Title: A Chlex Story

Author: MitchPell

Disclaimer: I don't own anything that has to do with Smallville, it's characters, DC comics, or the WB. I'm just using their stuff for a little bit of non-profitable fun.

Authors Notes: Ok, I'm sorry it took me so long to plug this one out too. I really don't have a very good excuse. I can blame it on work, school starting back up, or my family. But I promise I will try to write faster. Ok, on to stuff you need to know about this chapter. Like I said before, the Christmas party took place on 12/14/01. So the morning scenes obviously took place the next day. But the dinner scene took place on Monday the 23. Almost one week after the Christmas party. I hope that helps you guys know when things are going on. Like I've said before I've done a lot of research about the medical stuff, but if I've made any huge errors let me know. After all, I'm not an expert. I'll try to let you guys know approximately what time of year it is. I'm going to using any and all spoilers, so read at your own risk. This story is going to be a long one. I already know that it is going to span the course of 7 years, and probably longer. I appreciate any and all feedback. Tell me whatever you think: the good, the bad, the ok, the grammar errors, etc. Trust me, I need the help!!

Summary: Lex and Chloe just seem right for each other. I don't know why, they just do.

Email: mitchpell@yahoo.com

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Adri: LOL!! Once again, thanks for all the help!! I couldn't do it without you!! I don't know why Star Wars. But hey, it's a classic, (Isn't it?) so Lex should have seen it!!

Kristin: I'm continuing when I find the time. Man, I wish I didn't have to do school work. Stupid real life, it's always getting in my way!

Leanne8582: LOL!! I'm glad you liked it. Well, you see, she has only seen him sleeping after the plant incident, during which he suffered a concussion. And from what I've read, concussions do make you very tired. So, if needs be Lex could explain it that way. More is coming soon!!

RedWitch: Yep!! Finally another chapter!! Geez, I'm slow writer. But I'm going to try to speed it up. Glad to know I'm improving. Sometimes I feel like I'm getting worse. Thanks for the review!!

NeoSerendipity: Oh yeah. I definitely agree. Lex would look beautiful when sleeping. I'm glad you like the story. And I hope you continue to read and review.

mikhelle: LOL!! Glad you like it. I'm writing as fast as I can, but unfortunately that doesn't seem to be too fast. I will not leave it unfinished though. I will hack it all out, if it takes me forever.

amber: Glad you liked it. I'm writing as fast as I can, whenever I find time. I promise.

doroppu: Wow!! It's nice to see such enthusiasm. Like I've said before, I'm writing as fast as I can!

iluvlexandchloe: First off, let me say, I love the name. I have to agree with you, they are my favorite couple as well! LOL!! Don't worry more is coming, lots more.

Alicia: Thanks for the great review. I'm glad you like both the chapters with the episodes as a background and the chapters that are all my own. This is one of my favorite chapters as well. I'm thrilled you think so highly of my work. I hope you continue to read and review. And don't worry tons and tons more is coming ASAP!!

Eraserhead: Woohoo!! *Does the happy dance!* I was put on somebody's favorite stories list!! Woohoo!! Thank you, thank you!! Glad you liked it!!

Merrie: Glad you liked it. I know, the X-Mas party was my favorite scene too!! Don't worry, more is coming!!

SyrDragon: Whoa!! I almost missed you!! Sorry about that. LOL!! I couldn't figure out how to word that. It was tricky. But now that I look at it, it was poorly written. LOL!! I'll have to go back and fix it. Thanks for the review, and pointing out the mistake.

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Lex woke to the sounds of the city outside his window. He groaned as he rolled over onto his side. He slowly peeled his heavy eyelids open and squinted at the light that reflected off his snow-covered balcony through the wall length glass doors. It was bright, too bright to be morning, he noted. He shifted his gaze from the balcony to the clock on his nightstand. He frowned in confusion at the numbers displayed. It can't really be 2 pm, Lex thought. He threw the covers off of himself, and sat up on the edge of the bed. He rubbed the sleep out of his eyes then looked at the clock again. But the numbers didn't change.

He stood up and stretched, swaying ever so slightly from his grogginess. As he made his way into the bathroom he tried to remember what had happened last night. He didn't remember going to a club or taking anything. But of course this wouldn't be the first time his memory had failed him the morning afterwards. It was 2 in the afternoon, and he did feel like shit, which were both side affects of his wilder nights. Still something didn't fit.

After using the restroom, brushing his teeth, and washing his face, Lex made his way into the kitchen. He couldn't help but groan when he saw Gabby sitting at the kitchen table, reading the newspaper, and eating what appeared to be a turkey, lettuce, and mayonnaise sandwich. "I was hoping it had all been a nightmare." He mumbled under his breath, however it wasn't quite soft enough for Gabby not to here.

