Chapter 10!
Yet another chapter up! Hope you all like it! :)
Story: Never Say Goodbye
Pairing/Characters: Collie, Lollie, Chlimmy, Lexana, mentions of past Clana
Rating: R
Disclaimer: don’t own anything
Warning: slash, mentions of m/m sex
Spoilers: season 6, starts at 6x04, Arrow
Summary: That night at the penthouse was not the first time Clark met Oliver Queen. He has met him before but he just doesn’t remember where or when. But as the memories return, Clark finds out that his fateful summer in Metropolis is not as long gone as he thought it was.
Chapter 10
Over the next couple of days, he did his best to keep his mind off Oliver. Which wasn’t as difficult as he thought it would be, with a new problem immediately coming to his attention. It all started out when he found a kid in his kitchen. Turned out the kid’s name was Javier and he worked on his neighbor’s farm, owned by a man named Jed McNally.
Clark was stunned to learn that McNally was bringing in illegal immigrants and forcing them to work on his farm. He knew Mr. McNally all his life and couldn’t believe the man would stoop so low. But he focused on helping the kid, who was searching for his friend and trying to reconnect with his mother.
It wasn’t easy. They had to survive a surprise visit from the Deputy but he managed to miss Javier on his search. But that’s how his mother found out what he was doing. She was not too pleased but Clark pointed out that he was the biggest illegal immigrant of them all and she had been storing him for over seventeen years.
He had searched for clues everywhere and it was difficult to speak to the farm workers, as they didn’t speak English. But someone finally translated for him and when he looked into the ground, he saw hundreds of bodies. All the people who tried to escape lost their lives and Clark couldn’t help but think how lucky Javier was to get out.
He had brought in Jimmy and Chloe, both who were too happy to help out. Chloe found out that McNally must’ve been a meteor freak and that Luthorcorp had rights to the land.
When he found out Luthorcorp was involved, he immediately rushed off to see Lex. Which, in retrospect may have not been the best idea, but he had done it anyway. Unfortunately, he had come away with nothing.
In the end, everything worked out, as it always seemed to. Chloe and Jimmy found Javier’s mother and his own mother was working to make sure they gained citizenship. He had managed to stop McNally as well.
He had had a weird conversation with Jimmy but that had been an amusing break from all the drama that was going on. It was a bit strange that Jimmy thought he had feelings for Chloe but then again, after all the time they spent together, he really couldn’t blame him. But he really hoped Chloe cleared the air because he truly did think Jimmy was a good guy. He had never seen Chloe happier and he wanted to keep it that way.
Clark couldn’t help the smile on his face when he remembered Javier’s reunion with his mother. He didn’t know how the two managed for as long as they did. If he had to be without his mom, he would go insane.
He was working in the barn, his thoughts occasionally drifting, when footsteps caused him to look up. It was Lana.
“Clark?” Lana said.
“I thought you were in Amsterdam,” he commented.
“I’m back,” Lana told him. “Is your mom around?”
Clark shook his head. “No, she’s in Topeka.”
“Um, well, I brought by some paperwork for her,” Lana said, gesturing to the folder in her hand. “Should I leave it in the house?”
“That's all right. I'll take it,” Clark said. She handed him the file and he gave her a small smile. “I'll make sure she gets it.”
He glanced at the folder in his hand. “This must be pretty important if you're hand-delivering it yourself.”
“Luthorcorp wants to sponsor the residency of the workers on your neighbor's farm,” Lana explained. “They'll all be given jobs at the plant.”
“You realize the only reason Lex is doing this is to wash his hands of it,” Clark pointed out.
“Lex had no idea what was going on that farm,” Lana said defensively.
Could she be any more naïve? “Lana, you don’t believe that,” Clark argued.
“Unlike some people I know, Lex doesn't lie to me,” Lana retorted, her voice cold.
“That’s funny,” a voice came from behind them. Clark looked up to see Oliver entering the barn. “Because Lex Luthor and honesty were two words I definitely wouldn’t put in a sentence together.”
“Oliver,” Clark said, surprised.
“Hello Clark,” Oliver greeted him, “Ms. Lang.”
“Mr. Queen, with all due respect,” Lana said, “You don’t know him.”
“Nor do I want to,” Oliver said, “But with all due respect, I have to say he’s not someone I would trust. If it came down to it, I would definitely trust Clark way more than I would ever trust Lex.”
