Chlark fic....
Title: A Start of a Beautiful...
Rating: No higher than Teen
Author: Fehrplay aka Chlarkislove
Warnings: spoilers for season 8 basically
Summary: My on version of Season 8’s Plastique and how things should of really started off.
A/N: Thanks to Marikology for beta reading.
Part 1
After Chloe Sullivan spent some time scanning the computer, wondering where her new ability came from, she headed downstairs on her way to meet Lois for dinner. She was greeted half way down by Jimmy Olsen coming through the door.
“ Jimmy!” she exclaimed excitedly. She was glad to see him, she missed him, but a part of her regretted this moment. She briefly contemplated his proposal, but eventually decided that she just wasn’t ready for marriage now. Honestly, she wasn’t sure if she was still in love with Jimmy. Nearly losing Clark again just made her realize her feelings for him were still there and still as strong as ever. She didn’t feel it was right to lead Jimmy on any longer.
Jimmy ran to her and embraced her tightly. “I’m so sorry I couldn’t do anything more to help you. I should have known not to trust Lex Luthor,” he babbled. Jimmy sounded on the verge of tears.
Chloe could sense his extreme guilt and she patted his back in comfort. “Its okay Jimmy. I know how persuasive the Luthors can be and how they play on your emotions. I don’t blame you.”
She took a step back and placed a hand gently on his shoulder. “Now, wasn’t there something you asked me before I was carted off by the so called DDS?”
Jimmy ran the hand of his free arm through his hair, unsure how to reply. In Chloe's absence, he also had time to think. It wasn’t that he didn’t love her... he just didn’t feel ready for marriage yet. “Yeah, about that..." he hedged.”You know, after I thought about it a little while, I realized that we were both going in different directions in life, and I’m not so sure I’m ready yet for that step.”
To his surprise, Chloe let out a laugh. She smiled at Jimmy, “You know, I felt the same way too,” she admitted.
Jimmy returned her grin before his facial expression turned solemn. “So where does this leave us?”
It had been a few months since she and Jimmy had broken up. They both had remained friends even though there was some awkwardness at first. She had even gotten her job back at the Daily Planet. While visiting Lois one day, Tess Mercer had simply asked her to come back to work. She was shocked, but Tess later explained that she didn’t know why Lex had fired her in the first place since she obviously was a better writer than her cousin.
Things were slowly getting back to normal. She even managed to convince Clark to fill in the application for the Daily Planet that Lois had given him. The blonde reporter told her alien friend that he didn’t need to mop around on the farm, so today was his first day in the mailroom.
Chloe was rushing around the basement, trying to get her space in order, when she heard Lois voice her opinion.
“Well, big points for punctuality, Smallville. But what's with the wardrobe malfunction?” Lois was scowling at Clark Kent as he descended the stairs to the basement.
Clark was dressed in a button-up checkered red shirt and dark blue jeans, carrying a red backpack. "At least it's not flannel," Chloe thought, but he did look as though he was dressed for school pictures instead of his first day of work at a prestigious newspaper. She knew she should have gone by the farm this morning and dressed him. He really has no sense of fashion.
Clark made a face and Chloe positioned herself between them before a fight ensued. "You know, Lois, as harsh as she seems, is right. You can’t show up on your first day on a job at a major newspaper dressed like that. You should have called me.” Chloe gently scolded.
Clark glanced between Lois and Chloe, still offended, not knowing what was wrong with what he was wearing, “What? This is a nice shirt,” he said stubbornly.
Chloe patted his shoulder, “Yes this is a nice shirt, but as many times as you’ve been in here, have you seen any other male employee dressed so casually?" she pointed out.
Clark scanned the room and noticed everyone in solid button up shirts, dress pants, or suits. "Well, I figured I could dress down a bit since I'm only in the mailroom," he mumbled.
Lois scoffed at his explanation. “Human resources will be down here any minute, and you do not want to meet them looking like...the Brawny lumberjack,” she added unnecessarily.
Chloe looked over at fellow reporter named Chris who had apparently picked up his dry cleaning this morning on the way into work. “Wait right here. I have an idea,” she told Clark as she walked over to Chris.
“Chris!” She greeted cheerfully. “Would you mind if I buy that suit off of you? I don’t have the money at the moment, but I can get it too you by the end of the day.”
Chris blinked at her, confused. “Why would you need a suit? I doubt it would fit you anyway.”
Chloe gave a sigh. “Well, you see that guy over there? It's his first day, and he has no since of fashion. I figured sense you are always dressed so nicely, you wouldn’t mind helping out a newbie, who's a very good friend of mine.” She smiled sweetly.
