Author's Note: I usually don't do pre-chapter author's notes, but I do give warnings in rare cases when appropriate. This chapter contains Explicit Sexual Content.
Meteor Freak
Episode 7: Last Night in Smallville
Date: Saturday, August 20, 2011.
Location: Luthor Manor, Smallville, Kansas
The Luthor mansion grounds offered numerous lit paths for walking, even without a "wedding" taking place. Tyson chose one and led Clark and Kara away from the festivities. Gravel crunched beneath their shoes as they ventured deeper into the manicured gardens, where fairy lights threaded through the trees cast a soft glow over the path.
"What's up?" Clark asked, hands tucked into his pockets as he matched Tyson's pace.
"Did you hear what happened with Cyrus?" Tyson glanced back to ensure they were beyond earshot of the other guests.
"Yeah, Chloe filled me in earlier."
"I was there," Tyson said, lowering his voice. "Turned out he wasn't an alien. He was like the others."
Clark glanced at Kara hesitantly, clearly uncomfortable discussing this topic in front of her.
"She knows about me and what I can do," Tyson explained, noting Clark's discomfort. "She saw me take Cyrus's healing ability."
Clark's eyes widened. "You took his healing? Why?"
"Kyle was trying to take down his tower. I snapped the chain from his truck that was pulling it down. Kyle fell and broke his neck. He was dying. When Cyrus realized his parents weren't coming for him, he went catatonic. He wouldn't heal Kyle. So I did."
The sounds of the party faded with each step, replaced by cricket chirps and the gentle rustle of leaves.
"I could see the aura around him," Tyson continued. "It was green like all the others. Jeremy Creek, Greg Arkin, Coach Walt... all of them were Meteor Freaks, like me."
They approached a bench and Tyson stopped, gesturing for them to sit. Clark and Kara settled beside each other, exchanging puzzled glances as he remained standing before them.
"Look, I'm going to just talk, and I need you both to listen without interrupting for a minute, okay?" His tone was more serious than they'd heard before.
"Okay," Clark responded cautiously.
She nodded, her eyes fixed on Tyson's face.
"Do you trust me?" he asked Clark directly.
"Of course."
Tyson looked to Kara. "I trust you," she said simply.
"Okay," he began, taking a deep breath. "On the first day of school, Clark, I stepped in during the fight between you and Whitney. I know you're stronger than him, but he easily had the upper hand."
Clark shifted uncomfortably on the bench but remained silent as promised.
"When his friends jumped in and I started taking a beating, I noticed you… And I dont mean in a flirty 'love-at-first-sight' way. I noticed you stepping forward like you were going to help, then you looked sick." He turned back to Clark. "Just like you looked sick."
A sudden tension filled the space between them.
"Easy to dismiss as coincidence, but why did it happen at the same time?" Tyson asked. "Lana's necklace, made from meteor rock."
Her eyes widened with understanding. She glanced at Clark, who had gone still.
"I'm strong—beyond the strongest strongman," Tyson continued. "But Clark, I know you're stronger. And Kara, I gave you a foot massage earlier and used most of my strength, yet you weren't uncomfortable."
In the distance, laughter from the party drifted on the night air, filling the gap between Tyson's pauses.
"If you're not getting what I'm saying… I trust you both, and I don't want to betray either of your trusts, but I think it's important that you know about each other."
They moved to speak, but he raised a hand. "Trust me, let me finish this last bit… Like all the Meteor Freaks, you both have auras, but unlike us, your auras are gold. I've told you this before, Kara. But Clark, yours is the same. You two are both the same."
Clark stared at her, seeing something new in her features. Her gaze shifted between the two men, shock and recognition mixing in her expression.
"If you'll let me indulge in a theory." Tyson turned to Clark. "You seemed really interested in Cyrus because you thought he was an alien. Pretty much everyone thought it was a joke, except you. Which makes me think you're an alien."
Clark's face paled, his jaw tightening.
Tyson turned to her. "Your aura is the same as his. Last night, you asked me where I'm from, really. Like you expected an answer." he paused, "An answer that wasn't New York."
Her fingers curled around the edge of the bench, knuckles whitening.
"Combined with this town's only unique feature..." Tyson continued, dropping his voice, "A meteor shower. It leads me to the seeming only conclusion." He looked between them. "Neither of you is from Earth."
Clark stood abruptly from the bench. "I don't know what you're talking about," he said, his voice strained with forced casualness. "That's crazy, Tyson. Aliens? Seriously?"
Kara remained seated, watching Clark's reaction.
Tyson ducked his head. "Sorry," he said. "I guess it does sound pretty out there when I say it aloud."
Clark's posture relaxed slightly. "We all come up with weird theories sometimes. Chloe does it all the time," he said, clearly eager to move past the moment.
He was about to accept the apology when Tyson opened his hand and flipped open a locket. The small hinged case revealed a glowing green stone.
Clark stumbled back, his legs gave way beneath him and he fell to one knee. His face contorted in pain, veins bulging beneath his skin with a greenish tint. He raised a hand as if to shield himself, but the damage was already done. Still sitting on the bench, Kara tried to shuffle away. Her reaction matched Clark's in severity. She winced, her face paling as she pressed against the back of the bench, as far from the stone as possible.
Tyson closed the locket with a snap, cutting off the green glow. He looked between them with regret in his eyes. "I really am sorry. Im sure that's uncomfortable based on your reactions, but I wanted you both to see."
As Clark struggled back to his feet, his eyes locked with Kara's. Recognition. Understanding. Shock. They looked at each other differently now. No longer strangers or casual acquaintances, but two people who suddenly recognized something profound in each other.
"How did you know?" Clark finally asked.
Tyson slipped the closed locket into his pocket. "The pieces fit together too well to ignore." He gestured between them. "Like I said… The way you both reacted to the meteor rock, your golden auras, how you're both impossibly strong..."
"You had no right," she said, her voice tight with anger and fear. She stood from the bench. "That was dangerous."
"I know," Tyson admitted. "And I'm genuinely sorry for that. But you both needed to see. To understand."
"Understand what?" Clark demanded, some strength returning now that the rock was hidden away.
"That you're not alone," Tyson said simply.
Clark's expression shifted, anger giving way to vulnerability. He looked at her again, seeing something new.
"Is it true?" he asked her directly. "Are you..."
She hesitated, glancing at Tyson before meeting Clark's eyes. "Yes," she said quietly. "I am. And so are you."
Clark's breath caught. "How?"
Tyson stepped back, giving them space as the revelation settled over them. This wasn't his moment anymore; it belonged to them.
"Who are you?" Clark asked, moving closer to her. "Where have you been? How long have you been here?"
Her expression softened, anger fading as she looked at him with a new perspective. "My name is Kara Zor-El," she said. "I'm your cousin."
Clark's eyes widened. "My cousin? But that would mean..."
"Our fathers were brothers," she confirmed. "Jor-El was your father. Zor-El was mine."
He looked stunned, hands hanging at his sides as he processed this information. "I don't... I don't know what to say."
"I know it's a lot," she said more gently. "I knew you were here, on Earth. I just didn't know that you were… well, you."
She glanced at Tyson. "Maybe we should continue this conversation somewhere more private."
Clark nodded slowly. "Yeah. I think that's a good idea."
"I'll leave you two alone," Tyson offered, taking a step away. "This is between you."
