Chapter 4: Obsession

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Disclaimer: The song "#1 Crush" belongs to Garbage.

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I've got a deadline.  Not for the paper, but for – another project.  It's 3am, and here I am working meticulously putting it together.  A lamp, and the full moon outside are the only things illuminating this work of art.

I would die for you
I would die for you
I've been dying just to feel you by my side
To know that you're mine

Snip.  Snip.  There.  Finished at last.  I look up at the Wall of Weird in my own room.  It is now the wall of Chlark.

I will cry for you
I will cry for you
I will wash away your pain with all my tears
And drown your fear

Clark playing basketball.  Clark swimming.  Clark smiling.

I will pray for you
I will pray for you
I will sell my soul for something pure and true
Someone like you

Clark and I.  Clark and I smiling.  If only it could be like that all the time…

See your face every place that I walk in
Hear your voice every time that I'm talking
You will believe in me
And I will never be ignored

Soon, babe.  Soon we'll be together.

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A sense of calm washes over me as I see sparse clouds float past the moon.  It is big and bright, a good omen of things to come.  The wind is picking up, as I see the branches on the trees sway in the moonlight.

I will burn for you
Feel pain for you
I will twist the knife and bleed my aching heart

It's been a long time, Lana, but I'm back.  I can see you through my binoculars.  You seem happy, but I know it's all a lie.

And tear it apart

Just pretending that everything okay.  Don't worry Lana, things didn't go so well between us when we parted, but this time, we'll be inseparable.

I will lie for you
Beg and steal for you
I will crawl on hands and knees until you see
You're just like me

We're soul mates, you and I, cut from the same cloth.  We have a fundamental understanding of each other.

Violate all the love that I'm missing
Throw away all the pain that I'm living
You will believe in me
And I can never be ignored

We're going to be together.

I would die for you


I would kill for you

I will steal for you

I'd do time for you

I will wait for you


I'd make room for you

Nothing is going to stop us.

I'd sink ships for you


To be close to you

To be part of you

Cause I believe in you

I believe in you

I would die for you

Not even Clark Kent.

~~~

Nervous, why am I so nervous?  Okay, pull yourself together, you can do this.  The door opens and there she is – radiant as ever.  My mouth goes slack as I take her all in.  Her eyes bulge and she rushes to hug me.  I feel her arms snake around me, so I guess she doesn't hate me.  That's always a good sign.

"Hi."

"Hi."

"Surprise!"

"You're home, I can't believe you're here.  What happened to your foot?!" she asks as she notices the crutches, leaning against her porch railing, and the cast on my right foot.

"Yeah, well, it's a long story."

"I've got some time, why don't you come in."

"Where's Nell?"

"Oh, she's out at the market, she'll be back soon.  So, what happened?"

Now how do I put this without sounding like a complete idiot?

"I shot myself in the foot.  Got discharged."

Damn.

"I'm so sorry!  Is it painful?"

Oh God it hurts just looking at her.  Her luscious red lips taunt me, I just want to jump her right now, but my resistance and injured foot prevent me.

"It hurts like hell."

"Well at least you're home."

She manages a weak smile, and looks around anxiously.  I can't blame her.  I'm not sure how to act either.

"Listen, I know this is kind of weird… for both of us, but I was hoping we could make a fresh start.  I didn't realize how much I'd miss you, until I went away.  I want you back."

"Whitney, I missed you too, but it's been a long time.  I broke up with you, and – "


"You're seeing someone?"

"Yeah I am.  Actually, I'm picking him up tonight for a date."

I close my eyes.  Can't blame her, being all alone here.  Just don't let it be him, please.

"Is it Clark?"

"Yeah it is," she gets out, all be it reluctantly.

Ouch, that hurt more than I thought it would.  That little weasel.  Been weaselling his way into her heart all this time, I knew I shouldn't have left.  You know what, it doesn't matter, I'm still the better man, and I'll win this.

"That's fine, I'm willing to fight for you.  I'm not going to give up on us."

I turn away and hobble my way to the door.  She's saying something to me, but I ignore her.  You're going down Kent, down in flames.

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"Honey, I heard everything, are you all right?"

"Yeah I'm fine, Nell."

"You sure?"

"Yeah, it's no big deal.  He'll get it sooner or later."

"Did you say you're picking Clark up later tonight?"

"Yeah, I'm picking him up eight, why?"

"Well I ran into him at the market, and he asked me to tell you to pick him up in front of the school instead."

"Oh, okay."

She runs up the stairs, as I shake my head.  What's one more complication in the life of Lana Lang?  Poor girl.

~~~

"Hey, Clark, what are you doing here on a Saturday?" I ask, not really caring for the answer.

"I thought I'd come talk to you."

His eyes twinkle.  My heart soars.  I look him over… something's different about him; I can't put my finger on it – wait, his clothes!

"Is that a new set of flannel, Mr. Kent?"

"Um, yeah, I've got that date with Lana tonight."

"Oh right, Lana," I respond, dejection evident in my voice.  "So what was it you wanted to talk about?"

"Have you ever had feelings for more than one person at a time, but you couldn't decide who you liked better?"

My eyes widen.  Aha!  I knew he had feelings for me.

"What are you trying to say?" I ask, eyebrow raised.

"I like you Chloe.  I like Lana too.  I can't really pick between you two, but I figured I'd give you both a chance."

"Why the sudden change of heart, I thought you made it clear to me yesterday that we're just friends."

"Can't a guy change his mind?"

He closes the distance between us slowly, but surely.  Time slows down as he takes my hand and pulls me to him.  He gives me that winning smile and leans in for a gentle kiss.  Score!  He pulls back and walks away.  I'm too stunned to even ogle his butt as he leaves.  I'm shocked.  That kiss, it was perfect.  I touch my lips with my fingertips and stand there, pondering the mystery that is Clark Kent.

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"So why'd you want me to pick you up at school?"

"Just had to help Chloe with an important project."

"Did you guys finish?"

"Nope, we're just getting started."

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