Chlark Fanfic: On The Inside, Chapter 16

[babydee1]

 Some more Chlark in the house, people.  Hope y'all like it!

Title:             On The Inside

Author:         BabyDee
Pairing:         Chlark

Rating:          NC-17 (Chapter PG-13)

Warnings:     None
Timeline:      Post-Failsday through Season 9 eps (Saviour – Crossfire)

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

Summary:    Chloe tries to start life anew in another city, but Clark thinks she left her heart in Metropolis. 

Feedback:      …gives me the warm fuzzies. J

 

 

Read previous chapter here.

Read story from the beginning here.

 

 

 

Chapter 16

 

 

Chloe awoke to the sensation of Clark’s warm mouth against her lips.

 

“Wake up, sleepyhead,” he whispered, his lips moving softly over her jaw. 

 

Chloe yawned and stretched, purring at his caresses.  “Mmm…”

 

“You like that?”

 

“Li’l bit lower…” she murmured, pushing his head down towards her breasts.

 

Clark chuckled and obliged, sweeping her hair aside to give her cleavage a quick kiss.  “G’morning, gorgeous.”

 

She opened her eyes groggily.  “It’s morning already?” she asked in a sleep-husky voice.

 

“For me it is,” he said, sitting beside her and stroking her hair.  “I just wanted to see your smile before I left for work.  Oh, and I took the liberty of bringing you a coffee, because I know how you like to refuel, even if you’re having a lie-in.” 

 

“Clark, that’s so sweet of you.  Thanks,” she replied, sitting up and taking the coffee mug from his hands. 

 

“So, are you taking it easy this morning?  I know your interview’s not until three.”

 

She shook her head as she took a careful sip.  “Nah, I’ll be up in a minute.  I have one or two things to do before I head to the Planet for my interview.”

 

“Well, I’d better get out of your way then.”  He leaned forward and gave her a deep kiss, smiling as he lifted his head from her.  “All the best today.  I know you’re going to do just fine.” 

 

“Touch wood,” she replied, returning his grin.  “If you’re not too busy, I’ll pop into your floor on my way out, okay?” 

 

“I’ll look forward to it.”  He kissed her forehead and stood, waving as he left the room.

 

Chloe settled back against the pillows as she took another sip of her coffee.  She still felt sated and languid from their lovemaking, and her first night in Clark’s arms had inexplicably obliterated her panic.  Besides, Clark was right; she’d worked at the Daily Planet before.  She was more than qualified to work there again, and most definitely well above basement-bullpen level.

 

But before the interview, she had to take care of a few things.  She tilted back her mug, drained the rest of her brew and swung her legs to the edge of the bed, determined to end the day with a smile on her face.

 

***

 

“Miss Sullivan?” called Perry’s secretary, making her Chloe whip her head round.  “Mr White will see you now.” 

 

Chloe took a deep breath and walked into Perry White’s office.  He was seated at his desk, holding a sheaf of loose papers which he studied carefully. 

 

As she approached, he rose to his feet and smiled.  “Miss Sullivan, we meet again,” he said amiably. 

 

She grinned back and extended her hand.  “In much better circumstances this time.”

 

He took her proffered hand and shook it warmly.  “Indeed.  Can I call you Chloe?”  He indicated that she take the seat opposite his, which she did.

 

She nodded.  “Please.”

 

Perry sat back down in his own chair and picked up the sheaf of papers again, fixing his gaze on her.

 

“Alright, I have a plane to catch in an hour, so I’m going to make this brief,” he said briskly.  “Tell me why you want this job, Chloe.”

 

Chloe returned his gaze with a confident one of her own and spoke.

 

“The Daily Planet has been America’s most prestigious newspaper for decades, or at least it was before the Luthor takeover,” she began.  “I was fortunate enough to work there until Lex Luthor fired me over a personal grudge.”

 

“Yes, I noticed that there was no listed reason for the termination of your employment in the Personnel files,” he mused.  “Care to let me in on the reason why?”

 

Chloe blinked in surprise.  She had no idea he’d have dug that far into her history; but then, Perry White, like McAllister, never did things in half-measure.

 

“Lex’s father, Lionel Luthor, had unbeknownst to me placed sensitive information in my desk just before he fell to his death,” she said softly.  “Lex got to it before I did.”

 

“…and subsequently blacklisted you; I can totally relate,” he murmured.  “Is that why you changed your name?”

 

“It’s part of the reason, yes,” she said, hoping he wouldn’t pry further.

