RUSH

It had been weeks since the Whitney/Tina incident. Clark knew Lana's grieving time would be long, so he kept his distance. It was hard but he wanted to give her space. He walked down the street across from the Talon and noticed the front page of that day's paper. The cover story was about a suicide that took place at a rave in the Kawatche Caves. Clark bought a paper and read through the story. It was the same rave he'd been invited to by Chloe and Pete. He started to cross the street when he heard a commotion behind him. Turning, he saw people scrambling to get out of the way of a crazed motorcyclist. They came to a screeching halt right in front of Clark and his eyes widened upon recognition.

"Pete? What are you doing?!"

"Just taking a spin," smiled Pete. "Like my new wheels?"

"You could've seriously hurt someone, Pete. Most likely yourself."

"Well, that's a rush."

Clark looked at him carefully. Pete was dressed differently and acting strange.

"Pete, are you feeling alright?"

"I've never felt more alive!" said Pete eyeing the paper in Clark's hand. He snatched it from him. "You know what Travis said right before he jumped? He said you never feel more alive than the moment right before you die. Powerful last words."

Then Pete tossed the paper into the street. Clark looked over at the Talon just as Lana was going inside. Pete shook his head.

"You know, Clark, you never take any risk."

"Yes I do."

"Not with Lana."

Clark looked over at Pete who just sped off down the sidewalk. Clark shook his head before crossing the street. He walked inside the Talon to find Lana writing the daily special on a chalkboard. She looked up at him and smiled.

"Hi Clark," she said, standing up.

"Hey. How are you?"

"I'm okay. Did you hear about Travis?"

Clark nodded and Lana started walking up to the front counter.

"The police think he might've been on something," Lana continued. "We always assume that we have all the time in the world, but things happen so quickly. The school conselor told me I needed to start moving on with my life."

Clark nodded thoughtfully. Lana walked around behind the counter and started writing things down on a pad of paper. Finally, Clark mustered up enough courage to speak again.

"We should go on a date," he said.

"Are you serious?" Lana asked, surprised.

"I was. But if you don't want to -"

"When?"

A smile spread across Clark's lips. This was going very well.

"How about Friday evening? We'll go to Metropolis."

"Sounds like fun."

"Great. It's a date."

Lana nodded and they stared at each other a few moments more before Clark turned and walked out feeling very happy.

Clark was so excited and nervous about his upcoming date with Lana. But his happiness was put on hold when Chloe started acting differently like Pete. Clark thought it had something to do with the rave, so he went to the caves to figure it out. There he found Lex and a scientist trying to read into the cave drawings. They found some interesting specimens living inside a crack in one of the walls. Lex had the nests and eggs destroyed and sent a few specimens to the labs in Metropolis for testing. Clark immediately knew that these things had something to do with Pete and Chloe's behavior as well as Travis's suicide. So he set out to find them so that they could get the medical attention they needed to have the parasites removed before the worst occurred.

It was Friday and Clark still had yet to encounter his wild friends. But they were shaking up the Smallville gossip ring. Clark had a scheduled date with Lana but knew what he had to do. Two peoples' lives were at stake. As much as he hated to admit it, postponing his date with Lana to save Pete and Chloe was what needed to be done. He was nervous as he walked into the Talon. Lana looked bored, but immediately perked up when she saw him. But her smile quickly faded when she saw the look on his face.

"Why do I get the feeling you're going to say something I really don't want to hear?" she asked.

"Lana...I really hate to do this, but -"

"Clark! My main man!!!" Pete interrupted, walking up."There is this amazing rave later on tonight out in Chandler's field. It's gonna be tight!"

Pete and Chloe were both dressed differently than they normally are. Lana frowned in confusion.

"Right before we go to the rave, we're going to jump the gorge in Pete's car," Chloe smiled.

"That doesn't sound very safe," said Lana.

"Who cares? Its a rush," Chloe said.

"What's a rush?"

"A rush is knowing exactly what you want and getting it no matter what it takes."

Chloe eyed Clark and then glared at Lana challengingly. Lana kept her mouth shut. Clark knew he needed to act now and get them to a hospital before they went on their death jump.

"Pete, you and Chloe need to get to a hospital or -"

"Clark, Clark, Clark," said Pete, putting a hand on his shoulder and turning him around so Lana couldn't see. "Its time you took a walk on the wild side with us."

He slipped a piece of red meteor rock in Clark's shirt pocket. It immediately went to work. Clark felt more in tune with his wild side as an evil smirk spread across his lips.

"So...let's get going! We have gorges to jump and raves to attend!" said Pete.

"Sorry guys," said Clark, putting an arm around Lana's shoulders. "Lana and I have some plans for tonight..."