“You have no right to express your opinion in this case,” Lana told him, clearly annoyed but trying to be polite. “I’ve known Clark and Lex longer than you have. Lex already told me about your encounters in boarding school and I doubt you’d ever have anything nice to say about him. But Lex has always been honest with me. I can’t say the same for Clark.”
Clark felt a stab at his heart at her words. He may not love her anymore but he couldn’t help but be saddened at her icy attitude towards him.
“Ms. Lang, did it ever occur to you that trust is earned?” Oliver asked. “You can force someone to tell you the truth. If Clark lied to you, then maybe you should look within yourself and find out the reason he feels he can’t trust you.”
Clark was shocked at how Oliver was behaving. He was being perfectly polite, his composure calm but his words were sharp. And like his arrows, they hit their target. Lana was stunned that someone was being so short with her. He was certain she wasn’t used to it.
“Well, we all have our opinions,” Lana said finally. “But you have no right to judge me.” She looked between Clark and Oliver.
“Be sure to give your mom the papers, Clark,” Lana said. She turned back to Oliver. “Good day, Mr. Queen.”
“Good day, Ms. Lang,” Oliver said. Clark watched her leave and turned his attention back to Oliver, who was now grinning.
“I’m sorry Clark,” Oliver said. “I know you care about her and I shouldn’t have acted like that . . .”
“It’s okay,” Clark found himself saying. “I appreciate that you defended me. You didn’t need to, but I appreciate it anyway.”
“What are friends for?” Oliver quipped.
“So what’s up?” Clark asked, curious to why the other man was here.
“Well, the last time I saw you, you disappeared,” Oliver said, “I wanted to make sure that you were okay. Haven’t heard from you a little while.”
“Yeah, I’ve been busy,” Clark said. “Sorry to rush off on you the other day.”
“It’s fine,” Oliver said, with a wave of his hand. He took a seat on the steps, and gestured for Clark to sit next to him. “Did everything work out?”
He was finished with the barn work so he did. “Yeah, it did,” Clark said and told him what had been going on over the past couple of days.
“That’s pretty intense,” Oliver said after he was done. “It must be weird . . . you know someone all your life and it turns out they’re nothing like they seem.”
“It was weird,” Clark agreed. “I’m glad it all worked out though.”
“It worked out because of you,” Oliver said.
Clark blushed. “No, I mean, it wasn’t just me. Chloe and Jimmy and my mom helped too.”
“Yeah, but it started out with you,” Oliver pointed out. “You were the first one to protect that kid. The rest of them wouldn’t even have been involved if it wasn’t for you. You’re a hero, Clark . . . and it’s really depressing that Lana can think she can trust Lex over you.”
“It’s not her fault,” Clark said, “I mean, she broke up with me but I was the one who told her I didn’t love her anymore. I was not very nice about it . . .”
“Why would you do that?” Oliver asked.
“Because I thought I was protecting her,” Clark sighed, “And I ended up sending her straight into the arms of Lex.”
“That was her choice,” Oliver said. “You didn’t force her. She made the decision to be with Lex.”
“That’s what Lois said too,” Clark remembered. “No wonder you two get along so well.”
“Lois is definitely one of a kind,” Oliver said, smiling. He looked at Clark. “But then again, so are you.”
His heart sang at the comment. “And,” Oliver added, “It turns out that you have more to you than I thought. Partying in Metropolis? Clark I’m shocked.”
“It was nothing,” Clark said. “I was feeling rebellious one summer. It wasn’t me.”
“Do you regret it?” Oliver asked seriously.
“Some parts, yes,” Clark said, “Other parts . . . not so much.” Like meeting you, he added silently.
“Well, you were a teenager,” Oliver said, “It’s part of being a teenager to be rebellious. No worries. You shouldn’t beat yourself up over it.”
If you knew what I did, if you knew the reason for your broken heart was me, you wouldn’t feel that way, Clark couldn’t help but think. But he forced the thoughts out of his head.
“I suppose you’re right,” Clark said.
Brown eyes met green, both smiling. Then Oliver’s expression changed.
“Clark, your eyes are really beautiful,” he said suddenly.
Clark had to refrain from blushing again. “Oliver,” he said jokingly, “You do realize I’m not your girlfriend right? I’d hope you can tell the difference between Lois and me.”
