Started: July 6, 2002
Finished: July 12, 2002
Last Episode Seen Before Writing: Tempest
Disclaimer: I do not own any of these characters. If I did I would make a big love triangle so everyone would get what they wanted.except for Lana who I'd kill off!
Realization
Author's Note: Much thanks to my incredible beta LaCasta. You didn't have many changes for this fic. Does that mean I'm getting better? Lol! If I am it is only because of you! Also thanks to Zinaya. Between the two of you this should be the best possible fic I am capable of.
Chapter 1- Getting There
"Why am I doing this?" I can't help but whine. I agreed to spend an entire three days at Lex's cabin. Yes, Lex Luthor. He invited 'Clark and his friends' to spend a few days at his cabin in the woods. Those friends being Pete, Lana, and me.
"It's going to be fun." Lex personally invited Lana. Three guesses as to why and the first two don't count. My adopted mantra of the week is: If you can't beat 'em, join 'em; if you can't join 'em, drown 'em in the lake. I added that last part myself, and am pretty proud of it. Why did I agree to do this, again?
"You know you'll like it once we get there, Chloe." That's right, Clark's going. Good old Clark. Good old blind, dense, oblivious to my undying love, Clark.
"You didn't have to come." That earned Pete a dirty look. He knows why I came.
"I know you guys. It was just unexpected. I mean, Mr. Luthor doesn't even know us." Why are we on our way to his cabin?
"He knows me and Lana." Clark, don't act so dense. Wait, it isn't an act.
"Well, that leaves me and Pete. I've talked to him all of two times, whereas Pete hates him for taking the creamed corn factory." What do you think of that Clark?
"I don't hate him. Just the Luthors in general." Very cute, Pete. Pete cute? Well, I've never used those two words in a sentence, but I don't see why not.
"Did you miss that his name is Lex LUTHOR? Why would he invite us to his cabin? Does he even know how to camp? I doubt that he eats anything but sushi and that royal water he's always carrying around." Feel bitter Chloe? Damn straight.
"It's Ty Nant, and yes he does eat other stuff. He ate pizza last week." Since when has Clark been keeping track of Lex Luthor's nutritional intake? Clark Kent leaps from best friend to PG stalker in a single bound.
"Pizza which you asked for, am I right? It wasn't his idea, and if it was he would have had his cook make it by hand." Admit it, Clark. Clark's head goes down to stare at the floor of the car. It's his 'you're right and I don't want you to be' look. "My point exactly. What does he want with a bunch of high school kids?"
"Clark's his friend, Chloe. Don't be rude. We can turn around and take you back home." Pete, I may have to drown you first.
"No, no. I'm fine. I'm just curious." About as curious as. No, Chloe.
"Do you have a meteor theory for this one too?" Must not fall under the spell of Clark's smile. Must. Not.
"Mr. Luthor is a meteor freak, don't you know?" Ah yes, this is a good subject. Let's talk about what a freak our host of the week is. Chloe, you're such a good-natured person.
"Chloe! That's mean." Lana, don't be so goody-two-shoes. It's sickening. I never thought that someone could be so sweet that it actually made you want to hurl until I met Lana.
"It's true." Stick with it, Chloe.
"How so?" Pete's almost cute when he's anxious. That is the second time that I've referred to Pete as cute.do I have a fever?
"He got caught in the meteor shower. The meteors made him lose his hair."
"How does-" We need to set some ground rules, Lang. Number 1: Don't interrupt me.
"I'm not finished. Second, before the shower he had asthma. He never had it after that." See, he is a freak. A somewhat appealing, millionaire freak, but still a freak none the less.
"How do you know that?" Lana, I could just. Again, no Chloe!
"They're the Luthors. They might as well be movie stars, because nothing in their private life stays private." I am on a roll.
"Chloe, stop it! Leave Lex alone. What's gotten into you?" Ouch, that one stung. Reprimanded by Clark. Not at the top of my 'I Want To Do This' list. Wipe the hurt look off your face, hun. Why? Every little hint of how he makes me feel helps, doesn't it?
"Chloe, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to yell. You're just being rude and I don't like people trashing Lex when they don't even know him. Just like I don't let people trash you." He sticks up for me? Clark sticks up for me. I could do one of Pete's little victory dances, but seeing as I am in public a mental one will have to do.
"I'll try to keep my stunning wit to myself." Try being the operative word.
"We're here." And my wit comes back with a vengeance at Lana's announcement.
"Chloe, be nice to Lex? He already thinks half of Smallville hates him. Try not to make him think that you're in there with that half?" Damn that Kent Charm! Chloe, you're grinning like.well, like Pete when he's scored a hot date. I can't help it; it's Clark Kent. So? I'm going to pretend you didn't say that!
"Okay, Clark. If that's what you want." Anything you want, Clark. Anything. You're sick Chloe, real sick.
"Lex, hi!" And his attention is out the window and glued to Lex's butt. It doesn't matter if you're bald or have raven hair, as long as your initials are L.L. you occupy all of Clark's thoughts. I should consider changing my name. What about Lindsay Leewer? Laney Lamm? Lois Lane? Hey, that last one sounded good.
