I too have be seeing many echos of Superman Returns in this version of Clark and his actions. I'm indebted to Ann for putting so eloquently what I too have felt and seen in this well written fic.
I'd thought that Lois' earlier dismissal of Clark and the news of his father's death had been too cold, but I needed to remind myself that in this scenario Lois and Clark aren't even really friends yet, and she is still consumed by the trauma of what she had to live through with Superman. It was nice to see here that she realized what she had done and apologised for it.
As Ann brought up, this Clark is not the likeable, confident, and personable guy that we were introduced to in the series. He is much more a 'classic' Clark Kent; ie: 'the disguise'.
It's no wonder that Lois falls for Superman and doesn't really give Clark much consideration at all.
It will be interesting to see what happens when the cat is let out of the bag. Will Clark be raised up in Lois' view, or will Superman be lowered. I guess we'll all have to wait and see.
Tank (who reminds the gentle readers that cliff hangers are good)
