The Perfect Gift

By Eileen

"It's so beautiful," Lois thought as she watched the twinkling
lights of the city below from the roof of the Daily Planet
building. But the lights provided only a temporary distraction as
she waited for Clark to return from his meeting with the
Metropolis Police Department's Special Crime Unit and her mind
soon returned to the problem she had been wrestling with for the
last two months--- Clark's Christmas gift. Christmas was just one
week away and she hadn't bought it yet. *Not* because she didn't
know to what to get him, she knew exactly what she wanted, what
would be *perfect* for him, the problem was money or rather the
lack of it.

Buying the house had been a major drain on their combined savings
and the other expenses related to homeowning were simply more
than they had calculated, even if they had the services of a
*super* handyman. It was clear that the Lane-Kent household would
be more than a little cash strapped until Spring unless they
wanted to max out all their credit cards, not something her
frugal Midwestern raised husband was willing to do. So they had
devised a strict budget, and there simply wasn't any room in it
for extravagant Christmas presents. Lois really didn't mind
adhering to the $30 limit when it came to shopping for her
parents, or Lucy, or even for Jonathan and Martha, in fact she
rather enjoyed it. Trying to be creative on a limited budget made
Christmas shopping more of a challenge and Lois loved a
challenge. But $30 wasn't nearly enough for the special gift she
had in mind for Clark.

One of Clark's most prized possessions was a baseball that he
kept on his desk in their study. Lois had always assumed that it
was just another one of his sports trophies until Martha
explained that it was a souvenir of the 1976 World Series final
game between the Kansas City Royals and the Metropolis
Metrostars. Clark had attended the game with Jonathan and
Jonathan's Uncle Jerry. When Steve Bradley, the Metrostars'
rookie outfielder, hit the ball into the stands for the game
winning, series winning home run, Clark had caught it. Later,
after the game, Jonathan, Uncle Jerry and Clark had approached
Bradley as he was leaving the park and Bradley had graciously
signed the ball. He'd even posed for a picture with Clark,
Jonathan and Uncle Jerry. It was the perfect end to a perfect day
for ten year old Clark and it was also the last baseball game he
ever attended with Uncle Jerry, who died in a farming accident
later that year. According to Martha, Clark and Uncle Jerry had
been very close, and his death had greatly saddened Clark.

After learning from Martha why this particular baseball was so
special to Clark, Lois had decided that the *perfect* gift would
be to have it remounted on a new base with Steve Bradley's rookie
baseball card and the special photograph. After getting a copy of
the photo from Martha she had spent the last two months scouring
the city trying to find Bradley's 1976 rookie card. Finally, one
week ago she had stumbled across a small store called Swan's
Sports Collectibles which had an autographed rookie card in mint
condition. Unfortunately Bradley's recent induction into the
Baseball Hall of Fame had resulted in an incredible jump in the
value of his autographs and other souvenirs. The card's price tag
of $350 was way over their self imposed limit, but that didn't
matter to Lois. She knew that she had to get it for Clark. This
was their first Christmas together in *their* house and she
wanted it to be *perfect*, just *perfect*.

***

"It will have to be *perfect*, just *perfect*. Don't you agree,
Superman?" asked Captain Maggie Sawyer, head of Metro Police's
SCU.

"Excuse me, Captain, what did you say?" responded Clark.

"I said the timing of our special anti-crime initiative against
Intergang would have to be *perfect*. Weren't you listening, big
guy?" Sawyer added jokingly. Sawyer had worked closely with
Superman over the last few years and felt comfortable enough to
occasionally tease him. "I'm used to *these* characters,"
indicating the men and woman of the SCU, "spacing out on me but
you're usually more attentive. Don't tell me even *you* have
visions of sugarplums dancing in your head," she grinned.

"I'm afraid so, Maggie," Clark said with chagrin as he flashed a
good-natured smile. "It is that time of year." Clark had been
listening attentively to Maggie Sawyer's plan, but as the
planning session began to wind down his mind had drifted away
from Intergang's Christmas crimewave plans to a more personal and
immediate problem, getting the *perfect* Christmas gift for the
most wonderful woman in the world, his wife . When the strategy
session ended Clark left police headquarters and began his flight
back to the Planet. As he streaked through the crisp, cold night
air, Clark's thoughts returned to his current dilemma.

This would be their first Christmas as a married couple and he
wanted to give her a gift that would let her know how special she
was to him and how much he loved her. The problem was that thanks
to the new house, he had more *will* than *wallet*. The last time
things had been this tight financially was when he first moved to
Metropolis and had just gotten the job with the Planet. He'd had
to borrow money from his Mom and Dad just to tide him over back
then, but that was *not* an option this time and neither was a
loan from Lois's parents.

They'd gone on a budget and had cut back in just about every
area. He couldn't remember the last time they'd had Chinese
takeout, much less gone out to dinner or a movie. Thank goodness
Lois liked his cooking. He'd even considered taking a *paying*
part time job, but between his work at the Planet and as Superman
there just weren't enough hours in the day. As part of their
budget plan they had placed a spending limit on Christmas gifts,
even considered dispensing with them altogether. But they both
felt that it just wouldn't seem right not to give each other some
small gift to celebrate the holiday and their love for one
another.

Even though he had stuck (with some difficulty ) to the $30 limit
when he was buying gifts for the rest of their family and
friends, he'd had no luck in finding anything that was even
remotely good enough for Lois in that price range. He'd thought
about giving her a gag gift, a new pair of Superman pajamas, but
that didn't seem right. Besides, he could think of better things
for her to wear (or *not* to wear) in bed. He had been stumped
until he saw *it*, the *perfect* gift in the window of
Michelinie's Antiques and Notions, a little shop not far from
their townhouse.

*It* was a pair of pearl and ruby earrings. Small and elegant
with gold accents, they had been made at the turn of the century
and were a perfect match for the pearl and ruby bracelet Lois had
inherited from her great-Aunt Katherine. The bracelet was Lois's
favorite piece of jewelry and Clark was sure that Lois's
affection for it stemmed mostly from the fact that it had
belonged to her Aunt Kate.

A feisty and independent woman, Katherine Lane had taken Lois and
Lucy under her wing when Sam's and Ellen's marriage was
disintegrating. She had been a confidante and a shoulder to cry
on when the other adults in the girls' lives were too wrapped up
in their own problems. Lois had even lived with Aunt Kate for a
few months, when she moved out after her final fight with Sam.
More importantly, Aunt Kate had encouraged Lois to become a
writer and had even convinced her to apply for the internship at
the Planet in her junior year at Metropolis University. Lois had
once told him that Aunt Kate had "always been there for her" and
Clark regretted that he had never had the chance to meet her
since she died the year before he arrived in Metropolis. The
bracelet, a Lane family heirloom, had been Aunt Kate's final gift
to Lois and since the earrings were a perfect match for Aunt
Kate's bracelet, Clark knew that they were the *perfect*
Christmas gift. But their price tag was far from perfect. They
were $450---waaaaay over the spending limit for the *entire*
Lane-Kent Christmas celebration. But the cost didn't matter.
Somehow, some way he'd get them for Lois.

As he neared the Daily Planet building, Clark could see her
standing on the rooftop. He quickened his pace and rapidly
descended into Lois's waiting arms. They kissed. Savoring the
touch of her lips on his, Clark felt his awareness of the noise
and confusion of the bustling city below rapidly diminish despite
his super-senses. As the kiss deepened it seemed as though the
rest of the world had faded away and that the entire universe
contained only the two of them. Then, as he noticed the icy feel
of her hands, Clark drew back from Lois's embrace.

