Hey guys, thanks for the nice reviews. I'm sorry I didn't update sooner, but it's difficult to balance school and work and fanfic writing. Not to worry, I'm actually doing better in making time for this one. No more hiatus (I promise, Diana Troy). Alright, I'll quit chit chatting... enjoy.
The Other Side
Chapter 2
Lana was mistaken… as she often found herself with Lex. She would have allowed her desires overpower her had he not brushed against her teasingly and commit nothing.
Absolutely nothing.
Lex simply smirked as he waited for Lana to open her eyes. When she finally realized that he was merely teasing her, she angrily glared at her company, "Now I remember why I pulled the disappearing act in the first place… There was nothing stopping me." She stood up, walking past him with a flare in her steps.
Lex, unperturbed and expressionless, followed behind knowing well he had worn out his welcome. She had swung the door open, impatiently waiting for him to leave. Yet, her guest refused to end the visit so abruptly. "Lana, what were you expecting just then? A warm welcome into an old boyfriend's arms," he questioned, sarcasm exuding as he frowned with feigning confusion. "I'm not that forgiving. You walked out on many things seven years ago, including a substantial relationship, without any reason. Now you return, and still without reasons."
Lana heard his words ring clearly. He still carried that air of conceit that blinded him from seeing his own flaws… and her own reason for leaving. It frustrated her how he was so quick to accuse; she couldn't take it anymore. Holding the door open with a strong grip, she shot back, "My reasons? There was only one… I hated the thought of losing myself." Lana never shifted her gaze from his, defiantly exposing what she had naively hid before. "Funny, how we can relate."
Lex remained seemingly unaffected, holding his own as he met her stare coolly. Whether he was attempting to read her or not, the answer was unknown. He just continued to carry the tension, allowing seconds to escape into the silence of the room. Finally, "I thought we had found you seven years ago. I thought the real Lana would never fade… I guess, I was mistaken." He began heading outside only to yield his steps and turn back to her, "Funny, isn't it?"
She arched an eyebrow in confusion and exasperation, forcing her to ask, "What?"
"How we can relate."
~*~
One week later…
He sat in his office attempting to concentrate on the paperwork at hand. Yet, the events of the last time he saw her lingered annoyingly in his mind. Of course, the never unnerved Lex tried calmly to push them away, consistently trying to convince himself that it didn't matter. She was of none of his concern anymore. He wouldn't attempt to keep in her life. Why? Why should he when she wanted to keep running? All those years of trying to make sure she was safe and protected from "inconveniences" were foolish. It was time to let go.
But, matters of this kind are never decided by the one party. At least, that's not what Lana Lang had in mind.
"I'm sorry," the uncanny voice of his old crony invaded the silence of his office.
Lex instantly looked up, taking in the woman in a black coat holding what seemed like a dozen roses. He leaned back into his plush leather chair, merely eyeing her without a response. Lex remained expressionless, hiding a hint of satisfaction that threatened to show.
"I come bearing expensively, out of season roses as a token of my affection and apology," she walked towards him, placing the gift on his darkly-rich oak desk. Lana gave a half-smile, hoping she could break the famous Luthor walls. "You can be that forgiving, right," she tenderly asked.
Lex made no motion rather gazed up at her, keeping the tension alive. Finally, he broke into a smirk; as usual, he forgave, having no fortitude to remain angry with her… never with her. She could runaway, steal his car, even throw cups, and yet, he could always just… forgive. "Don't you think roses are far too manly for me," he questioned sarcastically.
"Not in the least," she broke into a giggle. "I've always thought roses suited that long mane of yours."
"Cute… real cute," he smiled as he stood up and took the roses to his mini bar. "Drink?"
Lana nodded, "How about just some wine?"
As he poured some red wine into a glass cup, he couldn't help but notice Lana taking in his office. She really hadn't changed. The princess was still just a princess, only now she was confident. And still, she carried that sweet air of melancholy he couldn't understand. While she fingered through her hair waiting for him to join her, Lex caught a glimpse of a shimmer. Squinting slightly, he saw where the glow came from.
