Chapter 10- Confessions
Lex left Lana's room before she woke up the next morning. He went to his room to dress before making a large pot of coffee. As he was pouring himself a cup Chloe came padding out of her room in her pajamas and big blue slippers.
"Mmm…coffee," she mumbled rubbing the sleep from her eyes.
Lex smiled at his blonde friend. "Sleep well?"
"Amazingly enough, yes," Chloe answered pouring a mug of coffee. "You?"
"Yes," Lex answered thinking of Lana.
"Good, good," Chloe said finishing her first cup of coffee and pouring another one. She yawned as she pulled another mug from the cabinet and filled it with coffee.
"Two cups of coffee?" Lex asked.
"One's for Clark," she answered shuffling to Clark's room. She shifted the mugs to one hand and let herself into Clark's room without knocking. What she saw made her immediately shut the door. She almost dropped the coffee when she tried to set them down.
"Clark. Wake up," she urged to her floating boyfriend. Clark just turned in mid-air and kept sleeping. This was nothing new to Chloe, but she also wasn't sure how to wake him up so that he wouldn't crash to the bed. She knew Clark wouldn't feel too good about breaking Lex's bed. Chloe walked up to him and tried to find a way to wake him up gently. He started to float back to the bed when she started rubbing his chest and talking to him softly.
"Chloe?" Clark asked sleepily after he was safely on the bed. "Was I doing it again?"
Chloe nodded.
"Did I mention that floating is a negative?" Clark asked sitting up.
"I don't think so. Why do you think it happens?" Chloe asked sitting on the edge of the bed after retrieving the coffee.
"I don't know. Maybe I'm developing a new power. I just don't know which one," Clark explained.
"Let's think about it. You got headaches when you first started getting x-ray vision, right?"
"Right."
"Now you're floating. What power could that coincide with?"
"Seeing as I don't have a list of powers to choose from I really can't tell you," Clark responded.
"Levitation wouldn't exactly be a power that you could use. What about flying?"
"Huh?" Clark asked amazed.
"What if the next power you're getting is the power to fly?" Chloe asked intrigued.
"Flying? Are you serious?" Clark asked.
"Yep. Hey, you have super speed, super strength, and can see through anything not containing lead. Is flying really all that crazy of an idea?" Chloe asked her eyebrows raised.
"I guess not."
After Chloe went to Clark Lana came sleepily out of her own room. "Good morning," she said pouring herself some orange juice. "I had a sad dream last night."
"Tell me about it," Lex replied as she sat down beside him.
"It was weird. I dreamed that I was sleeping and you came into my room. You were crying, and had so much pain in your eyes. You laid down beside me and held me while I slept. I never woke up, but it was like I knew you were there."
"It's probably because of all that went on last night," Lex replied vaguely. He wasn't sure if he wanted Lana to know that it wasn't a dream. Crying was a sign of weakness, and the encounter with his father had put him on the defensive. He didn't want to show weakness, even to his beloved Lana.
"Do you want to talk about it?" Lana asked intently.
Lex shook his head. Lana knew not to pressure him. She wanted him to open up to her, and knew that he would in his own time. She had learned to respect that about Lex.
"We need to be ready to leave by ten," Lex said, glad that Lana wouldn't press him for answers. "Where something comfortable, preferably shorts."
"Ok. Want me to tell Chlo?"
"I'll do it," Lex replied walking to Clark's room and knocking on the door.
He opened it when Chloe answered. "We need to leave by ten. Wear something comfortable, and make sure you won't be too hot."
"I'm always hot," Chloe teased.
"You know what I mean," Lex said before going to his own room.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Author's Note: The phrase Lana uses about 'comebacks' is from an episode of Gilmore Girls. It belongs to the WB, not me. (To repeat my A/N from earlier…the word Plucky belongs to the WB. It was used on the episode 'Stray'.)
"I want cotton candy," Chloe said happily.
The quartet had been walking through the zoo for more than two hours and everyone was a little hungry.
"After lunch," Clark reasoned.
"But I want it now," Chloe whined.
Lana felt relieved when Lex laughed at Chloe's statement. It was the first time he had shown any sign of happiness since the incident with his father. Lana smiled up at Lex before wrapping her arms around his waist.
"I'm hungry too," Lana complained in a teasing voice.
"Let's stop for lunch," Lex offered.
"I want cotton candy," Chloe repeated.
"Okay, okay, but if you get sick you may not complain," Lex told her.
Chloe smiled in the charming way only she could. "Thank you."
"Here, go get it," Lex said handing her money.
Chloe kissed Clark on the cheek before bouncing off to get her coveted cotton candy.
"I'll get food. What do you two want?" Lex asked.
"Hamburger, fries, and a coke," Lana answered.
"Same, only make mine a chilidog," Clark replied.
As Lex walked away, Lana turned to Clark. "He laughed, Clark. He really laughed."
Clark smiled at his ecstatic friend. "That's great, Lan."
"I think he's going to be okay," Lana said excitedly. She jumped on Clark and hugged him.
"He will, Lana. He will," Clark said returning the embrace.
"I just can't leave you two alone, can I?" Lex teased meeting them at a table.
"Hmm…so many comebacks, I can not choose," Lana teased back. She stood on her tiptoes to kiss Lex on the nose.
Chloe returned holding a bag of cotton candy in each hand. "What?" she asked when she noticed everyone staring at her.
"You're going to eat both of those?" Lana asked
"Yes, and maybe another one," Chloe answered. Clark looked at her in awe. "I said I was hungry," she told him.
