Fic: The Things We Lost (13/13)
Title: The Things We Lost (13/13)
Author: Babette babettew54
Category: Smallville (AU)
Characters: Lois/Clark/Kal-El, Tess, Oliver, Lex
Rating: T
Summary: Lois and Clark must accept the cruel reality of their separation as they try to get back what they had lost.
Word Count: 2,900 (41,300 FINAL!)
Spoilers: Dominion (10.19)
Disclaimer: DC Comics, Warner Bros. Entertainment owns these characters (well, except Andrew), dangit!
A/N: Well, here’s the epilogue I promised. I hope you enjoy it. I had a blast giving Lois and Clark their inner most hopes and dreams, and of course, we want that for them … always and forever. Read on and please comment if you have a moment or two. Thanks, everyone! :D
Story banner by hanakt
Previously:
( Chapter 1) ( Chapter 2) ( Chapter 3) ( Chapter 4) ( Chapter 5)
( Chapter 6)( Chapter 7)( Chapter 8)( Chapter 9)( Chapter 10)
( Chapter 11) ( Chapter 12)
Chapter 13: Epilogue: For Always:
Smallville, Kansas, a month later:
A beautifully decorated chapel in Smallville, Kansas was the setting for Lois and Clark's wedding. Along with a few old friends as well as new ones from the Planet, including Jimmy and Perry, and even Clark's 'team' of friends managed to stay through the ceremony.
The newly engaged couple, Tess and Oliver stood up for them. Chloe's 'something blue' gift was a surprise that Clark would enjoy Lois knew for sure, but it was her last email from Chloe that had floored Lois, but she promised Chloe that she would keep her secret. Lois had no choice because she didn't want her cousin to disappear without a word again. Lois had asked her sister to be a bridesmaid and Lucy had accepted. They hadn't been that close recently, but her recent visit to Smallville was a step in the right direction for them, and she wanted that to continue.
It was finally time for the ceremony to begin. The music began as General Lane escorted Lois down the isle. Clark and General Lane shook hands, and just before the Minister began, Clark glanced at his Mom and then his Dad appeared before him in the front row smiling that proud smile he knew so well. It had been a long time since he had seen his Dad, but he was there. He had always been there, supporting him, loving him and setting his feet on the right path of compassion and understanding for everyone. He would never forget.
Everyone was seated and Lois and Clark stood before the Minister facing each other ready and eager for their lives to begin.
The Minister spoke. "We are gathered here today to witness the union of Lois Joanne Lane and Clark Jerome Kent. If anyone can show just cause why they should not be joined together in holy matrimony, let them speak now or forever hold their peace." He paused for effect. "Lois and Clark have chosen to speak their own vows. "Clark…?"
Clark squeezed her hands and looked into her beautiful eyes.
Lois, I promise to give you the best of myself
and to ask of you no more than you can give.
I promise to respect you as your own person
and to realize that your interests, desires and needs
are no less important than my own.
I promise to share with you my time and my attention
and to bring joy, strength and imagination to our relationship.
I promise to keep myself open to you,
to let you see through the window of my world
into my innermost fears and feelings, secrets and dreams.
I promise to grow along with you,
to be willing to face changes in order to keep
our relationship alive and exciting.
I promise to love you in good times and bad,
with all I have to give and all I feel inside
in the only way I know how,
completely and forever.(1)
I, Clark, take you Lois, to be my wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do us part.
They squeezed each other's hands.
The Minister turned to Lois. "Lois …?"
Taking a deep breath, Lois smiled at her fiancé's handsome face.
My wonderful Clark,
On our wedding day, I think of all the reasons
I am blessed to be your wife:
You are the joy of my life.
In you I found much more than I ever hoped,
more than I ever dreamed a man could be.
In your arms, I feel happy, safe, protected.
You're my hero, my defender, my soul mate, my love.
Lois blinked a few times, holding back tears, and paused to keep her composure.
I was born for you.
There was a space in my heart that you fill perfectly.
I fall in love with you again every time I see you.
We are alike, and yet we are different.
Our similarities bond us together,
and our differences keep things interesting.
