Author's note: Okay guys this is, well obviously per the label, 4 years
into the future!!! How cliché did that just sound? Basic breakdown is
that Chloe's dad was killed in a car accident, so she's been living with
her aunt for the past 4 years. I'm not exactly sure where I'm gong with
this (except for the Ch/Lex part, so shippers you can breathe easy!) so
bear with me for a while! You guys are great, thanks for the reviews! Keep
'em coming they are so appreciated and a half!!!
Disclaimer: I meant to add one last time but the freaking deal wouldn't let me go back and edit it…yeah that's my story and I'm sticking to it! Don't own it and wouldn't want to, 'cept for Lex of course cuz who wouldn't?!?
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* 4 years later
Chloe sighed as she wrapped her hands around her coffee mug, sipping slowly. Clark was supposed to have met her at the Beanery for coffee about 20 minutes ago and he had yet to arrive. Some things never change she thought ruefully, a shadow of a smile playing at her lips. It had been a long time since she'd been back here. Probably too long. But in the beginning it had just been too hard, there had been too many memories of what had been. And then she had started getting her life back on track, the sense of normalcy and routine had been the root to her sanity. She had kept in touch with Clark and Pete of course, talking on the phone every week and every couple of months or so they'd make the 4-hour trip up to her Aunt's to see her. It probably hadn't been fair for Clark and Pete to be the ones making the trip every time, but she knew they understood that it was just too hard, too painful to come back here. She'd been back twice since the accident, once the first Christmas after she'd left Smallville, and another time for Pete and Clark's dual 16th birthday bash, held of course at the Luthor mansion.
Clark naturally had been hung up on Lana the entire night and Pete…well Pete had insisted on having a turn with every girl in the 10th grade before the night was through. So they had pretty much left me to fend for myself, not that I had minded exactly, they had acted so reserved around me, like if they said the wrong thing I'd break. So I'd left the party and retreated to one of the many meticulously kept gardens that surrounded the estate. That's where Lex had found me, sitting in the grass leaning against the trunk of a very odd looking tree, which he explained "came from some unpronounceable foreign country, only imported to please a visiting business associate." He had then surprised me by sitting down next to me. I smiled at the memory, Lex Luthor sitting on the ground in what had to be been at least a $500 suit, a definite Kodak moment. "It's been a while Chloe, how have you been?" And for the next hour or so Lex and I had talked about all things general. I had known he was avoiding talking about my father, but at least he wasn't treating me like a crystal figurine. When Lex finally did ask about how I'd been holding up since dad's death he was surprisingly tactful about it. Which I guess was more surprising than it should have been since he had been through the same thing with his mom, and he was, of course Lex Luthor. Smooth, suave, and as always disgustingly charming. Despite it all Lex had been a good person to talk to. Pete, Clark, and everyone else meant well and sympathized, but they hadn't been there. And Lex had, so I guess he was easier to talk to.
Jerked back to the present by a surprised male voice calling my name I looked up and into green-blue eyes of Lex Luthor. "Chloe, my god it's been a long time." He exclaimed walking over and giving me a quick hug. He stood back his eyes giving me a quick once over, "Well will you look at that it's Chloe Sullivan all grown up," he said with a twinkle in his eye, "It's good to see you."
"Back at ya Lex…well except for the all grown up part. I don't think there's any shred of hope for you in that department." I grinned sarcastically.
"Walked right into that one didn't I?" Lex asked with a smirk.
"Yup!" I agreed cheerfully.
"You sure haven't changed much," he observed taking the seat across from me. I raised an eyebrow at him. "And I'm glad," he added hurriedly.
I took a sip of my coffee and looked at him over the rim of my cup, "Nice save Luthor."
"Nothing to save," he countered, "I meant it." His voice was off-hand and nonchalant. I watched his face as he signaled a waitress and he ordered a plain black coffee. I guess that's another thing that will never change, I will never be able to figure out what Lex Luthor is thinking.
Out loud I said, "Eww now that's just gross!"
"What is?" Lex asked at my vehement outburst.
"Black coffee is gross! How can you drink that stuff?" I exclaimed in disbelief.
