Inside of Me (PG-13) Started 5/17/06

[Susanna-Cole]

I have this up at another fan fiction forum, but thought I'd post it here as well....

It might start out a little slow, and I apologize for that, but I promise in being a big fan of action and suspense, it will certainly have some, as well as of course some good Clana lovin’.
I plan to only make it PG-13, as I’m only 15 myself and feel slightly uncomfortable writing much past that level. Please don’t be too hard as this is my first fan fiction and also, while I used to write a ton I kind of swore off writing for a while and this is the first time writing again for pleasure, in a very long time. =)

Background Info: Basically after what I'm just going to sum up as the 100th episode of "Smallville" you know all that stuff that went down, Lana and Clark grew apart until they simply went their own seperate ways without even a goodbye. And this picks up a couple years after that.

Rating: Probably no more than PG-13.


Chapter One

The coffee machine whirred to life as Lana half-heartedly rubbed the sleep from her eyes. Leaving the kitchen Lana gathered the newspaper off the floor.

Superman Returns lay typed out in bold font across the top of the Daily Planet. Lana’s heart skipped a beat in its fixed rhythm as she fingered the front page. This is what she had been waiting for.

Snatching up the front page she let the following spreads flutter to the floor and paced across the room.

“Damn,” Lana cursed under her breath when she had covered her glass coffee table with the newspaper page. On it was a color photo that jumped boldly from its place. In all its glory it was an attractive and artistic shot of Superman, his cape taking flight in the quivering wind that must swept by at the moment the photo was captured. Shot from behind the photograph embellished Superman’s broad shoulders and statuette shape, but hid what Lana longed to see most.

His face.

Disappointed but determined Lana left the page and pulled the handle of her closet door. The closet brimmed over with clothes, mementos and lonely belongings that had no other place. Eyeing a stack of boxes Lana pulled the top one down and clutched it to her bosom. It was the only box that didn’t sleep beneath a sheet of graying dust and the only one that had its lid opened and removed like a daily practice.

Feeling the familiar swell in her heart Lana thumbed through the box stopping momentarily to take in its lingering scent; the scent of love and angst, the scent of belonging and loneliness, but a scent that she vowed to never forget.

Its embarrassed title was, “The Box of Clark Kent,” and it was a box she knew she should have discarded years ago alongside her still burning hope. But the more she desired to let go, the harder she clung to the remnants of her first and only love, Clark.

“I know it’s here,” she breathed, tearing through the box’s contents. Finally she grasped what she was hunting for; a dog-eared photo of Clark, his built shoulders spreading from end to end of the photo.

Cracking a weak smile, Lana returned to her stationed spot at the coffee table and smoothed the photo alongside the newspaper shot. They had to be the same; her sanity could only hope so. But how could she really know that it was one person, with two identities: Clark Kent and Superman. Broad and built shoulders could hardly tell the truth about the hidden identity of Superman.

Tears gathered in the rim of her hazel eyes, and Lana no longer fought to keep them there. How much longer could she play her charade of perfect contentment? Hate was all she had for lies. Clark lied. Lies were the force that separated them and yet how ironic that her current life was muddled by them, built beside them.

Dropping the photo of Clark she reached out to hold the newspaper print of Superman.

“I will find you,” she whispered, “I will find you.”

- - - - -

Clark burst through the door of his apartment, flicking the light switch carelessly with his finger. Letting a deep sigh fill the hollow silence he wasted no time shedding his Superman suit and heading for bed. In his bed he hoped to shed the exhaustion and sadness he wore much like his superman suit.

Crawling beneath the covers he stopped his hand from cutting the lamplight. On his beside table was a picture frame lying on its face.

Clark felt a lump settle in his throat as his gaze fell to the backing of the picture frame. He didn’t need to lift it to know the face that would meet him if he were to turn it on its back.

Lana Lang.

Her delicate beauty and gentle eyes were burned so deeply into his mind like a scar, a beautiful scar.

Coming out of his trance Clark cut the light leaving the memories to be blanketed by the darkness. He wanted the memories to leave him alone.

Alone.

The word cut him like a piece of Kryptonite.

“I will always been alone.”

- - -

“Damn,” Lana cursed, then shook her head. How many times had she breathed that word alone, today? Too many, she thought. Thought of how it fit around her lips like a glove. Damn, I am loosing it.

Enveloped in darkness Lana groped around for her poor collection of candles that were burnt down to a little less than stubs. It was the second time in a month she had been unable to pay her electric bill, and once again the apartment’s owner and unmercifully cut her lights.

She hated candlelight; it was too romantic, too faint and beautiful, conjuring up too many memories with Clark. She smiled anyhow, at the image of Clark in candlelight, his muscular features softened and shadowed.

Tears watered up in her eyes for a second time. What am I doing? She wondered.

“I can’t do this anymore. I can’t.”

She didn’t hesitate; she didn’t wait to straighten her thoughts out. She didn’t want to. The proposal came quickly to her mind, like a flicker and before it could die she had taken her “Box of Clark Kent” and arranged its contents on the hearth of the fireplace. Reaching for a candle, she inhaled slowly, and then let it fall. It fell with a satisfying plop, hungrily licking at the pictures and mementoes, snapping and crackling, passionately erasing Lana’s memories of Clark.

Lana waited until they were charred and black, merely ashes of what they had been, before she put out the fire with a damp cloth.

Satisfied she stumbled back into her bedroom, leaving a forgotten flame still flickering on the floor.

----

Feedback is very welcome! ;) Although please don't go to hard on me...like I said, I'm really rather rusty. :(

[deanyouk]

Nice start,

For a 15 year old, your writing is pretty good. I'm looking forward to more.

[Susanna-Cole]

Thank you! I'm pretty embarrased by my writing now though, I was better when I was like 12. I won a few to many awards though, and then the adult figures (teachers, parents) started presuring (sp) me to enter contests and my work published, but I didn't want it published, cause I thought it was bad. So I basically rebelled and swore it off. I just started a bit of creating writing again, recently.

Anyway, I'm bored...here's some more. :p

Chapter Two (Part One)

Lana gasped for breath, coming slowly to her senses. Her chest tightened and her skin grew warm.

“Oh my G-,” Lana started, throwing the blankets from her bed. “Oh, my…oh, my…” she repeated unable to form the complete phrase. It felt as though a firm hand was squeezing her heart, making it hard to breathe.

“No, no.” Lana stumbled to the door and pulled it ajar. A wall of ravenous flames took to the walls around her imprisoning her to her bedroom.

Lana panicked, shutting the door she ran to the phone.

“The phone. Damn it. The phone!” Lifting it from its cradle she flung it across the room.

No electricity. She couldn’t use the phone.

Lana paced around the room pulling at her hair, jumping at the crackling of flames outside her door. With every moment the flames swelled, bearing its chest and teeth. Hungrily, it licked her door, little daggers of fire shooting through the wall.

Cry. Lana wanted to feel warm tears making rivers down her face. All the nights she spent moping and crying, wishing the tears away. Now, in the suffocating heat she would welcome them. Invite them even. The moisture on her face would be welcomed, invited even.

Smoke clouded her mind, hindering her any thoughts that could steer her towards safety.

Clark. On her hands and knees Lana fumbled through her dresser drawer. Freeing a photo from among a disorderly stack of paper Lana clutched it to her chest. The picture showed a young Clark and Lana, frozen in bliss and love. Somehow this photo had not been sealed away in the box, or burnt with its contents.

The photo was hope.

“CLARK!” Lana screamed opening her lungs to the smoke filled room. Chocking and coughing she seized the photo tighter. “Clark if you ever loved me…please save me.”

[SmallvilleMan]

Very good

[akuma]

Great writing, cant wait for more!

[Smallville15]

this is great!!!

[redraven]

This story rocks so far...you're writing is really good. Hope Clark comes and saves the day, update again soon.

[closetfan]

yes!!! a new story!! yay!!! and its damn good!!!!

soo much talent at only 15...wow..

[justsuper]

Outstanding!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!PPMS!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!Totally awesome and terrific!

[deanyouk]

Oooh another update!... post some more soon!

[Susanna-Cole]

Aw, thanks guys! You're too kind! :D You're feedback makes me feel so good...so you know what happens then? Yeah. You get more! lol. :p

Chapter Two (Part Two)

“Lana. Lana,” Clark mumbled, intertwined in his bed sheets. Thud. Clark hit the floor, immediately becoming conscious.

A tingling sense of fear toyed with his mind. Clark felt danger as if it was an unwelcome guest in the room.

Reaching across his dress, he thumbed a red kryptonite ring. Both comforting and alarming, Clark knew the ring was his escape from reality. It was an open door; he only had to walk through it.

Lana. But Lana kept him from converting into Kal-El. He was petrified of what he might to do her, to anyone, under the influence of red kryptonite.

Suddenly, a piercing alarm sounded through his Metropolis apartment building. A voice broke onto an intercom ordering all residents to evacuate the building immediately. There was a fire.

