Rated: T (Teen--language)

Notes: Smallville belongs to DC and the CW. All other characters and scenarios are mine. Please send comments to dante0220@yahoo.com .


Chapter 1
[Smallville Cemetery—Two days after “The Long Night”]

Lana stopped her super sprint right in front of her parents’ stone. As was the case three days earlier, she kneeled on the cold hard earth while inspecting the monument to be sure that everything was in order. With the exception of a stray speck of dust and a shriveled bouquet left by Dave on the previous day, everything was as she left it before the big battle. “Hi, Mom and Dad, sorry I didn’t get back here sooner.” She inhaled deeply; the icy air biting at her throat despite her Kryptonian stamina. “It’s over at last. We did it.”

“We know,” Laura’s spirit concurred as she appeared over the stone. “You did us all proud. You, Clark and everyone else. Now you can rest easier for a little while.” She considered her daughter carefully. “However, that does not mean that everything will be apparent.”

“Excuse me? Now what, Mom?” Lana tried to think of what her mother could be getting at. As they prepared for the standoff in town and fought the battle itself, she had endured a gambit of different sensations: dizziness, headaches, vertigo and occasional nausea. With all of the hype and build up, she had attributed the symptoms to nerves and anxiety.

“Talk to Jor-El. He’ll have the answers,” the spirit advised before vanishing from view.

“Jor-El? What?” She glanced at her watch and her eyes went wide. “I’m going to be late! I’ll have to do it after work!” She took off at super speed heading back toward the Talon and her latest duty stint.


****


[Talon—Five minutes later]

Lex sat at the corner booth, reading through his newspaper while enjoying the latest java sensation to hit the café. “Glad that Lana took Heloise up on this.” As he said that, he saw the woman in question tying her apron on in the corner and hurry out to start around the room for refills. Seeing that his own cup was half full, he signaled her over.

“Hey, Lex. How do you like it?” she wondered while steadying herself.

“It’s great. Definitely let Heloise know that we could use more.” He studied her peaked face and the sweat on her brow. “Are you all right?”

“Sorry. It’s really warm in here,” she responded.

He glanced at her with concern. While he knew she had the whole enhanced alien physiology, he also knew a sick woman when he saw her. “Take a load off.” He took the pot from her and started refilling his own cup.

“Can’t….I…” Lana replied, not sure of what was going on. She rocked on her feet and collapsed to the floor.

“Lana!” Forgetting about the coffee, he knelt down at her side. “MIRANDA!”

Miranda popped her head out of the back. “What is it, Lex? I….LANA?” She ran over to them. “What happened?”

“Lana collapsed,” he informed her. “She was looking sick before it happened.”

“I kind of gathered that much,” Miranda replied. [“UNCLE DAVE!”]

Less than a minute later, Dave rushed down the stairs nearly tripping several times in the process. [“I felt it upstairs.”] “Lex, can we use your coat as a pillow?”

“Sure once we get her into the booth,” the billionaire agreed. After they eased Lana onto the cushioned seat, he asked, “So now what?”

“We’ll need to get her upstairs. Miri, help me please?” Dave requested.

“I’ll go ahead. Keys?” she requested. Taking them from him, she rushed up the stairs and unlocked the door, watching anxiously as the two men carried her best friend up to the room behind her. I hope she’s okay. She ushered them both inside and then collected herself before sending out another telepathic beacon. [“Hey, Farm Boy! Get your plaid butt in here! PRONTO!”] With that, she rushed inside and slammed the door behind herself.




Chapter 2 [Kent Farm—five minutes earlier]

Even as the drama built downtown, Clark and Jonathan stacked hay in the latter’s truck. After the previous week’s activities, it took both of them the better part of a day and a half to get caught up with the chores and the work around the farm.

“Feeling better, Son?” Jonathan wondered.

“It’s great to have that mess cleaned up all right. Sorry we had to send you all away,” Clark replied.

“You were looking out for us. At least everyone’s okay and the town’s still standing. We had our doubts especially given the date,” the farmer answered.

“Thank the agents and Dr. Dubois for that, Dad. They directed us through it,” Clark deflected the praise.

