Clana - How "This Time" Will be Different (PG-13)

[ajfinn]

NYC - I am so laughing my guts out right now. That was perfect dude!!!!!!!!!

:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

Stole it right out from under their swift fingers!

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Ahh..... you fellas just made my night!

*waiting around to see Ketchup & Smallvilleman eat a serving of NYC's humble New York pizza pie :D*

NOW, I'm going to go finish the update!

[SmallvilleMan]

I'm sorry, i was little busy. *Points to the spolier section of the board, where he had to defend himself.* Oh and one more thing. You are lazy afinn, i demand an update, stop bleeding and write.

[Ketchup]

AJ, you better update before me... today. And damn, I was preoccupied with writing the Last Setting, when NYC stole the 100th post from me =((( But hey, congrats dude.

[SmallvilleMan]

By the way, what were you doing in Clark's loft? *runs to tell lana that afinn is trying to steal Clark from her.*

[ajfinn]

Originally posted by SmallvilleMan
By the way, what were you doing in Clark's loft? *runs to tell lana that afinn is trying to steal Clark from her.*

*I AM the LANA of this story!!!*

Now, on topic ........ set your timers for one hour and see if I can post by then. Still laughing over NYC's steal.

[NYC300Z]

Yes thankyou thankyou!!
NY Pizza Pie u got me hungry Ajfinn i think i'm going to walk down by the World Trade Center and get some pizza u gotta love 24 hour pizzarias:D Hope there's an update when i get back!!

[Ketchup]

WTC? What do you mean? There's like nothing left of it =(

[LuvClana]

yea...or do you mean the empire state building

[SVsleuth]

Way to go NYC! :lol: Sorry SmallvilleMan & Ketchup, but that was TOO funny! What a steal! :lol:

Congrats, ajfinn! Over 1000 posts! Yay!

Hmmm... 1 hour 25 minutes later... almost ready, ajfinn? I'm sure you're making it worth the wait. :)

[itsallinthespelling]

please hurry with the update aj, my cord to my laptop broke and i only got 50 mins of battery time left.

[ajfinn]

Part 55:

Knowing Clark would be a while longer, Lana couldn’t resist the opportunity to take a nap. She tossed and turned for a time, laughing at herself for being so eager to return to her own personal historical novel.

Each enjoyable vision she had, however, also brought conflicting emotions. She loved watching the romance play out between Isobel and Kal-El—and Marguerite was starting to feel like she was Lana’s own child, but when she awoke, the bliss was always followed by a sense of lingering dread—knowing of the darkness that was sure to come.

At last, when Lana took slow, rhythmic breaths, she drifted off—back into the scene she’d left so reluctantly.

Kal-El and Isobel were not shy as they continued to kiss in the hallway the entire length of Marguerite’s nap. Being with Kal-El was like quenching a desperate thirst after traveling through an emotionless desert. What was it about him that filled Isobel’s soul so completely?

Marguerite called for her mother, and Kal-El stepped back and looked at Isobel as though she’d just given him a dose of poison—something he’d never recover from. He then smiled with a release of air. “Please tell me we can do that again.”

Isobel laughed, loving the way his hungry eyes rested on her, then gave him one more lingering kiss. “I wouldn’t let you leave if you tried.”

“You definitely won’t have to worry about that,” Kal-El said, trying to steady himself against the wall as he watched her walk away toward Marguerite’s room. His eyes felt like bonfires—his entire body did. He was relieved that he could control his heat vision this time, otherwise the whole manor would’ve gone up in smoke.

Marguerite came toddling down the hall, followed by a beaming Isobel. When Isobel approached Kal-El, she lingered for only a moment—pleased that he was still immobile. She wondered how her own legs were able to move, weak as they were.

Isobel grabbed his hand and tugged him along toward the kitchen. “You hungry?” she asked.

“Are you joking?” he asked, pulling her back into his arms and caressing her neck.

She enjoyed it as long as she dared—remembering where Marguerite wandered off to the last time she took her eyes off her. “Are you saying that men can live purely on love where you come from?”

“I’m not sure,” he said, running his hands down her back. “But I’m willing to test the possibility.”

Isobel shuddered, certain that the next few hours until her daughter went back to sleep would be the longest of her life. But at the same time, she was afraid at what she’d do when that time came.

If she’d known this day was going to go as it had, she’d have at least pressed her dress. But with Kal-El’s strong hands all over it anyway, what did it matter? She laughed when she pictured them in the hallway again.

“What?” Kal-El asked, but had to stop his teasing when they reached the kitchen to find Marguerite playing with a knitting needle.

“My goodness,” Isobel said, taking it away from her. “You’ve found more dangerous adventure in this single day than you have in all your life.” She turned around to face Kal-El again—to answer his question. “And that’s precisely what I was telling myself when I laughed a moment ago.”

He sat in a kitchen chair, stretching out his long legs that Isobel couldn’t help but drool over. “Which part? That I’m dangerous or full of adventure?”

Isobel’s eyes raised to meet his, feeling a surge of desire burn through her. “Definitely both.”

As a surprise to each of them, they managed to prepare supper together without losing track of the busy toddler even once. As Isobel set the table, Kal-El tossed a ball back and forth with Marguerite, which he’d almost always drop just to hear her delighted giggles as he acted so severely disappointed about it.

“Where does your family live?” Kal-El asked Isobel when they sat to eat.

Normally this was a question she avoided with everyone else—acting as though she no longer had living relatives. “About an hour’s ride from here,” she said. “But they don’t even know where I am. I haven’t spoken to them since I left Paris, when they unexpectedly appeared at my door bearing ‘gifts’ for my newborn daughter.”

“And that wasn’t such a good idea, I gather,” Kal-El said, noticing Isobel’s shiver.

She scrunched up her nose and shook her head, then glanced to Marguerite—who was smearing mashed potatoes all over the table.

“Oh, what a pretty picture, darling,” Isobel said with an amused smile, then raised her brows to Kal-El. “I believe she’ll be a famous artist one day—she has quite a talent, don’t you think?”

He leaned across the table to get a better look. “Is that a flower?” Kal-El asked.

Marguerite laughed, then looked between him and her mashed potato drawing, finally pointing at Kal-El. “Papa!” she said, which sent Isobel’s heart to her toes.

Lana woke to a sensation of the back of a hand moving across her cheek. When she opened her eyes, she discovered Clark hovering only inches above her.

She grabbed him, raising up to give him a kiss. “Get down here!” she said, laughing.

“Gladly,” Clark answered, gently dropping to finish what she’d started. “You looked pretty happy while you were sleeping. What happened this time?”

Lana ran her fingers through Clark’s hair as she felt his warmth all around her. “Marguerite drew a picture of Kal-El with mashed potatoes,” she said, making Clark laugh. “And then . . . ” Lana paused to swallow, feeling Isobel’s reaction all over again, “she called him ‘papa’.”

Clark’s smile faded, chills spilling over him. “Wow,” he said, trying to make the corners of his mouth return to where they were. “It’s like they’re already a family.”

Lana released the breath she’d been holding, then kissed Clark on the cheek. “I missed you,” she said. “Let’s not talk about your day until you’re ready.”

She had no idea how much he wished he could take her up on that offer. “Let’s go down by the lake,” he whispered in her ear. “I won’t be any less nervous to talk to you about it tomorrow. And you deserve to know.”

Once they’d reached the lake—the orange glow of the setting sun reflecting off its smooth surface, Clark stopped and faced Lana—holding both her hands. He wasn’t sure where to start.

“Lana, I know we’ve talked about a lot of things, and you haven’t been scared off by any of it yet,” he said. “But I can’t expect you to keep going along with this without knowing exactly what you’re committing yourself to.”

She gripped his hands, trying to stop her own from trembling. “Clark, I’m not ‘going along’ with anything,” she said, feeling like they’d had this conversation before. Why couldn’t he have more faith in her? “And nothing you tell me can change my mind about being with you, nor my heart from loving you. So please, please, stop torturing yourself over what our future may be like.”

Clark didn’t think he could bear the weight of his body as he stood there. “Let’s sit down, okay?”

They lowered to the long grass, and Lana snuggled into him, much as she’d done when they had their one and only picnic together two long years ago. She wasn’t going to allow his emotional wall to come up, and she tipped her head to kiss him so he’d be well aware of her determination—no matter what he had to tell her.

Clark waited for well over a minute before he had the courage to speak. Then he finally looked at her with his glossy eyes, and said, “Lana, I’ve never wanted anything more in my life than to marry you. The thought of you being my wife . . . ” he paused, losing his voice when he saw a tear roll down her cheek, “ . . . it’s the most fulfilling dream I could ever imagine. But—”

Lana knew the ‘but’ was coming and gripped onto him.

He swallowed. “But we can’t ever have children together . . . and I don’t want to hold you back from your desire to have a family.”

[itsallinthespelling]

great update. glad you got it in before my comp ran out of battery.

[Ketchup]

That was so sad =( Well u stuck to the comics in having Clark not be able to have children with anyone. I want to see Lana's reaction. Excellent update, as usual. You are not allowed to sulk... EVER again.

[ClarksGirl21]

no superkids? how could you ajfinn?! haha..
great update.. but thats nothing new.. update soon =)

[SVsleuth]

I knew it would be worth the wait. And I got to read it WAY before 3 a.m this time - Yay!

Aw... no superkids. What will Lana's reaction be? Can't wait to find out. Thanks for the bedtime update, ajfinn. Loved it, as always. :):):):):)

[Scotty]

Aww, I was left feeling sad after Ketchup's update tonight, now reading ajfinn's left me the same way! I almost wanted to go the the chlarkers forums, eww.

[ajfinn]

Originally posted by Scotty
Aww, I was left feeling sad after Ketchup's update tonight, now reading ajfinn's left me the same way! I almost wanted to go the the chlarkers forums, eww.

Ohhhh ... I feel so bad now. Don't worry though. This may be the best thing for Clark and Lana to go through together. You never know (oh, wait I guess that *I* know, don't I? :D)

[SmallvilleMan]

*Takes out his ring and knocks afinn through the loft again.*
That will teach you for knowing something i don't

[NYC300Z]

How sad how come they can't have children together?? I thought Professor Willobrook said a kryptonian had a child with a native american and they became the skinwalkers? Is Clark just afraid their children will be like that too?? If that's the only thing holding him back he's being to chicken oh well maybe it's something totally diferent can't wait for ur next update!!

PPMS!!

* oh and I did mean the world trade center everybody still calls it that. that or the WTC site, besides tower 7 that collapsed has been totally rebuilt already*

[Cardinal]

Here I thought you were killing the Clana vibe the other day. No, no, no, no, no, no! *Takes deeeeeep breath, continues temper tantrum* NooooooOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!

I mean, wouldn't Clark and Lana have the world's cutest kids? And you just killed them!

Scotty's right...I need a valium!

[SVsleuth]

Originally posted by Scotty
Aww, I was left feeling sad after Ketchup's update tonight, now reading ajfinn's left me the same way! I almost wanted to go the the chlarkers forums, eww.
Scotty, Try reading "Cardinals Odds and Ends" for an uplifting story of Clark Proposing to Lana. Its a one shot short story, & very well done. It might help lift your depression. ;)

[SmallvilleMan]

I'm depressed too, but i don't know why:confused:

[Cardinal]

Woo-hoo! I don't know about Scotty's depression, but mine just took the red-eye to Nowhere!

Getting some love on another thread is whole new experience for me! Thanks bunches, SV!!!

[SVsleuth]

You're welcome. Just trying to help everyone find the happy Clana Fix they're thirsting for while they wait for the eventual happy endings from ajfinn & Ketchup. :) And we know they will get to a happy CLANA ending. ;)

[NYC300Z]

Yeah we all know ajfinn is about angst free happy Clana!! Can't wait for more of that!!

[SmallvilleMan]

Or afinn and ketchup can post their happy endings now:D But NOOOOOOOO, lazy people:p

[Cardinal]

Dang it...if you keep interrupting me with posts over HERE, I'm never gonna be able to finish Clark's conversation w/ Prof. Willowbrook on YOUR thread. (Which I like a lot right now.)

[NYC300Z]

Originally posted by SmallvilleMan
Or afinn and ketchup can post their happy endings now:D But NOOOOOOOO, lazy people:p

Yeah Ketchup has been kinda lazy lately! Ajfinn on the other hand gives up daily updates, but she's never left us with this kind of cliffy b4 so I for one would love another update the other one was technically posted yesterday after all! lol :lol:

[ajfinn]

*ajfinn stops scratching her head - finally seeing why she has over 1000 posts on her thread. It has nothing to do with my story, she says :lol: Then runs to the Clana Fix Clubhouse to see if anyone wants to chat*

And, I'm working on both an update for tomorrow, so you can all stop thinking I'm crushing the Clana, as well as my "This Time" awards. Hopefully, I'll have both for your viewing pleasure tomorrow.

[SVsleuth]

Good point NYC! It's Friday now ajfinn. Where's our next update? Let me guess: 3 a.m.?? :lol: (Moving to Clubhouse thread)

[SmallvilleMan]

Bye ladies, i think i'll just stay here and run up the post total.:D :rotfl:

[Kal-El & Me]

Good can't wait for your update. They have to have superkids.

superkids! superkids! superkids! superkids!:eek:

[binkys711]

wha.....?!no superkids?!*starts tearing*who's gonna save the world after Clark's gone! huh?! HUH?!HUH?!PPMS!!!happy 1000th post thread! sorry, got here kinda late:\

[Clana-follower06]

We need superkids! I just read Ketchup's update too and they're both depressing, we want, scratch that, we need happy clana. Great job with this story, I really love it!

[4EverSmallville]

I don't know what to say, there has to be a loophole. Right?

[SmallvilleMan]

Smething funny was here, but needed to be removed for your good and my own(or did i just feel it?), BAAHAHHAHAHAHHAHA.:D

[NYC300Z]

I think the loophole is they can have kids but Clark doesn't want them to end up being skinwalkers or not be normal like he wasn't and not put them through that kind of thing....but Lana wont care if their kids aren't normal or something like that oh iono just hopeful wishing....PPMS!! You haven't updated since yesterday so were expecting an update b4 Midnight! :D

[ajfinn]

To celebrate, and thank my readers, for their constant encouragement and loyalty to my fan fiction “Clana – How 'This Time' Will be Different,” these awards are to commemorate the 1000th post on my story!!

