Flannel Is

My Power,

Plaid Is My Armor

Chapter 1

Unwanted Arrivals

Disclaimer: Somewhat inspired by DJ Dubois and set after season three's 'Slumber'. Only with 'Phoenix', Edge left Clark alone after his confrontation with him in the barn but kept a discreet eye on him. Clark also worked for Edge longer then what he had on the show. Things between Clark and Lana are not that great and he has yet to start wearing flannel or plaid again. Lex and Helen are of course happy bunnies in this.

In the Barn of the Kent Farm was a lone young man by the name of Clark Kent as he re-arranged various tools and pieces of equipment in an effort to get his mind mind off things. Things relating to the time he'd spent in Metropolis after running away like a damnedable coward. But try as he might, his attempts weren't working for the young man. Depression had been surging through him for some time due his massive feelings of guilt for not only the sins he'd committed in the big city but also because he had pushed away the girl of his dreams because he felt unworthy of her and feared his misdeeds could ruin her innocence just by being around him. And that was just something he couldn't bear to see happen as she didn't deserve such a thing.

And so, he pushed her away and kept her at arm's length because of his fears and the ever present need to keep his secrets where his Alien heritage and powers are concerned. The very same need that was slowly destroying all the good in his life one step at a time and he hated it but such was the way of things for him as it was what he deserved. Sure, things with him and his parents, and him and Pete were reasonably as good and decent as could be but he knew it could be so much better. Yet he knew it wasn't in the cards for him. Even as he spent many a night in Metropolis helping those in need as a way to earn redemption. Redemption Clark was certain would be a long time in coming and talking to his parents about everything was something he couldn't do.

Not when he knew they would never ever see him the same way again and that scared him greatly. More so then possibly ever being discovered by some Government lab. His relationship with Chloe was rather strained considering last year's events but his relationship with Lana was perhaps even more strained thanks to keeping her at arm's length and rejecting her warm embraces. To the point he even no longer considered himself worthy of wearing Flannel or Plaid since he knew the girl he loves so loved it on him. That and because of his actions in Metropolis that he was trying to redeem himself for and was dead certain his parents hadn't a clue of what he was doing in the dead of night. Even considering him to be her Plaid Knight that was there for her when needed.

Sure, they talked, but it was no longer an easy going thing thanks to what he'd done. His time as Kal had seen him commit many a sin that he was deeply ashamed of and hadn't even said a word of to Pete. Though he had spoken to Kyla at her grave about it all where he knew none could hear. Sure, it was probably a coward's way to do things as she couldn't judge him for any of it but his fears would have him do nothing else. Going to Lex was inadvisable for several reasons. Chief among those being the fact his friend was focusing his efforts into ensuring Helen was comfortable as possible thanks to being pregnant and didn't need his problems. Even if Lex himself would have felt otherwise but regardless, he would keep away.

Clark knew his friend would urge him to not only speak with his parents and even Lana but also a therapist as well to deal with his problems. But the potential for said therapist finding out what he was was something he felt was too risky and thus, continued his self imposed suffering. His mind and body were beginning to become exhausted with everything as he avoided sleeping as much as possible. For he didn't wish to have horrible dreams where everything in his life was concerned. Lana had told him more than once that she was there for him and would continue to be, practically begging to let her in and ending up in tears because he was too afraid to allow such a thing. Lord knew Byron wasn't too happy with him either.

Showing it in his quick poems and even a head slap or two with anger radiating from him. Maybe I should just bypass mom and dad altogether and tell Lana everything. Even if it means she'll hate me even more then what she does now. But at least I'll know for a fact that she can't accept me…

His sins, sins he couldn't even tell a man of the Cloth in a Confessional if he were the sort to do that kind of thing. For Clark was certain his sins would be too much for such an individual like that. His time as Kal had truly been a horrible time, even if certain people like Morgan Edge would think otherwise. Stealing of all sorts of things, getting into fights for no real reason, hospitalizing people either with his strength or because he'd drank them under the table, and being akin to something like a Dog in Heat where all manner of women in Metropolis was concerned. Even using his scar as a way to get sympathy from the girls there. Something Kal had probably enjoyed more than anything else with moments like that.

Worse yet, perhaps the greatest sin I committed there… One above all that I know my parents and even Lana would kick me out of their lives if they knew...

At least however, the kind Sarah Conroy didn't judge him too heavily. Thus allowing for a new friendship to be born between himself and the girl who had been able to reach him through dreams where her Uncle was concerned. Sarah of course thought he was being an idiot and should just tell Lana everything instead of constantly brooding and thinking what ifs and the like. One thing from that experience at least is that Sarah was aware of who and what he is and wasn't afraid. Not after her experiences brought on by her Uncle. Allowing for her and Pete to become friends as well and for him to be a little relieved someone else besides Clark and his parents know. Granted, Clark's dad hadn't been too enthused at first.

But thankfully, came to accept it after Sarah assured him she'd never tell unless given permission. The sound of a pair of hands clapping tore the young man from his thoughts. "Wh-You!?"

For the clapper was none other than a smiling Morgan Edge. "Me, kid. All the power in the world and you're choosing to spend time doing this?" Tsked the man with a shake of the head.

Clark dropped a tool from his hands and stormed over to the Crime Lord with anger written all over his face, but an arc of electricity at the ground made him stop. "No comin' near the boss unless he says otherwise." A Blonde spiky haired man said with a smirk as he came to stand by Edge.

Wearing boots, blue jeans, and a black muscle shirt while giving off a vibe of being a major jerk. Clark narrowed his eyes at him but chose instead to focus on Edge instead. "I thought I told you to leave and never come back."

"And so you did. But come on, kid, you're wasting your talents out here. You know it, I know it. So I'm offering you another chance to come back with me to Metropolis. You do and all will be forgiven." Replied the man smoothly as he stepped up to Clark without a care in the world.

Confident that he would be just fine. Leaning in closely, Clark replied. "The answer's no. What happened in Metropolis wasn't me and I've put that behind me. Now get the Hell out of here because I'm NEVER working for you again."

Crackling could be heard, chancing a look, the young saw a small ball of Electricity right above his finger tips. A clear and obvious warning to back off and not wanting to chance things, he did. The figure chuckled and let the ball dissipate. Edge condescendingly patted the young man on his left cheek. "Kal, Kal, Kal. There's no need to be stubborn about this." He said with a fake forlorn sigh.

"But I'll tell ya what, I'll give you about a day or two of time to think about my offer. You of course know my number. And I'm just confident that you and Tommy here will become good friends." Said the man with a smirk on his face as he indicated the Blonde haired man.

"Yeah, I'm kinda lookin' forward to it. After all, you're kind of starting to become a legend in good ol' Belle Reeve, Kent."

Of course, he so far wasn't impressed by what he was seeing from the kid! Clark frowned at hearing that as it couldn't mean anything good. Especially considering those he'd tangled with had seen him use his powers! Another condescending pat to the cheek was given, annoying Clark even more after it. "I'm sure you'll make the right decision in the end, kid."

And with that, Edge and Tommy made their leave, leaving a worried and frowning Clark alone. I've gotta do something about this.

But what, he didn't know…

Author's Notes: Oh boy, Clark looks to be in some hot water now! Folks might remember season 5's Tommy. Even if he wasn't actually named as such during the events of the show aside from a bio I found of him online recently.