Chapter 6

I was walking through the school hallways early on a Monday after the "vacation for repairs," thinking about some projects that Lex and I needed to start. Someone hugged me from behind.

"Hey Clark, how's everything going?"

"Good, Chloe. How was your day? How was the party with the girls?" I asked.

"Hmm, quite interesting. We had some pretty curious conversations," Chloe replied.

"Oh, really? What new scoop does my star journalist have?"

"Oh, nothing much. Just you and Jenna," she said teasingly.

"About that, I... You know I won't apologize for that. It's something that happened, but I understand if you're upset."

"No, Clark, that's not why I'm mad. I get to a certain extent that we're not anything official yet, so I can't forbid you anything... So I'm not upset, just a bit curious, you know?"

"Great, seems like everything's going well then," I said, trying to downplay the issue.

"Haha, they wouldn't say that if it were you. Seems like you're in trouble," she replied.

"What do you mean, Chloe?"

"You'll find out soon enough, farm boy. I can't tell you anything."

I was about to ask her what was going on when we heard commotion a few meters away from us.

"Haha, what do you have there, Jodi? Food for cows like you?"

"Leave her alone, Dustin," Pete said as he pushed him.

"I didn't know you liked 'em chubby, Pete."

"Leave it, I'm warning you."

"Haha, what will you do if I don't, Pete?"

"Oh, Dustin, you know Luthor Corp has a policy against bullying. Your father would be very disappointed if he found out his son's a bully," I said, walking towards Pete.

"Don't interfere, Kent."

"Haha, what will you do if I don't, Dustin," I said as I approached with a look of disdain.

...

"That's what I thought."

"Come on, guys, let's go to class," I told my friends.

"Phew, thanks for that," Pete said.

"Haha, no problem, Pete."

"By the way, Clark, could you do me a favor?"

Later that same day, I headed to some scheduled meetings with local producers, and one of these turned out to be Jim Melville, Jodi's father.

"Hi Jodi."

"Hey, Clark. Are you here to see Dad?"

"Yeah, I have an appointment with him."

"He's not here; he seems to be delayed with deliveries. But if you want, I can give you a tour of the greenhouses."

"Sure. Lead the way," I said, offering my arm.

As we walked towards the greenhouses, I almost leaned on Jodi. The darn greenhouses had enough Kryptonite to kill the original.

Taking a moment to compose myself, I spoke.

"By the way... I remember you always liked cooking."

"Yeah, Clark. My dream is to be a chef. But who told you?"

"Pete mentioned it."

"Haha, I should've guessed. He's the only one who's always sweet to me."

"Besides the organic farm project, I started a catering service. Although Lana currently helps me in the kitchen, I'd prefer her to be outside organizing the waitstaff. Besides, it seems she can't make it this time, so what do you say? Want to work for me?"

"Thanks, Clark, but I'm not sure."

"Think about it, okay? We have a service next weekend. Come see me if you want to participate."

At that moment, Jodi's father arrived, so I stepped away.

After a lengthy conversation with Jim Melville, I managed to get him to join the organic produce cooperative, although I warned him that he needed to remove all the meteorite from his greenhouses before the inspection. For now, I bought the majority of the harvest, not for sale but for personal use—just an idea of utilizing food with Kryptonite as an exposure therapy, you know, drinking small amounts of poison.

I was in my barn, although I must say it didn't resemble the original at all. I had expanded the space to occupy almost the entire barn. One wall had large bookshelves with advanced topics on Physics, Chemistry, and Mechanics. In one corner, there were several computers and an audio system.

There were two desks: one belonged to me, with black leather chairs near the window, which was no longer free but had a large glass pane. The second desk was by the stairs, with several landlines and a computer. Currently, it's Lana's desk or my mother's, depending on who helps me organize shipments and banquets.

In the last free corner, there were two large armchairs next to a refrigerator full of drinks. The center was empty except for an old carpet.

I know it's not the best headquarters or office, but I simply bought things on the go as they occurred to me. While contemplating whether to read something from my collection, I heard footsteps quickly ascending the stairs. Before I knew it, I was attacked by a shadow...

