Thank you thank you thank you for the reviews.
DISCLAIMER: The characters are not mine, the WB is not mine, Smallville is not mine, Michael Rosenbaum is unfortunately not mine, etc.
* * * * * *
LEX
I watch Chloe's retreating figure until it disappears from my sight, then I allow myself to breathe out a sigh.
I won't be able to define if it's a sigh of relief or frustration, or maybe a little bit of both, although the liberation I feel in breathing when I'm away from her searching eyes tell me that it might be leaning toward the former.
So. Interesting thing.
As opposed to jerking away from me, she decided to up a level and run. Undoubtedly, to wonder if my clever comment was aimed at her. And then after realizing that it was, probably wonder if it was an insult or not.
The girl is amazingly perceptive when it comes to many things, but dense when it comes to herself. Her insecurity makes her blind and doubt her potential. I don't even know why she'd even have to wonder if I have feelings for her. I could list a million reasons why I love her and she probably can't think of a single reason why I should.
Bu here's another consequence to face. Let's say, for argument's sake, that she does have feelings for me. What would happen? Would I be able to revel in our love in the public eye? Have everyone make a mockery of a teenager in a relationship with a rich man? Have Clark Kent's disapproval hanging over us? Not to mention what her father might think.
And let's not even bother getting so optimistic. Who's to say that she would even have feelings for me?
Well there you go, Lex. Find power, win immensely. Find love, lose tragically.
And to think it's usually so easy for me to get women.
* * * * * *
CHLOE
I'm in the bathroom, hiding from Lex Luthor.
I'm practicing the fine art of looking into the mirror, which is something I don't normally do, I assure you. Standing here, palms on the sink, eyes staring ahead, but not registering any image to the brain, unless it's that of a pale man with no hair and an eternal smirk on his face.
There's something very wrong with this picture.
I still hear his words echoing in my mind: Maybe she deserves better than the farm boy.
What the hell was that all about?
For the first time in my life, I'm entertaining a possibility I never dreamed of. A possibility more impossible than the idea of Pete Ross and Clark Kent jumping off a roof and flying.
The possibility that Lex Luthor, millionaire's son, sarcasm extraordinaire with the uncanny ability to make someone feel two inches tall, my dad's boss, has feelings for me.
Me, of all people.
* * * * * *
LEX
I'm beginning to think it's a good thing that Chloe excused herself. I need to collect myself, too.
It's a terribly funny thing, love.
If you gave me a guy to bargain with, I would do it with a blink of an eye. Give me a person to blackmail, it wouldn't take any skin off my back. Give me a woman to lure into bed, not a problem. Put Chloe Sullivan in front of me and tell me to admit my feelings to her and I think I'd run like she did.
Although I did admit my feelings to her in an, albeit extremely, vague manner. Going through the motions was easy enough, but after those words came out of my mouth, I lost the air from my lungs.
Not unlike how I felt some time ago, pulled out of a blue Porsche, limp and drenched on a muddy bank, saved by a farm boy breathing life into me.
I was handicapped then as I was under Chloe's inquisitive eyes. I wasn't able to say anything else or do anything else. Except look at her.
And be content in looking at her always.
There was a flash of realization in her blue eyes that I couldn't ignore, and that made me anxious.
Add to the fact that her abrupt departure was not exactly comforting to the love-struck soul.
I don't think she'd be running if those words came out of Clark Kent's mouth.
Maybe my vague confession is just a coward's way of saying how I really feel. As much as I love her, it has never actually crossed my mind to tell her.
Why? Maybe I don't want to corrupt her.
* * * * * *
CHLOE
Even as I think it, I feel rational Chloe bearing down on me with contradictions, left right and center.
The viability of Lex Luthor having a smidgen of a feeling for me, from uttering one single line, which he probably said just to challenge my theory, now that I come to think about it.
It's laughable. Funny. Hilarious.
IT WAS JUST A COMMENT.
It doesn't necessarily mean anything.
But there's something else there that goes beyond words.
The passion in his eyes and the sadness in his smile.
The fact that, aside from Clark, I may be the only person to see the common smirk on his face soften into a smile.
His watchful gaze intent on my face, every Friday night, as I approach him.
Brushing wayward strands of hair away from my eyes and tucking it behind my ear.
Leaning forward and staring into my eyes.
Getting me a cup of coffee.
Smiling at me.
No. Impossible.
