Title: Metropolis
Author: AmandaG
Summary: Chloe and Lex find themselves leading parallel lives while spending the summer in Metropolis.
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters or places contained here in. I just like to take them out and fiddle with them when no one is looking.
E-Mail: ficklemuse02@yahoo.com
Feedback: Replies and reviews are lovely things.
Author's Note: Much thanks for the feedback I've been getting. Everyone's comments are really helpful and appreciated!
**
Lionel's House:
Blowing out a slow breath, Lex focused on relaxing all the muscles in his hand, one at a time followed by the muscles in his arm, slowly working his way up to his shoulders. He'd give anything for Gabby and her magic fingers today.
Up at 5 am. Breakfast with his father. Then a non-stop round of meetings, phone calls, proposals and progress reports until 6 pm. The truth was- Lex didn't mind the work. In fact- he relished it. Being up to his elbows in LuthorCorp was one of his recurring fantasies- well, that an the one about Teri Hatcher and a bottle of baby oil, he was after all still a relatively healthy 21 year old male.
The problem with the day had been Lionel's presence. At least in Smallville Lionel was for the most part a voice on the phone, a snide e-mail and on ocassion a brief snarky visit. Being with his father for a continuous 13 hour period hadn't happened in - well honestly Lex couldn't think of any time when he and Lionel had spent so much time in one another's company.
And although there had been no *actual* bloodshed, it would be an understatement of gargantuan proportions to say it wasn't something Lex was looking forward to for the rest of the summer.
"Lex- there you are. I wondered where you had disappeared to. We forgot one thing this afternoon." Lionel pushed his chair through the open patio doors out into Lillian's garden.
And the summer just kept getting longer and longer. "What's that Dad? Cleaning the gutters at headquarters? Counting thumbtacks?"
"No. We'll be doing those things tomorrow." Lionel answered with a toothy grin. "Actually this is one task I don't think you'll find too objectionable. I've been working on closing the land deal in Alaska with Richard Reed. He's agreed to give over property rights so that LuthorCorp. can begin drilling as soon as next year."
Lex felt and unwilling flicker of admiration. "Congratulations. I know you've been after that property for some time."
"There's oil there Lex. More than you can even begin to imagine. Enough for us to do some serious damage in the overseas oil market. It takes LuthorCorp to a whole new level." Lionel's gaze rested on his nearly useless legs. "But I'm not meeting with Richard like this. I want you to go in my place. Get the property rights." Lionel added a warning. "And don't let Richard talk you down on price. He's a cagey old bastard and he's very good at manipulating things to his satisfaction."
A comment like that coming from his father didn't deserve a response and Lex merely lifted his eyebrows.
"Yes. Yes. I'm well aware of the similarities. Just get over there. Have dinner with him, his wife Evelyn and their granddaughter. Be polite. Be charming. In other words be less than your usual snide and surly self. Stay for brandy- maybe play a game of backgammon and bring me those contracts."
Lex could feel his temper rising at his father's condescending tone, but rather than rise to the bait, Lex shrugged. "Fine. And as a gesture of goodwill I'll even bring the wine. Perhaps a '41 Rothschild?"
"Lex-" Lionel's voice was very close to a whine. "That's the last bottle. I was saving it."
Standing, Lex patted Lionel on the shoulder with all mock sympathy. "We all make our sacrifices Dad. Don't worry. If you like I'll replace it with some Ernest and Julio."
**
Chloe's Suite:
It was amazing how much an effect a nice, cool shower could have on a person's mood. Not to mention the fact that her shower was roughly big enough to house the entire Smallville High Football team- not that she would ever let a pack of wild jock straps invade her mother's suite.
It was easily her favorite part of the house- decorated in cream and gold and moss green, creating a soothing feel to it.
Looking into the full length mirror next to the armoire, Chloe couldn't help but smile at her reflection, and she knew if her mother were there with her she would be smiling too.
In anticipation of 'dressing for dinner' Chloe had borrowed Clark's mom for an afternoon of shopping in Larson- the town nearest Smallville with an actual *mall* in it. Mrs. Kent had seemed genuinely surprised and pleased at Chloe's invitation and accepted immediately. They'd spent the afternoon scouring the stores for deals, even trying some clothing consignment shops where Chloe had developed a whole new respect for her friend's mother. Martha Kent was a world class ruthless haggler from hell. Because of her relentless ability to save money- Chloe had managed to score at least three more outfits than she would have normally purchased- not to mention the splurging at the lingerie shop.
