Brilliance (PG/PG-13)

[MOOman0618]

Title/Link: Brilliance
Author: MOOman0618 (Greg)
Pairing: Lana & Clark; and other
Rating: PG-13
Warnings (if needed): don’t think so
Spoilers (when applicable): Read the spoilers for 5-1

Short summary: Clank, Lana and Chloe meet a new friend from Metropolis who is too smart for his own good. He has far too many questions and can answer too many of them himself. A new villain will be popping up and Clark may need to employ the help of his new friend.

Assumptions:

Post “Arrival” – Clark has already defeated Nam-Ek and Aethyr. Chloe knows the truth about Clark from what she saw in the FoS and Clark knows that she knows. Clark is learning to control the defiance of gravity but right now it is more along the lines of “falling…with style”. Lois has gone to Europe as she was planning before the meteor shower.

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Part 1

In a horribly cluttered Met U. dorm room a young man sits at his computer, eyes fixed to the screen. Above him is a sign which reads, ‘Order is for idiots. Geniuses can handle chaos’. How right it was. If someone were to walk in they would see nothing but stack of papers, random parts, and cloths strewn about, but Ray new exactly where everything was down to his favorite pen which happened to be under his thesis draft, drawings binder and electric bill. He was downloading video of the recent meteor shower which struck Smallville earlier in the week. He had run the numbers in his head of the likelihood of even one cataclysmic meteor shower let alone two. He was baffled by the number that far exceeded a mathematical impossibility. He had to know what had caused this, why Smallville was the equivalent of a geek with a ‘kick me’ sign taped to his back. He was just about to move on from the videos for the night, when one homemade clip struck him. Every meteor that had fallen had a huge tail of flaming debris and smoke leaving scares across the sky, all but one. There was only a glimpse of it and was barely distinguishable to anyone who wasn’t ridiculously perceptive. The video was so shaky and this specific meteor was only in the field of view for a couple seconds, but he knew something wasn’t right. He decided to take a vacation from his thesis project and take a trip to the intriguing little town.


Clark has been doing his best not be alone with Lana ever since she saved him from Nam-Ek and Aethyr. He knew she saw something but doesn’t know what and he needed time to think of the best way to drop this bombshell. Clark and Chloe walk into the Talon to grab a morning Latte being its first day open since the meteor shower. Lana is upstairs in her apartment still horribly confused about what transpired the last several days. Why did they call him Kal-El? She thought to herself. They seemed to know him, but how…and how did Clark even stand a chance against them, they killed so many and were so strong? What was coming from their eyes? Clark said he was not affected by the meteors but what other explanation is there? Why can’t he just tell me the truth, what could be that horrible? Lana heard Chloe’s distinctive laugh and decided to head downstairs. It was wonderful to hear, there was so little laughter in the town now.


“Hey guys!” She said, smiling to hide her confusion and frustration. Clark nearly leapt out of his chair as she reached the bottom of the stairs. He looked like a dear caught in headlights and Lana was a Mack truck with no intension of slowing down.

“You’re gonna catch flies there oh master of subtlety” Chloe said with a grin. “You are going to have to talk to her sometime, Clark.”

“I know that!” He half whispered, closing his mouth. “I just need some time to think, now be quiet she is coming over.”

“Hey, what are you guys whispering about?” Lana said squinting at Clark

“Nothing!...nothing.” This was the only thing Clark could come up with; Chloe just rolled her eyes and sipped her latte.

“Umm…ok. How are your parents? They came home from the hospital yesterday, didn’t they?”

“Yeah, they were released last night. They weren’t hurt that badly, it was mostly because our house is such wreck at the moment that it would have been really hard for them to move around. My mom is still pretty shaken up over how close they came to dying.”

“I am so sorry for what Jason did to them. I thought I knew him, but I guess I was wrong. He changed so much in the past few months.”

“It’s not your fault Lana; it was Jason and him alone.” Lana though back about killing Genevieve and the whole ordeal with Isobel. She couldn’t help but feel somewhat responsible for bringing Jason and his mother into everyone’s lives.

“I knew as soon as that meteor hit the tail of the helicopter I was done for, but lucky me I live another day. And it is lucky that Chloe and Lex got into the caves before that meteor his Lex’s office. I guess we all had our close calls, except you Clark. You, of course didn’t get a scratch.”

Clark just smiled and glanced at Chloe for help, but she just grinned offering no such support. “Chloe is going to be coving a lot of the interviews for a huge article they are putting in the Daily Planet!” Clark smiled proud of himself for changing the subject.

“Yeah, I know. She told me yesterday.” Lana hesitated, not sure whether to let Clark off the hook for obviously avoiding the comment. “It is great though, when are you going to start the interviews?”

“They gave me some freedom to wait a while longer, seeing as though this is very hard on the whole town.”

Lana turned back to Clark who had the dopiest grin on his face still thinking he had outsmarted her. “Clark.” The grin immediately left his face and was replaced by a guilty ‘hand caught in the cookie jar’ expression. “Are you busy tonight?”

“Busy? N…no, why?” Clark stammered.

“Because, we need to talk.” Lana said as more of a command than a request. “I can make dinner if you would like.” Lana saw Chloe hiding a grimace when she heard that. “Since your kitchen is still not fully functional.” Lana still felt uncomfortable when issues about her and Clark came up in front of Chloe.

Why do I care? Chloe thought to herself. Clark needs to eat and he can’t do it himself, so Lana is being a good friend. Who am I kidding; they still love each other and are just too chicken to move forward. I need to get over him! I am sure there are plenty of tall dark and plaid laden farm boys with a heart of gold and made of steel that would love to be in my company. ARG!

“Chloe!” Chloe jerked out of her soliloquy and looked, wide eyed up at Clark. “Are you listening?”

“Oh, not in the least, what were you saying?” She said slightly embarrassed because the look on Lana’s face said she knew what Chloe was thinking.

“I was saying that after I get a little more work done at my house so my parents can function, I think we should all go to Metropolis for a few days and get away from this place. “ Apparently while Chloe was thinking, Clark and Lana had made plans for themselves for that evening and had moved on to how stressed everybody was.

“That sounds great Clark! Who did you plan on going?” Chloe was actually excited. She always enjoyed going to the city.

“Well, as of right now it is just you, me and Lana.”

“Oh…” Chloe said not trying to hide her aversion to that roster.

“We will find another person Chloe, don’t worry.” Lana said with concern in her voice.

“Thanks Lana, but I’ll be fine. Just don’t have too much fun without me.” At this Chloe got up threw away her empty cup and walked out.

“What just happened?” Clark said with a confused look on his face, the look that came up all too often when dealing with the fairer sex.

Lana looked at him and giggled, “I’ll tell you when you are older.” She got up and went to the back room. Clark just rested his chin on his hand and tried to figure out why Chloe seemed upset.

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Please post some comments/criticism. I could use it. Suggestions are welcome as this is my first attempt at a FanFic. I have more to post, but I want to hear some comments first.

[SmallvilleMan]

Looks good to me, don't see anything wrong or that needs work now. Good job.

[Clana-follower06]

Great start, can't wait to read more.

[EyeluvTom]

It's great, post more soon!

[MOOman0618]

Part 2

Ray was glad that the long drive was over as he pulled up in front of the Talon. He had set out on his journey very early, which was not like him at all, but he couldn’t sleep the night before. He was starting to feel the lack of sleep creeping up on him so he decided he would battle sleep with caffeine. He parked just in time to see a very attractive blond girl coming out of this small coffee shop. I think I could get used to this town. He thought to himself wondering if there were many more where she came from. He didn’t usually go for blonds, seeing as half of them weren’t actually blonds, but he could tell she had spirit. He made his way in and stepped up to the counter. “I’ll have a Chi Tea with extra honey, the largest size you have.” He noticed another very attractive girl with dark hair coming out of the back; she gave him a bright smile and he smiled back enthralled by the two girls he had seen in the five minutes he had been in Smallville. Ok, I am defiantly going to like it here.

Clark looked up to see this stranger smiling at Lana, and a hint of jealousy came over him. He quickly pushed it out of his mind, but decided to go and say hello to the new guy. “Hey, you new in town?” Clark said in a very friendly tone walking up to Ray.

“Yeah, but how did you figure that?” Ray replied caught a little off guard.

“This town is called SMALLville.” Clark smiled at his little joke.

“Riiiiight. Well, nice to meet you…ummm?”

“Clark, Clark Kent and you are?”

“Ray Simpson”

Lana looked over at the new guy Clark was talking to. She noticed that he was just as tall as Clark was, maybe even a little bit taller. Guys that tall were very noticeable as Clark was the tallest guy in Smallville at the time. He was bigger than Clark too, not more muscular as no one could rival Clark for that, but he had a larger frame. Clark looked sleek, strong and agile. This guy looked like a brick wall. A brick wall with the deepest blue eyes I have ever seen. Lana found herself slightly taken aback by this mans eyes. He is not as handsome as Clark is, but my goodness those eyes! Lana felt her face slightly flushed as she stared at the large stranger. She didn’t even realize how close she had stepped to them.

“Lana, have you met Ray yet?” Clark said putting a hand on Ray’s shoulder.

“Um…no, no I haven’t.” Lana extended her hand to Ray. Ray took her hand and turned it to give it a very suave kiss, but immediately saw Clark’s reaction.

“Oops, didn’t mean to step on anybody’s toes.” Ray said with absolute sincerity and gave Lana a firm handshake and a wink. She smiled and him, and Clark seemed to relax.

“So, what brings you to this peculiar little town?” Lana said talking to Ray but grinning at Clark.

“Well, I am a student at Met U. and I was doing some research on the meteor shower. Certain minerals are very rare on earth, but seem to be strangely plentiful in extraterrestrial bodies…” Ray went on a minute or two before realizing he had totally lost both Clark and Lana in his ramblings. He did this a lot and it seemed that he would even loose his professors sometimes. He stopped and smiled. “To make a long story short, I want to collect samples of the meteors to try and synthesize some of these materials. And then there’s the other thing.” He said trailing off and staring into space.

“What other thing?” Clark said. This guy seems brilliant, but just a little off. I guess that is common in very bright people.

“What? Oh, nothing. It’s a little out there and I don’t want to freak you guys out the first hour you know me.” Ray obviously had no idea what Smallville was all about.

“Try us, I’ll bet we will be more receptive than you think. But if you really want somebody with an open mind you should have met Chloe. You just missed her; you might have seen her outside as you were coming in.” Lana figured anything he said couldn’t be as strange as everything they have encountered over the years.

“OH, that was your friend too. Well, you will most defiantly have to introduce me to her.” Ray couldn’t help but smile at the thought of meeting this girl. Even though he was not bad with the ladies, he usually was too nose deep in a physics book to have time to meet any. “Anyway, I was watching some homemade videos of the meteor shower, and there was one meteor in particular that I am interested in. It was quite, unique, I suppose.” Ray got that far off look again, lost in his own thoughts. Clark and Lana just looked at each other and were thinking the exact same thing. Could he have meant the ship? Why had no one else asked any questions if there was video of the thing?

“What was so unique about it?” Clark was a little nervous now.

“Well, to not bore you to tears again. I believe that it was no ordinary hunk of rock. This was no natural substance I can tell you that! Not saying that little green men are attacking earth, but something sent that thing down on purpose, and I want to find out what it was.” Clark could not believe that someone outside of Smallville could be so completely right without ever stepping foot in the town before today. “But I don’t think this caffeine rush is going to hold out much longer. I am going to take a nap. I am staying at the hotel in town and I would love to talk with you two again, and meet that gorgeous friend of yours.” With that he emptied his cup and tossed it out heading for the door. He had not given Clark or Lana the time to argue with what he thought to be a crazy theory. As soon as Ray was out the doors Clark put his hands on Lana’s shoulders and looked into her eyes. “I agree we defiantly need to talk. Especially before we talk to him again.” Lana looked at Clark with some confusion but figured it had to do with the spaceship. Clark walked out of the Talon to think for a while.

[EyeluvTom]

Wow! I'm already hooked on your story! Update ASAP!

[Ketchup]

First attempt at a fic? Well its an excellent one! You're writing is amazing! I love this story, please keep it up! PPMS!!!

[peaches4cream]

wow ..... that is deep

[NYC300Z]

Just read ur first two posts. Nice start can't wait for the dun dun dun *lol* "talk"!! PPMS!

[Clana-follower06]

Come on MOOman, we need more! You're doing an amazing job.

[SVsleuth]

Just read your 2 posts. This is another GREAT story. Only saw a few spelling typos, nothing major wrong. Great job! Keep posting. :)

[MOOman0618]

Thanks for all the comments! They definatly keep me motivated. I really don't want to rush through 'the talk', so I appoligize if it is too long and/or boring.

[NYC300Z]

No that's ok I don't like when it's rushed! Still Can't wait though!:)

[EyeluvTom]

I thought you'd posted! :(

[binkys711]

just read your story....(sorry it too me so long:() it is awesome!!!PPMS!!!I'M INTRIGUED!!!

[Rain88]

WOW great story lovin it so far.

[C.A.chick]

its good, but is there gonna be clana at the dinner?

[MOOman0618]

A/N - I just realized that my formating didn't copy over from Word...So I am going back to edit a little bit. When a character is thinking it should be in italics. Sorry if it confused anybody

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Part 3

Clark was very nervous about his dinner with Lana this evening. He ran through 100 ways of telling her about himself and 1000 different responses that she could give him. Only 3 of which would end well. He decided to run to Lana’s apartment, and actually got there early. When he walked up to the Talon the last employees were locking up and let him in so he could just walk upstairs. He knocked on her door and waited. That couldn’t be him already! He is 15 minutes early, and I wasn’t expecting him for at least a half hour! Lana’s thoughts had been racing all day. What explanation or excuse more likely, would Clark give her about how he fought those two people who may or may not have been from another planet? If he lies to me again I think I will just smack the crap out of him! Lana could just hear his voice already. ‘I am just lucky I guess…’ SMACK!!! Lana was already starting to get angry anticipating Clark lying to her, but the thought of her trying to slap Clark just made her laugh.

“Wow, you are early! I hope this doesn’t mean you are going to try to escape early too.”

Clark just grinned as she opened the door for him. “Don’t you worry Lana; I am in for the long haul.”

“Good.” Lana was relieved. “Dinner won’t be ready for almost an hour; I didn’t figure you would make it on time. Looks like you surprised me again. But since you are here, maybe we could finally have that talk.” Ok Lana, just pull yourself together and be blunt. If you try to beat around the bush, it will just make things more uncomfortable. “So, was that a spaceship I saw crash into the ground? Were those people in it human? What did they want with us? And how on earth did you stop them?!?!” She was slightly out of breath from talking so fast. Clark sat down next to Lana on her couch and looked at the floor for a minute. He finally looked up at her and swallowed hard. “Clark, I know that look, it’s the ‘what lie do I feed to Lana this time’, so if that is what you are going to do maybe you should just leave now!” Lana was very upset because she really needed the truth and she didn’t think Clark would give it to her.

“Lana, that is not it at all! I am just trying to find the best place to start. I think before I even touch on Nam-Ek and Aethyr…”

“You know their names?!?!”

“Ok, hold on. Before I even touch on Nam-Ek and Aethyr I should tell you about myself, everything that I have been hiding since the first day I met you.”

“Clark…” She hadn’t expected him to bring himself up so quickly.

“I am just so tired of lying to everyone, and especially to the people that I love the most.” Clark reach and placed a hand gently on hers looking deep into her eyes.

How does he do that to me? Lana was melting inside as she saw the love in Clark’s eyes. “Clark, I just want you to trust me, and I want to be there for you like you have always been there for me. But I can’t do that unless you open up.”

“It was never about trust Lana, I trust you with my life. At first it was all my parents, I wanted to tell you but they said I shouldn’t. Then it was to protect you, I could not live with myself if you got hurt because of me.”

“Protect me? How would any secret of yours put me in danger Clark?”

“Lana, almost everyone that has learned my secret has either died, moved away or sent to Belle Reve. Do you know how hard it was to see Pete leave because of me? He lost his friends, his senior year, his life as he knew it because of my secret!” Clark was getting very upset at this point. Lana thought that he may be holding back tears.

“Pete? I thought he just moved to be with his mom. But Clark, I am a big girl. I can choose my own path and I choose to be close to you, all of you. Please tell me Clark.”

“How should I start?” Clark was trying to think of the best way to tell her. Should I start with the alien thing or my powers? And what power is the least likely to freak her out? Maybe I should focus on all the times I saved her. I just don’t want her to be scared of me.

“Take your time Clark, I have waited this long. I mean, since the first time you saved my life I knew there was something special about you. I just can’t figure out what. You have told me that you weren’t affected by the meteors, but if you were, that would be ok. Lots of people in this town were affected.” Lana tried to sound supportive but her voice quivered when she spoke of those changed by the meteors. They had tried to kill her and her friends more times than she could count.

“No, I am not a meteor freak…”

”I didn’t say freak Clark”

“I know, but that is what everyone thinks they are. If only they knew me. Then they would really meet a freak.” Clark put his face in his hands. Lana put a hand on his shoulder to ease what seemed to be the hardest secret anybody had ever had to reveal. Clark stood up and started pacing around the room. “I was in the truck Lana, during the tornado three years ago, I did tell you everything would be ok.” Lana took a moment and looked at Clark in wonder before she spoke.

[Ketchup]

Sweet Lana gets to finally find out! =) Well well I cant wait to her her reaction! PPMS!!!

[SVsleuth]

Don't stop there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Pleeeeeaaaaaasssseeeee keep going!!
Gotta have more!

Awesome!

[NYC300Z]

you said u were gonna take the "talk" slow right? well that's good in a way make it nice and long and interesting! PPMS!!

[EyeluvTom]

Yah, loved the update! Glad you started with the tornado, that hasn't been done before to my knowledge! :)

[binkys711]

AHHH!!!DON'T STOP!!!CONTINUE!!!PLZ!!!PPMS!!!

[Rain88]

GREAT UPDATE PLEASE KEEP GOING. THIS IS A GREAT STORY.

[peaches4cream]

how can u just leave a great story there that is so creul

[dreammaster]

awesome chapter

[MOOman0618]

Ok, I am just about done with the next update. Should be up later tonight or early tomorrow. It is pretty long so I hope you enjoy it.

[EyeluvTom]

Glad it's really long. :) I thought that you had updated though! :(

[Karen26]

Yes great stort ppms

[NYC300Z]

yay it's pretty long! Hurry up and post!!

[MOOman0618]

Part 4

“I knew I didn’t imagine that.” Lana said more to herself than to Clark. She sat a moment obviously trying to figure out what Clark had just told her. “But how? How did we both survive?” She looked to Clark with pleading eyes desperately needing the answers she searched for all these years.

“I have certain…abilities that have helped me save you and many other people in Smallville, but I would never use them to hurt anyone.” Clark was feeling quite nauseous at the moment, and clearly Lana could tell.

“Clark, come and sit, please.” Clark stopped pacing and went to the arm of the couch furthest from Lana to sit. Lana could sense how hard this was for him and motioned for him to come closer giving him a slight smile. Slowly Clark inched his way toward Lana avoiding any sort of eye contact. Lana scooted over to be right next to him and put her hand on his thigh. Clark completely forgot what he was telling her, electricity shot through his at her touch. “So you are bulletproof, just like Van said.” Lana said now with a much bigger smile. It was very comforting to now know it was true. But the smile was mostly because for the first time since they became close friends that night in the cemetery she knew he was opening up to her and being completely honest. “Clark, why didn’t you tell me? I have seen stranger things.”

“If it were only that simple, but I have barely scratched the surface.” Just then the oven timer went off. Both of them had completely forgotten about dinner. Clark was happy for a break in the tension he felt, even though Lana was being wonderful about it all. He had no idea how she would react to his other abilities, or the real secret.

“Oh my gosh, I completely forgot about dinner! I have to get that before it burns.” Lana rushed over to the oven and put on oven mitts to get the dish out. Clark came up beside her as she took out the steaming food.

“Here let me take that from you.” Clark said extending his hands. The heat was starting to seep through the mitts so Lana was glad to pass off the dish. It took her a second after Clark grabbed the dish for her to realize what he just did.

“Clark! Are you alright? Are you burned?” Lana squealed. She was very worked up but Clark gave her that Kent smile and showed her his unscathed hands. Lana grasped one to inspect it and was shocked at how hot they still were. “Don’t do that! You scared me!” She was half joking but gave him a smack in the chest anyhow.

“Ow!” Clark said this trying to hold back his grin and putting up his hands to block further attacks. She is so cute when she is mad.

“Oh shut up!” Lana was now smiling too and tried to hit him again but couldn’t get through his guard. “So I guess this explains a lot.” Lana laughed when she thought of how strange but wonderful this all was. “So, do you have any other tricks up your sleeve Mr. Kent?”

“A few. Did you know that they fixed the windmill in Chandler’s Field?”

