I've been debating whether or not to say this all day, but whatever.
I still think Clark should have told Lois about the conversation with Sam. I understand the time is stressful for Lois right now, but how long his he going to use that arguement? I'm sure he can have a reason for the next three years why "it's too stressful for her right now."
People have chaisted canon Clark for years about not telling Lois his secret because "the timing was never right." Now personally, I think there's more to it than that, but we're not here to discuss that.
What I'm saying is that it may make sense to him, but it's still not a valid arguement.
As far as the divorce though, I think Clark should be cut a little more slack. (Yes, the Clark-defender of this fic is putting her hat back on!)
I certainly agree that Sam's additude towards Clark will be less agreeable.
But let's examine Clark's reasons and his thoughts on this subject.
When Clark first married Lois, he compared himself to Chris and Jonathan, as men who took in a child that wasn't his to raise. Lois said that wasn't a valid comparison because they never planned on divorcing Martha.
This is what Clark said about that a couple of months ago.
"You were right, you know," he said softly.
"About what?"
"That Dad and Chris never put an expiration date on being my dad *or* on their marriages to my mom. I have thought about that and I'm not sure what the solution or answer or whatever is, but you *were* right."
He doesn't know what to do about this, but he does know he shouldn't take it so lightly and pat himself on the back for doing the "right thing."
And there is this.
Would Christopher – and this new baby, who would be almost three by then – want to live with me? Would I want them to?
The answer to that was a resounding 'yes', but would I want to take them from their mom?
The answer to that was a resounding 'no'.
So where did that leave me?
I sighed.
I had no idea.
He KNOWS that divorcing Lois will tear apart their family.
He knows Lois is worried she won't see her kids after that.
He also doesn't want to leave his children.
But from his perspective, there isn't anything eles he can do about it. He isn't in love with Lois.
And for all his "nobleness" about Lois finding someone who IS IN LOVE WITH HER (which I think is a valid arguement if he doesn't believe he is in love with her)I think it would be 100 times more "noble" to agree to stay with Lois JUST for the kids and because he doesn't want to see her hurt.
That's staying with her out of pity, and he believes Lois doesn't want that. And I believe he's right. Lois desperately wants Clark to stay, but she doesn't want him to out of obligation at the end of the five years.
This Lois may be different than the canon Lois we're used to, because of life expriences, she isn't as "hard" or as "driven." But she still has most of the same core qualities. And one of the core qualities of Lois Lane, has always been that she's a very proud woman. And that means she WOULD NOT WANT someone's pity.
And I think a husband staying for a wife when they're not in love with them, is probably one of the most pityfull things a person can do. No Lois would ever want that.
