Hi everyone how's it going?

Following their confessions to Clark and Lois, we'll now get to see Jonathan and Candice's confessions to their principal and the resolution of their X-K situation.

Disclaimer: I don't own "Superman and Lois".

Setting: Smallville

Location: Smallville High

Jon and Candice were currently seated inside of Principal Balcomb's office the following afternoon. Clark having arranged everything as promised and by making a phone call to the school the day after Candice had agreed to retire for the evening at his home. To which Balcomb had agreed to an appointment with the youths at 2:00 p.m. following school's conclusion for the day.

Clark himself along with Lois had also accompanied their son and the latter's girlfriend. The 2 of them in the office with the younger couple.

Lucy was present as well. Her purpose being to provide moral support for the teenaged young adults.

Very soon Balcomb had finally arrived. The head of school security following behind her. After which she sat upon her seat behind her desk while the security chief positioned himself behind her and towards her left.

"Now that we're all present," she began seriously before moving right to the point. "I here there's something of significant importance you'd like to reveal to me?"

Jon nodded in response.

"Yes ma'am, there is. But first I'd like to apologize once more. I'm truly sorry to you, the school, and its football team for my actions with the X-K. I was wrong to have allowed myself to be involved in something like that," he apologized to her for the second time while bowing his head in shame. "It's not how my parents raised me, I was behaving foolishly and crossed a line. It in turn resulting in the team's upcoming game being cancelled. Which is entirely my fault."

He then lifted up his head and faced her once more.

"However there's something I would like to clarify. Which I should've done the moment you caught me with that stuff. You see, and while I'm responsible for my actions in consuming it, I was actually not the one distributing it," he further stated and respectfully insisted. "Despite what everyone thought in regards to that and my allowing you guys to do so, I swear I wasn't the actual dealer. That's one line I did not cross. I did know who it was and have been covering for them the entire time.

"I believed I was doing the right thing for them the entire time and due to a major situation they've been going through. But thankfully someone very recently managed to open my eyes as to why my actions were actually wrong. And not just myself but also the dealer. Thankfully knocking some sense into us. And that's why I'm ready to own up to my actions and do the right thing."

Lucy then spoke up.

"Hi there. I'm Lucy Lane. Jon's aunt and Lois's sister. And it would be me who, as my nephew put it, knocked some sense into him and the individual he was covering for," she addressed the principal with a friendly smile then revealed. "I'd also like to share that I believe he's truly sorry and repentant for his actions and involvement in this situation. And not just him but the actual dealer. And while we will all respect your final decision regarding them, I do request please that you take what I've just said into account. If you also believe their remorse is genuine that is," she stated then implored the other woman who nodded in response. Her lips pursed.

"Thank you Miss Lane. And I promise I will take that into account," she assured the younger Lane. After which she returned her attention to Jon.

"First I'd like to say how much I greatly appreciate you for finally deciding to come forward and in order to do what you know is right. You're one of my top academical performers and a model student. Not just in regards to your grades and your previous performance on the football field but your overall behavior and conduct. All of which was a tremendous asset to this school," she commended him then revealed. "Therefore but catching you with that stuff and to hear you'd been using wasn't something I'd expect from you. And it left me extremely upset and disappointed. Not to mention more so when you claimed you were the dealer."

"To hear however that you were not the dealer is a tremendous relief to me. And while it doesn't completely remove you from the hook it's nevertheless no small comfort that your actions were not worse than what they already were.

"Having said all of that, you say you wish to inform me as to the actual dealer's identity?" she then questioned him before waiting patiently though expectantly.

Jon nodded once more. And turning towards his parents, aunt, and girlfriend and after receiving encouraging nods from them all, swallowed then continued.

"That's correct ma'am. It was someone I care for very deeply. Someone who means a whole lot to me. Someone I actually love," he confirmed then emotionally explained. Followed by turning his head towards Candice while the principal in turn followed his line of sight. Her eyes slightly widening while the 15 year old young woman responded by sitting up and nodding. The latter's heart fluttering upon hearing her boyfriend reaffirm his feelings for her.

"It's true. I'm the dealer and have been this entire time," she also confirmed then continued. Feeling just as emotional as Jon was. "I'd also like to apologize to you and to our entire school for my actions. What I did was unacceptable and especially since it gave our team an unfair advantage on the field. I could've chosen a different way to earn money but instead I chose a really bad one. I'll accept whatever punishment you see fit to impose upon me and once more I'm really sorry. Plus I'm deeply sorry for getting Jon in trouble as well. I also love him and would've never wanted his life to be ruined because of me."