"Lois, honey," he said, "you shouldn't have waited for me
outside." There was a look of anxiety in his face that mirrored
the concern in his voice. "You must be freezing."

"I'm fine, Clark," Lois said. "It's really not that cold. As a
matter of fact I was getting *very warm* until you started your
lecture," she added, playfully chiding him. She kissed him and
quickly repositioned herself back in his arms wrapping his cape
around her as she snuggled into his chest. Reveling in his warmth
and in the *feel* of his arms around her, she continued, "Anyway,
to be perfectly honest, I didn't come up here just to wait for
you. I needed some time away from the office holiday party."

"That bad, hmm ?" Clark asked.

"No, not really," Lois responded, "but there's only so much I can
take of the Elvis Christmas album."

Clark laughed. Tilting his head to listen in on the party several
floors below, he turned back to Lois. "Perry must be holding the
DJ hostage. *Blue Christmas* is *still* playing. Clark added
hopefully, "Would you like to make a speedy departure for home
via Superman Express?" It had been a long day beginning with the
pre-dawn rescue of some trapped gold miners in Zimbabwe, followed
by an oil tanker spill off the coast of Sweden that afternoon and
finally the meeting with the SCU tonight. Right now more than
anything he wanted to be home alone with his wife sitting by a
nice warm fire.

"Hmm, going home sounds like a wonderful idea, but as much as I'd
like to go, I'm afraid we can't," Lois said. "We're on the after
party clean up crew. *You* volunteered us, remember?"

"I suppose you're right," Clark said, "but I'd better change if
we're going back downstairs. I don't think Superman is on the
guest list for the Planet's office party. Besides," he continued,
"it's probably not a good thing for us to be seen together too
often while I'm in *the suit*. Those rumors about *Superman's
secret passion for you and your torrid love affair* are just
beginning to die down in the tabloids."

Grimacing at the mention of the tabloids, Lois unwrapped herself
from Clark's cape and stepped away . Released from her embrace,
Clark quickly spun into his regular clothes, and immediately took
Lois back in his arms, sighing contentedly. "So, what have I
missed at the party besides Elvis?" he asked as he began nuzzling
her neck.

Lois giggled. "Oh, the usual. Kesel, Byrne and Grummett from
Advertising dressed up as the Three Wise Men and sang off key
Christmas carols; Louise from Accounting showed up on her annual
*manhunt* trying to seduce anything in pants and Ralph from
Classifieds tried to catch me under the mistletoe."

At the mention of Ralph's name it was Clark's turn to grimace. He
tipped Lois's face up until her eyes met his. "Honey, is that
jerk bothering you again? Would you like me to have a *little*
talk with him?" he asked.

"Ohh, I love it when you're jealous," Lois cooed. "But you don't
have to come to my rescue this time, sweetheart. Ralph cooled off
after I *accidentally* knocked the punch bowl into his lap."

Clark laughed and hugged Lois even closer. "That's my little
tornado," he said. "Now we'd better get downstairs. I suppose
it's about time for Mr. Stern to make his presentation of the
holiday bonuses."

"Holiday bonus?! Ha! Lois snorted. "Holiday pittance is more like
it! Last year they handed out $20 gift certificates. From
*Cost-mart* of all places! And who knows what they'll do this
year? They'll probably give us discount subscriptions to the
Daily Planet!"

"Lo-is," Clark said reprovingly.

"I know, sweetheart,." Lois answered, "it's the thought that
counts and it's better to give than receive, blah, blah, blah.
But even *you* must wonder what they think of us when they keep
giving us junk like this! All of us work so hard for the Planet,
it would be nice if they showed us a little more appreciation,"
Lois said wistfully.

"Well, *I* appreciate what *you* do, honey," Clark said, kissing
Lois on top of her head as he cradled her in his arms.

Lois, smiling warmly, kissed Clark on the cheek and said, "Why,
thank you, Mr. Kent." Her smile suddenly turning coquettish, she
then asked him, "Was that compliment just for my reporting skills
or did you have something else in mind?"

Clark grinned as he responded. "Honey, I've told you before that
I think you're brilliant and talented. The fact that you're also
gorgeous and have a *great* body is a bonus... an important
bonus, but still just a bonus."

Lois laughed and said "Good answer." She pulled Clark's face
closer to hers so she could kiss him deeply, her body tingling in
all the places his fingers touched. Suddenly, from the stairwell
behind them, they both heard the familiar sound of someone
clearing his throat.

*Jimmy*

They both sighed and turned to face him.

"Lois, CK, I've been looking all over for you," Jimmy said. "What
are you guys doing up here? Aren't you cold?" Jimmy asked as he
began shivering in the night air.

"Just looking at the city lights, Jimmy." Lois quickly responded.
"How's the party going?" she asked.

"Great!" Jimmy said enthusiastically, "other than the fact that
Lori from the City Life section dumped a bowl of guacamole dip on
Ralph's head." He started chuckling. "Man, I'd hate to have his
dry cleaning bills," he added.

Lois began giggling at the mental image of Ralph covered with
green slime. Clark tried to smother a grin, but was soon
chortling as well. As their laughter died away, Clark turned to
Jimmy and asked "So, why were you looking for us?"

"Oh, the chief wants you two back at the party since Mr. Stern's
about to hand out our holiday bonuses," Jimmy said.

"Oh joy," Lois said sardonically.

Clark gave Lois a look of mild disapproval before turning back to
Jimmy and saying, "Speaking of parties, are you going to be able
to come to our place for Christmas Eve dinner? You can bring a
guest if you want," Clark added, hoping that Jimmy would take the
hint and invite Karen, the redhead in research he'd been seeing
off and on for the last few months.

"I'll be there, CK, but I don't think I'll be bringing anyone,"
Jimmy said a little sadly.

"Why not?" Lois asked.

"Karen changed her plans and decided to spend Christmas with some
friends in Gotham City," Jimmy responded flatly. Quickly changing
the subject he asked, "So, who else is going to be at dinner?
Will Lucy be there? I haven't seen her since she moved back to
Metropolis."

"As far as we know, she'll be there," responded Lois. "But what
do you mean Karen is going to Gotham City for Christmas? You've
been telling us about the special plans you two had to spend
Christmas Day together for the last two weeks. What happened, did
you guys have a fight?" she asked.

"Depends on what you mean by *a fight*," Jimmy answered
evasively.

"Jim-my!" Lois and Clark said in chorus.

***

The party *finally* ended and Lois and Clark, along with Perry,
Jimmy and a few others began cleaning up. As they worked at
putting the Planet back into some semblance of shape for work in
the morning, Lois asked Perry whether he would be able to make it
to Christmas Eve dinner at the Lane- Kent's.

"Hell's Bells darlin', of course I'll be there," Perry said. "I'm
just pleased you two lovebirds decided to invite me. With Jerry
in Europe completing his residency and Keith spending the
holidays with his fiancee's family in Los Angeles, it was going
to be a *blue* Christmas for me this year."

"We're happy to have you, chief." Clark said, joining in the
conversation.

"God, I envy you two," Perry said as he looked at his two star
reporters standing side by side. "Just starting out, your first
Christmas together." His voice faded and Perry got a faraway look
in his eyes. "I'll never forget that first Christmas with Alice
and the boys, right after I was promoted to assistant city editor
here at the Planet," he said.

"We'd just bought our house and money was tighter than that pair
of blue jeans Elvis wore in 'Jailhouse Rock'," he drawled.
"Alice's folks were coming up to spend the holidays with us and
she had her heart set on a new dining room table and chairs to
replace the card table we'd been using ever since we got married.
But there was just no way we could swing it on my salary."