"Well…I don't know…I guess I just always have."
"Apparently, Lex, you need some lessons in the art of caffeine digestion."
"Excuse me?"
"Yup," I said waving my arms at the retreating waitress, "If you're gonna screw yourself up with caffeine it might as well come in an enjoyable form."
"Oh really?" He asked raising an eyebrow at me.
"Yes really," I said slightly exasperated, smiling at the waitress as she returned to our table. "There's been a change to his order." I explained apologetically seeing the slightly annoyed expression on the girl's face.
"Excuse me, shouldn't I be the one to decide if a change has been made to the order, considering it is my coffee and all."
"Can it Luthor! Scratch the black bean of death deal, he'll have french vanilla no foam latte."
"I will?" asked Lex surprised.
"Yeah, you will." I said authoritatively and apparently the waitress wasn't used to having people order Lex Luthor around because she chimed in with a questioning, "Mr. Luthor…?"
Lex threw up his hands in mock defeat and surrendering sigh, "Do as she says," he said with a dismissive wave of his hand.
"Don't worry Lex, you'll thank me for it in the end. Besides there is just no possible way I could let you go on drinking black coffee for the rest of your life," I grinned and shuddered mockingly.
"I see," Lex smirked, "It was a necessary intervention?"
"Definitely!" I agree, "You catch on quick for a pretty boy, Lex!"
"So I'm a pretty boy now huh?" Lex almost smiled, "That's a new one, though a definite improvement to the usual spew of insults and 4-letter words that my employees and business partners use to illustrate me, quite colorfully actually."
"Ugh. It's an expression, Lex. And I was being sarcastic!" Blushing slightly, but not to a particularly noticeable extent, absently I twirled a sugar packet between my fingers.
"I know, but it's fun to see you aggravated," Lex said with somewhat devilish grin/smirk.
"Ha, and you wonder why people talk about you like they were raised in a truck stop!" I gave him my finely tuned glare, dubbed the "Sullivan Death Stare", by Pete and tossed the Sweet-N-Low packet at his head. His reflexes were surprisingly quick for a pencil pusher and he ducked before it hit him. Unfortunately for our waitress, she didn't have the reflexes that Lex did and the unidentified flying sweetener hit her smack-dab in the middle of her forehead. "Uh oh, Houston we have a problem! She looks pretty err…annoyed, huh?"
"I think your phraseology could be a little more specific. For example, I believe, livid, irate, or furious would be a bit more on target."
"That's what I thought." I gulped, sinking down in the booth so my chin was level with the table-top, "So Lex, ever been kicked out of a coffee shop? Cuz I think we, or at least I, might be headed in that direction!"
"Not that I recall," Lex replied obviously amused.
"Well congratulations, there's a first time for everything!" I watched the waitress shake her head before, red-faced and blatantly upset, bringing Lex his coffee.
She smiled brightly at Lex before handing him the steaming, brightly colored mug. "Here you go Mr. Luthor!" Turning to me her smile vanished and her expression became cool and aloof, "I believe this…" she said brandishing the Sweet-N-Low turned missile, "belongs to you." And with that she turned on her heel and stalked back to the kitchen.
"Oh wow, Chloe got told!" Lex chuckled stirring his latte, "Are you sure this is any good?" he asked gazing uncertainly into his cup.
"Just trust me. " I said absently, staring out the window. "Omgosh!" I sat straight up in my seat thoroughly surprised. "Gee thanks for the heads up, Lex!" I said, "When did that happen? Ha, and I didn't think there was a chance in hell! Guess it just goes to show you how much things really do change!"
"Chloe what the heck are you talking about?" Lex looked up from his coffee, startled.
Maybe he really didn't know, I thought a little guiltily, but if he did and he conveniently forgot to tell me, then heads are gonna roll, bald or not! "That ," I said pointing to an oblivious Clark and Lana walking towards the Beanery hand-in-hand, "is what I'm talking about!'
"Chloe," he said softly, "I honestly didn't know, I'm just as shocked as you are, probably more so. You know how long I tried to get those two together, I gave up a long time ago, I thought it beyond hopelessness."
