Fade
*Clark's bed room, a week later*
Clark sat on his bed in his room, wondering if he made a mistake. Should he have gone to see Jor-el? Maybe, but he couldn't, it's just didn't feel right. Although, it seemed lately that nothing felt right, that he couldn't even talk to any more. He couldn't talk to Chloe, he couldn't talk his mom and could never talk to Lois. He knew they loved him and were here for him, but they could never understand him, no one could. Not even Jonathon or Lana could understand him, but they were different. Jonathon, couldn't understand what he was going there, but he always knew what Clark was thinking and the right thing to say. No one could reach him like his dad could. Then again, there was no one like Jonathon Kent and never would be. Clark sighed as he thought the other person could understand him.
"Lana…" He whispered. Ever since she found his secret, it was almost like she become this whole different person. She was always able to make him feel good, even before she knew, but when she did know, she had this way of taking the pain he felt away. Almost as if she would take the pain off his shoulders and bring to her, making him remember that their love was stronger than anything that could possibly bother Clark. She wouldn't let him feel bad, she wouldn't let him hurt, not when she was there. Now that was gone, there was no more gentle words or caressing of the cheek to make him remember. Lana was gone and so was Jonathon.
The door to Clark's door slowly opened as Martha found her son sitting on his bed, much like she had many years before. But unlike many years before, it was also like Martha lost her touch. Losing Jonathon meant as much to her as it did to Clark. Jonathon always held Martha when she sad and in situations like this took her hand, telling her everything would be alright. He would tell her they're a family and they would get through this together, just like they always did. Just like they always will…Of course he wasn't here to say that anymore, when they needed to hear it the most. Then there was only thing for her to do, say it herself. She was Clark's mother and she wouldn't let him down, not when he needed her the most. A mother's job is never done. Martha walked up to Clark and took a seat on his bed.
"Hey honey." She said warmly.
"Hey mom." Clark replied.
"How are you doing?" She asked, already knowing the answer.
"I've been better." He sighed.
"Yeah, we've all been a lot better." Martha conceded and Clark nodded, then Martha began. "Listen, I know what I told you the day Fine infected me with that disease. That you're a man now and my job is done…." Martha said.
"Mom…." Clark began, before Martha put up her hand for him to stop.
"But I was wrong, a mother's job is never done, especially considering what has happened over the past months. I'm still your mother and I'm here for you." Martha told him.
"Thanks." Clark said.
"Except, the fact is, I haven't been there as much as I should have. I guess I'm not as strong as I thought I was. Jonathon's death really did a number on me and I'm still trying to recover. I forgot that I need to be here for you. You're my son, I love you and I'm not going to let you drag yourself down." Martha explained.
"I don't know what to do." Clark confessed.
"Well, we don't always know the answers Clark. The last few months have been tough on you, especially for you and it's just hard." Martha said.
"Everything was going so good…..How can things just get so bad? Now I'm suppose to stop Fine? I don't know if I can do it." Clark acknowledged.
"Clark, you can do anything, I believe that and so did your father. You're more than just the average man, not just because of your powers, but because of your heart. You will get through this…" Martha paused, remembering Jonathon's words. "No, we will get through this., together, as a family." Martha firmly told him.
"I love you mom." Clark replied.
"I love you too and I promise from now on, I'm going to be here as much as I can." Martha said as they hugged.
*Luther Mansion*
Lana sat on Lex's couch in his office area, reading a book, when Lionel walked in. "Hello Miss. Lang." Lionel greeted her.
"Hello, if you're looking for Lex, he hasn't come back from his business trip yet." Lana informed Lionel and Lionel nodded, looking at Lana's book.
"Romeo and Juliet…." Lionel pointed out Lana's book.
"It's for a class at Met U." Lana told him.
"Ah….It's a classic tale of romantic tragedy." Lionel paused before beginning again. "Two lovers who are fighting for the right to be together, only to have faith come in and take their love away. What I find so interesting about the book is how Juliet puts herself to sleep, thinking she was protecting Romeo, only for Romeo to kill himself and then she kills herself shortly after. Funny how when you think you're protecting someone, you're actually hurting them and setting them up to hurt themselves." Lionel said, obviously with more meaning to his story than just his thoughts.
"What is that suppose to mean?" Lana asked, picking up on Lionel's subtle hint.
"That you're playing a very dangerous game, Miss. Lang. You're trying to protect the man you love, but all you're going to do in the end is hurt him and yourself." Lionel said.
"And if I don't do this Lex will tell the world about Clark. I'm not going to let that happen, if I have to be Juliet and take my life, then I will." Lana firmly told him, meaning every word of what she said.