Dozens of anxious thoughts pegged his mind. He knew Superman would be needed tonight. He thought of the hundreds of apartments expanding across the complex. He only knew a handful of the residents.

Neglecting to even don his Superman suit, Clark super sped to the front lawn of the apartment complex. Around him a party of residents had already grouped, huddling and whispering together, pointing in awe of the block of fire that shot out of the building.

“It’s only one apartment now…”

“…Apartment 434…”

“Oh yes, only a girl lives there…”

“…She doesn’t come out very much.”

This was all Clark needed to know, super speeding up to the burning apartment, he ripped open the door.

[redraven]

So does Clark know it's Lana's room? Well, he should have put on the Superman suit so Lana could see his face and know it's Clark...well, it was a short update but it was still very good.

PPMS!

[deanyouk]

so they've lived in the same apartment building all this time... and never seen each other?? weird lol

Make ur updates longer!!! :)

post soon

[Susanna-Cole]

Yeah, well I’ve already written up to like the ninth chapter on another site, so I’m just pulling the updates as I did them there...obviously I didn’t have time to write a long update when I posted this one. I’m pretty sure they get longer after this, though. If not, I suppose I can combine them for you guys. I don’t like short updates much either…the longer the better for me! :p

[LovinMe210]

Oh my gosh, this is so intense ppms!!

[Susanna-Cole]

^^Trust me, it will only get way intenser later on lol. Hopefully you like suspense and intensity. ;)

deanyouk,
Yeah perhaps a bit weird. But the apartment buildings from the cities I've been in, are often like 20 floors and house a LOT of people. So you really never know who you're living with, especially if they're on the other side of the building. :p

[deanyouk]

so can we get another update before I go to bed?

[maitriniazngurl]

Susanna this story is great please post more soon

[midnite_spark]

wow! i just read this story...and it's freakin awesome!!! you're only 15?? wow...i wish i can write like that...and i'm 20 lol

can't wait to see their reactions when they find out that they've been living rite next to each other all this time!

PPMS!!

[Susanna-Cole]

Chapter Three

“Hello? HELLO? Is anybody here?” Clark forced his voice to carry over the haughty laughter of the fire. Kicking over a chair he frantically searched through the apartment, afraid of what he might find. Afraid he was too late.

As he moved around the bedroom the flames seemed to shrink in respect, as if they were possibly aware of his power, reverenced by his hero stature.

Suddenly Clark noticed something fluttering at his feet, plucking it from the floor, he turned it over. His heat slowed and his breath escaped his lips. Oh my gosh, Clark thought. His eyes tearing Clark traced the outline of him and Lana, under their oak tree. How long ago had that been?

Clark tucked the photo into his pocket, determined to save it, determined to save Lana.

“Lana? Lana! Can you here me?”

Without warning a firm hand grasped Clark and pulled him away. Three firemen had arrived at the room, coming in with not so much as a sound. Or perhaps Clark had plainly not been listening, too swept up in the emotions that swarmed his conscience.

“Sir, please follow me out. It’s going to be alright,” one of the fireman said, placing his gloved hand on Clark’s shoulder. Clark hesitated, knowing if he stayed his identity would be revealed. Then easing his tightly clamped jaw, Clark nodded and stumbled after the fireman.

On his way out he heard the two remaining call to each other.

“No one’s here.”

“Copy that. If someone was here, they’re either gone…or dead.”

“No,” Clark breathed. Struggling in the fireman’s grasp, he x-rayed the apartment. “She’s outside the building!”

“What?” The fireman grunted through his mask.

“She’s outside, hanging on to the drain pipe…”

“Son, it’s going to be okay. If someone is there, they’ll find them.”

“No, I have to help her,” he said, knocking the fireman against the wall then super-speeding to the front lawn.

On lookers gasped as Lana hung dangled high above the ground.

“Get a net below her, now!” A fireman radioed.

Clark knew there wasn’t enough time; she didn’t have the strength to hold on any longer. Brushing past the crowd he stood beneath her, arms outstretched.

“Lana,” he called, “you can let go…I’ll catch you. I promise.”

“Clark?” Lana didn’t wait for affirmation. She couldn’t wait. Releasing her grip she took the fall. Cool air rush past her caressing the sides of her face, tugging and inflating the clothes she wore, and then as soon as it stared…it stopped.

“Clark?” Lana squinted her teary eyes desperately searching her hero’s face. “Oh my gosh. Clark. It’s really you. You’re here? You…you…”

“Lana,” Clark said quietly putting her down on her feet. Lana looked back at him longingly, wishing he had held her for only a bit longer. She wanted to feel safe.

“Ms. Lang?”

“Lana Lang!” Reporters tore through the throngs of residents stationed outside the building.

“Sir? Sir!”

Clark backed away uncomfortably. Turning his back to the mob he paced back to the building hiding in its shelter. Suddenly, a door slammed behind him and footsteps followed his tracks. Clark shrunk into the shadows keeping his breath hushed. It must have been a brave reporter, willing to pursue him for an interview, or a photo.

“Clark?”

Clark flinched at the soft voice wavering behind him. “Lana.”

“Clark, I don’t know what to say,” Lana started. “Um…thank you. For saving me…again.”

“Sure, Lana,” Clark said forcing a week smile. “You know I wouldn’t let anything happen to you.”

“No. No, I don’t.” Lana grimaced looking up at Clark shyly.

Clark’s brow tightened in confusion. “Lana…”

“No, Clark…you’re always there to save me…physically…but what about emotionally?”

Clark frowned. “Lana, I don’t know what you mean?”

“Clark-”

The front doors swung rapidly on their hinges, letting a soft beam of moonlight shimmer across the wall where Clark and Lana stood.

“Ms. Lang! Sir! What is your name?” Reports interrupted, flocking the couple standing nervously against the floral papered wall.

“Lana…I got to go, I can’t be seen here,” Clark said hurrying towards the elevator.

“Clark, wait!” Lana called jogging after him. Rounding the corner she watched as the elevator doors neared shut. She was not going to let him go again. Jamming the door with her foot, Lana pushed back the reporters.

“Lana, what are you doing?” Clark asked anxiously shifting his eyes from Lana to the camera crews fixing their cameras on them. In a split second Clark grabbed Lana firmly around her arm and pulled her onto the elevator. The doors shut, snapping their jaws in the reporters’ faces.

“Clark, where are you going?” Lana truly was perplexed. “You can’t hide upstairs forever…and, and…you know my apartment isn’t exactly fixed for company, and, and…”

Clark could see she was growing hysterically. “Lana,” he silenced her. She looked up at him with teary eyes.

“Clark…hold me.”

Shifting his weight uneasily, a slight frown pulled at his lips. He had to do this. Leaning in carefully he pulled Lana’s small frame to his body, his hands fingering her long raven hair. Lana sobbed. Not because of what she had lost that night, but for what she had finally gained again. She would have well been content if the elevator was to stop in the shaft, and she was left to be in Clark’s arms forever.

A startling ding jolted the couple apart and the elevator doors opened. Lana looked to Clark stepping out of the elevator and looking back over his shoulder at her.

“Clark, I still don’t understand where you’re going. Are you hiding? You know you can’t hide forever.”

“No. No, I’m going…home.”

“To Smallville?” Lana questioned, confusion clouding over her hazel eyes.

“No, uh, no. Here. My a…apartment.”

“You’re apartment? Here?” Lana was stunned. “Wait, Clark…you live here?”

“Yeah.”

“Clark…how long have you lived here?”

“About a year,” Clark said meekly.

“Did you know I lived here?” Lana felt as if her heart might swell and burst. She both feared and welcomed his answer. But oh, how she would ache if he had known her to be here, and not once stopped to visit.

“No. No, I didn’t.”

Clark suddenly became aware that the elevator was rising towards their floor.

The reporters.

“Lana? Lana, come on,” Clark said pulling at her arm.

“To your place?”

Clark pulled her along down the hallway. “Yeah…to my place.”

- - -

Okay, the action/suspence will kind of drop here but I promise it will pick back up...but before that, I have to insert some Clana moments of course. :p :D

[deanyouk]

I want another update and I wanted it like 20 seconds ago....

lol

[justsuper]

PPMS!!!!!!!!!!!!!This is very promising!!!!

[closetfan]

im feelin greedy....i need ANOTHER update

[redraven]

Nice update, it was awesome. ppms.

[Susanna-Cole]

Thanks guys. I might update again tonight...if I feel like it lol. :p (Remember, feedback always speeds the updating process lol)

By the way can you change your titles of your threads on this site? Cause I tried to change the date of my thread and I can't...is that why no one ever posts the dates in their thread title? Cause they can't change them again? :confused:

[*~KrYpToN619~*]

Great story.

Umm...i think if you go to your first post on this thread and click edit, you can change the subject/title.

