ok, no big deal. not as many reviews as i would have liked. i mean, did i mess up somewhere or something? i don't know. but, it's ok. i'll deal. *sniff* and, hey, I'm not going to go all balistic and say that if you don't review that i won't write any more, because i'm still gonna write this. i've come this far, might as well finish it, right? ok, i'm shutting up... now. here's the first date. i hope everyone likes it. (And sorry about the wait, couldn't get on net to unpdate. please forgive)
dont own show, characters, smallville, etc., etc.
enjoy...
why me?
Lex was sitting at a table at the Talon, looking at his watch. She was late. It was 3:15, and she was late.
He'd called her yesterday, after he'd informed the school of his father's decision, to tell her that their date was on. Her father had answered, and had seemed very suspicious of why Lex, his boss, needed to speak to his teenage daughter. Of course, he never voiced this question, but he was sure that Chloe would be asked it as soon as they got off the phone.
He'd told her that he fixed the problem, and she said that she'd meet him at the Talon tomorrow at 3. But, not before yelling and screaming about the fact that she had to apoligize to that jerk(these were not the only words she used to describe Lex's father.) Lex had found her fit rather amusing. After about ten minutes, she seemed to have gotten everything off her chest. She apoligized to Lex about her little temper-tantram, and then there "conversation" ended, leaving Lex disappointed, and wanting more.
So, here he was. At the Talon. Coffee in hand. With no Chloe. He was trying not to get angry, but his impatience could not be weakened. He was about to call Chloe at her house to make sure he'd not misunderstood the time and day, but then, as the door to the Talon opened, his reason for needing to call her ceased to exist.
Chloe had just walked through the door, and was obviously looking for someone. Once her gaze fell upon Lex she smiled apologetically. She made her way through the crowded coffee shop as quickly as she could, and stopped in front of his table. Lex stood up.
"Your're late, I was beginning to think that you'd forgotten about me," Lex stated with mock hurt.
Chloe smiled weakly. "Yeah, I'm sorry. It's just that I got a story and I couldn't pass it up."
"Not even for me," Lex asked in the same tone as before. Yet, inwardly, Lex's spirit fell. It was their first date and she'd already blown him off, even if it was just for 20 minutes or so.
"Not even for you, I'm afraid," Chloe said with mock sympathy to match his. "But, don't worry, it won't happen again," she promised.
"Good to hear. I suppose I could forgive you this time," he said slowly, then added, "as long as you're sure there won't be a second."
"There won't. I'm sure."
"Okay, then, you're forgiven," Lex said. He walked to the other side of the table and pulled her chair out for her. She looked somewhat surprised by the gesture, but quickly brushed it off.
"How gentlemen of you."
"I do try."
"So I've heard."
Lex smiled. Wonder what else she's heard, he thought to himself worriedly. Pushing the thought aside, he asked, "So, what story was so important that made you late for out date."
Chloe glared at him. "This is not a "date," she stated.
"Uh huh," Lex said disbelieving, further agravating Chloe.
She pretended to have not heard his last statement, and went on answering his last question.
"On my way home yesterday, after I left school, I came across something that I plan on putting in a future article...maybe," Chloe looked as if she were still comtemplating this.
Lex, not wanting Chloe to focus on anything but him, but still being somewhat curious, asked, "So, what was it?"
"Oh," Chloe came out of her thoughts,"nothing. You wouldn't be interested. It's just another by-product of the meteor shower."
Figures, Lex thought. Knowing that he was getting nowhere with this line of questioning, he said,"Fair enough. I won't bring it up anymore till you decide to let me in on the secret."
"Thanks," Chloe said, throwing him a grateful smile.
She's so cute when she smiles, Lex thought. He wanted her to smile more.
"So, um, what exactly are we supposed to do on these..."dates" of ours?" Chloe asked, a hint of suspicion in her voice.
"Well," Lex said slowly, trying to think,"we'll do what normal people do when they sit down for coffee. We'll talk. That is, unless you have something else in mind," he asked suggestively, smirking.
Chloe rolled her eyes,"Unless you count me wanting to punch you as an altenative to talking, then...no."
"You want to punch me? Why, may I ask, would you want to do that?" Lex asked confused.
"Why?! Why?! I have the unpleasure of writing an apology to your father. Something that I'm sure I wouldn't have had to do if you'd just used some of your persuasive traits to change his mind."
"Hey, now I got him to reopen the Torch, shouldn't that be taken into consideration? And, besides, there was no way of talking him out of that apology."
"Uh huh, you could talk him out of closing down the Torch, but you couldn't talk him out of an apology?" Chloe wasn't buying. Little did she know, he was kind of telling the truth.
"Look," Lex started, "I did my part, the fact that you have to write an apology to my 'father'," Lex said, disgust lining his voice,"is not my fault. If I could have changed his mind I would have, but he was not in the mood for further discussion, and, to be honest...neither was I."
"Oh...I just...never mind...sorry, I don't mean to take it out on you, it's just that apologizing to that..." Chloe hesitated, as if trying to find a suitable word for his father, then continued,"'man,' is the last thing that I want to do right now."
"It's alright, I understand. And I am sorry that you have to do that, but if you want to keep the Torch, then I see no alternative."
Chloe sighed, "My, this is turning out to be an uplifting conversation, isn't it?"
"That it is. Did anyone ever tell you Chloe that you are quite perceptive?"
"Nope, I'd have to say you were the first."
"I feel so privileged."
"And so you should."
Lex now sighed. They were no longer arguing. They were talking, like friends almost. He watched her for a moment as she looked longingly at the counter behind her for a moment. When she looked back, Lex was grinning.
