Obsession Part 6

At the Talon…

Lex Luthor took the morning off. He waited at a table, looking over reports as he drank a coffee. Lex only had to wait two hours before Perry White walked up to the counter.

"Still here, I see."

"Lex." Perry tried his best to ignore him, but the Talon was a bit short staffed, and the barista was busy helping other customers to wait on Mr. White. Lex raised his hand and immediately she was at his side.

"Please, give Mr. White whatever he wants. Join me," Lex motioned to the empty chair.

"And what exactly do I owe this honor?" Perry continued to stand.

"I just think coffee is a beverage that should be enjoyed. Especially if it's the last one as a free man. I hear they don't serve lattes in prison."

"And just what did I do wrong to get incarcerated?"

"How about endangering the life of a minor?" Lex smirked as the blood drained from Perry's face as he held up a disc. "Yes, I know all about that little stunt. Now, sit."

"What do you want?"

"You say you have multiple files of something incriminating against my father. I'll take the original."

"If I do that…"

"If you do that, I'll keep you out of prison. Unless Clark decides to press charges, that is." Lex smiled inwardly knowing his friend had no intention of doing such a thing.

"The situation was under control," Perry protested.

"Clark fell. If Alicia hadn't been there…"

"But she was. Which is how Clark was able to get in that situation in the first place." Perry sighed. "Lex, without that file, I'm a dead man. I know that'll just kill you."

"Then you misunderstand me, Mr. White. I don't want you dead. I prefer to see you like this: a fallen journalist no one will ever take seriously again." Lex got up from the table as the waitress came by with Perry's order. "I want that file by the end of the day."

LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL

Perry carefully blew on the fresh cup of joe in his hand. His mind thought to how the beverage could be improved with a few shots of whiskey added to it, but his flask was empty and back at the hotel. Perry knew his career had become a joke. Still, in the past few days he had managed to get a few professional stories in like the good old days. He glanced out the window and saw the gill girl, Megan, walking down the street. Perry leapt up and ran after her.

"Stay away from me!" Megan shouted as she heard his calls.

Perry held his hands up in surrender. "I just want to apologize. I'm sorry for ambushing you earlier. Sometimes I let my enthusiasm for a story outweigh my good sense. I'd like to make it up to you."

The girl just glared back in silence.

"Let me do a story on you for X Styles. I assure you it will be positive; you will have the final say in what gets submitted. I'm authorized to pay you. Come on, what do you say?"

Megan hesitated. "What about the rest of the town? I mean, will you interview anyone else?"

"If they want. X Styles doesn't have a huge budget. There's plenty of superstitions and local lore to talk about that most viewers will write this town off as overhyped. I mean, I talked to this retired crop duster who thought he saw a spaceship," Perry chuckled. He handed Megan his card. "Think about it."

At the Baker household…

"What's this for again?"

Clark sat blind folded at Alicia's kitchen table. She had been vague in her explanation; only that she needed "help" with something. Alicia had been thorough in lead lining the blindfold; Clark was completely, voluntarily blind.

"It's for your surprise." Alicia giggled. "It's almost ready. I just need to check something first. It'll only take a minute; I promise. Now, give me your hands." Clark felt something heavy placed into his left palm. Alicia closed his fingers around the object. "It's very important you keep touching this one."

Alicia placed another object in his right palm.

"What do you want me to do?"

"Just tell me what you feel."

Clark traced his fingers over the unknown objects. "They're both kinda bumpy. Both got some weight. Irregular shape."

"Is that all?" Alicia pressed.

"Um…porous?" Alicia laughed and clapped her hands in triumph. "What?"

"I'm just so excited."

"Well, congratulations. I have absolutely no id…ow!" Clark inhaled sharply as he felt a small pang in his fingertip. His ears picked up a small whoosh sound that must have been Alicia teleporting away. Clark's hands were now empty, and he removed the blindfold to inspect his wound. A small drop of blood rested at the top of his finger.

"Are you all right?" Alicia asked as she reappeared, concern in her voice. She took hold of his hand and dabbed away the blood, the skin already healed.

"Yeah. Must have been one last glitch of that solar flare."

Alicia frowned. "That ended days ago."

Clark could only shrug. There was much about himself he didn't understand and might never get answers for.

"Well," Alicia kissed his healed finger, "follow me. I also asked you over to celebrate." She led him into the living room where a wrapped box was on the coffee table. A plate of frosted chocolate cupcakes was next to it.

"Celebrate what?" Clark's stomach began to twist.

"It's the six month anniversary of our first date." Alicia explained as she led them to the couch.

"That's a thing? I didn't get you anything."

"You alone are enough for me. Open it." Alicia grinned as she placed the present in Clark's lap.

Clark opened the box, and the smell of leather overwhelmed him. Inside was a biker jacket made of red leather. Shocked, Clark lifted it up. The quality was unmistakable; the jacket would easily cost a thousand dollars.

