"Calling"
He sat up in his loft working on a project. He was writing down everything he could remember and hoping to fill in the rest of the facts. Some areas he was still drawing a blank. But he had changed a lot of things. One Pete didn't know about his abilities and Lana sorta knew.
Thenthere was theguywhobailed him out of trouble with the cops when hesaved Lana from those goons at the Talon. He had roughed them up a bit after they tried to force themselves on her and called her some nasty things.
The guy was troubling him. He let on that he knew more about Clark. Even Lana had said something. But he had never seen the guy before. Then he had recalled how Pete had mentioned someone giving him a red rock to slip into his pocket. Something was leading him to believe the two men were the same.
His thoughts were giving him a headache. He just wished things were simpler. He looked up when he heard footsteps. Lana smiled at him as she walked up to the landing.
"Lana," He said closing his notebook and tossing it onto the trunk. "It's almost midnight."
"Yeah. I took a chance you'd still be up," She said holding a small white box in her hands. He smiled as he remembered what was inside. "What are you working on?"
He thought quickly, "I've got to give the toast at Lex's rehearsal dinner. Hate to ruin it by being a complete fool."
She laughed at him.
"Am Isupposed to guess what's in the box?" He asked looking at it.
She shook her head, "No."
She tried to keep her face blank but he could tell she was anxious.
After a second she added, "You're supposed to close your eyes."
He smiled and closed his eyes.
He heard her move around and then she added, "Don't peek."
He shook his head and then covered his face with his hands. He could cheat and use his x-ray vision but he already knew. It touched him with how thoughtful she was. How he ever let her go…he didn't know.
"Okay." She said and he pulled his hands away and looked up.
She held a cake in her hands and the candles lit a soft glow about her cheeks. She was breath taking as he looked up.
"I know. It's not your birthday for another seven minutes but I wanted to surprise you." She said with a smile.
"You did," He said standing up and smiling. "This is really thoughtful. I haven't had a birthday in years."
Which was true. The last time he'd had a birthday was when Lois, Chloe, and his mother had surprised him in the kitchen and Lois had cooked that horrible cake.
"Well, I wanted to celebrate the day you came into our lives. You deserve a birthday." She said stepping closer and holding the cake out in front of her. "Make a wish."
He looked down at the cake and then back up at her. "I've been wishing for the same thing ever since I was 5." And ever since I lost you. He added mentally.
"And now?" She asked.
He looked down and took the cake from her hands. He set it softly on the trunk and then turned back to her. She watched him, her eyes big. He reached down and took her hands in his.
"Now, I don't have too," He said.
She looked up fromtheir entwined hands and into his eyes. He met her gaze and slowly leaned forward.
"She's standing right here in front of me." He said softly.
He continued leaning forward and softly kissed her lips. He pulled back for only a second and when she didn't say anything but just stood there with her eyes closed he kissed her again. She kissed him back. He pulled her close and wrapped his arms around her waist. Her hand traveled up his chest and over to his shoulder to pull him into her. He held onto her and never wanted to let go. Everything just felt right. He wouldn't change this moment for world. He was Clark Kent kissing Lana Lang in his loft under moon light. Everything was perfect.
The next morning after he was dressed he came hurtling downstairs. He was a bit tired but it was only because he'd stayed up late last night with Lana. "Morning mom."
"Morning. How was your birthday party last night?" She asked finishing up with the pancake mix.
"So you're the one who told Lana," He said reaching into the fridge for some orange juice.
"She knows we're not big on birthday parties but wondered if she could do something special," Martha replied with a smile.
"Oh, it was special." He said. When his mom looked up he gave her a big Kent smile.
"I feel bad we never threw you birthday parties," Martha said.
"Don't worry about it. I've never been big on birthday parties since Lois made that horrible cake. I'm surprised no one died from food poising. Now Lana, on the other hand, can make a birthday cake." He said before taking a sip of his orange juice.
"I still can't believeyou're from the future. Have you remembered anything else?" She asked.
"Nothing really. I never forget anything. Something about the way I came back has to be the reason I don't remember everything. I think this new guy in town has something to do with it," He said.
