Chapter 16! :)
Wow, I can't believe this is already Chapter 16! I never thought this story would get this far! Thanks to everyone for sticking with me! Hope you like this one too! :)
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 16
It had been almost four days since he had last seen Oliver. 3 days, 18 hours, 56 minutes and 24 seconds since Oliver kissed him in his loft. But it wasn’t as if he was counting or anything.
Clark groaned. Who was he kidding? He was going crazy and it had only been a short time. The lack of Oliver’s presence in his life had nothing to do with busy schedules or them just missing each other. Oliver had tried to call him, but Clark had caller ID and didn’t pick up the phone. Two times Oliver had come to the barn but the minute he heard his car approaching, Clark took off.
No, he was going to see Oliver when he was ready. Well, he still wasn’t ready but he was going to see him that night. Lois and Chloe were coming here soon. Their planned meeting time was at 6:30 so Chloe and Lois agreed to pick him up at 5:30.
Normally he would’ve just run to the Talon but Lois would get suspicious on how he got there and he figured it wasn’t worth the hassle of lying. That’s why he was surprised when, at 4:45, he heard a knock at the door.
When he opened the door, he was confused to see Chloe on the other side.
“Chloe, you’re a little early,” he said.
She gave him a once over. “Actually I’m right on time. You’re not actually going to go out in that, are you?”
“What’s wrong with what I’m wearing?” he protested, as she walked right past him. “I always dress like this.”
“Exactly!” Chloe exclaimed, “That’s why you can’t wear it. I’m not saying you don’t pull off your traditional outfit but this is big. You have to show Oliver exactly what he’s missing.”
“Wait, I’m not going to dress up for Oliver,” Clark argued.
Chloe stopped at the foot of the steps. “Yes, you are. Do you want to win him over or not? Now come along.” She went up the steps, not even waiting for him to respond.
Realizing he had no other choice, he followed her and found her digging through his closet.
“Chloe, this is nuts,” he complained.
“Hush, Clark,” Chloe told him, “You’re interrupting. I’m just finding a different shirt. This is a simple karaoke club so it will look too obvious if you’re decked out. But I just want to get you out of that shirt and jacket. Your jeans are fine.”
Giving up, he sat on the bed and watched her work. “Jesus, Clark,” Chloe said, “How many of those red and blue shirts do you have? Do you just buy them in bulk or something?”
“They’re comfortable,” he said defensively. “Do you know how many clothes get ruined thanks to the meteor freaks and the zoners? It’s just easier this way.”
Chloe laughed. “Well I have to agree on that count. But you should throw in some nice shirts now and then too.”
“I don’t have many opportunities to go out,” Clark said, shrugging.
Suddenly, she grinned and pulled out a top. “How come I’ve never seen you wear this?”
Clark grimaced at the shirt she pulled out. Half sleeved, button up, tight black shirt. That shirt had some bad memories attached to it.
“I was wearing that the first time I flew,” he remembered, “When Kal-El took over.”
“It is a nice shirt though Clark,” Chloe said, “I think you should wear it.”
He took the handed shirt and glanced at it skeptically.
“Clark, look at me,” Chloe said, “Trust me on this one. Oliver has been trying to reach you for days with no success. And when he sees you in that shirt, he’ll go crazy.”
“Okay,” Clark agreed, “I’ll wear it.”
Chloe smiled, pleased. “I’ll be right outside the door.” She left, leaving him alone to change.
“Okay evil shirt,” Clark muttered, “You are very uncomfortable looking . . . I don’t know why I bought you. Something tells me that this is not going to be a fun couple of hours and I will be very self conscious.” He glared at the shirt, as if daring it to disagree. “So you better win me Oliver, okay?”
He was pretty sure talking to your clothes was a sign of insanity but he didn’t dwell on it too much. After changing his shirt, he opened the door for Chloe to reenter the room.
She appraised him and nodded, approvingly. “Much better. Now . . . your hair.”
Instinctively, Clark reached for his head. “What’s wrong with my hair?”
“Clark, Clark, Clark,” Chloe said. “Where do I start?”
“My hair’s not that bad!” Clark griped.
“It’s not bad . . . it’s just boring,” Chloe said. Her gaze darted to the dresser and she walked over to it. A few minutes of digging and she came back with a bottle of gel.