Thank you to all!! If you’ve EVER posted on my fan fiction thread, you are included in the awards. You may only be under one category each, even though many of you fit into several!

The Official “THIS TIME” Awards for Outstanding Performances by Fan Fiction Readers

The Freak of the Week Award for Outstanding Story Stalker Performance goes to:

NYC300Z – for posting on this story thread more often than any normal human should – a record breaking 80 times!!

The Clana Award for the Most Faithful Fan goes to:

4EverSmallville – who after almost twelve hours of my first installment being posted without a single reply, answered my “Does anyone want to hear more?” plea with:

“I do. Good start, PPMS.”

And she’s still around. *wipes eyes*

The Clark Kent Award for a Male in the ‘Most Posts’ Lead goes to:

Ketchup – 59 times!!

The Lana Lang Award for a Female in the ‘Most Posts’ Lead goes to:

Binkys711 – 58 times!!

The Lex Luthor Award for Impersonating “The Villain of the Story” goes to:

Smallvilleman – for making me question all too often if he was being serious. :lol: (This is a warm fuzzy joke!)

The Chloe Sullivan Award for Best Investigative Commenting goes to:

SVsleuth – for faithfully posting specific comments on the storyline and fishing out a deeper meaning of all things Clana – even for the author who WROTE the story.

The Martha Kent Award for the Absolutely Sweetest Encouragement I’ve Ever Received, and That Have Made me Blush Furiously, goes to:

Scotty – Quote: I've been following this fanfic from the beginning. I just registered at Kryptonsite to tell you that you are an amazing writer and I wish I had your talent. You have an amazing talent and way with words.

Kal-El&Me – Quote: This fic is addicting. I'm hooked, hooked, hooked, and more hooked. PPMS.

Dr. Jeckyll – Quote: Hi ajfinn! I'm pretty new to the k-site board, so i saw your fic just some hours earlier today/night. I have now read 37 parts in a row, and still can't stop, even though it's 6 AM in the morning here in Norway. Honestly, I haven't got this addicted to any real book, you outscore them all . . . Keep updating this wonderful story, I'm truly amazed!

ClanaLover – Quote: OMG!!!! That was great! I really really REALLY can't wait until the next update!

Shadowknight – Quote: PLEASE PPMS!!! I want more!! make them REAL long too ahhhhhh this is the best fan fic EVER!!!!!!! no kidding. i LOVE this agh!!! must have more!!! 5 stars!

Mcgairman – Quote: I'm not a Clana fan, but this version is the best I've seen. Lana here is more mature, responsible, and best of all -- understanding. Keep it up!!

Ketchup – Quote: You are AMAZING!!! I absolutely loved this update! I was kind of getting tired of reading fics which simply described Clana's daily happenings, and now you knocked me off my feet by revealing a whole nother lever to your story. All I can say is... WOAH!

Blahblah – Quote: I have a confession to make. I check daily for updates on this story but I'm just not big about posting. Sorry. You deserve every praise. The story is great. I really love it!

MOOman0618 – Quote: I love seeing an update by ajfinn! It makes my night. Love how you are putting all of the cool mythos in there! Really adds to the depth.

The “Flash” Award for Longest Distance Traveled to Listen to my Story goes to:

Mythos – The Netherlands
Kewl – Thailand
Razel – Romania
Dr. Jeckyll – Norway
Spacewalker33.3 – Dominican Republic
Karen26 – United Kingdom
(If I missed any distant travelers in this category, it’s because your profile doesn’t say where you’re from. You could always tell us though!)

The Lionel Luthor Award for Making Me Appreciate a Rival Shipper goes to:

LoisNClark – who has praised and encouraged this Clana fic despite being absolutely blasphemous to her true affection. How very kind and bi-partisan of you. Thanks!

The Mr. Olsen Award for the Most Enjoyably Dramatic Posts goes to:

Cardinal – Quote: Congratulations! Your fic is absolutely fantabulous! Only a completely made-up word can properly express my awe at how well you tell this story. I usually read fanfic at another site, but somehow was referred to your fic here . . . Heck, I signed up for K-Site just to thank you . Your fic is wondermous! (And yet another dramatic post from Cardinal) *Dehydrated man staked out in the desert.* "Screw the water. Must ... have ... CLANA!" Your story is ausgezeichnet!

Mythos – Quote: Good gravy!! I just tuned in and couldn't stop reading! For the love of all that's kryptonic, don't stop! Seriously though, Amazing job! <--confirming fact that straight guys can get into this story too! Not too mushy at all!

Ketchup – Quote: Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh this is Ahhhh-mazing. =) Screw my story, I’m just gonna read yours. PPMS!

((Yes, I also find it quite funny that the most dramatic posts all came from MEN! See, I’m not far off with Mr. Olsen’s character, am I?))

The Smallville Meteor Shower of Guilt Because I Haven’t Posted Yet, But I’m Still Extremely Flattered that You Care! Award goes to:

Booze_is_me09 – Quote: MAN, this is so addictive. i can't wait till the next post. i hope this happens in the 5th season!!! but this is the night the next post would come and its not up yet so i'm waiting very impatiently!!

Peaches4cream – (Her response after I said I’d be posting “tonight”) Quote: around what time tonight? I can stay up till about 5 in the morning if my mom lets me

Avidreader – Quote: Sorry I'm a sentimental romantic female, who just waved her husband goodbye for a month. So updates please asap.

SVsleuth – Quote: Noooo.......!!! Don't stop now!!!!!!!!! Awesome story! Please don't make us wait too long for more... We're all holding our breath, along with Clark. You wouldn't want us to all die of asphyxiation, would you? (Then in a later post) We're still holding our breath... We're all turning blue! Help! Please continue the story. I can't breathe!!!

Kal-El&Me – Quote: Continue NOOOOOWWWWW!!!!!! Sorry I'm a Sagittarius and that is my only excuse for me making commands.

CLANAobsessed – Quote: Joins in the chant: post more post more post more post more...!

The Pete Ross Award for Kryptonite Infused Acceleration of Those who Started into the Clana Storyboards Later Into this Fic, But Have Posted Like Crazy Ever Since:

EyeluvTom and clana4ev3r

The Alicia Baker Award for the Longest Enduring Obsession – or These are The Posters Who Have Been with Me Since the Very Beginning (Before Update 5) & Are Still Posting goes to:

4Eversmallville, itsallinthespelling, Kal-El&Me, Spacewalker33.3, Clarksgirl21, Dreammaster, Kewl, Smallvillewolf17, Binkys711, NYC300Z, ClanaLover

The “Ryan” Award for Inspiring me to Begin the Fic in the First Place:

Clarksgirl21 – I explained this earlier, but here it is again:
When I (ajfinn) first started reading fan fic in May, I found Clarksgirl21's fic, and posted this: "I have to say that you certainly have their voices and speech patterns down. Nice job!! It's almost sad that we all know them so well. Makes me feel a bit mentally unstable at times." –ajfinn

So, it made me think just how "mentally unstable" I was. Could I write a fic that was believable like Clarksgirl21?? And that’s when it all began.

The Talon award for Showing Up Every Once in a While to Hang Out While I Share my Twisted Imagination:

LuvClana, SVClana, Clana-follower06, Karen26, C.A.chick, Rejeimha, CK726, ClanaAlways, Joshuabr, yojimbo, Smvlfn08, tom_welling_is_so_hot,

The Level 33.1 Award for Making a Couple of Appearances, then Leaving me to Wonder Where you Went, and What You’re Up To goes to:

RedGoldStar, Rain88, Daniel.Hauser, Meg101, hyper149, lanaland, writer93, ILoveSmallville4ver

And Last, but Just as Important . . .

The Dr. Virgil Swan Award for Support and Encouragement, Though You Can’t be With Us in Person goes to:

The SILENT readers, who I hope will one day come forward and admit their addiction to Clana. After all, it’s finally been proven with this year’s Kryptonsite awards that CLANA is indeed the favorite fan ship!!!

This fic is currently getting viewed between 1200-2000 times a day, so unless Ketchup has fallen asleep on his refresh button, there are hundreds of silent readers who I’d LOVE to hear from! Yesterday was the record, FYI – with over 2100 views in 24 hours. Whoa!

Thanks for making this story worth writing. Lots more fun and excitement to come (I hope! Pressure, pressure!) I really hope I didn’t miss mentioning anyone in these awards!!

An UPDATE is on its way!

[itsallinthespelling]

Originally posted by ajfinn
4Eversmallville, itsinthespelling, Kal-El&Me, Spacewalker33.3, Clarksgirl21, Dreammaster, Kewl, Smallvillewolf17, Binkys711, NYC300Z, ClanaLover

[/B]

Waaaah. she spelled my name wrong :( :p

[4EverSmallville]

:rotfl: :lol: :rotfl: :lol: :rotfl:

No way.

[itsallinthespelling]

ironic too isn't it, she misspells itsallinthespelling

[ajfinn]

Originally posted by itsallinthespelling
ironic too isn't it, she misspells itsallinthespelling

:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

I'm never gonna live that down!!

Anyway, I've edited it! For heaven's sake! (Male Diva!!) :lol:

Sorry :\

*sobs, I tried SO hard!* ;)

And, if you want to get picky, "its" should be a contraction in your user name. "it'sallinthespelling" :lol: :rotfl: :lol:

[SmallvilleMan]

Wow, that hurt. Oh all the awards given out, i get the worse and i get a diss. :( How nice of you, last time i ever joke again. From now on, it's all serious and good thing i already updated my story, doing clark and Lana's wedding scene, i couldn't do it now.:(

[Schfifty-five]

this story is amazing!! I just started reading the fanfiction storys at the begining of the summer and yours is really good. Keep it up!!

[ajfinn]

Oh, my . . . . well, perhaps I'll delete my awards post. I've struck out twice now.

The WORST award, are you kidding Smallvilleman?? You're the one who makes it all so fun!! :D


Originally posted by Schfifty-five
this story is amazing!! I just started reading the fanfiction storys at the begining of the summer and yours is really good. Keep it up!!

Ahhh . . . thanks, what good timing for me! :D

[SmallvilleMan]

I am Clark right after transference. No more funny, the funny was killed with when the word troller came out. All serious from now, back to the days of being quiet and just updated my story to please the fans. No more :D or :p or;) or :lol:

[itsallinthespelling]

Originally posted by ajfinn


And, if you want to get picky, "its" should be a contraction in your user name. "it'sallinthespelling" :lol: :rotfl: :lol:
lol, it is a term in the computer world, reffering to the spelling changes in the slang amongst hackers. an ex. would be phreak, not freak, and kewl, not cool.;) and no i'm not a hacker, just wish i was smart enough to be one:D

[Ketchup]

Haha SVM, ur hilarious =) Woah thx aj, I didnt expect to get... anyhting lol.

[ajfinn]

Originally posted by SmallvilleMan
I am Clark right after transference. No more funny, the funny was killed with when the word troller came out. All serious from now, back to the days of being quiet and just updated my story to please the fans. No more :D or :p or;) or :lol:

Okay, I clarified that particular award. I thought you'd be so happy, with all your "Bawawwwaaaaawaaaaaa" you've been doing lately.

Anyway, any more complaints about me messing up on the awards should be directed to me in the Clana Fix Clubhouse :D Where I can grovel for forgiveness.

Meanwhile, I better start on an update.

[SmallvilleMan]

It can't be edited like it was nothing, i'm serious, that troller comment was crap(I'd make a funny comment here, but i don't want to and there would be a face inserted here, but the funny is dead).

[LoisNClark]

can't wait for the update and thanks for recognizing me. a Clois who also loves to read Clana stories;) :D

[SVsleuth]

SVsleuth steps up to the microphone at the This Time Awards Ceremony: "I would like to thank everyone who made it possible for me to receive The Chloe Sullivan Award for Best Investigative Commenting. First, to my daughter, ClanaLover, without whom I would never have discovered ajfinn's fanfic (or even known what fanfic is :lol: ); and secondly to ajfinn for writng such a GREAT story that I just had to stop being a silent reader of her fic and join K-Site so I could tell her how much I like it. Thanks also aj for inspiring me to start writng too. I would never have thought to do something like this, but it is great fun. Thanks again." Accepts award & returns to her seat. :)

[Clana-follower06]

Yay I was actually in there somewhere! I'd like to thank all the little people... PPMS!

[ClarksGirl21]

The “Ryan” Award for Inspiring me to Begin the Fic in the First Place: Clarksgirl21

Ahh! this is awesome! I won an award! Thank you ,Thank you (does the princess wave *elbow, wrist, elbow*)haha =)
And it's a ryan award.. whatever that means.. wait a second.. ryan dies.. you wouldn't happened to be trying to kill me off now would you ajfinn? haha.. :D just kidding! Thanks for the recognition! Muchly apprehiated AJ . Love love Love you ;)

[EyeluvTom]

Thank you so much for recognizing me!! It makes feel so much better, especially since I won't be on the boards for the next ten days. I'm going on vacation in California with no internet access whatsoever. *sniff* Hope to have plenty of updates to read when I get back!! ;)

[Scotty]

Oh my god... The Martha Kent Award! I can't accept this award though because I'm not really that sweet... I really get a kick out of torturing Chlarkers while not reading your fanfic.

*stares at floor in shame*

[Kal-El & Me]

Wow. I won an award. Two actually. Thank you aj. * Scrolls up to her latest post and hugs the computer.* And thank you for your fan fic! *Goes to latest update and kisses the computer.* Can't wait to see your next update. I hope Marguerite continues to think that Kal is her father.Hate him or love him. Ha ha... nothing in between. As for Clark and Lana, I think I might have an idea of what's going to happen with this whole having children thing. I won't say just incase I spoil it. PPMS!;)

[Cardinal]

*Clutches award to chest, starts channeling Sally Field*

You like me, you like me, you really like me!

*Changes channels...now channeling Lou Gehrig (I just lost the female half of the audience)*

"I...I...I... am the luckiest man...man...man....on the face...face...face of the Earth...Earth...Earth!"