 

“Never step on the toes of a Luthor if you don’t want your whole life flushed down the crapper,” he said with a grimace.  “I’m sorry.  Do continue, please.”

 

***

 

Outside in the hall, Clark shamelessly listened in on the entire conversation.

 

He’d been unable to focus on anything else since she entered the building.  As soon as he’d heard her voice he’d risen from his desk and taken the elevator to Perry’s floor, then attempted to gaze through the walls to see what was going on.  Unfortunately, the old building was riddled with lead plating, because he hadn’t been able to see a thing, not even through the door. 

 

Frustrated, he shuffled his feet and generally loitered in the corridor, glancing busily at the papers in his hands whenever anyone walked past.

 

He couldn’t wait for her to finish, though from the sound of it everything was going well.  Still, it wouldn’t hurt to keep his fingers crossed.

 

***

 

“I’ve since completed my journalism degree, graduating summa cum laude with a 4.65 grade point average,” Chloe said confidently.  “I’ve also gained extensive experience working at the Gazette-”

 

“You were only there, what...nine, maybe ten months?” Perry interjected.  “Hardly extensive.”

 

She bristled, her eyes narrowing.  “I did a year-long internship with them whilst I was at Gotham University, so technically I was there for twenty-two months,” she corrected.  “And I worked just as hard - or harder - than the established journalists there whilst I was still a student.  My records reflect this, and McAllister can also testify to that.”

 

Perry nodded, impressed. “Well said.  You can put the claws away now, Chloe, I wasn’t attacking you.”

 

She hung her head.  “Sorry, sir.”

 

He folded his arms.  “So, your wanting to work at the Planet has nothing to do with the fact that this has been your dream job since you were, like, five?”

 

Chloe stared at him in shock.  “How did you -?”

 

“The erstwhile Mr Kent will tell anyone who’ll listen – and several who won’t – about how your journalistic flair rubbed off on him when you were both young,” he said with a twinkle in his eye.  “He’s quite fond of you, that one.”

 

She smiled, hoping the blush warming her cheeks wasn’t too evident.  “I guess he is.”

 

“Not only that, but I seem to remember a young woman who single-handed ran her High School newspaper,” he said softly.  “She made sure that everything she printed was the truth, worked fiercely in the pursuit of justice…and even though I was a drunken tabloid hack at the time, named me as her journalistic inspiration.” He smiled.  “Quite an impressionable young lady.”

 

It took every ounce of professionalism Chloe possessed to keep from breaking out into a silly grin.  She was absolutely giddy to know firsthand that she’d stuck in his memory from way back when.

 

Perry tapped the papers in front of him.  “Your Editor at the Gazette has sent over a glowing reference of your services there,” he said.  “She also called me up and said to tell you that if the Planet doesn’t want you, she’s willing to hire you back in a heartbeat for twice the money and set you up in a corner office, plus toss in a penthouse condo on Gotham’s East Side.” 

 

Chloe grinned.  “Tempting,” she admitted, nodding appreciatively. 

 

“It is.  Unfortunately for you and for her, those terms and conditions were issued on the premise that the Planet doesn’t want you; and we do.”  He rose to his feet and extended his hand to her.  “Welcome to the Daily Planet, kid.  Again.” 

 

Chloe’s eyes widened and she slowly stood to her feet, mouth agape.  “Oh, my God.  I’m in?”

 

He nodded and winked.  “You’re in.”

 

And with those words, the final jigsaw piece in her life fell into place and the picture was complete.  Chloe felt like she was soaring, flying through space at the speed of light.

 

She was back in the Daily Planet.

 

She was back in the Daily Planet!

 

“Oh my God!” she exclaimed, flinging her arms around the older man in a hug.   

 

And now she was hugging her employer.

 

“Oh, I’m sorry,” she added, stepping back and shaking his hand vigorously.  “Thank you so much, Mr White.  I promise not to disappoint you, I’ll be the best damned reporter you ever took a chance on!”

 

“I’m counting on it, kid,” he said, glancing at his watch as he escorted her to the door.  “Now I’ve got a plane to catch.  Get yourself down to Personnel and sort out the paperwork; you start first thing Monday morning.”

 

***

 

Yes!

 

Clark pumped the air with his fist and grinned the moment he heard Perry confirm her employment.  Chloe was back at the Daily Planet, where she belonged; where they belonged.

 

He’d always felt guilty for indirectly being the reason why she’d lost her dream job, and watching her flounder from one job to the next hadn’t been easy for him.  He could only image how hard it had been for her to have had everything she loved and worked for wrenched from her so terribly.  Finally, that was all over.  Now they could put the past well and truly behind them.

