Thanks to all of you for bugging me for updates XD. I have to admit that I've seriously neglected my writing. So thank you all for kicking my but back into gear. Especially firestorm181 who reminded me I still have readers out there and prophet144 for helping me find my muse again.

So here is chapter 4. I hope you like where I'm going with this story, and I hope you enjoy reading ^^

(Please forgive any errors you might find. I wanted to post this as soon as possible, so it hasn't been beta-ed yet ^^")


Chapter 4 - Questions

Clark bit back a yelp as he felt a hand on his shoulder.
Was he so distracted that he would let a stranger get this close without him noticing it?

"Why so jumpy Clark?" a breath tickled his ear.
Clark let himself relax. The hand on his shoulder moving to his front as he was pulled into the chest of the person standing behind him.
Clark turned up his hearing a bit, checking if there were any other heartbeats around.
And when he didn't hear any close by, he relaxed even more into the embrace.

"I've missed this" Clark heard as the person behind him nuzzled into his neck.
"We really don't want to be seen like this…" Clark began, but he made no move to leave the embrace.
"Don't you miss this?" the question came as he felt a kiss being placed on his cheek.
"We broke up years ago. This won't work…" Clark said as he slightly pulled on the arms circling him.
Silence was his answer until he felt lips on his neck.
"What are you doing?" Clark asked
"I thought that was obvious" came the cocky reply
The lips made their way back to his neck, placing butterfly kisses along the lines of Clark's well defined muscles.
Clark's breath hitched as he pulled on the arms surrounding him again
"What if someone sees?" he protested weakly
"We're in a closet on the other side of the building. No one will interrupt" again a confident reply as Clark felt the lips in his neck turn into a slight smile
The kisses slowly made their way up his neck to a spot just behind his ear.
The person behind him placed a kiss there, drawing a moan from the farm boy.
"Still so sensitive" the person mused
Once again Clark moaned as that sensitive spot was kissed again and again.
The kisses then moved downwards again, making Clark involuntarily groan in disappointment.
The person kissing him hummed just before he latched onto Clark's neck, biting down quite hard.
Clark hissed. Not because it hurt – he couldn't be hurt – but because it felt good.
The arms circling his loosened as they moved, one fisting into his hair, the other laying over his heart as he was once again pulled against the person behind him.
"We really shouldn't…"
But Clark trailed off as he leant into the embrace. His brain told him to stop. But why then did it feel so good?
"Please Clark. Please just let me love you again"
This time Clark was spun around and before he could even reply, his mouth was claimed for a heated kiss.
Clark ignored the little voice telling him this wasn't a good idea and replied to the kiss with passion.
Eventually they had to break apart for some air and they gazed into each other's eyes

"We can't just pick up the relationship where we left off…" Clark said searching the eyes in front of him.
"I'm willing to start over again… In more then our relationship…Just give me another chance."
Again Clark's sensitive spot was attacked by butterfly kisses and puffs of breath.
Clark hummed "another chance? ...I think I can do that"
He smiled as he leaned in for another kiss.
Hands fisted into his hair as a well sculpted body was pressed flush against his own.
Clark groaned as he pulled away "We can't go there… Not here, not now"

A sigh reached his ears as the hands holding him disappeared.
"Coffee at the Talon? Saturday?"
"Sounds good" Clark said with a sunny smile
"We should really be getting back to the party…"
"Let's go then" came the reply as Clark's hand was taken hold off and he was dragged along.

-------

"Why have you been running Clark?" Clark heard before he again felt a familiar hand on his shoulder.
"Ollie…It's difficult to explain. It's just that Micah…"
"What about him?" Oliver asked when Clark didn't finish his sentence
"We have a history…" Clark said, still evasive
"And that history is so bad that you have to run from him?" Oliver asked incredulously
"It's not that…I just can't risk people overhearing and finding out…" Clark said.
"Then why don't you just talk to him in a quiet spot?" Oliver asked
"I was thinking of that actually…Where is he anyway?" Clark asked turning his head to look the gathered crowd over.
"He's with Jake and your mum" Oliver said as he slightly squeezed Clarks shoulder with the hand he had still resting there.
"Come on. Let's face the music" Oliver said teasingly as he moved his hand down Clark shoulders to rest it at the small of Clark's back.

They manoeuvred through the crowd, making apologies as people tried to start a conversation.

"Clark honey. Where have you been all evening?" Martha Kent asked as she moved in for a hug.
"You look fabulous today" Clark said with a smile, not answering his mother's question.
Clark stepped back from the embrace and then turned to Micah.
"Can I talk to you for a second?" He asked, surprising both his mother and Jake
"Sure" Micah said as he narrowed his eyes.