Making his way to her, he handed her the glass and sat on his more-than-posh leather chair across her. "Tell me, Lana, has the Homecoming queen found her king," he inquired casually.
Lana stiffened at the question. "King Andrew Philips," she announced, quickly sipping her wine. "Lex… I was-"
"Ah, so you're marrying the youngest district attorney in the history of Metropolis," he interrupted with smug regard. "Quite the suitor. I'm curious, however, have you divulged your true identity?"
Beneath the façade of indifference, she could tell it bothered him. Though, god forbid, he was willing to admit it. "Yes, he knows," she replied. "He just doesn't understand why. As far he's concerned, he thinks my anonymity is unreasonable and will see its end once I marry him. He wants Lana Lang to resurrect from the dead, or Europe where everyone thinks I'm still living in."
Lex simply indulged from his wine, accurately reading through her words, "What do you want?"
"What do I want," she reiterated, nodding her head as the question ran through her head over and over. "What do I want? I think I want Lana Lang to resurrect when she's ready. For now, the anonymous millionaire Ana Alexander can take the ropes."
Lex's face perked at hearing her other name, "Nice title."
"Yeah," she attempted to dodge any further inquiry of her choice of name. "Anyway, I guess that's why I've picked up a habit of postponing the big day."
"Or perhaps, something else is stopping you," Lex stated more than questioned.
Lana remained quiet, feeling this conversation wasn't something she wanted to tackle, or confront. Looking at her watch, she stood up, "It's getting late… I have a busy day tomorrow."
Still holding his air of self-assurance, he inquired, "I hope not too busy for two old friends to get reacquainted over lunch?"
Walking away, she threw back emphasizing her the last word, "I'm never too busy for a friend."
~*~
Next day…
The elevator doors opened to a busy area of secretaries and suits talking numbers on their phones. Lex was used to this sort of atmosphere, still he hated having to bear the noise. Confidently and quickly, he made his way to the front desk, "Where can I find the east elevator?"
The receptionist held her pointer finger up, gesturing for his patience as she attempted to aid the client on the other side of the phone. After a few seconds, she finally hung up, looking up only to be shocked at who she had dared ignored. "Mr. Luthor," she nervously greeted. "How can I help you?"
"Where can I find the east elevator," he asked again.
Her face flushed at the sound of his question as her jaw slightly dropped, "The east elevator?" She stood up immediately, grabbing a key and unlocking a drawer where she took out a box. Lex looked on, intrigued by the box. The receptionist opened it where yet again laid another key. Only this key was different; it radiated in gold accentuating its antique form. She took it and came around the desk, "Right this way, Mr. Luthor."
Lex followed closely as the receptionist led him towards a door. Once they reached it, she opened it with the key. Holding the door open for him, Lex stepped inside into a scenery he never expected a Metropolis building would hold. Luthors like himself weren't usually stunned, but Lex had to exempt himself this time. He was truly stunned at the long hallway with high marbled walls and floor. Intricate chandeliers gave the hallway a royal aura. The setting was breathtaking.
The receptionist noticed the astonishment he attempted to hide. "The few guests and employees who are allowed in here are always surprised by this hallway," she mentioned as they walked through the grandiose path. "Yet, it is only the guest who are lucky enough to see what is upstairs. I must say, Mr. Luthor, you are quite fortunate."
Lex remained silent as he absorbed the elaborate surroundings, thinking to himself how these tall walls represented more than opulence. She was hiding… from what he didn't know.
"Mr. Luthor… Mr. Luthor," she tried to get his attention.
He hadn't even noticed that they had reached the end of the hallway where the elevator awaited. She had used the key again to open the elevator. Lex finally stirred from the analyzing taking place in his mind, "Yes."
