Emergence of Superman (PG-13) v2

[Nemu]

Well... I am starting my rework of this story and I will be posting 1 update per week for the foreseeable future. Enfoy!
----------------------------------------------------------------

Emergence of Superman (PG-13) by Nemu

'The last two years have been the worst of my life. First getting back with Lana and finally getting a chance at happiness with the girl of my dreams.

Being shot and dying only to be brought back to full power with an impending doom of losing someone I love. This turned out to be Lana and then my dad when I turned back time to save Lana. In the end I lost her anyway.

Luthor... How I hate that name. The father who is indirectly responsible for mom's death and the son who destroyed my Lana. I wonder which was the hardest to live through. The fact she went to him when we broke up or the fact she got pregnant and engaged to him?

The whole Zod episode was bad enough along with my brief stay in the Phantom Zone. Maybe if I had listened to Jor-El sooner I could have prevented that. But actions have consequences and what is done is done and we no longer can go back to change it. Maybe someday down the road there will be a way to make amend of my past mistakes but for now...'

Clark approaches the ruins of the once impressive Fortress of Solitude. After his return from the Phantom Zone and Raya's escape all hell broke loose. Just the effort to round up the remnants of the follower of Zod that came out that time cost a lot of energy. The ultimate price, the destruction of the Fortress of Solitude, last bastion of the Kryptonian people.

Clark walks to the last crystal standing of the former Fortress of Solitude... The ruins are still smoking... An opening appears in the crystal as he gets close to it... the lights dim and an unnatural darkness falls on the world. A light starts to shine inside the pillar reflecting on an insignia.

Reaching inside Clark takes out what appears to be a body suit with an altered version of the symbol of air and the house of El mark...
As he unfolds the last piece of clothes he sees what can only be a cape and a soft whisper comes on the wind... "We will be by your side for all the days of your life, my son... make us proud..."

The final words of Jor-El of Krypton to his son Kal-El. Looking one last time inside the pillar Clark sees a small package sitting on a shelf in the back. Reaching for it a deep blue light starts emitting from it.

A voice inside his mind delivers a message to him as his hand grasp the package. "Your destiny awaits my child. Protect your new home with all your powers. Your enemies will come as much from outer space as from Earth itself. May we meet one day." Along with the message the remaining knowledge of the lost civilization is transferred to Clark's mind. The blue crystal in his hand slowly merges with his body.

After completing his search through the remains of the Fortress Clark goes through his new found knowledge and leap to the sky flying back to Smallville.

'With Mom and Dad gone I am indeed all alone. Chloe is happy with Jimmy, Lois is with Oliver, last I heard Pete was doing great in Wichita and well Lana is out of my life for good I guess. Now I guess it is time I sell the farm and leave Smallville behind. That way I might escape some of the worst memories I have and start a new life in Metropolis.'

And so here our story really begins as our young hero unpack his stuff in his new apartment in Metropolis. Close enough to the MetU campus for his studies and also high enough for his world saving duties to go unnoticed by the everyday person.


****

The days acclimating to his new surrounding takes him around the still recovering town of Metropolis. That's three times the town was in a mess because of the long destroyed Krypton and its population. First there was his runaway summer as Kal, then the events of the Black Thursday and now with the unleashing of some of the Phantom Zone's worst people. All three times it cost Clark something dear to him.

The first time cost Jonathan's health and his newly established relationship to Lana.

The second, it cost him a trip into the dreaded Phantom Zone. A living Hell for the Kryptonians.

The third and hopefully last time was the worst of all. It finally made him realize that he had to sever his ties to the past and embrace his destiny. The last straw being the death of Martha at the hands of some enemies of the Luthor family that joined forces with the escaped criminals.

'Now I have to find my place into Society both as Clark Kent and Kal-El of Krypton.'

