okSubject: Smallville, Clark-Chloe…sort of
Disclaimer: Nope I don't own them no offense or copy-right legal stuff intended
Time-Line/Spoilers: During/Post Obscura…kind of a re-arrangement/rewrite of some events and what happened after. And Just for Clarification I am messing with the timetable for Tempest and pretty much washing out most of the plotline for it..
Rating: PG-13 I guess…mostly for language, and maybe the action sequences.
Note from ME to the READER: Reviews are appreciated and may help me decide which direction to go with this thing While this is a C/C get together type of thing and I am a SERIOUSLY Rabid fan of that relationship There IS a plot going outside that. Kinda follows the episode's "Freak of the Weak" idea……with a twist. SO bear with me in the beginning while I introduce a new Character
….The Fortress of Solitude….
…..Several Hours Later…
"Clark?" asked Steve as he walked up the steps into the loft. "You up there?"
"Yeah we're both here," answered Chloe.
Steve saw Clark and Chloe standing together by the window of the loft. They had apparently been looking out the window and they turned as he came up the steps.
"How's your head?" asked Clark his look thoughtful and his tone neutral.
"It hurts," replied Steve. "Four stitches, you?"
"No problems," Clark shrugged. "A bump on the head and slightly sore throat." He exaggerated slightly. "Nothing to worry about."
"Well?" said Chloe, her tone pointed and her look piercing. "Where do you want start?"
Clark sighed "Chloe." But she stared him down, apparently the two had already had this argument once.
"He said later Clark," she said firmly, her voice just this side of frosty. "This is later."
"She's right Clark," said Steve resignedly. "This is gonna be something of a speech though so you might want to sit down." he added pointing to the couch. Chloe took a seat and fixed him with her penetrating 'Reporter' stare while Clark stood behind the couch with his hands on her shoulders.
"Where to begin," muttered Steve as he paced to window and stood staring out into the night. Chloe opened her mouth to say something but Clark gently squeezed her shoulders and she subsided. "It started when I was about nine. I have a godfather who works as a forensics scientist for the local police department near where I grew up. One day I was hanging out there because he was gonna take my cousin and I out to a movie after. It was raining like the sky was gonna fall down. Lightning, thunder the whole deal." Steve paused and smiled to himself, his body half turned to Chloe and Clark, his eyes distant. "I love thunderstorms like that. So I was standing by the window looking out when the lightning struck. I was standing next to a tall metal shelf full of chemicals and solutions one second and the next I was waking up in the hospital twelve hours later; covered in bandages."
"Ouch," muttered Clark almost to himself.
Steve didn't seem to hear him. "I remember seeing the police surveillance camera tapes, and watching that metal shelf explode and throw me some ten feet through the air. My brother told me later there was still electricity sparking off my hands when he finally got the remains of the shelf off me."
"What happened after that?" asked Chloe as Steve showed no sign of continuing. Her voice was firm but kinder than it had been when he started.
"Nothing really," said Steve, looking at Chloe. "I spent a couple of weeks in the hospital for burns and glass cuts and then I was back out on the monkey bars so-to-speak. Of course that changed when I tried to run from my Dad, who was chasing me with the water hose. I plowed right into our backyard's wooden fence."
"No control?" said Clark.
"Zip," agreed Steve, whose deep reverie seemed to have past. He now almost seemed cheerful to reveal the secret. "Scared the pants off my dad though, he was something of a scientist himself, pharmaceutical research of some kind. We never told anyone about it, even when it started happening on a regular basis. We just spent the next four years hiding it and driving out in to the middle of nowhere to let me run and stuff without fear of bumping into things. Then, of course, came the car accident that killed my folks and landed me here."
"So how fast can you run and what else can you do?" asked Chloe eagerly.
"I don't know and that's it," replied Steve. "I mean I know I can move fast but how fast?" he shrugged. "It's not like I am out chasing cars or anything."
"Oh yeah I guess that's true," said Chloe. "We should get a timer or something and measure off distance…." Chloe was already up rooting around Clark's loft for a stopwatch.
"Chloe," said Clark with a smile as she bustled about in her usual high energy fashion. "I'm fairly certain that I don't have a stopwatch up here. After the day we've had why don't we just let it be? He told us."
"But…" she said, then stopped as it was her this time who was stared down. She took a deep breath and sighed "You're right. I haven't been very polite this evening. I guess my reporter mode kicked in."
"I noticed," said Steve with a slight smirk. "So what happened to you guys, and Thomas?"
"He has a concussion but he'll be all-right," replied Clark. "Apparently the water from his family's old well was contaminated with meteor rock dust and he was drinking the water to beef up."
"Yeah the side effect seems to be in made him a little nuts," Chloe added as she came and stood beside Clark. "His mother told the cops he's been getting more and more belligerent over the past few months. I guess he got stronger the more he drank."
"And crazier," added Steve. "We can hope he'll recover. Oh and that reminds me Chloe, I probably owe you my life. Thanks."
"Don't mention it," she said smiling at him. "I'd better get going though it's late and I promised my dad I wouldn't be over here too long. If he calls and I am not at the house he'll go ballistic."
"Drive safe," said Steve.
"Walk me to my car Clark?" said Chloe, as she turned she saw Clark's mouth just in the process of opening. He shut it quickly and blinked once or twice.
"Yes," he said when she grinned at him. Clark nodded at Steve and then walked Chloe down and out of the barn.
"Don't let her get away Clark," said Steve when his friend returned some ten minutes later.
Clark nodded. That thought had been floating around in his mind for weeks now. "I don't plan on it. So how are you really feeling?"
"Truthfully?" said Steve. "I'm not really sure. The only other people who knew before today were my folks. In a way, it's a relief. But I feel like I've burdened you both with something."
"I suppose that is one way of looking at," Clark said. "But I've always thought friends were there to help share the burden."
"I would normally be the first to agree," said Steve. "It's a little tougher when you are the one doing the burdening."
"We'll all just have to learn to live with it," said Clark, with a certain sense understanding.
"Yeah," agreed Steve as he pushed off from the ledge and got ready to leave. "Time for me to go as well. Just wanted to thank you for not…well….."
"Freaking out?" answered Clark taking Steve's outstretched hand. "We take a lot to freak around here. Night Steve." The boys shook hands.
Note to the readers. Ok this happens in the Tempest area and beyond…. Good episode but they had way too many plots running simultaneous I thought so I dumped most of them, moved some around and rewrote a few. I stuck to Romance and Tornados. Please nobody kill me. And for those of u C/C shippers (like me) who wanted to kill that damned announcer at the dance. Get ready for a surprise!
Part 3 – Shared Secrets and Departures
…..Smallville High….
…..Two Weeks Later…..
"Boy what a week," muttered Steve as he walked rapidly down the empty halls toward the Torch. Actually the last two he amended silently to himself. With the Spring Formal rapidly approaching a lot of things had begun happening at once. The new principal decided, much too Chloe's dismay, that the Torch needed to run a story following the preparations so that all the people who set it up would not be forgotten. She had told Chloe that the Torch was a school paper and that there needed to be more school activities in it and less "weirdness." Steve grinned as he remembered Clark's description of Chloe's somewhat incoherent response. Luckily Clark had been there to keep Chloe from going into rant in front of the new principal.
Steve had volunteered to keep track of it so Chloe could concentrate on the "real news" in Smallville. This, of course, meant that he was running around taking pictures of decorations and getting quotes from people who were more interested in balloons and color schemes than talking to him. On top of that Chloe had made it her mission to discover every single aspect of his powers, which meant wandering out to the vast farmlands that surrounded Smallville with Chloe, Clark, and a stopwatch. It was frustrating and fun at the same time.
Then there was Lana. Whitney's sudden decision to leave for the marines had taken everyone by surprise. He had left the previous weekend and Lana had been hard to reach ever since. Her sunny personality just seemed to evaporate. She almost seemed to live at the Talon now. Steve, Clark, and even Chloe had tried numerous times to get her to take a day off or something. Clark was worried about her and Steve was as well. Lana had welcomed him almost as fast as Chloe and Clark, and he wished he could do something to help her.
