Disclaimor: Hey I don't own anybody or anything related to superheroes or
characters in general…Man I wish I did though
Spoilers: None that I know of. This is post Smallville….but I am using the Characters
Premise: Okay, I wrote Speed….got finished and decided I didn't want to stop. So I kept writing. This is beyond the scope of Smallville I guess….college, tights etc anyways enjoy!
Note to the readers (if any) Just fair warning I will jump around quite a bit when it comes to time. This thing will be linear but most of the more boring stuff I will just refer too. I am gonna hit the highlights of the characters lives. Just a warning and if it gets too confusing please say so in a review! And for those of u who read Speed….The Prologue should look familiar….
Prologue
……Smallville High……..
……Graduation Three Years After the Spring Formal Tornados…….
The yells were joyful as the graduating seniors flung their hats at the sky, the sun shinning over the Outdoor Smallville High graduation ceremony. Some students attempted to catch their hats, some were too busy, especially a short blond and her much taller brown haired companion.
"Guys get a room!" yelled Pete as he grabbed his friends by the shoulders as they separated, ending the kiss.
"One of these days," Chloe grinned as she winked at Clark, and he blushed. She smiled, after three years together he still blushed. Pete walked away laughing after hugging Chloe and shaking Clark's hand.
"We're still celebrating tonight, right?" asked Chloe as the couple walked hand in hand toward where their folks were waiting.
"Mom's making more food than I have ever seen in my life," said Clark. "Your Dad's coming?"
"It took some convincing," said Chloe. "But I finally got him to come. Looks like Lana beat us here," she noted.
Clark looked up and saw Lana standing beside Nell, Gabe, and Clark's parents. She should have looked happy. Instead she looked disappointed. In the years since the Spring Formal tornado Lana and Steve had kept in touch quite a bit more than either of them had anticipated when he left. Steve had even managed a few trips down for spring breaks to visit. He had promised to try and come to the graduation, but it looked as though he hadn't been able too. Clark knew Lana had been looking forward to seeing him and he wanted to say something to her, but he never got the chance. As soon as his mother caught site of Clark and Chloe she practically tackled him. Chloe made way so she wouldn't be trampled.
"Congratulations honey," said Gabe Sullivan as he hugged his daughter briefly. They had never been close but they still loved each other.
"Thanks Dad." She smiled at him.
"Well I guess I'll offer you mine as well," said Johnathon when Martha showed no signs of releasing their son.
"Thanks Mr. Kent," said Chloe. "Are you sure there's nothing we can bring tonight?"
"No," Clark's father laughed. "I don't think anything else could fit in the house. Now if you'll excuse me I'll go rescue Clark from my wife."
"Lana," said Chloe when Gabe and Nell moved off to talk to other parents. "You all right?"
"Yeah Chloe," said Lana, her voice resigned. "I just thought he'd be here."
Chloe put her hand on Lana's shoulder in sympathy, and Lana smiled at her in gratitude when a familiar voice interrupted them.
"Actually I am here. I was just trying to make it a surprise."
"Steve!" Lana said as she spun from Chloe and ran to him. Throwing her arms about his neck and hugging him as hard as she could, her blue cap lost in the rush "You made it!"
"That I did," said Steve smiling at her when she released him, as he reached down to pick up her cap. "I missed the opening but I did hear your speech."
"You did?" she said as she accepted her cap back from him and set it firmly on her head.
"Yupp," he nodded. "I wouldn't have missed it."
"Well it wasn't actually my speech," admitted Lana. "Chloe wrote most of it."
"Lana!" said Chloe, embarrassed. "I did not. I just helped you phrase it a little."
"I'm sure," said Steve. "How've you been Chlo?"
"Well enough," she smiled at him. Three years had caused many changes in their young friend. He wasn't near as tall as Clark but he had still gained a little height, and his clothes had gone from jeans and t- shirts to slacks and collars. "It's been a while."
"Too long," said Clark from behind them. Steve turned and shook Clark's hand firmly. "When did you get here?"
"Soon enough to see the speech," grinned Steve. "Or she'd have hunted me down." He said pointing to Lana, who gave him a playful shove, her smile bright and constant now. Lana had given one of the speeches at the ceremony and had been terribly nervous about it.
"Steve, Mom says we have room for one more at the table tonight," said Clark. "You interested?"
"For your Mom's cooking, of course," said Steve. "Unless Lana has other plans this evening?"
"Nope I already have my seat reserved," she grinned as she slipped an arm through his. "I don't suppose you need a ride?"
"Actually I do," said Steve smiling. "Took a taxi from Metropolis so I am without a vehicle."
"Then let's go talk to Nell," said Lana already dragging him in that direction. "See you guys tonight!"
"Later," said Steve, laughing as he was dragged off.
"Well I'm glad he made it," said Clark.
"So was she," laughed Chloe. "Think they'll ever get together?"
Clark shrugged. "Who knows? If they do I wish them the best. I, however, have got everything I need right here." He said putting his arm around her.
She smiled at him as they walked toward his parents and her Father. "You know farm boy, I couldn't agree more."
……..Kent Farm…..
….Mid-Afternoon Two Months Later….
The smell of apple pie is just something you have to savor. The young man stood at the screen door of the farmhouse and just smelled. He could hear the baker of the pie humming as she took another pie of the same flavor out of the oven. As she turned from the oven he saw the shadow by the door, and walked to where she could see her visitor.
"Well hello, Stephen," she said in some surprise, "Come in, the door's open."
"Thanks, Mrs. Kent," Steve replied, pulling open the door and walking into the bright sunlit kitchen. "Those smell really good."
"Well if you have a few minutes for them to cool you can have a piece," Martha replied. "Did you finally finish school?"
"Yeah," said Steve sitting down in one of the kitchen chairs. "Thank goodness. So where's Clark and everyone?"
"Pete is off school," reported Martha. "He's getting a head start. Clark, Chloe and Lana are all out at the lake this weekend. They left this morning."
"Really?" said Steve. "I though Clark told me that all the campsites were booked until next month."
"They were," explained Martha, as she cut a piece of pie for her son's friend. "But the big group that had reserved a bunch of them cancelled at the last minute and so the waiting list practically vanished overnight. They threw together a campout yesterday afternoon."
Steve laughed. "Did they forget anything?"
"Nope not that I could tell," said Martha. "If Clark forgot something, Chloe remembered, and if…"
"Chloe forgot he remembered," finished Steve. "If those two were anymore perfect for each other…." Steve shook his head.
"They do seem to be working out don't they?" said Martha with a smile. "Almost three years and no signs of letting up."
"And may they last forever," said Steve quietly, as Martha put a piece of pie in front of him and nodded in agreement.
"Now eat that," she said
Steve grinned and attacked the pie. Looking up when the phone rang.
"Hello?" said Martha. "Hello, Nell. No actually I don't have Chloe's cell number. She did…Hang on" Martha covered the handset and looked at Steve, who just polishing off the pie. "Steve were you planning on going out to the lake?"
"Since that's where they're at yeah," said Steve with a smirk. "Why?
"Apparently Lana forgot a sleeping bag." Martha explained. "They just threw all their stuff in the back of Clark's pickup at her house and rushed off. I doubt they even realize it yet."
"I'll take her one," said Steve "No problem. Is Nell going to bring it over here?"
"Actually I had a better idea," Martha answered going taking her hand off the receiver. "Nell. We have a couple of spares. Actually it's no trouble at all. Steve just showed up and was planning to head out and join them. You're welcome. Bye."
"So is their more than one spare?" asked Steve. "I didn't come packed for campout."
Martha laughed. "Yes we have several. Are your clothes up for a camping trip?" she asked making her way to the closet where the kept the camping gear.
"Should be," replied Steve following her. "I brought stuff for a weekend out on a farm. Shorts, bathing suit, etc."
"Then you'll be fine," she said. "You driving out there?"
"Running will be faster I think," said Steve with a grin. "If you don't mind me leaving my car here."
"Shouldn't be a problem," said Martha, as she shook her head. "I'll never get used to that."
"What?" said Steve as he hefted the sleeping bags.
"You and running," said Martha. "I guess it'll always seem strange to me."
"Anymore than having a son who can see through walls?" laughed Steve, before he turned serious. "I'm sorry to have burdened you with it."
"It's not a burden," said Martha firmly. "It's a relief to know my son isn't alone. Now go on. Or you'll miss all the good swimming weather."
"Yes ma'am," said Steve, turning and blurring his way out the door, leaving behind a gust of wind that brushed through Martha's hair.
……A large lake and Campground outside Smallville……
……Around the same time…..
Lana Lang tried to relax as the sun beat down against her tanning skin. She was lying on the shore next to the cooler and the lunch that the three young people had brought down from their campsite. She was on her back with her sunglasses on and her eyes closed trying to enjoy the afternoon. Clark and Chloe were splashing in the water and laughing. Lana had joined them for a while, but had only been able to hang around the happy couple for so long. It wasn't their fault, they included her and didn't do anything overtly "couple-like" but the subtle looks they sent to each other eventually forced her to escape to solitude.
She missed him. Ever since he had left three years ago, Steve called as often as he could and wrote emails by the ton, just as she did. Each time he came for a visit she was gladder to see him, and every time it got harder to watch him leave. There was no formal declaration between then but she knew he missed her just as much. She wanted to be able to hug him and swing on her front porch snuggled next to him. She sighed, both at her thoughts and the cloud that had suddenly blocked the sun.
"Clark," said Chloe as she stopped splashing him. He was staring at the shore.
"I think our weekend just got a little more pleasant," said Clark.
"Huh?" said Chloe as she turned where her boyfriend was looking. Then she smiled. "Well now, if he doesn't have the absolute best timing I've ever seen."
"Better than mine?" asked Clark with a grin as he swam up and put his arms around her.
Chloe laughed. "Not likely. You're right though, it will definitely make the weekend more pleasant," she added as she watched Steve squat down next to Lana and say something to her.
Clark kissed Chloe on the top of her head. They had both been worried about Lana coming, but they didn't want to leave her out either.
"Come on, let's start moving in that general direction," Clark said, eyeing Chloe's skin with his x-ray vision. "I think your sun block is wearing off anyways."
"All right," she said turning around in his arms. "But slowly. Now that she has company I want some quality time with you."
"I think we can do that," said Clark softly, lifting her up to kiss her.
Back on the shore Lana was beginning to think the cloud was never going to move, when suddenly it moved and she woke up enough to feel a presence next to her. The presence spoke with a voice that made her think she must be dreaming.
