Hey guys, thanks for all the reviews... it certainly keeps my writing fuel going. Well, here's the next installment... enjoy;)
Disclaimer: Don't own Smallville.
Angels or Devils
Chapter 7
09/23/2005
It's been a month and a half since I last saw Lex. I'm dying inside. Every time I think about him, all the old feelings rush back and I begin to miss our moments together... his irresistible smile, ocean deep eyes, the whispers near my ear... I miss him. I know I sound pathetic, but I honestly can't help it. And I've tried. I've tried so hard to forget his last words, his whole presence altogether. I've tried with all my heart to move on... but memories of him keep bringing me back to state of hopelessness and bittersweet longing. I need to move on.
~*~
The Cheshire cat smile of the moon lightly reflected off the grandly-squared window. Admiring from a far was a saddened face with glimmering eyes attempting to fight tears. Away from Smallville, Lana felt utterly alone and stuck in the past. She found herself constantly sitting near her window, staring at the soft lights of Paris, the luminous Eiffel Tower, and the sanctity of church bells. It had become somewhat of a ritual to view the night-sky as she wrote in her journal. And just now, looking at the familiar moon, she reminisced of the night on the beach with Lex. It had been a perfect day without the troubles and pressures of their daily liv-
"Sorry about intruding, but the door was open and I happen to catch a glimpse of you," a voice with an English accent startled Lana, who immediately looked up.
She was surprised to see a strikingly handsome man with jet black hair brushed back and bright blue eyes. Wearing only black from sweater to pants, the stranger appeared to have a splitting dark aura, which warned Lana's senses, "And because you caught a glimpse of me, you decided it was okay to come in without even a knock on the door."
"I'm sorry," he apologized again. "But, you just looked so deep in thought and sad at the same time that my curiosity and sympathy couldn't resist."
Lana stared at him suspiciously, not knowing whether to continue the conversation any further.
"May I ask, what's plaguing you with such melancholy," he asked in attempt to unravel the girl's thoughts.
"Nothing," she answered, hoping that would be enough to give him a hint.
The young stranger smiled at her defiance. He certainly wasn't about to quit now. "I find that hard to believe... Allow me to take a guess," he waited for her permission as he eagerly waited for more than grunt from her. Yet, he received no words from the forlorn beauty, and thus continued his monologue, "It has to be love. Love is the only abstract emotion that can break or make a heart."
Hearing his words, Lana's interest was perked. She lifted her gaze towards him, though remaining speechless.
"Are we heartbroken," he posed the question reluctantly, hoping not to offend or anger his new friend.
Unfortunately, the inquiry struck her nerve uneasily, painfully rubbing in the obvious. "I don't think that's any of your business, especially when I don't even know who you are," Lana replied irritatingly.
"You're right," he quickly realized his mistake. "How rude of me... we must start again, then." The British stranger turned around, cleared his throat twice, and then faced her direction again, "Hi, my name is Damian Steele. I'm a law student from Oxford. It's a pleasure to meet you... sorry I didn't catch your name."
Lana furrowed her eyebrow, reluctantly giving herself up, "Lana Lang," she sighed. "So, what are you doing here in Paris?"
"I'm an intern for an British law firm. It's a requisite for graduation," he explained as he tried to hide his cheer for victory over getting through to her.
"And you live in this apartment building," she continued her questioning, still unsure of her uninvited visitor.
"Yes, I'm in 607, right around the corner," he replied. "So, was I right?"
"About being heartbroken?" Lana looked onto the floor, finding it difficult to speak about her feelings. "Yes... you were right."
Damian nodded in understanding, "The unfortunate consequences of love... but you know, 'Love is an irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired.'"
"Robert Frost," she gazed at him, surprised at his words.
"You know poetry... impressive, Lana," he smiled, winking at her. "So, let's adhere to Mr. Frost's word and fulfill this desire to end this intimate misery. You needn't anything, just grab your coat and I'll help you... move on."
The last two words hit her senselessly. It awoke her, it urged her to take the offer. But, she barely knew the English law student. Still, perhaps this was the way to a Lex-free night. "Can I trust you, Damian," she asked, wanting to believe in him.