"Hey Chloe I got a couple of great…..ummm" Steve broke off as he walked into the Torch to see Clark typing at his computer alone.
"Hey Steve," said Clark turning from his screen. "Chloe decided she needed some caffeine and went to the Talon."
"I'm surprised you didn't offer to go for her," grinned Steve as he walked in and sat down. "You usually do."
"I tried," admitted Clark, smiling. "But she said she needed to stretch her legs, and off she went."
"Ahhh, " said Steve. "How long ago did she head out?"
"Just a few minutes," he replied. "You need to tell her something?" he asked indicating the camera under Steve's arm. "I don't expect her back for about a half an hour.
"Nahh," said Steve as he set down the camera. "Actually I was hoping for a moment alone with you." Steve had been trying a get a moment without Chloe around for the past few days. The two were inseparable and he didn't begrudge them that but he did have some questions he needed to ask Clark.
Clark raised an eyebrow at Steve's nervous look. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing really I guess," said Steve as he sat down in his chair and rolled it to where he was facing his friend. "Just had some questions I wanted to ask."
"Sure," said Clark.
"OK now not that I don't appreciate the attention, but what is it with Chloe and my powers?"
Clark laughed. "She's intrigued I think," he said. "You're the first person with strange powers we've ever met who isn't homicidal and she is taking advantage of it. I think she's just curious. You can hardly blame her."
"I know," said Steve. "I'm only gonna be able to put up with it for so long. Chloe is my friend but I don't want to become her pet project."
"You won't," Clark assured him. "I'll talk to her about it. Speaking of Chloe…" Clark trailed off, looking somewhat nervous.
"Clark you KNOW I can't tell you that," said Steve with a laugh. This was the third time Clark had tried to get him or Pete to tell him something about Chloe's dress. Determined to get a "Man's" opinion Chloe had banished Clark from her presence and insisted that Pete and Steve give the outfit the once over. Steve had the impression that it was to tease Clark just as much as it was for verification that the dress was appropriate "She'll wring my neck."
Clark sighed. "Can you keep a secret?"
Steve raised an eyebrow.
"OK another secret," Clark amended.
"I'm sure I can," replied Steve. "But I can't guarantee that whatever you are fixing to tell me is worth me revealing information that could cost me my life."
"I just need to know the color of the dress," Clark exclaimed, he sounded somewhere between annoyed and exasperated."
"Why?" Steve asked surprised at the almost desperation in Clark's tone.
"Because I was going to surprise her with a bunch of flowers that match her dress," said Clark. "She won't even tell m…"
"Pink,"
"What," said Clark surprised.
"You heard me," said Steve as he watched Clark's face go from anxious to relieved. "And you realize that my life is now forfeit as soon as you show up with those plants."
Clark grinned at him. Steve was just about to grin back when Clark's expression changed again to one of astonishment. Steve turned to look behind him and was just as surprised.
"Hey Lana," said Clark, smiling at her. He got back a wan smile in return.
"Hey Clark, Steve," she greeted the boys.
"I'll just head out for a sec…" Steve said he didn't want Lana to think she had to leave, but she interrupted him.
"No, Steve, stay," said Lana. "I was actually looking for both of you. I needed to apologize."
"For what?" asked Clark as he reached over to pull a chair out for her.
"For being such lousy company," said Lana sitting down. "I've been moping all week and you guys have all been trying to cheer me up. I just wanted you guys to know I appreciated it."
"That's what friends are for," said Steve. "I wish there was something we could do."
"Actually there is," she said.
"Oh?" said Clark.
"I need a date." Of all the things that she could have said, that was probably the absolute last thing the two boys had expected.
"Like for the Dance?" asked Steve.
"Yeah," said Lana. "I mean I need to get out of this funk somehow and I already have the dress and everything."
"It would be a shame to waste what is undoubtedly a gorgeous evening gown," said Steve with a playful grin. This time Lana smiled at the jibe.
"So, can you help me?" she asked.
"Hmmmm," said Clark, his hand under his chin as if he were thinking very hard. "Single man for last minute date. Steve any suggestions?"
"Let me think," said Steve as he got up to pace the length of the office, striding back and forth, tapping on his forehead, rubbing his chin, and pulling at his hair dramatically. The performance was punctuated by the occasional 'AHA!' followed by a "nope can't do it." The whole thing reduced Clark and Lana smiles and laughter.
"I've got it," said Steve suddenly.
"Really?" asked Lana.
"I think so," answered Steve. "He's not much but he is single and relatively harmless."
"Harmless?" laughed Clark. "So who is this guy?"
"Yes enlighten us!" agreed Lana with a grin.
Steve strode forward and dropped to one knee. "Lana, will you go to the dance with me?"
Lana stared at him for a few seconds, blinking her eyes in surprise. Then she laughed. "I think that just might be a good idea." She said as she took his offered hand. "Thank you."
Clark was somewhat nonplused. He hadn't really expected that. "Well now it looks as if we all have a date."
"That it does," agreed Steve as he stood.
"Well the Talon beckons," Lana sighed as she stood. "I'll see you guys later. Especially you!" she grinned impishly at Steve, her demeanor almost that of her normal self. There was still some sadness in her eyes but she looked as though she was feeling better.
"I await the coming event with great expectations," said Steve with a bow and flourish.
"Bye guys," she said chuckling as she walked out of the door.
"Well that was interesting," said Clark as he raised an eyebrow at Steve.
"It seemed like the thing to do," shrugged Steve. "She needs to get out and stop moping about it."
"No argument."
"There is one problem though," said Steve, turning to look at Clark. "I can't dance."
…….The Talon…….
…..Three Hours Later…..
Lana walked out of the Talon storeroom and noticed that the crowd had pretty much fizzled down to a few people studying. In the thinned crowd she noticed a new face at a table by himself. After checking to be certain someone was watching the bar she headed in his direction.
"Steve," she said.
He looked up from the papers at his table. "Hey Lana. I thought you were gone for the night."
"Nope I'm closing," she replied. "In fact I was just getting ready to take a breather before I started closing everything down. May I sit?"
"Certainly," said Steve, shoving the papers in a folder and motioning to a chair.
"Thanks," she said sitting.
"I hope this dance thing is not gonna be a problem," said Steve after a moment. "I mean aside from the times in here with Clark and company we really haven't hung out any."
"True," said Lana. "But Clark is a good judge of character and he seems to vouch for you. Besides it's nice to meet new people. Just as long as we're clear it's not a date."
"Understood," agreed Steve. "I am the professional escort and dance buddy, got it." He grinned at her, she grinned back.
"Now I will try not to treat you like the hired help. Speaking of which how were we planning on getting there?"
"Well since it's not a date we could meet there," suggested Steve somewhat shamefacedly. "Or would Nell feel cheated without pictures?
"She'll get over it," said Lana. "Meeting there would take some of the date idea out of people's head. Hey why the long face?" she said noticing his unhappy countenance."
"Well feeling somewhat guilty I guess," admitted Steve. "I mean I can't even offer you a limo ride, given that the dance is like two days away."
Lana smiled and then suddenly thought of something. "Are you going to be able to get a tux?"
"Already have one," answered Steve. "I was planning on going stag but I was going."
"Why didn't you ask anyone?"
"Ummm.." Steve hesitated.
"Come on; out with it," she said laughing at his obvious embarrassment.
"I can't dance," said Steve sheepishly. "Or rather I dance very poorly. I would totally understand if you wanted Clark and I to go through that list of guys again now."
Lana laughed. "Lack of foot coordination can be fixed," she said. "You just show up here after we close here tomorrow and we'll work on it. I'd start tonight but I have to study for a math test."
"You sure," asked Steve, and she nodded. "I'll be here."
"Good now get out of here so I can get this place closed."
"Yes ma'am," said Steve with a smile.
…….Fortress of Solitude.…..
……Saturday of the Spring Formal……
"Clark?" said Lex as he walked into the Kent barn.
"Up here Lex," said Clark his voice sounding annoyed.
