I agree with much of Ann's very insightful analysis posted above.
But, of course I have to add some of my own comments as well.
Clark was having the best dream. It'd started out a nightmare, one of those horrific ones in which he'd found Lois, but in mortal danger. She usually died in those dreams. But this time... this time he'd caught the bullet. In time. He'd been in time to save her. Fast enough.
This is simultaneously a very sweet and very sad passage. The damage to Clark's soul runs deep, but there is also hope that he may finally be able to heal a bit.
Her relief coursed through him as he watched the tension bleed out of her shoulders. "Oh, thank God. I was... I... Um... I was worried for a minute there that you... that I'd have to... Well, I don't think I could have carried you out when we escape."
He couldn't help but grin at her.
I also couldn't help grin at that part as well. So many things are still undefined between them, but at the very least we have two people who refusing to give up.
Clark nodded, amazed at her confidence. She was just... He had no idea how the hell they were going to get out of here, but if Lois thought they could... Well, he'd do anything for that smile.
Awww.. So sweet.
But at the same time she couldn't forget everything that had happened, as much as she would have liked to. And as much as she wanted to hold on to the sense of security the feeling brought with it, she had to keep her guard up. She had to keep that tough exterior, and not just to guard her heart. They both needed their wits about them if they wanted any chance of getting out of this alive.
That may or may not be a prudent thought for the time being. However, Lois may try to use that same reasoning even when they are not in a life-threatening situation. I sincerely hope that Clark will be able to climb over those carefully constructed barriers that Lois is working so hard to maintain.
“How can you say you love me when you don't even know who I am?
Subtle reference to another 3 Doors Down song? I think that one is “Let Me Go.” I love that song.
All in all, I felt this is one of the best sections to date and I can’t wait for more. Even though I hope this story goes to 50+ parts, I think the smart money is on 37.
-Em
