Epilogue: I Have A Dream – One Week Later
Chloe sat quietly, alone, on the couch in the living room of the Kent farmhouse. Outside, the evening was quickly turning into twilight, the sun beginning its descent behind the far off horizon. Because of that, the house around her began to drift into the nighttime feel. The only illumination on the first floor was the small light just above the sink in the spotless kitchen, quite the contrast to only a few hours before when dinner was served. Everything was completely quiet save for the soft hum of the refrigerator, and the chirp of crickets in the summer air. The house, once bustling with activity, now lay still in the evening hours.
Before her, the fire sparked and crackled, it's light casting a soft glow on her face. In her lap was the journal she sometimes wrote in when investigating a case. Currently, Chloe was writing rather diligently, her hand desperately trying to keep up with her racing thoughts. She rarely wrote on paper anymore. Her computer tended to be the best place to write articles. But, at the moment, she felt a need to address thoughts from the previous week she spent mostly in deep investigation of the Peterson case.
Odd, Chloe thought. The center of the case changed from Lois to Peterson.
Actually, she couldn't believe that a week had passed already since she and Clark returned from Las Vegas with a safe Lois in their possession. Since then, Chloe and Lois made it a point to go deeper in the case, to understand why Peterson committed so many crimes. Though they wished there was a better explanation, at the moment both could only come up with money as the true driving force. And power, Chloe added. But what never made sense, and still doesn't, is Peterson's obvious hatred for Clark.
And that subject was where her thoughts centered on at the moment:
I have not even tried to understand why Peterson chased after Clark. Why he created such a devastating trap for him. I am at a loss for words with that current mystery – and worried because Peterson knew exactly what to do to kill Clark. And even though I should feel at peace because Peterson is dead, I don't. If everything in this case, from the massive accidents to the kidnapping of Lois, were all a ploy to capture Clark, then my next question would be why.
But even as I ask that, I know the answer. Somehow, Peterson knew about Clark's powers. And I know that fact alone might have been the one and only reason he wanted to kill him.
Chloe stopped writing with that thought, aware that Peterson might be the first in a long line to go after Clark because of his special abilities. It scared her, actually - mainly because Peterson almost succeeded. And she wondered if Clark would be able to dodge the bullet again. If he would be able to survive another long bought with kryptonite, as crippling as that is for him. Whether he would admit it or not, in the last week, Chloe could tell Clark was drained. And she knew it mainly had to do with the still lingering effects of the kryptonite.
Maybe the physical effects were gone, but certainly the mental remained, as the experience reminded Clark of his own mortality, though different from humans. He was reminded of his vulnerability.
Not to mention, Clark wasn't sleeping well, either. Chloe could not say from personal experience if that were true, but she could see the exhaustion in his eyes. Though she questioned him about it a few times, he dismissed it as nothing important, due mainly to his work on the farm. But Chloe knew, with his powers, doing the farm work rarely made him break a sweat. Furthermore, she knew his reaction to her questions was expected, especially from someone who rarely let anyone in, even her.
With her thoughts suddenly centered on Clark, Chloe looked up from her journal to sense where he might be in the house. She felt the sudden urge to find him and be with him. Especially since she would be leaving for Metropolis in a few hours. Though they were together, both knew the difficulties that would come with their new relationship. Distance was only one of them, despite how easily Clark could come to her. The second was her job, which often demanded weeks away from home in some foreign land, investigating a case.
Chloe set her journal down on the coffee table and stood up. She stretched a bit, working the kinks out of her stiff body caused by the hours she sat still. She tried to remember one of the last times she saw Clark today, which was just after dinner. He left the moment they were finished eating, claiming he needed air. Only then did Chloe realize she hadn't seen him since. Her eyes grimaced with concern as she walked to the screen door in the kitchen, convinced he must be in the loft.
But when she stepped out on the porch, Chloe saw him standing there by himself. Clark was looking away from her, his body up against the railing, arms folded, and his eyes fixed on the dying sun. He looked amazing, the same when she first saw him more than a week ago. He wore the same white shirt, though this time it was clean rather than riddled with stains from farm chores, and the same faded jeans that fit him perfectly from behind.
Chloe smiled in spite of herself, aware ogling him would not help his melancholy state. But she then thought playfully, it wouldn't hurt, would it?
Finally he turned, obviously sensing her presence. He dropped his arms to his sides, and smiled warmly. "Hey."
