Bless the Broken Road

[superman_lives_on]

Hmm... I wonder how the Superman uniform--I think of it as a uniform, not a costume--would come into existence in this universe. Interesting thought, no?

Looking forward to the update whenever it comes.

[NYC300Z]

ok cool I'll be looking forward to it tonight!

[Cardinal]

Originally posted by superman_lives_on
Hmm... I wonder how the Superman uniform--I think of it as a uniform, not a costume--would come into existence in this universe.

I started them on the road to the costume in the last update. Clark's flying appearance made a big impression on Lana and she will keep that image in her memory for a long time.

[Nemu]

are we still on track for an update sometime between tonight and tomorrow morning? I sure hope so cause your story (well all of them actually) is excellent!

PPMS :D

[Cardinal]

Yes we are.

[SVsleuth]

:) Buffer? :)

[NYC300Z]

ok cool is there a time frame for me to come back and check?

[happycamper]

Cardinal - An unhappy fan can only ask, "WELL?" ;)

Still looking forward to the update (and an end to the torture - its just mean to post messages when you've promised something better) . . .

[Cardinal]

Chapter 39 - Election

When Clark showed up the next morning for the team breakfast that preceded that afternoon’s game, the other team captains had heard about his selection as a king candidate and had arranged for a surprise.

They had called everyone on the team, except for Clark, and told them to assemble at the practice facility 15 minutes earlier than usual for the walk over to breakfast. Even Jabari White was on time, and had been for the last month, after becoming the target of Clark’s wake up calls.

Mike Johnson, a senior and the team’s starting middle linebacker, addressed the team, saying, “I’m glad you all could make it a few minutes early today. The lovely, and talented, Clark Kent should be here any moment, so let’s go over this one more time. When he comes into view, everyone bows to him, putting your faces as close to the ground as you can. I realize some of you linemen may have a problem with that, but just do your best.

“Eddie? Give me the tiara and scepter.”

A few minutes later, Clark strolled around the corner and was surprised to see the rest of the team waiting for him. He panicked and checked his watch, thinking maybe he was horribly late or something, but no, he was right on time.

That was all Clark had time for before the entire team bowed to him. They did not just bow from the waist, they knelt and bent forward, prostrating themselves before him. Clark just stood there until Mike walked up, handed him the toy scepter they had bought at Toys-R-Us the night before, and placed the matching tiara on his head.

Mike turned back to the team and said, “All hail Queen Clark!”

The team responded by saying, “Hail Queen Clark!” Then everyone rose to their feet and gathered around Clark to deliver a more traditional razzing. Clark accepted the sharp-edged teasing with good grace, but he silently promised to point this out to Lana as one more reason why this whole king business was a mistake.

The team required Clark to wear the tiara and carry the scepter all the way to breakfast, during breakfast, and on the team bus to the Dome for pregame warm-ups. All that time, players were holding doors for him, holding his chair for him, and carrying his tray of food. Clark was not allowed to do anything for himself.

The game itself was something of an anti-climax. They played the Missouri Tigers in a Big 14 North Division matchup, and jumped out to an early lead on their way to a 38-7 victory. The win pushed Met U’s record to five wins and no losses, and set them up for next week’s game against the KU Jayhawks. Being an instate rival as well as a conference opponent, the KU game was a little bit special, and this time, it was also the homecoming game.

As Clark headed out the door of the stadium locker room to meet up with Lana and his family, one lone voice called out, “Hey Kent, don’t forget your tiara and scepter! We wouldn’t want anyone to forget you’re our very own ‘Queen Clark,’ now would we?”

Clark rolled his eyes and headed back to his locker, picking up the tiara and placing it on his head. He then clasped his glittery plastic scepter in his left hand and marched, as regally as he could manage, toward the exit, all the while being hounded by catcalls from the teammates that were still in the room. His dignity in tatters, Clark made his way out of the underground garage to where everyone waited.

The four of them were huddled together for warmth on this blustery fall afternoon and were busy dissecting the highlights of the game. Jonathan and Kathy were both impressed with the way Lana more than held her own discussing the finer points of football strategy. Martha had quit paying attention when the discussion got technical, and so, was the first of their group to notice Clark as he left the stadium garage.

Her mouth dropped open in shock and she punched Jonathan in the arm to distract him from the intense discussion currently underway. When he looked up, all Martha could do was point in her son’s general direction. Jonathan’s muttered, “Oh my God,” got everyone else to look up, too.

Kathy immediately broke out laughing, her eyes dancing in the late afternoon sunlight, but Clark’s eyes were fixed on Lana. She was fighting to keep from laughing at him, and thought she had succeeded until Clark started twirling the scepter like a drum major’s baton. That did it, everyone was laughing now, including Clark.

Gesturing at his special accessories, Lana asked, “What happened? A commando raid on your apartment by the guys from ‘Queer Eye for the Straight Guy’ or something?”

“Nothing so exciting as that, Sweetheart. The team learned about my king candidacy and decided it wasn’t a very macho thing for the starting quarterback to be involved with. If I was the place kicker, they would have understood, but being that it was me, they thought our collective image had been tarnished.” Clark pulled the tiara off and said, “So…they got me this ‘high quality, 100% plastic’ tiara to let me know just how displeased they were.”

Looking down at the offending item, Clark added, “Actually, I think they thought the idea of me running for Homecoming King was hilarious. I hate to think of what they might do if I actually win.”

“Oh you poor baby,” Lana said. “The things you have to put up with for me. How will I ever be able to make it up to you?”

Clark stepped right in front of Lana and said, “Well…I can think of a way.” He leaned in close and said, “It goes something like this.”

Lana’s face rose of its own accord to help her lips meet his.

*kkiiissssssss*

“Feel better now?” Lana asked.

“A little bit,” Clark replied, “but I may need a little more making up.”

*kkiiissssssss*

“You mean making out,” Kathy said. “You guys are almost as bad as Mom and Dad.” Kathy pretended to be grossed out, but she never took her eyes off of the young couple during either of their brief kisses.

Clark put an arm around Lana. He quickly glanced at Kathy and said, “Yeah well, I’m not the one that got grounded for a week, Makeout Machine.”

“Makeout Machine?” Kathy’s hands formed little fists and were perched on her hips as she asked, “Where do you get that from? I kissed one boy, one time!”

“My first kiss wasn’t until I was sixteen, Kathy. You’ll have to go without for four whole years before I catch up with you.”

“More than four years, Clark, my twelfth birthday isn’t for another two weeks.

“Sounds like a good idea to me,” Jonathan said.

“Me too,” Martha said, seconding Jonathan’s idea.

Feeling hemmed in by her family members, Kathy shot a pleading look in Lana’s direction and said, “Help?”

Lana waved Kathy off while saying, “Don’t look at me. My first kiss was when I was a freshman in high school…besides this is a family matter.”

Clark placed the tiara on Lana’s head and handed her the scepter.

“What’s this for?” she asked as she looked down at the scepter.

“Because you are my queen,” Clark said. “Besides, it looks better if you’re the one with the sparkly stuff. I look like an extra on Will & Grace when I’m holding that.”

“Okay, Clark. Let’s go eat.”

The five of them went out to eat at a local steakhouse and Clark went through the food bar like Sherman went through Georgia, slowly and methodically, leaving a wide swath of destruction in his wake.

After going their separate ways, Clark and Lana spent the evening together, watching old movies, drinking sodas, and munching on popcorn.

The rest of the week went by like normal: Sunday at the Kents’ for the Sharks game and then school. Classes, football practice for Clark, homework, and time together took up most of their waking hours.

While Clark was ‘running’ for Homecoming King, there was no actual campaigning involved. The members of The Metropolitan’s staff made an endless number of posters and handed out leaflets all week long.

On Thursday, the night before the election, Lana got a kick out of distressing Clark by completely covering his bedroom door with 8½”-by-11” leaflets.

“These leaflets make me sound like a combination of Stephen Hawking and Michael Jordan,” Clark said, as he began removing the papers one by one. “I’m surprised Chloe hasn’t nominated me for the Nobel Peace Prize yet.”

Lana handed him a sample of the propaganda that had been handed out on behalf of the other candidates. “Judging from these,” she said, “your competition has already won several Nobel awards.” When Clark did not smile, Lana said, “Ease up, Clark. Everyone is mentioning everything good their candidate has ever done, and the bad stuff is being conveniently forgotten…it’s too bad Chloe’s not allowed to use the newspaper in a partisan way, otherwise you might get a front page, full-color endorsement in Friday’s edition.”

Having removed the offending leaflets, Clark opened his door and walked inside to dump the pile of paper in his wastebasket. Straightening up, he turned back to Lana and said, “That’s just what I need,” Clark said, “more attention. As is, I can’t go anywhere around campus without causing a stir. It gets on my nerves sometimes. I mean, I like meeting new people, and I consider myself to be a nice guy, but sometimes I’d like to have the luxury of anonymity.” Clark paced slowly about his room, before looking back to Lana, who was still standing in the hallway, and said, “To just be, without having to live up to the expectations of others.”

“Clark, you’re meant to be so much more than just another face in the crowd. Whether it’s football or something else, I believe you will always stand out.”

“Thanks, Lana.”

“That reminds me, there’s something I’ve been meaning to ask you.”

“Okay, shoot.”

[superman_lives_on]

Those football guys are such idiots. :rolleyes: Lana looks a heck of a lot better with a tiara and scepter!

And Kathy makes a return appearance--great! She has a bit of snark, too...

I wonder what Lana wants to ask Clark? And when will he work up the nerve to tell her about Krypton and the meteor shower? And when in Superman's name are we going to meet Jor-El?

PPMS!

[deanyouk]

YAY!! finally an update, and a great one at that ppms!

[SVsleuth]

3rd - Fun update, Card. Poor Clark - such humiliation he has to suffer. At least he got a couple of kisses from Lana out of it. PPMS! Need to know what Lana wanted to ask Clark.

[akuma]

Hmm wht does Clark need to talk to Lana about??? I was laughin so much with ur description of Clark walkin into the stadium with whole team bowing to him:P:P PPMS

[linn]

now we got a update....ppms!!

[maru11]

update soon!!!!!!!!!!!!

[KCook]

Thanks for the killer update man. Love your sense of humor. Gotta love the good old fashioned fun ahd by the football team. Eagerly awaiting the next update!

[NYC300Z]

Yeah when I played football in Highschool the Quaterback was always at least nominated for Home Coming King and usually a few other players as well and we never gave them any grief only the coach did because he couldn't be there for the pre-pre game practice. Oh I got that Sherman joke! That's going way back! I don't think Atlanta ever fully recovered~! :lol: oh wow I kind of got off topic of Clana....well Keep up the great Clana ok?;)

PPMS!

[happycamper]

Clark Kent, Homecoming . . . King? :D

Great story, I really enjoy the way you can write all that Clana happiness!!! ;)

[super12]

this keeps getting better and better.

PPMS!

[ajfinn]

Hmmmmmm ....... yep, that's a cliffy. Naughty writer, making your fans wait for Clark's question.

Bring it on, dude :D

[MOOman0618]

No fair!! I want a tiara and scepter!...umm...I mean...Poor Clark!!

Great update!! Will he win homecoming king?!?! Who will be queen!? And what is he going to tell Lana?!

Post more soon!!

[sandy]

Man, when you think of Clark wearing all those queen accessories, you can't help but laughing out loud!:lol: Thanks for that fun update! PPMS!

[binkys711]

hehe, that one was funny! "Queen Clark" :rotfl: great teammates he has :p and poor Kathy with the whole make-out thing :p What is Clark asking Lana?

PPMS!!!

P.S:Happy ST. Patricks day!

[superman_lives_on]

LANA is asking CLARK something, sillyheads... C'mon, you guys can read better than that!

[Cardinal]

Chapter 40 - Great Responsibility

“Can I come in?” Lana asked. “This is about stuff that needs to stay secret, if you know what I mean.”

“Well, umm…yeah, you can, if you really need to, but I’m not sure if that’s a good idea…not right now anyway.” If Lana enters my bedroom and closes the door, I may lose my good conduct medal. Clark was looking at anything but Lana at this point and his face was becoming more and more red with every word he said. “If privacy’s all you need, I can find some place for us to talk.”

“What do you mean not a good…?” Lana’s voice trailed off as she realized she had just asked Clark to be alone with him in his bedroom. “Oh, yeah, you go ahead and find some place.” Stupid, stupid, stupid! Lana thought. He must think I was wanting to jump his bones or something…not that I don’t, I’m just…not…quite…ready for that yet.

Clark led Lana downstairs and out the front door, telling Pete that he would be gone for a little while. Pete responded with a grunt and an absentminded wave as Clark and Lana headed out the door. Clark led her to some deep shadows at the side of his building and asked, “Want to fly? It’ll just be a short trip.”

“Sure, I’d love to,” Lana replied.

As Clark reached to gather Lana in his arms, his thoughts from his bedroom got in the way and he became very self-conscious about where he was going to be putting his hands.

“What are you waiting for, Clark?”

“Ohhhhhh…nothing.” How to explain that no matter where I hold her, my thoughts will be that I’m holding the woman I love in my arms? “I was just thinking about…something.”

Lana stepped closer and said quietly, “I’m sorry for embarrassing you upstairs, Clark. I know we haven’t talked about sex yet, but you need to know that I’m not quite ready for that yet…and from your reaction, neither are you.”

For some reason, hearing that Lana was not ready either, was just what Clark needed, so he scooped her up and shot into the air. Once he reached a safe altitude, he circled the campus until he found a suitable rooftop. They alighted on top of the library tower which was part of the Luthor Library complex. The tower was the tallest building on campus and thus, no one could see them up there. The closest buildings that were taller were downtown, a couple of miles away.

“Will this do?” Clark asked.

Lana looked around as Clark set her down, and said, “This will do just fine.”

Lana paced for a few moments, with a frown on her face as she gathered her thoughts…and her courage. Now that the moment was here, this was proving more difficult than she had thought.

Clark waited patiently, wondering what she could have to talk about.

Finally, Lana stopped, faced Clark, and asked, “Why do you play football, Clark?”

Lana’s question was so surprising that Clark almost did a double take. I was expecting something momentous, Clark thought, not this. “It’s my favorite sport. My dad was an all-star football player in high school at Smallville High and I always wanted to compare myself to him, heck, I always wanted to be him. Plus, it’s something I’m good at without using my powers. When I’m out there on the field, I feel like I’m just one of the guys.” Really curious now, Clark asked, “Why do you ask?”

“It’s just that, you have incredible abilities, and you could do so much good if you chose to. The talents that make you a great football quarterback aren’t unique. There are a number of players that could step in as the Met U starting quarterback and play almost as well as you…but no one can do the ‘special’ things that you can do, Clark.

“When you’re done playing football, your legacy will be a few lines in a record book and some dusty trophies locked away in a glass case, but if you decided to use your abilities instead of hiding them, your legacy would be lives saved and injuries averted…and the families of those you saved would be saved, too. Saved from anger and depression, saved from financial hardship, saved from a life spent looking back instead of one spent moving ahead.

“You could have an impact on this city like no one else has ever had!” Then, softer, almost afraid to make this comparison, she added, “You could be a superhero, just like Spiderman, only better.”

Clark was flummoxed. He had never considered using his powers in such a manner. His focus, aided by the worries of this parents, had always been inward, trying to keep anyone from learning what he could do. What Lana was proposing was a radical shift in focus, from inward to outward. From hiding to placing himself in the spotlight…and that was the problem. He was too well-known to go around using his powers in public, he would be recognized in a second.

“Lana,” Clark said, “I can’t do that. Someone would recognize me and I’d never have a moment’s peace as people tried to take advantage of me…heck, everyone would believe I used my powers on the football field and I would get banned from doing what I love.” Clark turned away from Lana and said, “I’m sorry, Lana, I can’t be what you want me to be.”

Lana stepped up behind him and began rubbing her hands over Clark’s muscular back, eventually concentrating on his shoulders.

When she felt him relax, she said, “Clark, you can always come up with a costume like Spiderman. Peter Parker wears a mask, why can’t you? Or what about that Batguy in Gotham City that you and Chloe are always blabbering about? What does he wear?”

Putting aside the question of how Lana knew enough about Spiderman to know who Peter Parker is, Clark considered her question. Why can’t I? Am I just afraid? Am I looking for convenient excuses?

While Clark sorted his thoughts and feelings, Lana upped the ante, saying, “Remember what Peter’s Uncle Ben always said, ‘With great power, comes great responsibility.’ You might want to think about that.”

Clark shot Lana a look over his shoulder and said, “Now you sound like my dad. Though he’s usually going on about me not misusing my powers. You’ve given me a lot to think about, Lana.”

“Good,” she said, “that's all I wanted to do, Clark, get you thinking about it.” Still standing behind him, Lana reached around his midsection and squeezed him tight, burying the side of her face between his shoulder blades. “Just so you’ll know,” she said, “I’ll be here for you, whatever you decide.”

[SVsleuth]

1st!

