Chapter 12 [25,000 Feet over the Great Lakes—That Afternoon]

Clark sipped on his coffee. Anxiety over the plane's height above the waters below led him to shut the window cover. Disbelief at his arm's lack of scarring brewed questions in his mind. He wondered how he'd arrived in Upstate New York to get treated for that matter much less get help.

Across the aisle, an auburn haired slightly overweight woman sat with Dubois. She rubbed her companion's arm She talked with him about several wide ranging topics. Occasionally she offer the other a reassuring smile to calm the mood.

Clark rubbed his forehead. After Arighatto's attack, everything seemed hazy. He did recall a snarling noise akin to an angry dog or wolf before the loud piercing shriek in his last conscious seconds. What was that? He peered at the couple. What's inside of him anyhow? Concern chilled him. He remembered how Byron could change on a dime. Is he like that? The question of her healing touch bothered him too. Even if she glowed with a violet light, it seemed warm and soothing rather than the burning pain. And that was on top of Arighatto's capabilities. How did he react to my speed and then gash me like that? What is that sword? It wasn't from meteor rock. So how did he do it? Clark flexed his left hand. Even if it looked perfect, he knew such healing would come with a cost. He'd have to deal with his parents and Lana.

Lana….

He grimaced. For the first time in two days, he remembered that situation with his barista supreme. What do I tell Lana? Mom and Dad are going to freak out! He stared at the ceiling. Why did that happen? I've never even floated an inch much less up to the ceiling before. He recalled the recent incident over his heat vision. Can't I even be trusted to deal with things? Great.

"Tension's not good, Clark. Relax." Lex sat down next to him. "You all righr?"

Clark sighed. "I feel better, Lex. I just have so many questions. I appreciate the ride back. You shouldn't have had to come up to Albany though for me." Lament and Frustration blushed across his face.

Lex shrugged. "I wanted to check on the Albany plant. Besides we're friends, right? It's okay. Despite what some people think, it is all right to pitch in for your friends." He coughed.

Clark let that reference to Jonathan go preferring to say nothing.

"How's the coffee?" Lex motioned toward Clark's mug sensing the need to change the subject.

Clark considered the mug. The coffee stood out from the usual Columbian fare from the Talon or mansion. "It's really intense. Chloe would love this."

Lex nodded. "She does actually. Jasmine brought that blend with her. It's an Indonesian blend. I think Chloe talked her into doing a guest piece for the Torch."

"It's different." Clark sipped more from his mug.

"Variety is the spice of life, Clark. Remember that," Lex quipped. "Want more or you good?"

Clark raised an eyebrow. He still wasn't used to Lex volunteering to serve him (maybe because of Jonathan's constant reminders/nagging about the billionaire). "I'll take a half cup. Thanks, Lex."

"Mom and Dave would tell me to serve ahead. Makes for a better world. Your Dad would say the same, I'm sure." Lex took the mug and walked toward the brewing pot.

Wonder what Dad would think of Lex saying that? Clark imagined Jonathan nodding but still not allowing Lex the moment or trust that came with it. He watched as his friend filled his mug and another from the brewing pot. Then he saw Lex talk with the Duboises. Definitely different. He nodded. Something to be said about that.

"You're going to hurt your brain brooding like that," Lex jabbed. "It's okay. Here. Warm variety spice on tap." He returned the mug to Clark with some sugar packets and a spoon on the side. "That's the way you like it."

"Yeah it is." Clark relaxed. He grinned. "Thanks. Jasmine is offering a lot."

"She does indeed. Still she'd say we all offer something in our own way. It was your idea that set this all in motion," Lex noted.

"Lex, I was just trying to figure out something to make Lana feel better on her birthday. I made a comment. That's it," Clark deflected. "You all went gangbusters on it."

"Byron might say it was like a spark hitting Potential's dried leaves or something to that effect. Timing, Clark. One act or suggestion can push a person, group or place to better things." The Smirk spread even more across his face. "You do that more than you think. Besides Lana's happy. You're back in good graces with her."

"I can hope." Clark frowned before stifling the lament with a coffee draught. The reference to Lana ached in his heart. "Before Mr. Arighatto broke in, she wasn't exactly happy."

Lex rolled his eyes. "Clark, I saw her when she left the Talon for your place. Trust me. You're imagining things."

I wish. Clark gulped down another caffeinated draught. I wish I could just tell her. I wish I knew she'd be okay with it. He shook that notion off. Then he motioned across the aisle. "You've known him for a long time?"

Lex nodded. He recognized the deflection. Still he wasn't about to push his friend at that point. "Since I was a toddler. Why? What's going on?"

"So well….you mentioned his issues." Clark exhaled sharply. He summoned up his nerve to ask the next question. "Is he like Byron?"

Lex frowned. "If you wondering if Dave has his issues like Byron, yeah he is. He was exposed to a toxic situation. He reacted badly to it. It split his personality. At least in that regard, it's a fair question. Was the source the same. Not even close." He grimaced. "It's also not the first time the Child has saved Lana and you by the way."

"The Child?" Clark squirmed. He glanced again at Dubois whose eyes met his. Then he averted his eyes.

"Careful, Clark." Lex sipped on his coffee. "Dave's an empath. He can feel your fear and distrust. That's not the wisest thing in his case."

"Sorry, Lex. It's kind of a lot to take in." Clark sucked in a deep breath. "So he's like two people in there?"

"Precisely, Clark. There's the man you see over there. Dave's a good man, husband and father. He's like a brother to me. He cares about the users in his library. And then there's his alter ego. All dark and nasty." He shuddered. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Dubois' eye give off a slight glint.

The woman shook her head at them.

"Great. Now he's annoyed." Lex sucked in a breath. "He does have his reasons, Clark. His childhood and teenage years were like a horror movie. Dad inflicted a malicious witch's ghost and her demon coven on him. Just one of the perks of the land Dad sold to his father." He coughed again. "Just one of the ways my Dad just keeps on giving. Now my Mom on the other hand and Dave were close. He still calls her 'Auntie'."

"So he doesn't like your Dad," Clark presumed.

Lex nodded. "That is a gross understatement. They hate each other. More than likely, they'll stay on their ends of the mansion. Angie and he will go to see your folks. He'll want to see the Talon. Then I'll take them to see Lana's parents and to Metro to visit Mom. Otherwise we'll do poetry and catch up." He drank another draught from the mug. "I'm hoping your folks will pitch in. They were close back in the day too."

"Mom and Dad will help. And then there's Miranda. After everything, I'd love to see them have a great reunion," Clark agreed.

"That will be worth watching in itself. Jasmine and I are working on a celebration idea. Should be great," Lex declared.

Clark considered the couple again. Then he turned back to Lex. "And you said we've met? I don't know them."

"You met them right after the meteor shower," Lex replied.

Clark nodded. He wondered how Smallville would react to Dubois' return. Questions perked through his mind.

Seemed that more concerns were there….