And no matter what,
you let me be me, just as I am.
I am so grateful for that.
I want to keep discovering you.
I love so many things about you now,
and I know I will find many more to love.(2)
I, Lois, take you Clark, to be my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, from this day forward until death do us part.
"Now, we will have the exchanging of the rings," the Minister said and looked to Oliver then he blessed the rings. Lois handed her bridal bouquet to Tess.
Clark took his ring and held it over Lois's left hand. "With this ring, I thee wed," he said, as he put the ring on Lois's finger.
Lois did the same for him. "With this ring, I thee wed," Lois said, as she put the ring on Clark's finger.
"Let us pray." After speaking the prayer, the Minister said, "What therefore God hath joined together, let no man put asunder. Insofar as Lois and Clark have spoken their vows each to the other, and have exchanged rings, by the power vested in me by this church and this state, I now pronounce them husband and wife. Clark, you may kiss your bride."
Before Clark took Lois in his arms, he whispered "I love you." And Lois whispered to her husband "I love you." He took her into his arms and kissed her. She put her arms around his neck and kissed him back loving the feel of her husband, as they both didn't seem to want to stop.
Then all the guests whooped and erupted in applause. Lois and Clark smiled at each other, and holding hands, turned and walked down the aisle as Mr. and Mrs. Clark Kent.
The reception was a rousing celebration for the happy couple. Everyone cheerfully watched as Lois and Clark took their first dance as man and wife to the perfect song:
~o~ For Always ~o~
I close my eyes
and there in the shadows I see your light
You come to me out of my dreams across
the night
You take my hand
though you may be so many stars away
I know that our spirits and souls are one
We've circled the moon and we've touched the sun
So here we'll stay
For always, forever
Beyond here and on to eternity
For always, forever
For us there's no time and no space
No barrier love won't erase
Wherever you go
I still know
In my heart you will be
With me
From this day on I'm certain that I'll never be alone
I know what my heart must have always known
That love has a power that's all its own
And for always, forever
Now we can fly
And for always and always
We will go on beyond goodbye
For always, forever
Beyond here and on to eternity
For always and ever
You'll be a part of me
And for always, forever
A thousand tomorrows may cross the sky
And for always and always
We will go on
beyond goodbye.(3)
~o~o~
The Fortress of Solitude, three years later:
"Lois and I have made a decision," Clark said then he took a deep breath, and looked up at his Father's stern visage and wondered again how he could make things right for his wife. After the time-warp, his disappearance for almost five years, he thought of Lois being alone all that time, but a child would have helped her get through it and would have made it a lot easier, he knew that now. Lois wanted and needed a child. They'd talked about this for years now, but it was up to him to find a solution.
"I see," Jor-El thoughtfully said. After his son had come to him months ago with a plea to help him father a child, Jor-El had discouraged him, of course. A child born of Kryptonian and human DNA would be doomed to illnesses and raging combatants of genes and hormones fighting for dominance. It would not be a good idea at all, but his son was insistent.
"I know you don't approve of my decision, but it is the right decision for Lois and me. It's been hard for her, Father. Watching her friends bear children and she can't. It hurts her and if there is a way for us to do this, you must have the answer for us."
Silence for a minute or two, then, "There are risks, but there is a way, my son," Jor-El finally said.
"What is it?" Clark hopefully asked even though his heart pounded with dread at what his Father would say.
"You must … give up your powers."
Shocked, Clark asked, "But why?"
"Only for a short time, a few days would be sufficient."
"But what if she can't get pregnant?" Clark asked not wanting to think of the lives lost because of his inability to save people.
"Lois is strong. I've seen it myself. She is a healthy human female and there is no reason why she shouldn't be able to give birth, but there is a price."
Clark frowned. "What price?"
"The child will not be born healthy and strong. I've explained all of this to you before, Kal-El. It is possible he may not survive beyond a year or two. Are you and Lois prepared for that?"
Clark was silent. It would break her heart and mine as well. "But Father, please, there must be a way to prevent that from happening, surely there must be an answer."
"There is no other answer, my son," Jor-El replied then felt compelled to say, "I'm sorry."
