Re: Episode 2 - "Home" (PG)
~*~*~*~*~
The Talon went silent for a moment as Chloe stepped through the front doors. She felt everyone staring at her before the whispers started up. It was a familiar happening when she entered any room, yet it still had the power to unnerve her. Composing herself she tried to seem relaxed, knowing the curiosity of the people would fade with time. People never stayed interested in something very long. She could only hope that was the case with her “rising from the dead.”
She approached the counter slowly, noting Lana and Mrs. Kent talking and laughing with each other. Lana looked happier than she’d seemed the last time they’d talked and Chloe could only hope that with time, their relationship could regain the ease that she and Mrs. Kent seemed to have fallen back into.
Smiling as the two women nodded to her, Chloe ordered a low fat cappuccino, and upon receiving it, settled herself into a corner booth, out of the direct line of sight of most of the coffee shops curious patrons.
Before the summer, before the trial she’d loved the Talon. Loved watching the people and absorbing the atmosphere. But after spending the summer in a small, cramped safe house, always on guard for anything suspicious, the crowd unnerved her and the loud chatting felt rather irritating. Even the coffee wasn’t the same, tasting not quite as good as she remembered.
But maybe it wasn’t the coffee. Maybe it was her. Maybe she wasn’t the same anymore.
She groaned mentally when she felt someone slide into the seat next to her. Looking up, she prepared to deliver the speech she’d rehearsed about wanting to be left alone – but the face smiling back at her pushed the speech right out of her head.
“Pete!” She was so happy to see her friend, wanted to reach over and hug him. But the awkward way they’d left things before he’d moved made her unsure whether he’d welcome such a gesture now.
“Chloe.” Pete smiled, noting she looked slightly thinner, but no worse the wear for her ordeal. “Didn’t expect to see me, did you?”
Chloe smiled at his easy tone. “Not at all. What are you doing here?”
“I came back to see if the stories of your miraculous rise from the dead were true.” Pete’s grin widened as he reached over and took Chloe’s hand. “I’m glad to see the paper’s weren’t exaggerating.”
She blinked in surprise. Physical contact between them had been almost non-existent since his “truth” induced confession of his feelings for her. It was a welcome surprise, she decided as she squeezed his hand in reply.
“Enough about me. So how are you? How is Wichita?” She relaxed as Pete launched into a description of his new life. He sounded happy, although there was something in his words that told her all was not quite what it seemed. When he paused for breath, she looked directly at him and smiled.
“So, with your brand new life, do you ever miss us old folks here in Smallville?”
Pete nodded. “Wichita is okay but I have to admit, it’s a little boring. I miss Smallville sometimes.”
“You should come back more often. We’ve missed you too.” Chloe knew she’d opened a can of worms as his eyes changed, although his grip on her hand remained steady.
“I came back once.” His voice was soft as he looked her directly in the eyes. “To say goodbye to one of my best friends.” There was a deep pain his words that brought tears to her eyes.
“I’m sorry Pete. I don’t know what to tell you.” She paused, looking away for a moment before taking a breath and continuing. “I know that we always tried to be honest with each other. But that wasn’t possible this time.”
Pete shook his head sadly, his grip tightening on her fingers.
“I know. But it still hurts. At your funeral…” he paused, looking away, not wanting to remember the emotional turmoil he’d lived through in those few weeks after learning of her “death.” “I thought my heart would break,” he finally continued. “I thought I’d lost you for good. And there wasn’t anything that I could have done to save you.”
Chloe swallowed around the lump in her throat, wanting to say something to comfort him, but sensing the words would be too little, too late. She could only take comfort from the fact that he was here with her now, talking to her, that he could, perhaps, one day forgive her.
“I’m really sorry, Pete. I know it doesn’t make up for what I put you, all of you through.”
Pete remained silent, but Chloe hadn’t expected anything less. When he finally spoke, she felt as if a weight had been lifted from her shoulders.
