A/N: Here's the long awaited conclusion… please be kind and leave a review.

Epilogue

Four months later…

Lois was alone in the apartment, sitting on the couch and sipping her coffee, lost in her thoughts. It was the middle of the afternoon. Clark had been gone for a couple of hours, off on a rescue mission somewhere. And already she was missing him. Terribly. If this was how she was feeling now, she didn't want to imagine how she would feel when he would leave to complete his training. Which was going to be tomorrow.

Clark finished his first trimester at Met-U and decided to continue his classes online while doing his training with Jor-El. They had spent Christmas and New Year's Eve with Martha and Chloe at the farm. He wanted to be with the three people he loved the most. They ate the wonderful dinner that his mom prepared, reminisced all evening about the good old days, watched the ball drop in Times Square at midnight and wished each other happy New Year. It had been very emotional because they all knew Clark was leaving, but they didn't know when they would see him again. Shortly after, they had come back to their apartment and made love all night.

The knot in the pit of her stomach suddenly got worse. She placed her cup on the coffee table in front of her, stood up and walked to the window. It was snowing. Lois followed the path of a snowflake with her finger and sighed deeply, fighting the tears that were threatening to fall. She promised herself that she wasn't going to cry. Not until Clark left. She didn't want to spend the last few days they had together feeling sad and depressed. Lois was trying her best to keep her spirits up when in reality her heart was breaking.

She understood why he had to leave, but she feared the separation. She didn't even know how long it was going to be. Weeks? Months? Years maybe? How could she live without Clark for that long? She needed him in her life. She was going to miss him every minute of every day. Her tears began to flow freely. Lois buried her face into the palms of her hands and sobbed uncontrollably.

After a moment a warm feeling enveloped her. She felt loved and protected, like she used to feel in her mother's arms. She stopped crying and wiped the tears from her cheeks. Then she heard a woman's voice, soft and warm. The same she had heard in the caves the day Clark gave her the bracelet, which she noticed was now glowing.

"Hello, my child."

I must be dreaming, she thought. This isn't real.

"Who are you?"

"My name is Lara. I am Kal-El's mother."

"Oh," was all she could say, too stunned to talk.

"You are Lois Lane, Kal-El's soul mate. You love my son very much."

This was a statement, not a question, but she still answered.

"Yes. I do."

"I can sense the deep sorrow filling your heart. Why are you so sad?"

"Because he's leaving tomorrow and I'm afraid I'm gonna lose him forever!"

"You have no reason to be afraid, my child. Kal-El and you are soul mates. You are destined to be together. Nothing will ever change that."

"How can you be so sure? Unless you can predict the future…" Lois added sarcastically.

"I can do better than that. I can show you."

"Do you have a crystal ball or something? Oh, wait. Your entire planet consisted of crystals!" she chuckled.

"Close you eyes and concentrate on the love you feel for Kal-El," Lara calmly instructed.

Like her husband Jor-El, she was obviously lacking a sense of humor.

"OK."

Lois obeyed submissively. What would be the point in arguing? This was only a dream anyway. Maybe Lara was a projection of her subconscious, a way to reassure herself that everything would be fine. Lois was about to ask when the vision would start when she saw herself, as clearly as if it was on TV. She gasped in surprise.

She looked a bit older than she was now and her hair was darker. She was wearing a burgundy skirt with a cream silk blouse. She was sitting at a desk, staring at the computer screen in front of her, rapidly typing on the keyboard. The room looked oddly familiar. It was the bull pen at the Daily Planet. She was working as a reporter there!

A satisfied smile curved her lips. Her smile grew wider when she saw that Clark was working there too. He was sitting at the desk opposite of hers, wearing a navy business suit with a white shirt and a red tie. Thank goodness, no red jacket! He was also sporting a pair of glasses that made him look more serious. He was probably using them as some form of disguise for his alter ego, although it was beyond her comprehension why people didn't recognize him.

"Could you get me a coffee?"

He raised his head.

