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Cardinal

08-06-2005, 09:53 PM

Chapter 2: Can Pete Buy a Clue For $200, Pat?

Meanwhile…

As the truck rolled down some nameless, two-lane highway on the edge of Smallville, Lana snuggled close to Clark as he drove, teasing, “Clark, what do these caves have to do with your family or your planet? Creepton, Crapton…what’d you call it?” Lana asked, eyes filled with mirth.

Rolling his eyes skyward, Clark answered, “It’s called Krypton, K - R - Y - P - T - O - N! That’s how I think it’s spelled, anyway, since I’ve never seen it written in English. This is the third time, at least, that I’ve told you.” Man, I tell Lana one itsy-bitsy secret, and she loosens up like we’ve been dating forever! She’s never ragged on me like this! Chloe, maybe, Pete, definitely, but Lana? Shy, retiring, stick-her-nose-in-a-book, Lana? Where has she been all my life?

“Umm…Clark…Earth to Clark…when’s Pete supposed to meet us?”

“Pete’s probably waiting for us already. When I woke him up with a phone call this morning and told him something big was up, he could wait to get started. He has no idea why I want him to meet us today, though.”

“Why are we meeting Pete? I thought it was going to be just us today,” Lana pouted slightly. At least it’s not Chloe. She couldn’t miss the fact that Clark and I are back together, and she always screws things up between us every time we get close. Well, not this time!

Another thing I’ve just thought of: I found out Clark’s secret before Chloe did! Hah!

I can’t believe myself. With all the things Chloe and her dad have done for me and as close as we have become friend-wise, all it took was one thought of her getting between Clark and me, and I was ready to b*tch slap her into next week.

“…almost everything about my secret, and will be able to corroborate some of my story. He’s the one who found my spaceship after it disappeared the day of the tornado.”

“Clark,” Lana whispered, “your story doesn’t need corroboration. I trust you.”

“Wow…you trust me, you really trust me.” I feel like Sally Field at the Oscars! “This is gonna take some getting used to, but I think I like it already! It sure beats the alternative.”

“Think? You’d better do more than think, Mister. I’ll have you know I intend to trust you for very long time, ” she said, leaning her head on his shoulder.

As the truck pulled up to the locked gate, already waiting was an electric-blue 60’s classic. Leaning against the quarter-panel was its owner, Pete Ross. When the truck pulled to a stop, Clark got out and super-sped around to the passenger side to open the door for Lana. As Pete’s eyes began to bulge out his head, he said, “Clark, what are you doing?? That’s Lana in there, not your mom!”

While handing Lana down out of the truck, Clark replied, “Yeah, Pete, it is Lana. Man, nothing gets by you, does it?”

“Hi, Pete!” Lana called.

“Oh…hi, Lana,” answered a seriously distracted Pete. “Clark, can I talk to you for a minute?” Pete asked, dragging a bemused Clark to the other side of the car. “You’re gonna blow everything using your speed in front of her; how are you gonna explain the Human Blur?”

Turning back to Lana, Clark asked, “Dearest?”

“Yes, Babydoll?”

"Do I need to explain to you about my speed?”

“ Dearest???” Pete blurted out.

Smiling at what Clark was doing to Pete, she said, “No, Clark, I think you’ve already told me everything. Thank you for asking, though.”

“Wait…you told…EVERYTHING? But…I…,” stammered a helpless Pete “And what’s with the Dearest and Babydoll stuff? I thought you two were on the outs.”

“Well, Pete, there’ve been a few changes since I saw you last. Changes that are tectonic in nature. Let me fill you in…”

MOOman0618

08-06-2005, 11:28 PM

Originally posted by Cardinal

Another thing I’ve just thought of: I found out Clark’s secret before Chloe did! Hah!

I can’t believe myself. With all the things Chloe and her dad have done for me and as close as we have become friend-wise, all it took was one thought of her getting between Clark and I, and I was ready to b*tch slap her into next week. [/I]

HA! :lol:

Poor Pete...so confused.

I like where this story is going. Consequences from Clana...hmmmm

dreammaster

08-06-2005, 11:39 PM

aweome start

Cardinal

08-07-2005, 08:45 AM

Concurrently with Chapters 1 and 2.

Chapter 3: Another One Bites the Dust

Lex sat behind his desk, sipping a mug of coffee while reading the Metropolis Business Journal. “It’s too bad Carrie Cassel didn’t know how my father responds to people who go back on a deal,” Lex murmured to himself. It may have taken him a while, Lex thought, but the results were inevitable.

There, in a small corner of page 3, was the article. “MBJ Editor Cassel Arrested on Charges of Blackmail” the headline read. Lex grinned wolfishly and thought, The b*tch got what’s coming to her, and I didn’t even get my hands dirty, heh! Thinking back to those long legs shooting from her red designer suit like roses from a vase, he continued, What a waste!

Chirrrrrp! Chirrrrrp! Picking up his cellphone, Lex looked at the caller ID. “LuthorCorp security, what could they be calling me about this early?” Activating his phone to accept the call, Lex said, “Lex Luthor here, what‘s gone wrong now?”

“Mr. Luthor, this is Jim Symonds, the morning security supervisor at LuthorCorp headquarters. I…I don’t know how to tell you this sir…”

“I find using my mouth is the best way to talk, Symonds…spit it out.”

“It’s your father…he’s been shot!”

“Where is he…what hospital?” Lex asked, his face suffused with a look that combined panic and joy.

“Umm…sorry for not making it clear, Mr. Luthor, but Lionel Luthor is dead. He was shot sometime during the night and by the time he was found by the early-morning cleaning crew…he was gone.”

“Have you notified anyone yet? The police, the media, anyone?”

“N, no sir! We sealed his office and swept the building, looking for a possible assailant. Not having found anyone, we called you first. It’s your call on how you want to handle this, Mr. Luthor.”

Searching the building after he died. What’s that farm saying of Clark’s, ‘It’s like closing the barn door after the cow’s already escaped?’ Something like that anyway. I swear, the people running LuthorCorp security must be related to the morons running security at the mansion. I can’t remember how many people have just walked right into my office with a gun. Pete Ross, Jonathon Kent…the list goes on.

“I’ll be in Metropolis as soon as possible. Keep the office sealed, in fact don’t let anyone on that floor. Get some hazmat suits and pretend there’s been a chemical spill if you have to, I don’t want anyone, including my father’s secretary, to know what’s happened until I say so, got it Symonds?”

“Yes, Mr. Luthor, it’ll be as you say.”

Disconnecting one call, Lex made another. “Get the chopper ready, I need to go to Metropolis immediately.”

----------------------

Comments always welcome! :D

MOOman0618

08-07-2005, 08:54 AM

Lionel is dead? Wow...that is crazy!

Originally posted by Cardinal

I can’t remember how many people have just walked right into my office with a gun. Pete Ross, Jonathon Kent…the list goes on.

Heehee...so true

Cardinal

08-07-2005, 08:59 AM

Looks like he didn't get that late-night phone call after all!

I had considered doing a whole "who shot J.R." storyline like in Dallas, but that's already been done back when Sheriff Ethan shot him.

SVsleuth

08-07-2005, 11:08 AM

Just caught up, Cardinal. Here's the first thing that had me :lol:

“Clark, what do these caves have to do with your family or your planet? Creepton, Crapton…what’d you call it?” Lana asked, eyes filled with mirth.

I would have never thought to have Lana say that, but I was literally :lol:

Next favorite line:

Pete: “Clark, what are you doing?? That’s Lana in there, not your mom!”

And, Lionel's dead? Hmmm. I wonder where you'll go with this. I'll keep reading..... & laughing. :lol:

Cardinal

08-07-2005, 11:50 AM

As far as I'm concerned, getting past their relationship hangup has relaxed Clark and Lana in a major way. Now that they're not worried about what they aren't talking about, they can let loose.

As far as Lionel goes, I've wanted someone to kill that rat bast*rd for a l-o-o-o-ng time! I'm pleased to have finished him off. :D :D :D

Besides, the Lex-Lionel storyline was gonna be hard for me to do, and Lex can do all of Lionel's stuff with respect to Clark's secret. Who knows, maybe Lex will go bad faster this way, or maybe Clark & Co. will be able to get Lex to renounce the Dark Side now that he's not fighting his old man.

Ketchup

08-07-2005, 12:08 PM

Noooooooo John Glover's my hero =(

C.A.chick

08-07-2005, 05:54 PM

keep the story up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!i lvoe it, hope jonathon is ok though

Cardinal

08-07-2005, 06:02 PM

Chapter 4: The Club

As Clark prepared to use his key to open the gate, Lana asked, “Where did you get that? Isn’t Lionel Luthor in charge of the caves?”

“Yeah, he’s the official conservator of the caves according to the state, but Lex was the one who made sure I could get in whenever I want…not that a locked gate would stop me, but it’s nice to have an excuse should anyone else come out to visit while I’m here.”

Walking through the opened gate, Lana said, “I’ve never really spent any time down here, so it’s nice to have a guided tour from someone who has.”

“It’s pretty impressive, Lana,” Pete said. “Clark doesn’t bring me here often, but its…"

RRRRIIIIIIIIIIIIIINNNNNNNNNNNNNGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG!

Clark slumped in pain, bringing his hands to his ears in a futile attempt to mute the high-pitched shriek. He hadn’t heard this sound in months, but had no trouble recalling what caused it.

“Clark, what’s wrong?” Lana yelled, while Pete grabbed Clark by the shoulders to keep him upright.

Struggling to speak through gritted teeth, Clark rasped, “The key…arrrrggh…it hurts. You two stay here…I’ll be back…gotta get the key!” In a flash, Clark was gone.

“What’s this key that Clark’s talking about, Pete?”

“It’s this octagonally-shaped metal disk that originally came with his spaceship. It seems to act like a…a link between Clark and…well, I better let him tell you that part.”

“Is he going to be okay?”

“Yeah. Clark says when the key calls him, it produces a high-pitched shriek that can only be heard by him. He says it really hurts, but cuts off as soon as he gets to the key and it doesn’t cause any damage. As fast as he moves, he’s home already, so we should see him back pretty quickly.

“Anyway, Lana…welcome to the ‘I Know Clark’s Secret Club.’ I guess now that there’s two of us, we should come up with a secret handshake or something,” Pete chuckled. “I’m glad Clark finally grew himself a brain and told you." After looking off into the distance for a few seconds, Pete's eyes returned to Lana's and he said, "There are a few things about this secret you should know that probably haven’t occurred to Clark, seeing as how he lives inside the secret.”

“This sounds like an initiation. So…”

“While you’re the center of his world, and I like to think I’m fairly close to it...if Clark even thinks someone needs help that only he can provide, he’ll drop what he’s doing with you in a heartbeat to go to the rescue. You remember freshman year when you and Clark were going to that Radiohead concert? He left you at the Beanery ‘cause he knew Sean Kelvin was after Chloe. I didn’t mind ‘cause you let me have the limo, but he saved Chloe at the cost of losing his first chance with you.”

“I’d forgotten about that! So that’s what happened. That’s so…so…noble! Here’s this sweet guy I was starting to think about in a more-than-friendly way and he just abandoned me…I was so disappointed. I blamed him, and he would never say what happened.”

“He will always sacrifice his interests for the greater good, and at times that gets difficult to take, not knowing if you can count on him. Every once in a while you‘re really gonna want him to be selfish, to let some else handle the problem, but it‘s not gonna happen.

“Second, and this is something you may have experienced already, Clark is seriously overprotective when it comes to his friends. If he thinks were doing something dangerous or stupid, he’ll try and stop us, and he’s not above using his abilities to do so. The really annoying thing about that is, he’s usually right. Still, unless it’s a matter of life and death, I’d like the freedom to make my own mistakes. I mean, three parents is one too many for me.

"Third, this secret is much tougher to keep than you’d think. Every time he does something great, you want to tell the world about it. But not only do you have to keep it secret, you’re gonna have to lie to people about what really happened. Sometimes, a credible lie is unbelievably difficult to come up with.

"Finally, there’s jealousy. This is one I have a very rough time with myself. Why him? You begin to think of the things you’d be doing if you were from Krypton. Me? I be the star tailback and linebacker in the fall, star point-guard in the winter, and ace pitcher and clean-up hitter in the spring. The girls would be on me like white on rice. Lana, what I‘m saying is that there are times when it‘s very difficult to be next to Clark, ‘cause that means you‘re in his shadow…and you‘ll always be less than he is.

"If you need to talk about being a secret keeper, give me a call, I know what it's like...well, I’ve got a flashlight, let’s take a look inside while we wait for Speedy Gonzalez.”

Comments are always appreciated! :)

SVsleuth

08-07-2005, 06:20 PM

That was a wonderful scene, Cardinal! I loved Pete preparing Lana for what it is like to keep Clark's secret. I haven't seen anyone else do that kind of scene to that degree. Great idea. Keep it up.

I wonder why Jor-El wants Clark now?

Cardinal

08-07-2005, 06:24 PM

Be patient young Padawan! I'm fairly sure that's in the next chapter. It was supposed to be in this chapter, but the Pete/Lana scene just kept growing.

SVsleuth

08-07-2005, 06:29 PM

Okay, I'm patient....... I'll check back in a few hours????
No, seriously, I'm glad the Pete/Lana scene kept growing. It was really cool.

NYC300Z

08-08-2005, 12:55 AM

Yeah the Pete and Lana scene was really cool! Looks liked I missed a few updates! It was good to catch up! PPMS!!

MOOman0618

08-08-2005, 07:59 AM

Yeah, that was a good Pete/Lana scene. I am glad Pete now has somebody to talk to about Clark.

binkys711

08-08-2005, 09:42 AM

yay!!!just read this story is really cool!:cool: I LOVE IT!!!IT'S AWESOME!!!great chapter! PPMS!!!:D

dreammaster

08-08-2005, 10:05 AM

awesome chapter

Cardinal

08-08-2005, 08:47 PM

Chapter 5: Helpless

Streaking under the dangling “Kent Farm” wooden sign and up the dirt lane to the homestead, Clark was surprised when the ringing cut off before he reached the toolbox in which the key was located. Upon seeing his mother bent over the crumpled form of his father on hard-packed dirt in front of the barn, his surprise turned to a fear, bordering on panic.

“MOM,” Clark yelled.

“Clark! I’m so glad you’re here…”

“What happened? Is it another heart attack?” Clark asked, kneeling down beside his father’s prostrate form.

“While trying to put up the weathervane, he grabbed his head in pain, slipped, and fell.”

“I just x-rayed him, and I can’t tell what’s wrong…at least he’s breathing! Have you called 911? I’d pick him up and take him to the hospital myself, but…if it’s a spinal injury…”

“Yeah, moving him might make it worse, and yes, the paramedics are on the way.”

“When did this happen?”

“A couple of minutes ago, Clark. As soon as I saw he wasn’t getting up, I ran into the house and called…I came back out just before you ran up the drive.

“How did you know to come back, Clark? Weren‘t you at the caves with Lana?”

“We were just entering the compound when the key started ringing again. I told Lana and Pete to wait and that I’d be right back. The strange thing is…the ringing cut off as soon as I got to the barn, normally it doesn’t relent until I have it in my hand.”

“Maybe…maybe Jor-El was calling you to help your father, Clark!”

“Well, I guess that’s possible, but…how’d Jor-El know Dad had fallen?” Pacing back and forth, as is his wont when thinking, Clark said, “You said he grabbed his head in pain…I wonder…” Jor-El, you’ve got some explaining to do, biological father or not!

After collecting the key from the barn, Clark said, “Mom, I’ve gotta go back to the caves to let Lana and Pete know what’s going on…don’t worry, I’ll be back before you have time to miss me.” With a kiss on her forehead, he was gone.

--------------------

Seconds later…

“…I think it should go like this. First, we slap the backs of our right hands together…like this…then we wrap our fingers around the base of the other ‘s thumb…like that…nothing complicated.”

Lana was all giggles from her first attempt at the “secret handshake.” When Clark stepped into the reflected light coming from Pete’s flashlight, she said, “Hey, it’s Speedy Gonzalez, the fastest mouse in all of Mexico.” But when Clark came in close, all levity dropped from Lana's countenance as she asked, “What’s wrong, Clark? Is something wrong with this key thingy?”

“I…it’s m…my dad. He fell off the roof of the barn. The paramedics are taking him to the hospital. I just came back to tell you, before I go back to be with Mom.”

“No problem,” Pete said, “we’ll meet you at the hospital.”

“You’ll meet him at the hospital, I’m going with him,” Lana asserted. Wherever and whenever Clark needs me, I’m going to be there, from now on.

“Thanks, Lana, but…”

Hands on her hips, weight shifted to her right side, Lana growled, “But me no buts, Clark Kent! I’m going with you.” Then, softer, sweeter, “It’s us now. Remember? What happens to you, happens to me.”

Turning to face Lana squarely while holding up his hands in an attempt to slow this runaway train, Clark said, “Normally, there’s nothing I’d love more…but I need you to get the truck out of here. If someone finds the truck out here and were back at the farm, that's gonna raise questions. Those questions will probably come from one of the Luthors, and that's something I could do without right now.

"Please, take the truck to the hospital, or if you want, take it to my house and get your SUV. Either way, we can’t leave the truck here for someone to find.”

Pete started edging his way out of the caves, not wanting to be between these two right now, because, from the look on her face, it appeared that Lana’s going to kick Clark’s behind! “See ya’ later, Clark,” Pete mumbled, knowing neither combatant had heard him.

“Then why don’t you drive the truck. That way, we can stay together, and I can…”

Clark remorselessly pressed his argument home, “Again, under normal conditions, there’s nothing I’d prefer than you by my side…always…but right now, my mom needs me more, and I want to get back before the paramedics show up so there aren’t any questions about my sudden appearance from them.”

“Please, Lana?” Clark asked, blue eyes locking with hazel, each needing the other to understand.

“Okay,” she whispered, finally falling into his arms. “I’ll do it. For you.”

As Lana drove the truck away from the caves, with Clark locking up before his sprint back home, Lana said, “Anything for you.”

As always, comments are appreciated! :)

NYC300Z

08-08-2005, 09:03 PM

Great update! IT was so funny when Pete snuck out of the room and just whispered his good bye!!

PPMS!!

clana4ev3r

08-09-2005, 01:23 AM

I JUST READ THIS THREAD AND AHAHHAAHAHAHHAAH

I LOVE THIS!!!

"Clark, what do these caves have to do with your family or your planet? Creepton, Crapton…what’d you call it?” Lana asked, eyes filled with mirth."

CRAPTON!!! HAHAHAHAAHAHA
:rotfl:

HAHAHAHAHA
OH GOD THAT IS LIKE THE FUNNIEST THING EVER!

LOVE HOW PETE SNEAKS OUT!

crapton..... :lol:

SVsleuth

08-09-2005, 06:47 AM

Great update. At least Jonathan is still alive. Poor Clark, trying to get Lana to co-operate. At least she finally gives in. Keep it coming... :)

binkys711

08-09-2005, 11:21 AM

great update!!!Pete and Lana with the handshake...jejeje:lol:PPMS!!!:D

MOOman0618

08-09-2005, 11:56 AM

Yeah...I am still laughing over Crapton and I read it two days ago!

I can only imaging how funny it would be to see Lana and Pete trying to perform a secret handshake! :lol:

Post more soon!

SVsleuth

08-12-2005, 06:16 AM

Hey, Cardinal - This story isn't over, is it? where's the update? I know you jumped ahead to the proposal in your other thread, but don't we get more here? Please????? ;) I mean, it's been 4 DAYS!! (Even 4Ever only makes us wait 3!

What's happening to Jonathan? What other consequences will follow from the CLANA? PPMS!!!!!

Cardinal

08-12-2005, 07:24 PM

Oh, I feel special! My first "hurry-up and update already" post.

*Types furiously* Yes, SV, tomorrow!

Oh, the sun'll come out, tomorrow...

SmallvilleMan

08-12-2005, 10:53 PM

What i don't like:

1. Not enough chlark.

2. Clark is attracted to Lana.

What i do Like:

1. The title.

Ketchup

08-12-2005, 10:58 PM

WTF SVM?! This is a Clana fan fic forum, dude.

And Cardinal, great start to a promising story =) PPMS!

SmallvilleMan

08-12-2005, 11:00 PM

So, you don't like chlark, why? I grew to love it.

Ketchup

08-12-2005, 11:02 PM

Thats not my point... you dont like that Clark is attracted to Lana... and ur posting this on a Clana fan fic. I dont get that.

SmallvilleMan

08-12-2005, 11:04 PM

Obviously you dont get something.

Cardinal

08-12-2005, 11:08 PM

Of course there's not enough Chlark. If you'll notice, Chloe still hasn't made an appearance in any of my stuff. It seems the only way to give Clana a chance to take root and grow is to kill off the noxious weed. That way, when Chloe comes back, Clana will be firmly entrenched, and will be able to stand up to Chloe the Remora.

Though that will change by the time I get to the events of "Truth."

SmallvilleMan

08-12-2005, 11:09 PM

Oh great, i get my chlark fix, any chance of a Lexana fix?

Cardinal

08-12-2005, 11:16 PM

No, but if you ask nice, maybe I'll take a walk on the weird side and give you some Plex! *Excuses himself to go hurl*

Ketchup

08-12-2005, 11:20 PM

Lol is that like Pete and Lex or something?

SmallvilleMan

08-12-2005, 11:22 PM

Plex, can't we get a three way of clplex?

Cardinal

08-12-2005, 11:23 PM

Unfortunately, yes! I'm kinda sorry that I wrote that! That idea just gives me the willies!

Originally posted by SmallvilleMan
Plex, can't we get a three way of clplex?

Only in the Adult section. :D

SmallvilleMan

08-12-2005, 11:24 PM

Does that mean you're going there to tell that story?:D Alright, i had enough of this crap. What i really want this Lolaloe:D

Cardinal

08-12-2005, 11:27 PM

Does that involve Jell-O wrestling?

SmallvilleMan

08-12-2005, 11:27 PM

I like pudding better, but the jello idea works, because it's clear.

kewl

08-13-2005, 03:22 AM

just tuned in cardinal, and this is a great story!!!!
wow, lana will do anything for clark!! that's so sweet!!! :)
*cue bryan adams - everything i do, i do it for you*
*another cue gloria estefan - anything for u* (thx cardnal ;))
please keep going and more CLANA. :D

Cardinal

08-13-2005, 09:39 AM

Okay, SV, this update is for you, my first pushy poster! :D
It would be longer, except I spent too much time early this morning defending myself from scurrilous attacks (from Smallvilleman, who else? :D). There should be another update this evening to make up for the shortness of this one.

Chapter 6: Martha Learns

As the streaking blur of red and blue approached the Kent’s farm, Clark stopped just beyond the hard-packed dirt drive that led to the house to assess the situation. The first thing he noted was the unexpectedly, but thankfully, quick appearance of the ambulance from Smallville Medical. The second thing he noticed was the stench of burnt rubber that issued from his shoes. Damn, that’s the third pair this month! At least it wasn’t my boots! I’m gonna have to circle around, enter the house from behind, get my boots, go back out into the field and put them on. All before I can run back to the barn at normal speed and be “surprised” at Dad’s condition. The things I have to do…

Two bursts of super-speed and a merely-human sprint from the fields back to the barn later, Clark got a better look at what was going on. The paramedics, having already wrapped his neck in a brace, were just moving Jonathon onto a back-board in preparation for picking him up and placing him on a gurney. As Clark moved closer, he shouted, “Mom, what’s wrong with Dad?”

Martha turned and, with mouth hanging wide open, looked at her only son like he’d lost his mind. Then, thinking fast when she noticed the direction from which Clark had approached the barn, Martha said in a tremulous voice, “Your father fell…he was trying to put the weathervane on the roof and…he just…fell.”

“Is he still alive?”

“He’s breathing, but he’s unconscious,” after waiting for Clark to come close, Martha continued, “I’m going to ride in the ambulance with your father, you lock up here and follow me in your father’s truck.”

“Okay, Mom, but I’ll need your keys. Lana’s got mine and I’m not gonna disturb Dad to get his.”

After closing the barn, shutting off the lights in the house, and locking the house, Clark climbed into his dad’s blue pickup for the drive, a drive made longer than usual by what waited for him at its end.

Finally, pulling up to the small parking lot just off the emergency room entrance, Clark ran inside and was directed to the waiting room where Lana and Pete were sitting with his mom.

Upon seeing them, Clark blurted out, “Where have they taken him?”

“Since he’s doesn’t seem to be in imminent danger, they’ve taken him for tests to determine what is wrong with him. Is his spinal cord damaged, is his back broken, does he have a concussion…that’s what they want to find out first,” Lana said.

After hearing this, a visibly shaken Martha stood up and pulled Clark out into the hall while whispering, “Are you sure you didn’t see anything? You know, when you looked at him?”

