All right, last chapter. Cheers loudly. I hope you've all enjoyed the story, and please let me know what you thought.

I don't know when I'll have another story up, but I do have a few prompts that I'm thinking of writing (a few have even been started). I'd appreciate it if, when you reviewed, you'd tell me which prompt you'd like to see.

1) My version of what happens after "Vessel" ends. It involves how Clark gets out of the Phantom Zone, how Lex and Zod get separated again, how Chloe and Lionel escape the mob, and what Zod does once he's separate from Lex. Jor-el also makes an appearance.

2) A historical fiction, set in ancient Greece. Features Lex and Clark, with Lionel also thrown in for some fun.

3) What would happen if Lex hadn't been sent to Smallville, and he hadn't been there when Earl Jenkins had held the students hostage at the plant? And what if Clark's secret hadn't remained so secret? Better yet, what if Clark had ended up in Metropolis under Sam Phalen's thumb? That sets the stage for this fic, which centers around Lex, being the morally upright man that he is ah hem, yeah, doing business with Phalen and becoming interested in what someone like Clark is doing in the city. Will Clark's secrets and reasons for leaving Smallville be discovered?

4) What if the events of "Reckoning" had been reversed? Lana's dead, but Jonathan Kent is still alive. What will a grief stricken Clark do?

5) (Future fic with references to the Superman movies) Clark's memories are erased by a former friend (yeah, guess who! ) He has no memories whatsoever, including that he's in love with Lois Lane. Lex plans to exploit his abilities in a nasty bought of corporate espionage. But even through Clark's disappeared, Lois doesn't intend to let things go so easily...

Anyway, that's the ideas I've got right now. Let me know what you think, though I've already decided to write some of these. (Although you're support will help me decide what to post first.)

Thanks for reading!

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Clark had been so tired that he'd barely noticed when Lex took him back to the mansion instead of the lab. He'd registered even less when Lex had brought him to a bedroom, told him to get in bed, and then had covered him up with a blanket, and pulled the curtains so that it was dark. Lex's quick words of, "Get some sleep while I go get Chloe," were barely comprehended, except to record the promise that Chloe would soon be with him.

Chloe

He needed her so much at the present time. Even as he had sunk into the pillows and had quickly fallen asleep, perhaps before Lex had even left the room, he knew that he needed her—especially after what Lana had just said.

Therefore, her warm hand was so welcome as she slipped into bed next to him and began to gently stroke through his hair. "Hey, Chlo," he muttered.

"Lex told me what happened."

If he wasn't mistaken he could hear the sympathy in her voice. Maybe he was wrong, though, because his nerves were still shot as well as any desire to move. And at the moment that was just fine with him.

"It was...hard," he told her, at loss for how to accurately describe it. Of all the things he'd been prepared for, that hadn't been it at all. He wished that hadn't been how it turned out.

Clark seldom got what he wished for, though, at least not these days.

"I can imagine. I think we're lucky Pete wasn't here to see it. Lois too, because she would have kicked her butt."

"Chloe, I feel...so awful. She was everything to Pete. He probably could have had her if it wasn't for me."

"If she goes fatal attraction on the guys she loves than I think Pete was better off not having her."

Clark had to laugh a little at that. Here he'd always thought Lex was the one whose girlfriends tried to murder him. Apparently, the trend had spread.

"Do you love me, Chloe?" he asked finally. He already knew the answer, but he needed confirmation. He needed to hear her say it.

"You know I do," she replied, no trace of duplicity in her voice. She continued to gently stroke through his hair, gently carding and occasionally reaching down to massage his scalp.

Clark knew she did love him, and nothing had ever felt so right in his life. Lana never could have felt so right. There was no doubt in his mind that he'd made the right choice. Like Lex had said, no matter what decision he made someone would most likely suffer. It was that way for most humans as well, he supposed. When it came to choose between people or the lesser of two evils, someone was always hurt. You just had to choose what you thought was right.

Clark was sure he'd made the right decision.

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The smell of coffee woke Clark the next morning. After deprivation from it for so long he thought he'd never get enough of that blessed drink ever again. Caffeine was most definitely a good thing.

He dressed quickly and went down to the kitchen, being fairly unsurprised to find Lex sitting there, cup of coffee in hand, pen in the other. After all, that was what Lex did before normal people were awake.

"What are you working on?" Clark asked as he entered.

Lex smiled tiredly at him when he spoke, giving Clark the distinct impression that he'd been up all night. The presence of coffee wasn't exactly deterring him from that thought.