"Alice told me it didn't matter, but bless her heart, I couldn't
disappoint her. So," Perry continued, "I sold my prize
possession, a 1959 Ford Falcon Convertible, and bought that
dining room set. Even had enough left over to buy the boys the
new bikes they'd wanted. Of course, I ended up either taking the
bus or using Alice's old junker station wagon to get to work for
a year or so until we saved up enough get a second car," Perry
laughed. "But, boy, was Alice happy. I don't think she stopped
smiling for a week."

"Gee, chief," Jimmy said, "that car was a classic. It would be
worth a lot of money if you had it now. Don't you regret selling
it, I mean after the break up and everything?"

Perry's eyes misted over. "You know, son, " he said, "funny thing
is, despite everything that's happened since, if I had to do it
over again, *I'd do it over again*." Perry smiled wistfully and
continued. "I'll never forget the look on Alice's face when that
delivery truck drove up with that new dining room set the day
before Christmas, or the whoops of joy the boys let out when they
found their bikes under the tree the next morning. There's no
finer feeling in the world than making the people you love happy.
I guess that's what Christmas is all about."

Noticing the silence in the pit area, Perry looked around and
discovered that everyone in the room had been listening in on his
reminiscences. Suddenly embarrassed, Perry began to bluster.
"Great shades of Elvis!" he bellowed, "What do you people think
this is, nap time? We've got to finish cleaning up around here or
we'll have a hell of a time putting out the early edition!"

Everyone immediately went back to work, except Lois, who walked
over to Perry, planted a kiss on his cheek and said, "Thank
you."

"For what, darlin'?" Perry asked.

"For being a sentimental softy." Lois said as she turned and
walked away.

***

Still a little keyed up from the office party and their stint on
the clean-up detail, Lois and Clark decided to walk back to their
Hyperion Avenue townhouse. Holding hands, they slowly strolled
back through the city streets, admiring the Christmas displays in
the various shops while they discussed the party and their
friends. As they neared Centennial Park the conversation turned
to Clark's meeting with the SCU.

"So what's Maggie Sawyer planning to drag you into this time?"
Lois asked. "If I know her it'll be something risky. That woman
takes so many chances it's amazing. She *must* be an 'adrenaline
junkie'," Lois said matter of factly.

"Takes one to know one," Clark said teasingly.

Lois raised one eyebrow and looked at Clark with mock
indignation. "Very funny." she said. "But you haven't answered my
question. What's the SCU up to and why do they need your help?
They're a pretty tough outfit."

"Well," Clark responded after looking around and lowering his
voice, "ever since Joey Bermuda was locked up two different
factions of Intergang have been vying to fill the power vacuum.
It's been a stalemate so far, but one of Maggie's informants says
that the Bruno Mannheim faction has been stockpiling weapons and
is planning to launch an attack against its competition on
Christmas Day."

"Sounds like it could be very bloody," Lois said.

"Exactly, and who knows how many innocent bystanders might get
hurt." Clark continued, "So Maggie wants to stage a preemptive
strike on Christmas Eve at the warehouse that's storing his
arsenal and I'm..."

"And you're back-up," Lois said. Clark nodded his head in
agreement. "Well," Lois whispered. "What time is the raid? Should
we cancel our dinner party?"

"I don't think that'll be necessary, honey," said Clark. "The
raid is set to take place at 11:00 and dinner is at 6:30. Jimmy,
Perry, and Lucy should be gone by then. It's really a shame your
parents won't be able to make it." Lois nodded in agreement. "By
the way," Clark said as an afterthought, "is Lucy bringing a
date?"

" I'm glad there won't be a time conflict, I'd hate to abandon
our guests," Lois said, apparently ignoring Clark's question
about Lucy.

"Lo-is," Clark said warily, "are you thinking of coming along on
this operation?"

"You bet I am!" Lois said enthusiastically. Her voice rising in
her excitement, she continued, "This is a great story, something
I can really sink my teeth into instead of the usual holiday
fluff!" Then, remembering their public location she lowered her
voice and said, "If you think I'm going to miss a chance at an
exclusive on this you're crazy!"

"Honey, it's too dangerous..." Clark began.

"Don't give me that 'it's too dangerous' stuff," Lois countered.
"After all these years, I know the drill. I'll stay hidden in the
background and I won't come out until after the raid is over.
I'll be perfectly safe. I don't know why we're even discussing
this, we both *know* I'm going to come along," she said with a
sweet smile.

Realizing it was a losing battle, Clark shook his head and gave
Lois a look tinged with equal parts of exasperation and
admiration. "All right," he said slowly, "we'll see. But you have
to promise me that you'll at least *try* to stay out of harm's
way."

Lois kissed Clark lightly on the cheek and gave him her most
beatific smile. "I promise," she said.

"Yeah, right," Clark responded skeptically. "Anyway," he sighed.
"Before you so handily wrapped me around your little finger, we
were discussing our Christmas Eve dinner plans. You never
answered my question. Is Lucy bringing a date?"

I think she's bringing Derrick," Lois responded. "But I'll find
out for certain when we have lunch tomorrow."

"Who's Derrick?" Clark asked.

"Oh you remember Derrick, we met him when we helped Lucy move
into her apartment. He's the one with the leather pants and the
nose ring," Lois said.

"Oh joy." Clark said flatly.

"Now, sweetheart," Lois said defensively, "he wasn't *that*
bad."

"Honey, I don't think he said five words during the entire time
we were moving Lucy. Baby Gunderson was a more sparkling
conversationalist," Clark complained.

Lois laughed. "Well," she said, "it's true that most of Lucy's
boyfriends have fit into the 'body by Fisher brains by Mattel'
category." Clark grinned. "But he seems harmless enough," she
continued. "Besides, he's a definite improvement over her last
*insignificant* significant other, Johnny (Metallo) Corbin!"

Clark laughed and pulled Lois closer to him. Cradling her face in
his hands he began to pepper it with small kisses. Lois murmured
appreciatively and pressed even closer to him. As they embraced
on the sidewalk, Clark whispered into Lois's ear, "I think we
should hurry home, I feel a sudden urge to work on our newlywed
*bonding*.

Lois giggled. "That sounds wonderful," she purred. "But we need
to make one stop first."

"Where?" Clark asked.

"Right here." Lois answered.

Clark looked around and noticed that they were standing at the
Christmas tree lot a few blocks from their home. Looking at Lois
he asked, "We're buying a tree? I thought you wanted to use the
artificial one your dad bought last year, to save money?"

"I know we planned to use the fake one, Clark, but it just
wouldn't seem like Christmas without a real tree," Lois explained
in a somewhat embarrassed fashion.

Clark lovingly looked at Lois and smiled. "Aren't you the person
who once compared Christmas to Arbor Day?" he asked. Lois smiled
sheepishly. "Looks like Perry isn't the only sentimental softy,"
he said taking her in his arms.

"Takes one to know one," Lois said teasingly, as she wrapped her
arms around her husband's neck and their lips met.

***

The stop at the Christmas tree lot took about 20 minutes and soon
Lois and Clark were on their way home. As Clark effortlessly
carried the tall evergreen up the steps of their townhouse, Lois
followed close behind.

"Honey, I never expected we'd have *three* Christmas trees in our
house this year," Clark said with a smile as he looked back at
Lois, who was carrying a small and scrawny tree that was a twin
for the one she'd had for Christmas two years ago.

"I'm sorry, sweetheart, I just couldn't leave this little guy on
the lot," Lois explained as they entered the house. "At least
they didn't charge us much for it," she added brightly. Clark
simply shook his head and grinned. "I know the perfect place for
it," she continued. "We can put it on the small table in the
dining room." Lois said excitedly, "I'll get the tree stands."