Lex walked up the stairs to the loft to be greeted by the site of his friend attempting to tie his bowtie. From the look of Clark's face in the mirror and the tone of his voice, he wasn't having much luck. "Getting ready?" he asked hiding his amusement.
"Trying to," muttered Clark as the tie slipped out for the eleventh time.
"Here," said Lex walking over and turning Clark to face him. "I have some experience with this."
"Thanks," said Clark sounding somewhat embarrassed and trying to hide it.
Lex caught it anyway and stopped tying the tie. "This probably accounts for some of it," he said with a raised eyebrow as held out Clark's visibly shaking hand by the wrist. "Nervous?"
"I guess it shows," Clark said as he looked at his hand while Lex released it and went back to the tie.
"Only if someone happens to be looking in your general direction," said Lex with a devilish grin. "I am surprised though." He added as he stepped back and checked the tie.
"Surprised?"
"Well you generally don't get this nervous unless Lana happens to be around," Lex pointed out. "Although that too has been a rare thing lately. I heard she was going to the dance?"
"Yeah," said Clark as he and Lex walked out of the loft. "She and Steve are kind-of going."
"Ah Steve," said Lex in a neutral voice.
Clark eyed his friend as they walked toward the Kent home. Steve's meeting with Lex had been just this side of frosty. Lex had come back from Metropolis shortly after the incident with Thomas. Their first meeting had for some reason been somewhat strained. The two just seemed to be oil and water. Both people had complex personalities that seemed to repel rather than mesh. Clark hoped they could work it out but for now he changed the subject.
"I really want to thank you again for letting me borrow the limo," said Clark.
"Can't be a Prince Charming without one," Lex replied with a negligent wave.
Clark laughed. "Chloe told me yesterday that Sleeping Beauty was never her role-model."
"That fails to surprise me," said Lex as he opened the door to his Porsche. "Have a good time Clark."
"Bye Lex," said Clark as he turned and walked back into his house. He checked the clock on the wall. He still had plenty of time before Chloe got here.
Thirty minutes later Clark was standing outside his house waiting nervously for Chloe to arrive. They had decided to meet here because Clark's parents wanted pictures. "Clark?" said Martha Kent as she walked out on the porch.
"Here Mom," said Clark from beside the door where he was watching nervously down the road.
Martha smiled at his look. "She'll be here Clark."
"I know," said Clark. That's almost what I am afraid of, he thought
"How could anyone resist you in this outfit?" said Martha as she came over and straightened his tie. She loved her son dearly and it always hurt her to see him miss out on all the things she had taken for granted growing up, because of his gifts. This was one thing he could do and that happy nervous look on his face, as well as his preparations for tonight told her he was making the most of it.
"I hope it looks ok," muttered Clark. "I keep wondering if I should have gone with the red tie."
"You look fine; Son," said Jonathon from the door. "And if you don't believe me ask your date. I think she's here." He added pointing to the road where Chloe's car had just pulled into the drive.
"Don't leave till I get my camera!" said Martha as she walked inside, her husband rolling his eyes and laughing over his cup of coffee.
"Have fun; Clark," said Jonathon. "The dance ends at what; midnight?"
Clark nodded as he watched Chloe's car approach out of the corner of his eye.
"The weather service has issued a tornado warning for tonight and tomorrow," said Mr. Kent, pointing to the dark building storm clouds. "I doubt we'll get any this early in the season but the wind and the rain will be pretty fierce. If you need to wait later at the school for the weather to clear up just make sure you call us."
"I will; Dad," said Clark as Chloe's car pulled up beside the family's truck.
"Go on son," said Jonathon with a smile. "I'll slow your mother down,"
Clark nodded and walked off the porch, scooping up the corsage from the porch swing. Chloe had gotten out of her car by the time Clark stepped off the porch. Her car was between them so he didn't see her till they were close together, and when he did he wished that that porch swing was underneath so that he could collapse into it. Chloe's dress was a pink strapless wrap. The gold designs on it looked slightly oriental. Her hair was done up and she had smile that could light up the world.
She was, in a word, stunning.
Chloe on the other hand was feeling very self conscious. She was perfectly happy with her looks and her clothes, but she was not so sure about how everyone else saw them. Normally she didn't really care; this situation however was not normal. This was Clark, and she did worry, or a least care a whole lot. His tux brought out his broad shoulders and his height was always an advantage. Those eyes of his could make her heart do somersaults. She almost preferred his hair in its normal mode of just this shy of mussed instead of gelled into place. She wasn't going to complain though, not hardly.
"Well what do you think?" she said as she spun to give him the full view. She stopped her spin and looked at him. His grin was somewhat silly. "Clark?"
"Wow; Chloe," said as he found his voice. "You look great."
"Thank you," she said smiling at him. "You clean up very nicely too."
He smiled at her as he pulled the corsage from its plastic container and slipped it on her wrist. She smiled back as she pinned the white flower on his left breast. Then they both blinked as Mrs. Kent snapped her first picture.
"Mom," said Clark, sounding somewhere between embarrassed and annoyed. Chloe laughed.
"Smile, Clark," said Chloe as she put her arm around him and he draped his arm over her shoulders.
"Perfect," said Martha as she snapped several more pictures of the couple.
"Can we go now?" asked Clark.
"Have fun honey," said Martha with a smile. "Bye Chloe."
"Bye Mrs. Kent," she replied as she and Clark walked toward Lex's black limo.
"One more surprise," said Clark with a nervous grin as they stopped by the door.
"Surprise?" said Chloe looking at Clark, her natural reporter instinct was to be suspicious. The look on Clark's face made her wonder if she was going to need a tissue or something.
"Yeah," said Clark, opening the door to the limo.
Chloe Sullivan had never considered herself much of a romantic. She had also never considered that to be bad thing. Looking into the limo she found herself wondering if she was wrong. On the seat of the limo was a dozen roses long stemmed roses. There were six pink ones around the outside, then four white ones that protected two red ones.
Clark reached into the car and pulled out the flowers. "I wasn't sure if you liked roses or not…" Clark trailed off as Chloe continued to stare at him and the flowers.
Chloe suddenly realized that Clark was actually taking her silence as a rejection of the flowers. Typical Clark she thought. "Clark, they're beautiful. Thank you." She reached up pulled him down to kiss his cheek. "Now let's go," she said with a grin at his blush. "There is a big difference between fashionably late and very late."
Clark laughed as he bowed to let her in the limo first before climbing in after her.
…..Smallville High…..
…Some 20 minutes later…..
Clark could tell that his father was right about the weather as soon as he and Chloe left the limo. The wind had picked up considerably and was whipping through the trees along the road. There were some raindrops mixed in with it and while it wasn't raining yet, Clark could smell the storm coming. He and Chloe hurried in out of the weather, stopping once they got partway down the hall to shake and put themselves back in order. Chloe laughed as she watched Pete and his date come in, looking somewhat the worse for wear.
"What happened Pete?" asked Clark, as a collection of formally dressed students flowed by towards the gym.
"It's raining something fierce over by my house," replied Pete. "We got caught in little bit of it."
Pete's date laughed. "A little? We got a second shower." she said with a grin.
"Well at least this one was together," said mischievous voice from direction of the doors.
All four of them turned to see Steve and Lana walking down the hallway arm in arm, Lana in the process of laughing and punching her date in the shoulder. Lana was dressed in a long off the shoulder dress of deep blue, her long brown hair was down. Steve had gone with black tie as well, making Pete the only man in red.
"Pete, Erica you'll have to forgive my escort," said Lana giving Steve a mock glare. "I haven't had time to rub off his rough edges yet."
"Good luck trying," said Chloe, she was still half afraid that Clark would see Lana in a formal dress and go mooning off after her. So Chloe was surprised when Clark slipped his arm around her so that she could either lean against him or push away. She immediately chose the former. "Steve's a hard nut to crack."
"Can't argue with that," agreed Clark, giving Chloe an almost imperceptible squeeze. He knew she was worried about his feelings for Lana. That they failed to appear had stopped surprising him. He would always care for her, but the crush was gone, his feelings leaned in one direction now and he was happy with them. "I'm not even sure you have the patience, Lana."