"This elevator will take you to your destination. There will be someone waiting for you there who will lead you to… well, I assume you know better than I who it is," she smiled, walking back to the door at the other end.
Lex entered inside, seeing there was only one button to press. Engraved in the stainless steel button where the initials "AA" strangely shaped; their left legs were brought up almost to a 90 degree angle. He pressed it and quickly the machine went up, passing what seemed like a series of floors until at last it stopped.
The doors opened to a man in a suit, "Welcome, Mr. Luthor. If you will, right this way."
Unlike the hallway downstairs, the new setting was dimly-lit. The scheme was modern, almost futuristic… and certainly cold. Lex followed what appeared as a butler, taking him directly to two steel doors. He opened them, revealing an overly spacious office with a library of hundreds of books and antique portraits. In the center-back stood a smiling Lana in her old colors of pastel, "Well, glad to see you're still punctual."
He stepped inside, walking towards her as he smirked, "Lana, I have to say, this is quite the fortress. The hallway, the elevator, and a penthouse office… I wonder if the bathtub leads you to a pool… or no, let me guess the toilet leads you to a secret location?"
"Please try to contain your envy," she grinned slyly. "And yes, it's the toilet." She winked at him as she made her way to the mini-bar. "This 'fortress' is just another way of protecting my identity. Plus, it gave me a chance of trying out my decorating skills," Lana explained as she poured drinks for them.
Lex nodded in understanding, taking the glass she handed to him. "And I'm sure you've improved your skills at hiding."
Lana looked away from him, avoiding a conversation she wasn't prepared to deal with… even with Lex, the one person who she always felt she could confide in. Even after so many years, she still felt comfortable with him. He could see right through her many faces. He could sense her fears, sadness, anger… feelings that made her delicate. And there he was to protect her, but only from afar… far enough for her to breathe. He had never been like Clark. Lex knew her. "Um, you know, I think it's time we had lunch," she intentionally ignored his comment. "C'mon, there's a surprise that comes along with it."
Taking his hand instinctually, she only caught herself seconds later when she felt the surge of warmth and zeal exuding from that mere touch. Lex felt it too, and could also tell that Lana was about to pull away out of embarrassment. Feeling her fingers gently releasing, he gripped her softly, showing without words or expressions that it was all right. As she headed to an elevator outside of her office, Lana swallowed the butterflies invading her composure. They stepped inside, letting go of each other. There was an unknown tension within the small space. Neither spoke, just waited for the elevator to stop to some lower floor.
"We're here," she practically yelled with a sigh. She headed to a door, which she opened for him, urging him to step inside the darkness. "Afraid of the dark, Lex? Go on."
"Actually, I'm afraid of what you might do to me," he threw back as she pushed him playfully inside.
Lana turned the lights on, unveiling six objects that drew Lex instantly towards them. "So what do you think," she asked. "I'm debating still whether I should let you drive one."
In front of Lex, three antique cars and three powerful driving machines, that were exactly the type he often bought, waited for a driver. Inside he was like a kid at a candystore, but his expressions outside still held the Luthor air of pride. "Quite the collection," he complimented. "You know, you can keep debating with yourself while I take us to lunch in your convertible silver Ferrari. I'll even test out your horsepower."
Lana hid her grin, knowing fully well he was antsy to try out her toy. "Actually, I have a better idea. I'll drive since I know where we're going and you can tell me how your life is going," she walked right pass him, getting in the driver's side. She started the car, and then looked innocently at her friend, "Are you ready?"
"Frankly, my life is going great," he answered with a smile. Lex knew she was teasing him, and even though she was refusing him the car, he enjoyed it all the same.
"Get in," she demanded mischievously. Lex sat on the passenger side just in time for Lana who stepped on the gas as the garage doors opened and they slipped outside the building without anyone noticing.
She avoided all traffic, finally driving onto a road with no one on it. Lana stepped on the gas, allowing the wind to dishevel her hair and carry away all her inhibitions freely. Taking her eyes off the road for seconds, her gaze met Lex's stare. "I understand now why you've never slowed down."