Chloe smiled wide. "Hey yourself."
Clark noted how beautiful she looked tonight. Well, she always looked beautiful, whether she was in a dress or just jeans and a tank top. The latter was what she wore on this hot, summer night, and Clark had trouble fighting the blush that rose to his cheeks. Because he knew he was staring. But rather than look away, he stretched his hand out to her, inviting her into his embrace. And he remembered, further, that now it was okay to stare at her with longing in his eyes.
Chloe stepped forward and grabbed his hand, letting him pull her slowly into his arms. She reached up and kissed him lightly, then wrapped her arms around his waist and settled her head on his chest. She could hear his heart pounded rhythmically under her ear, and she quickly noticed it was beating a little faster than usual. She smiled softly, finding comfort in the fact that she turned him on with just a kiss.
Clark rubbed her back slowly with his hands, feeling the tension inside of him ease while in the embrace of the woman he loved. He then realized how often this had happened during the past week. How often he and Chloe spent hours in each other's arms, each trying to forget how close they came to losing their lives. How close their world was almost shattered for good.
Chloe seemed to notice his tension, his thoughts, and asked quietly, "Is everything okay?" Because she knew the difference between a mostly happy Clark and a distressed Clark, especially when she was in his arms. At the moment, she could feel his stress, despite how lovingly he hugged her.
Clark buried his face in the crook of her neck for a moment before pulling back just enough to look at her. He nodded slightly then admitted in a soft voice, "Just thinking about Dad."
"Yeah," Chloe whispered quietly, knowing he would. Knowing his mood now made sense. She was also surprised with how well both Clark and Mrs. Kent seemed to be dealing with the death of Mr. Kent. Since she's been here, Chloe has yet to see Clark's mother cry. And as a way to show some positive in such a possibly dim conversation, Chloe decided to mention it. "Your mother's handling it really well."
Clark smiled a little. "Yeah, she's been … great. I don't know how she's been able to do it." The time away from the farm seemed to agree with his mother. She was able to really mourn, to cry for the loss. But then, further, it gave his mother a chance to think of life without her husband. Clark would be lying if he said he didn't think of doing the same thing – just getting away from all of it. And in the next breath, he added quietly, "It's been really difficult for both of us."
They really haven't talked about this yet, but Chloe knew the death of Clark's father would be an issue for their new relationship. It was something he would still need her support for, even though a month has already passed since his death. Chloe could sense Clark has not been able to mourn yet – at least, not the way Clark needs to mourn, the way he needs to release the building emotion. And though Chloe's presence has initially been a wonderful relief for him, she also knew this was only the beginning to the long process of moving on.
And through it all, Chloe was ready. She would be there for him, help him, be his strength. She was ready for that role.
Chloe caressed his cheek softly with her fingertips, pulling his attention to her, to her words. "It's okay to miss him."
Clark sighed deeply, stepped out of Chloe's embrace, and moved slowly back to the railing. His eyes fell to the horizon again, and he watched as the sun was finally engulfed completely within the night sky. He knew he should talk about his father's death, especially since he has yet been able to do so with anyone. But he also knew now was not the time. Not that Chloe wouldn't listen to him, hold him, and comfort him. But he just didn't feel like spending his last few moments with her under such sadness.
And really … he just didn't feel like talking about it right now. However, he knew he would eventually. And he knew Chloe would be waiting for him when he was ready.
Finally, he whispered, "Yeah, I know." After a minute went by and she didn't say anything, he decided to change the subject. "Have you found anything new in the Peterson investigation today?"
Chloe was slightly surprised with Clark's reaction, only because she didn't anticipate he would move away from her completely. Obviously, she pushed the limit of this subject past Clark's current comfort zone, and he responded in the way he felt best. However, she did expect him to turn the conversation in a different direction – a clear sign that he was finished talking about his father altogether. It certainly didn't bother Chloe, because she understood. Not to forget, their relationship was still very young, and she didn't believe he would open up about something this sensitive so soon. Just as she, too, would probably hold back if the roles were reversed.
But soon, the intimacy they both craved would come. And it would come when they were ready.
"No, not really," she finally said softly, breaking her thoughts. She walked to the porch railing, and leisurely rubbed her hands across the top. The texture of the wood was smooth against her fingertips. A second passed, and finally she smirked, adding sarcastically, "I feel like we're trying to put a jigsaw puzzle together, and all the important pieces fell on the floor and were sucked up in the vacuum cleaner."