* * * * * *
LEX
No, that's not the reason why.
I think highly enough of Chloe to know that she wouldn't let anyone corrupt her without making them suffer eternally for it.
Maybe the real reason is a lot more selfish than I care to admit.
It's because I know she'll run away from me.
It's because I can never compete with Clark Kent.
Clark Kent. Just look at the boy.
* * * * * *
CHLOE
God, I'm a wreck.
What is this I'm feeling? There's a light bubble in my heart, rushing down to my toes.
I feel kind of… elevated.
In fact, I kind of feel like skipping.
Or smiling, even.
I smile at my reflection in the mirror, tentatively. And immediately feel ridiculous doing it.
No. Don't be foolish, Chloe. You know better than this.
And besides, let's say for argument's sake that Lex Luthor does have feelings for you. What would you do? Squeal in delight?
Aren't you the one who thinks he's evil?
And, in case you haven't forgotten, you're still harboring major feelings for that farm boy in your life.
* * * * * *
LEX
Clark Kent once saved me from a watery death, and in the instant that he breathed life into my lungs, I realized something else. Not only did he save my life, he saved me despite the fact that I could have easily killed him first before plunging into the murky depths of the water.
It wasn't my fault, and Clark knows that. Unjustifiable as it may be, he hardly accuses me of anything.
But the fact remains. If I were in Clark's position, I would be spending my life ensuring that the crazy motherfucker who dared try to kill me will spend the rest of his existence in total misery. I would also be too shaken in realizing that I was alive and well, to think about jumping in and saving his.
It's integrity that Clark has and I will never achieve.
How can I compete with that?
* * * * * *
CHLOE
Clark Kent loves Lana Lang.
Lana Lang.
If Clark purposefully wanted to break my heart, then he couldn't have picked a better female contender than Lana Lang.
I've loved Clark Kent since the beginning of time. The fact that I was the only girl in his life from pre-teen years was always a comfort to me, and even though he didn't share my feelings, it didn't matter, because I was with him. He was always next to me, asking for advice, helping me with Algebra, saving me from death-defying situations.
When Lana Lang came, that stopped.
Okay, not totally stopped. Clark is still there for me, I know. He's still my best friend, and I don't think he would do a thing to change that. Not on purpose anyway.
But Lana Lang. Just imagine the pain you would feel when you find the love of your life finally loving another girl. And this girl isn't just any ordinary girl. She is the exact opposite of you.
Pom-pom girl and reporter. Homecoming Queen and outsider. Brunette and blonde.
And, to infuriate me further, she's so damn nice.
And I can see why Clark Kent would fall in love with her.
* * * * * *
LEX
Chloe will forever be jealous of Lana Lang.
Despite the fact that I think of Chloe as a woman far superior to the likes of most, and that includes the garden variety Homecoming Queen.
But Clark Kent loves Lana Lang.
And Chloe loves Clark.
And I love Chloe.
Interesting little screwed up triangle right there.
I'm in a situation where, for the first time in my life, I can't win.
So what deigned me to admit to her, using a tiny sliver of a hint, that I had feelings for her?
* * * * * *
CHLOE
But I know.
I know that every time I come to The Beanery, every Friday night after paste-ups, I know that Clark Kent would be more otherwise engaged. When Lana Lang's in the vicinity of his mind or the area, Clark Kent is nowhere to be found.
Yet I still come here.
And more often than not, I leave The Beanery perfectly satisfied.
And sometimes I forget that I was even there to see Clark.
Why?
Because of Lex Luthor.
* * * * * *
LEX
Because I had a glimmer of hope.
An irresistible feeling, self-destructive though it is, at its highest point enables the possessor to sprout wings and believe he can fly.
Hope when she laughs at my words. Hope when she grins at me. Hope when she looks at me with intensity and uncertainty in her blue eyes.
And the feeling that maybe its time that Chloe Sullivan wakes up and takes a long sip of the coffee in front of her.
* * * * * *
CHLOE
Maybe it's a possibility.
Maybe it's possible that I have feelings for him too.
Maybe it's possible that I never realized it.
Maybe it's time I learn.
* * * * * *
LEX
There are other conquests to achieve on the path to Greatness.
Things to learn. People to learn from.
Is Chloe one of those people? God knows.
But let her collect herself and think about it. Think about me.
Meanwhile I'll be here, drinking my coffee, and waiting for her.