"When were you planning on telling me, Clark Kent," said my visitor as they lightly hit my chest.

"Lana, good afternoon haha," I said, still receiving her light taps.

"No good mornings, afternoons, or evenings until you answer my question," Lana said.

"I'm not sure what you mean, Lana," I said while thinking about everything I had done these past months. "Help me out a bit to understand what you're referring to."

"I'm talking about your project with Chloe and me, wanting to include us in some kind of multiple relationship or something."

"Lana, I really wanted to tell you. You know I haven't tried anything beyond with either of you before you knew."

"Of course, you haven't tried anything. You just treat me well, take me out, introduce me to your parents."

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you, Lana."

"Why, Clark? Why would you want to try something like this or why didn't you tell me?"

"I didn't know how, you know. No matter how much I thought about it, there's no way to bring it up without sounding stupid. As for why I'm considering something like this, it's due to circumstances beyond my control. It's a good reason, I promise... although I still can't tell you."

"Who else?" Lana said after a few moments of silence.

"I'm sorry."

"Who else is on your magical list?"

"There's no such list, Lana."

"You don't say something like that to a girl unless you have at least a few potential names."

I just laughed as I lifted her, laying her down on the couch, ignoring her last question.

After spending a long time in the same position, I spoke.

"So, are we okay, the two of us?"

"Hmm," Lana said, nibbling on my collarbone.

Ouch, are you some kind of vampire?"

"Maybe... Did you know that your dad and my aunt dated when they were young?" Lana spoke.

"I had no idea."

"Not only that, it seems like your parents and my aunt kept seeing each other even after they got married," she added.

"Wait a second, my parents and your aunt? When did that happen? All three of them? Haha! Damn, Dad, I think I need to high-five my old man. Ouch, stop biting me."

"You know, I found my mother's diary. Turns out, my parents were getting divorced before, you know, the giant rock from the sky and all that."

"Lana, I'm sorry. Are you okay?"

"It's okay, Clark. The funny thing is that the relationship I always thought was perfect never existed, and on top of that, I discover that Smallville's family of the century has a big secret and knows how to keep the spark..."

"What I mean, Clark, is that I'm willing to give it a shot, but Chloe and I decide who stays and who goes, okay?"

"Understood."

"Alright, I need the list."

"There's no list, Lana."

"Okay, then I'll find out. Don't underestimate my investigative powers."

"Haha."

"Come on, tell me, how was the talk?" I said while kissing her.

"That's a secret."

from the slumber party, one week earlier: Point of view Omniscient narrator

"Alright Chloe Lana , which one of us is Clark's girlfriend?" Jenna said.

"Hmm, I don't know what you mean, Jenna."

"Come on, girls, it's obvious that both of you have feelings for Clark, so who's ahead?"

"Yeah, tell us, Lana."

"No, no, girls. Clark and I are just friends," Lana said, embarrassed.

"Same here," Chloe added.

"Phew, that's excellent. That means Clark is available," said a cheerleader.

"You heard her, girls, whoever makes a move first gets him."

All the cheerleaders started laughing.

"One moment," Chloe and Lana shouted at the same time.

"I won't let you near Clark," Lana said.

"Yeah, I'm sorry. I'm just coming to terms with having to share Clark with Lana in the future, let alone suddenly having a cheerleader group to worry about."

Wow, just like that, Clark for both.

"I... girls, what I meant to say is..."

"Ahh, what Chloe means is that we not..."

"..."

"..."

"Come on, girls, we understand. You got here first, so you get him," Jenna replied.

Lana and Chloe just blushed in silence at this.

"Although that doesn't mean we can't have a little taste, right, girls?" Jenna said teasingly.

"Jenna..." Chloe and Lana shouted again.

"Come on, girls, I just want to share my joy with everyone else. Besides, both of you know that Clark is pretty good in bed."

"No... seriously, Jenna, you and Clark?" a girl asked.

"Come on, spill the details," said another.

"I can't believe you beat us to it."

"Come on, girls, if you want details, you can ask these two. I only had him for one night," Jenna said.

Chloe and Lana just looked incredulously at the others, unsure of how to respond.

"Come on, Lana, spill it."

"Yeah, Chloe, you tell us too."

