Episode 4.10 – Trick

A/N: Okay guys, here is the start of the long promised Halloween episode…just in time for Christmas. I've begun to miss the age-old classic of a freak of the week, but no worries, there's no lame Kryptonite affected mutant in this fic. Enjoy…cue spooky music.

Teaser

A large set of double doors swung open with a haunting creak (ironic considering what day it was), presenting the three latest arrivals into the grand ballroom. Lex Luthor blinked impassively at the scene, used to displays far more opulent than a Metropolis Halloween gala. The blonde girl at his side grinned widely however, as did the tall, toothpaste model beside her.

Anna would have worried about the girl, but she knew exactly who Chloe Sullivan was. Clark Kent too…she'd been keeping tabs on Lex Luthor for a while now. It was always smart to be prepared, her mother had told her many years ago, and when you deal with a Luthor you'd better be doubly so. As far as her research told her, Chloe Sullivan was not a concern; she was under his guardianship, that was all. As for the boy…well, he'd be keeping Chloe busy most of the night anyways. So far things were looking good for her plan; Lex would be hers by the end of the night.

She stood off to the side, unnoticed by the three as they descended the marble staircase into the ballroom. Lex still showed no emotion for the party, but Anna's heart gave a little flutter when she saw his lips quirk at the young girls words. Both Lex and the boy chuckled deeply at something the girl said. Anna grabbed a glass of punch and drifted closer to the group, hoping to overhear what they were saying.

"Would you look at some of these costumes?" the boy blushed as he eyed a busty redhead wearing only a white bustier, garter belt, pumps and a pair of wings. "Is she really only wearing underwear?"

"See I told you I wouldn't be overdressed," Chloe told Lex proudly.

"I never said that you would," he countered smoothly, eyeing the other guest with only moderate interest. "If anything I implied that you were a tad underdressed."

"It's not that short," Chloe rolled her eyes, smoothing down the purposely-uneven hemline of her Tinkerbell costume. Clark looked down at her legs out of the corner of his eye and couldn't quite help the grin that spread across his face.

"Oh hey look," Clark raised his hand suddenly and waved. "There's Bruce Wayne."

"And you waved him over?" Lex sighed. "Without giving me a chance to hide?"

Anna giggled softly, finding him hilarious and knowing that Lex absolutely detested Bruce Wayne. The second billionaire walked over to them quickly, dressed in what appeared to be a silk Zorro costume…though he held the mask in his hand.

"Greetings Tinkerbell," he greeted Chloe, lifting her hand and pressing a gallant kiss to it. "And who are your friends? They're the best dressed pirates I've ever seen." Anna too couldn't help but wonder at the identical, and tailored, Armani suits that Lex and the boy were wearing.

"Armani models," Lex deadpanned.

"Actually we're bodyguards," Clark corrected with a grin, gesturing to the earpiece that he was wearing. Lex rolled his eyes and pulled a similar contraption out of his pocket, hooking it around his ear like Clark had done.

"Tinkerbell and her bodyguards?" Bruce laughed. "That's different."

"I wanted them to be Lost Boys but neither of them liked the connotation," Chloe admitted.

"And this way I get to wear a great suit," Clark tugged at the collar as he spoke, obviously not entirely comfortable in such an outfit.

"Nothing but the best for my bodyguards," Chloe patted his arm and then turned to Bruce with mock seriousness. "Did you know that there are all kinds of people after me? Apparently pixie dust is good for more than just getting you high."

"Really?" Bruce pretended to be fascinated.

"Oh yes," Chloe nodded, elbowing Clark sharply to do the same. "It's all very exciting."

"Then you'll all have to join me at my table and tell me all about it," Bruce gestured back the way that he'd come from. Chloe and Clark nodded and looked at Lex hopefully.

"You go ahead," Lex smiled at Chloe. "I'm on my coffee break." Chloe laughed and waved goodbye quickly, her and Clark disappearing into the crowd after Bruce Wayne.

Lex blinked impassively at their retreating backs and then wandered over to the bar. Recognizing her chance, Anna quickly set her punch down on a nearby plant holder and crossed the dance floor, stilettos clicking as she did, and came to stand beside him at the bar.

"Scotch on the rocks," Lex told the bartender.

"Make it two please," Anna told the bartender. Lex looked over at her briefly and gave her a short nod. Once the drinks were set down in front of them she held her glass out to Lex. "I'm Anna."

"Hello Anna," he looked at her over the rim of his glass before clinking it once against hers and taking a large sip. Anna did the same, a little disappointed when he looked away almost immediately to scan the dance floor, probably looking for a stacked brunette to spend the night with. She had hoped that she wouldn't have to resort to…

"What's your name?" she asked.

"Lex," he replied, not looking at her. Frustrated now, she shot a quick glance in the bartenders direction, making sure that he wasn't looking, and grabbed Lex's arm sharply. He turned to her immediately now, face marred with a deep frown. "What—"

He never finished his sentence. Anna stared deep into his eyes, getting lost in the swirls of blue, never blinking. Lex stared back, his face slackening and his shoulders visibly relaxing, unblinking.

When she finally did blink, Lex shook his head quickly at then caught her gaze again. Anna smiled adoringly at him, and batted her eyelashes once. "Nice to meet you Lex," she giggled.

He smiled warmly at her and reached a hand out, running his fingers through the copper tresses of her hair. "It's very nice to meet you," he returned, his other hand capturing one of hers and pressing a kiss to it.

"Can I ask you a personal question Lex?" she took a tiny step closer to him, her drink now completely forgotten.

"Of course," he nodded eagerly, eyes roaming her face adoringly.

"Do you believe in love atfirst sight?" she asked him, stepping closer still. Lex's gaze moved from her eyes to her ruby red lips.

"Yes," he answered, leaning in and pressing his lips to hers.

TBC…