"That's very noble and courageous of you. You're obviously more strong than I or anyone else could have thought. I applaud you, but is this something Clark would want?" Lionel questioned her.
"Clark would try to protect me, but it isn't about me. This is about Clark, Clark is the special one and my love for him will never die." Lana answered.
"Again, very noble of you, but do you I don't think you realize what Lex is capable of. I don't think you realize what's happening." Lionel stated.
"I know what Lex is capable of and I know Clark is capable of stopping him." Lana said, before correcting herself. "I know Clark will stop him." Lana re-stated and Lionel nodded.
"Watch your back, Miss. Lang." Lionel said before walking as Lana stared over her shoulder thoughtfully before turning back to her book.
*Unknown area, the previous day*
Two officers and a man walked into a room. "The witness is secure." One man calls out on his radio. The other man turns to the witness.
"You'll safe in here, we'll be guarding the door." The officers assures the man. The officers walk outside and lock the door. Suddenly, the man starts struggling and you can hear bones crack as the man falls to the ground dead.
*Metropolis Streets*
Clark is walking to the Daily Planet, when he saw a man walking across the street and suddenly a car is speeding up. The car is in a direct b-line for the man, Clark saw that and super speeded into the street, knocking the man into the sidewalk. The man got up and looked admirably at Clark. "You saved my life!" The man told Clark.
"I did what anyone else would have done." Clark modestly replied.
"No…no, not everyone would have done that. I owe you big time." The man said.
"It's no big deal. I have to go." Clark said and rushed away as the man smiled at him.
*Later in the day*
Lois is playing video games when Clark walked in. Clark is shocked to see a large plasma TV and an X box 360 in his living room with Lois playing it. "Lois! Where did you get this?" Clark shouted.
"It was delivered here, Smallville." Lois informed him.
"By who and for who?" Clark asked, swearing in his head if it was Lionel.
"For you and I don't know who from." Lois said, moving back and forth as she plays the game. Clark looked on confused.
"Who the heck would send me this?" Clark asked out loud.
"Someone with a lot of money." Lois pointed out as Clark looked at her thoughtfully.
*Daily Planet a little later in the day.*
Clark and Chloe walked through the doors to Chloe's desk. "Wow, obviously someone likes you." Chloe said, referring to the gifts that Clark got.
"I guess so." Clark replied.
"So can I borrow it? I hear you can get HD from the plasma TV." Chloe said as Clark looked at her shocked.
"I sent the TV back Chloe, I sent all of the stuff back." Clark said as Chloe looked bummed out.
"There goes movie night." Chloe said, snapping her fingers.
"Yeah…" Clark said, before beginning again. "I wonder who sent all of that stuff to me." Clark questioned.
"They didn't leave a note?" Chloe wanted to know.
"No note, I even called the company and they didn't know who sent the stuff either." Clark mentioned.
"What about father Luther? After everything that happened with him and your mom, do you think he would try to get on your good side?" Chloe asked.
"I doubt it. Lionel would make it known he sent all that stuff, plus he knows we would send the stuff back." Clark answered.
"Then what about Lex? Maybe he wants to try and win you back or at least make you think he still cares." Chloe threw out there as a choice.
"Maybe, I think I'll go pay him a visit." Clark said and turned to leave, when Chloe remembered who was there.
"No!" Chloe yelled and Clark turned to her alarmed.
"What? What is it?" Clark asked, looking around.
"You can't go see Lex." Chloe told him.
"Why not?" Clark wanted to know.
"Because…he's on a business trip. He won't be there." Chloe informed him.
"That's ok, I'll just wait." Clark said with a shrug.
"But it's rude to go into someone else's home when they're not there." Chloe said, stepping in front of him.
"What's going on?" Clark looked at Chloe suspiciously.
"Nothing, nothing, I just need you here." Chloe hugged Clark.
"Chloe, come on." Clark laughed and gently took Chloe off of him. "I'll see you later." Clark walked away, taking one last look at Chloe and had a fake smile.
"Maybe she won't be there…" Chloe said nodding her head. "Oh, who am I kidding…" Chloe threw up her hands.
*Luther Mansion*
Lana is still reading her book, when Lex walked in with his briefcase. "Why hello there." Lex greeted her as he walked by, placing his briefcase on his desk.
"Hi." Lana replied, keeping her eyes on her book.
"You know, I actually missed Smallville when I was gone." Lex sincerely said.
"And why is that?" Lana asked just to humor Lex.