“It’s okay, Mom, you don’t have to whisper, and no, since I’m not a radiologist, I couldn’t see anything useful this time.”

Still whispering, she said, “What do you mean, I don’t have to whisper…you’re forgetting about Lana…“ and with a quick look back at Lana, “oh, no, you didn’t…you didn’t tell her, did you?”

“Yes, Mom...everything, last night.” And she’s still here, Clark hooted to himself. Seeing a look of annoyance rapidly overtake the look of fear on his mother’s face, it suddenly occurred to Clark that this might have been the ideal place to tell his mother since she couldn’t very well yell at him about his secret in front of witnesses.

Visibly gathering herself as the thought of outsiders curbed the urge to flay Clark with her tongue, Martha answered, with a reasonable display of equanimity, but still whispering, “You dumped the entire load on her at once? How is Lana dealing with it? Remember what happened the last time you dumped on someone? It took a near-death experience to help Pete see the light!”

“If you want to continue this, we’ll need to go outside, but if you want to know how she’s taking it, ask her, or just look at her left wrist.”

Turning back to the waiting room, Martha saw, glowing dully in the subdued lighting, a silver and turquoise bracelet. Asking a question she already knew the answer to, Martha said, “Is that the bracelet, Clark?”

“Yes, Mom. Lana’s the one, she’s always been the one. I don’t doubt she’ll have some more questions once she’s had time to think over what she learned last night, but the important thing is this: she knows and she still loves me!”

Bowing to the uselessness of arguing over something that has already happened, Martha re-entered the waiting room. After sitting back down, she said to Lana with a wan smile, “First Pete, and now you…welcome to the family.” As the two women hugged, Martha thought, I am not looking forward to Jonathon learning this.

SVsleuth

08-13-2005, 09:50 AM

Very nice, Cardinal. I was about to log off, and noticed that you just posted onyour story, so I checked. Thanks for this:

Okay, SV, this update is for you, my first pushy poster!

Had to chuckle at the shoes burning rubber. :lol:

Ah, & "the" bracelet is here too :)

kewl

08-13-2005, 10:17 AM

great update!!! wow, clark burnt 3 pairs of shoes in a month??? funny!!! :D being superman can sometimes be a little expensive ;)

Cardinal

08-13-2005, 10:59 AM

Yup, it ain't cheap! By the way, kewl...it's always kewl to have a new reader, especially one who posts. :) Thanks!

Scotty

08-13-2005, 11:43 AM

Why didn't I find this fic last week?? Oh well it was nice reading 6 consecutive chapters. This fic is great, can't wait to read more!

Cardinal

08-13-2005, 11:46 AM

Welcome onboard, Scotty! Maybe that avatar's not a badger or a muskrat...it might be a wombat!

MOOman0618

08-13-2005, 11:56 AM

I wish they would make a shoe reference in the show!

Originally posted by Cardinal

“Yes, Mom...everything, last night.” And she’s still here, Clark hooted to himself! Seeing a look of annoyance rapidly overtake the look of fear on his mother’s face, it suddenly occurred to Clark that this might have been the ideal place to tell his mother since she couldn’t very well yell at him about his secret in front of witnesses.

Heehee :lol: Strategic bad news giving is a fine art! Post more soon!

Cardinal

08-13-2005, 12:50 PM

Chapter 7: Father Knows Best

While waiting quietly for the test results in the beige-colored room, Clark got a message on his Kryptonian pager: RRRRRRIIIIIIIIINNNNNNNNNNNNGGGGGGGGGG!! Fishing the key out of his pocket, Clark thought, Time to talk, Old Man!

Getting up and facing the other three, Clark said, “I’ve gotta go.” Holding the key so that all three could see it, Clark added, “Someone needs to talk to me. I’ll be back quickly.” I hope so anyway. Before he left, he turned back to Lana and switched keys with her so he’d have his LuthorCorp key to the caves with him.

As Clark left, Lana said, “Pete, I know you said you were gonna let Clark tell me about that key, but I think I’d like to know now, if you don’t mind.”

Looking at Martha for permission, and receiving a reluctant nod in return, Pete replied, “Let’s go for a walk.”

As they got up, Pete led Lana out the door and to a far corner of the parking lot.
Stopping and facing Lana, Pete said, “Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d be telling anyone about this, much less you! Anyway, as I told you at the caves, that disk came as original equipment on Clark’s spaceship. It apparently has lots of uses, but one of the main ones is that Clark can be contacted by that key, using a painfully loud ringing noise. The secret here is who is using the key to contact him…it’s his father.”

Lana began to absentmindedly point back toward the hospital while asking, “Mr. Kent?”

“No, not Mr. Kent.” Pointing in the general direction of the caves, Pete added, “Mr. El, Jor-El that is. He’s Clark biological father.” At the look of dumbfounded shock on Lana’s face, Pete continued, “He’s dead, has been since just after Clark left his home planet.”

“But if he’s dead, then how is he…”

Seeing that her confusion was only multiplying, Pete said, “Man, I knew Clark should be the one to tell you this.” He’s probably got a script with charts and everything. Running his hand over his face while he gathered his thoughts, Pete said, “There’s a place in the caves where something like the memory of Jor-El lives on. Clark can take the key and go there to talk to him.”

At this, Lana face brightened, “If I could talk to my dad, I mean, really talk to him, I’d be there all the time.” Then, quietly, “It sure would beat talking to a headstone.”

Not hearing this last, Pete said, “You wouldn’t be there all the time if Jor-El was your dad, ‘cause Jor-El’s a dick. He’s the one that caused Clark to leave town last summer and go to Metropolis. Clark destroyed his spaceship to try and get away from Jor-El, but Jor-El just kept after him. Clark finally decided to leave to save his parents, and you, from harm. So anytime you start feeling all warm and fuzzy about Clark finding his real family, remember that Jor-El is responsible for the pain that you suffered last summer.”

After mulling this over for a while, Lana looked back to Pete and asked, “Why is his father after him? What does he want?”

“I think he wants what any father wants, Lana. He wants Clark to reach his full potential. With Clark’s abilities, that’s an awful lot to live up to, and Clark just wants to be a normal guy.” As he looked at Lana with raised eyebrows, he added, “You know, grow up, get married, raise a family.”

Lana couldn’t help laughing as Pete started to wiggle his raised eyebrows at the end of his last statement, but her face was flushed at the thought of marriage and kids.

“Anyway,” Pete concluded, “Clark never lets anyone go with him when he talks to Jor-El, ‘cause he’s afraid of what Jor-El might do to them.”

When they turned to head back inside, Pete wrapped one arm around Lana’s shoulders and gave her a hug of reassurance. “He’s gonna be okay, Lana.”

As Pete opened the door for Lana, they heard, “Hey, wait up you guys!” Turning, they were faced with the irrepressibly perky editor-in-chief of the Smallville Torch, Chloe Sullivan. As she reached the door, Chloe said, “Hey, Roomie, I didn’t see you this morning, or last night for that matter.”

Not having told Chloe about the watershed events of the previous night, Lana waffled, “Well, I had some messes to clean up at the Talon, and it made me late. This morning, I went over to the Kents’ to thank Clark for saving me from Adam.”

Walking into the waiting room with Pete and Lana, Chloe said, “I just heard about Mr. Kent, how is he?”

Surprised to hear the new voice, Martha looked up with teary, blood-shot eyes, and said, “He’s unconscious and undergoing some tests right now to find out the extent of the damage.”

As Martha leaned forward in her chair to receive a hug from Chloe, Martha looked at Pete and then Lana, pointed to Chloe with her free hand and mouthed over Chloe’s shoulder, Her, too? Receiving emphatic shakes of the head that clearly said NO, Martha breathed a sigh of relief. As much as she liked Chloe’s spirit, she wouldn’t trust her with Clark’s secret, not after that research paper on Clark she wrote for school.

After waiting companionably for several minutes, Chloe asked, “Umm…where’s Clark? I’d expect him to be plastered to your side at a time like this, Mrs. Kent.”

Covering for her son‘s disappearance, Martha said, “He…uh, couldn’t stand waiting for the test results, so he went back to the farm to do some his father’s work. He’ll be back soon, I’m sure.” I hope. Damn you, Jor-El, leave my son alone.

Meanwhile, back at the caves…

SVsleuth

08-13-2005, 01:22 PM

I get to post 1st again? I guess no one expected a 2nd update today. I just happened to see it. Great update. Pete sounds realistic. I could just hear him saying, “Man, I knew Clark should be the one to tell you this.” :lol:

NYC300Z

08-13-2005, 02:16 PM

I just read both updates!! really great!! PPMS!!

LuvClana

08-13-2005, 02:20 PM

Love em! Keep it up! Its great! PPMS!

Scotty

08-13-2005, 04:42 PM

We don't see Pete enough in fanfics, so I'm really liking this one :)

Cardinal

08-13-2005, 07:35 PM

Woo-hoo! Three updates in one day. According to the 4EverSmallville scale of production, that means I'm now allowed 9 days before my next update on this thread! :D

That'll give me enough time to work out the idea that 4Ever gave me for a short story...hopefully anyway!

--------------------------------------------

Chapter 8: The New Deal

Walking into the sandstone caves, Clark went back to the portion of the cave where the octagonal slot used to be…before the last time he dealt with Jor-El. Over and over Clark thought, I’m the one who should pay for my mistakes, not my father!

Holding the key by one corner, Clark said, seemingly to thin air, “Why did you have to bring him into this, Jor-El? Whatever promises my dad made, I’ll take them on. Come on! Come on, Jor-El, I’m the one you want!”

Finally, pointing his hand straight towards the wall, almost as if he’s pushing the key away, the three groupings of Kryptonian symbols on the key began to glow a sickly greenish-yellow as it shook violently in his hand. In response, the slot opened for the first time in nearly a year. This time was different. Far back in the tubular recess that the key slot usually covers, a blue, actinic glow boiled, then, the symbols on the key changed in color to their respective red, blue, and yellow as it floated out of his hand. At last, three colored beams shot out of the key at an angle forming a tripod with the key at its apex, one beam-color for each corresponding spot on the key. As the key-beams rotated into place, a beam of pure, white light shot from the key, searching…searching. When the white beam hit the tubular recess, the three colored beams collapsed into the white one in a thick, blindingly bright pulse of coruscating energy. With the key and the recess connected that way, all Clark could do was stand there, listening to a high-pitched keening which continued until the light beam dropped away and the key returned to his hand.

A bodiless voice emanated from the wall, calling out, “Why have you come here, my son?”

“Whatever is between you and me, I want you to leave my dad out of it. Any promises that he made, I’ll take them on. Punish me if you must, Jor-El, not him.”

“You will fulfill any and all bargains between Jonathon Kent and myself? Without preconditions?”

“Yes!”

“Very well my son. His bargain was: in return for the temporary use of Kryptonian powers to bring you back to the farm, he would bring you to me at the time that I chose. Jonathon has been ignoring my summons for some time now. It seemed necessary to gain his attention. In return for your oath, I will release him from his. You will return here tomorrow night and will be gone for some time. I give you this one day to say goodbye to your loved ones.” At this, holographic representations of his parents, Lana, Pete, and Chloe all appeared around him.

Crushed by the thought of leaving Lana so soon after they finally moved past their problems, Clark asked, “Jor-El, might I ask for a delay in coming to you?”

“Why, my son?”

Thinking fast, Clark responded, “We’re not quite to the end of school for this year, if I disappear before then, I will be missed by the government, and people will search for me. Should you wait until the school year is over, my parents can easily excuse my absence and such an absence will go relatively unnoticed.”

“As you wish. Your cover as a human will be useful for a while longer. I will expect you by sundown of the day your school concludes for the summer. If you are late, even a minute, for any reason, what I will do to those closest to you is not something you will be willing to contemplate.”

As Clark left to return to the hospital, Martha’s receiving bad news. Having been escorted by the doctor from the waiting room to a consultation room, the doctor said, with a sorrowful expression on his face, “Mrs. Kent, preliminary tests indicate damage to your husband’s spinal column. He’ll never walk again, though he may regain use of his arms in time. He also has a broken pelvis and right hip. Both are hair-line fractures and should heal on their own, especially since he’ll not be moving around any time soon. He’s also got a mild…”

As a nurse barged in the room, she blurted, “Doctor Barnes, come quick!”

“What’s wrong with you,” he rumbled in annoyance, “can’t you see I’m in the middle of a consultation?”

“But it’s her husband that’s the problem! You know the spinal in 3B?”

"Mrs. Kent, I’m sorry, but I’m going to have to see to this.” Rising from his seat, he continued, “You have my apologies for this interruption and condolences for your husband’s condition. I‘ll be back to the waiting room as soon as I know…”

At that moment, the bull-moose bellowing of a very disgruntled Jonathon Kent could be heard in the consultation room. “Martha…MARTHA…where are you? No one will tell me where you’re at.” Up and out of her seat like a rocket, Martha raced along the nondescript hospital corridors, following the sounds to their source. There, standing in the middle of the hall, facing away from her and wearing nothing but a poorly tied hospital gown, was her husband. Lunging at him from behind to embrace him, and to cover up his butt which was showing out the back of his gown, she held him lightly, still worried about his injuries.

“Jonathon, Jonathon, Jonathon,” she said, softly, rapidly, as if the very saying of his name possessed healing power. “What’s going on? The doctor just told me you’d be crippled for life, how are you walking around? Not that I’m complaining, mind you,” she sobbed, wiping her runny nose while crying tears of joy.

As he turned around to face his wife, to hold her as well as to be held, he answered, “I don’t know, Honey. Last thing I remember, I was falling from the roof, then a couple of minutes ago, I woke up feeling fine. I couldn’t remember why I was here, but I knew if I was here, you’d be here somewhere. Please, let’s get me checked out of here, I want to go home.”

As Martha steered her husband back to his room, a veteran nurse standing in the background said, “I don’t know what HMO those Kents belong to, but I want in!”

“What do you mean?” asked one of her co-workers.

“I was part of the team that worked to keep Mrs. Kent alive when she was in with a deadly viral infection last year. She died! The doctor had called out the time for the death certificate and everything, then, all of a sudden, she sits up and starts breathing like coming back from the dead is something she does every day of the week.

“First, that, now this. Captain Cripple over there, who should have been a lifetime poster boy for the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation, gets up and is ready to walk out of here. All I know is, I want that medical plan for me!”

By the time Clark returned to the hospital in his red truck, Jonathon was ensconced in his bed, propped up with pillows, and smiling. He had agreed to stay the night and let the hospital run extra tests, as long as the hospital picked up the extra cost. Martha was sitting in a chair bedside, and Lana, Pete, and Chloe were standing on the other side of the bed. When Clark entered the room, everyone turned to him and tried to explain all at once what had happened.

“I know what happened,” said Clark, smiling through his tears.

SVsleuth

08-13-2005, 07:51 PM

This is getting better & better. Super update. Loved this:

“I was part of the team that worked to keep Mrs. Kent alive when she was in with a deadly viral infection last year. She died! The doctor had called out the time for the death certificate and everything, then, all of a sudden, she sits up and starts breathing like coming back from the dead is something she does every day of the week.

“First, that, now this. Captain Cripple over there, who should have been a lifetime poster boy for the Christopher Reeve Foundation, gets up and is ready to walk out of here. All I know is, I want that medical plan for me!” :lol:

NYC300Z

08-13-2005, 08:39 PM

So how long does Clark have before the end of the school year?? How sad so if he's late Jor-el's going to do something to Lana??

PPMS!!

Cardinal

08-13-2005, 08:45 PM

They are roughly even with episode 17, Legacy. Since there are only another 4 or 5 epsodes left in that season, I figure he's got maybe as much as two months to go. Basically, I wanted him to leave at roughly the same time he left at the end of season 3.

And yeah, if he misses the deadline, Lana, and everyone else, is toast! Jor-El doesn't screw around.

SmallvilleMan

08-13-2005, 08:46 PM

Nice job card, now about the three way lolaloe.:D

Cardinal

08-13-2005, 08:53 PM

Well, let's see...Chloe finally finds out that Lana and Clark are back together. Lana still lives with the Sullivans and Lois is visiting Chloe, so they're all in close quarters. What started out as a cat fight with Lois trying to break it up, turned into something more, much more! :D

Of course, Gabe has a heart attack and dies, 'cause he can't decide whether to be repelled or turned on by Lolaloe!

Best I can do on short notice! Also the best I can do without going to the NC-17 section.

******************************

Thanks for your kind words, SV!

It just occurred to me that I only have to write one more story scene before I can bring some Clana back into this story...well, technically, this fic has never had Clana since all of my mush has been relegated to At Last! and The Proposal.

Finally, since Meg101 has returned, I was inspired to read her stuff. Both fics are good, but if you've never had the chance to read them, "Never Too Late" is especially good! :)

kewl

08-14-2005, 10:01 AM

AWESOME update!!!!! so clark's gonna leave lana again??? PPMS! :D

Cardinal

08-15-2005, 04:03 PM

Chapter 9: Free at Last

Noon time, Metropolis

Soaring over the soulless glass boxes that are purported to be the pinnacle of modern architecture, Lex mused how he preferred the character and style of his current lodgings. When the LuthorCorp helicopter landed on the rooftop helipad of the LuthorCorp Building, Lex snapped out of his reverie, removed his headset and seatbelt, stepped out of the chopper and walked over to the reception committee, headed by a man in the gray blazer and black slacks of LuthorCorp Security. Upon reaching them Lex quickly checked the man’s name tag. It read, “Jim Symonds.”

Lex asked, “What do you have for me, Symonds?”

“Nothing new, Mr. Luthor. We’ve cleared the 60th floor, as per your orders, and no one has been there since. Guards are posted outside that floor in the stairwells, the elevators won’t respond to a press of the 60th floor button, and your father’s express elevator has been locked down.”

“Very good. Let’s get down there. I need to take a look around before we call the police to inform them of my father’s death.”

“What do you hope to find, Sir?”

“If I knew that, Symonds, I wouldn’t need to look…now would I?” Lex said, grinning. “I want to see that office before the police take anything away as evidence.”

As Symonds led the party towards the Luthors’ private elevator, he said, “We’ll have the elevator unlocked and up here in a couple of minutes, Mr. Luthor.”

Lex continued to walk and headed for the stairs, saying, “Don’t bother. We’ll take the stairs. I’ve been cooped up in the chopper for a while and feel the need to stretch my legs.”

After a quick race down the stairs, Lex and party stopped on the 60th floor landing. When Lex tried to move past the guard on the landing and enter the 60th floor, the guard’s hand shot out and blocked him. “ID please,” the guard said.

Symonds said, “You’ve got to be kidding me, Edwards. How many bald, twenty-something billionaires do you think there are?”

Fishing out his corporate ID for the guard’s inspection, Lex said, “No, Symonds, this man is right. You have no idea how refreshing it is to find a guard who takes his job seriously. Give this man a promotion and have him added to my security staff at the mansion.” Maybe that’ll help cut down on the number of unannounced, heavily-armed intruders.

Retrieving his ID as Edwards opened the door with his key, Lex walked straight to his father’s office. Taking a handkerchief out of his suit coat, Lex used it to open the door so he wouldn’t leave any fingerprints. After using the handkerchief to turn on all the lights, Lex strode over to Lionel’s prostrate form. He circled slowly and looked carefully, all the while keeping clear of the body and the black leather couch on which it was slumped. As he came around to the front of the couch, he stood in front of the low, glass, coffee table and noticed a sheaf of papers. Twisting his head, Lex read the top sheet. When he reached the part where it said, “Unspecified hepatic disease affecting the liver. PROGNOSIS: TERMINAL,” he left the office, turning the lights back off and shutting the doors.

“Did you find what you were looking for, Sir?”

“Yeah, I think that my father shot himself. At least that’s what the evidence indicates.” I can’t believe it, I’ve wanted to kill him so many times and…the jackass did it himself.

“Symonds, get that elevator up here and call the police. I’ll go to the executive dining room while I wait for the police to arrive.” While waiting for the elevator, all Lex could think was, the bastard was dying of liver disease, that would explain why all of Dr. Tang’s patients were suffering from the same obscure liver disease! Stepping into the elevator, Lex had an epiphany. Speaking of evidence, “Symonds?”

“Sir?”

“Who’s my father’s number one computer expert? The one he goes to whenever he wants to hack into someone else’s system.”

“Well…umm…”

“Come on, Symonds, you work for me now, you can tell me,” Lex cajoled.

“He’s a grad student in Computer Science over at Metropolis University. He’s not a LuthorCorp employee; your father hires him as an independent contractor on a case-by-case basis.”

“Name…”

“Huh?”

“I need a name, I can’t hire a vague description.”

“Oh, it’s William Gates. He‘s relatively tall and somewhat emaciated-looking with sandy-blonde hair, wire-rimmed glasses, an omnipresent pocket-protector for his short-sleeved shirts, and khakis that don‘t quite reach his shoes.”

“Great, that’ll narrow it down some,” Lex said sarcastically, “you’ve just described three-quarters of the computer techs I’ve ever met. Find this Gates character, offer him double his usual rate if he’s here within an hour, then send a team to expedite his arrival.”

“Yes, Sir.”

Meanwhile, back at Smallville Medical…

As Chloe, Lana, and Pete made their way out of the hospital to have lunch, and to give the Kents some time alone, Chloe asked, “I see Pete’s car…but where’s your SUV, Lana? Normally, that gas guzzler stands out like a sore thumb.”

Looking supremely uncomfortable, Lana answered, “Umm…it’s at the Kents’, I rode over here with Clark.”

“What were you doing out there that early in the morning? I know when the 911 call came in and Clark’s usually still doing his chores at that time.”

“Just drop it, Chloe,” Pete said, jumping in to save Lana some embarrassment. “The important thing is, Mr. Kent’s okay.”

Waving her hands for emphasis as she walked, Chloe said, “How is that possible? I know this is Smallville, but walking away from a diagnosis of lifetime paralysis is pretty incredible…and how did Clark, ‘Know what happened?’ He wasn’t even in the building when Mr. Kent was miraculously healed.”

Sharing a look of exasperation with Pete over Chloe’s full-blown 60-Minutes-rant, Lana answered, “Come on, Chloe. Everyone in the ER was talking about it by the time Clark showed up…it wasn’t a big secret.” At least, I hope not! “And as for Mr. Kent, you’ll just have to add him to the Wall of Weird.”

“Okay, okay…there’s no point in us taking two cars, but there’s no way I’m riding in the back of Pete’s car, and neither one of you can get into the back of mine,” Chloe said, thinking out loud, “too bad your SUV’s at the Kents’, since we’d have plenty of space in it.”

“We could take Clark’s truck. I still have a set of keys for it, and that bench seat has plenty of room for the three of us,” Lana replied.

At this piece of news, Chloe exploded, “When did you get a set of keys of your own? Are you two dating again? I mean, the last time I checked, you and Clark were nothing more than ‘friends.’ Except, I’ve been friends with Clark since 8th grade and I’ve never had a key for so much as the tool shed at the Kent Farm, much less Clark’s truck!”

“The keys are Mrs. Kent’s and I don’t believe what I do with Clark is any of your business, Chloe!” Turning to face Chloe full-on, Lana decided to get it over with, “Since you asked, however, Clark and I are dating again. We’ve gotten past our problems and are…”

Chloe held up a hand to cut Lana off,and nearly shouted, “STOP! I don’t want to hear any more!” Turning to Pete, she said, “I’ve changed my mind, I can’t eat right now, you two will have to go on without me.” Then, her eyes filled with pain and unshed tears, Chloe said to Lana in a softer, plaintive tone, “At least you had the guts to tell me this time.”

Pete said quickly to Lana, “Maybe you should go alone, there’s something that Chloe needs to hear. I’ll see you later.”

As Pete ran off to catch Chloe, Lana thought, Jeez, it’s usually Clark that abandons me…I wish Chloe would just move on, she’s got so much to offer, but Clark belongs to me. With a stupid grin spreading rapidly across her face as she headed for Clark’s truck, she thought, I love the sound of that: Clark belongs to me!

Scotty

08-15-2005, 04:56 PM

Bill Gates working for Lex Luthor :rotfl:

PPMS!

Cardinal

08-15-2005, 05:04 PM

Well...sort of Bill Gates!

NYC300Z

08-15-2005, 05:50 PM

Originally posted by Cardinal
Lana "I love the sound of that: Clark belongs to me!"[/I]!

That's the best part!! It's gonna be sad when Clark tells Lana the deal he made with Jor-el. PPMS!!

Cardinal

08-15-2005, 06:58 PM

There should be some Clana in the next update! :D :D :D

Dr. Jeckyll

08-15-2005, 08:34 PM

Can't wait. Just caught up on this one. Excellent update! PPMS!

SVsleuth

08-15-2005, 10:46 PM

Both of these had me :lol: & :rotfl:

I can’t believe it, I’ve wanted to kill him so many times and…the jackass did it himself.

