Action
Author's Note: This takes place in between the episodes "Crush" and "Obscura"
"Welcome students." Vice Principal Griswald said into the microphone at the podium, his voice had been elevated throughout the gymnasium, his chocolate shaded orbs glancing upon the many faces he'd come to known over the short time he had been there.
The voices of the crowd had seemed to gradually dissipate once the serious expression of
Principal Kwan had been thrown to them.
"I'm pleased to announce, that Smallville High will be holding it's first annual Film
Festival." Vice Principal Griswald had a look of almost nobility, glad to know that this activity might
help the students find their path in life.
"All those who wish to enter may sign up right there in the corner with Mr. Morrissey."
Principal Reynolds pointed his finger in order to indicate where he had been speaking.
"The films must be no longer then two and a half hours, and must be turned in no later
then three weeks from now. I hope to see many of you participate in this experience." Vice Principal Griswald's features had kept their noble yet powerful disposition. Within seconds the school bell pierced the air, it was time to go home.
The clatter of rising students drowned out the remainder of the bell, Clark, Chloe and
Pete beginning to exit their row of seats.
"Well..that was a nice kill of 5 minutes." Chloe stated rather dryly. It was a shame that it
hadn't lasted longer, it would've cut into her chemistry class.
"At least we got to miss the end of last period. I think Mrs. Marselle was about to assign a
report." Clark added in with a thankful jerk of his head.
"You two gonna enter?" Pete queried as the three had begun to approach the exit of the
gym.
"I don't think so..I'm already swamped as it is with the Torch. Besides, the whole
Dawson film-maker dream isn't really my forte'." Chloe gripped the strap of her black messenger
bag with one hand, it hanging before her green, form fitting coat.
Clark added in a gentle laugh at Chloe's skill full pop reference add in.
"What about you Clark?" Pete asked, right before his eyes had soon brought themselves
to the direction that Clark had been staring in; his dream girl Lana Lang accompanied by
one of her friends.
Chloe too had dragged her look towards Lana. A hint of bitterness overtook her pert features, as light hues
raised themselves to view Clark's dopey stare.
"Hey, maybe Clark could do a re-make of Romeo and Juliet. Three guess on who he'd cast as Juliet." Pete grinned playfully, always happy to torment Clark's unrequited love.
As the three had just about reached the main entrance and exit of the gym, Pete slapped
his hand to Clark's shoulder, a signal for him to stop, assuming Chloe would do the same as well.
"Guys, I think I'm gonna sign up." Pete almost sounded a bit uncertain, his lips hugging
each other forcefully. He gazed at the sign up booth longingly, awaiting for input by his two best
friends.
"That's a great idea Pete." Clark encouraged, despite the barb Pete had taken at his
expense just a short time ago.
"Hold on Spielberg." Chloe arched a brow, breaking off. "It takes a little more then a
sudden life long dream and an idea to pick up girls to become a film-maker." She shook her head
again, soft blonde bangs gained small movement across the right side of her forehead.
"Come on Chloe, how hard can it be?" Pete asked, this time having an air of confidence.
"Well, for one thing I think you'd need to have an idea for one first." Chloe let out a
gentle laugh. Leading the other two away from the opening to let the departing students leave.
"For your information, I have an idea. Imagine it." Pete looked up with an exaggerated
hopefulness. "You got your classic horror movie, mix it in with some romance and nudity, and
you got a hit!" Pete laughed, looking to Clark.
"Sounds..good." Clark said hesitantly, he and Chloe now following Pete to the sign up booth.
"Who're you planning on casting for your campy masterpiece?" Chloe asked.
"Why my two best pals of course." Pete stated jauntily.
Legs clad in a pair of dark blue denim jeans, had carried him to the front of the small
stand, his hand released the strap of his backpack. Beside him was Joseph Lawry.
He dutifully scrawled his name upon the sign up sheet. Afterm ge stepped out of place past Joseph and to his best
friends.
All three had exited the gymnasium, and trekked down the emptying hallway.
"You know Pete, after I proofread a few articles I could help you out on your script."
Chloe offered, throwing him a sideglance.
"Cool." Pete said, clearly content that someone was willing to help him out.
"Alright, then we can work on it after school. I'm a real badass when it comes to proofreading, so it shouldn't take long." Chloe mused.
"I'd help out if I could, but I promised my mom I'd help deliver some of her produce." Clark said a bit remorsefully.
"It's ok Clark. Since you're my boy and all, I figure you can have the starring role." Pete glanced upwards to his friend as the trio had stopped at the foot of a stairway that led to an upper level of the school.
