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. Nor do I own any of the poems. They all belong to their respective authors and publishers or whatever.

Authors Notes: My thanks go out to Adri, the best Beta Reader in the whole wide world, and the one who has helped me since the get go!!! Woo-hoo! I posted within a reasonable amount of time! Go me! Sorry again about the lack of Chlex in the last chapter, but hopefully this will make up for it. This is taking place after Hug. 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: I just wanted to say thanks! As usual! Thanks for helping with the conversation ideas. And I hope Lex's thoughts about his comment in Clark's loft were what you expected. I tried. Thanks again!

RedWitch: LOL! I hope you'll be pleased with this chapter. It doesn't have a lot of Gabby in it, but something happens that you've been waiting for. LOL! Oops. I hope I didn't give it away! Sorry again for the lack of Chlex in the last chapter. But hopefully this will make up for it! Thanks again for the review!

mina: I know. I know. I'm sorry about the lack of Chlex. I really am. This chapter just got away from me. I'm glad you liked that part with Gabby though. It was one of my favorite scenes as well. Yeah, you are getting ahead with the Chloe comfort, but how far ahead, I just can't say. Thanks for the review!

lil: Thanks! I'm glad you like it. Oh, don't worry. I'll never leave. It just takes me a long time to write. Sorry about that. But at least this chapter was out in a reasonable amount of time. Glad you're still enjoying it though! And thanks again for the review.

Erryn: Yeah, I know. Sorry about the lack of Chlex. I hope this chapter will be more enjoyable. Aw. I'm sorry I didn't mean to tease. But Lex is sick. And from what I've read his illness and treatment takes a lot out of him. So, yes, he will sleep a lot. The poor thing. Thanks again for the review.

Pheonix: LOL! I know! I know! This chapter just got away from me. And once I got started I just couldn't stop. Believe me, there were scenes I wanted to leave out that I put in. But I thought that the chapter wouldn't flow as nice without them. I'm glad you like Gabby. It's always nice to know that your OCs are loved. Thanks for the review.

Arekanderu: Thanks, I'm glad you like it. And thanks for the review!

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Chapter 13

Lex groaned as he lifted himself out of his car. God, he was sore. Sore, bruised, and thoroughly concussed. All he really wanted to do was climb into bed and go back to sleep. But, that just wasn't possible; he had too many things currently on his plate. Victoria had left again for Metropolis to supposedly help Sir Harry draw-up the papers that would finalize their 'deal.' Though, the truth of the matter was that she and Harry were beginning to finalize things with Cadmus Labs. So, Lex had to make sure that there were absolutely no holes in his falsified information.

But before he could do that, he needed to finish getting the Kents their farm back. He still couldn't believe that Jonathan had actually sold Bob Rickman his farm. And though he was pretty sure it hadn't been personal, he couldn't help but feel betrayed. But what was almost worse than the betrayal was the humiliation. He had specifically told Rickman that Jonathan Kent would never sell his farm. So when Kent did, he succeeded in making Lex look foolish, which was something Lex didn't handle very well. Then to top it all off, Clark had come to Lex for help in getting the farm back. Lex just couldn't wrap his mind around the fickleness that was the Kent family.

Yet, despite his personal feelings on matter, Lex had agreed to help. And in return he was given the opportunity to house a fugitive, piss off his nurse, revisit one of the worst nights of his life, and get the shit beat out of him. Lex had expected conflicts to arise when Bob Rickman had come to Smallville. He just hadn't expected them to be of a physical nature. So, he'd been quite surprised when he'd woken up in the back of an ambulance, with a severely bruised back and a concussion. He hadn't wanted to go to the hospital, and had tried to argue. But whatever ordeal he'd been through had left him sore and disoriented; so any arguing had been futile.

Now, after a long night at the hospital and an early morning with his lawyers, he found himself at Clark's; the Kent Farm deed in his hand. It wasn't necessary for him to deliver the papers himself, but he was concerned about Clark. Despite Clark's insistence that he was all right last night at the hospital, Lex had been up all night, the smell of kerosene and gunpowder heavy in the air.

Lex let out a weary sigh as he climbed the front porch steps, and winced as he raised his arm to knock on the door. He turned back to look over the yard as he waited for someone to answer. It wasn't long before he heard the creak of hinges as the screen door was pushed open.

"Lex?" Martha asked, as she stepped out onto the porch.

Lex turned and gave her a small smile. "Good evening, Mrs. Kent."

