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And there wasn't going to be anything 'almost' about it. My favorite line among many, Sue, great job! Mona
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Hack from Nowheresville
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Hack from Nowheresville
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I loved everything about this Sue. Almost to the point where I wish it was actually incorporated into the show--because I don't know about anyone else, but I could have done without the exploding car and dying DA that interrupted L&C's first kiss.
Lola
"We're both barefoot, both flushed, and we both look guilty as hell. Clark has finger-combed his hair but I'm positive mine looks like I was just f… fished out of the river."
<3 this fic!
'The Next Step' By Sue S.
Avatar by Shred
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Hack from Nowheresville
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Hack from Nowheresville
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Omg, Sue, this is such an amazing story!
I totally melted while reading it... so sweet, so romantic, so absolutely waffy!
Great job!
"Maybe I know what it's like, trying to find fulfillment in the wrong person. Trying to fit into the mold others expect of you."
"Looking for love" by DC Lady
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Features Writer
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Ooh Sue, I love, love, love this. Surprised?  I always hated that Mayson blowing up ruined their first kiss. Not that I minded Mayson blowing up, though. I love them drinking the champagne out in the cold. I guess Metropolis doesn't have an open-container law?  My favorite line, by far: "Absolutely." Oh, she was in trouble. She was already giddy and she hadn't even had a single drop of alcohol yet. I think we've all felt that way before, and oh man, is it a wonderful feeling.  And I have to admit, if someone said this to me, I'd probably sleep with them: Or that her story on sexual harassment in the military deserved the Pulitzer over one on pesticides. As usual, you have set the bar quite high for the Ficathon!
Clark: "You don't even know the meaning of the word 'humility,' do you?"
Lois: "Never had a need to find out its meaning."
"Curiosity... The Continuing Saga"
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Oh, the magnificent fluff.  As usual, this was absolutely delightful, Sue. I loved them drinking champagne by the river, and that yummy kiss! There was so much to enjoy, but this has to be one of my favorite parts: Clark would say something, low and sweet, that she was beautiful maybe. Or that her story on sexual harassment in the military deserved the Pulitzer over one on pesticides. Or maybe he could say both of those things. He'd tease her that he was going to harass her because she was so beautiful. Priceless!  Jessi
"Lois Lane is Clark Kent's Superman." - Brian Miller
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Well, as a huge fan of fluff, I have to say that was completely satisfying. There was so much in this fic to like I'm sure I'm going to miss something. "That hot?" Then she gave him a wry smile. "You should go on 'Jeopardy'. I'll take things only I know for five hundred please, Alex." This line manages to be both funny and sweet. Sweet as Lois is a woman who appreciates intelligence and so from her, this seems like quite a compliment. And funny, well, I think that's obvious. So cute, she thought as she looked back out at the river. He's so cute when he's flustered. Oh hell, who was she kidding? He was cute all the time. What an adorable admission! "Are you still cold?" he asked.
Not wanting to admit the true reason for her tremor, she stammered, "I guess, uh, maybe, uh, a little."
She should have thought of this sooner, Lois thought as Clark's arm went around her shoulders. Okay, I have to admit that this is one of my favorite parts of this story for a somewhat silly reason. I sort of did this (unlike Lois knowing, or hoping, for the consequences) with my first boyfriend. I knew he was interested but I was still too nervous to tell him I felt the same way, so one day when were taking a walk I mentioned I was cold. His arm was around me immediately and we were dating before we got to our destination. Of course, embarrassingly, this was years ago, but this part of your story made me smile at how silly I had been. It wasn't going to happen. She looked like an idiot, standing here and waiting for him to kiss her when he obviously only thought of this as a friendly escort home. It wasn't even as good as an almost date. This entire evening had been nothing more than Clark being old-fashioned again. Aww... what's wrong with old fashioned Clark? Once the door was shut safely between them, she leaned back against it and realized she knew exactly what had made that light bulb explode. Clark - it had to be Clark. She was about ready to shatter herself right now. Being close to him could superheat anything. Interesting thought, Lois. Why do you think that is? This is really simply wonderful, Sue.
