THE SEARCH IS OVER

CHAPTER 2

PREVIOUSLY...

"You always have to have the last word - don't you?" his eyes dancing with merriment.

"You better believe it Smallville," smiling back at him.

Chloe and Jimmy's apartment

Jimmy opens the door and sees Clark standing there. "Hey C.K." he says with a smile as Clark walks in. "What are you doing here?" he asks; closing the door behind Clark.

Clark looks curiously at Jimmy. "Chloe didn't tell you?"

"I just came home a few minutes ago," shrugging his shoulders.

"Well Lois sprained her ankle while she was at my place so I called Chloe and asked her to pack a few things for her."

"So she's staying at the farm with you?" the slightest hint of a grin on his face. "I find that very interesting."

"I'm sure you do," Clark replies somewhat sarcastically.

"Come on C.K.," he replies, "I've always thought that you and Lois had chemistry. I've been saying that ever since I met you."

"I know you have, but we're just friends - okay?" He looks around the apartment. "Where's Chloe anyway?"

"I told you I just got home so I have no idea where she is," walking into the kitchen and opening the refrigerator. "How about a cold one?" he asks Clark.

"Maybe next time," he responds; sitting down on the stool in front of the kitchen counter as Jimmy opens his beer and takes a slug. Then they both turn towards the front door when they hear the doorknob turning.

Jimmy quickly walks over just as the door opens and Chloe steps inside; carrying a couple grocery bags. "Let me help you with that," giving her a kiss on the cheek as he grabs both bags.

"Thanks sweetie," kissing him back. She opens her umbrella and props it in a corner of the living room to let it dry. She looks up and sees Clark sitting at the kitchen counter. "Hey Clark," taking off her coat and hanging it up.

"Hey Chloe," he replies. "I was wondering where you were. Now I know," smiling at her.

"Well when you called me, I was at the grocery store. I forgot to tell you that. But just give me a few minutes to pack those things for Lois okay?" smiling back at him.

"That's fine," he says; watching as she disappears into Lois' bedroom. She returns a few minutes later with Lois' suitcase. "I'll be happy when Lois can finally go back to her apartment," a slight hint of annoyance in her voice. "Who'd have thought there would be termites in her building?"

"I thought you two were getting along?" Clark asks as he takes the suitcase from her.

"We do, but even the best of friends can get on each other's nerves - don't you agree?" she asks him.

Clark looks thoughtful for a moment. "I have to agree with you on that one."

"Personally I don't mind Lois being here, but her playing Whitesnake all the time is driving me crazy," Jimmy remarks. "If I have to hear 'Here I go again' one more time..." rolling his eyes at the thought.

"I don't think she's too crazy about you playing ABBA all the time either," Chloe retorts.

"What's wrong with ABBA?" staring back at her.

"Nothing," she replies. Then Chloe turns to Clark. "What do you think of ABBA?"

"Well," hesitating for a moment. "I guess they're okay. But there is one song of theirs that I particularly like."

"Which one?" Jimmy asks him.

"The winner takes it all," Clark replies.

"Really?" Jimmy remarks; looking at him curiously. "Why that one?"

"Isn't it obvious?" Chloe retorts; walking over to where they keep the CD's. She picks one of them off the shelf; slipping the disc out of the case. Then she inserts it into the CD player and presses 'play'...

I was in your arms, thinking I belonged there, I figured it made sense, building me a fence, building me a home, thinking I'd be strong there, but I was a fool, playing by the rules...

Then she presses 'stop.' "That's why," turning to Jimmy.

"Oh...now I get it," he replies.

Clark stares at both of them. "Would somebody please tell me what's wrong with liking that song?"

"There's nothing wrong with liking it Clark. It's just that..." Chloe's voice trailing off.

Clark walks over to her. "Just...what?"

"It's just that you constantly played that song when Lana left for the last time," she says. "And to be honest Clark, I really got sick of it."

He frowns for a moment; sitting down on the couch with his arms folded across his chest. She walks over to him and sits down beside him; laying her arm around his shoulders. "I just think it's time that you started dating again."

"But I am," he replies. "In fact - I had one last night."

"Really?" Jimmy looking at him curiously as he sits down next to Chloe. "That's great. Who with?"

"Judy from the Sports Department?" looking over at Jimmy.

"I know who she is," Jimmy answers. "She's really nice. But I thought she already had a boyfriend?" looking back at Clark.

"She broke up with him. I can't tell you why, but let me just say that she had a valid reason for doing so."

"So how did it go?" Chloe asks him.

"Like I told Lois, it was okay. But I just don't think we're really compatible."

"And why is that?" she asks him. "Because she's not the 'damsel in distress' type?" raising her eyebrows at him.

He stares at her in shock. "That's exactly what Lois said earlier. Does everybody think that's my type?" also staring at Jimmy.

"I don't," Jimmy replies. "In fact, I can tell you exactly what type of girl is your type," winking at him.

"Now knock it off Jimmy. We've already discussed this. Lois is not my type. End of story."

"You know?" Chloe interjects. "I think that Jimmy's right. Lois is the type of woman you should be dating. She's smart, beautiful, no-nonsense, funny, strong-willed. What more do you need?"

Clark abruptly gets up from the couch; grabbing the suitcase and walking over to the door. "I really should be getting back to the farm," opening the door.

"Say goodnight to the Misses for us?" the two of them laughing at the scowl that forms on Clark's face. He walks out of the apartment; slamming the door behind him.

"When are they going to realize that the person they've been searching for is right there in front of them?" Chloe remarks; leaning her head back against the couch.

"I don't know," Jimmy replies; also laying his head back. They turn their heads toward each other. "I'm glad we don't have to be out there again," leaning forward to kiss her.

"Me too," her lips meeting up with his...

TO BE CONTINUED...

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