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Pulitzer
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Pulitzer
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Please let me know what you think. Chapter 1 TOC
Last edited by bakasi; 06/05/26 12:19 PM.
It's never too dark to be cool. 
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Columnist
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Columnist
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I'm intrigued. So Lois will try to sneak into the venue, to keep an eye on Clark… I mean look for clues on Intergang’s assassin.
What could go wrong in this scenario? 🫣
Great first part 👏🏼
Kathryn
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bakasi |
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Hack from Nowheresville
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Hack from Nowheresville
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Phew, I'm glad Clark and Lois managed to talk! Although Lois really does need to keep an eye on things, since Clark isn’t entirely sure yet if he just wants to be friends with Mayson... I like the contrast between the two women’s greetings and how Clark notices that. Lois definitely still has some (or several) things to learn about communication, and she also recognizes that Mayson is much easier to deal with than she is (at least in a romantic context), which is interesting.
Meanwhile, Mayson is talking a lot about Lois despite claiming she doesn’t want to think about her (lol), and I found it funny how she insists she knows something about Clark’s partner more accurately than Clark himself. Maybe she thinks he’s blinded by passion and wants to help him see reason? But I confess that I see the point in much of what Mayson says about Superman. Of course, it was hard for Clark to hear the things she said after the terrible moments he’s been through, but there’s no right or wrong here.
I hope everyone ends up okay, especially Clark. The poor guy needs a hug so badly <3 (Or maybe a magical kiss of true love from Lois haha)
Danke fürs Teilen. (<-- translated with Google)
Stories are written by the victors.
(Hmm, come to think of it, that's not the exact quote...)
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1 member likes this:
bakasi |
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Pulitzer
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Pulitzer
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Thanks so much for your feedback. Chapter 2
Last edited by bakasi; 06/05/26 12:18 PM.
It's never too dark to be cool.
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Hack from Nowheresville
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Hack from Nowheresville
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Hi, bakasi. Great! Should I post the FDK for chapter 2 here too?
Stories are written by the victors.
(Hmm, come to think of it, that's not the exact quote...)
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Pulitzer
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Pulitzer
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It's never too dark to be cool.
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 705 Likes: 165
Columnist
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Columnist
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 705 Likes: 165 |
It’s good that Mayson know now, but it’s sad how she took it. Clark should have told her sooner, but it’s not an easy topic to break to someone. Hopefully neither Mayson nor Lois will endanger themselves now…
And the police isn’t at the hotel? Boy, seems someone is on Intergang’s payroll.
Eagerly awaiting the next part. 😁
Kathryn
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Hack from Nowheresville
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Hack from Nowheresville
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My bad, I just noticed you'd already mentioned at the end of the chapter where we should leave comments  Ok, here we go: She could do this, Lois reminded herself. Three Kerth Awards to her name proved she didn’t need Clark Kent’s help to get the story.
That's the spirit, girl. Way to go! Who in this moment was probably pulling Mayson a little closer in his sleep or rolling over to kiss her shoulder and wake her up for another round of gentle lovemaking.
And why would that be gentle? I mean- At this point, I don't think anyone's better at creating angsty fanfics than Lois herself XD Besides, she'd promised herself to never start drinking because of a man.
Ah, the ghosts of the past... Clark wasn’t going to turn her into a sobbing wreck! He certainly wasn’t.
Well, you never know. It was still too early to ask Jimmy to work his magic with the internet or go on another round of bothering her contacts.
:0 I'm surprised she didn't wake them up. How thoughtful of her. They’ve been contacting me about a maid they need this morning.
Aw, she'll look adorable in the uniform. And don't worry, I'll take care of any speeding tickets you might get on your way there.
It seems a good deal. she'd raised a mock brow, smiling at him as though she considered the gesture cute but also a little old-fashioned.
I think she's fallen a little bit more in love. These spectacular sunrises were what he missed most about home, it was what he’d been hoping to share with someone, someday. But Lois was grumpy until she’d had her first cup of coffee and he couldn’t imagine her getting up with the chickens just to watch the display of colors on a cloudless sky.
[...]
Under different circumstances, a holiday with Mayson might actually be fun. During his stakeouts with Lois, she’d never let her guard down like that. She’d never so unreservedly enjoyed herself, not when there might be another story looming around the next corner. Even during a relaxing weekend at the Lexor, Lois had found a lead.
Hmm, it seems like Clark is weighing the two options, and from a rational standpoint, choosing Mayson seems to make more sense than choosing Lois. But is he doing this consciously or not? I’m not sure yet. Or maybe Lois is just invading his thoughts without permission... Clark’s heart involuntarily skipped a beat. [...] Clark felt his eyes wander, drawn by her creamy skin underneath the fabric. He dragged them back up to her face, berating himself for ogling her.
 She’d see to it that Clark learned just how important it was to have her on his team.
I wonder if she'll still feel that way when she finds out he's Superman. Cursing her stupid uniform, Lois once more pulled the skirt down and vowed to herself that she was going to do an expose on whoever had designed this piece of clothing.
Oh, she didn't like the uniform XD Her heart twisted in her chest, but she slipped the card back into her pocket.
Some investigative reporter she was.
When had she turned into such a pitiful, jealous mess? Nothing about eavesdropping at the door of a stranger would bring her closer to Intergang.
