Title: Letting Go

Feedback: Yes please.

Summary: (a Smallville/Gilmore Girls crossover) When Clark runs away from Smallville, where does he go? In a weird twist of fate, he finds himself in Stars Hollow, where Lorelai and Rory have just returned from Europe. What starts out as a coincidence slowly becomes a summer that they will never forget.

Rating: PG-13/R

Pairings: Clark/Rory, with Lex/Lana and Lorelai/Dean

Spoilers: Everything up to end of season 2 of Smallville and end of season 3 of Gilmore Girls. For those of you who are unfamiliar with either show, here's the breakdown: Clark runs away from Smallville after his alien father calls out to him and everything in his life had turned to a disaster. Despite his love for Lana, he still leaves without any explanation (along with his red kryptonite ring which turns him into bad Clark), breaking her heart. Lex, on the other hand, just got married but his wife supposedly tries to kill him and the season ends as his plane is crashing into the ocean. In Stars Hollow, Rory has just graduated and is about to go on the trip to Europe with Lorelai but she isn't as happy as she should be because Jess inexplicably left her to go to LA, while Dean, her other ex-boyfriend has just announced his engagement to Lindsay.

Disclaimer: I don't own any characters from Gilmore Girls or Smallville.

****

PART IX - Tomorrow is a different day

Clark stirred from his sleep with a yawn. His arms felt achy as he stretched his free arm up and wiped his tired eyes. His vision was blurred but he could see a person staring down at him. He closed his eyes again and refocused to see the figure looking back at him. Wiping his eyes once more, he could clearly see Lex smiling knowingly at him.

"Lex?" he began as he yawned. "What are you doing here?"

"Well I can ask you the same question but I already know the answer." Lex replied as he pointed at the person sleeping next to him. Clark looked down as he watched Rory lying next to him, sleeping so peacefully, without any idea of what was happening. God. It was morning. He was supposed to have taken her home and now she's here. In his arms.

He leaned down and quietly whispered. "Rory."

She stirred for a minute but just kept holding on and moved in closer. Clark stroked her hair as he tried again to wake her. "Rory."

She blinked now as she yawned and looked up. For the moment there, all she could see was Clark smiling sweetly down at her. Rory was dazed and all she wanted was to smile back. But she quickly realized that there was someone else there. And that it was clearly the next day.

"Oh God." she whispered. She had done this once before and she couldn't believe that she had done it again. What was her mother going to say?

"Don't worry. I'll explain everything to your mom." Clark said calmly.

"Hi." Rory said nervously as she looked at Lex looking back at her, extending his hand for her to shake.

"Umm Rory, this is my best friend Lex." Clark began. and then stood up to join Lex. "And Lex, this is Rory Gilmore."

"Nice to meet you." Lex said warmly as he watched a worried Rory trying to smile but also looking with worry at the state of her clothes.

Clark walked over to Rory as she started to pace around. He put his arm around her shoulder as she started to breathe in and out. "Calm down. It'll be okay."

"Clark, you don't understand." Rory whispered. "I have to get home. I was out all night. I never called. I did this before and believe me, what is waiting for me at home is not pretty."

Lex just looked at the both of them. Even though he had walked into the house only a few minutes ago, he realized too quickly the intimacy of their relationship.

Rory then looked up at Lex as he watched them. "I'm sorry. I just really need to get home."

"Oh I understand." Lex said calmly. "Let me drive you home. Where do you live?"

"Um, just about 20 minutes from here." Rory explained. "It's a town nearby. Stars Hollow."

"Yeah I know the place." Lex replied as went towards the door. In his gentlemanly way, he opened the door as Rory rushed towards it.

"Thanks." Rory said with a weak smile. "It's really nice of you."

"Don't mention it." Lex said warmly as he held the door for her.

Clark followed behind as he gave Lex a warm hug.

"Man, it's been so long." Clark said with a smile and lean in to whisper: "Thanks for doing this."

"It's not a problem." Lex replied as he looked back at him. Clark looked good. Healthy. Safe. Happy. "We really do have a lot to talk about."

"I know." Clark said with a sigh as he patted Lex on the back before walking towards the car.

****

Lorelai awoke in a startle. She was having the worst dream about Taylor in a clown suit. Too scary to relive. A greater shock went through as she realized the figure lying next to her.

"Oh God, oh god, oh god." she exclaimed as her heart started to race. She had to wake Dean. "Dean, wake up!"

"Wh...what?" Dean replied dazily, looking up at her. Lorelai was standing up in a cami and panties as she struggled to find his clothes and some pants. Suddenly she threw a pillow right at his face so that he could really be awake.

"Dean!" she said more firmly, but still whispering in case they'd wake Rory. Rory. God, how could she have been so careless? How is she ever going to explain a naked Dean in her bedroom? There was no words which could get her out of this. And she had caused it all. "You have to get dressed. It's morning!"

"Calm down Lorelai." Dean said simply as she threw his pants in his direction.

"Calm down? Calm down?!" Lorelai repeated as she threw his shirt towards his head. "Don't tell me to calm down mister! How are we ever going to explain this to Rory, who's probably sound asleep downstairs in her room RIGHT NOW?"

"Okay, I'm not saying this isn't a bit a problem." Dean admitted.

"A bit of a problem?" Lorelai shook her head in disbelief and then lowered her voice, realizing how loud it had become. "This is a HUGE problem Dean. Are we just going to saunter down to the kitchen and then I calmly explain to Rory that I deflowered her ex-boyfriend? I don't think so."

"Okay, okay." Dean said, trying to think of a way out. "I'm going to get dressed and you go down and see how Rory is doing. If she looks like she's still asleep, just help me sneak out the front door, okay?"

"What about Babette? And Morey?" Lorelai said, pointing in the direction of their house. "They will definitely see you!"

"One problem at a time here okay?" Dean replied he walked over to Lorelai as she put on her fuzzy blue pajama bottoms. "Let's just figure out a way for me to get out of the house first. Now go downstairs and see if Rory is awake yet, okay?'

She nodded as she tiptoed downstairs towards her room. She peered through the opened door as she found Rory's empty and neatly made bed. Her heart started to panic as she realized that she now had two problems on her hand: Getting Dean out of the house as well as finding her daughter. She rushed towards the stairs as she looked at Dean hiding away.

"She didn't come home last night." Lorelai said as she pointed at her bedroom. "She didn't sleep in her room."

"Hey, hey." Dean replied as held tenderly Lorelai's face in his hands. "She's probably with Clark. I mean, remember when me and Rory fell asleep at Patty's? Rory's probably coming home as we speak."

"Okay, okay." Lorelai said as agreed with his rational logic and then looked up at him. "You can't be here when she gets home." She then proceeded to push him towards the back door.

"What about Babette and Morey?" Dean asked as he looked back at her.

"Well," Lorelai said as she peered into Rory's room for the time. "Thank God! It's 7 am and that means that Babette and Morey aren't awake yet. If you're real quiet, you can get out of here fine." Lorelai explained as she pushed him further. "That's your 'get out of jail free' card this time so profit from it by. getting. out."