"I repeat my earlier statement. If you get sick, you may not complain," Lex said.
In reply, Chloe stuffed a large pink piece of cotton candy into her mouth. Clark just shook his head and reached for a piece of Chloe's 'meal.' She jerked her hand away and scowled at him.
"If you make fun of me, you may not share with me," she replied.
Lana laughed and continued to eat. When they were finished they threw away their trash and stood together to make plans for the rest of the day.
"I'm hot," Chloe complained.
"Why don't we go back to the apartment and make slushes or smoothies. We can watch a movie," Lex offered.
"Ooh, good idea," Lana agreed.
"Guys?" Lex asked Chloe and Clark.
Chloe and Clark looked at each other before Chloe answered for them. "Sure."
"Alright," Lex said leading the way back to the parking lot and waiting limousine.
Once inside Chloe started the conversation. "If you could pick one place to go in the whole world, where would it be and why?"
"I would find…" Clark stopped himself before saying more. Chloe looked at him sympathetically before turning to Lana.
"Lan?" she asked her friend.
"I would go to Athens. I've always been intrigued by myths and I want to see the place that made them up," Lana said.
"Lex?" Chloe asked.
"Since I've been pretty much anywhere that's a tough question. I would have to say Italy. It is really welcoming there, kind of homey," he answered. "What about you, Chlo?"
"I would go to Germany. I want to see all the sites of the concentration camps. It was such a sad time, and I'd like to see that piece of history," Chloe answered.
"We're here. Shall we continue this upstairs?" Lex asked.
"Certainly," Chloe agreed as they made their way to the apartment.
"Okay, what does everyone want?" Lex asked.
"Peanut butter smoothie," Chloe answered with a twinkle in her eye.
Clark shook his head in disbelief. "I want a cherry slush."
"Ooh, a strawberry smoothie sounds good," Lana said.
"Alright, let's continue our other conversation," Lex said.
"Let's make it a game. We will take turns asking a question that everyone has to answer. I went first, so Clark it's your turn. We'll keep going until we don't feel like playing anymore," Chloe said.
"Sounds like fun," Lana agreed.
"Okay, my turn?" Clark asked.
"Yep," Chloe told him.
"What is your dream for life? What are your goals?" Clark asked.
"I want a family. I grew up without a mother or father, so I've always wanted a family of my own," Lana answered. Her answer made Lex smile.
"I want to become a star reporter. I want my name in lights on the biggest newspaper the world has to offer," Chloe answered. "I know it's not as sweet as what Lana wants, but it's always been my dream.
"No, it's good, Chlo," Clark told her.
"I guess that would make it my turn. I want to become something great without my father. I want to be so great that my father will be in total awe. I don't mean that I want to be a king, or incredibly powerful, I just want to be a success," Lex answered making the quartet's slushes and smoothies.
"Good answer," Clark told him. "My turn. I want to find out who my real parents are. I love my mom and dad, but I want to know about my birth parents."
Chloe squeezed his arm supportively. "Lana's turn to ask a question."
"Hmm. Something juicy," Lana mused.
"Not too juicy," Chloe cautioned.
Lana just laughed. "Well, mine isn't really a question. I want everyone to say something about everyone else in the room. I mean like I say something good about you, Lex, and Clark. Then you say something good about me, Lex, and Clark, and so on."
"That won't be too hard. I'll go first. Lana, at first I didn't really trust you. Mainly because of the whole you Clark thing. Then I started to get to know you. You turned out to be a really great friend. I feel like I can tell you anything," Chloe said.
"That's sweet, Chlo," Lana said.
"Lex. I've always loved your mystery. What I like most about you is that just when I think that I am getting to know you, you do something to totally blow me away. You always challenge me to be greater than what I am. I really admire that."
"That means a lot, Chloe," Lex said with a smile as he handed her a smoothie.
"That leaves Clark. What to say about Clark? Clark, we have always been best friends. I never thought it could be any better until we started dating. You always lift me up, just when I need it. Most of the time I don't even realize that I do need it."
Clark smiled at her. "I'll go next. Lex. I am really glad that we got to be friends. You have always been there to confide in, and I really appreciate that. You are a great person and an even greater friend. Lana," Clark started.
"Watch it," Chloe teased.
Clark and Lana laughed. "Lana, I love how you always seem happy. Just by smiling at me you make me happy. And last but definitely not least, Chloe. I love that you always push me to accept who I am as a person. You always bring my head out of the clouds, and put me back on solid ground. I really need that, and I have it in you."
Chloe smiled her trademark smile. "Lex?"
"Chloe, Chloe, Chloe. I like how you don't take bull from anyone. You don't let anyone take advantage of you. That's very admirable, though sometimes annoying," Lex teased handing Clark a slush.
"You know you love it. Go on," Chloe said with a smile.
"Clark. You are the first friend I've had. I really value our friendship. I feel that I can trust you, and you know how I trust no one."
"Thanks Lex," Clark replied.
"Lana," Lex said taking a deep breath. "Somehow you have worked your way into my heart. For that I am eternally grateful. You always know exactly how I'm feeling and what I need to do to make it better. You know practically everything about me, and yet you still want to be with me. That really humbles me," Lex said.
Lana leaned over and kissed his cheek. "Chloe. I just have to say that you are crazy! I love how you make me feel like I can do anything. No matter how scared I am about something you tell me to do it and I'm not afraid or nervous anymore. Clark, ah, Clark. I love how you will always stop what you are doing at the drop of a hat to help anyone. I know you have saved me on more than one occasion."
