Chlark Fanfic: Comfort and Joy, Part 1
Yoo-hoo! Did 'y'all miss me? :-)
It's been a great year for me in several areas, and I'm thankful to be happy and healthy to see in the new one with my family.
I decided to round out 2009 with a story, and I settled on a cute, sappy Christmassy Chlark fic. And yes, I know, I'm globally late with it, but my philosophy on that is that's it's never too late for pressies!
Here you go. Hope you all had a Happy Christmas/Hanukka/Kwanzaa/Sallah/Holiday season, and I wish you and yours the very best of things in 2010!
Title: Comfort and Joy
Author: BabyDee
Pairing: Chlark
Rating: PG
Warnings: None
Timeline: Pre-series, post-meteor shower
Disclaimer: All characters belong to the CW & DC comics.
Summary: Clark and Chloe exchange iconic gifts at their first Christmas together.
Feedback: …makes my year. J
Author’s note: Yet again, I take advantage of the multiple choice options regarding Chloe’s mother’s departure date, and I decided to run with “She left when I was twelve…” from Scare.
Comfort and Joy
Part 1
God rest you merry gentlemen, let nothing you dismay
Remember. Christ our Saviour was born on Christmas Day
To save us all from Satan’s power when we were gone astray
Oh, tidings of Comfort and Joy
Comfort and Joy,
Oh, tidings of Comfort and Joy
-
“I love Christmas, Mom. It’s the best time of the year.”
Martha Kent turned and smiled at her thirteen-year old son as he stood by the Christmas tree, singing along to Christmas Carols and putting up decorations.
It had been ten years since Clark had miraculously come into their lives and captured hers and Jonathan’s hearts, but it felt like yesterday. She couldn’t believe how much he had grown over the last decade.
“Oh, you just like it because I always bake at least three different types of pie for Christmas dessert,” she scoffed, tossing him a red bauble which he deftly caught.
He grinned and turned to hang it up. “Well, yes, but that’s only part of it. I also like it because it’s a season of giving and sharing. It’s always good to share. You and Dad taught me that.”
“Well, it isn’t called the season of goodwill for nothing, you know,” she said, smiling as sorting out the ingredients to go in with the turkey.
“We’re gonna have so much food here tomorrow. It would be nice to have someone to share it with,” he said wistfully.
Martha’s frowned as she selected a large onion and began to cut into it. “I spoke to Abby Ross this morning, Clark. She said they have family coming to visit this year, so Pete won’t be able to come see you till well after Boxing Day.”
Clark was quiet for several seconds. Then he finally spoke quietly.
“What about Chloe and her Dad? I think they might enjoy a nice, home-cooked Christmas dinner. What do you think, Mom?”
Martha felt her eyes begin to sting, and it had nothing to do with the onion she was slicing. The corners of her mouth lifted slightly as she realised she’d just witnessed one of her son’s key milestones: the first time he invited a girl over for dinner. And not just any dinner - Christmas Dinner.
She’d watched him yearn after Lana, the girl next door, for years and years now, felt her heart break a little each time the young girl walked past him without giving him a second glance. Several times she’d invited Nell and Lana over to the farm, but Nell always politely declined, so she’d stopped asking.
Then three months ago, she’d emerged from the house to the sound of excited chatter and laughter from the barn. Curious, she’d walked up the stairs to the loft and to her amazement saw Clark playing cards with a little blonde girl.
“Mom!” he’d smiled, and risen as she approached. “Mom, this is Chloe. She just moved to Smallville, and she wants to be a reporter when she grows up. I’m showing her around. Chloe, this is my Mom.”
The girl, Chloe, had lovely hazel-green eyes, flippy blonde hair, and had smiled at her with such cheerful enthusiasm she could have sworn the barn had gotten a little brighter.
“It’s nice to meet you, Mrs Kent,” she said, thrusting her little hand forward for a handshake. “Clark says you make the best pie in the world. Is it true, or is he just biased?”
“Hey!” Clark had yelled indignantly.
Martha had smiled and shaken Chloe’s proffered hand. “Well, you’ll definitely make a fine reporter someday,” she chuckled. “And to answer your question, it just so happens that I have some freshly baked apple pie in the oven. How about you come in the house, try a piece and make your own mind up?”
So they’d all gone into the house, and Martha had marvelled at how quickly Clark had taken to this girl. There wasn’t a moment where he’d seemed uncomfortable or shy in her presence, and - best of all - she made him smile.