Dean stopped for a moment as he looked at her for the last second. He then pounced to kiss her once more. She pulled back quickly as she smiled at the gesture. "Go."

He smiled back as he looked her flushed cheeks and then ran out of the door.

Lorelai let out at sigh as she moved towards the living room, looking for the phone. She needed to call Rory on her cell. Right now.

Running towards the phone, she proceeded to fumble at the keys as the doorbell rung. She moved to the door, without looking up as she continued to dial her number, holding the receiver to her ear while opening the door. As she looked up, she was met by three people standing nervously at the door.

"Hi mom." Rory replied nervously, wondering what her mom would say.

"Rory, where were you?" Lorelai replied as she ran towards Rory and hugged her fiercely. "I was so worried!"

"I'm sorry mom." Rory answered, trying to explain.

"It was my fault Lorelai." Clark began as she looked sternly at him. "We were just drying off from the rainstorm and we just kinda fell asleep. Rory didn't mean to stay out like that and not call."

"Isn't this a little too familiar." Lorelai said as she looked at Rory. But she couldn't really be mad at Rory. She would be a hypocrite she was, especially after what happened last night.

"I know. I'm really sorry." Rory said as she hugged her again. "But Lex was kind enough to drive me home."

"Hi." Lex said as he extended his hand. "I'm..."

"Lex Luthor." Lorelai replied as she shook his hand. "I'd recognize your face any day. It's nice to meet you. Thank you so much for driving my daughter home."

"Don't mention it." Lex said warmly as he looked at her. "But I have to say you don't really look like someone who would have a teenage daughter. You look more like sisters."

"What can I say? That's what happens when you get knocked up at 16." Lorelai joked as Lex looked at her slightly weirdly. "Anyways, Thanks. Again."

"It's nothing." Lex said as he looked at a nervous Clark, standing beside him, not knowing what to say.

Lorelai looked over at Rory and gave her another hug. "Okay, go inside and get cleaned up. I love you to death but you look like a mess sweetie." she gave Rory a look around and noticed the back of her dress. "Grass stains?" she paused. Dirty thoughts. "I don't even want to know."

"Mom..." Rory began as Lorelai gave her a look.

"No buts. Just say bye to Clark and Lex." Lorelai said as pointed at them.

Rory ran over to Clark and gave him a hug. "I'll talk to you later." She held on for a moment before she pulled back. She looked into his beautiful eyes, full of nervousness and guilt and wondered what she could say to sum up how she felt. There were no words. She just smiled widely. Rory then turned towards Lex.

"Thanks."

Lex nodded.

She then ran in towards the house as Lorelai looked on. She smiled but then her expression changed as she turned towards Clark.

"Lex, can I have a minute with Clark, alone please?"

Lex looked at his friend with understanding as he knew was about to transpire. He turned to Lorelai. "Sure, I'll just be waiting in the car." He looked at Clark sympathetically as he patted him on the back before he left the porch.

There stood Clark alone. Alone on a porch with Lorelai. Had he messed things up completely? What was it about Lorelai that could make you laugh but could now strike fear in his heart? He could withstand a thousand bullets, but he feared that this was really going to be painful.

"Hey." Lorelai began as she turned to him.

"Hey." Clark replied quietly.

"I was hoping not to have a talk with you. I mean you were doing so well and I got to say, even though you're only 16, you were scoring high in my books." She said encouragingly as she paused. "Until now."

Clark remained quiet as he listened.

"Don't worry. I'm not going to rag on you. I mean, the last guy who did this is still alive, so there's hope for you yet Clark." She smiled. "Seriously, I just wanted you to know that Rory's special."

"I know." Clark replied.

"Just listen, okay?" Lorelai said, interrupting him. "Rory's special and you know that she's going to Yale next year. She's got big dreams and I really want her to go out there and make them happen. And that means I don't want her to do stupid things that will stop her from making them come true, okay?"

Clark nodded.

"On the other hand, Rory's 18 now. She's an adult and I can't tell her what to do. I also know that she likes you. She sees the good in you." Lorelai paused as she looked at him right in the face. "I know you're a good kid and that deep down you want what's best for her too."

Clark looked intensely as she continued.

"Just be careful. Her heart was broken before you even came into her life. If you break it again, I promise...the next time we talk, it's not going to be pretty." Lorelai smiled sweetly. "Understood?"

Clark, a bit petrified, said all that he could muster. "Understood."

Lorelai grinned widely, nodding as she knew that he got the message. "I'm really glad that we had this conversation Clark." She patted him on the shoulder as she walked towards the door.

As Clark was about to walked down the steps, Lorelai looked back.

"Clark?"

"Yeah?"

"I really do like you, okay? So stop looking like you're in the doghouse because you're not."

Clark looked at her and now really saw the mother in her.

"Thanks."

Lorelai nodded as she continued her way into the house.

Clark let out a sigh as he turned towards the car, as he saw Lex smiling. Knowing he had witnessed it all, he smiled back.

****

Lorelai walked quietly into Rory's room as she watched Rory hold up her white dress in the mirror, observing how much damage she had done to her dress. One of her favourites, in fact.

"Mom?"

"Yeah sweetie?" Lorelai replied as she approached her.

"Do you think these stains will come out?" she asked as she held it up for Lorelai to look.

"Well, I think a little trip to the dry cleaners will do the trick." Lorelai said as she stroked Rory's hair. "It's just grass stains right?"

"Grass and dirt." Rory replied.

"Oh." Lorelai paused as she looked at Rory. "Honey, can I talk to you for a second?"

"Sure." Rory replied as she walked over to the bed as Lorelai sat on it. They both sat cross-legged opposite each other as Lorelai wondered what to say.

"What happened between you and Clark last night?" Lorelai asked, searching at her daughter's face, hoping to find the truth. "You guys didn't..."

"Mom!" Rory said, furrowing her brow. "It was definitely not what you're thinking. What you're always thinking. FAR from it."

"Thank God." Lorelai replied with a sigh of relief and then smiled at Rory. "So how did you get the grass stains?"

"We were just lying in the backyard, looking at the stars. That's all. And then we got caught in the rain and we got wet. We went into the house to dry off and then while we were sitting around, we kinda dozed off." Rory explained. "I really didn't think that we'd fall asleep like that. I would have called. You know that. Especially after what happened the last time I accidentally fell asleep with a boy. You remember."

"Dean. Miss Patty's. I know." Lorelai said she brushed off the subject of Dean. "I know. I do trust you. You know that right?"

Rory nodded as she looked at Lorelai's face.

"I know you're 18 and you're an adult now. You can do whatever you want now. I can't stop you." Lorelai explained. "I just worry about you sometimes. Kinda a given when you're the mommy in the relationship. I also want to know where you are too. I mean, you don't want me to drive everyone else insane trying to find you, do you?"

"No." Rory said as hugged her mom. "I promise I'll call the next time. I'm really sorry mom."

"I know." Lorelai replied, feeling guilty about her remorse, while she never said a word about her own remorse.

Rory could sense a tenseness in her as she held her.

"Are you okay mom?"