"Things are back to the way they were after the American Revolution, Clark. Only this time it's world wide. We don't have Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock, George Washington, or any of the others to set it right."

So, naturally, Lex thought he had to do it. Yup, that was Lex, Clark thought to himself. And, though he'd never admit it, he thought that was probably a good thing since Lex was so good at what he did.

"I'm sure Lex Luthor will do just as good a job," Clark assured him as he poured himself a cup of coffee.

Lex grinned slightly at that, but his thoughts and facial expressions once again turned serious as he announced, "All the aliens in this state are dead. By tomorrow that will be global."

Clark brow furrowed in confusion. "How is that?" he asked. "The gas shouldn't be able to spread that far." Gases didn't work like that. If they did then all of the gas leaks in the world or the random toxins that got out would have killed everyone long before the war started.

"It's on all the currency, Clark. Everything in this state is contaminated. That's not to mention that other aliens keep trying to come in here to help. Some make it back out long enough to come in contact with others. That spreads it. They're not smart enough to burn the dead alien's clothes or belongings after, either. Instead, they take the spoils without being aware that they're bringing death back to their people. I've also sent contaminated birds and other animals into various areas. A week from now they'll all be dead."

"You orchestrated this all while I was sleeping?"

He shouldn't have been surprised, really. That was Lex, after all. The guy did the hostile takeover thing on before breakfast.

"I've had it in the works for a while."

Clark couldn't help the smile that spread over his face. To think it was almost over. After nearly five years of oppression; of sleeping underground; of hiding, and cheating, and lying to save themselves and others; after five years of betrayal and duplicity...

...freedom was within their grasp.

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"I never really thanked you, you know."

Lex was standing on his balcony, watching the sun set. He had a glass of scotch in his hand and when he turned around, Clark saw the subtle fondness of someone whose best friend is being confusing again.

"For what, Clark?" he asked with a small smile.

"For saving me in that market. I'd be dead if you hadn't."

Lex dipped his head slightly and then took another sip of scotch. "I'd be dead if you hadn't pulled me out of that Porsche. And we'd both be dead if we hadn't had each other over the past few weeks. We've got Chloe to thank as well."

Clark smiled and came to join him at the railing. Lex handed him another glass of scotch that had been sitting on the small patio table beside him. Clark raised an eyebrow as Lex handed it to him.

"I knew you'd show up eventually," Lex revealed as way of explanation, giving a small shrug as he gave the drink to Clark.

"Am I that transparent?"

"Only to me and possibly Chloe. But to us, yes, Clark, terribly so."

Clark grinned and sipped at the scotch. It only occurred to him that he was just barely old enough to drink.

"Do you realize that a year ago I couldn't legally drink this?" he asked, looking at the amber liquid.

"I'm well aware of your age, Clark," Lex told him with a soft snort. "I'm also aware that you should have been in college this whole time."

"The hostile alien takeover sort of prevented that plan," Clark pointed out. He'd had dreams, though, once upon a time. He'd wanted to go to Met U, maybe study journalism, and possibly have a family.

"Then as soon as things settle down you're going."

"Lex, I-"

He didn't have the money, nor any other means to. And, to be honest, he was almost...nervous at the prospect of fitting into society again.

"You're going," Lex said bluntly. "Chloe too."

"You're not my-"

"Father. Yes, Clark, I'm well aware of that. But on this particular subject I think your father and I would be in agreement.

He had to admit that he really hated it when Lex was right. It seemed like that happened a lot lately, too. "You know I can't, Lex," he murmured softly, hoping Lex understood what he was saying because actually saying it sounded like he was trying to get money off Lex.

"I'll be paying your way. That was already a given. Chloe's as well."

Lex took another sip of scotch and watched Clark lazily. Clark knew that meant it wasn't even necessary for him to answer, because Lex had already made up his mind.

"Why?" he asked, because it was all he could think to say.

And he really didn't understand why Lex cared so much. To most people it may not even have seemed like he did. Lex was often cold and business-like. But he was always accessible when Clark needed to talk, and he was most definitely always there when Clark needed him. He was even there for Chloe, who still didn't really like Lex, though Clark thought she probably trusted him.

"Because you deserve it. And because it's what friends do."

"Actually, Lex, believe it or not, it wasn't common practice for friend's to pay their other friend's way into college—not even before the aliens took over."

