A/N: I want to make this perfectly clear before I get into this latest chapter. I received a review from SMALLVILLEFANFOREVA who asked me about taking stories from other people. In fact, that is not the case. KentCharm did start this fic idea, but didn't want to finish and offered it to me to write up. I have done so and embellished it in my fashion. I have had KentCharm's approval through the whole process, so please don't worry and don't be upset.
I also don't believe that other's should "steal" another's plotline. It's not fair and great ideas come from the woodwork. Normally, I probably wouldn't have done this, but the story intrigued me and I wanted to see an ending. SMALLVILLEFANFOREVA, I hope this explains the situation to your satisfaction.
Chapter 8
My day had flown by like a blissful dream. Classes with Clark were the highlight of my day, but we didn't seem to talk as much. We were both too busy blushing. Pete noticed something was wrong, but he either didn't want to know or he already did. I often underestimated Pete's powers of observations, so I'm sure it was the latter. But everything seemed to go easier. We hardly got any homework for the weekend, and my preliminary articles for the Torch seemed to just fly from my fingers onto the page. I'm not exactly sure what I wrote, but it seemed brilliant at the time. At least I still had time to edit it before the edition was due… when I was out of this happy fog.
I was sitting at my computer, grinning off into space stupidly when the door opened. "Hey, Chloe," Fran drawled as she sat down in Clark's chair. He'd had to go home early to finish his chores, homework and get ready for our… date! I sighed. Even my sisters weren't going to be able to do much to knock me out of this hazy fog. "Saw you playing a bit this morning…" She said it in such a drawl that I had to blush.
I looked down at my hands. "Well… Clark was going to be late for…"
"Clark?" Trinity asked. "So you've told him the whole story, I'm guessing."
I looked up… a little dismayed. "Well, I know you want to keep this all a secret, but Clark's my best friend and I just couldn't lie to him after all he'd already seen…" I trailed off, looking up hopefully at Trinity.
She just rolled her eyes. "Don't worry, Chloe. It's not the first time another mortal has known of us." She looked at me piercingly. "You like him, don't you?"
"Duh!" Destiny said from my side. She was smiling, so none of us took offense.
"Is there something wrong with that?" I was a little worried. I didn't really know all the rules and regulations of this gig. If they had anything to do with giving up Clark… well, they could just take it all back.
"No, no… We've all had lovers at one point or another. They're fun." Vinny grinned lavisciously and I blushed hotly. I knew that they were all considerably older than me, but couldn't they remember that I'm only 17? I mean, I've only had sex with one person and that was a bit of a disaster!
"Vin, seriously!" Willow exclaimed, quickly shutting the door. "Have you no sense of decorum?"
Vinny grimaced. "Will, I love you, but you have got to remember we're in the 21st century now. Sexual promiscuity is the norm. Why should we shelter Chloe? You have got to get your head out of the stone ages!" Then she shrugged. "The worst thing is that we always last longer than they do… and our eternal youth usually upsets them and the neighbors so we have to cut it short." She sighed. I had the feeling that it had happened to her one time too many.
Willow blushed hotly and opened her mouth to retort. "Okay, knock it off, everyone," Trinity said, holding up her hands between the two girls. I felt a little bit of relief… for both having the subject dropped and also for knowing that they didn't get along all the time. That would have been a little too eerie. "Chlo, is he… different?"
They all looked at me and that was very intimidating. But I hadn't been lying to Clark when I'd said I would rather die than reveal his secret… even to my sisters. "What do you mean?"
"We told you some of the stuff yesterday, Chlo… and then you went and visited him and are now closer than ever to him. Come on, 'fess up!" Trinity was smiling, but seemed a bit impatient.
"Stop hounding her, Trin," Willow said and came up beside me to place a hand on my shoulder. "We all have secrets and this isn't hers to confess." She shrugged lightly and turned to me. "It's not easy being different and we can't force Chloe to betray a trust. I know a little about it, but once again, it's not my secret to reveal."
I could have cried in relief. The whole conversation was cutting into my buzz, but it had to be done. "What do you know?" I asked her, curious now as to how she'd found out. She just smiled and put a finger to her lips. I looked around and saw the avid faces of our sisters and realized I'd almost been indiscrete. I looked around at them others, almost afraid they'd be offended. "He's harmless," I said to try and mollify them… but they didn't seem like they needed it.