"Uh huh. Sure."
"Chloe," he leaned forward earnestly, "I'm being completely truthful when I say that I had absolutely no clue about…well…that." He gestured toward Clark and Lana, "And if I had known I most certainly would have told you, just trust me." He smiled.
"Wow," I said grinning again, "Lex Luthor had no clue? The balance of the entire world must be off now! And I thought you knew everything Lex!" I looked up as Clark and Lana entered the Beanery. "Just smile and nod." I muttered to Lex under my breath as we stood to go meet the apparent couple.
He smothered a chuckle behind a fake cough, "Ahem," he cleared his throat.
"Real smooth Luthor!" I whispered jokingly before calling out, "Clark, Lana, over here…"
"Chloe!" I smiled brightly, happy to see Clark, with or without Lana. Preferably without, but hey at least he showed up, even if I do think he can do so much better than the cheerleader turned waitress and back again. She does make him happy, and it's not that she's not the sweetest person alive cuz she is…but other than that…there's nothing else if you know what I mean. As long as he's happy I thought defeated, allegations trounced by my own conscious.
"Hey yourself, farm boy!" I returned the greeting as Clark swept me up in a bear hug and kissed my cheek. He stood back, hands on my shoulders, looking me up and down.
"This is the second time today I've gotten this once over routine, except Lex was just a bit more subtle about it, Clark. Really guys I'm fine, eating all my fruits, veggies and all that jazz. Promise!"
Lana laughed and gave me a quick hug. Clark blushed and smiled sheepishly, but when he spoke his voice was serious. "Sorry Chlo, I guess I've just been worried about you."
"Thanks," I smiled up at him, "but you don't need to be."
Shall we?" Lana gestured toward the booth where Lex and I had been sitting.
"Sure," Lex quickly agreed, "Chloe I don't know what you ordered me, but it is definitely not drinkable." He grimaced dramatically as he sat down.
"No Lex, see you might have a hard time grasping this, but you're actually the problem here," I explained as I slid into the booth next to him. He looked a little surprised but didn't object. Interpreting his expression I whispered under my breath, "Don't read anything into it pretty boy, I just don't wanna get caught in the cross fire of that." I tilted my head towards Clark and Lana who sat arms entwined, still completely oblivious.
He just smirked the usual and answered with a muttered, "Wouldn't dream of it."
Choosing to ignore him, I leaned across the table and stage whispered, "See guys, our friend here has a coffee complex."
"Really?" Lana laughed.
"I do not," Lex objected.
"Yes you do," I said leaning back against the booth back, "so deal with it, Luthor. I mean come on, who drinks black coffee anymore? I mean it's so boring. If you can't even order a decent coffee, what do you do for fun? Anything? And hosting lavish yet stuffy dinner parties at the manor don't count."
"Well I…hey how does how does my coffee selection suddenly make you an expert on my entertainment issues or lack thereof?"
"It doesn't," I agreed with him, "but I'm right aren't I?" He frowned.
"I wouldn't argue with her Lex," Clark broke in, "she always wins!"
"And he speaks from experience!"
"Arrogant little thing isn't she?" Lex asked good-naturedly, raising an eyebrow at Clark, who just shrugged.
"I think it might be hazardous to my health to answer that question," Clark said with a smile.
"Damn straight!" I agreed with a laugh.
"Hey speaking of entertainment, anyone up for a movie?" Lana asked.
"Sure!" Clark jumped up eagerly.
"Well we all know why you wanna go, Clark!" I grinned sarcastically earning a blush from both Clark and Lana, and covered-up burst of laughter from Lex. "But I don't mind," I continued standing up and straightening my jean skirt.
"Cool," Lana smiled happily and followed Clark towards the door.
"But what about my coffee?" Lex asked mournfully.
"Oh give it up already, Luthor!" I laughed at his pitiful expression. "Come on," I said grabbing his arm and pulling him up behind me, "there's absolutely no way I'm going to watch Clark and Lana make out in the dark for an hour and a half by myself!"
He smirked, well when you put it that way…" He shook his head and followed me out the door.