Stupid, stupid, stupid! Lana thought. He must think I was wanting to jump his bones or something…not that I don’t, I’m just…not…quite…ready for that yet.
LOL! :lol: That was funny!

As Clark reached to gather Lana in his arms, his thoughts from his bedroom got in the way and he became very self-conscious about where he was going to be putting his hands.

Just like the Clark we know & love - never knows where to put his hands... ;)

“You could have an impact on this city like no one else has ever had!” Then, softer, almost afraid to make this comparison, she added, “You could be a superhero, just like Spiderman, only better.”

Clark was flummoxed. He had never considered using his powers in such a manner. His focus, aided by the worries of this parents, had always been inward, trying to keep anyone from learning what he could do. What Lana was proposing was a radical shift in focus, from inward to outward. From hiding to placing himself in the spotlight…and that was the problem. He was too well-known to go around using his powers in public, he would be recognized in a second.

...Clark turned away from Lana and said, “I’m sorry, Lana, I can’t be what you want me to be.”

...Clark considered her question. Why can’t I? Am I just afraid? Am I looking for convenient excuses?

These were my favorite sections - the idea that using his ablilities to be a hero had never crossed his mind. The idea that he could be like Spiderman - his own comic book hero. and that he is somewhat frightened by the idea - maybe even terrified - certainly it's out of his comfort zone.

“Just so you’ll know,” she said, “I’ll be here for you, whatever you decide.”
Aw... Lana will support him always. So sweet. :)

PPMS!

[happycamper]

2nd!

Ah, the push for heroics comes from a familiar face. I'm glad it's Lana that sees how much better he could be if her turns away from merely being a football star. :D

Can't wait to see where you're going to take them - and us!!

[super12]

3rd and great post. so is going to start being Superman in College?

PPMS!

[Cardinal]

Thanks to SVsleuth for helping me figure out the way to end the update. ;)

[SVsleuth]

You're welcome. ;)

[akuma]

Excellent job Card, no juicy Clana this time, but it was a great progession in why Clark decides to be Superman:D cant wait for more!

[sandy]

That'll be awesome if the reason he becomes Superman is Lana. She gave some great advice.

PPMS!:)

[deanyouk]

Great update...ppms

[superman_lives_on]

Excellent! Now, how long before she knows of his origin, I wonder? But even without knowing it, she's set him on the path to becoming Superman.

PPMS! :D

[basketballstar23]

that was a great update cardinal!!! the clana is so sweet:D

[NYC300Z]

What will Clark decide? Will Clark listen to Lana? Superman with a mask? I guess we'll just have to wait and see!;)

PPMS!

[maru11]

update soon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[SpeedyKate91]

good updates. PPMS!!!

[MOOman0618]

Oooo.....Lana pushing for the big Supes!! Great stuff having Lana be the one that plants the seed in his head. But a mask?? Superman can't wear a mask...what is he going to do about that. And how exactly does Lana know so much about Spiderman?? POST MORE SOON!!! :)

[treker]

NEED MORE CLANA.....PPMS PPMS

[binkys711]

woot woot! Go Lana! pushing Clark to become the man (or SUPERman :p) she knows he could be:) and while he saves people's lives she supports her man 100% :D Go clana!

PPMS!!!

[Cardinal]

I'm writing the Election Day update right now and hope to have it posted late tonight.

[KCook]

Hoo-rah!

[NYC300Z]

Good stuff! How late tonight?

[ajfinn]

Update? *looks around, pouts*

Looking forward to it!

[happycamper]

Tonight's post?

:(


I give up. I'm off - sadly - to bed. :(

:(


"Mutter, mutter . . . 100th post - for nothing . . . mutter."

[SVsleuth]

Congrats on your 100th post, happycamper!! :) I think Card must have accidentally fallen asleep....

Update coming this morning, Card?? :confused:

[Cardinal]

Chapter 41 - Election Day

Eyes gummy with sleep, Clark rolled over and shut off his alarm clock before levering himself out of bed.

Friday morning. At least this election business will be over today one way or another, he thought as he lumbered toward the shower.

Minutes later, visibly refreshed, Clark strode out of the bathroom and began picking through his clothes for something suitable to wear. Clark remembered Chloe’s plea to ‘wear something nice on election day,’ so he settled on a blue oxford, tan chinos, and brown loafers. After he rolled up the sleeves of his shirt, he slung his backpack over his shoulder and headed to over to meet Lana and Chloe at The Metropolitan’s offices so they could go to the student union and vote together before his first class of the day.

Clark was not going to tell the girls this, but he had spent a few minutes the night before trying to figure out who was his strongest competition. Knowing that voter turnout was habitually low for campus elections, Clark wanted to cast his vote for the guy with the best chance to beat him.

The girls were waiting for him inside Chloe’s office, where she was checking her e-mails.

“Hiya, Ladies,” Clark said as he moved to Lana’s side to collect a good morning kiss.

*kiss*

Chloe rolled her eyes and said, “Do you two have to start that this early?”

Lana looked back at Chloe and said, “Yes, we do. What’s the matter? Are you feeling a little left out?”

Clark followed Lana’s lead and stuck his head out the door into the newsroom. When he spotted his editor, he said, “Hey, Jonesy, could you join us in here for a minute? Chloe needs you for something.”

Chloe heard Clark and she said, “Oh no you didn’t!”

Jonesy stuck his head in the door and asked, “You need me for something, Boss?”

As Chloe started to deny having any need of his presence, Clark said, “Pay no attention to her, Jonesy. What happened is that Lana and I were sharing a good-morning kiss and Chloe was feeling left out, so we thought you might be able to help her out…you know, even the score.”

Jonesy looked at Chloe like she had grown horns and said, “If the makeout session we had last night in this very room after finishing today’s edition wasn’t enough for you, Chlo, just say the word.”

By now, Chloe was frantically waving Jonesy out of the room as she said, “No, no, Mike, that won’t be necessary.”

Backing slowly out of the room, Jonesy winked at Lana and Clark, as he blew a kiss at Chloe and said, “Whatever you say, Dear.”

Lana and Clark were both trying to stifle a powerful urge to laugh as they turned back to look at Chloe. She was slumped down low at her desk and was attempting to hide her face behind her 19” LCD computer monitor. It did not work, however, and both Lana and Clark could see her glowing red face.

Clark and Lana made small talk to give Chloe time to recover before they headed out to vote. On their way out of the newsroom, Jonesy picked up his books and got up to join them. When he took Chloe’s hand in the hallway, she swatted him several times with her free hand, all the while never letting go of him with her other hand.

“How could you tell them about that, Mike?” Chloe asked.

“Well…that’s fairly easy for me these days,” Jonesy replied. “It involves air from my lungs moving over my vocal chords while my lips and tongue shape the sounds that make up words. You should have learned that in high school biology, Chlo.”

That smartass response earned Jonesy another swat on his shoulder, but it also made Chloe smile. Looking at Clark and Lana, who had obviously been enjoying the give-and-take between their friends, Chloe decided it was time to even things up a bit, so she asked, “What about you two? Any hot and heavy makeout sessions yet?”

Clark and Lana looked at each other and then down at the floor, both surprised by the sudden question.

“Oh my God!” Chloe said, “Really? When? Where?” Chloe let go of Jonesy’s hand and ran around in front of Clark and Lana, bringing them to a halt, and said, “I thought it would take you two forever to work up to something like that, since deep inside, you’re both so shy!”

When no information was forthcoming, Chloe renewed her questions and Clark replied, “You really aren’t going to let this go, are you?”

“No, why should I? Mike told you all about what we did.”

“Yeah,” Lana said, “and now I’m really glad I didn’t sit down on the couch in your office, Chloe.”

Chloe’s eyebrows climbed toward the sky, and she said, “All we did was makeout, it’s not like we performed any horizontal gymnastics.” Turning back to Clark, she said, “ So. Fess up. When and where.”

Clark and Lana shared a look and Lana reluctantly nodded her assent before Clark said, “On Sunday, a few weeks ago. We had been watching a football game at my parents’ house. Afterward, I showed her the ‘Fortress of Solitude’ and we made out on the couch…happy now?”

“In the Fortress of Solitude?” Chloe snickered and said, “It’s more like the ‘Fortress of Pulchritude’ now!”

The other three gave each other confused looks until Chloe relented and said, “Pulchritude basically means ‘physical beauty.’”

Clark and Lana reflexively looked at each other and smiled. Lana finally said, “I think I can agree with that.”

“Me too,” Clark added.

After voting, the rest of the day went like a normal Friday. Clark finished his classes and headed over to the practice facility for the Friday walk-through that the coaching staff always held the day before a game. By the time practice was over and Clark had changed back into his street clothes, Lana was waiting for him outside. They were just walking away from the building when the door behind them was flung open by Coach Fordman, who said loudly, “Hey, Clark, you forgot your updated copy of the game plan. It doesn’t do us much good if you don’t study it.”

Clark turned back and said, “Thanks, Coach Fordman,” as he took the three-ring binder from Whitney.

Clark had forgotten all about the old connection between Lana and Whitney, but neither one of them had. When Clark headed back to where Lana was standing, he saw she was blushing and having a hard time looking up. A quick look back at Whitney allowed Clark to see Whitney staring tight-lipped at Lana.

Just as Clark remembered they were exes, Whitney broke the tension by saying, “Hi, Lana. It’s good to see you.”

Lana finally looked up, gave a slight wave, and said, “Hi, Whitney. Long time, no see.”

“Yeah, I haven’t seen you since your high school graduation…you look better than ever.”

Not sure how to take a compliment from her old boyfriend right in front of her new one, she said, “Umm, thanks…you’re looking pretty good yourself.”

After another awkward pause, Whitney said, “I’ve got to get back inside, we’re going to have a coaches’ meeting…it was nice to see you again, Lana.”

“Same here, Whitney.”

“Take care of Clark…he’s awfully important to us.”

Lana latched onto one of Clark’s arms and said, “He’s becoming important to me, too.”

“See ya’.”

“Bye.”

Lana was pensive as they walked toward the dining hall in the student union. After they had collected their trays of food and sat down, Clark asked Lana if she was okay, and she finally found her voice.

“Yeah, I’m okay,” Lana said, “It’s just so weird seeing Whitney again, and to see him for the first time with you…do you know he was my first-ever boyfriend?”

“Chloe told me.”

“Why would Chloe bring that up?”

“She didn’t,” Clark said, “I did.”

Lana paused for a second to digest this bit of information, and then asked, “Umm…how did you know enough to bring up the subject of Whitney and me?”

“After you ‘pushed’ me down the library stairs, Whitney learned we knew each other. He warned me that you were a heartbreaker and that I should be careful.”

“Really? Just because he and I didn’t work out is no reason to go around saying I’m a heartbreaker,” Lana huffed. “It’s not like there’s this long line of men out there that have had their hearts ripped out by me. I mean, you’re only the second ‘official’ boyfriend I’ve ever had.”

Lana looked down at her tray, took a deep breath and continued, saying, “That’s what made today so surreal. My first boyfriend and my current boyfriend are standing together…and I find out they work together everyday. Talk about a personal nightmare!”

Clark reached across the table and clasped one of her hands, and said, “Whatever happened between you and Whitney is in the past. I’m focused on the future…yours, mine, and ours.”

Lana looked up and smiled at him and said, “Thanks, Clark, that’s really nice to hear.”

[ajfinn]

:) 1!! *I feel SO cool*

Great chapter. Poor Whitney, having to be reminded of the girl he'll never have.

I laughed so hard when I read that Clark was going to vote for the guy most likely to beat him!! SO Clark Kent :)

[SVsleuth]

2nd - you beat me, aj!

That was great , Card. The tension Lana must have felt about Whitney - and how sweet Clark is with her.

And the beginning was SO funny -with Chloe & Jonesy the make-out session... LOL - & Clark & Lana forced to fess up too.

and the election - Clark doesn't WANT to win - LOL - wants to vote for his best competitor - LOL!

Thanks for the update, Card. :) PPMS!

[akuma]

3rd!!

Wow that was an amazing update Card! Clark of course being his usual self, voting for the competition in the election:p

[treker]

(quote)Chloe’s eyebrows climbed toward the sky, and she said, “All we did was makeout, it’s not like we performed any horizontal gymnastics.” Turning back to Clark, she said, “ So. Fess up. When and where.”

Clark and Lana shared a look and Lana reluctantly nodded her assent before Clark said, “On Sunday, a few weeks ago. We had been watching a football game at my parents’ house. Afterward, I showed her the ‘Fortress of Solitude’ and we made out on the couch…happy now?”

“In the Fortress of Solitude?” Chloe snickered and said, “It’s more like the ‘Fortress of Pulchritude’ now!”

The other three gave each other confused looks until Chloe relented and said, “Pulchritude basically means ‘physical beauty.’”

Clark and Lana reflexively looked at each other and smiled. Lana finally said, “I think I can agree with that.”

“Me too,” Clark added.
(quote)


I think we need more hot and heavy make out scene's....maybe leading to the bedroom??? <evil grin>

[binkys711]

I had already stepped in here before and there was no update but thanxz to SVsleuth's notice I got to read this update! :)

great update Card! hehe the Chloe/Jonesy Clarl/Lana interaction was funny! :lol: Way to go our Clark voting for his top competitor :rolleyes: Awkward between Whitney/Lana/Clark but eh Clark and Lana can handle it ;):D:D

PPMS!!!

[NYC300Z]

lol yeah this update was full of akward moments wasn't it? Still made it fun to read even though I had a funny sensation in my chest the whole time~!;)

PPMS!

[sandy]

I don't know why, but I can't stop giggling everytime I read the word Jonesy! It's such a cute name! Very interesting update. PPMS!

[deanyouk]

Oooo

So, is whitney gonna go for it, try and get Lana back?

great story...

ppms

[superman_lives_on]

Originally posted by deanyouk
So, is whitney gonna go for it, try and get Lana back?

I doubt he's that stupid.

Great work still, Card! Looking forward to the final revelations! PPMS!

[linn]

that was great Chloe and her making out Mike or Jonessly has been caught.....PPMS!

[maru11]

great update!!!!!!!!!!!
update soon!!!!!!!!!

[treker]

Originally posted by superman_lives_on
I doubt he's that stupid.

Great work still, Card! Looking forward to the final revelations! PPMS!

He bet he try's to break lana and clark up....he is very bitter.

[KCook]

Way to go man! Awesome update!

[treker]

PPMS

[MOOman0618]

MOO's delayed reaction - sorry it took me so long to reply!

Great update as always! I had to refer to a dictionary to look up Pulchritude only to find that you defined it in the next sentence! Oh well.

Poor Whitney, I wonder if there are any stories out there where he doesn't get the shaft.

Clark voting for the other guy!! So perfect!! :lol:

POST MORE SOON!!

[SpeedyKate91]

great update
PPMS!!!

[NYC300Z]

PPMS!

[super12]

great post. Its ok to that whitney gets the shaft cause i dont really like him.

PPMASAP!

[Cardinal]

Update here sometime this afternoon/early this evening.

[t-bone]

ppms!!!!

[NYC300Z]

Hey Card what time this afternoon? Hopefully by 4pm? Please?

[Cardinal]

Sorry, Folks. I was intending to post this chapter this afternoon, but have just realized that what I have written is crap. I'll need to rewrite it. Hopefully, I can post tonight.

[deanyouk]

Come on, surely it wasnt that bad.

[Cardinal]

Chapter 42 - Apology

A first-half blow out of an unusually weak team from the University of Kansas let the Met U coaching staff allow Clark to stay on the field at halftime long enough to participate in the crowning of the Homecoming King and Queen. When the teams headed for the locker rooms, Clark rushed across the field, after handing his helmet to an equipment manager, to line up with the other candidates. By the time he got there everyone had been paired up except for him and Elaine.

Oh great! Clark thought. Lana will love seeing me march out onto the field with Elaine. Clark dipped his head, closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and by the time his head came back up, the famous Kent grin was plastered from ear to ear, hiding the irritation he was feeling inside…or so he thought.

“Hi, Clark,” Elaine said, adding a wave and a cheery grin. “I know the last time we were side by side like this I was doing a lot of crying, but is it that bad to see me?”

“What do you mean, Elaine?” Clark asked as they made their way to their assigned spot on the far sideline at the 30-yard marker.

“Clark. I know you. That smile is too bright and too wide. It’s the same smile you used to use at the tri-Alpha house when Candy and some of the other girls would come over and start hitting on you.” Clasping his arm before the ceremony got underway, Elaine finished by saying, “That smile is as fake as the blonde highlights in my hair. What’s bothering you?”

The candidates were being introduced as couples, starting on the other end of the line and ending with Clark and Elaine. While they waited for the announcer to make his way through the list to them, Clark said, “The truth?”

“Of course ‘the truth,’” Elaine said. “I spent months listening to you work out your feelings about Lori, and this can’t be nearly as bad as that, now can it?”