“I need a name, I can’t hire a vague description.”
“Oh, it’s William Gates.

And loved this;

Clark belongs to me.

Super update, Cardinal. I just have such a hard time stifling my urge to :lol: at 12:30 a.m , when the rest of the family is asleep! I should read your story in the daytime.

SmallvilleMan

08-15-2005, 10:49 PM

That was kind of a mean comment by Lana, how are you make lana mean:mad: ;)

kewl

08-16-2005, 07:52 AM

great update!!!! PPMS!!!

finally, lana had the guts to tell chloe about the real score between her & clark!!!! "clark belongs to me" i like this, hehehe....

Cardinal

08-16-2005, 09:47 AM

Chapter 10: Intervention

“Hey, Chloe, wait up!” Pete yelled, trying to catch the attention of the distraught blonde before she got into her car and drove off.

Turning to face the onrushing Pete Ross, Chloe answered, “What do you want? I thought you, like every other male around here, preferred to spend time with Lana.”

“Lana will be fine on her own, but you need someone to talk to, someone you can vent your feelings and frustrations on, and today, that’s me. I mean, what good is all of that work down at the Smallville Youth Center if I can’t use those skills to help my friend? Let’s go get something to eat, I’m buying.”

After having bought containers of dim sum, vegetable lo mein, and Hunan beef to share from and large iced teas to drink, Pete and Chloe went to the park and found an empty and secluded bench to sit on while they ate and talked.

“Start whenever you’re ready Chloe, I’ve got all the time in the world.”

After a brief silence, punctuated only by the sounds of food being devoured, Chloe started, “Pete, am I a bad person?”

Pete just waited for Chloe to continue, sensing that her question was rhetorical in nature.

“I mean, I’m smart, people tell me I’m pretty, I’m a lot of fun to be around, I’m loyal…” as her voice trailed off, Chloe added, “but Clark…all he sees is good ol’ Chloe, Nancy Drew to his Hardy Boy, Sherlock Holmes to his Dr. Watson…a buddy!”

Looking Pete right in the eye, she asked, “Why can’t I get through to him? I about do flips trying to catch his attention, but for all the good it’s doing, he might as well be blind!”

Giving Chloe a minute to come down from her crying jag, Pete said, “Love doesn’t have to make sense, Chloe, it just is. You can’t choose who you love, it just happens,” approaching his next sentence with trepidation, Pete continued, “I know you’ve heard this a hundred times, but Clark fell in love with Lana at the age of five, long before he even knew you existed. I was there, I remember it happening like it was yesterday.”

Caught momentarily by her curiosity about story she’d never heard, Chloe couldn’t help herself and asked, “What happened?”

As he thought back to kindergarten, a smile crept across Pete’s face. “First day of school, Clark and I were, same as now, on the same bus route. Lana would have been on our bus, too, but her aunt drove her to school. Anyway, we got off the bus about the same time that Lana got out of her aunt’s car. As we were walking up the front walk to the school, he saw Lana being walked into school by her aunt and he tripped. This is important ’cause when he tripped, he fell into me and we went down in a pile of arms, legs, and sleeping mats.

“The first thing he said as we got up wasn’t, ‘Are you alright,’ or ‘I’m sorry,’ or even ‘Can I help you?’ Nope, the first thing Clark ever said to me was, “'Who is that girl?'...I did get something out of that day, ‘cause Clark and I played together at recess and we’ve been best buds ever since.

“What I’m trying to say is that some things are just meant to happen. It’s not that you’re unattractive, believe me. It’s just that Lana had taken possession of Clark’s heart long before you entered the picture.”

“But, Pete, you don’t understand. You don’t know what its like to watch the one you love, day after day, and know that they love someone else. You keep hoping that a miracle will happen and that suddenly that person will truly see you for the first time and…” as Chloe broke down in another bout of crying, Pete slid over, knocked mostly empty food boxes out of his way, wrapped his arms around her and hugged her tight.

When she finally began to settle down, Pete ventured, “What do you mean, ‘you don’t understand?’” I can’t believe I’m doing this…this is stupid, Pete! “I know exactly what it feels like to be around the one I love and know that I have no shot with her ‘cause she loves someone else.”

Sniffling, Chloe asked, “You, Pete? Pete the Player? Pete the guy who chases every skirt in sight?”

Not especially pleased with Chloe’s dead-on assessment of his behavior, Pete said, “That’s all true, but they were all just…just something to keep my mind off of the woman that I truly want…the woman I’ve always wanted, since the day I met her. Great, now I’m beginning to sound just like Clark.”

Her curiosity fully engaged by this side of Pete that she‘s never seen before, Chloe straightened up, disengaged herself from his arms, and asked, “Who is this mystery woman and why can’t she see the sweet, sensitive guy that hides beneath that tough exterior?”

“I don’t know why she won’t give me a chance, Chloe…maybe you could ask her for me.”

“Well, who is she?”

Finally, in the faintest of whispers, Pete said, “Her name is Chloe Sullivan.”

Metropolis, 2 p.m.

“Mr. Luthor, the Gates kid is here,” said a nameless LuthorCorp Security drone.

Bring him up, when he gets to this floor, show him into my office,” Lex replied.

“Yes, Sir.”

After a few minutes, a man apparently in his late-20s strolled into Lex’s office, followed by a member of LuthorCorp Security. Waving at the security man to wait outside, Lex thought, I can’t fault Symonds’ description, he looks like an extra from Revenge of the Nerds.

“Sorry, we had to meet in here, but my father’s office is off limits while the police complete their investigation,” Lex said as he pushed across a bag with $20,000 in it. “There’s your doubled fee, Mr. Gates.” Asking a question that had been niggling at him since Symonds first described this hacker, Lex said, “William Gates…are you in any way related to…”

“Cutting Lex off mid-sentence, Gates replied, “The richest man in the world, Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates? Not a chance. Just an unfortunate coincidence that we share the same name; it’s a really unfortunate coincidence since I love computers. If I had a dollar for every time someone asked that…well, I wouldn’t have to take these ‘consulting’ jobs on the side.” After waiting a second, Gates asked, “What do you need me to do, Mr. Luthor?”

“As you may have been told, my father died today, and, as the new owner of the controlling stake in LuthorCorp, I need unfettered access to my father’s computer files. There are all sorts of projects going on that I need to familiarize myself with immediately.” One, especially.

“That’s all?” Gates asked, “I can do that right now.” Finally taking the twenty-grand as he knew he could complete the requested job, he said, “I know your father’s password.”

“How could you know that?” Lex asked in surprise.

“Easy, the first job he ever had me do was to hack his computer setup, then find and eliminate as many holes in his security system as possible. That’s when I found out you’d been accessing your father’s account from a remote terminal in Smallville.”

“You’re the one that shut me down?”

“Yeah, but before I finished my work, after I took out all the security holes I could find, I made a ‘backdoor’ for myself as insurance, so I could get into the LuthorCorp system any time I want. It didn’t take long to find out what password your father is currently using.”

“Well,” Lex said, as he fired up the terminal on his desk, “what is it?”

“It’s Martha_Luthor.”

You sick bastard! Lex thought.

“That’ll be all, Mr. Gates. Your services are worth every penny.” And then some.

As Gates walked out to meet up with his security escort, Lex said, “Let’s see what we can find out about Metron Labs and Dr. Tang.” Now that Dad’s dead, I’ve got to find the evidence to get the FBI and Metropolis PD off my back.

SVsleuth

08-16-2005, 10:16 AM

Aw.... the Ploe or Chlete or whatever... scene was so sweet. And Lex is up to no good, as usual, so next we get CLANA?????

Cardinal

08-16-2005, 10:18 AM

Yes indeedy! I'm writing as I speak...well as I type anyway! It should be up sometime today!

kewl

08-16-2005, 10:26 AM

yay, another update coming!!! can't hardly wait!!! :D

Scotty

08-16-2005, 11:00 AM

“It’s Martha_Luthor.”

You sick bastard! Lex thought.
:lol: :rotfl: :lol:

linn

08-16-2005, 11:47 AM

“It’s Martha_Luthor.”

You sick bastard! Lex thought.

hahahaha

NYC300Z

08-16-2005, 01:30 PM

Great update Cardnial but I thought u said there was going to be Clana in that last chapter and neither Clark or Lana even made an apperance! What were u thinking? lol

PPMS!

Cardinal

08-16-2005, 03:11 PM

Ask and ye shall receive,
Seek and ye shall find,
Knock and the door shall be opened unto you...

Here's the Clana!

------------------------------------------

Day 2

Chapter 11: The White Rose (Part 1)

“Mom, can you do something for me on your way to the hospital?” Clark pleaded, “I won’t have time before school starts, but its really important.”

“Sure, Clark, what do you need?”

“I’ve got the directions all written out here,” Clark said, handing over a three-by-five note card. “I know these are a little specific, but that’s exactly what I need.”

“Okay…do you have the money to pay for this?”

“Definitely. I’ve been able to save a substantial part of my allowance over this school year, so I’m all set for cash. Tell me the cost, and I’ll pay you when I get home…uh-oh, Pete’s here, I’ve gotta go!” Clad in a red t-shirt and jeans, he grabbed his books and his blue windbreaker, and rushed out the door.

Going over the events of yesterday afternoon in her head, Martha still couldn’t quite believe what had happened. When Chloe, Lana, and Pete had left to eat, Clark told his parents about the previous night’s revelations up in the loft. Martha thought Jonathon had shown remarkable restraint in not interrupting Clark’s story even once, but that was nothing compared to what happened after Clark finished.

What didn’t happen, would be a more accurate phrasing. Instead of the expected tirade about how important his secret is and about whether or not Lana was ready for that responsibility, Jonathon merely said, “Well, Son, there comes a time in every man’s life when he starts to make his own decisions. Just remember, you have to live with those decisions every day of your life.” That just made what Clark had to say next all the more difficult to hear. Clark relayed what had happened in the caves with Jor-El, which precipitated a brief flare-up between Jonathon and me over his deal with Jor-El, and then a bigger argument over Clark’s new deal.

A couple of months, that’s all the time my son has left before he has to go away for…who knows how long? Still, he’s happier now than I ever remember him being. I wonder if Lana knows just how much she means to him?

“Oh, well,” she mumbled as she headed out the door in a tan pantsuit, “I can’t stand around here all day.” I’ve got to run Clark’s errand and bring Jonathon home.

At Smallville High

Clark and Lana share a couple of classes together, one of which is second period for English III. As the class seating chart was made at the beginning of the year when they had just broken up, Clark and Lana sat three rows apart.

Class hadn’t been going more than five minutes when a student messenger knocked on the door and entered with a towering arrangement of roses…red ones to be exact. As the messenger handed the clear, glass vase and a note to the teacher and left, the girls in the class oooed and ahhed and the guys wondered who had just made their lives tougher, ‘cause one set of flowers always made everyone’s girlfriends wonder why they didn’t get flowers at school.

Reading the note from the office, Mr. Jenkins said, “Miss Lang, these are for you.” Getting up in total shock, and shooting Clark a covert look of query, Lana went up to the front of the class and picked up her flowers. Upon closer inspection, Lana counted and saw that there were 12 red roses…and an additional 13th white rose which sat in the middle of the display, a couple of inches taller than the red ones. Interspersed with the artfully arranged roses were several small groupings of baby’s breath.

Lana asked if she could leave the flowers on the teacher’s worktable until the end of class. Assured that would be fine, Lana took a deep sniff of the floral scent, picked up the card pinned to the flowers and returned to her seat. Opening the card as Mr. Jenkins said, “Okay, let’s return to the lesson,” Lana read:

Dearest,
I love you, never doubt that for a moment.
Yours Always,
Babydoll

Upon reading that Lana let out a muffled snicker which drew a glance from Mr. Jenkins. After he returned to the lesson, Lana shot Clark a loving look that would melt steel and weaken the knees of the most hard-hearted man, and since Clark didn’t have that problem, his legs were wobbly and his brain was a contented pile of goo. Which, unsurprisingly, reflected Lana’s own state of mind at that very moment.

After class, as Clark went over to Lana to carry her books and walk her to the next class, Lana started to hug Clark when Mr. Jenkins said, “Uh, Miss Lang, no PDAs.”
Foiled in her attempt, Lana gave her books to Clark and collected her flowers. As they left the room and headed towards Lana’s next class, she reached her neck up, stood on her toes, and pecked Clark quickly on the cheek. No PDAs my ass, she thought.

“These flowers are great, Clark,” giving him a light bump with her hip, she added, “and so are you. Though I’ve got one question, what’s with the single white rose in the middle of the red ones?”

“Smiling at the anticipation he was about to cause, Clark answered, “I won’t tell you that until after school.”

“What? Why not?”

“You’ll just have to wait.”

Upon reaching her next class Clark put her books on her desk and hurried out to make it to his class on time.

Megan, one of Lana’s old cheerleading buddies, asked, “Are those roses from Clark? And if so, are you two going out again?”

Looking at Megan with an ear-splitting grin, Lana said, “Yes, and yes!”

Clark stopped at the door, turned, blew her a kiss, and said, “I love you, Lana.” With that, he left, not requiring her to make a response.

Seeing that, Megan said, “A demonstrative Clark…this could take some getting used to. The Clark I’ve always known was smart, cute, and totally closed off to all but his best friends. Sounds like he’s changed!”

“There’ve been a lot of changes in the last two days, Megan. He’s become much more the guy I’ve always wanted, and needed, him to be.”

“Are you sure there aren’t any more like him at home?” Megan asked with a grin.

Grateful that nothing was in her mouth to choke her, Lana gagged slightly anyway and answered, “N...no, I don‘t know of anyone else like Clark.”

-----------------------------------------------------------

“Hey, Clark aren’t you gonna eat lunch today?” Pete asked as Clark walked into the Torch office.

“Nah, I’m not hungry. Though it’s the first time in a while that I’m bummed out over Lana having third lunch period while we have first. Why are you here, Pete?”

“I’m trying to avoid Chloe…and yeah, hiding from her in the Torch is usually a stupid idea, but she went into the lunchroom, so I headed here.”

“Umm…why are you hiding from Chloe?”

“Well,” looking up at Clark, he asked, “can I tell you a secret?”

“Always, Pete, since age five.”

“Yesterday, when the three of us went to lunch to give you and your folks some room, Chloe and Lana kinda of got into a fight over you. Lana let her know that you two were back together and Chloe stormed off. I knew Chloe needed me more right then, so I went with her.

"We got some Chinese and ate it in the park. When we got done, I listened to her vent, and then I told her some things she needed to hear and also some things that I needed to say…Clark, I dropped a bomb on her, and its sort of freaking us both out, so I’m avoiding her while she sorts things out.”

“What kind of bomb?”

“I told her…I told her that I love her, that I’ve always loved her. I figured if you could get over your fear and tell Lana the truth, then I could do the same with Chloe.”

Not knowing which question to ask first, Clark paused. Deciding that Pete needed help more than Clark needed clarification, he finally said, “How’d she react?”

“Like she’d been hit right between the eyes. Her eyes were open as wide as possible, rivaled only by the way her mouth stayed open…just like a fish out of water. The drive back to the hospital was in complete silence. We were both freaked out by then so we just left. That’s why I bailed on you yesterday, sorry.

“Man, how could I be so stupid. I was just trying to help her out and I drop a load like that on her.”

“This is something I’m obviously not going to be able to talk to her about, and Lana definitely can’t, sooooo…you’re just going to have to wait for Chloe to come around and talk to you herself. I feel for you, Pete. I know how scary it can be when you put your heart out in the open…come on, its time to get back to class.”

-----------------------------------

“Sixth, and final, class of the day. I am so glad to be out of there,” Clark said as he walked Lana out of Chemistry, the other class that they have together.

“So am I, Clark,” Lana said, waving her roses under his nose, “because you promised to tell me about this white rose after school, and it’s been driving me crazy all day. Though I will say you earned major bonus points by making every girl in the school wild with envy.”

“I did say after school…I just didn’t say how long after school,” Clark said with an impudent grin on his face.

“Clark, if you don’t tell me right now, I’m going to put these flowers down and tickle you while you hold all of our books!”

With Clark’s grin growing wider by the second, he said, “Heaven forbid that my girlfriend should want to put her hands all over me! I don’t know if I could stand it.”

“You’re pushing your limits, Mister. Fess up, what does the white rose mean?”

“Okay, put your books away in your locker and I’ll tell you in your SUV.”

“Promise?”

“Yes, I promise.”

TBC in Part 2

Ketchup

08-16-2005, 03:16 PM

Cardinal

08-16-2005, 03:18 PM

Thanks, Ketchup! :)

Chapter 11: The White Rose (Part 2)

Now seated in the front of Lana’s SUV, with Clark holding the flowers, Lana said, “No more stalling, let’s have it.”

With a expression that said he was being completely serious, Clark looked into her eyes and said, “The twelve red roses are common, you see them everyday and, while they’re nice to look at, there’s nothing special about them. The thirteenth rose, the white rose, catches the eye right away, it stands out from the others, its special."

Reaching out with his left hand to take a hold of her right one, Clark finished, “The red roses are all the other girls in the world, ordinary, commonplace, nothing to get excited about. You, however, caught my eye right away, at age five, you stand out from the crowd in every way, you’re special. The white rose…is you.”

With a lunge that Clark would later swear was made at super-speed, Lana threw herself at him, wrapping him in a strong hug and giving him a passionate kiss. Pulling back to begin driving to drop Clark off, she breathed softly, “I love you.”

SVsleuth

08-16-2005, 06:07 PM

Awesome chapter! I can't believe you posted this 2 1/2 hours ago & no one has replied yet!

That was so sweet of Clark - the white rose. Keep going, keep going... (I guess I better not beg too hard, or you'll get on my case to update mine. I'm working on it too.) :)

clana4ev3r

08-16-2005, 06:07 PM

Great but I have one question ....

"As the class seating chart was made at the beginning of the year when they had just broken up, Clark and Lana sat three rows apart. "

What does that mean? they broke up?

Scotty

08-16-2005, 06:34 PM

Yeah Clana broke up in season 3

NYC300Z

08-17-2005, 03:08 AM

Very sweet update Cardinal! So when's Clark going to tell Lana the deal he made with Jor-el?? I bet Lana is going to be so mad at him or at least very sad that he's going to be leaving!

PPMS!

binkys711

08-17-2005, 12:40 PM

omg! that was the sweetest thing i've ever heard! that white rose was the perfect touch! i loved it! great updates!!! PPMS!!! finally caught up with your story!

Dr. Jeckyll

08-18-2005, 12:43 PM

I have to agree with the others here. Very nice and sweet update! In fact, I read it twice, because of the happy-clana :) PPMS, love your work.

Cardinal

08-18-2005, 08:07 PM

I'll have you know that I'm proud to specialize in happy-Clana. If I wanted depressing Clana, I'd watch seasons 3 & 4 all over again...or I'd just re-read Ketchup's last two updates.

Since there wasn't nearly enough Clana (you can never have enough Clana) in that last update, and since I feel the need to do something to dissipate the growing cloud of gloom and doom issuing forth from Ketchup's most recent updates, my next update will have still more Clana!

I won't vouch for the quality, but the Clana will be there! Oh, and it will be up sometime Friday. Hopefully in the morning, just so SV can laugh if she feels like it! :p

2:20 A.M. Well, it's not much, but here it is!

Chapter 12: Inspiration

As Lana turned the wheel to guide her SUV toward the Kent Farm, she asked, “Clark, not that I don’t like it, ‘cause I do, but where did this come from?”

“The flowers? They came from the flower shop. I’m sure you’ve heard of it. After all, your Aunt Nell used to own it,” Clark said, knowing that wasn’t what Lana wanted to know.

“Not the flowers you big dummy,” she said as she gave him a look of fond exasperation. Turning her eyes back to the road, she explained, “I mean everything. You’ve given me flowers before, but only as a means of apology…and telling me you love me right out in the open…most high-school guys get red in the face, stammer, look both ways to see who might be listening, and then mumble the words quickly before they get caught. I think Megan was more jealous of the fact that you were so open about what you were feeling than she was about the flowers. I was just wondering what caused the quiet and reserved Clark Kent to suddenly become my very own Casanova.”

“Oh, that,” he said, rolling his eyes roof-ward, a look of mock surprise flitting quickly across his face.

“Yes, that!”

“Well, after we left the hospital last night, Mom and I talked as we drove home. She asked how things were going with you and how you were dealing with my secret. After I answered her, I told her that I didn’t want to mess up our relationship this time and that I wanted to know what I could do to let you know just how much I love you.”

Pulling into the Kent driveway, Lana said, “I know you love me.”

Waiting for her to pull to a stop and face him, Clark tapped the side of his head and said, “Yes, you know it up here,” then tapping his breastbone, he continued, “but I want to make sure you know it in here. When you wake up every morning, I don’t want you to have to think about whether or not I love you, I want the sure and certain knowledge that I love you to pour unbidden out of the depths of your heart.

“Anyway, back to my story which was so rudely interrupted,” Clark said, with a smothered giggle, earning him a swat on the back of his head, “Mom basically said to pay attention to you, in the little things as well as the big ones. She said that showing my devotion would be as important as saying ‘I love you.’ Though she then said that most women don’t hear those three words enough. And how that better not be the case with you.

“Finally, when we got to the house, she dug out one of Dad’s old 45s and played it for me. I hadn’t heard that song in years. The last time I did, I didn’t know what it was about. This time…well, I think I’m learning.”

Curious, she asked, “What song, Clark?”

“It’s called One-Hundred Ways. The funny thing is, it belongs to my Dad, but it’s definitely not a country song.”

“Can I listen to it?” she asked hopefully.

“Sure, come on in.” He then zipped around to open her door and led her inside.

“If you want something to drink, help yourself while I get the 45 started.” As he pulled the turntable out to a playable position, he said, “I guess Mom’s out shopping, I don’t know where Dad is.”

Coming into the family room with two glasses of cold lemonade, Lana handed one to Clark and said, “Turning it on usually helps.”

“In that case, Lana, I think you’d better do the honors ‘cause you’re better than I am at turning things on,” he said with a slight leer.

Grinning at the implied compliment, Lana nonetheless pressed the play button as she said, “I don’t know about that. I think you can flip a few switches yourself!”

They both took a seat on the couch as the early-80s classic started up:

One-Hundred Ways - Quincy Jones featuring James Ingram

Compliment what she does
Send her roses just because
If it's violins she loves let them play
Dedicate her fav'rite song
And hold her closer all night long
Love her today
Find one hundred ways

Don't forget there could be
An old lover in her memory
If you need her so much more
Why don't you say
Maybe she has it in her mind
That she's just wasting her time
Ask her to stay
Find one hundred ways

Bein' cool won't help you keep her love warm
You'll just blow your only chance
Take the time to open up your heart
That's the secret of romance
Sacrifice if you care
Buy her some moonlight to wear
If there's one more star she wants
Go all the way
In your arms tonight
She'll reflect
That she owes you
The sweetest of debts
If she wants to pay
Find one hundred ways…

As the song trickled out, Clark said, “When the song was over, Mom said that the idea behind the song was what was important. That you should be willing to do whatever it takes to make sure she knows that she’s important, that she’s loved."

Looking directly into her eyes with the cerulean gaze that never failed to take her breath away, Clark said, “Ever since the blood drive freshman year, I’ve known that there was something between us, but until now, more than two years later, our entire dating relationship has consisted of a birthday cake and a picnic…and you were responsible for the cake. I haven’t done enough for you. You deserve better than that…more than that. I want us to have a normal romantic relationship.”

“Just normal, Clark?”

“Well, okay, I want us to have the best relationship ever.” Sitting back with a smile on his face, he said, “Would that meet with your approval?”

Looping her arm through his, Lana leaned her head on his shoulder and said, “Most definitely, Clark. Most definitely.”

After a brief, comfortable silence, Lana asked, “Speaking of that blood drive…why didn’t you take a chance then? I was all but jumping up and down at the prospect of you asking me out. I was sure you wanted it as bad as I did and then…you told me that Whitney needed me.”

“Yeah…I saw a prescription heart medication fall out of his backpack. When I confronted him with it, he told me about his dad’s condition. I asked him if he’d told you, he said you’d gone through enough pain with your parents. He didn’t want you to go through it again with him. I told him that he didn’t give you enough credit, that you were strong and would likely understand better than anyone.

"After that, I couldn’t make my move, not because I didn’t want to take you away from Whitney while he was down, though that did play a small role, but because allowing you to make that decision, when you didn’t have all the necessary information, wouldn’t be fair to you. If I won you under false pretenses, what kind of start would that have been for our relationship. So,” after giving a helpless shrug, Clark finished, “I had to give Whitney a chance to correct his mistake.”

“You’re so sweet, Clark! What did I ever do to deserve you?” Lana wondered.

