Chapter 28- Hitting The Fan.eth
"Hey, Chlo," Lana said as she walked in the door. She walked to the couch, sat, and curled her legs under herself.
"Hey, Lana. What's up?" Chloe asked, putting down her pen and paper.
"What are you doing?" Lana asked.
"Nothing," Chloe said, dismissing it with a wave.
"I just wanted to tell you that I'm glad that you forgave Clark. I know it meant a lot to him," Lana said.
"I feel like a huge weight has lifted off of my shoulders," Chloe said with a smile.
"It meant a lot to Clark," Lana repeated.
"You already said that," Chloe pointed out, narrowing her eyes. "What are you thinking?"
"What makes you think I'm thinking something?" Lana asked.
"Whenever you repeat something that I don't address, you're thinking something," Chloe said knowingly.
"I just wanted you to know how much it meant to Clark," Lana said.
"Repeat number two. This must be good. I know how much it meant to Clark. That's part of the reason why I did it," Chloe said, her brain working overtime to stay a step ahead of Lana.
"Part?" Lana asked.
"Yes, part. I didn't do it only for Clark," Chloe explained.
"Then what was the other part?" Lana asked.
"For myself. Seriously, Lana, what's this about?" Chloe asked, turning in her seat to face Lana.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Hey, Clark. Stargazing?" Lex asked. "Isn't it a little early in the day for that?"
Clark blushed and stepped away from the telescope. "Not my kind," he replied.
Lex smirked. "You haven't used that telescope in years."
"Not the way I used to, anyway," Clark replied.
"Ironic, isn't it? You used to look over there for Lana, now you're looking the same direction for Chloe. There has to be some connection there," Lex said, sitting on the couch.
"Yeah, Chloe now lives in Lana's house," Clark said simply.
Lex laughed. "Ah, that would be it."
"What's up, Lex?" Clark asked, taking the seat next to Lex.
"How goes you and Chloe?" Lex asked. Subtle was not his style.
"Not so much going, as staying still," Clark answered.
"Any progress?" Lex asked.
"She forgave me, isn't that enough for now?" Clark asked. He seemed to be seeking Lex's approval.
"Is it, Clark?" Lex asked.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
"I was just wondering if you and Clark had gotten any closer?" Lana asked.
"Closer than what?" Chloe asked.
"Before?" Lana tried.
Chloe laughed. "You'll have to be more specific! Before what? Before I left, yes. Before I forgave him, a little."
Lana nodded thoughtfully. "Have you given any thought to you and him as a couple?"
"Now we get to the point!" Chloe exclaimed.
Lana didn't say a word, hoping Chloe would.
"Lana, what I said a few days ago still stands," Chloe replied.
"Why?" Lana asked.
"Why? I can't believe you're asking me this! You know where I stand," Chloe said in exasperation.
"Can't you stand a little closer?" Lana asked, trying not to push it. Not too hard, anyway.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
"You seem not to think so," Clark pointed out.
"I just want what you want," Lex told him.
"That being Chloe," Clark clarified. "I think we already established that. What do you want me to do?"
"It's up to you," Lex replied, knowing he was playing Clark right where he wanted him.
"Knowing you, you have a few ideas. I'll save us the trouble of asking if I want to know them or not, because I likely will have no choice either way," Clark said smoothly.
That shocked Lex a little. "As a matter of fact, I do."
"I know that tone. It's your 'I know something you don't know' voice. What do you know?" Clark asked.
"I know that Chloe does like you, bordering on love even. She's still afraid that you will betray her, so she's waiting until you do," Lex said, weighing Clark's expressions.
"I won't betray her, Lex. She knows that," Clark replied, not affected by Lex's words.
"She wants to know that, Clark. She truly does, she just can't bring herself to admit it. She's afraid that as soon as she starts trusting you that you will just drift away again," Lex said.
"How does she know I will, if she won't give me a chance?" Clark asked.