“No.” Lana spoke in a questioning tone, not sure what this had to do with Clark. “But I’m glad to hear that. I love it up there.” Then he moved close to her looked deep into her eyes and scooped her up into his arms. “Can I help you?” She was confused about what he was doing but wasn’t complaining. Being in his arms felt so right and she didn’t really care why he had done it, just that he didn’t let her go.

“Ok, now don’t freak out, and hang on.” Before Lana could realize what was happening she felt a rush of air and saw that she and Clark were on top of the newly repaired windmill. Lana looked around extremely confused.

“How did we get here?” Lana was in a daze having no idea what just happened. “Can you teleport…like Alicia could?” Lana noticed a slight frown on Clarks face at the mention of Alicia.

“No, not like Alicia.” It took Clark a second to speak again. “I can just move very fast.”

”Apparently!” Lana’s heart was pounding. She didn’t know what to think or say. “But wait, if you can make it from my apartment to Chandler’s Field in what seemed like an instant, then why are you perpetually late for everything?” Lana laughed and put her head on his chest as a sheepish expression came over Clark’s face. “So what do we do now?” Lana had her eyes closed and was enjoying being there with Clark. It was strange how quickly her mind went from the seemingly peculiar situation she was in to how much she loved being held by this amazing person.

“Ready to go?” Clark was also enjoying the touch of this beautiful woman, but what he still had to tell her weighed heavy on him.

“Do we have to? It is so peaceful here.” She opened her eyes to see that Clark had already zipped them back to her apartment before she even spoke. “That is so weird.” The suddenness of being sped back to her apartment had brought her out of her blissful trance.

“Don’t get freaked out yet, we are just getting to the interesting ones.”

“You have more? Clark this is incredible.” She had no idea what to expect.

“Alright, on to of my more bizarre abilities. Do you remember the fire at the Talon?”

”Yeah, during that awful heat wave. They never did figure out…it was you? What did you do?”

“Well I can send out rays of heat from my eyes. That fire was the first time I had gotten that ability and I didn’t know how to control it yet.”

“Heat? From your eyes?”

“Yup.”

“Ok…” Lana looked at him doubtfully. Ok, now he is just making things up. Isn’t he? She seemed a little nervous.

”Lana please don’t be scared of me.” Clark pleaded when he thought that one of his worst fears was coming true. He couldn’t lose her because of this. Keeping it from her had kept them apart for so long, nearly destroying their friendship along with any hopes of being romantic.

“I am not scared Clark, this is just a lot to take in.”

“Ok, watch that candle over there.” Clark got an expression on his face that can only be described as deep concentration.

He is so cute! Lana, what is wrong with you, he just told you he can shoot fire from his eyes and all you can think about is how cute he is? You are such a girl. Lana tried to focus but couldn’t.

Out of what seemed like nowhere the candle all the way across the room burst into flame. “Well, I guess we will save on matches. I am sorry, that was really dumb. I am just so…” Lana couldn’t even think of what she was, so she just stopped mid sentence.

“Do you want me to go on or stop for a while and let you think?” Clark was finally relaxing a bit, but he now saw that Lana was getting a little freaked out.

”No, keep going I want to know it all.” Lana nodded convincing herself that this wasn’t as strange as it actually was. She was trying so hard not to let herself get weirded out, but it was becoming increasingly difficult. If this was anyone but Clark telling her these things, she would have been out the door long ago.

Clark went on to tell her about his X-ray vision and how he found he had that. “You saw me in the girl’s locker room?!” Lana was visibly embarrassed at the thought of Clark seeing her naked, her cheeks slightly flushed.

“It was just that once! And I had no control over it then. Well, there was one other time, but I wasn’t myself.” Clark being the gentleman he was tried hard not to picture what he saw during those two ‘blunders’ but every now and then they would sneak into his thoughts. She is just so beautiful. Hey, I would like to meet a guy that wouldn’t think about it once in a while. Clark tried to convince himself, but only managed to once again picture that towel sliding down to reveal her smooth back. He blushed after looking up at Lana.

“What do you mean you weren’t yourself?”

“I was on Red Kryptonite. It affects my mind instead of my body like regular Green Kryptonite does.”

“What in the hell is Kryptonite?” Lana asked completely befuddled and a little frustrated.

“Oh, right…I’ll get to that. But I have one more ability to show you.” Lana opened her mouth to protest but figured it was best just to let him go. She just rolled her eyes and shook her head a little bit. “I have…abnormal strength.”

Lana smiled at his choice of words, trying to make himself seem less impressive than he actually was. That was one of the things she loved about him, he was always so modest. ”I always figured you were strong. I mean throwing some guy 20 feet into a cop car must take some muscles.” She always felt safe around Clark because she new he was such a strong man, but she still didn’t fully grasp the strength he truly had.

“Well, I have gotten stronger over the years and throwing a 200lb guy a few feet isn’t really a good measure of it.”

“Well how strong are you? I mean what can you bench press, like 400lbs?” Lana scrunched up her nose trying to think of a good number to say, not wanting to guess something too high and make Clark feel bad.

“Lana, I could lift 500lbs over my head when I was five.”

“You’re not serious!” Lana replied in disbelief. Clark glanced around to room to find a suitable prop. He then went over and grabbed a fire poker from Lana’s fireplace. He took it in his hands and bent it as though it were made of silly putty. Lana looked at the poker awestruck at the power he just displayed. “Clark how are you so gentle with me? You have never so much as bruised me, but you could break me in half if you wanted to.” Clark set down the fire poker and put his hand on her knee. Lana flinched but did not pull away.

“It takes self-control Lana. Every action I take throughout the day I have to consciously choose to be gentle.”

“I am sorry Clark; I can’t even imagine how hard it is for you to live like this.” She put her hand on the side of Clarks face stroking his cheek with her thumb trying to show him how badly she felt for his circumstances.

“It’s ok Lana; I’ve been this way my whole life. It isn’t as hard to control as you would think.”

“But you hide so much of yourself. You have these abilities that I can barely wrap my head around and you don’t flaunt them or abuse them. You are a better man than most Clark.” Clark felt his cheeks get hot at the complement Lana gave him.

“Now, about the meteor rocks.” He tried to keep on the topic even though all he wanted to do was grab hold of her and give her the most passionate kiss that she has ever had. “I am very allergic to the green meteor rocks. They suck the energy from me. I feel nauseous and weak and it hurts…a lot. If I am around them too long I am pretty sure I will die.”

“Die?” The thought of loosing Clark was more than she wanted to even consider. “But the meteor rocks are everywhere, how are you able to function?” Lana was very surprised at this. She had never heard of anybody being allergic to the meteor rocks.

“They only affect me when I get so close to them. So I just try to avoid them as much as I can.”

Lana looked into his eyes trying to imagine the pain he was in when he was around those green horrors. Then her eyes went wide and then almost to tears. “No wonder you always looked so sick when I wore that necklace. You were in such pain. Why didn’t you just stay away from me?”

“It was worth it just to be close to you.” Again Lana melted as Clark looked into her eyes with more love than she thought anyone could give. I would throw that boy down and kiss him like he has never been kissed before if he would let me. “Now the red meteor rock that is what does the real damage. It is like a drug or something, it affects my mind and makes me do things I would never do otherwise. I am not myself when I am exposed to it. It’s like I am a whole different person. And I am sorry for the pain I caused you while I was under its influence.” Lana thought of the times when Clark acted completely differently for no apparent reason, the time he ditched her on their first official date, or when he made out with Chloe in the Talon. Then she thought of those three terrible months.

“Metropolis.” This was all she could say, as the memories of that horrible summer came back to her.

“Yeah, I really am sorry Lana.” Lana looked up at Clark.

“Its ok Clark, I was so scared that you weren’t going to come home and that it was my fault somehow. I am sorry I didn’t go with you.”

“Lana, those three months were the lowest of my life. There was nothing you could have done. If you knew the things I did while I was there…I am just glad you didn’t have to see me like that for very long. I try to forget about those days and what I did.” They both sat in silence for a few minutes trying to move past the scar on their lives.

“Um… a minute ago you mentioned something. Krypto…”

“Kryptonite, it’s the actual name of the meteor rocks.” Clark was glad that she had broken the silence. But he knew what needed to come next and dreaded it. This is it. I have to tell her the whole truth. She needs to know.

“How do you know that?”

“Kryptonite is the last remains of a planet named Krypton that exploded some years ago.” Lana looked at him puzzled. “Krypton is also the planet that…” Clark paused and thought back of all the wonderful times he and Lana had together and worried that this was going to be the last time that she would speak to him.

“Clark what’s wrong? Why did you stop?” Clark took a deep breath and closed his eyes.

“Krypton is also the planet that I am from.”

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

Here you go! This post is pretty long so it may be a little bit before I post again. Keep the comments and suggestions coming. They keep me motivated.

[EyeluvTom]

No! A cliffy! Update ASAP! I love your story! ;)

[NYC300Z]

yeah how can u stop there?? oh man how long is a little bit?? Hope not too long! PPMS!!

[binkys711]

hey! i think you forgot super hearing:eek:anyways....no more cliffys!!!AHHH!!!PPMS!!!

[MOOman0618]

I think you're right... Does this make me a horrible person? ;) I will try to do better. :)

[binkys711]

no, it's ok! it can happen to anybody....you can put it in the next update.... somehow...;) but you are evil, putting in cliffys! tsk, tsk, tsk!:p

[dreammaster]

awesome chapter

[SVsleuth]

“What in the hell is Kryptonite?” Lana asked completely befuddled and a little frustrated. :lol:

Yow! Must know Lana's reaction. Can't you post just a bit more? Please? Great story.

[MOOman0618]

Part 5

Clark looked up to try to gauge Lana’s reaction.

“Planet that you are from?” Lana squirmed in her seat leaning away from Clark as he spoke. This can’t be true, he must be joking. This is ridiculous.

“Yes, I was not born here on earth, my biological parents sent me away right before Krypton exploded and sent me to earth where they knew I could do great things and be loved by wonderful people. I came to earth in a space ship, during the first meteor shower, the same meteor shower that killed your parents.” Lana sat there for a minute looking at the floor with eyebrows furrowed.

“My parents?” Lana paused to think for a moment. “Clark, how could you be from another planet? You are…” Lana was trying to find the words but couldn’t.

“You have to believe me that this is the truth.”

“That is what I am so confused Clark. I look at you and for the first time I know you are telling me the truth. But how could this be the truth? How can it be that you are not from earth? Does this mean you are not human?” Lana was trying to hold on to something that she thought had to be true. Had he not displayed amazing abilities just moments before she would never have even considered this to be true. Clark was human, he had to be; he looked human and acted human.

“No, I am physically not human.” Lana let out deep breath she was holding in. This was not what she wanted to hear. She looked lost in her own thoughts on the verge of tears. She stared at this person in front of her, someone she thought she knew. “But I am human when it comes to important things. Like love.” Clark put his hand on Lana’s and gave it a very gentle squeeze. She looked down at his hand and couldn’t stop thinking about what he just said. Not human? She slowly pulled her hand away from his. Clark’s heart sank in his chest. “Maybe I should go. I am still me Lana, and now you know everything.” Clark walked a few steps and turned. “I will always love you.” He made his way to the door thinking that those were the last words he would speak to the woman he had loved so deeply for so long. He looked back and Lana was still on her couch watching him leave. Tears were starting to roll down her cheeks but she could not think of anything to say. He closed the door behind him and let the tears go that he was holding back.

It was starting to rain and Clark decided to walk home, like a normal person.

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

Sorry for the short one today. I will post more soonish.

[EyeluvTom]

Does soonish mean today? :)

[dreammaster]

awesome chapter

[binkys711]

aww!!!that was sad!!!PPMS!!!and make it longer! plz!;)

[SVsleuth]

Super! More soon, please???

[NYC300Z]

Great Update! Yeah binkys ur right it was sad! Soonish huh? A little bit was 3 days so i'm hoping soonish is later today or tomorrow the latest. PPMS!!!

[MOOman0618]

Part 6

Clark sat in his loft and stared out into the rain. She has to be ok with this. I don’t know what I will do if she doesn’t accept me. If she hates me now, how could I ever tell anyone I love my secret again? Clark heard someone come up the stairs and assumed it was his mom to come see how he was.

“Hey Clark.” Clark turned to see Lana standing there absolutely sopping wet from the rain. Clark got up and came toward her.

“Lana, I don’t know what to say. I had hoped that telling you this would bring us closer not push us farther apart. I just…” Lana put her finger to his lips.

“Shh” Lana put her hands on Clark’s shoulders, stood on her tip toes and pulled him into a kiss. Clark could not believe what was happening. He thought he must be dreaming. The kiss was soft, but lasting. Lana finally released from one of the single most wonderful moments in both of their lives. Clark looked into her eyes still wondering if he was imagining this perfect creature standing in front of him.

“Now tell me about this heat vision thing again.” Clark got the biggest and brightest smile on his face that would put his normal ‘Kent smile’ to shame. Lana giggled again and yanked him down into another kiss. This one started out gentle and sweet, but quickly moved into passion. Clark pulled her closer to his body and ran his hand up and down her wet back leaving one hand on her waist to keep her close. Lana left one hand on his chest and the other running through his thick hair. They both were completely lost in the kiss and all thoughts of aliens and powers and secrets vanished. Lana was lighter than air and felt like she was floating. I hope this is not a dream; this is too perfect to be real. Then she realized that there was nothing below her feet and she actually was floating. She broke the kiss and gasped. Clark came back to reality and they both fell to the floor in a heap Lana on top of Clark.

“I still don’t have a handle on that one yet.” Clark said annoyed with himself for ruining the moment.

“You can fly?” Lana said in complete amazement.

“Well…almost.” Clark said trying to play it off as nothing. Lana smiled and laid her head on his chest.

“I love you so much Clark Kent. I love every part of you.” They lay there on the floor for a while. Then Clark felt Lana start to shiver.

“You must be freezing! You are still soaking wet.” Clark looked at her with concern.

“So are you, aren’t you cold?” Lana said this curling up tighter to him trying to conserve body heat.

“One of the many perks of being me. I don’t really get cold or hot.”

Lana picked her head up and looked at Clark. “Do you want to know something Clark?”

“I would love to know something.”

“You are absolutely amazing!” She saw that grin come back to Clark’s face and she joined him.

“Do you want to go inside and dry your cloths and get warm? My parents should be asleep by now so they won’t bother us.”

“That would be great. And maybe I could bother you for a cup or hot chocolate.” The two walked down the stairs and into the house. Clark ran upstairs to get Lana some dry cloths. He picked up a pair of gym shorts and a T-shirt and sped back down to her. “Thanks” she said taking hold of the huge cloths that he held in his hands. She made her way to the bathroom to change. Clark began to make the hot chocolate bypassing the stove by heating the water himself. He then heard the bathroom door open and turned to tell Lana that it was almost ready.

“Just give me another few…whoa.” Clark couldn’t finish his sentence as he noticed that Lana had put on his T-shirt but held his gym shorts in her hands still. Her hair was still wet and fell across her face. Clark actually had to suppress the fire in his eyes, something he hadn’t had to do in a long time.

“I will take that as a compliment. Your shirt is more like a dress and these shorts had no chance of staying up. Besides, this thing is longer than most shorts I would wear anyhow.” She laughed thinking of just how huge he was. They made their way to the living room and plopped down on the couch to talk. Clark sat at the end, and Lana sat facing him sitting Indian style. This made the shirt come dangerously high on her legs and Clark took notice of this. He cleared his throat trying to regain focus. Lana noticed and realized how she was sitting and repositioned herself. What a gentleman he is. When Lana had finished her hot chocolate she turned and laid her head in his lap. They talked for hours about all the amazing things Clark did, all of the mysteries in his life. He explained all the things he couldn’t before, especially all of his Jekyll and Hyde impersonations. He also told her about his superhearing which he forgot to mention before. He told her about Jor-El, the stones and the Fortress of Solitude. They eventually fell asleep just as they were and didn’t wake till morning; both of them were so content and relaxed that nothing could disturb them.

They woke to the Shelby jumping up on the couch to say good morning. They were both slightly surprised to see the other upon waking. Quickly they got off the couch and looked around to see if Clark’s parents were up yet. He was nervous that his parents would give him a hard time about spending the whole night with Lana. They walked into the kitchen and on the table were Lana’s cloths fresh from the dryer with a note lying on top. ‘Hope you two had a nice talk, we will also have a nice long talk when your father and I get home. Love, Mom.’

“Oops. Guess we’ve been caught.” Clark didn’t care. Last night was worth anything that his parents could dish out. Lana changed back into her cloths and decided it was best if she left before his parents got back. Clark gave her a lingering kiss in the driveway before she left.

Clark went inside and decided to get some breakfast. He was absolutely starving and realized that they never actually got to eat dinner last night. He ate and then went to do his morning chores before he took a shower. He was just finishing up feeding the chickens when his parents got home

“Clark!” Jonathan yelled across the yard. “Come inside please!” Clark groaned and dropped the chicken feed where he was standing. Clark opened the door to the house and rushed in.

“We just talked I swear!” He hadn’t even made it all the way inside before he began with his excuses.

“Uh huh. And what exactly were you talking about that required Lana to be in your T-shirt and nothing else?” Martha said with hands on her hips.

“She got caught in the rain, so I gave her some of my stuff to change into. The shorts were too big…do we really have to go over this?” Clark was feeling very uncomfortable discussing this with his parents, even though nothing happened.

“I think we do need to discuss this Clark.” Jonathan said in a stern tone. “I thought you knew we had rules about girls, especially half naked girls spending the night?”

“We were having a really important talk and it couldn’t wait. Then we just fell asleep just as you found us. Nothing happened.” Clark hoped that they would leave it at that, he didn’t want to tell them what they were talking about.”

“What could be so important that it couldn’t wait until morning?” Martha had much less of an edge to her voice, but she still got her concern across.

“My secret” Clark gave them a look that said, ‘please don’t kill me I really love her’.

“Your secret? Son, I thought we decided that there are already too many people who know, especially now that Chloe knows everything.”

“But Chloe has kept my secret for months, even from me! It should prove that I can trust people, especially those people that I love. I had to tell Lana, I could not stand here and sabotage my last chance to be with her.” Clark was getting frustrated with the mistrust his father had when it came to his secret.

“Clark you don’t know what is going to happen in the future. Your secret could put Lana and Chloe in danger, just like it did Pete. And they in turn could put this family into danger without even knowing it.”

”Dad, we never know what is going to happen!” Clark was beginning to raise his voice. “If it were up to you I would just sit in the loft for the rest of my life as to not raise suspicion! I can’t live my life afraid. I have these powers because I am not human, but you raised me as a human. People need other people, I need other people, and I cannot keep shutting people out! I cannot do this alone. I am sorry.” Clark was so frustrated that he sped out of the kitchen all the way to Crater Lake to think. His parents were shocked at how blunt he was, but they could not argue with him. He was right and they knew he was right. They couldn’t protect him anymore. It was up to him to protect himself.

[binkys711]

yay! superhearing!;) great update!!!them floating was soo sweet!!!:D I love this story!!! and Clark giving them a look that said,'please don't kill me i really love her' is classic! i can only imagine his face!!!PPMS!!!:D:D:D

[NYC300Z]

Yeah them floating was really cute! I wonder how long Clark's gonna be at Crater Lake thinking! PPMS!!

[ClarksGirl21]

cool story! i love it! .. i wanna read some more ;)

[SVsleuth]

Awesome update! And poor Clark getting in trouble for doing nothing & actually being a "gentleman." This is getting better & better. Keep writing. :)

[MOOman0618]

This is so completely off topic, but I just felt the need to mention it...

My girlfriend of 5 years said yes to my proposal last night! So I am engaged! Yay for me!! :D :p :D

[binkys711]

WOW!!!CONGRADULATIONS!!!when's the wedding? are we invited?:pjk!:D

[EyeluvTom]

Yah, you're getting married!!! Congrats!! :):):):):):):):)

[dreammaster]

awesome chapter

[4EverSmallville]

:rolleyes: How did I miss this?

Great writing, good insight, promising storyline, dynamic characters...are you sure this is your first one? ;)

Congratulations on your engagement :D!

[MOOman0618]

Part 7

Clark was sitting on the dock looking out across the water pondering how he could get his parents to understand him. They have no idea what it is like to be me. How alone I feel most of the time, but how completely safe I feel when I am with Lana. Then from behind him a large figure approached and put a hand on his shoulder. Clark was very deep in thought and didn’t even hear him coming. Clark was so startled the he jumped up and whipped around.

“Whoa settle down there Chief. Didn’t me to scare you.” Ray put his hands up in front of him as if calming a large animal.

“Chief?” Clark said scrunching his forehead as no one has called him chief since before his first growth spurt.

“Would you prefer Scooter, or Sparky maybe? Anything you want.”

“Um, no Chief is good.” Clark had calmed down and was now curious as to why Ray was here. “So what brings you out to these parts?”

”Well, I heard that this was one of the larger sites of the first meteor shower. So I was trying to get some samples. I have a couple of them in a bag over there; you want to check them out? They are the coolest green color I have ever seen in nature.”