Chloe Sullivan was definitely a keeper.
“Mom?” Clark asked, bringing back to the present. “Can I invite them?”
She swallowed the lump in her throat and managed to speak without her voice wobbling too much. “I’ll call Chloe and her Dad and tell them that we would be delighted to have them with us for Christmas,” she said warmly.
Clark’s face split into a huge grin, and he came over and wrapped his arms around her in a big hug. “Thanks, Mom,” he said softly. “It’s Chloe’s first Christmas in Smallville, and also her first Christmas without her Mom, and…well, I don’t want her to feel lonely over the holidays.”
Martha’s heart swelled at the wisdom and insight of her son. Wherever he may have originated from, he was truly human in his thoughts and feelings.
“It’s a lovely idea, Clark,” she said, sniffling.
Clark frowned and looked down at the onion in her hands. “Do you want me to do that for you?” he offered. “That’s a strong onion.”
Martha wiped her tears and waved her hands at him. “I’ll be fine,” she said, smiling. “You need to go get Chloe a present before the stores close.”
His eyes widened. “A present?”
She rolled her eyes. “You can’t invite the girl over for Christmas and not get a present for her,” she chided, fumbling around in her purse and fishing out a note. “Here. Go get the girl something nice.”
Clark took the proffered note, looking a little lost. "I’ve never bought presents for a girl before,” he said mournfully. “What do you think she’d like, Mom?”
She smiled and ruffled his hair. “She’s your friend, Clark. When you see the right present for her, you’ll know.”
***
Gabe Sullivan put down the handset of the phone and went into the living room where his adolescent daughter sat cutting out newspaper articles for her bedroom wall.
“Guess what, Peanut?” he said with a broad grin.
She tilted her head and gave him a sardonic glance. “Let me see…you’ve finally realised I’m not made of food, and will no longer be referring to me as Peanut?”
He laughed, feeling a tad nostalgic at the evidence that his once agreeable daughter had truly become a teenager and was shedding all the trappings of childhood, including silly pet names. “No such luck, kiddo. You’ll always be my little Peanut, no matter how big you get.”
She sighed dramatically. “I give up,” she said, resigned as she arranged her news cuttings on the table. “What’s the big surprise?”
“We’re spending Christmas Day with the Kent’s over on Hickory Lane,” he announced proudly. “Isn’t that great?”
Chloe’s hands stilled and she looked up at him with eyes as wide as little saucers. “We’re going to Clark’s for Christmas?” she whispered.
He grinned indulgently at her. “Just got off the phone with Mrs Kent myself. She said she’d be delighted to have us round for the festivities.”
Chloe’s face lit up with a huge grin. “That’s great!” she said enthusiastically, scrambling to her feet and running over to give him a huge hug. “You’ll love it there, Dad. Mrs Kent is like the best cook ever. Once you taste her pies, you think you’ve gone to heaven.”
He chuckled and ruffled her short blonde locks. “Well, before we head for our heavenly experience, what do you say we head for Metropolis for some last-minute shopping? We need to pick up a little something for our hosts tomorrow.”
Her grin widened. “That sounds like a brilliant plan, Dad.”
***
“Welcome, and Merry Christmas!” Martha exclaimed as she opened the door to greet their guests.
“Merry Christmas to you too, and thank you so much for inviting us,” Gabe said warmly as he stepped into the warmth of the farmhouse. “This is for you and Mr Kent.” He handed her a bottle of red wine with a green and gold bow tied around the neck.
Martha smiled as she accepted the gift. “How kind of you, Mr Sullivan -”
“Please - call me Gabe,” he cut in. “And it’s a real pleasure to be here on our first Christmas in Smallville. Chloe’s really excited, and she’s said I have great things to look forward to come dinnertime.”
“Well, I hope the feast meets up to your expectations,” she replied with a smile. She peered behind him and frowned slightly. “Where is Chloe, by the way?”
Gabe’s eyes widened as he glanced around and realised she was nowhere to be seen. “She was right behind me…”
Just then, Chloe came tearing round the corner, slowing to a walk as she spotted the two adults looking in her direction.
“Sorry, I forgot something in the car,” she panted with a sheepish grin. “Merry Christmas, Mrs Kent. These are for you.” She held out a box with a shiny red bow within which was an assortment of chocolate truffles.
“Oh, Chloe! You shouldn’t have, but I’m very glad you did,” she laughed as she took the box. “Thank you. I’m going to enjoy these.”