[redraven]

I think the title is um...well I like it, and I'm sure Brianna does too. :p But seriously, I do think you go to the first post. :D

[*~KrYpToN619~*]

PPMS

some ppl dont know how to stay on topic :rolleyes:

[redraven]

:rolleyes: There you go again Brianna, with your perverted mind. All I said was that I liked it because it has the word 'of' in it. Duh, now we are polluting her thread, see what you did Brianna?

Um...PPMS!!

[*~KrYpToN619~*]

Huh? :confused: Polluting? Perverted? Of?
I have no idea what ur talking about, no brianna here! :p

[redraven]

:lol: You are infamous for your dirty mind, Brianna so we all know it's you...even the people that are new in town.

And I happen to adore the word OF so I'd apprieciate it if you'd shut up. :mad:

[Susanna-Cole]

Oh well, I didn't mean change THE title like of the story, just the whole "Started 5/17/06" part. I did go back to my first post I changed it and it said the edit had been made, but it never shows up...weird. :confused:

[akuma]

AHH need more soon!! Great update!

[annaliese]

POST MORE SOON!!!

[that girl]

hey, i just read the first couple updates and it's great so far! you write really well. PPMS!

[happycamper]

Very nice start.

A frazzled - and regretful - Lana, who would have guessed...


PPMS :D

[Susanna-Cole]

Thanks you all for the feedback! :D Here's an update for you...

Chapter Four

Clark closed the door behind them drawing a deep sigh of relief.

“Um, make yourself at home.”

“Thanks, Clark. I appreciate you letting me stay here…I can stay here right?”

“Yeah, of course. Just because…well, you know…I would never kick you out to the streets, Lana. I’m not that cold hearted…” Clark stopped an uncertain look crossing his dazed face.

“Clark, who said you were cold hearted-”

“No one, I mean...it’s nothing Lana. Never mind,” Clark said cutting her off. “Look, I’m sure we’re both tired, why don’t you use the bathroom first and I’ll get something you can sleep in.”

“Okay,” Lana said as Clark turned toward his bedroom. “Clark?”

“Yeah?”

“Um…” she fumbled nervously with a button on her shirt, debating whether she should confront him about possibly being Superman. “Thanks,” she finally said, deciding it wasn’t an appropriate time. “Just wanted to say, thanks…again. I mean you really don’t-”

“Lana, it’s fine. Really,” he replied forcing a smile to reassure her.

Nodding, Clark disappeared into his bedroom while Lana used the bathroom. When she was done he slipped in to use it himself, leaving Lana alone in the living room. Deciding to make herself useful, Lana rummaged through the hallway closet for sheets and blankets to make the couch up. Not finding anything on the shelves she bent down to check in the boxes beneath them. Removing the lid to the first box, she gasped.

“Oh-my-gosh.” He had a box just like the box she had for him. Except this box, of course, had her things instead of his. Breathing softly, she felt tears begin to fill her eyes.

“Lana what are doing?”

Lana jumped at the sound of his voice behind her, and quickly fitted the lid back on the box. “Um, nothing,” she said, embarrassed to be caught snooping, “I was just looking for something to make up the couch.”

Clark sighed, “Yeah, okay. Well, let me get that. You can take the bed.”

“Clark, are you sure? I’d hate to take your bed.”

“No, Lana it’s fine. I get up a lot in the night-” Clark quickly stopped realizing what he was saying out loud.

“Why? Can you not sleep?” Lana secretly hoped he suffered sleepless nights missing her, as she did for him.

“Uh, yeah, no. I mean no, I uh…I just have to do some stuff sometimes and uh, wouldn’t want to wake you.”

Lana knew better. Clark was never a good liar and with that many “uh’s” in his answer, she was certain he was hiding something.

“Clark, are you okay?” She moved closer to him.

“Yeah, I’m fine. You should probably get some rest.” He backed away.

Lana bit her lip, “Yeah okay. Goodnight Clark.”

“Goodnight.”

Lana grudgingly went to the bedroom, tired, but determined to stay awake. Whatever Clark did at night, she was going to find out.

- - -

It only could have been a couple of hours later, when Lana awoke to a noise outside the bedroom door.

“Clark?” She whispered. No answer.

Somewhere nearby sirens cut into the steady hum of Metropolis. Lifting the corner of the sheet she slept under, Lana crept to the door and peaked out into the living room. Clark was stealing across the room, an article of clothing tucked under his burly arm.

“Clark, what you doing?” Lana asked before she could stop herself. So much for spying, she thought stepping out into the beam of moonlight that spilled through the open window.

He flinched, alarmed to hear her voice, “Nothing. What are you doing up?”

Lana noticed he had quickly hid whatever he had pinned underneath his arm, behind his back. “I just heard a noise. So, I got up to check it out. Why are you up?” She felt bad for interrogating him at this time of night, but when else was she going to? Besides, he looked bothered and she wanted to help him.

“I uh-” Clark’s mind raced for an excuse. “I just had a bad dream, that’s all,” he said sheepishly. Lame Kent, very lame, he thought mentally slapping himself. But Lana seemed to fall for it.

“What was it about?”

“Oh, it was nothing. Just a nightmare.”

“You have them a lot?”

“Lana, what is this? Twenty questions?” Clark asked, annoyed.

Lana closed her eyes gently, too scared to look at him. “I’m sorry.”

There was a long pause before Clark sighed saying, "It's okay."

Another set of sirens wailed into the night. Anxiousness flickered across Clark’s eyes, eager for Lana to leave. People were waiting for him. They needed Superman.

“Lana, I’m just going to take a walk. It um, helps me feel better, to clear my head and stuff.”

“You want me to come with you?”

“No, no. I mean thanks, but um,” Clark cleared his throat, “you should probably get some sleep and stuff.”

“Okay. Be careful,” Lana said, not making a move towards the bedroom.

“Uh…” Clark realized she wasn’t going to return to bed until he left. Reluctantly he slipped out the front door, slightly thrown by her last remark. Be careful?…did she know?

When he was sure Lana had returned back to bed, he slipped his superman suit and in one swift move was through the apartment and out the window, wind sweeping the sides of his cheeks.

Left inside Lana’s voice caught in her throat. “Good god,” she breathed leaning over the windowsill, curtains still rustling from Clark’s astonishing departure. “Clark really is Superman.”

- - -


Now if you're good little readers I'll give you another update this afternoon or evening as well. ;)

[deanyouk]

Oh we are great little readers.... why not post now? :P

[HP_DRAGON]

great story you wright well and i like the fact that lana isn't stupid about clark and superman but anyway PPMS!

[SVsleuth]

Hi, Susanna-Cole,
I just caught up on your amazing fic. You definitely have talent, so keep writing. It's so cool that Lana already figured out that Clark is Superman. He's lucky no one caught a picture of him when he caught Lana. So we're being good little readers, replying to your latest update, and we expect another chapter later. ;) PPMS!

[justsuper]

Awesome! Keep up the good work!!! PPMS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[akuma]

More More More, great fic so far!!

[midnite_spark]

AH! lana knows! yay! now for them to get together! :D

[justsuper]

PPMS! We love it!!!!!!!!!!!

[happycamper]

I'm good, I'm good! **raising both hands in the air and waving wildly**

:p

[Susanna-Cole]

Thanks for being such good readers...yeah, sadly I don't have a update for you now. I um, forgot all this family of mine was coming over lol, SO yeah. Very, very sorry, you're going to have to wait till tommorow.
But here, have a virtual cookie for being such good readers! Yum! ;)

Nevermind...here you go, I managed an update for you guys. Thanks for reading!

Chapter Five

When morning came around Lana wasn’t surprised to find still missing. Sitting on the couch Lana waited patiently for him to return, all the while contemplating how to deal with knowing Clark was Superman. She wanted to be angry with him and she was, but then there was that warm feeling of pride that had settled itself within her since the surprise last night.

Suddenly a door shut behind her, jolting her from her thoughts.

“Clark. That was some walk you took.” Lana smiled; panic flickering across Clark’s face.

“Uh, yeah…”

“Why by now you could have saved half of Metropolis.” Lana said, putting emphasis on “saved.” When did I decide to be so…flirty, Lana asked herself, if she could classify her suddenly unusual attitude as “flirty.” Maybe quirky is a better word for it.

“Yeah, well…it was a nice night…morning.” Clark grinned weakly.

“I would guess so. I mean that must have been a super walk, even for a fit man like yourself.”

Clark raised his eyebrows looking terribly uncomfortable with Lana’s choice of words.

“Hey, you don’t happen to see Superman last night?” Lana asked. “I heard he was quite busy, up practially the whole night...possible even into the morning.”

Clark swallowed an invisible lump in his throat. “Uh…uh…no. Heh. Didn’t-didn’t see him at all.”

“Oh, I see,” Lana said moving towards the kitchen. “Well, why don’t you sit down and rest some. I’ll make breakfast, you must be tired from all that saving-er, I mean…I mean walking. You must be tired from all that walking.”

Clark could have died then.