"Good morning to you too, Lex. Or should I say good afternoon?" Gabby shot back.

Lex smirked at her. "I have to say that I'm thoroughly impressed with your truly original retort, Dr. Mai." He said as he poured himself a glass of orange juice then sat down at the table.

Gabby pursed her lips as she watched him sit down and reach for the paper. "Well, I guess I could have said that one would think with all of that beauty sleep, you would look, well, better." She said as she pulled the paper out of his reach.

"Much better, Gabby. However, snappy comebacks don't give you the right to steal my newspaper."

"Oh, I'm sorry. But there is this really interesting story on the front page of the Lifestyle's section. This is the second time I've read it today."

Lex raised an eyebrow. "Just what is this story about, pray tell." He was willing to go along with her little game, despite the sickening feeling that told him it was about him.

Gabby just grinned at him then started to read the article.

As everyone is well aware, Christmas is just around the corner. The stores are crowded with holiday shoppers. The streets are adorned with lights and other festive decorations. Franklin Park is once again home to the largest pine tree in the country. And last night the halls of the LuthorCorp Towers were filled with the sweet sounds of orchestra music and finely dressed members of high society.

At the request of Lionel Luthor, company founder and CEO, the more prominent members of the LuthorCorp workforce, along with largest shareholders, gathered in the upper halls of the city's tallest building. There they enjoyed an assortment of exquisite foods, and danced the night away to the music of members of the city's finest orchestra.

Many Metropolians feel that the event is merely another way for Luthor to 'show off' his money and power. When asked about this, Luthor laughed. "Of course they think that. They weren't invited." After a good-hearted chuckle, he continued. "All joking aside, this party is much more than a display of my companies continued success. These people see each other everyday. However, I will be the first to admit that demands of an international corporation don't allow time for 'socializing.' This function not only aids them in maintaining non- work related relations, but it also allows them to enjoy the luxuries that their hard work has provided."

Of course, one would expect no less to come from the mouth of the host. Yet, this reporter couldn't help but notice the jovial atmosphere of the rooms set aside for the event. Even the heir to the empire, Luthor's only son, Lex Luthor (seen above) seemed to be enjoying the evening. Lex, though always present yet ever absent, made his appearance more apparent this year by stunning the crowd with his dancing abilities. Continue F2.

Lex snatched the paper out her hands and glanced at the colored picture of Chloe and him on the cover. He had to admit that it was a nice shot. It was taken off to the side, so that neither of their backs were facing the cameras. They were looking at each other. Chloe was grinning up at him, and he was sporting his all to familiar smirk. It could be seen as innocent enough, but he knew that any and all implications would be exploited by the less respectable press. Frowning, he turned the page and continued to read.

Young Luthor and his partner, whose identity couldn't be determined, were seen 'waltzing' off to the side of the dance floor. The two got off to a rough start, dancing offbeat to the flow of the music. However, things seemed to improve towards the end of the song, until disaster struck and they were sent tumbling to the floor. The pair disappeared shortly afterwards, and weren't seen for the remainder of the evening. A word of advice, Lex, you better stick to the club scene where the dancing doesn't require grace or skill.

After finishing the paragraph he glanced over at the other picture. This one was a black and white of him lying on the floor with Chloe on top of him. The picture was taken from afar, but the reader could still make out Lex's amusement, and Chloe's embarrassment.

Lex rubbed his temples. He was getting a headache. He could handle the tabloids, and the thought of having his picture strewn all over the city. But he was worried about Chloe. He had dragged her into this soon to be mess by offering a simple dance, something that should have been short and simple, over and done with. But, because he was Lex Luthor, playboy son of a billionaire, those 10 or 15 minutes were going to last for months. She would become his wife, his secret lover, the mother of his illegitimate child, or who knows what else. The pictures would get back to the plant, and rumors would spread about the possibilities of Gabe Sullivan being a brownnoser, or worse. And to top it all off there was Gabby smiling at him from across the table, like this article was the cutest thing she'd ever read.

"Go on, Lex. Finish it."

He tossed the paper back on the table and rose out of his chair in response.

Gabby sighed as she reclaimed the paper then finished the article.

After the crab puffs were eaten, the champagne drunk, and the band retired, this reporter reflected on the evening. Despite the skepticism surrounding the actual purpose of this 'little' shindig, one can't deny that it was fun. The food and music alone made the experience well worth it. Therefore, I must agree with Lionel. All of the fuss over the party by the public revolves around the fact that "they weren't invited."