"Pete, I don't know..I've never really acted." Clark said, his mind not being able to process him acting.
"It's not that hard Clark, just memorize your lines, say the lines and your done." Pete stated as he and Chloe begun to ascend up the stairway.
"Whatever you say Pete." Clark said, shaking his head with an amused smile while he had approached the exit of the school.
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A soft pace of walk had brought Martha Kent to the dinner table where her husband and son had been seated. Placing down a basket of bread beside the flower centerpiece, she took her seat.
"Finish chopping the wood son?" Jonathan asked, his strong hand bringing a spoonful of mashed potatoes into his mouth.
"Mhm." Clark replied, his mouth already full of the garlic mashed potatoes.
"Good." Jonathan remarked, a hand reaching for his glass of milk to take a quick swig.
"Jonathan, I spoke with Lionel today, and he's agreed to give me an extra $150 bonus." Martha said, almost hesitant due to the fact that Jonathan hadn't been much up for discussion with the Luthors or with her recent job.
Jonathan took in a deep sigh before setting the glass of milk upon the table. He really would prefer if Martha hadn't taken that job, but she was his wife, and he would stand behind her no matter what she did. The bonus hadn't been that bad of an idea either..though he knew it would have that sallow tint knowing it came from one of the Luthors.
"That's great honey." Jonathan said, slightly forcing a small smile.
Soon enough, a small knock at the kitchen door had diverted their gazes from the small adequate dinner to the image of Pete standing outside. Clark suddenly arose from his seat, taking the door to allow Pete in.
"Hey Pete." Clark said, a bit curious as to why Pete had come over this late.
"Hey man." Pete greeted him.
Three stacks of papers had been held beside the side of Pete's tanned coat, the young boy allowing himself closer towards Jonathan and Martha.
"Hi Mr. And Mrs. Kent." Pete greeted them too, letting his tiers curl upwards in a polite fashion.
"Hi Pete." Jonathan said, his upper body turned to view him fully. "What brings you here?"
"They're having this film festival type thing at school, and I came here to drop off the script Chloe and I worked on today." Pete said, now handing Clark one of the scripts.
The smooth piece of paper that had been titled "Love Hurts". Clark had briefly thumbed through the stapled, semi thick papers.
"Chloe and I came up with an idea, and Clark, I want you to play James." Pete said, half hoping that Clark would say yes, but half knowing that he would.
Clark had still had his doubts that he would be able to pull off acting, but since Pete seemed so interested, he just offered a gentle nod.
"Mr. And Mrs. Kent." Pete broke off, stepping towards the table. "I kinda have a favor to ask you."
"Sure Pete, anything." Martha said almost offended. Pete had been one of Clark's closest friends ever since she could remember.
"I was kind of hoping you and Mr. Kent would play the two parents in my movie.." Pete said this with a sort of reservedness.
"We'd be flattered...right Jonathan..?" Martha gave an enthusiastic nod, giving a small glance towards Jonathan.
"Sure." Jonathan said, taking in a breath.
"Great." Pete said, he carefully handed the two remaining scripts over towards Martha and Jonathan.
"You'd be perfect to play Serena's mom and dad." Pete rubbed his hands together habitually in small eagerness.
Clark had now been thumbing through the pages again, his eyes shifting towards the characters and who would be playing them. His brows had lifted once he had seen both Chloe and Lana's names on it. Still having no idea what exactly the movie was about, he kept quiet on that matter.
"How are you planning on shooting this?" Jonathan asked.
"Oh, I have my old brother's video camera. Typical how I get the hand-me-downs. Plus my mom says it's less dangerous then dirt bike riding to show my self expression."
"Well I'd have to agree with her." Martha dutifully added in.
"You've already got the whole cast?" Clark asked before putting his script on the kitchen countertop.
"What can I say, I'm a persuasive guy." Pete grinned, his pearly whites showing between his lips. "Anyhow I gotta run. Thanks Clark." Pete slapped his hand against Clark's shoulder lightly, then brought his gaze towards Martha and Jonathan. "Mr. And Mrs. Kent." Pete said respectfully. With that Pete turned around fluidly and, exited out of the kitchen.
Clark soon brought himself back to his seat at the table, and pressed his lips curtly in a small smile towards his parents. For some reason he couldn't picture the Kent Family acting.
"This sounds like fun." Martha nodded once more, before placing the script beside her plate.
"Right...fun." Clark said, a hint of uncertainty lingering in his voice.
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Lana gripped a square shaped tray which lay beneath two mugs of coffee, careful footsteps bringing the brunette towards a table near the front counter.
