Title: Breaking Chloe Sullivan

Summary: Her strength is intriguing him, her fire captivating him, but can she survive his interest? Lex decides it's time to find out, what exactly will it take to break Chloe Sullivan?

Shipping: Chlark Chlex mostly Chlark

Major Characters: Chloe Clark Lex

Author's Note: Just a heads up, I don't really like this chapter. It's kind of a filler, but it does have necessary info in it. I just wasn't really feelin' it, but I had to get it in there. I've already got a lot of the next chapter written in my head, and it's driving me crazy, so I had to finish Ch. 2 so I can now go on to Ch. 3. But I hope you enjoy it anyways, and I'll have the next one up ASAP!

Reviews:

Kit Merlot: Nice catch, yes, the Lex in this story is a little more jaded a little bit sooner than the Lex in the show. However, in the show, Chloe's dad didn't die the day of the twisters either. Lex will commit some extremely evil acts in this story, I'm warning you. But he's not evil necessarily, and he has his reasons. As of yet, I'm not really sure where this story is going to go, so we'll see where it takes us both, lol.

CYTstagepenguin: Smallville is amazing, I totally share your enthusiasm! I'll try to post regularly, but I'm really busy so we'll see how it goes, and occasionally I get hit with writer's block, God I hate it! But yes I will definitely be writing more.

Supergirl10830: Okay people, take notes, THAT is how you write a review! Thanks so much for all the compliments! You really got the whole friendly/intimate Chlark thing, very good. As for Lex...you'll just have to wait and find out.

inspire16: I totally know where you're coming from with the whole Chlex and Chlark thing. I was into Chlex for awhile myself, but of course the Chlark is where it's at. Thanks, beautiful huh? I will continue as long as the muse keeps coming!

lacoma: I'll try to update as fast as I can!

tatie87: Lex is up to bad things as always, but, although there will be a lot of Chlex, the story will be a Chlarker.

Previously:

Chloe

Clutching fistfuls of his T-shirt, feeling his legs entwined with hers, feeling his arms around her, and feeling his hands on her back as he held her close...that was how Chloe drifted off to sleep. Because she felt safe, because he protected her against the nightmares, because she wasn't alone...

Clark

So beautiful in her strength...so beautiful in her fragility...how could she be both at once? Clark let the question go, choosing instead, to just let himself relax, and hold her tight as he drifted off to sleep.

Lex

How strong was this girl? That she could offer him comfort for his loss in the midst of hers was something he hadn't expected. Maybe this experiment of his would be something worth pursuing further than he'd originally intended...

Ch. 2 I Can Do This

The next morning Chloe was the first one to wake up...and she didn't want to move. She could feel herself move up and down with each breath Clark took, and she relished how the top half of her body was resting on top of him, how her cheek rested on his chest. His arm was wrapped around her, and the other folded up on itself so his hand could rest on hers, placed atop his chest. Raising her head slightly, Chloe looked at his innocent face. A soft smile found its way to her lips, he was just so...so...something...

Then he opened his eyes, and he found hers, smiling as well. "Hi," he whispered softly. "Hi," she whispered back. Clark brushed his fingers over hers before moving both arms to prop himself up on his elbows. Chloe missed his arms...but she moved, sitting up and crossing her legs indian style beneath the covers, turning to face him as he leaned against the headboard. He was fully awake now and Chloe could see the concern in his eyes, so she looked down, and Clark noticed. "Hey, Chloe look at me," he ordered, leaning forward, concern creeping into his voice.

Reluctantly, Chloe met his eyes and immediately Clark reached forward and placed his hand on hers. "I'm here..." he said, and it was all she needed. One tear slowly trailed down her cheek, dripped off her chin, and it was followed by another, and then another until the sobs wracked her small body relentlessly. "Chloe," said Clark softly, gathering her into his arms and holding her close. She clung to him, unable to stop the pain now that she had opened herself to it. "Why Clark? I don't understand! Why'd he have to go?" cried Chloe desperately.

Clark shook his head, holding her tighter, and wishing with all his might he could take this pain from her, but he had no answer. "I'm sorry Chloe, I'm so sorry!" It was all he could say but it was the wrong thing. She lashed out at him, suddenly in a rage, hitting his chest with balled up fists. "You're sorry! Good! You should be! If you hadn't run off to go save Lana none of this would have happened! My dad would still be alive! It's all your fault Clark! It's all your fault! It's...all your...fault..." Clark just held her tighter and she collapsed against his chest, her sobbing was harder than ever and she couldn't say anything else. But she still held onto him, her one lifeline, she held onto him as if she'd never let him go, and Clark held her back, forgiving the harsh words that had spewed from that pretty mouth.

