"Blow the Candles Out"
A Smallville story by Xica
Characters: Clark, Chloe, Pete, Lana, Lex, and Mari
Disclaimer: The only character I own is Mari, everything else belongs to some very rich men who don't understand that the Chlark is what makes the Smallville world go round. Enjoy
***** To those who first read this story when it was entitled "Birthday" this is pretty much the same story. There were just some issues with the characters (namely my "Mary Sue-esque" original character) that I felt needed changing. And I'd always intended on changing the title. I haven't changed any plot points and I am feverishly working to finish the fourth chapter. I hope you continue to like the story, and as always please read and review.
Why? What demonic spirit had convinced Chloe to agree to a birthday party in her honor? As she heard the doorbell ring followed by loud impatient knocks on the door she remembered. Devil, thy name is Mari.
Throwing the pile of shirts she had pulled from her closet on her bed in disgust Chloe ran out of her room and down the stairs to confront her nemesis. She pulled open the door and there she was, Mari Wesley in all her glory. She was petite with brown eyes (currently residing under gray contacts) and dark hair sprinkled with blond highlights that cascaded down over her shoulders. From there on there was the full hips and don't even get Chloe started on her butt. Chloe hated Mari's butt. It was happy and round while Chloe's, in her opinion, was just plain 'ol big despite Mari's endless lectures about how Chloe should embrace her "ghetto booty" whatever the hell that was.
And as much as Chloe wanted to hate the girl she simply couldn't. Mari was under most circumstances full of love and devotion, until you crossed her, and then she could turn into a serious bitch on wheels and it was with that in mind that Chloe had agreed to let Mari throw her a birthday bash at her house.
"Why aren't you dressed yet?" Mari asked, a little more than a hint of annoyance in her voice.
"I'm not going" Chloe whined, closing the door.
"The hell you're not. Chloe how many times do I have to tell you that there is nothing wrong with a gathering of your friends in your honor? And if you're going to bother with all that there might as well be food, music and," Mari's eyes glistened with excitement, "presents".
In spite of her foul mood Chloe laughed at her friend. While it was true that Mari's was one of the wealthier families in Smallville, Mari was always up for a present. You could give her a box of Ramen noodles wrapped up in pretty paper and a bow and she would covet it like you'd given her the hope diamond.
"Besides, if you don't go a certain green eyed monstress might get to spend the evening bumping and grinding with a certain freakishly beautiful farm boy and I for one find that completely unacceptable".
A shudder went through Chloe as the vision of Clark and Lana slow dancing played in slow mo in her head. It was just so damn clichéd, her pining away for the boy who was in love with Ms. Perfect, but for Clark Kent she would sacrifice that small portion of her dignity and pride.
"Mari I know that you're all psyched about hooking me and Clark up, but why do you hate Lana Lang so much?" Chloe asked.
For a moment Mari seemed to consider the question, as if she'd never even pondered the concept before. "Well, call it professional jealousy if you will", Mari finally responded and Chloe stared at her blankly. Mari sighed and continued, "Listen Chlo, in case you hadn't noticed I'm a bit of an attention hog and for some reason that I can't wrap my head around everyone around here is stuck in some kind of vile worship of Lana Lang. As far as I'm concerned she's just as self centered and vain as everyone else but she holds herself as if she's above all that and it makes me sick. Especially" she paused dramatically for emphasis and Chloe had to resist the urge to roll her eyes, "when she uses that crap for evil".
"Evil? Okay Mari you've completely lost me" Chloe said laughing.
Mari rolled her eyes and headed towards the stairs, "Guys, Chloe. She gave Whitney the run around until he left for the marines and then she dumped the poor bastard via a video 'Dear John" letter that was otherwise filled with well wishes from all his friends. And the worst part of it all is that she is driving my Clark absolutely insane. Unrequited love is so last millennium. Either she wants him or she doesn't, how hard is that? But no, she's just a big stupid tease and I hate her" Mari whined the last part and Chloe resisted the urge to comment on her resemblance to a five year old at that moment.
"But you my dear Chloe" Mari said as she reached the top of the stairs, "are exactly what my poor Clarkie needs. Not that lousy succubus Lana. And this" Mari paused as she surveyed the wreck that had become Chloe's room, "is an absolute disaster. You sure spent a lot of energy deciding what to wear to a party you supposedly aren't going to" she said pointedly and Chloe raised her hands in defeat.
