A Fractured Fairy Tale (R)

[Not An Addict]

Title: A Fractured Fairy Tale
Author: Not An Addict
Rating: R (primarily for language)
Category: Romance/General
Pairing: Chloe/Lex, of course
Spoilers: Specific spoilers for Obscura, but if it’s aired it’s fair game.
Summary: Chloe is stuck in a fairy tale world until she can make her way through the story. But her hero isn’t who she expected it to be . . .
Disclaimer: Frankly, recent episodes have seriously cut down on my desire to own this show. But then again, there is Lex . . . damn. You know the drill. I don’t own them in real life—only in my fevered imagination.
Author’s Note: This fic has been a long time coming, and is dedicated to a few people. To Kris and Fiona for their wonderful stories ‘Beloved’ and ‘The Reluctant Queen’ which helped inspire me to write this story. And to Sabby, for being a wonderful friend and beta even in the midst of her own hectic life. Hang in there, monkey. Ok, timewise this is taking place . . . I’d say in their senior year. However, we left the show history sometime in early Season Two (i.e. no Helen, ever ever ever, no witches, etc. etc.). All that being said, I have to warn you that the second chapter of this story has some . . . we’ll call them “adult themes”. HOWEVER, the story does NOT have any smut. Ever. That’s right. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.



Chapter One: Always Promptly Return Lost Property



“I’m telling you guys, there’s something weird about her.” Pete and Clark, far from agreeing with her, simply rolled their eyes.

“Chlo, if you don’t stop walking backwards like that you’re going to run into something,” Pete warned. Chloe just glanced behind her and, seeing that the way was clear, turned her attention back to her friends.

“Come on. Are you honestly going to tell me you don’t think there’s even the slightest possibility that the meteors gave Ms. Short some kind of enhanced ability to withstand boredom? How else do you explain her staying awake through all of her classes?”

Clark didn’t bother to suppress his grin. “Maybe she actually likes what she’s teaching, Chloe.”

“Right. I’m sure that’s it. If nothing else, you’d think her fascination with the initials J.C. would be a sign that she’s tipped a little too far towards crazy.” Chloe stopped at her locker and twisted the combination lock with an expert series of flicks. As she started grabbing books, Lana walked up. Chloe saw the careful distance the brunette put between herself and Clark and rolled her eyes.

“Hey, guys. What’s up?” At Lana’s question Chloe turned her attention from the books she was pulling from her locker.

“I’m being unfairly persecuted for my keen observational skills.”

“Story drought,” Clark said by way of an explanation. “Chloe’s been grasping at straws lately. Her latest theory is that Ms. Short is some kind of boredom-immune meteor mutant.”

“Ok, you guys don’t want to believe me, that’s fine. But don’t blame me when the next issue of the Torch is completely blank.” Her statement was punctuated with the slamming of her locker door.

“Don’t be mad, Chlo,” Pete grinned. When Chloe’s irritated expression didn’t fade, he wrapped his arm around her shoulders. “Tell you what. I know you’ve been majorly stressed lately, so why don’t you come to the Talon with us and have a latte? My treat.”

“You know, Pete, you can’t always appease me with coffee.” Despite her efforts, her face broke out in a wide grin. “But you can this time. Let me grab some stuff from the Torch and I’ll meet you guys there.” She tossed a wave over her shoulder and started walking off before she had completely finished her sentence. Weaving a path through the leering jocks and vacuous cheerleaders, Chloe had nearly made it through the hormone-laden gauntlet when she heard a timid, high-timbred voice call out her name. She turned and offered a smile in greeting.

“Margot, what’s up?”

The girl hugged the thick, hard-bound book she carried closer to her chest and shifted her sharp shoulders, redistributing the weight of her backpack.

“I have that article on the Homecoming assembly, if you need me to turn it in.”

With her slightly nasal, youthful voice, big eyes and long, thin body, Margot had the air of a particularly timid child. Not wanting to frighten her, Chloe made a concentrated effort to tone down her normally effusive personality and gave her a reassuring grin as she pushed open the door to the Torch office.

“Sure, that’d be great. Thanks again for covering that; if I’d had to actually write about that in addition to sitting through it I guarantee the results wouldn’t have been pretty.”

“Oh, well, I didn’t mind,” Margot shrugged, a hint of pink tingeing her cheeks. She set down the book she was holding and slid her backpack off, setting it on a chair so that she could root around for the disk. Still trying to put her at ease, Chloe tried a different track.

“So what prompted this sudden interest in the fascinating world of journalism?” Margot glanced up, her long, stick-straight brown hair partially obscuring her sheepish expression.

“Principal Reynolds,” she admitted. “He thinks that I should branch out more. I guess he kind of . . . suggested . . . that I should maybe try working on the paper.”

“And by ‘suggested,’ you mean told you what you were going to do?” Chloe guessed. Margot colored again, and Chloe just grinned, slipping some folders into her bag. “He can be kind of insistent. But hey, it’s a good deal for me. Your writing’s great, and I don’t have to cover the antics of the pom-pom brigade anymore.” A shy grin passed over Margot’s face, only to be replaced by a frustrated frown as she dug deeper into her bag.

“I know I put it in here somewhere . . .”

“If you want to just give it to me on Monday, that’s fine,” Chloe offered, idly picking up the book that the other girl had put down. She rolled her eyes. “It’s not like anyone else has turned in their articles yet. And the paper doesn’t get printed until next week.”

“No, I have it. It must’ve just slipped out of the pocket I had it in. I guess I have too much stuff in here.” Chloe just nodded absently, studying the blank, battered cover of the book in her hands. She opened it up and glanced at the title page. Her eyebrows raised in interest.

“So you’re back to the Grimm Brothers. I thought you were still going on Hans Christian Anderson.”

“Oh, no, I finished up with that a while ago. Here it is!” Her hand whipped from her bag, triumphantly holding the small, green disk. She handed it to Chloe and zipped up her backpack. As she shrugged it on she took the book from Chloe’s hands, offering her a rare bright smile. “Grimm stories are my favorites; I’ve probably read this book about a hundred times. Sometimes I feel like I could just slip into them.” Chloe raised one inquisitive eyebrow.

“They’re kind of . . . well, they’re kind of morbid, aren’t they?” Margot just shrugged.

“Real life isn’t always pretty, either. But you still have a better chance at a happy ending in the fairy tales.” Her timid grin was back. “I should get going. My mom’s expecting me home.”

“Ok. Well, I’ll see you Monday, then?”

“Yeah, I’ll see you then.” Her gaze diverted down to her feet, Margot walked quickly out of the office. Chloe shook her head and gathered up a few more folders; no sooner had she picked them up, however, than they slipped from her hands and tumbled to the floor, scattering papers left and right.

“Damn it,” she muttered, dropping to her hands and knees to pick them up. As she shuffled the papers back into their proper places, a flash of gold caught her eye. Brow creased in a curious frown, Chloe reached out and picked up the small bracelet lying half-hidden under the desk. She stood to hold it in the light, turning it this way and that, watching the small charms glitter in the sun. It was a cheap piece of costume jewelry—large metal links with chintzy charms hanging off of it, houses and cats and ice cream cones, and all of it covered in a coat of gold paint.

Chloe vaguely remembered girls wearing similar jewelry back in elementary school, a trend that she had scorned even as she had secretly wished she could have one of her own. Her father, unable to understand the workings of a third grade girl’s mind, had never caught on to her hints. She knew for a fact that it wasn’t hers; in fact, she was sure she hadn’t even seen a piece of jewelry like this one in years. Her mind flashed back to Margot rifling through her bag; perhaps it was hers and had fallen out when she was looking for the disk. Chloe glanced at her watch and shrugged. Margot was probably gone by now, and if Chloe didn’t show up at the Talon soon, there was no guarantee that Pete and Clark would wait for her.

“After all, it’s not like my hair is long and dark enough to gain Clark’s notice for any length of time,” she muttered, shrugging on a coat and wrapping a thick scarf around her neck. She may have given up any romantic hopes for Clark, but it would’ve been nice if he occasionally acknowledged her as one of his two best friends. With another shrug Chloe stuffed the bracelet and the folders she needed into her bag and, slinging the bag over her shoulder, set out to meet her friends.


****************************


“Okay, I was promised a latte. Give.” Chloe flopped into one of the two vacant seats at the table her friends had chosen, brushing snowflakes off of her coat. The Talon was in the midst of its after-school rush, and Chloe spent a moment marveling at the fact that Pete and Clark had managed to save two seats when almost every student of Smallville High School milled around in search of a caffeine fix. Pete’s voice brought her back from her momentary flight of concentration, his tone conversational and overly casual.

“Hey, Chloe! Nice to see you, too. Me? Oh, I’m fine, it’s so sweet of you to ask.”

Despite her intentions, Chloe couldn’t quite suppress a grin. “Pete, I just saw you at school approximately fifteen minutes ago. However, I’m very glad you’re doing well, and I hope this is the beginning of a long and happy life for you. Now. Coffee. You promised.”

“Did I?” Pete somehow managed to keep a straight face, and Chloe’s eyes narrowed at his words. “Are you sure about that? Clark, did I promise Chloe coffee?”

It was only the knowledge of his own invincibility that had Clark feeling safe enough to grin back at his friend. “Not that I can remember.”

“Peter,” Chloe glared, her tone menacing. “I’m warning you. A morning cappuccino only lasts so long, and I’m quickly approaching the end of my buzz. Do you really want to mess with me right now?”

Pete began to look somewhat less than certain, though his words were still confident. “Oh, come on Chloe. We both know you’re not actually going to hurt me.”

“On the contrary. One of these days Ms. Sullivan is going to kill the two of you, and odds are good it’ll be ruled justifiable homicide.” At the dry, amused voice behind them, Clark and Pete turned to see Lex standing behind them, a hot mug of coffee in each hand. He passed one of them over the boys’ shoulders and offered it to Chloe, who grasped it eagerly. “Lana’s stuck at the counter, so I told her I’d go ahead and bring this over. Mr. Ross, I believe she put it on your bill.” He smirked at the look of frustrated disappointment on Pete’s face. “It seems Ms. Lang has a better memory than either of the two of you.”

“Mmm.” A pleasant hum started in Chloe’s blood at her first sip of her coffee. She gestured to the seat beside her and Lex sat, his long black coat billowing slightly. “Don’t pay any attention to them,” she gestured towards where Pete and Clark sat all but pouting. “Those peasants don’t understand true humor.”

Lex smirked and raised his coffee in a silent toast. They lifted their mugs and drank together, Chloe’s eyes closed in pleasure while Lex’s watched her through the steam rising from his drink. Clark looked from Chloe to Lex and back again. There was something in the air, something that he had been noticing more and more when the two of them were in the same vicinity. He couldn’t give a name to it but it made him uncomfortable, like he was somehow intruding on a private moment.

“So what was it that you had to get from the Torch office, Chloe?” Clark was on the verge of looking around to see who had spoken when he realized that it had been him. Chloe blinked at him for a moment before she registered what he had said.

“Oh. Just some of my articles that I want to get edited tonight. And Margot Persley dropped by with her Homecoming story. Imagine that, Clark, Pete. Someone actually turning in their work on time.” She fixed them both with pointed stares and her boys shifted uncomfortably in their seats. Luckily for them, another thought occurred to her. “That reminds me. Clark.” She fished around in her bag before pulling out the bracelet she had found. “Do you know if this is Lana’s?”

Clark took the bracelet from her and looked it over. “I don’t think so. Where’d you get it?”

“The floor of the Torch office.” She shrugged and took it from Clark to toss it back into her bag. “Must be Margot’s then. I’ll give it to her on Monday, I guess.”

“Man, I don’t know about that girl.” Pete shook his head. “Her thing for fairy tales creeps me out.”

“You live in a town where people mutate into homicidal monsters on an almost hourly basis, and a girl who likes fairy tales creeps you out?” Lex asked dryly.

“She doesn’t just like them,” Pete corrected defensively. “She’s pretty much obsessed with them.”

“He’s right. We’ve all gone to school together since the first grade, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen her without one of those big fairy tale collections,” Clark confirmed. “She just sits there and reads them in class every day. A lot of teachers don’t like it, but she always knows the answer when they call on her so they mostly just leave her alone.”

“Yeah, I’m guessing that’s why Principal Reynolds has her working on the Torch now. He seems to think she’s a little bit too involved in her own fantasy world.” Chloe frowned into the last dregs of her coffee. “She’s a nice girl, though. A little introverted, but nice.” She picked up her mug and drained the last of her latte, offered her boys a smile and gathered up her bag. “Ok, I’d better get going if I want to get started on these articles.”

“Come on, Chloe. It’s Friday afternoon! We have the whole weekend in front of us.”

Chloe raised a calculating eyebrow at Pete. “Will you buy me another latte?” Chloe could see the indecision in his eyes and was about to stand up to leave when a smooth voice to her right spoke up.

“I will.” Chloe turned in her seat to see Lex regarding her with a small smile.

“You’re going to buy me coffee? I hate to tell you this, Lex—especially since I’m getting free coffee out of the deal—but supporting the caffeine habits of young reporters doesn’t count as a tax deduction.”

“That all depends on how much that caffeine habit costs. Considering the young reporter in question I think the IRS might make an exception.” He reached over and lifted her bag off of her shoulder, setting it back down beside her chair. “Relax for a while, Chloe. You can’t work all the time.”

Chloe snorted. “So says the poster child for Workaholics Anonymous.”

Lex’s smile widened slightly. “There’s a time and a place for everything. I’ll go get some more coffee.” His smile changed to a smirk. “Anything to keep you off the streets.”

“All right. But I’m only going to stay for this one cup, and then I’m going home.” Chloe sat back in her chair, pleased with the thought of one more free coffee and an evening of work.


**************************


Three hours later Chloe had finally made it back to her house. She had fully intended to leave after the latte Lex had been kind enough to spring for; no sooner had she finished it, however, than Clark returned from the counter with a mocha. When Chloe had said she wasn’t going to drink it Clark had shrugged as if unconcerned and said he would throw it away if she really didn’t want it.

Well, what was she supposed to do? There were children in third-world countries without any coffee at all; wasting it just seemed like a sin.

Unfortunately, giving in and drinking that cup had exposed her weakness. After the mocha Lex had immediately placed a cappuccino in front of her, and Chloe had been just as reluctant to see that drink flushed mercilessly down the drain. The only way she had been able to get them to stop was by saying that she didn’t know how well she would be able to drive if her system were flooded with caffeine. Of course, that had backfired slightly, ending in all three of them refusing to let her leave until the buzz had at least partially worn off.

When she had finally gotten home Chloe was jumpy, had the beginnings of a headache, and had to pee desperately. A shower, a meal, three aspirin, and several trips to the bathroom later she was feeling better, if still slightly wired. She had decided to use the extra energy to her advantage and now sat on her bed, clad in thick blue pajamas adorned with snowflakes, her hair damp and papers scattered over her bedspread. Almost every sheet of paper was heavily marked with red, so that it looked like a crazed axe-man had spattered blood over everything. Sharp, decisive marks indicated where passages should be moved, which sentences should be revised, and which should be cut out completely. Looking over the carnage gave Chloe an almost savage feeling of satisfaction; her writing was good, but it could be better. By recognizing that now she was saving herself from future heartbreak when an actual editor would carve up her article. That was what she loved about the world—as long as you knew enough, you could predict just about anything.

“Damn . . . I’d swear there was another page to this,” she muttered. Leaning over the edge of the bed she snagged her bag and began rooting around in it. “Hah! Knew it.” With a triumphant flourish she pulled out a rumpled sheet of paper; as she did so, a flash of gold glittered through the air and landed at the foot of her bed, on top of a stack of unmarked pages. Chloe let the bag slip back to the floor and reached for the bracelet.

Settling back against her headboard she held the bracelet in front of her face, watching it glint softly in the light. Something stole over her, some strange urge to try the bracelet on, to see how it would look on her. Slowly, almost mechanically, she unfastened the clasp and draped it over her wrist. She blinked once, twice, and shook her head to clear it. Another feeling was creeping through her now, cold and distant. It whispered in her ear not to put the bracelet on, to leave it well alone and give it back to Margot on Monday. Trying it on was a bad idea. She shouldn’t do it.

For a moment Chloe sat transfixed, unsure of what to do. Then she laughed at herself, and the strange feeling dissipated. It was just a bracelet. There was absolutely no reason for her to be afraid to try on a bracelet. That thought firmly in her mind, she flipped her wrist over and fastened the clasp. Her breath caught for a moment, expecting . . . something.

Nothing happened. Chloe laughed at herself again, though the sound held a touch of uncertainty this time. She moved her arm, and the charms on the bracelet clinked dully. The metal felt cool against her skin; nothing out of the ordinary in the middle of winter, Chloe thought, glancing out the window where snow was still drifting down. Her eyes returned to the bracelet.

She frowned, blinked.

What she was seeing didn’t change. The bracelet looked blurry where it sat innocently on her wrist, hearts merging with candy canes and horseshoes until it was just one big golden blob in her vision. She raised her eyes, and the rest of her room looked equally distorted. Her eyelids were getting heavy, drooping.

‘Caffeine crash,’ she thought dimly, scooting down until her head rested on her pillow. Things grew dim and Chloe let her eyes close. She burrowed into her pillow, and seconds later there was nothing but a deep, deep sleep.


**************************


Someone was shaking her. That was Chloe’s next coherent thought, quickly followed by, ‘What the hell? It’s Saturday. Let me sleep.’ The shaking persisted, however, growing more and more insistent with every moment that she ignored it. Finally, with a muffled groan, Chloe opened her eyes, prepared to tear into her father or Lana, whichever one of them had dared to interrupt her sleep.

What came out instead was a high-pitched yelp. Margot’s face was looming over her as she shook Chloe’s shoulders. As startled by Chloe’s scream as Chloe was by her presence Margot quickly let go and jumped back, but her eyes stayed fixed on Chloe, regarding her with a cautious stare.

“What the hell are you doing here?” Chloe’s heart was working double-time, and she started taking long, deep breaths to try and calm herself. “Why are you . . .”

Chloe’s question trailed off; with her pulse slowed to a more reasonable rate, she was beginning to notice something odd about Margot. Most obviously, her clothes were . . . well, to say that they were anachronistic would have been a gross understatement. A ragged gray dress laced over a dirty, course-looking shirt, and the whole thing was half-hidden by a dingy brown shawl. On her head she wore a shapeless, dust-colored cap. The little skin visible under the clothes was smudged with dirt; but beneath the dirt her skin was creamy, tinged with a healthy pink.

Her hair, where it peeked out under the cap, was thick and shiny, with pretty golden highlights mixed in with the pale brown. Margot’s long features seemed to have changed somehow, as well. Their sharp, angular quality was gone, replaced with a delicateness that gave her the look of being willowy instead of gangly. Her eyes had sharpened to a bright bottle green, and they were surrounded by a thick fringe of lashes. It was definitely Margot; but it wasn’t the Margot that had showed up at the Torch office earlier that day. Not by a long way.

“Hey Chloe.” Well, at least her voice is the same, Chloe thought wryly. Margot still gazed timidly at Chloe, bright white teeth worrying one of her shell-pink lips. “Um . . . ok, I’m really, really, really super sorry. I didn’t know I had lost the bracelet until I got home, and then I thought that no one had probably found it so it would be ok, and I didn’t worry about it, and now you’re here and I’m just really, really sorry.” The words all came out on a single nervous breath and Margot started twisting her hands together, obviously waiting for some kind of a response. Chloe opened her mouth to speak when she finally noticed her surroundings.

She wasn’t in her bedroom anymore. She didn’t know where she was, but she was damn sure that her room at home didn’t have stone walls, and she distinctly remembered having carpeting instead of the hardwood floor she could see beneath several massive rugs. The walls were covered in thick tapestries, and a huge fireplace across from the bed contained a crackling fire that seemed to be the principle source of heat in the room. The bed she was in was also unfamiliar; it was deep and huge, covered in soft linen sheets and thick blankets, all in white. A huge brown fur lay across the foot of the bed, and the drapes that hung down from a canopy overhead were drawn.

Chloe lifted a shaking hand to her forehead and stopped it halfway there, gazing at her arm; her flannel pajamas were gone, and a soft white linen nightgown was in their place. The bracelet on her wrist had changed, as well. No longer cheap costume jewelry, the bracelet she wore now was a fine chain with delicate charms that rang gently every time she moved her arm. Chloe began to shake her head; as she did so, something tickled the back of her neck. Still shaking, she lifted her hand again. Her fingers tangled in her hair—much more hair than she should have had. Her short, flippy cut was gone in place of long, softly curling locks that reached down to the middle of her back. Eyes wide, she returned her gaze to Margot, who shook her head with an apologetic expression.

“I’m sorry, Chloe. You really shouldn’t have put on the bracelet.”







TBC . . .

[LarkLuthor]

AHHH!!!! :ecstatic: :ecstatic: :ecstatic: :ecstatic: :ecstatic: You posted a new fic! :clapclap: :clapclap: :clapclap: I've been dying for a new one of yours for ages and ages... I know I bugged you some about it months ago. I'm so happy I could cry...and I haven't even read it yet...:D :D

I promise, I will leave feedback, but I'm way too excited about this to say anything coherrient for a while!

Lark

[tracyaching]

I'm intrigued! and excited! More soon, pretty pretty please, with sugar on top!

[tiger04]

more more more more. please post more soon.

AT

[Kit Merlot]

This is an awesome new fic!

I've loved all of your stories to date, so I am beyond thrilled thst you've started a new one :grin3:

Excellent beginning, and looking forward to more.

[hfce]

Wow :D what a great start. I love it and I can't wait for more.


Hope :)

[fussy_wuzzy]

Great start! I'm already in love with this fic.

[Zannie]

“Come on. Are you honestly going to tell me you don’t think there’s even the slightest possibility that the meteors gave Ms. Short some kind of enhanced ability to withstand boredom? How else do you explain her staying awake through all of her classes?”
and


"I’m being unfairly persecuted for my keen observational skills.”

These are just two examples. Your Chloe dialogue is fabulous--completely spot-on.

Great start and fascinating premise. Can't wait to see where you take this. Looking forward to more soon.

[meeaz]

i'm intrigued! please continue!

[star del mar]

Oh no! I'm excited, I'm really enjoying this story so far. It's a very interesting idea, I can't wait to see where everything starts to get twisted. And Lex, be still my heart, just offering coffees like they're going out of style :) Just too cute, update again soon!!

Steph*

[Louie]

So Chloe's a princess ah, I hope there is the irony of Lana being a poor down troden commoner, oh nono her servent that would be even better. Anyway I loved this and hope you update soon.

[leik2]

Interesting. Enjoyed the first chapter and can't wait to read more.

[ColumbiaBlue]

*does a little dance* New NAA fic!!! NEW NAA FIC!!! I nearly fell out of my chair when I saw this was by you. I was starting to believe you had fallen off the face of the planet but you didn't! You're here and you've brought with you a story that I'm already addicted to!

So update again. Like right now. Please?

~Manda

[Shy Butterfly]

This sounds like it is going to be an amazing story. Hope you continue soon.

[*chloelex*]

oh wow this is really gooood!!!! I love how you write your characters. There isnt much Lana which is good :P I am loving the Chloe/Lex interaction! There conversation over coffeee was awsome and I love that Clark isnt being as thick-headed as usual and has noticed that there is something going on between Chloe and Lex.

Anyway I cant wait to see where you go with this fic, update soon!


Love ya
Mel

[summer_enchanted]

:love2:Excellent start. Please write more soon.:love2:

[meg20]

Me liky, want more. Wonderful start and definitely need continuation. Please update soon!

[jaded-swan]

Ahh... the joys of coffee... :coffee: I'll have you know that the whole Lex appearing with a cup of latte so turned me on that I had to make one myself immediately after reading it... Love the caffine buzz... :D Great plot bring Chlex into a fairytale! Ditto on the whole Lana as a commoner thing but please no pity-me-cause-i'm-so-adorable-but-unfortunate thing please...

[ellelea]

I love this so far! Very original and very well written. And chlex, of course - hopefully we'll see some in the near future. I can't wait to see how this goes. :-D

[Augustine86]

I want to kick myself in the butt for sidestepping this story for the past days confusing it with another... How could I??? This ROCKS!!!!

You must update! We want our dashing, dastarly handome bald hero!!!!

[asharnanae]

ohh so interestning, what is happening??? MORE you know you have me addicted!!

[chril1]

woah girl

you don't just go around distracting people from history revision and then just not update, *sniff* i'm not sure i like your attitude

lea
xxx

[Not An Addict]

A/N: Aww! I'm basking in the warmth of all these lovely reviews. ^_^ I'm so glad you guys liked the first chapter. I'm sorry to say, those of you who were hoping for an appearance by Oppressed!Lana . . . well, I just don't like her that much, and as a result I try not to write about her at all. There's a tiny reference to her at one point, but that's it. Okay. Long day at work (apparently the entire St. Louis workforce, excluding the people who answer phones, took the day off, and I couldn't get a single interview), but I love you guys so much that this is going up right away. Enjoy!


Oh. And remember what I said earlier about the "adult situations" in this chapter? Don't say I didn't warn you.



Chapter Two: Fairy Tales and Castles





Chloe breathed in and out very slowly. Deep breath in, one, two. Deep breath out, three, four. She remembered hearing once that oxygen calms and quiets the brain; and right now, her brain was screaming. ‘This isn’t real, this isn’t real, this isn’t real.’ The thought kept repeating itself over and over again in her head, a constant loop that was background noise for the careful thoughts of ‘Deep breath in, one, two. Deep breath out, three, four.’ Slowly, slowly, her heartbeat calmed, her mind stopped screaming quite so loudly. Of course, once her thoughts were no longer carefully disciplined, the most prominent one found its way out of her mouth.

“This isn’t real.”

“Um . . . ok.” Margot seemed loath to correct her, but after a moment she shook her head. “No, no it’s really better if you don’t think that. Because it is real, and if you think that it’s not, well . . . things could get bad.”

Chloe wasn’t listening. “This isn’t real. It’s not a dream—it’s too detailed to be a dream. It’s some kind of trick. A joke.” She saw a hank of hair hanging over her shoulder, snatched it up. “This is . . . it’s extensions!” She ran her fingers through her hair expecting to find the place where extensions were woven into her real hair. But the strands were smooth. Continuous. “Or a wig.” Her fingertips began to roam over her hairline, searching for an edge of material, but all she found was smooth skin. She tugged hard at the roots of her hair, and tears sprang to her eyes at the sharp pain that accompanied the action. Panic was threatening again; she looked over to Margot, who was watching her with a pitying expression.

“I’m really sorry, Chloe,” she said again. “I had no idea this would happen, you have to believe me.”

“Okay. Okay.” One more deep, deliberate breath. “Why don’t we start with telling me exactly what has happened.”

Margot paced across the room and back, taking quick, nervous, and uncharacteristically graceful steps. “You’re kind of in a fairy tale.”

“Kind of?”

“Are.”

“Okay . . .” Chloe pinched the bridge of her nose in an attempt to stave off the headache that was threatening to overtake her. “I guess the next question would have to be, what the hell? What do you mean I’m in a fairy tale?”

“The bracelet,” Margot said, gesturing to where it sat on Chloe’s wrist. “I’ve always had a really good imagination, see, and I’ve always been kind of . . . different. When I was born the doctors thought there was something wrong with me. Something to do with my brain activity. But they couldn’t find any cause. I kept getting tested, all the time I was growing up. Every week the doctors would have me do something different. They couldn’t figure out what was going on, so they finally just told my parents that I had some kind of abnormally high mental capacity. The tests stopped. I got to be . . . normal, I guess.”

She shifted nervously and continued to pace. “Then when I was six, I had this stuffed polar bear that I slept with every night. One night my mom read me ‘The Snow Queen’ before I went to bed, and I fell asleep thinking about it. The night after that I remember hugging my polar bear before I went to sleep, and all of a sudden I was in the story.

“After a while it got so that I could kind of control it, decide if I wanted it to happen. See, each story is linked to an object. I have the object with me when I go to bed, and I make sure I’m thinking about the story I want as I fall asleep. Then they’re dormant until they’re held or worn for an extended period of time. I usually have a whole cache of them at home so I can decide what story I want to be in each night. But lately my little sister’s been getting into my room, so I’ve been trying to use up all the ones I had sitting around. That’s why I was carrying the bracelet around all the time—I didn’t want her finding it. I never thought I’d lose it; and I wasn’t really sure if it would even work on someone else. But then I was just starting Cinderella tonight, and I felt a kind of . . . tug. I went through a door in the cellar and came out in this castle. And, well, here you are.”

“Uh huh. All right. That makes sense, in a weird, Smallville kind of way,” Chloe mused to herself. “That explains the constant reading of fairy tales; you’d want them fresh in your mind.”

“Um . . . Chloe?” Chloe glanced up at Margot’s timid voice and was startled to see the girl looking incredibly scared. “I’ve never told anyone about this. I’m afraid that if anyone knows, they’ll want to . . . I don’t know, take me off and study me somewhere.” Her eyes were pleading. “I don’t want to go up on the Wall of Weird.”

“It’s ok, don’t worry,” Chloe replied, her voice as soothing as she could make it. “You’re not going up on the wall. Just get me out of here.”

“I can’t.” At Chloe’s wide-eyed stare Margot started to fidget with her hands again. “See, you know how I said I could kind of control it? Well, my control only goes so far. I never exactly figured out how to get out of it on my own.”

“What?” Margot winced at Chloe’s shout, but Chloe was far beyond caring at this point. “Are you telling me that I’m stuck here?”

“Only until you get through the fairy tale,” Margot assured her hastily. “Once you do, you’ll be back in your bed and everything will be back to normal. I think.”

“You think?”

“I told you, I’ve never had this happen with another person before! All I can tell you is that that’s how it works for me. And since you got here the same way, I figure you’ll probably leave the same way, too.”

Chloe glanced at the bracelet sitting innocently on her wrist. “What if I just take the bracelet off? Won’t that fix things? I mean, if I got here by putting it on—” She stopped when she saw Margot shaking her head.

“If it worked that way, I’d go back as soon as I took off these shoes.” She gestured to the thick wooden shoes on her feet. “The bracelet is what brought you here, but it’s not what’s keeping you here. If you take it off you might lose it, and then you’ll have no way to finish the story.”

“Shit,” Chloe muttered. “All right, then, here’s the $64,000 question. What fairy tale did I get stuck in?”

“‘The Princess in Disguise.’”

Chloe frowned. “I don’t really remember that one too well. Is there a ball in it?”

Margot giggled, then stopped when she saw Chloe’s glare. “Sorry. Yeah, there’s a ball in this one. And you even get to dance with the prince. You’re going to get three dresses and a fur coat; you’ll need to disguise yourself in the fur coat because you’ll have to escape this castle, probably tonight, and take the dresses with you. It won’t seem like it when you see them, but the dresses should fold down until they fit in a walnut shell. Easy storage and all.”

Chloe stared at her for a moment, then threw up her hands. “Hell, why not? Anything else?”

“Yes. The bracelet is the key to finishing the story. You’ll be working in the kitchen, and you’re going to have to drop a charm into the king’s soup three different times; if you don’t have the bracelet, you don’t have the charms, and the king won’t call you in, and the story won’t end.”

“Ok, drop in the charms, check. I think I’m remembering part of this . . . so who’d you pick for the king, anyway?”

“I didn’t pick anyone. This story is being filtered through your mind. So all of the characters are going to be whoever your brain decides best fits the role.” It looked for a moment as if Margot were going to say something else, but she stopped before a sound came out; her body tensed and she looked quickly at the door. “Okay, someone’s coming. I have to go. Just remember what I said, ok? As long as you can get through the story, you should be fine.”

Margot hurried across the room to the door. Her hand was on the knob when she turned back to Chloe, who had climbed out of bed and was pacing nervously back and forth. “Chloe? This is going to seem like a weird question, but . . . are you a virgin?”

Chloe stood rooted to the floor, caught completely off-guard by the question. “What? What does that have to do with anything?”

“Nothing, sorry, too personal a question. It’s just that it’s always possible that it might come up. And . . . well . . . if you aren't, try to keep that to yourself. They tend to frown on premarital sex here. If they find out you're not a virgin, you might get a little bit . . . y’know . . . stoned to death. Well, good luck!" With that she slipped out the door, leaving a gaping Chloe in her wake.

“Okay. Ohhhh-kay. The important thing here is to stay calm. After all, what’s the worst that can happen? I’m pretty sure there aren’t any wicked stepmothers or evil witches in this story. I know it’s not the one where the girl’s hands get cut off. So long as I don’t accidentally get myself stoned to death,” she muttered with a dark glance at the door, “everything will be great.”

A sudden draft had her shivering and moving closer to the fire. Her nightgown was thin; and, as she discovered when she glanced down at herself, pretty much transparent when she had light behind her. She glanced around the room and saw a dressing gown draped over the fur at the end of her bed. Shrugging it on, Chloe happened to glance out the window. Huh. It wasn’t as late as it was when she had fallen asleep at home—the sun was only just going down, casting an orange light over the thick snow she could see on the ground. For a moment she considered putting on some other clothes, but footsteps outside her door had her freezing in place.

The thick wooden door swung open, and several men in coarse black robes entered the room with thick, wrapped bundles in their arms. They stood to the side, their heads bowed, and from the hallway came the sound of more footsteps. The strides sounded measured, dignified. A moment later, Chloe saw her father stride through the doorway.

He isn’t wearing a crown, was her first, absurd thought. Even so, there was no mistaking him for anything other than royalty. The tunic he wore was made of rich, midnight blue velvet embroidered with what looked like real gold, and a fur-lined mantle was draped over his shoulders. Thick-soled leather boots made his footsteps heavy, and he carried himself not like the Gabe Sullivan of Smallville, but with far less good will and far more arrogant pride. All of that aside, however, it wasn’t until she saw his eyes that Chloe knew for sure that this man in front of her was nothing like the father she knew. His eyes held a kind of madness as he looked her up and down, and Chloe found herself unconsciously drawing the edges of the dressing gown closer together at her throat.

“Well now.” The leer on his face grew as he strolled closer to her. “Ready for bed at such an early hour? One might suspect that you had some special treat awaiting you there. Some special . . . toy for you to play with.”

The lustful gaze he had fixed her with had nausea roiling in Chloe’s stomach. “Daddy?” she whispered before she could stop herself. Gabe’s face grew thunderous, and Chloe had to consciously struggle not to recoil.

“I’ve told you,” he snarled, “that you are to call me Gabriel.” His expression cleared with obvious effort on his part. “After all.” One hand reached out to fondle a section of her long hair, his eyes never leaving hers. “It is only appropriate for a young woman to call her bridegroom by his Christian name.”

Now Chloe did recoil, several steps, making no effort to keep the horror from her face. “What?”

Gabe sighed wearily and took a step towards her. He stopped when she flinched away from him, his face growing hard. “Do not pretend that this comes as a shock to you, darling. You know very well of my predicament. I must have a queen, and I will not forswear my vow to your mother. I will marry no one of lesser beauty than she possessed, and no one without her golden hair.” His eyes roamed over her again, and Chloe wasn’t entirely sure if it were really her that he was seeing. “You look just like her,” he said. “You are the only possible choice. Come tomorrow, we will be married.” He took advantage of her state of shock to move closer to her again. He was within inches of her when he finally stopped; she could feel his breath against her face and had to fight, trembling, not to give in to the nausea she felt at the lecherous way he was smirking down at her. “And tomorrow night, we will find out how like your mother you truly are.”

“T-tomorrow?”

“Tomorrow,” he confirmed. “I have done all that you have asked of me, and I have brought your gifts with me so that you may see I am sincere.” He stepped back then, finally, and Chloe could breathe again, though her body still shook. Gabe gestured to the black-robed men, and one by one they stepped forward to place their bundles at the foot of the massive bed. Chloe gazed apprehensively at the packages, and he waved her towards them. “Go on. Open them. I’ll not have you accusing me of trying to cheat my way out of my promise.”

Chloe moved slowly towards the bed, giving a wide berth to the man wearing her father’s face. With trembling hands she untied the string that bound the first package. Bright golden material spilled out into her hands, shining and glittering like no fabric she had ever seen. It was soft as a cloud, and when she drew it from the wrapping she saw that it was a dress. A dress that looked as if it were . . .

“A dress as golden as the sun. Does it meet with your approval?”

Stunned and unable to think up a complaint about the dress that could possibly hold up, Chloe nodded numbly. She set it aside and turned to the second package. This time the dress she held up was silver, and as she moved the material it shimmered ethereally.

“A dress as silvery as the moon. Just as you asked for.”

In the third package she found a dress covered in tiny spots that glittered and shone like thousands of diamonds. Some of them shone brilliantly, while others were only visible when she looked just to the side of them. Chloe was catching on to the theme now, and she had a good guess as to what the specifications for this dress had been. Sure enough, the king soon voiced the conclusion she had reached.

