Sometimes

By Sara Kraft <skfolc@hotmail.com>

Rated: G

Submitted: March, 2002

Summary: After rejecting Clark's proposal of marriage, Lois finds a way to let him know that things are going to work out in the end.

Continuity-wise, this story takes place after WHALTTA when Lois has refused Clark's proposal because it's a lot to think about and Clark is still feeling a little hurt after the rejection. This came to me while listening to a CD in my car. I was 40 minutes away from home with this story forming rapidly in my head and I just couldn't get home fast enough to type it out. It's just a cute fluffy piece and true to my form, there isn't an A-plot in sight. Please let me know what you think.

A big thanks to Marns for her creative input.

***

Lois long had been in the habit of picking Clark up for their daily drive to work. There were, of course, the slightly more than occasional times when Clark had called her up early to cancel. He had a barber's appointment, meeting with a source, had to wait for his cheese of the month shipment; all of which he'd neglected to tell her about the previous day. At least he'd always called her, never letting her sit at his apartment waiting for him.

Today was one of those days. He'd called her, telling her to just go ahead without him this morning and that he'd see her at the Planet. Though this day, he didn't have some lame excuse. Since she'd figured out his secret, he'd let her know whether it was a mudslide in India or a simple bank robbery.

Lois got into her jeep and shook her head, smiling to herself. She was past being mad at him, except on those instants when she recalled some lie that he'd told her before she knew of his alter ego. As well as realizing that her partner and best friend paraded around in tights at times, she'd also realized that she loved him. Lois Lane, in love. Who'd have thought? Certainly not her, but here she was, in love. She smiled at that.

She tuned the radio to a music station, knowing that Clark was probably part of any breaking news that she might hear. He'd get the story for them, with a Superman exclusive to boot. She pulled into traffic and let herself relax to the music.

She was listening to the lyrics of the current song when they reminded her exactly of how she felt about Clark. She wished he could hear this, maybe it would ease his mind a little.

She was still a little worried about Clark. He hadn't taken her answer to his proposal well. After her talk with Martha, she understood more fully his reaction. They had talked about it and they were okay now, but she knew that Clark was still hurting. Clark was good at hiding it, wanting to assure her that he loved her unconditionally and would wait for her to come to terms with her feelings.

He had to hear this. She was upset that she didn't know what it was called or whom it was by. Well, she had a cell phone for a reason. This wasn't the reason, but it would definitely serve a purpose here. She called 411 for the radio station's number and opted to be put through. After speaking with the DJ, she hung up and grimaced. The song was called "Sometimes," but it was by Britney Spears. Ugh! Lois hated the lot of 'teen pop sensations.' Well, nevertheless, this song was good. It conveyed her feelings quite aptly. She still wasn't sure that she wanted to buy the CD, though she did want Clark to hear it.

The radio was now playing commercials. She was about to change the station when she heard the ad for a bar. It spoke of different dance nights and drink specials for "Friday Frenzy," but what caught her attention was the word 'karaoke.' Hmm. That could be interesting. She'd just thought of a great way for Clark to hear the song AND get out of buying the CD. She smiled as she mentally noted the night and location of karaoke night at The Lounge.

***

Lois was at her computer, plotting out the evening in her head, when Jimmy happened by. "Hey Lois, where's CK? I have some research for him."

"Oh, he had a doctor's appointment. He should he should be in soon. I'll go ahead and give that to him." Lois thought she could get used to this. It wasn't so bad, and she sure had some better excuses than Clark ever did.

Jimmy handed her the folder. "He sure has a lot of doctor's appointments for someone who hardly ever gets sick."

Lois smacked herself mentally. "Well, I guess the best medicine is prevention." Maybe this wasn't so easy as it seemed. No wonder Clark didn't use that one more often. She needed to change the subject. "So Jimmy, what's new with you?"

"Not much. No dates. I just spent the night downloading songs on my computer."

"Downloading songs?"

"Yeah. So, it's not exactly legal, but millions of people are doing it. I like it because I can just play the songs straight from my computer and compile a song list that includes only my favorites."

This was even more perfect. She could practice. "Jimmy, could you show me how to do that?"

"Sure."

It wasn't long before Lois was on a mp3 webpage and had downloaded her first song. She shooed Jimmy away, claiming a newfound confidence. She didn't want Jimmy to know that she was going to download Britney Spears. After waiting a few minutes for the song file to be completed, she immediately compressed the file onto a blank disc.

"What's this? Lois Lane is using a disk? I thought that type of behavior was compulsive." Clark teased her as he came to sit on a corner of her desk.

Lois smiled wryly. "I have a story that I want to work on at home. Oh, here's the research you asked Jimmy to compile" She handed him the folder and took advantage of his brief perusal of the documents to close the webpage and remove any evidence from her screen.

"So Clark, what are you doing tonight?"

He checked his mental calendar, "Well, I did have plans to watch videos with this really hot gal, but if you wanted to do something, I guess I could cancel." His eyes danced with laughter. He loved teasing her.