"Chloe, we love you because you're our sister now," Trinity said, putting her hand on my other shoulder. "But when you joined our elite group, we did some historic searches. You seem to have the 'ability' to attract what you call meteor freaks. I have to check on that."
I nodded, appreciating their care of me, but I really didn't want them to start investigating him like I used to. "Trinity, he told me all about himself and I can categorically reassure you that he is not a meteor freak." But close, I mutter to myself softly. So close…
"If you're sure, Chloe, we'll take your word on it." She nodded firmly and that seemed to be that.
"1000 percent sure… Thanks, Trin!" I grin at them and get some smiles in return. They all seemed to decide that I had lots of work to do and left my office with various farewells. It really is nice of them to care so much, I thought softly.
I didn't hang around the Torch much longer. It was already 5:30pm and I had to get ready. Even though it was just the movies, I didn't want to wear the same thing. And while it was easy getting ready for school, this was a date… a Date with Clark! Even as it was, I felt like I'd spent too much time at the Torch and that I was in a huge rush. I managed to kiss Daddy in my rush up the stairs.
I was just hitting the top step when he called after me. "Chloe, baby! What do you want for dinner?" I whirled around like he'd just informed me of his intention to sell me to the highest bidder. He was just standing at the bottom step with a huge grin on his face.
"Daddy, I'm so sorry! I've got a date tonight. You didn't have anything big planned, did you?" My dad was my mainstay. He was nearly always cheerful and he loved me for all my faults. I think sometimes what I saw in Clark was a young and more idealistic version of my dad. If he would be upset, I would cancel with Clark, even though it would rip out my heart.
He lifted his eyebrows in surprise. "Really? That's sudden… Who with?"
There was something about his reaction that had my eyes narrowed in concentration, but I was so worried about reassuring him so I could go on the date that I didn't pursue it. "Clark asked me today. We're supposed to leave in an hour and a half."
"Does he really expect you to be at his beck and call?" my dad frowned.
That's not a good sign, I worried. Out loud, it was all "Oh, no, Dad. It was just really sudden how it happened. I don't think he meant to imply that he thought I didn't have anything better to do… In fact, at first, I thought he wanted it to be a group thing with Pete and maybe Lana."
"Aren't those two dating?" dad asked, frown still firmly in place.
"Lana and Pete? Have you taken some crazy pills that I don't know about?" When my dad winced, I cringed inside. I hadn't meant to remind him of Mom's ailment. Sometimes I worried about it, but most of the time it was such a non-issue. "Dad, I'm sorry. I didn't mean…"
He smiled, a little sadly I thought. "I know, baby. I'm just glad that you can treat it as it's worth."
I ran down the stairs and gave him a huge hug. Sometimes, in my deepest thoughts, I think my dad blames himself for what may happen to me one day. And sometimes, when I'm really down, I have to agree. But unlike some families in Smallville, my parents didn't research both sides' genetic history before pairing up. And Dad had held it in as his most guarded secret for so long… But that really didn't address the issue at hand and my dad didn't let it go for long.
"No, honey. I meant Lana and Clark." I could feel him wince a little at bringing up a sore subject. It had been a hard thing for him to realize that the girl we'd brought into our house to care for wound up betraying me.
I shook my head vigorously. "Nope. They broke up after the 'Lex going crazy and the horse trampling Lana' incident." I couldn't also mention that, if her thoughts were anything to judge by, Clark had dodged a bullet on that one. I almost giggled at my mental pun.
Daddy looked at me firmly, holding me still so I couldn't avoid the question. "And you don't think they'll get back together? Aren't you setting yourself up for more heartbreak?"
I thought about that for a moment. Did I think that Clark would betray me with Lana once again? I shook my head. If his comment of the morning regarding the weirdness of her necklace was anything to go by, he'd finally overcome his infatuation with her. "I think this is it, Daddy. The real thing. We've talked a lot and I don't think he'd purposefully hurt me like that again."
"No, Clark wouldn't… not on purpose." He smiled then, a brilliant one to rival Clark's best. "By the way, he called to tell me nearly the same thing. I have an invitation to join the Kents for dinner." He laughed. "I think they're afraid I'm going to starve if you're not around."
I was relieved but a little puzzled. Clark had called her dad? That was something new. "The Kents are good people, Dad. Plus, ya'll have a great time when you're together."