Whatever the outcome may be.
DISCLAIMER: The characters are not mine, the WB is not mine, Smallville is not mine, Michael Rosenbaum is unfortunately not mine, etc.
* * * * * *
LEX
I watch Chloe's retreating figure until it disappears from my sight, then I allow myself to breathe out a sigh.
I won't be able to define if it's a sigh of relief or frustration, or maybe a little bit of both, although the liberation I feel in breathing when I'm away from her searching eyes tell me that it might be leaning toward the former.
So. Interesting thing.
As opposed to jerking away from me, she decided to up a level and run. Undoubtedly, to wonder if my clever comment was aimed at her. And then after realizing that it was, probably wonder if it was an insult or not.
The girl is amazingly perceptive when it comes to many things, but dense when it comes to herself. Her insecurity makes her blind and doubt her potential. I don't even know why she'd even have to wonder if I have feelings for her. I could list a million reasons why I love her and she probably can't think of a single reason why I should.
Bu here's another consequence to face. Let's say, for argument's sake, that she does have feelings for me. What would happen? Would I be able to revel in our love in the public eye? Have everyone make a mockery of a teenager in a relationship with a rich man? Have Clark Kent's disapproval hanging over us? Not to mention what her father might think.
And let's not even bother getting so optimistic. Who's to say that she would even have feelings for me?
Well there you go, Lex. Find power, win immensely. Find love, lose tragically.
And to think it's usually so easy for me to get women.
* * * * * *
CHLOE
I'm in the bathroom, hiding from Lex Luthor.
I'm practicing the fine art of looking into the mirror, which is something I don't normally do, I assure you. Standing here, palms on the sink, eyes staring ahead, but not registering any image to the brain, unless it's that of a pale man with no hair and an eternal smirk on his face.
There's something very wrong with this picture.
I still hear his words echoing in my mind: Maybe she deserves better than the farm boy.
What the hell was that all about?
For the first time in my life, I'm entertaining a possibility I never dreamed of. A possibility more impossible than the idea of Pete Ross and Clark Kent jumping off a roof and flying.
The possibility that Lex Luthor, millionaire's son, sarcasm extraordinaire with the uncanny ability to make someone feel two inches tall, my dad's boss, has feelings for me.
Me, of all people.
* * * * * *
LEX
I'm beginning to think it's a good thing that Chloe excused herself. I need to collect myself, too.
It's a terribly funny thing, love.
If you gave me a guy to bargain with, I would do it with a blink of an eye. Give me a person to blackmail, it wouldn't take any skin off my back. Give me a woman to lure into bed, not a problem. Put Chloe Sullivan in front of me and tell me to admit my feelings to her and I think I'd run like she did.
Although I did admit my feelings to her in an, albeit extremely, vague manner. Going through the motions was easy enough, but after those words came out of my mouth, I lost the air from my lungs.
Not unlike how I felt some time ago, pulled out of a blue Porsche, limp and drenched on a muddy bank, saved by a farm boy breathing life into me.
I was handicapped then as I was under Chloe's inquisitive eyes. I wasn't able to say anything else or do anything else. Except look at her.
And be content in looking at her always.
There was a flash of realization in her blue eyes that I couldn't ignore, and that made me anxious.
Add to the fact that her abrupt departure was not exactly comforting to the love-struck soul.
I don't think she'd be running if those words came out of Clark Kent's mouth.
Maybe my vague confession is just a coward's way of saying how I really feel. As much as I love her, it has never actually crossed my mind to tell her.
Why? Maybe I don't want to corrupt her.
* * * * * *
CHLOE
Even as I think it, I feel rational Chloe bearing down on me with contradictions, left right and center.
The viability of Lex Luthor having a smidgen of a feeling for me, from uttering one single line, which he probably said just to challenge my theory, now that I come to think about it.
It's laughable. Funny. Hilarious.
IT WAS JUST A COMMENT.
It doesn't necessarily mean anything.
But there's something else there that goes beyond words.
The passion in his eyes and the sadness in his smile.
The fact that, aside from Clark, I may be the only person to see the common smirk on his face soften into a smile.
His watchful gaze intent on my face, every Friday night, as I approach him.
Brushing wayward strands of hair away from my eyes and tucking it behind my ear.
Leaning forward and staring into my eyes.
Getting me a cup of coffee.
Smiling at me.
No. Impossible.
