Clark's pickup truck glided down the quiet street, its headlights casting a soft, warm glow over the gravel driveway. The night sky over Smallville was clear, studded with stars that twinkled above like silent promises.
He pulled up in front of the Baker house, the engine still humming softly under the hood. The muffled sound of the motor blended with the rustle of leaves stirred by the night breeze. Clark let out a faint sigh, his hand reaching for the horn—but then, the door opened.
Alicia appeared in the doorway, her radiant smile illuminated by the amber glow of the headlights.
"You're here."
Her voice carried more than joy—it was pure anticipation.
Clark stepped out of the truck and approached with steady strides. The gravel crunched under his boots.
"Didn't even need to knock."
Alicia tilted her head slightly, her loose hair dancing in the breeze.
"I heard the engine."
She descended the steps with grace. A dark blue dress swayed with her movements, delicate yet firm, tracing her curves with subtle elegance. Her eyes were softly lined, but alive as ever.
Clark stopped by the passenger door.
"Miss Baker."
He met her gaze with a faint smile.
"May I escort you to your carriage?"
Alicia bit her lip, surprised and delighted.
"You're really doing this?"
Clark opened the door with a practiced gesture.
"Gentleman's handbook. Page one."
She laughed, the sound light and genuine.
"Then I'll pretend I'm a princess."
Clark extended his hand to help her climb into the high seat. Her touch was soft, warm.
"Tonight, you are."
Alicia settled in carefully, adjusting her dress. Clark closed the door gently and circled the truck, sliding into the driver's seat.
The engine purred back to life, mingling with the faint sound of distant music from the radio. The dashboard light cast bluish tones across Alicia's face.
She watched him silently, as if memorizing every move.
"You look really handsome."
Clark adjusted the rearview mirror with ease.
"You're the one who looks beautiful."
She laughed, and her hand slowly slid to rest over his on the gearshift.
"You know I could just teleport to the theater, right?"
Clark glanced at her, his eyes curious.
"Then why didn't you?"
Alicia looked ahead, then back at him.
"Because… I wanted you to pick me up."
Clark kept his eyes on the road for a moment, his fingers relaxing under her touch.
"You find this fun?"
She nodded, her smile still soft on her lips.
"It's magical."
Her eyes gleamed.
"All of this. The truck, the night, your jacket smelling like grass and coffee… knowing I'm here, and not somewhere else. Because I want to be exactly here."
She squeezed his hand a little tighter.
"I'm where I want to be, Clark."
His breathing slowed subtly. The air inside the truck felt different now—denser, more intimate. He gently squeezed her hand back.
'Then I'll make it worth it.'
The road passed quickly under the tires. The theater lights soon appeared in the distance, glowing in vibrant yellow and red. It was a small building with old-fashioned signs and short lines—but there was charm in its simplicity.
Clark got out, circling to open her door again.
Alicia stepped down lightly, smiling.
"Following the handbook to the end."
"Every page."
They walked side by side to the ticket booth. Alicia paused for a moment, studying the posters intently.
"There's action, comedy… but…"
She turned to him, her eyes narrowed in a gentle challenge.
"Can you handle a romance?"
Clark raised an eyebrow, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
"Depends on the kind."
"The kind with endings that make you sigh for hours."
"Then yeah."
She laughed, leaning slightly toward him.
"A brave man."
They bought tickets and entered the nearly empty theater. The smell of buttery popcorn filled the air, mixed with the chill of the air conditioning.
Alicia settled into a middle seat, discreetly pulling Clark's jacket over her shoulders.
"You should've brought an extra coat. I'm stealing this one."
Clark sat beside her.
"You're forgiven."
The lights dimmed slowly. The screen flickered with the studio logo. Alicia rested her head on his shoulder without asking.
Clark stayed still for a moment.
Then he let it be.
---
The movie passed like a whisper between them. Alicia barely moved, her eyes fixed on the screen, but Clark could tell she was deeply affected. Her fingers sometimes tightened on his arm during the more emotional scenes.
When the credits rolled, Alicia sighed, her eyes misty.
"You survived."
Clark looked at her, calm.
"Actually… it was better than I expected."
She turned fully to him, her eyes shining.
"I knew it."
The street outside the theater was quiet. The sky above was a dark ocean speckled with stars.
Alicia held his arm gently.
"Now to the Talon."
---
The Talon looked different under new management. The facade was the same, but the lights were dimmer, the atmosphere more intimate. There was no bustle—just a piano playing softly in the background and a few tables occupied by scattered couples.
Clark held the door for Alicia.
She passed by him, her eyes taking in everything.
"It's… beautiful here."
"Disappointed?"
"No. Just surprisingly happy."
They sat at a table near the window, where they could see the streetlights. Alicia crossed her legs under the table, tucking her hair behind her ear.
"You surprised me today."
Clark leaned his elbows on the table, his gaze fixed on her.
"Good surprise?"
She bit her lip.
"The best."
Their orders were simple—hot chocolate for her, black coffee for him. The conversation flowed like the steam from their mugs, light, warm, sincere.
Alicia talked about old songs, how she hated dry cereal, how she tried dyeing her hair green at twelve.
Clark just listened.
He laughed at the right moments. Watched the way her eyes crinkled when she smiled for real.
She seemed present. Real.
There, with him.
'I needed to see this. Feel this. Not just the danger. But why I keep her close.'
When they left, the Talon was closing. The street was empty, the cold sharper.
Alicia held his arm.
"Are you shivering?"
"Maybe."
"Liar. You never shiver."
"Maybe just with certain girls."
She laughed, her eyes closing for a second.
"Then hold onto this moment."
Clark looked at her.
"Why?"
She stepped closer, her eyes locked on his.
"Because for me… it's unforgettable."
And then, she kissed him.
It was a light kiss. Warm. Soft as leaves drifting in autumn.
Clark didn't pull away.
For a moment, the entire world fell silent.
And all that existed… was that moment.
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