So now Lois is the rival. <G> What did you think? Good, bad or ugly?

Annie,

YAY a section with a ton of new stuff I haven't seen yet. Hooray! I loved it just as much as the stuff I had already seen <vbg>.

Ooh, very nice description of Lois's outfit. She sure is dressed to kill! How could Clark possibly resist?

Ooh, very good start to the plan. Total role reversal here. I bet Clark's totally shocked.

Yes, they're the best team. And Clark better remember that . I know he does, though.

Ooh, and then she complimented him on his story. Yay, first she dresses really sexy in a color Clark loves on her (although I am not sure if she knows that or not yet), then she brings him a coffee and a donut, and now she's complimenting him. Go Lois!!!

Oh, I see a personal jab here . That's a good point, though, and the reason that broadcast news sort of bothers me (especially fox 8 news.. eek keep me interested for the whole hour because they tell me a commet is hurtling towards earth and then in the last minute tell me that it has a 1% chance of happening in the year 3030)... anyway, back to commenting...

Very good way for Lois to determine that Clark does not like fake women and equating the newscasters to Lana. Very nice <g>!!

Ooh, and suggesting going out for lunch... smooth, Lois! And letting him choose the restaurant -- perfect!!

OH NO! Lana showed up!!!!! NONONONONONONONONONONO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

YAY Clark, but boo LAna! How could she just throw his donut away. Stupid, stupid Lana (insert appropriate explicitive).

GRRRR!!!! Lana is such a little slut. How obvious! At least Lois was subtle about it!

And now Lana is butting in on their lunch togehterr. Did I mention how much I had Lana yet. Oh, I did, well, I am going to say it again (just to refresh your memory). I HATE LANA!!!!!!

BRILLIANT, Lois, just brilliant. What a great idea! Jimmy could just annoy the heck out of Lana. I loved the part about how they sat in the booth and how Jimmy took Lana's coat. Absolutely proceless!

Ooh, very nice a good analogy to Clark himself.

I bet that is true... It might be even more fun when they are able to kiss and make up

OMG how callus! Oh wait, it's Lana... of course she's callus and horrible.
And of course she doens't care when Clark tries to explain it. She never cares about anything Clark cares about. Oh man, and she brings up Lex Luthor. If I were Lois I would seriously kill her. And ouch, the whole thing about Superman... wow, what a horrible woman!

LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SO great, Lois, put her in her place!!!

and OMG the bathroom fight scene... WOW!!!! I can't wait to see what happens at dinner with just Lois and Clark!


- Alicia
(I wanted to respond to this from part 2, but i didn't want to make an extra post... Becki... I'm from Parma and have relatives that live around Lodi, so I have some... ideas about Lodi that sort of match Lois's ideas about Smallville )

YAY!!! I'm so excited. I was just dreading going out of town tomorrow because I figured you'd post while I was gone!!!

Oooh! That really frosts my cookies! Granted, she didn't know that someone had given him the donut, but I bet that wouldn't have mattered to her anyway. Harumph.

Hahahaha. The idea of Jimmy's constant pestering had me in fits, and it gave L&C plenty of time.

You tell her, girlfriend!!

HAR!
Yeah, go fight for your man!

K, I'm done
Jen

Hey Annie... Great part to this story! Loved all of it! I think I'm starting to hate Lana more and more with every post! Can't wait to see what happens at Lois & Clark's dinner! *impatiently waits for next part*

Great installment Annie!!


Lana is such a B!@*&, but Lois puts her in her place! I love Lois on a mission, especially when that mission is CK.

Can't wait to see how dinner goes. Hopefully Lana will keep her nose out!

Anna

Point, set, match! Lana!

And now Clark is coming to dinner!

