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: My thanks go out to Adri! The best Beta Reader ever! First off let me say thank you to who ever nominated me for the Most Realistic Storyline over at the Fire and Ice Network Truth-Seekers Fanfiction Awards. I really appreciate it! That means so much to me. Also I want to take a poll. I've noticed that my author feed back section is getting rather long. So, would you guys prefer me to move it to the end of the chapter, or keep it here at the beginning? Just let me know in a review. Ugh, sorry I went back to my old ways and took forever to post. I really am trying. Ok, this is obviously the start of the Rogue part of the story. So it takes place on the week of the 15th. Gabby is back from visiting her family. I hope that helps you guys know when things are going on. I decided that Metropolis was 195 miles away, because I heard that it is roughly 3 hours away. Three hours times 65 miles/hour gives you 195 miles. For those of you who don't know, SQ means subcutaneous. Which means that Gabby will insert a needle just beneath the skin, and then let the drugs follow. It sounds painful to me. 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'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! Yeah right! I know you'll change your mind again! Thanks for all the beta help! I couldn't do it without you! And don't worry! This chapter is packed full of Gabby. Ok, so maybe it isn't packed full, but she's in there! Thanks again!

Alicia: Woohoo! I'm glad I rock! You can repeat it as much as you want! There are a lot of chlex interactions in this chapter. Well, at least I think there is. Yes, I can't see a true romance sprouting from at least some basis of friendship. Thanks for the review. And you are now officially on my update list!

Michelle: Yes! Somebody noticed it! I didn't think anybody else caught on to the fact that Lex shielded her with his body! That was one of my favorite parts too! Thanks for the review. I'm glad you're enjoying it.

Dark Phoenix II: I know! I'm so mad at Gabe! Glad you liked the food fight, and the bodyguard part. I don't think anyone has ever done that before! I'm glad you liked this chapter! So, how did I do with the episode related stuff? Is it more interesting? Is it more original? Please let me know! I'm trying! Thanks for the review!

RedWitch: Ok, calm down. Take deep breaths! Wow! Thanks for the compliment! You're going to make my head swell! Sorry it took me so long to update this chapter. Stupid midterms. They are a pain in my butt! Thanks for another great review!

Len: Wow! Glad I could make your day! I know; I could so see Lex like that! All that suave stuff is just a façade! This is chapter is still upbeat, but not as much so. I hope I don't depress you! Thanks for the review!

Leanne8582: AGH! What is Ty Nant? It is the water that Lex drinks! Those little blue bottles that he drinks out of are filled with water, Ty Nant water. They have a website and everything. You should check it out! Glad you liked the food fight! Sorry, this one took so long to get out! Thanks for the review!

Merrie: *Sighs in relief.* Whew! I was worried there! Yep, I'm giving you guys more and more of that Chlexy fun! I told you that it would start to flow after the first couple of chapters! Glad you liked the food fight. I wasn't too sure about it. I thought it might have been a little too much! Thanks for the review!

shwellme: I'm glad I was able to draw you in! I agree with you, there just isn't enough chlex. Which is sad because they make such a great couple. I'm still writing! Thanks for the review!

muhammedallia: I'm glad you like it! I'm updating as soon as a possibly can! Thanks for the review!

JessFaith: Thanks for reading and for the review. I'm glad you like it!

Corinne - Chlex: Continued I have! Thanks for the review!

muhmammedallia: *Rubs head in confusion.* I don't know if you reviewed twice, or if it is just another person with the same name. Weird. Oh well. LOL! I love the Twizzlers too! I think they are going to keep popping up every now and then! I'm glad you found it funny. I'm never sure about the comedy stuff. I'm not funny in real life. Trust me! *Hands over a tissue.* This is for the drool! Thanks for the review!

Costas1998: OMG! That is like one of the best compliments I have ever received! I'm just wowed. Totally and completely wowed! Thank you so much! I hope that by now you have started watching Smallville. It is really good. It is my favorite TV show! I'm glad you like the slow climb in their relationship as well. Thanks so much again for the ego boast!

NeeterDilly: I know! Gabe better see that light! Shesh! LOL! Don't worry we all know this is a chlex fic. I mean just look at the title. But the only question is whether or not, Gabe approves of the relationship. Only time will tell! Thanks for the review. And trust me, the work is worth it!

Ellidyay: Thanks for the review girlie! I'm glad you think I'm a good writer. I try really hard. Don't worry about my beta reading. I enjoy helping out! Here is your next chapter, hope you enjoy it!