”Don’t do it again.” He looked up, squeezing her hand, something in his eyes telling her that while they still had a ways to go in rebuilding their friendship, they’d taken the first steps.
She nodded, feeling unsure and more emotional than she liked. She decided that the best escape at the moment was to rely on her own sarcastic wit.
“So, how was it?”
“What?” Pete looked confused, but not as melancholy now.
“My funeral. How was it?”
Pete laughed and just like that, the tension of the moment was broken. When he finally got himself under control, he smiled wryly.
“Very tasteful, but definitely not your style. Lots of flowers, lots of people, even some reporters.”
Chloe sighed. “Too bad I wasn’t there. It’s not everyday one gets to see their own funeral.”
Pete smiled, but the pain lingered at the back of his eyes. Suddenly feeling contrite, she tried to comfort him with words.
“Pete, I can’t tell you how sorry…”
“Then don’t,” he cut her off. “I’m just glad that you’re alive and kicking.”
“Even if it is because of Lex?” She waited, knowing she was opening another can of worms, but needing to see if Pete still felt his animosity towards Lex.
Pete sighed. “Even if it’s because of Lex. I still don’t like him. And I still don’t trust him.” His voice was solemn, but there was truth in his eyes. “But I’m thankful, that he kept you safe.”
Suddenly the emotion in his eyes was too much and the tears she’d been holding back for so long let loose in a flood of quiet sobs.
Seeing her breakdown, Pete moved over to her side of the booth and pulled her into his arms, keeping her anchored against him as she sobbed for everyone she’d hurt, for everyone who’d grieved and mourned for her, for everything she’d lost in an effort to help put away the person who caused them all so much pain. When she was finally out of tears, she sniffed, pulling back and trying to wipe her cheeks with her hands. She felt a bit embarrassed at breaking down, but was thankful at least that they were hidden from the other patrons.
“Better now?” asked Pete quietly. Chloe nodded and gave him a thankful look.
“Thanks, Pete.” There was more in those two words than she could ever express, and from his response, she knew he understood.
“Good to have you back, Chloe.” Pete smiled heart-warmingly at her and gave her hand a last squeeze before he stood up.
“I have to go. There are a few more things I need to take care of before I leave.”
Chloe nodded. She didn’t want him to leave so soon but she knew she wasn’t the only one in Smallville who needed his sturdy shoulders to unload the events of the last summer on.
“‘Kay Pete. But I hope I don’t have to die again for you to come visit.”
Pete grinned. It was still a little sad but there was a warmth in it that made her believe everything would eventually be all right.
“Gee, girl. Where’s the creativity? You already died once.” He winked as he pulled on his jacket. “Find something new. You’re no Buffy.”
Chloe laughed. An honest to goodness laugh. Pete had a point. And it was even a funny one.
“I’ll think of something.” She paused, something suddenly occurring to her. “Hey, how long are you in town and where are you staying?”
“I’m staying at the Kent’s and I’m leaving tonight.”
Chloe grimaced. She’d expected it but having it confirmed put a damper on her hopes of seeing him again before he left. She wasn’t so sure whether it was a good idea to go to the Kent’s, simply because it would mean dealing with Clark.
Pete noticed her change of mood and his expression softened.
“Talk to him, Chloe. You both are going to need each other’s friendship. It wasn’t easy for you or him or any of us.”
Chloe could only nod as he turned and headed over to say hello to Lana.
~*~*~*~*~*~
It was always the same. Come to the Talon after school to hang out. Try not to laugh at Clark as he pretended not to watch Lana as she served the patrons before coming to the counter to chat. Watch Chloe enjoy a cup of coffee like no one else could. Except it wasn’t the same. Pete sighed as he made his way to the counter. It was bittersweet coming here, seeing Chloe, knowing this was no longer his home. He watched Lana approaching the counter. She held a tray with some cups on it, but didn’t seem very busy.
“Let me guess, Paris just couldn’t compare with the charm and sophistication of Smallville.”
