Edge Back 2

"Well not the welcome I was expecting but it will do," smiling.

Both Pete and Clark stood ready to protect her if needed but if there was one thing they knew about Mack it was that she rarely needed or wanted help.

"Really Dylan what were you expecting after what you did?" then realizing she really did care to carry on a conversation, "Get out I have nothing to say to you.." She grabbed some napkins from the counter and bent down to clean the floor.

Dylan grabbed her by the arm and pulled her up, "I didn't drive 3 hours to have you just blow me off.."

Clark and Pete both step up to him. Mack noticing the tension, "Guys it's ok.'

Dylan looking amused at them, "What did you get bodyguards?"

"Something like that just go," she pushed past him and started walking up the stairs.

Dylan went run after her but was stalled by Pete standing in front of him, "Why don't you just let her go, huh?"

Dylan sized him up and lifted his chin, "Listen this as nothing to do with you. So back off," lightly pushing him aside. Pete grabbed his arm, "I don't know about you but I rather not cause a scene."

Both Lana and Clark were taken a bit back by Pete's actions. Clark was usually the one to stand up but Pete had beat him to it.

Dylan just smiled, "Ok, man but you can't keep me away from her." With that he turned to Clark and Lana, "Nice meeting you, I'll be back." Dylan made his way to the doors and pushed the door so hard it slammed upon its return.

The three watched him leave. Pete worried, "I'll check if she's ok."

"Yeah well I have to go but Pete tell Mack if she needs anything to ride the bike over. I'll be home," taking a last sip of if coffee, "And you.." kissing Lana, "I'll see you later?"

"Yeah, I'll come by after work."

Placing his hand under her chin and rubbing it with his thumb, "Sounds good."

Lana watched him leave filled with happiness. Things were finally right between them. They had damaged each other so much over the past year it was nice knowing they were healing. Together. Lana was saddened by one thing though she isn't being completely honest with him. She acted like she was ok with him being from another planet but she was a bit overwhelmed by it. Knowing that it might upset him she kept it to herself. But she needed to talk to someone about it… soon. If there was one thing Lana knew it was that when you push down your feelings the pressure has a habit of building up and eventually imploding. That couldn't happen, not while her and Clark were just starting off.

::Knock::Knock::

Pete stood early outside Mack's apartment. He had over the past week developed feelings for Mack and like Clark with Lana had become protective.

Mack yelled from inside the apartment, "Yeah?"

"Mack listen it's me Pete. I can understand if you don't want to talked about it right now but …"

Mack cut him off by opening the door, "Thanks Pete but, I was just about to go for a ride." Pete looked disappointed at her. She could tell he wanted to help but, she wasn't someone who liked to be helped so she continued, "I mean its just I'm not the kinda of person to sit down and talk out my feelings. I push it down and see what happens."

"yeah but you shouldn't because then you'll just implode."

Mack knew he was right but just looked down. Pete took that as his cue to go, "I go but listen Mack," putting his hand on her shoulder, "I'm around if you do want to talk and Clark said he'll be home if you just want to stop by." With that he walked down the stairs feeling defeated, nodded to Lana on his way out. Mack just watched wishing she could talk. She made contact with Lana then just retreated back into her room.

::Meanwhile @ an undisclosed location::

Dylan pulled up the warehouse parked his car, got out and slammed the door. As he goes to open the door it opens and there stands Morgan Edge.

"And?"

Defensively, "And what?"

Morgan steps out of the door and closes it behind him causing Dylan to walk backwards in order to put space between them.

Slightly peeved, "And what? And what?," Walking closer to Dylan who keeps walking, "How did it go?"

Stopping, "Not very far. I said hello and made sure she knew I was in town."

Intrigued now Morgan walks around him, "How did she react?"

"When she saw me she dropped her cup in shock. You should have scene it…." At this point Dylan's ego was getting the best of him, "looked like she saw a ghost. As expected she told me to leave and ran to her room."

Morgan just nodded, "Good."

Gesturing to the door, "yeah so can I come in now?"

Morgan laughed, "You'll can come back when you've got her in the palm of your hands."

Dylan looked at him like he was joking, "Right you're kidding? Its already 7 o'clock where am I sleeping?"

Edge looked at him devilishly, "That never seemed to be a problem when you to were dating."

Shaking his head in defiance, "Are you high on your own supply now Edge? It's to soon."

Edge turned his back to Dylan and headed for the doors. Yelling after him, "Edge!"

Waving his back towards him, "Get the job done." He walked in the door and slammed it behind him.

Kicking the ground and giving the door the middle finger, "Shit!"

::The Talon; 8'oclock::

Whether it was do to laziness or losing track of time Mack never did go for her usual lonely bike ride. But now the apartment had gotten to small for her and her thoughts so she grabbed the keys threw on her coat and started down the stairs. Lana stood behind the counter bored she usually closed at 9 but business was so slow tonight she had decided to close early. Mack rushed past her without so much of a glance and headed for the front doors.