"One moment, girls, you're telling me you haven't done anything with Clark yet?" Jenna said. "Seriously, girls? What are you waiting for? Or don't tell me you're trying to tame him with just kisses and hugs?" Jenna added.

"No, not us," Lana murmured.

"We haven't decided the order yet, so we decided to wait until Clark's birthday for, you know, the three of us," Chloe replied.

Lana just turned to Chloe in shock as they had a silent conversation.

"Yeah, she's right. So keep your hands to yourselves, girls, we've claimed him," Lana added.

"Now that it's settled, if you don't mind, I think I need to have a chat with both Jenna and Lana," said Chloe, dragging them to another room.

END OF FLASHBACK

It was another morning at school, getting back to the routine and all that after talking with Lana.

"Hey Chloe," I said as I hugged her from behind.

"Hey Clark, looks like you survived Lana."

"Nah, nothing, quite complicated it seems. You had more to do with convincing her than I did."

"Well, you know what they say, if you can't beat them, join them."

"Thanks, Chloe."

"By the way, a little birdie told me that my birthday party will have a double surprise gift, haha."

"Keep dreaming, Clark. That's not happening. I just panicked, okay?"

"Oh, that breaks my heart."

"Hmm, if you want a threesome so bad, why don't you ask Jenna and the rest of the cheerleaders?"

"Don't you dare. Just because I agreed to share you with Lana doesn't mean I want you sleeping with the entire school."

"Alright, I understand. I'll invite you out on a date this week, is that okay as an apology?"

"Deal, but it better be something interesting."

At that moment, someone approached us.

"Hey Chloe," said Lana.

"Hi Lana, looks like you let him live."

"Haha, something like that. Felice Chandler from the senior class," Lana said, staring at me.

"No..."

"Okay, I'm lost, what is this?" Chloe spoke.

"Haha, Lana firmly believes I have a list with names of girls... you know," I responded.

"Great, like a Christmas wish list? And how's it going so far, Lana?"

"No progress, although I've ruled out most of the cheerleaders. I'm starting with the popular senior girls."

"Alright, girl, seems like an interesting project. See you around, Clark," she said as she dragged Lana towards the torch.

"Wow, where are you two rushing off to?" Pete said as he arrived next to me.

"Journalistic work, Pete. See you in class," Chloe said without stopping.

Later that night, I was working with Lana on some projects and quotes. Normally, Nell doesn't allow Lana to stay out so late, but we're really swamped with work, so she allowed her to stay, although I wouldn't be surprised if she shows up any moment to keep an eye on us.

"Do you want a coffee, Clark?"

"Sure, Lana. Thank you very much," I replied.

She placed the cup on the desk as she approached my chair.

"By the way, Clark, Jenna mentioned that you're not bad at intimacy, just a little inexperienced. That makes me wonder how much experience you have."

"Haha, no real experience, maybe just a natural talent," I joked.

"Well, that only makes me more curious," she said as she sat on my lap.

The moment before the kiss was filled with anticipation and excitement. We met face to face, our eyes connected in silent understanding. I could feel my heart racing as my breath became more measured, almost in sync with hers.

Our lips drew closer slowly, as if each millimeter was a journey into the unknown. We both knew this wouldn't end with just a simple kiss; this time was different.

The contact was soft and delicate at first, as if we were exploring the texture and warmth of each other's lips. I could feel tenderness in every movement, as if we were discovering a new language through physical contact.

With each passing moment, the kiss grew deeper and more passionate, almost hungry.

Without breaking the kiss, I carried her to the armchairs in the corner, placing her gently on her back. I took a moment to admire her after kissing her abdomen and slowly lifting her blouse.

At one point, with a sudden movement, she positioned herself on top. Well, I basically let her take control; it was very sexy to see her want to take the lead.

Being on top of me, she kissed my neck as her hands unbuttoned my shirt.

She paused for a moment to slowly unbutton her own shirt.

"It was supposed to be Chloe's turn first, but who would've thought my boss would use all his power to eat his secretary, hehe," I commented.

"Ah, yes, since your boss is so wicked, it seems like he must be in control," I said as I pulled her to immobilize her beneath me, taking her two hands above her head.

