Chapter 2-Old Friends
"Sullivan-White wants to see you. Now," she was told as soon as she walked into the newsroom the next morning.
"Great," she muttered under her breath. She dropped her jacket on her chair and snagged a cup of horrible coffee before rapping on her editor's door. "You wanted to see me?" she asked, poking her head in.
"Sullivan, yeah, come on in. Shut the door." Her editor, Perry White, looked up from a pile of papers and tossed a pen down on the desk, leaning back in his chair. "I got a phone call this morning," he said, looking at her. "Sit down, would you?"
Chloe dropped into a squeaky chair and tried not to look too nervous. "Something going on?" she asked.
"You could say that. So-I got a phone call this morning from Roberta Steinberg, head of PR for LexCorp. Apparently you made quite an impression on Lex Luthor yesterday." He linked his hands across his chest and regarded her with a steady, thoughtful gaze.
"The interview seemed to go well," she admitted.
"He's offering you an exclusive, Sullivan. A four-part series on LexCorp, with almost unparalleled access to get information."
Chloe nodded; she'd expected this. "That's-rather generous of him," she said carefully.
"Generous? *Generous?* Sullivan, Luthor doesn't *give* interviews. And now he's offering you a four-part series. Do you have some kind of info on him I should know about?"
She shook her head, not wanting to divulge her old friendship; she couldn't have said why.
"So. You're on special assignment until this is done, which means you report to Luthor for as long as it takes. You'll check in with me every two days or so."
Talk about putting a strain on her ethics, she thought ruefully.
"Obviously, you'll need someone to handle your regular workload here while you're gone. So meet him." He stood and walked around to the door, opening it and motioning for someone to enter. "Chloe Sullivan, meet-"
"Clark!" She was out of her seat with her arms around him before he even finished. "Oh my God, *Clark*-"
He lifted her effortlessly, enveloping her in a Clark hug that left her with her legs wrapped around his waist for balance and her head buried in his shoulder. She was desperately afraid she was going to start crying. "Why didn't you *tell* me?" she demanded, looking up at him. "You disappear after college, all I get are letters and postcards for three *years* and now you show up? You're such an ass!" She smacked him in the shoulder.
"Sorry," he said sheepishly.
"Oh, God-" She sniffed and hugged him tighter.
"I see I don't have to introduce you two," White commented dryly. Chloe gave a choked laugh and slid down to the ground reluctantly. She kept one arm around Clark's waist, and she knew she was grinning like a total idiot.
"Clark and I have known each other since third grade," she admitted.
"Good, then I won't worry about you two being able to work together. You're not cleared for an assistant but unofficially Kent's here to help you if you need it." White sat back down behind his desk. "God, Sullivan, could you turn down the wattage? I'm getting blinded over here."
She flushed but couldn't wipe the grin off her face.
"All right, all right, I'm getting sick here. Sullivan-go, show him around, he's got the desk by yours. And then get out of here until the two of you are ready to *work*." He picked up a pen and began scrutinizing one of the papers on his desk. "Go!" he barked.
"Sure thing, chief." Chloe grabbed Clark's hand and pulled him back into the newsroom, grinning. "Come on, Clark."
"And *don't* call me Chief!" White yelled after them.
It didn't take her long to show Clark around and get him set up at his desk. "It's early, but how about I buy you lunch and explain what's going on?" she offered.
Clark nodded, grinning. "You know, Chloe-I didn't think it was possible, but you've got *more* energy than you did in high school. Did you make a pact with the Devil or something?"
"I've got a picture upstairs that's aging and looks hideous." She grinned. "Chinese okay?"
Over General Tso's chicken and fried rice, she explained. "So after we got *out* of there, Lex essentially offered me a deal. And I figure I can find out what's going on over there. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Clark-Lex is notoriously press-unfriendly. This could *make* my career."
Clark nodded, smiling a little. "Just be careful," he cautioned.
"Always." She popped a piece of chicken into her mouth.
"Uh, Chloe-you may be careful, but it still didn't save you from a knock over the head."
She rolled her eyes and swallowed. "Okay, I'll be *more* careful."
