The Potter Mission (R)

[Zannie]

The Potter Mission

Author: Zannie
Rating: R (for language and sexual situations). Believe it or not, this is the first Chlex story I’ve ever written that will not be NC-17.
Spoilers: Through Season Four.
Category: Humor/Romance
Disclaimer: Obviously, I don’t own Smallville or its characters. No infringement intended.
Summary: Finding herself desperate, Chloe turns to Lex for help with an unpredictable, potentially dangerous mission.

Author’s note: I know. I really shouldn’t start another story. But I just thought of this a few hours ago, and the idea wouldn’t be denied. It’s for AlabamaWorley, who inspired it by suggesting this particular mission in real life, gave me the last scene of the story, and then bossed me into writing it. It will be short--only four brief parts--and I hope to finish it within the next day or two.

This first part might feel a bit serious to begin with, but the story is almost entirely humor--I promise.

Also, see the video of this story here: The Potter Mission (http://forums.naughty-seduction.net/showthread.php?t=3302)



* * *


Part One - The Mission


Chloe stood in the library of the Luthor mansion and felt decidedly nervous.

The last time she’d been here the room had been a mess, the vault torn open and scattered chaos littering the floor. Lex had come in--angry and accusatory--and he’d manhandled her and then bullied her into going with him to the caves.

It wasn’t a particularly good memory, except for the memory of pushing Lex into the cave wall. But, other than that delicious moment, Chloe didn’t like to think about that day: high school graduation, the meteor shower, Lex’s intense fury and the unnamed thing underlying it.

The thing that had looked so much like betrayal. Like Lex had felt betrayed. Like she had somehow betrayed him . . . maybe by knowing Clark’s secret.

She tried not to think about what that baffling possibility might signify. Tried not to think about Lex at all.

With the exception of that one unsettling, terrifying day, she’d been almost successful at ignoring Lex for the last year. Ignoring him and her feelings for him--the ones that never should have arisen and that she could never let herself admit to.

None of which was relevant at the moment.

At the moment, all that was relevant was what she needed from Lex. Not the fact that she hadn’t seen him since those hours they’d spent together in the caves. Not the fact that she had no idea how he’d treat her when he walked into the room. Not the fact that she was breathless and her heart was pounding furiously.

She was here on a mission. A very important mission. Her mission was all that mattered.

It certainly didn’t matter that Lex looked good enough to eat as he strolled into the library, elegant and urban in black pants and a slate blue dress shirt.

“Chloe,” he said coolly, raising his eyebrows to convey surprised detachment. “I certainly wasn’t expecting a visit from you this afternoon.”

She was standing close enough to smell him--and he smelled as good as he looked. But she made herself appear just as composed and unconcerned as he was. “Well, as I’m sure you can imagine, this isn’t a social call. I’m here because I’m desperate, and you’re the only one who can help me.”

As she’d driven over to the mansion, she’d decided on her strategy. Don’t waste time with small talk. Don’t get distracted by engaging banter or compelling intensity. Just say her piece and get out of there.

Definitely the wisest option for her emotional well-being.

“When we last parted, I was under the impression that we weren’t on the best of terms,” Lex replied dryly, eyeing her from blonde hair to worn shoes with an impersonal gaze. His eyes expressed so little admiration that Chloe felt inexplicably insulted. “In fact, if I’m not mistaken, you attempted to knee me in the groin.”

Chloe flushed at the recollection. “I would have succeeded, too,” she insisted mulishly, “But Clark distracted me with his sudden appearance.” She knew how and why Clark had suddenly reappeared, but she made no attempt to explain it to Lex.

She’d done some very stupid things in her lifetime, but she wasn’t quite stupid enough to allude to Clark's secret in this room.

“Is that right?” Lex waved her into an leather wingback chair and then sank into the one beside her.

Scowling at him, she continued, “And you would have deserved it. You were acting like an asshole. And you know it too.”

He elevated those damn eyebrows and didn’t respond.

He didn’t have to respond. A lot had happened that day, and she knew part of what had pushed Lex into it. She’d be happy to forgive him if he would ever come down off his high horse and ask for it.

It wasn’t like she really wanted to be his friend anymore--she’d gotten over that delusion months ago--but still . . . she didn’t like having that day hanging over their heads. It made things . . . complicated.

The problem was that Lex would never ask for forgiveness. She knew he regretted how he’d treated her--knew he was ashamed of taking his anger and desperation out on her--but he was too proud and too insecure both to ever acknowledge it out loud.

None of which mattered at all.

So Chloe forced herself to focus on what did matter.

Tightening her jaw, she glared at him, convincing herself that his coldness was having no effect on her. “I didn’t come here to walk down memory lane with you. Frankly, you’re not important enough to me to have really hurt or offended me by your behavior in the caves.”

She said the words by reflex, as an instinctive gesture of self-defense. And as a way to move into explaining her purpose for being here.

She certainly hadn’t expected the words to hurt him.

For one crazy moment, however, her heart clenched. Her mouth went dry. And she thought she really had.

Hurt him. Hurt Lex Luthor. By a few careless words.

Then, Lex chuckled, the sound unpleasant and grating in the quiet room. “And for some reason, I thought you were here to ask for my help.” The look he gave her was condescending and wordlessly smug. “A piece of advice for future ventures of this nature: honesty may be a virtue, but too much of it might be counterproductive when you’re trying to obtain someone’s assistance.”

He was right--not about everything; she certainly hadn’t been speaking honestly--but he was at least right about her going about this in entirely the wrong way. She had intended to just jump past all the weirdness between them. Forget the past and all the raw, tangled emotions resulting from their shared history.

Instead, she’d brought it all to the surface.

And Lex was a man, after all. Even if a man thought as little about her as Lex did, he wouldn’t necessarily want to hear that he was meaningless to her.

Confused and disoriented, she managed to hide this fact from Lex. Clenched her fists. Rolled her eyes and tried to look impatient. “Whatever. None of this matters anyway. Can we just forget how little we care for each other and get to the point?”

“Of course.” His words and his eyes were like ice. And they wounded her. She would far prefer the rage and desperation of the last time they’d been together. At least that had roused her spirit. Her emotions. Her body.

This icy regard from Lex was like a slap in the face.

Closing her eyes, she reminded herself once more that it just didn’t matter. Lex didn’t matter. At the moment, only one thing was important.

“I wouldn’t have come to you if there were any other way,” she said, trying to match his impersonal distance. “But I don’t have the resources to pull this off alone.”

“And, since we care so little for each other,” Lex said, repeating her words back to her with a sharp bite to his tone, “Why would you expect me to help you?”

She bit her lip and tried to remember the speech she’d rehearsed on the way over. “A couple of reasons. One, you owe me.”

No answer. Except a question in the lift of his eyebrows.

Sticking out her chin, Chloe went on, “You owe me for the way I helped you with your father. I risked my life for you.”

“Only because you’d trapped yourself.” Apparently, he could think about those months with none of the tender nostalgia that she was doing her best to overcome. He appeared as detached now as if he were talking about dinner plans. “You weren’t doing it as a selfless act of sacrifice.” He shook his head, “And I did my part to protect you.”

“Who the hell cares about that?” she demanded, forcing down the flood of emotion that was rising at the memories of how he’d protected her. “I helped you. You owe me. Plus, I know things you probably don’t want me to start spilling around town.”

His eyes narrowed suspiciously, and his lean body suddenly grew tense. “What are you talking about?”

“I’m talking about whatever disgusting, underhanded scheme you’ve got going involving Lana,” Chloe announced. She didn’t like the idea at all. Lana was her friend, and it made her feel strange to think of how Lex might be using her.

And it made her feel guilty. Because she’d been so inexpressibly relieved to finally figure out that Lex was just using Lana. She didn’t know why. But whatever the reason it was better than the alternative: that he actually had feelings for Lana.

She saw Lex suck in his breath. “Would you care to explain that?” he asked, danger in the soft tone of his voice.

“No,” she said blithely. “You know very well what I mean.” She shaped her face into a knowing, superior expression, and was shocked when it appeared to be successful.

For the first time, Lex looked a little nervous.

“I also know a thing or two I could tell Clark,” she added mercilessly. “About how desperate you are to spy on him. How long do you think he’d remain your friend if he found out you still were trying to stick your nose into his business?”

He didn’t have to answer. She could see it in his eyes. She had him. He would help her.

“What do you want?” he asked impatiently, giving her a long-suffering look.

“A particular situation has become desperate,” Chloe said carefully, moving into her planned explanation. “And it will require a certain . . . mission to respond to this situation.”

“A mission?” Lex repeated, his eyes blank and his face shuttered.

She hated that look. Wanted to claw it from his face. “Yes,” she answered. “A mission. And it has to be done in secret.” She swallowed, “And it’s not entirely legal.”

“I see,” he murmured. For a moment, something flickered in his eyes. That stifled, unnamed thing that looked so much like betrayal.

How she could possibly be betraying him right now was totally beyond Chloe’s comprehension. She owed him nothing. He owed her. And he didn’t care anything about her, so she had every right to call in her marker.

So what if it had also included a little blackmail and a small amount of illegal activity?

“I don’t think you do see,” she went on, swallowing over the rising feelings in her throat. “This is desperate. I thought I could wait. But it turns out I can’t wait any more. The need is too urgent.”

“What do you need to do?” He was now all business, all the strange, secret intensity vanishing completely.

“I need to gain access to a certain place,” she explained. “I’m planning to do so by myself, but, as I said, I don’t have the resources to accomplish the prep work. I need information on the security system, the layout, and the plans for this particular item. I can’t get them on my own, and you’re the only person I know of who could.”

She actually knew of someone else, but Clark didn’t know what she knew about him. And, although Clark was her friend, every instinct in her body had told her to turn to Lex for help in this.

He nodded. “I can certainly help you with that. I suppose you’ll want to pretend to be a spy and have 007-type, high-tech gadgets to help you with your breaking and entering.”

Chloe had been thinking just that. But instead of admitting it, she shrugged, “If it becomes necessary, I certainly wouldn’t say no to any tools you might provide me with.”

He shifted his eyes away from her. Focused on the panes of stained glass in the wall. Pressing his lips together, he finally said, “Fine. I’ll help. On one condition.”

She stared at him, hoping he couldn’t hear the pounding of her heart. “What’s that?”

“You might think that this is all fun and games, but illegal activity of this nature can be dangerous. I’ll help you,” he said, holding her gaze with such power that she momentary lost her breath. It felt like the moment before a kiss, but she knew Lex had never had any desire to kiss her. Then he finished his sentence, “Provided you’ll let me come with you.”

His words had an unexpected affect on her. She knew she should be mad, annoyed that he didn’t trust her to take care of herself. But instead she’d felt excitement, eagerness, exhilaration.

Not--not!--that it mattered that Lex would be doing this with her. It was only because his help would make her success so much more likely. That was the only reason why she was so thrilled by his words.

She was almost persuaded by this fine piece of logic.

"Agreed," she said matter-of-factly, resolutely hiding her feelings from Lex.

Lex sighed and leaned back in his chair. “Where exactly are we breaking into?”

“The Smallville Public Library,” Chloe said immediately, her lips starting to twitch as she predicted his reaction.

She wasn’t disappointed. His jaw dropped open. “What?” he exclaimed. “The library? Why the fuck do we need to break into the library?”

It seemed obvious to Chloe. Any normal person would already know. But this was Lex she was talking to, so she patiently explained it to him. “The book isn't released until Saturday. But it's arriving at the library tomorrow afternoon. I know. I’ve done a little research. I thought I could wait, but I can’t.”

He eyed her as if she were crazy. “Chloe, what the hell are you talking about?”

She rolled her eyes. “Don’t you know anything? I can’t wait until 12:01am on Saturday. Not when the book will be just sitting in the library tomorrow night. We’ll do it then. Break into the library and borrow a copy of the new Harry Potter book.” She grinned. "So I can read it before everyone else."

Chloe wasn't sure what she was more excited about. Reading the book early or stealing it.

With Lex.

Not that Lex mattered to her, of course.


TBC

[eurydices falling]

Squeeee!

is it an advance copy of harry potter book 6? i can just see lex's face when he sees a children's book instead of some truly blackmail worthy but of evidence.

while being in an accident sucked ass...being able to stay home and read my book without worrying about having to get to work is priceless. now update to keep me entertained until harry and the crew can do it instead.

[Blackberry]

hahaha this sound so cute! :) can't wait for the next instalment :)

[Nadia_]

Goshh I can't stop laughing with this! :rofl:

Really, only lex wouldn't know what's going to happen saturday...

And Chloes despair! I totally share her feelings! I wish I had and Lex Luthor to help me break into a bookstore to take a copy of that book!

I think this is going to be fun!

[Augustine86]

Stealing Harry Potter with Lex Luthor in the dead of the night might just as well be a recurring theme in my X-rated dreams from now on.

Just to let you know.

[suspension of disbelief]

got me there....hehehe

[hfce]

:rofl: Oh come on why does she need Lex's help. She can do that herself. She has broken into Luthorcorp for gosh sakes. ;)



Hope :)

[JosiCuervo]

Rating: R (for language and sexual situations). Believe it or not, this is the first Chlex story I’ve ever written that will not be NC-17.
Hrmm...I'm shocked...shocked I tell you...and even more shocked that I'm going to read it, smutless, or otherwise... ;)

“The Smallville Public Library,” Chloe said immediately, her lips starting to twitch as she predicted his reaction.

