Chapter 3- Day Two
At breakfast the next morning Chloe reached for the coffee pot.
"Uh-uh," Clark warned. "You promised not to drink coffee this morning."
"What about a stiff drink? It'll have the same effect," Chloe asked, the corner of her mouth curling into a smile.
"No drinking for underage kids," Lex said, drinking a large gulp of coffee.
"Lex, I'm sure you've been drinking for years and you're only just now twenty-one," Chloe pointed out. "Besides, you gave us drinks last night."
"True, but you're not a rebellious Luthor who can get away with anything because his dad can sweep it under the rug," Lex said defiantly. "And I gave you those as part of the game. I was under the impression that I had to do what was asked."
Chloe laughed. "Maybe we should have asked something else, then."
"Clark, breakfast is delicious," Lana said, piling more food on her plate.
"I didn't now you could eat so much, Lana. You seem so dainty and proper, but I guess not," Pete said around his laughter.
"I can eat with the best of them, Pete," Lana replied with a wink.
"Chloe, I'm almost afraid to ask. What's that look for?" Clark asked hesitantly.
"For what we're going to do today," Chloe said mischievously.
"Which is?" Pete asked, eyeing Chloe.
"Don't look so afraid you guys. I just wanted to take a hike," Chloe said laughing.
"We could take a picnic basket for lunch," Lana added, becoming excited.
"We could make hoagies, and take chips, and cookies, and-" Clark started.
Pete laughed. "Slow down, Clark. We haven't even finished breakfast yet."
"It's a great idea, Chloe," Lex agreed.
"Thank you, Lex," Chloe said with a smile. "I'll fix lunch since Clark so kindly fixed breakfast."
"Clark didn't kindly fix anything, Lex made him promise to fix breakfast," Pete pointed out.
"Is this your way of telling me that you don't like my cooking?" Chloe asked, looking Pete in the eye.
Pete matched his face to Chloe's. "Yes."
Chloe reached to punch Pete on the shoulder, but Pete jumped out of his seat.
"I'll help you, Chloe," Clark said sweetly.
Chloe looked at Clark and smiled widely. "I would love your help."
"I'm sure you would," Pete said, grinning slightly. He started to run when Chloe picked up a piece of sausage to throw at him.
"Let's go," Chloe told Pete. "Bring it on." Chloe stood and walked to Pete.
Pete put up his fists and started hopping around. "I can take you, reporter. Let's see what you've got."
"Try not to break any of the furniture," Lex told them with an amused smile.
Chloe took a swing at Pete, but Pete caught her wrist. She tried to pull away, but Pete wouldn't let go.
"I'll get you," Chloe warned.
Pete laughed. "Who's got who?"
Chloe quickly punched Pete in the stomach, forcing him to let go of her arm. "I got you."
"Oh, it's on," Pete said, lunging at Chloe.
Chloe ducked out of the way and Pete landed on the couch. "Too slow."
"Hey Chloe," Clark called from the table.
Chloe turned, flashing a bright smile at Clark. "Yeah?"
Clark broke into a grin. "Be careful," he said as Pete grabbed Chloe around her waist and flung her onto the couch.
"Thanks man," Pete said, holding Chloe down. "Now who has who?"
"Traitor," Chloe shot at Clark. She squirmed when Pete started tickling her.
"How about that for payback?" Pete asked, not stopping his attack.
"Pete.I.can't.breathe," Chloe said, trying to get away.
"Now you know how it feels," Pete said defiantly, his mouth curling into an evil grin.
"Stop so I can address that comment," Chloe said, gasping for breath.
"I'd rather not. Clark, want to help me out?" Pete asked, struggling to maintain control of Chloe.
Clark walked to the back of the couch and scooped Chloe into his arms. "Let's go see what to fix for lunch," he said setting her down by the table. When Chloe turned back to Pete Clark's arm shot out to stop her. "Come on Chloe."
"I'll get you later," Chloe warned Pete, allowing Clark to push her into the kitchen. "What, Clark?"
"Calm down, Chloe," Clark told her.
Chloe spun to face him, her face serious. "I was just having fun, Clark."
"So was I," Clark replied with a grin. He walked to the fridge and opened it.
Chloe stood close to his side to peer into the shelves. "Sandwiches?"
Clark began pulling lunchmeats from the drawers. Chloe reached in to pull out tomatoes, lettuce, and onions. She quickly chopped the vegetables and placed them in three different bowls. Clark piled the bread high with meats. When he reached for the onions Chloe pegged him in the forehead with a piece of tomato before bursting into laughter. Clark was stunned for a moment before reciprocating by throwing an onion at Chloe. Chloe laughed and threw another tomato and Clark. This time Clark tried to duck out of the way while simultaneously grabbing a hand full of onion, and throwing a piece.
"Gotcha," Clark said with a grin as the onion stuck on Chloe's hair.
Chloe threw a piece of tomato straight into Clark's mouth. "Score!"
Clark threw the rest of his hand full of onions at Chloe, spraying them across the room.
Chloe raced to the other side of the room, throwing tomatoes over her shoulder. When Clark threw more onions at her she squealed and squeezed through the door into the living room, onions clinging to her clothes.
"Chloe?" Pete asked, sitting on the couch with Lex and Lana.
"I'm busy," she called, hitting Clark before he had a chance to come through the door.
Clark tossed a shower of onions at Chloe before she dodged out of the cabin. "Come back." He chased her out and down to the beach, throwing food the whole way.
"You're wasting our lunch," Chloe said, hitting Clark in the face with a hand full of tomatoes.
"So are you," Clark pointed out, matching Chloe's tosses.
Chloe tried to duck away from one of Clark's tosses and ended up sprawled on the beach.
"Oh, you got dirty," Clark said, advancing on her. "Let me help you wash off." Clark scooped Chloe up and carried her toward the water.
"Clark, no! No, no, no," Chloe squealed, her face red. "Clark Kent, put me down!"
Clark ignored Chloe's pleas and walked straight into the water, dumping Chloe in.
"I hate you," Chloe mumbled, trying not to smile.
"Then why are you smiling?" Clark asked, turning his back and walking up the beach. He grabbed the bowls and continued to walk.
