Forever May Not Be Long Enough Chapter 7
Another chapter is here. Hope you all like it. Let me know! :)
Story: Forever May Not Be Long Enough
Pairing/Characters: Collie, Chloe/Jimmy, mentions of past Clana, Lexana & Lollie
Rating: R
Disclaimer: don’t own anything
Warning: slash, mentions of m/m sex
Spoilers: season 7 (parts of it is true, others I made up)
Summary: After graduation, Clark knows he needs to go for his training and it causes him to make some tough choices.
Previous Chapters: Here
Chapter 7
Clark could hear Oliver crying and it punched him in the gut. I deserve to be stabbed repeatedly with kryptonite.
His Ollie never cried and now he was . . . and it was all because of him. Those beautiful brown eyes had tears in them . . . Clark’s heart broke remembering their conversation. Oh, God, how was I able to act like such a jackass? It wasn’t him . . . it wasn’t him at all.
Seeing the pain written all over Oliver’s expression, he had almost aborted the plan. Somehow, he managed to pull it off, concentrating the entire time on the future. Oliver will be better off without me.
When he stormed out of the penthouse, he had no idea where to go. Clark had no plans to go back in a few hours . . . it would help raise suspicions if he was suddenly gone all night. He decided on his apartment, the same apartment where Chloe and he had spent the day planning. The same apartment where he purposely ignored Oliver’s phone call and the same apartment where he listened in on Chloe’s conversation with Oliver.
It took him a short amount of time to get there and he was relieved to find it empty. He wasn’t in the mood for company and headed to his bedroom. Which was filled with so many memories. This room reminded him too much of Oliver. His first kiss with Oliver was here.
The dresser had a picture of Oliver and him together in addition to another picture of Oliver alone. He picked that one up and tears filled his eyes at the smiling Oliver. Oliver had teased him to no end when he had requested a picture of him but one look into his eyes and Clark knew that Oliver had been thrilled.
So many good times, so much love . . . the perfect relationship and he was throwing it all away. Is this wrong? His heart said ‘yes’ but he knew it was too late to turn back. The plan was set into motion and he was going to go through with it.
Resting the photo in its original position, he thought of better times and wished he had appreciated them. Wished he cherished every second with Oliver. Back then, he didn’t know that his time with Oliver was limited. Back then, he thought he had forever. But back then, he was wrong, so foolish and delusional.
Now, he knew the truth and he could only wish he could go back to that time, that time where his training wasn’t a threat . . . when loving Oliver and doing well in school were his only two worries.
Because all good things came to an end and Clark was learning that the hard way.
It had been two hours, sixteen minutes and 33 seconds since Clark walked out on him. Wait, make that 34 seconds. 35 seconds . . . damn it, when did I get so pathetic? Oliver was furious at himself and at Clark. Furious that Clark was able to reduce himself into a pile of mush and furious at himself for loving Clark so much, despite everything.
I promised I would never be that person, that person who let their significant other walk all over them. He was Oliver Queen . . . he was cool, confident, and people came after him, not the other way around.
But Clark was the exception to every rule. For Clark, Oliver had broken every single one of his personal rules. Clark had changed everything, had come into his life and made him whole again. Filled the empty space in his heart that he didn’t know he had. Brought joy and love to his life . . . showed him that he was worth loving and love was worth giving a shot.
Now he was leaving and taking Oliver’s heart with him. Because he had given it away a long time ago, from that very first kiss at Clark’s 21st birthday. He stared at his desk, which contained 3 pictures- one of him and his parents, one of both him and Clark together and the third was of just Clark.
He remembered how he teased Clark when the brunette had requested a photo of him. Truth be told, he was flattered. Oliver had seen the picture that sat by Clark’s beside and it warmed his heart. Right after, he made a comment about how he didn’t have a picture of Clark. It was said jokingly but Oliver had been serious, just a little embarrassed to admit it.
Clark had noticed it because he didn’t even have to ask. The next time he arrived home, it was already sitting on his desk. That was how their relationship worked . . . words often were left unsaid but most of the time, the message was conveyed. They understood one another and Oliver really thought he had found his soul mate with Clark.