“According to Dad, no one ever deserves the love of another, you have to earn it every day. I’d say your steadfast belief in me, in us, is more than I could ask for.”

NYC300Z

08-19-2005, 12:40 AM

Very sweet update Cardinal!! Your stalling though when is Clark going to tell Lana the deal he made with Jor-el?

PPMS!!

post # 1993 my brother was born that year!

Cardinal

08-19-2005, 12:42 AM

Hey, it's only the day after he made the deal, give the guy some time...me too!

NYC300Z

08-19-2005, 12:43 AM

lol okay ur right, but I would have thought he would want to get that off his chest asap! lol oh well do u!

post # 1994 another great year!!

Cardinal

08-19-2005, 12:50 AM

Clark's just got things going the way he's always wanted, now he's afraid of telling her right away. I think he wants "the normal relationship" for a few days more before he brings her back to Earth with the special challenges that a relationship with him will bring.

I predict that he will take her back to the caves to continue the trip that was interrupted by Jonathon's fall. The discussion of the caves and Jor-El will be the best opportunity to tell her about the deal. At least...I think so.

clana4ev3r

08-19-2005, 12:56 AM

great update!

SVsleuth

08-19-2005, 06:05 AM

Sweet update, Cardinal. Martha'a such a cool mom, to give Clark hints like that PPMS

binkys711

08-19-2005, 08:25 AM

great update Cardinal! very sweet! *sighs relief of the thought of happy angst free clana*:p PPMS!!!

kewl

08-20-2005, 12:43 AM

wow!!!! wow!!!! and wow!!!! :D :D that was a very sweet update!!!! all clana-packed!!! PPMS!!!!

Cardinal

08-20-2005, 06:54 AM

I've got family in town for a visit and they will take all of my time outside of work.

C.A.chick

08-20-2005, 08:18 AM

WHAT?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!fine, gosh... family over smallville? it would take me years on end to figure out which i'd rather spend time with ( family doesn't have beautiful clana episodes, only boring talking about the same thing everytime)

MOOman0618

08-20-2005, 09:28 PM

Originally posted by Cardinal
As the messenger handed the clear, glass vase and a note to the teacher and left, the girls in the class oooed and ahhed and the guys wondered who had just made their lives tougher, ‘cause one set of flowers always made everyone’s girlfriends wonder why they didn’t get flowers at school.

:rotfl: Unfortunatly I feel those guys pain. Damned romantics making me look bad! :)

Clark is so smooth sending Lana the roses, and triple smooth for the explination of the white one!

No update till MONDAY NIGHT! I guess I can't complain seeing as I've been gone for a week! But I will anyhow. PPMS!

Cardinal

08-22-2005, 06:44 PM

My next update will be on this thread, hopefully tomorrow. :)

binkys711

08-22-2005, 06:48 PM

yay! can't wait! (I've been saying that a lot lately, lol)

MOOman0618

08-22-2005, 09:45 PM

Tomorrow is a long time from now!

Cardinal

08-23-2005, 06:37 PM

Chapter 13: The Never-Ending Chapter - Part I

As Clark got up to put away the turntable, Lana turned on the television, setting the volume to a nearly inaudible level as she started surfing through the channels. She had raced by the broadcast of one of the Metropolis network affiliates, when she realized she’d seen Lionel Luthor’s picture on the screen. Returning to that station, she pumped up the volume and said, “Clark, listen to this!”

“…billionaire industrialist and noted philanthropist Lionel Luthor was found dead in his office on the 60th floor of the LuthorCorp Building. The fatal gunshot wound was, according to unnamed sources high in the police department, apparently self-inflicted. Forensic evidence indicates that he died sometime late Saturday night or early Sunday morning. Strangely, his death wasn‘t reported to police until roughly noontime on Sunday, even though he had been found by a custodial crew early that morning. No motive for this suicide has yet been released…”

As the newscaster droned on Clark and Lana looked at each other in stunned silence. Clark finally broke the stillness, saying, “I’ve got to call Lex and see how he’s taking this.” As he reached for the house phone, Lana muted the television but continued to watch as the automatic closed-captioning took effect.

--------------------

The Luthor Mansion

Chirrrrrp! Chirrrrrp! Looking at the caller-ID on his cell, Lex smirked, thinking, Ah, Clark’s finally found out. I wonder what I’ll get, condolences and commiseration, or an expression of relief?

Pressing send, Lex said, “Clark, to what do I owe this unexpected honor?”

“Lana and I just saw a news report about your father. Is it true?”

“Yes, Clark, what’s been on the news today is true. I’m actually surprised,” but very relieved, he thought, “that it took so long to leak to the media.”

“I’m so sorry…is there anything we can do?”

Looks like I get my friend today, not the guy that’s worried about his secrets.

“No, not unless you want to come over and shoot some pool…though if you’re spending time with Lana, I wouldn’t blame you for taking a rain-check.” If I was the center of that young woman’s attentions, I’d definitely stay with her.

Continuing, Lex said, “Speaking of fathers, I heard Mr. Kent was in the hospital this weekend. Something about a fall from the barn roof? The fact that he survived is amazing. That he’s up and walking, even more so.” Freaking impossible is what it is. The doctors still can’t believe it. They say the before and after scans don’t look like they could have been from the same person.

“Yeah, that was something. The effects of that fall may not be over yet, though.” And how! I still haven’t told Lana or Pete about Jor-El’s deal.

“As much as I’d love your company, Clark, I see that you’re at home and, according to you, Lana’s there, so stay with her…I know I would.”

“Wait a minute, Lana wants to say something.”

Taking the receiver, Lana said, “How are you holding up? I’m here for you if you need my support. I…know what it’s like to lose a parent unexpectedly.”

Taking a measure of solace from the warmth and concern evident in her voice, Lex replied, “If I need anything, I’ll be sure to call. I’ve got to go now, I’m expecting an important visit anytime now.”

--------------------

The Kent Farm

As Clark placed the phone back on its charger, Lana said, “Lex doesn’t sound too broken up.”

“Well, he’s always had a love-hate relationship with his father. Part of him will miss the opportunity to salvage that relationship, while the other part is dancing in the street…I much prefer the part that is missing Lionel right now. I, on the other hand, won’t miss Lionel at all."

“Why, Clark?”

“He knew too much about me. He was too close to learning my secrets, including the parts that I haven’t had the chance to tell you yet about the caves and my home planet of Krypton.” Before Lana could respond, Clark raised his hands, palms out, and continued, “Don’t say it, Lana. The name is still Krypton…though if you tell that joke to Pete, he’ll wet himself laughing.”

Smiling at her own joke from yesterday, Lana said, “Do you think Lionel kept notes? Might Lex learn everything that Lionel suspected?”

“I hadn’t thought about that, but if Lionel kept any files at all, and I know for a fact that he used to, then Lex is about to become even more suspicious about me.”

--------------------

The Torch

As Chloe sifts through her e-mail after school while working on this week’s edition of the Torch, she sees one from Pete. Opening it, she reads:

Chloe,

I think you need some space right now, so I won’t be coming into the office until you’re ready to talk to me. Just send me my photography assignments by e-mail, and I’ll send you the shots from my digital camera the same way.

Pete

Wondering if this was how Clark felt after the career-fair freshman year, Chloe thought, I was so focused on Clark that I never really saw the guy standing next to him.

Pete always put my interest in Clark above his interest in me…something I’ve never been able to do with Clark or Lana.

Even when he showed interest in me while under the influence of the Nicodemus flower, I still didn’t get it…Make me struggle to find the truth and I’m all over it, put it right in front of me and I’m totally clueless.

Maybe, just maybe mind you, Pete’s worth a chance. After all, I took a shot with Sean Kelvin and Justin Gaines…and I know Pete doesn’t have any powers. I’ll have to talk to him tomorrow or he’ll keep avoiding me.

--------------------

I need a buffer if you please!

SmallvilleMan

08-23-2005, 06:45 PM

KEEP READING BELOW

Cardinal

08-23-2005, 06:47 PM

Thanks SmallvilleMan! :)

Chapter 13: The Never-Ending Chapter - Part 2

The Kent Farm

Hearing the soft slap of leather soles on wooden stairs, Clark looked back to the kitchen door as his mother pressed it open and walked through.

“Hi, Mom. Where’s Dad?”

As she started to answer, the slender frame of Lana Lang leaned forward from her spot on Clark’s far side, and added, “Hello, Mrs. Kent.”

Smiling at her son and his girlfriend, she answered, “Hi, Clark, hi, Lana. Jonathon just started on his afternoon chores. After almost losing him yesterday, I realized that there are a lot of things that I still want to say to, and do with, him, even though we’ve been together for years. So, I commandeered my husband after lunch and we went for a long walk.”

Looking at the back side of Clark’s head as she talked, Lana said, “I hope I’m that way when I’m married. Always having something to share and someone to share it with.” At that, she linked her left hand with his right one, and they reflexively interlaced their fingers while smiling giddily at each other.

Trying to keep a smile from encroaching on her face, Martha asked, “So…anything interesting happen at school today?”

The uncontrollable smile that surged over Lana’s face was all she needed to know, but Lana said, “Your son is so romantic, I never knew he could be this way. He sent me the most amazing flowers…I nearly cried.” With a mischievous grin, she added, “Every girl in school was insanely jealous. But what truly swept me off my feet was what he said in the parking lot after school. I just melted!”

“Well, where are these flowers? I want to see them!”

As Lana raced out to her SUV to comply with Martha’s request, Clark zipped over to his mom, saying, “Thanks, Mom. Everything was perfect!” After wrapping her in a big hug and kissing her on the cheek, Clark asked, “How much were they, anyway? I’ll pay you when Lana goes home.”

“Sixty dollars.”

“Wow, at least it’s not anywhere near Valentine’s Day or that price would be doubled.”

Clark zipped back over to the couch as Lana pounded up the steps to allow the women to share this moment together. Pulling open the screen door with one hand, Lana’s other hand, and a good portion of her upper body, was obscured by the towering confection of red and white.

Raising her hand in front of her face in an expression of surprise, Martha said, “I knew he was getting you flowers, but I had no idea what they would look like. Maybe if you stayed for dinner, Jonathon would get an idea of his own.”

“I’d be happy to stay, Mrs. Kent. Let me call the Sullivans so they don’t expect me for dinner.”

--------------------

The Luthor Mansion

“Agent Loder, what brings the F.B.I. all the way to Smallville…don’t you know my father’s dead? I can’t help you anymore.”

“I heard that Metropolis PD is closing the Metron Labs case, Lex. Considering they thought they had an air-tight case against you, I was wondering how you managed it.”

“Simple. When my father died, I gained complete access to his files, all of them. I was able to locate all of the security camera tapes, not just edited ones the police saw. One that showed my father and his men emptying the lab, and another one that showed Adam Knight leaving the lab just after the killings. Plus, I turned over copious amounts of documents that established that it was my father, not me, who was running Metron.

“You should have seen their faces. They tried to arrest me this morning, but when confronted with the new evidence, they looked an awful lot like you do right now." After pausing a moment, Lex continued, "Since our business seems to be concluded, I’d like you to leave, and don’t ever come back, unless…you want to work for me like you offered to work for my father.”

“What? I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Oh no? Well then, you won’t mind me sending a copy of this e-mail to the Special-Agent-in-Charge of the Metropolis F.B.I. office. It says that, for the right consideration, you’d roll over and tell my father all about a case you’re working on.”

“I sure that won’t be necessary, Mr. Luthor,” said a perspiring Agent Loder.

“It’s Mr. Luthor now, is it? Funny how that changes. Just a minute ago, it was Lex. Anyway, what I want is much less dangerous than betraying your oath to the government.” Tossing him a manila folder, Lex continued, “I want you to go through this file with a fine-toothed comb and see what you make of it. After you’ve made your conclusions, I may have more work for you.”

SmallvilleMan

08-23-2005, 06:51 PM

And KEEP READING BELOW

Cardinal

08-23-2005, 06:53 PM

Hey, knock it off...I'm done for tonight! :p

Thanks for the first buffer though.

SmallvilleMan

08-23-2005, 07:05 PM

And keep reading:D

Cardinal

08-23-2005, 07:26 PM

Thanks, SV, for the fact check. I wasn't sure which episode to search through to find his name.

SmallvilleMan

08-23-2005, 07:27 PM

Wha?:confused:

clana4ev3r

08-23-2005, 07:29 PM

great update!

SVsleuth

08-23-2005, 07:44 PM

Since it's the never ending chapter....

AND Keep reading.... :lol:

Super 2 part update, Cardinal. You pulled it off nicely. I fear Lex is really turning to the dark side now - now that he'll inherit Lionel's info on Clark, etc... Clark better watch his back.

Originally posted by SmallvilleMan
Wha?:confused:

SVM - Cardinal was thanking me, SV, for helping him dig up Loder's name. That's all. :)

kewl

08-23-2005, 08:04 PM

wow two updates, awesome!!! thanks cardinal. lex is really starting to hit the alley to the dark side right now... clark should better watch his butt!!!!
hehe.. lana is like a little girl with a brand new barbie doll and showing it off to martha.... and martha is such a wonderful mother :)
PPMS!!!!!

Dr. Jeckyll

08-23-2005, 08:35 PM

Two updates! Yay, that's great. The whole update was excellent. You're astonishing when it comes to angst-free happy clana! Lana, Clark and Martha was so cute. And with Lex you take this story to the highest level. I’m intrigued. PPMS!

NYC300Z

08-23-2005, 08:47 PM

Great double update! The SVMan Keep reading thing got me though!:lol: PPMS!!

binkys711

08-24-2005, 07:53 AM

Great updates! Lex is turning very evil indeed I fear.....and the Clark, Lana, Martha scene was sweet! I loved it! PPMS!!! great writing Cardinal!

MOOman0618

08-24-2005, 08:08 AM

Really good updates! Lex does seem to be quickly going downhill. I hope Chloe and Pete work out so Pete doesn't leave!!

Cardinal

08-26-2005, 08:29 PM

This update is short and kind of sucks, but it's the best I can do and I needed to get the confession about Paris out of the way. :(

The passage in this chapter that is begun and ended with triple asterisks (***) is a paraphrasing of a line from a book, “Shards of Honor,” from one of my all-time favorite authors, Lois McMaster Bujold. It was so good, IMHO, that I’ve been dying to use it. I hope she doesn’t mind since I’m giving her credit and since I do this for free. :)

Chapter 14: Where?

After dinner, Lana pulled Clark aside, saying, “Clark, can we go outside for a moment?”

“Sure, let me finish clearing the table first.” Lana barely had time to finish hearing Clark’s response before a red-and-blue blur flashed around the room, making the dirty dishes disappear as though by magic.

Standing before her a bare second later, Clark said, “Ready to go?”

As he held the kitchen door for Lana, Clark heard a complaint from his mom, “Clark, is that any way to be using your abilities?”

“What?” he shot back, “I use them for chores all the time.”

“That wasn’t what I was talking about. I meant using your abilities to show off for Lana.”

“Hey, after having to hide so much of myself from her for so long, it’s nice to be able to show off for her now and then,” he said with an impish grin.

“Just be careful, you never know who might be around.”

And coming from Jonathon, “You know, Clark, the names Phelan and Nixon come to mind right now.”

“Point taken, Dad.”

As his parting shot, Jonathon added, “Have fun you two.”

Closing the door as he followed Lana onto the porch, Clark asked, “Did you have anyplace special you wanted to go? Or did you just want a little time away from my folks? For a minute there during dinner, it looked like they were gonna bury you with parental advice, love, and concern.”

“No, it’s not that. Your parents are great. In fact, when I think about what kind of people my parents might have become, I usually end up hoping they would’ve been like yours.

“What I brought you out here for was to show you something. Something I’m not especially proud of right now. I hope you’ll understand once I explain. At the time, I believed it was the best course of action open to me.”

Worried about anything that could unsettle Lana like this, Clark replied, “What is it?”

Opening her purse, Lana pulled out a carefully folded piece of paper. Holding it out for him to take, Lana said, “Read this. I’ll try to explain it when you’re through.”

Gently relieving her of the paper, Clark found it was a brochure for a place called the ‘Paris School of the Arts.’ Reading it, he learned that it gave a brief thumbnail sketch of the various study programs available there. At the bottom was a line encouraging the reader to send off the enclosed postcard for a more extensive catalog of the school’s academic offerings. Clark noted that the postcard had already been detached.

The first thing out of his mouth, which escaped before being vetted by his brain for stupidity content was, “Paris, FRANCE?”

“No, Paris, Kentucky,” Lana retorted. “Of course, Paris, France. Where else would I go to study art?”

Panic setting it in, Clark’s eyes widened and his heart began to race as he babbled, “When are you leaving why now when we’ve finally gotten things worked out how long will you be gone?”

As he finally stopped for a breath, Lana said, “I’m so sorry, Clark, I should have done this differently.” Lost in thought, Lana finally explained, “I’m not going. I sent an application a few days before, umm, the events of last weekend. I haven’t received word back yet, and now…now with us…I’m exactly where I want to be.”

“Then why…”

“This won’t be easy to hear. Why never is.” Dry-washing her hands, Lana continued, “The art studies would be great, but most of the reason I wanted to leave was you. I had to get away from the back-and-forth nature of our relationship. It was eating me alive, and I just couldn’t take it anymore.” Burying her head in his chest as he enveloped her with his arms, Lana let loose. All the tension, all the hurt, all the negative emotions that were tied up in their old relationship, bled out of her, washed away by the torrent of tears flowing down her cheeks and onto his chest. Murmuring words that were important only in that they expressed unqualified support and love, Clark held Lana tight, waiting until she could gather herself once more.

Pulling back just far enough to see her face in the golden glow of the slowly setting sun, Clark whispered, “I wish…I wish I’d have had the courage to open up to you after the tornado. We’ve lost so much time. Time that should have been filled with love, compassion, and joy. Instead, my selfishness has replaced what should have been with a year and a half of pain and suffering.”

Looking away from her earnest eyes, eyes that he couldn’t bear to see at this moment, he continued, “It’s all my fault. You kept after me, time after time, begging to be let in. Persistent, resolute, unwavering… and I…I kept turning you away. Hurting you afresh with each new insult. So this time I intend to be the kind of man you deserve…as Dad says, ‘In a serious relationship, it’s not about making yourself happy. It’s all about making the person you’re with happy. The ability to put her happiness before your own, and for her to put your happiness before her own, is what it comes down to. When you find that woman, never let her go.’”

With that, Lana reached up and pulled his face around. As his eyes locked with hers once again, she stretched her neck, reaching for his lips with hers. Finding their target, her lips engaged his in a slow and sweet kiss with none of the frantic urgency of other kisses they’d shared, but promising more. As she finally pulled back, she spoke softly, *** “Maybe we shouldn’t have done that.”

“Why not?”

“Because…it hurts too much when we stop.” ***

Smiling widely at this, Clark said, “If that’s the sort of pain I cause you now that we’re together, then I might become a sadist, ‘cause I definitely enjoy kissing you.”

“In that case, I’m most certainly going to become a masochist since I love your kisses so much.” Basking in the warmth of her smile, Clark finally acknowledged the need to move on, asking, “Is there anything else you need to tell me?”

Responding to a quick shake of her head, he finished, “Then allow me to walk you to your SUV. I know you’ve got homework. So do I. Plus, I’ve got to do my evening chores before the sun goes down completely.”

As she stepped into her SUV, Clark asked, “Do you work tomorrow?”

“Yeah, 6 p.m. ’til close.”

“Ouch! Well, I’ll see if I can work a visit to the Talon into my busy schedule.”

Responding to his playful grin with one of her own, Lana came back with, “You’d better…I’ve got lots of big boxes that need to be moved in the storeroom.”

Dr. Jeckyll

08-26-2005, 08:34 PM

1st!

Short maybe, but kinda sucks? No way! Good thing to get Paris out of the way. This story is brilliant. PPMS!

binkys711

08-26-2005, 08:45 PM

2nd!

great update! Cardinal!...what no music? jk! very sweet update! I loved it! what Jonathan had said to Clark about a "real relationship" was very beautiful!:) PPMS!!!

Cardinal

08-26-2005, 09:00 PM

Well, Binks, there was gonna be music, but I thought I was getting into a rut with that. Besides, there wasn't a good way to fit the song I had picked out into the story.

I was just going to use part of the chorus from the song, "When She Cries" by Restless Heart, it goes something like this:

I pray this time
I can be the man that she deserves
'Cause I die a little each time
When she cries

The rest of the song isn't a great fit for this scene. If you read carefully, you'll see that I used an edited part of one line from that chorus in the story. So, I'm crediting that line here. :p

binkys711

08-26-2005, 09:05 PM

yep, that chorus coulda fit in....but that's ok Cardinal....your story rocks either way;):D

kewl

08-26-2005, 09:15 PM

hey cardinal, ur story doesn't suck... i think it's great!!!! so PPM the soonest, k? ;)

NYC300Z

08-26-2005, 10:06 PM

Yeah what Kewl said!

Hey Kewl cool new avi!:)

SVsleuth

08-26-2005, 10:32 PM

Originally posted by binkys711
what Jonathan had said to Clark about a "real relationship" was very beautiful!:) PPMS!!!

I second that!

Cardinal, your update does not suck! That was a great update. I like that it's Lana's turn to" 'fess up." :):):)

kewl

08-26-2005, 11:28 PM

Originally posted by NYC300Z
Hey Kewl cool new avi!:)
thanks NYC! got it from KK's Neutrogena commercial :)

Cardinal

08-27-2005, 12:26 AM

My next update, as Cardinal anyway, will likely be in the "Odds & Ends" thread as a continuation of The Wedding. There's one more thing I have to do in that one before I can start to jump it forward by weeks or even months.

Lance the Libretto Lasher still ponders his next literary offering!

NYC300Z

08-27-2005, 03:01 AM

:lol::lol::lol: ok Cardinal I'll be waiting for u update!! :lol:

kewl

08-27-2005, 01:28 PM

i will be here waiting for ur update cardinal!!! :D

LoisNClark

08-27-2005, 03:49 PM

awesome update and i'll be waiting for your next:D

Cardinal

08-29-2005, 10:41 PM

Okay, I've got to update "Odds and Ends" later today, then I hope to get back to this thread on the 31st.

FYI Everyone who hasn't had the chance to read the stories on the Slapstick thead (in the Clark & Lana Forum) Here's the stories that are now posted:

Index of Current Stories - in Order of First Appearance
“The Wizard of El” by ajfinn (Post #4)
"Lanapuff Girls" by Mythos (Post #15)
"Smallville in Da Hood" by LuvClana (Post #32)
"Cliché" by MOOman0618 (Post #51)
"Amnesia" by Cardinal (Post #60)
"Smallville Fairytail" by NYC300Z (Post #69)

NYC300Z

08-29-2005, 10:59 PM

omg this is the 4th time i've seen the index! ok I get the point! :lol: this is almost as funny as the slapstick thread it's self! :lol:

MOOman0618

08-30-2005, 11:25 PM

Holy crap! I completely missed this update! I am without words to describe my negligence!

Great update! Really glad that Lana explained herself about Paris and why she was going. Post more soon!!

Cardinal

09-01-2005, 12:02 AM

Since I just dedicated my other thread to SV, I'm dedicating this thread to Dr. J, until such time as he returns to us safe and sound.

As you might guess from the title, the next two chapters draw heavily from episode 3-18, "Truth." While this fic isn't a season rewrite like SV's fic, some events from the show will be incorporated into my story. This one is too good to pass up. :D

Chapter 15: Truth - Part I

Thursday morning

As he pulled open the door to the Talon, Clark saw his favorite barista delivering drinks to various customers. Walking past the tables, he headed for the counter to wait for Lana. He didn’t have long to wait as Lana came around the end of the counter holding an empty tray.

Smiling as always whenever seeing Lana, Clark said, “I hope I‘m not interrupting.”

Returning his magnetic smile with one of her own, she replied, “No, I’m just finishing up with the morning rush.” Wiping off her tray she continued, “You’re usually not in here before school, it’s difficult enough for you to get there on time as it is. What’s up?”

“The price of gas, my dad’s blood pressure, and the cost of higher education. Anything else you want to know?”

“Okay, smart guy. Just for that, no good morning kiss for you.”

“Ouch, that’s playing dirty.” Shifting his position, Clark said, “Actually, I’m here because of Chloe. Have you noticed anything different about her?”

Tapping her knuckles briefly on the counter, Lana answered, “I don’t want to cross the roommate boundaries, but this guy called for her yesterday when she was out, an old co-worker of her dad’s.”

“From LuthorCorp?”

“Yeah, and he sounded really upset. He was wondering if she had taken his security card.”

“Klepto Chloe? That doesn’t sound like her.”

“He said that whoever stole it broke into a lab at the plant two nights ago.”