I'm so proud of you, Lois! She remembered the look he’d given her when she’d walked out of the bedroom after changing into something more comfortable. How his gaze had lovingly drifted over the exposed skin of her arms.
Had he looked at Mayson the same way?
Hmm, actually, yes. Or maybe not - considering he didn't exactly look at her lovingly. But that could be a good thing, depending on your point of view, right? Or- Okay, I'll stop. With a heavy sigh, Lois returned to the couch and fetched the missing pillow. She fluffed it up and placed it on the other side of the bed. Her gut twisted and the lump in her throat very much felt like she’d just invited Clark to share Mayson’s bed.
That image is indeed highly symbolic. She darted toward it and slid inside just when she heard the clicking sound of the key card being accepted. Just in time she managed to close the doors and pressed herself against the back of the closet, careful not to jangle the holders.
I wonder, is this the moment when Mayson will finally manage to seduce Clark, causing Lois to find out in the worst possible way? “It’s not?” The haze of lust vanished from her eyes and her smile crumpled.
Girl, do you think you're in a romantic movie or something? Clark blinked, not sure he'd heard correctly.
Shh, forget that. You didn't hear a thing. How could he ever explain to her that for him there was nothing heroic about catching a bullet. Her whole image of Clark was based on a lie. He hadn’t been risking anything giving his statement to the police after the attack on Mike Lane’s café.
That makes sense. All things considered, Mayson fell in love with a man who doesn't exist. “You're in love with me and I am in love with you. Tell me what’s so complicated about that.”
I really admire Mayson's straightforwardness, but she's quite pushy, isn't she? When he’d first met her, he’d thought that he’d never have a chance with Lois, that perhaps he should consider moving on.
The decisions (or non-decisions) we make in moments like these always come back to complicate our lives later. There are things about me you don’t know; that you may never know.
:0 ohh. *I glance at Lois as that song "she knows, she knows, and I know she knows" starts playing in my head* But Mayson stood before him, tapping her foot, demanding answers he’d never be able to give.
Clark, you need to learn to say, "It's none of your business." My life has become so much easier since I freed myself from some social expectations. I hope Mayson doesn’t get into trouble. And I can’t wait to see Lois’s reaction to all this. That's a lot for her to take in: Clark admitting that he loves her. Mayson pointing out the way he looks at her (Mayson) - something Lois herself wondered about in this chapter. Mayson's very valid argument: "If you'd be willing to take a bullet for me, that means you love me." Unless Lois has already figured out that Clark is Superman based on the words he used, this line of reasoning could lead her to wonder whether she's lost the special place she once held in Clark's heart, regardless of his confession of love. In the end, the main question is: has she figured it out yet? x.x
Stories are written by the victors.
(Hmm, come to think of it, that's not the exact quote...)
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Hack from Nowheresville
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Hack from Nowheresville
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FDK for chapter 3 I loved it. Lois's doubts, the way Clark reacts (he really does need some rest, by the way), and their conversation. I was relieved they were finally able to talk, even though I was really hoping Lois would be able to tell him she loves him too. FDK for chapter 4 Another conversation I loved, this time between Lois and Mayson. And now Mayson knows! Wow. I like how they both recognize that the other is important to Clark. And I have to admit I felt sorry for Mayson when she realized that taking a bullet for someone isn't always proof of love after all... Lois wanted to strangle her. “Why else would he spend a whole night watching over you, though he was in desperate need of sleep after he saved all those people from the tsunami? Why else would he risk any chance at a normal life to make sure Intergang doesn’t kill you? When he decided to come with you as Clark, he knew very well that any stray bullet might expose him. You think he’s doing this to make himself look good?
This part is especially interesting. Now I'm wondering whether Lois will continue to feel insecure, considering that Mayson knows the truth and didn't completely freak out when she learned Clark is Superman. I'm glad Henderson showed up, and I hope Clark will be alright in the end. Can't wait for the next chapter 
Stories are written by the victors.
(Hmm, come to think of it, that's not the exact quote...)
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Pulitzer
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Pulitzer
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Thanks so much for reading and leaving feedback. I'm glad you're enjoying this story.
It's never too dark to be cool.
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Hack from Nowheresville
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Hack from Nowheresville
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FDK for chapter 5 What a tense start - and poor Clark!  I like the moment of connection between Lois and Mayson. It seems like it will still take Mayson a while to get over this situation and her heartbreak, but my headcanon is that she'll soon move on, and she and Lois will be on friendlier terms. (I've always wanted to see that in the show, haha) I also like how Clark and Lois's feelings are respected. After all, while he's right not to reveal his secret - because it's a huge deal and he needs to feel completely confident that he's telling the right person -, she's also completely justified in feeling confused and upset, because he's a fundamental part of her life. And actually, I see her reaction as proof that she truly cares about him. It's a situation where neither of them is wrong. And the ending was cute, especially the reference to last year's movie. (I mean, it was a reference to Superman 2025, right? At least I think so) Congratulations on finishing and sharing it. Now I want a fanfic featuring Dan Scardino. 
Stories are written by the victors.
(Hmm, come to think of it, that's not the exact quote...)
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Pulitzer
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Pulitzer
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If it was a reference to the Superman movie, it wasn't on purpose. But I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thanks so much for your feedback. It means a lot.
It's never too dark to be cool.