“From what Agent Petersen told us, everyone did their part. You learned from that mess at the college. That’s what being an adult really is about. Taking responsibility,” Jonathan insisted.

“I guess,” Clark conceded while setting another hay bale in place. As he did so, he felt a sharp pain cutting through his head. “AHH!”

“Clark, what is it?”

“Dad, I…I don’t know,” Clark insisted while grabbing onto the side of the truck.

Kal-El, Lana needs you! Go now! Jor-El insisted telepathically.

Before Clark could react or do anything else, Miranda’s telepathic summons followed in its wake. [“Hey, Farm Boy! Get your plaid butt in here! PRONTO!”]

“Dad, it’s Lana. Something’s wrong!” Clark panicked before hopping down from the truck. Without looking twice, he sped off toward town.

“Now what?” the farmer worried while heading for the house. Seeing Martha rush out toward him, he asked, “Have you heard anything?”

“Lex called me on his cell phone. Apparently Lana collapsed in the Talon about five minutes ago. Where’s Clark?” she explained.

“He just left for town. Apparently, Jor-El told him,” he presumed. “Let’s get in there. Come on!”

With that, they headed for the truck and drove off as fast as they could manage.




Chapter 3 [Dubois Apartment—fifteen minutes later]

Unaware of all of the attention, Lana slowly opened her eyes and grimaced at the pain she felt. “What hit me?”

“Take it easy,” Clark advised from her left. “You had a fall downstairs. Lex and Dr. Dubois brought you up here.”

“Oh great! The Talon….I….” She started to get up.

Miranda pushed her back onto the mattress. “You’re staying put for now, Boss, until we figure out what’s going on.”

“Too bad we can’t call a normal doctor,” Lex declared, recalling the difficulties from the blindness episode and not wanting to deal with that again.

Lana does not need an Earther doctor, Alexander Luthor. Jor-El appeared in their midst before taking on solid form. “What Lana is going through is a natural thing.”

“Natural thing?” Clark insisted. “Why is she in pain? What have you done?”

“I have not done anything to her, Kal-El. Rather, it is what you did,” his birth father insisted.

“What Clark did?” Dave queried, feeling confused.

“You engage in the bond to cure your blindness, did you not?” Jor-El posed to Clark.

“Yeah…and….” He stared at his father incredulously. “Wait a minute! Are you saying that she’s…..?”

“That’s exactly what he’s saying,” Lex guessed.

“And that’s how you were both cured?” Miranda demanded. She rolled her eyes. “It figures!”

“You’re sure of this?” Jonathan asked, not exactly trusting the other father figure.

“I’m sure,” Jor-El affirmed.

“So I’m pregnant?” Lana wondered.

“Six of your weeks along to be precise. Yes,” Jor-El continued before shifting back into his spiritual form and vanishing.

“I can’t believe this,” the pregnant woman muttered. “Why didn’t we use protection that night?”

“I think you insisted on not waiting to find some,” Clark reminded her.

“Yeah I recall that,” Lana admitted. She smiled at her husband. “You’re okay with this?”

“It’s a lot to get used to but I’ll be there for you,” Clark affirmed while giving her hand a gentle squeeze.

“Meantime, you rest up,” Miranda directed. “We’ve got the café covered. Clark, you can stay with her but let her rest, okay?”

Clark nodded. “Thanks, Miri and everyone.” After they left, he straightened Lana’s hair. “I know how you hate ruffled hair.”

She coughed softly. “Fashion plate. That’s me. Thanks, Clark. Give me about a half hour and then we can go home, all right?”

“Sure. Just rest, okay?” he advised. After she shut her eyes again, he leaned back into the chair on which he was sitting. I’m really going to be a father!




Chapter 4
[Loft—Three hours later]

After bringing his wife home and making sure she was comfortable, Clark retreated to the Loft in order to sift out his issues and doubts concerning his soon to be impending role. Can I do this? Can I be there for a kid? He bit his lip in doubt…sometimes dealing with himself was a big deal. Helping Lana deal with her issues even after four years was a big deal.

But how would they deal with a Kryptonian kid too?

