CHAPTER NINE: DATE NIGHT

Xavier Institute, October 29, 2007

As the morning sun rose over the Xavier Institute, the students had all gathered in the kitchen for breakfast. As was the case at every breakfast, most of the students were chatting to one another, though the main topic of discussion was different, due to the occasion.

"I bet Aly's psyched for her date with Clark, tonight!" Jubilee exclaimed. "She's so lucky!"

Tabitha nodded, chuckling. "Aly's landed a marlin, that's for sure!" she said.

"Like I said before, he is one lucky alien." Ray said. "How on Earth did he score a date with one of the hottest chicks on the planet?"

"Yeah; he is like a freakin' magician." Bobby said, chuckling.

"How did he pull it off?" Roberto wondered. "She's a superstar! She's completely out of any guy's league!"

Sam laughed. "Not his! He's Superman!" he said.

"Plus, Aly's been crazy about Clark ever since they were kids!" Kitty exclaimed.

Amara giggled. "And that was before she found out he was Superman."

"Okay, guys; enough." Scott chuckled. "Clark and Alison are our friends; we shouldn't be talking about them."

Jean giggled. "Remember, Scott, they talked about the two of us, before." she said. "I guess they found a new topic."

"We're just happy for them!" Kitty exclaimed.

"My ears are burning."

Everyone turned to see Alison walk in, clad in her light blue pajama pants and tank top, under her blue terry-cloth bathrobe, smiling amusedly. "Oh, uh...h-hi, Aly!" Kitty stammered. "We were just..."

"...talking about my date with Clark, tonight." Alison finished, with a smile. "I still can't believe you guys had a betting pool on when Clark and I would go out."

Rogue snorted. "Ah can't believe that Swamp-Rat won." she muttered.

Lance frowned. "Yeah, LeBeau; how'd you pull that off?"

Remy just grinned. "Dey don' call Remy 'Gambit' fo' nothin'." he said. "Remy got t' say, dis weekend pas' been one o' de mos' profitable ones dat Remy 'ad in a while."

Kurt chuckled. "Ja, I heard zat you cleaned up vith your poker table!"

"Hey, where's CK?" Evan inquired.

"I think he's still out on his patrol." Scott observed.

Alison smiled lightly. "He's so hard-working." she cooed.

Just then, a sonic boom echoed overhead...and everyone smiled, before resuming breakfast.

After returning from his patrol and donning his work clothes, Clark took a few minutes to put the finishing touches on his next university assignment that was due in a few days – which was plenty of time, with his pace. As he typed, he couldn't help but smile; his date with Alison was tonight.

A mild panic started to take hold of his mind. 'Where will we go for dinner? What movie will we go see? Oh, dear Lord, will she let me kiss her, or hold her hand?' These and other worries clouded his thoughts.

He had honestly never expected that anything like this would happen. Ever since his time in the Fortress, he'd at first resigned himself to being alone in the world; he'd never expected to find acceptance, let alone find affection from a human woman. Even though he'd found a home at the Institute, he'd never dared to hope that he might find more.

One of his fondest wishes had come true...and he had no idea what to do.

His typing complete, Clark put on his glasses, parted his hair in front, and switched on his image-inducer, completing his nervous, bumbling persona. He then headed out of his room...

...and came face-to-face with Alison, looking lovely in her bathrobe over her pajamas.

Alison smiled at him. "Hi, Clarkie." she whispered.

Clark smiled back, his brain momentarily locking up as he saw her. "Hi, Aly." he replied. "How are you?"

"Fine." Alison replied. "How was your patrol?"

Clark smiled. "I had to patch up a research submarine in the Arctic." he said. "They must have struck an iceberg; since over 90 percent of an iceberg's mass is below the surface, they're even more dangerous to submarines. They must have ascended too close to one."

Alison's smile grew. "Another disaster averted." she cooed.

Clark nodded. He felt his face start to burn. "So...are you ready for tonight?"

Alison nodded, her pretty face taking on a lovely rosy tint. "I...think so." she whispered.

Clark smiled sheepishly. "So...where did you want to go for dinner?"

Alison just shrugged prettily, her smile becoming shy. "Wherever you want to go, Clark. I'm okay with whatever you choose." she said. "Anyway, I've got to get ready for school."

"Oh. Right. Of course!" Clark stammered. "I'll just...get out of your way."

Alison giggled. "I'm really looking forward to tonight, Clark." she cooed.

Clark felt his anxieties vanish at her smile. "Me too, Alison." he said. Then, he stepped aside, letting her head to the bathroom. As she stepped in, she turned back meeting his gaze, smiling sweetly, never breaking their gaze...until the door separated them.

As Clark headed on his way, to grab a quick bite before heading to the Bugle, he smiled to himself. 'I can do this.' he thought. 'I've defused reactors about to go critical, I've gone toe-to-toe with Juggernaut...heck, I once looked Doom right in the eye. I can handle a date with Alison, right?' He sighed to himself.

'Dear Lord...please don't let me mess this up.'

Bayville High

In that oh-so-brief time before classes started in the morning, Alison, in her usual pink tank-top and jeans, was gathering her books...or at least trying to; the fact that her brain was a puddle of happy, love-struck mush wasn't helping any.

Tonight, she was going on a date with Clark.

She couldn't have been happier.

Her joy quickly gave way to anxiety. 'Oh my God...I'm going on a date with him! W-What if he kisses me? What if he doesn't like me?!' These thoughts paralyzed her; the thought of her messing up the evening, of Clark not wanting to speak to her again...they twisted her insides into knots. She couldn't lose him...she just couldn't...

Alison shook off her worries, smiling; tonight would be fine. After regaining control of herself, Alison gathered her books, and turned to go to class...and bumped into Amanda, who had become one of her friends at school, who was also heading to class. "Oh, hi, Alison!" Amanda greeted.

"Hi, Amanda!" Alison replied.

Amanda took note of Alison's smile. "How come you're so happy, girl?" she asked, smiling.

