Hidden: Unwelcome Truth

[happycamper]

Title: Hidden: Unwelcome Truth
Author: happycamper
Pairing(s): CLANA, of course
Rating: PG-13
Spoilers: Everything after “Hidden” (season five, episode three) is revised. Some things will never happen, and others will occur without our characters ever playing a part.
Description: Alternate history after “Hidden” (with apologies to those who already written their own version of that episode). I believe “Hidden” was a critical turning point for Clana. What rational individual would have failed to realize that there was something extraordinary in a return from the dead? And, what rational individual could think that the circumstances of that miraculous return could stay hidden? A new story resulting from a sudden itch to write, with changes to the Smallville storyline the result of different character interactions.


Hidden: Unwelcome Truth

Prologue


It is early evening, and Lex is working at his desk in the study of the Luthor mansion. The doors almost burst open, and Lana strides in.

“Lana,” a surprised Lex exclaims. “I heard about Clark’s resurrection. You know, I’ve never really believed in miracles, but I’ve certainly done my share of asking for them today.”

“Me too, but I think we have different reasons,” an angry Lana replied. Taking out a blue file from her bag, she thrusts it at Lex, “Clark’s medical files.”

“That’s confidential,” he replies.

“I heard that you asked for them at the hospital.” As Lex looks through them, Lana added, “All the test results came back normal. When are you going to realize Lex, that he’s just like the rest of us?”

An exasperated Lex stands and hands the file back to Lana. “Do you really believe that? Or is that what you have to tell yourself in order to stay in a relationship with him? Turning towards the bar to get a needed drink, he adds, “You’ve had your doubts about him too, you can’t deny it.”

“I was wrong. Believe me, there is nothing unusual about Clark, except his ability to see the good in people who don’t deserve it.”

Wincing, Lex responded, “I think you’re forgetting something, Lana. Whatever new lie he told you – however he swept it under the rug – a normal person doesn’t rise from the dead.”

At an impasse, they just stared at one another, until an angry Lana finally turned and strode out of the study.

* * * *

It is early evening. Given permission by a worried Jonathan and Martha Kent, Chloe goes to visit Clark in his loft. She sees him as she starts her way up, sitting on the floor at the top of the steps, staring at the ground. Her initial joy at seeing him whole, when she had last seen him bleeding and dying on the roadway, is suddenly tempered by the realization that he is in pain, even if it is not due to any physical discomfort.

“When Kansas didn't merge with Oklahoma today, I kinda guessed you were involved,” Chloe tells him.

Looking up to see Chloe, Clark tells her, “Looks like you're okay.”

“You don't look too bad, yourself – for a dead guy,” she says as she sits herself beside him. “I heard what happened at the hospital.” Seeing the pain rise up again at her words as he stares once more at the ground, she adds “You went and got your powers back, didn't you?”

“I didn't have a choice,” he responds.

“I know how much you've dreamt of having a bland, mundane, generic life. But being normal is highly overrated. Besides, it makes my whole sidekick role easier if you can bring super duper strength to the table. I mean, not that we didn't make a great team out there today – minus the whole part where I was kidnapped and you were shot. So, are you healing or how does that work exactly?”

Chloe could only mutter, “wow” when Clark lifted his shirt and large bandage to reveal perfectly smooth skin instead of the expected gunshot wound. Softly touching the side of his chest where the ugly wound should have been, she thinks she understands the actual cause of his continuing pain, and tells him, “Unscathed on the surface.” As Clark stands, and takes a few steps away, Chloe adds, “That's not what's going on underneath, is it Clark?”

Still looking away, he tells her, “I guess I never will be able to escape who I really am. Back to the lies and hoping no one will ever ask to see the scar”

“Namely Lana,” she replies.

Worried about the potential response of his best friend to this news, he turns to tell her “We've never talked about Lana...”

Chloe just shakes her heads, and moves next to him. “That's because we don't need to, Clark. I'm a big girl now. I do have one confession – I really liked being the only one who knew all about, you know, you. For lack of a cheesier word, it just made it, ‘special’.” Pausing, she finally added, “But if you honestly believe you can stay with Lana and not tell her, I mean you're seriously kidding yourself.”

“I don’t have a choice. I can’t expect her to react like you did.”

“But don’t you think you owe her the choice?”

“I can’t take that risk.” Seeing the disbelief and disagreement in her eyes, he turns away once more. “I’ve risked too much already, and now someone else is going to pay for it.”

Suddenly aware that his pain extends even beyond his relationship with Lana, she concernedly asks, “Clark, is everything okay? What’s going on?”

“I never should have given up my powers.” Suddenly turning and staring at Chloe, he tells her, “Why didn’t I listen to him. Chloe, I think I’ve made a terrible mistake.”

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Hidden: Unwelcome Truth

Chapter One


A shaken Clark had explained to Chloe the cost of his return to Smallville, and Jor-El’s words to him: “For everything in nature there is a balance. The life force that has been returned to you will soon be taken from someone you love.”

He had railed to Chloe about the unfairness of Jor-El, and his temerity in telling him that he would always love his son Kal-El. Finally, Clark was reducing to begging Chloe to tell him what he could do. Chloe could only tell him that there was nothing to be done, and while this might be the dark time that Jor-El had forecast, Clark would have to look past this time to the future.

“Chloe, I couldn’t even admit to my parents what Jor-El had said. They were proud of the “sacrifice” I had made, never realizing that I wouldn’t be the one paying the price. I lied to them, and told them that Jor-El had asked for nothing in return.”

“Clark, you can’t blame yourself, you never agreed to any of this.”

“Chloe, how can you be so calm about this?” Chokingly, he added, “It could even be you.”

Chloe had been warmed by the knowledge that Clark considered her enough of a friend to share with her information he had hidden even from his parents, but his matter of fact acknowledgement that she was actually loved by Clark brought tears to her eyes.

Misunderstanding, Clark told her, “Don’t cry Chloe, I’ll do everything possible to see you never get hurt.”

“No Clark,” she responded, “believe it or not these are happy tears. I never knew that you cared for me so much.”

“Chloe, you’re family, and the best friend I have. You’re closer to me than any sister or brother I could ever have had.”

Chloe silently admitted to herself that Clark had characterized their recent relationship perfectly. Lana had caught his attention and love many years before Chloe had even arrived in Smallville. Chloe herself had pushed Clark into become her best friend before any real teenage stirrings had clouded their relationship. She understood now that this was the basis for Clark’s view of her as part of his family – almost a sister – and always, a loving friend.

Shaking her head to clear her thoughts, she told him “Just look at what happened today because you came back to us. You literally saved the lives of thousands of people, including those of your parents, Lana, and all of the other people in this town. No one else could have done it, just you. And in the future, just how many thousands or millions more can you help or rescue because of your gifts. Clark, you need to understand that all those closest to you would willingly sacrifice themselves to save you.”

“Don’t say that Chloe, I can’t stand the thought that someone I love might have to trade their life for my own.”

“Clark, you risk your life all the time for everyone else. In any case, you’re not the one doing the asking or the taking, it’s Jor-El. I just want you to understand that I am perfectly content to take my chances. I promised your parents I would die before I told anyone your secret. I’m certainly willing to do the same to save your life.”

* * * *

Later that evening...

As Clark drove to his midnight rendezvous with Lana back at the Talon, he reflected on his inability to make Chloe understand exactly how badly Jo-El’s pronouncement had affected him. But Chloe was right. All he could do was to try his hardest to see that nothing happened to those he loved. Of greater concern for the moment was the problem of how he could rescue his relationship with Lana, and if he should do so at all.

The only reason Clark had let himself enter an intimate relationship with Lana was that he had lost all his Kryptonian powers. The fate that Jor-El had intended as a punishment turned out to be the very best gift that his biological father could have given him. Clark had finally been able to consummate a physical relationship with the girl he loved just as he had dreamed for so many years. Consummate: a strange, almost cold word that could not even begin to describe his love for Lana, or the delight that their new and deeper relationship had provided him.

But could Clark continue their relationship now that his powers had been forced back to him by Jor-El? Was it even physically possible? And most importantly, was it safe for Lana when I could literally crush her body with an unexpected reflex?

As he approached the entranceway to the now-closed Talon, he could see Lana waiting inside. The sudden look of joy that suffused her face when she spotted him convinced Clark that he had to at least try to salvage their relationship.

Lana literally threw herself into Clark’s embrace after she unlocked the door to let him in. “Clark...” was all she could manage before she kissed him, an experience that for a few awful hours she had thought lost to her forever. Quickly locking the door once more, she tugged a not unwilling Clark up the stairs to her small apartment before hugging him once again. Lana had missed that, too: the warm comfort of his embrace, and the sense of perfect safety and contentment that she felt in his arms.

In turn, a loving “Lana...” was all Clark could manage before he enclosed her in his arms once more. He could never understand how the most beautiful girl on the planet had come to love him, but as he kissed her he was intent on enjoying each minute of their time together.

As the desires within Clark reached an almost inescapable height, he managed to break away a little from Lana. “Can we just hold each other tonight?” he asked her, and responding to the disappointment he saw in Lana’s eyes, added, “I’m still a little shaken up my what happened today, and I want to make sure I don’t break anything...”

Lana’s disappointment turned to concern at Clark’s words. “Of course, Clark, I wasn’t thinking about how you’re hurt. Just let me change and get ready.”

At least I didn’t lie to her, Clark thought bitterly to himself as he stripped to his boxers and t-shirt before crawling under the covers. He cursed his resolve when he saw how lovely Lana looked when she returned, without a trace make-up and clad only in a large pajama top. But as she slipped into bed and almost wrapped herself around him, Clark decided he could never give her up.

* * * *

Lana woke up at dawn, replete with happiness due to the warm body beside her. She had not lost Clark.

It had been the most terrible time of her life. I was so afraid when I heard Clark had been hurt. It took so long to find him at the hospital. And when I finally did, Clark had just smiled at me, whispered my name, and died. Lana remembered the horrible alarm from the heart monitor, the nurse ushering her away from Clark, and the sudden stillness and silence after the doctor had pronounced him dead. I was crushed. I had lost the only man I ever really loved. How could he have died? He promised me in the caves that he would never leave me. Almost crazed with grief, Lana was almost angry with Clark, for in dying he had broken his promise to her, and left her alone once more.

And suddenly Clark had disappeared from the hospital. I thought I knew who had stolen him away when he disappeared – Lex. No one else could possibly have had the motive or means. In all the commotion I was able to grab Clark’s medical records, something I could keep away from Lex until I confronted him. But I needed to share my grief with the Kent’s, and stopped by to ask if there was anything I could do. Then I suddenly saw him – Clark had somehow returned. I ran to him and he held me up in his arm for what seemed liked ages, and I knew that all was well once more.

Unable to resist, Lana caressed Clark’s face, but softly so she wouldn’t wake him. A satisfied murmur from her sleeping love made her smile, and led her to remember the events of the previous evening after she had slipped into bed. Lana had draped herself around him, completely content with holding him and enjoying his clean, fresh scent. She had run her fingers through his perfect hair, and then lowering them, traced every line and feature of his face, memorizing it by both sight and feel.

Overjoyed to have Clark back, Lana ignored her own questions about its miraculous nature, the same way she had deliberately ignored what Lex had told her. She loved Clark, and his continuing presence with her was more important than the circumstances of his return.

Lana noticed that Clark had shifted slightly in his sleep. She saw that his t-shirt had ridden up to his chest, and that the bandage covering his wound had loosened. Reaching out to settle the bandage back in place, she could not resist a sudden urge to see the results of the gunshot. Lifting a loose corner slightly, she had to swallow a sudden exclamation of fright. Instead of the jagged wound she had expected to see, there was only perfectly smooth and unbroken skin.

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[Lost_In_Clana]

This is really good!! How'll Clark come up with a good excuse to his snooth and unbroken skin?
Hope you get a chance to update soon.

[redraven]

This is really good, excellent start. The ending for this chapter was awesome, too. PPMS!

[closetfan]

clarks got some explaining to do....

[SVsleuth]

Oh, hc, this is fantastic! It is interesting to get your take on what could have changed after Clark came back from the dead. Hmmm.... I wonder if someone will die in yours? If so, who? PPMS!

Also, your title is worrying me: Unwelcome Truth?? This better not mean Lana will be upset when she learns the truth about Clark.....
:mad:

[deanyouk]

Loving your new fic happycamper! cant wait for more

[SmallvilleMan]

Oh no, happycamper and his unhappy title. As for it being a critical turning point for Clana, I have to disagree, because IMO nothing would have meant anything if reckoning ended with Lana knowing his secret.

[superman_lives_on]

VERY interesting start! I'm hooked! I'm just a little worried about the "Unwelcome Truth" of the title. You'd better not sneak an unhappy ending on us--the show has already done plenty of that!

PPMS!

[Dr.Willowbrook]

Dun dun dun! Let the explanations (and hopefully not lame excuses) begin!

Great start! This story's very well-written, and I can't wait for the next update!

[clark&lanafan06]

Uh-oh Clarks gonna have some questions to answer when he wakes up . I really like this story ppms!!!!!!!!!!!!

[maitriniazngurl]

Great story HappyCamper!! I thought you left us... and here you are now.. :D

Please continue!! :D

[justsuper]

Oh my God! This is going to be a good one! I can always tell!!!! I am so excited!! PPMS!

[emogirl*88]

wow! plz continue ur story! i love it!

[SmallvilleFan2001]

Great start. keep it going.

[tygershot]

Good start! This fic has real potential! PPMS!

[xfreak1990]

I wonder what clark's excuse will be for there being no sign of a gunshot wound. please update soon

[Nemu]

You were waiting for me right??? This is a very good start... I wonder how Clark will get out of that one...

Yeah the title is making me nervous...

But,... You have only 1 thing to do... PPMS!!!!! :D

[LovinMe210]

Oh gawd, ppms!

[justsuper]

Waiting on pins and needles for more!! PPMS!!

[happycamper]

Hidden: Unwelcome Truth

Chapter Two


“I know he seems more worried now, but that’s a side of Clark that I think we both have seen before,” Martha told the pretty young women whom in so many ways she already thought of as a daughter.

“Thanks Mrs. Kent,” Lana responded. “It was just that Clark had been so free all summer, and now I worry because he seems to have the weight of the world back on his shoulders.”

“Please give him some time Lana, I think he is still affected by how close he came to dying,” a worried Martha told her. Brightening up, she added, “Now that I’m through for the day at the Talon, I’m going to go home and prepare something for Jonathan.”

“Oh, do you have something specific planned for this evening?” asked the younger woman in response to what she thought was a special note in the way the other woman voiced her intentions.

“Well if you can keep the other love of my life occupied to at least midnight, we’d all be happier for it.”

Sharing that particular smile that signified female conspiracy, the younger woman told Martha, “It’s a deal!”

Lana sat back down with her Caffé Latte to wait for the young man that both women loved so much. It had been almost two weeks since the day of what Lex still called ‘Clark’s resurrection’. Lana knew Lex still suspected that Clark has some meteor-driven powers, despite seeing that Clark’s medical records had shown him to be perfectly normal. Lana knew that there was nothing she could do to dissuade Lex – after all, he was right.

There is something very different about Clark...I just wish he would tell me exactly what it was.

Lana had almost been terrified the evening of Clark’s ressurec...no, return, when she had discovered smooth skin instead of the bullet wound she had been expecting. It was not a real surprise, however, because she had been given too many hints and glimpses in the past of this very different Clark. All of his rescues, his sudden disappearances, always being there when he was needed, and his ability to somehow defeat others with special abilities; they all pointed to that fact that Clark had some special abilities of his own.

Her terror passed almost instantly, for the one thing Lana knew about Clark in the deepest part of both her head and heart was that he was incapable of hurting her – at least outside of the emotional pain that his secrets had caused her. No, she had nothing to fear from Clark, except that he might break her heart once again.

Lana almost woke Clark to confront him about his non-existent wound, but decided that she would give him the opportunity to tell her on his own. This was a decision she had come to regret, for in the two weeks since then, the old Clark had returned in full force. As she had told Martha, it seemed the weight of the world was back on his shoulders, a burden that had disappeared all during their magical summer together.

And with that weight came the return of Lana’s resentment. Clark promised that there would be no more secrets and lies. But since he’s re-assumed his burden – whatever it is – those secrets and lies have also returned. I know he still loves me, so what would it take for him to actually trust me? Instead of telling me the truth he has become – almost as if in recompense – a nearly perfect boyfriend. It’s like he’s proving himself to me by always being so solicitous and loving, but with an almost obsessive concern about my health and safety. What is it that is driving Clark to act this way?

We almost have a formal pact instead of the truth, with the only terms being that we ignore his special abilities. Clark even went bare-chested at the lake a couple of days ago when we met A.C. So now he has me lying, too, as he conveniently forgets that he should still be injured and bandaged while I do my part by forgetting to ask why he has healed so quickly and without even a small scar.

However, there was another cause for Lana’s resentment and concern. As uninjured as he is, Clark still hasn’t made love to me since that day, even thought I have given him so many chances. At first I thought it was something that his parents made him promise when they had caught us sneaking out of his bedroom that morning. That’s why I came down early to talk to Martha tonight. While Mr. Kent may still be opposed, Martha had pretty much given us a green light a few minutes ago, so that can’t be the reason. I’ve almost thrown myself at him, so if he still loves me and is physically whole, why doesn’t he want to make love?

Lana couldn’t help but begin to question a relationship that had so many secrets and lies; one in which Clark not only withheld the truth from her, but also withheld himself. But I love him so much!

“Hey beautiful,” Clark told her, before stooping down to the girl for a kiss.

Lana had been so intent on her thoughts that she missed the entry of her boyfriend into the Talon. “Hi Clark,” a smiling Lana responded, after catching her breath.

“You haven’t been waiting too long for me, have you?”

More than three long years “No, I was ready early, so I came down about twenty minutes ago, and just talked to your mom for a few minutes before she left for the farm. With a slight smirk, Lana added, “she did say that she had some special plans for your father, so she’d appreciate you staying away at least until midnight.”

Just as she’d hoped, Clark blushed deeply. “Lana, why did you have to tell me that. The thought of the possibilities is going to make my head explode. I don’t want to go deaf or even blind, so we better stay out a little late.”

“So what’s the plan for this evening?”

“Lana, since we only have a week before starting college, I thought I’d let you decide tonight.”

“Well Clark, there is a new movie I’ve been hearing about...”

“Anything but Elizabethtown, Lana.”

“But Clark...”

“Please Lana, not a chick fl...I mean, can’t we agree on a movie we’d both enjoy seeing?”

“But I thought you said we’d let me decide tonight,” Lana responded with a practiced plaintiveness in her voice.

“Okay, Lana, Elizabethtown it is,” Clark sadly conceded.

Laughing, Lana told her boyfriend, ”You know, I think you’d actually take me. Don’t worry, Chloe and I have already penciled it in for girl’s night later this week.”

Relieved, Clark asked, “Well, what do you want to do this evening?”

Finishing her coffee before getting up off her chair, Lana tugged at Clark’s arm and told him, “Come on, I thought we’d just go to Potter’s field and look at the stars.”

Grinning at his beloved, Clark responded, “I could probably manage that.”

* * * * * *

Lana pleaded, “Clark, make love to me,” as she looked up at her boyfriend.

They had reached Potter’s field at sunset, and spread a blanket on the ground outside their favorite oak tree just as the sun began to go down. Both had agreed that while the sunset experience wasn’t quite up to the level of that of the loft, the ability to lay out under the stars made it worthwhile for entirely different reasons.

Being held in Clark’s arms was something that Lana had always found to be a near perfect experience. When he held her, she felt safe and at peace, and that all was right with the world. They viewed the stars and talked softly about many things, with the only sour note the result of having to avoid the landmines associated with their unvoiced pact.

After a period of silence, they had turned towards each other and exchanged a light kiss, and then another. But their exchange had quickly grown passionate, as each sought to reassure the other that they were loved. Clark held her in his embrace and had completed his capture by pinning her legs with one his own, when he suddenly stopped and just held her close. Lana had thought Clark was finally ready to go back to the way they had been before his return, so she made her plea because she was almost ready to scream in frustration.

“Lana, I can’t,” Clark responded.

“Can’t or won’t,” Lana asked with some bitterness, knowing the proof of his capability to do so.

“I want to so much,” Clark whispered to Lana, as his eyes unfocused the way they always did when he was withholding something from her, “but I don’t think it would be a good idea just now.”

Pulling herself away from Clark, she complained, “When will it be a good time, then?”

“I’m sorry.”

“I’m sorry, too.” But looking at Clark, her anger changed to concern. “Please Clark, tell me what’s wrong. Is it me?”

Hearing her worry, Clark quickly looked up and told her, “It’s definitely not you Lana, I love you so much. That will never change, its just that I...,” his voice trailed off as his eyes drifted away from hers.

Why won’t he let me in? Why won’t he just tell me the truth? Seeing the misery in Clark’s face, Lana relented, and told him, “Well it’s nearly midnight, so we probably should be going, anyway. Your parents are probably expecting you home.”

The trip back to the Talon was a quiet one, with Lana close up to Clark, and he reaching out to her whenever the driving permitted. But it was an awkward ride, with both parties frustrated, unable and unwilling to voice their true thoughts to the other.

After they entered the now empty Talon, Clark kissed Lana before wishing her goodnight. “Oh Clark,” Lana cried out, as she embraced him in order to feel the comfort and safety of his arms once more.

With a final kiss, they separated, and as she locked the door behind him, Lana forced a smile and a wave goodbye.

But walking back outside to his truck, his special hearing allowed Clark to detect the sobs that Lana had finally released as she entered her apartment.


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[SVsleuth]

1st! OK, hc, that's enough of the angst. Make him tell her already!!!!! You know we can't take much more of this agony between Clark & Lana. So, PPMS!

[happycamper]

Sorry, forgot to add some commentary.


Originally posted by Lost_In_Clana
This is really good!! How'll Clark come up with a good excuse to his snooth and unbroken skin?
Doesn't need to, yet...


Originally posted by SVsleuth
Oh, hc, this is fantastic! It is interesting to get your take on what could have changed after Clark came back from the dead. Hmmm.... I wonder if someone will die in yours? If so, who? PPMS!
Also, your title is worrying me: Unwelcome Truth?? This better not mean Lana will be upset when she learns the truth about Clark.....
:mad:
I hope it is a little different. But as to your concern, I only promise a happy ending.


Originally posted by SmallvilleMan
Oh no, happycamper and his unhappy title. As for it being a critical turning point for Clana, I have to disagree, because IMO nothing would have meant anything if reckoning ended with Lana knowing his secret.
Well, I can only disagree. I believe that this was when he turned away from the truth once more, at a point when Lana was willing to accept him under any circumstances. All the misery of the next months would have been avoided, and Lana would never have reason to suspect him, or to turn to Lex. For example, if they weren't friends, she never would have gone to see him after the victory party and Clark would never have had a need to save her.


xfreak1990 and Nemu: as I said earlier, there's no need for excuses and I only promise a happy ending.

[deanyouk]

happycamper, your such a great writer. I can't wait for more of this story..

[justsuper]

I love that you are developing this - this is true to the characters of Clark and Lana. Lana is no fool and this shows it!! Good work!! I love the angst - that you are not making it easy for them. Clark's secret is too big and the consquences of who he is are too great for him to have an easy road. Also creating these obstacles for them - will only make the pay-off when Lana finds out the truth all the more spectacular. PS - I hope she finds out through actions - not Clark's words (which are always pretty akward!) PPMS!

[superman_lives_on]

I'm not particularly fond of angst, so I hope this doesn't go overboard with it. No signs of that happening yet, though, so I'm not too worried.

Very good writing. You have an accomplished sense of description--always a plus in any story. :)

I hope that Clark does decide to let Lana in on his secret--little by little would probably be a good idea. It would allow them both to get more comfortable with the whole thing. Think about it? :)

PPMS!

[closetfan]

so sad, but i dont mind angst, as long as it leads to clana, i dont mind it at all....cant wait for chapter 3

[SmallvilleMan]

Well, I can only disagree. I believe that this was when he turned away from the truth once more, at a point when Lana was willing to accept him under any circumstances. All the misery of the next months would have been avoided, and Lana would never have reason to suspect him, or to turn to Lex. For example, if they weren't friends, she never would have gone to see him after the victory party and Clark would never have had a need to save her.

That's true, but what once again is also true, is that Lana did accept him under pretty bad circumstances. It is true that Lana wouldn't have a reason to suspect him. However, Lana wasn't friends with Lex at that point, nor had she turned to him. That happened in Splinter, where IMO was probably a bigger turning point. But like I said before, it's all unimportant, he had chances and i believe he would still have one right now if he told her the whole truth.

[justsuper]

Eagerly awaiting Chapter 3! PPMS!

[emsfan]

Great job i need more pleaase update soon...:)

[clark&lanafan06]

Update soon Please !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[redraven]

Awesome chapter. Can't wait to see where this will go. :)

Update soon.

[maitriniazngurl]

Hey, Great update!! The Clana saddness is a bit...sad but I love how it's going!!

PPMS!!

And Redraven I love your avatar!!

[happycamper]

Sorry, like so many others, I've really been caught up with events in real life. This is only half of what I originally intended for Chapter 3, but decided that writing the rest will have to wait for a bit... :(




Hidden: Unwelcome Truth

Chapter Three



What had happened in the two months since his resurrection was almost beating on Clark’s soul while he was doing his morning chores. Why am I always the one that hurts Lana the most? I never mean to, and I would give everything I have to make her happy. But just being around me always causes her to suffer.

Since the night Clark had refused Lana and left her in tears, they had slowly drifted apart, as each only pretended to the other – and to themselves – that they still maintained the uncomplicated love they had shared in the summer. While that love remained, a wall was slowly being built between them, strengthened each day by unresolved secrets and unspoken resentment.

The black mood seemed to fill his body, causing an increase in nervous energy for which he had no real outlet. Clark finally had to give up fence repairs when several new posts disappeared entirely into the ground, and he had to content himself with baling the hay that would provide the winter feed for the remaining Kent cattle.

As Clark worked, the blackness seemed to engulf him, hammering him with guilt and regret – emotions that soon began to turn to anger, at himself and his situation. He knew it was a sign of incipient paranoia, but he couldn’t help but believe that fate was conspiring to keep him unhappy. Clark had finally found perfect love and contentment, and now the tensions and pain resulting from the slow decay of his relationship had made his situation much worse than it had ever been before.

Clark faced a bleak truth. It would almost be better if we were apart. That way Lana could try to find happiness, and I’d at least be relieved of the guilt her tears are causing me...and she’d finally be safe!

