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 in the whole wide world!!! 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. But this time I actually have an excuse. I was suffering from major writers block. It was so frustrating. But luckily that has come and gone, and the writing is once again free flowing. Ok, this is obviously the end 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. 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 be 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: Thanks so much for all the help! You know my story would be crap without ya! Did you see the being of my author's notes? I took you're suggestion! LOL! Thanks again!
Michelle: Thanks! I'm glad you find it realistic! That is definitely what I'm going for here! Thanks for the review!
RedWitch: Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Wow! I have to calm down myself a little! I'm glad you still love the story! I wasn't sure about the phone conversation so it's good to know you liked it! I'm glad you like Gabby too, since she is my personal creation! Thanks again for the review and the nomination!
Leanne8582: LOL! Wow! It gives me goose bumps when people thank me for writing the story! Thanks so much for the review! Sorry it took me so long to post.
Merrie: LOL! I'm glad you're still enjoying it! I'm trying to keep my work up to par, and post ASAP! Thanks for the review!
Corinne - Chlex - Bremma: I'm glad you're still enjoying it! Thanks for the review!
muhmammedallia: Wow! Thanks! It is really hard to pull that off! I'm sure you can imagine! So it is wonderful to know that I'm doing it somewhat successfully! Thanks for the review and the compliment!
Costas1998 (mandy): Woohoo! I have converted someone into a Smallville fan! Woohoo! Of course I agree with you wholeheartedly. Lex is the main reason I watch the show as well! I'm glad you like the story! Thanks for the review!
Queen of Tact: LOL! Sorry about that, but unfortunately I can't leave Victoria out. She won't play a big role. In fact there probably won't be much written for 'Shimmer' and 'Hug.' So she won't be there long. There is some good Chlexy goodness in this chapter though! Thanks for the review!
Gerb: Thanks for the review! I'm glad you like it and the way I have used the episodes as a backbone.
braeden: I'm glad you like it! Thanks for the review!
swimmin'fool: Wow! Thanks so much for the compliments! I've always been interested in illnesses and injuries, which is one of the reasons I've always wanted to be a doctor. But I'm glad you like the spin that Lex's illness puts on the story. I will try to keep the writing up to par! Thanks for the review!
K.C.: Thanks! I'm always glad when people like the fact that the relationship is slow building. I just can't believe that love at first sight or instantaneous love stuff. Thanks for the review.
doroppu: Wow! And I mean wow! I think my head has just grown about 5 inches! LOL! I'm glad you're enjoying the story so much. Woohoo! You like Dr. Mai! I'm glad you like her because she'll be sticking around. I'm sorry it takes me so long to post. I really am writing as fast as possible! I'll try to do better! Thanks again for the wonderful review! I hope you enjoy the next chapter!
Nicky Jean: Thanks! I'm glad you liked it! Thanks for the review!
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Chloe wasn't really sure how she had ended up at the plant. When she had ran out of the Torch, after her little outburst, she had just jumped in her car and drove off. Her mind was a jumble of thoughts, thoughts of both Lana and Clark's betrayal. She really hadn't been shocked when Clark had taken Lana's side. If Lana went and jumped off the top of the Sears Tower, Chloe wouldn't be surprised to see Clark go off with her. Still, she couldn't believe that Lana had actually stabbed her in the back. Chloe had believed Lana when she had said that she was going to talk to Kwan about giving Chloe back the editor's position. But in reality, Lana had wanted it for herself.
Chloe wiped a few stray tears from her cheeks and climbed out of her car. She figured since she had arrived at the plant that she subconsciously wanted to see her dad. And she wasn't about to argue with her subconscious. So, she entered the plant and made her way up to Level 1 and her dad's office. She saw Jackie sitting at her desk typing furiously on her keyboard, while speaking into headset, and waved to her. She went over to her dad's office and knocked on the door. When she got no answer she opened the door, only to find the office empty. Chloe sighed then headed back over to Jackie's desk.
Chloe waited patiently for her to finish the phone call before addressing her. "Hey, Jackie." Chloe said in the most cheerful tone she could manage when the plant secretary hung up the phone.
"Hi, Chloe. What can I do for you, Sweetie?" Jackie asked.
Chloe fought the urge to roll her eyes at the woman. She hated it when people she barely knew called her nicknames like that. She found it degrading, to say the least. "I was looking for my father. Do you know where he is, or when he'll be back in his office?" She asked.
Jackie glanced at her watch; it was 4:30 in the afternoon. "He's probably downstairs, on Level 2, checking the end of the day production numbers, and making sure all of tomorrow's shipments are ready to go. But he should be back in a few minutes though. If you want you can either wait here, or in his office."
Chloe sighed. She really didn't want to just sit around and wait for her dad, but she didn't want to go home either. Mostly, she just wanted somebody to rant her problems too and Jackie wasn't an option. "Thanks, I think I'll wait out here." She said before taking a seat on one of the couches that was set up against the wall. She figured that if she sat out in the small waiting-room-like area at least she might be able to eavesdrop on some phone conversations. Not that she thought she would overhear anything interesting, but it would be better then sitting all alone in her father's office.
She looked around the somewhat familiar area; looking at the plants and pieces of art she had seen a couple of times since her father had taken the management job here in Smallville. She glanced at the entrance to Lex's office, and idly wondered if he was in there. Then, as if summoned by her thoughts, his door opened and he sauntered out. His eyes immediately fell on her, but if he was surprised to see her there he didn't show it. She watched as he redirected his gaze to Jackie then made his way over to her desk.
Lex handed the folder he was carrying to Jackie. "I need this faxed to Head Quarters before five." He told her.
She nodded her head, and placed the folder on top of another stack of papers that Chloe figured needed to be faxed as well. "Will you be needing anything else today, Lex?" Jackie asked.
"No," he replied, "that should be all." He then looked back at Chloe. "Miss. Sullivan." He called. "I wasn't expecting to see you here."
"Hi, Lex." Chloe replied. "I was just waiting for my, dad." She told him.
"I see." He said. "Well, in that case why don't you wait with me in my office."
"Oh, that's ok. I wouldn't want to bother you." She said in response.
"You won't be a bother," he assured her. "Besides, your father is supposed to meet with me when he gets back anyway."
"Ok," she said through a grin. Chloe got up off the couch, and grabbed her bag before entering Lex's office.