"All right." Clark gave her one of his thousand-watt smiles-the kind that used to make her melt. She was mildly surprised to find it just made her smile back now.
Christ, she had it bad. Clark beaming at her just made her smile; a smirk from Lex and she wanted to-well, never mind that. She had to stay professional until the series was done. So she was *not* going to remember the way his mouth felt on hers, or the way he kissed-intent and thorough-or anything else. Including how much she wanted to find out what was under the perfectly tailored clothes-
-her cell phone rang, interrupting that train of thought. Thankfully. With an apologetic glance at Clark, she flipped it open. "Sullivan," she said briefly.
"So we're back to last names now?" Lex's voice asked silkily.
Wonderful. She didn't even bother asking how he'd gotten her personal cell number. "Something I can do for you?" she asked, leaning back in her chair.
He laughed. "Many things, Chloe. But unfortunately this is a purely business call. I understand your editor officially assigned you to me this morning?"
"To the series, yes," she corrected.
"That being the case, we have some details to work out. Would you care to meet me for dinner tonight and we can discuss them?"
No, not really. She'd much rather meet him in his office. Dinner was too intimate, too-personal. "Sure, that sounds fine," she said lightly. "Where and when?"
"I'll pick you up at seven."
"All right."
Not until she'd hung up did Chloe remember that she'd never told Lex where she lived. Then again-he had her cell phone number. Finding her address wasn't going to be hard.
"Was that Lex?" Clark asked, nodding at her phone.
"Yeah. We're meeting for dinner tonight to discuss stuff." She shrugged. "I'd invite you along, but-"
"It's all right," he interrupted, smiling. "Work first."
"As long as it *stays* work, I'm fine," she muttered.
"What?" Clark frowned. "Chloe, he's not-harassing you or anything, is he?"
"No, no, nothing like that. I just-I get the impression he's interested in me. But I won't compromise my integrity if I'm reporting about him." She shrugged.
"That's probably a wise move," Clark agreed. "Just watch out. You know how persuasive Lex can be."
"Clark. You *know* how stubborn *I* can be."
"Yes, and I'd rather not see the immovable object meet the irresistible force in my lifetime." Clark grinned at her.
"I promise to try and not explode the galaxy," Chloe retorted. "I make *no* guarantees about Lex."
He sighed, looking down. "I guess that'll have to do," he said mournfully.
"Since when did you become such a smartass?"
"I had to in self-defense, so I could keep up with you!"
Chloe looked at him for a moment before dissolving into laughter. "I really missed you, Clark," she said, wiping her eyes. "And I haven't forgiven you for just taking off, either. That was a really shitty thing to do-not just to me, but to Pete, and Lana, and-everyone."
"I know." Clark toyed with his napkin absently. "It was just-something I had to do." He looked up and met her eyes. "You know?"
"Yeah." Chloe smiled a little. "Yeah, I know what that's like."
"So what does your fortune cookie say?" Clark asked, changing the subject.
"Ummm." Chloe broke it in half and drew out the slip of paper. "Good news will soon come your way." She grinned. "I like this one. What's yours say?"
"Prejudice is the child of ignorance." Clark made a face. "I could have gotten that from my dad."
"Poor thing."
"So, you gonna show me around Metropolis?"
"Clark, you went to college here." Chloe gave him a Look, crumbling her cookie. "It hasn't changed all that much in the past few years."
"Yeah, but the hangout spots have. We're not college kids any more." Clark smiled a little sheepishly. "Besides-I want to spend time with you. I missed you."
"Well, in *that* case, I'm at your disposal. Let me just pay for this and we'll be on our way."
"What do I owe you?"
"Nothing," she said, getting out her wallet. "Lunch is on me. Don't argue, I'm sure you'll buy me a meal at some point." She looked up at him, her expression daring him to try and protest.
"All right, I'm not even going to bother trying." Clark smiled and adjusted his glasses.
"That reminds me," Chloe said, tossing some bills on the table. "When did your eyes go south?"
Clark looked startled for a moment. "Oh-these? I got them shortly after college. I guess all that studying strained my eyes."