Clark thought about this as a solution while he showered, but finally decided that it was a road he could never travel. More than just her looks, it was always Lana’s soul that had captivated him. Her ability to see beauty in the world around her, her kindness and bravery in spite of her losses – all were components of the Lana that he loved. His own sense of humanity was tied closely to her, and Clark had tried since he was a young boy to become a man that would be worthy of her love. I literally could not survive without Lana, not without becoming a completely different – and lesser – person.

But Clark faced a dilemma. Is telling her the whole truth the only way I can keep her in my life? Clark remembered Jor-El’s words: “Unfortunately the rectification does not come without a price. The life of someone you love will be exchanged for yours.” Can I be selfish enough to keep her love, when by doing so, I’m risking that her life might be taken by Jor-El?

Going back to the loft for more brooding, Clark spotted a familiar VW parked back behind the barn. As he started up the stairs, he saw the cheerful face of his best friend.

“Hey Clark,” the blonde greeted him.

“Hi Chloe.”

“I spotted your mom on her way out to her shift at the Talon, and she suggested that I wait up here until you were done showering,” she explained.

“No, I’m glad you stopped by, I haven’t talked to you in a while.”

“Yeah, you don’t seem to get out too much. That’s why I came over, so I could see what my favorite superhero had been doing recently to amuse himself.”

“Well I’ve talked to Dr. Willowbrook at school a few times, and I have a new professor, Dr. Fine, in my modern history class. He’s pretty good, and has really made me start thinking more about Lex. In fact, he has me working for him part-time, and we’ve been looking at some of the things Lex and other industrialists are doing to make their money.”

“That sounds pretty good for a lowly farm boy Clark. You really seem to end up meeting the most interesting people.”

“So how does it feel to be finally making it at the ‘Daily Planet’? A dream-job finally come true?”

Laughing, Chloe admitted, “Well, they only have me doing obituaries right now. But where there’s hope there’s a way, and I hope to be doing some real news soon. You’re going to have to visit me there one evening, and I’ll give you the nickel tour.”

“Thanks Chloe, I think I’d like that.”

The beaming expression on Chloe’s face slowly became serious. “I really wanted to ask you how things are with Lana.”

A suddenly defensive Clark sputtered, “Chloe, I...”

‘Now before you start, I have to tell you I’m really worried about her.” Chloe waited for Clark to pay attention before continuing, “You know she’s still at that sorority, even after the fiasco with it’s president dying off so suddenly, but I still manage to see her almost every day. Clark, Lana’s really hurting. She puts on a brave face, but she doesn’t understand what’s happened between you two and it’s really bothering her.”

“Chloe, I still don’t know why she suddenly decided to go to Met U instead of staying at Central Kansas with me. I know she told me it was because that was the only place she could take astronomy classes, but I can’t help thinking it was actually to get away from me. I only see her on weekends now, and it’s really bothering me, too.” After a pause, Clark whispered, “I think I’m losing her, Chloe.”

“Clark, don’t you think that the two of you have been dancing around this long enough? Lana has to know at least part of your secret. Didn’t you think she figured something was up when you stopped wearing that bandage so soon after you were shot, and you didn’t even have a small scar to show for it?”

“But Chloe, she never said anything about it.”

“Clark, give her some credit. Lana noticed, but she’s just waiting for you to tell her the truth. The fact that you’ve failed to tell her is probably the reason why she decided to go to Met U.”

“It’s more than that, Chloe. She asked me why we never had, uh, relations, after the injury, and I just told her I can’t,” a deeply reddened Clark admitted. Seeing the look of disbelief in his best friend’s face, he added, “I’m afraid, Chloe. I’m back at full strength, and I could really hurt her if I ever lost control of myself.”

At this confession Chloe just stared incredulously at Clark. “And she still staying with you after all this?”

“Well, I think she thought I was holding back because my parents caught us trying to sneak her out of the house the morning I got shot.”

“I assume you had a long and embarrassing talk with your folks after that,” Chloe finally managed with a straight face.

“Yeah, it was pretty bad, and that was why I was so anxious to help you that morning – anything to get out of the house,” Clark admitted, “but that excuse really blew up a few weeks later when we were alone in her apartment at the Talon.”

“That’s really a lot more than I need to know, Clark.” Sighing, Chloe added, “Clark, you really need to tell Lana the truth. You’re both going to be miserable until you do.”

“But Chloe, what about Jor-El? I keep thinking it would be better if we broke up. That way, at least, she’d be safe from him.”

“Don’t you owe it to Lana to decide for herself,” Chloe insisted.

“That’s the problem, Chloe. I can’t help thinking that telling her my secret would just be a selfish way to keep her. The real sacrifice would be to keep her far way from me and safe.”

Seeing the pain this dilemma was causing Clark, Chloe paused to think. Clark told me that Jor-El would take someone he loved, not that the victim would be limited to those that loved him. I don’t think Clark is capable of not loving Lana, so driving her crazy with unhappiness wouldn’t save her anyway if Jor-El decided to sacrifice her. Deciding that Clark needed to hear about her conclusions, Chloe started to explain when she was interrupted by a call from the floor of the barn.

“Clark, Chloe,” a voice very well known to both of them called up, “are you up in the loft?”

* * * *

[deanyouk]

great update happycamper :)

[superman_lives_on]

VERY impressive writing as always! :D Dang, I wish Clark could realize what Chloe has realized...

Is that voice Lana, or Martha? Or even Jonathan? I get the feeling it's Lana...

PPMS!

[clark&lanafan06]

Great update ! PPMS !!!!!!!!!!!!

[clana1fan4ever]

Very nice update!!!!!!!!
PPMS!!!!

[tygershot]

Oh no! A cliffhanger! PPMS!

[redraven]

That update was...what's a good word...amazing. :D PPMS!

[Lost_In_Clana]

Awesome update!! Hope Clark realizes soon that he should tell Lana his secret.

[Totalclanafan614]

That was a good update!!
This story is awesome!
PPMS! :D

[SVsleuth]

OOooo....I wonder if it's Lana. I hope Chloe still gets to tell Clark what she was thinking.

hc, I hope whatever is going on in "real life" isn't anything too bad, & just things keeping you busy. Nice, update. Post more when you can.

[superman8s]

please post more!....i like this hidden story!

[Venezuelan Lana]

I really like this story, I started reading it today and your writting is really amazing. PPMS!!!:D

[happycamper]

Thanks for the concern Esvie, but all is fine - just extremely busy both at home and the office. Anyway...

I finally finished the second part of Chapter Three. Will try harder to update more regularly! :p



Hidden: Unwelcome Truth

Chapter Three (Part Two)



As usual for the past few weeks, Lana Lang woke up without the habitual cheer with which she had always greeted each morning. She didn’t like waking up unhappy, but she was fully aware of why she had changed – Clark.

How did the man she loved ever transform from a source of happiness to one of pain? Lana had gone through her ups and downs with Clark. But after the second meteor shower, everything had become nearly perfect. Clark had become so open and free, and they were finally able to get past all the secrets and lies. But now they were back, and Lana didn’t know if she could take it any more.

Lana loved Clark and knew that he loved her, but she was now aware deep in her gut that just loving someone was not enough. There had to be more – a couple had to honestly communicate and to have trust and mutual faith in one another. She had certainly given Clark her trust, but over the past weeks he had failed miserably at giving her his own. The last thing she would ever want to do was to lose him, but she did not know if she could continue with things the way they are going now. I don’t need to know all your secrets, Clark, I just need to know that you love me enough to trust me.

Lana was aware that this lack of trust – and to be honest with herself, her reaction to being shut out – was slowly poisoning their relationship. They saw each other much less often, and even when they did, what should have been joyous occasions were almost becoming painful. Unvoiced as it was to Clark, that was even the reason that Lana had suddenly decided to attend Met U. It allowed her to avoid the pain of seeing him everyday, and her sudden interest in astronomy allowed her to be distracted from thoughts of Clark as she rapaciously learned everything she could about meteors, the possibility of life on worlds other than earth, and the mysteries of space.

She had even met a few times with Lex Luthor. What a piece of work he is. Acting so concerned and innocent about everything that’s happened, and about what he’s done to bother me and Clark. But he is just as interested in meteors and extraterrestrial life as I am. And I would never get anywhere on the mysteries of the spaceship without him, because only he has the drive and resources to get to the truth. Working with him is like making a deal with the devil, and if Clark ever found out he’d be crushed. See what you’ve done to me – now I have more secrets and lies of my own. Oh, Clark, why can’t we just come clean with each other?

As the morning progressed, Lana thought more and more about the current state of her relationship, and finally resolved to herself that she would do something about it. She would confront Clark and demand that the secrets be revealed – just as she would reveal her own – and that they regain their trust and mutual faith, or else . . . Or else what?

During the long drive out to Smallville, Lana pondered the “or else.” She couldn’t conceive of losing Clark, but also knew she couldn’t continue the same way it had been for these past weeks. The running argument in her head kept her so distracted that she was almost driving on automatic pilot, and it was with surprise that she suddenly found herself at the Kent farm. Another surprise was a familiar VW.

Lana was ready to go charging in to confront Clark, but Chloe’s presence made that impossible. Instead, she would have to go in and make nice with Clark and their mutual best friend, until she finally had the opportunity to talk to him alone.

Later, she couldn’t understand what drove her to do what she did, other than knowing that her own best friend was so close to Clark, and they shared so many things with each other. She could kick herself for being so nosy, but she couldn’t stop herself from sneaking into the barn.

Lana heard her best friend say, “Clark, you really need to tell Lana the truth. You’re both going to be miserable until you do.”

What was that – Clark had told her own best friend the truth that he always refused to share with her? But her shock and rising anger was interrupted by her boyfriend’s reply.

“But Chloe, what about Jor-El? I keep thinking it would be better if we broke up. That way, at least, she’d be safe from him.”

Anger turned to fear as she heard those words. Fear that he might break up with her, and fear about this Jor-El person that seemed to be some sort of menace.

“Don’t you owe it to Lana to decide for herself,” she heard Chloe’s voice insist.

“That’s the problem, Chloe. I can’t help thinking that telling her my secret would just be a selfish way to keep her. The real sacrifice would be to keep her far way from me and safe.”

Clark still cared for her. But all these secrets and lies were maddening, and why does Chloe seem to know everything when I don’t?

Unable any longer to deal with the situation, Lana finally called out, “Clark! Chloe! Are you up in the loft?”

It was utterly quiet as Lana climbed the steps to the loft, and she only saw wide-eyed, furtive faces when she entered. She just gave them a brittle smile in return and they were almost forced to look away. After several seconds, she finally asked, “So what is it that my boyfriend and best girlfriend find so interesting to discuss?”

Both sets of eyes returned their attention to Lana, and radiated their guilt. Clark and Chloe each opened their mouths to reply, but neither could find the words to properly explain what had happened. So it was Lana who had to finally ask, “Chloe, could you excuse us,” her look clearly indicating that they would indeed be having their own interaction, but later, “while my boyfriend and I have a little discussion?”

The guilty parties had both winced at the emphasis Lana had placed on ‘boyfriend’, and Chloe fully understood she was in for some grilling afterwards. But happy to escape any immediate fell fate, she was willing to leave Clark to Lana’s not so tender mercies. “Sure Lana, I’ll leave the two of you to your discussion. See you both later,” and throwing Clark a sympathetic look, she added under her breath, “I hope.”

After Chloe left, Lana just stared at Clark while his guilt and discomfort grew. Weary of the whole game, she whispered to him, “Clark, we need to have a little talk.”

“About what?” Clark asked, knowing full well the topic of their upcoming conversation.

“About us, and about why you can’t tell me the truth.”



~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

[superman_lives_on]

Eesh... Looks like there's no middle path now. Clark HAS to come clean or lose the person he can't go on without...

I wonder what exactly will happen?

[Totalclanafan614]

Good update!!!
I hope Clark tells Lana the truth soon!!
PPMS!

[clark&lanafan06]

Great update ! Clark better not do something stupid. Please update soon I really want to see what happens next .

[deanyouk]

that was brilliant.... cant wait for more

[maitriniazngurl]

ooooo... now the suspense start.. will he tell.. or no??.. ooo.. :D
Great update!! :D

[SVsleuth]

C'mon you big chicken - tell her the truth! All that hogwash about protecting her... wish Chloe had a chance to tell him what she was thinking earlier about that. PPMS!

[happycamper]

Hidden: Unwelcome Truth

Chapter Four



Lana just stared at Clark while his guilt and discomfort grew. Weary of the whole game, she whispered to him, “Clark, we need to have a little talk.”

“About what?” Clark asked, knowing full well the topic of their upcoming conversation.

“About us, and about why you can’t tell me the truth.”

“Um...,” seeing the combination of hurt and anger on the normally sunny countenance of his girlfriend, Clark correctly guessed that she had heard portions of his conversations with Chloe. He thought madly about what he could tell her, unaware that Lana could clearly see Clark trying to spin a story that would somehow get him out of a jam.

He’s going to lie to me again. I could almost pity his inability to hide himself from me if he didn’t make me so frustrated and angry. And Chloe... The thought of Chloe knowing those things that Clark had always refused to share with her infuriated Lana. While Chloe was her best female friend, Lana's jealousy over the fact that Clark could discuss his secrets with Chloe while keeping them from her was not a thing she was capable of understanding.

“And while your getting your story straight, Clark, make sure it can explain why Chloe knows things about you that you’ve always refused to reveal to the woman you claim to love!” Clark’s goggle-eyed response to Lana’s statement proved that she had guessed Clark’s intent, and that knowledge only increased her anger. Why is he incapable of telling me the simple truth? “Well, I’m still waiting!”

He finally muttered, “Lana, I love you. Can’t you just accept that what I refuse to tell you is for your own good? The knowledge will make you a target, and I can’t let you get hurt because of it.”

“Don’t you owe it to me to decide for myself?” Lana could see Clark wince as she paraphrased the question Chloe had asked him just minutes before.

Clark frowned in thought about her question, before finally responding, “It’s just too dangerous.”

“But it’s not too dangerous for you to tell Chloe?” Lana asked silky-sweet voice at odds with the fiery flash in her eyes.

Recognizing the trap, Clark could only plead, “I never told Chloe – she found it out on her own. Lana, it really is dangerous, Pete was beaten and has his life threatened more than once by those who wanted to discover it.”

An almost shrill voice acccused, “Pete knows, too?”

“Believe me Lana, I’ve never told anyone my secrets. The only person that I even considered telling about them is you, and I think about it every day. I almost told you once, the day before you left for Paris. I think you knew in your heart that I finally intended to tell you everything,” Clark pleaded.

“Only to be disappointed once again,” Lana responded.

“Lana, Pete almost died that day. An FBI agent working with Lex had a gun to Pete’s head. It was so bad that Pete decided to move to Wichita with the Judge, because he was afraid he couldn’t keep my secret if something like that happened again.”

Lana could see the real pain that rose up in Clark as he remembered what happened to Pete – he just couldn’t give up feeling responsible for everything that happened to his family and friends. Lana was worried about exactly what could be so dangerous to the people around Clark. Yet, Lana knew that it couldn’t be something too awful or sordid, Clark and his parents were so essentially good people who would never be caught up in anything evil. How could Lana explain that it was much more than just knowing the secret itself, it was that she needed to know that Clark loved her enough to be willing to share with her all aspects of himself?

Finally, Lana thought of a different argument. “Clark, I’m your girlfriend. You know how much it hurts me that you keep hiding yourself away from me. But what you forget is that anyone who is seeking your secrets will just assume I know all about you. So keeping your secret isn’t going to protect me from any bad guys, it’s just going to hurt me emotionally. You might as well let me know exactly what it is I need to worry about – I might even be safer that way.”

Clark only responded with silence as he pondered her statements, with a troubled look on his face.

Lana congratulated herself mentally for this reasoning, and added what she thought was the argument that would fully win him over. “Clark, I can’t be part of a relationship where we would hide something so important from one another.” Staring straight into his eyes, she finally added, “You have to choose between me or your secrets.”

Clark could only stare at the only girl he had ever loved. Not only is she in danger because of Lex and others like him, she now has to worry about Jor-El. His words kept pounding themselves into Clark’s brain: ‘For everything in nature there is a balance. The life force that has been returned to you will soon be taken from someone you love.’ It would be unfair to Lana for Clark to impose such risks on her life, and he couldn’t bear the thought of her dying because of him. But how am I ever going to stand losing her, and what am I going to do when she’s finally with another?

Lana could see by his expression that Clark had made a decision, and seeing the bleak look on his face, was suddenly afraid that he had made the one choice she had never really even considered. “Clark,” she began.

“No Lana,” Clark interrupted, “you’re right.” With Jor-El words still echoing in his brain, he continued, “It’s not fair for me to ask you to continue in a relationship where I can’t share the truth with you. I’ll always care for you, but I think we can’t stay together as a couple.”

Too late, Lana heard a message that she thought she would never have gotten from Clark, each word breaking her heart a little more, until at its completion, her heart was shattered. No, she screamed silently to herself, that isn’t what I meant...it’s not what I wanted! You were supposed to decide to trust me.

Grabbing one of Clark arms with both of her own, she asked him, “Can you look me in the eyes and tell me that you no longer love me?”

Clark, his own heart shattered, fought every aspect of his being that made him want to cry out that he would never stop loving her, that he couldn’t stop loving her. Instead, using every bit of his strength, he finally managed, “Does it matter? We obviously can’t be a couple,” as he gently pulled his arm back from her grasp.

Lana just stared at Clark, unbelieving, as her mind tried to process his words. Although but a few seconds, it seemed like an eternity to them both. Clark fought his own emotions, the thought of Lana dying the only thing able to keep him from breaking.

Lana’s eyes pleaded for another pathway. Don’t do this Clark. Say something. Anything! Finally acknowledging to herself that she would get nothing else from Clark, she turned with as much dignity as she could muster and walked down the loft steps and out of the barn. Lana managed to drive out to the main road before she pulled over to the side, her whole body quivering. It was only then that she started sobbing.

With each step that Lana took away from him, Clark had to fight an almost elemental need to call out to her; to run to her and tell her how much he loved her. Like a mantra, he kept telling himself, “She’s safe now, she’s not going to die,” until finally his hearing allowed him to be aware of her SUV pulling off the road, and of the heartbreaking sobs that followed. With tears of his own he sat back on the loft’s couch, hating himself for the pain he had caused her.

When Lana finally pulled back out onto the road to begin her lonely drive back to her apartment in the Talon, he sped after her. He stayed out of her sight, but figured the least he owed her after hurting her so badly was to make sure that she would make it safely back to her home. Resisting the temptation to do more proved very difficult.



~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

[SmallvilleMan]

come on, you could have just said after hypnotic and not have out us through that crap again(Crap as in clark being a wimp). Unless you have something planned, which you better!

[clark&lanafan06]

Clark is so stupid ! That's so sad . Great update ! PPMS!!!!!!!!!!!!

[SVsleuth]

At least your version is more believeable with Claark NOT saying "I don't love you anymore." It works better for him to say what you had him say, that they just can't be a couple anymore. I'm trusting that eventually you are going to fix it, hc. PPMS!

[SmallvilleMan]

At least your version is more believeable with Claark NOT saying "I don't love you anymore." It works better for him to say what you had him say, that they just can't be a couple anymore. I'm trusting that eventually you are going to fix it, hc. PPMS!

And then the writers actually trying to spin it like it's true, despite everything. But that was just one of the many things wrong with that piece of crap of an episode.

[treker]

I thought you wrote happy clanna? what the hell is this crap????????

I need a reason to keep reading this....is you can't say in public then PM me....otherwise I won't read anymore. This is going down the road of everything that happened in the 2nd half of season 5. and I have no intention of reading a fic that does that....


:mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

[buddy232]

Just caught up, great story! Love the Clana!

[closetfan]

aaawwwwww man clark......dont you get it??? Jor-el said some1 you love will be sacrificed and you still love lana even though ur not together....stupid stupid stupid clark......

im not angry...im anxiously waitin for the next update

:)

[deanyouk]

another breakup... who'd thought... oh well

ppms

[superman_lives_on]

You IDIOT, Clark! What do you think you're doing, hc--you're just bringing up bad memories here. FIX IT FAST--preferably within the next two chapters! :mad:

And BTW, you forgot to put a / in one of the italics tags.

[maitriniazngurl]

Great update!! And I like sad stories that turn good so I'm not mad!! I just hope you fix it soon. :D

[Cardinal]

For you to give me a hard time about needing to write something nice is just too funny!!!!

I call Shenanigans! :p

There are times as a friends when you have to do something for/to a friend that is in that friend's best interest...whether they like it or not!

Chloe needs to tell Lana for Clark's own good.

[superman8s]

oh my gawd i am going to need anti depressants! because all the fics i read are so gosh darn depressing! PPMS! w/ good happy good clanaful stuff!

[SmallvilleMan]

There are times as a friends when you have to do something for/to a friend that is in that friend's best interest...whether they like it or not!

I've said that for a while now card. Especially if it's your best friend, you need to tell them those things. I thought Chloe was a horrible friend in that area, off course no one outside this board would dare think or say something like that:rolleyes:

[closetfan]

i actually agree....if i were chloe i would tell lana clark's secret, it will make life a whole lot easier for lana, clark, and chloe....but nooooo...thats too sensible for smellville

[maitriniazngurl]

I want Chloe to tell Clark too!! But if Chloe tells Clark then Lana won't get to know from him!! Anyways PPMS HappyCamper!!

[happycamper]

I guess it’s time for a little response to those commenting (and thanks! I like/appreciate both the good and the...not so good):

Card, you should know by now to do what I say, not as I do. And to you and the others asking, the confrontation between Lana and Chloe is in the next chapter (after the one that follows, that is).

Sorry Smallvilleman, I’ve only said I like reading happy Clana, not that I actually write it . . . ;)

Actually, what I write is more an exercise in pleasing myself rather than the rest of the board. I guess I’m very lucky that my stories can’t be voted off as being too unhappy while I’m still just setting things up.;) At least I hope not . . . :(

At the same time, I do like happy Clana, and each story I’ve written at least ends that way (I would argue that even ‘Sacrifice’ ended with their love for one another being both obvious and unsurpassed throughout their lives, even if it was otherwise very sad (I hope). I find it very difficult (impossible?) to write happy Clana for chapter after chapter (although I greatly admire those that can), so I end up writing about how the characters fix whatever is wrong and get back together. Since the problem(s) are resolved, my stories end at that point. If I were to have happy Clana so early in one of my stories, there wouldn’t be anything else left with which to continue.

Yet at the same time, I do want plausibility and believability. I’d be willing to take a lot more grief on the state of the Clana from the Smallville writers if there was a legitimate reason for what happened (and I haven’t seen it yet). I do try to come up with good and logical reasons for my plots, and for the way our favorites act in these stories.

What each of you end up reading on this board is an individual decision based on preference and taste, but I guess if you actually bother reading one of my own efforts, you would just have to accept on faith that things will at least end well. And who knows, maybe at some future point I could even write a story only filled with happiness and light (and someone actually does win the lottery, you know).

Thanks to all! hc



And now on with the story...

This was orignally intended as the second half of chapter four, but went a little long. Consequently, I just went ahead and made it its own chapter.




Hidden: Unwelcome Truth

Chapter Five



Over the next few days, Lana didn’t see either Clark or Chloe. Instead, she numbly worked double shifts at the Talon, grateful that the long hours there kept her from dwelling too much on what had happened. Mrs. Kent had been staying at home, occupied with some personal matters she claimed, but actually allowing Lana and the other girls to get some more hours - and money – before they had to go back to school. Lana wasn’t sure whether she was glad about Mrs. Kent’s absence; it would have been hard to face her because of the break-up with Clark, but Lana was also unable now to probe her about why Clark acted the way he had.

Lana was certain that Clark still loved her, so she still couldn’t understand why he had driven her away. It obviously had to do with his secret, and something that he truly believes would be dangerous for me. But what could be so bad as to break us apart?

Lana missed Clark. She had always enjoyed his endearing humor and his big smile, and now that they had finally gotten closer, his great strength and tender touch. But it was the feeling of comfort and safety whenever she was around him that she missed most of all. I love Clark and I need him. I don’t know what I am going to do if he abandons me the way everyone else has.

Finally being honest with herself, Lana could admit that she missed Chloe, too. Lana had been very angry with her, for Chloe had shared a part of Clark’s life that he had always kept from her. It was Chloe’s bright and inquisitive mind that made her such a good friend to Clark, the same way that it made her important to Lana. I really need someone’s shoulder to cry on right now, and I don’t have anyone since my best girlfriend and I aren’t even speaking to one another.

I should have confronted Clark the first night after his resurrection when I discovered that he had healed so perfectly, before he had time to brood and worry, and before he had time to come up with a cover story. But I trusted him to tell me... Lana couldn’t help feeling a little bitter about what happened. I trusted him, but he never trusted me!

A familiar blond entered the Talon, and Lana didn’t know whether to be happy or sad. But her heart started racing when she saw the look on Chloe’s face. She seemed overwhelmed with emotion, but Lana couldn’t determine what it might portend.

Chloe only looked at Lana, and nodded in the direction of the back room. When they got there and Chloe finally turned to face her, all she could see was a mixture of grief, confusion, and even a little anger. It almost looked like she had lost her best friend. Suddenly understanding, Lana gasped out, “Clark?”

“I’m sorry Lana,” her best friend told her as the tears streamed down her face, “he’s gone.”

* * * *

Clark had stayed at the farm after his disastrous confrontation with Lana. He spent his time in the loft, unwilling to leave except for his chores and for hurried meals with his parents. He didn’t think he could face seeing Lana or Chloe just then.

Jonathan and Martha Kent both recognized that there was something seriously troubling their son. The absence of the beautiful young woman that had come to love their son – someone they had always considered almost a daughter even before Clark had been perceptive enough to pursue her – made the reason for his unhappiness quite plain.

Ignoring their own desires to find out what was wrong and comfort him, they decided that he needed to work out whatever problems he was having with Lana on his own. But the unprecedented levels of brooding that Clark showed over the next couple of days finally made them decide to confront him after a Kent dinner.

Martha began, “So how was the pie, Clark . . . Clark?”

“Oh,” Clark stopped contemplating the last crumbs on his plate as he lifted his gaze to his mother, “Sorry, mom. It was delicious as always.”

“Thank you Clark,” Martha responded, “I thought something might be wrong when you seemed satisfied with a single slice.”

Clark eyes shifted back and forth between his parents, each staring at him with what almost seemed x-ray vision.

