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Chapter 13: Walking Lana to Her Hotel*

Clark and Lana walked side by side down the quiet street, the cool night air settling around them. Clark, his hands tucked into his pockets, glanced at the ground as they walked, letting Lana lead the conversation. The air between them felt different—familiar yet distant.

Lana broke the silence first, her voice soft but carrying an undercurrent of emotion. "It was a nice night, wasn't it? Seeing everyone, seeing how the Justice League is really coming together… it's something to be proud of." She paused before adding with a small smile, "I'm proud of you, Clark."

Clark's lips twitched into a faint smile as he looked over at her. "Thanks, Lana. It's… it's been a journey, you know? But it feels like everything's starting to make sense for me now. I've learned a lot, especially through my training with Jor-El. I've come to understand the importance of having roots. Building a life here, in Metropolis, with the League. That's where my focus is now."

Lana nodded, her eyes on him as they continued walking. "You've always been meant for something bigger. It's good to see you accepting that role. I remember back in Smallville, you were always unsure about your place in the world, but now… you've grown so much."

Clark nodded, feeling the weight of her words. His mind wandered back to Smallville, to all the memories they had shared, the confusion, the heartache. It was strange, walking with her now after all this time, knowing that part of his life was behind him.

As they walked, the conversation shifted again, and Lana's tone turned lighter. "Can you believe Chloe is getting married? And to a billionaire, no less?" she said with a laugh. "I always thought that if any of us were getting married first, it would be you and me."

Clark chuckled softly, but the sentiment behind her words didn't go unnoticed. He slowed his pace slightly, realizing the moment had come to address something they'd both been avoiding.

"Yeah, Chloe getting married… it's hard to believe sometimes," he began, choosing his words carefully. "But, Lana, I think that's a part of life, you know? We grow, we move forward, and our relationships change. I've had a lot of time to think about that. And I want you to know something… what we had, it was special. Our first love… it never dies. But it doesn't mean there's still a romantic story for us."

Lana's steps faltered for a moment, and she swallowed hard, her face unreadable. Clark continued, his voice calm but firm. "We haven't seen each other in two years, and I've… I've moved on. I don't want to confuse you or lead you on. I've met someone. I'm seeing someone now."

Lana stopped walking altogether, and Clark turned to face her, watching as she struggled to process his words. Her eyes flickered with a mix of emotions, and she swallowed hard again before speaking, her voice tight. "You've moved on? Just like that?"

"It wasn't just like that," Clark replied gently. "It took time. But I've realized that I can't hold on to what we had forever. We've both changed, and that's okay."

Lana blinked rapidly, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "I want to be happy for you, Clark, I really do." She took a deep breath before asking, "So… this woman, what's she like? What do you two even have in common?"

Clark hesitated, sensing the shift in her tone. "She's… she's strong, independent, and she challenges me in ways I never expected. We have a lot in common, but it's more than that. We understand each other."

Lana's smile faded as she interrupted him, her voice growing sharper. "Strong and independent? So, the opposite of how you see me, huh? What a punch in the gut."

Clark's brow furrowed as he stepped closer, his voice firm but calm. "Lana, that's not what I'm saying. I respect you, and I care about you. But this isn't about comparisons. I need you to respect my relationship, just like I respect you."

Lana's face crumpled as tears welled in her eyes. "It's just… it's hard, Clark. I thought… I thought maybe we could..." She trailed off, her voice breaking.

Clark's heart softened, and he gently placed a hand on her shoulder. "I know it's hard. And I'm sorry if this is painful for you. But I need to be honest with you, for both our sakes."

Lana sniffed, wiping at her eyes as they finally approached her hotel. "I'm trying, Clark. I really am."

They reached the front entrance, and she hesitated, glancing at him with a hopeful expression. "Would you mind… walking me up? Just for a bit?"

Clark hesitated, but then nodded. "Of course."

They entered the hotel together, riding the elevator up in silence. When they reached her floor, Clark followed her to her room, making sure she was okay. Lana kicked off her shoes and tossed her bag onto the bed, turning to him with a soft smile. "Want a drink?"

Clark shook his head, already sensing the tension rising again. "No, thanks. I just wanted to make sure you were okay."

Lana stepped closer, her movements quick, closing the distance between them before he could react. She reached up and pressed her lips to his in a kiss that took him completely by surprise.

Clark didn't kiss her back. Instead, he gently but firmly pushed her away, stepping back to create some distance between them. "Lana… no. I can't."

Lana's eyes widened, and she stepped back, confusion and hurt washing over her. "Clark, I—"

"I'm sorry, Lana, but I'm in love with someone else." The words came out before he even realized he'd said them, and they hung in the air between them, heavy and final.

Lana took another step back, her face crumpling again as she realized the depth of what he'd said. "You love her?"

Clark nodded, his voice soft but steady. "I do."

There was a long, painful silence between them. Clark took a step toward the door, his hand resting on the handle. "I'm sorry, Lana. I just wanted to make sure you were okay, but I think it's best if I go now."

Lana didn't say anything, just nodded slowly as she watched him leave. Clark opened the door and stepped out into the hallway, closing it gently behind him. As he walked down the hall and out of the hotel, his heart felt heavy, but he knew he had made the right choice.

To be continued...*