Disclaimer: I own nothing.

AN: Thanks for the feedback, I really love hearing what you guys thought, helps with the writing process. Sorry if it took a long while before I updated. I already have this chapter all written out but I like updating my stories at the same time so I had to wait until I'm done with the others. So sorry if it took a while. Now here's the lunch date...

Divided Devotions

Chapter 6

"But how?" Lois asked no one in particular as she examined the school report.

She just got out of the chemistry lab where she interrogated the teacher.

Turned out that Mandy and cheerleader number one, whose name was Rhonda, were partners for their science fair project. And like any typical brainless bimbo they thought that they could make a love potion.

Their research was on a hormone called phenyl ethylamine, also known as 'the love molecule'. According to their teacher they didn't exactly get the desired results. So really there was no reason that the football players have become whipped, other than the fact that they were stupid enough to become love slaves.

But Chloe was an entirely different story; her cousin had strong convictions about being an independent woman. Even when they were younger Chloe always put her ambitions above all else. Lois had to literally drag Chloe with her to hunt for boys, way back when. Those were memorable moments that the Lane-Sullivan stubbornness was in conflict.

Seeing her cousin become completely devoted to Clark, it was disgusting and disturbing. It had to be stopped.

She put the folder back into her bag and decided that she should do some reconnaissance work: cheerleader stalking. She shuddered at the thought. The things she had to do for her beloved cousin.

"You two are acting really strange." Chloe commented offhandedly as she fed Lex a grape.

Clark and Lex had been exchanging glares ever since Chloe brought them to the football field, where a picnic was all laid out.

She made four sandwiches. Lex raised a brow at the amount of the food. He knew that Chloe wouldn't be able to consume even one of the gigantic sandwiches, which meant that Clark's appetite was beyond comprehension. He was given one, while the other two were given to Clark, who smirked triumphantly at him. Chloe took the last one, cut it in half and gave it to him; Lex did not think he would have to return Clark's smirk with one of his own, Clark looked sullen enough at Chloe's action.

And so they sat there, eating quietly, the two of them at least. Chloe was bouncing from topic to topic, not quite letting the silence reign over them. He would offer a cursory response and so would Clark.

He and Clark exchanged measured looks while Chloe poured them some juice and fed them, alternately, some fruits.

The scenario was reminded him of a low-rated sitcom. And Lex felt the urge to laugh. He and Clark had been acting like a bunch of idiots. They were reduced to a bunch of Neanderthals, all because of the beautiful blonde in front of him.

He could not deny that he was trying to get the best of Clark, by asking Chloe for more fruits, which she obligingly fed him. In turn, Clark would ask for more juice, which Chloe would obligingly pour for him. He would compliment Chloe on the picnic. Clark would agree and add his own set of compliments.

Chloe just beamed at them, still completely oblivious to the fact that they were fighting over her attention. Or so they thought.

The meal was almost done. The bell would ring any moment, signaling the end of the bizarre picnic. Chloe was putting everything back in the picnic basket, which Lex realized was the very same one she used when she made a picnic for him. She got rid the last of the grape by feeding it to him. And that was when she said something completely hysterical.

She just said that he and Clark were acting strange.

Lex' brow lifted with interest. So she noticed after all. He brought his gaze to Clark, who had a shell-shocked expression. When their eyes met Clark couldn't help himself. He laughed. Out loud.

Lex smirked. He knew exactly what Clark was feeling.

He couldn't believe that after everything, Chloe was the one who made the comment. They were acting strange. She was the one who chose to devote her time to the two of them. She was the one who was acting completely out of character. She was the one who still managed to act like everything was just fine, even when she was faced with the two men she chose to devote herself to.

Clark was choking in his mirth. Chloe was beside him in an instant, patting his back worriedly.

"See this is what I was talking about. The entire time we were eating you and Lex were glaring at each other. Now you're laughing for no reason." Chloe frowned slightly as she kept patting Clark's back and shot Lex a questioning look.

Lex simply shrugged innocently. He was not about to tell her that she took the cake in strangeness.

Chloe gave Clark a bottle of water to help him calm down. Clark just took the drink and drank like there was no tomorrow. She shook her head disapprovingly and patted his back some more.

"I'm okay Chloe." Clark turned around and captured her hand before she could pat his back again.

Chloe's frown deepened. "So will you tell me what's so funny?" She looked at Clark critically.

