Disclaimer: I own nothing but this fic.
Rating: PG - R
Pairing: Chloe/Lex (Slight Clark/Lana)
Spoilers: Anything from season 1 and 2 is fair game
Summary: When two fathers learn there children are dating, what lengths will they go to, to put an end to it? (Chlex, AU)
Distribution: If you want it all you have to do is ask
Author's note: Well I have finally overcome my fears and have finally produced my first Chlex only fic. I was always afraid that I wouldn't do the characters justice with my writing, but after a few much-needed ego boosts I decided to just go for it, to throw caution to the wind. Please by all means let me know what you think of this, but be gentle, it is my first time. I also want to say a big thanks to my Beta's David, who helped my grammar problems and a special thanks to Carina, without her help I seriously doubt that this fic would be any good. She is my godsend. THANKYOU.
Email: sezza43@hotmail.com
Additional notes:
This fic is set after 'Heat'. If you haven't seen the episode don't worry, as you still should get the basics of the fic. Chloe has told Clark that they should just stay friends, yet Clark being Clark, is still confused. Lana is not going out with Whitney anymore and has decided to put the moves on Clark so to speak. Lex is single and it's a few weeks after the whole Desiree fiasco. Both Lionel and Gabe are in this fic but don't write them off as the bad guys immediately. There ways are paved with good intentions. Gabe is Lex Corps Plant Manager and Lionel is no longer blind. Dr. Helen Bryce will at no point figure in this fic as I plan to ignore the fact that she exists. Remember that this fic is AU so disregard anything as fact, but we can all wish can't we?
CHAPTER ONELana glanced at the people in the Talon. Since the fire and the recent re-opening, business had really begun to pick up. She beamed a brilliant smile as Clark made his way over to her. "Hey Clark."
"Hi Lana." Clark flashed her a grin as he slid onto a stool. Leaning an elbow on the counter, he swivelled around to observe the coffeehouse. "This place is really picking up."
"Yeah, it is. Lex is actually happy with the books this month," she said, sounding surprised. "Where are Pete and Chloe?"
Clark shrugged. "Well Pete is probably out hunting for his next date." Lana laughed and nodded while Clark turned at the sound of the bell on the door. "And there's Chloe. Wow, watch out, she looks like she's on a mission."
"Yes, and we all know what that mission is," said Lana, turning from the counter in order to get Chloe's usual: vanilla latte with a double shot of espresso. By the time Chloe manoeuvred her way through the customers, the coffee was sitting on the counter. Giving Lana a thankful grin, Chloe scooped up the mug and drank greedily, barely flinching as the hot coffee splashed over her tongue.
"Hey Chloe. Morning coffee fix, huh?" Lana started to make Chloe a second cup, knowing that the addicted reporter would soon need one.
Chloe nodded, "Can you believe that we had none in the house?"
"Well Chloe, you drink it faster than a kid opening their presents on Christmas day," Lana said, smirking, "so... yes, I have to say I'd believe it." Chloe glared at her, then smiled. For some reason, she just could not stay mad at the girl.
As Lana went off to serve another customer, Chloe turned to Clark who looked as though he was trying not to laugh. She whacked him softly on the shoulder before motioning her head in the direction opposite the counter. "Can we talk for a second?"
Clark raised his eyebrows in question, nodded and guided her over to an empty corner of the Talon. "What is it?"
Chloe took a deep breath. She had been rehearsing what she was going to say to him since the night before. After her summer in Metropolis, she had realized that her feelings for Clark were not that of love, but of lust. She had a simple crush, which, over the course of three months, had disappeared without a trace. She knew Clark was still a bit confused over their relationship and wanted to set him straight.
"Clark, I...." she trailed off, unsure how to phrase what had to be said. Kneading the sudden tension from her neck, she began again, "I know we've had some problems since the Spring Formal, and I just think we should sort everything out."
At Clark's nod, she continued, her voice gaining confidence, "Well, as you know, I had feelings for you--"
Clark held up a hand to silence her, his brow furrowing slightly at her use of the past tense. "Had?"
Chloe nodded. "Yes Clark, had. Since my time away in Metropolis I've had time to think, and I realized that what I had for you was just a crush and deep down knew, that whatever we may have had, would not have worked out. We are just not meant to be. So, to set the record straight -- and so we can get back to normal -- I just thought you should know. I hope we can just go back to being friends."
Clark smiled. "We'll always be friends Chloe. And I think you're right: we'd be much better as friends."
Chloe nodded, her lips quirking upwards as she added wryly, "That, and you have an unhealthy obsession with Ms. Lana Lang."
"It's not unhealthy," said Clark, his voice rising slightly in indignation.
Chloe rolled her eyes. "For God's sake Clark, just go and ask the girl out, you know you want to. And I swear, if I have to sit and watch you make puppy eyes at her one more time, I'm going to be sick."
Clark held his hands up in mock surrender. "Fine, fine I'm going."