He walked towards her, smoothly closing in the proximity. Once he reached her, he held out his hand, whispering seductively, "With all my sincerest intentions... yes, you can trust me."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
On the other side of the world, within the comforts of a stone castle, sat the exhausted prince of Smallville. Running through his mind were flashes of his lost princess. Even after completely dedicating himself to his business, Lex couldn't stop living within a remorseful existence. He kept imagining himself saying something else to Lana, going after her, following her to Paris. But, what was the use in regretting? Regret, after all, was for the weak, as his father had once lectured. He wasn't weak, nor was he going to let the situation weaken him.
Lex stood up from his chair and poured himself a drink, indulging in the rare taste of whiskey. It quickly numbed his senses, yet suddenly brought a recent memory to surge from the unknown. It was the last talk he had with Clark. His old friend was going back to Metropolis, but before he could speed off in his truck...
"Lex, I know you don't want to hear this, but I have to say this for the sake of being a good friend," he had begun. "Don't lose her... don't lose out on love. Go after her and tell you love her... and then... let her love you."
"Clark," he shook his head, not wanting to listen to him any longer.
"No, Lex... listen to me," he insisted. "Lana is the one. If you deny her now, you'll probably end up losing your soul mate forever."
"Clark, she's just a girl," his facade of indifference clearly not working, only to shift his apathy into solemn clarity. "I'm not going after her."
Starting the engine, his young crony sighed in disappointment, "Then you're a coward." With that said, Clark drove away.
Thinking about it now, he might of had a point, but he wasn't about to admit it. Lex abruptly drank the rest of his whiskey, hoping its effects would soon overwhelm his body. He poured more into his glass, continuing to indulge in the liquor limitlessly. "I'm not a coward," he muttered aloud as he swung his chair around, stopping it aggressively to seat himself. He took out some papers in hopes of distracting himself, yet as he did, Lex inadvertently took out a picture of her. Seeing her face, brought a flood of memories back. Having her by her side in the car, talking to her for endless hours...
Why was kidding himself? He was a coward, and that was a label, he had to escape from... Clark was right: He had to do something. Quickly, he took out a clean sheet of paper and began writing...
The sun's rays seeped through the window, glaring on Lex's face. Its brightness and warmth gently woke him up. Yawning sleepily, he soon realized he hadn't gone to bed, but fallen asleep on his desk... undoubtedly drunk since he felt the pounding headache erupting. As he stood up wanting to head to the shower quickly, he accidently knocked an envelope off his desk. He picked it up and noticed that it was directed to Lana. Of course, it was the letter he had written to her... the question now was whether he should send it.
"Lex, glad to see you're awake," his father made his presence known suddenly. "We have business to attend to in Metropolis. The helicopter is waiting, so go get cleaned up before I'm forced to interrogate your lack of preparation."
Lex sighed, annoyed by his demanding tone of voice. Still, he was too tired to argue. Clutching at the letter, he considered mailing it, but the courage and sanity he had gained the last night had faded in oblivion. Along with miscellaneous papers on his desk, he slid the letter into the trash can next to his desk. His father internally questioned his behavior, but soon dismissed the event when he received a call as Lex walked out of the room to change.
When he suited himself in his expensive attire, he joined his father and traveled onto Metropolis. All the while, Charles, the loyal butler, began his rounds through every room to check on the cleanliness of each. Entering Lex's office, the old servant instantly noticed the overflowing trash can. He dutifully picked up the surrounding garbage, yielding on the envelope that missed its intended destination. "Written to Ms. Lang," he noted in amazement. "Perhaps Mr. Luthor forgot to mail it." Scheming innocently, Charles took the liberty of mailing it for Lex.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
What should have been a week of meetings and business, turned into two long weeks of tedious work. All through out that time, though, the letter, Clark's words... and Lana continued to invade Lex's focus. And now, being back in Smallville, he regretted throwing the letter away. He knew that he had to get her back, he was finally convinced that he shouldn't let Lana go... he knew now that he had been wrong. Rather than living in remorse, Lex decided he had to go to Paris. Dialing some numbers into his cellphone, he headed determinedly into his room, gathering a few things into his suitcase. "This is Lex Luthor, I'd like a ticket to Paris... put me on your earliest flight," he demanded. "I don't care if you have no seats... you kick someone else out if you have to!" Angrily he ended the call and walked out of his room speedily. He ordered the limo to come around, and as it did, he stepped inside without waiting for the driver to open the door. All the workers inside, including Charles, looked onto the screeching rapidity of limo wondering where their boss was off to now.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hours later in Paris...
