Note: Ok, it's one chapter to go and the fic is entirely finished! Tell me
what you think about this Chapter, please? By the way, expect the
unexpected! *winks*
Chapter Twenty Two
Linda sat at the foot of her bed, crossed leg, waiting for Clark to appear at her door. Back at Smallville High, she promised Clark that she'd help him pick a nice costume for the party. She raised her head to check the time at the clock on the wall.
"6:30pm"
Footsteps echoed at the next room adjacent to hers, Clark's. She heard the door open and it revealed Clark in the funniest costume Linda had ever seen in her entire life.
"Well," He walked inside Linda's room, staring down at his 'suit'. Clark placed his knuckles on his hips and posed for her. "What d'you think?"
Clark looked comical entirely! He wore a red colored underwear over his dark denim jeans, he topped that with a white under shirt over his light blue shirt.
Linda wanted to laugh out loud so bad, but controlled herself and gave a small giggle instead.
"What?" Clark inquired at an amused Linda.
"Clark, if you're going for the retard look then you definitely nailed it!" She informed him giggling, while covering her mouth with a hand.
He puckered his lips and frowned like a little boy. Linda anchored her arms on Clark's shoulder when he crashed on the spot next to her.
"I was going for the inside out boy."
"The what?" She asked softly.
"The inside out boy." Clark advised looking at her. "You know, he'd wear his under garments outside."
Linda opened her mouth in an 'oh'.
"Didn't Lex offered to help you with your costume a while back at the hospital?" Reminded Linda, brushing Clark's hair with her fingers.
"Nah, he'd probably make me wear that stupid breastplate."
"Breastplate?"
"Yeah, it's an ancient roman breastplate with an S on the chest." He described gesturing to his own chest for details. "He took it home from the Metropolis museum and since then he begged me to put it on."
"That's not a bad idea." Said Linda resting her head on her boyfriend's broad shoulder. "Anyway you look all gladiator-ish. I bet that's why Lex wanted you to try it on."
Clark shrugged, still not up with the idea to wear the metallic breastplate to the school party. He figured that he looked stupid wearing that thing. He'd rather wear his 'inside out' costume than that one.
"Ok, let's go raid your closet." She stood up breaking free from Clark's embrace.
They headed for Clark's room and straight to his small cluttered closet. He sat on his bed while Linda went on rummaging through his things.
"I have an idea," She uttered, pulling out a plain white shirt from the rack.
Linda showed the shirt to Clark as she placed it against his body to see if it'll look fabulous on him.
"Risky business!" Were the words that came out of her mouth.
He furrowed his eyebrows in confusion. Clark has heard of that Tom Cruise movie but he's not exactly familiar with the entire movie itself.
"Risky business," Linda repeated ones she saw that look on his face. "You'd wear some dark sunglasses, this white shirt, a stylish neck tie, and you'd bottom it with your undies and white socks."
He gulped hard when he heard her say 'your undies'.
"No pants?" Asked Clark to Linda.
"No pants." She cleared with a naughty grin on her lips. "Just your underwear."
Clark imagined himself wearing only the stuff Linda enumerated.
Sunglasses, neck tie, shirt, socks and underwear! It's not quite very appealing for Clark. He'd be the laughing stock of the entire school when he appeared like that. Clark thought of Chloe, Pete and Lana, what would they say or would they even talk to him?!
"So," Linda was waiting for his reply. She shook the white shirt she held with both hands with a smile. "What d'you say?"
Clark climbed out of his bed with a worried façade.
"I think I'm gonna take Lex on his offer." He leaned forward for a kiss at Linda.
"Yeah, I think you should." She answered, before she gave Clark a gentle kiss on the lips.
Linda knew Clark would hate that idea. She only presented that so Clark would be compelled to ask for Lex's assistance with the costume. She knew Lex would pick something great for Clark to wear. He's filthy rich, he must have a huge wardrobe collection for Clark to choose from.
Clark got the keys of the four by four from his dad and drove off to Lex's mansion. He prayed that Lex would seize his offer for him to try on the breastplate.
"Anything but the breastplate." He thought, keeping his eyes on the road leading to the mansion. "And-uh-um-oh right, the risky business costume!"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"This feels good." Clark told Lex, referring to the stylish dark blue suit he had on. "I think this is it."
He was faced in front of an antique looking full-length mirror inside Lex's 16th century inspired room. A grand crystal chandelier dangled from the ceiling and the walls of the room itself were plastered by intricately designed carpet.