Seeing he was back in front of his apartment building he entered his new home and went to sleep. The following day would bring some new answers. There is a stillness in the air as if some sign was going to reveal to him the time to make his presence known. For now the first order of business would be to enlist to MetU to start with the Autumn crowd into the newly rebuilt halls.

~~~~~ 1 month later ~~~~~

It was his last Friday before getting back to school and Clark felt like time went by too fast and at the same time too slow. In the last month he started discreetly to help people around the city, never being noticed and still waiting for the sign that it was time to reveal his presence to the world. News of the Luthor heir's impending wedding was all over the news and when Clark heard about it and how fast they were planning it he just sat down on his couch with an empty look.

They set the date of the wedding to the end of the year which was a mere four months away. The pictures were showing a happy couple, but something caught Clark's attention. There were no mentions of their child which should have been born by now and Lana was back to her slim self. Did they fear some enemies of the Luthor family?

There were also Lana's eyes. Clark could see her smile like the rest of the world but his past with her and the connection their shared make him see that the smile was on her face but it didn’t reach her eyes. She looked less than happy. She was sad but for what reason.

Deciding not to brood on his last weekend of vacation before school Clark decides that tonight he would mingle with society and go out.

After taking a shower he goes to his closet and takes out an outfit that would be worthy of his Kal days of prowling the nightlife of Metropolis. He was able to some more liberties from the sale of the farm and the insurance and money his mom left to him.

Walking the streets of Metropolis by night could be one of the most dangerous activities in the world, but for the young man nonchalantly looking at the world surrounding him, nothing could be as far from the truth. The air was that of a late summer evening, not too hot and not too cold, just cool.

'It is so quiet and yet at the same time the air is buzzing with sounds. Another duality of my life. I wonder what everyone is doing tonight. Chloe must be with Jimmy at the Planet both of them working their butts off. Lois having an expensive dinner with Oliver in some fancy restaurant. My circle of friends sure has shrunk in the last year.'

As he is looking to the other side of the road to a couple coming out of a restaurant close to each other Clark is unaware that the road before him is not clear and the next moment he is brought out of his thoughts by a complaint.

"Ouch you blind idiot! Can't you watch where you walk?" A blonde girl says as she gets up from the ground assessing the damage done by her spilled drink.

"I'm so sorry miss!" Clark says giving the woman a hand. Both of them looking at each other in shock.

"Chloe/Clark?" Both say at the same time.

"Clark! It is you! Where have you been? We were worried sick when you disappeared and then last month I heard the farm was up for sale."

"Well... It's complicated. I would be willing to tell you about it tomorrow at lunch if you don’t mind."

'Yes I mind. I want answers now!! But yeah it is Clark so I should agree with him since he came forward and asked me.'

"Sure. Lunch sounds good. I will meet you here tomorrow?"

"Ok then let's meet here at 11:30 tomorrow morning and we can get a bite to eat as we catch up. See ya Chloe." Clark concludes waving as he continues on his way.

'This was strange. I wonder what happened to him to make him that more open... Did Lana talk to him already? No it can't be that. She would have told me if she had.' Chloe thought as she was walking back inside the coffee shop to buy another drink for her night.

'Man this felt good. I was sure that seeing one of them would be bringing up bad memories but it was actually the opposite. I feel happier after this short talk with her than I was before. I hope tomorrow will go as well.' Clark thinks as he continues his walk. Without realizing it his feet bring him to the club Atlantis and as he goes by the bouncer to take his place at the end of the line, the big man unhook the rope barrier to let him in.

[Spaniard]

Great start, I'm hooked!!!

[LetMeGo]

Very nice start! I'm looking forward to more. :)

[The Black Cat]

^Me too!!!

[Nemu]

Well here's the second update...
-------------------------------------------------------

"Hey there Kal! It sure has been a while since we last saw you here!" The big man says.

"Well I have been busy with some family business." Clark responds with half-truth as he walks inside with a surprised look that the man remembers him.

The music is loud in the club and it looks like the place is full to capacity. There are dancers everywhere and all the tables are occupied. Clark makes his way to the bar hearing a few calls of Kal coming from the crowd.

Taking the last free spot at the bar he passes his order to the barman and pays for his drink. No sooner does he takes a sip that he hears the voice of the last person he wants to hear from tonight coming from behind him.

"Well, well, well... If it isn't Smallville's most annoying self appointed hero. Couldn't stay gone forever could you?"

After ignoring the person for a few minutes Clark slowly turns around to face the quickly reddening bald dome of his enemy.

"Mind your own business Luthor and you will be able to go to bed tonight without assistance." He says and turns back toward the bar to get another sip of his drink.

"It so happen that since I am the owner of this club and you being unwelcome here is my business." Luthor turns around and signal the security to come to him.

"Security please see to it that this bothersome person be thrown out of here and put on the blacklist. Oh and also fire the idiot that let him in." He walks away.

"Well buddy you heard the boss. Time to leave and I suggest you do it yourself and not make us use force."

"It's not like you could do much..." Clark mutters and says more strongly "I lost my taste for a drink anyway. I knew it stunk when I came in here." With that Clark gets up and walks to the exit followed by the guards.

Walking outside Clark sees one of the guys talking to the bouncer. Slowing down as he reaches them Clark walks behind the men and whispers softly so only the bouncer could hear. "I'm sorry."

His mood ruined by his encounter Clark decides to go back home and call it a night. Reaching his door he sees someone left a note pinned to his door.

Dear Mr. of apartment 1504,

The landlord told me you were the person to see if I needed someone that would gladly help me move into the apartment next door. I will be back here around 10:30 tomorrow (Saturday) morning. I hope to see you then and that you will accept my request.

The girl of apartment 1506

Clark is surprised by the message but feels some happiness at the prospect of meeting his new neighbor. He told the landlord he was ready to land a hand anytime when he moved in. 'Hmmm... I wonder what this girl looks like. Maybe she goes to MetU since most people in this building are students. Well I guess I have one more thing to look forward to tomorrow.'

Clark enters his home and goes directly to bed for what would be another restless night.

"Look me in the eye and tell me you don't love me..." Lana says looking at Clark's back.

He turns to face her and train his eyes all over her person before looking her right in the eyes.

"I don't love you..." 'God this is soo hard. But it is for the best isn't it?'

Clark could clearly see the most painful look in Lana's eyes before she bolts off down the stairs. With his super-hearing Clark could hear her crying.

'It was the right thing to do wasn't it? This way she won't be put in harm's way because of my secret.'

-----

Clark enters the mansion's study. "Lex! Lex!"

"You'll never find him." Lana says as she enters from the other door.

"Lana he is in trouble."

"I suppose you're gonna tell me you came here to help?"

"I don't want anything to happen to him."

"Like what? Having your best friend turning against you? Heard you and Chloe talking about killing Lex. I don't know how you knew he would come back different but I guess I shouldn't be surprised."

"Lana you can't stay with him. He is not what you think!"

"He told me his secret and it doesn't change the way I feel about him."

"What happened to him, it doesn't scare you?"

"I'm not going to abandon Lex."

"Neither am I... Listen, Fine would not give him power without expecting something in return! It's not over Lana. I can help him if you tell me where he is."

"How I know you won't hurt him?"

"You know me."

"No, I don't. You have all these different sides to you and I can't tell if any of them is the real you... If you have ever, really cared about me, tell me what's happening to Lex."

"Lana please..."

"You don't trust me. You never trusted me have you? I don't know how I could have ever loved you."

Clark wakes up covered in sweat from his painful dreams. 'Everything went wrong. Today I know that it was the worst mistake ever to let her go. I would give anything for a chance to undo that mistake. Even with all my powers I know now that it can't be undone and erased.'

Looking at the clock on his side table Clark sees it is already 8:30 am so he gets up and takes a shower and slowly prepares for his day. 'I can't wait to meet the new girl. Should be interesting. Maybe I should go see the landlord to get some information on her.'