"I must have done something right," said Steve looking down at Lana. "Lana Lang laying out in a two piece, looking like she needs some more sun tan lotion."
"Steve??" said Lana as her eyes popped open and she tore her sunglasses off.
"None other." He grinned at her and moved out of his squatting position as she sat up and stared at him. "Been here just long enough to change into my swimsuit. Now where is that sun tan lo…."
Steve's last word was drowned out as she tackled him, knocking him off his feet with the suddenness of her lunge. He carefully levered himself back to his feet, which she was willing to permit. Lana seemed unwilling to let go of him, and truth be told he was just as happy to hold on right back.
"I missed you," she said when they were both upright again.
"And I you," Steve smiled at her. "I'm here now."
"Yeah," Lana grinned. "You are, and not to sound displeased about it, but what are you doing here? You were supposed to have your last final tomorrow."
"I was," said Steve. "But a student from one of the other classes needed to take a final later, so we swapped. The deal didn't go through till the other day so I was cramming madly for the test." He stepped back and eyeballed her bikini. "Of course seeing you in that MORE than makes up for it."
Lana blushed and shoved him into the grass. He landed grinning "Pervert!"
She said with a laugh.
Steve laughed and groveled on his knees. "Can you ever forgive me?"
"Oh I guess," she said as she smacked the top of his head and he stood up. "Just this once."
"So where is the happy couple?" asked Steve as he stood and put his arm around her.
"In the lake last I saw," Lana replied her arm matching his movement. "Looks like they're still there." She added.
"Boiling the water with all that heat," said Steve as he watched the couple kiss.
"They were holding back because of me," said Lana. "I wonder what changed their minds?"
"Either they think you're asleep or they saw me walk up," said Steve. "Clark's pretty hard to get past. In any case separating them can wait. I'm hungry, is there anything left in that cooler?"
"Probably," she said, grinning at him. "And then I say we join them in the water. I'm just dying to get that shirt off of you."
…….The Campsite……
…….Several Hours later……
The four young people trudged up the trail that led to their campsite. They were tired but happy. The day had stayed hot enough for swimming but a breeze had kept it from becoming too hot. The girls were carrying the extra clothes while the boys followed behind. Clark could have carried the chest by himself, but with the lake this crowded the other three had argued that it was better that he not take chances. Clark had shrugged and so he and Steve were doing their best to appear as if the rather large cooler was heavy. The precaution turned out to be well thought of as several families ran past them on the trail back towards the campsites.
"Keys, Clark," said Chloe as soon as the two boys had set the chest down.
"Keys?" said Clark.
"We're gonna need some more ice," said Chloe. "That chest has been sitting out in the sun all day and I bet there's more water in it than ice."
"Oh yeah," said Clark a little sheepishly. "I guess that makes sense."
Chloe smiled at him. "You and Steve here can do the manly thing and set up the tents while we're gone."
"Right," said Steve as he moved over to Clark's pickup, grabbing camping gear and tossing it to the ground. "Lana, you forgot your sleeping bag."
"Huh?" said Lana.
Steve turned his smirk in her direction. "Yeah, I stopped by Clark's when I got to Smallville. Nell called while I was there looking for Chloe's number. Apparently your sleeping bag is still in your room. Clark's mother had some spares, so she drove me out here with them."
"That was nice of her," said Lana in relief. "The ground would have been fairly tough to sleep on."
"No kidding," agreed Chloe as she and Lana climbed into the cab of the truck. "Well see you boys in a few!" she called as they started the car and drove off.
"My mom?" said Clark.
"Well I did stop by your place," said Steve. "I haven't got the nerve to tell her that I just ran them out here faster than most planes can fly."
Clark shook his head. "You know you can't keep it from her forever,"
"I know," said Steve, pausing in his organization of the camping gear and staring down the road. "But this long distance thing could evaporate in a hurry once she meets all those hunks in college."
Clark snorted. "I have trouble seeing that. Do you have any idea how depressed she was till you showed up? Lana cares for you Steve. As you once told me, don't make her find out the hard way."
"I know," sighed Steve. "I'm still trying to find the best way."
"You can do it," Clark encouraged with a grin.
"I hope so," said Steve. "So I guess we're sharing the bigger of these two things?"
"Well actually," said Clark, his face turning slight shade of red. "Chloe and I are sharing one. Lana was going to have one all to herself."
Steve raised an eyebrow at his friend. "Really," he said, the smirk in his voice matching the one on his face. "Well I guess the stars will keep me company. I just hope it doesn't rain."
"We didn't know you were coming," said Clark, still looking slightly embarrassed. "Now that you are here I suppose…"
"The plans will stay exactly the same," said Steve laughing. "Chloe knew about this plan right?"
Clark nodded.
"Then I am not going to ruin something you have both been looking forward too," said Steve firmly. "I've slept without a tent before. Come on let's get started. And make sure your tent is on the opposite side of the campsite." He grinned and laughed at Clark's face.
By the time Chloe and Lana returned with the ice the two boys had the tents up and a fire going. There were just about to start the hot dogs when the truck came rumbling up. Clark sprung up to grab the ice from the bed of the truck as Chloe climbed out of the truck grumbling.
"What's the matter Chloe?" asked Steve as she sat down next to the fire.
"Huh?" she said. "Oh it's Clark's truck. I forget that it's designed for giants like him."
"Ahh," nodded Steve his eye shining with mischief. "Yes he is quite tall isn't he? It's going to be a tight fit in that tent for the two of you isn't it?" Steve watched as Chloe's face went through several levels of embarrassment in less than three seconds.
"He mentioned that did he?" she said.
"He didn't have much choice, Chlo," said Steve laughing. "There are four of us and two tents. I assumed at first that one was for you and Lana, with the other being for him. He set me straight, however."
"So what are we going to do now," asked Chloe, failing to keep the disappointment for her voice. She had Clark had no intentions of doing anything serious in that tent. After three years together the subject of sex had come up on several occasions and both of them had decided that they weren't ready yet for that. Given his origins and gifts there were some unknowns that had to be considered. Chloe had been looking forward to sharing the tent. They had fallen asleep on various couches together while watching movies together, always to be awakened my glaring parents. This had promised to be an uninterrupted evening of that cuddling and now it would have to wait again.
"Plans haven't changed," said Steve when Chloe remained silent. She looked at him in surprise. He nodded at her in understanding. "A night under the stars never hurt anybody."
"You sure?" Chloe asked.
"No problem," Steve grinned at her. "Just remember tents aren't soundproof." He said rising to grab the hot dog buns, leaving her sputtering in his wake.
The campfire had burned down to embers and all the hotdogs and smores were eaten. The stars were out and the moon shone brightly in a clear night sky. The two boys were standing by the embers of the fire while the girls changed clothes in their respective tents. The boys were already changed, and Clarks face was still burning from Chloe's admonishment that he keep his eyes in particular away from either tent. Steve was still chuckling over that one.
"So when do you have to leave for school?" asked Steve shaking off the last of his laughter.
"Another six weeks or so," replied Clark. "Mom has already started organizing my stuff."
"Metropolis U right?"
Clark nodded. "Both Chloe and I got into the Journalism program. Chloe's got a professional internship and probably a job at the Planet waiting for her there." There was no mistaking the pride in his voice.
"You sure Journalism is what you want?"
"Actually I am," said Clark. "Working on the paper these past four years has given me the bug. It's exciting work, although I might turn myself more towards authorship before my career is over."
"There are worse things," said Steve. "I look forward to watching you guys walk down the aisle one of these days."
"You think that'll happen?" asked Clark in some surprise looking at his friend.
"Clark," said Steve pointing as Chloe came out of the tent in shorts and a t-shirt. "If you ever find a woman who completes you more than that one does I will VERY surprised."
"Ready for bed?" asked Chloe as she walked to the boys, Lana emerging from her tent in an outfit similar to Chloe's.
Steve smiled at Chloe's unintended entente. "But it's early," he protested.
"Not if you and Clark are still set on dragging us through those hills for the scenery tomorrow," she disagreed. "Besides I'm worn out from swimming and stuffed with smores."
"Fair enough," said Steve "Goodnight you two."
"Night Lana," said Clark, as she smiled at them and Chloe nodded.
"Night guys," said Chloe slipping her arm through Clark's as the walked towards the tent and disappeared inside.
Steve laughed. "She wants that boy all to herself."
"Can't say I blame her," said Lana. "I've been waiting to be alone with you all day."
Steve raised an eyebrow. Then he noticed that Lana was still wearing her shoes. "Feel like a walk?" he asked.
"Thought you'd never ask," she smiled as she took his hand. Together the two walked toward the trails.
"Two to one says they end up in the same tent by morning," said Chloe impishly her eyes peeking out from the tent's door as the two disappeared into the woods.
"No bet," said Clark as his hands snaked out and grabbed Chloe's waist. One hand pulled her back into the two-man dome tent and the other tickled her ribs through the t-shirt. Chloe yelped as Clark grabbed her and laughed as he tickled her in earnest.
She took advantage of their proximity and kissed him soundly, diverting his attention from his playful assault on her ribs, a few minutes later when they both came up for air Chloe grabbed Clark's hand and rolled over on her side with her back in his chest. They'd unfolded both sleeping bags underneath themselves and had the pillows they'd brought at one end of the makeshift bed. Chloe laid her head on one as Clark pulled her in close, keeping a tight hold on her hand. She sighed as she felt Clark's chin and cheek rest on the top of her head, his other arm snaking under her head to wrap around her as well. Chloe closed her eyes and began to drift into sleep.
Clark lay awake for several minutes more listening to her breathing even out. "I love you Chloe," he whispered into her hair as he felt sleep tug at his eyes. Moments later he was asleep.
…….The Lake shore…..
……Fifteen Minutes Later….
The moonlight shimmered on the lake's calm water. The two teens walked along the shore of the lake, their arms wrapped around each other's waist. They said nothing; merely enjoyed the company too long denied them. They reached a sandy spot with rocks to lean on at sat down.
"I'd offer to put my coat down," said Steve. "But I seem to have left it somewhere else."
Lana smiled. "Sand never hurt anyone." Lana took off her shoes and buried her toes in the still slightly warm sand, leaning back against the rocks. "Sit down, talk to me."
Steve sat down next to her, his feet against the rock so he could look at her. "Any topic in particular?"
"College…us," she said not looking at him.
"Us?" said Steve his voice soft. "Is there an us?"