He watched amusedly as the brunette beauty whipped around towards him and nearly dropped the cup she had been about to put in the dishwasher. After a moment, she graced him with a smile and Pete felt something soften around his heart. He knew without a doubt that if he hadn’t fallen for Chloe, he could have easily been among the many that fell for the young woman before him.
“Pete! What are you doing here?”
“Visiting friends.” True, he and Lana had never been particularly close, but he still counted her among his friends. “How was Paris?”
He watched her eyes soften as she began to speak. “Paris was … great. Totally opposite from anything I had experienced before. I expected everyone to be rude especially to an American, but the people were very kind. Everything had a bohemian flair and some parts of the city just threw you back into the middle ages. It was terrific, romantic and overwhelming.”
“It sounds like you had some wonderful times. So why come back?”
“I’m not sure. Maybe there’s more of Smallville in me than I like to admit.” She smiled wistfully. “Maybe going to Paris just wasn’t what I needed to find myself.”
Pete nodded sympathetically. “I have to admit, I was surprised you decided to go to Paris. I never knew you were so interested in seeing France.”
“Honestly, I never was into France. I was interested in the culture and the art there, and all around Europe.”
“Art? Huh...never would have guessed you were an artist.” Pete caught the slightly hurt look.
“Well, I never wanted anyone to know. But I was never really confident about my art. I always thought that it… that I wasn’t good enough. And that I’d just make a fool out of myself if I told anyone.”
He could understand that feeling all too well. “Then how did you end up in Paris studying art?”
“It just happened, I guess. I saw the advertisement and applied just for fun, never truly believing I would get in.”
“But you did.”
Lana nodded. “I decided to take the opportunity. I didn’t want to wonder “what if” anymore.”
“But it turned out that Paris wasn’t the right thing.”
“Yea.” She shrugged, smiling slightly. “Who knows, maybe I took a chance on the wrong thing in my life.”
They talked for a bit longer before Pete was forced to make his goodbyes. As he walked out of the Talon, stopping briefly to hug Chloe goodbye, he marveled at the changes the last few months had made to his small circle of friends. Only time would tell if those changes were for the good.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Clark was once again staring out the window of his loft. It had been good to talk with Pete about his experience but it nagged at him that he still couldn’t tell his friend everything.
The darker sides of his planet. The genetic experiments. The clones and the war that had wiped them from the face of the planet. How could he have explained to Pete that “being born” on Krypton meant literally being “cloned?” It was only because his father had secretly experimented with the cloning process, that he had been able to leave. His people, his father, had been on the search for everlasting life and youth. Instead, they’d only found death and destruction.
He turned around as he heard steps on the stairs. To his surprise he saw Lana hesitantly approaching. She smiled at him, but remained standing on the last stair.
Clark understood. He couldn’t make himself close the space between them either. Even if it was something he craved more than anything.
“I missed your loft. It was always so quiet and relaxing.” Lana knew it was an inane way to start a conversation, but she wasn’t sure what to say now that she was actually here.
“It still is.” Clark wasn’t sure how to respond, wasn’t sure what she expected from him. “As always, my fortress of solitude.” He heard the depression in his voice.
It was that depression that made Lana step forward, beginning to breach the gap.
“But always home.” She looked around, smiling as if she were remembering good times. “It’s very important to have someplace you can call home. I know that now.”
Clark was puzzled at her words. “You’ve always had a home here, Lana. I hope you never doubted that.”
Lana sighed. “I did.” She moved a little closer as she tried to explain. “There were so many times when I wasn’t sure where I belonged. Wondered if I should have packed it in and moved to Metropolis with Nell.”
Clark swallowed, knowing much of her feelings most likely had to do with the secrets he’d kept, and was still keeping from her. But it didn’t stop him from asking the next question.
“And where do you consider home now?”
Lana looked surprised, but if she thought about it, she’d been expecting his question. The trick now was how to answer. Mrs. Kent’s words lingered in her mind as she took another step towards him.