She chuckled. "I love this article, and these pictures, priceless. I wish I had been there to see it." She pouted.

"I'm sure you do." Lex replied in an annoyed tone.

"Oh, come on, Lex. It isn't that bad. So the guy made a crack on your dancing skills, or should I say lack thereof. It isn't the end of the world."

Lex crossed his arms over his chest as he leaned against a kitchen counter, and glared at her. He could feel his anger bubbling inside him, and he tried to contain it. "I don't give a shit about what this dumbass thinks about my dancing capabilities. Don't you get it, Gabby? This is what they wrote in the Daily Planet. Can you even begin to imagine what kind of stories the tabloids are going to fabricate? Because believe me, I can." His tone was harsh, yet he somehow managed not to yell.

Gabby stared at him in shock. This was the second time that Lex had had an outburst in her presence, and quiet frankly, it scared her. "I'm sorry. I just thought you would be used to it by now. You know, get a little rise out of the absurdity of it all."

"If I was the only target, maybe. But, I'm not. Have you even considered Chloe, and the repercussions this could have for her?"

"No." She answered truthfully. "Because I don't know who she is. Lets face it, Lex; aside from your staff I don't know anyone else in your life. There's Clark, but he rarely comes around, and when he does it's only for a few minutes. I'm starting to think that maybe he's the only other person in your life, besides your father." She paused for a minute then added, "And if that's the case, well, quiet frankly I feel sorry for you."

Lex shot her an icy glare. "Do not pity me, Dr. Mai. You know nothing about me or my life. So I strongly suggest that you don't make assumptions based on knowledge you don't have."

"That's exactly my point! You are the most emotionally closed off person I know! It is almost as if you are afraid to let anybody in. Think about it, Lex. Who knows you're sick? Huh? Does she know?" Gabby asked while holding up the picture of Chloe and he dancing at the party. "Does Clark know, or your father? No, they don't. Don't you think this might be easier to get through if you had their support, if you didn't have to hide behind this façade of indifference?"

Lex gave her a self-depreciating smile. He walked over to the table and picked up his orange juice. "I seem to be managing just fine so far. Don't you agree?" He gestured to the newspaper on the table. "I'm glad you enjoyed the article, Gabby." He then turned and walked out of the kitchen.

Gabby sighed in frustration as she watched him walk out the door. She hadn't meant for their conversation to turn out the way it had. She had simply wanted to tease him a little with the article. Yet she failed to remember that things were neither simple nor little when it came to Lex.

She knew that this had to be hard for him, no matter what he said. Gabby had been working with cancer patients for 13 years now. She had watched as some tried to fight their disease alone. How they pushed their loved ones away, claiming that they didn't need them or that they didn't want to be any more of a burden than they felt they already were. She had also seen how much easier things had gotten for all involved when the family had reconciled.

Though he hid it very well, Gabby knew that Lex needed someone to help him through this. She was trying, but she didn't know him very well. She felt as if she was playing a giant game of Chutes and Ladders. Every time she felt she had made any leeway, something would happen that would send her careening down a chute and she'd have to start all over again. As frustrating as this was, it was also dangerous to get too involved with a patient. She wanted to help, but she knew better than to get emotionally attached. In past cases, her role had been to bring family and patient back together. In Lex's case, what really worried her was that he didn't have anybody. She feared that there were no broken bonds for her to repair, because there hadn't been any to begin with.

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Chloe woke to the sound of light taping on Lois's bedroom door.

"Girls!" Sam Lane's voice called through the door. "It's 11 o'clock. Don't you think it's time you two got up?"

Both girls groaned. "Alright, Dad. We'll be out in a minute." Lois mumbled.

"Girls!" Sam called again.

"I said we'd be out in a minute! Geez!" Lois yelled, somewhat exasperated. "God, my parents can be so annoying sometimes." She mumbled to Chloe, after she heard her father's retreating footsteps.

Chloe merely grunted in response.

Lois chuckled. "I thought you would agree with me." She sighed then threw her covers off. "Well, I'm going to go jump in the shower." She jumped out of bed, grabbed her bathrobe, and went off to the bathroom, allowing her cousin to drift back to sleep.

A couple of minutes later, Chloe was reawakened when Lois returned from the bathroom.

"Hey, Sully, showers free if you want one." Lois called towards her sleeping cousin. When Chloe didn't respond Lois lightly kicked the mattress she was lying on. "Come on, Sullivan. Get up. I'll go make sure there's fresh coffee downstairs."

The mention of coffee perked Chloe up a little. But she still waited until Lois left the room before she threw the covers off and sat up. After rubbing the sleep out of her eyes, she hoisted herself off the makeshift bed and headed towards the bathroom.