* * * * * *
LEX
No, that's not the reason why.
I think highly enough of Chloe to know that she wouldn't let anyone corrupt her without making them suffer eternally for it.
Maybe the real reason is a lot more selfish than I care to admit.
It's because I know she'll run away from me.
It's because I can never compete with Clark Kent.
Clark Kent. Just look at the boy.
* * * * * *
CHLOE
God, I'm a wreck.
What is this I'm feeling? There's a light bubble in my heart, rushing down to my toes.
I feel kind of… elevated.
In fact, I kind of feel like skipping.
Or smiling, even.
I smile at my reflection in the mirror, tentatively. And immediately feel ridiculous doing it.
No. Don't be foolish, Chloe. You know better than this.
And besides, let's say for argument's sake that Lex Luthor does have feelings for you. What would you do? Squeal in delight?
Aren't you the one who thinks he's evil?
And, in case you haven't forgotten, you're still harboring major feelings for that farm boy in your life.
* * * * * *
LEX
Clark Kent once saved me from a watery death, and in the instant that he breathed life into my lungs, I realized something else. Not only did he save my life, he saved me despite the fact that I could have easily killed him first before plunging into the murky depths of the water.
It wasn't my fault, and Clark knows that. Unjustifiable as it may be, he hardly accuses me of anything.
But the fact remains. If I were in Clark's position, I would be spending my life ensuring that the crazy motherfucker who dared try to kill me will spend the rest of his existence in total misery. I would also be too shaken in realizing that I was alive and well, to think about jumping in and saving his.
It's integrity that Clark has and I will never achieve.
How can I compete with that?
* * * * * *
CHLOE
Clark Kent loves Lana Lang.
Lana Lang.
If Clark purposefully wanted to break my heart, then he couldn't have picked a better female contender than Lana Lang.
I've loved Clark Kent since the beginning of time. The fact that I was the only girl in his life from pre-teen years was always a comfort to me, and even though he didn't share my feelings, it didn't matter, because I was with him. He was always next to me, asking for advice, helping me with Algebra, saving me from death-defying situations.
When Lana Lang came, that stopped.
Okay, not totally stopped. Clark is still there for me, I know. He's still my best friend, and I don't think he would do a thing to change that. Not on purpose anyway.
But Lana Lang. Just imagine the pain you would feel when you find the love of your life finally loving another girl. And this girl isn't just any ordinary girl. She is the exact opposite of you.
Pom-pom girl and reporter. Homecoming Queen and outsider. Brunette and blonde.
And, to infuriate me further, she's so damn nice.
And I can see why Clark Kent would fall in love with her.
* * * * * *
LEX
Chloe will forever be jealous of Lana Lang.
Despite the fact that I think of Chloe as a woman far superior to the likes of most, and that includes the garden variety Homecoming Queen.
But Clark Kent loves Lana Lang.
And Chloe loves Clark.
And I love Chloe.
Interesting little screwed up triangle right there.
I'm in a situation where, for the first time in my life, I can't win.
So what deigned me to admit to her, using a tiny sliver of a hint, that I had feelings for her?
* * * * * *
CHLOE
But I know.
I know that every time I come to The Beanery, every Friday night after paste-ups, I know that Clark Kent would be more otherwise engaged. When Lana Lang's in the vicinity of his mind or the area, Clark Kent is nowhere to be found.
Yet I still come here.
And more often than not, I leave The Beanery perfectly satisfied.
And sometimes I forget that I was even there to see Clark.
Why?
Because of Lex Luthor.
* * * * * *
LEX
Because I had a glimmer of hope.
An irresistible feeling, self-destructive though it is, at its highest point enables the possessor to sprout wings and believe he can fly.
Hope when she laughs at my words. Hope when she grins at me. Hope when she looks at me with intensity and uncertainty in her blue eyes.
And the feeling that maybe its time that Chloe Sullivan wakes up and takes a long sip of the coffee in front of her.
* * * * * *
CHLOE
Maybe it's a possibility.
Maybe it's possible that I have feelings for him too.
Maybe it's possible that I never realized it.
Maybe it's time I learn.
* * * * * *
LEX
There are other conquests to achieve on the path to Greatness.
Things to learn. People to learn from.
Is Chloe one of those people? God knows.
But let her collect herself and think about it. Think about me.
Meanwhile I'll be here, drinking my coffee, and waiting for her.
Whatever the outcome may be.