Clark was late. Again. Not that I was surprised, just a little perturbed,
you'd think that after being best friends with Clark Kent for so long I'd
learn. But no, it was always the same I'd wait for him to come rushing in
mumbling some excuse or another, and then all he'd have to do is smile and
all would be forgotten. God sometimes I hate that he can do that to me. Or
could, past tense now, I've liked Clark forever but I think I'm finally
growing out of it. Moving on. But regardless, Clark Kent is still the
only person on Earth who has been able to reduce me, Chloe Sullivan, to a
few unintelligible syllables, not quite speechless, but might as well be
for the good it does me. I sipped my latte wondering if perhaps Clark's
lateness had anything to do with his fixation for a certain perfect, raven-
haired beauty with the initials L. L. "Speaking of which," I muttered
under my breath as Lex Luthor roared up in his sleek, silver, two-seater
convertible. Does this guy have an endless supply of cars or what? Very
nice Mr. Luthor, always has to arrive in style I thought, and with a bang
apparently. I rolled my eyes as he screeched to a halt just outside the
Beanery, and in a fire lane no less. I watched him climb out of the car
clothed in his usual black and rub a hand over his bald head before
entering the coffee shop, the bells on the door giving a small jingle. Lex
had always been nice enough, heck when I fell out his window he made sure I
had the best possible medical care and paid the bill to boot, pennies for
him I assume but it's the thought that counts. And let's not forget the
roses that made me feel like a racehorse in the Kentucky Derby, but still
must have cost a fortune.
"Ms. Sullivan, how nice to see you."
Jerked out of my reverie by Lex's greeting I glanced up to see him standing beside my booth a steaming cup of coffee in one hand and a scone in the other. "Hey Lex, come down from your castle to mingle with us commoners?" I quipped. "And it's Chloe." I added as an afterthought.
"Always a pleasure to speak with you…Chloe." I blushed slightly at his remark knowing he was referring to mine. "Is anyone sitting here?" he asked gesturing at the seat across from me and glancing around. Probably looking for Clark or Pete.
"No." I answered, surprised that he would want to sit with me; he was really Clark's friend, mine I guess by association. "Not unless Clark shows up all of a sudden, and I'm not really counting on it."
"Good." He smiled and sat down across from me. Wow did Lex Luthor just smile? I'm pretty darn sure he did, but it's hard to tell cause he customary smirk is back in place fast. I eyed him as he sipped his coffee wondering what he was thinking. I mean Lex Luthor is the only son of a multi-billionaire making him one of the most eligible bachelors around, and here he is sitting across from me drinking coffee. Which isn't unusual since I myself go into caffeine withdrawal quite often. The strange part is that he's having his coffee with me. I know lots of women who'd kill to be in my place right now. I mention this to Lex and just smiles and shrugs slightly as if to say sure but they're just after my money, "So what exactly is Clark doing this afternoon that is so important he's stood up his beautiful if not slightly caustic best friend?" Lex asks, ending the silence that had spread between us.
"Aww Mr. Luthor you flatter me." I batted my eyelashes and spoke in an exaggerated southern accent, "but seriously your guess is as good as mine. Although I bet you a cup of coffee that Clark pulling a no-show on me has something to do with a certain obsession he has with Miss Perfect."
"I assume your talking about Miss Lang?" he verified with a small chuckle.
"Is there anyone else that Clark obsesses over incessantly?" I reply with a melodramatic sigh.
"Not to my knowledge, do I detect a hint of jealously Chloe?" the self- assured smirk is back. Err I'd like to slap it off his pretty boy face right now. He is actually kind of hot I decide, actually he's pretty darn sexy! Oh wow, Chlo, don't even go there. Bad thoughts, very bad thoughts. We're talking Lex Luthor here, not only is he unattainable but he's a full 6 years older than you are, and certainly not interested in a high school freshman for crying out loud! I shake my head as if to clear it and catch a glimpse of Lex's amused expression, like he knows what I'm thinking. If only you knew buddy, if only you knew.
"I am not, nor will I ever be jealous of Lana Lang!" I hiss forcefully, "Understand Luthor?"
"Yes ma'am." He gives me a mock salute, and I can't help but laugh at the image of Lex Luthor saluting anybody. He smiles knowingly and asks softly, "but you do have feelings for Clark don't you Chloe?" I look up from my coffee at his query and expecting a sarcastic smirk, I'm surprised to see that his smile is genuine if not a little concerned, a far cry from the usual patronizing expression he wears as a smile.