She sighed, it was painful ground but it needed resolving. "There is an 'us' officially or not. Unless of course I am totally misreading you." Her voice held a certain fear.
"No," said Steve taking her hand and moving closer. "You haven't. I care for you, but I…."
"What?"
"I don't want you putting your emotional life on hold for me," Steve replied, his voice sounding pained. "Or an 'us' that may never be. We've built this relationship, whatever it is," he smiled at her. "Over a long distance, with emails and phone calls and short visits. We've had some good times, but how do we commit to each other with the distance that doesn't show any signs of shrinking?"
"I know," Lana said gripping his hand. "I can't just turn this off. I don't want to turn it off."
"And neither do I," said Steve. "We have to face it though. Living in cities several States apart is no way to build a relationship. There are too many things happening in our lives that we need to pay attention to."
"I know, I know…." She trailed off her eyes becoming glassy.
Steve knew she was going to cry and it tore his heart out that he had caused it. He reached out to caress her cheek, as she leaned her head into the palm of his hand and started to sob he pulled her to him, kissing her tenderly. Her initial response was surprise, but as he sensed a lack of response and was going to pull away she reached out and held him fiercely. They had kissed once or twice before; simple pecks or a kiss on the cheek, this was something else entirely. Passion flared between them as they shared their breath of life and held each other tenderly in the moonlight.
Eventually they pulled back to breath, staring into each other's eyes and seeing a matching wonder for the other that no one on earth had ever been able to explain, or ever would.
"Wow," said Steve softly after catching his breath, she smiled at him, but the smile was sad, knowing it was probably a goodbye.
"I wish…" she trailed off.
"What," he said gently, his hand caressing her cheek.
"That Keystone and Central City were closer," Lana whispered.
"So do…Wait a minute," said Steve abruptly, his face pulling back and his eyes narrowing. "Why Keystone?"
"What do you mean," Lana said startled by his sudden attitude change.
"What's in Keystone?" he asked.
"I am in about two months," she answered.
"I thought you were going to Metropolis U with Clark and Chloe," Steve said, his registering no small amount of shock.
"I was," Lana said, taking in Steve's intense look. "I just found out last week that the scholarship I was going to use had it's funding pulled at Metropolis U because of some faculty scandal. Keystone University was my second choice. What is going on?" she asked unsure why Steve had changed gears so rapidly.
"And what's in Central City?" he asked
"You are," Lana said surprised. "You said that…."
"No…I'm not," Steve interrupted quietly. Lana stared at him.
"But I thought you got accepted to…." Lana said trailing off as Steve stared at her. His eyes sparkled and there were the beginnings of a smile on his lips.
"Accepted yes, going there no," said Steve. "You didn't get my email did you?"
Lana shook her head.
Steve threw back his head and laughed, releasing Lana's hand and laying back on the sand in apparent delight. "Of all the emails we send that one has to get lost. Lana about three weeks ago my email went south you remember that?"
"Yeah," Lana remembered, still not sure what had changed Steve's mood. "You called and apologized."
"Yeah I wondered if I had sent anything that never got to you," said Steve his grin wide now. "I thought we covered all the important stuff on the phone while my ISP fixed everything. Apparently we missed one."
"Which was," annoyed with his mirth.
"Lana," said Steve sitting up, his voice suddenly serious as he looked her in the eyes and cupped her face. "I'm going to Keystone." He said in a fierce whisper.
Lana blinked a couple of times as the shock passed and the idea began to register. She smiled.
"You realize that now you are gonna have to put up with me on a regular, possibly daily basis," said Steve as he backed his face away from hers. She didn't let him get far. Steve found her hands behind his head as she kissed him again.
"I think," said Lana, pulling away. "That I can live with that, can you?"
"No argument," said Steve. "So…umm does this mean there is an us?"
Lana shoved him over in the sand. "What do you think?"
"Well if you were a wrestler I'd say that was a yes," grinned Steve as he sat back up and shook the sand out of his hair. "Since I'm fairly certain that…"
Lana shoved him again and this time she pinned him as he hit the sand. "I may not be a wrestler but I can still…." Lana's comment turned into a yelp as Steve reversed the pin and rolled her over onto her back, lying beside her and keeping her arms pinned.
"You can still what?" he said innocently.
She glared at him in mock fury, and then laughed as he crossed his eyes at her.
"I'm never going to get the sand out of my hair," she accused.
"We could always take a dip in the lake," suggested Steve.
"My suit is back at the campsite," said Lana
"Exactly," he said. Lana looked at him. "Okay all right it was just an idea." said Steve.
She rolled her eyes. "You'll never change."
"Probably not," said Steve. "Think you can live with it?"
"I'd love the chance the try," Lana said quietly.
"Me too," said Steve standing and reaching out to help her up. She took his hand and let him pull her to her feet and into his embrace. "So here's to us?" he said running his hands through her long hair and pulling her close.
"To us," she breathed onto his lips as they sealed their agreement with a kiss.
………..Camp Site…….
…..The Next Morning……
Clark stretched as he took a step out of the tent to let Chloe dress. The sun was just coming up and Clark watched the yellow orb poke its head over the trees to the east. He smiled to himself as he heard Chloe grumbling as she put her clothes on. Chloe was not an early riser by nature and she had flat out refused to let Clark kiss her good morning until she had brushed her teeth. Clark had kissed her anyway, causing her to smile even as she protested and kicked him out of the tent.
Clark's eyes scanned the campsite and he realized that Steve's sleeping bag was nowhere to be seen. Clark's grin returned as the zipper to the tent opened and Steve emerged and closed the flap behind him. Clark raised an eyebrow at his friend and Steve smirked.
"I see you found a roof after all," said Clark as the two boys met by the fire.
"Found more than that," said Steve as he poked at the fire to see if any coals were left. He turned his head and found Clark staring at him, his eyes a bit wide. "I didn't mean it like that Clark." he chuckled.
"Oh," said Clark, slightly embarrassed, not knowing how to ask anything else.
"Lana mentioned that she is going to college in Keystone," explained Steve, still grinning at Clark. "So am I."
"You are?" said Clark, surprised. "Yeah apparently my email informing everyone of this got lost. So it would appear Lana and I will be at the same university."
"So that means you guys are gonna give it a shot?" asked Clark.
"So it would appear," said Steve. "I just hope she doesn't regret it."
"She won't," said Clark, pausing thoughtfully. "This brings to mind our conversation from yesterday."
"I know," said Steve. "You guys want to be present or not?"
"You mean today?" said Clark.
"Waiting will only make it worse," said Steve. "Best to get it out in the open now, besides after three years I am pretty sure I can trust her."
"Trust who?" asked Chloe walking up behind Clark.
"Lana," said Steve standing up.
"Yes dear," said Lana, startling the already nervous Steve. "Good morning." She added when he'd turned toward her.
"Good morning," Steve said, smiling at her.
"You can do better than that," she said, much to Clark's amusement and Chloe's surprise she kissed him soundly, audience and all. Steve soon responded enthusiastically.
"Chloe you're staring," Clark laughed unable to contain himself anymore.
Chloe blushed and averted her gaze.
"We're done," laughed Lana. "So what's for breakfast?"
"Hey we cooked dinner," said Steve. "I though you guys were doing breakfast."
"Fair is fair," agreed Clark, indicating his and Steve's bare feet and clothes. "We haven't even had time to change yet."
"Well get started then," said Chloe, shoving Clark in the direction of the tent and their backpacks, while Lana walked to the cooler to bring out the breakfast food they'd packed the day before.
"Don't take too long or there won't be anything left," said Lana.
"Yes ma'am," said Steve already halfway to the tent.
Hours later the four teens were a good distance into the trees. The hills had gotten gradually steeper as Clark led them to spot his father and he had found a year ago with a great overview of the whole lake.
"How much farther?" asked Lana when they stopped in the shade of some trees to rest. "This heat's killer."
"You said it," agreed Steve, wiping his forehead. "I don't know where yesterday's breeze went but someone should invite it back."
Chloe nodded in agreement and took a sip of her water. "You sure there is a clearing at this place Clark," she asked. "I haven't seen anything but trees for like an hour.
"There is," Clark assured her, shifting the pack on his back. The weight didn't bother him, of course, but some part of the lunch inside kept moving around and messing up the balance. "The view is great and there's plenty of room for a picnic."
"Well are we ready to go?" asked Lana standing and walking over to Steve.
"Just a minute," said Chloe. "I'm not much of a hiker."
"You two on ahead," said Clark. "We'll catch up in a minute. Something is loose in this pack anyways. Just stay on the trail."
The couple nodded and turned and disappeared hand-in-hand up the trail. Clark sat down and shed the backpack to figure out what was loose in it.
"Clark what did I miss this morning?" asked Chloe.
"Huh?" said Clark his head buried in the backpack; his head came back out when Chloe rapped the back of it with her water bottle.
"I said what's with those two?" she repeated indicating the trail.
"Apparently distance is no longer an issue," said Clark, when Chloe glanced at him quizzically he repeated Steve's earlier revelation.
"That would explain it," said Chloe. "What about his gifts?"
"He kind-of hinted he was going to tell her this weekend," said Clark.
"Think he actually will?"
"I told you," Clark pointed out.
"You waited almost a year," said Chloe, smiling at him to take any sting out of the words, he blushed anyways.
"And Steve has waited three," said Clark. "Now that they actually have a shot at being together I have the feeling he won't wait long to tell her."
"She'll accept it," said Chloe as she stood up. "She took yours well enough."
"True," said Clark, hefting the pack. "Ready?"
"Ready," said Chloe. "I'm starting to feel the need for lunch."
…….The Lookout Point………….
……Two Hours Later around One O'clock......
"Man, you weren't kidding," said Steve as he stood looking at the view.
The clearing Clark had led them too was a cliff overlooking the Lake. It was lower than the hike had made it appear, but the view was still impressive. Nearly all of the lake was visible, and from their vantage point the foursome could see skiers out on the lake and the sails of the some of the larger sailboats struggling to catch the day's infrequent breeze. The sun was just past directly overhead and reflected on the lake with a diamond-like glitter.
"Come on, Steve," said Lana, pulling him away from the edge. "Lunch then ogling."
"Ahh but with you here I can do both," he said as he sat down, pretending to leer at her.
"Lana are you sure you want to put up with that?" laughed Chloe.
"He's not so bad," she said laughing as he grinned and made leering faces at her.
"Clark don't you get any ideas," said Chloe.