~~~~ Ring ring ring ~~~~

"Hello?"

"Hey you! How are you doing?"

"I'm doing fine Chloe. What can I do for you today?"

"Well you could come with me to lunch?"

"Well I would love to, but with school starting Monday I am very busy this weekend."

"So you decided to come back to MetU again this year?!" Chloe says with excitement clear in her voice.

"Yep. I did change my major though. No more astronomy."

"Wow what brought the change?"

"Well with everything that happened I decided to put the past behind me. Also the fact that I reached the limit of where I can take the research on my own."

"So if not astronomy what else?"

"Well first I thought about art history, but then I realized that it would bring me back to Paris and the summer I spent there and I decided not to think of that time. Then for the same reason I pretty much put all art studies to the side. I was left with a lot of less interesting stuff to choose from but last month after getting the deeds to The Talon and another property with business potential I decided to head in that branch. So bright early Monday morning I will be starting studies in Business management as my major with some classes in marketing."

"Wow. That should be interesting. How did you get Baldy to sign over the Talon?"

"With money what else. Also with some blackmail. The days when he could manipulate me at will are gone. With all that happened after Lionel and Mrs. Kent were killed..."

"Yeah I know. That was such a sad time. I'm happy Lois was able to get out of there. Clark was devastated. He went into such a fury I feared for a time that he would kill all of the responsible for the death."

Lana just sighs in the phone. The memories of that dark time coming back. It wasn't that long ago yet it felt like a lifetime has gone by since the funeral of the last parent figure she had.

"I'm just sad that we lost such a great woman as Martha Kent. She was like a mother to us no matter what was going on in our lives."