*~*~*~*
Lex stood at one of the far windows, watching Chloe and Clark. He had been on his way inside when he saw Clark lead Chloe over to the corner table. A part of him felt a little pained upon seeing his friend place his hand on Chloe's lower back. Was it possible that Chloe still had feelings for Clark? Lex had decided to wait until they were finished what was obviously an intense conversation, before interrupting them. Feeling eyes upon him, he glanced up and saw a middle aged man sweeping the sidewalk outside the butcher's shop, eyeing him with suspicion. Lex threw a glance over his shoulder and noticed a handful of people openly staring at him -- they hurriedly averted their eyes. He swore under his breath. If he had been peering into the window of a coffee shop in Metropolis, there would hardly be a raised eyebrow. 'But not here in Smallville,' he thought in irritation, 'where standing outside my own establishment is clearly deviant behaviour, something to be monitored by all and must be reported back to the town gossips.' He silently cursed small town mentality.
Lex reached into his pocket and fished out his cell phone to begin a phantom call, making it appear like he had just stopped to talk. He tucked his head slightly as he held the dead phone up to his ear, his gaze trained on the two sitting, rather too closely for his comfort, in the far corner. Chloe leaned back in her chair and grinned, her blonde hair resting on the back of her exposed neck, her smile lighting up the entire room. Lex slowly expelled a shuddering breath; she was beautiful.
He was still in shock at how easily she captivated his attention. Before now, he had never really thought of the blond reporter as anything more than that: a reporter. But since seeing her in Metropolis over the summer his feelings had begun to change.
**One month earlier**
Lex stood at the traffic lights, waiting to cross the road, when he caught sight of someone familiar. Chloe Sullivan was standing in front of Starbucks with a coffee in hand, laughing along with a young man who gestured wildly, almost spilling his drink and dropping his briefcase. Lex assumed he was a co-worker. He glanced back at Chloe and noticed how happy and carefree she looked. It was a definite change to how he had seen her last in Smallville. Clark told him what had transpired at the dance and Lex couldn't help but feel sorry for the girl.
As the walk sign flashed, Lex crossed the road and decided to greet the charming young blond. He walked up behind her and tapped her on the shoulder.
Chloe turned, a surprised look etched on her face. "Lex?"
Lex glanced at the man she had been talking to; his mouth was gaping like a fish. "You…you know Lex Luthor?"
Chloe turned back to the man and nodded. "We have a friend in common."
Lex stepped forward, extending his hand for the man to shake. "And you might be?"
"Jake Sorenson." After a brief handshake, Jake stuck his hands into his pockets and rocked back and forth on his heels. Smiling lopsidedly, he asked, "I don't suppose I could get an interview?"
Lex smirked. "You could, but are you ready to take the risk of being pushed out a window?"
Jake stood confused, a hint of fear noticeable in his features. "I don't get it."
Chloe laughed and put her hand on his arm. "I'll tell you later." Jake nodded then told the two he needed to head back to work.
Lex turned to Chloe, who had been taking another sip of her coffee, "How's the internship going?"
"It's good." She smiled motioning her head towards one of the many scattered tables along the sidewalk for Lex to join her in sitting down.
Once seated, Lex ordered himself a coffee. "What are you doing in Metropolis?" she asked, her voice slightly louder due to the noisy traffic in the background. Lex eyed her warily and Chloe rolled her eyes. "Off the record, of course."
*****
They had sat there talking for a while longer before Chloe needed to head back into the office. He had bumped into her a few more times after that and gradually realised that he had developed feelings, other than friendship, for the girl. At one stage, he wanted to ask Chloe on a date. They did have lunch a few times, but only as friends and he wanted more. But Desiree cornered him. After that, all his thoughts were of her. But now that disaster was behind him and all of her effects were gone. Once again his feelings for Chloe had risen, and he hoped that, maybe one day, she would feel something for him.
Lex snapped out of his reverie when he saw Chloe's relieved look and Clark's emphatic nod. Unable to quell his curiosity as to what they had been discussing, Lex ventured inside.
*~*~*~*
"Go on then," said Chloe, trying to stifle a laugh as she shooed Clark towards the counter.
Blushing, Clark shook his head and turned, only to be greeted by Lex Luthor. "Lex, hi."
Lex smirked. "Clark. Ms. Sullivan."
Chloe rolled her eyes. "Enough with the formalities already, I'm Chloe and you're ignorant." Clark looked at his friend in shock, while Lex just smirked.
"Ignorant?" Lex asked raising an eyebrow.
Chloe smiled sweetly at him. "Yes, you seem to ignore the fact that you can actually call me by my first name."
Lex shook his head, a small smile finding it's way to his face. "I see your knack for Verbal judo hasn't changed. So what were you two talking about?"
Chloe ushered Lana for another coffee. "Clark and I were just discussing our relationship."
Lex flinched at the word relationship and looked at the table. "Oh, and ah…what conclusion did you come to?" he asked before he could stop himself. Having Chloe inform him that she and Clark were a couple was not something he wanted to hear.
Chloe took in the way Lex's mood changed. When she had said relationship, the bald billionaire stiffened and seemed to find the table very interesting. She didn't know why, but she felt the need to reassure him that there was nothing between her and Clark.
"Well, we've decided to stay friends."
Lex continued to study the table, idly tracing the wood grain with his index finger as he desperately tried to tamp down the hope he felt welling in his chest. His only outward reaction to Chloe's admission was a slight twitch of his lips.