Chloe emitted a high pitch groan, ran, and flung herself onto Clark's back. "You infuriate me," she said, wrapping her arms around his shoulders.
Clark held onto Chloe's legs as he walked back to the cabin. "I'm very proud of that actually."
"Jerk," Chloe muttered into Clark's ear.
Clark pretended to let Chloe slip, causing her to gasp. "Dork," Clark said with a smile.
Clark opened the cabin door and used Chloe to keep it open.
"I am NOT a doorstop," Chloe said as Clark walked into the living room.
Clark and Chloe laughed at Lex, Lana's, and Pete's faces.
"What, you've never seen a wet person before?" Chloe asked as Clark set her down.
"You're cold, too," Pete pointed out with a sexy grin.
Chloe's jaw dropped and she crossed her arms over her chest. "Pete Ross!"
"Just pointing out the obvious," Pete said innocently.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
"We've been walking for over two hours. Can't we eat lunch yet?" Pete whined, trudging behind the group of friends.
Chloe turned to Pete and took his arm to pull him along. "We ate lunch an hour ago."
"Well, I'm hungry again," Pete said, slipping his arm down so that Chloe was holding his hand instead.
"That's too bad," Chloe said with a laugh. "You're supposed to be this big football star. The ladies man. For all that you sure are a wimp."
Pete snatched his hand away. "I am not a wimp," he said, walking ahead of the group.
"Uh, Pete?" Lex asked. "The cabin's that way."
Everyone burst into laughter at Pete's angry expression.
"Okay everyone, what is your dream in life? What do you ultimately want to do with your life?" Lana asked.
"I am going to be the best damn reporter for the Daily Planet," Chloe announced.
"Don't you want a family?" Lana asked, glancing back at Chloe.
"Of course, I just don't know how that will end up, but I know I am going to be a reporter. That I am sure of. People will come from far and wide to ask me to write stories for them," Chloe said, thinking of her name in neon lights.
"I am going to overcome my father and take over LuthorCorp. How does LexCorp sound?" Lex asked, eyeing the teenagers to gauge their reactions.
"A bit presumptuous," Chloe said with a laugh.
"Well, I will. I will go after my father with a vengeance. Nothing will stop me. He won't have power over me for long," Lex said, his eyes flashing.
Clark laughed. "Feel a little bitter, Lex?"
Lex smirked. "Just a little."
"I am going to be Vice President. The man behind the man," Pete said, his eyes shining. "I'll have a trophy wife, and beautiful children. The perfect life."
"Better start studying politics now, Pete. It is not an easy game to play," Lex said, holding onto a small tree to pull himself up a hill.
"I am," Pete told Lex.
"The trophy wife," Chloe said rolling her eyes. "Living the American Dream, huh Pete?"
"You bet," Pete said, a bounce in his step.
"I want to have a family. Settle down. Have a farm like my parents," Clark said, blushing.
"Maybe you can't take the boy out of the farm," Lex said with a smile at Clark.
"Oh, you can," Chloe said with a laugh. "You just have to make sure he stays out."
"I love Smallville. I don't want to leave," Clark said fondly.
Lana took a step, lost her balance and tripped. Lex wrapped an arm around her waist to steady her. "Thank you," she said shyly. "I want to have a family, too. A baby that I can love and be there for, like my parents weren't able to be there for me."
Chloe rolled her eyes and Pete laughed at her. "Sorry, Lana. I was laughing at Chloe. That's a sweet thought."
"What is one guilty pleasure that everyone has?" Lana asked.
Chloe grimaced and Pete and Clark shot each other a look.
"I guess my one guilty pleasure would have to be this gorgeous flowy dress," Chloe admitted, purposefully not looking at her friends.
"You own a dress?" Pete asked in shock.
"It's pink," Chloe said grudgingly. "You asked, I answered."
"Mine would have to be my comic book collection," Lex said hesitantly.
"I have yet to go through that," Clark said with a grin. "Lex, the comic book junkie. Has a nice ring to it."
"What comic books?" Pete asked curiously.
"Warrior Angel. A strange visitor from another planet who protects the weak. That and he's bald," Lex explained.
"You bald guys need to stick together," Pete teased.
"We try," Lex answered, breaking into a smile.
"I have my mom's old cheerleader uniform. I know everyone is probably sick and tired of hearing about my dead parents, but it's the truth," Lana said almost sadly.
That sobered everyone up. "I have a website," Clark said unsurely.
"What?" Chloe asked, her eyes lighting up with pride "Are you serious?"
Clark blushed. "Yes, I am."
"I never knew," Chloe said in amazement.
"I guess that leaves me," Pete said. "My guilty pleasure is."
"Yes?" Clark urged.
"Come on, Pete. It can't be as bad as my dress," Chloe pointed out, climbing over a fallen tree.
"Well, Chloe has her Wall of Weird, right?" Pete asked. "I guess you could call it my Wall of Us?"
"What are you talking about, Pete?" Lana asked, narrowing her eyes.
"I have a wall of pictures of me, Clark, and Chloe," Pete admitted.
Chloe laughed. "Welcome to the dark side, Young Skywalker."
"Thank you, Young Vader," Pete answered, breaking into a grin. "Yay, we're back!"
Everyone laughed as Pete raced into the cabin and threw himself on the couch.
"Now it wasn't that bad was it Pete?" Lex asked.
Pete began to snore, and Chloe hit him in the head with a pillow.
"You are such a baby," Chloe told him. When Pete wouldn't make room for her she sat on his stomach.
"Who wants ice cream sundaes?" Lex asked.
Pete stood abruptly, knocking Chloe to the floor. "I do."
Pete and Lex went to the kitchen and returned with bowls, five different types of ice cream, sprinkles, and four different sauces. Everyone piled their bowls full of ice cream and settled on the couches.
"Everybody pick someone and tell me what kind of fruit they would be if they were one," Lana said around a bite of ice cream and fudge. "Clark, you describe Lex. Lex, describe Chloe. Chloe, describe me. I'll describe Pete, and Pete describe Clark."
"You sure are full of peppy ideas," Chloe said sarcastically, popping a cherry into her mouth.
Lana shrugged. "It's fun and we get to know something about each other."