------

"I don't know if you remember but-"
"Kal. Right?" Micah interrupted before Clark could start the conversation.
"Yeah…That's what I wanted to talk about actually…" Clark said nervously running his hand through his hair.
"Look. If this is about the clubbing back then, my lips are sealed" Micah said as he leant back against the wall.
Clark sighed in relief at that.
"Even before tonight I figured it out Clark" Micah started "I do read the papers actually."
Clark smiled at that.
That year he spent in Metropolis he often had talks with Micah, discussing everything but the papers. He didn't want to be reminded of anything journalism related, and Micah always said he hated reading anyway.
"I thought you didn't like reading?" he asked teasingly
"I still don't. But about a year ago I saw this photo on the cover of a magazine. They claimed that the person was a Kansas farm boy and son of the senator. But I could've sworn it was an old friend. So I read the article…Who would've known that Kal was underage, had run away from home and was a straight-laced farmboy to boot?" Micah said smirking.
"Sorry I never told you…" Clark said with a sheepish grin
"I've forgotten about it already. Now let's get back to the party" Micah said pushing off the wall and disappearing into the crowd.

------

"You're really popular aren't you Mister Kent?" Clark heard a voice behind him ask.
He turned around to face a woman he had seen somewhere before.
"Suzan McKellen, reporter for the daily planet" she said holding out her hand.
"Pleased to meet you ma'am" Clark said taking her hand and smiling.
He saw her eyebrow twitch somewhat.
Good. He really didn't like that fact that reporters were all over him lately…
"What can I do for you?" he asked politely while giving Oliver a pleading look that clearly said 'rescue me!'
But Oliver was wrapped up in a conversation. So Clark was on his own with a future colleague.
"I was wondering. Who is your new…friend?" Suzan asked as she gestured towards Jake.
"We're in the same class. He asked if he could come along one day" Clark answered, not liking the way the reporter had asked the question.
"So he's just a classmate?"
"He's a friend of mine. But nothing more" Clark said, trying not to sound too defensive.
Susan smiled, scribbled something down on a pad and asked another question
"And your other friends? You and mister Queen seem quite close" she said with a gleam in her eyes.
Clark didn't like the direction this 'conversation' was taking
"Oliver and I have been friends since I got to know him"
"Really…What surprises me though…It's reported that you only had female friends until now. What made you seek out your current friends?"
Clark was beyond suspicious now. He was angry. How dare that woman barge in and ask questions like that. The daily planet wasn't a tabloid. But she surely made it look that way.
Clark was about to throw back a retort when an arm was slung over his shoulder
"Miss McKellen. Bothering people in Metropolis now too?"
"M-Mr. Wayne" she stuttered.
"I'm surprised you didn't give up reporting. I thought Gotham had taught you that your method isn't appreciated" Bruce said narrowing his eyes.
The reporter looked at him angrily, but backed down eventually.
She really couldn't afford getting into an argument with one of the world's most influential people in the middle of an upper class event.
"Sorry to have bothered you sir" she said to Clark, before turning and leaving.

"Mr Wayne. What a surprise"
"Please call me Bruce, Clark. And is it that surprising that I would be here?" Bruce asked as he took his arm off Clark's shoulder.
"I just thought you'd be in Gotham" Clark said glancing in the direction that the reporter disappeared to.
"I came back to metropolis yesterday…And you shouldn't be too concerned about her. I ran into her in Gotham a few times. She'll get fired soon enough" Bruce said dismissingly.
"Yeah well, she did have a point though. A lot of people have been asking the same questions. Including my mum" Clark said sighing.
"Why don't you introduce me to her? I'd like to meet her" Bruce said
"As long as you don't tell her about our 'extracurricular activities'" Clark said with a smile as he led Bruce towards one of the tables to the side.

------

Clark sat at the Talon, cup of coffee cradled in his hands.
"What are you smiling about?" he heard an amused voice ask.
"Lex hey" Clark greeted him, giving him one of his million watt smiles.
"Hey to you too" he replied sitting down opposite of Clark "So?"
"Ohw. I just heard my latest essay is going to be posted in the Daily" Clark explained, smile never leaving his face.
"So you're the ace student?" Lex asked amused "they were turned in without names attached"
"Read the article?"
"Voluntarily read about how wonderful a role model Oliver is?" Lex asked raising his eyebrows.
"Point taken" Clark said laughing.
"Can I get you some?" he asked as he stood up to get a refill of coffee.
"Double espresso. And tell them to put yours on my tab" Lex said taking off his coat
Clark gave him a warning look, but didn't argue. He wouldn't win from Lex when it came to arguing about money…
He waited for a brunette he didn't know to get him his coffees while his thoughts strayed off.
Was he really doing the right thing giving Lex another chance?
He wouldn't mind being friends again. But it seemed Lex wanted to go back to something else. He wanted to go back to being his lover.
But Clark didn't know if he was ready for that, would ever be for that matter.