"My goodness, Lex." She said, taking in the dark bruises that colored his jaw and pale smooth head. "Clark told us you were hurt last night, but I didn't think it was this bad."

Lex couldn't help but grin. "What this?" He asked as he gently ran a hand over the bumps on his head. "Don't worry. Some of this is still left over from the incident with Jeff last week." He paused for a minute, somewhat enjoying Martha's visual criticisms. "If it's any consolation, I'm seriously considering firing my security personnel."

"Well, normally I would think that was being a little rash, but under the circumstances." She trailed off, not wanting to voice what had already been said. "So, Lex, what brings you by?"

"I have something for you." He replied before holding out the deed to the farm.

Martha gave him a wary look then took the document. Her eyes lit up as she skimmed over the first page. "Oh, Lex, thank you." She said as she gave him a warm smile. "This means a lot to us."

Lex continued to grin at her. "It's nothing, Mrs. Kent, really."

"Would you like to come in for a minute?" She asked.

"Actually, I was wondering if I could speak with Clark."

Martha gave him an understanding smile. "Sure. He's in the barn."

"Thank you, Mrs. Kent." Lex said before turning and heading off the porch.

"Not a problem." Martha said. "Oh and Lex!"

He stopped his decent and turned to look at her. "Yes."

"I hope you feel better."

Lex gave her a half smile then continued on to the barn. He grimaced as he climbed up the rickety old steps. As he reached the top of the stairs, he looked over to see his friend sitting on an old trunk. "Clark." He called to gain the other man's attention.

"Hey." Clark replied, rising as Lex approached him.

"You can tell your dad I talked to my lawyers." Lex said. "Because of Rickman's untimely demise, they're not expanding. They ripped up the contract."

"Thanks."

"Hey, what are friends for?"

There was a moment of awkward silence before Clark asked. "How you feeling?"

Lex looked at his friend, wondering how truthfully he should answer that question. "I still don't remember what happened." He said, opting for at least some of the truth. "Are you sure I didn't hurt you?" He asked. He watched Clark simply pat his chest while giving him a look as if it were a foolish question. Lex nodded before walking over to look out the loft window. "I wonder where Kyle is now." He said, trying to avoid any more awkwardness by changing the subject.

"I don't know. It's still strange to think that he and Rickman were once best friends." Clark turned to look at Lex. "Think we'll ever end up like that?"

Lex gave Clark a small smile. "Trust me, Clark. Our friendship is going to be the stuff of legend." He wasn't sure why he chose those words. But something told him that Clark was going to play an important role in his life, even if he died before leaving Smallville. They then turned to watch the steadily sinking sun. The two just stood there for moment, in comfortable silence until Martha's faint voice floated up to them, announcing that dinner was ready.

Clark turned to Lex. "Hey, you want to stay for dinner?"

"Thanks, Clark. But I have to get back to the mansion." Lex replied.

Clark nodded before leading the way down out of the loft. The two parted as they exited the barn. One headed to the house, the other towards the Porsche setting in the drive. "See ya, Lex." Clark called.

Lex didn't reply, just simply gave Clark a nod then slipped into his car. He waited until the door had closed behind his friend before starting the engine. He then threw the car into reverse and sped down the driveway.

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Chloe fidgeted as she sat in the dark leather chair. She definitely hadn't thought this through. But then she hadn't necessarily been thinking clearly when she left her house. She'd been upset and in desperate need to talk to somebody. She'd thought about going to Pete. But as much as she loved him, he wasn't the type of guy that you could go to and to pour your weeping heart out. And Clark was the reason she had a weeping heart to begin with. That had left Lex, her newly found friend and confidant. So, she'd jumped in her car and drove over to the mansion without even considering the fact that he might not be home. Which was why she was currently sitting in his office, waiting for him to return from wherever it was that he went. But Gabby had assured her that Lex would be back soon. So she'd stayed.

"So." she said, as she looked over at the older woman. "You're Lex's personal assistant."

Gabby smiled. "Well, that's the title they gave me."

Chloe raised an eyebrow at that. "Really. Hmm. And would you mind telling me what exactly a personal assistant does?"

Gabby paused for a minute, as if considering her answer. "Basically it means that I take care of Lex. I keep him on schedule; make sure he eats properly. Things like that."

"So, you're pretty much a glorified nanny." Chloe said.

Gabby pursed her lips. "I guess you could call it that." She said before letting out a small laugh. "But if I were you, I wouldn't say that around Lex."

