Author: Lexie
Title: Invisible Friend
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: all Superman and Smallville characters belong to DC Comics and Gough & Millar. No Infringement's intended.
A/N: This story is set after Exodus ( Season 2 ) and makes reference to Seasons 3 and 4. However, it presupposes that Lana left Smallville by the end of Season 2 and, therefore, she ignores what's happened to Lex while she was absent from town.
There'll be an important four-chapter flashback in the middle of the story which will explain the title of this fic. I believe they're some of the most tender chapters I've written so far, and they were inspired by Lex and Lana's conversation at the stables on Metamorphosis ( Season 1 ).
Here are the first two chapters of my new Lexana fic. Enjoy ! And remember, positive and negative reviews are welcome; they encourage me to keep on writing. If you're willing to go on reading this story, don't forget to leave your comment when you finish reading.
INVISIBLE FRIEND
CHAPTER 1: Leaving
Smallville-2003
A fortnight had gone by since Lana's trip to Metropolis in search of Clark. It had been a journey to heartbreak and desolation for being turned down by the farmboy whose love she thought was hers, had left her abandoned once more. For the umpteenth time in her life she had been deserted by those she depended on- Clark, Chloe, and even her constant friend and partner Lex.
Chloe's betrayal had definitely been a stab in the back. The girl she had considered her best friend, as well as Clark's, had known all along were her boyfriend was and had chosen to keep her in the dark. Chloe should have known better than to lie to her- Lana had never liked lies and half-truths, least of all when they were told by people she regarded as close.
Unlike Chloe and Clark, who had taken the conscious decision to give her the cold shoulder, Lex had been a victim of cruel destiny. Just like her parents, who had been ripped from her side by the meteor shower, Lex was taken away by a tragic accident- a plane crash when he was on his honeymoon with Helen. His death and the knowledge she now had nothing to tie her down to Smallville, convinced Lana it was time to leave behind the town where heartbreak had started.
Although she still had a sizeable portion of her parents' insurance policy and a respectable amount of money she had managed to save thanks to The Talon partnership, there was a major hurdle on her road to independence: she was just seventeen and hadn't graduated from high school yet.
Convincing Nell to accept her plea for emancipation was no easy feat. However, the fact Lana had supported herself financially for over a year helped her before the judge; her aunt had no way out but to abide by the court's decision. Now, there was only one more tie to sever, and she could fly away.
Knocking at the door of Luthor Mansion like so many times in the past, but knowing she wouldn't find Lex in his study as usual, made Lana hate his widow for having survived him. Still, if she wanted to cut herself loose, she needed to face her one last time.
Mrs Luthor, Miss Lang to see you, announced the butler.
Show her in, Stevens, said Helen Bryce.
Good morning, Helen, Lana greeted her, feeling the bile rise up on seeing the widow sitting at Lex's desk.
Good morning, Lana, answered Lex's wife, trying to hide the displeasure she felt at her visit. She had never liked her husband's association with this girl because she had often sensed Lex regarded her in a special light. What can I do for you ?
I'm here on business, Helen. I'm planning on leaving town and, taking into account you're my partner now, I thought it was the right thing to come to you first. I'd like to sell my share of ' The Talon' to you.
What makes you think I'd be interested in buying ? Lex's investment in your little coffee shop was a sentimental gesture of his. It's hardly a profitable branch of Lexcorp.
I've heard you're closing down some of the plants. Is that true ?
You've heard right, Miss Lang. The quaterly numbers didn't come up to our expectations.
What about the employees and their families ? asked an outraged Lana.
Lexcorp's not a charitable organization, honey.
Lex would have never left people in the street. How can you do this ? You're destroying everything he worked so hard to build ! exclaimed Lana, glaring at the widow.
Lex's no longer here, Miss Lang, and I've got the right to do what I damn well please.
I know we can longer pretend we've ever liked each other, Helen. You must agree we've barely tolerated each other for Lex's sake, so I'm only going to ask you one more question. Would you be willing to let me find a buyer for ' The Talon ', someone who could purchase both shares of the business ? asked Lana, making an effort to master the rage that was threatenung to get the best of her.
Suit yourself, Miss Lang. The sooner I get away from this hole the better.
All right. I'll send my lawyer with the papers to sign as soon as I get a buyer. Goodbye, Helen, said Lana, slamming the study door behind her.
Steady, there, Miss Lang, ' said Lionel Luthor, grabbing her by the arms to prevent her from falling after she inadvertedly bumped into him on her way out. Is everything all right ?