"She feels pressured to fall in love, causing her to not fall in love. In other words, she feels expected to be in love with you, which makes her not want to be," Lex explained.
"And what exactly should I do about that?" Clark asked, knowing Lex had an answer ready.
"First, you can show her that you value her friendship. What she wants is a true friendship to base a relationship on. You're almost there actually," Lex said. So it wasn't totally the truth, but it had tangible deniability if it came up again.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Stand a little closer," Chloe said to herself. "Would you like me to throw myself into his arms, profess my undying love, and live with him happily ever after?" Chloe asked.
"Maybe not all at once," Lana said dejectedly.
"Lana, He is not Ken and I am definitely NOT Barbie. At least not in this physical form." Chloe gestured to her body.
"I just want you to think about it. At least consider the idea. You don't have to run to him now," Lana replied.
Chloe laughed. This was going to be fun. "But eventually some day down the road?"
"Yes," Lana answered, a smile taking over her features.
"Lana, I do love Clark. I'm going right now to profess my undying love," Chloe said getting off the couch.
"Really?" Lana asked, happy that Lex's plan had worked.
Chloe snorted. "What do you think?"
Lana's face fell. "Come on, Chlo. Give me something to work with."
"Work with? What exactly are you working on?" Chloe asked. "Wait! Don't answer, I think I know. Let me rephrase that. Who are you working with?"
Lana was caught, she couldn't deny it. She looked down at her hands and mumbled, "Lex."
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
"I am?" Clark asked in surprise.
"Yes, you are. What are you going to do about it?" Lex asked.
"Talk to her, I guess. But Lana's over there right now," Clark told Lex.
Lex's surprise at that news looked a little too rehearsed.
"But you knew that. Lex, what are you and Lana up to?" Clark asked.
"I don't know what you mean," Lex said innocently.
"Don't give me that. Is Pete in on this, too?" Clark asked.
"In on what?" Lex asked.
"I'm not sure yet," Clark said, narrowing his eyes. "Why don't you tell me."
"Lana and I are not up to anything," Lex told Clark.
"Ah, so it is Lana and you. No Pete to speak of. He always was the smart, reasonable one," Clark said knowingly.
Lex was more than a little stuck, and he didn't like it one bit. "We just want what's best for you."
"Which is Chloe. Yes, I know. What is your little plan that is brewing in your thick heads?" Clark asked.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Ha! I knew it! What are you two up to?" Chloe asked.
"Nothing," Lana insisted.
"Lana," Chloe said sweetly, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Where's Lex?"
Lana couldn't believe it, she had thought she was so close. "Clark's," she muttered.
"Doing?" Chloe pressed.
"Talking to Clark," Lana said, not daring to look at Chloe.
"About?" Chloe asked.
"You," Lana replied glumly.
"What exactly about me?" Chloe asked.
"Trying to convince him to come over here and ask you out," Lana said, suddenly ashamed of her self.
"And what is Mr. Luthor saying to convince Clark to do such a thing?" Chloe asked.
Lana might as well tell all, if she was going to tell any. "Telling him that you really like him, even maybe love him. That you are afraid that Clark will betray you, and that's why you won't give him a chance."
Chloe was bordering on outraged. "And how the hell would Lex know that?!"
"Because I told him?" Lana asked timidly.
"You did what?!?" Chloe raged.
"I told Lex," Lana replied sadly. She was beginning to think that she didn't give Pete enough credit.
"And Pete? Did he spill, too?" Chloe asked loudly.
Lana looked at Chloe. "No! Pete refused. He said he wouldn't betray you like that."
"Smart kid. I'm going to Clark's," Chloe said standing up.
"You can't! Lex is over there," Lana said in shock.
"Yes, I know. I'll get him in the act," Chloe said picking up the phone. "Pete, I'm on my way to Clark's.You better meet me there unless you think Clark wants to clean up a dead Luthor. And your beloved fiancé may be the next to go!"