Clark wanted to cry. Lois would be devastated. He looked up at his Father again. "Are you sure about this? Is there nothing you can do?" He pleaded desperately.
Silence for a minute, then, "There may just be a way. If the child could be conceived through artificial insemination meaning in a test-tube, then the gene formation could be controlled and it would give the child a chance, a way to balance both his Kryptonian and human sides. This would ensure that the child would not be born with preventable diseases," Jor-El explained. He paused then continued, "It's never been done before, Kal-El."
Clark's heart soared in spite of his Father's doubts about the procedure and he understood the risks. Gene therapy was still in its infant stages here on Earth, but Kryptonian advances in these areas would ensure an outcome he could not resist … a healthy and strong newborn child. "We'll do it and … thank you, Father."
~o~o~
Lois and Clark's apartment, a year later:
It was two in the morning and Clark had just arrived from an emergency.
Lois yawned deeply and mumbled half asleep. "Thank goodness you're back. It's your turn … to feed the baby, Clark. I'm exhausted." Clark was excited and thrilled as he twirled out of his suit. He loved feeding his two-month old son, their miracle child.
Clark went into the nursery and smiling from ear to ear, he picked up the wailing child and he instantly quieted. Clark changed him then rocked him soothingly for a minute or two. Then he took him into the kitchen and warmed his bottle.
"There you go, little one," Clark whispered and the baby eagerly gobbled up his mother's milk. "You were hungry, weren't you?" Clark's eyes watered. This happened every time he held him or looked into his eyes, or fed him. It didn't really matter because he had no control over it. His son was a true blessing.
After several unsuccessful attempts working with both Dr. Hamilton at S.T.A.R. Labs and with Jor-El, Lois and Clark were finally able to create a child. Lois and Clark had a child and he was beautiful. Little Jonny Clark was the image of his father … with dark hair and brilliant blue green eyes, but he was also a calm and sweet little boy who rarely cried only when he was hungry or needed changing.
Back in the nursery, Clark sat down carefully in the rocking chair with his son in his arms and swayed back and forth for a while. Soon his son was happily fed and peacefully asleep in his father's arms, but Clark would not put him down.
Lois quietly opened the nursery door, not surprised to see her husband holding their son with a look of such contentment that her heart melted at the sight. She stood at the door and watched them, not making a sound. Even with Clark's excellent hearing, he didn't look up from staring at their son. Shaking her head, she smiled at the two men in her life.
She wiped at her eyes because it appeared that Lois had the same problem… her eyes watered.
The end!
~o~o~
Notes:
(1) I Promise, Poem by Dorothy R. Colgan
(2) Bride's Vow, Poem by Joanna Kuchs
(3) For Always, Song Lyrics by Josh Groban
A/N(s): *sniffles* Well, did you like it? I had to write this for them. I also needed to wrap up a few plots in my head. Yes, they got married and had a child. Clark wanted a child as much as Lois, maybe even more so, but he would never admit that to her or to himself, but Lois knew better. The baby's Kryptonian genes are dormant for now, but Jonny will grow up to be just like his father in time. I won't explain gene therapy here, but with Jor-El helping them, anything was possible.
The poems I chose for the wedding seemed to fit them perfectly. Clark needed to promise to cherish Lois always. Lois told him exactly how she felt about him and how much she had missed him.
Tess accepted Oliver's proposal, happy in their new found faith and trust. I know they'll be alright now. And yes, they'll have plenty of babies, don't doubt it.
I also wanted a happy ending for Andrew. Lionel lied; he's not a clone. I wanted Andrew happy, but away from Lois of course, but close enough to keep Clark on his toes! And for those who were wondering, I left it open concerning the neurotoxin and whether it worked or not. Lionel apparently used it on Andrew, so I like to think that it's not always full-proof. The brain is way too complex, and that's the reason I decided that Clark would leave Lex with that Clark/Superman image, just in case.