"Well I taught him to dance," she responded coming to his defense. "So he can't be too tough."
"Thanks everyone," Steve muttered but he was smiling. "So shall we move into dance or stand in the hallway all evening?"
"Just one second," said Pete as he pulled out a camera. "I need pictures of this motley group."
"Here," said Steve as Chloe tried to take the camera. "All the friends together."
"You too Lana," said Chloe, surprising herself. Clark must have been a little surprised too but he squeezed her hand.
Lana smiled and joined the group. She stood on one side of Clark, her arm around Pete from the other side. Clark put an arm around Chloe on one side as Lana stood next to him. Erica slipped her arm around Pete and draped herself over him with a bright smile, Pete's grin was rakish.
"Say Cheese!" said Steve as he focused and snapped the portrait. "Got it in one, now let go of my date Pete." Steve grinned.
"Feeling left out?" said Lana smiling as she walked over to Steve. "Nahh someone had to take the shot. I'll be in the next one."
"Well I hear the music," said Pete as he and Erica made for the gym arm in arm. "Let's rock this place."
"Gotta agree with Pete on that one," said Steve. "They can't be having any fun without us. My lady." He said with a formal bow and flourish. Lana laughed and accepted his hand.
"Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight?" asked Clark as he and Chloe turned to follow them.
"I think so," she said with a smile as she slipped her arm through his. "But frequent reminders are always appreciated."
……..Smallville High Gym………
…..An hour or so into the dance…..
"Doesn't he ever get tired?" asked Steve.
"Pete?" laughed Clark. "I doubt it."
"Well here's to him then," said Steve raising his cup of punch. "I could never keep up."
"Me neither," agreed Clark. "So Lana really did teach you how to dance."
"She tried," said Steve with a grin. "I'm not sure how well she succeeded."
"You have though."
"Have what?
"Succeeded in making her smile," said Clark as he nodded where Chloe and Lana and group of girls were talking and laughing.
"It's only skin deep," sighed Steve. "She's trying to bring herself out of it, but I doubt she'll be totally back to herself for a while."
"Still you're effort is appreciated," said Clark. "By me and I am sure she does as well."
"I hope so," said Steve. "I don't want to think her I am doing this for my benefit."
"I doubt that is…" Clark trailed off as the music changed. "Finally," he said with a certain amount of exasperation.
"What?" said Steve as Pete practically skidded to halt in front of them.
"Clark," said Pete throwing a knowing look in Chloe's direction.
"I know," said Clark smiling. "That's why I requested it."
"Now that's what I'm talking about!" said Pete with a laugh as Clark made his way over to Chloe and offered her his hand.
"I missed it," admitted Steve.
"Chloe's favorite song," said Pete.
"He's learning," agreed Steve. "Well I think I've been on the sidelines too long myself."
"Too slow," said Pete as he headed for the punch bowl. He never made it, Erica intercepted him halfway to there and dragged him back out onto the dance floor.
Steve shook his head as he weaved his way over to Lana. "What do ya say Ms. Lang Shall we see if your lessons have taught me anything?"
"Don't mind if I do," she said, grinning back at him as she took his offered his arm and they walked out onto the dance floor.
Clark led Chloe out onto the dance floor as the song began in earnest.
"So are you enjoying the night so far?"
"Yeah," said Chloe. "It's been a good one."
They said no more as he held her close and she put her head on his chest and they danced to the music. Clark barely heard the music; all he could think about was the girl in his arms. She'd been his friend since eighth grade, a perky blonde with so much enthusiasm and energy that he sometimes wondered how he kept up, super-powers or not. His mind drifted back to the events of the past year; fire-breathing coaches, telekinetic artist, and there was Chloe hot on the trail. She never let up and Clark wished he hadn't taken so long to see what she meant to him
Chloe rested her head on Clark's chest and sighed. A dream she thought. It could only be a dream. Clark is here, he hasn't vanished, and there aren't any meteor freaks in site. He's holding me and not Lana, and suddenly she wondered why.
Chloe pulled her head off of Clark's chest and looked up into his deep blue eyes, as he stared back she felt herself getting lost in their depths. His head began to toward hers, their eyes locked and their lips moving closer. Clark's hand rose from her back and cupped her cheek just as their lips made contact.
And for a moment there was nothing else. No dance floor, no music, just them. Chloe reached up and put her hand behind his head as his thumb continued to caress her cheek. Eventually they parted, and Chloe opened her eyes to see Clark's sparkling back at her. His smile was sincere and a contained just a shade of uncertainty, which Chloe dispelled with a smile before putting her head back on Clark's chest and continuing a dance that she wished could never end.
The song did end, however. When it was over Chloe looked up and was almost surprised to see Clark.
"Yeah," he said softly with smile as he led her off the dance floor "Still here."
Chloe blushed. "Was it that obvious?"
"Only to me," he assured her.
"I don't suppose this means we're official?" she said with her last shreds of uncertainty.
Clark raised an eyebrow. "I was kind-of hoping we were," Clark said. "But if you'd pref…"
"Nope; official is perfect," she interrupted firmly taking his hand again. "Just perfect."
"Uh oh," said Clark as they reached the edge of the dance floor.
Chloe looked where's Clark's eyes were pointed and saw Pete descending on them like an avalanche, his grin from ear to ear.
"Well," he said. "If only I'd had my camera handy for THAT Kodak moment."
Clark blushed and Chloe swung, but Pete had been careful to keep his distance and she missed. Mainly because she hadn't let go of Clark's hand yet. "Pete," she said warningly.
"All right; all right," he said, still grinning. "For now I will be silent. For now."
Clark sighed and then laughed, Chloe joined in. She stopped suddenly and looked around. "Clark, where are Steve and Lana?"
Lana was running, with Steve in hot pursuit. He caught her just as they reached the last turn before the main entrance of the school.
"Lana," said Steve as he stepped in front of her to stop her momentum. "Come on talk to me." She didn't answer but tried to go around him. He kept in front of her.
Steve had heard her sob right in the middle of the song. Steve had seen the beginnings of the kiss and smiled at it before turning his head away. It must have still been happening when they turned so that she faced them. Her reaction had been swift and she had been most of the way off the dance floor before Steve could get started. He was worried about her and unsure exactly what, if anything he could or should do.
"Talk to me hon," said Steve, keeping his voice soft and his body in front of her. "Please."
Finally the dam broke and she cried. Spilling her tears onto his shirt as he held her. After several minutes her sobbing seemed to subside and she raised her head to look at him.
"Wanna talk about it?"
"Do I have a choice?"
"Yes," replied Steve. "I'm not gonna hold you here at gunpoint or tie you up. But I do want to help."
Lana sighed, it was almost another sob. "It was just watching Clark and Chloe kiss. Brought it all home I guess," she said as she sat down on the nearby staircase.
"Whitney?"
She nodded. "He's gone and for all that I know he cares; he's still gone and I'm alone."
"Hardly alone," said Steve quietly. "I realize it's not the same, but we're here for you too."
"I know," said Lana. "But Clark has always been there when I needed him and now with Chloe.."
"He'll still be there," said Steve kneeling beside her. "Those two care deeply for each other and that they have found each other is a good thing. But if you think Clark is going to abandon you or any other friend then he's not the man either of us know he is."
Lana took a deep breath. "I know," she said. "But I don't want to hurt what they have just found and Clark has, or rather had feelings for me. At least I thought he did."
"I have heard the rumors," said Steve. "But whether he had them before or not they're gone now. Chloe will figure that out if she hasn't already."
"I think tonight will do it," Lana said smiling sadly.
Steve reached out and took Lana's hand sympathetically. Lana looked into his eyes and saw only sympathy and compassion. She squeezed his hand back before she stood.
"Where to now," asked Steve.
"Home," said Lana. "I need to get out of these clothes and just be me by myself for a little while. I'm sorry I left you on the dance floor." She said with wan smile.
"I'm tough," said Steve. "I might even forgive you."
She chuckled. "Thanks, I think."
"Can I walk you to your car then?"
"That'd be nice," she said putting her arm through his as they walked to the door.