“A dress as glittering as the stars. The trickiest one of the dresses, without question; though not as difficult as your last request.”

With those words Chloe’s attention was drawn to the fourth package. It was larger than any of the others; this must be the fur coat that Margot had told her about. As her fingers worked at the twine around the package she wondered how a fur coat could be more difficult to come by than dresses that looked like embodiments of the sun, moon, and stars. She soon found out, however, when she drew out her final present.

It was a mantle more than a coat, really. And it was enormous. Though it was large enough to wrap her up twice over, however, and with a hood that would throw her face almost completely into shadow, the mantle was surprisingly light. But Chloe soon saw that it was not only its size that must have made this a difficult thing to come by. Rather than one solid type of fur, the mantle was formed from a crazy patchwork of skins. White, black, brown, red, course, fine, long, short; every type of fur imaginable was included, all sewn together so flawlessly that it looked perfectly natural despite its impossibility.

“A mantle made of a thousand skins, with a piece from every animal in the kingdom. Your final condition.” Chloe turned slowly to face her father. No, not her father, this wasn’t her father. He advanced on her again, and it was all that Chloe could do to keep from breaking into tears. “I have done all you have asked of me. We will be married tomorrow in the chapel at ten o’clock.” He glanced towards the bed then back at her, a lewd smirk on his face. “I suggest you get plenty of sleep tonight. There is no telling if you will get a chance to rest tomorrow.”

He raked his eyes over her body once more, then turned and stalked from the room. His black-robed attendants followed silently, and Chloe was left alone. The sound of the door closing echoed through the room and Chloe stood stock-still, trying to force down the bile rising in her throat. Her heart was beating at a sharp, breakneck speed. Her body began to shake violently. She wrapped her arms around herself and tried to think clearly.

“Right. All right. Well, now we know why I have to get out of here tonight.” She took a deep, shaking breath. “So. Let’s get this fucking story over with.”

Chloe began to look around the room. Her mind was racing, trying to remember what it was that she was supposed to do. Her eyes fell on the end of her bed. Dresses. She had to take the dresses with her . . . in a . . . walnut shell? Ok, where the hell was she supposed to find a walnut shell?

A large vanity sitting against the wall caught her eye; more specifically, the silver tray sitting on its lacquered surface caught her eye. The tray was piled high with food, and upon further examination she saw that there was, perched at the edge of the plate, a small garnish of herbs and walnut shells. Chloe snatched up the shells and brushed them out, carrying them back to the bed. She glanced from the shells to the dresses and back again, a frown creasing her face. There was no way . . . it just wasn’t possible . . .

She squared her shoulders determinedly. There was really nothing she could do but try. Starting with the glittering dress, she began to fold. And fold. And fold. In real life, you can only fold something in half six or seven times, at most. After that the material, whatever it is, simply refuses to compress any farther. But this wasn’t real life, and that didn’t happen with the dress Chloe was holding. When it got down to a square as big as the pad of her thumb Chloe stopped and, trying not to think about the impossibility of what she had just done, stuffed the dress into one half of the walnut shell.

The silver dress was next, and then finally the gold. When all three dresses were safely tucked inside, Chloe grabbed a piece of the twine left from the larger packages and tied it around the walnut shell, securing the two halves together. She stood for a moment holding the finished product in her hand, her mind trying to wrap itself around the fact that three large dresses were currently inside something approximately one cubic inch big. Finally she shook her head and placed the shell carefully on the bed.

“Right. Gift horse, mouth. Now, what’s next?”

Chloe turned to the mantle. Obviously she was going to have to wear it to make her escape. She picked it up and was about to fasten it over her shoulders when she glanced down at herself and stopped. Huge fur coat or not, she was not going to make a run for it in her nightgown. The mantle flopped back down onto the bed with a solid thump and Chloe walked over to the large wardrobe beside the bed. She flung open the doors and was immediately faced with a dazzling array of dresses in every color of the rainbow. Chloe stood there for a moment, and despite her circumstances felt a grin creep over her face.

‘Lana would kill for this wardrobe,’ she thought. Suppressing a giggle she began to dig through the dresses. Silk, satin, and velvet whispered over her skin as she rooted around, trying to find something inconspicuous. She was about to admit defeat and grab one of the dresses that at least didn’t have gold and silver threads running through it, when the backs of her fingers felt something familiar. She twisted her hand until she could grasp the material and pulled it out of the wardrobe, almost yelling in victory when she saw what she had found.

The dress was . . . plain. Rough cotton dyed a dull, flat gray. When Chloe held it up it didn’t billow gently to the floor as the other dresses had, but hung limply from her hands. It was boring, unappealing . . . and completely perfect. In seconds she had shed her robe and nightgown and was slipping into the dress; and it wasn’t until she felt the material against her bare skin that she realized she had neither underwear nor bra on. She didn’t hold out much hope for a bra, but as she soon discovered that the dress laced tightly up the front that concern was soon relieved.

The underwear, however, was another story. She spent five, ten, fifteen minutes frantically searching the room; she checked the wardrobe, the vanity, a chest of drawers, but there wasn’t a single pair to be found. When she didn’t find anything hiding under the bedskirts, either, Chloe finally had to give it up as a lost cause. She brushed at the long strands of hair that had fallen in her face and shimmied out from under the bed. A few quick tugs had the dress laced up tight, and she grabbed a pair of the slippers that seemed to be the only kind of shoes she had. She turned to the mirror above the vanity to check her appearance, and though she had seen the change wrought in Margot, the image she saw there still caught her off-guard.

Her hair was long; she had known that, but seeing it was somehow still a shock. Her natural highlights had brightened, and brilliant, silky locks fell to the middle of her back in gentle curls, like spun gold. The different colors in her hazel eyes had sharpened; when she looked closely enough she could see each color swirling into the next, with little golden flecks throughout. Chloe raised a hand to rub at her mouth, but the rosy tint there didn’t change; it was the same with the pink in her cheeks, the thickness of her lashes. Her skin was flawless, all peaches and cream with not a single blemish. She smiled in amazement and her teeth showed, perfectly straight and brilliantly white.

“O . . . kay. I’ve turned into Fairy Tale Barbie.”

Chloe turned her head and grimaced at the way her hair caught the light. She’d be spotted in no time if she tried to escape like this. That could be easily remedied, though; she grabbed the walnut shell and slid it into a pocket in the front of her dress, then snatched up the mantle and fastened it around her shoulders, drawing the hood up over her hair. Another glance at the mirror showed that the hood didn’t shield her face as well as she had hoped—her skin was paler here than it had been in Smallville, and it caught the light almost as much as her hair.

She had fisted her hands in the mantle’s fur in frustration when her eyes lit on the fireplace. Hunkering down, she scooped up some of the ash that was far enough from the flames to have cooled. With her reflection guiding her she smeared the ash over her face and hands. Makeshift camouflage in place, she smiled in victory—and let out a groan of irritation. Margot had told her that she would be working in the kitchen. And call it a hunch, but she was pretty sure that your average kitchen wench in this place didn’t have a set of shiny white teeth. She glanced at the ash covering her skin . . .

No. Screw being found out, if it came to that. She wasn’t putting ash in her mouth.

Luckily, she spied the tray of food again, and some long-forgotten bit of trivia surfaced in her mind. Chloe began to pick through the remaining food, and soon found what she was looking for: several bits of walnut, hidden in among the rest. She rubbed them over her teeth, smearing and crushing the pieces until her teeth were stained a distinct shade of yellowish brown. Finally, she was ready. It was time to make her escape.

Chloe’s heart began to race even more. For a moment she felt herself flash back to a carnival warehouse; images of masked men and glowing green needles filled her mind, and she had to take a moment to calm back down. When her pulse had slowed to only twice its normal rate she eased open the door, glancing up and down the dark hallway. She didn’t see anything, and all she could hear was the pounding of her heart in her ears.

It was now or never. Chloe slipped into the hall and closed the door behind her. The hallway was cold and drafty, and she pulled the mantle more tightly around her. She eased down the hall, following her instinct. After several twists and turns she found herself at the head of a narrow, spiraling stone staircase and, praying that she wouldn’t meet anyone in the enclosed space, began to make her way downstairs.

She reached the bottom of the stairs without any interference and found herself in an equally narrow hallway. Even from where she stood she could feel heat radiating from the end of the hall; that must be where the kitchen was. With any luck she could get out through some kind of a servant’s entrance there. In between the stairs and the end of the hallway, however, there was another doorway, and light and raised voices were spilling through it. Making as little noise as possible, Chloe sneaked up to the edge of the doorway and listened.

“For the last time, I will not be dissuaded!” her father’s voice roared out. “You are the ones who demanded for years that I find a bride. I tell you now, she is the only one who will do.”

Chloe took a chance and glanced through the doorway. Her father was standing at the opposite side of the large room, beneath a painting that Chloe realized with a start was a portrait of her own mother. Several somberly dressed men were in the room as well, and they all exchanged nervous glances with each other before turning back to the king.

“Sire,” one of them spoke up. “We do not deny the necessity of your finding a queen, as you have no male heir to take the throne when you are gone. But sire . . . your own daughter! You will bring ruin on the kingdom with this abomination of a marriage!”

“I have told you my reasons before, and by God, this will be the last time I will be suffered to explain myself.” Her father’s voice had grown soft, dangerously so. “I promised my wife on her deathbed that I would marry no woman who was any less beautiful than she, and none who did not possess her golden hair. For years I have searched; throughout the kingdom there is no one, noble-born or common, with beauty to equal that of my first wife. None except my Chloe. I will marry her, and I will consummate that marriage. She will provide me with an heir. Your fears are nothing but unfounded superstitions, and I will not heed them.”

She couldn’t listen to any more. She just couldn’t. Gathering the trailing end of the mantle in her arms, Chloe took a deep breath and, breathing a silent prayer that she wouldn’t be seen, swiftly stepped past the doorway. She didn’t slow and she didn’t look back, but made for the kitchen door as quickly and quietly as she could, expecting all the time to feel hands snatching her back. But she reached the end of the hallway safely and, not daring to waste any time peeking timidly inside, dashed into the kitchen and closed the door behind her.

The room was huge, with a fireplace as large as the Torch office along the wall to her right. The fire there was banked low, but the room was still stiflingly hot from the day’s cooking. Several large ovens lined the walls, and tables were covered with mountains of food ready for preparation. Chloe realized that it was likely for some sort of wedding feast the next day, and couldn’t bear to take any of it with her. There was a young boy sitting by the fireplace, propped against the wall with his head drooping on his chest. Chloe could hear him snoring softly and, never taking her eyes from him, moved quietly across the cavernous space. The boy didn’t stir. A moment later Chloe found the door she had been looking for; it was large and heavy and made of roughly hewn wood, and sat in the back wall of the kitchen. She threw the bolt barring it shut and eased it open to be met immediately with a blast of frigid air.

It had started snowing again, and the wind drove a flurry of flakes inside where they immediately melted in the heat. Chloe heard a noise behind her, and her heart stopped; when she turned, however, she only saw the boy nestling closer to the wall. She looked back outside, into the driving snow and bitter cold. She looked back at the door leading out of the kitchen, into the castle where her father was making plans to marry her and have her bear his child.

One last deep breath . . .

And then out into the cold.

She closed the door behind her and was lost in a blur of white. The snow was deep, and though there was a crust of ice over it there were times when Chloe took a wrong step and found herself buried in snow up to her knees. Each time, she pulled herself out and continued to trudge on. The thin slippers on her feet were immediately soaked through, and nagging thoughts of frostbite and hypothermia kept dancing at the edges of her mind. She pulled the mantel as close as possible around her, clinging to the warmth it offered.

Before long the castle was out of sight in the blur of snow, and it hit Chloe that she had absolutely no idea where she was going, or how long she would have to travel. Surely her father would send people out looking for her when he realized that she was gone. She glanced behind her and saw her footsteps filling up with the falling snow. Well, at least it wouldn’t be easy to follow her trail. Chloe lowered her head against the wind and continued on her way, focusing all of her attention on putting one foot in front of the other.

After a time—she couldn’t have said how long—Chloe noticed that the snow was tapering off. She glanced up and was surprised to see trees around her where there had only been open plain before. She was entering what looked to be a large stretch of woods, and despite her desperate circumstances she hesitated. If there was one thing she remembered about fairy tales, it was that the woods were almost never benevolent. The woods sheltered witches and wolves and any other number of things that she didn’t want to have to deal with. Still, it looked as if she had no choice. She walked on.

The way was easier in the woods. The thick trees kept much of the snowfall off of the ground, so that the snow only reached up to the tops of her feet in most places. With fairly solid ground beneath her Chloe was able to move more swiftly; unfortunately, her wet feet were quickly growing numb, and she began to find it more and more difficult to take each new step. Finally, she simply couldn’t walk any farther. She lowered herself to the ground at the base of a large tree, intending to lean against the trunk and rub some of the feeling back into her feet. When she leaned back, however, she found herself falling until her back hit the ground with a jarring thud.

Chloe blinked up at the air above her and saw not the branches of the large tree, but the inside of the trunk. She sat up and scooted back into the hollow space, discovering it quite large enough for her to curl up into. Thankful for the size of the mantle around her, she nestled deep inside it and began to chafe at her feet with her hands. Slowly, slowly, feeling began to come back into them in sharp, painful little pricks. As the pain grew she almost wished that they had stayed numb, but gradually the stabbing sensation gave way to a dull throb, and she settled back against the inside of the trunk. Her eyes were heavy, and it was warm inside the thick fur of her mantle. She would only rest for a few minutes; then she would get up and get moving. Only a few minutes. Only . . . a few . . .




TBC . . .

[asharnanae]

mannnnnn!!!!!! how can you leave it there!!!! and wow, if this is a real fary taile, I have never read it, but kudos for the thoguths and makeing it into a chlex fic, wheveer it was spawned from.

LOVE IT TO BITS!

[LarkLuthor]

Okay, finally calmed down from the high of finally, finally having an new NAA fic (I just love that abreviation of your screen name...) enough to post feedback

Wow...This is certainly an interesting twist using fairy tales like this...Like Chloe I kind of have half a rememberance of what this tale entails...but don't remember everything so it should be fun to remember as the story goes along... Chloe definately seem straight on character to me, I've always loved that about your fics...

I can't wait for more! Are you going to make a cover for this one at some point? I know you had a lot of fun making covers for your other fics, and they were so beautiful!

Lark, adoring staring on in joy at the fic

[hfce]

WOW that was a great update. But eww on having to marry her dad and bare his child. EEWWW!! I am glad she ran away. But I hope she doesnt get into more trouble.

Hope :)

[star del mar]

That was such a great update, even though I was seriously skeeved by Gabe. Just ewww! I'm glad that Chloe at least is getting into the swing of things, now all she has to do is meet Lex and live happily ever after :) Update again soon!

Steph*

[Louie]

Ok, firstly gross. Even though I know it happened (and may still in some twisted places) but parents marring their children is just gross.

Just going to read the Grimm version now...

Well justed loved this part and I can't wait till Chloe gets to the Luthor kingdom. Ok, Just read the Grimm. Is Clark the cook or will you be expanding the story? what ever you do I'm sure it will be great sooo more soon please.

[leik2]

I was so happy to see you updated. I seriously need to read up on my fairytales again. Can't wait for more.

[meg20]

Nice update, is it a real fairytale and seriously eww to marring whit her own father!
Update soon!!!

[Augustine86]

God! I LOVE tht fairytale! Gabe was eerily reminicent of Lionel Luthor though... Not hat there is anything bacd with it, though I can understand Chloe's reaction with him being her dad and all (UGH!!! The greeks thought of it first, and the Grimms twisted it around!)

Needless to say, I DEMAND and Update right now. Screw asking politely for it.

[kinky]

For all the french people in this forum, the fairytale in question is it "Peau d'ane"?? Because I'm not sure. thx

[Yarvarni]

i am so loving this! Fabulous idea!

[Kit Merlot]

Wow, Gabe as a Lionel-esqe seducer was very distrurbing--WELL DONE!!

This story is very clever, and very original-I love it!

Update soon :D

[LarkLuthor]

Wow, Gabe as a Lionel-esqe seducer was very distrurbing--WELL DONE!!Yeah, for someone who had very, very little screen time we sure built his character into the single dad we all know and love, through the fics. So it's really weird for those emersed in fannon to see him in a different light, even if it isn't real...

Lark

[Susan S]

What an excellent fairy tale for Chloe to wind up in! I love the complexities of this particular story. I love Chloe being wierded out by how small she was able to fold the dresses down to. I can't wait to see how you proceed.

Susan S

[squash]

very interesting start...i'm excited to read some more of this

[absentia-varia]

Love how this is going so far...

I cant wait to see what happens next!

[chril1]

goooood, but i always had a problem with people sleeping inside tree's i mean ewwww and icky, bugs!!!

lea
xxx

[vardaquareien]

Well I read the first chappy in your lj and am stoked to find the 2nd chap up here!!!

Poor Chloe! I suspect she'll never be able to look at her dad quite the same way again! Can't wait to see how this fairy tale pans out for her.

[Not An Addict]

A/N: Glad you're all still reading. ^_^ I promise, the Chlex will start soon. Just . . . not in this chapter. *hides*

Oh, and Renée, just for you: Yes, I did make a cover for this one. ^_^ http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v58/Not_An_Addict/Fic%20covers/AFracturedFairyTale.jpg



Chapter Three: A New Life





“The king said we were to take it alive. Put your sword away.” A strange voice, exasperated and impatient, filtered through the haze of sleep that Chloe was wrapped in.

“I’m not going to kill it,” came a second, defensive voice. “But if it’s wounded it’ll be easier for us to get control over it.”

“Yes, either that or it will enrage the beast and it will kill us both! Put your sword away.” A grumbling and the sound of metal being sheathed. “Now quickly, help me bind it before it wakes.”

The next thing she knew, Chloe felt hands on her ankles and wrists and thick rope being wrapped around her. She began to struggle violently, thrashing and twisting out of pure instinct. Her father had caught her; she hadn’t gotten far enough before she had fallen asleep, and he had found her. But like hell was she going back without a fight. As she writhed in the men’s grasps, however, something percolated through her mind.

It. They hadn’t said that the king wanted them to take ‘her’ alive; they had said ‘it.’ Ok, so these weren’t King Gabriel’s men. Of course, that meant that strange men, who really had little reason not to kill her if things got violent, were trying to tie her up.

“Hey! Get your hands off of me!” Her voice seemed to startle the men, and they hastily let go of her and stumbled back several paces. She could see them watching her; noble-looking men with dense, neatly trimmed beards and thick heads of hair, one auburn and one dark. The auburn one turned to his companion without taking his eyes off of Chloe where she huddled in the tree trunk.

“Demon?”

The dark man nodded slowly, and his wide eyes were also fixed on Chloe. “Most likely.”

“Kill it?”

“Good idea.”

There was a whisper of steel as the men drew their swords, and they began to advance on her again. Now it was Chloe’s turn to scramble backwards, though the cramped space inside the tree severely limited her movement. She held up her hands to ward them off, and in doing so part of the mantle fell aside to reveal her beneath it.

“Hold it, hold it!” The men stopped, apparently confused. With obvious apprehension they lowered their swords, but she could see by their posture that they were still ready to attack at any sign of danger. Okay, Sullivan, she thought, time to use that big brain of yours. Think of something, quick! “Please,” she began, careful to keep her hands up and fully visible. “I’m not a demon. My parents were . . . killed . . . by . . . gypsies.” Okay, I really hope that they have gypsies here.

Well, they seem to be buying it. I guess these guys are my ride. Now to get them to take me to the castle. “I’ve been wandering around these woods for days; I don’t have anywhere else to go. Please, could you take me with you?”

They glanced at each other, nodded reluctantly, and sheathed their swords. “Not a demon, then, but a wayward babe,” the dark-haired man said. “Come on then, little Roughskin. Perhaps you can help the cook in the kitchen.”

He held out his hand, and after a moment’s hesitation she took it and pulled herself up. The men began walking swiftly and Chloe had to scramble to keep up with their long strides. A few yards away they reached a pair of horses tied to a sturdy young tree, their breath a heavy mist in the icy morning air. The horses shied a bit when Chloe approached them but calmed again at a few low words from the men. The auburn-haired man gestured her over to the slightly larger of the horses.

“Come, little one. You can ride with me.”

Chloe approached the horse cautiously; she had never really understood people’s fascination with the things, and they had always made her slightly nervous. She wasn’t given long to get used to the idea, however, for as soon as she got within arms’ reach, she was grasped around the waist and lifted into the saddle as if she weighed nothing at all. Her head swam slightly from the sudden height, and she grabbed the horse’s mane and silently prayed that she would be able to pull off riding sidesaddle. The saddle tilted alarmingly when the man stepped into the stirrup, and Chloe was sure for a moment that she would fall, but soon he was settled securely with his arms on either side of her, his hands gripping the reins. They started off at a brisk trot and Chloe found herself grasping the man’s left arm in order to keep her balance. She heard him give a low chuckle behind her and tried to focus on staying upright in the gently swaying saddle.

“So,” she said finally. “Um . . . whose kingdom is this?”

While she didn’t dare risk her balance by turning to look at the man behind her, she imagined that his face was a mirror of the confusion she was seeing on Sir Dark Hair, as she had come to think of him.

“You do not know the ruler of our kingdom?” He sounded baffled, and Chloe thought quickly to come up with an answer other than, ‘Yeah, I’m from a different reality, so I’m not really up on the local geography. Sorry about that.’

“Well . . . like I said, I’ve been wandering around for a while, and I kind of lost track of where I was.” She hesitated, then continued in what she hoped was a casual tone. “The last kingdom I remember being in was . . . King Gabriel’s?”

Sir Dark Hair glanced over, presumably exchanging a look with Sir Auburn behind her. “They say King Gabriel has gone quite mad in the years since his queen has died,” came Sir Auburn’s rumbling voice at her back. “You are lucky to have escaped his kingdom with your virtue intact.”

Chloe saw Sir Dark Hair fix her with a speculative glance. “Yup,” she confirmed hastily. “Virtue completely intact. Boy, am I lucky.”

Sir Dark Hair nodded, apparently satisfied with her assertion, and Chloe breathed a quiet sigh of relief. “Our own king may have a slight disfigurement, but his spirit is pure. There are rumors that King Gabriel is intent on marrying his own daughter. If he does, it could mean cutting off all trade with his kingdom. No one here wishes to have him infect our lands with whatever madness has overtaken him.”

“Ok. Good to know. Hey, you never told me—whose kingdom—”

“Your majesty!”

Chloe glanced over and saw Sir Dark Hair bowing his head reverently. She turned her gaze to the front again and saw a large group of people on horseback, almost all of them armed with bows and quivers full of arrows. Dogs milled about—huge, fierce-looking dogs, their shoulders high enough to reach her waist if she were on the ground. And at the head of the group, sitting his horse with a somehow powerful grace, was . . . Lex.

Chloe blinked once, twice, but the image before her didn’t change. The rich clothes, the regal bearing; even without the aid of a crown, there was no mistaking it—Lex was most definitely this kingdom’s ruler. But she didn’t understand. Clark was supposed to be the king! He had everything going for him as the fairy tale hero: he was handsome, he was kind, he had been the object of her fantasy since the eighth grade.

But he hasn’t been lately, now has he? Chloe tried to shake off her irritating inner voice that insisted on making good sense. So she hadn’t been thinking about Clark in quite the same way lately; she hadn’t been having fantasies about Lex, either. None that you’d admit to, anyway. Ok, so perhaps a stray thought or two had crossed her mind, but that was only to be expected. And anyway, Clark still fit the bill best. Clark was kind.

So is Lex. To you, anyway.

Okay . . . well, Clark is charming.

And Lex isn’t? How many times has he turned that look of his on you and gotten you to do whatever it was he wanted? It’s the same with everyone else, too. Hell, Jonathan Kent and Pete are probably the only ones who haven’t been wrapped around Lex’s little finger at one time or another.

All right, fine. Clark is handsome.

Please. Have you looked at Lex lately? I’m not even going to dignify this one with a response. Face it: Lex has every attribute that Clark does. Plus he’s pretty much the closest thing to aristocracy that Smallville has. I’m standing by this casting decision, and you’re just going to have to deal with it.

Chloe was snapped out of her internal dialogue with herself by the sound of Sir Dark Hair speaking again.

“Sire, it was not an animal that the dogs found, but this girl. She has lost her parents and has no place to go. We humbly ask your permission to install her in the kitchen as a helper to the cook.”

There was silence while Chloe did her best to hide her face from Lex’s penetrating gaze. She could feel his eyes on her, and in a moment she heard his voice, calm and commanding. Though he said nothing to indicate whom he might be talking to, Chloe was nevertheless left with no doubt that he was addressing her.

“Look at me.”

Shit. Chloe slowly raised her head to look at Lex, hoping against hope that the ash hadn’t rubbed off of her face too much. She didn’t know what would happen if he found her out immediately upon seeing her, and she didn’t want to risk being stuck in a fairy tale for the rest of her life because something had gone wrong. His eyes traveled over her face and Chloe held her breath, awaiting his judgement. Finally, Lex nodded once, crisply.

“Very well. She looks honest enough.” Then apparently dismissing her from his thoughts, Lex tugged at the reins and turned his horse around in a tight circle, and Chloe had to tamp down an irrational disappointment that he hadn’t recognized her. “We may as well return. All the game will have heard the dogs and hidden by now.”

With that he started off at a canter, followed by the rest of the hunting party, including the two men who had found Chloe. Chloe squeezed her eyes shut and clung more tightly to Sir Auburn’s arm, sure that she was going to fly off of the horse at the pace they were going. The group made its way through the forest, following the trail through the snow where the horses had plowed through before. In what she was certain was an unnecessarily short amount of time the woods ended and a huge castle could be seen looming nearer and nearer. She had thought that Lex’s Scottish manor back home was large, but the stone palace in front of her left her gaping.

It was exactly how she had always imagined a fairy tale castle would look. Which, she mused, was probably why it looked that way. Two blocks composed the majority of the castle, one slightly smaller than the other, and both were crowned with sharply sloping roofs and tall towers. Small, arched windows sparkled brilliantly and the pale gray stones shone in the early sunlight. At the foot of the castle the grounds spread out in carefully ordered twists and turns, every bush and twig coated with a blanket of sparkling white snow. Armed guards stood aside as they rode through the gate, and despite herself Chloe felt her breath clog at the amazing sight of a fairy tale castle in its full winter glory.

While most of the hunting party rode towards the front of the castle, Chloe’s escort turned to the right, down a rough path leading towards the back. As they rode, the scent of woodsmoke grew stronger, as did the unmistakable smell of livestock. A large building came into sight around the side of the castle; as they rode towards it, Chloe could see rows of stalls through the wide, open door. Must be the stable, she mused, and soon Sir Auburn was reining to a halt.

Chickens that had scattered at the horse’s approach returned to wandering across the packed dirt and snow, pecking at the ground again. The man behind her swung out of the saddle and landed on his feet with a thump, then lifted her off of the horse as quickly as he had lifted her on. He strode towards the large wooden door set in the side of the castle proper, nearly identical to the one that Chloe had escaped through the night before, and knocked sharply several times. A minute later the door swung open and Martha Kent stood in the doorway, her hands on her hips.

“Graham.” She greeted the man sharply, but Chloe could tell that she was working to keep a smile from her face. “From the lack of venison in your possession I’ll assume the hunt was unsuccessful. So just what are you doing here, then? Begging for food again, I suppose. No better than a common vagrant.”

Graham pressed a hand to his heart as though struck. “Martha, you wound me. As a matter of fact, I’ve brought you a present.” He gestured at Chloe, and she stepped closer to the doorway. “We found her sleeping in the forest. Says she’s lost her parents. What do you say, Martha my beauty?” Graham shot her a winning grin. “Care to have an extra set of hands around the place?”

Martha looked Chloe up and down and let a small smile cross her face. “I suppose I can use the help. Poor thing, to lose both of your parents. Come on in out of the cold. And Graham,” she said, pointing to the horse outside her door, “put that thing in the stable before it tramples the chickens.”

“There you are, Roughskin,” Graham said, nudging Chloe towards the door with one large hand. “Martha here will tell you what you’re to do. And mind you don’t forget about your friend Graham if there happens to be a bit of extra food lying about.” He winked at her and turned to go, leaving Chloe with no real option but to smile faintly up at Martha and hope for the best.

As Graham walked back to his horse Martha placed a hand on Chloe’s shoulder and drew her into the kitchen. This room was every bit as huge as the kitchen in the first castle had been, with large wooden tables stretching from one end to the other, but this early in the day the room was filled with people chopping and stirring and kneading and carrying. There was an enormous fireplace in this kitchen, as there had been in the other one; the difference, however, which Chloe noted immediately, was that here the fire had been built to a roar, pouring smoldering heat into the room. Despite the wide-open windows letting in a chill draft, Chloe began to feel overheated in seconds as the thick fur mantle turned into an oven around her body. Martha took one look at Chloe buried under that mountain of fur and made a tsking noise.

“No need for that in here, sweetheart. Let’s get it off before you roast to death.”

“No!” Chloe jerked back and, seeing the shocked and affronted look on Martha’s face, offered her an apologetic smile. “Sorry. I’d just rather not . . .”

“Oh, of course,” Martha interrupted. “You’re probably still cold, aren’t you? Imagine, sleeping outside, exposed to all that cold night air; it’s a miracle you didn’t catch your death. Well, you can keep it on if you need to. Just be sure not to get it caught in the fire.” She began to move around the kitchen, grabbing bits of food and loading them onto a plate. “Here, you eat this.” Chloe took the plate of bread and cold meat, and her stomach gave an audible rumble. She began to take large, hungry bites, and Martha smiled maternally. “Once you’re finished with that, I need you to sweep the ashes off of the hearth. That’ll keep you nice and close to the fire. As for sleeping arrangements . . .” Martha pursed her lips in thought. “I don’t believe there’s any spare room in the servants’ quarters, but you can bed down in the stable. There should be an empty stall or two.”

Chloe forced her face to twist into a grateful smile and made sure her mouth was full of food so that she wouldn’t have to respond. Martha turned away and Chloe shifted uncomfortably under her thick fur mantle. She would love to take it off, but she didn’t know how well the rest of her disguise was holding up. If the ash had started to rub off, the mantle was the only thing that could keep her from being recognized as being higher-born than she was supposed to be. And now Mrs. Kent was “letting” her work next to the fire because she thought she was cold. Chloe didn’t relish the idea of sleeping in the stable, either—she’d had enough of horses that day to last for the rest of her life. Oh well. Better than starving and freezing in the forest, I guess. Besides, it probably wouldn’t be for long. She’d probably only have to tough it out for a day or so before she could get on with going to the ball and ending the story.

An image of Lex as she had seen him that morning flashed through her mind, causing a strange, nervous fluttering in her stomach. This whole situation had been much easier to deal with when she had thought that Clark would be her love interest. She was over Clark. But Lex . . . she would have to be careful with Lex. She didn’t want to start feeling something for him when he wouldn’t remember anything that happened when she went back home.

All things considered, the sooner she could get this story over with the better.


**************************


A rooster crowed into the paling sky and Chloe rose, groaning and brushing the hay out of her face. She briefly considered lying back down and catching a few more minutes of sleep, but she had no desire to be woken up again by a groom with Jonathan Kent’s face wielding a dirty shovel and saying that his wife needed her in the kitchen. Once was more than enough when it came to being woken up by the smell of fresh horse manure, thank you very much. When she was reasonably sure that she had shaken free the last of the clinging strands of hay, Chloe bent down and grabbed the bucket sitting by the stall door and made her way out of the stable to the waterspout out back.

Funny how no one mentions all the downtime in fairy tales, she thought irritably. She had been there for almost a week and a half before there was mention of any kind of a ball. Yesterday had been her day, however, and when she had made her way into the kitchen she had been confronted with the sight of mountains of food piled on the room’s long tables. An unusually harried Martha informed her that there was to be a festival for the next three days in celebration of the kingdom’s two-hundredth anniversary, with a ball each night after the festivities in the village; Chloe’s job would apparently be primarily to stay out of the way. That suited her just fine, and so she had spent most of the day fetching and carrying more wood for the fire, which was blazing higher than ever before. Martha had supervised the spitting of a whole deer and pig at the end of the day; Chloe was glad that she had decided not to watch that particular process, as the air was now filled with scents of roasting meat that had her mouth watering.

She reached the waterspout and positioned her bucket under the faucet, then started pumping the handle, careful not to splash any of the icy water on herself. Her breath plumed in the brittle air as she worked, leaning her whole weight against the handle to get it to move. Luckily the bucket was small and Chloe was able to fill it up after only a few pumps. Leaning down, she hefted it up again and carried it as quickly as she could to the kitchen door, listing to one side under the weight of the water. She hoped that there would be room near the fire for the bucket to be out of the way today. It was the only way to get it close to warm for her to wash with that night, and while she had bathed with water straight from the spout her first night there, she had no desire to do that ever again.

No one ever mentions little things like bathing in fairy tales, either. It was amazing how difficult it was to take care of washing clothes and keeping from smelling like old garbage without things like running water and deodorant. Martha had given her a bar of coarse soap, and the day that she washed her dress she had slept next to the fire in the kitchen, completely naked beneath her huge fur mantle, while it dried. As for the process of going to the bathroom . . . Chloe grimaced. She didn’t like to think about that if she could possibly help it.

She finally made it back around the stable, and to her surprise she saw the kitchen door standing open and waves of heat already pumping out into the dim morning light. Chloe stepped quickly inside and immediately had to jump out of the way of one of Martha’s assistants carrying several lumpy bags of potatoes. She only just barely kept the water she was carrying from slopping all over the floor; staying as close to the wall as possible Chloe made her way around the kitchen to the fireplace and tucked her bucket as far out of the way as it would go. Careful to shield her face from anyone who might be looking, Chloe grabbed a handful of ash and rubbed it over every part of her face and hands that her fingers could reach. Still doing her best to be inconspicuous, she reached into her pocket for a piece of the walnut that she had found in the kitchen on her second day and slipped it into her mouth. A glance at the woodbin next to the fireplace showed her only a few pieces of wood left, and she quickly slipped back outside to get more.

She was on her fifth trip to the woodpile late that afternoon when she heard a rumble and rattle from the front of the castle, growing louder and louder with every passing second. Chloe felt her curiosity building inside of her, and with a quick, backwards glance she began to move quickly towards the front of the castle, her footsteps crunching quietly in the snow. When she reached the corner she tilted her head forward until she could see around the wall without being seen herself. There, only a few dozen yards away, a large carriage clattered by in the wake of four immaculate horses that were all dressed better than she was. As she paused by the wall several more carriages pulled up, discharging crowds of impeccably dressed men and women. Chloe took a moment to gaze at the array of chatting, laughing people making their way up the palace stairs before she let a triumphant grin stretch across her face.

Finally.

Chloe ran to the woodpile and hastily gathered up as large of a load as she could carry. Then, moving as quickly as she could without dropping the armful of wood, she made her way back to the kitchen. Inside, things seemed to have calmed down marginally, and Chloe only had to dodge two people on her way to depositing her burden. She straightened and glanced around until she spotted Martha, standing at one of the tables and kneading a large lump of dough. Careful to stay out of people’s way, Chloe made her way over to stand at Martha’s elbow.

“Um . . . Martha?” It still felt odd to be calling the woman by her first name, but as she had just looked at Chloe oddly when she had called her Mrs. Kent, there was really no other option. Martha looked over at her and smiled distractedly.

“Hello sweetheart. Hand me that bowl, would you?” she asked, gesturing with her elbow. Chloe picked up the wooden bowl full of flour and placed it by the dough Martha was kneading. She watched Martha work for a moment before she spoke up again.

“I was wondering,” she began, her rehearsed speech firmly in her mind, “if I could maybe go and watch the carriages arrive? When I was little my mother always promised me that one day she’d let me watch the rich people ride by our house on their way to parties, but now she’s . . .” She cut off as if choked up. After a moment’s pause in which she felt a twinge of guilt for manipulating Mrs. Kent this way, she continued. “So, I was hoping that you’d let me go.”

Chloe glanced up to see Mrs. Kent’s eyes filling up with tears, and the twinge of guilt grew to a pang. She kept silent, however, and a moment later the older woman sniffed softly and nodded.

“Go on then. Just be back in an hour. And stay out of sight,” she warned as Chloe took off through the door.

Chloe ran to the stable and took a quick look around; satisfied that Mr. Kent was nowhere in sight she slipped into the stall she had been sleeping in and crouched down behind the door. With quick, practiced movements she stripped off the mantle and gray dress. Shivering as the cold air hit her naked skin, she took the walnut shell out of the pocket of her dress. She made quick work of the twine tied around it and let the two halves fall open. The squares inside the shells dazzled her for a moment before she plucked up the golden one; she placed it on her knee while she retied the twine and stuffed the shell back into the gray dress, then quickly unfolded the tiny square and shook it out.

