Smallville: Telekinetic (Lex Luthor/OFC fanfic)

Rabbit Hole

It was ten minutes to closing time and the Talon was finally beginning to wind down. It had been another busy night. Lana and Kennedy had managed the entire shift on their own due to sickness and time off given. Lana had since disappeared into the kitchen to begin the massive pile of washing-up that had accumulated, while Kennedy bussed tables. She had just finished clearing and wiping one down when she heard the voice behind her.

'Hey, need a hand?'

She turned and saw Clark. 'Thanks,' she smiled, 'but I'm good. Lana could probably do with some help in the kitchen though.'

'I already asked. She told me to come out here and give you a hand,' he grinned.

'Well, okay then, grab a container.'

Clark picked up another of the grey plastic containers from the counter-top and began to clear the table next to the one Kennedy was busy with. 'So,' he began, as they piled dirty plates together, 'think you're going to like it here?'

'It's early days, but I guess.'

'Right,' he said. He waited a beat. 'Only I got the impression last night you weren't planning on sticking around.'

'Change of plan.'

Clark nodded and fell silent again. Her obvious reluctance not to discuss her 'change of plan' had been duly noted. He picked up the empty cups and plates and piled them into the plastic container while Kennedy moved onto the next table. They were both quiet as they worked.

After another silent moment Kennedy said, 'Something on your mind, Clark?'

He shook his head and shrugged. 'No.'

Not quite believing him, she nodded anyway. 'Okay.'

'It's just Lana mentioned you were a friend of Lex.'

'So there is something.'

'No,' he said a little too quickly. 'Nothing.'

'Clark, there's obviously something. Just spit it out.'

Clark sighed, and placed the container down on the table. 'Last night...' he began.

'You helped me,' she finished. 'How, I have no idea, but you helped me all the same. And I'm grateful.'

'Not that. Well, not exactly. I'm just a little confused.'

'You and me both.'

Clark knew on instinct and from the way she was looking at him, that she was referring to how he had helped her and he found himself lowering his eyes from her inquiring gaze. It always made him uncomfortable how curious people could be about him. 'How long have you known Lex?' he asked.

Kennedy tossed the cloth into the container resting against one hip. 'Let's just cut to the chase. You obviously know I'm not an old friend of his.'

He lifted his eyes and nodded. 'But you're staying up at the mansion?' 

'Yes.'

'So before last night, you had never met Lex?'

She gave a short laugh then and shook her head. 'Wow, you'd make one hell of a cop. I'd better watch what I say or I might incriminate myself.'

'I'm sorry,' Clark said. 'I wasn't being - '

'You were. And no, before last night I'd never met Lex. I met him for the first time yesterday. I needed somewhere to stay and he offered me a place. That's it.'

He nodded his head. 'Okay. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to sound like I was prying. Just curious, that's all. I don't mean any harm, Kennedy.'

She softened slightly. 'It's okay,' she said. 'I didn't mean to come over all defensive.'