ClingingToSanity: Thanks for the review. Like I've said before, this is going to be a very gradual relationship climb. I hate those love-at-first- site fics! Well, I don't hate them; I just don't find them as believable. Yeah, Gabe is going to protect his only daughter. Woohoo! You like Gabby. Her and Lex have an interesting relationship. I'm not going to tell you how it turns out. But she'll be around for a while! Thanks again!

Stephanie: I know! LOL! It was just an idea I had. And I don't think anyone had ever written that happening. So I figured what the heck. Besides, something had to break those two up! I needed an out dang it! Thanks for the review!

Gemini: I know, stupid Gabe. He is just so irrational sometimes! Glad you thought it was funny; the comedy always worries me! Thanks for the review!

shelly: Thanks for the review! Don't worry; I know all about the grinning like a fool thing. I do it when I read my favorite it fics! Hope you enjoy the next chapter!

Dontia: I know! Stupid Gabe! Don't worry; things will get better. I promise!

Queen of Tact: I'm glad you like the story. Yes, she is going to be able to see, Lex again. I mean, just read this chapter. Well, I can't give out any hints about her finding out he's sick. I'm keeping that all locked inside my little head. And written on my notes! Boy I bet you guys would love to get your hands on my notes. Thanks for the review!

mythirdeye: LOL! I know! I wish that were me instead of Chloe! Yeah, I thought Gabe should overreact. He still isn't too sure about this whole Lex and Chloe friendship deal. Thanks for the review!

snarky808: Thanks! I'm glad you find it believable. That is one of the most important things to me! I want the story to be realistic. Warm and fuzzy is good; warm and fuzzy is very good! Thanks for the review!

SSD: Whoops! Thanks for pointing out the grammar error! I appreciate it! Glad you like the story! Thanks for the review!

scifichick774: Thanks for the review, thanks for waiting, and thanks for the compliment. It is nice to know that my work is appreciated! I hope you enjoy this chapter!

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Gabe was about at the end of his rope. The tension between Chloe and him hadn't died down during the past week as he had hoped. He had barely even spoken to his daughter since their argument last Friday. And it was all because of Lex Luthor.

Gabe couldn't understand the attraction Chloe had for his boss. Or rather, he didn't want to understand. But despite his dislike for the rapidly growing situation, he had to admit that he had come down rather hard on her. Forbidding her to see Lex had been too much. "I should have just grounded her." Gabe mumbled as he trudged down the hall of LuthorCorp's Fertilizer Plant #3's Level One towards Lex's office. "But of course that is the beauty of hindsight."

"What's that Gabe?"

He looked up at Jackie Wakefield, the plant secretary, who was sitting behind her desk, which was situated between Lex's and his offices. Gabe sighed as he dropped the files he was carrying on top of Jackie's desk. "Oh, it's nothing, just a little parental problem. I believe Chloe has officially hit the 'I'm a teenager, hence I know more than you do' phase."

Jackie chuckled. "Your lucky it didn't happen earlier. I believe Brandon's been in that stage since he was ten."

Gabe smiled at her. "He's what, thirteen now?"

"He will be in May." Jackie replied. She smiled at Gabe and asked, "So what has Chloe done that's got you so worked up?"

Gabe chuckled a little as he considered the ridiculousness of it. "She broke her curfew." He told her.

Jackie raised a quizzical eyebrow. "And that has you so upset? A simple grounding should solve that problem easily."

"Well, it wasn't so much that she broke her curfew, but who she was with when she did it." He clarified. "That and the fact that I over reacted, and told her she couldn't see this person anymore."

"Ah. I see." She replied.

Gabe sighed in frustration. "I just don't see why she wants to befriend this person. I mean, as far as I can see they have nothing in common."

Jackie nodded. "Well, Gabe, I hate to state the obvious. But Chloe is going to see things in other people that you won't see. And unless this kid is part of the bad crowd, I think you're just going to have to accept the friendship."

"I realize that. But what I want to know is how to revoke my pervious punishment without Chloe getting the idea that she doesn't have to follow my rules."

"I don't know. Far be it from me to tell someone how to raise their own kids."

Gabe laughed. He gestured to the folders he had laid on her desk. "I need those faxed to Lex. Unless he actually came in today?"

"No." Jackie said through a sigh. "He didn't. But then he had called on Monday and said he wouldn't be in at all this week." She paused for a minute then asked, "Don't you find it strange? I mean, for the first month or two he was always here. Then all of a sudden he just stopped coming."

"Well, as long as the plant continues to make a profit, and the workers are happy, I guess we can't complain." Gabe replied. "Thanks for faxing those for me, Jackie."

"No problem, Gabe." She said with a smile.