The dress glowed even in the practically nonexistent light in the stable, but Chloe didn’t take the time to admire it. Still moving quickly, she slipped the dress over her head and felt it settle in gloriously soft waves around her bare skin. In a moment she realized that it laced in the back and sent a swift and silent thanks to whatever higher power had prompted her to let Lana talk her into all those yoga classes. It wasn’t easy, but she was able to reach behind her back and lace the dress tightly enough that she was sure it wouldn’t fall down. The exertion warmed her a bit, a fact that she was grateful for; though the sleeves on the dress belled out to her wrists, the neckline was scooped low over her breasts and the cold air there had her skin raised in goosebumps, a condition that made her next task even less enjoyable.

In the back of the stall there was another bucket, this one already full of water. Chloe stepped over to it and broke through the thin film of ice that had formed over the top. Bracing herself, she plunged her hands into the water and scooped it up to rinse away the ash covering her face. The icy water seared her skin, and it was all she could do to keep from crying out. Still, she scrubbed at her skin until she was sure that it was clean, then did the same with her teeth. After a moment’s consideration she unhooked the bracelet from around her wrist and slipped it carefully into her pocket to join the walnut shell. Hoping that whatever force that was moving her through this story was still with her, Chloe took one last, breathless look up and down the long line of stalls and hurried out of the stable, combing her hair into order as she went.

She had scouted out the route she would take one night soon after her arrival, and now Chloe did her best to keep to the lengthening shadows until she could duck through a small opening in the hedges bordering one of the gardens. From there, she wound her way through the snow-covered grounds as the sun sank slowly below the horizon. At one point she crossed the main road to the castle, but luck was with her and no one spotted her as she hurried across. She made her way around the castle until finally she found what she was looking for—a large patio where a pair of open French doors led into the ballroom.

Chloe stood still for a moment, watching couples waltz around the dance floor in swirling dresses and elegantly embroidered jackets. For a moment her courage quailed and she half-considered just going back to the kitchen; but she shored up her resolve, and with a deep breath she squared her shoulders and began to walk towards the open doors.

Here goes nothing.



TBC . . .

[LarkLuthor]

Fic Cover! Fic Cover! I love your work on those...they're always so beautiful!

Oh, that was fun! I'm enjoying this fairy tale emensely! Post the new update soon! You really shouldn't allow feinds to access such information, like the fact that this fic is finished, it makes us obnoxious and demanding. *Poke*

Lark

[cwong]

sounds like Deerskin by: robin mckinley

[asharnanae]

woohoo!! I love all the liittle reality touches, like the dirt and smells!! Man, now therers a place you dont want tot be stuck!

wonderfull!!

[fussy_wuzzy]

This is such a great story!

[Yarvarni]

more more more more!

[Augustine86]

Fic Cover! Fic Cover! I love your work on those...they're always so beautiful!

Oh, that was fun! I'm enjoying this fairy tale emensely! Post the new update soon! You really shouldn't allow feinds to access such information, like the fact that this fic is finished, it makes us obnoxious and demanding. *Poke*

Lark

Lark, Lark, always leaving me without anything to say on the reviews...

I'll Keep it simple: You don't update soon = Me acquire horns, tail, and a poker to torutre you with for the rest of forever :devil:
That's about it.

[vardaquareien]

Whoohoo! Fic cover! Wonderful work A!

Wonderful update. I loved Chloe's internal dialogue when she found out that Lex not Clark was her romantic interest! Loved how she had to concede that lately she hadn't been having dreams about Clark and that she'd been thinking about Lex alot more lately.

One thing found interesting was when Chloe tells herself not to fall for Lex because when she got back to the real world he wouldn't remember abything. I'd been thinking about this fact myself - I can't wait to find out what happens when she gets back to the real world, though I want lots of lovely fic before that of course! :D

Loved Chloe's reflections on the 'realities' to be found in a fairy tale world such as the smells, the troubles bathing and toiletting. It was very Chloesque - the dry, realistic look at things.

Fabulous ficcy & i can't wait for more!!!

[welshy]

This is a great story

[meg20]

Loved the update! Eagerly waiting for more!!!

[Kit Merlot]

Excellent update!

And I'm thrilled that Lex has now been introduced into the mix. :D

More soon, okay?

[TheDragonLady]

WOW! I really like this! Update soon, please.

Have you ever read the version of this story, Deerskin, by Robin McKinley? I'm glad this version isn't like that! I'd never look at Gabe the same way!

[Avalanche]

Robin McKinley based her book Deerskin off of "Donkeyskin", which is a fairy tale by Charles Perrault. And I have to agree with everyone else that this is a good story.

[Krysia]

Great story and I can't more for prince Lex [ it has a nice ring to it :)]

[LarkLuthor]

WOW! I really like this! Update soon, please.

Have you ever read the version of this story, Deerskin, by Robin McKinley? I'm glad this version isn't like that! I'd never look at Gabe the same way!Now that book was intense...Wasn't expecting all the detail on the incest and all...especially since I've read almost all her other stuff and it's mostly okay for even small children, if they could read that level.

Lark

[hfce]

That was such a delight to read. One thing Chloe should make sure she can sneak into the powder room. She might want to make sure her hair looks right.

Hope :)

[TheDragonLady]

Robin McKinley based her book Deerskin off of "Donkeyskin", which is a fairy tale by Charles Perrault. And I have to agree with everyone else that this is a good story.

Which also has the same idea... You know, the whole crazy father following his wife's dying wish in the most sick way possible...

Queen: "Dude, you can't get married unless the girl is, like, super sexy and has hair, like, EXACTLY like mine."

King: "Okay. I know exactly who fits that description. *Insert Evil cackle* I sha'll ruin the kingdom with my bastard-osity to fulfill your wishes!"

Princess: "F*** you, dad. I'm runnin' away with my nice animal skin outfit and you can just kiss my a$$. Yah bastard."


Now that book was intense...Wasn't expecting all the detail on the incest and all...especially since I've read almost all her other stuff and it's mostly okay for even small children, if they could read that level.

Holy cow, I wasn't either... I was expecting something a lot more kid-friendly, like Beauty... Whew! But DANG, that was some good reading... The worst part was when Lissar’s father almost killed Ash... I got irrationally angry…

[ambrosine]

I need to stop reading WIP stories- they're so good and I don't have more chapters to read *sigh* I love it, baby. Update asap. ;)

[leik2]

I am so enjoying your tale. Keep up the good work.

[Not An Addict]

A/N: I have a riddle for you guys. What's worse than waking up after only five hours of sleep? Answer: waking up after five hours of sleep because of cramps. However, my owwwwww-ness is your good luck; instead of having to wait for me to drag my lazy ass out of bed later today, you get an extra-special early update. ^_^ Hope you guys enjoy--here comes the Chlex!

(And no, I've never read Deerskin. Is it good? Objective opinion?)



Chapter Four: To Go to the Festival




The ballroom glittered with light, and it only seemed to grow brighter as darkness fell. People twirled around the dance floor, and those who had tired of dancing conversed in intimate groups around the room. Everyone was dressed to the height of fashion. Gold, silver, rubies, sapphires, and diamonds clung to throats and ears and wrists and fingers in every combination imaginable. The official royal dance had ended, and every woman fortunate enough to have danced with the handsome young king was immersed in a flurry of conversation with her friends, discussing and dissecting every word that had been said, every move that had been made. Word was spreading among the guests that this was certainly the most delightful ball in recent memory, surpassing even those that the late King Lionel had been so fond of throwing. All in all, the evening was a huge success.

Up on his raised dais, King Alexander was wishing himself anywhere else.

That wasn’t to say that he thought that the festival and ball had been a bad idea. This was a momentous occasion, and Alexander was proud. Proud of his kingdom; proud of the autonomy that it had retained throughout the years; proud of the fact that he hadn’t run it into the ground, as he had been half-afraid he would when he inherited the throne. Instead, far from floundering, the kingdom had flourished and prospered under his guidance. This ball was not simply celebrating a kingdom’s anniversary—it was celebrating his kingdom’s anniversary.

All of that did not, however, overshadow the fact that the entire thing was excruciatingly boring. Not to mention the fact that things felt . . . off, somehow. There was a nagging feeling in the back of his mind that something just wasn’t right. Alexander had ordered the guards to sweep the grounds and check the guests carefully for weapons; true, there had been no assassination attempts since his late father’s reign, but it never hurt to be cautious. So far nothing had been found, but still this odd feeling persisted. He shifted his weight and glanced at the clock standing against the far wall, groaning mentally at the prospect of several more hours of this affair. And that was only for tonight; there were two more nights to endure after this. He couldn’t quite suppress a wince at the thought.

“Lady Hardwick is eyeing you again.”

Alexander turned to glare at his friend Clark. While the knight’s voice may have been low enough to be discreet, there was no mistaking the obvious amusement the man felt at the idea of his friend dealing with the viperous Victoria Hardwick again. Alexander found the situation much less amusing; through some miracle he had been able to avoid the woman throughout the dancing, but his chances of a clean getaway were quickly dwindling.

“Perhaps it’s you that she’s eyeing, Sir Kent,” Alexander bit off. One pale eyebrow raised as an idea occurred to him. “Of course, I suppose the Lady Hardwick would be more likely to dally with someone of a higher rank. A lord, perhaps. Or an earl?”

Clark grinned widely and clasped a hand on his friend’s shoulder. “That’s very generous of you, your majesty. But no amount of lands or titles could entice me to willingly put myself in that woman’s clutches. Besides,” he added, letting his eyes stray back down to the dance floor. “You know that my heart is engaged elsewhere.”

Alexander followed Clark’s gaze and just barely kept from rolling his eyes when he saw that it led to the Lady Lana Lang. “Clark,” he said, using all his willpower not to try and shake his friend out of his adoring daze. “I realize that Lana holds your . . . heart. But distracting Victoria need not have anything to do with love. She may seem cold, but I assure you that she can become quite hot-blooded if given the correct stimulation.”

“If she’s as passionate as all that, why not make her happy and bed her yourself?” Clark’s casual words couldn’t quite conceal the flush that had stolen over his face at Alexander’s insinuation. And though he normally would have found Clark’s innocence amusingly refreshing, Alexander was sidetracked by the violent surge of distaste he felt at the thought of sleeping with Victoria.

Odd, he thought. Things between us certainly didn’t end well, but that’s only to be expected. Why this sudden loathing, then?

“I may have had time for such idle pursuits when my father was alive,” he answered, doing his best to push aside his wayward thoughts. “But now that I am king I need to turn my thoughts to more serious matters.” He scanned his gaze over the room and idly noted the vast number of women trying to catch his eye. “I suppose I should begin to think about finding a wife.”

“There you are, Alexander!” Clark fixed him with a delighted grin. “I knew you would eventually seek your match like the rest of us. Love is never an easy thing to find, but if you give it time—”

“Love has nothing to do with it, Clark.” Despite his best intentions, Alexander couldn’t help but smirk at the look of utter confusion on his friend’s face. “Marriage is about finding a woman that you can tolerate reasonably well, one who will give you an heir and be a steady companion. Love . . .” He trailed off with a rueful shake of his head. “Love is a child’s dream. A myth.” His eyes returned to scanning the room. “Love makes you act irrationally, and then abandons you to your regrets. I must set an example for my subjects and choose a wife in a rational fashion. The most that I can hope for is a tolerable attraction to someone with a reasonable intelligence and an acceptable title. Other than that—”

Clark glanced over to see what had made Alexander cut off so suddenly and saw his friend standing transfixed, staring with wide eyes at the far side of the room. He craned his neck but for a moment could only see a crowd of dancers in front of the large double doors that led outside. A moment later, however, the dance had people moving past and Clark saw quite clearly what was holding Alexander’s attention so completely.

She was . . . a vision. It was her dress that first caught the eye; how could it not? In the light of the ballroom it shone as brilliantly golden as the sun itself and as she moved—small, hesitating steps, first one way, then another—the skirt swirled around her legs with an almost impossible fluidity. The bodice clung to her figure like a lover; and indeed, it was her body that was noticed next.

All soft curves and gentle plains, hers was a body designed to breed delicious, sinful thoughts in even the most chaste of minds. Her hair was worn against the current style, falling loose to caress pale shoulders and frame a graceful neck. That hair, a softer shade than her dress, fell around her face like strands of gold. Her face . . . wide eyes, full pink lips, high cheekbones and a small, stubborn-looking chin. Her confident expression didn’t quite cover up the nervous energy with which she moved, and the juxtaposition of the two had Clark undeniably intrigued.

“Who is she?” he asked, his voice unconsciously lowered to a reverential hush. Lex shook his head to indicate that he didn’t know, then moved to descend the platform.

“Why don’t I go find out?”

Lex didn’t wait for an answer from Clark but simply walked away, his eyes never straying from the mysterious woman. He edged his way around the dance floor, moving so quickly and so intently that most of the people he passed didn’t even realize who he was until he had already gone. For one frantic moment when he was halfway to the doors he thought that he had lost her; but a group of gossiping women shifted aside and he saw her again, still hesitating just inside of the doors. He made his way towards her with a single-minded intent, barely noticing the whispers that were beginning to break out behind him.

Yes. The single word had been the only thought in his mind when he had seen her. He had never laid eyes on her before, he was sure of it. So where had this feeling of complete and utter rightness come from? Even as he posed the question he realized that he didn’t particularly care. All that mattered was getting to her. She was twenty steps away . . . ten . . . five . . .

She saw him an instant before he reached her, and she stared at him for a split second before dipping into a low curtsey. He reached down and took her hand; her eyes flew up to his, and without a word he placed a hand on her waist and led her into the dance.


**************************


It wasn’t until she stepped through the doors that Chloe had realized the flaw in this whole plan. Oh, she was reasonably certain that she looked the part of a princess, so long as her rinse of cold water had removed all of the yellow walnut juice from her teeth. And she had every confidence that she could act like a princess, as well. More or less. Ok, possibly less, but at least enough to pass for an hour or so. There was only one problem.

She was pretty sure that people would get suspicious when they found out she couldn’t dance.

The problem of dancing hadn’t even really occurred to her before. I mean, I wouldn’t even know how to begin to waltz. Or tango. Or whatever the hell it is that they’re doing in here, oh god, what am I going to do?

For the second time that night Chloe felt the strong desire to turn tail and run. She was sure that she was supposed to be some kind of paragon of beauty and grace, as fairy tale heroines inevitably are. Well how the hell was she supposed to live up to that? She wasn’t perfect. She was just Chloe. Nerves were fluttering wildly in her stomach, and for the life of her she couldn’t figure out which way to go.

Come on, Lex. Just find me already.

No sooner had the thought crossed her mind than she looked up and saw him striding purposefully towards her. The intensity of his stare had something inside of her tightening sharply in a mixture of pleasure and pain. It had her frozen for a moment, her mind completely blank before it started up again with a shout.

Curtsey, you idiot!

Chloe sank down in what she hoped was a passable imitation of a curtsey. Never thought you’d be glad you had to sit through all those girly movies with Lana, did you? With her head bowed she didn’t see Lex reaching towards her, only felt as his left hand was suddenly grasping her right. An unexpected bolt of electricity shot through her skin at the contact, and her eyes shot back up to Lex’s face as he pulled her up again. He did not release her hand once she was standing, however; instead he placed his right hand high on her waist and, before she realized what he was doing, swept her onto the dance floor.

There was an instant of panic, and she placed her hand on Lex’s arm more for balance than through any knowledge of what to do. Any minute she was expecting to stumble, fall, step on his feet, something. But in a moment they were halfway around the dance floor, then three-fourths, and finally they were sweeping past the place where they had started. Lex was an astoundingly good partner, and by simply following his movements Chloe was somehow able to make it through the steps of a dance she had never attempted before. Of course, the fact that some force or other seemed to be smoothing the way for her throughout the story might have had something to do with it, as well. But the important thing, as far as Chloe was concerned, was that she wouldn’t have to worry about trying to maintain her royal dignity while sprawled flat on her ass.

Her elation at not embarrassing herself was so strong that it was several minutes before she noticed that Lex was still staring at her. His eyes were locked onto her face, as if he were trying to imprint the memory of it on his brain. Despite herself she found that she was flushing slightly, and as she did Lex’s gaze only became more intense. Unwilling to risk trying to speak and dance at the same time, Chloe kept silent. Still, her own focus on Lex was so intent that she didn’t realize that they had danced their way out onto the patio until Lex gradually began to slow his steps and she noticed the cold air against her skin.

Oh, come on, we didn’t actually do the cliched dance-out-of-the-ballroom thing, did we? Ok, we’re stopping . . . and he’s giving me that look again . . . quick, brain, what’s the proper address for a king??

“Your majesty,” Chloe murmured with a small inclination of her head. Lex lowered their joined hands but made no move to release her.

“Alexander.” His low voice sent a shiver passing through her and he stepped ever so slightly closer. Chloe’s heart began to pick up speed and all she was able to do was nod; at her lack of response Alexander’s mouth quirked into a familiar smirk. “And your name is . . .?” he prompted.

“Oh! Chloe.” She closed her eyes for a moment in an attempt to gain control of herself again. “My name is Chloe.”

When she opened her eyes again the smirk was gone from Alexander’s face and he was staring at her with an intent, questioning expression.

“I know you,” he murmured, half to himself. Chloe felt herself pale. He had recognized her despite the disguise she had been wearing earlier. Shit. What do I do now? In the next instant, however, Lex shook his head and offered her a slow smile that had heat rushing back to her skin. “But I don’t know you, do I? I’ve never seen you in court before.”

“No.” Relief left Chloe feeling vaguely lightheaded. “I’m from . . . someplace else entirely. This is my first time . . . um . . . visiting your kingdom.”

Alexander nodded at her confirmation. “I thought it must be, for I’m certain I would remember a woman as beautiful as you are.”

This declaration did not have quite the effect he had been hoping for; instead of blushing again as he had expected, Chloe started to laugh. She moved out from under his hands, and Alexander discovered that he immediately wanted her back within arms’ reach. Especially when she was laughing up at him like that, her smile beaming out of her face and making him want nothing so much as to lean down and find out how that smile would taste.

“Sorry,” she finally managed. “I was just expecting royalty to have a better line than that.”

Alexander’s eyebrow quirked up in confusion. “Line?”

“Oh.” Of course he doesn’t know what that is. “Something that you’d say to try and get into my pa—to seduce me.” Doubt began to set in. “That was what you were going for there, wasn’t it?” Alexander smirked again and moved towards her again, ending up even closer than he had been before she moved back, and her heart started to jackhammer in her chest.

“Believe me, Chloe,” he said, drawing out her name as if he were savoring the taste of it. “If I were trying to seduce you, you wouldn’t have to ask.”

“Well, I guess my virtue’s safe with you, then,” she returned breathlessly. The fact that Alexander merely widened his smirk and said nothing in response, however, had her suddenly all too aware that they were outside alone, with only god-knows how many people even aware of where they were.

“Where will you be sitting at supper?” Alexander’s words brought her back out of her speculation; unfortunately, they also reminded her of her time limit.

“I have to go,” she said out loud, and was surprised when Alexander frowned and took her hand again.

“I haven’t frightened you off, have I?”

“No! No, I just . . . I left something in my carriage.”

“I’ll have someone fetch it for you if you’ll just tell me which one is yours.” Chloe freed her hand from his and he looked at her in confusion. “Chloe—”

“Alexander!” He turned at the sound of his name and saw Clark striding across the patio towards them. “People are starting to ask where you are, and it’s only a matter of time before someone gets up the nerve to look out here. So unless you plan to marry the girl, you might want to get back inside.” Clark looked around, then returned his questioning gaze to Alexander. “I thought she came out here with you.”

“What?” Alexander spun around, and sure enough, Chloe had vanished without a trace. “She was right . . . damn it, how can someone just vanish in a dress like that?”

“Let’s get back inside, your majesty,” Clark said cautiously, and with several reluctant, backward glances Alexander began to walk slowly towards the ballroom. “This air is unhealthy.”

“Don’t be ridiculous, Clark,” Alexander said distractedly. “Night air is no more toxic than the air at any other time of day.” He paused, silent for a moment. “And I do.”

Clark furrowed his brow in confusion. “Do what?”

“Intend to marry her.”

“Oh.” Clark chanced a glance at his friend’s face and saw the determination written there. “Oh. So . . . what title does she hold?”

A muscle in Alexander’s jaw twitched. “I have no idea.”

Hmm. Interesting. Clark kept his tone light, conversational. “Well, where is she from?”

“I don’t know,” Alexander gritted out.

“Why, your majesty, you seem to be acting rather hastily. Almost irrationally. One might almost think you were in love.” Clark tucked his tongue in his cheek and continued. “That is, if love were not ‘a child’s dream’, unacceptable for the ruler of as mighty a kingdom as ours.”

Alexander shot him a murderous glare. “You know, Clark, just because I’m against beheadings in general doesn’t mean that I won’t make an exception.”

Clark let out a laugh and followed Alexander into the ballroom, his grin never fading from his face. This was going to be entertaining to watch.


**************************


Chloe ran through the gardens at a breakneck pace. She expected to hear Lex—Alexander—behind her, but when she finally slowed she could hear nothing but her own labored breathing, and her breath plumed out in front of her like smoke as she approached the stable. The nickering of horses cut through the still air; holding her breath, she slipped through the hedges and darted inside. There were several more horses than there had been before, but her own stall was still mercifully empty. She shut the door and twisted her arms behind her back to unlace her dress as quickly as she could, yanking it over her head in one swift jerk. It took a moment or two of fumbling in the straw, her body wracked with shivers, before she found the gray dress and pulled it on. The mantle was next, and Chloe spent a few seconds simply enjoying the warmth that was creeping through her body again.

The discarded golden dress was picked up and refolded until it was just as small as it had been before. As she tucked it back into the walnut shell Chloe felt a tiny stab of regret. The dress had been wonderfully soft, especially after the scratchy cotton she had been wearing against her skin, and she almost wished that she could leave it on. But back into the shell it went, and the shell returned to her pocket. Her heart stopped for an instant, then started again in a painful lurch when her fingers closed over the bracelet. She hadn’t lost it. She began to slip it onto her wrist, then hesitated, thinking. If she were checked when Lex called her in to ask about the charm, it would be best if she weren’t wearing the evidence. Chloe dropped it back into her pocket, checked that all of her hair was hidden beneath her hood, and hurried out of the stable.


Her next stop was the woodpile. She gathered up as much wood as she could, and by piling it into the voluminous folds of her mantle she was able to carry twice as much as she would have been able to otherwise. When she was sure that she could walk without dropping anything she headed for the kitchen; luck was still on her side and she made it inside without being noticed. Once her burden had been emptied into the woodbin she turned swiftly to the fire and smeared her face and hands with ash again. Just as she made it halfway across the kitchen in search of Martha she heard a frighteningly loud CRASH behind her. She spun around to see that the pole on the right side of the fireplace, the one holding the roasting deer, had fallen and crashed into the pig on the way down, plunging both of them directly into the fire. Immediately, a chorus of panicked shouts went up all around her and the entire kitchen staff rushed to salvage the rapidly burning meat.

“You’re back!” Chloe turned again to see Martha hurrying towards her, her eyes flitting back and forth between Chloe and the meat. “Oh, this is going to put us so behind!” Her gaze finally rested on Chloe and a spark jumped into her eyes. She grabbed Chloe’s hand and began to drag her towards a small table next to the fireplace. “I need you to make the soup for the first course while I try to fix the meat.”

Chloe began to stutter in protest but Martha just rolled right over her. Several wooden bowls stood on the table, and she began to point to some of them. “It’s the easiest thing in the world. The broth is already boiling; you just add these four ingredients. Let it simmer and stir it every few minutes to make sure it doesn’t burn, then serve it up in those bowls over there.” She gestured to several silver serving carts full of sparkling dishes. “You’ll do fine, dear. Now get to work, quickly!”

Chloe was left to simply watch as Martha rushed over to the crowd around the other end of the fireplace and began issuing orders. She turned wide eyes back to the large metal pot hanging over the fire and sighed resignedly. After all, this was the way the story was supposed to go. I’ll just have to hope I don’t wind up giving everyone food poisoning. That cheery thought in mind, Chloe grabbed a rag that was sitting next to the ingredients and lifted the lid off of the pot to reveal a mass of boiling liquid. Steam flew upward and a large cloud of it hit Chloe full in the face, making her flush with heat underneath her ashes. She carefully set the massive lid on the nearest of the long tables and turned back to the fire. One bowl into the soup; two; three; four; fi—

Oh, CRAP.

She glanced from the half-empty bowl in her hand to the soup and tried not to panic. Okay, something had just gone into the soup that wasn’t supposed to. There was nothing she could do now, though—whatever it was had already been worked out of sight by the boiling broth. And surely they wouldn’t have anything poisonous sitting there with the ingredients for the soup. So . . . she would just have to hope for the best. She grabbed the large wooden spoon sitting nearby and stirred the soup, repeating the action every couple of minutes. Finally she lifted the spoon and tasted the liquid that clung to it.

Wow. A delightful little hum went through her tastebuds. That’s . . . really good. Pleased with herself, Chloe set the spoon down and picked up the heavy silver ladle on one of the serving carts. She filled bowl after bowl . . . after bowl . . . after bowl . . .

Lord, how many people are going to be at this dinner, anyway?? Her arm began to hurt long before all of the dishes were full; by the time she filled the tureens with the remainder of the soup she had switched to her left hand, as her right had begun to cramp up. All right. Now . . . which bowl goes to Lex? It only took a moment before she found it, the only golden bowl in a sea of porcelain. She glanced around cautiously, and when she was sure that no one was looking she reached into her pocket and unhooked one of the charms from the bracelet. Cupping it in her hand she examined it for a moment—it was a little golden ring, simple and plain, but perfectly symmetrical and without any kind of discernable seam. She dropped it into the golden bowl and made sure that the soup covered it.

Nothing to do now but wait.


**************************


King Alexander was not in a good mood. The boredom he had felt earlier in the evening had long since worn off, replaced with a gnawing restlessness that made him want to pace the room like a caged animal. Instead he smiled politely, making a few moments of inane conversation with each member of the fawning aristocracy in the reception line. His restrained impatience had not been eased by the knowing grin that Clark was barely making an effort to conceal. At least his friend had been able to set aside his gloating long enough to ensure that Lady Hardwick was kept away from him as much as possible. Even that was small consolation, however, and as he seated himself at the head table in the dining hall Alexander let his thoughts return to the woman who had managed to work her way under his skin in a matter of minutes.

Chloe. Her name echoed through his mind, as oddly familiar as she herself had been. Every time he tried to remember where he must have heard the name before, however, he came up against some kind of mental block and was merely certain she was the only Chloe that he had ever seen or heard of. He tried to push past the block, and a burning pain began to build behind his eyes. When it became too much to bear he abandoned the thought, his breathing heavier than normal, though no one seemed to notice. He closed his eyes for a moment and forced himself to relax.

As soon as he did, Chloe was there in his mind again. Her face was burned into his memory; the breathless, wide-eyed look that she had fixed him with; the way her lips had curved into a brilliant smile when she had laughed. He remembered how hot her waist had been beneath his hand, how small her hand had felt in his. He remembered the scent of her, woodsmoke and something else, something delicate that had made his belly clench with an undeniable hunger.

The servants had arrived with the first course and, knowing that no one would start eating until he did, Alexander dipped his spoon into the soup and tasted a mouthful. An unexpected flavor burst over his tongue and he raised his eyebrows in surprise. This was far better than any soup the kitchen had ever produced for him. As delicious as the soup was, though, his mind soon returned to Chloe as he continued to eat mechanically.

She had run from him. He couldn’t figure out why, but one thing was clear: if her reaction was to flee from innuendo as harmless as his had been he should have just kissed her and made her desertion worthwhile. At least then he would have the memory of that mouth beneath his instead of the mere speculation of how she would taste. Yes, he definitely should have kissed—

The feeling of something hard and metal in his mouth pulled him from his thoughts and brought him back to the present. A frown creased his brow and he let the object slip to the tip of his tongue—there was a hole in the center of . . . whatever it was. Alexander lifted a hand to his mouth and pulled out a small metal ring. He grabbed his napkin and wiped it clean, revealing the gleam of gold. His heart lurched and began to beat slightly harder than usual.

It was from her. He knew it was.

Alexander gestured to a nearby steward. The man approached with admirable speed and stood at attention beside his king’s chair. Never taking his eyes from the ring, Alexander spoke in a lowered voice.

“Have the cook brought up. I will meet with her in the solar.” The steward nodded once and walked briskly from the room; Alexander turned to Clark, who was looking at him expectantly. “Clark, please make my excuses. There’s something I have to attend to.” Without staying to answer Clark’s questions Alexander rose and strode through the same door the steward had used.

There was already a fire built in the solar when he reached it, and a tiny smirk crossed his face. One had to admire efficient servants. He settled himself in a large chair near the fireplace and waited. He didn’t have to wait long; it was only a few minutes before a matronly redheaded woman was shown in, looking apprehensive and wiping her hands nervously on her apron. She fell into a low curtsy and Alexander smiled warmly at her, but her obvious nerves remained.

“You sent for me, your majesty?”

“Yes, I did.”

“Was . . . was something about the meal not to your liking?”

“Not at all,” he reassured her. His eyes locked on hers as he spoke. “In fact, the soup was wonderful. Who made it?”

“I-I did.” Alexander raised a single eyebrow at her and her face flushed red, her eyes lowering to the carpet at his feet. “A young girl who has been working in the kitchen.”

Alexander nodded curtly, though he knew she didn’t see. “Go and send her up to me.”

She dipped into another, shallower curtsey and fled the room as quickly as she could. Alexander’s patience, already thin, was quickly waning. Someone in that kitchen knew who Chloe was; he could feel it. And so help him, he was going to find out whom.

“Your majesty.”

His head whipped up at the voice, but instead of the woman he had expected he saw only the girl in the huge fur mantle that he remembered his hunters finding some time ago. He shook himself from his thoughts. It wouldn’t do to start hearing Chloe’s voice every time a woman spoke. Alexander’s attention returned to the girl in front of him. She stood with her head was lowered, her eyes averted—the picture of intimidation in the face of ultimate authority. She will tell me what she knows, if she knows anything, he thought with satisfaction.

“You are the child my hunters brought back from the forest?” he asked, though both understood that it was more of a statement than a question. Still, she nodded, and he continued. “And you have been working in the kitchen since then?” Again she nodded. “I was told that you are the one responsible for the soup tonight.”

“Yes. Was there something wrong with it? Your majesty?” she added hastily. Under her ashy disguise Chloe fought not to wince. She had seen Lex’s reaction to her voice and was trying to disguise that, as well, pitching her tone higher than was strictly comfortable for her vocal cords.

“No, there was nothing wrong with the soup. In fact it was the best that I’ve tasted in years, if not ever. But there was something . . . unexpected waiting for me at the bottom of my bowl. Can you guess what it was?”

Chloe shook her head mutely.

“Look at me.” That steely note was back in his voice and Chloe felt her heart trip as she raised her gaze to meet his. His eyes were narrowed on her, and he held up the small golden ring that she had slipped into his soup. “How did this ring get into my bowl?”

Chloe forced her eyes to widen in confusion and shock and shook her head. “I don’t know . . . your majesty.”

“It’s all right.” He leaned forward, his forearms resting on his knees, his eyes never leaving her face. “I’m not angry. Did a lady give you this, tell you to put it in my soup?”

“No, your majesty.” Ugh, how long will I have to keep calling him that? “I never talked to any lady. I only made the soup; I don’t know where the ring came from.”

Alexander sat back in his chair and regarded the girl in front of him. There seemed to be two possibilities: either she honestly didn’t know how the ring had come to be there, or she had some reason for a loyalty to Chloe that would not allow her to tell him what had happened. Either way, he wasn’t going to get the answers out of her that he had hoped for. Not without pushing her much harder, and Alexander did not think that was necessary just yet. He sighed and nodded.

“You may go.”

Chloe sank into a final curtsy and backed out of the room, noting the pensive frown on Lex’s face as she left. Okay, that was close. That was really, really close. But you made it.

She took a deep breath and headed back to the kitchen. Only two more nights to go.





TBC . . .

[welshy]

That was a great update, I'm really enjoying this story :)

[asharnanae]

WOOT!!!!! loved this chappy, and the inclusion of clark and vicktoria!!! of ho ho though!! chloes gonna have to be carefull!!

Fantastic!

[chril1]

love chlex and love fairytales

ergo this is a great fic for me

lea
xxx

[LarkLuthor]

Great chapter! I hope you're feeling better soon!

I concur with Ash, Clark and Victoria were great! Can't wait for the next update... I remember the whole fairy tale now.

Lark

[Krysia]

Alexander nodded at her confirmation. “I thought it must be, for I’m certain I would remember a woman as beautiful as you are.”
This declaration did not have quite the effect he had been hoping for; instead of blushing again as he had expected, Chloe started to laugh. She moved out from under his hands, and Alexander discovered that he immediately wanted her back within arms’ reach. Especially when she was laughing up at him like that, her smile beaming out of her face and making him want nothing so much as to lean down and find out how that smile would taste.
“Sorry,” she finally managed. “I was just expecting royalty to have a better line than that.”
TBC . . .

This was my favourite part. Their banter in any time, or reality, is just wow :)
A wonderful meeting. I loved all the descriptions it made me feel like I could see everything that was happening. I can't wait for more.

[Augustine86]

OOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH I LOVE THIS FANFIC!!! It's quickly becoming the favourite fanfic in the whol history of fanfics!!!!!

I would worship the floor you feet touch, but I'm doing that already for Dvid Bowie, Michael Roesenbaum and John Glover. Sorry kiddo.

An "Update Soon" would be and understatement right now, right?????

[meeaz]

this story is so good. i can't wait to find out what happens once (or if) leaves this fairytale world-it'll be interesting to see what happens with chlex in the real world. update again soon!

[meg20]

Great update, liked that we had Chlex in this chapter finally.
Waiting for more updates!!!

[vardaquareien]

Fantastic update! I'm loving Lex in this. Loved the irony of the way he began by lecturing Clark about the non-existence of love and then how he was so instantly smitten by Chloe!

The most interesting things I found in this chapter were Lex's surety that he knew her and recognised her name, and the way that he came across a block when he tried to think about it. I really love this aspect. It gives me the feeling that the real Lex is there under the surface and his memories of the real world have just been buried underneath the fairy-tale persona.

I can't wait for the next chappie!

[Julie]

This is a really cute story :) Can't wait for your next update ;)

[Yarvarni]

Chlex really does lend itself to fairy tales doesn't it. I can't wait for more.

[TheDragonLady]

EXCELLENT! I am SO very anxiously waiting for the next chapter... Hint...

[hfce]

I love this fic. :D

[Louie]

Moon dress next, can't wait, maybe he'll kiss her this time. soon?

[leik2]

Love it. Will anxiously wait for the next chapter.

[Not An Addict]

A/N: Whoo! The woman I needed a quote from actually called me back, which means I can actually get my article written by deadline! *dances* Lemme tell you, I'm in such a good mood, I don't even mind formatting this chapter. ^_^ Enjoy, guys!



Chapter Five: A Lovely Night




It was funny, the way time moved, if by ‘funny’ one meant ‘infuriating’. The morning dragged on and on, each minute feeling like an hour, each hour like a day, until Chloe was seriously considering the possibility that she might be going insane. Last night had been far more stressful than she had expected, and all she wanted was to get through the next two days as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, time didn’t seem to be concerned with her impatience and continued to move with almost exaggerated slowness. At least, it did until mid-afternoon, when she started to really think about seeing Lex again. About dancing with him. Having him gaze down at her like she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen . . .

Chloe knew that he had been right—if he were really and truly hitting on her, there would be no question in her mind about what he was doing. What Lex didn’t know was that he would have no doubt as to her reaction, as chances were good that she would simply give in and jump him at that point. And therein lay the danger.

She had always found Lex attractive. Hell, she wasn’t dead. But as they had only ever spent time together around several of her friends, it had always been fairly easy to control her thoughts. Last night, though, they had been alone, and he had been standing so close to her, with that sexy smirk of his tilting up his lips. It had only taken a few minutes before she had started to fantasize about nibbling on that tiny scar on his upper lip, and the longer they were together the more she had to fight to remember why she shouldn’t just give in to temptation.

Falling for Lex Luthor was a bad, bad idea. It took all of her mental powers to keep in mind the fact that this wasn’t really Lex, just a construct with Lex’s face. Even if he seemed to love her now, that love wouldn’t exist in real life; any feelings she developed would be completely unrequited. The more time she spent around Lex, the more danger she was in of having her heart broken. And she had gotten over her one-sided crush on Clark far too recently to find that thought remotely acceptable.