Disclaimer: Nope I don't own them no offense or copy-right legal stuff intended
Time-Line/Spoilers: During/Post Obscura…kind of a re-arrangement/rewrite of some events and what happened after. And Just for Clarification I am messing with the timetable for Tempest and pretty much washing out most of the plotline for it..
Rating: PG-13 I guess…mostly for language, and maybe the action sequences.
Note from ME to the READER: Reviews are appreciated and may help me decide which direction to go with this thing While this is a C/C get together type of thing and I am a SERIOUSLY Rabid fan of that relationship There IS a plot going outside that. Kinda follows the episode's "Freak of the Weak" idea……with a twist. SO bear with me in the beginning while I introduce a new Character
….The Fortress of Solitude….
…..Several Hours Later…
"Clark?" asked Steve as he walked up the steps into the loft. "You up there?"
"Yeah we're both here," answered Chloe.
Steve saw Clark and Chloe standing together by the window of the loft. They had apparently been looking out the window and they turned as he came up the steps.
"How's your head?" asked Clark his look thoughtful and his tone neutral.
"It hurts," replied Steve. "Four stitches, you?"
"No problems," Clark shrugged. "A bump on the head and slightly sore throat." He exaggerated slightly. "Nothing to worry about."
"Well?" said Chloe, her tone pointed and her look piercing. "Where do you want start?"
Clark sighed "Chloe." But she stared him down, apparently the two had already had this argument once.
"He said later Clark," she said firmly, her voice just this side of frosty. "This is later."
"She's right Clark," said Steve resignedly. "This is gonna be something of a speech though so you might want to sit down." he added pointing to the couch. Chloe took a seat and fixed him with her penetrating 'Reporter' stare while Clark stood behind the couch with his hands on her shoulders.
"Where to begin," muttered Steve as he paced to window and stood staring out into the night. Chloe opened her mouth to say something but Clark gently squeezed her shoulders and she subsided. "It started when I was about nine. I have a godfather who works as a forensics scientist for the local police department near where I grew up. One day I was hanging out there because he was gonna take my cousin and I out to a movie after. It was raining like the sky was gonna fall down. Lightning, thunder the whole deal." Steve paused and smiled to himself, his body half turned to Chloe and Clark, his eyes distant. "I love thunderstorms like that. So I was standing by the window looking out when the lightning struck. I was standing next to a tall metal shelf full of chemicals and solutions one second and the next I was waking up in the hospital twelve hours later; covered in bandages."
"Ouch," muttered Clark almost to himself.
Steve didn't seem to hear him. "I remember seeing the police surveillance camera tapes, and watching that metal shelf explode and throw me some ten feet through the air. My brother told me later there was still electricity sparking off my hands when he finally got the remains of the shelf off me."
"What happened after that?" asked Chloe as Steve showed no sign of continuing. Her voice was firm but kinder than it had been when he started.
"Nothing really," said Steve, looking at Chloe. "I spent a couple of weeks in the hospital for burns and glass cuts and then I was back out on the monkey bars so-to-speak. Of course that changed when I tried to run from my Dad, who was chasing me with the water hose. I plowed right into our backyard's wooden fence."
"No control?" said Clark.
"Zip," agreed Steve, whose deep reverie seemed to have past. He now almost seemed cheerful to reveal the secret. "Scared the pants off my dad though, he was something of a scientist himself, pharmaceutical research of some kind. We never told anyone about it, even when it started happening on a regular basis. We just spent the next four years hiding it and driving out in to the middle of nowhere to let me run and stuff without fear of bumping into things. Then, of course, came the car accident that killed my folks and landed me here."
"So how fast can you run and what else can you do?" asked Chloe eagerly.
"I don't know and that's it," replied Steve. "I mean I know I can move fast but how fast?" he shrugged. "It's not like I am out chasing cars or anything."
"Oh yeah I guess that's true," said Chloe. "We should get a timer or something and measure off distance…." Chloe was already up rooting around Clark's loft for a stopwatch.
"Chloe," said Clark with a smile as she bustled about in her usual high energy fashion. "I'm fairly certain that I don't have a stopwatch up here. After the day we've had why don't we just let it be? He told us."
"But…" she said, then stopped as it was her this time who was stared down. She took a deep breath and sighed "You're right. I haven't been very polite this evening. I guess my reporter mode kicked in."
"I noticed," said Steve with a slight smirk. "So what happened to you guys, and Thomas?"
"He has a concussion but he'll be all-right," replied Clark. "Apparently the water from his family's old well was contaminated with meteor rock dust and he was drinking the water to beef up."
"Yeah the side effect seems to be in made him a little nuts," Chloe added as she came and stood beside Clark. "His mother told the cops he's been getting more and more belligerent over the past few months. I guess he got stronger the more he drank."
"And crazier," added Steve. "We can hope he'll recover. Oh and that reminds me Chloe, I probably owe you my life. Thanks."
"Don't mention it," she said smiling at him. "I'd better get going though it's late and I promised my dad I wouldn't be over here too long. If he calls and I am not at the house he'll go ballistic."
"Drive safe," said Steve.
"Walk me to my car Clark?" said Chloe, as she turned she saw Clark's mouth just in the process of opening. He shut it quickly and blinked once or twice.
"Yes," he said when she grinned at him. Clark nodded at Steve and then walked Chloe down and out of the barn.
"Don't let her get away Clark," said Steve when his friend returned some ten minutes later.
Clark nodded. That thought had been floating around in his mind for weeks now. "I don't plan on it. So how are you really feeling?"
"Truthfully?" said Steve. "I'm not really sure. The only other people who knew before today were my folks. In a way, it's a relief. But I feel like I've burdened you both with something."
"I suppose that is one way of looking at," Clark said. "But I've always thought friends were there to help share the burden."
"I would normally be the first to agree," said Steve. "It's a little tougher when you are the one doing the burdening."
"We'll all just have to learn to live with it," said Clark, with a certain sense understanding.
"Yeah," agreed Steve as he pushed off from the ledge and got ready to leave. "Time for me to go as well. Just wanted to thank you for not…well….."
"Freaking out?" answered Clark taking Steve's outstretched hand. "We take a lot to freak around here. Night Steve." The boys shook hands.
Note to the readers. Ok this happens in the Tempest area and beyond…. Good episode but they had way too many plots running simultaneous I thought so I dumped most of them, moved some around and rewrote a few. I stuck to Romance and Tornados. Please nobody kill me. And for those of u C/C shippers (like me) who wanted to kill that damned announcer at the dance. Get ready for a surprise!
Part 3 – Shared Secrets and Departures
…..Smallville High….
…..Two Weeks Later…..
"Boy what a week," muttered Steve as he walked rapidly down the empty halls toward the Torch. Actually the last two he amended silently to himself. With the Spring Formal rapidly approaching a lot of things had begun happening at once. The new principal decided, much too Chloe's dismay, that the Torch needed to run a story following the preparations so that all the people who set it up would not be forgotten. She had told Chloe that the Torch was a school paper and that there needed to be more school activities in it and less "weirdness." Steve grinned as he remembered Clark's description of Chloe's somewhat incoherent response. Luckily Clark had been there to keep Chloe from going into rant in front of the new principal.
Steve had volunteered to keep track of it so Chloe could concentrate on the "real news" in Smallville. This, of course, meant that he was running around taking pictures of decorations and getting quotes from people who were more interested in balloons and color schemes than talking to him. On top of that Chloe had made it her mission to discover every single aspect of his powers, which meant wandering out to the vast farmlands that surrounded Smallville with Chloe, Clark, and a stopwatch. It was frustrating and fun at the same time.
Then there was Lana. Whitney's sudden decision to leave for the marines had taken everyone by surprise. He had left the previous weekend and Lana had been hard to reach ever since. Her sunny personality just seemed to evaporate. She almost seemed to live at the Talon now. Steve, Clark, and even Chloe had tried numerous times to get her to take a day off or something. Clark was worried about her and Steve was as well. Lana had welcomed him almost as fast as Chloe and Clark, and he wished he could do something to help her.
