*Chapter Ten*

POV: Clark Kent

"Where are you going hot stuff?" I paused in my tracks. I slowly turned to find Lana Lang rushing to catch up to me. "I was going to work?" Lana grinned. "Not any more farm boy." She grabbed my arm and pulled me in the other direction. "I told Jimmy Olsen we needed to have a word." Lana said as we walked. I looked away. "Jimmy told that to Superman and not Clark Kent." Lana groaned. "Clark, this isn't the time to be a smart aleck. I really need to talk to you."

She had a determined bounce to her step. "Okay Lana. What's the all-important news?" I crossed my fingers that it didn't involve her mysterious new boyfriend. "Like I said on one of my many unanswered voice mails, I've been doing research at my boyfriend's lab, and he used his connection to get me the plane."

I raised an eyebrow. "And then?" She paused for a second. "There was a vast amount of kryptonite on it." I stopped walking as well. "What kind of kryptonite?" Lana anxiously twirled a strand of flaming hair. "Remember when we used to live in Smallville?" She asked.

I looked at her strangely. "Of course I do Lana. That was my childhood home." Lana nodded. "Well, we encountered a few different types of kryptonite, but one always had a different effect on you." The pieces clicked together. "Let me guess, red kryptonite?" Lana gave a small smile. "That's exactly it. I'm sure that if I got my hands on the clothes that Lois was wearing that day we would find it highly prominent there."

We started walking again. "So, what does red kryptonite has to do with anything?" Lana pulled out her phone and began to dial. "That's what we're going to find out." She said as she raised the receiver to her face. "Hello." She said crisply. "We're in front of the Daily Planet and ready for pickup." Lana paused. "Thank you."

She clicked her phone shut. "Who was that?" I asked politely. Lana clicked her tongue. "Clark Kent, didn't your Ma ever tell you not to dig in other people's business?" I was half tempted to strangle her. "Lana. You said we, and as I'm the only one with you, I assume you means you and I. Now, would you like to tell me what we are doing?"

Lana laughed. "Stay calm superhero." She chuckled. "My boyfriend's driver is coming to pick us up to take us to the research facility where the plane is being stored." My spirits sagged at the mention of Lana's boyfriend. "You're boyfriend?" I asked flatly. Lana as least had the decency to look embarrassed. "About that Clark..." She laid a hand on my arm. I looked down at it and she awkwardly removed it. "Who is it Lana?" I asked with a forced calm.

Lana pinched her nose. "We met when I was in Paris. It was a chance meeting really. He used his, ahem, resources to help me score my fashion deal. There was just a connection."

I wished I could do more than watch her heart beat; I wanted to read her mind. A sleek, black Mercedes Benz rolled up to the curb. An elderly man jumped out of the car and opened the door for us. I allowed Lana to slide in before I followed suit. It was a beautiful car, but one thing really stuck out to me.

"Lana." I said tightly. "Why is this car covered with the Lex Corp symbol?" Lana sighed. "Now you know who my boyfriend is." I angrily hit the car door, leaving a hand shaped dent. Lana cringed. "Out of everyone you picked him?" I growled. Lana looked sick. "I'm sorry Clark. I love him, I really do." I stared out the window, watching Metropolis speed by.

"I get it Lana. But one day, you're going to see just how Luthor is, and you're going to remember that I warned you." Lana put a soft hand on my lap. "I know Clark, and I know you care. But I want to help you, and Luthor is the key." I nodded as my pulse went back to normal. "But wouldn't it be suspicious if Clark Kent began meddling in Superman affairs?"

Lana smiled, the moment temporarily lightened. "Yes. So, Lex is out of town so there's no reason for Lex to get worried. But if questions are asked, then I'll just say I brought you down so you can do an article for the Daily Planet." I grimaced. "I don't know Lana, I just don't like it."

Lana sighed and ran a hand over her perfect hair. "I figured Clark. But it's really the only option." I took a second to think. "Lex Luthor is a criminal, and if I accept health from him, then am I any better as a person?"

Lana's eyes were smoldering silently. "Lex is not a criminal." She spat. "And if you do not won't Lex's help, then don't take the offer. No one is forcing you to anyways." My cheeks reddened. "I'm so sorry Lana. I will do my best to support you and Lex, and I appreciate your help." Lana sighed and looked at me from the corner of her eye. "I hate you farm boy. Is there any way to stay mad at you?" I smiled, relieved at Lana's unspoken forgiveness. "No one's found a way to yet." I teased.

Lana opened her mouth to answer but suddenly closed it. I followed her glance out the window. The sleek car was rolling passed the LexCorp gate and logo. "We're here." I pointed out. Lana was pale and tight lipped. "What's wrong?" I asked. Lana shook her head as if waking up from a dream. "It is honestly nothing." She lied. I looked at her, watching her abnormal heart beat. "You're fibbing Lana." Lana nodded. "I am. Clark, Lex is gone, but what about Lionel?" I thought for a second. Lionel Luthor was Lex's father, and even worse than Lex. He was like a snake, with cold grey eyes that never seemed to blink and a sleek suit always pressed and in place. "Lionel's here?" Lana fidgeted in worry. "I don't know Clark, that's the thing." I nodded. "It'll be fine Lana. We'll work it out; I mean I am the Man of Steel."

Lana smiled as the car pulled in front of the titanium steel doors and the chauffer opened up the door. "We have arrived." He announced stiffly. Lana gave a gracious smile and offered the driver her hand for a moment. "Thanks again Basil." The old man simply tipped his hat. "Anytime or anywhere Miss Lang, just give me a ring." I climbed out of the car and looked at the gleaming building in front of me. Lana turned and looked at me determinedly. "Ready?" She asked. I sighed inwardly. "Ready."

Without another word Lana and I pushed into the shining world of Lex Luthor.