"Did." I admit startled by my own honesty. I hardly know the guy. What I do know is that his track record isn't the best, he's had his fair share of run-ins with the law; not to mention that his dad's a corporate shark, who takes the business world by storm, not caring who he destroys in the process, and his son pretty much follows the same suit. Or the fact that some of my favorite people in the world, OK so mainly Mr. Kent, have absolutely zero faith in the guy. But I don't know, against my better journalistic judgment I kinda like the guy and I don't know why, but I feel compelled to trust him. I mean lets get real here, Clark trusts the guy and he's like one of the most annoyingly cautious people on Earth. And hell I'm curious, what can I say the guy is definitely intriguing. He has like this super cool you-can't-touch-me exterior but underneath the façade the real Lex Luthor has to be in there somewhere. Chalk it up to journalistic instinct or just the same old curiosity that killed the cat. "But I think I'm finally over him." I continue, "The unrequited love deal doesn't go over so well with me anymore. I'm tired of it, been there, done that, bought the T-shirt. If Clark wants to spend his time pining after Lana that's fine by me, but I don't want any part in it anymore, other than that of the concerned-for-his-sanity best friend. Clark and I are friends, best friends, but friends nonetheless and I'm OK with that."
"Are you?" Lex eyes me thoughtfully; he breaks his scone in half and offers the bigger piece to me.
"Thanks Lex, always the gentleman aren't you? And yeah I am." We munch in compatible silence for a few minutes, each lost in our own thoughts I glance up and notice he's staring at me. Now any other guy caught staring would be embarrassed and look away, but not Lex. He just meets my gaze with a bemused expression and laughing eyes.
"What?!?" I exclaim exasperated. "Is there something on my face?" I ask swiping a hand across my mouth.
"You know Chloe, you're really something." He says with a smile (a real honest to goodness smile) and leans forward resting his chin on his fist so his eyes are level with mine. Oh God is he flirting with me now?
"I'm going to take that as a complement and say thank you."
"It was meant as one, and you're welcome." Oh God he is flirting with me.
"You're not half bad yourself, Lex." Oh man and I'm flirting back! What're you doing Chloe?!? OK Chloe lets turn our brain on now!
"I'm touched."
"You should be!" I agree and we both laugh. Here I go again, what is wrong with me? The bell on the beanery door jangles. Ha! Saved by the bell, let's try to keep in touch with reality next time Chlo! I glance up in time to see Clark enter, cheeks rosy from the cold. "Well, well, well look who decided to grace us with his presence." I grin and tilt my head in Clark's direction.
"Hey Clark, how's it going?" Lex greets him as he spots us and works his way over to our booth.
"Hi guys." He says looking genuinely surprised to see Lex and I together, but doesn't ask for an explanation. But I of course will, after all there is a latte riding on this. He flags down a waitress and orders a coffee before sitting down next to me.
"So…" I turn a little so I'm facing him and glance at my watch, "you are exactly 37 minutes late Mr. Kent, care to give me an explanation?" I cross my arms and try to look annoyed.
"Someone's in for it." I hear Lex mutter under his breath.
"Well see Lana called about that Trig homework and…" he pauses and blushes slightly.
"Ah spare us the details Clark, I think we can fill in the blanks." I pat him on the shoulder and grin to let him know that I'm not really mad, and he looks relieved.
"You…" I say triumphantly, turning back to face Lex and wag a finger at him, "owe me a coffee!" Lex and I both laugh and poor Clark just looks plain confused. "Long story." I offer before beginning to giggle helplessly. Oh geez, this is so not cool. Now I'm giggling and I so do not giggle, I'm just not that girl if ya know what I mean. I manage to calm down before making a complete idiot of myself.
"That's OK, Chlo I honestly don't think I wanna know." Clark says with a quizzical glance at me.
"Wise choice, Kent." Lex nods.
"Hey! I resent that!" I reach across the table and swat at Lex, who just grins and leans back, out of my reach.
"Well before this evening becomes any more violent I'm afraid I'll have to excuse myself. I have a dinner meeting and I think it would be best if I arrive in one piece." Lex stood and shrugged into his coat and adjusted his collar. "Though I'm sure even a trip to the ER would be preferable to the dinner that I have to attend." He shudders mockingly.