Alison couldn't keep the blush off her face. "Remember that guy I told you I liked?" she asked. "He asked me out!"

"That's wonderful!" Amanda exclaimed, giving her a quick hug. "I'm so happy for you!"

"Thanks!" Alison said. She smiled. "What about you? Haven't you asked Kurt out, yet?"

Amanda blushed fiercely. "I couldn't." she murmured. "W-What if he doesn't like me back? I'd just end up making a total fool of myself!"

Alison smiled. "Well...why not take it slow, first?" she suggested. "You're in Biology with him, right?"

"Well...yeah."

"And don't you need a lab-partner for that class, and you have to pick one today?"

"Well...yeah." Amanda said. Then, her eyes lit up. "Ali, that's brilliant!" she exclaimed. "I'll ask to be his lab-partner!"

Alison nodded, smiling. "And that way, you can get used to being around him, as well as finding out if he likes you!"

Amanda let out a soft, happy squeal, before hugging Alison again. "Oh, thank you, Alison!" she exclaimed. Then, Amanda headed to class. Smiling at how happy her friend was, Alison turned to head to class...

A silver blur darted up to her. "Hey, babe."

Alison rolled her eyes. "Go away, Pietro."

Pietro paid her no heed, on autopilot, as he looped an arm around her shoulders. "So, guess who's going to the monster-truck rally, tonight?"

Alison's eyes narrowed angrily as she pushed his arm off. "You and your ego?"

Pietro chuckled. "Good guess, but no." he said, as he pulled out two tickets. "You and me, gorgeous."

Alison fought the urge to punch the little bastard out. "Pietro, I'm not even going to mention the fact that I wouldn't go out with you if you were the last guy on Earth." she said. "I already have a date, tonight."

That wiped the smug grin off Pietro's face. "With who?!" he demanded. Then, it hit him. "With him?! That loser?!"

Alison frowned at the crass mention of Clark – her sweetie. "I've had the misfortune of dating losers, before, Pietro...and he isn't one of them."

Pietro's smug expression returned. "Look, Alison...who would you prefer?" he said. "Some Boy-Scout chump with his head in the clouds?" He reached out to stroke her face. "Or someone who knows how to have a good time?"

Alison moved back before Pietro could touch her face. "I think I'd prefer the guy who isn't an absolute jerk." she snapped. With that, she walked off, leaving Pietro behind, as she headed to class.

Pietro was seething as Alison walked off. He could not believe what he'd just heard.

'That cape-clad loser takes the respect of my father from me...and now he scores the hottest chick on the planet?!' he thought. 'No way am I going to let that geek one-up me! Not this time!'

Storming off, Pietro's mind raced...and he smiled to himself; Anita would want to hear about this.

New York City

Clark had been on his break when he heard the silent store-alarm go off. He'd quickly darted into the empty elevator-shaft, discreetly zipped in, and flown up and into the open sky, shedding his work-clothes and stashing them, clad in his uniform, now. Superman listened carefully; a convenience store had just been robbed, and the two crooks responsible were fleeing into an alley.

Superman darted towards the alley, diving down and snatching up one of them, dropping him next to a police car before anyone saw him. He quickly flew back to get the other one...and found him dazedly walking back, heading for the same police car, his eyes glazed over. "I must turn myself in." he said, as if in a trance. "I must turn myself in."

Superman then heard that familiar giggle, and sighed to himself, before flying up to the rooftop...where Siryn was sitting on the edge of the roof, in her uniform, smiling at him, twirling a lock of her hair. "Hi, handsome." she cooed.

Superman arched an eyebrow quizzically. "Aren't you supposed to be in school?" he asked. These past few days, Siryn had been discreetly assisting in his crime-fighting in New York...but he had a feeling that her motives weren't exactly the same as his.

Siryn giggled. "I'm on my lunch break, Kal-El." she purred. "How sweet of you to inquire!"

She smiled. "You know, Kal-El..." Siryn continued, "...I heard something silly, today. I heard that you actually care for that 'Dazzler' girl, Alison Blaire."

"That is none of your business." Superman said firmly.

Siryn's eyes narrowed. "Then it's true!" she hissed. "Why, Kal-El?! What do you see in her?! How can you prefer her over me?!"

"Siryn, you endangered my friends, tried to bespell me, and distracted me from helping people for a week." Superman said, crossing his arms. "Need I continue?"

Siryn frowned. "You can't honestly be interested in that...little blonde floozy!"

"That's enough!" Superman shouted, his voice echoing across the sky, his eyes narrowed. "As I said, my personal life is none of your business. I've told you I wasn't interested on several occasions, Siryn. Try listening, this time."

Siryn's eyes narrowed. "As I said, Kal-El, I don't take 'no' for an answer. I always get what I want." she said. "I suggest you snap out of this little fondness quick, because I am not patient."

Superman's expression didn't change. "I would have never guessed." he said flatly. At that, Siryn made a single sound of frustration, before she vanished into green mist. Superman then took off, flying back towards the Daily Bugle, before anyone noticed he was gone.

Anita was livid as she teleported herself back to Bayville High, after stopping by her apartment to change back into her street clothes. She was ready to murder that little...

"I see you've figured it out."

Anita stopped to meet Pietro's gaze, as the silver-haired speedster was leaning casually against a locker. "You were actually right, Maximoff." Anita said. "He's smitten with her!"

"Hate to say 'I told you so'." Pietro said. "Normally, I'd add, 'No, I don't,' but in this case, I do, because Alison's just as bonkers about him."

Anita could actually feel her blood boiling. "Where is that little twit?!" she hissed. "Because when I find her..!"

"Whoa, there, LeRoux; let's not be too hasty." Pietro said. "A wise man once said, 'Don't get mad, get even.' Why not nip this thing in the bud, before you go getting all bent out of shape?"

Anita arched an eyebrow. "Your suggestion?"

"Sabotage." Pietro said, grinning. "We may have different reasons, but we've got the same goal: make that date the worst one they've ever had."

