A/N: Okay, the premise changed a little from what I said. Clark goes to a five-year class reunion and Lana finds him out. Yeah. Well, here you go! PS- I probably spelled Alicia's name wrong. Sorry.
You Can Go Home Again
by
The Spooky Mulder
Clark Kent strode into his apartment after a hard day's work at the Daily Planet. Lois had been giving him a hard time about a story he turned in late. "Smallville," she had said. "What took you so long? It's not like you have a life that could get in the way."
Yeah, Clark had thought bitterly. It's not like I dress up in a blue and red suit and save the world on a regular basis.
Fortunately for him, he was used to Lois and her ways. Needless to say, Clark was tired. So he was very happy to be going home to Smallville for the weekend. Not only had his parents (mostly his mom) been telling him to take a break and visit, his high school reunion was also coming up. "I can't believe it's been five years already," he said aloud to his empty Metropolis apartment. He grabbed his bag and headed for the door. "Oops, almost forgot-" Clark turned around and grabbed his costume, stuffing it carelessly in his bag. "Just in case."
On the way to Smallville Clark thought about his friends and what it would be like to see them Again. I haven't seen Pete since he moved out of state with his mom. I don't even know if he's coming. He's got to know I'm Superman. And Chloe. I see her sometimes, and she always gives me these looks.
As Clark's mind wandered, his thoughts landed on Lana. I wonder how she's doing. Maybe she's changed. I know I have.
Clark finally pulled up at the Kent Farm. Martha, his mother, was waiting for him.
"Clark!" she said happily when he got out of the car. Martha hugged her son, very happy to see him. "Hi, Mom." Clark said, grinning widely.
"You drove the speed limit, right?" Mrs. Kent asked, always the worried mother. Clark rolled his eyes. "Of course, Mom." Clark looked around at the place he grew up. Nothing here has changed.
The two entered the big farmhouse. "Hey, Mom. Where's Dad?" Clark asked, noticing his father's absence.
"Oh, he's in town picking something up for me," Martha answered while getting some of her famous apple pie out for Clark.
Clark was sitting in the kitchen eating his piece of pie, basking in the comfort of home. Martha had been folding the laundry and when she finished she joined him. "So, honey," she said. "How are things at work?"
Clark swallowed a bite. "It's…great," he said, thinking about Lois and her scolding.
Martha looked concerned. "Are you sure?" she asked worriedly. Clark smiled at his mother. "No, really. I'm fine, I'm just…tired."
Martha gave him a sly look. "Maybe if you didn't save the world so much…"
Clark rolled his eyes. "Mom!" he said. She just shrugged. "Well, you do."
"It's good to be home," Clark said, looking at his mother fondly.
"It's good to have you home, son." Jonathan Kent said, entering the house through the back door. Clark grinned from ear to ear. "Hey, Dad," he said happily. Jonathan walked forward and embraced his son. "I see you're holding up," he said.
"Everything's fine," Clark answered. "And Lois says hi."
Martha smiled. "How is Lois?" she asked.
Clark sighed. "She's the same, just pushier."
Jonathan laughed after Clark said this. "Lois has never been anything but pushy."
The Kents all laughed together. They sat in their kitchen, reminiscing about things and also discussing their current events. "So, are you looking forward to the reunion?" Jonathan asked. Clark sighed. "I'm not sure," he said. When his parents looked at him expectantly, Clark elaborated. "Well, first there's Chloe. She's been acting strange ever since Alicia- I don't know what's going on there. Then, there's Pete. I haven't seen him or even spoken to him in years. I'm sure he's figured out that I'm Superman, though."
Clark took a breath. "And then there's Lana."
Mr. and Mrs. Kent looked at each other knowingly. "Hey," Clark said in a mock-hurt tone. "What is that supposed to mean?"
Jonathan laughed. "It means that some things never change," he said, standing up and ruffling Clark's hair. "I'm gonna hit the sack."
Martha looked at her watch. "Is it that late?" she asked, finding herself hardly able to suppress a yawn. "I guess so. I'm going to bed too. Good night, Clark."
"Good night. I think I'm going to go out for a while, maybe stop by the Talon," Clark said.
"Just be careful," Martha said. "We still get some weird people around here on occasion."
Some things do stay the same, Clark thought. I wonder if there really are people out there with Kryptonite-induced powers still.
Clark put his Superman costume on under his regular clothes then began to walk to the Talon. He could have been there in three seconds if he wanted, but he wanted to enjoy the walk. His thoughts were on a certain brunette. I wonder what she'll like? I haven't really changed much, except for my hair and glasses, Clark thought. He had started wearing the glasses he got when that kid had blinded him so no one would suspect he was Superman.
In no time Clark found himself outside the coffee shop known as "the Talon". Luckily the lights were still on, which meant someone was still there. Clark walked in to find Lana and Chloe sitting at a table, talking. When the bell attached to the door rang, both girls looked up at him.
"Clark!" Chloe said, her face lighting up. "How have you been?"
Clark smiled. "Hi, guys. I'm happy to be home."
Lana got up and gave Clark a hug. "Long time no see," she said, her smile not quite as big as Chloe's. "So, what's new with you guys?" Clark asked, sitting in an empty chair at their table.
"Well," Chloe began. "I still can't get over the fact that Lois became a reporter. You too."
Clark blushed. "I guess during high school I never realized how fun it could be."
Chloe smiled. "I taught you well."
Clark turned to Lana. "So how about you?"
"Well, mostly I've been working here at the Talon," she said. "But some times I sub at the school."
"Wow, that's great," Clark said. There was momentary silence in which Chloe decided to take a step up and torment Clark. For never telling me his secret, she told herself.
"So, Clark, what do you do in your spare time?" she asked, quirking an eyebrow.
Did she do that on purpose? Clark wondered. "Well I don't usually hve much free time," he replied. Lana stepped in and helped Chloe without even knowing it. "Oh, come on Clark. You've got to have some free time."
Clark looked at Chloe. "I read, I guess."
After they chatted for a while, Clark had to go back home. He was out the door and ready to super-speed away when he heard a shriek come from behind the Talon. Without thinking Clark took his outer clothes off and became Superman. He quickly flew to the alley and looked around. Lana was backed against the dumpster, her hands in front of her face. A mugger was holding a knife to Lana's throat. "Give me all your money!" he growled viciously.
Superman walked forward and tapped the guy on the shoulder.
"Wha…" the mugger turned around and stared at him stupidly. Superman grabbed the mugger by the collar and lifted him off the ground. "I think you want to be leaving," he said. The mugger nodded and whimpered like a coward. Superman let the mugger down and he ran away. Superman turned to Lana. "Are you okay, miss?" he asked, deepening his voice slightly.
Lana nodded. "Yeah. If you hadn't come Superman, I'd probably be-" She stopped talking when she realized Superman had flown away.
When Clark got home he didn't even bother to take his costume off. He just fell into bed and was asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow.
Martha heard Clark come home and got up to check on him. Seeing him in bed still wearing his Superman costume made her smile. "That's my superhero," she said quietly, tucking her son in. Martha kissed him on the forehead then went back to her room and fell back asleep.
A/N: So there it is. Nothing really exciting has happened yet, but I promise chapter two is interesting! So, here's the deal. I hate doing this, but people haven't been reviewing much. I get five reviews, you get the next chapter. I think that's fair, don't you? How hard is it to click on the button and write, "nice story", or "that was wonderful", or even "I think it stunk"? Honestly. I don't care if it's good or bad, just review! Anyway…thanks for reading! The Spooky Mulder