“No, I guess you’re right.” Clark peered at her out of the corner of his eye as he tried to formulate what to say. “First, I’m worried that you might not be over the feelings you seemed to have for me at the beginning of the semester. This whole day could be really awkward if your feelings haven’t changed, because I have a girlfriend now…and you know how seriously I take that kind of relationship. Secondly, my girlfriend has been somewhat on edge recently because she was afraid you might try to steal me back from her.”

Elaine grimaced and said, “I thought it might be something like that.”

The announcer’s amplified voice now said, “Representing the Alpha Alpha Alpha sorority is junior Elaine Thompson and her escort, representing The Metropolitan, the student newspaper, is junior Clark Kent.

As they headed out onto the field arm in arm, Elaine said, “Smile, Clark. Pretend you’re waiting in line for a piece of your Mom’s chocolate cake.”

That made Clark bust out laughing and relax. Elaine smiled back at him and said, “Better, much better.”

All of the candidates stood there while photographers from University Photo Services, The Metropolitan, and The Daily Planet took an array of shots of all five couples. While they waited, Elaine said, “Let me set your mind at ease, Clark. I did have some strong feelings for you and I thought you returned them. I was wrong, and I’ve been avoiding you while I dealt with my emotions.” Elaine took a deep breath and said, “What you need to know is this: you’re one of my best friends and I hope you always will be, but I’m not coming after you any more. As for your girlfriend…”

Just then, the announcer’s voiced boomed throughout the domed stadium as he said, “Your 2007 Metropolis University Homecoming King and Queen are…Elaine Thompson and Clark Kent!”

Elaine wrapped her free arm around Clark and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek and a warm hug, as the other candidates came down to congratulate them. Last year’s king and queen also came down to place the crowns on their heads and to give Elaine a bouquet of roses.

All Clark could think of this whole time was, I hope Lana’s okay with this.

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

Up in the stands, Lana had been enjoying herself all during the first half. Clark had told her that he would be allowed to participate in the halftime ceremonies if his team was far enough ahead. With the score mounting steadily, Lana was sure she would get to see her man accept his election as Homecoming King. After all, she thought, who among the other candidates could hope to match Clark?

The first fly in her ointment was when she saw Clark head over to the far sideline where the other candidates had gathered. By the time he made it over there, the only girl left for him to be matched up with was Elaine. Lana unconsciously dug her nails into the armrests of her seat. In her mind, she was digging those claws into something else, into someone else.

Clark looked out of place in his sky blue and white football uniform since the other nine candidates were in suits and dresses. Come to think of it, Lana had never seen Clark in a suit and tie, but she imagined that he would look just as scrumptious dressed up as he does in everything else he wears.

As the couples were introduced and headed out onto the field, Clark and Elaine were the last to be introduced and Lana borrowed Jonathan’s binoculars to watch them closely. Lana could tell Clark was wound up pretty tightly and then Elaine said something which made Clark laugh and relaxed him completely. After that, Elaine continued to talk, and by his posture, Lana could tell that he was listening intently.

Then came the announcement and Lana’s thoughts were torn in two: she was really happy for Clark, but was annoyed that Elaine won also. That caused the Kents to see the unusual site of Lana scowling and clapping at the same time. Jonathan and Martha were wise enough to keep out of it, but Kathy stopped her ear-piercing whistling to ask, “What’s wrong Lana? You look like you just ate something nasty.”

Distracted, Lana answered Kathy truthfully before she realized what she was saying, “That woman with Clark used to want to date him, I‘m just a little bit worried that she still wants him.”

Martha and Jonathan each kept an ear on what was going on beside them, but made no sign they had heard anything. Kathy, on the other hand, was incensed. “Doesn‘t she know he has a girlfriend? He‘s taken. She can try, I guess, but it’s obvious to me that Clark really likes you.”

“Oh it is, is it?” asked an amused Lana.

“Yeah!” Kathy said. “Every time he looks at you, his whole face changes.” Kathy then nestled in close to Lana and said quietly, “Thank you for making my big brother happy!”

Lana leaned her face against Kathy’s, wrapped an arm around her, and said, “He makes me very happy, too.”

Returning her eyes to the field, the next thing Lana saw was Clark leaving the knot of well-wishers as he sprinted to rejoin his teammates for the remainder of halftime. As he ran from the 30-yard line on the opposite end of the field toward the locker room, he stopped on the 30-yard line on Lana’s end of the field and turned right toward his family’s seats to blow a kiss before continuing to the locker room. No one around them knew who the kiss was for, but Lana knew and that was all that mattered.

The queen and her court sat in special seats beyond the end zone nearest the home locker rooms. Minutes later, Clark and the rest of his Bulldog teammates took the field for warm-ups. The second half went much as the first, even though the backups played most of the minutes. In a complete annihilation, the Met U Bulldogs beat their cross-state rivals 56-10.

After the game, Clark had to hurry because the Homecoming Parade would be waiting for him before it would start. He raced through a shower and put on his best outfit, a black suit with a red tie. Over that would go a wool, knee-length coat. He didn’t need it, but it was cool outside and not wearing a coat would have looked strange.

Lana and the Kents were waiting outside the stadium, in their usual place, to congratulate Clark on both his performance and his new title.

Waiting nearby was the float that would carry the king and queen in the parade. Once Clark showed up and climbed on board, the float would take its spot at the end of the line and the parade could begin. The end of the parade route was only a couple of miles away and the Kents had already made arrangements to pick Clark up so Lana could go directly home from the game to begin getting ready for the dinner and dance.

While they were waiting, Elaine, wearing a full-length fur coat, approached the Kents and Lana from behind. She tapped Lana on the shoulder, making her jump. When Lana turned to see what Martha wanted, she was stunned to see her rival standing right in front of her.

“I know you don’t have any reason to like me, Lana,” Elaine said, “but could I talk to you for a minute? Privately?”

Not seeing any way to graciously avoid the conversation, Lana assented and followed Elaine a few feet away from the Kents. When Elaine stopped and turned, Lana folded her arms across her chest and waited.

Finally, Elaine locked eyes with Lana and said, “I’m sorry. The only way to apologize is to admit having been wrong, first to yourself and then to the one you wronged. I should never have come to your apartment and threatened you, that was a desperate act by a girl who was trying to save what she never had in the first place. I don’t expect you to like me, at least not right away, but I hope you can forgive me.”

Lana was so stunned that she could have been knocked over with a feather. An apology was the last thing she had expected to receive from Elaine; another threat, maybe, but to Lana’s well-trained ear, Elaine appeared to be nothing but serious about her apology. I don’t really want to accept her apology, Lana thought, but how can I not?

“I accept your apology, Elaine,” Lana said. The words were hard to get out, but Lana was too well-mannered to fail now. “I know Clark thinks the world of you and, who knows, maybe someday we can be friends, but…not right now.”

Elaine smiled at that, and said, “That’s all I could hope for right now. Thanks for listening to me.” As Elaine made her way to the float, she stopped halfway and said to Lana, “I’ve already told Clark I won’t be coming after him any more and I mean it. He’s a good friend of mine, but nothing more.”

Lana felt as if a weight had been lifted off her shoulders and now, she felt as if she could truly enjoy the dinner and dance tonight. When Clark came out of the stadium minutes later, all decked out in his finest, Lana howled and Kathy wolf-whistled. Clark proceeded to blush bright red and his parents started laughing. Lana ran up to Clark and said, “GQ, eat your heart out, Clark Kent has arrived.”

“Thanks, Lana,” Clark said, “I’m glad you like it. I’d hate to think I got dressed up for nothing.”

After a few minutes of good-natured chatter with his family and girlfriend, Clark decided he could not keep the parade float waiting any longer. He kissed Lana, hugged his family members, and headed to join Elaine on the float.

As he stepped up onto the float and sat in his seat, Lana hollered out, “Remember, my place, five o’clock sharp.”

Clark waved and said, “I wouldn’t miss it for the world. Just you be ready.”

As the float turned a corner and started to drive out of sight, Clark looked back and Lana blew him a kiss. He mimed catching it and held to his heart as he went out of view.

[SVsleuth]

1st! Great update, Card! I'm glad the air has been cleared between Lana and Elaine, & Elaine has accepted her place as Clark's good friend & nothing more.

The blowing kisses was a sweet touch. Can't wait to see Lana all dressed up for Clark, and his reaction to that. Can't wait for the dinner/dance. I hope they dance to some special songs....

PPMS!

[C.A.chick]

YAy! an update!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! great job!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! go CArd! PPMASAP!

[happycamper]

17th! ;)


Awww, everything seems to be going so well . . . so are you going to slip another monkeywrench into their budding relationship? Or, are we going to start getting the really, really happy CLANA now?


Looking forward to more :) :) :)

[NYC300Z]

The ending was very sweet! Now on to the dance right? I hope Lana takes it ok when Clark has to leave her to dance with Elaine. Although it should all be blown over by now who knows?

PPMS!

[deanyouk]

that was great :)

[maru11]

great update!!!!!!!!!!
update soon!!!!!!!!!!!

[superman_lives_on]

Fantastic! Now, I wonder what will happen next?

PPMS! :D

[SpeedyKate91]

grwat upfdate, can't wait for more.
PPMS!!!

[linn]

glad that Elaine and Lana worked out their diferences....PPMS!!

[Cardinal]

Chapter 43 - Let’s Dance

When the parade was over, Clark met up with his family in a bank parking lot near the end of the parade route. He climbed into the back of his dad’s king-cab pickup and scooted his sister to the side.

“Move over, Half-Pint,” Clark said, “I need some room.” Looking her over quickly, Clark asked, “Shouldn’t you be wearing a seat belt? Only one of us is damage-proof…and it’s not you.”

Sliding all the way over to the seat behind Jonathan, Kathy buckled herself in and said, “I was wearing it. I just unbuckled and slid over so I could see you get off the float.” Giving Clark the once-over, Kathy said, “Let me see that crown!”

Clark pulled the grotesquerie made of silver and Swarovski crystals off his head and handed it over to his sister as Jonathan pulled out of the lot and headed toward the Met U campus. When Kathy tried it on, the rim of the crown fell down over the sides of her head, only to be stopped by her ears and her eyebrow ridge.

Clark started laughing, which caused Martha to look back and see what was so funny. The sight of her daughter with Clark’s crown resting on her ears and eyebrows was too much and Martha started snickering. Jonathan joined in once he caught a glimpse of Kathy in the rear-view mirror.

For much of the short trip to campus, Kathy dominated the conversation. She kept attempting to slip in what she thought were innocuous questions about that girl Clark was with on the football field. Unfortunately for Kathy, she had a twelve-year-old’s idea of subtlety. By the time he stepped out of the truck in front of his townhouse, Clark had a strong idea that Lana was still a little bit worried about Elaine.

It was getting near five o’ clock, but Clark was ready to go, so he climbed into his truck, which had been washed and waxed the day before, and headed over to Lana’s.

Clark walked up to her door and knocked. When Lana opened the door, she was wearing a spaghetti-strapped bright red sheath dress that stopped just short of her knees. Clark stepped back to more fully take in the sight. Her hair was swept up in an elegant knot at the back of her head. Small diamond earrings, which had been a high school graduation gift from Dean and Nell, adorned her ears. Sheer stockings, black shoes with three-inch heels, and a matching clutch purse completed her ensemble.

The cumulative effect was staggering, and Clark told Lana so, saying, “Oh, Lana, you look stunningly gorgeous tonight. Even that’s not an adequate description, but it’s the best I can do…wow!”

Clark’s obvious sincerity made Lana smile wide enough for her dimples to show which only increased her beauty in his eyes. Clark would have stood there all night just watching Lana had she not stepped back inside to collect her coat. When she reappeared, Clark held her coat as she slipped her arms inside the sleeves, and then they walked arm in arm to his truck.

During the drive to the Metropolis Four Seasons Hotel, where the dinner and dance would be held, Lana said, “I had thought I might wear my favorite green necklace tonight…but then I thought I’d try to make you weak in the knees some other way. Judging by your reaction, it looks like I succeeded.”

“That would be an understatement…sort of like saying the Titanic had a small problem in the North Atlantic.”

When they pulled into a space in the parking garage attached to the hotel, Clark and Lana made their way inside to the hotel’s aptly named Grand Ballroom. Clark then realized he had left the crown out in the truck and he hurried back to get it while Lana checked in their coats.

The Grand Ballroom was just that. A large parquet dancing surface covered one end of the room and the other was filled with closely-spaced tables, capped with a head table across the front of the room. Clark hustled back into the room just as Lana was placing the coat-check tickets in her purse.

Lana got her first good look at Clark without his overcoat on and said, “I think Kathy was right. That outfit deserves a wolf whistle.”

“Thanks,” Clark replied. “I wasn’t going for ‘weak in the knees,’ I just didn’t want to embarrass you.”

“You’re far from being an embarrassment, Clark. Any woman would be proud to be seen on your arm. I’m just lucky that it’s me.”

Clark checked in with a member of the alumni association, which was running the homecoming festivities, and found that he and Lana were seated at the head table. Clark was seated in the middle with a space for Elaine, as the queen, on his right and a spot for his date, Lana, on his left. Clark just shook his head as he was now going to literally be right between these two feuding women.

Lana caught that look and surmised what caused it. She said, “Clark, don’t worry about Elaine and me, while we were waiting for you to come outside after the game, she came up and apologized to me. I’ll admit I’m not her biggest fan right now, but I think she and I will be okay in time.”

Clark smiled, relieved to have one burden taken off his mind. “I’m glad to hear that, Lana. You two are a lot alike and I think, if you give her a chance, you could become friends. She already told me she’s gotten me out of her system , so you don‘t have to worry about that.”

“I know, Clark. She told me the same thing, and I believe her. So you don’t have to worry about me coming out on the dance floor and decking your queen.”

“Lana, Elaine’s the Homecoming Queen. You are my queen.”

Lana responded to that with warm kiss and another dimpled smile. “You do know how to smooth talk the ladies, Clark.”

“Nah, not me. You just happen to like the truth.”

Over the next half hour, the ballroom began to fill with guests. Those that had been at the game congratulated Clark on his performance and began speculating about the Big 14 championship game followed by a possible berth in the B.C.S. national title game.

Clark kept shrugging off such talk as being way too premature, and he invariably steered Lana away from those kinds of conversations as soon as possible. When he saw the DJ come in to check on his equipment, Clark excused himself from Lana and headed over to talk to him. A short conversation and a ten dollar tip later, and Clark was looking through the DJ’s catalog to choose a song. Not for the first dance, that would be with Elaine, but for the second dance of the evening, his first with Lana. After making his selection, Clark made his way back over to Lana, who had made her way to the refreshment table where she picked up a cup of sherbet punch.

“What was that all about?” Lana asked. “Do you know everyone, including the DJ?”

“No, Lana, I just wanted to make a request and he let me pick out a song.”

“Oh? What? Did you ask for ‘Iris?’” When Clark shook his head no, Lana said, “Oh well, I was hoping. That’s the song I have for your ringtone.”

“Really? Well that’s appropriate considering how we danced to that song last time. Do you want to know what my ringtone for you is?”

“Sure.”

“Well, you’ll just have to wait. The DJ will play it for us during the first dance that we dance together.”

Soon it was time to start the evening’s program and Clark seated Lana at the head table before sliding out a side door. Lana was making small talk with the man on her left when the lights suddenly dimmed and a spotlight focused on the main doors on the far side of the room. The doors were flung wide open and Clark and Elaine walked in arm in arm, looking like a life-sized Ken and Barbie. Lana was surprised at how jealousy-free she felt as they made their way to the head table. After Clark seated Elaine, who turned to Lana and winked, he seated himself, the lights came on, and the meal was served.

Lana talked with both of her seat partners and even managed to talk some with Elaine. Lana was somewhat disgruntled to find Elaine a charming and intelligent conversationalist but quickly decided she had to get over it. I’m a big girl now, Lana thought, and I shouldn’t be surprised, or annoyed, that my boyfriend attracts worthwhile women.

As the dinner drew to a close, Elaine and Clark headed to the floor for the traditional first dance. Once again, Clark and Elaine looked like they belonged together. Clark was not a big fan of dancing, but he did it so well, that Lana wondered what caused his reticence.

While dancing, Elaine decided to take advantage of her time alone with Clark, so she asked, “You’re in love with her, aren‘t you?”

“Huh? Who?” answered a very surprised Clark Kent.

“Lana. You know, the vision in red that was sitting next to you during dinner?”

“Oh, sorry. I was just surprised you came right out and asked me that question.”

“So,” Elaine said, “answer the question. Do you love Lana? Yes or no? I see the way you look at her. It’s the same look you had whenever you talked about Lori…before the breakup anyway.”

Clark closed his eyes for a second and nodded his head yes.

“See? That wasn’t so tough.” Elaine thought for a second before asking, “Have you told her yet?”

“Told her?” Clark asked. “No, not yet. I tried to the other day but the words just refused to come out.”

“Tell her, Clark. A girl needs to hear these things. Tell her tonight.”