He smiled. "Of course we do. We all love you and Clark. And I love playing cards with them." He winked. "This'll also be great 'cause Clark can just bring you to his house and I'll take you home."
"Dad!" I shrieked. Was he serious? The best part of a date was the parting at the door. It didn't matter if it was a good or bad date. If it was a bad date, you finally got to get away from a jerk. If it was a good date, you'd usually get a kiss. "Daddy, please. Clark can bring me home. I'll even help pay for gas."
Dad roared with laughter. For a moment I actually thought he was going to fall to the floor. When he finally got a hold of himself, he was gasping and clinging to the front door for support. "Darling, I was joking. I'll be long gone from the Kents by the time ya'll are done with your date. Don't worry. You can get your goodnight kiss…"
"Daddy!" I shrieked again. But he waved me on my way and, since I was already running late, I flew up the stairs. I glanced at the clock and realized I had all of thirty minutes left to get ready for my date. I ticked off the things the time crunch now meant I couldn't do: No bath. No shower. No laundering of a special outfit. No painting of toenails or fingernails. I looked at the mirror and realized that my hair still looked as fresh as it had in the morning, so not being able to wash it was totally fine.
I ripped through my closet, looking for something to wear that would knock Clark's socks off but wouldn't be too fancy. I finally decided on a red wrap shirt, but couldn't decide on the bottoms. I could wear a mini-skirt but that may scream "Take me, I'm yours!" a little too much. Cargo pants were totally out of the question because they were too shapeless and drab. Finally, I selected some pants that were snug, but not too tight. Some wedge sandals finished the deal.
Just to make me feel more special (Because Clark isn't getting that far on our first complete first date, I thought savagely… more to myself than to him.), I put on a matching lingerie set that Lana had talked me into buying a year and a half ago. At least she did me one favor, I thought caustically. My mind tried to remind me that if it wasn't for her, Clark wouldn't have been able to pull me out of the ground in time… but I wasn't in the mood to be charitable.
I sat in front of my vanity and blessed the PTB that chose this precise time to give me perfect skin. I put on a bit more make-up than I had for the last couple of days and then pinned baby flowers into my hair. I felt fresh and sexy and fun. It definitely didn't have the appearance of trying too hard.
I just happened to finish just in time because I heard Clark knock on the door. I let my dad get it so I didn't appear too anxious and then floated down the stairs. His widened eyes, an appreciative smile and badly hidden gasp were just the topping on my sundae. "You look great, Chlo!" I thought he seemed a little breathless, but maybe that was just me. I could only stare at him. I wondered if Pete or maybe Lex had taken him shopping. He looked absolutely amazing in a jewel blue polo and fantastic jeans. I just knew that if he turned around, his tushy would be perfectly outlined.
"You really do look amazing, sweetie," Dad said and gave me a big hug. "Now, Clark. When do your parents expect me?"
"They said if you'd like to come by in half an hour, dinner should be ready." Clark said it as if he was in a daze and I noticed that his eyes never left me. I wondered briefly if I shouldn't thank Dad for not letting me have more time to get ready. The quick and easy look seemed to do it for Clark.
Daddy looked between the two of us and laughed. "I'm wondering if I should let you two out of the house," he said thoughtfully.
"Why is that, sir?" Clark was ever polite, but still hadn't broken eye contact.
"I'm not sure if either of you can drive if you can't look away from each other." At that, two horrified sets of eyes turned his way. He was engulfed in laughter again and we both blushed a fiery red. But rather than have either of us say anything, he just waved us on our way. Personally, I was glad that Clark knew my dad and his warped sense of humor. I didn't have to be embarrassed for anything other than my reaction to Clark.
Clark guided me to the truck and held my door open for me. I could have swooned. Clark was definitely a boy raised with manners and his parents had done a fantastic job! We chatted on our way into town and I was relieved that we hadn't lost that ability. Sometimes, when crossing over the friendship line, a relationship gets very tricky. But I also sincerely believed that starting with a solid friendship was one of the best ways to start a relationship. I was even more relieved that we didn't stop in at the Talon. I wasn't sure enough of him that I didn't dread seeing him moon over Lana. But I did catch a glimpse of her through the window and noticed that she had a large bandage over her nose and I had to chuckle. When he saw what I had seen, he gasped. "What the heck happened to her?"