Gabe smiled back then headed into his office. He sat down at his desk to check and see if he had any messages or any new email. It only took a few minutes to confirm that there was nothing new. After shutting down his computer, he grabbed his jacket and his briefcase before leaving his office. As he closed the door, he locked it behind him.

"Good night, Jackie." He called to her as he started to make his way down the hall.

"Night, Gabe." She called back.

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Chloe didn't get home from school until around 5:30. She just hadn't been able to get the layout for Monday's paper right. That and the fact that she really didn't want to go home. There was still too much animosity between her father and herself. With a sigh, Chloe got out of her car, and grabbed her bag out of the back seat. She trudged up the steps onto the porch then through the front door. She could hear her dad in the kitchen, and decided to just head for her room. Her dad called out to her once she had reached the top of the stairs.

"Yeah, Dad?" She called back.

"Could you come in here please?"

Chloe sighed as she turned around and headed back towards the kitchen. She stopped in the doorway and asked, "What is it?"

"Come sit down." Gabe said while gesturing towards Chloe's chair.

Reluctantly, she plopped herself down in her seat.

"We need to talk." Gabe began. "I know you, Chloe. You're not one to dwell on things unless they are very important to you. And you've been sulking about my decision all week."

Chloe started to say something, but Gabe cut her off.

"Please, let me finish." He said. "Now, I don't know about you, but I don't want to lose the close relationship we share because of Lex Luthor. Therefore, I'm going to apologize."

Chloe couldn't help but smile. She knew that if she didn't back down, her dad would come around.

"Don't get too excited just yet," Gabe told her. "It was wrong of me to not allow you to see Lex, as a friend." He added that last part, just for his own sake. "But you did break your curfew. So, as of tomorrow you're grounded until next Monday. And I don't mean the Monday coming up, but the following one."

"What! That's like nine days! You've never grounded me that long before for breaking curfew!" Chloe exclaimed.

"I realize that, Chloe. But I'm going to tell you right now that the rules are going to be tougher when it comes to Lex, because unlike Clark or Pete, whom I trust, I don't completely trust Lex Luthor"

Chloe glared at him.

"Well, at least not yet anyway." He added.

Chloe sighed. "Fine. I understand. But what about the Torch, am I going to be allowed to stay after school and work on it?" She asked.

"Yes." Gabe replied. "You can stay after school and work on the torch. But then I want you to come straight home. That means no stopping at the Beanery for a cup of coffee. Got it?"

"Got it." Chloe replied.

"Good." Gabe said as he got up from the table. "Now, what do you want for dinner tonight? I was thinking spaghetti, with meat sauce and garlic toast. How does that sound?"

"Sounds good." Chloe replied. "I can still go to the Beanery tonight? I mean you did say that my grounding didn't start until tomorrow, so technically I can still go. Right?"

"Yes, Chloe, you can still go to the Beanery tonight." Gabe said as he bent down to pull the spaghetti pot out from underneath the sink. "Oh, by the way, you got a letter in the mail today."

"Really? Where is it?"

"I think I set it on the coffee table in the living room." He replied.

"Ok, I'll be right back." She said as she got up and headed into the living room. The letter was where her dad said it was. She reached down to pick it up then carefully opened it with her index finger. She pulled out a small slip of paper and what looked like a formal invitation. She scanned over the small note first.

Miss Sullivan,

Please forgive the late notice. I was otherwise preoccupied.

Sincerely, Lex Luthor

Chloe smiled. She was beginning to realize that this was Lex's style, short and to the point. As she started to read over what was indeed an invitation she began to make her way back into the kitchen.

"Hey, Dad. When you say I'm grounded for the next nine days or so, does that mean I can't go to a showing at the Metropolis Museum?" She asked.

Gabe glanced over his shoulder at her. "Yes, Chloe, it does. Why do you ask?"

"Well, I got a formal invitation in the mail for Chloe Sullivan and One Guest for the opening this Monday. And I thought since it would make a really good article for the torch, you might let me go."

He turned and looked pointedly at his daughter.

Chloe held up her hands. "Alright, alright, fine. No going to the Museum." She stuffed the invitation and the personal note from Lex into the envelope and tossed it on the table. Then began to help her dad with dinner.

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Lex was almost glad Victoria had showed up. Chloe's inability to accept his invitation had cause a slight hiccup in his plans for the evening. He had had it mapped out perfectly. Chloe was invited as an escort of sorts for Lex himself. Through the little time they had spent in each other's company, he had grown quite fond of the young girl. She seemed to almost have total disregard for his name, social stature, or the past that created his reputation, more so than Clark in some aspects. But apparently she had been unable to attend due to the fact that she had broken her curfew. Lex couldn't help but feel guilty about that. For some reason he didn't think that Chloe would have been grounded for two whole weeks if she had been at Clark's or their friend Pete's.

