Chlark Update: Crisis, Chapter 19b

[babydee1]

...aaaaaand here's the rest of it!  But don't forget to leave some love on the previous chapter.  :-)  

Enjoy.

Title:              Crisis

Author:          BabyDee
Pairing:          Chlark/Kaloe

Rating:           NC-17 (this chapter PG-13)

Warnings:     None

Timeline:      Season 2-3 (Exodus – Exile; Clark’s RedK Summer)

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

Summary:     A violent encounter between Chloe and Clark threatens to destroy their friendship forever.

Feedback:      …is love. J

 

 

Read previous chapter here.

Read story from the beginning here.

 

 

Chapter 19b

 

 

Chloe stared at the empty doorway for several seconds before Pete’s words sunk in.

 

I always loved you.

 

Loved.  Past tense.

 

A sick feeling of dread infused her as she processed their meaning. 

 

“Pete!” she screamed, running out the door and down the corridor.  “Pete, wait!”

 

A startled Pete turned and stared at her with a worried look on his face.  “Chloe, what is it?”

 

She got to him and grabbed his arms.  “I’m not worth it, Pete.  I know you’re upset right now, but suicide is not the answer!”

 

Pete’s eyebrows rose in concern.  “Uh…what?”

 

“I’ve already lost one friend, I can’t bear to lose you too,” she sobbed.  “Please promise me you won’t do it-”

 

“Won’t do what?” he asked, perplexed.

 

“Commit suicide!” she cried.

 

“WHAT?” he yelled.  “Are you crazy?  Why the hell would I want to do that?”

 

She blinked.  “I thought…when you said you’d always loved me I thought…”

 

“…that I was so heartsick I was gonna hurl myself off a bridge?” he said in amazement, and to her surprise he threw back his head and laughed.  “Oh my God, Chloe, I’m gonna miss you so much…”

 

“There you go again, talking like that!” she wailed. 

 

He took her hands and grinned.  “I’m going somewhere, Chloe, but not to the afterlife,” he chuckled.  “Yes, I love you, but not that much.”

 

“So…you’re definitely not killing yourself?” she said slowly and clearly. 

 

Pete sighed and rolled his eyes.  “Listen to yourself, Baby Girl.  Can you see how silly you sound?” 

 

Her face reddened.  “Well…I guess I overreacted a little bit…” 

 

“Ya think?”

 

“Okay, it was a full-on panic,” she admitted.  “But you said something about leaving; where are you going?” 

 

Pete linked his arm in hers as they walked out into the warm night.  “I’m moving to Wichita with my Mom.”

 

“What?  Why?” she whispered.  “Are your parents moving?”

 

“They’re getting divorced, Chloe.”

 

“They’re WHAT?” she screeched.

 

“They’re splitting up,” he said gently.  “My Mom’s accepted a Federal judgeship in Wichita, and she’s moving out there.” 

 

“What about your Dad?” she asked. 

 

“My brothers are all in College now, so he’s selling the big house and moving to an apartment in Metropolis,” he explained.  “It’s closer to work, and I’ll be there with him at weekends.”

 

“It’s a long commute from Wichita to Metropolis, Pete,” she pointed out.  “How the hell are you gonna do that every week?”

 

“I’m not,” he replied.  “I’ll be in boarding school in Metropolis, then go to my Dad for weekends, and my Mom’s during the holidays.”

 

“When did you decide all this?” she asked hollowly. 

 

“I’ve been thinking about it for weeks now,” he admitted. 

 

“Does Clark know?”

 

“He knows that my parents are splitting up, I told him this afternoon,” he said.  “He doesn’t know about the move yet, though.”

 

“Why didn’t you tell us this before?” she asked, her heart burdened with guilt.

 

He smiled and ruffled her hair.  “I’m not blind, Chloe.  I knew you and Clark were dealing with some issues, and I didn’t want to worry you further.”

 

“Pete, I’m so sorry,” she apologised profusely.  “We should have been there for you, all this time, instead…” she shook her head.  “I’m a bad friend.”

 

He laughed again and tightened an arm around her.  “No, you’re not,” he rebutted.  “And I could never get mad at you, babe.”

 

“Is there anyway I can persuade you to stay in Smallville?” she said timidly. 

 

He sighed and stayed silent for a long while.  “I’d have stayed for you,” he finally said. 

 

Realisation dawned, and she bowed her head.  “I’m sorry…”

 

“Hey, I didn’t say that for you to feel guilty,” he said sternly.  “Truth is, there isn’t really much for me in Smallville anymore.  If I’d stayed, it wouldn’t have been for myself but for you or Clark.”  He shook his head.  “It’s best that things have panned out this way.  I need to think of me for a change.”

 

They walked along until the lights of her front porch glinted ahead of them.  Once they got to her door, she put her arms around Pete and hugged him close.

 

“I’m going to miss you so much,” she sobbed. 

 

“Hey, this is the new Millennium,” he said jokingly.  “We can always video-chat, remember?”

 

She laughed and stared at him with deep affection.  “I really wish I had more to offer you, Pete,” she whispered. 

 

“It’s okay,” he said with a smile.  “Being your friend has given me more joy than you could ever imagine.” 

 

“So when are you leaving?” she asked.

 

“Probably in about a month.”

 

Her shoulders drooped.  “So soon?” 

 

He nodded.  “I’m afraid so, babe.” 