Anita liked that idea; she wanted to ruin Alison's evening, make her regret ever setting eyes on her man. And if Pietro had his own reasons – likely because he wanted the comely blonde for himself – then that was just as well; the end result was the same.

"Tell me more..."

It was about 5:30 in the evening when Clark got back to the Institute; old JJ had kept him late with paperwork. He quickly darted to his room, removing his image-inducer and glasses, as well as ruffling his hair back to its normal state, before donning his white t-shirt and jeans over his uniform. He had just enough time to get a head start on one of his assignments before taking Ali to dinner. He was just about to sit down at his computer...

...when his cell-phone rang. Clark picked it up. "Hello?"

"Hey, Clark."

Clark smiled. "Hey, Lex." he greeted. "So, how's the life of a boy-billionaire?"

Lex chuckled. "Harder than you'd think; I just came from a conference in Japan." he said. "And how's superhero-life, oh Man of Steel?"

Clark laughed. "Busy." he said. He started to sit down...after he removed the Mark V whoopie-cushion that the New Mutants had placed under the cushion of his chair. "Nice try, guys!" he called out laughing.

"What's going on?" Lex inquired.

Clark chuckled. "Oh, just another attempt by the New Mutants to prank me." he said. "This time, they tried the old 'whoopie-cushion on the chair gag.'"

Lex chuckled. "Amateurish." he said. "Although you do have to give them some points; the cushion is a classic! What model?"

"Mark V."

Lex whistled. "They may be amateurs, but they're amateurs with taste; very nice." he said. "Personally, I prefer the Mark VI, for superior embarrassing power."

Clark arched an eyebrow. "Isn't that still in development?"

"I'm one of the top customers for gag items, Clark; one of the perks is that I get dibs on any new pranking equipment before it's released to the general public."

Clark laughed. "That's our Lex; greatest prankster ever to come out of Smallville...God help Smallville!" he said. "Remember the time you added green food-coloring to the water supply at your house?"

"Now, Clark, you know that my father could never prove I did that!" Lex laughed. "So, what's on Superman's itinerary for tonight?"

Clark smiled. "I'm taking Alison out on a date."

"Wait...you're taking out Aly? Little Aly?" Lex laughed.

Clark chuckled. "She's not so little, anymore, Lex!"

"I know, I know, I'm just ribbing you." Lex chuckled. "Well, I wish I could say I'm surprised, but I'm not; remember how she always followed us – or rather, you – around, during the summer?"

Clark's face went a bit red. "Well...yeah." he admitted. His face saddened. "And I remember all the times you pranked her...and she does, too."

"Uh-oh. I hope I don't end up putting you in the dog-house." Lex said. "But it was just so easy! It was like she was wearing a 'Prank Me' sign, as far as my juvenile eyes were concerned!"

Clark frowned. "Lex, I hate to say this again, but some of your pranks weren't exactly good-natured." he said. "She was a sweet girl – and she still is – and you were such a bully, sometimes!"

"I know, I know." Lex relented. "You really like her, don't you?"

Clark arched an eyebrow. "Why is everyone so interested in my love-life?"

"Oh, love-life? I didn't know it was that serious!"

Clark groaned. "Are you always this irritating?"

"Of course! Who else but a best friend could be anywhere near as irritating as I am?" Lex laughed. "And you haven't denied it, buster!" He sighed. "Anyway, I've gotta go; company meeting. I hope you and Alison have a good time, tonight, old pal." Lex chuckled. "Don't do anything I wouldn't do! Later!" With that, Lex hung up.

After doing some typing, Clark checked his watch, and put on his black jacket, before going to meet Alison at her room. As he walked down the hallway, Kitty met him halfway to Ali's room. "So, you and Aly are going on your date?" she asked, smiling.

Clark smiled. "That's the plan, Kit."

Kitty's smile grew. "What movie are you both going to see?"

Clark paused. "Uh...I have no idea." he admitted.

Kitty sighed, clasping her hands. "How romantic!" she exclaimed. "I hope you both have a wonderful time!"

Clark smiled. "Thanks, Kitty." he said. Then, Kitty walked away...as Clark stopped in front of Alison's door. 'Okay...I can do this.' he thought. He took a deep breath...and knocked on her door.

"Coming!" Alison called from her room. Seconds later, she opened her door, and walked out, clad in simple jeans, a brown jacket, and shades. She quickly tied her long, silky gold tresses into a tight bun, before covering her head with a cap. If Clark hadn't seen her come out of her room, he would never have recognized her...though she was still dazzling. She smiled that mega-watt smile, the one that could make his knees get a bit wobbly. "So?" she asked. "What do you think?"

Clark smiled. "Alison, you look lovely."

Alison smiled lightly. "Thank you, Clark...but it isn't what you expected, I know." she assured him. "I'm incognito, Clarkie. Dressing like this is pretty much the only way I can ever go out in public without my fans mobbing me!" She sighed. "As much as I would love to wear something pretty for our date, if I do, people will recognize me, and our date will be shot to hell. Not only that, people will start asking questions about the guy I'm with..."

"You don't need to explain, Aly." Clark said, smiling. Her disguise was for his sake as much as her own. "You look lovely."

Alison smiled, lightly blushing. "Thank you!" she said. "And you look...really handsome, Clark."

Clark smiled, offering his arm to her. "Shall we?"

Alison smiled radiantly. "Let's!" she agreed, taking his arm. Clark smiled, as they both headed out of the Institute.

They both took the bus into the city, simply chatting about normal, everyday stuff on the way. Clark had to smile; Alison was just a normal young woman of 17...who simply happened to have mutant powers and an amazing voice – she was so unlike all the other spoiled pop-divas in the music business.

And Alison marveled at how Clark was still the same kind, pure-hearted guy she'd known as a child; the first one to do the right thing...even though he had the power to do anything he wanted. His moral compass was still dead-on-target...which only further endeared him to her.

Before long, they arrived at the restaurant that Clark had planned to take her to. They both headed in, sat down, and ordered. Clark smiled sheepishly. "I'm sorry that this isn't exactly the classiest place around, Aly..." he began.