So…what'd you guys think? Let me know, reviews are welcome and desperately needed! I don't know how soon I'll have the next chapter up, finals are coming up and I'm just doing my best to get a decent grade in 8th grade math!!! Who freaking needs algebra anyways huh?
Disclaimer: I meant to add one last time but the freaking deal wouldn't let me go back and edit it…yeah that's my story and I'm sticking to it! Don't own it and wouldn't want to, 'cept for Lex of course cuz who wouldn't?!?
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* 4 years later
Chloe sighed as she wrapped her hands around her coffee mug, sipping slowly. Clark was supposed to have met her at the Beanery for coffee about 20 minutes ago and he had yet to arrive. Some things never change she thought ruefully, a shadow of a smile playing at her lips. It had been a long time since she'd been back here. Probably too long. But in the beginning it had just been too hard, there had been too many memories of what had been. And then she had started getting her life back on track, the sense of normalcy and routine had been the root to her sanity. She had kept in touch with Clark and Pete of course, talking on the phone every week and every couple of months or so they'd make the 4-hour trip up to her Aunt's to see her. It probably hadn't been fair for Clark and Pete to be the ones making the trip every time, but she knew they understood that it was just too hard, too painful to come back here. She'd been back twice since the accident, once the first Christmas after she'd left Smallville, and another time for Pete and Clark's dual 16th birthday bash, held of course at the Luthor mansion.
Clark naturally had been hung up on Lana the entire night and Pete…well Pete had insisted on having a turn with every girl in the 10th grade before the night was through. So they had pretty much left me to fend for myself, not that I had minded exactly, they had acted so reserved around me, like if they said the wrong thing I'd break. So I'd left the party and retreated to one of the many meticulously kept gardens that surrounded the estate. That's where Lex had found me, sitting in the grass leaning against the trunk of a very odd looking tree, which he explained "came from some unpronounceable foreign country, only imported to please a visiting business associate." He had then surprised me by sitting down next to me. I smiled at the memory, Lex Luthor sitting on the ground in what had to be been at least a $500 suit, a definite Kodak moment. "It's been a while Chloe, how have you been?" And for the next hour or so Lex and I had talked about all things general. I had known he was avoiding talking about my father, but at least he wasn't treating me like a crystal figurine. When Lex finally did ask about how I'd been holding up since dad's death he was surprisingly tactful about it. Which I guess was more surprising than it should have been since he had been through the same thing with his mom, and he was, of course Lex Luthor. Smooth, suave, and as always disgustingly charming. Despite it all Lex had been a good person to talk to. Pete, Clark, and everyone else meant well and sympathized, but they hadn't been there. And Lex had, so I guess he was easier to talk to.
Jerked back to the present by a surprised male voice calling my name I looked up and into green-blue eyes of Lex Luthor. "Chloe, my god it's been a long time." He exclaimed walking over and giving me a quick hug. He stood back his eyes giving me a quick once over, "Well will you look at that it's Chloe Sullivan all grown up," he said with a twinkle in his eye, "It's good to see you."
"Back at ya Lex…well except for the all grown up part. I don't think there's any shred of hope for you in that department." I grinned sarcastically.
"Walked right into that one didn't I?" Lex asked with a smirk.
"Yup!" I agreed cheerfully.
"You sure haven't changed much," he observed taking the seat across from me. I raised an eyebrow at him. "And I'm glad," he added hurriedly.
I took a sip of my coffee and looked at him over the rim of my cup, "Nice save Luthor."
"Nothing to save," he countered, "I meant it." His voice was off-hand and nonchalant. I watched his face as he signaled a waitress and he ordered a plain black coffee. I guess that's another thing that will never change, I will never be able to figure out what Lex Luthor is thinking.
Out loud I said, "Eww now that's just gross!"
"What is?" Lex asked at my vehement outburst.
"Black coffee is gross! How can you drink that stuff?" I exclaimed in disbelief.
"Well…I don't know…I guess I just always have."
"Apparently, Lex, you need some lessons in the art of caffeine digestion."
"Excuse me?"