He scratched his head, wondering about the complexities. Is it right to subject Mom and Dad to that again? At that moment, his nose picked up on the scent of cocoa. He looked up to find Martha standing there. “Hi, Mom.”

“You’ve been up here for the past two hours. Figured cocoa would be a good thing. It used to get you to open up when you were little,” she presumed while sitting down next to him.

“Thanks. You do know me,” he expressed with a smile while studying the brown liquid with tiny specks of white floating in it. “Sometimes I wonder how you and Dad put up with me.”

“You had your moments, Clark, but so does every child,” she recalled. “I remember you punching holes in the walls when you didn’t get your way. But you were never a burden.” She sighed. “Sometimes your father and I had all we could do to figure out how to raise you. What’s right for an alien little boy? I know your father would never admit to this but…I wish Jor-El could’ve helped us. Maybe given us a translated instruction booklet.”

“That doesn’t sound like him, Mom. I mean—well, Lana and I are orphans. How do we deal with giving a family situation to this new…little person?” he inquired while still trying to wrap his head around the issue at large.

“You and she share a love deeper than anything else, Clark. Trust me; that baby will be very lucky to have you both as parents,” she assured him.

“I know that but…I’m afraid I’ll screw up. What kind of a father does that make me, Mom?” he worried.

“A typical one,” she assured him. “Clark, give yourself some time to come to terms with this. You and Lana will be fine. And you can always ask your father and me for advice.” She smiled warmly at him.

“I can always count on you,” he indicated while hugging her. “Thanks, Mom.”

“My pleasure,” she agreed. “Now drink up before it gets cold. I also wanted to let you know that Lex called. Why don’t you talk with him? If anything happens with Lana, we’ll call. Okay?”

He finished his cocoa and handed her the cup. After flashing her a grin, he sped off toward the Luthor Mansion.


******

[Lex’s study—Luthor Mansion]

After dropping Clark and Lana off at home, Lex retreated to his study in order to mull over the implications of the ‘big surprise’. He kicked himself for not noticing earlier given how Lana had been feeling under the weather since the standoff. It’s not like I haven’t seen the signs before!

“Hey, Lex! I just heard about Lana! Is she okay?” Chloe demanded while storming into the room.

He smirked at her. “This is a moment for posterity.” He made a square with his hands and considered her face. “I might have this moment put into a portrait.”

“What moment? Luthor, what the Hell are you getting at?” she queried in a huff.

“Oh—only the biggest news item to hit Smallville in the last four years and Chloe Sullivan, ace reporter, was scooped,” he gibed. “Yeah, that should about do it.”

“Actually, given that I had to hear about it from Miranda, yeah, I am pissed,” she retorted. “You could’ve called me.”

“We had it under control, Sullivan.” He made his way over to the brewing pot knowing that she would need something to soothe her jangled nerves. “Fresh cup?”

“Nice save,” she sassed while holding out her travel mug.

He stared at the 85 ounce monster. “I said cup not oil tanker.”

“Hey, you made me speed all the way here from Metro. And then, there was the whole scooped crack. Make up time, Billionaire Boy,” she cracked.

He rolled his eyes while emptying the entire fresh pot into her mug.

“Thank you,” she expressed almost gleefully before fixing the pipeline to her specifications.

“You’re welcome,” he replied before pressing on a section of the bookshelf behind himself and making a panel pop open. From the space, he produced a second coffee pot. “Fresher than that.” He smirked while pouring himself a cup and putting the pot back on the jet inside of the space.

“You planned that, didn’t you?” she supposed.

“Never get taken by surprise, Chloe. Dad’s first lesson,” he indicated while sipping on a cup.

“Seems as if Lana’s situation caught you with your pants down as well as everyone else, Lex,” she reminded him.

“We had bigger fish to fry this week, remember?” he countered. “In the long run, I can deal with being caught by stuff like this.” He considered the view outside of the study window. “It won’t be that much longer for us, you know.”

“Look, Lex, I do have some plans after we’re married. Give it a couple of years,” she insisted while hefting the tankard to her lips.

“You know, I could have the crane brought up here to help you with that thing,” he teased.