~*~
To be continued…
The Other Side
Chapter 2
Lana was mistaken… as she often found herself with Lex. She would have allowed her desires overpower her had he not brushed against her teasingly and commit nothing.
Absolutely nothing.
Lex simply smirked as he waited for Lana to open her eyes. When she finally realized that he was merely teasing her, she angrily glared at her company, "Now I remember why I pulled the disappearing act in the first place… There was nothing stopping me." She stood up, walking past him with a flare in her steps.
Lex, unperturbed and expressionless, followed behind knowing well he had worn out his welcome. She had swung the door open, impatiently waiting for him to leave. Yet, her guest refused to end the visit so abruptly. "Lana, what were you expecting just then? A warm welcome into an old boyfriend's arms," he questioned, sarcasm exuding as he frowned with feigning confusion. "I'm not that forgiving. You walked out on many things seven years ago, including a substantial relationship, without any reason. Now you return, and still without reasons."
Lana heard his words ring clearly. He still carried that air of conceit that blinded him from seeing his own flaws… and her own reason for leaving. It frustrated her how he was so quick to accuse; she couldn't take it anymore. Holding the door open with a strong grip, she shot back, "My reasons? There was only one… I hated the thought of losing myself." Lana never shifted her gaze from his, defiantly exposing what she had naively hid before. "Funny, how we can relate."
Lex remained seemingly unaffected, holding his own as he met her stare coolly. Whether he was attempting to read her or not, the answer was unknown. He just continued to carry the tension, allowing seconds to escape into the silence of the room. Finally, "I thought we had found you seven years ago. I thought the real Lana would never fade… I guess, I was mistaken." He began heading outside only to yield his steps and turn back to her, "Funny, isn't it?"
She arched an eyebrow in confusion and exasperation, forcing her to ask, "What?"
"How we can relate."
~*~
One week later…
He sat in his office attempting to concentrate on the paperwork at hand. Yet, the events of the last time he saw her lingered annoyingly in his mind. Of course, the never unnerved Lex tried calmly to push them away, consistently trying to convince himself that it didn't matter. She was of none of his concern anymore. He wouldn't attempt to keep in her life. Why? Why should he when she wanted to keep running? All those years of trying to make sure she was safe and protected from "inconveniences" were foolish. It was time to let go.
But, matters of this kind are never decided by the one party. At least, that's not what Lana Lang had in mind.
"I'm sorry," the uncanny voice of his old crony invaded the silence of his office.
Lex instantly looked up, taking in the woman in a black coat holding what seemed like a dozen roses. He leaned back into his plush leather chair, merely eyeing her without a response. Lex remained expressionless, hiding a hint of satisfaction that threatened to show.
"I come bearing expensively, out of season roses as a token of my affection and apology," she walked towards him, placing the gift on his darkly-rich oak desk. Lana gave a half-smile, hoping she could break the famous Luthor walls. "You can be that forgiving, right," she tenderly asked.
Lex made no motion rather gazed up at her, keeping the tension alive. Finally, he broke into a smirk; as usual, he forgave, having no fortitude to remain angry with her… never with her. She could runaway, steal his car, even throw cups, and yet, he could always just… forgive. "Don't you think roses are far too manly for me," he questioned sarcastically.
"Not in the least," she broke into a giggle. "I've always thought roses suited that long mane of yours."
"Cute… real cute," he smiled as he stood up and took the roses to his mini bar. "Drink?"
Lana nodded, "How about just some wine?"
As he poured some red wine into a glass cup, he couldn't help but notice Lana taking in his office. She really hadn't changed. The princess was still just a princess, only now she was confident. And still, she carried that sweet air of melancholy he couldn't understand. While she fingered through her hair waiting for him to join her, Lex caught a glimpse of a shimmer. Squinting slightly, he saw where the glow came from.
