SV VS Episode 5 – Aftermath

Rating: PG

By Denise (kdsch123)

Acknowledgments: WB and DC, of course.

Clark Kent stood alone on the banks of Crater Lake, looking out on the silver ripples that moved across the lake's surface. The sky was the perfect shade of robins egg blue - heralding the arrival of summer in Kansas. Every day since Zod had returned to the Phantom Zone screaming threats, Clark had come here to think. Even his barn loft did not give him the solace he craved. Too much had happened. It had been two weeks. Martha Kent was back at work, having no memory of the events that led up to her waking up on the LuthorCorp Tower roof. Lois Lane had recovered, also mercifully unaware of how precarious her grasp on life had been. Lana Lang, though, remembered everything. It was from Lana that Clark had come out here to hide. She had come to the farm daily, hoping to encourage Clark to visit Lex while he recovered from the punishment he had suffered during his possession by Zod. Never speaking of her own abuse at Zod's hands, Lana quietly accompanied Clark as he went about his chores, offering a helping hand when she could. In the past, this kind of time together would have caused Clark to lapse again into the comfort of his affection for Lana. Instead, her companionship was almost an unintentional accusation, a reminder of how horribly Clark had failed her. So, Clark retreated out to the lake, or sometimes to the caves. The Fortress of Solitude was also off limits; Clark could not look at the console and not imagine it glowing blood red, or look at the transference stone and not see Chloe's face, strangely vacant with glowing white eyes. So Crater Lake, home of happy memories was now Clark's temporary refuge. You need to see Lex, Clark told himself, talk to him. Get the thought of the last conversation you had with him out of your mind forever.

"I can't." Clark said to no one, his voice carrying over the water on the soft early summer breeze. "I'm not ready."

"Not ready for what?" Chloe asked, taking Clark by surprise. "You were a million miles away, Clark. Is everything okay?" She smiled at him, pushing her hands into the pockets of her jeans. "It's felt like you were a million miles away. I haven't seen or heard from you in weeks."

"Been busy." Clark replied, not meeting Chloe's eyes. "You know, the farm. Had to fix the barn roof, and Mom made me register for summer classes at Central Kansas."

"Riiight." Chloe nodded, biting her lip. "You've been busy saving the world and always had time to stop by, say hello, ask me to Google something for you. Did you figure out how to use your computer? Find another blonde that's willing to drop everything on a Saturday night to help you find the bad guy? If so, I'm more than a little hurt." She grinned, the sun dappling her eyes and making a halo of her hair.

"Well, honestly," Clark lied, drawing a breath in. "I figured you were busy with Oliver, and I didn't want to intrude."

Chloe nodded again. "So, it's Oliver, then?" Disbelief and amusement crossed her face. Clark wanted to grab her, kiss her again and challenge Chloe to find a reasonable excuse why that kiss didn't matter. But he shook the thought from his mind with resignation - things were going somewhere with Oliver and Chloe, and Clark would not get in the way. Chloe deserved to be happy.

"No, not like that." Clark looked up. "I'm not jealous, Chloe. I just don't want to be a third wheel. I figured you deserved some space." Even as he said the words, Clark felt the hypocrisy of them. How many times had Chloe been "the third wheel" during his relationship with Lana?

"Ah ha." Chloe raised an eyebrow in response. "So that's why you avoided the repeated phone calls and messages Oliver left. It wouldn't have anything to do with a certain girlfriend of Lex Luthors that has been out at the farm every day, would it?"

Clark laughed bitterly. "Nope. Whatever I felt for Lana is definitely over. She's been coming by to build bridges for Lex."

"Wow." Chloe's eyes opened wide. "He's got a campaign manager for his friendships now. And even with the irresistible Ms. Lang paving the way, you still aren't over at Lex's. Why?"

"I want to forget seeing Zod when I looked at Lex." Clark said, picking up a rock and skimming it across the lake. "I want to see Lex and not think that he nearly destroyed the whole world by opening himself up to Fine for some insane reason that I'll never understand." The next pebble sailed fifty feet before it skipped twice, landing on the opposite shore of the lake. "I want to forget how it felt to stab him with that arrow."