"Lex is a pineapple," Clark said, laughing when Lex's mouth dropped open. "It's rough and seems untouchable on the outside, but on the inside it's sweet."
Lex laughed. "How touching. Chloe would be a grape fruit. On the outside is pretty and appealing, but when you taste it you are surprised at the bite underneath."
"I'll take that as a compliment. I'm surprising, and mysterious," Chloe said, squaring her shoulders. "Lana is a apple. Thick skinned, yet sweet through and through."
"Thank you," Lana said with a smile. "Pete is a kiwi. Exotic and unusual, but very appealing and tasteful."
"Lana thinks I'm exotic," Pete told Chloe proudly.
"She obviously doesn't know you very well," Chloe teased, punching Pete's shoulder.
Pete stuck out his lip in a pout. "Clark is banana. It's plain and simple, but a favorite with everyone."
"I don't like bananas," Lex said, his eyes twinkling.
Clark threw a pillow at him. "Well, I don't like pineapples!"
"I'll just have to steal your apple," Lex said defiantly.
"Fine, I'll take your grape fruit," Clark said, matching Lex's tone.
"What if the kiwi wants the grape fruit?" Pete asked, grinning like a child.
"Maybe the grape fruit doesn't like kiwis, pineapples, or bananas," Chloe said seriously.
"The apple has her own mind. Let her pick," Lana threw out with a smile.
"What if the pineapple monopolizes both the apple and the grape fruit?" Lex asked, trying not to laugh.
"Then the kiwi would have a buy-out and buy the grape fruit back," Pete said.
"The apple and grape fruit are going to leave the kiwi, pineapple, and banana to duke it out," Lana said, taking Chloe's hand and pulling her to her feet. "Let's go talk."
Chloe shrugged at the guys and followed Lana out of the room. Lana led her to a sitting room and they sat in over stuffed chairs. "What's up?" Chloe asked.
"Do you like Pete, Clark, or Lex?" Lana asked.
"Subtle is such an overrated word," Chloe said rolling her eyes. "Pete and Clark are my best friends. Lex is.well, he's just Lex."
"Explain," Lana said sternly, more of a demand than a question.
"Not until you tell me what your problem is," Chloe said raising her eyebrows.
"I just want to know where we each stand on each guy," Lana said innocently.
"Lana, this isn't a match making game. It's just a vacation," Chloe said bluntly.
"I'm not trying to do any match making. Just tell me," Lana said, coming off as harsh.
"Pete is my best friend. He's the one guy I care the most about. I would never do anything to hurt him. I love him with all my heart. I would do anything to help Clark get what he wants. That being you, even though it assures me that I can not have the one thing that I want. Him. Lex is intriguing, but totally off-limits considering he's six years older than me and my Dad's boss. That answer your question?"
Lana's mouth dropped. "More than you'd think."
"Your turn," Chloe said, crossing her arms in front of herself.
"Clark is sweet, but seems a little clingy. It's like he tries too hard. I really like him, though. Pete is a sweetheart. He is so funny and such a jokester. I also think that Lex is intriguing. He's kind of mysterious and I really like that," Lana explained.
"So, you think Clark is smothering, Pete is a teaser, and Lex is appealing?" Chloe asked, becoming defensive.
"Yes," Lana answered.
"And the point of establishing all this was.?" Chloe asked, standing up.
"Like I said, to know where we each stand with each guy," Lana said, also standing.
"Whatever you say, Lana. Can I go now?" Chloe asked, walking to the door.
"Chloe, why do you dislike me so much?" Lana asked, walking toward Chloe.
"Didn't I just tell you why? Clark likes you. It's almost an obsession. I like Clark. Also almost an obsession. To be friends with you would to be friends with the competition," Chloe said, turning to face Lana.
"You don't know anything about the competition," Lana said haughtily, leaving the room.
"What the hell is your problem, Lana? You've finally decided to stop dragging Whitney along on your little joy ride with Clark. Good for you, but if you hurt Clark, God so help me I will kill you," Chloe sneered, racing after Lana.
Lana gasped, and stopped as the guys came running in.
"Chloe, what's wrong?" Lex asked in confusion.
"She and I were just having a discussion," Lana said, her eyes flashing. "It's fine now."
"A discussion that is now over, Lang. Remember what I said. These guys are my best friends and I will do anything in my power to get them what they want and to protect them. No one will stand in the way of that," Chloe fumed.
"Chloe, calm down," Pete said, putting his hand on her shoulder. "No one's trying to do anything."
Chloe looked at Pete, her eyes watering. "No one can see it but me. She can't hide it from me," Chloe said walking from the cabin.
"Lana, what is she talking about?" Pete asked sternly.
Lana threw up her hands in exasperation. "One minute we're talking about all of you, the next she explodes. How should I know?"
"What did you say to her?" Clark asked, moving a step closer.
Lana ignored the question. "I will never be a part of your circle of friends, will I Clark? I'll always be seen as an outsider trying to weasel her way into your friendship," Lana said, searching Clark's eyes. "At least from Chloe's point of view."
"Lana-" Lex started.
"Lex, I don't mean to be rude but this is really about me, Chloe, Pete, and Clark.or the lack thereof. Well, what you all staring at me for?" Lana asked Pete and Clark. "Go after your best friend."
When Pete and Clark left Lex tried once more to talk to Lana. "What was that about?"
Lana walked into the living room and sat on the couch, curling her legs under herself. "Chloe thinks that I am trying to come between her and Clark."
"Are you?" Lex asked sincerely.
Lana seemed confused for a moment. "I really don't know, Lex. I'm just so confused at this point. I don't know who- I mean what I want."
Lex nodded in understanding. "The point of this vacation was to relax, not to form couples. If couples come about, so be it. But it's not the goal."
Lana looked Lex squarely in the eye. "I thought it WAS with you. Isn't your ulterior motive always me and Clark?"
* * *
"Chloe, wait," Clark urged, jogging after her. Chloe was on the beach by the time Pete and Clark caught up with her.
"Clark, leave me alone," Chloe said, jogging away.
"Chloe, come back," Pete said, chasing after her.
Chloe slowed to a quick walk, refusing to look back.
"Do you really want to protect us?" Pete asked, trying to catch his breath.