Jonathan finally asked, “Son, what’s been troubling you? We know you’re a young man now and entitled to keep your own counsel. But you’ve been giving a gold medal performance in moodiness the past few days, and we couldn’t help but notice the absence of our favorite young woman.”

Giving up any further attempt at hiding the truth from his parents, Clark admitted, “I‘ve broken it off with Lana. I told her we couldn’t be a couple any longer.”

“Why Clark,” a shocked Martha asked, “we both know that you’ve been love with her almost your entire life?”

“You know I’ve always wanted to reveal myself to Lana,” Clark admitted, and then continued when both parents nodded, “but I’ve always been afraid of the consequences. It would put her in danger from people like Lex,” both Kents were shocked at the negative emotional intensity that accompanied the name of his once close friend, “and I was always afraid she wouldn’t accept me if she knew the truth.”

“Clark, Lana loves you very much,” Martha offered.

“I know that Mom, and since we’ve gotten closer,” Clark couldn’t help reddening slightly, “after I lost my powers, I don’t worry about that too much.”

The Kents just nodded, both managing to hide their amusement at Clark’s blush.

“But it’s gotten so much more dangerous since my return,” Clark continued, and I didn’t think it was fair to subject her to that much danger.”

“Don’t you owe it to Lana to let her decide for herself?” Jonathan asked.

A shocked Clark exclaimed, “Why does everyone keep saying that?”

“Maybe because it’s the truth. You do owe it to her Clark,” Martha gently explained, “and being apart is only going to break both of your hearts.”

“But you don’t realize how much more dangerous it is since I got my powers back,” Clark tried to explain. Seeing the questioning look on the faces of both parents, Clark continued, “I wasn’t totally honest with you since I got back.” He looked away from them, ashamed at what he had withheld.

Finally Jonathan asked, “Was it something Jor-El did?”

“Mom, Dad, I actually died that day. When Jor-El brought me back, he gave me what he called a life force, only...”

“Only what, son?”

“He said that for everything in nature there is a balance, and that the life force that had been returned to me would soon be taken from someone I loved.” Clark looked at his parents in anguish and guilt, “I tried to tell him to take it back, that I wasn’t willing to exchange my life for another. But he gave me no choice.”

“Dear, nothing’s changed,” Martha told him. “We’d have you back at any price.”

“That’s right son,” Jonathan agreed, and then seeing the misery still present in his son, added, “Think about what would have happened if you didn’t return. Your mom, me, Lana, and thousands of others would have died that day in a nuclear explosion. Each day since – and every day after – is a gift we all owe to your coming back to Smallville.”

Martha asked, “So is that why you don’t want Lana close to you?”

“Sorry,” Clark explained, “I can’t help loving the two of you, but I thought if Lana could get away from me, at least she’d be safe.”

“No need to apologize for that Clark,” Jonathan responded, “but did you really think this through. What exactly did Jor-El say? Even if you broke up with Lana, are you going to love her any less?”

His father’s words brought to the surface of his mind what he had been trying so hard to hide from himself. No matter what happened in terms of his relationship with Lana, she would remain in danger, for he would always love her. He had made her miserable for nothing!

Seeing his pain at finally recognizing the futility of his efforts to protect Lana, Martha told her son, “Maybe you could go talk to her.”

“No, she probably hates me now,” Clark moaned, “and with good reason.”

“I don’t believe that,” Martha offered.

“No, the person I need to talk with is Jor-El,” Clark decided.

Jonathan asked, “Are you sure that’s a good idea, son?”

“I need to talk to him about the need to exchange life forces. And if I actually do the training he has been harping about for so long, it may strengthen my case with him.”

“But how long will you be gone,” a suddenly worried Martha asked?

“I don’t know. It may even be years.” Seeing the anguish on the face of his parents, he added, “don’t worry, I’ll be back eventually. I’ll spend the rest of the evening doing what I can on the farm before I go. And I’ll leave a note for Lana. Please, would you see that she gets it? It’ll tell her that I loved her, but we can’t be together, and that we’ll both need to find happiness without the other.”

All three crying now, they hugged each other in mutual commiseration and loss.


~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

[Venezuelan Lana]

omg... that was beautiful... I hope Clark and Jor-El get a real talk, like father and son, and they find a solution to the issue... Can't Jor-El take the life of Lex? Clark once loved him, I'd like to think... so... why don't you kill that little pain in the a**?

Your writting is really great... PPMS!!!!

[deanyouk]

Great update happycamper!

[clark&lanafan06]

Great Update ! PPMS !!!!!!!!!!!!

[superman_lives_on]

Just one problem, Clark....you and Lana CAN'T find happiness without each other. It's just not possible, I don't think!

He had better find a way...and Jor-El had better stop trying to tear away his heart!

Update soon.

[closetfan]

oh wow...very emotional, and very great

:)

cant wait

[SmallvilleMan]

Sorry Smallvilleman, I’ve only said I like reading happy Clana, not that I actually write it . . .

Booooo this man:p

[superman8s]

whoa whoa! i wanted an update but not at the cost of losing clark.... what? i am lost...beyond lost..why is everyone writing depressing clana?

[superman_lives_on]

Originally posted by superman8s
why is everyone writing depressing clana?

That's what I want to know! What is it with people and angst? What's the point, really?

[SVsleuth]

Nice chapter, hc. Now hurry it along to get to the happy Clana ending you promised... PPMS!

[justsuper]

Hey happycamper...terrific update! You are a gifted writier and I enjoy your stories - truly!!! I read your comments and the ones from before. I have to say - I don't understand those who want happy clana without the angst? It's not depressing to me to have angst and conflict - it makes it a more interesting story. I've read those fics where it's all happy clana la-la-la stuff. It's fluff. It's not fufilling. (It's like a happy meal at McDonald's versus a steak dinner.) What is truly great is when a writer shows all the layers and character dimensions - the characters' inner conficts - and then shows interesting resolutions. For the sake of Clark and Lana, hopefully it's togetherness and love at last or at the very least...understanding and deeper love when Lana finally comes to know Clark's sacrifice. Keep up the terrific work! PPMS!!!!! Awesome job!

[emsfan]

^^Second to that.. great update and i can't wait for the next update!

[superman_lives_on]

^^^ Conflict in a story, I embrace--angst, I do not. The latter just makes me think of misery--and really, why would anyone WANT misery?

[tygershot]

Update?

[Clarkfan3000]

^ i second that!

[maitriniazngurl]

Yeah!! We want happy Clana!! :D

[justsuper]

Everyone's entitled to their opinion. But then write your own story and have it be boring la-la-la. Again, just my opinion but let the writer make their own decisions too.

[superman8s]

i dont know superman_lives_on i really want to believe that happy clana is possible! but i just keep being let down! remember in the episode slumber where Lana says: " our relationship has been full of pain and angst a little bit of leavity is refreshing" that is what i want!

[justsuper]

OK, I give up.....

Lana: Oh, Clark...I love you!
Clark: Oh, Lana....I'm an alien with superpowers!
Lana: Oh Clark!!
Clark: Oh Lana!!
Lana: Oh Clark!!!
Clark: Oh Lana!!!

They kiss, get married, and have babies.

THE END

[clark&lanafan06]

Update Soon plz !!!!!!!!!!!!!

[maitriniazngurl]

justsuper.. LOL!! I wish it was like that!! Keep it simple!! :D

[SVsleuth]

Originally posted by justsuper
OK, I give up.....

Lana: Oh, Clark...I love you!
Clark: Oh, Lana....I'm an alien with superpowers!
Lana: Oh Clark!!
Clark: Oh Lana!!
Lana: Oh Clark!!!
Clark: Oh Lana!!!

They kiss, get married, and have babies.

THE END

:lol: :lol: :lol:

[happycamper]

:D To: justsuper & emsfan :D

May I tell you that I have fallen deeply in love with you both!!

I just find something about you two that is so very attractive . . . it must be your exquisite taste! :lol:

I really do want to thank you both, as well as all the others who have been reading. Seeing the comments has been very heartening, and I will try to get something out for everyone as soon as I can.

Thanks again! hc


Oh, and I really did enjoy the happy clana!

:D :D

[DeVinde]

Finally.. a post in the Clana section. Time is so slow when no one writes.. Time for me to continue my tales!

[clark&lanafan06]

Update Soon Please !!!!!!!!!

[buddy232]

Great story!


Please update soon!!!

[happycamper]

Hidden: Unwelcome Truth

Chapter Six



“I’m sorry Lana,” Chloe told her as the tears streamed down her face, “he’s gone.”

“What do you mean gone, Chloe?”

“I just spoke to Mrs. Kent. She said Clark decided not to go to school this semester, and left Smallville for training...to ah, to find himself,” the blonde managed in an attempt to cover her error.

The dark haired girl visibly paled, and had to place her hand on a counter to support her suddenly clumsy feet. She finally managed to ask, “So how long is Clark going to be gone this time?”

Chloe forced herself to stop crying when she noticed how much the news disturbed Lana. Looking straight into her eyes, Chloe told her, “Mrs. Kent said she didn’t know when he’d be back. She hoped it might be soon, but she was afraid it could be years.”

“Years?” Lana almost collapsed as she realized that Clark was gone, a gaping hole all that remained of what was once her heart. How could he leave me alone again? “Chloe, why?”

Seeing her pain her friend was enduring, Chloe so badly wanted to share the truth with her. But she had promised Clark... “He really had to leave this time, Lana. Even the Kents agreed.”

Lana stared sharply at Chloe, seeing that Chloe was saddened by Clark’s departure, yet unsurprised by the reason why he had gone. She wondering what could possibly have happened that would result in Clark leaving, with a reason that was acceptable to Chloe as well as the Kents. Am I the only one close to Clark that doesn’t know the truth? Swallowing her rising anger, she softly asked, “Chloe, tell me the truth, I know that Clark shared his secrets with you.”

“Lana, I...I can’t tell you anything more.”

“Can’t or won’t, Chloe?” Lana’s rage manifested itself as she considered her situation, “Why is it that Clark could share his secrets with a friend like you, but hides himself from the girl he says he loves. And why is it that my best friend – someone who said she considers me as close as sister – hides the same secrets. Are you both laughing at me because of how naive and stupid I am?”

“Lana, he never told me his secrets; what I know I had to discover for myself. The only one he ever wanted to tell was you, but he was always afraid that you might reject him, and that knowing his secrets would put you in danger.”

Bitterly, Lana complained, “So you’re going to protect me, too. Just like Clark, you think poor Lana is too frail and helpless to know the truth.”

“Lana, I’m so sorry. I do want to tell you what I know, and I’ve been telling Clark he has to tell you everything since the day he got shot.” Seeing that Lana was still filled with hostility and pain, Chloe solemnly added, “I promised Clark – and his parents – that I would die before revealing his secret.”

Seeing the naked sincerity in what Chloe had told her, Lana’s anger lifted, but only to be replaced by despair. “So my boyfriend has run away again, and I can’t even begin to guess why.”

“Lana, you have every bit of information you need to know the truth about Clark. You’ve just made yourself ignore all the facts because you love him. You know about his special abilities, and the way he came into our lives. You know he’s not a meteor freak, but I think you’ve seen others that can do most of the same things he can. Just put the clues together, and you’ll finally know it for yourself.”

“Chloe, I...”

“Come to the house tonight,” Chloe interrupted. “My Dad’s working and we can talk – it’s been too long since my sister and I had one of our intimate little chats, and I miss her.”

* * * *

Lana tried to ignore the gaping hole inside her now that Clark was gone, and concentrated instead on what made him unique. She decided that she would need to discover the secret that is Clark Kent. If she ever had the opportunity to see him again, Lana wanted to know the whole man instead of those little bits of himself that he had allowed to be revealed. Learning the full truth is the only way to get beyond the angst that has always characterized our relationship.

Lana took herself off-shift after the noontime crowd has dispersed. She lay back in her bed, trying to remember all that she knew about Clark. Lana realized Chloe was right. She knew so much about him, but recognized that she looked at him as if she were wearing blinders. Much of it was due to the fact that Lana knew Clark, so she always resisted seeing him on any basis other than one that was familiar and comfortable. More importantly, she loved him, so she always saw and judged his actions in that context. But what if she examined Clark as if he were a stranger?

Clark is the kindest and gentlest man I’ve ever met. He does have a hero complex, and can’t help himself from aiding others. But he’s saved all of our lives, probably more times than we can even guess. And through it all, he tries to avoid any recognition or credit. All this makes him admirable – and very loveable – but it doesn’t explain what he is, only what he does.

Lana thought about the special abilities that might make Clark unique. He’s definitely very strong, and somehow always manages to defeat those affected by the meteor rocks. Clark must be almost invulnerable – he somehow jumped into the tornado to reach me. And even though he won’t admit it, I know that it was only his presence that protected me when my truck got smashed to pieces.

But I’ve seen him cut and bleeding. I fixed his cuts after his fight with Lex, the day he told me he had to say goodbye to an old friend. And on the day of the rocket launch, he was shot and actually...died. Yet he somehow returned from death, and I saw how a fatal bullet wound to his chest had magically healed by that same evening, leaving it smooth and completely undamaged. In fact, Lana realized that Clark’s form was remarkably perfect, with no scars or blemishes anywhere to mar his smooth body. And he has the softest hands, which is pretty remarkable considering that he has been working on the farm every day for many years.

I know he’s not a meteor freak. Clark told me that, and Chloe petty much admitted the same thing. Lana was stumped. Could Clark be some type of angel? It would explain so much – a wondrous being with magical powers sent to earth to do good. But then, why would knowing that Clark was some kind of angel be dangerous to everyone around him? Besides, why would an angel fall in love with me – I know I’m pretty far from perfect. And anyway, once you get past that Boy Scout exterior, Clark has the same needs and desires of any other male. No, that couldn’t be it. But if not an angel, could Clark be some other kind of special being?

What was it that Chloe had hinted – something about the way he came into our lives? Lana knew that Clark had arrived right after the first meteor shower, the one that had taken the lives of her own parents. The Kents had adopted him, and raised him to be the all-American boy. A boy I already miss so much! Come on Lana, think! But all Lana could determine was that there was nothing special about his arrival other than its coincidental timing with that of the meteor shower.

Chloe also said that I’ve seen others with the same powers. But other than the meteor freaks, I’ve never met anyone with special abilities, except for those awful aliens that came out of the spaceship. They were fast and strong, and could shoot fire out of their eyes. Despite her resolve to examine Clark with fresh eyes, Lana fought herself from thinking about this particular connection. But, she finally admitted, Clark is strong and fast, too. And there were all those inexplicable fires that kept occurring around him for a short time our sophomore year.

Lana shook her head in denial. All they wanted was to find someone that they called Kal-El. Those aliens were pure evil and nothing the least bit like my sweet Clark. But Lana’s forced herself to consider those times that Clark was not himself, doing things that he or she could never explain, especially the summer that he spent in Metropolis. He had been so different then – confident, but also cold and almost cruel. Clark’s sense of superiority over those around him had been obvious, the same way those aliens acted around me and the other humans that they met. And when I went to see him then, didn’t that skank in the bar call him Cal?

Lana shivered at the thought. Cal...Kal-El? My boyfriend couldn’t be an alien, could he? Clark was so much better than they were! But as much as Lana fought the truth, reason and logic had become almost inexorable. She realized that Clark arrived in Smallville at the same time as the first meteor shower, while the second shower accompanied the arrival of those awful aliens. And once the aliens arrived, they had complete control of Smallville within minutes because of their special abilities. It even looked like the Army would have been unable to stop them.

Out of desperation to save Lois and the Kents at the hospital, Lana had tricked the aliens into going to the Luthor mansion, but had been knocked out when they threw her through a table in anger. Lana admitted that the most damning fact was that when she finally came to, Clark was there but the aliens were gone. Gone for good Clark had told her, and she trusted it to be true, and never bothered to ask how or why. In retrospect, Lana knew they were gone because Clark must have defeated them with the same powers the aliens had unleashed on everyone else.

Chloe told me I’d finally know the truth for myself, but she never promised that I would like the answer. My Clark is an alien? No wonder he always acted if the weight of the world was on his shoulders. But sometime after beating the aliens and fighting Lex, he actually became vulnerable and even human(?). Clark bled when punched, and actually died when shot. He wasn’t bulletproof anymore.

The realization struck her, it was during that time of vulnerability that the armor that always surrounded Clark was gone, and he was able to make this summer the happiest I’d ever had. Clark and I could even finally get together the way I had dreamed since we started high school.

But it had all changed when he had somehow returned from death. Clark was healed and probably invulnerable once more, and I saw even then that the weight on his shoulders had come back. And we never made love again. Was that it? Was Clark somehow made human after defeating the aliens, but lost his humanity when he was resurrected? That would explain so much.

Lana could understand why he was reluctant to tell her the truth about himself. Clark’s probably afraid that I’ll blame him for the death of my parents. But he was only three years old, so how could it be his fault? She even understood why Chloe and the Kents guarded the truth so carefully. After all the destruction, the Government would never trust Clark to stay sane and human the way Lana could. And his abilities! Scientists and government agents would probably froth at the mouth at the prospect of turning someone like Clark into a lab rat, and forcing the truth from his – luscious – lips.

Lana understood now why Clark was so worried about Lex’s interest in him. That bald freak would lead the charge to lock Clark away in a lab. And that’s why I’m in danger, Lana realized. Lex knows us both so well. He would know that I discovered Clark’s secrets, and he would stop at nothing to get those secrets from me.

Lana was worried about Lex and the danger, but found the whole issue secondary to her love for Clark. I won’t run screaming the next time I see Clark, but could I truly be comfortable in a relationship with someone from another planet? Would loving him be enough? As Lana considered her capability to love Clark for the rest of her life, she was suddenly struck by what their relationship must be like from Clark’s perspective. He loves me, but is it just an infatuation? What does Clark see in me, anyway? With his powers he could do anything or have anyone. Why me?

And a final realization. Clark began pushing me away after his return from death. Is it because he is no longer capable of loving a human like me? Through her renewed tears, Lana decided she really did need to talk to Chloe about the love of her life.

* * * * *

After knocking on the door to the Sullivan home, Lana heard a call from inside to come on in.

Chloe was lounging on the sofa, and tore her eyes away from the news to stare at Lana after she closed the door behind her. She suddenly nodded, as if satisfied. “You figured it out Lana, didn’t you?”

Flopping down on Mr. Sullivan’s lounge chair, Lana looked across to her friend, and gave her a tentative, “I think so, once I discarded the notion that he was a real angel.” Wryly, she added, “how stupid was I to have never figured out I was dating an alien?”

“Face it, you were blinded by love. But how much did you figure out?”

Lana considered what she knew, and told Chloe the powers she thought Clark possessed, her theory that Clark had arrived with the first meteor shower, and even her speculation that Clark had somehow temporarily lost his powers over the summer.

“Are you okay with his arrival,” Chloe asked?

“I think so, he was just a small child. He certainly didn’t have any choice in what happened,” Lana said as shaking her head. She looked at her friend, and asked, “so did he arrive all alone?”

“Yeah he did. We were all lucky he found the Kents. I can’t imagine how he’d have turned out if he gotten Lionel Luthor, instead.”

Lana considered the possibility of Clark raised as a Luthor, and shuddered.

“Now as much as I’d like to share the dirt on our super hero with you,” the blonde continued, “I really don’t know much more about his personal experiences. In any case, you really owe it to Clark to hear the stories direct from the source.”

Lana nodded in agreement, but then asked the question that had been troubling her the most, “But am I ever going to see him again to hear those stories?”

“The Kents seem to think so, Chloe responded. “I understand that he really is on a kind of training trip to learn to fully use his powers so he can protect us from some pretty powerful monsters that may be coming here. Unfortunately he is learning all this from some kind of computerized representation of his alien dad. He’s a real piece of work, and the cause of so many of the things that have been troubling Clark.”

“Chloe, when I figured out that Clark was an alien, I decided I wasn’t going to run screaming away from him, but I still hadn’t decided whether I could really accept him as my boyfriend, or even more...”

Chloe nodded at Lana’s admission, but her expression almost demanded Lana to continue.

“But on the way to your house, I realized that I truly love Clark, and I think I could accept all of him. Clark needs someone. He has his big hero complex, so I know he is going to do so much good for the whole world someday.”

“I’ve always thought the same thing,” Chloe agreed.

“I know I want to see Clark again. No, I need to see him! But Chloe,” Lana asked with an almost bewildered expression, “Why me? When he could choose anyone here in Smallville – or the whole world – why was he so willing to be miserable for the last few years just for the chance to be with me?”

“You mean when there are so many girls like me that are willing to throw themselves at him?”

“I’m sorry Chloe,” Lana responded to the obvious pain in her friend’s voice.

“No Lana, don’t be. Pete and I once discussed this, and we figured out that Clark’s been in love with you since you were both five years old. No one else has ever had a chance,” Chloe responded in a bittersweet voice. “And this summer had been a dream come true for Clark. He was just a normal guy in love with his pretty girlfriend. I think that was all he’s ever really wanted. He was so happy with you. And then when he came back...”

“He really died that day,” Lana finally asked, “didn’t he Chloe?”

“Yeah, I think he did. And he was sent back with his powers, and he has been suffering ever since,” Chloe told her. “But you know, miserable as he was, Clark ended up saving us all that day. That nuclear missile was set to hit Smallville. Somehow Clark jumped on the missile after it was launched, climbed up to the warhead and threw it off into space before it could blow up Smallville.”

“And meanwhile, I’ve been torturing him for the truth. I could hate myself for I’ve put him through,” Lana admitted. After pausing, Lana finally added, “Did you know that I discovered that first night that his body had miraculously healed from the bullet wound?”

“Clark never mentioned that.”

“That’s because I never told him that I had seen it. I guess I was lying to him, too.” Lana shook her head, “I also figured out today that Clark was probably trying to protect me from Lex. It was him and his obsession with Clark that’s caused all this heartache.”

“Lana, there’s one more reason for the heartache, but it’s really something you need to hear directly from Clark. It’s also another reason why Clark left, so he could discuss the matter with his computerized father.”

“Okay Chloe, I guess I’ll have to live with that. But I don’t think I can deal with Clark being gone.”

“I think we really need to stop thinking about Clark for at least a little while, because it hurts us both too much. Maybe we could watch a movie or something? You have a choice of...”

* * * * *

As Lana approached the Kent farm the next day, she couldn’t help feeling a sense of deja vu. Knocking, she got no answer, so just like that other day, she opened the door and called out, “Mr. and Mrs. Kent!” But as she stepped inside, Clark failed to appear, so Lana slowly slid to the floor in tears.

A few minutes later, Martha came to the parlor and saw Lana sitting on the floor, still crying. Walking over to her, Martha bent down and hugged the girl she almost considered a daughter, and asked, “Lana, everything will be all right.”

“I certainly hope so Mrs. Kent. I told myself to be brave, but I couldn’t stop crying because it was so much like that other day when I came in. I called out to you and Mr. Kent the same way I did that day, but this time Clark didn’t miraculously appear to hold me.”

‘That’s all right dear,” Martha told the still distraught young woman, “I’ve been shedding a lot of tears of my own the last few days.”

“I’m sorry Mrs. Kent, I know the two of you must be devastated, too.”

“Well, we could share our sorrows with each other,” Martha responded, “after all, isn’t that what families are for?”

“Thank you,” was all Lana could manage as her tears started afresh at Martha’s kindness. As she hugged Mrs. Kent they were both crying.

“But that’s not the only reason I came today,” Lana admitted when they finally broke their hug. “I finally figured something out, and I thought I should tell you and Mr. Kent about it. It’s about Clark, and it really started when I found out....”



~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

[deanyouk]

BRILLIANT UPDATE!!!

that was such good writing, I really enjoyed reading it...

[Lost_In_Clana]

Great update!!

Lana finally figured out his secret!! When will Clark return?? What is Lana going to tell the Kents??

[justsuper]

Wow! Absolutely spectacular!! You've brought this to an entirely new level. A new benchmark really - bringing the characters, their reasoning processes, and their complexities out in this way. You've really outdone yourself. Only a small handful of writers have been able to achieve something of this caliber. Really amazing!

[emsfan]

Whoa! Absolutely fantastic great update !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:)

[treker]

now that was something to be happy about. :)

[superman_lives_on]

Now THIS is more like it! Good on you, Lana, for figuring out Clark's secret on your own--and good on you, Chloe, for getting her started on the right track! :)

But when is Clark going to return? And will he still be himself, just wiser and stronger--or will Jor-El have once again tried to turn him into the emotionless Kal-El? I sure hope the former is the case!

Update again soon! :D

[tygershot]

I like this version of Lana finding out the best! It's about time one of the characters used their head! PPMS!

[maitriniazngurl]

I've got to say WOOWWW!!

Wonderful update!! BRAVO for Lana!! And Chloe should get a special award too!! Can't wait for more!!! :D :D

PPMS!!

[Venezuelan Lana]

OMG AWESOME UPDATE!!!!!!

I like Lana's putting finally two and two together! And also love Chloe kinda telling her the secret but not really telling her... You're a very, very talented writer! please keep the awesome work coming for us Clana lover's sake :D

PPMASAP!!!

[SVsleuth]

hc, that was fantabulous! I absolutely loved the way you had Chloe point Lana in the right direction and then Lana finaly uses her brain & figures out nearly everything all by herself. I haven't seen any other writer do it that way. That was a stroke of genius! :)

I hope Clark won't be away TOO long. Can't wait for him to fond out that Lana knows, etc. Lovin' this hc. PPMS!

[clark&lanafan06]

Fantastic Update ! PPMS !!!!!!!!

[akuma]

Finally caught up and i definately need more now!!

[superman8s]

wow...oi am speechless that was the bes update of the dY! you made my night! PPMS

[xfreak1990]

update!!!!!

[emsfan]

need your update please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[happycamper]

Thank you for all the kind comments. :)

I'm glad that you all seemed to like the previous chapter. I had worried that what I was trying to do was going to crash and burn. And I guess everyone was happy to see that the Clana was no longer so hopeless. :) I had even inserted a couple of references to the previous discussion about that in the chapter, but no one seemed to notice. :(

Oh well...on with the next chapter.




Hidden: Unwelcome Truth

Chapter Seven



‘”I’m sorry, but I’m already taken,” Lana told the tall student who kept asking her out, flashing her small diamond ring once more

“Come on, I’ve never seen this so-called fiancé you keep claiming you have,” he kept insisting.

“Look, you seem a nice enough guy,” an exasperated Lana told him, “but you have absolutely no chance of taking me away from the man I love.”