“Okay, but that's a $300 suit. I hope your friend is worth it,” Chris groused as he handed it over.
Chloe winced. She hadn't expected it to cost that much. “Well, he’s saved my life a time or two, so buying him a $300 suit where he could make a good impression on his first day is the least I can do. Besides, I'm sure you'll give me a discount, since technically it's used?” She gave him another hopeful smile and Chris looked less annoyed.
Chloe rushed over to Clark with the suit. “Look what I got,” she said triumphantly.
“Chloe, do I have to wear a tie?” Clark complained. He hated ties. He could never get them tied right and they always felt so constricting. But as soon as he said it, he felt like a spoiled kid. In reality, he was in awe of what Chloe did for him. The suit was very nice and he had overheard Chloe making the deal.
Chloe was more amused than hurt. She laughed and grabbed her best friend's hand and led him to the phone booth, reasoning it would quicker than going to the restrooms. “Chloe, a phone booth this isn’t exactly private," Clark whined again.
Her patience having run out, Chloe shoved him in the booth, “Stop being a baby, Clark, and get ready, okay? Go "SuperClark" if you have to, but there isn’t much time," she hissed. "HR is supposed to be here at 9:00 AM and it’s five till.”
Chloe waited impatiently as Clark got dressed. Trying to appear casual, she said high to a few colleagues as they passed by. Just as she was about to tell Clark to get a move on it, the door opened and he stepped out. She was speechless for a second. 'Wow, he needs to wear suites more often,’ she thought.
“So, how do I look?” he asked for her approval.
“You look very professional,” she complimented, flashing a mega-watt smile. Good thing he’s not able to read minds, because he would probably blush at what I'm thinking, she mused.
Her thoughts were interrupted as an explosion rocked the building. She lost her footing and nearly fell to the grown but Clark caught her and tried to shelter her from the falling debris. He looked over her anxiously to see if she was hurt, then out the basement window towards the source of the noise.
Chloe could see the conflict of his thoughts. “Clark, I’m fine. You need to go help those people outside. I’ll be right out after I check on Lois,” she assured him. Clark gave her a nod and checked to see if anyone was watching before he super sped out the door.
When Clark reached the surface, it looked like a war zone, there was smoke, wreckage, and people running for cover. He saw the overturned bus and ran to it quickly. He started immediately helping all the passengers who were still inside. He pulled out an unconscious woman near the front of the bus, and carried her towards safety. The movement seemed to awaken her and she opened her eyes and gazed up at him. “Guess this must be my stop,” she murmured.
Part 2
Later that day, Chloe was currently in her apartment looking over some paperwork for Isis. She let out a laugh of delight when a plate of grilled cheese sandwiches was sat down in front of her. “Bette! Thank you so much!” She was surprised by the gesture. She had told the girl she didn’t need to do anything.
Bette was a victim of the bus blast. Chloe had seen her stumbling from the area of the bus and quickly called over a paramedic to aid her, the paramedic introduced himself as Davis. When Bette confessed that she was runaway, Davis and Chloe discussed helping her find a place to stay. When Davis advised against a young 15-year-old girl to be in a shelter alone, Chloe offered her apartment.
Bette shrugged off the compliment, “It’s nothing, just grilled cheese. I figured with all the take out you could use a home cooked meal.”
Chloe was about to say something when there was a knock at the door. She noticed the way Bette jumped. “Don’t worry; it’s just my friend Clark.”
Clark had called and told her he had overheard the police say that there were no traces of a bomb. Chloe didn’t think that Bette would be up for any questioning, but she invited him over anyway. Chloe walked over to the door and let her friend in.
Bette immediately recognized him, “Wait, I remember you. You’re the guy who helped me off the bus.”
“Yes, and I’m glad your okay. I hope you don’t mind if I asked you a few questions. Did you see anything before the blast? Anything strange or unusual happen?” Clark was in full reporter mode and there was a since of urgency when he spoke.
Bette cast a questioning glance over towards Chloe and then back at Clark, “What, are you a cop or something?”
“Bette, he’s not a cop. He’s a reporter, and he thinks that someone with a meteor power may have caused the accident on the bus."
Bette shook her head in confusion, “What's a meteor power?”
“Sometimes when people come in contact with a certain meteor rock, it gives them certain abilities,” Chloe explained.
Bette had a look of realization on her face, “Tommy, he’s another street kid. He told me he found this weird rock a couple of days ago. Now when ever he gets angry things heat up. We got into a fight today. He was being a jerk, so I ran onto the bus.”
“Do you know where I can find him?” Clark inquired quickly.