"Thirsty?" Lex prodded.
"Just a bit. I haven't had any coffee in, like, two hours," Chloe said dramatically.
"Wow," Lex awed, "must be a record, am I right?"
"Almost," Chloe said as she stood up, much to Lex's disappointment.
Seeing the look on Lex's face, Chloe said reassuringly,"I'll be right back."
Lex nodded. He watched her work her way through the crowd of people so dense he almost couldn't see her for a minute, but that problem was soon handled as he shifted in his seat so he would be able to keep an eye on her. Promise or not, he still did not entirely trust Chloe to not just run off on him.
He watched her talk with Lana for a minute. Then, pay for her coffee, turn around, and walk back towards him.
As she sat down, the door to the Talon opened, and in walked Clark. Clark walked straight to Lana, not even noticing Chloe, even though she was noticeable since most of the crowd had dispersed after the door had opened, giving them a sign that since they'd gotten their coffee and said their hello's to everyone that it was time to go instead of just standing around.
Chloe turned to see what Lex was looking at, when she looked back, she had an expression on her face that caused Lex to want to go over to Clark, friend or not, and hurt him..very, very badly. She stared down at her coffee, a blank look in her eyes, as if she were trying with all her might not to cry, knowing that if she stopped concentrating on whatever it was that she was concentrating on right now, then she would cry.
For the longest time, Lex had found it unbelievable how Clark could be so blind. Here Chloe was, completely and utterly in love with him, and all he could do was drool over Lana. Even before he had fallen for Chloe(hard), he still thought it odd that Clark would choose the chearleader over the reporter. Both were beautiful, smart. But, unlike Lana, Chloe had spunk. Had personality. Lana didn't have that. Or, at least never showed it. Chloe was perfect...almost. So, she was somewhat stubborn at times, so what?
And right now, Chloe, the strong-willed and strong-minded Chloe that he had come to care so much for, was close to tears.
"Chloe..." Lex asked silently and tentatively.
Chloe didn't respond. Lex reached over the table, and put his hand gently on top of hers. She looked up slowly with beautiful hazel eyes. Full of pain, and hopelessness. Lex felt so helpless. Here she was, obviously going through a great deal of hurt, and there was nothing he could do about it.
"Are you alright?" Lex asked softly.
Chloe gave a small, and somewhat fake, smile. "I'm fine, just...thinking about the Torch," she lied.
Lex knew that she didn't want to talk about Clark right now, but he also knew that if he didn't get her past this "Clark thing," then he'd have no chance in hell with her.
"You're lying."
Chloe looked startled for a moment, but recovered quickly, looking quite angry, "I have nothing to lie about."
"Uh huh," Lex said disbelieving, "You shouldn't let Clark get to you like that."
"Oh, don't even start telling me what I should and shouldn't do."
"I'm just trying to help," Lex said sincerely, his eyes saying as much.
Chloe stared at him for a moment, "You can't help," she replied defeatedly.
They were both quiet for a moment. "I know what you're going through," Lex blurted.
Chloe's eyes widened. "You do, do you?" Chloe asked incredulously, "And, what is it, exactly, that I'm going through?"
"You like Clark. I know it must be hard to see him wanting someone other than you."
Chloe let out an exasperated breath. "You have no idea what I'm going through," she stated resentfully. "You've always gotten whatever you wanted, whoever you wanted."
Lex sighed deeply. "You're wrong."
"Oh, really," Chloe challenged, "Name one person you weren't able to have that you wanted."
Lex looked down at the table, and stayed silent. He couldn't very well state that that very person was right in front of him.
Taking his silence as a sign that there hasn't yet been such a person created, Chloe continued on more determined, "See. You don't know what it's like to like someone for so long, and them not even acknowledge your presence half the time," Chloe took in a breath, and closed her eyes, apparently fighting back the tears that were threatening to encompass her once more.
Silence enveloped them both for a few moments.
"I'm sorry you have go through this," Lex said finally, meeting her eyes once more, "but...you need to understand that you're not the only one who goes through things like this."
Chloe sighed and rolled her eyes at the same time. "I know, I know. But, you know when you feel like this, it's like you're the *only* one feeling like this. But, wait, you wouldn't know, because you're the only one on this planet who doesn't know what it's like."
Lex was now getting angry again. She was relentless right now to prove that he'd never experienced this feeling before.
Choosing his words carefully, he said, "I do know. As much as you'd like to believe otherwise, I have," I am, Lex thought. "I just choose not to speak about it. As you know, it's hard. When you feel a certain way about someone, and they don't feel the same...or feel anything at all."
Chloe opened her mouth to speak, but decided to let Lex continue, which he was grateful for, seeing as to how he wasn't really up to Chloe debating the matter right now, so he went on.
"There was a time that I cared for someone. Deeply. But, I couldn't have her. As much as I would have liked for her to have wanted me as much as had I wanted her, had needed her, she just...didn't."
"Why?" Chloe asked softly, curiousity lining her voice.
"She was in love with someone else," was all Lex said, he'd decided to speak of his feelings for Chloe as if in the past tense, because he knew that if he spoke in the present, then she would not get off his back until she'd found out who this woman was.
"Oh, I'm sorry," Chloe said, actually sounding genuine. "Kinda sounds like what I'm going through."
Lex laughed. "I guess it does."
"Man, I'm gonna need *a lot* of coffee to get through these things if the rest are as straining as this one has been," Chloe revealed.
"Straining?" Lex asked in false amazement,"Isn't that a bit harsh?"
"Oh, please. Don't act so surprised. You weren't expecting our conversation to go this way either....were you?"