Watching her beautiful green eyes filled with passion, inviting me to go on, we heard a voice.

"Lana," a voice called from the first floor.

"Who the hell..." I exclaimed angrily as I moved to button up my shirt.

"For heaven's sake, I swear I'll kill whoever interrupted me. No, no, it's the place's fault. I think I'll just buy a thousand-story building for my office and base it on elevators, so the next person who wants to interrupt me will have to suffer to try it," I said as I pondered over it.

Finally, the intruder arrived.

"I went to your house to find you, Lana, but Nell told me you were here," Whitney said as he climbed the stairs.

"Whitney..." I muttered angrily.

"I didn't mean to interrupt, really," he replied.

"No problem, Whitney," I sighed.

"I'll leave you two to talk," I said as I gave Lana a quick kiss.

"It's not necessary, Clark. I really wanted Lana to ask for your help."

"Okay, let's hear what I can do for you, Whitney."

"I got into serious trouble... very serious trouble."

"..."

"..."

"So, a gang of thieves, some tattoos that make you intangible but have effects like cocaine addiction, and lots of robberies. That sums it up nicely, I think."

"I have only one question: why on earth, Whitney, are you trying to be the tough guy of Smallville again?"

"My father is sick, no college offered me a scholarship to join their team, Lana left me... I have nothing left, and now I see that I lost Lana completely this time."

"Whitney, I'm sorry about your father," Lana said.

"Well, enough of the pity party," I said as I stood up, still annoyed about the blue balls.

"Take my truck and drive Lana to the town café. Maybe you'll want an alibi for today," I told Whitney.

"What will you do, Clark? Let me help," Whitney said.

"No, you'd only get in the way. I don't know if you remember, but I'm a better fighter than you if it comes down to it. I'll take your truck, and by the way," I said as I took him by the arm, "don't let them see you two together. My alibi will be my truck."

"Very well, let's go, Lana," Whitney continued.

At that moment, Lana approached Whitney and punched him in the face.

"That's for interrupting our moment. See you later, Clark," Lana said, giving me a cheeky French kiss,

"Hi, Lex. Busy?" I said on the phone as I drove out of the farm in a better mood.

"Yes, Clark. I'm in Metropolis with an old friend. What's up?"

"Hmm, no, don't worry. I wanted to invite you on a meteorite hunt, you know, time to be a hero."

"Wait a moment. I'll request the helicopter."

"Nah, enjoy your night. At least one of us needs to have a good time without interruptions."

"Haha, that's a story I need you to tell me. But seriously, on a scale of zero to ten, how dangerous is the situation?"

"A two, buddy. It's more dangerous dealing with Mom after she sees my room."

"Alright, Clark. I'll let you handle it."

"Okay, but bring reinforcements or something."

"Sure thing, buddy. I've got it covered... Hey, I just want to ask you a favor, nothing that will take too much of your time."

"Sure, whatever you need."

At dusk, at a scrapyard on the outskirts of a small town, junk cars piled up like garbage.

"Thanks for doing this, Tina."

"Don't worry, Clark. Whatever you need."

"Alright, keep the call active. As soon as you have any data on any of them, call the police in your voice, without details, just ask for help."

The scrapyard looked like a maze. I got here slowly following the information I learned from Whitney. I entered the yard casually, still holding the phone in my left hand and my right hand in my pocket.

Near the door of a two-story cabin guarding the scrapyard, several people were drinking beer and playing cards. They didn't feel too comfortable when they saw a newcomer enter. People dropped their cards and started talking. He stood up cautiously.

"Who are you? Get out of here!"

"What's the purpose of coming here?"

The leader was of medium build with thick limbs. His hair was wrapped in a scarf with flame patterns hot-pressed on it. He wore a black leather jacket with rock and roll-style studs and spoke in an aggressive tone.

"Didn't you see the sign outside that said no entry allowed?"

"Are you guys the ones who robbed the bank with Whitney?" I asked, showing a photo of Whitney on the ground.

"What are you talking about?" one replied, feigning ignorance.

But the face of the middle-aged leader sank, and he tried to shove me.

"Who told you this? Whitney!?"