Balcomb took a deep breath in response then released a sigh.

"I honestly cannot believe what I'm hearing," she responded in wonderment. "While I won't deny I've noticed you stepping out with the wrong crowd and it was something I'd been meaning to address with you, you were still a fine student and with solid grades. And almost as well behaved as Jon. I have to say I'm greatly disappointed in you."

Candice listened to her principal's words while staring downwards in shame. Especially following the last sentence.

Balcomb wasn't finished however. And following a few moments of silence she continued.

"Nevertheless I'm tremendously proud of you for also coming forward and accepting responsibility for your actions," she smiled gently at Candice. "And just like Jon but I can also clearly see your sincerity and can tell you're just as remorseful and repentant."

Her expression then transitioned into a more serious one.

"However I'd really like to know what possessed the 2 of you to allow yourselves to get involved in this situation. Especially you Jon. What were you guys even thinking?" she questioned them and with a hint of frustration within her tone. Shaking her head in perplexity.

Jon and Candice exchanged guilty expressions while nervously shifting their bodies. But then at that moment they each felt a gentle hand resting upon their respective shoulders and looking upwards saw that it was Lucy. The former's aunt warmly smiling at them.

"It's alright you guys. Just tell the truth and everything will be fine okay?" she assured then encouraged them. The 2 of them nodding in response and feeling comforted by her words and gesture.

Afterwards they returned their attention towards their principal and Candice began first.

"The truth is that my dad has been suffering from some health problems. Primarily related to his heart. But we've been unable to afford the pertaining bills in addition to being practically broke. Plus we've been moving from place to place a lot and we need stability," she sorrowfully explained. "We desperately needed some form of income and I'd been greatly worried about my father's health. Not wanting his health to deteriorate if we ran out of funds to provide the appropriate care. Plus I'm not 16 yet and therefore cannot secure proper employment for myself.

"One day, about 4 months ago, I was approached by a young neighbor of ours named Mikey Jeroh. Him offering me the opportunity to make some quick cash. Followed by him recruiting me to be involved in the X-K operations. Having me sell it to whoever would be interested, that being this school's football team as you know, while he'd receive a portion of my earnings and I'm allowed to keep the rest.

"It isn't just the 2 of us. And while I don't know the full extent of the operation I am aware that he works for some very dangerous criminals. Maybe some sort of network or something. I don't know. But Mikey received the drugs from them and then I received them from him and distributed it to the football team."

The poor principal shook her head in disbelief. Candice's confession and information definitely changing things. She could not have imagined the full gravity of the X-K situation. That it was beyond simple doping in sports and possibly connected to a major criminal network. I mean things like this did not even transpire in their pleasant and quiet little town.

A grave expression had also emerged upon her face at the mention of Mikey Jeroh. A young man whose reputation she was regrettably more than aware of.

After she'd taken a few moments to properly absorb what she'd just been informed of, Jon spoke up next and shared his story.

"As for my own involvement and participation, I'd shared this with my parents but my reason was that following the mess Unc, I mean Mr. Edge brought upon our town I just wanted to begin the football season on a high note. My way of attempting to put the chaos he'd unleashed behind me," he explained and quickly stopping himself from revealing his connection to the rogue Kryptonian. Being careful not to jeopardize any family secrets. "Plus Timmy Ryan, the guy who was caught taking the X-K before me, was rubbing his use of it in my face and it angered me. Then when he told me about Candice being the dealer I'd confronted her and she'd confirmed it while explaining her situation to me."

"As a result and due to my wrongfully believing that I would achieve greatness with power, foolishly believing I should follow Timmy's lead so I wouldn't feel one upped by him, and also wanting to assist in my girlfriend's predicament because of how much she means to me, I decided to also start using the X-K.

"My brother however knocked some sense into me sometime later when he learned about it. Causing me to realize that I was on the wrong path. And I was going to quit I swear I was. But when you caught me with the bag of X-K I'd decided to cover for Candice by claiming that I was the dealer. Due to her situation and all and because of the love I have for her. I mistakenly believed I was doing something noble by jeopardizing my education and sacrificing my reputation and possibly my whole life so that hers wouldn't be ruined."

Jon paused for a moment, shaking his head in self depreciation. Then continued.