"Hey Chloe I got a couple of great…..ummm" Steve broke off as he walked into the Torch to see Clark typing at his computer alone.
"Hey Steve," said Clark turning from his screen. "Chloe decided she needed some caffeine and went to the Talon."
"I'm surprised you didn't offer to go for her," grinned Steve as he walked in and sat down. "You usually do."
"I tried," admitted Clark, smiling. "But she said she needed to stretch her legs, and off she went."
"Ahhh, " said Steve. "How long ago did she head out?"
"Just a few minutes," he replied. "You need to tell her something?" he asked indicating the camera under Steve's arm. "I don't expect her back for about a half an hour.
"Nahh," said Steve as he set down the camera. "Actually I was hoping for a moment alone with you." Steve had been trying a get a moment without Chloe around for the past few days. The two were inseparable and he didn't begrudge them that but he did have some questions he needed to ask Clark.
Clark raised an eyebrow at Steve's nervous look. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing really I guess," said Steve as he sat down in his chair and rolled it to where he was facing his friend. "Just had some questions I wanted to ask."
"Sure," said Clark.
"OK now not that I don't appreciate the attention, but what is it with Chloe and my powers?"
Clark laughed. "She's intrigued I think," he said. "You're the first person with strange powers we've ever met who isn't homicidal and she is taking advantage of it. I think she's just curious. You can hardly blame her."
"I know," said Steve. "I'm only gonna be able to put up with it for so long. Chloe is my friend but I don't want to become her pet project."
"You won't," Clark assured him. "I'll talk to her about it. Speaking of Chloe…" Clark trailed off, looking somewhat nervous.
"Clark you KNOW I can't tell you that," said Steve with a laugh. This was the third time Clark had tried to get him or Pete to tell him something about Chloe's dress. Determined to get a "Man's" opinion Chloe had banished Clark from her presence and insisted that Pete and Steve give the outfit the once over. Steve had the impression that it was to tease Clark just as much as it was for verification that the dress was appropriate "She'll wring my neck."
Clark sighed. "Can you keep a secret?"
Steve raised an eyebrow.
"OK another secret," Clark amended.
"I'm sure I can," replied Steve. "But I can't guarantee that whatever you are fixing to tell me is worth me revealing information that could cost me my life."
"I just need to know the color of the dress," Clark exclaimed, he sounded somewhere between annoyed and exasperated."
"Why?" Steve asked surprised at the almost desperation in Clark's tone.
"Because I was going to surprise her with a bunch of flowers that match her dress," said Clark. "She won't even tell m…"
"Pink,"
"What," said Clark surprised.
"You heard me," said Steve as he watched Clark's face go from anxious to relieved. "And you realize that my life is now forfeit as soon as you show up with those plants."
Clark grinned at him. Steve was just about to grin back when Clark's expression changed again to one of astonishment. Steve turned to look behind him and was just as surprised.
"Hey Lana," said Clark, smiling at her. He got back a wan smile in return.
"Hey Clark, Steve," she greeted the boys.
"I'll just head out for a sec…" Steve said he didn't want Lana to think she had to leave, but she interrupted him.
"No, Steve, stay," said Lana. "I was actually looking for both of you. I needed to apologize."
"For what?" asked Clark as he reached over to pull a chair out for her.
"For being such lousy company," said Lana sitting down. "I've been moping all week and you guys have all been trying to cheer me up. I just wanted you guys to know I appreciated it."
"That's what friends are for," said Steve. "I wish there was something we could do."
"Actually there is," she said.
"Oh?" said Clark.
"I need a date." Of all the things that she could have said, that was probably the absolute last thing the two boys had expected.
"Like for the Dance?" asked Steve.
"Yeah," said Lana. "I mean I need to get out of this funk somehow and I already have the dress and everything."
"It would be a shame to waste what is undoubtedly a gorgeous evening gown," said Steve with a playful grin. This time Lana smiled at the jibe.
"So, can you help me?" she asked.
"Hmmmm," said Clark, his hand under his chin as if he were thinking very hard. "Single man for last minute date. Steve any suggestions?"
"Let me think," said Steve as he got up to pace the length of the office, striding back and forth, tapping on his forehead, rubbing his chin, and pulling at his hair dramatically. The performance was punctuated by the occasional 'AHA!' followed by a "nope can't do it." The whole thing reduced Clark and Lana smiles and laughter.
"I've got it," said Steve suddenly.
"Really?" asked Lana.
"I think so," answered Steve. "He's not much but he is single and relatively harmless."
"Harmless?" laughed Clark. "So who is this guy?"
"Yes enlighten us!" agreed Lana with a grin.
Steve strode forward and dropped to one knee. "Lana, will you go to the dance with me?"
Lana stared at him for a few seconds, blinking her eyes in surprise. Then she laughed. "I think that just might be a good idea." She said as she took his offered hand. "Thank you."
Clark was somewhat nonplused. He hadn't really expected that. "Well now it looks as if we all have a date."
"That it does," agreed Steve as he stood.
"Well the Talon beckons," Lana sighed as she stood. "I'll see you guys later. Especially you!" she grinned impishly at Steve, her demeanor almost that of her normal self. There was still some sadness in her eyes but she looked as though she was feeling better.
"I await the coming event with great expectations," said Steve with a bow and flourish.
"Bye guys," she said chuckling as she walked out of the door.
"Well that was interesting," said Clark as he raised an eyebrow at Steve.
"It seemed like the thing to do," shrugged Steve. "She needs to get out and stop moping about it."
"No argument."
"There is one problem though," said Steve, turning to look at Clark. "I can't dance."
…….The Talon…….
…..Three Hours Later…..
Lana walked out of the Talon storeroom and noticed that the crowd had pretty much fizzled down to a few people studying. In the thinned crowd she noticed a new face at a table by himself. After checking to be certain someone was watching the bar she headed in his direction.
"Steve," she said.
He looked up from the papers at his table. "Hey Lana. I thought you were gone for the night."
"Nope I'm closing," she replied. "In fact I was just getting ready to take a breather before I started closing everything down. May I sit?"
"Certainly," said Steve, shoving the papers in a folder and motioning to a chair.
"Thanks," she said sitting.
"I hope this dance thing is not gonna be a problem," said Steve after a moment. "I mean aside from the times in here with Clark and company we really haven't hung out any."
"True," said Lana. "But Clark is a good judge of character and he seems to vouch for you. Besides it's nice to meet new people. Just as long as we're clear it's not a date."
"Understood," agreed Steve. "I am the professional escort and dance buddy, got it." He grinned at her, she grinned back.
"Now I will try not to treat you like the hired help. Speaking of which how were we planning on getting there?"
"Well since it's not a date we could meet there," suggested Steve somewhat shamefacedly. "Or would Nell feel cheated without pictures?
"She'll get over it," said Lana. "Meeting there would take some of the date idea out of people's head. Hey why the long face?" she said noticing his unhappy countenance."
"Well feeling somewhat guilty I guess," admitted Steve. "I mean I can't even offer you a limo ride, given that the dance is like two days away."
Lana smiled and then suddenly thought of something. "Are you going to be able to get a tux?"
"Already have one," answered Steve. "I was planning on going stag but I was going."
"Why didn't you ask anyone?"
"Ummm.." Steve hesitated.
"Come on; out with it," she said laughing at his obvious embarrassment.
"I can't dance," said Steve sheepishly. "Or rather I dance very poorly. I would totally understand if you wanted Clark and I to go through that list of guys again now."
Lana laughed. "Lack of foot coordination can be fixed," she said. "You just show up here after we close here tomorrow and we'll work on it. I'd start tonight but I have to study for a math test."
"You sure," asked Steve, and she nodded. "I'll be here."
"Good now get out of here so I can get this place closed."
"Yes ma'am," said Steve with a smile.
…….Fortress of Solitude.…..
……Saturday of the Spring Formal……
"Clark?" said Lex as he walked into the Kent barn.
"Up here Lex," said Clark his voice sounding annoyed.