When the dance was over, Clark and Elaine each went back to collect their dance partners. In Elaine’s case, that was a slim, bald guy who was sitting on the other side of Elaine‘s chair. Lana had seen him from time to time during the meal, but his identity did not come to mind until he looked over at her while Clark and Elaine were dancing. Elaine’s date was Lex Luthor, the most eligible bachelor in Metropolis.

After the king and queen made it back to the dance floor with their dates, the other dance-inclined couples joined them. When everyone took their positions, Clark nodded at the DJ and he played the song Clark requested, a slow love song from the country trio, Rascal Flatts.

As the opening bars played, Clark leaned in and said, “This is my ringtone for you. It’s ‘Bless the Broken Road.’”


Bless the Broken Road - Rascal Flatts

I set out on a narrow way, many years ago
Hoping I would find true love along the broken road
But I got lost a time or two
Wiped my brow and kept pushin' through
I couldn't see how every sign pointed straight to you

That every long lost dream led me to where you are
Others who broke my heart, they were like northern stars
Pointing me on my way, into your loving arms
This much I know is true
That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you

I think about the years I spent just passing through
I'd like to have the time I lost and give it back to you
But you just smile and take my hand
You've been there, you understand
It's all part of a grander plan, that is comin' true

That every long lost dream led me to where you are
Others who broke my heart, they were like northern stars
Pointing me on my way into your loving arms
This much I know is true
That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you

Now I'm just rolling home, into my lovers arms
This much I know is true
That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you
That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you

After the song was over, Clark led Lana off the dance floor to stand in a secluded corner. Elaine had been keeping an eye on Clark from time to time during that dance and led Lex off the floor to follow Clark and Lana, but at a distance. When Lex wondered what was going on, Elaine shushed him and told him to wait and watch.

Once Clark reached his destination, he pulled Lana in close and said, “That song means a lot to me. It says that maybe Lori and I weren’t meant to be, that instead, maybe she was just a necessary bump in ‘the broken road that led me straight to you.’”

Clark gathered Lana’s hands in his and stared deep into her eyes. “I love you, Lana. I know I haven’t said it before, but I’ve been in love with you for some time. If my other relationships were just to get me ready for you, then that’s a price I’m happy to have paid. I love you.”

Tears were glistening in Lana’s eyes by now and it was all she could do to voice a scratchy, “I love you, too!” before launching herself into his arms for a furious kiss.

*kkkiiiisssssssss*

When they came up for air, Clark lifted Lana off the ground and gently spun her around. Lana was not the only woman crying at that moment. Elaine was crying buckets because she was so happy to see Clark in love once again, even if she was not the one he loved.

Someone else, however, saw the same scene that Elaine did. Only, not knowing that Elaine was over her infatuation with Clark, that person put an entirely different spin on what was going on.

Candy Morgan was watching from the cash bar, where she had just picked up a drink along with one of her toadies from the tri-Alphas.

“Would you look at that,” Candy said, “Elaine still isn’t over Clark and now that jerk has to go ruin Elaine’s big night by parading that…that…woman in front of her. We have to do something, Jessica. We have to show Clark Kent that he shouldn’t mess around with a tri-Alpha.”

[SVsleuth]

1st! Wow! He actually told her he's in love with her! :) Awesome. But, Uh-oh! What mess are those Tri-Alphas going to cause, now that Clark, Lana & Elaine have worked everything out? PPMS! Great update! :):):):):)

[happycamper]

Late!


I'm glad to see that Lana and Elaine have made up - I'm not really a big fan of catfights, you know... ;)


The perfect song for their love. But of course it would be...even I managed to remember the title of your fic as I read those words (but what is the tuuuune???).


Now I'm just rolling home, into my lovers arms
This much I know is true
That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you


Now the only thing I'm worried about is what that evil Candy Morgan is going to brew up. :mad: Bad girl! :mad:


And don't think I hadn't noticed the exacting detail of Lana's appearance that you subjected us all to... ;)

[Cardinal]

Originally posted by happycamper
Late!

And don't think I hadn't noticed the exacting detail of Lana's appearance that you subjected us all to... ;)

1. So I was late...sue me!

2. You write like that's a bad thing.

[superman_lives_on]

Oh...my....GOD!!! That was...that was...

HOLY MACKEREL, THAT WAS FANTASTIC!!!!

True love revealed at last, for all to see... Clark has followed the broken road to his true love--Lana. I wonder what Lex Luthor, not knowing Clark, will make of this scene?

And just what are those Tri-Alpha bimbos planning now? What sort of trouble will they cause? Looks like a job for You-Know-Who!

PPMS! :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

[NYC300Z]

oh I wonder what those tri-alpha's have in mind? This could be interesting! Will Lex have any future involvment in the story? Lana and Clark are so cute together! I really liked the way you described Lana!;)

PPMS!

[KCook]

Originally posted by Cardinal

2. You write like that's a bad thing.[/font][/size] [/B]

Ok. Ill be the first to point out that there is no such thing as to much of a good thing, and you prove that time and time again. Your writing is phenomanal, and then you sneak in some little detail that tops off the scene perfectly. (Tops of... hmmm... cherry on top... hmmm.... red cherry... hmmm... lana in a red dress...) :) Ah the power of creative visualisation. Anywho, keep up the good work.

[maru11]

awesome update!!!!!!!!!!!!!
update soon!!!!!!!!!!

[akuma]

Awesome job Card, cant wait to read more!

[super12]

WOW that was a great post. I didn't know that Bless the Broken Road was a song. Well I hope nothing to bad happens to Clark and Lana.

PPMS!

[linn]

Originally posted by SVsleuth
1st! Wow! He actually told her he's in love with her! :) Awesome. But, Uh-oh! What mess are those Tri-Alphas going to cause, now that Clark, Lana & Elaine have worked everything out? PPMS! Great update! :):):):):)

what you said....
i don't wants things messed up again....PPMS!!

[deanyouk]

Oh... they gonna throw drinks over them or have a cat fight? lol

ppms

[SpeedyKate91]

awsome updates!!! PPMS!!!

[ajfinn]

Oh, that was a sweet proclimation of true love :D Great chapters!

And now, the "Barfa, barfa, barfa" girls are going to try and ruin the perfect night?!?!

Can Supes save the day? *dun, dun, dun!!!*

[MOOman0618]

Super updates Card! Clark finally let out those big words! Well its about time!

Good thing Lana and Elaine made up!

But what is all this that these silly girls are planning?? I hope Clark doesn't have to kick any of those girl's butts! :)

[Nemu]

Originally posted by MOOman0618
Super updates Card! Clark finally let out those big words! Well its about time!

Good thing Lana and Elaine made up!

But what is all this that these silly girls are planning?? I hope Clark doesn't have to kick any of those girl's butts! :)

I think its Lana and Elaine that will kick their butts...

PPMS Card!! :D

[MOOman0618]

Originally posted by Nemu
I think its Lana and Elaine that will kick their butts...

PPMS Card!! :D


OOOO...thats a good idea! :)

[Iowanmom]

Trust me Cardinal, I have not forgotten about this fic. "Reunion" threw me for a loop, hon. I have so much to catch up on, I am afraid I never will. **sigh**

Clana. I never dreamed I'd come to enjoy this ship, but through your eyes, I can truly appreciate the power and pull this couple has on the heart. I hope to read and reply more soon. :)
**off to read**

[Cardinal]

Wow. It's nice to see you back here, Iowanmom. I thought you had been scared away from my stories. I will say that Clark has a small and completely personal tribute planned for Chloe during the dance in "Reunion," which is the next update.

Thanks for reading,
Cardinal

PS I don't write too fast, so catching up shouldn't be that big of a problem, especially since I'm still writing two fics.

[Iowanmom]

Well, hon, I have no excuses, but I will tell you.... I did try to read Reunion again, but I couldn't. It made me cry, so I'm not ready for that one, yet. This one has been and will remain a favorite of mine. After the Chloe and chlark beatings I received lately, I had to enmesh myself a bit in Chlarkiness, so forgive me my absence. I am back an anxious, hon. Thanks. :)

[basketballstar23]

im soooo late...I LOVE BLESS THE BROKEN ROAD BY RASCAL FLATTS!!!!! ITS MY FAVORITE SONG EVER!!!!! ( right next to Ms New Booty:lol: AWESOME UPDATE CARDINAL!!! U MADE ME SMILE!!!! :D

[*~KrYpToN619~*]

Originally posted by basketballstar23
right nezt to Ms New Booty
:rotfl: I have that on my psp!
Great updates Cardinal, I'm caught up now...

[Iowanmom]

Cardinal, Chapter 36 was wonderful. Access to my computer has been cut off, so I won't be able to give you as much as I'd like.

Like I have said, I love Clana through your eyes. They are so gentle, carefree, truly fresh and innocent in this fic. I absolutely love it. The humor of these two is refreshing with all the angst we are forced to witness week to week. I thank you for that.

It seems Chloe acts pretty sneaky when she wants to and it's nice to see her enjoying the fact that she brought her two best friends together. I enjoyed how you have her being gently razzed about her own potential snuggle bunny. Too funny and the whole candidate thing for Clark was a hoot. I don't know that I'd want to be in the spot lignt either, if I was and alien. :lol: Too funny.

But mostly I want to thank you for the beautiful and wonderful chemistry you allow us to witness between Clark and Chloe. You understand and appreciate the place she has in Clark's life and I am grateful. It means so much to me. Thank you.

I won't be able to respond much for a while, but I wanted to get you some type of a reply before I left. I love your writing, Cardinal. I love it and I'll miss it.

[tygershot]

Whew! Finally got caught up on this amazing fic. I have been reading every chance I've had for 3 days. Keep it up! PPMS!

[mysteryman1]

I just finished reading all of this amazing story.

Please update.

[treker]

I think we need an update here. PPMS

[sandy]

ugh, why won't those jealous alpha girls stop???

But the most amazing part was when he told Lana he loved her. That was so sweet!

PPMS!:D

[treker]

ppms

[KCook]

eek keepin this off page 2 bumpage

[maru11]

update soon!!!!!!!!!!!!
please!!!!!!!!!!!!

[mysteryman1]

Post soon.

[superman_lives_on]

Yes, please post a new one ASAP!

[NYC300Z]

PPMS!

[Cardinal]

Okay, let me 'splain...no, it will take too long, let me sum up.

There won't be anymore updates here until I finish "Reunion." That story has one more regular update to go. The probable addition of an epilogue will wait for a while.

Thanks for your patience and support! :)

[mysteryman1]

UPdate soon.

[sv fan 4 eva]

Great Story!!!

I just wanna slap each one of those tri-alphas cause i hate em so much.

PPMS

[maru11]

update soon!!!!!!!!!
please!!!!!!!

[Cardinal]

I'm back! I'm currently working on an update, but I don't expect it to be posted until after tonight's "thrilling" episode of Smellvile.

[happycamper]

Originally posted by Cardinal
I'm back! I'm currently working on an update, but I don't expect it to be posted until after tonight's "thrilling" episode of Smellvile.

It's becoming like a Pavlovian response! I see names next to stories and access the thread - only to be bitterly disappointed when there isn't an update! :( :(

I just hope tomorrow's update (for me) makes us all feel better after what I'm afraid we're going to see!! :(

[auxvis]

Oh now now...maybe it won't be THAT bad... :)

[Cardinal]

Chapter 44 - Not Quite Yet

The dance was beginning to wind down and a number of guests, including the disgruntled tri-Alphas, had already left. Clark, on the other hand, was still going strong. For the first time in his life, he was a “bitter-ender” at a social function. The reason for this mild transformation was gliding across the dance floor with him, Lana Lang, his girlfriend and lady love.

The faint sheen of perspiration on Lana’s face from the exertions of the past few dances only made her face seem to glow. Every time Clark thought she had reached the pinnacle of feminine beauty and grace, he would see something new in her and have to readjust his thinking.

For her part, Lana marveled at Clark’s gentleness. That a man trained to violence as a football player could be so smooth and light on his feet just boggled her mind. So precise was his control, that it never occurred to her to be nervous even though he could snap her bones like they were dry twigs with the least little mistake.

Thus occupied, neither one really heard the DJ announce that the next song would be the last dance of the evening, but when it began, they settled into each other’s arms one last time.


Hero - Enrique Iglesias

Would you dance
if I asked you to dance?
Would you run
and never look back?
Would you cry
if you saw me cry?
And would you save my soul, tonight?

Would you tremble
if I touched your lips?
Would you laugh?
Oh please tell me this.
Now would you die
for the one you loved?
Hold me in your arms, tonight.

I can be your hero, baby.
I can kiss away the pain.
I will stand by you forever.
You can take my breath away.

Would you swear
that you'll always be mine?
Or would you lie?
would you run and hide?
Am I in too deep?
Have I lost my mind?
I don't care...
You're here tonight.

I can be your hero, baby.
I can kiss away the pain.
I will stand by you forever.
You can take my breath away.

Oh, I just want to hold you.
I just want to hold you.
Am I in too deep?
Have I lost my mind?
I don't care...
You're here tonight.

I can be your hero, baby.
I can kiss away the pain.
I will stand by your forever.
You can take my breath away.

I can be your hero.
I can kiss away the pain.
And I will stand by you forever.
You can take my breath away.
You can take my breath away.

I can be your hero.

Minutes later, Clark and Lana were arm-in-arm and heading to the parking garage. They were dawdling along, not wanting this golden evening to end, and thus were caught from behind by Elaine and Lex.

“Clark, Lana,” Elaine said, “I’d like to introduce you to my date, Lex Luthor.” She looked back to her escort and said, “Lex, this is Clark Kent and Lana Lang.”

Lex said, “Mr. Kent, I am pleased to finally meet you. It’s good to see that your footwork on the dance floor is up to the high standards set by your footwork on the football field.”

“Thank you, Mr. Luthor,” Clark said as he shook hands with Lex. “Any family willing to donate enough money to make our new campus library a reality has earned my admiration.”

Lex turned to Lana and said, “And as for you, Miss Lang, with the exception of my date, you were the loveliest, most elegant woman in the room.”

When Lana offered Lex her hand, her lifted it to his mouth and lightly pressed it with his lips.

“Thank you, Mr. Luthor,” Lana said.

“Please, the both of you, call me Lex. Any friend of Elaine’s is a friend of mine.”

By this time, the two couples had made it to the garage. Elaine and Lex climbed into the back seat of Lex’s stretch limousine while Clark and Lana headed up the ramp to Clark’s truck.

Clark gave a wistful look at the limo as it left the garage and said, “You know, if I give up sports to be a hero like you want me to be, that limo is the kind of thing I, and any prospective wife of mine, would be giving up. Limos, big social events, eating in the best restaurants at the best tables…”

“I don’t know about any other prospective wives you may have lined up,” Lana said with a grin, as she squeezed his arm, “but this one’s not worried about that stuff. I’ve done just fine without it this far in my life and I don’t expect that will change.”

“I didn’t think you did need it, Lana, I just wanted to make sure you know there are some hidden costs associated with your idea, not all of which will be borne solely by me. There are things normal couples might expect to experience that I might not be able to deliver if I’m the next hero.”

After holding the passenger door for Lana, Clark walked around to his side and thought, Why did I have to say ‘wife?’ It’s way too early to be thinking of things like that. At least Lana didn’t panic when I said it…Oh my! Is she thinking that way?

Once she slid over and unlocked Clark’s door, Lana belted herself into the middle of the bench seat and waited. After Clark buckled himself in, more from the desire to avoid a traffic ticket than anything else, they were on their way. Lana’s head rested on Clark’s shoulder, while his arm wrapped around her, holding her close.

The campus was not too far from the hotel, and their drive passed in silence. While Clark was reliving the events of the evening and wondering about the possible ramifications of using the word ‘wife,’ Lana was thinking a few minutes ahead and wondering if Clark was the man to give herself to completely, and if now was the time to do it.

Reaching Lana’s door, a quick good night kiss quickly became passionate, as the feelings engendered by the evening’s events poured out through their lips. Lana’s breaths were coming faster and Clark’s hands were sinking deep into Lana’s hair, when he stepped back to blink the heat out of his eyes.

Lana leaned against his chest, took a deep breath, and said, “Clark? I think…I think I’m ready for something more in our relationship. I want you to spend the night.”

That brought images of them together between silk sheets to his mind, and he thought, This isn’t helping my eyes one little bit! Once his eyes were under control, he went back to running one hand through the silky softness of her hair while the other rested in the small of her back. These have to be the hardest words I’ve ever had to say.

“While I, too, want to take that step,” Clark said, “I don’t think it’s quite time for us yet.”

Surprised, Lana lifted her head and asked, “Why not?”

“First, if you were ready, really ready, the words ‘I think’ would never have entered into the conversation. So I think you may still have some reservations, and believe me, that’s okay. I’m more than willing to wait. I want my first time to be as special as possible.”

“Your first time?” Lana asked.

“Yup, I still come with the full factory warranty. No one’s taken me for a ‘test drive.’”

Stunned, Lana took a few seconds before saying, “Wow, I guess, when it happens, we’ll have to learn about sex together.”