“I don’t know. Maybe I’m still searching for it.”
Her words sent differing emotions through him. Happiness that she hadn’t given up completely on Smallville, but fear that once more his issues and their fragile relationship would send her packing. But she was being honest with him, and it enabled him to take a step towards her. It was a small step, but it was the first, he hoped, on the road leading back to each other. Whether it was as friends or something more.
“Then take your time. It’s not always easy to define what makes a place home.”
Lana turned her head away and looked thoughtful. She wanted to ask him about his statement, but knew that right now, she wouldn’t get any answers. But she could live with that. For now.
“Yes maybe it is. Time will tell.”
Clark smiled tentatively. “The most important thing is that you’re here now.”
Lana nodded, moving back towards the stairs. Before she reached the top one, she turned back to him, giving him the first genuine smile she’d managed around him since her return.
“I hope we can be friends again, Clark.”
Clark nodded, trying not to let the hope springing to life inside his chest come out in his words. He didn’t want to scare her off again. “I hope so too, Lana. More than you know.”
Lana smiled softly at him before descending the stairs. Clark walked over to the banister and watched as she reached the double doors. She was almost outside when something made him call her back.
“Lana!”
Startled by his voice, Lana turned and gave him a questioning look.
“I was at the airport. I wanted to say goodbye and wish you luck. I just wanted you to know that.” The words were breathless and jumbled, but he needed her to understand. His breath caught at the slight smile that appeared on her face.
“I knew that Clark. I knew that all the time.”
He watched her go with a stunned expression on his face and hope in his heart.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Pete felt rather melancholy as he realized it was nearly time for him to leave Smallville again. He wasn’t sure his presence had done what Mr. & Mrs. Kent had hoped, but he knew neither Clark nor Chloe would say more.
His talk with Chloe had gone better than he’d thought, but he needed to know exactly what had happened over the summer, how she and Lex had pulled it off. Except she wasn’t ready to tell, and he could only hope that when she was, she knew he’d be there. One thing he’d learned from his friendship with Clark was patience.
Clark was still keeping things from him, but it was obvious they were too painful to relate. He just hoped that when he was ready, Clark would tell him what had him so horrified. But until then, he’d try to remain patient and give his friend the time and space they needed.
But damn, it wasn’t going to be easy!
“You ready, Pete?” He jumped as Clark’s voice broke into his thoughts. Smiling, he turned as his friend approached carrying the various pieces of his luggage.
“Yeah, but I’m gonna miss this place.” He looked at the quiet simplicity of the farm once more, breathing in the peace and serenity like a drug.
“I’m really going to miss you, Pete.” Clark knew it was stupid to feel like he’d never see his friend again, but after everything he’d been through, this parting felt so final.
“I’ll miss you too.” He paused, looking directly at Clark. “But you have other friends here you know?”
Clark sighed. “At the moment I’m not so sure about that.”
Pete nodded, knowing it was not going to be easy for Clark to make his peace with Lana and Chloe, especially when he still couldn’t tell them who he was and what secrets he held. He didn’t envy that burden one bit, but he’d do what he could to ease it.
“Talk to her. She really does care about you.” He stopped, waiting for Clark to meet his gaze. “But remember, you weren’t the only one who had a difficult summer. Chloe made some decisions, and while I’m not very happy about them myself, they were her decisions.”
“She trusted Lex with her life.” Clark still couldn’t get over the anger and bitterness the thought brought.
“And she was right to.” Pete cringed at Clark’s shocked look. It wasn’t easy for him to give Lex credit for anything. But in this case, he had too. “He saved her life, Clark. Despite what I’ve always believed about him, that counts for something.”
Clark knew his friend had a point, but listening to it was proving difficult. “He’s still Lex. He’s dangerous for anyone to be friends with – after the investigating he did on me, how he took down Lionel--” he trailed off as Pete shook his head.