"No," she said firmly, surprising both men. "You brought us together. You figured it out when no one else could. Even us." She extended her hand toward him. "You're part of this now."
Clark hesitated briefly, then nodded in agreement. "She's right. You trusted us with your secret. It's only fair we trust you with ours." He glanced around the garden. "But not here."
"My apartment," Tyson suggested. "Above the flower shop. It's private, and no one will look for us there."
She nodded. "That works."
"We should go separately," Clark suggested. "Less suspicious that way."
"Agreed," she said. "I'll make our excuses to Lex."
— Meteor Freak —
The Talon Theater's marquee that once displayed film titles was empty, as it had been since closing. Underneath, Tyson fumbled with the keys at the entrance until the lock finally gave way with a click.
"Welcome to my humble abode," he said, pushing open the door and flicking on the lights. "Or at least, it will be. Emphasis on the humble."
The interior lights sputtered to life, revealing the quiet lobby with popcorn machines and concession stands covered in white sheets.
"I remember coming here as a kid before it closed down," Clark said.
Kara stepped further inside. "How did you manage to get this place?"
"I made a deal with Lana's Aunt Nell." Tyson led them past the lobby toward a staircase. "The theater itself is going to take some work, but the apartment upstairs is more... livable."
They ascended the staircase. At the top, he unlocked another door that opened into what appeared to be the theater's former office space, now converted into a modest apartment.
"Mind the sheets," he warned as they entered.
The apartment was spacious but dated. Furniture here, too, was draped in white sheets. What was visible of the decor spoke to decades past. Wood-paneled walls, vintage light fixtures, and wallpaper long out of style. Tyson moved through the space, pulling sheets off furniture to reveal a surprisingly well-preserved living area. The furniture was solid and well-made, if aged.
"The previous tenant left everything behind when the theater closed," he explained, continuing to unveil pieces. "Nell told me he just locked up one day and never came back."
Clark wandered to the windows that overlooked Main Street, wiping away dust to peer outside. "It's a good location," he observed. "Right in the heart of town."
Kara moved more cautiously, examining everything with a critical eye. Her finger ran along a bookshelf, leaving a clean line in the dust. "It has... potential," she said diplomatically.
The kitchen area was a time capsule from the late 1980s; avocado-colored appliances, laminate countertops, and cabinets with ornate brass handles. Tyson opened the refrigerator, which contained only a few bottles of water.
"Not much in the way of refreshments yet," he apologized, offering them each a bottle. "I just got the utilities turned back on yesterday."
"So this is where you're living now?" Clark asked, taking in the surroundings with curiosity.
"Will be living," Tyson corrected, returning to the main living area and gesturing for them to sit. "I'm still at the Holiday Inn for now."
Kara perched on the edge of the couch. "It's... quaint," she said, clearly searching for a polite description.
Clark settled into an armchair after removing its cover. Tyson moved to the windows, drawing back heavy curtains to reveal Smallville's main street below. Night had fully settled, street lamps casting pools of light on the quiet town. From this vantage point, they could see the illuminated facade of the Luthor mansion in the distance, where the party continued without them.
"The theater downstairs needs complete renovation," he continued, "This apartment just needs updating. But enough about real estate. We came here to talk."
Clark nodded, his expression turning serious as the reason for their gathering came back into focus. "Right. About who we are. Where we're from."
Kara settled more fully onto the couch. "Our home was called Krypton," she began, her voice taking on a different cadence. "It was beautiful. The architecture alone would make your Earth skyscrapers look like children's building blocks. Crystal spires that caught the light of our red sun, Rao." Clark leaned forward, hanging on every word. "Our civilization was thousands of years more advanced than Earth's," she continued. "We had eliminated disease, poverty, most forms of crime. Our science had reached heights that humans can barely imagine. We mastered interstellar travel, artificial intelligence, even genetic manipulation."
"But it wasn't perfect," she added, her expression darkening. "For all our advancement, we had our flaws. Pride. Arrogance."
Tyson sat cross-legged on the floor, his back against the wall, giving the cousins space to connect.
"The Science Council ruled much of Kryptonian society," she explained. "They were brilliant minds, but stubborn and set in their ways. When evidence emerged that Krypton's core was becoming unstable, they refused to believe it."
"The core? You mean like... geological instability?" Clark asked.
"More than that," she said grimly. "Our planet's core contained radioactive elements unlike anything on Earth. These elements were part of what made Krypton unique, but they were also its downfall. The pressure was building, and the planet was tearing itself apart from the inside. Your father, Jor-El, was one of the first to recognize the danger. He was a brilliant scientist, respected across Krypton for his innovations. But when he brought his findings to the Council, they dismissed him. Called him an alarmist."
"What about your father?" Clark asked.
"Zor-El. He was also a scientist, though his specialty differed from Jor-El's. They didn't always see eye to eye, but on this, they were united. My father verified Jor-El's findings independently and added his voice to the warnings. But the Council wouldn't listen. They couldn't imagine that Krypton, with all its glory and achievement, could simply... end."
"So what happened?" Tyson asked, breaking his silence.
"Jor-El and my father began working in secret," she replied. "They knew they couldn't save the planet, but they could save something of Krypton. They built ships, small vessels designed to carry their children to safety."
She turned to Clark. "Your father chose Earth. He had studied this planet for years and believed that under your yellow sun, you would not only survive but thrive. That you would have abilities beyond those of humans."
Clark nodded slowly. "My parents, my adoptive parents, they found me in a cornfield during the meteor shower."
"Yes," she confirmed. "The meteors were fragments of Krypton, pieces of our home that followed your ship through space."
"And you?" Clark asked. "Were you sent at the same time?"
She nodded, her expression darkening. "I was older than you. I remember Krypton. I remember watching your ship launch, carrying my baby cousin to safety. I was supposed to follow immediately," she continued after a moment. "But there were complications. By the time my ship was ready, Krypton was in its final moments. The launch was chaotic. My mother's last words to me were that I needed to find you, to protect you." Her voice caught. "But something went wrong. I was put into suspended animation for the journey."
Clark's eyes widened. "So you're actually..."
"Older than you? Yes, sort of," she said with a sad smile. "I was thirteen when I left Krypton. You were just a baby. I should have arrived first, should have been here to help raise you, protect you, teach you about our home."
She stood suddenly, moving to the window to look at the night sky. "My ship finally crashed on Earth. But instead of waking up, I remained in suspended animation. My ship's systems had been damaged trip here."
"Where did you land?" Clark asked.
"In Reeves Dam. Underwater, hidden from sight. And there I stayed, sleeping, unaging, until..." She hesitated, her shoulders tensing.
"Until the Luthors found you," Tyson finished, connecting the dots.
She nodded without turning from the window. "Lionel Luthor had been collecting information about the meteor shower for years. He had teams searching for anything unusual. About four, one of his expeditions discovered my ship while surveying the dam for a renovation project."
"Four years?" Clark stood, moving toward his cousin. "You've been awake on Earth four, and you never tried to find me?"
She turned to face him, pain evident in her expression. "It wasn't that simple. When the Luthors found me, I was vulnerable. Disoriented. I didn't know how much time had passed or where I was. Lionel offered me protection, a place to stay, a new identity. In exchange, I provided him with information about Kryptonian technology."
"But you knew I was out there somewhere," Clark pressed.