Maybe this is salvageable. They had one fight . . . there was no breakup. Couples fought all the time and sometimes they went on to have wonderful, long lasting relationships. This was nothing to fear at all.
Clark had said he thought Oliver was too clingy. Well, then he would just have to give him some space. He may have sounded resentful at seemingly being the only one fighting for the relationship, but that didn’t mean he was going to stop. Nope, instead he was going to change tactics.
He’d play the game Clark’s way and he’d win too. Don’t worry, Clark, we will work this out. I promise you that.
Boys are dumb. That’s what Chloe had decided. They all lived in a lovely town called idiotsville and currently, her best friend was ruler of them all. Clark’s martyr complex had led him to believe that he had to split up with Oliver. Of course, Oliver would say ‘no’ to waiting for him so he should just go and make the decision on his own! Chloe rolled her eyes. In some ways, Clark had matured so much over the past couple of years but in other ways, he was still making stupid decisions.
But when it all came down to it, Chloe loved her best friend. Not in that crazy, passionate way she used to- she long got over that- but in a brotherly way. The way that she wanted to see him happy and only wanted what was best for him always.
Unfortunately, that also meant she was unable to resist those puppy eyes and really couldn’t turn him down for anything. Which was exactly how she got roped into Clark’s scheme. She sighed . . . this was not going to turn out well at all.
She pushed those thoughts out of her head. For now, she didn’t want to think about it. She had had a long day and she wanted to get some rest. Entering her apartment, she was surprised to see the light on. Lois wasn’t home . . . she had left her at the Planet. That only meant one thing . . .
Quickly, she made her way to the kitchen and grabbed some bowls, ice cream and all the necessary toppings. She then made her way to her next destination. Hands full, she nudged the door open with her foot and smiled sadly at the scene before her. Just as she thought.
Clark was lying on his bed, holding a picture frame close to his heart and staring out into space. Placing the items on a nearby table, she walked over to the bed and sat by his side.
She stroked his hair, gaining his attention. “Hey you.”
“Hi Chlo,” Clark greeted her and smiled weakly.
“You look awful,” Chloe said bluntly.
“Thanks,” Clark replied, his tone sarcastic. “Please, don’t hold back on my account.”
Chloe grinned, but only for a moment before her expression changed to one of concern. “Clark, I’m serious. You look miserable . . . so I am guessing stage 1 of the plan went off as scheduled.”
“It went off perfectly,” Clark confessed. “I acted like a complete jerk.” He laughed bitterly. “It went off so well that now, my boyfriend is in tears.”
Chloe gasped. “Oliver . . . cried?” The Oliver she knew was strong. But then again, there was something about Clark Kent that could bring the strongest people to their knees.
“Clark,” she continued cautiously, “Are you sure you want to do this?”
“No,” Clark replied morosely. “In fact, I’m positive I don’t. But I have to do this . . . it’s what’s right.”
“Well, if you ask me, I think it’s completely wrong and you don’t have to do a thing,” Chloe argued. “But even I know trying to change your mind is pointless . . . so let’s not talk about it. I brought ice cream and we are going to make sundaes.”
Clark glanced over at the aforementioned items. “I don’t know, Chlo.”
“Clark, I’m going to get you out of this slump,” Chloe commanded. “I know you’re leaving Oliver but you’re leaving me too.”
Clark looked regretful. “Oh Chlo, I didn’t think . . .”
“I know, and it’s okay,” Chloe assured him. “I realized you were upset about leaving Oliver but Clark, I’m used to seeing you on a daily basis. You’re my best friend and don’t think for a second that I’m not going to miss you like hell. I just want us to spend some time together before I lose you.”
“Chloe,” Clark said softly and in one swift motion, pulled her into his arms. Tears filled her hazel eyes and spilled over, the reality of Clark leaving hitting her at full force. She hugged him with everything she had.
“I’m going to miss you too,” Clark told her, gently rubbing her back. “So much, Chloe.”
