Chapter 116 [Talon]

Pete pulled into the parking lot. State Routes 54 and 90 had more than their usual traffic on that afternoon for some reason. Still, it seemed that having Lex's influence had helped in getting him and his passenger an early start out of Wichita. He looked over toward her.

Sam snoozed on her side. That week had its difficulties. Various projects had robbed her of Sleep's revitalizing properties. School saw papers and take home exams. Practice on the violin had consumed still more of that time. Still, she would be perfect for him and their friends.

"Never thought it would take that much out of her." He frowned. His fingers brushed through the sandy-colored locks. "Sam?"

"Hmm? Pete?" She stirred and rubbed her eyes. "I drifted off again?" She ground her teeth.

"Don't worry about it. You needed it. We're here." He grinned at her. "Ready for that mochaccino?"

Her eyes sparkled. Her taste buds craved that chocolate goodness. "You drive a hard bargain, Pete." She stretched. "I feel awful. You came both ways to bring me back here. I can't believe I just slept most of the way and left you to drive!"

"Nah. It's okay. Mom really appreciated dinner last night. I told you we could have ordered out. You really knocked that out of the park though! I haven't seen her like that in a long time!" He shook his head.

"Really?" Apprehension stiffened her a bit. "It's just a crock pot mac and cheese. I…"

"With the chicken and ham in it. That's like been her favorite forever. Yeah I think she likes you." He snaked his arm around her shoulders.

"And you?"

"I think I like you a little." Mischief sparkled in his eyes.

"A little huh? I think I owe you something for that ride." She pressed her lips onto his.

His mouth smashed down on hers in turn. He didn't hold back any longer. Passion flowed back and forth between them. When they had come up for air, he grinned. "Been waiting for that."

"Oh? Why, Pete? I thought you were this big 'player player' type." She needled him.

"Yeah I guess I have been. You're just different. I just wish the deal with your Dad wasn't the way it is. I can't believe he did that to you!" he protested.

"Sorry I called your Mom and you. I can't believe Dad did that! It's not like I'll miss the school. I love Wichita and the Symphony!" She sighed. Just two days earlier, she'd learned that her father had transferred overseas from the Social Services. With Judge Ross' intervention, she'd managed to avoid going into the system. "I would have to be three months shy of being sixteen."

"Yeah I know. I hate asking Lex for anything." He frowned.

"Pete, he offered. Remember?" She rubbed his hand. "Thinking of you got me through this week. Your Mom's so great."

"We got you. I ain't lettin' you go." Pete bit back Pride's spleen. "Let's see what they're doing in there. Can't wait to hear what you got for tomorrow."

"I'm going to knock your socks off, Pete!" She rubbed foreheads with him. "Just do me a favor, Mr, Player Player? Save me a dance?"

"Yeah." He squeezed her hand. "Come on." He got out of the car. "Can't wait to hear what's been going on. It's been some week here too."

She walked around the car to his side. "With the wedding planning and prep, I can imagine." She saw his outstretched hand toward her. "Thanks." She squeezed it in hers.

"Don't need to be thanked for that, Sam." He led them into the busy café. Besides the usual local traffic, he noticed a dozen strangers taking up the whole western wall of booths and tables. "Man! Lana's really going to be doing great tonight. Those must be Mr. Parker's and Miss Stacy's friends from New York."

"We'll have to meet some of them tomorrow. Wait! Just a minute! I recognize her!" She pointed at Mary Jane. "Maybe you can order?"

"Sure! Your usual with the mochaccino?" Pete offered. Getting a nod from her, he pressed toward the small line.

"You're the best, Pete!" Sam called. Then she worked her way toward the travelers' table. "Excuse me? MJ Watson?"

"That's me!" Mary Jane exclaimed. She turned to find Sam looking at her. "You seem familiar. Sorry. Glad to know you though."

Sam nodded. A smile creased her face. "We were at that performers' camp together last summer. I don't know if you remember. You really helped me with my solo."

Curiosity tugged the others from their conversations. They looked at Sam.

Recognition flashed in Mary Jane's eyes. "Now I remember! Girlfriend, your playing knocked their go go boots clear off and down the street! What are you doing here?"

"My boyfriend brought me back from Wichita. I'm performing at the wedding reception tomorrow. I take it that's what you all are here for?" Sam shrugged.

"I'm the Maid of Honor! That's great! Samantha, right? Can't forget the girl that went from talent search to the big symphony. Right?"

"You remember me? I…." Sam trembled.

Mary Jane huffed. "What? Of course I remember you! There you go again! Stop! Don't make me talk to that boyfriend of yours."

"What? No! Pete's great! He and his Mom are so helpful. We…just decided to start dating officially. I'll need to work it in with the Symphony and everything." Sam waved to everyone else. "Hi, Everyone! As someone else who passes through, welcome to Smallville!"

"Sam? Samantha Cooper?" Robbie put his hand out. "Joe Robertson, City Editor for the Daily Bugle. You have a great deal of talent, Young Lady. I've read the reviews. I'll definitely look forward to hearing you play."

