Lois Lane, Star Reporter

By Carcassi

A/N: A while ago, I dared myself to write a short fic where Chloe and Lois switched names for a really simple reason, and without any character death. The result was Chapter One. :) Some people urged me to go on, and this fic was born.

Past Chapter One, it focuses less on Chlois and more on post-"Vessel" happenings (although there's plenty of Chlark, never fear!). So if any non-Chlois-ers happen to be reading this, feel free to skip to Chapter Two. :)

Chapter One

Chloe Sullivan peered suspiciously at her cousin's smiling face as she sipped her steaming latte.

"OK, Lois, I'll give. What's up?"

Her cousin threw her barista apron on the Talon's counter and joined her at the table. "What makes you think anything's up?" she asked brightly.

"You mean, besides the free latte with double shots of sweetness-and-light?" Chloe retorted dryly. "Level, Lois. Why'd you ask me to make a special trip to Smallville in the middle of the week?"

Under Chloe's sharp scrutiny, her cousin deflated a little and shrugged. "I thought you'd be happy to hear that I'm making a new start. I've just been accepted for Army Ranger training…."

"Hold on a minute," Chloe ordered sternly. "That's kind of a one-eighty for you, isn't it? I thought you wanted to get as far away as possible from your dad. And, where's Mrs. Kent going to find a new Chief of Staff?"

"Just about anyone she picks will have more experience than I do," Lois confessed, with uncharacteristic modesty. "In fact, I can name three people in her office right now who've forgotten more about politics and policy than I ever knew. Of course, none of them have my style," she continued cheerfully, "but, apart from that, any of them would do a great job. I've already recommended one of them to the Senator."

"But…."

"Chlo'," Lois leaned forward, her low voice suddenly serious. "I'm tired of drifting. It's time I stopped taking handouts, and started figuring out where I want to go in life."

"That's great. Really," Chloe said at last, hoping that her surprise didn't show in her face. "Your dad ought to be proud."

"There's just one thing. I need a favor."

Uh-oh, thought Chloe, suddenly on alert. Lois had already enjoyed more than her fair share of favors, but never before had she bothered to ask for one. That quavery, hopeful grin wasn't a good sign, either.

She raised an inquiring eyebrow, and listened to her cousin's explanation.

……………………

Two weeks later, Clark Kent walked into the basement offices of the Daily Planet and did a double-take at the new nameplate perched on Chloe's desk.

Chloe smiled. "You know, you look sweet when you're totally confused."

He folded his arms and huffed. "Is this a joke?"

"Nope. Lois asked if she could use my name while she's in training at Fort Bragg. For once in her life, she told me, she wants to make it on her own, not because she's a General's daughter. How could I refuse?"

Clark picked up the small brass rectangle, on which the name "Lois Lane" was engraved in capital letters. "But why are you using hers?"

Chloe's eyes sparkled mischievously. "Fair's fair. She gets my name, I get hers. It's kinda fun to have the initials 'L.L.' for a little while."

"Don't worry, Clark," she added impatiently at her friend's disapproving frown. "It's just for a few weeks, then we'll switch back. And in the meantime…"

She paused to brush back a few stray strands of hair from her face. "In the meantime, I wonder how I'd look as a brunette?"

TBC….