"Oh, I don't know, the cows, the big fields, the farms." Lex paused and walked up to Lana, taking the book from her hands. Then he lifted her up to face him. "I missed you." Lex brought Lana into a deep kiss and she complied. As they were kissing, Clark walked into the doorway and saw it all. He stood there in complete shock and disbelief. His mouth hanging wide open, tears welling up in his eyes, before he was able to walk away as the look stayed on his face.
*Clark's loft, moments later*
Clark stumbled up to his loft, he didn't know what to do. This was the most horrible, unbelievable feeling in the world. How could she do this to him? Wasn't he honest? Didn't he tell her the truth? Didn't he love her with all his heart? Didn't he save her all the times she needed help? Did she not know all that Lex did? Didn't he tell her all the things that happened with Lex? Doesn't she remember what happened the day of the second meteor shower or the day that never happened? Clark asked him all those questions and as he asked all those questions, one questions was pushing to come out, one question that he dared to never ask. "How could she betray me?" Clark asked out loud. He looked around the loft and suddenly an anger overcome him, one that he had never felt before. Clark walked up to his telescope. "All the days I wasted looking at her and falling in love with this stupid thing." Clark takes the telescope and breaks it in half, throwing it to the ground. He then walked over to the couch.
"All the time spent we spent talking, kissing on here. It never meant anything." Clark smashes the couch into pieces. Finally he walked up his desk. There stood a picture of him and Lana at Christmas. He picked up the picture, staring at it in anger and finally throws the picture to the ground as it shatters to pieces. Then he kicks and the legs out from under the desk. The desk falls to the ground and then he stood there looking around, as if searching for a way to rid him of his anger. Suddenly he stopped looking, the anger in his face left and he slowly fell to the ground. He wrapped his legs in his arms and started to cry, like he had never had before.
"Why?" He asked as he cradled himself.
You're about to face you're darkest hour
*That night in the loft*
Clark stayed in that position for hours and now it was 2 am, Lois finally walked on the loft stairs. "Smallville?" Lois asked and almost leaped when she saw him as well as the mess he had made. "Did a tornado come through here?" Lois said as she looked around.
"Go away Lois." Clark coldly replied, not even looking at her.
"Your mom wants to know if you're coming in?" Lois walked up to him.
"No." Clark quickly murmured as Lois looked down on with sympathy, for the first time, like a sister would toward her brother.
"No girl is worth all of this." Lois said, hoping to convince him that it was true.
"She wasn't just any girl, she was my everything. The only girl I've loved and the only girl I will ever loved. You do have any idea what's like to love someone so much and know you can't possibly love anyone else more? That can never give any girl, what you gave to her?" Clark questioned Lois and Lois shook her head.
"No, I don't know Clark." Lois said as Clark continued to stare ahead with coldness and pain filling his eyes.
"That's right, you don't, no one could ever understand what I'm going through and I don't want a lecture from anyone. Especially not you, now go away." Clark coldly muttered.
"Listen, I know I'm not the person you want to see right now. I know the way I act sometimes would lead you to believe I don't care about you as much as I do. To be honest, I'm just not that kind of fuzzy, teddy bear loving type of girl. I was raised on an army base after all. Anyways, I never had a brother, up until I met you." Lois sincerely told him.
"Normally, that would meant a lot to me, but right now, nothing means anything anymore." Clark responded.
"Just know I'm here, if you want to talk." Lois offered, placing her hand on his shoulder before walking away.
*The next day, Lana and Chloe's dorm room*
Lois stormed into their dorm room and immediately walked up to Lana. "How could you do this to him?" She furiously asked.
"Lois….I…." Lana didn't know how to respond.
"I always liked you Lana, but what you did to Clark was unforgivable. How could you betray him like that? How could you hurt him like that?" Lois sternly questioned her.
"You don't understand Lois and I can't tell you." Lana stated and walked away from her desk.
"What is there to understand?" Lois wanted to know.
"A lot and if you don't know that, you should stay out of this." Lana advised.
"Clark is like my brother and I'm not going to sit on the sidelines, while you continue to hurt him." Lois firmly told her.
"You have no choice Lois, because this isn't about you." Lana said, as she walked to the door.
"Is this who you are? Are you a backstabbing *****?" Lois shouted at her, using language that took Lana off guard.
"You don't know me or what's going on, SO GET OUT." Lana screamed back at Lois.
"Why don't you make me?" Lois threatened and Lana began to approach.
"A got a lot of anger in me, don't try me." Lana issued a threat of her own.
"I'm standing right here." Lois replied, when Chloe walked in and saw the both of them in a showdown.