Removing her coat, Lois quickly returned with the two Christmas
tree stands. She noticed that the trunk of the full sized tree
was too large to fit in either of them. "Hmm," she said
thoughtfully, "maybe I should get the saw?"

"Don't bother, hon," Clark said. As Lois watched, awe-struck,
Clark used his invulnerable fingernail to deftly whittle the
trunk down to the proper size. "That should do it," he declared
as he stuck the tree in its stand and gently placed it next to
the fish tank.

"You are amazing!" Lois said with genuine admiration.

"You're not so bad yourself," Clark said slyly as he scooped Lois
up in his arms. Lois giggled as Clark began walking towards the
stairs.

"We're not flying?" Lois asked, pouting just a little.

Clark stopped walking. "Sometimes things are better when they're
done *slower*, the old fashioned way," Clark responded as he
nuzzled Lois's neck and began walking again. Much to Lois's
delight Clark continued to plant small kisses on her face and
neck as he purposefully carried her towards their bedroom.
However, midway up the stairs Clark stopped and cocked his head
to the side in a manner that had become all too familiar to Lois
in the last two years.

"What is it? What do you hear?" Lois asked anxiously.

"A police radio report of a fire in Suicide Slum," Clark
answered. "It sounds really bad, a five alarmer. I'm sorry honey,
but..."

Lois stopped his words with a kiss. "Don't worry." she said.
"We'll have plenty of time to *bond* when you get back. Just go
and be careful."

Putting Lois down , Clark quickly kissed her again, changed into
*the suit* and disappeared out the living room window. Lois
dashed down the stairs and across the room to the still open
window in hopes of catching a glimpse of Clark streaking across
the starlit sky. As she watched him fade in the distance, Lois's
face was a canvas for the mixed emotions she felt. Her love for
Clark and her pride in the things he could do as Superman were
combined in equal measure with her concern for his safety and her
disappointment that their quiet evening at home had been
interrupted.

"Damn it." she thought guiltily, "why am I feeling this way? I
love Clark and I knew when I married him that I'd have to share
him with the rest of the world." Lois mentally paused. "But," she
reflected wryly, "there are times when *you know who* can be a
real *pain*."

Lois sighed and closed the window. It was getting late and she
was a little tired, but she still wanted to wait up for Clark.
She lit a fire in the fireplace and walked over to the couch.
Picking up the remote control, Lois turned on the set just in
time to hear the announcer declare:

'And now it's time for WMET's annual presentation of the
Christmas classic,

*It's a Wonderful Life*'

"Easy for you to say," Lois muttered as she punched the cushions
and made herself comfortable on the couch.

***

George Bailey (a/k/a Jimmy Stewart), was madly dashing through
the snow- covered streets of Pottersville (a/k/a Bedford Falls)
followed by his inept guardian angel Clarence by the time Clark
returned to the townhouse. Quickly spinning into a pair of jeans
and a tee shirt, he stood silently behind the couch, watching the
movie until Lois, who had been dozing in front of the TV set,
opened her eyes.

"Hi honey," Clark said, giving Lois a small smile.

Lois smiled sleepily in response. "Oh, good, you're back," she
said as she sat up, yawned and stretched. "How was it?" she asked
with concern, as she noticed the haunted look in his eyes.

"Pretty bad," Clark said flatly, as he flopped down next to Lois
on the couch. Staring straight ahead into empty space he
continued, "The fire was in that old rat trap apartment building
on East Street. It's gone now, totally gone, and 50 families are
going to be homeless this Christmas."

"That's terrible, sweetheart," Lois said. "But that's not all
that's bothering you, is it?" Lois asked, cradling Clark's head
in her hands and turning it so he would face her.

"No it's not," Clark said after a few moments of hesitation.
"Right before I arrived, an entire floor of the building
collapsed, trapping five firemen in the basement."

"Oh my God," Lois said soberly.

Clark closed his eyes, sighed and continued, "I was able to get
them out, but one of them died at the scene." Lois shook her head
sadly. "Another was badly burned and has serious internal
injuries. The doctors aren't sure if he'll make it." As he
finished his statement, Clark turned away from Lois and stared in
the direction of the television set.

"Oh, Clark, I'm so sorry." Lois said, as she put her arms around
him.

Clark turned back , looked at Lois and tried to smile
reassuringly . "It's all right, honey, I'm fine, or at least I
will be. Just being able to talk about it ..." Clark's voice
trailed off and he was silent for a few moments. Then he asked
wearily, "It's kinda late and it's been a long day, you want to
turn in?"

"In a minute, sweetie," Lois said, "the movie's almost over and I
really love the ending."

Clark shook his head and, giving Lois a tired smile, said, "*You*
used to *hate* this movie. I remember my first Christmas in
Metropolis when I invited you to see a big screen revival of it
at the Metro Playhouse Theater, you told me it was *sentimental
crap*."

"I know this is going to come as a terrible shock to you," Lois
said as she played with a errant lock of Clark's hair that had
fallen across his forehead, "and I certainly wouldn't want it
getting out to the general public, but I was wrong about this
movie. I was wrong about a lot of things that first year," she
said smiling shyly.

Clark raised his eyebrows and gave Lois a look of mock
consternation at her revelations. Lois grinned at him and
continued. "I guess I never really took it seriously until we
watched it together last Christmas. Jimmy Stewart, Donna Reed,
all the cast are really terrific and it's so incredibly
sentimental without being maudlin." Clark nodded in agreement.
"But I think the most important thing is the idea that we're all
connected, and that everything we do is consequential, no matter
how big or small," she concluded.

The commercial break over, the movie started again. Clark sighed
and leaned back on the couch. Lois settled in next to him resting
her head on his shoulder. They sat together silently, holding
hands and watching the film. After a few minutes, Clark turned to
face Lois and gently kissed her. "I love you," he said, wrapping
his arms around her and cradling her to his chest.

"I know," Lois said smiling softly as she nestled into his
embrace. "I love you, too."

***

The next day, after spending the morning covering Clark's annual
Christmas time appearances at the Coates Children's Home, the
Children's Hospital and the Metro Area Food Bank, Lois drove to
Metropolis University to meet Lucy for lunch. At Lucy's
insistence, the two sisters went to the 'Jungle Grille', a small,
dingy coffee house/restaurant right on campus.

"Isn't this place terrific, sis?" Lucy exclaimed as they were
seated at a dimly lit table. "It has so much atmosphere."

"It has *something* all right, but I'm not sure I'd call it
atmosphere." Lois opined as she eyed the grimy tablecloth,
spotted silverware and smudged glasses on their table. "Are you
sure this place passed its Health Department inspection?" she
asked suspiciously.

"Oh, Lois, *chill out*." Lucy replied. "Angus and I eat here all
the time and *we've* never gotten sick. At least, not after that
first time," she added as quietly as possible.

"Angus!? Who's Angus!? What happened to Derrick?" Lois asked
immediately. For the moment her anxiety over the cleanliness of
the restaurant was suppressed by her concern for her sister, who
also had her share of relationships that qualified as *federal
disasters*.

"Oh, I stopped going out with Derrick ages ago, right after I met
Angus," Lucy said nonchalantly.

"So, who is this Angus?" Lois reiterated. "Where did you meet
him? More importantly, what do you know about him?"

"Relax, sis," Lucy said a little testily. "I'm a big girl and I
can take care of myself."

"That'll be the day," Lois said sarcastically.

"Lois!" Lucy said sharply.