She didn't know how Lois could wake up so quickly, after only five hours of sleep. The two had been up all night, watching their favorite movies and just talking. They spoke to each other regularly, but there were still plenty of things they needed to catch up on. Needless to say, filling Lois in on the most recent meteor freaks had kept the girls up till six in the morning. Yet, this didn't seem to put a damper on Lois's morning cheeriness. If one could call Lois cheery that is.

Chloe could be a morning person as well. But she needed at least seven hours of uninterrupted sleep and then a good cup of strong coffee to pull it off. And since the former of the two requirements wasn't meant, it was going to take awhile for her to become her usual energetic self.

After her shower, Chloe dressed then joined the rest of her family downstairs. Everyone was sitting at the kitchen table. Uncle Sam, Aunt Ellen, and her dad appeared to be discussing plans for the afternoon, while eating a light brunch. Lois was having coffee and a bagel, while reading the paper.

Chloe took a minute to look over them. It was kind of sad that practically her entire family could fit around one table. Her dad only had one sibling, her Aunt Ellen. Her mom, who had died giving birth to her, was an only child. In fact, the only person missing was her Grandma Sullivan, who lived in Edge City. She had never known either of her grandfathers, and her Grandma Carter had died before she could remember. That only left her aunt and uncle, Lois, her dad, and her grandma. They were a small group, but very close knit.

"Are you going to stand in the doorway all day, or are you going to come in and join us, Chloe?" Lois asked.

"Actually, I was considering whether or not I should turn and run while I still can. But seeing as how the opportunity has past, I might as well take my place amongst you." She quipped as she sat down and poured herself a bowl of Cheerios. She would have preferred something sweet, but Lois didn't eat cereal, and Sam and Ellen only ate the healthy crap. So, Cheerios were her only choice.

Her uncle laughed. "Please accept our apologizes Miss. Sullivan. We know how hard it must be for someone of your stature to associate with us meager commoners."

Chloe laughed along with him, even though she wasn't quite sure what he was talking about. Plus, the fact that her father wasn't looking too amused, didn't help to calm her uneasiness. She stopped laughing and looked pointedly at him. "Ok, what am I missing?"

Gabe didn't want to be angry about this. But he was finding it difficult not to be. Chloe was probably going to say he was making a big deal out of nothing, which was true. But that didn't mean he had to pretend to like it either. Lex Luthor was his boss after all, his rich, spoiled, notorious, play-boyish, arrogant, sophisticated, brilliant, very capable, twenty- something-year old boss. He was someone who was not supposed to be dragging his fifteen-year-old daughter into his dysfunctional world, no matter how innocent it might seem. "Would you mind telling me, Chloe, why you suddenly had the urge to run out of the party last night?"

Chloe was confused. There was no way her dad could know about Lex and their dance. Plus, he wouldn't be making such a big deal about that, she thought. Her dad was one of the few people she knew who didn't actually think Lex was the spawn of Satan, sent to Smallville to practice wreaking havoc amongst the mortals of earth. "I told you. I kind of embarrassed myself, and I was getting bored as it was." She grinned at him then, in an attempt to lighten the mood, added, "A girl can only take so much of listening to her father talk to his co-workers, Dad."

Gabe frowned. "What happened that made you embarrassed?"

Chloe could feel her checks turn bright red from embarrassment. "I'd rather not talk about it."

"Really?" Gabe asked her. "I don't see why not. The whole city is probably talking about it right now. You might as well join them." He said while handing a section of the paper to her.

She looked at the picture of her sprawled all over Lex on the ballroom floor. She felt her blush grow, and had to wonder whether or not her face looked like a big tomato. The picture did leave much open to the imagination of the observer. Which is probably the reason her father was so upset. "Dad, it's not what it looks like." She smiled a little when she saw her dad's face get a little pink as well.

"Well, I sure hope not!" He exclaimed. "Because it looks like you and my boss were getting pretty frisky out on that dance floor!"

"What! Dad, he was teaching me how to dance! That's it. We went to do this turn, and I stepped wrong in my heels, lost my balance, and knocked Lex over in my very ungraceful plummet to the floor. Geez! Except for the fact that it ended up in the paper, I don't see what the big deal is."

"It's a big deal because not only does Lex Luthor have a rather questionable past, but he is also my boss."

"Yeah, well, I'm also your daughter. A daughter whose judgment you used to trust." Chloe snapped.

"It's not that I don't trust you, Chloe. I don't trust, Lex. I don't want him dragging you into something that you can't handle."

Chloe rolled her eyes. "It was one dance, Dad. It's not like we're dating or anything. I barely know the guy. I wouldn't even call us friends." Not yet anyway, she thought. "Besides, I thought you said you like Lex."