Thanks for reading. I want so much to continue their story. I hope you enjoyed it and thank you again for taking this journey with me. Please review this final chapter. Reviews are love. Ok, I'm done! Until next time, happy reading! :D
Author: Babette babettew54
Category: Smallville (AU)
Characters: Lois/Clark/Kal-El, Tess, Oliver, Lex
Rating: T
Summary: Lois and Clark must accept the cruel reality of their separation as they try to get back what they had lost.
Word Count: 2,900 (41,300 FINAL!)
Spoilers: Dominion (10.19)
Disclaimer: DC Comics, Warner Bros. Entertainment owns these characters (well, except Andrew), dangit!
A/N: Well, here’s the epilogue I promised. I hope you enjoy it. I had a blast giving Lois and Clark their inner most hopes and dreams, and of course, we want that for them … always and forever. Read on and please comment if you have a moment or two. Thanks, everyone! :D
Story banner by hanakt
Previously:
( Chapter 1) ( Chapter 2) ( Chapter 3) ( Chapter 4) ( Chapter 5)
( Chapter 6)( Chapter 7)( Chapter 8)( Chapter 9)( Chapter 10)
( Chapter 11) ( Chapter 12)
Chapter 13: Epilogue: For Always:
Smallville, Kansas, a month later:
A beautifully decorated chapel in Smallville, Kansas was the setting for Lois and Clark's wedding. Along with a few old friends as well as new ones from the Planet, including Jimmy and Perry, and even Clark's 'team' of friends managed to stay through the ceremony.
The newly engaged couple, Tess and Oliver stood up for them. Chloe's 'something blue' gift was a surprise that Clark would enjoy Lois knew for sure, but it was her last email from Chloe that had floored Lois, but she promised Chloe that she would keep her secret. Lois had no choice because she didn't want her cousin to disappear without a word again. Lois had asked her sister to be a bridesmaid and Lucy had accepted. They hadn't been that close recently, but her recent visit to Smallville was a step in the right direction for them, and she wanted that to continue.
It was finally time for the ceremony to begin. The music began as General Lane escorted Lois down the isle. Clark and General Lane shook hands, and just before the Minister began, Clark glanced at his Mom and then his Dad appeared before him in the front row smiling that proud smile he knew so well. It had been a long time since he had seen his Dad, but he was there. He had always been there, supporting him, loving him and setting his feet on the right path of compassion and understanding for everyone. He would never forget.
Everyone was seated and Lois and Clark stood before the Minister facing each other ready and eager for their lives to begin.
The Minister spoke. "We are gathered here today to witness the union of Lois Joanne Lane and Clark Jerome Kent. If anyone can show just cause why they should not be joined together in holy matrimony, let them speak now or forever hold their peace." He paused for effect. "Lois and Clark have chosen to speak their own vows. "Clark…?"
Clark squeezed her hands and looked into her beautiful eyes.
Lois, I promise to give you the best of myself
and to ask of you no more than you can give.
I promise to respect you as your own person
and to realize that your interests, desires and needs
are no less important than my own.
I promise to share with you my time and my attention
and to bring joy, strength and imagination to our relationship.
I promise to keep myself open to you,
to let you see through the window of my world
into my innermost fears and feelings, secrets and dreams.
I promise to grow along with you,
to be willing to face changes in order to keep
our relationship alive and exciting.
I promise to love you in good times and bad,
with all I have to give and all I feel inside
in the only way I know how,
completely and forever.(1)
I, Clark, take you Lois, to be my wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do us part.
They squeezed each other's hands.
The Minister turned to Lois. "Lois …?"
Taking a deep breath, Lois smiled at her fiancé's handsome face.
My wonderful Clark,
On our wedding day, I think of all the reasons
I am blessed to be your wife:
You are the joy of my life.
In you I found much more than I ever hoped,
more than I ever dreamed a man could be.
In your arms, I feel happy, safe, protected.
You're my hero, my defender, my soul mate, my love.
Lois blinked a few times, holding back tears, and paused to keep her composure.
I was born for you.
There was a space in my heart that you fill perfectly.
I fall in love with you again every time I see you.
We are alike, and yet we are different.
Our similarities bond us together,
and our differences keep things interesting.
And no matter what,
you let me be me, just as I am.
