Be Loved
Rating: PG
Summary: The “Lana Effect” and champagne can make a man
think crazy thoughts…
Distribution: Hazardous
Beta: None
A/N: Inspired by the song “She Will Be Loved”
by Maroon5 from the album “Songs for Jane”. Haven’t written anything in two
months... I’m a bit rusty… I just wanted to write something with this song in
mind. Tell me what you think!
****
Tiny crystals twinkling under the muted glow of the
chandeliers above… funny how, if he stared hard enough, he could forget he held
a glass of champagne in his hands. Funny how they almost looked like glittering
stars.
He lifted his eyes away from the entrancing dance of the
stars in his glass and looked around. Kids, pretending to be adults, were busy
mingling with each other. His gaze swept the large ballroom until they settled
on one particular figure in a lavender-tinted dress. A smile crept into his lips,
unnoticed and totally involuntary.
“Nice party, Lex,” a deep voice said beside him.
“I just loaned Nell the place,” he answered. “I’m glad you
made it this time,
His friend’s eyes lit up in laughter. “I’m just glad Lana
still made me her escort.”
He nodded. Has it really been three years since he found
Lana Lang in that balcony, arms wrapped around her body, vainly waiting for her
‘reinforcements’? And now he watched her making her dutiful rounds as the
perfect hostess, making everybody feel welcome to her party.
How does she do it? How does Lana make every person she
talks to or smile at feel as if he or she is the only person in that room worth
talking to or smiling at? She has this effect on people. For years now, he’s
tried to figure it out but has, at long last, decided it’s just the way she is.
The “Lana Effect” as he affectionately called it in his head, was something he
was thankful for. For the past three years, he has been on the better end of it
and he’s not complaining anymore.
Lana often said she was so easy to read and she’s right.
Those eyes, that smile… it was enough to let any man think he could do
anything… be anything… make a man forget a lot of things... make him think
crazy thoughts…
Downing his champagne quickly, Lex forced himself to look
away. The “Lana Effect” plus his third glass of champagne is making him think crazy thoughts, he decided.
He raised his hand to check the time. He’s been here for almost two hours, in
his book that’s enough to let everybody know he doesn’t mind they’re all in his
house.
“You’re just itching to get away, aren’t you?”
And has he bothered to mention that voice?
He found her smiling at him, that one that’s teasing and
innocent at the same time. “I hate birthday parties, they make me feel old.”
“Lex, you’re not old… just older,” she teased. “If you’re
bailing out because you have to talk to some billionaire in
“Speaking of business, I do have a lot of things to finish
up for tomorrow’s board meeting.”
Her expression turned serious. “Of course you can leave if
you want. I just wanted to thank you again for this. I know having a bunch of
teenagers in your house at this hour is not your cup of tea.” She touched the
sleeve of his coat gently. “Thank you so much.”
“It’s my pleasure,” he answered. He reached inside his
coat pocket and handed her a velvet-covered box. “Happy
birthday, Lana.”
The smile that filled her face radiated warmth and gratitude
and he found himself basking under the brilliance of it. “Lex!
Letting us borrow the ballroom was enough…” She opened it and she held her
breath. “You shouldn’t have…”
If she could only see how she looked at that moment, she
would know why he definitely should have. “It’s just my way of letting you know
you are deeply appreciated, Ms. Lang.”
“Thank you,” she whispered, her eyes leaving her the
contents of the velvet box and looking straight at him. “Thank you, Lex.” She
raised the box and the emeralds glittered, reminding him of the champagne
earlier. “Put it on me, please.”
He removed the slender bracelet from its bed of velvet and
placed it around her wrist. He made sure the clasp was locked well. “Now, will
you let me get away?”
“Not a chance, Lex Luthor,” she answered with a smile. “I
plan to keep you for as long as I want.”
“And how long might that be?”
“I’m not sure yet… how many birthdays would it take to
avail the whole set of these?” she joked.
“We can find out.” He looked at her, suddenly aware that
some of the people have witnessed this little scene. “Enjoy the rest of the
night.”
“Hey, Lex,” she called out when he has walked a couple of
feet away. “I’ve decided to keep you forever.”
He shrugged. “Good decision.”
When he reached the door of the ballroom, he looked for
her in the crowd again. She’s right. He shouldn’t leave… he belonged right
here, in this room filled with people suffering from the “Lana Effect”.
Almost grudgingly, he nodded to the man who opened the
door for him. Stepping out, away from the chatter, the music and the effect of
having her near, Lex thought, it really didn’t matter where Lana Lang is, she
will be loved.
*dynlubio