"Have you seen him?" She asked.
"No. Which only concerns me more. This is a small town," He answered.
"Don't worrytoo much about it. Things are going well for you," His mom said with a smile.
"You're right. Now just take care of yourself and that baby," He said patting her belly.
She was starting to show. He was going to do whatever it took to keep from having her lose it. Not like last time. This time he would handle it differently. And this time he wouldn't run off either.
The kitchen door opened and Jonathan walked in, "Look what the cat dragged in."
Lex walked in behind him and smiled at Clark.
"Lex, have you had breakfast?" Martha asked.
"Thanks but I can't stay," Lex said. "I just wanted to ask you and Mr. Kent for a favor."
Everyone waited for him to continue.
"I know we've had our differences, so this might sound strange but it would mean a lot to me." Lex looked down and took a few steps while he figured out how to word what he was going to say next. "It's customary for the bride and groom to sit with their parents at rehearsal dinner so sincemine wont be there, I was wondering would the two of you consider standing in?"
Jonathan looked over his family and both he and Martha just smiled at him.
"Lex, we would be honored." Jonathan said with a smile.
"Great. That just leaves one open seat at the table. Right next to you Clark," Lex said smiling at him. He smiled back knowing full well what he was up too.
"I think you know who," He said and Lex's smile grew.
Clark walked into the Talon and a smile immediately lit up his face. Lana was behind the counter handing Chloe a tall cup of coffee. He walked up and leaned against the counter.
"Hey you guys. I'd like a double espresso, please." He said.
He did sound tired which was probably why Chloe looked over to him with a surprised look.
"Were you burning the midnight oil last night too?" Chloe asked.
He looked at her and smiled. He had a feeling Lana hadn't said anything so he'd leaveenough alone till he talked with her.
"Yeah. I was working on my speech for the rehearsal dinner. I just can't get it right," He said.
"Chloe ready to go?" Pete asked walking up behind them.
"Hey Pete." He said.
Pete smiled over at him.
"Have you seen that guy around?" He asked.
"Nope. Not since that rave and the time he bailed you out of trouble," Pete answered.
"Oh. If you see him let me know," He said.
"No problem man." Pete said before turning back to Chloe, "Ready?"
"Yeah. I have ashes to sweep and wicked stepsisters to undermine," Chloe said grabbing her bag and coffee.
Lana laughed and Chloe turned to leave with Pete.Lana leaned against the counter and he turned back and smiled at her.
"I had a really good time last night. I was thinking that maybe tonight after the rehearsal dinner we could go out," He said reaching for her hand.
He was shocked when she pulled away and muttered a maybe before going to clean off a table.He turned to watch her. She was acting strange. They were doing great. He was being open and honest with her. Well…sorta but it was a start and she was being the same in return. At least he thought so when she had kissed him back last night. After everything he felt they were taking a step forward.
"Lana, is everything okay?" He asked. Maybe something had happened with Chloe. He just didn't understand. She didn't turn around to respond or even look at him. So he stepped around so he could see her. "If this is about last night, we can take it slow."
"Clark, I think last night might have been a mistake." She didn't make eye contact so he couldn't get a good reading off of her.
He knew she was scared but he got the feeling it was so much more.
"I'm busy. I'll call you later," She said before turning back and busying herself with work. He thought it best to not bother her so he tucked his tail between his legs and left the Talon.
He took a seat across from Lex. He felt it would be better if he had Lex move Lana so they didn't sit next to each other. After this morning he knew she was scared. He just had to prove to her that she didn't need to be.
"I don't think it's a good idea that you seat Lana next to me."
"What happened?" Lex asked.
"I wish I knew," He answered honestly.
"None of us understand womenwoman. That's why we're captivated by them," Lex said leaning forward and crossing his fingers.
Hethought about it for a moment and figured Lex might be able to help him, "I went for it last night."
"Don't tell me she shot you down," Lex said with a chuckle.