"Why can't you get it yourself, Lois?"

"I'm busy."

"I'm busy too. Or do you think you're the only one who works around here?"

Lois smirked as she watched her future self frown at his snarky comment. She was happy that they still bantered together.

"You're closer to the coffee machine."

"That's lame and you know it."

"Pretty please?" she asked batting her eyelashes.

"Like I could ever say no to you, Lois."

Clark came back holding two cups of coffee. He sat on the corner of her desk and handed her one.

"Thanks, partner."

"You're welcome. Partner."

He leaned in and kissed her tenderly.

"Great Caesar's ghost! Lane! Kent! I don't pay you to smooch so go back to work immediately!" shouted Perry White, the editor of the newspaper.

"Yes, chief," they replied in unison.

"Don't call me chief!" he yelled back before storming into his office.

They both laughed. Clark gave Lois a light kiss on the cheek and whispered "I love you" into her ear.

"Love you too, my Smallville."

She playfully smacked his butt as he stood up. He promptly turned around and shot her a dirty look.

"You're gonna pay for that later, missy."

"I intend on it," she winked.

He lifted his glasses with his index finger and grinned.

"We'll see about that."

Both present Lois and future Lois noticed his sudden change of expression. He now had a distant look in his eyes, like he was listening to something only he could hear. That could only mean one thing: his super powers were needed.

"I gotta go."

"I know."

"In case Perry wonders where I am, tell him a source called me."

"No problem. Be careful."

"Always."

She watched him run through the bull pen towards the elevator.

"Where is C.K. off to in such a hurry?"

"Don't ask, Jimmy."

He shrugged.

"Like you would tell me, right?"

A second later, the photographer glanced at the window and saw a blue figure flying through the air.

"Hey, look! It's Superman!"

Superman? Lois thought, amused. That sounded a bit arrogant, but she had to admit it fitted perfectly.

"Kal-El didn't pick that name. You did."

Lara's voice brought her back to reality, instantly dissolving the vision.

"Really?"

"Yes. You wrote an article entitled I spent the night with Superman that earned you a Pulitzer Prize."

"I won a Pulitzer Prize? No way!"

"You have a very successful career in journalism ahead of you, my child."

"That's fantastic news. Thank you for sharing it with me, Lara."

"I have something else I want to show you."

"Another vision? Cool!"

Lois closed her eyes again, this time with more excitement than before. She couldn't wait to find out what else the future held in store for her. But she wasn't prepared for what she saw next.

It was a church full of people, decorated with white ribbons and flowers. Clark was standing at the altar, dressed in a white tuxedo, looking hot as ever but very nervous, like he was waiting for his bride to be. Lois suddenly realized that she was about to witness Clark's wedding. Since this was a vision of her future, that meant… oh my god, she was going to marry Clark Kent!

Pure unalterable joy made her heart jump and a bright smile graced her lips. Standing next to Clark was Jimmy, obviously acting as best man and not photographer. He seemed a bit lost without his camera. Chloe and Lucy were the bridesmaid, both wearing a beautiful light blue dress. Martha was sitting in the front row, looking happy and proud. Lionel Luther was there too. So was Bruce Wayne, the billionaire from Gotham City, Oliver Queen, Arthur Curry, Bart Allen, Victor Stone, Perry White and his wife Alice, along with other people that she didn't recognize, probably friends and co-workers.

Lois heard the organist start to play Wagner's bridal chorus and she watched herself walk down the aisle, escorted by her father, in his military uniform. She was wearing a white satin strapless gown with a long train and holding a white lilies cascading bridal bouquet. Her hair was up, tied in an elegant bun with a few loose locks around her face. She looked positively radiant.

"Who gives this woman away?" asked the priest.

"I do," answered Sam proudly before joining Martha in the front row.

"Lois and Clark have written their own vows. You may proceed," the priest said to the groom, encouraging him with a small nod.

The young couple faced one another, gazing into each other's eyes with tender devotion.