"Are you ready, Lana," asked the debonaire companion dressed in black with a raven trench-coat. "It's ten o'clock, the night is young and awaiting for our divinely wicked presence."
"I'm almost ready," answered the unprepared mistress from her room. "I would've been all dressed had C.Z. not assigned some last minute paper work to prepare for mailing... That reminds me, can you go get my mail, Steele?"
Grinning to himself, he had to admit how much he liked Lana using his last name to always address him. It had started as joke, but now it was certainly a term of endearment he enjoyed. "I'll fetch anything you desire," he replied, amusingly flirting with Lana.
She smiled in return, feeling somewhat aloof every time he courted her jokingly, "Thanks... but I just want my mail... the keys are on the kitchen table."
Damian grabbed the keys, closing the door behind him His leather boots sounding as he stepped on the wooden floors of the building's stairs. He opened her mailbox, finding three envelopes. Curiously, he read the senders' names, only to be stunned by the inscription of a Lex Luthor. He stared at the envelope, pondering its content intently.
"Hey, Steele," Lana called from upstairs, peaking her head through the door. "What's taking so long? I thought the young night was waiting for us!"
Startled by her, he quickly stirred from his thoughts and looked up towards the stairs. Seeing that she wasn't in sight, Damian immediately stuffed the letter into his inner pocket of his coat. "Sorry, I was having troubles with your key," he lied as he briskly climbed the stairs. He entered her apartment, somewhat nerved by what he had just done. "So, are you ready then," he inquired, leaving the two other letters and her keys on the kitchen table.
Lana sneakily appeared at his side, "I think so... what do you think?"
Her near presence almost surprised him to death. He turned to her, astonished suddenly by the eye-catching beauty in front of him. "Wow... you look... you," he stammered, forcing himself to clear his throat. "You look absolutely breathtaking. A gothic wonder in living colors."
She laughed at his exaggerated honesty, "C'mon... let's get out of here."
Damian held out his hand. Without any hesitation, Lana gently grabbed it, strutting out the door along his side. As soon as they were out the building, her friend inhaled the air audibly, "Do you smell that?"
His young companion breathed in confusedly. "What is it," she wondered aloud.
"That's the smell of a sober night... remember it, because you'll forget by tomorrow morning when we return," he pulled her gingerly, pointing to the direction to seek their intended destination. Lana giggled at his implied statement and sarcastic movements as she kept up beside him.
Just as they strolled away, a cab pulled in front of the apartment building. It was none other than Lex, brashly opening the door while he paid the driver. He stepped out, running inside the complex and up the stairs to Lana's door. Lex instantly knocked harshly on it, "Lana, it's me! Lex!" He waited impatiently for an answer, but seeing as there was none, he knocked again... this time harder and louder. "Lana, please open the door," he yelled in a demanding voice. Again, he waited, growing more impatient as the seconds passed. Clearly, she wasn't there or refused to answer, he thought. "Damn," he punched the door angrily.
"What the hell is wrong with you," questioned a woman who appeared next door. Her French accent thick, she eyed Lex suspiciously. "Ms. Lang is not there."
Lex turned to her quickly, "Where is she?"
"Who are you," she inquired, still suspicious of the furious young man.
He sighed in agitation, trying to compose himself. "I'm a friend," he dropped a few notches of his demanding tone. "Can you please tell me where she's out tonight? I must speak to her... it's an emergency."
The neighbor eyed him leerily, wondering whether she should say anything at all. She soon surrendered when he looked at her pleadingly, "I believe Ms. Lang is off again at Club... how do you say," she paused, attempting to remember the club's name. "Ah, yes... the Noir Veuve. I believe you Americans would say-"
"The Black Widow, thank you," he cut her off, turning around and swiftly making his way out of the building.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ever since Lana had met Damian, she had allowed herself to be led into his world... an impulsive world where the dark inner self was let loose. She embraced the sensually heartless new Lana who attracted all males, and yet cared for no one's attention. The ice queen, however, only appeared at night, slowly creeping in throughout the day. For, Lana was gradually accepting this transformation... the cure for a broken heart, or at least she thought it was. She was finally learning who this "alpha Lana"was, the description Clark had once given to a forgotten girl.
