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4th Collision: The Kiss in Z Minor
The football player had to thank his lucky stars for the short practice. It had allowed him to plan out the afternoon perfectly. All he had to do was wait for his coach to blow the whistle, then dash to the showers and wait at the front entrance for Lana who would be done by then with clean-up duty at the Eatery. Once out of Excelsior, they would be on their way to The Talon, a hip café he had found hidden in the east side of the city, and she'd be away from Lex. Clark couldn't help but feel envious of the school's self-proclaimed rebel and Casanova. Somehow he had always managed to get more than a girl's attention, which is why he had rather keep Lana an arm's way from his rich rival.
And finally it had come. Excelsior's football coach blew the whistle and told the team to hit the showers. Clark immediately disappeared into the boys' locker room. When he reappeared, the eager teenager was back in the school's garbs minus the tie and blazer. He waved farewell to his teammates and began heading towards the entrance when he was abruptly held back.
"Clark, wait up a sec."
He turned to the voice, surprised to see Julie standing before him "Hey Julie," he reluctantly greeted. "What's going on?"
Though giggling silently for whatever perverse reason, she smiled timidly. "I hope you're not in any hurry."
"Well, actually…." Clark stopped himself, noticing her troubled demeanor. "No, it's alright. Is something wrong?"
"I… I just need some friendly advice," Julie's words wavered. "Do you think you can help me on something? I promise I won't take too much of your time." Her eyes watered pleadingly.
Clark felt torn; he was afraid of showing up late for his date with Lana, especially when rumor had it Julie was to blame for Lana's clean-up duty. He had yet to confirm the hearsay with her. Yet, he doubted its validity. He had known Julie since he had first arrived, and it wouldn't seem like her to do such a thing. She had always been so kind to him; frankly, the least he could was help her out now. Besides, for whatever reason, he could never say no to someone in trouble. "Sure. Just tell me what's going on?"
So predictable, Clark, Julie thought as she chuckled inwardly. The scheme was working just the way she had planned. It would only be minutes before Lana would walk in on them while they kissed. The blonde knew it would completely ruin any chances of future couplehood between the two Smallville natives. All she had to do was continue laying her sob story on thickly until the petite brunette would come waltzing out from the Eatery where Julie knew she was almost done wiping the last tables. Once finished, she was sure Lana would take the route past the east patio to the front entrance.
"Clark, I really just feel so depressed about my breakup with Todd to the point where my grades are suffering." Julie feigned anguish as she hid her face behind her hands and leaned into her broad-shouldered friend who was taken slightly aback.
"I didn't know you were even dating Todd, but it doesn't matter 'cause you'll be okay." Clark hesitantly soothed the side of her arms, hoping he was somewhat comforting the girl. "Maybe it's for the best. You know, there a lot of guys out there who would love to date you."
Julie slowly crept her head up. "You really think so?" She asked without taking her eyes off his face. As he nodded softly, she smiled, knowing inside the time had come to make her move. "Maybe someone like you?" Before Clark had any time to determine the intentions behind her words, he felt her breath closely on his lips. Her mouth was rapidly removing the distance when suddenly she felt a hand pulling her shoulder back.
"No, someone like me. Or maybe my friend Jason. He loves blondes. Personally, I'm partial to brunettes. So, definitely Jason."
She could almost scream, yet instead she turned around with a forced grin. "Lex, what a surprise. I'm glad to see you're finished cleaning up the Eatery."
"Try to hold your excitement." He cocked his eyebrows with a smirk as he wrapped his arm across her back and pulled her in. "Now, how about I introduce you to my friend? He's still around school playing some soccer with a bunch of guys. You don't mind, Kent, do you?" He paused, lifting his stare towards the tall teenager who was actually relieved Lex had jumped in. The young Luthor didn't even give him chance to think it over though, "Of course, you don't… I mean, you have to meet with Lana whose getting something she forgot from her locker. Why don't you walk on over there?"