"Come on, Chloe. Let's go explore while the three best friends talk." So, I'm not the only one who feels left out. I kind of feel sorry for Pete. That is until I realize that he's in the same place as me and I start feeling sorry for myself instead. His arm around my shoulders feels good, though. It's good to know that I still have one best friend.
"Alright Pete. Where shall we start? Lex's suitcase?" Sly grin and a wink.
"We'll save that for later." It's Pete's turn to wink as we walk toward the cabin. "Besides, he probably had a servant pack it for him."
"Where are you guys going?" Clark is as dull as a.well, he's pretty dull.
"To leave the three best friends alone." Ooh, that one seemed like it bit Clark right in the butt. Clark's butt. Bite. No, Chloe!
"What are you talking about Miss Sullivan?" Lex and his Oxford education and he doesn't know what I'm talking about.
"Absolutely nothing, Mr. Luthor." Sickeningly sweet smile. I learned it from Lana.
"Please, call me Lex." Don't expect me to return the favor, LEX. Lex modestly turns back to Clark when I don't reply.
"Is everyone ready to unpack?" Why are you asking Clark? Clark doesn't know. Is he everybody? To you maybe. Wait, that sounded wrong.
"Yes, everyone is ready to unpack." That was mean, Chloe, but oh so funny.
"Very well. If you'll follow me I'll show you where your rooms are."
"Coming Lex." Yes, Lex's little lapdog. Ooh, that one came out wrong, too.
"Mr. Ross, this is your room. If there's anything that you need let me know and I'll get it for you." Don't pretend to be nice. Chloe, we like Lex. Why are you being mean? Fine, you're right, dear conscience. We have no reason to be rude to Mr. Luthor. Oh yeah, besides the fact that he's Clark's new best friend therefore making me and Pete obsolete. Yep, that would do it.
"Please call me Pete." Great. Pete's sleeping with the enemy now. Wait. Bad thought. No thoughts of sleeping with.
"As you wish." I wish. No, we won't go there. Good girl. Thank you, conscience.
"Miss Lang. This is your room."
"Lex, you know you can call me Lana." Oh dear Lord, she's practically oozing with sweetness. Think Lex knows where the mop is?
"I know." I hate you, Lex. No, you don't.
"Clark, this is your room." Strategically placed next to Lana's, I see. I really hate you, Lex. Stop saying that, Chloe. I hate you, too.
"Miss Sullivan, here we are." Also next to Clark. Maybe I don't hate him. There you are again, Chloe. Welcome back. Thank you.
"Thank you, Mr. Luthor."
"Please, call me Lex." Just nod Chloe. Take it one step at a time. Good idea. Now let's just focus on regrouping for our next plan of action.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
My room is next to Lana's. My room is next to Lana's. My room is next to Lana's.
Be cool, Clark. But, my room is- Cool, Clark. Cool. Like Lex. Wait, where did that come from? I better go find him to see what our plans are for tonight.
"Lex? Lex, where are you?" Is this a cabin or another mansion brought over stone by stone from Scotland? Maybe some of both.
"In here, Clark." And here would be.? Any of these thousands of rooms. Okay, maybe not thousands, but at least a dozen.
"Keep talking, Lex. I'll follow the sound of your voice. "
"Third room on the left, Clark. Keep coming. Are you here yet? What's taking so long? Where are you? Why aren't you here yet?" Lex can be so adorable. Whoa, Clark. Where did that come from? Moving on!
"I'm here. Did your dad have this shipped from Scotland, too?"
"No, this is one of my many expenditures in my rebellious adolescence." Rebellious? Lex? That's just scary to think about. What could Lex have- No, let's not go there.
"What are our plans for the day?"
"Considering that it's almost dinner I suggest making some sort of food." That was smooth, Clark. I told you to be cool.
"And what kind would that be?" Pizza sounds good.
"If you say to order out pizza I might have to go home. One can only take so much greasy pizza from a dirty little hole in the wall." Maybe Chloe wasn't far from wrong about Lex.
"Clark, where are you?" Speaking of Chloe.
"In here, Chloe." Maybe she'll have an idea about dinner.
"Hey." I love when she grins like it. It makes her look so pretty. Did I just think that? Wow, that grin fell right off of her face when she saw Lex. What's up with that? "Hello Mr. Luthor."
"Hi Miss Sullivan. We were just brainstorming ideas for dinner. Any opinions?" You don't want to ask Chloe about her opinions, Lex. Trust me.
"What about pizza?" Chloe, don't be hateful. An arm around her shoulders should remind her of what we talked about. She's grinning again. I wonder why. Clark, you're dense. Was that you, conscience? See what I mean, Clark?
"What about a fish fry?" Good idea, Clark. Thank you.
"Fish. Fry?" I could laugh at the look on Lex's face.
"Yes, Lex. Fish. Fry. Fry fish. Where you take the fish and fry them?" Now who's being mean?