She wasn’t disappointed. His jaw dropped open. “What?” he exclaimed. “The library? Why the fuck do we need to break into the library?”
For the briefest of moments I thought the same thing...then a light bulb went off and I was like....ahhhh... :D

It seemed obvious to Chloe. Any normal person would already know. But this was Lex she was talking to, so she patiently explained it to him. “The book isn't released until Saturday. But it's arriving at the library tomorrow afternoon. I know. I’ve done a little research. I thought I could wait, but I can’t.”

He eyed her as if she were crazy. “Chloe, what the hell are you talking about?”

She rolled her eyes. “Don’t you know anything? I can’t wait until 12:01am on Saturday. Not when the book will be just sitting in the library tomorrow night. We’ll do it then. Break into the library and borrow a copy of the new Harry Potter book.” She grinned. "So I can read it before everyone else."
:rofl: Oh, this is going to be fabulous!!! :devil:


Chloe wasn't sure what she was more excited about. Reading the book early or stealing it.

With Lex.

Not that Lex mattered to her, of course.
I'm quite focused on the with Lex part, so feel free to throw in some innocent groping in the library... :drool2:

Zannie!! Wonderful idea! Count on 'Bama to slay me with Chlex! Wonderful chapter, I'll be waiting breathlessly for more! :blinkkiss

~Erica

[Ainur]

I totally understand Chloe if I had the resources I would be stealing that book right now. Oh, yeah I admit it. I love this! Harry is going to bring the ChLex together. Go Harry! Great beggining and no smut, crap!

Zannie, you are so great. You can write about anything. You are so versatile. I love that, can't wait for more.

[cwong]

Harry Potter rules!!!!

[lexchloe]

:rofl: :rofl: Combining Chlex and a mission to get the new Harry Potter book.......... awesome!!!! Excellent start, liking all the underlying currents flowing between them and Chloe constantly telling herself that she doesn't care about Lex.


Tightening her jaw, she glared at him, convincing herself that his coldness was having no effect on her. “I didn’t come here to walk down memory lane with you. Frankly, you’re not important enough to me to have really hurt or offended me by your behavior in the caves.”

She said the words by reflex, as an instinctive gesture of self-defense. And as a way to move into explaining her purpose for being here.

She certainly hadn’t expected the words to hurt him.

For one crazy moment, however, her heart clenched. Her mouth went dry. And she thought she really had.

Hurt him. Hurt Lex Luthor. By a few careless words.

:nono: *hello denial*


She rolled her eyes. “Don’t you know anything? I can’t wait until 12:01am on Saturday. Not when the book will be just sitting in the library tomorrow night. We’ll do it then. Break into the library and borrow a copy of the new Harry Potter book.” She grinned. "So I can read it before everyone else."

Chloe wasn't sure what she was more excited about. Reading the book early or stealing it.

With Lex.

Not that Lex mattered to her, of course.

Hee hee, the love of HP knows no bounds. Love how serious she is about this and Lex's reaction. Can't wait for the mission to get underway.

*lexchloe wonders if she could break into her local library and get a copy of the new book too*

[sylvia]

Oh, gods. Lex is NEVER going to let Chloe live that one down. I can tell this is going to be hilarious.

Do update soon!

[zabu]

Woaww Zannie what a great idea!!! :rofl::rofl:
I can only imagine the look on Lex's face and I'm sure it's priceless.:clapclap:
By the way, you think they could take a copy for me.
Can't wait for the update.

[musicsteph]

Thank you, my sister,for a wonderful story!!! I was laughing like crazy this morning- so much so- my little dog came in to see what was wrong with me!

Only a few hours left!!!


Zanniesis

[BabDreamer]

Oh that's so cute!!!! Wanting to read the book before everyone else! Can't wait to see Lex's reaction lol...
Honestly, I'm really awaiting for the release too... I can't wait!!! Just like for the next part of this fic ;) :D

[arkakitty]

Yay, this is a great opening :)

Please more soon, i want to see, if they can pull it off.

PS: Love it.

[LarkLuthor]

I know a few people who would do that! ROFL!

Lark

[Kit Merlot]

Oh my GOD, Zannie--this story ROCKS!!

I can totally understand Chloe's obsession to read the new Harry Potter book :D

This beginning is wonderful, but I need more.

[AlabamaWorley]

I'm totally basking in this thread full of geeks that see nothing wrong with breaking into the library for the HBP. If only my son hadn't been with me... *sigh* But, having a fic dedicated to me is good enough!

It wasn’t a particularly good memory, except for the memory of pushing Lex into the cave wall.
No doubt. I wanted to push him into the wall for her.


and the unnamed thing underlying it.

Wait. What? Voldemort was in that ship? Can I hope for an avada kedavra on Lana in the premiere?

No? Big tease...


Lana was her friend, and it made her feel strange to think of how Lex might be using her.

This is a different approach for Chloe's feelings about Lex and Lana. I like it.


Not--not!--that it mattered that Lex would be doing this with her.

Loved this sentence.

Ah, Zannie... you are so cool. Thanks for taking the time to write this!

[Zannie]

Part Two - The Planning Phase


“What the fuck!”

Lex wasn’t in the habit of using obscenities when he spoke--at least, not around her--so Chloe knew she’d really gotten to him. It was the second time he’d said “fuck” in less than five minutes.

It made her feel a little bit proud.

“You heard me,” she said calmly, looking at him under arched brows.

“You went through all this rigmarole for a silly book?” He was shaking his head and staring at her as if he were expecting her to momentarily announce that it had all been a joke.

She sucked in an outraged breath. “Silly book?” She leaned forward and pinned him with her eyes. “It’s Harry Potter!”

He leaned forward as well. Their chairs were arranged fairly close to one another, so at the moment their faces were less than a foot apart. Lex curled up his lip, and Chloe was close enough to see the details of the graceful line of his mouth. “A kid’s book?”

Trying very hard not to think about Lex‘s supple lips, she retorted, “I’m sure your taste in literature is somewhat limited, but I would have expected you to at least be culturally literate.” Chloe was pleased with how pompous and intelligent she sounded. Not so pleased that her insides were roiling the way they used to around Clark. “The books’ audience is not limited to children.”

His shrug told her that he’d known that already--and he’d only called it a kid’s book to get under her skin. “Well, forget it. I’m not going to inconvenience myself to get a damned book from the library. Just buy a copy like everyone else.”

She gave a frustrated groan. Wanted to slap him. Then decided she had no reason not to, so she reached over and swatted him on the knee. “We’ve been through this already. I’d have to wait until after midnight on Friday night. I don’t want to wait that long.” She wrinkled her nose and lifted her chin. “I want it tomorrow.”

“Tough.”

Willing down her annoyance, she made herself retain her composure. “Nothing has changed in the last two minutes,” she said coolly. “You still owe me. And I am still able to do you significant damage with some of the information I possess.”

He met her eyes stonily. “You are really going to blackmail me into helping you steal a book?”

“A Harry Potter book,” Chloe corrected, as if there were no longer room for argument. "And we'd just be borrowing it for a couple of days."

“Fine,” he muttered. He glanced away from her and spoke in real displeasure. “This is the most absurd thing I’ve ever had the displeasure of being involved in. Only you would think of something this inane.”

Her heart sank foolishly, and she bit her lip. “I never expected you to get excited about this. I suppose now you’ll let me go by myself.” She looked away from him, tried to persuade herself that she wasn’t disappointed. That she was glad she wasn‘t going to have to drag him along on her mission. “Since it’s beneath your contempt and everything.”

“No,” he said, shaking his head. He nudged her foot gently with his own, in a gesture that felt very much like he was trying to cheer her up. “I said I’d go with you, and I will. Although I don’t imagine it will be quite as dangerous as I’d thought.”

Chloe had to admit that he had cheered her up. But she did not feel giddy. Not even a little bit. There was absolutely no giddiness in her heart at all. “Maybe not,” she said quietly, trying with all her might to look subdued and demure. “Unless there are other rabid fans attempting to snatch the book away from us. You never know with Harry Potter.”

He rolled his eyes. “I’ve never seen such nonsense over a book.”

“Have you ever read the books?” she demanded, pulling herself together, standing up, and placing her hands on her hips.

It was much better to be angry or annoyed with him. Negative emotions tended to drown out any other feelings that might try to creep in.

Lex stood up too and met her eyes evenly. “No. I’ve never been interested in reading them. It all seems so trendy and . . . clichéd.”

Chloe sniffed disdainfully and stuck out her chest. Naturally, the pose was not supposed to make her cleavage--which she thought was looking particularly good today--become more prominent. It was purely a posture of indignation. “Well, you can scoff all you want, after you read the books. But until then you can just keep your mouth shut.”

He sneered at her, although his eyes darted down a few times to the deep crease and shadow her low neckline displayed. “If you continue to be so ineffably charming,” he drawled sarcastically, “I might regret agreeing to help you in this childish venture.”

“You didn’t agree to help me,” she argued, irrationally furious at his calling her a child, “I bullied you into it. Now, can we move on to figuring out our plans?”

Something flickered in his eyes. She couldn’t decide what it was. “Of course. But first you need to explain why you require my help for breaking into the library. You’ve gotten yourself into places that are much more difficult to access. And surely you know the layout of the library already and are capable of getting past a simple lock.”

She shrugged. This little detail she wasn’t entirely confident about. She felt like she needed Lex’s help, but sometimes she wondered if actually did. The truth was--she probably could get into the library on her own. But she had still turned to Lex for help.

It wasn’t something she was going to think too deeply about.

Fortunately, she could use the same reasoning on Lex that she’d used to try to convince herself. “Yes, I know the layout, but I don’t know where they keep the books and everything. And the Harry Potter books are different. The library is responsible for keeping the books out of the hands of the public until Saturday, so they’ll have to keep them in a very safe place. I don’t know where that is, and I don’t want to have to hunt through the whole library. Plus, there might be extra security. Guards or something.”

Lex snorted. “Guards? For the Smallville Public Library?”

“We’re talking about Harry Potter,” Chloe exclaimed, her voice dripping with frustration, “Try to keep up.”

Lex muttered something under his breath, but Chloe couldn’t make out the words.

Decided that was just as well.

Glaring at him, she continued, “People take this very seriously, so I don’t know what to expect. That’s where you come in. By tomorrow afternoon, find out where they’re keeping the copies of the Harry Potter book and what kind of security they have in place.”

“I can do that,” he acknowledged dryly, “But basic courtesy would have you phrase the request as a question rather than a bossy demand.”

She groaned. “Are you going to help or not? I’m not playing around here.”

“Aren’t you?” The words were so soft she barely heard them. And she had no way of understanding what they meant.

So she just ignored them. “Lex?” she prompted.

“Yes, I’ll help. Stop by tomorrow afternoon, and we’ll figure out the plan.” Shaking his head, he guided her to the door with a hand on her back. For some reason, his touch made Chloe shudder and swallow hard. “I can’t believe you’ve suckered me into this.”

She shrugged and grinned at him, feeling unsettled but too proud to let him see. “You should be flattered.” She walked through the doorway after Lex opened the door for her. Then said over her shoulder, “I came to you, didn’t I? Clearly, I thought you were the biggest sucker of them all.”


* * *


The next day Chloe arrived at Lex’s mansion and was immediately shown back into a room she’d never been in before.

It was an office or something, although it didn’t look particularly lived in. There was a large, old-fashioned table in the middle of the room, and it was covered in papers and intriguing looking cases.

“What’s all this?” she asked, reaching out to pick up a random file.

Lex glanced up from the piece of paper he was studying and removed the file from Chloe‘s hand. “You asked me to do research, didn’t you?” He waved his hand over the mess on the table. “This is research.”

Her mouth dropped open. “All of this? I just asked you to find out about the layout and the security.” She gazed at the sheathes of paper, files, and folders. “What the hell is all of this?”

He shook his head and sighed, as if he were bemoaning the fact that he was working with such an amateur. Ignoring her question, he unrolled a large roll of thick paper and spread it out over the other clutter. “This is an architectural schematic of the library.”

Chloe made a choking sound. “An architectural schematic?” She walked over and stood beside him to look down with him at the diagram. “You really went all out, didn’t you?”

He made a irritated noise in his throat and moved the building plan away so that she couldn‘t see it. “Do you want my help or not?”

He sounded so genuinely annoyed that Chloe got a little nervous. “Yes, I want your help. Thanks for all the work you did. Show me what you’ve got.”

Lex showed her. He pointed her through the layout of the library, concentrating on the possible means of entrance.

Then he gestured at the basement level. “The books will be kept here,” he explained, adorably business-like as he pointed out the back room on the plans. “They installed a new lock on this door last week, and only the head librarian has the key.”

Chloe tried to concentrate on what he was saying, but, every time she inhaled, she was breathing Lex in. He smelled warm and male and expensive. And his shoulder was strong and hard as it pressed into hers. And for some reason she seemed to be leaning into him.

With his elegant finger, he traced a line down the hallway until it reached what looked like stairs. “This is the only way down to the basement level, so we’ll have to use those stairs.” He moved his finger to the ground level diagram. “They lock the door to this stairwell before they leave at night, since they keep the more valuable materials in the basement level.”

“Which entrance do you think we should use to get into the building?” Chloe asked, trying to act like she knew what she was talking about.

“The back would be less conspicuous, but that would also be the most obvious, so it will have more security.” He lifted up the page they were studying and rifled through a pile of papers until he found what he was looking for. Scanning it, he added, “They have hired a security guard for the next two nights, until the book is released.”

