Closer
A/N: Okay all, this is the end of this episode! Up next is the Lana ep. :0)
When they got to the airport the driver unloaded the bags for them and handed them to Quinn, who followed a few feet behind them, eyes darting around in paranoia. Once they were inside the terminal, Lex reached into his suit coat and pulled a plane ticket out of the inside pocket. "I'm sorry Pete, but the Luthor Corp jet is being serviced right now. I had to get you a commercial flight," he explained, holding the ticket up.
Pete shrugged. "Thanks but your didn't have to," he accepted the backpack that Quinn held out and slipped it on. "I could have taken the bus."
Lex smirked. "This is quicker," he told Pete. "Have a good flight." He held his hand out to Pete.
"Thanks man," Pete reached out and shook Lex's hand.
Lex held the ticket up again. "I'll check your bag," he offered and grabbed the duffle bag from Quinn, gesturing for the guard to follow him and leave Pete and Chloe some privacy.
Chloe bit her lip, not sure what to say. "I can't believe I'm watching you go again," she finally choked out.
"If you want me to stay..." Pete trailed off, eyeing her carefully.
"I do," she admitted. "But I won't let you stay. You have a life there now, and I need to build one here. Even if that means you won't be a part of it."
"I will be," he assured her, grinning. "Think you could get rid of me? You're crazy." Chloe grinned weakly. When she met his eyes she began to cry softly. Pete reached out and hugged her tightly.
She buried her face in his neck and didn't want to let go. "I'll miss you Pete," she laughed and wiped carefully at her eyes, not wanting to smudge her mascara in the airport, in front of that many people.
"Miss you too," he pulled back slightly and kissed her forehead. Lex was making his way back over now so Chloe and Pete pulled away from each other reluctantly.
Lex stopped beside them and handed Pete the ticket. "You're all set," he told him.
"Thanks," Pete nodded to him and glanced down at the ticket. "Boarding starts in five. I should go."
"Okay," Chloe nodded and smiled sadly. Pete hugged her again.
"Be good," he warned. "Try not to get yourself arrested."
"Ha ha," she rolled her eyes. When Pete continued to stare at her she nudged him. "Go!"
He went. "Bye!" he called over his shoulder. Chloe waved at him and Lex raised a hand briefly as well.
"Pete!" she yelled after him. When he turned around Chloe grinned through her watery eyes. "More than all of the coffee in Columbia!"
He looked confused for a second, but then broke into a grin to mirror hers. "You too Sullivan," he laughed. "More than all of the football in Texas!"
Chloe laughed and wiped at her eyes again. Pete turned around a corner towards the departure gates, and then he was gone. She didn't say anything, just watched the spot where he'd been standing.
Lex squeezed her shoulder reassuringly and she couldn't help but smile.
TBC...
Next time on Smallville:
Lex hands Chloe a French-English dictionary..."Better start packing"...
"Bonjour," Lex nodded to a man in an impecably tailored three piece suit. "Reservations pour Luthor"...
A clanking sound is heard briefly and then a door swings open...Lana blinks dumbly for a moment..."Oh my God!"...
Chloe looks upset and holds a plastic card up to Lex defiantly. "I don't want your money Lex. And I don't want you to buy things for me"...
"With you around he had someone to take care of, he's never had that before," Lana tells Chloe...
Lex helped Chloe out of the limo, and they were greeted by a sudden flurry of camera flashes..."Paparrazi"..."Just smile"....