Gabe took a deep breath and reined his anger under control. "I said I like the way he runs the plant." He said calmly. "He has made a lot of improvements over the past five months that will most likely result in the plant actually turning a profit this year. But, that doesn't mean that I like him personally. There are a lot of things about him that make me uneasy, which is why I don't want you getting mixed up with him."

"Do you know him personally?" Chloe asked. When her dad didn't respond she added, "Huh?"

"No, I can't say that I do."

"Then I don't see how you can judge him." She stated matter-of-factly. "Look, Dad. I've heard all of the rumors you have. But I'm not about to judge someone when I can't decipher the facts from the fiction. You told me to always give someone the benefit of the doubt, unless they give me a reason not to. Well, so far Lex hasn't given me any reason to not trust him."

"I just don't want to see you get hurt, sweetheart."

"I know, Dad. And I'm lucky to have a father that looks out for me the way you do. And I promise you, that I will be careful, and hopefully keep the pictures to a minimum." She said with a toothy grin. "Because that is definitely not the way I want my name to appear in the papers."

Gabe couldn't help but chuckle. "I didn't think so." He looked at his daughter and smiled. She never ceased to amaze him. She was trusting, yet not overly so. And her judge of character was usually pretty good. However she did have tendency to pick up a bad apple or two. Such as Sean Kelvin. But all in all, she knew who to stay away from. If she felt that Lex was worthy of a chance, then he wasn't going to forbid her to partake in his company. He laughed a little more. Not that I could forbid her to do anything if I wanted to, he thought.

Chloe looked quizzically at him. "What?" She asked warily.

"Nothing," he said while shaking his head. "Come over here and give your old man a hug."

Chloe got out of her chair and embraced her dad. She hated fighting with him. But, they were family. They were destined to butt heads every now and then.

"Well, I'm glad to see the family feud is over." Lois said from the doorway. The Lanes had snuck out of the room when the shouting had started. But since it had died down, they figured that the argument was over.

Chloe grinned at her cousin. "Yep, we worked it out."

"Good. Because I would like to go shopping sometime today." Lois joked.

"Yeah, yeah." Chloe replied. "Like you can't go shopping downtown whenever you want. Remember, we are the ones from Smallville."

Lois laughed. "Don't worry, Sullivan. Someday I'll get you back to the city."

"I don't know." Chloe said while putting on her coat and shoes. "I don't think I'm ready to come back just yet."

Lois just rolled her eyes and followed her cousin and uncle out the door, with her own mom and dad trailing behind her.

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Lex sauntered down the streets of downtown Metropolis. After his argument with Gabby he had to leave the small apartment. Well, it's not really small, Lex mused. It was a two-bedroom apartment, and each bedroom had its own bathroom. There was a living room, a small office area, and a kitchen/dining room as well. It wasn't excessive, but it certainly wasn't moderate. However, Lex found that certain levels of animosity could make anyplace, no matter how large, have a claustrophobic feel to it. Hell, he even found the mansion to be suffocating whenever his father was around.

He sighed as he thought about what Gabby had said. Maybe he was too closed- off, too distant. Yet, that was how he was brought up, wasn't it? Wasn't that what his father had ground into him since he could remember? "You can't be ruled by your emotions, Lex. People will exploit them as weaknesses!" Or, "Don't become attached, Lex. It only makes it harder to take what you want later." Those had been his father's words, his lessons.

Lex knew that there was some truth behind what his father had said. And that was part of the reason he had put up that barrier between himself and the rest of the world. But he had his own reasons for closing himself off. He didn't want to get hurt again. Every time, he had truly let someone in, they had abandoned him. He couldn't really blame his mother, or Julian. It wasn't as if they had wanted to leave this world. But Pamela, Pamela had no excuse. When she left, it was the first time he had ever wished he had listened to his father.

Despite his previous misfortune, he had to admit that it would be a comfort to have someone else to turn to besides Gabby. Though he appreciated all she had done for him, she didn't understand him. Well, he wasn't sure if anyone really understood him. He barely understood himself at times. But he still felt that he had other acquaintances, possibly friends, who knew him, better than she did. The questions was whom could he confide in?

There were few, if any, people Lex felt he could trust. There was Clark. They hadn't known each other for very long, but Lex found that he could trust Clark for the most part. But he still had his doubts, mostly because of the stream of constant little lies and half-truths that flowed from his mouth. Lex hated to be lied to, especially by people who were supposedly his friends. It wasn't something he expected from Clark, his father definitely, but not Clark. Lex, himself, rarely flat-out lied to anyone. He would leave out details, or dodged the question. But, he avoided telling out-right lies. Because he knew that if the truth ever got out, the deception could never be easily explained, or forgiven.