"Today I join my life to yours, Lois Joanne Lane, not merely as your husband but as your friend, your lover and your confident. Let me be the shoulder you lean on, the rock on which you rest, the companion of your life. You gave me the strength to accept my destiny, you accepted me for who I am and you love me in spite of it. And for that I will be eternally grateful. I promise to love you and cherish you forever. I give you my heart, my body, my mind and my soul."

She smiled at him, misty-eyed.

"Clark Jerome Kent, you are my best friend, my lover, my partner, my soul mate, my hero. You're always there for me, saving me from myself. You are everything I need. I love you with all my heart. I want to spend the rest of my life with you, grow old together and never be apart again. I promise to be faithful to you, to love you and support you."

They exchanged the rings.

"I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

Clark leaned in and pressed his lips on hers. Lois wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him back passionately, making him blush when people started cheering them. Even the priest chuckled. They finally broke the kiss and walked up the aisle holding hands, their guests following them and throwing rice on the newlyweds outside the church.

At the reception, Lois and Clark were dancing together for the first time as a married couple.

"OK, I've waited long enough, Smallville. I wanna know what my wedding gift is now."

"And ruin the surprise? I don't think so."

"You know how I feel about surprises. Come on, just tell me already!"

"You should learn to be more patient, my love."

She punched him in the shoulder. He grinned.

"Fine, I'll tell you. I asked the league to take care of my Superman duties during our entire honeymoon in Italy. No interruptions guaranteed for two long weeks."

"Oh Clark, that's wonderful! Grazie!"

"Glad to know you approve. It's only fair that you tell me what my gift is. Assuming you got one, of course."

"I'm pregnant," she replied softly, smiling.

"Oh my God!" Lois exclaimed in shock, covering her mouth with her hand as she heard her future self confess her secret.

She didn't even know if humans and Kryptonians could procreate together. Well now she did.

"That's fabulous, Lois!"

Clark cupped her face and captured her lips into a searing kiss.

"I love you so much! I thought I couldn't be happier than when the priest pronounced us husband and wife. But this… this is making my heart burst with happiness! It's the best day of my life!"

He picked her up in his arms and twirled her around on the dance floor. Then he looked into her sparkling hazel eyes, silently seeking permission. When she nodded in approval, his smile got even brighter.

"Ladies and gentlemen, can I have your attention please?"

He waited until he was certain everybody was listening to him and continued.

"My beautiful bride just informed me that we are going to have a baby! I'm gonna be a daddy!"

Martha was the first to approach the couple, her eyes glistening with tears of joy. She pulled them into a tight embrace.

"Oh, sweetie, I'm so happy! That's the best news ever. I'm going to be a grandma!"

Lois watched as all the people she cared about congratulated Clark and her future self about the pregnancy. The thought of being responsible for another person's life was scaring her immensely. What if she didn't live up to the task?

"You are going to be a wonderful mother, Lois," declared Lara, as if she was reading her mind.

"I hope so. I tried my best taking care of my sister Lucy but I didn't do such a good job."

Memories of her childhood sometimes came back to haunt her.

"Is the baby going to be a boy or a girl? Are Clark and I gonna have more kids? What will be their names? Will they have super powers?"

The thought of having children was scary enough, but if on top of that they had alien genes… it could turn out to be a nightmare.

"I cannot answer those questions."

"Why not?"

"Because I can only offer you glimpses of your future. Not reveal it all to you."

She sighed, slightly disappointed.

"I understand."

"I must go now, my child. But before I do, there's one more thing I need to tell you."

Lois waited, intrigued.

"It's about the bracelet you are wearing."

"What about it?"

"It also serves as a telepathic device. You just have to touch it, think about Kal-El and you will be able to communicate telepathically with him for a short period of time."

"Holy crap! Is there anything you Kryptonians can't do?"

She could've sworn she heard Lara laugh.

"I will always be here if you need me. Goodbye, my child."

"Thank you. Goodbye, Lara."