"Clark, it's fine!" Alison assured him, smiling. She blushed slightly. "As long as I get to spend time with you, I'm happy."

Now Clark was blushing, though his face felt like it was going to cramp from smiling. "I'm...happy to spend time with you, too, Alison."

Alison's blush intensified, her face rosy. "Wow...it's been a crazy year for the both of us, hasn't it?" she commented. Her voice became a whisper, so no-one would hear them. "My career has taken off..." she smiled, "...and you saved the world."

Clark chuckled. "I found acceptance, and a new family." he said. "It's definitely been an eventful year."

Alison nodded. "I know." she agreed. "And the start of the next one looks nuts." She sighed. "I have so many CD recordings and concerts scheduled for January and February, it isn't even funny."

Clark smiled. "You'll ace them, Alison." he said. "Your voice is amazing." His smile became bashful. "On your recording, this past weekend, I...kinda listened in a bit." His smile grew. "Alison...you have the most beautiful voice I've ever heard." 'And the rest of you is just as beautiful.' he thought.

Alison blushed. "Really? You...really think so?" she whispered.

Clark smiled. "I know so."

Alison's blush intensified. "T-Thank you!" she cooed, smiling...as a very faint glow surrounded her lovely face, before she regained control. She smiled at him. "Clark, you're just as amazing, if not more." she whispered. "You do so many amazing things, and take zero credit for them."

Clark chuckled. "I just wish I was better at avoiding cameras." he said. "I've been partially spotted a few times."

Alison giggled. "I know; people are talking about you." she said. "One of my friends, Lila, once told me that Paris Hilton once put up a billboard with her number so you could call her!"

Clark blinked. "Wait...that was real?"

Alison giggled. "You mean, you actually saw it?"

"Well...yeah..." Clark admitted, "...but I thought it was a joke. Miss Hilton isn't exactly my 'cup of tea.'"

Alison smiled. "In other words, she's a total bitch."

"Well, I wouldn't say that." Clark said.

Alison smiled. "Clark, you wouldn't say anything bad about anyone. What would someone have to do to make your 'blacklist'?"

Clark frowned. "Threatening innocent people is one way." he said. "Organized crime is another. That puts Magneto, Doom, and Kingpin in my bad books...though it's a toss-up as to which is the worst."

Alison nodded. "With Siryn being a close runner-up?" she giggled.

Clark smiled. "Exactly my thoughts, Aly." Then, he saw the waitress head towards them, with their orders in hand.

Anita had sat in a table a few feet from Kal-El and Alison, close enough to see them without being seen herself, but not enough so she could hear them talking. 'What does he see in her?!' she mentally fumed.

In the booth next to hers, Pietro had sat; they'd followed the two from the Institute to this place. Pietro scowled. "What now?" he whispered.

Anita spied the waitress heading towards Kal-El and Alison...and she smiled. "Spill everything on the girl." she ordered. The waitress took on a dazed expression, her eyes glazing over, as she walked on.

Anita smiled to herself. She would make Alison's date one she would never forget.

Clark heard Anita's command when the waitress was half-way to their table. He kept calm, and turned to the waitress as she stopped at their table. Alison smiled. "Thank you!" she said. The waitress did not respond, as the tray started to tip towards Alison...

Quickly, Clark caught the tray, stopping it. "Here, let me help you." he said, smiling.

The waitress shook off her trance. "Huh?" she murmured. "Oh, I'm so sorry!"

"It's okay." Clark assured her. "No harm done."

As the frazzled waitress walked off, Alison smiled at Clark. "You are handy!" she cooed.

Clark smiled back...and then sighed. "We've got company." he said. "Several tables down; Anita and Pietro. Don't look."

Alison frowned. "Well, it looks like I've made Her Majesty's bad books." she said. "And Pietro's likely here because I turned him down, today."

Clark frowned. "Has he been harassing you in school?"

Alison nodded. "That creep will not take a hint." she said. She looked regretful. "And now I've made him hate you..."

Clark chuckled. "Aly, he hated me long before you came around." he replied. "His father, Magneto, wanted to recruit me, to be 'the leader of Homo superior' in some prophecy, and I guess Pietro got jealous."

Alison frowned. "Yeah, I remember; that creep used Kryptonite on you, for four hours." she said. Her expression saddened. "That must have been awful..."

Clark nodded. "It was not fun." he agreed. Then, he frowned. "Looks like Speedy's going to try to dump his drink on me." he added.

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the silver-headed speedster get ready to go, drink in hand. When no-one was looking, he darted towards Clark at top speed...though, to Clark's eyes, it was as if he were going in slow-motion. Clark got ready to dodge...

...and then a tiny flash of light blinded Pietro as he got close, causing him to trip and slide across the floor, landing flat on his face, his soda spilling over himself.

Clark looked at Alison, who was smiling triumphantly. "What?" she asked innocently.

Clark smiled. "Nothing."

Alison smiled back. "I can't stand jerks like Pietro, Clarkie." she said. She looked regretful. "When I was just starting my career, I did go on a few dates...but the guys turned out to be jerks. They were either too self-absorbed to pay any attention to me, were only dating me as a publicity stunt, or wanted to get in my pants from the get-go."

Clark frowned, his fists clenching under the table, at the thought of anyone mistreating his Aly. 'Wait...my Aly?' he thought to himself. "I see."

Alison lightly smiled. "Thankfully, I managed to ditch those creeps quickly before they started looking for a kiss." she said. 'I wanted my first kiss to be from a guy I actually liked." Her smile turned shy. "I guess part of the reason I couldn't stand them was because...they just couldn't compare to my first crush."

Clark felt his face start to heat up. 'Wow.' he thought.

Alison's smile became shy. "So...what about you?" she inquired. "Have you been involved with someone, lately?"