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Pulitzer
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Ahhh what a bunch of fuzzy fluff! I'm going to have to read it again tonight. God I love anything around The Pheonix. And then what? Her mind raced ahead, filling in the details. Clark would say something, low and sweet, that she was beautiful maybe. Or that her story on sexual harassment in the military deserved the Pulitzer over one on pesticides. LMAO. I love your Lois. Only to her does the Pulitzer turn into a romantic compliment. JD
"Meg...who let you back in the house?" -Family Guy
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Oh YES! Beautiful. MM MM MMMM! Nice Kiss! Wow I hate that these little stories have to end though. I want so much more. Greedy me! This was a Yummy fluffernutter sandwich. laura
Clark: “If we can be born in an instant, and die in an instant, why can’t we fall in love in an instant?”
Caroline's "Stardust"
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Hack from Nowheresville
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Hack from Nowheresville
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Sue, this was such a sweet little story. I love that it's set in the "doo-wob, doo-wob" episode. (Sorry, but The Phoenix will always be the "doo-wob, doo-wob" episode for me because of that great tainted glass scene.) How hot did a light bulb have to become to shatter? I like that opening, it's so unexpected. Even more curious, when it had exploded, it had somehow burned two tidy little holes through the lampshade. Yes, Lois, strange, isn't it If she called him now, it would be a day earlier than she had implied and he might read too much into that. All this obsessing over what he might think: very believable. she was still left breathless by the recollection of Clark cradling her in his arms as he carried her to the bedroom door. He had been so sweet that night. So understanding, so gentle, so… appealing. I always love it when she admits that all those nice things add up to something more. Bobby had said Clark was "mooning" over her. What if that were true? Like the Bobby Bigmouth reference. If only she'd been a little more clear-headed that night, she would have… what? Lois let out a self-deprecating laugh. She wouldn't have done anything. This is nice because it's very much in keeping with her character: fantasy followed by reality check. He had a bottle of champagne tucked beneath one arm and was holding a lampshade. Great - and believable - idea to make them meet up - and, look!, now they just happen to have a spare bottle of champagne  She saw the unmistakable spark of mischief in his eyes - or maybe that was just the reflection off his glasses - as he said, "It's hard work, changing a light bulb." *lol* I always like mischievous and funny Clark (Godzilla-in-the-sewer Clark). "Did it ever occur to you that maybe I walked here tonight?" (...) "You did?" (...) "No," she admitted grudgingly. *lol* again, that is so very Lois. I also really, really enjoyed the scene by the waterside, but the others (especially anonpip) have already pointed out the highlights. Only one more thing: I could really "see and feel" this because it was so sweet and WAFFy and still so much in character. It was to a point that my suspension of disbelieve was actually interrupted by this innocent little line: Lois closed her eyes and let her head tilt just a little until it was resting on his left shoulder. I went "huh?" and had to actually rearrange the two of them in my head because in my imagination she sat to his right So, thanks for that sweet story and congratulations on meeting all the requirements
kill a cliché, save a reader
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Top Banana
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I love your Lois. Only to her does the Pulitzer turn into a romantic compliment. I'm with JD & Jessi. That was one of my favorite parts! I love your fluff Sue! It makes me so happy!!! Squeee!! Thanks for that read! 
A government which robs Peter to pay Paul can always
depend on the support of Paul.
-George Bernard Shaw
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Love it! And I'm sure Missy will too but she's been having computer problems and extremely limited online time  . And I know she loves Bobby! I LOVED the line about Jeopardy! Is that the actual temperature at which light bulbs explode? I've only ever dropped them... Loved it! Carol [who needs to work on her ficathon and do some beta'ing today]
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oh Sue I loved it, so romantic, so sweet and it made me so happy.
Your stories are perfect. Thanks.
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Boards Chief Administrator Nobel Peace Prize Winner
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Boards Chief Administrator Nobel Peace Prize Winner
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Oh, Sue Fluff. What a great, warm, and fuzzy way to start off the cold winter day. Cheers to those nice people running public transportation and producing mobile phones that can sideline as pocket reader. Otherwise, I would have had to go through my day, waiting to read this when I get home.
Michael
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What better occasion to put down my first post here than to say that I absolutely loved this new piece by one of my favorite writers.
