http://haveatit-reportergirl.blogspot.com/2008/12/three-minutes-chapter-7.html
Chapter 6 Part A
(Chloe POV)
It was late and I was finishing up the layout for my first story since I’ve been back at The Planet. It’s been three weeks since they released me from the hospital and one week since I’ve been back at work. After I woke up the doctors made me stay in the hospital for another four days for observation before they let me go home. I was told to stay on bed rest for two weeks and then come back and see them, which I did. So here I am back at work. Thank god to because I was about ready to end it just from the boredom. I was standing up by my computer when I heard heels clicking heavily on the floor. I looked up and saw Linda Lake heading my way. Great the she-devil. Why is she even down here?
“I need 11 copies of each by tomorrow morning, and before my Macchiato goes arctic. Assistants just don't have the stamina they used to have.”
She turned around and started to walk away.
I raised and eyebrow at her. Who does she think she’s talking to. Linda Lake was pretty high up on the Planet scale and I didn’t want to piss anyone off so I checked my temper and spoke to her in a non-confrontational tone.
“Uh, excuse me, Miss Lake, with all due respect, I'm not an assistant. I'm a reporter.”
I heard her snort and she turned around to face me. She gave me a hard glare as she spoke.
“Of course you are. Unfortunately,”
She looked at my desk to see my nameplate.
“Sullivan, what matters is that I can see Gotham from my new office, and you -- oh, well, you, hon, you work below sea level.”
She was getting me mad now. I was tired and she was a pain. Forget being respectful. I held up a paper with her front-page story on it.
“At the risk of heresy, I would rather be snorkeling for the rest of my life than destroy a man's career based on rumor.”
She came over to me and got in my face.
“I only print the truth, and if you haven't noticed, I print it on page 1, section B every week.”
With that she turned on her heels and stormed out of the basement. Well that went terrific. I threw her papers on the desk next to me and finished up what I was doing. Right when I clicked the finished button my cell phone rang. I grabbed my phone and flipped it open.
“Hello.”
“Hey Chloe…you done yet?”
I rolled my eyes but smiled. Clark has been being incredibly sweet, incredibly caring, and incredibly annoying ever since I came home. The worst part was his obsessive ness was really starting to grow on me. I shook my head.
“Yea I just finished. I’m getting my stuff together now. I was just going to call you.”
I heard a noise on the other end.
“I’ll be right there.”
“Ok…do me a favor and brin…”
The whoosh of air cut off my sentence and he grinned down on me. I closed my phone.
“What were you saying?”
“I was going to ask you to bring my car keys so I could drive back to the Talon.”
He frowned and gently placed an arm around me getting ready to take off.
“I thought you were staying with me tonight Chloe.”
I sighed. I had stayed at the farm for the two weeks I was on bed rest at Clark’s insistence. I had gotten an earful from Lois about up and leaving her at the Talon. Clark and Lois had argued for over an hour about who would take better care of me. Clark ended the argument when he said that the baby and I needed proper nutrition and since Lois couldn’t cook and his mom could the obvious place for me to stay while I recuperate was with him. As soon as I got off bed rest though I went back to the Talon and Clark has been harping on me ever since.
“I know I said I would Clark but I’m really tired and I just want to sleep in my own bed.”
He tightened his hold on me and moved his head to my ear.
“Hold on…I’m gonna run us back to the farm so we can finish this conversation more comfortably.”
I stepped back from him and he gave me a questioning look.
“You think you could just pick me up instead tonight Clark? You know I love super speeding with you but just holding on has been making me a little sick lately.”
He smiled walked over to me and lifted me up into his arms like I weighed nothing. I guess to him I did. We were back at the farm in no time and he placed me on the sopha in the living room. I toed my heels off and moved over to give him room to sit. He sat down and pulled my feet onto his lap and started rubbing them. I closed my eyes. Oh. My. God. Clark Kent was amazing! Ohhh that felt sooo good. He gave me a cocky smirk and a chuckle when he heard me groan. I opened one eye.
“What are you smirking at Kent?”
He shrugged.
“You know Chloe if you moved in here I could do this all the time…whenever you want.”
I had to laugh at that. I leaned back into the pillow on the couch.
“That’s bribery Clark.”
He scrunched up his face and gave me a fake confused look.
“So…when was it written that I couldn’t use bribery to win you over?”
I closed my eyes again and grinned.
“It wasn’t written anywhere I’m just letting you know that’s kinda cheating.”
He kneaded a particularly sensitive spot on my foot and I let out a loud moan. His hands stopped moving so I opened my eyes.
“Don’t stop Clark…”
I looked into his eyes and chills ran up my spine. They were a shade darker than usual. I gulped and attempted to pull my foot off his lap without success. He held on tightly enough that I couldn’t get away but gently enough not to hurt me. I gave him a nervous laugh.
“I kinda need my foot back Clark…you know so I can get up…”
He started massaging circles on my ankle with his thumbs and was slowly working his hands to my calf. Oh my god…what is he doing and why does it have to feel so damn good? When he spoke his voice was deeper then I remembered it being.
“Relax Chloe…I’m not done yet.”
My throat went dry. That statement didn’t exactly sound like a friendly statement if you know what I mean. My heartbeat sped up and I could feel it frantically thumping against my chest. His hands moved higher, to my knee and his body seemed to get magically closer. He couldn’t actually be…hitting on me. I mean this is Clark…he’s in love with Lana…he only considers me a friend. And yet I can feel his body getting closer to me by the second. He brushed a piece of falling hair from my face and let his hand linger there. When did he get that close? My voice was a whisper when I spoke.
“Clark…what…what are you doing?”
Our heads were getting awfully close to each other, so close in fact I could feel his breath.
“I don’t know.”
He leaned in closer…I closed my eyes and….BRRRRRRIIING BRRRRIING…my phone started going off like crazy. It startled me. I opened my eyes and saw Clark blink, turn a shade redder then normal and back away from me to the other side of the couch seemingly embarrassed. I sighed. of course he was embarrassed Chloe…he doesn’t want to kiss you it was just a moment of weakness. He wouldn’t look at me so I just grabbed my phone and answered it. My voice came out a little sharp.
“Hello.”
“Whoa there cuz…what’s got your panties in such a twist?”
I moved off the couch and put my shoes on.
“Hey Lois. Sorry nothing. I was just heading home.”
I could hear the worry in her voice.
“You’re just leaving The Planet now? Its kinda late Chlo. You should really think about getting your schedule changed or something. You shouldn’t be wondering around alone at night in Metropolis.”
She worried too much but she didn’t have to because I wasn’t in Metropolis.
“I’m at Clark’s Lo but I’m leaving now so I’ll see you soon. Unless you wanted something?”
I could hear her banging something on the other end.
“Nope. It was getting late. Just wanted to make sure you weren’t abducted by aliens or anything.”
That made me smirk. If she only new…
“Well everything’s fine and that’s a negative on the alien thing. I’ll see you in a little bit Lois.”
She said bye and we hung up. I grabbed my bag and went to leave but Clarks voice stopped me.
“You don’t have to go Chlo.”
His voice was sincere but he couldn’t even look me in the eye. If I stayed here tonight things were going to be so awkwardly uncomfortable that it just wasn’t worth the trouble.
“That ’s alright Clark I should go. I’ll talk to you tomorrow ok?”
He hesitated.
“Chloe…wait…about what happened…”
I turned around and plastered a smile on my face.
“its fine Clark…let’s just chalk it up to sleep deprivation and male hormones…I gotta go. See you later.”
And I left. My car was waiting in front of the Kent’s house. I got in and headed on my way home paying very close attention to the road on the drive home.
(Clark POV)
The door shut behind Chloe and I groaned. This was not good. I just put the moves on my pregnant best friend. I got off the couch and started pacing around the living room. She left in such a hurry what if she’s mad at me. I didn’t mean for that to happen it’s not like I planned it or something. I just…she was laying there with her feet in my hands, her eyes closed, lips parted…and I just couldn’t help myself. I had the strangest impulse to kiss her so I just…went for it. I sat back down and put my head in my hands. I was so confused. I love Lana…so much…but lately I’ve been feeling all these different things for Chloe. I don’t know exactly when it happened but I’ve started seeing Chloe as more than a friend. My mind was working over time when I heard the front door open. I looked up and my mom was walking through the door. When she saw me she smiled.
“Hey sweetheart. What are you doing down here?”
I shrugged. She moved into the kitchen and I followed behind her. She glanced in my direction and went into the refrigerator. She pulled out some milk, took out cookies and put everything in front of me. I looked up and gave her a weak smile.
“What’s the matter Clark?”
I moved my head to the side and rubbed the back of my neck.
“I’m having a little problem…”
She nodded and waited. I hesitated.
“I kind of…almost kissed Chloe tonight.”
My mom just nodded again. She didn’t even look shocked. Why is she acting like I almost kiss Chloe everyday? I was waiting for her to say something and yet nothing came.
“Mom…”
“Yes honey?”
I was quiet for a minute.
“Did you hear what I said?”
She got up and walked over to the sink and sighed.
“Clark…this…thing between you and Chloe has been building for years now.”
She turned around and I looked up at her confused. She sat back down and put a hand over mine.
“Clark…you and Chloe have been friends for years but there has always been something more lurking below the surface. You have to have known that.”
I nodded my head. I guess I did know that to some extent. I mean after the whole Zod incident when I came back I kind of thought Chloe and I were gonna get together but it never happened.
“What am I gonna do mom? I have all these feelings for Chloe but…I still love Lana and wouldn’t acting on my feelings for Chloe be unfair since I still have feelings for Lana?”
“I know that there will always be a place in your heart for Lana Clark…but are you sure you’re still in love with her? You’ve been spending an awful lot of time with Chloe and I haven’t really heard you mention Lana in a while now.”
I shrugged. Mom’s right I haven’t talked about Lana a lot lately but that doesn’t mean that I haven’t been thinking about her. I got up and glanced at my mom.
“Thanks mom…I’m…a…I’m gonna go to bed. I’ll see you in the morning.”
I walked upstairs before she could say anything else. I got undressed and laid in bed. My sheets still smelled like Chloe. Wonderful. I wasn’t getting to sleep anytime soon. I rolled over a few times before falling into a fitful sleep.
(Chloe POV)
I woke up to harsh tones of Lois’s hushed voice. I groaned and rolled over. If she was trying to be quiet she sure had a lot to learn. After a couple of minutes her voice just seemed to get louder so I sat up and rubbed my eyes. I looked at the clock it was eight fifteen. Crap I had to get up and get dressed. I have to be at The Planet today at eleven. I was walking toward the bathroom when Lois closed her phone. She turned in my direction.
“Oh hey Chlo.”
“Morning Lois.”
I was rushing around grabbing an outfit and make-up when Lois stopped me.
“What’s the rush?”
I sighed.
“It takes two hours to get to The Planet. I have to be there at eleven and I haven’t even showered yet.”
“Oh..well I’ll just get out of your hair then.”
I frowned. That was odd. Note to self something is definitely wrong with Lois. I’ll have to look into that later when I got a chance but right now I needed to get ready. I hopped in the shower and about forty-five minutes later I was heading out the door. I got to The Planet at eleven ten and started in on my work. Twenty minutes later I was coming out of the copy room when I saw Lana heading down the stairs. When she reached the bottom and saw me she gave me a small smile.
“Hey Chloe.”
I smiled.
“Hey Lana to what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?”
She fiddled nervously with her purse handle.
“I need to talk to you about something…its personal can we go somewhere private?”
My face sobered and I placed my hand on her arm.
“Sure. Com on.”
I took her back to where I just came from and shut the door behind us.
“What’s going on Lana? Is everything ok?”
She hesitated before speaking.
“Everything’s fine”
I nodded and waited for her to tell me what was going on. After a couple of minutes of silence I spoke.
“Well?”
“Chloe, Lex proposed.”
I was shocked. I really hope she didn’t say yes.
“And?”
She drew out her words.
“And I haven't given him an answer yet”
I sighed in relief. He’s probably running around the mansion freaking out. Or possibly killing even more people because he’s angry.
“I'm sure that's going over well.”
She ignored the comment and continued.
“Lex and I are in a really great place right now, but when I actually heard those words, there was something that wouldn't let me say yes.”
Ahhh…I knew why she was here. Clark. It’s gotta be
“Something like Clark?”
She looked at me confused.
“Chloe…no. Why would this have anything to do with Clark?”
Huh…that’s odd. It always had something to do with Clark.
“Oh…ok…well then what’s the problem?”
She took a deep breath.
“I know Lex cares about me. He’s proven that on more than one occasion. But…I’m just worried that the only reason he proposed was because I’m pregnant. And I don’t want that. I want him to propose to me because he wants to not because of this baby.”
“Lana... I think that if you’re having doubts about this marriage then maybe you shouldn’t do it.”
She was contemplating me for a few minutes and slowly nodded at me. I could tell she didn’t like my answer though because her facial expression turned a little colder.
“Thank’s Chloe…for the advice. I should get going though. I’ll talk to you later.
“Bye Lana.”
And a few minutes later she was gone. I went back to my desk and sat down. I can’t believe Lex proposed. Clark was going to be crushed. Poor Clark…I shook my head and glanced at the paperwork on my desk. I could use some coffee and food. I was starving. I rubbed my stomach, which was starting to swell just a bit and thought of where I could get food. I looked at my cell phone for a few minutes hoping it would ring. When it didn’t I picked it up and called Clark. After three rings he picked up.
“Hey Chloe.”
I smiled. I would not let things be weird…just play it cool Chloe
“Hey. Do you think you might be able to do me a favor?”
“Absolutely. What’s going on?”
I glanced around the office as I spoke.
“I’m really hungry. You think you can bring me some coffee and food?”
I could hear the smile in his voice.
“What do you want to eat?”
Hmmm what did I want? Ohh I know…
“Think you could make a run to New York? I would love one of those hotdogs from the kiosks on the street.”
That sounded so good my mouth was watering. I heard him laughing on the other end and frowned.
“Stop laughing at me Clark. It’s really not that funny.”