Lex followed close behind her then closed the door. He walked past her and gestured to one of the black leather chairs across from his desk. "Can I get you anything, Miss Sullivan?" He asked.
"Water, would be fine." She replied. Chloe watched him bend over and retrieve a blue bottle from the mini-fridge. She then quickly looked away to hide her blush as she realized that she was checking out Lex Luthor's ass, his very skinny ass. It is almost too skinny, she thought. In fact, she found him to be too skinny all together. Yes, he is definitely too skinny. Therefore I can't find him attractive; she rationalized. Because, I'm attracted to muscular guys like Clark and Pete. So there you have it, I'm not attracted to Lex Luthor. She let out a sigh of relief. "That's good to know," she mumbled to herself.
"What was that?" Lex asked as he handed her the bottle of Ty Nant.
"Nothing, I was just talking to myself." She said, failing to hold back another blush.
Lex quirked an eyebrow at her as he sat down behind his desk. He looked at her for a minute, and Chloe shifted under the weight of his gaze. "Are you alright, Chloe?" He asked, allowing his concern to show in his voice.
"Yeah," she lied. "Why do you ask?"
"Your eyes look a little puffy." He told her. "And after what you told me yesterday, I just thought something else might have happened."
Chloe sighed. "Yeah," she said. "Something did happen today."
"Would you like to talk about it?" He asked sincerely.
"Kwan made Lana the editor of the Torch." She blurted out.
Lex furrowed his brows in confusion. "How did that happen?" He asked.
Chloe let out a humorless laugh. "She went to talk to him for me. You know, to try to convince him to give me my job back. And according to her, he said that if she had that much passion she should be editor. Can you believe that? When has Lana ever showed any amount of passion for the Torch?"
Lex was about to respond, but Chloe cut him off. "Never! Sure she writes a few articles every now and then, but that's about it. And she hasn't even been doing that for very long. I'm the one that does all the work on that stupid paper! I'm the one who makes sure that the articles get written, and are properly edited. I'm the one who takes most of the photographs and spends all my evenings working on the layouts. I'm the one who is responsible for making sure that the latest edition is out on time, and that the website is kept updated. Me, not Lana! But you know what gets me the most?"
Again, before Lex could reply, she answered herself. "Clark. That's right! Clark, my best friend, took Lana's side. I mean can you believe that?"
"Truthfully?" Lex asked, jumping in before he missed his chance. "Yes I can." And after the look Chloe gave him, he continued. "As I'm sure you're aware, Chloe, Clark is quite infatuated with Lana. Therefore, it doesn't surprise me at all that he would agree with her."
Chloe just snorted in disgust.
"However," Lex continued. "Clark isn't an idiot. Which leads me to believe that there had to be some benefit in Lana becoming the editor of the paper."
Chloe looked at him in disbelief. "I don't believe this! Don't tell me you're taking her side as well!"
"Chloe, calm down." He said before leaning forward in his chair and resting his elbows on his desk. "I'm not taking anyone's side." He assured her. "I'm merely trying to view the situation from all possible angles. Now, are there any immediate advantages to Lana becoming the editor of the Torch?"
"The only possible advantage is that the next edition of the paper can be released without delay."
Lex nodded his head in understanding. "Well, here is what I propose you do." He told her. "The first thing you should do is talk to Kwan. Having Lana speak to him for you was probably your worst mistake. If he doesn't reinstate you, then I suggest you wait it out."
"Wait it out?"
"Yes, wait it out. Write a few articles here and there, on material that Kwan would deem appropriate and wait for Lana to fail. If she is as inadequate as you say then it shouldn't take her long to run the paper into the ground. Once Lana has sufficiently made a mess of things, you should go to Kwan and restate your case."
"So you're saying that I should allow Lana to ruin all my hard work, just to prove a point."
"No, I'm saying that you should plead your case to Kwan. Attempt to come to a compromise in terms of what subject material the paper should cover. And, if that doesn't work then it may be necessary to allow Lana to cause some damage in order to make Kwan see the error of his ways."
"I don't know, Lex. It just doesn't seem very smart to purposely sabotage the paper." Chloe said with a frown.
"I believe you'll find that the sacrifice would be well worth it. Not only will it prove Lana's incapability, but it also provides a means for you to further prove how qualified you are. Especially if you are able to repair any damage made in a significantly short period of time." Lex looked at her with a sly smile. "Trust me, Chloe. I'm very efficient at getting what I want."
Chloe rolled her eyes at that. "Yeah, this coming from the guy who would rather freeze himself to death than get rid of a couple of unwanted houseguests. You'll have to forgive me if I'm a little skeptical."
Lex narrowed his eyes at her. "Those are two completely unrelated circumstances. Victoria may not be welcome, but it is necessary that I keep her around."
"And why is that, Lex?" Chloe asked, slipping into reporter mode.
Lex smirked at her. "I'm afraid I can't discuss that with you, Miss Sullivan. It's," he paused a moment for an added effect, "rather complicated."
The two just stared at each other for a minute, until there was a knock at the door. "Come in." Lex called, not taking his eyes off Chloe until he heard the door open.
"Lex," Gabe called as he opened his boss's office door. "I have," he trailed off when he saw his daughter sitting across from Lex. "Chloe? I didn't know you were here." Gabe said, his voice showing his confusion, concern, and wariness.
"Hi, Dad. Jackie said you were downstairs finishing up some stuff."
"You could have just waited for me in my office." He told her.
"It was my idea, Gabe. I figured since we both needed to see you we could catch up while we were waiting. Do you have a problem with that?" Lex asked almost daring Gabe to disagree with him, more out of habit than anything else.
"No, there's no problem. I just didn't expect to find Chloe here, that's all. Now, Lex, I have the production numbers for the end of the day." Gabe said as he sat down in the chair beside Chloe's. He handed Lex a clipboard then slightly reclined in his seat. "We are already about fifty pounds behind schedule for next week's shipment."
Lex looked at the numbers on the sheet Gabe had given him. In the grand scheme of things, fifty pounds wasn't that much. However, if they were to let things continue on the way they were, they would just fall further behind. Lex was starting to get concerned. This was the third week in a row that they had been behind on production, and had needed to play catch up. And it wasn't because the crewmembers were slacking off, but because they had started to sell more fertilizer than they could produce.