“The reason I’m concerned about Chloe is that for some reason, possibly tied into that missing security card, she has suddenly turned into a human truth drug. If she asks a question, people seem to be answering her with the absolute truth, whether they want to or not.”

“What…how?”

“I don’t know...you know Chloe and I are collecting information for the teacher-of-the-year story on Mrs. Taylor, right?”

“Yeah?”

“Well, Tuesday before school I tried to get Mrs. Taylor to set a time for an interview. She stonewalled as usual, but when Chloe came up in support saying that we just needed ten minutes and could we do it before Lit class, Mrs. Taylor said something like she didn’t have time before Lit because she was printing a pop quiz since she watched TV the night before instead of prepping for class.”

“No way!”

“That’s what Chloe and I thought, too. A couple of minutes later in the torch office, however, we saw Pete. I asked him if we were still on for the basketball game that night. He said we’d be just fine. Chloe grumbled about ‘another night spent huddled around the electronic hearth.’ I told her that since Pete was supplying the big screen, I was getting dinner. She made a smartass remark about my cooking skills and asked Pete what was on the menu.

“Pete said, I kid you not, ‘Clark’s gonna run to Metropolis to get Shark Dogs from the stadium.’ I thought I was gonna die.”

“Pete blabbed to Chloe?”

“Wait, it gets worse. After Chloe asked if I was driving six hours for a couple of hot dogs, Pete answered, ‘Well, when Clark goes supersonic, he can make the round trip in ten minutes.’ I covered it with Chloe by telling her that Pete was only kidding, but I swear I wanted to kill Pete right then.”

“I can’t believe Pete would do that. Keeping your secret is really important to him.”

“I thought maybe his feelings for Chloe were getting in the way or something until I saw what happened last night.”

“What now?”

“Chloe and I were at my house going over all of our research for the article on Mrs. Taylor when Mom came home with groceries. While I was out bringing in what was left, Chloe asked a couple of questions and Mom started spilling her guts about Dad’s condition and about my biological father. She looked like she couldn’t believe what she was saying.

“So between Mrs. Taylor, Pete, and Mom, I’ve got to believe that something has happened to Chloe recently, and with what you’ve just told me, it had to have happened at the LuthorCorp plant.”

“What are you going to do?”

“I have to look into it.”

“Be careful.”

“Always am. Oh, by the way, given that you know stuff that Chloe would die to learn, you might want to consider avoiding her until we figure out what to do. She doesn’t seem to have noticed her new ability yet, but you never know.”

“Well that goes double for you, Clark.”

“Yeah.”

After exchanging quick kisses and goodbyes, Clark was on his way towards the door when Lana called him back. “Clark, did you say Pete has feelings for Chloe?”

Turning back to face her, he said, “Um-hm. Haven’t I told you about that yet?”

“No-o-o-o-o-o.”

“I don’t have time to now. I’ve gotta run, but I’ll tell you after school.”

Watching Clark make his way out the door, Lana thought, That could explain the way those two have been acting this week.

--------------------

Friday morning

Brandishing a fresh copy of the Smallville Torch, Clark confronted Chloe as she strode into school.

“Congratulations, Chloe. Within twenty-four hours, you managed to tick off the entire school.”

“Well, you don’t earn your press pass by making friends.”

“Don’t you think the police should be handling this?”

“Clark, I uncovered a murder.”

“With you new ability.” Turning to face her in the middle of the hall, Clark added, “You broke into the LuthorCorp plant the other night, didn’t you? Something happened?”

“Wow. There may be some journalistic genes behind those baby blues after all.”

“Chloe, for some reason people are telling you things they don’t want you to know and it’s not a joke.”

“No, but it is every reporter’s dream.”

Spotting a likely victim upon which to demonstrate her new-found talent, Chloe headed over to her classmate and asked, “Rebecca, when the entire geometry class got C’s on the final, how is it possible that you aced it?”

With an eager smile on her face, Rebecca answered, “Oh, I swiped the answer key the day before the test.” Realizing what she’d just said, she pleaded, “You’re not going to tell anybody, are you?”

“Ha-ha-ha-ha!” Wheeling around with the look of kid in a candy store, Chloe searched out her next victim. Spotting a cheerleader and a cloud of athletes coming her way, Chloe sidled over in front of her and said, “Mindy! Hey, Mindy. You’re always so...upbeat. Does anything bother you?”

The bushy-haired brunette replied earnestly, “Are you kidding? Do you have any idea how hard it is to cheer for a losing team?” Once again, as the victim realized what she said, her expression went from smiles to frowns. Walking away, she gave Chloe a dirty look as one of her erstwhile companions, Doug, asked her what was she saying.

Turning on Doug, Chloe asked, “If you could take anyone to prom, who would you take?”

Looking quickly to his right at another of the athletes, Doug looked back at Chloe and said, “That would be Fitz.”

With a look of stunned amazement, Chloe asked, “Thomas Fitzpatrick, the quarterback?” After a round of surprised looks, Chloe continued, “Wow. I didn’t expect that one.”

Intervening to keep Doug from turning Chloe into a gooey mess, Clark said, “Hey, it’s cool. It’s off the record.”

Alive with excitement, Chloe said, “My God, Clark, this is amazing! Can you imagine the kinds of stories I could break? I mean I could break the mystery that is Clark Kent.” Always one to take an opportunity, Chloe asked, “What do you keep hiding from me?”

Surprised at her temerity, Clark paused a second before saying, “I can’t believe you just asked me that.”

With a slight shake of her head, Chloe replied, “And you didn’t answer. Everyone else would have.” Moving in closer, Chloe continued to push, “What are you so afraid of, Clark? That I’ll get behind that armor and finally uncover your secret?”

As they went their separate ways for class, Chloe thought, If he won’t tell me, I know someone who will...where are you, Roomie?

TBC in Chapter 16: Truth, Part II

:) :) :) Replies always appreciated!!! :) :) :)

kewl

09-01-2005, 02:34 AM

PPMS!!!

MOOman0618

09-01-2005, 08:08 AM

OOOO!!! Nice twist on Truth!! Now that Lana knows that should make for a very interesting conversation between the roomies! Can't wait for the next update!

LoisNClark

09-01-2005, 12:23 PM

Awesome update and just wait MOOman said with the twist on Truth!!!
Can't wait for the next chapter
PPMS!!!:D

linn

09-01-2005, 03:25 PM

that was graet can't wait for sum more post frm u...........PPMS!!!!!!!!

clana4ev3r

09-01-2005, 04:47 PM

where are you, Roomie?

:lol: ahahaha... I found this funny .... hahaa.. great update!

binkys711

09-01-2005, 06:41 PM

yeah! I thought that was funny 2!:lol: great update Cardinal! I liked the twist! can't wait 'till your next update!:D:D:DPPMS!!!

btw...great new avi clana4ev3r!

NYC300Z

09-02-2005, 12:02 AM

Great update Cardinal!! Can't wait to see what happens with a Chloe Lana conversation if u let it happen!!

PPMS!! :)

Cardinal

09-02-2005, 09:35 AM

Dang. I'm mostly through with the next update, but it's time to go to work. The bad part is I'm right at the point where Chloe and Lana have their conversation in the Talon. I've just given myself a cliffie! Gaaah!

Don't expect the update before 11 pm Central. :)

MOOman0618

09-02-2005, 09:58 AM

Originally posted by Cardinal
The bad part is I'm right at the point where Chloe and Lana have their conversation in the Talon. I've just given myself a cliffie! Gaaah!

HA! Serves you right for trying to give us a cliffie! I will probably have to catch your update tomorrow.

kewl

09-02-2005, 10:07 AM

Originally posted by MOOman0618
HA! Serves you right for trying to give us a cliffie!

L :rotfl: L !!!!!
will be waiting for ur update tomorrow!!!!

yay!!! my 666th post (_@$*_#{%*$^{_!

Cardinal

09-02-2005, 09:49 PM

Chapter 16: Truth - Part II

Friday night

Waiting until Lana was just about to lock up for the evening, Clark slipped into the Talon.

Head down as she cleaned the floor, Lana said, "I'm sorry, but the machines have been shut off and we're about to close for the evening."

"That's too bad," Clark said, “but I'm here to hit on the baristas. I hear one in particular is really hot.”

Smiling now as she looked up from her work, Lana said, “And who would that be?”

“This girl named Lana Lang.” Craning his neck to look past her as he closed the distance between them, Clark asked, “Is she here somewhere? I was told she’d be here tonight.”

“She’s busy right now trying to get the store closed for the night…maybe I can help you.”

“Maybe you can at that,” Clark replied as he circled Lana slowly, giving her the once-over.

Smiling her widest now, Lana said, “Hi, Clark. I didn’t expect to see you tonight, what’s u…nope, I’m not falling for that one again.” Summoning her poise, Lana continued, “To what do I owe this unexpected pleasure?”

After giving Lana a quick kiss, Clark answered, “I’ve just come back from a visit to the LuthorCorp plant, and I‘ve got some news.”

Getting serious, Lana asked, “Good or bad?”

“Well, if you count today at school, I’ve got some good news. Evidently, Chloe’s new ability doesn’t affect me.”

“What’s the bad news?”

“Lex.”

“Lex is the bad news?”

After holding a chair for Lana to sit in, Clark sat down himself.

“Well, LuthorCorp is, but it‘s Lex’s research project. I went into the plant and finally found the lab where Chloe came in contact with…something. The only thing I learned from the nearly non-existent files was the name Levitas. Before I could leave, Lex came down to talk. It appears that I set off some kind of silent alarm. The gist of our conversation is that I found out Levitas was an old LuthorCorp project of Lionel’s that Lex had recently decided to revive. Apparently, Lex’s revival attempt was a failure and he closed down the project. The last thing he told me was they hadn’t gone far enough to gauge the potential side effects, and anyone exposed to it could be in serious danger health-wise.”

“Oh poor Chloe. We need to get her to the doctor.”

“Yeah, but how? I don’t have the best track record of getting my friends to go to the doctor when they’ve been affected by something like this.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“When Pete was affected by the caveworms, I tried to get him to the hospital twice, but the first time he ran off and the second time he slipped me a piece of red meteor rock. I also remember a brunette that was affected by a Nicodemus flower. I tried to get her to the hospital. She wouldn’t go until she passed out and fell off the top of Chandler’s windmill.”

“I fell?” Lana gasped. “Since I didn’t break any bones, can I assume my guardian angel was able to catch me?”

“Yeah, that one was easy.”

Thinking about Chloe’s problem, Lana finally hit upon an idea, “You know, you could use Chloe’s natural inquisitiveness against her.”

Looking up from the table top, Clark asked, “How?”

“Well, tell her you’ve uncovered a big story at the hospital.” Fisting her chin much like Rodin’s “The Thinker,” Lana thought for a few seconds and added, “Better yet, call her on her cell phone, tell her that and hang up. That way, she can’t ask you any questions until she gets to the hospital.”

Smiling at this, Clark said, “Thanks, Lana! That just might work. Now, are we still on for tomorrow night?”

“Tomorrow?”

“Yeah, our trip to the caves was interrupted last week and the weekend is the only time that we have enough time to discuss everything about the caves and my planet of birth.”

“I work early tomorrow, but after 4 p.m. ought to be fine.”

Adjusting his position in his chair, Clark considered a possible problem. “Umm…Lana? If this problem with Chloe takes a long time, I may not be able to go to the caves tomorrow after all.”

“That’s okay, take care of her first, just call to let me know if you need to change our plans.”

“Sure.” Looking at her cleaning equipment, Clark asked, “While I’m here, is there anything I can do to help you close tonight?”

“You can empty the trash cans and take the bags out back,” she said hopefully.

Standing with a slight bow to her, he answered, “As you wish.”

--------------------

Saturday Noon

As Chloe entered the Talon, she was visibly getting the cold shoulder from everyone. Suddenly, she was confronted by William Taylor, the son of the now missing English teacher.

Throwing a copy of the most recent Torch into Chloe’s hands, he said, “How could you print this? Thanks to you, my mom had to go into hiding. The police are looking for her.”

Unabashed by this turn of events, Chloe answered, “I’m sorry, William, but I just printed the truth…I mean, I can’t be held responsible for that.”

Stepping in close, William intoned, “You ruined my life,” with the full implication that retribution is coming and it’s not too far away.

As he joined a near-stampede of leaving customers, Chloe approached Lana and asked, “Was it just me, or…did I completely clear out the lunch crowd?”

Looking around at the suddenly vacant Talon, Lana said, “No, it was you.” As she returned her eyes to Chloe, Lana continued, “Ever since you turned the Torch into your own personal gossip column, no one can stand being around you.”

“Well, at least you’re still talking to me, right?”

Shaking her head as if unable to believe what she’s saying, Lana blurted, “I’m not supposed to be. You…what are you doing to me?” Eyes darting back and forth, Lana thought, Forewarned is forearmed, but this is ridiculous. I’ve got to get away from her.

Lana hurried behind the counter, hoping to put some space between her and her tormentor, but Chloe followed right behind.

“Have you been avoiding me the past few days?”

A wildly distressed Lana eagerly said, “Yes.” I can’t believe I did it again!

“Why?”

“Clark told me about your ability, he said I know stuff that you’d die to find out.” Nooooooooo! I can’t betray Clark like this. Not now! Not when we’ve just gotten everything straightened out!

Before Chloe could continue her interrogation, Lana jammed her fingers in her ears and took off running for the back door, yelling over and over at the top of her lungs, “Nah, nah, can’t hear you, can’t hear you.”

Not being one to give up this close to her goal, Chloe gave chase. “Get back here, Lana! I’m not through with you yet. What did Clark tell you? What is his secret?”

Anyone looking out over that alley was treated to the sight of Lana streaking away from the Talon, ears plugged, and yelling like a little kid, with Chloe in hot pursuit, trying to conduct her interview at a full-gallop.

Even though she wasn’t able to use her arms, Lana slowly pulled away from Chloe due to her long-distance running abilities developed as a member of the Smallville High Cross-Country team, and due to the fact that Chloe was wearing a pair of boots that weren’t conducive to a pursuit.

Having escaped Chloe, Lana found a pay phone and called Clark.

“Clark, you’ve gotta come pick me up before Chloe finds me again,” she blurted as soon as the call was answered.

“I’m sorry, Lana, this is Jonathon. I’ll get Clark for you.”

Putting his hand over the receiver he shouted, “Clark, it’s Lana. She sounds like she’s panicking about something.”

Zipping down to the phone, Clark thought, What’s going on at the Talon?

Picking up the handset with thanks for his dad, Clark said, “Hey, Lana. What’s wrong?”

“What’s wrong? Chloe cornered me at the Talon today during lunch and started quizzing me about you. I ran out the back door, but Chloe chased me. I only lost her a few minutes ago.” You shoulda gone jogging with me once in a while, Chloe, Lana thought with a snicker.

“What was that?”

“Oh nothing. Could you pick me up before Chloe finds me again? I’m at the 7-11 at Third and Elm. I guess the other girls will have to watch the Talon this afternoon. Please hurry, Clark. I‘d die if…”

Tapping on the door of the convenience store was one Clark Kent. When she ran out the door to meet him, she saw why he didn’t come in. He was barefoot.

“Where are your shoes, Clark?”

“Super-speed destroys them, remember? This time, I took them off before I came over. Let’s go.”

“How?”

Dipping down to place one arm under her knees and one under her shoulders, Clark picked Lana up and said, “Clark Kent Express…when you absolutely, positively have to get the fudge out of Dodge.”

TBC in Chapter 17: Truth, Part III

binkys711

09-02-2005, 09:52 PM

1st! jejeje:p

great update! I loved it! I found it hilarious the way Chloe and Lana were running away and Clark superspeeding!:lol:....PPMS!!!:D:D:D

MOOman0618

09-02-2005, 09:53 PM

Damn 2nd!

NYC300Z

09-02-2005, 09:54 PM

QUOTE]Anyone looking out over that alley was treated to the sight of Lana streaking away from the Talon, ears plugged, and yelling like a little kid, with Chloe in hot pursuit, trying to conduct her interview at a full-gallop.[/QUOTE]

HA Ha ha Cardinal! Lana STREAKING away from the Talon I would have loved to have seen that!! :lol::lol:

Great update! PPMS!! :D

MOOman0618

09-02-2005, 10:03 PM

Originally posted by Cardinal
Before Chloe could continue her interrogation, Lana jammed her fingers in her ears and took off running for the back door, yelling over and over at the top of her lungs, “Nah, nah, can’t hear you, can’t hear you.”

Not being one to give up this close to her goal, Chloe gave chase. “Get back here, Lana! I’m not through with you yet. What did Clark tell you? What is his secret?”

Anyone looking out over that alley was treated to the sight of Lana streaking away from the Talon, ears plugged, and yelling like a little kid, with Chloe in hot pursuit, trying to conduct her interview at a full-gallop.

:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

HAHAHA!!! Oh my gosh this had me laughing out loud for a good minute! Great update! Nice save by Lana and a barefooted Clark!

"As you wish" - is that a nod to The Princess Bride or just a coincidence?

Cardinal

09-02-2005, 10:07 PM

You are a quick one, MOOman. That is most definitely a Princess Bride reference. Everytime Buttercup asked him to do something, Westley answered with, "As you wish." Which, as Grandpa explained, meant "I love you."

So I thought the first time Lana asked Clark to do something, it would be neat if he responded that way.

MOOman0618

09-02-2005, 10:10 PM

Nice! I was hoping so! One of the greatest movies ever in my opinion.

Cardinal

09-02-2005, 10:13 PM

Yup! Couldn't agree more.

Clark has a copy of that movie...it wouldn't surprise me one bit if he sees it with Lana on their first real date in my fic! :D

"My name is Inigo Montoya...you killed my father...prepare to die!"

MOOman0618

09-02-2005, 10:16 PM

LOL!! Inconceivable!

Cardinal

09-02-2005, 10:17 PM

"I don't think that word means what you think it does."

MOOman0618

09-02-2005, 10:21 PM

Originally posted by Cardinal
"I don't think that word means what you think it does."

:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

"Truly You Have A Dizzying Intellect!"

This conversation could go on forever leading further and further from your fic!

kewl

09-03-2005, 04:39 AM

L :rotfl: L that was such a funny update, with all the chasing and clark superspeeding barefooted???? PPMS!!!

LoisNClark

09-03-2005, 01:43 PM

:lol::rotfl::lol: that was a hilarious update!!! I love the twist on truth!!!:D
barefooted clark, the lana and chloe chase:lol::rotfl::lol:

also loved the princess bride reference!!!:D

PPMS!!:D

Cardinal

09-04-2005, 08:26 PM

Chapter 17: Truth - Part III

Saturday afternoon

Coming to a stop in Clark‘s loft, an amazed and windblown Lana looked starry-eyed at Clark. “Where are w…oh, your loft.” As Clark put her on her own two feet, Lana gushed, “Whoa! Hearing about your speed is one thing, but actually experiencing it is…is mind-boggling. I mean, I’m talking to you on the phone, and one sentence after asking for help, you’re standing outside waiting for me. This after having taken the time to remove your shoes first. Then you pick me up and, in a blur and a rush of wind, we’re here. Amazing!”

Looking inordinately pleased with himself, Clark said, “I’m glad you liked the trip.”

“I was gonna compare it to a roller coaster ride, but that’s not right ‘cause the Clark Kent thrill ride was over so fast, I didn’t have the time to be scared or to enjoy it.”

Turning to more serious matters, Clark asked, “What was Chloe asking about?”

“When she came in, most of the lunch crowd got up and left. She asked me if it was her or not. After I said it was her, she asked if I was still talking to her.” Wringing her hands as she looked at the floor, Lana said, “I told her I wasn’t supposed to be talking to her, but I couldn’t stop myself. I knew what was happening, and I still had no control over my mouth.

Taking a seat on the couch, Lana continued, “It was horrible! I then tried to hide behind the counter, but she followed me and asked why I wasn’t supposed to talk to her. I told her again! At this point I panicked, jammed my fingers in my ears, started yelling so I couldn’t hear her, and ran out of the Talon. She chased me until she realized that her boots weren’t gonna let her catch a cross-country runner in a long-distance foot race.”

Her face lighting up with sudden comprehension, Lana said, “That reminds me, I need to call the Talon and let them know I won’t be in for the rest of the day…oh, shoot. My phone’s in my purse back at the Talon.”

“Let’s go in the house, you can call from there, and if you tell the girls to have your purse ready, I’ll drive to the Talon and pick it up for you.”

“Thanks, Clark, that’s really sweet of you.”

Halfway down the stairs, Clark looked over to Lana and said, “Something else just occurred to me. You aren’t going to be able to go to Chloe’s tonight.”

“Oh my…you’re right…but where will I stay? How will I get clothes and stuff?”

“I don’t know about clothes, but you’re definitely staying here tonight. You can have my room and I’ll sleep in the living room, or maybe out here. Given the circumstances, I think my parents will be forced to agree.”

--------------------

“Where did that girl go?” huffed a fuming Chloe. “Aaarrrrggghhh! Just when I was about to learn Clark’s secret…jeez!” Hands on her hips, Chloe contemplated her next move. She could’ve gone back to the Talon, but that’s unlikely. She definitely won’t go to the house for a while. Clark‘s place, or maybe Lex‘s, are the only likely spots of refuge for her right now, and I know Clark won’t let me see her, so that’s where she’s probably at.

Paging through the files on her cell phone, Chloe found a message from Lex asking her to come to the mansion for a visit. Sensing new possibilities, Chloe thought, At least someone wants to talk to me.

--------------------

Sitting in a comfortably-stuffed chair, Chloe waited confidently for Lex to make an appearance. Turning her head toward the door as Lex entered the library, Chloe started to get out of the chair as Lex said, “Chloe, thanks for coming.”

“Yeah, well, I only have a minute. Clark just called me about a story that broke at the hospital, so…”

“Then maybe you can just give me the, uh… abridged version of your field trip to LuthorCorp the other night.” Waiting for a reply that wasn’t forthcoming, Lex continued, “Let me guess, um…somehow, no one can resist telling you the truth.”

“You looking for an apology?” asked an unrepentant Chloe.

“No.” Stepping closer as he reached out to hold her by the shoulders, Lex said, “Chloe, I want you to use your gift to help me get back the weeks my father stole from me.”

“Why, Lex? Your father’s already dead. Whatever it was that he didn’t want you to remember isn’t likely to be of any use now.”

Taking a deep breath before continuing, Chloe said, “I wouldn’t have told you this while your father was alive, but now…your father murdered his parents in a tenement fire. He hired a crime lord named Morgan Edge to do the dirty work. You got Edge’s confession on videotape, but Daddy Dearest destroyed it…and then, he destroyed your memory.”

“I’ve already learned that from my father’s secret files. What I want to remember now is this.”

Picking up a remote control and pressing a button, a T.V. screen turned on. Already on the screen was a paused video. From the angle and quality of the shot, it was apparently a security camera tape. From the fact that Lex was wearing a set of blue patient‘s scrubs, the tape appeared to date to Lex’s time at Belle Reve. What was most intriguing to Chloe was the other person in the center of the frame. Clark Kent.

As Lex pressed the play button, the volume came up and Lex could be heard, quite distinctly, saying to Clark, “I know your secret, Clark.”

Looking Chloe straight in the eye, Lex said, “That’s the memory I want back.”

Meeting Lex’s intense stare with one of her own, Chloe said, “You’re not the only one who wants that information, problem is…my talent doesn’t work on Clark, I’ve already tried.”

Incredulous, Lex said, “It doesn’t work on him? How is that possible? Since I found out about your ‘excursion,’ I’ve been going through my father’s files on Levitas.”

Walking back to his desk to pick up a computer printout, Lex read, “In initial testing, no one was able to withstand a question from a Levitas-enhanced interrogator, as long as the questioner was within the distance parameters listed in Appendix A.”

Dropping the printout on the desk, Lex returned his gaze to Chloe and said, “There’s more than one way to skin a cat…if Clark won’t tell us, his parents will.”

“Or Lana,” Chloe added. When Lex raised an eyebrow in question, Chloe elaborated, saying, “Clark and Lana have finally reconciled their differences. Knowing that Lana always wanted Clark to open up and be honest with her, I have to assume that Clark finally told her what she wanted to hear.”

“Whomever. Find out what I want to know, and your dad gets his job back with a ten-percent raise…so the sooner you find out, the sooner your dad will be back at LuthorCorp.”

Grasping his outstretched hand with hers, Chloe shook it and said, “Deal.”

As Chloe left, Lex wondered, Should I have let her see the rest of the report summary? There, on the bottom of the first page, was a section labeled, “Known Side Effects.”

--------------------

Clark paced back and forth in a small stained-glass alcove at Smallville Medical Center. Seeing Pete come down the hallway, camera in hand, Clark rushed over and asked, “Pete, what are you doing here?”