"Yes, but it had been so many years, I didn't know where you were. I came back to Smallville this year, it was the first chance I had," she replied defensively. "I was alone on a strange planet, Clark. Everything I knew was gone. Lionel Luthor may be many things, but he kept his word about protecting me."
She stepped closer to Clark, her eyes asking for understanding. "I enrolled at Smallville High this year because I wanted to find you."
"Does Lex know about you? About us?" Clark asked, concern in his voice.
She nodded. "Yes." Her hand hovered near Clark's arm without touching him. "I know this is a lot to process. Finding out you're not alone, that there's someone else who shares your heritage, your blood. I've had years to hope for our reunion. You've had minutes to adjust to my existence."
Clark's expression softened, the initial shock giving way to vulnerability. "All my life," he began, his voice quiet but steady, "I've wondered if I was alone. If there was anyone else like me." He swallowed hard. "My parents have been amazing. They've loved me, protected me, and taught me everything they could. But there were always questions they couldn't answer."
He moved to the window beside her, joining in looking out at the night sky, at stars that suddenly held new meaning.
"Why can I do the things I do? Where did I come from? Why was I sent here? What happened to my birth parents?" His voice faltered on the last question. "I've spent so many nights looking up at the stars, wondering if my home was out there somewhere. If anyone was left who remembered it."
Her eyes glistened as she listened.
"And now," he continued, turning to face her, "you're here. You remember Krypton. You knew my father, my birth father. You're my family." The word caught in his throat. "I'm not alone anymore."
"No," she said softly. "You're not alone, Kal-El."
"Kal-El?" Clark repeated in question.
"That was your name," she explained. "Your Kryptonian name, given to you by your parents."
He nodded slowly, absorbing this new piece of his identity. "Kal-El," he said again, more confidently. Then, unexpectedly, he stepped forward and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into a tight embrace. For a moment, she stood frozen, caught off guard. Then she melted into the hug, her arms encircling his broad shoulders.
It was profound for both. They clung to each other, two survivors of a lost world, finding a connection they had both longed for.
Tyson watched from his position against the wall, feeling like an intruder on this personal moment. He averted his eyes, giving them what privacy he could in the small apartment.
When they finally separated, both cousins' eyes were damp. Clark cleared his throat, embarrassed. "Sorry," he mumbled. "I just... It's a lot to take in."
"Don't apologize," she said, smiling through tears. "I've been waiting for this moment for a long time."
They moved back to the seating area, the tension replaced with a different energy. One of discovery and connection.
"Tell me about Krypton," Clark said eagerly, settling back into his chair. "What were our families like?"
"Your father, Jor-El, was brilliant. He could be stern, even cold sometimes, but he had a vision few others shared. He saw problems before anyone else and worked tirelessly to solve them. Your mother, Lara, was his perfect complement. Where Jor-El was all logic and science, Lara brought warmth and compassion. She came from the artist guild, a rare match in our rigid society. She had a way of seeing beauty in everything."
Clark absorbed this hungrily, trying to form mental images of parents he had never known. "And your parents?" he asked.
"My father, Zor-El, was also a scientist, though his approach differed from your father's. My mother, Alura, was a judicator, what you might call a judge. She believed deeply in Kryptonian law and tradition." The conversation flowed naturally from there, moving from their families to Kryptonian society, to customs and traditions of their lost world. She explained the guild system that had structured their society for generations, the advanced education that began almost from birth, the complex relationship between science and religion in their culture.
As they talked, hours slipped by unnoticed. The party at Luthor mansion had likely concluded, but none of them paid attention to the time. This moment, this connection, was too precious to interrupt.
Eventually, though, she glanced at the window and noticed how late it was. "I didn't realize the time," she said regretfully.
Clark followed her gaze. "I should probably head home. My parents will be wondering where I am."
She nodded, her expression turning serious. "Clark. I have to leave tomorrow."
"Leave?" His face fell. "But we've just found each other."
"I know," she said, reaching out to touch his arm. "And I hate that our reunion has to be so brief. But I have commitments I can't break. People are expecting me."
She squeezed his arm gently. "But now that we've found each other, we can stay in touch. I can give you my number and we can talk whenever you want."
"It's not the same," he said, unable to hide his disappointment.
"No, it's not," she agreed. "But it's a beginning. And I promise I'll come back to Smallville when I can." She smiled warmly. "In the meantime, I can answer any questions you have about Krypton, about your heritage, about your abilities."
He nodded slowly, accepting the compromise. "I'd like that."
"And who knows? Maybe you can visit me sometime. I think you'd like Metropolis."
She stood, smoothing her dress. "I'll come with you," she said to Clark. "The Kents should meet me."
He hesitated, glancing at his watch. "I usually wouldn't wake them this late, but for this? They need to know."
He looked to Tyson, who had remained quiet during much of their conversation, giving the cousins space to reconnect.
Tyson nodded. "Go on, man. Family is important." He glanced between them, adding, "Bet she's faster than you."
She smirked at Clark, raising an eyebrow in challenge. "Want to find out?"
He returned the competitive look. "You've been on Earth four years. I've had a lifetime to practice."
"Practice doesn't matter when you have natural talent," she shot back, her smirk widening.
"Well, there's only one way to settle this," he said, moving toward the door.
She followed, pausing briefly to look back at Tyson. "Thank you," she said. "For everything."
He waved dismissively. "Go. Be with your family."
The cousins shared a look of excitement, and in the next moment, they were gone, leaving only a slight breeze from their departure. Tyson, standing near the window, saw just two blurs; one blue with a flash of blonde, the other black and white, streaking toward the Kent farm.
"Definitely faster than him," he murmured with a small smile. He couldn't help but think of that blue streak. Theories he remembered from home: Superman wasn't just strong, he had tactile telekinesis. It was why he could catch a plane and put it down without tearing it apart… He hoped she had the same, or Clark would get an eye full.
That dress was thin.
He shook his head. Coulda been him.
He closed the window and turned back to the apartment, suddenly aware of the silence. The space now felt empty, its age more apparent without the distraction of company.
This was not how he'd intended for his date with Kara to end. When he'd suggested they slip away from the party at Luthor mansion, he'd imagined a quiet evening getting to know each other better, perhaps even a continuation of their kiss. Instead, he'd facilitated a family reunion a decade in the making.
And yet, he couldn't bring himself to regret it. The look on Clark's face when he realized he wasn't alone in the universe, the tears in her eyes as she finally embraced the cousin she'd been sent to protect. Those moments were worth more than any date could have been.
Tyson sighed. He'd undeniably done the right thing by both of them. Sometimes doing the right thing meant putting others' needs before your own desires.
Truly he was a martyr.
Standing, he occupied himself by cleaning the dated apartment. There was something therapeutic about it, transforming a space from neglected to cared for. He pulled off more dust covers, revealing a dining table with chairs, a sideboard, and various other furniture pieces. The previous tenant had indeed left everything behind, from furniture to kitchenware to books on the shelves.
As he worked, Tyson's mind wandered. How had he ended up here, in this strange town, with these extraordinary people? One moment he had been a normal guy, and the next he was waking up on a school bus bound for Smallville High. Since then, his life had become a series of increasingly bizarre encounters.
And yet, he wouldn't give it up for anything.