Lana called after her, "Where you off to?"

Mack stopped and contemplated as to whether or not to turn around. 'If you turn around your obligated to stay and talk. If you give a short 'for a ride' and don't turn around your home free.' But for some reason she turned to face Lana, "A ride."

Lana rounded the counter and as she did so Mack rolled her eyes, 'shit shouldn't have turned around.'

Walking up, "Listen I think we need to talk…"

Mack despite her better judgment blurted out, "About?"

"Since you find out.. Well you know," Lana looked to the ground searching for the right words, "You said we'd help each other figure it out but you've been really short with me lately…."

"Listen Lana I would love to get into this right now but frankly I don't what to nor care to." heading for the door, "Maybe some other time."

Lana watched her go feeling dejected yet she couldn't help but be concerned. Mack couldn't get to her bike fast enough when she got on she paused and shook her head. Suddenly feeling bad for the way she treated Lana. 'Stop defense mechanism.' She thought to walk back in and apologize but instead started the bike and sped off.

10 minutes after Mack had left Lana was just turning off the light to the counter. When she heard the doors open and close. Smiling with the hope that it was Clark but her smile soon faded when she saw it was Dylan.

"Hello there," acting a lot smoother then he truly was.

Uncomfortable, "Mackenzie isn't here."

Looking toward Mack's door and smiling disappointedly, "guess I'll have to wait," taking down a seat and sitting.

"I was closing up actually."

Looking around and putting his hands up, "No big deal I promise I won't steal anything I just rather wait."

"I don't think Mackenzie wants to see you anyway so why don't you just come back tomorrow," grabbing her keys.

"You sound like you know Mackenzie well," getting up and walking towards her (non threatening), "Let me give you a tip coffee girl,"

Correcting him, "Lana."

Taken back by her guts, "Lana, well let me give you a tip. You'll never know her really well. She keeps people at arms length."

"Yeah why is that?"

"I can name a million reasons. Basically it's all a defense mechanism, don't get to close, don't get hurt and most importantly don't get abandoned."

Lana was surprised at just how much her and Mack were alike if only Mack had given her a chance.

Continuing, "So far I'm the only one to penetrate the wall she's got built up. But like all great things in my life I screwed that up. So I'm sure she's built up another layer on her way from Metropolis to here. So if you trying to get to know her, the real Mack. Good luck."

Lana didn't say anything. She didn't know what the proper response was.

"Listen I'll be a good guy and wait in the alley for her. Not the first time," winking at her he headed for the door and when he had his hand on the handle he turned back around to Lana, "Have a nice night."

Lana smiled and nodded.

::Kent Farm: night::

Mack pulled up and turned the bike off. She had gone to Pete's house first but he was at Chloe's. Not being Chloe's biggest fan she opted for Clarks place. Hoping off the bike she headed for the house not yet knowing about the loft. It was dead quiet as she made her way but a sound stopped her dead in her tracks. It was Comet.

She turned in her heals and started towards the barn. There was Comet his head hanging over the stall door. Something seemed peacefully about him. Mack stayed a might in the doorway wondering as to whether or not she should go in. She walked softly over to him and slowly reached out her hand to pet his huge head.

Taking a deep breath she walked closer, "Hey big guy."

The horse jerked his head up a bit. Startled she stepped back then tried again.

"So your not so bad huh?" petting him with both hands now, "Pretty cute actually."

Little did she know Clark had heard the bike pull up and was standing in the doorway watching her.

"I'd love to be you for a day Comet. No worries, no drama. No dad that could careless you were breathing. No past to run away from…" Sensing if she went on she would cry she stopped and kept petting him.

"Guess your over your fear?" Clark interrupted and step in the barn.

Startled, "Clark? Jesus man where a bell or something."

Laughing, "Even when your surprised you have a witty comeback."

Acting cool, "one of my many talents."

"Many huh?"

"Yeah I'm witty.. I'm.." running her hands nervously through her hair. One of the only predictable things about her.

Lifting up his eyebrows and smiling in amusement, "You're?"

"Not good at listing things on the spot.. I'll get back to you on that one," looking at him sheepishly.

"Sounds good. Comet's a good listener isn't he?"

"Ha! Seems you are too. Are long were you standing there?"

"Long enough to ask. Are you ok?" giving her those considerate Kent eyes.

"Yeah fine," she felt herself pulling away, "I'm sorry if I intruded I'll just go." She pet Comet on last time, patted Clark on the arm and headed for the door.

Clark stared at Comet then went after her. Grabbing her arm.

"Mack, listen I know what it's like not being able to tell people everything you want to tell them," He continued as Mack turned around to face him, "Its at the tip of your tongue if only you could let yourself say it. Let yourself put down your guard and let someone in."

