Part 9: Deadlocked

"Chloe!"

Chloe flinched slightly, slowly lifting her head to glare at Clark indignantly. "For the love of Christ, Clark, quit doing that!"

Clark blinked at her stupidly. "What?"

"Using your Speedy Gonzalez trick to sneak up on me!" she snarled, resting her head in her hands tiredly. "I can't even count the number of years you've take off my life already, so if you keep it up, I'll be dead within the year."

"Oh, I'm sorry, Chlo'." Clark said hesitantly.

"And don't call me Chlo'. It irritates the shit out of me."

"But I've always called you Chlo'. I thought you liked it."

Chloe rolled her eyes, "Perhaps when I was fifteen and still in love with you. Now it's just annoying, so please stop."

"Okay." Clark replied quietly.

"Now what can I do you for, Clark?" she asked resignedly, her pounding head still cradled in her hands. "I figure it's safe to assume you wanted something other than a dressing down, so just get to the point."

"It's Lana," he said breathlessly. "And Lex. I saw them together in the hospital."

Chloe snorted, "So. It's only normal for someone to visit a friend in the hospital, especially when that someone put said friend in the hospital in the first place."

"What are you taking about? Lana didn't do anything to Lex." Clark stated incredulously.

Chloe snorted again, "How do you figure, Clark? Did Lex get shot trying to save himself from the bad guys?"

"Well no, but—"

"No buts, Clark, when it comes down to almost getting someone killed, let's stick to the facts." Chloe's head shot up, her eyes narrowed on him intently. "Fact -- Lana is kidnapped and used as leverage. Fact – Lana is unable to protect herself and someone – this time Lex – has to put himself in danger to save her. Fact – Lex is shot trying to protect Lana from bad people with guns."

"But it was Lex who put her in that position in the first place!" Clark argued.

"Really? So it had nothing to do with Lana's uncontrollable need to research an alien space ship?" Chloe stated incredulously. "Well, if we're using that logic, then we could just blame this entire ordeal on you. It was, after all, a space ship from your fucking planet."

"That's not fair, Chloe!"

"Nothing's ever fair, Clark, and that's why you need to step back for once and let Lana take responsibility for her mistakes. You can't always pawn them off on someone else. She needs to deal with the consequences of her actions, without someone taking the brunt of the culpability away from her."

"Fine, I'll give you that much, but that doesn't explain why Lex was hugging her in the hospital."

Chloe sighed heavily, once again gripping her head in her hands. "I don't know Clark. Maybe Lex was reiterating to her that there were no hard feelings. Friends hug all the time. And as much as you like to believe Lex is a bad person, he's always been more than forgiving of those who continuously judge him."

"It wasn't that kind of hug, Chloe. The look on his face seemed – enraptured."

Chloe laughed humorously, forcing down the bile that rose in her throat at the thought of Lana taking comfort in Lex's arms. She bit the inside of her cheek painfully as she tried to rationalize what Clark had just told her, but her old insecurities were terrorizing her newfound common sense.

He walked over to her, resting his hand on her shoulder comfortingly. "Is everything all right, Chlo…e?"

Chloe giggled into her hands, "I'm fine, Clark, why do you ask?"

"You look tired. And almost…defeated."

Chloe's breath caught in her throat. Clark's taking notice that anything might be wrong with her had quite literally stunned her into silence.

But not for long.

Her stunned moment quickly morphed into anger and within seconds pure, hot rage bubbled up inside her.

And after years of staying quiet. Years of doing the right thing and incessantly paying the price.

She let the rage take her in. Fill her up. Push her out.

Chloe dropped her hands on the desk with a resounding slap, the palms of her hands stinging tantalizingly. She narrowed her eyes at him, her lip curling up dangerously. "And why shouldn't I look tired?" she asked harshly. "It's not like anyone ever gives me a break. It's not like I ever get to leave the Daily Planet. It's not like I ever get five minutes to just be. To be alive and human and happy." Chloe shook her head angrily, her hands trembling slightly as she seethed. "Nope, not me, not Chloe. I can't have even a moment's peace without some ignorant, selfish bastard waltzing, walking or super-speeding in here and ripping the proverbial rug out from under my feet!"

"I'm so-" Clark began, his mouth snapping shut as Chloe stood up and pressed herself against him bodily, her eyes cynically intent on his face as she spoke.

"Can it, Clark. I've been holding this in for a long time and what I really don't want or need to hear right now, is your too little, too late apology." She eyed him critically, her anger quickly dissipating, leaving behind an overwhelming void of nothingness.