After an hour of cleaning, the main living area looked considerably better. The furniture was uncovered and positioned more attractively, the floors swept, and the worst of the dust removed from surfaces. It was still dated and needed updating, but it was livable.
He moved to the bedroom, similarly frozen in time. A large four-poster bed dominated the space, covered in yet another white sheet. He pulled it off, revealing a surprisingly well-preserved bedspread in deep burgundy. The mattress seemed firm enough when he pressed a hand against it. The sheets would need changing, but that could wait until tomorrow.
He opened the closet to find it empty except for a few wire hangers. The previous tenant had taken their clothes, at least, even if they'd left everything else. He made a mental note to bring his belongings from the Holiday Inn the next day.
The bathroom was a time capsule of 1980s design. Pink tiles, a matching sink and toilet, and a shower/tub combination with a floral curtain that had seen better days. But the water ran clear after a few moments, and the pressure was decent. It would do for now.
Tyson decided to call it a night. He'd return to the Holiday Inn for one more night and come back tomorrow to continue making the apartment habitable.
He gathered his tux jacket and was about to turn off the lights when he remembered something. The sheets on the bed were probably as dusty as everything else had been. He returned to the bedroom and stripped the bed, finding clean linens in a hall closet. It took only a few minutes to make the bed properly.
Satisfied with his work, he decided he might as well stay here instead of returning to the hotel. He'd already paid for the room, but the idea of sleeping in his own place held appeal. Taking a quick shower, he changed into a t-shirt and boxers from his backpack, and got into the freshly made bed. The mattress was more comfortable than expected, but just as he was drifting off to sleep, a soft sound caught his attention.
A gentle tapping. Not from the front door, but from his bedroom window.
Frowning, he rose from the bed and moved to the window. He pulled back the curtain to see her floating outside, blonde hair and dress billowing slightly in the night breeze. Kara smiled when their eyes met, raising a hand in greeting.
Tyson opened the window and gazed at the floating figure.
"You know, when I saw you get on the bus the first day of school," he said, "I thought you were an angel. Beautiful, surrounded by that golden glow. And now you fly." His lips curved into a smile. "I was right."
She hovered outside, her dress rippling in the night breeze. "Still a shameless flirt," she replied with a smirk. "You going to let me in?"
He slid up the window and removed the screen. It was a tight fit, but she floated in with perfect control. When she was fully inside, suspended just above him, he looked up at her.
"Your true superpower is taking my breath away."
Kara rolled her eyes but smiled. "Thanks for letting me in."
"Couldn't have you flashing Main Street all night," he joked, gesturing to her thin dress.
She laughed, "Oh, is that it? No one gets peeks? I don't model for anyone but you?"
He scoffed, crossing his arms. "I didn't get any peeks. Dress modeling, sure. Foot massages in a robe, sure. But I was always a gentleman, no peeking."
"So you don't know what color my panties are," she said mischievously, floating down until her feet touched the floor.
"Nope," he said with exaggerated innocence. "I'm just assuming that because you were bold enough to float outside my window, that you are actually wearing panties. That's all I've got."
She wrapped her arms around his neck and looked into his eyes. The playfulness in her expression gave way to something more serious, more genuine. Her blue eyes searched his face, and he found himself holding his breath.
"Thank you," she said. "For tonight. For helping me find Kal. For understanding how important it was."
He placed his hands gently on her waist. "Family is important. I couldn't keep you two apart once I realized who he was to you."
"Most guys would have been upset about their date being interrupted," she pointed out, her fingers playing with the hair at his nape.
He replied with a small shrug. "I got to witness something pretty special. The reunion of the last children of Krypton? That's not something you see every day."
Her expression softened. "No, it's not." She paused, her fingers still moving against his skin. "It was nice, meeting Clark's parents. They're good people. They raised him well."
"They seem like it," he agreed. "How did they take the news about you?"
"They were shocked at first," she admitted. "But once they understood who I was, they were incredibly welcoming. Martha Kent hugged me like I was her own daughter." Her voice caught. "It's been a long time since anyone hugged me like that."
His heart ached for her despite her strength and powers. "I'm glad they welcomed you," he said sincerely.
"Me too. I told them everything. About landing here, about the Luthors finding me, about the deal I made with Lionel."
"How did they take that part?"
"Jonathan Kent was concerned, of course. He doesn't trust the Luthors, especially not Lionel." She sighed. "He's not wrong to be cautious. But I also told them that Lionel has kept his word to me so far. He's protected me, given me a place in the world."
"And now? Will you tell Lionel about Clark?"
"No," she said firmly. "That was never part of our arrangement. My cousin's existence is my secret to keep. I won't let anyone use him or hurt him."
"Good," he said. "That's good."
They stood in silence for a moment, still in each other's arms. The night was quiet around them, the only sound the distant hum of cicadas and occasional cars passing on Main Street below.
"I should go," she said eventually, though making no move to release him. "It's late, and you were about to sleep."
Tyson replied, "There's plenty of nights to sleep. But this is the last night with you."
"Like I said, shameless," she murmured. She leaned in and kissed him.
The kiss was different from their first one at the party. That had been tentative, exploratory. This was deep and urgent, as if she was trying to memorize the feel of him. Her fingers threaded through his hair, pulling him closer as her body pressed against his.
He responded with equal fervor, his hands sliding from her waist to the small of her back. He could feel her warmth through the thin fabric of her dress, smell the faint scent of flowers in her hair. His heart hammered in his chest as the kiss deepened, and he wondered if she could hear it with her superhuman senses.
When they finally broke apart, both were breathing heavily. Her lips were slightly swollen from their kiss. She looked at him with an expression that made his pulse quicken.
"I don't want to leave," she said.
"Then don't. Not yet."
"I have to go back to Metropolis tomorrow. Lionel expects me."
"Tomorrow," he agreed, his voice low.
— Meteor Freak —
He lifted the blue bridesmaid dress with deliberate care, revealing her inch by inch until the garment pooled around her feet like spilled water. She stood before him in simple white undergarments that stood out against the golden tint of her skin. The fabric was neither elaborate nor fancy, just clean lines that accentuated her natural beauty.
"You really are perfect," he said, taking in every detail.
"Are you just going to look at me all night?" She asked in playful challenge.
"Not just." He closed the distance between them, the heat of their bodies mingling before they touched. His lips found the sensitive spot where her jaw met her neck, trailing kisses downward along her throat. Her skin tasted faintly of salt and something uniquely her.
She shivered under his touch, goosebumps rising despite the warmth of the room. His fingertips traced the defined ridges of her abdomen, mapping each curve and hollow before continuing their journey down her legs.
She gasped when his hands returned upward, fingers finding her bra straps and sliding them from her shoulders. The clasp surrendered with a quiet click, and the garment joined her dress on the floor. His hands explored newly exposed territory, his touch reverent yet hungry.
His mouth found hers again, the kiss deeper now, more urgent. Fingertips skimmed the edge of her remaining undergarment, pausing just long enough before slipping beneath the waistband. The thin fabric glided down her legs until she stood completely bare before him.
Tyson leaned forward, pressing his lips to her collarbone, then continued downward. One hand traced the curve where hip met thigh while the other cupped her breast.
Her moan filled the quiet room as her head fell back, eyes fluttering closed.
He continued trailing kisses down her body until he reached her lower lips. Pausing there, his breath tickled her sensitive flesh, and he glanced up to find her watching him through half-lidded eyes. Her chest rose and fell with quickened breaths, a flush spreading across her skin.