The three people behind him secretly picked up tools, benches, and baseball bats, while he secretly reached for the gun behind his waist.

I observed the green tattoo on the arm of one of the men in a denim vest and looked at them coldly.

"Whose idea was it to mix a meteorite solution with tattoo ink? I'm still not sure if it works with all inks or if it requires extra steps. That's why I came here."

After hearing the words "meteorite solution and ink," the leader waved his hand with a fierce wolf-like expression.

"You know too much!" he shouted, as the others rushed like wolves with various weapons, ready to stop me.

The first to reach me was a man with a knife, but without putting down the phone, I kicked him hard enough to send him flying several meters.

Seeing the scene, the group leader got scared and fired directly, but a bullet fell at my feet and only tore through my clothes. "Bang bang bang," several more shots to the chest, but they were all ineffective.

"What... what kind of monster are you?" said the only remaining person in the group, instinctively touching his body upon witnessing this terrifying and strange scene. His legs were so weak they couldn't carry him.

"Come on, what are you afraid of? It's just a bulletproof vest, it's not like I'm invulnerable," urged the leader to his companions, but he couldn't hide the panic and fear on his face.

Even with a bulletproof vest, you can't get shot without flinching. Is this a robot made of steel? thought the leader.

"Enough," I said as I grabbed a pipe pointed at my head and threw it at the assailant, knocking him down onto the person holding a knife. Moving quickly, I disarmed the leader by pushing him back, but he activated his power and escaped my grasp. I was about to finish off the last henchman, but at that moment...

"Forgive me, please spare my life, I'm the only one who has the formula!" he suddenly spoke.

"But what the hell are you doing, Laurent?" "Damn it!" The leader thief activated his ability and ran towards his companion with a fierce expression on his face."Traitor. Whether you're human or a robot, if you come here today, don't even think about leaving alive or at least we'll take the secret to the grave!"

But how could I give him the chance Moving swiftly, I knocked him out, leaving him on the ground, and headed towards Laurent.

"Forgive me... spare my life," he said again. "You were the one who thought of merging a meteorite solution with tattoo ink."

"Yes... yes. I'm just a tattoo artist in a small town, don't... don't kill me..."

Laurent's face turned pale, he was trembling with fear and his teeth were chattering.

After questioning him, I understood the cause and effect.

The tattoo artist named Laurent in front of me accidentally discovered the fluorescent capacity of meteorites. He came up with a fantastic idea. He ground up the meteorites, added water and ink to give people luminous tattoos... without considering if it was toxic. After trying it on himself and one or two of his friends, he discovered that it actually gave them the ability to become intangible. So he mixed his blood with the ink and voilà, everyone who got tattooed had the ability.

"So after obtaining the ability, did you boldly come up with the idea to rob the bank vault or was it your leader's idea?"

"Yes... yes, I suggested it. They just wanted to have fun, maybe the only one who also wanted to rob was Wade."

"Why then did you lose an arm if you're the original bearer? You just said the ability has a time limit for others, but why is it the same for you?"

"I don't know... I'm not a scientist either. I just found out that their bodies seem to be resistant to meteorite ink, and their abilities gradually disappear. At first, they can be insubstantial for half a day. Later, when they use their abilities, they become weaker and weaker. The duration shortens, and finally, it only lasts for a few minutes, and even disappears completely. I was the first to acquire abilities, but their abilities have long since disappeared.

In just a few days, some of them completely lost their ability, and it was useless to continue tattooing.

"So you have to recruit new blood, like Whitney, to commit crimes and carry jewelry with you?" I asked how someone could randomly recruit people to join and share this wonderful ability. What happens to those who lose the ability?

"Forgive me... I... they know too much to let them go... spare my life," Laurent replied.

"Alright, I think that's all I needed," I said as I gestured that he could leave.

The tattooed man with long hair and a single arm breathed a sigh of relief, with a secret joy of having survived the disaster on his face, but as he ran towards the back exit, "bang bang," he fell to the ground.

"I'm sorry for this, but you're too talkative," I said as I rearranged the leader's weapon in his hand, making it look like he shot him.