Chloe twirled on her heel to look at Pete and Clark. "Of course I do," she said, furrowing her eyebrows, and trying to stop the tears that were threatening to wet her cheeks. "You and Clark are my best friends. You're the first friends I had when I moved to Smallville. You've stuck by me on all my whacked out meteor theories. I would do anything to help you and to keep you from getting hurt." With that she turned again, and continued her trail down the beach.
"Chloe, wait," Clark whined. "Why do you hate Lana so much?"
Chloe ignored Clark and quickened her step. In her hurry she didn't see the tree branch and tripped. It sent her sprawling forward. "Damnit!"
Pete and Clark rushed to her side.
Chloe tried to stand and fell back onto the sand. "I can't walk," Chloe said, cursing herself again.
Pete wrapped his arm behind Chloe's back and she gripped his shoulder as he lifted her to her feet.
"Damnit," Chloe muttered, leaning heavily on Pete.
"That won't help," Pete teased, his eyes twinkling.
"Hurting you might," Chloe said, grimacing as she stepped on her foot.
"Don't you want to hurt Lana?" Pete asked, tightening his arm around Chloe.
"That too," Chloe said, turning to Clark. "Come here."
Clark moved to Chloe's side and she clasped onto his arm.
"Can you make it back?" Clark asked worriedly.
Chloe laughed. "Now who's protecting whom?"
"We'll always protect you, Chloe," Clark said honestly.
"Really?" Chloe asked, looking from one guy to the other as she hopped up the beach.
"Chloe, all those things you said about us are true the other way around, also," Pete said, giving Chloe a squeeze.
Chloe broke into a grin. "Good," she said smugly.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Lex was sick and tired of Clark, Chloe, Pete, and Lana sulking around the entire afternoon. What he had to say may not make them very happy, but it had to get said. Teenagers could be so.blind sometimes. Lex marched himself into the living room where the four were lounging. Clark, Chloe, and Pete were on the couch. Chloe was leaning against Clark, her feet were in Pete's lap, and Pete was holding an ice pack to her ankle. All three had been steering clear of Lana since her and Chloe's run-in. Lana was across the room on the love seat.
"I have something to say to all of you. If you don't like it, deal with it," Lex said to the four. "First of all, from my point of view I see a lot of things about you all that none of you see."
"What are you talking about, Lex?" Clark asked, moving under Chloe.
"First of all, Pete. You're a great guy. I know how you feel about a certain someone and like I tell Clark, go for it. You can't sit around sulking about it if you refuse to do anything. She's a great girl. You'd be lucky," Lex said, looking at Pete.
* * *
What? How does Lex know? He has no idea what he's talking about. Then again, maybe he's a lot brighter than I give him credit for. I would be lucky with her, wouldn't I? More than lucky. She has no idea how much I want her. I'm too afraid to let her know.
* * *
"Clark, either make your move, or don't. Make up your mind, and do it or get over it. You are my best friend, but I am tired of you bringing this pain on yourself. You have a tendency to not see the whole picture. Open your eyes and you may see that your goal may not be the one you think you want," Lex said knowingly.
* * *
What other goal could there be? There's only ever been Lana. What is the whole picture? What piece of the puzzle am I not seeing that Lex is? Oh.that. Lex, are you sure? How is it that you know me better than I know myself?
* * *
"Lana, you know I respect you. I truly do, but you also need to make up your mind. You said you don't want Whitney, but I don't think you know what you want. Don't string people along if you don't want them to end up where you are. Second, Chloe may not want to be your friend. Truthfully, it's her loss. You can't let her friendship, or lack of, dictate your every move," Lex said, looking into Lana's eyes.
* * *
I do know what I want, Lex. It's just that it's not what you want. I wish it was, but I know it isn't. I try not to lead Clark on, but he's so.Clarklike. It's practically impossible. I can't stand not being Chloe's friend. It's driving me crazy. Can't we just put our differences aside and move on?
* * *
"Finally, Chloe. You needed to hear the same things as the guys. You also need to open your eyes and see exactly which goal you want. Pick, Chloe. You are a very bright person. I know you will make the right choice. I can't tell you what the right choice is, but I know that somewhere inside you know. Lana isn't your enemy. You're making her your enemy because it's easier to hate her than be her friend. Lana can be a good friend," Lex told the blond.
* * *
Which goal? Lex, you can be such an ass. Clark is the goal. He's always been the goal. What other goal would there be? Oh.that. What do you know, Lex? Yes, it's easier to hate Lana. She's so perfect, and gorgeous, and sweet. She's everything I'm not and everything that I never will be.
* * *
"You're very insightful, Lex," Lana said with a nervous laugh.
"You know it's the truth. Was anything I said to any of you not the truth?" Lex asked, looking from one person to the other. "I didn't think so. Now I suggest that everyone get some sleep and think about what I said." With that Lex turned to leave.
"Hey, Lex," Pete called him back.
Lex turned. "Yeah, Pete?"
"Thanks," Pete said, looking Lex in the eye.
Lex nodded once.
"Yeah, thanks," Lana added shyly.
"Same here," Clark replied, looking to Lex.
"Can we vote people off of the island?" Chloe asked Lex.
Lex almost reprimanded her before he saw the teasing gleam in her eye. "Since we're not on an island, no."
"Too bad," Chloe said with an evil grin. She leaned forward to reposition herself against Clark.
"To bed," Pete said, gently lowering Chloe's feet to the floor.
"To bed," Chloe replied, reaching for Pete's hand to help her stand.
Lana laughed. "That just sounded wrong, you two."
Pete blushed. "I didn't mean the same bed, Lana."
"Neither did I," Chloe said, trying to hide her shock.
"Come on Lana, let's go," Clark said, pulling her from the couch.
"Clark!" Lana exclaimed, breaking into a smile.
"Just kidding," Clark replied, a blush creeping into his cheeks.
"Now this is what I'm talking about," Lex said proudly.
"What?" Chloe asked. "Sleeping with each other." Before Lex could respond Chloe shuddered.
"What?" Lex asked.
"That thought was a little bit of an overload," Chloe said, grimacing. "Ew."
Everyone laughed as the five made their way to their separate rooms.