Lana began to think attending this mixer with Chloe had been a terrible idea. Most of her fellow students at Met U. only seemed only interested in hooking up with someone, and were seemingly unable to understand why anyone else wouldn’t think the same. Even her grandmother’s engagement ring seemed to have no quelling effect on the men surrounding her and who kept trying to convince her to go out with them.

Lana had started to wear the ring midway through her first semester at college. With Clark absent, she had decided to attend Met U. after all, and found that the ring really was the only way she could keep her sanity with all the efforts by her fellow students to entice her into a relationship. Given the lack of success of the male students during those first months, she had even been approached by some of the other coeds. The presence of the ring during the remainder of the semester and the first weeks of the second – along with her quiet and very studious ways – had kept such advances to a minimum since then. That was why Lana was so shocked that several men had already made plays for her attentions.

At least Chloe seemed to be having a good time. For the first few months after Clark had left, she had shared with Lana a sort of mourning for the man they both loved. But Chloe – unburdened by the return of that same love from Clark – was finally attempting to get on with her life and spent many hours at her job at the Daily Planet and in a real effort to find a relationship of her own. I’m happy for her, except when Chloe’s attempts to find the man of her dreams subjects me to the attentions of these half-drunk Casanovas.

Lana was lonely, but accepted a life spent mainly in class or at the library because she knew no man could possibly compare with Clark. That was true when all she knew was the shy farm-boy, but now that she was aware of just how special and unique Clark was to the world, she had absolutely no doubts. Lana still had Chloe and the Kents, and needed no one else until her Clark could return to her once more. Speaking of which, I really should go out to see the Kents this weekend, it’s already been too long since the end of Christmas break.

Suddenly having a new sister and new parents made the wait for Clark bearable. Any tension between Lana and Chloe had disappeared once Lana had finally figured out the truth about Clark. There were no more secrets between them, and they grew even close because of their status as allies protecting Clark and his abilities, and because they both shared a vision of his future as a hero that would protect all of humanity.

But it was Lana’s relationship with the Kents that had brought such profound changes in her personal life. Admitting to Mrs. Kent – Martha now to her new daughter – that she was aware of Clarks’s secrets had been very hard. Lana had expected recriminations and maybe even anger given how hard the Kents had fought to keep the knowledge away from everyone else. But wondrously, Martha had seemed overjoyed that Lana knew the truth, and even admitted later that she couldn’t stand seeing how keeping the secret from Lana had tortured her son. The two of them had quickly convinced Mr. Kent that Lana’s awareness was actually good news.

Lana had always held a special place in the affections of the Kents – both as the sweet and pretty girl who lived next door, and as the girl, then young woman, who was loved so deeply by their only son. But in their mutual unhappiness over the absence of Clark, they drew together as if they were a real family. While Nell had tried her best to give her everything she needed, in their relationship she had always remained Lana’s aunt or much older sister.

Lana had always envied Clark his parents, and how close the Kents had been with each other. But as Lana gradually assumed a role as a true daughter to the Kents, she was given the true parental love and concern that she had missed since she was three years old. She had spent the holidays and many weekends with the Kents, often joined by Chloe as an adjunct to their new family. They had even been joined by Mr. Sullivan for the Thanksgiving and Christmas meals, the love that was so much a part of the Kents now showered on everyone that was close by ties of love or blood.

The only thing that I was worried about was Clark’s note. He had admitted that he could never stop loving her, but said he was releasing her because he didn’t know when he could return. But both her new parents had assured her that Clark had only written those words in a badly thought out attempt to protect her. There’s only one thing missing in my life, and when Clark returns everything will finally be perfect! Lana laughed wryly to herself, at least if I can get everyone to stop hitting on me.

Seeing her friend Danny at a table, she quickly joined him. Danny shared both an astronomy and a beginning design class with Lana, and he had quickly become a good friend. He too was tall, dark and handsome, and had a wicked sense of humor. But Lana felt safe with him, for he had no interest in pursuing a deeper or more meaningful relationship with Lana – or with any other woman.

* * * * *

As an exhausted Clark Kent flew slowly back from the fortress of solitude, he was still numbed by what he had learned. Clark had initially been enraged at the conditions that Jor-El had imposed on his return. His biological father’s threat that the life force that had been returned to Clark would soon be taken from someone he loved had been set in abeyance as soon as Clark arrived at the fortress, but only for so long as Clark trained or assumed his new role as the protector of the earth. This condition was harsh enough, but Jor-El had imposed another. The safety of those he loved required that he continue to keep his distance from them.

Jor-El had provided some long-winded explanation of how the exchange of life forces would be necessitated when those he loved were close by, But I knew in my heart that Jor-El had deliberately chosen this course as a means of isolating me from humanity. With no close ties, Jor-El’s forcing me to devote my life to the tasks that he has pre-ordained for me. Clark had rebelled at that point, telling Jor-El that he couldn’t just abandon his loved ones without any word of explanation. They would worry and fear needlessly if they never heard from me, and I can’t subject them to that. I need to have some opportunity to at least explain why I have to stay away from them.

The battle had raged for days before Jor-El had finally conceded. Clark would be allowed one short visit with a single individual. He could explain what had happened, and the terms of his agreement from Jor-El. But any additional contact would likely result in the exchange and finally allow nature to balance with itself. One short visit. How can I survive being away from everyone I love?

More than five months had passed when Jor-El suddenly told him, “My son. It is time for the first of the many tasks you must face. It will be difficult, especially since you are not fully prepared, but the safety of your earth is dependent on your victory.”

A suddenly concerned Clark asked, “What must I do?”

“This earth has been invaded by an evil entity from Krypton, the Brain InterActive Construct, or BRANIAC. It is a malevolent artificial intelligence, developed on our planet before its destruction, and loyal only to Krypton’s greatest enemy, General Zod.”

Clark nodded in acknowledgement, for he had learned of Zod in his lessons.

“Zod was punished by the Kryptonian council to an eternity in the Phantom Zone,” his biological father told him, “the same prison to which you banished his minions Aethyr and Nam-Ek. BRANIAC is intent on releasing Zod from his prison, and has arrived on this planet, following the trail of the last son of Krypton. He seeks to damage or destroy this world, and to finally release Zod from his imprisonment.”

“What can I do to stop him?”

“He has assumed the identity of a television mentalist, Milton Fine. BRANIAC can assume any form, and may also copy himself into multiple bodies. However, you are capable of recognizing his true nature, and must seek him out to destroy his manifestations. While he is capable of regeneration, the loss of each body will weaken BRANIAC to the point where he may finally be banished or destroyed. Take this crystal,” Jor-El said as he handed Clark a blade-like blue crystal no longer than his hand, “it will both seek out your opponent and be the means by which you can destroy his individual forms. But remember, his essential core resides on his ship, the same one upon which Aethyr and Nam-Ek arrived on this earth. You must use the crystal to destroy it – in the same way you destroyed your own ship – before BRANIAC can finally be banished for all time.”

“Yes Jor-El, I will do my best.”

“That is good and to be expected,” the voice said its usual disembodied manner. But suddenly, in a voice much softer and more human, Jor-El added, “My son, you are angry at me, for you think that I have imposed unnecessary burdens on your life. We both have reason to love this planet and the people with which it is inhabited, but its people cannot face what is to come with only its own resources. You are the last son of Krypton, and the only scion of the Kryptonian House of El. It is only you that is capable of defending it and helping guide it towards greatness. You needed to learn to love this planet and its people, so you spent years with your family and friends. But you also needed harsh lessons and experience to become capable of fulfilling your tasks. You may never believe so, but everything I have done has had a purpose, to prepare you for this day and for others to come. Throughout it all, my son, I have loved you, and know that I regret all the pain I have caused you.”

Disoriented by Jor-El’s confession, Clark could only manage, “Jor-El – father – I’m sorry, I will try to understand.”

“Now my son, there is final item with which I will gift you before your departure. Once you don this attire, it will meld into your body, becoming only visible at your wish or need. It will blur the minds of those that see it as you do your tasks, protecting your identity from detection. It is also impervious to destruction, and will even protect you – but only in part – from the effects of Kryptonian radiation.

Clark moved to the cavity that had quietly manifested itself in the ice wall. It contained a costume of blue and red: boots, tights, shirt and cape. As he began donning each piece, his body tingled as it was inextricably joined with the costume. Clark laughed at his reflection in the ice wall after finishing, I’m a real-life comic book hero come to life.

He laughed again as he wished it to be gone, and saw his bare body reflected back to him. Calling the costume forth once more, Clark was drawn to the symbol on his chest, which was what looked to be a large letter ‘S’ enclosed within a diamond-shape outline. Touching it and finally beginning to realize what this all meant, Clark was suddenly filled with purpose.

“And finally,” Jor-El continued, it also contains the sigil of the House of Jor-El, the only one that remains in this entire universe. My son, wear it proudly as you defend this planet and guide its people to the light.”

“Father, thank you for all that you’ve done,” a humbled Clark responded.


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[deanyouk]

Brilliant Update!

[superman_lives_on]

Well well... Clark's received the iconic suit by now...and Jor-El's finally come clean with why he was so harsh to Clark. Thank goodness that our hero hasn't lost his humanity--and that Lana, Chloe, and the Kents are staying strong during his absence.

One question, though--how do you keep the S-shield's status as the symbol of Jor-El's and Kal-El's family when the show has set up the "8-shield" as that very symbol? Or has Kal-El/Clark, as the only living member of the House of El, earned his own symbol? I'm just curious about that.

[SVsleuth]

Ok, here are my thoughts:

Love the family bonding between Lana and the Kents. Their son is gone, for now, but they have gained a daughter, and she finally has parents, sort of. Sweet! :)

Danny - is he gay or does he already have a woman?

The "one short visit with a single individual" - did that happen already or is it still to come? With whom? And will someones life still be taken?

Jor-El's confession - and Clark finally calling him "father" - neat that Clark and Jor-El are finally beginning to understand each other somewhat.

The suit - Awesome - Jor-El provides it thius time & I like your idea of how it melds into his body & is visible only when he wants it to be. Funny when "He laughed again as he wished it to be gone, and saw his bare body reflected back to him. " LOL

Thanks for the update. PPMS!

[happycamper]

Originally posted by superman_lives_on
One question, though--how do you keep the S-shield's status as the symbol of Jor-El's and Kal-El's family when the show has set up the "8-shield" as that very symbol? Or has Kal-El/Clark, as the only living member of the House of El, earned his own symbol? I'm just curious about that. In all honesty, I believed the 'S' sigil was necessary for the story. But I've also given Fine his original, comic book occupation as a mentalist, so that differs from Smallville, too. Since this is a type of sci-fi, I guess I'll just have to ask you to suspend your disbelief...:lol:



Originally posted by SVsleuth
Danny - is he gay or does he already have a woman?

The "one short visit with a single individual" - did that happen already or is it still to come? With whom? And will someones life still be taken?

The suit - Awesome - Jor-El provides it this time & I like your idea of how it melds into his body & is visible only when he wants it to be. Funny when "He laughed again as he wished it to be gone, and saw his bare body reflected back to him. " Sorry, I thought I had made it clear Danny lacks real interest in any woman... :\

No visit yet, and the choice is coming up. No one dies as longs as the terms are kept.

Thank you SVsleuth for providing a shining example to superman_lives_on as to how one is supposed to react to Clark receiving his suit...:p :lol:

I'll try to post again as soon as I can.


:D :D

[Rosa76]

Awesome story !!:D :D Can't wait till Clark gets back with Lana.:rolleyes: PPMS :)

[clark&lanafan06]

Great Update !!!!!!! PPMS !!!!!!!!!!

[maitriniazngurl]

Great update!! I can't wait for more!! :D

And now.. I get why Danny is acting like this...

PPMS!!

:D :D

[Venezuelan Lana]

Great update!!!! I really liked Jor-El finally having a soft side as Christopher Reeves' movies and Lana being a daughter to the Kents!!!!

PPMS!!!!

[justsuper]

Excellent update! PPMS! I can hardly wait!!!

[clark&lanafan06]

Update Soon Please !!!!!!!!

[happycamper]

Hidden: Unwelcome Truth

Chapter Eight



Cries for help suddenly broke through Clark’s reverie as he continued his flight home. He swooped to their source, a site he identified by the GPS signals he was intercepting as Nakiska, a small town about an hour away from Calgary. Deep in the Canadian Rockies, his new knowledge of history told him the town was the site of the skiing venues from 1988 winter Olympics, but the continuing cries actually drew him to a wilder trail away from the resort areas.

Clark observed a handful of men and women desperately digging away at what looked to be an avalanche, seeking out buried companions before they suffocated from a lack of oxygen. X-ray vision showed him four buried bodies, three of which were a distance away from where the others were digging.

With a shrug to himself, Clark decided that he might as well start his new career. He landed above the closest body, and quickly dug the young woman out from under eight feet of hard-packed snow. Shocked by both her ordeal and her sudden rescue, the pretty blonde could only stare at the man who had saved her, and the outrageous red and blue costume he was wearing.

“Are you all right,” Clark asked her, and only got a wide-eyed nod in response. “Wait here a minute while I help the others,” he told her.

She only nodded again as he turned and launched himself away from her. Still a little drunk like the rest of her friends, she could only stare in amazement as he somehow dove into the snow, and pulled out first Ron and then her best friend Brandy from deep within its cover. For the rest of her life, she would never forget a second of how this amazing hero was able to almost effortlessly find and rescue her friends. Carrying each of them over to where she was still trying to recover her breath and her wits, he glanced at the three and their icy shivers stopped as they were suddenly enveloped by a warm glow. “Don’t worry, your friends have already dug out the last of your party, and all of them will be here in another minute.”

He turned to as if to go, so she quickly called out to what she suddenly realized was a gorgeous man, “Thank you! I’m Meg – thank you for saving us.”

The figure in red and blue turned, and gave her a grave smile. “You’re welcome,” he told her, and then repeated himself after Ron and Brandy gave him their own shocked thanks.

“Please,” Meg asked, afraid that she would never see this man again, “can you tell us who you are?”

Suddenly giving the three a brilliant smile that almost made her swoon, he answered, “Just a friend,” before somehow launching himself once more into the sky.

Glancing again at the hole from which she had been pulled, Meg recognized from its depth that she had been fated to die that day, for even a professional rescue team would have been unable to find her in time to prevent her suffocation in the packed snow. She glanced at her friends and noticed the same wonder in their eyes that she was still feeling about their amazing rescue. Meg knew she was somehow miraculously alive because of that handsome stranger in red and blue, and sensed that the whole world was in for a marvelous surprise.

* * * * * *

Clark himself was marveling at what he had learned during his stay at the Fortress. His senses were now superbly fine-tuned. While he had previously managed to block out the huge volume and quantity of noises that accompanied his super hearing, he was now able to separate out and actually distinguish individual cries for help from the confusion of sound. In much the same way, he could now sense the GPS signals being transmitted by satellites, and knew exactly where he was by using the maps now firmly in implanted his head.

But along with this knowledge came an understanding of things he had always fought to avoid in the past. In his last days at the Fortress, he had come to understood that Jor-El had not been idly threatening Clark to force acceptance of a pathway – a destiny – that had previously been chosen for him without his consent. He now understood there really was a balance of everything in nature, and that the resurrection from his death in the mortal life he had chosen actually did require an exchange of life-force. While Clark would have chosen to pay the price himself for his former intransigence, he knew Jor-El was expending a great effort in his fight with the balance in order to keep all of Clark’s loved ones alive.

I made a terrible mistake. It’s my fault that Mom, Dad, Lana and Chloe are in such terrible danger, and they’d all be safe now if I had only listened. Guilt beat down on him, as Clark realized how useless and ultimately dangerous his previous resistance had been. And now, with the exception of his one short visit, it really would be dangerous for him to see those that he loved. I deserve all of this.

Another cry interrupted Clark as he was berating himself for his failures. Subconsciously glad at this interruption, Clark went to see what he could do to help.

* * * * * *

Lana was having lunch in one of the quads at Met U. with Chloe and her new friend Danny. Despite the size and strength of the handsome young man, his meals with Lana and Chloe were almost always a hen fest, where the three could talk about things that she could have never shared with Clark or her previous boyfriends. Danny was almost like another girlfriend to the two young ladies, but was also able to provide welcome size and strength when they needed help with tasks such as repairs or moving furniture.

“Yeah, I think my boyfriend and I are going to break up,” Danny announced to the girls. He added slyly, “Maybe I can get you to introduce me to this Clark fellow you both keep talking about so much.”

Chloe just smirked at her friend, “Sorry Danny, the only person that Clark sees is Lana. Nothing is going to beak up the two of them.”

Lana blushed, but shrugged her agreement with Chloe. “Clark really is the only one for me.”

“Well I need to find someone new,” Danny responded, “I caught my boyfriend making out with someone else at the mixer last night.”

Lana reached over to touch his arm in commiseration. “You really are a great guy. I’m sure you’ll have no trouble in finding someone.” In response, Danny only smiled at the beautiful young woman.

“Now if only you were interested in short and perky blondes,” Chloe told him, as they all laughed in response to the suggestion.

“Sorry, Chloe,” Danny responded with an impish smile.

“I should have known better,” Chloe said, “tall, dark and handsome only means heartbreak for yours truly!”

Lana brushed against him as she laughed, but she knew what Chloe meant. Tall dark and handsome always meant heartbreak for Lana, too, until she had discovered for herself the secret that was Clark Kent. Now Lana’s only heartbreak was caused by his absence, and by just how much she missed the comfort of being held in his strong arms. Poor Chloe, she’s just joking, but Danny really is cute. It’s just too bad he . . . but maybe she’s right about tall, dark and handsome – at least for herself. Maybe she should consider something else, like her friend Jimmy at the Daily Planet.

* * * *

Clark finally decided to stop in Metropolis instead of Smallville. His parents were back at the farm, but he had discovered during data searches at the Fortress that Lana and Chloe were now roommates at Met U. His parents loved him and always would, but he felt he owed Lana an explanation of why he had abandoned her once more. And I miss her so much. I need to see her again, even if it is only for a few minutes. And maybe if she takes word about me back to Mom and Dad, they can give her the comfort I no longer can.

He had planned to arrive in the evening, but the series of rescues Clark had undertaken had made that impossible. After Nakiska, he had spent the evening and night moving around the continent, his saves announcing to the world that a friendly presence had arrived to help mankind. Consequently, he was forced to spend lunchtime at Met U. scanning for Lana – from a hidden and safe distance – knowing that it was only close proximity that would count as his one visit, and as a trigger later for the life-force exchange.

Clark finally spotted her, picnicking on one the quads of the university, but she was with Chloe, and some other young man. He knew he would have to wait until Chloe left, but was content to watch his love from a distance. The three of them were laughing and joking, obviously good friends. But as he continued to observe her, he was disquieted by what he saw.

Lana appeared happy, and she was very close to the young man. He was tall and handsome, and Lana touched his arm at something he said, and the man responded with a big smile. Then Lana brushed against him as she laughed about something, and a feeling of rage rose up within Clark, but he managed to wrestle it down. That guy doesn’t know how close he came to becoming bar-b-cue.

Then Clark spotted the diamond ring on Lana’s hand, and knew he had arrived too late. Anger was instantly replaced by despair. I told her she needed to forget about me, and move on with her life. I really am happy for her, and Clark honestly was, but did she have to move on so quickly?

Clark fled away from the Met U. as fast as he could.

* * * * * *

It was with a still heavy heart that Clark sought out his father. Clark trusted his judgement and wisdom more than anyone else he knew, which made him the natural choice as to whom Clark should meet. And the one I should have always planned to meet in the first place, Clark berated himself. He found his father in the barn, preparing the venerable Kent tractor for work in spring planting just a couple of months away.

“Dad,” Clark called out.

“Clark . . . son, it’s so good to see you,” Jonathan responded, grabbing Clark’s shoulder, and then compressing his lips together to avoid a too obvious show of emotion.

“Dad, I can only stay a few minutes,” Clark told him.

Dismayed, Jonathan blurted out, “But your Mom – she’s in town and she’ll miss your visit.”

“I know Dad, and I’m sorry, but I could only talk to one of you, anyway.”

“Clark, what is it?”

“Dad, I was just so wrong about everything, and wrong about Jor-El. You remember what he said about rectification and the balance of nature.”

“Yes Clark I do.”

“Well Jor-El wasn’t holding that over me as a threat to force me to do what he wanted. There really is a balance, and Jor-El has been struggling hard to keep it from hurting one of you. I can only see you for a few minutes,” Clark said miserably, “and then I’m going to have to avoid getting to close to you, Mom, Lana and Chloe to stop the life-force of one of you from being taken.”

Jonathan saw the absolute truth in the way Clark was telling him his story, so only answered, “Okay Clark.”

“Dad, I’ve learned so much. All Jor-El wanted was to prepare me to help the people of this planet, and to give them hope – and to defend it against some terrible visitors we may be having in the near future. If only I had listened to him . . .”

Shaking him lightly by the shoulder, Jonathan told his son, “Don’t blame yourself Clark, I was the one pushing you to mistrust him; it’s not your fault.” Suddenly remembering what his son had told him, Jonathan asked, “You said we only had a few minutes...”

“Right, Dad. You’ll probably be hearing about someone with powers helping people. He’ll be wearing a strange costume, and won’t look exactly the same, but that will probably be me.”

“News reports mentioned something about an avalanche, and there were some other sightings. Was that you, son?”

“Yes sir, that was the destiny that I was fighting so hard to avoid. If I had only known...”

“Clark, I’m proud of you, and I know that your mother will be, too. And I know that Lana and Chloe will be so happy to hear that you’re well.”

Clark winced at hearing Lana’s name. “Dad, I’m going to leave it up to you whether to tell Mom or the girls. I was thinking it might be better to say nothing; I’m not sure whether it will be harder on them to think I’m still training, or to know that I’m back, but can’t see them.”

“Okay, Clark, I’ll think carefully about it.”

Dad, I sort of spied on Lana and Chloe before I came over here. They both seemed happy, but I want to ask you and mom to look out for them. Especially for Lana, Dad. She doesn’t have anyone close, and I can’t help feeling responsible for abandoning her again.”

“You don’t have to worry about that, Clark. Since you’ve been gone, Lana has been spending a lot of time with us. She really is like a daughter now to your mom and I, and we love her very much.” Seeing Clark’s earlier wince and his evident discomfort with the subject of Lana, he asked, “is there something you want to mention about Lana?”

“Dad you know I’ll always love Lana. But even though I wrote her that letter telling her to forget about me . . . I saw her and Chloe with another guy, Dad, and she was wearing an engagement ring.”

“Clark, that engagement ring was her grandmother’s, and she’s wearing it to keep the guys away from her until you return. And I don’t know what you saw today, but Chloe’s told us she cries herself to sleep almost every night.”

A stunned Clark could only ask, “Why Dad?”

“Clark, as soon as you left, she put all the clues together, and figured out almost everything. She told us that she figured you were either an angel or an alien, and because of the other two Kryptonians, knew which one you must be.” Smiling slyly at his son, Jonathan told him, “You still don’t understand women, son, and you never did give Lana enough credit for being able to ferret out the truth.”

Shaking his head, he told his father, “I guess not. But I know I love her, and Chloe and Mom.” Looking up his father, he asked, “Take care of all three of the women I love, will you please.”

“Of course, son,” Jonathan told him. “But how are you going to manage on your own?”

“Blushing slightly, Clark admitted, “Well, one of things I leaned from Jor-El was how to make diamonds out of coal. I guess I’ll pawn a few, so I should be okay for expenses. But he also warned me that there is already some type of Kryptonian robot loose on Earth, preparing the way for a real baddie to invade. My first task will be to find and neutralize him. That’s why I’m been showing myself to the world, to flush him out before he ready to do anything else.”

“I’ll leave that sort of thing to you, Clark. Just remember that all of us love you, and are so proud of what you’re doing for us.” Taking hold of Clark’s shoulder once more, Jonathan squeezed it, and told him, “take care of yourself son.”

“Thanks for everything, Dad. I really hope I can see you all again some day.”

They walked together to the barn door before Clark turned and launched himself up into the sky. It was only after he disappeared that Jonathan finally allowed the single tear to leave a track on his dusty face. There was only one, because Jonathan knew he had something much more important to do before he could properly consider the pride and grief he felt for his absent son.



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[Venezuelan Lana]

hc! great update as always!!!

If Iwere Clark and saw Lana with her gay friend Dan from afar and didn't know who he is then I would have either made him a popsickle or bbq...

Loved the way Clark and Jonathan talked to each other and Jonathan hiding from him his grief...

PPMS!!!

[superman_lives_on]

Thank goodness that Jonathan cleared up Clark's misconception about Lana's diamond ring! I hope our hero and Jor-El can find a way for Clark to directly speak with Lana--since he now knows that SHE knows his secret. Will there be any way to keep Clark's loved ones alive in spite of the "balance" deal?

[deanyouk]

Oooh, is JK going to give up his lifeforce for his son, so that he can be with Lana! and the girls...

Great update!

[clana1fan4ever]

Nice update
ppms

[clark&lanafan06]

Great update ! PPMS !!!!!!!!!!

[maitriniazngurl]

Wow! Great update!!

Go Jonathon!! Clark was really beaten!! But it's all good now.. I hope. :D

PPMS!!

[Rosa76]

AWESOME! :D PPMS

[SVsleuth]

Super amazing update hc! Superman is finally at work. And I'm SO glad Jonathan explained Lana's diamond ring to Clark, & he knows she still loves him, and knows the truth.

Can't wait for more. I have a hunch about what might happen, but will keep it to myself and wait for you to write. Great fic. PPMS!

[buddy232]

Great Great Story!


Please Continue!

[*#~ ClAnAfAn99210~#*]

omg dude i need some clana in this story i am craving for it

[treker]

Originally posted by *#~ ClAnAfAn99210~#*
omg dude i need some clana in this story i am craving for it

I wouldn't count on happy clanna....not here! :(

[Nemu]

Originally posted by treker
I wouldn't count on happy clanna....not here! :(

Yeah I wouldnt count on it... but we never know... if by pure (bad)luck someone, other than Lana, dies to balance things... (Like JK in many version of the mythology) then we can have happy Clana...

So... HC... FIND A WAY TO FIX IT!!!!!!! ;)

and PPMS...