"Yup," I said waving my arms at the retreating waitress, "If you're gonna screw yourself up with caffeine it might as well come in an enjoyable form."
"Oh really?" He asked raising an eyebrow at me.
"Yes really," I said slightly exasperated, smiling at the waitress as she returned to our table. "There's been a change to his order." I explained apologetically seeing the slightly annoyed expression on the girl's face.
"Excuse me, shouldn't I be the one to decide if a change has been made to the order, considering it is my coffee and all."
"Can it Luthor! Scratch the black bean of death deal, he'll have french vanilla no foam latte."
"I will?" asked Lex surprised.
"Yeah, you will." I said authoritatively and apparently the waitress wasn't used to having people order Lex Luthor around because she chimed in with a questioning, "Mr. Luthor…?"
Lex threw up his hands in mock defeat and surrendering sigh, "Do as she says," he said with a dismissive wave of his hand.
"Don't worry Lex, you'll thank me for it in the end. Besides there is just no possible way I could let you go on drinking black coffee for the rest of your life," I grinned and shuddered mockingly.
"I see," Lex smirked, "It was a necessary intervention?"
"Definitely!" I agree, "You catch on quick for a pretty boy, Lex!"
"So I'm a pretty boy now huh?" Lex almost smiled, "That's a new one, though a definite improvement to the usual spew of insults and 4-letter words that my employees and business partners use to illustrate me, quite colorfully actually."
"Ugh. It's an expression, Lex. And I was being sarcastic!" Blushing slightly, but not to a particularly noticeable extent, absently I twirled a sugar packet between my fingers.
"I know, but it's fun to see you aggravated," Lex said with somewhat devilish grin/smirk.
"Ha, and you wonder why people talk about you like they were raised in a truck stop!" I gave him my finely tuned glare, dubbed the "Sullivan Death Stare", by Pete and tossed the Sweet-N-Low packet at his head. His reflexes were surprisingly quick for a pencil pusher and he ducked before it hit him. Unfortunately for our waitress, she didn't have the reflexes that Lex did and the unidentified flying sweetener hit her smack-dab in the middle of her forehead. "Uh oh, Houston we have a problem! She looks pretty err…annoyed, huh?"
"I think your phraseology could be a little more specific. For example, I believe, livid, irate, or furious would be a bit more on target."
"That's what I thought." I gulped, sinking down in the booth so my chin was level with the table-top, "So Lex, ever been kicked out of a coffee shop? Cuz I think we, or at least I, might be headed in that direction!"
"Not that I recall," Lex replied obviously amused.
"Well congratulations, there's a first time for everything!" I watched the waitress shake her head before, red-faced and blatantly upset, bringing Lex his coffee.
She smiled brightly at Lex before handing him the steaming, brightly colored mug. "Here you go Mr. Luthor!" Turning to me her smile vanished and her expression became cool and aloof, "I believe this…" she said brandishing the Sweet-N-Low turned missile, "belongs to you." And with that she turned on her heel and stalked back to the kitchen.
"Oh wow, Chloe got told!" Lex chuckled stirring his latte, "Are you sure this is any good?" he asked gazing uncertainly into his cup.
"Just trust me. " I said absently, staring out the window. "Omgosh!" I sat straight up in my seat thoroughly surprised. "Gee thanks for the heads up, Lex!" I said, "When did that happen? Ha, and I didn't think there was a chance in hell! Guess it just goes to show you how much things really do change!"
"Chloe what the heck are you talking about?" Lex looked up from his coffee, startled.
Maybe he really didn't know, I thought a little guiltily, but if he did and he conveniently forgot to tell me, then heads are gonna roll, bald or not! "That ," I said pointing to an oblivious Clark and Lana walking towards the Beanery hand-in-hand, "is what I'm talking about!'
"Chloe," he said softly, "I honestly didn't know, I'm just as shocked as you are, probably more so. You know how long I tried to get those two together, I gave up a long time ago, I thought it beyond hopelessness."
"Uh huh. Sure."
"Chloe," he leaned forward earnestly, "I'm being completely truthful when I say that I had absolutely no clue about…well…that." He gestured toward Clark and Lana, "And if I had known I most certainly would have told you, just trust me." He smiled.