Although reluctant at first, Lana now enjoyed the gothic scene that urged her to abandon her normality... of course, it was easy when she indulged in the oddities of alcohol. This was their seventh night at the Black Widow, and everyone now knew the beautiful couple by name. Every time they graced the club with their presence, the crowd would admire from afar their seductive, almost euphoric dancing, reveling in the way they complemented each other. And now, as Lana and Damian made their way to the floor, it wasn't any different. All eyes were on them... including a stunned Lex.
He had finally found her, but he could tell this was not the Lana he knew from Smallville. Dressed in a strapless, skin-tight black dress carrying raven-like wings in back, his princess was now the Black Widow herself. Lex was completely taken aback, all he could do was stare, lose himself in the seductress's sensual movements... the manner in which her hair swayed softly to the music, how her hips flowed to the rhythm of the song. Suddenly, his daze was distorted when he realized she was teasingly making her way towards him.
Lana had noticed him seconds earlier, staring at her with an astonished glare. Seeing him there, her heart begged her to bury herself into his arms and kiss him passionately. But, the ice queen had intervened. She remembered the hurt caused by Lex, and now, there was no way Lana was going to allow herself to get pained again. He had thrown away their love and didn't deserve to get it back.
Finally reaching Lex, she smiled devilishly, hoping her facade and courage wouldn't fail her, "My, my, isn't this is a surprise?" She moved closer, just inches from his body as she slowly circled him. "What brings you here, Lex? Another 'acquisition' in mind?"
Lex remained motionless, trying quickly to figure her out. "Lana, stop," he demanded, wanting her to end the act. "Can we go some place where we can talk alone?"
She halted her steps, facing him with a wide grin. "Why? So you can tell me you're sorry? That you want me back," she questioned amusingly. "Why don't I save you the trouble..." She leaned in, whispering in his ear, "I'm over you."
He sighed, growing irritated by her words, especially the last two which struck every vein in his body. As she winked and turned around, Lex grabbed her arm, forcing her to face him again. "Lana, don't do this," he urged her, hoping he could knock some sense in her. "Let's talk alone, let me explain... let me love yo-"
"Lana!" Damian came from behind calling her name aloud. It stirred her away from Lex's words, from her decision to give Lex a chance. She looked back at her friend somewhat disoriented. She wanted to talk to the man she knew she still loved, but Damian's presence suddenly reminded her of the heartbreak, the sleepless nights, the lonely days she had endured because of Lex. "Lana, is this guy bothering you? Lana?"
She turned back to her former boyfriend again, noticing his pleading eyes... and then shifted her gaze back to Damian, "No," she managed to say finally. "No, he's not bothering me. It's just someone who has me confused for someone else."
Hearing those words, Lex's heart fell within, his whole world just crashed as he let go of her arm and allowed her to walk away.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Carrying over her shoulders, Steele made his way upstairs to Lana's apartment. She had drank too much and passed over during the cab ride back to her place. It was unusual for her to indulge in that many drinks, but as much as he had tried to deter her from glasses, she refused to stop. He knew why too. Damian had recognized Lex, although he kept it to himself, and knew that she drank to forget. "Poor Lana," he said cryptically as he put her to bed. "Not to worry... I'll help you forget."
He soon left her bedside and made his way to the sofa in the living room. Alone, he took out the envelope from his coat and opened it...
Lana,
I once had a dream that I lost you. I kept seeing myself in a white room. There were no doors. I was trapped, plagued with feelings of utter loneliness and a pained heart. Calling for you, and not able to hear you. My body ached inside, the emotions just ripping my soul apart. I woke up and found you by my side... asleep. I looked at you. Without words, without mere expressions, I heard you. You gave me strength, quieted my fears... unveiled my escape. We have this secret language, we need not be awake for. That's our connection, the immortal bond between us that brought me back to you.
I'm left now with useless words, when all I want is to hold you, see you, hear you. I don't want to lose our connection... I want to retrieve it... so I can bring you back to me.
Lex
Smiling maliciously, he closed the letter and put in his pocket again, "So sorry, Lex. I believe the connection has already been lost."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
So who likes Damian? Yeah, I hate him too. Still, I hope you enjoyed the chapter... I'll update soon;)
And please, don't refrain from reviewing;)
Disclaimer: Don't own Smallville.
