The last chapter is here! Thank you to those of you have stuck with me on this long journey ... I appreciate all the support and kind feedback. I hope you all like this final chapter. Let me know what you think!

Chapter 21

"I don't think we should do this anymore."

Oliver could only gape at Clark, unable to believe the words that had come out of the brunette's mouth.

"Excuse me?"

"Oliver," Clark said patiently, his mouth in a tight line. "I just think that we should end this … whatever this is. Stop the friends with benefits and maybe just go back to being friends."

"I thought we were doing well, Clark," Oliver said, his heart breaking. "I don't understand …"

"It's just not working for me anymore, Oliver," Clark said, shrugging.

"It was working fine for you this morning!" Oliver said, unable to keep the shock out of his voice at the sudden turn of events.

Yeah, well this morning I hadn't seen you kissing Lois. And what was with Oliver anyway? Clark honestly thought he would be relieved that Clark was ending it … that way he wouldn't have to tell Clark that he wanted to stop what they had so he could go back to Lois.

What he was notexpecting was his shocked response … with something akin to hurt in his brown eyes.

But Clark had already decided the minute Oliver came in that he was going to be the one to end it. He had to present a strong front, even if he was dying inside.

Oliver was more confused than ever … he had to keep fighting though. Because right now, he was on the brink of losing everything.

"Oliver," Clark was saying, "Things change."

"People don't do 180s in a span of a few hours, Clark," Oliver argued. "What's going on with you? Please … tell me."

"Nothing is going on with me," Clark replied coolly. "Oliver, I don't see why you're freaking out … we always knew what we had was temporary."

"Don't I at least get a reason?" Oliver asked, one step short of begging.Clark, can't you see how much I love you?

Let me go, Ollie … please. Clark still didn't get why Oliver was trying so hard to hold on.

Besides, didn't the blonde have Lois now? Part of him wanted to just ask but he couldn't bring himself to. It was too embarrassing. Even thinking about it brought back the hurt and pain that a few hours alone couldn't cure.

"Oliver, we were friends with benefits," Clark reminded him. "You act like if it was something more … it wasn't."

Each word out of Clark's mouth was a direct stab to his heart.

"You don't mean that," he found himself saying.

"I do," Clark replied, "Ollie … we both know that this is for the best. We're only holding each other back … this way we can both be free."

"I didn't feel held back," Oliver said, his throat tightening.

"Oliver, let's not do this," Clark said, "We should just make a clean break while we can. This was just about the sex … we had some fun times sure, but in the end, the relationship part was just about sex. Nothing more, nothing less."

"I see," Oliver said, "I'm glad to hear where you stand on all of this."

"You've always known where I stood," Clark said, "I've never kept my feelings a secret … you feel the same way, remember?"

No, I don't … I love you … I'm in love with you. For me, the sex is a side benefit and for you, it's the whole relationship.

But at least he didn't, like a fool, speak first, risk his heart and get it handed back to him in pieces. This way, he found out exactly where Clark stood. Chloe had been wrong … he didn't want more, he didn't love him.

He had certainly fooled Oliver … Clark had showered all this affection on him and he thought that this time, he had found The One. Just to find out that his feelings were not reciprocated.

"Oliver?" Clark said, bringing him back to reality. "You still there?"

"I'm here," Oliver forced out. "I was just thinking … and perhaps you're correct." A flicker of emotion passed through Clark's eyes but it faded quickly.

"Yes, I know I am," Clark said confidently. "You understand than? You've seen my point of view."

"I have," Oliver said. I don't agree with it but I suppose I really don't have a choice, do I?

"Wonderful," Clark responded. "I hope that we can stay friends …"

"Of course," Oliver said, with a fake smile. If friends means I avoid you at every opportunity and limit our interactions, sure, we can be great friends.

"Great," Clark said.

"Great," Oliver repeated. "I actually have to get going … I'll see you later, Clark."

"K, bye Ollie," Clark said, not the least bit bothered.

"Bye Clark," Oliver responded, shooting the man he loved a long look before he headed for the stairs.

"Hey Ollie," Clark said, stopping him in his tracks. "Why did you come here anyway?"

"It's not important," Oliver told him, not even looking back. I just wanted to tell you that I love you.

Without another word, Oliver made his way down the stairs and out of the barn, only too eager to flee.

Stepping into his car, he pulled out, heading back to Metropolis. It was over … Clark and he were over.

They hadn't even been together.

And that would always be his biggest regret.

Clark and Oliver … who would've thought? Lois chuckled to herself. After she had left Ollie's penthouse, she had to run a few errands but now she was back in her own apartment.