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Blogger
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Blogger
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Aw I loved this story so so much. I was totally hooked and had to read all 5 parts back to back without stopping. I adore fics written in this timeframe with Mayson and the early start of their relationship where they just aren't quite sure. You captured their feelings beautifully and I loved all the twists you put in and how Mayson found out about Clark. This is definitely going on my favourites list.
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Pulitzer
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Pulitzer
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Thanks so much and welcome to the boards
It's never too dark to be cool.
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simplylanekent |
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Boards Chief Administrator Nobel Peace Prize Winner
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Boards Chief Administrator Nobel Peace Prize Winner
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Chapter 1 Hi Barbara! All he wanted was to rinse off the dirt and despair of the past two days.
Poor guy. Natural disaster? When Clark had first seen them, he’d thought they were resting.
It’s like Pompeii all over again. On days like this, her voice kept him going, her reassurance that whatever he was able to do was enough. He needed her so much.
But then he remembered their date and how it had ended and his smile crumbled.
Ah, we’re in the season-two-dating-disappointed stage of their relationship. Apparently, not even a relationship.
Again, poor guy. Also, the other parts are because he is only human and the last part is because lying isn’t his superpower. Closing his eyes, he took deep steadying breaths until he heard knocking.
Aww, he’s gonna get a shot of adrenaline courtesy of Lois Lane. Clark straightened. The knocking resumed, louder, more impatient. Someone was on his front door.
*Snickers* yes, ‘someone’. She knocked again, even harder this time. The door rattled in its hinges.
Good thing he can fix it himself. He groaned and wiped his face dry, not sure he was ready to deal with her. What did she even want? She’d told him she never wanted to see him again after what he’d thought had been a really nice date. There was not much left to say, was there?
Did he attend the entire date? Oh, wait, this is a Lucky Leon follow up. And he’s been missing for several days after Lois told him she didn’t want to see him again. The poor dear must be beside herself. Her knocks rang in his ears. “Clark, where the heck are you? Either you open that door or I’ll do it.”
Yes, she will. In his bedroom, he spun into something a little more appropriate than the towel and slipped the glasses back on his nose.
But naked o’clock Clark might have been helpful in defusing the situation. when on the other side of his door Lois already seemed to be searching her handbag for her lockpicking equipment.
Most cute. But she gave him a once over, her gaze drifting over his stubbly cheeks much longer than was comfortable with him.
See, he really should have worn the more comfortable towel skirt. CLARK: Kilt. READER: huh? CLARK: It’s called a kilt. LOIS: /pulls away kilt and examines it/ No, it’s a tow… “Can we talk or are you going to run out on me again?”
Hey! It was Lois who sent him packing! LOIS: I offered chase. It’s part of the human mating ritual. It says so right there in the Metropolitan’s new column Sex in the City by C. Grant. … I mean, you ran! She thought he was running out on her? Who had slammed a door in whose face? Who had told Perry she needed another partner? Not that he was supposed to know that.
/Tries to remember this is Clark’s first real girlfriend He’d fed her his chocolate desert, feeling he might lose his sanity whenever she’d closed her eyes with that little moan of contentment she always seemed to make while savoring a taste.
/Checks if this is the dark chocolate side of the boards/ Clark still had no idea what he might have done to get on her bad side.
He became a real relationship option and that’s SCARY. And his heart fluttered with the prospect of reconciling and, perhaps taking up where they’d left off before…
Hence the reason she’s scared. Before, with other dates, she had a perfectly valid response – ick! Clark pinched the bridge of his nose, not sure how he was supposed to explain any of it. He felt too exhausted, too wired to make up excuses.
I just had this flash where Clark sighs, tells Lois they’ll talk tomorrow because he’s exhausted, opens the window and flies off. Only works of course when they’re at Lois’s place. Clark’s desperate attempts to convince Mayson to stay off the conference, her repeated refusal. And finally his offer to go with her.
Oh no, and there was some mix up over overbooking and now Clark and Mayson are booked into the same room.  LOIS:  “We’ve been on a date, Clark! Don’t you think you should at least discuss it with me before you go ahead and pose as Mayson’s fiancé?”
They so got a shared room. CLARK: You didn’t ask me when you decided to pose as Lex’s fiancée. LOIS: I wasn’t pos- erm. That’s right. I didn’t ask you. There’s a difference because I was the senior partner in the investigation. CLARK: /cocks eyebrow/ It was obvious she didn’t want anything beyond friendship.
He’s not the smartest cookie, is he? What was it to her that he wanted to protect a friend in need?
Definitely not the smartest cookie. It was her decision to act as bait and finally lure out Intergang. You, me and Burke tried to convince her otherwise but she refused. It’s her choice, Clark. And Burke promised the police will protect her.”
It could have been worse. Ten years later, and it would have been Lois insisting she pretend to be Mayson’s fiancée. Now wouldn’t that have been a recipe for disaster squared. Why did she have to make this so difficult? She’d gone undercover countless times, dressed in flimsy feathers, flirting with other men. What was so different about his assignment?
Because that was her choice. She squinched up her face. “It’s also a perfect opportunity to get to know her on a more intimate level,” she said bitterly.
Aaaaahhhh there are the claws. “You think I’m doing this because I want to share a room with Mayson?”
“Not just a room, Clark,” Lois snapped. “Or are they offering separate beds?”
/Points at earlier fdk/ I was right? I was just kidding! I mean, I don’t mind. I just… /eyes left field for more balls/ He didn’t like where this was going. Did she really believe that after asking her out, he’d jump into bed with the next best girl? To get back at her? Clark took a steadying breath and tried to swallow down his anger.