Clark shook his head. "No, Aly; not since Smallville." he said. "Back before I left Smallville, I was just an overly-awkward, withdrawn kid, with freakish powers that I had no clue about. I had pretty much given up on any girl ever giving me the time of day." He sighed. "And that was before I discovered where I was from. For four years, I had resigned myself to the fact that I was completely alone in the world." He smiled. "And then the X-Men found me, and gave me a home." he added. "I was glad to have been proven wrong about that, Alison...and I'm glad to be proven wrong, again."

Alison beamed, her pretty face taking on a lovely rosy tint. "I'm glad, too, Clark." she cooed.

After they had finished their meal and Clark paid the bill, they took the bus to the local movie theater. As he and Alison looked at the choices of movies, they decided on the newest Robin Williams comedy. Clark paid for their tickets, and they both headed into the theater, not getting any popcorn; since they had just ate, they weren't hungry. The movie started shortly after they took their seats, sitting next to each other. Soon, they were engrossed in the movie, and laughing themselves silly at the misadventures of Robin Williams' character.

Clark then noticed how close Alison's hand was to his on the armrest. Slowly, his hand inched closer to hers...until they were right next to each other. Alison took notice, and smiled, her intricate fingers lightly tracing a circle on the back of his hand. Clark smiled back, and took her hand in his, their fingers entwining comfortably. Clark marveled at how soft her hands were; her skin was as soft as silk.

And Alison smiled at Clark's gentle touch; he was likely the most powerful being on the planet, capable of crushing steel in his grip...and he was holding her hand so gently, and yet so firmly, a wonderful combination that suited him perfectly. And she couldn't help but notice how her tiny hand just seemed to fit in his, how right his touch felt. She removed her glasses, looking into his eyes, those caring eyes, oh-so-impossibly blue; they were the perfect blue of the cloudless sky, a perfect color for this wonderful man who flew through the air, defying gravity outright.

And Clark looked into Alison's eyes; they were a deep blue, the color of the boundless sea, glittering like the ocean as the sun rose above it. Her eyes were deep, pristine pools of liquid crystal, which he could willingly drown in...

A tiny whistling cut the air...as a tiny piece of popcorn hit him in the head.

Clark groaned to himself, seconds before a second piece hit him. He tracked the sound to one of the back rows...where Pietro was sitting. 'Figures.' he thought. "Our friends have followed us." he whispered.

Alison's beautiful eyes narrowed as she frowned. "Can't that jerk take a hint?" she muttered.

Clark heard Pietro throw another kernel, and he discreetly caught it, before giving it the tiniest flick; the kernel shot back towards Pietro, knocking him out of his seat, landing noisily in the aisle, where the usher promptly escorted him out.

The distraction gone, Clark and Alison returned their gaze to the movie, their hands still entwined...and then Clark frowned as he caught a command on UHF, seconds before a portly fellow sat in front of them, obscuring their view.

Clark groaned. "I don't believe this."

Alison giggled. "Okay, now it's getting kinda funny!" she said.

At that, Clark had to smile. "You're right." he agreed, chuckling. "This date is turning into a comedy of errors!" Then, his eyes met hers again...and he held her gaze, pausing. Alison had stopped, too, looking into his eyes, as if they had both come to the same realization at the same time. Slowly, they inched closer to each other...

...and then, Clark's hearing picked up a distress call.

Clark stopped, his lips inches from Aly's. 'Dang it, of all the lousy, rotten timing...'

Alison lightly smiled, noticing his expression. "Trouble?"

"There's an airplane in distress over British Colombia." Clark whispered. "God, Aly, I'm so sorry..."

"It's okay." Alison assured him. "There are people who need you. I'll be fine; I'll just wait for you, here, so go on."

Clark smiled. "Thanks, Alison." he whispered. "I'll be as quick as I can, I promise." With that, he hurried out of the theater, darting into an empty alley, shedding his street clothes and tucking them away in a nook. Superman then took to the sky, flying towards the trouble, a sonic boom echoing in his wake.

Alison could only smile as Clark headed off to save the day, again. He went out like this every day, using his incredible power for the good of the entire world. 'How on Earth is he still single?" she thought with a smile.

"Enjoying yourself?"

Alison frowned as she heard that voice, looking behind her to see Anita, who had just walked over. "What do you want, LeRoux?"

Anita's eyes narrowed. "Stay away from Kal-El." she hissed.

"You can't tell me what to do." Alison shot back. "And if you try to use your powers, it won't work; we all have those Neutralizers – after Kal kicked your butt, they became standard equipment in our uniforms." She smiled at Anita's shocked expression; soon after Clark had used the Neutralizer to counter Anita's powers, he'd promptly built them for all the students, in the event that she confronted them when he wasn't there.

Anita quickly recomposed herself. "He's mine." she snapped.

"News flash, girl: you don't own him."

Anita looked livid. "This is the only warning you're going to get, wench; either you stay away from him, or I will make you wish you were never born."

"Talking to you for five seconds is enough to make anyone wish they were never born." Alison retorted. Anita didn't scare her; she'd once had to trade barbs with some of the people in Hollywood. As far as verbal jousting was concerned, Anita didn't have anything she hadn't seen before.

Anita scowled at the shot...and then smiled slyly. "Oh my gosh, it's Alison Blaire!" she squealed, in her best girly-girl voice. At that, the entire audience perked up, and Alison's eyes widened in horror. Before anyone could realize it was her, she ran out of the theater, looking for a place to hide from her fans.

Minutes after flying away from the theater, Superman reached the west coast of Canada, finding the airplane in distress, and flying beneath it, lifting it up and helping it land at a British Colombia airport. He then quickly flew off before anyone could spot him, heading back towards the theater...and Alison.

She was awesome; she'd completely understood why he'd had to go. She was absolutely wonderful...

Superman frowned to himself. She was wonderful...which meant that she deserved better than having her date run out on her every time they went out. Not only that, she still had no idea what she was getting into, what it would mean if she wanted to be with him, an alien. She deserved to know.

Before long, Superman was over the theater, and looked into the building, to see how Ali was...but she was gone.