"I'm fine. Really." Lorelai said as she looked at her. "I just don't realize sometimes that you're growing up Rory. You'll always be my baby to me."

Rory smiled widely as Lorelai breathed out, watching her daughter look on with pride. Will she look at me differently if she knew? She must be kidding herself if she ever think otherwise. The guilt slowly built in her heart, until she wondered if Rory could see it. Rory knew her better than anyone else in the world, why couldn't she see when her own mother was lying straight to her face?

Lorelai bravely looked on as she tried to lighten up the mood.

"So spill. Tell me about your date." Lorelai said as she nudged her in the knee.

"I already told you all about it." Rory replied. "And it wasn't a date mom. We were just hanging out."

"Yeah sure." Lorelai said as she rolled her eyes. "You don't stay out all night like that and deny that it wasn't a date. I know. I've been there before." she looked at Rory closely. "Anyways, you've got the look."

"What?" Rory scoffed. "Mom, I don't have the look."

"Yeah you do."

"Do not." Rory said as she crossed her arms.

"Do too."

"How are you so sure?"

"You can't fake the look. You just have it. And if you didn't, you wouldn't be trying so hard to deny it." Lorelai continued, knowing that she got Rory this time. "Now tell the truth now. What's going on with you and Clark?"

"Nothing." Rory replied, shrugging her shoulders.

"Nothing?" Lorelai repeated, imitating Rory. "It can't be nothing."

"Okay, maybe something." Rory replied with a sigh. "But on the other hand, nothing has happened. We haven't even kissed yet."

"But I can see it in your face that you want to." Lorelai said with a chuckle. She knew her daughter well enough when she wanted to be kissed.

"Is it that obvious?" Rory said, as she looked at her mom staring back at her. Lorelai nodded as Rory groaned.

"Hey, there's nothing wrong with wanting to be kissed." Lorelai said as she grabbed for Rory's hand. "I mean, you've wanted to kiss lots of guys. This isn't new to you."

"But Clark is new to me." Rory explained. "I've only known him a couple of days and I want him to kiss me?"

"If I recall, you fell pretty quickly for Dean too." Lorelai noted.

"I know, but this is different." Rory replied. "The whole thing just took me by surprise. I didn't mean to run into him on that bridge. I didn't mean for us to be friends and I certainly didn't expect to have feelings for him."

"Sometimes it happens that way." Lorelai said soothingly. Even those words meant something to her too because she really didn't mean to be having this thing with Dean. Far from it. "You can't plan these things."

"Yeah."

"So how do you feel about him?" Lorelai asked. "I mean I can see in his face that he really cares about you."

"Really?" Rory said, hoping it was the truth.

"Really." Lorelai replied with a smile. "I was just talking to him..."

"You were talking to him?" Rory said with a worried sigh. "Oh god, you gave him the lecture didn't you? Just great."

"We were just talking okay?" Lorelai replied. "No lecture, more like a talk....kinda. That's beside the point. All I am sure of is that he likes you."

"I like him too." Rory admitted. "But I don't really what we are to each other. Are we friends? Are we more? We haven't really talked much about it."

"How come?"

"Why do we always have to define everything? Why can't things just be as they are? I like it the way it is. Whatever it is." Rory explained. "I mean I know I've only had two other relationships to compare it to but this is really different from the others. With Dean, I really wanted to know that we were boyfriend and girlfriend because I never had a boyfriend before. With Jess, there was no place else for us to go except be exclusive, especially after I hurt Dean so much. But then, Jess couldn't be the person I wanted him to be. I kept pushing and pushing and look where it got us. He left."

Lorelai sat still and listened.

"I don't know what's going to happen with me and Clark, but we understand each other. We both went through the same things and I guess that's what brought us together. I just like that when he looks at me, all he has to do is smile the way he does and I know exactly what he's thinking."

"He does have a really great smile." Lorelai observed, watching Rory, with an unmistakable look.

"The best. And when he holds my hand, I squeeze it and everything just feels better. We have the same dreams and we both want the same things in life." Rory explained. "And there's just something about him that I can't explain. It's like he has this big beating heart and he always wants to be the hero. And I can see the hero in him. He tries to play it down, not show it, but you can't hide that kind of goodness. And he's so good mom."

"I know." Lorelai said as she stroked her daughter's hair. It was nice to see Rory let her guard down and let herself feel again.

"Do you think it's weird that I think he's going do big things in the world? I mean, everyone has that potential but I can't help but know that he's going to do a lot of good in this world someday."

Lorelai smiled. "There's nothing wrong with that. It's nice."

"It is, isn't it? I guess that's why I feel so close to him now. Even if we've only known each other for such a short time. I can feel it. It's nothing I can explain. I just really love the way I feel when I'm with him. Man, do I sound girly."

"It's only natural honey. You are a girl." Lorelai said as she squeeze her hand. "And a great girl at that. Clark's really lucky. He's really lucky to have you in his life. And so am I."

Rory grabbed her mom and hugged her tight. "I'm lucky too. It just feels so good that that I can say anything to you and I don't have to lie about it."

Lorelai closed her eyes as she could feel herself well up. The tears were coming and she couldn't help it. There was a pain in her heart now and it was weighing down hard. "Do you know how much I love you?"

"Not as much as I love you." Rory said with a smile.

Lorelai held on, feeling the gravity of her situation. What were the consequences of her actions? How could she ever rectify it? She could lose a great deal of things but not the one thing that had ever mattered in the world. Not Rory.

****

"Helen tried to kill you?" Clark repeated, the words not sinking in.

"Yeah. She poisoned me on our way to our honeymoon, crashed our plane and left me on a deserted island." Lex explained further as they were walking down the street. "And that Clark is how I spent my summer vacation." Lex tried to make it as casual as possible but he knew the reality of it.

"I'm sorry Lex. I had no idea." Clark said, wishing he had been there for him.

"You don't have anything to be sorry for. Even if you were at the wedding, you couldn't have stopped her." Lex replied.

"Maybe I could have. Seen something, figured out her plan. Something." Clark said. "I left you high and dry and all the while, I had no idea that my best friend was declared dead."

"Only for a week. " Lex explained. "They found me pretty quickly, considering."

"Have you heard from Helen?" Clark asked.

"No. She pretty much disappeared off the face of the planet. She probably won't be found unless she wants to be found." Lex replied.

"I'm sorry. The whole time, I thought for sure that you would have gotten the happy ending. After all that you went through." Clark said with a sigh. "I mean, I knew you told me that things were over between you and Helen, but it didn't register in my head. I still convinced myself that you had found true love."

"Not quite." Lex replied, thinking over the nightmare of the situation.

"I guess it doesn't really exist, does it? Or maybe it does, but it happens once in a lifetime, if you're lucky. I mean I was just telling Rory how perfect you guys were for each other. My hope for true love."

"You shouldn't model yourself after me Clark." Lex said as he looked at him. "I've been married twice and both of my wives tried to kill me."

Clark just looked sympathetically on his friend.

"Anyways, let's not dwell on me here." Lex said as they walked on. "Let's get back to you, man. I'm not the only one keeping secrets here."

Clark sighed as he knew what was coming.

