Reflections [Sequel to "Relapse"]

DJ Dubois

October 2013

Notes Part 1: This one is a Smallville/Beauty and the Beast xover. Ships: Clana (of course), Lex/Patricia, Pete/OC, Byron/OC and VinCat.

Notes Part 2: The characters from Smallville belong to DC and the CW. The characters from Beauty and the Beast belong to the CW. All other characters are fictional and of my own creation. As this is my first attempt at writing Beauty and the Beast fic, comments would be appreciated! Thanks!

Chapter 1

[Kent Farm—Two Months Following Relapse]

The late summer afternoon lingered in western Kansas. Humidity's shroud dampened the residents with sweat and moisture. The sun blazed even as it sank low toward its western rest. A solid storm front hovered over the descending fireball. The high grass swayed ever so slightly in the breeze picking up from that direction.

Sure signs of an impending storm and potential havoc….

Lana stood in the Loft window and breathed deeply of the approaching storm's coolness. She threw her hands back while savoring the oasis of tranquility in a sea of frenetic activity. Summer school had ended along with the threat of back schoolwork for her and Clark both. Still work weighed on them and their friends.

The farm required a lot of oversight with Jonathan still in Kansas City and Martha's frequent trips up there.

The Talon bustled as usual. In addition to the coffee, smoothies, fraps and mochas flowed toward customers. Even with Miranda and Samantha Cooper's help on the floor, Lana struggled to keep up with the orders and the bookkeeping.

And this was during summer. What would she do when school started again in three weeks?

What indeed?

She closed her eyes and allowed her super hearing to glean out sounds and the sounds within the sounds. She could hear a cricket over a mile away. Squirrels chittered in the woods as they sought shelter. A few bees buzzed about their hives.

Natura played its symphony for her.

She smiled warmly in response.

"Now that is what I like."

She grinned widely at the speaker's voice. "And what pray tell is that, Mr. Kent?" She wheeled around to find her Plaid Knight watching her from the top of the stairs.

He shrugged nonchalantly while walking toward her. "Nothing much. Just saw a princess in her tower. Thought she might need something."

"Oh really?" she supposed with a saucy lilt to her voice. She embraced him. "And what do you think that would be?"

"I have a good guess." He smirked before locking his lips onto hers. Their Kryptonian empathy boosted the romantic thread between themselves. Their love strummed Amor's harp producing an exquisite lyrical companion to their backdrop. Energy flowed between them. His eyes met hers. They hovered in midair floating on the increasing breeze. "Besides we have a surprise."

"Oh? And what is that?" she inquired. "You're not going to get me more chocolate. Any more and I'll break out."

He shook his head. "Dinner actually. Want some fresh seafood? Lex just called." He waved his cell phone in the air.

"Clark, we need to practice before the rain gets here. You promised we'd get some flying time in," she insisted.

"Oh we will. The restaurant's in New York. He and Patricia are there talking to Dr. Swann about things. They invited us to join them. We have everything set here. Why not?" he elaborated.

She weighed the offer in front of her. "So you get us dinner and practice?"

"On top of a double date and free food. Free good food," he continued.

"I think I can trust Lex not to let us down."

He quirked an eyebrow at her. "As if I would?"

"Not now." She pecked him on the cheek before zipping back and forth from the house. In a few seconds' time, she'd changed into her best white blouse and charcoal slacks. "Still slow, Clark."

He sighed and rolled his eyes before zipping off to do the same.

["I saw that!"] she cracked telepathically.

A minute later he stood before her in a grey button down shirt and black slacks. "Had to find something I liked." He strode over toward the Loft door. "Ready?" He held his hand out.

"For a flight with you? Twist my arm," she teased as she clasped his hand in hers.

Together they flexed their legs and streaked skyward into the Kansas sky. They soared higher and higher putting the clouds between themselves and any potential witnesses below. As in the practice sessions over the previous couple of months, they remembered to treat the air and wind like water….

Flying was like a sort of swimming with less resistance and a lot of concentration….

"I love this!" she exclaimed happily.

He nodded anxiously. While still dealing with his discomfort of heights, he was getting increasingly okay with doing it. "Glad you're having fun."

"It's okay, Clark. Let go!" she urged to reassure him. She did a loop-the-loop and pressed on ahead.

He nodded and managed a smile. The night was having the effect he hoped for….

[Café Browhaven, Ryetown, Long Island—ten minutes later]

Lex checked his watch as he and Patricia Swann waited out in front of the restaurant. Unlike in Kansas, not a cloud floated in the sky to obscure the moon or stars above. A gentle breeze with a hint of approaching autumn kissed their cheeks.

"We have a few minutes yet, Lex. It'll be okay," she assured him.

"I know. They're still breaking in their wheels though. First long trip for them both," he worried.

"Dad's got an eye on it. So does David, I'm sure," she noted purposefully. Seeing the teens in question approaching them, she pointed straight ahead. "You see?"

Lex nodded. "Sorry. I want everyone safe." He walked over. "Hey, Guys. How'd it go?"

"No problems. It's a great view all the way," Lana replied pleasantly.

"Loved sunset. Nearly got into it with a flock of seagulls though," Clark added. "Glad to get that long first one behind us."

"All the more reason to celebrate. Right, Guys?" Lex supposed. "Follow us. Dinner awaits."

"Where's your Dad, Ms. Swann?" Lana wondered.

"He's at the observatory but sends his regards. Great job, both of you," Patricia complimented as they headed into the restaurant.

Dinner and wonders awaited. If only they could last…..