Lex had been able to acquire a few more small time buyers. And their other larger corporate clients were demanding more product, canceling orders from LuthorCorp's other plants and replacing them with the now more efficient Fertilizer Plant #3. They needed to find a way to increase production, hopefully without requiring the crew to work overtime, because even though they were currently making a profit, it was just by the skin of their teeth. Lex sighed and looked over his desk at Gabe. "Well, what do you propose we do?"
Chloe watched in fascination as Lex and her dad worked out a way to solve the plants current dilemma. And the more she observed, the more she thought that her dad and Lex worked well together. Both were able to give and take ideas, easily. Which, given some of the previous things she'd been told about Lex, she found very surprising. She would have expected him to be the type of person who didn't take suggestions from anyone, but preferred to make all the decisions on his own. But apparently that wasn't true.
About ten or fifteen minutes later, the two had reached a temporary agreement about what was to be done. But, Lex was going to rerun the previous three weeks' numbers and find a more permanent solution.
Gabe stood up and retrieved his clipboard from Lex's desk. "Alright," he said, "I'll make sure the crew are notified about the changes tomorrow morning. Have a good evening, Lex." He then proceeded to usher Chloe out of the room.
"You both do the same." Lex replied. "Oh and Miss. Sullivan."
"Yeah, Lex?" Chloe called back, stopping in front of the door.
"Be sure to consider what I said earlier." He told her.
"I will." She replied, fully meaning to.
With that, the two turned and left his office. But before they shut the door, Lex caught the suspicious tone of Gabe asking Chloe what he had been talking about.
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It was Thursday when Lex once again found himself sitting in the Beanery, trying not to fall asleep while reading some magazine he had found on the table when he sat down. He stifled a yawn as he leafed through one of the horror stories on the "Why Me?" page. It wasn't his typical reading, but it was better than doing nothing while he waited for Clark to walk by.
To say he had been shocked when he heard that Jonathan Kent had been arrested for murder was beyond an understatement. In fact, he had actually choked on the piece of toast that Gabby was shoving down his throat. After he had successfully recovered, Lex had tried to contact Clark or Martha with no success. Deciding that they had probably gone down to the police station with Jonathan, Lex had headed to the Beanery in hopes of seeing them in town. Therefore, when he saw Clark moping down the street, he jumped out of his seat and quickly made his way over to the door.
"Clark!" He called out to get his friends attention. "I just heard about your dad. Is he alright?" Lex asked.
"He's hanging in there." Clark responded bleakly.
"This is." Lex was at a loss for words for a few seconds. He tried to think of something to say that would console his friend, but nothing came to mind. So, he decided to do the only thing he could, offer his help. "This is crazy. Your father didn't kill anyone. Give me five minutes, I'll get you the ten best lawyers in the state." He would like to give him the ten best lawyers in the country, but he didn't think he could pull that off. If he was his father maybe, but it still wasn't a guarantee.
"I don't think lawyers are going to help." Clark responded.
It was at that moment that Lex knew Phelan was involved. The thought infuriated him. It infuriated him because someone from his past was fucking with his friends. It infuriated him because Clark wasn't going to let him help. But most of all, it infuriated him because Phelan had something against Clark. And Lex would bet his life that that something was Clark's secret. "It's Phelan, isn't it? What's he got on you, Clark?"
"Look, just stay out of it. All right? Please." Clark pleaded.
"Listen to me. You may think that you know how a guy like Phelan works, but you'd be wrong." Lex warned him, trying to make Clark understand that he was way out of his league.
"It sounds like you're an expert." Clark accused. He was getting tired of Lex's constant prying and meddling in his affairs. Especially when it had to do with his origins.
"I understand his world." Lex admitted, slightly taken aback by Clark's tone.
"Yeah, he told me you have secrets."
Lex scoffed. Clark was acting as if Lex had ever denied his dark past. He had never given Clark the impression that the rumors of his youth were false. Of course he hadn't given Clark a play-by-play account either, but some things you just didn't want to relive. "There are parts of my life I'm not proud of, Clark. But I don't want to see you or your family hurt. Now, let me help."
"You can't, Lex. I got to handle this on my own." With that, Clark turned and continued walking down the street.
Lex sighed as he watched him go. The encounter hadn't gone as he had planned. But then he shouldn't have been surprised. Clark rarely ever accepted anything from him. So why he thought that Clark would accept his help in this matter was beyond him. He decided to chalk it up to wishful thinking. A shudder coursed down his back as the cool drizzle of rain continued to hit him. Pulling his coat tighter around him, Lex decided that he wasn't going to let Clark refuse his help. Phelan was obviously using Clark for something and knowing Phelan they wouldn't do anything until tonight. And Lex was going to make sure he would be there. He would call his lawyers and get them to help Jonathan, and he would follow Clark. He would be there for his friend if and when he needed him.
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Chloe tried not to bounce as she followed Ann to Lex's office, but the woman was just walking too slowly. She had tried to convince the housekeeper that she could find her own way. But Ann had insisted that she escort her. So, Chloe was doing her best to contain her excitement. When they finally reached the office, Chloe said a quick thanks to Ann before rushing into the room. It didn't take her long to spot Lex. He was sitting in one corner of the black leather couch that faced the fireplace, covered up with a gray blanket, and his knees pulled up to his chest.
"Hey, Lex!" She called as she bounded over to the couch and plopped herself down.
"Miss. Sullivan." Lex replied after clearing his throat. "I'm going to assume by your jovial demeanor that you are once again the editor of the Torch."
Chloe smiled. "You're assumption would be correct." She told him.
"Congratulations, Chloe. It is good to know that the local high school paper is once again under the control of the qualified and deserving."
"Thanks!" She replied, while smiling so much her cheeks were hurting.
"You're quite welcome." Lex said, unable to resist smirking at her failed attempts to restrain her excitement.
"No, I didn't mean for the compliment. I mean, not that I'm ungrateful for the compliment, it's just that I wanted to thank for you something else." Chloe took a deep breath. "Ok, let me start over. I wanted to thank you for the advice. Even though I didn't really get a chance to use it, it was still pretty good advice."
Lex raised an amused eyebrow at her. "Only 'pretty good advice,' Miss Sullivan? I happen to believe that it was more than simply 'pretty good advice."
Chloe rolled her eyes. "I'm so sorry. I wanted to thank you for the unbelievably mind blowing advice, for the advice that the President himself would have been privileged to have received."
Lex looked at her pointedly. "Your sarcasm is duly noted, Miss Sullivan."