Clark smiled at her sarcasm. She could always make him smile in any situation. Right now, he welcomed the unique comfort, happy to move on to another subject without the need for an explanation. Happy to know Chloe accepted it without hesitation. And in the next moment, judging by the very sarcasm that made him smile, he knew it might be his turn in the conversation to listen and offer comfort.
"Still nothing on Jewel incorporated yet?" he asked, stepping closer to her.
Chloe sighed and folded her arms, the frustration in her eyes clear. "Definitely not. When we investigated before, we did find a little bit of information. But now … nothing. It's all gone. Almost as if the company took a wrong turn and ended up in the official 'as if it never existed' black hole of business."
Throughout the past week, when he wasn't doing farm chores, Clark tried to help Chloe and Lois in the investigation. It amazed him how hard they both worked to find answers, their efforts spilling over into his own heart. Because of that, he shared Chloe's frustration, and he understood her confusion and disgust. When he looked out towards the night sky again, he finally said, irritated, "I just can't believe a corporation can just disappear like that. Even with the building gone, there should still be some record of it."
"I don't know," Chloe whispered. She then walked to the porch swing, sat down, and folded her hands in her lap. "But I'm not worried about companies going AWOL, or missing my deadline because our evidence is slim. What worries me is the ghost of a dead CEO."
Clark's brow furrowed with a mix of intrigue and concern. He knew there was something else bothering her, but he pegged it to their lack of success in the case. Obviously, this was something else entirely, something she kept hidden from him since they returned from Las Vegas. So he moved to the porch swing and sat down next to her, wanting to be close to her as she continued, showing her his support. "What do you mean?"
The moment she spoke of it, Chloe regretted the decision to mention anything at all. For the past week she kept all of her worries, or theories, to herself, mainly because she knew the troubles Clark was already trying to survive. The last thing he needed was a reminder of how close Peterson came to killing him. Or, worse yet, her belief that more would come in Peterson's place – more would try to accomplish what he couldn't. It was a worry that kept her up late into the night, and was the primary reason for her own exhaustion.
However, though she believed the best way to protect Clark was to not tell him about her theories, Chloe realized now that perhaps her efforts were misplaced. If anything, the best way to protect Clark was to tell him so he could watch his own back. Not to mention the relief Chloe would feel to know that she was not alone with her worries. And it's not as if she could fight off Clark's enemies by herself. Especially if they were professionals such as Peterson, the very same people her theories predicted would come for Clark sometime in the future.
And before she could convince herself not to, Chloe began her confession, and said, "It just really felt like Peterson new way too much about you. Like he made sure to read your biography before he met you, or something. Maybe not your entire life's history, but certainly the Cliff's Notes version." She paused for a second to look right in Clark's eyes, to stress her worry, her fears. "But, regardless, he knew about your powers, and he knew your weakness. And it worries me."
Clark quickly replied, "But Peterson is dead. He can't hurt us now."
"But his contacts aren't," Chloe said. "The web is much too thick. There's no way for us to know whom he told about your powers. Or, worse yet, who originally told him. He covered his tracks far too well. And you even said when you originally entered the room that behind that lead door were blocks and blocks of kryptonite. Which means someone still has it, and probably saved it to use again."
Chloe's worries were justified, and Clark knew it. Actually, he thought of the same possibility, the same scenarios, and wondered if somehow Peterson's conviction to see him dead, perhaps via someone he might have told or someone who worked for him, would eventually come back to haunt him in the future. Not to mention the blocks of kryptonite. They remained a mystery, as well, because their disappearance was still a shock.
Yet he did finally remember the last time he saw so much of it in one place.
In LuthorCorp … when my mom was taken hostage, with Lionel Luthor, by thieves. Thieves stealing blocks and blocks of kryptonite in Lionel's safe. Thieves hired by Lex Luthor.
For some reason, Clark neglected to tell Chloe that piece of information, but he realized it might be best to keep it to himself so as not to worry her further. However, he knew something needed to be said to reassure her, despite how unsure he really was about the entire situation. The best thing he could do was to be strong.
"That's all circumstantial. Maybe he told someone and maybe he didn't. I know it's a worry. But we just have to hope that everything will be okay," he said softly. "And we both know there will always be kryptonite somewhere."