Predictably enough, as soon as this realization hit her, time decided to pick up the pace. The more nervous she got the faster it moved, until before she knew it the sun was setting and it was time for her to leave. She had already gotten permission from Martha to leave so long as she was back in time to make the soup, as Lex had requested that it be served again. Her stomach already clenching with nerves, Chloe left the kitchen and made her way to the stable to change, trying to ignore the sinking feeling that she was already in way, way over her head.


**************************


“Alexander, you need to relax. Working yourself into a fit isn’t going to bring her here any faster.”

“Clark.” Alexander didn’t take his eyes from the dance floor as he bit off his reply. “If I wanted to be told how to live my life I would have listened to my father during one of his never-ending lectures. The fact that whenever he spoke I spent the time imagining planting my foot in his ass ought to give you a hint as to what to do with your advice.”

Clark snorted and shook his head. However, another glance at his friend had his amusement disappearing, replaced with the unease that had been with him throughout the evening. Alexander had been watching for this mysterious Chloe since the ball began, and every moment that passed without her showing up had him growing more and more on-edge. The servants at the door had been given her description with the firm instructions to inform the king the instant she arrived; but after questioning them last night Clark had been unable to find a single one that remembered her, and he held little hope of her coming in that way tonight.

“Your majesty . . .” Alexander almost groaned at the formal address. Clark always used his first name unless he was teasing him or about to say something that Alexander didn’t want to hear; by the hesitant tone of Clark’s voice, Alexander was willing to bet that it was going to be the latter. Clark cleared his throat and continued. “You may need to start considering the possibility that she isn’t going to come tonight.”

Rather than the angry outburst Clark had been expecting, Alexander simply fixed him with a level stare. “She’ll come, Clark,” he said, his voice calm and quiet. “And if she doesn’t, then I’ll find her. I don’t care where she goes or how long it takes; I’ll find her.” He smirked. “I’m disappointed in you, Sir Kent. I wouldn’t have thought that a champion of love such as yourself would have expected me to admit defeat so soon.”

“Yes, but . . .” Clark sighed. “You don’t know anything about this girl. She . . . she could already be married, for all you know! I just don’t want to see you get your hopes up for nothing.”

Alexander narrowed his eyes and turned again to the dance floor. An instant later a smug smirk settled itself firmly on his lips.

“You were saying, Clark?”

There she was, standing off to the side of the dancers. She was staring back at him, and Alexander felt his blood start to hum as all of the tension that had built up over the past day simply melted away. He gave his eyes free rein to roam over her body, drinking her in.

Her dress was silver this time, a pale, luminous color that made her look as if she were wearing moonlight. Her golden hair seemed to shine even more brightly than it had before and her eyes, locked on his, were brilliant with an emotion that he couldn’t quite place.

“Well, go on!” Alexander had been so immersed in Chloe that Clark’s voice almost made him jump. “You haven’t been waiting for her all evening to just stand up here staring. Go over there already.”

Alexander spared Clark the briefest of smiles and descended the dais, cutting a straight path for where Chloe stood waiting for him. When he reached her he leaned forward in a shallow bow, his eyes never leaving hers.

“Chloe.”

He saw a shiver run through her at his low murmur. Her breath started to come a fraction heavier, doing mesmerizing things to her chest. She lowered herself in a curtsey just a hair lower than his bow had been, and though her eyes lowered as she did so, they returned immediately to his as she rose.

“Your m—Alexander.”

He held out his hand for hers; he waited as she glanced down at it, then back up to him. “Dance with me.”

Chloe hesitated for a moment longer, then with a silent prayer that her recently discovered dancing ability hadn’t deserted her, placed her hand in Lex’s. The same electric jolt as before sent a pleasant vibration over her skin as Lex placed his other hand on her waist, leading her in between the other couples gliding by. She barely had time to enjoy the feeling of Lex’s hands on her, however, before he began to speak.

“You didn’t return for supper last night.” He raised one eyebrow and tucked his tongue in his cheek. “I never knew it took so long to fetch something from a carriage.”

“I’m sorry.” Chloe hadn’t meant for the words to come out of her mouth, but once they had she realized that it was true. Hidden behind the wry amusement in Lex’s eyes she could see confusion and disappointment, and she didn’t like knowing that she was the one responsible for putting it there. “I really am sorry. But I had to leave.”

“I don’t suppose you’re going to tell me where it was that you had to go?”

“I . . .” Chloe sighed and shook her head. “I can’t.”

Lex nodded once, sharply, and slowed them to a stop as the music ended. The orchestra soon started up again, but instead of leading her into another dance, Lex released her waist and raised her hand to brush a kiss over her knuckles.

“You’re here now.” He released her hand and Chloe tried to ignore the way her skin tingled where his lips had touched it. Lex stepped to her side and placed a hand at the small of her back, guiding her towards the dais at the front of the room. “There’s someone I’d like you to meet.”

Chloe felt her heart begin to beat faster; the more people she had to convince that she belonged here the more anxious she got. Please, please let it be someone lacking in intelligence. She saw that they were approaching Clark and felt an instant surge of relief, immediately followed by a surge of guilt. It wasn’t that Clark was stupid, exactly, just . . . remarkably unobservant. Which was exactly what she needed right now. Clark looked up when they reached him and raised an amused, questioning eyebrow at Lex.

“Chloe, allow me to introduce you to Sir Clark Kent.”

Chloe’s lips twitched, but she somehow managed to stifle a snicker. Clark as a knight. How apropos. Well, princess outranks knight; at least I don’t have to curtsey. She tilted her head in a gracious nod, and Clark responded with a surprisingly graceful bow. “Clark,” Lex continued, never taking his eyes from Chloe, “I’d like you to meet Chloe. The woman I intend to marry.”

Chloe whipped her eyes back to Lex, expecting to see a satirical smirk on his face. Instead she found him gazing at her with an intently serious expression; a moment later she realized that the tightness in her chest was due at least in part to the fact that she had somehow forgotten how to breathe. Clark looked between the two as the tension built and finally cleared his throat softly. The couple in front of him broke their gaze and turned to him, and he couldn’t help but grin at the fetching blush that crept over Chloe’s face. Her breath started again with a hitch, and she forced a smile onto her face as she held out a hand to Clark.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Clark grasped her hand lightly and raised it to his lips the same as Lex had, though the tingle that Lex had caused was missing from the gesture. “The pleasure is all mine. I always knew it must be an extraordinary woman who would capture our king’s heart. I must say, it’s comforting to be proven right.”

Chloe couldn’t help but smile at that. Wow. This Clark is a lot smoother than the one in real life. Still, the implication of Clark’s words had her nervousness showing clearly on her face. Alexander, meanwhile, was focused on the fact that Clark had yet to release Chloe’s hand. Jealousy began to trickle through him, an unfamiliar and unwelcome sensation. Luckily, the orchestra began to play another song; instead of simply ripping Chloe’s hand from Clark’s, as he was half-inclined to do, Alexander cleared his throat as softly as Clark had and raised a questioning eyebrow at Chloe. She extricated her hand from Clark’s and reached for his, and he let a tiny smirk cross his face as he shot his friend an apologetic glance.

“Sorry, Clark. Have to steal her away again.”

Clark nodded, grinning, and, satisfied that he had simply been letting his imagination run away with him, Alexander led Chloe onto the dance floor once again. Though the urge to pull her against him was strong, he managed to keep himself at a proper distance as they moved through the dance. Chloe’s gaze was focused on his chest and he frowned slightly; he was about to speak when she lifted her gaze to his and raised a single sardonic eyebrow.

“Intend to marry, eh?”

He smirked. “Yes.”

“Mm-hmm. And were you going to do the whole ‘asking me’ thing at any point, or were you planning to just throw me over your shoulder and carry me off to the chapel?”

Lex’s smirk didn’t fade, but his eyes were regarding her seriously once again. “I had planned to wait until we were in private, but if you’d prefer me to go on bended knee in the middle of all these guests, I’d be more than happy to oblige you.”

To Chloe’s horror he actually began to slow their steps, and she tugged at his jacket to keep him moving. “Don’t you dare! You can’t just . . . ugh!”

Lex was smiling down at her now, a genuine, honest-to-god smile. “I suppose I could reconsider . . .” He trailed off, seeing that Chloe’s attention was now fixed on his mouth. Chloe had barely even noticed that Lex was no longer speaking; instead, she was transfixed at the sight of Lex’s smile. It was something she had never seen in real life. She had seen him smirk, certainly. Pretty much everyone in town had. But a real smile . . . that was something that few, if any, were privileged enough to see, and to have it directed solely at her had her stomach fluttering wildly. Finally realizing that Lex had stopped talking, Chloe lifted her gaze to his. Desire was clear in his eyes, and even as they danced he began to lower his head to hers . . . closer . . . closer . . . until . . .

Chloe pulled her head back sharply. As much as she wanted to discover how Lex’s mouth would feel on hers, she couldn’t let herself find out. Kissing Lex would be the first step down a steep, slippery slope, and she didn’t much relish the crash she knew would come at the bottom. And even if she were willing to take the chance, it sure as hell wouldn’t be in the middle of a room full of people watching their every move. Luckily Lex, too, seemed to have realized at least part of the danger of what had almost happened, and he straightened again looking disappointed but understanding. The orchestra wound down their song and Chloe snapped completely back to her senses.

“I have to go.”

Lex’s hands tightened reflexively, and Chloe sucked in a breath as a tiny bolt of pleasure went through her. She closed her eyes briefly, and when she opened them again Lex was gazing at her, apparently trying to come to some kind of conclusion.

“Meet me later tonight,” he said suddenly. “In the garden beyond the patio, at midnight.”

“I . . .”

You shouldn’t. You really shouldn’t, Chloe. Remember what they told you in elementary school? Just say no. Just take a deep breath and say that you can’t meet him.

She nodded. “All right.” She stepped back, and his hands fell away. “I have to go now, though.”

“One more dance,” he urged, stepping closer, and the seductive smirk he turned on her coupled with an intentionally harmless look had her close to giving in. “Just stay for one more dance.” And I’ll just make sure that the orchestra keeps playing. He could see her wavering, and was about to take her hand again when he heard an unwelcome voice behind him.

“Your majesty.” Alexander turned reluctantly and saw Victoria curtseying almost down to the floor, giving him an excellent view down the front of her dress if he were inclined to look. He wasn’t.

“Lady Hardwick.”

Victoria rose and fixed him with a sultry look. “It’s not like you to let one young woman completely monopolize your time, sire. You were always so fond of variety.” She smiled up at him suggestively. “Surely your tastes haven’t changed that much?”

Alexander had no patience for this.

“Victoria, I can say with complete certainty that yes, my tastes have changed significantly.” He swept a glance over her body with a derisive smirk. “It’s just a shame they didn’t change any sooner. Now if you’ll excuse me.” However, when he turned back to where Chloe had been standing she was, once again, nowhere in sight.

“It looks like you’ve lost her.” Victoria’s voice was viciously sweet, and Alexander clenched his jaw against the anger that wanted to rise as he turned back to her. “I’d still be happy to . . . dance with you, your majesty, if you’re searching for a partner.”

Chloe might be gone, but she had agreed to meet him later that night. The thought fueled his smile as he stepped closer to Victoria. “Lady Hardwick,” he murmured, and she tilted her face up to his with a triumphant smile. “I will never be that desperate for a partner again.”

With that, Alexander stepped around the shocked woman in front of him and headed back to the front of the room, counting down the hours until midnight.


**************************


Chloe struggled to keep her breathing even as she made her way through the twists and turns of the hedges that lined the grounds. It had been another harrowing night that had rubbed her nerves to raw agitation. Just like the night before she had changed and returned to the kitchen to make the soup. And, like the night before, she had slipped a charm into Lex’s soup and had him interrogate her about where it had come from. He had kept her longer this time, but after half an hour of pleading her ignorance he had finally let her go.

Last night she had returned to the kitchen to fetch and carry until the end of the feast, then returned to the stable. Tonight she had done all of that, but instead of sinking into her bed of hay and falling asleep, she had taken out the silver dress again. Now she was making her way to the garden to meet Lex, her heart pounding in her chest as she shivered in the cold night air. And as she walked her better judgement was berating her, trying to get her to turn back.

You shouldn’t be doing this. This is a very, very bad move. You know what’s going to happen. You know!

I’m not psychic. I really can’t be sure that anything will happen.

Please. You were about to let him kiss you on the dance floor tonight, and that was in the middle of a room full of people. Now you’re going to be alone with him in some secluded little garden. Do you honestly think that nothing’s going to happen? I’ll tell you what’s going to happen, you’re going to get your heart broken again, that’s what. Lex doesn’t feel this way about you in real life, and you’re going to have to go back there eventually, you know.

Yeah, well, I don’t have a perfect memory of this story. Can you say for sure that this isn’t an important part that’s central to the story turning out right? Because I don’t really feel like being stuck here forever because I was too scared to be alone with Lex.

Her inner voice didn’t seem to have anything to say to that, and Chloe straightened her shoulders with a smile. All she had to do was go, talk to Lex, and slip off again without getting caught up and falling for him any more than she already had.

Her shoulders slumped again. Yeah. Piece of cake.

She heard footsteps up ahead and cautiously slowed her pace. A double ring of waist-high hedges and twisting trees surrounded the garden up ahead, and though the snow-covered branches of the trees were bare of leaves, they were thick enough to shield the clearing inside from easy view. Moving as quietly as she could, Chloe stole up behind one of the trees and looked into the clearing through the gap of one of the entrances. Lex was there, pacing back and forth, a long black cloak draped around his shoulders. This close up the crunch of his feet over the snow was mingled with the music and laughter coming from the ballroom where people were still dancing after the feast. Chloe took a deep breath and left the cover of the tree to walk into the garden.

Lex spun around when he heard her approach, his smile fading when he saw the way she had wrapped her arms around herself, trying to ward off the cold that her dazzling dress couldn’t shield her from. In an instant he had taken his cloak off and draped it over her shoulders, his brow knit in confusion and concern.

“Why on earth are you out here without a cloak?” he chided, rubbing at her arms through the material in an attempt to stop her body’s visible shivering. Chloe opened her mouth without knowing what she was going to say when Lex smirked and stopped her. “Let me guess: you left it in your carriage?”

Chloe smiled, and as she did she felt Lex’s hands still on her arms. He began to lean towards her and Chloe stepped back, then around him, pulling the borrowed cloak closer as she took several hasty steps past him. Her stomach was jumping and her heart was racing and she blurted out the first thing that came to her mind.

“You really ought to have some kind of a hat or something. They say that about ninety percent of your body heat escapes through your head.”

“That’s really not where most of my body heat is right now, my lady,” he replied, and she could hear the smirk in his voice. Chloe closed her eyes against the vivid mental images his statement had invoked, then turned to face him with a deliberately innocent look.

“Oh? And where might it be, your majesty?”

Lex’s smirk widened and he prowled towards her. Chloe raised her chin, refusing to back down, and Lex finally came to a halt mere inches from her. He reached down and took her hand, and Chloe shot him a disbelieving look.

“Why,” he murmured, and pressed her hand flat against his chest, “my heart of course. Where else?”

Chloe couldn’t help it. She laughed. Lex grinned back at her for a moment; then his eyes fell to her mouth and his face became serious, and Chloe could feel his heart pick up speed. Her tongue darted out to wet her suddenly dry lips and Lex sucked in a breath that had his chest rising noticeably beneath her hand. His eyes returned to hers and his thumb rubbed absently over the back of her hand.

“I’ve never been in love before.” Chloe’s heart stammered in her chest at Lex’s quiet declaration, and a thoughtful frown crossed his face. “I think I was close to it . . . once . . .” He shook his head, smirked. “Though I can’t remember when.” His free hand reached up to cup her face, brushing his fingers lightly over her jaw. “It didn’t feel anything like this.” He lowered his head towards her again, this time raising her face up to meet his. Chloe’s eyes drifted down to his lips and she felt her breathing become ragged.

“This isn’t a good idea,” she whispered.

Lex nodded softly. “Yes it is.”

And then his lips were on hers. Just the slightest brush of pressure, and it felt as if everything inside of her sighed. She had kissed lots of guys before, and she had done much more than kissing. It had always been nice. This was more than nice. This was . . . right. Her eyes drifted closed and without even thinking she leaned forward slightly, seeking more. The pressure increased slightly; Chloe made a small noise in the back of her throat and pressed her mouth fully against his, her fingers curling into the material covering his chest.

Lex stayed still for a moment, trying to let Chloe set the pace. When her lips began to move over his, however, he couldn’t take it anymore. His hand moved from her jaw to the back of her neck, her silky hair brushing over his skin as he tilted her head to deepen the kiss. Chloe stepped closer and placed her other hand beside the one already resting on his chest; Lex slipped the hand covering hers under the cloak and around her waist to the small of her back, gently pulling her flush against him. The feeling of Lex’s body pressed against hers had Chloe letting out a small moan, and Lex seized the opportunity to slip his tongue between her lips. It brushed against hers, and rather than pulling back in shock as he had half-expected, Chloe let out another, slightly deeper moan and wound her arms around his neck, massaging his tongue with hers.

Chloe’s response to him was quickly eroding Lex’s powers of higher thought. He began exploring her mouth, running his tongue around her teeth and over the roof of her mouth before letting it return to tangle with hers, greatly enjoying the small, low sounds that she made. He finally abandoned the kiss to let them both breathe, but instead of pulling back Lex simply moved his mouth to trail over her jaw. His lips brushed against the soft skin beneath her ear and Chloe trembled in his arms. He did it again, with the same results. Interesting. Testing, he raked his teeth lightly over the spot.

“God, Lex.”

He frowned slightly but didn’t retreat, instead taking her earlobe between his teeth and nibbling gently.

“Lex?” he murmured, hoping that she couldn’t hear the spark of jealousy in his voice.

“Short for A—Alexander,” Chloe whispered brokenly, and judging by the amusement he could hear in her tone he hadn’t kept his own voice quite as casual as he had hoped. “Do you mind?”

“Hmm.” He moved his lips lightly over the shell of her ear. “I don’t know. Say it again.” And he scraped his teeth over the same spot, harder this time.

“Lex.”

He smirked against her skin. “I think I like it.”

Smug bastard. Thinks he can just—mmmm . . . Lex’s mouth had moved to her neck to suck lightly on the skin over her pulse, and suddenly it was as though there was a cord running from that spot to every other pleasure point in her body. She began to throb in time with the pressure he was exerting with his mouth and she automatically moved a hand to the back of his head to hold him in place, her fingers trailing over his scalp.

Alexander lifted his head in surprise and stared down at Chloe. Her lips were still swollen from their kiss, her skin was flushed, and she was gazing back at him with confusion clear on her face. Alexander hesitated, not sure what to do or say. He had lost his hair years ago, when he was still a child, and none of the women he had ever been involved with had cared to touch the bare skin there, afraid that whatever had left him bald was somehow contagious. Now that it actually mattered, he wasn’t sure he wanted to know how Chloe truly felt about what his kingdom had always looked on as a deformity. Chloe read the indecision in his eyes, and understanding dawned as the dark-haired hunter’s words when she had first arrived suddenly sprang back into her memory.

“Our own king may have a slight disfigurement, but his spirit is pure.”

Disfigurement her ass. Chloe let a smile tilt up her lips and deliberately stroked her fingers over his scalp again. “I like it.”

Lex still looked less than certain, and Chloe briefly debated with herself over her next move. Finally, she gave in. Hell, this is probably the only time in my life I’ll get the chance to make out with Lex Luthor. Might as well make the most of the situation. With the hand still holding the back of his head Chloe pulled him down to capture his mouth with hers. She controlled the kiss this time, and when she stroked the skin at the Lex’s nape, it was his turn to shiver. Gotcha.

“Alexander?”

Lex broke away from Chloe with a groan and rested his forehead against hers, their breaths mingling visibly in the air between them as Clark’s voice grew closer.

“It will only take me a minute to kill him, I swear.”

Chloe let out a quiet laugh and Lex leaned back to look at her; he pressed a gentle kiss to her lips, then to her forehead. He brushed her hair back from her face and stepped back, holding up one finger for her to wait while he dealt with Clark. Chloe slipped back into the shadows and Lex stepped forward into one of the entrances to the concealed garden.

“Over here, Clark.”

There was a series of loud, crunching noises, a rustling and a muffled oath before Clark appeared on the path before him, wearing a dusting of snow and a sheepish expression.

“I didn’t think there was a hedge there.” His sheepish expression turned quizzical. “You just disappeared from the ballroom, and . . .” he trailed off, his eyes moving past his friend into the garden. “Why is there a cloak hanging on that tree?”

Alexander whirled around; his heart sank and he bit off a curse when he saw the cloak he had draped over Chloe’s shoulders hanging from a low branch, and no Chloe to be found. He stalked over and snagged the cloak; as he did so, something on his hand caught his eye. Frowning, he walked back to where the moonlight was shining down to reflect off of the snow, gazing at the gray dust on his fingers. Pieces began to fall into place, and he was lost in his own thoughts for a moment as an idea occurred to him. After a while he became aware of Clark’s voice, concerned and focused at him.

“Alexander, are you all right? Alexander?”

He looked up, and realization lightened his heart as he regarded his friend. A grin lit up his face and he clasped a hand on Clark’s shoulder, leading him from the garden.

“Call me Lex.”



TBC . . .

[Krysia]

“Just stay for one more dance.” And I’ll just make sure that the orchestra keeps playing.
TBC . . .

I love it! This story is so sweet. I was grining like stupid while reading it. Above is my favourite part, it remainds me of all the fairytales I read when I was younger. Where everything is just breathtaking, and the prince is always charming. For a second I almost felt like I was there with them.
ALthough Lex turning down Victoria was neat as well [ I can just imagine her shocked face. I hope she won't make any trouble for Chloe in the future with rumors or something], and the whole scene in the garden was just priceless. I adore how you have written both Lex and Chloe. And I bursted out laughing when Clark, all covered in snow, found Lex in the garden.
:respect:

[LarkLuthor]

She called him Lex! And he liked it! Chloe's going to be in trouble if she gets caught alone with him, so I hope she continues to be careful!

Loved this update! Fun happenings, great introspections, lovely set up for future expectations...

Lark

[Augustine86]

Gee, I had heard tht fairytales were not as innocent as people though, but that rose to R-rated heights!!! (Not that I'm complaining... Not t all, I will only complain if I do not get my steamy dose of Chlex).

By the way, if no one has read the true version of little red ridding hood I have a word of advice: DO NOT!!!! Innocence of childhood flies out the window.

Oh, nd what is tht silvery dust??? Sorry to be obtuse? Is it ash??? Does he know that Chloe is Roughskin????

[hfce]

Oh this is gettting so good. Has Lex figured out that Chloe and the kitchen girl are one in the same? More please.... :D

[slyflame]

I LOVE it, really love it. They way that the fairy tale is intertwined with the Smallville witticism is just amazing!

Love the way she always diappears without him noticing!

[asharnanae]

whohoooooo!!!!!!! LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT!!!!!!!

[Kit Merlot]

This story is just fabulous!

And I'm glad that Alexander, or should I say Lex, is starting to put two and two together :D

Excellent update, just excellent.

[fussy_wuzzy]

Wonderful!!! I was wondering if you were going to follow the original story exactly or if you'd throw in your own little twist. Your doing a great job with this story and I can't wait to see what happens next.

[meg20]

Lovely update and has Lex really figured everything out finally, can't wait to see what happens next!
Update soon!!!!

[LarkLuthor]

By the way, if no one has read the true version of little red ridding hood I have a word of advice: DO NOT!!!! Innocence of childhood flies out the window.The original folk tale version or the children's book from the perspective of the wolf? Isn't that called the "The Real Story of Little Red Riding Hood" or something like that?

Lark

[Augustine86]

The original folk tale version or the children's book from the perspective of the wolf? Isn't that called the "The Real Story of Little Red Riding Hood" or something like that?

Lark

Well the original version from which the Grimms made up the fairytale. It had to do with coming of age, 14-year-old girl wearing a RED cloak because now she was a woman, meeting the big, bad wolf... Let your imgintion ride wild.

Oh, and now I have Veronica Mars in my country and I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!

[summer_enchanted]

:love2:Can't wait till you update next. Great story:love2:

[leik2]

That was great. Enjoyed her internal debate.

[red turtle]

:respect: Love the story you have to finish it.

[ambrosine]

I'm gonna laugh hysterically if Chloe goes back to normal world and accidentally calls him "Your Majesty" or Alexander. You are wonderful. I love you and your story! I have to go study for finals now. :blinkkiss

[meeaz]

ew, i can't believe i forgot to comment! this chapter was so good! aw lex is in love right after he said he wouldn't ever fall in love-it happens to the best of us, even lex lol! great job again! and maybe now lex will figure out that chloe and the kitchen girl are one in the same and then they can be one step closer to living happily ever after! update soon! loving it, like everyone else!

[Louie]

Only one more more night tear tear that means the fairytale will soon end. Maybe he'll remember some of his feelings back in the real world.*looks hopeful*

[chril1]

love this fic soo romantic, and now i want to read some fairytales

lea
xxx

[Not An Addict]

Okay, here's the sitch (yes, I just used the word 'sitch'). I have an internship this summer. I have been given two articles to write. I have finished one, but have much work to do on the other. (*mutters* If that woman from Bacardi would just email me back. . .) I'm also going out of town for a large portion of today. Result? I might not have time to post the next chapter yet.

It bugs me, because I like to keep to the posting schedule that I've set up. And maybe I'll be able to get this thing done in time and have ten or fifteen minutes left over in which to format and post chapter 6. I hope. Anyway, I didn't want anyone who's figured out my super-sneaky posting schedule to think I've abandoned you.

Yes, I'm obsessive about punctuality. Shush.

[Augustine86]

I had it figured out and knew you hd to post tody, so I ws kinda dissapointed tht after my midterm of Semiology I didn't get n updte, but I work s well so I totlly get the extra need for time and the inability to meet dedlines. Don't beat yourself up over that.

All tht crap above does not imply, however, that I don't want you to post tody or that I don't expect it with ll of my heart. It just means tht I won't mon and rnt and rave if you don't. I might whimper, nevertheless. And sob wuite a lot. In highly embarrassing way.

[LarkLuthor]

I'm with Augustine...I was expecting an update when I got back just now... Please update! I miss His Magesty, I'm getting used to this fix!

Lark

[kimmie]

Really like this fic. Please update again soon!!!!!!

Kimmie

[Not An Addict]

A/N: I love my boyfriend. ^_^ After my really shitty day yesterday, and my really shitty morning today, he managed to cheer me right up. I mean, he brought me flowers! *swoons* Once again, my buoyancy has rendered me uncaring of how much formatting this took. Enjoy! And sorry about the lateness. ^_~ *drifts off happily*


Chapter Six: Someone Like You




The fire was crackling loudly behind the grate in the king’s sitting room, logs popping and hissing occasionally as the flames fed on them. Though the sun had risen several hours ago, the clouds that were currently scattering snow had darkened the sky outside the window, and the flickering firelight was the only thing keeping most of the darkness at bay. Alexander stood near the fire, preparing to leave for the village to start off the day’s festivities. He had been in the room since dawn, when he had woken from a particularly intense dream about him and Chloe in his great, soft bed. He had jerked awake with the sound of Chloe’s scream of release still ringing in his ears, and it wasn’t until the bed was actually out of sight that he had been able to calm himself down. He had dreamed of her after that first night, as well; but now that he knew how she felt in his arms . . . now that he had had a taste of how she would respond to him . . . It had taken all his self-control not to seek her out and finish what they had started in the garden.

He lifted the delicate chain that hung around his neck and frowned down at the charms he had hung from it, watching as the firelight danced over the ring and the tiny golden spinning wheel. Alexander didn’t know what kind of game Chloe was playing or why she was playing it, but for some strange reason he felt compelled to play along. And there was always the possibility that he was wrong about the whole thing. Of course, if he was wrong . . .

Tonight was the last night of the festival. If he was wrong, then he could very well lose any chance he had at keeping Chloe. Alexander’s hand fisted around the charms as that thought occurred to him. No; he would simply have to find another solution if his suspicions were proved wrong.

Alexander inhaled deeply, forcing himself to relax, and tucked the chain back inside his shirt where the charms rested reassuringly against his skin. His left hand slipped into his pocket and brushed up against smooth, cool metal. Alexander nodded absently to himself. One way or another, his suspicions would be answered tonight. He squared his shoulders and strode from the room ready to begin his day.

Nothing he could do now but wait.


**************************


Chloe ducked out of the stable and into the open air, shivering as fat snowflakes fell and melted on her skin. She cast one longing look behind her, more regretful than ever that she couldn’t take her thick, warm mantle with her, then trudged ahead through the newly accumulated snow drifts. As they were on the night of her escape, her slippers were quickly becoming soaked; tonight, however, she was too preoccupied to notice right away. Instead, her mind was busy trying to figure out just what it was she was supposed to do after the ball. She’d dance with Lex again, go back to the kitchen, put the charm in his soup, deny knowing anything about it, and then . . . what?

Try as she might, Chloe simply couldn’t remember how this fairy tale ended. From what Margot had told her she figured it must have something to do with the king discovering who she was, but . . . how? Should she arrange to meet him again? Memories of the night before swept through her mind, and a shiver that had nothing to do with the cold danced over her skin. She definitely needed to keep those encounters to a minimum. Maybe she was supposed to show him the bracelet so he’d know that the charms came from her. But then how to explain how they got in his soup? Chloe shook her head in frustration. She needed to come up with some kind of a plan before she did anything. Her body broke out into a particularly violent shiver.

Step one of the plan: get the hell out of this snow.

She was approaching the main road to the castle, and she paused, chewing nervously on her lip as she shivered. Before now she hadn’t wanted to risk someone seeing her walk up instead of arriving in one of the carriages. But it was so cold, and if she timed it just right then she might be able to pull it off. Chloe began to hurry down the road, suddenly grateful for the slight cover that the darkness and the snow provided. The nickering of horses grew louder as she walked, and suddenly the black, box-like shapes of the carriages outside the entrance loomed out of the driving snow. She wove her way between them, and just as she was nearing the foot of the stairs a large, chattering group of people came pouring out of the nearest carriage. Seizing her chance, Chloe slipped in at the back of the group and managed to pass inside unnoticed by either the guests or the servants.

The group turned to the left down a long hallway, passing suits of armor and enormous tapestries without a second glance. Thick, blood-red carpet muffled their footsteps as they moved, and absorbed most of the moisture that had soaked into Chloe’s slippers. After a length of time that had Chloe wondering if the people she had mixed in with were blind not to have noticed her yet, the hallway made a sharp turn to the right and a dozen yards later ended in an open set of huge double doors leading into the ballroom. The chattering people paused at the doorway while a well-dressed man in a loud, booming voice announced them as ‘the Halbrook party,’ and Chloe stayed as close to them as possible as they swept into the room. Once they were inside Chloe separated herself from them and set off to her right, heading straight for the dais where Lex had been the past two nights.

She was halfway through the sea of bodies before she could get a good view of the dais and see that it was empty. Chloe stopped, frowning, and looked around. Lex was nowhere in sight. Okay . . . what the hell? Masses of people were crowded around on either side of her, and it was all Chloe could do to keep herself oriented in the crush of bodies. Not relishing the idea of searching the entire ballroom for Lex, Chloe had just taken a deep breath and prepared to fight her way through the crowd when she felt a strong hand on her shoulder. She was already smiling when she turned around to face . . . Clark.

“Cl—Sir Kent!” Chloe glanced down at her shoulder, at the hand that Clark had yet to remove. He pulled away with a slight flush and offered her a deep bow.

“My apologies. I called your name, but you seemed not to hear me in all this noise.”

“It’s all right,” she smiled at him. “I was just looking for . . . his majesty.”

“Ah. He seemed to believe that you would be coming in through those doors, for some reason.” Clark gestured towards the large doors leading outside. “He decided to wait for you there.” Did he just get closer? “Before you go off to find him, perhaps you would be so kind as to favor me with a dance?” Yeah, he’s definitely closer.

“Um . . . maybe later. If he’s waiting for me I-I really ought to go find him.”

Clark looked vaguely disappointed but covered up with a grin and another deep bow. “As you wish, my lady. Perhaps I should escort you over . . . there.” By the time Clark had straightened, Chloe had melted into the crowd. “Damn.” His brow furrowed in confusion. "How does she do that?"

A short distance away Chloe was trying her best to fight her way through the throngs of people. It became easier as she moved farther and farther away from the door, but it still took her an irritatingly long time to make her way to where the crowd was thinned enough that she could move freely. She began to walk more quickly to the doors leading outside; they were closed now, and she could see the snow drifting down even through the fog that had clouded the panes of glass. As she drew nearer she could clearly see Lex standing by the doors looking through the small pane he had cleared, his expression concerned. Trying her best to repress a smile Chloe adjusted her path so that she came up right behind him and laid her hand on his back, unable to help a small shiver when she felt the muscles beneath her hand. Lex whipped around, surprised, and now she did smile up at him.

“Chloe.” A confused frown crossed his face. “How did you get in here?”

Chloe let her lips curve into the smirk that she had seen so often on Lex’s face and stepped a few inches closer to him.

“Why Lex,” she murmured, her voice low and teasing. “Through the front door. How else?” Lex smiled down at her and Chloe’s smirk changed to a grin as the warmth of his expression washed over her. “Since I’m here, your majesty, would you do me the honor of a dance?”

Lex bowed slightly and slipped a hand around her waist, his other hand grasping hers lightly. “I believe that’s my line,” he grinned.

“Ah, but not the ‘your majesty’ part,” she teased as they started to dance. “I’m not a queen.”

Not yet. But Lex kept that thought to himself and simply smiled at her. The material of her dress felt remarkably smooth, with none of the rough texture of diamonds that he had expected to feel. If he closed his eyes he could almost imagine that it was Chloe’s bare skin beneath his hand. That thought had his heart beating faster, his breath coming just a hair harder.

It was only through a supreme force of will that he was able to keep from leaning down and capturing her mouth with his, and to hell with the rest of the people in the ballroom. He had to feel her in his arms again; the need was so strong it was bordering on pain. Luckily the orchestra started winding down, and he guided her off to the side, slowing their steps until they gradually came to a halt with the rest of the dancers. He released her waist but kept her hand in his.

“Could I interest you in a tour of the castle?”

The deep rumble of Lex’s voice sent a shiver running through Chloe’s body, and a single look at his eyes left no doubt as to what he really meant. Chloe wrestled with her better judgement for a brief moment before she nodded her head, her heart leaping into a frantic race at the heat that flared in Lex’s eyes. He began to lead her out of the ballroom; Chloe saw that the eyes of most everyone in the room were following them and felt a hot blush creep over her skin. Still, she followed him, unable to fight down the urge she felt to be with Lex again.

He led her through the hallway, his steps quickening as they went, and Chloe felt a laugh bubbling up inside. They turned a corner and before she knew it Chloe found herself pressed against the wall with Lex’s mouth hot and insistent over hers.

It all happened before Chloe could form a single thought, and by the time she realized what was happening it was too late to think. Her head was spinning so that she couldn’t do anything but respond to the kiss, her arms wrapping tight around Lex’s neck to pull him closer. All she could focus on was the feeling of Lex’s tongue sweeping through her mouth, the delicious pressure of his body pressing her hard into the wall. She felt his hands move to grip her hips and their lower bodies came crashing together. Chloe ripped her mouth away from his with a low moan and Lex moved his mouth to her jaw, then her ear.

“I’m sorry,” he murmured, and Chloe shuddered as his lips grazed the skin beneath her ear. Lex let out a soft chuckle and leaned back, brushing his thumb over Chloe’s swollen lips. He offered her a smile that bordered on sheepish. “This wasn’t what I had planned for tonight, I swear. But you were all I thought of last night; as soon as I saw you in there, all I could think of was . . .”

“This,” Chloe whispered.

Her heart was still racing—possibly because Lex’s body was still pressed against hers, his lips still just inches away. Lex seemed to have come to this realization as well, and her breathing stalled at the desire that was slowly creeping back over his face. He started leaning towards her again and with one last heroic effort her better judgement had her turning her face aside. Unfazed, Lex simply let his lips brush along her jawline. Chloe let out a breath that was almost a whimper, unconsciously tilting her head to give him better access.

“We can’t do this,” she said, and almost winced at the lack of conviction in her voice. Lex made an assenting sound but continued his gentle assault, trailing kisses across her cheek to her mouth. Chloe turned her head again and Lex gave the other side of her jaw the same treatment he had given the first. “We shouldn’t . . .”

This time when his mouth returned to hers she made no effort to evade them. His lips rubbed over hers with gentle pressure until every ounce of tension in her body had melted away. She felt as if she were floating; as if her grip on Lex, far from holding her up, was anchoring her, keeping her from flying off into the clouds. Then Lex wove a hand into her hair, tilted her head, and deepened the kiss with a speed that left her dizzy. She was drowning, nearly undone by the feeling of his tongue sweeping through her mouth, exploring and exploiting each new treasure that he found.