"What is going on here?" Chloe questioned them.
"I'm going to beat some sense into Lana." Lois informed Chloe.
"And I'm going to beat the talk out of Lois, no matter how long it takes me." Lana snapped back before Chloe jumped in between them.
"No one is going to hit anyone. Now what is going on?" Chloe questioned again.
"Clark is a mess, because of this girl, he even destroyed his loft. I'm not going to let her hurt him anymore." Lois said without hesitation.
"Wow, Lois here for Clark. What a strange turn of events." Chloe pointed out.
"She doesn't know what's going on and she isn't going to." Lana emphasized the last part to Lois.
"Lois, Lana's right, you don't know what's going on. You're going to have to trust us Lois." Chloe said in a calm voice and Lois calmed down a bit.
"Well, whatever is going on, a hope you two know what you're doing, because it's leaving Clark a mess." Lois said and then walked out.
"Clark…." Lana muttered when Lois left, pain instantly filling her eyes. Chloe took Lana into her arms.
"He'll be fine, I promise, I'll do everything I can for him. The person I'm worried about is you." Chloeconfessed.
"As long as he's okay, I'll be okay." Lana admitted.
"You may think that Lana, but you and I don't know how far Lex will go. We don't know if he wants just you, it might be more than just you." Chloe tried to explain.
"I have to do this, I've been more sure of anything in my life. Ever since I've known his secret, I knew this day would come. The day I would have to make a sacrifice that would lead him to his destiny. I promised myself I would be strong and do what I had to do, no matter what." Lana said with confidence.
"Lana….." Chloe began, before Lana interrupted.
"Can you check on him?" Lana asked and Chloe nodded.
"Of course I can." Chloe agreed.
"Thanks." Lana said as she leaned her head on Chloe's shoulder.
*Clark's loft, a couple hours later*
Clark stood over the wreckage, some how he had managed to gather himself some what. Sure you can wipe away your tears, clean off the dirt and change your clothes, but you can change your heart or the brokenness you're feeling inside of you. Clark stood over the broken picture of Lana, when he heard footsteps. "No, I don't want to talk about it." Clark said, without even looking over his shoulder.
"Wow, so now you have eyes in the back of your head to go along with all of your other abilities." Chloesaid, sounding impressed.
"No, I just know you a little too well." Clark said as he turned around.
"Yeah, that goes along with the knowing each other for years package." Chloe told him.
"So how long did you know?" Clark asked, getting right to the point.
"Ever since I walked in on them." Chloe told him.
"When were you going to decide to tell me?" Clark wanted to know.
"When Lana let me, it's her decision. I couldn't just tell you." Chloe said and Clark walked up to her.
"You couldn't tell me? So I guess our friendship means nothing.? So I guess it means nothing to you what she has put me through? ARE YOU BETRAYING ME TOO?" Clark shouted and questioned as Chloe couldn't believe what she was hearing.
"Clark, how could you believe any of that? Our friendship means everything to me and what Lana did was wrong, but she's still my friend. More importantly, I would never betray you. You mean too much to me. Clark, I know you're hurting inside, but don't turn on the people who care for you the most." Chloe said, sincerity filled in her eyes.
"What am I suppose to believe? Nothing is what it seems anymore and I feel more alone than ever." Clark said, turning to his loft window.
"You're not alone, I'm here, Lois is here and your mom is here. Just let us be here for you, don't do this to yourself." Chloe said with concern.
"I AM ALONE." He shouted and turned back to her. "Don't come here and act like you understand. You want to be my friend? Then leave me alone, because I don't want to talk to anyone or anybody, I just want to be alone." Clark said as he turned to her and then back to his window.
"Ok…" Chloe said and began to leave before turning around. "I don't understand Clark, but I know what it's like to hurt like this, to feel more alone than ever. You don't know how many times I felt like this after my mom left and my dad was always working at his job. I thought I had no one and I couldn't talk to anyone. Do you know what changed that?" She asked him.
"No, I don't." Clark coldly answered.
"You walked into my life and I've never felt alone since." Chloe said before she walked out as Clark looked on thoughtfully.
*Kent House*
Lois came back from her jog to find a strange man in the house. "Who are you? And be forewarned I grew up on a military base." Lois threatened.
"Umm, my name is Graham. I'm the one who sent the plasma and x-box that currently is no where to be found in here." He explained.
"Oh, so that was you." Lois nodded being some what impressed.
"Yes, so who are you? Clark's girlfriend?" Graham asked as Lois almost choked.
"Excuse me? Clark's girlfriend? I think not, I'm Lois Lane." She extended her hand and he accepted it with pleasure.
