AN: I do not own The Darwin Awards, thanks to Summer for telling my about them and securing a place for me in Hell. Thanks to everyone who read and reviewed.

Chapter 9

"I don't see why I have to be here." Lucas complained as he sat down on the leather sofa in Lex's office.

"If you want to work at LuthorCorp, then you have to get a first hand account of how I do business," Lex replied from where he was sitting at his desk. He wanted to look over a few things before the meeting took place.

"Translation: You don't want to leave me alone with Chloe."

"There are bonuses to every opportunity. Now, I expect you to sit there, shut up, and observe."

"So this isn't so much an opportunity for me as it is one for you to strut your stuff."

"Why don't you practice shutting up right now?"

Before Lucas could reply, Lex's secretary announced that Ms. Carens had arrived. She was escorted into the office, shook hands with Lex, and sat in one of the chairs in front of his desk. Lex made no mention of who Lucas was or what he was doing there so she decided not to ask.

"Ms. Carens, thank you for agreeing to this meeting. I've heard some interesting details about your latest project and would like to hear more from you in order to see if LuthorCorp sees this as a sound investment."

"Certainly, Mr. Luthor, but I have to wonder where you are getting this information. This is a new company and we haven't perfected the project let alone put out any feelers for investors."

"I can assure you there is very little in the business world that LuthorCorp doesn't know about. Now, from what I understand, the chemical is meant to find the perfect mate, so what do you mean you haven't perfected it?"

"I believe your sources have misinformed you slightly. My intention was never to use the project as a way to find mates, though that is exactly what it does. The purpose is to keep one from cheating on their spouse. The chemical is meant to make people adverse to any form of intimacy from someone other than their spouse. It works similar to the effects of Antabuse on alcoholics."

"From what I understand, the current form of this drug keeps the patient from having any contact with someone of the opposite sex."

Kim was clearly confused about how Mr. Luthor could have learned certain effects of the chemical but she believed him when he said that he had a way of knowing things. "That is one of the problems. We haven't been able to stabilize the drug so it currently affects all types of interaction instead of just focusing on the more intimate ones."

"What would you have done if someone interested in this product wasn't the right match for their spouse?"

"It is my opinion, that this product would prove helpful in keeping matches together even when there are other temptations in the world. Some people are meant to be together, they just let others corrupt them. My goal is to keep those temptations from destroying what would have been a healthy relationship. Unfortunately, there are chances that some couples are not the perfect match. Not all products work for everyone, and I feel it is best that people learn the truth and do what they believe is necessary."

Lex agreed that what she said had some merit, and she obviously felt strongly about her ideas, but there was something inside him that made him question the product. He couldn't deny that the something was tied to Chloe. "I can see the nobility in this project, but to make it impossible for a person to have even the most normal of interactions with the opposite sex unless they are a family member, mate, or a member of the mate's family is too much trouble for whatever you think could be gained from this experiment."

Kim was now more confused than ever. "As I mentioned before, the final product was only supposed to cause sickness when a person tried to be intimate with someone of the opposite sex. Right now, it will have an effect when someone has any contact with a member of the opposite sex. The only exceptions for females are family members, their mate, and homosexual males. The same goes for males except that it is homosexual females that they are allowed to have interaction. Allowing people to interact with a different gendered member of their mate's family would not successfully prevent cheating."

Lex took a moment to let this new information sink in, "But that would mean…," he turned from Kim to face Lucas, "you knew this was possible."

"Yes."

"And you didn't feel like sharing this information?"

"Well, I wasn't sure how you'd react."

"I would have been fine. You're my brother. I don't care if you're gay. Plus, I wouldn't…"

"Have to worry about me stealing your woman," Lucas finished with a grin.

"Shut up. We're done talking about this now, but I know you were keeping quiet just to mess with me."

"Then you acknowledge that the threat of me being a mate for Chloe did upset you."

"Again, shut up."

