A/N: Thanks to everyone for your encouragement. The reviews to all my fics have been extremely supportive, so as part of Thanksgiving, I'd like to show my appreciation to y'all by updating each one of them. Hope you enjoy.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Disclaimer in Prologue I"I don't like this one bit," Lana told Clark and Pete as they discussed Chloe, her recent affiliation with Lex and her increasing absences. They sat around the counter at the Talon.
"Me, either," echoed Clark.
However, Pete Ross had his doubts. "I may not be a big fan of Lex Luthor," he started. "But we all know Chloe. She wouldn't be hanging out with him out of spite for you two."
"It's not about us, Pete," Lana defended. "Do you really think that Chloe could be happy with Lex?"
"Chloe's an independent person," he pointed out. "I'm sure that she, of all people, would be well-aware of her own happiness."
"Then what would you suggest that we do?" Clark challenged.
"Supporting her as her friends. I'm sure she's going to get enough pariah treatment from this town once they get wind of this. If they haven't already."
"If we're really her friends," Lana argued. "We shouldn't stand by and let Lex manipulate her into liking him. Who knows what his real intentions are?"
"And what if they're honorable?" Pete retorted, not believing that he himself was practically defending Lex.
"Please," Lana guffawed. "Chloe's happiness lies with us and her dad. And we need to protect her from the likes of Lex. Even if it means that she'll be temporarily heartbroken. She'll thank us in the long run."
Pete threw his hands in the air as a sign of surrender. "Well, count me out of it. Even if it means bringing down Lex, I don't have the stomach or the heart to hurt my best friend. Even if it is with good intentions."
With that, he left.
Lana seemed bothered by Pete's refusal, so as always, Clark came to her rescue. "Don't mind him, Lana. He's just looking out for Chloe in his own way. Just like you and I are going to in our own way."
Lana smiled in appreciation. "Thanks, Clark."
"So what do you have in mind to help Chloe?"
"Well, for one, we are going to need reinforcements," she pointed out.
Clark threw her a confused look. "What do you mean?"
"You and I are not going to be enough to dissuade Chloe or Lex from seeing each other again," she said.
"We're telling my parents?" he asked her, still unenlightened.
"Even better," she grinned. "Lionel Luthor."