I had to struggle to put on my innocent face. This was going to be a tough sell. "I have absolutely no idea." I cannot even express how happy I was to manage the whole thing with a straight, but slightly concerned face.
"Should we see if she's alright?" he asked reluctantly.
I could have sworn… but that was also the type of boy Clark was. I sighed. "If you want to, Clark," I said very reluctantly.
He looked at me for a moment and smiled. "Oh, she looks fine. I'm sure she'd just be embarrassed that we saw her looking so bad." Then he calmly concentrated on his driving while I had a minor fit beside him.
Did my ears deceive me? Did Lana's most avid fan actually decline checking up on her even though he had my approval? Could he tell that I was feeling less than happy about the idea? Had Clark Kent actually grown a "sensitive to Chloe Sullivan's feelings" bone? We found a fabulous parking space considering the theater was one of the star attractions on date night. Clark opened my door for me and he held my hand as we walked to the ticket counter.
I was surprised that he didn't make us agonize over the selection. He just asked for two tickets to "The Producers". I know my jaw fell open in surprise and amazement. I had been talking about the newest Mel Brooks film for six months, but that's usually not enough of a hint for Clark Kent. I couldn't believe that he'd actually paid enough attention to me to know that I was dying to see it. I could have kissed him right there, but I didn't want him to think I was easy or something. He was such a gentleman that I barely knew where to look. He bought me candy, popcorn and a drink, still not asking but picking out my favorites. During the movie, he held my hand the entire time. We even laughed in the same spots! It was a simple generic date, but Clark… Clark made it special. Not just because he was there, but because of all the little things he did that said he was actually paying attention to me and my preferences.
After the movie, we could have gone to the Talon, but it really wasn't something I wanted. Lana would ruin my perfect night. I couldn't bear it. "Would you like…" Clark started and I braced myself, "…to hang out in the loft for awhile?" I must have looked dumbfounded because he quickly backtracked. "But if you'd rather grab a cup of coffee…"
"No!" I said quickly. "It would be so much nicer at the loft." His smile made everything better. Then he showed his driving skills by driving one-handed the entire way so he could keep holding my hand. I was so tempted to scoot into the middle seat so I could cuddle with him, but this was our first date in 18 months or more. I hated to even think it, but Clark was going to have to prove himself before I got too mushy.
When we got to the Kent farm, I was relieved that my dad's car was no where to be seen. What surprised me was that the lights were off in the house too so it looked like Clark's folks were out too. Clark helped me out of the truck and then disappeared for a split second. I could tell that he was using his running skills because of the vortex of wind that spun around me. That explains why he doesn't super speed through school to get to class on time, I thought wryly. But before I could miss him too much or wonder what I was doing just standing there, he was back at my side, but with a plate of cookies. "I asked Mom to leave some out for us," he said shyly. I sighed with pleasure and cuddled up to Clark as we walked up to the loft.
We settled on the sofa for a moment and just enjoyed Mrs. Kent's cookies. Clark shocked the heck out of me when he actually put his arm around my shoulders… but I snuggled close. There were a couple of times today that I had wondered if I was dreaming… but if I was, I didn't want to ever wake up.
Clark was the first one to break the silence. I'm not sure if was because he was uncomfortable with it or if this question had just been bothering him for some time. "Chloe, would you tell me a little about your friends?"
I smiled. I still don't think he trusted them. But could I really blame him? "They're all way older than we are. Willow has claimed over 3000 years." I shrugged when he gasped. "I want to believe them, but my mind has been having a hard time wrapping around that. To be honest, I don't know a whole lot about this whole schtick. Do the powers cross over into different goddesses? What happens exactly when a goddess dies?"
Clark had to laugh… even though neither of us thought my death was a laughing matter. "Chloe, what do you know?"
I rolled my eyes. This was going to sound cheesy. I was halfway to accepting it and I still rolled my eyes when I thought about it. "We're here to protect humankind from evil."
I waited patiently and was rewarded. Clark groaned. "Are you serious?"
I held up a hand. "I swear on my laptop that this was what I was told."
"Chlo, I believe that… It's just so…" Clark didn't want to offend me… I could feel it. But I knew what he wanted to say.
"Cheesy?" I provided, giving him the opening he needed.