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
"We just want you to have what you want," Lex repeated.
"Oh, and that makes it all better. I see, now I get it. It really does make sense. Thank you, Lex. I don't know what I would do without you," Clark exclaimed.
"Really?" Lex asked.
"No!" Clark shouted. "What is wrong with you two?! Did someone drop you when you were infants?!"
"I wouldn't know, you'll have to ask my mom. Oh right, she's dead," Lex said sarcastically. Clark clenched his fists. "How in hell did you get Lana to go along with this?"
"It was pretty easy actually. She's quite a push-over," Lex said, leaning back against the couch lazily.
"I swear, if you two." Clark trailed off.
Clark lost his train of thought by a scream. "Luthor!"
Lex visibly winced as Lana ran up the stairs ahead of Chloe.
"The shiteth hath hiteth the fan.eth," she said.
"From both directions," Lex added. "However, when Lana quotes cheesy teen movies, this can't be good."
"You two are going to get it!" Chloe raged.
"Hi, Chlo," Clark said with an apologetic smile.
Chloe turned to Clark with a genuine smile. "Hi, Clark." When Chloe turned back to Lana and Lex she was fuming. "What has gotten into you two?!?"
"We were just trying to help," Lana explained.
"From what perspective does this look like help, because I need to stand in that spot!" Chloe said angrily.
"I told you, Lex. You have to butt out! This is none of your, or anyone else's business," Clark said, moving to stand next to Chloe.
Chloe turned to Clark. "You told him to butt out?" she asked, her tone of voice going back to normal while talking to him.
"Yes," Clark answered, looking Chloe in the eye.
"He told you to butt out and still you pull this stunt?!?" Chloe asked Lex in amazement.
"Lana, why would you of all people think this was a good idea?" Clark asked loudly.
"It sounded like a good one at the time," Lana said honestly.
"I never expected this of you, Lana. Even when Pete was turning against me, you stood by my side! Why the sudden change?" Chloe asked.
"Nothing changed," Lana insisted.
"You told Lex things. Private things. Things that I entrusted to you and Pete. Lex turns right around, as you knew he was planning to, and told Clark. Something changed!" Chloe said madly.
"Chloe, leave her out of this," Lex demanded.
"Leave her out of this? She is as much a part of it as you are!" Clark said turning to Lana. "Is it true that you told Lex what Chloe told you?"
Lana nodded sadly.
"Lana, I can't even express how horribly disappointed, sad, and angry that makes me," Clark said, lowering his tone.
"I agree," Pete said coming up the stairs.
"Pete!" Lana said running to him.
Pete held up a hand. "Uh-uh. I told you it would blow up. I'm with them," he said standing next to Chloe.
Lana looked heartbroken.
"I think she's going to cry," Chloe told Clark and Pete quietly.
"With what she did, she deserves to," Pete answered, staring at the two on the couch.
"Pete." Lana said trailing off at Pete's icy glare.
"I told you both that this is exactly what would happen, did I not?" Pete asked.
Lana nodded, but Lex didn't move.
"Lex?" Pete asked, not letting him off the hook.
"Yes, Pete. You told us this would happen," Lex said disinterestedly.
"Did it happen exactly like I said it would?" Pete asked.
Again, Lana nodded.
After a dirty look from Pete, Lex answered. "Yes, yes."
"Then why do it?" Clark raged. "What did you think it would accomplish?"
"We thought it would help," Lana supplied. "We thought I could get Chloe to see how right you two were, so that when you went over she would accept a date."
"Lana, you don't have to tell them," Lex said rudely.
"No!" Chloe fumed. "You want to know what would have happened? Clark would have come over. I would have turned him down. Albeit gently, but still a rejection."
"That would just push Chloe further away from me after my attempt. Making me look like an idiot. All because you two thought you could pull off this ridiculous stunt," Clark said firmly.
"Lana, I told you not to tell Lex. I told you that Chloe would find out who told. I told you." Pete tried to reason gently.