She punched him playfully. She loved that he still teased her, it meant he was starting to relax more completely with her, given his recent apprehension. "Darn, I was going to ask you out tonight, but I wouldn't want you to cancel your hot date on my account."

"I'm yours. What'd you have in mind." He didn't care if he sounded too eager.

"How do you feel about karaoke?"

"I couldn't carry a tune to save my life, but I'd love to hear you sing again."

She blushed. The way he'd looked at her when he said that. It was almost a gaze of worship. "You really like my voice?" She knew she could sing, but she didn't think much of it. It wasn't like she had plans of chucking it all for a career in music.

"Lois, your voice is mesmerizing. Hell, if things ever go awry here, you could sign a record deal no problem."

"Oh, come on Clark, I'm not that good. Anyway, tonight is karaoke night at this place called The Lounge. Are you interested?"

"That sounds great. What time should I pick you up?"

"Eight should be fine. I don't want to get there too early."

***

The rest of the workday had gone by a little too quickly for Lois. She didn't want to admit it, but she was a tad nervous. She'd sung in front of large crowds before, but this was different. She was singing in front of Clark, TO Clark. She'd convinced Perry to let her off a little early. Okay, not really. She told a little fib, saying she was out to meet a source, she probably wouldn't be back to the office, but her copy had already been submitted for her latest story. Perry hadn't questioned her about it.

She let herself in to her apartment and headed straight for her laptop on the coffee table. As she waited for it to boot up, she rummaged through her purse for the disk. The volume control was turned all the way up as she listened and sang along with Britney. After four or five plays in a row, she felt pretty confident with the words.

She eventually got up and went to the kitchen for something to eat. This wasn't a dinner date and she didn't want to worry about her stomach growling during her song. After a shower she debated on what to wear. She stood in her bathrobe contemplating her wardrobe. She decided on a short black skirt and a burgundy v-neck sweater. Clark liked her in burgundy. She thought the color looked good with her skin tone and didn't mind at all wearing it for him. Had she super hearing, she'd know that it set his heart racing.

Lois softly hummed the song as she finished dressing and put on her makeup. Taking her black pumps out of the closet, she brought them with her out to the couch. She sat down, one leg tucked under her and set the computer on her lap. During the day, she had gone back to the music site online to find a song for Clark to sing. He didn't know it yet, but he wasn't the only going to perform tonight. She grinned impishly when she imagined what Clark's reaction would be. He didn't listen to the radio much so he probably hadn't a clue what kinds of songs were out there. She was pretty sure he did NOT know that the song she had picked for him existed. She had found out that she could also look up lyrics to songs on the web and this is how she had found a song for Clark. She just hoped that the song selection at the bar included this one. Pulling up the file of saved lyrics, she read over Clark's song one more time, giggling to herself.

The doorbell rang.

"Just a minute, Clark." She closed the laptop and set it on the table. On getting up, she realized that her entire leg was asleep. She groaned as she slowly made her way to the door. She opened it to find Clark in gray slacks and a long sleeve white shirt.

"Just let me get my shoes." She winced as she limped back to the couch.

"Lois, H- what's wrong!?" Clark was by her side in an instant. He was so worried, he'd almost slipped and called her honey. He was not sure how she'd react to that one so soon.

She turned to give him a smile. "Relax, Clark, my leg's just asleep. It happens."

"Oh." He was a little embarrassed, but she seemed not to pick up on his almost slip. Good. He was trying to tone down his affections so he wouldn't scare her off.

She perched on the side of the couch to give her leg time to wake up before putting n her shoes. "I guess that's never happened to you."

"Well, no. What's it like?"

"Pins and needles." She was grateful for the small talk while her leg recovered.

After a minute, she slipped her shoes on and grabbed her pursed. "Ready?"

"If you are.

***

Lois searched the songbook while Clark was getting them drinks from the bar. Great, both songs are here. She took two of the entry sheets and hastily wrote the selections down and turned them in to the woman in charge before Clark could see.

Clark returned with two bottles of beer. "So, what are you going to sing, beautiful," he asked, grinning. He couldn't wait to hear her sing again.

"You'll just have to wait and find out."

They listened to an old man sing 'Desperado' in a gravelly voice. Some young lady, not quite as stunning as Lois, Clark thought, sang 'Like a Virgin'. She was pretty good, but no Madonna. Next up was her boyfriend. The title came on the screen and Clark's jaw dropped. 'Superman' by REM.

Lois looked over at and chuckled. She lifted her fingers to his chin as she brought her lips in for a quick kiss, successfully shutting his mouth. "Don't look so surprised Clark. Superman's a hot topic in the world. There's bound to be half a dozen songs about the big guy."

Clark was speechless. He just sat and squirmed in his chair.

'I am, I am, I am Superman And I know what's happening…'

He sneaked a glance at Lois. She was trying her best not to laugh at his reaction. He guessed it was sort of funny.