"Is this okay?" he asked, his voice husky with desire.
She nodded, her fingers threading through his hair. "Yes," she said, the single word carrying unmistakable need.
With gentle pressure, Tyson parted her folds and placed a soft, exploratory kiss against her center. Her sharp intake of breath encouraged him further. Tracing her opening with his tongue, he savored her taste; sweet and slightly tangy. Each slow, deliberate lick pulled increasingly urgent sounds from her throat.
When he found her clit, her hips bucked involuntarily. Her fingers tightened in his hair, not painfully but with enough pressure to communicate her pleasure. He settled into a rhythm, alternating between broad strokes and focused attention on the small nub, reading her body's responses to learn what she enjoyed most.
She gasped, her voice breaking on his name. Her thighs trembled on either side of his head, muscles tensing as he continued his ministrations.
He slipped one hand beneath her, cupping the curve of her ass to support her and with his other hand, he traced teasing patterns along her inner thigh before slowly sliding a finger inside her. The tight heat that greeted him made him groan against her clit, causing her to whimper.
Her breathing grew more ragged as he added a second finger, curling them upward to find the spot that made her cry out. The combination of his fingers and tongue working in tandem had her writhing beneath him, one hand still tangled in his hair while the other gripped the sheets.
Good thing he was planning on getting a new bed. This one likely wouldn't survive the night.
"Don't stop," she pleaded. "Please, don't stop."
He had no intention of stopping. He redoubled his efforts, focusing on the patterns that drew the strongest reactions from her. Her inner walls began to pulse around his fingers as her thighs tensed further, her entire body coiling like a spring about to release.
When her climax finally crashed through her, she arched off the bed with a cry. Her body shuddered powerfully, inner muscles clenching rhythmically around his fingers. He slowed his touch but didn't cease entirely, helping her ride through the waves of pleasure until she collapsed back onto the mattress.
He placed one final kiss against her before slowly working his way back up her body. Her skin was flushed and her hair splayed across his pillow like a golden halo. When he reached her face, her eyes were closed, lips parted as she caught her breath.
Her eyes fluttered open, revealing pupils wide with lingering pleasure. A smile spread across her face, satisfied yet hungry for more.
Tyson didn't wait long, leaning down to take her nipple in his mouth, sucking and nibbling. The soft flesh pebbled against his tongue as she arched into his touch, a moan escaping her lips.
"I love hearing you beg. It's such a turn on," he said, his voice low against her skin. His hand trailed down her stomach, fingers dancing across her heated flesh. "You're the closest thing to a goddess on this planet and you're moaning my name, begging. I might just spend more time between your legs, worshipping you."
Her eyes, hazy with pleasure, focused on his face. Her lips curved into a hungry smile. "I wouldn't say no, but..." She shifted beneath him, her strength evident as she reversed their positions, pushing him onto his back and straddling his hips in one smooth motion.
Her golden hair fell around them like a curtain as she leaned down to capture his mouth in a searing kiss. When she pulled back, her eyes gleamed with mischief. "My turn," she said against his lips.
Her hands made quick work of his remaining clothes, tugging his shirt over his head and tossing it aside. He lifted his hips to help as she pulled his pants down his legs, leaving him as bare as she was. Her gaze traveled appreciatively over his exposed body, taking in the defined muscles of his chest and abdomen before settling on his evident arousal.
She didn't go slow or take her time. She shifted lower, her breasts brushing against his stomach as she moved down his body. Her hair tickled his skin as she leaned close enough that he could feel her warm breath on his shaft.
She took him in her mouth, her lips wrapping around his length. He leaned back against the pillows and groaned, his fingers clutching the sheets. The wet heat of her mouth enveloped him as she gradually engulfed his shaft, taking him all the way until her lips met the base. Then she slowly slid back, creating a friction that had him fighting to keep his hips still.
The sight before him was purely erotic. Kara was on her hands and knees, golden hair cascading down her shoulders. From this angle, he had a perfect view of her beautiful eyes looking up at him through long lashes, maintaining eye contact as she pleasured him. His gaze traveled along the elegant curve of her back to the heart-shaped curves of her ass.
She took him deep again, her throat relaxing to accommodate his size before she released him with a soft pop. Her tongue swirled around the sensitive head, teasing the underside before she prepared to take him in again.
"Wait a second," he said, his voice strained with pleasure.
She paused. "Too much already?" she teased, her breath warm against his wet skin.
"No," he replied with a grin. He reached for her hips. She could have resisted effortlessly, her Kryptonian strength making her immovable if she wished, but she allowed him to guide her, curious about his intentions.
He spun her body around until she was straddling his face, her knees on either side of his head and her lower lips hovering above him. The new position left her still able to continue while giving him access to her.
"It's amazing that you're so strong," he murmured, his hands kneading the flesh of her backside appreciatively, "but your ass is so soft."
His fingers traced the curve where thigh met buttock, squeezing gently before spreading her open to his view. The intimate position exposed her completely, her folds glistening with evidence of her arousal. He lifted his head slightly, his breath teasing her sensitive flesh for a moment before his tongue made contact.
She moaned around him, the vibrations sending pleasure through his body. The dual sensation of her mouth on him while he tasted her created a feedback loop of mounting desire. Her thighs trembled slightly on either side of his head as his tongue explored her folds, retracing the patterns he'd learned she enjoyed.
She matched his rhythm, taking him deeper each time his tongue delved into her. When he focused his attention on her clit, she responded by hollowing her cheeks and increasing her suction, pulling a deep groan from his chest.
The position allowed him to grip her hips, guiding her movements against his mouth while simultaneously controlling how deeply she took him.
Tyson ran some of his electricity power through his tongue. Her hips bucked immediately and she groaned in pleasure. The vibration from her throat sent waves of sensation through his shaft as she momentarily lost focus on her task.
"Oh Rao," she gasped, releasing him from her mouth as she tried to catch her breath. "What was that?"
He grinned against her inner thigh, placing a kiss there before answering. "Just a little something extra. Like it?"
Instead of waiting for her verbal response, he repeated the action, this time circling her sensitive bud with his electrified touch. The low-level current stimulated nerve endings in ways no normal touch could, creating a unique sensation that was intense without being painful.
Her entire body shuddered above him. "That's, that's not fair," she managed to say, her voice breaking as another wave of pleasure coursed through her. Her thighs trembled on either side of his head, her superhuman control momentarily compromised by the unexpected sensation.
"All's fair in love and war," he murmured before lowering his mouth once more.
The combination proved overwhelming. Her back arched sharply, her hands gripping his thighs hard enough that he was grateful for his own enhanced durability. A string of Kryptonian words fell from her lips, presumably curses, but the desperate tone told him everything he needed to know.
He varied the intensity of the current, keeping it gentle enough to pleasure rather than shock, but strong enough that the unique stimulation had her writhing above him.
"I can't—" she gasped, her body trembling with the effort to hold herself up. "I'm going to—"
He redoubled his efforts. The combination of his tongue and electrical power focused on her clit, pushed her over the edge spectacularly. Her climax hit with such force that she nearly crushed his head between her thighs, only her last-second awareness of her strength preventing a potentially disastrous outcome.