Disappointed in not being able to partake in the young journalist's company, Lex had hoped to entertain himself with a little match making. He had invited Clark and Lana with the intent of pushing the two together throughout the evening. But she had brought Whitney along. And Clark, being the goody-two-shoes that he is, had run off at the first site of his rival. Therefore, he was almost grateful that Victoria had shown up. He was curious to know why she had come back. Plus, Clark tended to be extremely depressing when Lana, Whitney, and himself were forced to be in the same room. And Lex couldn't do depressing tonight.

Lex allowed himself to indulge in a little champagne as he led Victoria out of the Luthor Wing of the Museum and into the lesser-occupied rooms. "So, Victoria, what brings you back to Metropolis?" Lex asked as they walked down one of the long dark hallways lined with various artistic masterpieces.

"Oh, Lex." She cooed. "Why don't we skip the pleasantries for now. There are other ways I would like to get reacquainted." Victoria said as she circled in front of him, wrapped her free hand around his neck and pulled him down to meet her for a kiss. Her tongue circled his lips, asking for admittance, which he reluctantly granted. She drove her tongue into his mouth, re-familiarizing herself with his taste and feel.

Lex gently sucked on the moist intruding muscle. She tasted like a mixture of sweet champagne and.shrimp. It was making him sick to his stomach, and he hastily ended the kiss. "Not here." He said, making his voice a little husky. "Come back with me to Smallville, where I can give you a proper welcome."

"Alright," Victoria said as she leaned back in to reclaim his mouth in another kiss.

Lex deepened it, in order to maintain the façade of desire, all the while hoping he wouldn't get any mouth sores from her. Gabby had lectured him thoroughly about the importance of oral hygiene. Apparently, infections of the mouth were quite common in chemo patients. Victoria pulled back from the kiss, pulling on Lex's lower lip with her teeth as she did.

He drowned the rest of his champagne before taking her hand and leading her towards the main entrance of the Museum. They picked up their coats, and slipped out the door, paying no heed to the crowd that had gathered outside.

Lex thanked whatever god had made him decide to drive himself, rather than take the limo, as he helped Victoria into the car. It would be an awkward drive home, but at least he would be spared from having her hanging all over him. He slid into the driver's side, and started the engine.

"I can't believe you don't have the limo tonight, Lex." Victoria whined. "I was looking forward to making use of its soft leather seats."

Lex hid his smirk as he backed out of the parking lot. He considered dropping the top of his jet-black special edition 550 Maranello, but decided the January air would be too cold. Instead he revved the engine and glanced over at Victoria. "Oh, I'm sure I can make this ride very interesting for you." That said he peeled out of the parking lot.

True to his word, Lex had made the trip quite entertaining. Well, at least he thought so. He had pushed his car the entire 195 miles between Smallville and Metropolis. They hadn't gone under 125 miles/hour on the highways. And he had even pushed it above 70 on most of the back roads of Smallville. But Lex knew his cars. He knew precisely to what extent they could safely handle any turn and still cause a rush of adrenaline.

After he had brought the car to a screeching halt outside the Mansion, he turned and looked at Victoria. He smirked when he saw her slightly paled face. "Why, Victoria, you look a little flushed. Is everything alright?"

She turned and glared at him. "What the hell was that, Lex? I was just waiting for the part where you purposefully drove us off a bridge to our deaths."

Lex chuckled as he got out of the car. "What's the matter? Losing your edge?"

Victoria got out of the car as well, and made a show of slamming the door. "You know, Lex, you haven't changed. You're still the reckless teenager I knew back in boarding school."

He smirked at her as he circled the car to stand in front of her. "I wouldn't say that." He said as he leaned in to claim a kiss. He had convinced himself that in order to find out what Victoria was after, he would have to play her game. That meant he would most likely have to sleep with her. And though she wasn't necessarily a bad fuck, Lex really didn't relish the idea. But he figured he could concentrate on the physical pleasures. After all, he mused, we all have to make sacrifices.

Lex deepened the kiss, and plunged his skilled tongue into her inviting mouth, causing her to let forth a moan of pleasure. He broke the kiss only for the lack of oxygen then began to trail kisses down her neck. Biting and teething her flesh as he went until he reached her slightly exposed collarbone.

The wind picked and Victoria shuddered against it. "As much as I'm enjoying this, Lex," she said through her slightly heavy breathing. "I would rather we continued this inside."