No, everything's not all right, Mr Luthor, barked Lana, looking towards the study. Your son deserved a lot better than marrying a blood-sucking *****.
Don't worry, Miss Lang. Everyone gets their just desserts sooner or later.
I won't be staying to see her destroy everything. Once I get a buyer for ' The Talon', I'm out of here.
And where are you going, if I may ask ?
Far, Mr Luthor, as far away from Smallville as I possibly can, she said passionately before walking away from the mansion, never to come back again.
What do you think of the exchange between the two women in Lex's life ? This isn't over. There's another chapter;just scroll down.
Disclaimer: all Superman and Smallville characters belong to DC Comics and Gough & Millar. No Infringement's intended.
A/N: The chapters set in Italy will have occasional short exchanges in Italian, all of which will be duly translated into English.
CHAPTER 2: Anniversary
A YEAR LATER-PROVENCE, FRANCE.
It was the end of the school year and a very special moment in Lana's life- she was graduating from high school in a small town in France. She was away from the place she had once called home but didn't feel alone. In fact, she had made a handful of friends who were part of the exchange programme like her and had lots of plans for the future. For the first time in her life, she knew what she wanted to do and had reached a decision without letting herself be influenced by what others expected from her.
Lana, remember there'll be always a place for you at home if you care to visit me on your holidays, said Suzy, a British girl she had attended art lessons with.
Thanks, Suzy, answered Lana, embracing her tightly.
So you'll be staying with Paola.
Yes, I've already enrolled in an art college in Florence, and she's offered me to share an apartment with her.
I've been to Florence and I've liked it more than Rome itself. I really envy you.
You know you can come and visit me any time you want.
I'm afraid I've exhausted my parents' savings already. It'll take me time to have extra money in my bank account, she said with a sad smile.
The offer's open, Suzy.
When are you leaving, Lana ?
We're packing all our stuff in Paola's car and starting out tomorrow morning.
I hate farewells, said a teary Suzy.
So do I. There have been too many of those in my life. Let's not say ' goodbye' but ' see you soon ', shall we ? she answered, wrapping her arms around her new friend.
The trip from France to Italy was a dream come true for Lana. If anybody had told her a year before that she'd be touring Europe, she would have laughed in their faces. For once, her future looked bright and full of countless possibilities. True, there were times when she looked back with nostalgia- for what she thought she once had with Clark but mainly for those conversations she used to have with Lex after they finished going over ' The Talon ' numbers. If there was one thing she missed was having the younger Luthor as a confidant and as a guide- Suzy and Paola were good friends, but they'd never come close to what Lex used to be for her.
FLORENCE- LANA AND PAOLA'S FLAT
' Ciao, cara. Comme stai ? Cosa succede ? Ti senti male ? ' asked a worried Paola.
( Hello, dear. How are you ? What's up ? You aren't feeling well ? )
' Non θ niente, Paola. Ho male di testa, answered Lana.
( It's nothing, Paola. I have a headache. )
' Male di testa o male di amore ? ' asked Paola with a smile.
( Headache or heartache ? )
' Ti dispiace se parliamo inglese questa volta ? '
( Would you mind if we spoke in English this time ? )
' D'accordo. '
( OK )
Today's the first anniversary of a friend's death. He was a very special friend.
Were you... you know..., asked Paola, gesturing with her hands.
No ! Nothing like that. We were partners, business partners. We co-owned a coffee shop in my hometown.
You weren't romantically involved but you said he was a special friend, how so ?
He was the only adult friend I've ever had. He was my... ' mentor', I think it's the word. He was always there for me, constantly challenging me and making me strive to be better. He believed in me and made me see what I was capable of doing. I guess I owe him ' this ' she said, looking around her. I wouldn't be here if it weren't for him.
What happened ? How did he die ?
There was an accident. He and his bride were on their honeymoon when the plane they were flying fell down from the sky.
How terrible for them !
Well, the ' bereaved ' widow didn't wait much to liquidate his assets.
Widow ?
Yes, I forgot to mention she didn't die.
There was no love lost between the two of you, was there ?
Lex didn't have much luck with his choice of partners.
Except for you.
By partners I meant wives. As to my being a good business partner... I don't know. He was the expert. ' The Talon' was doing OK when he died but it was hardly booming.
You spoke about ' liquidating assets '. I assume he wasn't exactly poor.
He was exceedingly wealthy but he was a lot more than a rich spoilt brat or a reckless playboy, as some used to describe him.
Were you in love with him ?
I was in love with a farmboy who trampled on my heart, Paola.
Clark, right ? I remember his name slipped through your lips sometimes when we were in France. How come you haven't mentioned Lex before ?