She laughed and linked her arm through his. "Fair enough. I'm still dreading the point when I need some form of vision correction myself. So where would you like to go today?"
They had a wonderful afternoon wandering around Metropolis, visiting old hangouts and exploring new ones. Chloe took him to a few of her favorite spots-not all, there were a couple she wanted to keep to herself, like the little Greek deli next to the used bookstore where both owners knew her by name.
She didn't realize how late it was until the sky started darkening. When she glanced at her watch, she was dismayed to see it was quarter to six. "Clark, I've got to go," she said reluctantly. "Lex is picking me up at seven and I've got to shower and change."
"I understand." He grinned. "Gotta impress the boss, right?"
She rolled her eyes. "He's not my boss. He's-"
"Giving you the opportunity of a lifetime. Go on, get ready-but I want a full report tomorrow!"
"Yes, dear," she said, laughing. She hugged him again and gave him a kiss on the cheek before heading in the direction of her apartment.
What the hell was she supposed to wear? Standing in front of her closet, dressed in a towel, Chloe flipped through clothes impatiently. This was a business dinner. But she couldn't afford to be at any sort of disadvantage where Lex was concerned, which meant she needed to look her best.
She decided on a blue dress that had a stand-up collar and keyhole neckline. It ended just above the knee, which was fine-she wished it was longer but the length made it look more professional. No jewelry save for her watch, simple black pumps, minimal makeup, and a simple hairstyle. She was going for professional, not seductive.
Two minutes to seven, Lex buzzed. "Be right down," she said over the intercom. Jacket, where was-ah, okay. Her bag was already waiting-one last glance in the mirror and she was out the door.
Lex was leaning against his car, looking edible-stop that!-in a dark blue shirt and black slacks. His shirt was just a few shades deeper than her dress, she noted in amusement. It accented his eyes beautifully. God, she was in trouble. "I thought we'd have dinner at my place," he said, opening the door for her. "It's just easier in terms of information and such. Is that all right?"
"Sure, that's fine." His place-which meant his bedroom. Oh, he was playing games here. Chloe settled into the car and thought about exploding galaxies.
"Sullivan-White wants to see you. Now," she was told as soon as she walked into the newsroom the next morning.
"Great," she muttered under her breath. She dropped her jacket on her chair and snagged a cup of horrible coffee before rapping on her editor's door. "You wanted to see me?" she asked, poking her head in.
"Sullivan, yeah, come on in. Shut the door." Her editor, Perry White, looked up from a pile of papers and tossed a pen down on the desk, leaning back in his chair. "I got a phone call this morning," he said, looking at her. "Sit down, would you?"
Chloe dropped into a squeaky chair and tried not to look too nervous. "Something going on?" she asked.
"You could say that. So-I got a phone call this morning from Roberta Steinberg, head of PR for LexCorp. Apparently you made quite an impression on Lex Luthor yesterday." He linked his hands across his chest and regarded her with a steady, thoughtful gaze.
"The interview seemed to go well," she admitted.
"He's offering you an exclusive, Sullivan. A four-part series on LexCorp, with almost unparalleled access to get information."
Chloe nodded; she'd expected this. "That's-rather generous of him," she said carefully.
"Generous? *Generous?* Sullivan, Luthor doesn't *give* interviews. And now he's offering you a four-part series. Do you have some kind of info on him I should know about?"
She shook her head, not wanting to divulge her old friendship; she couldn't have said why.
"So. You're on special assignment until this is done, which means you report to Luthor for as long as it takes. You'll check in with me every two days or so."
Talk about putting a strain on her ethics, she thought ruefully.
"Obviously, you'll need someone to handle your regular workload here while you're gone. So meet him." He stood and walked around to the door, opening it and motioning for someone to enter. "Chloe Sullivan, meet-"
"Clark!" She was out of her seat with her arms around him before he even finished. "Oh my God, *Clark*-"
He lifted her effortlessly, enveloping her in a Clark hug that left her with her legs wrapped around his waist for balance and her head buried in his shoulder. She was desperately afraid she was going to start crying. "Why didn't you *tell* me?" she demanded, looking up at him. "You disappear after college, all I get are letters and postcards for three *years* and now you show up? You're such an ass!" She smacked him in the shoulder.