"Clark." Chloe moved next to him, placing her hand on his arm. "You knew it wouldn't hurt him permanently. Jor-El told you that." She slid her hand into his, squeezing it gently. "You did what you had to do, and Lex is fine now."

"I know." Clark dropped his handful of pebbles and wiped his hand on his pants. "It doesn't change how I felt doing it, Chloe. I was glad to do it. I didn't have a moment where I questioned it, and Oliver was right there. That guy can shoot, by the way." He returned Chloe's squeeze and dropped her hand. "I just need some time, that's all."

"Well, don't hide from me. Your mom is worried about you, and I know she wouldn't want this getting around, but even Lois is concerned. " Chloe grinned again." So, let's go pack a bag, Kent. You're coming to Metropolis with me for some fun. "

"I don't think so, Chloe." Clark shook his head. "I'm really sorry.."

Chloe folded her arms. She studied him in silence for what felt like an eternity. "I think I understand. You're blaming yourself for everything."

Stung, Clark folded his own arms and shook his head. "That's ridiculous."

"Hardly." Chloe poked him. "As a matter of fact, it's so Clark Kent that I can't believe it didn't dawn on me before. So much for a reporter's keen instincts." She laughed and put her hands on his folded arms. "You can't just be alone, Clark. Especially after what happened. None of it was your fault."

"Chloe, it was ALL my fault." Clark snapped, turning away. "Jor-El gave me the dagger to destroy the Vessel. If the arrows didn't kill Lex, the dagger probably wouldn't have either. All of this could have been avoided. None of you would have been in danger." He closed his eyes.

"You can't know that, Clark." Chloe replied, her voice washing over him. "And even if what you are saying is partially true, you did what you thought was the right thing. That's what matters. No one can blame you for that."

"I BLAME ME." Clark's voice rang out over the lake, causing the birds to stir and fly away. "I failed."

"Clark, for God's sake, look at me." Chloe grabbed his shirt and tugged at him until he opened his eyes. Looking up at him, Chloe suddenly felt a little dizzy. He always had that effect on her, and Chloe reached up to touch Clark's face. "You saved everyone. Regardless of how it all came to that point, in the end, you succeeded." They stared at each other, and Clark nodded slowly, letting her words sink in.

"Thank you, Chloe." Clark said finally, putting his arm around her. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

"Hey, that's what friends do." Chloe rested her head against his chest peacefully. Whatever their relationship, Clark was the best hugger Chloe knew. Smiling, Chloe returned to her purpose – to get Clark back to himself. "Now, about Metropolis," She looked up at Clark hopefully. "Oliver has a friend whose band is playing tonight…"

Lex sat up, drenched in sweat. Panting, he looked around the room, desperate to recognize something. His heart raced and blood pounded in his ears, drowning out all sound.

Hovering on the edge of his awareness, Lex sensed Lana. She had just come into the room, a soft blur of pale lavender and smelling sweetly of gardenias. Her hands were cool, and Lex relaxed feeling them, his whirling mind slowing down as Lana sat beside him, gathering his shaking body into her arms.

"Lex?" Lana's voice drifted to him over the slowly receding drumbeats in his ears. "You had another nightmare…"

"Lana." He gasped, nodding. Taking a long drink of water from the frosted glass on his nightstand, Lex felt his world start to shift back into focus. Sunlight peeked around the tailored draperies in his bedroom, hinting at the time of day. "Lana. Where am I?"

"You're home, Lex." Lana replied softly, brushing his cheek with her lips. "You had another one of those dreams. I'm here and it's a beautiful day. I thought it might be nice to have lunch outside, if you're feeling up to it."

"Has Clark been here?" Lex asked, looking around. "Did he come today?" The room was now back in Lex's memory, each item familiar and comforting.

"No." Lana shook her head. "He's been through a lot too, Lex. I've never seen Clark like this. Between the both of you, I don't know who is worse off." She smiled. "He'll be here eventually."

Lex nodded, taking a sip of water. "And my father?"