“I know where he hangs out. I bet I can find him.” Bette was pretty sure she knew where Tommy was.
Chloe wasn’t so sure she wanted the teen to go with Clark. For one thing, he wouldn’t be able to use his powers around her, but also, Bette would be put in danger. “Wait, Bette I don’t think it’s a good idea that you go with him. The guy sounds dangerous.”
“Well, I’ll wait in the car. I can point him out to Clark.” Bette assured Chloe.
Chloe ended up at the Isis Foundation later that night, wanting to give Bette some time alone. Clark brought her back to her apartment and told her that the boy had gotten scared and some how blew himself up. Lois was working on the story and Clark was helping her. He didn’t exactly like the idea of working with Lois, but at the time Chloe still had too much to deal with. He called and told her that at the Planet, Lois had recorded what he had found out from Bette about Tommy, so Lois now wanted to break into the hospital to view Tommy’s autopsy report. He grumbled about Lois getting them arrested. Chloe just laughed at him and told him to watch after himself and Lois. Privately, she mused that maybe when Lana found someone to take over Isis, she could work more with Clark, just like the old days.
Currently she was trying her best to replace a light that went out over the conference table. No matter how much she tried to stand on her toes, in heels, she just couldn’t reach the light. She really could use Clark now.
“Shoot!” she shouted in frustration.
“You know, if you reach a little bit higher, you’d definitely need an ambulance,” the unexpected voice of Davis Bloome commented, clearly amused. He had to admit though it was a nice sight to come in to. He found himself incredibly attracted to the woman in front of him. When he heard her calling to him for help earlier that morning, he felt drawn to her.
Chloe jumped a little at the sound of the voice. She didn’t hear him. “Well, I guess I’m lucky there’s a paramedic in the building.”
Davis looked up at her with a wide grin, “Yeah, you asked me to bring by this application.”
He decided to take pity on the blonde. He hopped up on a chair and joined her on the table and cleared his throat. “Give it to me.” Chloe handed over the light bulb.
He suddenly felt like an awkward teenager being so close to her. “So I asked my friend today. She did say there was an opening at the home for Bette.”
“That’s great! She could use some good news right now. Her day had gotten even worse a while ago, so I decided to give her a little space and come here. Thank you.”
Helping her down from the table, he continued the conversation, “Well at least she has a place to stay now thanks to you.”
He didn’t want to let go of her hand. He enjoyed being so close to her. The paramedic had no problem staring into those emerald green eyes.
Chloe cleared her throat, feeling the heat between them. “Thanks.”
Davis reluctantly let go of her hand and noticed the name of the building, “Isis Foundation? So is it an 'adopt a pyramid, save a Sphinx' kind of thing?”
Chloe laughed at his joke, “Cute. Actually, it’s a counseling center. I’m keeping an eye on it for a friend until she finds someone to take it over.”
This perked his interest, “I’m surprised I haven’t heard of it. The hospital usually keeps a record on all the mental health facilities.”
Chloe wasn’t sure how to explain it without sounding crazy herself, “Well, she caters to an unusual clientele. Most of these people have special powers that can be a little dangerous.”
He thought he understood what she was getting at, “You mean like…meteor types? Chloe, I’ve seen a lot of things driving an ambulance for the city. At least I’ve seen enough to know they need help. Have you thought about helping them?”
Chloe shook her head, “No, right now I’m trying to get back into reporting, a passion of mine that I took a small sabbatical from, and I don’t think I’d be of any…”
Davis cut her off, “Chloe I saw you with Bette today. What you did for her was amazing. You cared enough to take her under your wing. These people need someone like you, someone that they can trust.”
“But am I street wise enough?” Chloe countered, remembering what he said at the hospital. She ran into him while getting Bette a soda for the dinner she had bought her.
“Okay, forget I said that. I may have come off a little strong,” he apologized.
“At least I now understand where it comes from,” Chloe explained.
Davis was now intrigued, “Understand how?”
Now it was Chloe’s turn to be embarrassed, “I may have Googled you. And I read in an article that you once ran away as a foster kid.”
"You researched me?" he questioned with amusement. “Well, I always wanted my own stalker.” Davis teased. He loved the way her face was turning red.
Chloe chuckled, “It’s not like that. I’m a reporter and I have this natural curiosity.”
They had somehow managed to be standing face to face again.
“Okay, yeah...” Davis trailed off. “I’m going to go out on a limb and ask, but would you perhaps consider going out on a date?” He really wanted to get know her better.