“Sit still,” she commanded as he tried to get up and protest.
He pouted as she styled his hair, closing his eyes the entire time.
“All right,” Chloe said finally, “Open your eyes.” Clark was nervous but did as he was told. She led him to a mirror and he tilted his head.
“I look okay,” he said softly.
“Okay?” Chloe repeated, “You look great!”
He turned to her. “Thanks Chloe.”
“You’re welcome,” she said, her tone warm.
“So is Jimmy coming?” he asked.
“No, he had plans,” Chloe said, “But he said to say hi to ‘CK’.” She grinned, “I don’t know what it is about you Clark Kent, but everyone seems to like you.”
He blushed. “I don’t know what it is either . . . but I’m glad he’s okay with me. I didn’t want your relationship to suffer because he thought something was going on.” He looked at her. “He’s a good guy.”
“That he is,” Chloe agreed. “He makes me happy.”
“Then that’s all that matters,” Clark told her. “So where’s Lois?”
“Well, I said I had to come see you first,” Chloe said, “We’re going back to pick her up.”
“Shall we head out then?” Clark asked.
“We shall,” Chloe agreed.
“By the way,” Clark added, “You look very lovely. Sorry I didn’t mention it before.” She did . . . but then again, Chloe always looked beautiful to him. Even in a simple v-necked dark red shirt and a pair of jeans, she managed to stand out.
She smiled. “It’s fine, Clark. But thank you.”
They headed to the car and within minutes, Chloe was driving them back to the Talon. Lois was waiting for them when they arrived and she got in the car.
“Hey everyone,” she started and then her gaze fell on Clark. “Smallville! What happened to you?”
Did she think he looked bad? Seeing his wide-eyed expression, she shook her head. “No, no, it’s not bad. You look good!”
He felt his face heat up. “Thanks, Lois. So do you.” He may not be attracted to Lois, like Oliver once thought but he never denied that she was a good looking woman. Wearing a black tube top and a faded pair of jeans, she was stunning.
“Thanks Smallville,” Lois said, “I may not be looking for a relationship right now but I certainly wouldn’t mind turning a few heads.” She winked. “So Chloe, I assume you are responsible for our lovely farm boy not looking so farm boyish?”
“I figured it was time for a change,” Chloe responded, her eyes on the road.
“You were right,” Lois said appreciatively, “I’m impressed.” She smiled wickedly. “Maybe once we’re there, we can find Smallville a nice girl.”
“Lois, please don’t try to set me up,” Clark pleaded.
“Smallville, you look hot!” Lois said, “And you know I don’t compliment you all that often so you know I mean it. I’m not saying look for a bride but chat up a few girls. Trust me, dressed like that, you are definitely going to get attention.”
“I don’t want attention,” Clark said. At least not from any random woman. There was only one person he wanted attention from and they were on their way to go see him now.
“I just want to see you happy,” Lois said, her tone resigned.
He had to smile at that. Lois and he may bicker but there were points where he could tell that she really cared about him.
“I know and I appreciate that,” Clark said honestly. “I am happy, with my friends- you and Chloe are good enough for me. Don’t worry, once we get there, I promise I won’t be a loner or something.”
He was rewarded with a bright smile. “Okay, so enough of the sappiness,” Lois said, “Happy topics anyone?”
Chloe and Clark laughed. The rest of the ride, they managed to stick to superficial topics such as Lois’s job and Jimmy.
Eventually, they got to Oliver’s place and Clark was nervous as hell. Chloe gave him an encouraging smile and Lois was oblivious to what was going on.
When the stepped into the elevator, Clark wanted nothing more to run back to Smallville. But it was not a possibility. He had come too far to back off now.
The elevator stopped and the door opened. Lois pushed the door open and they entered in a line, Lois first, Chloe in the middle and Clark trudging behind.
Oliver was there to greet them. One look at him and Clark’s heart stopped. The man in front of him was dressed to kill. He put all three of them to shame, wearing a tight black shirt, a leather jacket and gray pants.
“Hey everyone,” Oliver said, his eyes falling on Lois, then Chloe and finally resting on him. Clark saw him do a slight double take when their eyes met.
“Hi Ollie,” Lois said, “You look nice.”
“Thanks,” Oliver replied, “So do all of you.”