"Oh, you mean a fish fry." Lex looks great when he smiles. Clark, run. Why? Oh, brother!
"Chloe!"
Chloe waggles her eyebrows. "Pete.my best friend.calls. I must answer." With that she leaves.
"What was that all about?" Lex, you don't want to know.
"Teenage stuff." That just sounded mean. "Let's go look in the fridge to see what we can make." Nice save, Clark.
"I'll follow you." Does Lex not realize how big this place is? He laughs. "I forgot you don't know your way around." How would I?
I wonder if Lana's out of her room yet.
"Go find Lana. I'll look for stuff for dinner." When did Lex learn to read minds? Oh yeah, he's a Luthor. Kind of freaky how they can do that.
"Alright." That's fine by me. More than fine. Way more than fine. Way, way more- Okay, Clark. That's enough. We need to refresh our memories about the meaning of the word 'cool.'
Let's see which one of these rooms was Lana's? Here we go. Knock, Clark. Walking in is not an option. Well, it can be.
"Lana?" Is she still alive? Knock louder. Okay, maybe something's wrong. A quick x-ray will figure that out. That's funny. She's not in there.
"Lana? Lana!" Calm down, Clark. Chill.
"She's in here with us, man." Pete has stolen Lana. Clark, you need some sleep.
"Hey you guys. What's going on?"
"We're watching Lex go through the fridge. I think some of the items may be confusing him because he keeps holding them up." Pete whispers across the room. Chloe's gotten to Pete. Now we're in trouble.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Lex Luthor is pouring fish into a fryer. Lex Luthor is cooking fish. Lex Luthor is cooking. I've been around Chloe too long. Where is Chloe? Probably snooping. Why did I come again? Oh right, to try to maintain my waning status as Clark's best friend. And to keep Chloe company in our pity party.
"Pete, what are you thinking?" Am I supposed to hate Lana, too? I'll have to ask Chloe later.
"Nothing, Lana. You?" Where's Clark? Shouldn't he be following you around? Wow, Chloe really has gotten to me!
"Not much. What do you want to get out of this week?" Get out of it? Huh?
"What do you mean?"
"What do you hope will come from it? Like I hope me and Chloe become friends." I'll have to tell her that. On second thought, I don't want to lose two best friends to Lana Lang.
"I hope that me and Clark can become better friends." Pete, take it back. "I mean. We're close and all, but. Nevermind, Lana." Smooth, Petey, real smooth. Don't call me Petey.
"Lana, will you find Clark and Chloe and tell them that dinner's ready?"
"I'll do it!" Slow down, Pete. I think you scared them. I don't care. No way am I letting Lana horn in on Chloe and Clark. Chloe likes Clark and I will not let Lana. Nevermind.
Where could they be? Hopefully in some closet. You don't want that, Petey. Don't call me Petey and you don't know what you're talking about. You know you want C- I said shut up!
"Pete, what's up?" Chloe's alone. You can- That is really quite enough from you.
"Dinner's ready."
"Did our wonderful scion cook?" I love Chloe's skepticism.
"Yes, in fact he did and you missed it. You would have loved it. By the way, what have you been doing?" As if I didn't know.
"Sitting here being bored." Well, I didn't think you'd been doing THAT. I was thinking more along the lines of you, Clark- Petey, stop torturing yourself.
"I have to go find Clark. Go out to the deck and I'll be there in a sec."
"I'll be waiting ever so patiently." Go, Pete. One foot, now the other, now the other. Can you take it from here?
"Clark! I'm not going to look through this whole mansion for you, so come out." That'll work.
"I'm here, Pete. What do you want?" Nothing with that attitude. No wonder we aren't best friends anymore. You're acting like Luthor more and more very day.
"Dinner's ready." Turn on our heel and walk out. Good job.
"Pete, wait up."
"What, Clark?" Be nice, Pete. You really are acting like Chloe. That's just scary.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing. I'm cool. Really. Let's eat." I am starved. "Can I ask you a favor?" Don't say it, Pete. You'll look like a sissy. I don't care as long as I have my best friend.
"Sure, shoot." Always ready to help, aren't you Clark?
"Sit by me and Chloe tonight?" That wasn't so hard was it? I only broke my best friend's heart by asking him to promise not to sit beside his new best friend or the love of his life.
"Sure." Don't look so pained, Clark.
"Cool. Let's eat." Shrug it off, Petey.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
I, Lex Luthor, am eating fried fish. It's so greasy that it's literally running down my hands. There has got be a rule about how much grease is acceptable on a single piece of fish.
So, I am sitting here eating this greasy food surrounded by teenagers. One is my best friend, and also the reason that my hands are covered in grease. I'd rather have him here by himself, but Mr. Kent would sell the farm before he'd trust his son with a Luthor. Does he think I'd show him the wicked ways of the world of a Luthor? That's a laugh, though I could show the farmboy a thing or two. Don't go there, Lex.
"Lex, it's just grease. I promise it won't kill you."