“NO! No, that’s ok. I have seen plenty of them growing up around here.” Just thinking about the affects of Kryptonite made his toes curl.

“Sorry, didn’t mean to strike a nerve.” Ray was a little confused about the sharp response he got when he mentioned the meteors. They sat by the docks and talked for a while about nothing in particular. Then the girls came up.

“So are you with Lana? You seemed to be pretty attached when I saw you guys in the Talon yesterday.” Ray didn’t have much interest in Lana, not that she didn’t have a lot to offer any guy, but he wanted more information about Chloe.

“Yeah, I guess we are together.” Clark hadn’t actually thought of that till now. Lana and I are a couple. Holy &$%#! He got a really dorky grin on his face thinking of his new relationship with Lana.

“Hey, hey, come back to me.” Ray snapped his fingers in front of Clark’s face to break him from his Lana-trance. “So, tell me more about Chloe and when I get a chance to meet her.”

“Well, she used to run the Torch, our school newspaper, right up until the day we graduated. She is going to Met U. in the fall to study Journalism. Um…what else do you want to know?” Clark didn’t really get that Ray was interested in Chloe yet.

“For starters, does she have a boyfriend? And if she does can I take him?” He said that last part with a chuckle holding up his fists.

“Oh, no she doesn’t have a boyfriend. I am sure I will see her today, do you want to meet her?”

”Thought you’d never ask” Ray smiled and slapped Clark on the back standing up. Hey I am going to head back into town, do you need a ride, I didn’t see another vehicle here?”

“That’s ok, I ran here.”

“Come on, I’ll buy you a Chi at the Talon.”

Clark thought about the possibility of seeing Lana there so he decided he would take Ray up on his offer. “Sure, sounds like a good time.” Ray drove Clark into town in his beat up Taurus. They parked and walked into the Talon. Clark saw Lana and Chloe sitting at a table heads close together obviously gossiping about something.

“What are you two gossiping about?” Clark asked accusingly arms folded in front of him trying to make himself look taller.

“None of your business, just something about a farm boy and his obsession with plaid. Hope you’re parents weren’t too hard on you about your impromptu slumber party last night.” Chloe was all too happy to bust Clark’s chops.

“Yeah, I am sorry that I got you in trouble with your parents Clark.” Lana chimed in.

“Don’t worry about it” Clark and Lana were now staring at each other with what can only be described as googley eyes. Chloe finally broke up the stare, mostly because she was going to vomit at any moment, but also because she wondered who the stranger was.

“Clark who is your gigantic friend?” Chloe also just noticed the deep blue sea that resided in this man’s eyes. She was transfixed for a moment being shaken out of it by Ray taking her hand and giving it a kiss.

“It’s nice to meet you Chloe, I’m Ray.” Ray looked at her in such a way that if she would have been standing her legs would have turned to Jell-O and collapsed beneath her. Luckily she was sitting and could enjoy the stare from this intriguing stranger.

“Nice to meet you too, Ray.” Chloe had a very bright smile on her face. The guys around Smallville did not give her the attention she deserved and this was a pleasant change.

Once everyone had their drinks they sat down and started chatting about random things. Clark then brought up their trip to Metropolis and tried to get Chloe to reconsider. “Come on Chloe it will be fun. Why don’t you want to come?”

“Well as much as I enjoy being the third wheel, I am going to have to pass. I mean before it was bad, but now look at you two.” Clark and Lana had pushed their chairs close together and were holding hands on top of the table.

“What if we got somebody else to come? Ray! Do you want to come with us?”

“Sure, I can show you guys around; take you to some good spots.” Ray was actually looking forward to spending more time with Chloe. My second day in this town and I already have a date. I will have to come here more often.

Chloe turned to smile at Ray. “Yeah ok, that sounds like fun.” Chloe couldn’t remember the last time she actually had a real date. “When are we going? I think we should go today.” She was obviously very excited to spend time with this new guy and get out of this town.

“Wow that turned around quickly. I am going to need to patch up some things with my parents and do some work around the house, but I should be ready by late afternoon.” Clark had excitement in his voice. He enjoyed Metropolis and hadn’t been there in a while.

Ray gave Clark a ride back to his house. “This is where you live? It must have taken you forever to run to Crater Lake. You must be in really good shape.”

“Yeah I guess so.” Clark said nervously. He didn’t like it when people asked questions that could lead to his abilities. Ray was curious but just figured Clark was being modest. “I’ll see you later today.” Clark got out of the car and practically ran into the house.

His parents were gone for the day to run some more errands so he did his work and decided to leave them a note. ‘I am going to Metropolis with Lana, Chloe and Ray. I think we are crashing at Ray’s dorm tonight. I will be careful, I will call you sometime. ~Clark’ Clark had no intension of dealing with his parents before his trip so he was glad they were gone for a while. I am going to college pretty soon; they should realize I am old enough to make decisions for myself. He got his stuff around and left to pick up Lana.

“You ready to go?” Clark said as he poked his head inside Lana’s door. She was still running around in a towel. Clark, the man of steel felt his knees go weak.

“What is this whole Clark being early thing we have going on?” Lana said half serious.

“I have something to be early for now, besides I am still avoiding my parents.” Clark made his way across the room and put his large hands on her very petite waist giving her the kind of kiss that would make you forget your own name.

“Mmmm…” was all Lana could muster as she put most of her weight into Clark’s arms. She laid her head against his chest and let out a sigh. “I need to finish getting ready.”

”Yeah, looks like you’re in a big hurry.” Clark grinned and gave her a squeeze. Lana jerked away and gave him a slap on the chest.

“You started it!” Lana ran away from Clark before he could kiss her again. He couldn’t help but smile at how adorable she was trying to escape from him.

Fifteen minutes later they were loading Lana’s SUV with some snacks and sleeping stuff because they decided to crash at Ray’s place for the night so they would have the next day to enjoy as well. By the time they had picked up Chloe and Ray it was around 5. They made their way to Metropolis and arrived as the sun was setting. Ray and Chloe had gotten very cozy in the back of the large vehicle during the 3 hour drive. Ray was giving some directions to get them to his dorm to drop off their stuff. He had a large room, it was actually supposed to be a double but since it was the summer semester there was no need to crowd people in. They unloaded some stuff and decided it would be nice to go to a semi-fancy restaurant.

The four friends were walking through a not so well lit part of the outer campus when two men came out from a dark ally. One of the men had a long pipe and the other had a knife. Chloe thought it seemed far too cliché to be real. “Alright, give me all your money and no body will get hurt…unless I feel like having some fun.” This man had a wicked grin on his face that defiantly said they might hurt them just for kicks. These two thugs obviously had no idea what they were getting themselves into.

[dreammaster]

awesome chapter

[NYC300Z]

lol yeah what a surprise there gonna be in for! PPMS!!

[SVsleuth]

C'mon, Clark! Kick some butt!

Great update.

[binkys711]

booyah! clarks gonna get'em bad!!!hehe!:DPPMS!!!

[4EverSmallville]

Great update, I wonder if Clark will handle this, or if Ray has some tricks up his sleeve...

[MOOman0618]

Part 8

Clark had been bringing up the rear of the group allowing Ray to lead the way, so there was Ray and both of the girls between him and the thugs. Ray put up his hands toward the man with the knife making a calming motion. He slowly inched forward trying to put distance between himself and his new friends. “Look, we don’t want any trouble. We will give you what we have ok?” Ray continued to inch toward the man with the knife, watching the other man out of the corner of his eye. Clark was keeping a close eye on the situation. He wouldn’t let anything happen to his friends.

“Now you better stay back or something bad might happen.” The foul man spoke sinisterly licking the blade of his knife. He was clearly unstable and would have no remorse hurting these kids.

“Ok, ok just don’t hurt anyone.” Ray was still inching forward toward this man and was now just out of range of the knife. What is Ray doing? I really don’t want to use my abilities in front of him, but he isn’t giving me much of a choice. Before Clark could finish his thought the man thrust forward to stab Ray in the heart. For as large as Ray was, he was quite fast. He struck the man’s hand with his own. One hand on the man’s wrist and the other on the back of his hand, this sent the knife flying safely away from the group. Ray, still holding this man’s now throbbing hand, gave a quick flick of his wrist using the man’s own momentum to sweep his leg and flipped him completely over onto his back landing with a thud. The other man had been surprised at this turn of event and after a moment came after Ray. Clark figured Ray could handle this himself, but he still felt he should help him out.

The other man with the pipe raised it to come down on Ray’s head. Before he could bring his arms down Clark sped in front of him blocking the blow with his forearm. Ray was finishing up with the first man, but knew the second was coming. He wasn’t exactly sure how Clark got up there so quick, and he could have sworn he saw the man hit Clark with the pipe. There is something strange about this guy. Clark then decided to punch the man in the gut rather than hurl him against a wall. This was effective and dropped the man to the ground immediately. In the mean time the girls had called 911 and the police were on their way to take the muggers.

“Are you two alright?” Clark made his usual inspection of the group after a confrontation.

“Wow, I think Bruce Lee would be impressed.” Chloe looked around at the criminals that had fallen to Ray’s skill and Clark’s strength. “Looks like you have some competition Clark.” Clark scowled at the remark making Chloe grin wider.

“That was amazing Ray, where did you learn to fight like that?” Lana was curious at how a man so large could move so quickly. Well, a man who wasn’t from another planet anyway.

“I have been learning Martial Arts since I was 6, so it’s in my blood. Besides, this wasn’t the first time I had to deal with two bit muggers.” Ray was slightly out of breath from his encounter.

“That was awesome Ray.” Clark managed to say. He was still not sure why he didn’t move into help Ray sooner, probably because it was obvious he didn’t need help. But then he thought about Chloe’s comment. He didn’t expect it, but he was slightly jealous of Ray. He was supposed to be the hero, protecting his girls, not some guy they just met. Clark, you’re being a jerk. He just saved all of us, even though we didn’t need saving. But he didn’t know that. I should be grateful not jealous.

“You too man, you dropped that guy with one punch. And did he hit you with that pipe? Are you ok?” Ray glanced to the ground next to the fallen man and noticed a small dent in the pipe. No, Clark must have stopped him before he could swing.

“No, he didn’t get me.” Clark lied, hiding the fact that he was squarely hit with a metal pipe that would have shattered anyone else’s arm.

“Good” Ray nodded, glad that Clark was not hurt, but growing more curious about him.

After some questions from the police the four were allowed to leave and finally get to dinner.

Ray took them to a small place that he knew well. It was a very nice Italian restaurant owned by an old couple straight from Italy. It was small and not very expensive, but the food was completely authentic and wonderful. As soon as they were seated, Ray excused himself to the bathroom to ‘wash the mugger’ off his hands.

“I think we are magnets to trouble. I mean we leave the meteor freaks in Smallville for less than a day and we are almost mugged!” Chloe wasn’t really upset; she was just trying to make conversation. “I can’t believe how brave Ray was. I mean he could have gotten himself killed.”

“Yeah I know, but he had that creep right where he wanted him the whole time. I didn’t even see it coming. He was so quick on his feet for such a large guy.” After taking martial arts from Lex initially and then taking karate classes, Lana could appreciate the skill that Ray had displayed.

“Hey, I took out the other guy.” Clark wasn’t really sure why he had just said this but he gave Lana and Chloe his best ‘look at me!’ smile anyhow. He wasn’t exactly jealous of Ray, but it was usually him getting all of the hero’s attention. Lana and Chloe both turned and looked at Clark. They stared for a second and then turned back toward each other completely ignoring his comment. “See if I save you two again…” Clark said under his breath but loud enough for them to hear him. He managed to keep a straight face.

“Oh you will save us…and you will like it.” Lana said to Clark in a very demanding way keeping a straight face of her own. Clark’s smirk fell away and his jaw dropped at the comment by this normally quiet and reserved girl. Both of the girls couldn’t contain it anymore and burst out laughing.

“You should see the look on your face! It’s priceless.” Chloe was now crying she was laughing so hard. “You shouldn’t confuse the poor alien, he has enough problems.”

“I couldn’t help it.” Lana finally subdued her laughing enough to speak. “It is so cute how jealous you are getting Clark.” Lana whipped the tears out of her eyes now looking adoringly at Clark. “You know we appreciate what you do for us, Clark. You have saved both of us more times than I can count.”

“Yeah, we were just commenting that it is impressive when someone without the ability to squat a bulldozer steps up to hero duty.”

“Still not saving you.” Clark said putting a mischievous grin back on his face. Both girls gave him a slap in unison. “Hey, just because I am invulnerable doesn’t mean you are allowed to beat me.”

“No, I am pretty sure it does.” Chloe said this giving Clark another swat in the arm. Ray then sat back down at the table turning to Chloe.

“What did I miss?”

”Oh nothing much, just how brave we thought you were today.” Chloe smiled and looked deep into his eyes and froze. She finally snapped out of it realizing she had paused for far too long. “Oh and how Clark is just like a big human punching bag.”

“Well good for him.” The four sat around the table and enjoyed their dinner. They talked about everything and nothing for a long time. Then it was time for Ray to get down to business. “So…who knows something about this anomalous meteor that struck your fine little hamlet?” The three gave each other nervous glances. All of them had forgotten that Ray actually had stumbled upon something so unexpected.

“We don’t really know what you are talking about Ray. I mean to us every one of those meteors was pretty strange.” Clark was quick to come back with a dodge to the question. Lana gave him a troubled gaze. She was surprised at how quickly he came up with a lie and how easy it was for him to deliver it. Even though she had some time to think since he told her everything, she was still trying to sort out the last four years and the tapestry of lies that Clark had weaved himself into. “Are you really sure you saw anything anyhow?”

“Oh I am quite sure. And I had gotten a list of the major crash sites from the sheriff’s office, and inspected most of them. There was a large amount of rock debris at each site but one. Here there was a large crater and what appears to be a long skid mark. Also I found it odd that there were bullet casings lying around in the middle of a field. And these weren’t any ordinary rounds; they were from automatic assault riffles. You don’t just find those kinds of rounds anywhere. The thing that gets me is that no one knows anything or saw anything! They just brush it off as one of the many mysteries of the town.” Chloe was very impressed at this man’s observational and deductive skills. He had almost put all the pieces together by himself. “Ok, this may sound crazy, but I think it was a spaceship, and the meteor shower was a way to cover its landing. Which makes you wonder, did something come down in the first meteor shower? It would make sense, I mean what other logical reason is there for a seemingly random natural disaster happen to the same town in 15 years?” Now, Chloe was worried along with being impressed. He had hit it right on the head. She looked over to Clark who looked like he was going to be sick.

“That is quite a theory Ray, but are you serious? Aliens coming to some random Kansas farming town. Why would they do that?” Chloe was trying to cover as much as she could, but she wasn’t nearly as adept at concealing the truth as she was exposing it.

“That’s brings me to my next point!” Ray was getting very excited leaning over the table using lots of hand motions to describe his theories. “Those caves that you discovered Clark, they are much older than the town. And I have looked at the drawings and symbols in those caves. That system of writing or hieroglyphics or whatever they are, are far too geometric to be something Native American. There is defiantly a pattern to those symbols, but I just have no idea what that is. Most forms of ancient writings are based off of pictures or ideas, not a geometric key. I think that the caves are linked to these alien visitors and that Smallville just happened to be founded on the site of hundreds of years worth of alien activity!” Clark, Lana and Chloe all just sat there silent and wide eyed as this person, who was far too intelligent for his own good, unraveled the mysteries of their town. Again Clark was the first one to speak up. Lana would have said something, but lying was still something she didn’t like to do, and she did not have the skill to just come up with something on the spot.

“Ray, that sounds like a very interesting theory, but seriously. That just seems a little too incredible. I mean, who would believe something like that? You just described an alien conspiracy theory involving two natural disasters, and Native Americans from hundreds of years ago.”

“I know, but I still think there is a good chance I am right. Chloe, they said you had an open mind, what do you think?”

”Ahhh…I suppose anything is possible. But I think I am going to have side with Clark on this one.” She felt horrible lying to this person that she was actually really into, but she had to protect Clark first and foremost.

“Hey, it’s not like I am suggesting all this crap has something to do with witches, warlocks and magic potions.” Lana had unfortunately been taking a drink of water and promptly spit it all over Clark when Ray mentioned a witch. Chloe and Ray couldn’t help but laugh.

“Sorry Clark, just choked a little bit.” Lana tried to whip the water off of Clark’s face and shirt with her napkin. Luckily this lightened the mood enough that Ray decided to leave this conversation for a more appropriate time and just have fun with his new friends.

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

High in LuthorCorp Towers Lex took out his high security ID badge and swiped it in the elevator’s card reader. Upon his successful security clearance he sent the elevator to a level he did not visit often. Level 33.1 was not something he kept in very direct contact. He knew many people watched him and he did not want to lead anyone to his secret projects. The door slid open and Lex stepped out. He looked around the poorly lit hallway and made his way down toward the opposite end. He opened a door to his left witch had a sign reading, ‘DANGER experiment in progress’. He entered the room and walked calmly to a man standing in front of a computer monitor. “What seems to be the trouble Dr. Murphy?” Lex’s voice showed little concern for the situation.

“There has been a problem with the human trials sir.”

[binkys711]

ooooooo...This is sounding very interesting!twisted!great update!!!PPMS!!!:D Lana spitting all over Clark when Ray said "witch" was priceless!!!;):lol:

[SVsleuth]

“Hey, it’s not like I am suggesting all this crap has something to do with witches, warlocks and magic potions.” Lana had unfortunately been taking a drink of water and promptly spit it all over Clark when Ray mentioned a witch.
:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

Super update MOOman! This is getting really exciting! Ray is one smart guy to figure out so much. And what in the world is Lex doing at 33.1? I'm really impressed with your story. Keep it going, please. Soon. :)

[booze_is_me09]

this is so... so... i can't find the words but it is sumthin great!PPMS!

[dreammaster]

that was awesome

[NYC300Z]

yeah that was awesome! It was funny to see Clark being Jealous and how Lana reacted to hearing about witches! lol I wonder how far into this Ray is gonna go?? PPMS!!

[MOOman0618]

Part 9

Dr. Murphy obviously was nervous not only because of the experiment that had turned sour, but also because of what Lex may do to him for failing.

“I thought since the last refit the animal tests were complete successes?”

“You’re right. Before, the serum was not permanent, but that was corrected with the last K-9 trials. But there is a completely new side effect present in humans.” The doctor pressed a few buttons on the keyboard and a room behind a two way mirror lit up. Lex moved toward the window to see six men restrained to their beds. They were thrashing violently attempting to escape causing their wrists and ankles to bleed against the straps.

“Doctor, what happened to these men?”

“Well, the serum worked to a point. They are more than 5 times as strong, almost twice as fast and have an accelerated healing rate. However, they are incredibly violent.”

“It tuned them insane?”

“No, that’s the thing. They are not insane they are just incredibly aggressive and have no hesitation toward violence. It seems as though some primal instincts in them were brought out.”

“Well those numbers you gave me are very promising, keep me posted.” Lex said coldly to the anxious doctor. He turned to leave the room.

“But Mr. Luthor, what should I do? These men are sick, and now that the serum is permanent I don’t know how we can reverse it. They are extremely dangerous.”

“Are their restraints secured?” Lex said still facing the door.

“Yes, for the moment.”

“Then I don’t see a problem doctor.” Lex opened the door and walked through leaving Dr. Murphy in shock.

Dr. Murphy sat staring at the computer screen trying to clear his head. He kept glancing to the window through with he could clearly see the six men struggling to get free. They had calmed slightly within the last hour. He realized they were all probably starving. Their metabolisms were accelerated due to the high amount of energy they could now output. He left for a few minutes returning with a cart full of trays of food. He unlocked the second door with his security badge and finger print scan to roll the cart into the room. He pushed the cart in and accidentally hit it against a shelf full of syringes filled with a glowing green liquid. He gasped as the syringes wobbled, but thankfully didn’t fall. He corrected the cart and approached the first man who became utterly enraged at the sight of the doctor who had done this to him.

“WHY?! WHY DID YOU DO THIS TO US?!” The man screamed at Dr. Murphy. The doctor stumbled back frightened by the intensity in this man’s eyes. “Ha ha ha, look…he’s scared. He is scared because any one of us could crush his throat between our fingers without a second thought.”

“I have brought you all food.” This was all Dr. Murphy could muster. He knew what he did to these men. He had not meant it to happen but it did. The first man could not stand it any longer and with all of his might and a horrible scream tore the strap right off its grounding from the table. With this now free arm he released his other bonds. He looked over to see a petrified Dr. Murphy slowly backing toward the door. The man ran toward the doctor and slammed him against the wall hand around his throat.

“You did this to us, and now you are going to pay.” The man had a glint in his eye that showed he must be enjoying torturing this doctor. Dr. Murphy could not even speak or make any other noise for that mater. He struggled until a crack of bone was heard and he want limp. The man let go and the doctor slumped to the floor in a lifeless heap. “Now, lets find that Luthor S.O.B and put him out of our misery. If he isn’t in this building then he will be out in his mansion hiding from the real world.” The man went and released the other five men who were strapped down. They all still could think and reason properly, but they had such a thirst for violence it was difficult for them not to start ripping each other to pieces. The only thing stopping them was a common enemy and a common goal.