Superman sighed sadly. Maybe she'd figured it out, after all...

Suddenly, his belt-communicator started to beep. He unclipped it and activated it, activating the call-masking. "Hello?"

"Clark?"

Superman smiled weakly. "Hi, Aly."

"I'm hiding, Clark; Anita ratted me out." she said. "I just had to call you and tell you because I didn't want you to think I'd bailed on you."

Those words instantly lifted Superman's mood. "Where are you?" he asked.

"I'm on the roof."

"Okay." Superman said. "I'll be right there." He quickly closed the communicator and put it back on his belt, before descending to the theater rooftop...where Alison was waiting. "I'm...glad you stayed, Aly." he said softly.

Alison smiled. "Of course I stayed! I've wanted to go out with you since forever, and no bratty mutant witch is going to stop me!"

Superman smiled. "I'm...sorry that this date didn't go so well."

Alison smiled. "It's okay." she cooed. "Those two were just being jerks." She smiled mischievously. "Next time, we'll make sure they don't find out."

Superman took a deep breath. "I...need to talk to you about that, Alison." he said. "If...you stay with me...I can't guarantee that I won't have to fly off..."

"You don't have to explain." Alison said, smiling. "You give so much of yourself to the world, Clark. So many people depend on you; you carry the weight of the entire world on your shoulders." Her smile grew. "You are the most unselfish man I've ever met, Clark. If you can sacrifice so much of yourself for the world...then I can make one for you." Her smile turned shy. "I still want to be with you."

Superman smiled at that; those words were the most beautiful words he'd ever heard...but he still had to make things clear to her. "Alison...I want to be with you, too...but there are some things you need to understand. You deserve to know about this, up-front." he said. "Aly...I'm an alien."

"I know, Clark." Alison whispered.

"No, I don't think you do." Superman said softly. "I may look like a human; I may have – mostly – the same internal physiology...but I'm not. I'm a different species from humanity, Alison...and that means if you stay with me – in the future – it's likely that I can't give you children; my DNA is fundamentally different from a human's – incompatible. No matter how much I want to, it won't happen. And not only that..." he took a deep breath, "...the average Kryptonian life-span is thrice that of a human's, Alison...and that's just assuming that the Earth's yellow sun doesn't have any effect on my aging. I'll still be in my prime when you..." he didn't finish. "Alison, I want to be with you...but you deserve to know the truth before you choose to be with me."

Alison paused, considering what he'd told her...and then she smiled. "Clark, I don't know if I even want kids." she cooed. "We both have our lives ahead of us, though I have thought about it on occasion. And as for the 'life-span' thing..." her smile grew in radiance, "...I don't care. Anything could happen to either of us, Clark. And even if you live forever and I die of old age...I'll be happy in the knowledge that I got to spend some of my life – if not all – with you...even if it's only a fraction of your life."

Superman smiled at those words, words that he had honestly never expected to hear, let alone from a woman as lovely, intelligent, and wonderful as Alison. Slowly, he walked towards her, standing before her, gazing into her sapphire pools...before slowly leaning towards her. Alison closed her eyes, standing up on the tips of her toes, in blissful anticipation...

...but nothing happened. Alison opened her eyes, to find that Superman had stopped. "Clark..?"

Superman smiled. "Traditionally, the kiss is saved for close to the end of the date." he said. "There's a bit more left, Aly."

Alison smiled. "O-Okay." she said. Superman smiled, a boyish smile that made Alison's heart start to do cartwheels...and then he quickly but gently lifted her into his arms, and leapt off, jumping over a mile, landing on another rooftop, before jumping again, until they were at the city limits, where Superman took off at impressive speeds, running at amazing speed, but not so fast that it would hurt Alison. Alison giggled to herself, enjoying the double-thrill of moving so fast...and at being in Clark's arms.

Soon, they were at the Institute. "You have sessions in the morning." Superman said. "Go put your uniform on, because we'll probably be out for a while. I just need to pick up my street clothes."

"Okay." Alison said, smiling, and she headed inside, as Superman flew off.

Superman was waiting in the yard as Alison walked out, clad in her uniform, looking beautiful; she always looked beautiful, Superman thought with a smile.

Alison smiled shyly, self-conscious under his scrutiny. "So...what now?" she cooed.

Superman smiled, and extended his hand to her. "Take my hand." he said softly.

Dazzler beamed, and did so. "Okay."

Superman gently placed her arm securely around his. "Now...hold on tight."

Dazzler was confused...until she saw his legs start to bend, as if they were coiled springs...and she realized what he was about to do. "Clark...wait...I have this terrible fear of heights..!"

Superman took off into the sky, taking Dazzler with him, heading straight up, breaking through the clouds, and then flying off, at a speed that wouldn't hurt Alison, but would get them to their destination swiftly. Soon, they had arrived, and Superman stopped, hovering high above the Earth, the land far below. He looked around, smiling; he'd timed this right. Then, he looked to Alison, to comfort her.

"EEEEEYYYYAAARRRRGGGGHHHH!"

Alison scream echoed across the sky as she held onto his arm for dear life, burying her face in his shoulder. "Please, please, please put me down!" she begged.

Superman felt a little guilty at bringing her up here...but he knew that if she saw what he wanted her to see, she wouldn't be afraid. "Aly..."

"I'll fall! I'll die!" Dazzler wailed.

"Ali..."

"And from this height, I'll just go splat, and there won't be enough left of me to..!"

"Alison!"

Dazzler stopped, looking up at him, her lovely sapphire eyes still wide with fright. Superman smiled gently. "I'm not going to let anything happen to you." he said softly. "Now, just look, or you'll miss it!"

Superman then carefully moved Alison in front of him, letting her stand on his feet, his hands resting on her creamy, delicate shoulders. The gesture soothed Alison immensely, though she was still nervous, and her arms folded across her chest, as her hands sought his for comfort. She looked down. "W-Where are we?" she whispered.

