First off, apologies for not replying to your comments on Part 4. Blame it on the shock of returning to work after 2 weeks' wonderful holiday.
Okay, first up is Chris. (I answered you over on the nfic side, but for the benefit for readers over here, I'll repeat it here
You've suggested two tactics for Clark: one, tell Lois that his addiction to red kryptonite was his way of numbing the pain of unrequited love for her. Two: tell Lois his womanising is the result of a painful breakup.
Well, part of me is tempted not to explain Clark at all, because then you know exactly how Lois feels <g>. The other part of me wants to defend the story and answer your questions, and that's the part which seems to be winning right now.
Clark still feels enormous guilt for his womanising. He thinks it's indefensible and he hates himself for acting like that. In that state of mind, he's not in a position to offer explanations to Lois. He's stuck in apology mode - crumbs, he even went along with her suggestion that he ought to apologise to all his past lovers!
He also doesn't think Lois is ready to hear, yet, that he loves her. She's only just begun to emerge from her silent shell, and he knows how fragile she still is - he's seen how fragile she still is. He doesn't want to scare her away from him or put any pressure on her.
His relationship with Mayson, which you also mention, doesn't really affect his thinking her, which is all to do with his guilt over those women he slept with.
Hope that makes sense, Chris!
Pam, you got it right - he's humiliated. As well as feeling guilty.
Anna, thank you.
Tipiwoman, thanks! You have the BR mafia (Lynn, mostly) to thank for making Lois into such a wreck in this and the previous part, actually <g>. I had her recovering more quickly from her freak-out, but I was told this way was better. I think I got good advice.
Yvonne