"No. It was the opposite," He answered. He looked up to see Lex smiling like a proud older brother. "It was like this perfect moment, and then this morning…"
"She wanted to pretend it never happened." Lex chimed in. With his blank look Lex went on to explain. "You've upped the stakes, Clark, andshe's scared. She figures if she folds now, she'll cut her losses."
"We're meant to be together. I've never been so sure about anything," He said.
Lex heard the confidence in his voice. He heard and he believed it. He lived a future without her and was miserable and thought of the what if's.
"Yeah, well, don't tell me Clark. Tell her," Lex said.
He watched as she rode her horse. Seeing her ride was a beautiful thing. The way she bounced with grace and held the reigns softly in her hands. When she noticed him standing there in the middle of the field she slowed. He smiled as she rode over and pulled to a stop in front of him.
"Hey," He said breaking the silence.
"Hey," She answered.
After a second she jumped down and pulled the horse along side her. He fell instep beside her thinking of what he was going to say.
"Lana, last night was a big deal for me."
"Clark," She cut him off.
"Look, you don't have to avoid calling me if you don't feel the same way," He cut back in.
"No, it meant a lot to me too," She said. She looked over to him and the looked back to the ground in front of her. "Everything seemed so clear, but today it just feels a lot more complicated. I know that you have your secrets andthey're hard to tell. But you've let me in and well there are friendships at stake here and I'm afraid of losing ours."
"This friendship isn't going to go anywhere. It'll just become something better." He moved to stand in front of her and she stopped.
"And what happens down the road if things don't work out?" She asked. "Will our friendship survive that?"
"I think it will. Lana, you're the only one I've opened up to. You know more about me than anyone but my parents. I trust you completely and that's not going to change." He answered.
The day is coming. He looked around wondering where the voice was coming from. The day is coming. He recognized the voice. It was Jor-El. His father was finally getting in touch with him.
"Clark, are you okay?" Lana asked.
"I'm sorry, I have to go." He said before running off.
He stood next to his parents at Lex's rehearsal dinner. It had been a long day. From finding out that Dr. Walden had woken up andburned a message on the ceiling of his room to Lionel snooping around in the caves. Then of course, him having to break the news to his parents that things were getting complicated.
Now he stood in a crowded room staring at Lana. He had left before getting her response to what he had said. He didn't know if she was willing to be with him. He had changed a lot this time meaning her response could be totally different than he remembered. He prayed it wasn't.Lex walked over and greeted his parents then asked if he could have a word.
"Is everything alright?" He asked.
"Dr. Walden paid me a visit." Lex said as they walked. "Nobody was hurt and he's on his way back to the hospital."
"Well, that's good news," He said.
"Clark, he was ranting about you," Lex said.
"What did he say?" He asked wondering what Lex knew.
Things were getting complicated. Lex was getting closer to the truth. He wanted to trust Lex and figured that by being honest things would be different. But he knew the man Lex would become. Could he take that risk?
"That the writing on the cave wall says you're going to rule the world," Lex said.
He laughed. He knew he wouldn't rule the world just protect it from itself, "Rule the world. He's obviously nuts."
"I know but my father heard the whole thing. Thought I'd warn you that he's not going to drop this," Lex said.
"Thanks for having my back." He said.
Lex smiled and they continued ontheir way back to the table. The party continued on until everyone took their seats. When the time came he stood and clinked on his glass to get everyone's attention.
"I think Lex picked me to be the best man because he knew how comfortable I was speaking in front of people," He paused as everyone laughed. He really did hate giving speeches but this one needed to be made. "I've been looking through every book from Socrates to Shakespeare trying to find someone who can put into words the way Lex and Helen feel about each other. But what I realized is, there are no words for it. That when you have it, you trust it. You believe in it. Take a chance on it. You're willing to sacrifice anything to keep it. No matter what the cost."
His eyes never left Lana's. When he was done he had a feeling he had gotten through to her so he lifted his glass and led the toast to Helen and Lex. Lex stood and gave him a hug and he returned it. Lex thanked him and he looked down to set his glass down. A high pitched ringing filled his ears and it felt like his brain was splitting in two. He grabbed at his temples and let out a grunt.