“Ok…ok I’m done Chlo. Hot dog got it. I’ll get a couple and bring back everything they have to put on it. I’ll have them put that on the side. How’s that sound?”
My voice got soft.
“Great…thanks a lot Clark…I really appreciate it.”
“Sure thing I’ll be there soon.”
I hung up the phone and smiled to myself. Two seconds later it rang again. I rolled my eyes it was probably Clark calling back to ask if I wanted anything else.
“Hello?”
“Hello Chloe.”
I drew my eyebrows together. The voice sounded familiar but I couldn’t place it.
“Can I help you with something?”
“It’s Oliver…Queen.”
Oh. That’s why I recognized the voice. How’d he get my number?
“Oh. Hi Mr. Queen what can I do for you?”
“Oliver is fine. I was wondering if you’ve heard from Lois at all.”
“Lois…I talked to her this morning before I left for work but I haven’t heard from her since I left the apartment this morning. Why is everything ok?”
I asked getting worried. What has Lois gotten herself into now?
“I’m sure everything is fine. We were supposed to have lunch together and she’s about forty-five minutes late, which isn’t, like her. I have a meeting so I can’t wait any longer, but if you speak to Lois before I do will you let her know that?”
That really wasn’t like her. I wonder what’s up.
“Sure I can do that Oliver.”
“Thanks Chloe I’ll talk to you later.”
“Bye”
After I hung up I tried Lois’s cell phone but it was off. I shook my head. When I get my hands on her she’s dead. I sat back and started to write my next article while I waited for Clark.
(Lois POV)
I was finally going to find out who the green arrow was. I had a lead on a guy who has pictures of him so I made plans to meet him. I walked along the narrow ally by the dumpster and waited. I heard a noise behind me and turned.
“ScoopGirl?”
I saw Jimmy…Chloe’s Ex. Oh boy
“Hotshot485? You've got to be kidding me.”
He gave me a soft glare.
“I'm not the one up all night tooling the internet for Green Arrow pics. Don't you have a boyfriend?”
I ignored his snide remark.
“Do you have the photos?”
“You got the cash?”
I rolled my eyes and pulled out some money.
“I don't get it. Of all the photographers in Metropolis, how is it that you end up with the first shots of our merry archer?”
“I have my connections.”
I smirked sarcastically
“No. Really.”
“Oh, well, guy doesn't get out of the suicide slums much, so I just hung out there for a few weeks... in my car with my pepper spray and the doors locked.”
I laughed. I took the pictures and looked over them carefully. No face.
“This is it? A bunch of arms and legs? Nice work, hotshot. I mean, you didn't even manage to catch one shot of his face. All these tell me about Green Arrow is that he needs a band-aid.”
I was frustrated. I waited all this time so that I could finally pin point who the green arrow was and now nada…zilch…nothing.
“Well, at least you got a good look at that.”
I shook my head.
“Thanks for a lot of nothing Jimmy. I’ll see you around ok?”
I took off on the trek back to my car. When I got in I was heading back to Smallville when I realized I missed my lunch date with Oliver. Crap! I stood him up I’m a horrible girlfriend. I picked up my phone and called him. There were two rings and then it went to voicemail. He must be busy. I left him a message apologizing profusely and telling him I’d make it up to him however he wanted. I shook my head this green arrow thing was really keeping me pre-occupied. I had to let it go for right now…until I got a more substantial lead I was wasting my time. I will find out who he is, and when I do he’ll wish he was never born.
(Clark POV)
I ran to New York and got Chloe’s hotdogs. By the time I got to The Planet it was about twelve. I saw Chloe sitting at her desk diligently typing away. I came over and sat down.
“How goes that writing?”
She clicked a few more keys and then smiled as she turned in her seat.
“Done! You came at the perfect time.”
“Good to know. Here you go. I got three just in case you were really hungry.”
She grabbed the bag and dug in. as she ate I watched her and took the time to notice the subtly changes in her body. Her hair seemed longer and her skin was flushed with color. She was wearing a black satin top and an dark green skirt. She looked beautiful. I looked down and could see a small bump starting to show. It really was an overwhelming site. She caught me staring and shifted in her seat.
“What?”
“Huh?”
“Why were you staring at me? Is there something on my face that you are neglecting to tell me about?”
I smiled.
“No I was just looking at you. You look nice today Chlo.”
She beamed at me.
“Thanks Clark.”
I really wanted to talk about yesterday with her but I was afraid she’d pull away from and I didn’t want to risk that. Things seemed to be ok right now and I wanted to keep it that way.
“Hey when’s the next doctor’s appointment? I thought maybe…if you wanted I could…you know go with you…”
Chloe gave me half a smile and patted my arm.
“You don’t have to do that. It’s a simple checkup.”
I shrugged.
“I want to. Your seventeen weeks now. You could probably find out the sex of the baby if you wanted to.”
She nodded.
“Ok…it’s on Friday at nine.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
She finished all three hotdogs and threw all the garbage away.
“Mmmm. That was great.”
I smiled. Ok I know I said I wouldn’t bring it up but I have to. I don’t want things to be weird between us. It’s already bad enough I have all these unresolved feelings for Chloe I didn’t need this tension tearing us apart.
“Listen Chloe. I know you said that you wanted to forget about what happened the other day but I don’t think that’s such a great idea. I mean…there was this moment…where..we almost kissed. I..how do you feel about that?”
She looked hesitant to speak so I took a deep breath and went first.
“B..because at first I was really scared about what happened. I mean you’re my best friend and I thought that I might have…ruined things with us…”
She cut me off and put her hand over mine. She looked at me sincerely and spoke with a soft voice.
“Clark there is no way something as trivial as what happened can destroy our friendship. We’re more stable then that.”
I nodded.
“Yea that’s what I figured. So then I got to thinking that maybe…maybe it wouldn’t have been so bad to…kiss you Chloe.”
I said the last part low and she looked shocked. If I wasn’t so nervous I would have tried to document the one and only Chloe Sullivan being shocked into silence.
I touched her arm.
“Chloe you still with me?”
“Uhhh yea…Clark you’re probably just thinking like that because you lonely. That’s understandable.”
I frowned. She didn’t get it.
“Chloe stop. You know…whenever things have happened between us in the past one or both of us has always backed off. This time I’m prepared to do something about it. I’m not walking away Chloe I promise. So I need you to stop pushing me away.”
I heard her heartbeat. It was erratic. She was just as nervous as me but unlike her I’m, done running from how I feel. I spent all night last night thinking. Chloe and I have been best friends for years. She knows practically everything about me and still accepts me for who I am. She has always been my constant even when other people have wavered…including Lana. I like Chloe…I need her in my life and even though I will always have a place for Lana in my heart and a part of me will always love her she is my past. And I can see clear as day Chloe being my future. She was sitting there watching my face. Then hesitated before she spoke.
“Ok Clark. No more pushing you away. But I’m not sure I understand what it is that you’re saying.”
I know that’s not true, but she wanted to hear me say it. She wanted to be reassured. I could do that.
“Chloe…I know I have a lot of baggage and I’m not the easiest person to deal with and I’m a little bit emotionally retarded but I’d really like it if you could give me a chance.”
She scrunched up her eyebrows in a cute gesture.
“A chance?”
“Chloe I want you to move in with me. I want to be there for you…for the baby. I want the two of us to be a couple and…I want the three of us…”
I reached out my hand and put it on her slightly swollen belly.
“to be a family…I know it won’t be easy…nothing worthwhile ever is. I’m probably gonna make a lot of mistakes along the way…and I’ll need you to try and be understanding while I put Lana behind me. But know that I want you…know that at this point in my life even if I could have Lana back I’d choose you because you’re the person Chloe…the person who’s gonna help me become the man my dad always said I would be. You’re already doing it everyday…”
I looked down for a second. My hands felt sweaty and I wiped them on my pants then looked back up at her. She had tears in her eyes and I wasn’t sure if that was good or bad. I could see fear on her face but also astonishment at my revelation and possibly even happiness? I took a hold of her hand.
“Give me a chance Chloe. I know there’s a million things going through your head right now because well…you wouldn’t be you if there wasn’t but just…don’t say no because your scared to be with me…only say no if you honesty don’t care about me the way I do you...a…and if that’s the case then…we’ll it’ll suck but I’ll still be here for you, because no matter what you’ll always be my best friend.”
I sat back in my seat and just looked at her. That was the end of my long embarrassing speech. The tears in her eyes were threatening to spill over and she still hadn’t said anything. I don’t know what I’d do if she turned me down…to be honest I can’t even believe I got up enough courage to say all this to her but I’m glad I did no matter how it turns out. At least this time I didn’t run away from what I felt…I embraced it…
Chapter 6 Part B
(Chloe POV)
I woke up to birds chirping and the sun shining on me through the curtains. I moved my body back a bit and came into contact with a very large, very warm male body. He must have felt me move because he mumbled something and pulled me closer against him. I smiled. I turned over in his arms to face him and he was still fast asleep. God he looks so peaceful. If only that expression could be on his face all the time. I started to giggle when I heard his snoring get louder. HaHa Clark Kent snores! I can’t wait to pick on him about it. As I waited for him to wake up my mind drifted back to last night’s conversation.
“Give me a chance Chloe. I know there’s a million things going through your head right now because well…you wouldn’t be you if there wasn’t but just…don’t say no because your scared to be with me…only say no if you honesty don’t care about me the way I do you...a…and if that’s the case then…we’ll it’ll suck but I’ll still be here for you, because no matter what you’ll always be my best friend.”
He sat there looking so sincere. But I wasn’t sure if I could believe him. Not that Clark would lie to me but…I mean he has been known to hurt me unintentionally and I just wasn’t sure if I could go through that again. I was quiet for a while and Clark started to fidget, which made me smile. I looked at him…really looked at him. Things were changing and this was my chance; if I ever wanted to have my shot with Clark now was the time. I was scared, I wasn’t sure if it was going to work out, and I didn’t know how Lana was going to take the news…but at this moment I just didn’t care. I moved out of my seat and was in front of him in seconds. He looked up confused and I leaned down and pulled him to me. I kissed him and the minute his lips touched mine it felt like electricity was coursing through my body. I felt alive. God he was invigorating. Then he was standing up with me in his arms kissing me back. My hands wound themselves around his neck while one of his hands was on the small of my back pulling me closer and the other was on the side of my face angling my head to meet his.
I shook my head and smiled. Just thinking about it gives me chills. Clarks still sleeping and I’m getting bored. Hmm I wonder if he’ll be mad if I wake him up. I moved my face closer to his and spoke in a soft whisper.
“Clark…”
His snoring stopped and his breathing pattern changed but his eyes didn’t open. All of a sudden his grip tightened and he pulled me over on top of him. I squealed at the quick movement and laughed.
My voice was playful.
“Clark! What are you doing?
He smiled up at me and finally opened his eyes. They were shinning with good humor.
“Morning Chloe.”
“Morning.”
With his smile still planted on his face he leaned up and gave me a tentative kiss. After a couple of seconds I deepened the kiss and he wound up rolling us over so he was looking down on me. He moved his mouth down over my neck and then on my ear and finally back to my lips. Kissing Clark Kent was extraordinary…making out with him was literally out of this world. He new exactly what to where to put his….hands? oh my god. I pulled back from him for a minute and he looked confused.
When he looked at me his eyes were smoldering and his voice was husky.
“What’s wrong Chloe?”
Then is expression changed to horror and he practically leaped off me.
“Oh my god…did I hurt you? Did I hurt...the baby? Oh Chloe I’m so sorry…I didn’t…I didn’t mean to…”
And his words trailed off, as he stood their looking ashamed of himself. I shook my head and sat up in bed. Ok that all happened really fast. I looked him in the eye and spoke softly.
“Clark…look at me.”
He did.
“You didn’t hurt me…not at all…or the baby. Kissing you is…amazing.”
I smiled at him to show him I was serious. He smiled a little to when he heard that.
“I stopped you because umm..well you had your…your hand it was…and I just…we should take this slow.”
He looked so adorable standing over there with his ruffled bed hair with an extreme look of confusion covering his face.
“What are you talking about Chloe?”
I rolled my eyes. Sometimes Clark’s innocent nature blocked even him from the simplest of things. I stood up also because it was probably late and I needed to go home and get ready. I saw Clarks eyes follow my movement and then look up and down m y body. His eyes darkened again and he took a step in my direction. I held out a hand.
“Stop right their Mr.”
He looked startled but did what I said.
“There you go again.”
And this time I laughed.
“Your hand was going into uncharted territory Clark…you know…places you’ve never been before…definitely out of the friendship realm of touching.”
He smiled then faltered.
“Well Chloe…we’ve upgraded our relationship from friends so the kissing thing…I kinda thought that came with our new status…unless you wanna slow down…I mean I’d completely understand.”
He’s such a dork.. I was gonna have to spell it out for him.
“Clark this kissing is great and yes all the boundaries are different now but we haven’t discussed it. I would be insulted if you didn’t try to kiss me.”
He smiled and I continued.
“But I think hands roaming the lower…area of my body is jumping a few bases their Casanova.”
He looked horrified.
“Chloe I didn’t I would never do anything…like that without your permission. I wouldn’t just assume..i mean..i wouldn’t…”
He fumbled with his words and I laughed out loud. He looked at me and frowned.
“This isn’t funny. You thinking I’d do that hurts Chlo.”
I stopped laughing when I realized he was serious I walked over and put my hand on his arm.
“Clark relax. You did do it but it was totally unconsciously. I don’t even think you realized it and that’s fine. It’s ok for stuff like that to happen. And I know you’d never force anything on to me so relax. I was only being semi serious. Jeez…this relationship is gonna be harder then I thought.”
I said the last part with playful annoyance and then gave him a grin. He shook his head and smiled back before pulling me to him and kissing my head.
“What did I get myself into?”
I chuckled.
“I’ve been asking myself the same question Kent.”
We got dressed and he drove me over to the Talon. I went upstairs and changed and when I came down I saw Clark ordering coffee and muffins for us. I cannot believe that Clark and I are an item. I shook my head and went over to where they kept the papers. I grabbed today’s edition of The Planet and started to read as I walked over to Clark…..OH. MY. GOD. How in the world did this get in the paper? I can’t let Clark find out this way I have to tell him. Crap! He walked over to me with a grin on his face and two coffees.