Making his way to her, he handed her the glass and sat on his more-than-posh leather chair across her. "Tell me, Lana, has the Homecoming queen found her king," he inquired casually.
Lana stiffened at the question. "King Andrew Philips," she announced, quickly sipping her wine. "Lex… I was-"
"Ah, so you're marrying the youngest district attorney in the history of Metropolis," he interrupted with smug regard. "Quite the suitor. I'm curious, however, have you divulged your true identity?"
Beneath the façade of indifference, she could tell it bothered him. Though, god forbid, he was willing to admit it. "Yes, he knows," she replied. "He just doesn't understand why. As far he's concerned, he thinks my anonymity is unreasonable and will see its end once I marry him. He wants Lana Lang to resurrect from the dead, or Europe where everyone thinks I'm still living in."
Lex simply indulged from his wine, accurately reading through her words, "What do you want?"
"What do I want," she reiterated, nodding her head as the question ran through her head over and over. "What do I want? I think I want Lana Lang to resurrect when she's ready. For now, the anonymous millionaire Ana Alexander can take the ropes."
Lex's face perked at hearing her other name, "Nice title."
"Yeah," she attempted to dodge any further inquiry of her choice of name. "Anyway, I guess that's why I've picked up a habit of postponing the big day."
"Or perhaps, something else is stopping you," Lex stated more than questioned.
Lana remained quiet, feeling this conversation wasn't something she wanted to tackle, or confront. Looking at her watch, she stood up, "It's getting late… I have a busy day tomorrow."
Still holding his air of self-assurance, he inquired, "I hope not too busy for two old friends to get reacquainted over lunch?"
Walking away, she threw back emphasizing her the last word, "I'm never too busy for a friend."
~*~
Next day…
The elevator doors opened to a busy area of secretaries and suits talking numbers on their phones. Lex was used to this sort of atmosphere, still he hated having to bear the noise. Confidently and quickly, he made his way to the front desk, "Where can I find the east elevator?"
The receptionist held her pointer finger up, gesturing for his patience as she attempted to aid the client on the other side of the phone. After a few seconds, she finally hung up, looking up only to be shocked at who she had dared ignored. "Mr. Luthor," she nervously greeted. "How can I help you?"
"Where can I find the east elevator," he asked again.
Her face flushed at the sound of his question as her jaw slightly dropped, "The east elevator?" She stood up immediately, grabbing a key and unlocking a drawer where she took out a box. Lex looked on, intrigued by the box. The receptionist opened it where yet again laid another key. Only this key was different; it radiated in gold accentuating its antique form. She took it and came around the desk, "Right this way, Mr. Luthor."
Lex followed closely as the receptionist led him towards a door. Once they reached it, she opened it with the key. Holding the door open for him, Lex stepped inside into a scenery he never expected a Metropolis building would hold. Luthors like himself weren't usually stunned, but Lex had to exempt himself this time. He was truly stunned at the long hallway with high marbled walls and floor. Intricate chandeliers gave the hallway a royal aura. The setting was breathtaking.
The receptionist noticed the astonishment he attempted to hide. "The few guests and employees who are allowed in here are always surprised by this hallway," she mentioned as they walked through the grandiose path. "Yet, it is only the guest who are lucky enough to see what is upstairs. I must say, Mr. Luthor, you are quite fortunate."
Lex remained silent as he absorbed the elaborate surroundings, thinking to himself how these tall walls represented more than opulence. She was hiding… from what he didn't know.
"Mr. Luthor… Mr. Luthor," she tried to get his attention.
He hadn't even noticed that they had reached the end of the hallway where the elevator awaited. She had used the key again to open the elevator. Lex finally stirred from the analyzing taking place in his mind, "Yes."
"This elevator will take you to your destination. There will be someone waiting for you there who will lead you to… well, I assume you know better than I who it is," she smiled, walking back to the door at the other end.