Chloe tried not to gloat.

“Yes, you were right,” Lex said unpleasantly. “I had no idea people were so obsessive about this. Would you like to say ‘I told you so’?”

She would like to say it, but she didn’t. Instead, she said mildly, “Certainly not. You already know I was right. Why should I say it?”

This seemed to annoy him even more, and Chloe shook with suppressed laughter.

Tightening his lips into a thin line, Lex pressed on. “So we’ll enter through the main entrance, and we’ll have to somehow avoid or distract the security guard. I have a few ideas about that.”

She was about to ask what they were, but he eyed her with such blatant hostility that she refrained--mostly because she suspected he wouldn’t tell her.

Purely out of spite.

“How will we get past the locks?” Chloe asked.

Lex picked up a black leather case from the corner of the table and pulled something out of it. It was some kind of high-tech device, but Chloe had no idea what it was.

“This should get us through any lock they have in place,” Lex said easily, looking down at the small device in his hand with pleased satisfaction. “I had it flown in from Metropolis this morning, along with a few other things we might need.”

“Cool. Like what?” Chloe asked curiously, forgetting that they were supposed to be annoyed with each other and reaching over to take the gadget from Lex’s hands. Inspected it closely with a childish kind of glee.

He took it away from her and gazed at her with arrogant condescension. “That’s very expensive. Don’t break it.”

She gave an outraged snort. “Like I’m going to break it by just looking at it.”

Lex’s look told her that he thought she probably could.

“You’re the most pompous, infuriating man I’ve ever known,” Chloe grumbled, picking up another leather case and peeking in to see what was inside it.

He snatched it out of her hands before she could discover its contents. “And you’re the most nosy, demanding female I’ve ever encountered,” he replied rudely. He preempted her attempt to claim another gadget from the far side of the table, and they had a brief scuffle as she tried to fight his strong clasp on her wrists.

“Can’t I look at any of the cool stuff?” she asked impatiently, trying to shake off his grasp and trying not to be thrilled at his touch. “Who knew that you'd go all James Bond on me.”

“No,” he said, his voice and face grouchy. “You can’t look at it. We might not need it all, but I thought we should be prepared.”

Suddenly, Chloe had the crazy urge to laugh. Only Lex would have gone to all this trouble to break into a public library. “Fine,” she complained. Then glanced at him sideways and murmured, “Asshole.”

It wasn’t quite under her breath.

He cleared his throat and did his best to look smug. “They’re only getting two copies of the book. So we’ll take both of them.”

She stared. “Why do we need both? One will do fine.”

He raised his eyebrows. “One for you. One for me.”

“Why do you want one?” she asked, baffled and a little distracted by how gorgeous Lex looked standing in a fall of bright sunshine. She blinked and stared at his smooth, glowing head. “You don’t even like Harry Potter.”

“I never said that.”

She gave a little gasp. “You certainly did. You made fun of me yesterday for wanting it so much. You haven’t even read the books.”

He shook his head with patronizing patience. “I hadn’t read the books yesterday. I do my research, you know.”

“You started reading the books?” she asked in wonder. For some reason, the thought made her feel kind of mushy.

Which was a completely inappropriate response. And wouldn’t do at all.

She summoned back her anger and annoyance and successfully started disliking Lex again, just as she should.

“I finished reading them,” Lex corrected, not meeting her eyes. As if he were almost embarrassed by the admission.

“You read all five of them in less than a day?” she breathed, staring at him like he were something supernatural.

Sometimes she kind of thought he was.

He shrugged. “If I start something, I finish it. I wanted to know why you were so crazy about this.” His lips twitched. “And now I do.”

Without thinking, Chloe reached out and grabbed a fistful of his soft shirt. “Did you like them?”

Shrugging again, Lex turned away, acting like he needed to find something on the table. “They were all right.”

She made a delighted noise in her throat. “You did like them! That’s why you want the second copy of the next book! Ha! I told you they weren’t just kids’ books.”

He didn’t answer. Just gave a beseeching look toward heaven, as if he were praying for endurance.

Then Chloe thought of something. “But if you wanted a copy of the book, why didn’t you just use your money and influence to get one. Surely you could have contacted the publisher and gotten an advance copy.”

He gave her an unpleasant look and didn’t answer.

She squeezed her hand around his upper arm, mentally gushing over the hard muscles she felt there. “Lex,” she prompted. “Why not just get one in an easier way? Isn’t that one of the perks of being rich?”

Lex met her eyes. “I did contact the publisher. Even spoke to the president of the company.”

“And?” For some reason, she was holding her breath.

“They wouldn’t give me a copy of the damn book,” he admitted angrily. “Said I’d have to wait until Saturday like everyone else.”

Chloe howled with laughter, clinging to Lex‘s arm.

Lex narrowed his eyes and waited until she finished. “I’m glad I’ve provided you with such entertainment.”

“Sorry,” she gasped, “But I can’t help it. I can’t believe there’s something that Lex Luthor can’t get his hands on.”

He exhaled sharply and gazed at her with sudden intensity. “You might be surprised by what I want that I can’t get my hands on.”

For some reason, that made Chloe blushed. Couldn’t allow herself to think about why it embarrassed her so.

Lex shook his head roughly, as if he’d said something he hadn’t intended to say. “So we’re taking both copies.”

Reaching out, he put his hands on her shoulders, in such a familiar way that Chloe started to tremble. “I’m not going to wait until Saturday like everyone else. I’ll pick you up at ten o’clock this evening.”

Chloe nodded stupidly. “It’s a date,” she mumbled.

Then could have hit herself for saying something so moronic.

Lex looked at her strangely. “Right.”

Her heart clenched.

It wasn’t right. But it was as close to a date with Lex as Chloe would ever get.


* * *


She saw Lex pull up in a black Mercedes SUV at promptly ten o’clock that evening. She’d been watching for him, so she immediately ran out and jumped into the car.

“Right on time,” she said happily, grinning at him and feeling unusually tolerant, despite his bored expression.

He raked his eyes over her choice of outfit. “You’re not a cat burglar, you know.”

Her blissful tolerance abruptly dissipated. Chloe huffed indignantly. “I know.” She glanced down at her black jeans and form-fitting black top. “I just thought one wore black on these kinds of missions.”

He sneered.

Then Chloe noticed what he was wearing. “Hmph! You’re making fun of me, but I notice that you’re wearing black too.”

Giving her a slanting look, he pulled the car away from the curb and started toward the library. “I always wear black.”

He didn’t always. But he often did. Chloe had noticed. He looked very good in black.

Chloe decided she wouldn’t mention that to him, however.

They sat in awkward silence for a few minutes, and Chloe started feeling nervous. Not about breaking into the library, but about doing it with Lex. Hunting for an innocuous topic, she said, “I can’t believe that in two hours I’ll have my hands on the new book.” She rubbed her palms together. “I can’t wait.”

“And then in a day or two it will be over,” he responded repressively.

“Yeah,” she acknowledged. “But I can spend weeks enjoying it, breaking down the plot, significance, and relationships.”

He cocked one eyebrow. “Relationships? Are you one of those people who is hoping for Harry to get together with someone?”

“Of course,” she said matter-of-factly. “Hermione.”

“What?” He turned to stare at her, instead of at the road. “Hermione? Harry and Hermione will never end up together. She and Ron have a thing, don’t they?”

Chloe scowled at Lex. “That’s what she wants you to think, but Harry and Hermione are meant to be together. You'll see.”

“No way,” he murmured, braking at a red light. “You’re imagining things.”

Chloe let out an outraged squeak. “I am not. Why shouldn’t Harry fall in love with Hermione?”

“He won’t,” Lex said, no doubt at all in his voice.

For some reason, she felt like clawing her fingernails down his smooth cheek. “Why not? I should have known you were one of those shallow people who think that the smart, strong girl could never win the best guy.”

He’d been acting amused and superior, but he was now starting to look just as annoyed as she was. “I am not one of those shallow people, and I resent your saying I am. Hermione could have anyone she wanted. But I’m not convinced that she would want Harry.”

Chloe glared at him, at how the street lights were reflected in his blue-gray eyes. “Well, she does want Harry. Who the hell else would she want?”

Shrugging, he tried to look nonchalant, but he appeared to be inwardly seething. “I don’t know, but Harry isn’t the only possible romantic interest at Hogwarts. Maybe she wants someone else.” He curled his lip and met her eyes coldly. “Maybe she wants Draco.”

“Ha!” Chloe burst out, assuming he was just being difficult and irritated that he was trying to dampen her spirits. “That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard. Why would she want Draco?”

Lex’s body had grown stiff, and he turned the car at a corner without slowing down enough. “Draco has a certain kind of appeal. Money, influence, a dry sort of wit, passion . . .”

“He’s evil,” she bellowed. “His father is evil, and Draco is well on his way to being evil too.” She clenched her fists, feeling ridiculously militant about this admittedly trivial conversation. “She doesn’t want Draco. She wants Harry!”

“Not everyone wants the righteous, hero type,” Lex said snidely. “Maybe she’s finally gotten tired of Harry and his endless need to save the day. Not everyone does the predictable thing. I’m sure Draco is not without admirers.”

She huffed at him. “I’m sure a . . . certain kind of female might find him attractive, but not Hermione.”

“Besides,” Lex added, his voice almost nasty. “Harry isn’t attracted to Hermione. He thinks of her as only his friend.”

For some reason, Chloe felt like crying, although it was completely irrational. She wasn’t Hermione, and Lex wasn’t even her friend. And who cared that he was being so mean and nasty to her? “That could change. Sometimes people don’t see at first what’s right under their nose.”

Of course, sometimes they saw it and just didn’t want it.

Lex’s jaw was clenched and his knuckles were white on the steering wheel. “Sometimes,” he ground out, “Those people never see it. So it’s best that others just get over their stupid crushes and find someone who does see them. Who does want them.” He wouldn’t look at her. Stared at the road.

Oh, God. Was he talking about her? Did he think she had a stupid crush on him and was warning her off? She tried to remember the track their conversation had followed, but she couldn’t seem to think clearly enough.

How the hell had a conversation on Hermione and Harry turned so intense? And why did it make her want to cry?

“Well, it’s not Draco,” she said stubbornly. “He’s an asshole. And Hermione hates him.”

His eyes darted back over at her, and he seemed to have gotten over his inexplicable anger. His fingers had relaxed, and dry amusement was flickering once more in his eyes. “She’s just acting like she hates him to hide her real feelings.”

Chloe made an outraged noise in her throat and let that act as her response.

They sat in silence for the remainder of the trip to the library, occasionally glaring at each other.

When they arrived, Lex pulled the car into a deep shadow on the street and turned off the ignition. He turned to look at her. “You ready for this?”

Chloe took a deep breath. “Yep. Let’s go.” Unbuckling her seatbelt, she added wryly, “I can’t believe I’m breaking into the library with a Hermione/Draco shipper.”


TBC

[Kit Merlot]

This is awesome!

Chloe and Lex arguing over who Hermione should be with is a classic moment that I won't soon forget!

Malfoy is just a little too sniveling to be Lex, though--just my opinion, kids :D

But the Hermione/Chloe parallels? I'm digging it :grin3:

[musicsteph]

Ok- Zannie. You are keeping me sane today and off the spoiler websites :)

I expect the other two parts when I wake up from my nap (nap being taken to stay awake all night reading.)



Zanniesis

[BabDreamer]

Oh, so great!! Love how Lex got addicted to HP thanks to Chloe, lol...
The whole situation was just really funny!! And to have and update so soon! That great, thank you thank you thank you so much!!!
Can't wait for more!
And, why does Lex as a hermione/Draco shipper does not surprise me? LOL

[AlabamaWorley]

“I’m sure your taste in literature is somewhat limited, but I would have expected you to at least be culturally literate.”
*snickering*


But she did not feel giddy. Not even a little bit. There was absolutely no giddiness in her heart at all.
I actually believe her. If she's like me, she's moved past giddy into manic.


“Cool. Like what?” Chloe asked curiously, forgetting that they were supposed to be annoyed with each other and reaching over to take the gadget from Lex’s hands. Inspected it closely with a childish kind of glee.

He took it away from her and gazed at her with arrogant condescension. “That’s very expensive. Don’t break it.”

It's a sneakoscope, isn't it?!? I knew Lex could get his hands on anything!

Seriously, wouldn't that be a handy tool in Smallville? It would never be still...


Are you one of those people who is hoping for Harry to get together with someone?”

“Of course,” she said matter-of-factly. “Hermione.”

That's my girl!


Unbuckling her seatbelt, she added wryly, “I can’t believe I’m breaking into the library with a Hermione/Draco shipper.”

Yeah, me either. Subtle meanings aside... I just don't get that ship at all.

I have to say, I'm with your sister. This fic is the only thing keeping me from stewing clear out of my chair over the next *checks watch* 22 hours.

[lexchloe]

Hee hee Another excellent update. Thanks for providing us with something to tide us over until we get our hands on the new book. Love that Lex is now into Harry Potter because of Chloe. Also love how much work he's put into their little plan (gadgets and all, how very Alias of him!!! )


“Sorry,” she gasped, “But I can’t help it. I can’t believe there’s something that Lex Luthor can’t get his hands on.”

He exhaled sharply and gazed at her with sudden intensity. “You might be surprised by what I want that I can’t get my hands on.”

For some reason, that made Chloe blushed. Couldn’t allow herself to think about why it embarrassed her so.