"Thanks, Sir. It's a pleasure to meet you." Sam shook Robbie's hand. "Sorry. I don't want to leave Pete too long. It's great to meet everyone. MJ, maybe we can catch up at the wedding?"

"I don't want to deny your fans or your magic bow, Sam." Mary Jane shook her head. "Must be something in the air. Everyone's committing today. Not little MJ! Nope. Got too much dancing to do!" She grinned to cover her own feelings in that regard.

Sam coughed. "You're still the same, MJ. Thanks." She grinned. "I really need that sunshine." She wondered what else was going on. Commitment in the air? She walked toward the front to find Pete hugging Miranda and then Jasmine. "Pete, what's going on?"

"Jasmine asked Miranda. They're official! About time!" Pete announced.

"I hope you two are going to be really happy." Sam agreed. "Maybe wish Pete and me luck? We're…"

"We're dating. She's going to be around a lot more too." Pete saw Clark talking to Lana. "Maybe someone else might take the hint?"

"Maybe." Miranda shook her head. "The Earth careened to a halt today. My stepfather's gone. Jas and I are together. And then there's Mr. Plaid' s deal too." She smirked. "Ask them. They'll be asking you something soon."

"What?" Pete narrowed his eyes. "Nah. He didn't." He headed toward the Kryptonian couple. "Clark! HEY!"

"Pete! You're back!" Clark grinned at his friend. "Sam's looking down. Everything okay?"

"We've got stuff to deal with. But…good news. Mom gave us permission to start dating officially." Pete grinned. "I'm now a one woman guy."

"Pete, that's great!" Lana embraced their classmate.

"But Miranda said you've got news. Something happened today?" Pete supposed. He saw them glance at each other. "I know that look, Dude. Something's definitely up."

"Yeah you can say that. Pete, after Jasmine asked, I asked Lana to come to the farm this afternoon. I had a real scare with Mr. Arighatto this morning. It made me realize that the games and secrets aren't important as other things." Clark swallowed. "Show him, Lana."

"Remember this bracelet, Pete?" Lana held up the bracelet.

"Clark, ain't that the bracelet the Chief gave you? Kyla's deal, right?" Pete raised an eyebrow. "Wait! If she's wearing it, that means…." He shook his head. "No way! Clark Kent, perpetual excuse and evasion magnet, finally sees the light? He finally…? Lana, did he?"

"He asked." Lana gazed into her Plaid Prince's eyes. "And I said yes!"

"AWESOME! NOW THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT!" Pete pumped his fists. "Sam, did you just hear that?"

"I knew you two had something special about you." Sam hugged both of them. "This is so great! We have the wedding. You four are engaged. Pete and I are dating."

"The big thing is that Pete's dating, Sam." Clark smirked at Pete.

"Nah! Big thing is making sure you say your vows, Guy!" Pete slapped Clark's arm.

"We'll make sure he does, Pete." Miranda looked Clark right in the eye. "We'll have to keep them on the straight and narrow through this summer and your senior year. Remember, Mr. Plaid, Diplomas then wedding."

"I know, Miranda." Clark rolled his eyes.

"I think he's onboard, Miri." Lana squeezed Clark's hand. "I'm just like him now."

"You're…?" Pete stared at her. "That bracelet? It…?"

"Yeah. Seems so." Clark nodded. "We kind of did the Kryptonian bonding thing today. Just don't do the green around her now either. Okay?"

"Oh I definitely got that. Yeah you finally woke up and got your head on straight!" Pete slapped his arm. "So right after our walk across the stage? Just hope Reynolds doesn't hold you back a grade, Clark."

"Thanks, Pete, for that." Clark frowned at that thought.

"He won't. Just don't give him a reason." Sam assured them. "I need to talk to him this week. Maybe we can hang out next year? I just hope Mr. Luthor's offer to put me up at the mansion's still there?" She saw the billionaire in question talking with Peter, Gwen and an elderly lady in the corner. "Oh! He's sitting right there."

"Give it a minute." Clark shook his head. "Really intense discussion there. They've got issues to settle before the ceremony."

Lana sighed. "I hope they can work it out. Meantime, Miri and I have to get back to the counter. See you later?"

"I'll be here." Clark grinned.

You'd better be, Mr. Kent. Lana's eyes sparkled as she headed back to work.

"About time, Dude." Pete nodded.

"Yeah. I'd say so. Same for you." Clark motioned toward Sam. "Mr. Reynolds might just have something in mind." He nodded. "Maybe that internship deal?"

"Clark…" Pete narrowed his eyes.

"Pete, it's okay. Clark and I talked about that on my last trip. I'd really like that." Sam smiled at them both. "Let's just meet the wedding guests? I'll introduce you to one of them. Then we can mingle." She led him toward the group.

Clark leaned back against the counter. He shook his head at Pete and Sam. I never thought I'd see the day.

That's my line, Clark. Lana smirked at him.

He nodded and headed toward Jasmine's table. A great feeling pervaded the café….