Conclusion

[A Decade Later]

[Talon]

Lana wiped the old counter down contentedly. She could recall how tense things seemed in the old theater/café back in high school. The challenges back then seemed more daunting. The people loomed more numerously in line. The espresso machine spewed its drinks out so quickly….

….Funny what age and Jor-El's training sessions did….

It's weird that we thought Earth was complicated. Imagine what they'd think of Krypton? She ruefully remembered Jor-El's de facto boot camp where such details were driven into her and Clark over the years. After that, she no longer thought Smallville High's curriculum had been all that challenging. Kryptonian science, art and philosophy spanned the stars and galaxies. Wish that people would get a clue! She surveyed the patrons in the café. Maybe they're better off if they don't know what's really out there.

A familiar vibe welcomingly wafted across his consciousness. She smiled and looked toward the front door.

Less than a minute later, Clark strode through the door alongside a pair of dark haired fraternal twins. He grinned at her. His eyes shone reassuringly at his beloved barista . He looked down at the twins. "Ryan, Laura, remember Mom's working. We can get something to drink while we're waiting. Okay?"

"Yes, Daddy," the two kids responded in stereo while fighting the urge to roll their eyes. They waved to Lana before settling into their corner booth. They didn't understand why they couldn't speak to their mother right then and there for just a minute.

Clark sighed and shook his head while settling into the booth along with his children. He didn't recall being like that with his parents. Almost ready, Lana?

Just finishing up! Lana saw her family waiting for her patiently (or at least trying to be patient). She motioned toward one of the waitresses working the floor.

The waitress walked toward the counter and set her tray down on it. "Sorry, Lana. I got caught up with the floor. Everyone's set for now. Need me to take over?"

"Thanks, Bridget. I really appreciate it. Ryan and Laura are waiting. Can't resist, you know?" Lana shrugged with a warm smile.

Bridget grinned. "Absolutely! You do enough for this place. You should be with them too. Have a great night. I've got this."

"I appreciate it. See you tomorrow." Lana walked to the back and swiped her ID card in the computerized time clock. Then she put her apron away and strolled out toward her waiting clan. "Hi, Guys!"

"Hey, Lana, how was work?" Clark queried while kissing her cheek.

"We had a great day. Lex will be thrilled when he gets the receipts! Still it's time to see what Mom has on tap for dinner." Lana turned to the waiting twins. "You both have a great day with Grandpa Kent?"

"Sure, Mom! We helped run the tractor and other stuff! Grndpa told us it was like watching Dad all over again," Ryan reported proudly.

"And I helped Grandma with cooking! Then I went out and helped Grandpa too!" Laura added not giving her brother an inch.

"They really put in a day," Clark assessed. "We all did. By the way, Pete's brought the grill over. Lex and Chloe donated steak and pork chops. Mom's got the sides. Think we can get some dessert?" Clark supposed.

"For our gathering, you bet!" Lana cheered. "Give me a minute!" She hustled off toward the counter.

"Daddy, what's a gat…herin'?" Laura wondered.

"We're having a party, Laura…a big parry with the grandparents, Uncle Lex, Aunt Chloe, Uncle Pete and Aunt Sam. It's going to be awesome," Clark explained.

"Yay! I get to talk to Lillie!" Ryan cheered while thinking of his best friend.

Clark chuckled at the thought of his son and the Luthors' daughter being sweet on each other. If I was like that, Dad would've pushed us apart. Jor-El did enough like that. At least Lana and I can relax a bit.

As long as you preserve the lines much as Lana and you have, my Son, Jor-El chimed in.

Sure you don't want to be there? Mom and Dad won't mind, Clark invited.

I will watch from your Loft. That way I can play my part, Jor-El agreed tentatively.

Sure wish you could be there in person, Grandpa Joe, Laura lamented. Sorry 'bout interruptin'.

I will be there. The others won't see me. I am always here for you both, my Dear, Jor-El assured her. As I am for the others.

Thanks for that, Jor-El, Lana chimed in. You are welcome even if there isn't a Natalie Wood movie playing here.

Jor-El coughed ironically. I will remind Louise, Lana. She will be there as well. I care. See you all there. With that he went silent.

Clark mused about that conversation. While all sides had bridged their differences magnificently, not all wounds had healed. He regretted that Jonathan and Jor-El still had some animosity. Still he felt glad that Lex and Chloe kept the Secrets. Even Lex and Jor-El had settled the simmering feud between the two families (with help from Louise on that front). Some day we'll all be able to put that behind us.

All things take time, Clark, Lana assured him telepathically. Meantime I hear Lillie's and Allie Ross' school wants them to do some fundraising. Maybe we can put our heads together again?

Clark shrugged. Can't see why not. We are a united front now.

Just the way I like it, Mr. Kent. Lana kissed her Prince's cheek and smirked at her kids' rolling eyes. "Come on, Every one! Time to eat!"

"Yay!" Ryan and Laura jumped from their seats and rushed out the door toward their Dad's waiting truck.

"Two streaking stars. Unreal," Clark observed wryly.

"Must get it from you, Clark." Lana grinned at him and took his hand. They headed out the door and toward their waiting coalition at the farm.

And so it came to pass….. From twin competitions born from misunderstandings, needs to prove oneself and rivalries, a union of multiple families joining Earth and Krypton had emerged. All sides had agreed not to press their heritage over the others. They worked and celebrated together. They grew into a whole while respecting the diversity of the parts.

In such ways, a new lineage was coming into being. One that would bear unique fruit in future days. Unique fruit indeed….

THE END