*“Wait… you’re leaving?”

Clark’s voice is soft, but there’s this slight edge of panic beneath it. He’s still sprawled across the bed and his eyes follow you as you reach for your shoes.

“It’s late” you say quietly, fumbling with the laces of your shoes.

“Exactly” he groans, flopping back against the pillows like you just told him you were leaving for another planet. “It’s too late to go. Just stay.”

You pause, letting out a soft breath “Clark—”

“Please?” his voice breaks just a little.

“It’s not like I’m going forever” you try to joke, but your voice comes out shaky.

Clark doesn’t smile. Instead, he pushes himself upright, one hand raking through his hair “yeah, but you’ll be gone.” He swallows hard, his fingers flexing like he’s aching to reach for you. “I know I’m being—” he shakes his head, sighing. “Forget it.”

You grab your bag, but before you can even set a step further, Clark’s hand closes gently around your wrist.

“Please” he says again, softer now, like he’s afraid you’ll vanish if he holds on too tightly. His thumb brushes over your skin, slow and careful, like he’s memorizing the feeling of you.

“It’s just… you were here, and now you want to leave, and—” he swallows hard, glancing down at your hand in his like it’s the only thing keeping him grounded. “It’s too quiet when you’re gone, I’m so lonely without you.”

You know you should go. You can’t stay here with him, you can’t.

Clark sees that hesitation, and his grip tightens, it’s not enough to stop you, but just enough to plead.

“Stay” he whispers. “Please?”*