Up until then he had remained quiet, having found the whole situation bizarre. He didn't know what Julie was up to, nor Lex, but it really didn't matter. Upon hearing Lana's name, he once again remembered the importance of the waning day. Clark didn't even think twice when he told Julie: "Hope you feel better." And then he walked away but not before nodding a reluctant goodbye to Lex.
As soon as he was gone, Lex released Julie and quickly blocked her view of Clark's back. "Now that it's just you and me, we can put all the melodrama aside and have a little chat without an encore presentation."
The short-haired blonde glared in return. "Whatever do you mean?" She almost sang her question while she feigned innocence.
Lex shook his head, amused at her tactics. "Need I remind you, I've never been fooled by your theatrics, Julie. In fact, I've made it a point to avoid your performances as well as your overall presence."
Raising her manicured fingers to his chest, she purred with obvious pretense, "I haven't the slightest idea of what you're referring to."
"Of course not," Lex pocketed his hands and turned to the side, deflecting her hand at the same time he stepped onto the small staircase leading off the patio. "Let me break it down. I know you're jealous of Lana, and you're willing to do anything in your power, including manipulation, to sink her name into the social compost. But unlike everyone here who's conned by your angelic act, I'm onto you and I'll be making sure you don't get in her way."
The threat was enough to stir Julie out of her reverie. "Do you really think you can scare me? I've got news for you, Lex: I always get what I want," she angrily declared.
"Really? You seem to forget you're embarrassing attempt to 'woo' me." He laughed at her grimace. "You failed so miserably."
"Well, guess what? I've changed since then. And you better believe that little bitch won't get her hands on Clark, which I'm sure is something you wouldn't mind. Now isn't that right?" Julie challenged him, knowing well Lex's feelings for her rival. "As a matter of fact, you should be thanking me."
Lex silently stared at the over-confidently girl in front of him for lingering seconds, and then he just smirked. Who did she think she was? She had some audacity, he thought to himself. "Don't delude yourself. It's best you keep your distance from Lana, and just remember that I don't make empty threats."
Clark opened the door for Lana as he stood aside for her. She entered the colorful café, taking a few glances at odd clad of Egyptian décor. Despite the Talon's unique ornaments, it held a subdued ambiance that felt comfortable. Even Lana seemed to relax a little as she followed Clark to a corner table. "So what do you think?"
"I like it," she nodded with a smile. "I didn't even know Metropolis would have such a place."
"Me either until I had to do some research for the newspaper on the east side," he explained. "When I saw it, I thought of you."
Lana grinned, letting out a chortle. "I'm glad I came to mind when you saw the tacky colors," she said sarcastically.
"No, no, I didn't mean it that way." Clark apologized.
"I was kidding, Clark." Placing her hand over his, she reassured him. The motion quieted the moment. His eyes drifted from her hand to her eyes; they locked gazes, but the seconds were broken when suddenly Lana cleared her throat and removed her hand to grab one of the menu books. "So what are you in the mood for?"
Clark sat back, trying to ignore the awkward air. He grabbed a menu in time to order their drinks from the waitress who appeared beside them. When she was gone, Clark decided that perhaps he needed to cut the tension. "Lana, I never got the chance to ask you how you ended up in Excelsior," he asked almost regretfully when he immediately noticed her shifting uncomfortably. "Um, not that it really matters. What does, is that you're here."
She smiled, "No, it's okay." But it wasn't. She wasn't ready to let anyone in when it concerned her past and her parents' death. Not yet anyway. So she gave him a vague answer and then changed the subject to a lighter topic. As the time passed, Lana gradually found herself warming up to Clark after that weird, almost corky yet intimate moment. She silently thanked God she hadn't scared Clark away. It's just ever since her parent's had passed away something in her had also left along with them. And it was that very absence of whatever it was that liked to play games with her emotions and apparently others', too.
But Lana was determined to fight it, and fight it with Clark. There was something about him that attracted him to her. Whatever it was, she liked it.