Lois grinned. “Of course we do.” She nudged Clark. “We even managed to get Smallville over here out of his traditional shirt and jacket. Miracles abound huh?”
“How’d you manage that one?” Oliver teased, his eyes never leaving Clark.
“And I don’t recall you doing anything Lois,” Clark retorted, shooting her a smile, trying to avoid Oliver’s gaze.
“Small details,” Lois said, shrugging.
“Actually, it was me,” Chloe chipped in.
“Well then nice work,” Oliver said, addressing Chloe. She smiled at him.
“Can we all stop discussing me?” Clark asked.
“But we like to talk about you Smallville,” Lois said.
“Lois, you just like to talk,” he corrected.
Lois was about to say something but was cut off by Chloe. “Oh no, the two of you don’t start. We don’t have for time for the two of you to go back and forth.” She paused. “And don’t start accusing the other one of starting it either.”
Beside her, Oliver chuckled. “I take it you’re used to dealing with them?”
Chloe glanced at him. “You have no idea. Once they get going, it never ends. For two adults, they act like children when they get around each other.”
“Hey!” Lois and Clark exclaimed together.
“I’m insulted,” Lois said, “Come on Clark, we don’t need them . . . we can get to the place ourselves.”
Chloe waved her keys. “Last time I checked the two of you have no means to get there.”
In a flash, Lois snatched her keys away. “We do now. Come Clark. The blondes can find their own way there.”
“Wait a second,” Clark said, a horrified expression on his face, “You’re driving?”
“I’m a perfectly safe driver!” Lois said haughtily.
Clark snickered. “I am!” Lois insisted.
“Lois has a point,” Chloe said.
“Thank you,” Lois said.
“No, not about the driving,” Chloe replied, “Sorry Lois, you’re my cousin and I love you but you really are a danger behind the wheel.”
She glared at Chloe and Clark couldn’t hold back a laugh. When Lois shot him a look, he gave her an innocent smile.
“What I meant,” Chloe continued, “was that we should take two cars.”
“Two cars?” Clark repeated, “For the four of us? Isn’t that a waste?”
“Actually I see her point,” Oliver piped in, “In case someone gets tired, everyone doesn’t have to go. It seems reasonable to me. Considering all three of you got here in one car, I can take mine as well.”
“Okay,” Lois said, “So we’ll split up. Chloe and I will go in her car and Clark can go with Oliver.”
Oh God no, were Clark’s first thoughts. He couldn’t be alone with Oliver!
“You know I really don’t think this is a good idea,” Clark said quickly, “There is a high chance if someone leaves, we’re all going to go. We should all save energy . . . pollution is a real problem, you know.”
“When did you become the environmentalist Smallville?” Lois quizzed. Chloe just seemed amused; one look into her eyes and he knew she realized exactly why he was protesting so much.
“Anyway, it’ll be fine, Smallville,” Lois said, “Chloe and I will have our bonding time in the car and the two of you boys can bond too. You know the way there right?”
“I have directions,” Oliver assured them.
“Great,” Lois said happily, “See you there then!”
“Bye!” Chloe said and he watched as the two of them stepped into the elevator and disappear, leaving him alone with Oliver.
He looked at Oliver, who was watching him, with an grin on his face.
“So we should get going,” Clark started, eager to get out.
“Hmm,” Oliver said. “We could do that.”
“Actually we should do that,” Clark said, “The girls have left . . . they’ll be waiting for us.”
“Relax Clark,” Oliver told him, “I know a short cut. We’ll be there not too long after them. Besides, I’d like to talk.”
“Talk?” Clark echoed, “About what?”
“I don’t know Clark,” Oliver said casually, “We haven’t talked in a few days, what with you avoiding me and all.”
“I haven’t been avoiding you,” Clark lied, “I’ve just . . . been busy.”
“Yeah, busy avoiding me,” Oliver countered. “I called, left messages . . . I even stopped by a few times. Too busy to pick up a phone Clark?”
“I just . . .” Clark started but found he had no explanation.
“That’s what I thought,” Oliver said.
“You know, you have no right to be smug about this,” Clark said, anger bubbling.
“Whatever are you talking about Clark?” Oliver asked innocently.