No, I'm not stuttering, the italics are there to indicate a circa-1939 Yankee Stadium echo.

[dreammaster]

another awesome chapter

[Shadowknight]

Yay i got an award! I wonder what it looks like? A trophyed pie? it is a Martha Kent award after all.....PPMS!

[ajfinn]

Part 56:

Clark’s words echoed through Lana’s entire body, then she fell into the grass—flat on her back.

Clark didn’t dare join her, watching the tears trickle down her cheeks was too much for him, and he turned back toward the lake, his chest and head burning. “I should’ve told you that when we first spoke about my abilities in your apartment—I’m so sorry, Lana—it wasn’t fair for me to—”

Lana gripped the back of his shirt and yanked him down to the grass with her. Startled, he found a half-smile on her face, but she was still crying. “You scared me so bad, Clark,” she said, touching his face, then tracing his lips with her thumb. “I thought you were going to say you had to give me up for the sake of the world, or something . . . If there comes a time that you feel you need to let go for my own safety—let ME make that decision, okay?” She released one last sob, then wiped her eyes. “Don’t ever do that to me again.”

Even with her reprimand, he found it hard not to relax, feeling the warmth of her hand on his skin. “Why do I get the feeling that you didn’t hear a single word I just said?”

“Because I’ve heard you say those very words dozens of times in my head since we spoke about your origin,” she said, scooting over to be right against him. “So what you just told me isn’t anything I didn’t already know. Of course I’m disappointed, but—”

He put his hand on her face, then moved it down her shoulder and arm. “But what you probably think is that it would be impossible because we’re genetically so different,” he said, feeling this was what would sting her the most, “but that’s not the case. It’s possible for us to have children, it’s just that . . . ” He went on to tell her of his conversation with Professor Willowbrook.

That definitely shook Lana for a moment—that Clark and she COULD have children—so she didn’t understand exactly where he was going with his explanation. “So, you’re afraid that if we have a baby, that it will be a skinwalker—because I know what Kyla did was wrong, but she wasn’t a horrible person,” Lana said, her heart speeding up a bit in hope. “Maybe a daughter of our own could learn to better control her abilities—just as you have.”

Clark gave a slow shake of his head, expecting this to be her reaction. “No, Lana. I don’t know what a child of ours would turn out to be,” he said. “Jor-El doesn’t either. He suspects the first two skinwalkers, whose blood was half Kryptonian, mutated into animal like creatures because they adapted to their habitat in the wilderness. Basically, their ability was dictated by a need to survive as a new species.”

A new SPECIES? Lana blinked hard, taking in the significance of that. “In other words, our children could adapt to their own environment as well? Taking on whatever ability they felt they needed to survive?”

“It’s possible,” Clark answered, running out of words.

They remained staring at one another for several moments, taking in the potential implications. “I’m not sure I’d dare send our daughter to Jr. High,” Lana said, trying to sound airy, but being serious about it. “It’s amazing what a girl has to do to ‘survive’ those particular years.”

Clark swallowed, having already considered things like that on his way back from the Fortress today. “Lana, you read my journal entries from when I was young,” he said. “There were times at school, or in sports, that I didn’t care who discovered my secret—I wanted to teach them a lesson, so they wouldn’t bother me again.”

“But you didn’t, Clark,” she said, touching his chest and feeling his strong heartbeat. “Because you had parents who instilled such goodness in you that you had the strength to resist. We can do that! I know we can.”

There was no way Clark was going to say ‘but’ again. So he just stayed quiet, his eyes welling up again.

Lana laid her head on his chest, trying to connect with his soul—trying to discern the words she knew he was holding back. Finally, she felt she understood the roots of his pain.

“You don’t want to take that chance, do you?” She looked up to see the emotional confirmation on his face. “You aren’t concerned about how hard it would be to raise a child like that, but how hard it would be for them to be one.”

Clark nodded, still unable to speak, his throat burning.

“You’re full-blooded Kryptonian,” she said, explaining it more to herself. “But if my blood—witch blood, no less—were to mix with yours—”

“Who knows what would happen?” he said, knowing it was his turn to have the strength to finish the sentence. “But still, even if you didn’t have an ability of your own, Jor-El said that, biologically, a child I had with any woman could be born without a conscience, or not have the ability to turn off his or her powers . . . or anything.”

Lana nodded, resting on her back in the grass again. Clark propped up on his elbow and looked down at her, again just staring until the right words came . . . as he studied her. “I’d give anything to have a daughter that looked just like you,” he said, his voice catching again. “Your beautiful hazel eyes, your long dark hair, your sweet face that makes me melt at the sight of it.”

She completely lost it then, thinking of a miniature version of Clark toddling around their house . . . how often she’d dreamed of that. Lana sat up and they held on to one another for several minutes.

“Clark,” she said at last, her arms still around him. “Millions of people in this world can’t have children together, but it doesn’t stop them from marrying and raising a family.”

He couldn’t help but allow his lips to part into a smile. “That’s exactly what my parents told me today,” he said. “But that wasn’t their choice—this is a choice we’d actually have to make—a choice to prevent having children together.”

She took his face in her hands, and with a stern expression said, “I know that, but we’ll make that decision when we have to. Right now, I just want you to know that I will still consider myself just as much of a mother if I adopt children. And that I know we’ll feel just as complete as a family, as one who shares the very same gene pool.”

Clark’s smile was huge now. “The Kents are definitely proof that having the same flesh and blood doesn’t dictate if you’re a family,” he said, also thinking of an opposite example. Lex and Lionel were anything but a family—even when Lex’s mother was still alive.

Clark paused, exhaling a deep cleansing breath. “So you won’t be disappointed if we can’t have little superbabies?”

Her smile matched the size of his own. “Whether or not we can have our own biological children, they won’t be any less super if they have you as their dad,” Lana said, giving Clark the most passion-filled kiss she ever had.

What mattered most to her, was not only would she be a mother, but that Clark would be there to tuck her children into bed.




((I know this update is short, but I really wanted the scene to stand on its own))

Did everyone check out my "THIS TIME" awards I posted earlier today? If not, you better take a look. You might just find your name next to a huge award :D (There are no little awards, only little . . . ummm . . . oh, heck, I've completely used up ALL of my creativity for today, you can fill in the blank ;) )

[Dr. Jeckyll]

YAY! I got the "The Martha Kent Award for the Absolutely Sweetest Encouragement I’ve Ever Received, and That Have Made me Blush Furiously" award! :D Fantastic, you totally deserved it. If my posts inspire you to carry on I'll post everyday! Thx for the update, it's 05.40 am in Norway now, but it was worth a wait, just as usual :) . And yes I'm a straight guy, and this story ain't too mushy :) Besides, who doesn't love some mushy Clana? ;) Wow, just discovered I got "The “Flash” Award for Longest Distance Traveled to Listen to my Story" award also :D Well, distance doesn't matter in this forum, here's just good ol' clana loving! Hehe. :) PPMS! Amazing chapter!

[Scotty]

Great update ajfinn, we can all feel a little better now. :)

[Shadowknight]

ajfinn, I just need to say. Your writing is so fantastic. This is THE best fanfic ive ever read period. I cant evn find the words to describe how you grasp Clana and all its glory.

I found myself last night watching "Spell" for the first time thinking "Oh man what will Isobel do when she see's Clark? will she recognize Kal-el?" Then i realized about 5 minutes later. That it was the fanfic and not the actual episode.

So, i just have to say great job, and keep up the good work!


P.S We want Clana superbabies!

[LoisNClark]

Wow another amazing chapter. This is such an awesome story!!!

I'm very sad there won't be any superbabies though.

I'm the Lionel award winner. haha

[SVsleuth]

Originally posted by Shadowknight
ajfinn, I just need to say. Your writing is so fantastic. This is THE best fanfic ive ever read period. I cant evn find the words to describe how you grasp Clana and all its glory.

I found myself last night watching "Spell" for the first time thinking "Oh man what will Isobel do when she see's Clark? will she recognize Kal-el?" Then i realized about 5 minutes later. That it was the fanfic and not the actual episode.

Wow, ajfinn! Your fanfic seems so real we think we SAW it!


aj - Great update. I'll P.M. you more comments,

[Ketchup]

Great update!

[Cardinal]

Madness and greatness, often two sides of the same coin and Clark's not willing to risk a toss! :(

[SmallvilleMan]

I want what was previous put back up there next to my name on the awards, so i can look at it again.

[Ketchup]

Originally posted by SmallvilleMan
I want what was previous put back up there next to my name on the awards, so i can look at it again.

Lol dude give it a rest man

[spacewalker_33.3]

amazing chapter, i checked the awards and just realized i won one :( , i didn't even won it, because i wanna move to Canada (i hope my father keep his promise of moving :D ), i honestly dont wanna live here in Dominican Republic :lol: , oh well good idea, every writer on the clana threads should do that :D.... i usually run out of words to tell ya how much i luv ur fic... ur way to write... ah just amazing :D!!!!

[ajfinn]

Originally posted by spacewalker_33.3
i wanna move to Canada

Wouldn't we all like to live in Canada, Vancouver, maybe?? Where we could watch for eye candy like Tom Welling and Kristen Kreuk?? Ahh yeah, Canada sounds good to me too :D

[4EverSmallville]

Now see, aj. I was going to tell you how awesome I thought the chapter was. And how I thoroughly enjoyed the way Clark and Lana handled such a big obstacle. And then you talk about TW? How am I supposed to be coherent after that? :p

[Ketchup]

Haha, damn I love Vancouver. Apparently like half of my friends from TEXAS want to go to UBC (Univ. of British Columbia). College sure is going to be fun =)

[spacewalker_33.3]

yeah, i was so sad when i was in Canada, two weeks ago, because i couldnt catch a flight to Vancouver, even to know or perphaps recognize some of the places where they had been, oh crap....

[Rain88]

Really great update. Thanks for the award sorry i haven't been around lately school and work sure go a long way so i dont really have anytime on my hands anymore but i'll post as much as i can.

[ajfinn]

Originally posted by Rain88
Really great update. Thanks for the award sorry i haven't been around lately school and work sure go a long way so i dont really have anytime on my hands anymore but i'll post as much as i can.

Oh yeaahhhh!! There you are, my long lost friend. You don't have to post if you don't have time. But it's nice to know you're still reading!!

[kewl]

wow! i got two awards, yipeee!!!!! :D :D thanks ajfinn!

[NYC300Z]

Yay!! I won the-
The Freak of the Week Award for Outstanding Story Stalker Performance-
and I got to share the
-The Alicia Baker Award for the Longest Enduring Obsession – or These are The Posters Who Have Been with Me Since the Very Beginning (Before Update 5) & Are Still Posting

But i'm curious didn't I beat out Ketchup at his own award?? :lol:

oh and I read the update too that explains everything beautifully!!

PPMS!!!

[kewl]

amazing update ajfinn!!! u r such a brilliant writer!!!! a genius!!! please keep going, i really love this story!!!! :D

[ajfinn]

Originally posted by NYC300Z
But i'm curious didn't I beat out Ketchup at his own award?? :lol:

Well, ya can't have everything, now can ya?

Thanks for all 81 of your posts! Wow, that's more updates than I've written, and you're not really a "chatter," so how'd that happen? :lol:

Oh . . . what's that? You posted about some of the updates TWICE? The Kalabel ones, huh? Then that makes sense. :D

[NYC300Z]

LMAO :lol: yeah I guess ur right can't have it all!

I just love ur story that much!! I see you posted at 11 PM so u just made ur daily update!! Keep it up!!

[Kal-El & Me]

yes. keep it up.
Just imagine Clark tucking his children into bed. Awwwwwwwwwwww.

[dreammaster]

another awesome chapter

[LuvClana]

AWESOME updates! I luff this fanfic! It's like the cream of the crop, the icing on the cake, the sugar in the lemonade, the milk in milk chocolate, the butter on the roll, the switch on the lamp, the title of a book, the milk in the tea, the milk in the bowl of cereal, and the Clana in Clanariffic. ajfinn you r awesomely awesome. CLANA will live forever (or at least as long as aj's around:p)

PPMS!

[ajfinn]

Originally posted by LuvClana
AWESOME updates! I luff this fanfic! It's like the cream of the crop, the icing on the cake, the sugar in the lemonade, the milk in milk chocolate, the butter on the roll, the switch on the lamp, the title of a book, the milk in the tea, the milk in the bowl of cereal, and the Clana in Clanariffic. ajfinn you r awesomely awesome. CLANA will live forever (or at least as long as aj's around:p)

PPMS!

Well, goodness . . . I surely wish you would've posted this before my "This Time" awards. It would've been a shoe-in for two categories -- the Martha Kent award AND the Mr. Olsen award.

THANK YOU! *blushes*

Now, *stops blushing, and makes an uncomfortable cough* I may not be updating today *ducks* because I won't be back to my computer until late tonight. BUT, I will start working on an update when I return, and if the creative fairy blows pixie dust all over me, then it will get done before the day is over. Most likely, though, it won't be posted until tomorrow.

*breathes easier, because shoes and tomatoes can't be thrown through computer screens*

See you then!! :D

[itsallinthespelling]

<<throws cybertomato at ajfinn. what do ya mean NO UPDATE. jk, lol ppms, need a happy clana fix, so don't make it depressing please.

[LuvClana]

OK i'll wait up all night for the post :p (i have nothing better to do than sit here saying 'Must .. read .. This Time!' many many times. I wish my fic was this good but its like really bad and I'm gonna end it soon and never post a fic again untill I collect aj's cybertalent (won't ever happen) :p I have an idea. I just thought of a Clana terminology while I was watching Hereafter repeats:

In the Inferno scene when Lana is about to die, Megan is all 'Omg where gonna die' but Lana's face is kinda like 'No! I'll bake some cookies while we wait for clark to come save us!' so meanwhile, she is all calm 'baking cookies' until Clark comes. She says 'save megan!' (so she can bake her cookies) but Clark takes her out of the building and runs back to save Jordan. Lana calls 'Clark!' but I think she wanted him to get her cookies before he came out. Then he saves Jordan but the house explodes! And shes kinda like 'Clark!' her expresion is like 'This is better than cookies anyday!' lol so thats my whacky immagination

...cybertomato...um. But I'm counting carbs AND pixels!