"He's been here every day." Lana told him, smiling. "Lionel is in Metropolis right now, but he'll be here soon."

"Okay." Lex set the glass back down on his nightstand. "When he comes, I'll see him in the study. I'm feeling stronger today."

"Good." Lana nodded approvingly. She rose from the bed and beamed at Lex. "I'll have lunch set up on the veranda for us. The fresh air can only do you good." Almost skipping, Lana went to the door.

"Lana?" Lex called out to her and she turned, her dark hair swinging around her shoulders. "You are good for me. I wanted to tell you that. I think I would have been back in Belle Reve if not for you. "

"Lex." Lana's eyes filled with tears. She shook her head and sighed. "We still haven't talked about what happened, and I don't want to until you are strong enough. No matter what, you will always have me, Lex. I promise." Smiling, Lana opened the bedroom door. "Get dressed and come downstairs."

As she left, Lex had a flash of a memory. Jor-El's voice, warm, deep and powerful in the blackness of the Phantom Zone. "Be mindful of those who surround you, Alexander. Their attachment to you is a great strength. Let it be your lodestone against the darkness within you."

Except now, the darkness within Lex felt a lot like the remnants of a vengeful Kryptonian general who would not go quietly. Lex closed his eyes, smothering Zod's piercing shriek and the bellowed threats as Lex was returned to his body. But Jor-El had not let Zod reclaim Lex. Instead, Lex found himself travelling down a beam of pure white light, drifting in and out of consciousness. The days after that were all caught up in one big blur. Lex stretched and got out of bed, relishing the feel of the floor under his feet, the substance around him. Everything was tangible and real. The time in the Phantom Zone had been too jarring, and the experience of being a spirit himself at the time made returning to flesh and blood again quite the challenge. He walked into the dressing room, catching sight of his reflection in the long wall of mirrors. Seeing himself, Lex moved closer to the mirror, studying his own face. Zod had worn Lex like a mask; even Lana had recoiled at first, when he'd reached out in his semi-delirium to touch her face. Lex had seen Clark there, in the hospital, with Lana, and he remembered how like an angel his former friend had seemed, even while standing in the shadows of the room. Later, Lana had said that Clark was never there, had not come to the hospital at all, but had called often, and had brought over some of his mother's famous beef stew for her, leaving it at the mansion. Lex was not entirely convinced, but let it slide. Looking into his own eyes again, Lex searched for some trace of Zod. But in truth, there was no need because no physical trace remained. The sad fact was that in spite of his best efforts, Jor-El had failed. Lex heard Zod's voice in his soul and he realized that he would continue to hear it there for the rest of his life.

"This was a bad idea..."Clark stood in the crowded club, talking down into Chloe's ear. "I really don't need to be here." Reluctantly he had agreed to come to the show with Chloe and Oliver, and then to further allow Chloe to pick an 'acceptable' outfit from his closet. Now, standing the the club, Clark drank an expensive soda and watched other people dance to the music that the band, called Syren, was playing. The music was mesmerizing, and the lead singer, a gorgeous strawberry blonde in dark blue leather had a voice that seemed to never miss.

"Yes, you do." Chloe nodded in time to the music.. "The band is so great, don't you think? Oliver said he's going to introduce us to them later. You have to stay." Chloe made puppy eyes at Clark, who sighed and sipped at his soda. "Please? Come on, Clark, this is fun. Have some."

"Yes, you have to stay." Oliver's voice rang out, just as the band finished their song. He grinned broadly, grasping Clark's hand. "How the hell are you, stranger? Hello, Goldilocks." Oliver leaned over and kissed Chloe's cheek. "Well, Clark? You been okay?"

"I'm alright." Clark smiled reluctantly. "You know. Sorry I haven't called you back, but..."

"Yeah, I know." Oliver put his arm around Clark's shoulder, grinning. "What you need is a distraction. Come with me, Grasshopper. You too, Chloe. I'd like you to meet someone." The older man led Clark to the stage, where the lead singer, was engrossed in conversation with the bass player of the band, a short, spiky haired brunette. The bassist spotted Oliver and instantly smiled in recognition. However her eyes narrowed at the sight of Chloe's hand in his, the smile fading just as quickly as it appeared.