That had probably shocked Chloe the most. She'd run in just to pick up a few necessities only to have Martha pass her an armload of frilly silky lacy things. She couldn't have been more surprised if the other woman had suggested they go to an S&M club.
But Martha had just laughed and shooed- yes, that was right, Martha Kent *shooed* her into a dressing room and told her that she should buy things that made her feel beautiful from the inside out. It had been so surreal, and yet so motherly at the same time.
And damned if she wasn't *right*. Chloe did feel beautiful Even more beautiful than she had the night of the dance. She felt feminine and frilly and didn't even care that she'd gone to all the trouble just to have dinner. And just have dinner with her grandparents and some old business associate at that.
And it wasn't like she got a chance to dress up like this every day in Smallville. Her best friend lived on a *farm*. One with real dirt and real animals and Chloe didn't think chicken poop and $50 open toed sandals were a good combination.
**
"Mr. Luthor." Jackson announced pushing open the door to Richard's study.
"Thank you Jackson- please tell Phyllis that we'll be able to eat on schedule." Richard dismissed the butler. "You must be Lex." Richard extended his hand. "I have to admit I was hoping Lionel would come himself. Evelyn and I have been worried about him since the accident."
"My father extends his apologies-" Lex began, only to be cut off by a snort from Richard.
"The hell he did. I know your old man far too well to believe that."
Amused, Lex conceded the point. Lionel never extended himself, least of all his apologies. "You're right. But I did come bearing gifts." He presented the bottle of Rothschild with a flourish.
"How'd you get it out of the cellar, much less the house? Lionel's been hoarding this vintage for the last ten years."
Lex smiled. "And it's his last bottle." Which caused Richard to laugh.
"Then I'll save it for when he's back on his feet again and I can offer him a glass. But make sure to tell him I drank it. Preferrably from the bottle."
Feeling some of the tension and irritation dissipate, Lex took a seat in a chair across from Richard's. He still would rather have been doing anything else- but at least he sensed Richard Reed was not a boring man. And he claimed to be a friend to Lex's father and that in an of itself made him worthy of closer study.
"Do you play backgammon Lex?" Gesturing to the elaborate board in the corner of the room, Richard moved to the bar.
"Not as much as I used to. It's been about two years."
"We should play a game after dinner."
"I'll look forward to it." Lex eyed the board covetously. Handmade and inlaid with what Lex suspected was ivory. "A magnificent board."
"Thank you. It was a gift from my daughter. I spent most of her life teaching her how to play a proper game of backgammon- only to find out she was a very advanced player..." Richard's voice trailed off slightly.
"But she enjoyed the time with you?"
"Yes." Clearing his throat Richard poured himself a glass of water. "Eloise was tricky like that. Anyway- I suppose we should go to dinner. Phyllis- our chief cook and bottle washer doesn't like to be kept waiting. I would stand up to her but good help is too difficult to find." The sharp click of heels could be heard out on the patio and in the foyer. Setting down his glass of water, Richard waved Lex out onto the patio. "You catch one and I'll catch the other." He suggested practically. "And then we can get on with dinner."
Having recieved his orders, Lex rose and pushed open the patio doors. Stepping out into the sultry evening, Lex's gaze scanned the shadowy patio, just catching sight of a blonde woman in a sea foam green dress out of the corner of his eyes. "Excuse me---?"
"Lex?"
"Chloe?" Several questions ran through Lex's brain at the same time.
How did Chloe Sullivan know Richard and Evelyn Reed?
What was she doing there?
How would her presence effect the outcome?
What could he do to change the outcome if he didn't like it?
And most importantly what Lex really wanted to know was at what point did his plant manager's teenage daughter develop the breasts necessary to keep that strapless dress up?
Lex mentally threw that last question out and recovered from his initial shock. "Miss Sullivan. What a surprise. And here I thought I was going to have to spend my summer without a single intersting verbal sparring partner." He derived great satisfaction in seeing the infamous Chloe Sullivan with nothing to say.