Oliver laughed. “Yeah, I know. I was just making an observation. I just never noticed your eyes before.” He smiled. “When I was younger, I always wanted different color eyes- blue, hazel, something exotic.”
“That’s funny,” Clark responded, “Because I always hated my eyes. I wanted brown eyes.” He peered at Oliver. “I like your eyes.”
“Thanks,” Oliver said. “But you don’t have to say that.”
“It’s true,” Clark insisted. “You try to act all calm and everything but your emotions . . . they’re expressed through your eyes. It’s nice.”
“Thanks Clark,” Oliver responded, “But I do love your eyes. They change colors too . . . sometimes it seems more blue and other times it seems more . . .”
“Green?” Clark offered. “I don’t know about the changing colors . . . don’t look at myself that often in the mirror to find out. I always thought I just had green eyes.” He grinned. “But thanks for the update.”
“Green eyes,” Oliver repeated. “Very pretty.”
They were very close together. The steps weren’t very big. It would be so easy to just lean in and . . . Clark banished the traitorous thoughts. Bad mind, bad, he told himself.
But looking into Oliver’s eyes, he saw that they had drifted to his lips. Was it him or was Oliver moving closer? An image of Lois popped into his head and he jumped up suddenly, before they could do something they would only regret.
“So,” Clark said, clearing his throat, making his way down the steps. “I’m a really bad host. Can I get you anything? To eat or drink? My mom left pie in the fridge.”
“I’m fine, thanks,” Oliver said. Oliver was making his way over to him and was there disappointment in those eyes?
No, that had to be his imagination. There was no way Oliver reciprocated his feelings. He was with Lois, he liked Lois. Clark was just a friend.
“I actually should get going,” Oliver said. He smiled. “But I’ll take a rain check on the pie.”
“Sounds good,” Clark said. “I’ll see you later?”
“Yeah, later,” Oliver echoed. “Bye Clark.”
“Bye Oliver,” he replied, watching once again as the other man exited the barn. He hated every time Oliver left and today, he had been so convinced that they had been about to kiss.
But he couldn’t let it happen. Lois was his friend and he wouldn’t do that to her. No matter how tempting Oliver may be.
Chapter 11
Story: Never Say Goodbye
Pairing/Characters: Collie, Lollie, Chlimmy, Lexana, mentions of past Clana
Rating: R
Disclaimer: don’t own anything
Warning: slash, mentions of m/m sex
Spoilers: season 6, starts at 6x04, Arrow
Summary: That night at the penthouse was not the first time Clark met Oliver Queen. He has met him before but he just doesn’t remember where or when. But as the memories return, Clark finds out that his fateful summer in Metropolis is not as long gone as he thought it was.
Chapter 10
Over the next couple of days, he did his best to keep his mind off Oliver. Which wasn’t as difficult as he thought it would be, with a new problem immediately coming to his attention. It all started out when he found a kid in his kitchen. Turned out the kid’s name was Javier and he worked on his neighbor’s farm, owned by a man named Jed McNally.
Clark was stunned to learn that McNally was bringing in illegal immigrants and forcing them to work on his farm. He knew Mr. McNally all his life and couldn’t believe the man would stoop so low. But he focused on helping the kid, who was searching for his friend and trying to reconnect with his mother.
It wasn’t easy. They had to survive a surprise visit from the Deputy but he managed to miss Javier on his search. But that’s how his mother found out what he was doing. She was not too pleased but Clark pointed out that he was the biggest illegal immigrant of them all and she had been storing him for over seventeen years.
He had searched for clues everywhere and it was difficult to speak to the farm workers, as they didn’t speak English. But someone finally translated for him and when he looked into the ground, he saw hundreds of bodies. All the people who tried to escape lost their lives and Clark couldn’t help but think how lucky Javier was to get out.
He had brought in Jimmy and Chloe, both who were too happy to help out. Chloe found out that McNally must’ve been a meteor freak and that Luthorcorp had rights to the land.
When he found out Luthorcorp was involved, he immediately rushed off to see Lex. Which, in retrospect may have not been the best idea, but he had done it anyway. Unfortunately, he had come away with nothing.
In the end, everything worked out, as it always seemed to. Chloe and Jimmy found Javier’s mother and his own mother was working to make sure they gained citizenship. He had managed to stop McNally as well.
