Thanks for the reviews. I went for this as the transition I think Clark has to go through to accept himself and his mission to the world. Between Clark and Superman kind of thing.

And about Lionel and Chloe, you sort of did misunderstand, but that was the point, ohh, I really don't want to give the story away but I love feedback and well, just keep reading.( There will be more Chlex though, just be patient, I am trying to make this a well rounded story so there is going to be bits of everything.

Thanks again for the reviews, there is no point in writing if no one reads it!!


School was over for the day, he was about to reach The Talon, Chloe had run of to her "job" and Clark was nowhere to be seen since they had last talked. Chloe really had him worried though, he was hopeful this Lex thing would blow over, but as much as Chloe was strong and a no nonsense kind of girl, she was still a girl. Not that he had anything to worry about, Lex wasn't interested in her, he only looked at girls who wanted to kill him.

"What are you laughing at?" At Lana's question Pete realized he had laughed out loud.

"Nothing Lana, just some ramblings of the mind, need help?" He motioned to the several boxes of pastries and doughnuts she had in her arms.

"Sure, I could really use some help." They walked together into the old movie theatre.

They set the boxes down behind the counter, Lana let out a sad sigh. Thinking better against it he decided to talk.

"Is something wrong?" he had confronted two of his friend today, might as well hurry up with the third.

"nah, high school is almost over." She stated. "What are you going to do after this Pete?" her question caught him off guard, but analysing her expression he realized she was really asking that question to herself.

"College I guess" oh no, she was self - pitying herself again. He sighed and rubbed his head. "Let me guess, you don't know whether to leave or not to metropolis, mainly because of Clark and not about an actual professional degree, am I right?"

Tears pooled in her eyes as an answer to his question. "Am I that transparent?" she asked with a sad smile.

"Maybe, but you'd think that after four years one would get to know their friends, don't you think?"

"You're right," she said as they sat down in front of the counter. "I have spent so much time here," she motioned to the café "that I can't imagine life without it, or without any of you guys.."

"Or Clark" he finished for her. "Look I know you have this honesty policy, but sometimes living the moment is so much more than having the world secure, bored and secure." Not sensing full understanding from the brunette he continued. "Lana Lang, stop living safely, just live." She looked up at him in understanding and insecurity.

"Yeah, I have been indulging my problems too long, huh?" she managed a smile that made her green eyes a bit lighter. "Just live." She repeated softly as she got up to get behind the counter.

Just then the Talon front door opened, revealing a dishevelled and sweaty Clark. He walked straight to Lana.

"Lana", he managed out in short breaths

"are you okay Clark?" Pete got worried at his very unlike-Clark appearance.

But Clark had his mind elsewhere. Looking down at her questioning eyes, waiting for him to continue, his mind raced for the appropriate words. All he could do was stare. Waiting so long, keeping away for so long, maybe that is how it's supposed to keep on being.

"Clark?" She searched his face for any sign of what was going on. She put a hand on her shoulder to urge him on. Right then any doubts he had left his mind. He grabbed her waist and pulled her close to him with all his might.

"what?" the unexpected action startled Lana, but she looked up directly into his eyes, they were searching hers for some kind of sign. Her look softened and he let his other hand snake its way through her back and up to her head, this action made Lana shiver but before she had time to react Clark bent down and pulled head toward his, her mouth opening in anticipation to the kiss. His mouth covered hers in a frenzy, his tongue delighting in her taste. He moved his head to deepen the kiss, bringing her more tightly to him. By then Pete and the part of the Smallville population that had been drinking coffee were intent on the show the owner and her "friend" were giving.

"Good job man, good job" Pete said with a shocked smile as he watched the couple practically make out in front of him.