[binkys711]

oh oh! i sense mega trouble coming up!!!whoopy!!!PPMS!!!:p

[dreammaster]

awesome chapter

[SVsleuth]

Yow! SIX of them? One or two would be plenty. But, SIX? I guess Calrk better become Superman really fast! :)

Great story. Keep it going.

[NYC300Z]

I wonder if they'll get to Lex first or if somehow Clark and his friends will get involved first?? PPMS!!

[MOOman0618]

Part 10

The four friends were just leaving the restaurant when Ray got a call on his cell. “Hello…Are you serious?...Those jerks…Alright I will be there in a few minutes.” Ray was very clearly annoyed at the call he just received.

“What was that all about?” Chloe was concerned for her new ‘friend’ who had been holding her hand on the way out of the restaurant until his phone rang.

“That was my professor. Some stupid people decided it would be fun to break into our lab and just screw with stuff. I have to check on my project to make sure they didn’t find it. I can take you guys back to the dorm if you want, I shouldn’t be long.”

“No, that’s ok. We can go with you.” Chloe grabbed his hand back while saying this.

”That would be great.” Ray was obviously taken with Chloe as they were starting to have their own googley eyed stare with each other.

“Hrrmmm…” Clark cleared his throat trying to get their attention. “Um, which way is it?”

“Oh, yeah, we should probably get going. It’s this way, follow me. I promise no more dark alleys.”

The four made their way into the building that Ray’s professor’s lab was in. They took an elevator up a few floors and entered the lab. The lock on the door had been broken and there was spray paint all over. Ray’s professor, Dr Ludwig was defiantly not the most liked professor on campus. Mostly this was because for all science majors his intro to physics class was an absolute killer. Even Dr. Ludwig lovingly referred to his class as ‘separating the wheat from the chaff.’

“It doesn’t look like they damaged anything greatly important.” Dr. Ludwig said through a thick Polish accent. “You should check your ‘special’ project though Ray.” Ray moved over to the far wall where there was a heavy metal cabinet with several padlocks on it. All were intact but Ray felt he should inspect it anyhow. He unlocked the door and opened the cabinet to reveal what looked somewhat like a futuristic diving suit complete with helmet.

“Whoa, what is that?” Clark’s curiosity peaked before Chloe even had a chance to comment. He reached out and touched the suit.

“It’s my baby.” Ray looked up proudly at his creation. “It is a next generation exoskeleton for soldiers or policemen. It is the only prototype of its kind and is defiantly still a work in progress.”

“What does it do?” Lana had a vague idea of what he was talking about but she wanted a further explanation. Clark also wanted more info but was too impressed by just how awesome the suit looked to say anything.

“Well it is made out of a unique tungsten alloy which I helped design. The alloy is twice as tough as steel but only 50% heavier, which basically means you get more bang for your buck. It is completely bulletproof for every type of round available to handheld weaponry. It allows for a complete range of motion as to not hinder maneuverability. There is a network of liquid conduits lying between the exoskeleton shell and the person wearing it. This has two functions, the first being it is attached to a circulating pump and heat sink thereby acting as a coolant, the second is as padding to help reduce blunt trauma from any impact. There is a detachable blast shield which can be fit for either the right arm or left. This one is set up for the left, seeing as I am right handed and would need my right hand free. There are taser leads on the fingers of the right hand. This taser is capable of delivering up to 100,000 Volts. This is enough to disable any attacker for several seconds and disorient them for a couple minutes. There are also three rounds of taser darts attached to the back of the hand for ranged usage up to 20 ft.” Ray had slipped into complete dork mode and continued for several minutes describing the intricacies of the armor. Lana and Chloe had not lost interest, but would be fine with moving on to something else at this point. Clark on the other hand was soaking this up like a sponge, eager to hear about all the bells and whistles on this, every boy’s fantasy toy. “And something I am quite proud of, there is actually strength enhancers built in to each joint of the arms and legs. It increases your upper body strength by 75% and your lower body by 60%. The lower body is less due to the need to support the weight of the components. The strength enhancers make the suit feel like it weighs 5 pounds rather than the 100 it actually does. And now, my pride and joy, the HUD layout in the helmet.”

“What is a HUD?” Chloe had heard Pete say this term years ago while playing his PlayStation 2, but didn’t know what it meant.

“Heads Up Display” Clark chimed in now even more enthralled by Ray’s invention than before.

“Of course…how silly of me.” Chloe rolled her eyes, her comment steeped in sarcasm. Lana gave her a smile knowing exactly how she felt.

“Anyhow, the HUD will display things such as power supply remaining, coolant temperature, strength enhancer percent usage and other such things. But what I am most proud of is the targeting system. And the best part is, all of these things do not hinder the vision of the person wearing the helmet in any way.”

“Targeting? What exactly would you be targeting?” Clark asked hypnotized by the wondrous piece of technology before him.

“Well, it is both offensive and defensive. The offensive end, it can tell you how far away a target is and stuff like that. But on the defensive end it can tell you where on your body a gun or other projectile is being pointed at you up to 50 ft away.”

“Really?! How does it do that?” Clark looked like a kid on Christmas morning mouth open ready for his next present.

“There are sensors mounted at different positions on the exterior and if you target someone holding a gun it can triangulate where on your body it will strike you within a four inch circle.”

“Wow” was all Clark could respond with.

“You’re damned right wow. It has taken years to make this one prototype and every spare moment I have. We were hoping to get more funding from the military in the near future, but recently LuthorCorp expressed interest in a contract with us.”

“LuthorCorp? What would they want with body armor?” Chloe’s reporter instinct was kicking in.

“Don’t know, I thought they were more into chemicals and fertilizer and what not.” Ray hadn’t really thought about it too much. He was just happy that someone displayed interest in his ingenious invention. “I actually got a call from Mr. Lex Luthor last night and I am going to be bringing my baby to Smallville with me tomorrow when we are done having some more fun.”

“Ray, what made you decide to make body armor?” Clark was curious about why a college student would be involved in such a project.

“Well, there are many people out there who are in danger and can’t take care of themselves. This exoskeleton makes taking care of those that need it that much easier and safer for those who can.” Clark admired this as it was what he stood for as well. To protect those people who cannot protect themselves.

[binkys711]

great update!!!PPMS!!!cool armor idea:cool:

[Cardinal]

Wow! Very cool. I just discovered your fic, and am wildly impressed!

Ray kinda sounds like an Iron Man precursor.

Lana wearing nothing but a t-shirt...Clark would have to be made of steel to keep his hands to himself after seeing that!

Keep up the good work!

[MOOman0618]

I know almost nothing about Iron Man...so I didn't want to pretend I did. But I love that concept. So...I made up something myself.

[NYC300Z]

wow that's pretty interesting....I wonder why Luthorcorp is really so interested in it! PPMS!!

[kewl]

wow, i just read ur story and i am so hooked!!!! very interesting!!! please keep em going!!!! :D

[MOOman0618]

Part 11

When they were done at the lab it was getting late and they decided to turn in for the night and get an early start in the morning. They made their way back to Ray’s dorm and entered his room. Ray let the girls enter first holding the door for them. Lana walked in and noticed the bunk beds that were a staple to any dorm room. She hadn’t paid any attention to them earlier. “Ooo, I want the top bunk! Can I have the top bunk?” She had never slept in a bunk bed before and for an 18 year old was far too excited to finally have the opportunity.

“Fine with me, my bed is the bottom one anyhow. Chloe you can have that one, I can sleep on the couch.” Lana happily scrambled up to the top bunk and flopped back onto the pillow.

“But where will Clark sleep? Do you an air mattress or anything?” Chloe figured Clark would be just as comfortable sleeping on a bed of red hot nails, but was still concerned out of habit.

“Clark can sleep up here.” Lana’s eyes went wide. She couldn’t believe she actually said that out loud and so quickly. Its not like she wouldn’t enjoy behind held in those strong arms all night, but they had only been back together for such a short while and she didn’t want to move too fast.

Before Clark could speak you could hear his ‘gulp’ all the way across the room. “Umm, are you sure you’d be comfortable with that?” If the others in the room could hear Clark’s thoughts they would have heard a thunderous ‘WHOOHOO!’ but as it were they only heard the gentlemanly reply.

“Hey, it wouldn’t be the first time.” Again Lana could not believe what was flying out of her mouth. Oh my gosh, I must sound like a drunken prom date! But her mind was floating back to the other night when she had slept the whole night with Clark.

“Um, yeah. Good point.” Clark was surprised at Lana’s reaction, but was not about to complain. He too climbed up to the top bunk, making the entire frame creak.

“Ok, if this thing collapses on me you two are dead.” Chloe had put her two hands up as if to support the weight of the two on the top. “And no monkey business up there, I am too young and impressionable to be exposed to such things.”

”Chloe!” Clark squeaked in embarrassment. Lana and Ray just laughed, more at Clark’s reaction than to Chloe’s comment.

“Ok, is everybody settled in? Good. Goodnight everyone” Ray shut the light out and moved toward the couch. He stopped short and turned toward his own bed. He bent down and gave Chloe a kiss on the cheek. “Goodnight Chloe.”

“Goodnight Ray” If it hadn’t been dark Ray would have seen Chloe beaming as she closed her eyes.

“OOOOOOO” Lana and Clark both made it quite clear they heard the kiss.

“Shut up you guys” Chloe now kicked the top mattress with both feet. She was now glad it was dark as no one could see her face turn a bright red. She could still hear snickering coming from the top bunk and gave it another kick.

Clark and Lana finally stopped snickering and tried to get comfortable. Clark had pushed himself up against the wall to try and give Lana as much space as he could. She was at the other edge of the bed trying not to fall off. There was a good foot in between them, and this being a ridiculously small dorm room mattress that was a feat. Lana had to catch herself from falling for the second time. This is ridiculous. She scooted over toward Clark. She put her hands on his shoulders and made him lie on his back.

“What are you doing?” Clark didn’t know what was going on, but he liked it.

“I’m getting comfortable, and I don’t want to end up falling on the floor. I don’t think you could catch me in your sleep.”

“True, sleep heroics is defiantly not in my list of abilities.”

Ray couldn’t help overhear those two, even though they were whispering it was still a very small room. List of abilites? Ray thought back to how fast Clark stepped in front of that mugger, and how he still thought that he got hit with that pipe, and also how far Clark must have ran to get to Crater Lake. He shook his head and decided he was just over analyzing the situation like he always did.

Lana continued to fidget and finally took Clark’s arm and spread it across the bed. She then snuggled up close to him and put her head on his chest. Clark folded his arm around her back and squeezed her. “I could defiantly get used to this.” Lana felt so safe and protected in his arms. They both quickly fell into a dreamless sleep. This moment both of their wishes had come true and there was nothing left to dream for.

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

The six men feverishly searched LuthorCorp Towers for Lex but to no avail. They had only met the resistance of a few security guards, who were all now dead. Nothing was going to stop these men. “How are we going to get to Lex’s mansion?” the first man said, the same man who had killed Dr. Murphy earlier. He was the unofficial leader of the group. He was the strongest and smartest. These men were ruthless as well as nameless. Now they were only known by the number branded on their wrists. The six exited the building by way of the loading dock as the sun was rising. There were several vehicles to choose from, but they decided to take the small unmarked transport van. They knew they would attract attention wherever they went, so they didn’t want a vehicle that was easily recognized. Before they managed to leave the loading dock a single police cruiser screeched to a halt and both officers quickly got out shielding themselves with the open doors. “One of those damned security guards must have called them before we ended him. Take them out; we cannot stop until Luthor is dead!” This command sent all six of the abnormal men racing toward the officers. The officers didn’t have time to say anything before they opened fire. It was incredibly difficult to hit these extremely fast men, but several bullets hit their marks. One of the six was shot three times before the fourth struck him directly in the heart and he finally stumbled and fell. It was too late however, one other man had been wounded, but kept coming along with the other four. They easily took out the officers. The five went to examine their fallen member. He was still alive but barely. The accelerated healing may keep him alive for a while, maybe even long enough to get to a hospital.

“Help me” he pleaded. “Get me to a hospital...please.”

“Yeah, we’ll get right on that.” The first man said putting a foot on the fallen man’s face and with a quick twist of his ankle snapped his neck. The other four laughed and turned to get into the van. “Where the hell is Smallville anyhow? Doesn’t matter…I want Lex to sweat a little bit after hearing of our escape. He is going to die nice and slow.”

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

Does everybody like where this story is going? I am trying to figure out what is to come next, and am having doubts.

[binkys711]

Originally posted by MOOman0618
Before Clark could speak you could hear his ‘gulp’ all the way across the room. “Umm, are you sure you’d be comfortable with that?” If the others in the room could hear Clark’s thoughts they would have heard a thunderous ‘WHOOHOO!’ but as it were they only heard the gentlemanly reply.


“Ok, if this thing collapses on me you two are dead.” Chloe had put her two hands up as if to support the weight of the two on the top. “And no monkey business up there, I am too young and impressionable to be exposed to such things.”


HAHAHA!!!!THAT WAS HILARIOUS!!!^^^^:rotfl::lol:

great update!!!PPMS!!!:D:D:Di like were it's heading!;)

[Cardinal]

Originally posted by MOOman0618
[B]Part 11

Oh my gosh, I must sound like a drunken prom date!

and

He bent down and gave Chloe a kiss on the cheek. “Goodnight Chloe.”

“Goodnight Ray” If it hadn’t been dark Ray would have seen Chloe beaming as she closed her eyes.

“OOOOOOO” Lana and Clark both made it quite clear they heard the kiss.

“Shut up you guys” Chloe now kicked the top mattress with both feet. She was now glad it was dark as no one could see her face turn a bright red. She could still hear snickering coming from the top bunk and gave it another kick.

Those were great! Chloe deserves a good guy, just not Clark!

[SVsleuth]

And add this one too:

“Ok, if this thing collapses on me you two are dead.” Chloe had put her two hands up as if to support the weight of the two on the top. “And no monkey business up there, I am too young and impressionable to be exposed to such things.” :lol:

And in response to this:
Does everybody like where this story is going? I am trying to figure out what is to come next, and am having doubts......

MOOman, the story is great! We want to know how these guys end up not killing Lex, if Clark will have to fight them, how much more Ray will figure out about Clark, when Ray & Chloe will really kiss, what the Kents will say when Clark gets back from spending the night in bed with Lana (if just the sofa got them worked up, what now?) - or what lie will Clark concoct?... Why Lex wants the body armor & whether he'll get it, (Hmmm would it work for Clark - multiply his strength?), etc. etc. etc... You have so much to work with. Waiting for more... The story's great! Keep writing!

-SVsleuth

[MOOman0618]

Wow...I guess I have my work cut out for me! I will try my best to not disappoint!

[NYC300Z]

Yeah u sure do! How about will Clark be able to fight these guys considering they were strengthened with kryptonight? Maybe Ray will have to defeat them using the suit? Well iono i didn't really like seeing Clark suffer while the girls talked about how great Ray was saving them maybe Clark will use the suit and it has a lining of lead in it so he can defeat the 6 err now 5 five guys!

Well just do u man! PPMS!!

[dreammaster]

another awesome chapter

[booze_is_me09]

dkdjs jdubuiw wbuwbhw pooiowi = jiberrish for u rock and so does ur story

[MOOman0618]

Hey...you alright?? I know we can get a little wild on a Friday night.

What exactly were you saying?

[NYC300Z]

SHE said it right there = jiberish for u rock and so does ur story

which also translates to UPDATE SOON! lol

[kewl]

Originally posted by MOOman0618

“Clark can sleep up here.” Lana’s eyes went wide. She couldn’t believe she actually said that out loud and so quickly. Its not like she wouldn’t enjoy behind held in those strong arms all night, but they had only been back together for such a short while and she didn’t want to move too fast.

Before Clark could speak you could hear his ‘gulp’ all the way across the room. “Umm, are you sure you’d be comfortable with that?” If the others in the room could hear Clark’s thoughts they would have heard a thunderous ‘WHOOHOO!’ but as it were they only heard the gentlemanly reply.

“Hey, it wouldn’t be the first time.” Again Lana could not believe what was flying out of her mouth. Oh my gosh, I must sound like a drunken prom date!

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

Lana continued to fidget and finally took Clark’s arm and spread it across the bed. She then snuggled up close to him and put her head on his chest. Clark folded his arm around her back and squeezed her. “I could defiantly get used to this.” Lana felt so safe and protected in his arms. They both quickly fell into a dreamless sleep. This moment both of their wishes had come true and there was nothing left to dream for.

great story mooman0618!!!!
whoa! nice move lana!!! lol! PPMS!!! :D

[ajfinn]

“Clark can sleep up here.” Lana’s eyes went wide. She couldn’t believe she actually said that out loud and so quickly.

UMMMM, yeah. That would be my reaction as well. *ajfinn's fantasy: What do you mean, Clark? Your car broke down, and you don't have anywhere to rest your weary head? Oh, well, come in and sit on my couch and rest it on my shoulder . . . what's that? You need a backrub . . . oh, okay . . . I guess I can manage that . . . "

Hee hee. Great fic dude!!!

[booze_is_me09]

^^^ha!

NYC300z i'm female
its alrite though

[NYC300Z]

oh sorry about that booze is me09 i'll go fix that.

M00Man we're waiting!! PPMS!!

[MOOman0618]

Part 12

The sun shown through the small dorm room window and made its way across Clark’s face. Clark stirred slightly as the rays reached his eyes. He took in a deep breath and found it was filled with the sweet and wonderful scent of Lana’s hair. He smiled to himself and gave the beautiful woman laying on his chest a squeeze. She did not even notice and continued to sleep soundly. She had her head nestled on his chest with his arm around her back resting on her waist. Her arm was bent across his stomach and her hand rest on his heart. Her legs were tangled with his, wrapped tightly to not let him go. Clark could not bring himself to wake this angel that laid to rest on him. He continued to smile and drifted back to half sleep for a long while. He was once again wakened by the soft whimper that escaped from Lana as she woke. Lana turned her head to look up at the man holding her close.

“Do I get to wake up like this every morning?” She smile and snuggled up to him.

“That would be wonderful.” Clark could only imagine waking up next to this woman for the rest of his life. “But I think we have to get up. We wanted an early start today, and it’s already 7.”

”What about 7 is not an early start?” Lana had laid her head back down and closed her eyes.

“Hey now, no sleeping. Up!” Clark was trying to get up without completely disturbing Lana. She turned to look at him again and slid up a little bit and gave him a very passionate kiss that made him totally forget about what he was trying to do. He slumped back down on the pillow. He lay there for a while before Lana spoke.

“See, isn’t this much better.”

“Hey!” Clark shouted realizing what just happened. “That is not fair. Do you think you can get anything you want just by kissing me like that?”

“Yup”

“Well, at least you’re honest.” Clark then decided to take matters in his own hands and began to tickle Lana relentlessly. She began to laugh out load and thrash around the bunk. She was basically convulsing and could barely speak.

“Ok…ok” Another bout of laughter broke through. “I’m up! Now get off!” In all romping around Lana was now against the wall. She stopped and put both of her legs out against Clark’s chest and tried to push him off the bed. To her surprise, he actual started to slide. She gasped as Clark started to roll off. She expected to hear a horrible thud, but instead she heard nothing. She looked over the side of the bed to see Clark stuck in mid air about four feet off the ground. Clark opened his eyes to see himself floating above the ground.

“I can’t believe you just pushed me off the bed!” He replied rolling to look upwards with feigned hurt in his voice.

“I still can’t believe that you can fly!”

Clark floated down to the floor and sat up. He looked around the room in a slight panic when he realized that there should be two other people there. Luckily Clark and Lana were alone. “I wonder where Chloe and Ray are.” Clark made his way to the window and glanced out to see Chloe and Ray sitting on a park bench in the grass sipping coffee and laughing with each other. “I think those two have really hit it off.”

”I think so too, I am glad. Chloe deserves somebody in her life. But hey…back to you flyboy! Did you will yourself to fly just then or was it is gut reaction to falling?”

“A little of both I guess. I slipped into super speed mode so I could try to stop from hitting the floor, and I was just thinking to myself that I should just start floating. Then, low and behold I was.”

“Clark, this seems like such an amazing ability. Do you know what people would give to be able to fly? Why don’t you do it more?”

”Ummm…no reason.” Clark lied and Lana knew it. She gave him a look that said ‘that’s crap and you know it’.

“Are you still afraid of heights?” Clark blushed slightly and looked to the floor.

“Stupid right? I mean I could fall out of a plane and the only damage would be the crater where I land, but it still freaks me out.”

“Clark, fear doesn’t have to be rational. But are you willing to try to get over this fear?”

“I don’t see why I have to, I can run fast enough. What do I need to fly for?”