"Clark, are you alright?" Lex asked.
"Yeah. I just need some air," He managed to say before slipping away from the table and heading into another room.
Martha and Jonathan followed, "Everything alright son?"
"No. It's the key. Something's wrong at home. I have to go," He said before taking off and rushing to the barn.
He rushed into the barn and noticed the tool box emptied. He knew the key was gone. Dr. Walden had it.
"I came looking for you." He looked up to see that very man standing there.
"And I found the proof." Dr. Walden said holding the key up. At least he hadn't found the ship in the cellar.
"Dr. Walden. You need help," He said.
"No, you need to die." Dr. Walden said raising his hand.
He watched as a beam of light manifested within his palm. Before he could dodge it hit him square in the chest and sent him flying through the barn wall and landing roughly on the ground a good fifty feet away.
Dr. Walden walked forward and hit him again but this time the beam settled inside his chest and lifted him into the air. It felt like his insides were burning and all he could think of was that he was going to die. He didn't want to hurt Dr. Walden but he had no other option. The man wasn't listening. He flexed his irises and felt the heat flow forward. Dr. Walden dropped to the ground and so did Clark.
Hesupersped out of the way as he tried to hit him again with the beam. The beam followed him as he sped behind the gas tank. The beam caused the tank to explode and the wave of fire that burst forward surrounded Dr. Walden.
He approached the burnt body and pulled the key from his hand. The man was dead and there was nothing he could do. He called his father and bustled about putting out the fire that raged on the barn.
He had the radio playing as he finished cleaning up in the barn. The repairs had been minor so he went ahead and supersped thechores done. He was up in his loft about to head back to his couch when he saw Lana walk up.
"I never got a chance to tell you how beautiful you look tonight," He said walking up behind her.
She turned around at the sound of his voice. He hadn't been wrong by her beauty. She was breath taking in that dress that hugged her curves perfectly.
"Clark you scared me," She said.
"Surprised me," He said and smiled.
He didn't really expect to see her so soon. Although he had a feeling everything was going to work out just fine.
"I just wanted to see you. You kind of ran out on dinner," She said. He really didn't have anything to say to that so he stood still trying to think of something. "I thought your toast was really beautiful."
"I had a lot of inspiration," He said walking forward and smiling again.
"Sorry I've been confused about us. It's just…you have your secrets and I know you trust me. And you'll tell me everything one day. I just don't know if I'm the one." She said voicing her fears.
He looked down and walked the rest of the way up to her.
"Lana, I know you're the one. Trust me. I have my secrets but my feelings for you haven't been one of them. I want to tell you everything but I just need to work up to it." He said looking down at her.
"I trust that you'll tell me. I love you so much that I'm scared." She said.
"I'm scared too. This is new to me," He said and that was the truth.
He hadn't told Lana this early in his life the first time. But he had lost her because of his secrets. Now he was being honest and he prayed it would work this time.
Their gazes locked and he felt this pull towards her. He leaned down and she reached up to meet him. The kiss was sweet and promising. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close, deepening their lip lock. Anyone walking in would have known this to be a very private moment.After they broke a part for air he continued to hold her gaze.
"So what now?" She asked after a few moments.
"Tomorrow I take you on a picnic and then escort you to Lex's wedding," He answered simply.
"As my date?" She teased.
"As your boyfriend," He answered again.
He took her hand and lead her downstairs. It was late and he had to figure out what to do next. Not to mention he still had some work to do. Once they reached the bottom she turned and rubbed his cheek. She let her hand fall and smiled up at him. He smiled back and took her hand that was still in his and kissed it.
"Goodnight beautiful."
"Night, handsome." She said.
She turned and headed out. He watched the sway of her hips and smiled even more. Things were finally for the better.
Kal-El, it is time.
Damn Jor-El. He wasn't about to deal with this again. He knew what had to be done but he didn't want to do it now. He headed to the cellar and pulled open the doors. He clenched his fist and headed down. He was going to have a word with Jor-El and it wasn't going to be pretty. Jor-El wouldn't ruin his life this time around.