Clark ran to Metropolis as fast as he could, so in other words, it took him about five seconds to get there. Chloe had called and said it was "urgent". As he walked towards Chloe's desk at the Daily Planet, Clark thought to himself,

I know I should be spending a little more time with Chloe, but the last thing I need is another lecture about 'taking it easy'. I can't afford to do that anymore. Not when there's someone out there who needs help.

As Clark made his way to the bottom of the stairwell leading to Chloe's floor, he saw her standing there waiting for him.

"So what's this about, Chloe?"

"Hi Clark, nice to see you, too. I'm doing just dandy."

Clark sighed.

"How have you been?"

"Besides being mugged a few hours ago, never better."

"You were mugged? I'm so sorry, I should've been there."

"It's okay. I shouldn't have said it like that. You can't always be there. Besides, I posted ads and it looks like I have a new guy eager for your old job."

Chloe pointed to her desk where Peter was sitting awkwardly.

"That guy saved you? Who is he?"

"Now, now, do I detect a hint of jealousy? I'm kidding! You're still my number one superhero. But you could repay your recent absenteeism in my life by doing my old friend over there a favor."

"What would that be?"

"Could you possibly let him stay with you for a while?"

"Stay with me? On my farm? You're joking, right? You can't just open up my home to anyone."

"I know, and he's not just anyone. We've been friends for years now. Him staying with me would just be a tad awkward right now. Plus, it's not like your ever home anyway."

"You didn't tell him that, did you."

"Yes, but relax. I didn't tell him it was because you were out crisscrossing the globe saving lives at super speed. I realize it's a lot to ask, but I'd really appreciate it if you just gave him a chance. He could do some chores at the farm to help out. Not that you need the help."

"…I guess it'd be okay, but this is just temporary."

"Of course. Thank you so much. I have to go run an errand really fast so I thought you guys could get to know each other while I'm out. There's an extra chair by my desk."

"Um, Chloe-"

"Don't worry. You guys actually have more in common than you'd think."

Clark walked towards Chloe's desk and introduced himself. Peter did the same. Neither one quite knew how to handle being thrust into an awkward situation like this so they mostly remained silent until Clark thought of a question that could get a conversation going.

"So how do you know Chloe exactly?"

"Um, kind of a weird story, my uncle lives here in Metropolis and my parents sent me here for my freshman year of high school. My father said it was to instill independence in me, but I think it was really that he and my mom were having problems and they wanted to focus working on their marriage without me around. Anyway, I did so well in math that my teacher sort of volunteered me to tutor a bunch of seventh graders."

"Math's never really been Chloe's strongest subject."

"Tell me about it. But I'm glad because she was one of the few friends I made while I was here. By the end of the school year my parents were ready for me to come home again so I went back to New York. Chloe and I exchanged e-mail addresses and we've kept in contact ever since. How do you know her?"

"In eighth grade her dad got a job at the Luthorcorp plant in Smallville and I was assigned to show her around. The rest is history."

"So about me living with you-"

"It's fine, trust me. My mom's in the Senate and my dad…passed away about a year and a half ago so I've got a lot of empty space to myself."

"I'm sorry about your dad. Mine passed away about the same time yours did."

They both just sat there for a second, neither one needing to say anything. Peter empathized with Clark completely. It was something he hadn't been able to do since before his fight with Sylar. Maybe he wasn't dead inside anymore after all.

"Chloe said you're not home very much."

"Um, I'm not actually. I do a lot of…charity work that keeps me busy." Charity work? I'm sure he's completely convinced.

Peter buried his face in his hands for a second, not wanting the fact that he could hear what Clark just thought to show on his face. Clark may be hiding something, but he was giving Peter a place to live so he could let it go.

"Charity work? That's good. Did Chloe tell you where she was going?"

"No, but whatever she's doing, hopefully she's staying out of trouble."