Clark laughs and I add a bright, "Have fun!"
"Yes well…" Lex rolls his eyes. "Anyway I'll see you around." The statement was general but his gaze fell on me alone. I can't help but smile, like I said the guy's is really hot and what harm can a little flirting do, besides maybe him getting killed by my super protective if not a little slow to pick up on things best friend.
Oh well I guess I'll have to risk it I decide before answering, "Oh we'll be around." with a big grin, which was returned by Lex as we locked eyes for a moment before he turned and disappeared into the darkness outside the Beanery.
"Chloe, so you wanna tell me when you and Lex became so buddy-buddy all of a sudden?" Clark asks with a slightly confused, slightly upset, slightly amazed expression.
"Oh I dunno…" I answer nonchalantly, "I guess when you're stood up by your best friend you'll take intellectual stimulation in whatever form it comes, even that of Lex Luthor to avoid total boredom. Counting ceiling tiles only lasts for so long ya know?" I continue innocently, "Did you know that there are exactly 514 tiles? 514 and a half it you count the one in the corner over there." I point vaguely in the direction of the farthest corner, hoping that he doesn't actually look because I have absolutely no idea what I'm talking about. I just wanna make him beg for mercy. He looks cute when he tries to work his way out of the many holes that he digs himself.
He squirms in his seat. "OK point taken, I'm sorry, what do you want me to do? Grovel?"
"That'd be nice!" I answer jokingly, but seeing his expression I can tell he thinks I'm serious, "I'm just kidding Clark, all is forgiven and forgotten. Besides I'm glad you got to talk to Lana, and hey since it was over the phone at least you probably didn't have time to trip all over yourself and manage to look like a complete dork in like the 5 seconds it usually takes!"
"Hey…that's not nice!" He raises his eyebrows and changes the subject, "But anyway what were you and Lex doing, I mean I was surprised to see the two of you together."
"Tell me about it. I really don't know, that guy is like Fort Knox when it comes to what he's thinking, you can never tell! He came in, bought coffee, said Hi, I made some comment about him mingling with us commoners, and the next thing I know I'm sharing a booth with Smallville's most eligible bachelor. And the rest…" I say with a slight shrug, "is history."
"Uh huh." Clark eyes me suspiciously.
"That's it I swear, and I was pretty nice too. No LuthorCorp cover-up questions, promise." I say holding up my right hand for effect. "But ya know I did fall out of the guy's window, I think that maybe he owes me another interview at the very least. But hey you weren't exactly worried about me when you were chatting up the pom pom princess, so what's with they 3rd degree now?" I raise one eyebrow and give him my own patented version of "If looks could kill".
He turns a little pink, knowing I'm right. "Yeah, yeah, yeah." He mutters standing and leaving a couple of crumpled bills on the table for a tip, he pulls me up behind him. "C'mon, Chlo I'll give you a ride home."
"Sure Clark, whatever you say!" I laugh as I follow him outside into the cold, Kansas night.
(END PART ONE)
"Ms. Sullivan, how nice to see you."
Jerked out of my reverie by Lex's greeting I glanced up to see him standing beside my booth a steaming cup of coffee in one hand and a scone in the other. "Hey Lex, come down from your castle to mingle with us commoners?" I quipped. "And it's Chloe." I added as an afterthought.
"Always a pleasure to speak with you…Chloe." I blushed slightly at his remark knowing he was referring to mine. "Is anyone sitting here?" he asked gesturing at the seat across from me and glancing around. Probably looking for Clark or Pete.
"No." I answered, surprised that he would want to sit with me; he was really Clark's friend, mine I guess by association. "Not unless Clark shows up all of a sudden, and I'm not really counting on it."
"Good." He smiled and sat down across from me. Wow did Lex Luthor just smile? I'm pretty darn sure he did, but it's hard to tell cause he customary smirk is back in place fast. I eyed him as he sipped his coffee wondering what he was thinking. I mean Lex Luthor is the only son of a multi-billionaire making him one of the most eligible bachelors around, and here he is sitting across from me drinking coffee. Which isn't unusual since I myself go into caffeine withdrawal quite often. The strange part is that he's having his coffee with me. I know lots of women who'd kill to be in my place right now. I mention this to Lex and just smiles and shrugs slightly as if to say sure but they're just after my money, "So what exactly is Clark doing this afternoon that is so important he's stood up his beautiful if not slightly caustic best friend?" Lex asks, ending the silence that had spread between us.
