Great story as always! (Although I've been very quiet lately, I've been eagerly awaiting every new chapter. blush )

I love the way Lois and Clark resolve their issues, but this part nearly made my heart break for young Clark:
Quote
"Seeing them die. I mean I knew intellectually that they had died when the planet exploded; Mom had told me that, but seeing it..." His voice broke. "I can see from here where I listened to my adopted parents' heartbeats fade out. And now... to see the planet that had my birth parents on it explode..."
And this one really brought tears to my eyes (even though I was absolutely thrilled that Lois finally believes in Clark).
Quote
"I'm here, Clark. I'm not leaving. We can do this together. We're stronger together than we are alone. I'm so sorry for ever doubting you. I'm sorry for not being there for you when you needed me. I *do* believe you; that you won't ever leave me; that you'd never cheat on me. I do believe that you love me like you've always said. I'm here, Clark..."
Quote
"Don't worry. I've heard your shower renditions of 'Believe It or Not' and 'Would You Like to Swing on a Star', remember?"

"What? You didn't like them?" he asked with mock indignation.

"Let's just say, you probably won't be up for a bathroom Grammy this year."
Oh, I think 'I believe I can fly' would have been perfect for this one. Or maybe the theme song of the Batman 70's series? peep

Quote
"Both of your parents left you, repeatedly. I've gathered that much, so nothing in your past showed you that someone could stay. But Lucy... Lucy had you. You promised her you'd never be separated and you did whatever it took, including marrying me, to make sure that didn't happen. *You* never left her."
I love how Clark makes that point. *happy sigh*

Quote
Clark stood up and walked to where she was standing. He moved behind her and slowly, wrapped his arms around her, pulling her back to his chest. "We'll get him. I promise you, we'll get him."
Good! This is Lane and Kent in action. This Paul definitely knows how to wake a sleeping giant.

***

Okay, torturous deaths... ever thought of covering someone's naked skin with honey and hanging him head down over an anthill? (Obviously, said person would have to be tied up.) Of course, stripping him naked and throwing several beehives at him should do just as well, but I doubt it'd take as long. [Linked Image] Or strip him naked and put him in the middle of somewhere with lots of mosquitos. Like the Metropolis Sewage Reclamation Facility. (Did I mention I don't like insects?) I can also imagine that being eaten by a giant snake wouldn't be pleasant, either. (Snakes tend to swallow their victims whole.) [Linked Image]Or... strip his skin off him square inch by square inch, starting with the more private areas... /me has a wild imagination

The only known quantity that moves faster than
light is the office grapevine. (from Nan's fabulous Home series)