[Cardinal]

You know, aj, I'm gonna have to give you some inspiration!

My inspiration for double, and possibly triple, updates today was the old carrot and the stick approach.

The stick was SV whining that it'd been so long since I'd updated, that I was starting to make 4ever look fast. The carrot was the epiphany I had which was that I don't get to write any more mushy Clana until I get past all of the drudgery of an actual plot.

*Starts whistling Hi-Ho, Hi-Ho from Snow White*, or maybe,

*Hums Back On the Chain Gang by Chrissy Hynde and the Pretenders*

[LuvClana]

lol cardinal! :p

[SVsleuth]

That's OK, aj - we can all get a good night's sleep & check tomorrow for your update. BTW, Meg101 is BACK! Yay! :)

[NYC300Z]

Well i'm with Luvclana! I'll be up til 5 or 6 am waiting for an update!! Really Hope it comes tonight!

[kewl]

hey ajfinn, i just hang up the fone with Tinkerbell and she promised me that she will sprinkle a bucket full of pixie dust on u at 12 tonight and fill ur head with a bunch of inspiration. so u better have that update ready for us first thing tomorrow morning!!!! ;) :D :D :D PPMS!!!!

[ajfinn]

Part 57:

After speaking about their future for another hour, they spotted Chloe and Jimmy out on the balcony, heating up the barbeque grill.

“I bet you’re hungry. You’ve made quite a journey today,” Lana said to Clark as they remained in the tall grass by the lake.

“Oh, I forgot to tell you—I didn’t have to fly,” he said. “I was able to go through the cave wall like my parents did.”

Lana felt a thrill of excitement for a moment—thinking she’d be able to join him next time. But then her face fell when she remembered Jor-El’s conditions. “So, is the Fortress still a no ‘fly’ zone for me?”

Clark dropped his head. “For now, at least,” he said. “But I asked Jor-El about it, and he didn’t act like it would always be that way.”

What exactly were the conditions of her ‘protectorship,’ Lana wondered. “You know, Clark, growing up in a small town in Kansas, you would’ve thought we’d both have had pretty normal, uncomplicated lives,” she said. “Who would’ve ever guessed?”

“Guessed what?” Clark asked with a smirk. “That I’d be in charge of ridding the planet of corruption, and you’d be the one to make it possible?”

“Yeah, something like that,” she laughed, surprised at herself for being able to joke about it. “I think our senior class forgot about the, ‘Most Likely to Save the World’ category.”

He smiled, looking back to the balcony where the other two were now putting big slabs of ribs on the grill. “Well, if anyone would’ve been a shoo-in for it, it would’ve been Chloe,” Clark said. “She’s definitely the best friend we could ever hope for right now.”

“Or ever,” Lana said. “I know our relationship has been hard for her over the years, but I can really feel that she’s happy for us now. I just hope she’ll find that same happiness for herself one day.”

Clark gave a confident nod. “She will,” he said. “Jimmy seems like a cool guy, someone she deserves. Let’s just hope he deserves her.”

“I’m not sure that anyone deserves Chloe,” Lana said. “I’ve wondered dozens of times why she continues to put up with me. I haven’t been there for her as much as I would’ve liked to.”

“I haven’t been as good of a friend as I needed to be either,” Clark said. “But—”

Lana laughed. “What? This time it will be different?”

Clark gave a mock look of anguish. “Hey, that was the most romantic line I ever came up with! Don’t knock it!”

She kissed him softly on the cheek. “And believe me, it was received as such,” she said. “But can I just add one little thing?”

“What?” Clark asked, waiting for the punch line.

“’This time’ I want to be possessed by a fairy godmother,” Lana said. “Rather than Isobel.”

“Oh yeah?” Clark asked, kissing her neck. “Well, I’d rather be from Saturn—it’s always been my favorite planet. But noooooooo, I had to get stuck with a place I can’t even brag about.”

Lana took him down to the grass, smothering him with her own variety of compassion. “Oh, you poor little guy,” she said. “Tell me ALL about it . . . I always thought you were a bit spaced-out.”

He laughed. “Bad puns don’t help my complex any,” he said. “But while we’re at it, you’ve always been a bit—”

“Of a witch, I know,” Lana said, pinning him down.

“No,” Clark said with a gentle smile. “Just very magical.”

***

“So, here’s what I discovered this afternoon,” Jimmy said, once they were all eating on the balcony. “Lex’s security system can’t be hacked from outside his mansion. We’ll need to get in there just like you thought.”

Clark nodded. “Thanks for trying anyway,” he said. “Any ideas of how were going to manipulate it once we’ve got access?”

“Chloe’s already figured that out,” Jimmy said, glancing to her with a proud smile. “But we’re going to need some help. We’ll need to hire some, well . . . body doubles for you guys.”

“Except for me, I’ll be doing my own stunt work,” Chloe said.

Lana looked at her in shock. “What are you talking about Chloe?” she asked. “There’s no way we’ll let you risk getting hurt.”

“Not that kind of stunt work,” Chloe said, rolling her eyes with a smile. “You’ll just have to wait and see.”

Jimmy was grinning too. “Trust me, it will be cool,” he said. “But what we’re going to need to do first is get a copy of the original surveillance. I’ll go back to Metropolis in the morning to get the equipment we need.”

Both Clark and Lana stopped breathing, glancing at Chloe and hoping she had a way to keep Jimmy from seeing what actually happened.

Chloe gave a quick wink, then sighed. How thick did they think she was? Of course she had a plan, she always did.

“You three know the Luthor mansion, so you’ll have to figure out a way to get in there without being caught,” Jimmy continued.

“No problem,” Clark said with a tinge of arrogance. “I’ll just need you to show me how to work the recording equipment.”

“No problem?” Jimmy asked, surprised by Clark’s surety. “If it wasn’t a problem to get in and out without being seen, how’d you guys get yourselves into this mess in the first place?”

Clark realized his mistake, and decided to chow down on the humble pie he’d just been served. “You’re right, it was stupid,” he said. “But I didn’t know that Lex had just installed new cameras in his study. He’d only had them on the outside of the mansion before then—and well, I have my own ways to get past those. And I’ll figure out how to get around his new ones as well.”

“Good,” Jimmy said, grinning again. “You don’t really seem like the breaking and entering type to me, but I guess Lex has forced your hand at times.”

“Sadly, yes,” Chloe said. “As much as we’ve tried to avoid it, we’ve all become paltry pawns on the Lex Luthor chessboard.”

When they were finished eating, Jimmy offered to give everyone a tour of the grounds.

“Why don’t you take Chloe on a private tour this time,” Clark suggested. “Lana and I will clean up.”

“Are you sure?” Chloe asked, trying to temper her excitement.

“Of course,” Lana said, gathering dishes off the patio table. “It’s our turn. You two cleaned up after breakfast.”

Jimmy took Chloe’s hand, which made her beam, then the two of them made there way down the balcony steps and onto the lush grounds.

Clark started helping Lana out with cleaning up the table, but only until Jimmy and Chloe were out of sight—then he went into super-speed mode, making the dishes disappear right out of Lana’s hands before she even realized what was going on. Moments later, he was back, drying his hands with a dish towel.

“Your mother must REALLY love having you around,” Lana said, shaking her head in amazement. “She’s going to truly resent me when I steal you away.”

He put his arms around her, kissing her forehead. “The good thing about being so fast, is that I have time to help both of you,” he said. “But I have a sneaky suspicion that when I come home at night, dishes will be the last thing on my mind.”

“Then I’ll have to get them done before then,” Lana said, looking up to him. “I wouldn’t want to distract you from your most important duties.”

“Like yard work?” Clark asked with a smile.

“Among other things,” she answered.

They would’ve continued to play ‘house’ for hours, but Clark had something even better in mind. “Stay right here,” he said, speeding off and returning with his backpack. “Guess what I picked up on the way back from the cave today?”

Lana smiled and unzipped the backpack. She looked in to find it stuffed with the notes she’d written him, along with his journal.

[Shadowknight]

Yay more fun Clana! Keep up the good work on the best fnafic ever! ;)

[SVsleuth]

Wow! I thought I'd be one of the last ones getting to read today's update, but I see I was wrong. Super update, as always ajfinn. So we're going to get treated to more of the notes & journals? Great! :):):):):)

[NYC300Z]

yay our prayers didn't go unanswered! LOL :lol: I think I must have hinted I wanted to hear more of their writings to eachother quite a few times, but the way things were going I didn't think they'd ever get back to the loft....really great surprise!!:D

PPMS!!

[Ketchup]

Haha, Clark is so evil =D Poor Lana, she must really hate him for briging those notes back. Amazing update, sure a nice change from the depressing entry a few posts ago. PPMS! :D

[Cardinal]

So Chloe and Jimmy...what's the name of that ship? Jimloe? Chlimmy?

The next question is, who's gonna write a fic that's just about Chloe and Jimmy, 'cause I think they deserve one of their own!

Just think, the first spin-off series on the Clana board! Though actually, that story would need a whole new board of its own!

[SmallvilleMan]

Yah, you go for that card, we'll be right behind you. And by right behind you, i mean very far behind you:rotfl:

[Kal-El & Me]

Yay, more flirtatious Clana on it's way...... I think
PPMS

[LuvClana]

o
m
g

i love this fic aj! You are my new best friend! Hey you're my only friend :p Other than my Clana cookies and computer lol

I love Chlimmy

[ajfinn]

Originally posted by LuvClana
I love Chlimmy

I have a confession to make. Clana is NOT my favorite ship. It's actually: Clarkfinn

Okay, okay, I'll write a fic about it. :p

[LuvClana]

lol...whats Clarkfinn?

[Clana-follower06]

Great update as always! If only I could write like you... Keep up the amazing job you're doing. PPMS!

[ajfinn]

Originally posted by LuvClana
lol...whats Clarkfinn?

Ummmm *embarassed that it wasn't obvious*

Clark & ajfinn :D

[LuvClana]

o0o...haha I get it!! teehee. Well in that case my fav ship is Cloupy or Tompy

[SmallvilleMan]

clarkfinn, hmmm, i wonder if someone else knows about that:D ;) It's okay, though i like the LanaMan, ship.

[Dr. Jeckyll]

Awwwwww more Clana notes & journals! Yay, can't wait!

[ajfinn]

Originally posted by SmallvilleMan
clarkfinn, hmmm, i wonder if someone else knows about that:D ;) It's okay, though i like the LanaMan, ship.

Yes, my husband knows about my favorite ship - Clarkfinn! He says he'll help me write the fan fic for it! :lol:

Okay, no more of my chatting today, sorry. Which reminds me again, to tell everyone about the "Clana Fix Clubhouse" in the Fanfiction Discussions thread. We're getting more and more fan fic "readers" posting there, but it's mostly writers right now. Tune in there to get interesting info on your favorite fics, including a spoiler once in a while :)

Hope you enjoy today's update, I'm already working on tomorrow's :D

[itsallinthespelling]

wahoo, came home from a long hot sweaty day at work to read an update to the story. Can't wait for the next update, bound to be some juicy clana. ppms

[LuvClana]

g'nite aj! I'm not sleeping, I got band camp tomorrow!

[kewl]

super update aj!!! lots of clana stuff!!! wow, so tinkerbell's pixie dust really worked, huh??!!! l:ol :D
clarkfinn??? that's cute, i like that :)
PPPMS!!!!

[LoisNClark]

that was an awesome update. I was driving in a car for 13 hours today and to find an update really helped my boring day.
PPMS!!!

[Cardinal]

I wonder if there are any entries about Alicia in Clark's Journal that he might have forgotten about?

[ajfinn]

Originally posted by Cardinal
I wonder if there are any entries about Alicia in Clark's Journal that he might have forgoten about?

Clark: Who?
Cardinal: You know the girl you thought you loved.
Clark: Uhhh. I have no idea who you're talking about, dude.

[Cardinal]

There must have been something *special* in that pizza if I'm talking to Clark.

Really, if I'm going to get transported to Smallville, I'm spending all of my time with the Lana's Stalkers Club. :D

Seriously, that could be interesting if Clark had some stuff in there that embarrassed him.

[ajfinn]

Originally posted by Cardinal
Seriously, that could be interesting if Clark had some stuff in there that embarrassed him.

Clark definitely has something to be embarassed about in one of these journal entries. He paid $5 for something, and he didn't get his money's worth.

No guessing on the board :) hee hee

You'll see!

[SmallvilleMan]

Paid $5 for something? Hmmmm, was it for a comb? :D

[dreammaster]

another awesome chapter

[booze_is_me09]

PPMS! super update! this is one of my favorite clana fan fics! keep it up!

[Kal-El & Me]

Originally posted by SmallvilleMan
Paid $5 for something? Hmmmm, was it for a comb? :D

No guessing Amy said.

[blahblah]

Finally got caught up on all the updates. They're all fantastic! PPMS

[Clana-follower06]

Keep them coming! This is great.

[NYC300Z]

Where's today's update?? I'm real excited to hear more Love letter and Journal readings!! PPMS!!

[ajfinn]

Originally posted by NYC300Z
Where's today's update?? I'm real excited to hear more Love letter and Journal readings!! PPMS!!

It's coming ... late tonight :D

[Dr. Jeckyll]

Yeah, me too. Can't wait to get my clana-fix :D

[SmallvilleMan]

That's crap, update now. I have no time for this later tonight stuff.

[NYC300Z]

That's cool with me as long as it's coming tonight!:) :D ;) :lol::cool:

[LuvClana]

yippie! I'm stayin' up late tonight! Clana sleepover!

Hmmm, I may post my new fic while I wait up for aj's post. I can't decide.

[ajfinn]

Part 58:

“Oh no,” Lana said, thinking of the remaining notes Clark still had to read. “Can I, uhh, just read your journal, and write you some new love letters in place of the ones here?”

Clark thought about that for a moment. “Not on your life,” he said. “But new love letters would be great too—I’ll look forward to those.”

“That’s not what I meant,” Lana said, rolling her eyes with a smile. She wished she could hurry and sort through the letters though, to take out the worst ones. “Just don’t get all flustered when you see some of the stuff I wrote. It was a long time ago.”