She had felt awful when she kissed Oliver and didn't feel an iota of what she used to … she hated the idea that she was leading him on. But when Oliver said he was in love with someone else, she had been immensely relieved.

Her eyes had fallen on Clark's jacket and everything had just come together. It all made sense and she just knew. But it didn't bother her in the least.

Clark turning out to be bisexual had been something she hadn't expected but she supposed after all the traumatic experiences he had had with women, it was really no wonder that he turned to men.

At least Oliver loved Clark so she knew that her best friend would be well taken care of. This time, it seemed that Oliver was learning from his mistakes and was actually willing to share his entire life with Clark.

Entering the apartment, she smiled when she saw Chloe sitting there. Oh you sneaky cousin of mine. What are you hiding? Chloe Sullivan was the best secrets keeper ever apparently and she felt a tug of affection for her younger cousin, who was such a loyal friend to everyone, Lois included.

"Hey cuz," she said.

Chloe looked up, smiling but there was a tinge of sadness in those hazel eyes.

"Hey Lois," Chloe replied. "How are you?"

"I'm good," Lois responded. "You?"

"Same," Chloe said. "So how was your talk with Oliver?"

"It went well," Lois told her. "We're friends."

"Friends?" Chloe echoed, "And you're okay with that?"

"Yeah," Lois responded. "I did kiss him but neither of us felt anything … I guess I was just trying to hold on to the past. I'm glad that I went though … now I know for sure that I'm over Oliver." She grinned. "Besides, Oliver is madly in love with our favorite farm boy."

"He's what?" Chloe exclaimed.

"In love with Clark," Lois said, frowning at her cousin's horrified expression. "Remember Smallville? 6'3", dark hair, lives here and runs around wearing flannel?"

"Oliver's in love with Clark," Chloe repeated, clearly dazed.

"Don't play dumb with me, Chloe," Lois teased, "I mean, we all know you were in on the secret that was their little affair."

"I knew," Chloe agreed. "But … the two of you aren't together?"

"Nope," Lois responded, "We're just friends … Ollie wants to be with Clark and I gave him the go-ahead."

"You did?" Chloe asked.

"Of course, I like to see Smallville happy," Lois said defensively. "I mean, I know that I make fun of him but he really does matter to me. Oliver makes him happy … why shouldn't I approve of their relationship? What's wrong with you anyway?"

"Lois," Chloe said slowly. "Clark saw the two of you kissing."

Lois felt the color drain from her face.

"What?"

"He went to tell Oliver he's in love with him," Chloe said, "And he saw the two of you kissing …"

"Oh God," Lois gasped. "What did he say?"

"He thinks the two of you are together," Chloe informed her. "His plan is to move on from Oliver."

Lois buried her head in her hands. "I can't believe it," Lois moaned. "Clark's miserable and it's all my fault."

"No it's not," Chloe said immediately. "Lois, I didn't tell you about Clark and Ollie … nobody did. You couldn't have been expected to know. I mean, at least this way, the two of you got closure and know for sure that you don't want each other."

"But what about Clark?" Lois asked desperately.

"Well, maybe Oliver went to go see Clark and told him that he loved him," Chloe suggested but the look in her eyes told Lois that she wasn't convinced. They both knew that if that had been the case, Clark would've called by now. From Chloe's behavior, Lois deduced there had not been any interactions so that had not happened.

"I can't let Clark destroy himself because of me," Lois said determinedly. "I have to call him and let him know what happened. He has to hear it from me that nothing's up."

Chloe nodded encouragingly. Lois found her phone and dialed Clark's cell phone number.

She waited as it rang again and again but nobody picked up. It went to the message and Lois didn't even bother. Snapping her phone shut, she looked at Chloe, a mixture of disappointment and worry creased on her features.

"He's not picking up, is he?" Chloe asked, not seeming the least bit surprised.

"What do we do?" Lois asked.

Their eyes met and the idea seemed to strike at the same time.

"Call Oliver," they said at the same time.

If they couldn't reach Clark, they were going to try the other half, hoping that he'd pick up.

Oliver was driving back to his penthouse, still miserable, when he heard his cell phone go off. He was going to ignore it but when he saw Lois' name on the ID, he decided to pick up.

"Hi Lois," he said.

"Oliver." The voice at the other end was panicked.

"What's up?" he asked.

"Oliver, have you spoken to Clark yet?" Lois wanted to know.

"Yes, I have," Oliver admitted, his tone changing to one of dejection.

"What happened?" Lois asked.