Maybe he should not play with the pin sticking out of the handle of the live hand grenade. With as much composure as he could muster, he said. “You and I have shared rooms before, Lois. And nothing happened. Mayson is a friend. And that’s all she is.”
Maybe not bring up his jilting her in such perfect opportunities? “This woman is practically drooling every time she sees you. And she doesn’t take no for an answer. Don't tell me you’re not going to give in if she's set out on seducing you.
To be fair, the same could be said about Lois, and Superman almost never once gave in to her seductions. I happen to know you would have ended up in bed with me if the pheromone spray hadn't worn off in time.”
Oooooooooh!  Over the past year and a half he’d almost forgotten about that side of her.
‘almost’… uh-huh. I must have missed the part where we agreed to be exclusive.”
Thin ice, Clark. Very thin ice. Probably never seen the episode of Friends where Rachel and Ross were on a break. Instead of giving him the third degree, she should have apologized for her behavior. She'd been meaning to. But her emotions had gotten the better of her.
Of course they had. In fact, he gave no indication at all that he knew she was standing there, waiting for him to make the first move.
Probably frozen stiff trying to ignore her. But I swear I’m not in love with Mayson. I haven’t been sleeping with her and I’m not planning to.”
So, he’s both not in love with her, nor is he sleeping with her. But he’ll still do so because plans don’t survive when they meet reality. Not to mention Mayson came without all the baggage, the broken pieces that need fixing and the overwhelming urge to push away the people she needed most.
True. She’s also not a fan of Superman. Oh, she trusted him. With her life. Her heart was another matter.
 She pursed her lips. “I’ll find myself a job there.”
Awwww, she can play Ingeborg the Maid and surprise Mayson and Clark with fresh towels. “I don't like this.”
“Neither do I.”
Clark reached out and brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. She considered slapping his hand back. But she’d already slammed a door in his face. And he’d asked her to trust him. So she let him touch her, fighting to ignore the strange flutter of excitement deep in her belly. After all, he was about to spend the night with another woman.
So adorable As if there was no doubt in his mind she was the one for him. The flutter in her belly intensified, a million butterflies swirling through her insides. His lips curled in a smile, the kind that made her heart skip a beat.
She could try to seal the deal before Clark goes off to assist Mayson with her night terrors. Perhaps this was it, perhaps she should just… Her heart raced and she fought the panic bubbling up inside her. Just a few inches was all it took. Why did it feel like she was about to jump off a cliff?
  Mayson is going to pick me up in about ten minutes.”
Darn it. No time for funny business. AL BUNDY: Hold my beer. *When you’ve made good on your promise and told Mayson to jump in a lake,* Lois thought bitterly.
He never promised to take Mayson skinny dipping. Also, I don’t think Lois would appreciate him taking Mayson skinny dipping. Lois Lane would get a job at the hotel. There was no question about it!
It’s a conference. There’s always jobs available for self-employed entrepreneurs. She might even manage to get herself invited to Clark and Mayson’s room that way. Though Clark suspected that she wouldn't take any more kindly to his endeavor if she were aware of his other identity.
She’d know that Mayson doesn’t like him. This might help. “Don't,” Mayson said huskily. “I think I like the scrubby look. It's sexy on you.”
Awwww, Mayson goes for the scruffy-looking nerf herder look. Mayson answered with a mock pout. “And here I thought this was going to be a relaxing weekend.”
Nope, he’s not going to be offering any full-body massages complete with a happy ending. he’d been at the receiving end of Lois’ not so gentle rejection of his declaration of love.
And if she really saw him in a different light now was anybody’s guess.
He’s not the most astute observer of the female mood, is he? “That’s not true! Lois wouldn’t… “ The words died on his lips. After all, she’d just suggested joining him undercover at the hotel. Not that she'd have a huge chance at succeeding.
Suddenly, Mayson interrupted the silence. “How was work?”
[...]
And it must have shown on his face, because when Mayson looked at him, she wore a sympathetic smile. “That bad, huh?”
Oh dear. Lois is going to get thrown under the bus. “It was Lois, huh? Bet she hated the Superman debacle.”
Oh boy. This could be the starting point of a diplomatic disaster. If Superman is viewed as a representative of the United States…”
Oh boy. “I…” Clark caught himself just in time. “Superman would never do that.”
I mean, there was that New Krypton incident. And he went after President Doe. But for now, he needed to keep up the charade, or she’d never let him get close enough to protect her.
You sure wove an evil tale there. Also, what will he do when Mayson decides to take a shower? He wouldn’t fail Mayson.
He owed her that much.
 That’s a very creative start. Mayson taking the other side of the bed instead of Lois is not something we get to see all that often. And Clark’s still not coming clean. Michael
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Boards Chief Administrator Nobel Peace Prize Winner
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Chapter 2 Hi Barbara! “But–” Lois clamped her lips shut before she could yell at the poor man again.
None of this was his fault.
 Clark really did a number on her! But the kid in front of her looked like he was just out of police school. What was he supposed to know?
Poor guy. Looks like the captain hasn’t had time yet to show the new kid the list of dangerous individuals the police isn’t allowed to randomly detain and arrest. She could do this, Lois reminded herself. Three Kerth Awards to her name proved she didn’t need Clark Kent’s help to get the story.