Chloe broke the grin she had on her face, unsure of how to respond. A part of her wanted to, but there was a part that said stay away. “I would love to, but I just recently broke up with my boyfriend of two years, and I’m not really ready to be in relationship, yet. Even more complicated, we work together, so... I don’t want to be flaunting a new relationship so soon.”
Davis kind of felt like an idiot for asking so soon, but he nodded his understanding. Chloe didn’t seem like the type of girl to just jump from one relationship to another. “It’s okay. I’ll accept that answer. If, however, you happen to be single and I happen to be single in the not so distant future, I would like to reserve the right to ask that question again.”
Chloe smiled brilliantly at him, “Deal”.
Part 3
Clark and Lois were in the hospital looking over Tommy’s autopsy report.
“There’s nothing in here about meteor infection,” Lois complained, clearly disappointed.
Clark looked at her, unsure, “Here, let me see that.”
She sighed and handed the file to him, “Here, knock yourself out.”
Clark took the file and quickly glanced over it. “I’m not sure we are on the right track, Lois. His death was suspicious.”
At this point, Lois was frustrated, “Of course it’s suspicious: the guy blew himself up.”
Clark shook his head, “Look, if he blew himself up, then the blast would have moved away from him, not towards him. Right?”
Lois rolled her eyes at him, “Don’t just clear his name up right away, Sherlock. Just take a look at his rap sheet clearly that kid was dangerous, a real live wire.”
Clark examined the rap sheet, “Lois, if you had this type of power and committed the crimes listed, wouldn’t you use them? It would make it easier.”
Lois was at a loss, “Well, if Tommy didn’t kill himself, then who did?
Clark suddenly had a chilling realization, “Bette was there when Tommy died. She also said he chased her on the bus.”
Lois suddenly became frightened for her cousin, “Oh my god! My cousin is babysitting Psycho Spice!” Lois headed quickly to the nearest elevator to exit the building, but as soon as she turned her back, Clark slipped into super speed and disappeared.
Clark made it to Chloe’s apartment in no time. Just as he was at the door, he heard Bette yelling, anguish in her voice.
“Sometimes I don’t have a choice! Chloe, I’m sorry. But I can’t risk you turning on me too. Goodbye, Chloe.”
“No!” Clark rushed in the apartment just in time to see Bette forcing Chloe down the stairs with a blast of energy. He used his heat vision to advert the blast, and then sped to save Chloe from the fall.
“Clark?” she asked, surprised.
Bette was down from the backfire, so he wanted to check her out to make sure she was okay. As he started approaching her she let out a warning.
“Stay away from me! I’ll hurt you!” she painted out of breath.
“No, you won't,” he countered gently.
“You’re not afraid of me?” she asked, unsure.
“No, I just want to help.” Chloe’s friend reassured her.
“After every thing I’ve done, why would you want to help a monster like me?” she asked.
“You're not a monster,” Clark assured her. “You just have been lead down the wrong path.”
"Everyone who’s found out about me... they been afraid and have tried to hurt me. I’ve had to lie. I’ve had to hide who I am,” Bette confided. Having confessed this secret, she felt peace for the first time in a long time.
“You don’t have to hide anymore, Bette.” Clark affirmed. “We all have something we think we need to hide. It’s hard, but it does get better.”
An hour later, the police had taken Bette away and Clark was helping Chloe clean up. He was so afraid he was going to lose her yet again. He feared that one day he wouldn't make it in time.
“You know it’s a good thing you called Lois. She was about to call out the National Guard.”
Chloe was still stunned at what had just happened. “Bette nearly killed me, Clark.”
Clark walked over to her and laid a comforting hand on her shoulder, “There’s no way you could have known. Her power was hidden and she fooled everyone.”
Chloe sighed and sat down on the back of the couch, “That’s because she doesn’t trust anyone. I was in that cell for a few weeks. Imagine being in there for three years.”
Clark placed his arm around her shoulder, “Well hopefully she’ll get the help she needs at Belle Reeve.”
Chloe scoffed at him, “I seriously doubt being in another cell will do any good.”
Clark stood up and hugged her. He didn’t know how to comfort her. He never seen her so torn up over a person infected with meteor powers.
“I’m just glad I got here in time. I almost lost you, you know,” he whispered in her ear.
Chloe nodded against his chest. She was glad he had shown up too. She came close to being an extra crispy Chloe. “Me too.”
“I don’t know what I’d do without you, Chloe,” he confessed.
She sighed teasingly, “I do: you’d be stuck with Lois.”
Clark frowned and gave disgruntled snort. “You better not let that happen.”
Chloe giggled and looked up at him. “Well, you’re stuck with me now and forever.”
Clark kissed the top of her forehead before he gazed into her gorgeous green eyes, “I have no problem with that.”