Angels or Devils
Chapter 7
09/23/2005
It's been a month and a half since I last saw Lex. I'm dying inside. Every time I think about him, all the old feelings rush back and I begin to miss our moments together... his irresistible smile, ocean deep eyes, the whispers near my ear... I miss him. I know I sound pathetic, but I honestly can't help it. And I've tried. I've tried so hard to forget his last words, his whole presence altogether. I've tried with all my heart to move on... but memories of him keep bringing me back to state of hopelessness and bittersweet longing. I need to move on.
~*~
The Cheshire cat smile of the moon lightly reflected off the grandly-squared window. Admiring from a far was a saddened face with glimmering eyes attempting to fight tears. Away from Smallville, Lana felt utterly alone and stuck in the past. She found herself constantly sitting near her window, staring at the soft lights of Paris, the luminous Eiffel Tower, and the sanctity of church bells. It had become somewhat of a ritual to view the night-sky as she wrote in her journal. And just now, looking at the familiar moon, she reminisced of the night on the beach with Lex. It had been a perfect day without the troubles and pressures of their daily liv-
"Sorry about intruding, but the door was open and I happen to catch a glimpse of you," a voice with an English accent startled Lana, who immediately looked up.
She was surprised to see a strikingly handsome man with jet black hair brushed back and bright blue eyes. Wearing only black from sweater to pants, the stranger appeared to have a splitting dark aura, which warned Lana's senses, "And because you caught a glimpse of me, you decided it was okay to come in without even a knock on the door."
"I'm sorry," he apologized again. "But, you just looked so deep in thought and sad at the same time that my curiosity and sympathy couldn't resist."
Lana stared at him suspiciously, not knowing whether to continue the conversation any further.
"May I ask, what's plaguing you with such melancholy," he asked in attempt to unravel the girl's thoughts.
"Nothing," she answered, hoping that would be enough to give him a hint.
The young stranger smiled at her defiance. He certainly wasn't about to quit now. "I find that hard to believe... Allow me to take a guess," he waited for her permission as he eagerly waited for more than grunt from her. Yet, he received no words from the forlorn beauty, and thus continued his monologue, "It has to be love. Love is the only abstract emotion that can break or make a heart."
Hearing his words, Lana's interest was perked. She lifted her gaze towards him, though remaining speechless.
"Are we heartbroken," he posed the question reluctantly, hoping not to offend or anger his new friend.
Unfortunately, the inquiry struck her nerve uneasily, painfully rubbing in the obvious. "I don't think that's any of your business, especially when I don't even know who you are," Lana replied irritatingly.
"You're right," he quickly realized his mistake. "How rude of me... we must start again, then." The British stranger turned around, cleared his throat twice, and then faced her direction again, "Hi, my name is Damian Steele. I'm a law student from Oxford. It's a pleasure to meet you... sorry I didn't catch your name."
Lana furrowed her eyebrow, reluctantly giving herself up, "Lana Lang," she sighed. "So, what are you doing here in Paris?"
"I'm an intern for an British law firm. It's a requisite for graduation," he explained as he tried to hide his cheer for victory over getting through to her.
"And you live in this apartment building," she continued her questioning, still unsure of her uninvited visitor.
"Yes, I'm in 607, right around the corner," he replied. "So, was I right?"
"About being heartbroken?" Lana looked onto the floor, finding it difficult to speak about her feelings. "Yes... you were right."
Damian nodded in understanding, "The unfortunate consequences of love... but you know, 'Love is an irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired.'"
"Robert Frost," she gazed at him, surprised at his words.
"You know poetry... impressive, Lana," he smiled, winking at her. "So, let's adhere to Mr. Frost's word and fulfill this desire to end this intimate misery. You needn't anything, just grab your coat and I'll help you... move on."
The last two words hit her senselessly. It awoke her, it urged her to take the offer. But, she barely knew the English law student. Still, perhaps this was the way to a Lex-free night. "Can I trust you, Damian," she asked, wanting to believe in him.