"Of course." He said as he pulled away from her and led her into the house, heading straight for his bedroom. He ushered her inside then shut the door behind him. Lex watched as Victoria turned to face him. She made a show of unbuttoning her jacket then tossed the garment off to the side. Reaching behind her, she unzipped the back of her dress before slowly sliding the straps off her shoulders and letting it fall to the floor. She edged backwards towards the bed then lowered herself onto it. She bent down and slipped off her heels, giving Lex a full view of her satin covered breasts. She then lain down and propped herself up on her elbow. She flipped her hair over her shoulder, and asked, "Aren't you going to join me, Lex?"

Lex couldn't help the increasing tightness in his slacks. Contrary to her personality, he had to admit that she had a fabulous body. Pushing himself off the door, he removed his coat and tie as he made his way over to the bed. Placing a knee between her legs, he positioned himself above her, using his arms to support himself. He leaned down to nibble on her ear, slowly making his way around her jaw towards her lips. He felt her hands move up and begin to unbutton his shirt, when it hit him. The catheter.

He quickly sat up and redid the two buttons she had undone.

"What's wrong, Lex?" Victoria whined, as she crawled over and onto his lap. While rubbing his chest with her left hand, she slid her right into his slacks.

"I can't do this." Lex said through his heavy breathing. God, it had been months since someone had touched him like this. But then again, he hadn't quite been feeling up to any extracurricular activities.

"Sure you can." Victoria purred as she began to suck on his neck. She slid her hand down his chest to pinch his left nipple. She continued to move her hand down his body. She tugged his shirt out of his slacks and snuck her hand underneath his shirt.

Lex knew he had to stop her. But the hand that was surrounding him, stoking him with an almost unbearably slow motion, was clouding his judgment. He felt her starting to ease him back onto the bed, and let her push him down.

Victoria sat on Lex's upper thighs. She pulled her hand out from underneath his shirt and moved it down to his slacks, where she began to undo his belt.

He heard the sound of the zipper being undone. He had to stop this. It was too much of a risk. If there was one person who could not know about his illness it was Victoria Hardwick. He let out a groan of frustration. Then, before he lost his resolve, Lex grabbed her hands and removed them from his body. He pushed her off of him and quickly got off the bed.

Victoria watched in shock as he redid his pants and straightened out his clothing. "What the hell, Lex?"

"I'm sorry, Victoria. But I just can't do this. At least not tonight, anyway." He went into the bathroom and opened his medicine cabinet. He grabbed the bottle of ondastetron, the only oral chemo drug he took, and the dexamethason eye drops then shoved them in his pants pockets. He then made his way back into the bedroom and out into the hall, without even sparing Victoria a second look.

Lex made his way down the hallway to Gabby's suite, making sure that Victoria didn't follow him. He knocked on her living room door, but got no answer. So he entered the room, hoping to find her in either her study or bedroom. The study door was opened so he took the liberty to look inside. She was sitting at her desk, reading. Lex knocked lightly on the door to get her attention.

Gabby frowned when she saw Lex standing in the doorway to her study, looking.slightly disheveled. She glanced at her watch. It was only 9:30. She hadn't expected him to get back from the Museum until at least midnight, considering the opening didn't end until ten. "What is it, Lex? Are you all right?" She asked, unable to keep the worry out of her voice.

"I need you to remove the catheter." He told her.

"Why? What happened?" She got out of her chair and started to make her way over to him. "Do you want me to take a look at it?"

"No. Nothing happened. I just need you to remove it."

Gabby snorted. "Are you going to give me a reason why? Or am I just to assume that this is some crazy notion you had to make our lives even more difficult?" She asked.

"An friend of mine is going to be staying with us for a while. And some of the activities we are going to be engaging in will require that I not have several tubes hanging out of my chest."

Realization dawned on her as she reassessed his appearance. The rumpled cloths and the sucker bite, she had initially missed, on his neck helped put all the pieces together. Gabby rolled her eyes. "So let me get this straight. You want me to remove a perfectly good catheter so you can have sex with this woman without her finding out that you have cancer. Is that right?"

"Is there a problem with that?" He asked.

"Yes, there is a problem with that!" Gabby exclaimed. "First off, Lex, do you even know how long she's going to be staying here? I mean is it going to be worth it to go all the way to Metropolis to remove the catheter only to have it replaced a week later? Because, it's not like we can go downstairs to our little medicine room and take it out. You have to go to the hospital and have a doctor there remove it. Then if you do have it removed, I'll have to give you the rest of your cytarabine treatment SQ, which isn't going to be too comfortable." She said.

Gabby circled back around her desk as she ranted, and plopped herself back into her chair before continuing. "And even if we go by the assumption that she'll be here for an extended period of time, don't you think she'll suspect something when you're not feeling well after you receive your morning and evening treatments? Not to mention the fact that the daunorubicin has to be given by an IV. So if she's still here by the time you go back on it, you're going to have to have the catheter replaced anyway."