His hand slipped up to cover her breast and Chloe arched into his touch, beyond caring or even knowing that they were in the middle of a hallway where anyone could discover them. The broken sound she made was swallowed in Lex’s kiss, and even as her response drove him on it called him back to the present and the impropriety of their situation. This time it was he who broke the kiss, fighting down the urge to simply drag her to the floor when he heard her whimper of protest. He leaned his forehead against hers and simply stood there for a moment, holding her as their breaths panted out between them.

“I’m sorry,” he panted again. He took a deep breath and stepped back from her, doing his best to ignore the sudden emptiness of his arms. He held out his arm to her and, with a quirky grin that he couldn’t help but echo, Chloe looped her arm through his and allowed him to lead her back to the ball.

Chloe’s grin began to fade the closer they came to the ballroom, and by the time the other guests were in sight she was searching for the best escape route. Her interlude with Lex had cost her precious time; she had to be getting back to the kitchen before it was too late to make the soup. Her hopes were dashed, however, when Lex immediately pulled her into his arms to begin the next dance. There was no way out of it then, and Chloe felt her heart racing faster and faster as the dance progressed. The orchestra played and played and played, with no end of the song in sight. But it had to end soon. It just had to. If the song didn’t end she’d never get out of there, and she wouldn’t be able to fix the soup and Lex wouldn’t find the last charm and she’d never get to go home.

Would that really be so bad?

The thought popped into her head before she could stop it. She couldn’t possibly stay here forever. After all, there was . . . and then she had to think about . . . it was just wrong. Wasn’t it?

“Chloe?” She looked up at Lex and saw that he was observing her with an inquisitive gaze. She wouldn’t go so far as to call it suspicious, but— “Are you all right? You seem distracted.”

“Hmm? Oh, yeah—yes—sorry. I just . . . I—”

“Have to go,” he finished with a smirk. His hand on her waist pulled her closer, and his eyes locked on hers. “But surely you can stay to finish out the dance.”

“Well, I . . .” She sighed, smiled. “All right. I suppose finishing this one dance won’t hurt anything.”

But the dance lasted longer than she had expected, and before she knew it the next one was beginning and she was twirling around the dance floor once again. She had to quite literally pull the ‘look over there’ trick in order to get away; she made a break for it as soon as Lex’s back was turned, all but running out of the room in her haste to get back to the kitchen. By the time he turned back to her she was gone once more, and his disappointment was tempered this time by a growing sense of satisfaction. Chloe had not noticed what he had done as they danced, and if his suspicions were correct she would be far too busy for the next few hours to take any notice of it. Surly he would have his answer by the end of the night.

He nodded to himself, ignoring the nervous tension in his stomach. By the end of the night, all would be revealed.


**************************


Chloe was in deep, deep trouble. She hadn’t meant to stay so long at the ball, and as she wove her way around the general chaos in the kitchen she cursed Lex, cursed the bracelet, and cursed her own stupidity for getting her into this situation in the first place. After staying so long to dance with Lex she had had no time to change out of her sparkling dress. Instead, she had simply thrown her cloak on over it and dashed into the kitchen, thinking that surely after she made the soup there would be ample time to change.

Unfortunately, she hadn’t counted on one of the kitchen workers wandering too close to the fire.

She had only just begun to smear her face and hands with ash when a huge cry went up. The man in question—who had since made it into Chloe’s ‘too stupid to live’ category—had stumbled over a loose brick in the hearth and stumbled into the embers of the fire. The burns on his feet and legs were severe enough that he couldn’t possibly work any longer that day, and Martha had sent him off. Unfortunately the kitchen was already in an uproar—the last day of the festival meant the largest celebration, and that meant a greater variety of food and plenty of it. Coming up a man short had thrown Martha into a veritable panic, and she had seized on Chloe with the blind desperation of a drowning man.

There had been no opportunity to change in all the bustle, she hadn’t been able to smudge her face up any more, the cloak was only just barely on as she hadn’t had time to do it up properly outside, and if Lex were running true to form he would be calling down for her at any moment. The longer she went without being able to fix her disguise the less she was able to think. But things were winding down now; dishes were being cleaned and soon there would be no need for her. If she could simply hold out another few minutes—

“Hey, you! Roughskin!”

Chloe’s hope deflated at the familiar rough voice calling for her. She looked up, and sure enough the man who had called her was pointing to the stairs where a well-dressed servant was standing, his nose wrinkled in distaste as he surveyed the smoky chaos of the kitchen. Her heart galloping fiercely in her chest, Chloe slowly crossed the room and began to follow the man up the winding stairs.

Try as she might, Chloe simply couldn’t remember how this fairy tale was supposed to end. Margot had told her that she had to drop the final charm into the soup, that the king would call for her again, but . . . after that . . . what was going to happen? If she had gone wrong along the way, then everything was lost. She would never go home, never be able to go on with her life. Instead she would be stuck here . . . with Lex.

Without her friends.

But haven’t they all been ignoring me for the most part anyway? I don’t really have the friends that I used to . . .

Without her family.

Dad’s always at work. I barely even see him anymore, and let’s face it—we’ve never exactly been close. Not since Mom left.

Without the Torch.

Even the Torch has seemed to pale lately. No one listens to what I have to say even when I have solid proof. On the rare opportunities that people do listen, it’s because someone else is taking the credit.

The sudden realization almost made Chloe stop in her tracks, and she had to scramble to catch up with the servant again. She had been focusing all this time on going home, but maybe . . . maybe staying wouldn’t be such a bad thing. After all, Lex was here. Well, ok, technically Lex was in both places; but the Lex here cared about her, wanted her in a way that she had never thought possible at home. And if she stayed, she would be a queen. A queen. Chloe just barely managed to hold back a chuckle at the thought. Wouldn’t that just kill Lana if she knew?

Lana. Chloe’s silent laughter died at the thought of the other girl coming into her room to wake her up as she inevitably did on Saturday mornings. Would the bed be empty? Or would she just be caught in a coma, a kind of never-waking dream? Either way, her father would be hurt. And it was the knowledge of that pain that decided her. One way or another, she had to go back. They might not have been close, but that didn’t mean that Chloe could stand to see him hurting if she could help it. Besides, surely things were still on-track. And as far as this meeting with Lex went . . . well, she’d just have to play it by ear. Whatever happened, she was sure she could handle it. By the end of tonight, she would be going home.


**************************


It was all Alexander could do to keep from pacing the floor of the solar. He had sent for the girl; she would be arriving soon. For what was likely the fiftieth time he glanced at the table to his left. The goblet, the pitcher, the small, soft cloth; everything was there, ready to go, just as it had been every other time he had checked. Everything was going according to plan so far. Footsteps sounded outside in the hall, footsteps that were growing closer to the doorway. Alexander took one final deep breath and sat up a bit straighter in his chair, doing his best to regain his customary air of authority. He was the king, after all. The greatest authority for miles and miles around. There was no reason for his stomach to be tied in knots. He rubbed absentmindedly at his midsection. No reason at all.

The man he had sent finally came into sight, standing to the side and gesturing for his unseen companion to enter the room. A moment later she appeared, as slight and fur-laden as she had been on their past two meetings. Her steps were hesitant, but she crossed the room without protest to stand before his chair. A nod to the servant had him quietly closing the door, leaving the two of them alone with only the crackling fire for company. The girl bobbed a slow curtsey with a mumbled ‘your majesty’ and then stood, waiting for him to speak.

“I suspect that you know why I’ve called you up here.” When she didn’t speak he held up the charm from his soup, a golden hook this time. He watched it for a moment, enjoying the way it caught the light from the fire. An appropriate token, I suppose. She has well and truly hooked me. Still the girl stayed silent, and with a smirk Alexander decided that it was time to try a different track.

“It occurs to me, looking back on our previous encounters, that I have been unforgivably rude.” Ah, there, that’s gotten her to look at me a bit. “I’m told that you wear that heavy thing at all times, even in the heat of the kitchen. If that’s true then you must be in dire need of refreshment, especially after as hectic a night as tonight. Here.” He filled the waiting goblet with cool water from the pitcher and held it out to her.

“Oh. Um. Thank you, your majesty, but . . . I’m fine, thanks.”

“I insist.” The authority was back in his voice now, his tone that of a man used to getting what he wants.

Chloe looked at the outstretched goblet, trying to see where the trap lay. And there was no doubt in her mind that it was a trap of some kind; how she played into it could determine how the story ended up. But try as she might, she simply couldn’t see the harm in accepting a little bit of water. And it was awfully hot under all that fur . . .

The rest happened so quickly that it was only later that Chloe was able to see how it had all happened. She reached for the goblet and saw, too late, that the ash had worn off, clearly showing her pale skin and the small golden ring that she hadn’t even noticed was on her finger. In a flash she was pulling her hand back, but Lex was quicker than she was. He grabbed her hand with a triumphant expression, and as she tried to tug it back her mantle fell askew. The light from the fire caught her dress, setting off a galaxy of sparkling stars that a blind man would have noticed. It took no more than that for Lex to pull the mantle completely off, and before she knew it she stood before him, her dress sparkling in the firelight and her hair tumbling down around her shoulders, and nothing left of her costume but a few smears of ash on her cheeks.

Chloe held her breath, waiting for the outburst she was sure must be coming. But instead of shouting, instead of giving her a wounded look and launching into a hypocritical lecture about keeping secrets—as she was only too certain that Clark would have—Lex simply stood and looked at her as if she were his fondest dream made flesh. Without releasing her hand he set the goblet back on the table and dipped the handkerchief-sized bit of cloth into the water. Then his hand was at her face, wiping away the last traces of her disguise. When her face was clean and Lex dropped the handkerchief in favor of her other hand, Chloe finally snapped back to herself.

“You knew,” she whispered, and Lex’s mouth quirked up into a wry smile.

“I hoped,” he corrected. His thumbs were brushing lightly over her knuckles, and Chloe tried to block out the sensation so that she could focus on the questions she had.

“How?”

There was no escaping the amusement in Lex’s eyes now. “In the garden, after you had left, I noticed that there was ash on my fingers. The rest followed logically after that. The way you disappeared just before dinner; the way these little trinkets kept appearing in my soup; everything fell into place.”

“And . . . you’re not upset?” she ventured hopefully. “About the secrecy?”

“I’m confused, and . . . I suppose you could say I’m curious. Why did you hide who you were? Why were you working in my kitchens? Just . . . why?”

“Okay. Well. That’s kind of a long story.” She gently drew her hands from his and moved a few paces closer to the fire. She felt him come up behind her, closed her eyes when he gently closed his hands around her arms, rubbing the flesh there comfortingly.

“I’d like to hear it.”

So she told him everything. Everything, at least, that she knew. About her father wanting to marry her, about her attempts to keep it from happening, about her escape. Told him that she was afraid if she had come to him for help that he would have turned her back over to her father. That she wasn’t sure he would be willing to contaminate his kingdom with her father’s madness, as it were. And she made up something about simply being unable to stay away from the party that had been so much like those she used to attend. When she finished he turned her around and drew her close to him, cradling her against his chest until she returned the embrace and burrowed closer.

“Your father doesn’t matter,” he murmured as he stroked a soothing hand over her hair. “You are not defined by the madness of your parents. If you were . . .” He gave a sharp laugh. “I’d hate to think where that would leave me.” One strong hand slipped beneath her chin, lifting her face to his. “What matters now is that you’re here, and as crazy as it sounds after so short a time . . . I love you. Please, Chloe, tell me that you will agree to be my wife.”

Despite her better judgement, Chloe felt her heart skip a beat when she finally heard the words. Okay. Now or never. Goodbye, Lex, it’s been wonderful while it’s lasted. She took a deep breath and smiled.

“Yes. Yes, yes, I’ll marry you, yes.”

Alexander had never felt so happy, and without wasting another second he captured Chloe’s mouth in a kiss he knew he would willingly drown in. It was only through supreme force of will that he was able to end the kiss without dragging her to the floor, secure in the knowledge that no one would dare interrupt without his express consent. Chloe stared up at him, her eyes dazed and tinged with what he would think, if he didn’t know any better, was confusion. He smiled at her and led her to the door.

“I’ve had your rooms prepared for you in the hopes that my suspicions were correct. You should go and get some sleep in a bed that’s not made out of hay. I’ll see you again in the morning, and . . . you should go while I can still control myself.”

Chloe couldn’t help but smile at that, and she was grateful for his decision when she saw that the man that had led her up there was still waiting outside the door. If he was at all surprised by her transformation it never showed on his face, and without a word he began to lead her through more hallways. Just when Chloe thought that she couldn’t possibly walk another step he stopped and opened a large, ornately carved door, standing aside once again for her to enter.

When she walked inside Chloe couldn’t quite suppress a gasp at her surroundings. The room was more luxurious even than the bedroom she had woken up in. Pale rose and gold fabrics adorned heavy furniture of dark, slick wood, and while she normally would have felt that the colors better suited Lana than herself, at the moment it seemed like heaven. A fire was already crackling in the fireplace, and while there was no bed in sight it was all Chloe could do to keep from tearing up when she saw a maid filling the large tub sitting on the rug in front of the fire. A hot bath. The thought was enough to make her feel like dancing for joy.

“Do you require any assistance, your highness?”

“What? Oh.” It took Chloe a moment to realize that the girl was addressing her, and another moment to realize what she was talking about. She glanced at the supplies that were neatly arranged on a table next to the tub and shook her head. Privacy was something she had learned to treasure in the past few weeks, and she certainly wasn’t going to give it up simply for convenience’s sake. “No, thanks. I can manage on my own.”

The maid nodded. “Very well, your highness. Your bed has been turned down for you when you finish.” She gestured to a second door leading to what must be the bedroom and bobbed a curtsey before leaving the room, closing the door behind her.

Chloe wasted no time, but immediately stripped away her clothes and stepped into the steaming hot water. She couldn’t quite suppress a groan of pleasure at the feeling of the warmth surrounding her, so much better than the chilly or lukewarm water she was used to washing with. Swearing that she would never take a hot shower for granted again, she set about brushing her long, surprisingly untangled hair and sorting out which of the pretty glass bottles contained what. When she was finally clean she sat back in the warm water and simply relaxed. Her relaxation didn’t last long, however, as the thought that had been plaguing her since she left Lex finally popped back up. She had delivered the final charm, she had been found out. She had gotten her happy ending.

So why hadn’t she gone home yet?



TBC . . .

[Louie]

hehehe cause tecnically the last line is "and they lived happily till their death". can't wait to see what you do with that.

[hfce]

Oh that was a great update. I am so glad he figured it out. I can't wait to see what happens next. :D


Hope ;)

[ambrosine]

You are a wonderfully evil author...I love you! :blinkkiss

[LarkLuthor]

Wonderful! Wonderful! Loved how you showed him figuring it all out! Can't wait to see what you do next!

Lark

[meg20]

Very nice chapter, I'm so glad that Lex figured it out. But now I'm waiting to see what happens next!
Update soon!!!

[vardaquareien]

Whoo-hoo!!! Fabulous update once again A!!! So now that we've come to the end of the official fairy-tale I can't wait to find out what's gonna happen now! Why hasn't she gone home? I suspect it's because she has to go to sleep and then wake up in the real world but I can't wait to find out.

[Kit Merlot]

Fabulous update!

Good for Alexander for figuring everything out, but, like Chloe, I'm unfamiliar with this tale. Does Chloe have to go through with the wedding and THEN have her happily ever after?

I guess I shouldn't be too worried--should I?

Awesome story :D

[fussy_wuzzy]

I'm so glad this story isn't over yet! Excellent update!!!

[meeaz]

yay another awesome update! i don't have a clue as to what story you're using for this, but who cares? i bet this story is better! can't wait to see what happens next!

[Augustine86]

Before anything I would like to thnk Lark for her neverending support at harassing authors.

Then I would like this uthor to know that I m blown away by what might be one of the best Chlex fnfics I've ever read!!!! You take my breath away...

[LarkLuthor]

Awww....but it's just so much fun! It's almost a habit now to hound authors...and NAA has always been one of my favorites...since I was a little Newbie.

Lark

[kcsgirl82]

Keep the updates coming! I love this story!

[chril1]

i love this fic

lea
xxx

[summer_enchanted]

:love2:Great story. Can't wait for more, excellent!!:love2:

[slyflame]

Great story, I'm loving this more with each chapter :)

[Not An Addict]

A/N: Well, this is it. The final chapter. Now, this might not end quite like some of you are hoping. And since I’ve anticipated your response, rest assured that I will be eagerly awaiting you comments here in ----shire (heh . . .Jane Austen joke . . .) where you will never be able to find me!! Hah hah hah! I’m safe! Uh . . . yeah, in all seriousness . . . sorry about this. Had to be done.



Chapter Seven: One Day I’ll Fly Away



The wedding was tomorrow. Though Chloe had been sure that she would never set foot in that kitchen again, the fact was that she had been down several times to talk with Mrs. Kent about preparations for the wedding feast. Thank god she had been around for the festival preparations, or she might never have known what kinds of food were even expected at a celebration this huge. And it was going to be a huge celebration. The kingdom was in an uproar about their king’s new bride, as all had apparently feared that he would never marry. Thankfully it was only the reception and not the formal wedding that was going to be huge; Chloe had taken one look at all the people on the proposed guest list and felt an abnormal surge of stage fright at the thought of having all those people focused on her. No, the wedding itself was going to be small, with only the bare minimum of people necessary. Which reminded her.

The wedding was tomorrow.

Every day for the past three weeks she had woken up expecting to find herself back in her room in Smallville. And the more time that went on, the more she was struck with a gross sense of unfairness. Hadn’t she done all she was supposed to? Hadn’t she done all that she could? What the hell more did this damn story expect of her?? She just wanted to go home. That was all.

Not only that, but the longer she stayed there, the greater her chances were of being found out. If she were stuck there, and they found out that she wasn’t really a princess before she was safely married to Lex, then she honestly had no idea what would happen to her. They might execute her. Or, almost worse, they might cast her out on her own. She had no idea what this world was like, and no idea if it were even possible for a woman to survive on her own. To that end she had tried early on to convince Lex to move the wedding up. Alas, that soon proved to be impossible.

“I would do it for you if I could, Chloe. God knows I’d like to be married sooner rather than later. But we’ve already excluded everyone from the wedding itself. If we made it impossible for our allies to travel here in time for the celebration, it might be seen as a further slight. And we can not afford to alienate any of our allies now.”

Of course, the reason for that was Chloe herself. Lex was determined to protect her from her father; and to be honest, she was thankful for it. She had been declared a refugee in Lex’s kingdom, so Gabe would not be able to demand her return. However, there was still a chance that he could launch a full-scale attack to get her back. And from the way he had acted when Chloe had seen him, that chance certainly didn’t seem outside of the realm of possibility. She might not remember exactly how the story was supposed to end, but she was fairly certain that it was not with her ending up married to her own father.

So there she was, still somehow stuck in this world that wasn’t her own, doing things that she would have paid good money to avoid having anything to do with. The studying wasn’t all that bad. She had always been pretty good with names and relevant facts, an attribute that she had honed through her journalism. So the long hours that she spent memorizing kings and their consorts, the primary exports of each kingdom, trade relations, military alliances, and mistresses she shouldn’t mention were the least of her worries. Once she had convinced Lex that her father had kept all that information from her so that she wouldn’t know if she had anyone to run to, the needed information had been provided in time for her to study it before the wedding.

Far worse was the actual planning for the wedding itself. She spent longer, more tedious hours in a room with a woman with a face like an annoyed goldfish going over fabrics and flowers and just how to arrange the yard of hair that Chloe still wasn’t quite used to having. Then there were the fittings, the endless fittings, trying to construct a dress that would be worthy of a royal wedding. If it had been up to her, Chloe would have worn one of the dresses from the ball. But, as she quickly found out, nothing to do with the wedding really was up to her. Everything was arranged according to custom and tradition and superstition, and yet her token approval always seemed to be needed before anything was final. All in all, things were unbelievably hectic and stressful. Well . . . except for Lex.

“Here you are.” Chloe turned from the fire to see Lex entering the solar. He closed the door behind him and walked over to her, a teasing smile on his face. “The wedding planner is scouring the castle for you, you know.”

“Oh, is she?” Chloe asked with false innocence. “I just slipped in here to . . . um . . .”

“Hide?” Lex provided, sparking a guilty grin from his intended.

“Only technically speaking. And I still don’t see what she’s freaking out about. We stand there, we say ‘I do,’ it’s over. The only other people there are going to be Clark and the minister. What does it matter if the flowers match the altar cloth?”

At that Lex laughed and pulled her close. He brushed a kiss over the top of her head, and despite what her inner voice was saying Chloe let herself rest her cheek against his chest.

“You’re certainly not conventional, are you?” When Chloe lifted her head to fix him with a quizzical look he continued. “Most women I know would want as large a wedding as possible, and they would have skinned their betrothed alive for the mere suggestion of it being planned in three weeks. It’s the one day of their lives when they’re certain of all attention being focused on them.”

“The end result is the same no matter who’s there and what flowers you hold, so what’s the difference? And I already spend far too much time being the center of attention here. To think I used to envy Lana,” she finished on a mutter.

“What’s that?”

“Nothing. You’re sure that all this fuss is necessary?”

“I’m sure. Believe me, if there were any way around it I’d be the first to embrace the alternatives.”

Chloe just grumbled and rested against his chest again. This time, however, she pulled away when she felt something sharp poking into her cheek. She traced the outline through Lex’s shirt, and when she glanced up to ask him what it was she could have sworn she saw him blushing. With an expression that was probably as close to sheepish as he ever got, Lex reached up to draw a chain from around his neck. He handed it to her, and her heart gave a hard thump when she saw that he had strung each of the three charms she had given him on the long, thin golden chain. To her mortification there were tears in her eyes when she looked back up at him. The charms and chain slipped from her hand to land on the rug with a muffled thump, and Chloe leaned up to bring her lips crashing into Lex’s.

She might have been Clark’s first kiss back in eighth grade, but he wasn’t hers. Nor was Clark the last. Chloe was no stranger to kissing, or to more than kissing on occasion. But all of her experience before had been with boys who were roughly her own age. There was the passion that only youthful hormones can provide, but it was all tempered with the realization that they didn’t quite know exactly what they were doing. Because of that there was always, sometimes hidden and sometimes painfully obvious, a sense of hesitation.

With Lex there was no hesitation. He obviously had no doubts about what he wanted, and more than that he seemed to know somehow just what she wanted, almost before she knew herself. Was it simply the difference of age and experience, she wondered as he drew her closer; or was it something more than that, something deeper? And then she didn’t think at all, but just let herself feel. His mouth on hers, his hands skimming over her back, the long, lean feel of his body pressed against her. One sensation blended into the next in a haze of pleasure, and Chloe was barely aware of her own roaming hands until she felt Lex’s jacket slip past them to fall on the floor.

Bits of awareness started coming back to her then, starting with the realization that she was suddenly horizontal, lying on the long chaise with Lex hovering over her. His mouth had moved to the side of her neck, and with lips and teeth and tongue he had her flying mindlessly once again. One hand tracing over the exposed skin at her neckline brought her back to herself once more. Things were moving quickly, so quickly that she suddenly doubted her ability to keep up. Normally at this point she would pull back, slow things down, bring the situation back to where she had control again. But for the first time, Chloe wasn’t sure that she wanted to slow things down. Everything that was happening—oh god, especially that—felt so good. What was more than that, it felt right. And for the first time in her life, she simply let go. With one sharp tug she brought Lex’s mouth back to hers, and her kiss was an invitation that a man six years dead would have been able to recognize.

Consequently, it came as quite a shock when Lex returned the kiss for a moment and then pulled away.

For one terrifyingly humiliating moment, Chloe thought that she had done something wrong. But the look of barely contained passion on Lex’s face soon put that thought to rest. Unfortunately, that still left the question of why he had stopped. Her confusion grew when he sat up, helping her to do the same until they were both sitting quite properly next to each other.

“I want you.” He spoke the words before she could even gather her thoughts to form a question. His hand reached out to cup her face, his thumb brushing gently over her lips. “I want you so much that I can’t think. And it would be so easy to just . . . but in all my life, I’ve never had to wait for what I want. And I’ve never seen that there was anything wrong with getting what I wanted the instant I wanted it. Until now. I want the first time we make love to be as man and wife.”

Chloe had always seen herself as a progressive, modern-thinking woman. She knew what her needs were, and she wasn’t afraid to fulfil them. She certainly wasn’t the type to daydream over flowers and candy and men who held open doors and pulled out chairs—at least not since she had gotten over her schoolgirl crush on Clark Kent. So if there was a tiny, infinitesimal part of her that felt like swooning over Lex’s old-fashioned declaration, she reassured herself with the knowledge that no one else would have to know about it.

“You’re quiet,” Lex observed. “What is it you’re thinking?”

“I was thinking about . . . home.” The words came out without Chloe knowing what it was that she was going to say. “I had hoped that somehow at the end of this I would be able to go back home. That everything would just magically be like it used to be.” She chanced a glance at him. “I was afraid to stay here. It would mean giving up everything I’ve ever known, and . . . well . . . I’ve never been really good with change. But now . . .” She reached out to touch his face as he had touched hers, and as the truth occurred to her she felt a smile of realization stealing over her lips. “Now I’m thinking that staying here just might be the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

“It will be,” he promised softly.

Chloe grinned and leaned forward to brush a kiss over his lips. That one soft touch was far from enough, though, and before either of them knew it they were locked together again, this time with Chloe lying half on top of Lex. She felt him shiver when her fingers danced over his scalp, and the feeling gave her a rush of power that was almost intoxicating.

After all, just because she was touched by Lex’s unexpected surge of propriety didn’t mean that she agreed with it. She wanted him, wanted him to a degree that she hadn’t thought possible. She wanted him over her, under her, hot and naked and inside of her. And damn it, if she had to play a little dirty to get that to happen, then so be it. They’d see just how long this resolve of his held out.

Something about this was wrong. Alexander knew that much. The feeling was nagging at the back of his mind, dancing there just out of his reach. Though what could possibly be wrong when the woman he loved was sprawled on top of him, working at the buttons of his shirt as her mouth ravished his was completely beyond him. The scent of her was all around him. Small hands slipped into his now open shirt to caress his chest, and that touch of skin against skin was enough to have him quickly reversing their positions. Now it was his body pressing down onto hers, his hands roving over the bodice of her dress. She arched into his touch with an encouraging sound. He leaned up to look at her, and the triumphant smile that she wasn’t quite quick enough to hide brought his senses partially back.

So she thought she could get the best of him, did she? At that moment her hips ground against his, and as a groan ripped from his throat he forced himself to admit that she stood a pretty good chance. But his mind was made up, and if there was one thing he had learned from his father it was that the Luthor line would always get what they wanted. It was all a matter of control. Somehow he had let Chloe assume control of the situation; the trick was in getting it back. But he had a pretty good idea of how he could manage that.

For a moment Chloe had been afraid that Lex was going to pull away. But if she knew one thing about men it was how to keep them on track; her hips arching into his seemed to do the trick, and soon his mouth was back, tracing a line over her jaw, kissing and nibbling at the delicate skin there. His lips brushed at the spot beneath her ear and she trembled. He did it again, and again, she trembled. A second later it seemed that every bit of his attention was focused on that one spot. Gentle and soft one moment, hard and demanding the next, the changes in rhythm stole away her ability to think of anything but the feelings he was evoking. Her limbs were limp and heavy, yet they tingled with an awareness that bordered on painful. Then his hand was at her breast, and the added pleasure was almost too much. The roaring in her ears was so loud that although his mouth was right next to her ear, Chloe almost didn’t hear when Lex said her name.

“Chloe,” he repeated. A wordless, incoherent whimper was the best she could manage in response. His voice in her ear was a new delicious torture, sending shivers up and down her spine. “By this time tomorrow, we’ll be married.” Lex took her earlobe between his teeth, nibbled gently. “Our wedding night.” Chloe managed a nod this time. Lex moved to brush a kiss over her lips, pulling back before she could deepen it. “And that’s when we’ll finish this.”

It took a moment for the words to sink in, but once they did Chloe’s eyes shot open to see Lex sitting up again, holding out his hand to help her do the same. At first she could only stare at him as understanding dawned. He had done that on purpose—gotten her all worked up and then stopped. She took his hand only because she knew she would look like an idiot trying to struggle up on her own. Without a word she set about straightening her dress, doing her best to fight down the combined flush of irritation and embarrassment that wanted to steal over her face.

“Come now, Chloe, don’t be angry.” His hand was at her chin, turning her to face him again. “I’ll more than make it up to you. I promise.”

One good look at Lex’s face had the tension easing out of Chloe’s body. Far from being as unaffected by their activities, as he had seemed at first, there was a barely restrained heat in his eyes, in his voice, that put any of Chloe’s lingering self-doubt at ease. It hadn’t been easy for him to stop, but it seemed that he truly wanted their first time as man and wife to be special. And though she might well think that it was a stupid tradition, she wasn’t going to make an issue of it.

“I’m sorry.” Chloe leaned into Lex’s waiting arms, curling up against his chest. “I shouldn’t have pushed like that.”

“Well, I can’t say I had much to complain about at the time. And I swear to you, we’ll only make a token appearance at the celebration after the wedding even if I have to fight our way out.”

Chloe laughed at that and nestled deeper into his arms with a small, contented sigh. It was warm there, and safe, and comforting. With Lex holding her as he was, the fire raging inside of her was banked down to embers—it was still there, ready to be fanned to flame again, but at the moment it was simply a part of the background.

There, in Lex’s arms, the last of Chloe’s doubts were finally put to rest. She was still there, not because she had done something wrong, but because it was where she was meant to be. Maybe she had never expected to be married so young, but all things considered she was finding it remarkably easy to adapt.

“Don’t worry.” She turned and brushed a kiss over Lex’s chest through the gap in his still-open shirt. “We have plenty of time.”


**************************


Funny. She hadn’t expected to be nervous. She had expected to be impatient, to be excited, to be annoyed with the women fluttering around her fixing her dress and veil and flowers. And she certainly was all that. But overshadowing everything else was the flock of butterflies fluttering around persistently in her stomach. Even wearing her little bit of good luck, as she’d come to think of the charm bracelet, wasn’t giving her much comfort.

She rubbed one hand absently over her midsection to calm herself, and a new thought occurred to her. There likely wasn’t any form of reliable birth control here, wherever here really was. It would certainly only be a matter of time before she found herself pregnant.

Oh god. A baby. Children. There were more butterflies now, and from the feel of things they were big fat ‘roid-rage butterflies, at that. She couldn’t do it. She wasn’t ready; she was too young. There had to be a way out, there just had to be, and why were they handing her this bunch of flowers? They were leading her towards a big wooden door. Maybe these women had heard her silent prayer and were showing her the way out? Door opening . . . ok, that wasn’t the way out; that was the chapel; the chapel where she was going to get married; the chapel where she was going to get married to Lex . . .

And there he was, waiting for her next to the altar. She locked eyes with him through her veil, and while the butterflies didn’t completely disappear, they stopped fluttering quite as persistently. Everything would be all right. It might not be the way she had envisioned her future, but things changed. As long as she had Lex, she could deal with anything.

The ceremony went faster than she thought it would, likely because her gaze and attention kept wandering to the man at her right. He was so wonderful to look at, and every now and then he would catch her eye and give her that smile that took her breath away. She barely registered giving her vows or exchanging rings, and before she knew it the priest had intoned the words ‘man and wife’ and Lex was lifting her veil from her face. She had done it. She was married. A beaming grin broke over her face. Now for the fun part.

As much as she had scoffed at old-fashioned ideals, she had to admit that their first kiss as a married couple felt different. It was little more than a brush of lips, but it left her hazy-eyed and light-headed. Except, that kind of haziness usually cleared up after a second or two, so why were things getting fuzzier instead of clearer? Lex’s voice called out to her in concern, and it sounded as if it were coming from the end of a tunnel. Surely she wasn’t fainting just because she’d gotten married, though. No, she would only close her eyes . . . for a moment . . .

“Chloe! Just because it’s Saturday is no reason to sleep all day. Get up! Come on, I’ll give you all the free coffee you can drink before noon if you get up.”

Lana? Coffee? But that would mean that . . .

Her eyes cracked open to the sight of her own bedroom ceiling. Smallville. Kansas. The twenty-first century. And Lana, she saw when she turned her head, looking especially pleased with herself.

“You’re awake! Come on, it snowed about a foot last night and Kristen called in sick. I have to go into the Talon until noon, then Clark and Pete are going to come by and we’re all going sledding at Meyer’s Hill. The Talon’s always empty this early. Come keep me company and you can have free coffee,” she offered in a singsong voice. She grinned at the confused look on Chloe’s face; her friend was never at her quickest when she first woke up. “I’m leaving at nine, so you have an hour to decide if you’re coming with me.” Then, mercifully, she backed out of the room, shutting the door behind her.

Chloe’s eyes returned to the ceiling then darted down to her chest. Not a wedding dress, but snowflake pajamas. She lifted a hand to her hair and felt short, choppy strands instead of the long curls she had almost grown used to. Not real. A dream. An incredibly detailed, vivid dream, but still.

She felt her eyes tearing up and cursed herself for crying over something so stupid. It wasn’t as if any of it had been real. It wasn’t as if Lex had been real. She swiped at the tears, and as she did she caught sight of something that all but stopped her heart.

The bracelet was still dangling from her wrist, but it was no longer made of cheap tin and paint. It was the delicate golden bracelet from her dream. No, she corrected herself. Not a dream after all. Quick as a shot she was sitting up, cradling her wrist in her lap as she examined the elegant piece of jewelry. It was undoubtedly the same bracelet; and look there, there were three little hooks without any charms attached.

Her heart was racing in her chest now. It had all been real.

She looked around. Not real enough. She was still back home instead of there. Her hair was short again, she was wearing her pajamas . . . so why had those things changed and the bracelet stayed the same? Was it just part of the charm that the transporting object stayed as it had been? And never mind all that, why was she back home? The answer came to her as soon as she thought of the question, making her feel like the world’s biggest idiot for not seeing it sooner.

“‘They were married, and they lived happily ever after.’ Fucking hell.”

No help for it now. Nothing to do but go on with life as it had been before this whole disastrous escapade. After all, bracelet aside, none of it was really real. Margot had said that no one else would even remember any of it. Even Lex . . .

Her heart clenched in rebellion at the thought of losing him. At the thought of seeing him and having him treat her just the way he always had. There would be no more kisses, no more stolen embraces. She wouldn’t have the safety of his arms again, and she would never be able to tell him that she loved him. Pain receded and left emptiness behind, a void that was almost unbearable.

Chloe once again dashed away tears, pushing the pain and the emptiness to the back of her awareness. She had done the same thing with Clark for years. She would be able to do it again. With that mantra rolling through her head she finally got out of bed, ready to decide what she would wear to the Talon.


**************************


Lex was brooding. Not that he would ever admit it, even to himself, but the practically untouched glass of scotch he held spoke for itself. Contrary to other people’s tendencies, Lex never drank when he brooded. It was the same pattern, time after time: he would pour a drink to relax himself, then immediately become so immersed in his own thoughts that it remained all but forgotten for the rest of the evening. After all, a good brooder knew that it was best if the brain remained unimpeded, and Lex had always been an excellent brooder. Even if he wasn’t always comfortable with the subject.

Something was wrong with Chloe. It was obvious enough that a blind man would have picked up on it, so of course none of her friends had noticed. But Lex had. And he couldn’t decide what disturbed him more—that Chloe was upset or that he was paying enough attention to her to recognize that she was.

But he had been paying attention to her. And technically speaking, there was no reason why he shouldn’t. She was more attractive than any of the idiot men in Smallville gave her credit for; and she had already turned eighteen, so there was no legal reason to keep him from looking. But somehow it still seemed wrong, as if she were his best friend’s little sister who had suddenly blossomed. He felt bound by . . . something, and it was making it damn difficult for him to even look at her without feeling guilty.

Guilt or no guilt, however, he still looked. Just as he had been looking when he saw her in the Talon that morning, surrounded by her friends making the usual teenage racket about a fresh fall of snow. Lex had watched her sitting in the midst of it all, and while Chloe’s voice would normally have been the loudest and most enthusiastic, today she had been quiet, withdrawn. She pasted on a smile when someone spoke directly to her, but always held herself apart. The signs were obvious, and familiar, and Lex would be willing to bet a thousand dollars that the quirky blonde reporter had just suffered a rather painful breakup.

The thought had him rising to pace in front of the fireplace, paying no attention to the roaring fire itself. Chloe had just broken up . . . when? He had seen her just yesterday and she had been her usual buoyant self.