 

He sighed deeply, finally feeling content.  It was, without doubt, one of the best moments of his life.

 

As soon as he heard the door handle rattling, Clark straightened, adopted a serious face and made a show of studying the document in his hands.  The door to Perry’s office swung open and the Chief gestured for Chloe to exit.

 

“After you,” he said.

 

“Thank you, Chief,” he heard her say as she stepped out into the hall.  He lifted his gaze and smiled at her, and she smiled back.

 

Clark’s eyes widened, and his mouth dropped open as he stared in utter shock.

 

She was blonde. 

 

Her hair was cut into a sleek, golden bob, and her hazel-green eyes sparkled like polished jade.  She was wearing a dark business suit with a silky purple blouse underneath, and…

 

…and she was blonde.  His already wonderful day just got a million times brigher, and he grinned widely, pretty sure all his thirty-two teeth were on show.  Any second now, he was going to start doing a Happy Dance. 

 

But the Chief had other ideas.  “Kent!” Perry snapped sharply.  “What, do think the light in my office is the flash of a camera?  I don’t pay you to stand around grinning like a fish on crack.  Now, get back to work!”

 

Clark flushed and mumbled an apology as he walked along the corridor.  However, he couldn’t resist looking back at Chloe.  She was so beautiful, and…

 

…and she was pointing and mouthing something that he couldn’t quite make out.  Look out, beehive? He frowned, puzzled as she waved her arms at him frantically. 

 

Suddenly the ground disappeared from under his feet and he went tumbling down the stairs in an ungainly heap, his papers fluttering around him. 

 

Oh, he thought sheepishly.  Look out behind.

 

Still grinning like an idiot, he gathered his strewn papers amidst chuckles and snorts from passing colleagues.  Whatever; he didn’t care.  Chloe was back at the Daily Planet, and he couldn’t wait to get her home and celebrate.

 

***

 

Chapter 17…

 

Comments

[psyco23.livejournal.com]

YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!

update time on this one!!! i missed it soooo much.

justice finally came and chloe sullivan is back on the DP. thank you!

now, on to the celebrations

[babydee1.livejournal.com]

Willam!!! *tacklehugs*

So glad you liked it, babes. I'm almost done with this story, probably 2-3 chapters left. :-)

[phantom-queen.livejournal.com]

aww, great chapter. thank god for fanfic, we'll never see anything like this on the show.

[babydee1.livejournal.com]

I know, the show sucks donkey balls right now. :-(

Glad you like my version of events!

[chloista4ever.livejournal.com]

This was so cute, I knew you're going to get her back to blonde,awesome!!! can't wait for the next chappie.

[babydee1.livejournal.com]

Thanks, Ana! Much as I love me some Chlois, I do prefer Chloe with blonde hair. It's like an 'In Your Face' to canon! :-D

[angelbsb.livejournal.com]

i finally got caught up on this story . i must say the smut was hot. loved how they where with each other . loved how chloe got her job back . loved clark's reaction to her being blonde again . PPMS

[babydee1.livejournal.com]

You're just full of love today, Paige. Thank you! :-D

[megamom2.livejournal.com]

I loved the idea of Clark lurking in the hall, waiting for news, then being completely distracted when he sees Chloe! They both deserve this happiness!

[babydee1.livejournal.com]

I know, they've been through so much heartache, the pair of them. It's smiles all the way from now on. :-)

Glad you like, megamom! :-D

[simi24.livejournal.com]

Yea, she's back at the Daily Planet! Now they can report the truth together, just as it should have always been.
Just wait until they get home and Chloe can make sure that nothing was broken during his little trip

[babydee1.livejournal.com]

"Just wait until they get home and Chloe can make sure that nothing was broken during his little trip..."

I like the way you think, Rhonda! She needs to frisk the man, just to be sure...! ;-)

[iluvaqt.livejournal.com]

I think this is my favorite chapter of the whole fic. I was grinning like a sappy fool along with Chloe and Clark all the way through, and this reminded me a lot of her interview with Kahn all those long years ago. Brilliant Dee. Chloe is back where she belongs and I can't wait to see her florish. :D

[babydee1.livejournal.com]

It's definitely long overdue, but our Dynamic Duo are exactly where they should be. So glad you like it!

[jacques21.livejournal.com]

Yes she got the job!!! Of course we all knew she would. I knew Chloe was going to get a cut and dye job before the interview. Clark's reaction alone was worth it.

Love that McAllister is still looking out for Chloe.