"Nice to meet you. Do you know where Clark is?" Graham wanted to know.
"He's up in his loft, but if you plan on going up there I would be careful." Lois warned.
"Why?" Graham questioned.
"He's going thru a tough time." Lois told him.
"Well, maybe I can cheer him up. Nice to meet you." Graham began to walk out before stopping to turn around. "I'm going to invite Clark to a party tonight, would you like to go with us?" Graham offered.
"Sure." Lois accepted.
"Ok, I'll be here around seven." Graham said and Lois nodded.
*Clark's Loft*
Clark stood looking out of the window, anger still brewing inside of him. "Nice play." Graham said as he looked around at the mess.
"It use to be…." Clark said and paused realizing he had no idea who this was. "And you are?" Clark wanted to know.
"The man who's life you saved." Graham informed him.
"Oh, how did you find me?" Clark asked.
"Your press pass and my knowledge of the area." Graham said as he continued to look around.
"Is there something I can do for you?" Clark questioned him, not really in the mood for conversation.
"No, it's what I can do for you and since TV's or video games won't work, why don't you tell me." Graham suggested.
"You sent all that stuff?" Clark needed to know.
"It was the least I could do for the man who saved my life." Graham said as Clark thought to himself, doesn't this sound familiar? Remembering Lex from 5 years ago.
"Listen, I don't want anything. I don't need anything, at least anything you could give me." Clark explained.
"Lois warned me you were going thru a tough time." Graham paused when he saw Lana's broken picture on the ground. "She looks beautiful, I can see why you would be hurt." Graham said as Clark glanced at the picture before turning away in pain.
"Please, you don't owe me anything. I just want to be left alone." Clark said with plead in his eyes.
"I understand losing someone Clark. I've been thru thing, just let me do you a favor. Just allow me to take you to a party tonight and then we're even. I need to do this for you, you saved my life." Graham said with a plead of his own.
"Fine." Clark gave in.
*Metropolis, Graham's Party*
Clark, Lois and Graham all arrived at the party around 8. "Clark, why don't you walk around and see if you can have any fun." Graham offered and Clark shrugged. "Lois, would you like a drink?" Graham asked.
"Sure." Lois said as Graham lead her. Clark found a window with a view of metropolis and stared out of it sadly. A couple of minutes later, a beautiful raven haired woman walked up next him.
"What's a handsome man like you staring out a window so sadly for?" She asked and Clark turned to her.
"I'm just having a bad day." Clark admitted.
"Oh, well, then why aren't you with your girlfriend?" She asked.
"I don't have one." Clark told her, leaving out some information.
"You must be lying to me. A handsome guy like you without a girlfriend?" She asked pretending to be shocked.
"No, it's true and the name is Clark Kent." Clark said as he began to notice the similarities between this girl and Lana.
"My name's Gia, want to join me outside?" She offered her arm.
"Sure." Clark accepted and they walked outside together. Once outside, Gia turned to Clark and leaned in for a kiss. Clark returned the kiss at first, before backing away.
"I can't do this, I loved my girlfriend." Clark said
"But she didn't love you, maybe you need someone who can." Gia told him.
"I don't even know you." Clark said, as he tried to get her to back off.
"Don't worry, Graham told me everything, he just wants you to have a good time." Gia explained.
"I'm sorry…." Clark walked away from the girl and went to find him dancing with Lois. "Can I talk to Graham for a second." Clark asked, getting in between the dance.
"Sure Clark." Graham said, as he smiled at Lois before going with Clark.
"Did you tell Gia to come on to me?" Clark wanted to know.
"I thought you needed some company. You didn't like her?" Graham said with sincerity.
"I don't do that with girls and I'm not over my last girlfriend." Clark confessed.
"You really loved her, huh?" Graham asked, feeling bad.
"I did." Clark said with the feeling of pain in his heart.
"I'm sorry man, maybe there's still hope for you two?" Graham said, hoping for Clark.
"She's dating someone else." Clark said in a low painful voice.
"Maybe we can change her mind." Graham suggested.
"I doubt it." Clark sighed.
"Who's the guy?" Graham said as the anger in Clark grew.
"Lex Luther." He muttered.
"Wow, the billionaire." Graham was shocked.
"Yeah and my former best friend." Clark said as Graham, had a sick look on his face.
"Ouch, the double whammy." Graham said and Clark nodded.
"Thanks for the party, but I need to be by myself." Clark turned and left as a small smile appeared on Graham's face.
*The Mansion*
Lex is on his cell phone. "It's almost ready." Lex said with some urgency.