"Ollie." The girl said, and the singer turned around, the full battery of her aquamarine eyes falling not on Oliver, but on Clark. She smiled, seating herself on the edge of the stage, tearing her eyes away from Clark to greet her friend with a genuine smile.

"Oliver. I'm so glad you made it. Callista and Persephone were sure you'd gotten held up someplace." The red head's smile was contagious, and she turned her attention to Chloe. "Love your jacket. I'm Lori." The hand she extended was long, and delicately white. "Short for Lorelai." Her speech was tinged with an accent that Clark could not identify, but found himself wanting to hear more of.

"I'm Chloe Sullivan." Chloe introduced herself with a smile, shaking Lori's hand. "Your music is amazing. I have to get your cd and I'd love an interview – for both the Met U paper and the Daily Planet."

"Here." Lori reached into a guitar case and fished out a disc, the silver cover gleaming like a freshly caught salmon. "Please. I can never refuse a fan." She offered it to Chloe, who took it with a pleased smile. "I'll see what I can work out for the interview, though.:" Lori looked over her shoulder at her band mates, who were languidly preparing for the next set.

"Oh no problem." Chloe replied. "Here's my card. Call me any time." Lori took the offered card, her eyes darting over to Clark, who watched her every move.

"So, how long are you in Metropolis, Lori?" Oliver asked, looking over at Clark, who was staring at the singer. Chloe also, noticed Clark's interest in the singer and smiled. Oliver had been right. Clark needed the distraction. In fact, he seemed to be what Gabe used to call 'twitterpated", Chloe thought, imagining little red hearts floating around Clark's head.

"A little while. We're working on the next album, and I'm into this whole Midwestern laid back feeling. Plus, the Mississippi is so inspiring." Lori looked at Clark as she answered Oliver, her eyes pools of soft blue in her beautiful face. "And who is this?"

"This is Clark Kent." Oliver gave Clark a little push toward Lori. "And Clark, this is my good friend, Lori Lemaris."

"Hi." They both said at once, and then both laughed. Clark felt Lori's hand slide into his, and felt himself enthralled by her gurgling, tinkling laugh. "I'm glad to meet you, Clark." Lori said, sliding off the stage to stand beside him. "I have to admit, I have been hoping to meet you since you walked in."

"Yeah.." Clark mooned, and all of them laughed. Startled back into awareness by the ringing of his cellphone, Clark reached into his pocket to answer it. Lana. "Excuse me." He moved away from the little group, and answered the call. "Hello?"

"Clark?" Lana's voice washed over him like the summer breeze at the lake. "I'm sorry, your mom said you were out with Chloe and her friend, but I hoped you could come see Lex tonight. I think he could use a friend."

"Now?" Clark looked at his watch and then over where Lori, Chloe and Oliver stood in comfortable conversation. It didn't take much for Clark to realize that he had been avoiding what needed to be done. "Lana, I'll be there in a little bit."

"Really? Oh, Clark, thank you." Lana sighed. "He's been asking about you."

Clark hung up and turned to Chloe. "Chlo', I have to..."

"I figured. Clark Kent to the rescue." She smiled. "Want me to get Lori's phone number for you?"

"No thanks." Clark kissed Chloe's forehead. "I can handle that for myself, when the time is right. I gotta go." He waved to Oliver, who waved back, a puzzled expression on his face. Lori also, raised a hand in farewell, a small smile playing on her lips.

Clark got to the Luthor mansion and silently leapt over the fence like a cat. The security guard snoozed peacefully in the booth, and Clark smiled, snapping a twig to wake the man up. The guard sat up, sleepily alert, and blinked in Clark's direction.

"Go on in." The guard gestured toward the house. "Just keep the noise down. Mr. Luthor is sleeping."

"Lex invited me." Clark said, suddenly at a loss, and the guard shook his head.

"No, the senior Mr. Luthor." The guard sat down again, and closed his eyes. "Go on."