He smiled his thanks to the girl and made his way back to the table in the corner by the stairs.
"Here you go" he said pushing the cup towards Lex's side of the table.
"Thanks" Lex said as he too, cradles the cup in his hands.
"Clark, about last week…"
Clark sighed.
"I know that you want me to give you another chance. And I'm happy to give you one. But just as a friend…" Clark said looking away.
Hurt flashed through Lex's carefully schooled features before it disappeared as quick as it came.
"I understand Clark. I know I've hurt you badly… I'm just glad you haven't given up on me" Lex added with a genuine smile.
"So, how's the company doing?" Clark asked switching subjects
"Oh no you don't mister reporter. No inside scoops for you" Lex said playfully
"A man can try can't he?"
"How is school doing?" Lex asked sitting back and relaxing into the sofa he sat on.
"Good actually. I really like the classes and well… you're about to post one of my articles" Clark said with a smile
"Maybe I should work with MetU more often…" Lex mused.
"So you aren't already?" Clark asked half surprised
"No. How so?"
"We have an interview scheduled during class on Monday." Clark began "The professor said she'd invited a local CEO for the interview. I Just figured it would be you"
Lex laughed "I'm hardly the only CEO in town anymore Clark. It could very well be Oliver."
Clark looked thoughtful at that. If that was the case, he'd have to come up with new questions.
"So, tell me a bit more about this upcoming interview" Lex prodded curiously
"Well you see, every other week the professor sets up an interview and the whole class gets to ask question. We have to write an article about it afterwards"
"Really? What is the name of your professor? I still have an empty spot to fill on the regional pages" Lex inquired, always looking for business opportunities.

Clark laughed and they fell into an easy conversation after that.

------

"Everyone here? Good. Then we can start"
Clark quickly sat down while still trying to fix his tie. He hated those things.
It was journalism practical though and the teacher had invited a guest they could interview and write about. They were all to talk to the guest personally. So they had to look their best.
"As you all know we once in a while invite a prominent figure in the current situation. Today we have a very special guest though. So please, don't waste his time" the professor said as she addressed the class.
"Since he's so busy, we'll be doing this by conference call. So if I call your name, come forward" she said gesturing to the camera set up at the front of the class.
"So why don't we start with the highest grade on the latest assignment? Mr Kent?"
Clark looked up surprised. He had the highest grade on that one too?
He mentally shrugged as he made his way to the front of the class.
"Who will we be interviewing?" Clark asked as he took place next to the professor.
"You'll see" the professor said with a smile as she made the call.

The call connected and the video appeared "Pleased to meet you professor. I- Clark?"

"Bruce?" Clark asked stunned, forgetting he was standing in front of the whole class.
"You're becoming a reporter?" Bruce asked raising an eyebrow. "Do I need to censor what I tell you from now on?" he asked teasingly, gaining a teasing glare in return.
The whole class just looked on in curiosity while the professor seemed slightly miffed.
"And here I thought I'd asked a billionaire you wouldn't know…" she muttered. But Clark heard.
"So, uhm… Professor?" Clark asked gaining his attention.
"Mr Wayne was informed of the assignment?" Clark asked gesturing to the screen.
"Yes, yes. Go ahead Mister Kent" the professor said taking a seat and pulling out a notepad.