He walked towards her, smoothly closing in the proximity. Once he reached her, he held out his hand, whispering seductively, "With all my sincerest intentions... yes, you can trust me."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
On the other side of the world, within the comforts of a stone castle, sat the exhausted prince of Smallville. Running through his mind were flashes of his lost princess. Even after completely dedicating himself to his business, Lex couldn't stop living within a remorseful existence. He kept imagining himself saying something else to Lana, going after her, following her to Paris. But, what was the use in regretting? Regret, after all, was for the weak, as his father had once lectured. He wasn't weak, nor was he going to let the situation weaken him.
Lex stood up from his chair and poured himself a drink, indulging in the rare taste of whiskey. It quickly numbed his senses, yet suddenly brought a recent memory to surge from the unknown. It was the last talk he had with Clark. His old friend was going back to Metropolis, but before he could speed off in his truck...
"Lex, I know you don't want to hear this, but I have to say this for the sake of being a good friend," he had begun. "Don't lose her... don't lose out on love. Go after her and tell you love her... and then... let her love you."
"Clark," he shook his head, not wanting to listen to him any longer.
"No, Lex... listen to me," he insisted. "Lana is the one. If you deny her now, you'll probably end up losing your soul mate forever."
"Clark, she's just a girl," his facade of indifference clearly not working, only to shift his apathy into solemn clarity. "I'm not going after her."
Starting the engine, his young crony sighed in disappointment, "Then you're a coward." With that said, Clark drove away.
Thinking about it now, he might of had a point, but he wasn't about to admit it. Lex abruptly drank the rest of his whiskey, hoping its effects would soon overwhelm his body. He poured more into his glass, continuing to indulge in the liquor limitlessly. "I'm not a coward," he muttered aloud as he swung his chair around, stopping it aggressively to seat himself. He took out some papers in hopes of distracting himself, yet as he did, Lex inadvertently took out a picture of her. Seeing her face, brought a flood of memories back. Having her by her side in the car, talking to her for endless hours...
Why was kidding himself? He was a coward, and that was a label, he had to escape from... Clark was right: He had to do something. Quickly, he took out a clean sheet of paper and began writing...
The sun's rays seeped through the window, glaring on Lex's face. Its brightness and warmth gently woke him up. Yawning sleepily, he soon realized he hadn't gone to bed, but fallen asleep on his desk... undoubtedly drunk since he felt the pounding headache erupting. As he stood up wanting to head to the shower quickly, he accidently knocked an envelope off his desk. He picked it up and noticed that it was directed to Lana. Of course, it was the letter he had written to her... the question now was whether he should send it.
"Lex, glad to see you're awake," his father made his presence known suddenly. "We have business to attend to in Metropolis. The helicopter is waiting, so go get cleaned up before I'm forced to interrogate your lack of preparation."
Lex sighed, annoyed by his demanding tone of voice. Still, he was too tired to argue. Clutching at the letter, he considered mailing it, but the courage and sanity he had gained the last night had faded in oblivion. Along with miscellaneous papers on his desk, he slid the letter into the trash can next to his desk. His father internally questioned his behavior, but soon dismissed the event when he received a call as Lex walked out of the room to change.
When he suited himself in his expensive attire, he joined his father and traveled onto Metropolis. All the while, Charles, the loyal butler, began his rounds through every room to check on the cleanliness of each. Entering Lex's office, the old servant instantly noticed the overflowing trash can. He dutifully picked up the surrounding garbage, yielding on the envelope that missed its intended destination. "Written to Ms. Lang," he noted in amazement. "Perhaps Mr. Luthor forgot to mail it." Scheming innocently, Charles took the liberty of mailing it for Lex.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
What should have been a week of meetings and business, turned into two long weeks of tedious work. All through out that time, though, the letter, Clark's words... and Lana continued to invade Lex's focus. And now, being back in Smallville, he regretted throwing the letter away. He knew that he had to get her back, he was finally convinced that he shouldn't let Lana go... he knew now that he had been wrong. Rather than living in remorse, Lex decided he had to go to Paris. Dialing some numbers into his cellphone, he headed determinedly into his room, gathering a few things into his suitcase. "This is Lex Luthor, I'd like a ticket to Paris... put me on your earliest flight," he demanded. "I don't care if you have no seats... you kick someone else out if you have to!" Angrily he ended the call and walked out of his room speedily. He ordered the limo to come around, and as it did, he stepped inside without waiting for the driver to open the door. All the workers inside, including Charles, looked onto the screeching rapidity of limo wondering where their boss was off to now.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hours later in Paris...
