[A/N: Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukah, Everyone!]

Chapter 5 [Five Minutes Earlier]

Lex sped down Route 54 toward town. Christmas plans and Lionel's project weighed on his mind. Details spun about in his head. Where do I get a Santa? Can I come up with something festive in two days? Seriously, Dad? Mom, whatever points you have upstairs, I'd sure appreciate some help! Maybe Byron can help? The hospital visit wouldn't work. Maybe if the plaza's event is after dark, he could read some poetry? Wish I could get the Wichita Symphony to send a few musicians too. A snort escaped his lips. Maybe I should just wish for the Sugar Plum Fairy while I'm at it? He turned into the Talon's lot and pulled into his usual space. "Definitely need something stronger than the usual today." He stepped out into Afternoon's deepening chill. Mother Nature must be taking notes from Dad. His eyes rolled on that note. He strode through the Talon's front door. He noted the third-full area. No surprise there….

Clark bussing tables though? That raised an eyebrow.

"Wonder who called in?" Lex pieced a theory together. Lana had a call in. Clark came through the door. Despite recent issues between them, Clark resumed his Lancelot role to Lana's Guinevere yet again. (Not that Lex was surprised of course.) Miranda pushed Clark out there before Lana could object. (Again no surprise.) He proceeded toward the front. "Hey, Lana. New helper today?"

Lana rubbed the back of her neck. "Hi, Lex. Polly called in. Miranda's been by herself until I got here after school. She and I have kept things going. Something's bothering Clark. He saw those tables and volunteered. I tried to get him to sit down but…."

Lex rubbed his chin. "Clark's just Clark. Take the help, Lana. We can use it." He looked about the Talon. "We really need something for Christmas in here. Wish I'd seen this before now."

"I know. With my therapy and schoolwork, I haven't really paid attention either." Lana shook her head. She spied Clark bearing the three-quarter full bin toward the back. "That's great, Clark. I let your Mom know. We can get those in a few minutes. I'd like it if you'd take a seat." She slid his mug toward him. "I'll get you a fresh mug too."

"Lana, it's okay. I can just start on these dishes." Clark stiffened. Redemption pushed him to finish his good deed.

"Relax, Lancelot. Those dishes will still be there a few minutes from now." Lex assessed Clark. Moodiness and Depression hung heavier than normal over the dark hair and plaid it seemed. "I think you need to talk. Maybe we can help each other? After my Dad's latest request, I've got my hands full."

Clark set the bin down in the backroom. His eyes studied the sink. Temptation pushed him toward Super Speed Wash and Clean for Lana's sake….

…outing himself and Mount Jonathan's potential titanic eruption slammed the brakes on that….

I have these gifts, but I can't help the people I care about without lying to them! Exasperation pushed a sigh from his mouth. He picked up the refilled mug. "Thanks, Lana. I'll finish that all up in a few minutes."

"Clark, what you've done already is great. It's okay. You need to talk with someone." Lana shooed him away from the counter. "One day you'll learn that it's okay to open up. There are those of us who care." Her eyes met his. Their pleas pressed his mind, heart and soul for access…for unity…for a bond….

Clark took a deep gulp from the mug. Realization penetrated even his infamous fog bank. Desire wanted to stay until after closing. Truth wanted to not just come forth but spill out…no gush forth… It would empty its straining reservoir completely to satisfy her heart and mind. He wanted a reset…

…as they were for Birthday and Rehearsal Dinner….

…before Jor-El and Wheldon turned their lives upside down….

…before Edge found out about his secret….

…before Lionel forced Lex to forget everything…

"I know, Lana." He looked back into her eyes. Memoria prompted visions of her attempts to reach him after Vann's arrest. "You said it could be amazing."

"Amazing?" Lex glanced at each of them. "Need I ask what that's about?"

She shook her head. "I was just telling Clark that an open friendship has so much potential, Lex. I want more. Guess you have the next move, Clark?"

I want to tell her! This is so unfair. Clark turned and walked away without another word. He hustled toward Lex's usual table and sat down there. His head stared down at the coffee. Depression swamped him.

Lex frowned. "Clark Kent running away from Lana Lang. Now that is a first." Concern dominated his thoughts. "And here I thought my deal was a real issue."

"Clark and I have some things to work out, Lex. Maybe it wasn't meant for us to be dating. We're still friends. I care. I know he does too even if he won't open up and share." She ground up some espresso beans and started the press. "What about your problem? Any way I can help?"

"I doubt it. Know any experienced Santas around Smallville? Right now, I'd take anyone. Dad ambushed me with this about an hour ago. It's for St. Matthias and the plaza in Metropolis." Lex stifled a cough. "Guess his yes men couldn't deal with it. I wait for a chance to shine at LuthorCorp and this happens."

Lana let the espresso flow into its cups. She frothed some milk in its pitcher. "That's the big Christmas celebration, right? Lex, they aren't set yet? That's this weekend!" She mixed the drink together and stirred it.

Lex rolled his eyes. "That's right. I can't believe it either. Right now, I'd take a Christmas miracle." He accepted the drink. "Thanks. I really need this. Dad wants me to wave my magic wand. Right now, I'd take Santa and an elf for the kids at the hospital and the celebration that night."

Lana peered over at Clark and then at Lex. Martha's invitation for Garden City nagged at her. Still, the kids at St. Matthias tore at her heart. "Mr. Reynolds has been on my case about that community service credit for graduation. I know he's bugged Clark too. Lex, that celebration's like the biggest deal in this part of the country! How are they not set up yet?"

Lex's eyes brightened. Inspiration picked his mood up. "I think our miracle's happened. You off Saturday? I could use that elf." His eyes pressed Request toward her. He sized up Clark again. Wonder how'd Clark do as Santa?

Lana sighed. "I can't speak for Clark. My answer depends on his, Lex. I wouldn't know what to do. I don't have a costume anyway." Imagination ran wild with various renditions of tights and woolen tops trimmed in white with the long hat. "Mrs. Kent was talking about Garden City to pick out a Christmas tree this weekend. I was invited. She was going to surprise Clark."

"I think I can handle a Christmas tree. Besides, I owe Mr. Reynolds something like this." Lex exhaled a sharp breath. Redemption in his former headmaster's eyes remained akin to Grail for him. "Thanks, Lana. You really helped. Maybe this might help everyone. Any other ideas would be great." He took the mug over toward Clark's table. Let's see if Clark would join Lana in this celebration? Schemes and Enticement worked their own magic in his mind.

Clark might earn (yet another) opportunity after all. It all depended on Lex's proposal….