Lex smirked. "I think I'm gonna leave you in the dark about that one. Gives you something to think about...or dream about if it's too late."
"Dream about? Dream about you, you mean? Uh, huh. Not gonna happen."
"Worth a shot, right? And, besides, I've heard dreams about me are extremely worthwhile."
Chloe blushed. Lex couldn't believe his eyes. She was actually blushing this time. No doubt about it.
Chloe took a sip of her coffee just as Lex spotted Clark walking towards them. It only took him a few strides to get to them. You could see Clark was worried about something. And Lex knew exactly what that was.
"Chloe? Lex?" Clark asked bewildered, confusion lining his face. He stared down at the Lex's hand, which was still on Chloe's arm. Lex retracted it slowly, there was nothing wrong with him being in contact with Chloe, so why make it seem as if it was.
"Clark," Chloe said cooly, as if Clark were only an acquaintance from school. She had obviously turned the pain she had been feeling earlier about how Clark ignored her into anger. One other thing Lex liked about Chloe. Her sudden change in moods. Which would normally upset him, a person going from nice and sweet. to sarcastic and cold. But, not with Chloe. He'd noticed that she only did it when she had to, like in this case, where she obviously couldn't show how hurt she was.
"Hello, Clark," Lex said, trying to break the tension that had mounted all of a sudden between the two friends, "how's things?"
"Fine," Clark said without taking his eyes off Chloe, "Lana said you guys have been talking together for awhile now."
"It hasn't been that long," Chloe replied.
"But, I thought you guys couldn't stand each other," Clark said, confusion once again overwhelming him.
Lex couldn't help but feel sorry for him. He knew Clark had some feelings for Chloe as well, feelings other than the friendship type, but Lex also knew that he would never act on those feelings for about three reasons. One, he was in love with Lana. Two, he didn't want to ruin his and Chloe's friendship. And Three, he didn't have the guts.
Lex, on the other hand, wasn't in love with Lana, wasn't really worried about losing his friendship with Chloe, seeing as to how he didn't really have one, and he *did* have the guts to go after Chloe.
"Well, Clark, we're working on that," Lex winked at Chloe, causing her to scowl.
"Really? Well, that's great!" Clark exclaimed, he'd obviously missed Chloe's reaction. "I'm glad you two are getting along."
"Yeah, well that's nice. But, you see, Lex and I are kinda in the middle of a conversation right now Clark," Chloe stated, "So I'll just call you later, okay?"
Lex smiled. He wasn't surprised that Chloe wasn't telling Clark the real reason for them being here together. He knew that she wouldn't want others to know that it was he, Lex, who had helped her out with the Torch.
"Oh, okay," Clark said somewhat disappointed. He'd apparently planned on staying to listen to his friends "conversation.*
"Clark," Lex said, "I believe Lana's over there alone right now. I'm sure she could use some company."
"Yeah, wouldn't wanna leave her alone for too long," Chloe added, then half-whispered, "she might fall down a well somewhere, and you'll need to go and save her again."
Clark had already begun walking over to Lana and missed Chloe's last comment. "I'll see you later Lex. And, Chloe, call me later ok?"
"I'll be sure to do that Clark," she called back, then said to Lex, "wouldn't want to miss out on hearing all about Lana's views on the deforestation of the rain forests in South America."
Lex snickered. Chloe obviously had a different veiwpoint about Lana than everyone else in town. Well, almost everyone. It's not that Lex didn't like Lana, she was nice and always supportive of other people. It's just that that was about all she was. She'd never shown the kind of side that Chloe always kept on. The side that showed that she could take up for herself. Chloe was right. Lana was ,basically, the full-time damsel in distress of Smallville. But, when you have someone like Clark always there to rescue you, then why worry about being anything else?
Chloe had begun swirling her coffee cup around. Lex watched her for a minute. After awhile, she looked up to find Lex staring at her.
"What?" she asked, somewhat annoyed.
"Nothing, just trying to figure out what you were doing."
"Unfortunately, staring at the bottom of an empty coffee cup," Chloe said, looking intently into the empty recesses of the cup.
"Empty? Doesn't take you long, huh?" Lex quiped.
"Ah, you're catching on. Good to know."
"Guess you could say I'm a quick learner."
"And that you are," Chloe agreed. Lex noticed she looked somewhat disappointed.
"What's wrong?" Lex asked, worry in his voice.
Chloe looked up startled. Seeing the concern on his face, she assured, "Oh, nothing. It's just..."
"It's just what?" Lex inquired. She was being vague, increasing his curiousity.
"Nothing," she answered sheepishly. "I'm gonna go get some more coffee, want any?"
"No, I'm fine, but what's wrong?" His curiousity was turning into annoyance.
"Be right back," Chloe said over her shoulder, completely ignoring his last question.
Lex stared after her, amazed. He knew it was no use to just continue asking her, so he decided to drop it.
He watched as Chloe walked up to the counter, then watched her walk back without any coffee. Now, it was Lex's turn to be confused.
"Now, what's wrong?"
"There's no one at the counter, and I'm sure as hell not gonna be the one to interrupt Clark and Lana's conversation. They're doing that staring-deep-into-each-other's-eyes-thing right now."
"Oh..." was all Lex said. He didn't really know what she was talking about, but knew that she was right because there were very few things in this world that could stop Chloe from getting coffee.
She had begun staring at her cup again. Lex, in turn, looked down at his own cup. He still had some left. And he wasn't nearly as addicted to the stuff as she was, so...
"Here you go," Lex said, sliding his cup over to her.
Dumbstruck, Chloe looked from the cup to Lex, then a smile played on her face. "Thanks," she said gratefully.
