I think that my favorite part about what your writing here captures is the sort of underlying ease of this relationship - even when it gets tense or charged or uncertain, there's still something in there that feels inevitable. And that's so difficult to capture, and such an important part of their story.
But in true Clark fashion—though a bit more quickly than he usually relented—he was back to his calm and charming self.
I know that he's worried, so he's 'relenting' a little more quickly here, but I love that you point out Lois appreciating this trait. Lois thinks of her job as war, and the grudge match aspect bleeds into her overall personality. It's such a subtle characterization that she appreciates he gives her a break that she doesn't easily understand how to give others. Just lovely detail.
Cacti got me.
“But for the record, I love sparring with you.”
Awwwww. It's nice when she gives him the rare space to be a little more open, and he takes it.
“It wasn’t just a work trip, Clark. And, it was, you know...” she trailed off, her mind suddenly derailed by the intensity of his gaze.
“Was what?” he asked.
“Memorable. My time in Smallville.” As soon as the words were out of her mouth, the apprehension clenched at her—afraid of being too honest, too vulnerable, and she wondered how they’d gone so quickly from teasing and sparring to blurting out their true feelings. There were reasons she had never let him know, reasons she’d even tried to deny to herself, the feelings she’d had on that trip.
Love this section! Such a great description of her thought process here. And it really holds the tension of the moment well!
They’d just been doing a crossword puzzle, for heaven’s sake, and now they were...about to kiss?
For all her big-city experience, it's little insights like this that reminds me Lois hasn't had a good, long-term relationship in her adult life (Lex dooooooeeeesn't count!) - and they're really on more even footing than we think.
A small styrofoam box caught her eye. This was new.
Wow, using the powers to impress her... since episode 1.
Great little touch here!
“Instead of needing to know how...allow me this small moment to dazzle you, Lois.”
Oh my gosh, I mean, ok! I would be such a sucker for this!
Can't wait to see what's next for them!
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