Clark looked alarmed at that statement. He looked over at Chloe and she shook her head. She seemed to say, 'Lana doesn't mean it that way.'
"Lex, my favorite of all. I love, absolutely love that just when I think I know everything about you I find out something else that makes me love you even more. Everyday I think that I couldn't love you anymore than I already do, then you do something to surprise me."
Lex smiled lovingly at her as he handed her a slush.
"I guess that makes it my turn for a question. What is the one thing that you regret most in life?" Lex asked.
"That's deep," Chloe answered.
"Let's see, I regret that I never got to know my parents. I took them for granted and I never told them how much they meant to me," Lana said.
"I regret not going after Clark sooner. If I knew that it would turn out like this I wouldn't have waited all those years," Chloe replied.
"Chloe…" Lex said.
"It's the truth. Okay, okay. I regret that I used the Torch as a shield. I hid behind my work so that I wouldn't have to deal with problems. I know from experience now that you can't make a problem go away without facing it head on."
"I regret keeping secrets," Clark answered vaguely.
"Want to elaborate on that?" Lex asked.
"Not really," Clark answered.
"Okay. I regret putting up a wall to keep everyone out. I hardened my heart so that I couldn't get hurt, but that also left me very lonely. When I met Clark, that wall started to come down. It's not totally gone, but it's getting there," Lex answered.
"That makes it my turn again. Now that we all have our drinks, let's go sit down," Chloe suggested.
The quartet made their way to the couches.
"Okay, I want to know who the person is that you admire the most and why. It obviously doesn't have to be a person in this room," Chloe said.
"I admire Mr. Kent," Lex said to everyone's amazement. "No matter what happens his family always comes first."
"I admire Nell. She raised me when my parents died. I know it was a very hard job, but she never gave up on me," Lana replied.
"I'd have to say that I admire Clark. I am not just saying that because he's my boyfriend. He has had to carry some pretty heavy burdens," Chloe said. "And don't ask for elaboration."
"The person I admire most would have to be Lex. Lex always brings out the best in me and pushes me to reach my full potential," Clark answered.
"Your turn for a question, Clark," Lex said.
"Let me think. What is the thing that you like most about yourself and why?" Clark asked.
"I like that I am very perceptive. Not much gets by me," Chloe answered.
"So, true," Lana said with a smile. "I like that I am very approachable. People feel like they can talk to me, and I like that."
"I like that I have control of my own life. I don't let anyone else tell me how to live," Lex said.
What I like most about myself is that I'm pretty responsible. I take responsibility for all of my actions," Clark answered.
"That would make it my turn," Lana said. "I am going to turn Clark's question around. What do you like least about yourself and why?"
"I like least about myself the fact that I am so shy. My shyness sometimes keeps from getting things I want or need," Clark confessed.
"I would have to say my ability to trust. Truthfully, I don't have one. I don't easily trust people and I expect the worst from them," Lex replied.
"I always have to get every little fact or detail. Sometimes, by doing that I hurt the people I love," Chloe said.
"I dislike that I seem like a fragile little girl. I don't always speak my mind, and that lets people think they can walk all over me," Lana said.
"That's something to think about," Lex said. "My turn, huh? What is one thing in your current relationship that you wish you had done differently? Chloe, don't say getting Clark sooner, you already used up that option."
"I wouldn't have kept things from Chloe for as long as I had. I would have told her everything about myself, instead of keeping some things in," Clark said seriously.
"One thing I would have done differently? I would have started out being your best friend, or something close to it. Instead of jumping in as your girlfriend," Lana stated.
"I wouldn't have dug into Clark's past so much. I know I kind of mentioned the digging thing before, but it's the truth. I would have waited for him to tell me, instead of taking it upon myself to find out," Chloe said.
"I would have taken Lana more seriously in the beginning. Not to say that I didn't take you seriously, but at first you were just 'one of Clark's friends.' I didn't give you enough credit," Lex said.
"Well, this is really shedding light on a lot of things! Questions, questions. Let's see, I have no idea," Chloe said.
"Me neither," Lana agreed. "Guys?"
Lex and Clark shrugged.
"Let's play another game," Lana said. "Anybody have any ideas?"
"How about 'I've Never,'" Lex suggested.
"How do you play that?" Clark asked.
"Someone says 'I've never____' then fill in the blank. If any of the other people have done that they have to do something. Usually it's a drinking game, but considering Lana we should do something else," Lex explained.
"Well, how about the rest of us drink, but Lana can drink coke?" Chloe asked.
"That's fine with me, I'll just have water" Lana said.
"Alright, but let's not go overboard on the alcohol," Lex warned.
"I can handle it. Do you have any?" Clark asked.
"I have some great Brandy," Lex said grabbing three shot glasses, the Brandy, and a bottle of water. He handed the water to Lana before filling the three shot glasses.
"Who first?" Lana asked.
"I will," Chloe offered. "I've never kissed Lana."
Lex and Clark both took drinks.
"Why did you drink Clark?" Lana asked confused.
Clark blushed. Lana had never remembered her strip tease by the pool when the Nicodemus flower had infected her. "You don't want me to answer that."
Lana shrugged.
Lex knew what Clark was thinking. "I've never seen Lana in her underwear." Lex had to keep himself from laughing when Chloe and Clark drank. When Lana saw Clark drink she gasped.
"Clark!" Lana exclaimed.
Clark looked to Chloe for help. "Lana, I'll explain it later. Trust me," Chloe said.
"How humiliating," Lana said. "I would say that I've never kissed Clark, but obviously I have! I've never seen Clark in his underwear."