The End
Rating: No higher than Teen
Author: Fehrplay aka Chlarkislove
Warnings: spoilers for season 8 basically
Summary: My on version of Season 8’s Plastique and how things should of really started off.
A/N: Thanks to Marikology for beta reading.
Part 1
After Chloe Sullivan spent some time scanning the computer, wondering where her new ability came from, she headed downstairs on her way to meet Lois for dinner. She was greeted half way down by Jimmy Olsen coming through the door.
“ Jimmy!” she exclaimed excitedly. She was glad to see him, she missed him, but a part of her regretted this moment. She briefly contemplated his proposal, but eventually decided that she just wasn’t ready for marriage now. Honestly, she wasn’t sure if she was still in love with Jimmy. Nearly losing Clark again just made her realize her feelings for him were still there and still as strong as ever. She didn’t feel it was right to lead Jimmy on any longer.
Jimmy ran to her and embraced her tightly. “I’m so sorry I couldn’t do anything more to help you. I should have known not to trust Lex Luthor,” he babbled. Jimmy sounded on the verge of tears.
Chloe could sense his extreme guilt and she patted his back in comfort. “Its okay Jimmy. I know how persuasive the Luthors can be and how they play on your emotions. I don’t blame you.”
She took a step back and placed a hand gently on his shoulder. “Now, wasn’t there something you asked me before I was carted off by the so called DDS?”
Jimmy ran the hand of his free arm through his hair, unsure how to reply. In Chloe's absence, he also had time to think. It wasn’t that he didn’t love her... he just didn’t feel ready for marriage yet. “Yeah, about that..." he hedged.”You know, after I thought about it a little while, I realized that we were both going in different directions in life, and I’m not so sure I’m ready yet for that step.”
To his surprise, Chloe let out a laugh. She smiled at Jimmy, “You know, I felt the same way too,” she admitted.
Jimmy returned her grin before his facial expression turned solemn. “So where does this leave us?”
It had been a few months since she and Jimmy had broken up. They both had remained friends even though there was some awkwardness at first. She had even gotten her job back at the Daily Planet. While visiting Lois one day, Tess Mercer had simply asked her to come back to work. She was shocked, but Tess later explained that she didn’t know why Lex had fired her in the first place since she obviously was a better writer than her cousin.
Things were slowly getting back to normal. She even managed to convince Clark to fill in the application for the Daily Planet that Lois had given him. The blonde reporter told her alien friend that he didn’t need to mop around on the farm, so today was his first day in the mailroom.
Chloe was rushing around the basement, trying to get her space in order, when she heard Lois voice her opinion.
“Well, big points for punctuality, Smallville. But what's with the wardrobe malfunction?” Lois was scowling at Clark Kent as he descended the stairs to the basement.
Clark was dressed in a button-up checkered red shirt and dark blue jeans, carrying a red backpack. "At least it's not flannel," Chloe thought, but he did look as though he was dressed for school pictures instead of his first day of work at a prestigious newspaper. She knew she should have gone by the farm this morning and dressed him. He really has no sense of fashion.
Clark made a face and Chloe positioned herself between them before a fight ensued. "You know, Lois, as harsh as she seems, is right. You can’t show up on your first day on a job at a major newspaper dressed like that. You should have called me.” Chloe gently scolded.
Clark glanced between Lois and Chloe, still offended, not knowing what was wrong with what he was wearing, “What? This is a nice shirt,” he said stubbornly.
Chloe patted his shoulder, “Yes this is a nice shirt, but as many times as you’ve been in here, have you seen any other male employee dressed so casually?" she pointed out.
Clark scanned the room and noticed everyone in solid button up shirts, dress pants, or suits. "Well, I figured I could dress down a bit since I'm only in the mailroom," he mumbled.
Lois scoffed at his explanation. “Human resources will be down here any minute, and you do not want to meet them looking like...the Brawny lumberjack,” she added unnecessarily.
Chloe looked over at fellow reporter named Chris who had apparently picked up his dry cleaning this morning on the way into work. “Wait right here. I have an idea,” she told Clark as she walked over to Chris.
“Chris!” She greeted cheerfully. “Would you mind if I buy that suit off of you? I don’t have the money at the moment, but I can get it too you by the end of the day.”
Chris blinked at her, confused. “Why would you need a suit? I doubt it would fit you anyway.”
Chloe gave a sigh. “Well, you see that guy over there? It's his first day, and he has no since of fashion. I figured sense you are always dressed so nicely, you wouldn’t mind helping out a newbie, who's a very good friend of mine.” She smiled sweetly.