/me has a sudden thought... Lois is not REALLY going to cook, is she?

oh, this is great, annie!

lois is really pouring it on, isn't she? go lois!

as for clark... two beautiful women dressing their best and throwing themselves at him... poor guy. i really feel for him. okay, maybe not.

then again, getting caught in the middle of those two... where's an "innocent bystander gets torn apart by two hissing fighting cats" graemlin when you need one?

anyway, lois certainly put "jimmy interruptus" to good use. wonder how she convinced him to do it.

ooo. very nice.

otoh...

do people actually talk like that? wow.



just too bad it's not like clark to eavesdrop... it would have been great if he'd overheard the bathroom conversation. maybe a little too easy, but it would have been cool.

i do like the trend here, though. good job. somehow, i doubt lois will actually be cooking. wonder what she'll order?

Paul

Wonderful part.

Lana just haven't a chance. She's a pretty sight, but Clark wouldn't have anything to discuss with her, and she is morally shallow. She made many errors (schools, Superman), but the greatest one was when she tried to shock Lois by mentoning Lex Luthor - it was exactly what Miss Bingley did in Pemberley when she tried to put Elizabeth in the bad light in the eyes of Darcy by mentoning Wickham and the effect was quite the opposite.

Lois was really great. She not only played her cards right (what a inspiration to get Jimmy along) but, most of all, she did it with her whole heart: I believe Clark was most impressed the acts she didn't plan, like stealing a glance to him and blushing.

What I liked most was the scene in the ladies's room: Lois had a self-confidence that Lana just couldn't shake off and it's based in the true knowledge of Clark's character.

You did absolutely great job! Can't wait for more!

I loved the food metaphor, Annie. I couldn't quite make up my mind if Clark was as aware of the metaphor as Lois, but it was darn good.

Interesting to see the school voucher debate hitting Metropolis. And wow, your Lana really *is* incredibly shallow. And stupid. You're having fun, aren't you?

I see you prefer the shallow Jimmy too. Tank will be pleased.

So far, so good for Lois. Loved how she pinned Lana's ears back. Let's have MORE!

Hazel

YAY! Go Lois! Go Lois! Go Lois!

It's nice to see Lois standing up for herself and fighting for Clark. Even bettter: she seems to be winning right now.

And Lana is getting more and more , which is nice to read. ANd the fight between Lois and Lana was great! I do hope for them there was no one else in the restroom.

Just one thing. You talk about those schools. But I have no idea what you mean with them. We'll probably have something like that too, but with such a different name that I don't reconize it. So if you could give me brief explanation, please.

So Lois might go cook. Hurry and bring on the next part!

Saskia

Way to go Lois!

Wow Annie, another GREAT part!!! Not only do I believe that she won't give up that easily..... but there are 2 parts left.... darn, lots of time to play with still and somehow I don't think Lois's cooking will be the only obstacle between she and Clark getting together )

It's kinda funny how so many people's reaction to this part has been, "Go, Lois!"

Mine, too...

GO, Lois!

It was great to see Lois make the effort -- and even better to see her efforts (mostly) pay off! I wonder if Lana realises that she's shooting herself in the foot with her fancy pastries and fake(?) brainless act... Clark may be oblivious to many things regarding the female of the species, but he can't have missed the obvious comparisons between Lois and Lana in this chapter, and the old home town girl is not coming out well...

And now L&C are having dinner; I wonder how Lana will try to gatecrash that -- or will she just try to ride roughshod over the partners' plans, relying on her supposed charms to brainwarp Clark? Little does she know that pink and black have nothing on burgundy when worn by a certain reporter... Though it would be nice to have Clark show a little backbone; good manners is one thing, but Lana's not showing any of those and Clark ought to rebel some time soon when she expects him yet again to be rude to Lois in favour of her.

And it was brilliant to have Lois use Jimmy as a foil for Lana at lunch! Isn't it nice to see Jimmy's... um, social talents being put to good use?

Phil, awaiting more at your earliest convenience

My goodness, this was a choice part. I'm not sure if Lana gained any points at all, but definitely lost a bunch. Lois, OTOH, played the game masterfully. When Mad Dog Lane sets out to do something, she doesn't go half way. She goes all out. And it's great to see. Of course, Lois has a built-in advantage in that she knows him better at this point than Lana does, so she knows what makes Clark happy.

