Chapter 3- Three Times!

"Chloe?"

As she embraced her cousin, Chloe felt relieved that she made it to Lois before she completely lost control and threw coffee on some poor unsuspecting woman who obviously was about to become the victim of a coffee stained blouse, or worst, second degree coffee burns.

Lois really is a 'Mad Dog'.

When she stepped off the elevator into the bullpen, the last thing she expected to see was Lois' right hand taking hold of a coffee cup that didn't seem to be empty, and glowering at a woman who obviously didn't see the danger she was in. It didn't really take a rocket scientist to deduce or to see what was about to take place. Knowing she had to move quickly, she made a dash towards her cousin just in time to embrace her in a hug and thus stopping her from making any further movement towards the woman behind her.

With a sigh of relief Chloe removed herself from her cousin's embrace and with enthusiasm that she was no longer feeling smiled, while removing, to her surprise the cold cup of coffee from her hands. When she saw the menacing look on Lois' face, she most definitely thought that the coffee would be scorching hot.

Seeing her cousin eyeing her with the coffee, she regrettably took a sip to divert her attention, and with a tight smile greeted her, "Lois, hey!"

Removing the coffee from her cousin's hand, bemused Lois asked, "Chloe, you do know you just drank cold coffee, right?"

Her response was a giggle. She wasn't giggling because she was amused, but by the fact that after only being in Metropolis for three hours, she was already feeling relief and stressed at the same time. She couldn't help it, here she was trying to prevent Lois from doing something rash, and now she had not only Lois, but her fiancé Richard, Clark, and the unknown woman who in her opinion was the cause of her swift action, staring at her as if she was off her meds.

Struggling to compose herself, she replied, "Yeah Lois I know", and left it at that, while turning to face Clark and the unknown woman.

"Hey Clark, Richard", and looking towards Michelle, "Hi, I'm Chloe, Lois' cousin".

With an amused glint in her eyes Michelle introduced herself, "Michelle, I'm a city beat reporter here", not knowing that Chloe just saved her from having to wear Lois' coffee, she went on, "and I can see that quirkiness runs in the family?"

As if they'd practiced, Lois and Chloe feeling insulted put both hands on their hips, and looking angry enough to kill exclaimed at the same time "What!"

Michelle's comment was not meant to be insulting, but even Clark could see by the looks on Lois' and Chloe's face that they were far from being amused. If looks could kill, it was safe to say Michelle would be dead, with Lois and Chloe standing over her body wanting to do it all over again.

Seeing their stance and Lois' eye twitch, Clark took a slight step in front of Michelle, while Richard moved closer to Lois' side. Apparently they both had the same idea that Michelle was in serious danger. Knowing he had to remove Michelle from the situation Clark carefully took Michelle's hand in his and turned her to face him.

"Hey, how 'bout I take you out for lunch, to fully apologize for running into you earlier", looking sincere with his signature puppy dog eyes "what'd you say, my treat?"

Feeling as if her prayers had been answered, she replied with a beaming smile "yea that sounds great".

"Okay then, let's go"

Looking back up at the people in front of him, "See ya Chloe", turning to Richard with less enthusiasm and a head nod "Richard", and finally turning to look at Lois, not feeling up to saying goodbye, nodded his head to her in acknowledgement and turned to walk away with Michelle following closely at his side.

Feeling like she'd been punched in the heart, Lois continued to stand looking at where Clark and Michelle were previously standing. She didn't feel as if she could move without her feet giving out from under her, it was amazing that she was still standing. Seeing Clark walk away with Michelle hurt more than it should have. Feeling someone's hand on her arm she finally snapped out of her musings to look at her cousin.

Seeing that her cousin seemed to be frozen, Chloe gently put her hand on her arm, and with pitying eyes that showed understanding, she asked "How 'bout you and me go to our favorite pizza restaurant Lucky Luke's", with an amused tone and teasing smile, "I have a feeling that Luke misses his most ravenous customer".

With a shy smile Lois replied, "yea I'd like that", almost forgetting about Richard she turned to him with a look of apology, "Richard, you don't mind Chloe and I going out to lunch, do you?"

"No, it's alright. I figure I'd go see my uncle anyway, make sure he's staying away from those cigars" said Richard with an easy smile.

Moving towards her to give her a light peck on her cheek, "I'll see you at our place later", turning in the direction of Perry's office, he waved a final goodbye to Lois and Chloe.

"Let's go cuz; I left Alfred in the car", Chloe said while watching Lois retrieve her purse, "I'm sure even he can be patient for only so long".

Linking their arms together and walking towards the elevator, "yeah let's go", and with a smirk "I'm feeling quite ravenous at the moment".

Chapter 3 continued later, or tomorrow

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