"Aunt Lucy would however open my eyes as we'd previously mentioned and thankfully managed to convince me that my actions were not beneficial and would instead ruin us both in the long term. That our actions were actually bringing harm towards each other. Even if we didn't realize it yet. Her words enabling me to see reason and after a discussion with Candice we mutually agreed to come clean regarding everything. First with my parents and then with you ma'am.

"Once more I truly am sorry for the X-K, for mine and hers involvement with it, and for the trouble I brought to our school by causing its football season to be cancelled. And whatever you decide to do with me I promise I'll abide by it."

"It was also my own conversation with Miss Lane that enabled me to fully realize the wrongness of my actions in dealing the X-K to the team and the downward path it was taking me on. Like she'd said earlier," Candice spoke up and added immediately afterwards. "It in turn motivating me to come forward as well. And once more I'm so very sorry. For everything."

Balcomb calmly and patiently listened to the explanations of the emotional and apologetic teens before her. Once they'd concluded she'd then taken a moment to absorb everything they'd shared with her. After which she addressed them both once more.

"I'd like to thank you both for your honesty and candor. And I completely understand why the two of you made the decisions you did and especially in regards to you Candice. For it's clear to me that you felt you were in an impossible and desperate situation. Thereby going down the path you chose and because you wanted to be a good daughter," she said to them then directly spoke to her female student. Sympathy and compassion written upon her face. "And all I can is that I'm very sorry about those circumstances you'd found yourself in while believing it was your only solution. Not to mention it wasn't a situation you should've burdened yourself with and especially at your age."

"Nevertheless but if you'd only informed someone regarding your predicament I'm certain steps would've been taken to rectify it. You could've even come to me and I would've helped you Candice. And I'm still willing to do just that if you'll let me. Being a dealer was not your only option and I hope you now realize that."

Candice nodded.

"I do. And you're absolutely right. That's also something Mr. and Mrs. Kent pointed out. Not only that but they and Miss Lane have also promised to assist in resolving my situation," she acknowledged and agreed. Then informed her principal of the offers from her boyfriend's parents and aunt. "In addition but if there's any way I can also make things up to you and the school for my actions I will do so," she then readily offered while meaning it.

"That's good to hear on both your desire to atone for your actions and the kindness your boyfriend's family are extending to you. And I hope you realize how blessed you are in regards to the latter," the principal responded with an approving smile then pointed out to which Candice nodded once more. After which she turned towards Jon.

"As for you, we both agree that what you did was wrong. And I'm proud of you for acknowledging that. But I also want you to know I understand you're human just like anyone else and therefore susceptible to making bad judgments and poor decisions. Some more severe than others and regardless of the reasons. And I definitely understand you wanting to help your girlfriend and especially considering what she's currently going through. And why you'd think covering for her was noble in some way. It of course doesn't make your actions morally acceptable. But they do make you human like anyone else.

"On the subject of the football season, the blame for its cancellation doesn't entirely fall upon you. Considering the other students who were using X-K and especially since it's obvious this was transpiring within our school long before you allowed yourself to get involved. And at the end of the day but there's clearly a lot of blame to go around pertaining to this mess so please don't feel as though it's entirely your fault. Only hold yourself accountable for your own personal wrongs and don't shoulder the blame for the wrongs of others."

Jon nodded in acquiescence towards his principal's words. In addition to feeling relief that she did not rest the entire weight of the football season's cancellation upon him.

She then continued and directed her next words towards both himself and Candice.

"Having said that, there may be a way for the cancellation to be reversed and that lies in the hands of the 2 of you. Especially you Candice and it can serve as your first and primary step towards rectifying your actions. And that's by providing me with the names of all of the young men who were using X-K besides yourself Jon and of course Timmy. Are you guys willing to do that?"

The young couple turned their heads towards each other in response and after sharing a nod turned back towards their principal and readily agreed. Followed up by Candice providing the names of all those she'd sold X-K to. Along with Jon confirming everything based upon what he'd observed of its usage amongst his former teammates.

Balcomb meanwhile listened carefully while using a pad and pen to write down the offenders names.

Lucy also spoke up and revealed herself as a D.O.D. member. Informing the principal that she, Lois, and their father would be investigating the criminal network behind the X-K distribution. To which the latter woman expressed her gratitude. She then once more addressed her 2 formerly wayward and now repentant students.