As she shuddered through her release, he eased the electrical stimulation but continued the gentle movements of his tongue, drawing out her pleasure until she collapsed forward, her cheek resting against his thigh as she panted for breath.
"That was... unexpected," she finally managed.
He ran his hands soothingly along her thighs, giving her a moment to recover. "I've been saving that particular trick. Seemed you liked it during the foot massage. Figured it might come in handy."
She laughed breathlessly, slowly regaining her composure. She turned her head, pressing a kiss to his hip before shifting her position, spinning around to face him, her golden hair wild around her flushed face.
She straddled him, her thighs bracketing his hips as she positioned herself above him. She lowered her body, grinding against his hardness in a slow motion that drew a sharp intake of breath from them both. The friction created a sensation that had his hands tightening on her waist.
Despite the obvious desire in her eyes, she suddenly hesitated. Her movements stilled, and uncertainty crossed her features. The confidence that had been radiating from her moments before seemed to falter.
"What's wrong?" he asked, his voice gentle as he reached up to brush a strand of golden hair from her face.
She bit her lower lip, her eyes meeting his with a vulnerability he hadn't seen before. "I was thirteen when I left Krypton," she said. "I haven't gotten close to a man since arriving on Earth."
His hands moved from her waist to take hers, his thumbs stroking reassuringly across her knuckles. "You're nervous because it's your first time," he said, not as a question but a statement.
She nodded, a slight flush coloring her cheeks that had nothing to do with their activities. For all her power and confidence, this was uncharted territory for her.
"If you're not ready," he said, his voice warm and without pressure, "I'm happy to crawl back between your legs." He gave her a playful smile, wanting to ease her tension.
The comment had its intended effect. She chuckled, the sound breaking through her nervousness. "I want this," she said, her voice growing more certain. "I want you."
"Are we compatible?" he asked, suddenly concerned about the logistics of human-Kryptonian relations. She raised an eyebrow, amusement dancing in her eyes. "I mean," he clarified, gesturing vaguely between them, "can you get pregnant?"
She shook her head, her golden hair swaying with the movement. "Kryptonians reproduce through genetic manipulation," she explained. "No worries there."
He reached for her wrists, gently grasping them and pulling them in toward her chest. In one fluid motion, he rolled them both over, reversing their positions so that she was on her back with him positioned above her.
She guided his shaft to her entrance, her fingers trembling slightly with anticipation. The heat between them radiated like a physical force, which it might have been with his fire-starting power.
He leaned down, capturing her lips in a tender kiss as he slowly entered her. The sensation drew a gasp from her that he swallowed with his mouth. Her body tensed momentarily at the unfamiliar intrusion, her fingers digging into his shoulders with enough force that would have injured a normal human.
"Are you okay?" he asked against her lips, holding perfectly still despite every instinct urging him to move.
She nodded, her golden hair splayed across the pillow. "Yes," she said. "Just... give me a moment."
He supported his weight on his forearms, careful not to crush her despite knowing her Kryptonian physiology could handle far more pressure than his body could exert. He peppered gentle kisses along her jawline, her neck, her collarbone, anywhere he could reach without moving his lower body.
Gradually, he felt her muscles relax around him. Her hands loosened their grip on his shoulders, sliding down to his back instead, pulling him closer. The discomfort in her expression melted away, replaced by a warmer, more curious look.
"You can move now," she said, her breath hot against his ear.
He began with shallow, gentle thrusts, watching her face carefully for any sign of discomfort. Instead, he saw her eyes widen with surprise, then flutter closed as pleasure began to replace the initial pain. Her lips parted slightly, small gasps escaping with each careful movement, until slowly she began to move in rhythm with him, tentatively at first, then with growing surety.
The sensation of being inside her was unlike anything he had experienced before. There was a unique quality to the way her body gripped him, perhaps due to her alien physiology, or perhaps simply because she was immensely strong.
"I'm ready for more," she said, with newfound confidence taking over her lingering vulnerability. Her blue eyes locked with his, pupils dilated with desire. The initial discomfort had faded completely, replaced by a hunger that seemed to radiate from her entire body.
He obliged, increasing his pace. His hips moved with greater purpose now, driving deeper with each thrust. The bed frame creaked beneath them, sturdy oak protesting against the force of their movements. Her breath caught in her throat, transforming into a series of soft moans that grew progressively louder.
"Is this okay?" he asked. Despite her inexperience, her superhuman physiology meant he didn't need to hold back as much as he might with others. He shifted his angle slightly, and her reaction was immediate.
"There," she managed, her voice breaking. "Right there."
He maintained the position, driving into her with steady, purposeful strokes. Her legs wrapped around his waist, her ankles crossing at the small of his back. The superhuman strength in her thighs threatened to crush him, but she maintained just enough control.
Sweat beaded on his brow as he established a rhythm that had her clutching at the sheets. The fabric tore beneath her fingers, the sound of ripping cotton barely registering through their shared haze of pleasure.
"I can feel you everywhere," she murmured, her words punctuated by gasps. Her hair splayed across the pillow, wild and untamed. "It's so much more than I imagined."
He dipped his head to capture her mouth. Their tongues tangled as their bodies moved together. When he pulled back, her lips chased his, unwilling to break contact.
The room filled with the sounds of their passion, skin against skin, moans, and low encouragements.
He felt her internal muscles beginning to pulse around him, a telltale sign that she was approaching her climax. Her eyes, which had drifted closed, snapped open to meet his. The vulnerability he saw there, mixed with trust and raw desire, nearly undid him. Her hands moved to his shoulders, gripping with careful strength.
"Tyson," she breathed, his name becoming a mantra on her lips. "Tyson, Tyson..."
He maintained his pace, hitting that perfect spot inside her with each thrust. Her breathing grew erratic, her chest heaving against his. The flush on her cheeks spread down her neck to her chest, a rosy hue that complemented her golden skin.
"That's it," he murmured encouragingly, feeling her begin to tremble. "Just feel it."
A small crease appeared between her brows as concentration overtook her features. She was chasing her pleasure with single-minded determination now, her hips rising to meet his with increasing urgency.
He pressed himself deep inside her at that angle and just ground himself in that spot. The change in rhythm from thrusting to circular pressure made her mouth form a perfect "O" of surprise as the sensation built within her, different from anything she'd experienced before.
She gasped. "What are you—that's—"
He maintained the pressure, watching her reactions carefully. He rotated his hips in slow circles, never breaking contact with that sensitive spot inside her. The bed creaked beneath them as he braced himself on his forearms, keeping his upper body close to hers.
"Good?"
She couldn't form words. She nodded frantically, her golden hair tangling against the pillow. Her breathing came in short, sharp pants, each exhale carrying a soft whimper. The flush on her chest deepened to a rosy hue that spread up her neck to her cheeks.
He felt her internal muscles clenching around him rhythmically. He continued the grinding motion, adjusting slightly to increase the pressure. Her back arched off the bed, her superhuman strength lifting them both several inches above the mattress.
"Don't stop," she said, her voice breaking. "Please don't stop."
He had no intention of stopping. Maintaining the circular motion, feeling sweat beads on his brow with the effort of holding himself in check. The pleasure was intense for him, too. Her body gripped him like a vise, hot and tight.
Her hands moved from his shoulders to the headboard behind her. The wood splintered under her grip, small cracks appearing where her fingers pressed into the material. She didn't notice, too lost in the building wave of sensation.