"Are you ready, Lana," asked the debonaire companion dressed in black with a raven trench-coat. "It's ten o'clock, the night is young and awaiting for our divinely wicked presence."
"I'm almost ready," answered the unprepared mistress from her room. "I would've been all dressed had C.Z. not assigned some last minute paper work to prepare for mailing... That reminds me, can you go get my mail, Steele?"
Grinning to himself, he had to admit how much he liked Lana using his last name to always address him. It had started as joke, but now it was certainly a term of endearment he enjoyed. "I'll fetch anything you desire," he replied, amusingly flirting with Lana.
She smiled in return, feeling somewhat aloof every time he courted her jokingly, "Thanks... but I just want my mail... the keys are on the kitchen table."
Damian grabbed the keys, closing the door behind him His leather boots sounding as he stepped on the wooden floors of the building's stairs. He opened her mailbox, finding three envelopes. Curiously, he read the senders' names, only to be stunned by the inscription of a Lex Luthor. He stared at the envelope, pondering its content intently.
"Hey, Steele," Lana called from upstairs, peaking her head through the door. "What's taking so long? I thought the young night was waiting for us!"
Startled by her, he quickly stirred from his thoughts and looked up towards the stairs. Seeing that she wasn't in sight, Damian immediately stuffed the letter into his inner pocket of his coat. "Sorry, I was having troubles with your key," he lied as he briskly climbed the stairs. He entered her apartment, somewhat nerved by what he had just done. "So, are you ready then," he inquired, leaving the two other letters and her keys on the kitchen table.
Lana sneakily appeared at his side, "I think so... what do you think?"
Her near presence almost surprised him to death. He turned to her, astonished suddenly by the eye-catching beauty in front of him. "Wow... you look... you," he stammered, forcing himself to clear his throat. "You look absolutely breathtaking. A gothic wonder in living colors."
She laughed at his exaggerated honesty, "C'mon... let's get out of here."
Damian held out his hand. Without any hesitation, Lana gently grabbed it, strutting out the door along his side. As soon as they were out the building, her friend inhaled the air audibly, "Do you smell that?"
His young companion breathed in confusedly. "What is it," she wondered aloud.
"That's the smell of a sober night... remember it, because you'll forget by tomorrow morning when we return," he pulled her gingerly, pointing to the direction to seek their intended destination. Lana giggled at his implied statement and sarcastic movements as she kept up beside him.
Just as they strolled away, a cab pulled in front of the apartment building. It was none other than Lex, brashly opening the door while he paid the driver. He stepped out, running inside the complex and up the stairs to Lana's door. Lex instantly knocked harshly on it, "Lana, it's me! Lex!" He waited impatiently for an answer, but seeing as there was none, he knocked again... this time harder and louder. "Lana, please open the door," he yelled in a demanding voice. Again, he waited, growing more impatient as the seconds passed. Clearly, she wasn't there or refused to answer, he thought. "Damn," he punched the door angrily.
"What the hell is wrong with you," questioned a woman who appeared next door. Her French accent thick, she eyed Lex suspiciously. "Ms. Lang is not there."
Lex turned to her quickly, "Where is she?"
"Who are you," she inquired, still suspicious of the furious young man.
He sighed in agitation, trying to compose himself. "I'm a friend," he dropped a few notches of his demanding tone. "Can you please tell me where she's out tonight? I must speak to her... it's an emergency."
The neighbor eyed him leerily, wondering whether she should say anything at all. She soon surrendered when he looked at her pleadingly, "I believe Ms. Lang is off again at Club... how do you say," she paused, attempting to remember the club's name. "Ah, yes... the Noir Veuve. I believe you Americans would say-"
"The Black Widow, thank you," he cut her off, turning around and swiftly making his way out of the building.
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Ever since Lana had met Damian, she had allowed herself to be led into his world... an impulsive world where the dark inner self was let loose. She embraced the sensually heartless new Lana who attracted all males, and yet cared for no one's attention. The ice queen, however, only appeared at night, slowly creeping in throughout the day. For, Lana was gradually accepting this transformation... the cure for a broken heart, or at least she thought it was. She was finally learning who this "alpha Lana"was, the description Clark had once given to a forgotten girl.