“Well, I have always wanted to travel the world, and I cannot think of a better means of transportation.” She gave Clark a very seductive glance. “Besides, I think it would be really sexy to see you flying all over the place, wind in your hair.” She had climbed down from the top bunk and walked over to Clark running her fingers through his hair. She reached up and kissed him tenderly.

“Well, maybe flying isn’t that bad.” Clark said resting his forehead against hers. Then his eyes snapped open and he stepped back. “Hey! You did it again! This is not fair at all!”

“Maybe you’re not the only one with special powers.” Lana gave him a sly grin and moved closer and gave him a more aggressive kiss. Clark wrapped his arms around her and held her tight.

After everyone was ready, they decided to go shopping at one of Metropolis’ many malls and have lunch before returning to Smallville. The girls had a wonderful time shopping as Smallville left the shopoholics wanting. By late morning the guys had had enough and were practically dragging the girls from yet another shoe store.

“We are growing young men and need our food!” Clark was trying desperately to get the girls to end their endless bout of consumerism. Ray contributed by nodding and sticking out his bottom lip trying to look as pathetic as he possibly could.

“I think the both of you have grown quite enough.” Chloe turned to look at the 6’3” men. “Although, you both could pass as toddlers at the moment.”

Ray and Clark both stopped in their tracks and folded their arms across their chests. Lana and Chloe couldn’t help but think how impressive they both looked, two comparatively gigantic men standing there with a goal and a purpose. Even if this goal was just to stop shopping and get some food, they still looked extremely determined. The girls giggled at the sight and walked back to the pouting boys.

“Alright, we can go to lunch. I won’t even try my super kiss on you.” Lana looked loving at Clark and smiled.

“Thank goodness.” Clark let down his sentinel poster and put his arm around his beautiful girlfriend. “Let’s go to the Texas Roadhouse and get some steak!”


“I could defiantly go for a 16oz T-bone about now.” Ray’s mouth was watering at the thought of a medium rare steak just waiting to be slathered in A-1 and devoured. The girls both rolled their eyes and laughed again.

[dreammaster]

awesome chapter

[NYC300Z]

lol great update! Really enjoyed the part with Clark floating and Lana kissing him to get her way! really great! PPMS!!!

[kewl]

awesome update!!!! haha funny how clark can lose all his super strength at lana's kiss!!!! PPMS!! :D

[SVsleuth]

Yay! Lana has super-kiss powers! That was good. She's got him in the palm of her hand.

It's a good thing Chloe & Ray had left the room - I could just see Ray: "You can levitate?" Ha - Ha!!

[Cardinal]

Super-kiss, huh? The Man of Steel has a girlfriend with Lips of Velvet, for the softest, most mind-blowing kisses, time after time.

Pretty soon Lana will have her own line of lip-care products. She'll sell them by saying, "For kisses that make your man forget his own name..."

[booze_is_me09]

addictive, please resume!!!!

[binkys711]

jejeje! that was such a cute chapter!!!I LOVED IT!!!PPMS!!!

[MOOman0618]

Part 13

Clark, Lana, Chloe and Ray had a wonderful lunch at the Texas Roadhouse where the boys both ate every bit of food on their own plates plus every morsel that was left on their respective female counterparts. “Now that’s impressive, I didn’t think anybody was as much of a black hole as Clark was.” Lana eyed Ray taking the last bite of baked potato off of Chloe’s bare plate.

“Never underestimate the determination of a man with steak in front of him.”

“Here here!” Clark replied raising his glass in triumph.

“Well I hate to be the bringer of bad news, but we have to get going. I need to stop off at the lab to get the prototype and get to Lex’s Mansion in just a few hours.

“No problem Ray, I should get back too. I wonder how mad my parents are at me for just leaving.”

They all made there way to Lana’s SUV and headed out for Smallville arriving just in time for Ray to make it to Lex’s on time. They didn’t have time to get Ray’s car so Clark, Lana and Chloe decided to drop Ray off at the mansion.

“I am sorry to put you guys out like this again. Would it be ok if I called one of you after the meeting to give me a ride back to the hotel?”

“Actually, Chloe and I were going to ask Lex if we could use his pool today to try out our new suits that we just bought. So we can just stick around till you are done.”

“That sounds great! I don’t think it should take that long.”

When they arrived at the mansion, the four made their way through the front door.

”I think I am going to wait out here.” Clark stopped short of the door to Lex’s office. “Lex and I are going through a bit of a rough patch since he thinks I…” Clark stopped realized that Ray had no idea about the stones and he really didn’t’ want to explain them to him and end up having to tell a horrible lie to cover it up. “…well, we just aren’t on the best of terms.”

“Ok then, we will find you in a while.” Ray was not going to stand in the hall and argue, even for a big guy, a hundred pound load gets heavy pretty quickly.

“Lana, Chloe, I didn’t know you knew Ray. What are you two doing here?”

“Well, it’s pretty hot out today and we both just bought some new swimsuits, so we were wondering if we could use your pool for a while.” Lana spoke to Lex in a way not many people did. She still held hope that there was some good left in him, even after his outburst about the stone before the meteor shower.

“How could I deny two of the prettiest girls in Smallville the use of my pool?” Lex gave Lana a sly and charming smile and then turned to Chloe looking her right in the eye. “Just be careful, it might be dangerous.” Lex’s smile quickly took on a very cold and baleful quality. Chloe smiled nervously and took a step backward. “Without a lifeguard that is.”

“Of course Lex, we will probably just be floating around on some rafts anyway.” Lana grabbed Chloe’s arm and started to pull her out of the room. Lex still held her in his gaze and Chloe was transfixed by the malice he infused her with. Chloe finally managed to turn around and the girls made their way out of the room.

“Ray, it’s good to finally meet you in person.” Lex extended his arm to shake Ray’s hand. “Did you bring the girls here? I didn’t know you knew them at all.”

“Yeah, we met a few days ago. The four of us just got back in from Metropolis. We were running late so we came straight here.”

”Four? Who is the fourth?” Lex knew who the fourth was but playing down his own knowledge was almost second nature to him.

“Oh, Clark went too. He is around somewhere. I think he thought this wasn’t the best time to talk to you.”

”He’s probably right. Anyhow, down to business. Show me this amazing piece of technology that you have invented.”

“Well don’t give me all the credit, Professor Ludwig helped a lot, along with the other graduate students.”

“I’ve read all of the features of the exoskeleton in the e-mail that you sent me last month. Now I would like a demonstration. I am most concerned with weight and agility. There is no point in being bullet proof if all you can do is stand there and get shot. Why don’t you go and put it on and give me a demonstration.”

”Oh, I don’t know. It’s still in the prototype stage and I don’t have any of my monitoring equipment here. Plus we have never done a full body test. We have only tested individual components.”

“Ray, if you are not confident in your design then why should I be? If you are not willing to show me proof then I can always take my grant money and go somewhere else.” Lex looked at Ray callously. He knew how to get into people’s heads, and he could tell Ray was very proud of his creation and would not let it go this easily.

“Ok Lex, it will take me a few minutes to prepare.” As Ray spoke there was a loud crash outside the mansion. “What was that?”

“I am not sure. I am going to call my head of security to find out, go put on the exoskeleton and I will be back in a few minutes.”

“Alright. I will wait for you here.” For as bulky as the armor seemed, it was very quick to put on. Ray was inside the armor in no time and began the power up cycle. Ray was walking around the office and saw his reflection in the big screen TV. He realized that having this suit on made him at least three inches taller from both the reinforced boots and the helmet. Damn, I look pretty good in this thing. He then stumbled back when he heard gunshots coming from the hallway. Oh my God, what is going on here? All of a sudden Lex burst through the door in a panic.

“Ray, we have to get out of here. I don’t know who they are but they have killed several of my security personal already.” Even in this frightened state Lex managed to cover his tracks. He knew exactly who these men were. He had beefed up his security since they escaped, and he defiantly didn’t think they would be taken out that easily.

“Lex, what’s going on?!” Ray was confused and scared. His mind went to his new friends that were also on the grounds in the midst of the fighting. Then the door that Lex had just closed flew open and an infuriated man strode in.

[dreammaster]

another awesome chapter

[Cardinal]

You can't stop there...(frigging cliffie)...we're just getting ready for some action!

[SVsleuth]

Who could it be? Post more soooooooon! Cliffys, cliffys, cliffys! :p

I liked this:
(Lex to Chloe) “Just be careful, it might be dangerous.” Ha-Ha! He's throwing back at her what she said to him in Commencement as she pushed him into the wall! Genius! - Only, if I were Chloe, I would have stayed with Clark instead of planning to go swimming at Lex's, after her interactions with Lex in Commencement.

[binkys711]

great update!!!don't leave us hangin' for 2 long!!!PPMS!!!:D

[NYC300Z]

Great update! I guess Ray will have to save Chloe and Lana and again Clark will have to endure hearing them praise Ray. oh well please continue soon!

[booze_is_me09]

this is awesome! please don't stop!PPMS!

[kewl]

hey, you can't just stop there!!!! :D great update!!! PPMS!!

[MOOman0618]

Part 14

“Luthor!” The enraged man quickly ran toward Lex and grabbed him by the throat lifting him off the ground with one hand. “I hope you realize you are in for a whole lot of pain! I have four other guys here just waiting to give you your very own piece of hell!” He then threw Lex back against his desk. Lex was dazed but still conscious. The man made slow steps toward Lex to give him time to appreciate just how much trouble he was in. Suddenly out of the corner of his eye the man saw a huge figure barreling at him. Ray was running full speed, which happened to be quite a bit faster than his normal speed thanks to the strength enhancement to his legs. He lowered his head and stuck out his shoulder and plowed directly in the man assaulting Lex. The man was taken off of his feet and flew back into a bookcase. As he lay there on the floor, the man could already feel less pain his back. After only a few moments he got to his feet and came toward Ray. “I don’t know who you are, but anyone trying to protect this maggot will die just like all the others. The man came at Ray with a roundhouse kick to the head with Ray easily blocked and countered with a backhand to the face. This blow was also blocked by the man who took a step back. “Ahhh...a challenge.” Lex still lay on the floor looking up at the two men in what seemed like a choreographed dance of strikes, blocks and countermoves. I guess choosing retired Navy Seals were not the best choice for a preliminary super soldier experiment. But this is an excellent field test for my new armor.

Elsewhere in the mansion Clark had heard the commotion but was deep in thought and did not bother to see what it was. That was until he heard the gunshots. He sped to a safe area where no one could see him. He scanned the area and realized what was going on. Five men were very quickly taking out a horde of security guards. Just as a few more of the guards fell three of the men took off deeper into the mansion. Clark then went to confront the two still remaining. “What are you dong? What is wrong with you?” Clark shouted from across the room.

“Shut him up!” The first man barked at the other. The second man ran toward Clark. He was not at all worried until the man got within several feet of him. Clark could feel the effects of the Kryptonite. It seemed like a very small amount of it, as he could still stand and was not double over in pain. However, he could defiantly feel himself become weaker. The crazed man came at him with a fury of punches. Normally this would be no problem for Clark, either just letting them hit him or going into super speed mode and block them all. This time he did not have time to think and went with the poor choice of just let them hit him. The first and second punches landed one right after another followed by a kick to the gut and finally a spin kick to the face. This sent Clark spinning in the air landing on his back. Ok Kent, bad idea. Let’s try fighting back, shall we? Clark got to his feet in time to try to defend against the next barrage of strikes. With all his might Clark was able to block most of the onslaught but a few stray fists landed. Clark finally decided to make a move and fight back. He came around with a haymaker punch that with his last burst of speed actually landed on target. The man stumbled backward, unsure how this kid just hit him and how it was so damned hard. He shook it off and got to his feet. He had fallen back far enough that Clark felt immediately better and reenergized. However, this time both men came toward him. Clark then felt a stronger effect of meteor rock. They must have meteor rock in their system. Clark was sure about this as he scanned them both when he had regained his strength and found no large meteor fragments on their person. That must be how they are so strong and fast. I have to regroup. Clark stepped back quickly and sped away to think of a plan to take these men out.

Ray and his attacker continued the elegant dance for quite some time. Finally one of the man’s strikes landed, hitting ray directly in the ribs. “AAHHH” The man cried out and stumbled back. His fist was throbbing from making direct contact with hardened metal. “What the hell is that?”

Wow…I barely even feel that Ray was very proud that his armor was working so well. Even though the strike did not hurt him, he was still surprised at how fast, strong and skilled this random attacker was. Ray didn’t even respond to his assailant’s question. He did, however, take this opportunity to punch the man square in the face followed by a sweeping hook kick to the side of his head. The man flew spinning to the floor unconscious. As Ray stood over the fallen man, Lex managed to get to his feet.

“That was amazing Ray. You most defiantly have my full confidence in your armor. And thank you for saving my life.”

“Anytime, Lex” Ray finally let his guard down and looked up at Lex. “Who is this?”

“I honestly have no idea. Being rich and powerful also gives you many enemies.”

As Lex finished his lie the doors to his office flew open yet again to reveal two other men carrying two very terrified and very wet girls. The two men looked at Ray in head to toe black armor and then to the floor where their comrade lay.

“Chloe, Lana!” Ray shouted beginning to take steps toward them.

“Not so fast hero! We decided not to kill these girls so we could have some fun with them, but now it looks like we have ourselves some hostages and a ticket to Mr. Luthor.”

“Let them go. I swear if you hurt them.” Ray could barely contain himself he was becoming so angry.

“You’ll what? Kill us? Good, put us out of our misery. Now I’ll tell you what. First take off that damned helmet so I can see who I am talking to. Second, hand Q-ball over and you can pick which one of these lovely ladies gets to live.” Ray reluctantly took off the helmet and set it on the desk. “Good, now which is your favorite? Blonde or brunette?”

“Put them down!” Clark yelled as he burst through the doors.

“God, how many freaking boy scouts do they have in this place?” The men were getting impatient and decided it was time to speed things up. “Alright, Luthor if you want anybody in this room to live, come with us and take your comeuppance like a man.” As the two men holding the girls were focused on Lex, Ray made a motion to Clark with his head. They exchanged glances and mouthed words. The basic plan being Clark gets the guy on the left; Ray gets the guy on the right. Lex tried to negotiate with the men, but to no avail. As Lex was talking Ray mouthed to Clark, ‘one, two, three…’

[binkys711]

oh great a cliffy:rolleyes:...great update anyways;)!!!PPMS!!!:D hopefully Clark can beat up the guy seeing as he has Kryptonite in his system....

[SVsleuth]

Lots of fighting in this one. Now they need to finish them off. And then do we get more CLANA?

[MOOman0618]

Hopefully! I am not sure where I am going with the story after the next chapter...but I am hoping we will see some quality Clana soon!

[NYC300Z]

oh wow so there going to fight together!! that's gonna be a cool scene!
PPMS!!

[kewl]

u r so enjoying this do u??? giving us cliffies all the time??? :D great update, btw & PPMS!!! ;)

[linn]

oooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!dis i cool and hate it when theres a cliffy

[MOOman0618]

Part 15

Clark sped as fast as he could, hindered by the presence of the small amount of kryptonite, toward the man on the left, managing to catch him off guard and make full contact to the man’s face with his elbow. The man let Lana drop to the floor who had been struggling to break free of the iron grip. Clark and the man exchanged blows with each other, neither coming out on top. Finally, Clark mustered up every ounce of strength he had left in him and came with an uppercut. His fist struck the man’s jaw and brought him off the ground several feet only to fall to ground with a loud thud.

At the exact same time as Clark attacked, Ray did the same. Ray came at the other man shooting his leg in the air with his foot just above Chloe’s head kicking the man directly in the face. The man also released Chloe from his clutches as the metal boot made contact with his skull. Ray came right again giving the man no time to regain his composure. Electricity was arcing across Ray’s fingers as he activated the taser with his opposite hand. The crackling and hissing of the violent blue bolts followed Ray’s open palm making contact with the man’s chest sending 100,000 volts surging through him. He began to convulse and collapsed to the floor. Ray stay frozen in his stance guarding over the writhing man as the stun subsided.

In the moments of the surprise attack, the man lying in front of Lex was beginning to regain consciousness. Lex was too busy watching the battles being had to notice. The man, managing to raise himself off the ground, looked to Lex and struck him directly in the knee causing Lex’s leg to buckle. As he fell he hit his head against his desk knocking him unconscious. The man finally got to his feet wiping the blood away from his face from the blow Ray had laid upon him earlier. He ran to the billiard table and took two of the smooth pool cues. He ran toward Ray closing the distance extremely rapidly. Ray managed to block the first swing of the cue which broke over his arm. Damn, I felt that one. Just as Ray decided that the pain in his arm was not enough to stop him, the second cue came down over his exposed head. Ray fell to the ground in a daze. The man walked away from Ray and to the nearby grand piano. With all of his strength and a primal growl he grasped the piano and raised it over his head. Turning to Ray and grinning the man heaved the massive instrument at him. Clark having regained some strength ran and covered Ray as the piano came crashing down breaking into countless pieces sending wood and ivory across the room. The shock had taken away much of the strength that Clark had gotten back, not to mention he was now near two of the kryptonite infected men rather than one. Clark struggled to his feet to fight again. By this time the man had searched the room for yet another weapon, only to find a very sharp katana on the shelf behind the desk. He was now brandishing the polished steel and making aggressive moves, toying with Clark. He raised the sword over his head to come down with a blow which Clark was very worried could seriously damage him. Ray, finally able to focus his eyes again, saw what was about to happen and quickly brought up his right hand sending the taser leads shooting from his hand and into the man’s chest. He dropped the sword and fell to the floor.

Lana and Chloe had managed to stay out of the way and took in the spectacle of what was before them. Lana ran to Clark who by now had exerted himself to the point of exhaustion and had slumped to his knees. She wrapped her arms around him and held him close. She did not yet know that there was Kryptonite in play here and she was extremely worried about her now fatigued superhero. Chloe had walked slower over to Ray. She knelt beside him and grabbed his hand.

“Chloe, if they would have hurt you two, I don’t…” Ray was shaking both from adrenalin and from fear. He was now sitting up but did not try to stand. Chloe put her hands on his cheeks before she spoke.

“But they didn’t, you and Clark saved us.” Chloe look deep in Ray’s eyes and could see the anger begin to melt away bringing back the deep pools filled with compassion and kindness. She leaned her face in close to his. She paused just before their lips touched. She could feel his still heavy breath on her skin. “Thank you Ray” she barely whispered and finally put her lips to his to form the kiss that they had both had been desiring since the first moments they saw each other. They kissed for several long moments completely shut off from the world reveling in each others embrace. Finally Ray backed away from the kiss, realizing they were not safe yet.

“We have to do something about these men. They are going to wake up and there are still two more out there somewhere.”

“They are too strong and too many. We have to leave.” Clark had managed to stand up, backing away as far as he could, but the presence of three of these men was getting to be too much for him. “We can go to my farm, they don’t know who we are, we should be safe there until we figure out what to do.”

“Good plan, help me carry Lex. We have to leave now.” Clark and Ray managed to pick up Lex and carry him to Lana’s SUV.

The three men in Lex’s office had finally come to and were incredibly irate at what had just transpired. The two others came in the office to find them still sitting on the floor. They tried to explain but their unofficial leader, who had been busy searching the rest of the house, would hear none of it. “Are you trying to tell me two kids took out not just three Navy Seals, but three chemically enhanced Navy Seals?”

“These weren’t just any kids, the one had on an incredible suit of armor that we couldn’t get through and the other. Well, it almost seemed like he got into the same stuff that gave us our strength. He was no ordinary kid.”

“Fine, I’ve heard enough excuses. Now we need to start again and find Luthor. Maybe he went back to Metropolis. He wouldn’t be stupid enough to stay in this mansion or this Podunk little town.”

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

A/N: I am going out of town for a little while...so I appoligize to anyone looking for an update in the next few days. But while I am gone, please send me many comments, which include suggestions. I could really use the help at the moment. I tried my best not to leave it at much of a cliffy, hope I did good! :)

[SVsleuth]

Loved this:
Clark having regained some strength ran and covered Ray as the piano came crashing down breaking into countless pieces sending wood and ivory across the room.

And this:
Chloe look deep in Ray’s eyes and could see the anger begin to melt away bringing back the deep pools filled with compassion and kindness. She leaned her face in close to his. She paused just before their lips touched. She could feel his still heavy breath on her skin. “Thank you Ray” she barely whispered and finally put her lips to his to form the kiss that they had both had been desiring since the first moments they saw each other. They kissed for several long moments completely shut off from the world reveling in each others embrace.

I can see it & feel it. And I'm really happy for Chloe. She's got a good man
(& it's NOT Clark) ;) Super update. Too bad you'll be away, but we'll be looking for your return. :)

[Cardinal]

This is great! All during the combat, I had the song "Kung Fu Fighting" going through my head, and yes, SV, the Chlay (will that work for Chloe and Ray?) action is very nice! :)

[MOOman0618]

Originally posted by Cardinal
This is great! All during the combat, I had the song "Kung Fu Fighting" going through my head, and yes, SV, the Chlay (will that work for Chloe and Ray?) action is very nice! :)

Wow...a whole new ship abbreviation. Awesome! I like it!