"Here you go." Lana smiled, nodding before she turned to place the tray back onto the front tray.
Among the occupants of the Talon were Pete, Chloe, Clark, Erica Fox, and Tony Blake, all of them placed at the a magenta colored table. An array of scripts, video equipment and coffee mugs were placed about the surface of it. Clark had already gotten a chance to review the script along with the others and he had to admit that filming some of those scenes would be reasonably uncomfortable. Lana's character Samantha had been his characters ex-girlfriend, and Chloe's character Serena had supposed to be his new girlfriend...of course he hadn't voiced any of his opinions on the subject, knowing that it was just acting.
"So, what exactly is the plot of this whole thing again?" Erica questioned.
Pete took in a small breath, and set his call sheet schedule on top of a copy of the script.
"The couple James and Samantha break up, then James goes out with Serena, then Serena's parents and friends start to die, but we don't know who the killer is." Pete summed it up quickly. He felt a bit anxious to just get this project up and rolling.
"So I play...Serena's friend..Alex..right?" Tony Blake asked for verification.
"Yeah." Pete said before his almond shaped hues caught sight of Joe Lawry who had just entered the Talon.
"When do we start shooting?" Chloe asked, her orbs had been transfixed upon the first few scenes. She hadn't heard a response, so she looked up towards Pete, who seemed to have his attention elsewhere.
"Pete." Clark said, he too had noticed Pete's distraction.
"Clark, you know Joe Lawry?" Pete asked, trying to keep his stare discreet.
"Kind of..I guess. Why?" Clark replied.
" 'Cause..." Pete broke off with some uneasiness. "Yesterday when I was going to get some of my equipment..he kind of showed his competitive side about this whole film competition." Pete had finally settled his look to Clark.
"I guess some people are just like that.." Clark said, giving a casual shrug.
"So when do we start shooting Pete?" Chloe broke in and arched her brow.
Pete had now distributed the call sheets, that told of who was to show up at what time in what scene etc.
"You Clark and Lana have to show up here after the Talon closes. Lana agreed to let me use this as a set." Pete said.
Lana had now made herself towards the table, her flat palms had wiped themselves against the back pockets of her form fitting denim jeans.
"Right" Lana broke in. She stood with her hands in her back-pockets.
"Here's your call sheet." Pete said, he handed it to her gently.
"Thanks." Lana offered a polite smile before she turned her head to the side, realizing that someone was in need of service. "If you guys'll excuse me, duty calls." Lana said with a gentle laugh.
Lana momentarily set the sheet upon the front counter. She removed her hands from the back pockets and made herself over towards the table. Joe Lawry had been waiting at the counter after making his order. Joe was a bit curious as to what Pete was planning for his project. A horror movie was all he had known, and that seemed to be the classic, campy, aspiring film maker's dream, or at least he thought so. Lana placing her call sheet on the counter had caught his eye. He eyed it a bit warily, catching a simple glance of it. Film making had been his dream and he was determined to win this competition.
He craned his neck casually, checking to see if anyone had been looking towards the counter. He slid his hand carefully over the smooth countertop and stuffed the paper into his coat pocket.
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Clark stepped inside of Lex's main office a bit timidly. He let his eyes wander to the familiar decor before he spotted Lex casually shooting a game of pool.
"Hey Lex." Clark greeted him with a small smile.
"Clark. Just the person I wanted to see." Lex said while placing the pool stick down upon the pool table.
"Really.." Clark said. "What's up?" He did his best to try and hide any feelings of worry. He'd always gotten a little scared whenever Lex had alluded to something that would cause the need for serious conversation.
"I spoke to Principal Reynolds a few weeks ago, and offered to make a charitable donation.." Lex broke off, sauntering over towards his desk in order to view a few manilla folders. "Of course..him having his admirable sense of nobility wouldn't accept. That is until I offered to run a film festival. I just wanted to see if he had followed through on that."
"That's just what I came over to ask you about..." Clark said.
"Really." Lex said. He finally brought his gaze towards Clark. "What seems to be the problem?"
"See, Pete's entered and well..I'm pretty sure that his budget is kinda low..so..I was kind of wondering-''
"Sure." Lex said.
"Um..great." Clark said enthusiastically although he'd been a bit stunned as to how quick and inviting Lex had been.
"Not that it's any of my business, but why wouldn't Pete come to me himself?" Lex questioned.
Clark seemed to wince a little, not wanting to bring up Pete and the Ross' family hatred for the Luthors.
"His family isn't too fond of the Luthors." Clark said slowly.