"Oh, I don't need his help, I just do my ogling from a safe distance," said Clark as Chloe gaped at him. He smiled at her as she threw a Cheeto at him.
"Steve you're a bad influence," complained Chloe.
"I do try," said Steve his eyes suddenly serious as he looked at Clark. Clark raised an eyebrow and suddenly grabbed Chloe's hand. "Come on Chloe. There's another view I wanted to show you."
"But my lunch," protested Chloe.
"It'll still be here when you get back," said Clark firmly.
"I'll protect it from ants and hungry boyfriends," Lana promised looking pointedly at Steve.
Chloe looked at the two of them and the look on Steve's face told her what Clark was trying to do. "Sure," she agreed. "I just love being alone in strange places with you Clark." She grinned at him. With a wave the two wandered off.
"Those two," laughed Steve. "Are they always like that?"
"Pretty close," she said. "Joined at the hip as often as possible. I didn't embarrass you this morning did I?"
"I beg your pardon," said Steve surprised.
"With the kiss in front of them," Lana said.
"No," replied Steve. "Lana you can kiss me anytime an anywhere you want. The look on Chloe's face was one for the photo album though."
"Can't argue with that," she laughed. "Come on Steve what is it?" She said after a moment of silence.
"Huh?"
"Come on, I know you better than that," Lana said taking his hand. "You have that look on your face that says you think you've done something wrong. Clark gets that face too, usually for stupid reasons. Out with it."
Steve took a deep breath. "Okay this is gonna be sort of weird so just bear with me."
Lana nodded.
"First question, now don't take my head off," Steve said. "Last night was something of an emotional high point. I just wanted to be sure, REALLY sure, that you wanted to give us a shot."
Lana looked at him, he was earnest. He didn't want her rushing into something. "Yes I do. After three years of getting to know you from several hundred miles away. I am convinced that trying it in close proximity is a very good idea. Feel better?"
"A little," said Steve with a smile, hoping the feeling would last. "Second question. How did you feel when you found out about Clark and his past?"
"Umm there wasn't really one emotion," Lana replied, startled by the question. "I felt a variety of things. Anger, shock, I mean I was at first. I felt like he'd lied to me all those years. I eventually got over it, obviously, but it was something of a strain on out friendship their for a while. Steve why are you asking me this?"
Steve locked eyes with her. "Clark's not the only one with gifts," he said quietly.
She stared at him.
"That night three years ago," he continued when she didn't speak. "When the tornados flipped your truck. I was the one that carried you to the Kent's storm cellar."
"Carried me?" she exclaimed. Her memory jumped back to that night. She remembered the wind overturning the truck just outside of town and throwing her into the ditch. She had her seatbelt on but the roll had hit her head driver's side window enough to knock her senseless. She remembered crawling out of the truck and seeing the twister headed for her. Her memory became hazy here; she remembered a feeling like arms around her and a sense of incredible speed. Then nothing before the frightened face of Martha Kent asking her if she was all right "That was you?" she whispered
Steve nodded in silence, his head bowed.
"You outran a tornado," she said, still in trying to absorb it.
Steve just nodded again, afraid to look at her.
"Stephen look at me," Lana pleaded. "I want to believe you and I want even more to trust you, but you have to look at me."
Steve raised his head and looked into her eyes. In them he saw hurt, and understanding.
"I think," said Lana slowly, trying to keep herself calm. "That if you'd told me this before I found out about Clark I'd be a little more upset. As it stands I understand, at least a little bit, what secrets like this cost people. And the dangers involved in revealing them."
"That's not an excuse," said Steve quietly, hanging his head again.
Lana reached under his chin and lifted it up to face her. "No, it's not," she agreed and he flinched. "But it is a reason. One that I can live with."
"So you're not mad?"
"Mad?" said Lana. "Yes and no. You did save my life and that earns you certain amount of indulgence. I just wish you'd said something earlier."
"So do I," said Steve. "You know now, and it begs the question of where that leaves us."
"I'm not sure," said Lana, pain in her eyes. "It's a lot to take in."
"I understand," said Steve standing. "Whatever you decide, I meant everything I said last night." Steve smiled at her sadly and vanished in a multi-colored blur. Leaving Lana gaping at where he had stood a moment before.
Clark and Chloe approached the picnic area quietly, afraid to intrude. They found Lana sitting alone where they had left two people before.
"Lana," said Clark as he and Chloe stepped out of the trees. She looked up startled. "What happened?"
"Steve," she trailed off.
"Something of a shock isn't it," said Chloe quietly.
"You knew?" Lana said, her eyes flashing in anger. "He told you but not me?"
"Lana he didn't tell…" Clark never finished his sentence. Lana was already in the trees by the time he got the first few words out. Clark immediately began to follow her, but was stopped by Chloe.
"Oh no you don't, farm boy," said Chloe. "You'll just make it worse."
"But," he said.
"Clark you've never been on the receiving end of information like this," Chloe said. "I'll talk to her. You pick up this stuff and wait to see if Steve comes back."
Chloe didn't wait for a response but headed in the direction Lana had gone. She didn't have to go far before she found Lana sitting on a rock just off the trail staring off into the trees.
"Hurts, doesn't it," said Chloe, meeting Lana's eyes when she spun around. "Hurts worse than anything else in the world."
Lana opened her mouth to say something but Chloe beat her to it.
"Don't tell me I don't know," Chloe snapped, more harshly than she'd intended. "Because I DO know." She remembered the pain vividly. The sense of overwhelming betrayal she'd felt when she'd stood at the bottom stairs of the Kent stairs staring at a spaceship and listening as Clark told her everything. His origins, his abilities; he'd lied to her for nearly two years. "Lana, hating him won't change it.
"He lied to me," she said not caring how mean it sounded. "But he told you two."
"Yes, he lied," said Chloe. "But no, he didn't tell us. We just found out. You remember Thomas Howard?"
"I remember the article you wrote about him," she answered. "His meteor rock steroids."
"That's right," Chloe said leaning up against a tree in front of her. "Clark, Steve and I found the stuff he was drinking to beef up. The meteor rock effect had Clark paralyzed, we didn't know that at the time of course, but you know what those things do to him." Lana nodded. "Steve revealed his secret when the only other option was to watch Thomas snap Clark's neck. In hindsight with the rocks affecting Clark he probably could have done it too."
"So then he explained the whole thing to you," Lana said.
Chloe nodded. "Not that I gave him a whole lot of choice. I was determined to unearth everything and anything back then. The whole thing involved something about being struck by lightning and some chemicals." Chloe shrugged. "Doesn't really matter how he got them anymore. He has them and he has to live with them, just like Clark does. Steve's secret isn't even as big, he's not from another planet."
"Don't try to downplay it," said Lana.
"I'm not," said Chloe. "But you have to face the facts. He can't go around telling everyone what he can do anymore than Clark can. They'd lock him up and dissect him. He needed to be sure about you. From your reaction to each other this morning I'd imagine you guys figured something out last night."
"We didn't," Lana blushed. "You know."
"I never said you did," said Chloe. "But you did figure out something about your relationship last night. Nobody is perfect Lana," she paused and then added. "Not even Clark."
Lana smiled at that.
"You have to decide what you want to do," Chloe said turning to walk away. "He was sure enough about you to bring it up. Are you sure enough to forgive for it?"
Lana watched as Chloe walked back toward the clearing, her mind wandering back over the past three years. Steve calling when she'd needed someone to talk to. The emails, the spring and summer vacations he spent here when he could, whether he could afford it or not. Him showing up on graduation even though his slightly more stringent finals had just started, because he knew she was nervous about the speech, and how it brightened her like a four hundred watt bulb when he showed up announced or unannounced.
Setting her jaw, she followed Chloe back to the clearing.
……..The Campsite…..
…….A Half Hour Later…..
"Steve," said Lana as she walked into the clearing. She'd been half afraid he'd already be gone. But there he was, sitting in front of the ashes of the campfire, his eyes far away. Clark had raced her to the edge of the campsite and then gone back to Chloe, smiling encouragement at her before he vanished again. "Steve?" she repeated
He looked up and saw her this time, his eyes were red, and she imagined hers looked little better.
"Lana," he said his voice bereft of its usual smirk. Lana looked at the pain she'd caused and knew that coming here had been the right decision.
"Steve, our talk was far from finished," she said as he walked around the dead campfire and sat facing him. "Not by a long-shot."
"There's nothing more to say," said Steve. "I lied and now you don't trust me."
"Actually, there is plenty more to say," Lana disagreed. "Like how on earth this happened and what else can you do?"
Steve sighed and leaned forward, still not looking at her directly, his head facing forward and his eyes distant as he spoke. "Do you want the short version or the long one?"
"We'll start with the short one," Lana replied. "But I reserved the right to ask hundreds of questions." she smiled at him but he failed to smile back, only nodding.
"I was struck by lightning when I was about nine," Steve explained. "I was standing next to a large shelf of chemicals when it happened and the combination of the two somehow revamped my metabolism or something like that. Hence, I move very rapidly. It used to make me sick but not anymore."
"So how fast can you go?"
Steve shrugged. "It's difficult to say. All I can really say for certain is that I know I'm getting faster, or I seem to be."
"Is that all there is to it?" Lana asked.
"Pretty much," Steve shrugged. "The speed is pervasive. It seems to affect everything. I mean reflexes and stuff." He laughed humorlessly. "It certainly makes typing papers quicker. God Lana I'm sorry." He said his head lowering to face the ground.
Lord how to I get through to him she thought. "Yes, you lied," she said aloud, her voice firm. "And yes, that hurt me. Steve, it's not unforgivable sin. You didn't lie about another woman or committing murder or something similarly heinous. Secrets like the one you and Clark keep are secrets for a reason. They can hurt people, you and me being only the most immediate. You were honest enough to tell me rather than base our new relationship on a lie. And you trusted me enough to keep that secret even if it destroyed that relationship." She leaned in close, her voice falling into a whisper. "Last night you asked if I wanted to give us a shot. I said yes then and I'm not changing that decision." Then, reaching out with both hands to cup his face, she kissed him.
He was so stunned he didn't react. She pulled away.
"You know for one of the fastest men in the world you don't catch on very well," she said, trying to keep her voice light but there was a certain amount of fear in her eyes. Fear that she'd hurt him too badly.
The tone of her voice and the fear in the back of her eyes finally penetrated his senses. A moment later both their fears were dispelled as he pulled her to him. The kiss that followed reminded them of what they'd almost thrown away.
