Alicia lay on the cold ground, utterly stunned as she watched Adrian approach her. Disbelief flickered in her eyes. She had never expected Clark's younger brother to appear before her, and certainly not like this. The way he carried himself made it clear he was no ordinary person. To lead and calm two super‑powered individuals so effortlessly was proof enough.
A flicker of bewilderment crossed Alicia's face as a flood of thoughts swirled through her mind.
Adrian looked at Alicia, bound and still pinned down by Bart's restraints. He shook his head and spoke with quiet authority, "Next time you're out on the streets, don't act like the Avenging Angel. Your abilities and talents mean you can be so much more."
"I…" Alicia began, meeting Adrian's steady gaze with uncertainty.
She swallowed, trying to steady her voice, and continued, "I wasn't trying to be a hero. I was just dealing with these gangsters. They kept threatening people in the neighborhood."
"You weren't trying to be a real hero?" Jenna, dressed in black leather, asked with a curious tilt of her head.
After moving from the children's home to Smallville, Jenna had poured her energy into learning how to cook and explore what style meant, all while helping out on the farm. Even if she started with little, she worked hard to afford unique clothes and build something of her own identity.
"But the paper said you saved many citizens from those thugs," Jenna pressed.
Alicia shook her head. "That was just something that happened. I didn't intend to be a superhero. I was trying to live, to protect people without attracting attention."
Adrian's gaze remained firm, meeting Alicia's eyes in a long moment of intensity. Then he spoke with measured calm. "Just make sure whatever troubles you face, don't let them involve Clark."
The moment he mentioned Clark, Alicia's heart leapt. He knew her identity. How had he figured it out? Would he tell Clark? A drop of anxiety settled deep in her chest.
Ignoring her perplexed reaction, Adrian signaled to Bart and Jenna. Without another word, they turned and walked off together.
Alicia remained on the ground, watching them go in disbelief. She only managed to stagger to her feet after they disappeared into the night, her mind spinning with confusion. Why had he let her walk away? Simply because she knew Clark?
---
A Frozen Afternoon
The next day, at a local skating rink, Clark stepped cautiously onto the slick ice. It was his first time skating, and though he learned quickly, he still lacked confidence. One misplaced glide caused him to spin in a circle after a child bumped into him.
"Superpowers won't save you here, Clark," came a teasing voice from behind.
Alicia moved gracefully across the ice, catching him as he swayed. "Relax your knees and keep your balance," she coached with a warm smile.
Clark blinked up at her, brushing off the near fall. "It's okay. I just need more practice!"
"Come on, give me your hand," Alicia urged, reaching out.
Clark hesitated, but then took her slightly warm hand. Together, they skated forward more fluidly, Alicia offering gentle tips and encouragement.
"I'm really glad you called me," Alicia said softly.
"So am I," Clark replied with a grin.
A thoughtful expression crossed her face. "Sometimes I wonder if being special means being alone, hiding who you are in fear of judgment or mistake. But Clark, when I'm with you, I feel free. I don't have to hide."
"It takes courage to be yourself," Clark told her.
Just then his skate slipped, and he fell. Alicia slipped too, landing softly over him. Their eyes met in an awkward, breath‑caught moment.
"Good thing you have a strong tailbone," she said with a small smile.
Their faces hovered close enough to draw breath from the same space. Clark felt a pull toward her, a desire to let the moment linger. Just before anything could happen, Alicia's gaze shifted as someone watched from the second level.
"I'm freezing. I'll get warm," she said briskly, offering Clark a quick smile before heading to the restroom.
---
Unwanted Shadows
Upstairs, a tall, burly man watched her with a smirk.
"Enjoying your free life, that's good," the man said.
"What are you talking about?" Alicia snapped. "I've been released from Belle Reve and I'm living normally now. I have no interest in your gang's threats."
Alicia had once struggled with the emotional strain of her abilities. That breakdown had landed her in Belle Reve. After her release she tried to rebuild her life, but some people had seen her teleportation in action and wanted something from her.
The man shook his head and grabbed her wrist, eyes on the small suppression bracelet she wore.
"Your doctor probably said this was meant to curb your powers," he said, smirking. "But you've taken it off so many times. You know what happens next. The moment I notify Belle Reve, they'll take you back, no questions asked. Either agree to work for us, or everyone you care about gets hurt."
With that he turned and walked away, leaving Alicia with a tight knot of fear and frustration in her chest.
---
Warm Coffee, Fragile Hearts
Later, Alicia found Clark waiting in the lounge.
"Sorry to keep you waiting," she said, taking a deep breath.
"It's okay. The coffee just cooled a bit," Clark replied, lifting two cups for her.
She handed him her cup. "Warm it up with your heat vision."
Clark glanced around, careful that no one noticed, then let a gentle stream of warmth from his eyes heat the coffee. Thanks to training from Adrian on the Kent farm, controlling his Heat Vision had become second nature.
"Thank you," Alicia said with genuine warmth.
Clark watched her smile, and for a moment his heart thudded faster.
He shifted slightly, reaching out with the urge to put his arm around her, when she chimed in with a surprising suggestion.
"Clark, want to go for a drive?" she asked, playful and bright.
Clark withdrew his hand, startled, but smiled. "Sure, where to?"
"How about California?" she said with innocent boldness.
"California?" Clark laughed. "Alright, let's hit the road."
Seriousness flickered across her face. "I want to go somewhere no one knows my past, no one knows me. I hope you'd come with me."
Clark's eyes softened, but after a moment he shook his head gently. "I can't do that right now."
"Just kidding," she said lightly, brushing off the disappointment, "I guess I have things to deal with."
She turned to leave, and Clark watched her go, exhaling softly.
---
Quiet Days and Honest Talk
For the next few days Clark felt out of sorts, a mood Martha noticed while she cared for Jonathan at the hospital.
"Clark, are you okay?" she asked with gentle concern.
Clark forced a smile. "I'm fine, Mom. Just some stuff… don't worry."
Martha squeezed his hand. "You look like you're wrestling with feelings. You're growing up, Clark. I know you and Adrian have felt alone at times. But feelings aren't something to be afraid of. They're part of what makes us human."
Clark smiled and hugged his mother gently.
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