"I know, Pete. I guess I just wanted it so badly that I didn't listen," Lana replied.
"I want it too, Lan. Since you so kindly told Lex and Lex so kindly told Clark it's out now. I do want it, you two. Just not right now. Why can't you see that?" Chloe asked, glancing at Clark.
Clark wasn't the least bit surprised. "Lex, say something," Clark demanded.
"I refuse to apologize," Lex said sternly.
"Then I refuse to be your friend until you do," Clark replied coldly.
Chloe's eyes got wide. "Clark, you don't mean that!"
Clark looked at Chloe. "I do. What they did was wrong, and they both knew it before they did it. We both deserve an apology, and I'm not going to resume out friendship until they do."
Chloe looked almost proud. "Ditto for me."
"But, Clark-" Lana tried.
"No, Lana. It might seem harsh, but you betrayed our trust today. I'm not sure that I can trust either of you," Clark said, a hint of sadness in his voice.
"I agree. You told Lex what I told you in confidence. That hurts, Lana. That hurts a lot. Lex, you went behind my back to tell Clark. You knew that what I said was between Lana and me, but you did it anyway. You'll both have to live with the consequences," Chloe agreed.
Lana looked down in shame, and embarrassment at her actions.
"Lana, it hurts to say this, but I have to agree with Clark and Chloe," Pete said, his voice also held a hint of sadness.
A single tear fell from Lana's eye as she looked at Pete.
"This was wrong. You knew that from the start, yet you proceeded anyway. It leaves me in a state of shock that you could do something like this to someone you called your friend," Pete said, looking straight at Lana.
"Leave her alone. I convinced her to do it," Lex demanded, his eyes like fire.
"Yes, Lex. You have so much power that every girl is at your beck and call," Chloe spat.
"That's what I've been told," Lex replied haughtily.
"Just because you're a Luthor doesn't mean you're exempt from the laws of friendship," Clark said, daring Lex top respond. Clark was surprised when a pained looked crossed Lex's face. It was almost too fast to catch, but Clark didn't miss it. Chloe obviously didn't either, because she reached over and touched Clark's wrist lightly.
"Lex, we know you meant well. We also know that this was in no way acceptable," Chloe said calmly. "You have to understand that."
"I don't have time for this," Lex said standing to leave.
Lana shot him a look as if to say, 'Don't leave me here!'
"Come on, Lana," Lex said, helping her to stand. Lana obediently did what she was told.
"Lana, if you go with him, I may not be able to trust anything you say again," Chloe said.
Lex snorted. "She'll just forgive you tomorrow. Oh, that's right, she's the one that holds grudges."
Chloe's mouth fell open.
"Lex!" Lana exclaimed.
Lex dropped Lana's arm. He crossed to the stairs without a word, and left.
"Chloe-" Lana started.
Chloe put up a hand. "Don't talk to me, Lana."
Lana turned to Clark. "Clark-"
"No, Lana," Clark said, cutting her off.
"Pete-" Lana squeaked.
"Lana, don't," Pete said sadly.
Lana nodded, dropped her head and left.
Chloe swayed, and Clark put an arm around her to help steady her.
"That took a lot out of me," Chloe said in exhaustion.
Clark guided her to the couch, and helped her to sit. "Are you okay?"
Chloe nodded. "Besides the fact that I just lost my friend, I'm fine. You?"
"Same here," Clark said.
Pete sat next to Chloe. "You guys weren't wrong for what you said. They needed to hear that, and deserved what they got. I told them to consider the consequences, but they refused."
Chloe took Pete's hand. "Will you and Lana be okay? I don't want to get in between you two."
Pete nodded. "We'll be fine. She needs to learn not to do this, even if Lex did tell her it was a good idea."
The trio leaned back against the couch. Each one thinking the same thing: This is the way it was meant to be. The three of us, sticking up for each other. This is how it should have been. We're okay as long as we have each other.