Sue, other fics from you like "The Next Step", "Honeymoon in... Vegas", the "Proof"-series and more are in my own best of fanfic compilation and this newest one will make it too.
There has been said so much about it above, and most of it mirrors my feelings, so I don't go into repeating the same stuff. Rest assured that I'm on my toes for your next effort!
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Nobel Peace Prize Winner
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Nobel Peace Prize Winner
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Wonderful. Sweetest fluff. How hot did a light bulb have to become to shatter?
Lois shook her head in disbelief as she dropped what was left of that defective bulb into the trash can. Even more curious, when it had exploded, it had somehow burned two tidy little holes through the lampshade.
"Weird," she muttered to herself, running her finger over one of the neatly rounded scorch marks. Well, I haven't seen the episode, but I can just imagine those narrow beams of heat vision. Then again, the world was a weird place in which the unexplainable happened all the time. Vehicles crashed, people ran amok, and Pulitzers were awarded to stories about the decreasing effectiveness of pesticides in lieu of worthier stories. So adorably Lois! Particularly that bit about the Pulitzer! Right now, somewhere out in the gathering dusk, there was even a man who could fly. Lois wasn't sure anymore which was weirder - that Superman existed or that she took his existence for granted. Right, Lois, you look at those round burn marks in Clark's lamp shade, and you think of Superman. Ehh... where's your famous leap of logic? Should she call Clark? She had told him she would talk to him in a couple of days, after all. Suddenly she wished she had been more definitive - and a little less hesitant about appearing eager to see him again. If she called him now, it would be a day earlier than she had implied and he might read too much into that. Oh, I love it!!! Should I call him...? Or not? If only she'd been a little more clear-headed that night, she would have… what? Lois let out a self-deprecating laugh. She wouldn't have done anything. She might be bold enough to plant a kiss on Superman, but the thought of kissing her partner was enough to make her legs start shaking. Oh, to know oneself too well! I would have... no, I wouldn't. It's wonderfully Lois, too. I love that she is so scared of kissing Clark, because unlike when she had been kissing Superman, kissing Clark could actually lead somewhere. And she so much wants that, but it scares the heck out of her, too. Why? He was just a guy. A guy who teased her and constantly corrected her copy. A guy who wore ugly ties and ate junk food without ever gaining an ounce. A guy who was annoyingly happy and positive all the time. Did he have any idea how irritating it was that he was so unfailingly cheerful? Couldn't he be pessimistic, just once in a while? Couldn't he go more than an hour without giving her that smile that made her insides melt? Would there ever be a day where he didn't help her put on her coat, or hold the door open for her, or do any number of those old-fashioned gestures that made him so fascinating? Irresistible. It so perfectly sums up how Clark irritates her, how he continually turns her into a puddle of goo and how much she wants him. She saw the unmistakable spark of mischief in his eyes - or maybe that was just the reflection off his glasses - as he said, "It's hard work, changing a light bulb."
Lois frowned. Had she really thought Clark was attractive? Sure, he looked really good in that dark leather jacket. But he also had an irritating propensity to be just as self-satisfied as all the other men she'd stupidly found charming. He teases her, and she gets riled. "Not the light bulb," she sniffed in irritation. "Did it ever occur to you that maybe I walked here tonight?"
"You did?" Clark glanced down at the items he was holding. "You walked all the way here carrying a lampshade and a bottle of champagne?"
She narrowed her eyes at him. "No," she admitted grudgingly. "I, uh, oh never mind. I'll be going now." He keeps teasing her, and she is leaving. But... Shouldn't he move away from the door? Where were his manners when she needed them most? So funny!!! "Wait." His tone was much softer than it had been before. "I'll walk you home." He likes to tease her, but he doesn't want to drive her away. Clark wordlessly took off his jacket and draped it over her shoulders. She would have protested, but it was still warm from his body. Not only was it warm, but the jacket also held the mild musky smell of Clark mixed with the thick essence of leather. The weight of it across her shoulders was thrilling, almost like an embrace. I love how you write this. His leather jacket on her shoulders is like an embrace. "What about you?" Clark asked. "What was it like growing up here?"