"Well, that's good to know, Lex. Because if you'd have missed it, I would be a little worried about you."
Lex smiled at the young girl, no woman, sitting in front of him. He couldn't help it. She was refreshing in a way he didn't know how to describe. For some reason he relaxed around her, dropped some of his barriers and let his true self out. He did it almost unknowingly. And the fact that she was a reporter didn't even seem to matter, because for some reason he knew he could trust her. "You're concern is appreciated." He replied with his own sarcasm, though he meant it sincerely.
Chloe watched as Lex shivered ever so slightly and cleared his throat again. She looked at him critically, as he tried to discreetly huddle further underneath the blanket that was covering him. "Tell me something, Lex."
"What's that?" He asked, a little unnerved at the way she was looking at him.
"Is my concern warranted as well as appreciated?"
Lex's eyes became guarded. "No, Miss Sullivan, it isn't." He told her.
"Ok," Chloe said as she held up her hands in defense. "I was just asking. I just thought the fact that you're shivering underneath a blanket, while trying to dislodge a lung might be an indication that you aren't feeling well. Sorry, I didn't mean to jump to conclusions."
Lex pinched the bridge of his nose and shut his eyes for a minute. "I'm fine, Chloe. I just have a slight headache. And if it will help put your mind at ease, I don't get sick." Which was true, he wasn't sick. He didn't consider having leukemia as being sick, well at least not in the conventional sense. Having the flu was being sick, catching the common cold was being sick, having an immune response to some bacteria or virus was being sick. Leukemia was his body's way of trying to kill itself. Therefore, the dull ache behind his eyes, the tickling in the back of his throat and the chill he had had to be side effects from this morning's chemotherapy. It didn't matter those symptoms usually dissipated around noon, because Lex Luthor didn't get sick.
"If you say so, Lex." Chloe replied. "Anyway, I have to go. I need to get home before my father starts to get suspicious. I'm still grounded you know."
"Of course." Lex said. "I'll walk you out." He threw his blanket off of himself, revealing a pair of black pajama pants, before he stood up. He stretched a little then turned to face Chloe.
Chloe watched as Lex stretched in front of her. She saw the slightest bit of pale stomach as his outstretched arms pulled his shirt up. She couldn't help but notice his slightly toned abs. But more than that she noticed his relaxed demeanor. Sure, he had tensed up a bit when she had asked about his health. But other than that she found that he was more open. During the first two months that Lex was in town, he had seemed so distant. Clark had always insisted that he wasn't. That if she took the time to get to know him, Lex wasn't really that uptight. Over the past couple of weeks, she found that Clark was right. There was a side to Lex that most people didn't get to see. And she was pretty sure that she was seeing that side right now.
Chloe followed Lex through the mansion and up to the front door. "See you later, Lex." She said before heading out to her car.
"Bye, Miss Sullivan." Lex replied. He watched her get into her car and drive down the driveway, before he closed the door and went back to his study.
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Lex was awakened in the middle of the night with a coughing fit, and a dull burn in his chest that was steadily getting worse as he continued to cough. It took several minutes, but the fit finally subsided, leaving him fighting to catch his breath.
Victoria stirred beside him and ran a hand up and down his back. "Are you alright, Lex?" She asked.
Lex shrugged her off before swinging his feet off the side of the bed. "I'm fine," he said breathlessly. But it was far from the truth. His body was one giant dull ache, and he was still chilled from earlier. Plus his cough was no longer dry, as it had been earlier. It was now very much wet, if the mucous he had coughed up was any indication.
Lex got out of bed and went into his bathroom. He turned on the light, squinting as he did so until his eyes became adjusted. He looked at the yellow-green mucous in his hand before quickly washing it off. As he turned off the water, he was hit with another coughing fit that left him clutching the sink for support.
He was starting to get worried. He had developed a cough a few hours after Chloe had left. But he still hadn't wanted to believe that he was sick. So, he had taken a cough suppressant and prayed that he didn't have a fever or any other symptoms that Gabby would notice before giving him his evening round of chemo. He had been relieved when she hadn't, but now as he stood there wheezing in front of his bathroom mirror he wish she had.
He made his way back into the bedroom. Victoria had already fallen back to sleep, so he didn't have to worry about explaining things to her. Lex exited the room and headed towards Gabby's as quickly as possible. He knew she was going to be pissed beyond belief, and frankly that frightened him a little.
Lex entered her room without knocking. He stood in the doorway, leaning against the doorframe, and called out to her.
"Hhmm?" She mumbled into her pillow.
"Gabby." Lex called.
Gabby groaned and sat up in her bed. "What is it, Lex?" She asked, her annoyance clear in her voice.
"Gabby, I." Lex paused for a minute. "I don't feel well." He told her.
Gabby was immediately out of bed and at his side. She placed the back of her hand on his forehead. "God, you're burning up. Come on," She said as she grabbed his hand and started leading him out of the room.
With determined and professional ease, Gabby led Lex downstairs to the small 'medical room' and moved around the room with a speed Lex had never witnessed her to use before. She reached over to one of the many counters and grabbed her stethoscope and a thermometer. Sticking the thermometer into Lex's ear, Gabby asked him with a worried voice, "When did you start feeling sick?
"I didn't start feeling sick until I woke up." He told her. "But I did have a headache, and the chills earlier. And.I also had a slight cough." He confessed.
"Why didn't you tell me about this earlier?" She asked him.
"I just thought it was the regular side effects. At least until I developed the cough."
There was a beep as the thermometer indicated it was done. Gabby removed it from his ear and read it. "One hundred and three." She told him. She put on her stethoscope and breathed some warm air onto it before lifting up his shirt, and listening to his chest. "Take a deep breath." She told him. After thoroughly listening to his lungs, Gabby dropped his shirt. "Well, as if the wheezing wasn't evidence enough, your lungs are congested. I'm going to have to take you to the hospital."
Lex looked at her, the nervousness clear in his eyes. "Is that really necessary?" He asked.
"Yes, it is." She told him. She got up off the stool she was sitting on and went back over to the counter to pick up Lex's file. "I'll be right back." She told him before going back upstairs to get her purse and jacket. She then returned downstairs to retrieve Lex.
She helped him shrug into his coat and went to open the door when he placed a hand on her shoulder.
"I'm sorry, Gabby." He told her through his labored breathing.
"I know, Lex." She replied before guiding him out to her car.
TBC.