"Hey, Chlo," Lana said as she walked in the door. She walked to the couch, sat, and curled her legs under herself.
"Hey, Lana. What's up?" Chloe asked, putting down her pen and paper.
"What are you doing?" Lana asked.
"Nothing," Chloe said, dismissing it with a wave.
"I just wanted to tell you that I'm glad that you forgave Clark. I know it meant a lot to him," Lana said.
"I feel like a huge weight has lifted off of my shoulders," Chloe said with a smile.
"It meant a lot to Clark," Lana repeated.
"You already said that," Chloe pointed out, narrowing her eyes. "What are you thinking?"
"What makes you think I'm thinking something?" Lana asked.
"Whenever you repeat something that I don't address, you're thinking something," Chloe said knowingly.
"I just wanted you to know how much it meant to Clark," Lana said.
"Repeat number two. This must be good. I know how much it meant to Clark. That's part of the reason why I did it," Chloe said, her brain working overtime to stay a step ahead of Lana.
"Part?" Lana asked.
"Yes, part. I didn't do it only for Clark," Chloe explained.
"Then what was the other part?" Lana asked.
"For myself. Seriously, Lana, what's this about?" Chloe asked, turning in her seat to face Lana.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Hey, Clark. Stargazing?" Lex asked. "Isn't it a little early in the day for that?"
Clark blushed and stepped away from the telescope. "Not my kind," he replied.
Lex smirked. "You haven't used that telescope in years."
"Not the way I used to, anyway," Clark replied.
"Ironic, isn't it? You used to look over there for Lana, now you're looking the same direction for Chloe. There has to be some connection there," Lex said, sitting on the couch.
"Yeah, Chloe now lives in Lana's house," Clark said simply.
Lex laughed. "Ah, that would be it."
"What's up, Lex?" Clark asked, taking the seat next to Lex.
"How goes you and Chloe?" Lex asked. Subtle was not his style.
"Not so much going, as staying still," Clark answered.
"Any progress?" Lex asked.
"She forgave me, isn't that enough for now?" Clark asked. He seemed to be seeking Lex's approval.
"Is it, Clark?" Lex asked.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
"I was just wondering if you and Clark had gotten any closer?" Lana asked.
"Closer than what?" Chloe asked.
"Before?" Lana tried.
Chloe laughed. "You'll have to be more specific! Before what? Before I left, yes. Before I forgave him, a little."
Lana nodded thoughtfully. "Have you given any thought to you and him as a couple?"
"Now we get to the point!" Chloe exclaimed.
Lana didn't say a word, hoping Chloe would.
"Lana, what I said a few days ago still stands," Chloe replied.
"Why?" Lana asked.
"Why? I can't believe you're asking me this! You know where I stand," Chloe said in exasperation.
"Can't you stand a little closer?" Lana asked, trying not to push it. Not too hard, anyway.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
"You seem not to think so," Clark pointed out.
"I just want what you want," Lex told him.
"That being Chloe," Clark clarified. "I think we already established that. What do you want me to do?"
"It's up to you," Lex replied, knowing he was playing Clark right where he wanted him.
"Knowing you, you have a few ideas. I'll save us the trouble of asking if I want to know them or not, because I likely will have no choice either way," Clark said smoothly.
That shocked Lex a little. "As a matter of fact, I do."
"I know that tone. It's your 'I know something you don't know' voice. What do you know?" Clark asked.
"I know that Chloe does like you, bordering on love even. She's still afraid that you will betray her, so she's waiting until you do," Lex said, weighing Clark's expressions.
"I won't betray her, Lex. She knows that," Clark replied, not affected by Lex's words.
"She wants to know that, Clark. She truly does, she just can't bring herself to admit it. She's afraid that as soon as she starts trusting you that you will just drift away again," Lex said.
"How does she know I will, if she won't give me a chance?" Clark asked.