“Okay, but that's a $300 suit. I hope your friend is worth it,” Chris groused as he handed it over.
Chloe winced. She hadn't expected it to cost that much. “Well, he’s saved my life a time or two, so buying him a $300 suit where he could make a good impression on his first day is the least I can do. Besides, I'm sure you'll give me a discount, since technically it's used?” She gave him another hopeful smile and Chris looked less annoyed.
Chloe rushed over to Clark with the suit. “Look what I got,” she said triumphantly.
“Chloe, do I have to wear a tie?” Clark complained. He hated ties. He could never get them tied right and they always felt so constricting. But as soon as he said it, he felt like a spoiled kid. In reality, he was in awe of what Chloe did for him. The suit was very nice and he had overheard Chloe making the deal.
Chloe was more amused than hurt. She laughed and grabbed her best friend's hand and led him to the phone booth, reasoning it would quicker than going to the restrooms. “Chloe, a phone booth this isn’t exactly private," Clark whined again.
Her patience having run out, Chloe shoved him in the booth, “Stop being a baby, Clark, and get ready, okay? Go "SuperClark" if you have to, but there isn’t much time," she hissed. "HR is supposed to be here at 9:00 AM and it’s five till.”
Chloe waited impatiently as Clark got dressed. Trying to appear casual, she said high to a few colleagues as they passed by. Just as she was about to tell Clark to get a move on it, the door opened and he stepped out. She was speechless for a second. 'Wow, he needs to wear suites more often,’ she thought.
“So, how do I look?” he asked for her approval.
“You look very professional,” she complimented, flashing a mega-watt smile. Good thing he’s not able to read minds, because he would probably blush at what I'm thinking, she mused.
Her thoughts were interrupted as an explosion rocked the building. She lost her footing and nearly fell to the grown but Clark caught her and tried to shelter her from the falling debris. He looked over her anxiously to see if she was hurt, then out the basement window towards the source of the noise.
Chloe could see the conflict of his thoughts. “Clark, I’m fine. You need to go help those people outside. I’ll be right out after I check on Lois,” she assured him. Clark gave her a nod and checked to see if anyone was watching before he super sped out the door.
When Clark reached the surface, it looked like a war zone, there was smoke, wreckage, and people running for cover. He saw the overturned bus and ran to it quickly. He started immediately helping all the passengers who were still inside. He pulled out an unconscious woman near the front of the bus, and carried her towards safety. The movement seemed to awaken her and she opened her eyes and gazed up at him. “Guess this must be my stop,” she murmured.
Part 2
Later that day, Chloe was currently in her apartment looking over some paperwork for Isis. She let out a laugh of delight when a plate of grilled cheese sandwiches was sat down in front of her. “Bette! Thank you so much!” She was surprised by the gesture. She had told the girl she didn’t need to do anything.
Bette was a victim of the bus blast. Chloe had seen her stumbling from the area of the bus and quickly called over a paramedic to aid her, the paramedic introduced himself as Davis. When Bette confessed that she was runaway, Davis and Chloe discussed helping her find a place to stay. When Davis advised against a young 15-year-old girl to be in a shelter alone, Chloe offered her apartment.
Bette shrugged off the compliment, “It’s nothing, just grilled cheese. I figured with all the take out you could use a home cooked meal.”
Chloe was about to say something when there was a knock at the door. She noticed the way Bette jumped. “Don’t worry; it’s just my friend Clark.”
Clark had called and told her he had overheard the police say that there were no traces of a bomb. Chloe didn’t think that Bette would be up for any questioning, but she invited him over anyway. Chloe walked over to the door and let her friend in.
Bette immediately recognized him, “Wait, I remember you. You’re the guy who helped me off the bus.”
“Yes, and I’m glad your okay. I hope you don’t mind if I asked you a few questions. Did you see anything before the blast? Anything strange or unusual happen?” Clark was in full reporter mode and there was a since of urgency when he spoke.
Bette cast a questioning glance over towards Chloe and then back at Clark, “What, are you a cop or something?”
“Bette, he’s not a cop. He’s a reporter, and he thinks that someone with a meteor power may have caused the accident on the bus."
Bette shook her head in confusion, “What's a meteor power?”
“Sometimes when people come in contact with a certain meteor rock, it gives them certain abilities,” Chloe explained.
Bette had a look of realization on her face, “Tommy, he’s another street kid. He told me he found this weird rock a couple of days ago. Now when ever he gets angry things heat up. We got into a fight today. He was being a jerk, so I ran onto the bus.”
“Do you know where I can find him?” Clark inquired quickly.