"I see.." Lex said and pondered momentarily. He let the moment pass and was soon behind his desk, rummaging through the surface's contents.
Clark didn't like Lex's ambiguity so he had tried to veer the conversation in another direction, although he still wondered how he would get the money for Pete.
"So Lex, are you going to be hosting the event?" Clark asked.
"No." Lex said, finally retrieving a leather bound organizer. "I've entrusted one of my closest plant workers, Alan Lawry. He also happens to be a prominent member of the PTA so it seemed like only a natural choice."
"Yeah...his son Joe goes to Smallville High." Clark said.
"I hear he's quite the film maker. I'm afraid Pete might be up against some stiff competition." Lex said. He concentrated his gaze towards a check he'd just opened and prepared to write.
"As long as he's having fun making it, I think he'll be fine.." Clark said confidently.
"I'm sure." Lex said, before he finally looked up to Clark. "So, how much should I make the check out to be?"
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"Hey." Chloe said, a jovial smile plastered across her face.
"Hey." Clark said just as eagerly, his hands moving their way to the curvatures of Chloe's hips.
Chloe's head leaned upwards, lids closing involuntarily as her lips brushed upon Clark's. No it wasn't a dream, or at least, that was what she kept on telling herself. Shooting this movie hadn't been as bad as Chloe might've suspected after all.
Lana looked on from behind the counter clearly vexed. Her eyes squinted almost vindictively as she watched 'James' and 'Serena' embrace each other.
"Cut." Pete called out, pulling the headphones off of his ear and gave the signal for a boy who was working the camera to stop filming.
Clark had clearly heard what Pete had said, but his lips had still been moving against Chloe's lips. He loosened his hold upon Chloe's hips, but Chloe had still been gently kissing him. Clark's eyes fluttered open.
"Cut..." Pete repeated, almost laughing as he was clearly aware that Chloe had gotten a little bit carried away.
Lana's tiers shifted in an uncomfortable fashion. Voluntary blinks moistened her eyeballs as she watched the two. Whatever emotion, whether it be jealousy or pain was masked underneath her uncomfortable expression.
Chloe had let go, a bit embarassed as to letting the kiss go on a few seconds longer than it had to have.
"Sorry, I guess I must've just..gotten carried away in the role.." Chloe let her eyes drag down to the floor, half laughing hoping to ease any tension that may have arose.
Clark lifted his eyebrows a bit surprised. He let his look fall upon Lana who had exchanged an almost hurt glance at him. She soon switched her view's direction towards Erica who had come up to ask her a question. Clark bit down on his lower lip, sighing a bit as he realized that Lana had just caught what had happened.
"We made a good amount of headway guys, just a few more scenes to shoot tomorrow. We can all go home."
"Yeah, because going back to my real life is just so much more fun than acting in another..." Tony said grumpily. He didn't want to go home.
"Sorry man." Pete said, as he began to help put away the equipment.
Chloe walked over towards Pete, reviewing a few scenes with him. Meanwhile, Clark had walked over towards Lana, who had just put on her white coat.
"Lana..." Clark said, as if he were about to apologize for something.
"Hi." Lana said after trying to beat her look of hurt down. She feigned a friendly smile while hands had pushed her dark silken hair out from underneath the back of her coat.
Apparently she hadn't been mad. Clark swallowed a bit, before coming to the conclusion that he had nothing to apologize for. Lana was with Whitney, and things with Chloe had been progressing into a more romantic sense...
"I'll see you tomorrow..." Clark said a bit sheepishly. He hadn't really thought of anything good to replace his apologetic statement from before.
"..Yeah." Lana said, nodding before she gave him a small wave good bye.
Lana had begun to approach the exit of the Talon. She crossed over from behind the counter and had stopped suddenly to let two boys who were carrying a piece of lighting equipment to pass by.
A speaker that had happen to lay just above Lana had been supported by a cord. A cord that had been gradually wearing away to its wires, but still managing to keep the speaker suspended all of this time. The speaker's cord had been giving way slowly, as well as others placed sporadically about the ceiling of the Talon.
A small noise had been emanating from the speakers. The speakers hadn't been shut off after the usual cycle of music that plays during the hours it was open. Lana now just catching wind of the problem looked up to see if she could hear the speaker's small buzzing sound to make sure she had forgotten to shut it off.
She sighed a bit, realizing she'd have to go to the back room and shut off the system. The cord snapped.
"Lana!" Clark yelled from behind the counter. He couldn't use his super speed or else everyone see him, but then again if he didn't, Lana might die.