Lex merely smirked at her. "Dr. Mai, I want the catheter removed. Call Dr. Gateman, or who ever you need to call and make an appointment for tomorrow morning. And I'll worry about the rest." With that he turned to leave her office. He heard her mutter something under her breath and couldn't help but smirk. "Good night, Gabby." He called over his shoulder then left the room.

Lex made his way downstairs to his study, and plopped himself down on his couch. There was no way he could return to his room with Victoria still there. He figured that if she were still here in the morning, he would get the catheter removed. After all, she came all this way to see him, so he doubted she'd leave after only being turned down once. He toed off his shoes then pulled the blanket lying across the back of the couch down on top of him.

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Gabby parked the car in front of the Smallville Pharmacy. She glanced over and looked at her passenger. Lex was lying back in his slightly reclined seat, his hands resting on his thighs, his head tilted back and turned towards her, and his blue eyes closed as he slept off the remaining effects of the anesthetic they had given him. Gabby smiled. She could only imagine Lex's reaction at being caught sleeping in her car in the middle of downtown Smallville. Oh well, she thought, he deserves it after dragging me to Metropolis this morning.

Gabby chuckled a little as she quietly opened her door and got out of her Chevy Caviler. Once she was out, she reached behind her seat and grabbed her purse. She then shut the door, barely allowing it to click shut.

Lex snapped awake, the change in the atmosphere and motion of the car jarring him from sleep. He winced as the jolt caused his chest to ache a little. He blinked a few times, trying to make sense of his surroundings, and cursed under his breath as realized where he was. As he proceeded to get out of the car, he let out a large sigh, puffing his cheeks out as he did so. He resisted the urge to stretch in the middle of the street. And instead he straightened out his shirt and jacket then made his way over to the Beanery.

Lex walked into the coffee shop and glanced quickly at the patrons. He caught the site of a young blond sitting alone at one of the booths and he made his way over to her. She was just sitting there, lost in thought, with what could only be described as a morose expression on her face. Lex couldn't help but feel sympathetic, even if he didn't know why she was so upset.

"Not that I've ever been grounded before," Lex said. "But I don't think it could be that bad, if you're allowed to hang out at the Beanery."

Chloe jumped. She was wallowing so much in her own self-pity that she hadn't even noticed that Lex was standing there. She looked up at him and made an attempt at a smile. "Lex, I didn't notice you come in."

Lex smirked. "So I gathered." He gestured towards the seat opposite of her. "May, I?" He asked.

"Be my guest." Chloe replied before she unknowingly slipped back into sulk mode. She just couldn't believe that Kwan had taken the paper away from her. She had been so upset that she had to leave the Torch. But since he father wasn't expecting her to be home until later, she figured it would be safe to stop at the Beanery in order to drown her sorrows in bad coffee.

Lex frowned at the girl in front of him. He wasn't used to seeing this side of Chloe. She always seemed to have so much energy, to be so full of life. It was depressing to see her like this. "Chloe," he asked softly, "what's wrong?"

Chloe let a big sigh. She held back the tears that were threatening to surface. She couldn't believe she was letting herself get so upset about this. She let out a little self-depreciating laugh and looked at Lex. "You'll probably think this is stupid." She said.

Lex leaned forward in his seat, resisting the urge to reach out and lay his hand on top of hers. "Tell me anyway." He said. "Maybe I can help."

Chloe looked back down at her coffee cup. "Principle Kwan took away my position as the Torch editor. Apparently, he thinks my stories would be better suited for a tabloid, and not a school paper." She laughed again as she looked back up at him. "Maybe I should rethink your offer for that Inquisitor internship. Because it appears that it would fit me perfectly."

"Chloe, I'm sorry. I know how much the paper means to you." Lex said sincerely. "But I have to ask, why are you sitting here in a coffee shop and not convincing Kwan to give you your job back?"

She diverted her gaze, turning her head to look out the window. "Yeah, well, what makes you think I deserve to get it back?" She asked.

Lex smirked at her. "Please, Miss Sullivan, don't be ridiculous. I've read your work." He told her. "And though Kwan may not like the topics of your articles, he can't overlook the quality of your writing nor the general outlook of the paper. Only an idiot couldn't see that you are prefect for the job." Lex chuckled a little. He cocked an eyebrow and tilted his head. "But then again, this is Kwan we are talking about."

Chloe glanced over at him. She grinned despite herself. It was just impossible not to when he was looking at her like that. "Thanks, Lex."