Clark planted a quick kiss on her lips and said, “I wouldn’t want to learn with anyone else. Now, the other reason that sex is a bad idea right now is that there is something about me you still have to learn and it would be irresponsible of me to pursue a sexual relationship without letting you know that ‘something.’ You can’t make accurate decisions without having complete information. So, it’s time for me to tell you my biggest secret.”

“Tonight?”

“Umm…no. That will take a lot of time, much more than what we have available tonight. I was actually thinking about tomorrow…are you caught up on your homework?”

“Yeah, I am,” Lana said. “I figured we’d be busy all day today, and tomorrow we’ve got Sunday football at your parents’ house.”

“Well, with your permission, I’d like to cancel the football-watching tomorrow and go ahead with my secret. Are you ready to learn?”

“I want to know everything about you. Let’s do it.”

“Okay, I’ll pick you up at the usual time tomorrow. We’ll go over and eat lunch with the folks first and then we’ll work on my secrets.”

Lana gave him a warm smile and said, “Sounds good to me!”

One more quick kiss and an exchange of good byes later, and Clark was on his way home. Just before Lana closed her door, Clark zipped back to her and said, “One more thing, dress as warm as you possibly can. I’m talking long johns underneath your jeans and sweat pants over the top of them. Mittens and a wool hat are a must along with your warmest coat and several sweaters and sweatshirts.”

From the incredulous look in her eyes, Clark could tell Lana thought he was joking, so he said, “If you think I’m jerking you around, call Chloe and ask her. She’ll tell you I’m not kidding around…and before you ask, yes, Chloe knows. She’s known this secret since we were kids.”

“Okay, Clark, I’ll see you for lunch tomorrow. I love you.”

“I love you, too, Lana.”

[treker]

great post card....lucky I stayed up so I could be first. :)

So, now comes the big one. I hope Lana handles who clark is well.

ppms

[Nemu]

Oh that was good... at least Lana in this shouldn't be pissed that Chloe knew the secret before she did since they (Clark and Lana) didnt grow up together and all the drama from the show...

That was sweet... and a very good place to end the update...

Now... PPMS :D

[happycamper]

Caught this just before I was going to sign off for the night. :D

I guess "Hero" was really appropriate (but more than just Lana's) given what they had discussed last time ;)

And a good Lex for Elaine? I certainly hope so...

Oh, and warm clothing. I wonder what that could possibly portend? ;)

[deanyouk]

That was amazing... his finally going to tell her... cant wait for more :)

[akuma]

AHHH!! Reveal time!! I cant wait for more, PPMS!!!!!:D:D

[basketballstar23]

that was a great update cardinal! u had me smiling the whole way!! and lex needs to keep his mouth to his own girlfriends hand....:mad::lol: PPMS!!:D

[SVsleuth]

7th?? :( ...Reading....

That was awesome, Card! Glad Clark is thinking responsibly. Funny how he freaked himself out with the word "wife" - it didn't faze Lana a bit - of course she's thinking that way already! ;)

Can't wait for the big reveal. I wonder how Lana will take it. I mean it can't be easy finding out you're in love with an alien!

PPMS!

[superman_lives_on]

Warm clothing--we're taking a trip to the REAL Fortress of Solitude, baby! :D And perhaps we'll finally get to meet Jor-El.

And SV, I think "alien" is way too unfortunate a term. I think the phrase "human from another planet" is more accurate.

PPMS, Card! :D :D :D :D

[sandy]

ooh, time for the infamous reveal!:D This story just keeps getting better every chapter!

What stunned me was the quick shift from the dance to ideas of 'spending the night.' Not that I don't mind though!;)

PPMS!

[sv fan 4 eva]

just before i started reading this chapter i turned on my ipod and strarted listening to the song "Hero" by Nickelback, not by Enrique Iglesias. kinda ironic lol.

Anyway great chapter.

[Dr. Jeckyll]

Mmm, Clanalicious!

Liked how Clark mentioned 'wife' and that they're getting ready to 'spend the night together' ;) Now onto the infamous reveal scene. Cannot wait for Lana's reaction. I'm hoping she'll take it well.

Like sandy said; this is just getting better every chapter. PPMS!!

[linn]

EEEe....that was awesome....big step there Lana....I wonder how she'll reacts when she finds out the biggest secert...PPMS!!

[maru11]

awesome update!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
update soon!!!!!!!!!!!!!
please!!!!!!!!!!!

[NYC300Z]

I can't wait Card! I really wanna see how you do this!:D

PPMS!

[C.A.chick]

Ooooooooooooooooo! Card! I haven't commented in awhile! So here it goes: Ever since you've started writing this story, you've portrayed Lana and Clark amazingly well. You describe their feeling,thoughts and actions so well we all can see them talking, hear their thoughts and feel their pain or happiness. You're writing truly shows the love that Lana and Clark have. I love how you show Clark being so thoughtful and sincere, and Lana being so in love with Clark. What can I say? This story is perfect! You're a GREAT author and I am on the edge of my seat waiting for the next update!
PPMASAP!

[MOOman0618]

Holy will power Clark!! But good for him.

And he is finally going tell her the whole truth! I hope she takes it as well as the rest of the news.

Can't wait!!

POST MORE SOON!!

[ajfinn]

Great update, Card!! Whoo hoo, so the truth comes out. But wait . . . Clark is an alien? Cool!! :D

[maru11]

update soon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
please!!!!!!!!!

[Cardinal]

Chapter 45 - Portal

While making herself a soothing cup of chamomile tea, Lana thought about Clark’s strange clothing request.

Where could he be taking me? A meat locker? I don’t know of any place around here that’s very cold right now. Why does it have to be cold for him to tell me his secret? Does it involve his eyes? They get hot when he, umm, well, when he really likes me, but I already know about that, so what could it be?

As the possibilities began to mount, Lana decided to take Clark’s advice and talk to Chloe. She already wanted to talk to Chloe to go over the events of the evening, but some reassurance on this topic would not go amiss. Lana took a spill-proof, insulated mug of tea back to her bed and dialed Chloe’s cell phone. Chloe answered before the first sip made its way down Lana’s throat.

“What took you so long?” Chloe demanded. “I thought you’d call an hour ago.”

“Clark is what took me so long. We danced almost every dance and stayed right until the last song.”

“No! Clark Kent closed down a dance?” Chloe was beside herself. The idea that her socially self-conscious best friend had chosen this dance as a coming-out party of sorts astounded her. “I’m fairly sure that’s the third sign of the apocalypse!”

Wanting to hear all the details, Chloe said, “Wait just a sec, Lana.“ She then hustled across her apartment and got settled in on the couch. “Okay, now tell me what else happened.”

Lana then recounted the entire day, starting with the football game. When she got to the point where Clark stopped in the middle of the field and blew her a kiss, Chloe started to choke on the mouthful of coffee she was trying to swallow at the time.

“Lana,” Chloe said, “do you have any idea how much you are changing Clark? The very concept of him being so publicly demonstrative is mind-boggling. Clark has never liked letting people know what he was thinking or feeling.”

“I have to admit that it’s very nice to be on the receiving end of his attentions, and as far as ‘letting people know what he was thinking or feeling’ goes…”

Lana paused for dramatic effect which drove Chloe to distraction. Her pent up tension had to find a way out, so she shouted, “Yes? Don’t keep me waiting!”

“He said it, Chloe! He said it! Clark said he loves me!”

Lana was so excited that she was nearly dancing in her bed and Chloe was drumming her feet on the floor while slapping her free hand on the couch cushions.

“Ahhhhhh!” Chloe said, “I knew it! I knew that BDA couldn’t keep it inside much longer!”

“BDA?” Lana asked innocently, “What’s that mean?”

Oops! Chloe thought, that was an unfortunate slip of the tongue. “Honestly, I can’t tell you right now, but I think Clark will fill you in soon.” He has to, the Big Dumb Alien.

Lana went on and told Chloe everything, including Elaine’s apology, meeting Lex Luthor, the fact that Clark asked for a special song to be played for them, and the surprising fact that Clark was so light on his feet.

“I don’t know how to say this exactly,” Lana said, “but, at the end of the night, I tried to get Clark to spend the night with me…”

“You what?”

“…and…he turned me down.”

Good boy, Chloe thought.

“He said no, but not because he wasn’t interested.” Lana shifted her position on her bed, curling her legs beneath her as she propped herself against the headboard. Once she was comfortable, she said, “First, he didn’t think I was absolutely sure that sex was what I wanted and he wouldn’t start on that part of our relationship without me being sure. Second, he said the last part of his secret could affect my decision on whether or not to take that step.” Lana took a deep breath and said softly, “Besides gossiping about today’s happenings, the other reason I called is that Clark told me to.”

Cautious now, Chloe asked, “What exactly did he say?”

“He said he needs to tell me his biggest secret and, this is the weird part, I need to wear virtually every single piece of warm clothing I own. I know it’s starting to get cool now that it’s the middle of October, but I wouldn’t even dress like that in the middle of January. What’s up with that?”

Chloe paused, as she thought, Damn, Clark is serious about this if he’s going to tell her everything and do it in the Fortress. “Well, Lana, believe me when I say you will need every piece of clothing he mentioned, and possibly more. He’s going to take you somewhere that is incredibly cold. Don’t underestimate that. What Clark has to tell you will take him a little while and you need to be able to stay warm the whole time.

“Next, trust Clark. When he tells you something is safe to do on this trip, go ahead and do it. At least one thing you’ll see will freak you out, but it will be okay. I’ve already done everything you are about to do. You will be okay.

“Finally, Clark was exactly right to stop you two from becoming physically intimate until you know what he has to tell you. In fact, if he hadn’t, I would have cut him off at the knees the next time I saw him. What he has to tell you may have a profound impact on the way you feel about him. You might breakup with him, you might not even want to be his friend anymore…or, maybe you’ll decide that it doesn’t matter to you. I honestly don’t know. What I do know is that the last person Clark told this information to was me and we were twelve years old at the time.”

“Thanks, Chloe. I’m kind of nervous now that I’ve talked to you, but I feel I’m better prepared for whatever he throws at me tomorrow. If this is going to be a long day, I‘ll need to get some sleep. Good night, Chloe.”

“Good night, Lana, and good luck.”

The next morning, Lana got up early to begin packing a large suitcase with everything warm she could find. She would not actually have to dress warmly until after lunch with the Kents, and this was the best way to carry a large pile of clothes.

Clark showed up at Lana’s after attending the football team’s Sunday morning film session. Lana handed him her suitcase and said, “Here you go, I hope there’s enough in there for where were going.”

As soon as Lana’s suitcase hit his hand, Clark’s arm lurched toward the ground as if the case was extremely heavy. It stopped just short of hitting the ground as Clark grabbed it with his other arm. Slowly, the suitcase began to rise back toward his waist. Clark was making a big show of how much effort he was putting into this, and Lana was laughing at his comical efforts. Once the suitcase was back where Clark could comfortably carry it, he wiped some phantom sweat from his forehead, and said, “As much as you’ve managed to pack in here, Lana, I’d expect you to stay warm for days.”

Lana reached down and picked up a pair of insulated snow boots and said, “Well…you impressed upon me the need to dress warmly and Chloe confirmed that you were serious, so I packed everything I could find. Though I still can’t figure out where we will be going.” She then grabbed her biggest winter coat and they left the apartment.

Lana drove because they needed the extra room provided by her SUV. Neither one of them wanted to be late for a home-cooked meal, so Lana got them there as quickly as safe driving would allow. The clothes were left inside the SUV, since they wanted to avoid any unnecessary questions for as long as possible.

As usual, Kathy was the first one to greet them. She and Lana had been forming a special bond over the past few weeks, to the point that Kathy called Lana every few days to talk about ‘girl stuff.’ Each had begun to regard the other as the sister they had never had before.

Clark got the first hug, but the hug Lana received was just as fierce. The meal itself took some time as the Kent women wanted to know everything that had happened the night before. Lana was not sure just how much Clark wanted them to know, so she let him take the lead in the storytelling.

After dinner, Clark and Lana worked on the dishes together while discussing what to tell his family about why they were going to skip out on the football game. Finally, Clark said, “They already know that you know about my abilities. I’m just going to tell them straight out that it’s time for you to learn everything. They don’t have to like it, they just have to accept it.”

“Umm…Clark?” Lana asked, as she put the last dish in the dishwasher. “I don’t want to be the cause of any problems between you and your family.”

“You won’t be, Lana.” Clark kissed her on the forehead and said, “They may be uptight about it at first, especially my dad, but they’ll come around when they see how much we love each other.”

Clark called Martha down from her workroom upstairs and, when the whole family was together, he said, “Lana and I won’t be staying for the game. We have something more important to do today.”

Jonathan tilted his head as he looked at his son and said, “And what could be more important on a Sunday afternoon than watching the Sharks?”

Clark clasped Lana’s hand tightly as he said, “It’s time for me to tell Lana the rest of my story.”

“What?!” Jonathan exclaimed. “Are you sure? This is a decision that’s not to be made lightly. You can’t take this stuff back once you’ve said it, Clark.”

Kathy, uncharacteristically, kept silent and Martha sat back and watched this conversation play out between her two men. Clark looked at Lana once before focusing on Jonathan.

“I know that, Dad, but someday I have to let someone get inside to know the real me.” He paused for effect and then said, “Lana is that ‘someone,’ and ‘someday’ is today.”

Jonathan looked sourly at the young woman that was about to join his family in a way she would never quite be able to escape. “I hope you’re ready for this, Lana. As much as I like you, I’m worried, because I know how difficult it is to learn what Clark is about to tell you.”

Unflinchingly returning Jonathan’s gaze, Lana said, “I hope so, too. I don’t want to let Clark down.”

To break the silence which threatened to swallow the room, Martha asked, “Where are you going to go to tell her?”

“The Fortress.”

“You’re going to take her to the attic?” Kathy asked. “Dang! Looks like I won’t be going up there anytime soon then.”

Clark looked at his sister and shook his head, saying, “Nope. We’re going to the other Fortress of Solitude. There’s no place better to tell her this secret.”

“What?!” Kathy said loudly. “You’re taking Lana? How come she gets to go but I never do? Huh?”

“Because, Half-Pint,” Clark said over his shoulder as he walked Lana out of the room, “you know Mom and Dad won’t let you go. They’re afraid of the trouble you might get yourself into.”

Clark led Lana to the back of the first floor of the house. Once there, here pulled open a door and led her down a narrow stairway to the basement. The first room was a small storeroom but it had two doorways leading out into the rest of the basement. The first doorway led to a room with a cellar door that led directly to the outdoors.

Clark took Lana over to stand in front of the second doorway.

“Stay here, Lana,” Clark said, “I’ll be right back with your clothes.”

Before she could even answer him, he was back with her boots, coat and suitcase. He set them down inside the second doorway and said, “The room in here was my bedroom until I moved to campus, being in the basement gave me some privacy. Now, it will give you some privacy. I’ll wait out here for you to change.”

Lana came out fifteen minutes later looking like a two-year-old that had just been over-bundled by her parents before her first trip out into the snow.

“Don’t you dare laugh,” she said. “I know I look ridiculous, so there’s no point in rubbing it in.”

Clark was not the least bit tempted to laugh, he just asked, “Are you ready?”

When Lana nervously nodded yes, he led her to the doorway that lead into the room with the cellar door.

“Look at this doorway, Lana. Notice anything different about it?”

Looking carefully at the doorway, Lana noticed that there was an octagonal impression in the lintel of the doorway. “Yeah, there’s an octagonal cut-out here above the doorway.”

“A cut-out that just so happens to perfectly match this disk.” Clark pulled a flat disk out of his pocket. To Lana’s eye, it was thin, gray, and metallic. “Before I put the disk in the matching space in the lintel, I want you to step through the doorway a time or two and convince yourself that that doorway is as normal as anything else in this house.”

Doing as he asked, Lana half-walked, half-waddled from one room into the next and back. “Ohhhhhhh-kay. That’s done. What’s next?”

“Just watch.”

Clark lifted the disk to the lintel. As it approached the slot, the disk pulled out of his hand and rotated in the air as it oriented itself to the slot. The disk then shot forward and slammed into the slot with an audible ‘clang.’ Lana had been stunned to see the flying disk and so was only slightly surprised to hear a clang from something hitting a wooden lintel. Clark watched Lana closely during what happened next.

Three symbols on the disk lit up red, yellow, and blue. The doorframe itself began to glow a bluish-white. Brighter and brighter it became until it was impossible to see the basement room beyond. Finally, the empty doorway was filled with the same bluish-white glow.

Lana’s mouth was hanging wide open by this time and the only things keeping her from running from the room screaming were the supportive warmth of Clark’s arm across her back, and Chloe’s statement that she would be okay.

Lana managed to wrench her gaze from the doorway to look up at Clark. She was scared, as scared as she could ever remember being, but when she looked into his calm blue-green gaze, she got the feeling everything would be fine. Lana knew on an instinctive level, that as long as she was with Clark, he would keep her safe.

