A/N: I hope everyone enjoys this new story. It's partially based on the song 'Travelin' Soldier' by The Dixie Chicks, where the title also comes from. In this story Kelly is about a year younger than Lex, so she's about 20-21, and she and Nell don't get along. As always I own nothing by my OC's and anything you don't recognize. Please R&R and let me know what you think!

Metropolis airport was much more crowded than usual. The returning soldiers were drawing a crowd of friends and relatives that were thankful and glad that their loved ones were home. Kelly navigated her way through the crowd, either waving to or shaking hands with the soldiers she served with while heading for the buses. She planned on making it to her sister's birthday party to surprise her since the most they'd talked in the past two years was through letters and a few phone calls. She got an invitation to the party with Lana's last letter so that she'd see what their Aunt was planning. But, Kelly had some leave time saved up and decided that she'd return home for the party as a gift to her sister.

The bus ride was long, the scenery of the city changing into giant fields. The sun had started to set by the time she arrived at the bus station, people staring at her as she read the invitation, trying to figure out where the address was as she hoisted her duffel over her shoulder. She had an idea of where the road was, so she decided to try and start walking. It took a few hours for her to finally arrive at the mansion, lights, balloons, and cars lining the street.

"Damn," she whistled, staring in awe at the house.

She adjusted her bag again and walked to the door, showing her invite to the guy at the door. He told her that everyone was in the parlor for cake and where exactly that was. She thanked him and walked inside, seeing everyone gathered around and finishing singing 'Happy Birthday.' She worked her way through the crowd, seeing her sister's back and her Aunt in front of her with a cake. The song finished and Kelly let her bag drop beside her as everyone cheered,

"Happy birthday, Lana!"

When the crowd's applause died down, Kelly spoke up,

"Happy birthday, Lana," she said, loud enough for everyone in the room to hear.

Lana knew that voice but didn't think she really heard it. She turned around and immediately locked eyes with the girl in uniform. Her lower lip trembled, and she rushed forward to embrace her sister, Kelly grabbing her in a tight squeeze.

"I can't believe you're here!" Lana cried.

Kelly released Lana and smiled at her, "So I take it you're glad to see me?"

"Of course, I am!"

"Good. I'm happy you feel that way. Because your gift money was spent on my bus ticket to Smallville." Kelly replied with a grin.

Lana laughed, a few tears falling from her eyes.

By this time, Nell had someone passing out slices of cake and was finally making her way to the girls, hugging them both.

"I'm so happy you could be here, Kelly. I wish you told me you were coming," she commented.

Kelly shrugged, "I wanted it to be a surprise."

"Well, how did you even get here?"

"Lana sent me an invite awhile ago. And to get here I took a plane, a bus, and I walked."

"You walked here?" Lana inquired.

"Yeah," Kelly answered, "I would've gotten here sooner if I knew where I was going."

Someone called Nell over, and she apologized to her nieces, excusing herself.

Kelly looked around, looped her arm around her sister's, and led them out onto the balcony. She leaned against the edge, facing Lana,

"So whose place is this anyway?" she asked.

"Lex Luthor," Lana told her.

"Lex Luthor? As in Lionel Luthor's son?"

Lana nodded.

"Isn't he the one you walked in on ski-"

"Yup. That's the one" Lana interrupted

Kelly laughed, "Does he know that?"

"Yeah, he knows," Lana replied, shaking her head. "How long are you back for?"

"Not too long. A few weeks."

"I'm glad you're back. You know I really missed you."

"I missed you too, Lonnie."

"What are you going to do while you're here?"

Kelly shrugged, looked down at her hands as she rubbed her palm, and walked to the other side of the balcony, "I don't know. I have something to take care of tomorrow but after that… I guess just try to spend as much time with you as I can. Hang out with friends. Maybe find a little work. I was thinking of heading to the Kent's farm and see if they need any extra hands."

"What's tomorrow?"

"You should get back to your party. We can talk later."

Lana started back for the door, stopping just over the threshold and turning back to Kelly, "Can you do me a favor while you're here?"

"Name it."

"Can you try not to fight with Nell?"

Kelly sighed, "I'll try. But I guarantee nothing."

Lana rolled her eyes and went inside, Kelly turning away and staring into the distance, letting out a deep breath.

The next afternoon, Kelly returned from her business in Metropolis, heading into town to pick up a few things once she changed. She stopped by the flower shop to see if Nell needed anything, the overwhelming scent attacking her nose as soon as she opened the door.

Nell saw her niece walk in and stopped what she was doing, wiping her hands on her apron,

"How was your trip to Metropolis?"

"I don't want to talk about it," Kelly told her, messing around with some of the arrangements.

"You never want to talk about anything," Nell snapped.