"Aww Mr. Luthor you flatter me." I batted my eyelashes and spoke in an exaggerated southern accent, "but seriously your guess is as good as mine. Although I bet you a cup of coffee that Clark pulling a no-show on me has something to do with a certain obsession he has with Miss Perfect."
"I assume your talking about Miss Lang?" he verified with a small chuckle.
"Is there anyone else that Clark obsesses over incessantly?" I reply with a melodramatic sigh.
"Not to my knowledge, do I detect a hint of jealously Chloe?" the self- assured smirk is back. Err I'd like to slap it off his pretty boy face right now. He is actually kind of hot I decide, actually he's pretty darn sexy! Oh wow, Chlo, don't even go there. Bad thoughts, very bad thoughts. We're talking Lex Luthor here, not only is he unattainable but he's a full 6 years older than you are, and certainly not interested in a high school freshman for crying out loud! I shake my head as if to clear it and catch a glimpse of Lex's amused expression, like he knows what I'm thinking. If only you knew buddy, if only you knew.
"I am not, nor will I ever be jealous of Lana Lang!" I hiss forcefully, "Understand Luthor?"
"Yes ma'am." He gives me a mock salute, and I can't help but laugh at the image of Lex Luthor saluting anybody. He smiles knowingly and asks softly, "but you do have feelings for Clark don't you Chloe?" I look up from my coffee at his query and expecting a sarcastic smirk, I'm surprised to see that his smile is genuine if not a little concerned, a far cry from the usual patronizing expression he wears as a smile.
"Did." I admit startled by my own honesty. I hardly know the guy. What I do know is that his track record isn't the best, he's had his fair share of run-ins with the law; not to mention that his dad's a corporate shark, who takes the business world by storm, not caring who he destroys in the process, and his son pretty much follows the same suit. Or the fact that some of my favorite people in the world, OK so mainly Mr. Kent, have absolutely zero faith in the guy. But I don't know, against my better journalistic judgment I kinda like the guy and I don't know why, but I feel compelled to trust him. I mean lets get real here, Clark trusts the guy and he's like one of the most annoyingly cautious people on Earth. And hell I'm curious, what can I say the guy is definitely intriguing. He has like this super cool you-can't-touch-me exterior but underneath the façade the real Lex Luthor has to be in there somewhere. Chalk it up to journalistic instinct or just the same old curiosity that killed the cat. "But I think I'm finally over him." I continue, "The unrequited love deal doesn't go over so well with me anymore. I'm tired of it, been there, done that, bought the T-shirt. If Clark wants to spend his time pining after Lana that's fine by me, but I don't want any part in it anymore, other than that of the concerned-for-his-sanity best friend. Clark and I are friends, best friends, but friends nonetheless and I'm OK with that."
"Are you?" Lex eyes me thoughtfully; he breaks his scone in half and offers the bigger piece to me.
"Thanks Lex, always the gentleman aren't you? And yeah I am." We munch in compatible silence for a few minutes, each lost in our own thoughts I glance up and notice he's staring at me. Now any other guy caught staring would be embarrassed and look away, but not Lex. He just meets my gaze with a bemused expression and laughing eyes.
"What?!?" I exclaim exasperated. "Is there something on my face?" I ask swiping a hand across my mouth.
"You know Chloe, you're really something." He says with a smile (a real honest to goodness smile) and leans forward resting his chin on his fist so his eyes are level with mine. Oh God is he flirting with me now?
"I'm going to take that as a complement and say thank you."
"It was meant as one, and you're welcome." Oh God he is flirting with me.
"You're not half bad yourself, Lex." Oh man and I'm flirting back! What're you doing Chloe?!? OK Chloe lets turn our brain on now!
"I'm touched."
"You should be!" I agree and we both laugh. Here I go again, what is wrong with me? The bell on the beanery door jangles. Ha! Saved by the bell, let's try to keep in touch with reality next time Chlo! I glance up in time to see Clark enter, cheeks rosy from the cold. "Well, well, well look who decided to grace us with his presence." I grin and tilt my head in Clark's direction.
"Hey Clark, how's it going?" Lex greets him as he spots us and works his way over to our booth.
"Hi guys." He says looking genuinely surprised to see Lex and I together, but doesn't ask for an explanation. But I of course will, after all there is a latte riding on this. He flags down a waitress and orders a coffee before sitting down next to me.