"You are right Lana. Well I should probably let you get back to your busy schedule and I also have to take care of this fiancé of mine before he set fire to the apartment trying to cook breakfast."

"Alright Chloe. Take care and raincheck on the lunch."

"You too Lana. Bye." They both hang up going back to their occupation.

Clark walks to the landlord's apartment and knocks on the door.

"Ah Clark what can I do for you today? Has your new neighbor arrived yet?"

"Ah no she isn't here yet. I was actually coming to ask you some information on this person. What is she like. What's her name?"

"Oh well she seems like a decent person. Her name is Mary something. I don't usually care much for remembering full names. First name is my way and it simplify things quite often."

"Ah Mary then. Thank you, at least now I have a name to give her when I see her. She should be here soon since in her note she said she was going to arrive around 10:30 and it is 10 already."

"Well if you need anything just come and see me and I will take care of it. I put you in charge of showing the place to her and to be her resource if she needs help while getting settled in."

"Alright Mr. B- Gary I mean" Clark correct himself as a scowl start to appear on the landlord's face.

"Good day to you Clark." Gary turns around enters his apartment and close the door behind himself.

"Well Mary. It is a pretty name for what I am sure is a pretty girl." Clark walks toward the entrance of the building to go and wait outside for her. As he is about to reach the door something on his side catch his eyes and as he turns to look at it he bumps into a woman walking in with boxes in her hands.

[Nemu]

A/N: Ok guys... I need help to plan the secret reveal... knowing that we are somewhere along the lines of s6, we don't have Kara around and Jimmy and Chloe are happy together... I want to keep Lois away...

Now... I want it to happen during their trips to the farm the following weekend... so anyone with ideas please send me PM...

Thanks!

[The Black Cat]

Great update!!! PPMS!!!

[LetMeGo]

Great update! Interesting developments on all sides. PPMS!

[Nemu]

Well One more week has passed and here is the next update.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Sorry I wasn't looking in front of me." Clark is quick to apologize bending down to pick up some of the stuff that came out of the box.

"Ah don't worry I should have warned you or something."

Hearing one of the most beautiful voices he has ever heard Clark looks up to the woman standing in front of him.

Before he can stop himself a soft murmur escapes his lips. "Wow..."

There before him stands the most beautiful woman he ever saw. Even the last image of Lana was nothing compared to the presence of the woman in front of him.

"Erm... You must be Miss 1506 the new resident of the building? Mary?" Clark stutters as he asks for confirmation that this was in fact his new neighbor.

"Yep that would be me at least one of the new resident. Except my name is not Mary. She is my roommate and the apartment actually was rented under her name. My name is..."

"Ah good Lana you found our neighbor that is supposed to help us move in. Clark right?" A tall redhead came in behind Lana.

Both were shocked that they hadn't recognized the other. To meet like that was pure coincidence after so many months without even hearing anything from each other.

"Clark/Lana..." Both whisper reverently as they look at each other.

"Wait you guys know each other?"

"Kinda, it's complicated." Lana says while Clark keeps staring at how beautiful she has become and how far from reality the pictures in the papers were.

"Well this should make things a little easier to all of us then. So let's get these boxes up to the apartment." Mary says as she walks toward the elevator while the other two remains in place. "Today would be great guys!!" She calls back pulling both out of their daydream.

"Oh sorry, where is your car with the stuff?" Clark says looking at Mary waiting for the answer.

"It's the blue mini-van outside. There is also some stuff in Lana's jeep right behind the van."

Clark looks outside seeing the two cars and smiling at the constant that is Lana's choice in cars. Behind a ford mini-van was parked a maroon jeep liberty.

Lana seeing the smile on Clark's face turn around to see what provoked it and only sees the cars. "What makes you smile Clark?"

"Some things never change in the world. Like Lana Lang's taste in cars." Clark says chuckling finally bringing a smile to Lana’s face that was also shining through her eyes.

"I am glad to see the smile is back in your eyes Lana. Let me go get some of the stuff and I'll be right up." Clark says as he walks to the door and goes to grab some of the stuff.

"Well that went rather well..." Lana says under her breath as she walks to the elevator with the repacked box in hands.

The three of them spent the next 45 minutes moving stuff from the cars to the apartment before Mary came in the living room, where the other two were putting down another group of boxes.

"Hey guys you hungry?"

"Yeah I sure could use some food right now." Lana answers.

"Food... Oh no! What time is it?" Clark starts to panic remembering his lunch with Chloe.