Chloe he's so talking about you!!!! Loved the shipper argument, although I wish one of them was a Ron/Hermoine shipper!!! I do like the parallels between Lex and Draco and Chloe and Hermoine.


For some reason, Chloe felt like crying, although it was completely irrational. She wasn’t Hermione, and Lex wasn’t even her friend. And who cared that he was being so mean and nasty to her? “That could change. Sometimes people don’t see at first what’s right under their nose.”

Of course, sometimes they saw it and just didn’t want it.

Lex’s jaw was clenched and his knuckles were white on the steering wheel. “Sometimes,” he ground out, “Those people never see it. So it’s best that others just get over their stupid crushes and find someone who does see them. Who does want them.” He wouldn’t look at her. Stared at the road.


Arrrggghhh, I love and hate how Chloe and Lex say things to each other without actually saying what they want to say!!! Great update and can't wait for the next one.

[Nadia_]

Thhis made me so warm and fuzzy inside! And just could't stop laughing! When they started to talk about shippers I just had to stop reading until my gigling atack wore off...

Lex trying arguing with the publisher president's was too damn funny!

Whyyyy can't I break into a bookstore to steal o book as well?

Well, parallels or not I'm stil an HH shipper... I don't think even Chlex could change that, but I totally loved Lex supporting Draco! Besides I think Chloe is more like ginny...

[Krysia]

:) I loved the ending of this chapter. It was just so sweet. Can't wait for the actuall breaking in, I wonder what kind of obstacles will there be in their way. More? ;)

[zabu]

“Well, you can scoff all you want, after you read the books. But until then you can just keep your mouth shut.”
OMG it's just what I said to a friend yesterday cause he was all 'this is a commercial and only for kids thing '.


“I finished reading them,” Lex corrected, not meeting her eyes. As if he were almost embarrassed by the admission.
Hilarious Lex reading Harry Potter all night, a man of my heart.:rofl::rofl:

He shrugged. “If I start something, I finish it. I wanted to know why you were so crazy about this.” His lips twitched. “And now I do.”

Love the conversation about ship in the book. Don't want to blow the surprise but isn't Lex talking about somebody else than him for Chloe's crush?
:grin3:

“I can’t believe I’m breaking into the library with a Hermione/Draco shipper.”
Love this last one pretty funny. Update soon.:clapclap::clapclap:

[Zannie]

Part Three – Overcoming Obstacles


They waited until the street was empty and then walked quickly and silently to the front steps of the library.

Once there, Chloe watched for approaching vehicles while Lex used his handy electronic lock pick to easily unlock the door. No fancy security systems at the Smallville Public Library. In fact, Chloe could probably have gotten through this door with her little screw driver and pick.

But Lex’s way was much easier. And much quicker.

In less than a minute, they had entered the library and were standing on the other side of the closed door.

“That was disappointingly simple,” Chloe whispered, her voice barely a breath.

Lex shot a controlling look in her direction, forming his lips into a shape that silently shushed her.

Chloe rolled her eyes.

Holding a hand out, Lex took a few steps forward, scanning the large main room of the library and listening intently.

A few lights were on, and Chloe could see the familiar tables and stacks clearly. She’d spent many hours in the library during high school, and she’d always kind of liked the place.

It felt different now, though. Felt alien and somehow threatening. Her heart was beating rapidly, and she broken into a light, chilly sweat.

Unwilling to let Lex see that she was a little bit anxious about breaking into such a harmless building, Chloe stepped up beside him and peered around in the same way he was.

“No sign of the security guard?” she asked, mouthing the words, instead of really speaking them.

He shook his head and drew his brows together. Then walked over to the check-out desk, pulled something out of his pocket, reached over the desk, and put whatever he had in his hand under the other side of the desk.

Chloe gave him a questioning look, but he just shook his head again and gestured her down the hall to the right.

Sneering, Chloe moved quietly in the direction he had indicated. He wasn’t any fun at all. In fact, he was the worst sort of person to be on a mission with. He was bossy and demanding and hogged all the cool gadgets.

This was her idea, after all. She should at least be able to have a good time as she broke into the library.

Lex had followed her, and they walked side by side through the large room. Chloe started to feel a little better about the whole thing when Lex’s hand went out unconsciously and settled in the middle of her back.

But they both froze when they heard a noise from the end of the hall. A door opening and closing. Thinking quickly, Chloe grabbed Lex’s arm and pulled him into the reading niche to her left. It was a little alcove with an easy chair and a book spinner filled with paperback romance novels.

Pressing her back into the most unobtrusive corner of the niche, Chloe yanked on Lex until he was pressed into the corner with her.

She really was only intending to hide from the security guard, who even now was probably advancing down the hall. It was a perfectly logical thing to do. They had to get out of sight. She hadn’t wanted Lex’s body to press up against hers so snugly.

Who would have wanted that, after all?

Lex was looking down at her, a slightly confused expression on his face. His hard, warm body connected with hers from thigh to chest. Chloe’s breathing quickened, and she had a sudden hot flash. Kept her hands on Lex’s sides and tried very hard not to squeeze.

“If you wanted to get your hands on my body,” Lex breathed into her ear obnoxiously. “All you had to do was ask.”

She frowned and tried not to look embarrassed. Pretended she was completely unaffected by having Lex Luthor’s chest and pelvis rubbing against hers. “I’m trying to hide,” she whispered, stifling her next comment as she heard heavy footsteps in the hall. Coming in their direction.

She hadn’t realized it was possible, but Lex got even closer. Pushed her back into the corner so that her breasts were smushed up against his chest.

They weren’t very well hidden. They were as out of the way as they could get, but, if the guard turned his head, he would certainly see them there.

As the guard passed by their corner, she tried to peek over Lex’s shoulder, but he shouldered her face back, so that instead she got a mouthful of his shirt.

What followed was purely an accident. She certainly hadn’t intended to bite him. It was reflex—her mouth was against his shoulder, and she just closed her mouth.

It happened that she closed her mouth down around the hard flesh of Lex's shoulder.

Lex stifled a grunt and jerked away from her, staring at her like she was some sort of demon.

“Sorry,” she whispered, scowling at him. He didn’t have to act like she was some sort of Gorgon making advances on his innocent body. “You’re the one who stuck your shoulder in my mouth.”

He opened his mouth to object, taking another step back from her. Unfortunately, he stepped right back into the book spinner.

It was an old one and rather wobbly. It fell backwards. Off-balance, Lex fell with it.

Chloe jumped and covered her mouth with one hand as she heard the clatter of the spinner and then all the paperbacks tumbled onto the floor in a messy heap. Was aghast to see Lex had ended up in the same heap as the spinner and the books.

“Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck,” he muttered furiously. Lex first looked startled, then like he wanted to hit something, then like he wanted to hit her. But he recovered quickly. Gained his feet and glared down at the chaos on the floor behind him.

Then they heard a voice from a short distance away. “Who’s there?”

Chloe turned to run, but Lex reached into his pocket. Pulled out something that looked like a button trigger and pressed down on it.

She suddenly heard the sound of very loud voices coming from the other side of the building.

“What . . .” she began softly.

Shaking his head, he grabbed her hand and dragged her down the hall toward the stairwell.

She heard the guard’s voice again. “Who’s there? Security. Show yourselves.” But his voice faded as he spoke, as if he were getting farther away from them.

He must be running in the direction of the voices.

Lex’s diversion—whatever it was—worked, and they made it without further incident to the locked door leading to the stairs. Pulling out another little gadget, Lex quickly unlocked this door as well, and they ran through it. Lex pushed it closed behind them.

They stood panting for a minute on the landing of the stairs, staring at each other.

“What was that noise?” she asked, tempted to peek back down the hall to see what was happening.

Lex pushed her toward the stairs as if he’d anticipated her whim. “You saw me plant it behind the front desk when we arrived. I told you I had a few things planned in case of emergency.”

“An emergency like knocking down a twirly shelf of romance novels?” Chloe asked sweetly, trying to keep up with Lex as he flew down the two flights of steps.

“That was your fault,” Lex insisted. “You’re the one who brutally bit me.”

“I didn’t bite you,” Chloe argued, although she was unpleasantly aware that she had. “I mean, it was an accident. My mouth happened to be open and you stuck your shoulder in it.”

He rolled his eyes and shook his head. Pulled her down the dim hallway.

The basement level felt even stranger than the ground level. Down here there were mostly closed off rooms for storage and offices. Chloe never doubted that Lex knew where he was going though, so she put up no fight as he led her to the end of the hall.

Lex tried the last door in the hallway. It was locked, as they’d expected. This wasn't an old-fashioned lock, however. It didn't take a key. There was a touchpad on the side of the door, and they obviously needed a code to enter.

"You said they installed a lock and only the head librarian had a key," Chloe grumbled. "We need a code for this; not a key."

Lex gave her an exasperated look. "The information I received was evidently faulty. Or plans changed. Anyway, I told you I came prepared. I have another device that will take care of this."

Chloe gave a little jerk of surprise, but she gazed at Lex in surprised admiration. Count on Lex to come prepared for all eventualities.

He noticed her staring at him and looked unexpectedly self-conscious. Then reached into his pocket—which seemed to be filled with all kinds of good stuff—but frowned as he pulled an empty hand out. His forehead wrinkling, he stuck his hand in his other pocket. Pulled out the button trigger and his handy little high-tech lock pick. But nothing else.

“What did you do with it?” Chloe whispered.

He made a face and closed his eyes. “I guess it fell out when you pushed me into that book shelf.”

She gave an indignant gasp. “I did not push you into the shelf. You were the one clumsy enough to fall backwards into it.”

“Quiet,” he said coldly, looking back down the hall. “I have to think.”

Furious at being treated so rudely, just when she'd been having mushy thoughts about him, Chloe slapped him on the chest. “Bastard. I’m not one of your domestics. I won’t let you treat me like that.”

He quirked his lips. “Sorry. Habit.” Then he glanced back toward the stairs distractedly. “Stay here. I’ll find the gadget and come back.”

She shook her head. “I’m not going to let you have all the fun without me. I’ll go with you.”

He didn’t bother to argue. Just started walking back toward the stairs. They ascended them again and Chloe stuck her head out the cracked door to peer down the hallway. When she listened closely, she could hear a voice from near the front entrance.

The guard must be talking on the phone.

She nodded to tell Lex it was all clear, and they hurried back to the little alcove and retrieved Lex’s little gadget.

They found it inside a paperback book that had fallen open. Lex picked up both the book and the device, and, as he stuck the gadget in his pocket, he unconsciously scanned the open pages of the book.

His eyes widened, and he shifted his eyes up to stare at her. “Someone’s loins are on fire and someone else’s womanhood is flowing copiously,” he drawled, almost inaudibly.

Chloe had read many bodice rippers in her life and many, many smutty stories on the internet. But for some reason she blushed when she heard Lex say that out loud. “Try to concentrate,” she demanded softly, “You can check that book out tomorrow and read the whole thing.”

He gave her what was becoming a very familiar sneer and turned back toward the stairs.

Soon, they’d gotten back downstairs and were again standing in front of the door that housed the answer to Chloe's Harry Potter prayers.

The funny thing was she hadn’t even thought about Harry Potter since they’d gotten into the library. She’d thought a little about how strange it was to be breaking into such a respectable establishment. Thought a little about what might happen if they got caught.

But had mostly just thought about Lex.

Pretty soon, she was going to have to admit a few things to herself about how important Lex was to her. But what was the point of even admitting her feelings when nothing could ever come of them?

Honesty was all well and good—but when the truth would only end up hurting you, sometimes it was better to pretend the truth wasn’t true.

And the truth here wouldn't just hurt her. It might actually break her heart.

Lex was giving her a strange look. “What’s the matter?” he asked, putting one hand on her shoulder.

She tried to shrug him off. “Nothing,” she replied. “Now, hurry up. We’ve almost accomplished our mission.”

Lex didn’t seem concerned about their mission. He was staring at her intently, as if he were trying to read her expression. “You look like you’re about to cry.” He lifted her chin with his other hand. “Chloe, tell me what’s wrong.”

She shook her head fiercely and felt stupid as her eyes started to burn. She hadn’t been going to cry—she hadn’t—but Lex was acting so concerned and possessive that she felt emotion rising in her throat. “Nothing. I’m excited about the book.” She turned to look at the closed door so she wouldn’t have to look at Lex’s handsome, intense face. “I’ll have it in another minute.”

And in another minute this would be over. This silly adventure with Lex.

Then they’d go back to how things were. Ignoring each other. Acting like the other didn’t exist.

Which was just how it should be.

Who cared if it made her want to cry?

“Chloe?” Lex insisted, his thumb rubbing just under her left eye, where a tiny little tear had beaded up. “Tell me what the hell is wrong with you, or I’m never going to open that door.”

She stuck out her chin. Tried to speak, but found herself too choked up to get any words out. For one horrifying moment, she thought she might start sobbing. Might begin to weep gustily into Lex’s expensive black shirt.

She could only imagine how he would react to that.

There was no way of knowing which of them would have been more stubborn. And they weren’t ever going to find out. Because just at that moment they heard a door open and shut.

And then a slow, heavy tread moving down the stairs.

They didn't have time to use Lex's device on the locked door at the end of the hall. Sucking in her breath, Chloe flew to the right side, trying every door she could reach to see if they would open. None of them did.

Lex had checked the left side, and none of those doors were unlocked either.