Chloe grinned. "Yeah, you're right. He might take offense."

"Probably." Gabby replied before taking a drink of water. "So, Chloe, why don't you tell me a little about yourself?"

Chloe shrugged. "I'm a sixteen year-old high school freshman, who runs the school paper. And that's about it."

"Come on." Gabby urged. "There has to be more than that."

"No, not really." Chloe replied.

"You've lived in Smallville all your life?" Gabby asked.

Chloe was about to reply, but she was interrupted before she had the chance.

"I thought you were the reporter, Miss Sullivan." Lex said from where he was perched in the doorway.

"Oh, hey, Lex." Chloe greeted.

"Miss Sullivan." Lex returned as he entered the room. "Gabby."

"Hello, Lex." Gabby replied. She paused for a minute before rising off the couch. "Well, I'll leave you two alone. Goodbye, Chloe."

"Bye Gabby, It was nice speaking with you." Chloe called to the woman's retreating figure.

"Gabby." Lex said as a way of goodbye as the woman passed him and went out the door. "So, Chloe." Lex said, sitting down in the spot previously occupied by his nurse. "What brings you by the mansion today?"

Chloe shook her head. "Nothing of importance." She lied. "I just thought I'd stop by, see how you are doing."

Lex raised an eyebrow at her. "I'm fine. A little bruised, but other than that I'm fine." He regarded the young woman sitting across from him then said. "Tell me, Chloe, what's on your mind?"

Chloe let out a long frustrated sigh as she got up and started pacing the room. "I kissed Clark." She blurted out.

It took all of Lex's will power not to groan or pinch the bridge of his nose, but he did allow a small eye roll. "And why is this a problem?" He asked, trying to keep any annoyance out of his voice.

"Because I have feelings for Clark!" Chloe exclaimed. "But I only kissed him because Kyle made me kiss him! And now Clark thinks that's the only reason I kissed him!" She paused just long enough to take a deep breath. "Everything is messed up now." She said. "Because things are going to be awkward between us. And Clark's going to ask whether or not I have feelings for him. And I'll have to lie, because I'm not ready for Clark to find out how I feel about him. I mean if I was ready for him to find out, I would have told him myself."

Lex sat back on the couch as he listened to Chloe rant, hoping he was concealing his annoyance. He couldn't understand why the teenagers of Smallville felt it was necessary to lay their relationship woes on him. Nor could he understand why they were so afraid to speak their feelings to the people they actually had feelings for. When he was younger, Lex had never been afraid to approach girls. If he was interested he didn't hesitate to make it known. But apparently the teens of Smallville were a lot more concerned about rejection than he'd ever been.

Because here he was listening to Chloe Sullivan rant about her unreturned interests in Clark Kent. When just a few days ago he was sitting in this same room listening to Clark Kent rant about his unreturned interests in Lana Lang. Though he had to admit that he really didn't mind Clark's whining over Lana, but for some reason Chloe's pinning was bothering him. And though he was pretty certain he knew the reason, Lex didn't want to admit that he was somewhat jealous. After all, he'd only known Chloe for a short period of time. And in that time he'd come to the conclusion that she was off limits.

A rather loud throat clearing drew him out of his thoughts, and Lex turned to face a very pissed Chloe Sullivan.

"Did you hear a word I just said?" She demanded.

"Truthfully?" He asked. "No. I pretty much tuned you out after the words, 'I have feelings for Clark,' assuming that the rest would be your average teenage angst rant."

Chloe gaped at him, unable to believe that he'd actually admitted to having not been listening to her.

Lex chuckled at Chloe's shocked expression. "I suggest you close your mouth, Miss Sullivan. You might catch something undesirable."

Chloe snapped her jaw closed and glared at Lex. "You know, Lex, I came here thinking I could confide in you. But obviously I was wrong." With that she snatched up her bag and headed for the door.

Lex jumped up off the couch, surprised by Chloe's hasty retreat. "Chloe, wait!" He called to her. He waited until she turned to look at him, her hands firmly planted on her hips.

"What?" She demanded.

"Look, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to offend you." He told her. "And I'm flattered that you thought you could come to me." He paused for a moment then asked, "Would it be possible to blame my lack of manners on my being thoroughly concussed?"