At breakfast the next morning Chloe reached for the coffee pot.
"Uh-uh," Clark warned. "You promised not to drink coffee this morning."
"What about a stiff drink? It'll have the same effect," Chloe asked, the corner of her mouth curling into a smile.
"No drinking for underage kids," Lex said, drinking a large gulp of coffee.
"Lex, I'm sure you've been drinking for years and you're only just now twenty-one," Chloe pointed out. "Besides, you gave us drinks last night."
"True, but you're not a rebellious Luthor who can get away with anything because his dad can sweep it under the rug," Lex said defiantly. "And I gave you those as part of the game. I was under the impression that I had to do what was asked."
Chloe laughed. "Maybe we should have asked something else, then."
"Clark, breakfast is delicious," Lana said, piling more food on her plate.
"I didn't now you could eat so much, Lana. You seem so dainty and proper, but I guess not," Pete said around his laughter.
"I can eat with the best of them, Pete," Lana replied with a wink.
"Chloe, I'm almost afraid to ask. What's that look for?" Clark asked hesitantly.
"For what we're going to do today," Chloe said mischievously.
"Which is?" Pete asked, eyeing Chloe.
"Don't look so afraid you guys. I just wanted to take a hike," Chloe said laughing.
"We could take a picnic basket for lunch," Lana added, becoming excited.
"We could make hoagies, and take chips, and cookies, and-" Clark started.
Pete laughed. "Slow down, Clark. We haven't even finished breakfast yet."
"It's a great idea, Chloe," Lex agreed.
"Thank you, Lex," Chloe said with a smile. "I'll fix lunch since Clark so kindly fixed breakfast."
"Clark didn't kindly fix anything, Lex made him promise to fix breakfast," Pete pointed out.
"Is this your way of telling me that you don't like my cooking?" Chloe asked, looking Pete in the eye.
Pete matched his face to Chloe's. "Yes."
Chloe reached to punch Pete on the shoulder, but Pete jumped out of his seat.
"I'll help you, Chloe," Clark said sweetly.
Chloe looked at Clark and smiled widely. "I would love your help."
"I'm sure you would," Pete said, grinning slightly. He started to run when Chloe picked up a piece of sausage to throw at him.
"Let's go," Chloe told Pete. "Bring it on." Chloe stood and walked to Pete.
Pete put up his fists and started hopping around. "I can take you, reporter. Let's see what you've got."
"Try not to break any of the furniture," Lex told them with an amused smile.
Chloe took a swing at Pete, but Pete caught her wrist. She tried to pull away, but Pete wouldn't let go.
"I'll get you," Chloe warned.
Pete laughed. "Who's got who?"
Chloe quickly punched Pete in the stomach, forcing him to let go of her arm. "I got you."
"Oh, it's on," Pete said, lunging at Chloe.
Chloe ducked out of the way and Pete landed on the couch. "Too slow."
"Hey Chloe," Clark called from the table.
Chloe turned, flashing a bright smile at Clark. "Yeah?"
Clark broke into a grin. "Be careful," he said as Pete grabbed Chloe around her waist and flung her onto the couch.
"Thanks man," Pete said, holding Chloe down. "Now who has who?"
"Traitor," Chloe shot at Clark. She squirmed when Pete started tickling her.
"How about that for payback?" Pete asked, not stopping his attack.
"Pete.I.can't.breathe," Chloe said, trying to get away.
"Now you know how it feels," Pete said defiantly, his mouth curling into an evil grin.
"Stop so I can address that comment," Chloe said, gasping for breath.
"I'd rather not. Clark, want to help me out?" Pete asked, struggling to maintain control of Chloe.
Clark walked to the back of the couch and scooped Chloe into his arms. "Let's go see what to fix for lunch," he said setting her down by the table. When Chloe turned back to Pete Clark's arm shot out to stop her. "Come on Chloe."
"I'll get you later," Chloe warned Pete, allowing Clark to push her into the kitchen. "What, Clark?"
"Calm down, Chloe," Clark told her.
Chloe spun to face him, her face serious. "I was just having fun, Clark."
"So was I," Clark replied with a grin. He walked to the fridge and opened it.
Chloe stood close to his side to peer into the shelves. "Sandwiches?"
Clark began pulling lunchmeats from the drawers. Chloe reached in to pull out tomatoes, lettuce, and onions. She quickly chopped the vegetables and placed them in three different bowls. Clark piled the bread high with meats. When he reached for the onions Chloe pegged him in the forehead with a piece of tomato before bursting into laughter. Clark was stunned for a moment before reciprocating by throwing an onion at Chloe. Chloe laughed and threw another tomato and Clark. This time Clark tried to duck out of the way while simultaneously grabbing a hand full of onion, and throwing a piece.
"Gotcha," Clark said with a grin as the onion stuck on Chloe's hair.
Chloe threw a piece of tomato straight into Clark's mouth. "Score!"
Clark threw the rest of his hand full of onions at Chloe, spraying them across the room.
Chloe raced to the other side of the room, throwing tomatoes over her shoulder. When Clark threw more onions at her she squealed and squeezed through the door into the living room, onions clinging to her clothes.
"Chloe?" Pete asked, sitting on the couch with Lex and Lana.
"I'm busy," she called, hitting Clark before he had a chance to come through the door.
Clark tossed a shower of onions at Chloe before she dodged out of the cabin. "Come back." He chased her out and down to the beach, throwing food the whole way.
"You're wasting our lunch," Chloe said, hitting Clark in the face with a hand full of tomatoes.
"So are you," Clark pointed out, matching Chloe's tosses.
Chloe tried to duck away from one of Clark's tosses and ended up sprawled on the beach.
"Oh, you got dirty," Clark said, advancing on her. "Let me help you wash off." Clark scooped Chloe up and carried her toward the water.
"Clark, no! No, no, no," Chloe squealed, her face red. "Clark Kent, put me down!"
Clark ignored Chloe's pleas and walked straight into the water, dumping Chloe in.
"I hate you," Chloe mumbled, trying not to smile.
"Then why are you smiling?" Clark asked, turning his back and walking up the beach. He grabbed the bowls and continued to walk.