Spoilers: None that I know of. This is post Smallville….but I am using the Characters
Premise: Okay, I wrote Speed….got finished and decided I didn't want to stop. So I kept writing. This is beyond the scope of Smallville I guess….college, tights etc anyways enjoy!
Note to the readers (if any) Just fair warning I will jump around quite a bit when it comes to time. This thing will be linear but most of the more boring stuff I will just refer too. I am gonna hit the highlights of the characters lives. Just a warning and if it gets too confusing please say so in a review! And for those of u who read Speed….The Prologue should look familiar….
Prologue
……Smallville High……..
……Graduation Three Years After the Spring Formal Tornados…….
The yells were joyful as the graduating seniors flung their hats at the sky, the sun shinning over the Outdoor Smallville High graduation ceremony. Some students attempted to catch their hats, some were too busy, especially a short blond and her much taller brown haired companion.
"Guys get a room!" yelled Pete as he grabbed his friends by the shoulders as they separated, ending the kiss.
"One of these days," Chloe grinned as she winked at Clark, and he blushed. She smiled, after three years together he still blushed. Pete walked away laughing after hugging Chloe and shaking Clark's hand.
"We're still celebrating tonight, right?" asked Chloe as the couple walked hand in hand toward where their folks were waiting.
"Mom's making more food than I have ever seen in my life," said Clark. "Your Dad's coming?"
"It took some convincing," said Chloe. "But I finally got him to come. Looks like Lana beat us here," she noted.
Clark looked up and saw Lana standing beside Nell, Gabe, and Clark's parents. She should have looked happy. Instead she looked disappointed. In the years since the Spring Formal tornado Lana and Steve had kept in touch quite a bit more than either of them had anticipated when he left. Steve had even managed a few trips down for spring breaks to visit. He had promised to try and come to the graduation, but it looked as though he hadn't been able too. Clark knew Lana had been looking forward to seeing him and he wanted to say something to her, but he never got the chance. As soon as his mother caught site of Clark and Chloe she practically tackled him. Chloe made way so she wouldn't be trampled.
"Congratulations honey," said Gabe Sullivan as he hugged his daughter briefly. They had never been close but they still loved each other.
"Thanks Dad." She smiled at him.
"Well I guess I'll offer you mine as well," said Johnathon when Martha showed no signs of releasing their son.
"Thanks Mr. Kent," said Chloe. "Are you sure there's nothing we can bring tonight?"
"No," Clark's father laughed. "I don't think anything else could fit in the house. Now if you'll excuse me I'll go rescue Clark from my wife."
"Lana," said Chloe when Gabe and Nell moved off to talk to other parents. "You all right?"
"Yeah Chloe," said Lana, her voice resigned. "I just thought he'd be here."
Chloe put her hand on Lana's shoulder in sympathy, and Lana smiled at her in gratitude when a familiar voice interrupted them.
"Actually I am here. I was just trying to make it a surprise."
"Steve!" Lana said as she spun from Chloe and ran to him. Throwing her arms about his neck and hugging him as hard as she could, her blue cap lost in the rush "You made it!"
"That I did," said Steve smiling at her when she released him, as he reached down to pick up her cap. "I missed the opening but I did hear your speech."
"You did?" she said as she accepted her cap back from him and set it firmly on her head.
"Yupp," he nodded. "I wouldn't have missed it."
"Well it wasn't actually my speech," admitted Lana. "Chloe wrote most of it."
"Lana!" said Chloe, embarrassed. "I did not. I just helped you phrase it a little."
"I'm sure," said Steve. "How've you been Chlo?"
"Well enough," she smiled at him. Three years had caused many changes in their young friend. He wasn't near as tall as Clark but he had still gained a little height, and his clothes had gone from jeans and t- shirts to slacks and collars. "It's been a while."
"Too long," said Clark from behind them. Steve turned and shook Clark's hand firmly. "When did you get here?"
"Soon enough to see the speech," grinned Steve. "Or she'd have hunted me down." He said pointing to Lana, who gave him a playful shove, her smile bright and constant now. Lana had given one of the speeches at the ceremony and had been terribly nervous about it.
"Steve, Mom says we have room for one more at the table tonight," said Clark. "You interested?"
"For your Mom's cooking, of course," said Steve. "Unless Lana has other plans this evening?"
"Nope I already have my seat reserved," she grinned as she slipped an arm through his. "I don't suppose you need a ride?"
"Actually I do," said Steve smiling. "Took a taxi from Metropolis so I am without a vehicle."
"Then let's go talk to Nell," said Lana already dragging him in that direction. "See you guys tonight!"
"Later," said Steve, laughing as he was dragged off.
"Well I'm glad he made it," said Clark.
"So was she," laughed Chloe. "Think they'll ever get together?"
Clark shrugged. "Who knows? If they do I wish them the best. I, however, have got everything I need right here." He said putting his arm around her.
She smiled at him as they walked toward his parents and her Father. "You know farm boy, I couldn't agree more."
……..Kent Farm…..
….Mid-Afternoon Two Months Later….
The smell of apple pie is just something you have to savor. The young man stood at the screen door of the farmhouse and just smelled. He could hear the baker of the pie humming as she took another pie of the same flavor out of the oven. As she turned from the oven he saw the shadow by the door, and walked to where she could see her visitor.
"Well hello, Stephen," she said in some surprise, "Come in, the door's open."
"Thanks, Mrs. Kent," Steve replied, pulling open the door and walking into the bright sunlit kitchen. "Those smell really good."
"Well if you have a few minutes for them to cool you can have a piece," Martha replied. "Did you finally finish school?"
"Yeah," said Steve sitting down in one of the kitchen chairs. "Thank goodness. So where's Clark and everyone?"
"Pete is off school," reported Martha. "He's getting a head start. Clark, Chloe and Lana are all out at the lake this weekend. They left this morning."
"Really?" said Steve. "I though Clark told me that all the campsites were booked until next month."
"They were," explained Martha, as she cut a piece of pie for her son's friend. "But the big group that had reserved a bunch of them cancelled at the last minute and so the waiting list practically vanished overnight. They threw together a campout yesterday afternoon."
Steve laughed. "Did they forget anything?"
"Nope not that I could tell," said Martha. "If Clark forgot something, Chloe remembered, and if…"
"Chloe forgot he remembered," finished Steve. "If those two were anymore perfect for each other…." Steve shook his head.
"They do seem to be working out don't they?" said Martha with a smile. "Almost three years and no signs of letting up."
"And may they last forever," said Steve quietly, as Martha put a piece of pie in front of him and nodded in agreement.
"Now eat that," she said
Steve grinned and attacked the pie. Looking up when the phone rang.
"Hello?" said Martha. "Hello, Nell. No actually I don't have Chloe's cell number. She did…Hang on" Martha covered the handset and looked at Steve, who just polishing off the pie. "Steve were you planning on going out to the lake?"
"Since that's where they're at yeah," said Steve with a smirk. "Why?
"Apparently Lana forgot a sleeping bag." Martha explained. "They just threw all their stuff in the back of Clark's pickup at her house and rushed off. I doubt they even realize it yet."
"I'll take her one," said Steve "No problem. Is Nell going to bring it over here?"
"Actually I had a better idea," Martha answered going taking her hand off the receiver. "Nell. We have a couple of spares. Actually it's no trouble at all. Steve just showed up and was planning to head out and join them. You're welcome. Bye."
"So is their more than one spare?" asked Steve. "I didn't come packed for campout."
Martha laughed. "Yes we have several. Are your clothes up for a camping trip?" she asked making her way to the closet where the kept the camping gear.
"Should be," replied Steve following her. "I brought stuff for a weekend out on a farm. Shorts, bathing suit, etc."
"Then you'll be fine," she said. "You driving out there?"
"Running will be faster I think," said Steve with a grin. "If you don't mind me leaving my car here."
"Shouldn't be a problem," said Martha, as she shook her head. "I'll never get used to that."
"What?" said Steve as he hefted the sleeping bags.
"You and running," said Martha. "I guess it'll always seem strange to me."
"Anymore than having a son who can see through walls?" laughed Steve, before he turned serious. "I'm sorry to have burdened you with it."
"It's not a burden," said Martha firmly. "It's a relief to know my son isn't alone. Now go on. Or you'll miss all the good swimming weather."
"Yes ma'am," said Steve, turning and blurring his way out the door, leaving behind a gust of wind that brushed through Martha's hair.
……A large lake and Campground outside Smallville……
……Around the same time…..
Lana Lang tried to relax as the sun beat down against her tanning skin. She was lying on the shore next to the cooler and the lunch that the three young people had brought down from their campsite. She was on her back with her sunglasses on and her eyes closed trying to enjoy the afternoon. Clark and Chloe were splashing in the water and laughing. Lana had joined them for a while, but had only been able to hang around the happy couple for so long. It wasn't their fault, they included her and didn't do anything overtly "couple-like" but the subtle looks they sent to each other eventually forced her to escape to solitude.
She missed him. Ever since he had left three years ago, Steve called as often as he could and wrote emails by the ton, just as she did. Each time he came for a visit she was gladder to see him, and every time it got harder to watch him leave. There was no formal declaration between then but she knew he missed her just as much. She wanted to be able to hug him and swing on her front porch snuggled next to him. She sighed, both at her thoughts and the cloud that had suddenly blocked the sun.
"Clark," said Chloe as she stopped splashing him. He was staring at the shore.
"I think our weekend just got a little more pleasant," said Clark.
"Huh?" said Chloe as she turned where her boyfriend was looking. Then she smiled. "Well now, if he doesn't have the absolute best timing I've ever seen."
"Better than mine?" asked Clark with a grin as he swam up and put his arms around her.
Chloe laughed. "Not likely. You're right though, it will definitely make the weekend more pleasant," she added as she watched Steve squat down next to Lana and say something to her.
Clark kissed Chloe on the top of her head. They had both been worried about Lana coming, but they didn't want to leave her out either.
"Come on, let's start moving in that general direction," Clark said, eyeing Chloe's skin with his x-ray vision. "I think your sun block is wearing off anyways."
"All right," she said turning around in his arms. "But slowly. Now that she has company I want some quality time with you."
"I think we can do that," said Clark softly, lifting her up to kiss her.
Back on the shore Lana was beginning to think the cloud was never going to move, when suddenly it moved and she woke up enough to feel a presence next to her. The presence spoke with a voice that made her think she must be dreaming.