[binkys711]

cool update!:cool:I really liked it! action packed!:D PPMS!!!

[NYC300Z]

Yeah what binkys said!! PPMS!!

[kewl]

awesome update, full of action!!!! PPMS!!! :D

[dreammaster]

another awesome chapter

[booze_is_me09]

PPMS! that was great!

[Cardinal]

I've seen you on line MOOman, surely you have time for an update! No, I don't have any spare ideas right now, the few I have are already in my fic!

[MOOman0618]

Sorry...I am in the process of moving to Pittsburgh. I have only had time to read a few updates. I don't have enough time to read all the new ones, let alone update my own! I hope to be back within the week.

[NYC300Z]

A week? oh well try and have a nice long update then for us ok?

[Cardinal]

Oh, you said you were gonna be out of town for a few days...changing towns is a whole 'nother thing. Sorry, I'll wait. :)

[Clana-follower06]

I'm going to try to be patient, but so far it's not working. *taps foot impatiently*

[clana4ev3r]

While you're waiting why don't you work on your story????? :D

[Cardinal]

Just keeping you on the front page, MOOman! :)

[booze_is_me09]

*twiddling thumbs* PPMS!!!!!!!!!

can't wait til you get settled down in Pittsburgh!!!!!!

[MOOman0618]

Part 16

Lana pulled her SUV behind the barn just incase those men came near the farm. Lana and Clark, who felt immediately better after they left the mansion, stepped down from the high vehicle to help Chloe and Ray get Lex out of the back seat.

“He has a pretty nasty gash on his head, should we take him to the hospital?” Ray was truly concerned for Lex, but didn’t have any experience in these situations.

“We can’t let anybody know where he is. If we take him to the hospital there will be almost no way to protect him.” Clark spoke to Ray but was X-raying Lex to make sure he was not too seriously injured. “I am going to take him into the house. I think he just needs some rest. My parents will know what to do with him.” My parents! Crap! I haven’t spoken to them since our little outburst yesterday. “Um, I better go in alone for now. I think I will have some explaining to do.” Clark scooped up Lex and carried him into the house.

“Clark! Where the hell have you been?” Jonathan started yelling as soon as Clark walked through the door, he then noticed a passed out Lex in Clark’s arms. “What happened to Lex?”

“It’s a long story.” Clark told his parents everything from the night before including the muggers and the dinner and what Ray figured out for himself and what he had just witnessed in the Luthor mansion.


Meanwhile out in the loft Ray stood staring out the large window deep in thought. Chloe and Lana couldn’t help but think of how strange it was that that is exactly what Clark would be doing if he was there right then. The girls had dried off and put on something more than their swimsuits, not even thinking of what Ray just saw.

“Ok, I have a question.” Ray began to speak, but didn’t turn around. His forehead was still creased from his musing. “What the hell just happened?” Both girls looked at each other and giggled softly. Ray turned to look at them even more perplexed than before at their lighthearted take on today’s events.

“Oh, my dear Raymond. You are obviously not from Smallville. As strange as this may seem to you, this actually is not that out of the ordinary.” Chloe walked over to Ray, who still towered even higher than normal due to his armor, and put her hand on his shoulder.

“Are you trying to tell me that five crazed and obviously somehow altered men assaulting a local billionaire only to be taken out by a guy in a prototype exoskeleton and some other guy is normal?”

”Pretty much.” Chloe tried very hard to reassure Ray and gave him that classic smile of hers.

“Yeah, I have completely lost count of how many people in this town that needed saving from some lunatic.” Lana stood from the couch and made her way over to the two by the window.

“So are there just a bunch of random superheroes roaming the streets of Smallville looking for people to be saved? I mean how is this whole town still alive?”

”Well, it’s not a bunch of random superheroes, it’s mostly our very own Clark Kent who does most of the saving.” Lana beamed with pride boasting about her gallant boyfriend.

“Which brings me to question number two. Was it just me or did Clark get smacked over the head with a PIANO and brushed it off like it was nothing?” Lana and Chloe glanced over at one another, neither one had any idea of how to handle this. Ray was far too smart and had seen far too much to fall for any sort of excuse they could come up with.

“Maybe that suit of yours is cutting of the blood supply to your brain. People don’t just get hit by pianos and walk away, at least those people outside the realm of Wyle E Coyote don’t.” Chloe tried her best to come up with something believable, but failed miserably. The quick witted journalist seemed to be at a loss for words when speaking to Ray.

“YOU STILL HAVE PIECES OF WOOD STUCK IN YOUR HAIR!” Ray was getting frustrated, already upset about the whole occurrence and now the girl he just kissed for the first time was blatantly lying to him.

“Ok, ok. You are going to have to talk to Clark though. This is not something Lana or I should be talking about.”

”Fine but he better coming up with something better than me hallucinating or comparing himself to a cartoon coyote.” Ray had calmed down a bit and smiled down at Chloe. “That was a really lame attempt by the way.”

“Hey, it’s not my fault that you make my brain turn to mush!” Chloe’s brain wasn’t the only thing that turned to mush when Ray looked at her. She could barely keep standing straight when he gazed into her eyes.

“You’re telling me. This armor is the only thing keeping my knees from buckling.” Chloe and Ray continue to stare at each other slowly moving closer to each other. Once they are only inches away, Ray puts his hands on her waist and lifted her off the ground with ease. Chloe flung her arms around his neck and began feverishly kissing him. What followed is what Lana would later describe as the most insistent make-out session she had ever witnessed. Lana was very surprised that they were going at each other with such fervor when she was standing right there.

“Um, I’m going to go see how Clark’s doing.” She said turning away from the passionate couple and walking down the stairs. Wow, they aren’t very shy are they? As Lana got closer to the house she could already hear shouting.

“We just got done having a talk about spending the night with Lana and you turn around and do it again!” Jonathan after making sure Lex was in no danger turned his sights back to Clark. “Why all of a sudden do you feel like you don’t need to listen to your parents anymore?”

“Dad, there is finally nothing stopping Lana and I from being together. For once in my life I don’t feel alone. Around everyone, people at school, people on the street, my best friends and even you guys I feel like I don’t belong. I am the only person like me, and no one will ever understand that. But when I am will Lana, I don’t feel alone. And it’s not because she understands what its like to be me, or because I forget about who I am. It’s because I feel complete when I am with her. We are no longer two separate people struggling to find our place in the world, we are one person. We don’t have to struggle anymore because we both know our place is with the other.” Jonathan’s harsh expression fell away into one of concern and of love. He outstretched his arms and placed his hands on Clark’s shoulders.

“Son, you have no idea how happy it makes me to hear that coming from you. I never stop worrying about you and how your life will be once your mother and I are gone. It is a great comfort to know that you found someone to love you and share in your gifts.” He then took his hands away turned and took a few steps away from Clark. A very serious expression came back across his face. “However, just because I am thrilled about your happiness, does not mean I am thrilled about these slumber parties you have been throwing yourself. You are still young, and even though you are mature beyond your years and have seen things that most people could only dream of, you still have a lot of growing up to do. Wisdom is not measured by how much you can lift, or how many bullets can bounce off of you. One day, when you have children, you will understand where I am coming from. And Clark, as long as you live under this roof, there will be rules, and you must respect those rules. Got it?”

“Yeah Dad, I got it.”

“Good, then you won’t mind pulling some double duty around here to show me just how much you respect your mother and me and our rules.”

“Nope, don’t mind at all.” Clark forced a smile even thought he was screaming on the inside. Jonathan turned and went in the living room where Martha was tending to Lex. Clark turned to go back outside when he saw Lana standing at the door. She had tears in her eyes and a huge smile across her lips.

“Did you mean all that Clark?”

”Every word.” Clark slowly walked over to her and held her close. He pulled her head against his chest and squeezed. “I cannot imagine a life without you Lana. And I will do everything I can to make sure I will never have to.”

“I love you Clark Kent.”

“I love you too Lana Lang.” Martha had gone to the kitchen to rinse out the washcloth she had used to clean Lex’s wounds. She overheard Lana and Clark and saw them holding each other. Finally! She thought to herself, smiling as she rung out the extra water. After a few moments in each others arms Lana remembered what had happened in the loft.

“Um, Clark?” Lana tried to sound as sweet and as innocent as she could. Clark was still smiling resting his head on hers.

“What is it?”

”You have some explaining to do.”

“What? What did I do now?”

“You got hit with a piano.”

“But I’ve told you about worse things hitting me than that…Oh damn. Ray”

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

A/N: Thanks everybody for being patient with me! And thank you Cardinal for keeping me on the front page!

[Cardinal]

Yes! "Brilliance" is living up to its name.

First, we had...

Originally posted by MOOman0618

“Dad, there is finally nothing stopping Lana and I from being together. For once in my life I don’t feel alone. Around everyone, people at school, people on the street, my best friends and even you guys I feel like I don’t belong. I am the only person like me, and no one will ever understand that. But when I am will Lana, I don’t feel alone. And it’s not because she understands what its like to be me, or because I forget about who I am. It’s because I feel complete when I am with her. We are no longer two separate people struggling to find our place in the world, we are one person. We don’t have to struggle anymore because we both know our place is with the other.” Jonathan’s harsh expression fell away into one of concern and of love. He outstretched his arms and placed his hands on Clark’s shoulders.

and then came...

“Did you mean all that Clark?”

”Every word.” Clark slowly walked over to her and held her close. He pulled her head against his chest and squeezed. “I cannot imagine a life without you Lana. And I will do everything I can to make sure I will never have to.”

That was great!!! Some of the best Clana mush I've ever read. The best part was that he was saying it, not because it was what he thought Lana wanted to hear, but because it was what he believed and Lana just happened to overhear it...the best kind of reveal!

Even the Chlay action was great, and I think Ray is moving past 4Ever's Sean as my favorite author-created character.

:) :) :) :) :) This update gets five smileys out of five. If all your updates will be like this, please move to a new city every week.

[NYC300Z]

LOL that was funny "oh damn. Ray" :lol:

Very sweet what Clark told his parents about Lana. They really shouldn't get too mad at him.

PPMS!!

PS does this mean ur done moving?

[clana4ev3r]

great update!!!!

[MOOman0618]

Originally posted by NYC300Z


PS does this mean ur done moving?

Yeah, I am pretty much done. It wasn't that bad of a move, but it took a while.

[midnite_spark]

great update!! i can't wait to hear what excuse clark comes up with for this one!

"Uhh well u see....the guy was so strong and angry that when he picked up the piano to smash over u...it crushed in his hands b4 it reached my head...yeah...that's it....mhmmm..."

[dreammaster]

awesome chapter

[kewl]

brilliant update!!! that was very sweet, what clark said to his parents about how he feels about lana.... :) PPMS!!!!

[SVsleuth]

Clark told his parents everything from the night before including the muggers and the dinner and what Ray figured out for himself and what he had just witnessed in the Luthor mansion.

When I read that I thought, "Everything? Even where he and Lana slept?" I thought sure he'd leave out some of the details - but apparently not, since Jonathan seems to know all about the "slumber party." I guess Clark is just too honest for his own good. ;)

Then, I say "ditto" to everything Cardinal posted. He beat me to it.

So glad you're back, MOOman! Super, super update. PPMS!

[binkys711]

wow! amazing update! that was so beautiful what Clark said about Lana:) great writing!;) welcome back dude!:D PPMS!!!

[Dr. Jeckyll]

Okay, how on earth did I miss this one out? Great writing, as near perfect as it gets! Looking forward to your next update!

Btw, congratulations on your engagement!

[booze_is_me09]

that was awesome! i wonder what clark is going to do about ray?
it shouldn't be to hard since he used to lying all time.

PPMS!!!!!!!

[kewl]

yay, clark has a lot of explaining to do.....
it shouldn't be to hard since he used to lying all time. L:oL! i agree with u booze_is_me09! :D

[MOOman0618]

Part 17

“What the heck am I going to tell him?” Clark still hadn’t let go of Lana and they both stood in the embrace while Clark thought and Lana smiled.

“If you want me to help you think, then you are defiantly going to have to let me go. I really can’t put together a coherent thought when you are holding me.” Clark chuckled and released her from his arms. However, Lana continued to hold him tight around his waist nestling her face even further into his chest.

“Hey now, I thought I had to let you go?”

“I probably don’t have anything constructive to say, so you mine as well wrap those arms back around me there sweetheart.” At this Clark put his hands on her the sides of her shoulders and picked her straight up in the air to bring her to eye level.

“You are way too cute for your own good, you know that?”

“No, I didn’t know that. But feel free to explain it to me.”

“Maybe later! Right now we have to figure out what to do with Lex and what exactly I am going to tell Ray. I have no idea how to cover this up, I mean what can I say, ‘Uhh well u see....the guy was so strong and angry that when he picked up the piano to smash over u...it crushed in his hands b4 it reached my head...yeah...that's it’, I mean come on.” Lana laughed at the pathetic attempt at a cover story.

“Hey, it wouldn’t be the first time you tried to pull something out of those buns of steel and pass it off as truth.” She continued to giggle at the expression on Clark’s face.

“I thought I got pretty good at making up stories over the years.” Clark had put Lana down and now was standing with his arms folded in an attempt to make himself look more impressive.

“My favorites are still, ‘I’m just lucky I guess’ or ‘It must have had something to do with the time anomaly’ or your personal best ‘I have no idea’.” Clark now unfolded his arms and put his hands in his pockets lowering his head. He realized he could defeat just about any enemy he came across, but he could still get beat by this beautiful little girl. “Awww, it’s ok Clark, I still love you.” She reached up and gave him a quick kiss. “But we better figure out something to tell Ray fast, Chloe can’t occupy him forever.”

“Occupy? What exactly is she doing to occupy him?” Clark raised one eyebrow with curiosity.

“I’ll show you later.” Lana ran her hand down Clark’s chest looking him up and down with hungry eyes. Clark got a huge grin on his face putting the pieces together.

“Anyhow” Clark said grabbing Lana’s hand and kissing her palm lightly. “Ray doesn’t seem like the type of guy that is easily fooled. I mean from what he told us already I wouldn’t be surprised if he came running in here and told me he already knew I was from Krypton and he could recap the last few days before it exploded.” Just as Clark finished his sentence Ray came walking through the door. I was just kidding!

“Ray! What’s up?” Clark said acting as cool as he could.

“Um, Lana. Chloe wants to talk to you, and I would like to talk to Clark.”

”Yeah, sure. I am going to go the loft to see what she need ok?” Clark looked at her with pleading eyes screaming, ‘For the love of God, don’t leave me with him!’ She could tell exactly what he was thinking and could barely stifle the laughter bubbling up in her. She walked out the door leaving Clark to fend for himself.

“I wanted to ask you something about what just happened at Lex’s. How is he doing by the way?”

”Fine, fine. My parents are taking care of him right now. He still hasn’t woken up yet, but he is breathing fine and we think he just needs some rest. How are you and Chloe? I heard you two were getting to know each other a little better.” Clark tried his hardest to change the subject, but to no avail.

“We are great, but I am not one to kiss and tell. Now about the little piano bashing that I saw. How did you do it? That Piano must have weighed 750 pounds.” Clark always did better making up stories off the top of his head, so it was probably good that him and Lana hadn’t come up with anything.

“I don’t really know what you are talking about. When I ran in front of you it distracted him and he just smashed it into the floor. It barely missed both of us. Do you really think I would be standing here if I got his with a grand piano?” Clark forced a laugh. Ray gave Clark a very skeptical look and continued his questioning.

“Ok, let’s assume that little story you just told me is true. That still doesn’t explain how you were able to fight them. I could feel their strength when they struck me. I had on a completely bullet proof metal exoskeleton and it still really hurt to get hit. You had nothing and were able to hold your own. And I am not being cocky, but I don’t think you have the martial arts skills that I do, or they had. But it seemed like you could anticipate the moves they were going to make, or at least move a whole lot faster than anybody else could. Clark, I just want to know how.”

“Ray, I can’t explain how. Just please, drop it. And you can’t talk to anyone about this. It is really important that you don’t tell anybody.”

“How can you ask me to drop this? I don’t even know what you did and I think it’s incredible. Are you trying to tell me that you don’t know how you did what you did, or that you don’t trust me enough to explain it?”

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

A/N: I want to take a poll. There are a couple ways this story could go. Who wants Ray to be totally in on the secret and who things he should be left in the dark? Post a reply or PM with your answer. Thanks! :D

[Cardinal]

Originally posted by MOOman0618
Part 17

“But we better figure out something to tell Ray fast, Chloe can’t occupy him forever.”

“Occupy? What exactly is she doing to occupy him?” Clark raised one eyebrow with curiosity.

“I’ll show you later.” Lana ran her hand down Clark’s chest looking him up and down with hungry eyes. Clark got a huge grin on his face putting the pieces together.



That's classic Clana! :p

I think Ray should be let in on the abilities right away, though you may want to keep him in the dark about Krypton.

[binkys711]

wow! great update!!!I loved the clana scene those were so cute! and i was cracking up when Clark thought:

I was just kidding! and ‘For the love of God, don’t leave me with him!’

great touch!:rotfl:

PPMS!!!

[dreammaster]

another awesome chapter

[Dr. Jeckyll]

Originally posted by dreammaster
another awesome chapter Ditto! PPMS! Have to agree with Cardinal. Let Ray in on his abilities and keep him in the dark about Krypton (at least for some time). Ray sure is a clever guy :D

[midnite_spark]

Originally posted by MOOman0618


I have no idea how to cover this up, I mean what can I say, ‘Uhh well u see....the guy was so strong and angry that when he picked up the piano to smash over u...it crushed in his hands b4 it reached my head...yeah...that's it’, I mean come on.” Lana laughed at the pathetic attempt at a cover story.

hahahahahaha Hey MOOman...that line seems very familiar :lol: I'm glad I'm able to help out in your story :D
----------------------------------

A/N: I want to take a poll. There are a couple ways this story could go. Who wants Ray to be totally in on the secret and who things he should be left in the dark? Post a reply or PM with your answer. Thanks! :D

I say keep Ray in the dark

[MOOman0618]

Originally posted by midnite_spark
hahahahahaha Hey MOOman...that line seems very familiar :lol: I'm glad I'm able to help out in your story :D


I thought you would like it! :)

[NYC300Z]

Hey MOOman here's what I got to say....

Just do u!:D:lol:

[midnite_spark]

Originally posted by MOOman0618
I thought you would like it! :)

:D can't say that i wasn't got off guard with it. i'm glad to help out with ur great story;)

[SVsleuth]

This was a really fun chapter. PPMS! You decide and surprise us. I can take it either way...

[kewl]

yeah, i agree, keep ray in the dark about krypton!!!! PPMS!!!!

[booze_is_me09]

never trust Ray!!!!!!!!!!!!!! don't tell him anything about Krypton but since he saw Clark use his abilities(kinda) then mabye Clark can let him in a little bit on the secret.

PPMS!!!!

[MOOman0618]

Part 18

“Ray, I am sorry that you got dragged into this, but you really have no idea what you are getting into. Everyone that has every found out anything about me has been put in danger. I barely even know you and already you have been nearly killed.”

“Clark, from what I have seen and heard, you do amazing things. Apparently you have even reached superhero status here in Smallville. Like I told you before, there are many reasons why I developed this armor. And all of them have to do with protecting people. All my life I have been obsessed with superheroes and how brave and selfless they must be to put their own lives on the line to save complete strangers. I have dreamt that someday I could be someone like that, working tirelessly for the good of mankind and not for money or fame. From what Chloe and Lana have told me, you are exactly what I have wanted to be since I was three years old. I want to help you, I need to help you. If knowing how you do the things you do puts me in harms way, then oh well. At least I will have the opportunity to do something, and not sit idly by and watch this world fall apart!” Ray pleaded with Clark with complete sincerity. Clark had not heard anyone talk like this before. It still amazed him that someone who was not bulletproof and was not super strong could want to put themselves in danger. But he could understand, there have been many times where Clark’s powers have failed him and he still did not back down.

“Alright Ray, you really want to know?” Clark had decided to let Ray in, but not completely. He was getting very nervous of the number of people who now would know about his powers.

“Yes!”

“Lets go to the loft, I am sure my parents will not be happy with me if I tell you, and I don’t want to take a chance Lex could wake up and see us.”

“Wait, Lex doesn’t know? I thought he used to be your best friend?”

“He was, and still may be. But Lex is a very complicated person, and someone I am not sure I can completely trust to do the right thing in any situation. He has been slipping further from me for a long time now. I am afraid he is too far gone to be saved now.” Clark’s expression became one of sadness and regret. He could not help but think that if he had been more honest with Lex in the beginning if things would be different. Lex always said that Clark was the one who helped keep his darkness at bay, but even Clark lied to him. Clark always thought he could do more than he did, and of course blamed himself. The two towering men walked up the stairs to the loft to see the two girls sitting on the couch again with their heads together gossiping and giggling. The both turned toward the boys and laughed again.

“What are you guys up to? You aren’t talking about us are you?” Ray went over and pulled Chloe up off the couch and gave her a kiss.