 

“Just let me know if there’s anything I can do, okay?” she offered.

 

“Actually, there is one thing,” he said hesitantly.  “Look after Clark for me, will you?” 

 

Chloe’s smile faded and her eyes clouded over.  “You can’t ask me that-”

 

“I just did,” he replied.  “That’s all I’m asking you, Chloe.  Find it in your heart to forgive him.  He wronged you badly, but he’s sorry and he’s willing to make amends.” 

 

“You don’t understand,” she sighed. 

 

“All I know is that once I leave, you’ll both be one friend down,” he pointed out.  “You’re going to need each other.” 

 

“I’ll still have Lana,” she said defensively.

 

“The same Lana who spent the entire summer with Aunt Nell?” he said slyly. 

 

Damn it.  “Low blow, Pete,” she said darkly.

 

“I’m only telling the truth.  Look, just think about it, okay?” he asked.

 

“Okay, fine.  But I’m only promising to think about it.”

 

He nodded.  “That’s a start.” 

***

 

Her plan to tumble straight into bed was thwarted when she opened her bedroom door to find Lana packing her belongings into a small carry-case. 

 

“Lana!” she exclaimed with a smile.  “Pete and I were just talking about you.”

 

“Were you, now?” Lana said dryly. 

 

Chloe laughed.  “Don’t worry, it was all good.  Although seeing that bag in your hands makes me wonder if you’re coming or going this time.” 

 

“Oh – sorry, Chloe, I should have told you earlier,” Lana said with a tight smile.  “I’m moving to Metropolis full-time.”

 

Chloe’s smile faded.  “You’re what?” she shouted, feeling déjà vu all over again. 

 

Lana sighed.  “I’m not bailing on you, Chloe, I’m just…trying to be practical,” she explained.  “What with your Dad losing his job and all, I don’t think it would be prudent or fair of me to continue to stay here and mooch on your resources.”

 

“But you can’t leave!” Chloe cried.  “How will you to commute to school everyday from Metropolis?”

 

“Er…that’s another thing,” she said apologetically.  “I’ve spoken to Nell, she knows someone on the board of Templar Academy in Central Metropolis; I’m transferring there.” 

 

Chloe stared at her, stunned.  “I must be dreaming,” she said blankly.  “…because I can’t believe I’m hearing this.” 

 

Lana’s sighed and slowly got to her feet.  “I’m sorry to just spring this on you,” she said softly.  “I had no idea you were so happy to have me here.” 

 

“Of course I am, silly, you’re my friend!” Chloe replied, her eyes filling with tears.  “You’re the only person in the world with two X Chromosomes that I can really talk to!”

 

Lana laughed and hugged her.  “I’m only moving to Metropolis, Chloe, not Madagascar,” she pointed out.  “It’s just down the road.  Besides, I’ve been a really bad roommate of late; it’ll be no different, and you’ll get your closet-space back.” 

 

“I’m still finding it hard to process this,” Chloe said sadly.  “First Pete tells me he’s leaving, now you?”

 

“Pete’s leaving?”  Lana asked, and Chloe quickly filled her in on Pete’s new living situation.

 

“I’ll ask Aunt Nell to put in a good word for him at Templar – assuming he wants to go there,” she said thoughtfully.  “It’ll be good to have a familiar face around.”

 

“You’ve really made your mind up, haven’t you?” Chloe whispered. 

 

Lana shrugged.  “There’s nothing here for me anymore, not really.”

 

“What about Clark?” Chloe blurted out before she could censor her thoughts. 

 

Lana’s eyes narrowed viciously once Clark’s name was mentioned.  “Biggest mistake I ever made, thinking he and I could ever be together.” 

 

Chloe’s blood ran cold at her icy tone.  “Lana, did – did something happen with you and Clark?” she asked uncertainly. 

 

“Oh, he just told me in no uncertain terms that he doesn’t want me, and never will,” she replied tartly.  “He’s in love with someone else.” 

 

“What?” Chloe gasped.  “He said that?”

 

“Loud and clear.”

 

“Did he say who?” she asked, perplexed.  “I haven’t seen him with anyone else.  Who is she?”

 

“I didn’t wait to find out,” she replied, pulling up the zipper on her bag.  “But I’m sure she’s an ugly tart who can’t hold a candle to me.”  She glanced at her watch and hoisted her bag onto her shoulder.  “Look, I’ve gotta run but I’ll be in touch.” 

 

Chloe nodded and hugged Lana tight.  “Goodbye, Lana.  It’s been great having you here.” 

 

“I had fun here,” she replied.  “My thanks to your Dad and you.  Come see me in Metropolis sometime.”

 

“Will do.”

 

Lana smiled and waved, and then she was out the door and gone. 

 

Chloe sat down on her bed, feeling bereft.  One minute she had three close friends; the next, they were almost all gone.  The only one left was Clark, and she really couldn’t stand the sight of him right now.  Not only had he raped her, he’d also had a hand in driving away the only two people who meant something to her.

 

She sighed and lay down, exhausted.  Now Clark had even more to atone for; only she didn’t want to upset Pete when he was so close to leaving.  She’d let sleeping dogs lie for now, but she’d be sure to resume doling out Clark’s punishments once Pete had moved to Metropolis. 

 

After all, what Pete didn’t know wouldn’t hurt him.

 

***

 

Chapter 20…