Title: A Little Rain Must Fall
Written for: Chloe Sullivan Ficathon
Pairing: Chloe/Clark
Rating: PG-13
"I'm really glad we got a chance to hang out, Chloe. I've missed our friendship."
Chloe raised one eyebrow at Clark as they walked through one of the many, vast Kent Farm fields.
"I know, I know," he hastily apologized. "It was mostly my fault. I guess what I’m trying to say is that I'm glad you gave me a second chance. And I'm sorry that it took you almost getting blown up for me to realize how much I missed you and cared about you."
Chloe smiled, a slight blush rising in her cheeks. "I'm glad we're back on track too, Clark. I know part of the blame for the weirdness between us was my fault. And it took me almost getting blown up to realize that I'd rather have you in my life as my friend than not have you in my life at all."
The two shared an awkward grin; unspoken thoughts running through both of their minds, both knowing they needed to take things slow as they rebuilt their friendship.
"I can't believe we start school in a week," Clark commented, moving the discussion back to safer ground.
"I know. The summer just flew by. And school is going to be weird this year without Pete and Lana."
"I know. We'll just have to stick together, Chlo'." Feeling bold, Clark reached out and took her hand. She hesitated before interlacing her fingers with his. They walked hand-in-hand in companionable silence for several minutes. Clark looked up at the sky and noticed a dark cloud settling over the field.
"Uh oh," he said. "We better turn around and head back. It looks like it's going to rain any minute."
Chloe followed his gaze and noticed the huge, dark cloud. A mischievous smile played across her face. "I'll race you to the barn, Kent," she taunted before releasing his hand and taking off running.
Clark followed her at an easy sprint, keeping his abilities in check. He still wasn't quite ready to share his secret with Chloe. They ran, tossing insults at each other, and made it halfway across the field before the skies opened and the rain poured down on them.
Clark was considering grabbing Chloe's hand and using his super speed to get them to the barn before they got soaked, but Chloe stopped running. She stood in the field, arms spread and twirled like a little girl with a new dress.
"Chloe! What are you doing?"
"I'm enjoying nature, Clark! A little rain never hurt anyone - You should try it! It’s exhilarating!" She laughed as the rain pelted them and the winds whipped around them.
Clark watched her for a moment, her pure glee radiating and making him feel so good. Then he noticed a flash of lightening in the distance. A low rumble of thunder followed after a few seconds.
"Come on, Chloe, we don't want to be in the middle of this field when that lightening moves through." He grabbed her hand and tugged her towards the barn. A few minutes later, they reached the barn, hand-in-hand and soaked through. Once inside, Chloe promptly sneezed.
"Bless you," Clark responded automatically. "You're going to get sick if you stay in those wet clothes."
Chloe peered out of the barn and jumped back when a bolt of lightning and loud crash of thunder struck just outside the barn.
"Well, I don't think we'll be able to make it to the house right now, so I'm stuck in them."
Clark walked over to a trunk in the corner of the barn. "I think there are some clothes in here." He began to rummage through the trunk, finding one pair of blue jeans and a large flannel shirt. He looked up at Chloe.
"Well, this shirt should be big enough to, um..." he blushed a little and wasn't able to finish his sentence.
Chloe smiled. "Yeah, it should cover everything that needs covered. Thanks. I'll just go over here behind the tool cabinet and change."
Still blushing and turning awkwardly away, "Why don't we go sit in the loft?" Clark suggested, once they were out of their wet clothes."I have a blanket up there and we can sit and watch the storm. If you want to, you know,” he continued to fumble his words in his embarrassment.
“Sure, it’s a little chilly in here with no pants,” Chloe responded, walking out from behind the tool chest.
They climbed the steps to the loft and snuggled under the blanket. After several minutes of silently watching the storm raging outside, Clark turned and studied Chloe's profile intently. She silently endured his scrutiny for a moment and then turned to meet his eye.
"Why are you staring at me?"
"Because you look beautiful," he answered, not sure where his boldness was coming from.
Chloe laughed. "My hair is soaked, my makeup is streaked and I'm wearing one of your old flannel shirts. Give me a break, Clark."
Reaching up with one finger, Clark pushed a lock of wet hair from her forehead. Chloe shuddered slightly at the unexpected touch.
"I have never seen you look more beautiful, Chloe. Something today finally opened my eyes to what was right in front of my face all along."
Chloe's eyes narrowed in confusion, not sure if Clark was saying what she thought, even hoped, he might be saying. Their eyes locked, both trying to read the other's mind to determine if they were feeling the same thing.
Slowly, Clark leaned forward and his lips gently pressed against Chloe's. Their kiss was tentative at first, but soon grew passionate. Chloe threw her arms around Clark's waist as he buried his hands in her wet hair.
Clark pulled back from the kiss and began to stroke Chloe's face. "I can't believe what a fool I've been," he murmured as his lips began to trace their way along her neck and collarbone. Every nerve in Chloe's body felt alive. Gently, Clark eased her down until she was laying on her back on his cot. She reached up and ran her hands through his thick, dark hair. One hand clasped the back of his head and pulled him to her for another kiss. Within moments their bodies were tangled, passion rising between them.
As Clark began to slowly unbutton the oversized flannel shirt she was wearing, Chloe gasped. Still trying to catch her breath, "Wait a minute, Clark. This is all happening too fast."
He stopped what he was doing and sat up on the cot, studying her face. Her expression showed the myriad of emotions that she was feeling: desire, confusion, relief, and a touch of panic.
"I'm sorry, Chloe. I got carried away. I just never realized how attracted to you I was, well am." Clark ran a hand through his hair as his cheeks colored slightly. His words tumbled out in a rush, fueled by the embarrassment of what he had almost done.
Chloe smiled her brilliant smile at him. "Its okay, Clark, I'm not mad at you. I just think we should take this one step at a time."
He smiled back. "You're right, of course, as usual."
"It's about time you realized I'm always right," she smiled as she sat up next to him.
Clark took Chloe's hand in his. "Chloe Sullivan? I would be honored if you would agree to be my girlfriend," he said, looking deeply into her eyes.
"I would be honored to be your girlfriend, Clark Kent."
They kissed to cement their new relationship.
End