However, Chloe refused to let it go.
"Clark, we've just gotten ourselves back together again. It's taken us two years to fix our mistakes, to get our lives back. I don't know if I can just look the other way, and hope some maniac doesn't blindside us. Especially when …," Chloe began, but her words suddenly trailed off. She didn't want to get emotional right now, especially when she was trying to make a point. Yet her words, her breath, the emotion started to catch in her throat with the very thought that somehow, someway they wouldn't see the inevitable coming because they refused to look for it.
And she cursed her weakness, aware of how stupid it must look to Clark - his needy girlfriend all messed up over something that may never happen.
Yet her emotion was to be expected.
Clark was the man she loved. She would always love him, no matter the circumstances. The two years apart from him taught her that. And she knew she would do whatever it took to keep him safe. Her commitment to him, to their love, to everything they meant to each other grew to enormous proportions when she saw him unconsciousness on the concrete floor only a week ago. As if reminded that he, too, can be taken from her. It was a version of reality she didn't give enough attention to. And it was the same truth that resurrected a love once buried completely beneath the murky waters of pain and regret.
Having that love again, seeing it in front of her, in the eyes of the man before her, Chloe knew she would never let it go.
Inching forward a little, Clark reached over and took her hand, urging her to continue. "What?"
Chloe took a deep breath, and fought back her tears. "Especially when," she replied, "I don't think I'm strong enough to lose you again."
Clark's heart fell. He wanted to say something, perhaps reassure her that nothing would happen. But he couldn't. Because, really, he didn't know how the future would unfold. And he would be lying if he said that no one would ever hurt either of them again, despite how badly he wanted to say it. Of course, it didn't help any when his own soul throbbed with the same worry, the same hurt as Chloe's, because he knew he would never survive her death, either. If something were to happen to her because of me …
However, he knew what he could do.
Clark reached a hand to her face, caressed her cheek lovingly, gently. Maybe he couldn't tell her what she wanted to hear. But he could tell her the truth, what would never falter. What she could count on forevermore.
In a whisper, he said, "I will never leave you."
Chloe looked down to her lap, saw her hand entwined in his, then back up into his beautiful eyes. She felt his other hand continue to caress her cheek gently, his touch unbelievable, warm and inviting as it stroked her skin. Strong and forever. A sensation, a passion she couldn't wait to lose herself in completely. And in that touch came excitement for the future, for the joy of togetherness that has finally come because they were able to shed their despair and loss entirely.
Moreover, she finally felt that, despite their worries and fears, they would be together forever, no matter what the cost. No matter the circumstances, or the danger. Nothing would stop them from having the future, the life they deserved. Such confidence was born from their love, and surged like electricity through her entire being.
While in his touch, under his eyes, and with these thoughts taking full time residence deep in her soul, Chloe finally felt complete.
I set out on a narrow way many years ago
Hoping I would find true love along the broken road
"Promise me," she requested – needing to hear it.
Clark bent forward and kissed her, his lips light and sweet. An act Chloe didn't necessarily expect, but welcomed lovingly. He put his hands on her waist and pulled her closer to him. Though simple, his touch sent heat straight through her body, his passion calm yet clear and definite. After a few seconds, he slipped away very slowly, but lingered only a few inches from her.
But I got lost a time or two
Wiped my brow and kept pushing through
I couldn't see how every sign pointed straight to you
"I promise," he whispered. Then he kissed her left cheek, and drifted his lips close to her ear. "Now promise me."
Chloe felt a shiver travel down her spine, oddly excited by his words, his breath against her ear. She then reached up and wrapped her hands around the back of his neck, felt the warmth of his skin, and the goose bumps underneath her fingertips. And with their cheeks pressed together now, her lips just above his ear, she whispered with a small smile, "I promise."
Every long lost dream led me to where you are
Others who broke my heart they were like northern stars
Pointing me on my way into your loving arms
Clark let his lips drift across her cheek before he kissed her again. Though their first kiss tonight was simple, this one was much more passionate. He felt his body tingle with excitement when she deepened the kiss further, opened up to him, and threaded her hands lightly through his hair. He let his hands roam, and his heart started to beat just a bit faster when his fingers suddenly found skin just above her jeans.
