Clark just glared at her from his desk.

"Lois, you went without me. Again. And you almost got yourself killed. Again."

"But Superman saved me – as usual. And-"

"Shut up Lois. This time, trying to be the best, the first to get the story, and shutting me out; not only almost got you killed, it almost got *Lex* killed. Trying to protect him is hard enough. You do *not* need to pull him into your own reckless schemes due to your stubborn inability to realise that you need help!"

For once, Lois was struck speechless – as was the majority of the newsroom.

"I can't work with you. At least not right now. I'm gonna go – make sure Lex is alright. And you – you just, stay away. This is *not* another one of your stories. This is your *fault*."

At that, Clark stormed out, people moving aside after seeing the look on his face."

*****

END