“Have you seen the Daily Planet this morning?”
He looked confused.
“No. Why? Should I have?”
I let out a loud breath. I really shouldn’t be telling him this it’s not my place but I can’t let him find out that way I just can’t.
My voice was gentle but a little frantic.
“Okay. God, I can't let you read this in the paper. Lex proposed to Lana.”
He looked shocked for a minute but then schooled his features.
“What did she say?”
Remember Chloe when you guys talked last night he said he would need you to be understanding about the whole Lana thing…she isn’t his future. You are…right now maybe if I repeated it a hundred times a day the bad feeling in the pit of my stomach would go away.
“She hasn't given him an answer.”
I handed him the paper. And he skimmed the article. He glanced at me with his brows drawn together.
“It says here it's because of me. Is this true? Chloe?”
I shook my head.
“No…I mean I don’t know. She came to The Planet yesterday and we talked. She told me Lex proposed but something made her hesitate. I immediately thought it was you and I said that. Lana said it wasn’t though. She said that she felt Lex only proposed to her because of the baby…and she didn’t want his obligation to put them into a marriage he didn’t want to be in.”
Clark nodded. I couldn’t read his face and that scared me.
“I tried so hard to not let this Lana and Lex thing bother me... if she marries Lex though, there's no going back. That’s it.”
I wanted to cry and I tried so hard to not show it. Clark being Clark though caught the pain on my face and his face softened from the mask he had on. He caressed my arm slightly.
“I’m here Chlo. I’m not going anywhere. Yea it hurts but I’ll get over it because I have you. What I meant before was that…if she Marry’s him then all of this really is over our friendship your friendship with her everything. You know how Lana feels about secrets….and you and I have the biggest ones. Lex is out for some kind of revenge and I don’t want Lana to be caught in the middle because of us.”
I could understand that. Lana is like a sister to me and I don’t want her to get hurt. But she really does care about Lex and the fact that he’s been letting her see sides of him no one else does really isn’t helping mine and Clarks cause.
“We can't let her do this.”
He started to walk away from me. I turned around to catch him.
“Whoa, Clark. Wait a minute. What are you going to do?”
“I’m going to go talk to her. See if maybe I can talk her out of this.”
I shook my head. I held up the paper and waved it at him.
“Given the headlines from this morning I don’t really see you being on the guest list at the mansion. Maybe you should wait to talk to Lana another time Clark when this isn’t so fresh…”
“No the sooner we convince her the better off we’ll all be.”
I sighed and followed him.
“Alright let’s go.”
He stopped dead in his tracks and turned to look at me.
“Your not coming. I don’t want you anywhere near Lex Chloe.”
I frowned.
“But Clark…”
His head was already shaking.
“No…please just…I need to know that you two are safe. Seeing you and Lex in the same room as each other…it doesn’t do good things to me. I’ll be back soon ok?”
I let out a puff of breathed that blew my bangs up.
“Fine Clark…whatever.”
He rolled his eyes and smiled.
“Don’t be mad Chlo. I'll see you in a little bit.”
He leaned down and kissed me before he left. I smiled as he walked away. He looked over his shoulder and smirked in my direction.
“I could definitely get used to that.”
I laughed and he was gone.
(Lana POV)
I heard the door creak open and rolled over to face the door. I smiled. Lex had a breakfast try full of food and a rolled up paper on it. I sat up and he placed the try down for me.
“You didn't have to do that.”
He smiled but it was strained.
“I was feeling alone waiting for your answer. I didn't realize I had so much company.”
I gave him a confused look. I looked down at the paper and saw the front page. Oh my god! Who would write this. I never said those things !Chloe…she’s the only person who mentioned Clark…dammit. I should have known better then go to. I knew she hated Lex but I never thought she’d go this far.
“I don't know what to say.”
He picked up the paper.
“Then let me. "When I was with Clark, I would have said yes without hesitating." You know, the worst part of waiting... was dwelling on all the reasons why you might be stalling. At least now I know.”
He looked so hurt and even though he was trying his best to keep it off his face I saw it. I grabbed his hand gently.
“Lex, I didn’t say those things…I swear to you…I have been hesitating yes…but Clark’s not the reason why…I’m just…”
And then my phone started to go off right when there was a knock on our door. I looked away from Lex and at my phone. It was Chloe. Wonderful…she’s probably calling for a follow-up. I shook me head and Lex told whoever was at the door to come in. it was one if the assistants.
“Mr. Luthor, you have a guest.”
He looked at me.
“We can finish our discussion when I get back alright?”
I nodded and he got up and left to see who was here. I sighed. I needed to get dressed and do some extreme control damage.
(Lex POV)
I headed out of the room and walked toward my study. She say’s this isn’t about Clark…and yet the news is splashed all over the paper. Lana has never lied to me before though. Ever since we got together I’ve been honest with her…about the things I believe she can handle. And she’s surprised me with a few things of her own. I remember Christmas last year and I remember what it felt like to have Lana in my life. I wanted that…but I didn’t have to give up wealth and power for it…I could have both and I would. I opened the door and saw Clark standing in the study. Well well well speak of everybody’s white knight. He faced me and frowned.
“They said Lana was here.”
Of course after he saw the paper he’d come here…like a dog begging for a bone. The first sign that he could get Lana away from me and here he was presenting himself as some kind of prize.
“She was. But I'm afraid you just missed her.”
He glared at me.
“I'll come back later.”
As he started to walk out I moved closer to him and spoke. My voice amused at his audacity.
“So you really think you can convince her? You think you can talk her out of making the biggest mistake of her life by marrying me?”
He turned with angered in his eyes and I smiled inwardly.
“We both know that you swept in after –“
I cut him off.
“After you crushed her?”
He huffed and I had to laugh. Clark was sitting so high on his pedestal that he couldn’t see that I make Lana happier then he ever did because I don’t lie to her…well not nearly as much as he had anyway.
“You knew she was vulnerable, and you played her until she thought she was in love with you.”
I grinned. Lana is a lot more like me then he gives her credit for. I don’t know why he hasn’t opened his eyes enough to see that side of her…but I have. And I like it.
“If you really see Lana as that naive, you obviously don't think as much of her as I do.”
He looked mad…but he controlled his anger and instead gave me a small sarcastic smile.
“It must be eating at you that she's hesitating -- wondering why she hasn't given you an answer.”
Ok this has gone on enough. Clark might always think he is one up on me…but I have so many sleeves he never be able to crawl up the right one.
“Lana spoke with me this morning Clark. She told me the things that were written in this morning’s paper were untrue. And I believe her. That’s the difference between you and me Clark. I trust Lana because she’s never given me any reason not to.”
He looked away. Good that got him. And here’s a little salt for the wound.
“Why are you here Clark? Lana doesn’t want you back…”
I paused and right when he was about to speak I continued.
“What would Chloe do if she found out you were here to plead your case to Lana about leaving me for you.
He sneered and his voice grew louder.
“I’m not here to break up your engagement so Lana can be with me. I’m here because Lana is my friend and I don’t want to see her get hurt by you.”
I walked over to my desk and sat down.
“Well as I said before Clark. Lana isn’t here so if you don’t mind leaving I have things to attend to.”
He glared hard in my direction and walked out. I glanced at my laptop and opened a private screen. I entered the password and a video popped up. I smiled. There’re not going to know what hit them…
(Chloe POV)
I’ve been at work most of the morning since Clark left. I’ve been looking into Linda Lake to be more specific. I wanted to know how she heard some of what Lana was saying to me. I called Lana earlier to try and talk to her but she didn’t answer. I guess I couldn’t blame her but I was kind of hoping she had more faith in me than that…guess not. Hmmm Linda Lake used to work in Smallville as a local reporter. I was reading an article about how she was caught in the second Meteor shower when I heard Lois’s voice. I looked up and she was waving around a copy of this morning’s paper. I grinned.
“So the old Q-Ball proposed to Lana?”
I chuckled and she sat down across from me.
“Is all this true? I mean is Lana still stuck on Smallville? Cause I kinda thought that ship has already sailed…with you know…”
She motioned to my stomach.
“with everything.”
I sighed. Yes that’s right. Clark and I still haven’t gotten around to telling everyone the truth. About the baby not being his that is. Clark wanted to wait until I got off bed rest so Lois wouldn’t freak about me staying with him. Then after that he just kept putting it off and I finally stopped mentioning it. I took the paper from Lois and threw it away.
“No it’s not true. I mean Lana cam by yesterday and told me about the proposal but she didn’t mention Clark not once. She was worried about something else all together and that why she hasn’t given Lex an answer yet.”
She grabbed the paper out of the trashcan and opened it back up looking intently at the photos on the page. She scrunched up her nose.
“You would at least think with the billions baldy over here has he could afford to buy himself a decent toupee.”
She shrugged and I laughed loudly. She put the paper on the table and stood up. She glared down at me.
“Do I even need to ask where you spent last night?”
I looked back at the computer and starting printing.
“Clarks.”
She snorted.
“Figures…what is it with Smallville that makes all the women of your Podunk town flock to him like a pack of oversexed morons. I mean seriously I thought better of you Chlo you’re a Metropolis girl…we don’t chase after anyone.”
I smiled.
“I wouldn’t understand even if I could explain it to you Lois.”
“Whatever…I’ll never get why everyone thinks Smallville's so great…but anyway Chlo I gotta head out. I’m meeting Oliver for an afternoon of yoga.”
I nodded to her and she left. I shook my head. Lois was the only person who could make Clark seem like the dorky farm boy he really isn’t. the thought made me laugh as I continued my search for what Linda Lake’s Meteor power might be…
(Lois POV)
Ollie and I were in the midst of bending our bodies in a way I wasn’t sure I was supposed to bend. He was standing over me spotting me and I was getting dizzy.
“Ahh. Okay, how long do I have to do this for?”
He chuckled.
“What was it that you said, huh? Yoga is glorified stretching with chants.”
I rolled my eyes as best I could in my position
“Little bit different perspective from down here.”
He was moving his hands on my body and it made Goosebumps appear.
“Well, this is a good way to strengthen your core, trust me. Whoa! Oh!”
My Core huh? I’d show him strength. I flipped him over and landed on top.
“I didn't realize that my core was in question.”
His eyes were dark and he grinned up at me.
“You really want to keep talking?”
I shook my head.
“No.”
He kissed me and I started to grab his shirt and pull it off when I noticed the large bash on his upper arm. I froze. Those pictures that Jimmy gave me…didn’t the green arrow have the same gash on his arm? Oh my…Oliver tried to pull me down and again but I stopped. And pointed to his arm.
“Hey. Oh, it's a scratch. Don't worry about it.”
I raised an eyebrow
“A scratch, huh?”
He started kissing my neck.
“Mm-hmm.”
I pushed him away. I was still sitting on his lap though.
“How did that happen?”
He looked confused then spoke up as he tried to pull me closer.
“Um, it was a fencing accident.”
They don’t use real blades in fencing…I didn’t think anyway not when you were teaching.
“With a real blade?”
He tried to brush it off and by the things he was saying I could just tell he wasn’t telling me the truth.
“Uh, you know, the tip snapped off and caught me. Trust me, it looks worse than it feels, okay? I promise.”
I stopped him and got up. I kissed him and grabbed my bag.
“Thank you for all of the chakra reorganizing, but I have to go.”
He was still on the floor stunned and stuttering. Just the way I like them!
“Well, I mean, uh...”
I ran out of the apartment into the elevator.
“Goodbye.”
When the doors shut and the elevator started to go down I reached into my bag and pulled out the photos. I was right…the Green arrow had the same cut in the same place as Oliver. This called for some major research…I got off the elevator and went home to do some to find out if Oliver the man I’m falling in love with has an alter ego who has a fetish for green leather…
(Clark POV)
I rubbed the back of my neck as I started walking up the stairs to my loft. Lex really makes me mad. I hate that he can get to me. I wasn’t paying attention until I heard someone speaking to me.
“Smallville, sorry about the article. It's bad enough to have a broken heart, but to have it splashed all over the newspapers...”
Why was she here? She always just shows up and I’m not in the mood for it right now. I gave her a smirk.
“I guess that's what reporters do, don't they?”
“Okay, I think that little zinger just ricocheted off of Linda Lake and hit me.”
But she didn’t take the bait, which was odd cause she usually does. It’s what Lois and I do fight. But she wasn’t yelling and it made me feel kinda bad.
“Look, I'm sorry. People keep secrets for a reason.”
She made a noise in the back of her throat and glared.
“I don't know. If you ask me, I think a secret is just a big loophole in the whole "thou shall not lie" clause.”
I shook my head. Lois didn’t understand. She didn’t have any secrets that were harmful to her or the people she loved.
“There's just no gray area with you, is there?”
She stood up then and looked at me defiantly.
“Not when someone I thought I knew better than anyone has been keeping the biggest secret of
all.”
OH MY GOD…She can’t possibly know. There is no way. I played it cool.
“What are you talking about?”
She walked closer to me.
“What would you do if one day you realized someone close to you had a serious hero complex?”
Ok it’s official I’m going to have a heart attack. I looked at her a bit uneasy. I have no clue what is going on and that’s bad.
“Hero complex?”
I practically squeaked it out.
“Hiding his true identity from everyone he supposedly cares about. You can't tell me you wouldn't find something wrong with that.”
Oh man…this is it she knows.
“Who exactly are we talking about Lois?”
She folder her arms across her chest.
“Green arrow, A.K.A. Oliver Queen.”
I was so relieved. Wait that’s not good either. Crap!
“Oliver.”
She nodded.
“Jimmy snapped photos of Green Arrow getting slashed in the arm exactly where Ollie's arm is cut. Plus, the time printed on the photos is exactly the same time Ollie disappeared on me that same night.”
What did I say to that? I mean it’s true Oliver was the green arrow but I can’t tell her that.
“When are you planning to unload this theory on Oliver?”
She smiled.