Lex just looked at Clark expectantly. He was not about to help the farm boy come up with an excuse. And he was just as interested to hear what Clark would say.

"I was just thinking of something funny." Clark rubbed the back of his neck, uncomfortable at the piercing stare that she directed at him. He was not about to tell Chloe that it was completely ironic that she was telling them that they were acting strange when in fact she was the strangest of the bunch.

Chloe huffed impatiently, "Obviously it was something funny. I want to know what."

"It's a, you had to be there kind of funny." He smiled at her sheepishly. Clark hoped that the Kent charm wouldn't fail him now.

Chloe's brows furrowed before she shrugged and continued packing up with only one hand since Clark refused to let go of his hold on her.

Clark shot Lex a meaningful look. Lex nodded, he understood exactly what Clark was trying to say.

Their alliance did not last long. They both admitted that they were enjoying the attention that Chloe was showering them. And perhaps they would have continued their competition if it hadn't been for Chloe's simple words.

They were strange, strange for putting their own desires, before Chloe's own good. It was selfish of them. It was time to suck it up. As enjoyable as it had been being the object of Chloe's devotion, she should be their priority and not their…need to be the center of her world. Besides, the sooner Chloe was cured of her affliction the more likely she could make up her mind on who she wanted to be with.

Maybe she would pick him over Clark. It wasn't that much of a leap. After all she picked him, granted she also picked Clark, as a recipient of her devotion. But maybe she was actually torn between the two of them even before she was influenced by whatever was causing her to behave strangely.

Once she was back to normal then she would be able to make a well-informed decision. He just had to make sure that she made the right one of course.

Once Chloe was her old self again, then he and Clark could go back to being bitter rivals for her affection, which he decided was quite inevitable. After all he and Clark just spent the better part of the hour competing for Chloe's attention. It was a hint of what would happen after Chloe was all better. A battle. For Chloe's heart, body and mind. And it's going to a bitter one.

For now he did not particularly care for being called strange, at least not by someone who was acting beyond strange.

And so he gave Clark a nod of understanding. Alliance back on.

Clark was still holding Chloe's hand in his. Lex looked at their intertwined hands meaningfully. Clark just shrugged in return. Just because he and Lex were officially working together again did not mean that he would submit to all his orders, verbal or otherwise.

Chloe took her hand away from him and gestured for the two of them to get up from the blanket. She then proceeded to fold it and then placed it inside the basket. She looked at the two of them expectantly.

Clark glanced at Lex uncertainly, as though waiting for his cue on how they were supposed to act.

"I need to go to class." She announced cheerily, their earlier discussion completely forgotten. She then proceeded to kiss Clark on the cheek. "I'll see you at football practice."

Lex watched the scene before him, a little discomfited at the display, although he managed to hide his reaction. Outwardly, he looked like he was simply watching a typical scene, two high school seniors showing affection for each other. He was able to keep himself from grabbing Chloe's arm and yanking her away from Clark because he knew that he was going to receive the same treatment.

A hop and a skip later and she was in front of him, kissing his cheek. He turned his head slightly and her lips landed on the corner of his mouth. Chloe pulled back and then unceremoniously planted another kiss on him.

"Okay!" Clark cleared his throat loudly. Lex could not really blame him. Clark probably thought that Chloe was favoring him. He felt slightly superior at the thought. Was it an indication that Chloe actually preferred him over Clark? He would never know because Clark just stepped closer to Chloe.

Chloe looked at Clark with such an innocuous expression. "Do you need more water Clark?"

Clark shook his head. "No, no I don't." He placed a hand on Chloe's arm and pulled her even closer to him. Placed a soft kiss on her lips before he said, "Don't you need to go to class?"

Chloe nodded while giving him a curious look. "I should get going then. I'll see you tonight." She reminded Lex before she picked up the basket and proceeded to leave the two of them.

Lex and Clark stood side by side, as they watched her walk away.

"Should we wave? I think we should wave." Clark murmured as Chloe kept looking back at them.

Lex smirked and Clark smiled as they both waved at her. Chloe practically beamed in delight and waved back with such enthusiasm.

"You do know I would be crashing whatever you guys have set up for tonight, right?" Clark said offhandedly as they kept waving.

"Not if I can't help it." Lex replied in a smooth tone.

"I'll be there." Clark uttered with finality.