They were stuck. Trapped. And the guard was almost down the stairs.

Reacting quickly, Lex sank onto the floor and pulled Chloe over him. She had no idea what was happening, and, before she realized it, she found herself straddling Lex’s lap.

“What . . .” she began hoarsely, her hands instinctively settling on his shoulders and her thighs tightening around his lean hips.

“Time for the tried and true fake out. Sometimes cliches are the best option. Kiss me,” Lex demanded, a strange, hot look in his eyes.

Her jaw dropped open.

Then they heard footsteps nearing their position. “Damn it, Chloe, it’s not for real. Kiss me. You don't have to like it. Pretend your womanhood is flowing copiously.”

Still rather dazed, she leaned toward his face. And her mouth found his without any trouble.

She wasn’t sure what she had expected from a fake kiss with Lex Luthor as they sat together on the floor in a library they were attempting to burgle.

But the kiss was very, very good.

Her hands moved from his shoulders to the back of his neck, and her mouth pressed against his with tender urgency. His tongue darted out to flick across her lips, and she instinctively opened for him. Then felt his tongue in her mouth—fluttering against her teeth, her tongue, the roof of her mouth.

It felt so amazing that she heard herself give a throaty hum. Wondered how such a sexy sound had come from her own throat. She rubbed her breasts against his hard chest, felt her nipples chaff against his body. Hummed a little more.

Lex made a noise in response. It wasn’t really a hum. More like a groan. But it was even more erotic than the sound she had made. His hands slid from her back to her butt, and he pressed her hips against him with another groan.

Chloe had never felt like this in her life. She was washed with waves of heat, of excitement, of tenderness, of possessiveness, of tingling arousal. Of fear.

This wasn’t right. They didn’t even really like each other. She shouldn’t be enjoying this fake kiss so much.

But she had started rocking into him with a hot, primal rhythm when a rough voice broke through their deep embrace. “Hey! What the hell are you kids doing here?”

Lex pulled away abruptly, and Chloe did her best to act like she’d been surprised in the middle of a passionate makeout session.

She thought she did a pretty good job of it. Her face was flushed, she was trembling, she wasn’t at all happy to see the security guard, she was clinging desperately to Lex, and she wanted to kiss him again.

Not to mention she had the sneaking suspicion that her womanhood might be flowing copiously . . . just a little.

“Damn it,” Lex muttered, loud enough for the guard to hear. Lex looked bad-tempered and as if he’d been interrupted in the heat of passion.

“Mr. Luthor?” the guard asked in shock, shining a flash light onto Lex’s face.

Lex blinked. “Turn that damn thing off.”

The guard automatically turned the flashlight off. “This is private property,” he said, attempting to look authoritative. “What are you two doing here?”

Lex gave the man an impatient look. “What does it look like we’re doing? And we were doing a pretty good job of it before you interrupted.”

Chloe flushed even more deeply at how true Lex’s words were.

“But why . . . surely you have other places . . .” The guard’s voice trailed off, clearly confused about how to approach this topic with one of the most important men in town.

Lex gave an exaggerated sigh and rolled his eyes. “Don’t I know it? But what can I say? It was her turn to choose the location.” He gestured at Chloe with his head. “And she has this crazy obsession with books.” Shrugging, he added—in a tone that was clearly supposed to be 'man to man', “Wanted to do it in a library. Books make her hot.”

“Hey,” Chloe said indignantly, not having to fake any of her indignation.

Giving her a quick kiss on the side of the mouth, Lex said in a very convincing, affectionate voice, “Sorry, honey. But they do, don’t they?”

She shot Lex a covert glare, but played along, glancing sheepishly at the guard. “Please don’t get him in trouble. It’s my fault, really.”

The guard looked more amused than anything else. He appeared to be one of those old-fashioned guys who were perfectly willing to believe that pleasing a woman would invariably inconvenience a man. “I guess I can let it slide. But I’m afraid I can’t let you stay down here.”

Lex nodded. “Perfectly understandable.” He shifted beneath Chloe, as if he was considering getting up.

And that’s when Chloe realized it.

Their kiss might have been fake. But the way her body had reacted certainly hadn’t been. And, as Lex moved underneath her, she began to recognize that her body hadn’t been the only one to react.

She felt something unusually hard through the fabric of their clothes. She rubbed against it to verify what she had felt. Gave a little gasp of surprise and gratification.

It had never occurred to her before that she might not be the only one who had enjoyed the kiss.

But now she had evidence. And learned with a wave of sudden joy that Lex was aroused. Really aroused. By her. By Chloe Sullivan.

As crazy as it might sound, Lex’s loins might actually be on fire.


TBC

[Nadia_]

This on of the only things keeping me sane today!

If I was to quote every funny part I would be here for a veeeery long time!

And, man that kiss *cough*fake my a--*cough* was hot!

So I guess Chloe won't get her book! I feel sorry for her... But I think that if I had Lex Luthor kissing me I wouldn't really be thinking about Harry Potter... much.

Is the end coming today? *hopefull grin*

[BabDreamer]

Oh My God!!!! I'm grinning like crazy in front of my computer!!! I'm checking the thread every ten minutes for new posts lol...
This story is definitely worth it! Loved the whole chapter, and the end even more!!! Loved this:


“Time for the tried and true fake out. Sometimes cliches are the best option. Kiss me,” Lex demanded, a strange, hot look in his eyes.

Her jaw dropped open.

And this :


Lex nodded. “Perfectly understandable.” He shifted beneath Chloe, as if he was considering getting up.

And that’s when Chloe realized it.

Their kiss might have been fake. But the way her body had reacted certainly hadn’t been. And, as Lex moved underneath her, she began to recognize that her body hadn’t been the only one to react.

She felt something unusually hard through the fabric of their clothes. She rubbed against it to verify what she had felt. Gave a little gasp of surprise and gratification.

It had never occurred to her before that she might not be the only one who had enjoyed the kiss.

But now she had evidence. And learned with a wave of sudden joy that Lex was aroused. Really aroused. By her. By Chloe Sullivan.

As crazy as it might sound, Lex’s loins might actually be on fire.


Eagerly and impatiently waiting for the next part,
Claire.

[AlabamaWorley]

He was bossy and demanding and hogged all the cool gadgets.

Well damn him! But really, that's what she gets for hanging out with a Hermione/Draco shipper...


Chloe turned to run, but Lex reached into his pocket. Pulled out something that looked like a button trigger and pressed down on it.

She suddenly heard the sound of very loud voices coming from the other side of the building.

Cool, a device that gives you Obi-Wan powers!


His eyes widened, and he shifted his eyes up to stare at her. “Someone’s loins are on fire and someone else’s womanhood is flowing copiously,” he drawled, almost inaudibly.

Dammit, Zannie, there are people in here! Do you KNOW how hard it is to cover up a snort like that?


“Damn it, Chloe, it’s not for real. Kiss me. You don't have to like it. Pretend your womanhood is flowing copiously.”

Yeah, just pretend...


Not to mention she had the sneaking suspicion that her womanhood might be flowing copiously . . . just a little.

Oh, the comments I'm stifling.


As crazy as it might sound, Lex’s loins might actually be on fire.

Oh dear... I hear they make a cream for that... *giggles* Sorry, one slipped out.

Excellent!

[lexchloe]

Three chapters in one day!!!!! :D :D So far I'm loving this mission. Being pressed upa against each other, 'fake' kissing, there is no bad here.


Sneering, Chloe moved quietly in the direction he had indicated. He wasn’t any fun at all. In fact, he was the worst sort of person to be on a mission with. He was bossy and demanding and hogged all the cool gadgets.

This was her idea, after all. She should at least be able to have a good time as she broke into the library.

hee hee, bad Lex not letting Chloe use any of the cool gadgets.


What followed was purely an accident. She certainly hadn’t intended to bite him. It was reflex—her mouth was against his shoulder, and she just closed her mouth.

It happened that she closed her mouth down around the hard flesh of Lex's shoulder.

Ha!! Knew he looked good enough to eat. :D



She wasn’t sure what she had expected from a fake kiss with Lex Luthor as they sat together on the floor in a library they were attempting to burgle.

But the kiss was very, very good.

Her hands moved from his shoulders to the back of his neck, and her mouth pressed against his with tender urgency. His tongue darted out to flick across her lips, and she instinctively opened for him. Then felt his tongue in her mouth—fluttering against her teeth, her tongue, the roof of her mouth.

It felt so amazing that she heard herself give a throaty hum. Wondered how such a sexy sound had come from her own throat. She rubbed her breasts against his hard chest, felt her nipples chaff against his body. Hummed a little more.

Lex made a noise in response. It wasn’t really a hum. More like a groan. But it was even more erotic than the sound she had made. His hands slid from her back to her butt, and he pressed her hips against him with another groan.

Chloe had never felt like this in her life. She was washed with waves of heat, of excitement, of tenderness, of possessiveness, of tingling arousal. Of fear.

This wasn’t right. They didn’t even really like each other. She shouldn’t be enjoying this fake kiss so much.

But she had started rocking into him with a hot, primal rhythm when a rough voice broke through their deep embrace.


As 'fake' kisses go that one was all kinds of hot. Glad to see they both enjoyed it. Now that they've been caught does this mean the mission has failed? Can't wait for more.

[AlabamaWorley]

Zannie, you are killing me here. *sigh* I guess I'll check back in the morning while I'm waiting for the library to open.

And yes, I realize you posted three chapters already. But you know I'm a greedy wench!

[star del mar]

Ok so I’ve never read the Harry Potter books, not because I didn’t want to but I’m always in school so reading for leisure isn’t something I usually have time for and when I do I’m here! Reading all the amazing stories. I have seen the movies though. Anyways, this is great, the fact that Lex is actually willing to go along with such a crazy scheme and really get into it is great. They’re going to jack a Harry Potter book, lol, that’s awesome. But they still don’t have the book and Lex is all hot and bothered…what a mess. I can’t wait to see what else happens! Update again soon!

Steph*

[Augustine86]

His eyes widened, and he shifted his eyes up to stare at her. “Someone’s loins are on fire and someone else’s womanhood is flowing copiously,” he drawled, almost inaudibly.



“Damn it, Chloe, it’s not for real. Kiss me. You don't have to like it. Pretend your womanhood is flowing copiously.”


Those are the two most hilarious lines I've read in quite a while... Thank you for the laughs and keep writing!

[sylvia]

Oh, I do so love your crazy humour pieces! And while I'm not into HP 'ships (other than maybe Sirius/Remus and the like), I really loved the argument they had in the car, and Lex's grumpiness when Chloe pronounced that a brave, intelligent girl could never love a morally ambiguous rich-boy with an evil father. I just love grumpy!insecure!Lex. Please make Chloe cuddle him properly by the end of this story.

Update soon!

[Zannie]

Part Four – Achievement


Chloe wasn’t quite sure what to do about the fact that Lex was hard. She was tempted to stare down at his crotch or to rub up against it some more.

But ultimately decided against it. The guard was still looming over them, and Lex was making some effort to get up off of the floor. Chloe, however, was still on top of him, which was making his attempts unsuccessful.

She gazed at his attractive face, which was covered with a light sheen of perspiration. He still smelled as good as ever, and Chloe was aware of both a tingling between her legs and a tingling in the vicinity of her heart.

Neither of which was particularly convenient at the moment.

Before she got to her feet, she couldn’t help but brush up against him one more time—just to verify that what she’d thought she'd felt was actually what she felt. It was almost surreal, the idea that Lex was actually physically affected by her. She couldn’t quite wrap her mind around it yet.

Apparently, this was one too many times she’d felt Lex up. When she discreetly rubbed against him, he grabbed her by the hips and hefted her bodily off of his lap. “We’ll just have to find some other place, love,” he said easily, draping an arm around her after they'd both risen and smiling with casual friendliness at the guard.

Chloe noticed, however, that Lex’s free hand was in his pocket. That incongruity made her curious, so she watched while he pulled his hand out, bringing something out with it.

Her lips parted in fascination as Lex clasped a little canister in his fist and then neatly sprayed its contents into the face of the unsuspecting guard.

The guard blinked a few times, coughed once, and then folded over like a dropped marionette.

“What did you do?” Chloe asked breathlessly, staring at the prostrate body of the guard.

Lex shrugged. “I told you--I came prepared. He’ll be unconscious for about fifteen minutes, leaving us plenty of time to get the book and get out of here.” He scanned her from top to bottom. “You all right?”

For a moment, Chloe couldn’t think of why she wouldn’t be all right. And then she remembered something that Lex might have thought would unsettle her. She couldn’t help but dart her eyes down to the front of his pants.

Still bulging.

She raised her gaze to his face and tilted her head. She felt hot and confused, but she managed to inquire lightly, “Is there something you want to tell me about that?”

He narrowed his eyes. “What would I have to tell you?” His expression was once again distant and detached. “Involuntary physical reaction.”

The words felt like a kick to the stomach, and Chloe would have dropped the subject and done her best to never think of it again. But she noticed a momentary flicker in his eyes—something that looked almost like guilt.

For some reason, it gave her hope. Made her stubborn. Caused her to ask, “Are you sure? I understand that those things happen." She gestured vaguely in the direction of his crotch. "But didn’t it happen kind of quickly? I mean, all we did was kiss a little bit. And it was just fake.”

Something unpleasantly cold entered Lex’s face. “Yes, I realize that there wasn’t anything genuine in the kiss. It’s just a fluke, and it will go away. Nothing to worry about.”

