Whine's Wine

By Julie Bixby (markb@cccd.edu)

Written May 1995

Summary: A continuation of the episode "Whine Whine Whine" — a few more minutes between Lois and Clark, before the Kents arrive.

Like several others, I found an ending to an episode that I wished would continue "for a few more minutes"—in my case, the just aired "Whine, Whine, Whine." I should post a disclaimer that this is my first attempt at writing fanfic. Feedback is welcome.

***

With a certain reluctance, Clark broke off his kiss with Lois. "I should go turn the TV off," he apologized, and when she nodded, he did just that. Then, instead of going back over to her, he sat down on the couch. "Lois, I still don't understand—I was planning to leave because I thought you and Dan…"

"Well, to tell you the truth, there never *was* 'me and Dan.'" She started pacing again, getting her thoughts in order— which *was* a task, Clark thought wryly. "What it *was* was a case of bad timing. I mean, you got up the courage to ask me out, and then Mayson died…and while you were trying to cope with that Dan showed up, and he was trying to bounce back from Jenna, and it was just a lot of…"

"Bad timing," Clark finished for her.

"Yes," she replied. "And you and I really hadn't had a chance to see how things would work out between us…" here she turned to face him directly, "and I wanted that chance."

"I want that, too, Lois," he answered earnestly.

She gave him a wry smile. "For a while, I found that hard to believe, but my therapist helped me see why." Lois joined him on the couch. "After last year in the park— you might have been pretending, or maybe not, but anyway— I did sort of 'dump' you for Lex, and it's understandable it made you a little 'gun shy'. So before I could do that to you again, you'd just run off." He shifted uncomfortably. She continued, "But if you mean it—you want to stick it out with me—then I'll stick it out with you." She looked at him expectantly.

He raised his hand to her chin, and drew her to him. With a slight tilt of his head, his lips found hers.

At that moment, the front door opened. Lois quickly turned her head at the sound. It was Martha and Jonathan, back from their dinner and looking just as surprised to see Lois on the couch with Clark as she was to see them. Jonathan whispered to his wife, "You think we got back too early or just in time?" Martha jabbed him in the ribs. "Hi, Lois! What a surprise."

Lois quickly stood up. "Hi, Martha, Jonathan." She turned and quizzically looked at Clark. "I was just about to offer Clark—well, what I mean is, I was about to offer to help him unpack."

His parents exchanged glances—of relief? amusement? "Oh, that's all right, hon, Clark can take care of it in the morning," Martha said easily as she headed towards Clark's refrigerator with some leftovers, winking at Clark along the way.

Jonathan still stood by the doorway. "So, did you two work things out?"

"Yes, Dad," he said, rising to stand next to Lois, "we did."

Lois smiled at him.

"Glad to hear it. Well, if you'll excuse us, I think we'll be turning in," and he gave a smile and nod to the couple. His parents left for the bedroom to let Clark say good night in private.

Lois turned to her partner, her best friend, her…*boy*friend? She wasn't sure yet, but it certainly looked more promising. "How long are your parents in town?" she asked as Clark escorted her towards the door.

Clark noted that she didn't seem upset that he hadn't told her they were here, or that he'd shared with them their recent misunderstanding. More work of the therapist? he wondered. "Just until tomorrow." Inspiration hit. "Would you, ah, like to come over for breakfast before they leave?"

"Yes, I'd like that," she replied as she also leaned her head up to reach for his lips.

He kissed her good night gently.

"See you in the morning," she whispered as he closed the door behind her.

He sighed satisfactorily. Yes, he *would* be seeing her in the morning, and for the moment, all was right in Clark Jerome Kent's world.

THE END

(whines.txt)