She quirked an eyebrow at him. “Don’t start, Luthor.”

He shrugged mischievously while drinking from his own cup. Then he saw the blur coming up the front walk. “Incoming.” He positioned another cup and went for the hidden pot again.

Before he could get there, Clark walked into the study. “Hey, guys.”

“I just made a fresh pot. Want some?” Lex offered while eyeing his fiancée.

“Sure. Everything okay?” the visitor asked. “Mom said you called.”

“That’s our question for you,” she informed him. “So it really is true then, Clark?”

“According to Jor-El, it is. Meantime, I’m trying to figure out what type of father I am,” Clark revealed.

“Ooh! Never mind that! Hey, congrats!” she assured him while embracing him tightly. “You and Lana are going to be great.”

“Thanks, Chloe,” Clark expressed while returning the hug.

“That’s actually why I called,” Lex interjected while offering the guest the third cup. “You looked scared. Trust me. Clark, you’re already a better man than my father ever will be. You’ve got that going for you.”

“I know but well…what happens if we make a mistake?” he supposed. “Look at what happened with Dr. Dubois and Mrs. Singleton.”

Lex steepled his fingers while considering the point. “My father screwed that up so unless you and Lana are long lost twins, that’s not going to happen. Actually you might want to talk with him about the whole father thing. He has his regrets. He lost a wife in child birth. But he loves his kids.”

“You look up to him though.”

Lex nodded. “He’s always been like a big brother to me, Clark. I know I plan to have the same talk with him at some point when Chloe and I are ready for the next step. Meantime, revel in the moment.” He slapped the guest on the left bicep. “You’ll be knee deep in diapers before you know it.”

Clark rolled his eyes at the thought. “Thanks, Lex.”

“Don’t mention it, Dad,” the billionaire cracked.

“I’ll remind you of this moment when it’s time for our next step, Luthor,” she noted wryly.

“You do that,” Lex responded glibly, not missing a beat. “Meantime, Clark, you and Lana have dealt with bigger situation than this one. Remember, you’re not alone. We’re all here for you.”

Clark grinned while sipping on his coffee again. “I know, Lex, but thanks.” The words had their desired effect. Already, he was feeling better.


 

Chapter 5 [Kent Farm]

After leaving Jasmine to watch over the Emporium, April packed the twins into their backseat carriers and drove over to the farm to check on Lana. The episode had left most of the patrons unnerved not to mention those on staff at the time. She knew that Karen, Garth and Steve were already running interference in striking down the inevitable ‘why didn’t Lana go to the med center’ comments. She needs to be more careful though. As she stopped her car, she glanced back at the sleeping twins in the back seat. Being a first time Mom isn’t easy for any of us. She got out of the car and collected her charges before walking up to the door.

“April?” Martha asked. “Please come in. Can I help you with one of those?”

“Thanks. I’d appreciate that,” the florist expressed while handing Peggy over to her friend and carrying Colin into the house. “Sorry to show up unannounced. I figured Lana might appreciate some support. First time Mom to first time Mom, right?”

“Absolutely. I know she’ll appreciate that,” Martha agreed while setting the baby on the counter. “Put him right next to his sister.” After her guest had done so, she continued, “It isn’t easy for any of us…even those of us who adopt.”

“Martha, stop that,” April urged. “You’re a great mother for Clark. It doesn’t matter whether you had him or he was delivered by a metal stork. And you’re going to be a great grandmother for that kid. I wish my parents were closer. And then I would like Karen’s or even Angie’s parents to still be with us.” She looked wistfully at the sleeping twins. “It hasn’t been easy for Marti not to have grandparents.”

“But she has Miranda,” Martha pointed out while fixing two cups of tea.

April had to chuckle. “Ah yes, our event organizer.” She grinned while accepting the tea. “She’s so overprotective of her cousins, it isn’t funny. There is a reason for that.”

“Dave can deal with the issues a lot better now than he did back then. He’s not alone either this time,” Martha assured her guest. “I was about to take a cup upstairs. I can watch the twins if you want to talk with Lana.”