"Welcome."
He watched as she drank half of what was in the cup in one gulp. Lex laughed.
Chloe coughed a little on her coffee. "And what are *you* laughing at exactly?"
"I've never met anyone as...devoted to coffee as you before."
"Oh, well...thankyou."
They remained in silence for a minute or so, then Chloe did a sort of scream that drew the attention of several others, including Lex.
"What?" Lex asked, getting up in the process. He wasn't sure if she had somehow gotten hurt or what. He just wanted to be prepared.
He sat back down as Chloe motioned for him to do so.
"Nothing, well, you know how you were asking me what was wrong earlier?" Chloe asked in an excited whisper.
Momentarily oblivious to what she was talking about, seeing as to how there were a lot of things that she hadn't revealed to him today, he stayed silent.
Seeing his confusion, she said resignedly, "Never mind. You'll just think it's stupid."
"No, wait! I won't. What is it?" She now had his full attention, like always..
"Look," Chloe said pushing the cup into his hands. Lex peered down into his cup that was now back in his possession. All he saw were coffee grinds and a little bit of coffee. He'd have to talk to Lana about the grinds. The coffee was supposed to be smooth, no coffee grinds whatsoever.
"Yeah?" Lex asked.
"See, there's coffee grinds," Chloe stated as if it were something of great importance.
"I noticed, I'll make sure it doesn't happen again."
"No, no, no. It's alright. See, I like it like that."
"Really?"
"Yeah, every time I finish my coffee I look for them. Never, in all the time that I've come here, have I found any."
"And that's a bad thing?" Lex found this amusing. Here, Chloe Sullivan, incisive, sardonic heroine of our time, was acting as if she had just seen the real Santa.
"Oh, no, it's good. See, it's the one thing that I always look forward to. I almost always get it at home, but here, it's like a unicorn."
"Now you've lost me," what in the world was she talking about. Maybe there was something else in the coffee.
"I figured that much," Chloe chided, grinning. "See, the coffee here is always "perfect," no coffee grinds."
"Thankyou."
Chloe huffed. Ignoring his last statement, she continued, "*So*, my past comparison to the unicorn fits. You know, the unicorn, unattainable, impossible to catch mythical creature of purity."
"Oh, *that* unicorn."
"Yeah, *that* unicorn," Chloe said impatiently, "Well, here, it's impossible to
attain coffee grinds."
"Okay," Lex said slowly, "I now get the part where you compared them to unicorns, but why do you look forward to them?"
"Oh, well, it's silly, you'd laugh," Chloe said shyly.
"I promise I won't laugh," Lex swore.
Chloe eyed him with suspicion for a moment, then decided, "Okay, but you also have to swear that you won't tell Clark or Pete or Lana or anybody. Ever."
Lex held back a laugh. She was acting as if her little secret would destroy everything she held dear if revealed. Lex now had no trouble holding back that laugh. Chloe was about to tell him something that no one else knew, no one else was supposed to know. She was trusting him with her secret. A secret not even Clark knew.
"I swear."
Chloe gave him a penetrating look, as though she were trying to search for his sincerity, she'd apparently found enough of it because she continued on, "Okay, well, it's not really all that big a secret or anything, it's just that I don't want people to think that I'm some little romantic or something."
Lex nodded. Her secret might not destroy the world, but it would destroy her reputation, which, to her, was equally important.
"When I was little, before my mom...well, my mom was an even bigger coffee addict than me, believe it or not. And, one day, when we were at this coffee place, one much like this, no coffee grinds allowed, she had this cup of coffee, and she put it down for a minute, and I drank the rest," Lex smiled, imagining a young Chloe stealing her mother's coffee. "And I found these coffee grinds at the bottom. I told her about them, and she reacted much like I did, I guess. But, anyway, she then told me that whenever you find coffee grinds in the bottom of your cup, unexpectedly, then you were, like, one step closer to finding..."
"Finding what?" Lex asked hesitantly.
"Love."
"Oh..."
They sat in silence for a minute. Chloe, deciding that breaking the silence was the best thing possible, said, "It's stupid. I know. I think my mom just made it up to make me feel better because this one guy I liked said that I was nosy."
"You nosy? No..."
"Yeah, can you believe that?" Chloe said in mock amazement. "I mean, me, being nosy. Never in my life has anyone had such an unbefitting impression of me."
At this, they both burst out laughing. After a minute, they both tried to catch their breath. People were now staring and whispering. Chloe glanced down at her watch, her eyes going wide.
"I've gotta go," she said. Did she just sound disappointed?
"Oh, yeah, me too?" Lex lied, pretending to look at the time.
"Well, that works out."
"I guess it does."
"Do you need a ride?"
"Oh, no, I'll be fine."
"Okay. But, I still get points for asking."
Chloe laughed. "I'll think about it."
They both made their way to the door. Lex got there first, and held the door open for her.
"Thankyou, gentlesir" Chloe said, while sweeping through the door like royalty, Lex bowing her out.
"Your welcome, my lady."
"You wish."
"Yes, well wishes do occasionally come true," Lex said as he began walking to his car, Chloe staring after him.
"Good-bye, Chloe."
"See ya, Lex," Chloe said with an awkward smile. She began to walk away, as well.
Just as he was about to get into his car, he looked back, and said, "Oh, and Chloe?"
She spun around to meet his eyes, "Yes?"
"The unicorn is a fabled creature, not mythical," and with that, Lex got into car, started it up, and left a fuming Chloe behind.
