They walked out to the garden and stood at its edge for a moment, just watching. Everyone seemed to be playing what looked like a game of tag. Clark couldn't help but smile. "Thanks for looking out for everyone, Lex," he said quietly.

Lex returned his smile. "It was no problem. You've got the most wonderful little girl, Clark."

Clark grinned and raised an eyebrow. "Uncle Lex?"

Laughing, Lex replied, "It was Lana's idea. I always said that you were closer to me than any brother!"

Clark laughed as well and then quieted when Lana noticed them and started over. Seeing her, Lex volunteered, "Lana, why don't you go for a walk with Clark and I'll take over watching Rose."

As Lana reached them she smiled. "Yeah, that'd be great. Clark and I have a lot of things to talk about."

Lex gave Clark a slight nod and walked off. Lana and Clark turned and began to walk. As soon as they were out of everyone's earshot the first thing that Clark said was, "Lana, I'm so sorry. If I'd known-,"

Lana put a hand on his arm. "Hey, it's Ok. I won't lie and say that it wasn't hard raising a kid on my own but Lex, Chloe, and your parents were great. The whole abilities thing has made stuff a little tough at times, but what can I say, your parents have lots of experience."

Clark gave her a sad smile. "Rose is beautiful."

"Yeah she is," Lana agreed.

"When did you find out that you were, you know...pregnant?"

"About a month after you left."

"I guess that whole picnic under the tree thing probably shouldn't have happened."

"No, I'm glad it did. I'd never take back having Rose."

"Lana, I don't know how to really say this, but, um, I-my feelings for you haven't changed. You always told me that I should be open and honest about what I'm feeling and I guess that right now I feel that if I don't tell you that I'll loose you."

Lana slipped her hand into his. "I'm glad that you're back, Clark. I'm really glad. I do have one question, though."

"Ask away," he consented.

"Why did you leave? I know about your mom loosing the baby, but I can't help but think that there must be some other reason or you'd have come back sooner."

Clark sighed. "My father's voice inside the ship told me that I had to leave or that I'd bring disaster to everyone that I loved. I disobeyed and I did bring disaster. Before I left it branded me on the chest. I carried that brand until a few days ago. That's when I finally knew it was safe to come home."

Stepping in front of him, Lana put a hand on his chest to stop him from walking on. "I'm so happy that you're back and I want you to know that I don't blame you for leaving."

"But I blame myself for being gone so long and leaving you to raise our daughter all on your own."

"Clark, don't...I've got a good life! I've got the best child anyone could ask for, the most supportive in-laws, I make a really good income from the talon-its really taken off by the way-and I'm happy. I'm happier now that you're back."

He leaned down to kiss her. "I'm here to stay."

"Good," she murmured against his lips. So slowly that Clark could barely grasp it, she ran her tongue along his lower lip and slipped it inside. Before he knew what was happening they were making out passionately along the walkway of Lex's garden.

Lana was the one that finally broke it apart. "Clark?"

"Emm, yeah?"

"I think just because we were out of earshot didn't mean that we were out of eyeshot."

Clark turned his head to see the small group on the other side of the garden watching.

"Oh...I guess you're right."

Lana giggled. "Want to give an encore?"

"Our daughter's over there. Isn't that like corrupting her or something?"

He got his answer when she recovered his mouth with hers. Breaking apart, he murmured, "Guess not," as he trailed kisses down her neck.

"She's going to be educated before she even gets to school," Lana noted with a moan.

"Wouldn't have it any other way, but seriously, we should take this else where."

The two drew apart and continued through the garden. After a little walk they ended up by the pond that Clark recalled his fight with Shawn, the heat sucking menace, years ago. Pushing those thoughts aside, he guided Lana over to a bench and sat her down. "So much has changed, Lana," he told her.

"I know, but some things never will."

"How can you just take me back like this?" he asked. "I left you here all alone."

"You didn't know, Clark. Besides what do you want me to do? Do you want me to tell you to take your sorry butt back to Metropolis? I think that your parents, Lex, and Chloe would kill me if I did. You're parents missed their son and Lex and Chloe missed their best friend."

"I-thank you."

"So what did you do exactly in Metropolis?"

"Some things I'm not proud of," he mumbled.

Lana's eyes darkened slightly. "Please, Clark, no secrets or lies-not anymore."

He took a deep breath and sighed. "I don't want how you view me to change."

"That's always what you said when I was prying about your abilities. That hasn't changed how I look at you."

"Lana-"

"No, Clark. If you want this relationship to work you can't keep things from me."

He sighed and wrung his hands. "That crime spree back the year I left-that was me."

"That was you?" she asked, completely aghast.

He looked away. "See, you're looking at me like I'm different from the guy that you knew."

Lana reached over and pulled him in for a kiss. When she let go so looked up into his eyes. "Clark, are experiences make us who we are. Even if you hadn't told me I would have reaped the effects of what you did. Either way you are changed by it and therefore it will affect me. I think that the key is to look at what it did to you, rather than what you did."

"What do you mean?" he asked, very confused.

"I think it's made you a better person. Therefore, I choose to look at the effects of what you did on you, rather then what you did."

"Lana?"

"Yes?"

"Thank you."

"It's good to have you back, Clark."

Simultaneously they both leaned in together on the bench. Lana snuggled up against Clark and together they simply sat and looked out at the small pond. Lana was right, Clark decided. He had made some mistakes, but he was here now and that was what mattered. He had a beautiful daughter, great parents, wonderful friends, and most importantly-the girl of his dreams curled up against him, having forgiven him for his transgressions and willing to give their life together a second chance. Yes, Clark decided, it was good to be home.

THE END