Chapter 6

"So, you decided to take a nine-iron to his car? The Lex Luthor I know has more self-control than that," Chloe's voice spoke her skepticism.

"Yes, well, the Chloe Sullivan I know has more respect for the words of her friends when they're trying to keep her from getting hurt," Lex's voice was calm and cool.

When Lana walked into view, she saw Chloe's face grow into a bright smile.

"Okay, I get your point. Was it fun?"

"Excuse me?" Lex asked, giving his classic appalled face.

"Lex, you smashed his windshield, then both headlights because he was going to give you a parking ticket. I've wanted to smash something, but I've never done it. How did it make you feel?" she pressed. Lana walked closer and noticed a pad of paper in front of Chloe.

Lex smirked. "That's confidential information."

Lana saw Chloe about to retaliate, and decided to step in before Lex got more than he asked for. "An interview in the Talon? Why don't you just call a press conference?"

Chloe turned her smile on Lana. "Actually, I was working on my article for the Torch, and Lex came in. This is totally off the record, unfortunately."

"I was looking forward to more verbal judo," Lex told Lana. "And she never asked."

"You mean, this could have been on the record?" Chloe asked, her mouth dropping open.

"Chloe, don't fight it. Lex was born doing this," Lana said, scooting into the booth next to Chloe.

"Watch out. Make him mad and he'll bash your car with a golf club," Chloe replied, with a smirk.

"I could say something about that, but I refuse to stoop to that level," Lex threw back, fighting a smile.

Chloe's eyes flared and she started to respond.

Lana laughed silently, putting a hand on Chloe's arm to stop her. "Lex, be nice."

Chloe huffed. "Reprimanded by an employee. Now that's classic!"

Lana rolled her eyes, as Lex stood up.

"As much as I'd love to stay here and banter with you ladies, I have a business meeting," he said, laying a few bills on the table to cover his check.

"He's just running away," Chloe muttered, only loud enough for Lana to hear.

"Yes, that's what Lex is known for doing. Running from his problems," Lana said sarcastically.

Chloe turned her arm slowly until Lana slid her hand into Chloe's. "There's two sides to everyone," Chloe said seriously.

"Yeah, there is."

"Lana, we need to talk," Chloe said, glancing at the people in the Talon. "In private."

Lana nodded. "Alright. We can go in the back room," she said, standing and leading the way. "Monique, I'll be right back and you can take a break."

"Okay, Lana," Monique replied, taking a tray of drinks across the room.

Once the door was closed Chloe turned to Lana. "What is this? What are we doing?" Chloe asked.

Lana sat on the lone couch. "I don't know, Chloe."

"I mean, are we only doing this to get back at Clark? Or maybe even Ian? Is this just a game?" she asked, sitting next to Lana.

"I thought about that. For me it's not just about trying to hurt Clark for the times he's hurt us," Lana explained.

Chloe nodded. "I know Clark's played with us both, but I don't want him to suffer for it. I've wanted to hit him more than one, but that's not the point. I feel the same way. It's not about Clark, or Ian, or anyone else for that matter."

Lana smiled. "Right, we're talking about us. Is there an us?"

"Do you want th-"

"Don't answer a question with a question," Lana told her with a knowing smile.

Chloe's smile matched Lana's. "Yes, there is. Which means we have to tell our respective guardians, not to mention our trusty friends, Clark and Pete."

"Do we have to?" Lana asked, standing and walking to the door. She leaned back against it as Chloe stood.

"I'm not going to hide like I'm ashamed. I have nothing to be ashamed about," Chloe ranted, walking to Lana. "It's wrong and untruth-"

Lana kissed Chloe briefly. "I was being sarcastic. Who do you want? Clark or Pete? I think it's better if we do it one on one so it doesn't feel like we're ganging up on them."

Chloe smirked. "I'll take Pete. Clark won't hit you."

"Chloe, I'm serious. They're going to be more than upset."

Chloe sighed. "I know. I'm meeting Pete at the Torch for a late night session, and Clark said he was coming here. We can meet here afterwards, okay?"

"Fine. Leave your cell phone on."

"I will. You aren't scared, are you?"

"Of Clark? The guy who is about three feet taller than me? The same one that was madly in love with each of us at some point?" Lana asked, with a grin.

Chloe took Lana's hand. "It will be okay."

Lana gave Chloe a weak smile. "I know," she said, trying to convince herself.