Waving his silver-bodied camera, Pete replied, “Chloe said you had some big story.”

Grabbing a tight hold on Pete’s upper arm, Clark began to drag Pete over to the elevator while saying, “I just told her that. The way she’s been acting, I thought it was the only way I could get her to the hospital.”

“Is she okay?”

“She got doused with something at LuthorCorp and I think it’s making her sick…some sort of truth gas.”

Stopping in front of the elevator door as Clark pressed the button, Pete said, “Which would explain the vise grip on my arm.” As Clark released Pete’s arm, Pete continued, “I can take a hint, Clark. You want me to get out of here before the human lie-detector shows up.”

As Pete entered the open elevator door, who should be inside but Chloe herself saying, “Hey, Pete.”

Doubly uncomfortable because of the current situation plus the unresolved romantic issues between them, Pete looked like he was trapped. “Chloe,” he said as he tried to bolt the suddenly claustrophobic confines of the elevator.

Palming him in the chest, Chloe said, “No, wait.” As she stepped in front of him to complete his capture, Chloe added, “Now enough is enough. Everyone seems to be on the run away from Chloe bandwagon today. Why you?”

“Well, after what happened between us on Sunday, I thought you needed some space, plus you’ve picked up some weird ability to force people to tell the truth, and I don’t want any part of that.”

Before Chloe could continue grilling Pete, Clark ruthlessly reached in, grabbed Pete, and forcibly pulled him past a surprised Chloe. As Pete ran down the hall, Chloe said, “Pete, wait.”

Stopping at the swinging doors at the end of the hall, Pete said, “Chloe, listen. If Clark’s right and there’s something wrong with you, then take care of it. Please…I couldn’t stand it if something happened to you.”

Looking back at Clark as Pete completed his escape, Chloe doubled over in pain, pressing her hands against her forehead in a vain attempt at alleviating her agony.

Immediately moving to her assistance, Clark asked, “Are you okay?” Spotting some hospital workers standing down the hallway, Clark shouted, “I need some help, please!”

TBC in Chapter 18: Truth, Part IV

linn

09-04-2005, 08:30 PM

cool can't wait for the next post.......!!!!ppms

LoisNClark

09-04-2005, 08:37 PM

this is such an awesome twist on truth
i'm loving it *little mcdonalds moment there:p*

PPMS!!!:D

clana4ev3r

09-04-2005, 08:40 PM

great update!

binkys711

09-04-2005, 08:40 PM

great update! loved it! PPMS!!! hope Lana staying at the Kents is ok...and love the way you twisted the Lex angle! very interesting!:D

NYC300Z

09-05-2005, 08:22 AM

great update Cardinal! can't wait for the rest of truth! :D

PPMS!

MOOman0618

09-05-2005, 07:14 PM

Great update Cardinal!! Sorry it took me so long to read it! I loved that you had Lex not tell Chloe about the side effects. He is turning quite a bit faster in this world! Can't wait for more.

yojimbo

09-06-2005, 04:06 PM

Hmmm Evil Lex is nice.

linn

09-06-2005, 04:09 PM

hey welcome to clark and lana forum yojimbo.....

LoisNClark

09-06-2005, 04:49 PM

yeah welcome!!!!!:D

Cardinal

09-06-2005, 06:03 PM

Yeah, yojimbo, welcome! :)

We always like more company on the Clana board, and, speaking as an author, we really like new members that post responses to our stories. :p

Cardinal

09-06-2005, 07:35 PM

My next few updates will probably be on my "Odds & Ends" thread, as I try to finish off my wedding story.

kewl

09-06-2005, 09:40 PM

hey yojimbo! welcome to the clana world!!! :D

SVsleuth

09-07-2005, 01:07 PM

Finally read your last 3 updates, Cardinal. Really loving your version of TRUTH. Keep it going soon. ;)

kewl

09-07-2005, 10:49 PM

just can't wait for ur next post so PPMS! :D

Cardinal

09-12-2005, 09:03 PM

I'm working on Truth - Part IV right now, it ought to be ready on Tuesday.

NYC300Z

09-12-2005, 09:10 PM

Tuesday? That's tomorrow or today right? not in a week i'm hoping! It's been a while Card!

PPMS!!

Cardinal

09-12-2005, 09:16 PM

Let's see...since the last time I updated here, I've updated twice on "Odds & Ends" and finished off my "Amnesia" story.

Hey, at least I'm not slacking off like Ketchup. ;) :D :p

Just kidding, Special K, we love you here! :)

kewl

09-12-2005, 11:44 PM

tuesday it is! hey wait, but it's already tuesday from where i'm at!!! :D ;)

local time (bangkok) : 1:45PM, tuesday, sept 13 :D

Cardinal

09-13-2005, 12:17 AM

Chapter 18: Truth - Part IV

Saturday night

Sitting at Chloe’s green-bodied computer, Clark was staring so intently at the image on the 17-inch liquid-crystal screen that he didn’t immediately notice Pete as he came into the Torch office.

“Clark, I’ve been looking for you. They arrested Mrs. Taylor.”

Looking up from the screen, Clark replied, “I know. It’s been all over the internet.”

Taking at look at what Clark’s working on, Pete asked, “Why are you looking through Chloe’s files?”

“I’m worried about her. She was working on a story about a LuthorCorp project called Levitas.” As Pete started reading the file himself, Clark continued, “This retired military doctor, General Jonah Doyle, claims he was part of the first test five years ago.”

“Sounds like a crackpot.”

Frustrated, Clark said, “It’s our only lead.”

--------------------

After pulling a thermometer out of Chloe’s mouth, the doctor examined it and said, “Everything looks normal. I’ll be right back.”

As he stripped off his latex gloves, disposed of them, and left the room, Chloe slid off the examining table, whipped out her cell phone and looked through her voice mail.

Interrupted in the midst of her perusal by the opening of the door to the room, Chloe muttered, “That wasn’t very long.”

“Chloe.”

Whipping her head around at the unexpected sound of Lex’s voice, Chloe shot a wide-eyed look of surprise at Lex as she spun her body around to meet up with her head. Lex, however, remained ignorant of Chloe's cell phone hidden behind her back.

Strolling into the room, Lex added, “You don’t look well. All truth and no play makes Jane a dull girl. Or maybe that only happens to Chloe.”

Activating her voice mail as she talked, Chloe asked, “What’s happening to me?” Having learned to use Levitas best by asking an open-ended question, and then letting the question have its effect on her victim, Chloe waited for the answers she could get nowhere else.

“According to the files on Levitas that I acquired after my father’s ‘untimely demise,’ you are dying, Chloe. The headaches you’ve been having will become more frequent and more severe. Eventually, you’ll become unconscious, fall into a coma, and die.”

Blowing up at this, Chloe said, “How can you stand there and dissect the end of my life in such a cold, dispassionate manner. You bastard! When were you planning on telling me, at my funeral?”

“I wasn’t going to tell you at all. But we both know how well Levitas works…don’t we?”

“Are there any other nasty side-effects you’d like to tell me about?”

“No, there aren’t.”

“Let me rephrase that. What other side-effects are there?”

“The only other known side-effect is one you probably haven’t noticed. Not only does the drug convey the ability to force anyone within range of the drugged person to answer, completely and truthfully, all questions put to them, but it also gives the person drugged an ever-increasing thirst for the truth.”

“What does that mean?”

“I’ll bet you’ve done things in search of ‘the truth’ since your Levitas exposure that you would never have done before.”

“Like what?”

“Like question Clark so boldly and directly about his secrets.”

Thinking, Chloe finally asked, “Is there any antidote for Levitas?”

“None that I know of…and here’s a freebie, I’m not sure how long you have to live. Your time left correlates directly to the amount of exposure to the drug.”

Slowly, Chloe asked, “Why have you just stood there and answered all my questions when you could’ve easily run away from me?”

“It doesn’t matter what I tell you. At the end of our conversation, I’m going to ask you to do something. What’s funny is that you’ll do it because, by now, your need to know the truth about anything and everything is such an overriding compulsion that you’ll let nothing stand in your way, not scruples, not friendship, not loyalty…not even love.”

“What do you want me to find out?”

“I want you to find out everything about Clark’s secret from either the Kents or Lana.”

Her face reflecting her burning desire to know, Chloe turned around, grabbed her purse, jammed her cell phone into it, pulled out her keys, and stormed out of the room thinking, I wonder how much of that conversation was recorded.

Godspeed, Chloe, thought Lex.

--------------------

Clark, clad in a blue t-shirt, red windbreaker, and jeans, cautiously entered what appeared to be an abandoned auto-repair building.

Click!

Upon hearing the hammer of a pistol being pulled back into place, Clark stopped, somewhat chagrined that he hadn’t used his powers to find the man now behind him.

“You need a lesson in manners,” said a low, gravelly male voice.

Turning to face the voice with the gun, Clark said, “I’m here to talk to you about the Levitas project.” Having squared up with the man, now identified visually as General Doyle, Clark continued, “I know that LuthorCorp was the civilian contractor when you were in charge. They’ve resumed the experiment.”

“Lionel Luthor sent you?”

“No, he died last weekend.”

“Little Boy Lex sent you? That dumb kid doesn’t know what he’s getting into.”

“Lex didn’t send me. I’m here because I need to know how the drug affects people.”

Moving his gun away from Clark’s head for the first time in their confrontation, Doyle pointed to a worn set of furniture set out on the concrete floor and said, “Over there.”

Sitting down on an old love seat, Doyle said, “We were trying to create the ultimate interrogator.”

“Why did you stop?”

“I balked over safety issues. Luthor retaliated by arranging for a disappointing psych report and a dishonorable discharge.”

“Mr. Doyle, a friend of mine stumbled into the LuthorCorp lab that was continuing the Levitas research. I think she was exposed.”

“Is your friend showing any symptoms?”

“She’s been having headaches.”

“Then my guess is your friend will be dead by morning.”

Surprised and scared by this unexpected information, Clark blurted, “Dead?”

“That’s why I suspended the project. We suspected the gas would work, but the toxicity levels were off the charts.”

“Is there anything that can help her.”

“Just before the project went down, I was working on a possible counteractant.” Pulling open an old refrigerator, Doyle reached in and pulled out a huge syringe filled with an orange liquid. Holding it out to Clark, he said, “It was never tested.”

Gingerly accepting the syringe, Clark asked, “If I have to use this, how much do I give her?”

Unflinchingly, Doyle answered, “Hit her with the full dose. Right in the heart.”

kewl

09-13-2005, 12:41 AM

BUFFERING!!! :D

Cardinal

09-13-2005, 12:51 AM

--------------------

“Excuse me, I’m looking for Chloe Sullivan,” asked Clark.

A nurse replied, “So are we. She left without being officially discharged.”

Seeing Lex on the other side of the nurses’ station, Clark headed for him.

“Clark, what a surprise,” said Lex.

“Lex, I know all about your human truth serum. The Levitas project.”

“And?”

“AND??? Chloe’s dying, you jerk, and ‘and’ is the best you can say? I thought you liked and admired Chloe.”

“I do, Clark, but Chloe stole a LuthorCorp ID, broke into the plant, and snuck into a research lab filled with toxic chemicals all on her own. The consequences of her actions are harsh, but they belong strictly to her.” Poking Clark in the chest with a finger, Lex finished by saying, “Don’t. Blame. Me.”

“Do you know where she is?”

“No. Good day, Clark.”

--------------------

Saturday night

After saving Chloe from William Taylor’s attack, injecting her with the counteractant, and returning her to the hospital, Clark returned to the Kent Farm.

Upon meeting Lana in the loft, he wrapped her in a hug and murmured into her ear, “Chloe’s all right. The stuff I got from General Doyle seems to have worked, though they’re keeping her overnight for observation.”

“That’s great! I’m thrilled that she’s okay and you have no idea how happy I am that her ability has been eliminated. It was…indescribable…how horrifying it was not to have control of my mouth.”

Releasing her, Clark said, “If we keep hugging like that, I won’t have control of my mouth. Speaking of which, there’s something I want to try. Close your eyes and stand still.”

Closing her eyes, she said, “Okay.”

Moving in super-speed, Clark’s head was a blur as he softly kissed every inch of her face and neck repeatedly. Stopping several seconds later, Clark said, “You can open your eyes now.”

As she complied, Lana asked, “What was that?”

“Something I’ve always wanted to try, super-speed kissing…what was it like?”

“It was kind of strange feeling that moist warmth all over my face at the same time, but it was also really hot! Thanks to you, I can now tell you every spot on my face and neck where being kissed is a complete turn-on!”

“I’m glad you got something out of today.” Then, faking a pout he said, “You mean there’s a spot on you that’s not turned on by my kisses?”

“Well, some places get me more turned on than others,” she said, grinning impishly.

“You know, me saving Chloe means you can stay at Chloe’s tonight after all. No sleepover here."

“Awwwwwww! I was looking forward to spending the night in your room while wearing an old t-shirt of yours for a nightshirt.”

Clark thought, Yeah, so was I. Trying to shake off the entrancing mental image of Lana in his bedroom wearing nothing but one of his t-shirts, Clark shook his head and said, “So are we still on for the caves tonight?”

“Are you sure you want to go after everything that’s happened today?”

“Well, you need to stay away from Chloe until we’re 100 percent positive that she’s over her truth kick, and this stuff about me and my family is something you really need to know.”

Pausing, then speaking much more slowly and softly, Clark added, “Besides, there’s something new that’s come up. I’ve been hiding it from you all week, but you deserve to know about it, too.”

Suddenly concerned, Lana said, “What, Clark?”

“I’ll tell you in the caves, but unlike everything else I’ll tell you tonight, this is something you are not going to want to hear.”

kewl

09-13-2005, 01:22 AM

wow, that was such a cool update!!! lex is so evil!!! but glad that chloe is alright!!!
wonder what clark is going to tell lana when they get to the caves????
oh and that was my first time to buffer and i love it!!!! thanks for giving me the chance to buffer ur story card!!!!! :D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D::D:D:D:D:D

linn

09-13-2005, 03:15 AM

i have to go what kewl says!!!!ppms

MOOman0618

09-13-2005, 07:59 AM

Good stuff Card! I liked the way you put Lex into Lionel's place in the hospital and stuff. And you do give us some wonderful Clana scenes! Keep it up, post more soon!

dreammaster

09-13-2005, 08:38 AM

another awesome chapter

LoisNClark

09-13-2005, 12:24 PM

Awesome update Cardinal!!!:D

Lex is a jerk... and Can't wait for the fifth part!!!

PPMS!!!:D

binkys711

09-13-2005, 02:03 PM

great update! I loved the super-kissing! so sweet! and the t-shirt thing was funny:lol:.....loved the update! PPMS!!!

NYC300Z

09-13-2005, 03:15 PM

Great update can't wait for the last part of truth! Yes Lana is not going to like this last part.....Maybe she can convince Jor-el not to keep Clark away from her too long...

PPMS!!:D

SVsleuth

09-16-2005, 09:00 AM

I caught up on this one now. Great update, Cardinal. Evil Lex, trying to use Chloe to learn about clark; great CLANA scenes; and a cliffy! - what will Clark tell Lana? PPMS!

kewl

09-16-2005, 10:26 AM

waiting for ur next update card! :D

Cardinal

09-17-2005, 09:01 AM

Update late tonight or early tomorrow. I've had to watch lots of old Smallville to find out what I want Clark to say. I also had to re-read my At Last! fic to see what he's already told her.

NYC300Z

09-17-2005, 06:15 PM

okay good to know Card. Hope the update comes soon!:D

SpeedyKate91

09-17-2005, 09:13 PM

cant wait to read the update

NYC300Z

09-18-2005, 07:16 PM

Post # 3333 is that a special one??

update still coming tonight Cardinal??

Cardinal

09-18-2005, 07:23 PM

I'm completely screwed on the update. I've been watching many episodes to try and pin down exactly how much Clark knows about Jor-El at the time of the episode "Truth."

I know everything else he's gonna say, especially about his 'summer vacation' with Jor-El.

As soon as I lock down what Clark knows, I'll finish the update (currently half done).

Sorry for making you wait! :\

NYC300Z

09-18-2005, 07:40 PM

It's ok Cardinal...I know you will do a fantastic job with the update so take your time and do the proper research! You kind of avoided the question though...is the update still coming tonight or not?:lol:

Cardinal

09-18-2005, 07:41 PM

Depends on the number of epis I have to FF through to get my answer. :p

NYC300Z

09-18-2005, 07:43 PM

oh ok then keep me updated!:D

Cardinal

09-19-2005, 12:00 AM

I've changed my mind, "Truth" is over.

Chapter 19: Meet the Parents

Late Saturday night

As the first stop of the evening, Clark led Lana up to his loft. With Lana standing right in front of the Dutch doors and Clark next to her, Lana asked, “What are we doing here? I thought we were headed to the caves.”

“We are, but this is the first stop. From here I can show you where Krypton was located.”

“Was?”

“Yeah, was. You don’t think any set of parents would willingly give up a child without good reason, do you? According to Dr. Virgil Swann, the planet I was born on no longer exists.”

“Dr. who?”

“Well, it’s a long-running British television show that can be found on cable T.V., but it‘s not, umm, germane to this discussion.”

“Be serious, Clark.”

“Okay. So much for the entertainment portion of our conversation. Anyway, Dr. Swann is a man that contacted me after that unusual symbol was burned into the side of my barn last year.” At Lana’s eyebrows raised in inquiry, Clark added, “You know, the one that brought every U.F.O. freak within 500 miles to our farm?

“According to Chloe, he’s a genius who made untold riches in the satellite communications field in the seventies before he sold his company and went Walden on everyone. When I went to meet him, he told me that he’d received a signal from outer space on the day of the meteor shower saying my parents had sent me here and asking for someone to take care of me. Swann said he’d been looking for extra-terrestrial communications since becoming a recluse. This was his first and, as far as I know, only one.”

“He knows a lot about me, but I’m not sure exactly how much. In any case, he appears to be a supporter of mine, instead of an adversary like the Luthors.” Using his hands to gently turn Lana toward the stars, Clark pointed and said, “See that bright star? Follow the stars around it and you’ll see that they’re in the shape of a wolf’s head. See where one of the eyes is missing?” Waiting for a nod of acknowledgment from Lana, Clark then said, “That’s where Krypton used to be.”

“What happened to Krypton?”

Shaking his head helplessly, Clark said quietly, “I don’t know.”

--------------------

Easing to a stop at the locked gate at the front of the Kawatche cave compound, Clark opened the gate with his key and Lana drove her SUV through the opening. After Clark locked the gate behind her, they walked hand-in-hand into the cave system, with Mag-Lite flashlights in their other hands. As they made their way to the relevant portion of the cave, Clark stopped, wondering where exactly to start his story. Lana, on the other hand, looked around in wonder, saying, “I’ve not been down here often, but this place is beautiful, and now, knowing that it has a close connection with you, it holds an additional fascination for me.”

“When you and Pete were here last weekend, what did he tell you about these caves?”

“Nothing really. He did show me some of the drawings, but he said the explanations were up to you. Most importantly, he gave me a preview of what it’s like to be a keeper of your secret.”

“Really, what did he say?”

“I won’t get into specifics, you’ll have to ask Pete about that, but he made sure I was aware of the difficulties involved, some of which I would never have thought of ‘til they happened.”

“Anything else?”

“Welllllll…we did come up with a secret handshake for the ‘I Know Clark Kent’s Secret Club.’”

On the verge of inquiring further, Clark decided instead to leave the ‘club’ as being something just between Lana and Pete. Still not sure how to tell his story, Clark finally decided that starting at the beginning was the easiest way. As he prepared to start, however, Lana had a question.

“I’ve been wondering, why did your parents choose Earth? Weren’t there any alternatives for them to choose from?”

“I really don’t know if there were other planets to which they could have sent me. I believe they picked Earth, however, because my biological father had spent time here himself.”

“How do you know that? Pete said you can talk to your Kryptonian father here, did he tell you?”

Shaking his head no, Clark walked over to a symbol that looked like it had been rendered in chalk on the cave wall. “Do you remember seeing this symbol anywhere else, Lana?”

“Not really, though it does look somewhat familiar.”

“You saw this symbol early this school-year when we were looking into your Great-Aunt Louise’s murder. It was the medallion the drifter wore around his neck in the police sketch that was in the paper. Much to my surprise, you were correct when you said he could’ve been my father.”

Pressing his hand to the symbol, Lana and Clark watched as the seemingly permanent markings moved like tumblers in a lock. When a narrow recess in the wall opened up, Clark reached his hand inside and pulled out a gleaming, silvery chip.

“This was my father’s,” said Clark. “He wore it everywhere while he was in Smallville. Apparently, it acts like a diary of some sort. When you showed me the drawing of the drifter, I knew I had seen that shape here. After I found the chip, it downloaded his memories from 1961 into my brain. To make a long story somewhat shorter, every time I touched something he had touched, I got another flash of memory. That’s how I got all of those ‘hunches’ that helped us solve what happened between Louise, my father, Lachlan Luthor, Billy Tate, and Dex.

kewl

09-19-2005, 12:07 AM

BUFFERING!

~2nd time to buffer~ :D

Cardinal

09-19-2005, 12:08 AM

Thanks again, kewl!

“The important part of his story, as far as me coming to Earth is concerned, is that my father was helped to escape from Smallville by Hiram Kent. Grandpa Kent told him if he ever needed anything, he should just ask. It looks like my father took Grandpa Kent at his word, literally. I believe I was sent, not to Earth, and not to Smallville, but to Hiram Kent’s family to be raised.”

“How’d your father know the Kents would take you in?”

“I don’t think he knew, but he seemed to think it was a good bet that a family that was willing to help a murder-accused drifter, would also choose to assist a helpless, three-year-old boy.”

Taking a second to process this information, Lana looked down at her feet, one hand on a hip and flashlight pointed aimlessly with the other. Finally, she remembered something Pete said in the hospital parking lot. “Your father’s name was, or is, Jor-El, right? At least, that’s what Pete said. Do you have a Kryptonian name?”

“Yeah. It’s Kal-El.”

“Now I know why you went by the name Kal in Metropolis.”

“I wasn’t kidding when I told you that ‘Kal’ was my secret identity. In any case, believing that Smallville was my best chance, Jor-El placed me into a lifeboat of sorts and sent me hurtling across space just ahead of the explosion. Either some of the planetary mass headed along the same vector as my ship, or the ship used an unknown technology to pull some of the remains of Krypton along with it to use as a re-entry disguise. With my father’s intelligence in that ship, I sort of believe the second reason as being the cause of the meteor shower. I doubt the meteors could have made the trip in the amount of time that my ship did without being pulled along.”

Clark returned the chip to the wall and then showed Lana the various pictographs and explained their meaning, such as the legend of Naman and his ‘brother’ Segeeth.

“These pictographs are Kawatche. Kyla was able to read them for me, but these other symbols are actually Kryptonian. Dr. Swann and I are the only two people in the world that can read these…at least, that’s what I think.”

“Do you believe these stories, Clark?”

“I don’t know.” Stuffing his free hand in his pocket, Clark looked at his feet and said, “Some of the stuff has come true, like me coming to Earth in a ‘rain of fire.’ Others are close, but not correct, like me ‘having the strength of ten men.’ I’m much stronger than that.”

Lana’s eyes were drawn, like iron filings to a lodestone, by the depiction of the bracelet she currently wore on her left wrist. “What about this one, Clark? Do you believe its story?”

“I definitely want to Lana. Moreover, I intend to do all I can to make it come true.” Pausing to gauge Lana’s level of confusion, Clark said, “There’s one more thing I’d like to show you, but only if you’re ready.”

“What’s that?”

“I’d like to introduce you to my father. He already knows that I care for you, but he may not know how much. I intend for him to find out, today.”

“Are you sure? Pete said you never let anyone come with you when you talk to him.” Out of fear for their safety, she didn’t add.

“It should be okay, we sort of have an agreement. As long as he gets what he wants, everyone else will be fine.”

“What kind of agreement?”

Looking anywhere but at Lana, Clark replied, “That’s the part of this story you’re not going to like.” Fidgeting under Lana’s stare, Clark asked, “So, are you ready to meet my father?”

Marshalling her courage, she said, “It’s gotta happen sometime, it might as well be now.”

Producing the key, Clark extended it toward the octagonal depression. As it flew out of his hand, he stepped in front of Lana just in case.

A strong voice spoke, “Why are you here my son? You have many days before the appointed time.”

“I’ve brought someone with me, someone I want you to meet.” Gesturing for Lana to step forward, Clark moved to the side and said, “Lana, I’d like for you to meet my father, Jor-El. Jor-El, this is Lana Lang, the woman I love.”

At this pronouncement, a beam of multi-colored light shot out and headed for Lana, only to come up inches short of her chest. “NO!” shouted Jor-El. “How can this be?”