Author's Note: This takes place in between the episodes "Crush" and "Obscura"
"Welcome students." Vice Principal Griswald said into the microphone at the podium, his voice had been elevated throughout the gymnasium, his chocolate shaded orbs glancing upon the many faces he'd come to known over the short time he had been there.
The voices of the crowd had seemed to gradually dissipate once the serious expression of
Principal Kwan had been thrown to them.
"I'm pleased to announce, that Smallville High will be holding it's first annual Film
Festival." Vice Principal Griswald had a look of almost nobility, glad to know that this activity might
help the students find their path in life.
"All those who wish to enter may sign up right there in the corner with Mr. Morrissey."
Principal Reynolds pointed his finger in order to indicate where he had been speaking.
"The films must be no longer then two and a half hours, and must be turned in no later
then three weeks from now. I hope to see many of you participate in this experience." Vice Principal Griswald's features had kept their noble yet powerful disposition. Within seconds the school bell pierced the air, it was time to go home.
The clatter of rising students drowned out the remainder of the bell, Clark, Chloe and
Pete beginning to exit their row of seats.
"Well..that was a nice kill of 5 minutes." Chloe stated rather dryly. It was a shame that it
hadn't lasted longer, it would've cut into her chemistry class.
"At least we got to miss the end of last period. I think Mrs. Marselle was about to assign a
report." Clark added in with a thankful jerk of his head.
"You two gonna enter?" Pete queried as the three had begun to approach the exit of the
gym.
"I don't think so..I'm already swamped as it is with the Torch. Besides, the whole
Dawson film-maker dream isn't really my forte'." Chloe gripped the strap of her black messenger
bag with one hand, it hanging before her green, form fitting coat.
Clark added in a gentle laugh at Chloe's skill full pop reference add in.
"What about you Clark?" Pete asked, right before his eyes had soon brought themselves
to the direction that Clark had been staring in; his dream girl Lana Lang accompanied by
one of her friends.
Chloe too had dragged her look towards Lana. A hint of bitterness overtook her pert features, as light hues
raised themselves to view Clark's dopey stare.
"Hey, maybe Clark could do a re-make of Romeo and Juliet. Three guess on who he'd cast as Juliet." Pete grinned playfully, always happy to torment Clark's unrequited love.
As the three had just about reached the main entrance and exit of the gym, Pete slapped
his hand to Clark's shoulder, a signal for him to stop, assuming Chloe would do the same as well.
"Guys, I think I'm gonna sign up." Pete almost sounded a bit uncertain, his lips hugging
each other forcefully. He gazed at the sign up booth longingly, awaiting for input by his two best
friends.
"That's a great idea Pete." Clark encouraged, despite the barb Pete had taken at his
expense just a short time ago.
"Hold on Spielberg." Chloe arched a brow, breaking off. "It takes a little more then a
sudden life long dream and an idea to pick up girls to become a film-maker." She shook her head
again, soft blonde bangs gained small movement across the right side of her forehead.
"Come on Chloe, how hard can it be?" Pete asked, this time having an air of confidence.
"Well, for one thing I think you'd need to have an idea for one first." Chloe let out a
gentle laugh. Leading the other two away from the opening to let the departing students leave.
"For your information, I have an idea. Imagine it." Pete looked up with an exaggerated
hopefulness. "You got your classic horror movie, mix it in with some romance and nudity, and
you got a hit!" Pete laughed, looking to Clark.
"Sounds..good." Clark said hesitantly, he and Chloe now following Pete to the sign up booth.
"Who're you planning on casting for your campy masterpiece?" Chloe asked.
"Why my two best pals of course." Pete stated jauntily.
Legs clad in a pair of dark blue denim jeans, had carried him to the front of the small
stand, his hand released the strap of his backpack. Beside him was Joseph Lawry.
He dutifully scrawled his name upon the sign up sheet. Afterm ge stepped out of place past Joseph and to his best
friends.
All three had exited the gymnasium, and trekked down the emptying hallway.
"You know Pete, after I proofread a few articles I could help you out on your script."
Chloe offered, throwing him a sideglance.
"Cool." Pete said, clearly content that someone was willing to help him out.
"Alright, then we can work on it after school. I'm a real badass when it comes to proofreading, so it shouldn't take long." Chloe mused.
"I'd help out if I could, but I promised my mom I'd help deliver some of her produce." Clark said a bit remorsefully.
"It's ok Clark. Since you're my boy and all, I figure you can have the starring role." Pete glanced upwards to his friend as the trio had stopped at the foot of a stairway that led to an upper level of the school.