"It's 11:15 why?" Mary answers looking to Lana for some clue as to Clark's reaction.

"I am sorry but I have to go. I have to meet a friend for lunch."

Lana realizing that Clark might have a girlfriend starts to get sad and a little jealous. Her look doesn't go unnoticed to the other two which provoke two different reactions.

Mary smiles as an idea starts to form in her mind about the two of them. Clark's reaction is of puzzlement on the outside but he is smiling inside to the fact that Lana might still be caring for him at least a little bit, promising hope for a future friendship between the two. Also the fact that a certain bald person wasn't mentioned at all sure did a lot to brighten the mood.

"It is Chloe. I literally bumped into her yesterday and we decided to have lunch together today so that we could catch up."

"Oh!" Lana says then she realizes something. "Wait. You're telling me that you guys decided to have lunch together yesterday?"

"Yes when we met yesterday I invited her to lunch why?"

"Oh just because Chloe tried really hard to get me to go to lunch with her this morning. I think she might have wanted to have us confront each other."

"Ah I see. Well you two are welcome to join us."

"Well... I think we will take you up on your offer but I will do it differently. I will call Chloe right now to see if her offer still stands and we can have some revenge on her." Lana says and then explains to the other two her plan of revenge against Chloe. The other two agree to her idea with big smiles and Lana goes to get her cell phone to call Chloe.

~~~~~ Ring ring ring ~~~~~

"Hello?"

"Hey Chloe, it is Lana."

"Oh hey Lana, what can I do for you?"

"Is your offer for lunch still good?"

"Sure it is. I'm on my way to the restaurant as we speak."

"Do you mind if I bring my roommate with me?"

"Wait you have a roommate?"

"Yeah I didn't want a certain someone to find me easily so we rented the apartment under her name."

"Oh I see. Well sure you can bring her too."

"Ok thanks. Knowing you it is still at the same place?"

"You bet it is! They have the best food in all of Metropolis."

"Alright see you in a few minutes then. We will be there in about 20 minutes."

"Ok bye."

"Bye."

Lana turns to the other two and sees that Clark has a confused look on his face. Not knowing what brought this look on she decides to wait before asking about it.

"Well step one is a success. Clark you should hurry if you plan on getting there on time."

"Yeah you are right. See you two in 20 minutes then." Clark hurries out the apartment and goes to his before entering super-speed mode and getting ready for his lunch date.

[LetMeGo]

It's funny how they didn't recognize each other.

They have some catching up to do, can't wait to see what's going on with Lana.

[Tyler-El]

Hey you said Lionel Luthor killed clarks mom dont you mean dad

[Nemu]

Tyler-El... if it is written then that is what I meant. You will understand in the coming updates when you will hear more of what happened and is happening.

[escout]

David, I will catch up tomorrow...I feel too lousy to read and I have a horrible headache.

[jjsmallvillelvr]

its good...im sad there is no more...so u have this story written, u r just rewriting it a little? u were telling me about this story...but is the first version of it posted too...or am i just really confused? :)

[Nemu]

The story was never completed... and I wanted to rework some parts which prompted me to make a v2 of it... while yes right now i am mostly only reposting stuff... i did make some corrections and write more to it.

[The Black Cat]

Fantastic chapter!!! PPMS!!!

[Nemu]

Here's this week's update! Enjoy!
------------------------------------------------------------------------

~~~~ 11:30 AM, Metro Plaza ~~~~

Clark walks in and sees Chloe sitting at a table in the back. The table was set for two but the setup of the tables would make it easy to bring together other tables to accommodate more persons if needed.

Chloe waves to Clark when she sees him and stand up with a big smile on her face. Inside she was nervous though, hoping not to get her two best friends to hate her in less than 10 minutes.

Clark walks to the table with a big smile when he sees her waving him. “Chloe, I hope you didn’t get here too early. I know I am on time. I would have made it a little earlier but I was helping someone and I had lost track of time.”

“It’s ok Clark. The important thing is that you are here.”

“You are right about this. So how are you?”

“I’m fine actually. Jimmy proposed to me and I said yes!”

“Ah I’m glad for you Chloe! Congratulations!” Clark says genuinely standing up to pull her into a hug, keeping his eyes on Chloe’s behavior. He can see she is a tad bit nervous and he knows why.

“So we got here for lunch and to catch up. We started on the catching up, I guess it’s time to start on the food part don’t you think?” Clark says sitting back down. ‘Lana and Mary should be here any minute now. This will be fun!’ A small smile forms on Clark’s lips as the thought comes to mind.