[maitriniazngurl]

Originally posted by treker
I wouldn't count on happy clanna....not here! :(

Come on you guys... hc's name is happy for a reason! He's doing it sad.. so that when it's all happy Clana we would enjoy it!! Then laugh about the times we thought it wouldn't be happy!! ;) :)

Have some faith!! :D :D :D

update soon!! :D

[treker]

Originally posted by maitriniazngurl
Come on you guys... hc's name is happy for a reason! He's doing it sad.. so that when it's all happy Clana we would enjoy it!! Then laugh about the times we thought it wouldn't be happy!! ;) :)

Have some faith!! :D :D :D

update soon!! :D

that requires me to have a good faith believe that he wants to write happy clanna.

He has stated in his posts that he likes to read happy clanna...not write it.

I can only go on what I see.....

[maitriniazngurl]

I guess... I truely believe that writting happy Clana is easier then writting sad clana... but it's his story so we could only be supportive.

Btw, Thanks for the extra update in "Lana's Betrayal" :D

[clark&lanafan06]

Update Soon Plz !!!!!!!!!

[*#~ ClAnAfAn99210~#*]

p,lz update

[happycamper]

Hidden: Unwelcome Truth

Chapter Nine



Who was that man in red and blue? The first reports had offered hallucination as the likely explanation. The skiers were all drunken college students after all, and the other reports that evening and night were all provided by children or individuals isolated from the mainstream – whether by choice of location in where they lived or by inclination as an escape from the rest of modern society.

But as the weight of the reports achieved some critical mass, fueled in large part by rescues in urban areas with more witnesses, even the most rational people were faced with an unalterable truth: a man – or something that at least looked like one – with extraordinary powers had apparently made it his life’s mission to rescue the endangered, to fight crime, and to generally do good.

A lot of the initial commentary was skeptical. What did this man really want, and when was the world going to learn the true price of his sudden presence! But another unalterable truth finally hit these heretofore comfortable cynics as his presence made himself known: there really was nothing that this hero seemed to want in return, and there was no need for an ulterior motive. If he had really wanted great wealth or to control the world, his powers ensured that none would have been able to oppose him.

As a result, the press – both the written and that on the airwaves – began speculating about the identity of the new hero who called himself ‘a friend’ and seemed so intent on saving everyone’s day. Speculation turned to desperate clamoring as every newspaper and news show in the country sought to break the story of this remarkable individual. Unfortunately for all of them, he seemed supremely uninterested in making their day.

The always-belligerent features of Perry White, the new editor of the Daily Planet, greeted his entire news staff at a hastily-called meeting. “Okay, I asked everyone in here today to talk about this new hero that has been making such an impact on our reading public. Our researchers produced a scatter diagram of his reported appearances, and it indicates that he is almost always seen in the United States, with only a few big disasters drawing him away from our country.” Perry added smugly, “And even within the U.S., the sightings seemed to center on Metropolis, almost as if he is basing his operations here or at least close by.”

“As the leading newspaper in what now appears to be the home of this, ah, hero, the Daily planet has an obligation to find out everything about him, and share this news with the rest of the world.” Perry almost glared at his news staff, and added, “I want each of you to understand that your continued employment here at our fine paper is dependent on getting the lowdown on this man in red and blue. Do I make myself clear? You will be receiving from the paper a blow-up of a picture of this hero that a witness managed to take with her picture phone. In return, I expect from you stories, interviews, and better pictures. Now get to it!”

Chloe Sullivan snarkily explained that evening to her roommate the consternation of the reporters upon hearing that pronouncement from their new editor. “If nothing else, it woke all that deadwood up. Too many of them are content in reporting the same old things with the help of the same old sources. Now they’ve got to finally figure out a way to get a real news story.”

“Perry White,” the brunette reminisced, is he the same guy...”

“Exactly, our inquisitive and pushy visitor to Smallville. Half the pressroom is trying to figure out why I seem to be the only one who hasn’t been hit with one of his tirades – but if he isn’t saying anything I won’t either. Let them wonder!”

Lana laughed at Chloe’s obvious satisfaction at getting back at the ‘regular’ reporters who had treated the new kid on the block so badly, then crinkled her nose in deep thought.

Recognizing the signs, Chloe asked her, “What is it Lana?”

“Chloe, doesn’t this new guy remind you of someone?”

“Yeah Lana, I was thinking the same thing – flight, strength, and speed. But here,” showing her the copy of photo she had received after the meeting, “it’s not Clark.”

Looking at it, Lana had to reluctantly agree. But at the same time, there was still something about the man in the photo that made her think of her missing boyfriend. She asked Chloe, “Maybe a relative?”

Chloe looked at it again. “Maybe you’ve got something there, Lana. And that would certainly be a better explanation for the sudden presence of our new hero than anything else I could come up with.”

“Chloe look,” a suddenly excited Lana explained, “the symbol on his chest – it’s not just an ‘S’, it’s a Kryptonian symbol I recognize from the walls in the Kawatchee caves.”

“If you say so, Lana,” Chloe responded. “I didn’t pay attention to those symbols the way you did. But if this is some other Kryptonian, then...”

“What did he do with Clark,” the two said in unison.

“Chloe, I have an idea,” Lana told her best friend.”

* * * * * *

Clark was lazily circling the sky above Metropolis, eyes and ears intent on sounds of possible distress. He had been busy over the past days because there was just so much to be done. But that was a good thing, Clark decided, as it left him little time to consider everyone missing from his life: his parents, Chloe, and Lana. Especially Lana! Her absence was almost unbearable, as it left a gaping hole in Clark’s heart. The fact that Lana had figured out the truth was welcome news from his father. I know now that I couldn’t stand living a life without her, and it is only the thought that I might be with her once more that is keeping me going even now.

If it weren’t for the absence of those closest to him, Clark would have admitted to actually enjoying his destiny. He had always wanted to help others back in Smallville. His new avocation as a ‘friend’ to the world finally satisfied that craving within him to help others. He still found the thanks of the men and women he helped to be almost embarrassing – especially the way so many women turned from grateful to suddenly seductive, but the honest and loving reaction of the children struck a deep chord within him.

The car was teetering off the side of the overpass, a small collision having thrown it up onto the barrier. Screams of fear from within as it finally fell towards the ground fifty feet below were suddenly quiet when I caught the vehicle and lowered it gently to the ground. The woman inside just babbled her thanks again and again. But a little girl, who could be no older than five, just looked at me with and appreciation and love and simply said, “Thank you.” Her older brother, who might have been as old as eight, was excited. “Wow, what a catch.” He seemed to think for a moment, and then added, “I’ll never be as strong as you, but when I grow up, I want to help people, too.” The little boy seemed so sincere and sure about his future path. I was really touched, and told him that the world really needed adults who thought the same way he did, before flying off. Is this what I have been fighting for so long? Is this the destiny that Jor-El had always intended for me?

Clark’s happy reminiscence was interrupted by the sound of screaming, so he flew towards the source to investigate. What he found was an auburn-haired woman being menaced by a masked figure in black in a little grotto formed where another overpass first began to separate from the ground. Clark just shook his head, Haven’t these muggers learned anything by now.

His hackles rose as he entered the covered space, finally noticing that the figure in black was even smaller than the victim, and that the screams were not coming from the auburn-haired woman, but from the portable stereo besides her. The smaller woman opened the lead box and threw a small rock to the other, while keeping one for herself. Then a familiar but unwelcome sensation hit him, as the effects of the green Kryptonite froze him in place. The two closed in on him – it was a trap!

“We can’t tell you how sorry we are to do this,” the auburn-haired woman began saying in a familiar voice.

“But we really need to know what happened to our friend, Clark,” the other finished as she began unmasking.

“Lana, Chloe, what have you done,” he groaned.

”How do you know our names,” they both replied.

“It’s me! It’s Clark!”

* * * * * *

Lana had suggested to Chloe that they arrange to meet this mysterious man in red and blue.

“But how? As far as I know, he hasn’t been granting any interviews,” Chloe responded.

After a moment’s thought, Lana suggested, “If we can’t get to him, maybe we can make him come to us.”

Looking closely at her friend, Chloe responded, “And just how are you going to make him to do that?”

“Easy,” Lana replied confidently. “Two beautiful damsels in distress . . . what superhero could refuse to step in?”

Chloe laughed at the scenario she could now picture in her mind. But then she frowned. “What if decides he doesn’t want to speak to us?”

Lana concentrated for a moment and then said, “If this guy’s from Krypton, he should have the same weaknesses that Clark has with the meteor rocks. I still have the lead box that Clark gave me to hold my necklace. I’ll put in two green Kryptonite stones. When he arrives, I'll throw one to you and he’ll have to talk to us.”

“I don’t know, Lana, he won’t be very happy if we do that to him.”

“Well all the witnesses seem to think he’s a remarkably nice guy, so we should be safe enough from him. And I’m hoping he’ll forgive us once he knows how close we are to Clark,” Lana said. But then a bleak expression came to her face as she looked at best friend, “I miss him so much, Chloe. I really need to know that he’s safe and well!”

Seeing the naked need in Lana’s expression, Chloe acquiesced, “Okay Lana. I’m thinking we need to tape the screaming and yelling. I have an actress friend . . .”

By the next day, the preparations had been completed. In one of Nell’s wigs, Chloe would play the victim. Dressed in black – pants, t-shirt, and ski mask – Lana would be the thug menacing Chloe. Chloe’s actress friend had been a real scream queen, and they had several minutes of her screams along with the menacing grunts of her cute boyfriend. The actress had laughed at the two roommates when they finished recording the CD, and told them she didn’t even want to guess at what they going to do with it.

An overpass each had noticed nearby Met U. had proven the perfect location for the trap. A pocket of space was available under the ramp, far enough away from observers that no normal man or woman should be able to hear the screams above the noise of the passing traffic. It was perfect for a mugging, as well as a location where the Kryptonite could prove effective in keeping their target from speeding away.

When are there preparations were complete, Chloe asked Lana one more time, “Are you sure you want to do this?”

“Lana was conflicted with guilt for what they were about to do, but responded in the affirmative, “I have to, Chloe.”

Chloe turned on the CD for a few seconds, in what both thought would be just a short test. There was naked terror in the screams, and both Chloe and Lana thought the woman had the makings of a real career as an actress. But sooner than even they had expected, they were joined by another presence. Lana quickly opened the necklace box, and tossed a rock to Chloe while keeping one for herself.

“We can’t tell you how sorry we are to do this,” Chloe told the stranger.

“But we really need to know what happened to our friend, Clark,” Lana finished, as she removed her mask.

“Lana, Chloe, what have you done,” the stranger groaned.

”How do you know our names,” they both replied.

“It’s me! It’s Clark!”

Gasping in sudden guilt, both young women threw the stones they had been holding as far as they could out of the enclosed space. Then they both rushed to him, crying out his name. Clark tried to hold them back, but failed as they both embraced him. Both Lana and Chloe demanded to know, “Where had he been? Why hadn’t he contacted them?”

Still stunned, Clark asked, “Didn’t my Dad speak to you?” Seeing the blank looks in their expressions at his questions, he groaned again as he gently untangled himself from them. “Chloe, do you remember the price that Jor-El said must be paid for my return? Well the payment was being delayed, as long as I managed to stay away from you two and my parents.” Miserably, he added, “but now . . .”

Lana turned to look at Chloe and became frightened herself as she saw the understanding – and sudden fear – in the face of her friend. Even if Lana didn’t understand what or why, they had obviously done something that could end very badly in some way.

Clark stiffened suddenly, as he appeared to be listening intently to something Lana herself couldn’t hear.

“Mom’s screaming.” Then with a look of sudden devastation, he added, “It’s my Dad. I think he’s had another heart attack.”

Horrified and filled with a sense of loss and guilt, neither young woman said a word as Clark stepped out and then disappeared into the sky.


~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

[Nemu]

well... this is interesting... and if JK dies... I hope what will come after wont be remotely close to what I think might happen...

Now... Man I knew they were going to do something like this...

PPMS!!!

[treker]

great update.....so, is Jonathan's heart attack the result of Clark running into Lana and Chloe or because of something that Jonathan did?

The public must know.....

[superman_lives_on]

Urgh...how the heck did they not recognize him at first? I don't get it...

And what's going to happen to Jonathan? :(

[deanyouk]

Great update

[buddy232]

Great update!


Please continue!

[happycamper]

Ah, questions.


Originally posted by superman_lives_on
Urgh...how the heck did they not recognize him at first? I don't get it...:( Near the end of Chapter Seven: “Now my son, there is final item with which I will gift you before your departure. Once you don this attire, it will meld into your body, becoming only visible at your wish or need. It will blur the minds of those that see it as you do your tasks, protecting your identity from detection. It is also impervious to destruction, and will even protect you – but only in part – from the effects of Kryptonian radiation."


And as to Jonathan, I would guess that the timing of what happened would clearly point the responsibility to Lana and Chloe. :( :(


:D :D

[superman8s]

hummmmmmm continue....

[justsuper]

Totally awesome! Extremely well-done. Wow!

[*#~ ClAnAfAn99210~#*]

great update hopefully there will besome clana in the next one *staring happycampe down*

[SVsleuth]

Awesome chapter, hc. Oh, if JK dies, Lana and Chloe will feel so guilty. I wonder if he somehow offered to be the one who would restore the balance? Because I had thought previously that the person Clark came in contact with (after the 1 short meeting allowed) would be the likely victim.

PPMS!

[NYC300Z]

I can't believe I never started this story sooner! It's really good! I just read the whole thing in one sitting! Clark was such an idiot. He got me real upset for a while! I wonder what's going to happen now?

PPMS!

[akuma]

More more more!! Love the story!

[*#~ ClAnAfAn99210~#*]

man i hope jk doesnt die then clark will push every one away

post 170 woot woot leet

[treker]

:)

[LetMeGo]

Wow hc!!! I absolutely love this story... Not a surprise since all of your fics are great. :D I look forward to reading more!! PPMS!!

[*#~ ClAnAfAn99210~#*]

hurry and update

[*#~ ClAnAfAn99210~#*]

i guess no one like this story eh?

[SVsleuth]

Originally posted by NYC300Z
I can't believe I never started this story sooner! It's really good! I just read the whole thing in one sitting! Clark was such an idiot. He got me real upset for a while! I wonder what's going to happen now?

PPMS!
:eek: NYC!!! I cannot believe you haven't been reading this! Glad you finally got here. Great fic, hc, ppms!

[happycamper]

Thanks to all for your very kind comments. They made me guilty and/or obligated enough to stay up late to write this update. The following chapter is a bit sad (or so I hope)...




Hidden: Unwelcome Truth

Chapter Ten



“Well what?” Chloe finally asked when she could no longer stand Lana’s accusing stare.

“Is there maybe something that you should have told me?”

“Lana, I never knew that Clark had been forbidden to see us,” Chloe proclaimed, “but I, uh, did know about the price.”

“What price is that, Chloe?”

“I already told you that whatever was mortal in Clark died that day he was shot,” Chloe reminded Lana, “and that some cybernetic version of his Kryptonian father brought him back to life.” Seeing Lana nod in agreement, Chloe continued, “What I failed to mention was that Jor-El told Clark that the life-force that has been returned to him would be taken from someone he loves.”

Lana just stared in incomprehension at the outrageous nature of what Chloe had just told her. Suddenly realizing the words meant exactly what they seemed to, Lana felt enraged. “That’s monstrous Chloe, how could a father do that to his son? Clark must be . . . he has to be almost crazy with guilt!”

“He is Lana. Jor-El wouldn’t let Clark pay with his own life-force, so he knew that there were only four or five people that could have possibility paid the price for him – his parents, me, maybe Lois, and you. I’ve never seen him so tormented.”

Lana understood exactly. Clark always believed that anything bad that happened was somehow his fault. So even if he didn’t ask or even want to be returned, he would still assume the responsibility and guilt.

“I told him I would take my chances,” Chloe continued, “but that’s the final reason he tried to break up with you. He thought if you hated him, you would somehow be protected.”

Thinking about what Chloe had just said, Lana asked, “But if he still loves me, how would making me hate him protect my life-force?”

“Lana, Clark wasn’t thinking very straight. Nothing could make him stop loving his parents, and even Clark knew that he couldn’t do anything that would make me change the way I feel about him because I already knew too much about his secrets. So all he had left to save was you. I immediately figured his plan was useless the same way you just did, but I didn’t have the heart to tell him.” Tears streaming down her face, Chloe told Lana, “He was in agony over his parents and me, but he still felt a little bit better thinking you were safe. I couldn’t stand the thought of taking that small amount of comfort away from him.”

Crying openly now herself, Lana hugged her best friend. “Neither of us ever deserved you, Chloe, but I’m so glad you’re such a good friend.” Finally breaking away, Lana softly said, “Clark is going to blame himself if anything happens to Mr. Kent.”

Chloe glumly added, “And even if we didn’t know what was going to happen, Clark may not be able to forget how we tricked him into seeing us.”

“I know that Chloe, and it worries me,” Lana admitted, “but we need to get back home to see exactly what damage we’ve done, and to do what we can to help.”

* * * *

Less than a minute after Martha’ scream, Clark landed in the little corral fronting the Kent’s barn. Martha’s eyes lifted away from her unconscious husband and dully took in the sudden appearance of the stranger, until she recognized the familiar features of her son. “Clark, it’s your father. I think he’s had another heart attack.”

“Let me get you two to the hospital.” Cradling both in his arms, he flew to the Smallville Medical Center. Checking first for witnesses, he landed outside the entrance to the emergency room, and quickly let his mother down to the ground. Striding through the doors with his father still in his arms, he loudly announced, “We need some help here,” as he gently laid his father on the nearest gurney.

“What do we have here,” the duty doctor asked.

Martha responded, “My husband was working in the corral when he suddenly collapsed a few minutes ago. He has a history of heart disease...”

“Room Two,” the Doctor told the arriving orderly. Glancing at the nurse, he told her, “Start an IV, and then prepare a 100 CC dose of tPA.”

“Doctor, what’s ‘tPA,’” a concerned Martha asked.

“Tissue plasminogen activator,” the doctor told her, “it’s a clot busting drug. It might stop the immediate damage from getting any worse, but we still have to find out the underlying cause of the attack.”

Clark stood frozen, no longer able to speak or react. But hearing the doctor’s words, he laughed wildly inside his own head. The underlying cause is standing right in front of you. I’m the reason that my father had a heart attack.

Glancing at him, Martha could see the guilt already beginning to build up in her son. She needed to distract him from himself, so she asked, “Clark? Could you do me a big favor?. Why don’t you get the paperwork straightened out so I can stay with your Dad.”

Pulling himself together, he responded, “Of course Mom.”

After wasting 20 minutes talking to the emergency room admitting nurse, Clark returned to the treatment room containing his father. A nurse leaving the treatment room told him that only one family member could be present inside, but he’d be welcome to watch from outside the room. So Clark stared through the framed glass at the somehow organized confusion of the treatment being provided to his father. With doctors and nurses hovering over him, his Mom sat quietly in a corner with a desolate expression.

As things finally quieted down, a doctor spoke in even tones to Martha Kent. Using his abilities, Clark heard him tell her that, “The blockage precipitating the attack has had been successfully removed. Unfortunately, there was now some additional damage to Mr. Kent’s heart, but we’re still unsure as to the full extent of this damage. The only thing we can do for now is to let him rest, and see what happens over the next few hours.”

The treatment room was quiet now, his father with an IV placed in his arm and hooked up to monitoring equipment, and his Mom sitting on a chair at his bedside, holding his free hand. The sight forced to Clark remember other days standing outside treatment rooms, especially the day his mother had lost her child. They deserve so much better from a son; how can they love me when all I do is to hurt them. Them and everyone else close to me.

Clark felt a familiar tug inside his head, the urge to run far away to atone for what he had done to them. But a rational part of his mind resisted, knowing the ultimate futility and cowardice of such an act. Better I face the music now, the consequences later would only be worse. So the minutes slowly passed, a quiet and almost stoic exterior effectively hiding the pain and raging guilt inside him.

Jonathan Kent finally regained consciousness, and talked softly to his wife. Clark saw how much they still loved one another, and hope began to rise within him that maybe he wouldn’t be the cause of his father’s death. His father looked up and smiled when he saw him. Clark was shaken. How can he forgive me so easily for what I’ve done. He has to make it! Mom and I both need him so much; how can I survive without his love and his guidance? Jonathan’s eyes suddenly seemed to extend beyond him, so Clark turned to find Chloe and Lana walking quietly towards him.

“Clark, we’re so sorry,” Chloe said. “So how is your father?”

In a flat and lifeless voice, Clark responded, “Dad had another heart attack. They’ve stabilized him for now, but they don’t know how much more damage it caused. They’re just waiting to see how he’s going to be.”

Both young women hugged him, but he remained stiff and unresponsive in their arms. “Clark, we’re also sorry about tricking you,” Lana finally said in tears, “we had no idea that this was going to happen.”

In the same flat voice, Clark told them, “I know that Lana. Don’t worry about it. It’s really not your fault.”

Lana and Chloe both detected Clark’s absolute sincerity when he told them they were blameless, but both also heard the unspoken second part of the message, a silent scream from Clark that it was all his own fault. They looked at each other, unable to come up with a way to comfort him, but were saved by Martha’s arrival from inside the treatment room.

“Clark, your Dad would like to speak with you,” his Mom told him.

Each of the women could see Clark fighting desperately against pain and guilt as he walked through the doorway.

Building up her courage, Lana was able to ask, “How is Mr. Kent?”

Martha held out her arms, and the three women joined together in a tearful hug. Finally she whispered to the other two, “It’s too early to tell with Jonathan. But who I’m really worried about is Clark.”

* * * *

Clark approached his Dad with the same trepidation a condemned man would approach the gallows.

“Please sit,” Jonathan told his son in a weak and raspy voice.

Jonathan saw his son sit, and could visibly see the guilt building up inside him. It troubled him that Clark always felt himself responsible for things over which he had no control, and he grimaced at the thought.

“Dad, are you okay,” a suddenly worried Clark asked him.

“Clark, you have to understand that none of this is your fault.”

“How can you say that Dad? You’re laying there sick because Jor-El resurrected me, and because I was stupid enough to let Lana and Chloe trap me.”

“Clark, nobody can change what will be. I’d probably have had the same heart attack even if you never were shot in the first place. And none of this is your responsibility. I was the one that always told you to hide your secrets, and I was the one who mistrusted Jor-El and encouraged you to fight him. And I was even the one that decided not to tell the ladies about your return and the conditions that Jor-El imposed. I thought it would be too painful for them to be unable to see you if they knew you were back. Those were all my choices and my responsibility!” he rasped.

“But Dad...”

“No son,” Jonathan interrupted, “this was all my responsibility . . . and choice.”

Dreading what he knew would be the answer, Clark responded, “What do you mean, ‘choice?’”

“I had a little talk with Jor-El in the caves. I convinced him that I should be the one to provide the life-force if it became necessary.”

“Dad, you didn’t,” a stricken Clark asked.

“Give me a little credit, son. I love your Mother very much. And Lana and Chloe are both so young, and the closest things to daughters that your Mom and I have ever had. Don’t you think your Dad is willing to do anything to save the women he loved, the same way you would?”

Clark was speechless. Of course Dad would do anything for those he loved. “But Dad, I need you so much. How can I manage without your advice, and your example as to how a man should live his life.”

“Son,” Jonathan responded, “I’ve already done the most important thing any man can do. I’ve raised a boy to become a man any father can be proud of. Jor-El and I also had a long talk afterwards, and you don’t know how blessed I feel to have you as my son. The good you’ve already done, and all the good you’re going to do in the future. And besides the many lives you save, you’re going to touch the hearts and spirits of so many more. You’re going to make all of mankind better by your example. What better legacy can a man have than to have a son like you?”

“But Dad, I’m not ready. I still need you to guide me.”

“No, Clark. You were a hero since you were a young boy – doing good and helping people. Now that you’ve returned, you have to make decisions every day that affect so many lives. You don’t need me any more, and that’s the way it should be now that you’ve become a man.”

They just stared at each other for a few minutes, a proud father with his now-grown son. Jonathan finally asked, “Son, it’s not that I dislike your presence, but could you change places a while with your Mom.”

“Of course Dad.”

As he passed his Mom in the doorway she smiled at him, and kissed his cheek. He walked out to face Chloe and Lana once again. He was about to greet them, when a deadly flat tone sounded in his ears. Doctors and nurses flew into the treatment room in response, one pulling Martha away from her husband.

Clark stood as still as a statue as that flat tone continued, unable to believe what was happening and unable to do anything in response. Both Lana and Chloe looked to Clark, with hearts breaking in the realization that even the most powerful man on the planet was powerless to save his own father even as that awful tone just droned on.

The tone from the monitoring device finally stopped, but was not replaced with the beeping that always accompanied a beating heart. The activity around Jonathan Kent slowed and then stopped, and a sheet was finally pulled gently over his face. A wild-eyed Clark turned to stare at Lana and Chloe, both crying at the loss of such a good and loving man, and at the effect that loss was having on his son. Clark felt a need to rend and destroy because of the unfairness of life, and because of his inability to use any of his vaunted powers to do anything at all to save his father.

Clark finally forced himself to turn back to enter the treatment room, and held his mother tight as she began mourning the loss of her husband.



~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

[NYC300Z]

1 Very sad. Lana will have to think of something to get Clark too feel better and stop blaming himself!

PPMS!

[LetMeGo]

2nd!

Great update! You certainly know how to tug at the heart strings! I like how you let Jonathan and Clark have a moment together... I hope that helps him deal with it better than he did on the show. PPMS! :)

[superman_lives_on]

Oh, Jonathan... :( At least he had one last moment with his son. He'll definitely be missed. :(

Clark's guilt complex does nobody any good, least of all himself. He has to learn to stop blaming himself for things beyond his control and simply focus on what he CAN do. It'd make him that much stronger as a person.

I hope Lana, Chloe, and Martha can help him to do that...

[*#~ ClAnAfAn99210~#*]

Originally posted by NYC300Z
1 Very sad. Lana will have to think of something to get Clark too feel better and stop blaming himself!

PPMS!

i think i know a way *looking at nyc with a mischeivious grin*

[akuma]

Well that sux lol. Interesting to see wht will happen now btw the gang, specially the Clana of course

[SVsleuth]

Well, I'm glad it was Jonathan's sacrifice - by that he does teach Clark everthing else he needs to teach him - teaching by example. At least now Clark can interact with his Mom, Chloe & Lana again. Jonathan gave him that gift, and he better not waste it.

PPMS!

[Cardinal]

Now, with the death of Jonathan, Unhappycamper gives himself the chance to become Melancholycamper for a while as the three women try to save Clark from himself.

[NYC300Z]

Originally posted by *#~ ClAnAfAn99210~#*
i think i know a way *looking at nyc with a mischeivious grin*

Yeah let's a go~!