The cute part of this whole story is that we all know Clark's completely in love with his partner, so the battle really isn't even necessary. All Lois would have to do is say she likes him romantically and she'd win the battle hands down. But because Lois and Lana don't know that, that just means more fun for us!

This is such fun that all of us guys are probably very envious of the oblivious Clark and would love to be in his place, having two great-looking women fighting over him.

Wow! Nice. (checking quickly to make sure my wife isn't looking over my shoulder )

There's an irony in these statements. It was Lois who went to LNN after the Planet was blown up, and it was Clark who derided TV news. Now it's Lois' turn to "suck up" to Clark by putting down TV journalism. So this was a safe bet for Lois.

Great move to try preempting Lana, even if it didn't quite work out. But the Jimmy invitation was a masterstroke. Jimmy's the one who thought Lana was a "hot chick" back in Part 1, so I'm sure it wasn't too difficult to get Jimmy to completely distract Lana. "Jimmy Interruptus" for once was put to work in a constructive manner.

At times this seemed like a children's game, such as:
School girls often try edging each other out to sit next to the cute guy, and vice versa.

It's amazing how snobbish Lana ended up, despite her Smallville upbringing. Here's the laundry list:

She really doesn't know Clark very well if she thinks these comments or actions would impress Clark.

As a guy...ROTFLMAO!!!!

Major faux pas. Apparently, Lana didn't keep up to date on what happened with Lois and Clark six months ago. Even Clark lost it briefly, spilling sauce over himself. Not a good way to ingratiate herself with her intended victim. (I use victim in the nicest way. )

The argument in the bathroom was great! Lois practically left Lana speechless, leaving her with the lame comment about Clark not settling for Lois. I wonder if Clark heard the argument? With his superhearing tuned into mentions of his name, (usually his alter ego, but who doesn't perk up when they hear their name?) it'd be hard for him to not have heard the argument.

If Clark actually secretly knew there was a contest going on between Lana and Lois, I could just see Clark encouraging the competition.

Now this was masterful. The way she invited him over for dinner was just vague enough to make Clark wonder about whether this would just be a dinner between friends. Hopefully, Lana doesn't figure out a way to crash the dinner.

This was an absolutely delightful part. I just loved seeing Lois make points with Clark at Lana's expense. It's just too often that Clark is the one that has to do all the pursuing in most fics, so it's great to see the shoe on the other foot.

Oh, a seeming inconsistency:
Lois thinks that Clark wouldn't look at Lana's, cough, attributes, but saw Clark looking at her legs. Inconsistent? Maybe.

Is it Thursday yet?

I agree with everything everyone else said.

Exactly. This story is great fun. I can't wait to read the next installment!

- Vicki

Yes, Annie

Great part!!!! The comparison between the two was so perfect. How could Clark even... But then we all *know* Clark, he would never....

The juxtaposition between Lana & Lois' values, beliefs, intelligence, actions--very nice!!!!!

Although Lois didn't like the idea of having Lana go to lunch with them -- what an opportunity to highlight their differences.

Lois wins hands down!!!! Go Lois!!!!


Barb.

How marvelous!!! Lois, you go, girl!

I wouldn't mind seeing a bit of a revelation toward the end wherein Lois realizes that, while this was the incident that forced her to acknowledge her feelings for Clark, she was never really threatened by Lana where he was concerned.

Clark's love is forever, because...it just is.

Lovely story...having a lot of trouble with this every other day business. Please just post the rest for us...as a rainy day gift (at least in NYC).

Sherry

Ooh, great stuff added in here, Annie! Generally I don't care for having political issues brought up in fanfic, but this one worked so well to contrast Lois & Lana that I'll overlook it this time

"Desperate words from a desperate woman"?? Yeah, Lana, we know you are!

Can't wait to see Lois cooking...

PJ

Yay, Lois!!!!

Fantastic part Annie! This just makes me want more. <G>

I think it would be a good idea to make Lana have a new trick, now there seems to be no competiton at all.