“I need proof first -- definitive proof. That's where I thought you might come in handy”
I groaned great just what I needed, an adventure with Lois…It’s gonna be a long day.
(Chloe POV)
I walked into my apartment to find Clark rifling through Lois’s purse. He heard the door and turned towards me.
“I swear I'm losing my scare reflex because of you.”
He gave me a small smile and then looked down at his hands in her purse and back at me.
“Lois asked me to –“
I cut him off. Who was he kidding? Does he even know who he’s talking to?
“Oh, please, Clark. Are you going to tell me why you're digging in Lois' purse, snoop dogg? Wait. Let me guess. You're covering for the new pledge of your hero fraternity.”
He sighed and moved away from her purse.
“Last time Lois said she had a lead on the Green Arrow, she was just bluffing. Now she says Jimmy has shots that will help I.D. him.”
I was startled. Since when did my cousin and Jimmy work together? Especially now that we weren’t even together.
“Jimmy? He's moonlighting for Lois?”
He must have seen I was upset because he came over and wrapped his arms around my waist.
I looked up and he smiled.
“Hey.”
I relaxed into him and smiled. I replied softly.
“Hey.”
I leaned up and he accepted my kiss. When we broke apart he was grinning.
“I haven’t seen you all day Chlo…I missed you.”
I laughed.
“I missed you to Clark. Don’t think that changing the subject is gonna get you off that easily.”
He moved out of my reach and leaned against the kitchen counter with his arms crossed.
“How you feeling Chloe?”
I threw my stuff down by the door.
“Tired but fine.”
I plopped on the couch and Clark followed me over. I lifted my legs so he could sit and then put then on him last. He smirked at me and started to rub my feet like last time.
“Oh man Clark…you’re the best boyfriend ever. Hmmm it must be the non-human status. Just think get your very own alien from another planet…they train much better then human boys.”
I grinned evilly at him and he tried to look serious when he spoke.
“For the record... I prefer "intergalactic traveler" over "alien from another planet."
I chuckled and continued his ministrations and I let my head fall back on the couch. About ten minutes later his cell phone rang. He sighed and picked it up.
“Hello”
He rolled his eyes.
“Hey Lois…yea about that I have a really great idea. Yea. A way to find out if Oliver is green arrow without having to tell him. MMmm Hmmm. Yup ok. Give me a few and I’ll meet you at Oliver’s place. Ok….bye”
He hung up and I raised an eyebrow.
“Lois thinks Oliver is the green arrow.”
I laughed.
“I see…and you Clark Kent are helping her discover the truth?”
He shrugged and nodded.
“I gotta get going. I’m supposed to meet her there soon I told her I was in Metropolis so it wouldn’t take me to long.”
“Ok”
I lifted my legs up and then put them back down when he got up. He leaned over me and kissed me.
“I know we haven’t said anything about us yet but it it’s ok I’d like to tell my mom.”
I smiled.
“That’s fine Clark. Where not in hiding…I just want to make sure that one or both of us tell Lana before it get’s all over.”
He nodded and then kissed me again…and again. I laughed into his lips.
“Clark you have to go.”
He groaned good-naturedly. He got to the door and turned to face me.
“Have you told Lois the good news yet?”
I scrunched my brows in confusion.
“What good news?”
“That soon she’s gonna have her apartment all to herself again?”
I looked down. No I hadn’t…not yet. Clark was going to help me move my stuff over to the farm after the doctor’s appointment on Friday. I gave him a sheepish smile.
“I will I promise Clark.”
He nodded and took off. I leaned my head back and decided to try calling Lana again it couldn’t hurt it’s been like eight hours since I tried. She can’t avoid me forever.
(Lana POV)
I was waiting in the study for Lex to get back from another meeting. We never got to finish our conversation from this morning because after he had that visitor he was called into a meeting. I heard the door open and I looked up from the book I was reading. I closed it and stood up. Lex smiled and walked over to me. I put my arms around his neck and leaned up for a kiss, which he returned. My voice was soft.
“Hey. Long day?”
He nodded.
“Yea. How are you feeling this evening?”
He stepped around me and put his stuff down on the desk then turned to face me. He was leaned against his desk with his arms gently folded.
“Fine. I was hoping we could talk. We never did get to finish our conversation from earlier.”
“Of course.”
I went and sat on the couch and he brought over two glasses. One with a scotch for him and sparkling water for me. I smiled my thanks and took the cup.
“Lana before you..”
I cut him off.
“Please let me go first. I have a few thing’s to say and I don’t know how long my courage will hold up.”
I stood up because right now I really couldn’t sit down I had too much energy in me.
“Yesterday I went to the Planet to see Chloe.”
I could see his body tense for a minute before it relaxed.
“I told her that you proposed but…something wouldn’t let me say yes right away.”
I sat right in front of him and took his hand.
“But I swear to you Lex that thing…that made me hesitate…it wasn’t Clark.”
I could tell he wanted to interrupt me but I wouldn’t let him.
“No…I’m not done yet. Clark was my first love and a part of me will always love him, but Clark is in my past Lex. He will always have a place in my heart but you’re the man I love. The man I’m in love with. The man I’m going to be having a family with…a family that neither of us ever had but will have now.”
I placed my hand on my stomach. He put his drink down and moved to the edge of the chair. He put his hand over mine and I swear I could see tears in his eyes.
“Lana..”
He paused. It looked like he was collecting himself.
“I’ve been trying to interrupt you because this morning when you told me you didn’t say what was in the article…I believed you. There has never been a time since we started this relationship that you’ve been dishonest with me. So why would you start now? You never had to worry about making me believe you because you don’t need to earn my trust. You already have it.”
I had tears in my eyes and I sat on the table in front of him and he leaned in to kiss me. I pulled me onto the couch so we were laying on it together. His hands were going through my hair and I had my head against his chest listening to his steady heartbeat. About ten minutes later he broke the silence.
“A million dollars for your thoughts.”
I laughed softly and he smiled. But by the look in his eyes I knew he was going to bring it up. He wanted to know if I had an answer for him after all this…He spoke quietly and honestly to me.
“Sorry. My comic timing is the first to go after my nerves. You know, in all my life, I've... I've never made an offer when I was afraid of the answer. Till now.”
I moved so I could see his face better.
“You've been so patient.”
“Doesn't feel like it.”
The truth is he has though and he knows it.
“I have a confession to make…”
“I’m all ears.”
“The reason I went to Chloe was…I was afraid…
He looked confused.
“I was afraid that the only reason you wanted to be with me…was because I’m having your child.”
I sat up and looked down on him.
“I don’t want you to feel like you have to marry me because of this baby. I want you to do it because you want to.”
Lex looked incredibly shocked. Is eyes actually looked like they might have bugged right out of his head. He moved so he was sitting up more fully.
“Lana…what in the world would make you think I proposed out of some chivalric obligation?”
I shrugged and he sighed.
“I asked you to marry me because I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”
He smiled.
“I can’t believe this is what you were worried about…”
I looked down.
“You deserve someone who won’t hesitate to love you the way you love them.”
He seemed to understand what I was saying and he tipped my chin up with his fingers.
“Lana, with the life I've led, I go to bed praying every night that I don't get what I deserve. You get bitter... and vengeful. And then you meet someone who's so good... that she might be the one person who could learn to love you. I would wait forever for that.”
I smiled through my tears.
“You don't have to. I’m sorry I questioned your reason for asking because now I see that I have someone right in front of me who I know trusts me... and who lets me see sides of him no one else does.”
I could see a small grin on his face and he took a deep breath just before speaking.
“So just for clarification...”
I laughed.
“Yes, Lex Luthor. I will marry you”
He leaned down and I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him. My cell phone interrupted us. He chuckled and moved back. I smiled.
“I should get that.”
He nodded and then caught my arm.
“One second. Let voice mail get it I need to give you something.”
I walked over to the mantle with him and he pulled out the box my ring was in. I grinned and held my hand out. He turned and smiled.
“Eager are we?”
“Indeed.”
He slipped it on my finger and kissed me. Then his cell phone went off and sighed and he shook his head.
“I have to go. I’m sorry. I wanted to maybe go to Metropolis and celebrate. How about tomorrow evening?”
“Sounds perfect.”
He nodded grabbed his things, kissed me and left. I walked over to my phone and saw a missed call from Chloe I really should call her. I picked up my phone and dialed.
(Clark POV)
It was eleven thirty at night. I was tired. Oh yea…and did I mention I’m mad at Oliver Queen. When Lois first told me of her suspicion that the green arrow was Oliver I tried to get the evidence away from her so she couldn’t prove it. When that didn’t work I told Oliver Lois was on to him and we hatched up a plan that coincided with the plan Lois and I put together to catch Oliver. When Lois left to get ice the fake thugs were going to attack her and she was going to call Oliver. Cue me dressing up like the green arrow and coming to her rescue and then Oliver showing up a couple of seconds later thus proving her theory wrong. Nowhere in this plan did it say Lois kisses the green arrow. But boy did she…she laid one on me and I was so shocked I didn’t pull away. I shook my head as I walked home. Chloe was going to kill me if she ever found out. How do these things always happen to me. I got into the barn and walked up the stairs. When I got to the top I saw Chloe. I smiled and walked further in and then I saw her face. I rushed over.
“Chloe what happened? Are you ok?”
I moved her hair aside so I could see the cut better. She gently pushed my hand away.
“I’m fine Clark. No worries just a little work place scuffle.”
I gave her a confused look and she sighed.
“Short version?”
I gave her an affirmative nod.
“I found out who leaked Lana’s story. Linda Lake. She was in Smallville during the last Meteor shower and wound up with the power to become water or something. She was spying on Lana and I. When she heard me bring up your name she decided to put her own spin on what she heard. I finally got a hold of Lana and we talked.”
She grinned at me.
“Then we teamed up to get dirt on Linda Lake. Lana was listening and watching in the car and when things got out of hand and Linda and I got into a fight it spilled into the street and Lana accidentally hit Linda with her car.”
I was looking at her. She had a proud smile on her face and her skin was flushed. I have no clue what to say. My girlfriend is crazy…and I absolutely love it. I gave her a little grin.
“Well at least your ok…maybe next time you could call me just incase…I know you like getting involved with this stuff Chloe and I would never tell you not to because this is who you are. It’s one of the reason I care about you so much. But while your making decisions for two maybe you should cut down on the dangerous activity. I don’t want anything happening to you…or the baby”
She gave me a warm smile and climbed over onto my lap. I moved us back onto the couch so my back was against the cushions and Chloe’s legs were on either side of mine.
“I think that can be arranged.”
“Good…now come here.”
She laughed and I smiled into her neck. God she’s beautiful. There isn’t anyone out there like Chloe. She’s the only person who can bring out the playful side of me and I love that about her.
I dropped her off at the Talon about an hour later and then went home. I got undressed and dropped on the bed. I had to clean out my room. I was helping Chloe bring her stuff over here tomorrow after we went to the doctor. I closed me eyes. Sweet bliss. I smiled and drifted slowly off.
(Chloe POV)
I’ve been listening to Lois talk about the green arrow ever since I woke up this morning. It’s starting to grate on my nerves. Wait a minute…did she just say he threw people clear across the ally and super sped away? No way…not possible. Then I smirked. Oliver was the Green Arrow and Clark was covering for him. It makes sense I mean they showed up at about the same time. I chuckled. Wait until I get my hands on Clark. Just then there was a knock at the door. It opened and Clark walked in with a coffee in hand for me. Ask and ye shall receive.
“Clark.”
He smiled and kissed my cheek. Lois kinda didn’t know about our new status yet.
“What's going on?”
I grinned at him with an evil glint in my eyes.
“Uh, Lois was just telling me about her exciting night last night.”
Clark looked nervous.
“Yeah, I don't know where you disappeared to last night, Smallville, but it turns out I was wrong about Oliver.”
As I started to talk I made sure he knew that I knew.
“He's not the Green Arrow! Can you believe that? Luckily Oliver showed up when our hero was still around, but it looks like you were way off base about him. And the craziest part is he chucked a guy across an alley, right?”
I looked at Lois for confirmation and she grinned with her mug of coffee in hand.
“Oh, yeah.”
I turned back to Clark.
“And then supersped away. I mean, who does that?”
I gave him a large smile and he knew he was busted
“Hmm. It's a good thing Oliver showed up when he did. Then you know for sure.”
I shook my head.
“Oh, she knew before he showed up.”
He looked confused.
“You did?”
I smiled sweetly.
“Ask her how.”
He didn’t look like he really wanted to know.
“How?”
“I kissed him.”
Clark whipped his head to me and looked scared. I looked up at him and grinned.
“Isn't that romantic? Oh, I'm sorry, Lois. Finish the story.”
He tried to interrupt her but I lightly slapped him in the chest and looked up at him.
“This is the best part.”
Clark looked like he was going to be sick and for a second I felt bad for him….but only for a second.
“Well, he was holding me in his arms. And Ollie's a good kisser -- don't get me wrong -- but that Green Arrow, he could teach Ollie a thing or two.”
And she walked away with a huge grin on her face. When Lois left the apartment Clark looked at me with his puppy eyes.
“I swear I didn’t kiss her…well I mean I did but she kissed me I just…I couldn’t….I was shocked.”
I laughed at him and he stopped talking.
“You mad at me Chlo?”
“No I know you weren’t cheating on me Clark. But you could have told me Oliver was the green arrow.”
He shrugged.
“It was his secret Chloe…I didn’t want to out him.”
I nodded. He walked over and gave me a real kiss now that Lois was gone. I smiled. He moved back and looked at me sternly.
“You have to tell her today. You can’t have her come home and all your stuff is gone.”
I grinned.
“That would be pretty funny though….I’ll be right back lemme just get my purse and we can go.”
We had the doctor’s appointment in thirty minutes so I grabbed my purse and stepped out of the bedroom. Clark was standing there looking through some pictures. I stayed where I was and just watched him. He looked over at me and his grin lit up the apartment. I smiled. After today things were going to change. I’d know the sex of my baby, which would finally make everything real. And I’d have a new place to call home. Today would be the first day of the rest of my life…and I couldn’t wait.
