Well, I hardly know what to say after all these comments! I'm delighted the story is interesting enough to inspire such discussion, and I hope that I don't let down all of those who have such great faith in me!
No pressure on either side, I'm sure!
Groobie, I knew you'd enjoy that aloe and jasmine. I took your advice and shopped through them all, but...hmm. Still know nothing about them, so I stole your example! Full credit to you for the way Lois smells!
Virginia, I don't remember saying that the man in the airport looked like Clark or Jimmy, just that he was big and he was carrying a sign with the DP logo. But regardless, I'll pretend like I was throwing a lot of those misdirections in there -- after all, when disguises enter the game, then everyone's immediately suspect, right?
The Kents...hmm, we haven't heard much about them, have we? As to your insight into Lois seeing Clark instead of Superman -- are you sure you don't have my computer hacked and haven't been reading what I've just been writing?
Ooh, love your thoughts about the locked door, Bean22! I wish I had thought to compare it to a Pandora's Box, too!
A long week, LMA, and I'm late -- so sorry about that! Had a concert I was singing in last night and didn't get back till late, and I'm afraid I didn't think about what day I usually posted until today! Thank you so much for the lovely comments. The only way I can write a scene is by seeing it through the character's eyes (which is probably why it's so beyond me to write anything short!), so hearing that you felt connected to them was quite the compliment! Interesting that you mention what Clark can hear...
Oh, and yes, the burgundy color of the comforter was not accidental. I figured if Clark was going to do something, he'd do it all the way!
Thanks, LWhite! I'm usually someone who likes the main characters to be together in scenes, but this story required the build-up, and I actually enjoyed writing all the lead-in. Besides, the situation is big and it has huge ramifications, and I think we needed several chapters to start to comprehend it all.
I'm glad you're reading, There Is No Spoon. I agree that it can be frustrating to read about a character doing something awful and seemingly getting away with it. Hopefully as the story continues, you'll agree that Lois doesn't just get to live happily, at least not easily!
Mike, I almost did put a disclaimer on the story saying that I don't believe Lois would have published such a story about Clark/Superman -- written it, yes, but not gone so far as to publish it. However, this is kind of the biggest what-if out there that I know of, and I haven't read any other story dealing with it, so I thought I might as well give it a try. I'm aware not everyone will be happy with it, but my goal is to at least try to stay in character as much as possible after the publishing of the story and to show how it would affect them.
We all know that Lois and Clark 'belong' together no matter what, in every universe -- and I very much enjoy reading stories that show us all the possibilities and twists that story can take -- but what about when Lois betrays him so early on and in such a major way? Can they overcome that, too? Just how 'inevitable' is 'destined to be' - or can it be waylaid by one bad choice?
Anyway, I love all the discussion, and I do wish I could reply to each of them, but I'd either be giving too much away or just putting my opinion out there when I think the story itself gives enough of my opinion of the matter!
All I will say is that, as groobie mentioned, this is set very early on in their relationship (before it WAS a relationship, actually) and that while WE know certain things to be expected and true (such as Lois and Clark belonging together or Superman being an alter ego that actually works very well for Clark), the characters in-universe are not aware of these things at all, so their reactions might be different than ours.
Also, I think in today's society, we place too much emphasis on 'being in the right,' on knowing who was wronged and who was slighted and making sure that the wronged one draws a line and never lets anyone get away with crossing it. Justice is a good ideal, but we can be 'in the right' and still be miserable, too. Clark might not ever forgive Lois, and he might even be 'right' to do so, but he'll be alone forever. Forgiveness, MERCY, is just as important a trait, the ability to recognize that someone made a mistake and wronged you and then to move past it. For Clark, I think it would come down to whether he thought Lois was more important than her mistake, or whether the mistake overshadowed the person. A story where he doesn't end up with Lois because he becomes resentful and bitter over what she did might be a good story (I don't know because I wouldn't read or write it), but without giving too much away, I'd rather have a story where we see the strength and the incredible heart of Superman/Clark Kent shown in the way he can understand and forgive and love. It takes a lot more strength to forgive someone than to 'show backbone' by refusing to face whatever it is that hurt you.
All right, so now that I went ahead and said a few things even after I said I wouldn't...I hope you all continue reading!
I do understand if this isn't a story everybody wants to read -- my goodness, I tried for years not to write anymore after the prologue -- but over all, I'm just glad that we all love these characters enough to be so protective of them!