“Lana, you don’t have to make breakfast…”

“Don’t be silly, Clark. It’s the least I could do, after all you not only saved me last night, but you also put a roof over my head. In fact it’s not like this is the first time you’ve been so brave in saving me. You’re practically like my own, personal superman…”

Clark felt his teeth practically chattering in nervousness, only relaxing when he was sure Lana was tucked away in the kitchen. Is it just me…or is Lana acting funny this morning? Clark wondered. It’s almost like…she knows my secret.

Clark drummed his fingers against the coffee table trying to calm his nerves. How could he have been so oblivious? Of course Lana knew something, why else would she have been dropping all those hints earlier. I should talk to her about it, Clark thought, [/I]tell her the whole truth. Yeah,[/I] he finalized rising from the striped couch to talk to Lana.

Clark padded quietly across the carpeted floor covering the short distance to the kitchen in a couple seconds. In front of him Lana hummed softly pulling things from the cabinets, tossing them aside, and then rummaging loudly through another cabinet.

“Where on earth are the frying pans?” Lana said aloud to herself, but not so loud that Clark could hear her in the living room. Unaware that Clark stood nearby, actually watching her, she tapped her foot and continued her search for some proper cooking ware. “If I was Clark Kent, where would I keep pans?”

Clark cracked a genuine grin. Who knew Lana talked to herself?

“Hmm…” Lana mumbled, craning her neck. “The only place I haven’t checked is those cabinets up top.” Climbing onto the counter Lana thrust open the cabinet door. “Jackpot!”

Clark chuckled, maybe a little too loud. But he couldn’t help it; Lana talking to herself was well…cute.

“Clark?” Lana called, wobbling slighting from where she was perched on top of the counter.

Clark quickly moved behind the wall the divided the kitchen and the living room, not wanting Lana to know he had been watching her.

Suddenly Lana felt her knees slide against the counter, she was falling and before she could grab something she hit the floor. Hard.

“Lana!” Clark ran to her side, practically tripping over his own feet at his speed. “Lana? Lana are you okay?” Lana lay motionless. “Lana can you hear me?” No reply.

- - -

Okay don't freak out, don't throw virtual chairs at me...it'll get better soon okay? Just have to trust me...=D

[redraven]

Well, that wasn't a nice place to stop at. :mad: Just kidding, it was really good.

PPMS!

[akuma]

GARR!!!! Stop with the cliffy chapters!! LOL great update, PPMS

[SVsleuth]

You do love cliffies, don't you? There's Lana just being a sweet as can be to Clark, when - bam - he doesn't catch her when she falls. Now what? PPMS!

[justsuper]

Loving it!

[HP_DRAGON]

but but but I want to know what hapens next T_T i'm sad now need another update hint hint ^_^ PPMS

[Susanna-Cole]

Chapter Six (First Half)

Clark felt nauseous. One of the few times he had that feeling harboring in his stomach without meteor rocks being the culprit. Why wasn’t he able to catch her? Why wasn’t he there?

Pacing in the hallway of a Metropolis emergency room, he tried to muster patience as he waited for news on Lana.

“Mr. Kent?” a doctor called. Clark leapt from his seat like an excited boy on Christmas. The doctor nodded at him, a brown braid snaking down her neck. She smiled gently seeing how nervous he was. “Don’t worry Ms. Lang will be fine, she just had a mild concussion.”

How many times had Clark heard those words before? “So she’ll be just fine?”

“Yes,” the doctor said with a warm smile, then frowned scanning her clipboard, “Except some slight memory loss. It seems she doesn’t remember anything from the last couple days.”

“Oh, just the last couple days…but everything before that?”

The doctor nodded. “Would you like to see her?”

“Yes…please.”

“I thought so,” she said smiling, “follow me.” Clark trailed the doctor through the tiled halls ways until they reached Lana’s room. “Here we are, you can go right in…she’s lucky to have such a great boyfriend like you.” The doctor winked.

“Oh, I’m not her-” Clark started, but the doctor was already gone around the corner. Shrugging off the prickle of uneasiness he felt, Clark opened the door.

“Clark?”

“Hi. How are you feeling?” Clark forced a smile, although Lana was deaf to whatever he had just said. She couldn’t stop staring. Clark. Was. Here.

“Clark, what are you doing here? I haven’t seen you in-in…”

“In a long time,” Clark finished. “Really long time.”

“Yeah…but I don’t understand. How’d you know I was here…the doctor told me Davis was…” Clark lowered his eyes, he should have known, “…my ‘friend’ Davis…” Lana couldn’t bring herself to finish. This was hurting Clark, and besides, she wanted to know…what was Clark doing here exactly?

“Well, I don’t know about your ‘friend’ Davis, but I’m the one who brought you here, not…Davis.” Clark said ‘Davis’ like it was a cuss word, too vulgar to ever say out loud.

“Oh. How, Clark?” Lana said, suddenly feeling sad. How did he always do it?

Clark cleared his throat, fidgeting uncomfortably. How? Did she still remember something? “Uh…well, I got in my car, put the keys-”

Lana laughed slightly. How good it felt to laugh…and with Clark. Every time she laughed, she felt a release of unhappiness depart her, erased by the trails of laughter. Clark blushed, realizing his mistake.

“No, Clark. Before that…of course you drove a car,” she said still smiling. “How did you find me, how did you even know I was hurt?”

“You were at…my apartment.”

Lana raised her eyebrows. “At your apartment? Clark…what exactly were we doing there?”

“I let you stay there after…” She obviously didn’t remember the fire. This was hard. “…After, your apartment…there was a fire. Your apartment was burned down.”

Lana sat stunned. Everything she owned was gone. Her apartment was gone. Why couldn’t she remember this?

“Lana, I’m really sorry.”

“No, no. It’s okay. It’s just stuff. Besides, it’s not like you started the fire.”

Clark smiled weekly.

“So, now I live…”

“At my apartment. Temporarily…I mean not that I’m going to kick you out, but we weren’t like-”

“Clark. It’s okay,” Lana informed, an awkward silence following. “So…where exactly is your apartment?”

- - -

If I get some feedback I’ll give you the second half of the chapter later today. =D

[happycamper]

:rolleyes:

[deanyouk]

err... well im not happy with the memory wipe... but post soon anyhow...

[that girl]

great job! wow, three updates in two days! i like. keep up the great work and PPMS!

[annaliese]

update soon1!!!!!!!1 i love this story!1!!

[LovinMe210]

this is going to be interesting, ppms!

[midnite_spark]

AH! the memory loss is just like the show! everytime she finds out something, she gets knocked out and doesn't know anything. gah!

can't wait to see what happens next! PPMS

[redraven]

Stupid memory loss. :mad: Hope you won't make Lana's character in your story as stupid as the one on the show since she hit her head...

Well, PPMS!

[HP_DRAGON]

great i'm adicted to another fic oh well PPMS ^-^

[SVsleuth]

I hope you're busy writing chapters 10, 11, 12, etc. - because it will only take you a day or 2 more to finish posting the nine chapters you already have.... ;)

[Susanna-Cole]

^^Yes...well. I should get busy. It's hard though because even though it's summer now, I still have some school I have to do (I'm homeschooled because I act and model) because I'm not always able to finish it all in one school year (because I'm often too busy working), and not only do I have school, but of course work and other stuff. BUT I will try to get writing soon. ;)

Chapter Six (Second Half)

Metropolis glided by outside Lana’s window like a slide show on fast forward. With splices of the city to entrance her it was easier to ignore the 6’2” frame of Clark that sat propped in the driver’s seat next to her. Between them, cradled in the car’s cup holders were two brimming cups of hot coffee Clark had bought at same shanty cafe parked next to the hospital. It didn’t matter what the drinks were made of. Few people residing or visiting the hospital were conscious enough to even taste the bitter liquid. It was a hardly but a distraction. As if whatever horror lay in bed at that hospital would escape your mind if you only had a strong shot of caffeine.

Leaning forward Lana removed her cup of coffee and brought it toward her rose colored lips. Through the slits of her eyes, she saw Clark glance briefly at her, watching her lips capture the rim of the cup.

Lana swirled the coffee in her mouth. She didn’t taste it. The burning liquid running down her throat was just like a slight nuisance to the distant taste she had just recalled. Clark’s velvet lips catching hers in a fervent kiss, the electric feeling she received when he pushed his tongue into her mouth.

Dazed Lana mindlessly retuned her coffee to the cup holder, when she felt something brush against her hand. It only took a second to remove Lana far from the pleasant memory. Lowering her eyes Lana saw Clark’s hand still near his coffee cup. Still touching her hand.

Clark noticed too. Their hands brushing like a riveting film playing for them.

“Clark, watch out!” Clark jammed his foot onto the break bringing the car to a dead stop.

In front a girl rose up. Lanky frame jutting up over Clark’s windshield, her red hair making waves, caught in the currents of the wind.

Clark pulled himself from her piecing stare and fumbled with the handle of the car door. “Oh my-” Clark stopped, cars racing around the roadblock he had created with his car.

She was gone.