Chapter 6 Part A
(Chloe POV)
It was late and I was finishing up the layout for my first story since I’ve been back at The Planet. It’s been three weeks since they released me from the hospital and one week since I’ve been back at work. After I woke up the doctors made me stay in the hospital for another four days for observation before they let me go home. I was told to stay on bed rest for two weeks and then come back and see them, which I did. So here I am back at work. Thank god to because I was about ready to end it just from the boredom. I was standing up by my computer when I heard heels clicking heavily on the floor. I looked up and saw Linda Lake heading my way. Great the she-devil. Why is she even down here?
“I need 11 copies of each by tomorrow morning, and before my Macchiato goes arctic. Assistants just don't have the stamina they used to have.”
She turned around and started to walk away.
I raised and eyebrow at her. Who does she think she’s talking to. Linda Lake was pretty high up on the Planet scale and I didn’t want to piss anyone off so I checked my temper and spoke to her in a non-confrontational tone.
“Uh, excuse me, Miss Lake, with all due respect, I'm not an assistant. I'm a reporter.”
I heard her snort and she turned around to face me. She gave me a hard glare as she spoke.
“Of course you are. Unfortunately,”
She looked at my desk to see my nameplate.
“Sullivan, what matters is that I can see Gotham from my new office, and you -- oh, well, you, hon, you work below sea level.”
She was getting me mad now. I was tired and she was a pain. Forget being respectful. I held up a paper with her front-page story on it.
“At the risk of heresy, I would rather be snorkeling for the rest of my life than destroy a man's career based on rumor.”
She came over to me and got in my face.
“I only print the truth, and if you haven't noticed, I print it on page 1, section B every week.”
With that she turned on her heels and stormed out of the basement. Well that went terrific. I threw her papers on the desk next to me and finished up what I was doing. Right when I clicked the finished button my cell phone rang. I grabbed my phone and flipped it open.
“Hello.”
“Hey Chloe…you done yet?”
I rolled my eyes but smiled. Clark has been being incredibly sweet, incredibly caring, and incredibly annoying ever since I came home. The worst part was his obsessive ness was really starting to grow on me. I shook my head.
“Yea I just finished. I’m getting my stuff together now. I was just going to call you.”
I heard a noise on the other end.
“I’ll be right there.”
“Ok…do me a favor and brin…”
The whoosh of air cut off my sentence and he grinned down on me. I closed my phone.
“What were you saying?”
“I was going to ask you to bring my car keys so I could drive back to the Talon.”
He frowned and gently placed an arm around me getting ready to take off.
“I thought you were staying with me tonight Chloe.”
I sighed. I had stayed at the farm for the two weeks I was on bed rest at Clark’s insistence. I had gotten an earful from Lois about up and leaving her at the Talon. Clark and Lois had argued for over an hour about who would take better care of me. Clark ended the argument when he said that the baby and I needed proper nutrition and since Lois couldn’t cook and his mom could the obvious place for me to stay while I recuperate was with him. As soon as I got off bed rest though I went back to the Talon and Clark has been harping on me ever since.
“I know I said I would Clark but I’m really tired and I just want to sleep in my own bed.”
He tightened his hold on me and moved his head to my ear.
“Hold on…I’m gonna run us back to the farm so we can finish this conversation more comfortably.”
I stepped back from him and he gave me a questioning look.
“You think you could just pick me up instead tonight Clark? You know I love super speeding with you but just holding on has been making me a little sick lately.”
He smiled walked over to me and lifted me up into his arms like I weighed nothing. I guess to him I did. We were back at the farm in no time and he placed me on the sopha in the living room. I toed my heels off and moved over to give him room to sit. He sat down and pulled my feet onto his lap and started rubbing them. I closed my eyes. Oh. My. God. Clark Kent was amazing! Ohhh that felt sooo good. He gave me a cocky smirk and a chuckle when he heard me groan. I opened one eye.
“What are you smirking at Kent?”
He shrugged.
“You know Chloe if you moved in here I could do this all the time…whenever you want.”
I had to laugh at that. I leaned back into the pillow on the couch.
“That’s bribery Clark.”
He scrunched up his face and gave me a fake confused look.
“So…when was it written that I couldn’t use bribery to win you over?”
I closed my eyes again and grinned.
“It wasn’t written anywhere I’m just letting you know that’s kinda cheating.”
He kneaded a particularly sensitive spot on my foot and I let out a loud moan. His hands stopped moving so I opened my eyes.
“Don’t stop Clark…”
I looked into his eyes and chills ran up my spine. They were a shade darker than usual. I gulped and attempted to pull my foot off his lap without success. He held on tightly enough that I couldn’t get away but gently enough not to hurt me. I gave him a nervous laugh.
“I kinda need my foot back Clark…you know so I can get up…”
He started massaging circles on my ankle with his thumbs and was slowly working his hands to my calf. Oh my god…what is he doing and why does it have to feel so damn good? When he spoke his voice was deeper then I remembered it being.
“Relax Chloe…I’m not done yet.”
My throat went dry. That statement didn’t exactly sound like a friendly statement if you know what I mean. My heartbeat sped up and I could feel it frantically thumping against my chest. His hands moved higher, to my knee and his body seemed to get magically closer. He couldn’t actually be…hitting on me. I mean this is Clark…he’s in love with Lana…he only considers me a friend. And yet I can feel his body getting closer to me by the second. He brushed a piece of falling hair from my face and let his hand linger there. When did he get that close? My voice was a whisper when I spoke.
“Clark…what…what are you doing?”
Our heads were getting awfully close to each other, so close in fact I could feel his breath.
“I don’t know.”
He leaned in closer…I closed my eyes and….BRRRRRRIIING BRRRRIING…my phone started going off like crazy. It startled me. I opened my eyes and saw Clark blink, turn a shade redder then normal and back away from me to the other side of the couch seemingly embarrassed. I sighed. of course he was embarrassed Chloe…he doesn’t want to kiss you it was just a moment of weakness. He wouldn’t look at me so I just grabbed my phone and answered it. My voice came out a little sharp.
“Hello.”
“Whoa there cuz…what’s got your panties in such a twist?”
I moved off the couch and put my shoes on.
“Hey Lois. Sorry nothing. I was just heading home.”
I could hear the worry in her voice.
“You’re just leaving The Planet now? Its kinda late Chlo. You should really think about getting your schedule changed or something. You shouldn’t be wondering around alone at night in Metropolis.”
She worried too much but she didn’t have to because I wasn’t in Metropolis.
“I’m at Clark’s Lo but I’m leaving now so I’ll see you soon. Unless you wanted something?”
I could hear her banging something on the other end.
“Nope. It was getting late. Just wanted to make sure you weren’t abducted by aliens or anything.”
That made me smirk. If she only new…
“Well everything’s fine and that’s a negative on the alien thing. I’ll see you in a little bit Lois.”
She said bye and we hung up. I grabbed my bag and went to leave but Clarks voice stopped me.
“You don’t have to go Chlo.”
His voice was sincere but he couldn’t even look me in the eye. If I stayed here tonight things were going to be so awkwardly uncomfortable that it just wasn’t worth the trouble.
“That ’s alright Clark I should go. I’ll talk to you tomorrow ok?”
He hesitated.
“Chloe…wait…about what happened…”
I turned around and plastered a smile on my face.
“its fine Clark…let’s just chalk it up to sleep deprivation and male hormones…I gotta go. See you later.”
And I left. My car was waiting in front of the Kent’s house. I got in and headed on my way home paying very close attention to the road on the drive home.
(Clark POV)
The door shut behind Chloe and I groaned. This was not good. I just put the moves on my pregnant best friend. I got off the couch and started pacing around the living room. She left in such a hurry what if she’s mad at me. I didn’t mean for that to happen it’s not like I planned it or something. I just…she was laying there with her feet in my hands, her eyes closed, lips parted…and I just couldn’t help myself. I had the strangest impulse to kiss her so I just…went for it. I sat back down and put my head in my hands. I was so confused. I love Lana…so much…but lately I’ve been feeling all these different things for Chloe. I don’t know exactly when it happened but I’ve started seeing Chloe as more than a friend. My mind was working over time when I heard the front door open. I looked up and my mom was walking through the door. When she saw me she smiled.
“Hey sweetheart. What are you doing down here?”
I shrugged. She moved into the kitchen and I followed behind her. She glanced in my direction and went into the refrigerator. She pulled out some milk, took out cookies and put everything in front of me. I looked up and gave her a weak smile.
“What’s the matter Clark?”
I moved my head to the side and rubbed the back of my neck.
“I’m having a little problem…”
She nodded and waited. I hesitated.
“I kind of…almost kissed Chloe tonight.”
My mom just nodded again. She didn’t even look shocked. Why is she acting like I almost kiss Chloe everyday? I was waiting for her to say something and yet nothing came.
“Mom…”
“Yes honey?”
I was quiet for a minute.
“Did you hear what I said?”
She got up and walked over to the sink and sighed.
“Clark…this…thing between you and Chloe has been building for years now.”
She turned around and I looked up at her confused. She sat back down and put a hand over mine.
“Clark…you and Chloe have been friends for years but there has always been something more lurking below the surface. You have to have known that.”
I nodded my head. I guess I did know that to some extent. I mean after the whole Zod incident when I came back I kind of thought Chloe and I were gonna get together but it never happened.
“What am I gonna do mom? I have all these feelings for Chloe but…I still love Lana and wouldn’t acting on my feelings for Chloe be unfair since I still have feelings for Lana?”
“I know that there will always be a place in your heart for Lana Clark…but are you sure you’re still in love with her? You’ve been spending an awful lot of time with Chloe and I haven’t really heard you mention Lana in a while now.”
I shrugged. Mom’s right I haven’t talked about Lana a lot lately but that doesn’t mean that I haven’t been thinking about her. I got up and glanced at my mom.
“Thanks mom…I’m…a…I’m gonna go to bed. I’ll see you in the morning.”
I walked upstairs before she could say anything else. I got undressed and laid in bed. My sheets still smelled like Chloe. Wonderful. I wasn’t getting to sleep anytime soon. I rolled over a few times before falling into a fitful sleep.
(Chloe POV)
I woke up to harsh tones of Lois’s hushed voice. I groaned and rolled over. If she was trying to be quiet she sure had a lot to learn. After a couple of minutes her voice just seemed to get louder so I sat up and rubbed my eyes. I looked at the clock it was eight fifteen. Crap I had to get up and get dressed. I have to be at The Planet today at eleven. I was walking toward the bathroom when Lois closed her phone. She turned in my direction.
“Oh hey Chlo.”
“Morning Lois.”
I was rushing around grabbing an outfit and make-up when Lois stopped me.
“What’s the rush?”
I sighed.
“It takes two hours to get to The Planet. I have to be there at eleven and I haven’t even showered yet.”
“Oh..well I’ll just get out of your hair then.”
I frowned. That was odd. Note to self something is definitely wrong with Lois. I’ll have to look into that later when I got a chance but right now I needed to get ready. I hopped in the shower and about forty-five minutes later I was heading out the door. I got to The Planet at eleven ten and started in on my work. Twenty minutes later I was coming out of the copy room when I saw Lana heading down the stairs. When she reached the bottom and saw me she gave me a small smile.
“Hey Chloe.”
I smiled.
“Hey Lana to what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?”
She fiddled nervously with her purse handle.
“I need to talk to you about something…its personal can we go somewhere private?”
My face sobered and I placed my hand on her arm.
“Sure. Com on.”
I took her back to where I just came from and shut the door behind us.
“What’s going on Lana? Is everything ok?”
She hesitated before speaking.
“Everything’s fine”
I nodded and waited for her to tell me what was going on. After a couple of minutes of silence I spoke.
“Well?”
“Chloe, Lex proposed.”
I was shocked. I really hope she didn’t say yes.
“And?”
She drew out her words.
“And I haven't given him an answer yet”
I sighed in relief. He’s probably running around the mansion freaking out. Or possibly killing even more people because he’s angry.
“I'm sure that's going over well.”
She ignored the comment and continued.
“Lex and I are in a really great place right now, but when I actually heard those words, there was something that wouldn't let me say yes.”
Ahhh…I knew why she was here. Clark. It’s gotta be
“Something like Clark?”
She looked at me confused.
“Chloe…no. Why would this have anything to do with Clark?”
Huh…that’s odd. It always had something to do with Clark.
“Oh…ok…well then what’s the problem?”
She took a deep breath.
“I know Lex cares about me. He’s proven that on more than one occasion. But…I’m just worried that the only reason he proposed was because I’m pregnant. And I don’t want that. I want him to propose to me because he wants to not because of this baby.”
“Lana... I think that if you’re having doubts about this marriage then maybe you shouldn’t do it.”
She was contemplating me for a few minutes and slowly nodded at me. I could tell she didn’t like my answer though because her facial expression turned a little colder.
“Thank’s Chloe…for the advice. I should get going though. I’ll talk to you later.
“Bye Lana.”
And a few minutes later she was gone. I went back to my desk and sat down. I can’t believe Lex proposed. Clark was going to be crushed. Poor Clark…I shook my head and glanced at the paperwork on my desk. I could use some coffee and food. I was starving. I rubbed my stomach, which was starting to swell just a bit and thought of where I could get food. I looked at my cell phone for a few minutes hoping it would ring. When it didn’t I picked it up and called Clark. After three rings he picked up.
“Hey Chloe.”
I smiled. I would not let things be weird…just play it cool Chloe
“Hey. Do you think you might be able to do me a favor?”
“Absolutely. What’s going on?”
I glanced around the office as I spoke.
“I’m really hungry. You think you can bring me some coffee and food?”
I could hear the smile in his voice.
“What do you want to eat?”
Hmmm what did I want? Ohh I know…
“Think you could make a run to New York? I would love one of those hotdogs from the kiosks on the street.”
That sounded so good my mouth was watering. I heard him laughing on the other end and frowned.
“Stop laughing at me Clark. It’s really not that funny.”