“You kissed me,” Clark said coldly. He wasn’t going to be vulnerable. No way was he going to let Oliver see how much he affected him. “Look, I’m sorry about the whole Lois kiss thing. I didn’t plan it and I did not see it coming. But I do not appreciate you toying with me to get your revenge.”
“Is that what you think it was about?” Oliver asked incredulously, “Revenge?”
“What else could it have been about?” Clark shot back, “I distinctly remember you saying ‘we’re even.’ If that doesn’t signify that the kiss was about revenge, I don’t know what it means!”
Oliver walked right up to him. “Clark,” he said, “That was one of the best kisses I’ve ever experienced in my entire life and you think it was about revenge? How can you have even been surprised that I kissed you? We’ve been flirting for a while now . . . maybe I just decided it was time to end the game. Maybe I got tired of waiting.”
“Then why did you say ‘we’re even’?” Clark asked calmly.
“Clark, I just . . . I said the first thing that came out of my mouth,” Oliver replied. “I wasn’t thinking.”
“Well, you said the wrong thing,” Clark told him, “And I think this conversation is over . . . and I’d like to leave.”
Oliver sighed. “Okay, let’s go.” He shot him a look. “But this conversation isn’t over by far.”
Clark didn’t respond and the two of them headed out. The ride was silent and Clark was happy when they got to their destination.
Chloe and Lois were already there, sitting in a booth.
“Hey!” Lois said as the approached the table. “You two took a while. Doing some male bonding? Talk about anything significant?”
“No,” Clark said, “We were just talking. Nothing important.”
Oliver was silent and Chloe was shooting him a concerned glance.
Lois smiled. “Great, have a seat guys.” Clark, of course, ended up sitting next to Oliver.
“I can’t wait to see which one of us cracks and sings first,” Lois said excitedly. Clearly she was eager for the night to begin.
That makes one of us, Clark said, trying not to look over at Oliver. This night had already started off badly . . . he had a feeling it would only get worse.
Be optimistic, Clark, he told himself. Maybe it will get better.
But then he shifted slightly and his thigh brushed against Oliver’s, sending a shiver down his back. Brown eyes met green and Clark was uncomfortable under the intensity of Oliver’s stare.
The night would get better.
Yeah, right.
Chapter 17
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 16
It had been almost four days since he had last seen Oliver. 3 days, 18 hours, 56 minutes and 24 seconds since Oliver kissed him in his loft. But it wasn’t as if he was counting or anything.
Clark groaned. Who was he kidding? He was going crazy and it had only been a short time. The lack of Oliver’s presence in his life had nothing to do with busy schedules or them just missing each other. Oliver had tried to call him, but Clark had caller ID and didn’t pick up the phone. Two times Oliver had come to the barn but the minute he heard his car approaching, Clark took off.
No, he was going to see Oliver when he was ready. Well, he still wasn’t ready but he was going to see him that night. Lois and Chloe were coming here soon. Their planned meeting time was at 6:30 so Chloe and Lois agreed to pick him up at 5:30.
Normally he would’ve just run to the Talon but Lois would get suspicious on how he got there and he figured it wasn’t worth the hassle of lying. That’s why he was surprised when, at 4:45, he heard a knock at the door.
When he opened the door, he was confused to see Chloe on the other side.
“Chloe, you’re a little early,” he said.
She gave him a once over. “Actually I’m right on time. You’re not actually going to go out in that, are you?”
“What’s wrong with what I’m wearing?” he protested, as she walked right past him. “I always dress like this.”
“Exactly!” Chloe exclaimed, “That’s why you can’t wear it. I’m not saying you don’t pull off your traditional outfit but this is big. You have to show Oliver exactly what he’s missing.”
“Wait, I’m not going to dress up for Oliver,” Clark argued.
Chloe stopped at the foot of the steps. “Yes, you are. Do you want to win him over or not? Now come along.” She went up the steps, not even waiting for him to respond.
Realizing he had no other choice, he followed her and found her digging through his closet.
“Chloe, this is nuts,” he complained.
“Hush, Clark,” Chloe told him, “You’re interrupting. I’m just finding a different shirt. This is a simple karaoke club so it will look too obvious if you’re decked out. But I just want to get you out of that shirt and jacket. Your jeans are fine.”
