Only a Dream

By Jennilyn Lazo (jellog@aol.com)

Summary: After their wedding, Lois and Clark have a dream of a reception.

[Note: There was some confusion caused when I sent in the *unrevised* copy of it. I hadn't even finished it yet … guess I was ahead of myself ;) This is the *real* copy .. I apologize for the misunderstanding. Please send all comments to the above address … thanks. Remember .. don't let the title discourage the story ;) Have a nice day. ]

***

The outside, of what hardly looked like a hotel, resembled a magnificent castle. Numerous flags flowing in the breeze, cobblestone roads, even horse drawn carriages. Yes, one did feel like a knight in shining armor or a lovely princess when entering this building. The many guests stood in awe as they admired the huge structure. Two words stand upon the roof, as if welcoming them. "The Tara". The guests eagerly entered it.

The grand ballroom was beautifully decorated. The guests, talking amongst themselves, were having a good time. The food was excellent, and at the moment, everyone was picking from a wide array of delicious appetizers. The music was blaring, a good mix of dance music, with a little touch of romantic songs. And by the doors stood the couple, Lois and Clark.

Or now, Mr. and Mrs. Kent.

***

"Man, you two sure do know how to throw a party!" Jimmy called above the music.

Lois smiled. "Glad to hear you're enjoying yourself, Jimmy!" *I have to be the luckiest woman alive!* Yes, Lois had a lot to be grateful for. She had a career, a loving family, and many friends. And finally, she had the man of her dreams. A man who truly loved her. Her partner at work — and now in life.

And not to mention a superhero. It wasn't too long ago that Clark had confided in her his biggest secret. At first, she had been angry, and vented it out through sarcastic remarks. (Sarcasm always was her strongest point) But, gradually, she began to understand what he was going through. The anger disappeared, only to be replaced by the love she felt for him. Finally breaking the barrier between them, she accepted his proposal. She moved into his apartment, and before she knew it, wedding arrangements had been made.

***

"Congratulations, sis!" called a familiar voice. Lois turned around. "Lucy!" The two sisters embraced each other in a hug.

"Well, here she is, Mrs. Kent herself, "Lucy said, smiling sweetly.

"Yes, in the flesh." Lois's face beamed. "I've dreamt about this. I've written about this. I've said it a million times…and I *still* can't believe I'm married!!!" She threw her arms around Lucy again, overjoyed about the eventful day.

Lucy couldn't do anything but smile widely back. "I'm so happy you took my advice."

Lois raised an eyebrow. "What advice?" she replied sarcastically.

"Oh, you know. How I said to stop chasing Superman, and go for Clark instead. See? You should listen to your kid sister." She grinned.

"Yeah, well…" Lois put her arm around her sister. "Thanks. just remember that even though I'm with Clark now, I'll always be here for you."

"Thanks…big sis." She held back a tear. It was her turn to give Lois a big bear hug.

"Aww, isn't that a Kodak moment?" Clark came up behind Lois, and whispered in her ear.

"Hi, hun!" Lois kissed him lightly on the lips.

Clark smiled. "Hi, Lucy! Or should I say — sis?"

She quickly kissed him on the cheek. "Hey, Clark. Listen, now you take care of my big sister, you hear?!?"

He flashed a devious smile. "And what happens if I don't?"

"Oh, you'll be sorry." She chuckled softly. "Little sisters can be little terrors, you know."

Clark laughed along. "Okay, I'll do my best." He glanced at Lois. "Honey, they want us to pose for pictures. I came here to get you — it wouldn't look too good without my wife by my side."

*Wife! I'm Clark's life!* Just even thinking about it sent thrills up Lois's spine. "I suppose not, she replied, smiling. "Okay, Lucy, I've got to go. I'll talk to you later."

"Okay."

Lois and Clark walked toward the crowd of cameras, arm in arm.

***

"Did you take the lens cap off?"

"Yes, Lois, I did," Jimmy replied. He was about to take the picture…

"Is there film in it?" Lois called.

"Yep." He focused on them again.

"Is the flash on?"

"Lois!!" Jimmy let out a heavy sigh.

"I'm sorry. I just want everything perfect.."

Clark walked over to Jimmy, and pretended to inspect his camera. "Hmmm…Mrs. Kent, everything seems to be fine," he said, in a gruff voice. Smiling, he kissed her forehead. "*You* look perfect, dear," he whispered softly.

Lois smiled gratefully, and playfully tugged on his arm. "Okay, Jimmy, sorry. I'm — *we're* ready." She glanced at Clark.

Jimmy lifted his camera…but lowered it, and stared at Lois.

"What??"

"Nothing. I just thought you'd stop me again, so I saved you the trouble." He grinned. "Is everything okay?"

"Yes, everything's okay." Staring deeply into Clark's eyes, she added, "Everything's *perfect*."

Click.

***

A few blinding flashes later, the main entree was served. The choice was between succulent Prime Rib, or roasted chicken. Lois's mouth watered.