"Rome." Superman said. "Vatican City, to be specific. Sometimes, I stop overhead, to listen to the Pope's sermons." He smiled sheepishly. "I hope His Holiness doesn't mind an eavesdropper."

Dazzler lightly giggled, before she gulped. "W-We're...s-so high up..." she stammered.

Very gently, Superman placed his hands around her slim, slender waist, marveling at how soft she was to his touch. "I've got you, Aly." he whispered. "I won't let you fall."

Those words instantly reassured Alison, as color surged to her cheeks. She had never felt so safe, and his touch was so gentle, so wonderful...

With a contented sigh, Alison leaned back against his chest, savoring the wonderful warmth of him. "Is this what you wanted to show me?" she cooed.

Superman smiled. "No, Alison." he said. "I had to time this just right; over here, it's a little later than it is in Bayville..." he chuckled, "...or a little earlier, depending on your point of view."

Dazzler blinked in confusion. "What do you mean?"

"Here it comes..." Superman said, "...look!" At that, Alison followed his gaze...towards the horizon, which was slowly turning gold...

...and then, the sun broke through the clouds, bathing them, the sky, and Vatican City below in golden radiance.

Alison gasped. "Clark...it's beautiful..." she whispered.

Superman smiled. "I thought you might like it."

Dazzler could only gaze at the incredible sunrise. In that very instant, she honestly could not remember why she'd ever been afraid of heights. "Clark...is this how you see the world?"

Superman smiled. "More often than not." he said. He was so glad he'd taken her here; he'd wanted to share this with her, to share the sheer, ecstatic joy of flight with this special young woman.

She looked up at him, the sunlight playing across her face, making her look so ethereally beautiful. "It's amazing." she cooed. "Oh, thank you, Clark; thank you for sharing this with me."

Superman could only smile at her...and then he looked into her sapphire gems, holding her gaze, as she looked back. Alison gazed into that cloudless sky inside his head, those eyes that suited him perfectly; eyes that could spot a drunk driver on a freeway...while simultaneously watching over a fleeing mother and child in a third-world-country – a perfect pair of eyes for the boy she'd been enamored with, who would have helped the whole world if he could...and who had grown into the man she now knew she adored, who could help the world.

Slowly, Alison closed her eyes, turning around, her hands resting on his chest, on either side of the red-and-yellow shield in the middle. She began to stand up on the tips of her toes, in blissful anticipation, her body guided by her heart, and not her anxious mind. 'I can't believe this is happening...I can't believe this is happening...'

Slowly, Superman leaned down to her, his hands resting on her waist. He had no idea what he was doing...but he somehow knew what he had to do...

Superman's lips met hers, in a soft, tender kiss. They both slowly suckled, in the sweetest tasting of each other. Alison tasted like the sweetest strawberries Superman had ever sampled, and her blissful sighs only made the moment all the sweeter.

And Alison delighted in their kiss; Superman – Clark – tasted of the most delicious peppermint she'd ever had, his kiss both warming and chilling her mouth all at once, in a sensation that she simply couldn't get enough of.

After several wonderful seconds, Superman folded her in his arms, one arm encircling her waist, the other around her shoulders, as he began to deepen the kiss. Alison sighed happily, wreathing her arms around his neck, as she eagerly reciprocated. Superman's tongue found Dazzler's, and lightly pressed upon it, extending an invitation that Alison gladly accepted, sparking a game of pure desire, which made his senses start to go haywire.

Alison was also going crazy as their tongues started to play. She had never felt this way before, had never felt so strongly about someone, and yet had never felt so comfortable; this moment was so utterly perfect, as if this wonderful man had been made for her and her alone. His touch set her ablaze, electrifying her very being, as his kiss delivered the sweet message that he cared for her just as much as she cared for him; his kiss was born from years of desire long suppressed, thought futile, and then flared to life – it was a worldly, wonderful kiss that Alison simply couldn't get enough of.

And she loved being in his arms; he was so warm, so inviting, and she knew that there was no place safer than in the arms of this man, who could lift airplanes and smash meteors...and who was now holding her like she was the most precious thing in the world, as if she would break if he was too rough with her – which was probably true, she noted with a giggle – and yet, as if he never wanted to let her go. Well, that was fine with her; she could stay here forever. His warmth was so soothing, so comforting, and just the tiniest bit commanding, as he exerted a sweet, tender control over her, and yet wasn't overbearing; he cared about her, and wasn't at all forceful. It produced a feeling that she absolutely craved.

And Clark – Superman – savored this moment, this kiss, this woman, as if he were afraid that she would vanish like a dream in the morning light. He had never thought this would happen...and now it had.

They stayed that way for a blissful eternity, just floating in the clouds together...until their kiss ended. Alison smiled radiantly, and Superman was smiling, too, and suppressed a chuckle as Alison breathed a small cloud of mist; he'd inadvertently triggered a tiny portion of his ice-breath, though not enough to hurt her. 'Whoops...'

"Wow..." Alison murmured.

"I'll say." Superman agreed, holding her close. He chuckled. "Sorry about the chill-breath, though."

"Don't be; I loved it!" Alison giggled; her heart was beating so fast...which normally wouldn't have bugged her, but Clark had super-sensitive hearing, making it somewhat embarrassing.

Superman smiled at this lovely, wonderful young woman...his smile growing as he saw that she was glowing, her skin glittering as if she were coated with diamond-dust. "Alison..." he whispered, "...will you be my girlfriend?"

Alison had just thought that the moment couldn't get any more perfect...and was delighted to find that she was wrong. "You big, blue doofus..." she cooed, beaming, "...I thought you'd never ask! Of course I will!"

Superman smiled, an utterly boyish grin of pure, stupid joy. Alison giggled happily at his expression, and she hugged him, her happiness mirroring his. Superman leaned closer to her face, his nose touching hers, a gesture that made her giggle. Smiling at his new girlfriend, Superman said, "We've still got a few hours before sunrise in Bayville; let's make the most of them." Then, he lifted her into his arms, savoring Dazzler's happy sigh, and flew off.