Giving up, he sat on the bed and watched her work. “Jesus, Clark,” Chloe said, “How many of those red and blue shirts do you have? Do you just buy them in bulk or something?”
“They’re comfortable,” he said defensively. “Do you know how many clothes get ruined thanks to the meteor freaks and the zoners? It’s just easier this way.”
Chloe laughed. “Well I have to agree on that count. But you should throw in some nice shirts now and then too.”
“I don’t have many opportunities to go out,” Clark said, shrugging.
Suddenly, she grinned and pulled out a top. “How come I’ve never seen you wear this?”
Clark grimaced at the shirt she pulled out. Half sleeved, button up, tight black shirt. That shirt had some bad memories attached to it.
“I was wearing that the first time I flew,” he remembered, “When Kal-El took over.”
“It is a nice shirt though Clark,” Chloe said, “I think you should wear it.”
He took the handed shirt and glanced at it skeptically.
“Clark, look at me,” Chloe said, “Trust me on this one. Oliver has been trying to reach you for days with no success. And when he sees you in that shirt, he’ll go crazy.”
“Okay,” Clark agreed, “I’ll wear it.”
Chloe smiled, pleased. “I’ll be right outside the door.” She left, leaving him alone to change.
“Okay evil shirt,” Clark muttered, “You are very uncomfortable looking . . . I don’t know why I bought you. Something tells me that this is not going to be a fun couple of hours and I will be very self conscious.” He glared at the shirt, as if daring it to disagree. “So you better win me Oliver, okay?”
He was pretty sure talking to your clothes was a sign of insanity but he didn’t dwell on it too much. After changing his shirt, he opened the door for Chloe to reenter the room.
She appraised him and nodded, approvingly. “Much better. Now . . . your hair.”
Instinctively, Clark reached for his head. “What’s wrong with my hair?”
“Clark, Clark, Clark,” Chloe said. “Where do I start?”
“My hair’s not that bad!” Clark griped.
“It’s not bad . . . it’s just boring,” Chloe said. Her gaze darted to the dresser and she walked over to it. A few minutes of digging and she came back with a bottle of gel.
“Sit still,” she commanded as he tried to get up and protest.
He pouted as she styled his hair, closing his eyes the entire time.
“All right,” Chloe said finally, “Open your eyes.” Clark was nervous but did as he was told. She led him to a mirror and he tilted his head.
“I look okay,” he said softly.
“Okay?” Chloe repeated, “You look great!”
He turned to her. “Thanks Chloe.”
“You’re welcome,” she said, her tone warm.
“So is Jimmy coming?” he asked.
“No, he had plans,” Chloe said, “But he said to say hi to ‘CK’.” She grinned, “I don’t know what it is about you Clark Kent, but everyone seems to like you.”
He blushed. “I don’t know what it is either . . . but I’m glad he’s okay with me. I didn’t want your relationship to suffer because he thought something was going on.” He looked at her. “He’s a good guy.”
“That he is,” Chloe agreed. “He makes me happy.”
“Then that’s all that matters,” Clark told her. “So where’s Lois?”
“Well, I said I had to come see you first,” Chloe said, “We’re going back to pick her up.”
“Shall we head out then?” Clark asked.
“We shall,” Chloe agreed.
“By the way,” Clark added, “You look very lovely. Sorry I didn’t mention it before.” She did . . . but then again, Chloe always looked beautiful to him. Even in a simple v-necked dark red shirt and a pair of jeans, she managed to stand out.
She smiled. “It’s fine, Clark. But thank you.”
They headed to the car and within minutes, Chloe was driving them back to the Talon. Lois was waiting for them when they arrived and she got in the car.
“Hey everyone,” she started and then her gaze fell on Clark. “Smallville! What happened to you?”
Did she think he looked bad? Seeing his wide-eyed expression, she shook her head. “No, no, it’s not bad. You look good!”
He felt his face heat up. “Thanks, Lois. So do you.” He may not be attracted to Lois, like Oliver once thought but he never denied that she was a good looking woman. Wearing a black tube top and a faded pair of jeans, she was stunning.
“Thanks Smallville,” Lois said, “I may not be looking for a relationship right now but I certainly wouldn’t mind turning a few heads.” She winked. “So Chloe, I assume you are responsible for our lovely farm boy not looking so farm boyish?”