By now Kim was certain that Mr. Luthor wasn't being completely honest about how he came across his information. She was also uncomfortable in what should obviously been a private moment between brothers. However, she wasn't going to mention any of this in hopes that she could leave the office as soon as possible.

Lex refused to acknowledge the tangent that he and Lucas went off on and instead chose to continue his questioning as if nothing had occurred. "What made this experiment possible and is there a cure?"

"The formula is made from wolf's blood, bloodhound scent receptors, and red meteor rocks."

Lucas interrupted, "I'm sorry, is this experiment or a witch's brew?"

Choosing to take Mr. Luthor's stance, she ignored the other man and continued. "The wolf's blood is what determines which scents are acceptable, the scent receptors make the odors extremely noticeable, and by refining red meteor rocks, my scientists were able to alter the emotional response in people to a physical response. The combination is what causes the reaction of vomiting when an undesirable odor is present."

The red meteor rocks caught Lex's attention, and he was certain that this was the information that Chloe was keeping from him. He also had a theory of why she would do so. "And what about a cure?"

"We did develop a cure in case anyone changed their minds. We used the same refining process on green meteor rocks to counteract the effects of the red meteor rocks. There were no after effects on our test subjects."

"Okay, Ms. Carens, here is the deal: You will turn over all research, formulas, and the cure to me. In exchange, you will be well compensated, but you cannot reveal this deal or use any of this research again. We both know that my solution is best since this project has some obvious flaws and you will not ask any questions that may have occurred to you as a result of this meeting. I hope for your sake, you won't turn me down."

Chloe was anxiously waiting in the living room for Lex's return. Whether it was because she wanted to hear what he had to say or because she just wanted to see him, she wouldn't allow herself to ponder.

When she heard him entering into the penthouse, she had to use every ounce of her energy to remain on the sofa and not meet him at the door. "How did it go?"

"I've got the cure. I think the best idea is for you to be at the hospital when it is administered. Ms. Carens informed me that there shouldn't be any after effects, but I don't want to take a chance with green meteor rocks."

"Meteor rocks?" Chloe hoped her voice sounded genuinely surprised.

"Yeah the original serum was made with red meteor rocks, which I suspect you knew, and the cure needs green meteor rocks."

"Lex…"

"Don't. There's no need to deny it. I know this has to do with you protecting Clark."

Chloe could tell by the look in his eyes that denying or playing dumb wouldn't work, so instead she opted to ask "How did you know?"

"I've known for a couple of years now that Clark is different. I should have realized it sooner. I know he's not human since the green meteor rocks have a different effect on him."

"Why didn't you say anything?"

"Knowing was enough. When I realized just how huge a secret he'd been hiding, I knew he had his reasons so I thought it best to leave him alone."

"Then why the rift?"

"Because he couldn't leave my business alone. I've tried to make him understand that I can't do things above board all the time. I can't let him in on all my secrets if he couldn't tell me his. And I knew he was never going to tell me. I'm willing to keep this secret for him, but I couldn't remain his friend if I knew he'd never trust me."

Chloe wanted to reassure Lex that things could be okay between him and Clark, but she knew it wasn't true. Things wouldn't change between them. They would always be on opposite sides, but it was getting harder to distinguish the good side from the bad one. Lex managed to save her from having to say anything.

"We should hurry up so you can get your life back to normal or as normal as it's ever going to be."

Chloe was given the cure and Dr. Lambert said it would be best to keep her overnight for observation before making sure that everything worked. Lex stayed with her the entire night. In the morning she was tested, and her blood came back normal. She was awaiting the arrival of Lois and Clark when Lex decided to speak for the first time since they came to the hospital.

"I know you were worried what connections I might have made if I investigated the red meteor rocks. I respect what you've done to protect Clark. I know his friendship means…possibly everything to you. I do have to say that I think it was stupid to risk your health to keep this secret, but if anything that just shows how much you care for him. I hope I could inspire that kind of loyalty in you someday."

"Lex…"

"Please let me finish. I have a plan, but I can't give you any of the details yet. I will when everything is done. I also have to stay away until this is done. I promise you this won't be like last time. I want to continue our friendship. I just need to do this."