No one drank to that one, and Lana pouted.
"I've never been to another country," Clark said. Only Lex took a drink.
"I've never told someone else's secret," Chloe said. Everyone took a drink.
"I've never had a telescope," Lex teased. Clark and Chloe took a drink.
"Chloe?" Clark asked.
"You don't think you were the only one with the telescope idea, do you?" Chloe asked and Clark blushed.
"I've never had a fortress of solitude," Lana said. Of course, only Clark drank.
"I've never researched my family," Clark said. Chloe and Lex drank, as Clark knew they would.
"I've never had sex," Chloe said. She was surprised when Lex and Lana drank.
"I've never kissed Clark and not remembered it," Lex said. Chloe and Lana drank reluctantly.
"Chloe?" Lana asked.
"That's another story for later. Let's just say that I found out after I did it," Chloe said.
"I've never kissed a girl," Lana said. Clark and Lex both drank.
"I've never had sex with Lana," Clark said trying to find out exactly who Lana had slept with. No one drank, and everyone looked expectantly at Lana.
"That's for me to know and you guys to never find out," Lana said sheepishly.
"My turn. I've never gotten drunk," Chloe said. Again, only Lex and Lana drank.
"I understand Lex, but you Lana?" Clark asked.
"How do you think I found out that I couldn't handle alcohol?" Lana questioned back.
"Good point. I've never had fantasies about a certain farmboy," Lex said. He laughed when Chloe drank.
"I've never had fantasies about a certain plucky reporter," Lana countered. Both guys drank and Clark almost choked.
"Lex?" he asked.
Lex just looked at him with a sly smile. "Don't worry, it's all in the past."
"My turn, I've never…someone want to take my turn? I'm all out of ideas," Clark said.
"Why don't we watch t.v.?" Lana asked.
"Sounds good to me," Chloe said grabbing the remote.
Clark slid down on the couch before putting a pillow on Chloe's lap and laying down. Lana scooted closer to Lex.
"Let's see, we have The Simpsons, Friends, Diagnosis Murder, Buffy, Angel, E.R., Everybody Loves Raymond…" Chloe dictated.
"Let's watch Raymond," Lana said.
"Okay," Chloe said. She put down the remote and started to brush her fingers through Clark's wavy black hair. Clark was asleep before the show was over.
"Lex, why don't we all go swimming?" Lana asked during the commercials.
"Fine with me," he replied. "Chlo?"
"I want to swim. I'll let Clark sleep, though," she said scooting out from under her boyfriend.
They all made their way to their separate rooms, leaving Clark behind on the couch. They met back up on the pool deck.
"I opt for the hot tub," Lana said.
"I agree," Chloe replied.
"I'm going to swim a few laps, then I'll join you ladies," Lex said before diving into the pool.
"Now, tell me about Clark," Lana said stepping into the hot tub.
"Okay, but you won't like it. Do you remember when you were infected by the Nicodemus flower?" Chloe asked.
"Yeah, I spent a week apologizing for things I didn't remember doing. You're not saying I did something to Clark?" Lana asked horrified.
"How do I put this gently? You were sort of a more bold form of yourself," Chloe started.
"Clark's phrase was Alpha-Lana," Lana supplied.
"Good choice of words. Well, you tracked Clark down in the Torch office. You convinced him to go to the pool with you. When you got down there you stripped to your underwear and started doing gymnastics on the diving board," Chloe explained.
"Oh, no!" Lana said covering her face. "I'm afraid to say it, but that still doesn't explain how I kissed Clark."
"Well, you dove into the pool, and when Clark wouldn't come in with you, you got out. You told him to stop hiding his feelings toward you and you kissed him. He knew it wasn't you, so he pulled back. You got upset and pushed him into the pool. Principal Kwan had heard the noise and came in to check it out. You ran leaving Clark in the pool," Chloe finished.
"This is humiliating!" Lana exclaimed. "Obviously Lex knows about the whole thing?"
"Yeah. I knew, and Lex knew but that was it. Don't worry about it. Clark knows it was just because of the flower," Chloe assured her.
"Okay, I guess. Now tell me about you kissing Clark and not remembering," Lana urged.
"Well, there was this guy who had been infected by the meteors. By holding your hand he could convince you to do things. You only were snapped out of the trance by doing that certain thing. Of course, I was a skeptic. I didn't believe a word of it. Clark and I went to talk to him and I made the mistake of telling him to prove that he could do what he claimed. So, he took my hand," Chloe said.
"Uh-oh," Lana stated for Chloe.
"I only know the rest because of Clark. Well, he took my hand and told me that I didn't have to hold back anymore. He said that I could let Clark know how I feel. When he let go I turned to Clark and told him that I liked him, then I kissed him. When I kissed him it broke the trance. I had no idea what I'd done. I made some stupid comment to the effect of why was Clark looking at me and why did my mouth taste minty."
"No!" Lana said amazed.
"When I said that, I looked at Clark. He looked truly shocked. So, I put two and two together and he didn't deny it," Chloe finished.
"When did you find out what truly happened?"
"When we started dating I finally had the courage to ask him, and he told me."
"Ladies, I think I am going to take a nap like Clark. I am exhausted. Are you two going to stay out here?" Lex asked.
"No, wait for us," Lana said climbing out of the hot tub. They all dried off and put on the robes they had brought out with them. Lex opened the door and walked in first. He stopped dead in his tracks three steps in the door. Chloe squeezed her eyes shut. She could only guess what he was looking at. Chloe sidestepped Lex and entered the apartment. Just like she suspected Clark was floating in his sleep.
