Newcomer
By Dante
(Disclaimer: Smallville and all related characters are property of Warner Brothers and DC Comics. Alex Byers is not my creation, but my modification of his life is. Apologies to the true Ale X, you know I love ya, man!)
Chapter 5: The Beanery
Clark shouldered a sack of beans as he followed Lana from the storeroom. It seemed as if he always got himself into these situations where he ended up doing things for her. Not that he minded, and it wasn't as if the bag of beans was any great trouble for him, but he sometimes felt as if he kept on giving and that there was no hope of any like feelings from Lana.
The Beanery had been their favorite hangout for quite some time and, despite the re-opening of the Talon, they still stayed there during most of their free time.
"So, Clark, what's with this new guy?"
"Oh, for crying out loud, I really don't get why everyone is so carried away. I mean, he's been here for a day and he's the talk of the town already. I really don't think that there's THAT much to get excited over."
"I guess we just don't get that many new people around, Clark, that's all."
Lana and Clark moved out into the main room of the restored theater, bustling with the regular goers who frequented the place. The Talon was one of their favorite places, largely because it held so many memories for all of them. For Clark, it was because his heart never failed to warm a bit and skip a beat when he saw the gleaming smile that broke over Lana's face when she saw the room full of happy, smiling people. Only one person in the building was not smiling.
"Clark. Lana."
"Hey, Lex." Clark lowered the bag to the ground behind the counter, facing his friend. "You don't look too happy about something."
"Just problems with some dealings at my new hotel."
"Hotel?"
"I found out that there was a great old place in a town a few hours from here. After the success of the Talon, I thought maybe I'd try my hand at restoration real estate in other places."
"Does this mean we'll be seeing less of you around here."
"I wouldn't count on it, Clark. So, will you be coming tonight?"
"I don't know Lex, we do have school tomorrow."
Lex chuckled slightly and looked down, shaking his head. A bit of a smile returned to his face.
"Clark, you are far too much of a boy scout. Don't worry, it's not going to be a terribly late night. I've long since put those days behind me."
"I guess I can make it, then."
"Good to hear. Check with Lana and make sure that she'll be there too, I wouldn't want anyone to miss this."
Lex turned and walked out of the building as Clark watched him go. At least it would be time that he wouldn't have to think about all the weird things that had been going on. Lex's was usually good for keeping his mind occupied, if nothing else.
By Dante
(Disclaimer: Smallville and all related characters are property of Warner Brothers and DC Comics. Alex Byers is not my creation, but my modification of his life is. Apologies to the true Ale X, you know I love ya, man!)
Chapter 5: The Beanery
Clark shouldered a sack of beans as he followed Lana from the storeroom. It seemed as if he always got himself into these situations where he ended up doing things for her. Not that he minded, and it wasn't as if the bag of beans was any great trouble for him, but he sometimes felt as if he kept on giving and that there was no hope of any like feelings from Lana.
The Beanery had been their favorite hangout for quite some time and, despite the re-opening of the Talon, they still stayed there during most of their free time.
"So, Clark, what's with this new guy?"
"Oh, for crying out loud, I really don't get why everyone is so carried away. I mean, he's been here for a day and he's the talk of the town already. I really don't think that there's THAT much to get excited over."
"I guess we just don't get that many new people around, Clark, that's all."
Lana and Clark moved out into the main room of the restored theater, bustling with the regular goers who frequented the place. The Talon was one of their favorite places, largely because it held so many memories for all of them. For Clark, it was because his heart never failed to warm a bit and skip a beat when he saw the gleaming smile that broke over Lana's face when she saw the room full of happy, smiling people. Only one person in the building was not smiling.
"Clark. Lana."
"Hey, Lex." Clark lowered the bag to the ground behind the counter, facing his friend. "You don't look too happy about something."
"Just problems with some dealings at my new hotel."
"Hotel?"
"I found out that there was a great old place in a town a few hours from here. After the success of the Talon, I thought maybe I'd try my hand at restoration real estate in other places."
"Does this mean we'll be seeing less of you around here."
"I wouldn't count on it, Clark. So, will you be coming tonight?"
"I don't know Lex, we do have school tomorrow."
Lex chuckled slightly and looked down, shaking his head. A bit of a smile returned to his face.
"Clark, you are far too much of a boy scout. Don't worry, it's not going to be a terribly late night. I've long since put those days behind me."
"I guess I can make it, then."
"Good to hear. Check with Lana and make sure that she'll be there too, I wouldn't want anyone to miss this."
Lex turned and walked out of the building as Clark watched him go. At least it would be time that he wouldn't have to think about all the weird things that had been going on. Lex's was usually good for keeping his mind occupied, if nothing else.