"Pete, I don't know..I've never really acted." Clark said, his mind not being able to process him acting.
"It's not that hard Clark, just memorize your lines, say the lines and your done." Pete stated as he and Chloe begun to ascend up the stairway.
"Whatever you say Pete." Clark said, shaking his head with an amused smile while he had approached the exit of the school.
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A soft pace of walk had brought Martha Kent to the dinner table where her husband and son had been seated. Placing down a basket of bread beside the flower centerpiece, she took her seat.
"Finish chopping the wood son?" Jonathan asked, his strong hand bringing a spoonful of mashed potatoes into his mouth.
"Mhm." Clark replied, his mouth already full of the garlic mashed potatoes.
"Good." Jonathan remarked, a hand reaching for his glass of milk to take a quick swig.
"Jonathan, I spoke with Lionel today, and he's agreed to give me an extra $150 bonus." Martha said, almost hesitant due to the fact that Jonathan hadn't been much up for discussion with the Luthors or with her recent job.
Jonathan took in a deep sigh before setting the glass of milk upon the table. He really would prefer if Martha hadn't taken that job, but she was his wife, and he would stand behind her no matter what she did. The bonus hadn't been that bad of an idea either..though he knew it would have that sallow tint knowing it came from one of the Luthors.
"That's great honey." Jonathan said, slightly forcing a small smile.
Soon enough, a small knock at the kitchen door had diverted their gazes from the small adequate dinner to the image of Pete standing outside. Clark suddenly arose from his seat, taking the door to allow Pete in.
"Hey Pete." Clark said, a bit curious as to why Pete had come over this late.
"Hey man." Pete greeted him.
Three stacks of papers had been held beside the side of Pete's tanned coat, the young boy allowing himself closer towards Jonathan and Martha.
"Hi Mr. And Mrs. Kent." Pete greeted them too, letting his tiers curl upwards in a polite fashion.
"Hi Pete." Jonathan said, his upper body turned to view him fully. "What brings you here?"
"They're having this film festival type thing at school, and I came here to drop off the script Chloe and I worked on today." Pete said, now handing Clark one of the scripts.
The smooth piece of paper that had been titled "Love Hurts". Clark had briefly thumbed through the stapled, semi thick papers.
"Chloe and I came up with an idea, and Clark, I want you to play James." Pete said, half hoping that Clark would say yes, but half knowing that he would.
Clark had still had his doubts that he would be able to pull off acting, but since Pete seemed so interested, he just offered a gentle nod.
"Mr. And Mrs. Kent." Pete broke off, stepping towards the table. "I kinda have a favor to ask you."
"Sure Pete, anything." Martha said almost offended. Pete had been one of Clark's closest friends ever since she could remember.
"I was kind of hoping you and Mr. Kent would play the two parents in my movie.." Pete said this with a sort of reservedness.
"We'd be flattered...right Jonathan..?" Martha gave an enthusiastic nod, giving a small glance towards Jonathan.
"Sure." Jonathan said, taking in a breath.
"Great." Pete said, he carefully handed the two remaining scripts over towards Martha and Jonathan.
"You'd be perfect to play Serena's mom and dad." Pete rubbed his hands together habitually in small eagerness.
Clark had now been thumbing through the pages again, his eyes shifting towards the characters and who would be playing them. His brows had lifted once he had seen both Chloe and Lana's names on it. Still having no idea what exactly the movie was about, he kept quiet on that matter.
"How are you planning on shooting this?" Jonathan asked.
"Oh, I have my old brother's video camera. Typical how I get the hand-me-downs. Plus my mom says it's less dangerous then dirt bike riding to show my self expression."
"Well I'd have to agree with her." Martha dutifully added in.
"You've already got the whole cast?" Clark asked before putting his script on the kitchen countertop.
"What can I say, I'm a persuasive guy." Pete grinned, his pearly whites showing between his lips. "Anyhow I gotta run. Thanks Clark." Pete slapped his hand against Clark's shoulder lightly, then brought his gaze towards Martha and Jonathan. "Mr. And Mrs. Kent." Pete said respectfully. With that Pete turned around fluidly and, exited out of the kitchen.
Clark soon brought himself back to his seat at the table, and pressed his lips curtly in a small smile towards his parents. For some reason he couldn't picture the Kent Family acting.
"This sounds like fun." Martha nodded once more, before placing the script beside her plate.
"Right...fun." Clark said, a hint of uncertainty lingering in his voice.
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Lana gripped a square shaped tray which lay beneath two mugs of coffee, careful footsteps bringing the brunette towards a table near the front counter.