Clark eavesdropping was hilarious as well as the fall. The little morning nibble was hot too.

Totally digging your Perry White.

Can't wait for more.

[babydee1.livejournal.com]

"Yes she got the job!!! Of course we all knew she would. I knew Chloe was going to get a cut and dye job before the interview. Clark's reaction alone was worth it."

Wasn't it just? LOL!!! :-D

"Love that McAllister is still looking out for Chloe."

Aw. I miss the fierce bitch too. :-)

"Clark eavesdropping was hilarious as well as the fall.

If he wasn't head over heels in love with the girl before, he is now...literally! :-D

"The little morning nibble was hot too."

Nibble...hee! ;-)

"Totally digging your Perry White."

Thanks!

Only two chapters left. Now it's finding the time to write them!

Glad you like, and thanks for the lovely review!

[kitmerlot1213.livejournal.com]

This was awesome!

I liked the Chloe/Perry interview, and I especially liked that he asked her tough but fair questions. And unlike on SV, Perry actually remember what a hardworking reporter Chloe is, even in her high school days :)

ETA: I love that Chloe's back to her real hair and eye color and I love Clark's reaction to it--WOO HOO :):)

[babydee1.livejournal.com]

"This was awesome!"

Thanks, K! :-D

"I liked the Chloe/Perry interview, and I especially liked that he asked her tough but fair questions. And unlike on SV, Perry actually remember what a hardworking reporter Chloe is, even in her high school days :)"

Believe it or not, I was actually going to skip the interview and go straight to the Chlark Celebrations. Someone (either here or on K-Site) asked for the interview, so I decided at the last minute to write it in. So I'm particularly glad you think it's made of win! :-)

"ETA: I love that Chloe's back to her real hair and eye color and I love Clark's reaction to it--WOO HOO :):)"

He's fallen for the girl all over again - literally, to boot! ;-)

Lovely review, Kathy. Thanks! :-)

[jlvsclrk.livejournal.com]

Look out beehive!

LMAO! Clark is so adorable when he's clutzy. And hurray for Chloe's return to the Daily Planet, not to mention to her trademark blonde hair. Things are getting to where they should be.

[babydee1.livejournal.com]

"LMAO! Clark is so adorable when he's clutzy."

I know. Wish we'd seen more of that side of him on the show! Alas, they went the emo route instead...:-(

"And hurray for Chloe's return to the Daily Planet, not to mention to her trademark blonde hair. Things are getting to where they should be."

Quintessential Chlark in the House, y'all!

Glad you like, Jen! Thanks for the lovely comments. :-)

[eternal-moonie.livejournal.com]

*Cuddles You*

AWESOME new chapter!!!

[babydee1.livejournal.com]

Glad you like, Jan! :-)

[moviefreak4634.livejournal.com]

I love this chapter so much. It's everything I could have asked for, and it totally beats Season 9 anyday. I was as giddy as Clark and Chloe by the time I finished reading. :)

[babydee1.livejournal.com]

Aw, you guys always give me the nicest, sweetest comments. Thank you so much, babes! I'm glad you're enjoying it. :-)

PS: Love your icon! Happy!Clark is always nice. ;-)

happy CHLARK

[mari2anne.livejournal.com]

OMG!!! You made me remember how VERY VERY much I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE happy, giddy, silly CHLARK.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Absolutely WONDERFUL update.

;)

[laurelnola.livejournal.com]

"She tilted back her mug, drained the rest of her brew and swung her legs to the edge of the bed, determined to end the day with a smile on her face."

Oh, that's easy. Just shag Clark senseless before bedtime. :-D


"“Never step on the toes of a Luthor if you don’t want your whole life flushed down the crapper,” he said with a grimace.

Hee. Lex learned from the master- his magnificent bastard father.

"Outside in the hall, Clark shamelessly listened in on the entire conversation.

I love it! I love how Clark is always willing to break his moral code whenever it comes to Chloe.

"“Welcome to the Daily Planet, kid. Again.”

SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!

Back where she belongs! And I love that she hugs him!



"…and she was blonde. His already wonderful day just got a million times brigher, and he grinned widely, pretty sure all his thirty-two teeth were on show. Any second now, he was going to start doing a Happy Dance. "

ha! And I'll join him in the Happy Dance! This is so heart-warming, seeing how happy he is at having *his* Chloe at the Daily Planet, as the woman he loves- it's all falling into place! :-)


"Look out, beehive?"

Okay, that just cracked me up. Even *I* knew he should turn around. *snicker*