I am so grateful for that.
I want to keep discovering you.
I love so many things about you now,
and I know I will find many more to love.(2)
I, Lois, take you Clark, to be my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, from this day forward until death do us part.
"Now, we will have the exchanging of the rings," the Minister said and looked to Oliver then he blessed the rings. Lois handed her bridal bouquet to Tess.
Clark took his ring and held it over Lois's left hand. "With this ring, I thee wed," he said, as he put the ring on Lois's finger.
Lois did the same for him. "With this ring, I thee wed," Lois said, as she put the ring on Clark's finger.
"Let us pray." After speaking the prayer, the Minister said, "What therefore God hath joined together, let no man put asunder. Insofar as Lois and Clark have spoken their vows each to the other, and have exchanged rings, by the power vested in me by this church and this state, I now pronounce them husband and wife. Clark, you may kiss your bride."
Before Clark took Lois in his arms, he whispered "I love you." And Lois whispered to her husband "I love you." He took her into his arms and kissed her. She put her arms around his neck and kissed him back loving the feel of her husband, as they both didn't seem to want to stop.
Then all the guests whooped and erupted in applause. Lois and Clark smiled at each other, and holding hands, turned and walked down the aisle as Mr. and Mrs. Clark Kent.
The reception was a rousing celebration for the happy couple. Everyone cheerfully watched as Lois and Clark took their first dance as man and wife to the perfect song:
~o~ For Always ~o~
I close my eyes
and there in the shadows I see your light
You come to me out of my dreams across
the night
You take my hand
though you may be so many stars away
I know that our spirits and souls are one
We've circled the moon and we've touched the sun
So here we'll stay
For always, forever
Beyond here and on to eternity
For always, forever
For us there's no time and no space
No barrier love won't erase
Wherever you go
I still know
In my heart you will be
With me
From this day on I'm certain that I'll never be alone
I know what my heart must have always known
That love has a power that's all its own
And for always, forever
Now we can fly
And for always and always
We will go on beyond goodbye
For always, forever
Beyond here and on to eternity
For always and ever
You'll be a part of me
And for always, forever
A thousand tomorrows may cross the sky
And for always and always
We will go on
beyond goodbye.(3)
~o~o~
The Fortress of Solitude, three years later:
"Lois and I have made a decision," Clark said then he took a deep breath, and looked up at his Father's stern visage and wondered again how he could make things right for his wife. After the time-warp, his disappearance for almost five years, he thought of Lois being alone all that time, but a child would have helped her get through it and would have made it a lot easier, he knew that now. Lois wanted and needed a child. They'd talked about this for years now, but it was up to him to find a solution.
"I see," Jor-El thoughtfully said. After his son had come to him months ago with a plea to help him father a child, Jor-El had discouraged him, of course. A child born of Kryptonian and human DNA would be doomed to illnesses and raging combatants of genes and hormones fighting for dominance. It would not be a good idea at all, but his son was insistent.
"I know you don't approve of my decision, but it is the right decision for Lois and me. It's been hard for her, Father. Watching her friends bear children and she can't. It hurts her and if there is a way for us to do this, you must have the answer for us."
Silence for a minute or two, then, "There are risks, but there is a way, my son," Jor-El finally said.
"What is it?" Clark hopefully asked even though his heart pounded with dread at what his Father would say.
"You must … give up your powers."
Shocked, Clark asked, "But why?"
"Only for a short time, a few days would be sufficient."
"But what if she can't get pregnant?" Clark asked not wanting to think of the lives lost because of his inability to save people.
"Lois is strong. I've seen it myself. She is a healthy human female and there is no reason why she shouldn't be able to give birth, but there is a price."
Clark frowned. "What price?"
"The child will not be born healthy and strong. I've explained all of this to you before, Kal-El. It is possible he may not survive beyond a year or two. Are you and Lois prepared for that?"
Clark was silent. It would break her heart and mine as well. "But Father, please, there must be a way to prevent that from happening, surely there must be an answer."
"There is no other answer, my son," Jor-El replied then felt compelled to say, "I'm sorry."