The two sisters glared at each other in strained silence for a
few minutes until Lois decided to extend an olive branch.

"I'm sorry, Lucy, but I worry about you," Lois said, grinning
self-consciously. "I guess I do come on a little too strong
sometimes. Am I forgiven?" she asked.

"That's okay, Lois, apology accepted," Lucy answered with a wry
smile. "I guess that's what *big* sisters are for. Anyway, to
answer at least some of your questions, I've been seeing Angus
for a little over a month. We met in that drama class I'm
auditing. He's one of the instructors."

"Oh great," Lois said as she rolled her eyes. "Another actor."

"Angus is not just an actor!" Lucy said defensively. "He's also a
writer, director, and producer, like Orson Welles, or Kenneth
Branagh, or like.." Lucy paused, ".. Sylvester Stallone! He's
only teaching part time until he can be discovered!"

"He sounds very talented," said Lois with a trace of sarcasm in
her voice. "Well, will you and *Rocky* be coming to dinner on
Christmas Eve?" she asked.

"I'll be at dinner but Angus won't be able to make it," Lucy said
sadly. "He's giving a performance of the show he's written . It's
a shame too because I really wanted him to meet you and Clark. I
just know the three of you would hit it off," Lucy said
confidently.

Ignoring Lucy's comments, Lois asked, "So he actually has a play
in production. What's it about?"

"It's about a disgruntled postal worker who takes the patrons of
a small coffee shop hostage on Christmas Eve. It's really
terrific!" Lucy said enthusiastically.

"It doesn't sound like it's exactly full of the holiday spirit,"
Lois observed evenly.

"I know, that's the point!" Lucy said, slightly exasperated with
her sister's apparent lack of knowledge about the *arts*. "It's
very trendy, very today, very...."

"Ironic?" Lois volunteered.

"Exactly, I knew you'd understand," Lucy bubbled.

Shaking her head in bewilderment, Lois said, "Let's order."

During lunch the two sisters discussed their parents' latest
attempt at reconciliation at a medical conference in Kuala
Lumpur, reminisced about past Christmases, and discussed current
holiday plans. As they were leaving the restaurant Lucy turned to
Lois and asked matter of factly:

"So, sis, when are you planning to sell Aunt Kate's bracelet to
buy Clark's present? You've only got a few more days until
Christmas."

Lois's jaw dropped and she looked at Lucy incredulously. "*I*
just made up my mind last night! How could you possibly know what
I was planning to do?" she inquired.

"Oh, come on, Lois, I know how you think. I didn't live with you
for all those years for nothing," Lucy said with a sly grin.

Both Lois and Lucy burst out laughing and hugged each other.
After a few moments, Lucy's demeanor turned serious and she said,
" Lois, you know I love Clark and I think it's great that you two
are finally together." Lois nodded affirmatively. Lucy continued
hesitantly. "Your idea for Clark's gift sounds perfect... but,
Lois, this is Aunt Kate's bracelet you'd be selling. I know how
much it means to you. Are you sure...?"

Lois interrupted Lucy. "Lucy, I'm sure. I've never been more sure
of anything in my life. You've no idea what Clark means to me.
I'd be lost without him," Lois said resolutely.

"But, Aunt Kate..." Lucy interjected.

"If Aunt Kate were still here I know she'd understand," Lois
replied to her sister's unspoken question. "She always told us to
follow our hearts, remember?" Lucy nodded. "Well *my heart* tells
me this is the *right* thing to do," Lois said passionately.
"Lucy, I'm happy, *really* happy, maybe for the first time in my
life and Clark is the reason. I'd sell my bracelet a dozen times
over if I thought I could make him one tenth as happy as he's
made me!"

Lucy shook her head, smiled and said, "Well , I guess you really
have met that *super* guy." Lois grinned and nodded
affirmatively. "So," Lucy continued, "what can I do to help?"

"Just one thing," Lois replied quickly. "Don't *ever* mention
this to either Mom or Dad."

"Don't worry, my lips are sealed," Lucy responded. Then, smiling
slyly, she added, "But, it'll cost you. I'd like to borrow that
little black dress of yours with the spaghetti straps to wear to
Angus's New Year's Eve cast party."

Momentarily stunned, Lois was only able to sputter, "Lucy, that's
blackmail!"

"Well sis," Lucy replied, "that's what *kid* sisters are for."

***

Later that same day as dusk was just beginning to fall in
Smallville, Jonathan Kent trudged home through his snow- covered
fields. He'd been at the Irig farm most of the afternoon helping
to make some repairs to the barn as informal payment for Wayne
keeping an eye on things while he and Martha were in Metropolis.
If it had been left up to Jonathan, the Kents, Clark and Lois
included, would be celebrating Christmas here at the farm and not
in Metropolis. He'd never really liked big cities, they were too
cold, too impersonal, and Metropolis was the biggest of the big.
But he knew how much Clark wanted to spend this first Christmas
with Lois in *their* place. Heck, he'd felt the same way that
first year he and Martha were married. So he was more than
willing to be a little inconvenienced, there would be plenty of
opportunities in the future for the kids to spend Christmas in
Smallville. Besides, last year's Christmas celebration in
Metropolis couldn't exactly be considered festive, what with
Clark's illness and Sam's and Ellen's strained relationship, not
to mention Baby Gunderson. With Sam and Ellen out of the country,
Jonathan was looking forward to a nice, quiet, normal Christmas
with his wife, son and daughter-in-law. Or at least as *normal* a
Christmas as possible considering the lives Clark and Lois led.

Since Clark was arriving tonight to take them to Metropolis,
Jonathan knew that his first priority upon arriving home was to
finish packing for the trip. As he neared the isolated farmhouse
Jonathan noticed that the downstairs lights were on even though
the missing pick-up told him Martha was still in town. Cautiously
entering the house (a fellow can never be *too* careful, he
thought) he was more than a little relieved to find Clark sitting
at the kitchen table looking at the family's scrap books and
photo albums.

"Oh good, son, it's you," Jonathan said as he took off his coat.
"I was a little worried when I saw the lights were on and your
mother wasn't here. I thought we might have some uninvited
guests."

Looking up from the table, Clark smiled at his father and said,
"Hi Dad. I know I'm a little ahead of schedule but the national
Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Washington ended early
because of bad weather, so I just flew straight here. Hope you
don't mind."

"Of course I don't mind, son, it's always good to see you,"
Jonathan said as a broad smile covered his face. "But I'm afraid
we're not quite ready. Your mother's still in town running a few
errands and we haven't finished packing yet. In fact, I should
hop to that right now so we can leave as soon as she gets back. I
know how busy you are," Jonathan said, starting out the kitchen
door and headed upstairs.

"Take your time, Dad, I was just sitting here thinking. I don't
get much chance to do that this time of year. Everything seems to
be so rushed." Jonathan nodded in agreement, sat down at the
table next to Clark and eyed the collection of photos and
newspaper clippings on the table.

"There's that picture of you and Uncle Jerry on that old
tractor," Jonathan exclaimed. "You couldn't have been more than 3
years old when I took that one. Uncle Jerry always said that if
he was going to turn you into a farmer he'd have to start young."
Clark smiled and both men began flipping through the photo album.
"And there's that picture of the three of us with Steve Bradley
at the World Series game. The way Uncle Jerry's smiling you'd
think he was the one who caught that ball."

