STAND pt.3

Pairings - Clark and Chloe most likely
Spoilers - It would help if you've ever Watched Smallville
Disclaimer - As much as I'd like to, I own nothing and will in no way make profit from this piece of fiction from the depths of my imagination.

NOTES - This will be the final chapter is this series of stories. I will likely continue writing SV stories down the road, and - knowing me - they be continuity based on these fics. But this little ficlet will be done once I decide exactly what it is I have to say here. As I write this, I'm actually not even sure what I'm trying to say. I suck. lol

Come see a living, breathing spectacle
Only seen right here
It's your last chance in this lifetime
The line forms at the rear
You won't believe your eyes
Your eyes will not believe your ears
Get your money out, get ready
Step right up, yeah you, come here

You ain't seen nothing like him
He's the last one of the breed
You better hold on to your honey
Honeys, don't forget to breathe
Enter at your own risk, mister
It might change the way you think
There's no dancers, there's no diamonds
No this boy he don't lip synch

Chorus
Here's the last man standing
Step right up, he's the real thing
The last chance of a lifetime
Come and see, hear, feel, the real thing

Last Man Standing - Bon Jovi

"He don't look like much flat on his back."

"You don't look like much on your feet."

"Ouch. Last time I run your ass to the hospital."

"Why did I need that again? Oh yeah, because your tornado effect got disrupted and I got impaled with shrapnel."

"Listen Robin Hood, next time I'll be the guy who stands off to the side firing arrows and giving directions while you're the one running interference for the rampaging genetic freak."

"Man, if I have to listen to you two bicker anymore I'm going to call for a preacher and get you married off."

"Hey man, I'm way too pretty for this hyperactive runt ... Dammit Bart, give that back!"

"Gotta catch me first!"

"Bart! Give that - Dammit!"

"Looks like he heals fast too."

"He better not max out my credit cards again."

"Whatever man. Platinum cards don't get maxed."

"What did the docs say about A.C.?"

"Fishguts'll be up and swimming sooner than later bro. Hopefully we'll be able to use him as bait again real soon."

"Good to hear ... Hey turn it up."

Static crackles.

"This is Erin McAdams for WDAZ Channel 8 in Grand Forks reporting live on the scene in of this horrific incident that has left our quiet city reeling. As you can see by the destruction and devastation behind me, the after effects of this day will be felt in the lives of our citizens for a long time to come."

"It was the most terrifying thing I've ever seen ..."

"Why do they always find the ugliest and obnoxious looking person to give sound bytes?"

"I'm trying to listen, Vic."

"... and there were all these explosions. Dust in the air. I thought it was another terrorist attack."

"While another nine-eleven does seem to be the most common conclusion being drawn today by people across America, the video footage taken as the devastation occurred tells a different story."

"Huh."

"What?"

"That green getup does look ridiculous on me."

"... These are the only glimpses our cameras were able to capture of the combatants who stood in the face of danger today. While we don't know who they are, there is no question by the images you see that they put their lives on the line to defend the people of Grand Forks."

"Wow. We're actually not being labeled as part of the attack."

"That's 'cause I've got a face for TV."

"Hey guys, you feeling any better?"

"My legs are going to need a complete overhaul, but I should be good."

"We'll be fine Watchtower. How's the neck?"

"Remind me to slap Bart for saving my butt without warning. I'm going to have whiplash all week."

"... General Sam Lane refused to comment on the rumoured military involvement surrounding the existence of this monster. Though there is no question that at present, the creature's whereabouts are undetermined."

"Good press?"

"Bad. It's hard to maintain a level of indiscretion when A.C.'s showing off his abs for every TV camera in sight."

"... There's no question in my mind that today's events are part of a bigger problem plaguing the planet right now. These superhuman freaks have caused enough turmoil that it's time someone took action."

"Those are the words of eccentric billionaire Lex Luthor after ..."

Static, clicking.

"Chloe, what the hell?"

"Seriously girl, I was hoping they had vids of me catchin' that truck."

"Sorry guys, but you're done for now."

"What are you? My mother?"

"Ew. Not likely."

"Well come on, put the tube back on."

"Clark doesn't need to hear anymore negative stuff today."

"What? He ain't even ..."

The voices dwindled to a muted hum and then finally faded out. Leaning back further into the padded futon, Clark opened his eyes and looked up at the stars.

The moon was slowly beginning it's descent across the night sky. While it wasn't as good as actually lying beneath a noonday sun, the reflected light coming off the three-quarter moon was helping Clark recharge and rebuild himself. After the state-crossing brawl with Grundy, he learned that he is indeed susceptible to injury and that there are some things on this planet tough enough to put him down.

After delivering the final blows to Grundy, Bart and Clark met up with the crew back at Oliver's Head Quarters in Star City. Placing Grundy's unconscious body in a secure containment field was slightly nervewracking, but Oliver's techs assured Clark that they were using the same combination of sedatives that the military scientists had used to keep him comatose before he'd been freed.