"I must have done something right," said Steve looking down at Lana. "Lana Lang laying out in a two piece, looking like she needs some more sun tan lotion."
"Steve??" said Lana as her eyes popped open and she tore her sunglasses off.
"None other." He grinned at her and moved out of his squatting position as she sat up and stared at him. "Been here just long enough to change into my swimsuit. Now where is that sun tan lo…."
Steve's last word was drowned out as she tackled him, knocking him off his feet with the suddenness of her lunge. He carefully levered himself back to his feet, which she was willing to permit. Lana seemed unwilling to let go of him, and truth be told he was just as happy to hold on right back.
"I missed you," she said when they were both upright again.
"And I you," Steve smiled at her. "I'm here now."
"Yeah," Lana grinned. "You are, and not to sound displeased about it, but what are you doing here? You were supposed to have your last final tomorrow."
"I was," said Steve. "But a student from one of the other classes needed to take a final later, so we swapped. The deal didn't go through till the other day so I was cramming madly for the test." He stepped back and eyeballed her bikini. "Of course seeing you in that MORE than makes up for it."
Lana blushed and shoved him into the grass. He landed grinning "Pervert!"
She said with a laugh.
Steve laughed and groveled on his knees. "Can you ever forgive me?"
"Oh I guess," she said as she smacked the top of his head and he stood up. "Just this once."
"So where is the happy couple?" asked Steve as he stood and put his arm around her.
"In the lake last I saw," Lana replied her arm matching his movement. "Looks like they're still there." She added.
"Boiling the water with all that heat," said Steve as he watched the couple kiss.
"They were holding back because of me," said Lana. "I wonder what changed their minds?"
"Either they think you're asleep or they saw me walk up," said Steve. "Clark's pretty hard to get past. In any case separating them can wait. I'm hungry, is there anything left in that cooler?"
"Probably," she said, grinning at him. "And then I say we join them in the water. I'm just dying to get that shirt off of you."
…….The Campsite……
…….Several Hours later……
The four young people trudged up the trail that led to their campsite. They were tired but happy. The day had stayed hot enough for swimming but a breeze had kept it from becoming too hot. The girls were carrying the extra clothes while the boys followed behind. Clark could have carried the chest by himself, but with the lake this crowded the other three had argued that it was better that he not take chances. Clark had shrugged and so he and Steve were doing their best to appear as if the rather large cooler was heavy. The precaution turned out to be well thought of as several families ran past them on the trail back towards the campsites.
"Keys, Clark," said Chloe as soon as the two boys had set the chest down.
"Keys?" said Clark.
"We're gonna need some more ice," said Chloe. "That chest has been sitting out in the sun all day and I bet there's more water in it than ice."
"Oh yeah," said Clark a little sheepishly. "I guess that makes sense."
Chloe smiled at him. "You and Steve here can do the manly thing and set up the tents while we're gone."
"Right," said Steve as he moved over to Clark's pickup, grabbing camping gear and tossing it to the ground. "Lana, you forgot your sleeping bag."
"Huh?" said Lana.
Steve turned his smirk in her direction. "Yeah, I stopped by Clark's when I got to Smallville. Nell called while I was there looking for Chloe's number. Apparently your sleeping bag is still in your room. Clark's mother had some spares, so she drove me out here with them."
"That was nice of her," said Lana in relief. "The ground would have been fairly tough to sleep on."
"No kidding," agreed Chloe as she and Lana climbed into the cab of the truck. "Well see you boys in a few!" she called as they started the car and drove off.
"My mom?" said Clark.
"Well I did stop by your place," said Steve. "I haven't got the nerve to tell her that I just ran them out here faster than most planes can fly."
Clark shook his head. "You know you can't keep it from her forever,"
"I know," said Steve, pausing in his organization of the camping gear and staring down the road. "But this long distance thing could evaporate in a hurry once she meets all those hunks in college."
Clark snorted. "I have trouble seeing that. Do you have any idea how depressed she was till you showed up? Lana cares for you Steve. As you once told me, don't make her find out the hard way."
"I know," sighed Steve. "I'm still trying to find the best way."
"You can do it," Clark encouraged with a grin.
"I hope so," said Steve. "So I guess we're sharing the bigger of these two things?"
"Well actually," said Clark, his face turning slight shade of red. "Chloe and I are sharing one. Lana was going to have one all to herself."
Steve raised an eyebrow at his friend. "Really," he said, the smirk in his voice matching the one on his face. "Well I guess the stars will keep me company. I just hope it doesn't rain."
"We didn't know you were coming," said Clark, still looking slightly embarrassed. "Now that you are here I suppose…"
"The plans will stay exactly the same," said Steve laughing. "Chloe knew about this plan right?"
Clark nodded.
"Then I am not going to ruin something you have both been looking forward too," said Steve firmly. "I've slept without a tent before. Come on let's get started. And make sure your tent is on the opposite side of the campsite." He grinned and laughed at Clark's face.
By the time Chloe and Lana returned with the ice the two boys had the tents up and a fire going. There were just about to start the hot dogs when the truck came rumbling up. Clark sprung up to grab the ice from the bed of the truck as Chloe climbed out of the truck grumbling.
"What's the matter Chloe?" asked Steve as she sat down next to the fire.
"Huh?" she said. "Oh it's Clark's truck. I forget that it's designed for giants like him."
"Ahh," nodded Steve his eye shining with mischief. "Yes he is quite tall isn't he? It's going to be a tight fit in that tent for the two of you isn't it?" Steve watched as Chloe's face went through several levels of embarrassment in less than three seconds.
"He mentioned that did he?" she said.
"He didn't have much choice, Chlo," said Steve laughing. "There are four of us and two tents. I assumed at first that one was for you and Lana, with the other being for him. He set me straight, however."
"So what are we going to do now," asked Chloe, failing to keep the disappointment for her voice. She had Clark had no intentions of doing anything serious in that tent. After three years together the subject of sex had come up on several occasions and both of them had decided that they weren't ready yet for that. Given his origins and gifts there were some unknowns that had to be considered. Chloe had been looking forward to sharing the tent. They had fallen asleep on various couches together while watching movies together, always to be awakened my glaring parents. This had promised to be an uninterrupted evening of that cuddling and now it would have to wait again.
"Plans haven't changed," said Steve when Chloe remained silent. She looked at him in surprise. He nodded at her in understanding. "A night under the stars never hurt anybody."
"You sure?" Chloe asked.
"No problem," Steve grinned at her. "Just remember tents aren't soundproof." He said rising to grab the hot dog buns, leaving her sputtering in his wake.
The campfire had burned down to embers and all the hotdogs and smores were eaten. The stars were out and the moon shone brightly in a clear night sky. The two boys were standing by the embers of the fire while the girls changed clothes in their respective tents. The boys were already changed, and Clarks face was still burning from Chloe's admonishment that he keep his eyes in particular away from either tent. Steve was still chuckling over that one.
"So when do you have to leave for school?" asked Steve shaking off the last of his laughter.
"Another six weeks or so," replied Clark. "Mom has already started organizing my stuff."
"Metropolis U right?"
Clark nodded. "Both Chloe and I got into the Journalism program. Chloe's got a professional internship and probably a job at the Planet waiting for her there." There was no mistaking the pride in his voice.
"You sure Journalism is what you want?"
"Actually I am," said Clark. "Working on the paper these past four years has given me the bug. It's exciting work, although I might turn myself more towards authorship before my career is over."
"There are worse things," said Steve. "I look forward to watching you guys walk down the aisle one of these days."
"You think that'll happen?" asked Clark in some surprise looking at his friend.
"Clark," said Steve pointing as Chloe came out of the tent in shorts and a t-shirt. "If you ever find a woman who completes you more than that one does I will VERY surprised."
"Ready for bed?" asked Chloe as she walked to the boys, Lana emerging from her tent in an outfit similar to Chloe's.
Steve smiled at Chloe's unintended entente. "But it's early," he protested.
"Not if you and Clark are still set on dragging us through those hills for the scenery tomorrow," she disagreed. "Besides I'm worn out from swimming and stuffed with smores."
"Fair enough," said Steve "Goodnight you two."
"Night Lana," said Clark, as she smiled at them and Chloe nodded.
"Night guys," said Chloe slipping her arm through Clark's as the walked towards the tent and disappeared inside.
Steve laughed. "She wants that boy all to herself."
"Can't say I blame her," said Lana. "I've been waiting to be alone with you all day."
Steve raised an eyebrow. Then he noticed that Lana was still wearing her shoes. "Feel like a walk?" he asked.
"Thought you'd never ask," she smiled as she took his hand. Together the two walked toward the trails.
"Two to one says they end up in the same tent by morning," said Chloe impishly her eyes peeking out from the tent's door as the two disappeared into the woods.
"No bet," said Clark as his hands snaked out and grabbed Chloe's waist. One hand pulled her back into the two-man dome tent and the other tickled her ribs through the t-shirt. Chloe yelped as Clark grabbed her and laughed as he tickled her in earnest.
She took advantage of their proximity and kissed him soundly, diverting his attention from his playful assault on her ribs, a few minutes later when they both came up for air Chloe grabbed Clark's hand and rolled over on her side with her back in his chest. They'd unfolded both sleeping bags underneath themselves and had the pillows they'd brought at one end of the makeshift bed. Chloe laid her head on one as Clark pulled her in close, keeping a tight hold on her hand. She sighed as she felt Clark's chin and cheek rest on the top of her head, his other arm snaking under her head to wrap around her as well. Chloe closed her eyes and began to drift into sleep.
Clark lay awake for several minutes more listening to her breathing even out. "I love you Chloe," he whispered into her hair as he felt sleep tug at his eyes. Moments later he was asleep.
…….The Lake shore…..
……Fifteen Minutes Later….
The moonlight shimmered on the lake's calm water. The two teens walked along the shore of the lake, their arms wrapped around each other's waist. They said nothing; merely enjoyed the company too long denied them. They reached a sandy spot with rocks to lean on at sat down.
"I'd offer to put my coat down," said Steve. "But I seem to have left it somewhere else."
Lana smiled. "Sand never hurt anyone." Lana took off her shoes and buried her toes in the still slightly warm sand, leaning back against the rocks. "Sit down, talk to me."
Steve sat down next to her, his feet against the rock so he could look at her. "Any topic in particular?"
"College…us," she said not looking at him.
"Us?" said Steve his voice soft. "Is there an us?"