“So, where’s Clark?” she asked as she took off her coat and hung it up.
“Oh - he was here a moment ago. Clark!” she yelled upstairs. “You’ve got visitors!”
For a moment there was no response. Then the front door opened and Clark appeared, looking breathless.
“Sorry, I had to, er…see to something,” he said lamely.
Martha crossed her arms and gave him a disapproving look. “We have guests, Clark. Where are your manners?”
“Sorry, Mom. Hi, Chloe!” he said with a grin. He turned to her father. “Thank you for joining us today, Mr Sullivan. Merry Christmas.”
“Thank you for having us, Clark,” he said warmly, shaking the young man’s hand.
“Well, I hope you’re all hungry,” boomed the loud voice of Jonathan Kent as he emerged from the kitchen. “The turkey’s just about done, and I’m in the mood for some carving.”
They all exchange pleasantries, and chatted as they headed for the family dining room.
***
Martha Kent couldn’t help but feel secretly proud of her culinary skills as she watched plates piled high with food being levelled, re-filled and levelled again. She knew her son could polish off the contents of the entire table all on his own, but to have guests clearly enjoying her home-cooked meals was the joy of every cook.
Even Chloe, who’d initially started off with an ‘I’m on a diet’ disclaimer, had had second helpings of both her main meal and dessert.
“How could I possibly be expected to choose between Mrs Kent’s awesome apple pie and her heavenly cherry one?” she said defensively, making everyone at the table chuckle.
She smiled and watched the young girl as she sat chatting easily with Clark, who she was seated next to. Clark was convincing her to try some of his pecan pie, and she was attempting to refuse on the grounds that her stomach couldn’t possibly have any more spare room in it. But eventually she relented and let Clark put a spoonful of the sweet dessert in her mouth, which she chewed and swallowed with a rapturous look on her face.
Not for the first time, Martha marvelled at how easy and uncomplicated things were between Clark and Chloe, and was especially thankful that her son had a female friend that he could relax and be himself with. Or course, there was still the issue of his secret to contend with, but she had a feeling that if anyone would accept her son for who he really was, it would be the young woman currently seated on his left.
Martha watched as Clark lifted his glass and gave Chloe a sip of water, and smiled to herself.
She knew the beginnings of a good thing when she saw it.
***
Part 2...
It's been a great year for me in several areas, and I'm thankful to be happy and healthy to see in the new one with my family.
I decided to round out 2009 with a story, and I settled on a cute, sappy Christmassy Chlark fic. And yes, I know, I'm globally late with it, but my philosophy on that is that's it's never too late for pressies!
Here you go. Hope you all had a Happy Christmas/Hanukka/Kwanzaa/Sallah/Holiday season, and I wish you and yours the very best of things in 2010!
Title: Comfort and Joy
Author: BabyDee
Pairing: Chlark
Rating: PG
Warnings: None
Timeline: Pre-series, post-meteor shower
Disclaimer: All characters belong to the CW & DC comics.
Summary: Clark and Chloe exchange iconic gifts at their first Christmas together.
Feedback: …makes my year. J
Author’s note: Yet again, I take advantage of the multiple choice options regarding Chloe’s mother’s departure date, and I decided to run with “She left when I was twelve…” from Scare.
Comfort and Joy
Part 1
God rest you merry gentlemen, let nothing you dismay
Remember. Christ our Saviour was born on Christmas Day
To save us all from Satan’s power when we were gone astray
Oh, tidings of Comfort and Joy
Comfort and Joy,
Oh, tidings of Comfort and Joy
-
“I love Christmas, Mom. It’s the best time of the year.”
Martha Kent turned and smiled at her thirteen-year old son as he stood by the Christmas tree, singing along to Christmas Carols and putting up decorations.
It had been ten years since Clark had miraculously come into their lives and captured hers and Jonathan’s hearts, but it felt like yesterday. She couldn’t believe how much he had grown over the last decade.
“Oh, you just like it because I always bake at least three different types of pie for Christmas dessert,” she scoffed, tossing him a red bauble which he deftly caught.
He grinned and turned to hang it up. “Well, yes, but that’s only part of it. I also like it because it’s a season of giving and sharing. It’s always good to share. You and Dad taught me that.”
“Well, it isn’t called the season of goodwill for nothing, you know,” she said, smiling as sorting out the ingredients to go in with the turkey.
“We’re gonna have so much food here tomorrow. It would be nice to have someone to share it with,” he said wistfully.