"Are we going to discuss this again? Didn't we just agree to work together?" Lex finally faced him fully since Chloe was completely out of sight.

"We did. It doesn't erase the fact that you intruded on my Chloe-time. It's only fair that I'm there for your Chloe-time." Clark countered easily.

"But you'll have her for football practice." Lex pointed out, he successfully masked his impatience by saying the words like it was a matter of fact.

"Yeah but that's different. I won't be spending one on one time with her. So what time are we meeting at the mansion?" Clark folded his arms across his chest; a determined look was on his face.

"Seven." Lex answered curtly. The resolve was etched in Clark's expression; Lex knew the futility of arguing with him. Besides he could very well arrange his own surprise for Chloe and effectively leave Clark in the dust.

"Will someone tell me what the hell is going on?" an irate voice interrupted their conversation.

Lois had been trailing Mandy and Rhonda since they left the rest of the squad at the cafeteria.

The two pompom girls went to the back of the cafeteria and left with a water cooler. She followed after them as they headed for the locker rooms via the football field. She had every intention of going in after the two but something stopped her in her tracks. There were three very familiar figures by the bleachers.

She stepped forward to get a better view and her mouth dropped open at what she saw.

Her cousin just kissed Clark, sure it was just on the cheek but a kiss was still a kiss. Clark did not even flinch at the contact, in fact it seemed like he expected it. What happened next almost gave her a cardiac arrest. Chloe practically skipped towards Lex Luthor. And she proceeded to kiss him on the cheek. Lois felt that Chloe was aiming for his cheek as well, but the bald billionaire turned his head slightly and the kiss landed on his lips.

She felt relief when Chloe pulled back all of a sudden. But her relief was premature since Chloe did not even hesitate in kissing Luthor again, this time there was no doubt that she was aiming for his lips.

"What the hell is going on?" She asked out loud but there was no one near enough to hear her inquiry.

As if what she had seen was not enough, Clark grabbed Chloe's arm and kissed her smack on the lips.

"There must be something in the water." Lois whispered to herself.

She watched as her cousin pick up a basket and started walking away from the two men. Chloe kept glancing back at them and the two waved at her. She just returned the gesture with a wave of her own.

Lois then watched as Clark and Luthor started talking. They seemed to be in a middle of an argument. 'Well screw that!' she thought to herself. She wanted answers. And she wanted them now.

Clark had a lot of explaining to do. He told her that he hadn't had encounters with any Chloe weirdness. Well what she just witnessed was the very definition of Chloe weirdness. And Luthor too. The man acted that a kiss from Chloe was a normal occurrence. Those two idiots better tell her what's going on or they will have to suffer the wrath of Lane.

"Will someone tell me what the hell is going on?" she practically screamed at them as she stomped over. Clark immediately looked guilty while Lex just gave her a sardonic look.

"How long have you been watching us Lois?" Clark recovered enough to sound outraged at her interruption.

"Long enough to see the two of you lip locking with Chloe." She looked at the two of them through narrowed eyes.

"Look Lois-"

"And don't you even try to tell me that it wasn't what it looked like. You," she pointed an accusing finger at Clark, "and you." She glared at Lex. "You two are taking advantage of Chloe."

Lex raised an aristocratic brow at her accusation. "Ms. Lane, you do not have sufficient knowledge of the situation at hand. Your accusations are completely unfounded."

"Look Luthor, I'm neither blind nor stupid! I saw you kiss Chloe. And you, Smallville, I warned you." She glared at Clark, who just stood there, completely unruffled. Which was an odd phenomenon, she was used to Clark acting so…farm boyish. But this Clark seemed confident and resolute.

"I believe Chloe kissed me." Lex countered with such disinterest. "If anyone deserves to be at the receiving end of your ire that would be Clark. After all he was the one who actually initiated a kiss between him and Chloe." He contributed helpfully.

Clark glowered at Lex. Bastard was deliberately putting him in the path of Lois' anger.

Lois nodded and then smacked the back of Clark's head.

Clark pretended to rub the spot that she hit. "What was that for?" He glared at her.

"I told you not to take advantage of her." Her fury was clear in her eyes. "But that still does not explain your involvement." She looked at Lex pointedly.

"Aren't you supposed to be working on the Torch?" Clark intervened, he was not sure if Lex wanted to involve Lois in anything. Even he was not sure how much he wanted to tell Lois about the entire thing.