Lex entered inside, seeing there was only one button to press. Engraved in the stainless steel button where the initials "AA" strangely shaped; their left legs were brought up almost to a 90 degree angle. He pressed it and quickly the machine went up, passing what seemed like a series of floors until at last it stopped.
The doors opened to a man in a suit, "Welcome, Mr. Luthor. If you will, right this way."
Unlike the hallway downstairs, the new setting was dimly-lit. The scheme was modern, almost futuristic… and certainly cold. Lex followed what appeared as a butler, taking him directly to two steel doors. He opened them, revealing an overly spacious office with a library of hundreds of books and antique portraits. In the center-back stood a smiling Lana in her old colors of pastel, "Well, glad to see you're still punctual."
He stepped inside, walking towards her as he smirked, "Lana, I have to say, this is quite the fortress. The hallway, the elevator, and a penthouse office… I wonder if the bathtub leads you to a pool… or no, let me guess the toilet leads you to a secret location?"
"Please try to contain your envy," she grinned slyly. "And yes, it's the toilet." She winked at him as she made her way to the mini-bar. "This 'fortress' is just another way of protecting my identity. Plus, it gave me a chance of trying out my decorating skills," Lana explained as she poured drinks for them.
Lex nodded in understanding, taking the glass she handed to him. "And I'm sure you've improved your skills at hiding."
Lana looked away from him, avoiding a conversation she wasn't prepared to deal with… even with Lex, the one person who she always felt she could confide in. Even after so many years, she still felt comfortable with him. He could see right through her many faces. He could sense her fears, sadness, anger… feelings that made her delicate. And there he was to protect her, but only from afar… far enough for her to breathe. He had never been like Clark. Lex knew her. "Um, you know, I think it's time we had lunch," she intentionally ignored his comment. "C'mon, there's a surprise that comes along with it."
Taking his hand instinctually, she only caught herself seconds later when she felt the surge of warmth and zeal exuding from that mere touch. Lex felt it too, and could also tell that Lana was about to pull away out of embarrassment. Feeling her fingers gently releasing, he gripped her softly, showing without words or expressions that it was all right. As she headed to an elevator outside of her office, Lana swallowed the butterflies invading her composure. They stepped inside, letting go of each other. There was an unknown tension within the small space. Neither spoke, just waited for the elevator to stop to some lower floor.
"We're here," she practically yelled with a sigh. She headed to a door, which she opened for him, urging him to step inside the darkness. "Afraid of the dark, Lex? Go on."
"Actually, I'm afraid of what you might do to me," he threw back as she pushed him playfully inside.
Lana turned the lights on, unveiling six objects that drew Lex instantly towards them. "So what do you think," she asked. "I'm debating still whether I should let you drive one."
In front of Lex, three antique cars and three powerful driving machines, that were exactly the type he often bought, waited for a driver. Inside he was like a kid at a candystore, but his expressions outside still held the Luthor air of pride. "Quite the collection," he complimented. "You know, you can keep debating with yourself while I take us to lunch in your convertible silver Ferrari. I'll even test out your horsepower."
Lana hid her grin, knowing fully well he was antsy to try out her toy. "Actually, I have a better idea. I'll drive since I know where we're going and you can tell me how your life is going," she walked right pass him, getting in the driver's side. She started the car, and then looked innocently at her friend, "Are you ready?"
"Frankly, my life is going great," he answered with a smile. Lex knew she was teasing him, and even though she was refusing him the car, he enjoyed it all the same.
"Get in," she demanded mischievously. Lex sat on the passenger side just in time for Lana who stepped on the gas as the garage doors opened and they slipped outside the building without anyone noticing.
She avoided all traffic, finally driving onto a road with no one on it. Lana stepped on the gas, allowing the wind to dishevel her hair and carry away all her inhibitions freely. Taking her eyes off the road for seconds, her gaze met Lex's stare. "I understand now why you've never slowed down."
~*~
To be continued…