The difference is, she doesn’t need an alive blonde ADA to write her story and win a Kerth. It might even help if she got a dead blonde ADA to win a Kerth. This time however she’s desperate to demonstrate personal growth and keep said blonde ADA alive. Who in this moment was probably pulling Mayson a little closer in his sleep or rolling over to kiss her shoulder and wake her up for another round of gentle lovemaking. Lois squeezed her eyes shut to rid herself of the mental images.
She completely missed the third option: they’re still going on hot and heavy after taking a short nap to recuperate. LOIS: Thank you. Thank you very much  After all, she wasn’t dead yet.
Or so Lois hoped.
This is a fun juxtaposition with her earlier thoughts. Of course, if they got Mayson during the night, Clark’s probably a goner, too. “Burke said he’d organize a twenty-four-hour surveillance to keep Mayson Drake safe.”
Don’t tell me Lois just uncovered the cop wearing some moleskin gloves. ”You’re lucky. There’s a sudden opening at the hotel you were asking about. They’ve been contacting me about a maid they need this morning. If you still want this job, it’s yours if you can be there at seven.”
/hands Lois the ‘Ingeborg’ name tag and send her to the Honeymoon Suite/ And don't worry, I'll take care of any speeding tickets you might get on your way there.”
Cute! A choir of soft snoring attorneys mixed with dripping sinks and creaking beds.
Love the ‘attorneys’ reference. A few rooms down the hall a couple was caught in the throes of ecstasy.
Someone’s getting overtime! I love watching the sunrise while doing my workout. It's a great way to start the day.”
Oooh, there’s another option for a great start of the day! Mayson jumped out of bed, her satin nightgown gently flowing around her slender frame, hugging her in all the right places.
Good thing she’s not a nude sleeper like Lois. He dragged them back up to her face, berating himself for ogling her.
MAYSON: /starts to apply herself harder/ A sly smile played around her lips as she watched him. “Like what you see?”
/points up/ Of course he liked what he saw. After all, he wasn’t dead. But he also didn't want to give her any ideas.
Also, Lois can change the ‘not dead’ part with a bit of green crystal if he isn’t careful. Apparently, Mayson was just as competitive as Lois, which was probably the reason the two women didn’t get along.
That and their competing over the same man. Even during a relaxing weekend at the Lexor, Lois had found a lead.
That wasn’t *her* fault! She shrugged. “Do you think they're not going to come for me as long as we stay in this room?”
At least with the room he only has to worry about the door. And snipers on the other side of the street. Perhaps a helicopter with an RPG out the cabin door. Poisonous gas in the vents. Food and drink laced with poison. And the way to a man’s heart was always through his stomach.
Then all she has to do is prepare some nice dinner a couple of times. Maybe the evidence she so desperately needed was waiting behind that door. Or Clark, entangled in sheets, kissing Mayson and making passionate love to her.
Either way, mission accomplished. However, when she finds DA Clemmons and his ‘niece’ ... One side of the bed looked untouched, just the pillow was missing. It lay on the couch, next to a neatly folded blanket. A charcoal suit jacket was draped across the back of a chair with a tie hanging above it.
Her heart skipped a beat.
Awww… looks like the happy couple was having a tiff. Had he looked at Mayson the same way?
Best not to ask such questions. Something banged against the door, there was the shuffling of feet, muffled voices, one of them high-pitched, the other one a warm, deep rumble.
Clark and Mayson!
Oh boy. The happy couple’s back from their spa visit, all fired up from splashing in the pool. “You do know I only have eyes for you, don’t you?” she whispered. “I think it’s time we stopped beating around the bush.”
Oh dear, this could work as such a naughty euphemism. “This is not what I came here for.”
“It’s not?” The haze of lust vanished from her eyes and her smile crumpled.
Oh boy. Clark looked at her, registering the bitter lines around her mouth. “I do find you attractive,” he relented. “And I do have feelings for you. But not like this - ” He averted his eyes before quietly adding. “...not in the romantic sense.”
Basically, she’s like a statue of his sister. What did you think you could accomplish here?”
He can protect her from manic mad dog reporters. The frown on her face softened and a teary smile tugged at her lips as she reached out and lifted his chin with her index finger. “You're in love with me and I am in love with you. Tell me what’s so complicated about that.”
She’s getting awfully close to needing that earlier mentioned protection. “You’re right, I don’t. What is it?” Mayson seethed. “Are you a criminal? A murderer?”
Clark turned back to her, appalled. “Of course not!”
Actually, the thing about flying vigilantes... “I’m in love with Lois,” Clark said quietly.
“And what about her?” Mayson croaked. “Is she in love with you?”
Clark sank onto the bed. “I’m not sure.”
Is she going to stumble out of the closed with her declaration of requited love? She turned on her heels and stormed out of the room. The door fell shut behind her with a resounding bang. Clark buried his face in his hands and heaved a deep sigh.
Oh boy, I did not predict this particular ending. And I’m guessing you’ve set up Mayson running into her would-be assassin. Michael
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Joined: Apr 2007
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Boards Chief Administrator Nobel Peace Prize Winner
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Boards Chief Administrator Nobel Peace Prize Winner
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Chapter 3 Hi Barbara! Her heart hurt like someone had ripped it out and squeezed it tightly.
