milliways_bar | (no subject)

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[OOM: In Smallville, Clark isn't having much fun.]

Clark doesn't hang around the main bar very long when he enters - too loud today - and heads outside, walking along the lake shore. He can still hear just about everything that's going on, right down to the rustle of demon bunnies in the forest, but at least out here the conversations emanating from the bar overlap enough that it's more a background buzz.

It's preferable to a hundred mooing cows, at any rate.

He stops a fair distance away from the main building and picks up a few rocks, casually tossing them into the water. Occasionally, he actually puts a tiny bit of effort into it and a few land clear on the opposite shore.

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Riley frowns in thought, listening closely, and dead serious for once. "How so?"

"There's different kinds, but the most common is green kryptonite. Depending on the amount and the length of time I'm exposed to it," another brief pause, "it can kill me."

... Shit. "But isn't Smallville full of the stuff?"

"Sort of?" Yes, Clark knows how that sounds. "The government cleared out a lot of it, but yeah, there are places I can't go without feeling sick."

"Shit," says Riley, out loud this time. "Shit, that's -- not good, huh?"

Beat.

"Wait, is there a government cover-up involved?"

"I know where to be careful by now," Clark shrugs slightly. "They did a study and as far as they're concerned, the stuff's harmless. In their defense, it doesn't effect everyone who comes into contact with it. I mean my parents and Chloe are fine, and it's not like I can tell the government what it does to me."

After a brief pause he adds, "It's people like Lex who worry me more."

Riley nods, considering (and a little disappointed that he can't apply any conspiracy theories).

"What's the deal with him?"

Oh, there's probably a conspiracy in there somewhere.

Clark hesitates before answering. "That's... a really long story. We used to be friends." He shrugs. "We're not anymore."

He meant more 'why is he dangerous?' but that'll do. He nods. "Right. Sorry to hear that, man."

If you want a straight answer from Clark you have to ask very specific questions and even then you're not guaranteed anything. But you'll learn, Riley. You'll learn.

"It happens," Clark says, sighing and stuffing his hands into his jeans pockets. "People always show their true colours eventually."

"Yeah," he says, eyeing that emo sigh. "Good thing they're good colors sometimes."

"Sometimes," he agrees, managing a small smile. "It'd be nice if they were easier to pick out."

"I'm pretty color-blind," says Riley, ruefully.

"I think we all are, now and then. Or choose to be. The truth isn't always easy to accept." And he's frowning again.

"Nope." He looks out across the lake for a minute or two, then gets up, brushing himself off. "I'd probably better get back." 'Inside, before Chloe starts wondering where the hell I disappeared to' goes unspoken but implied. "I'll see you around?"

"Yeah, you will." It's said in all seriousness, partly because yes, where Chloe goes Clark will surely follow, but also because he really does intend to look out for Riley.

"Take care."

Riley lifts a hand and heads inside.

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