She sniffed slightly and pulled away from the embrace. “Don’t worry, I’ll be fine. I understand you have to go and I know you’ll be back to be the hero I always know you were.” She gave him a smile and stood up. “Now let’s indulge in some ice cream, before it all melts.”
But she was stopped by Clark gently grabbing her arm. She met his eyes. “What Clark?”
“Chloe,” he said slowly, “I need a favor.” He let her arm go.
“Name it Clark,” Chloe replied.
“When I’m gone . . .,” he started and paused for an instant. “When I’m gone, will you check up on Oliver?”
“Clark?” Chloe questioned.
“I mean, I know he’s fully capable of taking care of himself,” Clark added hastily. “But just as a friend. I have always had you but really, Oliver has only had me. Bart, AC and Victor are okay but he doesn’t confide in them. When I’m gone, I don’t want Ollie curling up in his shell again. So please, I know you’re busy but if you could just be a friend to him . . .”
“Clark,” Chloe interjected, “You don’t even have to ask twice. I care about Oliver very much too. You can count on me to watch over him.” Clark nodded.
“I know, I trust you,” he said confidently.
“I’ll make sure he’s taking care of himself,” Chloe promised him.
Clark smiled, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. But there was a relief in his eyes, a relief that was clearly due to the fact that he knew his Oliver would be well taken care of. He loves Oliver so much, Chloe thought sadly. Why did it have to be this way?
She knew why Clark was asking for this favor. Oliver would not take the breakup well. He would shut down for sure and most probably go into a self-destructive mode. Chloe was good at reading people and Oliver had invested his whole self into this relationship. Losing Clark would be like losing a part of him. It would not end well.
Chloe would definitely check up on him often. Oliver was a good man, a kind person with a strong heart and she loved the way he loved Clark. There was no way she was going to let him ruin himself. Now, she had made a promise to Clark and it was one promise she intended to keep.
Clark didn’t come home that night. Oliver slept alone in their bed and for the first time in a long time, felt how huge it really was. It was so empty, so cold without Clark around. No Clark trying to invade his personal space. No Clark to hold him close and make him feel safe and cherished and loved. No Clark to tell him how much he loved him and no Clark for Oliver to kiss. It was only one night but Oliver hated every moment of it.
He had waited for hours and then as the clock struck 11, he headed out for patrol. Crime rates were improving but Metropolis needed a stable hero. His hopes were that Clark would join them and Metropolis would be his city but for some reason, Clark didn’t seem so keen anymore.
Oliver managed to do his rounds, even being as distracted as he was. He returned home around 2 am and much to his disappointment, Clark hadn’t been there. That had been the point when he resigned himself to sleeping alone.
Now he was lying in bed, exhausted but unable to sleep. Clark was probably either in Smallville or in his apartment. But he wasn’t going to check. With his newfound determination to give Clark his space and win him back, stalking Clark down was no longer a possibility.
How he managed to fall asleep that night was a mystery to him. The sunshine falling on his face was what woke him up the next morning. Blinking a few times to let his eyes get adjusted to the light, he looked at the clock. Nearly 8 am and Clark still was a no show.
Forcing himself out of bed, he got ready and prepared himself for another long day. Come home, Clark, he couldn’t help but think, I miss you.
Clark was also quite reluctant to get out of bed that morning. He had had a late night as well. Chloe and he had spent much of the night talking. It was always fun spending time with Chloe . . . he had been so caught up in thinking about leaving Oliver, he hadn’t even considered Chloe’s feelings.
I’m a horrible person. But he vowed to spend plenty of time with Chloe before he left.
If it wasn’t for Chloe, he probably wouldn’t be around. She had saved his butt too many times to count. He was relieved that she agreed to watch after Oliver and knew that his Ollie would be in good hands. There was no way that Oliver would accept her help willingly but knowing Clark, Oliver would not be able to resist. She wouldn’t let him resist for very long.
Time to get up, Clark. It’s Day 2 of the plan. Clark groaned but dragged himself up anyway. It was going to be another long day.