Lex smirked at Clark over the glass as he raised it to his lips. "Most people aren't friends with billionaires who are seven years older than them. We never exactly set the bar for normalcy, Clark."

"Touché," Clark muttered. And, once again, Lex was right; they really never had been the epitome of normal, nor did Clark see them becoming so very soon.

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Chloe was lying on their bed when Clark headed back in. Clark loved the way her golden hair fanned around her head, almost like a halo. "Lex says he's making us go back to school," Clark announced as he slid down next to her on the bed, giving her a kiss.

"Oh, he does, does he?" she asked, her eyes getting a look that Clark knew meant she was preparing herself for a fight. "And did he ask or tell you?"

"It's Lex, Chloe. He normally doesn't ask me things like that."

Chloe laughed slightly as she leaned into her pillow more. "He's not your older brother, Clark, you know that right? He technically doesn't have any right to tell you what to do."

"Lex never needed a right, at least not in his mind. Besides, that's his way of caring about me—and you. And I can't knock it too much as it's saved my life on a few occasions."

Chloe sighed, clearly not agreeing with him. In this case it didn't matter, though, because he knew that she secretly really did want to go back and get an education. It was only the matter of Clark taking orders from Lex that she hated. Clark couldn't explain to her that he almost liked it, because it made him feel like there was someone he didn't have to be the hero for. As much as he loved Chloe, he had to take care of her. It was nice to let someone worry about him for a change.

"At least going to college will mean life is getting back to normal," she said with a sigh.

"All the aliens are dead, Chloe. Clean up has begun. They're really all gone."

"It will take a while for governments to re-establish themselves," she pointed out, reaching out a hand to lightly trace patterns on Clark's abdomen. Clark shivered a little under the touch, but found he very much liked it.

"America is re-adopting the constitution."

"On Lex's recommendation. It's only a matter of time before he becomes president. There's talk of it already."

And there was. Lex was renowned throughout the world for having created the serum that had wiped out the aliens. He was a hero, and not just in the United States. There would be no one that could even hold a candle to him in an election.

"Haven't you always wanted to see the White House?" he asked playfully as he slung an arm across her in an attempt to pull her closer.

"I think that we'll probably do more than see it," she pointed out right before she leaned in to kiss him. When she broke away she muttered, "I don't think Lex plans to let us run off unchecked. Could you please explain to him that we're twenty-one?"

Clark laughed good-naturedly. He figured he'd heard enough, so he simply leaned in and restarted the kiss. It seemed to be a good tactic as they both quickly became lost in the warm heat, all conversation easily forgotten.

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"You'll win, you know," Clark told Lex bluntly. He, Chloe, and Lex were in the kitchen, eating dinner. The restaurants were beginning to get back up and running, but Clark didn't like the public eye. Chloe didn't mind it, though. She'd never been averse to having others admire her, and getting dressed up to go out in public was fun for her. Lex, of course, had been raised in the public eye and had no problems.

They both humored Clark, though. Lex (surprisingly) more so than Chloe. Chloe would prompt, push and hint, but Lex seemed to understand Clark's aversion.

"There's going to be no contest," Clark added. Lex had just been awarded the presidential nomination by a rebuilding United States.

Lex looked at him, his mouth somewhere between a smile and a smirk. "I don't think the White House can beat my mansion, but I guess I'll try."

Clark laughed and even Chloe had to smile a little. "Is the mansion is Smallville still standing?" Chloe asked curiously.

Lex nodded. "To my knowledge. I believe your farmhouse is as well, Clark."

Clark stopped with his fork half-way to his mouth. He'd thought the farmhouse had been destroyed years ago. "It really is?"

Lex nodded, his eyes carefully scanning over Clark. "The election isn't for another week, and with the current situation there's no campaigning." (They'd already had a discussion about that, as well as the lack of primaries. Chloe thought that it was an appalling obstruction of justice, but Clark thought that was because it was Lex they were talking about, and where he was involved Chloe always seemed to think there was something wrong.) "We could go back if you'd like."

Both Chloe and Clark looked excited at that prospect. That had been something Clark had dearly wanted for a long time.

Lex simply kept chewing, but nodded. "Alright," he said finally.

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The Kent farm looked much the same, except for the lack of animals in the fields and barn. The paint was a little chipped on the barn, but Clark didn't think that with a little work that it would really be a problem.

The grass in the yard was long and the flowerbed was overrun with weeds. Yet, to Clark, it couldn't have looked more like home. "It's still beautiful, Clark," Chloe said from beside him.