"Well it's about time." Lex complained, handing Clark the matching silky navy blue necktie to complete the outfit. "You've tried on 10 suits already Clark."
Clark looked over his shoulder over Lex's draped bed where the suits are scattered everywhere. He returned his sight on the mirror to check himself ones more.
Something on Clark's face told Lex that he's got some serious problem. He knew Clark wouldn't open up to him unless he'd be the one to ask what's the matter or what's his problem. Playing the big brother role, he stood behind Clark and asked him what's wrong.
Of course Clark denied anything's wrong at first. He did this by looking away as he buttoned his shirt for the necktie. But in time, because of Lex's persuasive nature and comforting tone, Clark opened up.
"It's Linda." Clark straightened the collar of his shirt. "I don't want her to go."
Lex looked at how sad he is through the full-length mirror. The spark in his beautiful blue eyes, now gone upon saying those words. He was reminded of a conversation he had with Lena back at the Smallville General when Clark and Linda went out to get some sodas.
She told him that they will be leaving tomorrow morning for the Metropolis airport for Leesburg. The Leesburg High students were only given a week to spend and get to know the people of Smallville. By tomorrow it's already been a week. It's time for them to head home.
"I can't bear the thought of being away from her." He added gazing on his own face at the mirror. "Now that I know that I'm not alone, that she exist."
Lex easily felt Clark's pain with his words alone.
"I love her, Lex. I love her so much." Clark finished with all sincerity in his tone.
"Clark," Lex started to say, gently. "There is a way."
He looked at Lex through the mirror. He wanted to know what that way is. At this point he'd try anything just to make Linda stay.
"Marriage." Lex divulged to a stunned Clark. "The only way that you can keep her is if you marry her."
Clark's crestfallen and serious face faded away when he let out a small laugh. He shook his head and tucked the necktie under his collar.
"You're joking right?" Clark asked starting to tie the necktie.
"Do I look like I'm joking?"
He raised his head and found out that Lex looked dead serious with his marriage idea. Clark let out a sigh.
"Ok, so let's say I'd ask her to marry me," Mumbled Clark, struggling to tie the thing properly. "What are the odds that she'd say yes?"
"I'd say about 99.9 percent." Lex replied making Clark turn around and face him so he could help tying the tie. "Clark, you're the last son of Krypton, she's the last daughter of Argo City. You two are basically the Adam and Eve of your race. You guys are the last of your kind."
Lex's idea of marriage is growing on Clark, suddenly. Everything's making sense when you think about it. They're both at the right age to get married anyway and he's sure their parents would understand.
"I'm positively sure about this." His friend finished folding and tucking in the tie. "And didn't you say that you guys are betrothed by your real parents for each other?"
"He's right." Clark told himself, looking into space, pondering.
This is what their real parents wanted to happen for both them. They were destined to be married and be together.
"Thanks." He mumbled both for the advice and the necktie.
Clark faced the mirror ones more to check on how everything looked so far. Lex has this gut feeling that Clark would follow his advice. The smile forming on his lips was just another give away.
After buttoning it close, he brushed his hands on his chest, down the rich fabric of the designer suit. He ran his finger on his hair and turned around for Lex.
"How do I look?"
Clark opened his arms. Lex rubbed his chin as he took several steps backward to have a better assessment of Clark's look.
"Just like a Luthor." He commented, smiling.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The school gymnasium, by this time, is already filled with party crazy students in their most interesting costume. It's like Halloween.
Different colored balloons floated at the ceiling, confetti filled the gymnasium floor and loud dance music rumbled out from the huge speakers at the DJ's booth.
A few students were down on the floor dancing the night away with their partners. Lana Lang stood with the rest of the popular kids of Smallville and Leesburg High, dressed as a fairy princess while her boyfriend Whitney Fordman came as a roman gladiator.
Outside the entrance, Pete Ross waits for his friends to arrive. He had on some denim overalls with a plain white shirt under it and a straw hat. Pete tried to convince everyone that he's some sort of a farmer.
From one side, he saw Chloe Sullivan heading his way. She was garbed in a short floral printed yellow skirt with a matching skimpy top, long thick blonde wig, loop metallic earrings, colored bangles on her wrist and high heels that showed off her lovely toes.
"Guess who am I?" She begged when she reached Pete's location, posing.
"A New York hooker?" He kidded with a smirk.
"No!" Chloe slapped him on his shoulders. "I'm totally Malibu Barbie!"
While waiting for their other friend to arrive, Clark, they talked about the Leesburg High student's departure tomorrow morning. They reckoned that Clark and Linda must be both devastated by now.