Awhile later, after her sobs had subsided, after the grief had diminished to a dull ache in the center of her chest, Chloe pulled back and looked at him. "Clark I'm sorry, I didn't mean that...about it being your fault, I just-" "Chloe," he interrupted, "it's okay, I know you didn't mean it, you're hurt and I understand that." She looked at him with relief, but a part of her wondered if he really did understand. Sighing, she got out of bed, throwing off the covers and running her fingers through her hair.

What came next? What was she going to do now? How was she going to keep on living? For a moment she just wanted to crumple into a heap on the floor, to curl up in Clark's arms and never, ever have to move. She was just so tired, she could feel it in her bones, and all she wanted to do was go back and sleep in Clark's arms forever. Then she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror, and she could see the weakness, in her posture, in her face, in her eyes. Clark was there too, in the mirror, and that same expression was on his face, a mix between concern, worry, and sadness. God she hated it so much! Pull yourself together Sullivan!

So she stood up a little straighter, lifted her chin a little higher, and forced herself to smile at him. "So Clark, what do you prefer on the morning after?" Clark looked at her for a second, puzzled, and he started to answer, "The morning after wh-" Then he noticed the smirk on her face and the gleam in her eye, and he caught onto her meaning. His face turned beat red and he looked down at the sheets, twisting them nervously in his hands.

Now Chloe had to press her luck just a little bit farther, she couldn't resist it. Walking slowly over to him, she climbed onto the bed, and he looked up at her with startled eyes. "Do you like to just ly in bed all day? Or...do you like to have some more fun?" She pushed his shoulders back against the headboard and straddled his hips, looking at him with questioning eyes while her hands played with the hair at the nape of his neck. Clark just gaped at her, at a loss of what to say, and Chloe smiled wider, thoroughly enjoying his discomfort.

Deciding to take the play just a little further, she leaned in, her eyes taking in his lips, and then going back to Clark's. This movement was agonizingly slow and Clark couldn't help but lean in to meet her, couldn't resist the temptation to put his hands on her small waist. Just as their lips were about to connect, Chloe pulled away laughing, getting up and heading for her sweat pants in one graceful move. She slipped them on and headed to the door, where the smell of Martha's cooking was wafting up the stairs, throwing Clark one last smirk over her shoulder as she exited the room.

What the hell! Clark just sat there for a few minutes or so, trying to slow his heartbeat, trying to breathe normally, and trying to decipher what had just happened. Shaking his head, he got up and started to head downstairs, his skin still tingling. Even as he tried to shake it off, Clark knew that that memory of her, so close to him, would haunt him for a very long time. At this point he couldn't really decide if that was a bad thing or a good thing.

Upon entering the kitchen he saw Chloe sitting at the table eating pancakes, and the sight of her warmed something inside of him, making him smile. She was eating, something else she hadn't been doing a lot of lately, but rather than comment on it, Clark just let it go. As he grabbed a plate and helped himself to some pancakes, his mom gave him a knowing look, and Clark thought once more that she must practice it in front of a mirror because it was perfect. He knew that she knew about him sleeping with Chloe last night, and he also knew that she approved, but only on rare occasions.

"Morning Mom," he said, smiling happily at her. "Good morning Clark," she replied, a wry tone in her voice. Clark dug into his pancakes and glanced over at Chloe, who was obviously enjoying hers. She reached for her glass of milk and was in the process of drinking it when her eyes met Clark's. They simultaneously burst into laughter and Chloe almost had milk come out her nose in an effort not to spray it everywhere. Clark enjoyed this breakfast immensly, and he ignored the looming dread hiding around the corner. He hid it with teasing and jokes and laughter until he could pretend that it wasn't there, until he could pretend Chloe wasn't leaving today.

A Few Hours Later

She sat in class, torn between waiting for the bell to ring and wanting these last few minutes to last forever. School had been a nightmare, with everyone's pity and sympathy suffocating her until she was drowning and struggling for air. It had been unbearable just to walk through the halls, seeing everyone stare at her and whisper. Clark had been a godsend but there was only so much he could do, only so much he could shield her from. Teachers and students alike offered her their condolences and it was just like the funeral. She gave them a small smile, said thanks, and tried not to throw it all back in their faces.