“Ok…ok I’m done Chlo. Hot dog got it. I’ll get a couple and bring back everything they have to put on it. I’ll have them put that on the side. How’s that sound?”
My voice got soft.
“Great…thanks a lot Clark…I really appreciate it.”
“Sure thing I’ll be there soon.”
I hung up the phone and smiled to myself. Two seconds later it rang again. I rolled my eyes it was probably Clark calling back to ask if I wanted anything else.
“Hello?”
“Hello Chloe.”
I drew my eyebrows together. The voice sounded familiar but I couldn’t place it.
“Can I help you with something?”
“It’s Oliver…Queen.”
Oh. That’s why I recognized the voice. How’d he get my number?
“Oh. Hi Mr. Queen what can I do for you?”
“Oliver is fine. I was wondering if you’ve heard from Lois at all.”
“Lois…I talked to her this morning before I left for work but I haven’t heard from her since I left the apartment this morning. Why is everything ok?”
I asked getting worried. What has Lois gotten herself into now?
“I’m sure everything is fine. We were supposed to have lunch together and she’s about forty-five minutes late, which isn’t, like her. I have a meeting so I can’t wait any longer, but if you speak to Lois before I do will you let her know that?”
That really wasn’t like her. I wonder what’s up.
“Sure I can do that Oliver.”
“Thanks Chloe I’ll talk to you later.”
“Bye”
After I hung up I tried Lois’s cell phone but it was off. I shook my head. When I get my hands on her she’s dead. I sat back and started to write my next article while I waited for Clark.
(Lois POV)
I was finally going to find out who the green arrow was. I had a lead on a guy who has pictures of him so I made plans to meet him. I walked along the narrow ally by the dumpster and waited. I heard a noise behind me and turned.
“ScoopGirl?”
I saw Jimmy…Chloe’s Ex. Oh boy
“Hotshot485? You've got to be kidding me.”
He gave me a soft glare.
“I'm not the one up all night tooling the internet for Green Arrow pics. Don't you have a boyfriend?”
I ignored his snide remark.
“Do you have the photos?”
“You got the cash?”
I rolled my eyes and pulled out some money.
“I don't get it. Of all the photographers in Metropolis, how is it that you end up with the first shots of our merry archer?”
“I have my connections.”
I smirked sarcastically
“No. Really.”
“Oh, well, guy doesn't get out of the suicide slums much, so I just hung out there for a few weeks... in my car with my pepper spray and the doors locked.”
I laughed. I took the pictures and looked over them carefully. No face.
“This is it? A bunch of arms and legs? Nice work, hotshot. I mean, you didn't even manage to catch one shot of his face. All these tell me about Green Arrow is that he needs a band-aid.”
I was frustrated. I waited all this time so that I could finally pin point who the green arrow was and now nada…zilch…nothing.
“Well, at least you got a good look at that.”
I shook my head.
“Thanks for a lot of nothing Jimmy. I’ll see you around ok?”
I took off on the trek back to my car. When I got in I was heading back to Smallville when I realized I missed my lunch date with Oliver. Crap! I stood him up I’m a horrible girlfriend. I picked up my phone and called him. There were two rings and then it went to voicemail. He must be busy. I left him a message apologizing profusely and telling him I’d make it up to him however he wanted. I shook my head this green arrow thing was really keeping me pre-occupied. I had to let it go for right now…until I got a more substantial lead I was wasting my time. I will find out who he is, and when I do he’ll wish he was never born.
(Clark POV)
I ran to New York and got Chloe’s hotdogs. By the time I got to The Planet it was about twelve. I saw Chloe sitting at her desk diligently typing away. I came over and sat down.
“How goes that writing?”
She clicked a few more keys and then smiled as she turned in her seat.
“Done! You came at the perfect time.”
“Good to know. Here you go. I got three just in case you were really hungry.”
She grabbed the bag and dug in. as she ate I watched her and took the time to notice the subtly changes in her body. Her hair seemed longer and her skin was flushed with color. She was wearing a black satin top and an dark green skirt. She looked beautiful. I looked down and could see a small bump starting to show. It really was an overwhelming site. She caught me staring and shifted in her seat.
“What?”
“Huh?”
“Why were you staring at me? Is there something on my face that you are neglecting to tell me about?”
I smiled.
“No I was just looking at you. You look nice today Chlo.”
She beamed at me.
“Thanks Clark.”
I really wanted to talk about yesterday with her but I was afraid she’d pull away from and I didn’t want to risk that. Things seemed to be ok right now and I wanted to keep it that way.
“Hey when’s the next doctor’s appointment? I thought maybe…if you wanted I could…you know go with you…”
Chloe gave me half a smile and patted my arm.
“You don’t have to do that. It’s a simple checkup.”
I shrugged.
“I want to. Your seventeen weeks now. You could probably find out the sex of the baby if you wanted to.”
She nodded.
“Ok…it’s on Friday at nine.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
She finished all three hotdogs and threw all the garbage away.
“Mmmm. That was great.”
I smiled. Ok I know I said I wouldn’t bring it up but I have to. I don’t want things to be weird between us. It’s already bad enough I have all these unresolved feelings for Chloe I didn’t need this tension tearing us apart.
“Listen Chloe. I know you said that you wanted to forget about what happened the other day but I don’t think that’s such a great idea. I mean…there was this moment…where..we almost kissed. I..how do you feel about that?”
She looked hesitant to speak so I took a deep breath and went first.
“B..because at first I was really scared about what happened. I mean you’re my best friend and I thought that I might have…ruined things with us…”
She cut me off and put her hand over mine. She looked at me sincerely and spoke with a soft voice.
“Clark there is no way something as trivial as what happened can destroy our friendship. We’re more stable then that.”
I nodded.
“Yea that’s what I figured. So then I got to thinking that maybe…maybe it wouldn’t have been so bad to…kiss you Chloe.”
I said the last part low and she looked shocked. If I wasn’t so nervous I would have tried to document the one and only Chloe Sullivan being shocked into silence.
I touched her arm.
“Chloe you still with me?”
“Uhhh yea…Clark you’re probably just thinking like that because you lonely. That’s understandable.”
I frowned. She didn’t get it.
“Chloe stop. You know…whenever things have happened between us in the past one or both of us has always backed off. This time I’m prepared to do something about it. I’m not walking away Chloe I promise. So I need you to stop pushing me away.”
I heard her heartbeat. It was erratic. She was just as nervous as me but unlike her I’m, done running from how I feel. I spent all night last night thinking. Chloe and I have been best friends for years. She knows practically everything about me and still accepts me for who I am. She has always been my constant even when other people have wavered…including Lana. I like Chloe…I need her in my life and even though I will always have a place for Lana in my heart and a part of me will always love her she is my past. And I can see clear as day Chloe being my future. She was sitting there watching my face. Then hesitated before she spoke.
“Ok Clark. No more pushing you away. But I’m not sure I understand what it is that you’re saying.”
I know that’s not true, but she wanted to hear me say it. She wanted to be reassured. I could do that.
“Chloe…I know I have a lot of baggage and I’m not the easiest person to deal with and I’m a little bit emotionally retarded but I’d really like it if you could give me a chance.”
She scrunched up her eyebrows in a cute gesture.
“A chance?”
“Chloe I want you to move in with me. I want to be there for you…for the baby. I want the two of us to be a couple and…I want the three of us…”
I reached out my hand and put it on her slightly swollen belly.
“to be a family…I know it won’t be easy…nothing worthwhile ever is. I’m probably gonna make a lot of mistakes along the way…and I’ll need you to try and be understanding while I put Lana behind me. But know that I want you…know that at this point in my life even if I could have Lana back I’d choose you because you’re the person Chloe…the person who’s gonna help me become the man my dad always said I would be. You’re already doing it everyday…”
I looked down for a second. My hands felt sweaty and I wiped them on my pants then looked back up at her. She had tears in her eyes and I wasn’t sure if that was good or bad. I could see fear on her face but also astonishment at my revelation and possibly even happiness? I took a hold of her hand.
“Give me a chance Chloe. I know there’s a million things going through your head right now because well…you wouldn’t be you if there wasn’t but just…don’t say no because your scared to be with me…only say no if you honesty don’t care about me the way I do you...a…and if that’s the case then…we’ll it’ll suck but I’ll still be here for you, because no matter what you’ll always be my best friend.”
I sat back in my seat and just looked at her. That was the end of my long embarrassing speech. The tears in her eyes were threatening to spill over and she still hadn’t said anything. I don’t know what I’d do if she turned me down…to be honest I can’t even believe I got up enough courage to say all this to her but I’m glad I did no matter how it turns out. At least this time I didn’t run away from what I felt…I embraced it…
Chapter 6 Part B
(Chloe POV)
I woke up to birds chirping and the sun shining on me through the curtains. I moved my body back a bit and came into contact with a very large, very warm male body. He must have felt me move because he mumbled something and pulled me closer against him. I smiled. I turned over in his arms to face him and he was still fast asleep. God he looks so peaceful. If only that expression could be on his face all the time. I started to giggle when I heard his snoring get louder. HaHa Clark Kent snores! I can’t wait to pick on him about it. As I waited for him to wake up my mind drifted back to last night’s conversation.
“Give me a chance Chloe. I know there’s a million things going through your head right now because well…you wouldn’t be you if there wasn’t but just…don’t say no because your scared to be with me…only say no if you honesty don’t care about me the way I do you...a…and if that’s the case then…we’ll it’ll suck but I’ll still be here for you, because no matter what you’ll always be my best friend.”
He sat there looking so sincere. But I wasn’t sure if I could believe him. Not that Clark would lie to me but…I mean he has been known to hurt me unintentionally and I just wasn’t sure if I could go through that again. I was quiet for a while and Clark started to fidget, which made me smile. I looked at him…really looked at him. Things were changing and this was my chance; if I ever wanted to have my shot with Clark now was the time. I was scared, I wasn’t sure if it was going to work out, and I didn’t know how Lana was going to take the news…but at this moment I just didn’t care. I moved out of my seat and was in front of him in seconds. He looked up confused and I leaned down and pulled him to me. I kissed him and the minute his lips touched mine it felt like electricity was coursing through my body. I felt alive. God he was invigorating. Then he was standing up with me in his arms kissing me back. My hands wound themselves around his neck while one of his hands was on the small of my back pulling me closer and the other was on the side of my face angling my head to meet his.
I shook my head and smiled. Just thinking about it gives me chills. Clarks still sleeping and I’m getting bored. Hmm I wonder if he’ll be mad if I wake him up. I moved my face closer to his and spoke in a soft whisper.
“Clark…”
His snoring stopped and his breathing pattern changed but his eyes didn’t open. All of a sudden his grip tightened and he pulled me over on top of him. I squealed at the quick movement and laughed.
My voice was playful.
“Clark! What are you doing?
He smiled up at me and finally opened his eyes. They were shinning with good humor.
“Morning Chloe.”
“Morning.”
With his smile still planted on his face he leaned up and gave me a tentative kiss. After a couple of seconds I deepened the kiss and he wound up rolling us over so he was looking down on me. He moved his mouth down over my neck and then on my ear and finally back to my lips. Kissing Clark Kent was extraordinary…making out with him was literally out of this world. He new exactly what to where to put his….hands? oh my god. I pulled back from him for a minute and he looked confused.
When he looked at me his eyes were smoldering and his voice was husky.
“What’s wrong Chloe?”
Then is expression changed to horror and he practically leaped off me.
“Oh my god…did I hurt you? Did I hurt...the baby? Oh Chloe I’m so sorry…I didn’t…I didn’t mean to…”
And his words trailed off, as he stood their looking ashamed of himself. I shook my head and sat up in bed. Ok that all happened really fast. I looked him in the eye and spoke softly.
“Clark…look at me.”
He did.
“You didn’t hurt me…not at all…or the baby. Kissing you is…amazing.”
I smiled at him to show him I was serious. He smiled a little to when he heard that.
“I stopped you because umm..well you had your…your hand it was…and I just…we should take this slow.”
He looked so adorable standing over there with his ruffled bed hair with an extreme look of confusion covering his face.
“What are you talking about Chloe?”
I rolled my eyes. Sometimes Clark’s innocent nature blocked even him from the simplest of things. I stood up also because it was probably late and I needed to go home and get ready. I saw Clarks eyes follow my movement and then look up and down m y body. His eyes darkened again and he took a step in my direction. I held out a hand.
“Stop right their Mr.”
He looked startled but did what I said.
“There you go again.”
And this time I laughed.
“Your hand was going into uncharted territory Clark…you know…places you’ve never been before…definitely out of the friendship realm of touching.”
He smiled then faltered.
“Well Chloe…we’ve upgraded our relationship from friends so the kissing thing…I kinda thought that came with our new status…unless you wanna slow down…I mean I’d completely understand.”
He’s such a dork.. I was gonna have to spell it out for him.
“Clark this kissing is great and yes all the boundaries are different now but we haven’t discussed it. I would be insulted if you didn’t try to kiss me.”
He smiled and I continued.
“But I think hands roaming the lower…area of my body is jumping a few bases their Casanova.”
He looked horrified.
“Chloe I didn’t I would never do anything…like that without your permission. I wouldn’t just assume..i mean..i wouldn’t…”
He fumbled with his words and I laughed out loud. He looked at me and frowned.
“This isn’t funny. You thinking I’d do that hurts Chlo.”
I stopped laughing when I realized he was serious I walked over and put my hand on his arm.
“Clark relax. You did do it but it was totally unconsciously. I don’t even think you realized it and that’s fine. It’s ok for stuff like that to happen. And I know you’d never force anything on to me so relax. I was only being semi serious. Jeez…this relationship is gonna be harder then I thought.”
I said the last part with playful annoyance and then gave him a grin. He shook his head and smiled back before pulling me to him and kissing my head.
“What did I get myself into?”
I chuckled.
“I’ve been asking myself the same question Kent.”
We got dressed and he drove me over to the Talon. I went upstairs and changed and when I came down I saw Clark ordering coffee and muffins for us. I cannot believe that Clark and I are an item. I shook my head and went over to where they kept the papers. I grabbed today’s edition of The Planet and started to read as I walked over to Clark…..OH. MY. GOD. How in the world did this get in the paper? I can’t let Clark find out this way I have to tell him. Crap! He walked over to me with a grin on his face and two coffees.