"Tell me about this girl." Lex said with a curious smile. "Tell me about Rory."

"What do you want to know?" Clark asked.

"Well for starters, how you met her." Lex said as they approached a bench in the middle of the town, by the gazebo. "And how come you never said anything about her before. I mean, when I came into the house, the last thing I would have guessed was to find you in the arms of a mysterious girl."

"I just ran into her when I came into town. I saw her and sort of scared her. But then we started talking and it went on from there." Clark explained, not knowing quite to say. "I didn't plan on staying for long. The town was only supposed to be a drive by. But then I ran into her again and we became friends."

"Friends, huh?" Lex said.

"I didn't expect to meet her. I didn't expect to care for her." Clark said with a sigh.

"You know, I always thought that you'd be in love with Lana forever." Lex replied. "That Lana would be the only one you'd have eyes for."

"I thought that too. I mean, I still love Lana." Clark explained. "But...I can't go back. I can't keep hurting Lana the way I have. I mean, I ran away from Smallville. Away from her. I loved her and I ran away. There's no forgiving that."

"Lana forgives you. She does." Lex explains. "She just wants you to come home."

"I will eventually. I just can't right now." Clark said. "I can't."

"Because of Rory." Lex replied.

Clark remained silent. What could he say that Lex hasn't already seen from looking at his face?

"Do you remember the reason why you decided to stay in Smallville?" Clark asked.

"I wanted to be free. I wanted to change the way people thought about me. That I was only my father's son. I wanted to prove to people that I was better than that. I wanted a new life. I wanted a new me." Lex replied.

"Well that's how I feel about this place. I don't know what it is but I feel normal here." Clark explained. "No one knows me and want anything from me. I'm just a stranger to most of them. A normal guy. It's nice not having to dodge bullets, being interrogated by the police, be the one who saves everyone. I'm just me here. I'm just Clark."

Lex sat there silently as he listened further.

"The only person that really knows me here is Rory. I don't think I've ever met a girl who knows me as well as she does. The real me. The whole time I was with Lana, I kept trying to be the person she expected me to be. The perfect boyfriend, the perfect hero. But I wasn't any of those things. Rory just knows me as I am. She doesn't expect anything. I don't expect anything from her."

Lex smiled. It was nice to see Clark this way.

"I know we haven't known each other for a long time but she gets me. I don't feel like I'm hiding when I'm with her. Even when we're not talking, the way her hand is in mine, everything feels great. Possible. You should see her hand Lex. They are so small and white compared to mine."

Clark looked off into the sky and sighed.

"She's going to Yale in the fall and she has so many big dreams. She talks and it feels like I could do anything if I wanted to. And all I want to do is spend as much time with her as possible before I have to go home."

"It sounds nice Clark." Lex replied as he stood up. "I'm happy for you. At least one of us knows what he wants."

He paused as Clark stood up as well.

"But I think you need to talk to Lana. Straighten things out between you two. She's been agonizing all these months, wondering where you were. Other than your parents, she's the one who has been taking it the hardest when you left. I don't think I have to tell how much that girl has meant to you. How much she means to you still." Lex explained. "She deserves to know the truth. How you feel."

"I know. I just don't know what to say to her." Clark said with a sigh.

"The words will come. She needs to know from you that you've let go. So that she can let you go as well." Lex explained.

"Has she met someone?" Clark said quietly. He knows that he has no right to be jealous since he had moved on in a way.

Lex looked at Clark. For a moment there, he wanted to tell Clark about him and Lana. But he decided against. What's the point of telling when there isn't really anything to tell. Not really.

"No, but that's not the point is it? You left home because you were looking for something." Lex explained as he patted Clark. "And from what I can see, you've found it. Now you've got to let Lana find her place, whatever it is."

"I know." Clark replied as he nodded while they walked again. "Just look out for her, okay? I've been worried about her."

"I would ask you to come home and see for yourself but I know you well enough to see that's not going to happen."

Clark shook his head, as Miss. Patty approached them on the street.

"Hello dear." Miss. Patty exclaimed as she blushed.

"Hi Miss. Patty." Clark replied as he smiled sweetly for her.

"Oh the way you toy with me. If I was only a few years younger honey..." she stopped as she looked over at Lex, standing there, amused. "Clark, aren't you going to introduce us?"

"Miss. Patty, this is my friend Lex Luthor." Clark gestured as Lex took her hand. "Lex, this is Miss Patty."

"It's a pleasure Miss. Patty." Lex said politely as he kissed her hand.

"Oh such a gentleman." Miss. Patty replied as she batted her eyelashes. "A gorgeous gentleman, at that. Clark sweetheart, you never told us you knew famous people."

"I'm not famous Miss. Patty." Lex said kindly. "It's just the name."

"Don't be modest Mr. Luthor. You and I both know that you're once again one of the most eligible bachelors in America." Miss. Patty answered. "Two beautiful single men in one town. What more could a woman ask for?"

"Bye Miss. Patty." Clark said with a friendly laugh as he waved goodbye to her. As they walked on, Miss. Patty rushed off to tell the nearest person her news: Lex Luthor was in town.

Within mere minutes, the news had rushed to most people and before they could reach Luke's for breakfast, they were greeted by all that passed them by. Jackson and Andrew argued about whether or not Lex looked better in person or not. Andrew kept insisting that he looked like some guy he had seen in a Steve Martin movie but Jackson dismissed it completely. Miss. Patty boasted all around town that she got to touch him. Taylor thought he disrupted the tranquility of the town, especially when Lex politely declined Taylor's offer for him to advertise his various stores. Babette thought that bald men were pretty sexy while Morey thought he looked cool even if he was only corporate cool. Kirk, on the other hand, wanted to sell t-shirts.

As they sat down at a table, Lex tried his best not to let the people staring down at them from the window distract them from ordering.

"Why are they staring at us through the window?" Lex asked under his breath as he smiled politely at them.

"I guess they've never had a celebrity like you pass through the town before." Clark suggested as he calmly looked over at him. "I mean, they were making a big deal about my motorcycle so imagine the great Lex Luthor coming into town?" he teased.

"Okay, you're really enjoying this aren't you?" Lex said as he scowled at Clark.

"Oh, being the best friend of Lex Luthor is enough for me." Clark said with a laugh as Luke approached.

"What the hell?" Luke said in disgust as he watched the people stare though his windows. "Get out of here! I swear, this whole town is medicated." As he looked over to the people just standing about in the diner, he started to shoo them from the diner. "If you're not going to order anything, GET OUT!"

People started to protest as Luke started to get angry. "GET OUT, GET OUT, GET OUT! Paying customers only."

Clark laugh as he introduced Luke to Lex. "Luke, if you haven't heard already, this is Lex Luthor. Lex, this is Luke."

Luke extended his hand for Lex to shake briskly as Luke shrugged it off. "Nice to meet you. I'm sorry about them. They get excited over just about everything. Just ignore them. I do."

"I'll think about that." Lex said with a smile.

"So what are you guys ordering?" Luke asked hastily.

"Eggs, bacon, toast, orange juice and coffee." Clark said. "Lots of it."