“Hey dude! Move your damn car, you can’t park like that!” An angry driver called, banging the palm of his hand against the side of his car.

“Clark? Clark!” Lana was next to him, calling to him. But he hardly heard her. “Clark, what’s wrong?”

Cars honked loudly around them, but Clark stood glued to the pavement next to his car.

“Clark, get back in the car.” It was Lana again. “We’re going get hit.” Clark nodded, but still didn’t move.

Lana let a jaded puff of breath escape her lips. Extending her arms she grabbed Clark firmly around the shoulders and turned him toward the open door.

Clark could feel Lana’s delicate hands pressing at his shoulders, even through his flannel shirt and red jacket. Suddenly he wished he wasn’t wearing a shirt, so he could linger in her touch against his bare skin.

Turning, Clark finally crawled back into the driver’s seat. Lana shut his door, before jogging around the car and resuming her passenger position.

His hands were poised on the steering wheel, but he didn’t drive the car. Not yet anyway.

“Did you see her?” Clark finally asked, breaking the static silence.

Lana’s brow knitted in confusion, concentrating on Clark’s stunned face. “See who Clark?”

“The girl. The one I almost hit, or did hit.”

“Clark...I didn’t see anyone.”

“But you yelled for me to watch out. You had to have seen her, see was right there-”

Lana gently touched Clark’s arm. Like she hoped, it hushed him immediately. “Clark, I yelled watch out, because you almost hit that pole.”

Clark raised his eyes to see a pole rising less than a foot away from the hood of his car. Maybe he had envisioned her. Yes. She couldn’t have been there. She was...

An angry bleep of a car horn started Clark into autopilot. Reversing his car, Clark pulled it from where it jetted out awkwardly into the street, speeding down the road.

“Clark?” Lana finally said when silence had hung over them too long. She was practically bursting with confusion…and worry. She couldn’t help the sting of worry that bit at the back of her mind. Clark, seeing things that weren’t there. How very Clark-like, yet how very odd. Sometimes Lana couldn’t help but honestly question his sanity.

“Mm,” Clark said.

“You okay?”

Clark kept his eyes focused on the road. “Yeah. Fine.” He wanted her to forget this.

“Who did you think you saw, Clark?” Lana was not forgetting this.

“Oh, uh, no one. No one.”

“It didn’t seem like no one.”

Clark didn’t respond, hoping Lana would just accept this as another unexplainable thing about him. Tapping his palms against the steering wheel Clark eagerly embraced the silence that settled in around them. Beside him Lana had turned her attention back toward the racing Metropolis. The padded gray clouds encircling a small ray of sunlight held symbolic to their relationship, so many storm-like moments, with only a few purely pleasant ones shining through.

In a moment, the last beam of sunlight was gone. Covered by the harboring clouds above.

+ - + - + - +

“Clark, your phone is ringing. You want me to pick that up?” Lana said after the fifth shrill ring of the phone.

“No,” Clark finally said, seeing as she wasn’t going to let it alone. He used his large hands to comfortably cradle his chin. Elbows propped on his knees he watched the blinding rain enclose itself on the apartment complex.

The storm had been there for days, stalking the border of the city before finally moving in and releasing its wrath. Lana shuddered when a stroke of lightening hit near by, supported by a deafening clap of thunder.

Clark was struck with an obscure sense of fear, but he pushed it out of his mind, a sharp knock coming quickly from outside his door.

Rising from his tired chair, once overstuffed, now possibly less than stuffed at all, he undid the padlock and opened the door a foot’s length.

Clark jumped at the sight. His adrenaline immediately started pumping, muscles buzzing with intensity. Fear. He felt fear.

A shiny badge was thrust in his face. “Clark Kent. You’re under arrest.”

And the phone kept ringing.

[redraven]

:confused: Uh...is Clark going insane??? Post soon, it was a really good chapter...

[deanyouk]

Okay... I'm confused? and wheres the clana?

ppms

[SVsleuth]

homeschooled? Cool! I homeschool some of my kids - they're not actresses or models or anything, but we learn a lot together.

Cool update. Keep it coming.... PPMS!

[Susanna-Cole]

Don't freak out people...Clana is coming...well, as much as you'll get for a while anyhow. But this will have a happy Clana ending, so don't freak out lol. :P

SVsleuth, yep, well I don't know any different than being homeschooled. Been on stage since I was 3, and started homeschooling when I was 4. My mom used to teach me, but now I just handle all my work myself, and just teach myself. ;)

[midnite_spark]

whoa! clark is under arrest? who's the girl? where did the girl go? where did she come from? is clark going crazy?

gah so many questions! but the most important one is when is there going to be major clana??? :D

[HP_DRAGON]

I'm confused what just hapened? PPMS ^_^

[Susanna-Cole]

Hey guys, thanks for reading (and replying too)! =D Here's an update for my dear readers, hehe.

Chapter Seven

Clark’s mind messaged near a dozen impulses at once pushing him into a state of panic. The setting around him was placid, every person rigid and still, like they always were before he bolted forward in superspeed.

But then there was Lana. His heart plummeted when he realized after tonight she would never look at him the same again...if she looked at him at all.

His heart told him to stay and explain to her. Their relationship already had been like the roughest road, but with the most magnificent scenery along the way. A road they only took in hope of reaching their dreamt of destination. Together they had battled so many oddities, and so perhaps, by a small chance, she would understand. Forgive him even.

A small candle of hope flamed inside him, now. There was a chance. They had a chance. And he wanted that chance, but it was a chance given only by honesty and truth and he was scared of that. The prospect of truth let his insides curl like he was under the effect of kryptonite. He feared it. Too much.

And so he was gone, leaving the curtains fluttering in his wind.

+ - + - + - + - + - + - +

“Do you know where he might have gone?” A detective asked his pin poised to a notebook.

“No,” Lana lied. She had three guesses of exact places he might have gone, and one location. Smallville.

“Do you know anything about-”

“Listen,” Lana started firmly, “This is a mistake. Clark would never-”

“Ma’am I’m sorry but we have proof. His fingerprints-”

Lana couldn’t take it anymore, rising to her feet she dared to interrupt again, releasing the welt of anger that had building underneath her skin.” I don’t give a damn what you say. He didn’t do this. He couldn’t have, Clark is NOT SOME CRIMINAL!”

Everyone in the room paused to look at her, blushing she stood up and stormed though the glass doors of the police station, wondering why she had agreed to come there in the first place. She had wanted to stand up for him. To deny he was a wanted and armed burglar like they said he was. Clark would never do something like that...would he?

But as much as Lana wanted to believe he was innocent, a small swell of doubt rose in her mind.

+ - + - + - + - + - + - +

Lana tore up the driveway before letting her foot fall heavily on the brake as she reached the barn. A warm but somber feeling soaked into her skin. This place brought back so many memories; heartbreaking ones and heavenly ones.

Looking at the farm in its neglected state made a lump form in her throat and a frown tug at her lips. She wondered about Mrs. Kent. Dear Lord, was she even alive?

Death of course made her remember Mr. Kent and even her parents. How their deaths had put such a hole in her life. The only time that hole felt filled was when she was with Clark. A smile played at her lips. Yes, Clark.

She had to find him.

Grabbing the handle of her car door she climbed out and rounded the front of the barn. Peaking in, she softly called out, “Clark?” An eerie silence followed her to the foot of the stairs. “Clark? Are you up there?” She called a littler louder. There was no response but Lana knew if Clark was hiding he wasn’t likely to respond anyway.

Climbing the stairs two at a time Lana fought the urge to hold her breath. What was she scared of anyway? But she knew what she feared. She was simply afraid to admit it, even in the barriers of her own mind.

And there he was. She had reached the top of the stairs, and he was just there...sitting on the same couch they had kissed on enough times Lana had lost count. Not that she was keeping count.

“Clark?” She said, her voice faltering on that simple name she had said so many times.

Clark’s slumped frame suddenly came to life. Turning around he faced her, eyes wide in surprise.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you.”

“Lana. What are you doing?” He didn’t sound cold, but his tone wasn’t friendly either. More... confused. Surprised.

“Um, I came to find you.”

“Why?” Clark turned and bowed his head. “I thought you’d hate me by now.”

“Clark...just tell me what really happened. I mean with the police, and you being a wanted...” Lana couldn’t finish her sentence. She couldn’t call him a criminal. Her lips could never say that about him.

“Lana...”

Lana could tell this wasn’t going to be easy. What did she expect? He would just pour out his heart? Tell her everything she wanted to know? This is Clark we’re talking about, she reminded herself.

“Clark, just tell me you didn’t do it and I’ll believe you,” she said.

“How would you know? We hardly know each other anymore.”

“I know...but I want to know you...again. Please, Clark.” He remained silent. It was going to take more. Walking across the loft she kneeled in front of him and laced her fingers through his. She felt him pull away but she wouldn’t let him leave. Not again. “Clark...” she begin again, “just tell me and I’ll believe you, I promise.”