With renewed confidence, Lana turned back to face the doorway and said, “I’m ready.”

Clark smiled, reached down to clasp her hand, and said, “In that case, come with me.”

Ready to face their future, Clark and Lana took two steps forward and stepped through the glowing doorway together.

[Nemu]

1st

Well first... this was a surprise update for me ;)

Now... that was a very interesting update... nice conversation between Chloe and Lana...

Oh man... that was mean to stop there... not the meanest i read but mean...

I wonder how Lana will react...

Interesting and original place to put the portal... so did Clark actually built this portal there?

PPMS :D

[SVsleuth]

2nd!
Fantastic chapter, Card! Loved the Lana/Chloe talk - & Chloe's slip about the BDA - Ha! That was a kick! ;)

Lana must be so nervous - knowing Clark has told this to no one since he was 12, & knowing Jonathan's hesitancy for it to happen. I'm glad she feels secure in Clark's protection. Can't wait for more - so just keep writing....;)

Loved the basement portal & the way you descibed it's activation.

PPMS!

[Dr. Jeckyll]

3rd!

Wow, amazing. I think Lana is pretty much freaked out considering how Chloe and Jonathan reacted. She probably has some crazy ideas on what ‘the secret’ might be, but Clark being an alien? No way!

We finally got to see some of the Kents - that's always nice. You even squeezed in another girly-girl conversation between Lana and Chloe. You're so good at it that I'm getting suspicious.. ;)

Can't wait for the big reveal. PPMS!

[superman_lives_on]

Finally, we're getting into the classic Superman mythology, with the Fortress of Solitude, the spaceship from Krypton, and (hopefully) Jor-El.

God, I hope Lana takes this well. The sequence with the portal to the Arctic and the good ol' octagonal key was only a taste of what lies ahead...

PPMS!

[akuma]

AHH more cliffies, more waiting! DAMN:p Amazing update and im exicted to see how Lana reacts, PPMS!

[sandy]

Finally, a portal that's nowhere near the caves!

Can't wait to see how she'll take the news!:D

[happycamper]

Originally posted by sandy
Finally, a portal that's nowhere near the caves!
I agree with Sandy - the backstory on this would be very interesting... ;)

A great update, Cardinal! :D

It seems as if Lana will be able to take the BDA news quite calmly...except, that the Lana of Smallville may have taken it so well because of some residual fear that he might have been just another meteor freak, and being an alien might have been an advantage. Your Lana seems to accept the powers, but may still be shocked by the fact he is an alien. Well, we'll soon see, won't we... ;) Soon! :D

[maru11]

awesome update!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
update soon!!!!!!!!!!!!!
please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[super12]

WOW! That was an amazing update.

Hope Lana doesn't freakout when he tells her the rest or his secret.

That was bad a** how you put the portal in his basement. Glad the caves are gone.

PPMS!

[deanyouk]

Wow that was great, I like the way u reworked the portal to his house. ppms

[NYC300Z]

wow what an update! That's not what I was expecting, but it set it all up perfectly! I can't wait now for the next update! It's going to be amazing I can just tell!

PPMS!

[ajfinn]

Very cool update, Card. And it's about to get "cooler"! :D Loved where you put the portal ...... yeah, I guess without Clark growing up in Smallville, he wouldn't have discovered the Caves. So, it DOES make me curious, how he discovered all this stuff about himself .... does he know about being the Skinwalker people? Interesting :)

[superman_lives_on]

C'mon, Card, what's taking so long? We're all eager to see the talk in the Fortress of Solitude (you oughta call Chapter 46 "The Fortress of Solitude") and our first look at this universe's version of Jor-El.

PPMS! :D And sorry if I sound impatient.

[LovinMe210]

ppms!!

[linn]

oh wow that was so great....i don't even know how i missed this update...PPMSS!!

[auxvis]

I've really been enjoying this story, Card...It's great just like Reunion... :)

[maru11]

update soon!!!!!!!!!!!!!
please!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Cardinal]

****** The text in this chapter that starts and ends with these six asterisks, has large parts that are adapted from the lyrics of the song, “Not That Different” by Collin Raye. Some words will be directly from the song, some will be altered, and some will be my own, but I want to give credit where it is due. Thanks!


Chapter 46 - Not That Different

When Clark and Lana stepped through the glowing doorway, they were shot along a tube made of the same luminescent bluish-white energy as that which was in the basement doorway at the Kent house.

The trip took bare seconds, just enough time for Lana to register what was going on. It was over as quickly as it started, and then they were standing together in the Fortress of Solitude. Lana whipped her head around as she desperately tried to make sense of her surroundings. Giving up, she finally quit gawking and asked, “C…Clark? Umm…where the heck are we?” She then sat back and waited, hoping against hope that his explanation would be nice, simple, and safe.

She was to be roundly disappointed.

“Well,” he said, “this is the other Fortress of Solitude. As to where on the globe we are located, I’m not exactly sure. I do know we are some where above the Arctic Circle, but I’ve avoided mapping the exact location for security reasons.”

Pointing back at the portal they had just come out of, Lana asked, “And that…tunnel of light thing? What was that? I’ve never heard of any technology that can send someone from Kansas to the arctic in seconds.”

“Neither had I, until I built this place.”

Lana was stupefied. Her look around had convinced her this place was at least forty stories tall and yet Clark claimed to have built it himself. That was completely preposterous, except…she could not detect even the slightest falsehood in him and he does possess some pretty incredible abilities.

She had so many questions, each competing for the right to be asked next, that she was unable to ask any. She just stood there, looking at Clark and at this incredible building that appeared to be constructed of nothing more than crystal and ice. Finally, she solved her problem by putting the ball back in Clark’s court, saying with a strained voice, “I believe, you brought me here to this place to explain something to me. Chloe said it would take you a while and, like you both said, it is very cold here. I’m ready for the explanation whenever you are ready to give it.” Lana grimaced mentally, thinking her assertion that she was ready would have been more convincing if her voice had not squeaked during that last sentence.

Clark stared at his toes for a few seconds as he gathered his courage. It’s make or break time, he thought. Either she’ll accept me or she’ll leave me before our relationship gets any deeper. Come on, Clark, you can do this. It’s for the best, for both of you.

Clark peered at Lana from beneath hooded eyes and said, “This is so hard for me. I know I have to tell you all about me, but I’m afraid of losing you when I do.”

Lana shuffled closer and stroked his cheek as she said, “I love you, Clark. Hold to that and it will see you through this.”

He reached up and clasped the hand on his face and pulled it over to his mouth where he kissed her palm. “Thank you, Lana. That’s…wonderful to hear. I hope you’ll feel the same way after we’re done here. I’d ask you to follow me, but in your current…encumbered state, I think it will be easier if I carry you.”

Clark placed one hand on each side of Lana’s waist and lifted her into the air. Several steps later, he set her down next to him in front of what looked to be a console of sorts. Except, instead of buttons, the surface was covered with a profusion of tubes and crystals.

Clark picked one crystal out of its resting place, turned it upside down, and re-inserted it. From the middle of the room came a soft click and a floor panel slid sideways. Rising out of the hole in the floor was a long, gray, metallic object. From the raised platform they were standing on, it looked like an elongated diamond shape with an egg-shaped housing in the middle.

“What’s that?” Lana asked.

“‘That’ is a spaceship,” Clark replied. “For me, it was the beginning of everything here on Earth. It brought me to Earth when I was very young, and it crash-landed in Smallville, Kansas on the day of the meteor shower.”

Lana was having a hard time processing what she had just heard. Bits and pieces were all she remembered, ‘spaceship…Earth…crash-landed…meteor shower.’ When those pieces refused to come together for her, Lana asked Clark to repeat what he said. After he did, she said in small, confused voice, “But that…that would mean that you’re from outer space, that you’re an alien.”

As solemn as death, Clark looked into her eyes and said, “Yes, Lana, that’s exactly what it means. I was born on the planet Krypton. My parents, who were named Jor-El and Lara, sent me away in a prototype spaceship just before our planet was destroyed. From what I’ve been able to learn, Kryptonians have visited Earth periodically, so my folks knew I’d be able to blend in, at least until my physical abilities began to show up.”

Once Clark got started, only an act of God would have been able to shut him up. He told her everything, hopping from one subject to the next in a stream of consciousness that would have rivaled the best comedians around for frenetic pacing.

When he was finished, Lana slowly circled Clark, and looked at him as if she had never really seen him before that moment. As she came back around to his face, her right hand reached up and touched him with one finger right between his eyebrows. From there, her finger lightly traced along one brow and down along the outside edge of an eye socket. All four fingertips then moved along the curve of his cheekbone, ending at the tip of his nose. Next, the single finger returned and traveled down his face to his mouth where it painstakingly outlined his full lips.

Despite the seriousness of the situation, Clark was beginning to get worked up, when Lana said, “So alike, yet so unlike.” Lana’s hand returned to her side and she said, “I think…I think I’m going to need some time to think this over, Clark. I came here expecting to hear you had some weird, incurable disease or that you’re really a girl somehow masquerading as a guy…and don’t ask me how that would’ve worked, it was just one of the stranger possibilities I came up with last night…or, or, or I don’t know what. Only, I know I wasn’t expecting my boyfriend to morph into my favorite Martian.” Just that thought made Lana want to reach up and check Clark’s skull for hidden antennas, but she willed her hands to stay at her side. “I think it’s time for me to go back to Metropolis, Clark.”

Relieved that she had not rejected him outright, but still unsure of the final result, Clark offered her his hand once more and they took the return trip to Metropolis. While Lana changed out of the mountain of warm clothes she had been wearing, Clark gazed at the octagonal depression, the key slot, in the other doorframe. This is the first time since Jor-El instructed me how to make that portal, that it has occurred to me that the Fortress is not only a repository of Kryptonian knowledge, but also a refuge for me. If this doesn’t work out with Lana, I don’t know what I will do, but having the Fortress at my disposal as a place to disappear to is comforting.

******

When Lana stepped out, dressed for her trip home, she was having a hard time meeting Clark’s eyes. Her thoughts were going back and forth from, He’s Clark, he sooo cute, and I love him dearly, to Oh my God, he’s an alien!

Clark decided to make one last pitch to Lana and said, “I know we’re from different worlds, but what we have together is strong enough to bond us…maybe for life.”

Clark bent to gather her suitcase and coat, while she held onto her winter boots. He then added, “Look behind your own soul and the person that you see, just might remind you of me. Because I laugh, I love, I hope, I try…I hurt, I need, I fear, I cry. And I know you do the same things too, so we’re really not that different, me and you.”

Lana teared up upon hearing his heartfelt plea, but said nothing. Clark loaded her belongings in her SUV and assured her he would be able to get home on his own after eating an evening meal with his family.

When she drove off, Clark watched her SUV for as long as it remained within his sight and then turned to enter the house. Walking up the steps, Clark was flipping the octagonal key up in the air and then catching it, but his mind was on a hazel-eyed brunette and the fact that she held his heart in her hands. Dinner was a quiet affair once Clark let it be known that Lana had not made up her mind one way or another, but had gone home to think it over.

By this time, Lana had made it home with her belongings and she was curled up on her living room futon, going over everything she had learned. For her part, Lana could not argue with Clark’s assertion that they had something strong going, but that was not the only thing to consider. She had always dreamed of how her marriage would be and working Clark’s abilities into that picture had been hard enough, but the fact that he was from another freaking planet was beyond the pale.

Back and forth she went trying to find the best course for her to take. The one thing that stuck with her was the last thing Clark said before she left, ‘I laugh, I love, I hope, I try…I hurt, I need, I fear, I cry. And I know you do the same things too, so we’re really not that different, me and you.’

Lana was not sure what finally made her decision for her, but hours later, she stood at the door to Clark and Pete’s townhouse, knocking feverishly to get someone to answer. Both guys had already sacked out, but Clark heard the insistent knocking. He leaned out the window to see just who could be there at this time of night, and was stunned to see Lana. He super-sped into a t-shirt and jeans and thundered down the stairs, flinging the door wide open to admit his red-eyed girlfriend.

She stumbled inside, and as her tears fell at his feet, she did not say ‘I love you,’ what she said meant even more: “I laugh, I love, I hope, I try…I hurt, I need, I fear, I cry. And I know you do the same things too, so we’re really not that different, me and you.”

******

[SVsleuth]

:)

Because I laugh, I love, I hope, I try…I hurt, I need, I fear, I cry. And I know you do the same things too, so we’re really not that different, me and you.”

Awesome way to express what's going on between Clark & Lana! So cool that she needed to think about it, but these words stuck with her more than anythng else - and she knew they were true - and that she still very much wants to be with Clark.

Can't wait for more. PPMS! :):):):):)

[maru11]

that was awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!
update soon!!!!!!!!
pease!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[deanyouk]

that was amazing...

wow is all i can say.

[NYC300Z]

I'm so glad Lana made up her mind so soon! I can't wait to see what they say to each other next!

PPMS!

[happycamper]

Because I laugh, I love, I hope, I try…I hurt, I need, I fear, I cry. And I know you do the same things too, so we’re really not that different, me and you.”

Like our dear Esvie said, those words really were the heart of the chapter, and express the relationship between Clark and Lana perfectly...as I'm sure you intended. ;) :D

Where do you find all these songs, anyway? I don't believe I've ever heard it before (I normally listen to talk radio in the car), but now feel bound to seek it out.

Can't help but looking forward for more! :D

[sv fan 4 eva]

wow that was an awesome update

[superman_lives_on]

So she knows...and she accepts him, after some thought. What a relief.

PPMS!

[akuma]

Just wow, yea thts all im gonna say, just wow. PPMS!:D:D

[C.A.chick]

Oh my friggin god!!!!!!! That was amazing Cardinal. Those words: “I laugh, I love, I hope, I try…I hurt, I need, I fear, I cry. And I know you do the same things too, so we’re really not that different, me and you.” were perfect. I can't even find the words to describe how brilliant this story is, especially that last chapter. I love that Lana, even though she never could've imagined it, accepted Clark because she knew in her heart that she loves him. Bravo! PPMASAP!

[LovinMe210]

awww that was so sweeeeet...now i'm getting all mushy ppms!!

[Iowanmom]

Originally posted by Cardinal
Chapter 37 - The Source

Chloe, however, pulled Clark aside for a brief talk when they got up to leave.

“What abilities have you told her about, Clark?”

“Heat vision, super-hearing, cold breath, and speed. Why do you want to know?”

“Because I need to know what I can and can’t talk about with her, you big dummy. Now, have you mentioned anything about where you’re from?”.”

This passage was absolutely hilarious. :lol: I loved it. BDA!!!!!!! Damn, you gotta get up early to keep up with our Sullivan reporter!!! She's so good for him!




“Oh, that sound reminds me…nice shoes, Clark.”

Clark answered her with a sheepish grin, saying, “I was hoping no one would notice that.”

“How could I not notice? It sounds like you‘re wearing flip-flops when you walk. Just be thankful I didn‘t point out those shoes to Lana.”

Clark looked down at his feet and said, “Yeah well, my shoes were ruined by the first trip, so I’ve got nothing to lose.”

Lana followed Clark’s gaze to the remnants of what had been some nice athletic shoes.

Lana put a hand to her mouth in an attempt to stifle her laughter, but was unsuccessful. “Oh my God!” she said between snickers, “how did that happen?” .”
Okay, again this was hilarious. I love the humor in this fic, Card. I love it. I can so see Lana trying to stiffle her giggles. :lol: This fic is so great!!

“I’m surprised she didn’t notice those. She was looking right at us.”

“Oh, she noticed all right. I think she was just being nice by not embarrassing me in front of my new girlfriend.” .”

Awww, Chloe is such a good friend. I love her!!! She can sure raz him, but she takes care of him too. :lol:

“Clark…I know you have a lot of abilities and that there may be more you haven’t told me about yet, but what I want to know is, where do they all those abilities come from?”
Okay, Card. This girl is smart. She quick and not easily distracted. I love this Lana Lang. I have really enjoyed how open these two have been with each other.

I can't thank you enough for the bagless relationship between these two. The angst and potholes of their time together has been shoved down our throats repeatedly on the show and it's nice to have a repreive from all that. Seriously. Like Lana said, they kept going 'round and 'round and 'round, stuck in an endless circle, not going anywhere. But your fic has them so positive, full of hope, a true future set before all of our eyes.... it wonderful. Truly.

I am glad Clark isn't lying to her. Instead, he's coming clean and telling her no, that he isn't ready to divulge certain aspects of himself. This is refreshing. And I love that Lana is just accepting of it, she isn't pressuring him or going on about trust and lies and giving all of yourself to someone.... blah blah blah. I love your Lana and like I've said before, honest looks nice on your Clark Kent.

One thing tho, I have a feeling, even tho I've only read up to chapter 27, Lana, because she's smart, may figure this out before Clark tells her. I wonder if and when she does, will she wait for him to tell her or will she tell him she already knows?