"Here you go." Lana smiled, nodding before she turned to place the tray back onto the front tray.
Among the occupants of the Talon were Pete, Chloe, Clark, Erica Fox, and Tony Blake, all of them placed at the a magenta colored table. An array of scripts, video equipment and coffee mugs were placed about the surface of it. Clark had already gotten a chance to review the script along with the others and he had to admit that filming some of those scenes would be reasonably uncomfortable. Lana's character Samantha had been his characters ex-girlfriend, and Chloe's character Serena had supposed to be his new girlfriend...of course he hadn't voiced any of his opinions on the subject, knowing that it was just acting.
"So, what exactly is the plot of this whole thing again?" Erica questioned.
Pete took in a small breath, and set his call sheet schedule on top of a copy of the script.
"The couple James and Samantha break up, then James goes out with Serena, then Serena's parents and friends start to die, but we don't know who the killer is." Pete summed it up quickly. He felt a bit anxious to just get this project up and rolling.
"So I play...Serena's friend..Alex..right?" Tony Blake asked for verification.
"Yeah." Pete said before his almond shaped hues caught sight of Joe Lawry who had just entered the Talon.
"When do we start shooting?" Chloe asked, her orbs had been transfixed upon the first few scenes. She hadn't heard a response, so she looked up towards Pete, who seemed to have his attention elsewhere.
"Pete." Clark said, he too had noticed Pete's distraction.
"Clark, you know Joe Lawry?" Pete asked, trying to keep his stare discreet.
"Kind of..I guess. Why?" Clark replied.
" 'Cause..." Pete broke off with some uneasiness. "Yesterday when I was going to get some of my equipment..he kind of showed his competitive side about this whole film competition." Pete had finally settled his look to Clark.
"I guess some people are just like that.." Clark said, giving a casual shrug.
"So when do we start shooting Pete?" Chloe broke in and arched her brow.
Pete had now distributed the call sheets, that told of who was to show up at what time in what scene etc.
"You Clark and Lana have to show up here after the Talon closes. Lana agreed to let me use this as a set." Pete said.
Lana had now made herself towards the table, her flat palms had wiped themselves against the back pockets of her form fitting denim jeans.
"Right" Lana broke in. She stood with her hands in her back-pockets.
"Here's your call sheet." Pete said, he handed it to her gently.
"Thanks." Lana offered a polite smile before she turned her head to the side, realizing that someone was in need of service. "If you guys'll excuse me, duty calls." Lana said with a gentle laugh.
Lana momentarily set the sheet upon the front counter. She removed her hands from the back pockets and made herself over towards the table. Joe Lawry had been waiting at the counter after making his order. Joe was a bit curious as to what Pete was planning for his project. A horror movie was all he had known, and that seemed to be the classic, campy, aspiring film maker's dream, or at least he thought so. Lana placing her call sheet on the counter had caught his eye. He eyed it a bit warily, catching a simple glance of it. Film making had been his dream and he was determined to win this competition.
He craned his neck casually, checking to see if anyone had been looking towards the counter. He slid his hand carefully over the smooth countertop and stuffed the paper into his coat pocket.
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Clark stepped inside of Lex's main office a bit timidly. He let his eyes wander to the familiar decor before he spotted Lex casually shooting a game of pool.
"Hey Lex." Clark greeted him with a small smile.
"Clark. Just the person I wanted to see." Lex said while placing the pool stick down upon the pool table.
"Really.." Clark said. "What's up?" He did his best to try and hide any feelings of worry. He'd always gotten a little scared whenever Lex had alluded to something that would cause the need for serious conversation.
"I spoke to Principal Reynolds a few weeks ago, and offered to make a charitable donation.." Lex broke off, sauntering over towards his desk in order to view a few manilla folders. "Of course..him having his admirable sense of nobility wouldn't accept. That is until I offered to run a film festival. I just wanted to see if he had followed through on that."
"That's just what I came over to ask you about..." Clark said.
"Really." Lex said. He finally brought his gaze towards Clark. "What seems to be the problem?"
"See, Pete's entered and well..I'm pretty sure that his budget is kinda low..so..I was kind of wondering-''
"Sure." Lex said.
"Um..great." Clark said enthusiastically although he'd been a bit stunned as to how quick and inviting Lex had been.
"Not that it's any of my business, but why wouldn't Pete come to me himself?" Lex questioned.
Clark seemed to wince a little, not wanting to bring up Pete and the Ross' family hatred for the Luthors.
"His family isn't too fond of the Luthors." Clark said slowly.