"So mister Wayne, a lot of people are wondering what brings you to this wonderful city. What exactly brought you here?" Clark asked turning serious.
"Well, Wayne industries had grown quite a lot in the past year. We've completely rebuilt the narrows, the central island of the city. To do so we developed several new technologies in different fields. So we've brought these developments to several new countries, opened new factories and research facilities. The thing is, that Metropolis is the centre of the business I operate in. Not to mention my few competitors are situated here." Bruce explained leaning back in his leather chair.
"So it's a strategic decision" Clark summed up
"Correct"
"So what are the fields you have expanded in?" he asked for details.
"We've expanded the existing transportation division, the monorails we use in Gotham for example. We've also added medical divisions, since we don't want the fiasco of the past year to repeat itself. We still mainly focus on transportation though, but we're doing research in all kinds of fields now. Mostly to see what we can use in the future"
"So you've moved headquarters here? Or is metropolis just another office?" Clark asked, curious about this himself.
"I'm planning on staying for while at least, the Manor is still being rebuilt. The office here is equipped to function as headquarters. Though Metropolis doesn't hold as much memories as Gotham does." Bruce said.
"You say Gotham is different. But there are several similarities between the two cities. What about crime for example? Gotham has been a victim for a while now. What do you think about Metropolis?" Clark asked changing the topic
"Metropolis is ok. It's certainly safer to walk the streets here. Though there is one neighbourhood you don't want to cross at night… Metropolis has the crime centralised in one point. Better then hidden throughout the city I guess…" Bruce mused.
"You haven't been here that long yet. But I'm sure you've heard of our city's own vigilantes. What do you think of that?" Clark asked threading dangerous waters. Businessmen didn't do open politics.
Surprisingly enough Bruce answered his question without avoiding the issue.
"You are right that I haven't been here long. But I have heard of this 'Green Arrow'. I don't know what to think of him frankly. Even back in Gotham, I don't know what to think of Batman. And he's been around for quite some time… We never know what people like them are thinking…So I wouldn't know what to think of either of them really." Bruce shrugged, giving a perfect answer for his persona. Though Clark knew better.
Clark gave him a small smile and continued.

"So other than business. How are you doing? ……

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"I can't believe the questions you asked" Jake said as he fell into stride nest to his roommate.
"They weren't questions that we've been taught to ask. But I thought it safe in this case" Clark said as they rounded a corner.
"So how do you know him anyway?" Jake asked latching onto his arm.
"I've met him through Ollie" Clark said suddenly coming to a stop.
"Oliver Queen?" Jake asked "Why did you stop?"
Clark ignored him and looked down the hallway.
"What are those reporters doing here?" he asked as he spotted people with press passes.
"Looking for you maybe" Jake said jokingly.
"Come on. It's your turn to but me coffee. And to explain how you know all there rich people" he said teasingly tugging at Clark's arm.
Clark sighed theatrically but smiled at the same time.
"Sure. But we need to start on the rapport too. I still need to dig up some facts if I want to write a good article on Bruce"
They made their way to a coffee shop just around the corner of the university.
"Didn't you get enough out of the interview?" Jake asked surprised
"Recent facts yes. But to create an image of him I need some more information" Clark said picking out a booth.
"Just know that I'm competing this time" Jake said with a grin "I heard the professor is going to publish the best article in the daily"
"You're kidding" Clark said surprised Lex had actually approached his professor.
"Nope. Espresso or regular coffee?" he asked nicking Clark's wallet.
"Regular. And get me a cinnamon roll too" Clark said with a sigh.

-------

"Clark hey. Could I ask you a few questions?"
"Lois? What questions" Clark asked surprised as Lois sat down at their booth.
"You really aren't well-read are you?" Lois asked smiling as she pulled the morning paper out of her bag.
Turning a few pages she folded the paper there and laid it in front of Clark
"'Billionaire boy'" the title read. "'Clark Kent, innocent farmboy? Or billionaire plaything?' What the hell?!"
Lois made herself comfortable while grinning at the brunet
"Three billionaires and a farmboy. People want to know why" she said matter of factly
"So these questions you want to ask…" Clark began, dreading the answer
"An interview. Answering the questions everyone has" Lois said with a smile
"No"
What? But Smallville-"
"No. I'm not giving an interview about something as stupid as this, Lois" Clark said getting agitated.
Smallville, if you don't provide us with an interview, the gossip columns will start to speculate" Lois warned him.
"Like anyone takes them seriously." Clark muttered darkly "No Lois, I'm not gonna do it" he said crossing his arms and turning to look where Jake had gone.
"Suit yourself Smallville. But I'll be doing my own research. We'll see what I find" with that Lois got up and stalked off.

As on queue, Jake showed up with the coffee.
"Who was that?" he asked as he sat down where Lois had just been seated.
"Lois Lane. Chloe's cousin" Clark said, temper not yet dissipated.
"What did she want?" Jake asked pushing one of the cups to Clark's side of the table.
"An interview. About why I know Lex, Ollie and Bruce" Clark said with a sigh picking up the cinnamon roll
"So she's caught on huh…I guess those reporters at MetU really were there for you" Jake said teasingly
Clark just groaned "Can't anything be normal for once?"
"You'll survive Clark. They'll move on quickly enough" Jake said taking a sip of his own coffee.
"Let's just hope Ollie or Bruce doesn't make it any worse…" Clark said sighing, not knowing he just jinxed the situation.

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A bit shorter than the previous chapters, but I know some of you have been dying for something new to read. Sorry it took me so long ^^"
Please let me know what you think of this chapter :D

regards form a still caffeine-addicted authoress,

Sssssnake