Father and son sat together in silence gazing at the picture,
letting the memories of that October day so many years ago wash
over them. Then after a few moments Clark looked up from the
picture, turned to his father and asked, "You miss him too, don't
you, Dad?" "Yes, son, I do," Jonathan replied. "He was a good
man. Practically raised me after my folks died and he taught me
everything I know about farming." Still leafing through the album
Jonathan continued, "And was he ever proud of you! From the
moment we *adopted* you he just knew that you had great things
ahead of you. I just wish he was here right now to see how well
you've turned out and all the things you've accomplished. Not
just as Superman but also as Clark Kent."

Clark looked back at the picture and said, "I think he would have
really liked Lois." Jonathan nodded and replied, "I think so too,
son. After all she's a lot like your mother." Clark grinned. "She
is, isn't she?" he said in agreement. Then, his mood becoming
more serious, Clark hesitated a little and said, "Dad, about
Lois..."

Jonathan nervously interrupted. "Is something wrong with Lois?
Are you two having problems? Your mother should be back soon...
"

"No, Dad, everything's fine between us," Clark replied
reassuringly. "It's about Lois's Christmas present. I've finally
found the perfect gift and I just wanted your advice."

"That's fine, son," Jonathan said, smiling in relief. "So, what
do you want to get her?" he asked.

"It's a pair of antique pearl and ruby earrings. They're a
perfect match for her favorite bracelet. I just know she'll love
them," Clark answered.

"Well , they sound very nice, but won't they set you back quite a
bit?" Jonathan asked thoughtfully. Clark nodded his head in
agreement. Jonathan continued, "I know things are a little tight
for you two right now, what with the new house and all. Your
mother and I have some money put away, we could ...."

"No, Dad," Clark interrupted. "I won't, I *can't* take money from
you and Mom, it's just not right."

"Then what are you going to do, son?" Jonathan asked a little
apprehensively.

"I've been researching about the rise in the value of sports
collectibles for a possible article in the Planet's Sunday
magazine," Clark said. "My Steve Bradley baseball is worth a lot
of money now. If I sold it I'd have more than enough to buy Lois
those earrings."

"But Clark, are you sure?" Jonathan asked solemnly. "I know how
much that souvenir means to you."

"Dad, the important thing from that day wasn't the baseball, it's
the memories. I'll always have those," Clark replied resolutely.
"Lois deserves this present and so much more. She's so *special*
to me, in so many ways. Clark paused. "It's just hard to
explain..."

"I understand, son," Jonathan said smiling. "Sounds like you've
pretty much made up your mind about this already."

"Yeah, I guess I have, Dad. But I suppose I wanted *both* of you
to know. It seemed like the right thing to do," Clark replied as
he gazed at the picture of Uncle Jerry.

Putting his arm around Clark's shoulder, Jonathan replied, "Well
son, speaking for myself *and* Uncle Jerry, I'd say Lois is a
pretty lucky woman."

"No, Dad, *I'm* the lucky one," Clark declared earnestly. "Now,
let's go finish that packing," Clark said as he rose from the
table.

"I've got a better idea, son. How about we have some pie and
buttermilk and wait for your mother to get back?" Jonathan
replied with a twinkle in his eye.

"Sure, Dad," Clark responded as he grinned and gave his father a
hug.

***

As dinnertime approached on Christmas Eve, it began snowing
heavily in Metropolis and on the rest of the East Coast. Clark
was forced to leave again and again to take care of some weather
caused emergency and Lois was extremely grateful that Jonathan
and Martha were there to help keep the dinner preparations on
track, since she was still a little unsure of her culinary
skills. Lois was also a little concerned that some weather
related problem would make Clark late for dinner. But as luck
would have it, he returned from rescuing an airplane that had
almost skidded into the river off an icy airport runway a few
minutes before Lucy, Jimmy and Perry arrived at the townhouse.
And he had just enough time to shower and change before greeting
them at the door with Lois.

Despite the weather, dinner went ahead uninterrupted until just
as they were about to clear the table and bring out coffee and
dessert. Clark got that familiar *look* in his eyes and motioned
to Lois that he needed to see her in the kitchen. Excusing
themselves from the table, Lois and Clark entered the kitchen. As
soon as they were out of earshot of their guests, Lois lowered
her voice and asked, "What is it? Is there another airplane in
trouble? Or a fire?"

"No, honey," Clark replied in equally hushed tones. "It's a
message from the SCU on that special hypersonic transmitter I had
Star Labs design. Apparently the raid against the Intergang
arsenal is taking place right now!"

"What!" Lois exclaimed, "But it's only 8:45. I thought the raid
was set for 11:00?"

"I thought so too," Clark replied . "But something must've
happened that caused a change in plans. I've got to go *now* and
I'd better go alone. There's no way we both can disappear." Lois
nodded slowly in agreement. Stepping back from her, Clark began
to do a superspeed spin into Superman, but seeing the
disappointment in Lois's face he stopped and said, "I'm really
sorry, honey. I know how much you wanted this story, but I
promise you'll get the next SCU/Superman exclusive."

"I'd better," Lois admonished as she kissed him on the cheek.
"Now go and be careful."

Clark kissed Lois on the forehead, quickly changed and streaked
out the patio door, just as the door from the dining room swung
open and Perry entered the kitchen. "All right, you two
lovebirds. I know you're still newlyweds but this is ridiculous.
What's a man got to do to get a cup of coffee around here?" he
asked jovially. Then noticing that the patio door was open and
that only Lois was in the room, Perry stopped and immediately
asked, "Darlin, what happened to Clark?"

"He's gone," Lois replied nonchalantly as she shut the patio
door.

"Gone where, sweetie?" Perry asked incredulously. "It's Christmas
Eve and there's practically a blizzard going on outside!"

"He's ... he's on a story, chief," Lois said hesitantly. After a
few seconds she continued, her voice gaining confidence as she
quickly formulated a cover story for Clark. "We got a tip earlier
today from Superman that the SCU would be staging a raid on one
of Intergang's secret arsenals. The raid was supposed to be later
tonight but there was a change of plans. Since we both couldn't
go, we tossed a coin. Clark won and he went with Superman to get
the exclusive story. Now, didn't you say you wanted coffee?" Lois
asked quickly.

"Great shades of Elvis!" Perry exclaimed. "Those Intergang thugs
are crazy and I'm not sure Maggie Sawyer and her SCU troopers are
much better. Lois, honey, I have to admire the boy's gumption but
are you sure Clark knows what he's getting into?"

"He knows, Perry," Lois said evenly. "We discussed this and he
swore he'd be careful. Besides, I told Superman that I expect my
husband back in one piece, and I *know* Superman wouldn't break a
promise to me," she declared firmly.

"Well , I guess if Superman's looking after him, the boy's about
as safe as he can be under the circumstances," Perry replied,
somewhat relieved. Then as the implications of Lois's explanation
struck him he blurted out, "Judas Priest! This story will be
fantastic! A Special Crime Unit raid on Intergang and the Planet
will have the exclusive! I've got to get hold of Carlin, the
night editor! Olsen!" he yelled as he hurried out the door back
into the dining area. "Get my cell- phone! Don't just sit there,
we've got a story..." Perry's voice trailed off as he retreated
into the next room.

Lois was only alone in the kitchen for a few moments when Lucy,
Martha and Jonathan joined her. Almost immediately Lucy began to
pepper Lois with questions. "We overheard Perry talking to Jimmy.
What's this about Clark? Is he in any kind of danger? Is
everything all right?" she asked with concern.

"Everything's fine, Lucy. Clark had to leave on an assignment,
but I know he'll be all right. Superman will take good care of
him," Lois replied in a slightly exasperated fashion. As she
spoke she looked directly at Martha and Jonathan, silently urging
them to bolster her statements.

"Oh, I'm sure he will," Martha added supportively as Jonathan
nodded vigorously in agreement.