"Whatever man, suit yourself," said Pete. "Come on, Chloe, let's go."

He and Chloe walked towards the door. Chloe stopped Pete and they both turned to see Clark making out with Lana.

"What did you stick in Clark's pocket?" Chloe asked.

"Some red rock that a guy at the rave told me to give to him." Pete answered.

"Oh okay." Chloe said with a shrug. Not sure what that meant.

"Come on, woman, less talking," said Pete, taking her by the hand outside.

Lana pushed back from Clark. "Clark, I thought we were canceling our plans for tonight?" She said breathless.

"No. Never. It took me this long I'm not backing down now. Go get your stuff. I'll meet you outside." He said with a smirk.

Lana sighed, but went into the back to grab her things. Clark smirked. This was going to be a fun night.

Clark sped the entire way to Metropolis. Lana had herself buckled in tightly and gripped the sides of the seat. Every now and then Clark would lean over to kiss her, but she would get made that he wasn't paying attention to the road. When they reached Metropolis it was early evening. He took her to her favorite Italian restaurant and sloppily parked across two parking spots. Lana got out of the car.

"Clark, what is your problem?" she asked.

"I just wanted to make sure we got here in good time."

He walked over to her and protectively put an arm around her shoulder. As they walked inside the restaurant Clark smiled at several other girls and glared at all the guys, even the host and their waiter. They had a table and they had ordered their food, but Lana was still bothered by the way Clark was acting. She was trying to carry on a conversation with him but he was too distracted with all the other guys in the room. They were in a booth, so Clark scooted over right next to Lana and started to kiss her deeply. Lana couldn't resist him and just kissed back. Soon he pushed her down and was on top of her. The host came over and cleared his throat.

"I'm sorry, but that kind of behavior is not allowed in here."

"Who cares," said Clark and he went back for another kiss.

This time, Lana pushed back.

"We're sorry," she said to the host. "We won't let it happen again."

She waited until the host had walked away then frowned over at Clark.

"I don't believe you!" she said. "What is your problem?"

"What's your problem? I'm just trying to have fun."

"Clark we've hardly said a word to each other."

"There's nothing to talk about. Besides, I'd rather be kissing you."

He leaned down and she pushed him back.

"Okay fine, fine," he said, putting his hands up in defense. "What do you want to talk about."

"Chloe and Pete. I wonder why they're acting like that."

"Who knows? Who cares? Not my problem."

"But do you really think they'd jump the gorge? Everyone knows that's a death wish. Why would they be so eager to do it?"

"You ask too many questions. Let's play a game."

"Like what? We're in a restaurant."

"How about...strip poker?"

"Clark Kent! We already got in trouble for making out. I don't think strip poker is going to be any better."

"I know what we can do..."

Clark took off his jacket, then leaned over and kissed her softly. This was okay. Then he started kissing her harder and pushed her back down. Angrily, she pushed at him and felt his shirt pocket.

"What is this?" she asked, pulling out the piece of meteor rock.

Shrugging, Clark leaned down for another kiss. Lana tossed the meteor rock to the side and effect on Clark wore quickly off. He sat up.

"Lana," he said. "What..."

He looked around. They were in a restaurant. Suddenly, he had a flashback of everything that had happened. The Talon. Pete and Chloe. Meteor rock. Pete and Chloe. The gorge. The rave...

"The gorge!" said Clark, jumping up.

Lana looked at him strangely.

"Pete and Chloe," he said, then he looked at Lana. "I'm sorry, but I've gotta go!"

"But Clark -"

"Here's the car keys and some money to pay for dinner! I'm sorry, but I have to hurry!" said Clark, tossing them at her.

Lana ran outside after him but it was too late. He had already disappeared into the crowded downtown streets of Metropolis. Tears of anger and confusion came to her eyes. How could he do this to her, again? Leave her stranded without any explanation. Frustrated, she walked back inside and wondered how Clark would manage to get back to Smallville without the car.

It took Clark seconds to get back to Smallville and rescue Pete and Chloe. He caught their car just before it hit rock bottom. They both passed out and he rushed them to the hospital. After hours of waiting for them to come out of surgery, the doctor came in to tell Clark it was alright to visit them. He visited Pete first, then went to Chloe's room. She smiled weakly up at him.

"Hey Clark," she said, softly.

"How are you feeling?"

"Like I just woke up from a really, long deep sleep. I seriously don't remember anything other than the rave. Everything else is fuzzy. But I hear Pete and I took an unscheduled trip on the wild side."

"Well, you weren't the Chloe I know and I definitely missed that."

Chloe smiled and reached out and took his hand in hers. They smiled at each other. Clark couldn't remember having feelings for Chloe the way he did for Lana. But at the same time... Chloe was one of his closest friends and always would be. The door creaked open and they looked up to see Lana. Clark immediately felt a wave of guilt overcome him. He sighed and turned to Chloe.