Again, Card, even though I've been gone for a bit, I truly love your writing style and the way you bring your characters to life. I hope to read more and catch up soon. :D

[maru11]

update soon!!!!!!!!!
please!!!!!!!!!!

[SpeedyKate91]

Amazing updates!!! PPMS!!!!!

[Cardinal]

Originally posted by happycamper
Because I laugh, I love, I hope, I try…I hurt, I need, I fear, I cry. And I know you do the same things too, so we’re really not that different, me and you.”

Like our dear Esvie said, those words really were the heart of the chapter, and express the relationship between Clark and Lana perfectly...as I'm sure you intended. ;) :D

Where do you find all these songs, anyway? I don't believe I've ever heard it before (I normally listen to talk radio in the car), but now feel bound to seek it out.

Can't help but looking forward for more! :D

If you really want to find the song, it's on the Collin Raye album "I Think About You."

[C.A.chick]

Aww I was hoping for an update............. shucks..... Well, PPMASAP!!!!!

[auxvis]

Yeah, Card, that was a tease!

[NYC300Z]

lol update soon!

[linn]

hey Card that was awesome......glad Lana didn't react differently...PPMS!!

[maru11]

update soon!!!!!!!!!!
pease!!!!!!!!!!!

[MOOman0618]

Whoa! Not good updates for me to miss!!!

Those two were awesome! That was cool that Chloe reassured Lana. It was probably good for her to hear. Where the portal was was also cool. How did he originally learn to make that portal? Did the ship talk to him like in Season 2?

And yea!! She is ok with it!! I knew she would be! If not I think you would have had a multitude of unhappy and purhaps rioting fans. :)

Post more soon!! :)

[happycamper]

Originally posted by Cardinal
If you really want to find the song, it's on the Collin Raye album "I Think About You."

I ordered "16 Biggest Hits [ORIGINAL RECORDING REMASTERED]" [Audio CD] by Collin Raye, from Amazon last night.

The little bit they allow you to sample wasn't enough, and the price was really good ;)

[Cardinal]

*Card's jaw hits the ground*

I sure hope you like country music...I do, and Collin is one of my favorites, but I don't remember seeing too many other country music fans here at K-Site.

[happycamper]

Normally I go for "classic rock" (from the 70's and early 80's), but I have listened to some country, and thought I'd give it a try... ;) :)

And in any case, if I don't like it, I have someone very convenient to blame... ;)

[C.A.chick]

I listened to a bit of it on I-tunes, sorry Card, I'm just not a big fan of country.... I tried though..... Well, PPMASAP!

[maru11]

update soon!!!!!!!!!!!!
please!!!!!!!!!

[NYC300Z]

PPMS!

[auxvis]

I see Cardinal lurking up there...does that mean we are going to be lucky enough to get an update? :)

[SVsleuth]

Card, when do you think we'll get another update?

[maru11]

update soon!!!!!!!!!!
please!!!!!!!!!!!

[C.A.chick]

2nd PAGE??????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What is this story doing on the SECOND page?! My goodness gracious..... Can't wait for the next update Card... the last one was lovely. PPMASAP!

[cr-rodriguez]

glad that lana accepts him but the truth is he isn't really all that different from her

[treker]

7 days and no updates makes treker a very sad boy.

[KCook]

Ima Country Fan! Update Soon!

[Cardinal]

Hey, I've got the next update partially done and since I work early today, I'll be able to finish it tonight. :)

[deanyouk]

Can't Wait :D

[superman's my hero]

Ok well I finally got all caught up and I must say, this is a WONDERFUL story! You are a very talented writer and I can't wait to read more of this story. PPMS!

[Cardinal]

Sorry it's taking so long, but I do have half an update written and should post late this morning.

[NYC300Z]

late this morning...like soon or like 11 am?

[SVsleuth]

Ok, it's afternoon. I want my update! :p

[Cardinal]

Chapter 47 - Details

Clark wrapped Lana in his arms as they stood in the open doorway. The words that were needed had already been spoken. All that was left were hugs and kisses, and those rained down in profusion.

When Clark came up for a breath, he lifted Lana into the air and whirled her around while thinking, She knows! She accepts! I can’t believe it. The woman I love knows everything and yet, she loves me back!

The size of his smile was rivaled only by the one on her face. In actuality, she was little more than a rag doll in his arms, but she had never felt more safe, more secure or more loved, than she did at that moment with Clark. This is how it’s supposed to be, she thought. Krypton, Kansas, Timbuktu, who cares? Tonight, he’s still the same man that loved me this morning, still the same man I loved this morning…and I still do.

After the initial burst of euphoria faded, Clark and Lana headed for the living room and sat down on one of the two old couches to talk.

“How did you decide?” Clark asked eagerly. “When you left the house, I wasn’t sure which choice you’d make.”

“Neither was I,” Lana said. “Talk about surprises, that was the Mount Everest of surprises. It took some time just to wrap my head around the idea. After that…” Lana threw her hands up, and said, “…after that, my head and my heart had a fight.” Grinning madly, she said, “I’m happy to say my heart won.”

“Was it a long, hard fight?”

Lana swung her right arm like she was throwing a round-house punch, and said, “Eighth-round knockout…sometimes, my brain has a glass jaw.” At least it does when it comes to Clark Kent.

Clark paused for a moment before cautiously asking his next question, “Now that you’ve had time to think about it, are there any other questions you’ve come up with? I covered everything I could think of in the Fortress, but, being the person inside this secret, there may be things I just missed.”

“Yeah, there are things I’d like to know, but first…” Lana moved in close and whispered in his ear, “…does Pete know about your secrets?”

When Clark shook his head ‘no,’ Lana gestured to the stairway and whispered, “I think he may be listening in. I thought I heard the steps creak a couple of times just a few seconds ago.”

“In that case, we need some place to talk and I know where we can go.”

“Let’s go.”

Clark and Lana got up and headed out into the dark. After they climbed into Clark’s truck and started to drive, Clark asked, “Are you sure he was listening in and do you think Pete heard anything?”

“No to the first question, and as for the second question, he might have heard you mention having a secret, but I think that’s the only dangerous topic we mentioned in there.”

Relieved that her memory matched his, Clark relaxed and said, “Okay. Ask your questions.”

“Well…first, what’s a BDA?”

“What? Where did you hear that?”

“Chloe said it last night when I told her about the dance,” Lana said. “She said you were a BDA.”

Clark did not know whether to smile or swear, so he said nothing while he gained control over his thoughts. Just when Lana thought she would have to repeat the question, Clark said, “BDA is a little joke between Chloe and me. It stands for Big Dumb Alien and she uses it whenever she thinks I’m being particularly stupid about something. I wonder what she was talking about this time.”

“I don’t want to get her in trouble with you, but she said it when I told her that you said you love me. She thought you wouldn’t be able to keep that secret from me for much longer.”

“As usual, Chloe was right. I had been trying to tell you for days, but the words just wouldn’t come out.” Not sure how his next words would go over, Clark glanced quickly at Lana and said, “Elaine gets some of the credit. During the first dance, she said it was obvious to her that I was in love with you, and that, furthermore, you needed to hear me say it.” Shrugging, Clark said, “What can I say? She was right.”

Lana chuckled and said, “It sounds like you make a habit of being around women that are usually right.”

Clark grinned and asked, “And you expect to join that list?”

Lana’s return smile was impish, and she said, “Oh yes! I intend to etch my name on that list in acid.”

A permanent spot on that list? Clark wondered, and was surprised when the thought of Lana having a permanent spot in his life did not scare him in the least.

Lana was not paying attention to where Clark had been driving as she assumed he was driving aimlessly around town to give them some place private to talk. So when they pulled up in front of the Kent house, she looked at him in surprise and asked, “What are we doing here?”

Sliding the transmission into park, Clark said, “This is the second safest place in the world for talking about my secret, and since the most-safe place is a little bit too cold for you right now, my attic will have to do.”

Once out of the truck and not wanting to risk waking his family at nearly two in the morning, Clark flew to the attic window and pried it open enough to push a couple of fingers inside and slide back the bolt. He then returned with Lana safely held in front of him and flew right into the attic…his original Fortress of Solitude.

Not able to see where he was going in the darkened attic, Clark put Lana down on the old couch in front of the window so he could make his way to the light switch.

Lana felt something strange under her as she was placed on the couch and started to say something, when a small voice said, “Ow! Hey, Clark, you big dummy! Don’t sit on me!”

Lana jumped off of the couch so fast you might swear she had never been sitting down and Clark nearly tripped on his way to the light switch. Once he turned it on, he whipped around in time to see his little sister sit up straight and rub the sleep out of her eyes.

He asked, “What are you doing…” but was cut off by Kathy’s happy screech as Lana came into focus.

“Lana!” Kathy yelled as she clapped her hands. Making the correct conclusion that Lana’s presence here could mean only one thing, Kathy flew off the couch and hugged Lana as fiercely as she could. Once she had Lana in her grasp, Kathy said, “I knew you’d choose him, I just knew it. You had to. You two are so perfect together!”

Briefly overcome by the human tsunami, Lana then returned Kathy’s hug and said, “Yes, Kathy, I did have to choose him.”

By this time, Clark had recovered from his initial shock and had returned to the couch. Rubbing his sister on the top of her head, Clark asked, “What are you doing up here, Kathy? Last time I checked, 2 a.m. was way past your bedtime.”

Finally letting Lana go, Kathy turned to face her brother and gave him a look that said she thought he was being denser than usual. “Duh! You were upset when you left after dinner, because you weren’t sure about Lana’s reaction. The one place you always go to think when you are upset is here. So where else was I supposed to wait to talk to you?”

Kathy then hugged Clark and said, “Now that I see everything’s the way it’s supposed to be, I can go to bed.” Halfway to the fold-down ladder, which had been pulled up by Kathy to hide her presence in the attic from her parents, Kathy stopped when she heard the hinges of the ladder squeak as it was opened from below.

“Kathy?!” Jonathan bellowed, “Are you up here? You know you can‘t be up here this late on a school night.”

The sound of steps on the treads threw her into a panic, and she turned back to Clark with pleading eyes. Unable to resist her look, and not wanting her to get in trouble, Clark flew across the room so as not to make any sounds and picked his sister up. He then shot out of the still-open window, landed at the front door, opened it with his key, and zipped her into her bedroom. Clark returned to the attic the same way he left and was standing still holding Lana’s hands when Jonathan’s head cleared the floor boards.

“Clark? Is Kathy up here?”

“No sir. I assume she’s still in her bedroom.” Especially since I just put her there. Using his x-ray vision, he looked through the intervening walls and floors. “Yep, she’s in bed.”

Finally noticing that his son was not alone, Jonathan said, “Hello again, Lana. What are you two doing up here? Can I take your appearance here as a good sign?”

Lana said, “Hi, Mr. Kent. Clark and I needed some place safe to talk about his secrets and he said this was the safest place other than the much colder version of the Fortress of Solitude, so…here we are.”

“Okay, Lana,” Jonathan said with a roguish grin, “just make sure nothing happens up here but talking.”

Realizing she had just been caught by her boyfriend’s father, alone with his son in a secluded hiding spot, Lana’s face flushed as it suddenly occurred to her how it might look to someone else, and she hurriedly said, “Please believe me, Mr. Kent, we’re just here for a chat…nothing else.”

Once Jonathan left, Clark retracted the fold-down ladder, and turned on Kathy’s space heaters for Lana. Then, when they were ensconced on the couch, they returned to their purpose for being there in the first place.

Knowing that the questions were up to her, Lana thought carefully while Clark waited patiently. Finally, she asked, “What’s it like being Kryptonian? I mean, knowing that you’re different from everyone else, but in a way that no one sees and that no one can relate to.”

Clark sucked in a deep breath, amazed that she went straight to the heart of his loneliness with her first question. Giving a serious question the consideration it deserved, Clark said, “I feel…isolated…especially in a crowd of people. To be among people, but to not truly be one of them, is the loneliest feeling I can imagine. Always having to keep a tight rein on my temper so I don’t expose my abilities, never being allowed to be me, sometimes I just wish I could let everyone know and be done with it.

“Other times, I look up at the night sky, looking for where Krypton used to be, and I think, ‘Krypton is more than an empty place in the heavens. Instead, it’s a life I might have lived, a place where I’m just another guy.’”

“Where was Krypton? Can you show me?”

“Sure.” Clark stood and pulled Lana to her feet. He opened the top half of the Dutch doors than kept the attic window closed, stood right behind her, and, with one hand looped around her waist, he pointed straight out the window and said, “Second star to the right, and straight on ‘til morning.”

Lana snuggled against Clark’s solidity and warmth and asked, “Just like Peter Pan, huh?”

“Exactly,” Clark replied. “Peter Pan had Neverland and I have Krypton…a place where I never have to grow up, where the cares of becoming an adult are always just beyond the horizon.”

After that, Lana’s questions were wide-ranging, but always focused on his experiences and emotions instead of mere facts. He had given her quite enough facts already. What she wanted to know was what this was like for him, to see the parts of him he has never let out, to support him, and, if need be, to help him carry the load.

Clark was surprised at the direction of the questioning, but never hesitated to give her the answers she wanted. After all, she needed all the answers she could get if she was to be with him. He reflected that this process had been easier with Lori since all she had to do to get an answer to a question was read his mind.

The last question of the night was the trickiest for her to ask and the easiest for him to answer. Lana had wanted to know how to meet his emotional needs. When Clark heard the question, he smiled and said, “Just treat me as if you had never heard of Krypton. Let me be the boyfriend I’ve always wanted to be and insist on me being the man you deserve, and we will be fine.”

[SVsleuth]

1st! :) Ah... Such a SWEET Clana update.


Lana’s return smile was impish, and she said, “Oh yes! I intend to etch my name on that list in acid.”

A permanent spot on that list? Clark wondered, and was surprised when the thought of Lana having a permanent spot in his life did not scare him in the least.
That's good, that's SO good.... He's not afraid of a permanent relationship... and she intends to make it permanent. Nice to hear, nice to hear... ;)

It was also neat how Clark fixed it so Kathy wouldn't get in trouble - & I could just see Lana's embarrassment at realizing Jonathan had caught them alone in a secluded spot.

I loved how Lana's questions focused on Clark's emotions instead of on mere facts. She loves him & wants to support him. His final answer was perfect:

“Just treat me as if you had never heard of Krypton. Let me be the boyfriend I’ve always wanted to be and insist on me being the man you deserve, and we will be fine.”
PPMS!

[deanyouk]

2nd

What a great update... Clark's little sister Kathy really makes this story unique... you give her such a good attitude towards things for the age you have given her.

I can't wait for more, please post soon :)

[tygershot]

3rd
Awesome update! Of course now I want more!

[Cardinal]

Thanks to my sometime sounding board, SVsleuth for helping me find Lana's focus in this chapter.

[superman_lives_on]

I'm definitely looking forward to more after this! We still have to find out what harebrained scheme Candy Morgan and her fellow bimbos are cooking up...and we have yet to meet Jor-El (and Lara, if she's around too). For now, though, this is a very nice place to pause!

PPMS! :D

[Dr. Jeckyll]

Great update as always, Card. Loved how Kathy cared for her big brother and for Lana being so interested in his emotions. PPMS!

[SVsleuth]

Originally posted by Cardinal
Thanks to my sometime sounding board, SVsleuth for helping me find Lana's focus in this chapter.
You're very welcome. It's fun working together "behind the scenes" then seeing how that makes it into the chapter. Great writing... ;)

[linn]

awww...that was so great...kathy got sat on by lana...PPMS!!

[superman's my hero]

Aww that was a very sweet update! I loved it! PPMS!!

[akuma]

Ahh i didnt notice this earlier, anyways great update:D:D Glad tht all is good in Clana land and wonder where this fic will go next?? PPMS

[Venezuelan Lana]

Hey, this is my first post in here... I've been a silent reader of this amazing story, the updates are awesome, and I absoltely love the path this fan fic is walking through, CLANA FOREVER :D:D:D...

PD: I love this Clarkie (L) and also Lana is waaay much treatable, she's not the stupid lana we can see in SV. Cardinal, congrats for this story, and i think u're an talented writer xD

[Cardinal]

Thanks, Venezuelan Lana! :D

Welcome to the K-Site Clana fanfic pages. We love it when silent readers step up and start posting. It gives us more motivation to keep writing.

[MOOman0618]

Super update Card!!!

Kathy is so sweet, waiting up for her big bro. And I wish I had Clark around to keep me out of trouble when I was a kid...not that I was ever in any trouble. ;)

As always, Lana is awesome...so understanding and wonderful asking Clark such meaningful questions.

POST MORE SOON!!

[NYC300Z]

Terrific Update Card! It was worth the wait! The questioning was good! Kathy was funny and Clana was sweet!

PPMS!