"You see, there's nothing to worry about," Lois said with a
strained smile. "Clark will be home as soon as he can, so why
don't the three of you grab Perry and Jimmy and go into the
living room while I get the coffee and cake."

"That sounds like a wonderful idea," Jonathan said readily as he
opened the door leading back into the dining area.

Lucy looked at Lois somewhat skeptically, shrugged her shoulders
and said, "Well, sis, if you're not worried I guess there's no
reason for me to be." She then turned and walked out the door
with Jonathan following close behind.

As soon as Lucy and Jonathan had exited Martha turned to Lois and
asked, "Lois, are you all right? You seemed a little upset with
Lucy just now." Martha's concern for the woman she had come to
view as a daughter was evident in her face and voice.

Lois gave Martha a wan smile and said, "I'm sorry Martha, it's
just that I'm worried about Clark. It was this same time last
year that we almost lost him to that killer virus Intergang
developed, remember? I keep thinking, what if they have more of
it? or Kryptonite or...." Lois's voice trailed off as she turned
away from Martha for a few seconds. "I know I'm just being silly,
aren't I?" Lois asked as she attempted to smile again. "I should
just forget all about it and..."

"Lois you are *not* being silly," Martha interrupted. "It's
natural for you to worry about someone you love. Particularly
when that someone is mixed up in as many dangerous activities as
Clark is. Heaven knows, I still worry about him. I think it would
be unnatural for you not to worry," Martha said frankly.

"I.... I guess you're right," Lois said uncertainly.

"Of course I am, dear," Martha replied, placing her arm around
Lois's shoulder. "Now tell me, have you talked to Clark?"

"Martha, I can't let Clark know that I've been feeling this way.
He has to be concerned with so many of the world's problems, he
doesn't need to be bothered with my doubts and fears on top of
all that," Lois replied stoically.

"Sweetie, I've always felt that it was important for a husband
and wife to talk about things like this, but, I can understand
how you feel." Martha replied, "Still, I don't think it's a good
thing to keep all these feelings bottled up inside you. It's just
not healthy! So, I want you to promise me that whenever things
get to be a bit too much, you'll talk to me. I'm only a phone
call away and I'd love to hear from you whatever the reason."

"Thanks," Lois said giving Martha a warm smile and hugging her
tight, "I've got the *best* mother-in-law in the world."

"And I've got the *best * daughter-in-law," Martha replied
sincerely, "But you don't need to thank me, Lois, that's what
family is for. Now let's see who wants some of that triple
chocolate fudge cake... besides Jonathan."

***

Maggie Sawyer silently cursed as she and her SCU officers
crouched behind crates and trash cans in an attempt to dodge the
barrage of bullets coming from Intergang's warehouse. Staging a
surprise raid was tricky under the best of circumstances and
things had been far from the best when they started the attack,
with high winds blowing off Hobbs Bay combining with the heavy
snowfall to create near whiteout conditions. Even so the SCU's
initial assault had blown off the front doors of the building,
leaving a large gaping hole where the entrance used to be. But
attempts to enter the building or even to get within range to lob
in tear gas grenades had been met with a constant hail of
automatic weapons fire that had kept them pinned down in their
current positions.

Officers Janke and Stern had been seriously wounded in the
initial firefight and the subzero temperatures they were
experiencing were beginning to take a toll on the rest of the
SCU. Even though she had called for back up, Maggie knew that the
same weather conditions that had forced her to start the raid
early also meant that it would be a while before anyone would be
able to answer her request for help. Hunkered down against the
cold, she began to assess her options when, suddenly, as if by
magic, the shooting stopped. Fearing some new ploy on Intergang's
part, Maggie motioned to her people to stay hidden as she slowly
rose from her crouched position and peered in the direction of
the warehouse entrance. Through the wind-driven snow she was able
to make out a familiar red and blue clad figure effortlessly
carrying out a dozen or more kicking and squirming black clad
bodies, stacked one on top of the other like so many cords of
wood. Dashing from cover, Maggie headed straight for Superman
followed by most of the SCU, arriving at his side just as he
unceremoniously dumped his unhappy passengers, who all had
remnants of automatic weapons wrapped around their wrists, on the
wooden landing outside the warehouse.

"Glad you could make the party, big guy," Maggie said with a
wolfish grin, " I have to say you *really* know how to make an
entrance."

"Well, I had to do something a *little* spectacular, Captain,"
Clark replied, matching Maggie's lighthearted tone. "After all
I've got to live up to my reputation as a superhero." Gesturing
to the warehouse, he continued, "There are about 20 more of these
*gentlemen* tied up inside. If you and your officers can keep an
eye on these, I'll go get them."

"We can take care of these clowns, Superman," Maggie said
seriously. "Right now we could really use your help in
transporting two of my people to the hospital. They've been
pretty badly hurt and I doubt an ambulance will be able to make
it down here anytime soon."

Clark nodded and quickly followed Maggie to the location of the
injured men. Using superspeed Clark constructed a makeshift
carryall which would both protect the wounded police officers
from the elements and allow him to transport them simultaneously.
After gently placing the men in the basket-like contraption,
Clark turned back to Maggie and said, "I'll get them to Met
General as fast as I can and come back and help you mop things up
here." Then with a *whoosh*, he disappeared into the night sky.

Maggie quickly returned to the loading dock area. After posting
guards outside she readied her weapon, turned to her people and
said, "All right, let's look alive! We can't let the 'big guy'
have all the fun! Let's move it!" And with a look of grim
determination she sprinted into the darkened warehouse, with the
rest of the SCU close behind.

***

After what seemed like an eternity, Maggie wearily leaned against
the wall outside one of the treatment rooms in Metropolis General
Hospital's Emergency Section. She waited alone, in the silent
corridor, relishing a few moments solitude after the noise and
confusion of the past few hours. Suddenly, she became aware of
footsteps in the hallway and when she opened her eyes she saw
Superman approaching her, his face smudged and his cape in
tatters.

"Oh good, you're still here," Maggie said with a tired smile as
he reached her side, "I was afraid that you'd left."

"No," Clark replied softly, "I was down in Intensive Care's burn
unit."

"You must have been checking on that smoke eater you rescued a
few days ago," Maggie responded. Clark nodded affirmatively.
"How's he doing?" she asked.

"It was touch and go for a while, but the doctors think he'll be
okay," Clark said, clearly relieved. "How are your people?" he
asked anxiously, glancing in the direction of the examination
room.

"The two you brought in earlier lost a lot of blood, but they
should be fine. As far as the rest are concerned, Robinson and
Gonzales have some cuts and bruises, Dan Turpin is a little
singed and had the wind knocked out of him, but that's all,"
Maggie answered matter of factly. Seeing the look of relief on
Clark's face she continued, "But, if you hadn't been there to
absorb the blast from that booby trap the three of them stumbled
into, it would have been a different story. And I just want to
thank..."

Before Maggie could finish her sentence, Clark interrupted her.
"There's no need to thank me, Maggie," he said sincerely.

"Oh yes there *is*!" Maggie said vehemently. "You work with us so
much that sometimes I take for granted the spectacular things you
can do. But tonight really reminded me of how totally *amazing*
you are. If it hadn't been for you, a lot of Metropolis Police
Department families would be having a very *un-merry* Christmas
this year , and I just want to say..." Maggie paused and blinking
back uncharacteristic tears, reached over and took Clark's hand.
"Thank you and Merry Christmas, Superman." His eyes misting over
as well, Clark placed his other hand over hers and replied,
"Merry Christmas to you too, Maggie."

