Chapter 4 -

The celebration at the Talon has ended and Pete has already left with his parents for the train station. He is to attend Boston College to try his hands on journalism. His parents can't be happier considering he almost didn't get in. Pete promised to visit Smallville as much as he can.

Disclaimer: Don't own any of these characters, but wouldn't mind owning Michael and Tom!!! =)

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Chloe and Lana are taking down the streamers while the Clark is sweeping the floor. Chloe steps down from the chair she was standing on and gives the streamers to Lana to throw away. As Lana gathers all the decorations and places them in the trash, she notices that they are the only ones left in the building. She looks up at the clock on the wall.

Lana: Guys it's already ten o' clock, you two should go home. I know you had a long day.

Chloe: Don't worry about it Lana. Besides, this is sort of fun!

Lana smiles at Chloe and for a brief moment it seems as if they never left. Chloe and Clark tried their best to keep in touch with Lana, but not as much as she liked them to. Lana understood and so she never really made a big deal about it. She was feeling utterly alone until an expected friendship changed all that.

What started out as small business dinners turned into the blossomed friendship that Lana has with Lex. He was there to make her smile when she didn't find any reason to and she was always there to listen to all the problems he had at work. Secrets were shared as well as memories of happy family life that each of them kept deep in their hearts. Never in a million years did Lana ever expect to think that Lex could be that important factor in her life.

All afternoon she has been thinking about the kiss. Sure she has fantasized that moment more than once, but she always knew it could end an important friendship. After what happened between her and Clark, she promised herself to never again be involved with a friend. But somehow with Lex it feels different for her. It's more mature. Feels as if it's worth the all consequences.

Clark: (waving his hand in front of her face) Lana, are you okay?

Lana: Huh'?!? Oh, yeah....um, I must have dazed off.

Clark: Looks like you were thinking pretty heavy there for a minute.

Lana nervously smiles and starts to walk away avoiding any more questions. However close Lana felt once with Clark, that closeness is slowly drifting away. When Clark left Smallville he promised that he'd always be there for Lana. But things change and no matter how they try to ignore it, they have just grown apart.

Chloe: (tying the last trash bag) Okay, this is the last one! I don't know about you kiddies, but I could use a nice long nap right about now.

Lana: (looks around) Well, that's it guys. Thanks again!

Chloe: (hugs Lana) You're welcome! (pulls away and looks over at Clark) Okay Mr. Kent, you're taking me home.

Clark: Yeah sure, but what about you Lana?

Lana: You two go. I have to lock up.

Clark: Then we'll wait for you.

Lana: Don't be ridiculous Clark. I'm a big girl. I'll be fine.

Clark: (looking a bit unsure) Well..... if that's what you want.

Lana: Yes...now go home!

Lana gently pushes them towards the door. Clark smiles at Lana for moment and turns to walk out after Chloe. As soon as they left Lana goes over and locks the door. She then looks around the room and sighs for a moment.

She then proceeds to walk into the kitchen to turn off all the lights and gather her purse. She's yawning and arching her back while walking towards the front door that she didn't notice Lex standing outside. As soon as she focuses her head up, Lana quickly sees him. Somehow she felt his presence and so she's not at all surprise to see him. Her heart does start to skip a beat, as she stands there frozen just looking back at him. Lana can tell that he's been driving all night, for his dress shirt is completely wrinkled. She slowly gathers herself up and slowly opens the door to go outside.

Lana: Lex, what are you doing here?

Lex looks back at Lana's innocent brown eyes and slowly moves towards her.

Lana: (seems very concern) Where have you been? Are you okay?

Without saying a word, he slowly pulls his hands out of his coat pocket to touch her cheek ever so lightly. He didn't want to neglect any part of her delicate face. She's looking back at him timidly not knowing what to say. She could feel her heart beating faster as if it is about to burst out of her chest. Lana anxiously looks at his eyes, his nose, his cheeks, and his mouth trying to memorize every inch of his face. Without hesitation, Lex suddenly cups Lana's face into his hands and leans over to passionately kiss her. It takes her by surprise at first, but finally letting go and kisses him back. Lana's mind suddenly floods with all the consequences this kiss could bring, but yet she does not pull away. In fact, she never wants it to end.