Clark blinked at her, his eyes widening slightly as he processed her words. He nodded slowly, swallowing visibly as she shifted against him, her breasts rubbing against his hard chest suggestively.

She watched the various emotions flit across his face. Both confusion and determination battling for domination.

She briefly considered using him, thought for a moment that it would be nice to just forget everything and use Clark Kent as a means to an end.

Chloe shook her head, frowning as she worked to clear her thoughts. She peered up at Clark, smirking inwardly at the flare of desire in his eyes, letting herself have this one silent victory before quickly changing the subject.

Chloe smiled at him coyly, running her hands up his chest slowly, reveling in the sharp intake of breath the action drew from him. "Wow, Clark. You sure switch gears quickly. For someone so sure a hug meant eternal damnation for the woman he loves."

Clark jumped back, moving around the desk uncomfortably. "I don't know what you mean, Chloe." He responded breathlessly. "I'm just angry and confused and you're playing with me."

Chloe snorted, "Playing with you? I'm not playing with you, Clark. I quit trying my feminine wiles on you ages ago." Chloe tilted her head at him, folding her arms over chest defensively as she continued. "But you did just totally prove my point."

Clark raised his brows at her questioningly, "I did?"

"Yes. You proved my point on how different extremes in emotion can skew ones perspective." Chloe reseated herself, leaning back in the chair and eyeing him apathetically. "My variance in personality combined with your confusion and anger towards Lana made you react differently towards me. Just like the recent stress Lana and Lex experienced together may push them closer – for the moment."

"Oh. I never thought of it like that."

Chloe smiled at him reassuringly. "Everyone reacts differently in the aftermath of stressful situations. It's perfectly normal, so try not to worry about it so much."

Clark nodded slowly, "You're right. I'll try not to let it get to me, but it's really difficult sometimes. I know Lex has feelings for Lana., and we both know how persuasive he can be."

"That's for sure..." Chloe muttered, her mind drifting off to all the times Lex had effectively changed her mind.

Clark's voice calling her name snapped her out of her reverie and she looked up at him dazedly, "What?"

"I asked if you'd mind talking to Lana, you know, just to judge how she feels about things."

Chloe made a face of loathing at the thought, shaking her head insistently, "No, not this time, Clark."

Clark looked at her pleadingly, "Please, Chloe. It would really help.

"What do I look like, Clark? Dear fucking Abby?"

"No, of course not. But you're my best friend and the only one I can trust to follow through."

Clark looked ready to beg, and Chloe had to force herself not to make him. Sighing heavily she nodded, "Fine. I'll talk to her, but only if she contacts me first. I'm not going to go fishing for information."

Clark smiled at her blindingly, "Thanks, Chloe. I owe you."

And then he was gone.

Chloe frowned, rolling her eyes at the papers left in his wake that were now floating lazily to the floor.

Chloe shivered, an intense foreboding running powerfully down her spine.

Chloe took a deep breath, forcing herself ignore the feeling and stand up.

But as she walked out of the Daily Planet she couldn't shake a distinct, sickening feeling.

Doom.

Chloe trudged through the hallway of her dorm, slowly making her way to her room. She'd been on her way to see Lex when her phone rang, and she'd stupidly answered it.

And now she found herself standing outside her dorm room, mentally coaching herself for a heart-to-heart with Lana.

Chloe grimaced, shuddering violently at the thought.

After her conversation with Clark, she really didn't feel up to talking to Lana, but the girl had sounded so distraught, Chloe thought it would just be easier to listen to her. And since she'd told Clark she would, she didn't see any reason to put it off.

Of course, Chloe was also hoping the torture of listening to Lana whine might give her more insight on what had happened between her and Lex.

Thus providing her with more ammunition in which to slay the beast.

Sighing resignedly, Chloe unlocked the door, then entered the room. She immediately noticed Lana resting on the far bed, her face relaxed in sleep.

Chloe closed the door, then walked over to Lana quietly. She sat down on the edge of the bed, reaching a hand out and brushing the hair from Lana's face gently. Chloe smiled softly, then leaned over the sleeping girl, bringing her face impossibly closer to hers.

"Lana!" she shouted maliciously, giggling to herself as she quickly recoiled away from her.

Lana woke with a start, her upper body immediately jack knifing off the bed. "What? Who?" Lana muttered sleepily, her gaze flitting around the room frantically.