Lex left Lana's room before she woke up the next morning. He went to his room to dress before making a large pot of coffee. As he was pouring himself a cup Chloe came padding out of her room in her pajamas and big blue slippers.
"Mmm…coffee," she mumbled rubbing the sleep from her eyes.
Lex smiled at his blonde friend. "Sleep well?"
"Amazingly enough, yes," Chloe answered pouring a mug of coffee. "You?"
"Yes," Lex answered thinking of Lana.
"Good, good," Chloe said finishing her first cup of coffee and pouring another one. She yawned as she pulled another mug from the cabinet and filled it with coffee.
"Two cups of coffee?" Lex asked.
"One's for Clark," she answered shuffling to Clark's room. She shifted the mugs to one hand and let herself into Clark's room without knocking. What she saw made her immediately shut the door. She almost dropped the coffee when she tried to set them down.
"Clark. Wake up," she urged to her floating boyfriend. Clark just turned in mid-air and kept sleeping. This was nothing new to Chloe, but she also wasn't sure how to wake him up so that he wouldn't crash to the bed. She knew Clark wouldn't feel too good about breaking Lex's bed. Chloe walked up to him and tried to find a way to wake him up gently. He started to float back to the bed when she started rubbing his chest and talking to him softly.
"Chloe?" Clark asked sleepily after he was safely on the bed. "Was I doing it again?"
Chloe nodded.
"Did I mention that floating is a negative?" Clark asked sitting up.
"I don't think so. Why do you think it happens?" Chloe asked sitting on the edge of the bed after retrieving the coffee.
"I don't know. Maybe I'm developing a new power. I just don't know which one," Clark explained.
"Let's think about it. You got headaches when you first started getting x-ray vision, right?"
"Right."
"Now you're floating. What power could that coincide with?"
"Seeing as I don't have a list of powers to choose from I really can't tell you," Clark responded.
"Levitation wouldn't exactly be a power that you could use. What about flying?"
"Huh?" Clark asked amazed.
"What if the next power you're getting is the power to fly?" Chloe asked intrigued.
"Flying? Are you serious?" Clark asked.
"Yep. Hey, you have super speed, super strength, and can see through anything not containing lead. Is flying really all that crazy of an idea?" Chloe asked her eyebrows raised.
"I guess not."
After Chloe went to Clark Lana came sleepily out of her own room. "Good morning," she said pouring herself some orange juice. "I had a sad dream last night."
"Tell me about it," Lex replied as she sat down beside him.
"It was weird. I dreamed that I was sleeping and you came into my room. You were crying, and had so much pain in your eyes. You laid down beside me and held me while I slept. I never woke up, but it was like I knew you were there."
"It's probably because of all that went on last night," Lex replied vaguely. He wasn't sure if he wanted Lana to know that it wasn't a dream. Crying was a sign of weakness, and the encounter with his father had put him on the defensive. He didn't want to show weakness, even to his beloved Lana.
"Do you want to talk about it?" Lana asked intently.
Lex shook his head. Lana knew not to pressure him. She wanted him to open up to her, and knew that he would in his own time. She had learned to respect that about Lex.
"We need to be ready to leave by ten," Lex said, glad that Lana wouldn't press him for answers. "Where something comfortable, preferably shorts."
"Ok. Want me to tell Chlo?"
"I'll do it," Lex replied walking to Clark's room and knocking on the door.
He opened it when Chloe answered. "We need to leave by ten. Wear something comfortable, and make sure you won't be too hot."
"I'm always hot," Chloe teased.
"You know what I mean," Lex said before going to his own room.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Author's Note: The phrase Lana uses about 'comebacks' is from an episode of Gilmore Girls. It belongs to the WB, not me. (To repeat my A/N from earlier…the word Plucky belongs to the WB. It was used on the episode 'Stray'.)
"I want cotton candy," Chloe said happily.
The quartet had been walking through the zoo for more than two hours and everyone was a little hungry.
"After lunch," Clark reasoned.
"But I want it now," Chloe whined.
Lana felt relieved when Lex laughed at Chloe's statement. It was the first time he had shown any sign of happiness since the incident with his father. Lana smiled up at Lex before wrapping her arms around his waist.
"I'm hungry too," Lana complained in a teasing voice.
"Let's stop for lunch," Lex offered.
"I want cotton candy," Chloe repeated.
"Okay, okay, but if you get sick you may not complain," Lex told her.
Chloe smiled in the charming way only she could. "Thank you."
"Here, go get it," Lex said handing her money.
Chloe kissed Clark on the cheek before bouncing off to get her coveted cotton candy.
"I'll get food. What do you two want?" Lex asked.
"Hamburger, fries, and a coke," Lana answered.
"Same, only make mine a chilidog," Clark replied.
As Lex walked away, Lana turned to Clark. "He laughed, Clark. He really laughed."
Clark smiled at his ecstatic friend. "That's great, Lan."
"I think he's going to be okay," Lana said excitedly. She jumped on Clark and hugged him.
"He will, Lana. He will," Clark said returning the embrace.
"I just can't leave you two alone, can I?" Lex teased meeting them at a table.
"Hmm…so many comebacks, I can not choose," Lana teased back. She stood on her tiptoes to kiss Lex on the nose.
Chloe returned holding a bag of cotton candy in each hand. "What?" she asked when she noticed everyone staring at her.
"You're going to eat both of those?" Lana asked
"Yes, and maybe another one," Chloe answered. Clark looked at her in awe. "I said I was hungry," she told him.