[happycamper]

Great update, as always... :D

Its amazing how you got all of the love between them without all of the baggage. Amazing Clana! :D

I also really like the love between brother and sister - that Kathy would risk her father's wrath to comfort Clark, and that he'd do anything to keep her out of trouble. Kathy is wonderful, and I guess she's being rewarded with the perfect big sister... ;)

:D Very sweet story, and I can't help wanting more!!! :D


**Edit

Oh, I did get a delivery from Amazon yesterday that included Collin Ray's "16 Biggest Hits." It was...not bad - a lot of the songs were pretty good. Do have to admit, though, that you seemed to have picked the best one for your story... ;)

[SVsleuth]

PPMS! ;)

[Cardinal]

Chapter 48 - Plans

“So,” Candy said to her cohorts Angie and Jessica, “what progress have you two made?”

“Well,” Angie said, “my boyfriend Al is letting me borrow his digital camcorder for this, and don’t worry I already know how to use it.” Winking at her two friends, Angie added, “We like to make ‘home movies,’ if you know what I mean.”

“I’ve managed to identify several likely candidates,” Jessica said. “You’d be surprised to learn how tough it is to find someone built like Clark, even on a college campus that’s just crawling with athletic hunks. Thankfully, my man Miles pointed me toward the swim team. They’ve got several guys with the right build for what we want. It shouldn’t be too hard to get one of them to cooperate, even if they don‘t know what the tape is for.”

“That, ladies, is my department,” Candy said. “After all, if this is going to work, Clark’s new girlfriend needs to see him ‘with’ someone she knows and has no reason to like. It will make what she believes to be his betrayal of her all the more painful. She should remember me from the library, and besides my usefulness, I’ll do it because I’ll take personal pleasure in being an instrument of their break up.” Perusing her notes, she said, “Okay, it looks like we’re done for now, remember to keep this secret.”

As the other girls left the tri-Alpha president’s office, Candy scrolled through the contact list on her Blackberry and stopped when she found the information for Chase Price, a student who was an incredibly talented digital artist. “Oh wait!” When the other girls stopped and came back, Candy continued, “We’ll need all of the head shots of Clark you can find. With all of the tri-Alpha parties that he has attended, we ought to have plenty of them in our archives. Also, remember that we need this stuff ready by Friday night so that we can have the tape in this Lana chick‘s hands by Monday, so that gives you four days.”

This time Candy shooed the other girls out of the office as she dialed Chase’s number. The last thing they heard as they closed the door to Candy’s office was, “Chase Baby! It’s Candy!…”

After the door closed, Candy said, “…I’m doing fine, how about yourself?…What am I up to? Well, I need a little favor from you. Do you remember that face replacement you did for me last year on that special project of mine?…Well, I have another one for you. Come on over to collect your ‘payment,’ and we’ll talk about the particulars afterward.”

Hanging up after the call, Candy reviewed her plan. High-quality digital camcorder…check. Clark Kent body double…getting there, at least we’ve found some likely candidates. Head shots of Clark…check. I know we have some of him in the archives. Finally, a digital artist to do the face replacement on the tape…check.

Fully satisfied with the way her plan was coming together, she rubbed her hands together as she said softly, “Clark won’t get away with hurting a tri-Alpha…and no one gets away with humiliating Candy Morgan!”

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

Meanwhile, Clark was busy straightening up the living room on this Monday afternoon, because Lana was coming over to wash some laundry. Their movie watching sessions on laundry night had become a tradition for them and he did not want her to think he and Pete were slobs. After cleaning, he checked the supply of microwave popcorn, instant tea and lemonade, and soda. Satisfied that he had everything they needed, Clark sat down to watch ESPN SportsCenter while he waited for Lana to come over.

Pete came bounding down the steps on his way out, and said, “Hey, CK, I’ll be back late tonight. Veronica and I have a hot date.”

Clark looked at his roommate and said, “I thought you two were just ‘friends with benefits,’ Pete.”

Pete stuffed his hands in his pockets and looked sheepishly at the ground. “We were, but we found out that kind of relationship wasn’t enough for either one of us, so…we took the plunge.”

Clark smiled and said, “Way to go, Pete. I knew you’d figure out what kind of catch Veronica is sooner or later.”

Just after Pete left, the house phone rang. The only people that called that number were people that did not know either him or Pete. Clark stretched out, picked up the handset, and said, “Clark Kent speaking, who is calling?”

“Hello, Mr. Kent, this Mary Thomas with the Alpha Kappa Psi service fraternity. We are running our annual charity fundraiser on campus and would like your assistance.”

Clark’s ears perked up, and he asked, “How can I help?”

“Our fundraiser is a bit different than the ones run by other groups, we think that has something to do with why ours is so successful.”

“Umm…what is your fundraiser?”

“We run a bachelor auction,” Mary said.

Clark rocked back in surprise and asked, “A what?”

“An auction. We get the most attractive bachelors on campus to offer themselves for a single date, we advertise it all over, and then a crowd of young women come and bid on the man they want to have a date with. The highest bidder wins the date. Last year we raised more than $5,000 for the American Heart Association.”

“It sounds like a very worthy cause, and normally, I might consider helping you out, but I can’t, I’ve got a girlfriend and I don’t think she’d appreciate it if I offered myself for sale to the highest bidder. I thank you for asking, but my answer is no.”

“Well, okay, Mr. Kent. If you change your mind, let us know. We’re in the campus directory.”

Smiling to himself, Clark said, “Will do, Mary.”

The click of the phone being set down on the receiver coincided almost perfectly with Lana’s knock on the door. Thoughts of Lana produced the usual Pavlovian smile on Clark’s face and as he let her in and took one of her two baskets from her, he said, “You’ll never guess what phone call I just received.”

“Oh really? What was it about?”

“Some service fraternity wanted me to help out with a charity bachelor auction, in fact, they wanted me to be one of the bachelors they sold off.”

Clark opened the door to the basement and Lana carefully headed down the steps with Clark right behind her.

“Well,” Lana said, “I can see why they wanted you, Clark. The bidding for you would set some kind of record.”

“Maybe, maybe not. We’ll never know, however, because I turned them down. I’ve already got a girlfriend, I don’t need to be offering myself to other women.”

Lana turned the handle to the small utility room and pushed the door open with her hip as she said, “That’s right, you have a girlfriend, and don’t you forget it.”

Lana set her basket down on the sorting table and then took her other basket from Clark and set it down on the ground. She stretched up for a kiss and Clark obliged her.

*kiss*

“Thanks, Clark. I’ll be upstairs as soon as I get this load started.”

“What would you like to drink?”

“Whatever you’re having will be fine with me.”

“Okay, Coke it is.”

Minutes later, Lana made her way up the stairs and was greeted by the smell of freshly microwaved popcorn. Clark had a large bowl of big, fluffy kernels sitting on the kitchen counter and he was in the process of pouring two large glasses of Coke.

“It’s your turn to pick the movie, Lana, so if you’d choose one and get it started, I’ll be over in a second.”

Lana picked up the popcorn and moved it over to their favorite couch while saying, “I brought a movie from my place. It’s out in my SUV, so I’ll go get it. I’ll be back shortly.”

Under his breath, but just loud enough for Lana to hear, Clark teased, “As if you’d ever do anything tall.”

Lana whirled around with hands on hips and said, “Uh! I’m not short, I’m vertically-challenged!”

Clark smiled at her response and just watched as she headed out to get her DVD.

By the time Lana came back with her disk, Clark had already brought the drinks over and had settled onto the couch. She put the disk in the tray, pressed the load button, and turned off the room lights. She then snuggled into Clark’s side as he handed her a Coke and offered her the popcorn bowl.

Once the opening title sequence started, it became clear to Clark that Lana had chosen to watch “Ghost.” Clark paused the movie after half an hour so Lana could switch loads and once more at the hour mark so she could fold her first load and start drying the second one. When she came back from folding, Clark had a fresh bowl of popcorn ready and had replenished their drinks. By the time the movie ended, Lana was stretched out on the couch with her bare feet on Clark’s lap and he was idly massaging them.

As the final credits rolled, Lana looked up at Clark, the only light provided by the glow of the TV screen, and said, “I love you.”

Clark slid her feet to one side, stretched his body out over hers, which he kept off of her only by propping himself up with his elbows, and answered, “Ditto.”

They were staring into each other’s eyes and their lips were mere inches apart. At that moment, their bodies were exerting an irresistible gravitational pull on each other and nothing short of a miracle would keep them apart.

Clark slowly lowered himself toward Lana, allowing their bodies to press together, yet keeping his weight supported by his arms. When their questing lips finally touched, they did not feel anything as pedestrian as sparks. No, they felt an electrical charge race from their lips to the pleasure centers of their brains which completely short-circuited their capacities for rational thought.

Once that initial surge hit their brains, it raced along their neural pathways and made their nerve endings come alive. After that, even the slightest touch of fingertips along cheek or collarbone caused goose bumps and stoked the flames of passion ever higher. Clark soon lost his shirt to Lana’s hands and Clark had just unbuttoned her blouse and was nuzzling her neck when, completely unexpectedly, they were doused with a bucket of cold water at the same time that the lights came on.

Clark, being on top, had taken the lion’s share of the water and sat up in surprise, his head whipping around to find out who had done this. Lana’s hands flew to her blouse to pull it closed and button it up. She could hear Pete laughing his head off as she feverishly worked the buttons back through the buttonholes. By the time she sat up, Clark had Pete in a headlock and was busy giving him a Dutch rub. Standing in the corner and trying desperately hard to keep from laughing was a strikingly beautiful brown-eyed redhead.

This must be Pete’s date, Lana thought. What did Clark call her? Vanessa? Victoria? Oh, I remember, it was Veronica! Lana was red with embarrassment at being caught in the middle of something that felt wonderful, but seeing Pete and Clark go at it as Clark promised dire retribution made her want to laugh, too.

Finally, Pete shouted, “House rules! House rules! You said so yourself. Any NC-17 action is restricted to the bedroom with violations punishable by a bucket of cold water…and from what I saw, you and Lana were about one bra strap away from going all the way.”

Relenting, Clark let Pete go and went back to collect his shirt. He used it to dry himself, and after Lana stood up, to dry the couch. He sheepishly waved at Veronica and said, “Hi, Veronica, I hear you and Pete are finally, officially an item.”

“Yeah,” Veronica replied, “and I couldn’t be happier.”

“Good for you.” He asked Pete to introduce the women while he went up to get a clean shirt to wear. Pete introduced them, and as they shook hands, Veronica said, “You have no idea how many girls around campus are jealous of you right now.”

“Oh…I have a pretty good idea, but you haven’t done so bad yourself.” Lana looked at Pete and asked, “Has she, Pete?”

“Huh? What? Oh, you mean me. Yeah, I’m fine even if I do say so myself.”

That made all three of them crack up just as Clark came back down the stairs. He had pulled on a tight black t-shirt, which did nothing to slow down Lana’s hormones, and was drying his hair with a hand towel.

“Pete,” Clark said as he scrubbed behind an ear, “how’d you manage to sneak up on us like that?”

“Well…we came home early and saw the light on in the living room, so we went around back and entered through the basement door. By the time we reached the top of the stairs, it was obvious that you two were into each other so hot and heavy that a freight train rolling through the room wouldn’t have drawn your notice. So I went back down to the utility room, filled a bucket with water, and the rest is history.”

[SVsleuth]

1st! Ha-Ha! Al & Miles helping their girlfriends break up the Clana! :eek: LOL :lol:

And Clark & Lana getting doused because of Clark's own rule! :lol:

But that evil slut, Candy... I hope someone gives her what she deserves for what she is trying to do to Clark and Lana.

PPMS!

[NYC300Z]

2nd! Pete got them good! lol Those tri-Alpha's are just plain rotten! Hopefully Veronica can tell Lana what really happened!

PPMS!

[superman_lives_on]

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

Oh my...my gosh...that was...that was... :rotfl: :lol: :rotfl: :lol:

*breathes heavily*

Ahem...

Nice one, Pete! :lol: :D

And Candy Morgan and her bimbos...damn them and their twisted little minds...

And the boyfriends named Al and Miles...those lousies... Brilliant poke in the ribs, that. :)

PPMS! And where's Jor-El when you need him?

[Cardinal]

Sorry, Boys and Girls, but Veronica doesn't know about the plot. Only Candy and her two henchwomen, Jessica and Angie, know that something is in the works.

More than that, I may not say.

[MOOman0618]

HA! :lol:

Great update...

I would be so pissed if I got a bucket of cold water on me!!

And I really hope those girls are as stupid as they seem to be or this plan might get Clark in trouble.

[deanyouk]

Wow, awesome update......... ppms :)

[Venezuelan Lana]

Hey card, that was an AWESOME update, as always... I truly hate the tri-alphas! they're sooooooo EVIL, if i was lana, i would kick their butts!

PS: I LOVE CLARK! CLANA ROCKS

[maru11]

awesome update!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
update soon!!!!!!!!!!!

[akuma]

I dont have good feelin bout those other girls, hopefully Lana can see past this crap tape, PPMS

[NYC300Z]

Originally posted by Cardinal
Sorry, Boys and Girls, but Veronica doesn't know about the plot. Only Candy and her two henchwomen, Jessica and Angie, know that something is in the works.

More than that, I may not say.

Yes but aren't they in the same sorority? So i'm guessing she'll overhear them in the house or they'll gloat about it to her....iono that's my guess we'll have to see what Card has planed for us.

PPMS!

[Nemu]

Well look at that! I did miss a few updates I guess...

Well... first of all... the update before last... I liked the last part when Clark tells Lana what to do to meet his emotional needs...

Also I dunno if i commented on the update with the country song lyrics... but that was good too...

Now for the last one... those girls are EVIL!"!! I hope they failed in their plans...

The NC-17 part was funny too...

PPMS :D

[KCook]

God, that was just what I need before bed. Freakin hillarious man, youve got some real skill. Cant wait for the next upate!

[tygershot]

Great update, but I'm afraid that Clana angst is rearing it's ugly head with this plot going on! PPMASAP!!!!

[ClanaLover]

:rotfl: Curses...Clark's rules turned against him. :lol: Very funny. PPMASAP!!! :D

I know what you're thinking. I did stop reading this fic. But I'm just going to read from here on. The other fic I was reading isn't updating so...Yeah. I'm back to this one! And it's very funny. :lol:

[LovinMe210]

like woah that was a very good update lol ppms!!

[SpeedyKate91]

awsome update!!!!! PPMS!!!

[superman's my hero]

Great update! Loved it! PPMS!

[Cardinal]

I'm slowly stumbling toward the completion of the next update. Won't be posted 'til tomorrow night at the earliest. Maybe not until Saturday morning. :\

[C.A.chick]

:( .... I had a naive thought that there might be an update..oh well. I can't wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[SVsleuth]

PAGE 100! Yay! PPMS!

Congratulatons on your thread reaching 100 pages, Card! This is one of the best loved fics on the CLANA boards. Keep up the great writing! :):):):):):):):):):)

[Cardinal]

Hey, C.A. chick. It looks like you missed my last update...and as for you, treker, you seem to have missed the last two updates.

[C.A.chick]

100! Go Card! Yay! Congrats!

[NYC300Z]

Congrats on Page 100 Card!:D

[C.A.chick]

*hangs head in shame* I did read it... but I couldn't comment cause I had to get off after reading it. I begged my mom to let me read it, and she let me.... Now for my comments on the last update:


Absoutley amazing! I definitely loved the bucket of water part...hilarious! The way you show the love between Clark and Lana is brilliant. They are perfect togther.
As for those frat girls... Well pooh on them! They should keep their fat heads out of other people's business. They better not screw things up too bad!
Overall: GREAT update!
PPMASAP!

[Cardinal]

Mom: :rolleyes:

Comments: :D

[C.A.chick]

I love your avi Card... good pic... I need a new avi, altough I don't mind the one I have now... I can hardly wait til your next update. I'm on the edge of my seat...literally. PPMASP!

[Cardinal]

I like the picture, but I like the message even more. It's what Clark should have remembered from his speech at Lex's rehearsal dinner in Season 2.

When you have it, you'll do anything to keep it, no matter what the cost. Numbnuts Clark forgot that, and we are all suffering the consequences.

PS Your PM box is full, C.A. chick. ;)

[C.A.chick]

Ooooh. thanks card. I'll empty it right away!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! PPMASAP!

[maru11]

congratulations on your 100 page card!!!!!!!!!!!

[Venezuelan Lana]

Card, don't be mean, don't let us hanging in here starving for some good clana scenes! pleeeeeeaaaase! i'm begging you, PPMS!!!!!
*convulsioning, talking with gollum's voice* I... Need...CLANA!!!

[Nemu]

Originally posted by SVsleuth
PAGE 100! Yay! PPMS!

Congratulatons on your thread reaching 100 pages, Card! This is one of the best loved fics on the CLANA boards. Keep up the great writing! :):):):):):):):):):)

100 pages??? I only see 38 pages... hmm... ;)

PPMS Card :D

[linn]

same here

[mysteryman1]

Update soon.

[linn]

oh...ahahaha that was so freakin funny...HAHHA CLARK AND LANA...was gonna do the deed...PPMS!!