Then they saw Clark coming from way behind Pete. He had on a suit that absolutely looked terrific on him with his hair all brushed up neatly. Chloe thought that he's even more dashing with that look. She fell a step deeper for Clark Kent.
When Clark got there, he rested his hands behind his back and spread his legs a little wider for projection.
"Who am I?"
Chloe and Pete studied his outfit for a couple of seconds.
"An insurance salesman?" Pete teased him.
Clark rolled his eyes and went back to his normal posture, disappointed that his friends didn't realize that he's trying to resemble Lex Luthor.
"Is Lena and Linda already inside?" Lex asked walking next to Clark.
Chloe and Pete didn't notice that Lex was behind Clark all this time. They both laughed out loud when they saw what he was wearing and figured out easily who he is. They answered his question with a nod.
"Now that's amazing Lex." Pete said, pointing at his ensemble.
Lex wore a checkered red and black shirt, faded denim jeans, brown boots, dark brown jacket and a short raven black wig. The hilarious short wig gave it away. He came as Clark Kent.
He narrowed his eyes and sucked his cheeks to give emphasis on his cheekbones. The way Clark always seemed to do as a habit.
Chloe and Pete laughed again when he did that.
"I don't do that!" Clark sneered.
"Yes you do Clark. Yes you do." Chloe jumped in nodding with Pete.
The group got inside the packed gymnasium with Chloe leading the way. Pete lagged behind with Clark and Lex following him.
Automatically, Clark scanned the place searching for Linda, though he was having a hard time doing that 'cause most of the female students were sporting the 'Earth Angel' look.
"Romantic, that's the keyword on proposing, Clark." Lex muttered trying to catch up with him. "Find the right moment."
They made their way to the refreshments table and stood at the sides for a while. Pete, only after a few minutes, invited Chloe for a dance. They joined the students on the dance floor as the infectious beat of the music continued.
"Clark, Lex." Lana started for them holding a cup of punch in one hand and a wand. "You both look nice."
"Thanks." Clark and Lex replied with a smile.
"You look beautiful Lana." Clark pointed out, starting at her fairy princess costume.
The same costume she wore years ago when the meteors struck Smallville and killed her parents. She figured it's quite ok for her to wear the same kind of costume, this is her way of remembering her parents.
"Thank you." She retorted, flashing a smile.
"So have you seen Linda and Lena around?" He shot the question, instantly.
"Yeah, they were with me a while ago." She informed, searching for the girls at the pool of people. "I think they went over there near the DJ's booth."
"Lana." Whitney appeared abruptly.
He acknowledged Clark and Lex with a nod. With that he whisked his girlfriend away from them and back to the popular kid's area.
"See you 'round." Lana tried to tell them as she was taken back by Whitney.
Lex noted what Whitney did and reckoned that he's an over protective boyfriend. He thought that Whitney felt easily threatened when Clark and Lana talked. If only he knew that Clark's no longer feeling the same way for his girl, then he'd sure be relieved.
"There they are." Clark spotted Linda and Lena from the swarm of people inside the gym.
The music was pumping so loud and it almost made Lena's eardrums shattered when they walked past by the DJ's booth. She covered her ears with her hands as they settled at a well-illuminated area of the gymnasium.
"Who would've guessed you'd start a fashion craze in Smallville." Lena uttered to Linda's ear.
"Oh it's eerie seeing all of them in those costumes." Linda advised crossing her arms over her chest.
"But at least you stand out."
"The gloves, cape, red boots, and head band were all Mrs. Kent's idea." She told her friend. Bobbing her head to the music.
Earlier, back at the Kent's farmhouse, Mrs. Kent saw her wearing her plain white cropped shirt and blue short skirt. She helped her accessorize the 'costume' by making her wear a red smock as a cape, a pair of red boots, cotton white gloves and a black head band over her thick blonde hair.
Mrs. Kent also helped her curl the ends of her long hair, giving it a nice touch all in all.
She told everyone that her blonde hair's a wig. Everyone who saw it swore it looked natural. It's quite strange and a bit funny that up until now, no one seemed to notice that she's the real thing. The real Earth Angel.
"You look amazing." Dick said to Linda as he elbowed his way from the crowd. He came as a rugby player, complete with a ball in hand and black paint lines under his eyes.
Linda admitted to herself that Dick looked like a total stud. With that athletic built/muscular body, the nicest smile and a great personality to top all that, she wondered why Dick still doesn't have a girlfriend.