Of course there were other reasons Lex didn't think he could tell Clark about his illness. He had a feeling that if he confided in Clark, the focus of the situation would change from him to Clark. People would want to know why Clark was so upset, and then they would try to comfort him. Not to mention the fact that Clark would probably tell his parents. And quite frankly, Lex didn't need nor want, Jonathan Kent beating down his door demanding to know why he felt the need to further disrupt the Kent's lives by burdening Clark with the news that he could die of cancer. Of course, that was all based on the assumption that news of Lex's illness would upset Clark. He was pretty sure it would, but one couldn't be too certain. Either way though, Clark would not be Lex's confident.

But if he didn't turn to Clark, then whom could he turn to. Chloe? Despite his growing interest in the young blond, he knew her even less than he knew Clark. Plus, there was the fact that she was a reporter in the making in everyway possible.

Lex rubbed his temples, as he walked down the crowded streets. He could feel another headache coming on. He was still recovering from the ever pleasant pistol-whip to the back of the head that Earl was kind enough to have dealt him. He would kill for an Aspirin, but it would counter the effects of his chemo. Therefore, he was forced to grit his teeth and bare the pounding in his head.

There was only one other person that he would consider confiding in. And it was this thought that had spurred his headache. There were two things he could see his father doing if Lex told him he had cancer. One would be to use Lex's illness to his advantage. He would make an announcement to the media, donate money to research, demand Lex make public appearances to discuss his experience, and other such public displays. All of which would be spun around LuthorCorp, promoting its good PR. Or, his father would tell him to suck it up, and bare his illness with dignity. He would tell him that Luthor's had gotten thru worse, and that he shouldn't let this stand in the way of progress. Either way he would probably insist that Lex move back to Metropolis, so he could assist in his treatment. But Lex knew it would just be so he could keep a better eye on him.

Lex sighed, blowing out a puff of breath. He didn't have a lot of options, and none of them presented promising results. But, as much as he despised his father, he could best predict his reaction. Well, that's it then, Lex thought. I'll tell him. He won't be much support, but it'll be better than nothing.

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Chloe sunk further down into her heavy winter coat as a cold burst of wind assaulted Lois and her as they walked along the streets of downtown. They had gotten their first major snowstorm last night, and the temperature had dropped significantly. Yet, that didn't seem to deter the swarms of holiday shoppers that decided to brave the freezing weather.

Chloe looked at the snow-laden city. She found it disappointingly unattractive. The snow along and on the roads had either turned to slush, or had been blackened by the steady stream of passing cars. It made the city seem dirty, polluted. Even the snow clinging to the streetlights seemed to add to the dinginess of the city.

"So, Sullivan, now that I have you alone, what's going on with you and Luthor?" Lois asked.

Her cousin's question startled Chloe back to the here and now. "Nothing's going on between us." Chloe shot back. She knew her cousin was going to pry, and she had prepared herself.

"Come on, you can tell me. I swear I won't try and steal your story."

Chloe glared at her cousin. "What makes you think I'm onto a story. Is it so hard to believe that his company is enjoyable?" In all honesty, Chloe really did like hanging out with Lex. He was quick, witty, charming, and could definitely be labeled as eye-candy. But, she knew Lois wouldn't believe her. She knew that all Lois could see in Lex was a story, and therefore, she wouldn't expect Chloe to see anything else either.

"Yes!" Lois exclaimed. "From what I've heard he is a spoiled brat. Which is not someone I would put in the friend category. So, out with it Sullivan! I want to know what the scoop is, where you received your information, and how you were able to get so close to Luthor."

Chloe sighed. "Fine, I'll tell you. But if this gets out before I have a chance to write my article I will never speak to you again do you here me, Lois Lane?"

"Got it. Not a word. My lips are sealed."

"Alright." Chloe leaned closer to Lois, as if to prevent passersby from overhearing her. "Last week, I over heard a girl in my English class talking about how a friend of hers told her that Lex Luthor was engaged, and that he was planning on making an official announcement sometime in early January. Well, apparently this girl's friend's father works at the plant. And he overheard part of a conversation about the matter between Lex and his father. Well, I thought it would be really cool if the Torch had an article about the engagement before the official announcement was made. So, I convinced my dad to let me go to the party as his guest. Once I got there, I found the supposed groom to be. Fortunately, he recognized me from Smallville, and therefore didn't object to sharing a dance with me. Unfortunately, my dancing skills were lacking, and the mishap that you undoubtedly read in the paper took place. So, I didn't get to ask him about the engagement. But, I'm determined not to let this little set back stand in my way of releasing that article. I'll just have to find a way of cornering him once I get back home." Chloe said this last part as if she were seriously considering how to go about coercing Lex into an interview.