[deanyouk]

Great update happycamper!

Looks like I guessed the outcome correctly afterall :)

[Dr.Willowbrook]

Whoa... great update! Jonathan goes out like the great man he is... glad to see him finally accept Clark's destiny and be willing to sacrifice himself for the greater good. Hopefully you'll have Clark take Jonathan's words of wisdom to heart. I like how you've developed the relationship between Lana and Chloe. Great to see Clark back in the fold... with the whole life-force dilemma out of the way, things should get really interesting!

[treker]

Okay HC....you're off the crap list after your update and smallvilleman is on the crap list for destroying what was a great story in the gift. Most authors who want to create conflict will at least leave an opening to recover clanna...he didn't.

[clark&lanafan06]

Great update ! PPMS !!!!!!!!!

[justsuper]

Happycamper - this is a terrific story! I love how you are weaving these elements together. I love seeing Clark's choices and why. I love seeing Chloe and Lana working together. I love understanding everything beneath the surface. Wow, I guess I love everything - I must have VERY GOOD TASTE! It is so important to show the emotional toll things take on Clark -and you do that so well. Then you take it one step further and bring Chloe and Lana to full understanding. I can hardly wait to see your resolutions - how Lana and Clark can finally deal with the weight of all of these emotions and conflicts. Keep up the terrific and amazing work! Awesome!!!!!

[happycamper]

Thnaks for all the comments. SVsleuth, your demand was just a bit intimidating, so I guess I'd better comply. ;)

And melancholycamper? I think you must have me confused with some other poor fool.




Hidden: Unwelcome Truth

Chapter Eleven



The four days since the death of Jonathan Kent had passed like molasses for his son Clark. They were days filled with regret at the passing of the best man he had ever known, and with guilt because he had been responsible for the death of the father he loved so much. He tried to convince me that his death was the result of his own actions, but I know that he was forced to make his choices as a result of who I am and what I did.

Fortunately, they had been busy days. The only comfort that Clark was able to take was that there were just so many people who seemed to care for his father, both in the close community of Smallville and from the world outside. Preparing the final rest for a man so well respected involved a lot of planning and work that Clark had chosen to take onto himself. Mom has certainly been hurt enough. Let her mourn Dad, she really doesn’t need to be forced to deal with anything to do with the funeral. And if I try hard enough, maybe I can be a better son for her than I was for him.

While they had spent a lot of time together these past days, little had been communicated between mother and son. Both were still in a state of shock that Jonathan had been taken away from them, and neither knew how to open the conversation with the other that would allow the circumstances of his death to be laid to rest. Martha didn’t know the words that would comfort her son and end his useless guilt, for it always seemed that it was only her husband that had been able to make Clark see the truth, while Clark didn’t know how he could apologize for killing the man his mother had loved.

Conversations with everyone were now awkward. Lana and Chloe had been so afraid I would blame them for what happened, yet they still forced themselves to see me and apologize for what they had done. But what they don’t understand is that I was the one responsible for what happened. Each time they’ve seen me since they keep telling me it’s not my fault, but if I hadn’t been so lazy and self-confident, I would have heard them and known who was waiting for me under that overpass. I know the sound of their beating hearts, but I just went blindly in because I believed nothing could happen to the great hero. Why did Jor-El have to bring me back? I’m useless now to my destiny because I don’t think I can force myself to use my powers and save anyone else, so the only thing that resulted from my resurrection was that my own worthless life was traded for Dad’s. Clark fought hard to remain calm in appearance. I at least have to hold it together until after the funeral today.

But as he was trying to fix a Windsor knot into his tie, he was assaulted by the memory of a laughing Jonathan teaching him how to tie a knot properly. “Now you are going to have to practice this, son,” his father had told him. “It’s harder to do it properly, but it is the only way to get that knot to balance on both sides. It looks better, but its also important because it teaches that you have to give your best effort in everything you do, instead of being satisfied with something that’s just good enough. You have to give that effort Clark, or you’re no real man at all.”

The memory made Clark’s fingers clumsy, as they and then the rest of his body began trembling. He stood in front of the mirror and was unable to continue, as that lesson was followed in his awareness by memories of so many other lessons that his father had provided him on how to grow into a proper man.

Checking if Clark was ready to drive to the cemetery, Martha observed his trembling, and guessed at its cause. At first, she couldn’t decide whether to rush over to help her son, or to quietly leave and pretend to him that she never saw his moment of weakness. But she remembered the little boy who would never ask for help, and realized that the self-sufficiency Jonathan had taught him had taken hold too well. It hurt her to see that her son was almost crippled by his inability to share both his burdens and the weight of his self-imposed responsibility.

Gliding to his side, she told him, “Sweetie, let me help you with that.” As she quickly began tying the perfect knot, she continued, “I know your Dad taught you to fix your ties that way. But what he didn’t tell you was that I often had to tie them for him when we were in a rush, or when he was too angry or sad to do the job properly. It’s always okay to let someone who loves you help with these little things, so you can keep your attention on the problems that really matter.”

Clark feebly allowed his mother to finish before finally saying, “I don’t know what I’m going to do with him gone.”

She looked up and saw the pain and guilt in his eyes, and told him, “Clark, you have to understand that the Kent men have always had such big hearts that it seems in compensation they are always fated for a limited time on this earth. Just like your grandpa Hiram, Jonathan was taken away from the world too quickly. But in their short time with us, both Jonathan and Hiram worked their hearts so hard for those around them that it was the same as if they lived many lives. It is simply fate that took your father away, not you nor even Jor-El.”

“But Mom, I came to see him. I told him that any meeting after that with those close to me would result in the life-force being taken from someone I loved. Dad told me he went to the caves after that meeting to see Jor-El, and demanded that he be the one to pay the price if it became necessary. Don’t you see, it’s my fault! He’d have never seen Jor-El if I hadn’t talked to him.”

It was painful for Martha to look up into those sad eyes and see the depth of guilt that was present. “Clark,” she began, “don’t you think I’ve come to realize that. I thought he had gone to ask Jor-El about you, but when I found out from Lana and Chloe that we weren’t supposed to approach you, I figured out why he had actually gone to talk to Jor-El. Your father was a brave man; do you think he could have done anything else under the circumstances?”

“But if he didn’t know about me, he might still be alive,” Clark almost moaned.

“He had a weak heart son, so he was the one most likely to be chosen. Your father just wanted to make sure.” Seeing Clark shake his head in denial, Martha added, “If his life-force hadn’t been taken, would you rather it was mine, or that Lana or Chloe had been chosen instead? Could you trade one of us for him?”

Clark stared at his mother, and finally admitted, “I wouldn’t have chosen any of you. I’d have only chosen myself.”

Martha smiled sadly up at her son, and added, “I know that, and so does everyone who knows you.”

* * * * *

“In sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ we commend to Almighty God our brother Jonathan Kent. And we commit his body to the ground; earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust. The Lord bless him and keep him, the Lord make his face to shine upon him and be gracious onto him and give him peace. Amen.”

“Amen,” Lana and the rest of the crowd responded. With those final words, the services finally came to an end. Lana wiped away her tears as she watched the minister come over to offer his condolences to Clark and Mrs. Kent, followed by an amazingly large line of people for such a small town. She, Chloe and Lois stood back from the line of well wishers. They had stood beside the Kents during the services, but now moved back, waiting until the others had finished before offering their own condolences for a man they had all loved.

The wait allowed Lana to reflect on the past few days. Clark still stood ramrod straight, his sense of duty forcing him to endure what she knew had to be agonizing for him. A shake of the hand, and a murmur of thanks to all those many people, each of them trying their best to offer comfort to two souls who were unable to be comforted. But in time, one finally does find comfort, and one learns to live with the loss, no matter how great. I just hope they can find their peace quickly.

But Lana had additional concerns. Am I going to lose Clark? I’m not sure there are enough years left in my life to accept that loss. Both she and Chloe had expected to be the recipients of monumental anger, for it was tricking Clark into saving them that had precipitated his father’s death. But Clark apparently held them blameless for that action, and chose somehow to blame himself even for that. Lana was intensely worried by how Clark was reacting since then. Every attempt at help or comfort made by Lois, Chloe, or herself had been answered politely and with a sad smile.

But that smile was a monumental lie, because the armor Clark had built around himself protected him from sharing any feelings or emotions with those around him, including those that loved him. He was withdrawing himself from those close to him, and Lana was worried that he may even be withdrawing himself from humanity. Clark’s alter ego hasn’t made a single appearance since his father died. People all over the world are beginning to think that he was just some type of mirage or myth. Some even thought that he had passed judgement on all of mankind, and had stopped helping because he had found man wanting.

Those people were wrong, however. It’s Clark who feels unworthy and a failure. He thinks that somehow everything is always his own fault. How often I used to complain that he acted as if he carried the weight of the world on his shoulders. I’ve finally found out that he actually does; but that still doesn’t mean he has to do it alone. He has Mrs. Kent, Chloe, and Lois – and he has me. How can I make him realize that we all want to help him with that weight, and that there is nothing now that I look forward to more than sharing his burdens, even if its only a little moral support.

Lana longed to comfort him, but he had become much like a skittish horse, who would only draw further away each time one attempted to get close. Lana was afraid that if she tried too hard he would respond like that horse by running away, never to return. So she attempted to walk a fine line, trying to let him know that she still loved him without driving him irretrievably away. But my greatest fear is that I’m losing this battle, and losing Clark.

As the long line of people was finally reduced, the three young women joined it at its tail end. Lana wished she had the words that could comfort both Martha and Clark, but knew she was no poet. So when she finally reached Clark after Chloe had had completed her own turn, she refused to shake his hand. Instead, she brought it up to her mouth and kissed the back of his hand, and told him, “I loved him, too.” Releasing his hand after his mumbled thanks, she stepped towards Martha to hug her, and whispered in her ear, “He was like a father to me. I loved him, and I’ll always miss him.”

“Thank you Lana,” Martha told her, as she hugged the younger girl once more.

Lana and Chloe had stepped aside to let Lois offer her own condolences. Then the three stood back as Martha said a final prayer over her beloved husband. Finished, she joined the three other women and thanked them once again for their love and support. But Lana kept her attention on Clark, who had remained motionless at the gravesite, just staring at the hole in which his father would now reside.

As Clark continued his motionless stare, the four women were stricken with worry about the young man that each loved in their own way. Lana finally broke and stepped forward towards Clark. Martha laid a hand on Lois’s arm, restraining her as she started to move in mutual support.

Lana intertwined her hand into his as she stood besides him. She felt Clark automatically start to draw his hand away from hers, but wouldn’t allow him to do that. She gripped his hand tightly, resolved that he would have to use force to make her relinquish her hold.

Clark’s hand finally hand relaxed, and then gripped her hand lightly in his own. When Clark kneeled beside the gravesite to drop a handful of dirt as a form of benediction over his father, she laid a comforting hand on his shoulder. Lana almost started crying again when Clark, still wordless, leaned his head against her arm.

While it felt somehow foreign on her face, Martha managed a slight smile when she saw this interplay. It had been her first since Jonathan had died. Feeling almost satisfied, she quietly drew Chloe and Lois away from her husband’s new grave.



~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

[NYC300Z]

1st! A sad update, but very well done. Nice touch of Clana at the end.

PPMS!

[Nemu]

so powerful in there... such words...

and with that Lana has made the first crack in Clark's armor...

PPMS

[Cardinal]

It's Clana all right. I was right about it being melancholy, but it was definitely Clana! :D

I loved it when she took his hand and refused to allow him to distance himself from her.

[SVsleuth]

Didn't mean to intimidate you, hc - but I AM glad to see that Clark is begininng, ever so slightly, to respond to Lana. I'll say no more, in fear of intimidating you. Except, PPMS! ;) Great update!

[deanyouk]

That was a brilliant update :)

[clark&lanafan06]

Great update ! PPMS !!!!!!!!

[superman_lives_on]

Lana's beginning to crack through Clark's cold, guilt-formed armor. When will it shatter forever? That'll be the day when he REALLY becomes...well, you know who I'm referring to. When he finally realizes that NOT everything is his fault and that EVERYONE makes CHOICES that affect the course of their lives, then he'll be able to find the confidence and courage to face both sides of his life...human and Kryptonian. He won't be crippled by the useless guilt Martha mentioned.

Who knows how long it'll take, though...

[LetMeGo]

You have a gift happycamper… the way you capture the emotions of the characters is truly amazing. While this update was sad there was an underlying hope as well. Love, Lana’s love, will bring Clark back from the brink… at least I hope so! :D PPMS!

[buddy232]

Very well done - great update, great story!

Update soon!

[happycamper]

Over the past few weeks I’ve noticed a very ugly trend developing in the comments to stories on this board. I will ignore comments on my own story because, frankly, I don’t care. But I’ve seen at least three others attacked for the simple reason that each of their updates doesn’t provide an immediate fix of happy Clana.

Now I believe I’m capable of sensing where these stories are heading so I’m more than happy to wait until they develop their plots and get to the point where issues get resolved. But there seems to be a small group that is almost fascist in their demands: write the story the way I want it to be or face derision or even be asked to leave the board.

Now I’m not happy with these self-appointed censors and would find their tactics objectionable even if they were attacking stories where there was never any intent to have a happy resolution. This board doesn’t require that; instead, the only limitation is that the story be about Clark and Lana and be written at the PG-13 level. How the story goes or how it ends up is the author’s responsibility, not that of self-selected readers who think they know better than everyone else. Attempting to purge the board of anyone who isn’t what they define as a “true believer” will not serve the board well, and is an attempt to deprive everyone else of the opportunity to read stories that don’t follow their limited number of “approved” storylines.

But the stories actually being attacked all appear to be heading to a happy resolution, so the attacks are unconscionable in that they even refuse to be consistent with their objections. If a story is going to end up being happy, why object to a few hurdles along the way?

Ultimately, one pays nothing to read these stories, so the authors owe readers nothing more than an opportunity to read the stories they post. If one doesn’t like a particular story, then just stop reading it. There is no reason or justification for “the select” to attack a story, an author, or actively recruit others to get them to think the same way they do, especially when one just doesn’t like the way the plotline is developing.

Continuing these attacks will drive away very good authors who are contributing very good stories. If these forces are successful, you may also lose great future stories as well as the contributions of others who they might have inspired to provide their own contributions to this board.

Enough!

[NYC300Z]

I thought u updated...

i'm lost what happened?

oh well HC I hope you get around to updating!

Don't worry be HappY! like ur names says!;)

[Cardinal]

Wow! I haven't had a lot of problems like that recently, but I will admit that in the early days of my story, "Bless the Broken Road," I caught a lot of crap from people who wanted Clark and Lana together RIGHT NOW!

Originally, in that story, Elaine was going to be Clark's girlfriend for a good long time and bit by bit, he was going to come to see that Lana was better for him...but the readers were so impatient, that I felt compelled to end that story (which would have been a better story by the way) and morph it into something else. So, yeah, I can see where hc is coming from.

If you don't like the direction of the story, PM the author privately. If you STILL don't like it after that, don't read it, no one is forcing you to. But allow the others to enjoy the story without having to wade through your negative opinions.

Finally, if you're so sure you know better than the author...write your own fic. You might find out it's not as easy as it looks.

*steps down off of soapbox*

Sorry, hc! :\

[treker]

Originally posted by happycamper
Over the past few weeks I’ve noticed a very ugly trend developing in the comments to stories on this board. I will ignore comments on my own story because, frankly, I don’t care. But I’ve seen at least three others attacked for the simple reason that each of their updates doesn’t provide an immediate fix of happy Clana.

Now I believe I’m capable of sensing where these stories are heading so I’m more than happy to wait until they develop their plots and get to the point where issues get resolved. But there seems to be a small group that is almost fascist in their demands: write the story the way I want it to be or face derision or even be asked to leave the board.

Now I’m not happy with these self-appointed censors and would find their tactics objectionable even if they were attacking stories where there was never any intent to have a happy resolution. This board doesn’t require that; instead, the only limitation is that the story be about Clark and Lana and be written at the PG-13 level. How the story goes or how it ends up is the author’s responsibility, not that of self-selected readers who think they know better than everyone else. Attempting to purge the board of anyone who isn’t what they define as a “true believer” will not serve the board well, and is an attempt to deprive everyone else of the opportunity to read stories that don’t follow their limited number of “approved” storylines.

But the stories actually being attacked all appear to be heading to a happy resolution, so the attacks are unconscionable in that they even refuse to be consistent with their objections. If a story is going to end up being happy, why object to a few hurdles along the way?

Ultimately, one pays nothing to read these stories, so the authors owe readers nothing more than an opportunity to read the stories they post. If one doesn’t like a particular story, then just stop reading it. There is no reason or justification for “the select” to attack a story, an author, or actively recruit others to get them to think the same way they do, especially when one just doesn’t like the way the plotline is developing.

Continuing these attacks will drive away very good authors who are contributing very good stories. If these forces are successful, you may also lose great future stories as well as the contributions of others who they might have inspired to provide their own contributions to this board.

Enough!

maybe I should just say...

"great update...PPMS"

and keep my real feelings to myself....

[justsuper]

Hear, hear happycamper! I totally agree with you. I don't understand those comments myself. It isn't a problem to want a happy ending but readers who want happy Clana just need to allow a resolution to the story. Otherwise, it isn't really a story.

It could just be that "demands" in email form sound alot harsher than they would if a person were actually talking with you. So I try to give people the benefit of the doubt too. However, there have been some comments to the authors that do seem completely out of line. It's so strange too - when all of you writers work so hard to put these fictions together. It is for your pleasure too as writers but so many,many people find enjoyment in them!!

However, on a happiercamper note, I love your fiction and keep up the excellent work!

[Venezuelan Lana]

I absolutely agree with you, happycamper. It's not rational to ask a writer to write without angst in a story, even if it's fiction. Every story HAS to have angst, no matter if it's Clana, Clois, Lexana or whatever the writer wants. Otherwise, It's not a real story, just a piece of fiction of how the relationship or story should be.

I missed 2 awesome updates! wow... I gotta say... your stories are absolutely amazing!!!!! WOW... PPMS

[treker]

Originally posted by Venezuelan Lana
I absolutely agree with you, happycamper. It's not rational to ask a writer to write without angst in a story, even if it's fiction. Every story HAS to have angst, no matter if it's Clana, Clois, Lexana or whatever the writer wants. Otherwise, It's not a real story, just a piece of fiction of how the relationship or story should be.

I missed 2 awesome updates! wow... I gotta say... your stories are absolutely amazing!!!!! WOW... PPMS

You must not be reading cardinal or AJ's fic's if you really believe that....

Or mine for that matter....it is possible to have confiict and growth without destroying the couple that we all love...

but, that's just my opnion....and it seems to be in the minority.....

[justsuper]

Hey Treker - it's cool, man. Everyone is entitled to their opinion - and to their expression. And that is really what this is all about. Freedom - plain and simple. Everyone writes the story that they want to write. You write it your way and others write it their way too. If everyone writes the same story the same way - what is the point, really.

I hope everyone continues to write and enjoy!

[Venezuelan Lana]

treker, I think you got wrong what I meant...btw I do read Cardinal's, aj's and your fics... I meant that every story has to have some conflict, no matter if it's in the relationships the characters have, or either with some external factors, like baldy is or jason or whatever the writer wants to put in the bad side.

btw... Right now I'm planning to write a story about Clark and Lana IN smallville, not in my hometown, like you're my everything is. It will have happy Clana and I'll try to play with other factors like baldy and zod and that kinda stuff...

I'm sorry you got my ideas the wrong way treker. I think your fics are amazing and they're very well written. Sorry again

Emily

[SmallvilleMan]

As for me, I'm going to write the way I want and I don't care what anyone thinks, period.

[*#~ ClAnAfAn99210~#*]

cmon update plz???

[maitriniazngurl]

I agree with Card... (and mostly what everyone else is saying) My stories was suppose to have a little more jasana.. then grows to be Clana.. but from due to the unpatience of the readers...(no in perticular.) I've had to change quiet a bit of it. I like to stories that gradually grow into a great relationship.. it makes it more fun and you don't rush it.

The each story has it's moments and I want to support everyone stories. No matter if it's sad, happy, or anything.

I sometimes find it rude that some people are expressing to much about the authors.. if you feel so strongly about something.. you should PM them.. or stop reading.

It's been going on a lot and I'm glad you addressed this issues Happy.

Btw.. Can't wait for an update!! :D

[LetMeGo]

Bravo!! I’m glad you brought attention to the problem hc, it’s been getting out of hand. I agree with you about these overly negative comments. They will eventually drive away authors! Everyone loses if that happens. What makes fan fiction great, at least in my opinion, is all the different interpretations of these characters and relationships.

The best way to deal with a story you don’t like is to stop reading it!

One more thing hc… when’s the next update coming? :D ;)

[treker]

I've had it with this crap....

from now on...I keep my comments to myself....

I'll just say PPMS and be done with it....

[justsuper]

Let's wrap this debate up here guys!

No one was directing these comments specifically to you Treker - so don't take it so personally. It is just something people have noticed in other stories across the board and it makes some authors not want to post. Everyone is free to express their opinion - it's just that anger shouldn't have a place here when we are all trying to enjoy what's being posted. A little sensitivity is all anyone is asking for.

PPMS happycamper!!! Dying for more!

[treker]

Originally posted by justsuper
Let's wrap this debate up here guys!

No one was directing these comments specifically to you Treker - so don't take it so personally. It is just something people have noticed in other stories across the board and it makes some authors not want to post. Everyone is free to express their opinion - it's just that anger shouldn't have a place here when we are all trying to enjoy what's being posted. A little sensitivity is all anyone is asking for.

PPMS happycamper!!! Dying for more!

PPMS

[happycamper]

Sorry about the delay. I've been subject to all kinds of indignities this week undergoing various medical tests. If you go without seeing a doctor for a few years, they subject you to all kinds of grief - deliberate punishment, I believe, to make sure you remember to go more regularly. :lol:

Because of all the commotion that's been going on, I want to reassure all of you that I will accept any comments made directly to me on any of my stories. Just be nice to others who aren't as thick-skinned and cynical on their threads. ;)





Hidden: Unwelcome Truth

Chapter Twelve



Chloe and Lois had returned back to the Kent farm with Martha after the services, and had a quick lunch nibbling on some of the huge volume of food that had been brought over to the farm earlier by neighbors and friends. No one said anything, but it was a companionable silence, as each contemplated their loss.

However, the internal contemplation by all three women on living life with – and now without – Jonathan Kent soon turned into a sort of wake, with each telling the others stories illustrating the great love and strength that he had showered on all those around him.

One story by Martha explained how it was that she made the decision to marry Jonathan Kent after the very first conversation they had shared at Met U. “Jonathan had been so kind to a complete stranger, and was just so cute. I remember hoping with all my heart that this wonderful man was going to ask me to marry him.” With a smile that was at once happy and just a bit sly, she added, “and in time, he did.”

The younger women just oohed and aahed and looked with happy envy at how easily she had snared her perfect man.

Lois questioned the others, “You know how unhappy I was with the General the first time I came to Smallville?” And to the nodding heads of her companions, continued “but before I left, Mr. Kent took me aside and explained a bit about some of the pitfalls of parenting to me, and told me that there are points in a life where its natural for a man and his child to fight. But he then told me that one of his greatest regrets was not being closer to his own father before he died. To avoid that same fate, he told me, I needed to see beyond what were ultimately just minor conflicts, and concentrate on the love between us. I made up with the General after that, and I haven’t regretted it for a minute.”

After some contemplation, Chloe surprised the other two by explaining, “I was always afraid that Mr. Kent really never approved of me. I figured he thought I was a bad influence on Clark, and got him in trouble and danger because of my questions and the things I was looking into.” With her brightest smile Chloe added, “I was so glad when I found out I was wrong, and I never felt more loved when he welcomed me as a full member of the Kent family.”

“That’s because he never believed a family could be too large,” Martha told them, and that’s why we were so happy you two joined ours.”

The warm hugs that followed and the talk about family led the three to remember the absent Clark, and the quiet descended once more.

“Clark seems to be taking this very hard, Mrs. Kent,” Lois finally said after screwing up her courage.

“Please, call me Martha. You two aren’t girls anymore, and honestly,” she said with a slight catch in her throat, “I’m not sure how comfortable I am being Mrs. Kent now that Jonathan is gone.”

“Martha, I’m so sorry,” Lois began.

“That’s all right sweetie.” Recovering, Martha added, “To answer your question, I would have to say yes, Clark is taking it very hard. He not only lost the father he loved, he also lost the man he most respected, and the one who always provided advice and counsel on how to live his life properly. Most people see Clark as strong and confident, but I think both of you have seen how Clark is actually a shy and lonely boy who only wants to fit in. I’m going to try my best, but I don’t think I can give Clark the same kind support that Jonathan was always able to give him.”

“You’ll do a great job Mrs. . . . uh, Martha,” Chloe reassured her, realizing with a start that the older woman had imposed a near equality in their relationship.

Martha gave Chloe a small smile at Chloe’s slip, but turned serious once more as she discussed her son, “But Clark’s going through a very difficult time right now, and I think it’s much worse for him since he sees himself as responsible for his father’s death.”

Chloe just nodded in agreement, but an outraged Lois asked, “I know he believes he should be saving everyone in Smallville, but how can he blame himself for that?”

Chloe glanced quickly at Martha, as if to say she would handle editing the information they would tell the one member of the family who was still unaware of the complete truth. “Clark always blames himself for everything that goes wrong for the people he loves,” Chloe told her cousin, “because he always thinks if he was just a little faster or smarter – if he were perfect – he’d actually be able to save everyone.”

A troubled Lois just shook her head. “I’ve seen that in him, but Clark can’t keep thinking that way unless he wants to give himself ulcers. He can’t be everybody’s keeper all of the time.”

“Just try explaining that to Clark,” Chloe responded sadly.

* * * * *

After Lois left for her apartment at the Talon, Martha had excused herself to go upstairs for some rest, leaving a very impatient Chloe to wait in front of the TV set for the return of Clark and Lana. Spinning around in her own head were the words Martha had told her before leaving. “Lana can save him, Chloe, but you have to be strong and help them both.”

Finally hearing the front door open, Chloe almost jumped in anticipation. When Clark and Lana entered the parlor, she casually said, “Hi guys,” while carefully examining their faces in an attempt to figure out what had been going on between them for the last two or three hours.

“Hey Chloe,” they both responded. But drat, Chloe couldn’t see anything for good or for bad.

“Clark, your mom is resting,” Chloe explained after giving up her examination, “and she said if you’re hungry, there’s some things left for you in the fridge.”