He could have all the girls he wants. They flirt at him nonstop back in Leesburg, but he doesn't seem to be attracted at any of them. Linda continued to wonder why of all the gorgeous girls that fall on his feet, why does he keep on waiting for her?
"Thank you. You look very sporty. It suits you." She mumbled with a grin. Lena was quiet all the time. She felt utterly conscious whenever Dick's around. Lena likes him.
"Thanks." Dick said. He looked at Lena and noticed her rock star chic ensemble. "Looks good on you."
"Th-thanks." Lena stuttered, trying her own rendition of a flirty smile.
Kendra, one of the members of the Smallville cheering squad, snatched Dick away from them. He excused himself and danced with her with a promise to be back for a dance with Linda.
"Lyn." Clark's voice echoed inside Linda's head. He was already inside, somewhere.
From the corner of her eyes she saw her prince coming to their location. He was with Lex and she couldn't help but give a snicker ones she saw what Lex was wearing.
"Hey!" Clark mumbled, planting a kiss on Linda's lips.
"Wow you look good! You look really good!" Linda informed him, marveling at her boyfriend's executive and dashing appearance. "Let me guess, you're either going for the James Dean or JFK Jr. look."
"More like me." Lex piped in moving next to his sister's side.
"Oh." Linda and Lena both let out.
Clark pressed his lips together, stuffing his hands on his pockets as he shrugged. The dance music died and was replaced by a slow, ballad one, the kind being played on prom nights. Lex gave Clark a look, signaling that it's his chance to go on with the proposal.
"You wanna dance?" He offered, pulling out one hand after a few seconds.
"I'd love to." Linda accepted his hand.
He led her to the dance floor where the other students continued dancing. Meanwhile, Lex filled in Lena about the plan and was just as happy and excited.
Linda anchored her arms over his shoulders, while Clark rested his hands on her slender back. They swayed side by side with the romantic song.
Got to believe in magic, Tell me how two people find each other, In a world that's full of strangers, You've got to believe in magic, Something stronger than the moon above, Coz it's magic when two people fall
In love
"As I live and breathe I swear you're the most beautiful girl in the entire party." Clark whispered lovingly on Linda's ear.
"Even more beautiful than Lana Lang?"
"Definitely Lyn, definitely." He assured her, moving his head closer for an intense kiss.
Seconds passed and Clark finally found the courage to ask Linda. He sighed and conjured everything he has. He's still somewhat worried that Linda would turn him down.
Clark prayed that she'd say yes especially that he already told his parents about the marriage. They were hesitant at first, but were convinced after a while. They wanted the best for their son and they'd support his decisions no matter what.
"You know that I love you more than myself, right?" He asked Linda staring deep in her blue eyes.
"Of course."
"I know that what I'm about to say would sound crazy Linda, but I can't help it. I don't wanna lose you again and this is the only way that I could make you mine." Clark revealed with all sincerity in his voice. "Forever."
Linda furrowed her brows, a little confused with what Clark is trying to say to her.
"Linda Lee Danvers, Kara Zor-El, I come to you as a man born of Krypton, nothing more nothing less, to ask you to be my wife."
Her confused façade faded and was replaced by shock and a hint of delight.
"Clark," She uttered softly, their bodies still one with the music. "I don't know what to say."
"Say yes." Clark prodded with his eyes hopeful and full of love. "This is what our parents wanted for us even from the beginning. And I know it's crazy Linda, trust me I know that."
Linda studied his face and saw that he was telling her the truth.
"I know we've only spent a week together, but for me it felt like I've known you forever. I'm not gonna let you go, not this time." He continued. His heart pounding wildly on his chest. "I love you Linda. We didn't go through all that courtship, I know, but be my wife and I will court you for the rest of my life."
It took a few more seconds before Linda absorbed everything fully. She stared hard at Clark and thought that this is the guy she's gonna spend eternity with. He's going to be the father of all her children. She imagined how it will be to have Clark as her husband.
She pictured him running around, chasing after their super powered kids inside their own house. It doesn't matter whether the house is in Leesburg or Smallville, just as long that they're together, bounded by love.
Linda snapped back from that small dream she just had. She liked it and she was confident that this is what her father Zor-El and her mother Allura would've wanted to happen.
For her to marry the son of Jor-El was their ultimate dream.
"Linda, Kara, I ask you again as Clark Kent, as Kal-El," He spoke oh so gently, eyes still fixed on her eyes. "Will you marry me?"