“How can you trust me to tell the truth?” Clark didn’t know why he brought the “t-word” again. Usually he skirted around it, and even when it was brought upon him he would always make all attempts to shove it back under the bed. God, isn’t that why Lana left him the last time? Because was too scared to tell her the truth about himself. He was truth’s coward, he sure of it.

“Well...” Lana’s voice lifted him from his thoughts. “...I always know when you’re lying.” It wasn’t funny, not even nice. But for some reason or another Lana let a small laugh escape from her lips. She looked up at Clark who still had his head turned away from her, his fingers still united with hers, but he had smiled, if even for a split second.

“I guess you’re right,” Clark said, daring to look at her as he said it.

“So...tell me. Tell me you were framed. Tell me that it wasn’t you.”

Clark could see how much she wanted him to be innocent and it only made the truth cut deeper.

“Lana...” Clark wasn’t sure he could do this...loose her again. She would hate him. He wished she would leave him be: messed up and broken. But instead she still sat at his feet, her eager eyes urging him on. “Lana, I’ve done some things that I...” He swallowed pushing down the lump he bore in his throat, stumbling for the right words.

“Clark, whatever you’ve done, it’s okay-”

“No, Lana. No, no...” He began to tremble, pulling away from Lana’s grasp. He wouldn’t let himself cry. Not in front of Lana. He must have looked so senseless to her, though. Sucking in his breath, then choking on it as he tried to hold the pain inside him. “God, Lana, I’m sorry.”

“No. No. It’s okay,” she said moving to sit next to him. “Remember what I’ve always told you.”

Clark sniffled. “What’s that?”

“You never have to apologize for opening up to me.”

It was if she had given him the okay to cry, to hug her, to let it all go. And maybe she had.

Falling into her arms he held her tight. And cried. He was ashamed, and yet something felt comfortable about being in Lana’s arms...he felt safe. Sure, he had superpowers to protect him physically, but his emotional state was vulnerable just like any human being.

Lana felt an overwhelming sense of sorrow, showing it in the tears that pined to fall freely down her face. Reaching her hand behind him she pulled his head onto her shoulder ran her nimble fingers through his dark locks of hair. She didn’t know how long they sat there. It didn’t matter to her anyway, she would have held him forever if she could. But slowly his crying lessened into slow breaths and he removed his head from her shoulder.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to-” Clark started.

“Clark, it’s okay...really, okay.”

“I know,” he said wiping his nose on his sleeve like a child, “But I’m a guy, I can’t help but feel awkward crying...in front of anyone.”

Lana smiled slightly, reaching tenderly to wipe the remaining tears from his chiseled features, her conscious singing, here we go again. She knew it was happening, but she didn’t want to stop it. She was falling in love with him all over again. How easily their forgotten relationship had fallen into place again. “Well, you can always cry to me, okay?”

Clark nodded. “Okay.”

“Okay.” Lana repeated liking the sound of it. “You think you can go on?” She said referring to the truth. The truth about him.

Clark’s features crumpled again. “Lana-”

“Oh, wait.”

All the sudden Clark felt like he had grabbed an electric fence. Energy rushed through him. He felt hot and dizzy but the strongest of pleasures. If Lana had pulled away know, he was sure he would have lost his balance and fallen. Her lips pressed against his, God, he loved that feeling. Together her lips felt like the softest flower petal, smooth but velvet in texture. Clark sucked in his breath, or was it her’s? No, maybe it was their’s, shared together. Shared breath? God, her kisses made him crazy.

Then as soon as it started, it was over, like the fastest of roller coasters. Clark and Lana parted breathless.

Carefully, Lana whispered to him. “Can you go on now?”

[basketballstar23]

whew......GO ON!!!! WOOT WOOT!!!! great update!! PPMS!!!!

[redraven]

Ok, I really liked that ending. :D:D:D That was a VERY good chapter!!! :) He should be able to go on now!!

PPMASAP!

[midnite_spark]

what did clark do???? did he kill lex?? cuz i wouldn't mind that so much ^^

i love the ending!!!!

PPMS!

[HP_DRAGON]

what the heck did clark do oh well lots of clana for me ^.^ PPMS!

[treker]

btw....please no more woot woot.

[deanyouk]

lol at no more woot woots....

Great update!! ppms

[Susanna-Cole]

Chapter Eight

“Lana...I don’t know,” Clark said, hanging his head. He was ashamed of his recent actions, and even more terrified to have the person he’d always loved know about them.

“Clark,” Lana said raising his head up with her hands. She wanted him to look at her. “I know what you’re worried about.”

“You do?”

“Yeah. I do.” Lana drew back her hands. He was looking at her now and it felt a little strange to keep cradling his face like that. Not that she didn’t love the feeling of his skin against her bare hands. His face was cold although Lana couldn’t deny the warm feeling that shot through her every time she touched him.

“You’re afraid, that I’ll think of you as less of a person. That I won’t...like you anymore,” Lana said, covering the fact that she had almost said “love.” Was he ready to hear that again? What had happened here? Less than a day together and all the feelings Lana had been certain were gone came rushing back to the surface again. Or was it the truth that she had never stopped loving him?

“Lana...”

“Clark,” Lana interrupted. Maybe this was going to take the truth...from her. She sucked in her breath. If she said it, there was no turning back. But, what if he didn’t return the same feeling any longer? What if he had moved on? Lana glanced to see Clark’s gaze wondering. She had to say this. If it would get the truth from him, it would be well worth it.

“I...will...love you always, Clark. You don’t have to be afraid that...whatever, you’ve done will never change that. I couldn’t stop loving you if I tried.” Lana stopped to see Clark’s reaction. He didn’t look surprised; instead he quickly averted his gaze to the stars beyond the loft window.

Oh, no. Lana felt an uncomfortable feeling creep into mind. She shouldn’t have said that. Now he was just going to pull away, like he always did. Or say nothing...he did that a lot too.

“I never stopped loving you.”

Lana’s heart lurched. God, surely her mind must have been made that up. Had that really been his voice, quiet but earnest. Had Clark really just said, “I’ll never stop loving you?”

“But, Lana...”

No. No. No. No! Lana’s mind screamed fiercely. She hated the word, ‘but,’ when it came from Clark’s mouth trailed by a long uneasy pause. It was never good. Never! How Clark-like to build her up, have them confess their love to each, and then hole up within himself. What did she get? Surely some one-liner, Lana, I trust you but...

“Lana!” Clark’s voice struck into Lana’s thoughts.

“Oh, sorry. I was just thinking. What were you saying?” Lana fought the urge to roll her eyes. Oh, poor Clark, Lana thought sarcastically. Now he’s going to have to repeat his tiresome excuse to me...again. Poor me, for having to hear it, again.

“Um, Lana. Do I have to say it again?”

“Oh, um. No,” Lana said still slightly embarrassed that she had lost herself to the raging voice inside her. Angry voice. Very, very angry.

“Oh, so you don’t want to know anymore?” Maybe he was going to get out of this after all with his secrets still being his.

“Know what?”

“What...I’ve you know...done,” Clark said delivering ‘done’ with a thud, like it weighed a hundred pounds.

“Oh, no. Yes. I mean yes.” Slow down, Lana inwardly told herself. She was practically yelling. “Yes, Clark,” she said, sweetly this time. She grabbed his hand. “I want to know. Whatever it is, it’ll be alright.”

“Okay...um, I don’t know where to start.”

“It’s okay. Just start wherever. Go backwards for all I care.” [/I]Just tell me![/I]

“Well, it kind of started after...dad died. And I wasn’t sure if we could keep the farm anymore, but I wanted us to...because I felt like if we left it, we would leave dad.”

Lana nodded, trying to be as encouraging to him as possible. She knew how hard it was for him to open up.

“And then I moved to Metropolis, to-” Clark stopped himself. He had almost said, to become Superman. He wasn’t ready to tell her that. Not now. “Get a job and stuff...” Oh no this was going to be harder than he though. How to get around the whole Superman complex? “...But I wasn’t able to find work.”

“I’m surprised. You’ve always been such a hard worker.” Lana rubbed his back slightly. Was that allowed? She wasn’t sure what the kind of relationship they had now allowed.

Yeah well, when you’re Superman it’s all work and no pay check, Clark thought.

“Uh...yeah. I guess. Well, my mom, she couldn’t handle the farm after I left for Metropolis, so she sold it...without my permission. She didn’t tell me, or anything, Lana. She said we needed the money. I was already behind with rent for my apartment, and now she had nowhere to stay. The apartment wasn’t big enough for both of us. My mom deserved better. Also, I wanted the farm back. Even if neither of us lived there, I wanted to know it was there to go back there. That I could go back to dad.”

“I understand,” Lana said giving him a small smile. “It was hard for me to be in Metropolis at first also. I felt like I had left my parents But then I realized, as corny as it sounds, that I really do have them right here.” She gestured to her heart.

“Yeah, maybe you’re right.”

“Of course I’m right.” Oops, now wasn’t the time for teasing. “But, go on.”