Chapter 8
Story: Forever May Not Be Long Enough
Pairing/Characters: Collie, Chloe/Jimmy, mentions of past Clana, Lexana & Lollie
Rating: R
Disclaimer: don’t own anything
Warning: slash, mentions of m/m sex
Spoilers: season 7 (parts of it is true, others I made up)
Summary: After graduation, Clark knows he needs to go for his training and it causes him to make some tough choices.
Previous Chapters: Here
Chapter 7
Clark could hear Oliver crying and it punched him in the gut. I deserve to be stabbed repeatedly with kryptonite.
His Ollie never cried and now he was . . . and it was all because of him. Those beautiful brown eyes had tears in them . . . Clark’s heart broke remembering their conversation. Oh, God, how was I able to act like such a jackass? It wasn’t him . . . it wasn’t him at all.
Seeing the pain written all over Oliver’s expression, he had almost aborted the plan. Somehow, he managed to pull it off, concentrating the entire time on the future. Oliver will be better off without me.
When he stormed out of the penthouse, he had no idea where to go. Clark had no plans to go back in a few hours . . . it would help raise suspicions if he was suddenly gone all night. He decided on his apartment, the same apartment where Chloe and he had spent the day planning. The same apartment where he purposely ignored Oliver’s phone call and the same apartment where he listened in on Chloe’s conversation with Oliver.
It took him a short amount of time to get there and he was relieved to find it empty. He wasn’t in the mood for company and headed to his bedroom. Which was filled with so many memories. This room reminded him too much of Oliver. His first kiss with Oliver was here.
The dresser had a picture of Oliver and him together in addition to another picture of Oliver alone. He picked that one up and tears filled his eyes at the smiling Oliver. Oliver had teased him to no end when he had requested a picture of him but one look into his eyes and Clark knew that Oliver had been thrilled.
So many good times, so much love . . . the perfect relationship and he was throwing it all away. Is this wrong? His heart said ‘yes’ but he knew it was too late to turn back. The plan was set into motion and he was going to go through with it.
Resting the photo in its original position, he thought of better times and wished he had appreciated them. Wished he cherished every second with Oliver. Back then, he didn’t know that his time with Oliver was limited. Back then, he thought he had forever. But back then, he was wrong, so foolish and delusional.
Now, he knew the truth and he could only wish he could go back to that time, that time where his training wasn’t a threat . . . when loving Oliver and doing well in school were his only two worries.
Because all good things came to an end and Clark was learning that the hard way.
It had been two hours, sixteen minutes and 33 seconds since Clark walked out on him. Wait, make that 34 seconds. 35 seconds . . . damn it, when did I get so pathetic? Oliver was furious at himself and at Clark. Furious that Clark was able to reduce himself into a pile of mush and furious at himself for loving Clark so much, despite everything.
I promised I would never be that person, that person who let their significant other walk all over them. He was Oliver Queen . . . he was cool, confident, and people came after him, not the other way around.
But Clark was the exception to every rule. For Clark, Oliver had broken every single one of his personal rules. Clark had changed everything, had come into his life and made him whole again. Filled the empty space in his heart that he didn’t know he had. Brought joy and love to his life . . . showed him that he was worth loving and love was worth giving a shot.
Now he was leaving and taking Oliver’s heart with him. Because he had given it away a long time ago, from that very first kiss at Clark’s 21st birthday. He stared at his desk, which contained 3 pictures- one of him and his parents, one of both him and Clark together and the third was of just Clark.
He remembered how he teased Clark when the brunette had requested a photo of him. Truth be told, he was flattered. Oliver had seen the picture that sat by Clark’s beside and it warmed his heart. Right after, he made a comment about how he didn’t have a picture of Clark. It was said jokingly but Oliver had been serious, just a little embarrassed to admit it.
Clark had noticed it because he didn’t even have to ask. The next time he arrived home, it was already sitting on his desk. That was how their relationship worked . . . words often were left unsaid but most of the time, the message was conveyed. They understood one another and Oliver really thought he had found his soul mate with Clark.