"I hope so, we're becoming impatient." Fine said.
"I assure you, they'll be ready in no time." Lex said hung up, but after he did, he fell to the floor in pain as blood from Lex's head began to drip as he laid there unconscious. Lana walked in and saw Lex on the floor.
"What the…." Lana walked over to Lex and saw him knocked out as well as bleeding.
"Oh God…." Lana paused as she decided on what to do. "I'm probably going to regret this, but I can't do this to anyone, not even him." Lana took out her cell phone and call 911.*Smallville Hospital*
Lana looked through the window at Lex who laid in the bed. How easy it could have been to just leave him there or maybe even finish the job. 'Oh God.' Lana covered her mouth in horror at thought. "Is he doing that bad?" Clark said as Lana closed her eyes, composed herself before turning to Clark.
"No, he's going to be alright. The doctors just feel he needs a little rest." Lana informed him and Clark nodded.
"Do you know what happened?" Clark asked, trying to keep his own composure as he stared at her.
"I walked in on him and found him on the ground." Lana told him, hopeful he wouldn't ask what she was doing there.
"What were you doing there Lana! I mean, you know everything Lex has done. Why were you there?" Clark asked with force and emotion, as he desperately tried to hold back.
"I had to return some books, that's it." Lana lied and Clark turned away, unable to even look at her anymore.
"Did you see who could have done this?" Clark questioned, not wanting to spend another second near her.
"I think I saw someone with a black trench coat, about six feet and black spiky hair." Lana explained.
"Ok." Clark said and began to leave, before Lana grabbed his arm. He pulled away quickly from her grip.
"I just wanted to ask what's going on." Lana said with a small plead in her eyes.
"Don't worry about it." Clark coldly replied and walked out. Lana watched as he walked away, thinking to herself, 'So this is what's like to be on the other end of the secret.' and sighed as she turned back to Lex.
*Graham's office*
Graham walked in to see Clark staring out his window. "You wouldn't happen to know if Lois was flowers or candy kind of girl?" Graham asked Clark.
"Were in Smallville today?" Clark wanted to know, ignoring Graham's question.
"Yes, I happen to like Smallville. I've been there many times." Graham told Clark.
"Did you attack Lex?" Clark wanted to know.
"What reason would I have to do that?" Graham folded his arms curiously.
"Because you think it will help me with my former girlfriend." Clark said.
"Ok, I admit that with Lex out of the way, you would have no more girl troubles." Graham confessed.
"I'm taking you to the police." Clark told him and went to grab him, when Graham took out a knife. He tried to stab Clark, but the knife broke.
"Looks, like I wasn't the only affected by the meteor shower." Graham said and then faded away. Clark looked around and used his x-ray vision, but found nothing, then super speeded away.
*Daily Planet*
Clark walked toward Chloe's desk. Chloe saw him, hoping he was at least some what better. "No, I don't want to talk about what happened in the loft. I just needed someone to help me with this Graham thing." Clark admitted and Chloe nodded.
"I understand and I'm here to help. Lana told me what happened with Lex, can't say I'm saddened at the least, but I'd rather not see anyone dead. So tell me about this guy." Chloe sat back in her chair.
"I went to try and bring him into the police, but he somehow faded away. I tried to use my x-ray vision, but nothing." Clark explained and Chloe nodded.
"You know, I recently saw an article about somebody from the FBI's most wanted list. They call him the chameleon, he's a known hit man for criminals looking to get out jail time by hiring him to kill off their witnesses." Chloe explained.
"You think Graham is the same guy?" Clark eyes shot up.
"Well, you told me what he can do and I know from the article that x-ray vision wouldn't be able to spot him. Not to mention the strange timing for him being in town the same day that a witness to a murder trial was found dead behind closed doors. Behind security guarded closed doors." Chloe informed Clark.
"I've got to find him." Clark said and began to leave before Chloe stopped him.
"Clark, this isn't a run of the mill meteor freak. This guy is on the FBI's most wanted list and even they couldn't stop him." Chloe told him.
"Well, I'm not the run of the mill FBI agent, if you recall." Clark said, raising his eyebrows in emphasis.
"I know that Clark, but think about it, he can be any where at any time and if I recall you do have a weakness." Chloe reminded him.
"He said he had been in Smallville before. He couldn't know about the meteor rocks." Clark said and Chloe shrugged.
"He's a fly on the wall and he's going to see Lois tonight. All I'm saying is be careful." Chloe said and Clark nodded.
"I will." Clark said and then left as Chloe looked on.