Linda gave him a warm smile, tears threatening to fall from her glassy blue eyes.
"Yes, I will."
Chapter Twenty Two
Linda sat at the foot of her bed, crossed leg, waiting for Clark to appear at her door. Back at Smallville High, she promised Clark that she'd help him pick a nice costume for the party. She raised her head to check the time at the clock on the wall.
"6:30pm"
Footsteps echoed at the next room adjacent to hers, Clark's. She heard the door open and it revealed Clark in the funniest costume Linda had ever seen in her entire life.
"Well," He walked inside Linda's room, staring down at his 'suit'. Clark placed his knuckles on his hips and posed for her. "What d'you think?"
Clark looked comical entirely! He wore a red colored underwear over his dark denim jeans, he topped that with a white under shirt over his light blue shirt.
Linda wanted to laugh out loud so bad, but controlled herself and gave a small giggle instead.
"What?" Clark inquired at an amused Linda.
"Clark, if you're going for the retard look then you definitely nailed it!" She informed him giggling, while covering her mouth with a hand.
He puckered his lips and frowned like a little boy. Linda anchored her arms on Clark's shoulder when he crashed on the spot next to her.
"I was going for the inside out boy."
"The what?" She asked softly.
"The inside out boy." Clark advised looking at her. "You know, he'd wear his under garments outside."
Linda opened her mouth in an 'oh'.
"Didn't Lex offered to help you with your costume a while back at the hospital?" Reminded Linda, brushing Clark's hair with her fingers.
"Nah, he'd probably make me wear that stupid breastplate."
"Breastplate?"
"Yeah, it's an ancient roman breastplate with an S on the chest." He described gesturing to his own chest for details. "He took it home from the Metropolis museum and since then he begged me to put it on."
"That's not a bad idea." Said Linda resting her head on her boyfriend's broad shoulder. "Anyway you look all gladiator-ish. I bet that's why Lex wanted you to try it on."
Clark shrugged, still not up with the idea to wear the metallic breastplate to the school party. He figured that he looked stupid wearing that thing. He'd rather wear his 'inside out' costume than that one.
"Ok, let's go raid your closet." She stood up breaking free from Clark's embrace.
They headed for Clark's room and straight to his small cluttered closet. He sat on his bed while Linda went on rummaging through his things.
"I have an idea," She uttered, pulling out a plain white shirt from the rack.
Linda showed the shirt to Clark as she placed it against his body to see if it'll look fabulous on him.
"Risky business!" Were the words that came out of her mouth.
He furrowed his eyebrows in confusion. Clark has heard of that Tom Cruise movie but he's not exactly familiar with the entire movie itself.
"Risky business," Linda repeated ones she saw that look on his face. "You'd wear some dark sunglasses, this white shirt, a stylish neck tie, and you'd bottom it with your undies and white socks."
He gulped hard when he heard her say 'your undies'.
"No pants?" Asked Clark to Linda.
"No pants." She cleared with a naughty grin on her lips. "Just your underwear."
Clark imagined himself wearing only the stuff Linda enumerated.
Sunglasses, neck tie, shirt, socks and underwear! It's not quite very appealing for Clark. He'd be the laughing stock of the entire school when he appeared like that. Clark thought of Chloe, Pete and Lana, what would they say or would they even talk to him?!
"So," Linda was waiting for his reply. She shook the white shirt she held with both hands with a smile. "What d'you say?"
Clark climbed out of his bed with a worried façade.
"I think I'm gonna take Lex on his offer." He leaned forward for a kiss at Linda.
"Yeah, I think you should." She answered, before she gave Clark a gentle kiss on the lips.
Linda knew Clark would hate that idea. She only presented that so Clark would be compelled to ask for Lex's assistance with the costume. She knew Lex would pick something great for Clark to wear. He's filthy rich, he must have a huge wardrobe collection for Clark to choose from.
Clark got the keys of the four by four from his dad and drove off to Lex's mansion. He prayed that Lex would seize his offer for him to try on the breastplate.
"Anything but the breastplate." He thought, keeping his eyes on the road leading to the mansion. "And-uh-um-oh right, the risky business costume!"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"This feels good." Clark told Lex, referring to the stylish dark blue suit he had on. "I think this is it."
He was faced in front of an antique looking full-length mirror inside Lex's 16th century inspired room. A grand crystal chandelier dangled from the ceiling and the walls of the room itself were plastered by intricately designed carpet.
"Well it's about time." Lex complained, handing Clark the matching silky navy blue necktie to complete the outfit. "You've tried on 10 suits already Clark."