Maybe because saying his name aloud was too painful.
You said the farmboy broke your heart and yet...
Perhaps I can utter Clark's name more easily because I'm over him now, while I still find hard to believe that Lex's gone. You see... Clark decided to move on but Lex didn't leave my life of his own volition.
Tell you what. Why don't you have a lovely bubble bath with salts and all. Then, put on your best dress and high heels. I know Italy isn't Mexico but I believe their tradition regarding the dead is right. If you cared so much for this friend as you say, this isn't a time for tears, Lana. Come on ! she said, helping her get up from the sofa. We're dining out.
Lana finally complied with Paola's wishes and let herself be taken to a small restaurant in the centre of Florence. In spite of the superb cooking and Paola's efforts to make her forget, she had to resort to her best acting tools to cover up what she was feeling inside. She couldn't help but have a grim sense of foreboding, as if something terrible were about to happen. That unbearable feeling was so strong by the time they got back to the flat, that she had to open wide her bedroom window to force fresh air into her lungs. Lana didn't sleep at all that night.
SMALLVILLE-LUTHOR MANSION
It had been a long and eventful year for Lex. First, he had found out Helen had been sent by his own father to spy on him and ended up attempting to murder her husband for his money. Second, he had discovered the truth behind his grandparents' death- a discovery that had cost him a stay at Belle Reve and a shock-treatment ordered by his dad, which had wiped clean a lot of memories and had led him later to resort to dangerous medical procedures.
Recovering those memories by submitting himself to experimental treatments at Summerholt Institute helped Lex remember painful childhood memories concerning his brother Julian's death, but nothing about the days previous to his confinement in Belle Reve.
It had been a lousy year but, at least, it would end on a happier note. His father was in prison, where he belonged, for the murder of his parents thanks to Clark and Chloe's testimony. With his dad out of the picture, he could devote his time and energy to rebuild Luthorcorp and put it again on the map after Lionel's murder trial.
Lex walked to the wet bar, grabbed a goblet and pour himself some Cabernet Sauvignon. He raised the glass and looked at the contents against the light before taking a few sips, feeling a strong constriction in his throat and collapsing on the floor of his study.
Well what do you think of these first two chapters ? Care to read what happens next ? Don't forget to leave your review to speed up the updates !
Title: Invisible Friend
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: all Superman and Smallville characters belong to DC Comics and Gough & Millar. No Infringement's intended.
A/N: This story is set after Exodus ( Season 2 ) and makes reference to Seasons 3 and 4. However, it presupposes that Lana left Smallville by the end of Season 2 and, therefore, she ignores what's happened to Lex while she was absent from town.
There'll be an important four-chapter flashback in the middle of the story which will explain the title of this fic. I believe they're some of the most tender chapters I've written so far, and they were inspired by Lex and Lana's conversation at the stables on Metamorphosis ( Season 1 ).
Here are the first two chapters of my new Lexana fic. Enjoy ! And remember, positive and negative reviews are welcome; they encourage me to keep on writing. If you're willing to go on reading this story, don't forget to leave your comment when you finish reading.
INVISIBLE FRIEND
CHAPTER 1: Leaving
Smallville-2003
A fortnight had gone by since Lana's trip to Metropolis in search of Clark. It had been a journey to heartbreak and desolation for being turned down by the farmboy whose love she thought was hers, had left her abandoned once more. For the umpteenth time in her life she had been deserted by those she depended on- Clark, Chloe, and even her constant friend and partner Lex.
Chloe's betrayal had definitely been a stab in the back. The girl she had considered her best friend, as well as Clark's, had known all along were her boyfriend was and had chosen to keep her in the dark. Chloe should have known better than to lie to her- Lana had never liked lies and half-truths, least of all when they were told by people she regarded as close.
Unlike Chloe and Clark, who had taken the conscious decision to give her the cold shoulder, Lex had been a victim of cruel destiny. Just like her parents, who had been ripped from her side by the meteor shower, Lex was taken away by a tragic accident- a plane crash when he was on his honeymoon with Helen. His death and the knowledge she now had nothing to tie her down to Smallville, convinced Lana it was time to leave behind the town where heartbreak had started.
Although she still had a sizeable portion of her parents' insurance policy and a respectable amount of money she had managed to save thanks to The Talon partnership, there was a major hurdle on her road to independence: she was just seventeen and hadn't graduated from high school yet.
Convincing Nell to accept her plea for emancipation was no easy feat. However, the fact Lana had supported herself financially for over a year helped her before the judge; her aunt had no way out but to abide by the court's decision. Now, there was only one more tie to sever, and she could fly away.
