Chlark Update: All The Way, Chapter 6

[babydee1]

Hi, All!  Sorry this is coming so late; I've actually had it ready for a week, but was unable to edit it due to several real life issues. Here it is now, though.  Enjoy!  And I'm finally done with the first day they met. :-D  

Title:              All The Way

Author:          BabyDee Pairing:          Chlark

Rating:           PG13 (for now)

Warnings:     None Timeline:      All Seasons.  Works as a sequel to Daisychain. 

Disclaimer:   All characters belong to the CW & DC comics. 

Summary:     Chlark: as they were, are and ever should be.

Feedback:      …makes me squee. J

 

Author’s note: written for ellyfanfiction, who won a Chlark story from me in an auction.

 

 

Read previous chapter here.

Read story from the beginning here.

 

 

Chapter 6

Trio

 

 

“Clark?” yelled his irate friend from below as he strode into the barn.  “I know you’re up there, man!”

 

Chloe stared down at the surly expression on the boy’s face, and practically gigglesnorted.  How could a voice so loud come from someone so small? 

 

“Never said I wasn’t, Pete,” Clark replied with a sigh as he walked down the stairs with her, his hand still in hers.  “And you might want to keep your voice down; I have company.”

 

The other boy frowned in disbelief.  “What are you talking about?  Aside from my sorry butt, you never have compa– oh,” he said, his tone brightening considerably as he saw them coming down the stairs hand in hand.   

 

“Exactly,” said Clark.  “I told you, I’m not alone.”

 

But the boy called Pete was no longer listening; rather, he was staring at her in fascination, as if a girl in Clark’s barn wasn’t something he saw everyday.

 

And sure enough…

 

“Female company, huh?” he said, his eyes twinkling.   “I didn’t know you knew any girls, Clark.  At least, not ones that aren’t at the end of your telescope-”

 

“Shut up, Pete!” Clark growled under his breath.

 

Chloe giggled. “A-ha.  Thought so.” 

 

Clark flushed deep red and fixed his friend with a hard stare.  “Thanks, man,” he grumbled.  “Some friend you turned out to me.”

 

 “What, am I cramping your style?” Pete asked with a sly grin.

 

“No, you’re being rude in the presence of my guest,” Clark replied tightly. 

 

“And does your guest have a name?” was his quick reply, studying her with a warm gaze.

 

“Yes, his guest has a name,” Chloe said icily.  “And his guest would appreciate it if you’d address her directly.  If you can stare at me from head to toe, you can certainly speak to me if you have a question to ask me.” 

 

Pete’s smile widened.  “Ooh, I like this one.  She’s feisty.”

 

“Pete…” Clark warned, folding his arms. 

 

Pete relented and looked contrite.  “I apologise; sometimes I lose all sense of decency in the presence of a beautiful woman,” he said smoothly, taking her hand. 

 

Chloe reddened at the compliment.  Beautiful woman?  Oh, he was a cheeky one.  Nobody had said those words to her, ever.  Not that she believed him, but it was nice to hear. 

 

“Let’s do this properly,” he went on.  “The name’s Ross; Pete Ross.  May I have the pleasure of your name, baby girl?” 

 

“‘Baby girl’?” scoffed a disgruntled Clark.  “Seriously?”

 

Chloe found herself beginning to giggle at Clark’s weird friend.  “Chloe Sullivan,” she said, shaking his hand.  “Just moved here from Metropolis, and Clark is showing me around.” 

 

Pete’s smile just kept on growing.  “Chloe, huh?  Well, it’s an honour to meet you, Chloe.”  He raised her hand to his mouth and kissed the back of her fingers.

 

“Thank you, Pete, I think you’ve made an impression,” Clark said dryly.  “Now what brings you to the Farm?” 

 

Pete stared at Clark as if he’d gone mad.  “What brings me to the Farm?” he echoed.  “Dude, what happened to you after school?  PlayStation hook-up this afternoon, all the characters we can do battle with… ring any bells?”

 

Whoa.  Chloe’s eyebrows went up and she looked at Clark in sudden comprehension: he’d blown off his best friend to spend the afternoon with her.  Her suspicions were confirmed when Clark face reddened.  He looked as if the words Oh, Crap! might materialise on his forehead. 

 

And she’d given him such grief on the bus…

 

“Oh, was that with you?” she said to Pete, and gave him a bright smile.  “I’m sorry, that was my fault.  It’s my first day at Smallville High, you see, and when I heard he lived on a genuine farm, I hi-jacked him and insisted on seeing it up close.” 

 

Beside her, Clark gave a small sigh of relief.

 

Pete smiled back at her.  “No problem, baby girl, I understand.  I mean, If I’d been appointed to show you round, I’d have ditched Clark in a heartbeat, too.”

 

“Gee, thanks,” Clark said dryly.  “Let’s hear it for friendship.” 

 

“Yeah, you can talk,” Pete shot back with good natured snark.  “But the day’s not over yet.  If we hustle, we can get in about good ninety minutes of solid play.”   He turned to her and grinned.  “Chloe, are you game?” 