She sighed, it was painful ground but it needed resolving. "There is an 'us' officially or not. Unless of course I am totally misreading you." Her voice held a certain fear.
"No," said Steve taking her hand and moving closer. "You haven't. I care for you, but I…."
"What?"
"I don't want you putting your emotional life on hold for me," Steve replied, his voice sounding pained. "Or an 'us' that may never be. We've built this relationship, whatever it is," he smiled at her. "Over a long distance, with emails and phone calls and short visits. We've had some good times, but how do we commit to each other with the distance that doesn't show any signs of shrinking?"
"I know," Lana said gripping his hand. "I can't just turn this off. I don't want to turn it off."
"And neither do I," said Steve. "We have to face it though. Living in cities several States apart is no way to build a relationship. There are too many things happening in our lives that we need to pay attention to."
"I know, I know…." She trailed off her eyes becoming glassy.
Steve knew she was going to cry and it tore his heart out that he had caused it. He reached out to caress her cheek, as she leaned her head into the palm of his hand and started to sob he pulled her to him, kissing her tenderly. Her initial response was surprise, but as he sensed a lack of response and was going to pull away she reached out and held him fiercely. They had kissed once or twice before; simple pecks or a kiss on the cheek, this was something else entirely. Passion flared between them as they shared their breath of life and held each other tenderly in the moonlight.
Eventually they pulled back to breath, staring into each other's eyes and seeing a matching wonder for the other that no one on earth had ever been able to explain, or ever would.
"Wow," said Steve softly after catching his breath, she smiled at him, but the smile was sad, knowing it was probably a goodbye.
"I wish…" she trailed off.
"What," he said gently, his hand caressing her cheek.
"That Keystone and Central City were closer," Lana whispered.
"So do…Wait a minute," said Steve abruptly, his face pulling back and his eyes narrowing. "Why Keystone?"
"What do you mean," Lana said startled by his sudden attitude change.
"What's in Keystone?" he asked.
"I am in about two months," she answered.
"I thought you were going to Metropolis U with Clark and Chloe," Steve said, his registering no small amount of shock.
"I was," Lana said, taking in Steve's intense look. "I just found out last week that the scholarship I was going to use had it's funding pulled at Metropolis U because of some faculty scandal. Keystone University was my second choice. What is going on?" she asked unsure why Steve had changed gears so rapidly.
"And what's in Central City?" he asked
"You are," Lana said surprised. "You said that…."
"No…I'm not," Steve interrupted quietly. Lana stared at him.
"But I thought you got accepted to…." Lana said trailing off as Steve stared at her. His eyes sparkled and there were the beginnings of a smile on his lips.
"Accepted yes, going there no," said Steve. "You didn't get my email did you?"
Lana shook her head.
Steve threw back his head and laughed, releasing Lana's hand and laying back on the sand in apparent delight. "Of all the emails we send that one has to get lost. Lana about three weeks ago my email went south you remember that?"
"Yeah," Lana remembered, still not sure what had changed Steve's mood. "You called and apologized."
"Yeah I wondered if I had sent anything that never got to you," said Steve his grin wide now. "I thought we covered all the important stuff on the phone while my ISP fixed everything. Apparently we missed one."
"Which was," annoyed with his mirth.
"Lana," said Steve sitting up, his voice suddenly serious as he looked her in the eyes and cupped her face. "I'm going to Keystone." He said in a fierce whisper.
Lana blinked a couple of times as the shock passed and the idea began to register. She smiled.
"You realize that now you are gonna have to put up with me on a regular, possibly daily basis," said Steve as he backed his face away from hers. She didn't let him get far. Steve found her hands behind his head as she kissed him again.
"I think," said Lana, pulling away. "That I can live with that, can you?"
"No argument," said Steve. "So…umm does this mean there is an us?"
Lana shoved him over in the sand. "What do you think?"
"Well if you were a wrestler I'd say that was a yes," grinned Steve as he sat back up and shook the sand out of his hair. "Since I'm fairly certain that…"
Lana shoved him again and this time she pinned him as he hit the sand. "I may not be a wrestler but I can still…." Lana's comment turned into a yelp as Steve reversed the pin and rolled her over onto her back, lying beside her and keeping her arms pinned.
"You can still what?" he said innocently.
She glared at him in mock fury, and then laughed as he crossed his eyes at her.
"I'm never going to get the sand out of my hair," she accused.
"We could always take a dip in the lake," suggested Steve.
"My suit is back at the campsite," said Lana
"Exactly," he said. Lana looked at him. "Okay all right it was just an idea." said Steve.
She rolled her eyes. "You'll never change."
"Probably not," said Steve. "Think you can live with it?"
"I'd love the chance the try," Lana said quietly.
"Me too," said Steve standing and reaching out to help her up. She took his hand and let him pull her to her feet and into his embrace. "So here's to us?" he said running his hands through her long hair and pulling her close.
"To us," she breathed onto his lips as they sealed their agreement with a kiss.
………..Camp Site…….
…..The Next Morning……
Clark stretched as he took a step out of the tent to let Chloe dress. The sun was just coming up and Clark watched the yellow orb poke its head over the trees to the east. He smiled to himself as he heard Chloe grumbling as she put her clothes on. Chloe was not an early riser by nature and she had flat out refused to let Clark kiss her good morning until she had brushed her teeth. Clark had kissed her anyway, causing her to smile even as she protested and kicked him out of the tent.
Clark's eyes scanned the campsite and he realized that Steve's sleeping bag was nowhere to be seen. Clark's grin returned as the zipper to the tent opened and Steve emerged and closed the flap behind him. Clark raised an eyebrow at his friend and Steve smirked.
"I see you found a roof after all," said Clark as the two boys met by the fire.
"Found more than that," said Steve as he poked at the fire to see if any coals were left. He turned his head and found Clark staring at him, his eyes a bit wide. "I didn't mean it like that Clark." he chuckled.
"Oh," said Clark, slightly embarrassed, not knowing how to ask anything else.
"Lana mentioned that she is going to college in Keystone," explained Steve, still grinning at Clark. "So am I."
"You are?" said Clark, surprised. "Yeah apparently my email informing everyone of this got lost. So it would appear Lana and I will be at the same university."
"So that means you guys are gonna give it a shot?" asked Clark.
"So it would appear," said Steve. "I just hope she doesn't regret it."
"She won't," said Clark, pausing thoughtfully. "This brings to mind our conversation from yesterday."
"I know," said Steve. "You guys want to be present or not?"
"You mean today?" said Clark.
"Waiting will only make it worse," said Steve. "Best to get it out in the open now, besides after three years I am pretty sure I can trust her."
"Trust who?" asked Chloe walking up behind Clark.
"Lana," said Steve standing up.
"Yes dear," said Lana, startling the already nervous Steve. "Good morning." She added when he'd turned toward her.
"Good morning," Steve said, smiling at her.
"You can do better than that," she said, much to Clark's amusement and Chloe's surprise she kissed him soundly, audience and all. Steve soon responded enthusiastically.
"Chloe you're staring," Clark laughed unable to contain himself anymore.
Chloe blushed and averted her gaze.
"We're done," laughed Lana. "So what's for breakfast?"
"Hey we cooked dinner," said Steve. "I though you guys were doing breakfast."
"Fair is fair," agreed Clark, indicating his and Steve's bare feet and clothes. "We haven't even had time to change yet."
"Well get started then," said Chloe, shoving Clark in the direction of the tent and their backpacks, while Lana walked to the cooler to bring out the breakfast food they'd packed the day before.
"Don't take too long or there won't be anything left," said Lana.
"Yes ma'am," said Steve already halfway to the tent.
Hours later the four teens were a good distance into the trees. The hills had gotten gradually steeper as Clark led them to spot his father and he had found a year ago with a great overview of the whole lake.
"How much farther?" asked Lana when they stopped in the shade of some trees to rest. "This heat's killer."
"You said it," agreed Steve, wiping his forehead. "I don't know where yesterday's breeze went but someone should invite it back."
Chloe nodded in agreement and took a sip of her water. "You sure there is a clearing at this place Clark," she asked. "I haven't seen anything but trees for like an hour.
"There is," Clark assured her, shifting the pack on his back. The weight didn't bother him, of course, but some part of the lunch inside kept moving around and messing up the balance. "The view is great and there's plenty of room for a picnic."
"Well are we ready to go?" asked Lana standing and walking over to Steve.
"Just a minute," said Chloe. "I'm not much of a hiker."
"You two on ahead," said Clark. "We'll catch up in a minute. Something is loose in this pack anyways. Just stay on the trail."
The couple nodded and turned and disappeared hand-in-hand up the trail. Clark sat down and shed the backpack to figure out what was loose in it.
"Clark what did I miss this morning?" asked Chloe.
"Huh?" said Clark his head buried in the backpack; his head came back out when Chloe rapped the back of it with her water bottle.
"I said what's with those two?" she repeated indicating the trail.
"Apparently distance is no longer an issue," said Clark, when Chloe glanced at him quizzically he repeated Steve's earlier revelation.
"That would explain it," said Chloe. "What about his gifts?"
"He kind-of hinted he was going to tell her this weekend," said Clark.
"Think he actually will?"
"I told you," Clark pointed out.
"You waited almost a year," said Chloe, smiling at him to take any sting out of the words, he blushed anyways.
"And Steve has waited three," said Clark. "Now that they actually have a shot at being together I have the feeling he won't wait long to tell her."
"She'll accept it," said Chloe as she stood up. "She took yours well enough."
"True," said Clark, hefting the pack. "Ready?"
"Ready," said Chloe. "I'm starting to feel the need for lunch."
…….The Lookout Point………….
……Two Hours Later around One O'clock......
"Man, you weren't kidding," said Steve as he stood looking at the view.
The clearing Clark had led them too was a cliff overlooking the Lake. It was lower than the hike had made it appear, but the view was still impressive. Nearly all of the lake was visible, and from their vantage point the foursome could see skiers out on the lake and the sails of the some of the larger sailboats struggling to catch the day's infrequent breeze. The sun was just past directly overhead and reflected on the lake with a diamond-like glitter.
"Come on, Steve," said Lana, pulling him away from the edge. "Lunch then ogling."
"Ahh but with you here I can do both," he said as he sat down, pretending to leer at her.
"Lana are you sure you want to put up with that?" laughed Chloe.
"He's not so bad," she said laughing as he grinned and made leering faces at her.
"Clark don't you get any ideas," said Chloe.