“So, we needed money really bad. And I didn’t know what to do-”

“Clark, you know you could have always come to me for money. I mean I know I wasn’t rolling in cash, but I would have been willing to help in anyway I could. Or even Lex-”

“No. No. Lana, I couldn’t go to Lex. Or you. I mean what would dad think if I couldn’t even take care of mom, like he always had? I would have failed him Lana.”

Oh, this was a case of the old ego. Kent pride, Lana thought. Just like his dad.

“So, you know how I’ve always been...um, good at sneaking around and getting in and out of places, um, without anyone knowing?” Gulp. Here came the hard part.

Lana smiled. “So I’ve noticed.”

“So um, well...I got to thinking. I needed money, and well you know, there are a lot of banks in Metropolis.” Clark was sweating now. He felt so embarrassed. “So, I just...started taking money from banks. Robbing them I mean.”

“Oh God, you didn’t?” Lana was in shock. This wasn’t like the Clark she had known. The again, maybe it was...always willing to do whatever he had to help those he loved. But robbery?

Lana looked up to see Clark had pulled away, and had distanced himself from her by sitting in the far corner of the couch.

“Oh, no. Clark, I didn’t mean it like that.” She scooted towards him. “Look it’s okay...you did what you had to,” she said kindly reaching to hug him. Surprisingly, Clark fell into her embrace.

“You don’t hate me for it,” he said, his words muffled by the fabric of Lana’s shirt. Their bodies pressed close together. “Lana, if I could go back and change it, I would. You have to believe me.”

“Sshh,” She whispered running her hand down his back. “I believe you. It’s okay. It’s okay.”

“No, no it’s not.” Clark had pulled away again. “Lana, I’m a wanted criminal.” The words came out harshly. Like knifes that cut his tongue.

“That’s what they know you as. But Clark, to me your the guy I’ve always loved. The guy I’m never going to stop loving. The guy who is so caring, he’d put his life and reputation on the line to help his windowed mother.”

“Lana...what I am going to do, though? Where am I going to go?”

A new voice revealed itself. “Yes Clark, where are you going to go?”

Lex.

[redraven]

That was an awesome update!! I love this story. :D

Darn Lex! :mad: I hate cue-ball! Even in fics. So...did Lex hear the whole conversation???

Oh well, PPMS!

(I agree with deanyouk about Lex)

[deanyouk]

please let lex take a jump of a cliff in ur story.... or let him die in some horrible way... ppms

[closetfan]

oh damn, lex...quick kill him!!

[SVsleuth]

PPMS! ;)

[Susanna-Cole]

Edit: Oops forgot to say, I ended up writing this from Lana's POV. I don't know why...I just felt like writing in 1st person for a change. Let me know if this bothers you or not, or if you have any opinion about it. ;) Thanks!

CHAPTER NINE

“Lex,” I go. Fear injects itself into my blood stream and a wave of nausea curls in my stomach. How did he find me here?

I look over at Clark and he looks as surprised as I feel inside. I uncross my legs and let the pillow I didn’t know I was clutching fall away.

“Lana, I thought we had an agreement?” Lex says, moving closer to where Clark and I sit.

The loft reaches oven-like temperatures, as my face burns red. I don’t feel very good. The airy room suddenly seems to be closing in, suffocating me. I feel trapped inside a balloon its air whistling away.

I speak. “No agreement that would allow you to stalk me. What are you doing here, Lex?” A low whistle escapes his lips, and I subconsciously clench my jaw, never wanting him to say anything at all. Wanting him to disappear.

Beside me Clark’s shoulders stiffen, his eyes steadily focusing on Lex. He hasn’t said anything, but I can feel the storm of emotions stirring within him; his quietness the calm before his fury.

“I think you know, Lana. But, perhaps you would like me to remind you,” Lex says. I ache for something cool to press against my body. I’m sweltering now.

“Please do, Lex,” I say, deciding to play dumb. Clark can’t know, I’ll tell him later. Alone. Myself.

“The Metropolis Pier. 6 P.M.,” Lex reveals. “To...talk.”

I feel Clark shift his weight still beside me, worry ripples in tides across his eyes. I feel sweat prick at my skin and I’m worried too. Worried Lex will spoil things, and that Clark’s love will be exchanged with disgust for me.

“I haven’t the faintest idea of what you’re talking about,” I say. I don’t want to loose Clark now, not when I’ve just found him again.

“I think you do.”

“No. No I don’t.” I’m standing now, my shoulders quivering in anger. “Lex, if what you say were true, and we were to meet at the Pier, that doesn’t explain why you’re here. Did our plans include a visit at the Kent loft?”

Lex pushes his hands into the pockets of his gray slacks, casually shrugging his shoulders. “Not originally. But when you didn’t show, I was worried.”

“You were worried,” I spit back. The room seems on axle, it spins and I feel faint.

“Yes, that was until I saw the news.” His eyes shift to Clark, shrinking into the couch. “Clark, I had no idea you were such a skilled robber. Is this what you’ve been hiding all along?”

“That doesn’t explain why you’re here, Lex,” I go.

“It didn’t take a genius to put it together Lana. I hope though, for you sake, you’re not involved in Clark’s criminal activity.”

“What are you going to do, Lex?” Clark says, his tone demanding a response. A wave of calm consumes me, and I feel safer with him standing next to me.

“What any good man would do, Clark. You’re a criminal, and I think the people of Metropolis would like to give you a proper punishment. I have to do my part,” Lex replies coolly.

“Lex, Clark was just going to turn himself in,” I lie. “There’s no need for you here.”

Lex laughs in reply, the evil bounds dancing around the loft, mocking. “You expect me to believe that Lana? You don’t think I’m dumb, do you?”

“Lex, please. You’re only making this more difficult,” I tell him.

“Well then, for that let me help make this easier,” he reaches into his pocket, “I can have a helicopter here in minutes. The ride to Metropolis will be much faster.”

I move in front of Clark. “You’re not taking him anywhere, Lex,” I say. I wonder when I decided to be brave.

“Fine have your way.” Lex’s smirk broadens. “I won’t take him to the police.”

“I don’t believe you,” I snap.

“Lana...” Clark says.

“No, Clark, let me handle this.” For once I want a chance to be the protector, instead of being the protected.

“No, Lana, let me handle this,” Lex says producing the object he had been fingering in his pocket. I glance at Clark, and suddenly he looks sick. Was he okay? Returning my gaze to Lex, I watch him palm a meteor rock.

“Lex, what are you doing? What’s happening to him?” Panic and anger battle on the brim of my voice. It shakes, and my words come out in a broken form.

“Just a little trick I’ve been told.” He’s smug, holding the rock closer to Clark. “Lana, I’m doing what I have to. Clark is a dangerous criminal. I can’t allow you or anyone else to be hurt by him,” Lex says, masking his voice in sincerity.

“You said you weren’t going to take him to the police,” I argue.

“Lana, you doubt me. I’m not. I never had the intention of taking him to the police. I have bigger ideas than that,” Lex says.

A thud sounds and echoes through the skeleton structure of the barn and I lower my eyes to see Clark fallen to the floor. I quickly kneel next to him, tears rising to my eyes.

“Lex, stop it!” I’m yelling now, but I don’t hear myself. All I hear are the weak groans escaping Clark’s lips. His abdomen shrinks and recoils inward, while he thrusts his head back, struggling for breath.

I cup his head and hold it for him, my insides twisting at his pain. Confusion runs across my mind, and for a moment I wonder what the meteor rock is doing to him, and if it has to do anything with what he’s been hiding all these years. Another moment, and I forget all about his secrets and all I see is him lying there weakly, and I feel so helpless.

“I’ll give you the choice, Lana. I’m feeling generous,” Lex goes. He’s next to me now, his lips twitching towards a smirk. “In the first choice I will take to my residence. He’ll be safe from the police there, Lana, but he will be subject to my curious mind and studies.”

“What you mean?” I ask roughly. I let my fingers reach Clark’s forehead, stroking it gently in a comforting manner.

“Lana, I believe Clark is something very special, otherworldly even. I have a lab, and I wish to study him...more closely.”

“How long?” I say. I can’t believe I’m considering this.

“For the rest of his life. He will be my property, and I will be able to do whatever I wish with him. Studies. Experiments. If he is what I think he is, people have a right to know, Lana.”

“No,” I go. I’m choking now, my words slurred like a drunk. “I won’t let you do that. He’s not property Lex; he’s a living being. You can’t own him.”

“Then I suppose you’d like to choose choice B. If I can’t have him Lana,” Lex begins, “no one will. You can see what this rock does to him; I’ll pierce his heart with it. He’ll die Lana. If you let me take him, I will make sure, even though he may suffer physical pain, that he lives until his natural death.”

“No, no,” I’m whispering. I don’t get the chance to say anything more before cold metal is pushed at my temple. A gun. Suddenly I feel so stupid, and even more so, scared.