Anyhow, we don't make these choices with head but heart. I believe Clark would have chosen Lois even if Lana would be a lot nicer, because she isn't a challenge to him like Lois is.

I guess it would be unoriginal to say "Go Lois!" now

Awwwwww I can just imagine him saying this to her whilst gazing into her eyes beautiful double meaning

This is great - more soon please!

HC (who was greatly amused today when her superconductivity lecturer kept saying 'super-electrons', and couldn't resist drawing 'electrons' sporting the El shield all over her notes )

WOw, do you think anyone likes this story?

I'll just say one thing:

LANA =

LOIS = You GO girl!!

Can't wait for MORE!!
~Liz

Oh, wow. Just catching up, and I gotta say, I love the whole interaction! I'm just wondering if Clark knows what's going on. I'm glad to see Lois finally knows what she wants and is going for it! Can't wait to read the rest of this.

Annie - well, as always happens when I come late to a comments thread, I have to say "ditto" to what others have said before me. This is a great part. How can you even ask?

Brilliant idea for Lois to bring Jimmy along to lunch. Having been the root cause of Jimmy-interruptus in the show and fanfic for so long, it's sooo nice to see his character being used for such a good cause for a change. If Tank is reading this one, perhaps even he is pleased.

I also like the way that when they arrived at the restaurant Clark rubbed his hands over Lois' arms to warm them up. He doesn't seem to have worried if Lana was cold.

Several others have quoted this part before me, so I know I shouldn't waste bandwidth, but I'm going to because this was my favourite part in the whole section and so I selfishly want to see it on the screen again:
I liked that. I liked that a lot. I'm trying to figure out if Clark is actually picking up on Lois' signals and sending her a signal of his own in response (!), or if he's oblivious to her signals and is just subtly sending one of his own as he occasionally did during the second season. I've got my fingers crossed for the former, but either way, it's very nice...

Needless to say, I'm looking forward to dinner at Lois'. However, since there are two parts left, I'm a little concerned that things aren't going to go well, not yet, anyway. Please surprise me, Annie. Why don't you post it tonight and put me out of my misery?

KathyM

Wow that was a great section. lana is such a jerk and Lois is so cute. clark knows exactly what is going on I bet and if lana's presense is making Lois flirt i am sure he is thrilled about it. Laura

Bravo, Annie. Great part as everyone above has said.

I'll bet super hearing would come in real handy about now. Clark must be REALLY smiling inside

I can already imagine: Lois trying to cook something, it starts to burn, and Clark comes to the rescue to save Lois and the apartment from burning down. Then they order some take-out and we have some smoochies.

How about that?

malu

Oh, Annie, I *love* this story!!! I'm sorry that I haven't had the chance to comment on the first two sections, but I enjoyed each one of them.

I can't stand Lana (guess that means you're writing her very well [g]), Clark is driving me crazy cause he's actually putting up with her, Lois is making me laugh, making me sigh, and making me cheer for her (terrific scene in the bathroom, btw!), and I'm thrilled that Jimmy has finally found that his purpose in life (beyond advancing Lois and Clark's plots [g]) is to annoy Lana.

I have no idea what you're feeding your muse, but please, keep doing it!! Your writing is amazing, and I can't wait to read the rest of this story.

Please post soon, okay?

Tracey

I love this story! It is so good to see Lois fighting for Clark.

And Lana, well she is so ... Lana!

Loved it!!!

Hi,

Great part.



2.


3.
Every time she open her mouth Clark goes Lois way.

4.
Lana was caught by Lois.

5.


YES!!! Love the discussion in the restroom.

Oh God, she is cooking!

Did Lana leave the restaurant along or she was waiting out with Jimmy?

More Soon, please. ASAP

MAF

Just a couple of comments since everyone else has already said a lot of what could be said.

First off, I'm very disappointed that all Lois did was get a new dress. Not very imaginative, but then Lois has already got a lot going for her with Clark even if she doesn't know it.