"I'm guess spending that much time with Rory hasn't done too well for you has it?" Luke said in a groan as he heard the word coffee. "Is it too late for me to change your mind about that one?"

"No, but thanks for asking." Clark replied as he handed Luke back the menus and Luke sighed in defeat.

Lex looked over to Clark, not getting it. "Did I miss something there?"

"It's nothing." Clark said as he shrugged it off. "He's usually that grumpy."

"Thank god." Lex replied. "I thought we pissed him off in some way."

"No, he's like that all the time, but he's an okay guy." Clark explained. "There's only two people in this town who could actually get a rise out of him."

****

"Hey Taylor." Lorelai exclaimed as she approached him, grumpy with his arms crossed, standing outside of Doose's. "What's the matter?"

"Look at that spectacle!" Taylor said as he pointed at Luke's where people kept swarming about trying to get a glimpse of the infamous Lex Luthor. "Not only are they taking away business from other reputable businesses in town but it's probably in violation of sidewalk laws. They are just loitering."

"Is someone a little bit grumpy because a certain famous person refused to advertise for you?" Lorelai asked as Taylor looked shocked. "I heard it from Babette."

"Well that's besides the point. Even though it would have benefited Stars Hollow. Our town you know?" Taylor said as he sniveled. "I really don't see the big deal in having him in town anyways. The Luthors destroys small towns. With their big city ethics and such."

"Lex Luthor lives in Smallville, a small town." Lorelai explained, trying to find the logic.

"Did it help put it on the map? I never even heard of it." Taylor replied.

"Most people have never even heard of Stars Hollow either." Lorelai protested.

Taylor stood there, silent, not knowing what to say. "I knew that no good can come from Clark Kent, waltzing in here with his motorcycle, bringing in crooks like Lex Luthor. Just destroying the reputation of Stars Hollow." he shook his head in dismay as Lorelai left him there. You can always count on Taylor to go overboard on everything.

She entered Doose's trying to buy groceries for the house. Ever since they had returned home, there wasn't anything to eat in the fridge some rancid milk and some unidentifiable food product that keeps sitting in the back of the fridge. One day she would have to dispose of it. She could sworn that it was growing or something.

Walking through the aisles, she kept looking around. She could say that she only came to buy food but then she would be kidding herself. There he was, standing in one of the back aisles, stocking cans of beans. She carefully walked towards him, hoping that her movements didn't seem suspicious or obvious. It wouldn't be weird for her to be standing in that particular aisle. Beans are good for you. They are nutricious.

"Hey." Lorelai said simply as she didn't look up, staring at the rows upon rows of beans instead.

Dean looked up at her and then smiled to himself.

"Hey."

"Did you see the crowd outside of Luke's? This town goes nuts over everything." Lorelai exclaimed, sorting through the cans. Which was better? Kidney or green beans?

"Stars Hollow isn't like any other town. We lean more towards the crazy side." Dean explained. "I mean, remember how much we made of that stupid chalk outline of a body Jess made in the sidewalk? Or when we first got a streetlight? See? Nuts."

"But would you rather be living in any other place?" Lorelai asked.

"No." Dean said with a smile as he discretly grabbed her hand, who rested on the shelf. "Not now." He lightly moved his fingers over the back of her hand as Lorelai felt her face begin to fluster.

"Not now Dean." Lorelai whispered.

"Why not? No one's even looking at us." Dean replied as he turned his head towards Luke's. "Everyone else is outside, wondering what Lex Luthor is going to order." He paused as he stroked her hand. "I missed you."

"What happened this morning was too close." Lorelai said as she pulled away. "We can't keep doing this. We're going to caught sooner or later."

"So what if we get caught?" Dean said defiantly. "We're adults. We can do anything we want."

"You don't mean that." Lorelai said as she shook her head. "You think they are going to accept this? This town shunned you the last time when you broke with Rory. Can you imagine what they'd do when they find out about us?"

"I don't care." Dean replied.

"I don't believe you." Lorelai answered. "Anyways, even if you don't, what about Rory? She could have found you this morning!"

"But she didn't. And we'll be careful the next time." Dean explained.

"I don't think there should be a next time." Lorelai said slowly.

Dean stopped what he was doing and looked at her plainly in the eye. "Are you regretting what happened between us last night? And don't lie to me."

Lorelai looked at him painfully as she tried to tell him. Instead she grabbed his hand and swiftly pulled into the backroom, so that they could be unseen by anyone who would be coming in. "No I don't. Or maybe I do."

"Which one is it?" Dean asked sternly. "Yes or no?"

"It's not as easy as you think. I mean, I wanted to be with you last night. You know that." Lorelai said. "But is it worth it? Even if I could forget about the whole town knowing, could I live with Rory finding out about us? I won't put her through it."

"We'll be more careful. Rory won't find out." Dean whispered as he caressed her cheek.

"I can't keep lying to her." Lorelai whispered back as she looked up at him. "I hate lying to her."

"I don't like lying to her either." Dean said. "But it's not like she ever gave me the same consideration when she fell in love with Jess."

"What?" Lorelai said as she backed away from him. "Is this some sort of payback? Rory leaves you for Jess and you get her back by sleeping with me?"

"No. That's not it at all." Dean said as he walked towards her. "Making love to you has nothing to do with her. You know that."

"What was it about then?" Lorelai asked.

"Do you even have to ask?" Dean retorted back. "I could have slept with other girls but I didn't. I waited. I waited for you."

Lorelai didn't say a word. She didn't know what to say.

Dean moved towards her slowly, as he held her face in his hands. "Last night was better than I could have ever imagined it could be. Don't run from something that could be spectacular."

"I only agreed to this if we were discreet about it." Lorelai said, as her breathing became heavier.

"Then we'll be discreet." Dean whispered back, moving his face closer to hers. "Whatever you want."

"What if we can't? I don't want to hurt anyone. I don't want to hurt Rory." Lorelai said, gazing into his eyes. She now held onto his hands as they were still holding her face.

"I don't want to hurt Rory either. And we won't." Dean assured her. "But this time is about us remember? About the little time we have together. This is our only chance. Don't ruin it."

"Dean..." Lorelai whispered as she felt her heart grow heavy.

Dean pulled her closer to him, holding her in a loving embrace. "I don't want to let you go. Not yet."

Lorelai closed her eyes as she buried her head against his shoulder. Deep in her heart, she didn't want to let him go either. It's only for a month. One month of bliss. A moment. A moment which comes and go as quickly as a simple gust of wind.

****

Lana ached. Her whole body ached. It didn't help that she felt sleepy. She knew it was from the sleepless night she had experienced but what could she do about it? She couldn't help it. The whole time, tossing around in her bed, all she could think about was Lex. Lex and his strange phone call. Lex leaving to see Clark. Too many things were left unsaid between them. Too many unanswered questions. The whole thing made her mind whirl out of control.

It also didn't help that she had to work today. Running all over the place, with orders coming in every which way she turned. It could make a girl go crazy. But at least it was keeping her busy. Busy enough to stop thinking about him for a while. At least for a little while. But she felt worned. She wanted a rest. But before she could even take another breath, a familiar face suddenly appeared that helped to brighten her spirits a bit.