Clark wanted to cry. Lois would be devastated. He looked up at his Father again. "Are you sure about this? Is there nothing you can do?" He pleaded desperately.
Silence for a minute, then, "There may just be a way. If the child could be conceived through artificial insemination meaning in a test-tube, then the gene formation could be controlled and it would give the child a chance, a way to balance both his Kryptonian and human sides. This would ensure that the child would not be born with preventable diseases," Jor-El explained. He paused then continued, "It's never been done before, Kal-El."
Clark's heart soared in spite of his Father's doubts about the procedure and he understood the risks. Gene therapy was still in its infant stages here on Earth, but Kryptonian advances in these areas would ensure an outcome he could not resist … a healthy and strong newborn child. "We'll do it and … thank you, Father."
~o~o~
Lois and Clark's apartment, a year later:
It was two in the morning and Clark had just arrived from an emergency.
Lois yawned deeply and mumbled half asleep. "Thank goodness you're back. It's your turn … to feed the baby, Clark. I'm exhausted." Clark was excited and thrilled as he twirled out of his suit. He loved feeding his two-month old son, their miracle child.
Clark went into the nursery and smiling from ear to ear, he picked up the wailing child and he instantly quieted. Clark changed him then rocked him soothingly for a minute or two. Then he took him into the kitchen and warmed his bottle.
"There you go, little one," Clark whispered and the baby eagerly gobbled up his mother's milk. "You were hungry, weren't you?" Clark's eyes watered. This happened every time he held him or looked into his eyes, or fed him. It didn't really matter because he had no control over it. His son was a true blessing.
After several unsuccessful attempts working with both Dr. Hamilton at S.T.A.R. Labs and with Jor-El, Lois and Clark were finally able to create a child. Lois and Clark had a child and he was beautiful. Little Jonny Clark was the image of his father … with dark hair and brilliant blue green eyes, but he was also a calm and sweet little boy who rarely cried only when he was hungry or needed changing.
Back in the nursery, Clark sat down carefully in the rocking chair with his son in his arms and swayed back and forth for a while. Soon his son was happily fed and peacefully asleep in his father's arms, but Clark would not put him down.
Lois quietly opened the nursery door, not surprised to see her husband holding their son with a look of such contentment that her heart melted at the sight. She stood at the door and watched them, not making a sound. Even with Clark's excellent hearing, he didn't look up from staring at their son. Shaking her head, she smiled at the two men in her life.
She wiped at her eyes because it appeared that Lois had the same problem… her eyes watered.
The end!
~o~o~
Notes:
(1) I Promise, Poem by Dorothy R. Colgan
(2) Bride's Vow, Poem by Joanna Kuchs
(3) For Always, Song Lyrics by Josh Groban
A/N(s): *sniffles* Well, did you like it? I had to write this for them. I also needed to wrap up a few plots in my head. Yes, they got married and had a child. Clark wanted a child as much as Lois, maybe even more so, but he would never admit that to her or to himself, but Lois knew better. The baby's Kryptonian genes are dormant for now, but Jonny will grow up to be just like his father in time. I won't explain gene therapy here, but with Jor-El helping them, anything was possible.
The poems I chose for the wedding seemed to fit them perfectly. Clark needed to promise to cherish Lois always. Lois told him exactly how she felt about him and how much she had missed him.
Tess accepted Oliver's proposal, happy in their new found faith and trust. I know they'll be alright now. And yes, they'll have plenty of babies, don't doubt it.
I also wanted a happy ending for Andrew. Lionel lied; he's not a clone. I wanted Andrew happy, but away from Lois of course, but close enough to keep Clark on his toes! And for those who were wondering, I left it open concerning the neurotoxin and whether it worked or not. Lionel apparently used it on Andrew, so I like to think that it's not always full-proof. The brain is way too complex, and that's the reason I decided that Clark would leave Lex with that Clark/Superman image, just in case.
Thanks for reading. I want so much to continue their story. I hope you enjoyed it and thank you again for taking this journey with me. Please review this final chapter. Reviews are love. Ok, I'm done! Until next time, happy reading! :D