“Thanks Chloe,” he responded, before sitting softly in the love seat across from her.

Clark was joined on the loveseat by Lana, who seemed content to merely hold his hand. Yes, Chloe thought to herself when she saw this.

The need to know exactly what was going on between the two was like a big itch that she couldn’t scratch. But Chloe squelched the desire to question them directly, correctly guessing that the matter was still a bit too raw to be fully resolved. Instead, Chloe just made small talk with Clark and Lana until it was time to make the drive with Lana back to school.

As Clark walked them back to Chloe’s VW, Lana tuned back to Clark and told him, “See you the day after tomorrow,” followed by a soft peck on his lips.

Not to outdone, a smiling Chloe kissed Clark on the cheek, telling him, “See ya’ later, handsome.” At this, even the now dour Clark had to break a small smile, unable to resist Chloe’s widening grin. Lana just laughed out loud, causing Clark to color slightly.

Both waving goodbye, they left the Kent farm for Metropolis. Eager to get the scoop, Chloe started to ask Lana what had happened with Clark.

Lana shook her head and mouthed, “later”, and then said out loud, “I’m going to feel funny being back in class tomorrow,” before beginning a few minutes of talk about upcoming events.

They were well on their way to Metropolis and the passing time had Chloe almost squirming in her seat because of her need to know what had happened. Lana noticed how impatient Chloe was becoming, and finally relented. “Sorry Chloe, why don’t you pull over to the side of the road so we can talk.”

After Chloe parked the car on the shoulder, Lana told her, “Clark had mentioned how unhappy he had been each time I drove away in tears, and I know that some type of super-hearing must be one of his powers. Even though I don’t think he’s listening for us, I didn’t want to take a chance that he might hear us dissect how he’s feeling.”

“So how is our mystery man, anyway?”

“It’s pretty bad, Chloe. Mr. Kent meant so much to Clark, and he still blames himself for his death. I think that the only thing keeping him from running away for good is that he loves us. His Mom, you and me, and even Lois, are still family to him. The thought of how hurt we would be if he left is the only thing that can counteract acting on his guilt about his father.”

Chloe had been wondering why Clark had reacted that way, so she asked the only person who might know, “So why’s he blaming himself instead of us?”

“I actually asked him that,” Lana responded, “and he said he hears so many things over such a distance that he had to learn to shut everything out. But there’s still something in his brain that’s sort of filtering all those sounds, and it calls to his attention the things he needs to know. So if someone screams for help, that filter passes it to the surface. But he said that there is something unique about those he loves that call out to him. So he blames himself because even with all the screaming by your actress friend, Clark thinks he should have been able to somehow hear our hearts and breathing and known that it was us under the overpass.”

“That’s crazy Lana,” Chloe responded, “we weren’t in danger so there shouldn’t have been anything to trigger his filters or whatever it is he does to separate all the sounds he hears.”

“I know that Chloe,” Lana said with slight exasperation at the man they were discussing, “but it’s just so typical of Clark.”

Unable to respond to the truth of that statement, Chloe stewed in silence for a minute before finally asking the real question, “So how did it go between the two of you?”

“Well he didn’t run away screaming,” Lana attempted to joke, but then added much more unhappily, “He still loves me, but I don’t know if loving each other is going to be enough to get through all this.”

Chloe gave her a sympathetic nod.

“He’s just so wounded. After everyone left the funeral service, Clark must have stayed kneeling on the ground for at least 10 minutes, just staring into the grave. It hurt me to see how pained and guilty he felt, and to know that it was all so unnecessary when none of it was really his fault. When he finally got up, he thanked me for supporting him, but he said that he understood why my feelings must have changed since I knew the truth about him.”

“Of course. He was expecting the same from me when I found out about him,” Chloe said.

Lana just shrugged in agreement. “So I told him that finding out about his secrets wasn’t going to change anything between us, because he was the same guy that I fell in love with all those years ago. I told him I would gladly spend the rest of my life with him.”

“Of course,” Chloe agreed.

“But Chloe, I’m not sure he believes me. He’s so scared, but I feel if I push him too hard, he going to leave. We had an awkward talk about various things during a long walk afterwards, but didn’t say much about the really important things. I guess we were both hoping to just get used to each other again.”

“Just remember that he loves you more than life,” Chloe reassured her.

“Thanks Chloe,” Lana told her with a warm smile, but it darkened as she put voice to her suspicion. “But there’s something even worse...”

A concerned Chloe asked, “What’s that Lana?”

“Remember when I said I didn’t think he was listening to us when we left the farm?” When Chloe nodded, Lana added, “I don’t believe he’s used any of his powers since Mr. Kent died. He hasn’t lost his abilities, he’s just shut down using any of them.”

“But Clark can’t do that,” Chloe entreated, “the world needs him and what he can do.”

“I agree completely,” Lana admitted. “But Clark blames those abilities for what happened to his dad, and for all of his loneliness growing up. I also believe that his subconscious has decided that the only way for him to finally find peace and happiness in his life is if he never uses those abilities again.”

Chloe shook her head in almost violent denial, and told Lana, “No. That is just so wrong. You’ve got to make him see that refusing to use his abilities would mean he’s giving up on himself and on the rest of the world.”

“I don’t think anyone can make him to use his special abilities,” Lana reminded Chloe, “and I’m sure any attempt to force the issue would just drive him away from all of us.” She looked at Chloe’s troubled features and finally came to a decision about her own life and future. “But honestly, I don’t really care,” Lana admitted to her closest friend as well as to herself. “If living a normal life makes Clark happy, then that’ll be good enough for me. I love Clark, and I’m willing to take him any way I can get him.”


~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
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[Nemu]

that was good!!!!

PPMS...

[emsfan]

Oh great update!!!!!:)

[maitriniazngurl]

Awesome update HC!!

I love how Chloe and Lana are talking about Clark.. it brings out a great friendship!!

And Treker... I wasn't talking about you... your comments aren't rude and unwanted. You tell me what I do wrong.. or give my suggestions.. and I appreciate it..

I was talking about some other stuff like harsh and rude comments that has been given to some authors. I haven't gotten the worst comments.. but I have been rushed that's all.

You should say something!!

Btw.. PPMS HC.. :D

[buddy232]

Great update! Please continue!

My dad used to say if you gave everyone a one-hundred dollar bill, some people would fuss wanting two fifties. You can't make everyone happy. Please realize that most people love the writing and appreciate the writers sharing their talent with the readers!

[deanyouk]

Brilliant update :)

[superman_lives_on]

I do hope that Clark will come to realize that NOBODY can be perfect--not even a superhero. Maybe once he stops trying to find excuses to blame himself for bad events, he'll be able to fully mature. I just hope that Lana and co. can help him to make that realization.

Then, only then, will he truly be Superman. :)

[NYC300Z]

Well let's hope Lana can get through to Clark!

PPMS!

[happycamper]

Originally posted by superman_lives_on
I do hope that Clark will come to realize that NOBODY can be perfect--not even a superhero. Maybe once he stops trying to find excuses to blame himself for bad events, he'll be able to fully mature. I just hope that Lana and co. can help him to make that realization.
Then, only then, will he truly be Superman. :)

Originally posted by NYC300Z
Well let's hope Lana can get through to Clark!

Exactly. But how to show it...:confused: :lol:


:)

[LetMeGo]

Great update! Our favorite hero needs to be rescued... is Lana up for the challenge?

hc, I'm sure you'll be able to portray the emotional break through it's going to take to crack Clark's armor! Your writing is always top notch! :D

[clark&lanafan06]

Great update !!!!!! PPMS !!!!!!!!!

[SVsleuth]

I loved that Lana is committed to Clark no matter what. I hope she helps him become all he was meant to be, but I'm glad she's decided to stick with him no matter what, to be there for him just as he is. Awesome writing. Eager for more. and I'm sure you'll write it just fine, hc - you always do. PPMS!

[*#~ ClAnAfAn99210~#*]

guys i hope you like my new avi and its not mine and i dont claim it to be and im re-reading the story so i understand whats goimng on

[Venezuelan Lana]

great update hc!!! PPMS!!!

[happycamper]

Hidden: Unwelcome Truth

Chapter Thirteen



One week later, Clark had finished another long day doing what was necessary to maintain the farm. Adding what had been his father’s jobs to his own had lengthened his days immensely, because he was now working at a human pace. So from before the sun rose to when it finally went down, he was working steadily to prepare the farm for the upcoming spring planting, with the only concession to his extraordinary abilities being that he was not tired after long days that would have exhausted anyone else.

After a quick shower and dinner with his mom, Clark had returned to the familiarity of the loft to contemplate once again what had gone so wrong. He now thought of his old self as clueless because he had unthinkingly reacted with rebellion to whatever Jor-El had told him he must accomplish. Such an attitude towards his birth father had ultimately left him unprepared to face his Kryptonian enemies, and had filled his life with so much trouble and misery.

It’s ironic how so much of what happened between us was just a series of misunderstandings. Jor-El wasn’t punishing me because I refused to be a conqueror; he was merely seeking to train me to face enemies that will threaten Earth, and attempting to give me fair warning about the consequences that would result from my own choices.

Knowing what had resulted, Clark shook his head in disgust at himself. Both of my fathers always warned me that there were consequences for every decision I make. It’s too bad I never understood until too late that one of my special gifts has always been to make the wrong ones.

Clark had chosen to fight his destiny, and it had ultimately ended with his own death, and the loss of his human father as a trade for the resurrection of his own life-force. And now Clark had essentially been powerless since his father’s death, with all of his special abilities seemingly beyond his grasp.

Clark could not explain even to himself what was keeping himself from utilizing his gifts. He was pretty confident he could use them if faced with dangerous enemies like General Zod or this Brainiac, or if the life of someone he loved was in danger. But otherwise, there was a reluctance to act in any way other than human that almost seemed to arise from deep within his soul. Is my inability to use my Kryptonian powers some sort of penance for my guilt or is it something entirely different? And if I never get my abilities back, can I actually learn to live the rest of my life without them?

Lana, Chloe, and Lois had proven a godsend since the funeral, with their visits providing immense comfort to both Martha and himself. Yet for Clark, Lana’s appearances had meant something much more. Undefinable, but somehow very powerful, her mere presence made Clark feel at ease. Even if I can only admit it to myself, I need her. I just worry that maybe she’s just being nice, the way she was with Whitney when his father was ill. Once I’m better she’ll find herself free to get on with her own life.

Clark’s ruminations were interrupted by the sounds of someone climbing the stairs up to his loft. Although instantly recognizing the source, he waited until she came into view before calling out, “Lana, I thought you said you weren’t coming until tomorrow night.”

Trying to maintain a false frown that dissolved instead to laughter, she responded “Disappointed that I’m here? I remember a time when you used to welcome my visits.”

“I’m sorry,” a blushing Clark responded, “I’m just being an idiot again.”

Seeing that even that small joke threatened the fragility of his current mental state, Lana reassured him, “It’s all right Clark, I know what you meant. I just thought a surprise visit to your fortress of solitude would remind you of happier days.”

“You know I always welcome any of your visits,” was the very earnest response.

“Thanks Clark,” Lana told him with a big smile. “I just wanted you to know that I’ve missed you, and that I appreciated our chances to talk over the past week.”

“I’ve enjoyed them, too. Somehow when you’re around me, I’m more comfortable with myself and what’s been happening around us.” Pausing, he finally admitted, “I really could have used you in my life these past few months.”

Lana smiled at hearing this, and added, “I think we’d both have been much happier. But what we haven’t had a chance to do this past week was to talk about where we’re going to go from here.” Ignoring the trace of fear that came across Clark’s face at the prospect he was about to lose her, Lana continued, “I love you, Clark. Like I told you last week after the funeral, you’re still the same boy I fell in love with, and that will never change.”

“I’ve always loved you Lana, since I was five-years old. I really don’t know what I’d do without you.”

Lana almost beamed at Clark for his words. “Still, we’ve almost become strangers over the last five or six months. You need to mourn for your father, and I know there are aspects of our relationship with which you’re uncomfortable. I have to admit that I’m still trying to comprehend what life is going to like with a man with your abilities. But there are also parts of me that I’ve hidden away from you – and things that I’ve done – that you need to learn about and understand. So I think we need to set our relationship back a notch, and take things a little slowly. We need to get to know each other all over again, and to learn about our real selves instead of the facade that we both have been providing the world.”

Clark thought about what Lana had said, and smiled at her wisdom. “I think that’s a great idea; how did I end up with a girlfriend that’s so smart?”

Lana just raised her brows in acknowledgement.

“I have to say that I am happy at the thought of courting you once more Miss Lang,” Clark admitted, “and getting to know everything about you.”

Lana smiled in response. “Thank you Mr. Kent, I am certainly looking forward to being courted.”

“This time, we’ll truly make it no more secrets nor lies,” Clark promised.

Lana’s happy expression turned sober. “With all the trouble we had after your resurrection, and during all those times in the past when we were apart, I almost forgot the most important thing. I love you, Clark Kent. When Chloe and I were driving back to Metropolis after the funeral, I took a long look at myself and our relationship, and realized that I’ll always love you. I’m willing to take you any way I can get you.”

Lana looked shyly at Clark, “I thought you weren’t ready to hear it then, so I kept it to myself. But that’s why you had an early visit today – I decided I needed to share my feelings with you so that you never again have to doubt that I’ll be here at your side.”

As Lana slid up to Clark for an embrace, they exchanged a quick kiss. Although almost chaste, it excited them as much as their first kisses had years ago.

“I need to get back. Would you walk me out to my car?”

An unseen observer saw the suddenly happy couple exchanging a few words after the young woman sat in her car for her drive back to Metropolis, and then another quick kiss. The observer saw how the young man watched her car drive off, and then walk with a confident stride back to the loft.

Hidden behind the kitchen window, Martha was filled with satisfaction. Just a few minutes alone with Lana always left Clark a changed young man. She must truly be the one.

* * * * *

Falling back to an earlier and simpler time, Lana and Clark resumed dating, with Clark coming to Metropolis once or twice a week, and Lana coming back with Chloe to spend most weekends in Smallville. Clark happily relegated his room to the girls, and learned to enjoy being in their company once more. They were often joined by Lois, whose on-going feud with Clark had been reduced into an almost affectionate sniping.

Many jealous young men and women observed their jaunts. The men were unhappy with how a single man had seemed to draw the attention of either two or three such beautiful women, while the women were distressed by how his companions seemed to occupy the complete attention of the almost god-like young man.

The haunted, guilt-ridden aspects of Clark’s personality were gradually squashed back by the rising tide of normalcy and happiness. Clark spent most days working on the farm, now planting the corn and alfalfa that the Kents always raised. Other times he spent in the company of the girls, their company a balm on the guilt and worry that had always made up his life.

Over the past weeks, those observing Clark were all able to see the improvement in his outlook. Lois actually commented on the changes to Martha, who with a big smile responded that it was the result of visits from familiar faces. Martha and Lois could even tell how long it had been since Lana’s last visit by how Clark was acting – as time spent away from her lengthened, he seemed more jittery and less and less comfortable with the world around him.

Fortunately, the time they spent apart was never very long. Clark was with Lana in her Met U. dorm waiting for Chloe to get back from a shift at the Daily Planet. This was going to be a movie night, but in the interim, Clark was almost basking in Lana’s presence – enjoying how good it felt from simply spending time with her – when he suddenly winced.

Noticing the change in his expression, Lana asked, “Clark, is there anything wrong?”

“Um,” Clark thought of prevarication, but aware of Lana’s close attention and remembering his own promise that there would be no more lies, decided instead on the truth. “Someone or something might be in trouble.”

Reaching out a hand to Clark, Lana questioned, “You can hear this, or just feel the situation?”

“Mostly it just something that I’m hearing,” Clark admitted. “I think it’s an alarm going off in the South-side of the city.”

Lana looked at her boyfriend, and noticed that he didn’t seem intent on rushing off to help. Probing, she asked, “Is this something that happens often?”

“Not more than once or twice a day. I explained to you how I hear everything around me, and that some unconscious part of my brain filter the sounds...” When Lana nodded in acknowledgement, Clark continued, “Well, if I’m not intent on listening, my actual range can’t be more than three to five miles or so. It’s only when I’m listening specifically for problems that my range goes up to hundreds of miles.”

“Oh.” Even knowing the extent of Clark’s powers, Lana was impressed. But then Lana became dismayed at the implication, and asked, “Have you been responding to any of these distress calls recently?”

Clark’s gaze slipped away from Lana face, and he responded softly, “No, I haven’t. I’m not even sure I can any longer.”

“Clark,” a suddenly distraught Lana asked, the situation possibly being much worse than she had guessed, “have you lost your abilities again?”

“No, I still have them,” Clark reassured her, “it’s just that I have trouble accessing them sometimes. I feel that if something were to happen to you I would be aware of it even if you were a thousand miles away, and I’d use every power I have to fix what was wrong. But for anyone other than those I care for, I can’t seem to generate the will to do anything.” Pausing, Clark finally looked back at her and added, “I think something inside me is broken...are you really sure you want to have anything to do with damaged goods like me?”

Lana’s heart almost broke in turn as she saw how painful the situation was for Clark, and because she realized that the question he had asked her was not rhetorical. Even though he might be in agony for the rest of his life, he thinks himself unworthy, and would let me go in an instant if I was having second thoughts about him. Why can’t he understand that it’s me that is not worthy of him?

Lana held Clark close, and whispered to him, “My love, I told you that I would choose you under any circumstances. Whether or not you have your abilities means nothing to the way I’ll always feel about you.”

“Lana,” Clark whispered back. Unable to think of appropriate words to express how grateful he was for her understanding, he could only add, “um...thank you.”

“Clark, if you were to go off and be some kind of hero we’d have to share our time together with the rest of the world, so I’ll gladly fill my days together with you, instead. Whether you’re that hero or not is always going to be your decision, but you need to know that I will love and support you in whatever course you take.”

Reassured, Clark touched foreheads with Lana and asked her, “What did I ever do to deserve someone like you?”

Lana smiled brilliantly back at Clark, “Well, Mr. Kent, just think of yourself as having won the lottery. You’re just very, very lucky.”

Unwilling to Lana get away with such a statement, Clark reached over to her side and attacked a spot that he knew was ticklish. Squealing, she counterattacked, but a lack of strength and reach handicapped her efforts.

Lana was about to renew her assault when a familiar voice called out, “Oh, I really didn’t need to see or hear any of that.”

“Hi Chloe,” both Clark and Lana sang out in response.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
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[Cardinal]

Some happy Clana from happycamper. Oh my! :D

[NYC300Z]

Awesome update HC! Really fun. Glad to see Clark and Lana being so freindly! They still have a lot more to talk about right?

PPMS!

[superman_lives_on]

Finally, some truly happy Clana. I've been looking forward to this. :D But Clark still hasn't truly let go of his guilt, I don't think... What will it take to drive away the darkness once and for all and unleash the real hero within?

[LetMeGo]

Great update! Lana’s reassurances, Clark starting to come around… very sweet stuff. :) PPMS! :D

[deanyouk]

Clark seems to be on the path of recovery :)

Great update

[clark&lanafan06]

Great Update !!!!!!! PPMS !!!!!!!!!!

[maitriniazngurl]

Yay!! Happy Clana!! Clark is recovering and their relationship is just so awesome right now!!

Lana is helping Clark recover... Clark is giving Lana love... Martha is happy! Chloe is happy! Even Lois is happy! And I'm happy!!

Awesome update HC!!

[Venezuelan Lana]

yay!!!!!!!!!!!! great update happycamper!!!! *chanting* CLANA! CLANA! CLANA!! PPMS!!!!!!!

[buddy232]

Great update, love the story!

Please update!

[SVsleuth]

Well, I'm an entire day late, but here none the less...

Wonderful to see the effect Lana has on Clar's healing process. And so wise of her to suggest that they take a few steps back, get to know each other again, and truly have an open and honest relationship. It's good to have them on the road to recovery together.

PPMS! :)

[clana_never_give_up]

Awesome story so far. I think Clark and Lana's relationship is going to soon get back to the way it was before when he was mortal!

[happycamper]

Hidden: Unwelcome Truth

Chapter Fourteen



The following Saturday, Chloe accompanied Lana and Clark to Crater Lake for an outing in the Kent truck, which easily held all three in the front seat. While it was still too cold for swimming, the lakeside would be the perfect location for a picnic.

Chloe had started to worry about being a third wheel for their outings, but Lana had assured her that she was no such thing. “He needs the company of his friends,” Lana had told her, “and you certainly are his closest. I think Clark is more comfortable at a more innocent stage in our own relationship right now, so the company of two beautiful women like us,” Lana had smirked playfully, “is actually good for him. Besides,” Lana slyly added, “I think having to sneak quick kisses when he thinks no one is looking actually excites him.”

Chloe couldn’t help but laugh again as she remembered the range of expressions on Lana’s face as she had explained all of that to her. But most of all, Chloe remembered how happy Lana had appeared. I don’t think Lana realizes just how good this new relationship is for her, too.

“Laughing to yourself for no obvious reason is going to get you strange looks from other people,” Clark warned from behind the streering wheel.

“Yeah Chloe, you could drive all the guys away from us,” Lana added from beside him.

Chloe snapped a quick picture of the two with her digital camera to immortalize the moment. “I’ll have you two lovebirds know that there was a perfectly good reason for that laughter,” Chloe responded in her most indignant voice. “I just can’t tell you what it is because I couldn’t stand the thought of hurting your tender feelings.”

Hearing their own laughter at her response, Chloe thought that everything was almost perfect for her loving friends. Now if we could only get our super friend to make an appearance, everything would be perfect. Clark seems so much better now, but I have to trust Lana when she says it will take some time for him to be comfortable again with his abilities. I do believe her...it’s just that the world really needs his help.

Lana suddenly asked, “What’s wrong Clark?”

When Chloe looked over to Clark, she saw that he had stiffened in his seat, and had a troubled look on his face.

“Hold on,” Clark told them, as he turned off the crater road at an intersection, and accelerated along their new path towards the railroad tracks.

Two quick blasts from a train’s steam whistle were followed by a long, almost mournful one. Something’s happening at the crossing, Chloe managed to think to herself, as the truck continued to race. She heard another long blast and steam brakes jammed on emergency as they made the last curve before the train crossing, and then Clark suddenly braked the truck to a stop. Chloe saw just 50 yards away a scene that horrified her. A small van appeared stuck in the crossing with a big freight train bearing down. The loud screaming of the train’s steam brakes proved how desperately its engineer was attempting to come to a halt before crushing the stricken vehicle. Within the van, a young woman was reaching backwards from the driver’s seat to fumble with the baby seat behind her. Terrified, the woman appeared unable to extricate the baby or help the older child also sitting strapped to a seat in the back.

“Clark! Do something!” yelled Chloe.

Clark turned to Chloe with panic in his eyes, and seemed completely incapable of summoning his other self. Chloe began to despair as the train bore down ever closer on the family despite all of its attempts to halt, when a calm voice beside her called out, “Go help them, my love.”

Chloe heard a familiar ‘swish’ and then saw the costumed Clark at the intersection, lifting the van away as the train thundered through the crossing. She snapped a quick picture, and then another as Clark set the car softly on the ground.

“Help me Chloe,” Lana called, as she moved Clark’s clothing out of the front seat, and took her own place behind the wheel.

“Oh yeah,” Chloe mumbled to herself as she realized Lana’s intention. Together they moved the seat up so Lana could reach the pedals, and slowly drove to the scene. Clark had just helped the women extract her children, an infant and a girl of about seven or eight. Holding her baby tight, she was hugging Clark and thanking him over and over again. Chloe snapped another picture, unable to resist getting a shot of how abashed their super friend appeared to be at the attentions of the young mother.

“Hi everyone,” Lana called out, “is there anything we could do to help?”

“No, we’re fine now,” the still crying woman responded, “this wonderful man saved us.”

Lana went to help the woman and her baby, leaving Chloe with the older girl. “Hi, I’m Chloe,” she told her, “are you all right?”

“Yeah, I’m Erin. I guess I’m okay now. Mom was so scared.” And then bashfully, “maybe I was a little scared, too. We were lucky that guy was so strong and fast.” Looking up at Clark as he continued to talk to her mom, Erin added, “He’s really dreamy, too. He must be some kind of super man.”

Chloe was amused that even a young girl would find Clark to be so cute, but them admitted to herself that he seemed to have that effect on lots of other women, including herself.

The train’s engineer finally arrived, running to the scene from the almost quarter mile it took for his train’s engine to finally come to a stop. He saw that the young woman and children he had watched helplessly from the cab of his engine were somehow safe, and started shaking in relief. He grabbed Clark’s hand in gratitude, telling him, “Bless you! I don’t know what miracle sent you to us, but please let me thank you! You saved my life, too – I don’t know what I’ve would’ve done with myself if this family had been hurt. Just...thank you!”

Chloe had gotten another picture of the engineer’s greeting, but the naked emotion of the man shook her. She could see it affected Clark, too, and made him extremely uncomfortable.

“I’m glad I could help,” Clark finally told them all, “but I have to be on my way.” He nodded a goodbye to everyone, and suddenly launched himself into the sky.

“Good-bye Mr. Super Man,” Erin yelled out.

Erin had told Chloe, ‘He must be some kind of super man,’ and she considered the young girl’s words once again. Clark really was a Super man. No, he was Superman! It’s perfect. I can help Clark and at the same time I bet I can also get a front page article from this story.

Approaching the young woman and the train’s engineer – both still staring avidly at the sky – Chloe held out her press badge and told them, “Hi, I’m Chloe Sullivan from the ‘Daily Planet.’ Could I get your names and a few words from the two of you about what just happened here?”

* * * * *

Chloe had been busy with her phone during the trip back to the Kent farm, but Lana had been too concerned with her own thoughts to pay much attention to her best friend. Lana knew they had been extremely lucky. That was so close to a disaster. I don’t know if Clark would ever have recovered if he had just sat there and watched that family be hurt or killed. But he saved them, and maybe even saved himself.

Lana considered the implications of what had just happened in terms of her relationship with Clark. The selfish part of me is complaining that I’m now going to have to share him with the world. But I also know that he wouldn’t be whole – not really the Clark I love – unless he was helping people again. Being a hero is just a part of who he is deep inside himself. I guess it’s up to me to help Clark see that.

Lana’s thoughts were interrupted by a familiar voice, “Earth to Lana. Can you hear me?”

“I’m sorry Chloe, I was just thinking about what just happened.”

“Yeah, our boy was really great.” Looking at Lana, Chloe added, “And I noticed you had super powers of your own.”