Chloe emitted a high pitch groan, ran, and flung herself onto Clark's back. "You infuriate me," she said, wrapping her arms around his shoulders.
Clark held onto Chloe's legs as he walked back to the cabin. "I'm very proud of that actually."
"Jerk," Chloe muttered into Clark's ear.
Clark pretended to let Chloe slip, causing her to gasp. "Dork," Clark said with a smile.
Clark opened the cabin door and used Chloe to keep it open.
"I am NOT a doorstop," Chloe said as Clark walked into the living room.
Clark and Chloe laughed at Lex, Lana's, and Pete's faces.
"What, you've never seen a wet person before?" Chloe asked as Clark set her down.
"You're cold, too," Pete pointed out with a sexy grin.
Chloe's jaw dropped and she crossed her arms over her chest. "Pete Ross!"
"Just pointing out the obvious," Pete said innocently.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
"We've been walking for over two hours. Can't we eat lunch yet?" Pete whined, trudging behind the group of friends.
Chloe turned to Pete and took his arm to pull him along. "We ate lunch an hour ago."
"Well, I'm hungry again," Pete said, slipping his arm down so that Chloe was holding his hand instead.
"That's too bad," Chloe said with a laugh. "You're supposed to be this big football star. The ladies man. For all that you sure are a wimp."
Pete snatched his hand away. "I am not a wimp," he said, walking ahead of the group.
"Uh, Pete?" Lex asked. "The cabin's that way."
Everyone burst into laughter at Pete's angry expression.
"Okay everyone, what is your dream in life? What do you ultimately want to do with your life?" Lana asked.
"I am going to be the best damn reporter for the Daily Planet," Chloe announced.
"Don't you want a family?" Lana asked, glancing back at Chloe.
"Of course, I just don't know how that will end up, but I know I am going to be a reporter. That I am sure of. People will come from far and wide to ask me to write stories for them," Chloe said, thinking of her name in neon lights.
"I am going to overcome my father and take over LuthorCorp. How does LexCorp sound?" Lex asked, eyeing the teenagers to gauge their reactions.
"A bit presumptuous," Chloe said with a laugh.
"Well, I will. I will go after my father with a vengeance. Nothing will stop me. He won't have power over me for long," Lex said, his eyes flashing.
Clark laughed. "Feel a little bitter, Lex?"
Lex smirked. "Just a little."
"I am going to be Vice President. The man behind the man," Pete said, his eyes shining. "I'll have a trophy wife, and beautiful children. The perfect life."
"Better start studying politics now, Pete. It is not an easy game to play," Lex said, holding onto a small tree to pull himself up a hill.
"I am," Pete told Lex.
"The trophy wife," Chloe said rolling her eyes. "Living the American Dream, huh Pete?"
"You bet," Pete said, a bounce in his step.
"I want to have a family. Settle down. Have a farm like my parents," Clark said, blushing.
"Maybe you can't take the boy out of the farm," Lex said with a smile at Clark.
"Oh, you can," Chloe said with a laugh. "You just have to make sure he stays out."
"I love Smallville. I don't want to leave," Clark said fondly.
Lana took a step, lost her balance and tripped. Lex wrapped an arm around her waist to steady her. "Thank you," she said shyly. "I want to have a family, too. A baby that I can love and be there for, like my parents weren't able to be there for me."
Chloe rolled her eyes and Pete laughed at her. "Sorry, Lana. I was laughing at Chloe. That's a sweet thought."
"What is one guilty pleasure that everyone has?" Lana asked.
Chloe grimaced and Pete and Clark shot each other a look.
"I guess my one guilty pleasure would have to be this gorgeous flowy dress," Chloe admitted, purposefully not looking at her friends.
"You own a dress?" Pete asked in shock.
"It's pink," Chloe said grudgingly. "You asked, I answered."
"Mine would have to be my comic book collection," Lex said hesitantly.
"I have yet to go through that," Clark said with a grin. "Lex, the comic book junkie. Has a nice ring to it."
"What comic books?" Pete asked curiously.
"Warrior Angel. A strange visitor from another planet who protects the weak. That and he's bald," Lex explained.
"You bald guys need to stick together," Pete teased.
"We try," Lex answered, breaking into a smile.
"I have my mom's old cheerleader uniform. I know everyone is probably sick and tired of hearing about my dead parents, but it's the truth," Lana said almost sadly.
That sobered everyone up. "I have a website," Clark said unsurely.
"What?" Chloe asked, her eyes lighting up with pride "Are you serious?"
Clark blushed. "Yes, I am."
"I never knew," Chloe said in amazement.
"I guess that leaves me," Pete said. "My guilty pleasure is."
"Yes?" Clark urged.
"Come on, Pete. It can't be as bad as my dress," Chloe pointed out, climbing over a fallen tree.
"Well, Chloe has her Wall of Weird, right?" Pete asked. "I guess you could call it my Wall of Us?"
"What are you talking about, Pete?" Lana asked, narrowing her eyes.
"I have a wall of pictures of me, Clark, and Chloe," Pete admitted.
Chloe laughed. "Welcome to the dark side, Young Skywalker."
"Thank you, Young Vader," Pete answered, breaking into a grin. "Yay, we're back!"
Everyone laughed as Pete raced into the cabin and threw himself on the couch.
"Now it wasn't that bad was it Pete?" Lex asked.
Pete began to snore, and Chloe hit him in the head with a pillow.
"You are such a baby," Chloe told him. When Pete wouldn't make room for her she sat on his stomach.
"Who wants ice cream sundaes?" Lex asked.
Pete stood abruptly, knocking Chloe to the floor. "I do."
Pete and Lex went to the kitchen and returned with bowls, five different types of ice cream, sprinkles, and four different sauces. Everyone piled their bowls full of ice cream and settled on the couches.
"Everybody pick someone and tell me what kind of fruit they would be if they were one," Lana said around a bite of ice cream and fudge. "Clark, you describe Lex. Lex, describe Chloe. Chloe, describe me. I'll describe Pete, and Pete describe Clark."
"You sure are full of peppy ideas," Chloe said sarcastically, popping a cherry into her mouth.
Lana shrugged. "It's fun and we get to know something about each other."