And it was. In all of its Midwestern country charm, it was beautiful. More than that, it was home. Clark hadn't had a home in a very long time. It had been even longer since he'd felt safe. And to be back in a place that for him was a living symbol of safely—it was just a dream after he'd been gone so long.

"Yeah," he breathed in reply to Chloe's statement. "It is."

He carefully moved across the yard to the door. It was locked, but Clark easily descended the steps again and fished under the steps until he found the spare key that was hidden on the overhang of a piece of wood under the stairs.

"Good old Kansas ingenuity," he heard Lex say with a laugh.

He ascended the steps again and pressed the key into the lock. With a click the knob turned, and Clark was able to make his way into the home. His home.

Everything was exactly as he remembered it, only with dust. It was clear that it hadn't been touched by any aliens, and that relieved Clark, because he thought that with a little cleaning it would be back to normal.

"Wow," he heard Chloe say from behind him. "Place hasn't changed much."

"Not at all," Lex agreed..

He had a sudden urge to see the barn. "I'm going to the barn," he told them, a second before he used his super-speed to do so.

If Clark had thought the house was dusty, it was nothing compared to the barn. There was even a small hole in the roof through which some sunlight was coming, illuminating the dust particles in the air. Clark thought it was strangely beautiful.

He ascended the stairs to his loft at normal human speed, wanting to savor every part of it. Everything was how he'd left it. He could see his high school stuff, his books, even a dirty flannel shirt that he'd left out there one night.

It was strange how the world could change and, yet, how it could leave little corners of the universe so untouched. Time certainly hadn't left him untouched, he thought to himself.

He'd done great things and also some things he wasn't proud of. He'd been a hero to some and a rebel to others. But he was sure he'd done the right thing.

Things were beginning to go back to as normal as they'd ever be again. All the aliens were dead, and the war was won. He'd made large sacrifices in the war, just as others had.

Lois, Pete, his mom, his dad.

But the tide of time was coming in and he knew he'd have to go with it. He'd have to move foward from here. But, deep down, he knew he could, and that he wasn't alone in having to do it. The whole world was rebuilding, as were those close to him.

Lex would undoubtedly become president, and he and Chloe would go to college, most likely in DC if Lex had his way. Clark really didn't care either way.

As he moved through the loft his eye was caught by a shimmer of light. He turned fully to see where it was coming from, and was surprised to see a picture on his desk, untouched by years of neglect if for no other reasons than that the frame had protected it and it had been out of the light.

Closer inspection showed him that the picture was of he, Lana, Chloe. But, as he came closer, other pictures surfaced from the mess on his desk. There were others of just he and Pete; he and Lex; he, Chloe, and Lois; even he, Pete, and Chloe.

Time was preserved in those frames, and Clark found himself remembering a happier time.

"Clark!" Chloe's voice rang out as she ascended the stairs. Clark could hear the heavier step of Lex's shoes behind her. "Are you alright?"

He turned away from the window slowly. "I'm fine, Chlo."

"Don't do that," Lex reprimanded him crossly. "I thought that you'd had another one of your flashbacks."

Clark shook his head and went back to staring at the photographs, both Chloe and Lex coming to stand beside him. He gently slipped his arm around Chloe as he looked at the memories trapped behind a pane of glass.

"We all look so young," Chloe said after a few moments.

"You still look young, Chloe," Lex said softly, but he too was looking at the pictures.

"That was Lana's sixteenth birthday party," Chloe remembered, pointing to the photo of her, Clark, and Lana. "We had a great time that night."

Clark laughed. "Yeah, I remember that. Pete knocked over the dip and I slipped and fell. I had a great time explaining away why the counter was dented and, yet, I was completely unscathed."

Both Lex and Chloe laughed. "It was a happier time," Clark said wistfully, his voice full of nostalgia.

"Happier times are coming again, Clark," Lex assured him, clapping him gently on the shoulder with his hand. "I promise."

Clark allowed himself to think back over the last five years. Yes, things had been tough, and, yes, he'd been betrayed. But, somehow, he knew that Lex was right; things were going to get better.

Clark looked back up at his friends with a soft smile, forgetting the last five years, if only for a moment. Perhaps he'd had enough of the past for a little while. That wasn't to say that he'd ever forget the friends that he'd lost, nor would he ever forget what he'd done to achieve freedom. But maybe, he decided, Lex was right.

Never dropping his smile, he said, "Yeah, things are going to get better."

The End