Lois & Clark Forums Forums Fan Fiction Lois & Clark Fanfic FDK: Ten Years in the Making 8/?

She recognized that despite herself, she wanted to find a way past this, a way to live with Clark in her life, even peripherally, without his presence only reminding her of all of her pain.

You decide what's best for me and then do that regardless of what I think?” Lois asked. At Clark's blank look, she continued. “Clark Kent is shot. You think I won't care – for a reason I still don't understand, but okay, that's what you thought. But then Perry makes it clear that I do care, very much and so you decide to tell me that you're not really dead. But then some ex-girlfriend – someone I should say who has never shown any sign that she loves you for who you really are at all, tells you it would be better for me if I didn't know. And you listen to her! Why, I have no idea, but regardless of the fact that you know I'm hurting, you listen to her and decide not to tell me for my own good.

“Then I sink into depression – something I should point out that could have easily been rectified by backing out of the first decision and just telling me you weren't dead, and you decide that I need professional help. I tell you I don't want it, but you decide that you know better than me and forcibly carry me to a doctor.

“When I finally get a job writing again, I come to you looking for a way to tell the world what happened to you and you do nothing more heroic than to weep on my couch. But then, while I'm still tortured, not knowing the right thing to do, you decide for me and submit an article in my name.

“So why should I think this is going to be any different? You've decided it would be best for me if you aren't around. Why make any overtures to this being a conversation? Why not try being honest for once in your life, Clark? I don't have a choice. You have made the decision and you manage to do exactly what you want while feeling noble as you feel like you've done what's best for me regardless of my opinion.”

Clark's head turned around slowly until his eyes met hers. “I'm sorry,” he said simply. His eyes held a look of shame, but not the same beaten down look he typically got when he apologized for not telling her he was alive. No tears covered his eyes. His eyes were clear and strong, but he looked sorry. “You're right, Lois. I didn't mean to, but you're right. I made decisions for you. I'm sorry.”

Lois almost laughed, although she was not sure why. She felt lightheaded, like she had run a marathon. She continued to look into his eyes taking in the apology there, the sincerity.

She reached forward, placing her hand in his. “So, what are we going to do?” she asked, her voice soft.

“I think…” Clark took a deep breath. “I still think it would be best if I didn't come by anymore. But if you don't agree…” Clark looked down at their joined hands, squeezing hers slightly, “I'll do whatever you want.”

Lois smiled at him, feeling happy for the first time. “What I think is that you not coming by anymore is ridiculous. We need to figure out how that kryptonite got to Australia and I don't see how we do that without you being here.”