Great chapter! (Sorry so late on FDK...) Love the progress they're making in their relationship.
As he stood there, appreciating the relief that it brought, another thought occurred to him.
... Regarding showers and "relief"?
"So...friends?" Kal asked, sticking his hand out towards Lois.
She took his proffered hand and shook it. "Friends."
It means that Kal would rather a boyish woman to an actual lady. Just a preference. Also explains the concubine situation. And the mishap on your wedding night.
"My father is okay with that, but it drives the Elders absolutely crazy." Kal grinned, and his eyes sparkled. "Add to that fact that Ching and Jai are both like me..."
Thus endeth Krypton.
from what I've seen, they seem sort of...exasperated by you sometimes
Probably leapt for joy when they found out to whom he was betrothed. For once, they found a use for a strong, dominant woman- to reign in the ruling class.
"If it was my decision, the practice would stop altogether. I believe that two people should be faithful to one another when they marry. Of course, I also believe that these arranged marriages should also stop. It isn't right to, for all intents and purposes, sell people in exchange for the chance to better your own social network, or as a way to secure better business dealings. Your father sold you in marriage to try to provide for you. Mine sold me as a way to ensure that Ching lived. In both cases, we paid the price for our fathers' business dealings."
Yeah. That's not going to wind him up in trouble someday. (Suddenly, the next day, Kal-El's body is found drifting in a river.)
"In a very good way. In fact, I think this could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship."
Friends is good. Friend box? That's dangerous...
"Kal...about that necklace you gave me on our wedding night. What was the real reason you gave it to me?"
"Well, you see, Jai told me about all his experiences with different women, and he usually said it went better with some sort of gift to give them as repayment..."
"If you have pain, why continue to push yourself?"
Only way he knows to deal with marital frustrations...?
"You know, that might be fun to watch.
And even better to participate in.
He has been, ever since he first started as a research assistant before he moved on to becoming a doctor. In fact, he's the one that got your father interested in the planet, from what I understand.
Meanwhile, back on Earth, the citizens are under the thumb of a ruthless alien regime headed up by one Lord Nor...
There's no other woman on Krypton like you, that's for sure."
"WHAT THE HECK IS THAT SUPPOSED TO MEAN?!"
"I'm sorry," Lois said, shaking her head. "You must be exhausted."
/perks up/ Bed time??
Kal watched as Lois moved off to the bedroom.
Still stuck on the couch, I see. Oh well, they're on the right track. Perhaps he won't have much use for that hide-a-bed after all, when all is said and done.
Already he knew that even if she never grew to love him, he had begun falling for her.
Ah, so *here's* the Clark/Kal and Lois we know! Glad to see it's all starting to come together (though I imagine we are far from a happy ending). Can't wait for Thursday's update!
(By the way, I'm not to blame for this odd missing-Sunday deal, am I? Darn it, I should have known better. Biting the hand that feeds me...
Stupid, stupid...)