Lois scowled at him, "I am. And I think the attack on Coach Teague by that football player had something to do with the way that Chloe has been acting. I went to the hospital to question what's-his-name and all he could remember was feeling an overwhelming jealousy. He thought the coach was checking his girlfriend out."

"You went to see Dan?" Clark looked absolutely shocked that she was actually investigating.

"Yeah, and then I find out that two of the cheerleaders tried to make a love potion for the science fair." She held out the folder to them.

Lex took the proffered information. It could very well help them with the situation with Chloe.

"They were messing with the love molecule, phenyl ethylamine. Only it didn't work according to their chemistry teacher." Lois added as Lex perused the school report.

"They must have used the meteor rocks." Clark muttered quietly.

"The what now?" Lois focused her attention on Clark.

"The meteor rocks." Clark repeated as he spared a glance at Lex' direction. He wasn't entirely sure if it was safe to allow this information to travel to Lex' ears. After all Lex could probably use this to further his own interest.

Lex looked up from what he was reading and saw the conflicted expression on Clark's face. "I'm not going to try and take over the corporate world with a love potion if that's what you're worried about Clark." It took a great deal of effort not to roll his eyes at Clark's attitude.

Clark looked slightly disbelieving, not about the love potion part but about the meteor part. He decided to let it go for now. Their goal was to get Chloe back to normal.

Lois was pretty much ignoring them as she tried to connect the dots. She snapped her fingers, "They're lacing the drinks for the football players. I saw the pompom brigade carrying the water cooler. And it probably wears off eventually, that's why they keep spiking the drinks. To keep the players as their love slaves, which is exactly how Chloe's been acting around you." She poked Clark on the chest.

Lex was mildly amused by the display. He was not about to tell Lois that he was also at the receiving end of Chloe's devotion. Her poke looked like it hurt.

"Then how did Chloe manage to get a hold of that drink? How long before it wears off?" Clark was glad that he did not have to bring up the fact that he took a drink as well; it just might arouse some questions on why he hadn't become a devoted footballer.

"She was trying to interview the coach for that incident with football guy; maybe she had a drink then. I remember because that was an hour before she decided to quit the Torch." Lois said as she took the folder from Lex.

"So now we know the what and the how. We just have to find out how to reverse it, since your research seemed to suggest that there's a way to end it, without waiting for the drug to wear off." Lex finally contributed to the conversation, after a thorough examination of the science fair project. Sometimes it truly helped having an IQ of a genius.

"Can't you get your scientists to find out? Maybe we can get a sample and then they can find a cure." Clark suggested hopefully.

Lex nodded, "We can do that. But we have to explore the possibility that the…" He looked at Lois, "pompom brigade know how to reverse this. The immediate reversal would serve Chloe better."

Lois was nodding in agreement. "I only have the partial report. I think the head cheerleader has the entire thing. She probably has the thing under lock and key." She gnawed at her lower lip. "Come to think of it she never goes anywhere without her faux Prada bag. She may have the cure with her all along."

"Maybe you should try getting her bag. Clark get me a sample of the drink, I'll take it to my researchers. Then you and Lois should work on getting that bag from her." Lex was back in command. Now that they knew how to deal with the situation he had something concrete to focus on.

"What else are you going to do?" Clark looked at Lex suspiciously. He saw a glint of…something in Lex' eye.

"I'll keep an eye on Chloe. I'm guessing that she tends to get overly jealous at the sight of you with another woman. Lois would be safer if she doesn't see the two of you together. I'll keep her in check." He said in a reassuring tone.

Inwardly he felt triumphant. He wouldn't have to take extreme measures to ensure that Clark would not interfere with whatever surprise Chloe had for him. He would be actually doing the farm boy a favor, by keeping her occupied Clark wouldn't have to deal with an overzealous Chloe.

Clark looked absolutely torn. On one hand they could find out how to get Chloe back if he followed Lex' suggestion, on the other it would mean that Chloe would be spending more time with Lex. Not exactly his ideal solution. He was too preoccupied at the possible scenarios that Chloe and Lex would end up in that he missed the narrowing of Lois' eyes.

Lois was looking at the two of them. She crossed her arms across her chest and gave Lex a measured look, "You never did tell me why you're so concerned about Chloe. And why you let her kiss you."

TBC