"Maybe not Clark, but it sure will give me a push in that direction." What is Chloe smirking at? She sure is a little spitfire. She refuses to call me Lex and to let me call her Chloe. She's cute, but too headstrong. Dad would love her. He always liked a challenge, and Chloe definitely was one.
"Can we make s'mores tonight?" A typical Lana request. She's dripping with sweetness. It's easy to see what Clark likes about her. I can't knock his taste in women. With Whitney away in the Marines he's not here to thwart my plans to get Lana and Clark together.
"I'm sure we can arrange that, Lana." Does she practice that smile?
"Anything for Lana." Did Chloe just mutter that to Pete? Pete and Chloe look like they're up to something. I'm sure sandwiching Clark between themselves was a group effort. I'll just have to work on getting them out of the way.
"What was that, Miss Sullivan?" She looks flushed. I guess I did hear her right.
"I was talking to Pete." When did she start to dislike me? From what I've gathered the few times I've talked ot her, we've connected quite well.
"Lana, would you like to make a fire on the beach? We can make s'mores down there."
"That sounds like fun!" She is too adorable. Everything pleases her.
"Great. It's already getting dark. Let's clean up and then we can go down there." Pete and Chloe are walking arm in arm back into the cabin. I know they are friends, but what is the deal? There is definitely something going on with them, I just wish I knew what it was. I'll have to ask Clark.
"Lana, why don't you go ahead? Clark and I can clean up." She is so obedient. Like a little puppy.
"You didn't like the fish, did you?" Clark looks heartbroken. Does my opinion really matter that much to him?
"It was good, just not my usual." Was that a good excuse for the grease soaked soppy excuse for fish?
"Good." That cheered him up. Let's see if this will bring him back down.
"What's up with Pete and Miss Sullivan?" Clark definitely got the point.
"Uh, what do you mean?" He's turning to throw away plates. I know this trick. Try not to look at me so I can't read your face.
"Clark, look at me. You know what I mean. They have this 'untouchable duo' thing going on. I understand about Pete, but what did I do to piss off Chloe?" Can't back away from that one. There's no acting innocent now.
"It's not you. It-" Think fast, Clark. Something you are never good at doing. I mean I love the kid, he's my best friend, but he's not the brightest marble in the box.
"Nevermind, Clark. Go change and meet me back in the living room." Putting him out of his misery seemed like a good idea. Besides, I'm a Luthor. Luthors have a way of knowing everything. I'll figure it out.
Right now I am just going to get ready to work some Luthor magic. Luthor magic? I need to find friends my own age. I'm thinking like a teenager, next thing you know I'll be acting like one. Won't Daddy just love me then
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Ow! Note to self: Roasted marshmallows are hot." That's the second time that Chloe's done that.
"Chloe. Are you okay?" And that's the second time that Clark has rushed to her side. If I didn't know better I'd think she was doing it on purpose.
Pete's grinning and shaking his head. Did Chloe just wink at Pete? These two are too much.
"Lex, do you want another one?" I'm surprised he even ate one. Well, after dinner I shouldn't be.
"Yes, please."
"You want me to do it?"
"If you want to." I have no problem with that. Maybe I should pretend to burn myself. Lana, you're hopeless.
"Are you okay now, Chloe?" Clark, she was always okay. That was mean, even for me. Or should I say especially for me.
"I think so." She is milking this for all its worth. I know she has somewhat of a crush on Clark, but this is too much!
This marshmallow is nice and done. Now where is the chocolate? There it is.
"Here, Lex." He has chocolate on the side of his mouth. How adorable.
"Thank you, Lana." Ever so welcome Lex. "Clark come here." I sit next to Lex as Clark comes over.
"What's up Lex?" Clark looks so happy.
"Sit with us for a while." What? Is Lex lonely? Not Lex Luthor.
"Why?" Clark blushes at his question. He obviously knows the answer as he sits next to me. Where is Lex going?
"Are you having fun, Clark?" Clark is still blushing. He's so cute when he does that. Focus, Lana.
"Yes, I am. You?"
"Of course. I just wish that I could get close to Chloe without her biting my head off." No really, Lana.be honest.
"She's not biting your head off. You just have to get used to her dry sense of humor." How sweet, he's sticking up for Chloe. I guess he wasn't lying on the way here.
"I really don't think she likes me, Clark. What can I do to change that?" If anyone knows the answer, Clark should. I want to be friends with Chloe, but she's making it very difficult.
"You have to understand that Chloe is very protective." Of you? She hasn't resorted back to the mindset that I'm trying to come between her and Clark, has she? I hope not.
"Alright. I'll talk to her."
"Good. I want you two to be friends." So do I, Clark.
"Lana, come here. Let's have a marshmallow eating contest." I think that Pete and I are going to get along just fine.
"I don't think I can hold a candle to the eating power of teenage guys." Especially not these guys.
"You know it will be fun." Pete's contagious grin is just that.contagious.
"Alright. Chloe, are you playing?" I refuse to be the only girl.
"You betcha. I learned from the best." I'm sure she did.
"I'll need more marshmallows than that." Ha, that one caught them all off guard. This just might turn out to be a great vacation.