The last day of clean-up duty had come for Lana. She almost felt sorry she wouldn't be doing it longer and all because of the company she was keeping. Lex had made the whole punishment worth it. They had fun cleaning up the Eatery except the times when he would start poking fun at Clark and her relationship with him. Though she always rolled her eyes in return, she knew Lex meant no harm. Besides, it was actually amusing to see him all roused up whenever she defended the football player. Today would be no exception.
"So I saw you earlier today with Kent. And I couldn't help but think," Lex rested his index finger on his temple. "'And she wonders why people stare at her.'"
Lana's eyebrows crinkled, "What do you mean?"
"Well, who wouldn't stare when you have someone groveling at your feet? Kent practically crawls around you, carrying your books on his back." He sardonically shook his head from side to side. "It's really shameless and sad."
She rolled her eyes, hiding her grin at his act. "I think you're misinterpreting kindness, ever heard of it? It just my suit you, but who knows? The way I hear it, 'Lex Luthor' has a penchant for jealousy."
"I, dear Lana, am far above jealousy." He corrected her, half-jokingly.
"Sure."
"No, but seriously. I'm actually glad he's looking out for you." Lex suddenly changed his tone as he stopped wiping one of the counters and looked at her. Their eyes caught each other in quietude. Lana saw his sincerity and she swore she noticed a shimmer of sadness before Lex bit his lips, reverting back to his teasing mood.
"In fact, to celebrate your last day of clean-up at the Eatery where you surely shall be missed by Mrs. P and me, right Mrs. P?" He turned to the old lady sitting down and leaning against the wall by the back door; she was in deep slumber and barely heard Lex's words. She just grumbled. Even in sleep she reacted the same. "Just like I thought. She's having a hard time dealing."
Lana laughed, "Okay. So what do you do have in mind?"
"Club Zero. It's a nightclub barred for the underage, but not for the underage rich brats like myself." He noticed her reservations instantly. "Don't worry. They know me there. And just to prove to you I have no hard feelings when it comes to Kent, you can invite him, too."
Although she wasn't so sure about it at first, the thought of, for once, doing something out of the norm, even close to the edge, kind of excited her. She wouldn't admit it to him but for some reason, she realized as she looked at Lex (who was waiting for an answer) that he knew she'd take the offer for that very reason. "Okay. I'm in."
But maybe it wasn't such a good idea. As she stood between Lex and Clark, Lana suddenly felt her knees weakening. It was all a little too overwhelming; here she was with two guys who probably despised each other in front of a loud and booming nightclub where people gravitated to each other with each beat. Almost as if he knew what she were thinking, Lex gently squeezed her arm and worded silently, "It's okay." She nodded, gratefully gazing at him.
Seconds after reassuring her, he loudly told the two teens foreign to such an atmosphere, "C'mon, they have some seats reserved for us near the bar." He pointed ahead and went forward into the masses of dancers.
Lana took a deep breath, preparing herself for the grinding bodies. Suddenly, she felt someone grasping onto her hand, yielding her from following Lex close by; it was Clark who now looked down at her and smiled. "Don't worry. I'll lead the way."
And he did. When they had caught up to Lex, he let them slide into the circular booth. "I'm gonna get us some drinks." Before Clark could object, the young Luthor interjected, "Don't worry, Kent, it'll be non-alcoholic for your boring pleasure. What about you Lana?"
"I'll have whatever you're having." Why not? She trusted him, and the night just seemed to be calling for some thrills. Besides, it's not like she was going to get wasted like those teen dramas where drunken kids end up on their deathbed. "Or whatever you suggest."
Lex was surprised, but didn't question her. She knew exactly what she was doing. "If you insist…" He smiled and left the two.
Clark cocked his eyebrows, "Are you sure your taste buds trust Lex?"
"My taste buds aren't the only ones that trust him," she answered. "Clark, maybe you should try talking to him. I think you guys could become good friends… at least, for my sake."
He knew she had a point. The two guys had never even attempted to speak to each other like normal people. They really never had the opportunity considering how far apart their social spheres were during school and outside of it. But now that three were out, trying to have a good time, perhaps this night would be as good as any. "You're right, Lana," he shot a grin her way.
