Superman: DNA

The Date

(The Ace of Clubs)

(Clark entered and saw Tess already sitting down in the center of the room)

Tess: "Wow. You're early, Mister Kent. How very punctual."

Clark: "I do what I can."

(He sat down as she smirked, flirtatious)

Tess: "I wanted to apologize about earlier. This isn't normally how I go about asking people out."

Clark: "I understand. From what I've heard, Lex Luthor can be a pretty ruthless business man."

Tess: "You've never met him before?"

Clark: "We don't exactly run in the same circles."

Tess: "Hm..then why's he so interested in you?"

Clark: "Me? I thought he just wanted to buy the Planet."

Tess: "He does but..I'm wondering if there's more to it than that...although I suppose I can see the appeal."

(Clark smiled uncomfortably)

Clark: "Uh..what do you want to drink? Do you think they serve coke?"

(Tess chuckled in amusement)

Clark: "Uh..I mean water.."

Tess: "You're still just a young guy deep down aren't you?"

Clark: "I'm just..not big on alcohol."

Tess: "It's endearing, really. Besides my father was very much the opposite."

Clark: "Oh? Is he still..?"

Tess: "Around? No thank God. Sorry it's not a uh..very pleasant story."

Clark: "..it's okay. I wouldn't want to make you uncomfortable."

(Tess genuinely grinned)

Tess: "Wow, Kent. You might be a little too good for me."

Clark: "Trust me, Miss Mercer I'm not that good."

Tess: "Well..maybe I kind of like that too.."

(Their eyes locked and for the briefest moment they started to lean in when...)

Lois: "Oh Smallville! There you are!"

(Lois walked in with Jimmy Olsen)

Clark: "Lois??"