Although reluctant at first, Lana now enjoyed the gothic scene that urged her to abandon her normality... of course, it was easy when she indulged in the oddities of alcohol. This was their seventh night at the Black Widow, and everyone now knew the beautiful couple by name. Every time they graced the club with their presence, the crowd would admire from afar their seductive, almost euphoric dancing, reveling in the way they complemented each other. And now, as Lana and Damian made their way to the floor, it wasn't any different. All eyes were on them... including a stunned Lex.
He had finally found her, but he could tell this was not the Lana he knew from Smallville. Dressed in a strapless, skin-tight black dress carrying raven-like wings in back, his princess was now the Black Widow herself. Lex was completely taken aback, all he could do was stare, lose himself in the seductress's sensual movements... the manner in which her hair swayed softly to the music, how her hips flowed to the rhythm of the song. Suddenly, his daze was distorted when he realized she was teasingly making her way towards him.
Lana had noticed him seconds earlier, staring at her with an astonished glare. Seeing him there, her heart begged her to bury herself into his arms and kiss him passionately. But, the ice queen had intervened. She remembered the hurt caused by Lex, and now, there was no way Lana was going to allow herself to get pained again. He had thrown away their love and didn't deserve to get it back.
Finally reaching Lex, she smiled devilishly, hoping her facade and courage wouldn't fail her, "My, my, isn't this is a surprise?" She moved closer, just inches from his body as she slowly circled him. "What brings you here, Lex? Another 'acquisition' in mind?"
Lex remained motionless, trying quickly to figure her out. "Lana, stop," he demanded, wanting her to end the act. "Can we go some place where we can talk alone?"
She halted her steps, facing him with a wide grin. "Why? So you can tell me you're sorry? That you want me back," she questioned amusingly. "Why don't I save you the trouble..." She leaned in, whispering in his ear, "I'm over you."
He sighed, growing irritated by her words, especially the last two which struck every vein in his body. As she winked and turned around, Lex grabbed her arm, forcing her to face him again. "Lana, don't do this," he urged her, hoping he could knock some sense in her. "Let's talk alone, let me explain... let me love yo-"
"Lana!" Damian came from behind calling her name aloud. It stirred her away from Lex's words, from her decision to give Lex a chance. She looked back at her friend somewhat disoriented. She wanted to talk to the man she knew she still loved, but Damian's presence suddenly reminded her of the heartbreak, the sleepless nights, the lonely days she had endured because of Lex. "Lana, is this guy bothering you? Lana?"
She turned back to her former boyfriend again, noticing his pleading eyes... and then shifted her gaze back to Damian, "No," she managed to say finally. "No, he's not bothering me. It's just someone who has me confused for someone else."
Hearing those words, Lex's heart fell within, his whole world just crashed as he let go of her arm and allowed her to walk away.
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Carrying over her shoulders, Steele made his way upstairs to Lana's apartment. She had drank too much and passed over during the cab ride back to her place. It was unusual for her to indulge in that many drinks, but as much as he had tried to deter her from glasses, she refused to stop. He knew why too. Damian had recognized Lex, although he kept it to himself, and knew that she drank to forget. "Poor Lana," he said cryptically as he put her to bed. "Not to worry... I'll help you forget."
He soon left her bedside and made his way to the sofa in the living room. Alone, he took out the envelope from his coat and opened it...
Lana,
I once had a dream that I lost you. I kept seeing myself in a white room. There were no doors. I was trapped, plagued with feelings of utter loneliness and a pained heart. Calling for you, and not able to hear you. My body ached inside, the emotions just ripping my soul apart. I woke up and found you by my side... asleep. I looked at you. Without words, without mere expressions, I heard you. You gave me strength, quieted my fears... unveiled my escape. We have this secret language, we need not be awake for. That's our connection, the immortal bond between us that brought me back to you.
I'm left now with useless words, when all I want is to hold you, see you, hear you. I don't want to lose our connection... I want to retrieve it... so I can bring you back to me.
Lex
Smiling maliciously, he closed the letter and put in his pocket again, "So sorry, Lex. I believe the connection has already been lost."
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So who likes Damian? Yeah, I hate him too. Still, I hope you enjoyed the chapter... I'll update soon;)
And please, don't refrain from reviewing;)