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 in the whole wide world!!! 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. But this time I actually have an excuse. I was suffering from major writers block. It was so frustrating. But luckily that has come and gone, and the writing is once again free flowing. Ok, this is obviously the end 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. 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 be 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: Thanks so much for all the help! You know my story would be crap without ya! Did you see the being of my author's notes? I took you're suggestion! LOL! Thanks again!
Michelle: Thanks! I'm glad you find it realistic! That is definitely what I'm going for here! Thanks for the review!
RedWitch: Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Wow! I have to calm down myself a little! I'm glad you still love the story! I wasn't sure about the phone conversation so it's good to know you liked it! I'm glad you like Gabby too, since she is my personal creation! Thanks again for the review and the nomination!
Leanne8582: LOL! Wow! It gives me goose bumps when people thank me for writing the story! Thanks so much for the review! Sorry it took me so long to post.
Merrie: LOL! I'm glad you're still enjoying it! I'm trying to keep my work up to par, and post ASAP! Thanks for the review!
Corinne - Chlex - Bremma: I'm glad you're still enjoying it! Thanks for the review!
muhmammedallia: Wow! Thanks! It is really hard to pull that off! I'm sure you can imagine! So it is wonderful to know that I'm doing it somewhat successfully! Thanks for the review and the compliment!
Costas1998 (mandy): Woohoo! I have converted someone into a Smallville fan! Woohoo! Of course I agree with you wholeheartedly. Lex is the main reason I watch the show as well! I'm glad you like the story! Thanks for the review!
Queen of Tact: LOL! Sorry about that, but unfortunately I can't leave Victoria out. She won't play a big role. In fact there probably won't be much written for 'Shimmer' and 'Hug.' So she won't be there long. There is some good Chlexy goodness in this chapter though! Thanks for the review!
Gerb: Thanks for the review! I'm glad you like it and the way I have used the episodes as a backbone.
braeden: I'm glad you like it! Thanks for the review!
swimmin'fool: Wow! Thanks so much for the compliments! I've always been interested in illnesses and injuries, which is one of the reasons I've always wanted to be a doctor. But I'm glad you like the spin that Lex's illness puts on the story. I will try to keep the writing up to par! Thanks for the review!
K.C.: Thanks! I'm always glad when people like the fact that the relationship is slow building. I just can't believe that love at first sight or instantaneous love stuff. Thanks for the review.
doroppu: Wow! And I mean wow! I think my head has just grown about 5 inches! LOL! I'm glad you're enjoying the story so much. Woohoo! You like Dr. Mai! I'm glad you like her because she'll be sticking around. I'm sorry it takes me so long to post. I really am writing as fast as possible! I'll try to do better! Thanks again for the wonderful review! I hope you enjoy the next chapter!
Nicky Jean: Thanks! I'm glad you liked it! Thanks for the review!
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Chloe wasn't really sure how she had ended up at the plant. When she had ran out of the Torch, after her little outburst, she had just jumped in her car and drove off. Her mind was a jumble of thoughts, thoughts of both Lana and Clark's betrayal. She really hadn't been shocked when Clark had taken Lana's side. If Lana went and jumped off the top of the Sears Tower, Chloe wouldn't be surprised to see Clark go off with her. Still, she couldn't believe that Lana had actually stabbed her in the back. Chloe had believed Lana when she had said that she was going to talk to Kwan about giving Chloe back the editor's position. But in reality, Lana had wanted it for herself.
Chloe wiped a few stray tears from her cheeks and climbed out of her car. She figured since she had arrived at the plant that she subconsciously wanted to see her dad. And she wasn't about to argue with her subconscious. So, she entered the plant and made her way up to Level 1 and her dad's office. She saw Jackie sitting at her desk typing furiously on her keyboard, while speaking into headset, and waved to her. She went over to her dad's office and knocked on the door. When she got no answer she opened the door, only to find the office empty. Chloe sighed then headed back over to Jackie's desk.
Chloe waited patiently for her to finish the phone call before addressing her. "Hey, Jackie." Chloe said in the most cheerful tone she could manage when the plant secretary hung up the phone.
"Hi, Chloe. What can I do for you, Sweetie?" Jackie asked.
Chloe fought the urge to roll her eyes at the woman. She hated it when people she barely knew called her nicknames like that. She found it degrading, to say the least. "I was looking for my father. Do you know where he is, or when he'll be back in his office?" She asked.
Jackie glanced at her watch; it was 4:30 in the afternoon. "He's probably downstairs, on Level 2, checking the end of the day production numbers, and making sure all of tomorrow's shipments are ready to go. But he should be back in a few minutes though. If you want you can either wait here, or in his office."
Chloe sighed. She really didn't want to just sit around and wait for her dad, but she didn't want to go home either. Mostly, she just wanted somebody to rant her problems too and Jackie wasn't an option. "Thanks, I think I'll wait out here." She said before taking a seat on one of the couches that was set up against the wall. She figured that if she sat out in the small waiting-room-like area at least she might be able to eavesdrop on some phone conversations. Not that she thought she would overhear anything interesting, but it would be better then sitting all alone in her father's office.
She looked around the somewhat familiar area; looking at the plants and pieces of art she had seen a couple of times since her father had taken the management job here in Smallville. She glanced at the entrance to Lex's office, and idly wondered if he was in there. Then, as if summoned by her thoughts, his door opened and he sauntered out. His eyes immediately fell on her, but if he was surprised to see her there he didn't show it. She watched as he redirected his gaze to Jackie then made his way over to her desk.
Lex handed the folder he was carrying to Jackie. "I need this faxed to Head Quarters before five." He told her.
She nodded her head, and placed the folder on top of another stack of papers that Chloe figured needed to be faxed as well. "Will you be needing anything else today, Lex?" Jackie asked.
"No," he replied, "that should be all." He then looked back at Chloe. "Miss. Sullivan." He called. "I wasn't expecting to see you here."
"Hi, Lex." Chloe replied. "I was just waiting for my, dad." She told him.
"I see." He said. "Well, in that case why don't you wait with me in my office."
"Oh, that's ok. I wouldn't want to bother you." She said in response.
"You won't be a bother," he assured her. "Besides, your father is supposed to meet with me when he gets back anyway."
"Ok," she said through a grin. Chloe got up off the couch, and grabbed her bag before entering Lex's office.