Lex allowed his smirk to turn into a true smile. "My pleasure Miss. Sullivan." He glanced out the window and saw Gabby exiting the pharmacy. He stood up and looked down at Chloe. "Talk to Kwan, I'm sure you two can work out a compromise."

"I will." Chloe replied. "Thanks again, Lex. I needed that little pep talk."

"Have a good day, Chloe." He said before heading to the counter. He picked up a cappuccino then made his way towards the door, only to stop when he heard someone call out his name. He recognized that voice, and it filled him with apprehension. Nothing good could come out of Victoria and Phalen reentering his life at the same time. Lex stole himself up before turning around to face the cop. He didn't know what was about to happen, but he did know that these two would regret it if they tried to fuck with him. ************************************************************

He was hiding; hiding from Gabby and her torturous needles filled with poison, Victoria and her corporate mind games, from Clark and his never- ending tirade of lies, and Phalen and the unwanted memories his presence had drudged up. Lex Luthor was hiding. He knew it was really immature, and that he probably should have felt quite stupid. But he didn't. If anything, he was relaxed. If he had it his way he would just sit there on the dusty floor, leaning up against the cold wall, with his legs stretched out in front of him all night.

A draft crept into the room causing him to shiver. He pulled his knees up to his chest, and crossed his arms on top of them. He pulled the ends of his sweater over the ends of his fingers in an effort to protect them from the cold. Chloe was right, he thought, this place is too fucking cold. Of course it wouldn't be so cold if he were downstairs in the heated areas of the house, and not hiding in some unused room on the fourth floor, or if he had been smart enough to bring up a blanket. He wondered if he called and asked Ann to bring him up a blanket she would rat him out. "Probably," he muttered under his breath.

Lex let out a sigh. He watched his breath as it hung in the air in front of him. As he gazed at the white cloud of breath, he wondered why life felt the need to continuously kick him when he was already down. Wasn't it enough that he was trying to fight this disease? Why did Victoria and Phalen have to be thrown into the mix as well? He wasn't quite sure what Phalen wanted, or even if it had to do with him. But he did know that Phalen was after Clark, and that the cop would never have found Clark if Clark and he hadn't been friends.

Lex dropped his head down on his cashmere-covered arms. He couldn't understand why being close to him had to be so complicated. It was almost as if being cared for by him meant being cursed. Just look at poor Amanda, he thought. Her whole world had been turned upside down in the span of no more than ten minutes, because of him. And now Phalen was after Clark. Or was Phalen after Clark? Lex wondered. Maybe he's using Clark to get to me. But what could he possibly want? And what did Victoria really want? What if Phalen and Victoria are working together? And where is my father lurking in all of this? He wondered. Or what if I'm just really paranoid?

He growled in frustration. "Life just isn't fair," he mumbled into his shirtsleeve. He snorted at himself and his melodrama. The only thing I need to make this little wallow in self-pity complete is a little alcohol, he mused. This is definitely not healthy, he thought. He chuckled a little. But then again, neither is sitting in an unheated room in a stone castle during the middle of winter, while merely wearing a cashmere sweater, black trousers, and a pair of thin socks. Especially just after receiving a dose of chemotherapy.

He needed something to take his mind off his current thoughts. He reached in his trouser pocket and pulled out his cell phone. He had grabbed it out of habit when he had fled his office, and consequently Victoria's company, an hour and a half ago. Lex hit the power button and watched the small screen light up. He had turned it off once he had gotten upstairs, he really didn't want any distractions. He thumbed through his phone book, trying to decide whom to call.

Normally he would just head over to the Kent's when he felt this way. But the usually relaxing atmosphere had seemed rather tense lately. While letting out a sigh, he continued to scan down the list of acquaintances he had. He smiled when he stopped on her name. He figured it wouldn't hurt anything to call her. So, Lex pressed the call button and waited. After the third ring, he had almost hung up. But he stopped when he heard Chloe's voice call a 'hello' into the phone.

"Good evening, Miss Sullivan." He replied.

"Lex?" Chloe asked, unable to keep the shock out of her voice.

"You sound surprised, Chloe. Were you expecting someone else?" He teased.

"No, no. I just figured it was Clark or Pete." She told him.

"I see." Lex said. A long pause followed his reply, and he was beginning to regret making the call.

"You know, Lex, as much as I enjoy hearing you breathe over the phone, I'm a little busy. So, was there a reason you called?"

"Not particularly, no."

Chloe wrinkled her forehead in confusion. "So you just called me to, what, talk?" She asked incredulously.

"Is that so unbelievable, Miss Sullivan?"

"Not to be rude or anything, Lex, but yes, it is. I mean you just don't seem like the type of person who would do anything without a purpose."