Nicely done with how this could be both real due to lack of oxygen and metaphorical due to emotional trauma. And even though she should have learned from the experience – even though she should know better than hurting the one man who stayed at her side no matter what – she did it over and over again.
Everyone needs a hobby? Lois, I do care for you. But...There are things about me you don’t know; that you may never know.
Funny, how Superman used the exact same words. It’s as if Clark and Superman sleep in the same bed. Her mild-mannered partner who needed her help opening a jar?
Too much pressure and the rips the glass in half. Who, at times, stumbled over his own two feet?
He’s used to floating, not walking. his strange attitude toward bullets
Struck by the sheer dimension of her discovery, Lois lost her balance and bumped into the hangers again.
It would be so awkward if she bumped her head at the shelves or hooks in the cupboard and got amnesia. Then remembers flashes of Superman in Clark’s clothes and vice versa. “You can come out of the closet now, Lois.”
Clark? Or Mayson? Voice hoarse, she whispered, “You told me you don’t love Mayson, yet you’re ready to take a bullet for her?”
It’s … it’s not like the Secret Service loves all their charges. It’s not always like in the movie Bodyguard. “Were you going to tell me you’re Superman?” Lois managed past the lump in her throat.
Lois! You keep that for a rainy day and milk the secret in the meantime to get exquisite oversea chocolates! Duh, Lois, look what you missed out on!
It’s not like she can’t use her feminine whiles to get him back. The angry beast inside her roared. “You knew the entire time I was hiding in the closet, didn't you?”
Would she have preferred if he had pulled her out while Mayson was here? His eyes widened. “Of course not! I don't go around x-raying every room I step into.
Some bodyguard he is. First, he doesn’t sleep with his blonde charge. Then, he doesn’t scan for assassins every time he enters a room. “Oh, now you care? You had no problems letting me believe Dillinger killed you. That would have been a good moment to tell me the truth.”
Yes, but there’s extenuating circumstances. First, there’s tons of fic depending on it. Second, he’s a mutton-headed dolt. Lois couldn’t picture Superman going to the cinema to watch a movie or spending a night in, sharing a pizza.
Yes, that would be highly irregular for the First Lord of Krypton and his wife. How could he still feel that deeply about her, when all she ever did was make his life miserable?
It’s either love or co-dependency. “Yeah.” He grimaced. “Though I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t have told you two days ago even if you’d kissed me senseless.”
What if she had taken him backstage? Clark pursed his lips. “So, you want to know if you’re the consolation prize? If I’d choose Mayson if I could?”
“Is that such a strange question?”
Kind of, yeah. Someone broke into S.T.A.R. Labs this morning and stole Kryptonite.”
Someone *really* wants to kill Mayson Drake. What were they doing with a toolbox?
It made no sense.
Kryptonite. They haven’t had time to shape bullets from it. Not good enough. “Henderson, they’re armed to the teeth. And that kryptonite you’re looking for - I think it’s here.”
Now was that so difficult? He was far enough for the kryptonite that the cramping in his stomach didn't set in. But already Clark felt his strength seeping out of him.
You’re doing great A-plot work here As he moved past Mayson, she seemed to shrink into her seat. Her face was pale, her lower lip trembling. When Clark met her gaze, she looked at her feet and kneaded her hands.
Not used to a Metropolis Tuesday, is she? “Look at this homebody, a few chairs and he's about to have a heart-attack,” one of the thugs leered.
It’s probably because he lives off sugar-saturated snacks, has chemically created muscles, and doesn’t do any sort of physical exercise program. The sooner we have what we need, the sooner everyone can go home.”
Wouldn’t it be embarrassing if it turns out they’re not the assassins but are here to rob the place blind? Hopefully, Lois had listened to him for once and had gotten out in time.
/looks around for flying pigs/ He’d rather not think about what would happen to her if she was still up there.
Another Junior Woodchucks merit badge, this one for Heroically Escaping Robbers Or Evil Scoundrels. Rounding the corner, Lois brushed against her cart.
Thank you for reminding us that she’s still dressed as a French Maid, a costume Lucy had left behind from last year’s Halloween. She wanted to help Clark, not turn into a liability.
Make it quick. Without the kryptonite, we’re sitting ducks.”
Yes, Superman could have gone John McLane on their behinds. Now it’s up to Miss Jane McClane to pick them off one by one. And it’s not even Christmas. Her heart raced and she glanced over to the door that would take her to the next hallway. It was too late to slip inside now. Any moment now, he’d see her.
But then the next door squeaked and fell shut with a bang.
One floor beneath her.
Lois tried to remember how to breathe.
This is high-quality A-plot! Michael
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 9,399 Likes: 76
Boards Chief Administrator Nobel Peace Prize Winner
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Boards Chief Administrator Nobel Peace Prize Winner
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 9,399 Likes: 76 |
Chapter 4 Hi Barbara! She snuck inside and closed the door behind her, hoping Tied-Sleeves wouldn’t hear the lock click.
Great way to allow Lois to sneak past The voice was close. Too close for comfort. With a start, Lois realized she was in the conference room, probably on a stage. Mindful of the curtains she pressed herself against the wall and crept toward the edge.
Oops? She'd been so focused on the bad guys that she hadn't realized he was sitting almost within her reach.
So, basically Lois found them a backdoor through which they could exfiltrate. “Listen,” he mumbled, his voice breathy. “The next time all six of them are here, you vanish behind the curtains. There's a stage door behind them.”