"Hi Lana."

"Hi Mrs. Kent." Lana replied with a smile. "It's so nice to see you." She went around the counter to give Martha a hug.

Martha hugged back as she smiled warmly as the girl standing in front of her. "It's nice to see you too. It's been awhile since you've visited the farm."

"I'm sorry." Lana replied appologetically. "I meant to stop by sooner but ever since the move, things have been hectic."

"I heard about you moving in with Lex." Martha answered. "How is he anyways?" She sat down on the stool as Lana sat beside her.

"He's doing better." Lana said. "We keep each other company."

"That's sounds good for you Lana." Martha replied sweetly.

"It is." Lana said softly as she returned back to the matter. "What would you like, Mrs. Kent?"

"Just a large coffee to go. Double cream and sugar." Martha replied as Lana returned to her post behind the counter.

"Alright. Your order is coming right up." Lana declared. "You don't usually stop by. What's the occasion?"

"I just needed to get out of the house for a little while." Martha explained. "Pass the time now that Clark is gone. It can be very lonely with only me and Jonathan in the house."

"How is Mr. Kent?" Lana asked with concern.

"He's managing. Doesn't say much these days." Martha replied. "He still blames himself for Clark running away like that."

"It was Clark's choice. No one could have stopped him." Lana said as she tried to comfort her.

"Have you heard anything from him Lana?" Martha asked softly, a little desperation in her need. "I mean, both Pete and Lex told me that he was safe but nothing else."

"I don't know much either." Lana admitted. "He did call me once, by accident. He was trying to call Lex and I picked up the phone. Don't worry Mrs. Kent. Lex made sure that he's staying put, in one of the houses his mother used to own in Conneticut. Lex is actually going to see him today."

"Really?" Martha replied, feeling a little bit comforted. "I miss Clark so much. I wish he'd just come home."

"I know. He's going to come home real soon. I know it." Lana replied.

"Oh Lana. You've been such a comfort to us these last few months." Martha said with a warm smile as Lana handed her the coffee. "I know you got hurt as much we did when he left. You two looked so happy together. I'm so sorry that he abandoned you like that."

"I'm sorry too." Lana said sadly. "I really did things were going to work out between us after all this time."

"I wanted it too." Martha said. "I always regarded you as my daughter and really thought it might come true if you and Clark got married someday."

"That's a nice dream." Lana replied with a smile.

"Lana, before I go, I want to know something." Martha said. "I know you've sacrificed a lot, waiting for Clark. I love you for it but if you ever decide that you can't wait anymore, I would understand. Clark would too. Don't keep waiting if you're trying to please everyone else. You can only live your life for yourself. No one else. Remember that."

"Thank you Mrs. Kent. You've always treated me so well." Lana said with a smile. "It was really nice that we got a chance to talk like this."

Martha smiled as she prepared to leave. But before she left, she turned her back again. "If you ever hear from Clark, tell him that we love him and that we're waiting for him to come home. Please?"

"I will. I promise." Lana replied as she waved goodbye. Letting Clark go, she thought to herself. She could feel the guilt building up inside of her. How could she have told Martha that she thought of him less and less? That she had let him go already? That someone else had already taken his place in her heart?

****

Lex took a deep breath as he sat alone on the bench in the gazebo. He looked around at buildings that surrounded him. From this point, one could see the whole town. It wasn't much different from Smallville. They still had the same small town sensibilities except this place felt a little bit more eccentric and livelier than the everyday normal of Smallville. And it wasn't that Smallville was like any other town either, with its green meteor rocks imbedded in the soil, making the unusual and weird occurences an everyday issue. But this place felt calmer. It felt happier. It was a world unto itself and it looked as if they remained peaceful, resolved to be the way it is while the world around them changed. It was no wonder that Clark felt at peace here. That he felt happy here. You couldn't help but feel your spirits rise in such a strange town such as this. Yes, the curious townspeople were a bit overwhelming at first, staring in awe at him. However, by the afternoon, the mob had settled and all seemed to have returned to normal. As normal as this place could get he suppose.

As he sat there, trying to clear his mind, Lorelai came walking by and approached him.

"Hey."

"Hi." he said simply.

"Where's Clark?"

"I'm not really sure. I think he's trying to call home. Or looking for Rory." he said. "I'm just taking a breather here."

"The crowds tired you out didn't they?" Lorelai said with a giggle. "They tend to do that."

"You don't get visitors often do you?" Lex replied as he looked up at Lorelai. "You do live in a strange little town."

"We like it this way." Lorelai replied.

"Oh don't get me wrong. Smallville isn't your average American town either." Lex assured her."It just seems like a friendly town. From what I can see, Clark really likes it here."

"Yeah, everybody pretty much knows everybody here." Lorelai said. "It might not be as exciting as a big city like Metropolis but it has its own advantages. There's no place on earth like it."

"I'd wager that." Lex replied with a smile. "Umm, can I ask you a question?"

"Sure." Lorelai said.

"Tell me about your daughter, Rory." Lex asked. "Clark tells me that you're very close to her. I'd just like to know a little bit about who she is. I know that Clark is really fond of her so I want to know her. I've been asking around at all the townspeople and they really seem to adore her. But you're her mother. You know her better than anyone."

"What can I say? She's literally the best kid a mom could ever hope for." Lorelai answered with a smile. "She's smart, she's beautiful."

"I can see where she gets her looks from." Lex commented as Lorelai laughed.

"Well, can't say I don't appreciate that." Lorelai replied. "As I was saying, she's friendly and sees the good in people. She's also very innocent and naive. She hasn't seen the world up close yet. She loves books, music and to laugh. There's no better person than Rory. I may be biased because I'm her mother but I think you can see that a lot of people in this town feel the same way."

"I know. I'm glad. I'm glad to know that Clark is in good hands." Lex said. "He's had a rough couple of months."

"Rory has too." Lorelai replied. "Now it's your turn to tell me. Is Clark really a good kid?"

"He is. I didn't believe those people existed but he's one of them. He's a lot like Rory, the way you describe her. He's also very innocent too. He always tries to see the good in people even when they seem like the worst people in the world. I mean, I don't think that he'd ever be friends with me if he'd had believed all the stories about the Luthors. He's saved my life so many times. He's like a brother to me. I owe him my life." Lex replied.

"Wow." Lorelai replied. "And what about his parents? This whole time he's been here, he's never spoken about his parents."

"Well his parents, the Kents, own a farm. They are good, honest people." Lex said.

"It's good to know." Lorelai replied as she stared at him. "How long are you staying in town?"

"As long as I have to." Lex answered simply. "I just wanted to see how he was doing. If he was safe. But I guess he is."

"There's no place safer than Stars Hollow, I can tell you that." Lorelai replied. "Well at least for some people." she smiled as she looked at the red mark on his cheek. "Let me guess. You got accosted by one Miss. Patty."

"She's an interesting woman." Lex remarked, rubbing the lipstick off of his face. He had thought that he had rubbed it all off but he must have just missed a spot. "Very strong too."