"With this info you've given to me, you both may have just managed to save the football season after all. And that's something I'm incredibly grateful for. And the others who were using will be dealt with appropriately by both myself and Coach Gaines. In addition to my informing their parents of their activities," she stated and expressed her gratitude and immediate plans for the other offenders. After which she laid down how things would unfold for Jon and Candice moving forward. Starting with Jon.

"Since you have come forward and revealed who the X-K dealer was, have displayed genuine repentance towards your part in this matter, and potentially helped preserve this season's football games, I will lift your expulsion and permit you to return to school alongside the rest of your peers. Welcome back Jon," she said to him and smiled with the last sentence.

The young man in response nodded gratefully.

"However," she added. Her face becoming serious once more. "Due to your actions with the X-K I'm sorry to say that you won't be permitted to rejoin the team. And the same will go for the other members who were using. Though I still believe you're a well rounded young man at heart and therefore but I can only hope you will use the lessons and consequences learned here to guide your future choices. And in turn prevent yourself from doing anything like this ever again. Can you promise me that?"

"I promise. And I will never again participate in anything similar or any other kind of cheating," he replied and promised with conviction. Though naturally disappointed by his removal from the team yet also understanding it. Aware it was the result of his own poor decisions. "I've learned my lesson and none of that is something I will ever get myself involved in. You don't have to worry," he further assured her.

Balcomb nodded in satisfaction. Then rendered her judgement upon Candice.

"Since you've joined Jon here in coming forward, held yourself accountable and also showed true remorse, and along with Jon have saved our football season, and not to mention the circumstances behind your actions, I won't be expelling you. But you will be suspended for 2 and a half weeks and will be removed from your position as captain of the cheerleading squad. Along with your removal from the squad altogether.

"However I also believe you should be allowed to continue your education. Therefore I'm going to provide you with the same option I gave to Jon. That you can also take online classes with our school and which will continue until the conclusion of your suspension. Provided you complete your given assignments and turn them in on time. Do we have a deal?"

Candice nodded quickly.

"Yes ma'am we do," she readily accepted the former's terms. Disappointed she was no longer in the cheer squad yet relieved she was not being expelled or receiving an extended suspension. "And thank you so much for not kicking me out. And while I'll greatly miss cheerleading I'm still thankful and I promise I won't let you or myself down ever again."

"Happy to hear it," the principal smiled in approval.

The room's occupants then discussed a few other pertaining matters. During which the subject of Candice's father possibly being a criminal came up. Along with the older adults within the Lane-Kent family's plans to investigate that as well which Balcomb had also appreciated. The latter feeling even more sorry for Candice if it turned out to be the case while everyone were in agreement that she was not residing in a positive home environment.

Pretty soon afterwards the meeting with her drew to a conclusion and they all shook hands. Principal Balcomb also expressing her gratitude towards Lucy for reasoning with the latter's nephew and his girlfriend. The Lane-Kent family with Candice then exited the former's office before exiting the school building.

"I am so proud of you both," Lucy warmly expressed to Jon and Candice while wrapping her arms around their shoulders. Smiling proudly towards them both.

"Thanks Aunt Lucy," and "Thank you Miss Lane," were respectively heard from them as they acknowledged her while returning her smile.

"We're also deeply proud of the 2 of you," Clark also expressed to the teens while Lois nodded in agreement. The 2 of them also smiling with approval. "And you must always remember that no matter what you do, whatever wrongs you commit, or mistakes you make, that it's never too late to do the right thing."

"Don't worry we will," Candice promised after which was heard a "definitely," from Jon. Followed by the 3 older adults responding with nods of satisfaction.

The teens along with Jon's parents then entered their vehicle while Lucy entered her own vehicle and followed behind them as they returned to the Kent Farm where Jordan, who'd opted to return home after school had concluded for the day and with his parents permission, was waiting for all of them. Questioning them as to what had transpired once his family and Candice had returned and disembarked from their respective vehicles. To which they answered by sharing what went down along with the principal's final ruling.

Jordan in response provided his sympathies towards his brother and the latter's girlfriend over the loss of their sports positions in school. But they however waved it off and assured him that while they were disappointed it wasn't the end of the world.

Everyone then headed to the house while continuing to converse with one another. Jon and Candice on their parts glad to finally be putting this X-Kryptonite mess behind them.

End Of Arc I

A/N I hope you all enjoyed. And now that the X-K arc of this fic has concluded, the next chapter will serve as a transition to the following arc. Said arc exploring Candice and Jon's journeys towards their ultimate destinies as champions.

Until next time, have a very good day.