"Oh, I don't need his help, I just do my ogling from a safe distance," said Clark as Chloe gaped at him. He smiled at her as she threw a Cheeto at him.
"Steve you're a bad influence," complained Chloe.
"I do try," said Steve his eyes suddenly serious as he looked at Clark. Clark raised an eyebrow and suddenly grabbed Chloe's hand. "Come on Chloe. There's another view I wanted to show you."
"But my lunch," protested Chloe.
"It'll still be here when you get back," said Clark firmly.
"I'll protect it from ants and hungry boyfriends," Lana promised looking pointedly at Steve.
Chloe looked at the two of them and the look on Steve's face told her what Clark was trying to do. "Sure," she agreed. "I just love being alone in strange places with you Clark." She grinned at him. With a wave the two wandered off.
"Those two," laughed Steve. "Are they always like that?"
"Pretty close," she said. "Joined at the hip as often as possible. I didn't embarrass you this morning did I?"
"I beg your pardon," said Steve surprised.
"With the kiss in front of them," Lana said.
"No," replied Steve. "Lana you can kiss me anytime an anywhere you want. The look on Chloe's face was one for the photo album though."
"Can't argue with that," she laughed. "Come on Steve what is it?" She said after a moment of silence.
"Huh?"
"Come on, I know you better than that," Lana said taking his hand. "You have that look on your face that says you think you've done something wrong. Clark gets that face too, usually for stupid reasons. Out with it."
Steve took a deep breath. "Okay this is gonna be sort of weird so just bear with me."
Lana nodded.
"First question, now don't take my head off," Steve said. "Last night was something of an emotional high point. I just wanted to be sure, REALLY sure, that you wanted to give us a shot."
Lana looked at him, he was earnest. He didn't want her rushing into something. "Yes I do. After three years of getting to know you from several hundred miles away. I am convinced that trying it in close proximity is a very good idea. Feel better?"
"A little," said Steve with a smile, hoping the feeling would last. "Second question. How did you feel when you found out about Clark and his past?"
"Umm there wasn't really one emotion," Lana replied, startled by the question. "I felt a variety of things. Anger, shock, I mean I was at first. I felt like he'd lied to me all those years. I eventually got over it, obviously, but it was something of a strain on out friendship their for a while. Steve why are you asking me this?"
Steve locked eyes with her. "Clark's not the only one with gifts," he said quietly.
She stared at him.
"That night three years ago," he continued when she didn't speak. "When the tornados flipped your truck. I was the one that carried you to the Kent's storm cellar."
"Carried me?" she exclaimed. Her memory jumped back to that night. She remembered the wind overturning the truck just outside of town and throwing her into the ditch. She had her seatbelt on but the roll had hit her head driver's side window enough to knock her senseless. She remembered crawling out of the truck and seeing the twister headed for her. Her memory became hazy here; she remembered a feeling like arms around her and a sense of incredible speed. Then nothing before the frightened face of Martha Kent asking her if she was all right "That was you?" she whispered
Steve nodded in silence, his head bowed.
"You outran a tornado," she said, still in trying to absorb it.
Steve just nodded again, afraid to look at her.
"Stephen look at me," Lana pleaded. "I want to believe you and I want even more to trust you, but you have to look at me."
Steve raised his head and looked into her eyes. In them he saw hurt, and understanding.
"I think," said Lana slowly, trying to keep herself calm. "That if you'd told me this before I found out about Clark I'd be a little more upset. As it stands I understand, at least a little bit, what secrets like this cost people. And the dangers involved in revealing them."
"That's not an excuse," said Steve quietly, hanging his head again.
Lana reached under his chin and lifted it up to face her. "No, it's not," she agreed and he flinched. "But it is a reason. One that I can live with."
"So you're not mad?"
"Mad?" said Lana. "Yes and no. You did save my life and that earns you certain amount of indulgence. I just wish you'd said something earlier."
"So do I," said Steve. "You know now, and it begs the question of where that leaves us."
"I'm not sure," said Lana, pain in her eyes. "It's a lot to take in."
"I understand," said Steve standing. "Whatever you decide, I meant everything I said last night." Steve smiled at her sadly and vanished in a multi-colored blur. Leaving Lana gaping at where he had stood a moment before.
Clark and Chloe approached the picnic area quietly, afraid to intrude. They found Lana sitting alone where they had left two people before.
"Lana," said Clark as he and Chloe stepped out of the trees. She looked up startled. "What happened?"
"Steve," she trailed off.
"Something of a shock isn't it," said Chloe quietly.
"You knew?" Lana said, her eyes flashing in anger. "He told you but not me?"
"Lana he didn't tell…" Clark never finished his sentence. Lana was already in the trees by the time he got the first few words out. Clark immediately began to follow her, but was stopped by Chloe.
"Oh no you don't, farm boy," said Chloe. "You'll just make it worse."
"But," he said.
"Clark you've never been on the receiving end of information like this," Chloe said. "I'll talk to her. You pick up this stuff and wait to see if Steve comes back."
Chloe didn't wait for a response but headed in the direction Lana had gone. She didn't have to go far before she found Lana sitting on a rock just off the trail staring off into the trees.
"Hurts, doesn't it," said Chloe, meeting Lana's eyes when she spun around. "Hurts worse than anything else in the world."
Lana opened her mouth to say something but Chloe beat her to it.
"Don't tell me I don't know," Chloe snapped, more harshly than she'd intended. "Because I DO know." She remembered the pain vividly. The sense of overwhelming betrayal she'd felt when she'd stood at the bottom stairs of the Kent stairs staring at a spaceship and listening as Clark told her everything. His origins, his abilities; he'd lied to her for nearly two years. "Lana, hating him won't change it.
"He lied to me," she said not caring how mean it sounded. "But he told you two."
"Yes, he lied," said Chloe. "But no, he didn't tell us. We just found out. You remember Thomas Howard?"
"I remember the article you wrote about him," she answered. "His meteor rock steroids."
"That's right," Chloe said leaning up against a tree in front of her. "Clark, Steve and I found the stuff he was drinking to beef up. The meteor rock effect had Clark paralyzed, we didn't know that at the time of course, but you know what those things do to him." Lana nodded. "Steve revealed his secret when the only other option was to watch Thomas snap Clark's neck. In hindsight with the rocks affecting Clark he probably could have done it too."
"So then he explained the whole thing to you," Lana said.
Chloe nodded. "Not that I gave him a whole lot of choice. I was determined to unearth everything and anything back then. The whole thing involved something about being struck by lightning and some chemicals." Chloe shrugged. "Doesn't really matter how he got them anymore. He has them and he has to live with them, just like Clark does. Steve's secret isn't even as big, he's not from another planet."
"Don't try to downplay it," said Lana.
"I'm not," said Chloe. "But you have to face the facts. He can't go around telling everyone what he can do anymore than Clark can. They'd lock him up and dissect him. He needed to be sure about you. From your reaction to each other this morning I'd imagine you guys figured something out last night."
"We didn't," Lana blushed. "You know."
"I never said you did," said Chloe. "But you did figure out something about your relationship last night. Nobody is perfect Lana," she paused and then added. "Not even Clark."
Lana smiled at that.
"You have to decide what you want to do," Chloe said turning to walk away. "He was sure enough about you to bring it up. Are you sure enough to forgive for it?"
Lana watched as Chloe walked back toward the clearing, her mind wandering back over the past three years. Steve calling when she'd needed someone to talk to. The emails, the spring and summer vacations he spent here when he could, whether he could afford it or not. Him showing up on graduation even though his slightly more stringent finals had just started, because he knew she was nervous about the speech, and how it brightened her like a four hundred watt bulb when he showed up announced or unannounced.
Setting her jaw, she followed Chloe back to the clearing.
……..The Campsite…..
…….A Half Hour Later…..
"Steve," said Lana as she walked into the clearing. She'd been half afraid he'd already be gone. But there he was, sitting in front of the ashes of the campfire, his eyes far away. Clark had raced her to the edge of the campsite and then gone back to Chloe, smiling encouragement at her before he vanished again. "Steve?" she repeated
He looked up and saw her this time, his eyes were red, and she imagined hers looked little better.
"Lana," he said his voice bereft of its usual smirk. Lana looked at the pain she'd caused and knew that coming here had been the right decision.
"Steve, our talk was far from finished," she said as he walked around the dead campfire and sat facing him. "Not by a long-shot."
"There's nothing more to say," said Steve. "I lied and now you don't trust me."
"Actually, there is plenty more to say," Lana disagreed. "Like how on earth this happened and what else can you do?"
Steve sighed and leaned forward, still not looking at her directly, his head facing forward and his eyes distant as he spoke. "Do you want the short version or the long one?"
"We'll start with the short one," Lana replied. "But I reserved the right to ask hundreds of questions." she smiled at him but he failed to smile back, only nodding.
"I was struck by lightning when I was about nine," Steve explained. "I was standing next to a large shelf of chemicals when it happened and the combination of the two somehow revamped my metabolism or something like that. Hence, I move very rapidly. It used to make me sick but not anymore."
"So how fast can you go?"
Steve shrugged. "It's difficult to say. All I can really say for certain is that I know I'm getting faster, or I seem to be."
"Is that all there is to it?" Lana asked.
"Pretty much," Steve shrugged. "The speed is pervasive. It seems to affect everything. I mean reflexes and stuff." He laughed humorlessly. "It certainly makes typing papers quicker. God Lana I'm sorry." He said his head lowering to face the ground.
Lord how to I get through to him she thought. "Yes, you lied," she said aloud, her voice firm. "And yes, that hurt me. Steve, it's not unforgivable sin. You didn't lie about another woman or committing murder or something similarly heinous. Secrets like the one you and Clark keep are secrets for a reason. They can hurt people, you and me being only the most immediate. You were honest enough to tell me rather than base our new relationship on a lie. And you trusted me enough to keep that secret even if it destroyed that relationship." She leaned in close, her voice falling into a whisper. "Last night you asked if I wanted to give us a shot. I said yes then and I'm not changing that decision." Then, reaching out with both hands to cup his face, she kissed him.
He was so stunned he didn't react. She pulled away.
"You know for one of the fastest men in the world you don't catch on very well," she said, trying to keep her voice light but there was a certain amount of fear in her eyes. Fear that she'd hurt him too badly.
The tone of her voice and the fear in the back of her eyes finally penetrated his senses. A moment later both their fears were dispelled as he pulled her to him. The kiss that followed reminded them of what they'd almost thrown away.