The day had gone by fast, with Chloe anticipating after school, when she'd be freed from this torture only to confront another. She was not looking forward to meeting her foster family. Sure, they sounded like nice people, but they were strangers, and she didn't see how they could ever become family. How can I do this? Going to live with a foster family felt like betraying her dad, because he had been her family, and he'd been there and stayed with her when her mom had left. But she'd promised Clark, when they'd found out about Mr. and Mrs. Howard, that she'd try. I'll do it for him. With that thought resounding in her head, she got up at the bell and marched out the door with determination in her step and pride drying her eyes.

Clark met her at her locker, and gave her a look that asked how she was, but he never verbalized his question, and Chloe had no intention of answering. They rode the bus home in silence, but at one point, Clark slid his hand over and held hers gently. Chloe's eyes flashed to his and for a few seconds she thought she saw something there, besides sympathy and concern. Could you love me? Her eyes asked the question and she couldn't bear to ask it out loud, his answer might break her.

Mr. and Mrs. Howard appeared to be a perfectly respectable couple, a good family for Chloe to go to, and the truth was that they were. Lex had made sure they were an acceptable family, he wanted Chloe to begin to get settled in, to be in the process of moving on, when he hit her with the next blow. But in the mean time, he had also made sure she would be under his watchful eye during this process. The Howards lived on his grounds, seeing as how Jacob was one of the security guards and Gina was a maid. Yes, he'd arranged that Chloe would go to the Howards, it was simply perfect because he knew they couldn't have children and they had been wanting to adopt.

With some carefully veiled hints, he'd made sure they would inquire about being Chloe's foster family. Still, he'd also decided that her being in a house that far away from him was unacceptable if he really wanted to get close to her. So, after a few weeks, a pipe or two would burst in the house he was leasing to them, and of course he would graciously offer to lend them a few spare rooms in the mansion.

Lex sat in front of his fire, relaxed on the couch, staring into the flames, and sipping brandy from a crystal glass. It wasn't unusual for him to become so focused on something that it was all he could think about, but never had his obsessive tendencies been centered around a person like this, and never had they been this intense. Not even his fascination with Clark and the day of his accident topped this feeling. Her face was all he could see, and he wondered about that face, about the secrets those eyes hid. How much can you take Chloe?

Clark watched Chloe as the Howards stood up and smiled. They were in Lex's main room, the set meeting place for the Howards and their soon-to-be foster daughter, and everyone in the room was on edge, save, perhaps, for Lex. His blue eyes almost squinting with the effort, Clark carefully observed the way Chloe smiled when she shook Jacob's hand and perceptively judged her body language when Gina gave her a hug. She was reserved, cautious, but still warm, and somewhat friendly. Her smile wasn't the one he remembered, but then again, he hadn't seen that one since that night in the school gymnasium. It also wasn't the fake one she'd been using lately, so he figured that was a good thing. When she turned to him and her smile faltered, he stepped forward immediately, and proceeded to use what Chloe had dubbed his "Kent charm," to lighten the mood.

He sat by Chloe on one couch, with Lex and the Howards on the opposite one, and they talked. It was just small talk, some stuff about the weather, and some questions and answers about school. Clark didn't hold her hand, because she kept both of them tightly clenched together between her knees as she leaned back. His own hands were restless, and they fidgeted about, because he wanted to give her some type of support but she wasn't letting him. In the end he gave in and settled for the fact that their legs were pressed together, and he gave her reassurance that way, as well as in the looks that passed between them.

When it was time for him to leave, and for Chloe to stay, the other three left the room, to "move Chloe's luggage into the Howards' car," or at least that was their excuse. Clark looked at Chloe, and took her by the shoulders, making her meet his gaze. "Chloe are you okay?" She looked at him, and the thought came to Clark that he could spend a lifetime deciphering the meanings hidden in the depths of those hazel eyes. "Yeah Clark, I'm great," she replied, and the sarcasm was there, veiled, but still there. "I'm amazing Clark? Why-" she broke off and looked away, choking back tears. What can I do for you Chloe? Clark was almost desperate to somehow ease her pain, but he didn't know how.