“Have you seen the Daily Planet this morning?”
He looked confused.
“No. Why? Should I have?”
I let out a loud breath. I really shouldn’t be telling him this it’s not my place but I can’t let him find out that way I just can’t.
My voice was gentle but a little frantic.
“Okay. God, I can't let you read this in the paper. Lex proposed to Lana.”
He looked shocked for a minute but then schooled his features.
“What did she say?”
Remember Chloe when you guys talked last night he said he would need you to be understanding about the whole Lana thing…she isn’t his future. You are…right now maybe if I repeated it a hundred times a day the bad feeling in the pit of my stomach would go away.
“She hasn't given him an answer.”
I handed him the paper. And he skimmed the article. He glanced at me with his brows drawn together.
“It says here it's because of me. Is this true? Chloe?”
I shook my head.
“No…I mean I don’t know. She came to The Planet yesterday and we talked. She told me Lex proposed but something made her hesitate. I immediately thought it was you and I said that. Lana said it wasn’t though. She said that she felt Lex only proposed to her because of the baby…and she didn’t want his obligation to put them into a marriage he didn’t want to be in.”
Clark nodded. I couldn’t read his face and that scared me.
“I tried so hard to not let this Lana and Lex thing bother me... if she marries Lex though, there's no going back. That’s it.”
I wanted to cry and I tried so hard to not show it. Clark being Clark though caught the pain on my face and his face softened from the mask he had on. He caressed my arm slightly.
“I’m here Chlo. I’m not going anywhere. Yea it hurts but I’ll get over it because I have you. What I meant before was that…if she Marry’s him then all of this really is over our friendship your friendship with her everything. You know how Lana feels about secrets….and you and I have the biggest ones. Lex is out for some kind of revenge and I don’t want Lana to be caught in the middle because of us.”
I could understand that. Lana is like a sister to me and I don’t want her to get hurt. But she really does care about Lex and the fact that he’s been letting her see sides of him no one else does really isn’t helping mine and Clarks cause.
“We can't let her do this.”
He started to walk away from me. I turned around to catch him.
“Whoa, Clark. Wait a minute. What are you going to do?”
“I’m going to go talk to her. See if maybe I can talk her out of this.”
I shook my head. I held up the paper and waved it at him.
“Given the headlines from this morning I don’t really see you being on the guest list at the mansion. Maybe you should wait to talk to Lana another time Clark when this isn’t so fresh…”
“No the sooner we convince her the better off we’ll all be.”
I sighed and followed him.
“Alright let’s go.”
He stopped dead in his tracks and turned to look at me.
“Your not coming. I don’t want you anywhere near Lex Chloe.”
I frowned.
“But Clark…”
His head was already shaking.
“No…please just…I need to know that you two are safe. Seeing you and Lex in the same room as each other…it doesn’t do good things to me. I’ll be back soon ok?”
I let out a puff of breathed that blew my bangs up.
“Fine Clark…whatever.”
He rolled his eyes and smiled.
“Don’t be mad Chlo. I'll see you in a little bit.”
He leaned down and kissed me before he left. I smiled as he walked away. He looked over his shoulder and smirked in my direction.
“I could definitely get used to that.”
I laughed and he was gone.
(Lana POV)
I heard the door creak open and rolled over to face the door. I smiled. Lex had a breakfast try full of food and a rolled up paper on it. I sat up and he placed the try down for me.
“You didn't have to do that.”
He smiled but it was strained.
“I was feeling alone waiting for your answer. I didn't realize I had so much company.”
I gave him a confused look. I looked down at the paper and saw the front page. Oh my god! Who would write this. I never said those things !Chloe…she’s the only person who mentioned Clark…dammit. I should have known better then go to. I knew she hated Lex but I never thought she’d go this far.
“I don't know what to say.”
He picked up the paper.
“Then let me. "When I was with Clark, I would have said yes without hesitating." You know, the worst part of waiting... was dwelling on all the reasons why you might be stalling. At least now I know.”
He looked so hurt and even though he was trying his best to keep it off his face I saw it. I grabbed his hand gently.
“Lex, I didn’t say those things…I swear to you…I have been hesitating yes…but Clark’s not the reason why…I’m just…”
And then my phone started to go off right when there was a knock on our door. I looked away from Lex and at my phone. It was Chloe. Wonderful…she’s probably calling for a follow-up. I shook me head and Lex told whoever was at the door to come in. it was one if the assistants.
“Mr. Luthor, you have a guest.”
He looked at me.
“We can finish our discussion when I get back alright?”
I nodded and he got up and left to see who was here. I sighed. I needed to get dressed and do some extreme control damage.
(Lex POV)
I headed out of the room and walked toward my study. She say’s this isn’t about Clark…and yet the news is splashed all over the paper. Lana has never lied to me before though. Ever since we got together I’ve been honest with her…about the things I believe she can handle. And she’s surprised me with a few things of her own. I remember Christmas last year and I remember what it felt like to have Lana in my life. I wanted that…but I didn’t have to give up wealth and power for it…I could have both and I would. I opened the door and saw Clark standing in the study. Well well well speak of everybody’s white knight. He faced me and frowned.
“They said Lana was here.”
Of course after he saw the paper he’d come here…like a dog begging for a bone. The first sign that he could get Lana away from me and here he was presenting himself as some kind of prize.
“She was. But I'm afraid you just missed her.”
He glared at me.
“I'll come back later.”
As he started to walk out I moved closer to him and spoke. My voice amused at his audacity.
“So you really think you can convince her? You think you can talk her out of making the biggest mistake of her life by marrying me?”
He turned with angered in his eyes and I smiled inwardly.
“We both know that you swept in after –“
I cut him off.
“After you crushed her?”
He huffed and I had to laugh. Clark was sitting so high on his pedestal that he couldn’t see that I make Lana happier then he ever did because I don’t lie to her…well not nearly as much as he had anyway.
“You knew she was vulnerable, and you played her until she thought she was in love with you.”
I grinned. Lana is a lot more like me then he gives her credit for. I don’t know why he hasn’t opened his eyes enough to see that side of her…but I have. And I like it.
“If you really see Lana as that naive, you obviously don't think as much of her as I do.”
He looked mad…but he controlled his anger and instead gave me a small sarcastic smile.
“It must be eating at you that she's hesitating -- wondering why she hasn't given you an answer.”
Ok this has gone on enough. Clark might always think he is one up on me…but I have so many sleeves he never be able to crawl up the right one.
“Lana spoke with me this morning Clark. She told me the things that were written in this morning’s paper were untrue. And I believe her. That’s the difference between you and me Clark. I trust Lana because she’s never given me any reason not to.”
He looked away. Good that got him. And here’s a little salt for the wound.
“Why are you here Clark? Lana doesn’t want you back…”
I paused and right when he was about to speak I continued.
“What would Chloe do if she found out you were here to plead your case to Lana about leaving me for you.
He sneered and his voice grew louder.
“I’m not here to break up your engagement so Lana can be with me. I’m here because Lana is my friend and I don’t want to see her get hurt by you.”
I walked over to my desk and sat down.
“Well as I said before Clark. Lana isn’t here so if you don’t mind leaving I have things to attend to.”
He glared hard in my direction and walked out. I glanced at my laptop and opened a private screen. I entered the password and a video popped up. I smiled. There’re not going to know what hit them…
(Chloe POV)
I’ve been at work most of the morning since Clark left. I’ve been looking into Linda Lake to be more specific. I wanted to know how she heard some of what Lana was saying to me. I called Lana earlier to try and talk to her but she didn’t answer. I guess I couldn’t blame her but I was kind of hoping she had more faith in me than that…guess not. Hmmm Linda Lake used to work in Smallville as a local reporter. I was reading an article about how she was caught in the second Meteor shower when I heard Lois’s voice. I looked up and she was waving around a copy of this morning’s paper. I grinned.
“So the old Q-Ball proposed to Lana?”
I chuckled and she sat down across from me.
“Is all this true? I mean is Lana still stuck on Smallville? Cause I kinda thought that ship has already sailed…with you know…”
She motioned to my stomach.
“with everything.”
I sighed. Yes that’s right. Clark and I still haven’t gotten around to telling everyone the truth. About the baby not being his that is. Clark wanted to wait until I got off bed rest so Lois wouldn’t freak about me staying with him. Then after that he just kept putting it off and I finally stopped mentioning it. I took the paper from Lois and threw it away.
“No it’s not true. I mean Lana cam by yesterday and told me about the proposal but she didn’t mention Clark not once. She was worried about something else all together and that why she hasn’t given Lex an answer yet.”
She grabbed the paper out of the trashcan and opened it back up looking intently at the photos on the page. She scrunched up her nose.
“You would at least think with the billions baldy over here has he could afford to buy himself a decent toupee.”
She shrugged and I laughed loudly. She put the paper on the table and stood up. She glared down at me.
“Do I even need to ask where you spent last night?”
I looked back at the computer and starting printing.
“Clarks.”
She snorted.
“Figures…what is it with Smallville that makes all the women of your Podunk town flock to him like a pack of oversexed morons. I mean seriously I thought better of you Chlo you’re a Metropolis girl…we don’t chase after anyone.”
I smiled.
“I wouldn’t understand even if I could explain it to you Lois.”
“Whatever…I’ll never get why everyone thinks Smallville's so great…but anyway Chlo I gotta head out. I’m meeting Oliver for an afternoon of yoga.”
I nodded to her and she left. I shook my head. Lois was the only person who could make Clark seem like the dorky farm boy he really isn’t. the thought made me laugh as I continued my search for what Linda Lake’s Meteor power might be…
(Lois POV)
Ollie and I were in the midst of bending our bodies in a way I wasn’t sure I was supposed to bend. He was standing over me spotting me and I was getting dizzy.
“Ahh. Okay, how long do I have to do this for?”
He chuckled.
“What was it that you said, huh? Yoga is glorified stretching with chants.”
I rolled my eyes as best I could in my position
“Little bit different perspective from down here.”
He was moving his hands on my body and it made Goosebumps appear.
“Well, this is a good way to strengthen your core, trust me. Whoa! Oh!”
My Core huh? I’d show him strength. I flipped him over and landed on top.
“I didn't realize that my core was in question.”
His eyes were dark and he grinned up at me.
“You really want to keep talking?”
I shook my head.
“No.”
He kissed me and I started to grab his shirt and pull it off when I noticed the large bash on his upper arm. I froze. Those pictures that Jimmy gave me…didn’t the green arrow have the same gash on his arm? Oh my…Oliver tried to pull me down and again but I stopped. And pointed to his arm.
“Hey. Oh, it's a scratch. Don't worry about it.”
I raised an eyebrow
“A scratch, huh?”
He started kissing my neck.
“Mm-hmm.”
I pushed him away. I was still sitting on his lap though.
“How did that happen?”
He looked confused then spoke up as he tried to pull me closer.
“Um, it was a fencing accident.”
They don’t use real blades in fencing…I didn’t think anyway not when you were teaching.
“With a real blade?”
He tried to brush it off and by the things he was saying I could just tell he wasn’t telling me the truth.
“Uh, you know, the tip snapped off and caught me. Trust me, it looks worse than it feels, okay? I promise.”
I stopped him and got up. I kissed him and grabbed my bag.
“Thank you for all of the chakra reorganizing, but I have to go.”
He was still on the floor stunned and stuttering. Just the way I like them!
“Well, I mean, uh...”
I ran out of the apartment into the elevator.
“Goodbye.”
When the doors shut and the elevator started to go down I reached into my bag and pulled out the photos. I was right…the Green arrow had the same cut in the same place as Oliver. This called for some major research…I got off the elevator and went home to do some to find out if Oliver the man I’m falling in love with has an alter ego who has a fetish for green leather…
(Clark POV)
I rubbed the back of my neck as I started walking up the stairs to my loft. Lex really makes me mad. I hate that he can get to me. I wasn’t paying attention until I heard someone speaking to me.
“Smallville, sorry about the article. It's bad enough to have a broken heart, but to have it splashed all over the newspapers...”
Why was she here? She always just shows up and I’m not in the mood for it right now. I gave her a smirk.
“I guess that's what reporters do, don't they?”
“Okay, I think that little zinger just ricocheted off of Linda Lake and hit me.”
But she didn’t take the bait, which was odd cause she usually does. It’s what Lois and I do fight. But she wasn’t yelling and it made me feel kinda bad.
“Look, I'm sorry. People keep secrets for a reason.”
She made a noise in the back of her throat and glared.
“I don't know. If you ask me, I think a secret is just a big loophole in the whole "thou shall not lie" clause.”
I shook my head. Lois didn’t understand. She didn’t have any secrets that were harmful to her or the people she loved.
“There's just no gray area with you, is there?”
She stood up then and looked at me defiantly.
“Not when someone I thought I knew better than anyone has been keeping the biggest secret of
all.”
OH MY GOD…She can’t possibly know. There is no way. I played it cool.
“What are you talking about?”
She walked closer to me.
“What would you do if one day you realized someone close to you had a serious hero complex?”
Ok it’s official I’m going to have a heart attack. I looked at her a bit uneasy. I have no clue what is going on and that’s bad.
“Hero complex?”
I practically squeaked it out.
“Hiding his true identity from everyone he supposedly cares about. You can't tell me you wouldn't find something wrong with that.”
Oh man…this is it she knows.
“Who exactly are we talking about Lois?”
She folder her arms across her chest.
“Green arrow, A.K.A. Oliver Queen.”
I was so relieved. Wait that’s not good either. Crap!
“Oliver.”
She nodded.
“Jimmy snapped photos of Green Arrow getting slashed in the arm exactly where Ollie's arm is cut. Plus, the time printed on the photos is exactly the same time Ollie disappeared on me that same night.”
What did I say to that? I mean it’s true Oliver was the green arrow but I can’t tell her that.
“When are you planning to unload this theory on Oliver?”
She smiled.