He glanced briefly at Clark to gauge whether his friend was okay with the decision. "Just friends?" he asked, unable to stop the husky note as his gaze met Chloe's. She smiled at him, biting her lip nervously.
Clark smiled, oblivious to the way Lex was looking at Chloe and she at him. "Yep, just Friends. We realized that us -- together -- would never have worked out."
Lex nodded. "That, and your unhealthy obsession with Ms. Lang."
Clark's jaw dropped and Chloe burst into a fit of giggles. "Do you two share a brain or something?"
Lex raised his brow in confusion and Chloe stopped laughing long enough to explain. "I said exactly the same thing about 5 minutes ago."
Lex nodded his head in understanding while Clark pouted. "Oh, come on Clark, it's obvious the girl likes you too, just go and ask her out." Chloe smiled.
"Really? She likes me?" Clark asked in hope. Lex smirked.
"Yes Clark. Now do as Chloe says and ask the girl out."
Clark nodded, then stood and walked over to the counter. Lex shook his head and turned his attention back to Chloe who was looking at him strangely.
Chloe had been busy looking at Lex's profile. He was gorgeous, with a strong, set jaw. Chloe began to feel something in the pit of her stomach, something telling her that maybe her crush had gone straight from Clark to Lex. But if she wanted to be absolutely truthful to herself, she had known that she had feelings for Lex since seeing him in Metropolis. She remembered, with startling clarity, the moment it hit her that she might be falling for Lex Luthor.
**3 weeks earlier**
"Miss Sullivan, would you like to join me for lunch?"
Chloe looked up into the grey-blue eyes of Lex Luthor who had been standing over her desk. She cocked her head to the side and narrowed her eyes. "Not until you learn to use my first name."
Lex smirked. "Chloe, would you like to join me for lunch?"
"I'd love to." She smiled up at him as she switched off her monitor. Shouldering her bag, she stood and rounded her desk. "So why the offer? Are you all out of bimbos?"
"Yes, it seems today is the day they all wanted to wash there hair." He said, straight-faced. Chloe laughed and shook her head while Lex offered her his arm, which she accepted. Chloe stiffened when she felt a tingle run up her arm. She never got that feeling when she touched Clark.
Lex smiled down at her and Chloe found herself smiling back, unable to look away. "We should go," She said after a moment. Lex nodded and led her to the elevator.
*****
"Miss Sullivan," Chloe was pulled from her thoughts by Lex, a concerned look adorning his features.
"What? Oh sorry, zoned out for a second there. What were you saying?" Lex chuckled.
"I just wanted to know if you would like another coffee?" Chloe looked down and noticed her cup was empty and nodded.
"Yeah, I think Lana forgot to bring my other order over," She looked over and saw Lana blushing while Clark stood grinning like a fool. "And I don't think she will be anytime soon."
Lex nodded in agreement. "So, how are things with you, Chloe?"
Chloe smiled when he stopped with the last names. "Things are fine; the internship went well and they seemed happy with my work."
"I'm sure you'll make a fine reporter some day." Lex said and smirked when a shocked look crossed her face.
"Did you, Lex Luthor, just give me a compliment?" Chloe asked. Lex nodded.
"Yes, I believe I did. What do you plan to do about it?"
Chloe smiled. "Sit here and think of ways to get an interview out of you." Lex rolled his eyes.
"Never give up, do you?"
Chloe shook her head. "Nope, and believe me, I will get one."
"Oh, will you now?" Lex raised his eyebrows then smiled evilly. "Well, I'll make a deal with you."
Chloe narrowed her eyes at him suspiciously. "And what would that involve? Selling you my soul?"
"No, that would be a stipulation of my father's." He laughed. "I was thinking more along the lines of dinner."
Chloe looked at the man seated across from her in confusion. "Dinner as in one of our normal, friendly meetings, or dinner as in a date?"
"Well I was hoping for the latter." Lex smiled seductively.
Chloe couldn't keep her jaw from dropping. "A date, you want a date...with me?"
Lex nodded once, resting his elbows on the table.
Chloe sat back in her seat clearly confused. "Why?"
Lex smiled, not smirked but actually smiled and leaned in closer to her. "Because I like you," he took in her surprised look. "So do you accept my invitation?"
Chloe sat back and took a second to look at his face, trying to find a hint of something that would tell her this was a joke, but found nothing. She pursed her lips together and nodded. "Dinner would be great."
Lex smiled. "I'll pick you up on Friday then, 7 pm sharp and wear something casual but nice." He said as he rose.
"Aren't you even going to tell me where we're going?" Chloe asked. Lex shook his head.
"It's a surprise." He leant down and kissed her cheek. "Until then."
Chloe watched as he left the building and put a hand to her cheek. She glanced over at the counter and blushed when she realised that Lana and Clark had witnessed the encounter. Lana had a smile on her face clearly stating that they were to talk later, while Clark stared at her, confusion marring his features. Chloe sat back in her seat. 'Did that just happen? Did Lex Luthor actually ask me on a date?' She smiled. Today was obviously her day. Now if she could only get her coffee.