“Yeah that’s a good idea.” Chloe says reaching for a menu. Looking at Clark she sees a smile appear on his face and wonders what might have put it there.

They spent the next couple of minute looking at the menu, taking their time.

“Clark? While we look at the food choice, care to tell me what happened since you left after your mother’s funeral?”

“Well Chloe I told you that I had to take care of some business and that was the truth. I had to round up the remaining escapee from the Zone and send them back there. Sometime during that process the Fortress of Solitude got completely destroyed and well I roamed the world too as part of my training for my destiny.”

“Your destiny? Clark I thought you didn’t want anything to do with what Jor-El had in store for you?”

“True, but that was before I received his last gift and finally got all the knowledge downloaded into my brain.” Only silence answers his last comment and after a minute goes by Clark looks up from the menu to see why Chloe didn’t say anything yet. Seeing Chloe’s face getting paler by the second and seeing the reason in the mirror behind her Clark smiles but quickly wipe it from his face and replace it by a mock look of concern. “Chloe are you alright? You are getting paler by the second!”

Chloe is finding it very hard to breathe as Lana and Mary make their way toward their table. “Erm... Clark? Please don’t be mad at me?”

“Why would I be mad at you?” Clark asks, but before Chloe can answer his question another voice come from behind him with the answer.

“Because she invited me to join you for lunch.” Lana says in a strange voice as she frowns to Chloe. “Chloe is this some kind of joke? Why did you invite me if you knew Clark would be here?”

“Well... I mean...” Chloe tries to come up with her explanation while the three others struggle not to laugh.

Unable to take much more of this Clark looks at Lana then at Chloe. “You mean you tried to trick us into meeting here so that we would confront each other.”

“What? I would never do such a thing!” Chloe tries to defend herself but when she sees that Lana and Mary can hardly contain their laugh she is shocked.

“Wait a minute here. Why are you two laughing?”

“Oh man Chloe I can’t hold it in anymore. You are a bad girl you know that right?” Mary says. “Oh and by the way I’m Lana’s roommate and Clark’s new neighbor. My name is Mary.”

“Wha? You guys knew all along what was going to happen?”

“Yes Chloe we knew. They are the ‘someone’ I had to help this morning that made me forget the time. So when I realized what time it was I asked them to join us for lunch, but then Lana remembered your phone call this morning and we put the piece together of your evil plan.” Clark says winking at the evil and plastering a smile to his face.

“Yeah and we decided to turn things around and have a little vengeful fun on you.” Lana finishes smiling brightly at her friend.

“Well let’s set up some tables so we can all sit together shall we?” Clark says standing up and bringing one of the tables to the side and putting it against their own. “Are we expecting anyone else Chloe?”

“No. I can’t believe you did that to me!”

“Well I can’t believe you were planning on doing something like that to us.” Lana says sitting down on the chair Clark had pulled for her. “Thank you Clark”

“You’re welcome Lana.”

“One more thing that shock me is how civilized you two seem toward each other. Last time I saw the two of you together it was in a shouting match right after we had learned about your mom Clark.”

“Yeah well let’s just say my trip of the last 8 months changed my perspectives and look of the world Chloe.”

“Oh so you guys had already started on the catching up? Clark I was sure you would wait for me to do that.” Lana says with a pout.

“Ah you are too cute Lana. Sorry we didn’t wait for you.” Clark says laughing at her expression.

Chloe is happy to see that both of them can coexist in the same room and even interact with each other without resorting to their usual coldness.

“So Clark what is this about an 8 months trip?” Lana asks taking a menu to look at the food choices.

“Well after my mother’s funeral I had to leave Smallville so I took a leaf from your book Lana and went out to see the world and find my rightful place in it. I went to the four corner of the planet and well I felt it was time to come back here. Now I am enlisted to start Monday morning in journalism and law at Met U.”

“What?!” Chloe chokes on her sip of water as she hears that while Lana put her glass back down, both girls in shock of hearing Clark say that he is taking a double major.

“Easy Chloe. What is so shocking that you two look at me that way?”

“Well anyone taking two majors is pretty uncommon but to take journalism which is quite time involving and law which is even heavier. That is a near impossibility.” Mary says as she sees the other two girls are still searching for their words.

“Well I already have some notion in both from the half semester I took two years ago and also a lot of my experiences of the last 8 months have been taken into account. That is what allowed me to take both.”