"She feels pressured to fall in love, causing her to not fall in love. In other words, she feels expected to be in love with you, which makes her not want to be," Lex explained.
"And what exactly should I do about that?" Clark asked, knowing Lex had an answer ready.
"First, you can show her that you value her friendship. What she wants is a true friendship to base a relationship on. You're almost there actually," Lex said. So it wasn't totally the truth, but it had tangible deniability if it came up again.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Stand a little closer," Chloe said to herself. "Would you like me to throw myself into his arms, profess my undying love, and live with him happily ever after?" Chloe asked.
"Maybe not all at once," Lana said dejectedly.
"Lana, He is not Ken and I am definitely NOT Barbie. At least not in this physical form." Chloe gestured to her body.
"I just want you to think about it. At least consider the idea. You don't have to run to him now," Lana replied.
Chloe laughed. This was going to be fun. "But eventually some day down the road?"
"Yes," Lana answered, a smile taking over her features.
"Lana, I do love Clark. I'm going right now to profess my undying love," Chloe said getting off the couch.
"Really?" Lana asked, happy that Lex's plan had worked.
Chloe snorted. "What do you think?"
Lana's face fell. "Come on, Chlo. Give me something to work with."
"Work with? What exactly are you working on?" Chloe asked. "Wait! Don't answer, I think I know. Let me rephrase that. Who are you working with?"
Lana was caught, she couldn't deny it. She looked down at her hands and mumbled, "Lex."
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
"I am?" Clark asked in surprise.
"Yes, you are. What are you going to do about it?" Lex asked.
"Talk to her, I guess. But Lana's over there right now," Clark told Lex.
Lex's surprise at that news looked a little too rehearsed.
"But you knew that. Lex, what are you and Lana up to?" Clark asked.
"I don't know what you mean," Lex said innocently.
"Don't give me that. Is Pete in on this, too?" Clark asked.
"In on what?" Lex asked.
"I'm not sure yet," Clark said, narrowing his eyes. "Why don't you tell me."
"Lana and I are not up to anything," Lex told Clark.
"Ah, so it is Lana and you. No Pete to speak of. He always was the smart, reasonable one," Clark said knowingly.
Lex was more than a little stuck, and he didn't like it one bit. "We just want what's best for you."
"Which is Chloe. Yes, I know. What is your little plan that is brewing in your thick heads?" Clark asked.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Ha! I knew it! What are you two up to?" Chloe asked.
"Nothing," Lana insisted.
"Lana," Chloe said sweetly, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Where's Lex?"
Lana couldn't believe it, she had thought she was so close. "Clark's," she muttered.
"Doing?" Chloe pressed.
"Talking to Clark," Lana said, not daring to look at Chloe.
"About?" Chloe asked.
"You," Lana replied glumly.
"What exactly about me?" Chloe asked.
"Trying to convince him to come over here and ask you out," Lana said, suddenly ashamed of her self.
"And what is Mr. Luthor saying to convince Clark to do such a thing?" Chloe asked.
Lana might as well tell all, if she was going to tell any. "Telling him that you really like him, even maybe love him. That you are afraid that Clark will betray you, and that's why you won't give him a chance."
Chloe was bordering on outraged. "And how the hell would Lex know that?!"
"Because I told him?" Lana asked timidly.
"You did what?!?" Chloe raged.
"I told Lex," Lana replied sadly. She was beginning to think that she didn't give Pete enough credit.
"And Pete? Did he spill, too?" Chloe asked loudly.
Lana looked at Chloe. "No! Pete refused. He said he wouldn't betray you like that."
"Smart kid. I'm going to Clark's," Chloe said standing up.
"You can't! Lex is over there," Lana said in shock.
"Yes, I know. I'll get him in the act," Chloe said picking up the phone. "Pete, I'm on my way to Clark's.You better meet me there unless you think Clark wants to clean up a dead Luthor. And your beloved fiancé may be the next to go!"