**********************
Well, how'd you like it. Again, I am *so* sorry for the wait. I wasn't able to get onto the net to update this. actually i wasn't able to get onto a computer period for a couple days(has it been a couple days? oh well) so I just typed this. there will probably be mistakes because I want to get this chapter up now. the beta thing is mighty tempting now. so anybody wanna help me out there?
ok, that's all. bye
dont own show, characters, smallville, etc., etc.
enjoy...
why me?
Lex was sitting at a table at the Talon, looking at his watch. She was late. It was 3:15, and she was late.
He'd called her yesterday, after he'd informed the school of his father's decision, to tell her that their date was on. Her father had answered, and had seemed very suspicious of why Lex, his boss, needed to speak to his teenage daughter. Of course, he never voiced this question, but he was sure that Chloe would be asked it as soon as they got off the phone.
He'd told her that he fixed the problem, and she said that she'd meet him at the Talon tomorrow at 3. But, not before yelling and screaming about the fact that she had to apoligize to that jerk(these were not the only words she used to describe Lex's father.) Lex had found her fit rather amusing. After about ten minutes, she seemed to have gotten everything off her chest. She apoligized to Lex about her little temper-tantram, and then there "conversation" ended, leaving Lex disappointed, and wanting more.
So, here he was. At the Talon. Coffee in hand. With no Chloe. He was trying not to get angry, but his impatience could not be weakened. He was about to call Chloe at her house to make sure he'd not misunderstood the time and day, but then, as the door to the Talon opened, his reason for needing to call her ceased to exist.
Chloe had just walked through the door, and was obviously looking for someone. Once her gaze fell upon Lex she smiled apologetically. She made her way through the crowded coffee shop as quickly as she could, and stopped in front of his table. Lex stood up.
"Your're late, I was beginning to think that you'd forgotten about me," Lex stated with mock hurt.
Chloe smiled weakly. "Yeah, I'm sorry. It's just that I got a story and I couldn't pass it up."
"Not even for me," Lex asked in the same tone as before. Yet, inwardly, Lex's spirit fell. It was their first date and she'd already blown him off, even if it was just for 20 minutes or so.
"Not even for you, I'm afraid," Chloe said with mock sympathy to match his. "But, don't worry, it won't happen again," she promised.
"Good to hear. I suppose I could forgive you this time," he said slowly, then added, "as long as you're sure there won't be a second."
"There won't. I'm sure."
"Okay, then, you're forgiven," Lex said. He walked to the other side of the table and pulled her chair out for her. She looked somewhat surprised by the gesture, but quickly brushed it off.
"How gentlemen of you."
"I do try."
"So I've heard."
Lex smiled. Wonder what else she's heard, he thought to himself worriedly. Pushing the thought aside, he asked, "So, what story was so important that made you late for out date."
Chloe glared at him. "This is not a "date," she stated.
"Uh huh," Lex said disbelieving, further agravating Chloe.
She pretended to have not heard his last statement, and went on answering his last question.
"On my way home yesterday, after I left school, I came across something that I plan on putting in a future article...maybe," Chloe looked as if she were still comtemplating this.
Lex, not wanting Chloe to focus on anything but him, but still being somewhat curious, asked, "So, what was it?"
"Oh," Chloe came out of her thoughts,"nothing. You wouldn't be interested. It's just another by-product of the meteor shower."
Figures, Lex thought. Knowing that he was getting nowhere with this line of questioning, he said,"Fair enough. I won't bring it up anymore till you decide to let me in on the secret."
"Thanks," Chloe said, throwing him a grateful smile.
She's so cute when she smiles, Lex thought. He wanted her to smile more.
"So, um, what exactly are we supposed to do on these..."dates" of ours?" Chloe asked, a hint of suspicion in her voice.
"Well," Lex said slowly, trying to think,"we'll do what normal people do when they sit down for coffee. We'll talk. That is, unless you have something else in mind," he asked suggestively, smirking.
Chloe rolled her eyes,"Unless you count me wanting to punch you as an altenative to talking, then...no."
"You want to punch me? Why, may I ask, would you want to do that?" Lex asked confused.
"Why?! Why?! I have the unpleasure of writing an apology to your father. Something that I'm sure I wouldn't have had to do if you'd just used some of your persuasive traits to change his mind."
"Hey, now I got him to reopen the Torch, shouldn't that be taken into consideration? And, besides, there was no way of talking him out of that apology."
"Uh huh, you could talk him out of closing down the Torch, but you couldn't talk him out of an apology?" Chloe wasn't buying. Little did she know, he was kind of telling the truth.
"Look," Lex started, "I did my part, the fact that you have to write an apology to my 'father'," Lex said, disgust lining his voice,"is not my fault. If I could have changed his mind I would have, but he was not in the mood for further discussion, and, to be honest...neither was I."
"Oh...I just...never mind...sorry, I don't mean to take it out on you, it's just that apologizing to that..." Chloe hesitated, as if trying to find a suitable word for his father, then continued,"'man,' is the last thing that I want to do right now."
"It's alright, I understand. And I am sorry that you have to do that, but if you want to keep the Torch, then I see no alternative."
Chloe sighed, "My, this is turning out to be an uplifting conversation, isn't it?"
"That it is. Did anyone ever tell you Chloe that you are quite perceptive?"
"Nope, I'd have to say you were the first."
"I feel so privileged."
"And so you should."
Lex now sighed. They were no longer arguing. They were talking, like friends almost. He watched her for a moment as she looked longingly at the counter behind her for a moment. When she looked back, Lex was grinning.
"Thirsty?" Lex prodded.
"Just a bit. I haven't had any coffee in, like, two hours," Chloe said dramatically.
"Wow," Lex awed, "must be a record, am I right?"