Maybe this is salvageable. They had one fight . . . there was no breakup. Couples fought all the time and sometimes they went on to have wonderful, long lasting relationships. This was nothing to fear at all.
Clark had said he thought Oliver was too clingy. Well, then he would just have to give him some space. He may have sounded resentful at seemingly being the only one fighting for the relationship, but that didn’t mean he was going to stop. Nope, instead he was going to change tactics.
He’d play the game Clark’s way and he’d win too. Don’t worry, Clark, we will work this out. I promise you that.
Boys are dumb. That’s what Chloe had decided. They all lived in a lovely town called idiotsville and currently, her best friend was ruler of them all. Clark’s martyr complex had led him to believe that he had to split up with Oliver. Of course, Oliver would say ‘no’ to waiting for him so he should just go and make the decision on his own! Chloe rolled her eyes. In some ways, Clark had matured so much over the past couple of years but in other ways, he was still making stupid decisions.
But when it all came down to it, Chloe loved her best friend. Not in that crazy, passionate way she used to- she long got over that- but in a brotherly way. The way that she wanted to see him happy and only wanted what was best for him always.
Unfortunately, that also meant she was unable to resist those puppy eyes and really couldn’t turn him down for anything. Which was exactly how she got roped into Clark’s scheme. She sighed . . . this was not going to turn out well at all.
She pushed those thoughts out of her head. For now, she didn’t want to think about it. She had had a long day and she wanted to get some rest. Entering her apartment, she was surprised to see the light on. Lois wasn’t home . . . she had left her at the Planet. That only meant one thing . . .
Quickly, she made her way to the kitchen and grabbed some bowls, ice cream and all the necessary toppings. She then made her way to her next destination. Hands full, she nudged the door open with her foot and smiled sadly at the scene before her. Just as she thought.
Clark was lying on his bed, holding a picture frame close to his heart and staring out into space. Placing the items on a nearby table, she walked over to the bed and sat by his side.
She stroked his hair, gaining his attention. “Hey you.”
“Hi Chlo,” Clark greeted her and smiled weakly.
“You look awful,” Chloe said bluntly.
“Thanks,” Clark replied, his tone sarcastic. “Please, don’t hold back on my account.”
Chloe grinned, but only for a moment before her expression changed to one of concern. “Clark, I’m serious. You look miserable . . . so I am guessing stage 1 of the plan went off as scheduled.”
“It went off perfectly,” Clark confessed. “I acted like a complete jerk.” He laughed bitterly. “It went off so well that now, my boyfriend is in tears.”
Chloe gasped. “Oliver . . . cried?” The Oliver she knew was strong. But then again, there was something about Clark Kent that could bring the strongest people to their knees.
“Clark,” she continued cautiously, “Are you sure you want to do this?”
“No,” Clark replied morosely. “In fact, I’m positive I don’t. But I have to do this . . . it’s what’s right.”
“Well, if you ask me, I think it’s completely wrong and you don’t have to do a thing,” Chloe argued. “But even I know trying to change your mind is pointless . . . so let’s not talk about it. I brought ice cream and we are going to make sundaes.”
Clark glanced over at the aforementioned items. “I don’t know, Chlo.”
“Clark, I’m going to get you out of this slump,” Chloe commanded. “I know you’re leaving Oliver but you’re leaving me too.”
Clark looked regretful. “Oh Chlo, I didn’t think . . .”
“I know, and it’s okay,” Chloe assured him. “I realized you were upset about leaving Oliver but Clark, I’m used to seeing you on a daily basis. You’re my best friend and don’t think for a second that I’m not going to miss you like hell. I just want us to spend some time together before I lose you.”
“Chloe,” Clark said softly and in one swift motion, pulled her into his arms. Tears filled her hazel eyes and spilled over, the reality of Clark leaving hitting her at full force. She hugged him with everything she had.
“I’m going to miss you too,” Clark told her, gently rubbing her back. “So much, Chloe.”