"So…" I turn a little so I'm facing him and glance at my watch, "you are exactly 37 minutes late Mr. Kent, care to give me an explanation?" I cross my arms and try to look annoyed.
"Someone's in for it." I hear Lex mutter under his breath.
"Well see Lana called about that Trig homework and…" he pauses and blushes slightly.
"Ah spare us the details Clark, I think we can fill in the blanks." I pat him on the shoulder and grin to let him know that I'm not really mad, and he looks relieved.
"You…" I say triumphantly, turning back to face Lex and wag a finger at him, "owe me a coffee!" Lex and I both laugh and poor Clark just looks plain confused. "Long story." I offer before beginning to giggle helplessly. Oh geez, this is so not cool. Now I'm giggling and I so do not giggle, I'm just not that girl if ya know what I mean. I manage to calm down before making a complete idiot of myself.
"That's OK, Chlo I honestly don't think I wanna know." Clark says with a quizzical glance at me.
"Wise choice, Kent." Lex nods.
"Hey! I resent that!" I reach across the table and swat at Lex, who just grins and leans back, out of my reach.
"Well before this evening becomes any more violent I'm afraid I'll have to excuse myself. I have a dinner meeting and I think it would be best if I arrive in one piece." Lex stood and shrugged into his coat and adjusted his collar. "Though I'm sure even a trip to the ER would be preferable to the dinner that I have to attend." He shudders mockingly.
Clark laughs and I add a bright, "Have fun!"
"Yes well…" Lex rolls his eyes. "Anyway I'll see you around." The statement was general but his gaze fell on me alone. I can't help but smile, like I said the guy's is really hot and what harm can a little flirting do, besides maybe him getting killed by my super protective if not a little slow to pick up on things best friend.
Oh well I guess I'll have to risk it I decide before answering, "Oh we'll be around." with a big grin, which was returned by Lex as we locked eyes for a moment before he turned and disappeared into the darkness outside the Beanery.
"Chloe, so you wanna tell me when you and Lex became so buddy-buddy all of a sudden?" Clark asks with a slightly confused, slightly upset, slightly amazed expression.
"Oh I dunno…" I answer nonchalantly, "I guess when you're stood up by your best friend you'll take intellectual stimulation in whatever form it comes, even that of Lex Luthor to avoid total boredom. Counting ceiling tiles only lasts for so long ya know?" I continue innocently, "Did you know that there are exactly 514 tiles? 514 and a half it you count the one in the corner over there." I point vaguely in the direction of the farthest corner, hoping that he doesn't actually look because I have absolutely no idea what I'm talking about. I just wanna make him beg for mercy. He looks cute when he tries to work his way out of the many holes that he digs himself.
He squirms in his seat. "OK point taken, I'm sorry, what do you want me to do? Grovel?"
"That'd be nice!" I answer jokingly, but seeing his expression I can tell he thinks I'm serious, "I'm just kidding Clark, all is forgiven and forgotten. Besides I'm glad you got to talk to Lana, and hey since it was over the phone at least you probably didn't have time to trip all over yourself and manage to look like a complete dork in like the 5 seconds it usually takes!"
"Hey…that's not nice!" He raises his eyebrows and changes the subject, "But anyway what were you and Lex doing, I mean I was surprised to see the two of you together."
"Tell me about it. I really don't know, that guy is like Fort Knox when it comes to what he's thinking, you can never tell! He came in, bought coffee, said Hi, I made some comment about him mingling with us commoners, and the next thing I know I'm sharing a booth with Smallville's most eligible bachelor. And the rest…" I say with a slight shrug, "is history."
"Uh huh." Clark eyes me suspiciously.
"That's it I swear, and I was pretty nice too. No LuthorCorp cover-up questions, promise." I say holding up my right hand for effect. "But ya know I did fall out of the guy's window, I think that maybe he owes me another interview at the very least. But hey you weren't exactly worried about me when you were chatting up the pom pom princess, so what's with they 3rd degree now?" I raise one eyebrow and give him my own patented version of "If looks could kill".
He turns a little pink, knowing I'm right. "Yeah, yeah, yeah." He mutters standing and leaving a couple of crumpled bills on the table for a tip, he pulls me up behind him. "C'mon, Chlo I'll give you a ride home."
"Sure Clark, whatever you say!" I laugh as I follow him outside into the cold, Kansas night.
(END PART ONE)