Lex followed close behind her then closed the door. He walked past her and gestured to one of the black leather chairs across from his desk. "Can I get you anything, Miss Sullivan?" He asked.
"Water, would be fine." She replied. Chloe watched him bend over and retrieve a blue bottle from the mini-fridge. She then quickly looked away to hide her blush as she realized that she was checking out Lex Luthor's ass, his very skinny ass. It is almost too skinny, she thought. In fact, she found him to be too skinny all together. Yes, he is definitely too skinny. Therefore I can't find him attractive; she rationalized. Because, I'm attracted to muscular guys like Clark and Pete. So there you have it, I'm not attracted to Lex Luthor. She let out a sigh of relief. "That's good to know," she mumbled to herself.
"What was that?" Lex asked as he handed her the bottle of Ty Nant.
"Nothing, I was just talking to myself." She said, failing to hold back another blush.
Lex quirked an eyebrow at her as he sat down behind his desk. He looked at her for a minute, and Chloe shifted under the weight of his gaze. "Are you alright, Chloe?" He asked, allowing his concern to show in his voice.
"Yeah," she lied. "Why do you ask?"
"Your eyes look a little puffy." He told her. "And after what you told me yesterday, I just thought something else might have happened."
Chloe sighed. "Yeah," she said. "Something did happen today."
"Would you like to talk about it?" He asked sincerely.
"Kwan made Lana the editor of the Torch." She blurted out.
Lex furrowed his brows in confusion. "How did that happen?" He asked.
Chloe let out a humorless laugh. "She went to talk to him for me. You know, to try to convince him to give me my job back. And according to her, he said that if she had that much passion she should be editor. Can you believe that? When has Lana ever showed any amount of passion for the Torch?"
Lex was about to respond, but Chloe cut him off. "Never! Sure she writes a few articles every now and then, but that's about it. And she hasn't even been doing that for very long. I'm the one that does all the work on that stupid paper! I'm the one who makes sure that the articles get written, and are properly edited. I'm the one who takes most of the photographs and spends all my evenings working on the layouts. I'm the one who is responsible for making sure that the latest edition is out on time, and that the website is kept updated. Me, not Lana! But you know what gets me the most?"
Again, before Lex could reply, she answered herself. "Clark. That's right! Clark, my best friend, took Lana's side. I mean can you believe that?"
"Truthfully?" Lex asked, jumping in before he missed his chance. "Yes I can." And after the look Chloe gave him, he continued. "As I'm sure you're aware, Chloe, Clark is quite infatuated with Lana. Therefore, it doesn't surprise me at all that he would agree with her."
Chloe just snorted in disgust.
"However," Lex continued. "Clark isn't an idiot. Which leads me to believe that there had to be some benefit in Lana becoming the editor of the paper."
Chloe looked at him in disbelief. "I don't believe this! Don't tell me you're taking her side as well!"
"Chloe, calm down." He said before leaning forward in his chair and resting his elbows on his desk. "I'm not taking anyone's side." He assured her. "I'm merely trying to view the situation from all possible angles. Now, are there any immediate advantages to Lana becoming the editor of the Torch?"
"The only possible advantage is that the next edition of the paper can be released without delay."
Lex nodded his head in understanding. "Well, here is what I propose you do." He told her. "The first thing you should do is talk to Kwan. Having Lana speak to him for you was probably your worst mistake. If he doesn't reinstate you, then I suggest you wait it out."
"Wait it out?"
"Yes, wait it out. Write a few articles here and there, on material that Kwan would deem appropriate and wait for Lana to fail. If she is as inadequate as you say then it shouldn't take her long to run the paper into the ground. Once Lana has sufficiently made a mess of things, you should go to Kwan and restate your case."
"So you're saying that I should allow Lana to ruin all my hard work, just to prove a point."
"No, I'm saying that you should plead your case to Kwan. Attempt to come to a compromise in terms of what subject material the paper should cover. And, if that doesn't work then it may be necessary to allow Lana to cause some damage in order to make Kwan see the error of his ways."
"I don't know, Lex. It just doesn't seem very smart to purposely sabotage the paper." Chloe said with a frown.
"I believe you'll find that the sacrifice would be well worth it. Not only will it prove Lana's incapability, but it also provides a means for you to further prove how qualified you are. Especially if you are able to repair any damage made in a significantly short period of time." Lex looked at her with a sly smile. "Trust me, Chloe. I'm very efficient at getting what I want."
Chloe rolled her eyes at that. "Yeah, this coming from the guy who would rather freeze himself to death than get rid of a couple of unwanted houseguests. You'll have to forgive me if I'm a little skeptical."
Lex narrowed his eyes at her. "Those are two completely unrelated circumstances. Victoria may not be welcome, but it is necessary that I keep her around."
"And why is that, Lex?" Chloe asked, slipping into reporter mode.
Lex smirked at her. "I'm afraid I can't discuss that with you, Miss Sullivan. It's," he paused a moment for an added effect, "rather complicated."
The two just stared at each other for a minute, until there was a knock at the door. "Come in." Lex called, not taking his eyes off Chloe until he heard the door open.
"Lex," Gabe called as he opened his boss's office door. "I have," he trailed off when he saw his daughter sitting across from Lex. "Chloe? I didn't know you were here." Gabe said, his voice showing his confusion, concern, and wariness.
"Hi, Dad. Jackie said you were downstairs finishing up some stuff."
"You could have just waited for me in my office." He told her.
"It was my idea, Gabe. I figured since we both needed to see you we could catch up while we were waiting. Do you have a problem with that?" Lex asked almost daring Gabe to disagree with him, more out of habit than anything else.
"No, there's no problem. I just didn't expect to find Chloe here, that's all. Now, Lex, I have the production numbers for the end of the day." Gabe said as he sat down in the chair beside Chloe's. He handed Lex a clipboard then slightly reclined in his seat. "We are already about fifty pounds behind schedule for next week's shipment."
Lex looked at the numbers on the sheet Gabe had given him. In the grand scheme of things, fifty pounds wasn't that much. However, if they were to let things continue on the way they were, they would just fall further behind. Lex was starting to get concerned. This was the third week in a row that they had been behind on production, and had needed to play catch up. And it wasn't because the crewmembers were slacking off, but because they had started to sell more fertilizer than they could produce.