“None of your business! Girl talk is far too complex for the likes of you!”

“Is that so?”

“Yeah” Chloe said looking straight up at Ray smiling. After a few moments of staring Ray snapped out of it and realized why they had come up to the loft.

“Ok, now what about these secrets Clark.” Ray looked over to couch to find Lana and Clark making out completely cut off from the world. “Errrmm” Ray cleared his throat to get their attention but to no avail. “OH MY GOSH SOMEONE IS IN DANGER!” Ray shouted toward Clark.

“WHERE?!?!” Clark shot off the couch looking around the room.

“Whoa, easy there cheetah! Just trying to get your attention.” Clark had an intense look on his face, ready for whatever was to come. This just made everyone laugh more than they already were.

“That’s it; I’m going back to what I said yesterday. I am not saving anybody in this room again!” Lana stood up walked over to Clark and gave him another one of her super Lana kisses. Clark’s eyes glazed over and rolled back in his head before they closed. “Well, maybe I’ll save you a few more times.”

“Wait that’s not fair! We can’t just go up and start kissing him!” Chloe said playing concern.

“Speak for yourself; I need all the help I can get!” Ray said moving toward Clark lips puckered and arms open wide. Clark super sped to the far corner of the loft.

“Alright, alright, I’ll save you both too, just keep him away from me!” Clark laughed to himself but the other three looked surprised. Ray because he just saw disappear from right in front of him only to appear far behind him, and the girls because Clark did this in front of Ray. “Don’t worry, I decided Ray should know.”

“Wait! It took you four years to tell me and you are going to tell him after a couple days? What’s up with that?!” Lana played the part of a very pissed girlfriend to perfection, or maybe she wasn’t playing at all.

“Um…well, you didn’t see me get hit with a grand piano did you?”

“So! I have seen you get shot! And all those other ridiculous things you chalked up as luck! I saw you in a freaking tornado!” Clark could no longer tell if she was joking or not.

“Yeah, but he has a really cool battle suit. You never had a cool battle suit.” Clark gave her that Kent smile trying to win her over, but that quickly fell away when he received an intense glare from Lana.

“Oh you better be thanking your lucky stars that Isobel is gone because right now I think you could use a medieval butt kicking.”

“I don’t mean to interrupt your lovers quarrel but how did you just do that?” Ray interrupted them trying to get a handle on what he just saw.

“Welcome to your crash course in superpowers 101” Chloe said patting Ray on the back. Ray scrunched his eyebrows and gave Chloe a sideways grin. “Chapter 1: super speed. Don’t worry, this final is easy. It’s when we get into heat vision that it gets tricky.”

[SVsleuth]

FIRST!
***

Here's my favorite scene:
“Wait that’s not fair! We can’t just go up and start kissing him!” Chloe said playing concern.

“Speak for yourself; I need all the help I can get!” Ray said moving toward Clark lips puckered and arms open wide. Clark super sped to the far corner of the loft.

“Alright, alright, I’ll save you both too, just keep him away from me!” Clark laughed to himself but the other three looked surprised. Ray because he just saw disappear from right in front of him only to appear far behind him, and the girls because Clark did this in front of Ray. “Don’t worry, I decided Ray should know.” :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Great update, MOOman. So, Lana is ticked at Clark for telling Ray so soon, when she had to wait so long. He better start some romancing to make it up to her. Let's see, flowers, or candy, or a hot date, or.... ;)

[binkys711]

dude that was a completely hilarious update!:rotfl: I loved it! PPMS!!!

The kissing was hilarious and then when he said that Lana "never had a cool battle suit" lame excuse!:p and Lana and her miedieval butt kicking:lol:

great update!:Dpure genius!

[midnite_spark]

Oh man MOOman!!! I think u got Lana's reaction down to the T. I would've reacted the same exact way too....

i hope clark doesn't show him everything and actually tells him where he's from and such...just u noe...show him a limited amount of superpower...only to b fair to the girls...;)

[clana4ev3r]

hahaahahaha that was a funny update!! :lol: PPMS! :lol:

[Dr. Jeckyll]

Great humor, great clana, GREAT update! I really like this guy, Ray. He's one of my favorite fictional characters. He makes Chloe so happy, and she totally deserves that. PPMS!

[booze_is_me09]

great udate!!!PPMS!!!!!!!

[Cardinal]

'I need all the help I can get." :rotfl:

Once again, Ray steals the show!

[NYC300Z]

I'm with Lana how could he just show him like that! I'd be mad too if I were her! Clark better make it up to her!!

[kewl]

hahahaha.... that was such a hilarious update!!!!
"speak for yourself; i need all the help i can get" ray is so funny, but still i say, keep him in the dark about krypton!!!

[dreammaster]

another awesome chapter

[Dr. Jeckyll]

Is there going to be an update anytime soon M00man? I just LOOOOOOVE this story! PPMS!!!

[LoisNClark]

PPMS!!!!!!!!

[kewl]

PPMS!!!! thank u :D

[MOOman0618]

Originally posted by Dr. Jeckyll
Is there going to be an update anytime soon M00man? I just LOOOOOOVE this story! PPMS!!!


That is a good question...

Classes start today and apparently going to Grad school is not very easy. So I am going to have to see when I have time to update. Sorry so little info.:(

[kewl]

hope you'll find the time to squeeze in an update for us MOOman :D

[NYC300Z]

Yeah I hope your'e able to still give us an update!! PPMS!!

[Dr. Jeckyll]

It's good to see you're still alive M00man! And yeah, I hope you're able to squeeze in an update, 'cuz your story is brilliant!

[MOOman0618]

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

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

[binkys711]

This is like the 5th time i've seen the index:rolleyes::p

[NYC300Z]

I know i'm seeing that index everywhere too!! :lol::lol::lol:

[LoisNClark]

Same here!! I've seen it like 6 times already today:lol:

[kewl]

hahaha.. yeah me too, i've seen that index 6X already :lol: ;)

[MOOman0618]

Part 19

Lana was still slightly upset but the logical part of her was telling her that this situation was completely different than between her and Clark. She had to realize that Ray was now in serious danger and they couldn’t be holding things like this back from him.

“Ray, can you hold on a minute. I need to talk to Lana for a minute. Chloe, get me some props if you don’t mind.”

“Crowbar and candles?” Chloe said without missing a beat.

“Sounds good to me. Do you want to start him off and I’ll be back in a minute?” Clark said in reply taking Lana by the hand down the stairs. “Lana, I am sorry that it took me so long to tell you about my secret, but I am not going to tell Ray everything. Just the parts that he needs to know right now. This situation is totally different than what you and I have gone through. I really think I need Ray’s help to beat these guys. They must have trace amounts of kryptonite in their bodies. I don’t loose all my powers, but they are defiantly weakened.”

”I know Clark, I was just upset and I overreacted. It is just hard for me to see you so open with this guy that we just met.” Lana looked down somewhat ashamed for being angry with Clark.

“But I am not going to tell him the big stuff, for all he will know I am just a run of the mill meteor freak with some seriously amped up powers. I’ll make it up to you! Anything you want.” Clark shot her another grin lifting her chin so their eyes met. This time it won her over and she smiled back.

“Anything huh?” Lana now had a very mischievous grin on her face. Clark’s eyes went wide and mouth opened as if he could say something that would magically take back that potentially painful promise.

“Well, anything may be too strong a word.” Clark was stammering worried as to what Lana had in store for him as punishment.

“Don’t worry sweetheart, I only have one thing that I want and I don’t think it will be too painful for you.”

“I love it when you call me that.” Those small things that so many people take for granted were like gold to Clark. It was times like this that reminded him how lucky he was to finally be with the woman that he had dreamt about for so many years. This gorgeous creature that he has loved for so long now returned his feelings whole heartedly. They were now free to show their love for one another and it felt so good. Clark now was smiling bigger than he had in a long time and brought Lana into a tight embrace. “This is really not fair; you didn’t even kiss me this time and I am putty in your hands.” Lana laughed and nuzzled her face into his chest enjoying the moment.

“Clark, do you know what I want more than anything else right now?” She leaned her head back to look up as Clark loosed his bear hug.

“What is that?”

“I want to go on a date! A real date, like normal people go on, just the two of us. In the four years we have really been close we have not had the best history with actual dates.” Clark smiled down and Lana as a wave of relief washed over him. “And I want you to plan it.” As quickly as the relief came it went and was replaced with nausea.

“Me? You want me to plan our first date in; well I have no idea how long. I can do some incredible things Lana, but I don’t think planning a romantic date is one of them.”

“Yes you can! You just need to let out that little Casanova that is buried deep beneath that steel armor. I will love anything you plan, will you try?”

“Of course I will. Maybe I will employ the aid of my mother and Chloe, they are girls. I am sure they can help me.”

”No no no. I want YOU to plan this, not your mom and not Chloe. That was the deal remember? You don’t want me to get upset again? Do you?” Lana stepped back and folder her arms across her chest and gave Clark the ‘look’ again.

“Ok ok, no help. I will do it all myself.”

“Great, I can’t wait!” Lana’s expression immediately softened and she kissed Clark on the cheek and proceeded to skip to the stairs and went back up to the loft. Boys are so easy! Lana couldn’t help but think to herself.

So did I just get away with something, or did she just play me like a fiddle? Clark was more than a little confused, but he had more important things on his mind. Like how he should explain himself to Ray and what the heck he was going to plan for their date.

[Clana-follower06]

I haven't read the story in a while. But this is amazing! I love where you're taking this and how Chloe and Lana are helping Clark tell Ray the secret.

[NYC300Z]

:lol: I think he has worry more about planning the date than Ray! :lol: lol

[kewl]

wow, great update!!!! haha,lana got clark there re-the date thing!!! wonder what clark's idea is for their 1st official date??@@!!! yay, can't wait!!! ooohh, i almost forgot, he has to settle things with ray first.....don't be too open clark... PPMS!!!!

[dreammaster]

another awesome chapter

[midnite_spark]

how'd i miss that update last nite??...or this morning rather...

great update....

watch....when clark and lana reach the top of the stairs...chloe forgot to get the props cuz she and ray are in a serious make out session or something :D

[booze_is_me09]

PPMS that was awesome!!!!!!!

[Cardinal]

Thinking about Clark's romantic predicament, the only thing that comes to mind is a late-80s song by the group LeVert.

The song is "Casanova," and it started like this:

I ain't much on Casanova
Me and Romeo ain't never been friends.
Can't you see how much I really love you?
Gonna sing it to you time and time again.

Yes, Clark, you've definitely dug a hole for yourself!

Good stuff, MOOman! :)

[MOOman0618]

Originally posted by Cardinal
Thinking about Clark's romantic predicament, the only thing that comes to mind is a late-80s song by the group LeVert.

The song is "Casanova," and it started like this:

I ain't much on Casanova
Me and Romeo ain't never been friends.
Can't you see how much I really love you?
Gonna sing it to you time and time again.

Yes, Clark, you've definitely dug a hole for yourself!

Good stuff, MOOman! :)

LOL Cardinal! Where do you find this stuff! So perfect!!

Originally posted by midnite_spark
watch....when clark and lana reach the top of the stairs...chloe forgot to get the props cuz she and ray are in a serious make out session or something :D

Well you will just have to wait and see won't you! Although it seems like something they would do.

[LoisNClark]

midnite spark :lol:

awesome update!!!!!
PPMS!!!

[SVsleuth]

Super update, MOOman. I love the interaction between Clark & Lana in your story. And Ray is a cool character too. I'm all caught up now. More please. :)

[binkys711]

jajaja:rotfl: I thought what Lana and Clark thought where hilarious! great update! I loved it!:D:D:DPPMS!!!!!

[clana4ev3r]

hahaha great update! can't wait to see what clark has gotten planned!

[midnite_spark]

Originally posted by MOOman0618

Well you will just have to wait and see won't you! Although it seems like something they would do.

well if u ever update....i will lol :p

[kewl]

hope we get an update here soon....can't hardly wait what happens on their 1st date ;)

[midnite_spark]

hey MOOman...u've been in the other fanfics...why dontcha visit your own story....and u noe....let us all have a happy day by updating? huh? huh? ;)

PPMS!!

[MOOman0618]

I am trying! But school is keeping me busy along with all the other wonderful stories that are being updated far more regularly that this one.

Secondly I have written myself into a corner...I need to have Clark plan a romantic date...but b/c I am writting it, that means that I have to be able to come up with something romantic and that is not one of my talents! So I am stuck, but I have some ideas. I will do my best to get one up the weekend.


Maybe I should enlist Cardinal to help with the date...or anybody else to has some super ideas!

[kewl]

noted mooman, hope the next update will be worth the wait :)

[Cardinal]

Originally posted by MOOman0618
Maybe I should enlist Cardinal to help with the date...

I love it, the guy that can't get a date is the date doctor! :rolleyes: :rotfl:

[midnite_spark]

how about Clark........

umm......

Clark flies Lana to New York and they have a picnic at the top of the Empire State Building at nite over looking the city lights and busy cars below. And then....he flies her to Miami (woot woot! represent!...lol sorry) and they have a nice long walk on the beach.

flying or running...whichever one he prefers ;)

even if my idea sucks...at least it mite give u some ideas of your own....soo......u can update! :p

PPMS!

[NYC300Z]

on top of the Empire state building huh? That be kind of hard considering the building goes up into a point! :lol: Maybe on top of the Metlife building? :lol: oh I know on top of 101 Murray Street!? That building has a flat top and is right by ground zero!*I live at 101 Murray street:lol: 10th floor stand up!:lol:*

[linn]

THAT SOUNDS LIKE A GREAT IDEA........

[midnite_spark]

Originally posted by NYC300Z
on top of the Empire state building huh? That be kind of hard considering the building goes up into a point! :lol: Maybe on top of the Metlife building? :lol: oh I know on top of 101 Murray Street!? That building has a flat top and is right by ground zero!*I live at 101 Murray street:lol: 10th floor stand up!:lol:*

oh u noe what i mean! lol :p

or u noe what? better yet....clark and lana have a picnic on the top flat floor of the building and then afterwards clark holds onto lana while he stands on the point of the building for the best view :cool:

[NYC300Z]

yeah iight that sounds cool! or the 86th floor balcony/observation floor! why didn't i think of that b4? I guess because I haven't been to the top of the Empire State building since 1993!

[MOOman0618]

Part 20

As Clark pondered how he was so easily beaten by such a little girl he started to walk toward the stairs. Just as he got to the bottom step, Lana came running back down and jumped from four steps up into Clark’s arms and wrapped her legs around his waist. She grabbed two fistfuls of hair and began to ravage his mouth with her lips. Even for the man of steel, this was a bit much and he had to take a few steps back to regain his composure without breaking the kiss. After what seemed like far too short of a time to be in paradise Lana stopped kissing Clark, got herself down and walked toward the barn door.

“Wow” Clark replied breathlessly.

“Wow what sweetness?” Lana grinned smugly as she looked back over her shoulder.

“Wow, what was that for?” Clark said regaining the ability to make a coherent thought and the strength in his legs.

“Well, I went up to the loft while you were down here wondering how a little girl such as me tricked you into planning a whole date, and I saw that Ray had lost interest in your abilities and instead was trying to discover what abilities Chloe may be hiding. I see the passion they have for each other and I never want to loose that.” Lana had walked back to Clark and held his hands in hers.

“Believe me; as long as you can kiss me like that I will never be anything but overly passionate about you.”

“But Clark, what if one of these days I loose my powers and can’t perform the ‘super-Lana-kiss’ anymore?” Land pouted looking up at him with huge puppy dog eyes.

”Well then I will just have to spend every moment possible trying to teach it to you.” Lana smiled up at Clark and gave him a loving kiss. She then turned away and walked out of the barn and toward the house. Clark leaned against a beam and smiled thinking how lucky he was to have her love. He turned toward the stairs as he heard Chloe and Ray tromping down. Chloe was leading Ray by the hand and was heading for the car. Ray managed to stop while Chloe kept going a few more steps so that Clark was between them.

“Clark, hey…I will defiantly have to see that demonstration sometime.” Chloe, now behind Clark so only Ray could see her was motioning very seductively for Ray to follow her. “But, I have more important things to attend to right now. Apparently we are going to take Lana’s SUV back to Chloe’s. She said you can run her by later to pick it up.” Ray moved past Clark to meet up with Chloe who immediately gave him a kiss.

“Hey wait!” Clark spun around. “What did Chloe tell you?”

”Super strength…and speed…and some other…super…things.” Ray could barely get out these words between kisses. “I’ll talk to you later.” Ray stopped fighting and let Chloe kiss him completely as they struggled to the vehicle tripping more than once. Clark only stood there and laughed at the new couple as they finally drove away.

Clark made his way into the house and saw his parent and Lana standing in the living room over Lex. “Clark, Lex still hasn’t woken up. We think we should take him to the hospital.” Martha said seeing Clark enter the room.

“But mom, it will be too dangerous. Those men could come back at any time and then all those people at the hospital would be in danger too. These guys will kill anything; they have no remorse and no regret!”

“But Lex probably has a very serious concussion and if he doesn’t wake up soon he could slip into a coma and never come out. We can tell the hospital to post guards and use an assumed name for Lex.” Jonathan tried to be convincing, but Clark was still worried.

“You are probably right, but that doesn’t make me worry any less. I want to know Lex and the people that he is around will be safe, but I can’t baby sit him every second.”

“Clark, I know that you care about Lex and all those other people that you may not have even met, but you can’t save everybody.” Lana tried to comfort her heavily burdened boyfriend, but she knew that he would sacrifice every fiber of his being if it could save just one stranger.

“I can try.” Clark said with a sheepish grin.

“You need to live your life too Clark. And from what I hear, you have quite a bit to plan for in the next few days. You better come up with something good; I know I raised you better than some chocolates and a trip to KFC.” Martha was trying to get Clark’s mind off of saving everyone and she knew that this would defiantly distract him for a while.

“Lana! I leave you alone for five minutes and already you are gossiping about me to my mother!” Clark pretended to be angry making direct eye contact with Lana, but could barely stop himself from smiling.

“Hey, your mother and I have been trying to trick you into planning a date for a long time and I had to tell her that it finally worked. Oops, did I just say tricked. What I meant to say was...I was just telling your mom she wasn’t allowed to help you plan the date that you decided to plan completely on your own.” Lana smiled knowing she had won again.

“My mother would not try to trick me! She loves me!” Clark looked and pointed to his mother for help who now looked like a deer caught in headlights.

“Um, I am going to get Lex another blanket.” Martha promptly lowered her head and scooted to the kitchen.

“Actually Martha, I think we better get going and take Lex to the hospital. I also think that it may be time for Lana to head home. We may not be back for a while, and well…I don’t think I need to explain myself further.” Clark glanced at Lana who was now blushing and looked very uncomfortable.

“We get it dad. I will take her to Chloe’s to get her car.”

“Wait, why does Chloe have my car?” Lana turned to Clark confused.

“Her and Ray needed a little, um, privacy.” Now it was Clark’s turn to be uncomfortable.

“What is this world coming to Martha? These kids are running wild.” Jonathan had slipped into super father mode walking out of the room shaking his head and throwing his arms in the air.

“We should probably go, I can’t blame my dad. I don’t even know what I would do if we were left alone again.” Clark put his arms around Lana’s waist pulling her close.

“And what exactly do you think I would let happen if we were left alone?” Lana said playfully putting her hands on his chest. The two quickly separated as Martha walked back into the room.

“My goodness, we leave you for two seconds and already you have your hands all over each other.”

”Mom, we weren’t…”

“Oh hush. Just make sure you guys keep that passion, it makes everything else so much better. Now get out of here before your father gets the hose.” Clark gave his mother a wide smile and a kiss on the cheek, he then scooping Lana up in his arms and sped out the door.

[Cardinal]

Martha, Martha, Martha...you just can't keep your hands out of Clark's love life.

I hope Ray is, umm, 'protected' shall we say. :rolleyes:

Clark and Lana on an actual date...this should be fun. :D

[NYC300Z]

Great update! Very cute interaction between Clark and Lana! Just wonderful!:D
Hope the next update doesn't take as long!:lol:

PPMS!!:D

[MOOman0618]

Originally posted by Cardinal
I hope Ray is, umm, 'protected' shall we say. :rolleyes:


Now Cardinal...I wasn't that explicit. I think his armor will do fine for the time being. ;) This is not the adult forum remember!

[Cardinal]

I know, that why I was so delicate in my phrasing! :D

[NYC300Z]

:lol: @ Cardinal

[SVsleuth]

Super update, MOOman. Love all the playfullness & passion. Can't wait for the date Clark will plan. PPMS!

[kewl]

awesome update mooman!!! now clark has really got a lot of planning to do! PPMS!!!
L :lol: L cardinal!

[dreammaster]

another awesome chapter

[LoisNClark]

Awesome update!!!
Loved the little romance clana scene!!!