Mack looked as if she was about to tell him everything then shook it off, "I know what your saying Clark," Clark thinking he got threw to her looking at her with hope and understanding. At least until he heard her say but.

"But you see my guard they're under contract so I am legally obligated to keep them around for the next year. But thank you. "

She broke her glance her Clark and turned practically running into the person coming in. Stepping back she saw it was Lana.

"Hey," they said at the same time.

Mack turned back to Clark, "Anyway, Thanks Clark, "looking around him to Comet, "Later Comet." On her way out she nodded to Lana, "Bye."

Mack got on her bike and sped away. Lana looked at Clark and took a deep breath.

::The Talon: Alley::

Mack pulled in faster then usual but slowed when she saw something sitting on the steps of the side entrance. She got off the bike and walked it over. As she came closer, Dylan poped his head out of his coat and smiled.

Kicking the kickstand with agitation and removing her helmet, "Shit, what are you doing here?"

Getting up, "I decided to sleep inside my coat and wait on the steps till you came back home."

Mack laughed, "Yeah I've heard that John Mayer song," smiling to herself, "One of my favorites."

Almost in a whispered tone, "I know that Mack."

For a minute they were back to banter they way they used to, for a minute things were much simpler. But that minute had came in went.

"What are you dong here Dylan? And I think I deserve a straight answer," she was still standing on the other side of the bike sub-consciously making sure there was something between them.

Earnestly, "You do."

"I'm waiting."

"I came here because, I need you back Mack. I screwed up I know but it was only because I was so lonely.."

Cutting him off, "You were lonely?!?" now yelling, "Lonely, bullshit Dylan! I was out there every night risking my life to make sure you still had one! Don't give me lonely you selfish bastard."

"Mack I know and I'm sorry," he walked up to the bike and looked her in the eyes, "If I could take it back I would."

Resting her helmet on the bike, "But you can't so go back to metropolis and forget about me. Because I've forgotten about you." She moved around the bike and tried to head for the door but he grabbed her arm.

"I don't believe that…"

Still with her back towards him, on the verge of tears, "Believe it. Just go Dylan. I never asked you for anything but I'm asking you now to just go."

Dropping her arm he searched for a reason he had to stay then remember he parked his car down the street and she probably hadn't seen it, "I can't you see I took the bus and the last one already left."

Gogin to the door and inserting the key, "Then you better find somewhere to sleep."

"I was thinking I could sleep here,"

"Mack turned around looking at him like he was in a straight jacket, "Good one."

"I'm serious. Mack I only have enough money for the bus it's either here or out in the street." Dylan knew her, he knew no matter how much she fought it Mack naturally wanted to help people. Even bastards like him.

Taking a deep breath while loking at her shoes, "Fine," looking up at him, "but you sleep on the couch."

Dylan smiled seeing this Mack pointed at him, "You try anything Dylan. You even so much as brush up against my bed. There will be hell to pay."

"Ok I promise."

Mack held the door open and he walked on in happily. She took one last look at her bike and thought 'What the hell are you doing?' then closed the door.

::The next morning: Mack's Apartment::

Dylan couldn't sleep. His mind kept going over what he was doing, how much he was going to hurt her. It killed him. So instead of sleeping he watched her sleep as he did when they were together. He remember how calming it was to just watch her breathe. It was the only time Mack was completely calm. While awake she seemed to have a constant internal battle going on inside., the weight of the world on her shoulders A lot of it was his fault.

::Knock::Knock::

Dylan rose and went to open the door. When he opened it there stood Pete sort of taken back.

Mack had waken up and went to the door rubbing her eyes, "Dylan don't open my.." She stop at the sight of Pete's sad expression.

"Umm I just came by to see…" he kept tripping over his words, "My mom had said you stop by so I wanted to make sure you were ok," looking Dylan up and down, "but odiously you are so I'll just go."

He turned and rushed down the steps. Mack pushed Dylan aside and went after him forgetting that the Talon was open and she was still in her pjs. "Pete wait up man.."

Pete headed for the doors with his head down and Lana watched feeling bad for him. Running in front of him to stop him from leaving, "Pete it's not what you think ok?"

Pete still looking at the ground embarrassed and slightly angered. He really did care about her, "Why does it matter what I think?" He lightly pushed her aside and made for the street.

Mack stood there for a minute looking around at the interested crowd. She realized she was in pjs and waved sheepishly. Then went after Pete.

Pete was walking down the street as Mack rushed out the doors and looked down to the left, 'Not there' then to the right.. "Pete come on." She ran after him and stood in front of him again, "It matters because you're my friend."

Pete just shook his head, 'friends ouch.' he thought

"He needed somewhere to sleep ok? He slept on the couch."

"Fine, Mack it doesn't matter as long as your ok."

With that he left and Mack let him. As she watched him go she realized the whole town was looking at her in her plaid pj pants and teenage mutant ninja turtles shirt. "Great!"