"Hey guys, welcome back to Earth," I said as I woke up the two men I had taken down earlier.

"What the hell happened?" one asked, his voice tinged with fear.

"Nothing important. I need you to focus or I'll put you back to sleep," I replied. "In less than 3 minutes, the police will be here."

"Don't worry, it's not about the robberies, but you might want to come to an agreement about that," I said, gesturing towards the corpse of their friend, Laurent.

"Laurent! What the hell?" exclaimed one of them.

"I regret to inform you that your leader went mad when he confessed his secret," I explained.

"Anyway, you can rot in jail along with your boss, or you can confess to the $100,000 cash robbery that has your fingerprints all over it and negotiate just 5 years in prison with good behavior."

"Do you want us to betray Wade?" one of them asked.

"No, no. That's just one option. You could also say that a bulletproof teenager knocked you out after some magical ink lost its effect," I proposed. "I'm sure when your leader Wade wakes up, he'll deny everything and blame you. Of course, I can always wake him up and make him the same offer."

"Alright, we accept," they replied.

"Clark, two minutes," Tina's voice sounded. "You have one minute to agree on the story. See you. Don't speak until my lawyers arrive in an hour... Oh, by the way, Whitney."

"Who the hell is Whitney?" one of them quickly asked.

I headed to the van a few blocks away, where Tina was already waiting for me.

"I didn't stay to watch the whole arrest show. I'm sure they won't talk; they're too greedy for that and too dumb to threaten me," I commented.

"Alright, Tina, how about we go for coffee?" I suggested.

"Don't worry, Clark. It was too much excitement for me in one night. Besides, Lana is waiting for you," Tina replied.

I arrived at the café after dropping Tina off at her house. I used my super speed to enter and exit my van right in front of some people.

"Lana," I said as I entered the café.

"Clark, you're awake. Sorry for coming down without waking you up; you looked too tired," she said a little louder than usual.

"Don't worry about it. Finish your coffee, and I'll take you home," I replied.

"Sure, let's go."

It was midnight at the farm. Just before going to sleep, I saw a van approaching in the distance.

"What brings you back here, Whitney? Making sure Lana isn't with me?" I mentioned.

"No, I just came to thank you. I don't know how you managed to shut them up, but it seems I don't have trouble with the police. Although I need to find a better job to pay off the hospital bills," explained Whitney.

"Fair enough," I replied.

You know, as fun as it was to see you try to compete futilely for Lana or to see you lurking from a distance, I prefer to avoid trouble," I said as I took a folder from my jacket and handed it to him.

Whitney took it and I watched as he slowly read through it, page by page.

"So this is a bribe to stay away from me, or maybe a threat," said Whitney a bit indignantly.

"Haha, you misunderstand, Whitney. I don't even care if you stay here in Smallville or if you still want to get close to Lana. Like I said, you're more of a nuisance than a threat, but..."

"So why give me such a big opportunity? There must be another reason," Whitney questioned.

"Well, let's just say I want the best for you. A different future than joining the Marines and dying heroically or something... Although, if I'm honest, 'two years'," I said cryptically.

"Two years?" Whitney asked.

"Yes, two years. That's how long you were Lana's boyfriend and how long you knew that I liked her. Despite the Scarecrow incident, you never tried to push me away from her or make my life a living hell with your school king power. Can you tell me why?"

"Clark, I..." Whitney began.

"Haha, now you get it, don't you? You didn't see me as a threat, just a simple annoyance. The king let my school life be peaceful, so now I offer you a new life outside of here. You have a week to decide and say goodbye."

After a prolonged silence between us:

"It's your kingdom now, Clark," said Whitney as he took the papers and left without looking back.

_________________________-

Hello guys, good morning!

I really have a lot to say, especially thank you and sorry to everyone who commented and I didn't respond to. I do read them, I promise. Tonight I'll take the time to respond, even if they are overdue messages. Again, I'm sorry.

It's a long chapter, so the next chapter will be on Friday. For those following the other Game of Thrones fanfic, it will be out tomorrow.

Lastly, I also created a Ko-fi page in case anyone wants to buy me a coffee. 5 coffees equals an extra chapter. XD

https://ko-fi.com/d_vera