Lorelai giggled as she helped Lex remove the stain. Miss Patty should come with her own warning label. To all men everywhere: approach with caution.

****

"Lana, there's a phone call for you." Paula cried out as she motioned to Lana.

"I'll get it." Lana replied as she moved to the storage room. "Thanks."

Going into the room, she picked up the receiver and heard a familiar voice.

"Hi."

"Hi Clark."

"Are you busy cause I can call back if..."

"No, it's fine. Paula's covering for me."

"Okay."

"Is there something wrong? Are you okay? Is Lex okay?" Lana asked, worried.

"No, no, it's not that. Lex is fine. I am too." Clark replied, trying to find the words. "How is everyone back home?"

"Chloe's fine. I think Pete's fine even though I hardly see him." Lana replied. "I just saw your mom today."

"You did?"

"Yeah. She misses you terribly Clark. Both your parents are." Lana explained. "They just want you to come home."

"Oh."

"I guess from the tone of your voice, you're not coming back any time soon right?" Lana asked.

"No, not yet." Clark replied softly.

"So why are you calling?" Lana said, hurt.

"I didn't like the way things ended between us the last time we spoke." Clark answered. "I don't think neither one of us knew what to say and we both said some things that we didn't expect."

"You kind of did take me by surprise there Clark." Lana said. "I didn't expect you to call, especially after not giving us any word about your whereabouts these last few months. I didn't think you cared anymore."

"I did care. I do care still." Clark protested. "I just didn't know where I was. I was confused. And even if I had a phone, I didn't know what to say."

Lana remained silent on the line, trying to find the words.

"I wanted to call to tell you how sorry I am for the way things ended between us. I didn't think that we'd end that way." Clark exclaimed. "The last thing I wanted to do was to hurt you that way. I just thought that if I'd left, then I wouldn't hurt you anymore."

"I'm sorry too." Lana replied. "I'm sorry for the things I said and I'm sorry that you didn't have the courage to really give it a try. Maybe it wouldn't have worked between us but at least we'd have given it a chance. Now, there's no turning back is there?"

"I guess not." Clark answered sadly. "I still do love you. I just think that I would have caused you more pain than happiness. And all I wanted for you was to be happy."

"In a way, I should thank you." Lana said. "Not for leaving but for saying the truth. It probably wouldn't have worked between us, no matter what we felt for each other. In the end, I could never really see inside you. You'd never let in."

"I really wanted to show you." Clark answered. "I was just scared. Don't think it was about you. It was never about you. It was about me, me wrestling with myself. I'm still trying to figure it out. But I'm doing better."

"I'm glad." Lana said.

"Lana, I want you to be happy." Clark said. "I don't want you to worry about me anymore. I'm okay."

"I know. I know you are. It's just hard sometimes not to worry about you, especially after all this time of doing nothing but worry." Lana replied. "But I know now that I can't wait for you. Not anymore."

"I know that." Clark replied with a sigh. "I don't want to wait either."

Lana paused. There was a feeling deep inside her that was rumbling. She had wondered. Wondered all this time. Could she get a straight answer from him, for once?

"Is there someone else?" Lana asked suddenly. "Don't answer that. Maybe I don't want to know...but maybe I do."

"There is someone." Clark said truthfully. "It has nothing to do with you and me but I don't want to lie to you. You deserve the truth from me, especially after all that I put you through."

"Oh." Lana said, not knowing what she should feel. "I kind of figured, you know? I mean why would you be fighting so hard not to come home if there wasn't a reason to stay."

Clark stayed silent. He couldn't say anything otherwise.

"Clark, I hope you find what you're looking for." Lana said. "I really do."

"I hope for you too." Clark replied.

"And thanks. For telling me the truth. It means a lot to me." Lana said softly. "I'm glad you called. Despite everything, I still miss you. I still care for you."

"This is a better ending for us isn't it?" Clark asked.

"Yeah it is." Lana agreed. "Just look after Lex okay? I need you both to come home safe. Bye Clark."

"Bye Lana." he whispered back.

****

This day felt long. It felt longer still. All though his body, all he could feel was emotionally drained. But at least he had ended things the right way with Lana. He could feel comfort in that. He was alone now. Lex had reached him and told him earlier that he was going back to the house. He could tell that Lex was tired. It really was a long day. Clark did feel tired but he didn't want to go to the house just yet. His heart was calling out and he couldn't just let the feeling go.

Clark could feel her near. The butterflies in his stomach was telling him so. It was like anticipating something but you're afraid and excited at the same time. His heart beated like a jackhammer but he didn't care. He didn't want this feeling to end.

He turned the corner. Back to their spot. Back to where things began. Their beloved bridge. If he had his eyes shut, he could still tell that she was there. She was always there. Waiting for him. Like he waits for her.

You've got a way with me

Somehow you got me to believe

In everything I could be

I gotta say, you really got a way...

Sitting there, in the dark, he could see Rory in the distance, wadding her feet in the water. Looking down at the pool of water. Smiling in her delicate way. Suddenly, she stops. She can hear him. She can hear his heart calling out for hers. She turns her head around to see his face smiling back at her. Rory grins with a laugh as she quickly stands to her feet. Clark stared at her in all her beauty. She looked exactly as she did the first time he laid eyes on her, but everything was different. Everything felt different.

You've got a way it seems

You gave me faith to find my dreams

You'll never know what that means

Can't you see? You got a way with me...

They stood there for awhile just staring at each other when suddenly she ran towards him. In that adorable, clumsy way she runs, he thought to himself. He ran towards her too, waiting with open arms as she falls into them, jumping in almost. As long and as tiring as this day was, just seeing her like this, at the end of it all makes up for it. Her arms around his neck as he smells her hair. Sweet, but not so sickly sweet, of fruits he couldn't describe but the combination just made him sigh.

It's in the way you want me

He looked at her closely as he held her face in his hands. There was an urgency in her eyes, but also a sense of happiness.

"I missed you." He said simply.

"I missed you too." Rory whispered back.

It's in the way you hold me

Clark could closed his eyes as he could feel her breath on his face. She was breathing as heavily as he was. He smoothed the hair from her face. Just to touch her was enough for him. But she was here. He was here. He slowly moved in closer as her eyes closed as well. He lightly kissed her forehead as she sighed quietly. Everything felt heightened. Slower. Sweeter. He continued down, kissing the tip of her nose and then the apples of her cheeks. His heart was beating rapidly as made it down to her lips. His kissed close to her mouth but not quite, taking his time until he reached her sweet loving mouth, waiting for him to arrive.

Rory waited in anticapation for it. For days she had been waiting for this kiss and it was well worth it. Her hands wrapped around the back of his neck as she curled her fingers around his hair. She loved his hair. His strong arms now wrapped themselves around her, making her feel safe. Like he always did.

Clark pulled back for a moment as he watched her smile sweetly, a smile only for him. He grinned widely. He was always afraid before. Now he couldn't wait for the next part. He felt free.

The way you show me just what love is made of

It's in the way where you made love...