Clark looked over his shoulder over Lex's draped bed where the suits are scattered everywhere. He returned his sight on the mirror to check himself ones more.
Something on Clark's face told Lex that he's got some serious problem. He knew Clark wouldn't open up to him unless he'd be the one to ask what's the matter or what's his problem. Playing the big brother role, he stood behind Clark and asked him what's wrong.
Of course Clark denied anything's wrong at first. He did this by looking away as he buttoned his shirt for the necktie. But in time, because of Lex's persuasive nature and comforting tone, Clark opened up.
"It's Linda." Clark straightened the collar of his shirt. "I don't want her to go."
Lex looked at how sad he is through the full-length mirror. The spark in his beautiful blue eyes, now gone upon saying those words. He was reminded of a conversation he had with Lena back at the Smallville General when Clark and Linda went out to get some sodas.
She told him that they will be leaving tomorrow morning for the Metropolis airport for Leesburg. The Leesburg High students were only given a week to spend and get to know the people of Smallville. By tomorrow it's already been a week. It's time for them to head home.
"I can't bear the thought of being away from her." He added gazing on his own face at the mirror. "Now that I know that I'm not alone, that she exist."
Lex easily felt Clark's pain with his words alone.
"I love her, Lex. I love her so much." Clark finished with all sincerity in his tone.
"Clark," Lex started to say, gently. "There is a way."
He looked at Lex through the mirror. He wanted to know what that way is. At this point he'd try anything just to make Linda stay.
"Marriage." Lex divulged to a stunned Clark. "The only way that you can keep her is if you marry her."
Clark's crestfallen and serious face faded away when he let out a small laugh. He shook his head and tucked the necktie under his collar.
"You're joking right?" Clark asked starting to tie the necktie.
"Do I look like I'm joking?"
He raised his head and found out that Lex looked dead serious with his marriage idea. Clark let out a sigh.
"Ok, so let's say I'd ask her to marry me," Mumbled Clark, struggling to tie the thing properly. "What are the odds that she'd say yes?"
"I'd say about 99.9 percent." Lex replied making Clark turn around and face him so he could help tying the tie. "Clark, you're the last son of Krypton, she's the last daughter of Argo City. You two are basically the Adam and Eve of your race. You guys are the last of your kind."
Lex's idea of marriage is growing on Clark, suddenly. Everything's making sense when you think about it. They're both at the right age to get married anyway and he's sure their parents would understand.
"I'm positively sure about this." His friend finished folding and tucking in the tie. "And didn't you say that you guys are betrothed by your real parents for each other?"
"He's right." Clark told himself, looking into space, pondering.
This is what their real parents wanted to happen for both them. They were destined to be married and be together.
"Thanks." He mumbled both for the advice and the necktie.
Clark faced the mirror ones more to check on how everything looked so far. Lex has this gut feeling that Clark would follow his advice. The smile forming on his lips was just another give away.
After buttoning it close, he brushed his hands on his chest, down the rich fabric of the designer suit. He ran his finger on his hair and turned around for Lex.
"How do I look?"
Clark opened his arms. Lex rubbed his chin as he took several steps backward to have a better assessment of Clark's look.
"Just like a Luthor." He commented, smiling.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The school gymnasium, by this time, is already filled with party crazy students in their most interesting costume. It's like Halloween.
Different colored balloons floated at the ceiling, confetti filled the gymnasium floor and loud dance music rumbled out from the huge speakers at the DJ's booth.
A few students were down on the floor dancing the night away with their partners. Lana Lang stood with the rest of the popular kids of Smallville and Leesburg High, dressed as a fairy princess while her boyfriend Whitney Fordman came as a roman gladiator.
Outside the entrance, Pete Ross waits for his friends to arrive. He had on some denim overalls with a plain white shirt under it and a straw hat. Pete tried to convince everyone that he's some sort of a farmer.
From one side, he saw Chloe Sullivan heading his way. She was garbed in a short floral printed yellow skirt with a matching skimpy top, long thick blonde wig, loop metallic earrings, colored bangles on her wrist and high heels that showed off her lovely toes.
"Guess who am I?" She begged when she reached Pete's location, posing.
"A New York hooker?" He kidded with a smirk.
"No!" Chloe slapped him on his shoulders. "I'm totally Malibu Barbie!"
While waiting for their other friend to arrive, Clark, they talked about the Leesburg High student's departure tomorrow morning. They reckoned that Clark and Linda must be both devastated by now.