 

“Am I game?” she scoffed.  “Dude, I’m a PlayStation junkie.  You’ll have to pry the console from my fingers by the time I’m done whooping both your asses.”

 

“Ooh, I’m scared o’ you!” Pete laughed, but Clark shook his head in concern. 

 

“Gee, I don’t know, Pete,” he said.  “It’s getting kinda late, and I promised Chloe I’d get her home in time.”

 

Pete winked and linked his arm in Chloe’s.  “Then we’d better hurry along, hadn’t we?”

 

***

 

Clark stared at Chloe wistfully as she gleefully battled with Pete; or rather, as she pitted Kitana in combat against Cyrax.  Pete was obviously very taken with her, as was expected; something which should have made Clark happy, but surprisingly didn’t.  Pete had a reputation as a bit of a skirt-chaser, and the last thing Clark wanted was for him to try to add Chloe to his list of conquests. 

 

As soon as Pete took a break to get refreshments, and Chloe went to the bathroom to powder her nose, Clark cornered his friend in the kitchen. 

 

“What do you think you’re doing, Pete?” he asked in a low voice.

 

“Same as you, Clark – making a new friend,” Pete answered gaily as he poured soda into two glasses.  “But unlike you, when I see something I like, I go for it.”

 

“What do you mean, ‘go for it’?” he echoed, although he knew exactly what Pete meant.

 

Pete shrugged.  “Chloe’s cool,” he simply replied.  “I like her.  I mean I really, really like her.”

 

Clark’s eyes widened.  “Oh, no you don’t.  Not again.”

 

“Oh, really?” he challenged.  “Why not?” 

 

“Come on, Pete.  Every time you meet a girl that could be a potential friend to both of us, you get up close and personal with her.  When it doesn’t work out, I’m left holding your hand, and she’s out there dissing us both.” 

 

“Okay, I get what you’re saying,” he admitted.  “But Chloe’s different.  She’s special.”

 

“You say that about all of them!” Clark pointed out.

 

“Maybe, but the difference is I mean it this time!” 

 

Clark sighed.  “You’re moving too fast, Pete,” he said gently.  “You’re right; Chloe is special.  But she’s only just got here, and if you come on too strong, you’re gonna scare her away.” 

 

Pete put down the tray of drinks, his expression thoughtful.  “Ya think?” he asked dubiously.

 

Clark nodded.  “Yeah, I do.  I really like her, too.  As a friend,” he hastily added as Pete’s brows rose suspiciously.  “And I’d hate to have to say goodbye to her when we’re all getting along so well.  What do you say we let her settle in, find her feet, and show her what fantastic buddies we can be?”

 

Pete sighed, looking resigned.  “Fine,” he relented.  “I’ll hold off asking her out, but only because you asked me to.  However, I fully intend to as her to the Freshman dance, so I’m just putting that out there now.” 

 

Clark felt like punching himself.  Damn it, why hadn’t he thought of that?  He’d met Chloe first; he should be the one taking her to Freshman Dance, darn it. 

 

Ah, well.  He didn’t own her, and she seemed like the type who made her own choices.  Besides, the Spring Formal was coming up at the end of the year; he’d be sure to ask Chloe to that one. 

 

“Thanks, Pete,” he said gratefully.  “I owe you one.  I think we three could all be really close.” 

 

“Yeah, well…you kind of have a point,” Pete admitted.  “Last thing I want to do is spook her with the full dose of the Ross Charm.  She’s really cool, and I hope she sticks around.” 

 

Clark grinned widely.  “Me too.”

 

“Dudes!” she yelled from the den.  “Where are you?  I didn’t come all the way out here to play with myself, y’know!” 

 

Clark rolled his eyes.  “Come on, Pete; let’s get back out there before she thinks we’re too scared to do Kombat.” 

 

***

 

“I had a really great time today, Clark,” Chloe said as he dropped her off on her doorstep.  “Thanks for being such a fabulous First Day Tour Guide.” 

 

He smiled back at her.  “It’s a pleasure, believe me,” he said.  “I had lots of fun.” 

 

“Oh, me too,” she replied.  “I got to see a real farm, yay!”

 

“Not all of it, though,” he pointed out.  “I still have to take you on a Grand Tour.  You didn’t get to see the house and the lands…”

 

“…and I still have to verify the Open Door policy,” she laughed.  “But it was nice to meet one of your friends, so I’m happy to take a rain check.” 

 

“Yeah, you survived Hurricane Pete,” Clark laughed.  “I’m glad you got to meet him too, he’s been my best friend since we were little.”

 

“He’s a stand-up guy,” she agreed.  “Any other buddies you can recommend?”

 

“Well…to be honest, Pete’s my only buddy,” he admitted quietly, hoping she wouldn’t think he was some sad, friendless loser.

 

But to his delight, her eyes lit up and she smiled. 

 

“Not any more,” she said softly, and leaned forward to kiss him on the cheek. 