And with whom? Not with Clark. He would have been forced to listen once again to Clark’s saga of being unable to choose between Chloe and Lana if the two of them had been going out. There had been no tension between Chloe and Pete that morning, so that ruled the other boy out. Which meant her ex-boyfriend was some faceless, nameless idiot who wasn’t nearly good enough for her, and—

Lex blew out a frustrated sigh. Admiring the girl’s looks was one thing. Becoming critical of her dating habits was quite another. An empirical attraction was all well and good, could be reasoned away; but it couldn’t cross the line into action. He wouldn’t let it. Never mind that he could imagine all too well the way that incredible body of hers would feel plastered against his. Never mind that he could swear he knew just how her lips would taste . . . unbidden, he found himself plunged into the sensation of kissing her in front of that very fireplace . . .

Except that it was a different fireplace . . .

Lex shook his head to clear away the image. Fantasies were strictly off-limits.

As his gaze drifted down to the crackling flames before him, something flashed bright at the edge of his vision. He bent down and picked up the object that had caught his attention. Holding it up to the light, Lex had the sudden, phantom feeling of something hard and metal in his mouth. A quizzical frown creased his face as he examined the three small charms dangling from the end of a long golden chain.

What the hell . . .?









END

[LarkLuthor]

Ah! So that's what your message meant! Translation: Beg vociferously for a sequel. Okay! Sequel! Sequel! Sequel! I want the continuation of this lovely fic...oh yes I do. With all my little fanfic fiendish heart!

Lark

[Lulucifer]

Ahhh!! You can't just end it there... can we PLEASE have a sequel??

[meeaz]

great an update! but, what the hell? they so did not get together in the end and i think we all could do with a sequel! so, please get to it! thanks!

[welshy]

It was a great story and I loved it.... but what the? .... how could it end like that :( I have to agree with the others, this fic is screaming out for a sequel :)

[tracyaching]

oh, but you're a hard cruel woman-

I don't care what the hell shire you're in, you have to give us a sequel! Please, please, please! I add my desperate pleas to those of Lark. Sequel, please. . .

[asharnanae]

HOW COULD YOU END IT THERE!!!!!

fantastic chappy byt he way, and I have just loved this story all the way through!

[fussy_wuzzy]

What the hell . . .?
My sentiment exactly. I looooved this story, but you just can't end it here.

[Kit Merlot]

Fabulous ending but of course we will need a sequel!

So we can know exactly what the hell happened with Lex and Chloe's three charms.

But again, this story seriously rocked :grin3:

[Augustine86]

Ah! So that's what your message meant! Translation: Beg vociferously for a sequel. Okay! Sequel! Sequel! Sequel! I want the continuation of this lovely fic...oh yes I do. With all my little fanfic fiendish heart!

Lark

Again Lark, very well spoken. Consider my shouts for a sequel as loud as yours. But, thoughs to more aside, it was a wonderful fanfic. Thank you very much for taking your time and writing this.

Oh and if you hear a little voice at night whispering: Sequel into you ear, that's not me. I'm the other voice, the one that shouts so loud that you jump right out of your bed.

[leik2]

You're not leaving it like this right? Your mind is twisting a continuation right?


Loved it.

[chril1]

umm darlin i think you accidentally put end when you meant to say, next chapter up tomorrow.

you really ought to remedy that

loved the update

lea
xxx

[Louie]

So now you either need to tell me when the sequel or a very long epilogue will be out. Cause that was just not fair.

[hfce]

You are one mean cruel person. I loved the update but the end. NOOOOOOOO!!! :devil:


Hope ;)

[meg20]

No way you could be so cruel and end this fic so soon and with a cliff hanger! We need an epilogue and sequel PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE!!!

[Not An Addict]

A/N: Right. So . . . here's the deal. When I first wrote this, I really intended it to end with Chapter Seven. I really liked that as the ending, but it was very kindly pointed out to me during the beta process that if I left it like that, I'd be . . . well, lynched. I don't wanna be lynched. So if you guys had been as satisfied with that ending as I was, I would've left it there.

*looks around at torches being lit* So, um . . . I'll just put up this next chapter, shall I? And hey, you're getting it the very next day! That's gotta be worth a little mercy, right? Uh . . . right? *throws chapter to distract the mob*

*runs*





Chapter Eight: Oops, Did I Forget to Mention?




Another beautiful winter day in Smallville; over a foot of snow, temperatures below zero, and still they don’t cancel school. Fascists.

With a concentrated effort, Chloe managed to tone down her irritation, though doing so had been getting harder and harder over the past few weeks. Her temper had been shaky at best ever since she had woken up from her dream and found herself back in Smallville.

Except that it hadn’t been a dream or a hallucination, at least not entirely, as the charm bracelet she continued to wear constantly reminded her. And it was that reminder that kept her from going completely insane whenever she ran into Lex.

God, Lex. Just the thought of him was enough to have her stomach twisting into knots, and once again she cursed the moment she had slipped the stupid bracelet onto her wrist. If she hadn’t done that then she never would have wound up in that damn fairy tale in the first place. And if she hadn’t been there she wouldn’t have to live with the memory of just how good it felt to be in Lex’s arms, wouldn’t feel so damn needy every time she saw him. That was the worst of it, really. To see him and be able to remember just how his lips felt on hers, how his arms felt around her, all the while knowing that he didn’t remember a single thing.

Because none of it was real, she reminded herself harshly. At least, none of the parts with Lex were. It wasn’t really Lex that she remembered, either, just as it wasn’t Clark or Mrs. Kent or the myriad of other people she had come into contact with. It was her subconscious’ representation of them. So really, there was no reason to get so worked up every time she saw Lex, because after all, it wasn’t even him that she had fallen in love with . . . right?

“Miss Sullivan, I know it’s a lot to ask, but perhaps you could try to pay attention when I’m speaking, hmm?”

“Sorry, Mr. Robinson.” With her previous conclusion running through her head like a mantra, Chloe returned her attention to the finer nuances of the Civil War. Only the rest of the day to get through before the weekend. Then came midterms and after that, finally, winter break. This was no time to get distracted.


****************************


Lex was distracted. He couldn’t afford to be, not right now, but that didn’t change the simple fact that he was. His mind should, by all rights, be on the contract sitting in front of him. His father and Luthor Corp were nipping at his heels again, and if he lost this account they’d do more than just nip. They’d take a big, vicious bite, one that he might not be able to recover from. All of his attention should be on the tricky business of getting Mr. MacNamara of Orion International the best deal possible, better than Lionel or anyone else could offer. Unfortunately, it didn’t look like his mind was going to be obeying him anytime soon.

In point of fact, his mind had been stubbornly fixed on one of the few things he had no business thinking about. Ever. But no matter how many times he told himself to forget and ignore the subject of Chloe Sullivan, she kept showing up in his thoughts. And matters were hindered rather than helped by the fact that she seemed to be avoiding him.

At first he had dismissed the thought as ridiculous. After all, what possible reason could she have for avoiding him? Then, when it became clear that he hadn’t been mistaken, he had examined his actions lately. Had he done something to offend her? But no, Chloe Sullivan would be much more likely to verbally harpoon him if he had been so unlucky as to upset her sensibilities. She wasn’t the type to avoid confrontation, not by a long shot. Unfortunately, that meant that unless she had suddenly developed the ability to read his mind and been frightened away by his thoughts of her, she was avoiding him for some reason that he was helpless to discover.

When his mind wasn’t wrapped around that particular dilemma, he was occupied by the singular mystery of the strange necklace he had found. None of his staff had claimed it, and the charms dangling from the long golden chain certainly wasn’t anything that Lionel would be caught dead in. Which left Lex with the dual problems of wondering who had been in his house to drop it, and wondering why it seemed so naggingly familiar.

That familiarity haunted him, tickling at the back of his mind. Without fully realizing it he had taken to wearing the thing hidden beneath his shirt. When he found himself unconsciously rubbing the outline of the charms through his clothes he had all but ripped the chain from around his neck, only to refasten it minutes later. For whatever reason, he simply wasn’t comfortable without the thing on.

Lex sighed heavily and pushed back from his desk. This proposal was going nowhere, and the more he stared at it the less he was able to focus. The castle suddenly felt stifling, like it was slowly trying to suffocate him. Without a second thought he stood and strode from the room. What he needed was a change of scenery. He would go for a drive to clear his head, then get back to work. And there would be no more thoughts of Chloe Sullivan, mysterious necklaces, or the phantom memories that were dancing on the edges of his mind.


****************************


“—so then she just looked at me like I had burned down her children or something and walked off.”

Chloe tried her best to suppress a snicker as Pete finished regaling them with the sad story of asking out Kelly Huffines that afternoon. Her urge to laugh wasn’t helped by Clark’s expression; the look of confusion on his face was more intense than normal.

“Burned down her children?”

Pete shook his head. “You don’t get online much, do you Clark?”

“I get online plenty,” was the defensive reply. “I might not live on the computer like some people, but—”

“Relax, Clark.” Chloe rolled her eyes and stood up. “I’m going to get some more coffee. I’d offer to get you some, but if you’re this high-strung I think I’m going to have to cut you off,” she teased.

“Hey Chlo,” Pete began hopefully.

“I’m on it.”

Chloe snagged the cup that Pete held out for her and made her way up to the counter. In the weeks leading up to winter break the Talon was always packed, and she had to wait in line for several long minutes before she managed to make it to the counter where Lana and one of the part-time girls were looking particularly harried.

“Hey Lana. Refill for me and Pete, and I need mine to go.”

“Chloe. Hey.” Lana started on the drinks while the other girl began to take the next person’s order. As she steamed the milk for Chloe’s latte, Lana shot her a frenzied look. “I don’t suppose there’s a chance of getting you to start sooner than next weekend, is there?”

It took some effort, but Chloe managed to swallow her chuckle. “Not unless there’s been an impromptu snowball fight in Hell. You know I’d help out, but with midterms and this last edition of the Torch, I’m completely swamped until break.”

“Fine, fine,” Lana grumbled. She pushed the finished drinks towards her friend. “Use me for my coffee, then abandon me.” She shot her a grin to let her know she didn’t really mean it. “See you at home later.”

“See you. Try not to explode before then.”

Tossing off a wave over her shoulder, Chloe made her way back to the table she had been sharing with Clark and Pete. With the two of them wrapped up in some argument over a pro sporting event, it was all too easy for her to slip away. She let out a breath as she did so; she had been deathly afraid that Clark was going to ask for help studying for English again, and she just didn’t have time for it. She was behind in things herself, and had been for the past few weeks. Her concentration had been shot ever since the incident, a situation that she was prepared to remedy, starting tonight.

She hadn’t made it far through the crowd when she heard a familiar voice say her name. Her stomach muscles were knotting up even before she looked up to see Margot standing in front of her. Still, Chloe offered the girl a weak smile and stopped.

Outside of the fairy tale setting, Margot’s looks had reverted back to their natural state. Her hair was solid brown again and falling straight as rain, without any of the curl and body that it had briefly possessed. The length was once more evident in her face; her eyes weren’t as sharp a green. Her previous grace had fled, replaced once more by a kind of coltish gangliness. Still, Chloe could see the potential underneath. No doubt about it—if Margot ever grew into herself, she would be a knockout.

“Hey Margot. Um . . . how’s it going?”

“Good. It’s going good.” She looked down at her feet for a moment, and when she looked up again it was to shoot Chloe a hopeful glance. “I was kind of hoping to talk to you for a minute?”

“Well . . . I was actually . . .” Chloe sighed. She simply couldn’t stand up against the hope on Margot’s face. “Sure. Just . . . follow me.”

The two of them wove their way through the noisy throng of people, squeezing in between the clumps people always seem to form in the middle of high-traffic areas. Finally they reached a small table, situated away from most others and miraculously still free of any of the socializing patrons. The girls seated themselves and Chloe waited while Margot stared into her cup of coffee. Finally unable to take the silence any longer, Chloe took the initiative.

“So you wanted to talk to me about something, right?”

Margot started as though she had forgotten where she was. “Oh! Yeah. Sorry. I did. I just . . .” She waved a hand as if trying to grab the words she wanted out of the air. “Well, I know how disorienting it can be to, um,” she looked around nervously and lowered her voice. “To go through that. The first time it happened to me, I was so scared. And I knew that I couldn’t tell anyone, so there was no one to talk to. I guess I just wanted you to know that, well,” she shrugged. “I’m here if you wanna talk about it.”

Chloe was quiet for a moment. The hell of it was, she was pretty sure that she did want to talk about what happened. She was all mixed up about it, about how she was feeling. Who better to talk to about it than the one other person who had been through the same thing—or at least, close to the same thing? Not only that, but whom better to answer her questions than Margot? She nodded slowly.

“I do want to talk about it. I—” She broke off, trying to gather her thoughts. “There’s so much that happened that I don’t understand. And a lot of it has me feeling . . .” She broke off again on a laugh. “I really don’t know where to start.”

“Okay. Well . . . I’ve never talked about it before either, so . . . um . . .” Margot looked at Chloe shyly. “There’s something I’ve been wondering, but I don’t know if it would be too personal or anything.”

“Hell, fire away.” Chloe grinned. “If it’s too personal, I’ll just say ‘no comment.’”

Margot giggled. “Okay. I was wondering . . . who was your Prince Charming?”

“Oh . . . er . . .” Chloe was appalled to find herself blushing. “It’s a little bit embarrassing. Tell you what. You tell me who yours was, and I’ll tell you who mine was.” She tilted her head in sudden curiosity. “Say, that’s a question. Do you get a different guy every time? Or do you have one particular leading man?”

“I . . . well, I . . .” Margot closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Her pale skin was turning bright pink and she looked down into her coffee again as she mumbled a name.

“Who? I couldn’t hear you.”

“I said, ‘It was Pete Ross.’” Margot’s cheeks were practically on fire now, and for a moment Chloe could do nothing but blink.

“Pete?” she finally squeaked, but the astonishment quickly cleared from her face when Margot’s embarrassed eyes came up to see her reaction. “That’s . . . wow. I never knew you had a thing for Pete.”

Margot shrugged. “I guess I do. But he has dates all the time with really pretty girls.” Her long fingers fiddled with her coffee cup. “He’s way out of my league.”

Even as Chloe snorted, she made a mental note to have a discreet and non-specific conversation with Pete. “You think Pete Ross is out of your league? Then believe me, you’re gonna feel a lot better when you hear who my guy was.”

“Who?” Without realizing it, Margot had leaned forward slightly. “Was it someone famous, like . . . like Brad Pitt or someone?”

Chloe laughed. “No, no one like that.” She took a deep breath and said, with as much nonchalance as she could muster, “It was Lex Luthor.”

“Lex Luthor?” Margot’s eyes were huge, and her mouth hung slightly open. She slumped back in her chair. “Woah. That’s huge. But I see why. He is really cute.”

“Yeah.” Chloe tried to keep the next question as casual as possible. “So, have you ever . . .”

“Me?? No way,” Margot said, shaking her head emphatically. “He scares me way too much.”

“He’s not so bad,” Chloe insisted. “I mean, he can be kind of intimidating sometimes. But his millions aside, he’s mostly just a pretty normal guy.”

“If you say so. Anyway, I’ll bet he looked pretty good as royalty.”

“He did.” Thinking back on everything that had happened, Chloe wasn’t aware that she was playing with the bracelet on her wrist until Margot frowned and nodded to it.

“What’s that?”

Now it was Chloe’s turn to frown. “What do you mean? It’s your bracelet.”

“No,” Margot said slowly, her high voice holding a hint of trepidation. “My bracelet was cheap tin and gold paint that I got for five dollars at the mall. That,” she pointed, “is not my bracelet.”

“Of course it is,” Chloe argued. “Look, you saw it when I was there. It changed. When I came home again, well, it just never changed back.” Chloe’s frown deepened. “I figured that was what always happened. Are you telling me it’s not?”

Margot shook her head, wide eyes still fastened on Chloe’s wrist. “They always change back. I mean, I’d have some fast explaining to do to my mom if a bunch of really nice stuff suddenly showed up in my room. Okay.” Her eyes lifted to Chloe’s again. “There’s gotta be a reason for this. Right? When a pattern changes, there’s always a reason.”

“Historically speaking,” Chloe agreed. Margot’s reaction was starting to make her nervous. “Do you think this means that something else is wrong?”

“I don’t know,” Margot said nervously. “Maybe it’s just because it was someone other than me in the story. But just to be safe, why don’t you tell me what all you did in the dream, and I’ll let you know if anything seems . . . I don’t know, suspicious.”

“Okay.” Chloe took a deep breath. “Okay. Well, after you left, my da—the king came in.” It still made Chloe’s stomach clench to think of that particular incident, and it helped a great deal to avoid thinking of that man as her father. “He told me about wanting to marry me, and he gave me the dresses and cloak; then he left.”

“What did you say to him? Anything that . . . I don’t know, didn’t fit with the story somehow?”

Chloe shook her head. “I was too freaked out to say much at all. Anyway, he left, and I grabbed the dresses and put on the cloak and got the hell out of the castle. No one saw me,” she said before Margot could ask. “The king and his . . . I don’t know, advisors or whatever were talking in a room along the way, but I made it past without being seen.

“I walked all night—and let me tell you, I’m a big fan of whatever part of your power kept me from getting frostbite—and I fell asleep in this big hollow tree. I woke up when a couple of guys were trying to tie me up; they thought I was some kind of animal. Then I started talking and they thought I was a demon. Once I managed to convince them that I wasn’t, they took me to Lex and got permission for me to work in the kitchens. They took me there, and I spent the next week waiting around for someone to mention the big festival that was being planned.”

Margot winced sympathetically. “Yeah, sorry about that. I’ve worked it out in most of the stories so that I don’t have to wait so long for the story to keep going, but I haven’t actually tried that one yet.”

“Well, it’s over now,” Chloe shrugged. “And once the festival was mentioned, I was pretty busy for the next few days. On the first day of the festival I convinced Martha—the cook—to let me go watch the carriages arrive. I cleaned up, changed into the gold dress, and went to the ball. I danced with Lex—”

“Oh, how was that?” Margot asked; then, seeing Chloe’s raised eyebrows, flushed and said, “Sorry. Go on.”

“Right. Where was I? Oh; I danced with Lex, cut out of there and hauled ass back to the kitchen. I changed back and made the soup—I accidentally added some stuff that I wasn’t supposed to, but I figured that wasn’t a big deal since no one complained about it.” At Margot’s nod, Chloe continued. “I dropped the charm into Lex’s bowl, and after a little while he called me up to talk with him. I convinced him I didn’t know where the charm came from, and he let me go.

“The next day I did the same thing: went to the ball, came back, left the charm, and convinced Lex that I had no idea what he was talking about. At midnight I met him in the garden—”

“Whoa. Whoa, whoa, whoa.” Margot’s eyes had gone as wide as dinner plates. “What do you mean, you met him in the garden?”

“Just that,” Chloe said slowly. “He asked me to meet him in the garden at midnight, and I did.” Realization hit. “That wasn’t part of the story, was it.” It wasn’t a question, but a statement. “Shit! I was afraid of that; but I didn’t want to not go in case I was wrong, and I was supposed to go. But I still made it back, so how much of a difference could that have really made? Um . . . Margot . . . why are you looking at me like that?”

“Chloe,” Margot said in a hushed voice, apprehension etched on her face. “I need you to tell me what happened in the garden.”

“Oh. Um . . . well, we . . . that is . . .” Chloe couldn’t fight the blush that rose on her cheeks. “We kind of . . . kissed. A few times.” Chloe wasn’t sure what she had expected Margot’s reaction to be, but it wasn’t the heartfelt groan that she heard.

“But it only happened that one time, right?” Margot asked with a hint of desperation. “I mean, you didn’t do it . . . again . . .” She trailed off, seeing all too clearly in Chloe’s expression that it had in fact happened again. “Okay. Okay. The important thing here is not to panic.”

“Margot?”

“After all, it might not mean anything. Maybe it is just because it was someone other than me.”

“Margot.”

“I mean, hell, I don’t know how it works. So maybe—”

“Margot!” Chloe finally got the girl’s attention. “What’s going on? What’s the big deal? I can’t have done anything too wrong, or I wouldn’t be here. So what are you freaking out about?”

Margot took a deep breath. “All right. So, you remember how I told you that the characters in the fairy tale were chosen by your subconscious? Well . . . um . . . that’s not exactly the whole story. See, it actually pulls in parts of their minds; in a way, they’re actually there. That’s another reason I never wanted Lex Luthor as my prince—his mind’s way too strong. I was always afraid that he’d be able to see through the illusion and figure out what was going on.”

“He said he knew me,” Chloe said, mostly to herself. She looked up at Margot again. “The first night of the ball, when we were out on the patio. He thought he knew me, but let it go when he realized that he couldn’t possibly, since I had just shown up. Are you telling me that may have been because he was trying to see through what was going on?”

“Maybe,” Margot nodded. “And now you’re back here with a bracelet that didn’t return to its normal state. Since the . . . er . . . aberration in the story was with Lex . . .”

“You’re afraid that your power’s hold on him is weakened,” Chloe finished. “But . . . it was really him in that story? I mean, at least part of him?”

“Yeah, which is another reason to be worried. If he figures out what happened, he’d probably be pissed about being drawn into all of that without his consent. And I do not want to have to deal with a pissed off Lex Luthor.” Suddenly she brightened. “But like you said, you’re still here. You made it back. Maybe you’re right; maybe departing from the story didn’t have as much of an effect as I assumed it would.”

“Wait a minute, assumed?” Chloe leaned forward, eyes narrowing. “You mean you don’t know that not going through with the story would keep you from getting out?”

“Well . . . no.” Margot fidgeted in her seat. “If I knew for sure that it did, I wouldn’t be here, now would I? I’d still be stuck in whatever story I decided to test the theory with.”

“All right, I see your point,” Chloe conceded. “But this still doesn’t solve the problem, Margot. Is Lex going to be able to figure out what happened?”

“Are you sure he hasn’t already?”

“Very sure. If he had, he’d already be making an unholy fuss over his subconscious being manipulated or something.”

“Okay.” Margot sat for a moment, staring at the large blue mug that she was slowly rotating on the table. Finally she looked up at Chloe again and said, “He wasn’t the main player in the story; since he never said anything to you about it, it’s a pretty safe bet that he never completely broke free and figured out that he wasn’t who he thought he was. As long as he doesn’t get the opportunity to talk with you about it, he should forget whatever he’s remembering in a week or two. And hey, maybe he doesn’t remember anything and we’re worrying over nothing.” An anxious frown creased her face. “But, um, maybe you should try to keep your distance from him for a while, just in case.”

“No problem; I’ve been doing that anyway,” Chloe muttered. “So I’ll keep steering clear of him, and hopefully he’ll just forget the whole—”

“Chloe?”

Chloe slowly turned her head, her stomach suddenly hollow. She had been so caught up in her conversation that she hadn’t even noticed Lex walking up to their table, and a quick glance at Margot’s pale face confirmed that the other girl hadn’t noticed, either. Chloe’s mouth was as dry as cotton; how much of their conversation had he heard?

“I’m sorry to interrupt, but I was hoping I could talk to you for a moment.”





TBC . . .

[meeaz]

yes, now that is a good place to continue! please do add some more!

[bunnylyn33]

Woo... That's me blowing out my torch.

Great update. Can't wait for the next one.

[Augustine86]

Oh God, will this sweet torment neve end???????????????????????????????

I love it and I hate it because I love it too much and there not an update every time I wish it, I actually have to wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[LarkLuthor]

Hehe! Were the betas planing to join in on the linching? You have Sabby as one of them right? She's scary when she wants something...I'd change my mind too! Great Chapter! I thought something like that was going on! Can't wait for more!

Lark

[welshy]

I hope there's going to be more soon :)

[hfce]

Oh this is good. I am so glad you continued. I can't wait to see how Chloe gets out of this one. :D


Hope ;)

[fussy_wuzzy]

Woohoo!!!! It's not over yet. Can't wait for more.

[Yarvarni]

hee hee gotta love those insistant beta's! So glad you continued the story! Iwould have been fine with you ending it at chappy 7 but would have always wondered what might have been.....

[OddEvens]

YYEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!! Tralala... Oh so happy, am I... *couhg* er- sorry about that, I don't know where the Yoda speak came from. Anyway I'm so excited that you are going to continue with this story because I love it! Please update soon.

[star del mar]

Oh my God! I am so excited that you updated again! I was just catching up and I had reached the end of chapter 7 and my mouth fell open, you can't just leave stories there!! It's cruel and unusual that's why I was even happier to see the new chapter. Is it wrong that I just want to lock them up in a room together? Didn't think so :D Update again soon!

Steph*

[vardaquareien]

Ok I was all set to lynch you, and then I scrolled down and found that....there was another chapter!!! Whoohoo!!!

...so now I just have to lynch you for where you left it!!! Ahhhhhh! I'm seriously allergic to cliffie-endings *cough, sniffle, cough* so another update as soon as possible is the only cure!

[Louie]

I'm glad the lynching is off, it is so sad to see good writers lynched to death.
So I am so glad your continuing, I have a feeling this conversation is not going to be fun for Chloe(which means it will be especially fun for us).

[meg20]

I'm so glad we don't have to lynch you and also very happy to have this story continuing!


Another beautiful winter day in Smallville; over a foot of snow, temperatures below zero, and still they don’t cancel school. Fascists.

That was the best start to a new chapter ever :rofl:
Can't wait for the talk and see what happens when Lex figures it all out!
Update soon please!!!

[absentia-varia]

WOOHOO!!!

I'm so Happy that You're continuing this story!!!!
Well I have to go and get some sleep so that I can get to work in the morning. I spent too long last night reading a book that i coulnt put down and started and finished in the same night...
FYI... You probably shouldnt start a book at 10.30pm.

I cant wait to see what Lex wants to talk 2 Chloe about!

Eagerly awaiting the next chapter.

[leik2]

ThankYouThankYouThankYou.

[asharnanae]

YAY!!!!! I thought you would not be so crule as to leave it there!!! WONDERFUL!!

[Kit Merlot]

Alright, you have decided to continue :D

Now, this is an interesting twist--Chloe changed the direction of the original tale, and Lex remembers bits and pieces of what happened.

This is awesome!

[chril1]

oh fudge!

well that plan's shot to hell

lea
xxx

[ambrosine]

Oh, I love where you are going with this! After the fairytale ended...I had no clue what the heck you were going to do with all those loose ends! But now, with the direction you are taking with this story, it could very well continue on for a while. BRAVO *claps* :clapclap:

I LOVE YOU!!!

[Lulucifer]

yay, another chapter.... but where's the rest of it....

[tracyaching]

Hurrah! I take back everything I said. You are a wonderful, lovely, generous creature and deserves many good things including cookies! Yeeeeaaaahhh Sequel!



[QUOTE=Not An Addict]
Without fully realizing it he had taken to wearing the thing hidden beneath his shirt. When he found himself unconsciously rubbing the outline of the charms through his clothes he had all but ripped the chain from around his neck, only to refasten it minutes later. For whatever reason, he simply wasn’t comfortable without the thing on.
QUOTE]

This is so brilliant. With Lex everything emotional happens so deep inside of him and you actually let his subconscious out to play in the fairytale. Can't wait for the big confrontation scene. Thank-you for this sequel. Now, of course we must demand an update. The ever hungry maw of collected fanfic lovers is open and begging for more!

[Not An Addict]

A/N: I'm so glad you guys are liking this so much--it's more flattering than I think you can ever know. Only three more chapters to go, including this one. I hope you guys like what's coming up as much as you've liked it up until now. Enjoy!


Chapter Nine: Waist Deep in De-Nile


Lex felt like an idiot. It had not been his intention to go into town at all; when he had left the mansion, he had planned to go for a drive to clear his head before settling down to work again. Without truly realizing what he was doing, he found himself walking into the Talon. And as if that weren’t bad enough, he made not even a token effort to delude himself that he was there for coffee or business, but immediately began scanning the crowd for any sign of Chloe. He spotted her at last, sitting at an out-of-the-way table with a girl he wasn’t familiar with.

Lex headed straight for her before he could stop himself, and arrived just in time to overhear Chloe mention ‘steering clear’ of someone. Now he was standing in front of her, and she was looking at him as though she would rather be looking at anything else in the world. It stung more than a little to realize that she didn’t want to talk with him. Perhaps he had deluded himself into thinking that they were better friends than they actually were.

“Well,” Chloe’s friend spoke into what had become a pregnant silence. “My mom tends to worry; I should probably get going before she calls the cops or something.” She rose, and Lex didn’t miss the glance that she sent Chloe’s way, or the barely perceptible nod that Chloe gave in return.

“May I?” he asked, gesturing to the chair that had just been vacated, and though Chloe looked hesitant she nodded her permission. Lex sat, simply studying Chloe’s face for a few moments before she began to fidget under his gaze.

“So . . . you wanted to talk to me about something?”

“I did.” Though years of practice helped him hide it, Lex found himself unexpectedly uncomfortable. He hadn’t meant to speak with Chloe today, and he loathed situations where he had not planned what he would say. It was too late to back down now, however. Best to just jump right in. “I was hoping that you would tell me why you’ve been avoiding me lately.”

“Avoiding you?” Chloe smiled wanly. “Don’t be ridiculous, Lex. I haven’t been avoiding you; I’ve just been busy.”

“Chloe, you don’t come by the manor with Clark anymore. When I come in here, you find some excuse to leave. Is it something that I’ve done, something I’ve said? I’d like to make it up to you, but I can’t if you don’t tell me what I’ve done.”

“Lex, you haven’t done anything.” Chloe’s nervous expression melted into one of reluctant concern. “Really. And I promise, I haven’t been avoiding you.” For a moment, it looked as if she were going to say something else; then her face shuttered again and she started to stand up. “I have to go.”

“Chloe,” Lex started to say, standing up along with her and reaching out a hand to lightly touch her arm. The second he did, Chloe took a hasty step back, everything in her bearing telling him to keep his hands off. Chloe began talking quickly, but Lex was hardly paying little attention.

There had been something in that touch, something almost electric. And now images were flashing through his mind: Chloe in an elegant, blindingly beautiful antique dress; Chloe shivering with cold; Chloe in his arms. There was a rush of sight and sound and scent that hit Lex all at once, dizzying him. It only lasted for an instant, and when he came back to himself Chloe didn’t seem to have noticed anything. But something was different. Lex felt a pronounced need, stronger than it had ever been, to lean down and capture Chloe’s lips with his own. And somehow, despite every sign to the contrary, he somehow knew that if he were to follow that inclination he would have Chloe’s wholehearted participation.

“—just have so much to do today,” Chloe was saying when Lex came back to himself. “I’ll see you around, okay?” And with that she took off, out the door almost before Lex realized what had happened.

Lex sat down again, letting himself sink into thought. His impromptu visit may have been more beneficial than he could have anticipated. He still had no idea what was going on. He was no closer to figuring out what was happening to him, what strange power seemed to have a grip on his mind. One thing was clear, however: Chloe knew something. There was a missing piece to the puzzle, and Lex had a gut feeling that Chloe was the one who held it.

All he had to do now was convince her to share.


****************************


Chloe, meanwhile, was pacing her room distractedly. She should have been catching up on her homework, on editing her articles for the Torch, or doing anything that was even mildly productive. Failing that, she knew that she should be focusing her attention on figuring out how to avoid Lex for the next several weeks. Unfortunately, there was only one thing that she could think of.

It had been him after all. Or, she amended thoughtfully, at least part of him. The Lex in her . . . dream? Experience? Whatever she called it, he hadn’t just been a product of her imagination and Margot’s powers. In some small way at least, it had been the real Lex.

If that were true, then . . . maybe some of his feelings had been real as well. It wasn’t outside of the realm of possibility. After all, they had been friends—of a sort—beforehand. And there were times when she almost thought that the way he looked at her was . . .

As she passed by her mirror, Chloe caught sight of her reflection and was suddenly jerked back to the present. She was fooling herself. One simple look in the mirror was enough to remind her that she was as far from Lex’s type as it was physically possible to get. In all the years that she had known him, she had never once seen Lex go for someone like her—blonde, for one thing, and too all-around curvaceous. Lex’s women might always be stacked, but they were also always skinny, long-legged brunettes.

Hell, Lana fits Lex’s type more than I do, she thought. Well, except for the ‘stacked’ part.

No, it would be best if she could just forget anything that might have happened in Neverland. A meteor-induced dream did not a relationship make, she struggled to remind herself, no matter how real it might have seemed at the time. And no matter how much of Lex’s subconscious had been there, it hadn’t really been him. If it weren’t for Margot’s power influencing him, Lex wouldn’t have looked twice at Chloe no matter how many magical dresses she wore. The plain truth was—and the sooner Chloe could accept it the happier she would be—that Lex Luthor was not, had not been, and never would be romantically interested in her.

Right?


****************************


The place was a zoo. As she almost literally juggled cups of coffee and tried to listen to ten people give her their orders at once, Chloe found herself filled with a new respect for Lana. Not so much for being able to get through rushes like this—Chloe felt sure that she would survive, if only barely—but for being able to do it without murdering customers.

Chloe blew a stray lock of hair out of her eyes and eyed the clock. Still half an hour until her break. She could make it. She could. Especially since the crowd seemed to be thinning out a bit. Sure, she had thought the same thing almost an hour ago, but that didn’t necessarily make it less true this time. After all, logically speaking, it had to slow down sooner or later. The entire Smallville High population couldn’t just stay there drinking coffee all day. Probably. She was almost certain.

It was her third day working at the Talon, making good on her promise to Lana to help out over break and simultaneously earning a little bit more money to be put towards an upgrade on her laptop. It was only the thought of the brand new hard drive that kept her going; she was running out of space on her current one, and though Chloe had convinced her father to pay for half of a new one, she was still frustratingly short of funds. Her paycheck from this stint as a barrista, plus the money she was saving by getting free coffee, would get her the rest of the way there. Like a long-distance runner, Chloe tried to focus on her goal and ignore the pain she felt at having to deal with all of the school’s most obnoxious people with a smile on her face.

Working there had another distinct advantage, as well. Chloe’s need to study for midterms had helped her avoid too much direct contact with Lex for the past week; school was out now, though, and helping customers kept Chloe busy enough to always have a legitimate excuse when Lex tried to talk to her. If she could just keep it up for a couple of weeks, she could throw herself back into her studies until Lex forgot about the whole thing. And if there was a small part of her that didn’t want him to forget . . . well, no one could be sensible all the time.

“Oh, praise the lord,” Lana said fifteen minutes later, slumping against the counter. “I thought we’d never get a lull.”

“I think I just saw the entire senior class come up for coffee,” Chloe said wearily. “Some of them twice. Brandon Kells came up twice in ten minutes. I mean, I don’t even drink coffee that fast.”

“We’re about out of lids,” Lana noted almost idly. She turned a hopeful smile on Chloe. “If you go get more from the storeroom, I’ll make you a cappuccino by the time you get back.”

“Ugh. I’ll go get them if you promise not to make me coffee. I don’t even want to look at it right now.”

“I never thought I’d hear you say that,” Lana grinned. “All right, I won’t make you coffee. And feel free to take your time; that last group of to-go orders pretty much cleared out most of the customers. The next wave shouldn’t hit until after dinner.”

“The after-dinner shift,” Chloe groaned. “Well, at least they’re usually more sedate. I’ll be back in a minute.”

The storeroom was packed with shelves and boxes and boxes on shelves, half of them neatly labeled and arranged, the other half still awaiting organization. Chloe scanned the first section, saw no box labeled ‘lids’, and with a growl set to searching through the unlabeled boxes. They were in the third box she opened, and she eyed them thoughtfully. If she could manage to carry back a couple of big stacks, they might be able to get through closing without having to come back for more.

Moving carefully, every speck of her attention focused on not dropping what she knew full well to be more lids than she should try carrying at once, Chloe actually passed the table where Lex was sitting and managed not to notice that he was there until he spoke.

“You know, it would probably be easier if you just took two trips.”

Chloe didn’t jump, but it was a close thing. Carefully, she turned to face Lex as he stood up and held out a hand.

“Would you like some help?”

“No.” She shied away slightly, still careful not to drop the lids. “Thanks. I’ve got it.”

Lex let his hand drop and took a step towards her. “I was hoping I’d get a chance to talk with you today, Chloe.”

“Oh. Ah . . . maybe later.” Chloe took a step back. “I have to get back to help Lana, and—”

“There are only a couple of people at the counter. It’s nothing Lana can’t handle on her own,” Lex interrupted smoothly. He took another step forward. “You can take a short break.”

Chloe stepped back again. “My break’s not for another ten minutes,” she tried lamely.

“Well, lucky for you I’m one of your bosses, then. Just a few minutes, Chloe, that’s all I ask.”

He took another step forward, and Chloe took another step back—right into a nearby pillar. Lex moved towards her with a tiny smirk, and Chloe got the sneaking suspicion that he had maneuvered her into exactly this position. There was no possible route for escape, with Lex in front of her and her back pressed against the large pillar; a pillar, she realized with a flutter of panic that was only half unpleasant, that effectively screened them from everyone’s view. They might be in a public place, but at the moment she and Lex were very much alone, the very situation that Chloe had been avoiding for weeks. And the worst part of it was, she couldn’t be sure that she was upset that Lex had finally caught her.