"I repeat my earlier statement. If you get sick, you may not complain," Lex said.
In reply, Chloe stuffed a large pink piece of cotton candy into her mouth. Clark just shook his head and reached for a piece of Chloe's 'meal.' She jerked her hand away and scowled at him.
"If you make fun of me, you may not share with me," she replied.
Lana laughed and continued to eat. When they were finished they threw away their trash and stood together to make plans for the rest of the day.
"I'm hot," Chloe complained.
"Why don't we go back to the apartment and make slushes or smoothies. We can watch a movie," Lex offered.
"Ooh, good idea," Lana agreed.
"Guys?" Lex asked Chloe and Clark.
Chloe and Clark looked at each other before Chloe answered for them. "Sure."
"Alright," Lex said leading the way back to the parking lot and waiting limousine.
Once inside Chloe started the conversation. "If you could pick one place to go in the whole world, where would it be and why?"
"I would find…" Clark stopped himself before saying more. Chloe looked at him sympathetically before turning to Lana.
"Lan?" she asked her friend.
"I would go to Athens. I've always been intrigued by myths and I want to see the place that made them up," Lana said.
"Lex?" Chloe asked.
"Since I've been pretty much anywhere that's a tough question. I would have to say Italy. It is really welcoming there, kind of homey," he answered. "What about you, Chlo?"
"I would go to Germany. I want to see all the sites of the concentration camps. It was such a sad time, and I'd like to see that piece of history," Chloe answered.
"We're here. Shall we continue this upstairs?" Lex asked.
"Certainly," Chloe agreed as they made their way to the apartment.
"Okay, what does everyone want?" Lex asked.
"Peanut butter smoothie," Chloe answered with a twinkle in her eye.
Clark shook his head in disbelief. "I want a cherry slush."
"Ooh, a strawberry smoothie sounds good," Lana said.
"Alright, let's continue our other conversation," Lex said.
"Let's make it a game. We will take turns asking a question that everyone has to answer. I went first, so Clark it's your turn. We'll keep going until we don't feel like playing anymore," Chloe said.
"Sounds like fun," Lana agreed.
"Okay, my turn?" Clark asked.
"Yep," Chloe told him.
"What is your dream for life? What are your goals?" Clark asked.
"I want a family. I grew up without a mother or father, so I've always wanted a family of my own," Lana answered. Her answer made Lex smile.
"I want to become a star reporter. I want my name in lights on the biggest newspaper the world has to offer," Chloe answered. "I know it's not as sweet as what Lana wants, but it's always been my dream.
"No, it's good, Chlo," Clark told her.
"I guess that would make it my turn. I want to become something great without my father. I want to be so great that my father will be in total awe. I don't mean that I want to be a king, or incredibly powerful, I just want to be a success," Lex answered making the quartet's slushes and smoothies.
"Good answer," Clark told him. "My turn. I want to find out who my real parents are. I love my mom and dad, but I want to know about my birth parents."
Chloe squeezed his arm supportively. "Lana's turn to ask a question."
"Hmm. Something juicy," Lana mused.
"Not too juicy," Chloe cautioned.
Lana just laughed. "Well, mine isn't really a question. I want everyone to say something about everyone else in the room. I mean like I say something good about you, Lex, and Clark. Then you say something good about me, Lex, and Clark, and so on."
"That won't be too hard. I'll go first. Lana, at first I didn't really trust you. Mainly because of the whole you Clark thing. Then I started to get to know you. You turned out to be a really great friend. I feel like I can tell you anything," Chloe said.
"That's sweet, Chlo," Lana said.
"Lex. I've always loved your mystery. What I like most about you is that just when I think that I am getting to know you, you do something to totally blow me away. You always challenge me to be greater than what I am. I really admire that."
"That means a lot, Chloe," Lex said with a smile as he handed her a smoothie.
"That leaves Clark. What to say about Clark? Clark, we have always been best friends. I never thought it could be any better until we started dating. You always lift me up, just when I need it. Most of the time I don't even realize that I do need it."
Clark smiled at her. "I'll go next. Lex. I am really glad that we got to be friends. You have always been there to confide in, and I really appreciate that. You are a great person and an even greater friend. Lana," Clark started.
"Watch it," Chloe teased.
Clark and Lana laughed. "Lana, I love how you always seem happy. Just by smiling at me you make me happy. And last but definitely not least, Chloe. I love that you always push me to accept who I am as a person. You always bring my head out of the clouds, and put me back on solid ground. I really need that, and I have it in you."
Chloe smiled her trademark smile. "Lex?"
"Chloe, Chloe, Chloe. I like how you don't take bull from anyone. You don't let anyone take advantage of you. That's very admirable, though sometimes annoying," Lex teased handing Clark a slush.
"You know you love it. Go on," Chloe said with a smile.
"Clark. You are the first friend I've had. I really value our friendship. I feel that I can trust you, and you know how I trust no one."
"Thanks Lex," Clark replied.
"Lana," Lex said taking a deep breath. "Somehow you have worked your way into my heart. For that I am eternally grateful. You always know exactly how I'm feeling and what I need to do to make it better. You know practically everything about me, and yet you still want to be with me. That really humbles me," Lex said.
Lana leaned over and kissed his cheek. "Chloe. I just have to say that you are crazy! I love how you make me feel like I can do anything. No matter how scared I am about something you tell me to do it and I'm not afraid or nervous anymore. Clark, ah, Clark. I love how you will always stop what you are doing at the drop of a hat to help anyone. I know you have saved me on more than one occasion."