Then they saw Clark coming from way behind Pete. He had on a suit that absolutely looked terrific on him with his hair all brushed up neatly. Chloe thought that he's even more dashing with that look. She fell a step deeper for Clark Kent.
When Clark got there, he rested his hands behind his back and spread his legs a little wider for projection.
"Who am I?"
Chloe and Pete studied his outfit for a couple of seconds.
"An insurance salesman?" Pete teased him.
Clark rolled his eyes and went back to his normal posture, disappointed that his friends didn't realize that he's trying to resemble Lex Luthor.
"Is Lena and Linda already inside?" Lex asked walking next to Clark.
Chloe and Pete didn't notice that Lex was behind Clark all this time. They both laughed out loud when they saw what he was wearing and figured out easily who he is. They answered his question with a nod.
"Now that's amazing Lex." Pete said, pointing at his ensemble.
Lex wore a checkered red and black shirt, faded denim jeans, brown boots, dark brown jacket and a short raven black wig. The hilarious short wig gave it away. He came as Clark Kent.
He narrowed his eyes and sucked his cheeks to give emphasis on his cheekbones. The way Clark always seemed to do as a habit.
Chloe and Pete laughed again when he did that.
"I don't do that!" Clark sneered.
"Yes you do Clark. Yes you do." Chloe jumped in nodding with Pete.
The group got inside the packed gymnasium with Chloe leading the way. Pete lagged behind with Clark and Lex following him.
Automatically, Clark scanned the place searching for Linda, though he was having a hard time doing that 'cause most of the female students were sporting the 'Earth Angel' look.
"Romantic, that's the keyword on proposing, Clark." Lex muttered trying to catch up with him. "Find the right moment."
They made their way to the refreshments table and stood at the sides for a while. Pete, only after a few minutes, invited Chloe for a dance. They joined the students on the dance floor as the infectious beat of the music continued.
"Clark, Lex." Lana started for them holding a cup of punch in one hand and a wand. "You both look nice."
"Thanks." Clark and Lex replied with a smile.
"You look beautiful Lana." Clark pointed out, starting at her fairy princess costume.
The same costume she wore years ago when the meteors struck Smallville and killed her parents. She figured it's quite ok for her to wear the same kind of costume, this is her way of remembering her parents.
"Thank you." She retorted, flashing a smile.
"So have you seen Linda and Lena around?" He shot the question, instantly.
"Yeah, they were with me a while ago." She informed, searching for the girls at the pool of people. "I think they went over there near the DJ's booth."
"Lana." Whitney appeared abruptly.
He acknowledged Clark and Lex with a nod. With that he whisked his girlfriend away from them and back to the popular kid's area.
"See you 'round." Lana tried to tell them as she was taken back by Whitney.
Lex noted what Whitney did and reckoned that he's an over protective boyfriend. He thought that Whitney felt easily threatened when Clark and Lana talked. If only he knew that Clark's no longer feeling the same way for his girl, then he'd sure be relieved.
"There they are." Clark spotted Linda and Lena from the swarm of people inside the gym.
The music was pumping so loud and it almost made Lena's eardrums shattered when they walked past by the DJ's booth. She covered her ears with her hands as they settled at a well-illuminated area of the gymnasium.
"Who would've guessed you'd start a fashion craze in Smallville." Lena uttered to Linda's ear.
"Oh it's eerie seeing all of them in those costumes." Linda advised crossing her arms over her chest.
"But at least you stand out."
"The gloves, cape, red boots, and head band were all Mrs. Kent's idea." She told her friend. Bobbing her head to the music.
Earlier, back at the Kent's farmhouse, Mrs. Kent saw her wearing her plain white cropped shirt and blue short skirt. She helped her accessorize the 'costume' by making her wear a red smock as a cape, a pair of red boots, cotton white gloves and a black head band over her thick blonde hair.
Mrs. Kent also helped her curl the ends of her long hair, giving it a nice touch all in all.
She told everyone that her blonde hair's a wig. Everyone who saw it swore it looked natural. It's quite strange and a bit funny that up until now, no one seemed to notice that she's the real thing. The real Earth Angel.
"You look amazing." Dick said to Linda as he elbowed his way from the crowd. He came as a rugby player, complete with a ball in hand and black paint lines under his eyes.
Linda admitted to herself that Dick looked like a total stud. With that athletic built/muscular body, the nicest smile and a great personality to top all that, she wondered why Dick still doesn't have a girlfriend.