Lex walked up the stairs to the loft to be greeted by the site of his friend attempting to tie his bowtie. From the look of Clark's face in the mirror and the tone of his voice, he wasn't having much luck. "Getting ready?" he asked hiding his amusement.
"Trying to," muttered Clark as the tie slipped out for the eleventh time.
"Here," said Lex walking over and turning Clark to face him. "I have some experience with this."
"Thanks," said Clark sounding somewhat embarrassed and trying to hide it.
Lex caught it anyway and stopped tying the tie. "This probably accounts for some of it," he said with a raised eyebrow as held out Clark's visibly shaking hand by the wrist. "Nervous?"
"I guess it shows," Clark said as he looked at his hand while Lex released it and went back to the tie.
"Only if someone happens to be looking in your general direction," said Lex with a devilish grin. "I am surprised though." He added as he stepped back and checked the tie.
"Surprised?"
"Well you generally don't get this nervous unless Lana happens to be around," Lex pointed out. "Although that too has been a rare thing lately. I heard she was going to the dance?"
"Yeah," said Clark as he and Lex walked out of the loft. "She and Steve are kind-of going."
"Ah Steve," said Lex in a neutral voice.
Clark eyed his friend as they walked toward the Kent home. Steve's meeting with Lex had been just this side of frosty. Lex had come back from Metropolis shortly after the incident with Thomas. Their first meeting had for some reason been somewhat strained. The two just seemed to be oil and water. Both people had complex personalities that seemed to repel rather than mesh. Clark hoped they could work it out but for now he changed the subject.
"I really want to thank you again for letting me borrow the limo," said Clark.
"Can't be a Prince Charming without one," Lex replied with a negligent wave.
Clark laughed. "Chloe told me yesterday that Sleeping Beauty was never her role-model."
"That fails to surprise me," said Lex as he opened the door to his Porsche. "Have a good time Clark."
"Bye Lex," said Clark as he turned and walked back into his house. He checked the clock on the wall. He still had plenty of time before Chloe got here.
Thirty minutes later Clark was standing outside his house waiting nervously for Chloe to arrive. They had decided to meet here because Clark's parents wanted pictures. "Clark?" said Martha Kent as she walked out on the porch.
"Here Mom," said Clark from beside the door where he was watching nervously down the road.
Martha smiled at his look. "She'll be here Clark."
"I know," said Clark. That's almost what I am afraid of, he thought
"How could anyone resist you in this outfit?" said Martha as she came over and straightened his tie. She loved her son dearly and it always hurt her to see him miss out on all the things she had taken for granted growing up, because of his gifts. This was one thing he could do and that happy nervous look on his face, as well as his preparations for tonight told her he was making the most of it.
"I hope it looks ok," muttered Clark. "I keep wondering if I should have gone with the red tie."
"You look fine; Son," said Jonathon from the door. "And if you don't believe me ask your date. I think she's here." He added pointing to the road where Chloe's car had just pulled into the drive.
"Don't leave till I get my camera!" said Martha as she walked inside, her husband rolling his eyes and laughing over his cup of coffee.
"Have fun; Clark," said Jonathon. "The dance ends at what; midnight?"
Clark nodded as he watched Chloe's car approach out of the corner of his eye.
"The weather service has issued a tornado warning for tonight and tomorrow," said Mr. Kent, pointing to the dark building storm clouds. "I doubt we'll get any this early in the season but the wind and the rain will be pretty fierce. If you need to wait later at the school for the weather to clear up just make sure you call us."
"I will; Dad," said Clark as Chloe's car pulled up beside the family's truck.
"Go on son," said Jonathon with a smile. "I'll slow your mother down,"
Clark nodded and walked off the porch, scooping up the corsage from the porch swing. Chloe had gotten out of her car by the time Clark stepped off the porch. Her car was between them so he didn't see her till they were close together, and when he did he wished that that porch swing was underneath so that he could collapse into it. Chloe's dress was a pink strapless wrap. The gold designs on it looked slightly oriental. Her hair was done up and she had smile that could light up the world.
She was, in a word, stunning.
Chloe on the other hand was feeling very self conscious. She was perfectly happy with her looks and her clothes, but she was not so sure about how everyone else saw them. Normally she didn't really care; this situation however was not normal. This was Clark, and she did worry, or a least care a whole lot. His tux brought out his broad shoulders and his height was always an advantage. Those eyes of his could make her heart do somersaults. She almost preferred his hair in its normal mode of just this shy of mussed instead of gelled into place. She wasn't going to complain though, not hardly.
"Well what do you think?" she said as she spun to give him the full view. She stopped her spin and looked at him. His grin was somewhat silly. "Clark?"
"Wow; Chloe," said as he found his voice. "You look great."
"Thank you," she said smiling at him. "You clean up very nicely too."
He smiled at her as he pulled the corsage from its plastic container and slipped it on her wrist. She smiled back as she pinned the white flower on his left breast. Then they both blinked as Mrs. Kent snapped her first picture.
"Mom," said Clark, sounding somewhere between embarrassed and annoyed. Chloe laughed.
"Smile, Clark," said Chloe as she put her arm around him and he draped his arm over her shoulders.
"Perfect," said Martha as she snapped several more pictures of the couple.
"Can we go now?" asked Clark.
"Have fun honey," said Martha with a smile. "Bye Chloe."
"Bye Mrs. Kent," she replied as she and Clark walked toward Lex's black limo.
"One more surprise," said Clark with a nervous grin as they stopped by the door.
"Surprise?" said Chloe looking at Clark, her natural reporter instinct was to be suspicious. The look on Clark's face made her wonder if she was going to need a tissue or something.
"Yeah," said Clark, opening the door to the limo.
Chloe Sullivan had never considered herself much of a romantic. She had also never considered that to be bad thing. Looking into the limo she found herself wondering if she was wrong. On the seat of the limo was a dozen roses long stemmed roses. There were six pink ones around the outside, then four white ones that protected two red ones.
Clark reached into the car and pulled out the flowers. "I wasn't sure if you liked roses or not…" Clark trailed off as Chloe continued to stare at him and the flowers.
Chloe suddenly realized that Clark was actually taking her silence as a rejection of the flowers. Typical Clark she thought. "Clark, they're beautiful. Thank you." She reached up pulled him down to kiss his cheek. "Now let's go," she said with a grin at his blush. "There is a big difference between fashionably late and very late."
Clark laughed as he bowed to let her in the limo first before climbing in after her.
…..Smallville High…..
…Some 20 minutes later…..
Clark could tell that his father was right about the weather as soon as he and Chloe left the limo. The wind had picked up considerably and was whipping through the trees along the road. There were some raindrops mixed in with it and while it wasn't raining yet, Clark could smell the storm coming. He and Chloe hurried in out of the weather, stopping once they got partway down the hall to shake and put themselves back in order. Chloe laughed as she watched Pete and his date come in, looking somewhat the worse for wear.
"What happened Pete?" asked Clark, as a collection of formally dressed students flowed by towards the gym.
"It's raining something fierce over by my house," replied Pete. "We got caught in little bit of it."
Pete's date laughed. "A little? We got a second shower." she said with a grin.
"Well at least this one was together," said mischievous voice from direction of the doors.
All four of them turned to see Steve and Lana walking down the hallway arm in arm, Lana in the process of laughing and punching her date in the shoulder. Lana was dressed in a long off the shoulder dress of deep blue, her long brown hair was down. Steve had gone with black tie as well, making Pete the only man in red.
"Pete, Erica you'll have to forgive my escort," said Lana giving Steve a mock glare. "I haven't had time to rub off his rough edges yet."
"Good luck trying," said Chloe, she was still half afraid that Clark would see Lana in a formal dress and go mooning off after her. So Chloe was surprised when Clark slipped his arm around her so that she could either lean against him or push away. She immediately chose the former. "Steve's a hard nut to crack."
"Can't argue with that," agreed Clark, giving Chloe an almost imperceptible squeeze. He knew she was worried about his feelings for Lana. That they failed to appear had stopped surprising him. He would always care for her, but the crush was gone, his feelings leaned in one direction now and he was happy with them. "I'm not even sure you have the patience, Lana."