Knocking at the door of Luthor Mansion like so many times in the past, but knowing she wouldn't find Lex in his study as usual, made Lana hate his widow for having survived him. Still, if she wanted to cut herself loose, she needed to face her one last time.
Mrs Luthor, Miss Lang to see you, announced the butler.
Show her in, Stevens, said Helen Bryce.
Good morning, Helen, Lana greeted her, feeling the bile rise up on seeing the widow sitting at Lex's desk.
Good morning, Lana, answered Lex's wife, trying to hide the displeasure she felt at her visit. She had never liked her husband's association with this girl because she had often sensed Lex regarded her in a special light. What can I do for you ?
I'm here on business, Helen. I'm planning on leaving town and, taking into account you're my partner now, I thought it was the right thing to come to you first. I'd like to sell my share of ' The Talon' to you.
What makes you think I'd be interested in buying ? Lex's investment in your little coffee shop was a sentimental gesture of his. It's hardly a profitable branch of Lexcorp.
I've heard you're closing down some of the plants. Is that true ?
You've heard right, Miss Lang. The quaterly numbers didn't come up to our expectations.
What about the employees and their families ? asked an outraged Lana.
Lexcorp's not a charitable organization, honey.
Lex would have never left people in the street. How can you do this ? You're destroying everything he worked so hard to build ! exclaimed Lana, glaring at the widow.
Lex's no longer here, Miss Lang, and I've got the right to do what I damn well please.
I know we can longer pretend we've ever liked each other, Helen. You must agree we've barely tolerated each other for Lex's sake, so I'm only going to ask you one more question. Would you be willing to let me find a buyer for ' The Talon ', someone who could purchase both shares of the business ? asked Lana, making an effort to master the rage that was threatenung to get the best of her.
Suit yourself, Miss Lang. The sooner I get away from this hole the better.
All right. I'll send my lawyer with the papers to sign as soon as I get a buyer. Goodbye, Helen, said Lana, slamming the study door behind her.
Steady, there, Miss Lang, ' said Lionel Luthor, grabbing her by the arms to prevent her from falling after she inadvertedly bumped into him on her way out. Is everything all right ?
No, everything's not all right, Mr Luthor, barked Lana, looking towards the study. Your son deserved a lot better than marrying a blood-sucking *****.
Don't worry, Miss Lang. Everyone gets their just desserts sooner or later.
I won't be staying to see her destroy everything. Once I get a buyer for ' The Talon', I'm out of here.
And where are you going, if I may ask ?
Far, Mr Luthor, as far away from Smallville as I possibly can, she said passionately before walking away from the mansion, never to come back again.
What do you think of the exchange between the two women in Lex's life ? This isn't over. There's another chapter;just scroll down.
Disclaimer: all Superman and Smallville characters belong to DC Comics and Gough & Millar. No Infringement's intended.
A/N: The chapters set in Italy will have occasional short exchanges in Italian, all of which will be duly translated into English.
CHAPTER 2: Anniversary
A YEAR LATER-PROVENCE, FRANCE.
It was the end of the school year and a very special moment in Lana's life- she was graduating from high school in a small town in France. She was away from the place she had once called home but didn't feel alone. In fact, she had made a handful of friends who were part of the exchange programme like her and had lots of plans for the future. For the first time in her life, she knew what she wanted to do and had reached a decision without letting herself be influenced by what others expected from her.
Lana, remember there'll be always a place for you at home if you care to visit me on your holidays, said Suzy, a British girl she had attended art lessons with.
Thanks, Suzy, answered Lana, embracing her tightly.
So you'll be staying with Paola.
Yes, I've already enrolled in an art college in Florence, and she's offered me to share an apartment with her.
I've been to Florence and I've liked it more than Rome itself. I really envy you.
You know you can come and visit me any time you want.
I'm afraid I've exhausted my parents' savings already. It'll take me time to have extra money in my bank account, she said with a sad smile.
The offer's open, Suzy.
When are you leaving, Lana ?
We're packing all our stuff in Paola's car and starting out tomorrow morning.
I hate farewells, said a teary Suzy.
So do I. There have been too many of those in my life. Let's not say ' goodbye' but ' see you soon ', shall we ? she answered, wrapping her arms around her new friend.
The trip from France to Italy was a dream come true for Lana. If anybody had told her a year before that she'd be touring Europe, she would have laughed in their faces. For once, her future looked bright and full of countless possibilities. True, there were times when she looked back with nostalgia- for what she thought she once had with Clark but mainly for those conversations she used to have with Lex after they finished going over ' The Talon ' numbers. If there was one thing she missed was having the younger Luthor as a confidant and as a guide- Suzy and Paola were good friends, but they'd never come close to what Lex used to be for her.