“What do you mean,” a puzzled Lana asked.

Chloe shook her head. “When we arrived at the crossing, I was pleading with Clark to do something, but he just sat there, frozen. But then you just calmly directed him to go help them, and off he went.”

“Chloe, I...”

“No, it’s not envy or anything, Lana. But you have to face it, you still have that magical touch with Clark. He’ll always pay attention to whatever you tell him because he’s so intent on proving himself to you. So...” Chloe paused.

“And so,” an exasperated Lana asked when faced with Chloe’s reluctance to continue, “Just go ahead and spit it out.”

Chloe looked Lana straight in the eye, “So you’re the only one who can help him become the hero the whole world is looking for.”

Lana responded thoughtfully, “I was thinking about how I needed to help him, Chloe. But really, would it be fair to Clark to make him into some kind of hero for the whole world? With his sense of responsibility, he’ll never have another moment of peace, and Clark will be so hurt each time he fails to rescue everyone.”

“Yeah, I know that about Clark, and I’ve been thinking about it myself. He definitely needs to pace himself because he can’t devote himself to helping people 24/7. We’re going to have to come up with something that leaves him time for himself...and for you.”

Lana nodded sadly as she considered how much of Clark she might have to give up.

“In the meantime,” Chloe continued, “I have a favor to ask.”

“Sure Chloe, what is it?”

“Could you drop me off at the Smallville Medical Center, and would you drive my car back by yourself to school tomorrow afternoon?”

“What is it,” a worried Lana asked, “are you sick or something?”

“No, I’m just meeting my ride to Metropolis there – Perry White is sending a helicopter for me.” Proudly, Chloe added, “He wants my story for tomorrow’s Sunday edition of the ‘Daily Planet.’ I’m going to make the front page!”

Hating to rain on Chloe’s parade, Lana still managed to ask, “Are you sure that’s a good idea?”

“Someone is going to report what happened, Lana, so it might as well be me.” Knowing what was really bothering her friend, Chloe added, “And if I write the article, I can at least see that it has the right spin. You know, the unexpected appearance of the gorgeous hero to save the day.”

“Okay Chloe,” a relieved Lana responded, “but try to go easy on Clark. You don’t want to embarrass him with too much gushing,” Lana admonished.

“Oh, I won’t.” And then with an almost maniacal grin, Chloe added, “Trust me!”



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[buddy232]

Awesome update! Great Story!

The line from Lana to go help was touching!

Please continue!

[superman_lives_on]

HA! Now THAT is more like it! Clark's inner hero is re-emerging big time...and Chloe gets to write the exclusive and give him that iconic name! :D

Still, I wonder...when will he fully fill Superman's boots while still having time for Lana? At least now, there's clearly a chance of that happening! :)

[Venezuelan Lana]

amazing update! I really love the direction you're giving to this fic, it's awesome!! PPMS

[Nemu]

Why do I feel like Lana didn't know she had said that to Clark?

Thats the feeling I got from the following discussion between the girls...

PPMS :D

[SVsleuth]

Lovin' it, hc! I love that Lana can get Clark to be true to himself and be a hero. And I hope Chloe doesn't go overboard on the article. Maybe she should let Lana read it before she submits it.

PPMS!

[clark&lanafan06]

Great Update ! PPMS !!!!!!!

[clana_never_give_up]

Originally posted by buddy232
Awesome update! Great Story!

The line from Lana to go help was touching!

Please continue!

I totally agree with you. The line from Lana was really sweet because she's the only one that can get him to help and I think thats AWESOME!!! :rotfl: :D

[Cardinal]

Clana saves the day! Not just Clark and not just Lana, but both of them. :)

[maitriniazngurl]

Aww!! I've got to say HC this fic is so AWESOME!! Everyone is so happy and Clana is going great!

Lana's line made me feel like everything bad came strait to the great! This is what I love!! Love it! love it!!

[*#~ ClAnAfAn99210~#*]

see this is y we all loe clana bcuz of these reasons they love each other,its kinda frustrating and there is so mch passion!!! am i right or am i right

[LetMeGo]

Excellent update hc! It’s wonderful that Lana is able to awaken the hero inside of Clark when no one else can. Does this mean he’s going to be back on super hero duty or will he still be reluctant to use his abilities? And what will it do to their tentative relationship?

Hopefully love will conquer all and they will find a way to be together! PPMS! :D

[happycamper]

Hidden: Unwelcome Truth

Chapter Fifteen



After dropping Chloe off at the medical center to wait for her copter ride back to Metropolis, Lana drove slowly back to the Kent farm. She was railing to herself about how uncomfortable it was to drive a tank like Clark’s truck, and in that way she avoided having to think about the upcoming conversation with her boyfriend. Lana understood how uncomfortable Clark had become about his special abilities, but he needed to understand just how much good his presence could do for the world.

Parking the truck outside the barn, Lana saw Clark waiting, dressed in a new pair of pants and a shirt. She quickly ran over for the hug that they both needed.

“You did it Clark; you saved them,” Lana whispered joyfully from deep within his embrace.

“No Lana, you saved them,” he answered, after stepping back from her. “I panicked and didn’t know what to do. I almost let that family die, and they would have if you didn’t ask me to go help them,” he bitterly admonished himself.

Lana stared with concern at her boyfriend, unhappy that he could turn even a triumph into a cause for regret. “Clark, all I did was goad you into acting. That hero inside you was waiting all the time for an excuse to come out and save the day.”

“I don’t know what I’m doing any more, Lana,” Clark admitted, “I feel so unsure of myself since Dad died.”

“I always told you that you acted like the weight of the whole world was on your shoulders,” Lana reminded him. “At least now I can see why you always felt that way. But what you have to remember is that I am here with you now, and you never again have to face these things all alone.”

Clark stared gratefully at Lana. “Thank you. You can’t imagine how much better I feel when you’re here with me.”

“Clark, you’ve always been so intent on being self-sufficient. Don’t forget that you also have a loving mother, and friends like Chloe – and even Lois – who would do anything for you. You need to let go and share your burden with all of us. We can’t do all the things that you do, but we can be there to provide you with support and our love.”

They embraced once again, and were able to dimly sense the full feelings of the other – Lana never feeling so safe and protected as when he was holding her, and Clark never so human and whole.

The intensity of their emotions almost embarrassed them when they finally broke the embrace, and it was hard for either to look directly at the other. Lana finally told Clark, “Your shirts and pants are in the car. What is it about that anyway, I thought you told me that the clothes you were wearing would be absorbed into your costume, and then reconstitute themselves when you were through saving the day.”

Clark blushed. “In my panic I simply forgot. I got my pants and shirt off before I finally remembered, but I had already wasted so much time that I thought I’d better go straight to the rescue.”

Lana giggled. In response to Clark’s lifted eyebrow, she explained, “I guess I should be grateful that you did remember. Chloe and I would have been pretty shocked to see a pair of boxers in the front seat.”

The blush renewed itself in Clark’s face. He finally asked, “Speaking of Chloe, where is she?”

“Oh, a helicopter picked her up for a return to Metropolis,” Lana replied airily. “They wanted her back so she could do the story of the rescue for the Daily Planet.”

Clark frowned at the mention of the newspaper. “Do you think that’s a good idea?”

“Chloe’s a smart girl,” Lana reminded Clark. “And you trust her with your life, so don’t you think that you can trust her to do this story right.”

“Sorry Lana, just my paranoia acting up again,” Clark admitted. “Of course I can trust Chloe.”

Lana smiled up at Clark for his admission. “Now why don’t we go inside and see if we can get some lunch. We never did get to our picnic.”

Lana and Clark spent the rest of the day and early evening sharing the other’s company, content with just being close to one another. Their talk was of innocuous matters, even though Lana wanted desperately to discuss with Clark whether he felt comfortable in his other role. But Lana never felt there was an appropriate opportunity to bring the matter up. Even though Martha had joined them for dinner after her shift at the Talon, neither the rescue nor Clark’s future as a hero ever became a topic of conversation.

Sleep that night did not come easily for Lana as she wrestled the problem in her mind, intent on finding a solution that would allow Clark to become all he could possibly be.

* * * * *

Clark awoke to delicious odors, and found two smiling women busily cooking breakfast. “Sweetie, why don’t you hurry up and shower, you don’t want the food to get cold,” Martha told her son. She was happy to see that Clark was almost back to normal, and knew that the reason for his recovery was attributable to the young woman helping her prepare breakfast.

“Now I don’t let just anyone in my kitchen,” Martha explained to Lana, “but I’ll always make an exception in your case.”

“Thanks Martha,” came the response, “I really need to discover all your secrets so I can always keep Clark well fed.”

Martha smiled in response, hoping that the day would soon come when this lovely girl could just call her mom.

A clean and fully dressed Clark appeared, bending to each woman’s cheek with a good morning kiss. “You’re just in time,” Lana smiled up at him, “we were almost ready to start without you.”

The Kent/Lang breakfast was perfection. Martha finished first, announcing that she had the early shift today at the Talon. “I’ll just get the paper and then leave you two lovebirds alone.” Both of them just smiled back at Martha, beyond embarrassment and knowing that she just wanted the best for the two of them.

Minutes passed without her return, so Clark got up to investigate what was keeping his mother. He had just managed a few steps towards the front door when she stepped back into the house. Lana and Clark both saw that she seemed happy, yet there appeared to be tears in her eyes.

Worried, Clark continued towards her, but as he neared she just hugged him and said, “Sweetie, I’m so proud.” Releasing him, she just handed him the copy of the ‘Daily Planet.’ As Clark began to flip through the paper, Martha just smiled happily at Lana and waved goodbye before leaving.

Lana could sense Clark’s tension rise as he read through the front page and a story inside. Chloe was her immediate though, but then she reconsidered, there couldn’t be anything too awful in the paper based on Martha’s reaction. Maybe it’s just Clark’s tension concerning his other role.

An agitated Clark returned to the table, carrying the copy of the Sunday edition of the ‘Daily Planet.’ Thrusting the paper at her, he said, “Look at what Chloe’s done.”

Lana saw that the front page was filled with pictures and a banner headline.


Superman Saves Family

By Chloe Sullivan, Staff Writer

The amazing Superman (see sidebar) saved a young mother and her two young children less than a second before they and their vehicle would have been crushed by a freight train at a crossing near the town of Smallville, Kansas, a farming community less than a two-hour ride from Metropolis.

Mrs. Cheryl Reilly, 28, her daughter Erin, 7, and infant daughter Erica were all trapped in their Sienna van at approximately 11:30 am yesterday as the fully laden train bore down upon their stalled vehicle. Superman appeared and literally lifted the vehicle (see picture at left) off the tracks and away from the arriving train to avert a probably fatal collision.

Reilly related after the rescue that the vehicle in front of her stopped in reaction to the sudden warning signals as the train approached, and then proceeded through the intersection. Reilly said her van had stalled on the tracks after she braked to avoid hitting the other vehicle, and that she was unable to re-start it.

Reilly said she panicked as the train approached, flooding her engine, and that in her panicked state was unable to free her children from their seat restraints. “I really thought that we were all going to die until that wonderful man rescued us,” Reilly added (picture at right shows Reilly thanking Superman after the rescue).

Train engineer Walter Thomas said he was horrified as the situation unfolded. Thomas indicated that he saw the stricken vehicle after a curve, and immediately began breaking and sending warning whistles. Thomas said that he thought his efforts were hopeless, because more than one-half mile is required to stop a freight train like the one he was controlling.

“As I got closer to the intersection, I could see the young woman and her beautiful children. I figured that nothing could save them, and I was going to have to live with that guilt for the rest of my life,” Thomas stated. “And then suddenly (story and more pictures continue on page 4)
Before Lana could turn to page four, Clark complained, “And that not the worst of it. Look at that sidebar.” She read:



Naming Our Superman

By Chloe Sullivan, Staff Writer

In previous rescues, our super-powered hero has never revealed his name and only referred to himself as merely “a friend.” It is only appropriate that 7-year old Erin Reilly, the latest to be rescued, be the one to name our truly super friend.

In a conversation after the rescue, little Erin said that the hero was “really dreamy” and that “he must be some kind of superman.” This reporter, who actually witnessed the rescue from less than 50 yards away, is unable to disagree with either statement (see pictures accompanying these articles). Erin also called out “Goodbye Mr. Superman” to this hero as he left after the rescue, without any objection from the man in red and blue.

Since our hero did not demure to the name with which the young girl had bestowed him, Superman it will forever be.

It is only appropriate that Erin Reilly be the one to name our super friend. Moreover, such a moniker is actually the perfect choice for this hero because of what he does, and because he displays something looking like a large “S” across the chest of his costume. While this reporter cannot know what the symbol actually means, it certainly means Superman to me.

Thank you Erin, and thanks to you too, Superman. This reporter is positive that your presence will result in a whole lot of good for all of us mere mortals.
Lana read through the article, and managed to not laugh out loud. Smiling up at Clark, she told him, “It certainly looks like this world has a new hero on the scene. I hear he’s really dreamy, too.”

“Lana,” Clark whined.

Unable to control herself any further at hearing Clark act like a five-year old, Lana burst out in laughter. Seeing him look at her as if she were a Judas, Lana felt contrite. Well just a little bit, anyway. Gesturing to him to bend down, she placed a quick kiss on his lips, and saw that it had wiped his accusing stare away. Suddenly grabbing his head with both arms, she then kissed him long and soundly.

Coming up for air, a surprised Clark asked her, “Not that I complaining, but what was that for?”

“Well I saw how Mrs. Reilly was looking at you after the rescue, but you left before she had a chance to properly thank her hero. Think of that kiss as making up for what you missed yesterday.”

Seeing Clark turn red remembering just how grateful Cheryl Reilly had been, Lana burst out with renewed laughter.


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[Nemu]

lol that was good... and the article and the last part were funny too...

PPMS :D

[superman_lives_on]

WAY TO GO, CHLOE! Our superhero is finally named! And his reaction to the articles...and Lana's reaction to that reaction...then his reaction to her reward... PRICELESS! :D :D :D

I noticed how Lana urged Clark to let his loved ones help to lessen the burden he carries. Will that happen? If so, will it be soon? And when will he finally stop blaming himself for every bad event in the world altogether? That guilt does him NO good whatsoever, IMHO.

Update again soon! :D

[SVsleuth]

ANOTHER update? Wow, you're on a roll. Off to read.... ;)

EDIT: That was great, hc. It's so good to finally have Lana helping Clark to become all he is meant to be. Cool how Chloe handled the article too. I hope the pictures in the paper won't give away Clark's identity. Nice chapter. :) PPMS!

[deanyouk]

Loving these updates :)

[maitriniazngurl]

Awesome updates!! I love the articals!! Clark's reaction to that was hilarious!! And so was Lana's reaction!!

Wow!! Awesome job HC!!

[Iowanmom]

All right, happycamper, I've been reading this fic for a while now. I'm on chapter 6, and I had to stop to say something.


Chloe solemnly added, “I promised Clark – and his parents – that I would die before revealing his secret.”
Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart that you didn't let Chloe betray Clark's confidence and spill the beans about who he is. To do that, would have been unforgivable. As Chloe said all the pieces are there… Lana simply needs to put it together…

I am continuing to read, if that's okay and can't wait to sink deeper into your story.
*off to read more*

[clana_never_give_up]

Awesome update. I'm glad Chloe is sticking to her promise.

I think it so sweet that Lana is the only one that can help him come to his senses when it comes to saving someone.:D :D :D

[Venezuelan Lana]

Awesome update HC!!! It's amazing how you do have Lana behind Clark to help him whenever he trips and kinda falls!!!

PPMS!!!

[NYC300Z]

Great updates! I just caught up on the last two! Glad to see Lana helping Clark he needs it lol!

PPMS!

[justsuper]

Dying for more! PPMS!

[LetMeGo]

Great update! :) Things are looking good for the happy couple! Can't wait for more! :D :D

[clark&lanafan06]

Great Update !!!!! PPMS !!!!!!

[buddy232]

Great Update!

Excellent Story and Plot

Please continue ASAP!

[happycamper]

Thanks for the comments. :) I thought I'd better make a couple of responses.


Originally posted by superman_lives_on
I noticed how Lana urged Clark to let his loved ones help to lessen the burden he carries. Will that happen? If so, will it be soon? And when will he finally stop blaming himself for every bad event in the world altogether? That guilt does him NO good whatsoever, IMHO. I have to agree! But unfortunately, it's not an instant process.


Originally posted by SVsleuth
I hope the pictures in the paper won't give away Clark's identity. Thanks, Esvie. From Chapter 7: “Now my son, there is final item with which I will gift you before your departure. Once you don this attire, it will meld into your body, becoming only visible at your wish or need. It will blur the minds of those that see it as you do your tasks, protecting your identity from detection. It is also impervious to destruction, and will even protect you – but only in part – from the effects of Kryptonian radiation."

I guess I need to reinforce that earlier exposition, and will do so in this chapter. :)

Anyway, on with the story...



Hidden: Unwelcome Truth

Chapter Sixteen



Clark insisted on accompanying Lana back on the drive back to Met U, and she was glad for the company. Besides, it might just give her an opportunity to finally talk to him about his alter ego.

Lana knew that there was a part of Clark that was outraged by Chloe’s articles, but another part – his undamaged and still confidant core – seemed willing to accept her pronouncements. She also knew Clark intended to fly back to Smallville, which was certainly an improvement considering his inability or unwillingness to use his powers since the death of Jonathan Kent, but one that still did not signal the return of Superman to the scene.

Erin and Chloe really did a good job in naming that other side of Clark, but in many ways my life would be easier if Superman never comes back. But then I’d only have back part of the man I love, and the world would miss out on so much. Lana looked closely at her boyfriend as he drove, and saw that the wounded look that had become so familiar had at least disappeared from his expression, if not from the thoughts and feelings of the man inside. Still, she judged, it’s about time for Clark to confront those inner demons.

Lana asked, “So how are you feeling, honey?”

Clark bestowed a quick smile on Lana before turning his attention back to driving, but was disquieted by the intensity of her stare. “Pretty good,” he finally answered. “I think I’m finally getting over the funk I’ve been since Dad...”

Lana softly laid a comforting hand on his arm. “I miss him, Clark. He was always like a father to me, even if he did disapprove of some of things we did together.”

“Sometimes he was quick to judge, but he also had the biggest heart of any man I’ve known.” Clark smiled at his remembrance of his father, and at Lana, whose presence always seemed to make him feel better.

“I know that Clark. But I’m glad that in the last few days I’ve been finally getting my boyfriend back,” Lana told him as she moved her hand from his arm to his side, “I’ve really missed him, too.”

“Just the same way I’ve missed you. I was really lost without you.” They quickly smiled at one another, and quieted once more, with Lana’s light touch comforting them both.

After several minutes, Lana asked, “Clark, I love you, and I’ve told you I’ll take you any way I can get you. But as the girlfriend of the only certifiable super hero on this planet, I do want to know if we’re going to see Superman again?”

The serious tone of Lana’s question made Clark ponder what she had asked. “I’m still not sure. Part of me wants nothing else but to play the hero. But what about all the people I can’t save? People are going to resent the fact that I can’t save everyone, and to be honest, I think I’m going to hate myself for it, too.”

Lana understood that this was Clark’s dilemma, that he felt an obligation to be responsible for everyone’s safety and happiness. “Even if you worked at being Superman for 24 hours a day, you still couldn’t save everyone. Besides,” Lana added slyly while squeezing his thigh, “then you wouldn’t have any time for me. But the occasional presence of a superhero will give everyone hope when they think all may be lost, and maybe even more importantly, you could show everyone how important it is to care for others.”

“Sometimes having such a smart girlfriend can be so difficult,” Clark responded with a smile. Suddenly sobering, he added, “Can I think about it?”

“Of course, my love,” Lana reassured him, “just don’t forget that I’ll support whatever you decide.”

Clark pondered the question during the remainder of the trip to Met U, still unable to decide anything other than his need to have a stern talk with Chloe about the articles. Superman? The name was so pretentious, especially when everyone who really knew him understood that he was nothing other than a super dork.

His intention to lecture Chloe faded after they had parked and finally arrived at the dorm room Lana shared with the reporter in question. She was almost dancing in excitement to see them, with the brilliant smile he loved to see spread wide across her face. Clark never could resist her requests or plans when he saw her in that mode, especially when she gave him such a happy hug.

Chloe asked, “Did you see the stories?”

“Yes I did,” Clark began, “and I’ve been meaning to tell you...”

“No, I meant did you see the by-line,” an excited Chloe interrupted. “Staff writer! I’m a real reporter now, something I thought I wouldn’t get for years! Clark, you were perfect!”

“But Chloe,” Clark whined, “did you have to exaggerate everything to make me such a hero. How can I ever live up to those kinds of expectations.”

“There wasn’t a bit of exaggeration in what I wrote Clark. The pictures showed everything.” Turning to Lana, she asked, “Did you notice how good Superman looked in those pictures. I mean, he’s built a lot like Clark, but with those dreamy blue eyes and that commanding presence he’s still looked so different!”

“Yeah I noticed that Chloe, he’s kind of dreamy, but he’s definitely not my Clark," Lana agreed. “I think the costume’s effect on his looks will make it impossible for anyone to think that the two are the same underneath.”

“Lana, Chloe: I’m right here in the room with you both,” Clark whined a little more strongly, “you’re talking about me like I’m not even here.”

“Come on Clark. We’re just two girls discussing the merits of two completely different men.” Chloe laughed, and added, “it’s not like we were discussing how good Superman might be in some other ways, although I think that poor Cheryl Reilly would have been willing to test it out...”

“What is it with you girls any way, Mrs. Reilly didn’t do say or do anything like that,” a reddening Clark responded.

Lana just smiled and gave Chloe a look to indicate ‘later.’

“And what about that name, ‘Superman’? Could you have stuck me with anything more geeky,” Clark continued.

“Clark, it was Erin Reilly that gave you that name,” Chloe countered, “I was just the one to recognize its genius.” Chloe just laughed at the suffering look that appeared on Clark’s face. “Anyway, you needed a name that described the real you, as well as something the entire world could remember. It will certainly come to love its own Superman.”

A troubled Clark told her, “About that Chloe...”

“Don’t tell me you’re still having second thoughts,” an abashed Chloe asked. She looked to Lana, who just shrugged. Turning her attention back to Clark, Chloe told him, “The world really needs you, Clark. Besides, that Boy Scout streak in you is a mile wide. You need to help people.”

Clark looked back and forth between Lana and Chloe, and could see the expectation on both faces.

“Well love, like I told you on the drive here, it’s really up to you to decide,” Lana told him.

“I’d like to help...maybe I could do it on a part time basis,” Clark finally admitted.

“Sure Clark,” Chloe told him, “you could do it after your chores, and maybe a bit before you go to sleep.”

“But Chloe, do you think everyone would be satisfied with a part-time hero?”

“Clark, just knowing you’re around is going to have a big effect on people,” Chloe tried to reassure him. “Besides, the example you set for the rest of us may be even more important than the rescues themselves. We need to have a ‘Superman’ as a friend to all mankind, and he’s going to show us by example just how kind and caring it is possible for all of us to be.”

* * * *

After a quick dinner, Chloe talked Clark into some time as his alter ego. She gave him a hug and a quick peck on his cheek, which was followed by a much longer kiss good-bye from Lana.

“Be careful, love,” Lana told him.

Superman suddenly appeared where Clark had been standing and gave them a quick goodbye before flying off to tour Metropolis. Chloe couldn’t help but admire the hero – he was just as handsome as Clark, but with altered features. He seemed older and sterner. Yet what it really was that made Superman so different was the confidence that just seemed to radiate from his commanding features – there was nothing of the shy diffidence that always surrounded Clark, small town hero or not.

“Superman’s really hot,” Chloe said, and then realizing she had said her thoughts out loud, started to apologize to Lana.

“It’s okay Chloe,” a laughing Lana responded, “as long as you remember he’s my boyfriend.”

Chloe laughed in turn, responding to Lana’s good humor, until a sudden thought struck her. “Lana, how do you deal with Superman when he looks so different from Clark?”

“I’ve never even kissed Superman,” Lana admitted. “He’s cute, but he has an almost other-worldly presence that makes it seems he’s beyond anything like having a girlfriend – I’d take my Clark any day over him. Besides, I think kissing him would somehow make me feel like I’m cheating. Even though Superman looks good and has that confident air, it’s Clark with whom I’m really in love.”

Chloe pondered Lana’s dilemma, but thought that she’d love to have either one in her life. “Speaking of which, why was Clark so embarrassed by my mention of Cheryl Reilly?”

Lana started laughing so hard that she was almost in tears. “I teased him about the same thing. I gave him a really big kiss and then told him that it was to make up from having missed out on her kisses yesterday.”

Chloe joined in the laughter. “Yeah, I can’t believe just how clueless both our versions of Clark can be...that hussy did everything but drop to her knees and he missed it completely.”

“I think it’s kind of sweet, Chloe,” Lana told her friend, “and honestly, it’s reassuring in a boyfriend, you know.”

Both young women laughed wickedly at the thought of hordes of grateful women trying to offer their thanks, only to be faced with the proverbial Boy Scout.

Chloe thought about what her closest male friend must be going through, and asked, “How is Clark, really?” She saw the good humor leave Lana’s expression.

“He’s much better. This is such a big step for him...and for me, too. You know we haven’t done much more than kiss since he’s gotten back, and we’re still trying to sort out our own relationship. But now we have the added problem of having Superman come into our lives, and I’m not sure how we’re going to fit together afterwards.”

Seeing the direction that Lana’s thoughts were taking her, Chloe thought it best to nip it right in the bud. “Lana, both Clark and Superman need you...You hold their hearts in your hands, and everything they do is really a reflection of their attempts to be someone you could admire and love...You also give Clark the love and acceptance that he needs so badly, and Superman...I think you ground him in humanity. Without you, Superman would just be a cold presence way beyond us mere mortals, and I’m actually afraid of how he could end up without you.”

“Chloe, I don’t know if I’m ready for that kind of responsibility.”

“I know better than anyone that there’s no one else,” Chloe responded.

Lana couldn’t help but see the deep regret in her friend’s eyes. “I’m sorry Chloe. Here I am complaining about a situation that almost any girl would love to trade with me. It’s just that I sometimes wish it could simply be Clark and Lana on the farm, happily growing old together.”

Chloe appreciated the implicit apology, and how Lana had been able to provide it without hitting on the sore point in all of their lives. “It’s simply the price of loving Clark,” she told Lana as she hugged her. And it’s the price I’ll always have to pay because I care so much for you both.


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