Martha’s frowned as she selected a large onion and began to cut into it. “I spoke to Abby Ross this morning, Clark. She said they have family coming to visit this year, so Pete won’t be able to come see you till well after Boxing Day.”
Clark was quiet for several seconds. Then he finally spoke quietly.
“What about Chloe and her Dad? I think they might enjoy a nice, home-cooked Christmas dinner. What do you think, Mom?”
Martha felt her eyes begin to sting, and it had nothing to do with the onion she was slicing. The corners of her mouth lifted slightly as she realised she’d just witnessed one of her son’s key milestones: the first time he invited a girl over for dinner. And not just any dinner - Christmas Dinner.
She’d watched him yearn after Lana, the girl next door, for years and years now, felt her heart break a little each time the young girl walked past him without giving him a second glance. Several times she’d invited Nell and Lana over to the farm, but Nell always politely declined, so she’d stopped asking.
Then three months ago, she’d emerged from the house to the sound of excited chatter and laughter from the barn. Curious, she’d walked up the stairs to the loft and to her amazement saw Clark playing cards with a little blonde girl.
“Mom!” he’d smiled, and risen as she approached. “Mom, this is Chloe. She just moved to Smallville, and she wants to be a reporter when she grows up. I’m showing her around. Chloe, this is my Mom.”
The girl, Chloe, had lovely hazel-green eyes, flippy blonde hair, and had smiled at her with such cheerful enthusiasm she could have sworn the barn had gotten a little brighter.
“It’s nice to meet you, Mrs Kent,” she said, thrusting her little hand forward for a handshake. “Clark says you make the best pie in the world. Is it true, or is he just biased?”
“Hey!” Clark had yelled indignantly.
Martha had smiled and shaken Chloe’s proffered hand. “Well, you’ll definitely make a fine reporter someday,” she chuckled. “And to answer your question, it just so happens that I have some freshly baked apple pie in the oven. How about you come in the house, try a piece and make your own mind up?”
So they’d all gone into the house, and Martha had marvelled at how quickly Clark had taken to this girl. There wasn’t a moment where he’d seemed uncomfortable or shy in her presence, and - best of all - she made him smile.
Chloe Sullivan was definitely a keeper.
“Mom?” Clark asked, bringing back to the present. “Can I invite them?”
She swallowed the lump in her throat and managed to speak without her voice wobbling too much. “I’ll call Chloe and her Dad and tell them that we would be delighted to have them with us for Christmas,” she said warmly.
Clark’s face split into a huge grin, and he came over and wrapped his arms around her in a big hug. “Thanks, Mom,” he said softly. “It’s Chloe’s first Christmas in Smallville, and also her first Christmas without her Mom, and…well, I don’t want her to feel lonely over the holidays.”
Martha’s heart swelled at the wisdom and insight of her son. Wherever he may have originated from, he was truly human in his thoughts and feelings.
“It’s a lovely idea, Clark,” she said, sniffling.
Clark frowned and looked down at the onion in her hands. “Do you want me to do that for you?” he offered. “That’s a strong onion.”
Martha wiped her tears and waved her hands at him. “I’ll be fine,” she said, smiling. “You need to go get Chloe a present before the stores close.”
His eyes widened. “A present?”
She rolled her eyes. “You can’t invite the girl over for Christmas and not get a present for her,” she chided, fumbling around in her purse and fishing out a note. “Here. Go get the girl something nice.”
Clark took the proffered note, looking a little lost. "I’ve never bought presents for a girl before,” he said mournfully. “What do you think she’d like, Mom?”
She smiled and ruffled his hair. “She’s your friend, Clark. When you see the right present for her, you’ll know.”
***
Gabe Sullivan put down the handset of the phone and went into the living room where his adolescent daughter sat cutting out newspaper articles for her bedroom wall.
“Guess what, Peanut?” he said with a broad grin.
She tilted her head and gave him a sardonic glance. “Let me see…you’ve finally realised I’m not made of food, and will no longer be referring to me as Peanut?”
He laughed, feeling a tad nostalgic at the evidence that his once agreeable daughter had truly become a teenager and was shedding all the trappings of childhood, including silly pet names. “No such luck, kiddo. You’ll always be my little Peanut, no matter how big you get.”
She sighed dramatically. “I give up,” she said, resigned as she arranged her news cuttings on the table. “What’s the big surprise?”
“We’re spending Christmas Day with the Kent’s over on Hickory Lane,” he announced proudly. “Isn’t that great?”