Chloe looks at Clark suspiciously, having her doubts that his super powers are going to play a role in his studies. Lana for her part is amazed at this new Clark.

“Well I am happy for you Clark. You have changed since we last spoke and you have grown up a lot, both physically and in maturity.” Lana says hiding her face in her menu so that the others can’t see her pink cheeks.

“Now Chloe told me she got engaged to Jimmy and I know for a fact that Lois is getting down and heavy with Oliver. What about you Lana?” Clark asks with some curiosity and hope.

“Well... After the events that happened with your mother and Lionel, I went into a light depression and during that time I saw things I wish I had seen earlier and as I turned to my third month of pregnancy there was some reaction in my body that caused me to lose the baby. I was devastated, but Chloe, Lois and Mary here helped me get back on my feet. Then, after that, things continued to go downhill with Lex. We even set the date for the wedding about two months ago and then something happened and I called everything off a couple weeks later. I got away with the deeds to the Talon and since I still had some money left I bought myself a house close by so that I could work there. Then well I decided to come back to school and study in Business Management and also taking some classes in Marketing.” Lana got some tears in her eyes at the memories of everything that happened in the last year.

“For what it’s worth I am sorry to hear about the baby and also that things weren’t that good for you. It also explains your façade in the pictures that were with the article last month about the wedding." Clark says putting his hand on her shoulder and squeezing it just to show his support.

"I'm sorry Clark. I should have listened to you when you warned me about Lex."

"Lana you had every reason to not believe me when I told you that. You were still hurt from our break up and let’s face the truth that snake knows how to hide his plan well."

Everyone remains silent for a few minutes until the waitress comes to take their orders.

The rest of lunch is spent talking about their school year and Chloe’s upcoming wedding.

[jjsmallvillelvr]

YAY! another update...i restrained myself from reading what you had on the other thread lol! I shall read it now and comment when I am thru...but i think I am going to get some dinner first! hehe! be back in a flash!

[jjsmallvillelvr]

good good good...i need more! :D

[Nemu]

Here's the weekly update... Enjoy!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

After lunch they all head back to the girls’ new apartment to help with the unpacking. Mary and Chloe kept watching Clark and Lana all afternoon to see how they act so free with one another. To Chloe it is a relief after all that her best friends went through in the past. To see them so happy and teasing even flirting unconsciously was like a fresh breeze in the air.

She knew that soon Clark’s heritage would come back and darken the picture but for the first time since the summer after the second meteor shower Clark has cast aside his burden and shows his true inner self to the people around him.

’Let’s hope that this time they can get it right. Lana deserves the best and I know now that only Clark can give it to her.’

“Hey Chloe?” Mary whispers in her hear.

“Huh? Mary?” Chloe shakes her thoughts and focus her attention to her friend.

“Is he the Clark that you guys grew up with?”

“Yeah that’s him. He changed in the last year though. He went through a lot in his life so far.”

“Seeing those two together right now, I have difficulties believing your stories of how they were at each other’s throat.”

“Believe me I am surprised too. I am happy though since that means there is still hope for them. No matter what happened there was always something between those two. You could see it in their eyes when they were in the same room. Even at their worst in their last argument you could see the caring and a small spark of love in their expression and their eyes.”

“What if we give them a push to get them on the right track?” Mary asks mischievously.

“You have an idea in that red-haired head of yours I can feel it!” Chloe says intrigued.

“Yeah I do but it will have to wait. It needs planning and well we can’t work on it with them close.”

“Yeah especially those two around.”

“So let’s meet for dinner somewhere and discuss this.”

“Well come home with me then. Jimmy will be glad to see you again and we can always ask him to help.”

“Ok. I will be there tonight at 6:30?”

“Perfect!” Chloe says and then turns toward her two friends. “Hey guys! I have to go home. We will see each other Monday at school?”

“Yeah take care Chloe.” Lana says walking to her and gives her a hug.

“Clark can you walk me to my car please?” Chloe asks with a serious look in her eyes.

“Sure Chloe. I’ll be right back to help you guys.” Clark says taking both Chloe and his coats from Mary’s arms and holding the door open for Chloe.

On their way down Chloe turns to Clark and mustering her courage she looks right in his face. “Clark? You know that as happy we all are today things will get ugly again unless you open up to Lana this time around. Before you speak hear me out.” Chloe says holding up her hand when Clark starts to want to talk. He just nods for her to continue.

“I know why you didn’t tell her before. But believe me Baldy won’t be a problem this time around. She has been working hard to get rid of his influence even before they broke off. The miscarriage was a big turning point in her life.”