He could have all the girls he wants. They flirt at him nonstop back in Leesburg, but he doesn't seem to be attracted at any of them. Linda continued to wonder why of all the gorgeous girls that fall on his feet, why does he keep on waiting for her?
"Thank you. You look very sporty. It suits you." She mumbled with a grin. Lena was quiet all the time. She felt utterly conscious whenever Dick's around. Lena likes him.
"Thanks." Dick said. He looked at Lena and noticed her rock star chic ensemble. "Looks good on you."
"Th-thanks." Lena stuttered, trying her own rendition of a flirty smile.
Kendra, one of the members of the Smallville cheering squad, snatched Dick away from them. He excused himself and danced with her with a promise to be back for a dance with Linda.
"Lyn." Clark's voice echoed inside Linda's head. He was already inside, somewhere.
From the corner of her eyes she saw her prince coming to their location. He was with Lex and she couldn't help but give a snicker ones she saw what Lex was wearing.
"Hey!" Clark mumbled, planting a kiss on Linda's lips.
"Wow you look good! You look really good!" Linda informed him, marveling at her boyfriend's executive and dashing appearance. "Let me guess, you're either going for the James Dean or JFK Jr. look."
"More like me." Lex piped in moving next to his sister's side.
"Oh." Linda and Lena both let out.
Clark pressed his lips together, stuffing his hands on his pockets as he shrugged. The dance music died and was replaced by a slow, ballad one, the kind being played on prom nights. Lex gave Clark a look, signaling that it's his chance to go on with the proposal.
"You wanna dance?" He offered, pulling out one hand after a few seconds.
"I'd love to." Linda accepted his hand.
He led her to the dance floor where the other students continued dancing. Meanwhile, Lex filled in Lena about the plan and was just as happy and excited.
Linda anchored her arms over his shoulders, while Clark rested his hands on her slender back. They swayed side by side with the romantic song.
Got to believe in magic, Tell me how two people find each other, In a world that's full of strangers, You've got to believe in magic, Something stronger than the moon above, Coz it's magic when two people fall
In love
"As I live and breathe I swear you're the most beautiful girl in the entire party." Clark whispered lovingly on Linda's ear.
"Even more beautiful than Lana Lang?"
"Definitely Lyn, definitely." He assured her, moving his head closer for an intense kiss.
Seconds passed and Clark finally found the courage to ask Linda. He sighed and conjured everything he has. He's still somewhat worried that Linda would turn him down.
Clark prayed that she'd say yes especially that he already told his parents about the marriage. They were hesitant at first, but were convinced after a while. They wanted the best for their son and they'd support his decisions no matter what.
"You know that I love you more than myself, right?" He asked Linda staring deep in her blue eyes.
"Of course."
"I know that what I'm about to say would sound crazy Linda, but I can't help it. I don't wanna lose you again and this is the only way that I could make you mine." Clark revealed with all sincerity in his voice. "Forever."
Linda furrowed her brows, a little confused with what Clark is trying to say to her.
"Linda Lee Danvers, Kara Zor-El, I come to you as a man born of Krypton, nothing more nothing less, to ask you to be my wife."
Her confused façade faded and was replaced by shock and a hint of delight.
"Clark," She uttered softly, their bodies still one with the music. "I don't know what to say."
"Say yes." Clark prodded with his eyes hopeful and full of love. "This is what our parents wanted for us even from the beginning. And I know it's crazy Linda, trust me I know that."
Linda studied his face and saw that he was telling her the truth.
"I know we've only spent a week together, but for me it felt like I've known you forever. I'm not gonna let you go, not this time." He continued. His heart pounding wildly on his chest. "I love you Linda. We didn't go through all that courtship, I know, but be my wife and I will court you for the rest of my life."
It took a few more seconds before Linda absorbed everything fully. She stared hard at Clark and thought that this is the guy she's gonna spend eternity with. He's going to be the father of all her children. She imagined how it will be to have Clark as her husband.
She pictured him running around, chasing after their super powered kids inside their own house. It doesn't matter whether the house is in Leesburg or Smallville, just as long that they're together, bounded by love.
Linda snapped back from that small dream she just had. She liked it and she was confident that this is what her father Zor-El and her mother Allura would've wanted to happen.
For her to marry the son of Jor-El was their ultimate dream.
"Linda, Kara, I ask you again as Clark Kent, as Kal-El," He spoke oh so gently, eyes still fixed on her eyes. "Will you marry me?"
Linda gave him a warm smile, tears threatening to fall from her glassy blue eyes.
"Yes, I will."