“I know,” Clark said. “Sometimes it’s nice though, to be reminded of how far we’ve come.”

Lana gave him a gentle kiss. “True.”

They settled next to one another in lounge chairs on the balcony, then dug into the backpack for their desired treasures. At the very bottom was a full size envelope which was addressed to Lana’s Paris apartment—stamped and everything.

Clark took it out, and handed it to Lana. “Special delivery,” Clark said, swallowing as he recalled the emotions he felt when he wrote it. “Better late than never, I guess.”

Lana noticed the stamps and looked up in shock. “Why didn’t you send this?”

“I did. Well, at least it was in my mailbox ready for the postman to pick it up,” he said. “But that was the day you showed up in my driveway—with Lois’ machine gun mouth that couldn’t wait to tell me about your summer fling.”

All of Lana’s blood rushed to her feet. “Clark, I can’t tell you how sick that made me,” she said. “It still makes me feel horrible.”

“Hey,” he said, taking her hand. “We’re not reading this stuff to drudge up bad memories. It’s just for fun, and . . . well, I want to understand ALL of you, not just the Lana I know today. And I also want you to read this letter I wrote so you’ll truly know what I was thinking when you were in Paris.”

She smiled at last. “Yeah, that will be nice. It wasn’t easy going the whole summer without a single letter or phone call from you.” Suddenly, her expression fell and she realized what she’d said. “Clark, if I’d known you left Smallville against your will, I would’ve come right home to look for you. But . . . well, there’s a letter somewhere in there that explains it, I’m sure you’ll come across it.” It was one that she hoped he’d never have the chance to read, but it was just as well that she get it over with.

“Will you find it for me?” Clark asked, having always been curious to know how she moved on to Jason so quickly. He knew it would be painful, but he’d never stop wondering if he didn’t find out, and he’d already decided that he would never put Lana through the anguish of personally explaining it to him.

Lana gave a reluctant nod, and searched among the dozens of love letters to find it. It was one of the few that were folded like a real letter, so it wasn’t hard to spot. “Here,” she said. “This is probably important for you to know, so you can one day forgive me for what I did.”

He took hold of her face and kissed her. “Lana, there’s nothing to forgive,” he said. “I had my chance with you—several of them, but I gave you up. I didn’t expect you to ever be mine again, and by some divine miracle, here you are. That’s all that matters to me.”

“But still—” she started, cut off by Clark’s returning lips.

“Let’s just read the letters, okay?” he said. “Then we’ll talk.”

She nodded and slit open the envelope he’d handed her, starting to read. He opened his own tri-folded letter and did the same:

Dear Clark,

I promised myself I wouldn’t be the first to write or call, but it’s four weeks into my stay, and I haven’t heard a word from you. I don’t even know if I’ll send this, but I know I have to write it. I need to talk to someone so badly. Two days ago, I received a letter from Lex telling me what happened to Chloe and her dad. I haven’t stopped shaking since. You know how much I loved Chloe! I can’t imagine going on without her. Of course, I immediately picked up the phone and called to talk to you about it, but I’ve left messages for two days straight now, and you haven’t returned my call. An hour ago, when I finally called Lex, I found out why.

Lex said you’ve left Smallville again and that your father was in a coma. He told me your mother was a complete mess and that no one had a clue as to where you’ve run off to this time. As I write this, I can’t even tell you how hard I’m crying. How could you do this to your parents again? I know you have a lot of things you need to work through, but running away compounds not only your problems, but everyone else’s as well. I thought you already learned that lesson.

None of this makes sense to me. You don’t make sense to me! I’ve tried to explain things to myself a thousand times, but it’s just no use. The fact is that you live a double life, and you haven’t allowed me to be a part of either of them. It’s sad how much time I’ve spent on metal health websites trying to find a category you fit into, but to no avail. Nothing about you is consistent. If I could tap into your heart for even one moment, enough for you to open up to me about this secret you harbor, I’d do anything I could to not only help you, but be by your side—in the relationship I’ve always wanted us to have.

It’s not difficult to see that I’ve been begging you for the last year just to love me. To allow me to love you. Dammit, Clark. I would’ve done anything for that. And I did do it—to the point of acting desperate for any attention at all from you. Half the excuses I used to come see you, I entirely made up. Like I said . . . desperate. And I was tired of being that kind of girl, that’s why I came to Paris. From the very moment I stepped in that airport though, I knew I’d come running back the first moment I heard your voice, or read a letter from you. But I’m done being that desperate.

The Clark Kent I’ve thought I knew all these years wouldn’t want me to spend one more night crying myself to sleep. The Clark Kent I once had as a friend—who was there whenever I needed him, and didn’t run away for months at a time, with no regard for anyone else—he’s the guy that would’ve told me to go on with my life . . . to forget about someone who could never love me as much as I loved him. So, I’m taking my best friend, Clark Kent’s advice . . . I’m moving on.

If you’re reading this, I hope that means you’ve come back to your parents. Somewhere, there’s a true hero inside of you, Clark. I’ve seen it so many times, I’ve lost count. As much as I wish you could be mine, I’ve come to face the fact that I’ve never been who you wanted. I hope when you find whatever you’re looking for in life, you’ll be both the son and friend we all know you can be. And I wish I could be there to see it, but the process of waiting for you to see that hero inside yourself has become much too painful.


That’s where the letter ended, the word 'painful' trailing off crookedly. Clark’s hands were shaking by the time he finished reading and he didn’t dare look at Lana, knowing his eyes had to be bright red from the emotion he was holding back. His first response was to ask how the hell she could ever believe that stuff. But then, he remembered that all the evidence she had to that point led to exactly what she wrote in that letter.

How was she to know he was sucked into a wall by his dead alien father? No . . . he couldn't find it in him to resent her for her false accusations, and he had to tell her that . . . as soon as he could speak.

He then heard a muffled sob, and turned to see that Lana had been reading the letter along with him, crying. “I couldn’t finish writing it,” she said, wiping her face. “I don’t know why I even kept it. I was in such a state of rage that every bit of pain and anger I’d penned up came pouring out on those pages.”

It was several moments before Clark could reply. He knew it would make it worse if he said what he was thinking—that he didn’t blame her for falling for Jason—a guy who seemed to give her all that she’d wanted from Clark. She deserved to be loved, and he was glad Lana finally realized that in Paris—no matter how hard it was for him to accept that he wasn’t the guy to teach her that.

Then again, in the end, neither was Jason.

“Lana, I really needed to read that,” he said. “I needed to know that you didn’t just get over me at the first sight of Jason.”

“I wrote that three weeks after I met him,” she said. “I was very much still in love with you, and he knew it. He used to call you the ‘ghost without a name.’ But after I wrote that letter, something snapped inside of me. I forced myself to try to forget about you—about everyone in Smallville. It was the only way I could deal with the pain of losing both you and Chloe. For a while, I felt bad that Jason was more of a crutch than anything else, but then I finally decided to stop seeing him as a rebound and convince myself that he could be the ‘Clark’ I wanted so desperately to be with.”

For some reason, Clark felt a warm sense of release wash over him, and he actually smiled. “Lana, this is the last time I ever want you to feel a need to explain your relationship with Jason,” he said. “From now on, Jason Teague is only a shotgun-toting, stone-stealing, backstabbing, former coach, to me.”

To Clark’s relief, she smiled too. “Don’t forget about the lying, murdering, mama’s boy side of him,” she said. “Those are the only memories I have left.”

Clark raised his eyebrows. “At least he makes ME look good, real good,” he said, thinking that if Jason was still around, he might have actually thanked him.


((There's a chance that I might have the next update posted by lunchtime tomorrow, so keep your eye out for it. That's where you'll get lots of happy Clana . . . including what Clark spent his $5 for))

[itsallinthespelling]

great update, but i needed a happy clana update. i really needed too, but oh well, i guess i will just drown myself in my sorrow. hurry with the happiness. ppms

[Cardinal]

Ouch! She called you every name in the book, Clark!

[Ketchup]

Amazing update, as always! Thel etter was so sad =(

[Schfifty-five]

Great update. The truth finally revelled!! Can't wait for the next

[Dr. Jeckyll]

Ah, 05.40 in the morning. Was it worth it? OF COURSE it was! I’ve said it before, and I’m saying it again: Ajfinn, you’re awesome.

[ajfinn]

Originally posted by Cardinal
Ouch! She called you every name in the book, Clark!

How else could Lana have felt at the time? She did a total 180 on her feelings for Clark, acting like she hardly knew him when she came back to Smallville. It was the only realistic feelings I could come up with to explain what she did. I needed to forgive her, too, you know ;)

:D Sorry again for the sad stuff, but let's take a vote:

ANYONE who has had a serious relationship with someone and has had ALL happy Clana moments with them, please raise your hand.

*looks around to see arms pinned to sides, and dropped heads*

Yep, that's what I thought. Only through pain, can we appreciate pleasure :D

((Ketchup - don't take me seriously about the pain part, you HAVE to let Lana live in your fic!!))

[Cardinal]

Since she didn't know Clark's side of the story, and wrote what she wrote, I would've expected Clark to be slightly irritated at her for assuming the worst. :(

He'd would, however, get over it quickly and forgive her. :)

On the other hand, it's not my story, so write Clark however you want. :p

[SmallvilleMan]

She went to a site? What the heck

[Serene]

Okay, 76 pages later and I'm all caught up! I started this story elsewhere but my impatience led me here for more.

Seriously, a *wonderfully* written fanfic. Your characterizations are such a pleasure to read because they ring so true. Even the original character of Mr. Olson, who was cracking me up. :)

I'll sit quietly now and wait for more updates.
::tapping foot:::

[Cardinal]

Wait quietly? What's this wait quietly stuff? We tend to get slightly obnoxious in deman*cough, cough* asking for more updates! :rolleyes:

[ajfinn]

Originally posted by Cardinal
Since she didn't know Clark's side of the story, and wrote what she wrote, I would've expected Clark to be slightly irritated at her for assuming the worst. :( He'd would, however, get over it quickly and forgive her. :)

Clark had run off once before when "things got tough" which was never explained futher to Lana. So his dad's in a coma, Chloe dies . . . and what does Clark do? He leaves Smallville again. Even Martha thought he left on his own accord . . . Jonathan went to the caves to stop him.

Let's not forget that Clark went willingly to the caves with Kara to repopulate the Kryptonian race. SO, technically, Clark probably has a lot more to feel guilty about than Lana does for hooking up with Jason. He was leaving for good with a girl he didn't even know to make superbabies. Umm . . . that's kinda rude after you just ditched the girl you loved at the airport.

And as for checking the mental health sites, SVM. What would you do if your friend was constantly lying and flipping between two completely different personalities? Of course she'd surf the web for answers, cause Clark sure wasn't giving them to her. :\

That's my defense. :D I've thought about it since last fall. It's the only way to explain why Lana acted like she did. I mean, really, who would EVER ditch Clark for anyone unless she'd completely given up?? :(

Poor Lana. I'd willingly trade places with her, to take away her pain, of course ;) but someone told me the other day that she was fictional. But what do THEY know? :rolleyes: Obviously a Clana hater, cuz Clana's definitely real! (right? someone? please?)

[Cardinal]

I understand your reasoning for why Lana did, and wrote, what she did. No problems with that at all.

I would just expect Clark to be slightly irritated, at first, by what she wrote, that's all. Maybe my first comment wasn't clear.

[Kal-El & Me]

Wow! A whole evening full of emotion. Just got done watching Remember the Titans (if anyone has seen it you know what I mean) and now this. I honestly don't have any idea how to compliment not just the update but the fic. Can't wait to see what Clark wrote. Do you by any chance know what time you'll be updating tommorow?

[ajfinn]

Originally posted by Cardinal
I understand your reasoning for why Lana did, and wrote, what she did. No problems with that at all. I would just expect Clark to be slightly irritated, at first, by what she wrote, that's all. Maybe my first comment wasn't clear.

Meet me in the Clana fix Clubhouse and I'll explain more. :lol:

Clana Fix Clubhouse (http://www.kryptonsite.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=39877&perpage=15&pagenumber=25)

[Kal-El & Me]

Originally posted by ajfinn
Obviously a Clana hater, cuz Clana's definitely real! (right? someone? please?) [/B]

OF COURSE SHE'S REAL!!!!:eek: And Clana is too. :D ;) :D ;) :D ;) :D ;) :D ;) :D ;) :D :D :D :D :D

[Cardinal]

9 out of 10 mental defectives, including yours truly, prefers the new and improved update.

Thanks, aj! ;)

[ajfinn]

Originally posted by Cardinal
9 out of 10 mental defectives, including yours truly, prefers the new and improved update. Thanks, aj! ;)

FYI, as per Cardinal's request, I edited the last update to clarify Clark's feelings after he read Lana's letter.

Ahh . . . . ain't it great to have emotionally challenged friends such as myself?

[SmallvilleMan]

I must have missed this line the first time i read this: “So what are you saying, Clark?” she asked. “You think you’re Santa Claus?”

I just had to share the funniest quote from the whole 77 pages, hehehe:lol:

[Kal-El & Me]

Originally posted by ajfinn
Ahh . . . . ain't it great to have emotionally challenged friends such as myself? [/B]

Hey we should start a clubhouse for that now.:lol:

[Cardinal]

I didn't say emotionally defective, just mentally. :p

After all, my gooiest work, The Proposal got virtually all of its compliments from women for how sweet, etc. it was.

[SmallvilleMan]

what the heck:eek: :eek: :eek:

[NYC300Z]

Just read ur improved update....I wish I would have caught the original too so I could have compared them. The letter made perfect sense to me. Very sad but yeah I don't see how Clark could get too upset at her.


Originally posted by ajfinn
someone told me the other day that she was fictional. But what do THEY know? :rolleyes: Obviously a Clana hater, cuz Clana's definitely real! (right? someone? please?)

Of course Clana's real! How could u ever doubt it??