"He said that he doesn't want to even be with me anymore," Oliver replied. "Thinks it's best we go our separate ways."

"Did you tell him you love him?" Lois wanted to know.

"Why would I do that after what he said?" Oliver questioned, trying to keep his eyes on the road.

"Oliver," Lois said frantically. "He saw us kissing."

Oliver slammed on the brakes. Fortunately, nobody was near him. Quickly pulling over to the side of the road, he turned his full attention to the conversation.

"What did you just say?" Oliver demanded.

"I said he saw us kissing," Lois repeated. "He came to see you … he saw us kissing and left. Ollie, he thinks we're together."

"Where did you hear this?" Oliver asked.

"From Chloe," Lois responded. "She heard it from Clark … he sounded really heartbroken about the whole thing."

His Clark was hurt … he had unintentionally hurt the man he loved.

"Oliver, you have to go talk to Clark," Lois urged. "You need to tell him what's going on."

"You're right," Oliver agreed. "I have to go see him."

He had no doubts that Clark's change of heart had to do with what he saw and he was going to make sure Clark knew that the only person that Oliver wanted was Clark himself.

"Thanks for telling me Lois," Oliver said gratefully.

"No problem, I hope I haven't screwed things up too badly," Lois said apologetically.

"It'll be fine," he told her. Exchanging goodbyes, he hung up. It would be fine. He'd make sure it turned out fine.

Making a u-turn that was illegal and would've been dangerous if there was traffic around, Oliver sped back to Smallville.

I'm coming, Clark … and this time, I'm not letting you go that easily.

Chloe stared eagerly at her cousin, as she hung up. When Lois had stated that she and Oliver were just friends, Chloe had nearly freaked out.

Somewhere, Clark was giving up on Oliver and the blonde was madly in love with her best friend.

"Ollie is going back to talk to Clark," Lois said, clearly relieved. Chloe knew her cousin had felt super guilty for what part she might've played in their falling out.

"That's good," Chloe replied.

Lois shook her head. "Did you know Clark told Oliver that he didn't want to even continue their friends with benefits situation?"

"Oh man," Chloe said. If they hadn't run interference, she didn't want to imagine the consequences. Oliver would've gone back to Star City and Clark would be in Metropolis, both thousands of miles apart, thinking the other one didn't love them.

It would've been horrible.

At least Oliver was going back now … please let them work things out. She cared about both men and she wanted to see them happy.

They had done all they could. Now all they could do was wait.

Upon reaching the farm, Oliver practically jumped out of his car, refraining from running into the barn. But he was eager to see Clark.I know you love me Clark. He was going to make the brunette admit it too.

Within a matter of minutes, he was at the top of the steps.

Clark was exactly where he left him … staring out into the sky. He must've heard him come in because he turned around, surprise filtering into his features upon seeing Oliver.

But all Oliver could see was his Clark standing there, so close and still available. He was his and Oliver was going to make sure Clark knew it too.

Unable to resist, he closed the distance between them. Words weren't cooperating so he did the first thing he could think of … he kissed Clark.

Clark responded instantly and his arms encircled around Oliver's back.Ha, Kent … say you don't want me anymore, do you? From the way Clark's lips were exploring his own, he highly doubted that.

Which was perfectly fine with him … in fact, internally he was doing a happy dance.

Before he could really rejoice, Clark pulled away suddenly.

"Clark," Oliver said.

"What are you doing?" Clark asked, clearly upset.

"Kissing you," Oliver replied. "And from what I got, you were kissing me back."

"I don't think your girlfriend would appreciate you kissing me," Clark said, a sneer marring his handsome features.

"Considering I don't have a girlfriend, I don't see how that would be a problem," Oliver replied, with a smile.

Clark glared at him. "You don't, do you?"

"I know you saw me kissing Lois, Clark," Oliver said, softening his voice.

He was observing Clark very carefully so he saw the pain in the brunette's green eyes, which was gone just as quickly as it came.Oh Clark … I love you … only you. The idea that his lover had been suffering at all was enough to fill him with guilt.

"It doesn't matter," Clark said, shrugging. "I mean … I was the one who said it right? That the fates may eventually lead the two of you back together." He smiled but Ollie could tell it was forced. "Looks like I was right."

"You were wrong," Oliver corrected him. "We're not together."

"In the process of getting back together then," Clark said. "That works too … I'm really happy for you, Oliver. I'm hope the two of you make each other happy."

Oliver felt as though he was going to be sick. The brunette sounded sosincere, which did nothing for his guilt.

