery you have going on with the dust is getting curiouser and curiouser. I can't even begin to imagine how you'll sort it out, but I know it'll be brilliant and wonderful. Thanks for the post and I'm sorry about the late feedback!

--Laura

Oooo! After a long weekend with that weird Chinese virus and then no 'net access at all, it's really good to be back! Somehow, I don't think Shuster and Siegel had any idea that Superman would be reinvented like this. <heh> Thanks, Joy! I hope you continue to think so. I'm not a huge fan of angst either (I swear!). I'm glad you're reading, Mellie. I promise I won't drag it out much longer. You're in luck - I sent the next part to my betas this morning. Now, like Martha, we just have to wait... Heh - but this is a *PG* story. And, even if it weren't, they're far too injured to be very amorous. OMG! Are you serious? In my mind they've been a little argumentative, but not full-on fighting! I didn't think they seemed angry! Oh geez! Their sniping at each other was meant to be read more as the usual banter/flirtation that they normally have between them. They're reverting to what they know in order to have some semblance of normality when the rest of their world is so horribly out of control. LOL! Yes, I was withholding the next part until Andreia posted. <cackles> I can see the possibilities in that. There are a still a couple of people I usually hear from, maybe I should hold out for them? (I'm NOT that evil!) Heh. I laughed so hard at this. I don't know why, but I did. I like the idea that there's someone else out there who can picture *perfectly* where they are. Loved the pictures! I have others (including some with the spring) but since members of my family are in them, I don't dare post. I was also LOL at your husband's volunteer job. That's so awesome! I had heard stories and they heavily influenced my decision to have Mickey head for the mines. Thanks, Artemis! Sure, if you're going to be all literal-minded about it. I meant that in a more immediate sense - right now there's just him and Lois. Perry, Jimmy and his parents are not currently dying alongside him, are they? So am I. <sigh> In fact, I became so enamored with the idea that I had to split part five because I just kept wallowing in it. Oh no! I'm supposed to *explain* what happened? You guys aren't going to give me a free pass on Clark mysteriously losing his powers?

Thanks to everyone for the comments. I (hopefully) will have the next part up tomorrow (or even this afternoon, depending).

Hmm, use photoshop and take your family out of the pictures! More hints for me. We have some other candidate areas in mind. When you tell us where they are, I'll tell you where my pictures are.

Artemis

How about if I sing a chorus of Somewhere Over the Rainbow?

OMG! I totally missed that you had given me a clue. I got too involved with a nameless couple who are Snowbound.
Thanks! Yes, we know where that is!

Artemis