“Are you sure?” Chloe asked again, every piece of her common sense telling her to shut up while she was ahead, but something deeper, something desperate, driving her onward. “It would have happened with any other woman? You don’t have the hots for me or something, do you?” She watched his tense body and face carefully. Noticed how he kept trying to avoid her eyes. “Do you?”

At her question, he met her eyes evenly, but nothing was revealed in the shuttered, blue-gray gaze. “Of course not. I don’t have the hots for you.” He turned toward the locked door that held the prize—two copies of the new Harry Potter novel. Then sighed. Insisted, “Or any other woman.”

Chloe inhaled a harsh, painful gasp. Felt momentarily dizzy, like all the blood had drained out of her brain. Her hands were trembling, so she clasped them together tightly. Stared at Lex like she’d never seen him before. “Oh,” she gurgled, trying desperately to keep it together. “I see.” She blinked back a few automatic tears at how stupid she’d been. How blind she’d been.

She’d thought she had a better sense about these kinds of things.

And yet she had done it—hopelessly fallen for a man who was hopelessly unavailable.

How had she not known this before?

Lex’s brows had come down, and he looked decidedly confused. “What happened? What’s the matter now?”

“Nothing,” she choked, wishing her voice sounded closer to normal. “Everything’s fine. I just didn’t know. So it was a little bit surprising. Let’s just get the book and get out of here.”

She tried to brush past him so she could step closer to the locked door, but Lex grabbed her shoulder and twirled her around. Took her upper arms firmly in his strong hands and peered into her face. “Chloe?”

She twisted her features in her attempt to remain composed. She wanted to cry. Was very close to doing so. It wasn’t just that Lex wasn’t interested in her—it was that he wasn’t interested in her gender.

She should have figured it out earlier. Not that there were any warning signs. He didn’t give off those kinds of vibes, and there were all those affairs with women . . .

It didn’t matter. None of it mattered. Lex wasn’t really any farther away now than he’d ever been before. And maybe this was actually better. Now she knew she’d never had a chance, and it wasn’t just that he didn’t like her personally.

This sensible conclusion should have comforted her, but she had to squeeze her eyes shut to keep the tears in.

When she opened them at last, Lex looked absolutely baffled. “Chloe? This is ridiculous. This is the third time this evening that I’ve somehow made you cry. If you don’t tell me why, then I can never stop doing so.”

She shrugged awkwardly. “It’s not your fault. It’s just . . . hormones. That time of the month.”

This usually was an effective way to shut any guy up, but Lex refused to be stifled. Scowling, he took her face in his hands. “Chloe, what did you mean just now when you said you hadn't known?”

Chloe blinked and tried to think clearly enough to remember that part of the conversation. “I just meant that I didn’t know . . . your interests aren't directed toward women.”

“What?” Lex gasped indignantly. “What?” His hands tightened on her face, until he was holding it in almost a vice.

She felt kind of stupid having her face squeezed by Lex, but she managed to answer matter-of-factly, “I didn’t realize before that you were gay.”

His hands dropped abruptly to his side. “I’m gay? You think I’m gay? Why the hell do you think I’m gay?”

Bewildered and disoriented, Chloe reached out and instinctively held onto Lex’s shirt. “You just told me you were.”

“I certainly did not. Where did you get such a ridiculous idea?” He looked outraged at first, and then somehow enlightened. Almost excited really. He turned to her urgently and demanded, “How long have you thought I was gay?”

He looked so intense that she actually took a step backward. “For about one minute. Since you just said you would never have the hots for any woman.”

He grunted. “Nonsense. That's not what I said. And I just said it so you wouldn’t think I was interested in anyone else . . .” He cut himself off. Changed topics abruptly, “So you never thought I was gay before?”

“No,” she said, shaking her head in bewilderment. “Of course not. It never even occurred to me.”

“Oh.”

The world made absolutely no sense. Lex actually looked disappointed.

Suddenly, Chloe just wanted to escape. Get out of here and read her Harry Potter book. “Can we just get the book and go? This isn’t turning out to be as fun as I had hoped.”

Lex was staring at the floor, as if he were rehearsing a large amount of information in his mind. His forehead wrinkled as he reflected for what seemed an endless stretch of time. Until he looked up. Took a step closer to her. “Why were you so upset when you thought I was gay?

Chloe took a step backward, until her back was pressed up against the wall. “I wasn’t,” she lied, flattening her palms against the smooth wall at her sides. “You were imagining things.”

Lex was making her nervous. He took another step closer to her, until he was less than an inch away. And he didn’t look baffled, upset, or angry anymore. He looked confident. Looked knowing. Looked pleased. “I wasn’t imagining it,” he said smoothly, leaning forward until his chest was once more pressed up against hers. “You were about to cry. And the only thing that could have caused it was the mistaken idea that I’m gay.” He pushed into her, his mouth so close that she could feel his warm breath against her skin. ‘I’m not gay, Chloe. So tell me why you were so upset.”

She opened her mouth, but only a squeak came out. She was sweating, and trembling, and she couldn’t feel her fingers. His hot gaze was mesmerizing, and his lips . . . his lips . . .

She tried to speak again. Failed again. Couldn’t come up with any sort of convincing lie.

Wished she could tell him how much she wanted him, how much she cared for him, how much she wanted him to care for her.

It was what he was asking her to tell him. She knew it instinctively. It seemed so easy to just speak the truth. If only it could be as simple as telling him how she felt.

“Chloe,” Lex murmured huskily, his fingers tangling in her hair. “Why would it matter to you if I were gay?”

“It wouldn’t,” she said weakly. Another lie. An obvious one. Her whole body was melting with his: her hands flat on his chest, her pelvis tilting into him, her back arching to push her breasts against him, her chin lifting to offer him her lips.

He didn’t take them. But brought his mouth so close that, if she’d stuck out her tongue, she could have licked his lips. “We’ve been going in circles for the last year and a half,” Lex breathed, something so deep and fond in his eyes that she couldn't breathe while she looked at it. “But I think I finally figured it out.”

“What?” she croaked, her knees starting to buckle a little as one of his hands slid down to trace the curve of her ass.

“First tell me why you were so upset.” He nudged her hips closer, and she could feel how hard he still was against her middle.

She opened her mouth. Was about to tell him. Tell him everything. Spill out her feelings for the first time, even to herself.

But then she realized what was happening, what Lex was trying to do. Her back stiffened, and instead of clinging to him, she pushed him away from her. “No. I’m here for Harry Potter, not to give you a free ego boost.”

He grunted like she had struck him. “An ego boost?” he snarled, glowering at her. “Is that what you think I’m after?”

“Well, you apparently want me to tell you how irresistible you are,” Chloe said grouchily, shaking herself off to dispel what she could of the lingering arousal. “You aren’t irresistible. I can resist you just fine.” She smacked the locked door with the palm of her hand. “Now, Harry—Harry’s irresistible.”

Lex opened his mouth in speechless annoyance. “Harry is a stupid book,” he exclaimed. “I’m talking about real life. I’m talking about us.”

“It’s not a stupid book,” she countered, punching him in the shoulder. “There is no us. There’s you. And there’s me. And I’m not going to tell you how I feel about . . .” She cut herself off, having unthinkingly just voiced what she’d been determined not to say first. Desperate, she concluded, “ . . . about Harry.”

Lex looked angry for a minute, but then an affectionate smile broke over his face. He pushed her back into the wall, but this time his arms went all the way around her. And he wasn’t so much leaning into her as holding her. “Tell me how you feel about Harry,” he murmured, his lips nibbling a delicious line across the side of her jaw.

“No,” she objected breathlessly, her hands involuntarily slipping up to stroke his smooth head. “I don’t know how Harry feels about me.”

He thrust his pelvis out and rubbed the hard bulge against her belly. “Don’t you?”

She gulped. “Well, you said that was just physical. Physical responses don't have to mean anything. I want . . . I would expect more than that from Harry.”

He edged his head around until he was tugging on her earlobe. Then he flicked his tongue into her ear, making Chloe squeal a little at the shiver that ran up her spine. “Harry likes you a lot,” he whispered.

She thought she might ooze away as one of his hands squeezed in between their bodies to palm her breast. She was making little whimpers and moans, but she formed a few complete words. “Harry likes a lot of people.”

Lex caught her lower lip between his teeth. Pulled on it gently, deliciously. “He’s crazy about you,” he admitted, gasping sharply when she ground herself against his arousal.

“Is he?” she asked in a pitiful voice, gazing up at Lex and wondering if the world could offer such miracles.

He captured her lips wholly. Stroked them with his tongue. “He’s totally gone,” Lex replied, his voice muffled by her mouth. “Been hopelessly besotted with you for at least a year.”

“Then why ignore me and act so mean?” She couldn’t let herself relax completely yet. Couldn’t let herself accept that her dreams could come true this easily. But she was embracing him now. Pressing little kisses into his neck. Trying to suck on his throbbing pulse.

“Because Harry’s an idiot,” Lex said thickly, developing a rhythm between their bodies as they instinctively rocked together. “Oh, God, Chloe,” he groaned as she writhed against him. “Chloe, now please tell me how you feel.”

It should be pretty obvious, since Chloe was a boneless, melting pile of lust and tenderness. But since he’d spoken first—sort of—she supposed it was her turn now. She cupped his face. Locked gazes with him. Said hoarsely, “I’m crazy about Harry too.”

His face transformed—as if he’d just witnessed a miracle—and he kissed her again with a helpless moan. This time it was deeper, more intense, more erotic. After a minute, Chloe was afraid she would have fallen over, if she weren’t pinned between Lex’s body and the wall.

Finally, she tore her mouth away. Panted, “Lex, we should stop.”

He was devouring her throat with little nibbles and kisses. “Why?”

“Because in a few minutes the guard will wake up,” she explained, amazed that her brain was still functioning. “And we still don’t have the books.”

“Right,” he muttered, shaking his head roughly. “Harry Potter first. And then more of . . . us.” He brushed a hand down her butt to emphasize his point.

Pulling out his little gadget, Lex efficiently connected it with the keypad. Chloe watched as it whirled and blinked until its display showed a line of numbers. Lex punched the numbers into the touchpad, and Chloe swung open the door as it unlocked.

She looked up at Lex before she entered the room. “Is this for real?” she asked, her heart hammering and emotion swelling up and overflowing in her chest.

“Finally getting to the books, or the other thing?” His eyes were warm and tender, and Chloe never wanted to see anyone else looking at her like that.

“The other thing,” she replied, reaching up to caress his cheek. Amazed she was allowed to do so. “Us. Are we for real?”

His lips turned up into a broad smile. “It’s the most real thing in my life.”

She would have kissed him again—actually leaned into him—but the sight of the shelf in the far corner of the room distracted her.

On the shelf was a book. A brand new, shining, green, just released Harry Potter book—with Harry and Dumbledore on the cover.

She gave a little squeal and ran over to it. Lex was beside her, caught up in the excitement of an impending victory.

Then they both noticed it at once.

There was only one book.

Meeting each other’s eyes, they turned in unison to start ransacking the rest of the room. But it was a small room, furnished only with a few mostly empty bookshelves.

The second book wasn’t there.

Chloe looked at the book. Looked at Lex. Reflected.

She cared about him so much. Had adored him for more than a year. Didn’t even think about any other men.

Was well on her way to being in love with him.

But this was Harry Potter they were talking about. One book. Two people. Both of them expecting to walk away with a copy of the novel.

She could see something similar pass over Lex’s face as he did the same faulty equation in his mind.

They had an endless stretch of time to spend together. Weeks, months, years. They had time to be a couple. Work out this thing between them. Be with each other in every possible way.

But tonight—tonight was Harry Potter’s night.

And Chloe was going to read that book first.

They both ended up back in front of the book shelf. Their eyes met in the dim light.

Then, at exactly the same time, they both reach out for Harry Potter.


TBC

[BabDreamer]

That was great, thank you!
I wish you a good reading! Unfortunately some of us won't be able to buy/read the book before a few days:(
By the way, I have to ask, will there be any spoilers of HP in the epilogue? I'd hate to have to wait to read the book before reading the epilogue...

[fussy_wuzzy]

This story is soooo cute! Now I can't wait to get my copy of the book.

[lexchloe]

Finally they just said it instead of skirting round the issue!!! Love how they got all muddled up and she thought he was gay. (hee) Also love how they finally told eachother how they felt (way to go Harry :D ). Happy reading and can't wait for the epilogue.

[arkakitty]

Ohhh this is soo great :)
And my copy is coming soon xD

[AlwaysPretending]

LMAO I totally loved this - and having just finished reading HBP myself, I can definitely relate to their desperation!

But I loved the confession of their feelings, and how they used Harry as a cataylst. Pure Lex and Chloe goodness!

I really hope that you have the epilogue posted soon because I'd love to read it before I go away tomorrow night - I don't think that I can wait an entire week!!

Now I'm off to catch up on your other fics that I've missed due to work!

Kerry

[Kit Merlot]

Zannie, excellent story!

Can't wait for the epilogue--but first, enjoy the new book :D

[AlabamaWorley]

Poor Chloe, I know how it feels to find out that the guy you dig is gay. Lucky for her, it was a mistake. Nice little romance in the hall! I liked the Harry buffer.

*snickers* I'm looking forward to the epilogue. I hope Chloe made it out with the book... Then again, maybe they could read aloud by the fire or something sweet like that.

Nah. I hope Chloe got the book.