She sniffed slightly and pulled away from the embrace. “Don’t worry, I’ll be fine. I understand you have to go and I know you’ll be back to be the hero I always know you were.” She gave him a smile and stood up. “Now let’s indulge in some ice cream, before it all melts.”
But she was stopped by Clark gently grabbing her arm. She met his eyes. “What Clark?”
“Chloe,” he said slowly, “I need a favor.” He let her arm go.
“Name it Clark,” Chloe replied.
“When I’m gone . . .,” he started and paused for an instant. “When I’m gone, will you check up on Oliver?”
“Clark?” Chloe questioned.
“I mean, I know he’s fully capable of taking care of himself,” Clark added hastily. “But just as a friend. I have always had you but really, Oliver has only had me. Bart, AC and Victor are okay but he doesn’t confide in them. When I’m gone, I don’t want Ollie curling up in his shell again. So please, I know you’re busy but if you could just be a friend to him . . .”
“Clark,” Chloe interjected, “You don’t even have to ask twice. I care about Oliver very much too. You can count on me to watch over him.” Clark nodded.
“I know, I trust you,” he said confidently.
“I’ll make sure he’s taking care of himself,” Chloe promised him.
Clark smiled, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. But there was a relief in his eyes, a relief that was clearly due to the fact that he knew his Oliver would be well taken care of. He loves Oliver so much, Chloe thought sadly. Why did it have to be this way?
She knew why Clark was asking for this favor. Oliver would not take the breakup well. He would shut down for sure and most probably go into a self-destructive mode. Chloe was good at reading people and Oliver had invested his whole self into this relationship. Losing Clark would be like losing a part of him. It would not end well.
Chloe would definitely check up on him often. Oliver was a good man, a kind person with a strong heart and she loved the way he loved Clark. There was no way she was going to let him ruin himself. Now, she had made a promise to Clark and it was one promise she intended to keep.
Clark didn’t come home that night. Oliver slept alone in their bed and for the first time in a long time, felt how huge it really was. It was so empty, so cold without Clark around. No Clark trying to invade his personal space. No Clark to hold him close and make him feel safe and cherished and loved. No Clark to tell him how much he loved him and no Clark for Oliver to kiss. It was only one night but Oliver hated every moment of it.
He had waited for hours and then as the clock struck 11, he headed out for patrol. Crime rates were improving but Metropolis needed a stable hero. His hopes were that Clark would join them and Metropolis would be his city but for some reason, Clark didn’t seem so keen anymore.
Oliver managed to do his rounds, even being as distracted as he was. He returned home around 2 am and much to his disappointment, Clark hadn’t been there. That had been the point when he resigned himself to sleeping alone.
Now he was lying in bed, exhausted but unable to sleep. Clark was probably either in Smallville or in his apartment. But he wasn’t going to check. With his newfound determination to give Clark his space and win him back, stalking Clark down was no longer a possibility.
How he managed to fall asleep that night was a mystery to him. The sunshine falling on his face was what woke him up the next morning. Blinking a few times to let his eyes get adjusted to the light, he looked at the clock. Nearly 8 am and Clark still was a no show.
Forcing himself out of bed, he got ready and prepared himself for another long day. Come home, Clark, he couldn’t help but think, I miss you.
Clark was also quite reluctant to get out of bed that morning. He had had a late night as well. Chloe and he had spent much of the night talking. It was always fun spending time with Chloe . . . he had been so caught up in thinking about leaving Oliver, he hadn’t even considered Chloe’s feelings.
I’m a horrible person. But he vowed to spend plenty of time with Chloe before he left.
If it wasn’t for Chloe, he probably wouldn’t be around. She had saved his butt too many times to count. He was relieved that she agreed to watch after Oliver and knew that his Ollie would be in good hands. There was no way that Oliver would accept her help willingly but knowing Clark, Oliver would not be able to resist. She wouldn’t let him resist for very long.
Time to get up, Clark. It’s Day 2 of the plan. Clark groaned but dragged himself up anyway. It was going to be another long day.
Chapter 8