Her eyes finally settled on Chloe and she blinked at her owlishly before recognition slowly crept across her face. "Oh. Chloe. It's you."

Chloe rolled her eyes mockingly. "Wow. Imagine that -- since you did call me and all."

Lana frowned, closing her eyes and pressing her fingers against the bridge of her nose as she spoke, "Yes, sorry Chloe. I'm just a little out of it right now."

Chloe rolled her eyes internally, pasting an understanding smile on her face as she replied, "Of course, of course. It's perfectly normal for you to be out of it after being kidnapped – and nearly killed – again."

Lana sighed heavily, adjusting a pillow behind her so she could sit up properly. "I know. It's just terrible how these things keep happening to me. And this thing with Lex – I'm just really angry and confused right now." Lana reached out, placing her hand over Chloe's trustingly. "That's why I called you, Chlo'. I knew you'd be able to put things in perspective for me."

Chlo'. Chlo'. Chlo'. The words reverberated through Chloe's psyche, the petulant sound of Lana's voice igniting the same level of ire she experience earlier with Clark. She pushed it back, forced herself to restrain her urge to lash out. Almost succeeded.

Until Lana continued. Filthy, vile lies spewing from her pouty lips. "He told me he loves me, Chlo'. He asked me to be with him, to be his partner forever. It was all really confusing. I ju-"

Lana's voice faded to nothing, yet her mouth kept moving. Chloe's eyes narrowed dangerously, her hands fisting in the comforter she was seated on. Her heart pounded in her chest, her breath suddenly rasping from her lungs.

And she suddenly knew what it was like to see red.

"Don't. Call. Me. Chlo'." She ground out, her jaw tight with anger, her shoulders aching from the urge to strike.

Lana paused, tilting her head at Chloe questioningly, "What?"

"I said, don't call me Chlo'. I can't stand it, and I'm sick of hearing it, so cease with the fucking Chlo'." Chloe raged.

Lana blinked at her, "Uh…okay."

"Good. Now that we're past that, let me ask you one question regarding Lex's so-called love for you." Chloe paused, waiting momentarily until she was sure she had Lana's full attention. "Did he actually say those exact words?"

Lana blinked at her again, "What do you mean?"

Chloe huffed angrily, "I mean, did he actually say to you, 'Lana, I love you,' or are you just adlibbing?"

Lana's brow wrinkled as she watched Chloe, puzzlement evident on her face. "Adlibbing? Chloe, wha—"

"Quit fucking around Lana and tell me the truth. Did Lex look you in the eyes and tell you that he loves you and wants you to be his life partner?"

"Well, not exactly, but-"

Chloe put her hand up, interrupting Lana's next bout of excuses, "What the fuck is with you people and your buts? Can't you speculate and assume based on facts, instead of wishful thinking and horseshit?"

"Chloe, I'm not spouting wishful thinking and horseshit. Lex told me about his dream, that he and Clark were friends, but I was the best part."

Chloe snorted, cackling hysterically as Lana's words sunk in.

"Chloe…are you okay? What's so funny?" Lana asked hesitantly.

"You're funny. I'm funny. This whole ordeal has been way too funny." Chloe muttered.

"I'm afraid you've lost me..." Lana said suspiciously.

Chloe sobered quickly and leveled her passionate gaze on Lana, then said, "Do you want to know why you were the best part? Because Lex told me about his dream and I'd be happy to fill you in, if you really wanted it explained to you – you know, just between us girls."

Lana's eyes widened, "He told you about it? Why?"

"That doesn't matter." Chloe said, waving her hand dismissively. "The real question is whether or not you really want to hear the truth. If you can handle the grey areas that Lex so conveniently left out."

"Of course I can handle it. I'm an adult, not some ignorant child." Lana said defensively.

Chloe snorted, rolling her eyes at Lana condescendingly.

"Come on, Chloe. Just tell me already." Lana said heatedly, her voice quivering slightly.

The only reason you were the best part of Lex's dream, was because you ended up dead.

Chloe thought the words. Rolled them over in her head. Felt the pricelessness of them on her tongue, hooting inwardly at the look of horror that would cross Lana's face if she were to actually utter them.

Then she remembered her promise to Lex.

Cursed him relentlessly. Hating her loyalty to him. Hating his hold over her.

Wished thinking it would make it so.

"Well?" Lana asked tensely.

"Nothing. Forget it." Chloe muttered distactedly.

"Forget it!? You brought it up and now you want me to forget it?!" Lana yelled.