He had had a weird conversation with Jimmy but that had been an amusing break from all the drama that was going on. It was a bit strange that Jimmy thought he had feelings for Chloe but then again, after all the time they spent together, he really couldn’t blame him. But he really hoped Chloe cleared the air because he truly did think Jimmy was a good guy. He had never seen Chloe happier and he wanted to keep it that way.
Clark couldn’t help the smile on his face when he remembered Javier’s reunion with his mother. He didn’t know how the two managed for as long as they did. If he had to be without his mom, he would go insane.
He was working in the barn, his thoughts occasionally drifting, when footsteps caused him to look up. It was Lana.
“Clark?” Lana said.
“I thought you were in Amsterdam,” he commented.
“I’m back,” Lana told him. “Is your mom around?”
Clark shook his head. “No, she’s in Topeka.”
“Um, well, I brought by some paperwork for her,” Lana said, gesturing to the folder in her hand. “Should I leave it in the house?”
“That's all right. I'll take it,” Clark said. She handed him the file and he gave her a small smile. “I'll make sure she gets it.”
He glanced at the folder in his hand. “This must be pretty important if you're hand-delivering it yourself.”
“Luthorcorp wants to sponsor the residency of the workers on your neighbor's farm,” Lana explained. “They'll all be given jobs at the plant.”
“You realize the only reason Lex is doing this is to wash his hands of it,” Clark pointed out.
“Lex had no idea what was going on that farm,” Lana said defensively.
Could she be any more naïve? “Lana, you don’t believe that,” Clark argued.
“Unlike some people I know, Lex doesn't lie to me,” Lana retorted, her voice cold.
“That’s funny,” a voice came from behind them. Clark looked up to see Oliver entering the barn. “Because Lex Luthor and honesty were two words I definitely wouldn’t put in a sentence together.”
“Oliver,” Clark said, surprised.
“Hello Clark,” Oliver greeted him, “Ms. Lang.”
“Mr. Queen, with all due respect,” Lana said, “You don’t know him.”
“Nor do I want to,” Oliver said, “But with all due respect, I have to say he’s not someone I would trust. If it came down to it, I would definitely trust Clark way more than I would ever trust Lex.”
“You have no right to express your opinion in this case,” Lana told him, clearly annoyed but trying to be polite. “I’ve known Clark and Lex longer than you have. Lex already told me about your encounters in boarding school and I doubt you’d ever have anything nice to say about him. But Lex has always been honest with me. I can’t say the same for Clark.”
Clark felt a stab at his heart at her words. He may not love her anymore but he couldn’t help but be saddened at her icy attitude towards him.
“Ms. Lang, did it ever occur to you that trust is earned?” Oliver asked. “You can force someone to tell you the truth. If Clark lied to you, then maybe you should look within yourself and find out the reason he feels he can’t trust you.”
Clark was shocked at how Oliver was behaving. He was being perfectly polite, his composure calm but his words were sharp. And like his arrows, they hit their target. Lana was stunned that someone was being so short with her. He was certain she wasn’t used to it.
“Well, we all have our opinions,” Lana said finally. “But you have no right to judge me.” She looked between Clark and Oliver.
“Be sure to give your mom the papers, Clark,” Lana said. She turned back to Oliver. “Good day, Mr. Queen.”
“Good day, Ms. Lang,” Oliver said. Clark watched her leave and turned his attention back to Oliver, who was now grinning.
“I’m sorry Clark,” Oliver said. “I know you care about her and I shouldn’t have acted like that . . .”
“It’s okay,” Clark found himself saying. “I appreciate that you defended me. You didn’t need to, but I appreciate it anyway.”
“What are friends for?” Oliver quipped.
“So what’s up?” Clark asked, curious to why the other man was here.
“Well, the last time I saw you, you disappeared,” Oliver said, “I wanted to make sure that you were okay. Haven’t heard from you a little while.”
“Yeah, I’ve been busy,” Clark said. “Sorry to rush off on you the other day.”
“It’s fine,” Oliver said, with a wave of his hand. He took a seat on the steps, and gestured for Clark to sit next to him. “Did everything work out?”
He was finished with the barn work so he did. “Yeah, it did,” Clark said and told him what had been going on over the past couple of days.
“That’s pretty intense,” Oliver said after he was done. “It must be weird . . . you know someone all your life and it turns out they’re nothing like they seem.”