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Outside in front of Nell's house, Lana is sitting in the passenger seat of Lex's porsche. They haven't said a word to each other since they drove away from the Talon. Suddenly, Lex turns to Lana and begins to speak.

Lex: Lana, I know I shouldn't have done that, but I don't regret having done it.

Lana: (sighs and looks down) I don't think it's going to work out.

Lex: What are you talking about?

Lana: Lex our friendship means so much to me and I don't want to lose....

Lex: (takes Lana's hand) But you're not going to lose anything.

Lana: (pulls away and looks into Lex's eyes) You can't know for sure. Besides, there's a lot more at stake.

Lex: Like who? Clark?

Lana: (looks up at him) Yes! Trust me, these things do not end well. I should know.

Lex: Who says that it's going to be the same?

Lana: We can't be selfish Lex. I just don't think it's right to pursue this.

Lex listens to Lana's concern and understands what she means. Clark has always been there for him and hurting him will be the last thing on his mind. Lex sighs and looks away in disappointment. He looks out his window and sees the Kent's farm. Lana reaches over and touches his hand.

Lana: I'm still you're friend.

Lex: (still looking away) You know what Lana, a friend is not what I need right now.

Lana: Lex, please don't do this.

Lex turns back to Lana and suddenly he finds their eyes entwine. Lex reaches out for Lana's hair and slowly caresses it. She suddenly feels her heart becoming heavy and starts to think twice. Here's a man who has shown her more honestly and tenderness than any man she has ever known. Lana is contemplating in her mind if she's making the right choice.

Lex: Lana, I can't even remember the last time I've been this happy. Don't you know that the reason why I'm smiling more is because of you?

Lana: Lex I....

Lex: I know that your feelings for me are the same or else you would have pulled away. I just don't want to miss the opportunity to...to......love you.

Lana quickly looks up at him and tears starts to slowly roll down her cheeks. Lex reaches into his pocket and pulls out a handkerchief. As he gently wipes her tears, she continues to voice out her concerns.

Lex: Ah the hell with the consequences Lana. It's time to think about what we want and I want to be with you.

Lana looks away for a moment and then looks back at Lex. She then touches his face and slowly moves towards his soft baldhead. She swiftly takes his hand and kisses his palm and places it on her cheek. Lex smiles brightly with relief, for he knows that it's a sign that she finally accepts him. He then leans over and kisses her forehead. Lana in return embraces him. While in embrace, Lex can feel the warmth of her breath rub along his ear.

Lana: This is going to change everything Lex.

Lex: (happily smiling) That's exactly what I hope for.

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Lana lies on her bed looking up at the ceiling. She turns to her side and sees her alarm clock reads 6:00am. She hasn't slept a wink since she parted with Lex the night before. No matter how excited she feels about her and Lex, she just can't forget about Clark. She finds it rather ironic that she was in this same exact position with Clark, but this time it is Clark that she's trying to protect. She gets up and looks out her window. It is still rather dark outside, but she can clearly see the Kent farm from her bedroom. She walks towards her closet and proceeds to put on jeans and a sweatshirt. While heading downstairs, Lana hears Nell singing in the kitchen. Lana walks into the kitchen and sees Nell cooking breakfast.

Nell: You're up early. I thought you'd be sleeping past twelve since you came home late last night.

Lana: I couldn't sleep.

Nell: (turns to look at Lana) Lana, your eyes look heavy. Are you okay?

Lana: Um, yeah. Listen, I'm going over to Clark's house. I'll be right back.

Nell nods and Lana walks out the door. At the Kent farm, Lana knocks on the door. She can feel every beat of her heart. Suddenly Martha opens the door.

Martha: Lana! Come in dear.

Lana: Good morning Mrs. Kent. I know it's early, but is Clark awake?

Martha: Why yes. He's up at the barn.

Lana thanks Martha and she walks away. Before going up to Clark's loft, Lana keeps on thinking of what to say. She's been going through it earlier, but now that she's getting closer to him, she's becoming tongue-tied. As Lana walks up the stairs, she can hear Clark ripping some papers.

Lana: Hi Clark!

Clark: (turns looking surprise) Hey Lana! What are you doing here so early?

Lana: I can't sleep. Thought I'd say hi.

Clark smiles and continues tearing up papers.

Lana: What are you ripping?