Finished: July 12, 2002
Last Episode Seen Before Writing: Tempest
Disclaimer: I do not own any of these characters. If I did I would make a big love triangle so everyone would get what they wanted.except for Lana who I'd kill off!
Realization
Author's Note: Much thanks to my incredible beta LaCasta. You didn't have many changes for this fic. Does that mean I'm getting better? Lol! If I am it is only because of you! Also thanks to Zinaya. Between the two of you this should be the best possible fic I am capable of.
Chapter 1- Getting There
"Why am I doing this?" I can't help but whine. I agreed to spend an entire three days at Lex's cabin. Yes, Lex Luthor. He invited 'Clark and his friends' to spend a few days at his cabin in the woods. Those friends being Pete, Lana, and me.
"It's going to be fun." Lex personally invited Lana. Three guesses as to why and the first two don't count. My adopted mantra of the week is: If you can't beat 'em, join 'em; if you can't join 'em, drown 'em in the lake. I added that last part myself, and am pretty proud of it. Why did I agree to do this, again?
"You know you'll like it once we get there, Chloe." That's right, Clark's going. Good old Clark. Good old blind, dense, oblivious to my undying love, Clark.
"You didn't have to come." That earned Pete a dirty look. He knows why I came.
"I know you guys. It was just unexpected. I mean, Mr. Luthor doesn't even know us." Why are we on our way to his cabin?
"He knows me and Lana." Clark, don't act so dense. Wait, it isn't an act.
"Well, that leaves me and Pete. I've talked to him all of two times, whereas Pete hates him for taking the creamed corn factory." What do you think of that Clark?
"I don't hate him. Just the Luthors in general." Very cute, Pete. Pete cute? Well, I've never used those two words in a sentence, but I don't see why not.
"Did you miss that his name is Lex LUTHOR? Why would he invite us to his cabin? Does he even know how to camp? I doubt that he eats anything but sushi and that royal water he's always carrying around." Feel bitter Chloe? Damn straight.
"It's Ty Nant, and yes he does eat other stuff. He ate pizza last week." Since when has Clark been keeping track of Lex Luthor's nutritional intake? Clark Kent leaps from best friend to PG stalker in a single bound.
"Pizza which you asked for, am I right? It wasn't his idea, and if it was he would have had his cook make it by hand." Admit it, Clark. Clark's head goes down to stare at the floor of the car. It's his 'you're right and I don't want you to be' look. "My point exactly. What does he want with a bunch of high school kids?"
"Clark's his friend, Chloe. Don't be rude. We can turn around and take you back home." Pete, I may have to drown you first.
"No, no. I'm fine. I'm just curious." About as curious as. No, Chloe.
"Do you have a meteor theory for this one too?" Must not fall under the spell of Clark's smile. Must. Not.
"Mr. Luthor is a meteor freak, don't you know?" Ah yes, this is a good subject. Let's talk about what a freak our host of the week is. Chloe, you're such a good-natured person.
"Chloe! That's mean." Lana, don't be so goody-two-shoes. It's sickening. I never thought that someone could be so sweet that it actually made you want to hurl until I met Lana.
"It's true." Stick with it, Chloe.
"How so?" Pete's almost cute when he's anxious. That is the second time that I've referred to Pete as cute.do I have a fever?
"He got caught in the meteor shower. The meteors made him lose his hair."
"How does-" We need to set some ground rules, Lang. Number 1: Don't interrupt me.
"I'm not finished. Second, before the shower he had asthma. He never had it after that." See, he is a freak. A somewhat appealing, millionaire freak, but still a freak none the less.
"How do you know that?" Lana, I could just. Again, no Chloe!
"They're the Luthors. They might as well be movie stars, because nothing in their private life stays private." I am on a roll.
"Chloe, stop it! Leave Lex alone. What's gotten into you?" Ouch, that one stung. Reprimanded by Clark. Not at the top of my 'I Want To Do This' list. Wipe the hurt look off your face, hun. Why? Every little hint of how he makes me feel helps, doesn't it?
"Chloe, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to yell. You're just being rude and I don't like people trashing Lex when they don't even know him. Just like I don't let people trash you." He sticks up for me? Clark sticks up for me. I could do one of Pete's little victory dances, but seeing as I am in public a mental one will have to do.
"I'll try to keep my stunning wit to myself." Try being the operative word.
"We're here." And my wit comes back with a vengeance at Lana's announcement.
"Chloe, be nice to Lex? He already thinks half of Smallville hates him. Try not to make him think that you're in there with that half?" Damn that Kent Charm! Chloe, you're grinning like.well, like Pete when he's scored a hot date. I can't help it; it's Clark Kent. So? I'm going to pretend you didn't say that!
"Okay, Clark. If that's what you want." Anything you want, Clark. Anything. You're sick Chloe, real sick.
"Lex, hi!" And his attention is out the window and glued to Lex's butt. It doesn't matter if you're bald or have raven hair, as long as your initials are L.L. you occupy all of Clark's thoughts. I should consider changing my name. What about Lindsay Leewer? Laney Lamm? Lois Lane? Hey, that last one sounded good.