*Lois's apartment*
Lois is doing some make up when she answers a knock on the door. "Smallville…" She said, trailing off.
"We need to talk." Clark said as he walked in.
"About what?" Lois asked following him.
"It's Graham." Clark said.
"Oh, he must have told you about our date tonight." Lois said as Clark looked at her curiously.
"Date?" Clark gave her a funny look.
"Yes, date! Are you surprised?" Lois asked and Clark thought about making a joke, but passed.
"Listen, Graham's dangerous." Clark told her.
"What? What are you…." Lois began, but Clark stopped her.
"Shhh…." Clark's super hearing kicked in. "I have to go Lois." Clark rushed out of the Talon, he saw Graham in the alley.
*Talon Alley*
Clark caught up to Graham. "This needs to end Graham." Clark told him as Graham had his back to Clark.
"I agree." Graham replied and turned to Clark with a green meteor rock. Clark began to fall to the ground in pain.
"Ahhhh…" Clark screamed in pain as Graham leaned over him with a meteor rock.
"It's kind of sad, you know we could have been good friends. Now I'm going to have to kill you along with Lex and Lana." Graham said and placed the meteor rock inside Clark's shirt.
"No…" Clark tried to shout as Graham walked away.
*Smallville Hospital, later in the day*
Lana stood outside of Lex's room, until he waved her into the room. She reluctantly walked into the room and went to the side of his bed. "You're awake." She said, mentioning the obvious.
"So, why did you do it?" Lex wanted to know.
"Do what?" Lana tried to avoid the question.
"Call the ambulance and get me to the hospital. I could have died there." Lex said with a sense of sincerity in his tone.
"I'm not a murderer, I wouldn't want to see anyone dead. Not even you." Lana told him.
"I believe you and I'm grateful. I guess that's why he loves you so much." Lex pointed out.
"Right….." Lana said as she looked away.
"I saw you talking to him…." Lex said, trailing off.
"I didn't tell him anything Lex." Lana quickly replied.
"Oh, I know that, but I know you want to tell him about us. So, I'm going to allow you to see him." Lex explained to her, although Lana wanted to keep their relationship a secret forever. She knew that she couldn't.
"Thank you…." Lana said and nodded her head, immediately thinking about what she could possibly tell Clark. Suddenly, Lex got up with a gun in his hand and stood in front of Lana. "Lex, what's going on." She asked in confusion.
"He's here." Lex said as he moved around the room to the door and he led Lana out into the hall. As they moved around the hall, suddenly they were both hit from behind and sent forward as the gun was sent back. Then Graham appeared with the gun in his hand.
*Talon Alley*
Lois came out of the alley, wondering where Graham could be. 'Ugh' She thought, did he stand her up. Then she got a call. "Hey, cous." Lois said recognizing Chloe.
"Lois, you have to listen to me. Graham isn't who you think he is. Graham is dangerous." Chloe explained.
"Clark tried to tell me the same thing." Lois said.
"Lois, do you know where Clark is? I can't seem to reach him." Chloe informed her.
"No, he suddenly left, after he warned me about Graham." Lois, then thought she saw something. "Oh my God, Chloeit's Clark. I'll call you later." Lois ran to Clark. "Smallville?" Lois removed the meteor rock.
"Ahh, thanks Lois." Clark said and got up. "I have to find Graham." Clark ran at normal speed.
"Wait a…." Before Lois could finish, Clark was gone.
*Smallville Hospital*
"Say goodbye." Graham fired at Lex and Lana, they both dived to the floor. The suddenly, Clark came out of no where in super speed and grabbed the bullet, then knocking Graham out in the head. Speed then returned to normal as Lex and Lana exchanged looks. Lex picked himself up as Lana stared at Clark, who for a second returned his, before he turned away.
"I'm glad to see you're alright." Clark said, before he walked away.
*Lana and Chloe's dorm, the next day*
Lana sat on her bed as she desperately tried to find the words to tell Clark about her and Lex. Chloe then walked in and took a seat next to Lana. "I'd ask who it's going, but then I would feel like an idiot." Chloe said, somewhat jokingly.
"I don't know Chloe, I just don't know anymore." Lana shook her head.
"There is no easy answer here Lana. You're in an incredibly tough position." Chloe said, trying to comfort her.
"There was an easy answer." Lana said and paused as Chloelooked some what confused. "When I saw Lex there, bleeding and knocked out….I thought about leaving him there or maybe even finishing the job." Lana said with a gulp, knowing how bad it sounded.
"Oh Lana…" Chloe said, sympathizing with her.