"What if your plan doesn't work?"

"Then I'll come back anyway."

"So then it doesn't matter if you go away or not."

"It does, Chloe, I know it seems like it doesn't, but it does. I can't do this and look you in the eye. I want to tell you everything and I will, but for your safety I can't say anything until it's all over. I know I have no right to ask this and you have every right to refuse but I need to do this. Please, please accept that." He was trying to be strong and tell her how much her acceptance meant to him, so she had to be strong and agree even though it would hurt.

She silently nodded and Lex kissed her forehead and started to leave. Before he could turn away completely, she caught his hand and he looked back at her. "Lex, I want you to know…" She wanted to tell him that when he came back she wanted more than his friendship, but she knew if she said it allowed it would hurt more when he left anyway. Instead she finished, "that I understand."

He gave her a small smile and left. As soon as he was gone, all the tears she was holding back were released.

Lex had only been gone for a few hours when Clark showed up. For once he tentatively walked into the room instead of barreling through the door.

He was behaving nervously when he looked around the room and said "Hey, where's Lex?"

Chloe rolled her eyes at Clark's priorities. "He had something he had to do. I'm better now as I'm sure you noticed."

"Well, yeah of course I did." He gave her his trademark dopey grin. She did her best to remind herself that she was sad about Lex's leaving, and that was the only reason why she wanted to slap the smile off Clark's face.

"I'm really glad you are feeling better. I know it couldn't have been pleasant spending time with Lex. I'm still not certain why you had to."

"He was helping me and he did get my cure."

"Then he left as he always seems to do once he gets what he wants."

"He didn't get anything."

"Good."

Chloe prepared herself. She knew Clark wasn't going to be happy with what she had to tell him. "I have to tell you that he knows your secret. He knows you're different and he knows about the Kryptonite."

"You betrayed me." However, Chloe was not prepared for Clark's statement. Statement, not a question, and not even a surprised statement.

Nothing could keep the bite out of Chloe's voice. "No, betraying you would mean that I would have let Lex keep the advantage of knowing your secret and not telling you. He found out on his own and decided not to pressure you until you wanted to say something. Just one more thing we have in common."

For once realizing that he screwed up, Clark tried to backpedal. "Chloe, I'm sorry, but you know I have to be careful. You know I always worry about this happening."

Suddenly it all fell into place. "Asking Lois about my living situation, trying to get into the penthouse, asking about Lex, none of that was about you worrying about me. This was all about your damn secret!"

"Chloe…"

"I've been loyal to you for years and, yet, I still haven't earned your loyalty. Probably never will." She turned away from him, not needing to cry, but not being able to look at him just yet.

"Chloe…"

She turned back, stared him down, and with calm force said, "Get out."

A few weeks later, Bruce Wayne was standing in the middle of LuthorCorp's main laboratory watching his old classmate work with beakers and make calculations.

"I wasn't aware that LuthorCorp's finances were so bad that you had to do the work yourself."

Lex was engrossed in his work. He noticed that someone was speaking to him but he did not register what was said. He looked up expecting to find one of his employees and was surprised to find Bruce. "I wasn't aware we had a meeting."

"We don't, I'm in town for a society function. I can tell by this whole set up that it would be pointless to ask if you will be attending."

"Yeah, I'm busy. I have something that I need to finish." Lex's tone was clear. He wanted Bruce to leave him alone to his task.

However, Bruce had either missed it or was purposely ignoring it. And Lex knew that Bruce always paid close attention to his surroundings. "I was in town a few weeks ago. I decided to accompany Gabe when he went to visit his daughter."

Lex knew what Bruce was doing but he wasn't going to make it easy for him. As he at least appeared to be concentrating on his experiment he stated, "That's taking your employees' lives a bit too personal, don't you think?"

"Well at least I'm only visiting my employee's daughter and not lusting after her, though I will admit she is appealing." Bruce was sure he heard a growl but continued anyway. "She is charming. When I asked her if she was feeling better, she replied that she was well enough to conduct an interview if I was inclined."

