Note: This story takes place after Unsafe, and diverges from that point.

After hurrying through the rain, Alicia nervously followed Clark into The Talon. Facing the elements seemed far less daunting a task than what lay before her. Her cheeks reddened slightly as a hush fell over the coffee shop. There were a few whispered comments that she didn't quite pick up; she supposed Clark, with his enhanced hearing, would have heard everything. For her, they were left up to imagination. Clark squeezed her hand to show support, offering her a soft smile.

"We're not going to let it bother us," he said. She appreciated the way he said 'us', but she knew it was her they were judging. None of them had any idea about Clark's powers; the worst they were accusing him of was falling for the wrong girl. And how many men hadn't managed that?

Clark's smile froze as he saw Lana at the counter. The slender brunette was glaring at her, while her boyfriend's eyes were locked on Clark. Tossing her hair back, Lana hurried up the stairs to the apartment she dwelled in these days. Jason hesitated a moment, clearly contemplating saying something, before he followed her.

"Well, I suppose that went as well as could be expected," said a voice full of sympathy. Alicia was surprised to see Lex Luthor sitting casually sipping a cappuccino. She knew Clark was friends with Lex – no-one around here didn't – but she had never met him in person. Until now. She'd met his father once on a school trip, the day Clark revealed his powers to her, and she revealed hers to him. Lionel had said then that knowing when to break the rules was considered a prerequisite for success. It was advice she had later followed when it came to Clark, something she now deeply regretted. Lex seemed more genuine than his father and was fairly cute, she thought, not that she had eyes for anyone other than Clark. If his body appeared somewhat wiry, it concealed a much larger presence within.

"Lex, hi," said Clark, wrapping his arm around her waist. Despite everything, it felt good to have Clark hold her. "I guess you know already, but this is Alicia Baker. Alicia, meet Lex Luthor."

The introduction he gave was casual, as if people bumped into billionaires everyday. Or for that matter, met people who could teleport. Lex smiled and gestured for them both to sit. Clark pulled her chair out for her, while Lex nodded at a newspaper laid out on the table. She flinched as she saw her picture on the cover.

"I guess we both know each other by reputation," he said, noting Alicia's reaction. "Don't worry; I understand how you feel. People can be rather… small-minded. Personally I prefer to keep mine open."

"Uh, thanks," said Alicia shyly. "It's been pretty hard, with only Clark believing in me. Not that he hasn't been great."

"There's no-one better to have in your corner, believe me," said Lex, causing Clark to give an embarrassed smile. "I know first hand about the stigma attached to mental illness. Not so much about the stigma attached to teleporting, I guess."

"You haven't introduced us to your friend," said Clark, referring to a dark haired young man sitting next to them. Sharply dressed in dark clothing that heightened the paleness of his skin, he carried a confidence that set him apart from a mere lackey.

"He's a business associate," corrected Lex.

"Pleased to meet you both. My name's David," the man said, offering his hand to first Clark, then Alicia. If he was bothered by her, he didn't show it. She figured he was probably following Lex's cue.

"Of course, you can't teleport now, can you?" asked Lex, as though he had never been interrupted.

"No, the doctors gave me a lead bracelet to stop me from using my powers," she said slowly. Lex was looking at her like he knew, which was impossible. She'd removed the bracelet only a day before – thus breaking the conditions of her probation. Not even Clark knew about it yet. She wanted to tell him, but she wasn't sure he'd understand. Since her release, she felt she had pushed the limits of his understanding far enough.

"Well, maybe I'll see you around," said David, getting to his feet. "Lex, I'll call you later."

Lex, merely nodding in acknowledgement, quickly turned his attention back to Alicia.

Clark wasn't sure he liked Lex's interest in Alicia; he found himself distrusting his motives. He knew just how obsessed the billionaire could be around people with special abilities. What Lex said could be genuine of course… but if anything, Clark would have expected him to be protective of Lana. At times, Lex could be just as sheltering of Lana as Jason… or he himself was. And Lex didn't know Alicia like he did. He determined then that it might be best if he kept the two apart as much as possible. Which he realised wasn't going to be easy. Alicia, having apparently found an ally, looked more at ease than he'd seen her in days.

After Lex excused himself, explaining he had work to do, Alicia raised her head to him. The instruction was clear, even to a farm boy; she wanted to be kissed. Clark had no intention of disobeying. All these years he'd felt alone. The worst part was thinking of all those years ahead, years he'd been certain he would remain… incomplete. Carrying the fear that no-one would accept him for who he really was. But as long as those odds had seemed, he'd found someone who did. As if that wasn't enough, she also happened to be one of the most stunning girls he'd ever met.

"Lex seems like a really nice guy. I wondered how the two of you could be friends," said Alicia, taking a small bite of shortcake.

"You need to be careful around him. I know you're happy to have someone not judging you, but…"

Clark trailed off. Explaining that Lex had investigated him was not a wise move when half the place was probably listening in. He needed to be careful or his picture would be alongside Alicia's on the newspaper, he realised. The thought also made him feel guilty somehow – it felt unfair that this should be on Alicia's shoulders alone.

"I'll explain later," he said, brushing her cheek. She nodded, and Clark knew that she would listen to what he told her carefully. She trusted him completely; it made him even more determined to take care of her.

David also made a point of taking great care around Lex Luthor. The greatest trick the devil ever pulled, he reflected, was in making mankind believe he didn't exist. He took measures to ensure he wasn't being followed. Casually turning into an alley, he saw Julia waiting for him. Locking a big fake smile on his face that he'd even practised, he gave her a brief kiss, pulling her under his umbrella. She was dripping wet, shivering slightly as he held her.

"Guess who I bumped into at The Talon?" he asked, raising an eyebrow. He observed the anger in her eyes with satisfaction. It made her so easy to manipulate.

"So she's showing her face in public already," muttered Julia.

"Yeah. I think Lex wants to move ahead right away."

"Level 33.1?"

"I suppose she'll feel right at home there. But I think Luthor's agenda is different this time, somehow. I don't think he views Alicia as just another meteor freak."

"If she's under Luthor's protection…"

He rubbed her shoulders soothingly. The last thing he needed was for her to have doubts now.

"I'll handle Luthor. Don't worry; Alicia will pay for what she did to your brother. She's going to pay double."