Title: Everywhere

Chapter Completed: October 31, 2003

"Really. I'm fine here Chloe," Anna was trying to convince her friend that she was more than happy to stay at the hotel, while Chloe suggested that she stay with her.

"You'd be sick of me," Anna threatened as she continued, starting to undress for bed. "And I'm a big girl now, I can take care of myself." She giggled at her friend's reply. "Alright…I'll see you tomorrow, for lunch. Yes. Goodnight Chloe. Goodnight," She giggled again.

She hung up the receiver and continued undressing. Laying her clothes over the standard desk chair, why all hotels had desks was beyond her, and slipped into a robe. Those she was very happy to find in the room. After the roller coaster of a day she had had, she considered herself entitled to a girlie bubble-bath and chance to relax.

Slipping into the bathroom she began drawing herself the bath. One thing she had learned from hotel living, which for a few years she had experienced, was everything was already there. Beautiful convinces of mini packaging. The other thing she had learned was the beauty of the mini bar for counter acting lonely, cold nights. And for that reason a freshly mixed drink had been accompanying her since she got home. Supplying the lawyer with a happy, forgetful buzz. Really, just what she needed.

Returning to the bedroom, of the two-room room, to refill her glass, a sparkle on the floor caught her attention. Crouching down she swooped up the object – her gold chain and hearts had fallen out of her pant pocket.

"You always make yourself known," she spoke to the piece of jewellery, "But don't worry, I'm not forgetting you anytime soon." Giving a sad smile she dropped it onto the side table, sure to remember to place it some place safe afterwards.

As she rose to her feet a tapping on the window caught her. It was rather surprising and confusing since she was on the twenty-first floor. With apprehensive steps she approached the balcony doors. This wasn't Edge City, and it did have its own defender – so she figured she was safe.

Anna slowly drew back the rustic curtains in one smooth motion. She stumbled back, more than surprised to find a man hovering at the glass. At first she was set to blame the vision on the alcohol she consumed, until she realised the vision was still tapping on the glass and that the tights and cape only ment one thing.

"Do you know how disarming that is?" she questioned the superhero as she opened the door, allowing him into the room.

"I'm sorry," Superman nodded his head to her, "I forget when people aren't from here."

She shrugged slightly, picking up her glass again, "Do you usually go visiting at night?" She turned back to him.

"I…I was just making sure you were alright," he maintained his stance. When Clark decided to check on Anna he figured the hero would go over better – it usually did. And he was generally curious about how she was, it had been so long.

"Should I feel special?" her eyes sparkled with a mischievous light, and then shot him a smile. After a beat she continued, "I'm fine, thank you."

He smiled back.

"But why do I think that's not why you've come?" she circled him almost like prey. The drink obviously making her head fuzzy and freeing her inhibition.

"Guilty," he said with the slightest amusement, as he brushed a piece of hair behind her ear, "I'm checking up on you."

Her look was clouded. She found the superhero very curious but familiar.

"Clark had told me all about you…about Lex Luthor," he cleared up, justifying his visit at least to her. When in reality he was just worried about her and this new, Metropolis Lex.

"I'm glad you and Clark have something to talk about," Anna quickly turned away from him, her robe twirling about her legs.

Clark felt dejected by the lawyer, but Superman pressed on. "Have you seen him, Lex that is? He's changed a lot since you last knew him, and Clark was worried." He reached for her shoulder but found her turning sharply to face him.

"Is this when you warn me about him?" She almost snorted, finding the whole thing ridiculous and infuriating. A warning far too late, about her personal life.

Swallowing slightly he regained himself, taken aback by her aggressiveness. He wasn't used to this side of her. But he remembered himself and continued, "He killed his father!"

"If Clark told you ALL about me…then you would know I'm the last person who would be convinced with that argument!" Her tone was strangely calm. "And if he did, he did the world a favour!" She wasn't sure what she was defending, Lex or her own desire to have Lionel dead. Anna was breathing heavy now and her eyes were raging. The whole thing had become very heated and far too emotional.

"Trust me, I've seen the worst the Luthor's can do," she laughed bitterly, tears now brimming her eyes; and hating herself for it.

Again the superhero moved to comfort her, worried not just in his general way but on the personal, Smallville level. His hand on her shoulder, turning her to face him. She shrugged away from the strong hands, her eyes questioning him. Questioning his motives. Questioning his very presence. Questioning like she did with all men.

He pitted her. Seeing her, especially now, he saw her as another victim of the Luthor's. Another life destroyed by the touch of that family. His hand slowly graced her cheek, softly his thumb carefully wiped the tears from her eyes.

The girl leaned into the caress. Her eyes slipping closed. Her breath hitched at how tender his touch was. How gentle he was being. It had been so long since she experienced a touch like that. A touch so soft but yet so present. A touch like… with her eyes closed, only her body responding, she could almost believe she knew that touch. Could almost believe it was Lex. His hand gracing her flushed cheek, leading her mouth to his during one of their heated encounters.

Her slow, sweetly sensual reaction sent Clark's mind spinning. The small part of him that still thought like the sixteen-year-old Smallville boy was drawn into it. Believing that the small gasp from her parted lips was for him. Believing that the invitation was for him.

The superhero's hand slid down to tilt her chin up. Leaning forward to press his own lips to the soft, parted ones of her pale face, he kissed her. A gentle pressure of pliable flesh.

As the warmth of contact filled her, Anna moaned. The long lingering taste of the millionaire's kiss masking the unfamiliar one she was engaged in. The woman's eyes sneaked open, desperate to verify the truth to the sensation, but careful not to destroy the fantasy. But the face before hers was foreign– not the strong features she lusted and wished for, that every man since had been.

In a surge of panic she pushed away from him, her mind spinning and eyes burning.

"I…I'm so sorry," he stuttered for words, staring at her swollen mouth, "…I…just…"

"Don't," she cut him off abruptly, avoiding his eyes focusing on her, "I'm not exactly prepared for company." She pulled the robe tighter around her body feeling extremely venerable and completely exposed. "I think you should go…" she moved toward the door, a habit for ushering someone out.

He did follow her, as a costumed Clark, his mouth open for words but none coming.

"Please…"she pleaded, her hand on the hotel door handle.

As the shaking hand encased the metal a sharp knock sounded on the wood.

Despite herself, she jumped, startled by the noise and presence. Collecting herself and silently berating her behaviour she opened the barrier, figuring it was nothing more then a steward or maid.

Anna's mouth dropped. The surprise was really too much of a shock. It was almost like having a ghost of the past appear at your door – a living, breathing, tangible ghost.

He stood there. His hands buried deep into the expensive coat that draped around his frame. His soul exposed in the steely, blue orbs of his eyes. Majestic beauty.

"Lex," a voice broke from her throat, and her hands fell from her rode. The tightly wrapped terry cloth fell lack again, patched of her flesh became exposed.

He smirked, his eyes soaking in the image before him. "That's a nice welcome," his eyes dragged up from her breasts to meet her eyes.

Her mouth was still agape, unsure if this was indeed real or not. Everything seemed surreal.

"Anna," her name left his mouth easier, the familiarity returning at the sight of her, "Can I…" he motioned with his chin to the interior of her room.

She made sounds of agreement, stepping aside from the door. Her eyes darted around the room for her other 'guest'. The only sign of the superman's presence was the fluttering of the balcony curtains; the door was still open. She rushed across to the glass doors, shutting them and looking for traces of the read, blue and yellow.

"Expecting someone?" Lex approached behind her, still maintaining the impersonal air with his hands hidden in his pockets.

"Who would I be expecting?" She turned quickly, brushing against him; "There's no one I'd want to see."