“If you don’t decide, I will choose for you. If you try to run, if you try for help, I’ll will kill him, but torture him first, then I finish you off.”

I’m screaming now. “You’re already going to kill him, Lex, I don’t care if you kill me!”

“Why are you upset Lana, I’m giving you all the power. The choice. If you choose A, he will not die, but he will be mine. If you choose B, he will die, but I will kill him clean and quick. If you do not choose, I will choose for you,” Lex says holding both the gun and rock steadily. He’s enjoying himself. “If you try anything other than the above choices, I will torture and kill him, then you.”

“I can’t believe we were friends,” I go, disgusted. Fear grips me tightly, as I realize the complexity of Lex’s evil. “Clark was right about you. He warned me. God, I should have listened.”

“Clark is often right, but now he can do nothing. It’s all left to you, Lana. The longer you take to decide, the more weak and sick he will become. The choice is yours.”

[deanyouk]

Ok... right it doest read too good writing pretty much the whole thing in first person.... Personally I believe if ur writing in first person, you should only do it at the start and or the ending of the story....

Other than that... it was a nice update... ppms

[akuma]

Wht can she do? Tough choices right there, i hope she does somethin soon! PPMS

[deanyouk]

Hey, wheres our update?!?!

[redraven]

That update was great, I love reading stories in first person so it was okay with me. :D

Stupid Lex! :mad: He's so dumb, he will die in your fic right?

[deanyouk]

6 days... no update??? where u gone?

[deanyouk]

nudges....

What happened? why no more updates..

[Susanna-Cole]

Sorry. :( I've been caught up in a project and haven't found time to write a nice long update. Um...let's see, maybe this weekened though. Hopefully. ;)
Sory for wait, I apologize.

[redraven]

It's okay. And dean, (I can call you dean, right?) what is 'nudges' supposed to mean?

[deanyouk]

You can call me Dean :)

*nudge*? its like poking or proding someone to do summat, if u know what I mean?

If not... take this explanation from me... It will answer alot of your questions....

I'm........ wait for it.......... ENGLISH! there I said it... pheww

haha

[redraven]

LoL, dean. English, whenever I read it I picture Austin Powers saying it. But, I learned you were English a while ago...from things like 'tut tut'. Which I still don't know what it means. :\

[deanyouk]

hehe

[closetfan]

weekends over and no update......wheres the update? i want a update. i need an update.


UPDATE?????



:)

[maru11]

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

[SVsleuth]

Dang, Lana is taking a loooooooooooooooong time to decide. Clark will be dead any minute. Hurry & Update before he's gone! ;)

[Susanna-Cole]

^^lol...okay that reminded me of like a sale, "Hurry before it's gone!" lol. :lol:

sorry i know i said the weekened, but the weekend turned into a workend. hey but it's not my fault i had to work overtime.

anyway, i would take my laptop to set but right now we're working on the side of a lake...me...clusmy...water...lap top...accidental lap-top destruction lol. i'm too scared to take it with me, besides my breaks aren't THAT long to right very much. :p

um, I'm not going to make any promises of WHEN, but i will try, really hard to write the next part soon okay! ;)

thanks for staying tune, back to lunch for me. :) or maybe it's like Luchinner, considering it's almost 3pm. :p

[redraven]

Hope you can update soon, love your story. :)

[maru11]

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

[closetfan]

jus wondering....r u gona update this????
its too good to let die...

[Clarkfan3000]

PLEASE CONTINUE!!!

[redraven]

Update?

[Clarkfan3000]

aww man!! please update soon!!!

[pacifichic]

Please please Pleeeeease update VERY soon! it's a great story! :)

[Susanna-Cole]

Hey, bet you guys thought this was never going to come...well, I said I would update soon didn’t I? Okay, so I don’t know if this counts as “soon” but hey in between filming, and school, and being my parent’s free babysitting service, and so on and so on, I did get there, thank you very much. lol. Sorry, I don’t know what I’m saying, I’ll shut up now so you can read the update.

P.S. I know I flipped to 1st person in the last update, just wanted to try that...I feel more comfortable with that, so hopefully you all don’t mind I continue using it. But I apologize, cause as someone pointed out, it is pretty weird to go from 3rd person to 1st person in the middle of a story...luckily this isn’t being published or anything. :P

Chapter Twelve

I don’t know why the meteor rock is affecting Clark the way it is, but suddenly I feel as if the rock is affecting me. Nausea churns my stomach and my face is flushed with sweat. Clark’s condition is worsening as his chest heaves only slightly. I won’t and I can’t let anything happen to him. Not now, not like this.

Another glance at Clark through the corner of my eye, and I make my move. My eyes instinctively close but I know I’ve made contact with the gun when its cool metal collides with my moist fingers.

A hand that isn’t my own encircles my neck, nails pricking the soft skin of my neck. The gun is out of my reach again as Lex draws me close to his body. It’s still again, except his baited breath blow lightly on my back.

“One shot and your brains will be a pool around my feet,” Lex hisses through his teeth, thrusting the gun against my temple. “Without you, there’s no chance for Clark. You don’t want to leave him with me, do you Lana? One shot. Don’t mess it up, Lana.”

“Please don’t hurt him like this,” I sob.

“Lex...let...” I turn to see Clark speaking. Weak but alive, “...her. Go. Take me.” Clark stops, his breathing labored again, his remaining energy burned.

Lex’s eyes fall down to Clark, a familiar and wry smile playing at the corners of his lips. “Clark, I don’t think you understand. I’m letting, Lana make the choice.” It’s Lex’s idea of goodwill and charity, to let me choose between two equally horrible fates.

I want to see Lex hurt. I want see him suffer eternally.

I make another play for the gun. It’s mine. Throwing a grab at the railing framing the loft I free myself from Lex’s arms. A tug at my shirt and I’m almost pinned to the floor again. I feel my foot knock something to the ground below, it distorts Lex’s concentration, if only for a second and I’m free.

The loss of circulation in my feet while sitting on the floor makes my steps shaky. Falling isn’t a choice. This is a nasty game, and falling would cost me more than a penalty. I’d be out.

My own choices parade into my conscious, I feel the urge run though me to shoot him, but he’s so close. There isn’t enough room between us for mistakes. I slip and he could wrangle the gun from my hands before my finger has closed in on the trigger.

Tossing my hair away from my eyes I force myself to face Lex. My gun held parallel to his forehead I attempt to threaten him, but his steps still falling heavy against the floor.

“Stop,” I go, trying my best to edge my tone with authority. Lex ignores me, approaching rapidly. Even with the gun locked in my hands I feel my heart race faster. I back away.

The edge is near and the railing to the loft digs uncomfortably into my back now. There is no more floor to cover. The only way out is down.

I hear my voice tell Lex I will shoot him if he comes any closer. A split second later and I realize I never said it aloud at all.

“That’s a long way down,” Lex says, meaning the drop from the loft to the barn floor. His eyes hold my gaze and I wonder if he can see the fear within my hazel pools.

“I’m sorry it has to end this way Lana, I thought we could be friends.”

My eyes widen in realization but it’s too late now, his weight is against mine and I feel gravity taking over. I know he meant for the pistol to be thrust back with my arm, but if it’s the last action I have control over, I lower it against the movement of my body.

The click of the trigger seems louder than a thousand bombs. Reverberating in the loft like a stuck record, over and over.

Click. Click. Click. Click.

I’m uploading a whole clip, except I’m not conscious of it as a choice. I feel nothing, and I only hear the small of the trigger and the pound of Lex’s body bearing down on the worn floorboards.

I know it’s over, but I cling to my last image that is sorted out through my eyes to my mind. The ceiling disappearing above me, the last thing I see.

----
Okay sorry it's not too long, but I have to go back to work now...hey, least I got lucky with a great stopping point lol. :p Sorry, sorry I know most people don't like clifthangers, but it's what you're getting. ;)

[Totalclanafan614]

yayy!! Finally an update!!
I truly love this fic!!
PPMS!

[deanyouk]

nice update

[happycamper]

Mean! :(

[clana1fan4ever]

nice update ppm!!!!

[lanalang1234]

yea very nice

[Clarkfan3000]

i like the POV thing.. try diffrent ones like Clark or Lex. that would be cool. aweosme update

[Clarkfan3000]

did i forget to mention to please post soon? haha

[Clarkfan3000]

PLEASE!!

[Clarkfan3000]

pretty please?

[devoted2clark]

ppms

[clark&lanafan06]

PPMASAP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[buddy232]

Just caught up, great story. Please continue!

[Clana227]

Just got caught up too. Awesome story so far. Update sonn please

[clana1fan4ever]

update soon!!!!!!!!!

[Clana227]

Please Post soon

[clana1fan4ever]

update soon!!!!!!!

[buddy232]

Please update!

[Clarkfan3000]

PLEASE UPDATE!!!!!

[Clana227]

update please

[buddy232]

Please don't abandon this great fic!

[Clarkfan3000]

PLEASE!!!

[Awesomeperson30]

Way way way to confusing.