After a brief pause, a calmer Jor-El said, “Ah. Your mother reminded me of that damnable bracelet. So, Boy, you think you’ve found the ‘one you’re meant to be with,’ do you?”

“Yes,” shot back a determined Clark.

“We will see. And you, Girl, you think to attach yourself to my son, to my house?”

Before a perplexed Lana could even fully consider Jor-El’s question, a quiet, soothing voice spoke, “Be still, Jor-El. I have let you push our son to do his duty, but now you are stepping into my sphere of influence, and I will not allow you to badger them that way. Kal-El has marked her as his, that should be enough for you. Have you not been watching them the past few days?"

At the first pause, Clark, eyes filled with wonder, asked timidly, “Mother?”

“Yes, Kal-El, I am your mother as much as this overbearing windbag is your father.” Anticipating his next question, she said, “My name is Lara. Please thank the Kents for taking you in and raising you to be such a fine young man. I could not have asked for a better surrogate family for you.”

And to Lana, she said, “As for you, Lana. That bracelet you wear as a symbol of the love you share with my son will protect you from my husband, but it also comes with a heavy burden. ‘Clark,’ as you call him, has a destiny. Many will be the days when you will wish otherwise.”

Finally, to Clark, “I will see you when you come to us, Kal-El. We will talk then.”

As the light from the Kryptonian symbols dissipated, Clark and Lana stood there looking at each other in stunned silence. At last, Clark broke the moment by retrieving the key from the wall.

Latching onto Lara’s last statement, Lana asked, “Clark…what did your mother mean by, ‘I will see you when you come to us?’ That wouldn’t have anything to do with the agreement that I’m not going to like, would it? How will you visit two dead people that ‘live’ in a wall?”

Oh man, thought Clark, this explanation is sooooooo gonna suck!

kewl

09-19-2005, 12:54 AM

it's an honor card! :D

great update!!! i love how u used the Relic eps in this one!!!!
whew! that was so close lana, glad that clark already gave her the bracelet before meeting Jor-El....:lol: Lara really has a way of shutting up Jor-El :lol:
uh oh, clark has a lot of explaining to do in ur next update card!!! so please keep it going! :D

NYC300Z

09-19-2005, 09:36 AM

Oh Cardinal you updated and I was asleep and missed it! I just found it and I have class now! I wont be able to read it until after class!:( At least I'll have something to look forward too though!:)

dreammaster

09-19-2005, 11:13 AM

awesome chapter

NYC300Z

09-19-2005, 11:16 AM

I just read it Cardinal inbetween Classes!:) Great Chapter awesome how u did the whole meeting the parents thing! I wonder what Lana will think of Clark's explanation I mean it's so obvious she is not going to like it....Cool how Lara steped in!

PPMS!!:D

SmallvilleMan

09-19-2005, 11:57 AM

I've changed my mind, "Truth" is over. :rotfl: :rotfl:

MOOman0618

09-19-2005, 01:53 PM

That was awesome Cardinal! Way to have Lara show Jor-El who's boss!

kewl

09-20-2005, 02:05 AM

Originally posted by NYC300Z
I just read it Cardinal inbetween Classes!:)
bad bad NYC300Z!!!! :D:D
(next time u do that.... just make sure u don't get caught ;))

linn

09-20-2005, 03:14 AM

tjat was awesome cardinal.ppms

man i don't know how u guys read betwen classes cause if i was at a diff. site that wasn't related to the school they would just shut eveybodys computer down in the class cause the teachers got a program that lets them see our cpm. at one screen.....

binkys711

09-20-2005, 06:40 PM

thank god our catholic school nuns are arrogant and brain dead to technology:p

anyways.....I loved that update Card! it was sooooo cool how Lara and Jor-El bantered!it was hilarious!:lol: hopefully Lana will take the info/news well:\....PPMS!!!:D:D:D

Cardinal

09-22-2005, 03:31 PM

Chapter 20: Follow Your Heart

“Well, Clark? I’m waiting,” said Lana.

BOTH hands on her hips, flashlight hand included. That’s never a good sign. “Remember last week when my dad fell off the roof and he went to the hospital?”

“Yeah, that would be difficult to forget.”

“While we were there, I received a signal from Jor-El. He wanted a meeting, so I left the waiting room and came here with the key. When I talked to him, I discovered my father had made a deal with Jor-El last summer to get me to come home.”

“What was it?”

“When you failed to get me to come home, Dad came here and asked for the ability to make me come home, in return he’d do whatever Jor-El wanted. Jor-El gave my dad the kind of abilities I have. We had a titanic fight all over the LuthorCorp building. I was about to hit Dad with a skull-crushing punch when he said something like, ‘If I raised a son that can kill, then kill.’ Instead, I punched the wall which shattered the meteor rock in the class ring I was wearing and allowed me to come home. As a result of his exposure to abilities he was never meant to have, my father now has a heart problem.

“And your dad’s part of the deal was…?”

“Mom and I didn’t even know about it until dad fell. Jor-El told me, later confirmed by Dad, that in return for his temporary abilities, my Dad promised to bring me back to Jor-El whenever Jor-El asked. Apparently, Jor-El has been asking for some time now, and decided that he needed to attract my dad’s attention after being repeatedly ignored. Thus, the high-dive off of the barn.”

“That…that monster!”

“Yeah, I’m not especially pleased with him either.” Turning away from Lana for a second to gather his thoughts about what he had to say next, Clark turned back and said, “With my dad likely paralyzed permanently and with death a possibility, you have to realize that I would have done anything to save my father from consequences created by my mistakes. When I learned about the deal between Dad and Jor-El, I told Jor-El that I would take my father’s obligations upon myself, no matter what they were…anything to save my Dad.

“Jor-El told me that I was to present myself to him, here in the caves, to go away for a while.”

“WHAT?! NO, I won’t let you go!” wailed Lana as she wrapped her slender arms around his muscular frame.

“Unfortunately, Lana, you don’t have a choice. I was able to argue successfully for a delay. I won’t have to go until after the last day of school, but if I’m not here by sundown, Jor-El has threatened to do things to you, my parents, Pete, and Chloe that I wouldn't even want to think about. With that bracelet on, he might not be able to hurt you, but that still leaves Mom, Dad, Pete, and Chloe.”

Lana sobbed into his chest, “What does he want with you?”

“I don’t know. I think it likely that I’ll be back in time for the school year to start, since Jor-El believes my cover as a normal human will be useful for a while longer, but I can’t guarantee that.”

Afraid to bring this next idea up, Clark went on anyway. “That’s why I think you might want to go to that Paris art school if you get accepted. Maybe a summer in Paris, far away from Smallville, would help you to forget about me for a little while, and if Jor-El doesn’t allow me to come home right away, you can continue your studies.”

“Of all the hair-brained…” as Lana pulled her head back to look up at Clark’s face, she continued, “Why would I abandon your family when I’m needed? I know I can’t do your chores, but I can help around the house. I can even get to know your folks better. Now that your secret isn’t coming between us, I think your folks will be great to get to know.”

“I was thinking that being in Smallville would bring unnecessary reminders of me, of us, to mind. Being on the farm might make it worse. Plus, seeing you every day might make it worse for my folks.”

“Clark?”

“Yes?”

“Have you ever seen a table with just two legs?”

Cautiously, he answered, “Nooooo.”

“Well, neither have I. In my experience, the more legs a table has, the more likely it is to stay up. A three-legged table is possible, but unstable. Four legs are better.”

“And this is relevant why?”

“With me, your parents, and Pete all sharing your secret, we’ll all be able to support each other and will be more likely to ‘stay standing.’ If one of the support legs disappears, the other three will have a harder time staying upright.”

Stepping back and taking his hands in hers, Lana said, “I will be better off here with people that can support me and whom I can, in turn, support. In Paris, I’d be alone. Here, I have a family of sorts…I’m staying.”

As they left the caves, hand-in-hand, Lana said, “Clark there’s something I want to ask you.”

“Okay, go ahead.”

“Why haven’t you told your secret to Chloe? You’ve been friends with her longer than you have with me, and you can’t believe she’d actually tell anyone. Besides, if she and Pete ever start going out, you’ll be putting Pete in a very difficult position.”

“Let’s get going and I’ll tell you.”

Once back on the road, Clark said, “I overheard a conversation between her and Lionel Luthor back when the super-hearing first showed up. She had been investigating me for him since just after Lex’s wedding to Helen. In return, Lionel got her the Daily Planet column. While it is true that she was trying to get out of the arrangement by the time I learned of it, that doesn’t change the fact that she was willing to sell me out.” Looking at Lana, he concluded, “My heart desperately wants to trust her, my head, however, is screaming no.”

“How could she? That…that…ooooo, when I get my hands on her, she's gonna be…”

“Hey, Wildcat, calm down. Chloe and I have had it out already. She hoped I’d understand about making a bad decision under duress and…I do. You see, she had just seen me and you kissing in the loft after the rehearsal dinner. Lionel had made her an offer, and she accepted it that night. Lex told me her dad lost his job because Chloe backed out of her arrangement with Lionel.

“My worry is that she might do it again if she’s put in a tough situation. My other fear is that if I don’t tell her, she’ll eventually find out on her own and I’ll lose one of my best friends. Either way, I’m screwed. I don‘t know what to do.”

As Lana prepared to drop Clark off before she headed home, she asked, “When you decided to tell me your secret, what did you follow, your heart or your head?”

“My heart.”

“Well then, I think Chloe deserves the same consideration. After all, following your heart worked out fine with me, didn’t it?”

“Would you at least help me?”

After a moment’s consideration, Lana answered, “No. She needs to hear this from you. Not from me or anyone else. Don‘t worry, you‘ll do fine. You just got some practice telling me.”

“Yeah, but this is like telling Mike Wallace.”

--------------------

Sunday afternoon

Working on his homework at his desk, Clark heard the soft thud of feet coming up the stairs of the loft. Looking up, he saw Chloe turn the last corner and head in his direction.

“Chloe, how are you feeling?”

“A little shaky, but I’m totally truth-serum free. Whatever you Pulp-Fictioned into my chest not only kick started my heart, but also relieved me of any Levitas in my system, so…that’s good.”

After a brief, uncomfortable silence, Chloe said, “Did you hear what happened to William?”

“Yeah. Between his mother’s past and her arrest, he took quite a hit.”

“I never meant to hurt him.”

“His mom’s the one who should have told him. But that’s the thing about the truth. It’s bound to come out sooner or later.”

“Then I guess it’s my turn to come clean. When you found me on the bridge, I was on my way here. I was gonna ask your parents all the questions you would never answer. I can only plead that I was under the influence of the Levitas.” Pulling out her cell phone, Chloe activated her voice mail and told Clark to listen to the latest message.

Clark’s face was an interesting study for Chloe as the message played. It went from curious to upset. When he reached the part where Lex said, ‘It doesn’t matter what I tell you. At the end of our conversation, I’m going to ask you to do something. What’s funny is that you’ll do it because, by now, your need to know the truth about anything and everything is such an overriding compulsion that you’ll let nothing stand in your way, not scruples, not friendship, not loyalty…not even love,’ Clark’s facial expression finally reached volcanically angry.

“That bastard! That $%^*&#$^ bastard!!! Is there anyone or anything he won’t use to get an advantage?”

Chloe gave Clark a wide berth while he worked out his anger. Finally calming down, he said, “I’m glad you came over today, Chloe. I’ve thought long and hard about telling you what you want to know. In my heart, I know you’d keep my secret, I’ve just been having difficulty getting rid of some bad memories.”

“Memories for which I am to blame.”

“Yes, you are. But it’s my fault for continuing to hold them against you. I can’t really say I’ve forgiven you unless I move on.” Taking a deep breath, Clark continued, “So, ask me your questions. I’m ready to tell you everything.”

linn

09-22-2005, 03:44 PM

that was a great chapter.....ppms

MOOman0618

09-22-2005, 04:45 PM

WHOA!! HE IS TELLING CHLOE! Holy crap...that is new! This should be very interesting. I am kind of excited now! And that is cool that Lana still wants to stay in Smallville and not run off to Paris. I still hope that Clark can find a way out of Jor-El's plot.

Oh, and I'm glad you like my new avatar. I made it myself! The full size of that picture is one of my favorites, the little small thing doesn't do it justice.

Cardinal

09-22-2005, 04:47 PM

It's hubba-hubba hot!

binkys711

09-22-2005, 08:01 PM

great update Card! loved it! Glad to see Chloe is gonna know now:) PPMS!!!

kewl

09-22-2005, 09:13 PM

woohooo super great update!!!! i love how lana is being so supportive of clark..... so sweet!!!!oh and i also loved the 'table having many legs' part ;) ......so ok chloe, now bring it on!!!! :D:D:D
PPMS!!!!

NYC300Z

09-23-2005, 01:10 AM

YEs fantastic update Cardinal! Really enjoyed it! Like Kewl said Lana being all supportive of Clark...I wonder how Chloe's going to take it...I bet she going to flip!

PPMS!!

Cardinal

09-23-2005, 11:23 PM

Chapter 21: The Newest Club Member

“Are you serious?” asked Chloe, “I mean, I just tried to betray you, though admittedly under the influence of Levitas and with all the other times…I…”

“Yes, Chloe, I’m serious. Ask me anything at all.”

Pacing rapidly back and forth in front of Clark’s desk, the fingers of her left hand obscuring her mouth while her right hand rested on her hip, Chloe thought…and thought…and thought some more.

“Uhh…Chloe?”

Startled out of her trance, Chloe said, “What happened with your adoption? Why was it such a big deal? I quit looking into it, but I’d really like to know.”

Leaning back in his desk chair, Clark asked, “Would you like to move this over to the couch, this Q&A session might take a while.”

“Nah, I rather stay standing. I’m too keyed up to sit right now.”

“Well then, my adoption. You were right when you discovered that Metropolis United Charities was only open for six months and that mine was the only adoption handled by them. What you don’t know is that Lionel Luthor was the man behind M.U.C. He setup the whole charity for the sole purpose of making it possible for my parents to adopt me.”

“Lionel Luthor helped your parents with an adoption? Why? What did he get out of it? Believe me that when I say Lionel does nothing without getting something in return…I know whereof I speak.”

“When the meteor shower hit, Lex and Lionel were in Smallville together. That was the day Lionel bought the creamed-corn factory from the Rosses. Lex was out in a field when a meteor hit nearby. Not only did he lose his hair, but he was in shock, and Lionel was desperate to get him to the hospital. My dad picked them up and gave Lionel and Lex a ride to the hospital. Lionel told Dad that if he ever needed something to give him a call. When my parents decided to keep me, they needed high-powered help since they found me in the middle of a field on the day the meteors hit and wouldn’t be able to explain how and where they found me, so they called in that favor, and Lionel’s lawyers did the rest.”

“Your parents found you in the middle of a field? The same day as the meteors came? Oh wow! Wow, wow, wow!”

Clark could tell from the blaze in her eyes that Chloe was fully engaged in this story.

“When I was on Levitas, your mom said your biological father drove you to go to Metropolis last summer. Yet, you were found in a field. That should’ve made it tough to track down your biological father. Care to explain that little contradiction?”

Shaking his head slightly at how complicated this was becoming already, Clark said, “Looks like I’m going to have to go back to the beginning and tell this story chronologically. It may be the only way to keep this story from becoming hopelessly tangled.

“My story starts a few years before the meteor shower, on a planet called Krypton.”

Upon hearing this, Chloe shot across the small study area, placed both hands on the edge of his desk, leaned forward and said, “No way! Are you kidding me? This is so cool! I know I told you that aliens would be a step up from most people I know, but…for it to be you…that’s just so incredible. No wonder you like Reese‘s pieces so much.”

“E.T. phone home. Hah-hah, Chloe. Yeah. I’m not from around here, but the place I am from doesn’t exist anymore. Something went wrong on Krypton. I don’t know what it was, but my father put me in an escape pod of sorts and sent me to Earth before Krypton was destroyed. He had been here before and apparently thought this would be the most suitable place for me to be raised. My spaceship landed in a field just outside of Smallville during the meteor storm. I don’t know if the storm was just the by-product of Krypton’s destruction, or a ploy on the part of my father to get me to the Earth’s surface undetected. I suspect the latter to be true.

“Anyway, my parents crashed their truck into the track gouged into the Earth by my landing ship. When they came to, there was a black-haired three-year-old standing outside their truck looking back at them. They followed the track to its endpoint and found my intact spaceship. I don’t think they initially intended to keep me, but Dad went back, got my ship, and hid it in the storm cellar as a precaution.”

“That explains why you never let me in there. Where is the ship now, though? I’d kill to get to see it.”

“Pete got to see it, but you won’t have that chance.”

“Why not? What do you mean, ‘Pete got to see it?’ You’ve told Lana and him?”

“How do you know I’ve told Lana? Or Pete, for that matter.”

“Oh please, Clark. She needed to be trusted by you, to be completely let inside your ‘shining armor’ before she could make the kind of commitment you want. As for Pete, I just assumed that being allowed to see the ship meant he knew everything.”

“Pete got to see it because he found it in a field the night Dr. Hamilton ran that truck off the road. The ship took off on its own during the tornado. Given where it was found, my guess is that the ship was coming to try and save me while I was trying to save Lana. At some point, the ship was disabled and it crashed into the middle of a cornfield. As to why you can’t see it, it’s…gone, completely destroyed.

“I told Pete because something happened that made me believe I was going to lose his friendship if I didn’t explain. It’s been really nice to have someone besides my folks to confide in during the last year and a half. Lana was told because I couldn‘t lie to her anymore. It wasn’t a trust issue with Lana, I was afraid she’d hate me if she learned the truth.

“Back to the story. After the adoption went through, my parents just though I was a normal kid, albeit one with unusual origin. That lasted until the abilities started showing up.”

“Abilities? What are we talking about here?”

“Well, the whole catalog includes super-strength, super-speed, super-hearing, heat vision, x-ray vision, and invulnerability to everything but green Kryptonite.”

“Green what?”

“Kryptonite. it’s the name I’ve given to the meteor rocks since they came from the planet Krypton. I’m deathly allergic to the green ones. I lose my abilities when I’m around them. The longer the exposure and the greater the amount I’m exposed to, the greater the pain. Eventually, I would likely die.”

“Why does that ring a bell? Hmm…It’ll come to me later. What about the red Kryptonite? What does it do to you?”

“It affects my personality. It frees me from my inhibitions. Also, I no longer assess the consequences of my actions, I just do whatever I want.”

“That would explain the complete ass you made of yourself last summer. I remember you wearing a Smallville class ring when I visited you in Metropolis. I thought that was kind of…” in the middle of her sentence, Chloe broke off and started a massive fit of giggling. When she regained a semblance of control, she said, “Oh my God, Clark. I just remembered what it was about green Kryptonite…”

“Just call it green K.”

“Whatever,” she said, waving off his helpful hint as irrelevant, “I just made the connection in my brain between green K and Lana’s favorite necklace. No wonder you turned into a bumbling moron around her, I just thought you were spectacularly shy.”

“Complete ass, bumbling moron, the compliments just keep coming tonight, Chloe. Thanks!”

“Not a problem, Clark.” Moving back to lean on the railing, Chloe said, “Now, these abilities, can you give me some idea of exactly what they entail?”

“I just used super-strength to save you from William Taylor. His truck was about to ram your T-Bird off the bridge when I grabbed onto the back of his truck and stopped him. Then I picked up the T-Bird and moved it to the bridge.”

“Wow…show me!”

“I might as well demonstrate the speed while I’m at it.” At that, Clark zipped around the desk and picked Chloe up on the way to his truck.

As he set her down an instant later, Chloe asked, “Whoa, what the heck was that? How fast can you go?”

“You remember Pete telling you I can run from here to Metropolis and back in 10 minutes? Well, he was right. Since we’re roughly 200 miles away, that makes a 400 mile round-trip in 10 minutes. That works out to 2,400 miles per hour.”

A stunned Chloe finally got out, “How is that possible? Only a few planes can even fly that fast. The world land speed record is somewhere around 740 miles per hour and that’s for a car that only travels in a straight line. Are all of your abilities that super?”
“Maybe not to that scale, though I did accidentally throw a tractor over a half-mile. I think Perry White soiled himself when it came flying out of the sky to land right in front of him.”

“How do you ‘accidentally’ throw a tractor that far?”

“It had to do with the massive solar flares that were occurring that week. My abilities are solar-powered, and with the wild fluctuations in solar energy, sometimes nothing worked, and sometimes I couldn’t stop them from working. It really sucked to be me that week.”

Picking up a crowbar from the bed of the truck, Clark said, “Here’s your demonstration.” He then proceeded to twist the iron bar into a tight spiral down the entire length of the bar. When he was finished, he then began to press the spiral between his thumbs, flattening it into a long, thin sheet.

“The heat vision, you’ve already seen at the beginning of last year when I accidentally set the movie screen on fire in Miss Atkins’ class.”

“What’d you do that for?”

“It was my first discovery of that ability. It has an unfortunate hormonal component…”

“…and since we were watching a Sex Ed film with the sluttily dressed Miss Atkins showing off her goodies…God, Clark, it must be a daily trial for you to be around Lana.”

“It did take some practice, though I nearly burned down the Talon before I learned. As far as invulnerability goes, I’ve been shot and stabbed and nothing bad happened except when Van McNulty used bullets made out of green Kryptonite. That would have killed me if my dad hadn’t been able to dig the bullet out.

“The x-ray vision come in two forms. The first allows me to see things as if I’m taking an x-ray at the hospital. The other forms lets me see through solid objects as if they weren’t there.”

As Chloe reflexively tried to cover her chest, Clark said, “That wouldn’t do you any good if I wanted to see you naked, Chloe.” As a demonstration, Clark went on to describe in detail the contents of Chloe’s purse and, to top off his act, he told Chloe that she’s got a nice birthmark on her butt.

“You perv! I can’t believe you did that to me.”

“Hey, I was on red K at the time. It was just after we got the school rings and the four of us were supposed to meet at the Talon to study. When you and Lana were at the counter getting coffee, I was checking you both out.”

“Does Lana have any birthmarks?”

“I’m not telling you, and I won’t tell Lana about your birthmark.”

“Finally, we come to the ability I don’t really want to talk to you about, super-hearing. When I’m using this ability, I can hear specific sound from amazingly long distances.”

“For example?”

“Well, umm, I can be on one side of school and hear a cell phone conversation taking place on the other side of school, while students are all around us. That was, in fact, how I cost your dad his job.”

“You did what? How?”

“I overheard you talking to Lionel back when I was blind. My special hearing showed up as a compensation for the blindness. Anyway, I passed on the info to Lex, and he confronted Lionel with it. Since Lionel knew he’d said those words to you and you alone, he ordered Lex to fire your dad. I’m so sorry Chloe, I didn’t mean to do it.”

“That’s okay, Clark. It wasn’t your fault. Lionel gets the credit for that one.”

Stepping close to Clark, Chloe looked into his eyes and said, “You can’t know what it means to me that you’ve chosen to trust me with your secret. Me, the person you have every reason to distrust. I want you to know that I’ll never betray you.”

“Wrapping an arm around her shoulders, Clark squeezed firmly and said, “I know you won’t, Chloe. I know you won’t.”

As he walked her to her vehicle, Clark finished by saying, “There are bound to be questions that I haven’t answered today, things that won’t occur to you for days. Feel free to talk to me, I’ll tell you what you want to know. One final thing, talk to Lana and Pete. They seem to have some kind of secret keepers club going. Pete, in particular, should be an invaluable resource for you when it comes to dealing with my secret

kewl

09-23-2005, 11:41 PM

1st! :D
so finally chloe knows about clark's secret!!! another member is going to be added to the "I Know Clark's Secret Club" :D ..... i loved how she handled it when clark told her about his abilities and that he's an alien!!!! this girl is weirder than i thought!!! :lol: :D:D:D :lol:
great update card! keep it going!!!!

NYC300Z

09-24-2005, 12:00 AM

Great update Cardinal the Chloe reveal scene was neat. Now lets get back to some Clana!!:D

one minor foot note here Cardinal

"Lionel Luthor helped your parents with an adoption? Why? What did he get out of it? Believe me that when I say Lionel does nothing without getting something in return…I know whereof I speak.”

“When the meteor shower hit, Lex and Lionel were in Smallville together. That was the day Lionel bought the creamed-corn factory from the Rosses. Lex was out in a field when a meteor hit nearby. Not only did he lose his hair, but he was in shock, and Lionel was desperate to get him to the hospital. My dad picked them up and gave Lionel and Lex a ride to the hospital. Lionel told Dad that if he ever needed something to give him a call. When my parents decided to keep me, they needed high-powered help since they found me in the middle of a field on the day the meteors hit and wouldn’t be able to explain how and where they found me, so they called in that favor, and Lionel’s lawyers did the rest.”"