“What happened for her to lose her child?”

“Too much stress and well her fears I guess. She discovered soon after you left that being with Lutor meant no private life at all and well he didn’t like the fact that she was still close to your family. Martha was like a mother to all of us and her loss hit Lana probably as hard as it hit you. In Martha she lost her last parent figure.”

“What about Nell?”

“Lana never considered Nell as more than her guardian and aunt. Martha Kent was more of her mother than her own blood. But you know pretty well that this was your mom’s power. To make anyone feel like they were family. Or quite the opposite...”

“What do you mean the opposite?”

“Luthor. Both of them felt her dark side. Lionel was seducing her but it wasn’t as good for him as he thought. A few days before her death I was at the mansion with Lana and she came by. The two Luthor were there too and let’s just say that if she were all smiles to Lana and me, she was colder than ice toward the two men.”

“So the stress of her life with Luthor, added to that the death of my mom and our argument and I would even put in my disappearance and I bet I would be right on that. All these put together were too much for her body?”

“Yeah and you are right your disappearance didn’t help. When she found out part of the truth of her fiancé she tried to reach you and apologize but well I had to tell her that you had left.”

“It’s ok Chloe. You did the right thing in telling her. Now I guess it’s my move. But to be completely honest with you Chloe, I am scared about what could happen when I tell her and also I haven’t been this happy since the summer when I lost my powers.”

“I could see that today looking at you two working together. I am happy for you Clark. You really have changed. Well this is where we separate our way. Back up there you go and Clark?”

“Yes Chloe?” Clark says with a smile on his face.

“Don’t wait too long to let her in.”

“Don’t worry Chloe. We became friends today. I want to take things slow so there are no mistakes this time around.” Clark hugs Chloe and opens the building door for her. “See you soon!” He waves to her and goes back to the elevator up to his new life.

‘How can I tell her? I want to, I have to but how? There lies the problem.’ Clark is deep in thoughts as he rides the elevator back up to their floor.

Entering the girls’ apartment Clark sees Mary running around fixing her hairs and showing different pieces of clothes to Lana. Lana for her part is sitting on the couch with a book in her hands.

“Hey girls. So I guess by seeing you two that we are done with the unpacking?”

“Hey Clark, yeah we are done. Thanks for the help.” Mary says on her way back to her room with her final choice of clothes in hands.

“Ah it was nothing. If you need anything I’m but one door away, so don’t hesitate to ask.”

“Well Clark there is one thing you could do for me.” Lana says putting down her book.

“Anything Lana.”

“Well you could come with me for dinner? We still need to go buy some food and since Mary has to go out tonight then I decided to do the same and just go and have dinner somewhere in town.”

“Why go out? I’ll go back home and see what I can come up with and prepare dinner for us. That way you won’t even have to step outside.” Clark gives her a small smile saying this not knowing how it will be received.

“Hmm... Yeah I guess that can be done. Thanks Clark.” Lana says with a big smile. ’Wow Clark Kent inviting me to dinner at his place. He did change since we last spoke. More than I thought. Maybe there is hope then. Please don’t turn away again this time Clark.’ As she finishes her thoughts her smile starts to fade and sadness enters her eyes.

Clark notices this and wonders what could make her sad about his invitation. “Lana is everything alright? If you don’t want me to cook dinner we can always go out.”

“No! It’s not that. It was just some thoughts of the past that still somewhat makes me sad. Don’t worry. I’m actually looking forward to dinner.” She says quickly with her smiles returning to her face.

”Alright then. I’ll go right now and I should have a menu for you to choose in no time.” Clark gives her a smile and turns around to head for his apartment to see what can be made for dinner. ’Well I hope dinner will help her forget the sadness at least for the short time we will be together. God I missed this. Chloe is right, I need to plan and tell her soon.’

Clark decides on making a Chinese menu for dinner and goes to the store to get the ingredients needed to cook Chow Mein, chicken fried rice, pork noodles, beef and broccoli and some ready to bake egg-rolls.

Using just the right amount of super-speed Clark gets everything done just in time to go get ready for the appointed time. As he walks back toward the kitchen a knock is heard at the door.

[smolex]

Really liking the story. Thanks for the good read.

[The Black Cat]

Excellent updates!!! PPMS!!!

[jjsmallvillelvr]

great chapter Nemu!!! can't wait for more!!! hope its soon. i hope dinner goes well, the more clana the better! hehe.