"Well, we can just add this to my list of surprises, shall we?"

"Alright." Chloe answered.

"So, what exactly are you busy doing?" Lex asked. The question seemed forced, even to his ears.

"Struggling through my math homework. In my opinion Algebra could classify as cruel and unusual punishment." She said seriously.

Lex chuckled. "Surely it isn't that bad."

"Believe me, it is." She let out a sigh of frustration. "How about you?"

"How about I what?" He asked.

Chloe rolled her eyes. "What are you doing?"

Lex thought about lying, but then decided against it. After all, Chloe was well aware of the fact that he tended to hide from people. "Hiding." He told her, totally deadpan.

"Hiding?"

"Yes, hiding."

"Ok." She paused for a moment then asked, "From what?"

"Unwanted house guests." He told her.

"Why don't you just tell them to leave?" She asked, using a tone that said he was an idiot for not thinking of the idea himself.

"It's complicated." He told her.

"I don't see what's so complicated about it." She said. "It is your house right?"

"Yes, it is. But as much as I despise this individual, I still might require their assistance."

"What ever."

Lex chuckled a little, his teeth chattering as he did so. "You know, Chloe. I have to agree with you. This place is freezing."

"I told you!" She exclaimed. "I think even Clark would be cold in that castle. Just make sure you don't catch your blankets on fire as you get closer to the fire place."

"That won't be a problem, Miss Sullivan."

"Look, Lex. Accidents happen, even to you. I just don't want to see a friend of mine turned into a toaster strudel because he caught his blankets on fire."

Lex couldn't help but laugh. "A toaster strudel, Chloe?"

"Sorry, it was the only thing I could think of." She said feeling slightly embarrassed. "Plus, I'm eating one right now."

"I see. But like I said before, that won't be a problem. Because there is no fire, and there is no blanket."

"Oh, well that's good to know. Halleluiah!"

"I'm going to take that as a sign of homework completion."

"Nope, I just finally got this problem right." She replied. "Only five more to go!"

"Would you like some assistance?" He offered.

"As much as that is appreciated. I can't talk math. I have to able to see it, here in front of me."

"Understandable."

"Thanks any." She stopped talking when she heard someone from Lex's side of line call out his name.

"Hold on one moment, Miss Sullivan." Lex said before placing her on hold. He looked up at Gabby, who was standing in the doorway. "Yes, Gabby?" He asked, as if nothing was out of the ordinary.

"What the hell are you doing in here? It's freezing!" She exclaimed. "Are you trying to kill yourself?"

"No," was all he offered as a response.

Gabby huffed in disbelief. "You are impossible, Lex Luthor. You know that? Impossible!"

Lex raised an eyebrow at her. "Gabby, it seems like every time we talk to each other anymore all we do is fight."

She glared at him. "What are you doing up here, Lex?"

"I don't believe that is any of your concern, Gabby." He replied.

"Oh, I think it is, Lex, and not just because you're sitting there in the corner of this freezing room. But, also because your 'house guest' has been annoying the hell out of me since you disappeared. I am your nurse, Lex! I'm not you're butler or assistant or whatever pseudo title you want to give me. Therefore, I refuse to wait on Victoria Hardwick. If you want to sit in here and catch a cold, which you're body can't fight off, then by all means go ahead. Just make sure you take that woman with you. God! I don't know how you can stand her!"

Lex smirked at her. "Years of practice, Gabby." He watched her role her eyes then added. "I apologize. I didn't think Victoria would cause you so much trouble."

Gabby thought he looked sincere enough so, she decided to accept his apology. "Yeah, well just don't let it happen again."

He raised an eyebrow at her. "Are you threatening me, Dr. Mai?"

"Why I believe I am, Mr. Luthor." She said in a mocking tone.

"With what pray tell?" He asked.

"Needles," she replied. "Remember, Lex, you don't have a catheter anymore. And that means I get to stick you with needles. Long, wide, needles." She gave him a smug smile. "See you downstairs, Lex." With that she turned and went back out the door.

A slightly stunned Lex took Chloe off hold, and spoke into the receiver. "Chloe?" He asked.

"Yeah!" She replied. "I'm still here. Only 3 more problems to go."

"Yes, well, I'm afraid I'm going to have to cut our conversation short."

"You were found out, huh?"

"How perceptive of you, Miss Sullivan."

"I try." She quipped. "Talk to you later, Lex."

"Bye, Chloe." Lex terminated the call then pushed himself off of the floor. He really was cold. He made his way downstairs to the second floor, where his room was. He was hoping that Victoria was still downstairs. He wanted to sneak into his room and take a hot bath. And he didn't want a cold fish in there with him.

TBC.