Over the next few hours, Superman flew all over the world, taking in the sights with Alison; he stopped in France, taking in the Eiffel Tower of Paris with her; the next stop was back in Italy, as he showed her the Leaning Tower of Piza; they flew then east, for a fly-by of the Great Wall of China; and then, Superman flew them south, over Egypt, passing by the Great Pyramids of Giza. Every single stop was a joy for Superman, as he loved her wonder as she saw the sights that he'd gotten used to...and savored the fact that they were new again...because he was sharing them with her.

And during all that time, his hearing never picked up so much as a cat stuck in a tree; the world was – at least for the moment – calm.

By the time Superman touched down in the Institute's yard, it was about an hour before morning training. Superman smiled at her again as he held her, his smile growing as she smiled back. Then, he carefully set her down, letting her stand on her own feet.

Alison smiled happily, brushing a tendril of her shimmery, strawberry blonde hair out of her eyes, her natural glow still shining. "I had...the most wonderful time, tonight, Clark." she cooed. "Especially in Rome."

Superman smiled. "I'm...glad you said yes, Aly." he whispered.

Alison smiled back, her lovely face rosy. "Of course I did, Clark!" she exclaimed. "I really like you...I have ever since we were kids."

Superman grinned. "I really like you, too, Alison." he whispered. He chuckled. "We'd better head inside, before Logan finds us." At that, he held out his arm to her, and Alison smiled, gladly lacing her arm around his elbow, as he escorted her inside.

Superman led Dazzler to her room, stopping with her outside her door. "I hope you don't mind that we were late, Aly." he said. "I know there's only an hour before morning sessions..."

Dazzler shushed him by placing her finger on his lips. "It's fine, Clarkie." she cooed, smiling. "If an hour of sleep before training is the price to pay for getting you as my boyfriend, I'll gladly pay it."

Superman grinned. "I don't think I'll get tired of hearing you call me that, anytime soon."

"Good." Dazzler said, her smile growing in radiance...matching her glow. Then, their eyes met...and they leaned into each other, for a soft, sweet kiss, lasting for a few wonderful seconds, before it ended, and Alison started to close the door, her gaze never leaving his, until the door closed.

Alone, Superman grinned; right now, he just wanted to shout for joy...but he couldn't, as the others were still asleep. He was content to simply grin goofily as he headed towards his room...

...when his hearing picked something up.

Superman stopped, listening to the distress call. 'Well, it was great while it lasted.' he thought, as he ran to the window, opening it and flying off into the sky...and decided to let loose.

"YAAAAAHOOOOO!"

Alone in her room, Alison sighed blissfully, flopping back onto her bed, letting the memory of her date – especially her first kiss – fill her mind. It had been perfect. She closed her eyes, touching her lips, remembering Clark – her boyfriend, she thought happily. She curled up on her bed, to get at least an hour of sleep, content to let her thoughts of him turn to dreams...

"Aly, are you still up?"

Alison groaned as Kitty's voice dragged her back to reality, one eye opening. "Go away, Kitty." she said. "I'm trying to sleep."

"No way, Alison! I can't wait until everyone wakes up! I have to know!" the younger girl exclaimed, as Kitty phased through her door, clad in her pink t-shirt and shorts.

Seconds later, a very sleepy-looking – and grumpy-looking – Rogue opened the door, walking in, clad in her orange and green light sweat pants and t-shirt. "Ah'm sorry, Alison. Ah tried ta get her ta lay off until a normal hour." Rogue grumbled, fixing a mild glare at her perky roommate.

Alison chuckled. "No problem, Rogue." she said, trying to suppress a grin as her ever-enthusiastic friend bounced on the edge of her bed.

"So?! Spill!" Kitty gushed, brimming with excitement. "Where'd you go? What'd you do?"

Alison chuckled. "Well...first we went to a restaurant, and then to the new Robin Williams movie." she said.

Kitty giggled. "He's just hilarious, isn't he?"

Rogue rolled her eyes. "Gawd, Kitty, can't ya ask that later?"

Kitty ignored her roommate. "What else, Aly? No movie runs until this hour!"

Alison tried to suppress her smile...and Kitty noticed. "Did you..? Did he..?"

Alison's smile grew.

"Oh my God, you did! You two totally kissed! I knew it!" Kitty squealed. "Was it a really good kiss?"

Rogue chuckled. "From the looks of it, Ah'd say it was pretty good."

Alison sighed. "Oh God, Kitty...there are no words to describe how good a kisser Clark is." she whispered, closing her eyes and touching her lips, returning the memory to the front of her mind. Then, realizing how silly she looked, she laughed. "It was perfect."

Kitty squealed, happy for her friend. "So...are you two..?" she asked.

Alison beamed, nodding.

"Oh my God, I'm so happy for you two!" Kitty squealed, hugging her.

"YAAAAAHOOOOO!"

All three girls burst out laughing as they heard that shout echo from outside, seconds before the familiar sonic boom. "Looks lahke ya ain't the only happy one." Rogue chuckled. At that, Alison blushed fiercely, trying to keep the smile off her face.

"Aly, you're so lucky!" Kitty gushed. "You reunited with your childhood sweetheart, and now he's your boyfriend!"

Alison smiled. "I know." she agreed.

"Okay, Kitty," Rogue muttered, "now can we go back ta sleep?"

Kitty rolled her eyes. "Fine, Rogue!" she replied. As she and Rogue left the room, closing the door behind them, Kitty phased her head through the door. "Congratulations, Aly!"

Alison chuckled. "Thanks, Kitty." she replied. As Kitty phased out of the door, Alison looked out through her window, sighing happily, looking out at the sky...where her boyfriend had gone.

Tonight had been perfect.

Coming Soon:

Henry "Hank" McCoy.

An average high-school chemistry teacher…with a dark secret.

As a shadow starts to fall over Bayville, this secret is unleashed.

Can the X-Men and the Man of Steel save him, with the help of four old friends?

Find out in "Beast Within," coming soon to your computer…