Personally, I've never believed in soulmates so much as "instant connection, we're made for each other", either. I CAN believe that you feel a connection to the person you end up marrying (it didn't happen to me, but I know a lot of people who have said it happened to them.)
But I can't believe THAT CONNECTION itself is love.
That's why, like I said before, as much as I love canon LNC's relationship, in many ways, the way their relationship progresses in this story works better for me.
Now, that said, it doesn't surpise me that Clark is reacting the way he is. He's got the rug ripped out from under his feet and he doesn't know how he feels. He expected two and half more years of being married to Lois. He loves his sons. He wants to love her. But he's still got some "double-edged guilt" to deal with, although he's very close to resolving it. He isn't in love with Lana anymore, and he's willing to realize it.
I think a lot of people reading this story expected when Clark actually realized he and Lana weren't meant for each other, he would jump into Lois's arms, so to speak. But that's not very realistic, even though we all want Clark to get together with Lois for real.
Getting over Lana for real, as opposed to accepting it might not happen (which he had realized a long time ago), is an important step in Lois and Clark's real relationship.
But it doesn't end there. Like I have said before, ending things with Lana in Clark's mind, DOES NOT get rid of the "double-edged guilt."
Which the "Lois deserves someone who really loves her" and the conversation with his parents, and his brother, is evidence that he is still expriencing.
Personally, even though I want Lois and Clark together as well, I'm really glad Carol did not have Clark running to Lois after he talked to Lana. It wouldn't be realistic for me, because he would be skipping a whole step in the thought process.
Oh, and I liked Clark's conversation with his brother. It sounds to me like Clark was worried he forced himself into a life-long commitment before he was ready when he slept with her.
Now, from a personal standpoint, I believe sex should be about life-long commitment.
But, I also believe Clark wasn't ready for that at the time. And I don't want Clark to decide to stay with Lois because he feels he has no choice. (In as much as I don't really want to, but I guess I have to, because I slept with her that night.) I want to him to stay with Lois because he loves her. Because he realizes he CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT HER.
Shock thearpy here we come!