“Just a few minutes,” Lex repeated, and Chloe nodded reluctantly.

“All right. What can I do for you, Lex?”

The bevy of inappropriate images that flashed through Lex’s mind at Chloe’s words didn’t show through his expression, though it was a close thing. “I’ve been experiencing some . . . odd things lately, and since you seem to be this town’s expert on all things unusual, I hoped you could help me find some answers.”

“Um . . . what kind of odd things?”

“Visions, almost,” Lex said, watching Chloe carefully. “Like flashes of memory, but of things that could never have happened.”

“Maybe you have ESP,” Chloe suggested flippantly. Being boxed in like this, especially so close to Lex, was not good for her composure. “Or maybe it’s a sign that you should start working on your first novel. A fairytale adventure of royalty and lost love. Whatever it is, I don’t know why you came to me about it, because I can’t help you. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to get back to work.” She started to slip around the column, but Lex’s next quiet words stopped her.

“I never mentioned what the visions were about, Chloe.”

Slowly, she turned to face him again, apprehension clear on her face. “I . . .”

“You know something. And whatever it is, it involves me, too. It’s not your secret to keep anymore.” When she didn’t answer, Lex felt his hold on his temper beginning to slip. “Damn it, Chloe, do you have any idea what this is like? To know that something is happening to you and not know what?”

He took another step towards her and realized immediately that it had been a mistake to do so. This close to her he could see the flecks of gold in her widened eyes; he could see her pulse hammering in her throat; and, most damning of all, he could smell her. Against his better judgement he drifted closer, until they were only inches apart. Unable to resist, he lowered his head until his mouth was next to Chloe’s ear.

“Tell me how I can remember these things,” he whispered, and Chloe’s breath hitched. “Tell me how I recognize your scent when I get close enough to catch it. How I know how your lips would taste. Tell me how I know that if I do this,” he brushed his lips over the skin beneath her ear, and Chloe shivered, “you’ll tremble.”

“Lex.” Chloe’s voice was so soft that it barely reached her own ears. Lex heard it, however, and the note of raw pleading had him shivering in turn. He leaned back enough to look into Chloe’s face; the mix of shock and desire that he saw there undid him, and before he could talk himself out of it he leaned down and brushed his lips over hers.

With her arms full of plastic lids, Chloe could neither push him away nor pull him closer. She counted this as a blessing, as at the moment she couldn’t have said which she most wanted to do. In another moment, she stopped bothering trying to figure it out and just savored the sensation of kissing Lex again. To her surprise, it wasn’t quite the same as kissing Alexander. With Alexander, she had felt safe; no matter how intense his passion, she had known that there was no reason to worry about what might happen. This kiss was different. It was more tentative than any of Alexander’s embraces had been, and yet there was an undercurrent of something very different. In that chaste brush of lips, Chloe felt the tension underneath. Intimacy with Lex would be electric, but that electricity could as easily harm as it could invigorate. For a split second she knew that in a very real way, beyond any glorified bad-boy mystique, Lex was dangerous.

The kiss was over almost as soon as it began, and with it went Chloe’s moment of insight. All she could think of now was the tingling in her lips and the nagging feeling that she had just done something very stupid. Oddly enough, she couldn’t quite seem to care. Lex looked for a moment like he might kiss her again, but thought better of it. Chloe was suddenly once more aware that though they were screened from sight, they were still in a public place where anyone could see them at any moment. There was no stopping the blush that rushed over her face at that realization.

“You’re beautiful when you blush,” Lex said quietly, then blinked as if surprised at himself. “Here. Let me.”

Chloe had neither the composure nor the balance to keep him from taking one of the two large stacks of lids that she had somehow managed not to drop. As quickly as she could, she turned and headed back to the front counter, taking it on faith that Lex would follow behind her.

“There you are,” Lana said as she handed a woman her coffee and change. “I was beginning to think you got lost.”

“Chloe was trying to carry her weight in lids,” Lex said before Chloe could respond. He set his pile down on the counter, and Chloe started stacking them under the counter to avoid his gaze.

“If you wanted to get so many, you really should have just made two trips,” Lana admonished Chloe, who glared up at her from where she was crouched. Lana gave a cheeky grin in response and turned to help another customer as Chloe straightened.

“Have dinner with me tonight.”

Chloe’s eyes shot up at Lex’s quiet voice, then darted over to see if anyone had overheard. No one seemed to have noticed, but she took a cloth and moved to wipe down the other end of the counter just in case.

“I’m working tonight,” she said just as quietly when Lex followed her.

“Tomorrow, then. It’s your night off.”

“How did you—never mind.” Chloe gazed at him for a moment. “Dinner for information, or dinner for . . . dinner?” she asked with a hint of her earlier blush. Lex smirked.

“Can it be both?”

Chloe’s lips twitched. It was probably a bad idea, but . . . “Okay. Should I meet you somewhere, or—”

“I’d hardly be able to claim I’m a gentleman if I didn’t pick you up,” Lex said with a hint of an actual smile. “I’ll be there at six-thirty.” Then, without waiting for Chloe’s answer, he turned and swept out of the Talon.

“What was that all about?” Lana asked when Chloe worked her way back down the counter.

“Nothing much. Lex just has a problem that he wants my take on. We’re having dinner tomorrow night to discuss it.”

“Dinner?” Lana raised an eyebrow. “Lex asked you to dinner.”

“Yes.”

“To . . . discuss a problem that he has.”

“Yes.”

“Hmm. This problem wouldn’t have anything to do with his pants, would it?”

“What?” Chloe yelped, whirling to stare wide-eyed at Lana, who looked like she was trying hard not to laugh. Looking at her face, Chloe found it hard to suppress a smile of her own. “Lana Lang, would you like to tell me why your mind is in the gutter like that?”

“Oh, come on,” Lana protested. “He asked you to dinner. If he had wanted your opinion on some sort of meteor matter, he would have set up a meeting with you in that oh-so-impressive library of his. If a meal is involved, it’s not just business anymore.”

Chloe shook her head in amused disbelief. “You’ve lost your mind, you know.”

“Fine, don’t believe me.” She shot Chloe a wicked grin. “But remember, when he starts putting the moves on you, I told you so.”


****************************


Lex could hardly believe what he had done. It wasn’t enough that he had kissed Chloe, something that he had told himself could never happen. Not enough that he could almost still feel her lips on his. He had to ask her to dinner, as well. And though he could tell himself all he liked that he only wanted information from her, and that he might as well try to elicit it in pleasant surroundings, the truth was that he was equally motivated by a strangely potent desire to see how she would look in candlelight.

The iced-over roads had him driving more slowly than usual, and in the absence of mind-numbing speed there was entirely too much room for thought.

He should never have kissed her. That had been a phenomenal mistake. Before, he had been able to pretend that his attraction to Chloe was strictly empirical. If he admired her eyes, or the way her hair brushed against her cheek, or the way her clothes clung to the curves of her body, it was only because he was a man faced with an objectively attractive woman. Today, however, it had been all he could do to keep his hands to himself. He had wanted to crush her to him, to drown himself in her, public indecency be damned.

There was no longer any chance that he might be satisfied with simple friendship from Chloe, at least not at the moment. His choices, then, were either to cut off all contact with her, or to pursue her in earnest. Since the thought of not seeing her made his stomach clench in an odd burst of panic, the former was not a possibility. He would simply have to do his best to court Chloe Sullivan, and hope that the reason for his sudden possessiveness would become clear along the way.

With his decision made, Lex felt some of his tension drain away. It might not be easy to win Chloe over, but he wanted her enough to try.

And a Luthor always got what he wanted.




TBC . . .


************************

A/N: Okay, I can't help putting this in here. If you haven't been already, check out my LiveJournal (http://www.livejournal.com/users/moonmaid) and vote in the comics battles! Decide who from DC and Marvel will eventually battle it out for ultimate comic book glory! Okay. </pimpage>

[tracyaching]

Unable to resist, he lowered his head until his mouth was next to Chloe’s ear.

“Tell me how I can remember these things,” he whispered, and Chloe’s breath hitched. “Tell me how I recognize your scent when I get close enough to catch it. How I know how your lips would taste. Tell me how I know that if I do this,” he brushed his lips over the skin beneath her ear, and Chloe shivered, “you’ll tremble.”

“Lex.” Chloe’s voice was so soft that it barely reached her own ears. Lex heard it, however, and the note of raw pleading had him shivering in turn. He leaned back enough to look into Chloe’s face; the mix of shock and desire that he saw there undid him, and before he could talk himself out of it he leaned down and brushed his lips over hers.

Wow! It's entirely possible part of my computer has melted just having this story on it. Hot, Hot, Hot.

[Kit Merlot]

Alright, this update rocked!

Good for Lex for not letting Chloe get away from him, and for asking her to have dinner with him. GO LEX :grin3:

I hate that Chloe doubts that Lex finds her attractive, but I'm loving your version of Lana. She's actually cool in this fic--that's remarkable unto itself!

And I can't wait for Chloe and Lex's dinner. Please hurry with that one :D

Awesome job!

[meeaz]

loved the update! i'm so glad you decided to continue it! can't wait for more. oh and lana was priceless in this :rofl: and i needed that coming home from a stupid regents-argh new york state! anyways, update soon with that dinner!

[fussy_wuzzy]

This story is amazing. I especially like the humor. I was smiling the entire time I was reading. Great work!!!

[Krysia]

“Nothing much. Lex just has a problem that he wants my take on. We’re having dinner tomorrow night to discuss it.”

“Dinner?” Lana raised an eyebrow. “Lex asked you to dinner.”

“Yes.”

“To . . . discuss a problem that he has.”

“Yes.”

“Hmm. This problem wouldn’t have anything to do with his pants, would it?”

“What?” Chloe yelped, whirling to stare wide-eyed at Lana, who looked like she was trying hard not to laugh. Looking at her face, Chloe found it hard to suppress a smile of her own. “Lana Lang, would you like to tell me why your mind is in the gutter like that?”

“Oh, come on,” Lana protested. “He asked you to dinner. If he had wanted your opinion on some sort of meteor matter, he would have set up a meeting with you in that oh-so-impressive library of his. If a meal is involved, it’s not just business anymore.”

Chloe shook her head in amused disbelief. “You’ve lost your mind, you know.”

“Fine, don’t believe me.” She shot Chloe a wicked grin. “But remember, when he starts putting the moves on you, I told you so.”


I loved all the smut [ and can't wait for more ;)] But this part was just hilarious. :rofl:

[LarkLuthor]

Wahhoo! That was wonderful! perfect, perfect my dear...

Lark

[TheDragonLady]

Whew. You are gooood... I can't wait for the next chapter...

[star del mar]

Since the thought of not seeing her made his stomach clench in an odd burst of panic, the former was not a possibility. He would simply have to do his best to court Chloe Sullivan, and hope that the reason for his sudden possessiveness would become clear along the way.

I really liked that line. I just think it's great that Lex is letting himself believe in the possibilities (good and bad), even if he doesn't realize why yet he knows that there's something going on between them. Just awesome writing, Chloe's powers of avoidance are only so great, lol, I'm glad that Lex cornered her. I can't wait for more! Update again soon!

Steph*

[hfce]

That was a wonderful update. Now that is the Chlex I like to read. :smoke:


Hope :D

[Louie]

to drown himself in her

This was a wonderful line, and as a coffe wench myself I think you portraid the job perfectly

[chril1]

yay sweetness of chlex

lea
xxx

[ellelea]

I hadn't checked this thread in sooo long and suddenly - there's a gazillion updates! :eek: :D YESSSAH!

Your writing is awesome and the plot is even better! I can't wait until the next chapter; it's amazing! For some reason I'm really looking forward to Chloe discovering Lex's necklace with the charms on it... I dunno why but I am. :p

Can't wait! Write like the wind! :D

[Not An Addict]

A/N: That's right. Second to last chapter. Hope you guys enjoy what's coming. I just . . . couldn't resist.


Chapter Ten: Déjà Vu All Over Again



Chloe couldn’t remember ever having been so nervous in her life. She had given up the idea of staying still half an hour ago, and had spent the time pacing through the house. Now she was back to wondering—for at least the fifth time—if she was going to be appropriately dressed. She had realized that morning that she had no idea where Lex was taking her, and she hadn’t had the nerve to call and ask. She’d opted for a simple black dress that she could dress down with the right jacket, but she was still mortally afraid of being overdressed. Well, if she was, she’d know it when Lex showed up, and he could damn well wait for her while she changed.

What the hell was she doing? She should call Lex and cancel.

She took a deep breath. She could do this. It was all a matter of composure. And not letting Lex get close enough to get another kiss in. Even the thought of it set her heart pounding, and Chloe let out a growl under her breath. There was to be no kissing. Absolutely no kissing.

And wasn’t this the same thing she had thought with Alexander?

Not appreciating that reminder one bit, Chloe tried to push it to the back of her mind. This was completely different. She hadn’t been in her own world when that had happened. She’d been a fish out of water. This time, though, she would be on her own turf, in her own reality, and damn it, she would be in control.

Unable to help herself, she moved again to the full-length mirror in the hallway to check her appearance. Classic little black dress that wasn’t too revealing; stylish but sensible black heels and sheer black stockings that she hoped would help guard her legs from the cold; hair loose because it was easier to shift over into casual that way; makeup that was just a touch smokier than she usually wore. Hard as she tried, Chloe couldn’t find anything wrong with her appearance. Even so, her feeling of foreboding didn’t disappear, and she found herself rubbing at her stomach, trying to ease the butterflies that had nested there.

She should definitely call Lex and cancel.

Before she could make a move towards the phone, however, the doorbell chimed.

“Okay.” She took a final deep, steadying breath. “Here goes nothing.”

When she opened the door, Chloe was mollified to note that Lex seemed to be dressed about as formally as she was, to the point of actually having added a tie to his habitual suit. True, Lex only seemed to have the one mode of dress, but now at least she could be sure that she wouldn’t be overdressed alone. She relaxed another degree when Lex made no move to kiss her, or indeed to touch her in any way. If the entire evening went this way, everything would be fine; Chloe felt enough at ease to even offer Lex a warm smile.

“You’re right on time. Come in out of the cold. Just let me grab my coat, and I’ll be ready to go.”

Lex smiled inwardly to see Chloe so relaxed. As anticipated, his decision to keep his physical distance from her had removed a great deal of tension, enough to banish any thought of chickening out that Chloe might have been entertaining. He felt reasonably certain that he could win her over given time; it was difficult for any amount of charm to work, however, if she wouldn’t let him near her. So for now he contented himself with holding her coat for her as she slipped into it, then stepping back to let her adjust scarf and gloves until she was bundled up against the cold.

“All right,” she grinned. “I’m ready to brave the elements.”

It was against Lex’s nature not to offer his arm, so he was prepared with an excuse. “The sidewalk’s covered in ice; we wouldn’t want you to fall.” Chloe hesitated only a moment, then took his arm with a cautious smile. He hadn’t been lying; there was a thick sheet of ice over the pavement and only careful steps with each other for balance kept them both from falling face-first. Lex had left the motor running rather than kill the heat, and in moments they were pulling away from Chloe’s house and making their careful way down the dimly lit street.

The Porsche had been Lex’s concession to his libido; the seats were close together, and the frequent need to shift gears on the icy road let Lex’s hand linger near enough Chloe’s knee to feel the heat of her body. It was exquisite. It was torturous. It was, for the moment, the most that he could expect.

Chloe, for her part, hadn’t counted on his after-shave. The faint, sharp scent of it drifted through the limited air around them, so that with every breath she inhaled his scent. His hand on the gearshift was an inch away from her knee, close enough that she could imagine his fingers stretching out to stroke over her stocking-covered leg. In self defense more than actual interest, she asked, “Where are we going?”

“Grandville,” Lex replied with a glance over at her. “It’s closer than Metropolis, and there’s a wonderful restaurant there.”

“Just the one?” Chloe teased, and immediately wished she hadn’t when Lex smiled at her. It wasn’t a smirk, but an actual smile, and Chloe’s stomach gave a strange little flip.

“Several, actually, but only one at which we have reservations.”

“Reservations? On such short notice?”

“One of the benefits of money.” The smirk was back, and Chloe could breathe easier. “Another benefit is being able to pay more than the paparazzi to keep our presence from being leaked.”

“Well.” It was Chloe’s turn now to smirk. “It sounds like you have all the bases covered.”

Lex glanced over, his face enigmatic. “Not quite all.”

Chloe frowned, but something about Lex’s expression made her think that she would be better off not asking what he meant. They spent the rest of the ride in near silence until they reached the restaurant. True to Lex’s prediction, there wasn’t a single photographer in sight—which wasn’t to say they weren’t there, but it was comforting at least for the moment.

Inside, the restaurant was the perfect blend of elegance and comfort: tables covered in crisp white linen and topped with candles just modest enough to escape from being overly romantic. The maitre’d was discreet, helpful without being obsequious. It was, oddly enough, the compliance of everything to her hopes that aroused in Chloe the first seeds of suspicion. A moment later she told herself that she was being silly, that it was ridiculously cynical to expect a conspiracy simply because things were going her way, and allowed Lex to hold her chair for her as she sat.

When the waiter had slipped away with their drink orders, Lex set his menu down and gazed across the table at Chloe.

“I’d rather get this out of the way immediately, if you don’t mind.” Chloe, not entirely sure what he meant, simply nodded. “I need to know what’s happening to me, Chloe. At this moment, you’re the only one who can give me any information. Please, Chloe. Put yourself in my place. Wouldn’t you want to know?”

“Oh. Lex . . .”

“You must know how distressing this is,” Lex pressed. “I can see that you do. Why won’t you tell me what you know?”

Chloe sighed and set her own menu down, folding her hands on top of it as she considered her answer. “You said yesterday that it wasn’t my secret to keep,” she finally said, her eyes locked on his. “That was true. But . . . it’s just as true that it’s not my secret to tell.”

“You’re protecting someone else.” It was a statement, not a question.

“I’m sorry, Lex. I do understand how you’re feeling. And I would never have wanted to cause you trouble like this. But I swore that I wouldn’t tell anyone. My word means too much to me to break it, no matter how much I might want to help you.”

Lex gazed at her a moment longer and then, to Chloe’s surprise, nodded. “All right. I don’t want to ask you to break a confidence; but I have to ask, if anything changes—”

“You’ll be the first to know,” Chloe assured him.

And thank god, she thought, things are never going to change.

“Well,” Lex said, “now that that’s out of the way, we can simply enjoy dinner.”

“Yes,” Chloe said with a tentative smile, “I suppose we can.”

Dinner was, again to Chloe’s surprise, an extremely enjoyable affair. The food was as excellent as might have been expected, and the conversation never faltered. Though she would not have thought herself capable of holding an extended conversation with Lex Luthor without once going into reporter mode, Chloe was able to do so easily. From appetizers through dessert, the stream of talk continued unabated and Chloe found herself comfortable with Lex as she rarely was with anyone.

The ride back to Smallville was as different from the ride out as possible. Their conversation continued to flow easily; in place of the sexual tension of before there was now a friendly easiness in the air that put them both at ease. Overall, the evening was so relaxing that Chloe made no protest when Lex insisted on walking her to the door.

“Thank you for dinner, Lex,” Chloe said, turning to him once they were safely on her front stoop. “It was . . . unexpected.”

“Oh?” Lex’s lips tilted up in a hint of a smile. “How so?”

“Well, to be honest, I enjoyed myself much more than I thought I would.”

“I’m glad.” Lex took her hand, and Chloe swore she could feel the electricity even through the gloves that they both wore. “I’d like to do it again soon.”

“You’d . . .” Chloe blinked. And then, as Lex stared into her eyes, her earlier suspicions flared up in sudden understanding. “You’re . . . pursuing me!”

Lex quirked a single eyebrow. “Am I?”

“You son of a bitch,” Chloe breathed, and yanked her hand out of his. That, finally, wiped the amused look off of his face. “I can’t believe I almost fell for this. You were going to, what, soften me up with some romance and then try to get me to spill what I know? And here I am, naïve little Chloe, almost believing that you actually wanted me and not just information.”

Chloe wasn’t finished, not by a long shot, but before she knew what was happening she found herself in Lex’s arms, being kissed to mindlessness. Her back was pressed against the door, and Lex was pressed against her as his mouth devoured hers. As soon as her hands moved to grip his shoulders, the kiss ended, leaving them both gasping for breath.

“The one,” Lex said roughly, fixing his eyes on hers, “has nothing to do with the other.” He brushed a lock of hair back from Chloe’s face and let his fingers linger against her cheek. “I want to know what happened to me; beyond that, and for completely different reasons, I want you. Not because you have information; just for you.”

“Oh,” Chloe managed. “I . . . sorry.”

Lex laughed and stepped back. “Don’t worry about it.” He looked at her ruefully. “I wasn’t going to kiss you tonight; I should leave before I convince myself that a broken resolution doesn’t get more broken the more you do it.” Lex took her gloved hand and pressed a quick kiss to the back of it, then turned and started down the walk.

Chloe wrestled with herself for a moment, then called out, “Why weren’t you going to kiss me?”

Lex turned with a self-deprecating smirk and sketched a short bow. “I wanted to be a gentleman.”


****************************


The next week went by quickly, and while Lex and Chloe didn’t spend every moment of their free time together, they were in each other’s company often enough to have made people around town talk if they had been careless about being seen. As it was, one of their first dates had started out with Lex’s insistence that, though he wasn’t ashamed of her, it would be best for Chloe if their association were not known by the townspeople at large. And though Chloe might have normally bristled at such a suggestion, she knew enough of the small-town minds that they lived with to recognize the wisdom of not advertising their relationship.

Not that either of them were calling it a relationship.

In fact, they were both studiously avoiding classifying what they were doing. It was obvious that they had moved beyond mere friendship; how far beyond that, however, was something that neither of them seemed to want to address just yet. Lex was still doing his best to keep their physical intimacy at a minimum, and Chloe, still unable to quite believe that she was involved in any way with Lex Luthor, was willing to let him. All in all, the time that they spent together was an odd mixture of open, surprisingly intimate conversation, and a sense of cautious non-committal. Which was probably why, as they sat in front of the fire at Lex’s one night, Chloe was caught off-guard by his invitation.

“A party?”

Lex nodded, smiling at Chloe’s apparent confusion. “Yes, a party. I’m sure you’ve heard of them; food, music, dancing . . . is any of this ringing a bell?”

“Ha ha.” Chloe threw a grape at him from the plate she had in her lap. “Funny. It’s a wonder you’re not more celebrated in the press for your sense of humor.”

“Is that what’s worrying you?” Lex asked seriously. “The press?”

“It’s not going to be much better in Metropolis than it is here,” Chloe insisted. “I may be eighteen, but I’m still in high school. You’re not exactly the poster-boy for morality as it is; any society reporter with a deadline and half a brain cell would jump on the chance to write about you corrupting an impressionable minor.”

“You’ll be covered,” Lex assured her. “And I mean that literally.” He leaned over to pluck a small piece of paper off of the coffee table, and handed it to Chloe. She looked at the invitation in her hand, then at Lex, and quirked an eyebrow.

“A costume ball?”

Lex shrugged, but there was no disguising the amusement on his own face. “Hale Industries has one every New Year’s Eve. It’s tradition. I’m in negotiations right now to buy their company; I probably wouldn’t be invited, but the Luthors have always been on the guest list.” He smirked. “That’s tradition, too.”

“So. You want me to go to this very . . . traditional New Year’s Eve masked ball with you. Why?”

“I need to put in at least a token appearance if I don’t want to give them excuse to take the Luthors off of the guest list for next year. I could go by myself, but I’d much rather have company for something like this.”

“No, Lex, I meant—”

“I know what you meant,” Lex interrupted quietly. “There’s no one else I’d rather go with, Chloe. I want to spend New Year’s Eve with you. If you already have plans, I’ll go by myself. Or, if you just don’t want to go, we can do something else; I should own the company in a few weeks, anyway, so missing an invitation shouldn’t be a problem.”

Chloe considered him for a moment before the corner of her mouth twitched up. “A ball, huh? Probably full of middle-aged business executives and their trophy wives.”

“Probably.”

“We’d both be bored out of our minds.”

“Undoubtedly.”

Chloe smiled. “When do you pick me up?”

Lex smiled back, and took her hand in his. “We’ll only have to put in an appearance, so if you’re too bored just say so and we’ll get out of there.”

“And it might not be so bad,” Chloe grinned. “Gourmet finger-food, an overpriced band, dancing . . .” She trailed off. “Um . . . that would be ballroom dancing?”

“Yes.” Lex quirked an eyebrow. “Changing your mind?”

“What? No.” Chloe shook herself out of her thoughts with a distracted smile. “Just thinking of something I need to do.”


****************************


“Chloe!” Martha Kent smiled warmly and opened the kitchen door in welcome. “We haven’t seen you here for a while now! Come on in out of the cold. Can I get you some hot chocolate?”

Within minutes, Chloe was situated at the Kents’ kitchen table with Martha, warming her hands around a large mug of hot chocolate. It was like old times, when she used to come by the Kents’ farm at least twice a week, looking for Clark and some of Martha’s homemade pie. Martha had been right, though; it had been a long time since Chloe had dropped by, ever since the whole fiasco with Clark and Lana had first begun. Even now, though, it was a logical assumption for Martha to think that Chloe was there to see her son.

“Clark’s not here at the moment,” she began apologetically. “He and his dad went out on deliveries together—they thought it was safer to have two people along with the roads in such bad condition. But he should be back this afternoon, and you’re welcome to stay and keep me company if you wanted to wait for him.”

“Actually, Mrs. Kent, I’m here to see you. I was hoping you could help me with something.”

“Oh! Certainly, Chloe. Anything I can do to help. What did you need?”

“Well, Clark told me how your family was pretty well-to-do up in Metropolis. He showed me pictures of your coming out, from when you were a débutante.”

“Oh, lord,” Martha laughed. “I haven’t thought about that in an age.”

“Anyway, I was hoping . . . I mean, you’re the only one around here who could really help me, and . . .”

“Chloe?” Martha prompted; Chloe took a deep breath and blurted out her request.

“I need you to teach me how to waltz.”


****************************


“That’s good, Chloe. You’re doing really well. Why don’t we take a little break, and then we’ll pick back up with the foxtrot.”

It was day two of Chloe’s dancing tutorial, and she thought it was going fairly well. She wouldn’t be entering any ballroom dancing competitions anytime soon, but Martha had assured her that she had the steps down well enough to follow any reasonably competent partner. And since Chloe had picked up the waltz fairly quickly, and the ball wasn’t until tomorrow night, Martha had suggested learning a few more dance steps to round things out.

“All right,” Martha said as she and Chloe moved into the kitchen in search of water, “I’ve resisted prying as long as I could. Tell me about this mystery man who’s invited you to the ball.”

“Ah. Well.” Chloe took a drink of water, stalling for time. “I can’t tell you too much,” she finally said, trying to stick as close to the truth as possible. “We met through my dad’s work; he works out of Metropolis, mostly. He’s a few years older than I am, and since we’re not too serious right now, we’re trying to keep things kind of . . .”

“Secret,” Martha finished. “So, you must not be sure if your father will approve.”

“You know my dad,” Chloe said, smiling nervously. “He tends not to think anyone is good enough for his baby girl.”

“Fathers are like that with daughters,” Martha smiled. “So is your young man too afraid of your father to pick you up tomorrow night like a gentleman?”

Chloe couldn’t help laughing. “Actually, no. He wanted to,” she said, sticking to the story that she and Lex had come up with, “but he has to work until into the evening, so I’m going to meet him there.”

“Well is he at least going to see you home?”

“Then what would I do with my car?” Chloe grinned. “I was going to drive up in the afternoon to find a costume, then stay with my cousin overnight and drive back in the morning.”

“I’ll tell you what,” Martha said. “Why don’t I drive you up instead? That way your date has an excuse to take you home,” she added with a surprisingly wicked smile that caught Chloe off-guard.

“I wouldn’t want to inconvenience you,” Chloe began, but Martha waved off her objection.

“Don’t be silly. I haven’t had a day out in Metropolis for too long. We’ll find you a costume, get your hair done, the whole works; it’ll be a regular girls’ day out.”

Chloe, used to being without a mother, was unprepared for how Martha’s offer would affect her. Tears sprang unexpectedly to her eyes, but she blinked them back and gave the older woman a brilliant smile.

“That would be great, Mrs. Kent.”


****************************


Chloe honestly didn’t know the last time she had had more fun. Mrs. Kent—Martha, she had insisted Chloe call her— and she had arrived in Metropolis that morning with a list of costume shops and a reservation at one of the city’s more upscale salons, courtesy of Lex. They had made it through half of the shops on the list before stopping for lunch, and then, rejuvenated, continued on their quest. Chloe had no idea what she was searching for, but she was having a blast looking.

“Cleopatra?” Martha suggested, holding up a skimpy, shimmering swath of gold. Chloe shook her head and gestured to her hair.

“Coloring’s all wrong. You should get that one, though.” She waggled her eyebrows. “I’ll bet Mr. Kent would approve.”

Martha laughed, colored, and hung the costume back on the rack. “I’m sure he would; but I don’t know if it would do his legs justice.”

Chloe snorted with laughter, picturing Mr. Kent in that outfit, then immediately wished she hadn’t. Shaking her head to clear it of the image, she continued sifting through the costumes. There were plenty of choices—the ball, apparently, was an exclusive event, and a costume party was not a common New Year’s Eve theme—but Chloe simply couldn’t find anything that called out to her. There were only two stores left to go, and she was beginning to think she would never find a costume. She pushed a heavy bunny outfit aside, and the dress behind it had her staring.

“Chloe?” Interested to see what had caught the younger girl’s attention, Martha left her search and moved to look over Chloe’s shoulder. “Oh, sweetie,” she breathed when she saw it. “You have to try that on. Why, it’s beautiful. I wonder why it’s not on display in the window?”

“I . . .”

The dress hanging in front of Chloe was not woven of the sun, nor of moonlight, nor the stars. Yet there was something about it, something in the hundreds of beads and what Chloe suspected might be real jewels sewn into the bodice, something in the embroidery and lace that carried with it some of that remembered magic. The blues and greens, offset by snowy white, turned the dress into something ethereal. It was beyond beautiful: it was a work of art.

“I can’t wear that,” Chloe said weakly.

“Don’t be ridiculous!” Martha chided, lifting it gently down and pressing it into Chloe’s arms. “You can at least try it on, can’t you? Don’t argue; the dressing room is that way. Go on!” And without leaving Chloe any room to argue, Martha ushered her to the back of the store and behind one of the long, hanging curtains.

Chloe sighed, looking at the dress in her hands. What harm could it be, after all, to try it on? She would put it on and make Martha happy, and then she would go back to finding something that she could actually wear to this party. It was a sensible plan. Of course, she wasn’t counting on Martha’s reaction when Chloe finally emerged.

“You’re getting it,” the older woman said firmly. “Absolutely no arguments. This is the dress for you.”

“Martha,” Chloe said, trying to be reasonable, “I can’t. Even if I could pull off a dress like this, I can’t afford it. Just renting it must cost a fortune.”

“Not particularly,” Martha smiled. “I talked to the woman up front about it, and she said that the dress was pulled years ago; she had no idea how it even got out on the floor. Apparently there was a large tear in one of the skirts.”

“There’s no tear,” Chloe said, trying to turn so that she could see the back of the dress.

“Well, we don’t need to tell her that,” Martha said briskly. “She said that if we wanted it, she would be willing to sell it, and I can easily afford the price.”

“Yeah, but—what? Oh, no. No, Martha. You can’t buy this for me.”

“Of course I can. Chloe, look.” Martha turned her until she faced the mirror, and Chloe got her first good look at herself. As she stood, staring wide-eyed at her reflection, Martha moved to stand behind her. “Don’t tell Clark this, but . . . well, I always wanted a daughter. I dreamed of the day that I would send her to her senior prom in a beautiful dress. I know I’m not your mother, Chloe; but it would mean a lot to me if you would let me do this for you.”

Chloe met Martha’s eyes in the mirror. “Is there any chance at all of me changing your mind?”

“It doesn’t seem likely. Besides,” Martha smiled, “I’m buying this dress one way or the other. If you want me to just waste my money on something that will never be worn . . .”

Chloe laughed. “All right. Fine. Does Clark ever win an argument with you?”

“Never the important ones. Now get changed; I’ll pay for your new dress, and we can just make your hair appointment.”


****************************


“I don’t know if I can do this.”

“Of course you can,” Martha assured her as the hairstylist worked away at Chloe’s hair. “You wanted to be as incognito as possible; and these are just temporary extensions. You’ll be fine.”

“No, not the hair,” Chloe said fretfully, fidgeting with the delicate beaded mask that she had bought to go with her dress. “Though while we’re on the subject, I’m still not sure that it’s such a good idea. But I meant the whole thing. The party. Me. I’m not exactly high-society, Martha, and I’m going to have to blend in with people I’m more comfortable interviewing than dancing next to.”

“Everyone’s going to be charmed by you,” Martha insisted. “There’s absolutely no need to worry.”

“All right, your hair’s all done,” the perky hairstylist said. “If you want to come over this way, we can do your makeup, and then you’ll be all ready to go!”

“Do I get to look in a mirror yet?”

“No,” Martha said, helping to usher Chloe over to the makeup chair, “wait until you can see the finished product.”

As Kylee, the hairstylist and makeup artist, flitted around blathering about color palettes and skin types, it was all Chloe could do not to shove a makeup brush up the girl’s overly pert nose. Somehow, however, she forbore, and in another fifteen minutes her abusers finally deigned to let her look in a mirror.

Staring back at her, complete with long, elegantly curled hair and flawless complexion, was her fairy tale self.

“I don’t know if I can do this,” Chloe repeated, this time with a bit more anxiety.

All kind words and soothing tones, Martha hurried Chloe out to the car. The styling session was prepaid—Chloe was still trying to work out whether to be grateful or annoyed at that bit of condescension from Lex—and Chloe had imbibed just enough complimentary, no-need-for-ID champagne to placidly let Martha guide her to the designated hotel and into one of the plush bathrooms just off of the lobby.

“Here we are. There’s your dress; just slip into that, that’s a girl.”

It was as if an entire belfry’s worth of bats had nested in Chloe’s stomach. No matter how much she tried to convince herself that she looked completely different, going to this ball seemed entirely too much like tempting fate. There was a very good chance that seeing her like this would spring the lock on Lex’s memory, and Chloe couldn’t be sure that when he remembered he would still feel the same way about her. He might feel as if she had used his involvement in that scenario to manipulate him into being involved with her now. He might decide he never wanted to see her again.

And terrorists might attack the ballroom tonight and infect everyone with the Ebola virus, Chloe thought irritably. If you keep worrying about what might happen, you’ll never do anything.

“All right,” she said, stepping out of the stall and into the sitting area where Martha was perched on a large, velvet-covered couch. “How do I look?”

Chloe could see tears spring to Martha’s eyes, but she held them back and gave Chloe a glowing smile. “You look beautiful. Lex isn’t going to know what hit him.”

“What? Lex? How—”

“Oh, come on, Chloe, I’m not stupid. An older man you met through your father’s work? One you’re worried about anyone finding out about? And who’s influential enough to be taking you to a New Year’s Eve party here? You don’t need to be an investigator to put the pieces together.” Seeing Chloe’s worried look, Martha stepped over and enfolded the younger girl in a hug. “I trust your judgment. Just be sure he treats you right. And if anything ever happens, Jonathan still has his shotgun.”

Chloe laughed. “Martha, I don’t know how to thank you for today,” she started.

“Just have a good time. And try to get a picture of the two of you in the society pages so I can clip it out,” she winked. “Now put this on,” she handed Chloe her mask, “and go meet your prince.”

With a smile, Chloe slipped the mask on and dashed out into the lobby. The party was in a ballroom on an upper floor, so as to afford the guests a glittering view of the Metropolis skyline. Chloe rode the elevator up, then followed the sound of laughter and a string quartet until she saw an open double doorway, with a uniformed attendant and a view of the high-ceilinged ballroom beyond.

Woah. Déjà vu. She took a final deep breath and made sure her mask was secure.

Well, here we go again.



TBC . . .

[meeaz]

fantastic update! i can't wait for the ball!

[welshy]

Fantastic update, I hope there's going to be more soon

[Augustine86]

OH MY DANNY LORD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
That's surprisingly all I have to say

[LarkLuthor]

And Chloe was so depressed cause she'd never go dancing around with Alexander again! Loved Martha...she's so sweet!

Much much more I could rave about but I should be off to bed before too long... Post the new one soon!

Lark

[fussy_wuzzy]

That was so good. I absolutely loved it!!!

[BellaMR]

I've just caught up with this story and it is amazing. I love Martha in this. I wonder if fairy-tale Martha also knew what was going on. I can't wait for Lex to see her at the ball!