"Ohh — that looks good. I'll have that."

The waiter nodded.

"But wait, the steak looks better. I'll have that instead."

"Okay, miss."

"On the other hand, I really do love chicken…I think I'll go with that."

The waiter eyed Lois, trying to figure out if she'd change her mind again.

"Oh! I don't know! It all looks so tasty!"

He sighed. "May I suggest the chicken? It's very good."

"Hmm…yeah, okay, I'll take that. That was my first choice anyway. I don't want you to think I'm flaky or anything cause I keep changing my mind."

A smile played upon his lips. "Of course not, miss." He left.

Lois suddenly felt arms around her. "So, how's my beautiful wife doing?"

"As happy as I'll ever be, Clark." Their lips met in a gentle kiss. She sighed. "This isn't a dream, right?"

"Oh, I hope not," he whispered softly, smiling.

Moments later, dinner was served.

***

The next couple of events just seemed like a blur to Lois. It all went by so fast, mostly because everyone was having lots of fun. She remembered having chats with Martha and Jonathan (now her mom and dad), her own mother (now Clark's mom), and mingling with other guests. After dinner, they did the traditional cutting and feeding of the wedding cake (what a mess they had made), and the throwing of the garter and bouquet.

At the moment, everyone was dancing. Lois and Clark even noticed Jimmy and Lucy slow dancing to a couple of songs.

"Would you look at that?" Clark whispered.

"Aww, they look so cute together!"

"Who knows…they might be the next couple walking down the aisle.."

"Let's just hope he doesn't get cold feet," she replied, grinning.

Just then, the music stopped, being replaced the booming voice of Perry. "Good evening, everyone. I'm Perry White, Lois and — I mean, Mr. and Mrs. Kent's boss." He smiled. "I hope you're all enjoying yourselves tonight. I just came up here to say a little something to the couple, and to you. It's really such a beautiful thing to watch a romance blossom. I've been hoping against hope that things would go well between these two. And sure enough, it did. It's funny to think that these same two people, who would never stop bickering when they first met…" He took a breath.

"Are the same two people here. Together. Partners in work. And partners in life." Lois and Clark exchanged knowing glances with themselves and Perry.

"It makes me think," Perry continued, "what would have happened if they never met…and that's what I want to dedicate this song to them." Perry gestured for them to go to the dance floor, and for the DJ to play the song. It wasn't an Elvis song — Perry had a hard time resisting the temptation. "Oh, I guess the King would let me make this one exception," he said to himself.

***

The lights dimmed. The guests kept the floor cleared. The spotlight was on Lois and Clark now, and they approached the dance floor, arm in arm. Swaying to the music, they listened to the words…

"If I never knew you,
If I never felt this love,
I would have no inkling of,
How precious life can be.

And if I never held you,
I would never have a clue,
How at last I find in you,
The missing part of me.

In this world so full of fear,
Full of rage and lies,
I can see the truth so clear,
In your eyes, so dry your eyes.

And I'm so grateful to you,
I'd have lived my whole life through.
Lost forever, if I never knew you."

"Lois..." Clark murmured.

"Yes?"

"What do you think would have happened if we never met?"

She paused. For awhile, she was wondering the same thing. "I don't know," she whispered. "But we're together now, and *that's* what matters…" Sighing, she lay her head against his shoulders…

"If I never knew you, I'd be safe but half as real, Never knowing I could feel, A love so strong and true. I'm so grateful to you, I'd have lived my whole life through.. Lost forever, if I never knew you…"

Somehow, Lois felt she could relate to this song when it came to Clark. His words echoed through her mind…*What would have happened if we never met…* She rose her head so that her eyes met Clark's. "Thank you," she whispered.

Clark had puzzled expression on his face. "For what?"

"For teaching me to love…" She smiled. "And for loving me."

He gently caressed her face. "You deserve it. And *more*.."

"I thought our love would be so beautiful, Somehow it'd make our whole world bright. I never knew that fear and hate could be so strong, All they'd leave us were these whispers in the night. But still my heart is saying we were right. And we *were* right."

And we *were* right."

"Yes, we *were* right," Clark whispered.

Lois nodded, and lifted her mouth to meet his, in a gentle kiss. But as the kiss deepened … she started getting dizzy … Suddenly the room went black.

***

She sighed as she sat up in bed, and turned on a small light.

"What's the matter, hun?" came a sleepy voice.

"Sssh. It's okay, Clark. It was just a dream. Go back to sleep," she whispered back.

"Mmm." He shifted under the covers.

She reached over to turn off the light, when something caught her eye. Small and shiny. Her wedding ring. Thinking of her dream again, she smiled contentedly, and switched off her lamp. As she slid under the blanket, she felt strong arms envelope her. "Just a dream," she whispered, before drifting off to sleep.

Yes, it had been just a dream. For Lois …

It was a dream that had come true.

THE END

[The song is from the Pocahontas soundtrack. Thought it was pretty ;) ]

(onlya.txt)