He wouldn’t rant about Lex and how he still didn’t think the man trustworthy. The only thing that counted at the moment was that Chloe was alive—and it was because of Lex. Whether Clark liked it or not.
“Is this really about her trusting Lex, or her trusting Lex more than you? Or maybe because you’ve learned that you can’t save everyone. Even if you want to more than anything.” He watched an unknown emotion flitter across his best friend’s face. When he got no response he continued. “I understand that it was hard for you. Believe me I do. But it was hard for her too.” He watched as Clark looked at him in confusion. “Talk to Chloe. Get over yourself and speak with her. No Luthor is worth loosing your friendship over.”
Clark sighed as Pete turned, loading his luggage into his rental car. Walking forward to help, he mulled over his friend’s words, realizing that Pete was right. No Luthor was going to ruin another relationship with someone he cared about.
Hugging his friend goodbye, he watched until Pete’s car was out of sight. Turning, he walked back into the house to inform his parents he was going out. He was finally going to start trying to make things right.
~*~*~*~*~
Clark smiled as he walked into the Torch office, finding Chloe exactly where he’d suspected. She sat behind her computer, diligently typing something. Typical Chloe, always on the hunt for a story.
Chloe looked up as she heard a throat being cleared. Trying not to feel excited at spotting Clark’s smile, she smiled a bit hesitantly, waving him inside, an echo of the last time they’d confronted each other.
Clark took a deep breath before walking over to take the offered seat. When he’d settled into it, he looked over to find Chloe watching him hopefully.
“So…” she began.
“So…” he replied. They looked at each other, neither sure what to say. Finally, Pete’s words fresh in his mind, Clark started to speak.
“I’m sorry, Chloe. I’ve said a lot of things I didn’t mean.” He stopped her interjection by raising a hand. “I’ve missed you Chloe. And I’ve grieved for you. But I’m happy that you’re alive and safe.” He looked directly into her eyes, forcing him to say and believe his next words. “And if that’s because of Lex, then I have to be okay with it.”
Chloe was surprised. She could tell how much effort it was taking for Clark to be so honest, to admit that he was okay with her turning to Lex for help. Something inside her she thought she’d lost sprung back to life. And if he were being honest, she could too.
“I’m sorry too, Clark. It was never my intention to hurt anyone in the process. But it was necessary. And I’m not sorry I did it.” She waited, knowing she needed him to accept that part of her confession as well. She wasn’t going to apologize for something she wasn’t sorry for.
“You don’t have to be.” It took a lot for him to say the words but he knew they had to be said if there was any hope of repairing their friendship. He only hoped that in time, he could believe them.
“So we’re okay?” She asked hopefully.
Clark smiled at her before reaching over and placing his palm over hers. It was very much like what Pete had done and a lump appeared in her throat as she carefully laid her other hand on top of his.
“We’re okay, Chloe.” They looked at each other for a few more seconds before Clark pulled back, remembering what he’d grabbed before leaving the farm.
“I have something for you.”
Chloe looked surprised as she watched him pull something out of his pocket. Her breath caught as she found herself staring at a beautiful necklace with a strange looking symbol on it. She couldn’t be sure in this light, but it looked a lot like the symbols she’d seen on several of her visits to the cave.
Leaning forward, Clark placed the necklace in her hands. “I want you to have this. Sort of a welcome home, I’m glad you’re my friend type gift.”
Chloe felt the tears close to falling as she took the chain, looking more closely at the pendant, noticing it looked very expensive. “Clark, I can’t accept this, it’s too much-”
Clark shook his head cutting her off, a look of urgency in his eyes that confused her.
“No it’s not. I want you to have it. Besides,” he tried for a self-mocking grin, “I think it’d look a lot better on you than me.”
Chloe smiled knowing there was more behind the gift, but willing to accept it at face value. For the moment.
“Thank you, Clark. It’s beautiful.”