"Come on, Chloe. Let's go explore while the three best friends talk." So, I'm not the only one who feels left out. I kind of feel sorry for Pete. That is until I realize that he's in the same place as me and I start feeling sorry for myself instead. His arm around my shoulders feels good, though. It's good to know that I still have one best friend.
"Alright Pete. Where shall we start? Lex's suitcase?" Sly grin and a wink.
"We'll save that for later." It's Pete's turn to wink as we walk toward the cabin. "Besides, he probably had a servant pack it for him."
"Where are you guys going?" Clark is as dull as a.well, he's pretty dull.
"To leave the three best friends alone." Ooh, that one seemed like it bit Clark right in the butt. Clark's butt. Bite. No, Chloe!
"What are you talking about Miss Sullivan?" Lex and his Oxford education and he doesn't know what I'm talking about.
"Absolutely nothing, Mr. Luthor." Sickeningly sweet smile. I learned it from Lana.
"Please, call me Lex." Don't expect me to return the favor, LEX. Lex modestly turns back to Clark when I don't reply.
"Is everyone ready to unpack?" Why are you asking Clark? Clark doesn't know. Is he everybody? To you maybe. Wait, that sounded wrong.
"Yes, everyone is ready to unpack." That was mean, Chloe, but oh so funny.
"Very well. If you'll follow me I'll show you where your rooms are."
"Coming Lex." Yes, Lex's little lapdog. Ooh, that one came out wrong, too.
"Mr. Ross, this is your room. If there's anything that you need let me know and I'll get it for you." Don't pretend to be nice. Chloe, we like Lex. Why are you being mean? Fine, you're right, dear conscience. We have no reason to be rude to Mr. Luthor. Oh yeah, besides the fact that he's Clark's new best friend therefore making me and Pete obsolete. Yep, that would do it.
"Please call me Pete." Great. Pete's sleeping with the enemy now. Wait. Bad thought. No thoughts of sleeping with.
"As you wish." I wish. No, we won't go there. Good girl. Thank you, conscience.
"Miss Lang. This is your room."
"Lex, you know you can call me Lana." Oh dear Lord, she's practically oozing with sweetness. Think Lex knows where the mop is?
"I know." I hate you, Lex. No, you don't.
"Clark, this is your room." Strategically placed next to Lana's, I see. I really hate you, Lex. Stop saying that, Chloe. I hate you, too.
"Miss Sullivan, here we are." Also next to Clark. Maybe I don't hate him. There you are again, Chloe. Welcome back. Thank you.
"Thank you, Mr. Luthor."
"Please, call me Lex." Just nod Chloe. Take it one step at a time. Good idea. Now let's just focus on regrouping for our next plan of action.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
My room is next to Lana's. My room is next to Lana's. My room is next to Lana's.
Be cool, Clark. But, my room is- Cool, Clark. Cool. Like Lex. Wait, where did that come from? I better go find him to see what our plans are for tonight.
"Lex? Lex, where are you?" Is this a cabin or another mansion brought over stone by stone from Scotland? Maybe some of both.
"In here, Clark." And here would be.? Any of these thousands of rooms. Okay, maybe not thousands, but at least a dozen.
"Keep talking, Lex. I'll follow the sound of your voice. "
"Third room on the left, Clark. Keep coming. Are you here yet? What's taking so long? Where are you? Why aren't you here yet?" Lex can be so adorable. Whoa, Clark. Where did that come from? Moving on!
"I'm here. Did your dad have this shipped from Scotland, too?"
"No, this is one of my many expenditures in my rebellious adolescence." Rebellious? Lex? That's just scary to think about. What could Lex have- No, let's not go there.
"What are our plans for the day?"
"Considering that it's almost dinner I suggest making some sort of food." That was smooth, Clark. I told you to be cool.
"And what kind would that be?" Pizza sounds good.
"If you say to order out pizza I might have to go home. One can only take so much greasy pizza from a dirty little hole in the wall." Maybe Chloe wasn't far from wrong about Lex.
"Clark, where are you?" Speaking of Chloe.
"In here, Chloe." Maybe she'll have an idea about dinner.
"Hey." I love when she grins like it. It makes her look so pretty. Did I just think that? Wow, that grin fell right off of her face when she saw Lex. What's up with that? "Hello Mr. Luthor."
"Hi Miss Sullivan. We were just brainstorming ideas for dinner. Any opinions?" You don't want to ask Chloe about her opinions, Lex. Trust me.
"What about pizza?" Chloe, don't be hateful. An arm around her shoulders should remind her of what we talked about. She's grinning again. I wonder why. Clark, you're dense. Was that you, conscience? See what I mean, Clark?
"What about a fish fry?" Good idea, Clark. Thank you.
"Fish. Fry?" I could laugh at the look on Lex's face.
"Yes, Lex. Fish. Fry. Fry fish. Where you take the fish and fry them?" Now who's being mean?