Author: AmandaG
Summary: Chloe and Lex find themselves leading parallel lives while spending the summer in Metropolis.
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters or places contained here in. I just like to take them out and fiddle with them when no one is looking.
E-Mail: ficklemuse02@yahoo.com
Feedback: Replies and reviews are lovely things.
Author's Note: Much thanks for the feedback I've been getting. Everyone's comments are really helpful and appreciated!
**
Lionel's House:
Blowing out a slow breath, Lex focused on relaxing all the muscles in his hand, one at a time followed by the muscles in his arm, slowly working his way up to his shoulders. He'd give anything for Gabby and her magic fingers today.
Up at 5 am. Breakfast with his father. Then a non-stop round of meetings, phone calls, proposals and progress reports until 6 pm. The truth was- Lex didn't mind the work. In fact- he relished it. Being up to his elbows in LuthorCorp was one of his recurring fantasies- well, that an the one about Teri Hatcher and a bottle of baby oil, he was after all still a relatively healthy 21 year old male.
The problem with the day had been Lionel's presence. At least in Smallville Lionel was for the most part a voice on the phone, a snide e-mail and on ocassion a brief snarky visit. Being with his father for a continuous 13 hour period hadn't happened in - well honestly Lex couldn't think of any time when he and Lionel had spent so much time in one another's company.
And although there had been no *actual* bloodshed, it would be an understatement of gargantuan proportions to say it wasn't something Lex was looking forward to for the rest of the summer.
"Lex- there you are. I wondered where you had disappeared to. We forgot one thing this afternoon." Lionel pushed his chair through the open patio doors out into Lillian's garden.
And the summer just kept getting longer and longer. "What's that Dad? Cleaning the gutters at headquarters? Counting thumbtacks?"
"No. We'll be doing those things tomorrow." Lionel answered with a toothy grin. "Actually this is one task I don't think you'll find too objectionable. I've been working on closing the land deal in Alaska with Richard Reed. He's agreed to give over property rights so that LuthorCorp. can begin drilling as soon as next year."
Lex felt and unwilling flicker of admiration. "Congratulations. I know you've been after that property for some time."
"There's oil there Lex. More than you can even begin to imagine. Enough for us to do some serious damage in the overseas oil market. It takes LuthorCorp to a whole new level." Lionel's gaze rested on his nearly useless legs. "But I'm not meeting with Richard like this. I want you to go in my place. Get the property rights." Lionel added a warning. "And don't let Richard talk you down on price. He's a cagey old bastard and he's very good at manipulating things to his satisfaction."
A comment like that coming from his father didn't deserve a response and Lex merely lifted his eyebrows.
"Yes. Yes. I'm well aware of the similarities. Just get over there. Have dinner with him, his wife Evelyn and their granddaughter. Be polite. Be charming. In other words be less than your usual snide and surly self. Stay for brandy- maybe play a game of backgammon and bring me those contracts."
Lex could feel his temper rising at his father's condescending tone, but rather than rise to the bait, Lex shrugged. "Fine. And as a gesture of goodwill I'll even bring the wine. Perhaps a '41 Rothschild?"
"Lex-" Lionel's voice was very close to a whine. "That's the last bottle. I was saving it."
Standing, Lex patted Lionel on the shoulder with all mock sympathy. "We all make our sacrifices Dad. Don't worry. If you like I'll replace it with some Ernest and Julio."
**
Chloe's Suite:
It was amazing how much an effect a nice, cool shower could have on a person's mood. Not to mention the fact that her shower was roughly big enough to house the entire Smallville High Football team- not that she would ever let a pack of wild jock straps invade her mother's suite.
It was easily her favorite part of the house- decorated in cream and gold and moss green, creating a soothing feel to it.
Looking into the full length mirror next to the armoire, Chloe couldn't help but smile at her reflection, and she knew if her mother were there with her she would be smiling too.
In anticipation of 'dressing for dinner' Chloe had borrowed Clark's mom for an afternoon of shopping in Larson- the town nearest Smallville with an actual *mall* in it. Mrs. Kent had seemed genuinely surprised and pleased at Chloe's invitation and accepted immediately. They'd spent the afternoon scouring the stores for deals, even trying some clothing consignment shops where Chloe had developed a whole new respect for her friend's mother. Martha Kent was a world class ruthless haggler from hell. Because of her relentless ability to save money- Chloe had managed to score at least three more outfits than she would have normally purchased- not to mention the splurging at the lingerie shop.