"It was magic. All those tall buildings, so many bright lights, always something happening somewhere. I can't imagine living anywhere else. And the people - there are so many people - and they all have a story. That's part of why I went into journalism." I love her explanation for why she went into journalism. Clark took a sip, laughing as it bubbled over on him, and then passed the bottle back to her. She put her lips to the opening and the thought raced through her mind that it was almost like kissing him. At the very least, she'd just shared germs with him. If she kissed him now, would he taste like the champagne? His jacket is like an embrace, and his champagne is like a kiss. They passed the bottle back and forth a few more times, content simply to watch the view. Then Lois asked, "What do you think happened to that light bulb?"
"What?" He coughed, apparently choking a little on the fizz. He didn't like that question! He still sounded a little choked up as he answered. "The filament in an incandescent bulb burns at 2500 degrees Celsius." Ha-hah! I love that, Sue. Yeah, that's the typical temperature of a light bulb. And that is also the typical temperature of a cool "red" star. In fact, most "red" stars are in fact a little hotter and whiter than this... So take a look at the light from the nearest light bulb. Looks red to you? So cute, she thought as she looked back out at the river. He's so cute when he's flustered. Oh hell, who was she kidding? He was cute all the time. She just hadn't wanted to see it until recently. Adorable. And you just have to love her inner monologue, when she debates with herself, and tries to kid herself, and admits to herself that she is trying to kid herself.... What if he had kissed her? A shiver went through her at the idea of Clark's lips on hers.
"Are you still cold?" he asked.
Not wanting to admit the true reason for her tremor, she stammered, "I guess, uh, maybe, uh, a little."
She should have thought of this sooner, Lois thought as Clark's arm went around her shoulders. The faint possessiveness of his touch made the mild champagne-induced buzz she was experiencing take on a whole new flavor. There was a pleasant awareness gathering inside her as his fingers made lazy circles on her upper arm. So sweetly sensual, so gently sizzling. Two seconds later she felt the weight of his chin on top of her head. Please, she thought. Don't let this moment end. Let it go on and on. "Much better," she whispered to herself.
Clark made the softest little hum, just a faint vibration against her hair. For a split second she wondered if he had heard her. Lois smiled to herself and pretended that he had; that he was just murmuring his agreement. He was! Her mind raced ahead, filling in the details. Clark would say something, low and sweet, that she was beautiful maybe. Or that her story on sexual harassment in the military deserved the Pulitzer over one on pesticides. Or maybe he could say both of those things. He'd tease her that he was going to harass her because she was so beautiful. I love her imagination! It wasn't going to happen. She looked like an idiot, standing here and waiting for him to kiss her when he obviously only thought of this as a friendly escort home. It wasn't even as good as an almost date. This entire evening had been nothing more than Clark being old-fashioned again. The thought made the lingering sweetness of the champagne seem bitter. He's scared. Just like she is scared. The kiss was delightful, but I'm not going to quote. Instead... Clark made a muffled groan and lifted his head. "I'd better leave now," he offered regretfully. In the beginning of this fic, he teased her and she wanted to leave. Now he finds himself in deep water, figuratively at least, and he decides that he needs to leave. "Oh," she said, unable to come up with anything else. "Okay."
"May I call you tomorrow?" he asked, his voice softly hopeful.
"Y, yes."
He bent and picked up his jacket and the champagne. Clark handed her the bottle, his fingers brushing against hers as he left it in her still-shaky hands.
"Til tomorrow then," he whispered and bent to kiss the corner of her mouth. "Good night, Lois."
"G'night." I love how his kiss has left her all but speechless! Once the door was shut safely between them, she leaned back against it and realized she knew exactly what had made that light bulb explode. Clark - it had to be Clark. She has figured it out!!! She was about ready to shatter herself right now. Being close to him could superheat anything. Lois blushed as her thoughts took a decidedly fiery bent. She was going to kiss him again tomorrow; she knew that with a certainty. No, she hasn't. Oh, groan, Lois. Anyway, this was a wonderful vignette, Sue. One that is to be savored, sentence after sentence. Ann
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Fluff. Fluff. Fluff. Oh, and did I mention that this story contains nothing but fluff? When you're all tired at home, those are the best, arn't they? "Anytime I get to see you in the moonlight is a special occasion." aaww, this was just the best answer Clark could have given Lois. She was already giddy and she hadn't even had a single drop of alcohol yet. Ooh, I love this line!! Don't let this moment end. Let it go on and on. Exactly what I was thinking! Or that her story on sexual harassment in the military deserved the Pulitzer over one on pesticides. *LOL* yes we sure are in Lois' head  And there wasn't going to be anything 'almost' about it. Great last line. I like how this refers to their 'almost' first-date. I enjoyed all the waff very much!! ..and I hope you will be writing more soon -Camy
"I have no regrets. If you regret things, then you're sort of stepping backwards.