She sat up slightly and kissed him on the cheek. "Thank you, Clark."
The football player instantly blushed and tried to compose himself as he saw Lex making his way back. "Orders are in. The waitress should be coming with the drinks soon," he announced. "So anyone up to dance?"
"I am."
"Actually, I need to use the restroom," Clark excused himself, more for the reason that he couldn't dance to the club music.
Lex hid his smirk. "Sure, it's over there." The bashful teenager stood up and exited the booth. "Ready?" He held out his hand for Lana and led her onto the dance floor.
While they danced, a voyeur moved throughout the crowd. Julie had been surprised to see the three walk inside Club Zero together. Just as she felt her anger traveling through her body at that moment, her mind seemed to also ignite, that is with a great idea. So she watched them carefully waiting to strike. And now seemed the perfect time considering no one was at their table except the waitress placing their drinks. Moving in stealth, she made her way to their area, taking the moment to smell each drink. Julie took a gamble, predicting that Clark had asked for a nonalcoholic beverage and Lex had his usual, which according to their mutual friend Elliot, was scotch. The only drink left had vodka and definitely looked like a female drink. Smiling like a half moon, Julie mockingly "oops" a small pill into the cup. It dissolved within seconds.
"A roofie?"
"No, but something like it," she turned to her friend, Gabby, with a simper. "C'mon let's go."
Just as soon as they left, Lex and Lana returned with their brows somewhat damp from perspiration. "Oh my god… that was insane," she let out between breaths.
"What was?" Clark suddenly showed up.
"Hey," she greeted in surprise. "The dance floor was crazy. I got to have something to drink." Lex grabbed her drink and handed it to her. She took a long sip as they all sat down and she began talking, hoping she could get them to a friendly level. As the minutes passed, her surroundings slowly blurred in and out of focus. The room even seemed to tilt back and forth. Lana tried to regain composure, but saw how miserably she was failing, "Excuse me, guys, I need to use the lady's restroom."
"It's right over there near the men's,"Clark signaled.
She gradually stood up and began to leave, when Lex held onto her shoulder, "Are you alright?"
Lana blinked and swallowed her panic. "Yeah," she reassured. But she wasn't. When she neared the restrooms, she was already stumbling. A middle-aged man caught her right as she tripped over her own feet.
"Steady there, girl." He chuckled. "A little too much to drink? How 'bout I take you to my VIP room at home and take care of you?"
The petite brunette attempted to push him away. But she couldn't master words or body movements. As her sight dimmed into darkness, she managed to see a familiar face. Suddenly, she let go.
It was good thing he had followed his instincts. There was something that hadn't seemed right and he was glad he had caught it and her on time. Lex managed to carry her into an empty VIP room and lay her on a sofa. He placed a wet towel on her forehead as he soothed her with words in hopes of also trying to wake her. Minutes passed before he finally heard some real signs of life, she coughed and mumbled something he couldn't make out. At least now, she was somewhat awake. He was relieved, but still felt the ache of concern, feeling utterly hopeless. "Lana, I promise everything will be okay," he whispered into her ear. "The doctor will be here soon."
Her eyes fluttered, "I'm… fine." She smiled as she lifted her hand to caress the side of his face. Lana closed her eyes about the same time she had moved up and placed her lips on his. Before Lex could recover from the surprise, she deepened the kiss, softly, tenderly in an ephemeral moment. And just like that, she was asleep again.
Lana woke up the next morning with most of her memory of Club Zero gone. All that remained was the memory of her heading to the restroom. Whether she made it or not, she didn't know, but knew this much… somehow she had ended up back in her bed. That must have been some drink. Thankfully, Nell was out for the weekend though she knew Albert would have some words with her. But not yet. She glimpsed at the clock and saw it was too early for the butler to be up. So Lana decided it would be a good time to release the nausea in her stomach. She headed to the bathroom when a rustle caught her attention in the living room.
Lana followed the sound only to have to hold her gasp from making more noise. On her sofa lay a very asleep Lex Luthor.
To be continued...