"Lex is a pineapple," Clark said, laughing when Lex's mouth dropped open. "It's rough and seems untouchable on the outside, but on the inside it's sweet."
Lex laughed. "How touching. Chloe would be a grape fruit. On the outside is pretty and appealing, but when you taste it you are surprised at the bite underneath."
"I'll take that as a compliment. I'm surprising, and mysterious," Chloe said, squaring her shoulders. "Lana is a apple. Thick skinned, yet sweet through and through."
"Thank you," Lana said with a smile. "Pete is a kiwi. Exotic and unusual, but very appealing and tasteful."
"Lana thinks I'm exotic," Pete told Chloe proudly.
"She obviously doesn't know you very well," Chloe teased, punching Pete's shoulder.
Pete stuck out his lip in a pout. "Clark is banana. It's plain and simple, but a favorite with everyone."
"I don't like bananas," Lex said, his eyes twinkling.
Clark threw a pillow at him. "Well, I don't like pineapples!"
"I'll just have to steal your apple," Lex said defiantly.
"Fine, I'll take your grape fruit," Clark said, matching Lex's tone.
"What if the kiwi wants the grape fruit?" Pete asked, grinning like a child.
"Maybe the grape fruit doesn't like kiwis, pineapples, or bananas," Chloe said seriously.
"The apple has her own mind. Let her pick," Lana threw out with a smile.
"What if the pineapple monopolizes both the apple and the grape fruit?" Lex asked, trying not to laugh.
"Then the kiwi would have a buy-out and buy the grape fruit back," Pete said.
"The apple and grape fruit are going to leave the kiwi, pineapple, and banana to duke it out," Lana said, taking Chloe's hand and pulling her to her feet. "Let's go talk."
Chloe shrugged at the guys and followed Lana out of the room. Lana led her to a sitting room and they sat in over stuffed chairs. "What's up?" Chloe asked.
"Do you like Pete, Clark, or Lex?" Lana asked.
"Subtle is such an overrated word," Chloe said rolling her eyes. "Pete and Clark are my best friends. Lex is.well, he's just Lex."
"Explain," Lana said sternly, more of a demand than a question.
"Not until you tell me what your problem is," Chloe said raising her eyebrows.
"I just want to know where we each stand on each guy," Lana said innocently.
"Lana, this isn't a match making game. It's just a vacation," Chloe said bluntly.
"I'm not trying to do any match making. Just tell me," Lana said, coming off as harsh.
"Pete is my best friend. He's the one guy I care the most about. I would never do anything to hurt him. I love him with all my heart. I would do anything to help Clark get what he wants. That being you, even though it assures me that I can not have the one thing that I want. Him. Lex is intriguing, but totally off-limits considering he's six years older than me and my Dad's boss. That answer your question?"
Lana's mouth dropped. "More than you'd think."
"Your turn," Chloe said, crossing her arms in front of herself.
"Clark is sweet, but seems a little clingy. It's like he tries too hard. I really like him, though. Pete is a sweetheart. He is so funny and such a jokester. I also think that Lex is intriguing. He's kind of mysterious and I really like that," Lana explained.
"So, you think Clark is smothering, Pete is a teaser, and Lex is appealing?" Chloe asked, becoming defensive.
"Yes," Lana answered.
"And the point of establishing all this was.?" Chloe asked, standing up.
"Like I said, to know where we each stand with each guy," Lana said, also standing.
"Whatever you say, Lana. Can I go now?" Chloe asked, walking to the door.
"Chloe, why do you dislike me so much?" Lana asked, walking toward Chloe.
"Didn't I just tell you why? Clark likes you. It's almost an obsession. I like Clark. Also almost an obsession. To be friends with you would to be friends with the competition," Chloe said, turning to face Lana.
"You don't know anything about the competition," Lana said haughtily, leaving the room.
"What the hell is your problem, Lana? You've finally decided to stop dragging Whitney along on your little joy ride with Clark. Good for you, but if you hurt Clark, God so help me I will kill you," Chloe sneered, racing after Lana.
Lana gasped, and stopped as the guys came running in.
"Chloe, what's wrong?" Lex asked in confusion.
"She and I were just having a discussion," Lana said, her eyes flashing. "It's fine now."
"A discussion that is now over, Lang. Remember what I said. These guys are my best friends and I will do anything in my power to get them what they want and to protect them. No one will stand in the way of that," Chloe fumed.
"Chloe, calm down," Pete said, putting his hand on her shoulder. "No one's trying to do anything."
Chloe looked at Pete, her eyes watering. "No one can see it but me. She can't hide it from me," Chloe said walking from the cabin.
"Lana, what is she talking about?" Pete asked sternly.
Lana threw up her hands in exasperation. "One minute we're talking about all of you, the next she explodes. How should I know?"
"What did you say to her?" Clark asked, moving a step closer.
Lana ignored the question. "I will never be a part of your circle of friends, will I Clark? I'll always be seen as an outsider trying to weasel her way into your friendship," Lana said, searching Clark's eyes. "At least from Chloe's point of view."
"Lana-" Lex started.
"Lex, I don't mean to be rude but this is really about me, Chloe, Pete, and Clark.or the lack thereof. Well, what you all staring at me for?" Lana asked Pete and Clark. "Go after your best friend."
When Pete and Clark left Lex tried once more to talk to Lana. "What was that about?"
Lana walked into the living room and sat on the couch, curling her legs under herself. "Chloe thinks that I am trying to come between her and Clark."
"Are you?" Lex asked sincerely.
Lana seemed confused for a moment. "I really don't know, Lex. I'm just so confused at this point. I don't know who- I mean what I want."
Lex nodded in understanding. "The point of this vacation was to relax, not to form couples. If couples come about, so be it. But it's not the goal."
Lana looked Lex squarely in the eye. "I thought it WAS with you. Isn't your ulterior motive always me and Clark?"
* * *
"Chloe, wait," Clark urged, jogging after her. Chloe was on the beach by the time Pete and Clark caught up with her.
"Clark, leave me alone," Chloe said, jogging away.
"Chloe, come back," Pete said, chasing after her.
Chloe slowed to a quick walk, refusing to look back.
"Do you really want to protect us?" Pete asked, trying to catch his breath.