He smiled as she fastened the chain around her neck. Somehow, the symbol of everything that scared him about his past looked a lot less sinister resting in the pale hollow of her throat.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Lex sighed as he pushed open the doors to his office, glad to be once more at home, if you could call the mausoleum he lived in a home. He’d spent far too long trying to prove to everyone that he could handle LuthorCorp’s daily business and now, he wanted nothing more than a good stiff drink and to relax with a book by the fire. He’d told only a few people he was returning to Smallville, craving the peace and quiet after the long day he’d put in.
Which was why he was so surprised to find Chloe Sullivan sitting in the chair in front of his desk, scribbling away on a notepad. For a moment, he wondered if something were wrong, if his father had found a way to get to her again. But her casual stance, and the slightly embarrassed look she wore as she became aware of his presence relieved those fears. If she’d been upset or afraid, he would have known. He felt something ease inside his chest as she smiled tentatively at him.
“Ms. Sullivan, to what do I owe this unexpected visit?” His words were dry but she could hear the amusement behind them. She might not know him that well, but she definitely knew him better than she had months ago.
“The businessman is back, I see. Complete with the formal address.” Chloe smiled as Lex actually looked amused for a moment.
“So, is there a point to your visit, Chloe,” he stressed her first name as he settled into the seat behind his desk. “Or were you just in the neighborhood?”
Chloe smiled. “I wanted to personally thank you for giving my dad his job back.” She held up her hand as he started to interject. “No, Lex. I know why everything happened the way it did, and I know how hard it was for you. So thank you for making it right.”
Lex swallowed, unsure of what to say to such a heartfelt declaration. He wasn’t sure what his relationship with Chloe was, nor would be now that they’d finally put Lionel behind bars. Technically, they had no real reason to see each other, and he should have been fine with that.
But it didn’t explain the feeling of relief that was creeping through his bones as he felt the warmth of her presence around him. Deciding that was territory best not explored, he changed it back to something he was more comfortable with – something that she would be interested in as well.
“I visited my father, to tell him about the power shift within LuthorCorp.”
Chloe watched him carefully, knowing he had to have been more affected than he let on.
“And how took Daddy dearest to his dethroning?” She didn’t hide the amusement and pride she felt towards him as she spoke.
“A little “I expected better” a little threatening. Nothing serious. Nothing I can’t handle.”
Chloe looked away and Lex could see her insecurity. The instinctive need to reassure her immediately surged forward.
“Chloe, I know that you’re still worrying. But you’re safe now.”
Chloe smiled sadly. She wanted to believe him, but she’d had too many experiences with Lionel that told her otherwise. Sensing the serious turn this could take, she opted to lighten the moment.
“You know something good did come out of this, aside from you father being put in jail.” At Lex’s raised brow, she continued. “At least when someone asks how my summer was I can say, with complete honesty, that my summer was a blast.”
Lex laughed, hoping the quip was a sign she was getting her spunk back. Dealing with his father, with a summer of hiding, working to bring down a man who had caused so much pain had matured her faster than any 17, almost 18 year old should. He felt a little sorry that her maturity had to come with such a traumatic experience. But he knew she would recover. It wasn’t in her nature to give up. Rather like his own.
“Not quite up to par but your verbal judo skills are returning.”
Chloe smirked and Lex found himself thinking how much it mirrored his own self-satisfied smirk. He wasn’t sure if that should amuse or frighten him.
“Thanks. Your praise means so much.” She reached to push a piece of hair off her face as she spoke, the move causing the necklace she wore to catch the gleam of the desk light.
Lex wondered if it was new, and if so, who had given it to her.
“That’s a pretty necklace. I don’t think I’ve seen you wear it before.” He hoped he didn’t sound as obvious as he felt.
“It’s a “Sorry-I-was-jerk-can-we-be-friends-again” present from Clark.” She sighed as he tensed up at the mention of Clark’s name.
“So things are back to normal with you both?”