Chloe’s hands stilled and she looked up at him with eyes as wide as little saucers. “We’re going to Clark’s for Christmas?” she whispered.
He grinned indulgently at her. “Just got off the phone with Mrs Kent myself. She said she’d be delighted to have us round for the festivities.”
Chloe’s face lit up with a huge grin. “That’s great!” she said enthusiastically, scrambling to her feet and running over to give him a huge hug. “You’ll love it there, Dad. Mrs Kent is like the best cook ever. Once you taste her pies, you think you’ve gone to heaven.”
He chuckled and ruffled her short blonde locks. “Well, before we head for our heavenly experience, what do you say we head for Metropolis for some last-minute shopping? We need to pick up a little something for our hosts tomorrow.”
Her grin widened. “That sounds like a brilliant plan, Dad.”
***
“Welcome, and Merry Christmas!” Martha exclaimed as she opened the door to greet their guests.
“Merry Christmas to you too, and thank you so much for inviting us,” Gabe said warmly as he stepped into the warmth of the farmhouse. “This is for you and Mr Kent.” He handed her a bottle of red wine with a green and gold bow tied around the neck.
Martha smiled as she accepted the gift. “How kind of you, Mr Sullivan -”
“Please - call me Gabe,” he cut in. “And it’s a real pleasure to be here on our first Christmas in Smallville. Chloe’s really excited, and she’s said I have great things to look forward to come dinnertime.”
“Well, I hope the feast meets up to your expectations,” she replied with a smile. She peered behind him and frowned slightly. “Where is Chloe, by the way?”
Gabe’s eyes widened as he glanced around and realised she was nowhere to be seen. “She was right behind me…”
Just then, Chloe came tearing round the corner, slowing to a walk as she spotted the two adults looking in her direction.
“Sorry, I forgot something in the car,” she panted with a sheepish grin. “Merry Christmas, Mrs Kent. These are for you.” She held out a box with a shiny red bow within which was an assortment of chocolate truffles.
“Oh, Chloe! You shouldn’t have, but I’m very glad you did,” she laughed as she took the box. “Thank you. I’m going to enjoy these.”
“So, where’s Clark?” she asked as she took off her coat and hung it up.
“Oh - he was here a moment ago. Clark!” she yelled upstairs. “You’ve got visitors!”
For a moment there was no response. Then the front door opened and Clark appeared, looking breathless.
“Sorry, I had to, er…see to something,” he said lamely.
Martha crossed her arms and gave him a disapproving look. “We have guests, Clark. Where are your manners?”
“Sorry, Mom. Hi, Chloe!” he said with a grin. He turned to her father. “Thank you for joining us today, Mr Sullivan. Merry Christmas.”
“Thank you for having us, Clark,” he said warmly, shaking the young man’s hand.
“Well, I hope you’re all hungry,” boomed the loud voice of Jonathan Kent as he emerged from the kitchen. “The turkey’s just about done, and I’m in the mood for some carving.”
They all exchange pleasantries, and chatted as they headed for the family dining room.
***
Martha Kent couldn’t help but feel secretly proud of her culinary skills as she watched plates piled high with food being levelled, re-filled and levelled again. She knew her son could polish off the contents of the entire table all on his own, but to have guests clearly enjoying her home-cooked meals was the joy of every cook.
Even Chloe, who’d initially started off with an ‘I’m on a diet’ disclaimer, had had second helpings of both her main meal and dessert.
“How could I possibly be expected to choose between Mrs Kent’s awesome apple pie and her heavenly cherry one?” she said defensively, making everyone at the table chuckle.
She smiled and watched the young girl as she sat chatting easily with Clark, who she was seated next to. Clark was convincing her to try some of his pecan pie, and she was attempting to refuse on the grounds that her stomach couldn’t possibly have any more spare room in it. But eventually she relented and let Clark put a spoonful of the sweet dessert in her mouth, which she chewed and swallowed with a rapturous look on her face.
Not for the first time, Martha marvelled at how easy and uncomplicated things were between Clark and Chloe, and was especially thankful that her son had a female friend that he could relax and be himself with. Or course, there was still the issue of his secret to contend with, but she had a feeling that if anyone would accept her son for who he really was, it would be the young woman currently seated on his left.
Martha watched as Clark lifted his glass and gave Chloe a sip of water, and smiled to herself.
She knew the beginnings of a good thing when she saw it.
***
Part 2...