Watching the mechanics work on Vic's legs in the infirmary had been kind of eerie. What with the combinations of hemoglobin and 40-weight oil being applied in equal doses. Oliver had been patched up and was clearly high on something when Clark walked in. With his head lolling about and giggling about the bandages on his face and right side.

Watching Chloe get her neck adjusted and placed into a padded support brace had been tough for him to watch. Admittedly, they both knew how incredibly lucky she was to only have sustained the minor injuries she did. But that didn't make either of them feel any better.

Of course, Chloe had the fun of watching Clark re-break and reset his nose. After the medics working on him found out that his metabolism had already begun the healing process, they'd needed to use Clark's own strength to snap the proboscis back into place. Then there was the need to pop his left shoulder back into its socket. Chloe couldn't help but laugh at his "girlie-man whimpering" as he pressed his shoulder steadily against one of the complex' concrete support pillars complex until finally sliding the bone back into the socket.

Then came the "Norman Bates" shower. Standing under the blessedly refreshing hot water was incredibly therapeutic, but kind of disturbing. Watching the blood, his blood, stream off his body and swirl down the drain was both creepy and fascinating at the same time. Even as he stood there, Clark could feel the gash in his scalp close up. Within hours there wouldn't even be a scar. His ribs were tight as well, even the impact of the water from the tap caused tingles of pain. But those too were knitting back together.

Clark reached over and picked up his mug of coffee to take a sip.

Looking over the rim of his mug at the Star City skyline, Clark sighed.

"Penny for your thoughts?"

Not turning his head, Clark smiled slightly behind the mug. "A penny?"

"Well I'm only a lowly basement dweller at the Daily Planet. I can't afford to shell out the big bucks for thoughts yet."

"But Starbucks coffee and danishes are in the budget?"

"Those are necessities Mr. Kent."

Clark chuckled and took another sip, enjoying the silence and the refreshingly cool night air.

"So, what's a girl got to do to get an invitation to sit?"

Turning his head Clark looked at her for the first time. Despite the padded brace around her neck and a small bandage over her eye, Chloe definitely looked better than he did. She'd changed her clothes into a spare track suit from Oliver's closet; green, of course. Her hair was combed and straight, despite the breezy curls threatening to pop out. She did have a half way hesitant and half way hopeful smile pursing her lips, and she was still carrying the tattered remains of his jacket.

"Do you have something to offer?"

From beneath the jacket, Chloe brandished a thermos.

Clark smiled slightly and motioned to the cushions next to him, sitting upright to avoid taking all the room.

Chloe's smile widened slightly as she gingerly sat next to him. Clark adjusted position again, leaning against the backrest and facing out to the skyline. She settled in next to him, not quite touching. She passed over the thermos.

"Coffee?"

"What else?"

Clark handed Chloe his mug, and poured them both another cup of joe. Putting the thermos off to the side, Clark leaned back against the cushions and sighed.

Nothing was said for a long time as the two of them took the time to relax after the hellish events of the day and feel the cool breeze. It was a strange juxtaposition, looking at the placid and calm Star City skyline after the destruction and painful moments of the day. Clark took a deep breath and winced, surreptitiously rubbing at his side.

Chloe quirked an eyebrow, her mug halfway to her lips and spoke. "You okay?"

Clark grunted non-committally as he felt at his ribcage. Taking a few seconds to investigate the damage, Clark pressed his fingers delicately against each individual bone prodding for damage.

Concerned, Chloe started to sit forward. "You want me to get help?"

"No," he prodded a bit more. Then stopped, leaning back with a sigh. "No, I'm good. I think the bones are back in one piece. But it's still all bruised underneath. It might be a few more hours before I'm back to normal."

Chloe blinked. "Caved in ribcage. Severe internal bleeding. Multiple contusions. Broken nose and dislocated shoulder. Back to full health within 36 hours." Chloe paused to take a sip as Clark stared at her curiously. "Normal?"

Clark chuckled, wincing slightly. "Ow. Don't make me laugh."

"Considering the way I found you this afternoon, I'm just glad I can even make you laugh."

Clark paused mid-sip, eyeing her carefully. Chloe got very quiet, holding her mug in both hands directly in front of her lips but not drinking. As Clark studied her, she her eyes flickered his direction several times before glancing away again.

"You were worried about me." It wasn't a question.

Chloe put the mug down into her lap. She forced a laugh. "I'm always worried about you."

"Chloe …"

"I mean, usually it's just a God I hope he's not wearing that stupid jacket today, kind of worry. The kind where I know everything's okay. But this … " Chloe paused, putting her hand to her lips and turning away. When she continued, her voice was strained. "This was worse than Dark Thursday, Clark. Worse than the time Zod kicked your butt after the whole Phantom Zone thing. Worse than Titan and the internet fight club."