Chloe frowned. “I don’t know. I don’t think that we can ever be on our old terms again. But for now, we’re okay.” She looked over at him with an intensity that had he been anyone else, would have had him squirming in his seat. “So have you two talked yet?”
Lex sighed, knowing she would have to bring this up. “No, we have not. I did some things he can’t forgive. But I can understand that.”
Chloe sighed in frustration. “But neither you nor he will tell me what exactly happened, will you?”
“Doesn’t really matter, Chloe. It is as it is.” Lex hoped she’d leave it at that. He was too tired to get into the mess his relationship with Clark had become.
“That’s very cryptic.” She bit her lip, unsure of how to ask the next part of her question, but needing the answer. “But you would tell me if it had anything to do with me and my part in our plan to bring down your father?”
Lex could hear the worry and the question in her voice and was surprised she seemed to care so much. Then again, this was Chloe and as he’d learned over the summer, she was full of surprises.
“Of course I would.”
Chloe wasn’t sure if she believed him, but knew she would get nothing more out of him at the moment. She’d learned to quit when she was ahead. Or at least try.
“Okay, on that rather cryptic note, I have to go. My father and I are going out tonight to celebrate his promotion.”
Lex nodded, smiling as he stood to show her to the door.
“I’ll see you later, Lex.” She gave him a soft smile as she turned and walked through the double doors without looking back.
He watched her go, ruminating on their conversation. Lex was sure that he’d done the right thing in not telling her about the investigating he’d done on Clark behind his friend’s back. Even though she, more than anyone, might have understood.
~*~*~*~*~
A half hour later, Lex was startled when the doors to his office swung open to admit a rather determined looking Clark Kent.
“Clark.” He nodded to a chair as Clark walked over and took a seat. The two men stared at each other for a while, both waiting for the other to speak. Finally Lex broke the uncomfortable silence.
“Clark, I don’t think you came here just to stare at me.”
Clark shifted, looking uncomfortable as he focused his gaze over Lex’s shoulder and towards the huge stained glass window.
“This isn’t a friendly visit Lex. But after everything you did for Chloe and her Dad… I feel like I owe you a thank you.”
Lex shook his head, his words resolute.
“You don’t owe me anything, Clark. I did it for Chloe. Without her, my father would still be ruining people’s lives on a daily basis.”
Clark stood and started pacing. It was irritating but Lex remained silent, knowing with Clark the only thing one could do was wait.
Finally, Clark stopped and focused his accusing gaze on Lex.
“Did you ever think about how dangerous it was for Chloe? She almost died, Lex! Your father certainly wanted her dead. How could you involve her in that?”
Lex let Clark rant, knowing the boy needed to get his anger out, knew he had several valid points. It was true that it had been very dangerous for Chloe, and he had tried to talk her out of it, but one could not talk Chloe Sullivan out of something once she set her mind to it. It was a trait that both frustrated and amazed him at times. When Clark finally paused for breath, he interjected his defense in a calm, controlled voice, showing none of the anger he felt.
“I know it was dangerous and had there been any other way, believe me I would have found it. But Chloe wouldn’t back down. It was her decision to take the risk and she did. She trusted me to protect her, and I gave her my word that I would. She helped me bring down my father, and for that, I’ll never be able to thank her enough.”
Clark shook his head. In his mind, he knew Lex had a point, but he wasn’t ready to concede yet. He’d trusted Lex to protect someone he cared about, and once again, had been disappointed.
“How can you talk about trust, Lex? It’s one thing that you lied to me, and went behind my back, but it’s something completely different when you put Chloe’s life on the line.”
Lex knew nothing he said would have any impact on Clark at the moment. He wasn’t sure he wanted to reply but knew he had to say something.
“Chloe’s a grown woman, Clark. She makes her own decisions. One of those was to trust me. Someday, I hope you might be able to trust me again, to realize that I never meant anything I did, to hurt you.”