It was nightfall when Clark came back to the apartment. He found Lois asleep on the couch. She looked peaceful and amazingly beautiful. He fought the urge to kiss her and placed a blanket over her. The first day of the year had been a busy one. He had to rescue people from a train accident and others trapped in a blizzard.

Clark was happy he could help people with his powers. But having to leave Lois to complete his training was the hardest thing he ever had to do. It was killing him inside, almost like his heart had been ripped off his chest and replaced by a piece of kryptonite. He didn't want to hurt her in any way, but he knew he would. He'd rather be dead than live without Lois. He wanted to stay with her forever. Clark sat on the coffee table and watched her sleep, unable to keep his eyes off the woman he loved, wanting to capture this moment in his mind and treasure it.

Her eyes fluttered open.

"Clark?"

"Hello, sleeping beauty."

She was laying on the couch. The last thing she remembered was standing by the window. How did she get here? Sleep walking?

"I had the strangest dream."

Lois glanced at the bracelet. It wasn't glowing anymore. What if it hadn't been a dream? What if this antique jewelry really was a telepathic device?

"As long as you weren't dreaming about another man seducing you…"

"Not a chance. It was about your mother."

"You're dreaming about my mom's cooking? Is that why there's drool on your chin?" he joked.

"Very funny. I didn't mean Martha, but your biological mother. Lara."

The smile on his lips disappeared.

"What?"

"Remember the voice I told you I heard in the caves? Well I heard it again today. It was Lara's."

"Why would she talk to you and not to me?" he asked, pouting like a little boy.

"I don't know, Clark."

"What did she say?"

Lois decided not to tell him about the visions, or whatever it was, because that was something special Lara shared with her. But she told him about the bracelet.

"Wow!"

"Pretty cool, huh?"

"That's fabulous! Wanna try it right now?"

"Sure."

She placed her hand on the bracelet and concentrated on Clark.

"So is this thing working or not?"

"I hear you perfectly, Lois. Directly in my head, loud and clear."

"Me too! Which means we're gonna be able to talk while you do your training at the fortress. That's even better than cell phones, since I'm pretty sure they don't work there. Kryptonian technology rock! And it's way more reliable than any gadget on the market. You could make a fortune manufacturing this!"

He flashed her his famous Kent smile.

"Did I ever tell you how much I love you?"

"I love you too, Smallville. And I bless the day I found you naked in that cornfield. It was a sight I'll never forget."

"Technically, it was Kal you met that day, not me."

She rolled her eyes.

"You know what I mean!"

"Yes I do. But may I suggest less talking and more kissing?"

She smirked.

"Best idea you had so far."

Clark leaned in and crashed his lips on hers, kissing her hungrily. As his tongue plunged inside the heat of her mouth, his hands went straight to the buttons of her blouse. He had to slow his impulse to rip the thing off; Lois had complained too often that he had ruined many of her clothes. She inhaled sharply when the back of his hands brushed the smooth skin just above her breasts.

"Wait."

She stood up, facing him.

"Let me do this."

He watched with lustful eyes as Lois started to strip, taking off her blouse and tossing it on the floor. Then she unzipped her jeans and slowly peeled them off, letting them pool around her feet. The bulge in his pants became more evident as she reached behind her back and unhooked her red bra. She pulled down the straps one by one and he groaned when she threw the laced material in his face with a devilish grin. She lost the matching thong and he stared at her with burning desire, studying her lush and enticing body as if it were a work of art.

"You're so beautiful, Lois…"

She literally took his breath away.

"Your turn, Smallville. And no super speed allowed."

He undressed himself as she returned the favor, ogling his stunning physique, the rippling muscles of his chest, the abs, the flattering erection.

"I see junior is ready to play."

"He's always ready when you're around, Lois," he replied with a husky voice before scooping her up in his arms.

Her eyes widened as he walked into the bedroom. There were candles everywhere, a bottle of champagne in a bucket of ice and chocolate covered strawberries, her favorite. He laid her gently on the bed decorated with rose petals. It was their last night together and he wanted it to be special.