Off to the shower - library opens in 45 minutes, woo-hoo!! HBP, here I come!

[vardaquareien]

You know, I think having read the book before I found this actually made this even funnier if that's possible. Oh Zannie I love you! This was hilarious, the whole premise...*shakes head with mirthful chuckles* ...and the James Bond *snickers* ...and the shipper wars! *full on belly laugh* ...and the 'fake' kiss *drools* ...and one book was seriously the Piece de resistence! I now have a picture of the two of them cuddled up naked in bed reading the book together and fighting about when they can turn the pages!

*seriously put out that Lex can read 5 HP books in one day when I can only manage one*

[hfce]

Great ending but I want to know who got the book. ;)


Hope :)

[star del mar]

“So you never thought I was gay before?”

The world made absolutely no sense. Lex actually looked disappointed.


Oh no! For some reason I just found that passage really sad. Lex was so excited at the prospect of Chloe just not pursuing him because she thought he was gay. Poor guy. I'm glad that he was the one to let Chloe know how he felt about her first...especially after being so mean! This was such a great fic!! Not only was there library espionage but Chloe and Lex touched and rubbed a little and they got together...not bad, now I can't wait for the epilogue. I can only begin to imagine the war over who gets (or got) the book first. Great job as usual Zannie.

Steph*

[sylvia]

Loved it! All the confusion and unexpectedness, and the sense of fun surrounding their crazy exploits (and by the way, has Lex considered what's going to happen when the friendly security guard wakes up the next day and remembers that Lex Luthor sprayed him with a knock-'em-outing can of... whatever that was? or am I just being a spoilsport?) was just wonderful. Though I'm a bit disturbed that they carried out their Conversation of Mutual Epiphany, Reassurance and Delight with both of them equating Lex to Harry Potter. I think I have trouble seeing my suave, sexy billionaire as a skinny teenage angst-machine with round black glasses and knobbly knees. ;)

Update soon with the epilogue!

[arkakitty]

Ok, I finished my book, I'm really not happy now, so when is the epilogue here?

[Blackberry]

kyahhahahaha!! that is so funny!! I love the way you made those two! pwhahaha! can't wait for the epilogue :)

[Dianora]

:rofl: almost missed this one. really funny and romantic, loved all the spy stuff and arguing over ships. i love harry potter and wanted to break into the bookstore to get my book a few days ago. can't wait for the epilogue. :grin3:

[meeaz]

aw that was so cute! i loved it-can't wait till the epilogue! more soon, please!

[Nadia_]

That was just so dsmn cute! The whole thing! I've been all mushy and happy over it,then I read this! I think I might get sick with all the sweetness!

Enjoy your book, and then come back here to post the epilogue!

[starbright25]

I loved this fic...I can't wait for the epilogue. I'm a huge HP fan and I just finished reading the new book a couple of hours ago. The argument between Lex and Chloe about Hermione's love life was great. I have to agree though, that except for the evil wealthy father Lex doesn't have that much in common with Draco (as far as personality goes). By the way, any other HP fans upset with the ending of Book 6? It reminds me of how I felt about the past season of Smallville...extremely frustrated.

[tigerbaby]