"Wow," I said grinning again, "Lex Luthor had no clue? The balance of the entire world must be off now! And I thought you knew everything Lex!" I looked up as Clark and Lana entered the Beanery. "Just smile and nod." I muttered to Lex under my breath as we stood to go meet the apparent couple.
He smothered a chuckle behind a fake cough, "Ahem," he cleared his throat.
"Real smooth Luthor!" I whispered jokingly before calling out, "Clark, Lana, over here…"
"Chloe!" I smiled brightly, happy to see Clark, with or without Lana. Preferably without, but hey at least he showed up, even if I do think he can do so much better than the cheerleader turned waitress and back again. She does make him happy, and it's not that she's not the sweetest person alive cuz she is…but other than that…there's nothing else if you know what I mean. As long as he's happy I thought defeated, allegations trounced by my own conscious.
"Hey yourself, farm boy!" I returned the greeting as Clark swept me up in a bear hug and kissed my cheek. He stood back, hands on my shoulders, looking me up and down.
"This is the second time today I've gotten this once over routine, except Lex was just a bit more subtle about it, Clark. Really guys I'm fine, eating all my fruits, veggies and all that jazz. Promise!"
Lana laughed and gave me a quick hug. Clark blushed and smiled sheepishly, but when he spoke his voice was serious. "Sorry Chlo, I guess I've just been worried about you."
"Thanks," I smiled up at him, "but you don't need to be."
Shall we?" Lana gestured toward the booth where Lex and I had been sitting.
"Sure," Lex quickly agreed, "Chloe I don't know what you ordered me, but it is definitely not drinkable." He grimaced dramatically as he sat down.
"No Lex, see you might have a hard time grasping this, but you're actually the problem here," I explained as I slid into the booth next to him. He looked a little surprised but didn't object. Interpreting his expression I whispered under my breath, "Don't read anything into it pretty boy, I just don't wanna get caught in the cross fire of that." I tilted my head towards Clark and Lana who sat arms entwined, still completely oblivious.
He just smirked the usual and answered with a muttered, "Wouldn't dream of it."
Choosing to ignore him, I leaned across the table and stage whispered, "See guys, our friend here has a coffee complex."
"Really?" Lana laughed.
"I do not," Lex objected.
"Yes you do," I said leaning back against the booth back, "so deal with it, Luthor. I mean come on, who drinks black coffee anymore? I mean it's so boring. If you can't even order a decent coffee, what do you do for fun? Anything? And hosting lavish yet stuffy dinner parties at the manor don't count."
"Well I…hey how does how does my coffee selection suddenly make you an expert on my entertainment issues or lack thereof?"
"It doesn't," I agreed with him, "but I'm right aren't I?" He frowned.
"I wouldn't argue with her Lex," Clark broke in, "she always wins!"
"And he speaks from experience!"
"Arrogant little thing isn't she?" Lex asked good-naturedly, raising an eyebrow at Clark, who just shrugged.
"I think it might be hazardous to my health to answer that question," Clark said with a smile.
"Damn straight!" I agreed with a laugh.
"Hey speaking of entertainment, anyone up for a movie?" Lana asked.
"Sure!" Clark jumped up eagerly.
"Well we all know why you wanna go, Clark!" I grinned sarcastically earning a blush from both Clark and Lana, and covered-up burst of laughter from Lex. "But I don't mind," I continued standing up and straightening my jean skirt.
"Cool," Lana smiled happily and followed Clark towards the door.
"But what about my coffee?" Lex asked mournfully.
"Oh give it up already, Luthor!" I laughed at his pitiful expression. "Come on," I said grabbing his arm and pulling him up behind me, "there's absolutely no way I'm going to watch Clark and Lana make out in the dark for an hour and a half by myself!"
He smirked, well when you put it that way…" He shook his head and followed me out the door.
So…what'd you guys think? Let me know, reviews are welcome and desperately needed! I don't know how soon I'll have the next chapter up, finals are coming up and I'm just doing my best to get a decent grade in 8th grade math!!! Who freaking needs algebra anyways huh?