Lionel asked in return that Jonathon talk the Ross brothers into selling their factory! He wasn't there to buy the factory that day but to kind of check it out remember the Ross brothers changed their minds! But i really like how u explained that to Chloe i've never seen anybody bring that up in a fic to before so that's cool!:)

Cardinal

09-24-2005, 12:09 AM

That really wasn't germane to the discussion that Chloe was having with Clark.

The reason Lionel was going to help in the first place was to payback Jonathon for his help. He later added the condition about convincing the Rosses to go through with the sale. That was a piece of information that would've clouded the issue at hand, which was Clark's adoption.

I'll have to watch the pilot again to be sure, but I thought that Lionel asked the Rosses if this was where he was supposed to sign just before the meteors hit. I'd have to see if they were later trying to back out of the deal, or if they changed their minds before signing.

Oh well, I've written it now. I'm not really likely to change it. :\

NYC300Z

09-24-2005, 12:12 AM

That's ok Cardinal. No in the pilot i think he was tring to get them to sign or asking them to but then later when they show that flashback of it Lionel tells Jonathon there tring to back out of it that's why he needed his help...oh well ur right it's of no great importance just thought u ought to know!;)

MOOman0618

09-24-2005, 10:37 AM

That was an awesome update Cardinal! I really enjoyed the Chloe talk. I suspected she would take it all very easily and get very excited about the whole thing. Good stuff!

SVsleuth

09-27-2005, 01:15 AM

Yeah! I FINALLY got to read your last 3 chapters! It's so fun to not have to wait for the next update, but just scroll down & keep reading. (even at 3 a.m.!)

I loved the meeting with Jor-El & Lara, the talk about Jor-El on Earth, the revelation about Jonathan's & Clark's promises to Jor-El, etc. And I loved how Lara kept Jor-El in his place!

And then the reveal to Chloe was super too. I loved the reactions Chloe had:

“Your parents found you in the middle of a field? The same day as the meteors came? Oh wow! Wow, wow, wow!”

“No way! Are you kidding me? This is so cool! I know I told you that aliens would be a step up from most people I know, but…for it to be you…that’s just so incredible. No wonder you like Reese‘s pieces so much.” :lol:

Yep, that's our Chloe. You're doing a fantastic job with this story, Cardinal. PPMS! :):):):):)

SpeedyKate91

09-27-2005, 07:28 PM

PPMS!!

Cardinal

09-28-2005, 10:33 PM

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This is a Muppet News Flash!

Your regularly scehduled update has been pre-empted so we can bring you this blank space...
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...while your author reads the Diana Gabaldon book that just came out.

Tomorrow, you will receive a regularly scheduled update.

This has been a Muppet News Flash!

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kewl

09-28-2005, 10:35 PM

:lol: card, can't wait for ur update tomorrow!!!! :D

linn

09-29-2005, 03:01 AM

yea can't wait!!!

binkys711

09-29-2005, 03:31 PM

:lol: at Card

NYC300Z

09-29-2005, 04:50 PM

so is it going to come after the premiere??

PPMS!!

Cardinal

10-03-2005, 07:44 AM

Chapter 22: First Dates

Monday morning

While Clark and Lana walked from English III to her third period class, Lana asked, “So, how’d it go yesterday with Chloe?”

“Not bad,” he responded. “She took it really well. I think whatever talk Pete had with you, he should probably repeat with Chloe.”

“Oh, I can do that.”

“Yeah, I know you can, but Pete should be the one to do it. This way, they’ll have to talk to each other. Even if they don’t end up going out, at least they can be friends again.”

“You know Pete’s gonna hate you for making him do this.”

“Nah. He’ll be upset with me at first, but he’ll secretly be grateful for the tailor-made excuse to spend time with Chloe. With all that’s been going on recently with the Levitas, they haven’t had a chance to straighten things out…in fact, I’ll call him as soon as I get home.”

“You’re evil, Clark. Verrrrryyyyy evil. Maybe you picked it up by osmosis while spending so much time at the Luthor Estate,” she opined. “Time that I will now expect you to be spending with me.”

“Yes, Ma’am.” As if I wasn’t going to be doing that anyway. “And on that topic, when is your evening schedule free this week, Lana?”

“Let me see,” she said as she rummaged in her purse and pulled out her day-planner. “It looks like I’m off work on Thursday and Saturday nights.

“The boss is off on a Saturday night? That’s great!” Reaching her classroom, Clark turned to face her and asked, “Lana, how about you and me going on a date Saturday? I know we’ve tried a couple of times before, but I promise, no red K this time, and no kissing anyone but you.”

“That sounds like a plan, Clark,” said a widely smiling Lana. “What time should I be ready?”

“I’ll pick you up at 7.”

“I’ll be waiting.” Oh my! Our first actual date. We’re getting things backward. First, we professed our love for each other and now we’re going out on our first date.

--------------------

After being dropped off at home by Lana, Clark raced through his chores like only he could do so as to return to school and help Chloe with the Torch. Before reaching the school, he stopped at the Ross’ house to tell Pete that Chloe was in on ‘the big secret.’

“Oh wow! Didn’t see that one coming, Clark.” Pausing for a moment to look Clark in the eyes, Pete went on. “Are you sure she’ll keep the secret?”

“Yeah.”

“Okay. At least that’s out of my way. I no longer have to cover for you with Chloe. I don‘t mind telling you, that was getting tougher and tougher.”

“I understand, Pete.” Waiting a beat before continuing, Clark said, “There is something I need you to do.”

“What?”

“Lana said you opened her eyes to some of the difficulties she’ll face as a keeper of my secret. I’d like for you to do the same with Chloe.”

“Uh, Clark? The last lengthy talk I had with Chloe resulted in me hugging her tightly and confessing my deepest secret to her. We haven’t said more than a quick hello to each other since…if you don‘t count the two Levitas interrogations.”

“Time to get over it, Pete. Now that she’s off the Levitas, you two are running out of reasons to avoid each other. You have to talk to her sooner or later, so it might as well be now.”

Beginning to pace, Pete said, “I know, I know. I’m sure she doesn’t feel the same way about me as I do about her,” as he returned his gaze to his best friend’s face, Pete continued, “but, Clark, what if she doesn’t want to take a chance on me? What’ll happen? The not knowing is almost as hard to bear as an outright rejection would be.”

“I don’t know what’ll happen, Pete, no one does. I will tell you this: I used to live in mortal fear that Lana would reject me if I let her know my secret. That fear kept us apart for almost two years. That’s two years I could have spent with her, instead of wasting it on wishes, hopes, and fears. I think about that wasted time now and want nothing more than to have it back.

“The only thing you risk by going for it now is having to deal with the consequences now. If you wait, you risk so much more.”

“You really can be an ass sometimes, you know that Clark?” Taking a deep breath, Pete added. “Especially when you’re right. Okay, I’ll talk to her.”

--------------------

Picking up the landline at her house, Chloe checked the caller-id and saw the call originated at the Ross’ house. Chloe’s first thought was, Oh, God, it’s Pete. I’m not ready for this conversation yet. And secondly, Why is he calling the house phone? He’s got my cell number. “Hey, Pete,” said Chloe with an overly cheerful voice, “what’s up?”

“There’s something we need to talk about.”

“Okay, how about over here?”

“No. This isn’t something we should talk about in public. How about Clark’s loft? It’s the one place we both have access to where no one will overhear us or think twice about us being there.”

“If it’s that important, then I’ll be there. Give me half an hour. Oh, call Clark to let him know we’re coming.” That way he can clear out and keep an awkward situation from becoming even worse.

--------------------

Apprehensively climbing the twisted stairway to the loft, Chloe thought about how ironic it was that she was going to have a conversation in Clark’s loft about a potential romantic relationship, but she would be talking with Pete, not Clark.

“Hi, Chloe, glad you could make it. Take a seat.” Pete was standing, leaning against the wall next to the Dutch doors.

“Hi, Pete.”

As soon as Chloe chose to sit on one end of the old couch, Pete went over and sat in the armchair on the other side of the small room.

“What did you need to talk about, Pete?”

“Want to? Or need to?”

“More than one topic of conversation tonight? In that case, I choose ‘want to’ first. ‘Need to’ sounds ominous.”

At that, Pete gave Chloe substantially the same talk he’d given Lana at the cave, explaining as many of the not-so-obvious pitfalls to being a keeper of Clark’s secret as he could remember.

After he concluded, Chloe said, “Pete, I’m impressed. You’ve really thought this out.”

“Yeah, well, I just gave this same speech to Lana the day Mr. Kent fell off the barn roof, so I’ve had some practice. If Clark tells one more person, though, I’m going to record this speech and burn it on a CD so I can just hand out a disk to each new member of the club.”

“Yeah, Clark mentioned something about a club. What’s the story there?”

“That can wait, Chloe. We’ve just come to the ‘need to’ portion of our conversation.”

Fidgeting in his chair until he could tolerate the silence no longer, Pete stood. “I, um, need to talk to you about what I said last weekend in the park. I didn’t mean to freak you out. Heck, I didn’t even mean to tell you. It just kind of slipped out.”

Looking directly at Chloe now, Pete added, “But I meant everything I said. I love you. I always have, since the first day that turbo-charged blonde came bouncing into my history class back in eighth grade.”

“But why didn’t you tell me?”

“Why didn’t you tell Clark that you love him, hmm? I’d expect you, of all people, to understand the uselessness of telling that secret to someone who is already in love with someone else.”

Cheeks red with embarrassment, Chloe said, “You’re right, Pete. I do understand. I’m sorry. I guess I’ve been like a horse with blinders on, concentrating on my goal so hard that I couldn't see anything, or anyone, else.”

“Chloe, I don’t expect you to return my feelings, at least not right away, but would it be so bad to give it a try? At least a date or two?”

“Already angling for a second date, Pete?” Smiling at the case of nerves that was writ large on Pete’s face, Chloe said, “Pete, you’re sweet, you have a great sense of humor, you’re loyal and dependable, and you’re not bad looking either. Yeah, I’d like a date with you…maybe even two. The worst that can happen is nothing. So, when are we going out?”

“I, uh, hadn’t thought ahead that far. I didn’t think you’d actually say yes. How about Saturday at 7?”

Giving him the Chloe megawatt-smile, she said, “It’s a date.”

“Now, what’s up with this club thing?”

“Oh it’s something that Lana and I started last week. Basically, it’s a mutual support society for those of us who know Clark’s secret. I guess Mr. and Mrs. Kent are honorary members, but we haven’t told them yet.”

Walking out of the barn together, neither Chloe or Pete noticed Clark hiding around the corner of the barn where he had stood watch throughout their conversation to stop anyone from disturbing his friends. The last thing Clark heard as they walked beyond range of his normal hearing was Chloe’s exclamation, “A secret handshake? No way! This, I’ve got to see.”

kewl

10-03-2005, 09:05 AM

great update!!!! clark & lana are going out on a date and so is chloe & pete!!!! wow!!!! glad that chloe gave it a try!!! nice one pete!!! :D:D:D:D PPMS!!!!!

MOOman0618

10-03-2005, 10:15 AM

WHOOHOOO!!! AN UPDATE! I have been dying for one! Now I must go back and actually read it...I will comment later.

Originally posted by Cardinal
“You’re evil, Clark. Verrrrryyyyy evil. Maybe you picked it up by osmosis while spending so much time at the Luthor Estate,” she opined. “Time that I will now expect you to be spending with me.”

:lol: I liked that part

Originally posted by Cardinal
The last thing Clark heard as they walked beyond range of his normal hearing was Chloe’s exclamation, “A secret handshake? No way! This, I’ve got to see.”

I really wish we could actually see the secret handshake! :)

Great update Card! I am definitely looking forward to BOTH of the first dates. I can only imagine what Pete will come up with. I hope it works out! I always thought Pete should have confronted Chloe about how easy it is to overlook somebody when you are focused on somebody else. Maybe it would have made it easier for her to deal with Clark. POST MORE SOON!!

SpeedyKate91

10-03-2005, 12:30 PM

good update!!!
PPMS!!

NYC300Z

10-03-2005, 06:49 PM

cool update Card! Can't wait to see Clark and Lana's date!:D

SVsleuth

10-03-2005, 06:53 PM

Hey, Card. I actually got to read this update in a rather timely manner - which is amazing, considering how very, very busy I've been. I guess I lucked out, clicking on your thread in the few minutes I put aside to sit down for a short breather. Great update. PPMS! :)

Dr. Jeckyll

10-04-2005, 03:10 PM

Just caught up. You're doing a great job on this fic. Can't wait for the dates. PPMS!

Cardinal

10-08-2005, 08:43 AM

Don't worry, I haven't forgotten this fic. I'm in the process of writing an update, but it's going to be a huge one (for me at least).

I've just gotten to the actual date, and I'm already at the point where I'll need a buffer, maybe I'll just lightly touch on the Chlete date and concentrate on the Clana date since this is the Clana thread.

Dr. Jeckyll

10-08-2005, 09:19 AM

Ah, that's great news Card. This fic is definitively one of my favourites. Unfortunate I'm heading back to the base up in the cold north of Norway tomorrow :( But if I miss it I'll be back to read it later!

Cardinal

10-08-2005, 09:21 AM

It should be posted tonight.

Dr. Jeckyll

10-08-2005, 09:24 AM

Aha! A perfect last night home for me then! ;) I'll read it after visiting some friends later.

Cardinal

10-08-2005, 01:46 PM

Chapter 23: D-Day

Friday afternoon

The preceding week had crept by for Clark and Pete. One was looking forward to a first date he’d been waiting forever for, the other was looking forward to a first date he never thought would happen.

The girls were experiencing similar emotions. Lana was nervously hoping this third attempt at a first date with Clark had would be the charm. Chloe was surprised at just how curious she was to learn what Pete would have in store for them.

As is their wont, the guys and the girls talked to each other about the upcoming weekend.

“Hey, Clark, are you and Lana actually going to go on a date this weekend?”

“Yeah.”

“Well, stay off the red K, ‘cause you know what they say, three strikes and you’re out.”

“At least my date with Lana isn’t a mercy date.”

“Mercy date? Where did you hear that? I’ll have you know that I am eminently date-worthy. Just because my date used to be stuck on you is no reason to get jealous.”

“Jealous? You’re the one taking my leftovers.”

Hey, I can’t help it if you can’t tell prime cut from mere choice cut. Not my problem at all.”

Both collapsing into fits of laughter, Clark finally said, “You know the girls would fry us if they heard us talking like this, Pete.”

“Oh, no doubt. Lana might eventually forgive you, if you groveled enough, but my chances with Chloe would be gone.”

“Seriously, Pete, what are you and Chloe gonna do?”

“I’m still workin’ on it. With a girl like Chloe, the first date ought to be fun, not serious. Problem is, there aren’t that many entertainment options in Smallville.” Looking back toward Clark, Pete asked, “What about you, Clark?”

“I’ve messed up two separate attempts at a first date with Lana. Right now, I just want to get one successful date under our belts before I try anything flashy.”

“Yeah, I half-expect Lana to frisk you before your date to make sure there’s no red K involved.”

“If she frisks me, we may not get to go anywhere on our date. After I burn Chloe’s house to the ground, we’ll be too busy dealing with the fire marshal.”

--------------------

Meanwhile…

The aforementioned girls are talking, sitting on the bed in Lana’s room, about the upcoming dates.

“Don’t answer if you feel uncomfortable about it, but what made you decide to give Pete a chance, Chloe?”

Taking a moment to gather her thoughts, Chloe finally said, “When Pete told me that he had feelings for me, I didn’t know what to do. I had always wanted Clark to take his thoughts off of you long enough to give me a chance. So, thinking about Pete and realizing I was in the same spot with Pete as Clark was with me, I gave Pete a long, hard look and realized that he has a lot of the qualities I look for in a guy. We’ll see where this leads…after all, I’ve gone out with several guys that were much worse.

“What about you and Smallville’s very own superhero? Do you think the date will happen this time?”

“I hope so. Now that we know about the effects of red K, we just have to keep you and Pete away from any more cave worms, and I’m sure everything will be just fine. I’m so excited. We’ve been trying to get to this first date since freshman year and…I hope I don’t build this up so much in my mind that the actual date is a disappointment.”

“I, on the other hand, expect Pete to be so nervous that a nice, smoothly-flowing date will be considered a plus. Hopefully, we’ll both have a good time.”

--------------------

Saturday night

The thing that nobody realized until the time for the dates arrived, was that both dates were scheduled to start at the same time. Clark was just pulling his red pickup to the curb in front of Chloe’s house when Pete’s blue coupe pulled up behind him.

Looking in his rear-view mirror and see Pete nervously attempt to straighten his closely-cut hair, Clark chuckled to himself, thinking, At least I’m not the only one that’s nervous. Pete has good reason for his nerves, though. He’s put his heart on the line and doesn’t know if Chloe will ever return his affection. A warm feeling swept over Clark, relaxing him as his thoughts continued, Lana loves me already, why am I worried?

Climbing out of his truck, a large box of Godiva chocolates in hand, Clark headed over to Pete, who had just gotten out of his car holding a bouquet consisting of a half-dozen red roses and three stargazer lilies.

“Very impressive, Pete. Where’d you get the idea for that flower combination?”

“Mom. She said the reddish color in the center of the stargazers went well with the red roses, and they smell good, too.” Holding the bouquet toward Clark, he added, “Here, take a whiff.”

“No thanks, Pete. I’ll trust you.”

Looking at what Clark was holding, Pete said, “Where’d you get Godiva? Nobody in Smallville sells it.”

“I had to run to Metropolis. There’s a place in Granville that sells some Godiva, but it didn’t have much of a selection, so I had to go to an actual Godiva store in the big city to find what I wanted. I can’t believe we’re here at the same time.”

“Heck, Clark, I can’t believe you’re on time. You’re the guy that’ll be fifteen minutes late for his own funeral. Let’s go to the door before we end up being late after all.”

Walking side-by-side up the walk, the guys climbed the steps and Clark rang the doorbell. Mr. Sullivan came to the door with a hearty exclamation of “Pete, Clark, come on in, the girls are getting ready!” Then, sotto voce, he said, “But, being girls, they could still be awhile.”

As Clark followed Pete through the door and into the living room, Mr. Sullivan asked, “Now who’s going out with who tonight? The girls didn’t really say. Actually, they didn’t even say who their dates were, but I’m glad to see it’s two young men that I know and trust.”

“Knowing Mr. Sullivan’s peculiar sense of humor, Pete put his flowers down on a side table while motioning Clark to do the same with the chocolates. As soon as the Godiva hit the table, Pete jumped into a surprised Clark’s arms and said, “Clark and I are going on a date. We could no longer deny the attraction that has grown between us.”

Watching Mr. Sullivan as he went from wide-eyed surprise to hysterical laughter, Clark started laughing himself. In fact, he laughed so hard that he had to set Pete down before he dropped him.

Once their eyes were wiped dry and the laughing had subsided into sporadic fits of chuckling, Pete said, “I’m here for Chloe, and Clark is here for Lana. The fact that we’re here at the same time is a total accident.”

“I know you boys and I know those girls, so I have only one rule for tonight. Since it’s a weekend, the girls have to be back no later than midnight.”

“Yes, Mr. Sullivan,” chorused Clark and Pete.

“Can I get you guys something to drink while we wait? Water, lemonade, vanilla Coke?”

Realizing how dry their mouths were becoming, both boys opted for water. Sitting on the couch, sipping their drinks as they talked to Gabe, the boys let out a collective gasp as the objects of their affection came down the stairs, one after the other.

After the first moment of surprise, both guys put down their drinks, stood up, grabbed their gifts, and headed over to their dates.

Clark knew, vaguely, that Chloe was wearing some kind of clothing, but that was as far as his awareness of anyone other than Lana went. His eyes, and thoughts, were locked on her. She rarely wore dresses, which Clark thought was somewhat unusual for a woman who is so feminine, so ladylike. Seeing her now in a pale blue, empire-waisted dress that extended to just above her knees, Clark’s mouth went dry all over again and he couldn’t speak. While trying desperately to remember how to talk, Clark took in the sight of her long, glossy hair as it tumbled past her shoulders, to finally end in big, loose curls.

Pete was having a similar problem, though he’d told Chloe not to dress up, she still looked great. Chloe-eclectic is such an unusual style that is ought to be considered a new branch of fashion. Maybe it was what she wore, or maybe it was that, tonight, she had dressed for him, but Pete had never seen her look better. A dark blue skirt that, like Lana’s dress, almost made it to her knees, was surmounted by a yellow paisley-print, button-up blouse that was unbuttoned just enough to hint at what was covered. The blouse was untucked, but was secured at the bottom by a wide brown leather belt.

Though hiding it better, the girls were suitably impressed at what their escorts wore, and at what they were holding. Clark was wearing black Dockers, a bronze-colored oxford, and a black tie. When Lana saw the gold-foil box in Clark’s hands, her eyes widened a little bit and she asked, “Are those for me?”

Lana’s voice acted like a magic spell, breaking Clark out of his catatonic state. He held the chocolates out to her like a small boy bringing dandelions to his mom in the hopes his gift would elicit a smile.

“Oh, you shouldn’t have,” Lana cooed. As she started to open the box, Clark lightly rapped her knuckles with his, saying, “Not now. You’ll ruin your appetite.”

At the same time, Chloe was wowed by the lovely flower arrangement and had to ask her dad to find a vase while she talked to Pete. When the flowers were finally out of the way, Chloe got her first good look at Pete. Nice, she thought as she perused his outfit which consisted of a green Polo-style pullover and pleated black slacks. I never really noticed before, but Pete’s in pretty good shape.

Heading out the door, the two couples separated at the curb, wishing each other a good night.

MOOman0618

10-08-2005, 01:48 PM

BUFFER!

Cardinal

10-08-2005, 01:52 PM

As Clark drove away from the Sullivans’ house, Lana asked, “Where are we going?”

“To dinner. It seems like too much of our time is spent dealing with my secrets or family problems. Tonight, I want to spend uninterrupted time with you, talking about anything except Krypton, meteor rocks, and Kawatche caves.”

“That sounds nice.”

Easing to a stop a few minutes later at the Olive Garden, Clark opened Lana’s door and they walked inside. After a fifteen minute wait for a table, they were shown to a table for two in a secluded alcove. Five minutes spent going over the menus and they were ready when the waiter returned with Lana’s iced tea and Clark’s raspberry lemonade.

Talking it over, they decided not to have an appetizer so that they might have room for dessert. Lana ordered her entrée first and asked for the Stuffed Chicken Marsala, along with the nearly obligatory salad and breadsticks. Clark, being more of a meat and potatoes kind of guy, ordered the Tuscan T-Bone and also had salad and breadsticks.

While waiting for their meals, they spent their time talking of how Lana’s research paper in Economics was going, how Clark wished his dad could replace the old baler that broke down seemingly weekly, and about many other little parts of daily life that they never seemed to have enough time for…they were getting to share their lives with each other, exactly what Clark had hoped would happen.

During their conversation, the salad and breadsticks were brought out and each helped themselves. Then, steaming plates were brought out with the entrées. Lana’s plate had an oven-roasted chicken breast which was stuffed with Italian cheeses and sun-dried tomatoes and topped with mushrooms and a creamy marsala sauce. Served along side were garlic parmesan mashed potatoes. Clark’s plate had a medium-rare eighteen ounce choice T-bone brushed with Italian herbs. His side dish was Tuscan potatoes and bell peppers.

Having worked their way through their meals, Clark and Lana were close enough to full that they passed on the dessert. After paying the bill and leaving a good tip, Clark and Lana headed for the Smallville 8 Cineplex. They were just about to get out of the truck when Clark saw Pete and Chloe in line for tickets. The two of them appeared to be having a really good time judging from the smiles on their faces and their body language. Not wanting to risk the chance that Pete and Chloe might feel uncomfortable with their friends right behind them, Clark decided on a change of plan that would give his friends plenty of space.

Borrowing Lana’s cell phone, Clark called his folks and cleared the living room for his use, as his folks got a sudden urge to go to the movies themselves. Lana hadn’t seen Pete and Chloe, so she didn’t know why Clark wanted to go to his house until he explained.

“Don’t worry,” he said as he finished his explanation, “I’ve got a movie that I’ve been wanting to watch with you anyway.”

“What movie is that?”

“Wait and see.”

--------------------

Fifteen minutes later, Clark was microwaving popcorn and pouring glasses of iced tea. When the popcorn was ready, Clark poured it into a large bowl and brought the refreshments to the couch. Then the lights were turned off and Clark and Lana began to cuddle. When Clark pressed play on the DVD player, the movie “The Princess Bride” came on the screen.

Lana’s statement that she’d never seen this movie before was met with incredulity from Clark. But by the end, Lana was asking to borrow the DVD so she could watch it again as it was now one of her favorite movies.

Clark’s answer: “As you wish!”

Thanks, MOO. You would manage to buffer the Princess Bride update! :lol: