Hot! Clark wasn't affected by external climate changes, but he knows he feels hot internally. There's so many things, too many emotions roiling. Confusion, yes. Annoyance, definitely. Desperation, possibly. Anger, he isn't sure. But it was clear he feels something... something akin to anger, something hot and violent vibrating from the core of his being begging to be released. A hot fiery current surging through him, radiating out from him as uncommon beads of moisture accumulate on his skin. This heat dominates as Clark sightlessly ascends the stairs of the Daily Planet. He has to leave! This sensation frightens him. And hearing the erratic beating of Chloe's heart, matching his own and the rapid inhale, exhale of her breathing did nothing but fan the wild fire of fury claiming him. There was no other option, Clark has to get out.
Chloe wanted space, she wanted him to leave, at first he had every intention of debating her, he wanted to refuse her demand, but as he stood there staring into her determined emerald orbs crackling intensely with electricity, ready to challenge her, something inside of him snapped. Something he couldn't quite explain and frankly it scared him… Staring down at his blonde friend, eyes locked in battle a fire roared to life. This searing heat overcame him, consuming him and Clark knew at once he wouldn't be able to contain it. He didn't want to. Yet he couldn't afford to lose control, he didn't want to hurt her. But right then… oh god he really desired to. He wanted to just let loose.
Now as he arrives at the ground floor, Clark's desperate to get far away from here, away from Chloe, away from any person actually, because this unimaginable scorching fire was blazing within him and he didn't trust himself not to explode. And though hating himself for it, he fiercely wants to unleash it.
A moving statue, Clark stoically walks the floor heading to the exit. He's terrified. He can't bring himself to move too swiftly, his control already hanging by a thread. Clark keeps his movement concise and careful feeling the build up of this volcanic energy right below the surface.
So focused on the doors ahead, so intent on his escape, the outside world illuminated by the morning sun like salvation, Clark's oblivious to the happenings in the lobby surrounding him. When out of no where, something light hits his chest. Halting his steps, Clark looks down slowly, his movements calculated, almost robotic, only to see Jimmy Olsen peering up at him eyes wide with bewilderment.
"Geez CK, didn't you see me?" Jimmy began to rise keeping a careful eye on the larger man, "I've been standing here trying to get your attention."
Clark merely watches the smaller man as he stands. Fleetingly he thinks of helping Jimmy up, but didn't dare try for fear of breaking him. "You okay?" Clark questions, his voice dry and hollow.
"Yeah." Jimmy replies cautiously. Seeing something wild yet barely caged lurking in Clark's eyes, "Are you?" he ripostes.
Clark nods mutely as he begins again toward his freedom. Jimmy motions to stop him, but thinks better of it, snatching his hand back. Self preservation winning out over his curiosity. There can be only one reason Clark Kent would be at the Daily Planet this early and judging by the look in his eyes... Jimmy looks towards the stairs leading into the basement and back to the path Clark exited before rushing down the stairs to find Chloe, his heart beginning to pound in his chest.
Outside the sun beating down on him, coating his skin with it's healing rays, Clark felt anything but appeased. Stiffly walking the crowded street, the sea of people accompanying morning rush hour navigating around him, Clark's wild with uncertainty. The further away he walks, the more frantic he becomes. Chloe didn't want him anymore. She didn't want him around if he stayed with Lana! How dare she give him... make him choose? Clark wants to scream, he wants to rage.
Almost three blocks away from the Daily Planet, fists clenched, jaw locked in determination, Clark turns around locking his sight on the fragile building. The brick and steel a facade of security, it's a movable fort to Clark. He takes a step towards it, he wants to go back and take back what's his. Chloe's not getting away. She can't just push him away. She can't just leave him, he won't let her... not her, not his Chloe!
"It's only momentary. It's only momentary." Chloe's voice, like a cool breeze whispers in his ears. Clark comes to an abrupt stop, his head tilts in concentration. He hears her again, "It's only momentary." He can hear her heartbeat regulate. Her calming deep breaths, soothing the savage heat inside of him. Unconsciously his mind begins to repeat her mantra, snuffing out the fire blazing within. "It's only momentary." Just for a little while, he tells himself. He can give her the space she asked for. For a little while he amends. But soon, he'll make her see it's the wrong decision. Clark almost smiles, his posture relaxing slightly. "You can do this Chloe..." he hears her say and he counters internally, 'You can do this Clark.' Yes, he'll leave her alone... for now.
"Chloe? Are you ok?" Clark picks up a foreign voice. A familiar voice.
He hears Chloe clear her throat, "Yeah" she says. "Just fine Jimmy!" Her words are clipped. She's on the defensive. "Thanks for asking." Her heartbeat picks up a bit. Clark tenses again. How dare that little pipsqueak photographer, make his Chloe feel like that!
He can make out a sigh from Jimmy, "Look bright eyes, I know I haven't been friendly lately..." Jimmy pauses, Clark can hear his nervousness, "...I admit, I was extremely hurt when we ended. And I was wrong to take it out on you. It was my decision after all..." Chloe's heart calms, Clark interprets this change in her as relief.
Jimmy continues, "...I just... I know we're not together anymore, but you're still like the best person I know..." Jimmy begins to stammer. Clark shuts his eyes tightly in frustration, he swallows thickly seeing Chloe's brilliant smile in his mind. His breath is heavy and deep as the same inexplicable heat fans anew, Jimmy's words, his voice feeding the fury. "...I guess what I'm saying is. You asked before if we could be friends, and I was a complete jerk about it." He chuckles nervously. "Well, if you still want to be friends... I guess I'm offering... if you ever want to talk or whatever." Jimmy finishes with a note of uncertainty.
"I could use a friend, Jimmy!" the smile in Chloe's voice is staggering to Clark.
"Great!" the insufferable photographer says. The excitement in his voice unmistakable. Clark can hear a clapping in the background. He growls at the thought of Jimmy hugging her. "Come, Coffee on me!" he offers brightly.
"What!" Clark shouts out to no one. He ignores the heads turning to him in puzzlement. Chloe has coffee and she already has a friend! He argues silently. 'I'm her friend, her best friend and she doesn't need another!' Clark looks around wildly, he has to get away. He can't stay here anymore, he needs release! The inevitable explosion no longer alluding him, Clark speeds away leaving a burst of wind so strong it shook the surroundings. People toppling, windows cracking, and car alarms sounding in the wake of a phantom blast of vengeful wind.