Clark looked alarmed at that statement. He looked over at Chloe and she shook her head. She seemed to say, 'Lana doesn't mean it that way.'
"Lex, my favorite of all. I love, absolutely love that just when I think I know everything about you I find out something else that makes me love you even more. Everyday I think that I couldn't love you anymore than I already do, then you do something to surprise me."
Lex smiled lovingly at her as he handed her a slush.
"I guess that makes it my turn for a question. What is the one thing that you regret most in life?" Lex asked.
"That's deep," Chloe answered.
"Let's see, I regret that I never got to know my parents. I took them for granted and I never told them how much they meant to me," Lana said.
"I regret not going after Clark sooner. If I knew that it would turn out like this I wouldn't have waited all those years," Chloe replied.
"Chloe…" Lex said.
"It's the truth. Okay, okay. I regret that I used the Torch as a shield. I hid behind my work so that I wouldn't have to deal with problems. I know from experience now that you can't make a problem go away without facing it head on."
"I regret keeping secrets," Clark answered vaguely.
"Want to elaborate on that?" Lex asked.
"Not really," Clark answered.
"Okay. I regret putting up a wall to keep everyone out. I hardened my heart so that I couldn't get hurt, but that also left me very lonely. When I met Clark, that wall started to come down. It's not totally gone, but it's getting there," Lex answered.
"That makes it my turn again. Now that we all have our drinks, let's go sit down," Chloe suggested.
The quartet made their way to the couches.
"Okay, I want to know who the person is that you admire the most and why. It obviously doesn't have to be a person in this room," Chloe said.
"I admire Mr. Kent," Lex said to everyone's amazement. "No matter what happens his family always comes first."
"I admire Nell. She raised me when my parents died. I know it was a very hard job, but she never gave up on me," Lana replied.
"I'd have to say that I admire Clark. I am not just saying that because he's my boyfriend. He has had to carry some pretty heavy burdens," Chloe said. "And don't ask for elaboration."
"The person I admire most would have to be Lex. Lex always brings out the best in me and pushes me to reach my full potential," Clark answered.
"Your turn for a question, Clark," Lex said.
"Let me think. What is the thing that you like most about yourself and why?" Clark asked.
"I like that I am very perceptive. Not much gets by me," Chloe answered.
"So, true," Lana said with a smile. "I like that I am very approachable. People feel like they can talk to me, and I like that."
"I like that I have control of my own life. I don't let anyone else tell me how to live," Lex said.
What I like most about myself is that I'm pretty responsible. I take responsibility for all of my actions," Clark answered.
"That would make it my turn," Lana said. "I am going to turn Clark's question around. What do you like least about yourself and why?"
"I like least about myself the fact that I am so shy. My shyness sometimes keeps from getting things I want or need," Clark confessed.
"I would have to say my ability to trust. Truthfully, I don't have one. I don't easily trust people and I expect the worst from them," Lex replied.
"I always have to get every little fact or detail. Sometimes, by doing that I hurt the people I love," Chloe said.
"I dislike that I seem like a fragile little girl. I don't always speak my mind, and that lets people think they can walk all over me," Lana said.
"That's something to think about," Lex said. "My turn, huh? What is one thing in your current relationship that you wish you had done differently? Chloe, don't say getting Clark sooner, you already used up that option."
"I wouldn't have kept things from Chloe for as long as I had. I would have told her everything about myself, instead of keeping some things in," Clark said seriously.
"One thing I would have done differently? I would have started out being your best friend, or something close to it. Instead of jumping in as your girlfriend," Lana stated.
"I wouldn't have dug into Clark's past so much. I know I kind of mentioned the digging thing before, but it's the truth. I would have waited for him to tell me, instead of taking it upon myself to find out," Chloe said.
"I would have taken Lana more seriously in the beginning. Not to say that I didn't take you seriously, but at first you were just 'one of Clark's friends.' I didn't give you enough credit," Lex said.
"Well, this is really shedding light on a lot of things! Questions, questions. Let's see, I have no idea," Chloe said.
"Me neither," Lana agreed. "Guys?"
Lex and Clark shrugged.
"Let's play another game," Lana said. "Anybody have any ideas?"
"How about 'I've Never,'" Lex suggested.
"How do you play that?" Clark asked.
"Someone says 'I've never____' then fill in the blank. If any of the other people have done that they have to do something. Usually it's a drinking game, but considering Lana we should do something else," Lex explained.
"Well, how about the rest of us drink, but Lana can drink coke?" Chloe asked.
"That's fine with me, I'll just have water" Lana said.
"Alright, but let's not go overboard on the alcohol," Lex warned.
"I can handle it. Do you have any?" Clark asked.
"I have some great Brandy," Lex said grabbing three shot glasses, the Brandy, and a bottle of water. He handed the water to Lana before filling the three shot glasses.
"Who first?" Lana asked.
"I will," Chloe offered. "I've never kissed Lana."
Lex and Clark both took drinks.
"Why did you drink Clark?" Lana asked confused.
Clark blushed. Lana had never remembered her strip tease by the pool when the Nicodemus flower had infected her. "You don't want me to answer that."
Lana shrugged.
Lex knew what Clark was thinking. "I've never seen Lana in her underwear." Lex had to keep himself from laughing when Chloe and Clark drank. When Lana saw Clark drink she gasped.
"Clark!" Lana exclaimed.
Clark looked to Chloe for help. "Lana, I'll explain it later. Trust me," Chloe said.
"How humiliating," Lana said. "I would say that I've never kissed Clark, but obviously I have! I've never seen Clark in his underwear."