 

It was just like before; his skin tingled where her lips had touched it and he felt a weird tightening in his stomach.  But all too soon she stepped back and gave him a shy wave.

 

“G’nite, Clark,” she said, stepping onto the porch and opening the front door.  “See you tomorrow – with my Daily Planet newspaper, of course.” 

 

He smiled at her warmly.  “Will do.  Just don’t forget my fifty cents, okay?” 

 

“You’re on,” she replied with a grin and a wink as she closed the door. 

 

Clark smiled and walked back down the road.  What a day. 

 

He’d met a girl – and what a girl, he thought with a grin.  Chloe was…amazing.  Smart, cute, funny…and she liked him, she actually liked him.  That was the best part.  He felt like the luckiest kid in the world. 

 

With the world’s goofiest grin still splitting his face he broke into a run, whizzing down the road at top speed.  So elevated was his exhilaration that he was halfway through the neighbouring town of Granville before he realised he’d gone well past his front yard. 

 

***

 

His parents were poring over the Farm Accounts journals when he got back.

 

“Mom?  Dad?” he yelled excitedly as he strode into the house.  “I met a girl!” 

 

Jonathan Kent looked up from the books he was balancing and frowned.  “Now, Clark, mind your manners,” said his father sternly.  “When you walk into this house-”

 

“You met a girl?” his mother cried just as excitedly, her eyes alight with joy as she completely ignored her husband.    

 

Clark grinned sheepishly and stood up straight.  “Sorry.  Hi Mom, hi Dad.”

 

“That’s more like it,” his father said with a smile.  “Welcome home.  Now, tell us all about this girl.” 

 

Clark sat down at the table, his eyes shining with excitement.  “Her name is Chloe, and she just moved here from Metropolis,” he supplied.

 

“Ooh, a city girl, huh?” said his mom, clasping her hands together in delight.

 

“Sounds like someone I know,” his father said, winking at his wife.  “I like her already.  Tell us more.” 

 

So he gave them a brief rundown of his first day with Chloe, carefully omitting the part where he promised to get her Daily Planet newspapers from Metropolis.  By the time he was done, there was look on his mother’s face that he’d never quite seen before; she looked like she was about to cry, but at the same time she’d never looked happier.

 

“You should invite her round for lunch one of these weekends, Clark,” she said enthusiastically.  “We’d love to meet her.  She sounds like a sweet girl.” 

 

“She is,” he agreed.  “Listen, um…I was thinking…” 

 

“Yes, Clark?” his father prompted.

 

“Well…I was wondering if I could…tell her my secret-”

 

But even before the words were out, his father was already shaking his head.

 

“Your secret is off limits to everyone, son, you know that,” he said firmly.  “Besides, you only just met this girl.  How do you know you can trust her?” 

 

Clark gave a half shrug.  “I just know,” he mumbled. 

 

“Well, sorry to disappoint you, but no,” his father said with an air of finality as he rose to his feet.  “Your secret doesn’t leave the four walls of this house, Clark.  And that’s an order.”

 

Clark felt utterly despondent as his father left the room.  Why did Dad have to be such a stick in the mud whenever his secret was mentioned?

 

“You know he’s just trying to protect you, sweetie,” his mother said softly as soon as her husband was out of earshot.  “Your secret is a huge responsibility, Clark; there are very few people who’d be able to handle knowing it.” 

 

“I know,” he admitted sadly.  “But I think Chloe can.  You should see her, Mom; she’s really cool, and I already feel like I’ve known her forever.  I’m sure she can keep a secret.” 

 

“Just give it a bit more time,” his mother advised.  “If she’s as great as you say, then she’ll accept you for who you are, whether you tell her today, tomorrow, or several years from now.  There’s no rush.  Okay?”

 

Clark smiled and took his Mom’s hand.  “Okay,” he agreed reluctantly. 

 

She grinned and ruffled his hair.  “Good.  Now get yourself into the kitchen.  There’s a slice of pie in the oven with your name on it.” 

 

He didn’t need any second bidding.  If there was one thing he loved more than anything else in the world, it was pie.  Bonus points if it was baked by his Mom. 

 

As he sat munching in the kitchen, he realised that perhaps he had been a little too hasty.  After all, he’d told Pete not to rush into things and scare Chloe away, so he might as well heed his own advice and wait until he’d known her a little bit longer.  They had a good thing going on now; no point freaking her out with all his weirdnesses so early on. 

 

He took another bite of pie and sighed.  Be that as it were, he was sure she’d already twigged that there was something different about him.  She had to know that there was something freaky about how he’d made her newspaper magically appear out of thin air.  He just hoped that she’d be able to keep her promise not to pry; she probably wouldn’t be quite so sweet about it if she discovered his secret on her own, so it would be better coming from him.  

 

But he was getting ahead of himself; they’d only just met, after all.  The best he could do for now was just enjoy every day he got to spend with his great, new friend – and hope that when the time came, telling her the truth would be easy, and would make no difference to their blossoming awesome friendship.

 

***

 

Chapter 7…