“I know where he hangs out. I bet I can find him.” Bette was pretty sure she knew where Tommy was.
Chloe wasn’t so sure she wanted the teen to go with Clark. For one thing, he wouldn’t be able to use his powers around her, but also, Bette would be put in danger. “Wait, Bette I don’t think it’s a good idea that you go with him. The guy sounds dangerous.”
“Well, I’ll wait in the car. I can point him out to Clark.” Bette assured Chloe.
Chloe ended up at the Isis Foundation later that night, wanting to give Bette some time alone. Clark brought her back to her apartment and told her that the boy had gotten scared and some how blew himself up. Lois was working on the story and Clark was helping her. He didn’t exactly like the idea of working with Lois, but at the time Chloe still had too much to deal with. He called and told her that at the Planet, Lois had recorded what he had found out from Bette about Tommy, so Lois now wanted to break into the hospital to view Tommy’s autopsy report. He grumbled about Lois getting them arrested. Chloe just laughed at him and told him to watch after himself and Lois. Privately, she mused that maybe when Lana found someone to take over Isis, she could work more with Clark, just like the old days.
Currently she was trying her best to replace a light that went out over the conference table. No matter how much she tried to stand on her toes, in heels, she just couldn’t reach the light. She really could use Clark now.
“Shoot!” she shouted in frustration.
“You know, if you reach a little bit higher, you’d definitely need an ambulance,” the unexpected voice of Davis Bloome commented, clearly amused. He had to admit though it was a nice sight to come in to. He found himself incredibly attracted to the woman in front of him. When he heard her calling to him for help earlier that morning, he felt drawn to her.
Chloe jumped a little at the sound of the voice. She didn’t hear him. “Well, I guess I’m lucky there’s a paramedic in the building.”
Davis looked up at her with a wide grin, “Yeah, you asked me to bring by this application.”
He decided to take pity on the blonde. He hopped up on a chair and joined her on the table and cleared his throat. “Give it to me.” Chloe handed over the light bulb.
He suddenly felt like an awkward teenager being so close to her. “So I asked my friend today. She did say there was an opening at the home for Bette.”
“That’s great! She could use some good news right now. Her day had gotten even worse a while ago, so I decided to give her a little space and come here. Thank you.”
Helping her down from the table, he continued the conversation, “Well at least she has a place to stay now thanks to you.”
He didn’t want to let go of her hand. He enjoyed being so close to her. The paramedic had no problem staring into those emerald green eyes.
Chloe cleared her throat, feeling the heat between them. “Thanks.”
Davis reluctantly let go of her hand and noticed the name of the building, “Isis Foundation? So is it an 'adopt a pyramid, save a Sphinx' kind of thing?”
Chloe laughed at his joke, “Cute. Actually, it’s a counseling center. I’m keeping an eye on it for a friend until she finds someone to take it over.”
This perked his interest, “I’m surprised I haven’t heard of it. The hospital usually keeps a record on all the mental health facilities.”
Chloe wasn’t sure how to explain it without sounding crazy herself, “Well, she caters to an unusual clientele. Most of these people have special powers that can be a little dangerous.”
He thought he understood what she was getting at, “You mean like…meteor types? Chloe, I’ve seen a lot of things driving an ambulance for the city. At least I’ve seen enough to know they need help. Have you thought about helping them?”
Chloe shook her head, “No, right now I’m trying to get back into reporting, a passion of mine that I took a small sabbatical from, and I don’t think I’d be of any…”
Davis cut her off, “Chloe I saw you with Bette today. What you did for her was amazing. You cared enough to take her under your wing. These people need someone like you, someone that they can trust.”
“But am I street wise enough?” Chloe countered, remembering what he said at the hospital. She ran into him while getting Bette a soda for the dinner she had bought her.
“Okay, forget I said that. I may have come off a little strong,” he apologized.
“At least I now understand where it comes from,” Chloe explained.
Davis was now intrigued, “Understand how?”
Now it was Chloe’s turn to be embarrassed, “I may have Googled you. And I read in an article that you once ran away as a foster kid.”
"You researched me?" he questioned with amusement. “Well, I always wanted my own stalker.” Davis teased. He loved the way her face was turning red.
Chloe chuckled, “It’s not like that. I’m a reporter and I have this natural curiosity.”
They had somehow managed to be standing face to face again.
“Okay, yeah...” Davis trailed off. “I’m going to go out on a limb and ask, but would you perhaps consider going out on a date?” He really wanted to get know her better.
Chloe broke the grin she had on her face, unsure of how to respond. A part of her wanted to, but there was a part that said stay away. “I would love to, but I just recently broke up with my boyfriend of two years, and I’m not really ready to be in relationship, yet. Even more complicated, we work together, so... I don’t want to be flaunting a new relationship so soon.”