PPMS!!!:D

[midnite_spark]

great update! i love how Lana was aggressively loving in the beginning :cool:

wonder what clark has planned for the date....:D

[binkys711]

great update! loved it! very cute! can't wait to see the date! it should be interesting!;)PPMS!!!

lol Cardinal:lol:

[NYC300Z]

PPMS!!:)

[kewl]

hope we get an update soon mooman! :)

[booze_is_me09]

ppmasap!!!!! that was awesome!!!

[ajfinn]

Wow, Mooman, I can't believe this is your first fic!! Great job, keep it up!! :D

[MOOman0618]

Part 21

“Boy! You have to warn me before you do that!” Lana said getting down from Clark’s arms. Clark looked at Lana as she brushed herself off and he began to snicker. “What is so funny?”

“Um, does Bride of Frankenstein mean anything to you?” Clark could not contain himself anymore and his snickers tuned into a laughing fit. Lana put her hands on her head and realized her hair was standing straight up from the wind while they were running. Lana gasped and feverishly began to pat down her hair leaving one half a little calmer, but the other still standing on end. This made Clark laugh all the harder.

”I’m glad you think this is funny Mr. Kent.” She said slapping him on the chest. “Because I hope you still think its funny when you are sent home without so much as a goodnight kiss.” Clark immediately fell somber and ambled over to help Lana with her hair. “I knew you would see it my way.”

“Ok, assuming that Lex stays in the hospital and those men don’t come back I think we should go on our date tomorrow.” Clark was still stroking Lana’s hair even thought it was much calmer and flatter now.

“Tomorrow? You came up with the perfect date already? I am impressed.” Lana placed her hands on one of Clarks. She noticed that even using both of hers, she could not envelop his one massive hand. She brought it to her face and kissed his palm and placed it on her cheek.

“You should be. It’s not easy coming up with something so romantic in one evening. I will call you tomorrow with details. I should get to the hospital to see Lex.” Clark put his other hand onto her cheek and tilted her head up to kiss her. He gave her a sweet, loving and lingering kiss. There was no rush, no hurry. Only the moment they were sharing. When Clark finally released Lana’s lips it took her a moment to open her eyes again. Clark kept his face close to hers and looked into her eyes straight into her soul. Lana was frozen in his gaze as he continued to penetrate her being with his loving stare. “I love you Lana Lang” He finally whispered as if he said it too loudly he would destroy its fragility. Lana could not speak; she could only look into Clark’s eyes and try desperately to express her love for him that could not be described using mere words.

“I love you too Clark Kent, so much.” They embraced each other and finally parted, Lana going into the house to get her keys from Chloe and Clark walking at normal speed toward the hospital. It was too perfect a moment to run away from.

The next day Lana woke to the smell of fresh coffee just as she always did, but it was different today. The smell was richer and stronger. She opened her eyes and sat up in bed to see a tray next to her with a single rose sitting next to a wonderful spread of homemade waffles, eggs, sausage and of course coffee. There was a note folded next to the rose and it read,

‘For every beauty there is an eye somewhere to see it. For every truth there is an ear somewhere to hear it. For every love there is a heart somewhere to receive it.’

Lana set the tray to the side and jumped out of bed to see if her wonderful boyfriend was still in her apartment. But as she looked around she could not see anything else out of place. She was very disappointed and frowned but immediately smiled again finding another note on the counter. This one wasn’t a quote but rather instructions telling her to be at the Kent farm at 4 and to bring a nice dress. She was curious to find out what he was planning and had to fight back the urge to call him and drill the information out of him.

Lana had spent most of her day trying her hardest not to think about her and Clark’s first official date as a couple. She had so many hopes for that night and she imagined it so many times. She did not want to dwell on it though, as she was already worried it would not live up to her expectations. She started to get ready long before it was time for her to leave, but it took her that long to pick out her dress for the evening and find the perfect way to do her hair. She was finally ready and realized she only had five minutes to get to the Kent farm. I am such a girl, start to get ready 2 hours early and I am still going to be late. She hurried to her SUV and drove to the farm. She pulled up close to the house, parked and stepped out of her vehicle in a long form fitting black satin dress slit very high on her thigh. It was low cut, but not too low. Her hair was simple but elegant. She turned toward the barn and noticed a large hole in the side that was not there the day before. She thought the worst and began to run as quickly as she could up to the loft only to find Clark there holding a bouquet of flowers and decked out in a full tuxedo complete with bow tie and vest. Wow, he looks so hot in that tux!

Clark stood there and watched his love hurry up the stairs and stop as soon as she spotted him. Wow, she looks so hot in that dress! Clark handed her the flowers and gave her a kiss. “Are you ready?”

KEEP READING BELOW

[SVsleuth]

:) BUFFER :)

[MOOman0618]

“More ready than I have been for anything in my life Clark. What do you have planned anyway?”

“Well, I have a surprise planned, and after that I figured we could watch the sunset and have a picnic.” Clark grinned smugly at a confused Lana.

“Aww, Clark. We haven’t watched the sunset from the loft in ages. I have really missed it. But what are we all dressed up for?” She said smelling the flowers he had given her.

Clark smirked, “You’ll see.” Clark then scooped Lana up into his arms and sped out of the barn and toward Metropolis. They arrived in only a few moments, Clark still was getting faster and faster every day. “Here we are.”

Lana looked around and noticed they were in an ally behind a very large and beautiful building. She also noticed that once again her hair was a mess. “Clark, I don’t mean to put a damper on our date this early in, but my hair is a mess. I can’t go anywhere fancy like this.” She was trying her hardest not be get upset, but this was supposed to be perfect.

“No problem.” Clark smiled and walked over to a dumpster grabbing a bag he had stashed behind it. In it was any hair styling tool and type of product you could imagine. “I know you said nobody could help me, but I have no idea what you put in your hair, so I had Chloe give me some tips on what to bring. Oh, I have this too.” Clark again reached behind the dumpster and pulled out a full length mirror for Lana to use.

Lana was now smiling again. “Only Clark Kent could mess up a perfectly good hairdo and come out smelling like a rose.” Clark flashed her the famous Kent smile and held the mirror up so Lana could see herself. She rolled her eyes at her very cute boyfriend and began to fix her hair. She was done fairly quickly as it was a simple hair style she had chosen earlier. “Now where are we Clark?”

“We are at the Metropolis Museum of Art. They are having a one day exhibit on sculpture and I thought you would enjoy it. It is a black tie affair, and don’t ask me how I got us in. That is my little secret.”

“You asked Lex didn’t you? Does that mean he is feeling better?”

”Ok, no secrets from you apparently. Yes I asked Lex last night. He finally woke up not too long after I got there, and he was very appreciative that Ray and I were there earlier to save his butt once again. It wasn’t that big of a favor anyhow, he couldn’t attend for obvious reasons and all he did was put my name on his invitation.” Clark and Lana entered the museum to be greeted by rooms full of the most beautiful sculpture every to grace the face of this earth.

“Clark this is wonderful. I can’t remember the last time I went to a museum. It must have been in Paris, but they were always so crowded there. I didn’t get a chance to really enjoy them.”

“So I did good?” Clark looked longingly at Lana, playfully asking for her approval.

“You did very good Clark!” She reached up and kissed him on the cheek and went back to enjoying the artwork. They spent several hours in the museum enjoying the art and each other. Suddenly Clark looked at his watch.

“Oh, we have to go. Are you ready?”

“Is it time for sunset already? Even though we are in this gorgeous museum, I am still looking forward to the sunset from your loft. It has been too long.”

”Well, I am sorry to disappoint you, but we aren’t going back to the loft.” Lana looked confused but followed Clark out of the building without asking anymore questions. They went back to the ally, and out of the bag Clark had brought he pulled out a large fleece blanket.

Even more confused Lana looked back at him and finally asked. “Clark what do you need a blanket for, it’s the middle of summer. And where are we going if we aren’t going to watch it from your loft?”

“Do you trust me?” Clark said moving closer to Lana placing the blanket around her shoulders and placing his hands around her waist.

“Of course I do.”

“Then hold on tight.” Lana wrapped her arms around Clark’s waist looking more confused than ever. Clark closed his eyes and the look on his face could only be described as deep concentration. They began to float upwards between two very tall buildings.

“Clark! You’re flying! I thought you couldn’t fly like this.” They were getting higher and higher going quite fast now.

“Well, you asked me to try, so I did. I spent all last night practicing.”

“The hole in the barn? Was that you?” Lana smiled and giggled a little.

“Yup, that was one of the earlier attempts and subsequent failures. But I got better after that, and had no more mishaps.” By this time they were clearing the tallest building in the area and Lana understood what the blanket was for.

“This is amazing Clark, you are amazing. I can’t believe you faced your fear and learned to fly for me! I can’t believe that just came out of my mouth. My boyfriend just learned to fly for me. What other girl could be so lucky? And I definitely understand why you brought the blanket; it gets a little chilly up here doesn’t it?” She looked down and noticed that they were much higher than where the buildings stopped and Clark was still going. “How high are we going Clark?”

“Right here. Just had to get the best view before the air got too thin.” Clark had kept Lana’s back to the sun until now. It was just beginning to lower toward the horizon and the sky was lit up with so many colors. He turned slightly so Lana was now in full view of the magnificent spectacle.

“Oh my gosh Clark, it’s so beautiful! This definitely is much better than your loft. I can’t believe this. We are floating in the sky, watching the sunset. I love you Clark, thank you. This is so much better than I thought it could be!”

"I love you too. I’m glad you like it Lana.” Clark and Lana stayed in each other’s arms and watched until the last sliver of sun hid behind the earth. It was now completely dark and the sky, so full of stars it seemed like it may burst, stretched above them as far as they could see. They looked into each others eyes and danced slowly in mid-air to no music but what was in their own hearts.

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

A/N: The quote in the note to Lana was by Ivan Panin, just to let you know. And thanks to SVsleuth for being my first buffer ever!!

[SVsleuth]

1st! :):):) It was an honor to be the first to buffer your story - & the first to read it, apparently. Great update, MOOman. Now I really MUST get some sleep. Pleasant dreams! :)

[kewl]

2nd.. :D
wow, great update!!! they're 1st official date was just so sweet and full of surprises!!! i wonder how it feels to float in the air with the love of ur life embracing u the whole night through.... haaaah..... :) :D
PPMS!!!

[dreammaster]

another awesome chapter

[linn]

what dreamaster said

[SunniLvsSV]

CCCCCCCCUUUUUUUUUUUUUTTTTTEEEEEEEEE! I loves me some Clana!

[midnite_spark]

aww that was such a sweet date!! great update! i knew u could come up with something!:D

[Cardinal]

Niiiiiiiiiicccccccceeeeeeeeeee one, MOOman! :)

Lana's dress might be in shreds by the end of the date, but it's a sacrifice she'll be glad to make.

The only thing I didn't like was since you used the sunset in the date, I can't use it in my first date story. CRAP!!! :mad:

Oh well, I'll think of something sucky to replace it. :\

[MOOman0618]

LOL...sorry Cardinal. Didn't mean to step on your toes!

[NYC300Z]

That was cool MOOMan having him learn to fly just for their date! Great update! PPMS!!:)

[kewl]

PPMS!!!! :D:D:D

[binkys711]

wow! that was so beautiful! That date was so perfectly planned! Clark did a good job;).....PPMS!!!:D

[SpeedyKate91]

that was cute PPMS!!

[LanasLover16]

I LOVE IT!!! cant wait to hear more!!

[kewl]

PPM the SOONEST!!!!! :D

[ajfinn]

I NEED AN UPDATE!!!!!!! :D There, was that loud enough?? :)

[SVsleuth]

Don't forget us, MOOman! I know you can keep this story going. PPMS!

[kewl]

WE NEED AN UPDATE!!!! PLZ? :D

[clana4ev3r]

YES PLEASE AN UPDATE!

[Cardinal]

Hey now! Everybody back off the MOOmeister!

If you think Ketchup and company have it bad, MOOman's got a fiancee, graduate-level engineering courses, and a part-time job to pay attention to before he worries about us.

I've have heard through the grapevine that he's fighting his way past his case of writer's block and will try to update ASAP.

Now, MOOman, don't make me look bad. :)

[Dr. Jeckyll]

Sorry to see this story hasn't been updated in a while. It is definitively one of my favourites M00man! So post when you feel ready - I'm looking forward to it.

[Cardinal]

Looks like it's MOOman's turn to have his feet put to the fire.

Update we need more Clana and Chlay! :p

Writer's block is not an excuse to quit writing, it's an obstacle to be overcome. ;)

[SVsleuth]

PLEEEEEAAAASSSSEEEEEEE, MOOman??????? C'mon, take a break from reading OUR stories, and re-read YOURS. By the time you finish, I'm sure you'll have a new update ready to type up & post for us.

[ajfinn]

I just read something fantastic in the Clana Clubhouse about Mooman saying he would update this fic tonight if Ketchup finished Last of the Setting Sun.......

WELL WHAT DO YOU KNOW!!?? Ketchup posted his finale last night, so MOOMAN :) We're waiting on pins and needles :D :D

You gonna update tonight?

[SVsleuth]

Yeah, MOOman, I saw that too. WHEN????

[MOOman0618]

Ok...I know it has been a REALLY long time since I posted, so anybody that needs a quick recap can PM me or whatever if you don't feel like rereading anything. I will do my best to not be such a slacker, but I can't promise anything. :)

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

Part 21

Lana had rested her head upon Clark’s chest as they held each other. She hadn’t even noticed that they had floated slowly down and were now standing on top of the LuthorCorp building. It was the tallest building in the city and had a magnificent view. Clark did not want to disturb the women in his arms but he did anyway. “Lana, we’re here.” He softly kissed her forehead and tried to release her from his embrace.

“Where is here?” She said still resting her head and keeping her eyes closed. She didn’t care where they were, she was exactly where she wanted to be and wasn’t about to surrender it willingly.

“Open your eyes and see.” Clark had set up a picnic dinner for them on the roof during his preparations for the date.

“Ok” Lana said not moving an inch and not opening her eyes. Clark laughed out loud seeing that she wasn’t about to let go. He had not been holding her for a few moments but she still held strong, squeezing a little harder now.

“You actually have to let go to see where we are.” Clark smiled and began to peel this surprisingly strong girl off of him, almost requiring him to use his strength.

Reluctantly Lana opened her eyes but did not more her head from his chest. Upon seeing the spread laid out before her she finally released Clark from her embrace. She looked around and saw a red and white checkered blanket lying on the roof with two tall candles already lit sitting in the middle along with a very large picnic basket. She then glanced further and saw that they were on the top of the tallest building in Metropolis. “It’s beautiful Clark. I can see the whole city from up here. I think I like the view from up there better though.” She said looking longingly back up to the heavens admiring the stars.

“Well, I thought eating in mid-air would be a challenge for another day. Aren’t you hungry? I’m starving.” Lana stepped closer to Clark and looked up into his eyes. Clark was expecting a kiss for his efforts, but instead he felt her small hand pat his stomach.

“You’re always hungry dear. I don’t know how your mother has kept you fed all these years.”

Clark and Lana sat down on the roof and began to eat their dinner. It was still pretty cold on the top of such a tall building and Clark had to use his heat vision several times to keep the food hot. After they had finished their meal they laid back and spread the blanket over them looking up to the stars. They finished their date by laying and talking. After several hours of lighthearted conversation they decided it was time to head home. Lana climbed on Clark’s back and he floated off the ground.

“You ready?”

“Take us home my superhero.” Lana said burying her face in Clark’s back. Then Clark took off and flew them home. He took it slower than he could have. He was in no rush to have this perfect night come to an end.

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

Back in Smallville at the Sullivan house Chloe and Ray were enjoying the first chance they had since meeting to be alone for a while. They sat on couch watching a movie, well watching parts of the movie. Most of their time was spent making out while Gabe was in the other room. The movie ended too early in the night to end their date, so they decided to get some ice cream. As they drove, Ray thought that this may be a good time to bring up more serious matters.

“Chloe, I really don’t want to spoil such a wonderful night but do you think I could ask you some questions about Clark?” Chloe curled her lips and scrunched her forehead at the question. She did not want to lie to Ray and even though he knew about some of Clark’s abilities, he did not know about his alien origins. “I’m sorry, don’t worry about it. We can talk tomorrow.”

“No, Ray. It’s fine. I just wish it was Clark that could answer these questions for you. I don’t know how well I’ll be able to answer them. And don’t worry, I don’t think anything short of third meteor shower could ruin this night.” She smiled back at him and reached over to hold his hand. “So ask away.”

“Well, you basically gave me a pretty good rundown of his abilities, strength, speed, invulnerability, hearing, all that crazy eye stuff. But you never really said how he got these insane powers. I mean, did dude just wake up one day and find he was a super freak?” Chloe snickered at Clark being referred to as a ‘super freak’. I don’t think Clark was what Rick James had in mind.

”Actually he was born that way.” Chloe winced almost immediately regretted saying that, but she could not start lying already. She had seen that lying nearly tore Lana and Clark apart, and she wasn’t going to risk loosing this guy that she was quickly falling for.

“Born that way? Wait, let me guess. Mr. and Mrs. Kent decided it would be fun to have a romp in some nuclear waste? Figured the hauntingly unnatural green glow would set the mood?”

“Actually he is adopted, smart guy. But I think we are venturing into the territory of things you need to talk to Clark about. Anything you want to know besides how he got his powers and where he came from?”

“Well, if he has all of these powers, then why did he have such a hard time taking out those guys at Lex’s mansion?”

“It was because of the meteor rock that those guys had in their systems. Here in Smallville that green crap can turn a person into a fish or a dog into a superhero and it can also bring our very own Clark Kent to his knees. It’s the only think I know of that can.”

”So Clark is somehow allergic to the meteor rocks? I have heard of them giving strange abilities before, but never making people sick. Wait, if Clark is 18 and the meteor shower happened in ’89, then he would have been almost three when it hit. And you said he was born with those powers, so that rules out being caused by the meteor shower.”

“Jeez, do you ever stop thinking?”

“I tried once, it didn’t work out well. It felt like my brain was going to implode. But anyways, if there are meteors all over Smallville, how does Clark function?”

“He has to be so close to them to hurt him. And he usually keeps some lead containers handy just in case.”

”So lead can stop the radiation from hurting him? I wonder if it’s just lead, or any super heavy element?” Ray now furrowed his brow in deep thought.

“You’re the physics geek, not me.” It took Ray a second before it registered that Chloe just called him a geek. He glanced over at her and scowled.

“Uber geek and proud of it!” Ray puffed out his chest and held his head high as he continued to drive. “I think I have an idea. I need to run back to Metropolis. I just hope it’s still there.”

“What do you mean, Ray? What do you hope is still there?”

“I don’t want to give away the surprise. I am not even sure if this will work anyhow. Just trust me. If I drive back tonight, I could maybe be done by morning and be back here by early afternoon. So, I am sorry but I am gonna have to cut our date short. Believe me; I wouldn’t do this if it wasn’t really important.” Ray looked to Chloe with the most sincerity she had ever seen in a man’s eyes. She knew whatever it was he was going to do must be of great importance and can’t wait. She leaned over and gave Ray a quick kiss and a smile.

“Ok Buddy Boy, you’re forgiven but you’ll definitely be making this up to me.”

“Thanks a lot Babe.”

Babe! He called me BABE! Nobody has ever called me Babe before. Chloe tried to hide the goofy grin she was now wearing across her face.

Ray dropped Chloe off with a very passionate goodnight kiss, stopped to get a latte to keep him awake and started back to Metropolis to take a chance that his horrid spring cleaning skills would finally pay off. He finally arrived back in Metropolis and made his way to Met U. He parked his car as close as he could to the engineering building and ran to his lab. He hastily unlocked the door and nearly fell over running to the storage room. He began hurling boxes out of the room to make way to where he thought his prize may lay. Oh come on, it has to be here. I don’t throw anything away.

“Eureka!! No one can ever tell me it doesn’t pay to be a pack rat! Ray found all he needed and struggled to haul it out into the main lab. He began his work which would turn into a long and sleepless night.

As the sun began to peak over the Metropolis sky line, Ray stood before his toil and grinned. “Ahh, finally done. My next trick will be staying awake for the three hour drive home.” Ray struggled to load his car but finally forced that last piece into his back seat. He was a little shaky, having not gotten any sleep and already had three cups of very strong coffee coursing through his veins. It didn’t help that he was starting to get very scared about what he may have to do. This better work, I don’t think I’m ready to do this on my own.

[akuma]

WOW!!!!!!! :eek: YOU UPDATED!!!!! AWESOME!!! Well worth the wait but lets not do that again so update soon!!

[Cardinal]

Quote:

I mean, did dude just wake up one day and find he was a super freak?” Chloe snickered at Clark being referred to as a ‘super freak’. I don’t think Clark was what Rick James had in mind.



Rick James and Clark Kent...what a pairing. Maybe we can get Clark some genie pants like MC Hammer.

Thanks for resuming your story, MOO. I love to read it. More Clana is always welcome here!

[SVsleuth]

Yay! You came back, Mooman! Super update, CLANA & Chlay. Now keep it going soon, so we can remember what's happening! Thanks!