Kelly tensed, sensing the impending argument. Nell never wanted her to enlist and was very vocal about her disagreement with Kelly's choice. She was also unhappy with how secretive Kelly became and how she acted while she was home.

"Nell, can we not do this? Please?" Kelly sighed.

Nell huffed, "I just don't see why you can't tell me what's going on with you. Where did you go?"

"Because I know it's just going to start another argument with you."

Nell glared at her and grabbed a pot, turning to place it with several others.

"I went to a goddamn funeral today," Kelly blurted.

"What?" Nell asked in shock.

"One of my friends in my unit died, and his funeral was today."

"I'm sorry about your friend," Nell said sadly, "But this is why-"

"Oh, for chrissakes, Nell!" Kelly exclaimed, throwing her hands up.

"What if something happens to you, huh? What then?"

"You know what'll happen."

"What about Lana?"

"Don't."

"You'd leave her all alone in this world?"

"I'm not listening to this anymore."

Kelly walked out of the shop and got into her car, punching the steering wheel. She looked at the time and started the engine, heading for the Kent farm since school would be letting out soon, and she wanted to be home when Lana got there.

The Kent farm hadn't changed since the day she left, and that gave her a strong sense of calm and safety that she didn't even realize was missing. She took the steps two at a time and gave a hard knock at the door. A few minutes later the door opened, and Mrs. Kent gasped, her face breaking out in a grin,

"Kelly! How are you? When did you get back?" she asked.

"Hi, Mrs. Kent. I got back just last night," Kelly answered with a soft smile.

"Come in, come in," Martha beckoned, letting Kelly inside. "Are you hungry?"

"No, thank you. I'm ok," Kelly replied as she entered, looking around at the place.

"Johnathan! Jonathan!" Martha shouted up the stairs, "Johnathan's just washing up. He'll be so happy to see you!"

Mr. Kent came bounding down the stairs, "Martha? What is it?"

"Look who's here!" Martha beamed

"It's great to see you, Mr. Kent," Kelly nodded.

"Kelly Lang. Glad to see you back home."

Kelly and Johnathan shook hands, Kelly standing in her usual military stance.

"It's good to be home, sir. Even for a little while," she told him.

"Do you have to go back?" Martha inquired

"In a few weeks" Kelly replied

"Well, I'm very proud of you, Kelly. What you're doing is very brave and commendable," Jonathan added.

"Thank you, Mr. Kent."

"It's Johnathan and Martha. No need for formalities with us," Martha informed her.

"Yes, Ma'am."

"So, Kelly, what brings you by?"

"Uh, I was hoping you'd maybe have some work for me around the farm."

The Kents exchanged a look.

"Listen, Kelly, I'd like to have you around but-"

"I don't want money. I just… I need something to keep me busy while I'm here."

"Well, I suppose I could use an extra hand with the horses. And that tractor does need its engine fixed. Are you sure you want to get up at the crack of dawn for it? You don't want to sleep in?" Jonathan shrugged.

"I don't sleep much these days. I can handle it," Kelly replied.

The door behind her opened and slammed closed, Kelly turning quickly only to find Clark standing behind her.

"Hey, Kelly. Lana said you were home," he greeted.

"For a bit. Jeez, you got big," Kelly laughed.

"Very funny."

"If you're here I take it Lana should be home by now. So, I should go. It was nice seeing you all."

"Hey, Kelly, I expect you here bright and early tomorrow to get started," Jonathan called after her.

"You got it," Kelly called as she left.

For the next several days, Kelly went over to the Kent farm at four in the morning to start cleaning up after the horses. Eventually, Clark and Jonathan would join her before Clark went off to school. After she was done with the horses and making sure the other animals had food and water, Kelly would work on the tractor, trying to find what was causing it not to start. The work always kept her busy and tired her out enough so that she'd sleep for a few hours at night.

XX

One morning before Kelly went to the farm, she found a note from Nell informing her that they were having dinner with the Luthors that night, and she should be on time and dress appropriately. Kelly rolled her eyes and walked out of the house, dropping the note back onto the counter. She let Mr. Kent know about the dinner when she saw him, and he gave her a look, warning her to be careful around the Luthors.

"Not a fan I take it?" she inquired.

"They can't be trusted" he replied.

"Can I have the twenty millimeter?"

He handed her the wrench, watching curiously.

"So, you've dealt with them a lot?"

"Yes and no."

Kelly turned her head and looked at Jonathan with a raised brow.

"Lex Luthor almost killed Clark last month, and his father is a dirty snake."

"Lex almost killed Clark?" she exclaimed.

"He was speeding, lost control of the car, and crashed into the bridge. Right next to where Clark was, almost hit him."

"Christ. Thank God that he missed Clark. Lana tells me that Lex and Clark are, uh, kinda friends."

"I'm not happy about it. I don't trust him, but I trust my son."

