Chapter 9

And I lie awake and I try to say
Anything I know just to ease your pain
But you hide away where no one can see
--Running Out Of Pain--by 12 Stones

"Maybe I should just stay at the Talon," Lana said, fidgeting nervously.

Chloe smiled reassuringly, using her key to get into the mansion. "Don't worry, Lex won't bite. It's Lionel who needs a muzzle."

Lana laughed. "Thanks for the heads up."

"Miss, I'm glad you're here."

Chloe whipped around. "Enrique, what's wrong? Where's Lex?"

"In the conservatory, miss. He's injured, but refuses medication or a doctor. He says you're the only one I'm allowed to let in to see him. I would ask Mrs. Kent, but she left early this morning to go to Metropolis," Enrique said quickly.

Chloe nodded. "Please show Lana to her room," she said, before turning to Lana. "Lana, get into your swimsuit, and I'll meet you in a few minutes." Chloe didn't wait for a reply. She took off at a jog to the conservatory, only stopping long enough to grab Lex's pain pills. She swung open the door and stopped short with a gasp. "Lex!"

Lex was sitting on the stone ledge of a planting box. His arms were wrapped around his waist, and his face was contorted in pain. Chloe walked quickly to his side. Kneeling at his feet, she set her hands on his knees. "What happened?"

Lex tried to straighten up. "Nothing," he said, wincing in pain.

Chloe sighed. "I thought we got past the whole Luthor façade after our talk last night, but suddenly your wall is back up? Can we just skip the ego and go straight to the part where you tell me what happened?" When Lex didn't reply Chloe went on. "Would you just tell me so I can get back to Lana? It's rude to make a guest wait."

Lex glared at Chloe. "Clark brought this week's tulips."

"And you decided you could lift them yourself," Chloe said in understanding.

Lex nodded. Before he could speak, Chloe's hands were on his chest. "What are you doing?"

"I have to see if you re-broke any of your ribs, and I knew you wouldn't let me if I asked," Chloe said, her fingers trailing over Lex's ribs.

Lex gasped when Chloe's fingers hit a tender spot. "Watch it. How do you know what a broken rib feels like, anyway?"

"My cousin was training to be a nurse, and taught me some basic survival skills. For some reason she thought I'd need to know how to fix a broken bone, bandage a cut, and a few other things," Chloe said, as if she didn't understand why.

Lex chuckled, the sensation causing more pain. "I guess she knows you pretty well."

Chloe looked up at Lex. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing, nothing," Lex said with a smile.

"They aren't broken. I think they're just bruised. Will you please take some pills?"

"Fine, but only because you asked nicely," Lex said, his eyes sparkling.

Chloe laughed and poured out two pills for Lex. "Lana and I are going swimming. It would make your ribs feel better if you soak in the hot tub."

Lex looked skeptical as Chloe walked to the door.

"Besides, it's your only chance to see Lana in a swim suit." Chloe let the words sink in before leaving with a grin.

* * *

Give it to me baby, uh huh, uh huh
Give it to me baby, uh huh, uh huh
Give it to me baby, uh huh, uh huh
--Pretty Fly For A White Guy--by Offspring

"Lex, are you feeling better?" Lana asked as Lex walked out to the pool.

"Yes, Lana. Thank you. I thought I'd take Chloe's advice," he said, removing his robe to reveal swim trunks.

Lana's eyes grew wide, and Chloe gasped softly at the deep purple and yellow bruises on Lex's abdomen. It had been almost a week and a half since the accident, but the injuries were still apparent.

Chloe quickly recovered and smiled brightly. "I feel so special," she said, trailing her fingers in the water.

Lana laughed as Lex climbed into the hot tub. "You are, Chloe."

"I know, I just like to hear people say it," Chloe smirked. She picked her watch up off the side of the tub and glanced at it. "Oh! I was supposed to call Clark about his article. You two have fun now." Chloe pulled on a thick terry cloth robe, ignored Lex's glares, and hurried from the room.

"Has she driven you crazy yet?"

Lex smiled. "This is only the third night she's been here."

"I'll take that as a yes," Lana replied with a laugh.

"She's a welcome distraction from my father," Lex admitted.

"Is it bad to be here with him?"

"Isn't anything associated with Lionel Luthor bad?" Lex asked seriously.

Lana shook her head, her raven hair floating on the surface of the water. "You're not bad."

Lex smiled again. "That would put you in the minority of one."

"That's not true. There's Chloe, and Clark, and Mrs. Kent, and-"

"I was joking, Lana."

"Oh."

"So, Chloe tells me you're escaping from home tonight."

Lana rolled her eyes. "Dean's coming over. Do you think something can be so sweet it's sour?"

"Sickeningly sweet?" Lex supplied.

"Exactly," Lana agreed. "Well, that's the epitome of Nell and Dean's relationship. I'm just glad I'm out of the house tomorrow night, too."

"Where are you going?"

"Clark, Pete, and I are going mini-golfing," Lana said, her eyes lighting up. "Apparently Clark, Pete, and Chloe do that a lot. This time, I'm invited."

"You, Clark, and Pete? What about Chloe?" Lex asked in confusion.

Lana shrugged. "She said she couldn't come."

Lex nodded.

"Lex. Son? Are you out here?"

"Yes, Dad." Lex asked, turning to see his father standing in the door.

"Who's here with you?" Lionel asked.

Lex climbed from the water, wrapping himself back up with his robe. "Lana Lang, Dad. She's staying with Chloe tonight."

Lionel almost sneered. "Yes, well…"

Lex took Lionel's arm. "What do you need?" he prodded.

"Martha needs to talk to Chloe, but I don't know where Chloe is," Lionel answered, his voice controlled.

Lex nodded once. "I'll find her," he said, turning back to Lana. "I'm sorry, Lana. I have to go find Chloe. I'll talk to you later?"

Lana's face fell, but she managed a weak nod. "Sure, Lex. Later."

Without another word Lex led Lionel from the room.

* * *

Who needs sleep?

Well, you're never gonna get it.

Who needs sleep?

Tell me what that's for.

--Who Needs Sleep?--by Barenaked Ladies

"Lex, why are you still up?"

Lex looked up to see Chloe standing in the library doorway. Her hair was ruffled from sleep and she was rubbing her eyes.

"It's only twelve-thirty, Chloe. I have some business reports to look over. What's your excuse?" Lex asked with a smile.

Chloe walked over to a plush chair. She curled up in it, laying her arms on the soft material. "I had to use the bathroom, and I saw the light on," Chloe said, laying her head on her arms.

Lex nodded once. "Tired?"

Chloe shook her head against her arms, but a yawn betrayed her answer.

Lex chuckled. "Why aren't you going with Clark, Pete, and Lana to mini golf?"

"I have to stay with you. Make sure you don't pull any stupid stunts like this afternoon," Chloe answered without missing a beat.

"No, you don't. Go," Lex urged.

"Are you sure?" Chloe asked hesitantly.

Lex nodded. "I'll be fine. Go. Have fun. Do whatever it is that teens do."

"Alright."

"Good, now go back to bed."

Chloe smiled. "Your wish is my command."