"I know, I just want this to end, but I couldn't do it." Lana said as her eyes wandered.
"I know you do and that's what separates you from him. You are not a murderer." Chloe told her and placed a hand on her shoulder.
"But I wanted to Chloe." Lana said, hating herself for it.
"But you didn't, that's the point." Chloe told her.
"I guess you're right. Now I have the pleasure of telling Clark about me and Lex." Lana said as Chloe gave an "eek" face.
"Well, on the bright side, he won't be surprised." Chloe said as Lana turned to her in shock.
"He knows?" Lana said and then put her face in her hands.
"He kind of walked in on you guys." Chloe explained.
"Great…Well, maybe he's hand some time to get use to it…." Lana paused and looked at Chloe. "I'm so wrong, aren't I?" Chloe nodded at her question.
"It's very bad Lana and I'm not even talking about Kal bad, it's worse. I mean, he gave it to me pretty hard as did he did to the rest of the loft." Chloe gave her the details.
"I can take it." Lana tried to convince Chloe.
"I'm not so sure Lana. He accused me of betraying him, I can't imagine what he would say to you. Maybe it's best if you leave him be." Chloe suggested.
"I can't do that. " Lana quickly replied.
"Ok, but I think I'm going to pick up some more tissues at the store." Chloe said and Lana nodded sadly as she leaned her head up against Chloe.
*Daily Planet that night*
Clark and Chloe walked down the stairs as they finished their conversation about Graham. "So he really set up with a girl who looked like Lana?" Chloe questioned with curiosity.
"Yep, it was kind of creepy." Clark said as Chloe nodded in agreement.
"About Lana…." Chloe began before Clark stopped.
"I shouldn't have questioned our friendship and I'm sorry Chloe. I'm just…I don't know what to do. I mean I told her the truth, I did I everything I could. She accepted me, told me she loved me and would marry me. What happened?" Clark put his hands through his hair.
"It's okay Clark, I know you're hurting and you're angry." Chloe paused and shook her head. "And I can't say anything that would make you feel better or take away that pain, but if I could I would." Chloe confessed and Clark nodded.
"I know you would, you've always been there for me." Clark paused as he shook his head. "But you can't be there for me this time, no one can." Clark said with absolute sincerity as Chloe looked at him in pain. "I'll see you later." Clark said and walked away.
*Loft that same night*
Lana walked to the loft, taken aback by the site of everything being such a mess. 'Oh my." She said to herself. The first thing she caught sight of was the broken picture of her and Clark. She picked it up and stared at it, looking thru the broken frame. As she looked at the picture, Clark walked up the stairs and saw her there. With the same he's been feeling lately, he wasn't sure he should. Despite everything that happened, he still loved her and he didn't want to hurt her, no matter what she did to him. Of course that was how he felt deep down and right now, the anger and pain he felt wouldn't let him remember that. "I was just to clean up the place." Clark walked up to Lana, took the picture from her hands and threw the picture in the trash. Lana, felt her heart stop for a second. "So what are you doing here?" He asked, turning to her with an impatient, emotionless look.
"I just wanted to tell you something, but I heard you already knew." Lana informed him.
"About you and Lex? Yes, I know." Clark said, staring a hole right thru her.
"I was going to tell you." Lana tried to convince him.
"I'm sure you would have, but you were too busy stepping on the remains on my heart to find the time." Clark told her as Lana turned away.
"It isn't like that Clark." Lana said, hoping for him to believe her, despite knowing he wouldn't. He couldn't.
"Then what was it like Lana? Was it too much? Did you have a hard time loving an alien? Did you want a human? Was that it? I wouldn't be surprised if you told Lex my secret or if you haven't yet, I'm sure that's up next." Clark said with absolute anger overcoming him as Lana looked on horror, unsure how she was holding back her tears.
"Clark…." She was only able to mutter.
"Come on Lana! You're all about honesty, tell me the truth. I'm the reason your parents are dead, I'm the reason all those meteor freaks attacked you. If it wasn't for me, you would have a normal life. So, tell me which was it." Clark said now consumed with anger, staring right into Lana's face.
"Don't say that…You did nothing to me, but love me." Lana said, trying to keep her composure.
"No, I must have done something to deserve this. I must have done something to be fooled into thinking you ever loved me or ever gave a damn about me." Clark snapped at her.
"I did love you…" Lana and thought, 'I do love you'.
"I don't believe that and frankly, I'm tired of talking about." Clark turned away from her, going to the window. "You know the way out." Clark said with his back to her. Lana stood there, unable to react, until finally she walked down the stairs and left.