Chapter 10

As Clark made his way back to camp he became lost in his thoughts. Natasha Romanoff was unlike any woman he'd ever met. Lana made him nervous, but this woman was different . She was almost like the green meter rock that made him feel sick except instead she made him weak in the knees. It was kind of funny really. He could threaten to kill a man without batting an eyelash, but put him next to a beautiful woman and he acted like a guy on his first date. In his defense he hadn't had very many, considering they were always interrupted by whatever meteor freak was terrorizing Smallville that day. He tried to bring back whatever he had been feeling before the mission, that burst of confidence that had resulted in him asking her to dinner. But for some reason that alter ego had deserted him. Clark just shook his head. What had he gotten himself into?

Behind him Natasha was lost in her own thoughts. This young man was cute, and insanely shy. Natasha smiled, feeling heat rush to her cheeks. This wasn't normal. She knew she was beautiful, and had used that fact to aid her in missions on more than one occasion. But the sincerity in Clark's voice was something she didn't usually hear. Most times men called her beautiful or even drop-dead gorgeous they only wanted one thing. Clark was different. She could see in his eyes that he simply believed his words. Which meant that burning him once she got what Fury wanted had just gotten a little bit harder. She pushed those thoughts to the back of her mind. They still had a mission to finish she reminded herself, and forced herself to focus on the present as she, and Clark reentered Stane's office.

"So, I can safely assume that Mr. Luthor has agreed to our deal?" Stane asked as they walked back into his office.

"He has. You should have the money within the next two days. But there is a condition."

"Of course there is." Stane replied. He wasn't surprised that Lex had added a condition to their deal. He had done the same on numerous occasions back when he ran Stark Industries.

"Mr. Luthor wishes for us to do a full accounting of the missiles. He also wishes for us to speak to Emil Blonsky, and ensure that the missiles here are the only ones he has built."

Stane's smile fell from his face. If these two talked to Blonsky, everything he worked for could be undone. Should the scientist discover the true plans of his current employer, he would cease production. And there were other buyers who had shown an interest in the missiles. Other buyers who would pay dearly for the chance to ground their enemies into dust. But Lex Luthor was not a man to be trifled with. Then there was the brat to consider. Lucas was an arrogant child, but Stane needed him, at least for the time being. He was caught between a rock and a hard place. "Agreed. But you are not to breathe a word of this to Blonsky. And you get your missiles after I get my money."

"We have a deal." Natasha replied calmly.

Stane's smile returned in full force, and he picked up a phone.
"Can I interest you in a drink Ms. Julius? I have a rather impressive selection of wines that I am sure you would find tantalizing." He said.

He completely ignoring Clark and Lucas. Lucas glared at the older man, but held his tongue as he remembered Clark's earlier warning. He did not want to risk saying something that might get him killed. Clark also remained silent, feeling his fists clench at his sides. He may be naive at times, but there was no mistaking the meaning behind Stane's words. And the idea of anyone talking like that towards Natasha made him angry. For the briefest instant he actually considered abandoning the plan and just taking Stane down right there. But that would ruin the entire operation, and he had no doubt that Natasha would be angry with him. Besides, she wasn't like Lana Lang. She didn't need his protection. But that didn't make him want to protect her any less.

"Thank you for the offer Mr. Stane, but I must regretfully decline. I did not get much sleep on the flight here, and I would rather retire for the evening."

"But of course. I will show Lucas will show you to your rooms like a good lil boy." He said, standing up and walking out with Clark and Natasha following behind. "And on your way back you will check on Doctor Blonsky. Make sure he has everything he needs. Are we clear Lucas?"

Lucas glared at Stane's retreating back. He vowed that Stane would pay for treating him in such a manner. Natasha and Clark followed Stane to a nearby building, going up a flight of stairs before coming to a hallway with rooms on either side.

"Your room is the first on the left Ms. Julius. Clark, your room is directly across the hall. Is there anything else I can do for you?" Lucas said, speaking to Natasha. However, it was Clark who answered.

"What's your security like? Aside from the camera's at either end of the hall."

"That information is need to know-"

"And I need to know. My responsibility is the safety of Ms. Julius. I need to ensure that your security is sufficient."

Stane glared at the younger man, but saw he would not budge. And if he wasn't satisfied, the boy may just take Ms. Julius and the deal would be off. Stane could have Kent killed and keep Julius as a hostage, but according to Lucas, Clark and Lex were close friends. So if anything happened to him, Lex could quickly turn from a potential buyer to a deadly enemy. And Stane had far too many enemies already. So he told Clark what he wanted to know.

"Camera's at the top and bottom of the staircase, guards on each floor of the building and in the lab. All of these men are mercenaries, most with a background in special forces. Is that sufficient?" He asked.

Clark smiled. "Yes it is."

"Good. Then if there is nothing else, sleep well. I will send one of my men to get you for breakfast."
Stane turned and walked back down the stairs, leaving Clark and Natasha alone.
The young man opened his mouth to bid Natasha goodnight,

Only for her to wrap her arms around his neck, Clark shivered as he felt her breath on his ear.
"We need to get in that lab tonight. Go change and then come to my room."

Clark nodded, releasing her a moment later. He walked into his room shaking his head before grabbing his mission gear, and putting it on underneath his pajamas. Then he walked across the hallway to Natasha's room, heading inside where he found her already dressed in her black catsuit. He went back to his suite bathroom, and come back out in his mission gear a minute later.

"Are you ready?" Natasha asked, and Clark held out his hand. Natasha took it, and the two headed out of Natasha's room. It was time to put FitzSimmons new toy to the test.

I hope you enjoyed this chapter. The next one will be up soon.

Thank you again Dragonball X Avalon for your help, and support in writing this story.

Please review people, and keep in clean. Thank you, and God bless! :)