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
"We just want you to have what you want," Lex repeated.
"Oh, and that makes it all better. I see, now I get it. It really does make sense. Thank you, Lex. I don't know what I would do without you," Clark exclaimed.
"Really?" Lex asked.
"No!" Clark shouted. "What is wrong with you two?! Did someone drop you when you were infants?!"
"I wouldn't know, you'll have to ask my mom. Oh right, she's dead," Lex said sarcastically. Clark clenched his fists. "How in hell did you get Lana to go along with this?"
"It was pretty easy actually. She's quite a push-over," Lex said, leaning back against the couch lazily.
"I swear, if you two." Clark trailed off.
Clark lost his train of thought by a scream. "Luthor!"
Lex visibly winced as Lana ran up the stairs ahead of Chloe.
"The shiteth hath hiteth the fan.eth," she said.
"From both directions," Lex added. "However, when Lana quotes cheesy teen movies, this can't be good."
"You two are going to get it!" Chloe raged.
"Hi, Chlo," Clark said with an apologetic smile.
Chloe turned to Clark with a genuine smile. "Hi, Clark." When Chloe turned back to Lana and Lex she was fuming. "What has gotten into you two?!?"
"We were just trying to help," Lana explained.
"From what perspective does this look like help, because I need to stand in that spot!" Chloe said angrily.
"I told you, Lex. You have to butt out! This is none of your, or anyone else's business," Clark said, moving to stand next to Chloe.
Chloe turned to Clark. "You told him to butt out?" she asked, her tone of voice going back to normal while talking to him.
"Yes," Clark answered, looking Chloe in the eye.
"He told you to butt out and still you pull this stunt?!?" Chloe asked Lex in amazement.
"Lana, why would you of all people think this was a good idea?" Clark asked loudly.
"It sounded like a good one at the time," Lana said honestly.
"I never expected this of you, Lana. Even when Pete was turning against me, you stood by my side! Why the sudden change?" Chloe asked.
"Nothing changed," Lana insisted.
"You told Lex things. Private things. Things that I entrusted to you and Pete. Lex turns right around, as you knew he was planning to, and told Clark. Something changed!" Chloe said madly.
"Chloe, leave her out of this," Lex demanded.
"Leave her out of this? She is as much a part of it as you are!" Clark said turning to Lana. "Is it true that you told Lex what Chloe told you?"
Lana nodded sadly.
"Lana, I can't even express how horribly disappointed, sad, and angry that makes me," Clark said, lowering his tone.
"I agree," Pete said coming up the stairs.
"Pete!" Lana said running to him.
Pete held up a hand. "Uh-uh. I told you it would blow up. I'm with them," he said standing next to Chloe.
Lana looked heartbroken.
"I think she's going to cry," Chloe told Clark and Pete quietly.
"With what she did, she deserves to," Pete answered, staring at the two on the couch.
"Pete." Lana said trailing off at Pete's icy glare.
"I told you both that this is exactly what would happen, did I not?" Pete asked.
Lana nodded, but Lex didn't move.
"Lex?" Pete asked, not letting him off the hook.
"Yes, Pete. You told us this would happen," Lex said disinterestedly.
"Did it happen exactly like I said it would?" Pete asked.
Again, Lana nodded.
After a dirty look from Pete, Lex answered. "Yes, yes."
"Then why do it?" Clark raged. "What did you think it would accomplish?"
"We thought it would help," Lana supplied. "We thought I could get Chloe to see how right you two were, so that when you went over she would accept a date."
"Lana, you don't have to tell them," Lex said rudely.
"No!" Chloe fumed. "You want to know what would have happened? Clark would have come over. I would have turned him down. Albeit gently, but still a rejection."
"That would just push Chloe further away from me after my attempt. Making me look like an idiot. All because you two thought you could pull off this ridiculous stunt," Clark said firmly.
"Lana, I told you not to tell Lex. I told you that Chloe would find out who told. I told you." Pete tried to reason gently.