Lex had been able to acquire a few more small time buyers. And their other larger corporate clients were demanding more product, canceling orders from LuthorCorp's other plants and replacing them with the now more efficient Fertilizer Plant #3. They needed to find a way to increase production, hopefully without requiring the crew to work overtime, because even though they were currently making a profit, it was just by the skin of their teeth. Lex sighed and looked over his desk at Gabe. "Well, what do you propose we do?"
Chloe watched in fascination as Lex and her dad worked out a way to solve the plants current dilemma. And the more she observed, the more she thought that her dad and Lex worked well together. Both were able to give and take ideas, easily. Which, given some of the previous things she'd been told about Lex, she found very surprising. She would have expected him to be the type of person who didn't take suggestions from anyone, but preferred to make all the decisions on his own. But apparently that wasn't true.
About ten or fifteen minutes later, the two had reached a temporary agreement about what was to be done. But, Lex was going to rerun the previous three weeks' numbers and find a more permanent solution.
Gabe stood up and retrieved his clipboard from Lex's desk. "Alright," he said, "I'll make sure the crew are notified about the changes tomorrow morning. Have a good evening, Lex." He then proceeded to usher Chloe out of the room.
"You both do the same." Lex replied. "Oh and Miss. Sullivan."
"Yeah, Lex?" Chloe called back, stopping in front of the door.
"Be sure to consider what I said earlier." He told her.
"I will." She replied, fully meaning to.
With that, the two turned and left his office. But before they shut the door, Lex caught the suspicious tone of Gabe asking Chloe what he had been talking about.
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It was Thursday when Lex once again found himself sitting in the Beanery, trying not to fall asleep while reading some magazine he had found on the table when he sat down. He stifled a yawn as he leafed through one of the horror stories on the "Why Me?" page. It wasn't his typical reading, but it was better than doing nothing while he waited for Clark to walk by.
To say he had been shocked when he heard that Jonathan Kent had been arrested for murder was beyond an understatement. In fact, he had actually choked on the piece of toast that Gabby was shoving down his throat. After he had successfully recovered, Lex had tried to contact Clark or Martha with no success. Deciding that they had probably gone down to the police station with Jonathan, Lex had headed to the Beanery in hopes of seeing them in town. Therefore, when he saw Clark moping down the street, he jumped out of his seat and quickly made his way over to the door.
"Clark!" He called out to get his friends attention. "I just heard about your dad. Is he alright?" Lex asked.
"He's hanging in there." Clark responded bleakly.
"This is." Lex was at a loss for words for a few seconds. He tried to think of something to say that would console his friend, but nothing came to mind. So, he decided to do the only thing he could, offer his help. "This is crazy. Your father didn't kill anyone. Give me five minutes, I'll get you the ten best lawyers in the state." He would like to give him the ten best lawyers in the country, but he didn't think he could pull that off. If he was his father maybe, but it still wasn't a guarantee.
"I don't think lawyers are going to help." Clark responded.
It was at that moment that Lex knew Phelan was involved. The thought infuriated him. It infuriated him because someone from his past was fucking with his friends. It infuriated him because Clark wasn't going to let him help. But most of all, it infuriated him because Phelan had something against Clark. And Lex would bet his life that that something was Clark's secret. "It's Phelan, isn't it? What's he got on you, Clark?"
"Look, just stay out of it. All right? Please." Clark pleaded.
"Listen to me. You may think that you know how a guy like Phelan works, but you'd be wrong." Lex warned him, trying to make Clark understand that he was way out of his league.
"It sounds like you're an expert." Clark accused. He was getting tired of Lex's constant prying and meddling in his affairs. Especially when it had to do with his origins.
"I understand his world." Lex admitted, slightly taken aback by Clark's tone.
"Yeah, he told me you have secrets."
Lex scoffed. Clark was acting as if Lex had ever denied his dark past. He had never given Clark the impression that the rumors of his youth were false. Of course he hadn't given Clark a play-by-play account either, but some things you just didn't want to relive. "There are parts of my life I'm not proud of, Clark. But I don't want to see you or your family hurt. Now, let me help."
"You can't, Lex. I got to handle this on my own." With that, Clark turned and continued walking down the street.
Lex sighed as he watched him go. The encounter hadn't gone as he had planned. But then he shouldn't have been surprised. Clark rarely ever accepted anything from him. So why he thought that Clark would accept his help in this matter was beyond him. He decided to chalk it up to wishful thinking. A shudder coursed down his back as the cool drizzle of rain continued to hit him. Pulling his coat tighter around him, Lex decided that he wasn't going to let Clark refuse his help. Phelan was obviously using Clark for something and knowing Phelan they wouldn't do anything until tonight. And Lex was going to make sure he would be there. He would call his lawyers and get them to help Jonathan, and he would follow Clark. He would be there for his friend if and when he needed him.
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Chloe tried not to bounce as she followed Ann to Lex's office, but the woman was just walking too slowly. She had tried to convince the housekeeper that she could find her own way. But Ann had insisted that she escort her. So, Chloe was doing her best to contain her excitement. When they finally reached the office, Chloe said a quick thanks to Ann before rushing into the room. It didn't take her long to spot Lex. He was sitting in one corner of the black leather couch that faced the fireplace, covered up with a gray blanket, and his knees pulled up to his chest.
"Hey, Lex!" She called as she bounded over to the couch and plopped herself down.
"Miss. Sullivan." Lex replied after clearing his throat. "I'm going to assume by your jovial demeanor that you are once again the editor of the Torch."
Chloe smiled. "You're assumption would be correct." She told him.
"Congratulations, Chloe. It is good to know that the local high school paper is once again under the control of the qualified and deserving."
"Thanks!" She replied, while smiling so much her cheeks were hurting.
"You're quite welcome." Lex said, unable to resist smirking at her failed attempts to restrain her excitement.
"No, I didn't mean for the compliment. I mean, not that I'm ungrateful for the compliment, it's just that I wanted to thank for you something else." Chloe took a deep breath. "Ok, let me start over. I wanted to thank you for the advice. Even though I didn't really get a chance to use it, it was still pretty good advice."
Lex raised an amused eyebrow at her. "Only 'pretty good advice,' Miss Sullivan? I happen to believe that it was more than simply 'pretty good advice."
Chloe rolled her eyes. "I'm so sorry. I wanted to thank you for the unbelievably mind blowing advice, for the advice that the President himself would have been privileged to have received."
Lex looked at her pointedly. "Your sarcasm is duly noted, Miss Sullivan."