Chloe stood there in the doorway, deciding whether or not to forgive him. He had really hurt her with his indifference, yet his apology had seemed sincere. She let out a long sigh before walking back into the room, and throwing herself down onto the couch. "I just don't understand Clark." She said, glancing up to watch Lex sit down beside her. "Why chase something so far out of reach, when someone just as good is right in front of you?"

"I honestly can't answer that, Chloe." Lex replied, his tone sincere. "But if you sit here, fretting over Clark's lack of interest in you, beyond that of the realm of friendship, then you are just as guilty of wanting the almost impossible as he is."

"Have you ever wanted something that was unattainable?" She asked.

"No." Lex replied. "But then I don't believe that anything is unattainable. It just takes more effort to acquire some things than others."

"So, are you saying I shouldn't give up on Clark or I should forget about him?" Chloe asked, unsure of his stand on the matter.

"I'm saying that you should leave your options open. Don't be like Clark in the regard that you limit yourself to only one fish."

Chloe cocked an eyebrow at him. "Fish, Lex?" She asked teasingly.

"You're right." Lex replied. "Fish is probably too kind a word to use to describe most of the boys at Smallville High."

Chloe grinned at him, her nose scrunched up and her eyes hidden behind her cheeks. "Probably."

There was a moment of comfortable silence that passed between them, before Lex asked, "So, Miss Sullivan, what do you propose we do to get your mind off of Clark?"

Chloe was a bit shocked by the statement, not really expecting Lex to invite her to stay. But she was able to recover quickly. "I don't know." She said. "Do you have any suggestions?"

Lex pursed his lips as he considered his options. He didn't feel like staying at the mansion, especially since he was supposed to start back up on his chemotherapy Monday morning. Therefore, he would most likely be stuck either at the mansion or his apartment in Metropolis all next week; depending on what happened with Victoria. But the already darkened sky and the cold February air didn't make the outdoors any less appealing. A small smile crept across his face as an idea struck him. "Grab you're coat, Chloe." He told her. "And come with me."

Chloe quickly jumped off the couch, grabbing her coat and bag as she scrambled to catch up with Lex, who was currently putting on his own jacket as he walked out the door. "Lex, wait! Where are we going?" She asked.

"You'll see." He replied, without bothering to stop or turn around.

"Lex!" Chloe said sternly after catching up with him. "I'm not sure what gave you this impression, but I do not like surprises."

Lex chuckled a little. "Relax, Chloe." He said lightheartedly. "Live a little."

"I do live." Chloe scoffed. "A lot. But that still doesn't mean that I don't want to know where we're going." By this time the two had made their way to and out of the front door, where Lex's Porsche was parked. Chloe stopped, poised at the top of the stairs that led to the mansion's main entrance, starring warily at Lex's car. "You know, maybe I should drive." She quipped. "After all, I would like to arrive at our destination in one piece."

Lex smirked down at the young blond. "Out of all the car accidents that have occurred in this outlandish little town since my arrival, do you know how many I've played a part in?" He asked. "One. Granted, I almost killed not only myself, but Clark Kent as well. But wayward spoils of barbwire are bound to cause such things to happen. Besides," he said, after a brief pause. "You don't know where we're going." And with that, he walked down to the car, leaving her standing on the doorstep.

Chloe let out a frustrated sigh. "Fine." She said as she threw her hands up in defeat. She ignored Lex's smug look as she walked around the car and opened the passenger door. "But I want you to know that I'm not happy about this." She told him, before ducking her head and getting in.

"Duly noted." Lex replied, through a small chuckle as he himself climbed into the car.

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Lex frowned as he flew down Route 8 towards downtown Smallville. He figured that Chloe was trying to exact retribution, but this was just awful. "Chloe?" He asked, his annoyance and slight confusion evident in his voice. "What the hell are we listening to?"

Chloe grinned innocently over at him. "What? You don't like this song?" She asked.

"No." Lex told her, completely deadpan. He paused for a minute, listening to the words. "It makes no sense."

"Sure it does." Chloe retorted. "It's a story about teenage boys trying to score down by a muddy river, where they usually swim, drink, and talk about girls."

"Of course." He replied sarcastically. "I suppose what threw me off was the fact that 'it gets hotter than a hoochie coochie' down by the Chattahoochie."

Chloe couldn't help but laugh, her body trembling from her mirth. "What threw you off?" She asked through her giggling.

Lex closed his eyes for a second then leaned forward to change the station, refusing to repeat himself simply for her amusement.

"Hey!" Chloe exclaimed as she grabbed a hold of his hand, preventing it from touching the dials. "You're not allowed to touch the radio." She told him.