"Well I taught him to dance," she responded coming to his defense. "So he can't be too tough."
"Thanks everyone," Steve muttered but he was smiling. "So shall we move into dance or stand in the hallway all evening?"
"Just one second," said Pete as he pulled out a camera. "I need pictures of this motley group."
"Here," said Steve as Chloe tried to take the camera. "All the friends together."
"You too Lana," said Chloe, surprising herself. Clark must have been a little surprised too but he squeezed her hand.
Lana smiled and joined the group. She stood on one side of Clark, her arm around Pete from the other side. Clark put an arm around Chloe on one side as Lana stood next to him. Erica slipped her arm around Pete and draped herself over him with a bright smile, Pete's grin was rakish.
"Say Cheese!" said Steve as he focused and snapped the portrait. "Got it in one, now let go of my date Pete." Steve grinned.
"Feeling left out?" said Lana smiling as she walked over to Steve. "Nahh someone had to take the shot. I'll be in the next one."
"Well I hear the music," said Pete as he and Erica made for the gym arm in arm. "Let's rock this place."
"Gotta agree with Pete on that one," said Steve. "They can't be having any fun without us. My lady." He said with a formal bow and flourish. Lana laughed and accepted his hand.
"Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight?" asked Clark as he and Chloe turned to follow them.
"I think so," she said with a smile as she slipped her arm through his. "But frequent reminders are always appreciated."
……..Smallville High Gym………
…..An hour or so into the dance…..
"Doesn't he ever get tired?" asked Steve.
"Pete?" laughed Clark. "I doubt it."
"Well here's to him then," said Steve raising his cup of punch. "I could never keep up."
"Me neither," agreed Clark. "So Lana really did teach you how to dance."
"She tried," said Steve with a grin. "I'm not sure how well she succeeded."
"You have though."
"Have what?
"Succeeded in making her smile," said Clark as he nodded where Chloe and Lana and group of girls were talking and laughing.
"It's only skin deep," sighed Steve. "She's trying to bring herself out of it, but I doubt she'll be totally back to herself for a while."
"Still you're effort is appreciated," said Clark. "By me and I am sure she does as well."
"I hope so," said Steve. "I don't want to think her I am doing this for my benefit."
"I doubt that is…" Clark trailed off as the music changed. "Finally," he said with a certain amount of exasperation.
"What?" said Steve as Pete practically skidded to halt in front of them.
"Clark," said Pete throwing a knowing look in Chloe's direction.
"I know," said Clark smiling. "That's why I requested it."
"Now that's what I'm talking about!" said Pete with a laugh as Clark made his way over to Chloe and offered her his hand.
"I missed it," admitted Steve.
"Chloe's favorite song," said Pete.
"He's learning," agreed Steve. "Well I think I've been on the sidelines too long myself."
"Too slow," said Pete as he headed for the punch bowl. He never made it, Erica intercepted him halfway to there and dragged him back out onto the dance floor.
Steve shook his head as he weaved his way over to Lana. "What do ya say Ms. Lang Shall we see if your lessons have taught me anything?"
"Don't mind if I do," she said, grinning back at him as she took his offered his arm and they walked out onto the dance floor.
Clark led Chloe out onto the dance floor as the song began in earnest.
"So are you enjoying the night so far?"
"Yeah," said Chloe. "It's been a good one."
They said no more as he held her close and she put her head on his chest and they danced to the music. Clark barely heard the music; all he could think about was the girl in his arms. She'd been his friend since eighth grade, a perky blonde with so much enthusiasm and energy that he sometimes wondered how he kept up, super-powers or not. His mind drifted back to the events of the past year; fire-breathing coaches, telekinetic artist, and there was Chloe hot on the trail. She never let up and Clark wished he hadn't taken so long to see what she meant to him
Chloe rested her head on Clark's chest and sighed. A dream she thought. It could only be a dream. Clark is here, he hasn't vanished, and there aren't any meteor freaks in site. He's holding me and not Lana, and suddenly she wondered why.
Chloe pulled her head off of Clark's chest and looked up into his deep blue eyes, as he stared back she felt herself getting lost in their depths. His head began to toward hers, their eyes locked and their lips moving closer. Clark's hand rose from her back and cupped her cheek just as their lips made contact.
And for a moment there was nothing else. No dance floor, no music, just them. Chloe reached up and put her hand behind his head as his thumb continued to caress her cheek. Eventually they parted, and Chloe opened her eyes to see Clark's sparkling back at her. His smile was sincere and a contained just a shade of uncertainty, which Chloe dispelled with a smile before putting her head back on Clark's chest and continuing a dance that she wished could never end.
The song did end, however. When it was over Chloe looked up and was almost surprised to see Clark.
"Yeah," he said softly with smile as he led her off the dance floor "Still here."
Chloe blushed. "Was it that obvious?"
"Only to me," he assured her.
"I don't suppose this means we're official?" she said with her last shreds of uncertainty.
Clark raised an eyebrow. "I was kind-of hoping we were," Clark said. "But if you'd pref…"
"Nope; official is perfect," she interrupted firmly taking his hand again. "Just perfect."
"Uh oh," said Clark as they reached the edge of the dance floor.
Chloe looked where's Clark's eyes were pointed and saw Pete descending on them like an avalanche, his grin from ear to ear.
"Well," he said. "If only I'd had my camera handy for THAT Kodak moment."
Clark blushed and Chloe swung, but Pete had been careful to keep his distance and she missed. Mainly because she hadn't let go of Clark's hand yet. "Pete," she said warningly.
"All right; all right," he said, still grinning. "For now I will be silent. For now."
Clark sighed and then laughed, Chloe joined in. She stopped suddenly and looked around. "Clark, where are Steve and Lana?"
Lana was running, with Steve in hot pursuit. He caught her just as they reached the last turn before the main entrance of the school.
"Lana," said Steve as he stepped in front of her to stop her momentum. "Come on talk to me." She didn't answer but tried to go around him. He kept in front of her.
Steve had heard her sob right in the middle of the song. Steve had seen the beginnings of the kiss and smiled at it before turning his head away. It must have still been happening when they turned so that she faced them. Her reaction had been swift and she had been most of the way off the dance floor before Steve could get started. He was worried about her and unsure exactly what, if anything he could or should do.
"Talk to me hon," said Steve, keeping his voice soft and his body in front of her. "Please."
Finally the dam broke and she cried. Spilling her tears onto his shirt as he held her. After several minutes her sobbing seemed to subside and she raised her head to look at him.
"Wanna talk about it?"
"Do I have a choice?"
"Yes," replied Steve. "I'm not gonna hold you here at gunpoint or tie you up. But I do want to help."
Lana sighed, it was almost another sob. "It was just watching Clark and Chloe kiss. Brought it all home I guess," she said as she sat down on the nearby staircase.
"Whitney?"
She nodded. "He's gone and for all that I know he cares; he's still gone and I'm alone."
"Hardly alone," said Steve quietly. "I realize it's not the same, but we're here for you too."
"I know," said Lana. "But Clark has always been there when I needed him and now with Chloe.."
"He'll still be there," said Steve kneeling beside her. "Those two care deeply for each other and that they have found each other is a good thing. But if you think Clark is going to abandon you or any other friend then he's not the man either of us know he is."
Lana took a deep breath. "I know," she said. "But I don't want to hurt what they have just found and Clark has, or rather had feelings for me. At least I thought he did."
"I have heard the rumors," said Steve. "But whether he had them before or not they're gone now. Chloe will figure that out if she hasn't already."
"I think tonight will do it," Lana said smiling sadly.
Steve reached out and took Lana's hand sympathetically. Lana looked into his eyes and saw only sympathy and compassion. She squeezed his hand back before she stood.
"Where to now," asked Steve.
"Home," said Lana. "I need to get out of these clothes and just be me by myself for a little while. I'm sorry I left you on the dance floor." She said with wan smile.
"I'm tough," said Steve. "I might even forgive you."
She chuckled. "Thanks, I think."
"Can I walk you to your car then?"
"That'd be nice," she said putting her arm through his as they walked to the door.