"Almost," Chloe said as she stood up, much to Lex's disappointment.
Seeing the look on Lex's face, Chloe said reassuringly,"I'll be right back."
Lex nodded. He watched her work her way through the crowd of people so dense he almost couldn't see her for a minute, but that problem was soon handled as he shifted in his seat so he would be able to keep an eye on her. Promise or not, he still did not entirely trust Chloe to not just run off on him.
He watched her talk with Lana for a minute. Then, pay for her coffee, turn around, and walk back towards him.
As she sat down, the door to the Talon opened, and in walked Clark. Clark walked straight to Lana, not even noticing Chloe, even though she was noticeable since most of the crowd had dispersed after the door had opened, giving them a sign that since they'd gotten their coffee and said their hello's to everyone that it was time to go instead of just standing around.
Chloe turned to see what Lex was looking at, when she looked back, she had an expression on her face that caused Lex to want to go over to Clark, friend or not, and hurt him..very, very badly. She stared down at her coffee, a blank look in her eyes, as if she were trying with all her might not to cry, knowing that if she stopped concentrating on whatever it was that she was concentrating on right now, then she would cry.
For the longest time, Lex had found it unbelievable how Clark could be so blind. Here Chloe was, completely and utterly in love with him, and all he could do was drool over Lana. Even before he had fallen for Chloe(hard), he still thought it odd that Clark would choose the chearleader over the reporter. Both were beautiful, smart. But, unlike Lana, Chloe had spunk. Had personality. Lana didn't have that. Or, at least never showed it. Chloe was perfect...almost. So, she was somewhat stubborn at times, so what?
And right now, Chloe, the strong-willed and strong-minded Chloe that he had come to care so much for, was close to tears.
"Chloe..." Lex asked silently and tentatively.
Chloe didn't respond. Lex reached over the table, and put his hand gently on top of hers. She looked up slowly with beautiful hazel eyes. Full of pain, and hopelessness. Lex felt so helpless. Here she was, obviously going through a great deal of hurt, and there was nothing he could do about it.
"Are you alright?" Lex asked softly.
Chloe gave a small, and somewhat fake, smile. "I'm fine, just...thinking about the Torch," she lied.
Lex knew that she didn't want to talk about Clark right now, but he also knew that if he didn't get her past this "Clark thing," then he'd have no chance in hell with her.
"You're lying."
Chloe looked startled for a moment, but recovered quickly, looking quite angry, "I have nothing to lie about."
"Uh huh," Lex said disbelieving, "You shouldn't let Clark get to you like that."
"Oh, don't even start telling me what I should and shouldn't do."
"I'm just trying to help," Lex said sincerely, his eyes saying as much.
Chloe stared at him for a moment, "You can't help," she replied defeatedly.
They were both quiet for a moment. "I know what you're going through," Lex blurted.
Chloe's eyes widened. "You do, do you?" Chloe asked incredulously, "And, what is it, exactly, that I'm going through?"
"You like Clark. I know it must be hard to see him wanting someone other than you."
Chloe let out an exasperated breath. "You have no idea what I'm going through," she stated resentfully. "You've always gotten whatever you wanted, whoever you wanted."
Lex sighed deeply. "You're wrong."
"Oh, really," Chloe challenged, "Name one person you weren't able to have that you wanted."
Lex looked down at the table, and stayed silent. He couldn't very well state that that very person was right in front of him.
Taking his silence as a sign that there hasn't yet been such a person created, Chloe continued on more determined, "See. You don't know what it's like to like someone for so long, and them not even acknowledge your presence half the time," Chloe took in a breath, and closed her eyes, apparently fighting back the tears that were threatening to encompass her once more.
Silence enveloped them both for a few moments.
"I'm sorry you have go through this," Lex said finally, meeting her eyes once more, "but...you need to understand that you're not the only one who goes through things like this."
Chloe sighed and rolled her eyes at the same time. "I know, I know. But, you know when you feel like this, it's like you're the *only* one feeling like this. But, wait, you wouldn't know, because you're the only one on this planet who doesn't know what it's like."
Lex was now getting angry again. She was relentless right now to prove that he'd never experienced this feeling before.
Choosing his words carefully, he said, "I do know. As much as you'd like to believe otherwise, I have," I am, Lex thought. "I just choose not to speak about it. As you know, it's hard. When you feel a certain way about someone, and they don't feel the same...or feel anything at all."
Chloe opened her mouth to speak, but decided to let Lex continue, which he was grateful for, seeing as to how he wasn't really up to Chloe debating the matter right now, so he went on.
"There was a time that I cared for someone. Deeply. But, I couldn't have her. As much as I would have liked for her to have wanted me as much as had I wanted her, had needed her, she just...didn't."
"Why?" Chloe asked softly, curiousity lining her voice.
"She was in love with someone else," was all Lex said, he'd decided to speak of his feelings for Chloe as if in the past tense, because he knew that if he spoke in the present, then she would not get off his back until she'd found out who this woman was.
"Oh, I'm sorry," Chloe said, actually sounding genuine. "Kinda sounds like what I'm going through."
Lex laughed. "I guess it does."
"Man, I'm gonna need *a lot* of coffee to get through these things if the rest are as straining as this one has been," Chloe revealed.
"Straining?" Lex asked in false amazement,"Isn't that a bit harsh?"
"Oh, please. Don't act so surprised. You weren't expecting our conversation to go this way either....were you?"
Lex smirked. "I think I'm gonna leave you in the dark about that one. Gives you something to think about...or dream about if it's too late."
"Dream about? Dream about you, you mean? Uh, huh. Not gonna happen."