"Chloe," his voice was soft as he touched her arm. She paused, reaching across to grab his hand. When she turned back to him, there were tears in her eyes and tracks down her cheeks.

"When I found you in North Dakota, in the remains of that building …. I thought to myself … This is it. That you'd finally come face to face with something that you couldn't stop." A sob escaped her lips, tears flowing freely and her fingers tightened on his hand. "You were bleeding … Your face was all mushed up … I thought …. Clark … I thought …"

Delicately, Clark placed his hand on the back of Chloe's head and urged her forward. Not fighting it, Chloe pressed his face against Clark's shoulder and finally unleashed the torrent of emotions that she'd kept bottled in all day. Clutching his battered jacket between them, Chloe bawled into Clark's re-located shoulder while he pressed his cheek to the top of her head, quietly whispering in her ear and stroked the back of her neck.

More time passed. They stayed like that until Chloe's tears were long gone. Eventually, they found themselves reclined against the futon's cushions still holding each other carefully. Neither of them wanting to let go.

"I was worried about you too."

She snorted. "Oh yeah?"

"Yeah." He was quiet for another moment, still stroking her hair. Her hands still clutched his jacket between them as she squirmed a little closer.

"You were very brave today, Chloe." She blinked and stared up at him in surprise. "I mean, I'm usually pretty indestructible. So throwing myself in front of a guy like Grundy's not really surprising. But you …" Clark tilted her chin up so he could look her in the eyes. "You were right there, in the thick of things putting it all on the line. Not worried about anything except the people you care about." He smiled, brushing a lock of her hair out of her softly blushing face.

Sitting up slightly Chloe regained a touch of her snark. "Whatever, hero. It was you guys who did all the heavy lifting."

"That's what guys are good for." They shared a laugh. Clark's face got serious again. "You can call me a hero if you want. But the truth is, if I was half the hero you are I would find it in me to do the things that need doing without hurting the ones I love."

Chloe paused. "What's that supposed to mean? I got hurt through my own fault."

"That's not what I mean." He looked away up at the stars. "Sometimes I think that no matter how hard I try to do right thing the people I love most tend to suffer. My Parents. My friends. Lana. Pete. Lois." He turned back and met her gaze, his blue-green eyes sparkling wetly in the moonlight. "You."

Chloe blinked rapidly. "Clark…" She paused clearing her throat. "I know you would never hurt me."

"But I have. And by being near me you get hurt." He closed his eyes, seeming to be struggling with himself. "I have said and done things to you that are inexcusable, no matter the circumstances. Yet here you are, following my dumb ass to North Dakota and getting in the face of the latest monster in my life."

"Are you trying to tell me to stay away? Because I can't do that." She grabbed a firm grip on his chin. "I don't want to do that. I like being your confident, sidekick or whatever you and the boys call me behind my back. I need it. I need to know that I'm helping you to make a difference in the world."

"Even if it costs you your life?"

"Yeah, because you're only playing for Monopoly money."

He smiled brightly. "Fair enough."

They enjoyed each other's company in silence for the next few minutes. Clark's breathing slowly got deeper as he finally began to relax. Chloe snuggled in some more, resting her head on his chest. Enjoying the rise and fall, the continued thrumming of his heartbeat, his warm breath ruffling the hair on the top of her head. When he adjusted his arm around her shoulders and secured her against his body, Chloe allowed herself to smile.

"Clark?"

He grunted sleepily. "Yeah?"

"This is nice."

She could see him smile. "It is." After a pause, "I wonder why we've never done this before?"

"Fight monsters?"

"Sleep together."

Chloe's eyes popped full open in surprise. Whipping her gaze up, she saw his barely suppressed grin. With a slow smile spreading across her face, Chloe slowly let her head rest back on his chest before answering.

"Well, if I'd known you were this comfy I'd have considered trying this sooner."

"You didn't think I was comfy?"

"Not this comfy."

"Well consider yourself invited to sleep with me anytime you want."

"That's a pretty forward statement coming from you, farm boy."

"We nearly died today."

"So?"

He paused for a long moment. "I just … I want you to … " He cleared his throat as a slight flush creeped up his cheeks. Chloe suppressed a hopeful smile. Flustered, Clark caught her amused expression. "You're gonna make me say it aren't you."

She nodded quickly, like a little girl. Her smile widening.

Clark sighed and closed his eyes. "You make me believe I can be a hero, Chloe." He opened his eyes, the moonlight glinting green at her. "Without you … I don't think I could do this without you."

Chloe looked like she was going to respond, then didn't. Instead she tucked her head back to his chest and snuggled in. Clark sighed and leaned his head back.

After some time.

"I'm not getting that jacket back am I?"

"No way."

END