[SVsleuth]

OOOPS! Just realized I never posted my comments here after reading this update (just PM'd you). Great as always aj! Can't wait for her to read his letter. You really are good at getting inside of Lana's heart & head. Still lovin' it! :):):):):)

[4EverSmallville]

Missed two updates :rolleyes:. Good thing they were both awesome :D. The letter Lana wrote to Clark was very poignant, if my eyes weren't so dry from tiredness, I might have shed a tear :p. I need an early night though, and it doesn't look like you need too many more people telling you how terrific your writing is...




...but what's one more? ;) YOUR WRITING IS TERRIFIC!!!

[Scotty]

Wow. In season four I kinda resented Lana. After reading the letter I can really sympathize for her emotions. I can tell you put a lot of thought into it. You can actually feel her pain in the letter, you gave me a whole new perspective on Lana. I may have to watch season four over again. :lol: Great update, can't wait for the next one!

[SmallvilleMan]

Have to look at the other person's perspective. That's what some people forget.

[dreammaster]

another awesome chapter

[LuvClana]

Aj you're brilliant. That is all I can say.

You can capture emotions to the very dot. Amazing!

PPMS

[booze_is_me09]

^^^dito! what LuvClana said!

[kewl]

wow, that update has loads of emotional stuff!!! but i love it, every bit of it!!!! what can i say, i'm nuts about clana!!!!! :D :D :D great update aj!!!! PPMS!!!!

[ajfinn]

Part 59:

“Clark, you don’t need any help at all looking better than every other guy on the planet,” Lana said, leaning over and giving him a peck. “Now, go ahead and have free reign on those love letters of mine—since you already found the worst of them, and I’m going to enjoy reading this mysterious letter that was on its way to Paris.”

Clark nodded, sorting through the pile of letters and trying to find one that looked to be a bit older. Lana unfolded the letter Clark had in his mailbox when she showed up in his driveway the end of last summer.

Dear Lana,

I’d start out by saying how much I miss you, but I’m afraid you wouldn’t believe it unless I explained a few things first. I’m so sorry about the airport. As usual, it’s hard to give you an excuse other than it turned out to be really bad timing. I got to the airport just as Lex was there with you and I couldn’t find the strength to go over and explain myself. Lex and I weren’t exactly on the best of terms then—still aren’t. So please don’t believe anything he tells you right now. Just before I was supposed to take you to the airport, I found a room in Lex’s mansion that puts Chloe’s fascination with meteor freaks to shame. Only this room was focused only on my family—particularly on me. Make of that what you will, but I was more than a little angry about it. And I can’t tell you how sorry I am that you were caught in the crossfire.

I’m sure you’re upset, well at least I hope you still care enough to be, that I haven’t contacted you since you left. This is what I’ll have a really hard time finding the words for, because all I can say is that it wasn’t by choice. You know there are things about me that I’ve had to keep from you. Well, I was going to tell you everything to get you to stay with me in Smallville, but Pete just had to make the opposite decision when my secret became too dangerous for him to know. It was just too much for me to take at that time, so I changed my mind about telling you. Besides it would’ve been completely selfish of me to expect you to stay just because I finally had the guts to come clean.

But I’ve regained that courage, Lana, and I’m willing to tell you anything you want to know—whether or not you decide to ever take me back. My parents have given me permission to go to Paris. I tried to call you, but I must’ve written your phone number down wrong, because the one I have has been disconnected. So here I am, writing a letter and waiting in complete agony while it travels half-way across the world before it finds you. Please call me as soon as you read this.

Lana, I won’t come to beg you back home, that wouldn’t be fair to you. But I want the chance to tell you in person how much I still love you. How I can’t imagine spending the rest of my life without you. And I want to explain every lie I’ve ever told you, and why I’ve had to push you away for so long.

I do love you, Lana. I’ve loved you since the first moment we met. And I’ve finally realized that keeping secrets from you is hurting us both too much. Please forgive me. And even though I don’t deserve it, please give me the chance to see you in Paris.

Love,
Clark


When Lana was finished reading she had her hand on her heart, and was smiling through tears. “You were going to come to Paris?” she asked, turning to see that Clark was already looking at her.

“Of course I was,” he said, taking the hand off her heart and kissing it. “And if I’d still been in Smallville, it only would’ve taken a few hours after you left to realize the mistake I made.”

“Well, that would’ve been only a few hours after I’d already realized my own mistake,” she said. “I should’ve followed my instincts and stayed in Smallville, but . . . ”

“I know, Lana,” he said. “It’s over. That whole chapter in our life is officially over.” He held up the one note he’d read while she was involved with her letter. “But this . . . this is something very interesting I think we should discuss.”

Lana ripped the note from his hand. “Oh, brother! Not another Jr. High one,” she said, feeling her cheeks flush before she even read the content. “Why haven’t I burned these?”

“This has gotta be one of my favorites,” he said, stealing it back by using super-speed.

“Cheater,” she said. “No powers allowed unless it’s necessary.”

“Spilling dessert trays on innocent hostesses is necessary?” Clark asked with a smirk.

“I’m your protector, after all,” she said. “And she knew about your alter-ego.”

“And now she rightly knows about yours,” he said, then looked down to a strange sensation tickling his chest. Lana was unbuttoning his shirt without even touching him—exposing three-quarters of his chest and abs.

“Much better,” she said, brushing her hands like a job well done.

“You’re naughty,” Clark said, thinking her powers were ten times cooler than his. “But don’t forget I have x-ray vision.”

She moved over and sat on his lap in the lounge chair, running her fingers up his bare chest. “If you use it now, it might take all the fun out of our honeymoon,” she said with a sexy pout.

Clark’s face burst into a smile. “I doubt it.” He closed his eyes as she met his lips, then felt Lana’s hand sliding down his arm to take the note back. He tossed it beneath the lounge chair, then hurried and grabbed it with his other hand. “No way. I’ve already read it anyway, I just want you to read it now.”

Lana sat up, defeated in her sneaky quest. But it was fun anyway. “Why?” she asked.

“You’ll see,” he said, finally trusting her with the note.

She opened it and read:

Clark,
Why were you acting so weird tonight? It’s one in the morning and I just got back from Pete’s party, but I can’t go to sleep because I’m so embarrassed about what I did. When we were at the Smallville pool, you were so cute when we were playing around in the water, so I thought you were finally starting to like me too. But after we got back to Pete’s, and our names were picked for the closet, you totally freaked out when we got in there. All I did was try to hold your hand, and you backed up against the opposite wall like you were sick, then ran from the closet. I’ve never felt so stupid in my life! Do you have a secret girlfriend or something?
Lana

Reading the note out loud actually put Lana in hysterical giggles. “No, you stupid girl!” she said to herself. “He does have a secret, but not a girlfriend. And you’re wearing poison around your neck!”

Clark was laughing too. “Told you it was a good one,” he said. “So you figured the necklace thing out too, huh? You weren’t wearing it when we went swimming, but when we went back to Pete’s, you put it on again. Do you want to read my side of the story?”

“Of course,” she said, reaching for his journal on her former lounge chair.

Clark took it and found the right page, reading to her:

Today was one of the best days ever—until tonight. It was Pete’s 13th birthday party and his mom paid for everyone to go to the Smallville pool. Lana doesn’t usually hang out with us, but Pete said he’d invite her for me anyway. I didn’t think she’d come, but she did. Since she didn’t know many people, and Chloe was being a total you know what to her, me and Lana ended up playing around in the pool together. It was like everything I’d ever dreamed of. It was the first time since we were kids that we could talk a lot (she was totally flirting with me I think) without me getting so sick I couldn’t stand up. What’s wrong with me anyway? Everything was perfect until we went back to Pete’s for pizza and to play games. Well, knowing Pete’s twisted mind, things got a little crazy and he wanted to play a game where a girl and guy had to stay in a dark closet together for five minutes. Of course he knew who I wanted to go in there with, so when he went to get some paper to write down names so he could pick them out of a bowl, I slipped him five bucks and he promised to rig the drawing for me. We totally got away with it, but when I got in the closet with Lana, I started feeling that same pain, like my freaking muscles were all seizing up! I backed against the wall so she wouldn’t notice how sick I was, but she stepped closer and actually tried to hold my hand, I think. But I couldn’t handle the pain any longer, so I burst out of the closet and everyone started laughing. It was so bad, and I bet Lana will never talk to me again. My life sucks.


Clark was pretending to sulk when he finished reading, and Lana said. “That is the saddest thing I’ve ever heard! You poor, poor guy! You paid a whole five bucks for some action—”

He cut over her. “And all you did was hold my hand!”

“Ahhhh,” she said, stuffing the notes and journal into his backpack. “What a rip off.”

“Yeah, I know,” he said, dropping his chin—then Lana stood, and tugged him by the hand. “Where we going?”

“You’ll see,” she said, opening the balcony door and leading him along.

Clark had a pleasant thought come to mind. “Am I finally gonna get my five dollars worth?”

“Plus compounding interest,” answered Lana, looking over her shoulder with a devilish smile. “It has been over five years, after all.”

“Remind me to invest more often!” Clark said, picking up the pace.

Lana opened the first closet they came to, and pushed him inside. “I’m totally necklace free, but you better brace yourself anyway.”

[Cardinal]

Yeah, Baby! With super-speed, there's a lot that Clark can get done in five minutes! :p

[ajfinn]

To Cardinal:


Originally posted by ajfinn
“You’re naughty,” Clark said.

There's a special little thread at the bottom of the fanfiction section for you, Cardinal :p

[Cardinal]

What? Where? Honest, that wasn't me! He just looked like me. I've never been there, not even once!

It was SmallvilleMan that wanted me to write a three-way Lolaloe fic! :rolleyes:

Yeah, blame him. That's it...that's the ticket! :D

[Kal-El & Me]

I think the next time they go in a closet you should describe what they do in there.

*Maddy smiles mischieviously*

[SVsleuth]

Extra-super update ajfinn. Totally makes up for the sad ones we had to endure recently.


Clark was pretending to sulk when he finished reading, and Lana said. “That is the saddest thing I’ve ever heard! You poor, poor guy! You paid a whole five bucks for some action—”
He cut over her. “And all you did was hold my hand!” :lol:


Lana opened the first closet they came to, and pushed him inside. “I’m totally necklace free, but you better brace yourself anyway.” - Loved it!!! :):):):):)

[4EverSmallville]

Originally posted by ajfinn
Part 59:

Clark was pretending to sulk when he finished reading, and Lana said. “That is the saddest thing I’ve ever heard! You poor, poor guy! You paid a whole five bucks for some action—”

He cut over her. “And all you did was hold my hand!”

“Ahhhh,” she said, stuffing the notes and journal into his backpack. “What a rip off.”

“Yeah, I know,” he said, dropping his chin—then Lana stood, and tugged him by the hand. “Where we going?”

“You’ll see,” she said, opening the balcony door and leading him along.

Clark had a pleasant thought come to mind. “Am I finally gonna get my five dollars worth?”

“Plus compounding interest,” answered Lana, looking over her shoulder with a devilish smile. “It has been over five years, after all.”

“Remind me to invest more often!” Clark said, picking up the pace.

Lana opened the first closet they came to, and pushed him inside. “I’m totally necklace free, but you better brace yourself anyway.”

I'm quoting all of this because I :rotfl: through most of it. Have I told you lately how much I enjoy your version of Clana? It's a very solid, loving relationship. Despite how serious everything is with Clark's secrets, Lex's insanity, Lana's dreams and newfound magic, and the gray possibility of superbabies, you still find ways to slip in some comic relief and lightheartedness. You interrupt the grave monotony of mystery and wonder with cute, mildly innocent moments like the return to the closet. How sweet is this story? Just when I think it won't get better, it does. I'd be the happiest person ever if this just turned into the Neverending story :lol:.

Somewhere in that rant there is the valuable, age-old message: Great update, PPMS :).

[itsallinthespelling]

wahoo, finally a happy update. would love for you to go into further explanation as to what was going on in the closet. :p

[Serene]

Could you maybe be a consultant to the writers when they write the Clana scenes for season 5?

Thanks.
;)

[SVsleuth]

Originally posted by Serene
Could you maybe be a consultant to the writers when they write the Clana scenes for season 5?

Thanks.
;)

Wouldn't that be awesome! ajfinn, Quick! Send in an application & resume to WB for the job of "Clana consultant". We'll all send references for you. - or even a petition. :lol:

[NYC300Z]

Yeah I'll get all of Chinatown to sign! lol That would really be awesome if u could be Smallville's Clana consultant!

Really great update can't wait to see if Clark gets his 5 dollars worth plus intrest!

PPMS!!

[Ketchup]

Haha damn, this story is getting "naughtier" by the minute. I bet its those freaks from suddenlaunch and their messed up interests. Not that I mind reading some... nicer... Clana. =)

[LuvClana]

lol that was funny .. great upadate .. so much for a comb! lol

[j_walk]

i jus signed up for this site and ur story was the first thing i read...i have to say that it is some of the best writing ive ever seen.....i hvnt left my computer room since startin it (i think i might be on the side of a milk carton by now, or at least on a missin persons report ) neways i cnt post this and i dnt knw y but i jus wanted to say keep up the awesome wrk



ur #1 fan....no im jus kiddin im prolly somewhere in the low hundreds behind everyone else

thnks

[clana4ev3r]

hahaha... the was funny. Especially the part when Clark ran out of the closet!!!!!:rotfl: :rotfl: great update! PPMS

[Ketchup]

2j_walk

Welcome to the forums, bro. AJ is amazing. Also check out 4Ever's, Meg101's, and SmallvilleMan's stories, and of course all of the others too.

[ajfinn]

Originally posted by Ketchup
2j_walk Welcome to the forums, bro. AJ is amazing. Also check out 4Ever's, Meg101's, and SmallvilleMan's stories, and of course all of the others too.

And Ketchup's, because WHEN he posts, his updates give me crazy, creepy chills. :eek: Love it!

Glad you guys are pleased with the happy Clana.

Next update: dooms day.

Oh, wait, I was still thinking about Ketchup's fic ;)

[j_walk]

lol nice...i think i will go check it out.... *sniff sniff, u guys r so nice...lol

[ajfinn]

Originally posted by j_walk
lol nice...i think i will go check it out.... *sniff sniff, u guys r so nice...lol

Yep, it's all love on these boards!

