Disclaimer: see Chapter 1.
A/N: Here's the penultimate instalment of this unusual fic. I know both Chlexers and Lexana fans are anxious to find out who's in love with whom, and you won't be on tenterhooks for long. Before the week's over every reader'll get her/his wish, I promise.
Enjoy these new three chapters and keep guessing!
CHAPTER 6: First Outburst
"Good morning, Miss Sullivan. How was your trip? "
"Uneventful, but a good respite. Thanks. "
"It's strange to hear Metropolis referred to as a good respite. I thought there was nothing like country life to wind down. What is it about Smallville that's got you all worked up? "
"Since when are you interested in my affairs again, Mr Luthor? "
"I'm sorry if I've offended you. I thought it was the polite thing to ask, taking into account we'll be working close together on this research of yours. "
"Working together? "
"Yes. If I'm going to give you access to my library, I want to take part in the investigation. "
"Are you afraid I might run away with a family heirloom? Or have you got something hidden you don't want me to find? "
"I need a distraction as much as you do, Chloe. Besides, it'd be interesting to know something about the place I'm living in now. "
"What makes you think I'm doing this because I need a distraction, Lex? "
"Call it a hunch, Chloe. How long's it been since you went out on a date? "
"What? "
"You've heard me, Chloe. How long? "
"Listen, Mr Luthor. I'm not here to talk about my private life or to be pitied by you. "
"Why are you here, Chloe? "
"I'm starting to think this was a mistake. It was foolish of me to believe we could... "
"Pretend last year never happened? Listen, Chloe. One day you'll understand the reason I decided to... "
"Push me away? You know something, Lex, don't worry. I'm used to not counting for anything. Clark's been doing it to me all the time. Men seem to regard me as someone they can use when in need but not... "
"As a prospective romantic partner? Chloe, I know what it's like to love someone with all your heart and to see that person only has eyes for another one- worst of all, for someone you're well-acquainted with. "
"That's the reason why you were willing to help me with my research? "
"Don't tell anyone I said that, Chloe. I've got an image to keep up. "
"Haven't you hired a PR firm to do that for you, Lex? "
"Chloe, could we stop fencing without swords? Why don't we let bygones be bygones? What would you say if we wiped the slate clean and started afresh? "
"Coming here to ask for your help again was hard, Lex. However, we could call this investigation an olive branch. I'm willing to try. "
"I'm free on Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings. "
"Can you manage the three days? "
"Sure, Chloe. I assume you'd like to finish the research before your holidays are over. "
"That's right. "
"See you tomorrow at about six, then? "
"See you, Lex. "
Chloe left Lex's study at around five and, once again, came across Lana, who was on her way in. They both stopped in the corridor and exchanged a few words before going separate ways.
"Hi, Lex! " exclaimed Lana, entering the study after knocking on the door.
"Lana, you're back from Metropolis, too. I trust you've had a nice trip. "
"Yes, I managed to do most of the things I'd planned to. "
"Well... I suppose you're here to get your answer, aren't you? "
"What did you think of the proposal? "
"I'll give you the green light. It's got possibilities. "
"Thank you, Lex, " said Lana, smiling widely. " Listen... I just need one more little favour. "
"What is it now? "
"Do you remember it's time for The Talon's annual balance? "
"I do. What's on your mind? "
"I was thinking... could we get together an extra day every week to go over the papers? Clark's offered to help me sort out all the bills and... "
"What don't we leave this to my accountants, Lana? "
"Lex, please, I need a distraction or I'll go insane. "
" You know how to twist men round your little finger, Miss Lang. OK, I'll find the time to see those papers with you. "
"Great! "
There's a second outburst still to come. Go to chapter 7