"Luckily I come prepared for such situations" Mari smiled and dashed out of the room, shouting an "I'll be right back" over her shoulder. Chloe cleared a spot on her bed and sat down. Her mind immediately switched to her favorite topic, Clark Kent. She pictured him standing before her, towering over her. Her mind's eye starting at his dark curly hair and traveling down to his pouty lips curled up into a smile just for her, down and over the broad shoulder and pecs because if she lingered there she'd never go any further, and what is this? A strong, impossibly long fingered hand reaching out towards her, taking her hand, tiny and delicate by comparison. She was getting to her favorite part, the part where he pulled her in close and whispered that she was the only one for him. And she forgave him, why on earth wouldn't she, and he smiled and everything was all right with the world. Clark's eyes turned serious, he bent his head down, and his eyelashes fluttered to a close. He leaned in close, closer, and then…
"Happy Birthday!" Mari screamed, tossing a huge box wrapped in some kind of reflective paper drowning in bows and curled ribbon in Chloe's lap. Chloe stared at it as if it were some kind of foreign object, where the hell did this come from and what happened to Clark?
" I was going to wait and give it to you as a proper present, but seeing as how your situation has taken a predictable turn to hopeless I figured a little intervention on my part could be forgiven" Mari said, practically beside herself with pleasure.
Chloe slowly gained her grasp on reality and stared at the box. "Wow" she managed out weakly and slowly began to tear off enough wrapping to stock a Hallmark franchise. She lifted off the lid of the box and pulled away a layer of tissue paper to reveal, quite simply, the most beautiful outfit she'd ever seen. "Mari it's beautiful," she said sincerely.
"No Chloe" Mari said seriously, "its just a pile of fabric that's only as beautiful as the person who wears it".
Fighting back uncharacteristic tears Chloe reached out and embraced her friend. "Is this going to work?" she whispered.
"There's only one way to find out", Mari said releasing her friend. "Now that's enough mushy stuff. I can't have people think I'm loosing my edge. I'm going to go back to my house to finish the final prep work and you need to get ready. You don't want to keep Clark waiting when he gets here".
"What?" Chloe screamed.
"Oh, did I forget to mention that little detail?" Mari asked coyly. "Consider it a bonus birthday gift. What could be better than a personal escort to your own party by none other than prince charming himself?" Chloe searched for words but for once she was completely speechless. "I'll take your silence as a thank you and bid you farewell". Chloe could only stare on in shock as Mari sauntered towards her bedroom door. "Clark will be here at 9:00. I'll let myself out" she called over her shoulder.
Chloe reclaimed her position on her bed and sat silently. She'd been grasping at chances to be alone with Clark practically since the day she met him and now the opportunity was staring her in the face and she was…terrified. But she couldn't really understand why. She'd been in Clark's truck, ate dinner with his family, hell she'd even spent the night in his barn, but this was different. She wondered just how much Mari had told him, had he finally recognized his feelings for her? But she quickly put the thought out of her head. When it came to things like emotions Clark was about as distant as it got.
Shaking her head she reached inside the box holding what apparently she was going to wear tonight. Mari had really outdone herself this time. Chloe felt truly lucky to have such good friends. "Tonight will be fun"', she said to herself. Noting the time Chloe quickly grabbed her bathrobe and stepped into the bathroom for a quick shower.
******************************
"Pete godammit quit sucking up all the helium and help me with this banner!" Mari yelled, teetering on the edge of a ladder, which she had unwisely climbed while wearing four-inch heels.
"Yes ma'am!" Pete replied sounding like a Chipette on speed. He quickly grabbed the other end of the paper and scurried up the ladder placed on the other side of the doorway, securing into place with tape. "Are we done now?" he asked, his voice deepening to that of a prepubescent boy.
"Thankfully, yes" Mari replied, reaching out a hand which Pete took gently as he helped her down the ladder. "We just have to do the final supply check, if you'll follow me", Mari said as she headed towards the kitchen.
"How many people are you expecting at this thing Mari?" Pete asked incredulously as he stared at the mountains of food spread out on the counter.
"I'm not sure, its not like I passed out fliers or anything, but you know how it is around here, you invite one person it's just like inviting the whole damn town. And I'd hate to be unprepared".
"And what exactly will there be to drink at this shindig?" Pete asked, a mischievous twinkle in his eye.
"While I find it completely reprehensible to cater to the alcoholic needs of the hicks in this town, yes there will be some alcoholic beverages available".
"Alright!" Pete exclaimed clasping his hands together excitedly.
Mari rolled her eyes, "Well I'm glad to hear you're so excited Pete. Now all you need is this" Mari said handing Pete a large plastic container, "and you're all set".
"What's this for?" Pete asked.
"Well it's for your job, silly".