“I figured it was time for a change,” Chloe responded, her eyes on the road.
“You were right,” Lois said appreciatively, “I’m impressed.” She smiled wickedly. “Maybe once we’re there, we can find Smallville a nice girl.”
“Lois, please don’t try to set me up,” Clark pleaded.
“Smallville, you look hot!” Lois said, “And you know I don’t compliment you all that often so you know I mean it. I’m not saying look for a bride but chat up a few girls. Trust me, dressed like that, you are definitely going to get attention.”
“I don’t want attention,” Clark said. At least not from any random woman. There was only one person he wanted attention from and they were on their way to go see him now.
“I just want to see you happy,” Lois said, her tone resigned.
He had to smile at that. Lois and he may bicker but there were points where he could tell that she really cared about him.
“I know and I appreciate that,” Clark said honestly. “I am happy, with my friends- you and Chloe are good enough for me. Don’t worry, once we get there, I promise I won’t be a loner or something.”
He was rewarded with a bright smile. “Okay, so enough of the sappiness,” Lois said, “Happy topics anyone?”
Chloe and Clark laughed. The rest of the ride, they managed to stick to superficial topics such as Lois’s job and Jimmy.
Eventually, they got to Oliver’s place and Clark was nervous as hell. Chloe gave him an encouraging smile and Lois was oblivious to what was going on.
When the stepped into the elevator, Clark wanted nothing more to run back to Smallville. But it was not a possibility. He had come too far to back off now.
The elevator stopped and the door opened. Lois pushed the door open and they entered in a line, Lois first, Chloe in the middle and Clark trudging behind.
Oliver was there to greet them. One look at him and Clark’s heart stopped. The man in front of him was dressed to kill. He put all three of them to shame, wearing a tight black shirt, a leather jacket and gray pants.
“Hey everyone,” Oliver said, his eyes falling on Lois, then Chloe and finally resting on him. Clark saw him do a slight double take when their eyes met.
“Hi Ollie,” Lois said, “You look nice.”
“Thanks,” Oliver replied, “So do all of you.”
Lois grinned. “Of course we do.” She nudged Clark. “We even managed to get Smallville over here out of his traditional shirt and jacket. Miracles abound huh?”
“How’d you manage that one?” Oliver teased, his eyes never leaving Clark.
“And I don’t recall you doing anything Lois,” Clark retorted, shooting her a smile, trying to avoid Oliver’s gaze.
“Small details,” Lois said, shrugging.
“Actually, it was me,” Chloe chipped in.
“Well then nice work,” Oliver said, addressing Chloe. She smiled at him.
“Can we all stop discussing me?” Clark asked.
“But we like to talk about you Smallville,” Lois said.
“Lois, you just like to talk,” he corrected.
Lois was about to say something but was cut off by Chloe. “Oh no, the two of you don’t start. We don’t have for time for the two of you to go back and forth.” She paused. “And don’t start accusing the other one of starting it either.”
Beside her, Oliver chuckled. “I take it you’re used to dealing with them?”
Chloe glanced at him. “You have no idea. Once they get going, it never ends. For two adults, they act like children when they get around each other.”
“Hey!” Lois and Clark exclaimed together.
“I’m insulted,” Lois said, “Come on Clark, we don’t need them . . . we can get to the place ourselves.”
Chloe waved her keys. “Last time I checked the two of you have no means to get there.”
In a flash, Lois snatched her keys away. “We do now. Come Clark. The blondes can find their own way there.”
“Wait a second,” Clark said, a horrified expression on his face, “You’re driving?”
“I’m a perfectly safe driver!” Lois said haughtily.
Clark snickered. “I am!” Lois insisted.
“Lois has a point,” Chloe said.
“Thank you,” Lois said.
“No, not about the driving,” Chloe replied, “Sorry Lois, you’re my cousin and I love you but you really are a danger behind the wheel.”
She glared at Chloe and Clark couldn’t hold back a laugh. When Lois shot him a look, he gave her an innocent smile.
“What I meant,” Chloe continued, “was that we should take two cars.”
“Two cars?” Clark repeated, “For the four of us? Isn’t that a waste?”
“Actually I see her point,” Oliver piped in, “In case someone gets tired, everyone doesn’t have to go. It seems reasonable to me. Considering all three of you got here in one car, I can take mine as well.”
