Great part. I particularly enjoyed the confession about the bachelor auction and the discussion about the suit. Also, the smoochies at the end were ... <happy sigh> wonderful.
It's an interesting relationship you're building here between Clark and Lois. In the series, Lois was the one providing a guilt-ridden Superman with encouragement and grounding that he needed to keep going.
What he can't do... it doesn't
matter. It's the _idea_ of Superman.
Someone to believe in. Someone to
build a few hopes around. Whatever
he _can_ do: it's enough.
But in this story, he seems to get that kind of grounding from his parents, close friends and his faith. He's much more confident in what he can and cannot control.
So I found myself thinking, "What does he really need Lois for?" I know you've already explained it, that Clark has lost himself to his public persona(s), but he already has 4 people (that we know of) that he can be relaxed with, with whom he can be his true self. I get that he's attracted to Lois, but does he really *need* her?
Maybe not. But one of the compelling things about the relationship between Lois and Clark (from this series) has always been that they are each strong where the other is weak; they provide each other with a unique place of safety. It'll be interesting to see how this relationship grows and whether they can build their attraction into something deeper.
Looking forward to the luncheon with Martha. I'm more than half expecting Clark to need to run out for an emergency, leaving an awkward Lois and a less than welcoming Martha alone to get to know each other. Whee! Bring on the next part!
