Sorry I'm so late with my feedback, Barbara. This was a great chapter. Well, since I always want Lois and Clark to be together - there is nothing I want more in LnC fanfic, that's for sure! - I felt so cheered up and hopeful after reading this. I know this part has already been quoted, but I'm going to quote again, all the same:
On his way through the living room, he noticed – slightly surprised – that Lois was still there. She was sleeping on his sofa, cuddled into a blanket and was a most peaceful version of herself. As she was lying there, her expression relaxed and her hair a mess, she was even more adorable than ever before. Clark couldn’t help but stop at the sight of her. She looked darn good.
Okay, maybe this part hasn't been quoted. But I simply love how Clark is looking at Lois when she is totally herself, totally unaffected, her expression relaxed and her hair a mess, and he thinks she is looking more adorable and beautiful than ever. I love it.
The most impressive about her were her lips. Lois was smiling in her sleep and her tender lips attracted his glance with a magical force. They had a soft shade of rose and Clark couldn’t help but wonder what it would feel like to touch them. He imagined the electrostatic shock between the two of them, if he should ever be allowed to kiss her. But that was just a dream, the kind that teenagers had. Clark should know better. He was grateful that they had decided to try friendship instead of fighting with each other, but he couldn’t really expect more to happen. This was all he would get, and maybe it was really better that way.
This is so beautifully written, and I totally love it. But I'm with Lara: Kiss her, Clark!
Clark noticed more than once that he used his powers more often than he thought. The pan was hot and Clark almost burned himself before he took a towel to hold it.
Well, I can just imagine the dangers that a suddenly powerless Clark could be facing in the kitchen!
Although he had always wanted to be a normal guy, he couldn’t help feeling sad now that he was. It was as if he had lost a vital part of himself. But at the same time, a strange relief was also welling up inside him. This meant that he could be free to really lead a normal life.
Interesting, Barbara. I'm one of those who think that Clark would really, really miss his powers if he lost them, even though he would of course come to terms with the loss of them and go on living as a normal guy, if he had to. Others, however, believe that Clark would just be happy to be rid of his powers, so that he could be just a regular guy.
They said good-bye to each other and Clark hung up. He sighed and turned around and flinched as he saw Lois’ face right in front of him.
“Good morning, Lois,” he greeted her, startled. Clark wondered how much she had heard of the conversation with his parents.
“You should be in bed!” she retorted, almost angrily.
Ah, so Lois!
“Good morning, Clark,” he muttered wryly, trying to hide his real state of mind. After a brief pause, he continued. “I’m feeling better, now, Lois. Thanks for your help, yesterday. Would you like to have breakfast?” Clark hoped that the prospect of food would distract her from his strange illness.
“What was that, Clark? I’ve barely seen anyone in a worse condition than you, yesterday.”
And this conversation... they are simply unable to really talk to each other. But Lois is the one who's being kept in the dark, and I always sympathize with her when that happens.
As she was speaking, Lois placed her hand on his forehead, again. She obviously noticed that his temperature was back to normal. Clark sighed inwardly. Food obviously didn’t suffice to change the topic.
But I really think she cares about him. (And she definitely noticed his chest earlier.
)
“Good morning, Becca. Did you sleep well?” Lois asked with a slightly insecure smile.
“Yes, Ms…” Becca started, not completely sure of the right way to address Lois.
“Call me Lois. Thank you for your help, yesterday,” Lois replied and turned to Clark. “You should thank her as well, Clark. The cold compresses were her work. Well, almost…”
But as he examined them closer, he noticed that the friendly atmosphere was a façade. They still didn’t trust each other, but had both decided to give each other a second chance.
Well, their truce is a start, anyway.
“Anybody hungry?” he asked, with his best puppy dog eyes.
“So, you’ll stay?” Clark insisted.
He felt a flutter in his belly. Somehow, it seemed inexplicably promising to him that he would spend some time with Lois. It was unbelievable. Usually he tried to avoid being too close to her.
“I’ll stay,” she agreed.
I love it!!! And I completely love the flutter in his belly!!
Great part, Barbara!
Ann
I love it when he has to answer his own questions. Like in Tempus Fugitive - it always gets me laughing like crazy. It's just SO funny. 