"Worth a shot, right? And, besides, I've heard dreams about me are extremely worthwhile."
Chloe blushed. Lex couldn't believe his eyes. She was actually blushing this time. No doubt about it.
Chloe took a sip of her coffee just as Lex spotted Clark walking towards them. It only took him a few strides to get to them. You could see Clark was worried about something. And Lex knew exactly what that was.
"Chloe? Lex?" Clark asked bewildered, confusion lining his face. He stared down at the Lex's hand, which was still on Chloe's arm. Lex retracted it slowly, there was nothing wrong with him being in contact with Chloe, so why make it seem as if it was.
"Clark," Chloe said cooly, as if Clark were only an acquaintance from school. She had obviously turned the pain she had been feeling earlier about how Clark ignored her into anger. One other thing Lex liked about Chloe. Her sudden change in moods. Which would normally upset him, a person going from nice and sweet. to sarcastic and cold. But, not with Chloe. He'd noticed that she only did it when she had to, like in this case, where she obviously couldn't show how hurt she was.
"Hello, Clark," Lex said, trying to break the tension that had mounted all of a sudden between the two friends, "how's things?"
"Fine," Clark said without taking his eyes off Chloe, "Lana said you guys have been talking together for awhile now."
"It hasn't been that long," Chloe replied.
"But, I thought you guys couldn't stand each other," Clark said, confusion once again overwhelming him.
Lex couldn't help but feel sorry for him. He knew Clark had some feelings for Chloe as well, feelings other than the friendship type, but Lex also knew that he would never act on those feelings for about three reasons. One, he was in love with Lana. Two, he didn't want to ruin his and Chloe's friendship. And Three, he didn't have the guts.
Lex, on the other hand, wasn't in love with Lana, wasn't really worried about losing his friendship with Chloe, seeing as to how he didn't really have one, and he *did* have the guts to go after Chloe.
"Well, Clark, we're working on that," Lex winked at Chloe, causing her to scowl.
"Really? Well, that's great!" Clark exclaimed, he'd obviously missed Chloe's reaction. "I'm glad you two are getting along."
"Yeah, well that's nice. But, you see, Lex and I are kinda in the middle of a conversation right now Clark," Chloe stated, "So I'll just call you later, okay?"
Lex smiled. He wasn't surprised that Chloe wasn't telling Clark the real reason for them being here together. He knew that she wouldn't want others to know that it was he, Lex, who had helped her out with the Torch.
"Oh, okay," Clark said somewhat disappointed. He'd apparently planned on staying to listen to his friends "conversation.*
"Clark," Lex said, "I believe Lana's over there alone right now. I'm sure she could use some company."
"Yeah, wouldn't wanna leave her alone for too long," Chloe added, then half-whispered, "she might fall down a well somewhere, and you'll need to go and save her again."
Clark had already begun walking over to Lana and missed Chloe's last comment. "I'll see you later Lex. And, Chloe, call me later ok?"
"I'll be sure to do that Clark," she called back, then said to Lex, "wouldn't want to miss out on hearing all about Lana's views on the deforestation of the rain forests in South America."
Lex snickered. Chloe obviously had a different veiwpoint about Lana than everyone else in town. Well, almost everyone. It's not that Lex didn't like Lana, she was nice and always supportive of other people. It's just that that was about all she was. She'd never shown the kind of side that Chloe always kept on. The side that showed that she could take up for herself. Chloe was right. Lana was ,basically, the full-time damsel in distress of Smallville. But, when you have someone like Clark always there to rescue you, then why worry about being anything else?
Chloe had begun swirling her coffee cup around. Lex watched her for a minute. After awhile, she looked up to find Lex staring at her.
"What?" she asked, somewhat annoyed.
"Nothing, just trying to figure out what you were doing."
"Unfortunately, staring at the bottom of an empty coffee cup," Chloe said, looking intently into the empty recesses of the cup.
"Empty? Doesn't take you long, huh?" Lex quiped.
"Ah, you're catching on. Good to know."
"Guess you could say I'm a quick learner."
"And that you are," Chloe agreed. Lex noticed she looked somewhat disappointed.
"What's wrong?" Lex asked, worry in his voice.
Chloe looked up startled. Seeing the concern on his face, she assured, "Oh, nothing. It's just..."
"It's just what?" Lex inquired. She was being vague, increasing his curiousity.
"Nothing," she answered sheepishly. "I'm gonna go get some more coffee, want any?"
"No, I'm fine, but what's wrong?" His curiousity was turning into annoyance.
"Be right back," Chloe said over her shoulder, completely ignoring his last question.
Lex stared after her, amazed. He knew it was no use to just continue asking her, so he decided to drop it.
He watched as Chloe walked up to the counter, then watched her walk back without any coffee. Now, it was Lex's turn to be confused.
"Now, what's wrong?"
"There's no one at the counter, and I'm sure as hell not gonna be the one to interrupt Clark and Lana's conversation. They're doing that staring-deep-into-each-other's-eyes-thing right now."
"Oh..." was all Lex said. He didn't really know what she was talking about, but knew that she was right because there were very few things in this world that could stop Chloe from getting coffee.
She had begun staring at her cup again. Lex, in turn, looked down at his own cup. He still had some left. And he wasn't nearly as addicted to the stuff as she was, so...
"Here you go," Lex said, sliding his cup over to her.
Dumbstruck, Chloe looked from the cup to Lex, then a smile played on her face. "Thanks," she said gratefully.
"Welcome."
He watched as she drank half of what was in the cup in one gulp. Lex laughed.
Chloe coughed a little on her coffee. "And what are *you* laughing at exactly?"
"I've never met anyone as...devoted to coffee as you before."