Lois gaped at her cousin. She couldn't believe that Chloe wasn't going to share her good fortune with her. "Wow. I can't believe it. Do you realize how lucky you are? Do you need me to help you think of how to corner him? We can even use your friend, Clark. He and Lex are friends right?"

Chloe couldn't help but laugh. Which earned her a dirty look from Lois.

"What?"

Chloe just laughed even harder at Lois's confused expression. Of course she couldn't be blamed for cousin's inability to tell that she was lying, could she? "Nothing," she squeezed out between laughs. "Nothing." After a few more chuckles, she asked, "Um, what were we talking about, again?"

Lois glared at her. "We were talking about Lex Luthor and how you are going to find out who is unnamed fiancé is. What is wrong with you Sullivan? Any reporter, no matter what level, would kill to know what you know. Or have the connections you have. But you're acting like its nothing! I just don't get you sometimes."

Chloe grinned at her cousin. "Good. After all, I find it beneficial to remain somewhat of a mystery to everyone." She watched with a satisfied grin as Lois rolled her eyes. "Now. Lets drop this whole Lex Luthor thing, and do some Christmas shopping."

"Fine," Lois all but pouted. "Who all do you have left to buy for?"

"Um.just Clark and Pete."

"You're sure? Because I don't want to drag my ass all the way back uptown because you forgot to get a gift for someone." Lois shot a little snottily.

Chloe ignored her cousin's tone. She knew Lois was still a little pissy about the whole Lex thing, so she was going to let it slide. "I already got something for Dad, Uncle Sam, Aunt Ellen, you, and Grandma Sullivan. That only leaves Clark and Pete, so yes I'm sure." She retorted.

Lois perked up a little at the mention of her gift. "So, Chloe what did you get your Dad?" She asked, trying to seem nonchalant.

"Oh, I don't think so, Lois." Chloe scolded.

"What?" Lois asked in her most innocent voice.

"I know what you're up to."

"Chloe, I swear I have no idea what you're talking about."

"Whatever. You're going to ask me what I got Dad, then your mom, and then your dad, and then somewhere along the line you're going to sneak your name in there and try and catch me off guard. So don't even try it, Lois. I know all you're tricks."

Lois grinned at her. "You know, Chloe, sometimes I think you're too quick for your own good."

"I know," Chloe replied. "I know."

******************************************************************

Lex waited patiently at the bar. He had poured himself a scotch, and he had already drained most of it. He knew he shouldn't have indulged in the alcohol, but he figured that he could risk it. He had finally finished his first round of chemo Friday night, so his cell counts would be going up. Besides, Gabby had left on Saturday morning to spend the next five or six days with her family. She had extended him an invitation, but he had refused. He didn't think he could stand spending Christmas with a bunch people whom he didn't know, and who knew he was sick. Besides, depending on how this dinner meeting with his father went, Lex might be forced to pass his Holidays with his own family.

He checked his Napoleon-faced watch. His father was officially fifteen minutes late. Lex had to wonder just what was keeping him so occupied two days before Christmas. Of course he knew that his dad was just baiting him, reminding him of just where he stood in the grand scheme of things. The sad part was that Lex had scheduled this meeting under the pretenses that it was about business. He didn't even want think about how late his father would be, or if he would have showed up at all, if he had said it was a social call.

Five minutes later, Lionel burst into his penthouse office. "Lex! You'll have to excuse my tardiness. I was tending to a personal matter." He explained.

"Putting yourself before business, Dad? I guess Santa must have come to the Luthor Home a little early."

Lionel chuckled. "Yes, well, I believe Linda has prepared a splendid meal for us tonight. So, I suggest we eat then discuss this matter that you needed to speak to me about."

Lex merely nodded in response and followed his father into the dinning room. Contrary to the stereotype, the Luthor's didn't have an enormous dining room table. It only sat six people, one person on each end and two people on each side. However, Lionel did insist that they sit at the two heads of the table.

Lex had mixed feelings about the distance between his father and himself when they ate together. At times, the empty space was welcoming. It provided a separation that Lex needed. Then during other occasions, it was an unwanted barrier, a barrier that Lex tried in vain to break down. Tonight, though, the span of the table was welcomed.