Lex mumbled something that sounded suspiciously like 'That's my girl.' However, he did not actually address Bruce so the man continued to try and bring him further into the conversation.

"I thought Chloe would be happier if she was able to live closer to her father. I know Gabe would like that. I offered to make arrangements for her to attend Gotham City University and have a job with the Gotham Gazette."

Again Lex said nothing, but it was obvious that he was waiting for what Chloe's answer was by the fact that he could no longer pretend to be working.

"Everyone thought it would be a great opportunity for her, but she refused."

Finally Lex broke, "I'm sure her friend Clark had a problem with the idea of her moving across the country. She probably wouldn't want to leave him."

"Actually, Clark wasn't there when we arrived. I overheard her telling her cousin Lois, who by the way is not as charming when asking for an interview, that she and Clark have ended their friendship." Bruce let that comment sink in before adding, "I asked her if it was because she felt more comfortable at Met U or the Planet. She assured me that wasn't the case. Just that she's trusting she has something she wants to wait for."

Lex was obviously pleased by this news but he still wouldn't say anything to him. Before Bruce left he said, "Gabe asked me to deliver this message." He handed Lex a small envelope. Lex took it but when Bruce didn't leave, Lex gave him an exasperated look. "I wanted to wait and see if there was a reply."

"Did Gabe ask for one?" Bruce shook his head. "Then if I decide there needs to be one, I will find a way to deliver it myself. Thank you for dropping by." With that, Lex placed the letter on the lab table and went back to his work. As soon as Bruce said goodbye and left, Lex ripped open the envelope.

Lex

I won't threaten you to take good care of my daughter. We both know Chloe wouldn't appreciate it, and it's the kind of thinking that leads to crappy television shows with annoying damsels in distress.

However, I do ask that you do your very best not to anger her too much. I don't want to have to visit my daughter in jail.

Gabe

Renewed by what Bruce had told him and by Gabe's acceptance, he resolved to work even faster to complete his project.

It had now been a month since Chloe had been cured. She went back to living with Lois in the Talon apartment, and Lois was doing her best to cheer up her cousin. "I got an email from the people at The Darwin Awards. They say Lana's death didn't qualify as grand enough for the Excellence requirement as it wasn't an 'astounding misapplication of judgment.' They also weren't sure if she qualified for the Mature requirement as she may never have been 'capable of sound judgment.' Lana would be so disappointed. Probably think it was just another way the universe was mean to her."

It didn't work so Lois had no choice but to approach the taboo subject if she wanted Chloe to at least speak. "Have you seen him at all since the hospital?"

"No. I went to the penthouse to pick up my stuff. Lucas was there with his latest boyfriend. He said that Lex had been spending a lot of time at the LuthorCorp lab and wouldn't say what he was working on, but I don't think Lucas really bothered to ask."

"Does it really matter what his latest scheme is?"

"No. I just want him here." Chloe looked so heartbroken that while Lois was more the type to lay the cards on the table then give false hope, she couldn't help but say, "I'm sure he wants to be here too. And he will be soon. Or else I'll do a panty raid on his apartment."

That earned a small smile from Chloe. "I doubt Lex wears any underwear let alone panties."

"Got a chance to find out, did you? No matter, what I'm really going to do is steal all of his designer suits and replace them with flannel."

"He'll just buy more."

"But that is the brilliance of my plan. See, he'll be too distracted by the flannel that he won't noticed I've rubbed moth balls all in his closet and in his room. He won't ever be able to get the smell out." Somehow even though Lois' plan wasn't much, it was enough to get a full on laugh from Chloe. Probably having more to do with how outrageous Lois sounded when she explained it then the actual plan itself.

Lois added some more outlandish details to her plan that soon Chloe was crying from her laughter. "Thanks, Lois, I really needed that."