The whole thing! I've been all mushy and happy over it



~~~ Edited.

Just a note of caution with all the HP mania that is going on and especially with this fic on the board: if we could the reviews as spoiler free as possible. While I know some of you seem to be rabid fans and have read the book, others may not be as quick so please be considerate.

Those wishing to discuss the details, including starbright, can visit the HP Spoiler thread here (http://forums.naughty-seduction.net/showthread.php?t=3241).

Thanks everyone.

[JosiCuervo]

Part Two

“What the fuck!”

Lex wasn’t in the habit of using obscenities when he spoke--at least, not around her--so Chloe knew she’d really gotten to him. It was the second time he’d said “fuck” in less than five minutes.

It made her feel a little bit proud.
I would feel the exact same way, but that’s because I love it when I get under the skin of normally unflappable people. It’s great fun…

Lex muttered something under his breath, but Chloe couldn’t make out the words.

Decided that was just as well.
Well, I, for one, would like to know the words he muttered…bet they were good…

She shrugged and grinned at him, feeling unsettled but too proud to let him see. “You should be flattered.” She walked through the doorway after Lex opened the door for her. Then said over her shoulder, “I came to you, didn’t I? Clearly, I thought you were the biggest sucker of them all.”
HAHAHAHAHAHA!!! Where’s dumb old Clark when you need a fall guy for a sucker?

Chloe tried to concentrate on what he was saying, but, every time she inhaled, she was breathing Lex in. He smelled warm and male and expensive. And his shoulder was strong and hard as it pressed into hers. And for some reason she seemed to be leaning into him.
Uh…cause it’s just more comfortable to lean into him…it’s not like the expensive warm male scent of him would make her tingly, or anything…

“I finished reading them,” Lex corrected, not meeting her eyes. As if he were almost embarrassed by the admission.

“You read all five of them in less than a day?” she breathed, staring at him like he were something supernatural.
Gotta love a seriously fast and determined reader…I think I’m in love.

He exhaled sharply and gazed at her with sudden intensity. “You might be surprised by what I want that I can’t get my hands on.”
Uh…no…you can have me, I am yours…

Lex’s body had grown stiff, and he turned the car at a corner without slowing down enough. “Draco has a certain kind of appeal. Money, influence, a dry sort of wit, passion . . .”

“He’s evil,” she bellowed. “His father is evil, and Draco is well on his way to being evil too.” She clenched her fists, feeling ridiculously militant about this admittedly trivial conversation. “She doesn’t want Draco. She wants Harry!”

“Not everyone wants the righteous, hero type,” Lex said snidely. “Maybe she’s finally gotten tired of Harry and his endless need to save the day. Not everyone does the predictable thing. I’m sure Draco is not without admirers.”
:rofl: Now this seems familiar…kudos…

His eyes darted back over at her, and he seemed to have gotten over his inexplicable anger. His fingers had relaxed, and dry amusement was flickering once more in his eyes. “She’s just acting like she hates him to hide her real feelings.”
How positively juvenile of her…Lex is so logical when it comes to turning things in his favor…


Part Three


[QUOTE]Sneering, Chloe moved quietly in the direction he had indicated. He wasn’t any fun at all. In fact, he was the worst sort of person to be on a mission with. He was bossy and demanding and hogged all the cool gadgets.
:yeahbaby: Well, as long as he shares the really cool ass gadgets, he’s okay in my book!

“If you wanted to get your hands on my body,” Lex breathed into her ear obnoxiously. “All you had to do was ask.”
heheh…If it were only that easy…

What followed was purely an accident. She certainly hadn’t intended to bite him. It was reflex—her mouth was against his shoulder, and she just closed her mouth.

It happened that she closed her mouth down around the hard flesh of Lex's shoulder.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!! Exactly the response I would have had if presented with his luscious shoulder…mmmmm

“I didn’t bite you,” Chloe argued, although she was unpleasantly aware that she had. “I mean, it was an accident. My mouth happened to be open and you stuck your shoulder in it.”
Good answer…I’m going to remember that one next time I accidently bite someone…

His eyes widened, and he shifted his eyes up to stare at her. “Someone’s loins are on fire and someone else’s womanhood is flowing copiously,” he drawled, almost inaudibly.
I’m pretty sure I’ve read that one…

“Time for the tried and true fake out. Sometimes cliches are the best option. Kiss me,” Lex demanded, a strange, hot look in his eyes.

Her jaw dropped open.

Then they heard footsteps nearing their position. “Damn it, Chloe, it’s not for real. Kiss me. You don't have to like it. Pretend your womanhood is flowing copiously.”
:rofl: Damn it, Zannie, you totally slay me!! The copiously flowing womanhood is just too much!

Lex gave an exaggerated sigh and rolled his eyes. “Don’t I know it? But what can I say? It was her turn to choose the location.” He gestured at Chloe with his head. “And she has this crazy obsession with books.” Shrugging, he added—in a tone that was clearly supposed to be 'man to man', “Wanted to do it in a library. Books make her hot.”
;) Wow…for a second I thought he was talking about me…mores the pity.


She felt something unusually hard through the fabric of their clothes. She rubbed against it to verify what she had felt. Gave a little gasp of surprise and gratification.
*sigh* What a waste of a perfectly good erection…

As crazy as it might sound, Lex’s loins might actually be on fire.
Heheh…this is great…

Potter Part Four

At her question, he met her eyes evenly, but nothing was revealed in the shuttered, blue-gray gaze. “Of course not. I don’t have the hots for you.” He turned toward the locked door that held the prize—two copies of the new Harry Potter novel. Then sighed. Insisted, “Or any other woman.”
Uh…come again…I’m going to ignore the implication of this statement and take it as I see fit…Lex has the hots for no other woman, other than Chloe....and me, of course…

His hands dropped abruptly to his side. “I’m gay? You think I’m gay? Why the hell do you think I’m gay?”
Never. Not in my wildest dreams. :irefuse:

Lex looked angry for a minute, but then an affectionate smile broke over his face. He pushed her back into the wall, but this time his arms went all the way around her. And he wasn’t so much leaning into her as holding her. “Tell me how you feel about Harry,” he murmured, his lips nibbling a delicious line across the side of her jaw.
I would be blabbering incoherently, “I heart Harry and I wanna bump uglies with him.”

He captured her lips wholly. Stroked them with his tongue. “He’s totally gone,” Lex replied, his voice muffled by her mouth. “Been hopelessly besotted with you for at least a year.”
This is just another example of why men should read CHlex fanfic…cause women know what women want, physically as well as mentally…take notes…

But this was Harry Potter they were talking about. One book. Two people. Both of them expecting to walk away with a copy of the novel.
Oh, oh, oh!! I have a solution!! They should take the book back to Lex’s mansion, get the nekkidness out of the way and then take turns reading it to each other. Yep…sounds like a truly splendid idea to me…

Zannie! Whew…I finally got caught up! Great story so far! My laughter has earned me many strange, yet knowing looks. And no one believes me when I tell them I’m not crowing in delight over NC-17 goodness…I guess my rep precedes me. I’m looking forward to the epilogue.

~Erica ;)

[Zannie]

Epilogue


Chloe leaned back, lounging partly against a couple of fluffy pillows and partly against Lex’s chest. Her head was pressing into his shoulder, and their legs were tangled together as they stretched out under a cashmere throw.

Between them, they were sharing one book.

Lex’s elegant fingers moved to turn the page, but Chloe grunted out a wordless complaint as her eyes hurriedly scanned over the last paragraph.

She could feel Lex waiting silently, could sense his impatience, could hear him let out a frustrated sigh—until she finally gave a brief nod of her head.

He flipped the page, and they both quietly devoured the remainder of the chapter. The last chapter. The final sentences of the book.

Lex finished before she did, and she felt him withdraw to recline back on his pillows in satisfaction. But Chloe took her time, wanting to savor the last bit of this novel for as long as she could.

She was sniffing when she finally closed the book.

Lex raised an arrogant eyebrow and asked skeptically, “You aren’t really crying, are you? No one died in that chapter, and I thought it ended fairly well.”

Chloe snuffled again and glowered at his handsome, familiar face. “It did. But now it’s all over.”

He rolled his eyes. “You’ve been dying to read it for months, and now you’re sad that you’ve finally read it?”

“But now there won’t be any more Harry Potter for me. That was the last book. It’s all over now.” She was hamming up the melodrama for Lex’s benefit. She loved to see him get all annoyed and disdainful when she became emotional over things he considered trivial. “Harry’s out of my life forever,” she moaned, giving him a discreet look out of the corner of her eye to assess his reaction.

His lips parted slightly, and he eyed her with vague horror and disbelief. “Well, you’ll read the books over and over again,” he said cautiously, as if he weren’t quite sure whether or not she was about to burst into tears. “So it’s not like they’ll be gone for good.”

She gave a very effective wail of dismay and pretended to sob into her hands. “It’s not the same,” she choked out, almost strangling on the laughter that was bubbling up as she peeked out at the helpless look on Lex’s face. “It’s all over!”

She must have gone a little too far in her overly dramatic grief because suddenly Lex yanked her hands down from her face to reveal the grin she’d been hiding.

He snarled and immediately set about gaining retribution, which involved a little wrestling match, which transformed into some merciless tickling, and then into something that was just as tactile and just as merciless, but wasn’t exactly tickling.

Arching up in pleasure and at the same time pushing Lex’s face away from her breast, Chloe gasped, “I haven’t even been able to let the last Harry Potter book sink in, Lex. I’m not quite in sex mode yet.”

Lex curled up his lip. “Well, how long do you think it will take before you get into sex mode?”

She narrowed her eyes at him and did her best to look cool and cynical. “Should I be worried that this is twice now that Harry has gotten you hot?”

He made a low, delicious growling sound. “Honey,” he murmured, mouthing the pulse in her throat. “It’s not Harry that gets me hot. The books just happened to be the catalyst.”

Pulling his head up so she could kiss him soundly, Chloe sighed, “Thank you for sharing your book with me. Even though it’s over, at least I can still gloat that I got to read it three weeks before everyone else.”

“I should have kept it for myself,” Lex remarked, rubbing himself bodily against her, in what she assumed was his attempt to speed up her move into sex mode.

She wasn’t about to admit it—but having his hard, warm body rub against her so purposefully was definitely working.

“That would have been mean,” she told him, nudging the copy of the book farther away so the sharp corner wouldn’t keep poking her in the side.

“Not any meaner than you were with the previous book.” He attempted to convey cool disapproval, but his eyes were too hot and tender to hold that expression. “If I recall correctly, last time not only did you keep the book to yourself, but you also gained access to it through very dubious methods.”

She scowled. “Hey, now. You broke into the library with me.” She actually loved the memory of that silly, summer night adventure—more than two years ago now—but she wasn’t going to let him accuse her of being dubious when he was just as guilty.

“I wasn’t talking about the break in,” he explained, combing his fingers through her hair. “I’m talking about how you gained possession of the one copy, snatching it right out of my hands.”

“Oh,” she said stupidly. “That’s right.”

She’d almost forgotten.

“Sorry,” she added sheepishly. “But it was a desperate situation.”

He glared at her. “You think you were desperate. I was the one left alone in the car with a painful erection and no Harry Potter book.”

Chloe burst into helpless giggles. While Lex continued to stare at her malevolently, she gasped through her hilarity. “Oh, baby, if someone were to overhear that last comment, they might get the wrong impression of your interest in those books.”

Lex gave her a reluctant smile. “No one is here but you, and you know exactly what I'm talking about. Fortunately, there are no limits to how much I love you. And I'm a very forgiving man.”

Laughter bubbled over in Chloe once more. “Sure you are.” She kissed him again and met his eyes with a mushy expression. “I’ve more than made up for it over the last two years, haven’t I?”

He gave her a series of tender kisses and stroked her flushed cheek gently. “Indeed,” he agreed huskily. “Which is why I shared my book with you.”

“Sharing an advance copy of the last Harry Potter novel. If that’s not love,” Chloe whispered, brushing her fingers over his scalp. “I don’t know what is.”

Compelled by another wave of playfulness, she picked up the copy of the book and held it to her lips. Gave the front cover a very slurpy kiss.

Lex drew back and cleared his throat. “Maybe I ought to just leave you and Harry alone. Apparently he has far more to offer you than I have.”

Chuckling, Chloe grabbed his black T-shirt and pulled him down over her once more. “He doesn’t come close to what you can offer me,” she promised. “But you shouldn’t be so snotty about him. He did get us together, after all.”

“Yes,” Lex acknowledged, trying to wrest the novel out of her grip. “And I shall ever be grateful to him for that—and for defeating Voldemort at last. But don’t you think he’d like us to . . . er, enjoy being together, now that we're done with him for good.”

“Well,” Chloe stalled, trying her best to stifle a grin. “Maybe now that Harry mode is over, it’s time to move into sex mode.”

Lex wasted no time in taking her up on her suggestion.

Very soon the dearly loved, desperately sought after, advance copy of the last Harry Potter book went flying across the bedroom.

And soon was completely forgotten.


THE END

[Augustine86]

'Brava, brava!!!!' the audience goes wild as Zannie finiahed combining both Chlex and Harry Potter into a terriffic and R-rated fic. Whatever could be better??????????

[Blackberry]

Weeee!!!!! :) that was so sweet! I feel all fuzzy... and I thought that you were spoiling us when you wrote that stuff about the last chapter! *mehehe* my bad.

Sweet ending. :) Very entertaining fic!

BB

[Natasha]

Wow. I loved each chapter you wrote, and the epilogue was great.

[bob_is_strange91]

amazing fanfic! i loved it!

[star del mar]

That was clever Zannie, I was halfway through reading the epilogue and then I got all confused, lol. I like the way you did that, interesting...it keeps me on my toes :) Such a cute way to finish off this fic, great job!!

Steph*

[arkakitty]

That was great!!!
I love this story. :)
Aweome ending.

[AlwaysPretending]

Shhhh, I'm really not supposed to be here - my Internet access that work is paying for is meant to be for work only, but I really really couldn't resist - even so I'll make it quick ;)

This was a really great ending to a lovely fluffy little fic - and I really enjoyed how you have tied Harry Potter in to the very last sentence! Well done!

Kerry

[lexchloe]

:D :D Great way to end the story. Loved it.

[AlabamaWorley]

They threw the book? A brand new book and they threw it? AND they went to sex mode without even discussing it? What in the--

*looks around, realizes people are staring*

Okay, so now we have further hints as to why Bama is headed straight for spinsterhood...

Great story, Zannie! Thanks so much for taking the time to write it, I enjoyed it thoroughly!

[Kit Merlot]

This was so freakin' great! I love that Chloe and Lex have been together since reading the 6th book--how sweet :D

Well done, Zannie!

[BabDreamer]

Loved it! Soooo, it was chloe that got the book using sneaky methods, lol.
And Lex was finally able to use his influence to get the book three weeks before everybody else? I'm jealous lol ;)

[BellaMR]

Will I be pelted with flying objects if I say that I think I liked this fic better then JKR's latest?

It was great, Zannie. Keep up the great work.

[meeaz]

that was so cute! great job!

[darkangel]

:rofl: This story had me laughing like a lunatic. Some parts had me saying
what the heck like that womanhood flowing copituously. 9 i think i misspelt that word) but anyways the story was good.

[kimmie]

This was a really funny and excellent fic, i loved it....

Kimmie

[meg20]

Wonderful Chlex and Harry Potter in the same story You are a Godess. I love your stories! That was magnificient!

[Cho_Hakkai]

Hahahahaha!! I just finished Chapter one and normally I would wait to review, but this is just too good! Thank you, thank you! Thank You! You've combined Harry Potter and Chlex!! I couldn't ask for anything else.

You're a genius.

-Cho

Chapter Two: Again, this is just too good to wait.

Ah! Chloe is a Harry/Hermione shipper! My eyes! But... I guess I can forgive her.


Of course, sometimes they saw it and just didn’t want it. << Love that!

-Cho

Zannie, now, don't take this is the wrong way, but... um... I've become so completely enamored with your story that I'm considering stalking you. So, where is it that you live again?

I'm joking, of course. I think.

Anyways, thank you so much for writing this! I have a feeling that I'm going to remember this fic for a long time to come. (Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!)

-Cho

[starmoon]

loved this story it was very funny and sexy all in one.

[ggdoll18]

I dont' even like Harry Potter and I loved this fic!!!!

[greeneyednblond]

THat was sooooo much fun. I loved the "Hermione could like Drako" talk that had nothing to do with Hermione and Drako.

I really felt sorry for Drako and Snape in the current book.... I can't wait for more.

[micah_luther]

I loved it. Very funny, and well writtine. cudos to you on you first non NC-17.

[Val]

That was an awesome fic to read, it made me giggle a lot! I've been obsessing about Harry again since HBP came out and thats why I've been away from NS and my chlexyness but now you've combined them and this is the first fic I've read in months so thank you!

[Tandy]

You rock!!!

What a wonderful fic, combining HP and Chlex. Yum! And I have to confess I'm actually a Draco/Hermine shipper. Although I like hermione with just about anyone except for ron or harry. Just Like i like Chloe with anybody except for Clark or Pete. :D

You're an amazing writer.

[angie284]

:clapclap:Bravo! Imagine my suprise to see two of my favorite obsessions combined so perfectly. If this is how good one of your non NC-17 stories is can't wait to check out some of your other stories ;) .

[Sab_Luthor]

wow that was priceless i loved it very much funny and exciting wonderful story congrat

[bluengreenswmer]

Would you believe it if I never realized how much the relationship of Draco, Harry and Hermione is mirrored in Smallville?

Harry is, of course, Clark, Draco is Lex, and Chloe is Hermione. That really is amazing.

*leaves to go ponder her choice in Harry Potter shipping.*

*Comes back with her decision made*

DRACO AND HERMIONE ALL THE WAY BABY!

[txalb]

This is hilarious. I have to admit that when I started reading I didn’t connect the title to the Harry Potter novels. Very funny and it made me laugh. I especially loved that the rack of books that they fell on were bodice rippers and that Lex read part of one. So funny. I also liked the ending. It was very sweet.

Thanks for writing it.

txalb

[Jessabel25]

I really liked it! I'm so addicted to HP, and I am a D/Hr shipper!

[sameda]

I love it!

[jujushel]

So awesome! I especially love the great Hr/D car debate. ;)

[LEXNCHLOEROCK]

OMG this was sooo goood! I loved the combination of HP and Chlex! Loved every aspect of the fic and my faves are
Chloe blackmailing Lex to help her steal HP from the Library
The whole H/H and D/H car debate
The totally hot make out session for the guards benefit ;) and Lex's explanation that it was Chloe's turn to pick and doing it in the Library makes her hot! Oh man that one had me in tears!
Chloe thinking Lex was gay and his reaction!
Their confessing their feelings for each other -I was a pile of mush
Lex revealing how Chloe walked away with the 6th book
And the ending two yrs in the future-they are happily together reading the last HP book :)

[NightRider]

Harry Potter rules!!!!

So does this story!

[yasmine32068]

This was delightful!

Yasmine32068

[autumngold]

I love the Harry Potter books!! However, now I feel stupid for standing in line to buy a copy at 12:01 a.m. when I could have broken into the library and read it earlier!! Of course, I guess that's easier when you're with Lex!! What a fun story!! Thanks so much for the happy ending!!!!

[sinecure]

I can't believe I didn't read this one before. I started it, but for some reason thought chapter 1 was the entire story.

Very much loved it. I was giggling pretty much through the whole thing. Hmm, what Harry will make us do. And what Lex will make Chloe do... supposedly for Harry. Mm-hmm. Wonderful story!

[Esther25jm]

First and foremost: SQUEE!!!!!!!! I heart you for this:


Unbuckling her seatbelt, she added wryly, “I can’t believe I’m breaking into the library with a Hermione/Draco shipper.”

Makes my Dramione loving heart sooo happy. <g> And I do see the similarities between the two couples....it's another reason why I love Chlex so much.

And another heart for you:


“If you wanted to get your hands on my body,” Lex breathed into her ear obnoxiously. “All you had to do was ask.”

Gah!!! That's all Spike to me. Oh, mama!!!! Just the thought of Lex saying that....and knowing that Spike has said that to Buffy. *faints*

I absolutely love this story: all of it. From Chloe's love of HP to Lex's love of Dramione to that ender....it was all wonderful. Spectacular job!!!

[~*~Tasha~*~]

{chuckles} Funny fic. Ahh the desperation and obsession of a HP fan. LOL. Very amusing.

[Hawtmama]

This was a really cute first part, but if it is "TBC" then why is it in the "completed section"?

[Zannie]

This was a really cute first part, but if it is "TBC" then why is it in the "completed section"?

The story is complete. The "The End" is after the epilogue. I'm not sure where you stopped reading (it sounds like maybe after the first chapter), but you should find the rest of the chapters if you scan the following pages. The updates are scattered among the feedback posts.

[musicsteph]

ok.....I have just re-read this story because I am obessing about HP and the Deathly Hollows and I am wondering if Lex could get his hands on an advance copy of book 7 for me...I could really use it right now. I don't think I can wait 36 more days........any way.....this was a very good story and I suspect I will be re-reading again as we get closer to July 21st.

musicsteph

[malugargula]

Loved this fic
:)
I love Chlex and Harry Potter... a fic with both makes me so happy

[SVfan1286]

I absolutely adored this fic. Through out the entire thing I was laughing & giggling my ass off! Totally awesome story... brilliantly written, and funny as hell... I loved it!!

[Selece]

This story is excellent! I truly enjoyed all the great laughs. I never would have suspected! Chloe an avid Harry Potter reader? -gasp- Total love! <3 And nothing like bringing Lex into the HP side. Mwuahahaa!

And having them argue over the relationships in the book and having them tie into the 'Clark issue' was just brilliant!

The sexual tension was just right and having them doused in humor just heightened the experience! :rofl:

Great job!

[missylou47]

Oh that was a adorable fic!!! So funny and sexy!! :rofl: Draco and Hermione shipper!! Fantastic fic, I'm so glad I read it!!!

[hagu]

oh god, so hillariously funny. It reminds me how crazy my friends and i acted when book 6 & 7 came out. Resorting to blackmails and almst robbery. Good times... Good times... Unfortunately we didnt have a lex luthor to help us. With him surely we could've gotten copies early.

So totally loving the whole dramione and chlex parallel. I'm a hardcore dramione, atleast the fanon-ish draco. As well tomione aka voldemione, fenririone and blaiseione. What can i say? I love them evil slytherins and deatheaters. Heheheh...

And i absolutely dont think that chloe resembles ginny. She's definitely more of a hermione. Since i always think ginny is a bit mary sue especially towards the end, like j.k. -bless her soul for all those harry potter books- trying to make her perfect just like someone we know smallville writer trying to glorify but fail miserably. *cough*lana lang*cough*. Though ginny is slightly better than blana, maybe because we dont see her as much. That would've made a great warning for blana. 'slightly better in small dossage'. Heh.

Hermione is definitely chloe with many differences but essentially the same; strong smart female character not without human flaws.
Great fict. Sorry bout the ramblings. Its just once you got me on harry mixed with chlex its hard to stop.

[edenatsea]

I loved this story. The whole thing was really amusing and adorable. I thought the way you wrote the story through Chloe's pov but were still able to clearly portray what was going on with Lex as well was awesome!

[elementia]

:rofl:

[ThraceC]

And here I thought I had read all the Zannie fics! this was absolutely adorable! Genius to combine HP and SV!

[CrazyGirlWriter]

loved this story cute and freakin hilarious. thanks

[emms14]

This was adorable and hysterical! Awesome job, I loved it! :grin3:

-emms14

[chicablue]

great story!