Lois may have kissed him but he damn well kissed her back. It was a brief moment and he pulled away but he had done it. And he had hurt Clark because of it.

"We're not together, Clark," Oliver said firmly. "We'll never be together again. Lois came to see me today … I wasn't expecting her and shekissedme. I did pull away. There's nothing left there and we've both accepted it. Yes, I loved her once but not anymore."

Clark's expression didn't waver.

"I don't know what that has to do with me," Clark commented. "I mean, I'm sorry there's nothing there for the two of you but I don't see why you're telling me this."

The time is now … be brave Oliver. This is your moment.

"Clark, you're the entire reason I don't feel anything for Lois anymore," Oliver proclaimed. "I don't love her anymore … because I'm in love with someone else. I'm in love with you."

A strangled gasp escaped Clark's throat, his cool composure vanishing.

"You're what?" Clark asked.

"I'm in love with you," Oliver repeated. "I'm hopelessly, passionately … in love with you."

Clark turned away, which was not the reaction he had been quite hoping for.

"Clark?" Oliver said, trying to get an answer from the brunette. His heart was on the line now … the silence was driving him crazy.

"How could you do this to me?" came the soft reply.

"What do you mean?" Oliver was confused now.

Clark spun suddenly, his eyes blazing.

"What is wrongwith you?" Clark asked angrily.

"What's wrong with me?" Oliver repeated, "I just told you I loved you and you're freaking out!"

"Of course I am," Clark yelled. "Why do you keep messing with my head?"

"Messing with your head?" Oliver echoed. "I'm not messing with your head."

"Yes, you are," Clark replied, his tone raising with each word. "You do all these crazy things that show me that you care … you open the door for me, you hold my hand in front of everyone … you plan this incredible, amazing night. And then you kiss Lois. What the hell am I supposed to think?"

"Itoldyou," Oliver protested. "She kissed me … I didn't feel a thing."

"Youkissed her back," Clark retorted. "I saw that kiss … it was not a small peck, Oliver. How can I believe you love me?"

"I do," Oliver said. "That kiss meant nothing."

"Wonderful, just two months ago, you were saying that you came back for her and now she means nothing?" Clark asked sarcastically. "It's good to know that feelings are long lasting with you. How long will it be until I mean nothing?"

Oliver was angry now. How dare he make insinuations about him like this?

"Is that what you think of me, Clark?" Oliver asked, fury building its way into his tone. "That I just jump around from bed to bed? I held on to my feelings for Lois for months … even when I wasn't with her, I thought of her. Do you want to know how long I've wanted you? For a year and a half. What do you think about that?"

"You've wanted me for a year and a half?" Clark asked, anger dying quickly.

"Yes," Oliver said, still upset. "I have."

"Oh Ollie," Clark said, his expression turning remorseful. "I just … I didn't want to get hurt. This is hard for me."

"Don't you think it's hard for me?" Oliver demanded. "To admit that I love you? It's scary … I've never been so nervous in my entire life, Clark. And you just go and say that I don't care about you? That I'd toy with your heart? Do you even know me at all?"

"I just love you so much," Clark said softly. "I don't really react rationally when it comes to my heart."

"Yeah, well, you know what?" Oliver went on but then he froze, Clark's words registering.

"Did you say you love me?" Oliver asked, meeting the brunette's nervous gaze.

"I did," Clark confirmed, shifting his feet. "I love you, Oliver."

Oliver was at a loss for words. He loves me! Clark bit his lip, staring at Oliver expectantly.

God I hope he's not too upset. To hear Oliver say he loved him was such a shock and he had lashed out stupidly, but he could only pray that Ollie would not leave him.

"I'm sorry," Clark began to apologize. "I shouldn't have said those things …"

But he was cut off … by Oliver covering his mouth with his own. Clark gave himself completely to the kiss, as he had so many times before.

When they separated, Oliver was grinning.

"You love me," Oliver said, a dazed look in his eyes.

"I love you," Clark repeated, happy to say those words aloud at last.

"I love you too," Oliver told him. "And don't think for a second I'm going to lose interest in you … you're mine now Clark Kent, and I am planning to keep you for a very long time."

"I'm yours," Clark agreed, "And you're mine."

"Good," Oliver said. No more words were spoken, as Oliver chose that moment to capture Clark's lips once more.

Clark wasn't going to complain … they had tons of time to talk later.

When he began his tryst with Oliver, he had never expected it to last. It had and what started out with just sex and had turned out into Clark finding his soul mate.

But Clark was learning that the best things in life were unexpected.

THE END!