FLORENCE- LANA AND PAOLA'S FLAT
' Ciao, cara. Comme stai ? Cosa succede ? Ti senti male ? ' asked a worried Paola.
( Hello, dear. How are you ? What's up ? You aren't feeling well ? )
' Non θ niente, Paola. Ho male di testa, answered Lana.
( It's nothing, Paola. I have a headache. )
' Male di testa o male di amore ? ' asked Paola with a smile.
( Headache or heartache ? )
' Ti dispiace se parliamo inglese questa volta ? '
( Would you mind if we spoke in English this time ? )
' D'accordo. '
( OK )
Today's the first anniversary of a friend's death. He was a very special friend.
Were you... you know..., asked Paola, gesturing with her hands.
No ! Nothing like that. We were partners, business partners. We co-owned a coffee shop in my hometown.
You weren't romantically involved but you said he was a special friend, how so ?
He was the only adult friend I've ever had. He was my... ' mentor', I think it's the word. He was always there for me, constantly challenging me and making me strive to be better. He believed in me and made me see what I was capable of doing. I guess I owe him ' this ' she said, looking around her. I wouldn't be here if it weren't for him.
What happened ? How did he die ?
There was an accident. He and his bride were on their honeymoon when the plane they were flying fell down from the sky.
How terrible for them !
Well, the ' bereaved ' widow didn't wait much to liquidate his assets.
Widow ?
Yes, I forgot to mention she didn't die.
There was no love lost between the two of you, was there ?
Lex didn't have much luck with his choice of partners.
Except for you.
By partners I meant wives. As to my being a good business partner... I don't know. He was the expert. ' The Talon' was doing OK when he died but it was hardly booming.
You spoke about ' liquidating assets '. I assume he wasn't exactly poor.
He was exceedingly wealthy but he was a lot more than a rich spoilt brat or a reckless playboy, as some used to describe him.
Were you in love with him ?
I was in love with a farmboy who trampled on my heart, Paola.
Clark, right ? I remember his name slipped through your lips sometimes when we were in France. How come you haven't mentioned Lex before ?
Maybe because saying his name aloud was too painful.
You said the farmboy broke your heart and yet...
Perhaps I can utter Clark's name more easily because I'm over him now, while I still find hard to believe that Lex's gone. You see... Clark decided to move on but Lex didn't leave my life of his own volition.
Tell you what. Why don't you have a lovely bubble bath with salts and all. Then, put on your best dress and high heels. I know Italy isn't Mexico but I believe their tradition regarding the dead is right. If you cared so much for this friend as you say, this isn't a time for tears, Lana. Come on ! she said, helping her get up from the sofa. We're dining out.
Lana finally complied with Paola's wishes and let herself be taken to a small restaurant in the centre of Florence. In spite of the superb cooking and Paola's efforts to make her forget, she had to resort to her best acting tools to cover up what she was feeling inside. She couldn't help but have a grim sense of foreboding, as if something terrible were about to happen. That unbearable feeling was so strong by the time they got back to the flat, that she had to open wide her bedroom window to force fresh air into her lungs. Lana didn't sleep at all that night.
SMALLVILLE-LUTHOR MANSION
It had been a long and eventful year for Lex. First, he had found out Helen had been sent by his own father to spy on him and ended up attempting to murder her husband for his money. Second, he had discovered the truth behind his grandparents' death- a discovery that had cost him a stay at Belle Reve and a shock-treatment ordered by his dad, which had wiped clean a lot of memories and had led him later to resort to dangerous medical procedures.
Recovering those memories by submitting himself to experimental treatments at Summerholt Institute helped Lex remember painful childhood memories concerning his brother Julian's death, but nothing about the days previous to his confinement in Belle Reve.
It had been a lousy year but, at least, it would end on a happier note. His father was in prison, where he belonged, for the murder of his parents thanks to Clark and Chloe's testimony. With his dad out of the picture, he could devote his time and energy to rebuild Luthorcorp and put it again on the map after Lionel's murder trial.
Lex walked to the wet bar, grabbed a goblet and pour himself some Cabernet Sauvignon. He raised the glass and looked at the contents against the light before taking a few sips, feeling a strong constriction in his throat and collapsing on the floor of his study.
Well what do you think of these first two chapters ? Care to read what happens next ? Don't forget to leave your review to speed up the updates !
Comment