Lex raised an eyebrow as he glanced over at her. "Excuse me, Miss Sullivan?" He asked. "I do believe this is my car, and therefore my stereo system."

"That may be true, Lex." Chloe quipped. "But I'm the passenger, and as such, I have total and complete control over the music selection."

"And just how did you arrive at that assumption?" Lex asked.

"I didn't." Chloe told him with a smile. "It's just one of those rules that everyone follows."

"One of those rules?" He repeated.

"Yeah, like the guest picks the movie or the guy pays for dinner. One of those rules." She said.

"I see." Lex replied. "Please forgive me, Miss Sullivan, I would never have attempted to change the radio from this horrendous song had I known this rule." He said sarcastically.

Chloe grinned at him, completely ignoring his cynicism. "Not a problem, Lex." She quipped, cheerfully.

The two sat in silence for a while, the fields of Smallville starting to give away to a more urban setting. Alan Jackson's song had ended and Tim McGraw had picked up where the other man had left off, singing about green grass, corn, and rocking chairs. Lex had to admit that it wasn't too bad. He'd never really listened to country music; it had just never been too prominent in any of his circles. But as he sat here, actually listening to it, he found it somewhat pleasing. "I never would have pictured you as a country music fan." He said, as he brought the car to a stop at a stop sign.

Chloe shrugged. "After hanging out with Clark and Pete, it kind of grew on me." She told him. "There're still some artists I don't care for, such as George Strait. But most of it's alright." Another moment of silence stretched between them, before she asked. "So, are going to tell me where we're going?"

Lex smirked at her. "No, Chloe, I'm not." He said as he turned down Main Street. "But don't worry, the suspense is almost over." He found an empty space along the street and easily squeezed the Porsche in between the two other cars. "Come on." He said after killing the engine and making sure it was clear to open his car door.

Chloe climbed out of the car and waited for Lex to join her on the sidewalk. "You know, Lex, I'm a little disappointed." Chloe commented. "I thought you were going to take me somewhere more exciting than downtown Smallville." She said as the two made their way down the street.

"You know, Miss Sullivan." Lex almost snapped. "I'm beginning to think this was a bad idea. Perhaps I should just take you back to the mansion so you can get your car and go home." He said, as he turned to walk back to the Porsche.

"Lex, no!" Chloe pleaded, grabbing a hold of his arm to stop his retreat. "I'm sorry." She told him. "I'll behave. I promise."

Lex paused for a minute after Chloe released his arm then continued to lead her down the street. "So, Chloe." He said. "I heard you had your first horseback riding experience this week."

Chloe groaned. "Don't remind me." She groused.

"It was that bad was it?" He asked teasingly.

"I don't know how people can do that for hours on end." She said. "I mean, we were only out there for the afternoon and my ass and thighs are still sore."

Lex chuckled. "It just takes some getting used to." He assured her.

"Yeah, right." She muttered. "I don't know how anyone could do that long enough to get used to it. It's like acquired tastes. Why would I force myself to eat something that tastes awful in hopes that I'll learn to love it? It just doesn't make any sense."

"Contrary to what you may think, Miss Sullivan, there are circumstances in which it is beneficial to have obtained certain acquired tastes." Lex replied, as he directed her towards one of the entrances that lined the street.

"Well, I don't think we'll be reverting back to the horse and buggy anytime soon, so I think I'll just stick to my car if that's alright with you." She quipped as she went through the door he was holding open for her. It took a minute for her to notice their surroundings, but when she did her face lit up. She turned around and smiled at Lex. "Chef Wu's!" She exclaimed. "I love Chef Wu's!"

Lex smirked at her. "I thought this might be alright." Lex paused for a minute as something occurred to him. "You haven't eaten yet have you?"

Chloe grinned up at him. "Nope. And Chinese sounds perfect."

"Good." He replied, before gesturing towards the counter.

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It wasn't long before they were seated at a little booth towards the back of the small restaurant, a ton of Chinese food placed before them. The two just sat there, enjoying their food, the silence comfortable between them.

"So," Lex asked after some time had passed. "Have you had a chance to try out your Christmas gift?"

Chloe held up her hand until she finished crewing her egg roll. "As a matter of fact, yes, I have." She replied after swallowing. "I worked a little on the Tango."

Lex nodded his head. "Excellent choice." He told her. "You'll have to come over to the mansion one evening and I'll show you a couple moves to add to your repertoire. That way you'll be better prepared for next year's party."