"Oh, you mean a fish fry." Lex looks great when he smiles. Clark, run. Why? Oh, brother!
"Chloe!"
Chloe waggles her eyebrows. "Pete.my best friend.calls. I must answer." With that she leaves.
"What was that all about?" Lex, you don't want to know.
"Teenage stuff." That just sounded mean. "Let's go look in the fridge to see what we can make." Nice save, Clark.
"I'll follow you." Does Lex not realize how big this place is? He laughs. "I forgot you don't know your way around." How would I?
I wonder if Lana's out of her room yet.
"Go find Lana. I'll look for stuff for dinner." When did Lex learn to read minds? Oh yeah, he's a Luthor. Kind of freaky how they can do that.
"Alright." That's fine by me. More than fine. Way more than fine. Way, way more- Okay, Clark. That's enough. We need to refresh our memories about the meaning of the word 'cool.'
Let's see which one of these rooms was Lana's? Here we go. Knock, Clark. Walking in is not an option. Well, it can be.
"Lana?" Is she still alive? Knock louder. Okay, maybe something's wrong. A quick x-ray will figure that out. That's funny. She's not in there.
"Lana? Lana!" Calm down, Clark. Chill.
"She's in here with us, man." Pete has stolen Lana. Clark, you need some sleep.
"Hey you guys. What's going on?"
"We're watching Lex go through the fridge. I think some of the items may be confusing him because he keeps holding them up." Pete whispers across the room. Chloe's gotten to Pete. Now we're in trouble.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Lex Luthor is pouring fish into a fryer. Lex Luthor is cooking fish. Lex Luthor is cooking. I've been around Chloe too long. Where is Chloe? Probably snooping. Why did I come again? Oh right, to try to maintain my waning status as Clark's best friend. And to keep Chloe company in our pity party.
"Pete, what are you thinking?" Am I supposed to hate Lana, too? I'll have to ask Chloe later.
"Nothing, Lana. You?" Where's Clark? Shouldn't he be following you around? Wow, Chloe really has gotten to me!
"Not much. What do you want to get out of this week?" Get out of it? Huh?
"What do you mean?"
"What do you hope will come from it? Like I hope me and Chloe become friends." I'll have to tell her that. On second thought, I don't want to lose two best friends to Lana Lang.
"I hope that me and Clark can become better friends." Pete, take it back. "I mean. We're close and all, but. Nevermind, Lana." Smooth, Petey, real smooth. Don't call me Petey.
"Lana, will you find Clark and Chloe and tell them that dinner's ready?"
"I'll do it!" Slow down, Pete. I think you scared them. I don't care. No way am I letting Lana horn in on Chloe and Clark. Chloe likes Clark and I will not let Lana. Nevermind.
Where could they be? Hopefully in some closet. You don't want that, Petey. Don't call me Petey and you don't know what you're talking about. You know you want C- I said shut up!
"Pete, what's up?" Chloe's alone. You can- That is really quite enough from you.
"Dinner's ready."
"Did our wonderful scion cook?" I love Chloe's skepticism.
"Yes, in fact he did and you missed it. You would have loved it. By the way, what have you been doing?" As if I didn't know.
"Sitting here being bored." Well, I didn't think you'd been doing THAT. I was thinking more along the lines of you, Clark- Petey, stop torturing yourself.
"I have to go find Clark. Go out to the deck and I'll be there in a sec."
"I'll be waiting ever so patiently." Go, Pete. One foot, now the other, now the other. Can you take it from here?
"Clark! I'm not going to look through this whole mansion for you, so come out." That'll work.
"I'm here, Pete. What do you want?" Nothing with that attitude. No wonder we aren't best friends anymore. You're acting like Luthor more and more very day.
"Dinner's ready." Turn on our heel and walk out. Good job.
"Pete, wait up."
"What, Clark?" Be nice, Pete. You really are acting like Chloe. That's just scary.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing. I'm cool. Really. Let's eat." I am starved. "Can I ask you a favor?" Don't say it, Pete. You'll look like a sissy. I don't care as long as I have my best friend.
"Sure, shoot." Always ready to help, aren't you Clark?
"Sit by me and Chloe tonight?" That wasn't so hard was it? I only broke my best friend's heart by asking him to promise not to sit beside his new best friend or the love of his life.
"Sure." Don't look so pained, Clark.
"Cool. Let's eat." Shrug it off, Petey.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
I, Lex Luthor, am eating fried fish. It's so greasy that it's literally running down my hands. There has got be a rule about how much grease is acceptable on a single piece of fish.
So, I am sitting here eating this greasy food surrounded by teenagers. One is my best friend, and also the reason that my hands are covered in grease. I'd rather have him here by himself, but Mr. Kent would sell the farm before he'd trust his son with a Luthor. Does he think I'd show him the wicked ways of the world of a Luthor? That's a laugh, though I could show the farmboy a thing or two. Don't go there, Lex.
"Lex, it's just grease. I promise it won't kill you."