Davis kind of felt like an idiot for asking so soon, but he nodded his understanding. Chloe didn’t seem like the type of girl to just jump from one relationship to another. “It’s okay. I’ll accept that answer. If, however, you happen to be single and I happen to be single in the not so distant future, I would like to reserve the right to ask that question again.”
Chloe smiled brilliantly at him, “Deal”.
Part 3
Clark and Lois were in the hospital looking over Tommy’s autopsy report.
“There’s nothing in here about meteor infection,” Lois complained, clearly disappointed.
Clark looked at her, unsure, “Here, let me see that.”
She sighed and handed the file to him, “Here, knock yourself out.”
Clark took the file and quickly glanced over it. “I’m not sure we are on the right track, Lois. His death was suspicious.”
At this point, Lois was frustrated, “Of course it’s suspicious: the guy blew himself up.”
Clark shook his head, “Look, if he blew himself up, then the blast would have moved away from him, not towards him. Right?”
Lois rolled her eyes at him, “Don’t just clear his name up right away, Sherlock. Just take a look at his rap sheet clearly that kid was dangerous, a real live wire.”
Clark examined the rap sheet, “Lois, if you had this type of power and committed the crimes listed, wouldn’t you use them? It would make it easier.”
Lois was at a loss, “Well, if Tommy didn’t kill himself, then who did?
Clark suddenly had a chilling realization, “Bette was there when Tommy died. She also said he chased her on the bus.”
Lois suddenly became frightened for her cousin, “Oh my god! My cousin is babysitting Psycho Spice!” Lois headed quickly to the nearest elevator to exit the building, but as soon as she turned her back, Clark slipped into super speed and disappeared.
Clark made it to Chloe’s apartment in no time. Just as he was at the door, he heard Bette yelling, anguish in her voice.
“Sometimes I don’t have a choice! Chloe, I’m sorry. But I can’t risk you turning on me too. Goodbye, Chloe.”
“No!” Clark rushed in the apartment just in time to see Bette forcing Chloe down the stairs with a blast of energy. He used his heat vision to advert the blast, and then sped to save Chloe from the fall.
“Clark?” she asked, surprised.
Bette was down from the backfire, so he wanted to check her out to make sure she was okay. As he started approaching her she let out a warning.
“Stay away from me! I’ll hurt you!” she painted out of breath.
“No, you won't,” he countered gently.
“You’re not afraid of me?” she asked, unsure.
“No, I just want to help.” Chloe’s friend reassured her.
“After every thing I’ve done, why would you want to help a monster like me?” she asked.
“You're not a monster,” Clark assured her. “You just have been lead down the wrong path.”
"Everyone who’s found out about me... they been afraid and have tried to hurt me. I’ve had to lie. I’ve had to hide who I am,” Bette confided. Having confessed this secret, she felt peace for the first time in a long time.
“You don’t have to hide anymore, Bette.” Clark affirmed. “We all have something we think we need to hide. It’s hard, but it does get better.”
An hour later, the police had taken Bette away and Clark was helping Chloe clean up. He was so afraid he was going to lose her yet again. He feared that one day he wouldn't make it in time.
“You know it’s a good thing you called Lois. She was about to call out the National Guard.”
Chloe was still stunned at what had just happened. “Bette nearly killed me, Clark.”
Clark walked over to her and laid a comforting hand on her shoulder, “There’s no way you could have known. Her power was hidden and she fooled everyone.”
Chloe sighed and sat down on the back of the couch, “That’s because she doesn’t trust anyone. I was in that cell for a few weeks. Imagine being in there for three years.”
Clark placed his arm around her shoulder, “Well hopefully she’ll get the help she needs at Belle Reeve.”
Chloe scoffed at him, “I seriously doubt being in another cell will do any good.”
Clark stood up and hugged her. He didn’t know how to comfort her. He never seen her so torn up over a person infected with meteor powers.
“I’m just glad I got here in time. I almost lost you, you know,” he whispered in her ear.
Chloe nodded against his chest. She was glad he had shown up too. She came close to being an extra crispy Chloe. “Me too.”
“I don’t know what I’d do without you, Chloe,” he confessed.
She sighed teasingly, “I do: you’d be stuck with Lois.”
Clark frowned and gave disgruntled snort. “You better not let that happen.”
Chloe giggled and looked up at him. “Well, you’re stuck with me now and forever.”
Clark kissed the top of her forehead before he gazed into her gorgeous green eyes, “I have no problem with that.”
The End