"I know, Pete. I guess I just wanted it so badly that I didn't listen," Lana replied.
"I want it too, Lan. Since you so kindly told Lex and Lex so kindly told Clark it's out now. I do want it, you two. Just not right now. Why can't you see that?" Chloe asked, glancing at Clark.
Clark wasn't the least bit surprised. "Lex, say something," Clark demanded.
"I refuse to apologize," Lex said sternly.
"Then I refuse to be your friend until you do," Clark replied coldly.
Chloe's eyes got wide. "Clark, you don't mean that!"
Clark looked at Chloe. "I do. What they did was wrong, and they both knew it before they did it. We both deserve an apology, and I'm not going to resume out friendship until they do."
Chloe looked almost proud. "Ditto for me."
"But, Clark-" Lana tried.
"No, Lana. It might seem harsh, but you betrayed our trust today. I'm not sure that I can trust either of you," Clark said, a hint of sadness in his voice.
"I agree. You told Lex what I told you in confidence. That hurts, Lana. That hurts a lot. Lex, you went behind my back to tell Clark. You knew that what I said was between Lana and me, but you did it anyway. You'll both have to live with the consequences," Chloe agreed.
Lana looked down in shame, and embarrassment at her actions.
"Lana, it hurts to say this, but I have to agree with Clark and Chloe," Pete said, his voice also held a hint of sadness.
A single tear fell from Lana's eye as she looked at Pete.
"This was wrong. You knew that from the start, yet you proceeded anyway. It leaves me in a state of shock that you could do something like this to someone you called your friend," Pete said, looking straight at Lana.
"Leave her alone. I convinced her to do it," Lex demanded, his eyes like fire.
"Yes, Lex. You have so much power that every girl is at your beck and call," Chloe spat.
"That's what I've been told," Lex replied haughtily.
"Just because you're a Luthor doesn't mean you're exempt from the laws of friendship," Clark said, daring Lex top respond. Clark was surprised when a pained looked crossed Lex's face. It was almost too fast to catch, but Clark didn't miss it. Chloe obviously didn't either, because she reached over and touched Clark's wrist lightly.
"Lex, we know you meant well. We also know that this was in no way acceptable," Chloe said calmly. "You have to understand that."
"I don't have time for this," Lex said standing to leave.
Lana shot him a look as if to say, 'Don't leave me here!'
"Come on, Lana," Lex said, helping her to stand. Lana obediently did what she was told.
"Lana, if you go with him, I may not be able to trust anything you say again," Chloe said.
Lex snorted. "She'll just forgive you tomorrow. Oh, that's right, she's the one that holds grudges."
Chloe's mouth fell open.
"Lex!" Lana exclaimed.
Lex dropped Lana's arm. He crossed to the stairs without a word, and left.
"Chloe-" Lana started.
Chloe put up a hand. "Don't talk to me, Lana."
Lana turned to Clark. "Clark-"
"No, Lana," Clark said, cutting her off.
"Pete-" Lana squeaked.
"Lana, don't," Pete said sadly.
Lana nodded, dropped her head and left.
Chloe swayed, and Clark put an arm around her to help steady her.
"That took a lot out of me," Chloe said in exhaustion.
Clark guided her to the couch, and helped her to sit. "Are you okay?"
Chloe nodded. "Besides the fact that I just lost my friend, I'm fine. You?"
"Same here," Clark said.
Pete sat next to Chloe. "You guys weren't wrong for what you said. They needed to hear that, and deserved what they got. I told them to consider the consequences, but they refused."
Chloe took Pete's hand. "Will you and Lana be okay? I don't want to get in between you two."
Pete nodded. "We'll be fine. She needs to learn not to do this, even if Lex did tell her it was a good idea."
The trio leaned back against the couch. Each one thinking the same thing: This is the way it was meant to be. The three of us, sticking up for each other. This is how it should have been. We're okay as long as we have each other.