“Burke is going to be here any moment,” Mayson said under her breath.“I bet he’s already coordinating a SWAT team.”
Yeah, about that... “And I hope she isn’t about to do something stupid.”
/cocks eyebrow/ I can’t help but wonder if he’s not actually aware of Lois’s presence. “Lois,” he grunted. “What are you doing here?”
Rescue. She rolled her eyes at him. “Well, what do you think?” she mouthed. “Trying to get the two of you out of here!”
 He scrambled to his feet, swaying as he did so.The world spun about him and his knees buckled.
Let’s hope he’s not going to fake food poisoning. You don’t want to hold a room full of people hostage!”
And a room full of lawyers at that. Can you imagine if they all start suing their former captors for emotional damages? She wanted to storm right into the room and beat the hell out of these guys.
Now wouldn’t that be a complete waste of perfectly good distraction? She had to trust that he knew what he was doing. And there was little doubt what he would want her to do. No matter the consequences.
She does seem to have more confidence in him, now that she knows the truth. That Clark was being so protective because he was finally coming around to admit to his feelings for me.”
Oh dear. Lois is going to be so mad when she has to start feeling sorry for Mayson. “The kryptonite.” Next to her, Mayson pointed at Clark’s trembling form on the monitor. “Oh my God, he’s reacting to it, isn’t he?”
Oh boy. No, that’s just, he’s sensitive to the green light, is all. That’s why he wasn’t concerned with taking a bullet for me. I told him I didn’t need Superman, but he absolutely had to interfere.”
Of course he had. Superman even went so far as to mind-control Mayson into believing he was Clark so he could accompany her. Though I really don’t know what he sees in you.”
It can’t be ‘blonde and shapely’ given his avoidance of a shared bed. That he’s Superman so he can show off his powers? if you really think that then you don’t know Clark at all.”
Nicely done shoving Mayson in front of Lois as a means to resolve her own issues with the uncovered secret. She couldn’t imagine anything worse than this. But she felt that Clark hadn’t been lying when he’d said that. What had happened that he hadn’t told her about?
At first I thought simply GGGoH. But no. Boy, Lois is going to get a lot of egg on her face when she realized Clark was talking about her ex. He’d been so worried that Intergang’s guys would catch you, that you’d do something reckless.”
“You don’t understand. I have to get to him.”
So unfortunate that Lois has no idea what ‘reckless’ means. “You stay here. I’ll get Clark out of there,” Lois said.
LOIS: Room Service! Need fresh towels, yah? Walk right in and let them catch her, hoping that her sudden appearance would distract them enough for Clark to crawl out of the conference room? That was ridiculous.
Indeed. Maybe if she dressed in combat boots and an overall and pretended to be the mysterious assassin Intergang sent to help? The Mantis. A muffled scream escaped her lips and she struggled against her captor.
“Easy there, Lane.” she heard Henderson’s voice next to her ear. “I’m one of the good guys.”
 I did not expect this. Thought Mayson had come back for Lois. Or maybe she got caught and the hand was more a capture move than one to silence her. And since Superman won’t be able to help us, we’ve got to do this the old fashioned way.”
Flood the room with NO2? You’re doing *really* well with the A-plot Michael
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Pulitzer
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Pulitzer
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,016 Likes: 99 |
Thanks so much for your feedback, Michael. Like always it's a pleasure to read it. Almost as if I were reading my own story through your eyes.
It's never too dark to be cool.
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 9,399 Likes: 76
Boards Chief Administrator Nobel Peace Prize Winner
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Boards Chief Administrator Nobel Peace Prize Winner
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Hi Barbara, glad I can still entertain  Now for the final part: Chapter 5 Luthor had trapped him in his kryptonite cage for an entire night and he’d still managed to escape. Compared to that night, this wasn’t so bad.
True, but last time he had Lois to rescue. This time, all he got to look forward to is two irate girlfriends. Another kick hit him hard and threw him around. The man’s laughter seemed to come through thick fog.
Let’s hope Henderson leaves Lois behind. Otherwise, he got a murder case on his plate after all. The lights flickered for another few moments, then stayed on.
I wonder if Lois is attempting Morse code. “You’re going to call for Superman!”
Wouldn’t it be fun if they really did try to pull a Die Hard and never even heard about Mayson? For a moment his gaze flickered back to the lanky guy. Pain exploded in the side of his head.
Then everything went black.
/wags naughty-naughty-finger at author/ and get Clark out of there, somehow.
Henderson’s jaw worked and he narrowed his eyes on Lois. “Don't even think about going back there!”
 Adorable! Clark wasn't about to do what she thought he’d do, was he?
Maybe she remembers for the next time she does something reckless? LOIS: Don’t be daft! Lois clapped her hand to her mouth as Clark collapsed from a knock against his head.
Ah, that’s what happened. “They shot the cameras,” Henderson deadpanned. “Patience, ladies. That's the secret of successfully resolving a hostage situation.”
No, the secret is to not stand next to a non-loadbaring wall and yell ‘Help, Superman! Help!’ This usually resolves any lo-napping situation quickly enough. “Why did he do this?” Mayson muttered under her breath. “If it’s not about love, then what else?”
She really doesn’t get it, does she? Perhaps now Lois can re-adjust her jealousy. “Yeah, I guess,” Mayson replied. “If only I had seen that earlier. The things I said to him after what he did for the people in – well, you know.”