****

Lana was doing inventory in the storage room. Paula or any other of her employees could have done it, but she offered. What else was she going to do on a Saturday night? It had been a week since Lex left for Conneticut and still no call back. She could have called him on his cell phone but she felt stupid about it. They weren't boyfriend and girlfriend. They had no obligation to each other. He had no obligation to call. Instead, she spent the week working, keeping her mind off other things. Things she should forget about.

What was hard was in the evening when she had to come home. Come home to his house. Alone in a dark mansion, where there was no one to talk to. Chloe had offered to stay over again but she declined the offer. She had to learn to live there on her own. She couldn't always rely on Chloe if Lex was gone. Anyways, this was a temporary situation until the apartments at the Talon were done.

She went through the list of items that she had made on her clipboard. How much cinnamon did they have left? She turned towards the back of the room as she heard the door swing open. Lana stopped in her tracks. Her heart began to race. She didn't have to turn her head. She could feel him in her stomach. She was getting sick. Sick and scared at the same time.

"I didn't mean to be gone so long." he said. "I needed time."

Lana remained silent, not turning to face him, not knowing what was he was talking about. Time? Time for what?

"I sat at the airport for hours. It didn't feel like it but I was. Just thinking. Just building up the courage to come back. To see you."

Lana still didn't say a word. What could she say?

"You were right you know." Lex said suddenly.

"Right about what?" Lana asked finally. She still couldn't look at him.

"I was running away from you. Something happened and I left." Lex replied as he walked a step closer to her. He didn't want to frighten or disturb her. He could see that she still didn't even want to face him.

"I thought if I left, it would give me time to think about it." Lex continued. "I thought maybe if I saw Clark, he could give me some answers. That he could be a comfort to me."

"And did it help?" she asked softly.

"Not really." Lex admitted. "Everything always came back to you. Coming home to you."

"I don't understand either Lex." Lana said. "I've been through over and over again and I don't have anything. There was always one question in my head and I couldn't figure it out. Maybe you can answer it. Were you going to kiss me?"

A silence swept through. Was anyone going to speak?

"Yes." he whispered as he stepped closer.

"Why didn't you?" Lana asked.

"I couldn't betray Clark like that. In my mind, he had loved you first. He had always loved you and I couldn't get in the way of that." Lex explained. "And so I thought if I went to him and I could remember why he loved you so and his devotion for you, I would have known that I made the right choice."

"But then you found out that Clark's feelings had changed." Lana said. She was well aware of it.

"He still loved you but he found someone." Lex replied. "I'm not going to lie to you. I met her. Her name is Rory."

"Rory?" Lana scoffed quietly. "What kind of name is Rory?"

"It's short for Lorelai." Lex explained, smiling a little. He had asked the same question in his mind when he met her but Clark explained it. "I guess I can tell that you're jealous."

"I'm not jealous." Lana replied, rolling her eyes. "It just stings a little. I told you he was staying away for a reason. I was right."

"Be happy for Clark." Lex said. "He's got something we've both been searching for. He's at peace with himself and I know he's happy."

"I'm not mad about Clark." Lana insisted. "I'm happy for him. I am. I just hate being left behind. You know that."

"I know." Lex replied slowly. "I also know this.... I think.... I made the right choice."

Lana closed her eyes as tears fell down her face.

"Lana, look at me." Lex said softly as he stood closely behind her.

She turned slowly to meet his eyes.

"I'm not good for you. Not in that way." Lex explained, the words hurting him. "I shouldn't have let it happen."

"But it wasn't your fault." Lana protested. "I wanted it to. I really thought you were going to kiss me."

"I was weak and didn't know it was going to happen until it was too late." Lex said. "I shouldn't have taken advantage of you in that way."

Lana put her hand on his arms and shook him. "What does it take to convince you that it wasn't all your doing? I wanted to kiss you. If you hadn't kissed me in that moment, if you had just leaned in a little longer, I would have kissed you myself."

Lex looked at her, saddened. "How can I make you understand?"

"Don't." Lana said as she put her hand to his lips. "Don't say it's about our age difference. You know I don't care about that. And it's not Clark so what is it?"

"It's about me." Lex said with a sigh. "In the past year, I've been married twice. Twice to women that have both tried to kill me. " he paused. "I'm married still."

"But that doesn't matter. You're free of Desiree. You're free of Helen." Lana argued.

"But I haven't fixed up my life since then. I haven't fixed the mess inside of me." Lex retorted. "And you? No matter you say, I still don't believe that you've healed your own wounds. You still feel for Clark."

"I don't!" Lana said as her eyes started to stream with tears. "I feel for you!"

"Clark's hurt you so much you don't see. Just like Helen hurt me so hard I couldn't see it." Lex said with a tired sigh. "But I do. I do now."

Lana couldn't stop the tears from coming. Why did he have to say such things? Why did he have to hurt her so?

"As much I feel for you, as much as I care about you, I can't let this happen. Not now." Lex said. "If we started out like this, we'd be hurting each other like we've been hurt all of our lives."

Lana looked up at him. He looked down at her, with all of the love he had in him.

"I don't want that for you. I don't want for us." Lex replied. "We're supposed to be different from all the other relationships. We're supposed to make each other happy, instead of making each other hurt."

"But I hurt. You say that we can't have that and all I feel is my heart ripped apart." Lana said tearfully.

"Don't think I don't hurt either. It's taking all of my strength not to run to you and kiss you like there's no tomorrow." Lex said suddenly. "But I want to do something right in my life, for once. I want, I need to be a better man."

"You are a better man. I've seen the good in you! Don't use it as excuse because you don't want me. Because you don't want to be with me!" Lana yelled.

"I want you!" Lex yelled back, silencing her. "I do, but it can't happen now."

"Then when?" Lana asked, pleadingly. "When are you going to take a chance and see where this takes us?"

"When it's right." Lex said. "And now it isn't right. If you come to me now, all I'd be asking myself is if you're doing this for us or for Clark. When it happens, it because you want me and me alone. We have healed our wounds and our hearts are free."

Lana wiped her eyes from the tears and looked at him. It wasn't fair.

"Take solace in me. Take comfort from me. Ask me for anything but don't ask me for this. Not yet." Lex said softly, holding her arms.

And I want to believe you

When you tell me that it'll be okay

Yeah, I try to believe you

But I don't

"The only thing I want is the one thing you can't give me." Lana said bitterly. "So where do we start now? I can't just forget."

"I don't expect that either. We'll start slow." Lex suggested. "I promise this will get better. With time, we'll be better."

"I don't want to lose you." Lana said as she buried her head in his shirt. "Tell me we won't lose each other."

"We won't." Lex said softly as he rested his chin on her head, touching her hair. "Lana, we won't."

When you say that's it gonna be

it always turns out to be a different way

I try to believe you

Not today, today, today, today...

She rested her head against him as she held on tight.

Lex closed his eyes as he felt the tears coming. To have her this close but not be with her was killing him, but he knew it was the only way. He had to save her. He had to save them.

I don't know how I feel tomorrow, tomorrow

I don't know what to say tomorrow, tomorrow

Tomorrow is a different day...

TO BE CONTINUED.

Note: I don't own the lyrics to Shania Twain's You've got a way or Avril Lavigne's Tomorrow.