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Crystalline: Wrong One

Lana sat with Lex sharing a quiet meal in the most expensive restaurant in Metropolis, Crystalline. They were celebrating their one year anniversary. He was wearing an Italian custom designed tux, a rich purple shirt underneath and a matching silk tie. Lana was wearing a designer black strapless dress. It hugged in all the right places with an open slit on the side showing off her legs which Lex admired throughout the night.

The two smiled at each other as they toasted to their evening. Lana's smile slowly slipped as she saw someone across the room. "What is he doing here?"

Lex looked in the same direction. " I didn't know he could afford such a place," he remarked as he saw Clark Kent walking through the restaurant following the host. As the two men walked by, Clark's eyes widened in surprise at the two.

"Lex, Lana. Hi." Clark said stopping briefly by the table. The host had continued walking.

"I didn't think you would stoop this low for stalking," snapped Lana. Clark eyes widened more at her words.

"I didn't know you were here," Clark said, the hurt evident in his voice.

"I'm sure you didn't," Lana said upset that her evening was ruined by her ex showing up. Secretly, not that she would ever admit this, she was thrilled that Clark would go to such lengths to show that he still cared about her. She looked him over and saw that he was dressed in a tux with a black shirt underneath. However, he didn't wear a tie and the top three buttons were undone. His hair was slightly styled but still a bit messy.

"Clark, may I ask how you were able to get in? I didn't think you make enough to even pay for an appetizer," Lex said smirking. He couldn't find better enjoyment then watching Clark pine away for something of his.

Clark's eyes darkened. "I hate to spoil your ideas about me, but I-"

"I don't think you have to explain yourself Clark. They obviously don't really care to listen or to believe," a voice interrupted. Clark turned around.

"Lois!" Lana said surprised. "What are you doing here?"

"Having dinner with Clark. Now if you'll excuse us." Lois stated coldly with a smile as she led Clark towards their table, the host still waiting there with the menus.

Lex had been studying Lois when she made her sudden appearance and couldn't help but be awed by her. She was in a deep red halter silk evening gown. It accentuated all of her curves, but still quite elegant. There was a slit in the front that revealed her very long legs. Her hair, which was now a dark shade of brown, lay softly around her shoulders slightly curled. He couldn't help but thinking she looked more womanly than Lana.

Clark pulled the seat out for Lois and sat down beside her. It was then that Lex and Lana noticed that it was a table of four. They shared a quick look only to see the arrival of the other half of Clark and Lois party, Senator Martha Kent who was being escorted by General Sam Lane.

"Lana, Lex!" Martha greeted warmly as she did with everyone.

"Senator Kent. Hello." The two greeted back. General Lane merely nodded an acknowledgement to Lex and continued to lead Martha towards their waiting children. At this point Lana began to blush realizing she possibly made a mistake in her assumption about Clark. However, she wondered if Clark had found out about their plans and wanted to make it appear less like stalking. Lana had to smile at that. Clark would always love her.

"Well, this is interesting." Lex said as he watched the General pull the seat across form Lois out for Martha. The General then sat down across Clark.

Throughout the rest of the evening, Lana couldn't help but watch that table, every bit of laughter, playful bickering, and silent smiles that happened over the course of the evening. She felt jealousy rise in her as she noticed the closeness of Clark's mother and Lois. What brought up stronger urges of jealousy was the way Clark was acting with Lois. It wasn't that it was different from the way the two usually acted but there was more to it. The way his eyes shown when he was looking at Lois, how anytime they touched their hands would linger and their smiles were brighter and wider. He never did that with her.

Lana wasn't the only one watching with jealousy. Lex took a large gulp from his champagne glass wishing he had something stronger. Needless to say that table had ruined his and Lana's one year anniversary. He felt his own jealousy and anger rise as a realization hit him. He may have the girl but her heart was with Clark. Lana hadn't really taken her attention away from them unless she was trying to pay attention to him. Trying to - not quite succeeding. He realized when she did pay attention it was in hopes of making Clark jealous. Now, Lex conceded to himself, he was doing the same thing. He liked making Clark hurt and jealous of him. He was tired of always being jealous of the farm boy. However, it was a failed attempt for both of them. Lex looked at Lana and saw the girl he was in love with, and then looked at Lois and saw a woman he could be in love with.

Before long, both realized that the evening was not going to work out and so called for the check in hopes that something could be improved once they left. After Lex paid, the two started to head out. However, as they were walking out, Lana let out a rather loud anguished "No!"

Lex followed Lana's gaze to a rather sparkling ring on Lois Lane's finger. He shook his head, muttering "Definitely the wrong one."