Trust me, it has to be ALL love . . . because if there's any conflict, frustration, struggle, insecurity, uncertainty, too much talking and not enough smooching . . . it's like the hammer of death upon your head! :lol: :rotfl: :lol:

Us Clana writers walk a fine line, my man! Welcome to the madness :D

[4EverSmallville]

j_walk: For more Clana madness, delirium, and general insanity, please visit our own fan sponsored Clubhouse at this address:

Clana Fix Clubhouse (http://kryptonsite.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=39877)

I know you'll have a great time, everyone in here makes me :rotfl:. I'm actually the normal one ;). :lol:

[Ketchup]

Wait... u r?

[NYC300Z]

LOL Ketchup of course 4ever's the normal one! lol Hey AJ i'm going to Pennsylvania wont be back for a day, Hope to be able to check ur story from there! PPMS!

[Dr. Jeckyll]

Haven't been posting much lately and I feel bad about it. Have read all the fics though. You're all still amazing. Loved your last update SVsleuth & ofc ajfinn + all the others :). And may I say LuvClana, your new story is totally awesome! PPMS everybody, I'm luuuving all the happy-clana going on now:D

[booze_is_me09]

woohoo! we're gonna get some real action! j/k PPMS!

[binkys711]

i couldn't catch up yesterday with everything since i left for 4 days but now i'm all caught up on your story aj! so totally friggin' awesome!!! we want to know everything that happens in that closet aj! and btw i saw the "This Time awards" wow!:eek: I won 2 awards! that's so :cool: Thanxz a whole mess!:D.....anyways PPMS!!! this is such an amazing story!:)

[dreammaster]

awesome chapter

[ClarksGirl21]

gosh.. i havent been around for a while, but i'm finally caught up on your story again.. and it's better than ever.. gosh this thing gets better with each update. wow.. hah.. well update soon please ajfinn..

[SmallvilleMan]

"It was SmallvilleMan that wanted me to write a three-way Lolaloe fic!

Yeah, blame him. That's it...that's the ticket!"

Don't think she wouldn't either:mad:

[ajfinn]

Hi Ya'll :D Still planning on updating before the end of the night. It's coming :)

Meanwhile, check out a fun new thread on the Fanfiction Discussion board, called "Priceless."

For all you readers who don't think you can write a fic, this is something no one has an excuse for :lol:

[NYC300Z]

okay i'll give it a shot, but then i'm expecting an update tonight! lol :lol: fair enough?

[Dr. Jeckyll]

Also waiting for an update! Hurry ajfinn, this is torture!

[ajfinn]

Part 60:

Thirty minutes later, Clark’s iron clad body couldn’t have held up a cream puff. But it was trying . . . Clark was having too much fun to fall unconscious. When Lana suddenly stopped her attack, he reached into his back pocket. “Hey, what are you doing? I have another five bucks!”

She laughed—her limited breath barely managing it. “I think someone’s coming, we better relocate.”

Clark returned to her neck, talking as he caressed her. “I don’t think Chloe & Jimmy are to the closet stage yet. They won’t find us.”

That was true. What were the chances of them opening the closet? And besides, hiding like this made it all the more enjoyable. “So what did you expect from me when we were in the closet at Pete’s?” she whispered in his ear.

“Definitely not this, but I’m not complaining,” he whispered back, as the outside voices were coming closer. “You’ve made it well worth the wait.”

Lana moved her hands across Clark’s bare abs. “Well, you’ve changed a bit since Jr. High, haven’t you?” she said, moving her hands along his waist, then trailing her fingernails up his back.

Clark’s knees bent. “I can NOT stay quiet if you keep that up,” he said, sparks shooting through him. “But please don’t stop on my account.” A few moments later, and he would’ve been down on the floor from lack of strength, but it wasn’t possible. “Let’s remember to have bigger closets in our home—some things shouldn’t be limited by space.”

Lana couldn’t help but respond to that—despite how close Chloe’s voice now was. “I’ve always thought we could live in the loft,” she said.

“Nah, we definitely need walls and doors . . . ” Clark whispered, “ . . . that lock.”

At once, they both stopped and Clark tried to find his shirt on the floor. It was clear that Chloe and Jimmy were right outside the closet, and that their voices were no longer traveling. They had to have been sitting on the couch, mere feet away.

Lana helped Clark slip back into his sleeves, and started buttoning his shirt—which she sincerely lamented. She wrapped her arms around him and leaned on his chest, waiting until the coast was clear for them to go elsewhere.

“You look so gorgeous tonight, Chloe,” Jimmy said. “But of course you always do.”

There was a momentary pause, and then one of Chloe’s laughs that always said she was stumped. “Okay, what am I supposed to say to that?”

“You’re not supposed to say anything—just sit there and keep looking pretty,” he answered. “I never imagined that I’d meet a girl like you. So interesting and involved in the world, yet so . . . so hot. I mean, how’s that possible?”

“Beauty must definitely be in the eye of the beholder, because I think you’re the first guy to ever tell me that,” Chloe said. “I’ve come close to the ‘hot’ part, but no one’s ever seemed to think much of my uncanny search for truth, justice and the American way.”

Clark tipped his head to Lana, whispering, “I kinda like that catchphrase.”

Lana shushed him with a kiss.

“Well, this is one guy who definitely finds it attractive,” Jimmy said. “I’ve dated a lot of girls since we first met, but none have ever kept my attention like you have.”

More silence.

“Chloe, what’s wrong?” Jimmy continued. “I’m sorry, I’m moving too fast, aren’t I?”

There was a sigh, then, “No, I can’t tell you how much I love hearing you say those things,” Chloe said. “But there’s something I really have to tell you or I’ll go completely nuts.”

“Ohhhhh,” Jimmy said, sounding nervous. “You have a boyfriend, don’t you?”

Chloe straight out laughed at that. “No, not even close,” she said. “But this definitely has to do with other guys.”

Silence again, and Clark thought he knew why. Jimmy had to have been thinking that Chloe already felt trapped—committed to Jimmy because he was ‘saving’ her right now. He’d wondered the same thing countless times about Lana—but Clark had always been wrong about that.

“Chloe—oh no, what did I do?” Jimmy said.

There was a heave of air, then it was clear that Chloe was trying not to cry. “Okay, I promised myself I wouldn’t freak out about this in front of you, but you know what we did that summer we met—”

“Damn, I knew that’s what it was,” Jimmy cut in. “Chloe I’m so sorry. I’ve wanted to tell you how sorry I was since that night. It was stupid. I swear I’m not really like that. I was just, you know . . . ”

“Curious, and caught up in the moment?” Chloe answered, sniffing. “Yeah, me too. And that’s pretty much what I wanted to say to you. I feel so stupid about it, and I don’t want you to think that I’ve, well, done that with tons of guys since . . . like it isn’t a big deal. Because I haven’t, and it is . . . a big deal, I mean.”

Jimmy started laughing now, and Chloe followed. “So here we’ve been stepping on egg shells around one another, afraid to talk about the obvious, when we felt the same way to begin with.”

“Yeah, that’s kinda crazy,” Chloe said. “I was sure you thought I was some kind of floozy.”

He laughed again. “Floozy? That’s another thing I like about you—you never fall into clichés or typical talk. Conversations with you are always clever and fresh.”

Chloe giggled right along with him, then she took a deep breath, and said, seriously, “So can we shake hands and start over?”

Jimmy hesitated. “I have a better idea,” he said, barely audible enough for Clark and Lana to hear.

Lana put her hand over her mouth, knowing Chloe would absolutely die if she knew they were in the closet to hear all that . . . but it was even worse now . . . Jimmy was kissing her.

Clark held Lana close, having the exact same thoughts. They weren’t the couple who happened to be the true intruders—but how could Chloe & Jimmy know that? As much as he wished they’d finish up and move along—so he could get back to his own brand of entertainment—he was happy for Chloe.

But as he started mulling over what they’d said, the naive side of his brain shut off and he finally understood. He couldn’t help but ask. “Did you know about that?” he whispered into Lana’s ear.

Lana shrugged, not wanting to lie, but never wanting to feel guilty about telling anyone, not even Clark. Chloe hadn’t often confided in her about guys—nor Lana in Chloe. There was only one reason for that—Clark Kent would’ve usually been the topic of love-life discussion . . . for either of them.

Clark nodded, understanding why Lana was mum about it.

It was another thirty minutes until they were able to escape the closet, when Jimmy and Chloe decided to watch a movie and left to get popcorn.

Lana suggested she and Clark return to the lake—with a few blankets this time. “I love the sound of nature at night. It’s so peaceful,” Lana said.

“Then maybe you wouldn’t like the Fortress after all,” Clark said. “There’s not a single sound, unless I make it.”

Lana stood on tip toes. “Silence can be very nice too, sometimes,” she said, kissing him. “Let’s go see just how quiet we can be.”

[SVsleuth]

Wow! I came to check at just the right moment 10:15p.m. , when you posted it at 10:14p.m.! I'd better go read it, then edit this reply.

Now I've read it! Awesome Clana update, ajfinn! This was so fun! Clark & Lana hiding out in the closet. It was a scream!!! And Chloe finally happy. :lol:

[Dr. Jeckyll]

Yay! An update! Thx for making my day Ajfinn! Now I have some exciting minutes in front of me :)

God, that's soooo sweet! So it's 10 PM or AM in america now? Cause her in Norway the time is 05.30 am, and I've been up all night waiting for this update :) It sure was worth a wait. All happy clana and chlimmy. Always a pleasure to read your work Ajfinn. PPMS!

[midnite_spark]

wow i just caught up with the story....its freakin awesome!!

i love the clana storyline...i hope this really happens in S5 lol

[Cardinal]

Clark's five minutes compounded to 30 in only 5 years...wow! That's one hell of a rate of interest. Of course, if I was Clark in a closet with Lana, *wiggles eyebrows* I'd have one hell of lot of interest, too! :D

It's funny, in my very brief re-write of the end of "Magnetic," I had Lana wishing for 5 minutes in Clark's closet (though with a much different activity in mind) :p , here in your story, she gets 5 minutes and more. She just doesn't get to burn his flannels, instead she fries his nervous system.

I will say that you were awfully brave to update today. Heck, I won't update for days after reading 4Ever's mammoth update. *Hangs head in shame* Any update I post will seem shabby in comparison.

[LoisNClark]

haha i the closet together. :D

that was another awesome update!!!

ppms!!

[ajfinn]

Originally posted by midnite_spark
wow i just caught up with the story....its freakin awesome!!

i love the clana storyline...i hope this really happens in S5 lol

Welcome midnite_spark!!! Thanks for making your first post on my story! That's always flattering :D

I'm glad you've joined us. Don't be a stranger. Check out our Clana Clubhouse too, where we go to chat about ALL the Clana fic stories :)

Clana Clubhouse (http://www.kryptonsite.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=39877&perpage=15&pagenumber=1)


Originally posted by Cardinal
Clark's five minutes compounded to 30 in only 5 years...wow! That's one hell of a rate of interest. Of course, if I was Clark in a closet with Lana, *wiggles eyebrows* I'd have one hell of lot of interest, too! :D

Holy cow, that was funny Cardinal :lol:

I will say that you were awfully brave to update today. Heck, I won't update for days after reading 4Ever's mammoth update. *Hangs head in shame* Any update I post will seem shabby in comparison.

4Ever's update was awesome! I don't have to hang my head though -- I post at least 6 times a week :)

*refuses to feel guilty about that! ;) Oh, unless you count how I have to ignore my real life to do it* ):lol:

[midnite_spark]

thanks ajfinn :) i would have posted sooner...but i wasn't confirmed for activation blahblahblah until just recent. lol. and i'll definitely check out the clubhouse.

hope u update soon :D

[Ketchup]

Woah Im so happy for Chloe! This was my favorite line by far:
“I’ve come close to the ‘hot’ part, but no one’s ever seemed to think much of my uncanny search for truth, justice and the American way.”

Awesome Superman allusion! =) And heck yeah Clark got his $5's worth. Just remember, if Jimmy turns into one of Lex's agents, I will have to kill you. So DONT go that way, although Im sure u werent gonna... its just my twisted mind. I swear to God, sometimes I think Im as evil as Lex :p

[NYC300Z]

Sounds like Clark defiently got his 5 dollars worth! Did u see my comment about that in ur ....priceless thread? lol :lol:

I wonder if Clark or Lana will reveal to Chloe they overheard her conversation with Jimmy maybe they could leave hints that they know and see if Chloe can figure out where they were at the time! lol that would be funny!

Great update like always! Can't wait for tomorrows update! PPMS!:D u know the drill! :lol:

[ajfinn]

Originally posted by Ketchup
sometimes I think Im as evil as Lex :p

Yep, sometimes I think you are too!! :lol:

And I bet Lex would keep his readers waiting just as long as you are!:D

[clana4ev3r]

great update!

[Cardinal]

A Lex-written fanfic...OMG! I wonder who the hero of the story would be...oh, I don't know, could it be...Lex?

[NYC300Z]

LOL yeah Ketchup was even thinking about having Lana die in his fic!! He is so evil for even considering it!!!

I'm glad AJ gives us great angst free Clana!!

[ClarksGirl21]

this story is so great ajfinn.. you're so great.. how do you do it?!
Really? haha.. can't wait for the next update!

[4EverSmallville]

The ever consistent aj is at it again. Another update, a little darker on the romance front, I'm enjoying the forward and suggestive Lana lol.

[SVsleuth]

Originally posted by 4EverSmallville
The ever consistent aj is at it again. Another update, a little darker on the romance front, I'm enjoying the forward and suggestive Lana lol.

Yeah,. didn't y'all see that bouquet of Nicodemus flowers Clark gave to Lana earlier that day? :lol: She does seem to be "under the influence" somewhat, doesn't she?

[ajfinn]

Originally posted by SVsleuth
Yeah,. didn't y'all see that bouquet of Nicodemus flowers Clark gave to Lana earlier that day? :lol: She does seem to be "under the influence" somewhat, doesn't she?

She's under the influence of LOVE, baby! (Or as Austin Powers would say, she's feeling a little randy. Who wouldn't with CK?)

[Cardinal]

I thought she was feeling "a little Clarkie" in the closet! :rotfl:

[4EverSmallville]

Lana's channeling her inner vixen ;). Clark brings out that side in her :p. But I'm not complaining.