“Okay,” Lois said, “So we’ll split up. Chloe and I will go in her car and Clark can go with Oliver.”
Oh God no, were Clark’s first thoughts. He couldn’t be alone with Oliver!
“You know I really don’t think this is a good idea,” Clark said quickly, “There is a high chance if someone leaves, we’re all going to go. We should all save energy . . . pollution is a real problem, you know.”
“When did you become the environmentalist Smallville?” Lois quizzed. Chloe just seemed amused; one look into her eyes and he knew she realized exactly why he was protesting so much.
“Anyway, it’ll be fine, Smallville,” Lois said, “Chloe and I will have our bonding time in the car and the two of you boys can bond too. You know the way there right?”
“I have directions,” Oliver assured them.
“Great,” Lois said happily, “See you there then!”
“Bye!” Chloe said and he watched as the two of them stepped into the elevator and disappear, leaving him alone with Oliver.
He looked at Oliver, who was watching him, with an grin on his face.
“So we should get going,” Clark started, eager to get out.
“Hmm,” Oliver said. “We could do that.”
“Actually we should do that,” Clark said, “The girls have left . . . they’ll be waiting for us.”
“Relax Clark,” Oliver told him, “I know a short cut. We’ll be there not too long after them. Besides, I’d like to talk.”
“Talk?” Clark echoed, “About what?”
“I don’t know Clark,” Oliver said casually, “We haven’t talked in a few days, what with you avoiding me and all.”
“I haven’t been avoiding you,” Clark lied, “I’ve just . . . been busy.”
“Yeah, busy avoiding me,” Oliver countered. “I called, left messages . . . I even stopped by a few times. Too busy to pick up a phone Clark?”
“I just . . .” Clark started but found he had no explanation.
“That’s what I thought,” Oliver said.
“You know, you have no right to be smug about this,” Clark said, anger bubbling.
“Whatever are you talking about Clark?” Oliver asked innocently.
“You kissed me,” Clark said coldly. He wasn’t going to be vulnerable. No way was he going to let Oliver see how much he affected him. “Look, I’m sorry about the whole Lois kiss thing. I didn’t plan it and I did not see it coming. But I do not appreciate you toying with me to get your revenge.”
“Is that what you think it was about?” Oliver asked incredulously, “Revenge?”
“What else could it have been about?” Clark shot back, “I distinctly remember you saying ‘we’re even.’ If that doesn’t signify that the kiss was about revenge, I don’t know what it means!”
Oliver walked right up to him. “Clark,” he said, “That was one of the best kisses I’ve ever experienced in my entire life and you think it was about revenge? How can you have even been surprised that I kissed you? We’ve been flirting for a while now . . . maybe I just decided it was time to end the game. Maybe I got tired of waiting.”
“Then why did you say ‘we’re even’?” Clark asked calmly.
“Clark, I just . . . I said the first thing that came out of my mouth,” Oliver replied. “I wasn’t thinking.”
“Well, you said the wrong thing,” Clark told him, “And I think this conversation is over . . . and I’d like to leave.”
Oliver sighed. “Okay, let’s go.” He shot him a look. “But this conversation isn’t over by far.”
Clark didn’t respond and the two of them headed out. The ride was silent and Clark was happy when they got to their destination.
Chloe and Lois were already there, sitting in a booth.
“Hey!” Lois said as the approached the table. “You two took a while. Doing some male bonding? Talk about anything significant?”
“No,” Clark said, “We were just talking. Nothing important.”
Oliver was silent and Chloe was shooting him a concerned glance.
Lois smiled. “Great, have a seat guys.” Clark, of course, ended up sitting next to Oliver.
“I can’t wait to see which one of us cracks and sings first,” Lois said excitedly. Clearly she was eager for the night to begin.
That makes one of us, Clark said, trying not to look over at Oliver. This night had already started off badly . . . he had a feeling it would only get worse.
Be optimistic, Clark, he told himself. Maybe it will get better.
But then he shifted slightly and his thigh brushed against Oliver’s, sending a shiver down his back. Brown eyes met green and Clark was uncomfortable under the intensity of Oliver’s stare.
The night would get better.
Yeah, right.
Chapter 17