“I need proof first -- definitive proof. That's where I thought you might come in handy”
I groaned great just what I needed, an adventure with Lois…It’s gonna be a long day.
(Chloe POV)
I walked into my apartment to find Clark rifling through Lois’s purse. He heard the door and turned towards me.
“I swear I'm losing my scare reflex because of you.”
He gave me a small smile and then looked down at his hands in her purse and back at me.
“Lois asked me to –“
I cut him off. Who was he kidding? Does he even know who he’s talking to?
“Oh, please, Clark. Are you going to tell me why you're digging in Lois' purse, snoop dogg? Wait. Let me guess. You're covering for the new pledge of your hero fraternity.”
He sighed and moved away from her purse.
“Last time Lois said she had a lead on the Green Arrow, she was just bluffing. Now she says Jimmy has shots that will help I.D. him.”
I was startled. Since when did my cousin and Jimmy work together? Especially now that we weren’t even together.
“Jimmy? He's moonlighting for Lois?”
He must have seen I was upset because he came over and wrapped his arms around my waist.
I looked up and he smiled.
“Hey.”
I relaxed into him and smiled. I replied softly.
“Hey.”
I leaned up and he accepted my kiss. When we broke apart he was grinning.
“I haven’t seen you all day Chlo…I missed you.”
I laughed.
“I missed you to Clark. Don’t think that changing the subject is gonna get you off that easily.”
He moved out of my reach and leaned against the kitchen counter with his arms crossed.
“How you feeling Chloe?”
I threw my stuff down by the door.
“Tired but fine.”
I plopped on the couch and Clark followed me over. I lifted my legs so he could sit and then put then on him last. He smirked at me and started to rub my feet like last time.
“Oh man Clark…you’re the best boyfriend ever. Hmmm it must be the non-human status. Just think get your very own alien from another planet…they train much better then human boys.”
I grinned evilly at him and he tried to look serious when he spoke.
“For the record... I prefer "intergalactic traveler" over "alien from another planet."
I chuckled and continued his ministrations and I let my head fall back on the couch. About ten minutes later his cell phone rang. He sighed and picked it up.
“Hello”
He rolled his eyes.
“Hey Lois…yea about that I have a really great idea. Yea. A way to find out if Oliver is green arrow without having to tell him. MMmm Hmmm. Yup ok. Give me a few and I’ll meet you at Oliver’s place. Ok….bye”
He hung up and I raised an eyebrow.
“Lois thinks Oliver is the green arrow.”
I laughed.
“I see…and you Clark Kent are helping her discover the truth?”
He shrugged and nodded.
“I gotta get going. I’m supposed to meet her there soon I told her I was in Metropolis so it wouldn’t take me to long.”
“Ok”
I lifted my legs up and then put them back down when he got up. He leaned over me and kissed me.
“I know we haven’t said anything about us yet but it it’s ok I’d like to tell my mom.”
I smiled.
“That’s fine Clark. Where not in hiding…I just want to make sure that one or both of us tell Lana before it get’s all over.”
He nodded and then kissed me again…and again. I laughed into his lips.
“Clark you have to go.”
He groaned good-naturedly. He got to the door and turned to face me.
“Have you told Lois the good news yet?”
I scrunched my brows in confusion.
“What good news?”
“That soon she’s gonna have her apartment all to herself again?”
I looked down. No I hadn’t…not yet. Clark was going to help me move my stuff over to the farm after the doctor’s appointment on Friday. I gave him a sheepish smile.
“I will I promise Clark.”
He nodded and took off. I leaned my head back and decided to try calling Lana again it couldn’t hurt it’s been like eight hours since I tried. She can’t avoid me forever.
(Lana POV)
I was waiting in the study for Lex to get back from another meeting. We never got to finish our conversation from this morning because after he had that visitor he was called into a meeting. I heard the door open and I looked up from the book I was reading. I closed it and stood up. Lex smiled and walked over to me. I put my arms around his neck and leaned up for a kiss, which he returned. My voice was soft.
“Hey. Long day?”
He nodded.
“Yea. How are you feeling this evening?”
He stepped around me and put his stuff down on the desk then turned to face me. He was leaned against his desk with his arms gently folded.
“Fine. I was hoping we could talk. We never did get to finish our conversation from earlier.”
“Of course.”
I went and sat on the couch and he brought over two glasses. One with a scotch for him and sparkling water for me. I smiled my thanks and took the cup.
“Lana before you..”
I cut him off.
“Please let me go first. I have a few thing’s to say and I don’t know how long my courage will hold up.”
I stood up because right now I really couldn’t sit down I had too much energy in me.
“Yesterday I went to the Planet to see Chloe.”
I could see his body tense for a minute before it relaxed.
“I told her that you proposed but…something wouldn’t let me say yes right away.”
I sat right in front of him and took his hand.
“But I swear to you Lex that thing…that made me hesitate…it wasn’t Clark.”
I could tell he wanted to interrupt me but I wouldn’t let him.
“No…I’m not done yet. Clark was my first love and a part of me will always love him, but Clark is in my past Lex. He will always have a place in my heart but you’re the man I love. The man I’m in love with. The man I’m going to be having a family with…a family that neither of us ever had but will have now.”
I placed my hand on my stomach. He put his drink down and moved to the edge of the chair. He put his hand over mine and I swear I could see tears in his eyes.
“Lana..”
He paused. It looked like he was collecting himself.
“I’ve been trying to interrupt you because this morning when you told me you didn’t say what was in the article…I believed you. There has never been a time since we started this relationship that you’ve been dishonest with me. So why would you start now? You never had to worry about making me believe you because you don’t need to earn my trust. You already have it.”
I had tears in my eyes and I sat on the table in front of him and he leaned in to kiss me. I pulled me onto the couch so we were laying on it together. His hands were going through my hair and I had my head against his chest listening to his steady heartbeat. About ten minutes later he broke the silence.
“A million dollars for your thoughts.”
I laughed softly and he smiled. But by the look in his eyes I knew he was going to bring it up. He wanted to know if I had an answer for him after all this…He spoke quietly and honestly to me.
“Sorry. My comic timing is the first to go after my nerves. You know, in all my life, I've... I've never made an offer when I was afraid of the answer. Till now.”
I moved so I could see his face better.
“You've been so patient.”
“Doesn't feel like it.”
The truth is he has though and he knows it.
“I have a confession to make…”
“I’m all ears.”
“The reason I went to Chloe was…I was afraid…
He looked confused.
“I was afraid that the only reason you wanted to be with me…was because I’m having your child.”
I sat up and looked down on him.
“I don’t want you to feel like you have to marry me because of this baby. I want you to do it because you want to.”
Lex looked incredibly shocked. Is eyes actually looked like they might have bugged right out of his head. He moved so he was sitting up more fully.
“Lana…what in the world would make you think I proposed out of some chivalric obligation?”
I shrugged and he sighed.
“I asked you to marry me because I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”
He smiled.
“I can’t believe this is what you were worried about…”
I looked down.
“You deserve someone who won’t hesitate to love you the way you love them.”
He seemed to understand what I was saying and he tipped my chin up with his fingers.
“Lana, with the life I've led, I go to bed praying every night that I don't get what I deserve. You get bitter... and vengeful. And then you meet someone who's so good... that she might be the one person who could learn to love you. I would wait forever for that.”
I smiled through my tears.
“You don't have to. I’m sorry I questioned your reason for asking because now I see that I have someone right in front of me who I know trusts me... and who lets me see sides of him no one else does.”
I could see a small grin on his face and he took a deep breath just before speaking.
“So just for clarification...”
I laughed.
“Yes, Lex Luthor. I will marry you”
He leaned down and I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him. My cell phone interrupted us. He chuckled and moved back. I smiled.
“I should get that.”
He nodded and then caught my arm.
“One second. Let voice mail get it I need to give you something.”
I walked over to the mantle with him and he pulled out the box my ring was in. I grinned and held my hand out. He turned and smiled.
“Eager are we?”
“Indeed.”
He slipped it on my finger and kissed me. Then his cell phone went off and sighed and he shook his head.
“I have to go. I’m sorry. I wanted to maybe go to Metropolis and celebrate. How about tomorrow evening?”
“Sounds perfect.”
He nodded grabbed his things, kissed me and left. I walked over to my phone and saw a missed call from Chloe I really should call her. I picked up my phone and dialed.
(Clark POV)
It was eleven thirty at night. I was tired. Oh yea…and did I mention I’m mad at Oliver Queen. When Lois first told me of her suspicion that the green arrow was Oliver I tried to get the evidence away from her so she couldn’t prove it. When that didn’t work I told Oliver Lois was on to him and we hatched up a plan that coincided with the plan Lois and I put together to catch Oliver. When Lois left to get ice the fake thugs were going to attack her and she was going to call Oliver. Cue me dressing up like the green arrow and coming to her rescue and then Oliver showing up a couple of seconds later thus proving her theory wrong. Nowhere in this plan did it say Lois kisses the green arrow. But boy did she…she laid one on me and I was so shocked I didn’t pull away. I shook my head as I walked home. Chloe was going to kill me if she ever found out. How do these things always happen to me. I got into the barn and walked up the stairs. When I got to the top I saw Chloe. I smiled and walked further in and then I saw her face. I rushed over.
“Chloe what happened? Are you ok?”
I moved her hair aside so I could see the cut better. She gently pushed my hand away.
“I’m fine Clark. No worries just a little work place scuffle.”
I gave her a confused look and she sighed.
“Short version?”
I gave her an affirmative nod.
“I found out who leaked Lana’s story. Linda Lake. She was in Smallville during the last Meteor shower and wound up with the power to become water or something. She was spying on Lana and I. When she heard me bring up your name she decided to put her own spin on what she heard. I finally got a hold of Lana and we talked.”
She grinned at me.
“Then we teamed up to get dirt on Linda Lake. Lana was listening and watching in the car and when things got out of hand and Linda and I got into a fight it spilled into the street and Lana accidentally hit Linda with her car.”
I was looking at her. She had a proud smile on her face and her skin was flushed. I have no clue what to say. My girlfriend is crazy…and I absolutely love it. I gave her a little grin.
“Well at least your ok…maybe next time you could call me just incase…I know you like getting involved with this stuff Chloe and I would never tell you not to because this is who you are. It’s one of the reason I care about you so much. But while your making decisions for two maybe you should cut down on the dangerous activity. I don’t want anything happening to you…or the baby”
She gave me a warm smile and climbed over onto my lap. I moved us back onto the couch so my back was against the cushions and Chloe’s legs were on either side of mine.
“I think that can be arranged.”
“Good…now come here.”
She laughed and I smiled into her neck. God she’s beautiful. There isn’t anyone out there like Chloe. She’s the only person who can bring out the playful side of me and I love that about her.
I dropped her off at the Talon about an hour later and then went home. I got undressed and dropped on the bed. I had to clean out my room. I was helping Chloe bring her stuff over here tomorrow after we went to the doctor. I closed me eyes. Sweet bliss. I smiled and drifted slowly off.
(Chloe POV)
I’ve been listening to Lois talk about the green arrow ever since I woke up this morning. It’s starting to grate on my nerves. Wait a minute…did she just say he threw people clear across the ally and super sped away? No way…not possible. Then I smirked. Oliver was the Green Arrow and Clark was covering for him. It makes sense I mean they showed up at about the same time. I chuckled. Wait until I get my hands on Clark. Just then there was a knock at the door. It opened and Clark walked in with a coffee in hand for me. Ask and ye shall receive.
“Clark.”
He smiled and kissed my cheek. Lois kinda didn’t know about our new status yet.
“What's going on?”
I grinned at him with an evil glint in my eyes.
“Uh, Lois was just telling me about her exciting night last night.”
Clark looked nervous.
“Yeah, I don't know where you disappeared to last night, Smallville, but it turns out I was wrong about Oliver.”
As I started to talk I made sure he knew that I knew.
“He's not the Green Arrow! Can you believe that? Luckily Oliver showed up when our hero was still around, but it looks like you were way off base about him. And the craziest part is he chucked a guy across an alley, right?”
I looked at Lois for confirmation and she grinned with her mug of coffee in hand.
“Oh, yeah.”
I turned back to Clark.
“And then supersped away. I mean, who does that?”
I gave him a large smile and he knew he was busted
“Hmm. It's a good thing Oliver showed up when he did. Then you know for sure.”
I shook my head.
“Oh, she knew before he showed up.”
He looked confused.
“You did?”
I smiled sweetly.
“Ask her how.”
He didn’t look like he really wanted to know.
“How?”
“I kissed him.”
Clark whipped his head to me and looked scared. I looked up at him and grinned.
“Isn't that romantic? Oh, I'm sorry, Lois. Finish the story.”
He tried to interrupt her but I lightly slapped him in the chest and looked up at him.
“This is the best part.”
Clark looked like he was going to be sick and for a second I felt bad for him….but only for a second.
“Well, he was holding me in his arms. And Ollie's a good kisser -- don't get me wrong -- but that Green Arrow, he could teach Ollie a thing or two.”
And she walked away with a huge grin on her face. When Lois left the apartment Clark looked at me with his puppy eyes.
“I swear I didn’t kiss her…well I mean I did but she kissed me I just…I couldn’t….I was shocked.”
I laughed at him and he stopped talking.
“You mad at me Chlo?”
“No I know you weren’t cheating on me Clark. But you could have told me Oliver was the green arrow.”
He shrugged.
“It was his secret Chloe…I didn’t want to out him.”
I nodded. He walked over and gave me a real kiss now that Lois was gone. I smiled. He moved back and looked at me sternly.
“You have to tell her today. You can’t have her come home and all your stuff is gone.”
I grinned.
“That would be pretty funny though….I’ll be right back lemme just get my purse and we can go.”
We had the doctor’s appointment in thirty minutes so I grabbed my purse and stepped out of the bedroom. Clark was standing there looking through some pictures. I stayed where I was and just watched him. He looked over at me and his grin lit up the apartment. I smiled. After today things were going to change. I’d know the sex of my baby, which would finally make everything real. And I’d have a new place to call home. Today would be the first day of the rest of my life…and I couldn’t wait.
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