"I'll catch up with you later," he said.

"Promise?"

"I promise."

With that, he gently squeezed her hand before walking towards the door. He stopped briefly to look at Lana, who refused to look up at him.

"Lana...I'm sorry..."

"I didn't come here to see you, Clark," she said, flatly.

Then she walked to Chloe. Clark quietly left the room feeling lower than low.

The next day, Clark busied himself with chores and odd jobs without the use of his superpowers. Come night fall, he was tired. So he retired to his loft and stood at the opening staring out at the night sky. He was so sure this time around with Lana would be different. But somehow it ended up worse than before. He heard someone walking up to the loft and assumed it was one ofhis parents. When he turned around, he was surprised when he saw Lana.

"Lana. I wasn't expecting to see you again so soon."

She didn't say a word as she walked over to him.

"I feel like I haven't been here in forever..." she said.

Clark only nodded as she stood by his side, staring out into the night.

"I'm sorry about yesterday. But I had to save Pete and Chloe from themselves. But if you never want to forgive me, that's okay. Just know that I would do anything to make it up to you."

Lana looked over at him and smiled.

"I forgive you, Clark. I'm sorry for not understanding."

"So...you're not angry?"

"Maybe a little disappointed but only because you weren't acting like yourself. Talking to Chloe made me realize that."

"How are Pete and Chloe?"

"They will be released to go home tomorrow afternoon. With the parasites out of their bodies, they should have a fast and painless recovery. Thanks to you, they're going to be just fine."

Clark nodded thoughtfully.

"Clark," Lana said, carefully. "Can I ask you something?"

"Anything," said Clark, looking directly into her eyes.

"How did you do it?"

"How did I do what?"

"Rescue Pete and Chloe? We compared notes and within a matter of seconds after you left me in Metropolis you had them at the hospital."

Clark was at a complete loss for words. She caught him completely off guard. Automatically, he started thinking up excuses.

"Well, Chloe was still on antibiotics when you talked to her and -"

"You left me the car keys leaving you with no way of getting to Smallville in that amount of time. Even if you ran, its a three hour drive and no one can run that fast."

Clark's heart was racing. For the first time, he was so scared and nervous. But at the same time...surprisingly calm. He wanted to tell her, but just wasn't sure how.

"Clark whatever it is you can tell me," said Lana, reaching out and holding his hand.

She looked up at him waiting...watching... Deep inside, he knew what he was about to do was the right thing even if this wasn't how it happened the first time around...

"I have...abilities..." he said.

He waited for a reaction. Something. Anything. But she just continued looking up at him.

"One of my abilities is superspeed."

"What do you mean?"

Clark supersped in circles around her. She hardly had time to blink once. Her eyes widened. Clark was nervous now. She knew. What was going to happen next?

"This is unbelievable," said Lana, slowly and in awe.

"Is that a good thing or a bad thing?"

"No! It's...amazing."

She stepped closer to him and reached up to touch his face.

"But you're just like everybody else."

"No, thats the problem. I'm not. Lana, there's so much you don't know about me and -"

"You don't have to tell me everything now."

Clark looked at her. She smiled up at him.

"You're still the same Clark Kent that I know and love. No matter what."

"I don't scare you?"

"No."

"You don't think I'm a freak?"

"You're not a freak, Clark. You're different. And being different is good."

"Please don't tell anyone. The only people who know besides you are my parents."

"I'm surprised Pete and CHloe don't know."

Clark looked down. Lana squeezed his hand.

"Don't worry. I won't tell anyone. I promise. You can trust me."

"I know."

"Thank you for telling me. Knowing that you trust me enough to tell me something this big...means so much to me, Clark. And whenever you're ready to tell me more...I'm here to listen."

Clark nodded and Lana smiled. She leaned up and kissed him. He held onto her and shut his eyes as they kissed. This felt so real and so right. For a moment, he had forgotten that he was in the past. Because right now, in this moment, this was what he wanted. When they finally pulled back, they both had tears in their eyes.

"I...should go..." said Lana, wiping away her tears.

"Good night," smiled Clark.

"Good night, Clark," she smiled.

Clark watched as she slowly ascended the stairs. She stopped briefly to turn back around.

"Clark," she said.

"Yes?"

"I love you."

"I love you, too, Lana. I always have."

She slowly nodded her head before disappearing. Clark smiled to himself. That wasn't hard at all. He stared out the opening thinking about everything that had happened within the past few days. He wondered if Lana would wake up the next day and not remember anything. Then he struggled with whether or not telling Lana was the smart thing to do. But for now, he would just be content knowing that maybe he was finally setting things straight.