"Ok." Chloe agreed, unable to keep the smile off her face. "You know, Lex." She said. "Now that you've brought it up, you never did tell me what you do all night in that coat closet."

Lex furrowed his brow as he feigned confusion. "I'm pretty sure we covered that."

"No." Chloe replied. "I brought it up and you side tracked me by mentioning Star Wars."

"Ah, yes." Lex said. "I remember." He paused for a minute then added, "You know, Chloe, I don't believe I told you this that night, but you looked stunning in that black dress."

"Thanks, Lex." Chloe replied. "But flattery isn't going to get you out of answering my question."

Lex pursed his lips before shoveling a piece of teriyaki chicken in his mouth. "I told you, Chloe, it all depends on my mood."

"So," she hedged as she waved her chopsticks in the air. "Give me an example."

"I'm afraid you're going to be terribly disappointed with the normalcy of my answer."

Chloe sighed. "Trust me, at this point I'll be thrilled with any answer."

"Well," Lex replied. "I usually read or play solitaire."

"And." She prompted.

Lex shrugged his shoulders before taking another piece of chicken. "And that's it."

"Wow. That's." She paused, trying to think of how to describe the piece of completely uninteresting information she just received. "That's really boring."

Lex couldn't help but chuckle. "I know." He replied. "Why do you think I keep it such a secret? I wouldn't want to ruin my reputation."

"Well, don't worry, Lex." Chloe told him. "I don't think I'll be printing that in the Torch anytime some."

"Not even the gossip column?" He asked.

"Lex, that's not gossip." Chloe replied. "That's something you tell your kids to put them to sleep."

Lex smiled at her, completely content in her company. His previous weariness and soreness long forgotten due to her quirkiness and charm. Silence stretched between them, only interrupted by the slight sounds of their eating. "Speaking of the Torch," Lex said. "How are things between you and Kwan?"

Chloe shrugged. "Things are alright." She told him. "He's happy that I'm no longer writing about my meteor theories. And I'm happy that I'm not completely restricted to school related topics. So, I guess we've reached a compromise."

"That's good." Lex said. "I'd hate for you to be restricted to writing about the lunch menu."

Chloe laughed. "No, I save that job for Clark."

Lex smirked at her. "He's that good of a writer, is he?"

"No," she scoffed. "But he's too unreliable to be trusted with anything else." She said. "I figure no one will really notice if the lunch menu is missing, especially since it's posted all over the school." She paused for a moment, pushing her rice around on her plate. "But then, maybe if I get Lana to participate more she'll drag Clark along with her.'

Lex frowned at the hurt expression on the girl's face. "I thought we weren't discussing, Clark." He said.

"Sorry," Chloe muttered, before dropping her gaze to the table. "It's kind of hard not to."

Lex hesitated for a moment before reaching across the table and laying his hand on top of hers. He watched as uncertain eyes looked up at him from the unexpected contact. "It's alright, Chloe. I understand that you're upset about getting your heart broken. I'm just sorry that I can't make things less painful for you." He told her, a gentle smile gracing his face. He released her hand as he nodded towards the almost empty plates between them. "You ready?" He asked.

"Yeah," Chloe replied, missing the warmth of the contact between Lex's and her hands. She slid out of her side of the booth, and pulled on her coat. Before heading for the door, Lex following close behind her.

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The ride back to the mansion was filled with silence, which wasn't quite comfortable, but at the same time not awkward either. Lex sighed as he pulled the Porsche to a stop in front of the mansion. The two then climbed out of the car and made their way over to Chloe's.

"You know." Chloe remarked as she opened the door to her old yet trusty car. "I think we should do an interview for the Torch."

Lex looked away as he considered her question. He didn't grant interviews. Reporters had a way of twisting his words, or quoting him out of context. But Chloe was different. The two were friends. So he felt he could trust her. "Alright." He told her.

"Really?" Chloe asked, fully expecting to have been turned down.

Lex smirked at her. "Really." He replied. "Just give me a call sometime later this week. And we'll set something up."

Chloe grinned. "Thanks, Lex." She said. "And not just for the interview but for dinner as well."

Lex smiled. "Not a problem." He replied.

"Well, bye." Chloe returned as she ducked into her car.

"Goodnight, Miss Sullivan." Lex said, before she shut her door. He wandered up the steps to the main door of the house, pausing to watch her pull out of the driveway before going inside.

TBC.