“Okay,” April accepted while picking up the second cup and walking up to talk with the younger woman. She knocked on the door. “Lana, it’s April Dubois. Feel like talking?”

“Sure. I was about to come downstairs,” Lana agreed while opening the door. “That looks good.”

“I’ll say,” the visitor agreed as she entered the room to find Lana in her bathrobe. “You look better.”

“I wish I felt that way. Nausea’s a killer,” Lana admitted.

“It wasn’t that long ago for me,” April remembered. “First of all, you’re going to be a great mother.”

“I hope so. I know Clark’s petrified about this. He doesn’t say anything but I can sense it,” the younger woman admitted. “And I am too. I don’t want anything to happen to the baby or us. I remember how hard it was for Clark and me growing up.”

“That baby will never be alone. Besides, he or she’s going to have two playmates, remember?” April reminded her. “I still remember Dave playing with you and Clark right after your parents’ funeral.” She smiled. “Even on that dark day, we still found a way to love you both. It’ll be the same for our kids, Lana.” Seeing the frown on the other’s face, she asked, “What?”

“You made my point for me. My great-aunt’s out there waiting to take a shot at those kids,” Lana worried.

“I pity her or anyone else who tries. You and Clark are nothing to sneeze at. Then there’s the Protector….” April went silent, recalling again the standoff between demon and Protector. “I had you in my arms when he beat that familiar. I was scared but there was no way I was letting you go, Lana. We feel the same way about your child as you and Clark.” She rubbed the teen’s hand reassuringly.

“I just wish we could’ve waited.”

“Some times things work out as they do for a reason, Lana. I mean, you’re going to be 19 in a couple of months. However, you have a great husband, wonderful in-laws and friends, a stable home and job. Not to compare us, but I had to wait until I was almost 40. You know how long I wanted kids? Yes, I was scared when I found out that I was pregnant. I want everything to go right for Dave, those twins and me. But it’s working out. Hey, Dave’s been a father twice before and he’s still figuring things out with Cassie and Angie. We are partners in this though. You and Clark have to reach the same understanding,” April advised.

“You make it sound so easy,” Lana sighed while sipping on her tea.

“It’s not but we get through,” April continued. “Have faith and give yourself some credit, Lana. You’ll be a great Mom. Besides we can help each other? I’m a first time mother too, remember?”

The younger woman smiled and her eyes sparkled with relief. “I’d like that. Thanks, Mrs. Dubois.”

“Please, Lana, it’s April, okay?” April requested. “Now, let’s share some secrets, okay?”

“Okay.” Lana felt her mood lighting already.


 

Chapter 6 [Talon—an hour later]

Dave sat in his corner booth while reviewing the contents of a folder and drinking a mocha with a serious air. He knew that the big shots at WKTU still wanted him out and would’ve liked to have out and out fired him after the Halloween debacle.

However, Lex’s intervention and the student response to his teaching made that impossible. In addition, St. Giles’ letter of clarification/apology made it clear where Dave’s true intentions had been.

He sighed, looking at the letter of reinstatement…granted with a probation for the next year and a half but he’d deal with that. With his help in getting rid of the twin adversaries and keeping the students safe, he’d kept his job by the narrowest of margins.

“We can take your class next semester, Professor?” Alicia asked while stopping by his booth.

“I’ll be there,” he vowed. “Seriously, Alicia, you all didn’t have to do this. I appreciate it but….”

“Hey, you’re an excellent teacher. It wasn’t your fault that the ghost hit campus when she did,” she pointed out. “Besides we told them you taught us about responsibility.” Seeing the incredulous look on his face, she put her hands up defensively. “We didn’t go into the details but you have taught us a lot about life this semester, Professor. That deserves credit.” She waved her bare wrist at him. “Besides, you stood by me too. Remember?”

“Yeah. We earned our second chances.” He dabbed his eyes and felt his scalp go numb. “I don’t know what to say.”

“You don’t have to, sir. You just did,” she assured him while setting a second mocha in front of him. “Thanks. Maybe though, you could help us with the study session for the final?”

“Sure.”