"Maybe not Clark, but it sure will give me a push in that direction." What is Chloe smirking at? She sure is a little spitfire. She refuses to call me Lex and to let me call her Chloe. She's cute, but too headstrong. Dad would love her. He always liked a challenge, and Chloe definitely was one.
"Can we make s'mores tonight?" A typical Lana request. She's dripping with sweetness. It's easy to see what Clark likes about her. I can't knock his taste in women. With Whitney away in the Marines he's not here to thwart my plans to get Lana and Clark together.
"I'm sure we can arrange that, Lana." Does she practice that smile?
"Anything for Lana." Did Chloe just mutter that to Pete? Pete and Chloe look like they're up to something. I'm sure sandwiching Clark between themselves was a group effort. I'll just have to work on getting them out of the way.
"What was that, Miss Sullivan?" She looks flushed. I guess I did hear her right.
"I was talking to Pete." When did she start to dislike me? From what I've gathered the few times I've talked ot her, we've connected quite well.
"Lana, would you like to make a fire on the beach? We can make s'mores down there."
"That sounds like fun!" She is too adorable. Everything pleases her.
"Great. It's already getting dark. Let's clean up and then we can go down there." Pete and Chloe are walking arm in arm back into the cabin. I know they are friends, but what is the deal? There is definitely something going on with them, I just wish I knew what it was. I'll have to ask Clark.
"Lana, why don't you go ahead? Clark and I can clean up." She is so obedient. Like a little puppy.
"You didn't like the fish, did you?" Clark looks heartbroken. Does my opinion really matter that much to him?
"It was good, just not my usual." Was that a good excuse for the grease soaked soppy excuse for fish?
"Good." That cheered him up. Let's see if this will bring him back down.
"What's up with Pete and Miss Sullivan?" Clark definitely got the point.
"Uh, what do you mean?" He's turning to throw away plates. I know this trick. Try not to look at me so I can't read your face.
"Clark, look at me. You know what I mean. They have this 'untouchable duo' thing going on. I understand about Pete, but what did I do to piss off Chloe?" Can't back away from that one. There's no acting innocent now.
"It's not you. It-" Think fast, Clark. Something you are never good at doing. I mean I love the kid, he's my best friend, but he's not the brightest marble in the box.
"Nevermind, Clark. Go change and meet me back in the living room." Putting him out of his misery seemed like a good idea. Besides, I'm a Luthor. Luthors have a way of knowing everything. I'll figure it out.
Right now I am just going to get ready to work some Luthor magic. Luthor magic? I need to find friends my own age. I'm thinking like a teenager, next thing you know I'll be acting like one. Won't Daddy just love me then
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Ow! Note to self: Roasted marshmallows are hot." That's the second time that Chloe's done that.
"Chloe. Are you okay?" And that's the second time that Clark has rushed to her side. If I didn't know better I'd think she was doing it on purpose.
Pete's grinning and shaking his head. Did Chloe just wink at Pete? These two are too much.
"Lex, do you want another one?" I'm surprised he even ate one. Well, after dinner I shouldn't be.
"Yes, please."
"You want me to do it?"
"If you want to." I have no problem with that. Maybe I should pretend to burn myself. Lana, you're hopeless.
"Are you okay now, Chloe?" Clark, she was always okay. That was mean, even for me. Or should I say especially for me.
"I think so." She is milking this for all its worth. I know she has somewhat of a crush on Clark, but this is too much!
This marshmallow is nice and done. Now where is the chocolate? There it is.
"Here, Lex." He has chocolate on the side of his mouth. How adorable.
"Thank you, Lana." Ever so welcome Lex. "Clark come here." I sit next to Lex as Clark comes over.
"What's up Lex?" Clark looks so happy.
"Sit with us for a while." What? Is Lex lonely? Not Lex Luthor.
"Why?" Clark blushes at his question. He obviously knows the answer as he sits next to me. Where is Lex going?
"Are you having fun, Clark?" Clark is still blushing. He's so cute when he does that. Focus, Lana.
"Yes, I am. You?"
"Of course. I just wish that I could get close to Chloe without her biting my head off." No really, Lana.be honest.
"She's not biting your head off. You just have to get used to her dry sense of humor." How sweet, he's sticking up for Chloe. I guess he wasn't lying on the way here.
"I really don't think she likes me, Clark. What can I do to change that?" If anyone knows the answer, Clark should. I want to be friends with Chloe, but she's making it very difficult.
"You have to understand that Chloe is very protective." Of you? She hasn't resorted back to the mindset that I'm trying to come between her and Clark, has she? I hope not.
"Alright. I'll talk to her."
"Good. I want you two to be friends." So do I, Clark.
"Lana, come here. Let's have a marshmallow eating contest." I think that Pete and I are going to get along just fine.
"I don't think I can hold a candle to the eating power of teenage guys." Especially not these guys.
"You know it will be fun." Pete's contagious grin is just that.contagious.
"Alright. Chloe, are you playing?" I refuse to be the only girl.
"You betcha. I learned from the best." I'm sure she did.
"I'll need more marshmallows than that." Ha, that one caught them all off guard. This just might turn out to be a great vacation.