Shortly after they had sat down, Linda, Lionel's petite cook, emerged from the kitchen with two prepared plates. She served Lionel first, then preceded to place a dish adorned with filet minion, russet potatoes, and artichokes in front of Lex. To accompany the artichokes, a small well of melted butter was served along side the meal. The quantity of food alone made Lex's stomach churn. Even though his last treatment had been three days ago, he still wasn't up to consuming large portions of rather heavy food. Linda must have noticed the slight blanching of his face because she immediately asked if he was all right. "Perfectly well, thank you." He replied. She nodded then after seeing if she could get them anything else, she left them to their dinner.

The two sat in what would be uncomfortable silence, to anyone else, for the next ten minutes. Until, Lionel broke the quiet. "What's the matter, Lex? Have you spent so much time consuming the hearty meals of the country that you've lost your taste for the finer cuisines?"

Startled, Lex snapped out of his thoughts, and looked up from his barely touched plate at his father. He had been trying to figure out how he was going to break the news of his illness. He needed it to be short; he needed to be precise; he needed to be straightforward; he needed a place to start. He looked down at his plate again, and poked at some of the food there.

"Lex?" Lionel asked with as much patience as he could muster. He hadn't seen his son so distraught in quite sometime. "What is happening at the plant that prompted you to schedule this meeting, Son?" He asked, carefully keeping the worry in his voice concealed.

Lex snorted. Of course he thinks this is about the company, he thought. He cleared his throat. "This isn't a business meeting father. I have something personal I need to inform you about."

Lex laughed. "So that is what this was, another ploy to get my attention? These childlike actions are becoming very tiresome, Lex." He chided.

"Well, I knew that if I claimed to need to speak to you about business, you would set aside the time. You're getting predictable in your old age, Dad." Lex retorted.

Lionel chuckled. "Well, I'm here now. Please don't keep me in suspense any longer." He said in a tone dripping with sarcasm.

Lex stuttered for a brief moment, which only added to his father's amusement of the situation. "As I'm sure you're aware, I had a physical around mid-November with Dr. Vargas."

"Of course, I know about the physical, Lex. I'm the one who requested you have one for the next five years. I'm also well aware of the fact that you're blood results showed an elevated white blood cell count, and that you had further tests done."

Lex looked at his father, unable to keep the stunned expression off his face. He was speechless. He couldn't believe that Vargas and Gatemen had informed his father of his situation. Well, he could believe Vargas had, which is why he had threatened the man. After a few minutes, Lex was able to speak again. "Yes, well. It was the results of those tests that I wanted to speak to you about."

"There's no need. I already know the results."

If Lex was shocked before then it didn't even compare to his current state. His father knew. He knew and yet he hadn't said anything, or done anything. He had just continued on as if everything was perfectly normal. Lex was furious. "Why didn't you say anything?"

"Lex, I have far more important matters to worry myself over than your health."

"Then I suppose you are well aware of Gabby, and the personal hell I've been subjected to over the past three weeks as well." He asked in an accusing tone.

"You're relationship with your assistant is none of my business. But I recommend you replace her if her inadequate capabilities are causing you such grief."

Lex closed his eyes and shook his head slowly. He slowly reopened and stared at his father. "What did Dr. Vargas tell you about the results?" Lex practically whispered.

"He informed me that the increase in your cell count didn't warrant any concern. Apparently, he thinks it's another side effect of the meteor blast, nothing to be alarmed about." By this time, Lionel had resumed eating.

"Dad."

"Hhmm."

"Dr. Vargas li." Lex sighed when the shrill ringing of his father's cell phone interrupted him.

"Excuse me one moment, Lex." Lionel said as he opened his phone to take the call.

"Of course." Lex said, his voice lacking any emotion. He had almost been relieved when he thought that his father had already known. It would have meant that Vargas and Gatemen had betrayed him, but at least he would have been spared the agony of telling his dad.

"I'm sorry, son. But I'm needed back at the office." Lionel said as he rose from his seat.

Lex looked at his watch. It was 6:30 at night, on the 23rd of December, and his father was adjourning there meeting to go the office? Lex couldn't believe it.

"We'll continue this later, Son. Have a good Christmas." And with those parting words, he left the room.

Lex dropped his fork on his plate and ran a hand over his smooth scalp. "Fuck!" He stood up from the table, knocking his chair over in the processes. "Un-fucking-believable!" He cursed as he retrieved his coat from the rack by the door. Without looking back, he stormed out of the penthouse, and down to the parking garage, throwing on his jacket, scarf, and cap as he went.

He couldn't believe he had been so foolish as to think that he could have confided in his father. He threw himself in his car once he reached it, and peeled out of the parking garage. Never again, Lex swore. He would go through this alone. Never again would he even think about telling anyone else. It wasn't worth it. He slammed his Staind mix CD into the player, and sped down the streets while listening to the songs that seemed to tell the story of his life.

TBC.