“Meantime, Clark’s waiting to talk with you,” she pointed out. “I’ll be around if you’d like.” With that, she took off for the counter again.

“Is it okay?” Clark inquired. Seeing Dave quirk an eyebrow and motioned to the empty booth seat in front of him, he quickly took his seat. “Thanks.”

“No problem. Feeling better about things?” the older man asked while motioning to Alicia.

“I’m kind of wrapping my head around it still. Mom just reassured me that I’ll be a great parent.” Clark sighed. “I wish I felt so sure.”

“You care, Clark. That’s an excellent start,” the medievalist assured his friend. He turned to Alicia. “Put his cup on my tab. Whatever he wants.”

“Sure. Hey, Clark, congratulations,” she expressed warmly. “How’s Lana doing?”

“She’s better. Thanks. I know she appreciates you filling in like this,” he replied.

“My pleasure. And I agree with Professor Dubois, for what it’s worth, Clark, you’re going to be a great father,” she indicated before heading for the counter.

“Another vote of confidence,” Dave declared. “See? Have some faith in yourself.”

“Sorry. I guess I just don’t want that kid to go through what Lana and I did. And then there’s your situation,” the younger man doubted.

“What about my situation?”

“The whole mess with Cassie and Angie. I’m scared about that,” Clark admitted.

Dave tapped his finger on the counter while trying to deal with his and the Protector’s feelings not to mention give the young man some good advice. “Some things, Clark, you have to have faith about.” He considered the double ring on his right hand and smiled wistfully. “Those are two entirely different situations. Karen and I had no idea about ourselves until Lionel pulled his garbage. Angie….” He sighed again and looked toward the Emporium where his niece glanced back warmly in support. “Angie died in childbirth. She sacrificed herself because she loved our daughter, Clark. Whoever upstairs decided to give me a second chance as a father, I am eternally grateful to him or her. And that’s before we get to Colin and Peggy.” The smile broadened. “The burden scares me silly. The Protector has his own issues with it. But we wouldn’t want it any other way.”

“And what about reestablishing a race of people?” Clark queried.

“What about it?” Dave asked not quite getting the connection.

“We’re the last two Kryptonians. Our kid or kids will carry the banner,” Clark explained.

“The way you’ve had to. Clark, just be yourself. Love Lana. Love your kid and hopefully that one’s siblings if and when the time comes. Being a parent is both scary and rewarding at the same time. You’ll be fine. Want to know where you can start right?” the older man continued.

“I’d like that.”

Dave chuckled. “Bring some flowers home to her. Remind her that you’re there no matter what. Let the rest take care of itself.”

Clark grinned. “I’ll do that. Thanks!”

“No problem.” Dave smirked as the other man’s coffee arrived. “More importantly, it was my pleasure.”


 

Conclusion [Kent Farm—later that night]

After one of his mother best dinners in memory, Clark accompanied Lana back upstairs for a private moment to themselves. They’d both felt rather pensive about the day’s revelations but knew they should share it and their reactions with each other.

“Sorry I wasn’t stronger earlier. Guess I was scared,” he admitted.

She nodded. “We both are, Clark. It’s going to be okay.” She considered the vase of roses to her right. “The roses were a very nice touch by the way.”

“I wanted you to know how I feel now that I have my feelings in order,” he replied.

She smiled while taking a sniff from her blooms. “Want to know something?”

“What?” he asked fearfully.

“If this is what we’re supposed to do, I’m glad it’s like this. Clark, I’m carrying our child. You have any idea how long I’ve dreamed of this? I love you, Clark Kent. I have faith in us.” She kissed him, stopping any further doubts along with his mouth.

“We both have a lot to learn, I guess,” he supposed.

“We’ve done okay so far,” she reminded him. “Guess we’ll do okay with the rest, won’t we?”

He admired her strength. “Don’t ever change.”

“As long as you’re here, never,” she agreed before they kissed again. “Let’s just enjoy the moment, okay?”

He nodded and eased them back onto the bed where they spent the rest of the night cuddling, laughing and listening to each other breathe. They contemplated the future silently.

Most importantly, they laid the groundwork for a family of their own. Most important indeed.


THE END (for now)

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