"No problem." Lois went to answer a knock at the door and had a look of surprise mingled with the message of 'about damn time' when she saw that it was Lex. She stepped aside to reveal his presence to Chloe. "I won't even make the obvious comment about speaking and devils. I'll just pay a surprise visit to Oliver. Probably won't come back tonight so don't worry and have fun with the place being all yours. Alone. Just the two of you." She was out the door before Chloe could either protest or throw a pillow at her for being so transparent.

They both stood facing each other. Not sure who should speak first. Not wanting to make small talk, Chloe started right in with, "So I guess this means you're either done with what you needed to do or you decided to just say the hell with it."

"As much as I wish I could say that I just decided to throw it all away so I could see you as soon as possible, the truth is that I did finish my project. You'll probably want to sit down as I explain everything because there's a lot to say and take in."

"Fine, but I'm only agreeing because you seem to think this whole deal was important and I want to get it over with as soon as possible," she said as she walked back to the couch.

In an effort to allow her to remain on equal ground with him, he also took a seat on the couch. "Please don't ask me anything until I'm finished." He waited for her to nod her agreement, which she did reluctantly before he continued. "For the past month, I've been using the basics that Kim Carens' scientists used in their formula to create a chemical that will make someone regurgitate when they come in contact with any person. Not just someone of the opposite sex, and it wouldn't matter if that person was a mate or not. All human contact would cause this person to vomit. I worked by myself, I burned all research, and I made only enough for one dose. A couple of days ago I injected the chemical into Lionel and left him on a deserted island. He's living in a comfortable villa and he has a lifetime supply of food, scotch, shampoo, and along with anything else he may need. He has no way to contact the outside world and would now probably prefer it if he never saw anyone again. I can't be like Clark. I don't want to be. I can't hope that my enemies will change their ways or end up in an institution or miraculously die. I have to make sure that my enemies are dealt with by my hands, or I will worry that they will return to hurt those I love. Now ask me anything you want or make any comment that you need to."

Once Lex had said the first part of his speech, the nervous tension in his gut release a bit, but depending on what Chloe said, he still had a lot more to say. He resigned himself to the fact that everything was in her hands. He knowingly didn't tell her that this was off the record. He believed and hoped that she'd keep this to herself, but it was still her choice. No matter what, one he was willing to live with.

It truly was one of those eternity moments before Chloe spoke. "Can we visit him at least once?" Lex was a bit taken back from her question and must have registered so because Chloe quickly added, "I don't want to get too close to him because I don't want him to vomit on me. But I assume this formula works on a five feet range or so, so can we make a trip to the island and hang out with him for a good five minutes or so?"

Lex laughed in relief because whether or not she was serious, the real meaning of her words said that she understood what he did and agreed with his actions. And maybe she wanted to be just a tad bit evil when it came to torturing Lionel. "Sure any time you want."

"So does this mean that our friendship will no longer be fraught with long absences?" Chloe didn't want request too much from Lex, but she did want to make sure they could at least have a secure friendship.

"Yes, but I think we should take what we learned from this whole experience and let it develop into more for us."

"Lex…" Chloe was eager to agree but Lex stopped her.

"Let me finish," he gave her a stern look and didn't back down until she nodded again in reluctant compliance. "I say we just take this whole mate knowledge as confirmation. I knew that I was attracted to you years ago, and that I developed feelings for you during our summer together. Our recent time together has pushed me even further into falling in love with you. I'm not going to regret finding out that I'm your mate because if anything that one on one time helped us repair the damage that I did before. And if you have any doubt that we can love each beyond the fact that we have chemical compatibility, then let me give you other reasons. We can banter while we eat chocolate cake. We debate about anything from politics to the best movies and television shows. And we can fall asleep anywhere together and still be comfortable. Now you go."

"Okay."

"Okay? After all that. All you can say is 'okay'?"

"I agree."

"That's better."

Chloe gave him her best smile and Lex was helpless to do anything but return it. He reached for Chloe and they met for a kiss, certain that the sudden dizzy feeling had nothing to do with sickness and everything to do with being compatible in every way.

The End.