"My job as what?"
"You will be facilitating our safe driver program. You will man the keg and play bartender but no one gets a drink until they give you their car keys which you will place in this for safe keeping", Mari said matter-of-factly.
"Mari!" Pete whined, "I'll be here all night!"
"Nonsense Pete, free liquor NEVER lasts. By the time the party really gets swinging that keg will be nothing but foam and the sooner the better. The whole damn thing makes me nervous but far be it for me to deny the youth of Smallville their self-destructive rites of passage".
"Are you done?" Pete asked.
"Yes".
"Drink?"
"Definitely".
Seconds later Pete handed her a large plastic cup brimming with contents unknown. Mari had lost count after three ingredients. "Bottoms up" he said cheerfully.
Mari eyed the cup suspiciously and took a sip. Her face scrunched up, but then relaxed. "Wow Pete this is pretty damn good, keep making 'em like this and you might have a career once that whole football thing doesn't pan out".
"Don't you mean if the football thing doesn't work?"
"No".
"Damn, that's cold".
"The truth hurts".
"Whoa, did I walk in on an after school special?"
"Gee Clark nice of you to show up. It's not like we needed help decorating or anything" Mari huffed.
"Don't mind her Clark, she's just a mean drunk".
"I'm not mean!"
"So you admit to being drunk".
"Clark!"
"Sorry, I couldn't resist".
"Why is everybody always picking on me?" Mari pouted.
"Isn't that a song lyric?" Pete asked.
"I don't know, I'll have to check my almanac of useless shit and get back to you" Mari snapped, taking a large sip of her drink. "Whoa Clark you look hot!" Mari's eyes wandered up and down Clark's tall frame taking in the dark denim pants, and the starched button down shirt that very nearly matched the color of his eyes. She hadn't been able to convince Clark to tuck in his shirt but now she was convinced that maybe that wasn't such a bad thing.
Pete cleared his throat, "Hey what am I chopped liver?" he asked good-naturedly.
"No of course not Pete, I think short ribs is a more apt description".
"Okay you guys stop it, we're supposed to be having fun" Clark interrupted.
"I'm having a great time", Mari said more to the bottom of her now empty cup than to anyone else.
"So I see," Clark said taking the empty cup and tossing it in a garbage can. "You should slow down Mari, the party hasn't even started yet".
"Well who sounds like an after school special now?" Pete snarked.
"Whatever I just want to make sure that everything is perfect tonight. Chloe deserves it". Clark said sincerely. "Where is she anyways?"
"Why she's at home silly" Mari said a slight smirk playing on her lips.
"When is she going to get here?"
"Probably pretty soon after you pick her up".
"And when were you going to tell me that little detail?"
"I just did. She's expecting you in about half an hour. Why should the birthday girl have to chauffeur herself to her birthday party? Its uncivilized".
"I see your point but a little heads up when have been appreciated", Clark said as he started to run his fingers through his hair and sweeping nonexistent dust from his clothes.
"Clark you look great, well actually those bangs are rather unfortunate but then there's little we can do about that now". Mari said, sweeping the offending strands from Clark's forehead.
"Thanks" Clark said.
"Now if you gentleman will excuse me I have to go get dressed for the party".
"Get dressed? Mari you're wearing a mini-skirt and platform shoes what exactly do you plan on wearing?" Clark asked incredulously.
"That is for me to know and you to find out. See ya later boys."
Both men watched appreciatively as Mari bounded up the stairs. "That girl is 5 feet 2 inches of trouble", Pete said and Clark agreed.
"Trouble is the least of it. Mari's great and all but she's a little intense. And kind of pushy if you ask me".
"Hey Clark don't go overanalyzing everything", Pete responded huffily. "How many people would go through all this trouble just to help you get off your butt and make a move on Chloe? She's just trying to be a good friend".
"Okay, okay I take it back. I do think its great that she's doing all this for Chloe, but-".
"But what?"
"Nothing, I guess I'm just a little nervous. I kinda wish I could have done this on my own terms".
"Clark you've been doing it on your own terms for years and all you've done is add to the list of reasons why Chloe should kick you to the curb".
Clark considered Pete's words, "I guess you're right. I shouldn't be a jerk to Mari for trying to help".
"Exactly Clark, and besides once she finally gives in to the Pete charm I would hate for there to be weirdness between all of us".
Clark rolled his eyes and laughed, "Sure Pete, whatever you say. Well I suppose I should get on the road. It's not a good idea to keep Chloe waiting too long".
"In my opinion Clark" Pete said seriously, "I think you've kept her waiting too long already".