***

It was well after 1:00 a.m. by the time Clark returned home. He
quietly opened the front door to the townhouse, trying not to
disturb either Lois or his parents and was about to continue
upstairs when he heard the sound of a familiar heartbeat coming
from the living room. Standing in the darkened doorway he could
see Lois asleep in an overstuffed chair that had been pulled
close to the fire. As he started across the room, Clark's
superhearing detected rhythmic breathing, and a quick scan of the
area revealed his parents curled up together on the loveseat.
Lucy and Jimmy were staked out on opposite ends of the couch with
Perry sprawled between them. Chuckling softly, Clark levitated
slightly off the floor and floated over to Lois, pausing for a
few seconds to watch as the dying firelight cast a golden glow
over her exquisite features, before he knelt down next to her
chair. Crouching down he began to slowly and methodically place
small gentle kisses on Lois's face, until she gradually awakened
with a smile.

"You're finally home, thank goodness," Lois whispered as she
wrapped her arms around Clark's neck and pulled him close for a
long, deep kiss. After a few moments Lois drew back from the
kiss, and seeing the questioning look in Clark's eyes, she said
softly, "Maybe we should go somewhere else to talk, so we don't
disturb anyone." Nodding in agreement, Clark quickly and quietly
picked Lois up from the chair and floated into the kitchen.

"How did it go?" Lois asked as Clark gently lowered them to the
floor. "Not bad," Clark replied, as he wrapped his arms around
Lois and pulled her into a close embrace. "But," he continued
with a wry smile, "Mom is going to *kill* me. I ruined another
cape." Lois giggled softly. "What about the story?" she asked. "I
told Perry you'd be getting an *exclusive*."

"I stopped off at the Planet on my way home and wrote it up,"
Clark replied, giving Lois a tender smile. "Carlin was ready and
waiting, and it's the morning edition's lead story." "Good," Lois
responded as she cuddled closer to Clark and rested her head on
his chest. "Perry will be pleased."

For a few minutes they stood together quietly enjoying the
sensations kindled by their closeness. Then Clark broke the
silence. "Honey?" he said in an inquiring tone. "Hmm?" Lois
murmured in response as she lifted her head from his chest and
looked into his eyes. "What's with the slumber party in the
living room?"

Smiling warmly, Lois cast a glance in the direction of the living
room, then turned back to Clark and replied, "They were all
worried about you and didn't want to leave until you got home
safely."

Somewhat taken aback by this revelation, Clark was silent for a
few moments. Finally he said, "Let's not wake them. The storm's
gotten worse and the roads are a mess. They can go home in the
morning."

"All right, but no sleeping in for you tomorrow morning," Lois
teased. "You're helping with breakfast - I've never made eggs
*ala Katie Banks* for a crowd before."

Clark laughed and gave Lois another deep, slow kiss. As the kiss
ended he said with a mischievous grin, "Don't worry, I'm sure
we'll be able to whip up a great Christmas brunch with a little
*super* help." Lois giggled in response. "Speaking of Christmas,
" Clark continued as he reached into his jacket pocket, "it's way
past midnight. Would you like to open your present now?"

"Yes!" Lois said excitedly, her eyes bright with anticipation.

Flashing a huge grin, Clark handed Lois a small package wrapped
in brightly colored paper, which Lois tore off with something
akin to superspeed, revealing a small velvet covered jewelry box.
Lois's eyes widened as she opened the box and saw the ruby and
pearl earrings. "They're beautiful," she exclaimed with a look of
wonder on her face. "Why, they're a perfect match for..."

"For your bracelet," Clark finished. "I know how much you love
that bracelet and that's why I got them for you."

"But...but...but, sweetheart, they must have been so expensive,"
Lois stammered.

"It's doesn't matter, hon," Clark responded, grinning happily,
his love for Lois practically radiating from every pore. "What
matters is that you love them and that they make you happy. You
do love them, don't you?" Clark asked anxiously. Lois smiled and
nodded affirmatively. Clark's grin grew even wider. "I can't wait
until you wear your new earrings *and* your bracelet to that
party next week. You'll be the belle of Mr. Stern's New Year's
Eve ball," Clark said proudly.

A single tear rolled slowly down Lois's cheek. "What's wrong,
honey?" Clark asked with concern.

"Never mind, sweetheart, it's nothing," Lois replied, brushing
away the tear and giving Clark a bright, loving smile. "Now, just
wait here," she ordered. "I'll be right back."

Placing the jewelry box on the kitchen table, Lois quickly dashed
to the next room and returned a few moments later with a large
box, neatly wrapped in the same festive paper. "Since we're
exchanging gifts, I think it's time you opened your present,"
Lois said as she handed the box to Clark.

Painstakingly peeling away the wrapping paper (much to Lois's
amusement), Clark opened the box and gently lifted out a small
mahogany platform which had two gold and wood frames attached on
either side of a small center pedestal. As he examined the frames
more carefully, Clark saw that one contained his World Series
photo with his Dad, Uncle Jerry, and Steve Bradley, while the
other held, to his amazement, an autographed copy of Bradley's
rookie baseball card.

"So, what do you think?" Lois asked with a little trepidation.

Clark looked at Lois, slightly bewildered. "Honey, it's just
wonderful. I love it," he said sincerely, "but I don't understand
how you could possibly afford Bradley's rookie card. It's
incredibly expensive! Why, it costs almost as much as your..."
Clark paused as he suddenly realized what Lois had done. Shaking
his head in astonishment, he continued, "Lois, you didn't, you
couldn't..." His voice trailed away and he stared at Lois
dumbfounded.

"I could and I did," Lois said proudly, her love for Clark
brightly shining from her eyes. "You deserved something special
for our first Christmas together and the only way I could pay for
it was to use Aunt Kate's bracelet."

"But, honey..." Clark began.

"Sweetheart, it's not important, not really," Lois replied
tenderly. "Like you said, what matters is that you love your gift
and it makes you happy." Lois smiled and pointed to the area in
the front of the platform. "You'll be able to mount your
autographed baseball right there," she said, indicating the
pedestal. "I can't wait to see it in its proper place. I'll go
get it from the den." And with that Lois turned and started to
leave the kitchen.

Clark quickly placed his gift on the table beside the earrings
and grabbed Lois by the hand. Giving her a rueful grin he said,
"Don't bother, hon." Lois gazed at Clark questioningly. Suddenly,
her mouth dropped open as she realized what had occurred.

For a few moments Lois and Clark stood silently staring at each
other, then without warning, they began to laugh hysterically,
the sound echoing through the silent house for at least five
minutes. Finally, as their laughter died away, Lois looked at
Clark, almost on the verge of tears and said, "Oh god, Clark, I
don't know whether to laugh or cry! This is so, so...
ironic!...It's just not fair!...All I wanted was to get you the
*perfect* gift and for our first Christmas together to be
*perfect* and now it's just ru..."

Clark stopped Lois's babbling with a kiss. When the kiss finally
ended, Clark quickly reached around to the nearby table, opened
the box containing the earrings and placed it on the mahogany
platform's center pedestal. They both stood side by side silently
looking at their gifts for a moment. Then Clark took Lois back
into his arms, carefully tucked her head under his chin and
sighed. "Lois, darling," he said as he began gently rocking back
and forth, "it's Christmas, we're together and we're surrounded
by our family and friends. If that's not perfection, I don't know
what is."

Lois slowly raised her head from Clark's chest, her eyes still
bright with unshed tears, and brought his face close to hers. As
their lips met and the sights and sounds of the world around them
began to melt away, Lois knew Clark was right. It was perfect,
just *perfect*. 

THE END