#fall square

Metropolis was beautiful this time of year; the trees were so lively and full of color, and the city was buzzing with cheer as everyone prepared for the coming holidays. Even with the chilly fall breeze and increasingly bitter weather, the season never failed to bring a smile to (Y/N)’s face. 

She hugged herself a little tighter as another frigid gust blew past her, causing a shower of leaves to cascade down around her. The colder the weather got, the more grateful she was for the plaid scarf Clark had recently gifted her. She hadn’t been too fond of the color choice at first - it was a mixture of warm autumn colors; splashes of brilliant reds, vibrant yellows, various browns and burnt oranges.

But, despite her initial dislike of the garment, she couldn’t bring herself to actually tell Clark this. Knowing her boyfriend and his Kansas heart of gold, he bought it with good intentions and she wouldn’t (and couldn’t) diminish any joy from his steel blue eyes. It was the thought that counted anyway, right? And so, to satisfy her guilty conscience, she wore it every time mother nature decided to show her uglier side.

(Y/N) sighed with content as she continued along the cobblestone path, her boots heavy against the stone as she crunched through the fallen leaves. The path was encased by an overhanging of thick branches and leaves that were ever changing and breathtaking in the early morning sun. This was her favorite place to find peace, hidden by skyscrapers and tucked away into the heart of the city. It was so quiet this early in the morning, with the exception of a few morning song birds, and it sort of became her own fortress of solitude in a way. 

She only slowed in her stroll when she approached the old bridge overlooking the lily pond, pausing to lean over the stone edge and peer down into the water. She tipped her head curiously, gazing down at her own reflection and smiling softly at herself. She supposed the scarf wasn’t too bad after all; it was soft and warm and the colors went surprisingly well with her red coat. She’d make a point to thank Clark one more time.

(Y/N) didn’t know how long she’d remained there on the bridge, watching - mesmerized really - by the fluttering leaves and the way they rippled against the water’s surface. Time seemed to be irrelevant here and that was something she was perfectly okay with. 

But then, seemingly out of nowhere, there was someone suddenly behind her and she felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end with the closeness, her body naturally tensing and preparing for fight or flight. She hadn’t been expecting anyone.

She spun when the unknown person got closer, instinctively spinning and swinging a hand toward the stranger’s face in defense. Her open palm swiped past the man’s nose, nearly missing connection as he ducked back out of the way, the hot coffees sloshing out over their lids and onto his hands (he feigned a hiss of pain.). “Whoa, hey!” Came the familiar voice. His thick rimmed glasses shifted down to the end of his nose with the sudden movement, his blue eyes wide with surprise and his curly hair tousled out of place, leaving a single curl dangling in front.

“Jesus Chri- Clark!” (Y/N) gasped with surprise, her hand grasping at her chest in an attempt to ease her racing heart. Her (Y/E/C) eyes were as wide as his, her chest rising and falling with quickened gasps. “You scared the crap out of me.” She shook her head and ran a nervous hand through her (Y/H/C) hair, swiping it back and out of her face. 

“Oh jeez, I’m sorry (Y/N). I didn’t mean to startle you.” Clark admitted sheepishly, setting down the coffees and brushing the hot liquid off his hands with the back of his jeans. He could hear the rapid rate of her heart and he genuinely felt bad for giving her such a fright. He quickly pushed his glasses back up the bridge of his nose. “It’s just that I…. I wanted to surprise you… before heading into work.” He offered her a shy smile, motioning toward the coffee stained paper cups resting on the ledge. He readjusted the strap of his leather satchel bag. 

(Y/N) sighed as she followed his gaze, her expression softening and filling with adoration. He really was the sweetest. She picked up the cup labelled with her name (or something she assumed was supposed to be her name. Those coffee shops can never seem to spell anything right.). 

“Hazelnut?” She asked, casting a curious gaze up at him from under her lashes, her perfect brow arching in question. She brought the cup to her lips, but didn’t take a sip yet. She could feel it’s warmth radiating through the cup and into the palms of her hands. She inhaled it’s alluring scent, her mouth watering.

Clark’s smile shifted and curled up at one side, moving in to place his hands at either side of her waist. “Of course.” He promised, peering down at her through his false glasses. “Exactly the way you like it… extra foam an’ all.” He recited her order, his voice deep and assuring, knowing it like the back of his hand. He lifted a hand and brushed his knuckles over the smooth skin of her cheek, using his fingers to tuck a defiant hair behind her ear before finding its place back at her hip. 

She felt her face flush and darken with heat at the sudden contact, this time welcoming the closeness. This was so unlike Clark, to be so firm and confident. His hands felt so large and strong against her hips. She smiled up at him before taking a cautious sip from her coffee, not wanting to burn herself. She hummed with delight as the warmth spread through her. The sound of her satisfaction widened the smile on Clark’s face and made his own heart flutter. 

 Clark stared down at her with adoring blue eyes, soaking in every detail down to the very last freckle and imperfectly perfect strand of (Y/H/C) hair. Her face got warm again and she got increasingly self conscious under his intense gaze. “What?” She asked with a nervous laugh, ducking her face a little to try and hide.

Clark caught her chin and tipped her face back up, meeting her with a look of love and affection. “Don’t do that. Don’t hide.” He commented softly, brushing his thumb against her jaw. His skin felt rough against hers - from the years of working on the farm, she assumed. “Not from me.” She sucked in a shaky breath and met his gaze once again, her heart pounding heavily in her ears. 

She watched as his gaze shifted from her eyes, dropping to her parted lips before wetting his own. She watched as his tongue darted out and his hand snaked around to the back of her neck, entangling it into her hair. He leaned in slowly, hesitated for a moment before closing the distance. 

(Y/N) inhaled sharply and her senses were overwhelmed by Clark; a scent so intoxicating and delicious (fresh cinnamon and something else she couldn’t quite put her finger on) that it made her head spin… or maybe that was just the effect he had on her? She didn’t know anymore, nor did she care. 

His lips seemed to hesitate at first before finding their rhythm, moving in time with hers. She parted her lips during the exchange and invited him in - which he accepted eagerly. Their tongues twisted and danced together, tasting and indulging in their favorite flavors. 

This wasn’t the first time they’d kissed and it certainly wouldn’t be the last… but there was something about this kiss that felt… different. Good… great even, but different. It was something that (Y/N) was willing to discover further with Clark. 

She felt his hand pull gently at the root of her hair and the sensation sent a shiver through her spin until it settled deep into her stomach where she knew it was fester and grow into something more. A soft, delicious moan escaped her throat, the sound causing Clark to falter in his movements and let out a groan of his own.

Clark was the one who pulled away first, leaving her breathless and dizzy. He didn’t go far, pressing his forehead against hers with his hand still tucked behind her neck. His thumb rubbed against her jaw, just below her ear. Her eyes fluttered open after a moment, her mind finally catching up with her body. 

“Clark that was…” She mused, her voice breathy and awestruck. Her face was warm and her heart was still trying to beat out of her chest, this time in a much more welcoming manner. A smile broke out across her face.

The corner of Clark’s mouth twisted into a confident smirk, able to hear and see the effects he had on her. His own heart mirrored hers, pounding heavily in his ears. “Yeah.” He agreed, chuckling softly.