"I can feel it," she gasped. "It's different this time, more, bigger—"
He increased the pressure slightly, grinding himself against that perfect spot with more deliberate force. He dipped his head to capture one of her nipples between his lips, adding another layer of sensation to her experience.
The combination proved too much. Her body went rigid beneath him, her back arching impossibly high. A cry tore from her throat as the orgasm crashed through her, more powerful than any she'd experienced before. Her internal muscles clamped down on him with superhuman strength, pulsing and contracting in waves.
He held himself still, grinding just enough to prolong her pleasure. He watched in awe as she came undone beneath him, her face transformed by ecstasy. Her eyes glowed faintly with heat vision, the ceiling above them warming slightly from her momentary loss of control.
Words failed her. Instead, she pulled him down for a deep, passionate kiss, pouring everything she couldn't articulate into the connection between them.
He held still, kissing her for half a minute, his lips moving gently against hers as she trembled through the aftershocks of her climax. He savored the taste of her, the small sounds she made against his mouth, the way her body still pulsed around him. When her breathing began to steady, he slowly started moving again.
She gasped into his lips, her eyes widening with surprise. "I thought—" she began, but couldn't finish the thought as the sensations began anew.
"We're not exactly normal," he murmured against her mouth, his voice a low rumble that she felt as much as heard.
He shifted his weight slightly, supporting himself on one forearm while his other hand reached between their bodies. His fingers found that sensitive bundle of nerves at the apex of her thighs, and he began to stroke in time with his renewed thrusts. Her hips bucked involuntarily at the dual stimulation.
Kara's head fell back against the pillow. Her golden hair was tangled around her flushed face. "I don't know if I can—"
Her words cut off abruptly as he channeled a carefully controlled current of electricity through his fingertips. The gentle vibration against her most sensitive spot made her entire body jerk in response. Her eyes met his with a look of astonished pleasure.
He maintained the steady rhythm of his hips while continuing the electrical stimulation. He adjusted the intensity of the current, watching her reactions, keeping it strong enough to heighten the sensations without causing discomfort.
Her response was immediate and unmistakable. "I can feel it everywhere," she said. The electrical current seemed to radiate outward from where his fingers touched her, creating a network of pleasure that connected to his movements inside her.
Tyson increased his pace slightly, maintaining the grinding motion that had brought her such pleasure. The combination of his thrusts, his circling fingers, and the gentle electrical current had her climbing rapidly toward another peak. Her breathing grew ragged, punctuated by soft cries that increased in volume with each passing moment.
The bed frame protested beneath them, the already damaged headboard creaking ominously as her strength surged with mounting pleasure. She was beyond words now, communicating only through gasps and moans and the desperate clutch of her hands against his skin.
He felt her beginning to tighten around him again, her internal muscles gripping him with increasing urgency. He maintained the electrical stimulation, adjusting the pattern to pulse in time with his thrusts. The synchronization of sensations had her arching beneath him, her body trembling on the edge of release.
"Tyson," she managed to gasp, his name breaking into syllables as her breath caught. "I'm going to—again—"
He leaned down to capture her lips once more, swallowing her words with a kiss that matched the intensity of their joined bodies. All the while, his fingers continued their relentless, electrified stimulation to her most sensitive spot.
— Meteor Freak —
She arched beneath him, her golden hair splayed across the pillow as he kissed her neck, trailing electricity from his fingertips along her skin.
"You feel that?" he asked, letting a controlled current flow between them.
She gasped, her eyes flashing with heat. "Yes. More."
He obliged, channeling the energy he had absorbed from Jeremy Creek, using it to stimulate every nerve ending in her body. She responded by lifting them both off the bed, floating them in midair as they continued their passionate exchange.
"Show off," he murmured against her lips.
She laughed, the sound musical and free. They spun slowly in the air, trading positions. Her strength was overwhelming yet controlled. She knew exactly how much pressure to apply without hurting him, despite her Kryptonian power.
Hours passed as they explored each other's bodies, discovering new sensations. The night stretched into early morning, neither tiring nor wanting to stop. He marveled at her stamina, matching it with his own enhanced endurance.
The first rays of sunlight crept through the apartment's windows above the Talon theater, casting golden beams across their intwined forms. The light touched her skin and seemed to snap her back to reality. She paused, looking out at the brightening sky. Her expression shifted from ecstasy to reluctance.
"This is it," she said, her voice tinged with regret. "It has to be it."
He grinned, still moving against her. "What? Can't take it anymore?"
Her eyes flashed with competitive fire. "I can take anything you have to give." She pushed him onto his back, straddling him with super speed. "But I need to be in Metropolis by nine. If you don't know your geography, that's on the East Coast, and we're in Kansas."
Still thrusting into her, he gripped her hips. "How fast are you?"
She laughed, throwing her head back as she rode. "Not so fast that we can keep this up another hour or two."
The morning light played across her form, highlighting the contours of her body as she moved above him. He watched her, mesmerized by her beauty and power.
"Maybe you should just stay," he suggested, his voice husky with desire. "This is too good. Why give it up?"
For a moment, she looked considering. Her movements slowed as she gazed down at him, her blue eyes thoughtful. The moment broke when he thrust upward, harder than before. She moaned, her resistance crumbling as pleasure overtook her again.
"Kiss me," she commanded, leaning down until their faces were inches apart. "Kiss me like it's our last time."
He obliged without hesitation, capturing her lips with his own. Their kiss deepened as their bodies continued to move together. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her closer as he drove deeper into her. Their tongues dueled throughout the kiss, passionate and desperate.
The intensity built between them, electricity literally crackling from his skin as they approached their peak together. Her eyes glowed faintly with heat vision, her control slipping as pleasure overwhelmed her. The air around them seemed charged with energy, both metaphorical and literal.
They came together in a final, powerful release that shook the small apartment. She cried out, her voice muffled against his mouth as they rode the waves of pleasure together.
When he finally pulled out, she moved with superhuman speed, a blur of motion as she ran to the shower. The bathroom door closed behind her, and seconds later, the sound of running water filled the apartment.
He lay back on the bed, catching his breath. The ceiling fan spun lazily above, circulating the scent of their lovemaking throughout the room. He could hear her humming in the shower, some tune he didn't recognize. He stretched, feeling the pleasant ache in his muscles, a wonderful reminder of the night they had shared.
Outside, Smallville was waking up. The sounds of cars and early morning conversations drifted up from the street below. It was a normal day for everyone else, but for him, everything had changed.
The shower stopped. He sat up, waiting for her to return. Tyson knew she would leave soon and wondered what she would say when she came out. Would they plan to meet again? She had super speed, couldn't she just pop back to Smallville whenever? Or would this be just a beautiful shared memory?
Kara emerged from the bathroom, wearing the bridesmaid's dress from the night before, having grabbed it as she dashed into the shower, too fast for him to track. She sat at the edge of the bed, leaned down, and kissed him. This close, he noticed she had slipped back on her undergarments, too. He had an urge to rip the thin clothes off her and go another round... or five.
"I could just abduct you," he offered with a lazy smile. "You know, subvert expectations. The human abducting the alien."
She laughed, but there was sadness mixed with her amusement. The sound was beautiful but tinged with something that made his chest tighten.
"Uh oh. I know that tone." Tyson propped himself up on his elbows.