Chloe twirled on her heel to look at Pete and Clark. "Of course I do," she said, furrowing her eyebrows, and trying to stop the tears that were threatening to wet her cheeks. "You and Clark are my best friends. You're the first friends I had when I moved to Smallville. You've stuck by me on all my whacked out meteor theories. I would do anything to help you and to keep you from getting hurt." With that she turned again, and continued her trail down the beach.
"Chloe, wait," Clark whined. "Why do you hate Lana so much?"
Chloe ignored Clark and quickened her step. In her hurry she didn't see the tree branch and tripped. It sent her sprawling forward. "Damnit!"
Pete and Clark rushed to her side.
Chloe tried to stand and fell back onto the sand. "I can't walk," Chloe said, cursing herself again.
Pete wrapped his arm behind Chloe's back and she gripped his shoulder as he lifted her to her feet.
"Damnit," Chloe muttered, leaning heavily on Pete.
"That won't help," Pete teased, his eyes twinkling.
"Hurting you might," Chloe said, grimacing as she stepped on her foot.
"Don't you want to hurt Lana?" Pete asked, tightening his arm around Chloe.
"That too," Chloe said, turning to Clark. "Come here."
Clark moved to Chloe's side and she clasped onto his arm.
"Can you make it back?" Clark asked worriedly.
Chloe laughed. "Now who's protecting whom?"
"We'll always protect you, Chloe," Clark said honestly.
"Really?" Chloe asked, looking from one guy to the other as she hopped up the beach.
"Chloe, all those things you said about us are true the other way around, also," Pete said, giving Chloe a squeeze.
Chloe broke into a grin. "Good," she said smugly.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Lex was sick and tired of Clark, Chloe, Pete, and Lana sulking around the entire afternoon. What he had to say may not make them very happy, but it had to get said. Teenagers could be so.blind sometimes. Lex marched himself into the living room where the four were lounging. Clark, Chloe, and Pete were on the couch. Chloe was leaning against Clark, her feet were in Pete's lap, and Pete was holding an ice pack to her ankle. All three had been steering clear of Lana since her and Chloe's run-in. Lana was across the room on the love seat.
"I have something to say to all of you. If you don't like it, deal with it," Lex said to the four. "First of all, from my point of view I see a lot of things about you all that none of you see."
"What are you talking about, Lex?" Clark asked, moving under Chloe.
"First of all, Pete. You're a great guy. I know how you feel about a certain someone and like I tell Clark, go for it. You can't sit around sulking about it if you refuse to do anything. She's a great girl. You'd be lucky," Lex said, looking at Pete.
* * *
What? How does Lex know? He has no idea what he's talking about. Then again, maybe he's a lot brighter than I give him credit for. I would be lucky with her, wouldn't I? More than lucky. She has no idea how much I want her. I'm too afraid to let her know.
* * *
"Clark, either make your move, or don't. Make up your mind, and do it or get over it. You are my best friend, but I am tired of you bringing this pain on yourself. You have a tendency to not see the whole picture. Open your eyes and you may see that your goal may not be the one you think you want," Lex said knowingly.
* * *
What other goal could there be? There's only ever been Lana. What is the whole picture? What piece of the puzzle am I not seeing that Lex is? Oh.that. Lex, are you sure? How is it that you know me better than I know myself?
* * *
"Lana, you know I respect you. I truly do, but you also need to make up your mind. You said you don't want Whitney, but I don't think you know what you want. Don't string people along if you don't want them to end up where you are. Second, Chloe may not want to be your friend. Truthfully, it's her loss. You can't let her friendship, or lack of, dictate your every move," Lex said, looking into Lana's eyes.
* * *
I do know what I want, Lex. It's just that it's not what you want. I wish it was, but I know it isn't. I try not to lead Clark on, but he's so.Clarklike. It's practically impossible. I can't stand not being Chloe's friend. It's driving me crazy. Can't we just put our differences aside and move on?
* * *
"Finally, Chloe. You needed to hear the same things as the guys. You also need to open your eyes and see exactly which goal you want. Pick, Chloe. You are a very bright person. I know you will make the right choice. I can't tell you what the right choice is, but I know that somewhere inside you know. Lana isn't your enemy. You're making her your enemy because it's easier to hate her than be her friend. Lana can be a good friend," Lex told the blond.
* * *
Which goal? Lex, you can be such an ass. Clark is the goal. He's always been the goal. What other goal would there be? Oh.that. What do you know, Lex? Yes, it's easier to hate Lana. She's so perfect, and gorgeous, and sweet. She's everything I'm not and everything that I never will be.
* * *
"You're very insightful, Lex," Lana said with a nervous laugh.
"You know it's the truth. Was anything I said to any of you not the truth?" Lex asked, looking from one person to the other. "I didn't think so. Now I suggest that everyone get some sleep and think about what I said." With that Lex turned to leave.
"Hey, Lex," Pete called him back.
Lex turned. "Yeah, Pete?"
"Thanks," Pete said, looking Lex in the eye.
Lex nodded once.
"Yeah, thanks," Lana added shyly.
"Same here," Clark replied, looking to Lex.
"Can we vote people off of the island?" Chloe asked Lex.
Lex almost reprimanded her before he saw the teasing gleam in her eye. "Since we're not on an island, no."
"Too bad," Chloe said with an evil grin. She leaned forward to reposition herself against Clark.
"To bed," Pete said, gently lowering Chloe's feet to the floor.
"To bed," Chloe replied, reaching for Pete's hand to help her stand.
Lana laughed. "That just sounded wrong, you two."
Pete blushed. "I didn't mean the same bed, Lana."
"Neither did I," Chloe said, trying to hide her shock.
"Come on Lana, let's go," Clark said, pulling her from the couch.
"Clark!" Lana exclaimed, breaking into a smile.
"Just kidding," Clark replied, a blush creeping into his cheeks.
"Now this is what I'm talking about," Lex said proudly.
"What?" Chloe asked. "Sleeping with each other." Before Lex could respond Chloe shuddered.
"What?" Lex asked.
"That thought was a little bit of an overload," Chloe said, grimacing. "Ew."
Everyone laughed as the five made their way to their separate rooms.