[ajfinn]

Cardinal . . . go wash your mind out with soap! :p

[Cardinal]

Can't...it's dry-clean only.

[NYC300Z]

Originally posted by 4EverSmallville
Lana's channeling her inner vixen ;). Clark brings out that side in her :p. But I'm not complaining.

Yeah neither am I! I love it when she's like that!

[Scotty]

Well my very first post was here on this thread, so thought I'd make my 100th post here too. :) PPMS! :D

[Ketchup]

Damn, Lana sure is a naughty girl... and heck no, Im not complaining! =D

[ajfinn]

Originally posted by Scotty
Well my very first post was here on this thread, so thought I'd make my 100th post here too. :) PPMS! :D

Ahhhh . . . congrats. And thanks for the honor *sniff* I remember with you were just a baby *sniff*

[dreammaster]

another awesome chapter

[booze_is_me09]

i loved the update! may i take a minute to add that you are amazing!!!!!!!!! PPMS!!!!!!!

[itsallinthespelling]

great update. i loved it. but why did she say lets see how quiet we can be, didn't clark still have 5 dollars left??? ppms

[ajfinn]

Originally posted by itsallinthespelling
great update. i loved it. but why did she say lets see how quiet we can be, didn't clark still have 5 dollars left??? ppms

EXACTLY! She was saying that she didn't want to do a lot of talking. :D

[binkys711]

YIPPEE!!!Clark's gonna be bankrupt but at least Lana will be rich:pamazing update aj! as always!and i'm happy for Chloe and Jimmy (Chlimmy?)your an amazing writer ajfinn!:)PPMS!!!

btw Happy 100th post Scotty!

[clarkfan1]

Whoo! I just started reading this fanfic at the end of last week and finally got caught up.

Ajfinn: You are a very talented writer! Thanks so much for putting so much thought and emotion into your writing! Long live the Clana!

P.S. Can you put them back in the closet for a while and let us know what happens??:D

[ajfinn]

Originally posted by clarkfan1
Whoo! I just started reading this fanfic at the end of last week and finally got caught up.

Ajfinn: You are a very talented writer! Thanks so much for putting so much thought and emotion into your writing! Long live the Clana!

P.S. Can you put them back in the closet for a while and let us know what happens??:D

Welcome to my story, clarkfan1! You may have noticed that I'm a big clark fan too!! You're only a couple years younger than me (I always check new profiles, ya know ;)).

It's so nice when I find more adult females who have a thing for a particular younger guy with gorgeous green eyes. :D

Hope to hear more from you!

[Serene]

: peeking in:
No update yet?

Well if you're looking for volunteers to go back in the closet with Clark, my afternoon is free.

(just trying to be helpful) ;)

[ajfinn]

Okay, yeah, I know . . . . you're all thinking this is an update and now you're mad. :( But I'm a total loser tonight and can't give you one. School shopping for my kids and back to school night took up my whole day.

Very sad about that, but I'll make it up to you tomorrow :D

Serene -- ahh, you're funny, girl. But Clark is still in MY closet.

[SVsleuth]

Ok, aj, I finally got the PC at 1 a.m. & thought I would have missed your update. But, I guess not. So we'll try for a newscast tomorrow, if we can get co-ordinated. ;)

[NYC300Z]

Ahhh AJ I wake up at 3 something in the morning hoping to read last nights update and what do I find?? You took the night off? Well I guess so did I! lol fell asleep at 8 pm :lol: been a long time since I went to sleep that early!

This is my 2000th post!!:D Had to make sure I posted it here in ur story AJ! Even though u missed yesterday ur still the most consistent poster here and I really appreciate that!

PPMS!!

[booze_is_me09]

Congrats, NYC on your 2000th post!!!!!!!!

PPMS!!!

[Kal-El & Me]

I loved the update. I love naughty Clana.
But when are we going to see naughty Kalabelle????????????????

[dreammaster]

awesome chapter

[ajfinn]

Originally posted by NYC300Z
This is my 2000th post!!:D Had to make sure I posted it here in ur story AJ! Even though u missed yesterday ur still the most consistent poster here and I really appreciate that! PPMS!!

What an honor, thanks!! Funny that my very last post was to tell you congrats on your 2000th -- it was in the Clana Clubhouse! :D Should've checked my own thread first, I guess!


Working on the update right now!! It's night time in Clanaland!

*ajfinn claps hands & giggles!! loves writing Kalabel!*

[Cardinal]

You should have Barry White, Luther Vandross, or someone like that on the stereo while writing Kalabel! :D

[binkys711]

yay for kalabel!I can't wait!:D

[SVsleuth]

Alright! Kalabelle is on the way! Give me a heads up, (PM me or post in the Clubhouse), when you have an idea of the time you might post it. Then I can get a newscast going. ;)

[ajfinn]

Originally posted by Cardinal
You should have Barry White, Luther Vandross, or someone like that on the stereo while writing Kalabel! :D

Naahhhh . . . . ever heard of a song called "Hot Hot Hot?" by a little band called The Cure?? hee hee! :D :D :D :D :D :D

(Of course, YOU'VE heard of it, Cardinal. You've got to be the most music savy person here, sheesh! :) )


Any further song ideas for Clana fics, guys? Post them in the Clana Clubhouse, that would be fun to discuss :D

[clana4ev3r]

you better put up an update today because its my birthday! :D

[binkys711]

it's your b-day? HAPPY BIRTHDAY! hope all your wishes come true!;):D

[Cardinal]

Happy B-Day, clana4ev3r! ;)

[clana4ev3r]

thanks and my only wishes today is to see some good updates from all the great stories!!! :D :D :D

[Kal-El & Me]

Alright aj. The outcome of Clana4evers birthday wishes is in your hands.

[Cardinal]

I've already updated today...at 2:20 am.

[ajfinn]

Originally posted by clana4ev3r
you better put up an update today because its my birthday! :D

Happy birthday!! Of course I'll give you an update. I'm almost done. (After all, we all want to "remember the day you came into our lives" :lol: And so does Clark.)


FOR THE LATEST DETAILS ON THE PROGRESS OF TODAY'S UPDATE, check out post #529 in the Clana Clubhouse, which I've been editing since this morning :D

Clana Clubhouse (http://www.kryptonsite.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=39877&perpage=15&pagenumber=36)

[binkys711]

jajaja:rotfl::lol: the sneek peeks are awesome!!!ahhh! can't wait any longer!

[ajfinn]

Part 61:

After a nice continuation of their conference in the closet, but out by the lake this time, Lana nestled into Clark and they fell asleep to the sound of crickets. A light breeze swept over them, but all was perfect in the world for those few hours—even in seventeenth century France.

For the first time, Lana felt like a true intruder as she lived through the rest of Isobel’s night with Kal-El.

Clark woke Lana in the middle of her dream, laughing. “Whoa . . . uhh, Lana,” he said, realizing that she was still completely out of it as she was trying to tug his shirt off. “I’ve heard of sleep-walking, but umm . . . ”

It took Lana a moment to orient herself, then she threw her hands over her face. “Did I do that?” she asked, having seen his bare chest in the moonlight.

Clark smiled at her embarrassment. “I would’ve let you carry on, but I didn’t think you’d be too happy about that,” he said. “And besides, I kinda prefer you being conscious when your frisky side comes out.”

She laughed now, noticing her wet lips. “How long . . . ”

“You’ve been kissing me for about ten minutes now,” Clark said. “But it wasn’t until you started ripping buttons off that I thought you may still be in dreamland.”

Lana sat up and gasped, searching Clark’s shirt with her hands for evidence of missing buttons. “How did I. . . ?” She was still in a daze, wondering how she did that without waking up.

“With your teeth,” Clark said, sounding serious. When Lana’s face reflected pure mortification, he smiled. “I’m joking. You just grabbed my shirt and ripped!”

“Oh, is that all?” she asked, like that was any less embarrassing than taking them off with her teeth. “I can’t imagine what you were thinking.”

“Gulp, gulp,” Clark said with a smirk. She crashed back into his arms, and he kissed her. “Go back to sleep, princess, I’ll stay on crouching-tiger, hidden-dragon patrol.”

“Very funny,” she said, closing her eyes, and falling back to sleep on his bare chest.

It was morning in France when Lana returned. Isobel and Marguerite were gathering eggs from the hen house, as Kal-El was bringing up a bucket from the well. Isobel’s four cows needed feeding and milking—there was a lot to do, but she seemed to have energy for only one thing—and he was walking toward the kitchen.

She needed her staff back, but if they were to return in two days as they planned, she knew they’d lecture and scold her about Kal-El. And she definitely wasn’t in the mood to deal with that.

When she entered the kitchen, Isobel said, “I’ll need to go into town today. I must deliver a message to my staff members, letting them know that their holiday has been extended.”

He smiled. “Does this mean you’re going to teach me how to milk a cow?”

“And muck stalls, and scatter chicken scratch,” she said, laughing as she cracked eggs into a bowl. “You sure you want to stay?”

Kal-El wrapped his arms around her from behind, kissing down her neck. “Forever.”

Isobel melted in his arms, closing her eyes and forgetting all about breakfast. Then CRASH. She and Kal-El turned to find Marguerite standing in a pile of broken glass—one of Isobel’s favorite vases.

Kal-El raced over and grabbed her before she stepped into the shards. “What did you do without me, Isa?”

“Watch my child,” she laughed, warming as he called her the pet name he’d started using last night. The way he said it was so soft and affectionate, like she was a kitten. And she’d started calling him Kal—which sounded all the more delicious to her.

Marguerite patted Kal’s cheeks. “Play ball, Papa!”

“You want to play ball again?” he asked, beaming. He had been uncomfortable about Marguerite referring to him as her father last night, until Isobel said how sweet she thought it was. And now he loved it. “Okay, let me clean up this mess, then we’ll play with the ball.”

He set her on a chair, keeping a careful eye on her as he picked up the largest wedges of glass with his hands.

“What are you doing?” Isobel asked in a panic when she turned to see him. “You’ll cut your hands.” She walked over and grabbed a broom and wastebasket.

Kal looked at the broken glass in his hands, all sharp enough to pierce a normal man’s skin. He stared back at Isobel. Her mouth was parted, waiting for him to dump the glass in the wastebasket.

“Are you all right? Did it cut you?” she asked, wondering why he was breathing so hard, and looking at her like he was debating if he should speak.

He didn’t want to hide anything from Isobel—she was a part of him now, and he always wanted it that way.

“Isa, there’s something I need to tell you,” he said, crushing the glass in his hands and letting the remaining slivers fall into the wastebasket.

Isobel gasped, but didn’t’ scream. She’d already witnessed Kal’s speed, and suspected he may have a few more abilities. Unique gifts—witch craft included—were rare, but not unheard of. Most dismissed such nonsense to mythology, but Isobel knew better.

“You’re both terribly fast and have the skin of a dragon,” she said with amusement. “Can you do anything else impressive? Besides the talents I discovered yesterday.”

He grinned. “Yes, plenty,” he said. “But you’re right, you’ve already seen what I most like to do.” He gave her a soft kiss.

When Isobel opened her eyes, Kal stepped back from her and stared hard at the palm of his hand, starting a small fire there.

Marguerite squealed and clapped her hands.

Isobel was definitely impressed, but then she looked at him in confusion. “You said you started the fire in the barn by accident.”

“And that’s true,” he said, whispering what happened to Isobel, so Marguerite couldn’t hear. Children were never too young to pick up on things they shouldn’t. “But I think yesterday helped me gain control over that. Otherwise, we’d have to be in the lake every time we were together.”

Isobel smiled. “Glad I could help.”

Kal then put on a show of his other abilities for both girls. Isobel continued to be both impressed and further curious, and Marguerite clapped with joy, cheering for, “More! More!”

After they’d settled down and Kal had moved onto simpler things—like keeping his promise to play ball with Marguerite, Isobel couldn’t stop the wheels turning in her head.

She rocked back and forth in a chair on the porch as she watched this new man in her life—though it felt like he’d always been there—play with her child like she always dreamed a father would. The gentle breeze blew across her property, and everything seemed perfect as the fresh smell of flowers and newly grown grass wafted around her.

But the questions kept itching at her and she couldn’t relax until she had some answers. “Kal,” she called.

He turned to her, the ball Marguerite just threw bouncing off his knees and making her giggle again. “Yes?”

When Isobel waved him toward her, he scooped up Marguerite and tossed her into the air, catching her and putting her on his hip. She banged on his chest with her chubby little hands. “Again!” He tossed her once more as they walked.

When Kal reached Isobel on the porch, he was surprised to see the same expression of startle he saw when he’d first rescued Marguerite by the lake. “What’s the matter?” he asked.

Isobel released the breath she was holding. “Last night, when we were . . . well, when we didn’t do what we wanted to, you said it was forbidden by your people,” she said, having been too carried away last night to attribute his reluctance to anything more than religion—which she would respect. “Who exactly were you talking about? Why have you been so elusive about where you’re from?”



((To see my personal commentary on today's update go to post #529 in the Clana Fix Clubhouse :D ))

Clana Clubhouse (http://www.kryptonsite.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=39877&perpage=15&pagenumber=36)

[Ketchup]

Haha I love Marg, she's hilarious =) And now Kal will have to explain to Isa that he isnt a wizard but an alien from another planet.... wonder what her reaction might be. Awesome update as always. PPMS =)

[binkys711]

2nd!

jeje! Lana on Clark and his shirt was hilarious!!!:rotfl::lol: I wonder how "Isa" is gonna take Kal's news:eek:PPMS!!! great update! that was awesome!!!funny dudette!!!great writting!!!:D

[Cardinal]

Did Clark stopping Lana make Kal-El stop Isobel? Was it just coincidence? Hmmm.

[ajfinn]

Originally posted by Cardinal
Did Clark stopping Lana make Kal-El stop Isobel? Was it just coincidence? Hmmm.

Those darn guys from the House of El!

Sorry to spoil the fun, their reactions were just coincidence, though I did want to show how similar the two guys really were. Lots of control in the girl department -- we all know that about Clark. ((Though HIS version of Kal-El is a bit different than the Kal-El in France, obviously :D))