I'm a believer in going forwards." ~Kate Winslet
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Top Banana
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Top Banana
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*sigh* I loved this Sue. You know I adore your writing and this was no exception.
Waffyness... ahh the waffyness! (Is that even a word?)
If only their first kiss had of really ended that way.
Thank you Sue for writing such a delightful story and sharing it with us.
Angry Clark: CLARK SMASH!
Lois: Ork!
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Pulitzer
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My queen! Sorry I'm late for FDK but I read this story the same day you posted it. My time for writing FDK is short, though. She might be bold enough to plant a kiss on Superman, but the thought of kissing her partner was enough to make her legs start shaking. Great line. This shows how bigger her feelings for Clark are. "Anytime I get to see you in the moonlight is a special occasion." Awwwwww.... /me melts in a puddle of goo. ![[Linked Image]](http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v319/tankexmortis/Smileys/th_b55c65b4.gif) He swallowed and then, suddenly, he was leaning closer. She scarcely had time to process the fact that this wasn't her overactive imagination before his lips met hers in the barest touch. He didn't move away but hovered, just a fraction from true contact. For a thrilling moment, neither of them moved. You're the queen of tension, too. Nobody makes sexual tension so tangible as you do. Once the door was shut safely between them, she leaned back against it and realized she knew exactly what had made that light bulb explode. Clark - it had to be Clark. She was about ready to shatter herself right now. Being close to him could superheat anything. Your story has this power, too, Sue. Thank you for another wonderful fic, Sue. You're fantastic!  Andreia
"My wife's love is what unites Krypton and Earth in my heart. Without it, without her, I truly would be in hell."
~ Superman: Man of Tomorrow #15
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Hack from Nowheresville
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Hack from Nowheresville
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uh, i almost overlooked that story  All she wanted to do was throw her arms around him again and drag him inside with her. who wouldn't want to do that *sigh*
"Superman is what I can do. Clark is who I am."
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Kerth
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This thread got bumped and I realized I haven’t replied yet. Thank you so much to everyone who’s left feedback – it really is just the thing to warm me up on a cold morning. I guess Metropolis doesn't have an open-container law? Well, if they did, Clark could get rid of the bottle pretty quick. This is nice because it's very much in keeping with her character: fantasy followed by reality check. Thanks, Eva! That really is (to me) one of the fun things about Lois. Tough as nails on the outside but her inner life is full of romantic dreams. Is that the actual temperature at which light bulbs explode? I have no idea at what temp they finally explode. I started the fic with that question, but never could find it in my research. So I finally gave up and let Clark tell us how hot the filament burns. It’s the introduction of air (like when you burn a hole through the glass) that causes the explosion. Well, I haven't seen the episode, Oh Ann! Truly? Then I’ll *send* you the ep. Or at least just the scene at the marina condo. The chemistry between them is INTENSE. You should have been hired to write the original show. Please, Mayson could be exploded another time, couldn't she? I thank you for the compliment, but if I had been allowed to write the show, Mayson never would have blown up. I never *loved* her character, but I could sure *relate* to her character. She was in love with someone she could never have – that was punishment enough. They didn’t have to kill her. My heartfelt thanks to everyone who has chimed in. I’m at work so I’m not really able to reply at length. Let me also add a quick shout-out to Clarkie – I hope you have a lot of fun on the boards. It’s a great place to hang out, that’s for sure.
Lois: You know, I have a funny feeling that you didn't tell me your biggest secret.
Clark: Well, just to put your little mind at ease, Lois, you're right.
Ides of Metropolis
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