"Sorry," he said sheepishly.
"Oh, God-" She sniffed and hugged him tighter.
"I see I don't have to introduce you two," White commented dryly. Chloe gave a choked laugh and slid down to the ground reluctantly. She kept one arm around Clark's waist, and she knew she was grinning like a total idiot.
"Clark and I have known each other since third grade," she admitted.
"Good, then I won't worry about you two being able to work together. You're not cleared for an assistant but unofficially Kent's here to help you if you need it." White sat back down behind his desk. "God, Sullivan, could you turn down the wattage? I'm getting blinded over here."
She flushed but couldn't wipe the grin off her face.
"All right, all right, I'm getting sick here. Sullivan-go, show him around, he's got the desk by yours. And then get out of here until the two of you are ready to *work*." He picked up a pen and began scrutinizing one of the papers on his desk. "Go!" he barked.
"Sure thing, chief." Chloe grabbed Clark's hand and pulled him back into the newsroom, grinning. "Come on, Clark."
"And *don't* call me Chief!" White yelled after them.
It didn't take her long to show Clark around and get him set up at his desk. "It's early, but how about I buy you lunch and explain what's going on?" she offered.
Clark nodded, grinning. "You know, Chloe-I didn't think it was possible, but you've got *more* energy than you did in high school. Did you make a pact with the Devil or something?"
"I've got a picture upstairs that's aging and looks hideous." She grinned. "Chinese okay?"
Over General Tso's chicken and fried rice, she explained. "So after we got *out* of there, Lex essentially offered me a deal. And I figure I can find out what's going on over there. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Clark-Lex is notoriously press-unfriendly. This could *make* my career."
Clark nodded, smiling a little. "Just be careful," he cautioned.
"Always." She popped a piece of chicken into her mouth.
"Uh, Chloe-you may be careful, but it still didn't save you from a knock over the head."
She rolled her eyes and swallowed. "Okay, I'll be *more* careful."
"All right." Clark gave her one of his thousand-watt smiles-the kind that used to make her melt. She was mildly surprised to find it just made her smile back now.
Christ, she had it bad. Clark beaming at her just made her smile; a smirk from Lex and she wanted to-well, never mind that. She had to stay professional until the series was done. So she was *not* going to remember the way his mouth felt on hers, or the way he kissed-intent and thorough-or anything else. Including how much she wanted to find out what was under the perfectly tailored clothes-
-her cell phone rang, interrupting that train of thought. Thankfully. With an apologetic glance at Clark, she flipped it open. "Sullivan," she said briefly.
"So we're back to last names now?" Lex's voice asked silkily.
Wonderful. She didn't even bother asking how he'd gotten her personal cell number. "Something I can do for you?" she asked, leaning back in her chair.
He laughed. "Many things, Chloe. But unfortunately this is a purely business call. I understand your editor officially assigned you to me this morning?"
"To the series, yes," she corrected.
"That being the case, we have some details to work out. Would you care to meet me for dinner tonight and we can discuss them?"
No, not really. She'd much rather meet him in his office. Dinner was too intimate, too-personal. "Sure, that sounds fine," she said lightly. "Where and when?"
"I'll pick you up at seven."
"All right."
Not until she'd hung up did Chloe remember that she'd never told Lex where she lived. Then again-he had her cell phone number. Finding her address wasn't going to be hard.
"Was that Lex?" Clark asked, nodding at her phone.
"Yeah. We're meeting for dinner tonight to discuss stuff." She shrugged. "I'd invite you along, but-"
"It's all right," he interrupted, smiling. "Work first."
"As long as it *stays* work, I'm fine," she muttered.
"What?" Clark frowned. "Chloe, he's not-harassing you or anything, is he?"
"No, no, nothing like that. I just-I get the impression he's interested in me. But I won't compromise my integrity if I'm reporting about him." She shrugged.
"That's probably a wise move," Clark agreed. "Just watch out. You know how persuasive Lex can be."
"Clark. You *know* how stubborn *I* can be."