'I am, I am, I am Superman And I can do anything'

The chorus repeated too many times for Clark to be comfortable. He breathed a sigh of relief when the song finished. There weren't many words to the song. He could hardly compliment whoever wrote it.

"Next, we have Lois with her debut performance."

Clark turned to her and smiled, "Looks like you're up."

Lois only a little nervous, took the mike from the woman who had announced her. She spoke as the strains of music began and the title appeared on screen. "This is for Clark." She caught his gaze and held it.

He listened to her sing, captivated by her voice and her movements on stage. The words seemed as if she had written them just for him.

"You tell me you're in love with me That you can't take your pretty eyes away from me…"

She knew Clark loved her. And she loved him. Just the way he was looking at her right now reinforced that knowledge.

"…But if you really want me, move slow There's things about me you just have to know.

"Sometimes I run, sometimes I hide Sometimes I'm scared of you…"

Clark knew about her past. He knew that her previous relationships and that of her parents made her apprehensive about the idea of marriage. There was more to her refusal than that, he was sure. He just really wanted to believe that it wasn't about him. That she wasn't scared of being Superman's wife.

"…Baby, all I need is time.

"Just hang around and you'll see There's nowhere I'd rather be If you love me, trust in me The way that I trust in you …"

He felt her staring into his soul as she sang, her eyes questioning. He gave her a slight nod. Of course, he'd wait as long a she needed. He trusted her with his life. Heck, she *was* his life. "I love you," he mouthed as she was finishing the song.

There was wild applause and even a whistle or two. "Thank you," she said into the microphone before she handed it back to the very pleasantly stunned woman. She returned to Clark's side and took her seat. She was blushing.

Clark was speechless again, but this time because of Lois. This amazing woman had just bared her soul to him. He could tell from her unwavering gaze during the song, that she was singing this TO him, not for him. From her voice and the look in her eyes, he could tell this song meant a lot to her. She meant every word that she sang to him. She really did trust him. She really did love him. Sure, he knew all this, but he'd been a little unsure as of late as to how strong her feelings were. She really did want to be with him and no one else. She wasn't considering other options, she was merely sorting out her feelings. She was a little shy, a little scared and all she needed was time. Well, time he could definitely give her.

"Clark, say something." She interrupted his thoughts and he looked at her with awe. She looked a little worried.

He cupped her face with his palm. "Oh, Lois, you have all the time you need. God, I love you." He leaned in for a kiss and she closed the distance. Their lips met and their tongues dance briefly. When they pulled away a moment later, there were a few men and women watching them. He was a little flustered, but he thought he could get used to this PDA thing.

There was another young man singing a rock song. Clark sighed when he heard the words. He didn't know how much of this Superman stuff he could handle.

"…If I go crazy then will you still Call me Superman…"

He chuckled a little. *This* one was amusing.

"…I'll keep you by my side With my superhuman might Kryptonite…"

He cringed. He didn't like that word. He really didn't like that it was being circulated in public as entertainment. He wondered briefly if people knew just how deadly the stuff was to him. Clark made a mental note to check on this Superman song stuff later.

Lois looked over at Clark, fidgeting in his chair again. She felt a little guilty that she had put his name in for one of these songs. "You wanna get out of here?"

Clark was flooded with relief. "Yeah."

They got up from their seats and headed for the door. Clark held her close, his arm around her waist, as they walked out into the cool night air.

THE END

"Superman" by R.E.M.

"Kryptonite" by 3 Doors Down

"Sometimes" by Britney Spears

"You tell me you're in love with me That you can't take your pretty eyes away from me It's not that I don't want to stay But every time you come too close I move away

"I wanna believe in everything that you say Because it sounds so good But if you really want me, move it slow There's things about me you just have to know

"Sometimes I run Sometimes I hide Sometimes I'm scared of you But all I really want is to hold you tight Treat you right, be with you day and night Baby, all I need is time

"I don't wanna be so shy, uh-uh Every time I am alone I wonder why Hope that you will wait for me You see that, you're the only one for me

"I wanna believe in everything that you say Cause it sounds so good But if you really want me, move it slow There's things about me, you just have to know

"Sometimes I run (Sometimes) Sometimes I hide Sometimes I'm scared of you But all I really want is to hold you tight Treat you right, be with you day and night Baby, all I need is time

"Just hang around and you'll see There's nowhere I'd rather be If you love me, trust in me The way that I trust in you Oh, yeah… "

"Sometimes I run (Sometimes) Sometimes I hide Sometimes I'm scared of you But all I really want is to hold you tight (hold ya tight) Treat you right, be with you day and night (day and night)

"Sometimes I run Sometimes I hide (sometimes) Sometimes I'm scared of you But all I really want is to hold you tight treat you right, Be with you day and night (day and night) All I really want is to hold you tight Treat you right, be with you day and night Baby, all I need is time."

THE END