"Yours would be the first place everyone looked for me." She did her best to smooth the fabric of her dress, avoiding his eyes.
"You don't need Lionel," he said, sitting up fully now. "I have plenty of money. You are strong. I am strong. There is nothing that could stop us from being together."
She looked like she was holding back tears. The morning sunlight caught the moisture gathering in her eyes, making them shine. "I know."
Tyson's face fell. "But it is not what you want."
"It's not you," she said quickly, reaching for his hand. "This has been great. I have had so much fun with you, and obviously, I care about you. I have shared more with you than anyone on this world."
"But..." he prompted.
"But I missed so much time," she continued. "There is so much to do. I can't stay in this small town, as much as I want to lock you in this theater and ride you for all time."
He chuckled at that, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. "Way to let a guy down easy," he said. "But I understand, it is a big world, and it will probably need a Supergirl like you."
She snorted. "Supergirl? You are so corny." Her expression softened. "But it is part of why I lov..." Kara caught herself, "...like you," she finished, changing what she was going to say, but he got it.
He leaned in close so that their foreheads were touching. The scent of her freshly washed hair filled his senses. "I could move to Metropolis."
"No," she said firmly. "Stay here, keep an eye on my cousin. I hesitate to say it, but you are a good influence on him."
He scoffed. "Clark is a Boy Scout. He doesn't need me."
"Maybe too much of a Boy Scout," she said. Kara leaned back and looked at him, her eyes taking in every detail of his face as if committing it to memory. "Thanks for understanding."
"Ha, are you kidding?" Tyson grinned. "I made love to the most amazing woman on the planet for hours, and she thanked me. And she is an alien to boot. I have basically set the galactic standard for Earth sexcapades."
She could only shake her head, but still smiled reluctantly. "You are unbelievable."
"And you love me..." he paused deliberately, "...for it."
She kissed him again, her lips lingering on his. When she pulled away, her eyes were bright with emotion. "You are a shameless flirt. I am sure you will be on to the next girl by Monday."
Tyson shook his head, suddenly serious. "I can never forget you, Kara Zor-El."
The use of her Kryptonian name made her breath catch. She ran her fingers along his chest, memorizing the feel of him. The clock on the nightstand ticked steadily, counting down the moments they had left. She glanced at it briefly and sighed, a sound that contained both contentment and resignation.
"I should go," she said, though she made no move to stand.
"I know," he replied, equally reluctant.
He stared at her, committing to memory the perfect curve of her face, the exact shade of her eyes, the way her lips parted slightly when she looked at him. These were the memories he would hold close when she was gone.
"Will you come back?"
"I want to," she admitted. "But I cannot say when."
He kissed her then, pouring everything he could not say into the contact. She responded in kind. When they finally broke apart, she stood.
She took a step back from the bed, her demeanor shifting subtly. Her shoulders straightened, her chin lifted slightly, and her expression became more guarded. The transformation was subtle but unmistakable; she was slipping into the high school girl persona he had rarely seen her use. With him, she had always been authentic, but now she was playing a role.
"Look, Tyson," she said, her voice taking on a lighter, more casual tone. "This has been really fun, but I'm moving cross-country. We both knew this was coming."
He sat up straighter, watching this performance with fascination and a touch of hurt. "So that's it? One night and goodbye?"
She shrugged, the gesture too practiced to be natural. "That's how these things go sometimes." She avoided his eyes. "Maybe you can check out Met U for a college visit sometime. You know, if you're ever in the neighborhood."
"Met U," he repeated flatly.
"Yeah," she continued, her voice artificially bright. "It's a great school. And hey, enjoy the rest of your senior year. You've got football, and the theater, and all those cheerleaders to keep you busy."
The casual dismissal stung more than he expected. Just minutes ago, they had been as close as two people could be, sharing not just their bodies but their secrets, their true selves. Now she was treating him like a casual hookup, a summer fling that had reached its natural conclusion.
"Will you go to Prom with me?"
She froze, her carefully constructed facade cracking for a moment. "Prom?" she repeated, genuine surprise in her voice. She seemed hesitant, almost dropping the assumed persona entirely. But then she gathered herself, the mask slipping back into place. "Prom is half a year away," she said with a forced laugh. "Who knows where we'll be then. I might be flying all over the place, jetsetting billionaire life and all."
He leaned forward, his eyes locked on hers. "By then, I might be able to fly, too."
The statement hung between them, loaded with meaning. She narrowed her eyes, studying him with an intensity that gave away her casual act. For a moment, he thought he had broken through, that she would drop the pretense and be real with him again. That he could regain the magic of minutes earlier.
Instead, she tilted her head and said, "This is the worst promposal ever. Do better."
He couldn't help but laugh, despite the ache in his chest. "Just like how you wouldn't go on a date with me while I was living in the hotel. I get it. So, is that a maybe?"
She didn't answer. She turned and sauntered toward the door, her hips swaying in a way that seemed calculated to make him regret letting her leave. At the threshold, she paused and looked over her shoulder.
"Goodbye, Tyson," she said, her voice softer now, more genuine. "It was fun."
Their eyes met one last time, and in that brief moment, he saw past the act to the real person beneath; vulnerable, conflicted, and maybe even a little heartbroken herself. Then she stepped through the doorway.
There was a whoosh of air, and she was gone.
He stared at the empty threshold, feeling the absence she left behind like a physical thing. He fell back onto the bed, which still held her scent, like if sunshine had a smell of its own.
He reached for his phone on the nightstand, wondering if he should text her, then realized he didn't even have her number. How had they spent so much time together without exchanging something as basic as phone numbers? It seemed absurd now.
Outside, Smallville continued its Sunday morning routine. Someone honked a car horn. A dog barked. Most of the town was probably in church. Life went on, oblivious to the alien who had just departed or the boy she'd left behind.
He closed his eyes, replaying the night in his mind. The way she had looked at him when they first kissed. The feeling of floating with her, literally defying gravity. The electricity that had passed between them, both metaphorical and literal. The way she had said his name, like it was something precious.
And then he thought about her goodbye. The high school persona she had adopted, the casual dismissal of what they had shared. It had hurt, but thinking about it clearly, he wondered if it had been for his benefit as much as hers. A clean break, no messy emotions to deal with. Just a fun night to remember.
He knew she didn't just see him as a small-town fling before she moved on to bigger things. And the next time they met, he knew she'd prove it. But damn for a moment, if he didn't see the Luthor in her.
He sat up and looked around the apartment. This was his place now. Above the theater he had purchased, in the small town where he had somehow ended up. It wasn't Metropolis. It wasn't flying around the world with a beautiful alien. But it was a start.
Tyson stood and walked to the window, looking out at Smallville. People moved along the sidewalks, going about their errands. The Talon theater sign hung below, waiting for him to restore it to its former glory. Next door, Nell's flower shop was open for business. He hoped she hadn't heard them when she arrived this morning. That would be an awkward explanation. Maybe he should hit the hardware store so he had an excuse for all the banging… and a furniture shop.
He needed a new bed.
Life in Smallville continued, with or without Kara Zor-El. And so would he.
He turned away from the window and headed for the shower. The water was still warm from her use, and as he stepped under the spray, he couldn't help but smile at the memory of her there just minutes ago.
Whatever happened next, he'd had a hell of a time in Smallville so far. And it hadn't even been a month.