"Oh, well...thankyou."
They remained in silence for a minute or so, then Chloe did a sort of scream that drew the attention of several others, including Lex.
"What?" Lex asked, getting up in the process. He wasn't sure if she had somehow gotten hurt or what. He just wanted to be prepared.
He sat back down as Chloe motioned for him to do so.
"Nothing, well, you know how you were asking me what was wrong earlier?" Chloe asked in an excited whisper.
Momentarily oblivious to what she was talking about, seeing as to how there were a lot of things that she hadn't revealed to him today, he stayed silent.
Seeing his confusion, she said resignedly, "Never mind. You'll just think it's stupid."
"No, wait! I won't. What is it?" She now had his full attention, like always..
"Look," Chloe said pushing the cup into his hands. Lex peered down into his cup that was now back in his possession. All he saw were coffee grinds and a little bit of coffee. He'd have to talk to Lana about the grinds. The coffee was supposed to be smooth, no coffee grinds whatsoever.
"Yeah?" Lex asked.
"See, there's coffee grinds," Chloe stated as if it were something of great importance.
"I noticed, I'll make sure it doesn't happen again."
"No, no, no. It's alright. See, I like it like that."
"Really?"
"Yeah, every time I finish my coffee I look for them. Never, in all the time that I've come here, have I found any."
"And that's a bad thing?" Lex found this amusing. Here, Chloe Sullivan, incisive, sardonic heroine of our time, was acting as if she had just seen the real Santa.
"Oh, no, it's good. See, it's the one thing that I always look forward to. I almost always get it at home, but here, it's like a unicorn."
"Now you've lost me," what in the world was she talking about. Maybe there was something else in the coffee.
"I figured that much," Chloe chided, grinning. "See, the coffee here is always "perfect," no coffee grinds."
"Thankyou."
Chloe huffed. Ignoring his last statement, she continued, "*So*, my past comparison to the unicorn fits. You know, the unicorn, unattainable, impossible to catch mythical creature of purity."
"Oh, *that* unicorn."
"Yeah, *that* unicorn," Chloe said impatiently, "Well, here, it's impossible to
attain coffee grinds."
"Okay," Lex said slowly, "I now get the part where you compared them to unicorns, but why do you look forward to them?"
"Oh, well, it's silly, you'd laugh," Chloe said shyly.
"I promise I won't laugh," Lex swore.
Chloe eyed him with suspicion for a moment, then decided, "Okay, but you also have to swear that you won't tell Clark or Pete or Lana or anybody. Ever."
Lex held back a laugh. She was acting as if her little secret would destroy everything she held dear if revealed. Lex now had no trouble holding back that laugh. Chloe was about to tell him something that no one else knew, no one else was supposed to know. She was trusting him with her secret. A secret not even Clark knew.
"I swear."
Chloe gave him a penetrating look, as though she were trying to search for his sincerity, she'd apparently found enough of it because she continued on, "Okay, well, it's not really all that big a secret or anything, it's just that I don't want people to think that I'm some little romantic or something."
Lex nodded. Her secret might not destroy the world, but it would destroy her reputation, which, to her, was equally important.
"When I was little, before my mom...well, my mom was an even bigger coffee addict than me, believe it or not. And, one day, when we were at this coffee place, one much like this, no coffee grinds allowed, she had this cup of coffee, and she put it down for a minute, and I drank the rest," Lex smiled, imagining a young Chloe stealing her mother's coffee. "And I found these coffee grinds at the bottom. I told her about them, and she reacted much like I did, I guess. But, anyway, she then told me that whenever you find coffee grinds in the bottom of your cup, unexpectedly, then you were, like, one step closer to finding..."
"Finding what?" Lex asked hesitantly.
"Love."
"Oh..."
They sat in silence for a minute. Chloe, deciding that breaking the silence was the best thing possible, said, "It's stupid. I know. I think my mom just made it up to make me feel better because this one guy I liked said that I was nosy."
"You nosy? No..."
"Yeah, can you believe that?" Chloe said in mock amazement. "I mean, me, being nosy. Never in my life has anyone had such an unbefitting impression of me."
At this, they both burst out laughing. After a minute, they both tried to catch their breath. People were now staring and whispering. Chloe glanced down at her watch, her eyes going wide.
"I've gotta go," she said. Did she just sound disappointed?
"Oh, yeah, me too?" Lex lied, pretending to look at the time.
"Well, that works out."
"I guess it does."
"Do you need a ride?"
"Oh, no, I'll be fine."
"Okay. But, I still get points for asking."
Chloe laughed. "I'll think about it."
They both made their way to the door. Lex got there first, and held the door open for her.
"Thankyou, gentlesir" Chloe said, while sweeping through the door like royalty, Lex bowing her out.
"Your welcome, my lady."
"You wish."
"Yes, well wishes do occasionally come true," Lex said as he began walking to his car, Chloe staring after him.
"Good-bye, Chloe."
"See ya, Lex," Chloe said with an awkward smile. She began to walk away, as well.
Just as he was about to get into his car, he looked back, and said, "Oh, and Chloe?"
She spun around to meet his eyes, "Yes?"
"The unicorn is a fabled creature, not mythical," and with that, Lex got into car, started it up, and left a fuming Chloe behind.
**********************
Well, how'd you like it. Again, I am *so* sorry for the wait. I wasn't able to get onto the net to update this. actually i wasn't able to get onto a computer period for a couple days(has it been a couple days? oh well) so I just typed this. there will probably be mistakes because I want to get this chapter up now. the beta thing is mighty tempting now. so anybody wanna help me out there?
ok, that's all. bye