[hfce]

That was wonderful update. I love the mother and daughter time with Chloe and Martha. Also how she figured it was Lex. I can't wait until the ball.


Hope :)

[Your Worshipfulness]

Wow, I just read the whole story straight through and so far it is perfection. My attention was caught every step of the way and the way everything is slowly coming together is wonderful. I can't wait until the last of it is posted!

~Your Worshipfulness

[star del mar]

This story is so awesome that I don't even think that words can describe anymore! They went on their date and I'm so glad that Lex set Chloe straight...yea he's trying to find out what he lost but he isn't mistaking that with his REAL attraction to Chloe. It was so cute to see Chloe enjoying a day with Martha. It's sweet that she's able to have that bond with her. I am so excited about the ball!!! Update again soon!!

Steph*

[leik2]

You have me at the edge of my seat in excitment. Love the bonding between Martha and Chloe. Can't wait to see Lex's reaction.

[ambrosine]

Awww, the Martha/Chloe bonding was so adorable!! I love it, and the extensions and dress...Chloe is just asking for it! Cannot wait until the next chapter! Great job on this one!

[Kit Merlot]

This was a great update! I liked Lex kissing Chloe when she thought that he didn't really like her--WOO HOO :D

And the Chloe/Martha moments are a complete bonus--AWESOME!

[ellelea]

Great! I loved Mrs. Kent's involvement with Chloe in this chapter... very nice! Great writing as always.... can't wait for the next chapter! :D

[kcsgirl82]

I love this story. Please update soon!!!!!!

[Saint]

I'm so glad you decided not to leave it at chapter 7. This has me so excited, I can't wait for Lex to remember all the loving feelings. Yay!

[Yarvarni]

I love it I am so pleased you continued this....I can't wait til Lex sees his princess......

[vardaquareien]

Wheeheeee!!!
*does giddy school-girl squeeing then hides quickly and denies ever making such embarassingly immature noises*

You see what you do to me A? Needless to say loving this ficcy!

[tracyaching]

Love this story!



She took a deep breath. She could do this. It was all a matter of composure. And not letting Lex get close enough to get another kiss in. Even the thought of it set her heart pounding, and Chloe let out a growl under her breath. There was to be no kissing. Absolutely no kissing.

LOL!!!!!! That's right, Chloe, just tell yourself that!


Lex turned with a self-deprecating smirk and sketched a short bow. “I wanted to be a gentleman.”

I just love this line. Lex is not a gentleman but it's sweet that he's trying for her. I am both sad and incredibly exicited for the last chap. Don't know whether to demand it or not.

[Not An Addict]

A/N: Well, ready or not, it's time for the last chapter. I just wanted to thank all of you guys for all of the great feedback you've left. This fic was my baby for a long time, and even though it now has a younger sibling that's demanding most of my attention, I'll always love this one. It does my heart good to see that you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. Hope you like the end. Here goes.


Chapter Eleven: And the Moral of the Story Is . . .



Situated as it was on the twenty-fifth floor, the ballroom at the Quartier Hotel offered a glittering view of the Metropolis skyline, and the ballroom itself was no less brilliant. Several crystal chandeliers provided the light that sparkled equally off of the champagne fountain and the dazzling dresses of the ladies that flitted around the room. There was tasteful music playing, soft at the moment since the dancing hadn’t yet begun in earnest. Discreet waiters slipped among the crowd, ready to offer drinks and canapés to anyone who might wish to partake. It was the height of elegance. It was the sort of party that Lex usually detested.

Which was why it threw him to realize that he was actually looking forward to the evening.

Lex was standing by the door, mask in place as he observed the party and waited for Chloe to arrive. He wasn’t expecting his mask to fool anyone; he would be a fool to, unless he donned a full headpiece to disguise his characteristic baldness. Still, he didn’t object to wearing the thing, and it was best to avoid flaunting convention if Chloe didn’t have the option of doing the same. Just as he was beginning some very pleasant conjecture on what sort of costume she had chosen, he heard her voice behind him.

“I feel like I should have a secret code name. Mr. Luthor, I presume?” Chloe smiled at Lex from behind her mask when he turned to face her. “They’re not even checking invitations; they’ll let anyone in so long as they look like they belong. I’ll have to remember that for when I want to sneak in and get interviews for the Daily Planet. It’s the perfect . . . Lex? Is something wrong?”

“Not a thing,” he murmured. “You look . . . absolutely breathtaking.”

“Oh. Thank you,” Chloe said, unable to stop a blush from rising up her cheeks. “So, um . . . should I have some sort of fake name? You know, just to be safe?”

While Lex saw the wisdom in such a plan, he felt, for some reason, reluctant to pretend that Chloe was someone else, even if it was in name only. “I think you’ll be fine. If we introduce you as Chloe, most people will simply assume that you’re important enough not to need a last name.”

Chloe laughed and shook her head. “Should we begin making the rounds so that you can network and introduce people to your very important date?”

“That can wait.” He offered his hand to her. “Dance with me first.”

Lex led her out onto the dance floor, and as they stepped into a fluid waltz Chloe was grateful to discover that she had, indeed, learned enough of the basics from Martha to be able to follow Lex easily. It felt so odd to be back in Lex’s arms and dancing like this; like their kiss, it was different, yet the same. For a moment her head spun, and she wasn’t quite sure where she was. Then abruptly she was back, and Lex was smiling down at her.

“You dance very well,” he said, not bothering to hide the mild surprise in his voice. “Did you take lessons?”

“A few,” Chloe said with a small smile. “What about you?”

“Mandatory classes at my third boarding school.” Lex gave a good-natured grimace. “One of the horrors of an all-male boarding school is that you end up with a room full of twenty teenage boys learning how to dance with each other as partners.”

Chloe couldn’t help but laugh. “Don’t tell me that has anything to do with why you were kicked out,” she said, and rolled her eyes at Lex’s look of surprise. “Come on, Lex. My freshman year you were the biggest thing to happen to Smallville since the meteor storm, and I wanted an interview almost more than I wanted to graduate. Did you really think I wouldn’t have done my research on you?”

“Well, when you put it that way, I suppose that would be a foolish thing to think. How much do you know about me, anyway?”

“Everything that wasn’t covered up,” Chloe said baldly, “and a few of the things that were.” She arched an eyebrow at him. “You’ve never been one for following the rules too closely, have you, Lex?”

“Not if I thought I could get away with breaking them,” he acknowledged. “What can I say; I’ve been remarkably selfish for most of my life.” He glanced up, then back at her with a small smirk. “Which is why I’m glad that I’m here with the most beautiful woman in the room.”

Chloe couldn’t suppress a snort. “Don’t tell me that cheesy line is the best you can do, Lex.” When Lex simply smirked down at her, Chloe felt a small flutter of suspicion.

“It would be a cheesy line,” Lex said, “if it were either untrue or my opinion alone. But I don’t seem to be the only one admiring you tonight.”

“What?” Chloe glanced around, then swiftly back at Lex’s chest, for in that one quick look she had seen that a significant number of eyes were locked on them as they swirled around the floor. “They could be looking at you,” she muttered, and Lex laughed.

“Not likely. Everyone here has seen me too often to be very interested. I’m afraid they’re all looking at you, most likely wondering who such a mysterious beauty could possibly be.”

“And what do you think they’ll decide?” Chloe asked, doing her best to keep her tone light under the pressure of so many pairs of eyes. “Am I . . . a model, maybe? No, I can’t be a model, I’m only five-foot-five.”

“You also didn’t seek out a photographer the second you came in the room,” Lex pointed out dryly. “No, there’s an innocence about you that will make them reject the idea of a model almost immediately.”

“What are the other options for Lex Luthor’s escort?”

“A business rival wouldn’t be unheard of, I suppose,” Lex mused.

“A business rival? What about my innocence? Shouldn’t that put me out of the running?”

“Not necessarily. You’d be surprised how many female executives cultivate that sort of thing, hoping to disarm the male competition. The saddest part is that it frequently works. But you haven’t tried to talk to anyone else here, either, and a good corporate officer never passes up the opportunity to network.”

“You are,” Chloe pointed out.

Lex grinned. “True enough. Now let’s see . . . what’s left . . . of course. You haven’t tried to put yourself in anyone’s path, which means that you must be well off enough not to have to bother. No one will have recognized you, which will lead to the assumption that you must be from out of the country . . .” He smiled down at her. “Why, Lex Luthor must have landed himself a princess.”

“A princess?” Chloe gave a nervous laugh and glanced around. “No one thinks I’m a princess.”

“You’d be surprised at the conclusions people will jump to. If not a princess, you’ll be assumed to be nothing lower than a duchess.”

“Good. If I’m supposed to be some foreign duchess, then maybe I can get away with not speaking.”

“Chloe?” Lex frowned down at her. “Are you all right?”

“Fine. I’m fine,” she said with a weak smile. “I’m just . . . not really comfortable with everyone staring at me like this, that’s all.”

Lex gave a sympathetic wince. “I’m sorry. I’ve had years to get used to it, and I tend to forget how disconcerting it can be.” He glanced up. “There’s a balcony just over there; would you like to get some fresh air?”

Chloe nodded gratefully and let Lex lead her off of the dance floor. Stupid dress, she thought. She should never have let Martha talk her into wearing it; she had had enough of being a princess to last a lifetime. And she certainly didn’t want Lex thinking along those lines. They would both be better off if he could just forget whatever little shards of memory he had left.

“We’ll get you out of the spotlight,” Lex said softly to her as they made their way towards the balcony. “I can say a few hellos, and then we can get out of—Andrew,” he said abruptly, and left Chloe blinking at the abrupt change in him as he stepped forward to shake the hand of the man who had appeared in front of him.

“Not leaving my party so soon, are you Lex?” the man grinned, and Chloe realized that this must be none other than Andrew Hale himself. He wasn’t what she had been expecting; he was young, probably only a few years older than Lex, and wholesomely good-looking. Though he was otherwise dressed to perfection in full Regency garb, Hale was the only person in the room without a mask.

“Wouldn’t think of it,” Lex replied good-naturedly. “My date was feeling a bit light-headed, though, and I thought we might take advantage of the balcony for some fresh air and the view. I’m sorry, where are my manners? Andrew, this is Chloe. Chloe,” he said, speaking just a touch louder and more slowly, so that it was all Chloe could do to choke back her laughter, “this is Andrew Hale. I’m afraid she doesn’t speak very much English,” he finished apologetically as Chloe dutifully held out her hand with a smile.

“A foreign beauty, is she?” Andrew said with evident delight, and brushed his lips over the back of Chloe’s hand. “Parlez-vous Français?”

“Tell me, Andrew,” Lex interrupted before Chloe could be forced to figure out what to say, “have you given any more thought to my offer?”

“Hmm? I’m afraid not,” he said, tearing his attention away from Chloe. “I don’t have any plans at present to sell the company, and I just don’t see that changing. It’s been ours for generations, and, well, I don’t have to tell you how much tradition means to the family.” He grinned apologetically. “Sorry, Lex.”

“Well, I still have a trick or two up my sleeve,” Lex said amiably. “But at the moment, I need to get my date outside. Great party, Andrew.” And to ensure that Hale didn’t try to continue the conversation, Lex began immediately to move away.

Alas, it was over an hour before Lex and Chloe finally made it out to the balcony. As though Hale’s initiative had opened a floodgate, everyone in their path seemed to want a word or two with Lex, and some people intentionally placed themselves so that they could snag his attention. All in all, however, Chloe found it remarkably interesting. Lex took care to introduce her to each new person in precisely the same way, and then to promptly block any attempt that they might make to discover more. By fixing her face with a politely bored look and pretending not to comprehend a word, Chloe was able to see just how tactless people could be when they thought you didn’t understand English.

It was difficult for her to say whether she enjoyed the male or female attention more. The men, provided they were unaccompanied by a female escort, invariably congratulated Lex on his fine luck. Through the course of the evening, Chloe heard herself referred to as a vision, an angel, and once, from an older gentleman dressed as a cowboy, a “fine little filly.” The women, on the other hand, were hardly less entertaining. All smiles and come-hither looks to Lex, they regarded Chloe with either veiled or overt contempt. And though they were all steadily rebuffed in turn, it generally took them an embarrassingly long time to take the hint.

“That was surreal,” Chloe laughed when they finally made it outside. She closed her eyes for a moment in delight as the cold air washed over her, then turned back to Lex. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many insincere people in the same place at the same time.”

“That’s the business world,” Lex said wryly. “I have to apologize; I promised you a quick escape.”

“Are you kidding? I wouldn’t miss this for the world,” she grinned. “People watching has never been this much fun.”

Lex smiled. The little voice that had been whispering to him all night that there was something familiar about this was, for the moment, blissfully silent as he looked at Chloe. She was beautiful, and vibrant, and suddenly he wanted very much to be touching her again. “You know,” he said, drawing her into his arms, “you can just hear the music out here.” They danced a few steps, and Lex spoke again. “I’m glad you agreed to come with me tonight, Chloe.”

“I’m glad, too,” she said, and was self-possessed enough by now to flush only slightly. “And not just for the opportunity to see this parade of human ridiculousness. I’m actually . . . having a really nice time with you.”

“You sound surprised.”

“I am, a little bit,” Chloe admitted. “I never would have thought of the two of us as being especially compatible before.”

“To tell you the truth, I’ve never enjoyed myself at one of these parties before,” Lex said. “But with you here . . . there’s something comfortable about it. Almost familiar. And the night just needs one more thing to be perfect.”

Chloe gave him a questioning look, and in answer Lex released his hold on her to reach up and slip off her mask. She grinned nervously at him, and he smiled. As he moved closer, Chloe lifted her hands to rest on his chest, and her fingers came to rest on the small lump beneath his shirt.

Her mouth went dry as dust. She had felt that same bump before, when she stood with Alexander in the solar. Without even having to look, she knew: Lex was wearing the charms around his neck, just as he had before. Her fingers curled around the charms through his shirt, and her eyes filled with tears against her will. Before Lex could notice them, however, she leaned up and captured his mouth with hers.

Lex’s head was spinning, not unpleasantly, as he wrapped his arms around Chloe. She was in his arms, and this time she was the one who had put herself there. Her hand was warm around the charms he wore against his skin. And as though they had only been waiting for that moment, a flood of memories came rushing back.

A glittering ballroom; a snowy, moonlit garden; a chapel decked with flowers. And always, always Chloe. Chloe in a dress that outshone the sun; Chloe appearing from beneath a massive fur cloak; Chloe in his arms. It was all there in his head at once, and he remembered every sensation, every clench in his stomach and beat of his heart, as though they were at that moment happening all over again. There wasn’t a single detail that escaped him now; he relived it all in the blink of an eye, a rush of sensation that left him temporarily dizzy. And then he was simply Lex again, and standing on a Metropolis balcony as Chloe eased back from their kiss.

“Lex? You all right, there?” Chloe quipped with a smile, bringing Lex back to the fact that he was simply standing there, probably with an idiotic look on his face. He could do nothing in response but brush his fingers across her cheek.

“You’re lovely,” he said, and smiled at the blush that crept over her cheeks, though his new familiarity with that blush made him vaguely uneasy.

“Thank you,” Chloe muttered, and, snagging her mask from Lex’s hand, slipped it back over her face. “Well. Should we go back in and mingle? You know; get back to the real world?”

“We probably should,” Lex murmured, more to himself than to her. “But first . . .” He held out his hand. “One last dance.”


****************************


Her night in Metropolis had been enchanting. It was everything she could possibly have hoped for: glamorous, romantic, entertaining. But there was a part of Chloe—a part that she would disavow to her dying day—that was glad to be back in Smallville, and was even glad to be back in school. Though she never would have thought that she would want to sink back into anonymity, she found that preferable to the scrutiny that she had endured at the New Year’s Eve ball.

Her only cause for complaint was, surprisingly, Lex. His attentions had noticeably slackened since they had returned to town, and though Chloe tried to convince herself that it was simply because they were both busy, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong, something that couldn’t be accounted for by something as simple as scheduling conflicts. For a week now she had tried to give him space, partly in the hopes that whatever it was would work its way out of his system; and partly, she admitted, because she was afraid to find out that he had simply grown tired of her.

Those worries were occupying her again as she finished up in the Torch office on Friday afternoon. She was so absorbed in her thoughts, in fact, that she didn’t notice anyone come in until she heard a throat clear behind her. Spinning around, Chloe felt her heart sink slightly when she saw Margot standing there with a hesitant smile.

Don’t be an idiot, Chloe, she upbraided herself. You can’t seriously have expected Lex to show up here.

“Margot, hi,” she said out loud, offering her best attempt at her usual sunny smile. “What’s up?” Grateful for the opportunity to avoid observation, Chloe turned away to continue gathering up her things.

“Nothing much. I just wanted to say that, um, I might not have my article on Monday’s basketball game in until Wednesday.”

“Oh.” Chloe glanced over with a quick grin. “That’s fine.”

Margot nodded. “It’s just that, I’d normally do it Monday night right after the game. But . . . well . . .” Chloe glanced over again just in time to see the other girl blush. “I’m going to the game with Pete, and he asked if I wanted to get some coffee afterwards,” she rushed out.

“Really?” There was no need for Chloe to fake her smile this time, and she leaned her hip against the desk to give Margot her undivided attention. “That’s great!”

“Yeah,” Margot said, looking away with a shy smile. “Anyway, I just wanted to let you know about the article. And to thank you for talking to Pete.”

“Hmm?” With the best innocent look that she could manage, Chloe turned away again. “What do you mean?”

“Chloe.” At Margot’s quiet voice, Chloe glanced back with a sheepish expression. “I know you talked to him,” Margot said. “I mean, come on; he ignores me for years, and then all of a sudden, after I talk to you, he asks me out?”

“I didn’t say anything specific,” Chloe assured her. “I just told him he shouldn’t be so judgmental about people he doesn’t know, and then a few days later I worked your name into the conversation. Mentioned what a nice girl you are.” She grinned. “Pete did the rest all on his own.”

“Well, even so,” Margot said, her cheeks pinkening. “He wouldn’t have done anything at all if it weren’t for you. So . . . thanks. But I should’ve asked earlier; how are you doing with your whole thing?” She glanced around, and though they were completely alone, lowered her voice as though afraid of being overheard. “Did you shake Lex Luthor off?”

“Yeah,” Chloe said, working hard to keep her smile in place. “I think I did.” She lifted her bag onto her shoulder. “Well, I have to get going. I’m getting a new hard drive installed on my computer, and I have to drive into Grandville to pick it up.”

“Okay. Well . . . I guess I’ll see you on Monday. Have a good weekend!” Margot called out on her way to the door, and a moment later she was gone.

As she turned her car towards the highway, Chloe found herself envying Margot. Whatever else might be said of her, the girl was able to lead a fairly normal life—meteor powers notwithstanding. Somehow, though, Chloe always seemed to find herself in awkward and unusual situations. And inevitably, they seemed to bring her nothing but pain.

Maybe she should just forget about Lex, she thought. After all, he seemed to have done the same with her. She should find herself a nice, normal guy who would appreciate her for who she was.

She snorted. When had she ever been able to find someone like that?

The odd truth was, Lex was probably the most normal guy that she had ever been involved with. And besides, when had it ever been like Chloe Sullivan to give up without a struggle? No, she thought, shifting gears, she would make things work with Lex. After all, anything worth having was worth fighting for.


****************************


“You son of a bitch.”

If Lex was surprised at either Chloe’s sudden appearance in his study or the resounding slap that had accompanied her snarled greeting, he didn’t let it show on his face. The extent of his reaction was to touch his fingertips to his reddened cheek and quirk an eyebrow at the furious blonde in front of him.

“I realize I haven’t called in a while, Chloe, but don’t you think this reaction is a bit extreme?”

The noise that Chloe made was close to a growl. “If I thought for a second that you didn’t know why I was here, I’d have to believe you to be the densest man on the face of the earth.”

“For the sake of argument,” Lex said, moving back to his chair, “why don’t we say that I don’t?”

Chloe’s eyes narrowed. “Fine.” She stalked over to one of the chairs facing Lex’s desk but, unable to calm herself enough to sit, paced a few steps back and forth. “After the New Year’s Eve party, I decided to do some digging into Hale Industries.” She shot him a murderous look. “I thought,” she bit off, “that I would be doing something nice for you. See if there were any skeletons in the closet before you tried to buy the company again.”

Trying to calm herself, she took a deep breath before continuing. “I found out that Andrew Hale had been involved in some business dealings that were shady at best. Stock fraud. Insider trading. But since I didn’t have to try too terribly hard to find the evidence, I figured you had already found out when you did your due diligence.” She stopped pacing and turned to face him with narrow eyes. “So imagine my surprise to discover that you bought out Hale Industries not two days ago.”

“If what you’ve said is true, then it was certainly a foolish business decision on my part, but I hardly see why it merits your present distress.”

“Don’t treat me like an idiot, Lex,” Chloe snapped. “I had everything on my computer—evidence, leads, everything. I took it into Grandville yesterday to get a new hard drive installed, and when I got it back today, it was all gone. This wasn’t an accident; those files were on another drive, they were locked, and none of my other locked files were touched. It hardly takes a genius to figure out someone tampered with my computer, and it’s not a huge cognitive leap, either, to figure out that you had something to do with it.”

She glared at him. “You did find out about Hale, didn’t you, Lex? That’s how you got him to sell you his company. And in return, you’re trying to destroy any evidence that might be out there.”

“Chloe, these are very serious allegations,” Lex said, his calm expression belying his words. “If I were you, I wouldn’t make them without any proof to back them up.”

“Who said I didn’t have proof?” Chloe sneered.

Lex sighed and leaned forward, fixing his eyes on Chloe’s. “If I had done something as potentially harmful as cover up another businessman’s illegal activities—and understand, I’m not saying that I did any such thing—I wouldn’t leave any stone unturned. Assuming I had blackmailed Hale into selling me his company with the promise of destroying any evidence that might incriminate him, I would have to do everything in my power to make sure that I followed through.”

“I have all of my files backed up—” Chloe began.

“Chloe.” She fell silent at the serious look on Lex’s face. “All of the evidence would disappear.”

Chloe sank into a chair at last, her legs no longer able to support her. “How could you do this, Lex? How could you let Hale get away with it? This would’ve been the biggest corporate scandal since Enron, and he’s just going to get off Scott-free!”

“What’s bothering you more, Chloe?” Lex asked with a knowing look. “Hale’s conduct, or the fact that you don’t get to expose him for it?”

Chloe paled. “That’s low, Lex.”

“But is it inaccurate?”

She was silent. Much as she would have loved to throw his accusation back in his face, Chloe was too honest with herself not to acknowledge a kernel of truth in what Lex had said. Part of her anger was because she had hoped to publish an exposé on Hale’s transgressions.

“No matter what my own motives might have been,” she said at last, “they don’t make your actions any less inexcusable.” She shook her head. “You’re not the man I thought you were.”

“No. I’m not him.” Before Chloe could work out what Lex meant by that, he continued, almost fiercely. “I’m not a knight in shining armor. I’m not a fairy tale prince. And I can’t be, Chloe, not even for you.”

“King,” she said weakly.

“What?”

“You were a king.” She stared at him. “You remember. How much?”

“Everything. At least,” he smirked, “I think it’s everything. I don’t really have much way of knowing.”

“How long have you remembered?”

Lex looked away. “Since New Year’s.”

“Oh. So that’s why you’ve been so . . .” Chloe sucked in a deep breath, then frowned. “Wait a minute. Is that what this whole thing with Hale was about? You wanting to show just how much you fell short of what you decided I expected?”

“No. Chloe, as much as you might not want to admit it, any deal I made with Hale was just . . . the business world isn’t pretty,” he said. “Even with all of the people being brought up on charges these days, do you honestly think that’s more than an insignificant fraction of what actually goes on? Most of the time, people don’t get caught, at least not by the authorities. They make a deal, they sell their shares, and the danger goes away.” He fixed his eyes on hers again. “Which just goes to prove my point. That’s the world that I live in every day, Chloe; the world that I’ve chosen to live in. Do you really think that Alexander would have made that same choice?”

“I see. You think I’ve been chasing Alexander’s ghost all this time?”

“Haven’t you?”

Chloe paused; she owed it to Lex to actually consider her answer instead of answering automatically. Finally, slowly, she said, “It started out that way. I’m not going to try to pretend that I didn’t care for . . . him. But you can’t behave as though you’re two completely different people,” she stressed. “Every part of Alexander is a part of you, as well.”

She stood up and walked around the desk, stopping next to Lex and propping her hip against the desk as she regarded him. “Somewhere in there is the man who’s still self-conscious about losing his hair as a child. The man who wants his wedding night to be special; the man who believes in happy endings. Everything that I fell in lo . . . that I cared about,” she backtracked with a blush, “is in you somewhere. All of that is wonderful; but there are other parts, too, and if you’ll let me, I’d like to get to know them.”

“So,” Lex said cautiously, standing up, “you’re proposing that we . . .?”

“Get to know each other better,” Chloe said. “You know,” she grinned, “the way people normally do? We can learn more about each other, and along the way we’ll decide how we really feel. But no more crap like this thing with my computer,” Chloe warned. “One more stunt like that, I’ll drop you so fast you’ll get motion sickness.”

“Deal.” Lex smiled and slipped his arms around Chloe’s waist, pulling her closer to him. “So, you think we can be just like a normal couple?”

“God, no. We could never pull that off,” Chloe grinned, and wrapped her own arms around Lex’s neck. “But there’s no reason not to give our own brand of insanity a shot.”

“Why don’t we do that,” he murmured as he leaned down to kiss her. “I think we’d make one hell of a team.”





END

[welshy]

That was a brilliant ending :)

[meeaz]

yay! a happy ending! awesome too. great job!

[LarkLuthor]

Gah! The end? Already?

Well I certainly enjoyed the ride my dear! Great fic! I loved the ball it was cute yet in character... The only thing I must complain about is Lex didn't ask how the whole thing happened...I mean you mentioned it in the other chapter how she was protecting someone and he understood that but I can't quite see him droping it... I was really hoping for her to explain the whole thing when he remembered everything...It would have been a fun conversation as well as more in character than just dropping it... oh, well... can't have everything...

Lark

[Krysia]

The ending just rocked I was expecting Lex to remember everything at the party and that to be it, they lived happily ever after, but the twist with Hale Industries was a nice surprise. It never crossed my mind before that Lex may think that what Chloe expects from him is a prince charming, a hero much like Clark [ which when you stop to think about it is totaly rational]. Great job with this story. I loved it.
Will there be more? ;)

[fussy_wuzzy]

I'm so sad it's over. I loved the ending. It's nice to see them try to have a relationship in the real world.

[hfce]

That was so beautiful and I am sad its done. :( But the way it ended was so Chlex and so right. Good job girl I loved it. :D


Hope ;)

[Yarvarni]

Perfect, though I do hate to see it end......

[BellaMR]

What a beautiful story. Like Lark, I'm a bit surprised that Lex didn't inquire further about how it happened or wonder how much of his feelings are due to manipulation. Lex is an obsessive character by nature and I don't see him dropping it.

I am, however, happy to see that they are starting over their relationship on a clean slate - getting to know each other truly, rather than in their dreams.

[Kit Merlot]

A truly excellent ending--WELL DONE :grin3:

[Pufkinz]

INCREDIBLE!!!!!!!!!

I just found this story last night... in my dire need of something to read, might I add... so imagine how happy I was to find this story....

I love it, just love it, can't wait to read the, :puppydog:sad to say it, last chapter and if i'm any less speech less then i'll leave you a more detailed feed back showing how greatful and how much I adore this story:wub:.

:respect:

:)

[leik2]

Wonderfully done.

[Saint]

Could not have been a better ending. I'm not even going to beg for a sequel.
That was just so perfectly sweet.

[meg20]

This was really brilliant and it got the ending the story deserved. So glad that Chlex ended up together!

[chril1]

now that's an ending

so good

lea
xxx

[slyflame]

Aw, it's the end. But a cheeky one, I like it. Loved the story, loved how quick you were updating it. I adored the witty comebacks, the Martha subchapter. Great stuff, honey.

[star del mar]

That was a great ending. It wasn't a fairy tale ending but it was a happy one and I love that you did that! Everything's not all worked out but they're going to make it work and get to know each other. This story was so good!! You did such an amazing job, I'm so glad that it became multi-chaptered :D

Steph*

[arkakitty]

Well, I love fairytales, I love Chloe and Lex, ergo perfect fanfiction for me.

I loved it and I'm certainly going to read it again. :)

[Augustine86]

god, I finished my semeter in school so I had all the time in the world for this story and you finish it?????????? What am I supposed to do if not beg for updates, drop to my knees and crawl to the Sahara and back????? I'll have to find another thing to attach myself to to the point of "pathetically needy". Thanks a lot.

No, really, it was wonderful, from beginning till the end. Lex is si huggable, and Chloe so cute it makes me wish you were part of Al Miles. And damn it your are not!

[starmoon]

this story was great and i love how it ended. you should write more stories because i realy enjoyed it.

[Ami Rose]

Wow! That took me about three or four days to read. I wanted to finish it last night, but I was to sick to sit up straight. I've only read two or three other stories as great as this one. When I first saw the tittle I thought it would be stupid.... blushes ....I guess the saying 'don't judge a book by it's cover' comes in here for me.

I absolutly loved... I mean loved this story!

Lots of Love,
Ami Rose

[darkangel]

This was a beautiful fairy tail. I loved it.

[txalb]

See... this is the reason I join boards like this. After giving up on ever finding more than two chapters of this story *bam* here it is in all its finished glory. You have such a gift. I've read all your other fic on another site and I'm going to have to go through it all again and review it. This story... wow! I love it. The entire time I was reading I was frantically trying to remember the fairy tale and how it ended. I love this Smallville rendition of the classic and am so happy you wrote it.

You write really beautiful Chlex fics. Thank you so much for writing this.

txalb

[happybum]

I love this story, kept me spellbound throughout fairytale. It made me feel like a kid again with the wonders of magical wonderland and a bonefide prince or king waiting. =] Iono what im saying, but this is a fantaboulous story.

[Kaie]

fairytale lex and chloe...oh how i LOVED it! It was so cute, and perfect. great job...

[pipersmum]

This was enchanting I just loved the whole fairytale Chlex:love2: :love2:
You are a fantastic writer I have really enjoyed this so much. I am going to have to get my cousin to read cos I know she will :love2: it too:grin3:
I am going to have to go and find some more of your stories soon:D

[teb85]

What a superb fic, I am a sucker for fairy tales and happy endings. This was so fantastic I found myself glued to the chair for hours till i finished it. I just couldn't leave it. Lex being Prince Charming what girl wouldn't want to be stuck in that fairy tale. Very well written and once again a fantastic peice of fiction.

[greeneyednblond]

THis was great!!! I loved it, it gave me warm fuzzy fealings to carry me out into the cold of Iowa with its sub zero weather. THere were so many great lines and Martha, both Marthas, just great.

I don't know if you are still checking fb, but no one answered you about Deerskin by Robin McKinnly. It is a wonderful book, it will make you laugh, cry, and throw it across the room then run over to pick it up and finish it (which is a sign of a truely great book, btw) I did, however, make our town library take it out of the children's leval and put it in the Young Adult section.

[starmoon]

i like this story and the ending was great. i am glad that lex will never touch chloe's computer again he is lucky that she loves him or it could of been a lot worse.

[sara47q]

Great story! The characterization was dead on, and it was very enjoyable.

[mokahi]

Wonderful story. I loved the fairytale. I also really enjoyed how they chose to deal with their real-world relationship.

[PMD]

well, you know how I feel about your stories, sweetie. :) But this one is well, so incredible. And I do love how you ended it----how realistic Lex is in real life as opposed to the fairytale. Thank you for the happy ending, sweetie. It made me forget about Thursday's eppy---and I didn't even watch it. Bad enough to hear about it but if I had watched it, well, I wouldn't be a happy camper---and neither would my muse. Fanfic Rules, is all I can say. :)

[Donutte]

oooooh that was awesome!!!! I'm going to HAVE to search and see if there is a sequel!!! I loved this story :)

Do'

[Thaís]

Awwww...........
That was so wonderful!!!! And so well written!!!!
And he even remembers everything on his on!!!!
That just proves right there that they're supose to be together, right??
Well, just continue to grace us with these wonderful stories of yours, will you??

[teala30ca]

This is such a great fic!! I just read it for the second time and I loved it just as much (if not more!) than the first time I read it. You did such a wonderful job portraying every scene, I got sucked into the your tale along with Chloe. Thanks for the great story!!!

[angie284]

“God, no. We could never pull that off,” Chloe grinned, and wrapped her own arms around Lex’s neck. “But there’s no reason not to give our own brand of insanity a shot.”

Awesome story. Really glad you decided to keep going.

[persephone47]

Very good job, I didn't think that I'd like the fairy tale idea, but this was wonderfully written.

[riblets]

Man I loved this story. I am proceeding to search for more by this author. Keep it up!

[kel722]

What a delightful story.Loved the ending,very sweet.It took me long time to start reading this story and I don't regret it.Definetly one of my favourites.Im very sad it's done.

[MagnusXXN]

It just ended to quickly for my tastes. I really enjoy'd reading the whole thing, which is interesting because the idea is so off the wall.

A very sweet fairy tale.





): )

[chloedreamer]

I liked the ending banter between Lex and Chloe.

[Esther25jm]

Great story!!

[Possibilities Unknown]

Love love love LOVE this story!!!!

[zerys]

An interesting premise and a very sweet story. Thanks.

[~*~Tasha~*~]

Very excellent story. This was highly original and a very enjoyable piece to read. I read it all at once, in one sitting, and I am amazed at your creativity.

[April]

I Loved this story! The ending was so sweet too. Excellent work! Can't wait to read more stories from you. Oh and btw Thank you so much for not leaving it at Chapter 7. I had to to admit i was a little scared there for a minete but everythings good now. :grin3:

[aloha]

I do enjoy 'what if' stories. I feel as if the story just started more than ended. Either way, good job. People keep reading it. That is a compliment in itself.

[Kit Merlot]

I had forgotten what a beautifully romantic story this was--I'm glad that I reread it:D

Excellent work!

[marcela]

Just finished reading it. Absolutely brilliant! But I must say, I kind of have a crush on Alexander lol he was just too charming for his own good. here's hoping to read another story from you. congratulations on the good work.

[xxasaxx]

great story. i didn't want it to end;)

[scgirl]

I totally loved this...man, that was amazing. Now I'm of to find more of your fic!

[Red Veil]

This story had everything that a fairytale should have! You really did a wonderful job with this story and you totally had me enthralled from beginning to end. Thank you for entertaining me.

BTW - This is the first fic I have read at this forum.

[Lali]

*-* I loved it... Hm... Lex could be my king any time...:D

I did love Clark in the alt fantasy world, he was a lot more sexy.. Maybe Princess Chloe could get King Alexander and I could get him! I'm sure I'll be a lot more interesting than Lady Lana Lang(triple L, not nice)...

I also hope Pete and Margot get a happy ending... Much like Chloe, Pete never got a decent ship in the show (I can't consider Jimmy decent because he's too... nice... We all love the bad boys!)...

The story is amazing! Thanks for it!

[SVfan1286]

Truly wonderful story, I love it! Completely romantic and lovely to read. I loved every minute of it, from the beginning to the amazing happy ending. Beautifully written.

[Vampirelover]

oh i loved this story. a true fantasy. but you scared me. i thought this was the true end.lol. please continue with this awesome story.

[Vampirelover]

Loved the ending. Lex remembered! that's just awesome and he and chloe are still together, totally rocks! i loved the whole story can't wait to read your next story.:drool2::D

[mokahi]

Your story charms me every time!

[asarstar]

So cute. Very glad I came back to read it again. :)

[cousinmary]

Oh this story was just adorable. I wasn't familiar with the fairytale, so I was just as lost as Chloe as to what she was supposed to do. I liked the downtime moments and King Lex was written perfectly. Good job :)

[Ami Rose]

I've read this twice now. And I still love it! I wish you'd do a sequel though! That would be awesome!!!

[chicablue]

great fic

[donhisiewen]

Beautiful and oh so romantic! The writing is very beautiful and so very much like reading a classic fairytale where you turn to the next page eagerly to see what happens after.

[langelic1]

This was lovely and very unique!

[mama_kat]

Wonderful story! And really fabulous writing as well :)

I loved how you made both Chloe and Lex real despite the premise that the story is pretty much anchored on a fairy tale, and i particularly loved how you ended it. Thanks for sharing!

[CrazyGirlWriter]

Love love love love loved this story! Not sure if i've commented before because this is the second time i've read it but this was just an awesome story thanks for posting it!

[ghra85]

I've re-read this story three times now and i love it slightly more with every reading.
would absolutely love a sequal....

[skatiefan]

Never read this story until now or even knew of that fairytale. You did a great job with this story. It was so romantic and real. Thank you for writing it and I have to say this maybe one of the stories I'll keep reading again and again. =D