"Well, you guys raised a good kid," Kelly said, wiping her hands on a rag, "Go ahead and start it."

Jonathan sat on the tractor and turned the key, the engine clicking a bit before roaring to life, Kelly lifting her arms in victory.

"You're a smart girl, Kelly. Just use your judgment with them."

Kelly nodded and thanked him.

After a few more hours, Kelly went back home to shower and change, having Lana look over her outfit before she put it on. She was a bit nervous about the dinner as she sat behind Lana and Nell in the car but tried to calm herself before they arrived.

When they got to the restaurant, Lex and Lionel were already seated, sipping on a few drinks. When Nell and the girls got close, the men stood, Lionel grabbing Nell's hands,

"It's so good to see you, Nell," he said.

"You too, Lionel" Nell replied.

Lionel then turned to the girls, "And your lovely nieces."

"How are you, Mr. Luthor?" Lana asked, shaking his hand.

"Very well, thank you, Lana," he answered, then turned to Kelly, "How do you do, Ms. Lang?"

"Well, thank you, sir," Kelly said with a smile.

Lionel turned his attention back to Nell, leaving Kelly to meet Lex. He stood in front of her after saying hello to Lana, and as soon as she looked into his eyes, she felt her breath catch in her throat.

"Ms. Lang," he greeted.

"Mr. Luthor," she replied.

He shook her hand and gave her a light smile, "It's Lex, please."

"Well, if you're Lex, I'm Kelly."

"It's nice to meet you, Kelly."

"We've met before, actually."

"Have we?" his brow scrunched, then his face dropped, "You weren't with Lana with the pool… Were you?"

"No, I heard about that after it happened. But that same weekend, you sat with me at dinner for about five minutes before you took off with some girl."

His cheeks turned a bit pink, and he ducked his head, "Well, it's certainly been a long time."

Kelly gave a sarcastic smile and raised her eyebrows. Everyone else began to sit, Lex pulling Lana and Kelly's chairs out for them before sitting next to Kelly, on the other side of his father.

They chatted lightly before ordering their food, Lionel turning his attention to Kelly as soon as the waitress left.

"So, Ms. Lang, your Aunt tells me that you've recently returned home," Lionel began, "You were away for about two years, yes?"

"Yes, sir."

"And what is it that you do?"

"I'm a combat medic, sir. With the United States Army"

Lionel gave an impressed face, "Well, that's impressive."

Kelly looked at Lana, then back at Lionel, sensing something backhanded about the comment.

"But, the Army isn't a place for a young lady such as yourself, is it?" he continued.

"I'm sorry, I'm afraid I don't know what you mean."

"Why don't you tell us a bit about your experience? What it's like?"

Kelly stiffened.

"You chose to enlist even though your Aunt said you had the opportunity to go to several excellent colleges. Why is that?"

"I did what I felt I needed to do. I am where I need to be"

"A smart young woman doesn't belong on-on a battlefield. She belongs in a classroom, learning for a career."

"This is my career. And when the time comes, I'll have the training I need for the medical field as a civilian."

Their food arrived, Kelly ignoring it to continue her argument with Lex's father.

"It's not a place for you. Your friend was killed, you said it yourself. Is that what you want?" Nell added.

Lana looked at her sister, "You didn't tell me that."

"It's fine," Kelly assured her.

"I just don't understand it. You had so much going for you, and you threw it away, for what? To watch people get shot and blown up?" Nell speculated with a sigh.

"You have so much potential. Such a shame to see it go to waste," Lionel commented with a sip of his drink.

A faded scream echoed in Kelly's ears. She tossed her napkin onto the table,

"Thank you all for dinner. But I'm afraid I've lost my appetite."

She pushed her chair out and stormed out of the restaurant.

Kelly walked down the sidewalk with her arms crossed, the sky darkening above her. It was starting to look like it was going to pour any second, the rumble of thunder being heard in the distance. A sleek black car pulled up beside her, Lex coming out of the driver's side.

"Kelly!" he called.

She stopped and looked at him.

"I'm sorry about what my father said to you back there," he said.

Kelly shook her head, "You didn't have to chase me down for that. You don't need to apologize for him."

There was a clap of thunder, and rain came pouring down over their heads.

"Let me bring you home," Lex offered.

"I'm fine. I can make my own way," she rejected.

"You're hours away from Smallville, and it's pouring. What're you going to do?" he challenged.

"I'll figure it out."

"Kelly…"

"I told you, you don't need to apologize for him. Or try to make it up to me or whatever."

"I'm not. I promised Lana I'd make sure you were ok," he told her.

The thunder roared again with a flash of lightning.

"Kelly!" Lex shouted.

"Fine!" she shouted back.

She went around and got in the passenger side, Lex opening and closing the door for her before getting in himself.

"Thank you," she said to Lex as he started to drive.

He looked at her, "You're welcome."