"Yes, and I'd rather not see the immovable object meet the irresistible force in my lifetime." Clark grinned at her.
"I promise to try and not explode the galaxy," Chloe retorted. "I make *no* guarantees about Lex."
He sighed, looking down. "I guess that'll have to do," he said mournfully.
"Since when did you become such a smartass?"
"I had to in self-defense, so I could keep up with you!"
Chloe looked at him for a moment before dissolving into laughter. "I really missed you, Clark," she said, wiping her eyes. "And I haven't forgiven you for just taking off, either. That was a really shitty thing to do-not just to me, but to Pete, and Lana, and-everyone."
"I know." Clark toyed with his napkin absently. "It was just-something I had to do." He looked up and met her eyes. "You know?"
"Yeah." Chloe smiled a little. "Yeah, I know what that's like."
"So what does your fortune cookie say?" Clark asked, changing the subject.
"Ummm." Chloe broke it in half and drew out the slip of paper. "Good news will soon come your way." She grinned. "I like this one. What's yours say?"
"Prejudice is the child of ignorance." Clark made a face. "I could have gotten that from my dad."
"Poor thing."
"So, you gonna show me around Metropolis?"
"Clark, you went to college here." Chloe gave him a Look, crumbling her cookie. "It hasn't changed all that much in the past few years."
"Yeah, but the hangout spots have. We're not college kids any more." Clark smiled a little sheepishly. "Besides-I want to spend time with you. I missed you."
"Well, in *that* case, I'm at your disposal. Let me just pay for this and we'll be on our way."
"What do I owe you?"
"Nothing," she said, getting out her wallet. "Lunch is on me. Don't argue, I'm sure you'll buy me a meal at some point." She looked up at him, her expression daring him to try and protest.
"All right, I'm not even going to bother trying." Clark smiled and adjusted his glasses.
"That reminds me," Chloe said, tossing some bills on the table. "When did your eyes go south?"
Clark looked startled for a moment. "Oh-these? I got them shortly after college. I guess all that studying strained my eyes."
She laughed and linked her arm through his. "Fair enough. I'm still dreading the point when I need some form of vision correction myself. So where would you like to go today?"
They had a wonderful afternoon wandering around Metropolis, visiting old hangouts and exploring new ones. Chloe took him to a few of her favorite spots-not all, there were a couple she wanted to keep to herself, like the little Greek deli next to the used bookstore where both owners knew her by name.
She didn't realize how late it was until the sky started darkening. When she glanced at her watch, she was dismayed to see it was quarter to six. "Clark, I've got to go," she said reluctantly. "Lex is picking me up at seven and I've got to shower and change."
"I understand." He grinned. "Gotta impress the boss, right?"
She rolled her eyes. "He's not my boss. He's-"
"Giving you the opportunity of a lifetime. Go on, get ready-but I want a full report tomorrow!"
"Yes, dear," she said, laughing. She hugged him again and gave him a kiss on the cheek before heading in the direction of her apartment.
What the hell was she supposed to wear? Standing in front of her closet, dressed in a towel, Chloe flipped through clothes impatiently. This was a business dinner. But she couldn't afford to be at any sort of disadvantage where Lex was concerned, which meant she needed to look her best.
She decided on a blue dress that had a stand-up collar and keyhole neckline. It ended just above the knee, which was fine-she wished it was longer but the length made it look more professional. No jewelry save for her watch, simple black pumps, minimal makeup, and a simple hairstyle. She was going for professional, not seductive.
Two minutes to seven, Lex buzzed. "Be right down," she said over the intercom. Jacket, where was-ah, okay. Her bag was already waiting-one last glance in the mirror and she was out the door.
Lex was leaning against his car, looking edible-stop that!-in a dark blue shirt and black slacks. His shirt was just a few shades deeper than her dress, she noted in amusement. It accented his eyes beautifully. God, she was in trouble. "I thought we'd have dinner at my place," he said, opening the door for her. "It's just easier in terms of information and such. Is that all right?"
"Sure, that's fine." His place-which meant his bedroom. Oh, he was playing games here. Chloe settled into the car and thought about exploding galaxies.