That had probably shocked Chloe the most. She'd run in just to pick up a few necessities only to have Martha pass her an armload of frilly silky lacy things. She couldn't have been more surprised if the other woman had suggested they go to an S&M club.
But Martha had just laughed and shooed- yes, that was right, Martha Kent *shooed* her into a dressing room and told her that she should buy things that made her feel beautiful from the inside out. It had been so surreal, and yet so motherly at the same time.
And damned if she wasn't *right*. Chloe did feel beautiful Even more beautiful than she had the night of the dance. She felt feminine and frilly and didn't even care that she'd gone to all the trouble just to have dinner. And just have dinner with her grandparents and some old business associate at that.
And it wasn't like she got a chance to dress up like this every day in Smallville. Her best friend lived on a *farm*. One with real dirt and real animals and Chloe didn't think chicken poop and $50 open toed sandals were a good combination.
**
"Mr. Luthor." Jackson announced pushing open the door to Richard's study.
"Thank you Jackson- please tell Phyllis that we'll be able to eat on schedule." Richard dismissed the butler. "You must be Lex." Richard extended his hand. "I have to admit I was hoping Lionel would come himself. Evelyn and I have been worried about him since the accident."
"My father extends his apologies-" Lex began, only to be cut off by a snort from Richard.
"The hell he did. I know your old man far too well to believe that."
Amused, Lex conceded the point. Lionel never extended himself, least of all his apologies. "You're right. But I did come bearing gifts." He presented the bottle of Rothschild with a flourish.
"How'd you get it out of the cellar, much less the house? Lionel's been hoarding this vintage for the last ten years."
Lex smiled. "And it's his last bottle." Which caused Richard to laugh.
"Then I'll save it for when he's back on his feet again and I can offer him a glass. But make sure to tell him I drank it. Preferrably from the bottle."
Feeling some of the tension and irritation dissipate, Lex took a seat in a chair across from Richard's. He still would rather have been doing anything else- but at least he sensed Richard Reed was not a boring man. And he claimed to be a friend to Lex's father and that in an of itself made him worthy of closer study.
"Do you play backgammon Lex?" Gesturing to the elaborate board in the corner of the room, Richard moved to the bar.
"Not as much as I used to. It's been about two years."
"We should play a game after dinner."
"I'll look forward to it." Lex eyed the board covetously. Handmade and inlaid with what Lex suspected was ivory. "A magnificent board."
"Thank you. It was a gift from my daughter. I spent most of her life teaching her how to play a proper game of backgammon- only to find out she was a very advanced player..." Richard's voice trailed off slightly.
"But she enjoyed the time with you?"
"Yes." Clearing his throat Richard poured himself a glass of water. "Eloise was tricky like that. Anyway- I suppose we should go to dinner. Phyllis- our chief cook and bottle washer doesn't like to be kept waiting. I would stand up to her but good help is too difficult to find." The sharp click of heels could be heard out on the patio and in the foyer. Setting down his glass of water, Richard waved Lex out onto the patio. "You catch one and I'll catch the other." He suggested practically. "And then we can get on with dinner."
Having recieved his orders, Lex rose and pushed open the patio doors. Stepping out into the sultry evening, Lex's gaze scanned the shadowy patio, just catching sight of a blonde woman in a sea foam green dress out of the corner of his eyes. "Excuse me---?"
"Lex?"
"Chloe?" Several questions ran through Lex's brain at the same time.
How did Chloe Sullivan know Richard and Evelyn Reed?
What was she doing there?
How would her presence effect the outcome?
What could he do to change the outcome if he didn't like it?
And most importantly what Lex really wanted to know was at what point did his plant manager's teenage daughter develop the breasts necessary to keep that strapless dress up?
Lex mentally threw that last question out and recovered from his initial shock. "Miss Sullivan. What a surprise. And here I thought I was going to have to spend my summer without a single intersting verbal sparring partner." He derived great satisfaction in seeing the infamous Chloe Sullivan with nothing to say.