"Oh, Clark. This is amazing. You're amazing."

"I know."

Lois punched him in the shoulder and he chuckled. Then he dipped his head down and brushed his lips very lightly over hers, teasing her with the hint of a kiss and then moving away to do the same along her cheeks, forehead and shoulders. She delighted in the feel of his warm breath on her skin as she waited and anticipated his next move.

As his lips covered her with feathery kisses from the shoulders down in the same teasing manner, he took the opportunity to drink in her beauty, staring at her with a hungry gaze. He wanted to memorize her face, every inch of her body, every curve, the softness of her skin, her scent, everything about her. Jor-El had insisted he'd be at the fortress at dawn and Clark had given his word that he would be there. But first he intended on enjoying every minute of his last night with Lois.

Each time his lips came back to brush over hers, Clark noted her increased breathing and little gasping noises. As his hands moved lower and lower, lightly flicking over every part that she was longing for a more lingering touch, his mouth traveled to her neck, nipping, licking, and captured her lips in a deep, penetrating assault with his tongue. She gripped the back of his neck, moaning.

Lois opened herself to him; her mouth, her thighs, her heart. She touched him everywhere she could, feverishly roaming her hands all over his body, tasting his lips, his skin. She pressed her whole body against his, wanting to remember the exact sensation, arching her back as he slid into her with one deep thrust. Clark kissed her again as he began to move inside her. She held onto him with her legs wrapped around his waist, clutching his broad shoulders. She wanted this moment to last forever. For a long time, the only sound audible was cries of pleasure.

When Clark woke up, the sun wasn't up yet. He layed beside Lois, her body pressed against his. Her head was resting on his chest, her right arm wrapped around his waist, snoring softly. As annoying as that sound was before, he knew he was going to miss it. He was going to miss falling asleep and waking up in her arms every day. He was going to miss everything about her, even her most annoying habits.

He took a deep breath and slipped out of bed, careful not to wake her. He used his super speed to shower and get dress, then stood there for a moment, watching her sleep until the first sun rays started to light up the bedroom. It was time. Clark prepared his bags when a thought suddenly hit him. He picked up his favorite plaid shirt, the one he knew Lois loved to use as a nightgown, and left it folded on the bed with a note on top: "Wear this every night and it will be like I'm there with you, holding you close. Love you always, your Smallville."

He was about to leave when her voice stopped him dead in his track.

"Clark?"

He turned around to face her. She was sitting in bed, her hair all messed up. The sheet slipped down, revealing her bare breasts, but she didn't even notice. Her eyes tore into his, straight to his soul.

"You were leaving without saying goodbye?"

Her voice was barely a whisper, but full of reproach.

"I thought it would be easier."

"For you or for me?"

"For both of us," he replied softly.

Lois shook her head, her eyes filling up with tears. She knew the moment would come eventually and she thought she was ready for it, but she was wrong. She didn't want him to leave. But she knew he had to and she didn't want him to resent her later because she prevented him from completing his training.

"Lois…"

She blinked and he was sitting next to her on the edge of the bed.

"You were this amazing gift that came into my life when I least expected it. No one as ever had a place in my heart the way you do. Not even Lana, whom I thought she was the only one for me. I love you so much."

"I love you too, Clark, like I never loved anyone else before."

She lifted her arms, reached behind her head and untied the gold heart shaped necklace he had given her for the one month anniversary of their first kiss.

"No. I can't take this, it's yours," he protested.

"I want you to have it now, so you have something to remember me by."

Lois knew she would get it back because she had seen that she was wearing it on their wedding day. But of course she couldn't tell him that. She tied the necklace around his neck, then cupped his face and gave him a long passionate kiss.

"I'm gonna miss you so much. You have no idea."

"I'm gonna miss you too, Smallville."

They kissed one last time and reluctantly pulled apart.

"Goodbye, Lois."

She shook her head and smiled through her tears.

"Not goodbye. This is only the beginning…"

-The end-