Chloe stood up, nodding slowly, "I never should've mentioned it in the first place. Lex told me about his dream in confidence and I was out of line to even bring it up. I'm sorry."

Lana gaped at her, her mouth hanging open in exasperation.

Chloe rolled her eyes, stepping closer to Lana and placing her hands on her shoulders. "Lana, it really doesn't matter what I think. If you believe that Lex was professing his undying devotion to you, then that's what matters. The conversation was between the two of you, so it's really up to you to decide what you want to do with the information he provided."

Lana nodded determinedly, "I know. And deep down, I already know what I need to do."

Chloe's gut clenched painfully, her heart immediately crawling up her throat as Lana gazed up at her trustingly. She cleared her throat, letting her hands stroke down Lana's arms soothingly as she replied. "Good. You be sure to let me know what happens."

Lana grasped Chloe's hands, her grip tense and nervous. "Don't you want to know now?"

Chloe shook her head sadly, "No. It doesn't matter."

Lana tilted her head back and locked her gaze with Chloe's, her intense stare making Chloe want to squirm uncomfortably.

Recognition flickered briefly, quickly masked by understanding and the two girls simply nodded in silent agreement.

They both eased their hands back, ready to go, yet not quite ready to let go.

They had been through so much together. Meteor freaks, crushes, destruction, high school. And it all seemed so far away once the battle lines were drawn.

Finally Chloe stepped away from Lana, turned and made her way to the door.

Then she stopped.

Turned and faced Lana once more, her brain nostalgically scanning every thought she'd ever had of her.

The innocent princess. The perpetual thorn in her existence. Her spoiled, narcissistic opponent.

Chloe sighed, an overwhelming sadness crushing her as she watched Lana gazing out the window.

Because as she had turned to leave the room, she had realized something prolific and life changing.

Something considered too little, too late.

That despite all of their faults and quirks. Somewhere – between the lies and tears and hugs and fears.

Somehow, they had actually managed to become – friends.

Lex found the letter on his desk the next morning.

His eyes widened in fear as he immediately recognized the handwriting as Chloe's and he collapsed into his chair, his legs unable to hold him any longer.

He had been afraid of this, scared she'd finally had enough of his shit, and the white envelope sitting before him was most assuredly proof of this.

So, he sat there for a long time, eyeing the envelope accusingly, his hands gripping the arms of his chair tightly, nervous energy wafting off of him in waves.

He closed his eyes in the hopes he would wake up soon and the glaring envelope would be gone.

Opened his eyes and had to fight with himself not to smash everything within reach, sight, ownership.

Frowning deeply, he reached forward, picking up the envelope and scanning it intently. It was blank but for his name on the front, yet he flipped it over in hands repeatedly, even bringing it to his nose and inhaling the Chloe scent of it.

Sighing resignedly, he carefully opened flap, sliding the paper out and warily unfolding it to his hesitant gaze.

Dearest Lex,

I had every intention of coming to see you, but after a run-in with Clark, and then another with Lana, I find myself lacking the strength to face you. I didn't even realize I had chickened out until after I had written your name on this letter, and even then I must have stared at those three letters for almost an hour. I guess I'm not as brave as you so often given me credit, but they say you learn a lot about someone's true character when you see how they react to stressful situations. I guess this doesn't bode well for me.

Don't get me wrong, I want to see you and I want to hear what you have to say for yourself (this time). The real problem lies in my belief that my heart wouldn't be able to withstand the truth, and I really haven't the gumption to find out. So yes, I do realize that sending you this letter is the coward's way out, but at this point, cowardly is the only option I have available.

Lex -- There comes a point where one has to choose between what one desires and what one can feasibly tolerate, and I think I've finally reached my threshold of understanding and gullibility. I now know the road to Hell was paved with good intentions because we have our own private boulevard, just down the way.

I wish there was something that could be said or done to fix what has been happening here, but I can't shake the feeling that something terrible is going to happen. All I can do now is hope you're prepared for the consequences and pray you'll make it out unscathed.

Also remember, if you decide to accuse me of not doing exactly as I said I would, know that that would be the biggest lie you've ever told yourself– because regardless of what happens from here – I did love you for the rest of my life.

And so, I leave you with this – my love:

Do whatever you feel you must do—good or bad, right or wrong. I'll be waiting for you – on the other side.

All my love,

Chloe

P.S. Men are not prisoners of fate, but only prisoners of their own minds. –FDR