No one drank to that one, and Lana pouted.
"I've never been to another country," Clark said. Only Lex took a drink.
"I've never told someone else's secret," Chloe said. Everyone took a drink.
"I've never had a telescope," Lex teased. Clark and Chloe took a drink.
"Chloe?" Clark asked.
"You don't think you were the only one with the telescope idea, do you?" Chloe asked and Clark blushed.
"I've never had a fortress of solitude," Lana said. Of course, only Clark drank.
"I've never researched my family," Clark said. Chloe and Lex drank, as Clark knew they would.
"I've never had sex," Chloe said. She was surprised when Lex and Lana drank.
"I've never kissed Clark and not remembered it," Lex said. Chloe and Lana drank reluctantly.
"Chloe?" Lana asked.
"That's another story for later. Let's just say that I found out after I did it," Chloe said.
"I've never kissed a girl," Lana said. Clark and Lex both drank.
"I've never had sex with Lana," Clark said trying to find out exactly who Lana had slept with. No one drank, and everyone looked expectantly at Lana.
"That's for me to know and you guys to never find out," Lana said sheepishly.
"My turn. I've never gotten drunk," Chloe said. Again, only Lex and Lana drank.
"I understand Lex, but you Lana?" Clark asked.
"How do you think I found out that I couldn't handle alcohol?" Lana questioned back.
"Good point. I've never had fantasies about a certain farmboy," Lex said. He laughed when Chloe drank.
"I've never had fantasies about a certain plucky reporter," Lana countered. Both guys drank and Clark almost choked.
"Lex?" he asked.
Lex just looked at him with a sly smile. "Don't worry, it's all in the past."
"My turn, I've never…someone want to take my turn? I'm all out of ideas," Clark said.
"Why don't we watch t.v.?" Lana asked.
"Sounds good to me," Chloe said grabbing the remote.
Clark slid down on the couch before putting a pillow on Chloe's lap and laying down. Lana scooted closer to Lex.
"Let's see, we have The Simpsons, Friends, Diagnosis Murder, Buffy, Angel, E.R., Everybody Loves Raymond…" Chloe dictated.
"Let's watch Raymond," Lana said.
"Okay," Chloe said. She put down the remote and started to brush her fingers through Clark's wavy black hair. Clark was asleep before the show was over.
"Lex, why don't we all go swimming?" Lana asked during the commercials.
"Fine with me," he replied. "Chlo?"
"I want to swim. I'll let Clark sleep, though," she said scooting out from under her boyfriend.
They all made their way to their separate rooms, leaving Clark behind on the couch. They met back up on the pool deck.
"I opt for the hot tub," Lana said.
"I agree," Chloe replied.
"I'm going to swim a few laps, then I'll join you ladies," Lex said before diving into the pool.
"Now, tell me about Clark," Lana said stepping into the hot tub.
"Okay, but you won't like it. Do you remember when you were infected by the Nicodemus flower?" Chloe asked.
"Yeah, I spent a week apologizing for things I didn't remember doing. You're not saying I did something to Clark?" Lana asked horrified.
"How do I put this gently? You were sort of a more bold form of yourself," Chloe started.
"Clark's phrase was Alpha-Lana," Lana supplied.
"Good choice of words. Well, you tracked Clark down in the Torch office. You convinced him to go to the pool with you. When you got down there you stripped to your underwear and started doing gymnastics on the diving board," Chloe explained.
"Oh, no!" Lana said covering her face. "I'm afraid to say it, but that still doesn't explain how I kissed Clark."
"Well, you dove into the pool, and when Clark wouldn't come in with you, you got out. You told him to stop hiding his feelings toward you and you kissed him. He knew it wasn't you, so he pulled back. You got upset and pushed him into the pool. Principal Kwan had heard the noise and came in to check it out. You ran leaving Clark in the pool," Chloe finished.
"This is humiliating!" Lana exclaimed. "Obviously Lex knows about the whole thing?"
"Yeah. I knew, and Lex knew but that was it. Don't worry about it. Clark knows it was just because of the flower," Chloe assured her.
"Okay, I guess. Now tell me about you kissing Clark and not remembering," Lana urged.
"Well, there was this guy who had been infected by the meteors. By holding your hand he could convince you to do things. You only were snapped out of the trance by doing that certain thing. Of course, I was a skeptic. I didn't believe a word of it. Clark and I went to talk to him and I made the mistake of telling him to prove that he could do what he claimed. So, he took my hand," Chloe said.
"Uh-oh," Lana stated for Chloe.
"I only know the rest because of Clark. Well, he took my hand and told me that I didn't have to hold back anymore. He said that I could let Clark know how I feel. When he let go I turned to Clark and told him that I liked him, then I kissed him. When I kissed him it broke the trance. I had no idea what I'd done. I made some stupid comment to the effect of why was Clark looking at me and why did my mouth taste minty."
"No!" Lana said amazed.
"When I said that, I looked at Clark. He looked truly shocked. So, I put two and two together and he didn't deny it," Chloe finished.
"When did you find out what truly happened?"
"When we started dating I finally had the courage to ask him, and he told me."
"Ladies, I think I am going to take a nap like Clark. I am exhausted. Are you two going to stay out here?" Lex asked.
"No, wait for us," Lana said climbing out of the hot tub. They all dried off and put on the robes they had brought out with them. Lex opened the door and walked in first. He stopped dead in his tracks three steps in the door. Chloe squeezed her eyes shut. She could only guess what he was looking at. Chloe sidestepped Lex and entered the apartment. Just like she suspected Clark was floating in his sleep.