"Well, that's good to know, Lex. Because if you'd have missed it, I would be a little worried about you."
Lex smiled at the young girl, no woman, sitting in front of him. He couldn't help it. She was refreshing in a way he didn't know how to describe. For some reason he relaxed around her, dropped some of his barriers and let his true self out. He did it almost unknowingly. And the fact that she was a reporter didn't even seem to matter, because for some reason he knew he could trust her. "You're concern is appreciated." He replied with his own sarcasm, though he meant it sincerely.
Chloe watched as Lex shivered ever so slightly and cleared his throat again. She looked at him critically, as he tried to discreetly huddle further underneath the blanket that was covering him. "Tell me something, Lex."
"What's that?" He asked, a little unnerved at the way she was looking at him.
"Is my concern warranted as well as appreciated?"
Lex's eyes became guarded. "No, Miss Sullivan, it isn't." He told her.
"Ok," Chloe said as she held up her hands in defense. "I was just asking. I just thought the fact that you're shivering underneath a blanket, while trying to dislodge a lung might be an indication that you aren't feeling well. Sorry, I didn't mean to jump to conclusions."
Lex pinched the bridge of his nose and shut his eyes for a minute. "I'm fine, Chloe. I just have a slight headache. And if it will help put your mind at ease, I don't get sick." Which was true, he wasn't sick. He didn't consider having leukemia as being sick, well at least not in the conventional sense. Having the flu was being sick, catching the common cold was being sick, having an immune response to some bacteria or virus was being sick. Leukemia was his body's way of trying to kill itself. Therefore, the dull ache behind his eyes, the tickling in the back of his throat and the chill he had had to be side effects from this morning's chemotherapy. It didn't matter those symptoms usually dissipated around noon, because Lex Luthor didn't get sick.
"If you say so, Lex." Chloe replied. "Anyway, I have to go. I need to get home before my father starts to get suspicious. I'm still grounded you know."
"Of course." Lex said. "I'll walk you out." He threw his blanket off of himself, revealing a pair of black pajama pants, before he stood up. He stretched a little then turned to face Chloe.
Chloe watched as Lex stretched in front of her. She saw the slightest bit of pale stomach as his outstretched arms pulled his shirt up. She couldn't help but notice his slightly toned abs. But more than that she noticed his relaxed demeanor. Sure, he had tensed up a bit when she had asked about his health. But other than that she found that he was more open. During the first two months that Lex was in town, he had seemed so distant. Clark had always insisted that he wasn't. That if she took the time to get to know him, Lex wasn't really that uptight. Over the past couple of weeks, she found that Clark was right. There was a side to Lex that most people didn't get to see. And she was pretty sure that she was seeing that side right now.
Chloe followed Lex through the mansion and up to the front door. "See you later, Lex." She said before heading out to her car.
"Bye, Miss Sullivan." Lex replied. He watched her get into her car and drive down the driveway, before he closed the door and went back to his study.
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Lex was awakened in the middle of the night with a coughing fit, and a dull burn in his chest that was steadily getting worse as he continued to cough. It took several minutes, but the fit finally subsided, leaving him fighting to catch his breath.
Victoria stirred beside him and ran a hand up and down his back. "Are you alright, Lex?" She asked.
Lex shrugged her off before swinging his feet off the side of the bed. "I'm fine," he said breathlessly. But it was far from the truth. His body was one giant dull ache, and he was still chilled from earlier. Plus his cough was no longer dry, as it had been earlier. It was now very much wet, if the mucous he had coughed up was any indication.
Lex got out of bed and went into his bathroom. He turned on the light, squinting as he did so until his eyes became adjusted. He looked at the yellow-green mucous in his hand before quickly washing it off. As he turned off the water, he was hit with another coughing fit that left him clutching the sink for support.
He was starting to get worried. He had developed a cough a few hours after Chloe had left. But he still hadn't wanted to believe that he was sick. So, he had taken a cough suppressant and prayed that he didn't have a fever or any other symptoms that Gabby would notice before giving him his evening round of chemo. He had been relieved when she hadn't, but now as he stood there wheezing in front of his bathroom mirror he wish she had.
He made his way back into the bedroom. Victoria had already fallen back to sleep, so he didn't have to worry about explaining things to her. Lex exited the room and headed towards Gabby's as quickly as possible. He knew she was going to be pissed beyond belief, and frankly that frightened him a little.
Lex entered her room without knocking. He stood in the doorway, leaning against the doorframe, and called out to her.
"Hhmm?" She mumbled into her pillow.
"Gabby." Lex called.
Gabby groaned and sat up in her bed. "What is it, Lex?" She asked, her annoyance clear in her voice.
"Gabby, I." Lex paused for a minute. "I don't feel well." He told her.
Gabby was immediately out of bed and at his side. She placed the back of her hand on his forehead. "God, you're burning up. Come on," She said as she grabbed his hand and started leading him out of the room.
With determined and professional ease, Gabby led Lex downstairs to the small 'medical room' and moved around the room with a speed Lex had never witnessed her to use before. She reached over to one of the many counters and grabbed her stethoscope and a thermometer. Sticking the thermometer into Lex's ear, Gabby asked him with a worried voice, "When did you start feeling sick?
"I didn't start feeling sick until I woke up." He told her. "But I did have a headache, and the chills earlier. And.I also had a slight cough." He confessed.
"Why didn't you tell me about this earlier?" She asked him.
"I just thought it was the regular side effects. At least until I developed the cough."
There was a beep as the thermometer indicated it was done. Gabby removed it from his ear and read it. "One hundred and three." She told him. She put on her stethoscope and breathed some warm air onto it before lifting up his shirt, and listening to his chest. "Take a deep breath." She told him. After thoroughly listening to his lungs, Gabby dropped his shirt. "Well, as if the wheezing wasn't evidence enough, your lungs are congested. I'm going to have to take you to the hospital."
Lex looked at her, the nervousness clear in his eyes. "Is that really necessary?" He asked.
"Yes, it is." She told him. She got up off the stool she was sitting on and went back over to the counter to pick up Lex's file. "I'll be right back." She told him before going back upstairs to get her purse and jacket. She then returned downstairs to retrieve Lex.
She helped him shrug into his coat and went to open the door when he placed a hand on her shoulder.
"I'm sorry, Gabby." He told her through his labored breathing.
"I know, Lex." She replied before guiding him out to her car.
TBC.