He was surprised at the truth he heard in his words. He hadn’t realized how much he’d wanted Clark to understand, to let him explain why he’d been so obsessed with finding out the truth. But from the expression in the other man’s eyes, he knew that day was a long time coming.
“I thought I knew you, Lex. But now I’m not certain I ever did.”
Lex remained staring at the door long after Clark disappeared through it.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Martha Kent smiled politely as a young man approached the counter, looking around the Talon as if he was searching for someone. She hadn’t seen him before so she guessed he was either new in town or just passing through. Smiling, she approached and offered him a menu.
“Welcome to the Talon. How can I help you?”
The young man smiled back warmly and nodded to the menu.
“For a start, a large coffee would be great.”
“Large coffee. On its way.” Martha smiled as she turned to place the order.
The young man nodded his thanks and looked around again as if he were trying to find something that was missing. Martha watched him carefully – normally people brought books with them, or even computers. But this young man simply kept looking around, his eyes intense and bright. Walking over, she set the coffee down in front of him, waiting as he looked as if he were trying to find the words to ask a question.
“Is there anything else I can do for you?” Martha smiled encouragingly. He cocked his head, thought for a moment then smiled.
“Do you know a young woman who lives here?”
Martha laughed. “Well many young women live here despite this town being called Smallville. Maybe you could be a little more specific.” She waited as his expression took on a longing look.
“Raven hair, brown eyes. Her name is Lana.”
Martha tensed very slightly. “Lana? As in Lana Lang?”
“Do you know her?” The excitement in his expression had her carefully answering.
“Yes, I do. She’s a friend of the family. Why?”
“I’m looking for her. It’s sort of a surprise. She doesn’t know I’m here.”
Martha was intrigued, wondering who this young man could be and how Lana knew him. Something suddenly occurred to her and she wondered if she would regret asking the next, although logical question.
“How do you know her? I don’t remember her mentioning you.”
The man looked slightly disappointed, but masked it quickly with another friendly smile.
“We met in Paris. I’m surprised that she didn’t mention me. I’m Jason. Her boyfriend.”
Martha Kent took a deep breath realizing things had just gotten a whole lot more complicated.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
End of Episode 2
Re: Episode 2 - "Home" (PG)
Well, this was one of the episodes I´d missed. It´s got a lot of Clark, but I know this is supposed to be Smallville and not just Chlex, so I won´t complain.:D I enjoyed the little Chloe/Lex interaction at the end- it made up for the overall non-Chlexiness of the episode and left me eager to read more.:P
Re: Episode 2 - "Home" (PG)
Quote:
“You don’t owe me anything, Clark. I did it for Chloe. Without her, my father would still be ruining people’s lives on a daily basis.”
That's such a great moment-good for Lex for telling Clark that not everything revolves around him.
Re: Episode 2 - "Home" (PG)
This is great! I love that Pete was included for the episode. It always bugged me that Pete was never really brought up again after he left. He played such a big role to barely be mentioned. I also loved that it showed the fallout of relationships and the effects the characters actions had on each other. Smallville's characters are all seriously flawed and I think this series showcases that in a good and truthful way.
Re: Episode 2 - "Home" (PG)
Argh! Clark pisses me off so much! :bang: The only thing he should care about is that his best friend is ALIVE!! It doesn't matter who saved her, for Christ's sake! But no, it's all about him and his hurt feelings. If he wanted Chloe to have trusted him with her plight, maybe he shouldn't have left with Jor-El! Who else was she supposed to have turned to?
At least Pete has proven to be much more mature. He has really grown up a lot, unlike some.
Re: Episode 2 - "Home" (PG)
Clark is so self righteous he can't even properly thank Lex for saving Chloe's life without turning it into a Lex bashing session, when even Pete who detests the Luthors can admit that he owes Lex thanks for what he did for Chloe and her dad!!
This was great thanks for the update!!!
Re: Episode 2 - "Home" (PG)
Yay, better than the series. I love the Chlex. :D
Re: Episode 2 - "Home" (PG)
Still loving this series!