I'm more convinced than ever that Clark is completely aware of what is going on, and for once, is enjoying being the object of desire for a change. Even Clark, at his most lunkheadedness, can't miss the glaring personality flaws in Lana. She's so plastic as to not even be real. I find it amusing given her obvious attractiveness, that Lana could think that Lois is no competition for her. Being blonde only goes so far (and hers probably comes out of a bottle), and all real men find brunettes more attractive anyway.

Since this story is obviously already finished, and there already is a ridiculous amount of comments having been posted... you can go ahead and post the next part.

Tank (who gives Lois credit for actually finding a use for Jimmy)

I got it!!! Not only is Clark aware of what's going on, he actually expected Lana's visit and has worked with her (what are old friends for?) to make Lois jealous intentionally and force her to act on her feelings...

Sherry (It's the cough medicine speaking...)

Annie

WOW! I love this story!
Just brilliant!
Please post the next part ASAP.

Tricia

I diagree: a new dress is gives Lois self-confidence and a feeling of new start.

It's difficult to believe that Clark didn't hear Lana's comment in the first scene. However, though Clark couldn't miss that Lois is attracted to him, he might not be aware of the depth of Lois's feelings, he could believe that she doesn't only want give Clark to another woman. So it is wise for Clark to wait and see.

hey Annie, thought i'd chip in with a comment as i've just caught up on this wonderful story. i'm really enjoying this and it appears im not alone . especially liked

please post more soon!
Hayfever

Oh, Annie, this was AMAZING!

What I love about this story are the things you write, and the way you write them. Absolutely terrific.
And let me say, this is going to be one of my favorite fics (no offense anyone else, of course).

And the worst:

Lana is stupid Stupid, dumb, conceited and egoist.
(Does anyone disagree??)

My favorite point:

Oh, this was mean Mean and funny.
When I read that, I clapped my hands, I thought “Oh, my, this is going to be GOOD!” and then I burst out laughing.
Really really mean. I like it.

Another mean and funny point. It made me ROTFLOLFH (Roll On The Floor Laughing Out Loud For Hours!!). AnnaBtG. (who likes it when Lois can be so mean…/me rubbing her hands, waiting impatiently for Lana’s complete humiliation)

Annie
loved this part
and Lois
more soon please
merry

After she read this, Gabrielle responded,
Gabrielle, it's true. I think most of us agree that a new dress was just perfect.

But you may not have noticed that the person who was complaining was Tank. Tank, who although he didn't specifically mention the word 'haircut' in this particular thread, is always calling for authors to take the plunge and give Lois a haircut in their stories. And in feedback for the previous thread, I think he did mention that Lois' makover simply wouldn't be complete without one. That's why he said it wasn't enough.

He's persistent, we've got to say that for him.

KathyM

First I just want to say that I'm totally astounded by the sheer quantity of comments I got on this part. Thank you all for your wonderful feedback. I can't begin to tell you how happy you've made me.

LOL! My language quirks are beginning to rub off, I see!

A brief note about the charter schools discussion: (A quick definition - charter schools are a relatively new idea. They are public schools funded with public money, but run not by the government but by private individuals or organizations. Their existance and their funding has been debated widely.) I just wanted to say that I don't normally address political issues in my stories, and I certainly don't intend to use my stories as a chance to preach my political views. However, I felt it was very important at this time to demonstrate the intellectual relationship Clark and Lois share. I chose charter schools because they are a debateable topic, yet they don't carry the type of emotional issues that topics like abortion or gun control would.

That said....


I'm glad y'all enjoyed Lois' tactics, both in the booth and out. This part seems to have been a favorite:

As for this:

well, tune in to the next installment, and all your questions will be answered.

Ooh! I could literally see the knives out on this one! I'm glad that Lois is sticking up for Clark and I like how Lana is acting like a total bitch and a half. Lois was right in how she defended Clark and I totally hated the way Lana described Rachel Harris. Lois give that girl her just desserts now! I can't wait for the next part wonder if Lana decides to tag along...
And using Jimmy to distract Lana that was classic! It had me