“It was weird,” Clark agreed. “I’m glad it all worked out though.”
“It worked out because of you,” Oliver said.
Clark blushed. “No, I mean, it wasn’t just me. Chloe and Jimmy and my mom helped too.”
“Yeah, but it started out with you,” Oliver pointed out. “You were the first one to protect that kid. The rest of them wouldn’t even have been involved if it wasn’t for you. You’re a hero, Clark . . . and it’s really depressing that Lana can think she can trust Lex over you.”
“It’s not her fault,” Clark said, “I mean, she broke up with me but I was the one who told her I didn’t love her anymore. I was not very nice about it . . .”
“Why would you do that?” Oliver asked.
“Because I thought I was protecting her,” Clark sighed, “And I ended up sending her straight into the arms of Lex.”
“That was her choice,” Oliver said. “You didn’t force her. She made the decision to be with Lex.”
“That’s what Lois said too,” Clark remembered. “No wonder you two get along so well.”
“Lois is definitely one of a kind,” Oliver said, smiling. He looked at Clark. “But then again, so are you.”
His heart sang at the comment. “And,” Oliver added, “It turns out that you have more to you than I thought. Partying in Metropolis? Clark I’m shocked.”
“It was nothing,” Clark said. “I was feeling rebellious one summer. It wasn’t me.”
“Do you regret it?” Oliver asked seriously.
“Some parts, yes,” Clark said, “Other parts . . . not so much.” Like meeting you, he added silently.
“Well, you were a teenager,” Oliver said, “It’s part of being a teenager to be rebellious. No worries. You shouldn’t beat yourself up over it.”
If you knew what I did, if you knew the reason for your broken heart was me, you wouldn’t feel that way, Clark couldn’t help but think. But he forced the thoughts out of his head.
“I suppose you’re right,” Clark said.
Brown eyes met green, both smiling. Then Oliver’s expression changed.
“Clark, your eyes are really beautiful,” he said suddenly.
Clark had to refrain from blushing again. “Oliver,” he said jokingly, “You do realize I’m not your girlfriend right? I’d hope you can tell the difference between Lois and me.”
Oliver laughed. “Yeah, I know. I was just making an observation. I just never noticed your eyes before.” He smiled. “When I was younger, I always wanted different color eyes- blue, hazel, something exotic.”
“That’s funny,” Clark responded, “Because I always hated my eyes. I wanted brown eyes.” He peered at Oliver. “I like your eyes.”
“Thanks,” Oliver said. “But you don’t have to say that.”
“It’s true,” Clark insisted. “You try to act all calm and everything but your emotions . . . they’re expressed through your eyes. It’s nice.”
“Thanks Clark,” Oliver responded, “But I do love your eyes. They change colors too . . . sometimes it seems more blue and other times it seems more . . .”
“Green?” Clark offered. “I don’t know about the changing colors . . . don’t look at myself that often in the mirror to find out. I always thought I just had green eyes.” He grinned. “But thanks for the update.”
“Green eyes,” Oliver repeated. “Very pretty.”
They were very close together. The steps weren’t very big. It would be so easy to just lean in and . . . Clark banished the traitorous thoughts. Bad mind, bad, he told himself.
But looking into Oliver’s eyes, he saw that they had drifted to his lips. Was it him or was Oliver moving closer? An image of Lois popped into his head and he jumped up suddenly, before they could do something they would only regret.
“So,” Clark said, clearing his throat, making his way down the steps. “I’m a really bad host. Can I get you anything? To eat or drink? My mom left pie in the fridge.”
“I’m fine, thanks,” Oliver said. Oliver was making his way over to him and was there disappointment in those eyes?
No, that had to be his imagination. There was no way Oliver reciprocated his feelings. He was with Lois, he liked Lois. Clark was just a friend.
“I actually should get going,” Oliver said. He smiled. “But I’ll take a rain check on the pie.”
“Sounds good,” Clark said. “I’ll see you later?”
“Yeah, later,” Oliver echoed. “Bye Clark.”
“Bye Oliver,” he replied, watching once again as the other man exited the barn. He hated every time Oliver left and today, he had been so convinced that they had been about to kiss.
But he couldn’t let it happen. Lois was his friend and he wouldn’t do that to her. No matter how tempting Oliver may be.
Chapter 11