“We all do things we’re not proud of,” Lois said.
Yes, but for most people, it’s not like they burn any and all romantic bridges with napalm. LOIS: Or it’s just that Clark was always only ever interested in a certain brunette reporter. His right eye was swollen shut and his cheek was badly bruised. His head lolled limply from side to side.
Oh boy. Someone get the first aid tanning lamp! Perhaps she could have used her Taekwondo skills on him, but punching the Inspector in the face didn’t seem like a good choice.
Clark must really be rubbing off on her. “You’re in my car,” the voice gently supplied. Even through the cotton wool in his ears there was something warm about her, soothing.
Lois. So she was safe.
Umm… she’s speeding through Metropolis mid-morning traffic, trying to get to a hospital. ‘safe’ isn’t the first word that comes to mind to describe the situation. “That’s not true. You're a good person and I failed to see that. I'm sorry.”
Isn’t it funny how she never saw the real person and decided she wanted the part she did see only to figure out the hard way that she had to take the entire package, something she herself managed to foul up? He had no idea how to deal with Lois now that she knew.
European chocolates. And white beach dates. Lois rushed around the car and laid a hand around his waist. “You're very obviously not fine,” she scoffed.
She really should remember that for future reference. “I'm okay,” he said quietly. “I promise. Thanks for getting me out of there. Thanks for saving Mayson when I couldn't.”
Since Lois already knows (or hopes?) that Clark has not chosen Mayson, it’s a much smaller ask to save her former coemption. Or would she come to realize that Superman wasn’t the man she’d thought him to be - and Clark wasn’t either?
Yes, Superman’s now attainable and Clark’s not a flake. Whatever will she do with such information. LOIS: Clark’s also much more handy during an on-site investigation. Lois raised her chin to look at him. “That's what you said in the conference room. Don't worry, I’ve been through worse. What did you mean by that?”
Oh boy. /cue massive guilt complex/ Images of Luthor taunting him while he'd been lying in the cage danced before his mind's eye. He resisted the urge to shake his head in order to get rid of them. She didn't need to know.
He lowered his gaze. “Nothing.”
“Clark!”
/claps hands excitedly/ “Oh, just great!” Lois grumbled. “Just another thing you're not telling me about. Let's keep Lois in the dark. I thought you were done lying to me.”
Oh boy, I fully expect Lois to go “you should not have told me that!” “One moment I find out my best friend is really Superman and the next moment he's nearly killed. Honestly, I'm not sure what to think.”
How about: “Superman can be hurt. Best drag him to a dark place before something happens to him”? CLARK (groaning from Kryptonite): Can we do a sunny beach instead? “Do you want to come upstairs and talk?”
She raised her brow and gave him a sceptical once over. “Can you even make it?”
Not lie when he’s upstairs? Did he believe she'd think less of him if he wasn't the indestructible hero?
Perhaps? She could show him? Clark's gaze met hers, his one chocolate brown eye so warm and tender.
That’s an adorable reference to his other eye being swollen shut. Great touch! “The shirt, too?” she asked.
“Yeah.”
 He shook his head and cringed. “What I need, above all, is sunlight.”
Hence the bedroom.
Yes. Let him bask in sunlight and then he’s already in the bedroom when he’s all healed up. I couldn't tell you while I wasn't sure you were in for the long run.
Oh, she was in for a long run. She’d already put on her runaway-bride sneakers. Her mouth ran dry. “And now both Mayson and I know.”
“Yeah, you do.” Clark lay down, his energy reserves obviously spent.
Combined with her realization that he will want to marry the woman who knows the secret – He shook his head. “I could never sleep while you’re still angry at me.”
“I’m not angry,” she protested.
Clark clicked his tongue. “Nu..uh… try again.”
Also, this doesn’t bode well for his future sleep schedule. “I'm the same person I was yesterday,” he said softly. “I'm the man who brings you coffee and secretly enjoys your rants. I also have this annoying habit of vanishing right in the middle of a serious conversation. That’s not going to change.”
Lois applied the wet towel to his chest and started to wipe away the dried blood there. “You’d still want me even though I slammed the door in your face?”
Hey, she didn’t do it while he was vulnerable, so no harm done. He shrugged. “I'm in love with you.”
I’m in love with you, too. She wanted to say it so badly.
Awwwww “That’s why I couldn’t save him when he jumped off the building.”
Lois clapped her hand to her mouth. “That’s terrible. Oh, Clark!”
She closed her eyes. How come he was even still talking to her?
Well… it’s either because he sees her or because he sees something in her “I should have listened to you.”
He laughed. “I’m going to remind you of that the next time I tell you to stay put and you jump right into the claws of death instead.”
LOIS: That’s not a reason for listening. Lois cracked a smile. “Spoilsport.”
“Does that mean we’ve made up?”
“Uh…huh…” Suddenly all her fears and doubts were gone.
He’s not healed yet so hold your horses. It was as if their hearts beat in tune, as if she became part of him until she no longer knew where her body ended and his began. There was something irrevocably right about kissing him. Like something clicked, a puzzle piece she hadn’t even known she was missing.
Well… this is going to be interesting further down the road. A little breathless, Lois parted, finally sure she could say it and mean it. “Clark?”
“Yeah?”
“I’m in love with you, too.”
Awwwwww! What a sweet ending. They’re most adorable! Also, very nice title-connection Michael
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