Clark: Oh nothing, just some stuff from high school that I'm throwing away. I'm making some room in this box.

Lana: Listen Clark, can I talk to you about something?

Clark: Sure. What's on mind?

Lana nervously walks over and sits on a chair. She sighs as she looks out into the field. Clark suddenly looks over to her and calls out her name. Lana looks at him smiling at her and she suddenly feels guilty.

Lana: Um, you know what Clark...I better head on home.

Clark: Wait, I thought you wanted to talk?

Lana: It's really not that important. It can wait.

Clark: Lana, are you sure?

Lana nods and smiles back at him. She tensely waves goodbye to him runs down and out the barn. Clark watches her run towards Nell's house. Clark looks on very concern, but he knows that she will eventually tell him when she is ready.

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By afternoon, Clark is almost finish cleaning out his loft. He looks around and sees all the boxes he packed away. None of them has labels and so He decides to mark each one. He goes over to his desk and opens one of the drawers to look for a marker. Looking into one of the drawers, Clark sees a fifth grade picture of Lana. How he remembers her handing that to him while they were in class. It was the first time Clark has ever felt butterflies in his stomach. Somehow he knew, even at that age, that he loves Lana Lang. Clarks happily stares at it. He suddenly realizes how he has been neglecting Lana's friendship this past month. She has shared stories with him through e-mails, but he failed to respond back to her. Lana was there this morning to talk and he feels that he just completely ignored her. He got an impression that something was wrong, but yet he just let her go. Feeling upset of what he has done, Clark decides to look for her.

At the Talon, he asks one of the waitresses if she's seen Lana, but the waitress tells Clark that she is off for the day. Clark suddenly looks disappointed as he turns to walk away. He hears someone calls out his name and quickly turns.

Clark: Hi Shelly! (he gives her a quick hug and smiles)

Shelly: I didn't know that you were back.

Clark: I came back last night. Where were you for Pete's party?

Shelly: Oh, I had to baby sit my annoying little sister. How was it?

Clark: It was fun, sorry that you missed it. Listen, would you happen to know where Lana is?

Shelly: Oh, um....she left about a half hour ago. I believe she went over to Lex's house.

Clark: Lex? Why?

Shelly: To drop of some papers I think. Listen, I better get back to work. Nice seeing you again Clark!

Clark smiles back at Shelly who goes and takes orders from a customer. Clark thinks for a moment and decides to go over to the Lex's mansion. Clark knows that she is there for business reasons, but he's sure that Lex would not mind him stopping by.

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Back at the mansion, Lana is pressed up against Lex on his red couch. Since she hasn't slept a wink, lying on Lex's chest is just what she needs. As she lies soundly asleep, Lex is awake reading a book. His hand gently stroking Lana's soft black hair, smiling everything he smells the sweet scent of her shampoo. Suddenly Lex's cell phone rings and it automatically makes Lana jump up. This action makes Lex laugh that he reaches over and kisses her forehead. He stands up and answers his phone while Lana continues lying on the couch.

Lex: What? No, no....I'll go there myself. Tell them not to sign anything until I get there understand? (hangs up)

Lana: (props herself up) What was that all about?

Lex: Oh another problem at the office. Listen, I need to go to Metropolis tonight.

Lana: For how long?

Lex: Probably a week, maybe less.

Lex notices Lana looking a bit disappointed. He then walks over to her and takes her hands. He swiftly lifts her up on her feet and embraces her tightly. He pulls away just enough so he can look at her frowning face. He places his hands on her face and he slowly makes his way down to her shoulders.

Lex: Listen, when I come back I promise to spend every moment in this very spot.

Lana: (smiles back at him) You better or else!

Lex laughs a little and playfully touches the tip of Lana's nose. He knows that this makes her crinkle her face and he absolutely finds that adorable. He takes her chin and softly kisses her lips. Lana suddenly pulls away and looks behind her.

Lex: What's a matter?

Lana: Did you hear that?

Lex: No one is back there. (pulls her towards him once again) Now, where were we hmmm?

Lana smiles and places her hand behind Lex's head. She then gently pulls him towards her and kisses him passionately.

Meanwhile just outside the front door is Clark looking very shock. The maid sees him and walks towards him.

Maid: Did you find Mr. Luthor sir?

Clark: Yes I did. I definitely saw him. Thank you.

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