I read this already, but I never had time to FDK! Back at it (and hopefully we'll get those last few chapters out of you... *nudgenudge*)
In the end it was worth feeling a little odd to be clean again. Not just clean but now the familiar smell of Clark's soap and shampoo clung to her like an invisible hug.
Awww! On the one hand, Clark would definitely be more than a little turned on knowing she used his shower, but he'd probably like knowing she felt like he was giving her a hug when he wasn't there even more.
Lois froze, her heart hammering painfully in her chest at the realization that Lex was probably watching her at this very moment. She forced herself to sort through the stack of mail she had brought in with her, faking nonchalance. The longer the silence went the more convinced she was that he actually could see her.
Creepy Lex doing what he does best... *shudders*
It appeared the bomb had been mailed to the Planet and, by the sheerest luck, fragments of the postage and a clear thumbprint had survived the blast. The evidence was now at the lab and he hoped to have a match for the thumbprint soon.
Here's hoping that thumbprint isn't Jack's... Or Lois' come to think of it. Or Clark's!!
"What about glowing rocks?" Lois asked. "We heard a rumor there were glowing rocks everywhere."
Rivera almost missed a step in his surprise. "Who told you that?"
"Is it true?" Lois pressed.
Good example that Lois won't reveal him as a source, since she won't even say who told her about the Kryptonite...
She was about to step off the curb at the end of the block when a limousine pulled up and blocked her way. She stopped short as a tinted back window rolled down.
Oh my gosh, I know Lex is a bad guy and he's always creepy, but this level of skeeviness is just gross and psychotic. Well done.
His expression was both troubled and sincere. For a moment she questioned how she could ever have thought him capable of hurting her, or Superman, or the Planet. He was Lex Luthor for god's sake! He was a benefactor to countless charities. He was a world-renowned philanthropist and the recipient of countless humanitarian awards. She still had his handkerchief clutched in her hand. What kind of a monster would destroy your world and then offer you his hankie?
This illustrates just how Lois did kind of fall for Lex in the show so well. It's all just so unbelievable that Lex could want her, that he could love her, that he could hurt her... But also, that's just the sort of psychopath he is.
"There is nothing I wouldn't risk for you, Lois," he said as his eyes met hers. "Marry me and I'll rebuild the Planet as your wedding present."
Lois wasn't sure she was even breathing anymore but she could definitely feel her heart pounding as the truth became painfully clear. She continued to evenly meet Lex's gaze even as her brain screamed that he really had done it. He was exactly the monster that Superman and Clark said he was. Lex had destroyed the Planet simply to use it as leverage.
But also I'm not shocked because... (see above)
"No, Owen won't. My source will freak out if I show up with Cousin Lurch in tow."
Ha!
The door squeaked but no alarm sounded. Lois stepped into the alley, quickly pushing the door shut behind her. She crept down to the end and took a peek around the corner. Owen was gone. She had only a minute, maybe less, before he'd come out the back looking for her.
Go, Lois, Go!!
A moment later Clark slid out to stand next to Perry. Lois blinked in disbelief, feeling as though her heart had stopped beating.
"Clark!" She launched herself at him and he caught her, spinning her in a hug as they both laughed.
AWWWWWWW!
Lois picked up the pizza crust Clark had just set down and nibbled at it nervously.
Double Aawww!
Lois stared sullenly at the back of Clark's hand. She had missed Perry, but definitely not his annoying habit of always taking Clark's side. And she'd been right about Clark shifting into overprotective big brother mode the moment Lex's name came up. It was all the more irksome because Clark was right. He'd been right about Lex all along, damn him. Absence hadn't softened him at all; Clark was exactly the same. She was making an effort to be nicer so why couldn't he?
This little passage is adorable too. I never really thought about it before but I guess Perry does take "Clark's side" as she perceives it quite a bit. And also, you're only being nicer now Lois because you *like* him.
"Okay, let's make this quick. I know Clark is in love with someone who works at the Planet but he won't tell me who. Do any of you know who she is?"
For a very long moment no one spoke as all three men stared at her.
"Ahhh," Perry began before falling silent.
Jack began to laugh. "Are you serious?"
This is perfect! She gets two seconds while Clark's gone to talk about anything she wants and she picks up this thread again?
And their reactions are spot on.
"Now, darlin', I think what we're all trying to say is that, if we had to make an educated guess, well, Clark seems to be sweet on you."
Awww. Good ol' Perry always puts it best. This fic has me bouncing between "Eww" at Lex and "Aww" at practically everything else.
Happiness began to bubble inside her like champagne; tiny little explosions of wonder and joy that Clark might actually be in love with her. She felt dizzy with the realization that she was in love with Clark. He'd said that when you were in love you just knew. Clark was right -- she knew. She knew it with every beat of her heart.
Help me I'm melting!
"Okay, kids." Perry rejoined them, holding out key cards. "I was able to get us three rooms that are by each other. I'll take 506. Lois you can have 508, and we'll put Clark in 510."
Perry's gonna be scared spitless when he checks on Lois in the morning and realizes she's missing... Or hears a lot of ruckus with the mattress springs.
Lois blushed but continued to meet his eyes. "He told you, didn't he? Superman told you."
Too late he remembered that he wasn't supposed to know Lois had worn his Met Nets t-shirt as pajamas. Standing in a hotel hallway with Perry next door was probably the wrong place to admit the truth about Superman. He feigned confusion. "Told me what? I just thought you'd like something to sleep in."
Sure, Clark. Keep telling her that. She'll believe it.
LOIS: See if I tell that lying caped freak anything again!
Bad idea. He was tired -- and she was chicken.
Haha! Too cute. Also, that chicken outfit she wore at the Metro Club might ease her into the conversation... Just sayin'.
"This is my final guess. I promise I won't ever ask again after this one." There wouldn't be a need to ask because if she was wrong she'd die of embarrassment before morning. And if she was right? Oh god. Oh god! What if she was right?
Oh! I have stomach flutters for Lois' sake.
I don't imagine Clark ever anticipated her straight up asking him.
After an eternity Clark quietly said, "Yes."
"So that's a yes, you're in love with me?"
He made a sound like a suppressed laugh. "Yes."
"Oh my god, that's so great! I'm in love with you, too!"
Squeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!
"Wait! Don't say it back! I'm coming over."
She didn't wait for a reply. Lois dropped the phone in its cradle and raced to the door. She fumbled open the locks with shaking hands and rushed into the hallway. Only after she had knocked on the door of 510 did it occur to her that she wasn't wearing any pants.
Oh my gosh, this is so perfect. I love this whole interaction, this whole chapter, this whole fic... I can't wait to get to chapter 9 (hopefully tonight) and see how Lois gets to the bottom of this no-pants situation...
![[Linked Image]](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/8/85/Adele_-_Hello_(Official_Single_Cover).png)
It's such a good story, but I realise RL may be hectic this time of year. 
I think I'm going to go reread all the parts again, you know, just to make sure I'm ready 