"Chloe, Chloe look at me," he commanded softly, strengthening his grip on her shoulders. When her eyes met his, he saw all of the doubt, all the the pain, and another emotion...fear, he saw fear. "I'm here okay? All you have to do is call, and I'll come. Anything you need, twenty-four seven, I'm here okay?" She opened her mouth as if to say something but no sound came out and all he could do was pull her close to him and hold on for his life. Her hands were pinned against his chest, his arms were locked around her, and he never wanted to let go. Then Lex knocked on the door, "Clark? Chloe? It's time," he said simply.

Clark loosened his hold and Chloe looked up at him, and in that moment she was so small, and she needed his protection. "Chloe-" he began, but she cut him off. "Clark, please... " she said, and her eyes were desperate. "Please just go, don't make this harder... I can't..." She couldn't finish, but Clark understood. He kissed her forehead and then turned to leave the room. Opening the door, he said a hasty good-bye to Lex, and hurried down the hallway, not trusting himself to look back. "Clark!" The heartbreaking cry reached his ears and he turned to find Chloe in the hallway, staring after him, her eyes begging him to stay. Then she turned away, and stumbled back into the den, shutting the door behind her.It took everything he had just to make it out the door and down Lex's driveway before he sped home. He went upstairs and changed for bed, but he knew he wouldn't be getting any sleep tonight.

She stood there, her hands clenched at her sides, her eyes closed, her breathing quick and shallow, choked by the knot in her throat. Don't leave me Clark! The words had been on the tip of her tongue and now she was screaming them inside her head. Don't leave me alone! I need you! Come back! A strong hand found a place on her shoulder and Chloe whirled around only to be met with Lex's concerned face and icy blue eyes. The physical touch almost undid her and it took more effort than she'd ever thought possible to smile when he said, "Chloe?" Her lips stretched in something at least close enough to a smile to fool Lex, because he didn't say anything about her shining eyes, he just asked if she was ready to go. "Yeah, let's head off to lands unknown shall we?" she quipped before brushing past him to get to the door.

He didn't put his arm around her as they walked the long path to the Howards' house. He didn't attempt to make conversation. He just let the silence exist, he just let her walk next to him, without having to worry about talking or thinking. The walk gave Chloe time to collect herself, to gain some control, and she spent the entire time just railing at herself for being so needy. What were you thinking? Pull yourself together! Come on Sullivan, you don't need him like that! She couldn't believe how she'd acted, so weak and desperate. That was not her, it just wasn't.

When they reached the door, she turned to Lex, feeling as though she should say something about his kindness. "Lex, I don't know how to thank you..." she said. "Don't thank me Chloe, I'm just here to help." He turned to leave, and as if it was an afterthought he turned back and said, "I'm only a phone call or a walk away, don't be afraid to come talk to me, I'm a good listener." The smile he gave her spoke of his sincerity and Chloe couldn't help but manage a small smile in return as she said, "I'll remember that."

Chloe watched his retreating form until she couldn't see it anymore, and then she turned back to the door. Her hand gripped the knob and it was an insurmountable task looming before her. I can do this. I have to do this. There was no other choice, she had to open the door. So she turned the knob and pushed slowly, opening the door, and opening an entryway from her old life into her new one. She would do this, with or without Clark, it was her life to live and she planned to make the most of it.

He sat in his den sipping brandy from a crystal shot glass, and he contemplated how the evening had gone. During the meeting he had been slightly disappointed at how much she seemed to depend on Clark, he'd thought she was more independent than that. But in the end he realized that maybe, somewhere along the road, those feelings she obviously felt for Clark would come in handy. It pleased him to see that she refused to reach out and hold his hand although he was obviously waiting for it.

Everytime he replayed their walk in the woods he smiled. She had been beating herself up over her actions, he was sure of it. Choosing not to talk was definitely the right decision, talking would have made it seem forced. He wanted her to be comfortable around him so she would begin to turn to him in the midst of everything. But there was something about the way her entire face had seemed to collapse in on itself as Clark left that made him want to reach out and hold her. And when he'd told her he was always there, even though it had originally been intended as another move in the game he was playing, he had been surprised to find himself sincere in his offer of friendship. This could be a problem, if, and only if, he didn't gain some control over himself. And Lex Luthor wasn't one to lose control, he was the one who made others lose it. He took another sip, and saw Chloe's face reflecting in the flames of his fire. I control her. This was how it was going to be.

So was it as bad as I thought? Let me know!