This much I know is true
That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you
Chloe then slowed the passion down a bit, kissing him lightly, tracing his lips, lingering there, remembering where they were and knowing they couldn't let this get too far. Her hands drifted down from his neck and settled on his chest as she broke away from his lips completely. Just inches away from him, she tried to catch her breath, and smiled when she realized Clark was trying to do the same. I guess I do have quite the power over him, she thought playfully.
Though Clark would have loved to continue, let the passion take hold completely, this was hardly the place or the time for such escape. Not to mention, it was a little soon in their relationship to cross that line. Neither wanted to rush it, a lesson he learned during his relationship with Lana. When the moment was right, he and Chloe would embrace it together.
I think about the years I spent just passing through
I'd like to have the time I lost and give it back to you
Instead of fulfilling his fantasies, Clark sat back in the white, porch swing, and pulled Chloe with him. Content to hold her until he couldn't any longer. Content to feel her against him, and let his heart flutter just by being in her presence, in her life, in her love. All of that would always be good enough for him. Actually, it was more than enough. It was all he ever needed from now on – to be with her.
But you just smile and take my hand
You've been there you understand
It's all part of a grander plan that is coming true
Chloe snuggled closer to him, felt his arms encircle her completely, and settled her head on his shoulder, her hand on his chest. Ironic, she thought, that, after everything, we're sitting in the very spot where we broke up two years ago. In fact, she could hardly forget the past week. The two days she and Clark spent traveling Metropolis, then Las Vegas for a common goal, a common purpose.
Every long lost dream led me to where you are
Others who broke my heart they were like northern stars
However, her thoughts traveled a little further back than that. To the moment she drove back into Smallville, hoping she could face Clark again in the interest of saving Lois. She entered this world without ever knowing that the love she left behind two years ago still existed here. Never did she imagine such a possibility – never did she picture herself, a week later, sitting in Clark's protective embrace, snuggling up against him, feeling his body against hers.
Pointing me on my way into your loving arms
This much I know is true
During the past two years, did she ever believe this would happen again?
Somehow, Chloe knew, despite the sorrow, through the pain and the grief, and past the loneliness, she would eventually find the road home.
The road that led to love.
That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you
One Month Later
Lex sat alone at a small table, outside, and in front of a coffee house within the busy streets of Florence, Italy. He took a sip of his coffee, and watched as people rushed by him, either on foot or on bicycles. In the middle of the town square just before him was a huge fountain that shot water almost ten feet into the air. In the small pool of that fountain, Lex could see copper and silver coins shimmering with every small ripple of the water's surface. He smiled when he felt the warm breeze rush by his face; the hot sun still a quite factor, though the fall season would approach the countryside soon.
On the table before him were a few papers of personal interest. Lex often used the quiet, serene atmosphere of Italy as a way to unwind, relax, and think on what he should do next in important matters. In his hand was a matter that needed specific attention – a telegram. It came just a few minutes ago, and though he's already read it a few times, he decided to read it again.
To: Mr. Luthor
Jewel Incorporated is completely shut down, and LuthorCorp has now absorbed the newly acquired companies. STOP
Despite attempts, Kent boy still alive. But Peterson is dead. However, kryptonite rocks were saved. STOP
Efforts to kill Kent will continue.
END
Lex set it down on the table. He mused over the last few months with a small smirk, happy with the turnout. Jewel Incorporated, the company he named after his deceased younger brother, Julian, was created for one purpose - to take his competitors out. Something he was able to do with great success. However, he could not say his efforts were completely successful, because Clark was still alive.
Now I'm just rollin' home into my lover's arms
Though he still felt a friendly attachment to Clark, Lex could not help but remember his father's advice; dispose of all enemies, present and future. Of course, Clark was not really his enemy yet. But for some reason, Lex could not shake the instinct that someday his estranged friend would be. Killing him now seemed the best way to get a jumpstart on the inevitable, especially when Clark wouldn't suspect anything.
This much I know is true
That God blessed the broken road that led me straight to you
Lex did feel a little angry because he was not able to fulfill his main goal. He would try again, of course. When given a challenge, he never backed down. And though Lex did not know for sure if the kryptonite had an affect on Clark, he would try that again, as well.
Yet, with every cloud, there was always a silver lining.
That God blessed the broken road that led me straight to you
Lex felt a hand on his right shoulder, and then a kiss to his cheek.
"Ready to go?" Lana asked.
(fade out song)
The End …