Clark shook his head and walked up the driveway to the house. A noise from the direction of the pool made Clark jump, and Lex appeared, a ghostly figure uncharacteristically dressed in jeans and a white button down shirt. He was barefoot, and seemed just as startled to see Clark standing on his estate. An awkward silence filled the space between them and finally, Clark cleared his throat and spoke.

"What are you doing out here, Lex?" Clark asked, and Lex shook his head in amazement.

"It never fails, Clark. You always greet me with a question." Lex smirked, clapping Clark on the shoulder. "I think I'll feel better when the question is about my health instead of how I'm occupying my time."

Clark smiled, clearly embarrassed, and Lex thought of Jor-El. "Sorry. Lana called."

"Lana, Lana." Lex looked up at the house, where Lana stood, silhouetted in the window, watching them. "She's been worried."

"With good reason." Clark straightened, and seemed to grow half a foot taller. "You gave everyone quite a scare, Lex."

"Sorry, Dad." Lex's mocking smile lit up his face. "It was quite an adventure, wasn't it?"

"It sure was." Clark relaxed a little, and then laughed. "There's a lot we need to talk about, Lex, but I'm not sure I want to tonight." He ran a hand through his hair. "Don't know what to do next. "

"I don't know either." Lex laughed ruefully. "I suppose chess would seem a little inappropriate."

Clark thought about that for a moment. "No, I think chess is probably exactly right." His phone rang as he and Lex walked toward the house. Pulling it from his pocket, Clark quickly read the text message. It was from Chloe.

"BDA, thank me later. Here's Lori's 411...Chloe." Smiling, Clark slid the phone in his pocket again.

"Good news? Stock tip?" Lex teased, and Clark nodded.

"Something like that." Clark replied cryptically. "Let's go get that chess game started."

"Well, I can't speak for everyone, but I had fun tonight." Chloe said, slipping her shoes off as they walked up the stairs to the brownstone apartment in Metropolis that she shared with her father. "Your friend Lori is amazing. I can't wait to load this CD onto my MP-3 player. It was really nice of her to help me get that interview with her band, too."

"She's okay." Oliver replied neutrally, "Seems to be smitten with Clark. Smitten is going around, I think." Chloe turned, and Oliver laughed at her shocked expression. "Come on, Chloe. You didn't think I've been hanging around with you these last couple of weeks to play Parcheesi, did you?"

"Parcheesi?" Chloe looked up, pretending to think. "I'm not a Parcheesi kind of girl. I'm more of a Scrabble person." Oliver closed the distance between them, staying on the step below Chloe. Even one step above Oliver, Chloe still only came to his eye level. She simpered at him beginning to turn away, but he caught her hand in his own.

"Smitten is a Scrabble word." Oliver said, brushing Chloe's bangs out of her eyes. "So is infatuated."

"Stop." Chloe held up a hand. "Infatuated? With me?"

"For a bright girl you sure are a bit slow on the uptake, Sullivan." Oliver teased. His fingers gently traced her cheekbone. "Saving you from that crowd was the best thing I ever did." Oliver paused, and then smiled, more gently than Chloe had ever seen him. "Before now."

"Why is that?" Chloe asked, her voice low, her heart racing. "What's so special about now?" His eyes were a deep, mossy green, darker than Clark's, and framed with thick, wheat colored lashes, Chloe noted, feeling butterflies wings fluttering in her belly. The intensity in Oliver's eyes made Chloe tremble a little as he tipped her chin up, leaning in to tease her lips with his own. She gasped, shivering and then smiled up at him, anticipating what was coming next.

"I thought I made that clear, Goldilocks. You have to know what I'm thinking." Oliver grinned, kissing Chloe first very softly and then more urgently. He pulled her close, feeling her melt against him, returning the kiss eagerly. She broke away with a small sigh, and stared up into Oliver's face. A soft, bemused smile lit up her face, and Chloe reached up to kiss him again. Not completely able to block out thoughts of Clark, Chloe reminded herself that he had told her he wanted her to be happy. And right now, Chloe thought, happiness was here in the stairwell of her apartment, with the tall, blond billionaire who had literally swept her off her feet.