"I see.." Lex said and pondered momentarily. He let the moment pass and was soon behind his desk, rummaging through the surface's contents.
Clark didn't like Lex's ambiguity so he had tried to veer the conversation in another direction, although he still wondered how he would get the money for Pete.
"So Lex, are you going to be hosting the event?" Clark asked.
"No." Lex said, finally retrieving a leather bound organizer. "I've entrusted one of my closest plant workers, Alan Lawry. He also happens to be a prominent member of the PTA so it seemed like only a natural choice."
"Yeah...his son Joe goes to Smallville High." Clark said.
"I hear he's quite the film maker. I'm afraid Pete might be up against some stiff competition." Lex said. He concentrated his gaze towards a check he'd just opened and prepared to write.
"As long as he's having fun making it, I think he'll be fine.." Clark said confidently.
"I'm sure." Lex said, before he finally looked up to Clark. "So, how much should I make the check out to be?"
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"Hey." Chloe said, a jovial smile plastered across her face.
"Hey." Clark said just as eagerly, his hands moving their way to the curvatures of Chloe's hips.
Chloe's head leaned upwards, lids closing involuntarily as her lips brushed upon Clark's. No it wasn't a dream, or at least, that was what she kept on telling herself. Shooting this movie hadn't been as bad as Chloe might've suspected after all.
Lana looked on from behind the counter clearly vexed. Her eyes squinted almost vindictively as she watched 'James' and 'Serena' embrace each other.
"Cut." Pete called out, pulling the headphones off of his ear and gave the signal for a boy who was working the camera to stop filming.
Clark had clearly heard what Pete had said, but his lips had still been moving against Chloe's lips. He loosened his hold upon Chloe's hips, but Chloe had still been gently kissing him. Clark's eyes fluttered open.
"Cut..." Pete repeated, almost laughing as he was clearly aware that Chloe had gotten a little bit carried away.
Lana's tiers shifted in an uncomfortable fashion. Voluntary blinks moistened her eyeballs as she watched the two. Whatever emotion, whether it be jealousy or pain was masked underneath her uncomfortable expression.
Chloe had let go, a bit embarassed as to letting the kiss go on a few seconds longer than it had to have.
"Sorry, I guess I must've just..gotten carried away in the role.." Chloe let her eyes drag down to the floor, half laughing hoping to ease any tension that may have arose.
Clark lifted his eyebrows a bit surprised. He let his look fall upon Lana who had exchanged an almost hurt glance at him. She soon switched her view's direction towards Erica who had come up to ask her a question. Clark bit down on his lower lip, sighing a bit as he realized that Lana had just caught what had happened.
"We made a good amount of headway guys, just a few more scenes to shoot tomorrow. We can all go home."
"Yeah, because going back to my real life is just so much more fun than acting in another..." Tony said grumpily. He didn't want to go home.
"Sorry man." Pete said, as he began to help put away the equipment.
Chloe walked over towards Pete, reviewing a few scenes with him. Meanwhile, Clark had walked over towards Lana, who had just put on her white coat.
"Lana..." Clark said, as if he were about to apologize for something.
"Hi." Lana said after trying to beat her look of hurt down. She feigned a friendly smile while hands had pushed her dark silken hair out from underneath the back of her coat.
Apparently she hadn't been mad. Clark swallowed a bit, before coming to the conclusion that he had nothing to apologize for. Lana was with Whitney, and things with Chloe had been progressing into a more romantic sense...
"I'll see you tomorrow..." Clark said a bit sheepishly. He hadn't really thought of anything good to replace his apologetic statement from before.
"..Yeah." Lana said, nodding before she gave him a small wave good bye.
Lana had begun to approach the exit of the Talon. She crossed over from behind the counter and had stopped suddenly to let two boys who were carrying a piece of lighting equipment to pass by.
A speaker that had happen to lay just above Lana had been supported by a cord. A cord that had been gradually wearing away to its wires, but still managing to keep the speaker suspended all of this time. The speaker's cord had been giving way slowly, as well as others placed sporadically about the ceiling of the Talon.
A small noise had been emanating from the speakers. The speakers hadn't been shut off after the usual cycle of music that plays during the hours it was open. Lana now just catching wind of the problem looked up to see if she could hear the speaker's small buzzing sound to make sure she had forgotten to shut it off.
She sighed a bit, realizing she'd have to go to the back room and shut off the system. The cord snapped.
"Lana!" Clark yelled from behind the counter. He couldn't use his super speed or else everyone see him, but then again if he didn't, Lana might die.