What a fabulous story, Labby. As always, your incredible talent awes me, and you did your usual marvelous job writing something that blends humor, passion, introspection, action, danger, and tenderness seamlessly. How do you DO that?
I'm glad you gave Cougar a home and devoted human; I could've visualized Clark acquiring a pet or taking him to Smallville if necessary (Lois, no way!) but this way was better. I also thought it hilarious that the warm body pressed up against Lois was Cougar and not Clark (speaking as someone who often finds my dog and two cats sleeping in between my husband and me :rolleyes: )!
I liked how Lois worked through her ambivalent feelings for Lex as she woke up, and loved her thought processes regarding how unexpected Lex's proposal was based on their relationship up to that point - this was something that always bothered me too and I'm glad you brought it up! I also LOVED that Clark worked through his feelings about Lois and how he came to the conclusion that he DID have a lot to offer her besides lonely dinners and an empty bed since he loves her. YES!!
And he figured that out himself without seeing what Lois had etched into the frost on the window (which was lovely, by the way).
Loved it, loved it, loved it. When's the next story going to appear? Tomorrow? How about today?
Vicki