"Yeah." He laughed again and I knew I could listen to that sound forever. But a rustling sound alerted me that we weren't alone. I sat bolt upright and looked around. "Chloe, what's wrong?" Clark sounded alarmed, but I really didn't want anything or anyone eavesdropping on us tonight.
"I heard something," I muttered distractedly, searching the rafters for that elusive something. An owl landed on the loft's floor and I looked it square in the eyes. I heaved a resigned sigh. "Hi, Willow. What's up?" The owl looked pointedly at Clark and I blushed. "Hey, Clark. Got a spare shirt or maybe some of your mom's sweatpants or something?"
He looked at me. I could tell by his startled look that he didn't know what was going on and that he would have questions later for me, but he shuffled around to find something. It didn't take long before he'd found something… his gym outfit. It wasn't the most fashionable thing, but beggars couldn't be choosers. If Willow was here, something important was going down… She wouldn't have interrupted this night just for kicks and giggles.
Clark sat back down on the couch and I could tell that Willow was staring at him again. "Clark," I sighed. Then I realized that it was better to just not argue and covered his eyes with my hand. I would have crawled up into his lap to do the job, but that wasn't in my non-easy playbook. "And don't you dare do you know what," I whispered. "OK, Willow. Do your thing."
As Willow's owl form seemed to melt and reform into her human one, I was still a little unnerved. The only person I'd seen transform like that had been that crazy Lana stalking girl… What was her name? I shook my head at the irrelevant thought. Willow quickly dressed and I was able to remove my hand from Clark's face. "Chloe…" Willow started, but one word was all she managed before she burst into tears.
I ran to her side and guided her to the sofa, which Clark wisely vacated. It was probably big enough to hold all three of us, but that would have been too crowded for comfort… and comforting. "Willow, what's happened? What's wrong? Is someone hurt?"
Willow quickly got a hold of herself. "Chloe, you have to come with me right now… and we still might not be in time." She grabbed my hand and pulled me to the stairs.
I dug in my heels and dragged her to a halt. "Willow, even if I was just going to run off with you… and I would like to remind you that I'm here on a date with Clark… I couldn't. Clark picked me up."
She looked at Clark with wide eyes. "That's the solution. Clark can get us there in time!"
I looked at Clark and he shrugged. "Just let me find my keys…" I thought he'd thrown them in his pocket, but maybe they weren't comfortable to sit with.
Willow shook her head and hands agitatedly. "No, no. Clark, we need you to super speed us there."
My heart sank. I hadn't told him that Willow knew his secret or part of it before I did… And his accusing look cut my heart out with a spoon. And for one of the few times in my life, I was absolutely speechless…
A/N: Okay, for those sticklers out there… I know that "The Producers" didn't come out until 2005 which is two years after the timeframe I've put this story in, but I adore this movie. I cannot express how much I love it. It's funny and I bust a gut every time I've seen it… and I've seen it three times already. It'll be in my video collection directly after it's released on DVD. So I wanted Chloe and Clark to go and see it. It's funny and not mushy. I really didn't want them going to some sappy, romantic chick flick!A/N: Okay, for those sticklers out there… I know that "The Producers" didn't come out until 2005 which is two years after the timeframe I've put this story in, but I adore this movie. I cannot express how much I love it. It's funny and I bust a gut every time I've seen it… and I've seen it three times already. It'll be in my video collection directly after it's released on DVD. So I wanted Chloe and Clark to go and see it. It's funny and not mushy. I really didn't want them going to some sappy, romantic chick flick!
BabyC2003: I'm so glad you're enjoying it. It's coming along nicely and I hope that the ending measures up to your hopes… and my hopes to be honest! ;D
Cherri202: Welcome to the club, my friend. I'm so glad you're enjoying it.
spaceboi's pixie: Did you catch the oldies reference of the nose? You might only know it if you've watched Nick at Night. I have to confess that I'm such a Chlarker that most of my fan fics have a flavor of it. Isn't that funny? And I won't give up my dreams. Your encouragement pushes me onward! ;D
markmark261: Thank you, as always, for the editing. Yeah. I just love having Clark ask Chloe out. And I remember how nauseous my brothers would get when trying to ask out a girl so I made it a little more intense of our superhero! ;D
iluvsmallville1: Never fear. My dreams are here to stay. They just take longer than fan fiction to work up. ;D