"Woah."

"Do you like it?" Alicia reached out and played with the ends of the hair by his ear. "Put it on."

Alicia pulled Clark to his feet and assisted him into the jacket. She then pulled him into the hallway where there was a mirror. Clark marveled at how it fit him perfectly. He guiltily thought back to the gifts he gave Alicia; a single rose, a box of Raisinets, and a teddy bear from the hospital gift store. All of that combined was only a small fraction for a gift like this.

"Alicia, I can't accept this."

"You don't like it?" Alicia's smile disappeared. "What's wrong with it? I'll fix it."

"No, no, it's great," Clark said as he shed the new layer. "It's just that this looks like it cost a lot of money for a gift for a six month anniversary of the..." Clark couldn't even remember what Alicia wanted to celebrate.

"Of our first date. And don't worry about it; it's my money. And I can't think of a better way to spend it than on you." Alicia took the jacket and held it open for Clark to put on again.

Clark stepped back. "Alicia, please, I can't accept that."

"Well, maybe you'll be able to after this." Alicia led them back to the couch. She took time to arrange the jacket back into the box. Then, taking a deep breath, Alicia took a seat next to Clark and held his hand. She blushed slightly, and her eyes darted to the floor.

"Clark…I love you."

By the time Alicia looked back at Clark, he had used his superspeed to grab a cupcake and shove it in his mouth to buy him some time. Alicia scooted closer so their bodies were touching; Clark munched slowly as Alicia gazed up at him with adoration and hope. She patiently waited for Clark to be finished chewing.

"Clark, I love you." Alicia draped herself over him, staring into his eyes.

I told her I was an alien and she started planning a wedding. What's she going to do if I say the "L" word? I got to say something. Don't say "thank you." Don't say "thank you".

After his final swallow, Clark knew his time was up.

"And I…I, I love that we're dating." Clark forced a smile.

Alicia kept eye contact as she climbed onto Clark's lap.

"I love you. I love you. I love you, Clark. I'm yours; now and forever. I'll do anything for you. Anything." Alicia trapped Clark's face between both of her hands and leaned in for a kiss. Clark knew he was rigid; Alicia didn't seem to mind as she nibbled on his upper lip and pressed her body closer to his. The girl finally pulled away, grinning in triumph. Clark felt frozen to the couch and realized he forgot how to blink.

"Don't you love me?"

Clark's mouth still was not cooperating. He was helpless to say anything as he watched Alicia's brow furrow in confusion.

"Clark? You do love me, don't you? Clark?"

Clark managed to lick his lips, trying to remember how to speak. His mind raced trying to think of what words he should use. The poor boy watched as Alicia went pale; her breath quickened. And in the next instant, Alicia was crying. Clark had seen Alicia cry before, but this time was different. Tears flowed down her face; she covered her mouth to stifle screams of anguish. Alicia got off Clark's lap and collapsed to the floor, a bawling mess.

"Oh, please, don't cry." Clark finally managed to say. He knelt next to the weeping girl, ready to hold her in an effort to bring comfort. This time, Alicia pushed away.

"I don't understand. Why don't you love me?"

"Alicia, I care about you very much," Clark was finally able to stammer out. He tried again to hold her, and this time she allowed the embrace.

"Clark, say you love me right now!" Alicia pounded her fists against Clark's chest. He didn't feel any pain from it, but he could tell she was using all her strength. "Say it! Say it!"

Clark remained speechless.

"I'll make you!"

Clark's vision blurred and he knew Alicia had used her power once again. She shoved her body against his and Clark was knocked back from the impact. Instead of hitting the floor, he landed on something soft and realized Alicia had taken them to her bedroom. As Clark came to terms he was laying on Alicia's bed, she had already taken off her shirt, exposing her red, lacy bra. Clark became even more tongue tied as she ripped his shirt open, the buttons scattering across the floor. Alicia leaned down and began to run her hands and lips over Clark's bare chest.

"Stop!"

Alicia paid no heed to Clark's protests but continued to explore his body. Clark tried to push her away, but with all her strength, Alicia held on, and Clark was too afraid of hurting her to use more force. Not seeing another way out of the situation, Clark entered superspeed. It gave him the time he needed to manipulate Alicia's body as if she were a fragile doll. Clark took great care in standing her on the floor and then proceeded to wrap a blanket around Alicia's shoulders, trapping her arms inside. Clark straightened his shirt and buttoned it as best he could before returning to normal speed.

It took a few seconds for Alicia to realize what had happened. She struggled to get free from her soft prison, sobbing the entire time. Clark picked her up and carried her down to the kitchen. He placed Alicia on the counter, filled a glass full of water, and held it to her lips. At Clark's insistence she downed the entire glass.

"I don't understand. Why don't you love me?" Alicia's body shook, but the tears had stopped.

