Chapter 5

"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" original character) that I felt needed changing. And I'd always intended on changing the title. I haven't changed any major plot points. I hope you continue to like the story, and as always please read and review.

* A nice little Chlark chapter, because in the end its always about the Chlark*

            "Ah, relative piece and quiet" Chloe exclaimed as she and Clark descended the stairwell.

            "Yeah I'm glad we're the only ones who though to come down here".

            "It's probably for the best. Mari's no doubt freaking out about all the people taking 'private tours' of her house" Chloe giggled.

            "Well it's the price you pay for having a party like this".

            "Well its not like she had the party for herself. She only did it because…" Chloe trailed off and felt herself blushing freely. She and Clark smiled at each other for a while.

            "So, where is that little fortress you were talking about?" Chloe asked, breaking the silence.

            "I don't really know. I've only been down here a few times"

            "Why is that? I thought your moms' were like best buddies. Didn't you guys spend like every summer together?"

            "Well yeah" Clark said obviously uncomfortable with where this conversation was going, "but that was when we were kids. Things have changed a bit since then".

            Startled by Clark's sudden change in demeanor Chloe resisted the urge to press the issue farther; she didn't want to ruin the mood. But she couldn't help wonder what Clark was hiding.

            "Hey I think that's it" Clark said, pointing to the farthest corner of the room.

            Chloe looked and saw a door with a small square window. "Well there's only one way to find out".

            They advanced towards the door and Clark grabbed the knob and finding that the door was locked discreetly gave it an extra twist, most likely breaking it, and stepped aside to let Chloe in. Chloe fumbled for a light switch and the room was suddenly bathed in bright light. Although the room was definitely small, there was something comforting about it. There was the small desk, just big enough for a laptop and a couple of books. There was also Mari's music stand, a few sheets of music neatly packed on top. A shelf mounted on the wall held a few more books of sheet music, a small stereo and a picture frame. Clark's eyes rested on the small frame and Clark recognized a picture of he and Mari. They couldn't have been more than seven years old in the picture and Mari's tiny arm was in a cast.

            "Clark, I'm starting to think this wasn't such a good idea" Chloe said her eyes wandering, "it seems like this is a pretty private spot".

            "Yeah" Clark agreed, wanting to get out of here as soon as possible, "let's get out of here".  

            Clark turned off the lights and pulled the door closed behind them, the guilt washing over him as the door refused to close completely.

            "I think that couch over there will do quite nicely" Chloe said and Clark refocused on her.     

            "So you're gonna seduce me on a random couch in plain view"

            "Well" Chloe said, pretending to consider it, "yeah! Now come over here Kent".

            Clark smiled and let Chloe lead him to the couch, but before she could pull him down, he pulled her close.

            "This is crazy Chloe".

            "Yeah, but I don't really mind. I kinda like the crazy. I thrive on it".

            "You're amazing Chloe" Clark said sincerely.

            "You have no idea" Chloe replied as Clark claimed her lips in a ferocious kiss.

            Clark wrapped his arms completely around Chloe's waist and Chloe snuggled into his embrace. Clark guided them back towards the couch and they separated long enough to lie down on the couch. Clark hesitated, not wanting to crush her but Chloe wrapped her legs around his waist and pulled him down to her. Clark groaned his approval and buried his lips in Chloe's neck, trailing kisses down to her collarbone.

            Chloe moaned and pushed her body up to Clark's, wanting to diminish any space between them. Clark's hands were roaming over her thighs, their bodies settled into an easy rhythm. Clark shifted slightly and Chloe came into direct contact with Clark's erection. She gasped loudly and Clark froze.

            "What's wrong? Are you okay? Did I hurt you?" Clark asked, his eyes round as saucers scanning Chloe's body for any sign of injury.

            "No Clark I'm fine, you just uh startled me a little bit" Chloe said, boldly directing her eyes towards exactly what had startled her.

            "Oh" Clark said simply, his face turning the deepest shade of crimson she'd ever seen on another person, "that".

            "Yeah, that".

            "I'm sorry", Clark said, more as a question that a statement.

            "For what? Until I freaked out we had a pretty good thing going" Chloe said, kissing Clark lightly for emphasis.

            "Yeah, I can't disagree with that". Clark replied.

            Chloe sat up straight and faced Clark. "But Clark as much as I want this I don't want to rush it".

            "I would never pressure you Chloe".

            "I know Clark, but I just need to say this, for my benefit as much as yours" Chloe paused, took a deep breath and then continued. "Clark we both know that I've wanted this for a long time but that doesn't mean we can just jump into this".

            "What do you mean?"

            "It means that I'm not gonna be your instant girlfriend. You're going to have to work for it" Chloe said, the spark returning to her eyes.

            "Your wish is my command" Clark said deeply, picking up Chloe's hand and kissing it, his eyes never leaving hers.

            "I'm serious Clark!" Chloe protested weakly, distracted by the fact that Clark was slowly kissing his way up her arm a la Gomez Adams. The kisses sent sparks throughout her whole body. He worked his way up to her bare shoulder and rested his chin there.

            "Is that a good start?" he asked.

            "Yeah" Chloe said, looking down on Clark's eyes gazing at her adoringly, Chloe was melting from the inside out. Chloe kissed him again and Clark pulled her into his lap, holding on to her like he would never let go, and that was just the way she wanted it.