This was a very satisfying conclusion to your story, DJ. Me, the B-plot fan, was obviously less interested and impressed by flying Kryptonite necklaces, menacing guns, elbows jammed into stomachs and desperate villains jumping from balconies than I was by the more private matters of Lois and Clark. But I liked Lois's part in saving Clark, and for that matter, Clark's part in distracting Aaron. I note, too, that Aaron jumped from the balcony and not only survived, but he must have remained sufficiently unhurt to be able to run away from there. Is Aaron superpowered?
Of course, what I really loved about this part was other things altogether. I absolutely loved the way you made us feel Clark's tenderness as a father. You made me believe in it not only when you showed us Clark soothing and cuddling his baby daughter dressed as Superman:
He held her up looking into her teary brown eyes and smiled at her. He brought her towards him blowing on her stomach and kissing it. Then, he brought her in close to his body and hugged her gently, whispering in her ear. Lois couldn't hear what he was saying, but Laura seemed to be calming down.
I also felt his tenderness when you had Lois think of what it would mean to her and to Laura if Clark died:
"No, no, no," she whispered, shaking him gently. She laid her head down against his chest again, listening. How could she bear the pain of losing him and the part she’d unwillingly played in his death? He couldn’t leave her, not like this. Laura couldn’t grow up not knowing the tender, compassionate, amazing man who had been her father. Lois glanced over at their beautiful daughter lying beside them. She looked so much like Clark. She would be all Lois had left of him.
Thank God he survived, DJ, even if I didn't really think you would write a deathfic!
I also really loved it that Lois's tumour turned out to be benign. This wasn't a cop-out at all, since most such tumours are in fact not cancerous, so it made perfect sense that Lois's wouldn't be, either. It was also interesting, and scary, that a nurse had apparently tampered with Lois's lab tests. Ah, conspiracy, and more A-plot! But this part of it was so unusual and really surprising.
Of course, I was also glad to see that at the very end of this story, Lois and Clark were off to a hotel to make a new family member! (Though the name of the hotel, Lexor, honestly gives me the creeps.)
All in all, DJ, this was a very satisfying read. I do think you are planning a sequel, seeing that Aaron escaped and is all set to do more evil on his Great Leader's behalf. (Could it be Luthor?) Though of course, you know what I'll be most interested in if you write a sequel - will Laura have a little brother or sister, or will Lois at least be pregnant?
Ann
