Chapter 7- In which two lovers talk to an older gentleman with magnificent hair.

Lionel stood up as Clark entered his office. "Hello, Clark. What did you wish to see me about?"

Clark smiled. "It's actually a who." Lana stepped out from behind him.

Lionel was speechless. He walked over to Lana wearing an expression of sheer disbelief. This was impossible. He had been there for the explosion. He remembered running up to the destroyed vehicle horrified. He had been certain that Lana had died.

"You look surprised," Lana said with a smile.

"But-how?"

After yet another detailed account of her truck hopping escapades, Lionel sat back, clearly impressed. "So after all that's happened, why are you here?"

"I am going to go see Lex to get a divorce. I am going to marry Clark. I am going to try to move on with my life after wasting so much time with that villain that you call a son. And to do these things, I will need your help." Lana's voice was strangely sharp and strong. Clark smiled inwardly. She had made herself stronger in her absence.

"Well, I see that you've changed. For the better, that is. I'll get you a bodyguard. Some protection. You'll need it." Lionel glanced at Lana before turning his gaze to Clark, who clearly wanted to protest. "You could simply go with Clark. That, however, could jeopardize his secret."

Clark looked puzzled. "What do you mean?"

Lana answered. "What if Lex pulls a gun? You can't take the bullets, and you can't dodge them."

"She's right, son."

Clark's face flashed with anger. "I don't care. I'm not putting Lana's life on the line to protect my secret. Never again."

Lionel sat quietly in thought. "Well, I can set up a meeting with Lex. He won't know you're here until you see each other behind closed doors. What do you think?"

Clark nodded. "We'll do it," Lana replied.

Lionel picked up the phone and dialed a number. After several moments, Lex answered. "Hello, son. I need to meet with you. No, it's quite urgent. Tomorrow? Can you do 11:30? Good. Thank you, son. Goodbye." He turned back to Clark and Lana. "Tomorrow. 11:30. I suggest you prepare yourselves."