Clark held her close, his heart breaking at seeing her in pain. "Alicia, I care you about you so much. It's just…"

"Just what? You think my power's stupid?"

"No!"

"I'm ugly?"

"That's impossible." Clark kissed her forehead.

"Cause I'm just a worthless human from Earth?"

"Hey, my best friends are from Earth."

"Then what, Clark? What? I'll do anything for you. I'll kill for you." Alicia hiccupped. "I'll die for you. Command me; I'm yours."

Clark gulped as Alicia gazed at him with pure devotion. He believed her; Alicia was ready to do anything he wanted. But the future scared him. Jor-El was not finished with him yet; there was the Kawatche prophesy of him saving the world. Clark didn't want to think about what the future held.

"Alicia, you're planning a wedding."

"You're upset I'm dreaming about spending the rest of my life with you? Committing to you? How does that make sense?" Clark's confession renewed Alicia's tears and she began to sob again in earnest.

"Can't we just be in high school and go on dates? You know, like normal people?"

"We're not normal." Alicia snarled at the word. "And one day you're gonna have to accept it. Clark, I'm yours. And you're mine. You didn't tell Megan or Lana or Chloe your secret. You told me! What do you think happens next in our future?"

"I don't want to think about the future! I just want…" Clark closed his eyes. He held on to Alicia for comfort. "Please. Please, this is too fast for me. Please, Alicia, please can you slow down?"

Alicia sniffed. "So…you're saying you just need more time?"

"Yeah. Time." Clark found himself nodding. "That's what I need. Time."

"Okay." Alicia snuggled closer. Clark held her close, and heard Alicia faintly whisper, "I'll make you love me. I'll make you."

At Smallville High…

Pete slammed his locker door closed. He was upset he hadn't gotten any further with his investigation into Sarah Conroy. Pete discovered the name of his mystery girl, but now what? He was having a difficult time tracking her body.

Clark would know what to do, Pete thought ruefully. He walked towards the Torch office, ready to admit defeat and ask Chloe for help. As he rounded the corner, he watched Megan begin to walk down the stairs, frowning at a card in her hand. Megan took her first step, only for there to be a cloud of green mist and a flashing image of Alicia kicking the back of Megan's knee. Alicia disappeared as Megan screamed when she lost her balance and fell down the stairs.

"Megan!" Pete ran over to her. She lay sprawled on the small landing.

"I'm okay," Megan gasped. "I think I just twisted my ankle."

"Come on." Pete put Megan's arm around his shoulders and helped her back up the stairs to the Torch office. He knew there was sure to be an ice pack in Chloe's secret small fridge. As they approached the office, Pete heard Chloe talking.

"My cousin pulled some strings, and I got a list of all the fun toys Mr. McNulty received and then Van used in his vendetta. Cyanide pills or any form of that wasn't on the list."

"Maybe Van made it himself?"

"It's possible, but I also confirmed something else," Chloe continued talking. "Van's time of death happened in the back of the ambulance. The driver and the passenger are each other's witnesses and say that they always remained in the front. So, either both agreed to poison Van, or it was someone who could transport themselves anywhere they want."

Jordan looked away. "There's a mysterious meta out there. Maybe it was him. Or her, cause you know…"

"What did you see? Please, Jordan. I need to know what you saw."

"Don't mind us," Pete said as he and Megan entered the room. He helped Megan into the nearest chair.

"What happened?" Jordan asked as he watched Pete fetch the ice pack.

"I fell down the stairs," Megan explained.

"No," Pete stated. "You were tripped. By Alicia."

"What? Why?" Jordan asked. Megan looked just as confused.

"I don't know. But I saw her push you," Pete insisted.

"Jordan, please," Chloe repeated. "You need to tell me your vision."

"I needed to know it was over," Jordan explained after a pause. "I needed to know Van was going to get the chair. Or die getting stabbed in prison. So, I touched him and…I knew it was going to be soon. I saw…"

"You saw Alicia poison him," Chloe finished.

Jordan nodded.

"With what? Anything you can tell me will help."

"It was green. Like, a glowing green. But, so what?" Jordan pressed. "Van killed plenty of others."

"Not Cyrus," Pete whispered. When everyone looked at him, he went on, "Before Van shot me, he said he didn't kill Cyrus."

"So?"

"Why lie about that?" Pete questioned. "After all the lives Van took, why deny he killed Cyrus?"

"Because…" Jordan hesitated.

"I'm a meta," Megan finished, rubbing her ankle. "Why would Alicia hurt me?"

"Look, I can check and see if the bullet that killed Cyrus matches any of Van's weapons," Chloe said.

"But if we're wrong," Jordan tried to protest.

"If we're right," Chloe interjected, "Clark's in danger."

The mask Van wore was a prototype gas mask to neutralize radiation. That's why it was partially made of lead. I failed in creating a natural way of bringing it up in the story, and this would be the place to bring it up. Anyway, that's why it was made of lead.