Chapter 9

Lana's Visit

Disclaimer: Apologies on a lack of updates for this fic as I've been a little focused on my website recently. And now, on with the show!


One Week Later At The Hospital

"Hi, Clark." Lana said softly as she came to stand beside him in front of his little baby boy, Ryan 'RJ' James Kent.

Who was still in the hospital and in a special bed that helped his breathing thanks to a breathing unit he was connected too. The hospital had yet to allow Clark to take his son home, which was rather irritating for the young man but also in a way, helpful. As it allowed Clark's parents to get something set up for RJ that would be well suited to his special needs. Needs that were caused by Tim Westcott when he had kidnapped him a week ago and his sand had damaged his lungs. Clark wearily sighed as he kept his eyes on his son. "If you're here to complain about my throwing Jason down the hallway, I really don't want to hear it."

If anything, Lana seemed surprised by his words. "Wait, what, what do you mean?" As this was the first she was hearing about this!

Clark briefly turned to look at her and the young woman was honestly shocked by how exhausted he looked. It was honestly worse then the time he'd been forcing himself to stay awake when Sarah Conroy had been reaching out to him through his dreams. "He was in here a couple days ago, talking about things that honestly weren't any of his business. So, I got tired of it and threw him out."

"Oh." Well, no wonder Jason's been wincing some then when they were together…

And while she was curious about how Clark had managed to throw her current boyfriend down a hall, Lana knew this wasn't the time for asking about it. So, she simply focused on other matters. "Well, I'm not here for that." She told him honestly.

Though she did promise herself to have a word with Jason and make it clear he's to leave Clark alone. As being harassed right now was the last thing he needed. Clark looked at her again with surprise written all over his face. "What? Expected me to start yelling at you?"

"Well… Yeah. Jason IS your boyfriend after all." He replied simply enough.

Lana could accept that. "Point. But even if I wanted to yell at you, Clark, now wouldn't be the right time for that. As it is, I honestly just stopped by because I wanted to know how you and your… Your son are doing." She finally told him.

The concept of him of all people having a little baby boy being something the young woman was still trying to wrap her head around. Clark blew out a breath as he looked down at his son. "We're… We're about as okay as we're gonna be."

Ohh how Lana hated this whole situation. As this precious little boy in front of her didn't deserve this at all. Both him and Clark in no way deserved it, regardless of the fact that little RJ's mother is none other than Alicia Baker. Which was another thing Lana admittedly had trouble wrapping her head around where that particular girl was concerned… Shaking herself of those thoughts, Lana pressed onwards. "Have you… Have you slept any?"

Because it looked like he was in bad need of it. Her ex, whom still is the keeper of her heart, just scoffed with a humorless chuckle as he looked at her. "How can I? How can I when he's like this, Lana? I was barely sleeping before this happened and now… Now sleep's just not possible." He answered in an exhausted and sad manner.

Hell, Clark wasn't sure if he'd ever be able to sleep again. He was certain he'd have nightmares if he did and that was the last thing he wanted to deal with right now. Lana's heart utterly broke for him and not caring how it might look, hugged him tightly. As this hug she felt was something her Plaid Knight needed a great deal of. Well… That, and sleep. Lots and lots of sleep. How that was gonna happen however, Lana didn't have a clue of but she hoped it wouldn't take something truly drastic for him to get some sleep. Her hugging him was something Clark appreciated, even if he was surprised she did it as he figured she wouldn't be too accepting of him or RJ due to Alicia's involvement. And Alicia still doesn't know… Clark thought to himself with a sigh.

For there was a great deal of worry she really wouldn't be able to handle it too well. "This wasn't how I wanted you or anyone else to find out."

"Honestly, Clark, this isn't how anyone would want to find out something as big as this." Pointed out Lana reasonably.

Though gladdened that it seemed he had intended on telling her at some point instead of her having to find out through accident like Lois and Lex had. She's got a point there.

Both teens remained as they were in silence, staring at little RJ's sleeping self. And for Clark, Lana's presence was a wonderful thing for him. The complete lack of judgement on her part was another huge bonus as well.


Author's Notes: Not much happened here but I think it works out well like that. R and R!